Inserting a camera-fit tube into the digestive system to visualize and identify any blockages or ulcers is a practice that has been used for quite some time. Though the conventional method is highly advantageous, its inaccessibility to the small intestine has been a major issue for gastroenterologists.

The pill cameras could enhance the accessibility. However, it takes around 12 hours for the pill to pass through the entire digestive system. Furthermore, there are many incidents where the pill got stuck and the battery died so that no recording could be obtained.

Recently, a group of Israeli scientists have developed a new motor-propelled robotic snake-like colonoscopic device for real-time monitoring. The single actuator wave-like robot (SAW) is a 3D printed device that can travel through "squishy movements." Pilot level tests have shown that the device is capable of traversing through extremely smooth and rough terrains inside the body, Zee News reported.

David Zarrouk, mechanical engineer at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel, who contributed in the development of the snake-like robot, explained that the device is the 2D projection of a rotating helix and moves in swift wave-like motions. The motor of the device can be controlled externally and thus the expert can guide the device in any direction required.

According to IndiaToday, the device can be ingested without any complications and can thus help in providing real-time data of the patients. Furthermore, the robot is also designed to collect and carry samples (if required for testing or biopsy) from the inside of the digestive system in a swift manner.

Experts are of the opinion that the device can help physicians to make region-specific colonoscopic analysis and track the process of drug-induced repair and regeneration of tissues at the sites of peptic or intestinal ulcers. The device represents how robotics and other allied branches of science like information technology can be most appropriately used for the development of biomedical tools and techniques.
Quantum thermodynamics is a contemporary branch of science that involves the integration of concepts and laws of quantum physics and thermodynamics. Basically, what it does is to explain the thermodynamic perspectives of various systems at quantum level. Doing so will help in the development of nanoscale electronic instruments and "atom-sized machines."

Thermodynamics, the science of heat and entropy, is ages old, and textbooks still teach the laws of thermodynamics that were originally proposed in the 19th and 20th centuries. However, in these two centuries, physics has made immense progress, and physicists have made commendable efforts in understanding and implicating the basic laws of physics into practical applications. These are prominently in the field of electronic devices and nanotechnology.

Now, the question that prevails is whether the same thermodynamic laws that are applicable for large-scale systems stand true for nanoparticles or a new set of laws needs to be framed. These issues were discussed at the Fifth Quantum Thermodynamics Conference that was recently held in Oxford, U.K.

Davide Castelvecchi recently has an article published in Nature regarding on the same topic. The article highlighted that the laws of thermodynamics are many times "paradoxical," especially the second law of thermodynamics. The second law states that the total entropy of isolated systems can only increase, and the increase in entropy or the production of disorder is irreversible in nature. This contradicts the laws of mechanics, according to which, "all processes can be reversed."

Some other physicists believe the statistical mechanics model of physics helps in calculating heat and entropy of systems. However, the values obtained largely depend on the information available with the researchers and the approach followed. Furthermore, it has also been proposed that sub-atomic quantum systems reach equilibrium, and the ability of the sub-atomic particles to remain in quantum state can be harnessed for doing mechanical work.

On the other hand, the third law of thermodynamics states that the entropy of a system at absolute zero equals zero, i.e., it is almost impossible to cool down an object to absolute zero. The Nature Communications journal published another article this month that explained quantum mechanics in relation to the third law.

The article written by Lluis Masanes and Jonathan Oppenheim from the University College London proposed that the rate of heat extraction from an object are defined by the laws of quantum mechanics. The calculations made by the authors indicated that it will take infinity for an object to reach absolute zero temperature. The article thus substantiated the third law of thermodynamics at a quantum level.

It is evident that physicists are divided on their perceptions of quantum thermodynamics and its applicability. Though full of controversies, still the field is growing at an unprecedented rate, and the real time practical applications of the same will be realized soon.
Mice are the among the pests that nobody can seem to get rid of, along with flies, cockroaches and random critters. However, it seems that these little pitter-patters in the night may have been part of human life even way before dogs became the most-loved pets.

A research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggested that mice and people actually began living together even before humans learned how to farm -- as early as 15,000 years ago. This finding offered an unusual glimpse of human development, as the abundance of house mice seem to be everywhere -- even with nomadic ancestors experimenting of settling down, as noted by New Historian.

Dr. Thomas Cucchi of the Museum National D'Histoire Naturelle in Paris said that thanks to mice creeping into settlements in the Eastern Mediterranean region to steal wild grains and seeds, mice have learned to colonize almost every corner of the globe.

When nomads started to settle, they lived in round houses made of stone and mud. As they learned to forage for cereals like wheat and barley and hunted for meat like that of deer and wild boar, mice also thrived in the same environment. They made off with ample food to eat and few predators to scare them off. After all, this was before cats and dogs became domesticated.

While house mice thrived in an environment with human settlers, another species, called the Mus macedonicus (short-tailed mouse), was less tolerant with humans. National Geographic noted that while house mouse molars piled up during periods with prolonged human habitation, the short-tailed mice molars disappeared.

Fiona Marshall, a professor at Washington University in St. Louis and co-author of the study, noted that the behavior of house mice is an important example of animal-human commensalism or a relationship in which animals benefit from humans without affecting them. However, the creation of a new ecological niche provided for a new spin on evolution, and soon, these animals evolved to take advantage of the same environments already changed by humans. This has turned mice into what we know of them now -- household pests.
K Murali Pany, a partner at law firm Joseph Tan Jude Benny (JTJB), said there needed to be a re-evaluation of business models with a view to risk assessment.

There has to be a fundamental rethink of how business is going to be done in terms of managing the risk. All businesses have risk, but its a question about whether to take on the risk blindly, or taking it on in a measured way, where youre prepared for when things go wrong, said Pany, who is a speaker at Sea Asia 2017.

For example, he pointed to the need for proper contracts. Too many times, he said, millions of dollars have been at stake over contracts that were too vague or not set up appropriately. He also highlighted the need to make considered agreements, encouraging companies to take a hard look at the credit-worthiness of who they were supplying to.

Rather than chasing every dollar, businesses should be chasing the good dollars. Dont just focus on volumes; focus on creating a more solid business.

However, not all risks can be guarded against as the bankruptcy of Hanjin Shipping, which had government backing showed.

Nobody could have expected Hanjin to collapse like that. Thats just bad luck really, no amount of risk management can overcome that, he said.

Tan Beng Tee, assistant chief executive (Development) of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), noted that risk was part of the transaction and that even big names could fail.

Rene Piil Pedersen, chairman for the International Committee of the Singapore Shipping Association, explained shippers were now much more focused on the financial health of shipping companies they did business with in an effort to avoid a scenario like Hanjin where cargo was left stranded for weeks if not months on end.

What we see in dialogue with our customers is that financial stability on shipping lines is on the agenda in a completely different way than we saw in the past. So in the procurement process this is a part of the discussion, said Pedersen who is also group representative Asia Pacific and managing director for Maersk Group.

Sea Asia, the premier maritime and offshore conference and exhibition in Asia is returning for the 6th edition on 25 - 27 April 2017 at the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore and co-organised by Seatrade and the Singapore Maritime Foundation.
Speaking at a briefing session ahead of the Sea Asia 2017 conference and exhibition in April, the four industry leaders pointed out the importance of investing in solutions now to ensure companies are well-placed to navigate future headwinds such as regulation changes, while better understanding the impact of technology.

Rene Piil Pedersen, chairman for the International Committee of the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), said despite challenges in 2016, this year is looking to be a better year for the industry, with projected growth of two to four per cent in container shipping demand as well as growing demand in bulk and tanker segments.

The container industry is not out of the woods yet, but we are seeing most trades being in better balance after record-low freight rates in 2016. This could lead to a more sustainable industry in 2017 supported by the increased consolidation activity. In the bulk segment, there is optimism while the coming years newbuilding program will be decisive for the tanker segment said Pedersen.

Digitalisation also presents a huge opportunity for the industry, according to Pedersen.

Digitalisation can give companies the possibility to engage with customers in a way that creates more value to the customers, just as Big Data can be used to operate assets more efficiently. Two to three years ago, youd see a container booking take two hours, whereas today it takes minutes, and in the next few years, it will likely take seconds.

With the growing focus on e-commerce and digital solutions, SMEs and consumers who were not directly linked to the global supply chains, now have the opportunity to connect, giving companies the opportunity to address consumer needs in a more direct and efficient way than ever before, he said.

Tan Beng Tee, assistant chief executive (development) of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) emphasised the importance of industry players keeping an eye on the future, especially with the fast pace of technology adoption.

The advent of digitalisation will help improve processes in the industry but it will also disrupt the way you do business. With this in mind, there is a need for us to be prepared and start thinking about the new business models that will arise as a result of digitalisation in the industry.

Another area we need to start focusing on is the skills of our workforce. Shipping is a traditional and documents intensive industry. This will no longer be the case in the future with blockchain coming into the market. New skills will be required and we will need to start equipping our workforce with cross-disciplinary skills such as IT literacy and data analytics, said Tan.

The panellists also discussed the importance of solid risk management as the industry anticipates major structural changes with new mega-alliances, mergers and acquisitions, in addition to an increasingly demanding regulatory environment and compliance issues.

K Murali Pany, managing partner at Joseph Tan Jude Benny (JTJB) LLP, stressed that companies must re-evaluate their business models with a view to invest in risk management.

With more regulatory changes coming such as the Ballast Water Management Convention and the low sulphur cap by 2020, Pany said compliance with these is key to risk management.

In line with this, companies need to have and invest in more stringent and stronger risk management programmes. The key to this is setting up the right procedures, protocols and technological structures, he said.

Marcus Hand, editor of Seatrade Maritime News, said these are some of the discussions that will be taking place at Sea Asia 2017, including conversations around the implications of disruptive and innovative technology for the future of shipping.

In addition to market challenges, the industry will need to prepare itself for the wave of technological change that has already begun to take place. Industry players need to look ahead and see how they can leverage current opportunities in the industry, while at the same time ensuring they have proper safeguards ready to tackle barriers in the future.

This years edition of Sea Asia 2017 will explore some of these opportunities and barriers, and it will provide an international platform for maritime leaders to come together and share with one another insights on how they can shape the course of the global maritime industry.

With more than 16,000 people expected to come for this years Sea Asia, we are looking forward to fruitful discussions that can further propel the industry forward, said Hand.

Sea Asia, the premier maritime and offshore conference and exhibition in Asia is returning for the 6th edition on 25 - 27 April 2017 at the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore and co-organised by Seatrade and the Singapore Maritime Foundation.
Hyderabad: Amidst timely and bountiful rains, good crops, rapid development in various sectors, national and international recognition for Telangana State and the country, terror threat lurks over the state in August to November of this Hemalamba New Year.

These were among some of the predictions by Sringeri peethams B. Santhosh Kumar Sastry who conducted the Panchaga patanam (Almanac reading) at Janahita, the CMs Camp Office on the occasion of Ugadi, the Telugu New Years Day on Wednesday.

Mr Sastry also predicted a serious threat to the life of a political leader and said that leaders should be careful and conduct pujas. Some of the other predictions were: The software sector will see growth but the country will see scams, adulteration in medicines, problems in medicare and media sector, while crops in black soil will fetch good returns.

Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Raos stars too are bright and he would achieve success in all spheres, Mr Sastry said. Mr Chandrasekhar Rao, Assembly Speaker, Council Chairman, ministers, legislators and others, including civil and police officials attended the function.

People ask me which department I am targeting this year. I said nothing of that sort. But Panchangam says there is a likely increase in terror activities the world over from August to November. Police department should beef up security in the state and be more careful this year, he said.

There will be Cauvery pushkaralu this year, Chudamani partial solar eclipse on August 7 and complete lunar eclipse on January 31, 2018 which will have a salutary effect on TS but pujas will check its effect, Mr Sastry predicted.

While predicting good rains, Mr Sastry advised Endowments department officials to conduct Varuna Japam in every temple in Ashada masam before onset of monsoon so that all rivers, tanks and other water bodies are full to the brim, and Mission Bhagiratha and Mission Kakatiya are successful.

There likely is a hurricane in Ashadamasam (June 24/July 23), thunder showers in October especially in Nellore and Prakasam districts and other parts of Rayalaseema but the weather will be pleasant in Deccan plateau, including Hyderabad, he said.

Mr Sastry also said that women will play a key role this New Year, adding though men take decisions, they will be influenced by women. Almanac predicted that crops in black soil besides, tamarind, wheat, betel leaf and a few others will fetch good rates.
A few years back, I was having a discussion with my students on how reading saved my life. This story takes place in southwest Detroit circa the mid to late 1970s. While some of my friends were getting arrested, addicted to drugs, and in some cases shot and killed, I was sitting in my room reading my dads Kurt Vonnegut novels. One day, I tried to read a book at Patton Park in southwest Detroit and in the process I almost got beat up by some kids making fun of me for reading a book.

A few years later, I went to Ann Arbor for the first time to pick up new sparring gloves from Kims Martial Arts. One thing I noticed right away was people reading. In the parks, at coffee shops, on benches waiting for a bus, and no one was bothering them. Reading was the norm. I started driving all the way to Ann Arbor just to read. The vibe was different and I took in all the positive energy.

As my story continued I was interrupted by a students asking, Why dont you take us to Ann Arbor? I said OK. I did a shake down on as many teachers as I could and raised enough money to take each student to Literati Bookstore in Ann Arbor where they could select any book of their choosing. They loved it. For most of the students, it was their first experience in a bookstore or owning a book of their choice. Ive heard adults say, These kids nowadays dont like to read anything. I disagree. I believe these students dont like to read from the textbooks they are given at school.

The students were given a small assignment as we walked from Literati Bookstore to the U of M Graduate Library. The assignment was compare and contrast downtown Ann Arbor with your neighborhood. The comments were interesting and sometimes humorous. Students made comments such as, Everybody looks smart, Everybody looks happy, People are reading, and People smile more. My favorite comment was from an innocent 9th grade girl who exclaimed, I havent heard anyone say M.F.er in two hours.

Later that day, a group of undergrad students were walking towards us at the steps of the graduate library. They were loud and holding up signs. The students were on alert wondering what it was about. As they got closer, we could read their signs that said Free Hugs. They proceeded to hug, high-five and joke around with our students. Our kids went from having their guard up to laughing and truly embracing this new experience. One kid asked, Are you telling me they go around giving people hugs all day? I said, yep. He quietly replied,  That must be nice.

Usually, when these students see a loud gang approaching, it is not to give out hugs.



This idea went from a onetime field trip to Ann Arbor, to more trips to Ann Arbor and trips to Detroit bookstores. We visited Kings Books and then Pages Bookshop. Pages is a new independent bookstore with a great owner who loves having us bring the kids in. I tell the students they dont have to drive all the way to Ann Arbor to read and have a peaceful day. Detroit has great bookstores and perfect places to read in peace free of judgment. We have gone to Campus Martius when the weather permits, as well as the Detroit Public Library.

The most dangerous two hours in a teenagers life is from 3-5 p.m. They are out of school and unsupervised, as most parents have yet to arrive from work. Their biggest enemy is boredom. Before they do something destructive, like gang activity, drugs etc., they are bored. Bored kids in the suburbs might have many positive options and constructive paths to absorb their idle time. In the inner city, most options are dangerous or destructive. Even a simple walk around the block is not practical for our kids. Books are a great option. Many of my students live in less than desirable environments and lock themselves in their rooms and get lost in books. They have found the outlet reading provides.



This program has gone from shaking down teachers for money, starting a GoFundMe account, and is now in the process of becoming part of a new teacher-created non-profit organization called Breaking the Cycle with Education. We have had tremendous support from people all over the state of Michigan. I have even had family from Malta donate. Now with our nonprofit status, we can finally give donors a tax I.D. number so they can write off their contributions. Connecting inner city kids to bookstores is one of the greatest experiences I have had as an educator. I love this program.



Mike Cruz, a social studies teacher at River Rouge High School, recently took a group of seven students to Pages Bookshop in Detroit where they practiced the fine art of losing themselves in books. They were joined by nine students from Western International High School along with their teachers Ricardo Salazar and Amy Collier. Read more about his mission to hook kids on reading for pleasure on the Breaking the Cycle with Books page on Facebook.



This article is part of Michigan Nightlight, a series of stories about the programs and people that positively impact the lives of Michigan kids. It is made possible with funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Read more in the series here.
Press Release

March 30, 2017 Bam: Are police scalawags now above the law? Instead of promising pardon to scalawag policemen who will be convicted in the performance of their duties in the fight against illegal drugs, President Duterte should let the justice system takes its course and punish those who will be found guilty of abuse and other crimes. "With his promise, it seems that there are individuals and groups who are above the law," said Sen. Bam, referring to Duterte's commitment to police officers who would be convicted in the performance of their duties. "Mas magandang hayaan muna nating umusad ang ating sistemang panghustisya bago ang anumang pangako," he added. It was reported that among those who could receive pardon are 19 police officers involved in the killing of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa. The police officers were ordered arrested and charged with murder. The police officers killed Espinosa inside the Baybay sub-provincial jail last year. They claimed that the mayor fired at them while they were about to implement a search warrant. In the Senate hearing, however, a medico-legal officer from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) determined that the shots were fired when Mayor Espinosa was lying down. Other details regarding the altercation also raised alarm bells with fellow police who narrated these to the Senators. According to its report, the Committee on Public Order, chaired by Sen. Panfilo Lacson said Espinosa's murder was premeditated and the involved policemen committed abuse of authority.
Press Release

March 30, 2017 TAPED INTERVIEW | CNN: THE SOURCE WITH PINKY WEBB | BENHAM RISE & WEST PHILIPPINE SEA | CNN STUDIO Pinky: Senate Committee Chairman on Economic Affairs, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian. Thank you for being here Senator. Sen Win: Thank you for inviting me. Pinky: You're welcome. So, yesterday was the hearing of Benham Rise. One of the first questions asked was almost like a definition of terms in a way about Benham Rise. It was asked, is there any other claimant to Benham Rise? We just wanted to make sure that there are no other countries. Sen Win: Yes. Right. We want to set the premise to make sure that information is the same and just to lay down the premise. There is still no any other claimant in that area and there is no potential claimant in that area as of now. It is a huge mass of land mass with 4 million hectares, as big as Luzon and Visayas combined. Potentially, it can be rich in gas, methane gas hydrates that can be used for future security purposes. Pinky: So, at least, that was clear. Sen Win: That was very clear. Pinky: A lot of came up during that hearing. But, let us start way back when Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said there was a Chinese vessel supposedly criss-crossing on the Benham Rise for three months. Did that cause alarm? Something that raised alarm bells when you found that out? Sen Win: Actually, it did. The first thing is, anong ginagawa ng ship doon? But, if you look at the information being given through media and also yesterday's hearing, I think the presence of the ship is consistent to what the Chinese government said that they are exercising the freedom of navigation. As what to our National Security adviser demonstrated yesterday, it is exercising freedom of navigation in that area. At the same time, the information is also incomplete because it did stay there for quite some time, and it did criss-cross, so, it was probably conducting also some form of research. But, if it is conducting very basically for example; water salinity, temperature, I think that is allowed under UNCLOS. That is the only information that we have. Pinky: But what is clear to us is a Chinese vessel criss-cross, that is confirmed. It is confirmed that freedom of navigation is acceptable to you? Sen Win: That is acceptable under UNCLOS Ships can pass there and exercise freedom of navigation within 200 nautical miles EEZ. Pinky: Okay. You are comfortable with the fact that they could do a little research? Sen Win: Under UNCLOS, they can do very basic research like for example, water salinity. As this ship passes, they can conduct very basic research and that's allowed under UNCLOS. I also have to disclose, this conversation happened after the hearing that this is actually a very busy ship lane area and it's not only China that passes through that area but also the Japanese, the Korean, from Australia, all the way to North Asia. So, this is actually a very busy shipping lane, maraming dumadaan dyan. Pinky: I think that was the Coast Guard that also said that was a very busy lane. That's exactly what I wanted also to get across. Let us not put in our heads that this is a first time na nangyari ito. But, I think operative is the word for the criss-crossing. Doon medyo nagkaroon ng konting - Bakit nagki-criss-cross? Sen Win: Apparently, it was also disclosed after the hearing. Some of the ships that were passing there also navigate differently. It's very difficult to conclude what the Chinese vessel is doing precisely because we don't have information. It was also disclosed during the hearing that we don't have the technology. Sana, sabi nga ni General Esperon, sana meron tayong satellite technology so that we can see exactly what the ship is doing and we don't have that for now. Pinky: What do we have for now? Sen Win: For now, I think we can track down the movement of the ship, and it was demonstrated yesterday by Gen. Esperon that the ship went inside easy, went outside easy, went up the north, and back. Pinky: So, parang triangular? Sen Win: Yes, parang triangular. It was disclosed yesterday and it was very clear. If we have that technology at kung sana meron tayong satellite, sana we can see exactly what type of ship and what the ship is doing. Pinky: For the benefit of our viewers as well, how do we monitor? How did we monitor that like nang pumasok sa EEZ, lumabas, pumasok? Sen Win: All of the ships are equipped with a navigation device and I think we have that technology that can track down all of those navigation devices. Pinky: Coming from where? From whom? Is it the Navy? Sen Win: Coast Guard. Yesterday, the representative of the Coast Guard was very staright-forward saying that this is a very busy area, and it's not only the Chinese that comes in and out there but several nationalities also. Pinky: That was clear. We are so used to talking about South China Sea over here while hindi na natin napapansin ang east side which is where Benham Rise is. Here's a question, what is the difference between the freedom of navigation and innocent passage? Do you have a clear idea on that? Sen Win: Innocent passage actually happens within a 12 nautical miles territorial waters and beyond that 12 nautical miles like 200 nautical miles EEZ is freedom of navigation. That's why ships that fly through different areas are allowed to exercise freedom of navigation under UNCLOS. Pinky: What about what Secretary General Esperon was saying that you have the representative from the DFA but you did not have the secretary of the DFA? Sen Win: It's really unfortunate that the Secretary of the Department of National Defense was not present and they sent us a letter late na nga to ask for an excuse because he needs clear up many many things because he was in the front line when all of this was happening. Pinky: It came from him and it all started with the statement of Secretary Lorenzana. Sen Win: Exactly. We have to get a clear picture what really happened in Benham Rise and also tie it up to what we are doing which is establishing a Benham Rise Development Authority (BRDA). Pinky: But, you didn't have a Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs as well but you have a representative. Sen Win: Yes, we have a representative. Apparently, she's the maritime law expert of the DFA so sana rin, the Chief or the Secretary of Foreign Affairs was there to help enlighten this issue. Pinky: One thing though that came out at least for me during that hearing was that the DFA was saying that there were request for marine research by China way back in 2015 but they were denied by the DFA. Sen Win: Yes, twice. Pinky: Did you hear about that prior to this hearing? Sen Win: No. That's the first time I heard about it and the reason for the denial was when foreign ships undertake research here in our area, we mandate them to bring along Filipino researchers also to collect data and note those information we can use in our own research but in this case, I think there was a disagreement and they don't want to bring in Filipino scientists with them so the DFA denied them. Pinky: But when they ask Senator for request for marine research, it's called MSR. Do you feel that, who is supposed to be on top of it? Is it just supposed to be the DFA? The Committee on the Senate needs to be informed? The President? What are the parameters? Sen Win: Yes, Marine Science Research, very good question. In fact, I raised that question yesterday. Where is the starting point? DFA is the starting point, DFA is the clearing house, they apply through the DFA, the DFA coordinates with everyone, and it ends with the DFA. So, the DFA is really the clearing house for all of these types of Marine Science Research (MSR). Pinky: But when you talk about coordinates with "everyone", who is "everyone"? Who should be "everyone"? Sen Win: I would assume everyone that has something to do with Marine Science like DENR, UP, the Academe, members of the Academe. So, the principle here is we will accompany our scientists with them and the information that they will gather from that area, we can use it for our own. That is really the principle out of this. Pinky: What about Senators? Should they be informed and their committees? Pero, parang ang dami na? Sen Win: Yes, but I think, it can be. I think the Senate or Congress can request to be part of the research. We can be part of the research. Pinky: Do you feel it's time now to have like an inter-agency because, you know, the South China Sea and now the Benham Rise has been on the headlines for quite a while Sir. Sen Win: Alright. Well, that is the whole essence of this proposal by Senator Angara to establish Benham Rise Development Authority (BRDA), really to have a coordinated authority or coordinated system in researching and exploring that area. Hindi pwede ang kanya-kanya, the DENR doing their own, the Academe is doing their own, the DND is doing their own, but what we want to achieve is holistic, sustainable development in that area. Pinky: One of the problems would be the lack of funds? You talk about different people doing their different research with probably very few funds to work around? But, I wanted to go back to the permit, granted that the clearing is also the DFA, do you think it should be correct - do you feel that the President should be able to grant a request on his own without any of the stakeholders? Sen Win: The President is the foreign architect. He is the chief policy maker. I don't know if the Foreign Affairs were present there but definitely the policy there is to conduct research by different countries and different entities, so that's the policy. Pinky: So let me rephrase that, do you feel that the President has the authority to on his own allow research by other countries? Sen. Win: I think he can enact policies, that's part of his mandate, to create policies for the betterment of the country. From that policy, to operationalizing it is the challenge now. That's why to be honest about it what I urged yesterday and consistently asked Gen. Esperon what are the mechanisms to operationalize it, because if your Chief Executive is saying this is the policy but the rest of the bureaucracy is not doing the same or not operationalizing then you will have confusion and inconsistencies. Pinky: So it should start from them? Sen. Win: it should start from them, that's why when these types of policies happen the whole bureaucracy should bethere to take note and move forward. Pinky: Okay We're taking a short break this is the Source from CNN Philippines, when we come back we will continue the discussion on BR and the South China Sea, Senator Win Gatchalian will still be with us. Pinky: you are watching the source on CNN Philippines our guest today is Sherwin Gatchalian, Senator let's talk about Benham Rise Development Authority, what can we expect from the Bill, the bill which was filed by Senator Angarra, Sonny Angarra-- Sen. Win: this authority will be chaired by the President, vice Chaired by NEDA and the reason why NEDA is the Vice Chair is we will now explore and exploit Benham Rise for the development of the country. Taking note that BR is rich in gas hydrates and gas hydrates will be the fuel of the future. The technology is not available right now but down the road, 10 years maybe 15 years this technology will be available and we can now use the gas hydrates to fuel our economy. Pinky: Would you be in an agreement of some sort of research or development of Benham with another country? Sen. Win: yes, definitely, we have the talent and knowledge and skill. The academe is full of very intelligent people. Ang problema natin we don't have the equipment and to buy those the minimum price we pay is about 1.5 Billion pesos for a small ship. It can go up as high as 4- 5 Billion pesos if you buy the more sophisticated ships. Yung mga ROV's that can dive 3,000 below sea level, we don't have that. Countries like Korea, Japan and even China is investing in this type of research, because research really brings in knowledge and value. So if you can merge their equipment and our talent then we can jointly conduct exploration in that area. Jinky: Do you think it's time to conduct a joint explorations? Sen. Win: we should, we should. In 2012 we were awarded by the UN the extended continental shelf. That's additional 11 million hectares to the BR. From 2012 until now, we haven't done anything yet-- Jinky: Well we were so busy with the South China Sea-- Sen. Win: Yes, everyone was so busy with the South China Sea but it's really about time to do research, basic research lang naman siguro, Marine Science Research to really know what's happening below and around the BR area. Jinky: with the issue of the South China Sea, will you be open with a joint exploration of China on the other side which is the BR? Sen. Win: I think these two should be t decoupled. I think the issue in the West Philippine Sea is really the issue of West Philippine Sea. BR clearly as China stated, they respect our sovereign rights in the area. That was an absolutely loud statement, we're also doing business with China and that should also be decoupled in the West Philippine Sea-- Jinky: So you are open? Sen. Win: Yes, I'm open to any country-- Jinky: Would you have anyone in mind would be interested already to look into BR that you are confident for the Philippines to work with? Sen. Win: according Prof. Jay Batongbacal, who is the foremost expert in marine science and international law. China, Japan and korea are the leading countries in terms of marine science. These are the countries that are really active doing marine science research in that area and I think those are the countries that should be a good partner for us. Pinky: Okay, I'm going to shift topics though very quickly, one is just the South China Sea issue there's been construction that has been confirmed on three reefs in the Philippines, we're talking about Kagitingan, Zamora and Panganiban. What can be done about the other side? Sen. Win: On the other side I think we should enforce our arbitral ruling. We should be consistent in terms of filing protest for whatever is happening in that area. We should use that ruling to our advantage. I'm quite pleased to hear from the President yesterday that he has not forgotten about this ruling and he will enforce ruling at one point in time. Foreign policy is about balancing. You have to think about the balance between external interests as well as national development and that's a very difficult balance. It's easier said than done. Our Chief-Executive should exercise caution and prudence when doing that foreign policy balance. Pinky: But you have statements like "construction being done South China Sea or West Philippine Sea" and then you have Secretary Esperon who would say, "what can we do? What do you want to us to do? Attack the facility?" what kind of mindset or impression would that leave on Chinese who would hear our NSA Secretary saying that and to the Filipino people as well. In truth, ano ba talaga ang pwede natin gawin? Sen. Win: I think for now, what we can effectively do is do the judicial process and enforce the arbitral ruling in this area. I think that's the most that we can do for now. I'm not saying we will not have that capability in the future but we can use what we have right now which is the arbitrary ruling that we got from the International Court, and that is really the advantage of the country-- Pinky: But what will the Philippines do when you have a country like China, already constructing there which is supposed to be ours? Yun lang? we're just supposed to keep on invoking our arbitrary rules?-- Sen. Win: we have to keep on invoking that, for a small country like us and for most small countries for this matter, that is the only logical strategy. Pinky: Bilateral talks are set supposed to be sometime in May, if I'm not mistaken between the Philippines or in China, could that be a step toward the right direction? Sen. Win: can be, can be. That's why the economic aspect of our relationship with China should be decoupled with the South China Sea. I think from this administration's perspective, we can take advantage of the proximity and market size of China. We cannot also ignore the fact that China is one of the fastest growing and second biggest economy in the whole world. Tourism, agriculture is a potential, instant potential in fact for the Philippines to take advantage. I think President Duterte is looking from that point of view. Pinky: but does that make us look weak? Because we need China and everything, what you said Senator is as if we need China in terms of business, tourism, everything. Does that make us weak? We have a ruling that says-- Sen. Win: not exactly weak, our country should not be described as weak. We have a bilateral agreement with China, meaning they will also benefit from us and vice versa. For example, in terms of agriculture, we can send our bananas and mangoes and that is some sort of benefit also for them. We open up markets for them and they open up their markets for us. That should be considered mutual benefit for both of us. Pinky: We're shifting topics again, the impeachment complaint against the President there is supposed to be a supplemental impeachment complaint over this BR issue and South China Sea by a Congressman Gary Alejano. What are your personal thoughts? Sen. Win: I haven't read the complaint yet but it all boils down to evidence, it boils down in proving what impeachable offense the President committed. The burden of proof will be on the person who filed so it will be evidence-based. Pinky: Do you think they have evidence? Right now, just looking at the first complaint filed, hindi po yung supplemental kasi di niyo pa nababasa. Sen. Win: I haven't seen the extent really being presented, it's very hard to conclude. I was a Congressman before, I've seen these types of activities. When these type of cases enter into the Committee on Justice, you have politics there. It's a political process at the end but you also look at the evidence being thrown in and presented. That evidence can actually sway the members. Pinky: You think Congressman will look at the evidence objectively considering there's a super majority in the House of Representatives? Sen. Win: I think some who are part of the supermajority or part of a political party are independent thinkers, we cannot rule that out. Pinky: What about rules to impeach, the possible impeachment of VP Leni Robredo? Tingin niyo ho ba this can prosper? Sen. Win: actually as a principle, impeachment is a divisive exercise not only for Congressmen and Senators but also for the entire country. It's a very emotional exercise and I really want to see our top leaders working together more and moving forward and the entire bureaucracy moving forward. Pinky: I'm just getting this vibe from you that you would rather not have a President and Vice President impeached? Sen. Win: Exactly, I would rather talk about development and exploring and harnessing the potential of BR than spending a lot of time talking about impeachment. Pinky: Thank you. [end recording]
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Betty Barry-Deal, an honor student whose gender slowed the start of her legal career in the 1950s but who later became the first female justice on the state Court of Appeal in San Francisco, has died at age 95.

Family members said Justice Barry-Deal died March 12 at her daughters home in Ventura. She had retired in 1990 after 13 years as a judge.

Justice Barry-Deal was a legal trailblazer her entire career, said Deborah Hoffman, spokeswoman for Gov. Jerry Brown, who appointed Justice Barry-Deal to the court during his first stint as governor.

Born in Reno, Betty Barry grew up in Susanville (Lassen County), where she was valedictorian of her high school class in 1938 and her junior college class in 1940. She enrolled at Stanford, left school to work in the Red Cross during World War II, then transferred to UC Berkeley and was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate.

Her husband, John Deal, died of a sudden illness while she was attending law school at Berkeley in 1951. She graduated, passed the bar exam in 1955 and couldnt find a job as a lawyer, an experience shared by other women of her era, including Supreme Court Justices Sandra Day OConnor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

The whole East Bay, there were no firms that would take a woman, Justice Barry-Deal said in 2006. She recalled a similar response at Stanford when she signed up as a prelaw student and was given a law professor as her adviser, who looked at me in dismay like, She cant be serious.

After what she described as a period of depression from her job search, she volunteered at the Alameda County public defenders office, then found work editing law books for the State Bars Continuing Education of the Bar program.

She left in 1965 to open a private law practice, specializing in family law, and moved to a law firm in 1970.

Brown appointed her to the Alameda County Superior Court in 1977, and named her three years later to the First District Court of Appeal, a judicial level previously reached by only a handful of women in California, but none in San Francisco.

One of her rulings, in 1983, reinstated a lawsuit by a woman who nearly died from complications of pregnancy and sued the man who had impregnated her after allegedly telling her he was sterile.

Another 1983 ruling by Justice Barry-Deal overturned a jurys $775,000 damage award to a transgender woman who sued the Oakland Tribune and one of its columnists for revealing her status, which she had kept private, and writing that her classmates at the College of Alameda, where she was student body president, may wish to make other showering arrangements.

Justice Barry-Deal said the trial judge had wrongly required the newspaper to prove that the subject was newsworthy, rather than requiring the womans lawyers to prove it wasnt. But she also said the woman had legitimate privacy concerns that jurors needed to weigh against the newspapers right to publish. The case was later settled out of court.

In 1987, her court ruled that a gay man could not seek damages for emotional distress against a man who had injured his partner. While Justice Barry-Deal joined the ruling, she said marital rights and benefits for same-sex couples were a matter of public policy demanding the attention of the Legislature. Those rights were ultimately recognized by federal courts in California in 2013, and nationwide by the Supreme Court in 2015.

After retiring from the bench in 1990, Justice Barry-Deal delved into genealogy and wrote histories of her family, whose ancestors included pioneer Daniel Boone.

She is survived by her daughter, Diana Deal; her son, Thomas Deal; a brother, James Barry; a sister, Lynn Pickart; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Private services are planned.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
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The West Oakland halfway house struck by a deadly blaze this week drew complaints about unsafe living conditions for years, but the city allowed well over a year to pass between the last two fire inspections, an apparent breach of a state law requiring annual reviews.

Oakland fire officials said Wednesday that the three-story building on San Pablo Avenue that was occupied by clients of nonprofit aid groups had been inspected seven times this decade: twice in 2010, twice in 2012, and once each in 2014, 2015 and 2017.

But the city, which is under pressure to identify hazardous buildings in the wake of Decembers Ghost Ship disaster, released only the most recent inspection report, and would not talk about the results of the earlier visits. Angela Robinson Pinon, a Fire Department spokeswoman, said the reports would soon be made public.

The most recent visit was Friday. An inspector who had responded to a referral from a city engine company that had been at the building identified 11 violations, finding extension cords strung between rooms, a lack of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and fire sprinklers in need of servicing.

The landlord was given 30 days to correct the issues. Three days later, though, the fire broke out about 5:30 a.m., killing four people, two of whom were identified as Edwarn Anderson, 64, and Cassandra Robertson, 50.

More than 80 others, including people with disabilities and mental health and addiction issues, were displaced in the Monday fire, with many relegated to an emergency shelter set up in the neighborhood.

As the Fire Department continued to investigate the blaze, the information about the fire inspections raised questions about actions by the landlord and the city. Keith Joon Kim, the Piedmont entrepreneur and investor who owns the building, has not commented.

What remained unclear was the reason for the gap between fire inspections of a building with a history of trouble, including a raft of violations logged by city building inspectors. It was also not known whether safety violations were found in the earlier fire inspections  and if they were, whether the city made sure they were corrected.

City officials declined to explain why fire inspectors had not visited the location sooner. Problems were known at the site at least as far back as Feb. 25, when a firefighter responding to a service call there flagged it for review, according to city records.

State law requires local fire departments to inspect residential complexes with three or more units annually. Inspectors generally require a buildings owner to fix any problems within a certain time frame, but when life-threatening conditions exist, they can red-tag the property and order residents out.

Mayor Libby Schaaf said in an interview that the findings in the inspection three days before the fire didnt warrant clearing the building, because the violations did not amount to an imminent life safety threat.

After the Ghost Ship fire, which killed 36 people at an unsanctioned music event that was held in an unpermitted live-work warehouse, Oakland was criticized for failing to take earlier action against that sites owner and prime tenant.

In that case, city police officers had been told that the warehouse was illegally occupied, and building inspectors had responded to complaints. But the Fire Department had done no inspections of the Ghost Ship because, according to officials, the agency considered it vacant.

Details continued to emerge Wednesday about Urojas Community Services, the nonprofit that was housing needy clients in the building on San Pablo Avenue and was fighting eviction from the property at the time of the fire. The organizations leader, the Rev. Jasper Lowery, has not responded to requests for comment.

Neighbors and clients said that under Urojas stewardship, the run-down building served as deeply flawed but desperately needed housing of last resort  a place that social service agencies counted on to take in clients who might be barred from other properties due to their eviction history, criminal record, sex-offender status or severe mental illness.

The Rev. Raymond Lankford, who for many years ran his Healthy Communities nonprofit out of a building across the street, called the building a beacon for so many.

It was the place you could refer a mentally ill brother or sister or a young man getting out of prison who couldnt stay with Mom in public housing because he had a felony record, said Lankford. Urojas took people at face value simply because they need housing and showed a desire to change their lives.

Though bighearted, Urojas is a shoestring organization that has raised small amounts of money through church collections or gifts, but didnt have the expertise or grant writers to obtain government or foundation funding, much less employ staffers to maintain a big building, Lankford said.

Records show that Urojas received $25,000 from an Alameda County sales-tax measure five years ago, but its not yet clear if the organization has obtained any other public money.

Residents said that while they were thankful for an affordable place to live, the conditions on San Pablo Avenue were trying. Devon Barney, 30, who paid $600 for a studio on the first floor, said the hot water didnt work, rats ran rampant and all kinds of trash piled up in hallways.

Irene Randel, 28, and Eliza Anderson, 29, squeezed eight family members into a three-bedroom unit for $800 a month. The building was overrun with rats, they said, and didnt have fire alarms or working lights in common areas.

Lankford said the building was nonetheless irreplaceable as Oakland gentrified. Of Lowery, he said, He has a big heart. Im not saying he is perfect or that Urojas is perfect. But if you were a stranger in need of housing, he would take you in.

Kurtis Alexander, J.K. Dineen and Sarah Ravani are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: kalexander@sfchronicle.com, jdineen@sfchronicle.com, sravani@sfchronicle.com

Twitter: @kurtisalexander, @sfjkdineen, @SarRavani

How to help

Anyone wishing to help fire victims should visit the Red Cross website at www.redcross.org. Check the option Home Fire Relief and note in the comments that the gift is earmarked for services to support families impacted by the 2551 San Pablo Ave./Mead Avenue fire in Oakland.
Rallies and protest events are a part of political life in the Bay Area. Heres a roundup of whats happening.

Thursday

Womens event: A happy hour and panel discussion featuring female entrepreneurs, Nevertheless, She Persisted: An Evening With Fearless Women. The event is from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at DoubleDutch, 350 Rhode Island St., Suite 375, in San Francisco. For information: http://bit.ly/2nxMB6e

Friday

Transgender Day: The Asian Pacific Islander Wellness Center will host a free event to commemorate Transgender Day of Visibility. The event will begins at 5:30 p.m. at SOMArts, 934 Brannan St. in San Francisco.

Saturday

Russian discussion: The Russians Are Coming! The Russians Are Coming?  a forum hosted by the Peace and Freedom Party. The free event is from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the Starry Plough Pub, 3101 Shattuck Ave. in Berkeley. For information: www.peaceandfreedom.org.

Sunday

Connecting with activists: Take Back America with Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Hillsborough, who will discuss the California congressional picture and host a fair where attendees can connect with activist and advocacy groups. The event is from noon-3 p.m. in Fiesta Hall at the San Mateo County Event Center, 1346 Saratoga Drive in San Mateo. To register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/take-back-america-tickets-32982865639

Author series: Arlie Russell Hochschild will discuss her new book, Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American Right. The event starts at 9:30 a.m. at Grace Cathedral, Gresham Hall, 1100 California St. in San Francisco. For information: https://www.gracecathedral.org/events/arlie-russell-hochschild.

Monday

Panel on nuclear weapons: Morality of the Nuclear Age discussion, featuring Richard Rhodes, Ira Helfand and Martin Hellman. The event is from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Schools, Harman Auditorium, 150 Valparaiso Ave. in Atherton. For more information: www.tech4gs.org/morality_and_geopolitics_of_the_nuclear_age.

Wednesday

Political discussion: A conversation, Fixing the Bay Areas Growth Politics, on issues affecting the Bay Area, including environmental quality and social justice. The event is at 6 p.m. at SPUR Oakland, 1544 Broadway. The event is free. For information: www.spur.org/events/2017-04-05/fixing-bay-area-s-growth-politics.

Discussion on Medicare: Medicare for All in California presented by Dr. Paul Song, co-chair of Campaign for a Healthy California. The event begins at 7 p.m. at Woodside Road United Methodist Church, 2000 Woodside Road in Redwood City. Admission is free.

April 8

Protest: A flash mob at at 1 p.m. at the cable car turnaround, 1 Powell St. in San Francisco, to sing the song I Cant Keep Quiet by MILCK. For information: http://bit.ly/2oazyIG.

April 10

Comedy: Benefit performance at the Punch Line Comedy Club for NARAL Pro-Choice America, an organization that promotes abortion care, birth control and paid parental leave. Tickets are $20. The event is at 7:30 p.m. at 444 Battery St. in San Francisco. For tickets: http://bit.ly/NARALPunchLine.
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For years, Apples App Store, the place where people download apps for games and social networking services on their iPhones and iPads, has generated far more revenue worldwide than its Android competitors.

This year, things are changing: Android app distributors will leap ahead of the App Store, according to projections by analytics firm App Annie. In 2017, the App Store will generate $40 billion in revenue, while Android app stores run by Google and other parties will generate $41 billion, App Annie said. That gap is expected to widen in 2021, with Android app stores generating $78 billion and Apples store at $60 billion, according to the analytics firms report, which was released on Wednesday.

The surge in revenue for Android comes largely from a growing number of consumers in China who prefer Android smartphones, which tend to be cheaper than iPhones, and are willing to pay for apps. In 2021, App Annie forecasts that there will be eight Android devices to every iPad or iPhone in China.

Its really all about China, said Danielle Levitas, senior vice president of research at App Annie.

About 82 percent of the worlds smartphone users rely on the Android operating system, according to research firm IDC  far more than the 16 percent who use Apples mobile operating system, iOS. Despite Androids larger global reach, people in emerging countries havent been as willing to pay for apps as luxury consumers who could afford an iPhone, which costs at least $649 in the U.S. That has changed in recent years, app developers say.

Its 2017. Thats not really how the market is anymore, said Russell Ivanovic, co-founder of Australian firm Shifty Jelly, which develops apps for smartphones. Ivanovic said the companys $4 podcast app, Pocket Casts, has four Android customers for every one iOS customer.

Alex Haro, president of family locator app Life360 in San Francisco, said one advantage of developing for the Android platform is that Google allows his firm to include an unlimited number of users in a test group. For example, his firm tested a feature that could detect whether a user had been in a car accident using the phones accelerometer and gyroscope, allowing the app to send an alert to a family member and call emergency services.

With extensive testing, Life360 was able to make the algorithm much better for the entire user base, said Haro, whose company has received funding from Google.

Apples iOS system also allows developers to test apps, but the tests are limited to 2,000 users, which Haro thinks is too small.

Google, which oversees the Android operating system, said it has more than 1 million apps available for download at its Google Play store and that spending at its store increased more than 30 percent per buyer in 2015 compared to the year before. Google Play is available in more than 190 countries.

Google Play continues to be one of Googles fastest growing businesses with tremendous momentum behind it, the company said in a statement.

Apple did not respond to a request for comment on App Annies report.

Google Play represents $21 billion, or 51 percent, of the revenue of Android app store sales in 2017, according to App Annie. The rest of the sales comes from independent distributors, including some that sell apps in places like China, where Google Play isnt available.

Levitas from App Annie said she doesnt believe the increasing Android app store sales will do much to sway which operating system developers build apps on first. Apples iOS still generates more money per device compared with Android, and that alone means you dont ignore iOS, she said.

Another factor going for Apple is that its App Store is available in China. Google pulled out of China in 2010, after cyberattacks and censorship demands made the company skittish.

More people in China will purchase Android phones over iPhones because they are relatively affordable, analysts said. An Android phone can be purchased in China for roughly $300, said John Cui, assistant professor at Georgetown Universitys McDonough School of Business.

Some Android app developers said it is challenging for them to enter the China market because the Google Play store isnt there. They are reluctant to go through other distributors in China because they arent sure whether those stores will maintain the same standards as Googles.

I so wish and plead and hope that one day the Google (Play store) will be available in China, said Alok Kejriwal, CEO of online gaming company Games2win in India. Its a massive opportunity that we are all waiting to exploit.

Wendy Lee is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: wlee@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @thewendylee
Buoyed by Congress failed attempt last week to replace the Affordable Care Act, California officials, health advocates and insurance executives are pressing forward on a new phase of resistance against GOP efforts to weaken the health care law.

California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones sent a letter Wednesday to the White House and Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price, urging the administration to enforce the law.

He and other supporters of the act are lobbying the administration and Californias 14 congressional Republicans to preserve two components they consider critical. Those are the individual mandate  the requirement to buy health insurance or face a tax penalty  and subsidies that help poorer Americans afford health care costs.

J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press

Despite House Republicans stalled effort to advance replacement legislation, the administration still wields great power to shape the law because it can either enforce its provisions or allow federal agencies to roll them back. And Congress can refuse to appropriate money for subsidies that draw insurers and consumers to the marketplaces.

In January, Trump signed an executive order giving federal agencies the authority to waive or defer provisions of the health care law that they deemed burdensome.

Were sort of catching our breath and starting to regroup in this new phase, said Anthony Wright, executive director of Health Access, a California consumer-advocacy group that supports the law. We are trying to identify what the threats are and what can be done. Were just restarting the process and focusing on these looming issues.

The two biggest questions that state officials and industry executives are pressing federal lawmakers and the administration to address are the individual mandate and a stream of federal funds called cost-sharing subsidies that help 7 million of the poorest Americans, including 800,000 in California, pay for out-of-pocket health costs.

The Internal Revenue Service recently had begun to relax its enforcement of the individual mandate, which experts say could weaken the individual market by allowing healthy people to forgo insurance, leaving a disproportionate number of sick people to buy in and driving up costs.

I write to request that you and your Administration stop taking administrative actions which undermine the Affordable Care Act and destabilize health insurance markets across the country, Jones wrote in a draft reviewed by The Chronicle. Instead of continuing to undermine the (act), I urge you to work to stabilize the nations health insurance markets by fully enforcing and implementing the Affordable Care Act.

The Trump administration is sending mixed signals about its intentions with the health care law, which often is referred to as Obamacare. In two recent tweets, Trump said that Obamacare will explode and that Democrats will make a deal with me on healthcare as soon as Obamacare folds  not long. On Wednesday, in testimony before the House Appropriations health subcommittee, Price indicated his agency will enforce the law  including the individual mandate  but suggested there is no proof the mandate works.

Price avoided answering questions about whether the department will cut advertising to promote the federal health care exchange. In late January, it pulled $5 million in advertising meant to remind consumers to sign up for insurance during the final days of open enrollment, a critical time for signups. Price also dodged a question about whether the administration will continue the cost-sharing subsidies, which insurers say are critical to their continued participation in the exchanges.

Further complicating an already-fluid situation, House GOP leaders and Trump this week said they are reviving negotiations on a bill to replace the Affordable Care Act, though specific proposals have yet to emerge from those talks.

Dr. Mario Molina, chief executive of the California health insurer Molina Healthcare, is one of the few industry executives who publicly lobbied against the GOP repeal bill. He said the thwarted legislative effort does not change his plans to continue pressuring lawmakers to fund the cost-sharing subsidies.

Its still an ongoing battle, were continuing to advocate on behalf of the (Affordable Care Act) and reforms that will help stabilize the marketplace, said Molina, whose company sells insurance on exchanges in 12 states, including California. Were meeting with governors and members of Congress. That will continue.

Molina said that if the cost-sharing subsidies were eliminated, his company would have to raise premiums between 10 and 12 percent.

Those need to be continued, and Congress is silent on that, Molina said. Without them, it really does jeopardize the individual market.

The cost-sharing subsidies were created under the act to help low-income Americans with co-pays and other out-of-pocket costs. They are separate from the subsidies the federal government provides to help consumers pay for insurance premiums. California consumers benefit from $750 million of the $7 billion cost-sharing subsidies that are distributed nationally through insurers. Those payments are a big incentive for insurers to stay on the exchange.

The subsidies have been challenged by Republicans for years. In 2014, the House sued the Obama administration, arguing that Health and Human Services did not have the authority to implement the subsidies because Congress did not appropriate the funds. A federal judge ruled in favor of the House, but the Obama administration appealed the decision.

After Trump took office in January, his administration asked the appeals court to hold off on the case while the legislative effort to repeal the law was under way. Now, Price simply could stop defending the case, which could halt the subsidies as early as May. Conversely, Congress could decide to appropriate the funds to pay for the subsidies, which would allow them to continue.

Catherine Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: Cat__Ho
Silver-haired veterans of the Movement gathered at Agrodolce Osteria in Berkeley on Sunday, March 26, for a fundraiser for Julie Thompson and Brogan De Paors documentary-in-the-making, Robert Scheer, Above the Fold. Scheer, of course, is a journalist and educator who has fought for a progressive agenda on social and political fronts for more than 40 years. The filmmakers having interviewed him for an activist video archive, Thompson and De Paor were so taken with his recollections and insight that they decided to focus on him for a full-length documentary.

The gang included John Burton (first to pony up $1,000 during the fundraising part of the afternoon), actor/activist Mike Farrell (who served as emcee), journalist Reese Erlich, Anne Weills, Dan Siegel, The Chronicles David Talbot and documentarian Stephen Talbot, Steve Wasserman of Heyday Books (which will publish Ransoming Pagan Babies, a 548-page book of Warren Hinckles work, on March 20) and the UC journalism schools Deirdre English, former editor of Mother Jones magazine.

Farrell led off the occasion by praising Scheer, and others followed suit. Im not the story, said Scheer, proclaiming himself so used to being a journalist that getting attention is extremely awkward for me. A collage of clips from the movie was prefaced by the journalist with a heartfelt disclaimer: about the weirdest f beard he was sporting in 1970 (to pass as a French archaeologist in Vietnam).

The surprise guest was former presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich, a political ally and pal of Scheers who had flown from Washington to praise him for his fearlessness, intellectual integrity, ability to get under the story, to really understand whats being communicated.

Born in 1936, Scheer is still teaching and writing, and despite his protestations, after all these years of work, a little basking isnt inappropriate. As to the mind-set that had made his journalistic success possible, he quoted the poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti: Keep an open mind, but not so open that your brains fall out.

P.S.: Which brings to mind the 98th birthday of Ferlinghetti, celebrated last weekend with a party organized by art curator Kate Eilertsen and Michael Muscardini, founder of Muscardini Cellars in Kentwood. Rena Bransten reports that the walls of the winery were hung with 11 paintings by Ferlinghetti, and the guest list of around 20 included novelist Michael Ondaatje, poet Agneta Falk and man about North Beach Tony Dingman. The cake read Poeta XCVIII.

Bassem Youssef  whose book is Revolution for Dummies, whose movie is Tickling Giants and who is at Cal Performances on Tuesday, April 4  is most efficiently described as the Egyptian Jon Stewart. Youssef, a physician turned news commentator, began broadcasting in Egypt after the Arab Spring; he continued until he was forced off the air in 2014, after which he and his family moved to Pleasanton, where they knew people. Its a really beautiful, boring white neighborhood, he said in a phone conversation the other day. Eventually, the Youssefs moved to Los Angeles because there is where the media is.

Was he always aware, while doing his show  which had an audience of 30 million  there was a line he couldnt cross? The line was trying as much as possible not to criticize the religion or the institution of the army because these are basically untouchable. Trying to expose the hypocrisy of the media, and the people in power that try to abuse either religion or the concept of the military. ... If you attack a military leader, you are attacking the religion, and vice versa.

Can he compare the Egyptian resistance to whats happening here now, or do our complaints feel puny? Lots of people draw parallels, he said. He thinks Americans should take the situation seriously because it is not a threshold that Americans are used to. The U.S. has never before had a president who has broken the law, has had contact with foreign powers, not released tax reports, openly practiced nepotism ... a politician who does not understand the concept of public service. In the Middle East, were used to that. But to us ... this is a disintegration. This is extremely disturbing. I think people are rightly disturbed, and they should fight against that.

Leah Garchik is open for business in San Francisco, (415) 777-8426. Email: lgarchik@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @leahgarchik

Public Eavesdropping

Id like a hot chocolate please, but dont make it too chocolaty or too hot.
Can San Francisco be called a sanctuary city when not even its oldest residents feel safe living here? Thats the question we all need to be asking ourselves following the recent deaths of 100-year-old Iris Canada, who died Saturday night after suffering a stroke after her eviction, and 93-year-old Carl Jensen, who succumbed earlier this month while in the midst of Planning Commission deliberations over the fate of his Noe Valley residence. (Ill have more on Jensens sad story in a future column.)

Planning Commissioner Dennis Richards is among those outraged by the blazing hot real estate markets cold treatment of our most vulnerable citizens. What the hell are we doing? Were now terrorizing our senior citizens for profit. My mother is 93  and I know how terrified she would be if she was in danger of losing her home.

But this is San Francisco in 2017. There are fortunes to be made in real estate, and many people are being thrown out the door like garbage. We have a disposable tenant population.

The final years of Canadas life were spent fighting eviction from the Western Addition apartment where she had lived for over half a century. She was finally locked out of her apartment by San Francisco sheriffs deputies in February, on the orders of a judge who ruled that she was not living permanently in the building as the sole and only occupant. The owners of the building are trying to convert the apartments to condominiums, and Canadas refusal to sign condo conversion papers blocked their way.

Canadas family insisted the apartment was still her primary residence, even as her health deteriorated in recent months.

Iris Merriouns, Canadas grandniece and caretaker, said she kept the eviction from the centenarian as long as she could. But soon after Canada was locked out, Merriouns said, the elderly woman began asking, When are we going back to the shack?  as she called the Page Street apartment that was filled with a lifetime of her belongings and family memorabilia. Canada started having trouble sleeping and her heart began racing, and she was hospitalized at UCSF Medical Center, where Merriouns set up vigil in her room.

After watching TV together last Thursday night, Canada asked her grandniece if my things are locked in the house. She was a proud woman, and she was used to her daily routine of carefully putting on her makeup, wig and clothes  and suddenly this was disrupted. She didnt like wearing the clothes her family loaned her, which were too big for her.

Merriouns tried to avoid telling her that the family was still involved in a legal dispute over her belongings, but the elderly woman said, Baby, you can tell me the truth. Did you get any of my things out?

I couldnt lie, said Merriouns. I said we were still trying.

Canada leaned forward and rested her forehead on her balled-up fist and her body began shaking a little, Merriouns said. Theres nothing the good Lord wont take care of, she said and began praying.

Early the next morning, before she could return to her great-aunts bedside, Merriouns received a call that the woman had suffered a stroke. Canada never regained consciousness.

Canada, a retired nurse who spent most of her life caring for others, never wanted to be a burden on anyone. She prided herself on being independent, said Merriouns. The whole (eviction) ordeal came with a burden of shame for her.

But its the city that should feel shame about the way Canada spent the final days of her life. All the systems that were supposed to protect her failed  from Adult Protective Services to the D.A. to the supervisors to the sheriff to the mayors office, said Merriouns.

Even now, Canada still has no resting place. Her body still lies in the UCSF morgue, according to Merriouns, because her family cant get access to the burial insurance papers that were moved out of her apartment by the landlords and put in storage. Like everything else in this hopelessly entangled case, thats disputed by the landlords.

Landlord Peter Owens insists that he has tried to do the right thing all along. He presents himself as a reasonable man frustrated by the unreasonableness of Canadas family. All Canada had to do was sign the condo conversion papers  but he contended that Merriouns had her own designs on the apartment and she stood in the way.

Iris Merriouns continually put her own interests ahead of her aunts, he emailed me. She always had the choice to stop the pain and suffering. We did not.

Andrew Zacks, Owens attorney, was even more emphatic about assigning blame. Were deeply saddened by her death, he told me. What more can you say? She had a wonderful life and was an amazing woman. But my clients shouldnt be demonized. Is she even in the ground yet? I mean have some dignity  her niece was all over the radio yesterday, capitalizing on her death. Her family has been using her for years.

Merriouns, in turn, characterizes Owens and his attorney as conniving and duplicitous operators who deprived her great-aunt of peaceful sanctuary in her final years.

Now Owens, his wife and brother have reclaimed Canadas apartment over her dead body, as I warned last month might be the outcome of this ugly battle between the landlords and Canadas family.

Tragic stories are inevitable in a raging real estate war like the one that is laying waste to San Francisco. When a fundamental human need like housing is left to the ferocious forces of the private market, there will always be winners and losers. There can be no sanctuary in a war zone like this.

San Francisco Chronicle columnist David Talbot appears Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Email: dtalbot@sfchronicle.com
Internet privacy, at least what remains of it, is facing its severest test in years. On President Trumps desk is a law giving major telecoms such as Verizon and Comcast the right to sell consumer browsing habits to the highest bidder.

Its a proposal that erases rules adopted last year against such data mining, worth billions to banks, retailers and other businesses itching to target new customers. Search engines and social media firms such as Google and Facebook already track their users, but giving access to the gatekeepers who oversee all Internet traffic is a much bigger proposition.

The plan is sold as a boon to innovation and fair treatment for Internet pipeline providers, not to mention the political appeal of whacking federal regulation. But it flies in the face of Trumps populist image and frequent pledges to protect ordinary folks against the depredations of big business. Veto this law, Mr. President. Show the country that you mean what you say on an issue of citizen concern.

That plea may be going nowhere, though. By a generally party-line vote, Republican majorities in both the Senate and House approved the measure, sending it to the White House, which is signaling a yes.

Get ready for major intrusions if it becomes law. Browsing histories, app usage and location will all be fair game for telecoms to study. Any dawdling on the Internet, be it shopping for shoes or surfing a porn site, will go right to telecom firms to slice, dice and peddle to a data-hungry advertiser. There wont be consent forms to check or pop-ups asking for permission.

It gets worse in other ways. The no-sharing rule now on the books was adopted in the final months of the Obama administration, which wanted to wrap up business before a new team took over. Republicans are making their move now, using the once-obscure Congressional Review Act, which allows them to speedily revoke such changes and bar any resurrection of the issue. Its about as final an exclamation point as Congress can give.

Consumers are left with few options. They can curtail their browsing to limit the damage to their privacy, a tall order in an online world thats expanding into every corner of human activity. They can shop for a service provider that promises not to peer into their private usage, a solution that may be hard to find. Or users can try encrypting their activities or finding a virtual private network, though both suggestions are complicated and not suitable for most consumers.

These steps would be unduly onerous for consumers, who should enjoy a presumption of privacy unless they give their service providers permission to share or sell their browsing histories. Trump must veto this bill.
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How many performers can say theyve opened for Third Eye Blind at the Fillmore, lectured at Google and also done their shtick before audiences in the basement of a Mission District clothing store?

Kevin Blake doesnt like the title magician, he said at a recent talk for Google engineers, for two reasons: One, I dont consider myself to be very creepy. Two, I dont do the types of magic that you probably think of when you think of a magician.
When Lers Ros opened its original location on Larkin Street in 2008, chef Tom Silargorns cooking introduced me to wonders like crisp pork belly stir-fried with basil leaves, and spiky, bone-in bits of eel sauteed with galangal and sprigs of young green peppercorns. His steamed whole sea bass was a joy. I remember marveling one afternoon as a flatbed truck pulled up outside the restaurant and a deliveryman scooped live fish from a makeshift tank and plopped them into a bin held by one of the restaurants cooks.

Im hopeful that some of this freshness remains intact at the Tenderloin restaurant, but during a recent lunch at the Hayes Valley branch, my kai yang  that perfect and classic dish of grilled chicken and rice  tasted old and unloved. My bird had undoubtedly been sitting on a rack with other precooked legs and thighs, waiting to be warmed and dumped onto a plate during the afternoon rush. The place was packed on a weekday with diners ordering lunch combination plates (two entrees, rice and a bleak iceberg salad for 10 bucks). I dont exactly blame Lers Ros for playing it safe with user-friendly combo plates. The full-length menu is loaded with potential booby traps  as in, places where you might inadvertently step beyond your comfort level in regards to spice, funk or acidity  and I understand Silargorn wanting to provide diners with a safe path through the chile-laden woods.

The year-old Saap Ver and its chef, Nutnawat Aukcarapasutanun (a.k.a. Kobe), have taken up the torch of giving San Franciscans a peek behind the pad Thai curtains. The menu at the Design District restaurant promises authentic country-style Thai cuisine, and a short rant printed on the front page laments other Thai restaurants hackneyed names and explains that Saap Ver (damn delicious, according to the text) is a break from the expected.

Aside from a glass of Champagne garnished with gold leaf, the menu appears promisingly rugged. (For funsies, my wife ordered said Champagne. It arrived sans gold leaf. I suppose were not the first San Franciscans to be lured in and deceived by the promise of gold.) There are two different northern Thai sausages on offer, three variations on nam phrik, a few head-turning som tum (green papaya salads), and a grilled beef dish called Crying Thai Girl. I neglected to inquire about the name, and take it from me, you shouldnt Google it.

Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

(To be fair to Lers Ros, Saap Ver also offers lunch combinations, but like I said, Im willing to see past that.)

While placing my order  hot-and-sour pork rib soup, fried fish larb, a plate of fermented pork-and-rice sausage and salted crab som tum  the server asked me how spicy I wanted each item.

How spicy should it be? I responded.

How spicy do you want it? she repeated, as though I hadnt heard her the first time.

Could you just make it as spicy as its supposed to be?

It felt like communication was breaking down, so in order to save some face  hers or mine, Im not sure  I ended up ordering everything spicy or medium spicy.

Look, I get it. I didnt take offense to the question, and I wasnt trying to be pretentious. I was honestly looking for some guidance. Nobody ever asks me how salty I want a dish, or how acidic, or how bitter. But spice, for some reason, seems to be a scalable flavor component thats left to the diners discretion, and Im not so sure it should be up to us.

The best Thai meals Ive ever had were balancing acts. Where Western cooks talk about balance as something to be achieved within the confines of a single dish, in Thai cooking, equilibrium is accomplished across an entire meal. On the table, there might be a face-meltingly spicy relish (nam phrik) next to a milder, coconut-milk-based curry. Sharp, acidic salads cut through fatty grilled meats. Rice acts as a sort of all-purpose tempering device. If you dont know what youre doing, youre bound to wander into some unstable territory.

Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

On this occasion at Saap Ver, the pork soup was outstanding, sour and spicy and smelling strongly of lemongrass and makrut lime. Throughout the murky broth bobbed tender bone-in ribs that tasted extra porky in that way you can only achieve when you forgo browning. From there, however, things went a little off the rails. The batter-fried cubes of tilapia on the massive plate of larb had been over-fried into fish croutons, yet still tasted distinctly muddy  a flavor that even large quantities of lime, onion and herbs couldnt overcome. But other than that, our dinners downward trajectory was mostly my fault.

Im not afraid to tell you that I didnt know what I was getting into when I ordered the field-crab som tum. Id chosen it sheerly out of curiosity and for whatever reason, I assumed the shells would be soft, or a parental figure would warn me about biting down on hard bits of crab. Only after chomping down on a solid piece of carapace did I realize I was meant to suck the sweet, slippery crab meat out of the shells.

The sausages came with a plate of accoutrements that I recognized from ordering the same fermentation-soured dish in Thailand: brunoise of ginger and skin-on lime, roasted peanuts, cabbage leaves and nubs of chile. The idea, as it had been demonstrated for me before, is to jab a bit of chile into the sausage, wrap it in cabbage with the other garnishes, and pop the whole thing in your mouth. Its a dish that requires cold beer, maybe some other grilled meats, sticky rice and little else. I know that, and yet, I looked around my table and saw a tureen of hot soup, an enormous mound of fried fish, and a napkin wadded around shards of spit-out crab shells. Nothing made sense together. What had I done?

To make myself feel better, I decided I deserved a guilty-pleasure plate of pad Thai hor kai  everyones favorite sweet-sour noodles wrapped in a thin egg omelet. Does that logic make any sense? No, nothing I was doing made any sense.

In his review of Lers Ros for SF Weekly five years ago, my friend Jonathan Kauffman noted that as much as he liked the place, hed never felt like hed ordered correctly from the restaurants menu of more than 100 items. I feel you, Jonathan.

Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

I also cant help but think of a kerfuffle that took place about a year ago, when Bon Appetit published a video online under the title PSA: This Is How You Should Be Eating Pho. BA caught all kinds of flak for portraying a white chef as the face of Vietnamese noodles, and I agree that the video was tone-deaf, but theres also some truth to the idea that theres often a right and wrong way of eating something. Its not right because its traditional or authentic, but because your meal will be better if you taste your pho broth before doctoring it with Sriracha and hoisin, or if you think about how the various dishes youre ordering at a Thai restaurant interact with one another.

Saap Ver and Lers Ros could both stand to shorten and focus their menus. I also wouldnt mind a little more guidance from the servers and less input from me about how hot Id like the cooks to make the food. I understand why yellow curry is always on the menu, and why customers are given the option of ordering domesticated versions of spicy dishes. But I also have faith that if you remove the safety nets, San Francisco diners will reward you with their trust. Look at what Pim Techamuanvivit has achieved at Kin Khao, for instance.

For now, Ill just try to do better. On my second trip to Saap Ver, I was more careful. We had garlicky sauteed cabbage, fried fish cakes and duck salad. As the centerpiece of our meal, I ordered a pungent, shrimp-paste nam phrik with steamed vegetables and fried sardines for dipping (tasty but skimpy on the sauce itself; plus the sardines were cooked to hell). If Id stopped there, wed have had a sensible, harmonious meal. But because I cant help myself, at the last second, I added a plate of pad kee mao  literally, a dish of stir-fried rice noodles invented to sober up wayward drunks.

Nobody stopped me.

Chris Ying is a writer, editor and co-founder of Lucky Peach. Email: food@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @chrisyingz

Saap Ver: 88 Division St. (near Rhode Island Street), S.F. (415) 255-8188 or http://saapver.com. Lunch and dinner daily.
In the latest legal action against the owner and operators of Oaklands Ghost Ship, lawyers for the family of one of the 36 people who perished in a fire at the warehouse in December invoked the two words that have become all too familiar to the loved ones of the dead: death trap.

A lawsuit, filed March 24 in Alameda County Superior Court by the Los Angeles law firm Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman, charges that a confluence of avoidable circumstances killed Edmond Lapine II and the others in the Dec. 2 fire.
Antiabortion activists who posed as researchers and secretly recorded conversations at meetings of abortion providers absorbed their second legal setback in two days Wednesday when a federal appeals court said they had obtained confidential information by fraud and must not release it to the public.

In a 2-1 ruling, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco upheld a federal judges injunction that barred a group called the Center for Medical Progress from disclosing recordings or any other information its members obtained by infiltrating the annual meetings of the National Abortion Federation in San Francisco in 2014 and in Baltimore in 2015.

Before the injunction, the group had posted videos of some of the conversations on its website. The court said one of the secretly recorded subjects was affiliated with a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs that was attacked in November 2015 by an antiabortion gunman. Three people were killed.

The ruling came a day after California Attorney General Xavier Becerra filed felony charges against David Daleiden, leader of the Center for Medical Progress, and an employee, Sandra Merritt. Becerra accused them of violating state laws against recording private conversations without consent at the National Abortion Federation meeting in San Francisco and later meetings with physicians and Planned Parenthood representatives.

Vicki Saporta, president of the National Abortion Federation, said Wednesdays court ruling would help to protect the federations members.

The smear campaign launched by the defendants has put abortion providers at risk, she said.

The Center for Medical Progress called the ruling an attack on the First Amendment. The group said the secretly recorded videos were information the public is entitled to and would reveal wrongdoing that would help in the defense of Daleiden and Merritt on criminal charges.

Daleiden and his colleagues gained access to the abortion providers conventions by posing as a fetal-research company called BioMax Procurement Services, using false names and drivers licenses. They used the same methods to record conversations with Planned Parenthood representatives, resulting in edited videos that purported to show Planned Parenthood discussing the illegal sale of fetal parts.

Before entering the conventions, the BioMax representatives signed confidentiality agreements prohibiting the recording of any meetings or discussions or the disclosure of any information obtained at the sessions.

In arguing for release of the videos, Daleiden and his colleagues said they had been acting as investigative journalists and had uncovered criminal conduct. But U.S. District Judge William Orrick III of San Francisco found no evidence of lawbreaking by convention participants and said the BioMax entrants had violated their agreements.

The appeals court majority upheld Orricks ruling Wednesday.

One may not obtain information through fraud, promise to keep that information confidential, and then breach that promise in the name of the public interest, said Judges Andrew Hurwitz and Donald Molloy, a federal judge from Montana temporarily assigned to the appeals court.

In dissent, Judge Consuelo Callahan said the court should allow the videos to be released to law enforcement agencies for possible investigations of crimes by participants at the conventions.

Our system of law and order depends on citizens being allowed to bring whatever information they have, however acquired, to the attention of law enforcement, Callahan said.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
A state civil rights agency accused the Forever 21 fashion chain Wednesday of illegally requiring employees at a San Francisco store to speak only English  charges the company denies.

In a lawsuit filed in San Francisco Superior Court, the Department of Fair Employment and Housing accused Forever 21 of discriminating against employees based on their national origin. California law forbids English-only workplace rules unless a company can show they are needed to run the business properly, the department said.

The suit alleged that Forever 21 has, since May 2015, prohibited employees at the store on Union Square from speaking any language other than English during work hours. The rules apply to conversations with customers, including those who spoke only Spanish, and to conversations with other employees at work or on rest breaks, the suit said.

When three Spanish-speaking employees complained, the store reduced their work hours, and they said managers treated them with hostility, according to the lawsuit. The employees then filed a discrimination complaint with the state agency, which is seeking damages on their behalf and a change in the stores policy.

The company, based in Los Angeles, denied having an English-only policy at any of its stores.

Forever 21 is committed to diversity and inclusion in all of our stores and does not have any policies with regards to the language spoken in our stores, it said.

Kevin Kish, the state agencys director, said in a statement: Linguistic diversity is a business reality in the California workplace, and the department will carefully scrutinize English-only rules to ensure that all employees are treated equally, regardless of their national origin.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
Rallies and protest events are a part of political life in the Bay Area. Heres a roundup of whats happening.

Friday

Transgender Day: The Asian Pacific Islander Wellness Center will host a free event to commemorate Transgender Day of Visibility. The event will begins at 5:30 p.m. at SOMArts, 934 Brannan St. in San Francisco.

Saturday

Supreme Court protest: A rally against U.S. Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Justin Herman Plaza, 1 Market St. in San Francisco. For information: www.facebook.com/events/1248973351886503/.

Russian discussion: The Russians Are Coming! The Russians Are Coming?  a forum hosted by the Peace and Freedom Party. The free event is from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the Starry Plough Pub, 3101 Shattuck Ave. in Berkeley. For information: www.peaceandfreedom.org.

Sunday

Connecting with activists: Take Back America with Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Hillsborough, who will discuss the California congressional picture and host a fair where attendees can connect with activist and advocacy groups. The event is from noon to 3 p.m. in Fiesta Hall at the San Mateo County Event Center, 1346 Saratoga Drive in San Mateo. To register: www.eventbrite.com/e/take-back-america-tickets-32982865639

Author series: Arlie Russell Hochschild will discuss her new book, Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American Right. The event starts at 9:30 a.m. at Grace Cathedral, Gresham Hall, 1100 California St. in San Francisco. For information: www.gracecathedral.org/events/arlie-russell-hochschild.

Monday

Panel on nuclear weapons: Morality of the Nuclear Age discussion, featuring Richard Rhodes, Ira Helfand and Martin Hellman. The event is from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Schools, Harman Auditorium, 150 Valparaiso Ave. in Atherton. For more information: www.tech4gs.org/morality_and_geopolitics_of_the_nuclear_age.

Wednesday

Political discussion: Fixing the Bay Areas Growth Politics, a conversation on issues affecting the Bay Area, including environmental quality and social justice. The free event is at 6 p.m. at SPUR Oakland, 1544 Broadway. For information: www.spur.org/events/2017-04-05/fixing-bay-area-s-growth-politics.

Discussion on Medicare: Medicare for All in California presented by Dr. Paul Song, co-chair of Campaign for a Healthy California, at the San Mateo County Democracy for America meeting. The event begins at 7 p.m. at Woodside Road United Methodist Church, 2000 Woodside Road in Redwood City. Admission is free. For information: www.smcdfa.org/.

April 8

Immigration seminar: Know Your Rights, a presentation and training for pro bono attorneys and others to help immigrant communities. The event, hosted by Canal Alliance Communication, is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Guzman Hall, Dominican University, 50 Acacia Ave. in San Rafael. For information on tickets, contact Sara Matson at SaraM@canalalliance.org or (415) 306-0429.

Flash mob: A flash mob at at 1 p.m. at the cable car turnaround, 1 Powell St. in San Francisco, to sing the song I Cant Keep Quiet by MILCK. For information: http://bit.ly/2oazyIG.

April 10

Comedy: Benefit performance at the Punch Line Comedy Club for NARAL Pro-Choice America, an organization that promotes abortion care, birth control and paid parental leave. Tickets are $20. The event is at 7:30 p.m. at 444 Battery St. in San Francisco. For tickets: http://bit.ly/NARALPunchLine.

April 13

Education discussion: The Lamorinda Democratic Club hosts a conversation on how federal funding will affect public education. The event is at 7 p.m. at the Lafayette Library and Community Center, 3491 Mount Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette. For information: www.ldclub.org.
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The San Francisco school board Wednesday selected a city native with an eclectic educational background to lead the district, saying Vincent Matthews has the experience and leadership skills to take on the role of superintendent.

Matthews didnt take a traditional route to the top job. He trained for administrative roles at an academy run by a prominent supporter of charter schools and once ran a for-profit charter school in San Francisco.

After Oakland lost local control of its school district when the state gave it a $100 million bailout, Matthews oversaw district operations as state administrator from 2007 to 2009. For the past 18 months, he has served a similar role at the Inglewood Unified School District near Los Angeles. He is also a former superintendent of the San Jose Unified School District.

We chose someone with a wealth of instructional experience, leadership experience and intricate knowledge of SFUSD, said school board President Shamann Walton. We searched for a superintendent that would be dedicated to SFUSD and its students for the long haul.

Walton noted that Matthews was born in San Francisco, went to preschool, elementary, junior high, high school and university right here in San Francisco.

The board selected Matthews over interim Superintendent Myong Leigh, who opted to be a candidate after initially saying he didnt want the permanent role.

Having been a student in the district, I believe I owe so much to the staff members, educators and caring adults who delivered a high-quality, rigorous education to me, Matthews said in a statement. I look forward to working with our current staff to provide each and every student the quality instruction and equitable support required to thrive in the 21st century.

Matthews graduated from the now-closed McAteer High School in San Francisco and earned his bachelors degree, teaching credential and doctorate in education from San Francisco State University. He started his teaching career 30 years ago at Carver Elementary School in the Bayview and later served as principal at Alvarado Elementary School in Noe Valley.

In the early 2000s, Matthews served as the principal of the Edison Charter Academy in San Francisco, a controversial public, for-profit school and a vice president for the charter-operator Edison Schools.

Matthews defended the school in 2001 against accusations that disadvantaged students were being pushed out to bolster test scores. The San Francisco school board investigated and found the school discriminated against black students and transferred special education students. The school was put on notice and ordered to correct the issues.

Matthews is also an alumnus of the Broad Center, a training ground for superintendents that was founded by Eli Broad, a charter-school supporter.

In Oakland, Matthews was the last of three state administrators to oversee the district after a $100 million bailout loan triggered a state takeover.

He was a brass tacks kind of leader, said former Oakland school board member David Kakishiba.

He was a good listener, and he was clear about what needed to be done, he said. He was very focused on getting work done.

Union officials in San Francisco said they didnt know Matthews, but appreciated his level of experience. He will inherit contract negotiations and a teacher affordability crisis, said Susan Solomon, vice president of the United Educators of San Francisco.

We definitely want to welcome him and are looking forward to working with him, she said.

The school board did a national search for a superintendent after Richard Carranza left the job last fall to lead the Houston school system. Matthews was among 27 applicants for the position.

The school board is expected to vote on Matthews contract, including his salary, Tuesday.

Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com

Twitter: @jilltucker
A 24-year-old man was arrested in connection with the broad-daylight shooting in San Franciscos Ocean View neighborhood that left a bystander dead and injured two others, police said Thursday.

Jonathon Santos of Vallejo was taken into custody on the 300 block of Mansell Street minutes after the 10:40 a.m. Wednesday shooting at Plymouth Avenue and Broad Street that killed 65-year-old Lian Xiu Wu. He was jailed on suspicion of murder and attempted murder and was awaiting a decision on charges by city prosecutors.

The other victims, a 40-year-old San Jose man and 51-year-old San Francisco man, were treated at a hospital for non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.

Xiu, who was gunned down just steps away from her home, was a familiar figure around the neighborhood. Neighbors recalled seeing her walking about collecting recyclables and taking her young relatives to the park to play.

She came to the country 16 years ago to help take care of family, leaving her daughter behind in China, according to a GoFundMe page started by Xius nephew, Denny Truong, to pay for funeral expenses.

It took her 14 years to raise enough money to bring her daughter to America, Truong said.

She was like a second mom to all her nieces and nephews and cared selflessly for our grandfather, he wrote in the GoFundMe post.

The intersection where the shooting took place has recently been a hot spot for violence, with some attributing the uptick in gunfire to a turf war between gangs from the Sunnydale and Lakeview areas. Five shootings have occurred near the intersection of Plymouth and Broad since October, police said.

In October, 22-year-old Keron Lamotte was slain, and in January, 18-year-old Josiah Lightfoot was fatally shot at the intersection.

Supervisor Ahsha Safai, who represents the neighborhood, said he has been working with the police to increase foot patrols and police presence, but many residents remain shaken.

Its bad down there, said Fouad Hussein, 54, who runs a market on the corner of Broad Street and Capitol Avenue and has been working in the neighborhood for more than 30 years. We thought it was going to be quieter from now on since the neighborhoods starting to change, but the past few months, it feels like its getting worse.

Annette Shelton, 75, runs a beauty shop around the corner from the shooting and called 911 after Xiu was shot.

She said cameras are needed to deter violence, which is keeping people from coming to the neighborhood. Josiah Lightfoots sister and grandmother used to come to her salon, she said  but now, its too painful.

You think they want to come to the place where their brother died, where their grandson died? Shelton said. Who would want to rekindle those memories?

In addition to raising money to cover Xius funeral expenses, her nephew hopes to use donations from the GoFundMe to help her daughter relocate to a safer area.

Filipa Ioannou and Vivian Ho are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: fioannou@sfchronicle.com, vho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @obioannoukenobi, @VivianHo
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If a companys proposal for President Trumps border wall relies on artificial intelligence, drones and sensors  but leaves out a physical, tangible barrier  then the federal government is not interested.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials advised bidders this week that technology alone would not meet the requirements of the solicitations, according to an amendment on the governments request for proposals.

Several Bay Area companies submitted proposals to the agency to construct a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. The deadline was originally Wednesday but was extended to April 4 because of the high volume of applications received, an agency spokesman said.

Rejecting proposals for virtual walls would disqualify companies like Richmonds Simularity. The company said it wants to build a nonphysical barrier out of drones, artificial intelligence and sensors.

CEO Liz Derr said that to not even consider tech-driven proposals is a naive move by the government  especially in light of how much technology has advanced since the last time a barrier was constructed along the border.

Our technology can supplement a physical wall, Derr said. It seems that the physical wall is most likely not going to get funded  so they need to look at other solutions.

David Inserra, policy analyst for homeland security and cyberpolicy at the Heritage Foundation, a think thank that has a focus on defense policy, said combining a physical wall with technology would be the most effective barrier.

Even if you did install a very robust tech system, I still think there are areas where additional fencing is called for, Inserra said. There are areas where you just need to go beyond the tech.

Quanergy, a company that makes lidar sensors, a laser version of radar that can detect objects, proposed using that technology and artificial intelligence either as a virtual wall or in conjunction with a physical wall or fence.

It is unclear whether the Sunnyvale companys proposal will meet government specifications, which call for a barrier made either from solid concrete or alternative materials. Among other requirements: It must be at least 18 feet tall, 6 feet deep and strong enough to withstand attacks from tools such as a sledgehammer, car jack or pickax.

The wall still lacks funding. The White House proposed budget cuts Tuesday to pay for the wall; experts say the cuts are unlikely to pass Congress.

While advocates for virtual walls say they will reduce the cost of the project, the idea would not match Trumps chief campaign promise of building a great, great wall, said Theresa Brown, director of immigration policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, a Washington think tank.

This idea of a wall is as much symbolic as other things, she said. Whether or not it will actually have an effect is beside the point.

Trisha Thadani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tthadani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TrishaThadani
REYKJAVIK, Iceland  On a chilly afternoon in October, Frida Ros Valdimarsdottir, a former home-care worker turned womens rights advocate, left her office at exactly 2:38 p.m. and headed to Reykjaviks main square, where throngs of women were forming a boisterous crowd. It was the time  roughly two and a half hours before the end of the workday  that many protesters reckoned they stopped being paid for equal work.

The rally was part of a groundswell for income equality that galvanized tens of thousands of women across this tiny island nation, where protests often produce change.

For decades, weve said were going to fix this, said Valdimarsdottir, the chairwoman of the Icelandic Womens Rights Association and an organizer of the demonstration. But women are still getting lower pay, and thats insane.

The government wants to change that dynamic. Iceland on Tuesday became the first country to introduce legislation requiring employers to prove they are paying men and women equally.

Iceland has had equal pay laws for half a century, pushing companies and the government to gradually reduce the pay gap. But the thinking behind the new legislation is that unless the laws are applied more forcefully, the imbalance may never really close.

We want to break down the last of the gender barriers in the workplace, said Thorsteinn Viglundsson, Icelands social affairs and equality minister. History has shown that if you want progress, you need to enforce it.

Iceland, with a population of 330,000, is a forerunner in promoting gender equality. Nordic countries lead most other nations in equality policies that include gender quotas on boards and generous parental leave, and Iceland consistently appears at or near the top of international rankings for fairness.

Yet equality in pay and inclusion in the upper ranks of the workplace have lagged. Women in Iceland still earn 14 to 20 percent less than men, according to the government.

Iceland wants to bridge the gap within five years, a move the government argues may speed progress in other areas. The global gender pay gap will not close for 70 years unless such efforts accelerate, according to the International Labor Organization.

The proposed legislation follows an equal pay pilot program in which government bodies and companies identified chronic hurdles that block women from higher-paying jobs: Women occupy different professions from men and fewer high-level positions, contributing to lower pay. Some employers in the program are now seeking to hire more women for jobs traditionally held by men.

Valdimarsdottir quit her job for the municipality of Reykjavik.

She had discovered that an accountant for the municipality was paid four times as much as Valdimarsdottir was for her management role overseeing a 10-person team providing home care services, comprising mostly women. Later, the city adjusted the salary for her former position to be nearly equal with the accountants, and raised salaries for the other workers.

Many Icelandic companies already embrace a voluntary equal pay standard forged by business organizations and labor unions. But business groups say it should not be imposed, particularly given the administrative burden of compliance, especially for small firms.

Companies should do this for their own benefit and the benefit of their employees, said Halldor Thorbergsson, the director general for the Confederation of Icelandic Employers. But it should not be legalized.

Businesses in other countries are also wary of government intervention, including in Britain, which recently required companies with 250 employees or more to publicly report their gender pay differences. Austria and Belgium have similar rules. In the United States and Switzerland, federal contractors must report wage information by gender to the government.

Icelandic women have long argued that equality needs a national push.

Yet many women still have less economic power than men. Top level and intermediate managers are mostly men, and the pay gap is especially persistent for working mothers and women in female-dominated fields.

The new rules would require the biggest companies and government agencies to undergo audits, starting in 2018, and to obtain a certification of compliance with equal pay rules. Businesses with over 25 employees must comply by 2022.

Employers must assess every job, from cleaner to senior executive, to identify and fix wage gaps of more than 5 percent.

Although the process requires time and money, Arni Kristinsson, the managing director of BSI Iceland, a standards auditor that performs some of the fair pay reviews, said those costs were not insurmountable.

The question is, are companies committed? he said. At firms that are, we are already seeing the pay gap narrow to as little as 3 percent.

The audits revealed other workplace inequalities linked to pay. At the Icelandic Customs agency, which participated in the pilot program, officials found that salaries were lower when women were employed as a large group.

About 80 percent of Icelands uniformed customs agents are men, a group paid 30 percent more than customs tax collectors, who are mostly women. The agents work longer hours and face challenges like inspecting cargo for drugs, so the review found the pay system was justified, said Snorri Olsen, Icelands Customs director. But the review also spurred a reassessment of the gender balance in each group.

The agency is now trying to recruit more men for office work and more women into the higher-paid agent jobs, partly by shortening shifts to accommodate women who have child care demands, Olsen said.

Theres a tendency to look at work usually done by men as more valuable, he said. This is technically a discussion of equal pay, but its really a question about equality in our society.

Liz Alderman is a New York Times writer.
Pinterest has started pursing a segment of advertisers that may one day contribute a quarter of its revenue: small and medium-size businesses.

The company unveiled a program Wednesday called Pinterest Propel, which provides services for new advertisers unfamiliar with the way its site works. By committing to spend up to $100 a day on Pinterest ads, companies get extra support and education, and Pinterest will design some of their ads for them. The startup is also offering it to marketing agencies, which get custom tips from Pinterest ad specialists for up to three clients.

Pinterest is recruiting smaller advertisers in part because people come to the companys site to get inspired by unique ideas. On Pinterest, people post and search for pictures they can use to plan vacations, weddings, home furnishing and cooking, for example  and the ads look similar to posts from any other user. Bespoke furniture-makers and clothing designers tend to be smaller companies and are willing to spend to grow, said Pinterest President Tim Kendall.

Small firms are a huge source of ad revenue for digital giants Google and Facebook. Google is especially popular with smaller businesses that buy lots of online search ads, helping the company generate almost $80 billion in ad revenue last year. Pinterest is an emerging rival to Googles search business because the startup knows a lot about what people are looking to buy online  valuable information that advertisers usually go to Google to access.

This is a huge part of the advertising market and so what it sets us up to do is capture more growth, Kendall said. A year ago, Pinterest opened up a self-serve advertising program and saw a diverse set of businesses pay for promotions. The company has already used its Propel program with advertisers, including Ghirardelli Chocolate and Too Faced Cosmetics, and found that it made their ads less expensive and more effective, Kendall said.

The company is diversifying its advertising business ahead of a potential initial public offering. Pinterest is expecting more than $500 million in revenue this year, according to a person familiar with the matter. While Pinterest declined to comment on its revenue goal, Kendall said he expects Propel to contribute as much as 25 percent of sales in the next few years.

When you focus on growing your business and going after more share of different segments, things like IPOs naturally follow, when you show really strong growth, Kendall said, while noting that there are no official IPO plans. Were very pleased with revenue growth to date and I think this is going to be a big contributor.

Sarah Frier is a Bloomberg writer. Email: sfrier1@bloomberg.net
$107 billion

Thats the value of the Apple brand, down 27 percent from 2016, according to the Brand Finance consultancy, which said the company is delivering tweaks to existing products rather than genuine innovation. With the drop, Google, whose brand is now worth $109 billion, overtook Apple for the first time since 2011 to become the worlds No. 1 brand. Silicon Valley companies dominated the list of the 500 most valuable American brands, with California companies accounting for 23 percent of the lists value.

$LOL

BuzzFeed is considering an initial public offering in 2018, Axios reported. The site, which started out featuring kitten photos, quizzes and other viral fare, has delved into serious news and entertaining videos. NBCUniversal recently doubled its investment in the company to $400 million. Probably not investing: President Trump, who called the site a failing pile of garbage.

I, for one, welcome our new

pizza-delivery robot overlords

Starship Technologies, the company whose six-wheel self-driving robots have already hit the sidewalks of San Francisco and Redwood City, will soon deliver for Dominos Pizza in Germany and the Netherlands. Dominos European franchise holder has formed a new Dominos Robotic Unit to oversee the project. In November, Dominos delivered a pizza by drone in New Zealand.

Daily Briefing is compiled from San Francisco Chronicle staff and news services. See more items and links at www.sfgate.com. Twitter: @techchronicle
Dogged by combustible smartphones and recalls of other devices, Samsung Electronics is hoping to find a path to product redemption.

The South Korean company on Wednesday introduced the Galaxy S8, its first major smartphone release since the scandal over its Galaxy Note7 smartphones, which were discontinued last year after some of the devices spontaneously caught fire.

Its been a challenging year for Samsung, said D.J. Koh, the companys head of mobile devices, adding that Samsung is ready to start anew.

The Galaxy S8 features a 5.8-inch screen without adding bulk to the device. The company said it made room for the screen by reducing the size of the bezel  the forehead and the chin  on the face of the device. Samsung also made the home button into a virtual button and shoved it under the display.

With the Galaxy S8, Samsung also released its virtual assistant, Bixby, to rival Apples Siri, Googles Assistant and Amazons Alexa. Similar to those features, Bixby responds to voice commands.

Time  and sales  will tell whether the Galaxy S8 will restore confidence in Samsungs smartphones. Last year, after the company received dozens of complaints about the Galaxy Note7 overheating, and in some cases exploding, the company recalled the phones. But replacement phones continued to catch fire, and the company had to recall the devices a second time before killing the product altogether, sacrificing billions of dollars in revenue.

The Galaxy Note7 may still make a reappearance. Samsung said this week that it might sell refurbished versions of the phone.

Jan Dawson, an independent analyst for Jackdaw Research, said the Galaxy S8 could help Samsung recover, provided the product works reliably.

Note7 definitely did some damage to the Samsung brand, especially for people who had little or no personal experience with Samsung devices, he said. But as long as the S8 does well and doesnt suffer from any of the same problems, the memories of the Note7 issues will fade and Samsung will recover well.

Samsung last year also issued a separate recall for 2.8 million washing machines in the United States. The machines were prone to detaching from the washing machine chassis, posing a risk of injury.

The Galaxy S8 will arrive in stores next month with a starting price of $750.

Brian X. Chen is a New York Times writer.
Police were on the hunt for two robbers who held up a couple in their 70s at gunpoint in the driveway of their Moraga home, officials said.

The robbery occurred about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday outside the victims Indian Wells Street house, police said Thursday.

When the couple arrived home, the robbers ambushed them in the driveway. One of the men pointed a gun at the woman as he snatched her purse and another bag that she was holding, police said.

The other bandit pushed the man to the ground before he and his accomplice fled the driveway, running east on Indian Wells towards St. Andrews Drive, police said.

The man who was pushed to the ground suffered minor injuries from his fall.

Officers from Orinda and Lafayette Police Departments, as well as a Contra Costa County Sheriffs helicopter crew, searched for the suspects, but no arrests were made.

The robber with the handgun was described as being in his mid-20s, between 5 feet 3 and and 5 feet 10 inches tall with a stocky build and sporting a mustache. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, dark jeans and may have worn glasses, police said.

The second suspect was also in his mid-20s, between 5 feet 6 and 5 feet 10 inches tall with a thin build. He was wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and pants, police said.

The incident is similar to a robbery that occurred in Orinda in September when a 70-year-old woman was shot and her husband pistol-whipped in the driveway of their home.

Six people were arrested in connection to the violent robbery just a week later.

Orinda Union School District officials identified the victims as Carol Brown, a member of the school board, and her husband, Tom Spalding, also 70.

The two were unloading groceries from their car when they were confronted by the assailants in the driveway of their Claremont Avenue home around 9:09 p.m., said Orinda Police Chief Mark Nagel.

The assailants demanded Spaldings wallet and Browns purse when out of nowhere, one of the assailants pistol-whipped Spalding, Nagel said.

Spalding then stumbled into his home as he was bleeding from a gash to his head to call 911 when he heard the crack of a gunshot. His wife was shot twice before the muggers fled the scene.

Anyone with information on the Moraga robbery can contact Lt. Brian South at (925) 888-7052 or the Moraga Police Department at (925) 284-5010.

Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani
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A former director of three Oakland charter schools was arrested Thursday in North Carolina and charged with fraud, federal prosecutors said.

Benford Ben Chavis, 59, who ran the American Indian Model Schools in Oakland, faces six felony counts of mail fraud and money laundering, according to the U.S. attorneys office in San Francisco.

Chavis allegedly applied for and received more than $1 million in federal grant funding from 2006 to 2012 that he said would be used for the charter schools. The money was instead used for lease payments on properties Chavis owned, according to a grand jury indictment.

Chavis faces up to 20 years in prison for each of the three counts of mail fraud and 10 years for each count of money laundering, federal officials said. The Lumberton, N.C., resident was released on personal recognizance bond and ordered to appear in federal court in Oakland by April 14.

Chavis had been under investigation since at least 2013, when FBI and Internal Revenue Service agents raided his Oakland home and the three schools, seizing computers, documents and other records.

The Oakland school board voted earlier that year to close the charter schools over concerns of financial impropriety. A 2012 California audit uncovered $3.8 million in allegedly improper payments to Chavis and his wife through real estate deals they struck when they operated the charter schools.

The schools challenged the decision in court and staved off closure. They are still open, under new leadership.

Chavis maintained his innocence after the federal raid and defended the charter schools.

If you didnt do anything, why be upset? he said at the time. If I stole money, I need to be put in jail, but the schools need to stay open. Chavis could not be reached for comment Thursday.

The announcement of his arrest surprised local school leaders.

It affirms for me that the decision we made to revoke the charter was absolutely the right decision, said school board member Jody London.

Chavis was a controversial figure at the American Indian charter schools, known for using foul language, enforcing rigid rules and meting out harsh discipline.

Students were often publicly humiliated and forced to attend Saturday school and detention. Chavis drew both national scorn and praise for his tactics. The schools, which at the time enrolled predominantly Asian American students, had among the highest test scores in the state.

Chavis no longer has any official association with the organization, although his children still attend the schools, said Maya Woods-Cadiz, superintendent of the American Indian Model Schools.

Our board years ago put out a statement that did not allow any of us to have contact other than that as a parent, she said. Chavis arrest, she said, doesnt affect American Indian Model Schools because were not connected to him.

Chronicle staff writer Michael Bodley contributed to this report.

Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jilltucker
A man trying to pass a tractor trailer at the start of the Dumbarton Bridge in Fremont died after his car flipped over the guardrail and went down an embankment just before the bay, police said.

The driver, who was not immediately identified, was pronounced dead at the scene around 11:45 a.m., according to the California Highway Patrols Hayward division.
A Richmond police sergeants nose was broken Wednesday night when he was attacked and punched in the face by an intoxicated man he was attempting to help get out of the middle of a busy street, officials said.

Sgt. Don Nelson was driving in the 700 block of 23rd Street, an area filled with liquor and grocery stores, when he spotted the man about 10:15 p.m. standing in the middle of the street and drivers swerving to avoid him, police said.
Two Sisters Bar in Hayes Valley, the neighborhood literature and cocktail outfit that opened in 2011 to much love and acclaim, is closing its doors.

The bar's liquor license is being transferred, according to Tablehopper, and once the process is complete, the owners will post a 30-day notice before closing shop.
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Thrift Town, an institution in San Francisco's Mission District since 1972, closed Wednesday evening to the surprise of many local residents.

"We have proudly been a part of the San Francisco community since 1972, and are grateful for each and every customer who has shopped our fabulous two-story, iconic Thrift Town store located in the heart of The Mission District," read a notice by store owners Norquist Salvage Corp., posted on the 2101 Mission St. storefront.

Local blog MissionMission first reported rumors of Thrift Town's closing on Tuesday night, which were confirmed the following day.

Norquist cited a "drastically" changing retail landscape as the reason for closure, adding that despite a rent reduction from the building owners, "insufficient sales and increasing external costs made Thrift Town's situation unsustainable."

Longtime Mission resident Gerard Koskovich happened to be shopping for books upstairs when the closing announcement came at 4:15 p.m. from Jeff Norquist, the store founder's son.

Norquist, flanked by his sister Wendy, made a heartfelt statement about the store's history and its reasons for closing. He then asked customers to bring their items to the checkout immediately.

Fewer than 20 people were in the store at the time, but many came forward to share stories of what Thrift Town meant to them.

Koskovich, an LGBTQ historian and rare book dealer, said Thrift Town acted as a meeting place for the diverse community of the Mission. The closing of Thrift Town, he said, is "a terrible, terrible loss."

"It's been a nonstop parade of funerals for these kinds of businesses here," he said. "Twenty years ago, we came here to make culture, not money. The culture is still living in some places, but it's on life support."

Thrift Town, he stressed, plays an important, if unsung, role in San Francisco's history, especially for marginalized communities.

Marc Huestis, an award-winning filmmaker and former member of historic theater group Angels of Light, said the loss of Thrift Town left him "heartbroken."

"Thrift Town was our go-to place for everything," he said. "It was really an important place for drag queens to get their drag and even clothes for day-to-day life."

Huestis, who co-founded the SF Frameline LGBT Film Festival, featured Thrift Town in a scene in his 1982 film "Whatever Happened to Susan Jane?" He explained that the store closing is emblematic of the "constant fighting we must do just to stay alive."

Thrift Town owns an additional five locations in California, including two stores in the East Bay, all of which will remain open. Current employees will be encouraged to apply for positions at other locations.

Read Michelle Robertsons latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.
Toward the end of Hirokazu Kore-edas latest complex family drama, After the Storm, an aging matriarch muses, I wonder why it is that men cant love the present. Either they just keep chasing whatever it is theyve lost, or they keep dreaming beyond their reach.

How can you enjoy life if you keep doing that?

She is speaking not only of her husband, who has recently died, the wreckage of his life still affecting those he left behind, but also of her son, who once was a novelist with a wife and son but has lost it all to apparently a midlife crisis that even he cant identify.

Unlike the completely winning Our Little Sister from last year, Kore-edas latest effort is decidedly more downbeat, his characters more inscrutable and his pacing more languid, even by Kore-edas usual standards. Its an interesting, at times absorbing, and quietly unsettling film.

Ryoto (Hiroshi Abe) has lost his mojo. Fifteen years earlier, his novel won a prestigious award, but he has yet to follow up on that success. He is divorced from Kyoko (Yoko Maki) and is behind on his child support  he is limited by the divorce settlement to visiting his son Shingo (Taiyo Yoshizawa) once a month.

He is also broke  probably because of the cost of the divorce and his gambling habit. With no follow-up novel in the works, he has taken a job with a private detective agency. As he gets the goods on his clients cheating significant others, he also examines his only life, which he is gradually realizing is a failure.

Im the great talents bloom late kind, Ryoto tells his mother, Yashiko (Kirin Kiki, who is excellent).

Not buying it for a second, Mom responds, Youre taking too long to bloom.

Unable to move on, Ryoto uses his private eye skills to spy on his ex-wife and her new boyfriend, who seems to be everything he is not  and a nice guy to boot. What could be a creepy sort of plot twist is, in Kore-edas hands, more of a sad desperation.

As with many of Kore-edas best films  Maborosi and Still Walking, among others  After the Storm has what the Japanese call mono no aware, which translates as the pathos of things. It is a film that is aware of the transient, impermanent nature of life.

How did life turn out this way? is a line spoken by several of the characters in the film.

Kore-edas advice? Time to turn the page and move on.

G. Allen Johnson is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ajohnson@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BRfilmsAllen

After the Storm

Drama. Starring Hiroshi Abe and Yoko Maki. Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda. In Japanese with subtitles. (Not rated. 117 minutes.)

To see a trailer: https://youtu.be/MISbcZZvSPI
In the opening moments of The Zookeepers Wife, director Niki Caro introduces us to a pocket paradise of every glorious form of creation  animals of every size and description  overseen by a team of benevolent human beings. This is a zoo, but an idyllic zoo. And then the subtitle is flashed onto the screen, Warsaw, 1939, and a feeling of dread settles in.

It is a difficult thing to make an audience feel the awfulness and terror of World War II as if it were something new. Though the war was and remains the greatest calamity ever to befall the planet, it has been the subject of too many movies, good and bad. Yet The Zookeepers Wife grabs us from its first seconds. Here is life, at its most splendid and miraculous. And here, on the other side, are the enemies of life.

This sense of the situation is emphasized in one of the first scenes, when Jessica Chastain, as the title character, hurries away from a fancy reception and assists in the birth of an elephant. Apparently, theres some sort of problem. The mother elephant needs help, and the father elephant is hovering and getting aggressive. But the zookeepers wife calms the father elephant and helps out the mother. In the process, she wrecks her evening gown and establishes herself as a great woman in the eyes of the audience.

The Zookeepers Wife is based on the nonfiction book of the same name by Diane Ackerman, which tells the story of Jan and Antonina Zabinski. The Zabinskis owned and ran the Warsaw zoo and, after the German invasion, used it as a transit point and refuge for Jews escaping the Warsaw ghetto. Just watching their story for two hours is a stressful experience. Imagine living with the real-life tension, every minute and for years on end.

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This is a film that gives you brand-new reasons to hate the Nazis, as if there could ever be enough. When the invasion comes, an invasion that everyone expects and dreads, its a calamity for the animals. Caro conveys the terror of the bombing by filming them from above, starting in panic as explosions are heard on the soundtrack. Soon kangaroos and llamas are running down city streets, in terror. Just to see something like that is to feel sick and want to apologize for the whole human species.

But then, there are people like the Zabinskis to show that human beings are capable of profound goodness. For Chastain, Antonina is an ideal vehicle that crystallizes what she has been bringing to the screen since Zero Dark Thirty  portraits of strength and heroism. There was the angry version (Miss Sloane), the flawed version (A Most Violent Year), the parody version (The Huntsman: Winters War), and the horror movie version (Mama), but the heroism is the same. With Chastain, we believe that shed do the difficult thing, but we also feel that it costs her everything she has.

For Antonina, Chastain adopts the obligatory Polish accent that movies insist on (even though people dont speak with accents in their own language), but she also alters her mannerisms, so that she seems Eastern European. Most of her scenes are played opposite Johan Heldenbergh, as her husband, Jan; and Heldenbergh is a remarkable presence. A Flemish actor seemingly incapable of a false moment, Heldenbergh has an essence that suggests a combination of irascibility and decency. Jan does the right thing not because hes a saint, but because he cant stop being angry.

Jan is contrasted with Lutz Heck, a German naturalist who is also a Nazi officer. Hes played by Daniel Bruhl, who was the German sniper in Inglourious Basterds, and as in the Tarantino film, Bruhl strikes an unsettling balance. Theres some humanity inside him, but the Nazi within looms large, and its impossible to know which side of his nature will dominate.

Director Caro has talked about The Zookeepers Wife as a womans take on World War II. Not just directed by a woman, it stars a woman and was written by a woman (Angela Workman) based on another womans book. To ascribe the movies virtues to the gender of the filmmakers would be to minimize their individual achievements, but there are touches throughout that are not the usual thing. These range from the sensitive, even empathetic, filming of the animals to tiny moments, such as the sight of a man picking his eyeglasses up off the ground as German soldiers hustle him off.

The Zookeepers Wife achieves its grandeur not through the depiction of grand movements, but through its attentiveness to the shifts and flickers of the soul. The war was a great external event, but Caro reminds us that it was experienced internally, by the people and the animals who had to try to live through it.

Mick LaSalle is The San Francisco Chronicles movie critic. Email: mlasalle@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MickLaSalle

The Zookeepers Wife

Drama. Starring Jessica Chastain, Johan Heldenbergh and Daniel Bruhl. Directed by Niki Caro. (PG-13. 124 minutes.)

To see a trailer: https://tinyurl.com/lrk5h5g
Many Cups of Chai Films

Youll have a hard time finding a more timely feature than For Here or to Go?, which uses a fictional story about the visa struggles of an Indian software engineer to dramatize immigration issues. Set in Silicon Valley during the 2008 recession, the film also takes a sometimes comic look at broader questions of assimilation involving young Indian workers in America.

Vivek (Ali Fazal) is a capable software engineer who yearns to leave the Bay Area corporation where he works to join a health care startup. Theres a job waiting for him, but it evaporates when it becomes clear that his visa will expire in less than a year. One of his colleagues, who later will become his roommate, laments that hes been stuck in his job for five years: Because of technicalities involving his green card, he is afraid to change companies.
1 Trial in limbo: Special prosecutors appointed to put Texas attorney general on trial are threatening to quit if they dont get paid. Republican Ken Paxton was back in a suburban Dallas courtroom Wednesday. Hes charged with felony securities fraud over allegations of duping wealthy investors in a tech startup before becoming Texas top prosecutor. He has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, Paxton faces five to 99 years in prison. The trial is set to begin in May. But two appointed special prosecutors say theyre owed more than $200,000 and shouldnt have to work for free. A judge has tied up their invoices after a Paxton supporter filed a lawsuit claiming the case is costing taxpayers too much money. Legal experts say theyve never seen a case jeopardized like this.

2 New MS drug: U.S. regulators approved the first drug for an aggressive kind of multiple sclerosis that steadily reduces coordination and the ability to walk. The Food and Drug Administration approved Ocrevus late Tuesday after a large study found it slowed progression of the neurological disease and reduced symptoms. While there are more than a dozen treatments for the most common form of MS, theres been nothing specifically for people with the type called primary progressive MS. That type of MS is relatively rare, affecting about 50,000 Americans. The drug was also approved for relapsing forms of MS, which progress more slowly.
J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press

WASHINGTON  President Trump effectively declared war Thursday on the House Freedom Caucus, the powerful group of hard-line conservative Republicans who blocked the health care bill, vowing to fight them in the 2018 midterm elections.

In a morning tweet, Trump warned that the Freedom Caucus would hurt the entire Republican agenda if they dont get on the team, & fast. He grouped its members, all of them Republican, with Democrats in calling for their political defeat  an extraordinary incitement of intraparty combat from a sitting president.
HONOLULU  A federal judge in Hawaii questioned a government attorney Wednesday who urged him to narrow his order blocking President Trumps travel ban after arguing that a freeze on the nations refugee program had no effect on the state.

U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson heard arguments on whether to extend his temporary order until Hawaiis lawsuit works its way through the courts. He said he would issue a written ruling by days end.

Hawaii says the policy discriminates against Muslims and hurts the states economy. The implied message in the revised ban is like a neon sign flashing Muslim Ban, Muslim Ban that the government didnt bother to turn off, state Attorney General Douglas Chin told the judge.

The government says the ban falls within the presidents power to protect national security. Hawaii has only made generalized concerns about its effect on students and tourism, Department of Justice attorney Chad Readler said Wednesday.

Readler asked Watson to be guided by narrower rulings blocking only the part of Trumps executive order that suspends new visas for people from six Muslim-majority countries.

Watson said the government only argued for the narrower interpretation after a federal judge in Maryland blocked the six-nation travel ban but not the suspension of the refugee program.

That judge said it wasnt clear that the refugee freeze was similarly motivated by religious bias.

Watson noted that the government said 20 refugees were resettled in Hawaii since 2010.

Is this a mathematical exercise that 20 isnt enough? ... What do I make of that? the judge asked Readler.

Constitutional harm exists regardless of the number of people affected or for how long, Hawaiis attorney general said.

In his arguments, Chin quoted Trumps comments that the revised travel ban is a watered down version of the original.

We cannot fault the president for being politically incorrect, but we do fault him for being constitutionally incorrect, Chin said.

Jennifer Sinco Kelleher are Associated Press writers.
The audience that greeted the country's top immigration law enforcement official and the Sacramento County sheriff was not forgiving.

The two men went in front of a hostile crowd to try to explain the role of federal and local officials in the enforcement of immigration laws. But in response, the attendees booed, interrupted and screamed.

In the audience, however, one person was applauded: Bernard Marks, a Holocaust survivor.

"You stand up here, Mr. Jones, don't forget," Marks told Sheriff Scott Jones, whom a pro-immigrant group has accused of helping federal officials in deporting "families and loved ones." "History is not on your side."

Jones, along with Thomas Homan, acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, hosted a public forum on immigration in Sacramento on Tuesday to dispel what the sheriff said was misinformation about deportations and the role of local and federal law enforcers. Immigration advocates showed up to protest. Six people wore white T-shirts with a big letter painted on each of them. When they assembled in one line, their T-shirts read "ICE OUT."

Some, including Marks, stood behind a microphone at the forum to condemn President Trump and his hard-line immigration policies. Marks spoke about his childhood in Europe during World War II.

"When I was a little boy in Poland, for no other reason but for being Jewish, I was hauled up by the Nazis. And for no other reason, I was picked up and separated from my family, who was exterminated in Auschwitz," Marks said. The Sacramento resident said he spent more than five years in concentration camps in Auschwitz and Dachau "for one reason and one reason only," Marks said, "because we picked on people."

Marks, who was applauded for several seconds, was 8 when he and his Jewish family were sent from their home in Poland to one of the Nazi concentration camps. After learning that children under the age of 10 were being sent to gas chambers, Marks' father changed his son's year of birth to make him appear older, Marks, now in his 80s, told CCTV in 2015.

In the TV interview, Marks recalled: "At Auschwitz, I was working, building a road. Sometimes we would take stones from one side, in the heat, and carry them to the other side. And then some people would take it from this side to put back over there."

It was, Marks said, "another way to exterminate you, because they used the word 'arbeit macht frei' - 'work makes you free.' Actually, that was not the case. They should have used 'work will exterminate you.' Instead of putting you into the gas chamber, they just worked you to death without giving you any food."

Marks and his father, who were among the five in his family to survive, moved to the United States after they were freed from the camps.

At the forum Tuesday, Marks also slammed federal immigration agents for arresting people at courthouses. Earlier this month, California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye wrote a letter criticizing federal immigration agents for using courthouses as "bait," a place for "stalking" immigrants who "pose no risk to public safety."

Homan responded that his agents don't go to courthouses to look for victims or witnesses. "We go to courthouses for someone who's been convicted of a crime," he said, adding that immigration agents will continue to do that.

Throughout the rest of the forum, which lasted more than an hour, the crowd made it clear that it was not receptive to what Jones and Homan had to say. Some people were asked to leave for being too disruptive. At least two men were escorted out by officers, one of whom had to be carried.

Jones, a Republican who lost a congressional bid last November, said the sheriff's department does not arrest people over their immigration status. "We never ask someone's immigration status. We never ask for proof of residency or documentation or legal status," he said. "My primary concern as a law enforcement executive . . . is ensuring that folks in our community have the comfort and confidence to call law enforcement if they need help, and know that they won't be scrutinized because of their status, legal or otherwise."

Homan emphasized repeatedly that his agency's role is to enforce the law. If immigrants "are in the country illegally, plus they committed a crime, I'm going to arrest that person and my officer is going to arrest that person," he said.

Immigration agents don't just descend on neighborhoods to conduct random sweeps, Homan said, adding that officers make arrests only when they know who and where their targets are.

"We don't arrest people on school grounds. We don't arrest people in churches. We don't arrest people in hospitals," Homan said. "We go to a specific location looking for a specific individual."

Last year, Homan received the government's highest civil service award for federal leaders, The Washington Post's Lisa Rein reported. He had led operations in 2015 that set records for the number of deported undocumented immigrants with a criminal history.

As he spoke at the forum, Homan had to pause several times because of boos and interruptions from the crowd.

"I've been doing this for 34 years. I understand immigration enforcement is a very emotional topic. I get that," he told the crowd. "I have a very tough job, and the 20,000 men and women who work for me have a tough job. It's not an easy job."

He added that immigration enforcement officials do not arrest immigrants who are in the country legally under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, unless they've committed a crime. The Obama-era policy gives immigrants who were brought to the country illegally as minors a renewable, two-year reprieve in which they won't be deported and will be eligible to work.

Yet a federal lawsuit filed recently accuses immigration authorities of illegally arresting and threatening to deport a 23-year-old DACA recipient, The Post's Derek Hawkins reported. Daniel Ramirez Medina was arrested by ICE agents in Seattle and was moved to a facility in Tacoma, Wash., despite having committed no crime, according to the habeas corpus petition.

At the forum, Homan tried to alleviate fears that have swept through several communities. In Las Cruces, N.M., for instance, some students have stopped attending classes because parents fear they'll be arrested as they drop their kids off at school, the New Yorker reported.

"Folks, I'm trying to set the record straight," Homan said. "I don't want children not going to school. I don't want people not going to their doctor. I don't want people not going to church."

Since Trump's Jan. 25 executive order to crack down on the millions of illegal immigrants in this country, enforcement agents have arrested hundreds of people in several states. Although the agents have arrested known criminals, they have also targeted those with minor convictions or no offenses, The Post reported.

Jones, who supported Trump, said California has become a "de facto sanctuary state" because several jurisdictions have declined federal requests to hold arrestees in jail because of their immigration status.

"By ICE's own numbers, 95 percent of the people they used to arrest, that they've already identified, that they want to take custody of, are getting out of jail before they can get to them," Jones told Fox 40. "And that's scary, because they're criminals. They've demonstrated a propensity for criminal behavior."

This week, Attorney General Jeff Sessions threatened to strip some "sanctuary cities" of federal grants. Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg has promised that California's capital will remain a "sanctuary city," the Sacramento Bee reported.
The second-ranking politician in California is calling out the No. 2 official in the federal government for "astounding" hypocrisy after a United States Senate vote on Planned Parenthood funding.

California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom sounded off on Facebook after Republican legislation letting states deny federal family planning money to Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers squeezed narrowly through the Senate on Thursday. The legislation was rescued by an ailing GOP senator who returned to the Capitol after back surgery and a tie-breaking vote by Vice President Mike Pence.

In Congress' latest clash mixing the politics of abortion, women's health, and states' rights, Pence cast the decisive vote in a 51-50 roll call. The tally had been tied after two GOP senators, Alaska's Lisa Murkowski and Maine's Susan Collins, joined Democrats opposing the measure.

"Yesterday: Pence led a forum on empowering women," Newsom wrote on Facebook. "Today: Pence led a group of males in a vote to strip access to birth control & cancer screenings. The hypocrisy is astounding."

On Wednesday, Pence and President Donald Trump spoke at a White House panel on empowering women. Earlier this week, Pence was awarded a "Working for Women" honor by The Independent Women's Forum. The award drew harsh criticism from the ACLU and other progressive organizations.

"I must say I find it somewhat ironic that he would be winning the 'Working for Women' award when basically he has spent his career in politics working against women, not for women," Lenora Lapidus, director of the Women's Rights Project for the American Civil Liberties Union, told The Washington Post.

Thursday's Senate approval sent the legislation to President Donald Trump, who was expected to sign it. The House voted its consent last month.

The bill erases a regulation imposed by former President Barack Obama shortly before he left office that lets states deny family planning funds to organizations only if they are incapable of providing those services. Some states have passed laws in recent years denying the money to groups that provide abortions.

Passage gives Republicans and anti-abortion groups a needed victory just six days after the party's highly touted health care overhaul disintegrated in the House due to GOP divisions. Besides erasing much of Obama's 2010 health care law, the failed House bill would have blocked federal funds for Planned Parenthood for a year.

There is already a ban on using federal funds for abortion except for rare instances.

Democrats assailed the legislation as an attack on women, two months after Trump's inauguration prompted a women's march on Washington that mushroomed into anti-Trump demonstrations around the nation.

"While Trumpcare was dealt a significant blow last week, it is clear that the terrible ideas that underpin it live on with Republicans in Congress," said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., using a nickname for the failed House health care bill. Murray, among a stream of Democratic women senators who spoke, called the Senate measure "shameful" and "dangerous."

Republicans said the measure would give states more freedom to decide how to spend family planning funds. States would be free to divert money now going to groups that provide abortion to other organizations that don't, like community health centers.

"It substituted Washington's judgment for the needs of real people," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said of Obama's rule.

With Republicans holding 52-48 control of the Senate, the Collins and Murkowski defections could have derailed the bill because Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., has been absent since Feb. 20, when he had spinal surgery.

He had a second operation March 15 and has been recuperating in Georgia under doctor's orders. But he got permission to return to Washington for one day, his office said, and he did so using a walker.

"We didn't know at the time what it would be but it turned out to be the vice president's tie-breaker," Isakson told reporters after an earlier procedural vote.

The federal family planning program was created 1970 and in 2015 served 4 million clients at nearly 4,000 clinics. Most of the money is for providing services like contraceptives, family planning counseling, breast and cervical cancer screening and sexually transmitted disease prevention. It has a $286 million federal budget this year.

Most recipients are women, and two-thirds have incomes at or below the federal poverty level, around $12,000 for an individual. Six in 10 say the program's services are their only or most frequent source of health care.

Dawn Laguens, executive vice president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, mocked Pence.

"Mike Pence went from yesterday's forum on empowering women to today leading a group of male politicians in a vote to take away access to birth control and cancer screenings," she said.

The Congressional Review Act has lets lawmakers undo regulations enacted in the last months of the Obama administration with a majority vote. Congress has already used the law to eliminate Obama regulations that strengthened protections for streams near coal-mining operations and prevented some people with mental disorders from gun purchases.

Under the Constitution, the vice president casts tie breaking votes. Pence broke his first tie on the nomination of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.
Emilie Raguso/Berkeleyside

Tuesday night, the Berkeley City Council became the third, and largest, Bay Area city to call for the impeachment of President Donald Trump.

"Every day there's a new ethical problem that warrants impeachment," said Mayor Jesse Arreguin, who co-sponsored the resolution, with Councilwoman Sophie Hahn, calling for the federal investigation into Trump. Council members Ben Bartlett and Cheryl Davila asked to be added as co-sponsors during Tuesday night's meeting.
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While President Trump campaigned on boosting industry and creating jobs, he probably didn't have the T-shirt industry in mind, but the number of political T-shirts for sale has exploded since he took office, and it's becoming a war of wardrobe words between the right and the left.

As San Francisco Chronicle fashion critic Tony Bravo explains in his full-length story, there hasn't been an explosion in progressive T-shirt trends like this since the activism of the 80s.

READ: T-shirts are the medium for progressive messages

But, Bravo explains liberals and conservatives are equally up in 100% cotton short-sleeve arms.

Bravo writes, "It's not just progressive messages on T-shirts making news. In the fall, a photo tweeted by Reuters of a man wearing a shirt that read "Rope. Tree. Journalist. Some assembly required," created enough outcry that online T-shirt design shops Zazzle and Teespring pulled them from their website. In January, mall retailer Spencer's Gifts pulled four pro-Trump message shirts from brick and mortar locations and online that read, "Team Trump," "Trump '16: Finally Someone With Balls," "Deal With It" and "Grab America By the P" after a social media backlash. Musician Kid Rock is also selling three pro-Trump shirts on his website, including a shirt that labels blue states "Dumbf-istan."

SFGATE reported earlier this week on an anti-media T-shirt, said to be for sale at Trump Tower, reading "Shut the Fake Up Media."

See the gallery of pro- and anti-Trump t-shirts above, and share your own thoughts in the comments and on Facebook.

What would your T-shirt say?

Many of the shirts in the gallery above involve the media, and the media is also selling its own shirts.

The LA Times launched a "Free Speech Collection" in its online store, including a multiple language shirt that says "We Will Not Shut Up." This came after President Trump tweeted his thoughts that the "media" is "the enemy of the American People!" and after strategist Stephen Bannon said the media should "keep its mouth shut."

While the president has called journalists "the opposition party," the media is attempting to remain objective in coverage, while fighting back in both editorial content and sartorial products.
The big event in Germany this year is the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. The Reformation began in 1517 when Martin Luther, a priest and professor of theology, wrote and published his 95 theses, questioning the corrupt ways of the Catholic Church. Throughout Germany, visitors will find events and exhibits honoring this anniversary, highlighted by three special exhibitions that will be on display from April until November in three visit-worthy cities.

In Berlin, the Luther Effect exhibit, presented by the German History Museum and on display at the Martin-Gropius-Bau exhibition space, will examine the global effect of the Reformation, including in the United States. At the Lutherhaus museum in Wittenberg, where he lived and preached, the exhibit will focus on the early days of Luther and the Reformation, highlighted by some of his writing and his personal Bible with handwritten notes. The third exhibit, covering Luthers effect on five centuries of German culture and history, will be at Wartburg Castle in Eisenach, where Luther hid for 10 months after refusing to disavow his statements. He spent that time translating the New Testament from the original Greek into German, thereby bringing the Bible to the masses. And, throughout 2017, my one-hour Rick Steves Luther and the Reformation special will air on public television throughout the US.

Outside of the many Luther commemorations, visitors will also find a number of German cities and sights in the midst of redevelopment and renovation projects. In Munich, a futuristic overhaul of the main train station is set to start this year. Major renovations are also taking place at the main branch of the Deutsches Museum, Germanys version of the Smithsonian; during this time, a number of exhibits will be tucked away out of sight.

Better late than never, Hamburgs striking (and strikingly over budget) Elbphilharmonie, the centerpiece of its HafenCity harbor redevelopment, has finally been completed and is open to visitors. The building houses a concert hall, viewing plaza and hotel. Visitors can ride a 270-foot-long escalator called the Tube to the plaza level, which features an outdoor promenade and grand harbor views.

In Frankfurt, the Museum Judengasse, located at the citys Holocaust Memorial, has reopened and now covers Jewish history in the city before 1800. (When the Jewish Museum near the river reopens in 2018, it will cover the period from 1800 to the present.)

At Frederick the Greats New Palace in Potsdam, two showstopper rooms have reopened after an extensive renovation: the Marble Hall, with its dramatic 52-foot high ceiling, and the Grotto Hall, featuring marble walls encrusted with thousands of seashells, semiprecious stones and fossils. The observation tower and platform at another palace building  the Italian-style Orangery  is closed for renovation until 2018.

Meanwhile, in neighboring Austria and Czech Republic, the capital cities of Vienna and Prague continue to modernize and evolve.

Viennas impressive new Hauptbahnhof (main train station) is now the hub of most train departures and offers plenty of ways to kill time in its many shops and restaurants. For sightseers, the new Vienna Pass, available for one, two, or three days, covers entry to the top 60 sights in the city. Even if planning to visit just a fraction of those sights, the pass can be worthwhile for its line-skipping privileges and unlimited access to Vienna Sightseeings hop-on, hop-off tour buses.

Karlsplatz, a long-neglected square kist southeast of Viennas Ringstrasse, is now more inviting thanks to a new playground, skateboard park, open-air summer cinema, cocktail bar (in what looks like a shipping container), and a pond meant to lend the square a beachy vibe, with music festivals hosted on a lake stage. Also scheduled for improvement is the fascinating Wien Museum Karlsplatz, which covers the citys history, but will close for several years starting in 2018 as it awaits a new building on the same site.

The big news in Prague is the absence of Alfons Muchas Slav Epic masterpiece. This series of 20 giant canvases, depicting the story of the Slavic people, is booked on a world tour for about two years. It has not been determined where it will be displayed upon its return to the Czech Republic.

In this region, so rich in history, to get the most out of your travels, youll want to be sure to bone up in advance on the great events being remembered and take full advantage of some of the best infrastructure for travel anywhere in Europe.

Rick Steves writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television. E-mail: rick@ricksteves.com.
KABUL  Afghanistans first  and only  all-female symphony is trying to change attitudes in a deeply conservative country where many see music as immoral, especially for women.

The symphonys two conductors show how difficult that can be, but also how satisfying success is.

One of them, Negin Khpolwak, was supported by her father when she joined the Afghanistan National Institute of Music and then became part of its girls orchestra, called Zohra. But the rest of her family was deeply against it. Her uncles cut off ties with her father.

They told him he is not their brother anymore, said Khpolwak, now 20. Even my grandmother disowned my father.

Khwolpak had learned about the music institute at the orphanage in Kabul where she spent most of her life. Her father sent her to the orphanage because he was afraid for her safety in their home province of Kunar in eastern Afghanistan, an area where Taliban militants are active.

The institute is one of the only schools in Afghanistan where girls and boys share classrooms, and it draws its students from the ranks of orphanages and street children, giving them a chance at a new life.

More than 30 girls aged 12 to 20 play in Zohra, which is named after a goddess of music in Persian literature. In January, the orchestra, which performs traditional Afghan and Western Classical music, had its first international tour, appearing at the World Economic Forum in Davos and four other cities in Switzerland and Germany.

The orchestras other conductor, 18-year-old Zarifa Adiba, also faced resistance from her family.

Their opposition was so intense that she hesitated to travel to Davos.

Now she has the support of most of her family.

I changed my family, now it is time for other girls to change their families, because I am sure that slowly all Afghanistan will change, she said.

Karim Sharifi and Rahim Faiez are Associated Press writers.
BAGHDAD  As the fight for the Iraqi city of Mosul drags on, many might ask: Why has it taken the combined militaries of the United States and Iraq backed by an international coalition more than two years to dislodge a relatively small force of militants lacking heavy weaponry?

Donald Trump raised the question during his campaign, promising to turn up the heat against the Islamic State if he became president. Now the growing controversy over the high number of civilian casualties believed caused by recent U.S. air strikes has touched on a major part of the answer: The militants are mingled among tens of thousands of civilians in Mosul and are willing to take the population down with them.

Inevitably, the more force brought to bear to crush the fighters, the greater the danger that civilians will be killed.

To avoid that, strikes must be more surgical and more cautiously used, and the battle turns to street-by-street fighting where the technological edge is often neutralized. Minimizing civilian deaths is more than just a humanitarian concern: Heavy bloodshed can fuel public resentments that push some to join militant groups.

Another factor is whether the extremists have support from at least part of the population. Its even further complicated if they can claim to be fighting for national liberation  as, for example, with the Hamas group in its battles with Israel in Gaza. In Iraq and Syria, the Islamic State clearly holds the population hostage in many cases, but it also seeks to sway some support by claiming to defend Sunnis against a mostly Shiite force from Baghdad.

After a March 17 explosion that residents say killed at least 100 people in Mosul, the U.S. military acknowledged an air strike was involved. But the top commander of U.S. forces in Iraq said investigations may reveal a more complicated explanation, including the possibility that militants rigged the building with explosives after forcing civilians inside.

Army Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend said recent civilian casualties in Mosul were fairly predictable given the densely populated urban neighborhoods the Islamic State fighters are defending against Iraqi troops.

Over the past 2 years, Iraqi forces backed by U.S. special forces and coalition air strikes have managed to push Islamic State out of most of the territory they overran in the summer of 2014  retaking three major cities and numerous smaller communities. The fight for Mosul, begun in mid-October, has been the longest battle yet.

With each fight, the Islamic State has adapted its use of civilians as human shields, creating increasingly deadly battlefields.

In Tikrit and Sinjar, Islamic State let the population flee early on, allowing Iraqi and coalition forces to liberally use air strikes and artillery to retake the areas by the autumn of 2015.

Islamic State then tightened its grip on other cities and towns.

Dan Perry and Susannah George are Associated Press writers.
1 Prison riot: State officials say inmates rioted at a psychiatric block in a prison in northern Mexico, broke into a prison pharmacy and took drugs that caused the deaths of two of them. Thirteen more were injured in Tuesdays riot, including one guard. The complex chain of events at the prison in Cadereyta, in Nuevo Leon state, started earlier this week when inmates protested a new program to inspect visitors with a type of X-ray machine to prevent contraband being smuggled into the facility.

2 Malaria outbreak: The United Nations says a malaria outbreak has killed more than 4,000 people in Burundi so far this year. The figure is a significant rise over the 700 victims cited on March 13 by the countrys health minister. The U.N. humanitarian office said Wednesday that there have been more than 9 million cases of malaria in the East African nation since January 2016. Burundi has a population of about 11 million. The outbreak is the latest crisis for Burundi, which has been racked by deadly political violence since 2015 and food shortages.
WASHINGTON  President Trump has relaxed some of the rules for preventing civilian casualties when the U.S. military carries out counterterrorism strikes in Somalia, laying the groundwork for an escalating campaign against Islamist militants in the Horn of Africa.

The decision, according to officials familiar with internal deliberations, gives commanders at the U.S. Africa Command greater latitude to carry out offensive air strikes and raids by ground troops against militants with the al Qaeda-linked Islamist group al-Shabab. That sets the stage for an intensified pace of combat there, while increasing the risk that U.S. forces could kill civilians.

Trump on Wednesday signed a directive declaring parts of Somalia an area of active hostilities, where war-zone targeting rules will apply for at least 180 days, the officials said.

The New York Times had reported the Pentagons request for the expanded targeting authority on March 12. The Trump administration had no immediate comment about the rules change, but Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, the top officer at Africa Command, had publicly acknowledged he was seeking it at a news conference on March 24.

Its very important and very helpful for us to have little more flexibility, a little bit more timeliness, in terms of decision-making process, Waldhauser said. It allows us to prosecute targets in a more rapid fashion.

Previously, to carry out an air strike or ground raid in Somalia, the military was generally required to follow standards that former President Barack Obama imposed in 2013 for counterterrorism strikes away from conventional war zones, like those in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Those rules, known as the Presidential Policy Guidance, required high-level, interagency vetting of proposed strikes. They also said the target must pose a threat to Americans and that there must be near-certainty that no civilian bystanders would die.

Under the new guidelines, Africa Command may treat Somalia under less-restrictive battlefield rules: Without interagency vetting, commanders may strike suspected al-Shabab fighters based only on their status as suspected members of the group, without any reason to think that the individual target poses a threat to Americans.

In addition, some civilian bystander deaths would be permitted if deemed necessary and proportionate. Trumps decision to exempt much of Somalia from the 2013 rules follows a similar decision he made for parts of Yemen shortly after taking office.

The new directive for Somalia is another example of how the U.S. military is accelerating the ways it carries out combat missions under the Trump administration, reducing constraints on the use of force imposed by the Obama administration.

Charlie Savage and Eric Schmitt are New York Times writers.
ANKARA, Turkey  The United States and Turkey struggled Thursday to resolve a deep dispute over the Kurdish role in the fight against the Islamic State, but appeared no closer to a resolution as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson wrapped up his first trip to Turkey.

As the U.S. prepares an operation to retake the de facto Islamic State capital of Raqqa, Syria, the U.S. and Turkey are deadlocked over who should do the fighting. Turkey wants the U.S. to partner with its military and with Turkish-backed forces in Syria, but the U.S. has been backing Syrian Kurdish fighters who have proven the most effective ground force against Islamic State.
Retirement village operator Oceania Healthcare is planning to raise $200 million in a much-anticipated initial public offering in order to cut its debt and potentially buy new development sites, and will list on the NZX and ASX.

In a statement, the company said it will issue up to 263.2 million new shares, with an indicative price range of 76 cents to $1.04 apiece, valuing the company at between $472 million and $571 million.

"Proceeds from this offer will assist Oceania Healthcare by providing additional financial flexibility to accelerate its substantial development programme through the reduction of debt, and also providing flexibility to acquire further suitable development sites as opportunities arise," the company said.

There has been talk of an Oceania IPO since 2014, when it was on track for an offer in early 2015, though that didn't eventuate and chief executive Earl Gasparich said the company would wait until at least 2017 to recapitalise. The Australian Financial Review's Street Talk column reported earlier this month that the company was pitching itself to Australian fund managers ahead of a planned ASX listing and IPO.

Oceania is indirectly owned by Macquarie Group through Macquarie Infrastructure & Real Assets, which is not selling any shares into the offer. The bookbuild will take place on April 11 and 12, and the company expects to start trading on the NZX and ASX on May 5, it said.

The company, which was formed through the merger of ElderCare and QualCare in 2008, runs 48 facilities in New Zealand, with 3,950 care beds, suites and units. It has 1,674 new residences in the pipeline with about 1,000 consented or under construction, mainly at its Lady Allum rest home site on Auckland's North Shore, as well as in Tauranga, Hamilton, Nelson and Christchurch.

Oceania's portfolio is currently weighted 73 percent towards care beds, with the balance being retirement village units. Once its brownfields development landbank is built out over the next eight years, two thirds of the portfolio will comprise care beds and the remaining third retirement village units, it said.

The company said underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation had been $47 million in 2016, up 59 percent from a year earlier, although it's projecting that to drop 6 percent to $44.3 million in 2017 due to lower retirement village resale volumes and around 100 care beds being taken off the market ahead of redevelopments of some sites.

"In FY18, underlying ebitda is expected to increase by 40 percent year-on-year, in part due to current developments at Meadowbank Village and Lady Allum in Milford being completed and sold down," it said.

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New Zealand residential building consents posted their biggest monthly gain in eight months in February, snapping out of a lull that persisted through spring and summer.

Seasonally adjusted dwelling consents rose 14 percent to 2,605 in February, posting its first double-digit growth since June last year, with new housing permits also gaining 14 percent to 1,858, Statistics New Zealand said. Annual residential permits rose 8.7 percent to 30,162 in the year through Feb. 28, and new house consents gained 9.1 percent to 21,326.

New building issuance has softened in recent months as the energy in the Auckland housing market slowed with the imposition of lending curbs and tougher credit criteria, and on an actual basis, residential building consents were 1.6 percent higher in February from a year earlier at 2,418, with new housing permits up 2.9 percent at 1,761.

"While we saw a strong seasonally adjusted increase this February, the actual number of homes consented was up only slightly from last year," business indicators senior manager Neil Kelly said in a statement.

New Zealand's property market remains problematic for policymakers, with central government laying much of the blame on local authorities' planning processes in stifling supply which has led to a bottleneck driving up prices as the nation experiences record inbound net migration. That's led to a massive pipeline of building work to meet the housing shortfall, although the building sector is facing capacity constraints, especially in Auckland where the need is most acute.

Today's figures show 800 new consents worth $342 million were issued in Auckland in February, compared to 787 permits worth $404 million the same month a year earlier. In the year through February, 9,310 new dwelling consents were issued in the country's biggest city, still below the 13,000 estimated to be needed to keep pace with an expanding population.

Westpac Banking Corp senior economist Satish Ranchhod said there had been "soft issuance" in Auckland in recent months, but the city experienced a strong rise in multi-unit dwellings in the latest figures.

"With the Unitary Plan having now cleared legal hurdles, it appears developers are coming back into the market. Nevertheless, with only around 10,000 consents issued over the past year, the level of issuance in Auckland still remains below whats needed to keep up with surging population growth in the region," Ranchhod said in a note. "We expect to see consenting and home building rising over the coming year."

Consents in Canterbury continued to taper off as the residential reconstruction effort slows, with 361 new permits issued in February, down from 525 a year earlier.

The value of non-residential building work rose 10 percent to $410 million in February from the same month a year earlier, while floor area consented shrank 13 percent to 189,000 square metres. On an annual basis, the value of non-residential work rose 5.3 percent to $6.09 billion while floor area shrank 18 percent to 2.63 million square metres.

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Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell says his party achieved hard-won gains in return for supporting the government that wouldn't be available in opposition.





Flavell, who is also Minister for Maori Development, told Te Toia, Te Haumatia - The Maori Leadership Forum - in Wellington today that his party achieved policy gains and funds for Maori initiatives such as Whanau Ora and stable government as a support partner, delivering actual benefits for Maori.





Flavell rejected accusations the Maori Party has nothing to show for its support of the National-led administration, citing recent wins in resource management reform to enshrine iwi consultation after two years of negotiation and the Te Ture Whenua Bill, which overhauls governance of collectively-owned Maori land.





"I get brassed off when people have a go at us because they don't know the scraps going on," Flavell said.





The latest One News Colmar Brunton poll this week showed support for the Maori Party rose to 4 percent from 1 percent, which would translate into five seats in parliament. A poll of polls by Curia has the party averaging 2.4 percent, which equates to three MPs. Currently, it has two MPs - Flavell and Marama Fox.





The party has shown a harder political edge under the presidency of Tukuroirangi Morgan and Maori King Tuheitia, who Morgan formerly advised, broke with tradition this year to back the Maori Party's candidate in Hauraki-Waikato over his cousin and sitting Labour MP Nanaia Mahuta. Last month, the Maori Party agreed not to stand in Te Tai Tokerau, where Mana Party leader Hone Harawira lost by a narrow margin at the last election.





Flavell today urged Maori leaders in the audience to become more politically active, saying the biggest challenge his party had faced was lack of succession planning when Pita Sharples left in 2011, a move that elevated him to co-leader.





One of Flavell's major pieces of work has been the Te Ture Whenua bill, to help drive agricultural business development on iwi land. Last year the Waitangi Tribunal found some valid concerns were raised about the government's process in overhauling the law and urged the Crown to tread carefully to ensure it garnered broad-based support.





Flavell said he wrangled with the cabinet for six months over the bill. He was scheduled to meet Maori leaders over the proposed legislation later today.





"I expect they'll come around because I reckon it landed in a good place," he said.





(BusinessDesk)

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Tower is performing in line with expectations in the first few months of the 2017 financial year, as it considers three options for its future with costs from the Canterbury earthquakes escalating.

At the general insurer's annual meeting in Auckland this morning, chief executive Richard Harding said the company had a "full-on 12 months" with new initiatives in 2016, and still has "a lot to do to refocus Tower on its core", according to speech notes posted to the NZX.

Two external offers have been made for Tower shares: the first from Canada's Fairfax Financial Holdings, which entered into a binding agreement to pay $1.17 a share in February, while ASX-listed insurer Suncorp Group put forward an indicative offer of $1.30 per share later that month. The shares recently traded at $1.30, and have gained 56 percent this year, jumping after each offer was announced to the market.

The board has not yet made a recommendation to shareholders, though it had unanimously approved the Fairfax proposal before the Suncorp offer came along. Chairman Michael Stiassny said the board is considering both options along with the structural separation it flagged to the market before the bids were made, and a further update will be provided once it has increased certainty, as it's working through the Suncorp offer to understand the conditionality.

"Given the likelihood of a protracted process, the board may look to raise capital to ensure a prudent level of capitalisation and solvency to protect the ongoing business from contingencies during this period," Stiassny said. "We will continue to update you on developments as they occur and we hope to be in a position to provide further details in the near future."

Separating Tower into two entities - 'New Tower' and 'RunOff Co', which would deal with leftover claims from the Canterbury earthquakes which have dragged on the insurer's bottom line - is the default option if the Suncorp or Fairfax offers don't complete, and will require up to $100 million of incremental capital.

Tower reported an annual loss of $22.3 million in 2016, widening from a $7 million loss a year earlier, as lingering claims from the Canterbury quakes took longer and were more expensive to settle. Continued uncertainty mean the costs of the earthquakes have continued to escalate, with new over-cap claims and increasing litigation, Harding said today.

The insurer is "the canary in the coal mine" as the only listed pure New Zealand general insurer, Harding said, meaning the ongoing claims development situation was most visible with them but is being faced by all insurers.

"Six years on, insurers still do not have clarity on the number and value of claims that remain," Harding said. "Re-provisioning for Canterbury has become the norm for all as evidenced by Southern Response, MAS and IAG announcements in 2016. More recently, in the first quarter of 2017, Vero also increased their EQ provisions."

Gross claims costs rose by $78 million to $870 million over 2016, Harding said, primarily driven by EQC and litigation claim with Tower receiving 297 new claims in the year.

"The team did a great job in closing 534 claims, though they continue to swim against the tide with the continual arrival of new overcap claims from EQC. These issues with the EQC continue to confront the entire industry and add to the complexity of an already challenging situation," Harding said.

The chief executive said the business was continuing to perform in line with expectations as it approaches the halfway point of the 2017 financial year, and he was "pleased that the momentum we started to build in 2016 has continued into the new financial year."

Tower is part of an insurance industry taskforce working with government and EQC to review data, identify how many over-cap or new claims are coming in and seek to resolve these issues, he said.

The Kaikoura earthquakes in November 2016 have not had a similar impact on the business, and Harding said he was confident that the maximum claims cost would be $7.2 million after tax. Tower expects the Port Hills fires to cost between $1.2 million and $2 million, and recent storms in Auckland to cost between $3.5 and $4.5 million, which combined mean it will fill its aggregate reinsurance excesses, resulting in a pre-tax impact of $5 million for the year.

BusinessDesk.co.nz

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VARANASI: The G-20 Framework Working Group (FWG) in its third meeting here discussed the various issues pertaining to global economy along with the agenda on inclusive growth.

The two-day meeting that concluded on Wednesday was hosted by the government and Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

"G-20 FWG discussed the current state of the global economy as well as G-20 agenda on inclusive growth and reports on strong, sustainable and balanced growth and G-20 enhanced structural reform agenda among others," the Finance Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

The G-20 FWG is one of the core Working Group of G-20 and deliberates on matters related to global economy and on the policy co-ordination that is required between the major economies of the world to face global economic challenges. India co-chairs this group with Canada.

"Though there has been recent positive momentum in global economic growth, the challenge is to ensure that this momentum is maintained and the benefits of growth are redistributed effectively and equitably," Dinesh Sharma, Special Secretary (Economic Affairs), Ministry of Finance, said.

Rajeswar Rao, Executive Director, RBI, congratulated the FWG for the finalisation of the note on economic resilience which details the guiding principles that members can use while formulating economically resilient macro policies.

Paul Samson, the Canadian Co-chair of G-20 FWG drew the attention of the delegates on the three core areas of the discussion in the meeting - (a) the IMF work on G-20 mandate on strong, sustainable and balanced growth; (b) the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) work on G-20 structural reform agenda; and (c) G-20 agenda on inclusive growth.

The fourth meeting of G-20 FWG under the German Presidency will be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

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NEW DELHI: India has become a net exporter of electricity for the first time during the eleven months (April-February) of the current fiscal, the government said on Wednesday.

"As per Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the designated authority of government of India for cross border trade of electricity, first time India has turned around from a net importer of electricity to net exporter of electricity," a Power Ministry statement said here.

"During the current year 2016-17 (April to February 2017), India has exported around 5,798 million units (MU) to Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar, which is 213 MU more than the import of around 5,585 MU from Bhutan," it said.

"Export to Nepal and Bangladesh increased 2.5 and 2.8 times respectively in the last three years," it added.

According to the statement, ever since the cross border trade of electricity started in the mid-1980s, India has been importing power from Bhutan and marginally exporting to Nepal.

On an average, Bhutan has been supplying around 5,000-5,500 MU to India, it said.

India had also been exporting around 190 MW power to Nepal over 12 cross border interconnections.

The export of power to Nepal further increased by around 145 MW with the commissioning of Muzaffarpur (India)-Dhalkhebar (Nepal) 400kV line, the statement added.

India expects the export of power to Nepal to increase by around 145 MW shortly over the 132 kV Katiya (Bihar)-Kusaha (Nepal) and 132 kV Raxaul (Bihar)-Parwanipur (Nepal) links.

The ministry said that at present, around 600 MW power is being exported to Bangladesh.

A few more cross border links with neighbouring countries are in the pipeline which would further increase export of power, it added.

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WASHINGTON: Indian-American Vanita Gupta, who headed civil rights division in the Department of Justice in the Obama Administration, has been appointed as president and CEO of 'The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights', becoming the first woman to head the prestigious organisation.



Known for her fearless advocacy of all human beings, 41-year-old Gupta will replace Wade Henderson who is stepping down after more than two decades.

Gupta, who will also lead its sister organisation 'The Leadership Conference Education Fund', will begin her new role on June 1.



"At a time when our nation's ideals and progress are being threatened in such fundamental ways, The Leadership Conference is a vital nerve center of the broad swath of civil and human rights organisations that are fighting for justice, fairness, and equality around the country," Gupta said.



"Civil and human rights work has never been easy, and these unprecedented times demand a clarity of vision, strategy, and solidarity that the Leadership Conference coalition is uniquely positioned to champion," she said in a statement.



Henderson, who will step down after 21 years, said leaders had the responsibility to cultivate, encourage and make paths for the next generation to lead and to thrive.



"That time has come for me, and I could not be more pleased to pass the baton of leadership to Vanita, a talented litigator, strategic visionary and tireless advocate who is deeply committed to building a country as good as its ideals, the mission of The Leadership Conference," he said.



Eric Holder, the former US Attorney General, said throughout her career Gupta has pushed the nation to live up to its promise of equal justice for all.



"Her fearless advocacy for the rights of all Americans, while at the helm of the Civil Rights Division, proves that she will be able to lead the important coalition of the Leadership Conference member organisations," Holder said.



As head of the civil rights division, Gupta oversaw a wide range of criminal and civil enforcement efforts to ensure equal justice and protect equal opportunity for all during one of the most consequential periods for the division.



She did critical work in a number of areas, including advancing constitutional policing and criminal justice reform; prosecuting hate crimes and human trafficking; promoting disability rights; protecting the rights of LGBTQ individuals; ensuring voting rights for all and combating discrimination in education, housing, employment, lending and religion.



She regularly engaged with a broad range of stakeholders in the course of this work.



Prior to joining the Justice Department, Gupta served as Deputy Legal Director and the Director of the Center for Justice at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).



She joined the ACLU in 2006 as a staff attorney, where she subsequently secured a landmark settlement on behalf of immigrant children from around the world detained in a privately-run prison in Texas that ultimately led to the end of "family detention" at the facility.



Gupta graduated magna cum laude from Yale University and received her law degree from New York University School of Law, where later she taught a civil rights clinic for several years.

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Source: PTI
Page Content

On Wednesday March 29, 2017 the Honorable Prime Minister William V. Marlin signed for St. Maartens participation in the United Nations Multi-Country Sustainable Development Framework (UN-MSDF). Through this new framework the UN in partnership with St. Maarten and 17 other Dutch and English speaking countries and territories jointly aim to achieve concrete development results in the period 2017-2021. The Multi-Country Framework will serve as the overarching structure guiding the work of the UN system in the region, superseding the six Development Assistance Frameworks currently in place.





The Framework represents an innovative approach, which will draw on the complementarity and commonality of Sustainable Development Goals priorities across the Caribbean region, while following national priorities programming. The process of setting regional priorities was informed by the work of regional entities, national governments, and key actors such as the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and some of the regions universities. The Multi-Country Sustainable Development Framework will enhance St. Maarten's involvement in regional initiatives and collaboration, and enable knowledge sharing and cross-collaboration within the region, Prime Minister Marlin stipulates. It is the aim of my government in our national development, that with the assistance of organisations like the United Nations, nobody on St. Maarten is to be left behind as we proceed on our path to a sustainable future. No costs are involved in participating in the Framework. Coordination on the island will be executed by the Department of the Interior and Kingdom Relations in the context of national development and in collaboration with all ministries.





The countries that participate in the framework besides St. Maarten are Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Curacao, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.




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This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
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Canberra's ban on billboards will be scrutinised by an ACT parliamentary inquiry, the territory's planning committee has announced.

In a move foreshadowed by Chief Minister Andrew Barr in January, Greens politician and planning committee chair Caroline Le Couteur said the committee would look at the effectiveness and enforcement of the ban and how outdoor advertising is regulated in other jurisdictions.

Online threats were made against the Canberra Theatre Centre digital billboard for showing an image of two Muslim children celebrating Australia Day. Credit:Katie Burgess

Speaking not in her capacity as chair though, Ms Le Couteur told the assembly the timing of the inquiry was relevant, given UNSW's naming rights deal of Manuka Oval.

In a move dubbed "commercialisation by stealth", disgruntled residents said the first they knew of the naming rights deal was when the billboards went up.
Hours of circuit training, long walks up Mount Painter and teaching children to pirouette are just some of the reasons Emily Dibden has a killer bikini body.

The 24-year-old Cook resident and model is one step closer to gracing the cover of Maxim magazine after winning the NSW final of the publication's annual Australian Swimwear Model of the Year (ASMY) competition.

The former Merici College student said she entered the competition to promote 'healthy, fit, curvy bodies.' Credit:Richard Mamando Photogrpahy

She'll head to the Gold Coast on May 1 for a week of adventure with the other finalists, before competing for the national title against 30 other finalists on May 5. If she wins, it will be "an awesome boost to my modelling career" according to Emily.

"With this competition they're looking for healthy, fit, curvy models which for me is just perfect," she said.
Smile Canberra it's Friday!

And to boot it is a sunny one. Enjoy clear skies as temperatures creep from the morning low of 7 degrees to a maximum of 21 throughout the day.

Soak in the sunshine, as cloud cover will return on the weekend and bring some showers early next week.

Let's see what's making headlines...

'We wouldn't like to just see it sent to the tip'
Centrelink has demanded payments of more than $10,000 from people with disabilities using its controversial automated debt recovery methods, causing distress and adding to financial pressure on families, a parliamentary inquiry into the "robo-debt" saga has heard.

The debt program has caught up young people with disabilities and their families relying on income support, causing "marked emotional and financial stress", advocacy group Children and Young People with Disability Australia said.

People with savings applying for welfare will be forced to wait for at least than six months, if a new budget measure passes the Senate. Credit:Marina Neil

Unable to find evidence needed to dispute the debt claims, some had paid the amounts while others expended "significant time, energy and at times additional expense to locate the necessary documentation".

"CYDA has been informed of significant distress experienced by young people and families around how they can correct overpayment notices, or pay off debts, while still meeting essential living costs," it told the Senate committee.
A Liberal politician has accused a Barr government minister of trying to intimidate her during a meeting in her office on Thursday.

In the adjournment debate in the ACT assembly, Tongan-born Elizabeth Kikkert was speaking about the discrimination migrants to Australia face.

Liberal politician Elizabeth Kikkert. Credit:Jamila Toderas

But Mrs Kikkert went off-script to blast an unnamed female minister, with whom she had met with just minutes before, for allegedly "bullying" her.

"As a young migrant school girl I quickly learnt how to recognise and respond to bullying. In many cases cheerfully ignoring the provocation can be the best course of action, thereby denying the one doing the provoking the satisfaction of the sought-after reaction," Mrs Kikkert said.
Patrons of the popular Phoenix pub in Canberra's city centre have been left scratching their heads after it was unexpectedly "shut until further notice".

On Wednesday night, pub regulars spotted a notice taped to the window of the bar at 27-29 East Row, informing them that it would be closed for the forseeable future.

Regulars of Canberra's popular Phoenix bar were devastated to hear of its temporary closure.

"Due to unforseen circumstances the pub is shut until further notice," the note read.

"Hang in there, see you on the other side."
The younger brother of Pearce and Cian Hanley, Tommy, has passed away in Dublin.

Pearce, who plays for Gold Coast, and Cian, who is with the Lions, made it back to Ireland in time to farewell their brother, who had cancer.

The brothers travelled to Ireland after round one.

Brisbane and Gold Coast released a joint statement on Thursday, expressing their condolences.
Life insurers are pushing back against calls for greater regulatory oversight, saying consumers are already being well served by the industry despite a series of scandals that have rocked the sector.

Speaking at a life insurance conference in Sydney on Thursday, Sally Loane, chief executive of the Financial Services Council, which represents the bank-owned life insurance sector, said the majority of consumer concerns had already "been addressed or were being progressed by the industry".

"Life insurance is a highly regulated industry," she said.

"The FSC strongly believes further regulation would be unnecessary. Self-regulation is an efficient way to bring about pro-consumer changes in the sector."
Food delivery companies like Deliveroo and Foodora face a legal challenge from cycle couriers over whether they should be classified as independent contractors. Credit:Jason South The minimum hourly rate of pay for casual bicycle couriers is $23.45 per hour with penalty rates paid on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays  but only for employees. Mr Williams and Ms Millward did not receive sick pay, holidays, superannuation or penalty rates. Alison Millward said her her parents gave her insurance for Christmas because they were worried about her work as a food delivery worker. Credit:Josh Robenstone Some equipment was provided but they were expected to provide their own bicycle, helmet and maintenance, mobile phone and data and pay a "deposit" for the uniform.

"I was fired with an automated text message," Ms Millward said. "It just said I wasn't doing enough shifts." 'A pretty dangerous job' Mr Victory said he was investigating whether the companies have broken labour laws relating to relating to sham contracting, and underpayment of wages and superannuation. "They also have questions about who is liable and whether they are covered by insurance if they are involved in an accident while they are working," he said. Ms Millward said being a bicycle delivery rider was a "pretty dangerous job".

"My parents gave me insurance for Christmas because they were worried about me," she said. "They got me an ambulance membership." Ms Millward's brother is a soldier yet she said: "My mum would say she was more worried about me being out on the streets than about him over in Iraq." A UK company, Deliveroo is estimated to be worth more than $1 billion. A Deliveroo spokeswoman said in a statement that safety was a "top priority" for Deliveroo. "All our riders go through a rigorous induction process and safety and riding test before they are able to make deliveries for Deliveroo," she said.

"And they are covered by workers' compensation and are required to have their own public liability insurance, or opt into a policy that the company has been able to source for them at a competitive rate." Rival company Foodora also considers its food delivery couriers as independent contractors. "Foodora is confident about its business policies and procedures with regards to the contracted riders/drivers," a spokeswoman said. "It is lawful and riders/drivers are treated in a good way." Innovative or 'old-fashioned exploitation'? Tony Sheldon, the national secretary of the Transport Workers Union, said paying food delivery workers "per task" eroded labour rights such as minimum pay, maternity leave and the right to challenge unfair employers practices.

"The nature of 'casual contractors' in the 'gig economy' is aimed at driving down conditions which workers have won over many centuries," he said. "Its proponents like to say it is innovative and disruptive when in fact it amounts to old-fashioned exploitation." Maria Nawaz, a solicitor with the University of NSW's Kingsford Legal Centre, said the work arrangements had all the signs of a sham contract. "Deliveroo and Foodora require riders to wear their uniforms, workers can't bargain with companies nor with customers over rates of pay per delivery," she said. "Most workers don't have existing businesses but are told to get ABNs in order to perform the work, and they don't provide skilled labour." Ms Nawaz said the companies appeared to be exploiting uncertainty in the law. "We are concerned such arrangements target vulnerable workers who are open to exploitation, such as international students, young workers and migrants, who are often unaware of their rights," she said.

Mr Williams said he trained alongside backpackers and international students, some of whom did not appear to speak English. "There were people who I don't believe could have read road signs, let alone be familiar with Australian road rules," he said. Last October, a British court rejected Uber's claim that its drivers were self-employed and thus decided they were entitled to a minimum wage, holiday and sick pay. Associate Professor Angela Knox, from the University of Sydney Business School, said she expected the decision would be followed in Australia. "These companies want all of the power and control that goes with being an employer but they want to avoid the responsibilities and the risks," she said. "You cannot have it both ways and the law enshrines that."
Solomon Lew's $101 million raid on Myer shares will not automatically deliver the billionaire rag-trader a seat on the department store's board.

Amid reports that Myer and Mr Lew's Premier Investments have already engaged in discussions, sources close to the department store claim Mr Lew's 11 per cent stake does not come with board representation.

Insiders believe Solomon Lew will make his presence felt, board seat or not. Credit:Jesse Marlow

More tellingly, one Myer insider said the question of whether Mr Lew or a representative from Premier would be offered a board seat came down to maintaining the "right balance" on the board.

"It becomes a question of whether you think you can manage all those relationships," one source said. "And it can become more complicated if it's a shareholder."
Australia Post employees are unimpressed with the size and conditions of a new annual bonus that has trickled down from the company's richly rewarded management levels.

The company's 27,000 full-time employees are being offered a $500 bonus, while 8000 part-time employees are in line for a $250 bonus, both payable in September.

Australia Post chief executive Ahmed Fahour helping out at a staff barbecue.

However, the bonus is conditional on employees accepting a new enterprise agreement, forgoing an annual $100 gift card, and the company meeting hurdles that workers believe are out of their control, according to unions.

The offer is coming directly from managing director Ahmed Fahour, who this year stands to take home his own long-term bonus of up to $6 million, on top of his short-term bonuses and multimillion-dollar annual salary. Last year he earned $5.6 million in wages and short-term bonuses.
It will be unfortunate if, in its bid to make superannuation simpler, more streamlined and understandable, the Productivity Commission ends up making it more complex and opaque.

This would appear to be a possibility under the report released by commission chairman, Peter Harris, earlier this week.

Its recommendations, he was quick to assure us, had been framed with the best of possible intentions. One goal was to give Australians entering the workforce a real choice about what fund to enter.

This would entail ending the virtual monopoly most union linked "industry funds" have on the retirement investments of new entries at workplaces that come under an enterprise bargaining agreement.
We take it for granted now that Melbourne is a thriving 24-hour city, with bustling laneways full of bars, clubs, restaurants and ever-so-photogenic street art. We take it for granted that it's a place humming with a resident population and economic activity, with cyclists, pedestrians and trams jostling for position on a car-free Swanston Street. We take it for granted that Melbourne is alive.

But it wasn't always like this.

When I arrived in late 1990, fresh off the plane from London, Melbourne was a city in freefall. The unemployment rate was soaring, office blocks were emptying, businesses were closing. The manufacturing sector was being gutted and, after Jeff Kennett's government was elected in October 1992, with unemployment in Victoria north of 11 per cent, the public sector felt the sting of the axe too.

It was a grim time for the city.
As the leader of a force protecting NSW communities, new Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has named four top priorities: ice, organised crime, improved rural services and terrorism.

As the face of the counter-terrorism fight in this state, he must soon respond to the inquest report on the Lindt cafe siege. Mr Fuller played a key part in those tragic events of December 2014, at least until he was overruled by the lead negotiator with Man Monis.

Newly appointed NSW Police Commisioner Mick Fuller and Premier Gladys Berejiklian need to move on from battles between team A and team B in the force. Credit:Daniel Munoz

As the manager of about 16,000 staff, Mr Fuller must negotiate the flexible movement of officers from area to area "within the budget", notwithstanding union demands for increased staffing.

And as a reluctant political player backed by newbie Premier Gladys Berejiklian, and as what some see as a safe internal appointment, Mr Fuller must bring together warring factions that sided with two of his rival candidates for commissioner, Nick Kaldas and Catherine Burn.
Even before the presidential campaign last year, Trump had made statements consistent with climate change denial. Credit:AP "All signatories should stick to it instead of walking away from it, as this is a responsibility we must assume for future generations," he said. Other Chinese officials at Davos repeated that message, including the energy minister, Nur Bekri, and top executives of state-owned enterprises. China has pledged to generate 20 percent of the countrys energy from sources that are not fossil fuel, including solar, by 2030. In an interview before the recent climate conference in Marrakech, Chai Qimin, a climate change researcher and policy adviser, said that policies adopted at a recent Communist Party meeting showed that China "has attached ever greater importance to ecological civilisation and green development."

"Everyone is taking this more and more seriously," he added. On Wednesday, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said at a regularly scheduled news conference in Beijing that all countries in the Paris Agreement should "fulfil their commitments" and that China would stick to its pledges "regardless of how other countries' climate policies change." Global Times, a state-run nationalist newspaper, used harsher language in an editorial chastising the Trump administration for "brazenly shirking its responsibility on climate change." "Washington is obliged to set an example for mankind's efforts against global warming, and now the Trump administration has become the first government of a major power to take opposite actions on the Paris Agreement," the newspaper said. "It is undermining the great cause of mankind trying to protect the earth, and the move is indeed irresponsible and very disappointing." The editorial also questioned why China was making concessions on fossil-fuel use when the United States was scrapping its promises: "How can China, still underdeveloped, give away a chunk of room for development, just to nourish those Western countries that are already rich?"

Chinese participation is critical for global efforts on climate change. With its economic growth and rampant infrastructure construction, China consumes as much coal as the rest of the world combined. The burning of coal, which is at the core of the power, steel and cement industries in the country, generates enormous amounts of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas. So environmental advocates and officials around the world constantly say China must break its coal addiction. But unlike in the United States, Chinese leaders and senior officials have consistently said that climate change is a serious problem and acknowledged that changing the energy mix to move away from fossil-fuel sources is important. And because of its air pollution crisis, China announced policies in 2013 to limit the use of coal in the country's three largest population centres. More recently, scientists have said that there is a dangerous cycle at work: Weather patterns from climate change are exacerbating the smog. "China is cutting back on coal because of its lethal costs to human health as well as its high carbon emissions, and plans to transition to the energy sources of tomorrow, rather than yesterday," said Isabel Hilton, founder of Chinadialogue, a prominent website that reports on environmental issues and policy. "President Trump seems intent on reviving a 19th-century energy source rather than pursuing the promise of the 21st century." Trump's pro-coal talk, and the unlikelihood that his administration will pressure China to cut back on fossil fuels, might mean that pro-coal interests in China, including among state-owned energy companies, will try harder to push back against officials putting limits on coal.

But in recent years, coal consumption in China has declined slightly, surprising many analysts and researchers. China's economic slowdown - from decades of double-digit annual growth to 6.7 percent last year - has been a major factor. Analysts say there appeared to be an increase in coal use during part of 2016 because of economic stimulus policies, but preliminary statistics released in February indicate that overall coal consumption declined last year compared with 2015. Given such numbers, researchers say China may reach a carbon emissions peak in 2025 - five years ahead of its stated goal of 2030. China has also made pledges on the percentage of total energy that will be generated by nonfossil-fuel sources, which include hydropower, nuclear power, wind and solar. Xi has said that by 2030, 20 percent of China's energy will come from such sources. Chinese officials are now grappling with the complex problem of getting energy generated by wind and solar sources onto the grid and properly used. "Trump's rejection of regulatory action on climate change creates a vacuum in global climate leadership that China can now seize," said Alex L. Wang, a law professor and China environmental expert at the University of California, Los Angeles. "In recent years, a variety of factors - crisis levels of pollution, economic opportunities from green development and concerns about the domestic risks of rising temperatures - have pushed China to action on climate change. Trump's actions don't affect these underlying drivers." In addition, China has said that it will put in place by the end of this year a national market for greenhouse gas quotas, commonly known as a cap-and-trade program. It has experimented with seven such regional markets, and there have been problems with them, but the government is determined to set up a national program to put a price on carbon and impose a cost on companies that generate large amounts of carbon dioxide, Chinese policy advisers say.
Thousands have abandoned their homes in northern NSW as the remnants of ex-tropical cyclone Debbie bore down overnight, dumping a staggering amount of rain on the region and causing a major flood emergency in the city of Lismore.

State Emergency Service Deputy Commissioner Mark Morrow said he feared people may have died in the ferocious deluge, which prevented emergency crews from venturing out to rescue those stranded on the roofs of vehicle and houses overnight.

"We couldn't get helicopters in the air, it was too dangerous," Deputy Commissioner Morrow said on Friday morning.

"It was certainly too dangerous in that driving rain to get out there and get to people. So our priority is to try to find whether those people still request our assistance, whether they could get out of the situation that they were in.
A family that could be split apart by government moves to deport the two parents back to Fiji has been given a flicker of hope after the Human Rights Commission agreed to examine their case.

The Prasad family, ethnic Indians who arrived in Sydney in 2000, includes two Australian-born children who cannot be deported because they are full citizens, with Australian passports.

Assistant Immigration Minister Alex Hawke has declined to exercise his discretionary powers to keep the family together and compliance officials from the Immigration Department have warned the family that deportation action could begin from Tuesday.

Fairfax Media has confirmed the HRC, led by president Gillian Triggs, has accepted a complaint by Jitend Prasad and his wife Joytika that their Australian childrens' human rights would be breached if they were sent back to Fiji.
The Senate has demanded Defence Minister Marise Payne release details of Australian military sales to Saudi Arabia that were approved as that country faced claims of war crimes.

Defence has approved four exports in the past year and Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne travelled to Riyadh in December to promote military wares to senior government figures.

The government has so far refused to say what the approved products are or who makes them, claiming all details are commercial-in-confidence.

But in a rare show of unity between crossbench members, Labor and the Greens, the Senate voted 39 to 22 to push for answers.
Consider this: since Bronwyn Bishop finally left the federal Parliament nine months ago  kicking and screaming after being rolled by her own party  Australian taxpayers have paid her nearly $200,000.

Her parliamentary pension delivers her roughly $700 a day  11 times more than your average age pensioner. She gets more every single day than workers on the minimum wage get in a week.

Is your blood boiling yet? Well, we'll be paying her about a quarter of a million dollars every year for the rest of her life. And knowing Bishop  her sheer obstinacy  the 74-year-old will live for many years to come.

What do taxpayers get for this investment?
1. 18c fails

In a way the Senate's refusal to pass the government's proposed changes to 18C overnight is a win for everyone.

Sure Turnbull suffers a defeat in the Senate, but he doesn't really want to be the Prime Minister giving the green-light to bigots. Those genuine about wanting change to ensure people aren't unfairly dragged through drawn-out legal processes can be reassured by the process changes, which are still likely to pass the Senate when it resumes on Friday morning. It could be effective enough in stopping QUT-style cases before they begin. (Although some in the opposition think the government may struggle to find the numbers here too).

And as for those pushing changes to the Act? Well it suits at least one of those person's agendas. The longer the wording of the law remains in its current form, conservative upstart Cory Bernardi has a point of difference with the government on an issue that hard-core right-wingers care about deeply.
The campaign's oldest star is 63-year-old New Yorker Lyn Slater, a university professor and, of late, a successful fashion blogger, too. "I love that a brand like Mango was willing to take a risk and look at becoming more inclusive," says the glossy silver-bobbed Slater.

Perhaps it isn't so strange, then, that the Spanish retailer Mango is this week releasing a campaign starring a diverse cast of women ranging in age from 19 to 63. While Mango's decision to depart from the adolescent norm may go against the grain, the numbers suggest that it makes perfect economic sense. In the UK, the over-50s hold 68.3 per cent of household wealth, while over-65s spend ??6.7 billion per year on clothes.

Walk into most shops or click onto their websites, and the models looking back at you in the glossy campaign images are, overwhelmingly, very young. It has become so much the norm that any exception attracts a frenzied response. When H&M cast the 60-year-old stylist Gillean McLeod to model its swimwear last summer, she became a global news story.

Characters such as Slater - who has almost 100,000 followers on Instagram, and promotes clothes by young designers - are millennial catnip too. "Everywhere I go now in New York, there will be someone on the subway or in a store asking if they can take a selfie with me. It's very strange but a lot of fun. A wonderful adventure."

She had been thinking of starting a blog for some time, but it wasn't until she unwittingly walked past a fashion show venue and was accosted by street-style photographers at New York Fashion Week in September 2014 that she took the plunge. "I went to meet a friend for lunch and I was wearing a Yohji Yamamoto suit and carrying a Chanel bag. All of a sudden all these photographers starting taking pictures of me because they thought I was some kind of fashion person. Then the tourists saw what was happening so they all began taking pictures, too," she remembers. "When my friend arrived, there was a huge crowd around me. We were laughing and I said 'I'm an accidental icon!' Then she said 'That's the name of your blog and you need to start it tomorrow'. So that's what I did."

As a professor at Fordham University's Graduate School of Social Service, Slater has devised a personal style that works for her professionally. "I like to provoke a little bit so when I'm dressing for university, I always think, 'what can I wear that no one else will be wearing and will make me stand out but at the same time people won't be able to find anything inappropriate with?'"

Her students adore it, and she aims to show them that they can pursue meaningful careers while still expressing themselves.
I love Disney. A lot. I have gone to countless films on the day of release to emerge at the end, jittery with joy. I do a killer rendition of A Whole New World (both parts, obviously). There truly is no happier place on earth to me than Disneyland.

Of course, I'm aware of how problematic Disney can be, especially when it comes to gender. As I grew older and more politically aware, I began to notice glaring issues in the films I'd grown up loving  none more so than Beauty and the Beast, essentially a bestial tale of emotional abuse behind the pretty yellow ball gowns and twee, sentient crockery.

Much has been written of the 1991 animated film's normalisation of domestic violence, from the Beast's physically aggressive actions to his refusal to let Belle eat at all unless she dines with him. But the makers of the 2017 reboot  as well as star and noted celebrity feminist Emma Watson  are adamant that their heroine is not a damsel in distress. "[Belle] has none of the characteristics of someone with Stockholm Syndrome because she keeps her independence; she keeps that freedom of thought," Watson said of her character. Indeed, the film has been widely praised as a feminist win for Disney.

Watching the new version, it's clear that the filmmakers have tried to fashion Belle into a more independent woman  she's an inventor, she teaches young girls to read, she wears practical boots and she's not afraid to be mouthy. But giving the character a feminist makeover doesn't negate the troubling nature of her relationship with the Beast  in fact, many women who do suffer in abusive or manipulative relationships are headstrong feminists.
In a bid to dispel stigma surrounding breastfeeding in public, an advertising company in London erected a giant inflatable breast, complete with life-like (not life-size) areola and nipple.

Mother London had the boob - singular - placed on the top of a building in the Shoreditch area of the city to celebrate Mother's Day, which was last Sunday in the UK and Ireland.

"It's hard to believe that in 2017 UK mothers still feel watched and judged when feeding public by bottle or beast," they wrote in a blog post.

"This was our Mother's Day project. A celebration of every woman's right to decide how and where they feed their children without feeling guilty or embarrassed about their parenting choices. #FreeTheFeed."
Expect a wide range of crop tops, tights, shirts, hoodies and more. Do you fancy adding some Alex Perry, Ellery and Dion Lee to your wardrobe? The Australian brands will be featured at Desordre's biggest warehouse sale yet, with all stock up to 90 per cent off and under $400. The sale includes 20 local and international favourites including the bold designs of AJE, Maurie and Eve, Macgraw, Jonathan Simkhai, Nobody Denim as well as archive desordre. 17 Oxford St, Paddington. Thursday March 30 - 12pm -7pm, Friday March 31 10am-7pm, Saturday April 1 10am-6pm, Sunday 2 11am-3pm. . International Fashion Group has been sourcing and delivering to other Australian brands since 2003, and the company is having a massive warehouse sale this weekend in Rosebery. With prices starting at $20, the sale will feature IRO, Paige, AG Adriano Goldschmied, Johnny Was, True Religion, NYDJ among others.

14A Mentmore Ave, Roseberry. Friday March 31 8am-6pm, Saturday April 1 9am-5pm, Sunday April 2 10am-4pm. Alexa Chung fronting the latest IFG campaign. Accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia, designer Anthea Crawford has an extra 30 per cent off selected styles including occasion and work wear at their QVB flagship store as well as David Jones and Myer stores across NSW. Many of the designs feature bold colours, embellishments and floral prints that would make a statement at a wedding or event. QVB, Myer and David Jones till April 12. Make a statement.

Established by mother and daughter duo Hannah and Anne, Australian homeware brand Major Minor is having a two-day sale this week. With a strong focus on supporting local design talent, natural textures and beautiful finishes, you can expect 50 to 70 per cent off adult, children's and baby bedding as well as stock from their living range including linen throws and woollen blankets. 4 Guihen Street, Camperdown. Friday March 31 and Saturday April 1 10am-4pm. Major Minor prides itself on natural fibres and local design sourcing. If shopping online is more your thing, US site Revolve is currently having a sale on a vast range of its high street fashion, activewear, casual clothing, shoes and accessories including swimwear. The site stocks more than 500 brands from Assembly Label to Zimmermann and everything in between (including Yeezy Season 3). On the local front, Isla has up to 60 per cent off, while Stylerunner and The Iconic both have mid-season markdowns with up to 50 per cent off selected items from brands including P.E Nation, Adidas, Stella McCartney, Misha and more. Just Opened

In recent years, customisable fashion has made its way into the mainstream. And bespoke tailoring brand InStitchu was one of the first Australian brands to adopt the reinvention of personalisation, giving freedom and expression to the consumer. Founded by long-time friends Robin McGowan and James Wakefield in 2011, InStitchu which has been traditionally an online brand, is now expanding with a new micro-showroom in North Sydney, the brand's first 'shop front' across its Australian, New Zealand and New York presence. The store gives people the freedom to find their "perfect fit", using the latest technology and old-world service to move away from the usual off-the-rack offerings. With professional stylists on hand to guide customers through a hands-on design process, co-founder McGowan said "custom menswear isn't as foreign a concept as it was," with the new shopfront direct response to customers' requests. "Australians are becoming more comfortable with personalised clothing and our shopfront in the bustling Greenwood Plaza, is a deliberate move away from the traditional stand-alone tailor. We are confident that Australian consumers are ready to change their suit shopping experience." InStitchu gives you an opportunity to sample fabrics and styles while be guided through the design process.
The Turnbull government wants to remove the monopoly that industry funds have as the default fund provider in industrial awards.

Who could argue against opening up default provision to competition?

Banks have a new type of default super option, but it may not be any good. Credit:Photo illustration: Stephen Clark

The Productivity Commission suggests, among other options, there be a beauty parade of default fund providers from which a short list is selected by an independent third party.

From the short list, the employer would choose the default provider or the choice made by the employee.
It was a long six-hour road trip to Moree that put Rosie Kew in the right place at the right time. Kew was on a storm-chasing trip with friends and they had found themselves looking down the snaking line of a massive aquamarine storm front.

"It was this moment where everything came together after a day chasing elusive storms," Kew told Fairfax Media. "All of a sudden this light came out and there was this huge bank of clouds we stopped by the side of the road and were just in awe."

Congratulations Rosie Kew of Alstonville, winner of the March Clique Challenge. Credit:Rosie Kew/Clique

Kew's photograph has clinched Clique's March Challenge, which focused on the theme of "colour".

Kew said the speed at which the clouds were moving left her little time to take the photo.
Susie Robinson while still in hospital about a month after the crash. For Ms Robinson it was damage to her mouth. Her jaw was fractured in three places, requiring 30 pins along the gum and wiring from top to bottom to hold it in place. Three teeth were knocked out of her top jaw and she later lost a fourth. Susie Robinson about four months after the accident with her jaw wired together. Over the next 28 years, she would spend more than $80,000 and undergo at least 15 operations to try to correct the damage.

"The car accident defined the rest of my life," said Ms Robinson, a 48-year-old radio producer. Susie Robinson has had at least 15 operations to fix the damage to her jaw. Credit:Eddie Jim "Having physical scars, and not just scars that you can see but internal, it does have an impact on how much you think you can take on, or how resilient you are. "It does chip away a little bit at your self-confidence." Her original dental implants had cracked and needed to be replaced. Credit:Eddie Jim

The injury has been a constant reminder of her role in changing the lives of four families. Two of her passengers had both legs broken in the crash, one also had a punctured lung, while the other  a promising athlete  was left with an ankle shattered so badly that doctors had to knit the veins back together. Susie Robinson talks about her coming operation with surgeon George Dimitroulis. Credit:Eddie Jim "I changed the future of friends and my own and I know that accidents happen but you can't get away from that, you have to take responsibility for that," she said. Last year, Ms Robinson was back where she started.

The 3D-printed, titanium 'Osseoframe' is fixed into Susie Robinson's jaw. Credit:Eddie Jim The dental implants that held her fake teeth in place for 15 years had cracked and needed to be replaced. To do this using conventional techniques, doctors would first have operated to harvest bone from her hip and used this to build up the missing jaw. Surgeon George Dimitroulis watches as Prosthodontist Simon Watson fits teeth onto the new frame. Credit:Eddie Jim Up to six months later, they would have then screwed the dental implants into the bone. It would have been another few months before she'd have teeth again.

Even then, it would not have been a sure thing. The past surgeries had chipped away at the bone and created a web of scar tissue. The operation lasted for about an hour. Credit:Eddie Jim But Ms Robinson won't have to go through this arduous process because, in September 2016, she met Dr George Dimitroulis. The oral and maxillofacial surgeon was trialling his own invention on patients at the Epworth Freemasons in East Melbourne. Susie Robinson after the surgery Credit:Eddie Jim

He was using new technology and an old idea  a metal frame to do the work of the missing jaw and anchor false teeth. They're called subperiosteal frames and they fell out of favour in the early 90s because the technology did not yet exist to custom fit them to an individual jaw, explains Associate Professor John Cosson, the president of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Susie Robinson's teeth are held firmly in place. Credit:Eddie Jim They were cumbersome, expensive and required multiple surgeries. Not now though. Dr Dimitroulis is using titanium frames that can be 3D-printed to perfectly match each patient's jaw.

Susie Robinson says she feels like she forgot her dentures. Credit:Eddie Jim Microscrews are used to hold the frame in place until the bone can grow around it and false teeth screw straight onto the frame's prongs. Instead of two or three surgeries, this needs just one. It has been about 16 months since the first patient was fitted with Dr Dimitroulis' "Osseoframe". The greatest hurdle faced so far has been the gum peeling away, revealing the metal frame beneath. Adjustments have been made with each patient, more and larger holes have been made in the frame to allow for better blood flow.

Dr Dimitroulis will present it to dentists and surgeons for the first time at the International Conference on Oral and Maxillofacial surgery in Hong Kong this weekend. "The dental and medical professions are quite conservative and when you bring in a new technology that threatens existing practices they put up a wall," he says. "My biggest challenge is convincing surgeons and dentists that this is not a one-off 3D-printed gimmick for some rare disorder but in fact it's something that may well be a game-changer as far as dental implants are concerned." Associate Professor Cosson said 3D-printed titanium was already being used to repair eye sockets and defects in the skull and cheekbones. If using this approach to jaw defects proved successful, "it could make otherwise hopeless cases possible," he said.

"The treatments provided should be considered 'experimental' at this stage and it will be essential to gather data for further study. "I hope it works." The surgery had taken about an hour. Dr Dimitroulis cut around extensive scar tissue to lift what was left of Ms Robinson's gum from the bone. The frame was then secured with tiny screws before prosthodontist Simon Watson moved in to fit the teeth.
Her dad has been barred from leaving China and his future is uncertain but Yunsi Feng is determined to stay strong.

The 24-year-old Sydney lawyer got an unexpected call from her father, UTS associate professor Chongyi Feng, on Friday to let her know he had not been allowed to board a flight out of China.

The story has since made international headlines and there are growing fears for Professor Feng's welfare.

"These are trying times," Ms Feng told Fairfax Media.
Mick Fuller, the 19-year-old junior officer working general duties out of Kogarah Police Station, in Sydney's south, never pictured himself even as that station's manager.

The teenage cop's interests were in becoming a criminal investigator - he wanted to work the complex briefs and lock the bad guys up.

"I hadn't pictured myself as a commissioned officer or even in a management role," Mr Fuller told Fairfax Media in an interview just hours after becoming appointed the state's next commissioner. "I had always liked being on the tools."

Promoted through the ranks and working as a detective sergeant out of Kings Cross during a notorious period during the 1990s and early 2000s, there was one particular job that left a mark on him and changed his career path.
Former CFMEU boss John Maitland leaves Darlinghurst Supreme Court. Credit:Ben Rushton "I think the public wants to know [that] if people are found corrupt, they are actually dealt with appropriately through the courts." In a throwback to his colourful evidence before the ICAC, Labor Opposition Leader Luke Foley said the left-wing Macdonald was known in ALP circles as "Eddie Obeid's left testicle". "He will now share a prison cell with Eddie Obeid," Mr Foley said. "Lock him up and throw away the key."

Obeid was jailed in December for a maximum of five years over his family's secret business dealings at Circular Quay. He has lodged an appeal against his conviction. Obeid and Macdonald have also been charged over an alleged coal deal relating to an Obeid family property. The NSW Supreme Court heard that Macdonald awarded a coal exploration licence in December 2008 to Doyles Creek Mining, a company chaired by Maitland, to cultivate the "friendship and loyalty" of the former union boss. Mr Foley gave evidence during the trial that Maitland supported Macdonald's bid for preselection for a seat in the upper house in 2007 at a time when others, including Mr Foley, were urging him to quit politics. The jury was told unexplored coal resources were "as rare as hen's teeth" in NSW and the state was facing "budget constraints" when the multimillion-dollar licence was given away without a competitive tender.

A BHP subsidiary paid $91 million in 2006 to explore for coal at Caroona in NSW while China Shenhua Energy Ltd paid $276 million in 2008 for its Watermark licence. The court heard Doyles Creek Mining made no such payment. "The state gained almost nothing for this disposition of hot property to Mr Maitland and his associates," counsel assisting the ICAC, Peter Braham , SC, said in his opening address in March 2013. "On any view, it has been a financial disaster for the people of NSW and a goldmine for the entrepreneurs." The ICAC heard the men signed off on the deal at the upmarket Catalina restaurant in Rose Bay over an $1800 dinner.

Maitland made $6 million selling shares in a company that acquired Doyles Creek Mining after the licence was granted. Macdonald had insisted he acted in the interests of the state and the Doyles Creek proposal included a plan for a training mine in addition to a commercial mining operation. The two men also told the court they were not friends and had only a professional working relationship. But Crown prosecutor Michael McHugh, SC, said Macdonald "misused his power" by placing the interests of a company chaired by his "mate" above the interests of the state. Macdonald is now facing the prospect of a second criminal trial.

The former mining minister is accused of striking a deal to create a lucrative coal tenement over the Obeid family's rural property, Cherrydale Park. The ICAC heard the decision made the Obeids $30 million with the prospect of millions more. Macdonald and Obeid, along with Obeid's middle son Moses, will face a committal hearing later this year to test the strength of the prosecution's case and determine if they should stand trial. NSW Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham, the party's resources and energy spokesman, said the ICAC had "identified the granting and administration of mining licences as an area that is vulnerable to corruption". "Unfortunately the government has not acted to ensure such corruption does not happen again," Mr Buckingham said.
A snapshot of a single day in the life of Ian Macdonald perfectly captures the extraordinary venality and corruption of the then cabinet minister.

It was the late afternoon of July 15, 2009, when Ian Macdonald arrived at the Tuscany restaurant in Leichhardt, in Sydney's inner west.

He'd had a shocker of a day. That morning's Herald had cruelly referred to him as "Sir Lunchalot" and had detailed the $150,000 his wine advisory group had spent jetting around the state enjoying fancy lunches on the taxpayers' dime.

Chairing the wine group was fellow rorter from the old Labor days, Greg Jones.
More than 50 schools in northern NSW will remain closed on Friday, as major flooding impacts on several towns in the Northern Rivers.

Thousands of residents were ordered ordered to leave their homes on Thursday afternoon as heavy rain and wind gusts lashed the state's north, causing rivers and creeks to swell.

The rain has been caused by remnants of ex-tropical cyclone Debbie clashing with a cold front.

People living in and around South Murwillumbah, Condong, Tumbulgum, Lismore, Chinderah, Kingscliff, Fingal Head and Bilambil were given evacuation orders by the State Emergency Service as nearby rivers began to break their banks.
When a mother of five faced months of waiting for a lifesaving operation to remove her cancer, a celebrity-backed social media campaign forced the state government to intervene.

Celebrities including actor Russell Crowe, model Jennifer Hawkins and the late TV personality Charlotte Dawson helped drive an online petition that was supported by more than 75,000 people.

Minister Brad Hazzard. "We will now see more cancer patients in NSW offered this life-changing surgery." Credit:Edwina Pickles

The campaign, initiated by Sam McCauley as an 18-year-old school captain from Dubbo in 2013, helped Nicole Perko and other women on the waiting list get their surgery at Sydney's St George Hospital sooner.

Now a second highly specialised centre will open at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital to help deal with an increasing number of these complex cancer cases.
Detectives have charged a man with the murder of missing man Samuel Thompson, whose body has not yet been found.

A 23-year-old Bald Hills man was on Thursday charged with murder and interfering with a corpse, Queensland Police said in a statement.

CCTV captures what is believed to be the last footage of Mr Thompson, leaving his Albion unit complex.

The man was set to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday.

A home in Bald Hills remained a crime scene on Thursday afternoon.
Newmarket streets went under by noon. Credit:Glenn Hunt Residents in northern New South Wales were also ordered to evacuate ahead of major flooding, with the SES telling people in the areas of South Murwillumbah, Condong and Tumbulgum to leave if safe to do so. Major flooding was forecast along the Tweed River with levels predicted to be similar to 2001 and 2008 floods, after almost 400 millimetres of rain fell in 24 hours over the Tweed River valley. Windsor's roads were covered by floodwater. Credit:Glenn Hunt The extreme weather forced authorities to suspend a search for a bushwalker missing in Lamington National Park, on the Queensland-NSW border.

More than 380mm of rain was recorded at Springbrook in the Gold Coast hinterland in the 12 hours to noon, with some areas expected to be pounded with more than 500mm of rain into the night. Rain from ex-cyclone Debbie floods Windsor. Credit:Glenn Hunt There were 51 swiftwater rescues in south-east Queensland, more than 1000 calls to the SES by Thursday afternoon, with more expected, and more than 11,000 properties without power. A family trapped in a home at Sarabah on the Gold Coast hinterland made it to safety, despite emergency crews unable to access their property due to raging waters. The family of one man and four children was able to evacuate at the back of their property. Sandbags were loaded by the dozen in Newmarket. Credit:Glenn Hunt

On the Sunshine Coast, a swiftwater rescue team waded through metre-high fast-flowing water for 20 minutes to rescue a family at Tanawha. An emergency alert was also issued for residents in the Tallebudgera Valley area, who were warned to prepare for short-term isolation as water levels rose. Rain from ex-cyclone Debbie floods Windsor. Credit:Glenn Hunt Beaches along 600km of coastline, Gold Coast theme parks, university campuses, the Queensland Museum, Gallery of Modern Art and many shops were closed, flights were delayed or cancelled into Brisbane Airport and all criminal matters at Brisbane's Supreme and District courts were adjourned. Public transport suffered delays but was free on the TransLink network from 10am to get people to safety and non-essential public servants in the south-east were told to go home.

A family plays in the rain brought by ex-cyclone Debbie to Newmarket. Credit:Glenn Hunt Non-essential services and appointments at some hospitals across south-east Queensland and Mackay were postponed but emergency departments continued to operate. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk urged people to stay at home, indoors and off the roads on Thursday night, to allow the roads to remain clear for emergency services. Bennett Wood sits on his car after floodwaters entered his backyard in Murwillumbah. Credit:Jason O'Brien Thousands of workers heeded the message, with the usually bustling Brisbane CBD almost deserted by Thursday afternoon.

Winds were expected to double in intensity in the south-east to about 60-70km/h, but would be stronger in coastal areas. Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Matthew Bass predicted wind gusts of more than 125km/h in coastal areas, including the Wide Bay, with heavy rain and flash flooding predicted on Thursday night. Rain was predicted to clear by Friday morning, although dangerous surf conditions were likely on Friday and Saturday. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Katarina Carroll said it was "extraordinary" there had not been more injuries and urged people to stay safe after seeing someone riding a jetski in a flooded Gold Coast park. The Gold and Sunshine coasts and Ipswich opened evacuation centres for people affected by the storm.

Insurers hit with at least 2500 claims for damages were bracing for more. In the state's north, authorities discovered 10 electricity towers "folded like cardboard" in the aftermath of the cyclone. Energy Minister Mark Bailey said the felled transmission towers would not affect energy supply but would weaken the system and supply could be routed by other means. RACQ helicopters rescued people across the central coast as floodwaters left many stranded, and there were dozens of rescues in Mackay, with people on rooftops and in cars. RACQ CQ Rescue crewman Arno Schoonwinkel said cane crops in the region were absolutely "annihilated" by floodwaters and the countryside was littered with debris, including people's personal belongings.

"There's a huge amount of water lying about and cane paddocks are all completely washed out. There's debris everywhere like chairs and tables from inside people's houses just floating in the middle of paddocks," he said. Holidaymakers and staff started to be evacuated from Hamilton Island, with the airstrip opening, although long queues were expected, and the defence force flew in food, water and fuel to Daydream Island. Daydream Island evacuated all guests and 116 staff by Thursday afternoon, with assessments of the extent of the damage carried out, and no new arrivals accepted until at least April 30. Hayman Island received clearance for a boat to leave the resort for Hamilton Island and chartered a private plane to transfer guests to Sydney. Ms Palaszczuk reassured north Queenslanders who bore the brunt of Cyclone Debbie that "we are with you".

"I travelled to your region yesterday and I saw first-hand the damage that she has inflicted on our beautiful towns that have now been devastated," she said. Ms Palaszczuk said severe weather conditions were still hampering efforts to provide relief in the north. The normally vibrant tourist town of Airlie Beach was a "ghost town" on Thursday. Luke Harley said his Mantra Club Croc hotel lost power on Monday night and water on Wednesday. "[Guests] are filling up toilet cisterns with buckets of water from the pool, we're rationing bottled water for them."
The recent wild weather has not deterred stallholders at the Brisbane Produce Market at Rocklea, with truckloads of fruit and vegetables from all over the state arriving early on Friday morning.

Brisbane Markets Limited Chairman Tony Joseph, who has 50 years of wholesaler experience, said he knew all too well the impact the weather could have on the fresh produce supply chain.

"No doubt there are some growers who have really been hit hard by Cyclone Debbie and we'll have to wait and see the flow on effects on the supply of fresh produce over the coming weeks, but we can be sure that the markets will always be buzzing with activity," he said.

Gold Coast theme parks reopened on Friday after closing the day before as ex-cyclone Debbie battered the south-east, while there were mixed reactions from other planned events.

SeaFire 2017 was postponed "due to strong forecasted winds and swell", with the fireworks display above Surfers Paradise Beach moved to June 3.
Take products that depend on excellence rather than volume. This is achieved through an investment in intangible assets: product design, strategic planning, business models and brand image. When these are applied well, the products that result can command a premium price from customers keen for quality.

An extension of this strategy is niche manufacturing, which involves the production of small batches of specialised products. Take the example of Creswick Woollen Mills, near Ballarat. Where most textile producers have gone offshore, this 70-year-old company is thriving with its natural fibre products designed to suit Australian conditions. One major product is the personal protection blanket used by country fire services in Victoria and New South Wales, which need to meet exacting safety requirements.

We need to make the most of our natural resource allocation. Canada and parts of Scandinavia are rich in energy resources and have developed high-tech manufacturing activities to make the most of this abundance. But Australian manufacturing is still strongly oriented towards lower-technology production, giving us plenty of scope for focus on high-tech industries.

And there is great potential from "manu-services", which combine advanced manufacturing with a range of services, reflecting the reality that modern manufacturing involves more than just making things.

Manu-services will prompt us to rethink how we define a manufacturing job. No longer will these jobs be associated just with the pure production process, such as fabrication and assembly. A growing share of employees in manufacturing will undertake services-related roles, including engineering, financial management and legal advice.
A coroner has criticised a Channel Nine journalist for a series of telephone calls she had with a siege gunman on the day before he shot himself.

While armed and holed up in a Glenroy bungalow on March 2, 2013, Antonio Loguancio had several calls with Nine News chief-of-staff Kate McGrath, which prevented police negotiators from talking with the gunman.

Antonio Loguancio.

The calls lasted for more than an hour, including one of 54 minutes.

A 2015 inquest was told that at one point a cameraman filmed Ms McGrath on the telephone to Loguancio, but that Nine never broadcast the footage.
A couple have escaped a house fire in Melbourne's eastern suburbs with their two pythons wrapped around their shoulders.

The Metropolitan Fire Brigade and the Country Fire Authority firefighters arrived at the house in Warrandyte Road, Ringwood, to find the man and woman in shock and holding their pet snakes as their home burned.

Two pythons and their owners had a lucky escape from a house fire in Ringwood.

Several neighbours alerted firefighters with one saying they had heard a "loud bang" when they saw the smoke.

MFB Commander Bob Lanigan said the couple had enclosures for the pythons but when firefighters arrived they were standing outside with the snakes on their shoulders and in shock.
Disgraced former parliamentary speaker Telmo Languiller may now face a police investigation for claiming a lucrative second-residence allowance for a seaside home.

The Victorian opposition has written to Police Commissioner Graham Ashton asking for a probe into whether Mr Languiller broke the law in claiming the allowance.

Former Speaker Telmo Languiller has repaid $37,800 he received under the second-residence allowance. Credit:Jason South

The letter calls for police to investigate whether Mr Languiller made false statements on his electoral enrolment documents or if he ever lived in Queenscliff.

Mr Languiller has repaid $37,800 he received from the allowance and admitted claiming it fell outside community expectations.
Grace knew she was in trouble, but had no idea what she had done wrong.

Last week, a teacher at Bentleigh Secondary College pulled the 16-year-old out of class and took her to a corridor, where her twin sister Tahbisa was waiting.

Grace (right) and her sister Tahbisa (left). Credit:Eddie Jim

The students, who were born in South Sudan, were ordered to take out their braids by the weekend.

"We were told that our hair doesn't represent the school," Grace says. "It was a real shock."
A man accused of dragging his pregnant girlfriend out of a service station by her hair has been ordered to give a dental impression so police can compare it to a bite mark on his alleged victim.

Dramatic CCTV footage released by Melbourne Magistrates Court shows a woman being dragged by a man from a Derrimut service station on February 23, while she was screaming and trying to cling onto a shelf.

The footage also shows the man forcing the woman's head into the automatic doors and then dragging her by the hair towards a car.

Christopher Josevski, 24, faces a string of charges, including assault offences and kidnapping, over the incident.
When Gaurav Surati moved to Australia 13 years ago, he went to Sydney. Shocked by the cost of living there, he came to Melbourne, moving to the city's north "without much knowledge of the suburbs".

After he'd been there a while, he realised something: Melbourne's outer northern suburbs are in a bad way.

Gaurav Surati on High Street, Epping. Credit:Jason South

"The congestion on these roads  [they are like] something that was designed 50 years ago," says the Indian-born IT worker.

Melbourne is booming, faster than ever before, and the city's northern and north-west suburbs are bearing the brunt of this rapid growth  which is outstripping anywhere else in Australia.
Yarra Trams said the light rail was not affected.

Victoria Police say no one was injured or trapped in the vehicle.

The light truck hit the Montague Street light rail bridge just before 11am on Thursday.

Melbourne's most battered bridge has been hit ... again.

Another vehicle stuck under the Montague street bridge on Thursday. Credit:Jason South

The truck was squeezed out after about an hour when air was let out of its tyres.

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The bridge continues to be hit by trucks passing beneath the light rail, despite the installation in May last year of protective gantries.

Rubber flaps hang down from these gantries, which slap against over-height vehicles to warn drivers that their trucks are too high to pass.
The captain of an American Airlines flight safely landed a plane on Wednesday afternoon after his co-pilot died in the cockpit minutes before landing, according to an airline official.

Flight 1353 was two miles from Albuquerque International Sunport in New Mexico when the captain declared an emergency, citing a "medical issue" aboard shortly after 3.30pm local time, according to a Federal Aviation Administration spokesman.

The flight was less than 10 minutes from landing when the captain called in the emergency. Credit:AP

First officer William "Mike" Grubbs, 58, fell ill just as the plane reached its last phases of landing, according to the airline.

"Despite heroic efforts to revive him, Mike passed away," American Airlines chief executive Doug Parker said in a letter to airline workers Thursday morning. "We are deeply saddened over the loss of one of our American Airlines family."
Bangkok: An Australian man plunged four floors to his death at Bangkok's busy Suvarnabhumi Airport on Thursday morning.

Surveillance cameras showed that the man, aged 32, took the escalator from the third to the fourth floor before the incident took place at 6.25am.

Bangkok International Suvarnabhumi Airport, where the incident took place. Credit:Jon Reid

Medical staff tried to revive the man and he was taken to Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, according to the Bangkok Post, but he died from his injuries.

Local police believe the man jumped from from the fourth floor and that the incident was one of self-harm.
Kolkata, Mar 30 (IBNS): In the Anyang City and New Town City Co-operation Seminar in Kolkata on Thursday, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Anyang Chamber of Commerce & Industry, South Korea.

The aim is to promote, strengthen and develop trade, investment as well as economic, scientific and technological collaboration between the two cities.

Phil Woon Lee, Honorable Mayor, Anyang City stated that the similarities between Kolkata and Anyang are striking and give both the cities immense opportunities to collaborate and move to a path of strong trade ties. Anyang city has witnessed growth in every domain and Kolkata can utilize this to develop close trade and investment conglomeration going ahead. This would not only drive economic growth for the two cities but also development of the two nations at large.

He felt that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and Anyang Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be the platform for achieving this goal.

Dae Young Lee, Chairman, Anyang City Council felt that Kolkatas potential in various sectors like IT, Telecom etc. has driven its economic growth.

The MoU will serve as the platform for business relation between two cities and will also boost exports for tapping the global market. Additionally, it would serve as the platform for exchange of knowledge and expertise between the two nations which will likely lead to better economic integration.

Sang Ho Lee, Chairman, Anyang Chamber of Commerce and Industries stated that Indias economy has developed rapidly and drawn worldwide attention.

He felt that India has the potential to exceed to other superpowers and Kolkata will play a key role in this regard. Over the last two years, a strategic partnership has evolved between Korea and Kolkata, and both have a long way to go. According to him, the MoU will harness the distinctive characteristics of the two cities that will lead to technological, trade and economic growth. It would lead to the development of a local economy between the two cities and rapid economic growth of the two nations.

Sanjay Budhia, Past President, ICC & Managing Director, Patton International Ltd. stated that Kolkata, West Bengal is the gateway to the North-Eastern part of India and plays a significant role in the GOIs Act East Policy. The city is endowed with significant opportunities for trade and investment. Anyang and Kolkata collaboration can benefit both the cities in terms of establishing a strong relation in areas of Agro-processing, IT, plastics etc. In this regard, the Indian Chamber of Commerce can play a significant role by extending its support to South Korea in forging such partnership between both the cities.
Washington: US President Donald Trump effectively declared war on the House Freedom Caucus on Thursday, the powerful group of hard-line conservative Republicans who blocked the healthcare bill, vowing to "fight them" in the 2018 midterm elections.

In a morning tweet, Mr Trump warned that the Freedom Caucus would "hurt the entire Republican agenda if they don't get on the team, & fast." He grouped its members, all of them Republican, with Democrats in calling for their political defeat - an extraordinary incitement of intra-party combat from a sitting president.

There are about three dozen members of the Freedom Caucus, and most of them were elected or re-elected comfortably in solidly Republican districts. With his tweet, Mr Trump seemed to be encouraging primary challenges to each of them in next year's elections. Asked to elaborate on Mr Trump's threat, the White House had no immediate comment.

"Nothing to add at this time," White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said. "The president's tweet speaks for itself."
English playwright William Shakespeare. Credit:AP "My daughter lives in Madrid, she's married to a Mexican, her children were born in Amsterdam. That's the nature of the world now," said Meg Gain, a retired librarian who is campaigning for Britain to somehow pull back from the Brexit brink. "And all I can see is borders being enclosed and walls being put up." But to supporters, British liberation is nearly at hand after decades under the thumb of unelected Brussels bureaucrats. Shakespeare's English heroes, they insist, would have approved. British identity is central to the Brexit decision. Credit:Getty "The country is ready," said Kate Himmens, an enthusiastic Brexit backer, former civil servant and local guide. "We're ready to have our freedom back."

Standing on the site of Shakespeare's final home in Stratford - it was torn down long ago, although the grounds were opened last year as the town's newest tourist attraction - she was seized by a verse from Henry V in which the English king orders his men into battle against the French at Agincourt midway through the Hundred Years' War. "Follow your spirit, and upon this charge cry 'God for Harry, England, and Saint George!' " she crowed, punching the air for emphasis. Then she stopped and suggested a modern twist: "It should be, I suppose, 'For Harry, England and Brexit!' " Shakespeare gets no say in Brexit, of course, having died 401 years ago - long before even the United Kingdom existed, much less the still-in-its-infancy experiment that is the European Union.

But that hasn't stopped both sides from periodically attempting to enlist the services of the Bard of Avon, widely regarded as the greatest-ever writer in the English language. During last year's campaign, politicians, columnists and scholars all pondered what the Bard might have made of it all. Brexit backers point to his patriotic verse - "This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England" - and his often unflattering depictions of continental Europeans. Plus, they note, there's no evidence he ever left his native island, despite the French coast looming a mere 30 km across the English Channel. Pro-EU advocates, meanwhile, argue that he read deeply about continental Europe, even if he never visited, that many of his plays were set there, and that he saw England as rooted firmly in a broader European history. "He takes the English people to Venice, to Rome, to Athens. For Shakespeare that idea of Europeanism connects us back to our roots - to who we are," said Carol Chillington Rutter, professor of Shakespeare at the nearby University of Warwick.

He didn't travel to Europe, she speculated, less because he lacked interest and more because it cost too much money for "a jobbing playwright with a family to support in Stratford." And even his seemingly patriotic verses, she noted, aren't always so. Henry V's famous order to charge the French positions at Agincourt - "Once more unto the breach, dear friends" - rings less of glory when you know what happens next. "The English are about to get their behinds whipped," she said. "Those guys are doomed." Regardless of his stance on Brexit, scholars say that Shakespeare would have undoubtedly been intrigued by the subject - and may not have needed to go far had he chosen to write about it. "I think he would find it most interesting that Stratford was as accurately divided on this matter as the nation," said Paul Edmondson, head of research at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

The town of Shakespeare's birth, death and much in between would not be unfamiliar to him. The basic layout of central Stratford, set on the banks of the swan-saturated Avon, is unchanged since medieval times. The brown-and-cream palette of half-millennium-old buildings dominates the streetscape. The Bard's spacious, two-story childhood home on Henley Street is precisely where he left it. "If Shakespeare came back, he might wonder what Marks and Spencer is," said Himmens, the volunteer guide, referring to the ubiquitous British retailer. "But he'd have no trouble finding his way around." Two hours by train from London, or a five-day walk in Shakespeare's era, Stratford is heavily reliant on the tourists who stream in from around the world, giving it an international outlook and affluence unusual for provincial England. But like much of the country outside the major cities and university towns, it swung in favour of Brexit. To Himmens, who once lived in Spain and who regularly visits longtime friends in France, it was an easy choice.

"We're the closest of friends with Europe," she said. "We want to remain friends - but not be governed by them." Her husband, a fellow guide who stands where Shakespeare's front door once stood, welcoming children with a doff of his black feathered cap, agrees. "There are 27 other countries being told what do by unelected people. It can only end in tears," said George Himmens, a mustachioed 69-year-old. "We want to get out before the tears start." And the notion that there may be tears in Britain once the economic costs of breaking up with the country's closest trading partner come to bear? The Europeans, Himmens suggests, doth protest too much: "Those French farmers! What are they all going to do with that bloody Camembert?" Brexit looks very different to Jonathan Baker, a former English teacher who chairs a local group campaigning to keep Britain in even as it heads out.
Protesters at a rally against President Donald Trump's travel ban. Credit:New York Times The ban "isn't really what this country's about," Iye, 66, said recently through an interpreter. "I wouldn't have brought my family if I didn't love this country, if I didn't believe this country was the land of dreams." Trump's original executive order, signed on January 27, barred visitors from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, including those with valid visas, from coming to the United States while federal agencies tightened their vetting procedures. It also blocked the entry of all refugees worldwide. The revision this month, an attempt to satisfy the courts, removed Iraqis, green card holders and visa holders from the list. Ali Asaei, an Iranian and plaintiff in Pars Equality Center v. Trump, in New York. Credit:New York Times If the plaintiffs in many landmark constitutional tests are meticulously chosen for their compelling personal stories - think Jim Obergefell, of Obergefell v Hodges, which established a national right to same-sex marriage - the first travel ban plaintiffs emerged out of frantic necessity, plucked from airports where they had been denied admission or from cities nationwide where citizens were waiting to reunite with relatives.

There was Allan Hakky, an Iraqi Kurd who found himself picking up the phone and volunteering to join a lawsuit after his mother-in-law had to abandon plans to visit a daughter with a premature baby in the United States. Juweiya Abdiaziz Ali, a Somali-born naturalised American, is challenging the travel ban in Seattle. Credit:New York Times "I'm a very private person, so to actually have my name on a federal lawsuit, on something so polarising and so in the headlines - if somebody told me this a year ago, I'd probably laugh at them," said Hakky, a technology executive who has lived in the US for 27 years. He said strangers had harassed his home with threatening calls ever since the lawsuit became public. But, he added: "I don't want to have to wake up one day and find a bunch of military people outside my house taking me to a camp the way they did to the Japanese. It's one of those things that, if you don't fight it at the beginning, does it get worse?". There was Juweiya Abdiaziz Ali, 23, a home health worker near Seattle who was within a month or two of bringing her 7-year-old son to live with her when the first executive order was issued. When the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, a non-profit in Washington state, told her about efforts to sue, she offered to help.

"I hope that everybody understands this isn't just something on a piece of paper," Ali, a Somali-born naturalised citizen, said. Even if the legal challenge does not succeed, she said, "I can go to sleep at night knowing that I have done what I can legally to have my son with me." And in Euless, Texas, there was Paul Harrison, 61, American born and raised, whose engagement to an Iranian man the ban threatened to put asunder. The visa application of Harrison's fiance, whom he met on vacation, had been approved only 10 days before the first order took effect. Stranded 11,000 kilometres apart, he emailed every civil liberties group he could think of without expecting a response, "because we feel like we're just tiny little fish in a great big pond," said Harrison, who trains new flight attendants for American Airlines. He had never been one for politics before, he said. The American Civil Liberties Union asked him to sign on to the lawsuit it had filed in Maryland, International Refugee Assistance Project v Trump. This month, it became one of the two cases in which federal judges blocked the revised ban from taking effect. Like the other plaintiffs, the couple veer between dread and hope with each successive legal victory, each sign that the Trump administration will not relent.

"We look at each other and we say, 'Gosh, we don't know whether we should laugh or cry at any given moment'," Harrison said from Istanbul, where, unlike in Tehran, the couple is free to act like one. "Should we be happy? Should we be scared?" Since filing the lawsuit known as Hagig v Trump, Zakaria Hagig, 24, a business student from Libya at the Community College of Denver, has found himself in a split-screen America, being cheered by a crowd of protesters one moment, recoiling from hostile Facebook messages the next. Not that the plaintiffs have needed to sign court papers to feel the tremors of what many Muslims say is a heightened Islamophobia. In Los Banos, California, Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed Ali, 39, a grocery store clerk born in Yemen and naturalized in 2010, has been able to bring his 12-year-old daughter to California after the first executive order stranded them in Djibouti for a week. It is a relief, he said, to be done with the incessant attention from the news media. His daughter, now a citizen, is settling into sixth grade. Ali, however, is still on edge over a threat no court can banish.

"It's started to feel a little bit different - everybody watching you, everybody looking at you. Something you never had it before, you never feel it before. Racist words," he said. "If I take my kids and wife to go shopping, to do this, to do that, I always worry that somebody will stop me on the way." The plaintiffs' faith has been shaken, strengthened and stretched again. So far, the America they know has come out on top. "In a funny way, even though I'm discouraged about how they're vilifying Muslims and using the presidential seal of approval to vilify Muslims, the lawsuits and people's response has made me feel even stronger about this country," Hakky, the technology executive, said. Loading "In any other country, when the president wants something, he gets it. The fact that a lowly judge somewhere can basically stop the most powerful man on Earth with a simple ruling is gratifying, and it shows what this country's all about."
Melania Trump, Ivanka Trump, Karen Pence and Michael Flynn at the first presidential debate in September. Credit:AP Pence, through a spokeswoman, declined interview requests for this profile. (Her spokeswoman did, however, say she would be open to participating in a story that focused solely on her art therapy initiatives and other passions). Friends and aides, meanwhile, say she is the Pence family "prayer warrior," a woman so inextricably bound to her husband that even then-candidate Trump understood her importance and consulted her in critical campaign moments. Vice-President Mike Pence is sworn in as his wife Karen holds the Bible during the 58th Presidential Inauguration at the US Capitol in Washington. Credit:AP When Trump called to offer Mike Pence the No. 2 slot, the businessman knew Karen Pence was by his side and asked, "I hear Karen is there, too? Can I talk to her?" And nearly three months later, when an Access Hollywood tape revealed Trump talking crudely about women, Trump called his running mate to apologise and then asked him to hand the phone to his wife, so he could apologise personally to her, too.

Though aides said Karen Pence was among those most upset by the tape, they stressed that she also emerged privately as one of Trump's staunchest defenders overall. Vice-President Mike Pence dances with his wife Karen at the Liberty Ball on day of inauguration in Washington. Credit:AP "She was a major part of our campaign, and she just never flinched," said Kellyanne Conway, counsellor to the president. "Karen Pence was one of the biggest pro-Trump people and Trump defenders there was . . . She has a great sense of people and saw at events and rallies the enthusiasm and support for Mr. Trump." Born Karen Sue Batten in Kansas, she grew up just north of downtown Indianapolis, where she met Steve Whitaker, her first husband, in high school, where she was valedictorian and president of the Speech Club. In a telephone interview, Whitaker recalled few details about his 21-year-old bride. The marriage ended, he said, after they simply grew apart as he, then a medical student, spent long hours at the hospital. In fact, he added, the last time he saw her was more than three decades ago, when they ran into each other on the street in Indianapolis. He didn't know who she was married to - or that her husband was Trump's running mate - until shortly before the election.

"We were kids," said Whitaker, now the chief medical officer of a Seattle-based biopharmaceutical company. "We probably didn't necessarily know what we were doing." Later, after dating Mike Pence for eight months, Karen engraved a small gold cross with the word "Yes" and slipped it into her purse to give him when he popped the question. He did, just a month later, as the two were feeding the ducks at a local canal. He hollowed out two loaves of bread, placing a small bottle of champagne in one and the ring box in the other for her to discover as she tore off pieces, according to local news reports. (They later got the bread shellacked, as a keepsake, a local paper noted). The Pences were married in a Roman Catholic church in 1985 but later became evangelical Christians. In 2002, Mike Pence told the Hill that he never eats alone with a woman other than his wife and that he won't attend events featuring alcohol without her by his side, either.

Supporters and critics alike cite her as a force behind her husband's socially conservative stances, including his opposition to gay marriage and the religious freedom law he signed as governor of Indiana, which opponents worried would allow business owners to discriminate against gays and lesbians by citing religious concerns. "You can't get a dime between them," said Ken Blackwell, senior fellow at the Family Research Council and a senior domestic policy adviser on the Trump transition team. "It is not him seeking her approval, but his doing a sort of gut check with what they have learned together and come up through together in terms of their shared Christianity." In 1991, Karen Pence, then an elementary school teacher, penned a letter to the editor in the Indianapolis Star, complaining that the paper's "Children's Express" section had featured an article that "encourages children to think they're gay or lesbian if they have a close relationship with a child of the same sex" or admire a teacher of the same gender. "I only pray that most parents were able to intercept your article before their children were encouraged to call the Gay/Lesbian Youth Hotline, which encourages them to 'accept their homosexuality' instead of reassuring them that they are not," she wrote. Friends of Pence - who say she quietly held a small Bible study group during her time in the governor's mansion - say her faith has sustained her through challenging periods, from when she and Mike first had trouble getting pregnant to the vagaries of politics, including her initial reluctance to support his third attempt to win a congressional seat.

Vicki Lake, the wife of the Pences' former pastor, recalled a visit from Karen Pence one day at her Greenwood, Indiana, home. As Pence was leaving, Lake recalled, "She grabbed my hands, and we prayed together in my laundry room." "That's the kind of person she is, a person who believes in prayer, a godly mother and wife," Lake said. "In fact, when Mike was a congressman, Karen would send out prayer requests to people - to pray for them as a family, that God would give them the strength to do all that they had to do." Marilyn Logsdon, who met Karen Pence when they were elementary-school teachers in the late 1980s and later served on her charitable board when she was the first lady of Indiana, recalled her friend beginning meetings with prayer. "She would say, 'Before we look at these grants, let's just ask God for wisdom and discernment," Logsdon said. Pence has stayed close with many of the women she met in church, as a teacher and through her children's play groups, all of whom describe her as a loyal friend. Lake, who has a disease that hinders her red blood cell production, says Pence often prays for her hemoglobin count. "I personally get an occasional text asking me, 'How are your numbers?' " she said. Lake also remembers a lunch at the Cheesecake Factory in Greenwood with Pence, who ordered a salad-to-go for a friend after the two women had finished their meal. "Now this is the governor's wife," Lake said, "and she was going to stop by her house and drop off this salad for a friend."

As Indiana's first lady, Pence became the first governor's wife in modern memory to keep her own office suite on the second floor of the statehouse, just down the hall from her husband. She reached out to all her living predecessors for tips and advice on the job, eventually settling on her own dictum: The role was hers to mold as she saw fit. Pence, who minored in art at Butler University and still paints watercolours, combined her interests in art, education and families, becoming the honorary chair of the art therapy program for Indiana's Riley Hospital for Children and serving on the board of Tracy's Kids, an art therapy program at children's hospitals in the Washington area. Now, as second lady, she expects art therapy to be one of her big initiatives, along with work supporting military families. On Thursday, Pence hosted roughly two dozen female service members at her residence for a small reception in honour of Women's History Month. "I just want you to know how much we appreciate you, and I think a lot of times, people in the military, men and women, aren't told enough how much we appreciate you," she said. "So we are saying thank you to you." In Washington, Pence is repeating many of her routines. She has begun reaching out to her counterparts and, like her predecessors, plans to keep an office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, where her husband's team works.

She hired as her chief of staff Kristan King Nevins, who previously served as first lady Barbara Bush's chief of staff and also worked for the CIA, where her portfolio included counterproliferation, counterterrorism and cyberoperations in the Middle East and North Africa. In the governor's office, Pence accompanied her husband on trips abroad, including to Germany and Japan. And almost exactly a month into his vice-presidency, she joined him on his first trip overseas to the Munich Security Conference - a practice that will likely be routine for future foreign travel. "They are in a strong, supportive marriage bound by common faith," said Peter Rusthoven, a lawyer active in Indiana Republican politics who has known the Pences for more than 25 years. "I don't think they make decisions separately." Indeed, her prime allegiance remains to her husband, and the loyalty is reciprocal. Among all the frustrations Mike Pence has faced since becoming Trump's No. 2 - the Access Hollywood tape; the revelation that Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security adviser, lied to him about his contact with Russians; the failure of the health-care bill for which he lobbied - the most publicly outraged he has become involved an Associated Press story that published his and his wife's private AOL email addresses. Mike Pence's team demanded that the AP take down Karen's private email, and when it didn't, the Vice-President tweeted that his wife was owed an apology.
Washington: A senior US general says it will be difficult to maintain "extraordinarily high standards" to avoid civilian casualties in Mosul, even as the US military begins a formal investigation into an explosion in the Iraqi city that is believed to have killed scores of civilians.

Local officials and eyewitnesses say as many as 240 people may were killed in the al-Jadida district when a huge blast caused a building to collapse, burying families inside. The US military has acknowledged that the US-led coalition probably had a role in the March 17 explosion, but said Islamic State could also be to blame.

When asked in a congressional hearing about the standards used by the US military to avoid civilian casualties on Wednesday, General Joseph Votel said it would be difficult to apply those standards in the narrow, crowded streets of the Old City in west Mosul.

"I do agree that as we move into these urban environments, it is going to become more and more difficult to apply extraordinarily high standards for the things that we're doing, although we will try," General Votel said at a House Armed Services Committee hearing.
Washington: Russia mounted a campaign of "propaganda on steroids" seeking to influence the 2016 US presidential election, the top Democrat on the US Senate Intelligence Committee said on Thursday, listing several areas of concern about possible links to Republican Donald Trump's campaign.

In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin again denied that Russia tried to influence the election, but in doing so he made reference to the wrong US president in answering a question at an Arctic forum.

"Once, Reagan, while discussing, I think, taxes, told the Americans: 'Read my lips: 'No!'"

His reply recalled what George H.W. Bush told Americans during his 1988 presidential election campaign, "Read my lips: No new taxes." Bush later raised taxes.
Calling the accusations "lies," Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday denied that Moscow meddled in last year's US elections, while also saying he was ready to meet US President Donald Trump.

"Read my lips, no," Mr Putin said in relation to the meddling allegation, during a panel moderated by CNBC, according to a report on the news agency's website.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected reports Russia meddled in the US election. Credit:AP

"All those things are fictional, illusory and provocations, lies," the Russian president said. "All these are used for domestic American political agendas. The anti-Russian card is played by different political forces inside the United States to trade on that and consolidate their positions inside."

Mr Putin's comments came as the US' Senate Intelligence Committee was set to begin a hearing entitled "Disinformation: A Primer in Russian Active Measures and Influence Campaigns," which will focus on understanding the method of Russia's active disinformation campaign and assess the extent of Moscow's interference.
SMMC staff living and working in fear, Minister claims not to know about the gag-order.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) has issued a gag order to its staff on February 3rd instructing them that they are not to speak to the inspectors of the Inspectorate of IVSA. All questions from the Inspectorate regarding patients and employees must be sent to management for legal advice.

SMMC sent the gag order to all medical specialists, ER doctors, midwives and supervisors working at SMMC. According to the memo sent to the staff of SMMC it states that the Inspectorate released un-anonymized information to the media, while they take patient information confidentiality very serious. While the allegations in the gag order memo sent out by management of SMMC is based on blatant lies because the report SMMC is referring to is a report published by SMN News which was fully anonymized. SMMC has since taken the Inspectorate to court on this matter.

SMN News got hold of the memo earlier this week while on Wednesday SMN News reporter asked Minister of VSA Emil Lee if he was aware of the gag order he said he was not aware of such an order. Minister Lee even said that gag-order is against his principles when it comes to openness, transparency and good governance. Minister Lee further stated that the Inspectorate could walk in any time to conduct their investigations and ask questions to whomever he wants. Minster Lee maintained that the Inspectorate has that authority. However regarding the audit the Minister said that because IGZ will be involved in the audit they want to see the parameters that will be used, according to the Minister he feels that those discussions are healthy and its ongoing, but he could not say when those discussions would end and when the much-needed audit will take place.

Some weeks ago the Minister called for an independent audit which he announced on February 8th at the Council of Ministers press briefing. Minister Lee mentioned back then that the Inspectorate and SMMC have a strained relationship and as such he wanted an independent audit to see exactly where things are at SMMC. He said back then that the audit was going to be conducted by IVSA and IGZ. However, since then SMMC has put up a huge wall contesting the audit and wants to know the norms to be used in the audit. Ever since SMMC began protesting and dictating what and how they want the audit to be conducted. The Minister kept saying that SMMC wants to know parameters and norms that will be used. He also stated that the discussions are ongoing but so far SMMC is not complying or even agreeing to audit.

SMN News asked the Minister if he was aware of the working conditions at SMMC and if he knows what the staff of the medical institution have to endure. Minister Lee said he was not aware even though he promised to speak to the staff before. There are registered nurses that have been demoted to work as LPN while there are frustration and culture of fear among the staff at SMMC.

The nurses that were demoted or placed in a lower salary scale are nurses that have been working at SMMC for a number of years.

After announcing the audit and SMMC protested the Minister of Health Emil Lee chose to hire a consultant to conduct an audit at certain departments all of which will benefit SMMC. Asked about that audit and who is paying the consultant the Minister said that the Ministry will be paying for a baseline study to improve the quality of care on St. Maarten. He further stated that this baseline study will help SMMC to put policies in place so that they can work towards JCI accreditation.

It should be noted that SMMC was audited in 2012 and to date, they have not complied with the recommendations made by the Inspectorate. One of those recommendations is that SMMC must report calamities most of which are not reported to the Inspectorate.

SMN News published quite a few articles where patients died or suffered serious complications after receiving treatment at SMMC, none of which were reported to the inspectorate. The Inspectorate learned of the cases after they were published on SMN News and then they investigated.

If the Minister of Health wants quality care and a new hospital on St. Maarten his priority has to be set on ensuring that SMMC complies with the laws that govern the country and not take side with SMMC because they are the ones that signed the agreement with SZV for the construction of a new hospital.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister Lee arrived yesterday on the inaugural charter flight from Health City Cayman Islands to a spectacular welcome home from Prime Minister William Marlin, Minister Gibson, and Winair. It was a good to see, firsthand, the impressive facilities and quality of care that our patients will experience while at Health City. This has been a process that started before my term. The process began with a visit to the Health City facilities from the Inspectorate from Sint Maarten, Dr. Best. The inspector visited the facilities to ensure that it met the required standards for our patients, said Minister Lee. Health City meets high international standards as a Joint Commission International (JCI) Accredited hospital.

Health City has done an exceptional job of building the relationship with Sint Maarten and its specialists over the years. An intangible and important accomplishment as many of the opportunities to improve patient care and the financial impact of our medical referrals hinges upon how well managed the relationship is before and after the patient is sent for their medical procedure.

Access to these facilities, in terms how to get our patients there, was the bottleneck that prevented us from utilizing Health Citys services in the past. Issues such as overnight flights and visa requirements for flights that go via the USA. It is a long flight for the SAAB34 and the necessary precautions such as a refueling stop in Jamaica are in place to ensure safety for the passengers.

Minister Lee reiterated that this is SZVs decision to send patients to Health City in Cayman and that he is not involved in regards to where patients are going or not. Relationships with other countries continues. The addition of Health City allows SZV to tap into their resources to take care of the backlog of approximately one hundred patients that have been waiting for service. It also provides an opportunity to assess whether this is a long-term relationship that can be built upon.

Comments regarding the costs involved as Cayman Islands is an expensive destination. Minister Lee stated this was a good reason to go. Cayman Islands do not have any wage taxes and they fund their tax structures through import duties. This means that no taxes are deducted from the peoples salaries and the products that they purchase are more expensive because they are heavily taxed. This translates to a higher cost of living. However, SZV has created an all-inclusive package by purchasing the flight with a locked-in airfare price. Health City also has onsite accommodations, which means that the cost for hotel rooms and meals are also bundled in the package. They have also negotiated a fixed bulk price per medical service. So, although Cayman Islands has a high cost of living, from a medical perspective we have been able to secure very attractive fixed pricing that is competitive with other destinations.

The return flight to Cayman Islands was leaving as Minister Lee addressed the press. Miss Parveen Boertje, Chief Consumer officer, Miss Carty, Referral officer at SZV, accompanied the patients and companions were on that return flight to experience it for themselves and ensure that our patients get the best care available.
Hundreds of farmers reportedly forced to shoot their own cattle

Meanwhile, in flyover country, 1000's of acres burned in Kansas and Oklahoma, touched off by lightning and fueled by dry winds. Hundreds of farmers and ranchers were forced to shoot hundreds of cattle, either because they were injured or because nothing remained for them to graze upon.

AP Cattle continue to graze right up to the flames of a range fire early Tuesday morning. Numerous cattle were killed by the fires. Wildfires swept by high winds threatened numerous towns across southern Kansas Monday night and Tuesday morning.

Emergency crews on Tuesday struggled to contain deadly wildfires that have scorched hundreds of square miles of land in four states and forced thousands of people to flee their homes ahead of the wind-whipped flames. The fires were burning in parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Colorado, and warnings that fire conditions were ripe were issued for Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska.

Dirty Jobs star Make Rowe asks: Why is it that we bicoastal bubble dwelling folks have ignored the greatest story of this month from the Great Plains? Are the coastal elite really that consumed with Hollywood that Manhattan Kansas doesn't matter?

Cattle continue to graze right up to the flames of a range fire early Tuesday morning. Numerous cattle were killed by the fires. Wildfires swept by high winds threatened numerous towns across southern Kansas Monday night and Tuesday morning.

The photos and many of the facts in this story are from the Wichita, Kansas Eagle: http://www.kansas.com/news/weather/article136876253.html#storylink=cpy
New Delhi, Mar 30 (IBNS): With temperatures soaring above the annual average in Delhi for the second consecutive day on Thursday, the Met office has also warned temperatures are likely to rise over the next few days, media reports said.

The unusually high temperatures, especially the jump in minimum temperature, has fuelled fears of a heat wave across north India, reports said.

The Met office has also said that states such as Maharashtra and Gujarat are also expected to experience mild heat wave conditions.

Bhira village in Maharashtra recorded 46.5 degrees on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, said on Thursday that in view of growing population, the per capita availability of ground water in India is reducing progressively.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha on Thursday, the minister said that as per latest assessment carried out jointly by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and state government Departments for 2011, out of 6,607 assessment units in the country, 1,071 assessment units in 15 states and 3 UTs are categorized as Over-exploited.

Reasons for depletion of ground water resources is mainly due to growing population, urbanization and industrialization, the minister said.

According to the minister's report, the average annual per capita water availability in 2001 and 2011 was assessed as 1,820 cubic meters and 1,545 cubic meters, respectively, which may reduce further to 1,341 and 1,140 in 2025 and 2050, respectively.

Image: environmentportal Twitter
Enghouse Systems Limited Announces Results of Voting for Directors at Annual Shareholders Meeting

TORONTO, ONTARIO  (Marketwired)  03/29/17  Enghouse Systems Limited (TSX: ENGH) is pleased to announce the results of the vote on directors at its March 9, 2017 annual shareholders meeting. Issuers listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange are required to issue a news release providing this information. Each of the nominee directors listed in the Corporations management information circular dated January 25, 2017 was elected as a director. Enghouse Systems Limited received proxies with regard to voting on the six directors nominated for election, directing as set forth in the table below:

About Enghouse Systems Limited

Enghouse Systems Limited is a leading global provider of enterprise software solutions serving a variety

of vertical markets. Its strategy is to build a larger, more diverse enterprise software company through

strategic acquisitions and managed growth. Enghouse shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange

(TSX: ENGH). Further information about Enghouse may be obtained from its website at

.

Contacts:

Sam Anidjar

VP, Corporate Development

Enghouse Systems Limited

(905) 946-3302
Guwahati, Mar 30 (IBNS) : President Pranab Mukherjee will inaugurate the Namami Brahmaputra Festival, the biggest ever river festival in India on Friday in Guwahati.Guwahati, Mar 30 (IBNS) : President Pranab Mukherjee will inaugurate the Namami Brahmaputra Festival, the biggest ever river festival in India on Friday in Guwahati.

Preparations are underway on war footing for the five-day long festival, which will be held in Assam covering 21 districts.

A top official of the state Government said that the President will inaugurate the festival at a mega function to be held on the banks of the Brahmaputra in Guwahati at around 2-25 pm.

Security has been heightened in Guwahati for arrival of the President.

The festival will come to an end on April 4.

The government official said Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama will be present on April 2.

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev is also likely to present at the closing ceremony to be held on April 4.

Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Uma Bharati, Mahesh Sarma and several prominent personalities, including 40 VVIPs are likely to attend the river festival.

The mega river festival will showcase the culture, indigenous sports, arts, craft, skill industry, tourism, livelihood of tribes and the traditional foods of the region.



(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Kolkata, Mar 30 (IBNS): At least two people died in a fire tragedy in a hotel on Thursday, in Kolkata's Ho Chi Minh area, reports said.

The incident took place at Golden Parkk Hotel as fire engulfed the facility, injuring a dozen others, who tried to evade being caught in the blaze.

The fire started in the kitchen of the hotel and spread to the other parts, fire fighters said.

At least 31 people have been evacuated safely, the team added.

Further details awaited.

image: tripadvisor.com
Namely News: Volunteers scare up Halloween fun

On Loop Court in Grangers, neighbors build a Halloween maze for all. At IU South Bend, students organize Boo to You for area children.
Kolkata, Mar 30 (IBNS): A major fire broke out at Golden Park hotel in south Kolkata's Ho Chi Minh Sarani area in the wee hours of Thursday, killing at least two guests and leaving six others injured, officials said.

According to reports, the fire was first seen at around 2:55 am. in the kitchen at the ground floor of the multi-storey hotel in the Shakespeare Sarani police station area and heavy smoke spread quickly to other floors through its centralized air-conditioning vents.

Minutes after the incident was reported, as many as 10 fire tender engines, police and Disaster Management Group (DMG) personnel rushed to the spot and firemen fought for nearly four hours to bring the massive blaze under control.

Eight persons were injured in the incident and were taken to the nearby SSKM hospital, where two of them were declared brought dead.

A fire service official said that at least 31 guests and staffers were rescued from the hotel safely.

"Besides evacuating 31 people, including guests and hotel staffers, safely, we rescued at least eight persons injured from the hotel and sent them to SSKM hospital, where two of them declared brought dead," a fire official told IBNS.

According to police reports, the deceased have been identified as Anup Kumar Agarwal (53) and Chamar Kishan (52). They hailed from Gujrat and Odisha respectively.

"Two Tata Steel employees- Chamar Kishan from Sundargarh district of Odisha and Anup Kumar Agarwal from Surat in Gujrat, who were rescued in serious conditions from Golden Park hotel's room no. 406 and 416 respectively, have been killed in the incident," an official of Kolkata Police told IBNS.

"Two more employees of Tata Steel, Anand Mohanti (39) and Ajit Horo (35)-both from Odisha, have been shifted to Woodlands Hospital and they are currently being treated there," the official added.

Four others, including three guests and a security guard of the hotel, were discharged from SSKM after first aid, , according to reports.

However, the exact reason behind the fire has not been confirmed yet. Fire and emergency services officials, however, suspect that the blaze might have started due to short circuit in kitchen.

"We have started investigation to know the exact reason behind the blaze and after preliminary investigation it's clear that there was no adequate fire extinguishing system in the hotel and fire safety guidelines were not followed here," the fire official further said.

Meanwhile, Director General of West Bengal Fire and Emergency Services, Jag Mohan, visited the scene in the morning and told IBNS that the fire department will lodge an FIR against Golden Park hotel authorities at the local Police Station on the ground of violation of safety guidelines.



(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha)

image: tripadvisor.com
Srinagar, Mar 30 (IBNS) : Normal life resumed in Kashmir Valley on Thursday after a day's shutdown called by separatist groups on Wednesday.

According to reports, Shops, public transport, educational institutions and other businesses are open while Banks, post offices and government offices are functioning normally.

Kashmir valley observed complete shutdown at the call of Kashmir Separatist groups to protest against the killing of three civilians who were allegedly shot dead by security forces firing during an encounter with militant in Chadoora area in Budgam District of Central Kashmir.



(Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri)
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New Delhi/Bengaluru, Mar 30 (IBNS): A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Karnataka will probe into the alleged involvement of the state's two former chief ministers in a coal mine scam, according to media reports on Thursday.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court ordered a probe into the alleged roles of two former Karnataka chief ministers, N Dharam Singh and HD Kumaraswamy, who were indicted in a Lokayukta report about six years ago, media reports said.

The apex court has directed SIT to submit its reports within three months.

A social activist TJ Abraham had alleged that politicians, in connivance with bureaucrats, had illegally allowed businesses to take over huge tracts of forest land in Bellary for iron mining, reports said.

However, the top court bench has said that no inquiries will be held into the role of another former Karnataka CM, SM Krishna, whose name had also cropped up in the Lokayukta reports, media said.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Clear to partly cloudy. Low near 65F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Low near 65F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
This aerial shot of U.S. Highway 17 Business shows the locations of four planned crosswalks, which will be near popular restaurants Dead Dog Saloon, Creekratz, Drunken Jack's and Wahoo's.
Artist's concept of NASA's "deep space gateway" in lunar orbit. This astronaut-tended outpost would serve as a stepping stone for crewed trips to Mars.

It looks like NASA's stepping-stone to Mars will be a miniature space station in lunar orbit rather than a chunk of captured asteroid.

The agency plans to build an astronaut-tended "deep space gateway" in orbit around the moon during the first few missions of the Space Launch System (SLS) megarocket and Orion crew capsule, which are scheduled to fly together for the first time in late 2018, NASA officials said.

"I envision different partners, both international and commercial, contributing to the gateway and using it in a variety of ways with a system that can move to different orbits to enable a variety of missions," William Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Human Exploration and Operations at NASA headquarters in Washington, D.C, said in a statement. [Red Planet or Bust: 5 Crewed Mars Mission Ideas]

"The gateway could move to support robotic or partner missions to the surface of the moon, or to a high lunar orbit to support missions departing from the gateway to other destinations in the solar system," Gerstenmaier added.

One of those "other destinations" is Mars. NASA is working to get astronauts to the vicinity of the Red Planet sometime in the 2030s, as directed by former President Barack Obama in 2010. For the last few years, the agency's envisioned "Journey to Mars" campaign has included the Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM), an effort to pluck a boulder from a near-Earth asteroid and drag the rock to lunar orbit, where it could be visited by astronauts aboard Orion.

But ARM's future looks bleak; President Donald Trump provided no money for the mission in his proposed 2018 federal budget, which the White House released earlier this month.

There's no mention of ARM in NASA's newly unveiled "gateway" plan, which outlines the basic architecture of a small, sometimes-staffed space station in lunar orbit.

"This deep space gateway would have a power bus, a small habitat to extend crew time, docking capability, an airlock, and [would be] serviced by logistics modules to enable research," NASA officials wrote in the same statement. "The propulsion system on the gateway mainly uses high-power electric propulsion for station-keeping and the ability to transfer among a family of orbits in the lunar vicinity."

Construction and initial use of the gateway would constitute phase one of NASA's crewed efforts in the vicinity of the moon, agency officials said. Phase two involves the completion of a reusable "deep-space transport spacecraft."

"This spacecraft would be a reusable vehicle that uses electric and chemical propulsion and would be specifically designed for crewed missions to destinations such as Mars," agency officials said. "The transport would take crew out to their destination [and] return them back to the gateway, where it can be serviced and sent out again."

If everything goes according to (the new) plan, phase two will wrap up at the end of the 2020s with a one-year mission near the moon, which will validate the ability of the gateway-transport system to operate for extended periods in deep space.

As currently envisioned, the first SLS-Orion flight  known as Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1)  will be an uncrewed journey that makes its way to lunar orbit. However, NASA is considering putting astronauts aboard the flight  a change that would likely delay the mission by at least a year.

The second mission, EM-2, is currently slated to send astronauts around the moon. It could launch as early as 2021. After EM-2, NASA aims to begin launching SLS-Orion missions once every year, NASA officials said.

The Orion capsule already has one space mission under its belt. In December 2014, the spacecraft launched atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket on an uncrewed test flight to Earth orbit.

Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com.
Scientists have created a 3D view of Antarctica by combining 250 million measurements taken by the European Space Agency's CryoSat mission between 2010 and 2016.

A new three-dimensional view of Antarctica shows off the southernmost continent in all of its rugged glory.

The map was created using satellite data from the European Space Agency's (ESA) CryoSat research satellite. It can be downloaded at a University of Leeds website and will soon be hosted at the portal for the United Kingdom's Center for Polar Observation and Modelling (CPOM).

"We used around 250 million measurements taken by CryoSat between 2010 and 2016 to create the most comprehensive picture of Antarctic ice elevation currently available," Tom Slater, a researcher at the center, said in a statement.

Measuring the ice

CryoSat uses radar altimetry to measure ice-sheet thickness at the North and South poles. This method involves beaming radio waves toward the ground from a satellite and measuring the time it takes for the reflected waves to bounce back. The instrument aboard the CryoSat satellite is the first of its kind designed for monitoring ice, according to the ESA; it can also measure sea level. [Images of Melt: Earth's Vanishing Ice]

The ESA's CryoSat mission has delivered a detailed map of the height of the Antarctic ice sheet with a resolution of about 1.2 miles (2 kilometers). (Image credit: CPOM)

The measurements are useful to scientists who are trying to understand changes in the Antarctic ice sheet, including where increased snowfall is causing accumulating ice and where melting and iceberg calving are causing ice losses.

"This should benefit not only studies of the Antarctic ice sheet, but also projections of future sea-level rise," Andrew Shepherd, the director of CPOM, said in a statement.

Antarctic in flux

As the climate warms, Antarctica's ice is changing. In 2002, the Larsen B Ice Shelf collapsed spectacularly, and a massive rift in the Larsen C Ice Shelf is threatening to do the same to that floating ice. When floating ice shelves collapse, they do not raise sea levels by themselves, but their loss does remove a barrier to the flow of land-based ice into the oceans.

Scientists have observed a trend toward melting on the land-based West Antarctic Ice Sheet in recent years, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center. The data from East Antarctica has been trickier to interpret, with some research finding that the region was adding ice because of increased snowfall. (Warm air can hold more moisture, so as the globe warms, precipitation might increase in some areas.) Because of the balancing act between ice loss in the West and ice gains in the East, there has been a long-running scientific controversy over whether the continent as a whole is losing or gaining ice.

Alarmingly, field scientists recently discovered huge craters called moulins on East Antarctica's Roi Baudouin Ice Shelf. The melt features had never been seen before on an ice shelf. Research published in the journal Nature Climate Change in December 2016 on the moulins and new satellite data found that East Antarctica may be more vulnerable to melt than scientists had thought.

Original article on Live Science.
WASHINGTON  The Trump administration is asking Congressional appropriators to cut $90 million from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather satellite programs and $50 million from NASA science programs in any fiscal year 2017 spending bills they approve in the next month.

The requested cuts are part of a broader package of nearly $18 billion of cuts in non-defense discretionary spending the White House is seeking in spending bills that Congress must pass by April 28 or risk a government shutdown. News of the proposed cuts was first reported March 28 by Politico.

The 13-page list of requested cuts, dated March 23 and provided by the White House to House and Senate appropriators, proposes $17.935 billion in cuts compared to fiscal year 2016 spending levels. The federal government has been operating at those spending levels since the 2017 fiscal year started Oct. 1 under a continuing resolution that lasts until April 28. [Trump's 2018 Budget Request Targets Earth Science, Education & Asteroid Mission]

The document requests a $50 million cut in NASA's science programs, about a 1 percent reduction from 2016 levels. The administration offers few details about the cut, other than they would be distributed among science programs, "including cuts to unused reserves and missions that are cancelled in the 2018 Budget."

The fiscal year 2018 budget blueprint, issued March 16, proposed cancelling four Earth science missions: the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) satellite, the Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory (CLARREO) Pathfinder and the Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO) 3 instruments for the International Space Station, and the Earth imaging instruments on the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR).

PACE, CLARREO Pathfinder and OCO-3 are all in development, while DSCOVR launched in 2015. NASA, in its fiscal year 2017 budget request in February 2016, requested a combined $47.3 million for CLARREO Pathfinder, DSCOVR and OCO-3 for fiscal year 2017, while PACE was still in its pre-formulation phase at the time of its budget request.

The document suggested other programs beyond Earth science could also be affected by the proposed cut. "It is possible missions would be delayed and/or grants reduced," it stated, without providing additional details.

The administration's request also seeks to cut NOAA weather satellite programs by $90 million from 2016 levels. However, the administration's 2017 budget request had already included a similar decrease, reflecting progress made on next-generation satellite programs, the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite R (GOES-R) and Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS).

"This level reflects the planned ramp-downs of JPSS and GOES weather satellites, and the ramp-up of the PFO program," the document stated, referencing the Polar Follow-On program for the third and fourth JPSS satellites. The administration's fiscal year 2018 budget blueprint suggested it would seek savings from the Polar Follow-On program "by better reflecting the actual risk of a gap in polar satellite coverage."

The administration also seeks to cut funding for Earth Observing Nanosatellite-Microwave (EON-MW) mission, which would fly a microwave sounder as a gapfiller should there be a problem with a similar instrument on the first JPSS satellite. NOAA requested $10 million for EON-MW, although the project had mixed support in Congress.

NASA officials had no initial comment on the administration's proposed cuts. Paul Hertz, director of NASA's astrophysics division, was asked about the cut during a presentation at a meeting of the Committee of Astronomy and Astrophysics of the National Academies here March 28. He said he was not aware of the proposal.

Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA associate administrator for science, also did not directly address the proposed cut during a planetary presentation at the National Academies' Space Science Week meeting March 28. He did mention the ongoing continuing resolution funding NASA program until April 28. "At which point, something is happening," he said. "Either a budget comes out or we go forward" with another CR.

This story was provided by SpaceNews, dedicated to covering all aspects of the space industry.
Albert Einstein's 1905 theory of special relativity is one of the most important papers ever published in the field of physics. Special relativity is an explanation of how speed affects mass, time and space. The theory includes a way for the speed of light to define the relationship between energy and matter  small amounts of mass (m) can be interchangeable with enormous amounts of energy (E), as defined by the classic equation E = mc^2.

Special relativity applies to "special" cases  it's mostly used when discussing huge energies, ultra-fast speeds and astronomical distances, all without the complications of gravity . Einstein officially added gravity to his theories in 1915, with the publication of his paper on general relativity .

As an object approaches the speed of light, the object's mass becomes infinite and so does the energy required to move it. That means it is impossible for any matter to go faster than light travels. This cosmic speed limit inspires new realms of physics and science fiction, as people consider travel across vast distances.

What was physics like before relativity?

Before Einstein, astronomers (for the most part) understood the universe in terms of three laws of motion presented by Isaac Newton in 1686. These three laws are:

Objects in motion or at rest remain in the same state unless an external force imposes change. This is also known as the concept of inertia . The force acting on an object is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its acceleration. In other words, you can calculate how much force it takes to move objects with various masses at different speeds. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction .

Newton's laws proved valid in nearly every application in physics, according to Encyclopedia Britannica . They formed the basis for our understanding of mechanics and gravity.

But some things couldn't be explained by Newton's work: For example, light.

To shoehorn the odd behavior of light into Newton's framework for physics scientists in the 1800s supposed that light must be transmitted through some medium, which they called the "luminiferous ether." That hypothetical ether had to be rigid enough to transfer light waves like a guitar string vibrates with sound, but also completely undetectable in the movements of planets and stars.

That was a tall order. Researchers set about trying to detect that mysterious ether, hoping to understand it better. In 1887, wrote astrophysicist Ethan Siegal in the Forbes science blog, Starts With a Bang , physicist Albert A. Michelson and chemist Edward Morley calculated how Earth's motion through the ether affected how the speed of light is measured, and unexpectedly found that the speed of light is the same no matter what Earth's motion is.

If the speed of light didn't change despite the Earth's movement through the ether, they concluded, there must be no such thing as ether to begin with: Light in space moved through a vacuum.

That meant it couldn't be explained by classical mechanics. Physics needed a new paradigm.

How did Einstein come up with special relativity?

According to Einstein, in his 1949 book " Autobiographical Notes (opens in new tab)" (Open Court, 1999, Centennial Edition), the budding physicist began questioning the behavior of light when he was just 16 years old. In a thought experiment as a teenager, he wrote, he imagined chasing a beam of light.

Classical physics would imply that as the imaginary Einstein sped up to catch the light, the light wave would eventually come to a relative speed of zero  the man and the light would be moving at speed together, and he could see light as a frozen electromagnetic field. But, Einstein wrote, this contradicted work by another scientist, James Clerk Maxwell, whose equations required that electromagnetic waves always move at the same speed in a vacuum: 186,282 miles per second (300,000 kilometers per second).

Philosopher of physics John D. Norton challenged Einstein's story in his book " Einstein for Everyone " (Nullarbor Press, 2007), in part because as a 16-year-old, Einstein wouldn't yet have encountered Maxwell's equations. But because it appeared in Einstein's own memoir, the anecdote is still widely accepted.

If a person could, theoretically, catch up to a beam of light and see it frozen relative to their own motion, would physics as a whole have to change depending on a person's speed, and their vantage point? Instead, Einstein recounted, he sought a unified theory that would make the rules of physics the same for everyone, everywhere, all the time.

This, wrote the physicist, led to his eventual musings on the theory of special relativity, which he broke down into another thought experiment: A person is standing next to a train track comparing observations of a lightning storm with a person inside the train. And because this is physics, of course, the train is moving nearly the speed of light.

Einstein imagined the train at a point on the track equally between two trees. If a bolt of lightning hit both trees at the same time, the person beside the track would see simultaneous strikes. But because they are moving toward one lightning bolt and away from the other, the person on the train would see the bolt ahead of the train first, and the bolt behind the train later.

Einstein concluded that simultaneity is not absolute, or in other words, that simultaneous events as seen by one observer could occur at different times from the perspective of another. It's not lightspeed that changes, he realized, but time itself that is relative. Time moves differently for objects in motion than for objects at rest. Meanwhile, the speed of light, as observed by anyone anywhere in the universe, moving or not moving, is always the same.

What does E = mc^2 mean?

One of the most famous and well-known equations in all of human history, E = mc^2, translates to "energy is equal to mass times the speed of light squared." In other words, wrote PBS Nova , energy (E) and mass (m) are interchangeable. They are, in fact, just different forms of the same thing.

But they're not easily exchanged. Because the speed of light is already an enormous number, and the equation demands that it be multiplied by itself (or squared) to become even larger, a small amount of mass contains a huge amount of energy. For example, PBS Nova explained, "If you could turn every one of the atoms in a paper clip into pure energy  leaving no mass whatsoever  the paper clip would yield [the equivalent energy of] 18 kilotons of TNT. That's roughly the size of the bomb that destroyed Hiroshima in 1945."

Time dilation

One of the many implications of Einstein's special relativity work is that time moves relative to the observer. An object in motion experiences time dilation, meaning that when an object is moving very fast it experiences time more slowly than when it is at rest.

For example, when astronaut Scott Kelly spent nearly a year aboard the International Space Station starting in 2015, he was moving much faster than his twin brother, astronaut Mark Kelly, who spent the year on the planet's surface. Due to time dilation, Mark Kelly aged just a little faster than Scott  "five milliseconds," according to the earth-bound twin. Since Scott wasn't moving near lightspeed, the actual difference in aging due to time dilation was negligible. In fact, considering how much stress and radiation the airborne twin experienced aboard the ISS, some would argue Scott Kelly increased his rate of aging.

But at speeds approaching the speed of light, the effects of time dilation could be much more apparent. Imagine a 15-year-old leaves her high school traveling at 99.5% of the speed of light for five years (from the teenage astronaut's perspective). When the 15-year-old got back to Earth, she would have aged those 5 years she spent traveling. Her classmates, however, would be 65 years old  50 years would have passed on the much slower-moving planet.

We don't currently have the technology to travel anywhere near that speed. But with the precision of modern technology, time dilation does actually affect human engineering.

GPS devices work by calculating a position based on communication with at least three satellites in distant Earth orbits. Those satellites have to keep track of incredibly precise time in order to pinpoint a location on the planet, so they work based on atomic clocks. But because those atomic clocks are on board satellites that are constantly whizzing through space at 8,700 mph (14,000 km/h), special relativity means that they tick an extra 7 microseconds, or 7 millionths of a second, each day, according to American Physical Society publication Physics Central . In order to maintain pace with Earth clocks, atomic clocks on GPS satellites need to subtract 7 microseconds each day.

With additional effects from general relativity (Einstein's follow-up to special relativity that incorporates gravity), clocks closer to the center of a large gravitational mass like Earth tick more slowly than those farther away. That effect adds microseconds to each day on a GPS atomic clock, so in the end engineers subtract 7 microseconds and add 45 more back on. GPS clocks don't tick over to the next day until they have run a total of 38 microseconds longer than comparable clocks on Earth.

Special relativity and quantum mechanics

Special relativity and quantum mechanics are two of the most widely accepted models of how our universe works. But special relativity mostly pertains to extremely large distances, speeds and objects, uniting them in a "smooth" model of the universe. Events in special (and general) relativity are continuous and deterministic, wrote Corey Powell for The Guardian , which means that every action results in a direct, specific and local consequence. That's different from quantum mechanics, Powell continued: quantum physics are "chunky," with events occurring in jumps or "quantum leaps" that have probabilistic outcomes, not definite ones.

Researchers uniting special relativity and quantum mechanics  the smooth and the chunky, the very large and the very small  have come up with fields like relativistic quantum mechanics and, more recently, quantum field theory to better understand subatomic particles and their interactions.

Researchers striving to connect quantum mechanics and general relativity, on the other hand, consider it to be one of the great unsolved problems in physics. For decades, many viewed string theory to be the most promising area of research into a unified theory of all physics. Now, a host of additional theories exist. For example, one group proposes space-time loops to link the tiny, chunky quantum world with the wide relativistic universe.

Additional resources

Check out this time dilation calculator from Omni Calculator .

. Explore Einstein's thought experiments in this video from PBS Nova .

. Go back to the source and read Einstein's explainer in this translated edition of his book, Relativity: The Special and General Theory (opens in new tab) (Dover, 2001).

This article was originally written by Elizabeth Howell and has since been updated.
The mound in the center of this image  which was captured by the HiRISE camera aboard NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter in April 2009  appears to have blocked the path of sand dunes as they marched across the scene.

NASA's sharp-eyed Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) has now circled the Red Planet 50,000 times.

The milestone came on Monday (March 27), about 11 years after MRO arrived at the Red Planet  and the spacecraft is still going strong, mission officials said.

"It's a marvelous vehicle that we expect will serve the Mars Exploration Program and Mars science for many more years to come," MRO project manager Dan Johnston, of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, said in a statement. [Latest Photos from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter]

The $720 million MRO mission launched in August 2005 and slipped into Mars' orbit in March 2006. The probe then spent some time refining its orbit before beginning science operations in November 2006.

MRO's work has been varied and voluminous. The probe has been searching for signs of past water activity on the Red Planet; scouting out possible landing locations for future robotic and crewed missions; studying the Martian climate and geology; and serving as a data-relay link for surface robots such as the Opportunity and Curiosity rovers, among other activities.

The Context Camera on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has been taking images of Mars since 2006. This animation shows, at one frame per month, how these observations have accumulated to cover more than 99 percent of Mars. (Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS)

To date, MRO has beamed more than 300 terabits of science data back to Earth, NASA officials said.

MRO carries six science instruments, three of which are cameras. One of these imagers, the Context Camera (CTX), has taken about 90,000 photos covering 99.1 percent of the Martian surface  roughly equivalent to all of Earth's land area, NASA officials said.

"Reaching 99.1 percent coverage has been tricky because a number of factors  including weather conditions, coordination with other instruments, downlink limitations and orbital constraints  tend to limit where we can image and when," Context Camera team leader Michael Malin, of Malin Space Science Systems in San Diego, said in the same statement.

CTX has a resolution of about 20 feet (6 meters) per pixel. Another MRO camera, the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) can pick out features just 4 to 8 feet (1.2 to 2.4 m) across on the Martian surface. But this higher resolution results in more limited coverage; HiRISE has imaged about 3 percent of the Red Planet, NASA officials said.

Map showing the footprints of images taken by the HiRISE camera on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter as part of advance analysis of the area where NASA's InSight mission will land in 2018. The final planned image of the set will fill in the yellow-outlined rectangle on March 30, 2017. (Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Univ. of Arizona)

Since November 2006, MRO has been flying in a near-polar, roughly 2-hour-long orbit whose altitude has ranged from 155 to 196 miles (250 to 316 kilometers).

On March 22, the probe performed a 45-second engine burn to help prepare for the Nov. 26, 2018, arrival of NASA's InSight Mars lander. MRO needs to be in the right position to relay data from InSight to its handlers during entry, descent and landing operations, NASA officials said.

InSight is currently scheduled to launch in May 2018.

Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com.
New Delhi, Mar 30 (IBNS) : External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday assured the Rajya Sabha that an impartial investigation will take place and proper action will be taken against those who had attacked African students in Greater Noida on Monday last.

"The moment I got information about the attack, I immediately sought a report from the Uttar Pradesh Government. I also talked to Chief Minister Aditya Nath Yogi and asked him for an impartial investigation," she said.

Swaraj said UP CM Yogi Aditya Nath has assured her of an impartial probe into the incident in which four Nigerian students were attacked by a violent mob in Greater Noida.

The mob was out on the street to protest against the death of a local teenager due to suspected drug overdose.

The mob alleged that the Africans residing in the area had an influence on the boy in taking to drugs.

Swaraj said she won't say anything more on the matter till the probe is complete.

On Wednesday, Nigeria summoned the Indian envoy and asked the Indian Government to ensure immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attack on Nigerian students.

According to a report by News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olushola Enikanolaiye, made the call in Abuja at a meeting on the issue with the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. Nagabushana Reddy.
Artists illustration of the SES-10 communications satellite in Earth orbit. The satellite is scheduled to launch March 30, 2017, atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket whose first stage has already flown to space once before. The liftoff will be SpaceXs first that employs a used booster.

When it comes to innovation, satellite operator SES aims to practice what it preaches.

The Luxembourg-based company bought the first ride on a previously flown booster; its SES-10 communications satellite is slated to lift off at 6:27 p.m. EDT (2227 GMT) today (March 30) aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket whose first stage launched an orbital mission last year. (You can watch today's liftoff live here on Space.com, courtesy of SpaceX.)

But the firms drive toward innovation doesnt stop there. SES also plans to use the satellite, along with 65 others in orbit, to offer customers a new way of doing business. [Satellite Quiz: How Well Do You Know What's Orbiting Earth?]

The SES network currently includes 53 satellites in geostationary orbits about 22,000 miles (35,400 kilometers) above Earth as well as the 12-member O3b network, which is in medium Earth orbit about 5,000 miles (8,000 km) above the planet.

"The most important thing that we're looking at is that we are morphing from being a capacity provider into being a capacity provider and a managed-service provider," Martin Halliwell, SES' chief technical officer, said in an interview with Space.com.

"We have to offer more to our customers; just offering capacity and walking away simply isn't sufficient anymore," he said. "We have to offer higher-value services into the marketplace."

The idea is that a customer would come to SES with a plan for what it wants to do, and SES would offer the technical services to make that happen using geostationary satellites, the O3b satellites or a combination of the two.

"We're not actually linking between the two orbits  but we are looking to see whether that would be appropriate for the next generations of satellites," Halliwell said.

Much like SpaceX is upending the launch industry, the satellite industry is poised for similar disruption with upcoming mega-constellations of small satellites, such as OneWeb, the latest project from O3b founder Greg Wyler.

OneWeb, which last month announced plans to merge with Intelsat, aims to provide high-speed internet services worldwide within the next decade.

The merger with Intelsat, which currently operates a fleet of 54 geostationary satellites, is "part of the larger vision of bridging the digital divide by 2027," Wyler said. "We're getting the pieces in place to accomplish that goal."

"It gives Intelsat customers an upgrade path that's never been done in satellites before, where their services will continue to improve year after year," Wyler said in an interview last month. "It's kind of a new concept in satellites, where your services get faster over time.

"You'll know from the experience, but you won't have to do anything," he added. "It will enable a smooth upgrade path for the customers  similar to when your cell operator moves you from 2G to 3G to 4G to LTE and eventually 5G."

SpaceX also plans to build and operate a 4,000-plus-member satellite network for high-speed internet, but the company has not yet released details about the project.

Halliwell said he thinks the new projects will have an impact on the geostationary systems as well.

"All of the manufacturers are having to look inwardly to say, 'Hey, how can we do things cheaper, how can we do things faster, make them more cost-effective?'" he said.

The launch of SES-10 is the first of six geostationary satellites that SES plans to launch this year, four of which will fly on SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets. The company also plans to launch four new satellites for the O3b network this year.

SES-10 will replace two other SES satellites to provide TV, internet and other services to Latin America.

Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
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Kolkata, Mar 30 (IBNS): A minor fire reportedly broke out at the state government-run Nil Ratan Sarkar (NRS) Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata's Sealdah area on Thursday, triggering panic among the patients and their family members.

According to reports, the fire was first seen in the afternoon at the kitchen of NRS hospital's canteen.

As many as four fire tenders rushed to the spot and extinguished the minor blaze.

No casualty has been reported in the incident so far.

After primary investigation, fire officials said that the fire might have started from a LPG cylinder at the canteen.

Fire department has started investigation into the matter to know the exact reason behind the fire, reports said.

Earlier on Thursday, a major fire broke out at Golden Park hotel in south Kolkata's Ho Chi Minh Sarani area in the wee hours, which left six people injured and two declared brought dead when taken to the hospital, officials said.

(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha)
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In the next 60 seconds, 28 girls will be married. Another 28 will be married in the minute after that. And then 28 more. And so on. Every year, 15 million children become wives.

Young women who are actually still girls -- but who already have a husband, and sometimes even a child: It is a fate shared by Abaynesh from Ethiopia, Ramgani from India and Nayane from Brazil. Each has her own story and her own way of dealing with the situation. SPIEGEL ONLINE asked them to share theirs.
Gandhinagar, Mar 30 (IBNS): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members in Gujarat accorded a grand welcome to their National Party President Amit Shah, when he arrived at the state assembly in Gandhinagar on Thursday, according to media reports.

Shah, a legislator from Naranpura constituency in Ahmedabad, is attending the state assembly session on Thursday, after two years. His last attended a Gujarat assembly session in March 2015.

The BJP chief was accompanied by his wife and son.

BJP's state chief Jitu Vaghani and Chief Minister Vijay Rupani welcomed the national party chief with flowers.

Shah arrived in Gujarat on Wednesday to a hero's welcome, with the party felicitating Shah for BJP's successful bid for the Uttar Pradesh state assembly.

Gujarat is scheduled to hold its state assembly election in November this year.

According to media reports, Shah has set a target of winning minimum of 150 seats in the 180-seat state assembly in the upcoming election.



Image: JituBhagani Twitter
In the next 60 seconds, 28 girls will be married. Another 28 will be married in the minute after that. And then 28 more. And so on. Every year, 15 million children become wives.

Young women who are actually still girls -- but who already have a husband, and sometimes even a child: It is a fate shared by Abaynesh of Ethiopia, Ramgani of India and Nayane of Brazil. Each has her own story and her own way of dealing with the situation. SPIEGEL ONLINE asked them to share theirs.
Algiers, March 30, 2017 (SPS) - A caravan of food aid set off Wednesday from Algiers to the Sahrawi refugee camps in Tindouf (around 2000-km southwest of Algiers), under the supervision of the Algerian Red Crescent (CRA) in collaboration with the Algerian Muslim Scouts (SMA).

The caravan, made up of five trucks loaded with 100 tonnes of foodstuffs, "shows the solidarity of Algerian people with Sahrawi people," said the head of the CRA, Saida Benhabyles.

The SMA collected humanitarian aid and the CRA is in charge of delivering it to the Sahrawi refugee camps in Tindouf, she added.

"Algeria's initiative coincides with the decision of Western states to reduce aid to Sahrawi refugees due to the financial crisis," said Benhabyles.

She also warned "this decision would starve the refugees, insofar as previous volume of aid was already insufficient and met only basic needs."

The CRA denounced this measure, considered as "an attempt to starve Sahrawi refugees," and called on Algerian people to "preserve the culture of solidarity and increase aid to refugees, in general, and to Sahrawis in camps in particular."

For his part, Commander of Algerian Muslim Scouts, Mohamed Bouallag said "the caravan is part of solidarity actions with the Sahrawi people, who are struggling for their self-determination."

The international decision to reduce aid to Sahrawi refugees "aims at starving them in a bid to making them give up their objectives and principles," he added.

"All Algerian people, the CRA, SMA, trade unions and civil society will continue to help Sahrawi people," said Bouallag, hoping that the aid collected by the SMA from Algerian donors would meet refugees' needs. SPS

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Algiers, March 30, 2017 (SPS) - The head of the Algerian Red Crescent, Saida Benhabyles, said Wednesday that Algeria's aid to Western Sahara people was purely humanitarian and not politically motivated.

"In Algeria, we do not exploit ordeals of the others for political purposes," Benhabyles said while supervising the departure of a humanitarian aid caravan to Saharawi refugee camps in Tindouf.

All relevant initiatives are "purely humanitarian," she insisted.

Solidarity is part of Algerian people's culture and one of their authentic values, the head of the Algerian Red Crescent added.

"We never mix politics and humanitarian aid," she stressed.

"Algeria is among the rare countries that provide aid and assistance for purely humanitarian purposes."

It is "the only country which provides to African refugees the same health care it provides to Algerian citizens," Benhabyles said. SPS

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Bir Lehlu, March 30,2017 (SPS) - The President of the Republic, Secretary General of the Frente POLISARIO, Mr. Brahim Gali, condemned in a message sent yesterday to the Secretary General of the UN, Mr. Antonio Guterres, the policy of provocation and repression exercised by the Moroccan occupant.

In the same context, the President of the Republic stressed that the expulsion of the political and civilian component and the violation of the cease-fire in El-Guergarat by Morocco does not reflect a serious and sincere will to comply with the resolutions of the UN resolutions on the peace process in Western Sahara, most recently UN Security Council resolution 2258.

The President of the Republic added in his message "that in the face of these repressive and brutal practices against the defenseless Saharawi civilians in a country that was occupied by force, we asked the UN to assume its responsibilities in stopping these continuous violations."

Similarly, Brahim Ghali requested the intervention of the Secretary General of the UN to guarantee the security and freedom of the defenseless Saharawi citizens, as well as allow MINURSO to observe and protect human rights in Western Sahara and report on them, pointing out in this regard That after 41 years of the Moroccan occupation of the territory of the El Saguia Hamra and Rio de Oro, the occupant continues to systematically violate international law and international human law and plunder the Saharawi natural resources. SPS

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AP Photo /Carlos Osorio

Volkswagen will pay Connecticut $14.8 million as part of a larger settlement after an investigation into the companys past rigging of diesel vehicles to evade emissions standards, according to state Attorney General George Jepsen.

The settlement totals $157 million for 10 states, to include New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont and Maine, and requires judicial approval. Connecticuts portion will go largely to the states General Fund, with the possibility of some being set aside for unspecified environmental programs.
Even after General Electrics headquarters relocation to Boston last year, Connecticut remains ranked among the top 10 states for corporate brands, according to a new study.

Brand Finance calculated Connecticut being home to 21 of the 500 most valuable brands in the nation, with Google replacing Apple as the worlds most valuable brand, and California leading the nation.
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STAMFORD  Northeast Elementary Schools parent-teacher organization will hold its biannual fundraising gala this weekend to mark the schools 50th anniversary.

The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Italian Center.

Mayor David Martin is expected to present a proclamation to honor the schools 50-year history.

Northeast parents, friends, staff and alumni are invited. The gala theme is Totally 80s.

The PTO hopes to raise $50,000 for resources, programs and supplies to benefit the school community.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit ptonortheast.org.

noliveira@stamfordadvocate.com
Guwahati, Mar 30 (IBNS) : Security forces gunned down two hardcore NDFB (S) militants in Assam's Chirang district on Thursday morning, officials said.

According to the reports, a joint team of army and Assam police launched operation in the Simaluguri area under BTAD district following intelligence inputs about presence of a militant group.

"When the troops reached the remote area, the militants started firing leading to heavy exchange of bullets in which two of the members of the group were killed.

The army official said that, three other militants had managed to escape.

The slain militants have been identified as Lanhar alias Lukas and David Ishlari.

Security personnel have recovered an Insas rifle, one 7.65 mm pistol, a hand grenade and several rounds ammunition from their possession.

Security forces have cordoned the area and launched a massive operation to nab the other militants.



(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Elon Musk

Elon Musk is considered by many to be a genius. His latest venture aims to connect our brains to computers, while his other projects involve electric cars, solar panels, space rockets, artificial intelligence and tunnels.

But the 45-year-old billionaire also has an affinity for what many people consider to be childish things: He plays video games and often displays a crude sense of humor. Case in point: To show off Tesla's new sketch pad feature, he tweeted an illustration of a farting unicorn. The drawing originally appeared on a mug designed by Tom Edwards that Musk says is "Maybe my favorite mug ever."
B ig banks cutting back on their relocation budgets after Brexit squeezed the central London letting market last year, estate agent Winkworth said on Thursday.

The business  which has 60 branches in London  received more than 4000 requests from firms looking to move staff to London last year, up 6% on 2015.

But after the referendum vote, inquiries tailed off as there were fewer employees being moved by the banks and budgets were cut, according to chief executive Dominic Agace.

The gap was only partially filled by tech and creative firms  but these tended to look for cheaper options outside the centre of town, in areas such as Battersea and Islington, he added.

Winkworth expects leasing demand to pick up this year as well as a gradual improvement in sales without a major election or referendum on the horizon to unsettle the market.

Overseas buyers are still very interested, Agace added.

Pre-tax profit fell 26% to 1.4 million.
S hares in Tony Hayward and Nat Rothschilds Genel Energy venture recovered today after striking a gas-export deal with Turkey Energy Company.

The shares climbed 5p to 62.8p on hopes the deal will help improve the fortunes of the struggling oil firm.

The company, which Hayward chairs and Rothschild part-financed, is struggling to make its flagship oil field in Kurdistan work.

Genel had to write off 627 million of its exploration assets. That led to a loss of $1.2 billion (965 million) for the year.

Genel said on Tuesday that reserves at its Taq Taq oilfield had been cut by around 66%, and that it would suspend the fields full-year production target of 35,000 to 43,000 barrels per day, sending the shares falling.

Net debt rose to $241.2 million at the end of last year.

Analysts at Stifel said: We do not think the business can support the amount of debt it carries.

Hayward plans to step down as chairman in June, but the company has yet to find a successor. Industry reports say former BG Group boss Chris Finlayson is no longer in the running.
T he London-based restaurateur behind celebrity favourites such as Oblix, Roka and Le Petite Maison, on Thursday called on the government to protect the rights of European workers as he outlined plans to invest more money in the capitals dining sector.

Arjun Waney, who is also a shareholder in the Arts Club- where Beyonce and Jay Z have previously partied- said around 80% of his London staff are from Europe.

He told the Standard: During the Brexit negotiations, I hope Theresa May works for a way to protect EU nationals working in the UK, ensuring those that are already here have the right to stay and maintain the same rights. These workers play a big part in my business.

Waney was more upbeat about Londons food scene once Britain leaves the Bloc: There is still a huge waiting list of people wanting to get into the restaurants that my family and I run. Great quality and unique products are continuing to draw in customers, and I dont see this slowing down.

The comments came after prime Minister Theresa May yesterday triggered Article 50, starting formal Brexit negotiations with the EU.

Separately Waney revealed his latest venture is investing 4 million to open a new Greek outlet in May called Meraki on Great Titchfield Street in Fitzrovia.

Moussaka with a twist and marinated squid flown in from Athens will feature on the menu.

If the restaurant does well we would be looking to open another branch in Canary Wharf before the end of the year, Waney added.




T he revolving door of William Hills boardroom span again earlier as the struggling bookmaker finally found a full-time finance chief.

Hills has been without a permanent chief financial officer since Philip Bowcock stepped up to replace sacked chief executive James Henderson last year.

Bowcock himself was only confirmed in the top job earlier this month, while the board must also find a replacement for chairman Gareth Davis, who is due to step down next year.

Ruth Prior now takes on the CFO job, joining from her previous role as chief operating officer of payments processing firm Worldpay.

She joins on a package worth 1.1 million in salary, pension entitlement and possible bonus, and will also join the companys long-term incentive plan.

Cenkos analyst Simon French said: We would not be surprised to see more management change in the coming weeks as Philip Bowcock builds his own senior team.

The bookie, which has struggled after recent profit warnings, is seen as a takeover target
T he letter the Prime Minister sent yesterday to Donald Tusk, the European Council President, to trigger Article 50, was one of the most carefully considered communications in recent politics. The controversy, then, over the apparent linking of security and the economy as joint matters for negotiation, from which the EU stands to lose, is troubling. If deliberate, it risks making the fight against terrorism appear to be just one more bargaining chip in the negotiations; if it was inadvertent, it was clumsy. David Davis, the Brexit Secretary, has tried to put a positive spin on this, by suggesting that its an argument for having a deal but already EU officials have taken issue with the move.

Two realities are obvious. One is that the negotiations are going to be serious and will involve every aspect of joint EU-British co-operation, including security. The other is that co-operation on security, notably access to the common European DNA and fingerprint databases, is in everyones interest. Mrs May was not referring to UK security services intelligence in the letter, which will continue to be shared with other governments, but to EU data sharing, which is important for Britain as well as the rest of Europe. Most terrorists in Europe move across the Schengen zone but Islamist networks may embrace Britain as well as France and Germany. Given that we all face a common threat from Islamist extremism, it makes sense to make clear early on in the negotiations that Brexit will not affect co-operation on a matter that should be uncontentious.

Today the Government publishes a White Paper on its plans to move all EU laws into UK law  the Great Repeal Bill  which will, among other things, copy and paste EU legislation into British law. It isnt without controversy, in that it would give ministers the power to make changes to some laws without full parliamentary scrutiny, though the Government says this will only be for mechanical changes to ensure laws function properly and has promised a smooth and stable transition. The more important aspect is symbolic, in that it restores full legislative sovereignty to Parliament.

In truth, the biggest headache the Government faces right now is not a matter of principle or symbolism but practicality: the EU, chiefly German, insistence that negotiating an exit deal  including how much the UK might have to pay to cover its existing obligations must take place before a future trade arrangement is settled. Mr Davis said Britain wanted to look at the whole package together, and that is plainly a better basis for negotiation. Britain could use a generous parting settlement as a bargaining counter in return for favourable access to European markets. The German Chancellor Angela Merkel has insisted on the two issues being separate: persuading her otherwise is the first challenge Mr Davis faces.

This is only the start of a big, momentous process. The spat over the wording of the Article 50 letter and the controversy over the order of negotiation is just the beginning of a process that will dominate our politics for at least the next two years. There will be even thornier issues ahead. We shall need stamina and courage.

Moving images

The redoubtable David Ofield was the Standards picture editor from 1987 until his retirement last year. And this week he received the UK Picture Editors Guild Chairmans Award at a ceremony in London. It is a fitting honour for a doyen of his trade, who for decades brought light and life to the Standards pages. In accepting the award he noted his good fortune to have worked with great photographers; they in turn would agree they were lucky to work with one of the true great picture editors. Every news picture tells a story we need the skills of picture editors now more than ever.
T he Brexit process has started. The Prime Minister yesterday triggered negotiations that will last at least two years and whose outcome will have a profound impact on all Londoners, our city, Britain and Europe. There could not be more at stake - from the economic prosperity and standard of living that we enjoy, to our ability to keep Londoners safe, improve the quality of our air and protect workers rights.

Like the majority of Londoners, I did not vote for Brexit. I believed  and still do  that Britains economic and social interests are best served within the EU. This is not a day of celebration for me  far from it. But the British people were clear and we must respect their democratic will. The time for that debate has ended, just as the negotiations have started  now we must all focus on getting the best possible deal over coming period.

I remain optimistic though about Londons future. Ive spent the last three days holding genuinely positive discussions with key European and EU leaders in Brussels and Paris  including the President of the European Commission, Jean Claude Juncker, the European Parliaments chief Brexit negotiator, Guy Verhofstadt, the President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, and the frontrunner for the French presidential election, Emmanuel Macron.

These discussions have left me in no doubt that there is a good deal to be done  a deal that works for London, Britain and all of Europe. However, striking this deal will be an extraordinarily complicated and difficult process. It will depend on a vast number of intricately linked factors and it will rely on all sides approaching the talks in good faith to try and reach a deal that works for all. Furthermore, doing everything within two years is an extremely ambitious timeframe. But, like everyone in Britain today, I sincerely hope the negotiators succeed.

While in Brussels, I also discussed greater security co-operation post-Brexit with Sir Julian King, the EU's security commissioner, and other senior officials. In the light of the horrific terrorist attack on London last week, it is more important than ever that we work closely with our European neighbours on security and counter-terrorism. Europe has suffered from similar cowardly attacks over recent years in Paris, Nice, Berlin and elsewhere. We need our police and and intelligence services to be able to work as closely as possible with their EU counterparts on disrupting terrorists and tackling extremism - its crucial to keeping us safe. But under no circumstances should security cooperation be used as a negotiating tool - as the Prime Minister has intimated. People's safety is too important.

Sadiq Khan is "heart-broken" that the UK chose Brexit

The Prime Minister had a huge opportunity to prove that her approach is one of goodwill and friendship by giving a cast-iron guarantee that all EU citizens currently living in Britain can remain in the country they call home. There are three million EU citizens living in Britain  a million in London alone. They are Londoners  they contribute hugely to our economic, cultural and social life. They have partners, friends and family in the UK. They deserve to be left in no doubt that they will be able to continue living here. The Prime Minister said securing their rights was an early priority but stopped short here and now of offering a cast-iron guarantee. Equally, the EU should now offer the same guarantee to British citizens living on the continent. These are people  not bargaining chips.

As Mayor, I will always work with the government whenever it is in Londoners interests. In my monthly meetings with the Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, David Davis, I have constantly stressed the issues that matter most to London  and highlighted the sectors of our economy that face a particular threat.

Of course, that does not mean I will shrink from criticising the Government when I think its approach risks damaging London. And I remain extremely concerned about the negotiating strategy the Government has laid out so far  ministers need to focus urgently on protecting Britains economy. That means securing the fullest possible access to the single market and customs union, ensuring British companies are still able to attract the most talented people from across Europe and prioritising an interim deal to provide economic security as the negotiations unfold.

At all costs we must avoid a hard Brexit  which would cause unnecessary economic damage to London, Britain and the EU. There is a real risk that, if the negotiators fail to conclude a deal within two years, Britain would crash out of the EU and fall back on basic World Trade Organisation rules. This would instantly create tariffs on British goods sold in the EU and would put hugely damaging barriers up for services, hitting the City of London particularly hard. The Prime Ministers assertion some months ago that no deal is better than a bad deal for Britain is not necessarily true  and I was pleased to see her soften this hardline approach as she served Britains divorce papers on the EU yesterday. This is why Im urging both sides to prioritise agreeing an interim deal which would remove the threat of a so-called cliff edge and give London businesses the security they need to continue investing and growing over the next two years.

The Government urgently need to give more detail on how British businesses will access talented workers from across Europe after Brexit. Business leaders in every sector of Londons economy are unanimous about how important this is for their ability to grow and create jobs  from finance and tech, to the creative industries, housebuilding, hospitality, social services and the NHS. Even after yesterday, ministers have said little or nothing about their plans for the post-Brexit world  and this is already having an impact on our economy  with many employees making plans to return to their home countries. Of course we need to do more to skill up young Londoners for the jobs of tomorrow  but this will never fully replace access to a skilled EU workforce. The Government must now make this a priority.

There is still a huge amount of uncertainty about what the future holds in the aftermath of Brexit and we will face major challenges and big questions over the next two years. But Im optimistic  London will still be the greatest city in the world and the best place to do business. As Mayor, I will do everything in my power to push the Government in the right direction, and ensure our city continues to thrive over the decades ahead.
L inda, Penelope Skinner's acclaimed play which made headlines in late 2015 at the Royal Court Theatre when Kim Cattrall was replaced in the title role at the last minute by Noma Dumezweni, is generating buzz in New York for completely different reasons.

London Olivier Award-winning actress Janie Dee is starring in the New York production of Penelope Skinner's play about a middle-aged woman struggling with both her home life and high-powered job at a beauty company. But the play, which is currently being staged by the Manhattan Theatre Club at City Center in midtown Manhattan, has been acclaimed in New York for contributing to the ongoing debate over gender equality in the era of Donald Trump's Presidency.

Variety wrote the "production is a bittersweet rallying cry for women who become invisible  and totally irrelevant  when they turn 50" while Time Out New York wrote Linda "demands to be seen".

Dee told the Standard: "The fact it's resonating right now is very fortunate. When I saw it at the Royal Court I was struck by the story but this year I'm torn apart and it's rocking the world because it's about now.

April's unmissable theatre openings 1 /10 April's unmissable theatre openings Angels in America From April 11, National Theatre The Ferryman April 24 - May 20, Royal Court Theatre The Resistable Rise of Arturo Ui April 20 - June 17, Donmar Warehouse The Treatment April 24 - June 10, Almeida Theatre The Philanthropist April 3 - July 22, Trafalgar Studios City of Glass April 20 - May 20, Lyric Hammersmith Junkyard April 19 - 30, Rose Theatre Kingston Romeo and Juliet April 22 - July 9, Shakespeares Globe All The Things I Lied About April 18 - May 6, Soho Theatre Cock and Bull April 25-30, Southbank Centre

"Once I get on that groove of playing Linda I live her life and I live the play but if it resonates with people, it's because they're looking at the headlines. I think this play needs to be done.

"Sometimes I do a play and think, 'Why are we doing it?' whereas with this I go, 'I know why we're doing it now.' It probably needs to be a story that is told even more resolutely right now but I think whatever had happened the world can listen to this story. The issues the play deals with are absolutely present for so many women."

Playwright Penelope Skinner said until Trump got elected President, she anticipated she would have to rewrite the play to take into account there would have been a female President in the form of Hillary Clinton that would have impacted the play's question of the problems women face in .

She said: "It's weird because I thought Hillary was going to be President and I would have to rewrite the play to accommodate that fact that a woman could rise that high and break the glass ceiling. But actually Linda still lives in a world where that's not possible."

The run-up to the New York production of Linda was less stressful than the London opening in late 2015 when Kim Cattrall withdrew for health reasons just three days before the first preview. But her replacement Noma Dumezweni was acclaimed by the critics and went on to star as Hermoine Granger in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in the West End.

Skinner said: "It's nice to have an actress who goes from day one of rehearsal to the opening although Noma was amazing! In some ways I wish she'd been there from day one and that would have been the right decision but this time round in New York it's been a more normal journey.

Skinner observed of New York: "It's half like being half in a film and half in a nightmare. Seeing so many homeless people is the most shocking thing- the level of poverty is not what you expect to see in a part of America where there is so much money. It's normalised in a way you'd never expect...but America has been kind to me."

She added she was hoping to make a film of her 2010 play The Village Bike with Romola Garai reprising the role she played onstage at the Royal Court.
" It is fatal to be a man or woman pure and simple: one must be a woman manly, or a man womanly, wrote Virginia Woolf. The self should be regarded as fluid, containing multitudes; we are not necessarily definable.

A major new exhibition at Tate Britain, Queer British Art: 1861-1967, celebrates the idea that gender and sexuality have always been complex, sometimes unknowable, even when the law said otherwise. Marking fifty years since the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK, it charts artists who refused to shy away from self-expression at a time when sexuality was legislated against and gender was rigidly defined. From Simeon Solomon to David Hockney, they depicted their true selves before others were ready to accept them.

Women were never subject to the levels of legal scrutiny that men were; the House of Lords opposed extending gross indecency laws to acts between women in 1921 because they thought most women were not even aware of lesbianism.

Contrary to their beliefs, it existed; some women even dared to partake in it, and it further entered into public consciousness when Radclyffe Halls lesbian novel The Well of Loneliness was put on trial for obscenity. ("I would rather give a healthy boy or a healthy girl a phial of prussic acid than this novel, wrote the editor of the Sunday Express in 1928.)

Not all of the artists below are LGBT, but if we take 'queer' to mean an interest in fluidity and non-conformity then their lives and work can be read as so. They were concerned with challenging or reclaiming what being a woman meant; they defined their gender on their own terms in a world that had never previously allowed them to. Nor did they ask for permission.

Laura Knight: Taking ownership of the most common subject in art history

With Self portrait and Nude (1913), Laura Knight challenged hundreds of years of patriarchal art history with just one painting. Its simple: she paints herself painting a nude model, her friend Ella Naper.

It feels quite cheeky, says actress Hattie Morahan, who played Knight in the film Summer in February. Given that women werent allowed to do life drawing from real people, its a bit of a sticking two fingers up at the establishment. Its a rebuff to classical nudes through history and the male gaze."

"The fact youve got this dual portrait of a woman clothed and a woman unclothed immediately makes you think about what it means to objectify a woman. Its taking ownership of the most common subject in art history essentially, she says.

Hattie Morahan as Laura Knight in Summer in February

Add in to the mix what curator Clare Barlow calls Knight's confident assumption of a professional artistic identity, at a time when women were denied any such thing, its unsurprising that the picture ruffled a few feathers. In 1913, Telegraph critic Claude Phillips said that the painting "repels, and found it harmless, dull and vulgar - all in one paragraph.

Morahan played Knight when she was part of a young group of artists in Lamorna in Cornwall, but before that her early life was full of hardship. Her research around Knights life showed a woman who had an impoverished upbringing but was never self-pitying, who was practically self-taught and had a a constant hunger to improve herself. She says Knight's memoirs recall vividly what it was like to grow up in a slightly mad family with not very much money - a little bit like Caitlin Morans household but in the 1880s!

Laura Knight's Self portrait and Nude 1913 (National Portrait Gallery (London, UK))

The artist Morahan describes as having an insatiable hunger for experience, a real curiosity, and a complete openness for all walks of life truly did pave the way for other women. She became a Dame in 1928, was the first woman to be elected to the Royal Academy in 1936, and historically documented the Nuremberg trials in 1946. That her famous self-portrait unapologetically carved out a space for female self-definition made her a feminist before people were evening using the word.

The picture makes Morahan think of a sense of camaraderie, of a sisterhood. Its a statement: to include a portrait of a female artist with a female nude, when the entire canon for 90% of Western art has been men painting women with their clothes off. It feels celebratory.

Dora Carrington: 'You know I have always hated being a woman'

As was always the case for female artists of her time, Dora Carrington operated in an art world dominated by men. At the Slade School of Fine Art where she was a student, she was close to the artists Paul Nash, Mark Gertler, Richard Nevinson and Stanley Spencer; their tumultuous friendship is documented in detail in David Boyd Haycocks book A Crisis of Brilliance.

Its incredible how many people fall in love with her, Haycock says. Not just men, but particularly men feel very strongly for her. Nevinson and Gertler were stricken by a deep obsession with her for years which profoundly altered their friendship, with Gertler insistent that she should marry him. In one letter he outlined five bullet points to try and persuade her, including that he was a very promising artist and I could help you in your art career.

But Carrington, who like Gluck preferred to be known by surname alone, wasnt interested. She finds herself strange, Haycock says, referring to letters and diary entries where she talks about how awful she finds being a woman. She finds her life difficult: the attentions of these men, and her own feelings about her sexuality, which shes very uncomfortable about.

Dora Carrington's portait of Lytton Strachey

Troubled by traditional femininity, Carrington bonded with the author Katherine Mansfield over how liberated they felt to be able to wear trousers. She cut her hair and adopted an androgynous attitude; her transcendent, tragic relationship with the writer Lytton Strachey began because he thought she was a boy.

She met him through her links to the Bloomsbury Group, now so notorious for challenging ideas about sexuality and relationships. Strachey kissed her one day whilst walking in the Sussex Downs; Carrington, appalled, crept into his room later that day to try and cut off his beard for revenge. Strachey opened his eyes, caught her in the act, and she fell deeply in love with him.

Its a relationship that defies understanding: Carrington had relationships with both men and women, but Strachey was a homosexual. Their attempts at a sexual relationship were a failure; Virginia Woolf wrote in her diary in 1918 that the pair had left the room ostensibly to copulate; but suspicion was aroused by a measured sound proceeding from the room, and on listening at the keyhole it was discovered that they were reading aloud Macaulays Essays.

It seems transcendent, defying categorisation. When Carrington married Ralph Partridge in 1918, it was not because she loved him but because Strachey did. The three of them went on the honeymoon together; when they returned, they lived together. Its an incredibly tight bound they have with one another, Haycock says.

Britain Queer exhibition opens at Tate Britain

Former Tate director John Rothenstein described Carrington as the most neglected serious painter of her time, and Strachey was one of the only people to take her art seriously in her lifetime. She saw no point in going on without him. After Strachey died of cancer in 1932, Carrington committed suicide by shooting herself whilst wearing his dressing gown. But at odds with a love story that seems tempestuous and painful is her portrait of the man she loved: it's a simple and tender painting of Strachey peacefully reading a book.

Gluck: No prefix, suffix or quotes

No prefix, suffix, or quotes, wrote Gluck on the back of each of her prints. This firm instruction was typical of an artist who lived without compromise and fervently embraced her own self-definition.

Born Hannah Gluckstein in 1895, she chose her own name, dressed androgynously, and insisted on one-man exhibitions. Although she lived in Lamorna as a young artist, alongside Laura Knight and other artists, she didnt want to be a part of any movement or group. She came from a wealthy family and her exhibitions were attended by the royal family, but she didnt chase fame; for ten years she hardly painted at all because of an all-consuming battle with paint companies. (She argued that the declining quality of their products was affecting her work.)

It wasnt that she didnt want to be a woman, and it wasnt that she wanted to be a man. She just wanted to be Gluck, says Cheska Hill-Wood, gallery manager of the Fine Art Society, with which Gluck was connected for most of her life. It recently staged a new exhibition of her work, 90 years after it was first shown there. Hill-Wood says that previous directors of the gallery remember her fondly, as a strong, dynamic and determined character.

One of her most famous paintings, Medallion, shows Gluck and her lover Nesta Obermer, and was later used as the cover of Radclyffe Halls The Well of Loneliness. But theres nothing sentimental about the picture; in it, Gluck and Obermer gaze on, looking more like Roman emperors as they jut out their jaws.

Gluck's self-portrait (1942)  National Portrait Gallery

Hill-Wood suggests that Gluck is now becoming something of a poster girl - or poster artist for the LGBTQ art movement, but her work didn't seek to reflect her radical gender politics. She painted portraits, flowers, and landscapes.

Her painting Before the Races is minor but breathtaking, a blue sky the perfect backdrop to a cluster of racers getting ready to ride. Rage Rage Against the Dying of the Light was of a rotting fish head. But they are transporting; Hill-Wood describes them as "timeless". Many of them are in private collections, with their owners so attached to them they are reluctant to part with them.

Having her work displayed alongside artists who were her kindred spirits at Tate Britain may not have pleased Gluck, who wanted to stand alone. But perhaps shed have been glad in some ways.

Before her death in 1978, she wrote: a new world evolves with increasingly energy and freedom soon to be invisibly reborn within our airy envelope. This could have been the world she was hoping for.

Virginia Woolf: Throwing a hand grenade into history

Virginia Woolf was not directly talking about lesbian relationships when she warned a lecture hall not to blush at the words Chloe liked Olivia. Let us admit in the privacy of our society that these things sometimes happen. Sometimes women do like women, she said, her words later recorded in A Room of Ones Own.

In the wake of the 1928 obscenity trial for Radclyffe Halls A Well of Loneliness, Woolf knew that women had to be discreet when writing about their desires for one another. Her novel Orlando, described by many as a love letter to Vita Sackville-West, avoided a scandal when it was published in the same year, and yet it was flamboyant, gender-bending and determined to blow up history.

Virginia Woolf / Central Press/Getty Images

Uzma Hameed, dramaturg on Woolf Works, the Royal Ballets triptych based on Woolfs writing, describes the novel as a great, big, magical realist kind of romp. In one passage, the protagonist travels forward through 300 years of time and ends up in a gallery full of portraits of aristocratic ancestors which then dissolves into powder around her. All these ways we have used to mythologise ourselves and create this narrative about British history - its almost like she just throws a hand grenade into the middle of it, Hameed says.

Woolf talks often about how women writers can disrupt thousands of years of the male canon in A Room of Ones Own. Its part of Woolf's whole project which is about breaking down the old formal structures and conventions, particularly patriarchal ones, to get to the truth beneath, Hameed says. Its this that makes her writing multiplicitous, concerned with inner life, and also what lent itself perfectly to making a ballet: expression through the body meant choreographer Wayne McGregor could cut through the surrounding structures of story and communicate emotion and subtext more immediately.

Woolf had a conventional marriage to her husband Leonard - anyone who has read her haunting suicide note cant doubt that she loved him. (If anybody could have saved me it would have been you, she wrote.) But she condemned the Victorian idea of the angel in the house, a repressive vision of subservient femininity, which she parodied as a woman so selfless and pure that if there was a draught she sat in it. In life, Woolf rejected this idea; in writing, she killed it. Killing the Angel in the House was part of the occupation of a woman writer, she wrote in the 1931 essay Professions for Women.

If these sorts of false orders dont represent how we live, then weve got to keep looking at the new, Hameed summarises. She was interested in exploring different alternatives, and new ways of living. It would be more accurate to describe her sexuality as fluid; its about that unflinching search for: what is the nature of self? How can self truly be expressed, and most fully expressed?

Many would disbelieve that someone who recorded so many of their thoughts so articulately could not be pinned down. But like her sister Vanessa Bells beguiling and elusive portraits of her sister where her face is left blank, Woolf could never be completely captured.

Queer British Art: 1861-1967 is at Tate Britain from April 5 to October 1; tate.org.uk
New Delhi, Mar 30 (IBNS): Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will chair the 11th Standing Committee meeting of the Inter-State Council on April 9, 2017.

The committee will discus the recommendations of the Punchhi Commission on Centre-State relations.



The member of the Standing Committee include the Union Minister for External Affairs, Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation & Information and Broadcasting, Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways & Shipping and the chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tripura and Uttar Pradesh.



The Punchhi Commission notified in 2005 submitted its report in 2010.

The recommendations of the Punchhi Commission, which are contained in seven volumes pertain to history of Centre-State relations in India, Constitutional Governance and Management of Centre-State relations, Centre-State financial relations and planning, Local Self-Governments and Decentralized Governance, Internal Security, Criminal Justice and Centre State Co-operation, Environment, Natural Resources & Infrastructure and Socio-Economic Development, Public Policy and Good Governance.



The concerned Union Ministries and all the state Governments responded to the recommendations made in the report by providing detailed comments.

The comments have been analysed and will be discussed at this high level forum.



The forthcoming meeting of the Standing Committee of Inter State Council will be examining the first three volumes of the Punchhi Commission's report. The subjects expected to be discussed at the meeting include significant issues concerning Centre-State relations, such as a) Role of Governors, b) Centrally sponsored schemes and financial transfers from the Centre to the States, c) Creation of a unified agricultural market for the nation, d) Measures to involve the states more closely in planning and delivery of services, e) Steps to be adopted to make Inter State Council more vibrant, and

f) Measures directed towards better fiscal management by the Centre and the States.



The Standing Committee of the Inter State Council is being convened after a gap of 11 years, the Home Affairs ministry said.

The recommendations of the Standing Committee will be placed before the Inter State Council at its next meeting.
Review at a glance









T he annual Teenage Cancer Trust comedy night has always pulled in weighty names, from Russell Brand to Peter Kay. Last night was no exception, with surprise headliner Michael McIntyre delivering a peerless routine about the folly of guessing the letters when we visit the optician: "It's not a game show. You don't win the glasses."

Before the skipping superstar, currently limping having recently broken his foot, the evening was a goody bag of talent, compered by Romesh Ranganathan, a man who has turned misanthropy into a gloriously enjoyable art.

Each act offered something fresh. Camp Tom Allen playfully joked that I love straight people, I think they are so funny. Seann Walsh confessed that since hitting thirty he has started wiping up crumbs like a mum.

Russell Kanes scorching riff about British behaviour added topicality: Anyone from Europe? What's left of it, before Jo Brand quipped that when her Fitbit occasionally stops working she worries that she is dead.

After the interval Kevin Bridges addressed global strife, suggesting that Gods in over his head and Canada's Mike Wilmot supplied smutty humour. But the fundraiser belonged to show-stealing Michael McIntyre, skilfully making a spectacle of himself with his observational comedy masterclass.
I t was only towards the end of his life, when his memoir, On the Move, was published, that the neurologist Oliver Sacks publicly came out as gay. He had been reluctant to do so, he reported, because of the effect his mothers devastating response to being told that her 18-year-old son preferred boys to girls had had on him: You are an abomination. I wish you had never been born.

In 2008, shortly after his 75th birthday, having been celibate for 35 years and having never had a proper relationship, Sacks finally fell in love with author and photographer Bill Hayes, who was 30 years his junior.

Sacks had written to congratulate Hayes on his forthcoming book about Henry Gray, of Grays Anatomy fame. They exchanged letters and soon after, coincidentally, Hayes moved to New York from San Francisco, following the sudden death of his partner.

Hayes and Sacks soon became friends, then lovers, and Hayes eventually moved into the same apartment block as Sacks on Christopher Street in the West Village, where the pair remained blissfully happy together until Sackss death from cancer in 2015.

This memoir is really a eulogy to Sacks, to New York and to its inhabitants. It is also a wonderfully tender and touching portrait of the love and happiness two people were lucky enough to find together.

Hayes has rendered all this through a series of colourful vignettes interspersed with black-and-white photographs. He tells us about travelling on the subway. He prefers standing to sitting, and would never doze or read as to do so would be to miss some astonishing sights. He has random encounters with passers-by and homeless people on the streets.

He strikes up conversations with taxi drivers, shopkeepers and cafe owners and as an incurable insomniac  insomnia being the subject of his first book, Sleep Demons  frequently wanders the city at night.

Impulsively, he gatecrashes a party in a surf shop which has spilt out onto the street. Why not? I opened the door and slipped in. He is clearly a bit of a chancer.

Wherever he goes he carries a pocket-sized digital Canon camera. He asks people who look interesting or attractive or unusual or, perhaps, utterly ordinary if he can take their picture, and they usually agree.

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The most touching images in the book, however, are not of strangers but of Sacks, whom he calls O, who was brilliant, sweet, modest and handsome, who wore swimming goggles when opening a bottle of champagne for the first time in his life just in case; who put clean coffee mugs and glasses to keep the dirty pots and pans company in a half-full dishwasher; who found the sight of him dropping a carton of cherry tomatoes on the floor so pretty he asked him to do it again; who would add artificial sweetener to wine if it tasted too sour; who liked debating the difference between happiness and pleasure  an extraordinary man who was curious about everything.

At one point Hayes cooks dinner for the two of them and asks himself if this is the happiest hes ever been. I kept doing what I was doing, making dinner, sort of testing the feeling; O was talking all the while; and I thought, Yes, yes it is true.

Bill Hayes will discuss Insomniac City at the Conde Nast College of Fashion & Design, 16-17 Greek Street, W1 on April 4 at 6.45pm (howtoacademy.com)
O ne night last weekend the Italian coastguards picked up 1,000 refugees from their sinking craft off the coasts of Libya  only one person died in the complex operation.

It takes such a shock statistic of flight, violence and terror to bring the refugees back into the headlines. But the refugees should never have left the news, argue Sir Paul Collier and Alexander Betts in this timely and acutely aimed polemic.

The refugee crisis should be high up the agenda for Europe and the advanced nations of the world, because the present system of governance and regulation doesnt work, and the breakdown threatens economic order as well as fundamental values and norms of human decency and justice.

There are about 20 million refugees in need of immediate succour and protection, while in the world there are at least 60 million stateless and fugitives. Most come from Syria, Somalia and Afghanistan.

At least 11 million Syrians  nearly half the total population  are now refugees, six million displaced inside the country. More than half of Syrias active and skilled graduates now live in Europe. There is little chance that even half will return home within a generation.

This book is very strong on diagnosis  as might be expected of Sir Paul, trusted consigliere to both Tony Blair and David Cameron. His study with Betts, who heads Oxfords Refugee Studies Centre, follows his excellent Exile, a broader consideration of migration. They come up with a number of ingenious remedies to at least soften the current crisis.

First, they argue for an overhaul of principle as well as practice in national and international approaches. Too much is rooted in the European experience after the Second World War, which saw tens of millions of refugees on the march. Accordingly, principles of asylum were based on persecution  this should be changed to flight from violence and the use of force.

The fledgling UN set up the UN High Commission for Refugees in 1948, backed by UN convention in 1951. The ideals of the convention are still fine, but the way the organisation has bounced from crisis to crisis over the past 70 years makes it unfit for purpose.

Today it is generally underfunded, both in general and for specific missions and tasks, which now include mass impact disaster relief. Equally, the Europeans have mismanaged the handling of the millions of refugees arriving since the Arab Spring of 2011.

More book reviews 1 /24 More book reviews Recovery by Russell Brand Will Russells brand of self-help prove quite so addictive? By Nicholas Lezard. Read review A Life in Questions by Jeremy Paxman Paxo refuses to answer all the really good questions, says David Sexton. Read review Politics: Between: The Extremes by Nick Clegg The basis of this book makes it impossible not to warm to Clegg, says Melanie McDonagh. Read review Serious Sweet by A L Kennedy Thank heavens for London in this tale of self-obsessed lovers. Read review The Last Royal Rebel: The Life and Death of James, Duke of Monmouth by Anna Keay Born a kings b****** and destined for a traitors death. Read review Man Up: Boys, Men and Breaking the Male Rules by Rebecca Asher Getting to the bottom of why boys will be boys. Read review The Course of Love by Alain de Botton A philosophical novel that does run smooth, says Johanna Thomas-Corr. Read review The Tree Climbers Guide: Adventures in the Urban Canopy by Jack Cooke How I gave this book a proper test and ended up with a broken ankle. Read review Reader, I Married Him: Stories Inspired by Jane Eyre Brontes classic tale in the imaginations of other writers, says Claire Harman. Read review Moranifesto by Caitlin Moran Caitlin comes clean about politics  the world according to our funniest feminist. By Rosamund Urwin. Read review Spark Joy An Illustrated Guide to the Japanese Art of Tidying by Marie Kondo Theres no messing wih Marie, says Katie Law. Read review Cockfosters Stories by Helen Simpson After 50, a womans life gets better not worse. By Katie Law. Read review Stalins Englishman: The Lives of Guy Burgess by Andrew Lownie Joker in the spying pack. By Richard Bassett. Read review Even Dogs in the Wild by Ian Rankin The darkness that lies at the heart of the novel is offset by a lightness of touch, says Mark Sanderson. Read review Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink by Elvis Costello Elvis proves not quite so lyrical on the page, says Nick Curtis. Read review The Importance of Elsewhere: Philip Larkins Photographs by Richard Bradford His poetry paints better pictures than any camera, says David Sexton. Read review Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith Morality wins out over macabre murders, says Melanie McDonagh. Read review The Grownup by Gillian Flynn Calling all Flynnies: the con girl whos like gone girl. Read review

Instruments such as the Schengen Agreement, which reduced internal borders, and the Dublin Regulation on asylum in the first country of arrival may have had a noble intent, but in execution they have been a shambles. Today they are all but abandoned  a threat to EU solidarity and unity as much as Brexit.

The authors recommend that the UN abandon the idea that recognised refugees should not be able to work if they are to have UN protection. They recall a visit to the Zaatari camp, home to more than 100,000 workless and depressed Syrians just inside Jordan  with a huge industrial development zone, completely empty just a few miles away.

Refugees must be allowed to work  and special development sites should employ them. And failing states are not doomed to continue to fail. They should be incubated for social recovery, as has happened with Ethiopia and Rwanda.

If anything, for my money, the authors place too much faith in the power of states  but this is a minor quibble. Iraq and Syria will never be unitary, and unified, states in my lifetime  or perhaps that of any of us. And there are terrible outliers threatening even more refugees in the Mediterranean.Gaza, where two million live in squalor and abandon, will run out of sweet water by 2020, according to the UN Development Programme  which suggests they will all have to move. But where and how?

The authors say it is over to all of us to decide such matters. Not so fast  their next contribution to their brilliant polemic is more than eagerly awaited.
T here are two types of sights in London. The first are the obvious ones: the buildings, museums and monuments that always have an endless column of excitable Central European tweenagers queuing-up outside. These are the sights Hollywood directors use in zippy montages designed to telegraph the fact that action is now taking place in London, but which most of us walk past without even glancing at. Landmarks so visible you eventually stop noticing them altogether.

The second type of sight is more subtle and far more personal. These are the small, quiet, out-of-the-way places all Londoners have stumbled across over the years and to which we keep coming back; the places that never crop up in movie montages but which we nevertheless frogmarch friends and family members to whenever theyre down.

So for many years, it was impossible for my dad to visit without paying a trip to the Captain Kidd in Wapping. It wasnt even an amazing pub but it was slap bang on the river and served competitively priced lager, which meant we could sit by a window, observe the tide and feel vaguely Pepysian. Im assuming Samuel Pepys ate a lot of salt-and-vinegar crisps. But Id recommend it to anyone.

Where else? Ive spent hours in Postmans Park near St Pauls. You have to look hard for it but once youre there, youll find an entire wall dedicated to Victorian men, women and children who lost their lives in acts of heroic self-sacrifice. So theres Frederick Alfred Croft, who died saving a woman from a train at Woolwich Arsenal. Alice Ayres, daughter of a bricklayers labourer, who saved three kids from a burning house in Borough. John Clinton, just 10, who drowned near London Bridge trying to save a companion younger than himself. Its incredibly poignant. There should be queues, but Im always glad there arent.

50 free things to do in London 1 /66 50 free things to do in London A Cockroach Tour at the Science Museum Get a bug's eye view of the human race with the Science Museum's Cockroach Tour. Step into their shells (literally) and explore how science and technology are influencing our climate. Every Saturday and Sunday at 2pm and 4pm.



sciencemuseum.org.uk Columbia Road Flower Market Come rain or shine, this East End institution peddles its colourful flora every Sunday from 8am-3ish. You'll get the best bargains as it starts to warm down. Check out the adjacent galleries, coffee shops and boutiques which open up at the weekend too. columbiaroad.info Getty Climb up Big Ben Did you know you can wear yourself out climbing up all 334 steps of Big Ben to hear the Great Bell chime the hour up-close? As well as taking in stunning views across London, you can also explore behind the clock faces. Guided tours only at 9am, 11am and 2pm every Monday-Friday. Book ahead.



parliament.uk Getty In-store gigs at Rough Trade East Brick Lane's independent record shop hosts regular free gigs from the likes of Kendrick Lamar (pictured), Gabrielle Aplin and Foals. Wristbands are given out one hour before kick-off.



roughtrade.com Getty Kerb Street Food Markets Making cities taste better one street food market at a time, Kerb are the ultimate foodie guerillas. Find them at King's Cross (Tuesday-Friday), the Gherkin (Thursday) & UCL (last Wednesday of every month). Feast with London's best traders including Mother Flipper burgers and the Meringue Girls (pictured).



kerbfood.com (Picture: David Loftus) Hackney City Farm Give your kids a dose of the countryside in the concrete jungle at one of London's city farms. Our favourite is Hackney City Farm, which is packed with donkeys, pigs and chickens. Open from 10am4.30pm every day except Monday.



hackneycityfarm.co.uk Play table tennis at PING Tables at Earl's Court hangout PING are free on a first come, first served basis. Don't miss tournament Tuesday. Games of Beer Pong are positively encouraged.



weloveping.com Alfie's Antiques Market A hidden gem full of gems, this Marylebone market is an indoor haven for antiques, vintage, collectables and 20th Century design. Open 10am-6pm Tuesday to Saturday.



alfiesantiques.com Gigs and club nights at the Social This central London bar has been going for 15 years. Theres a great range of weekly club nights with a mixture of resident and guest DJs spinning the tunes from house and disco to funk and hip-hop, plus showcases of some of the best new bands around.



thesocial.com Lunchtime concerts at St-Martin-in-the-Fields Every Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 1pm you can listen to tomorrow's classical music stars, from pianists to choirs, play and sing for free at this beautiful church on the edge of Trafalgar Square. No ticket required. stmartin-in-the-fields.org Nike Training Club You can register for these free womens exercise classes via Facebook around two weeks in advance. Theres yoga, running and general fitness training sessions held in a mixture of indoor and outdoor locations including Clapham Common, Victoria Park and the exercise space in the Nike Town shop.



facebook.com/NikeTrainingClubUK Walk the Tamsin Trail in Richmond Park Walk, run or cycle around the seven mile perimeter of London's largest royal park and try to spot a herd of Red Fallow deer (pictured). Don't worry - there are plenty of tea stops along the way.



royalparks.org.uk Popcorn at Heaven One of London's biggest weekday club nights, Popcorn is one for hedonists who like to dance to house, hip hop and even cheese for seven hours on a Monday night. Just grab a wristband from G-A-Y Bar in Soho for free entry.



popcorn-heaven.com The Queen's House at Greenwich Designed by Inigo Jones in 1616, this Italian Renaissance-style mansion marked a departure from Tudor architecture and houses a fine art collection of maritime paintings. Open Daily 10am-5pm.



rmg.co.uk Guided tours of Tate Modern Tate Modern is spectacular to look at just from the outside (approach from the Millennium Bridge for the best view) and you can also join a free tour lasting 45 minutes and led by in-house experts, at 11am, 12pm, 2pm & 3pm. No booking required unless for a group of more than 10.



tate.org.uk Karaoke at Paradise by Way of Kensal Green Think you've got the X-factor? Hire the private karaoke room (which takes up to 25 guests) for no fee every Monday and Tuesday. Boy George (pictured) has had a go. There's even a button to press to order booze. Call 020 8969 0098 to book.



theparadise.co.uk Friday Night Skate Can you hold your own on rollerskates? Join a marshalled street skate (bladers welcome) which meets at Wellington Arch in Hyde Park at 8pm every Friday. Weather dependent.



lfns.co.uk Evensong at Westminster Abbey Westminster Abbey is always open to those who wish to worship. Come for the evensong service to hear the dulcet tones of the Abbey choir. Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday at 5pm or Saturday & Sunday at 3pm.



westminster-abbey.org Meditate at Inner Space Those who need some respite from the grind of life can drop in to Inner Space for free lunchtime and evening meditation and positive thinking classes.



innerspace.org.uk Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace Everyone should watch the Queen's Guardsmen in action at least once in their life. The changing of the guard takes place at 11.30am on odd days (2, 4, 6 etc) throughout the month.



royal.gov.uk Ain't Nothing But The Blues Bar This Soho stalwart claims to serve up the best blues on this side of the pond seven nights a week. From Sunday to Thursday, entry is free all sweet night long and it's free before 8.30pm on Friday and Saturday.



aintnothingbut.co.uk Watch a trial at the Old Bailey Anyone can attend the public galleries of London's premier criminal court the Old Bailey to watch trials in session. Be warned, you can't take in bags, cameras or mobile phones and there's no cloakroom. Open Monday to Friday, 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm.



cityoflondon.gov.uk Rex Features New Act Night at the Comedy Cafe Theatre Forget big arenas and ticket prices to match, this night in Shoreditch is where many a comedy star, including Jimmy Carr and Mickey Flanagan, cut their teeth. Every Wednesday at 7.45pm.



comedycafetheatre.co.uk Natural History Museum Volcanoes, dinosaurs and a full-sized blue whale skeleton are just some of the wonders of the Natural History Museum.



nhm.ac.uk NHM The Curve Gallery at the Barbican Centre The Curve is always hosting exciting installations that carry no charge but might come with queues, such as Random International's Rain Room (pictured).



barbican.org.uk Gigs at Birthdays This mini bar/club has staged many a free gig, including an impromptu one from Bloc Party (pictured) that prompted massive queues. Make sure you refuel upstairs first.



birthdaysdalston.com Ceremony of the Keys This 700-year-old ceremony is the nightly locking up of the Tower gates. Its a popular event and for dates in 2014 youll need to apply in writing, but online bookings are being taken for January 2015 onwards.



hrp.org.uk Piano recitals at Bar Nightjar Recently voted the world's second best bar for its stupendous cocktails, this Old Street speakeasy also does a fine line in live music. Most nights there's a charge, but entrance to Piano Tuesdays is on the house.



barnightjar.com Whitechapel Gallery Around since 1901, the Whitechapel Gallery can be counted on for pioneering new talent in contemporary art - think Rothko and Frieda Kahlo. The best part? Admission to exhibitions is free.



whitechapelgallery.org Turner Collection at Tate Britain The Clore Gallery at Tate Britain boasts the world's largest collection of Turner paintings. Over 300 oil paintings, sketches and watercolours chart his development from boyhood to mature master and elevator of landscape art.



tate.org.uk Turner, Joseph Mallord William 1775-1851, Norham Castle, Sunrise c.1845 (Tate) Portobello Road Antiques Market Yes you will have to wade through SLR-wielding tourists, but wandering up the two-mile Portobello Road is still a good day out: roam antiques stalls, stock up on bargain bowls of fruit and veg, and explore the fashion market. Open every Saturday from 9am-10am.



portobellomarket.org Rex Features Backpacks, trails & workshops at the V&A Borrow a backpack for your mini art fiends (suitable for 5-12 years) and embark on hands-on activities, jigsaws, stories, puzzles and games to be enjoyed in and around the V&A. No need to book, available every day from the Sackler Centre.



vam.ac.uk Victoria and Albert Museum, London Mediatheque at BFI Southbank Like old movies? The BFI has a ready-to-watch archive of nearly 3000 films and TV series. Simply log on at a viewing station and get reacquainted with old classics from London Town (pictured) to Ab Fab.



bfi.org.uk Courtesy of BFI Mediatheque The Alibi Dalston hotspot The Alibi is always free entry. Don't miss the dive bar's film (Monday) and karaoke (Tuesday) nights .



thealibilondon.co.uk Lunchtime recitals at The Royal Opera House The ROH holds regular lunchtime recitals where you can catch rising orchestral and choral stars. Seats can be reserved online nine days before the concert and always go fast. They also run free backstage tours for nosey parkers.



roh.org.uk Peter Mackertich courtesy of the Royal Opera House Good gym 'Do good, get fit' is the mantra at play here. Join this group of runners and and you'll be sent on community-helping missions such as visiting the elderly. Everyone wins.



goodgym.org Angel Comedy On most Saturday nights the likes of Tony Law (pictured) will tickle your ribs for free from 8pm.



angelcomedy.co.uk The Wellcome Collection One for curious cats, this free gallery is all about medicine, life and art through the ages. Make the most of the library, cafe and temporary collections such as Death: A Self-Portrait (pictured). Don't miss their uber-popular Thursday night events.



wellcomecollection.org Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Lunchtime music at the Royal Festival Hall Find a seat in the Clore Ballroom and simply listen. You'll be treated to jazz, folk and world music from rising stars and established ensembles. Every Friday



southbankcentre.co.uk Parliament Hill The view from here is one you need to see and will revive even the most world-weary Londoner, especially on a clear day. And there's a lido nearby for brave swimmers.



cityoflondon.gov.uk The Wallace Collection A treasure trove in a historic townhouse setting, the Wallace Collection allows you to gawp at old masters, vintage armour, porcelain and furniture. Open to art buffs seven days a week, 10am-5pm.



wallacecollection.org Be in the BBC audience Get your 15 minutes of fame and apply for tickets to be in the audience of a BBC TV show. These guys are entranced by Question Time...



bbc.co.uk Friday nights at Catch Every Friday is free at this Kingsland Road bar and club. Expect anything from live bands to Nineties dance, indie and hip hop.



thecatchbar.com Speakers' Corner Speeches and debates have been taking place at the north-east end of Hyde Park since the 1800s. Stop by to hear wide-ranging views on a huge variety of topics. Or why not rock up and give a speech yourself?



royalparks.org.uk



Pic: Alex Lentati British Museum Not only is it a rather stunning piece of architecture, the British Museum is also an archive of fantastic art and artefacts from all over the world, including the Rosetta Stone and Elgin Marbles. Find anything from African textiles to a virtual autopsy of an Egyptian mummy. Open daily 10am-5pm.



britishmuseum.org Trustees of the British Museum Borough Market Rain or shine, Borough Market is a great place to refuel after a walk down the river, with hog roasts, lamb burgers and many other culinary delights. A real London institution. Full market open Wednesday-Saturday.



boroughmarket.com Lectures at LSE LSE puts on regular public lectures and everyone is welcome. Expect star speakers - past guests include Kofi Annan (pictured), Bill Clinton and Mervyn King.



lse.ac.uk  LSE / Nigel Stead Broadway Market Sandwiched between London Fields and the Regent's Canal, this old Hackney market is now a hipster hunting ground. Get on your fixie and munch on the trendiest galettes, store up on fresh veg and have a mooch around the vintage clothes stalls. It's easy to while away a day at the cafes which spill on to Broadway. Open on Saturdays 9am-5pm.



broadwaymarlet.co.uk Eric Huang Flickr CC World music and exhibitions at Rich Mix East London's premier cultural centre, Rich Mix hosts open mic spoken word nights, exhibitions, acoustic music (with free cake!) in its bar.



richmix.org.uk Museum of London 450,000 years of London history are on display in the permanent galleries at the museums City and Docklands locations and you can even browse a number of collections online.



museumoflondon.org.uk

And, most recently, Ive discovered Temple Church. Arriving late at a friends sons christening, I pushed open the heavy wooden door to find myself in a 12th-century building packed with medieval stone effigies of dead knights. The knights just lay there in full armour, patiently staring at the ceiling while half a dozen toddlers tried to climb on them. It was, for reasons I cannot fully explain, a strangely touching sight. Im going back the first chance I get.

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A irline food gets a bad rep  and one man thinks this prejudice is unwarranted.

Speaking to Business Insider, Nik Loukas, the author of InflightFeed and veteran industry professional, said: "In the last five years, airlines are really trying hard to outdo each other with the kind of meals theyre offering."

Good or bad, the humble airline meal never fails to leave an impression with the traveller: "When people step off the plane at their destination they talk about two things: The crew and the food."

Loukas thinks it's the weirdness of eating a meal at 30,000 feet at a speed of 800kph that lodges in the memory. "It's not normal," he says.

The ex-Qantas Airways crew member travels over 180,000km each year in search of the latest in-flight meal options gracing the skies. He told us which five airlines do it best  scroll down to see them in no particular order.

Austrian Airlines  'Hands down the best breakfast Ive eaten on a plane.'

"Hands down the best breakfast Ive eaten on a plane in a seriously long time." Says Loukas, though the meal was bought at an extra cost, "you can upgrade your in-flight meal for 15 (13/$16) and receive quite a fantastic meal."

The meal won a 9.4 rating on InflightFeed.

Singapore Airlines  'The in-flight meal options... even in economy class were fantastic.'

Loukas was travelling in Singapore Airline's famous Suite Class when he was this up. "I love Singapore Airlines, the service was amazing and the in-flight meal options in business, first, and even in economy class were fantastic."

He notes on InflightFeed that suites and first class passengers are greeted with Dom Perignon Vintage 2004 as a welcome drink.

Scandinavian Airlines  'Like dining in a cool, Scandinavian restaurant.'

"Business class is like dining in a cool, Scandinavian restaurant, meal trays aren't used for the main meal service, and the second meal service is quite nice as you can pick and choose what you want from the buffet trolley that comes through the cabin."

In economy, though, Loukas noted on his site that some travellers might find the buy-on-board range relatively poor value.

World bucket list destinations - in pictures 1 /38 World bucket list destinations - in pictures See Santorini The white walls of Santorini have to be seen to be believed. And thats not too much of a chore  when done from an infinity pool, overlooking the blues of the Aegean. Skip summers party season and head there in late spring. Same island, less company. Swim in Iceland's Blue Lagoon Icelands not just about the Northern lights - there's also time for unforgettable indulgence. Unwind in its geothermal spas; the bluest lagoons you'll ever see. Heres photographic proof that its the 2017 destination of choice. Visit Iceland New Zealand's South Island Yes, its far away. But a journey to New Zealands South Island is worth its weight in tourist snaps. There are almost too many things to do in New Zealand  sailing, trekking, horse-riding  so well settle for gawping at the scenery. Visit New Zealand Cruise down the Amazon The Amazon isnt for the casual tourist; its wildlife overload. Take a river cruise, become a nature expert and catch some pink dolphins. Track the Incas in Peru Perus the place to be but its not just for trendy tourists. The Inca trail to Machu Picchu is one of the best ways to gawp at human history REX Lavender season in Provence. Does anything sound more romantic than Provences lavender fields? Endless rows of purple that smells as good as they look. Go in late June to see the season in full force. Shutterstock Roadtrip through California Roadtrip through California and take in some iconic scenery. This has all the makings of a great movie; marvel at human engineering of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge and nature's handiwork at Big Sur, on California's central coast. End up in L.A. for a Hollywood ending. The Style Traveller Travel to Cinque Terre Travel to Cinque Terre. Italys rocky coastline is a UNESCO heritage site where the pastel houses cling onto the cliff edge like goats. You can spend your time trekking from village to village or just sunbathe on the rocks. Its worth planning your trip in advance; tourist season packs these villages to the - pleasingly tattered - rafters. Shutterstock See the real Tokyo Forget Lost in Translation and embrace the authentic side of Tokyo. Theres more to the city than neon lights and karaoke rooms. Visit the Jimbocho neighbourhood with its 180 second hand bookshops. Seek out culinary inspiration at the Isetan Department Store food hall where the candy looks like lip gloss. Or spend a cosy night in a sleep capsule at the Siesta hotel. Tie in a Christmas or New Year trip with a ski season - the ski resorts' snow monkeys are an eigth wonder of the world. Shutterstock Marvel at Gaudi's Barcelona Marvel at Gaudis Barcelona. Spend hot days and long nights in the Spanish city which doubles as an architectural dream. There's coastline, a clifftop chapel and the best unfinished cathedral in the world. Gaudis designs are an unforgettable backdrop to a city which heaves with good food, great bars and a never-ending Picasso museum. Shutterstock Modern art in Marfa Hidden in Texas vast desert is this arts hub where the art galleries look like spaceships . Make like the Instagram pack and book in at the El Cosmico campsite - sleep in a trailer under the Texan stars. At the Chinati Foudnation, you'll find Carl Andre, Claes Oldenberg and Dan Flavin. Dont miss the Instagram opportunity at the fake Prada pop-up, just outside the town on the highway. Beyonce snapped a photo there in 2012 and two years later, Vogue labelled it a pop culture landmark. Wildebeest migration in the Serengeti If Planet Earth 2 has got you craving nature, watching the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti is a must. Over 1.5 million wildebeest head for dry refuge in the Maasai Mara in May and witnessing the phenomenon is the ultimate in travel luxury. ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images Climb Skellig Islands The wonderfully atmospheric backdrop for the latest Star Wars. The monastery on Skellig Michael - the larger of the two Skellig islands  was a travel destination for Christians in the sixth century. You will feel worthy; there are 600 perilous steps to climb to the top of the monastic site. No matter your convictions, something will come across you at the top. Even if its just the desire for an Instagram of the puffins. Shutterstock Kick back in the Bora Bora The white sand beaches of Bora Bora are almost too pretty; its coral gardens are an unforgettable. This is honeymoon material (albeit luxury honeymoon material). Dive the Great Barrier Reef This bucket list cliche stays on wish lists for a reason. Scuba dive through coral islands (there are 83 species of the stuff), watch out for shark fins and trek through the Daintree National Park (which can stake a claim to being the oldest tropical rainforest in the world). Getty Images/Jeff Hunter See the Taj Mahal in person The Taj Mahal is the 17th century jewel in Indias crown. Its been attracting tourists and royalty for centuries. It was commissioned by the emperor as a tomb for his favourite wife, and that sense of lavish romance spills into the 21st century. Pose for a photo on that bench  made famous by Diana and recreated by William and Kate  and then explore Agra by bike. Sundown on the Yamuna will be an unforgettable end to the day. Sail around the Caribbean Experience beaches upon beaches of Caribbean tranquillity. The most exciting way to explore these far-flung islands is by boat. Pick an island (or two), drop anchor, and dive in. The Great Wall of China It's a good walk, made extraordinary by human engineering. Trek the wall which - although you can't see it from space - still feels otherworldly. Sail the Galapagos Islands Darwin visited in the 19th century and the islands still offer visitors magic and inspiration (though discovering an epochal scientific theory is not guaranteed). Biodiversity is big; snorkel with white-tipped sharks and sea lions. Take in the ruins at Tulum Mexico's Mayan walled city has something for everyone. Specatular ruins, hotels approved by the fashion crowd and bars that stay open late into the night. Sink margeritas and enjoy the world class seafood which is as fresh as it gets. It's got tough competition from other entries on this list, but Tulum might also have the best beaches in the world. White sand, clear waters - it's best to see for yourself. Wadi Rum in Jordan Channel your inner Indiana Jones and head to Wadi Rum in Jordan. It's the second Star Wars-approved bucket list destination on this list and it earns it: awe-inspiring scenery conspires with lunar landscapes for maximum impact. Getty Images Go off-grid in the Sahara Rent a four wheel drive or go for extra horse power on a camel. Sweeping dunes await, as do iconic Hollywood locations. Recreate the English Patient in the Cave of the Swimmers. But stick to where's safe; many of the more remote parts of the desert are off-limits. FADEL SENNA/AFP/Getty Images Explore the secret gardens of Marrakech The Morrocan capital is having a moment. Yves Saint Laurent is opening a museum for the labels founder in 2017 and Jasper Conran unveiled his first hotel venture this year. Experience the hustle and bustle of the city's markets - and seek out calm on one of its rooftops. Getty Images Visit Lapland in winter Winter in Lapland is straight from a Christmas card. Finland is trendy and Lapland adds tradition to that mix. Visit the huskies, the reindeer and Santa. But also take a trip to the Arktikum, the glass-roofed museum that houses the history and culture of Finland  underneath those famous green lights. Alamy Visit orang-utans in Borneo The Borneo rainforest is full of sights that could provide a lifetime of memories. But something special lies in the orang-utan sanctuaries. Sepilok rehabilitation centre (a favourite of David Attenboroughs) lets you see the orphaned orangutans. You can take a river cruise and see the best of Borneo  proboscis monkeys, monitar lizards  and if youre lucky, an orang-utan in the wild. EPA/BARBARA WALTON The Grand Canyon The Grand Canyon is closest thing youll get to space without stepping outside this stratosphere. This is an adventurers sweet spot; kayak in the gorges, follow horse trails in the mountains. Or if youre feeling above it all, hire a helicopter and view one of Americas oldest national parks from the skies. Rex Shutterstock See Singapores sky gardens The gardens by the bay reach to the sky like technicolour cathedrals. The nature park was built to fill Singapore with flora and fauna. Theres nothing quite like it in the world. When youve got your foliage fix, take a trip to the street food van with a Michelin star. Lunch at Hong Kong Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle is cheaper than a Big Mac, and youre more likely to send a postcard home about it. ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP/Getty Images Walk New Yorks High Line New York can get stuck in cliche  a snow globe of Times Square, the Empire State and the MOMA . Thank god for the High Line: this is a genuinely exciting addition to the Big Apple. Take a leisurely walk down and soak in New Yorks finest; public art exhibitions and endless avenues of high rises. Maybe youll get snapped by the Sartorialist. Go now and see the relocated Whitney art museum, now proudly placed at the start of the High Line. Kate Lough Drive a classic car through the Cotswolds The Cotswolds is a dreamy network of honey-coloured stone cottages, boutique spa hotels, luxury delicatessens and pubs so good one of them was just awarded a Michelin star. Top the whole experience off by renting a Jaguar E-type for the weekend. Kate Lough

Air Europa  'Like eating from a farmers market, so fresh.'

"Probably the most amazing business class meal I've received in Europe. Just look at it, so amazing. Like eating from a farmers market, so fresh, and unique."

The meal received an overall rating of 9.2 on InflightFeed.

Cheapest Holiday Destinations 2017 1 /14 Cheapest Holiday Destinations 2017 Valparaiso, Chile Shutterstock / f11photo San Antonio, Texas Shutterstock / f11photo Belfast, Northern Ireland Shutterstock / Kanuman Yerevan, Armenia Shutterstock / Stanislav Samoylik Las Palmas, Gran Canaria Shutterstock / ZM_Photo Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina Shutterstock / Photokanto Braga, Portugal Shutterstock / dvoevnore Kalamata, Greece Shutterstock / LMspencer Panama City, Panama Shutterstock / Sylwia Brataniec Sofia, Bulgaria Shutterstock / meunierd Lviv, Ukraine Shutterstock / Tainar

Turkish Airlines  ' Their meals are... some of the best in the world.'

"Turkish Airlines is amazing, their meals are very fresh, tasty and some of the best in the world in my opinion, including economy class," Loukas says.
W e could probably all use a holiday after a politically tumultuous last few months, and it appears that Ryanair has just the solution.

The budget airline has launched an enormous "Article 50" flash seat sale yesterday, following the news that the Brexit bill had officially been triggered.

Its sale offers travellers seats on 50 routes from the UK to Europe in April or May for just 9.99 , giving holidaymakers the opportunity to fly to Europe "while they still can", according to a statement from the airline.

The countdown to Brexit has begun," Ryanair spokesperson Robin Kiely said in the statement "Customers should log on quickly and plan their own exit from the UK today".

Article 50 triggered: What happens now?

For those looking to take advantage of the deal for a springtime holiday in Europe - don't wait.

The top 25 cheapest city breaks in Europe 1 /33 The top 25 cheapest city breaks in Europe Bratislava, Slovakia Typical price per night: 36 Shutterstock Athens, Greece Typical price per night: 36 Milos Bicanski/Getty Images Vilnius, Lithuania Typical price per night: 35 Maciej Lulko/Flickr Istanbul, Turkey Typical price per night: 27 Chris McGrath/Getty Images Belgrade, Serbia Typical price per night: 27 Shutterstock Wrocaw, Poland Typical price per night: 32 Janek SkarzynskiFP/Getty Images Toulouse, France Typical price per night: 36.50 Rob DeGraff/Flickr Ljubljana, Slovenia Typical price per night: 36.50 Pedro Szekely/Flickr Thessaloniki, Greece Typical price per night: 28 Shutterstock Zadar, Croatia Typical price per night: 36.50 Min Zhou/Flickr Riga, Latvia Typical price per night: 36.50 AFP/Getty Images Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria Typical price per night: 33 Shutterstock Sofia, Bulgaria Typical price per night: 28 Dennis Jarvis/Flickr Tbilisi, Georgia Typical price per night: 24 Shutterstock Nantes, France Typical price per night: 38 AFP/Getty Images Palermo, Sicily Typical price per night: 36.50 Shutterstock Budapest, Hungary Typical price per night: 36 GLars Baron/Getty Images Catania, Sicily Typical price per night: 35 Carlos Bustamante Restrepo/Flickr Leipzig, Germany Typical price per night: 32.50 Shutterstock Krakow, Poland Typical price per night: 32 Jan Kucharzyk/Getty Images Zagreb, Croatia Typical price per night: 32 Shutterstock Saint Petersburg, Russia Typical price per night: 28.50 Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Bucharest, Romania Typical price per night: 28 Shutterstock Warsaw, Poland Typical price per night: 32 Shutterstock Kiev, Ukraine Typical price per night: 28.50 Marco Verch/Flickr

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S eventeen Londoners have been charged after activists chained themselves to a plane apparently deporting asylum seekers at Stansted Airport.

Essex Police have charged nine women and eight men with obstructing a person engaged in lawful activity and taking part in a demonstration likely to obstruct.

Flights were grounded for around 90 minutes on Tuesday evening when activists blockaded the jet, said to be carrying failed asylum seekers from Nigeria and Ghana on behalf of the Home Office.

Eight landings had to be diverted to alternate airports while Essex Police dealt with the incident.

Activists from campaign groups Lesbians and Gays Support the Migrants, Plane Stupid and End Deportations said the protest, which was broadcast live on Facebook, was carried out in response to the brutal practice of mass deportations.

Police said the arrested group, aged between 23 and 46, lived in the London area, including addresses in Leytonstone, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Greenwich.

They have been bailed to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on May 3.
T hree men have been charged over the murder of a teenager in east London.

Abdifatah Sheikhey, 19, was shot dead on Ilford Lane in Ilford at just after 10pm on March 21.

Police investigating the killing have now charged three men, all from Ilford.

Sami Omar, 21, and Roberto Mohamed, 20, both of Kingston Road, were charged along with Jordie Kibusi, 20, of Wisteria Close.

Mr Sheikhey was shot on Tuesday, March 21. / @twiterboy12/PA

They will appear in custody at Barkingside Magistrates Court on Friday.

The Met Police said two men, both aged 23, were also arrested on March 28 and have been bailed to a date to be confirmed.


A drug dealer who used the names of criminal characters from the well-renowned TV series The Wire has been jailed.

Raphael Castillo, 29, led a well-organised drugs operation which saw London-based dealers rent homes in Somerset in order to supply Class A drugs.

The brazen dealer even registered a car in the name of Marlo Stanfield  the ruthless head of the fictional Stanfield Organisation in the hit American TV series.

He took out a mobile phone contract under the name Avon Barsdale,a drug dealer in the Baltimore-based show that stars Idris Elba.

Police raided Castillos south-east London home and an uncovered the extent of his lavish lifestyle in December last year.

Officers seized a large quantity of luxury goods, including a 7,300 Rolex watch, a Fendi backpack worth 2,500 and trainers costing in more than 1,000.

A 7,300 Rolex watch was among goods seized as police raided Raphael Castillo's sout-east London home / PA

About 3,000 in cash was also located within a speaker in the boot of his car.

Castillo previously admitted charges of being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine between March and September 2016, and possession of criminal property.

The dealer, of Vestry Road, Camberwell, was jailed by a judge at Bristol Crown Court for five years and eight months.

He was also ordered to pay back 12,775 as part of a confiscation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

PA

Avon and Somerset Police estimate Castillo benefited from 71,430.67 through crime.

Detective Constable Richard Grierson, who led the investigation, said: "Raphael Castillo was undoubtedly the leader of this county lines drugs operation.

"He fancied himself as a gangster figure and registered a vehicle in the name of Marlo Stanfield and a phone in the name of Avon Barksdale, both fictional drug dealers from US TV series The Wire.

"All the dealers working for this county lines operation were from London and have come to Yeovil to deal large quantities of class A drugs from rented properties.

"It cannot be seen as anything other than a lucrative money-making operation with a clear hierarchy which was headed up by Castillo.

"They were extremely well-organised and, while we don't know the value of drugs they've supplied, we believe it will be substantial in terms of quantity and value."
Lucknow, Mar 30 (IBNS) : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday invited representatives of slaughterhouses for talks to end the deadlock arising out of an indefinite strike, reports said.

The slaughter house owners have been on s trike after the Government moved to shut down illegal slaughterhouses and alleged police excesses led to closure of even a number of legal outlets.

With the crackdown and the resultant strike a situation arose threatening the livelihood of many people and the Government came under sharp criticism.

As promised in the BJPs manifesto, Yogi Adityanath ordered a complete ban on illegal slaughterhouses. However, as the police crackdown began, reports of high-handedness started pouring in affecting even the licensed meat outlets.
A young man is fighting for life in hospital after being stabbed in south London.

Emergency services were called to Bensham Lane in Thornton Heath, Croydon at about 8.30pm on Wednesday.

The victim, a 23-year-old man, was rushed to hospital where he remains in a critical condition", police said.

The road remained closed on Thursday as police enquiries continued.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said no arrests have been made so far.

Officers from Croydon CID are investigating.

This page is being updated.
A leading musician has pleaded for the return of her 317-year-old violin, which was taken off a train.

Carol Slater has performed with the Matteo Goffriller 1700 in Proms concerts at the Royal Albert Hall and Royal Festival Hall.

The instrument, in a dark red case, was taken from the 6.30am Gatwick Express from Victoria on Friday.

When Ms Slater and her husband got off the train at the airport shortly after 7am to catch a flight to their second home in Menorca, they realised it was missing.

"Heartbroken": Carol Slater

They raised the alarm but when staff searched the train at its next station, Haywards Heath, the instrument was gone.

Ms Slater said: Im absolutely devastated. When I realised it was gone I was in complete shock.

I have had it for 40 years and it was my most precious possession. All I want is to get it back.

Theft: The violin is a Matteo Goffriller 1700 / British Transport Police

British Transport Police have released a CCTV still of a woman who may have information to help the investigation.

Ms Slater would not reveal the instruments value but a similar Goffriller sold at auction for 180,000 in 2015. Her violin is reportedly one of fewer than 20 examples left of the Italians work.

The Guildhall School of Music graduate was given the instrument by her father while she was a student in the masterclass of violinist Max Rostal at the University of Berne in Switzerland.

A BBC recording artist, she performed with it around the world and at recitals at Wigmore Hall and St Johns Smith Square in London.

She said: We just want anyone with information to come forward and help or if someone has it to give it up. They may not realise what they were taking.

The mother of two, who lives with her husband, the violist Ian Jewel, in Belsize Park, is from a musical family who they said were all devastated by the theft.

Mr Jewel, with whom she performs each year at the Belsize Festival, has toured with the Gabrieli Quartet.

Ms Slater asked anyone not willing to return the violin through the police to take it to Florian Leonhard Fine Violins in Hampstead. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016, quoting reference number 116 24/03/2017.
T his is the shocking moment a man is repeatedly slashed in the face with a broken glass at a West End bar.

CCTV footage taken from the Be At One cocktail bar in Greek Street near Piccadilly Circus, appears to show the glass being swung three times into the mans face.

One blow seems to be delivered with such force, it knocks the victim back.

As the attacker continues to lunge towards him, other customers step in to break up the violence.

The man was savagely glassed in the face in a bar on Greek Street

Police said the victim, 38, received cuts across his nose and left eyebrow during the incident.

When they arrived at 1.30am the assailant had already left the bar.

The victim was taken to a central London hospital and was later discharged.

Police want to trace this man after the attack

Police want to trace a man captured on CCTV over the Christmas Eve incident.

He is described as dark-skinned, in his late 20s, around 6ft and was wearing a long sleeved shirt along with light coloured trainers.

Detective Constable Edward Colenbrander, from Westminster CID, said: "This is a shocking incident that has left the victim very distressed.

We are keen to identify his assailant shown in the CCTV footage so we can speak to him about the incident. We would also urge anyone who witnessed the incident to contact us."

Anyone who has information should call Westminster Police on 101 or tweet via @MetCC. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
P olice are looking for a man seen strolling through the barriers of a Tube station minutes before a stranger was stabbed in a vicious knife attack.

Fresh video footage has been released showing a man at Snaresbrook Underground station shortly before he stabbed the victim aboard a Central Line train.

Police said the victim had a lucky escape as the knife narrowly missed a vital artery.

The victim, a 50-year-old man, was on the train at around 1.20am when he became involved in an argument with a group of passengers on the train between Snaresbrook and Leytonstone.

Police said the group grew antagonistic and one of the men ran at the victim, pulling out a knife and stabbing him in the leg.

Wanted: The man who police would like to speak to. / BTP

The victim was left with a serious knife injury and was rushed to hospital.

DC Jon Howlett, who is investigating with British Transport Police, said: This was a lucky escape for the victim as the knife narrowly missed a vital artery in his leg.

Whilst the victims physical injuries continue to heal, he will always live with the terrifying ordeal he suffered that night.

Thankfully, violent assaults such as this are very rare on the railway. However, when they do occur we will do everything in our power to trace those offenders and bring them before the courts.

Police are releasing new images of the man they want to speak to in connection with the stabbing, which took place on October 22 last year.

The video shows him strolling through the ticket barriers as another man, who police say is a member of the public, dives underneath.

Police added they would also be interested in speaking with the man who dives under the barriers in case he has any information which could help.

Anyone who has information is asked to text 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 178 of 30/03/2017. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A man accused of an alleged Tube bomb plot has denied carrying an explosive.

Damon Smith, 20, was charged in connection to the bomb alert at North Greenwich station in October last year.

He will face a two-week trial at the Old Bailey next month after he pleaded not guilty to the offence via video link from Belmarsh prison on Thursday.

The London Metropolitan University student spoke only to confirm his name and enter his plea.

Damon Smith was hauled to the ground and Tasered as he was arrested

Smith, of Abbeyfield Road, Southwark, was charged with possession of an explosive substance with intent contrary to the Explosive Substances Act 1883.

Metropolitan Police officers allegedly discovered the device after two members of the public found a backpack on a Jubilee line service on October 20.

It was handed to the driver, who inspected the backpack, prompting the evacuation of North Greenwich station.

A controlled explosion was carried out on the device.

Smith will stand trial at the Central Criminal Court on April 24.
F ormer Evening Standard picture editor David Ofield has been honoured with a top award.

Ofield joined the Standard as picture editor in 1987 and remained in the role until his retirement last year. He served under six editors.

He received the UK Picture Editors Guild Chairmans Award at a ceremony hosted by BBC journalist Kate Silverton at the Honourable Artillery Company in London.

He said: Ive been very fortunate to have worked with some great photographers. I couldnt have done it without them.
A widower is seeking damages of more than 250,000 after his wife was killed by a nurses car following a road rage row over parking.

John McHugh, 47, is suing Ophelia Okai-Koi, 54, and her motor insurers at the High Court in London after the death of wife Christie, 33.

The mother-of-two died after she was thrown from the bonnet of Mrs Okai-Kois Vauxhall Insignia and hit her head on a pedestrian crossing lamp post.

Her husbands lawyers claim the mental health nurse lost her temper after a row over parking at the Lord Kitchener pub in East Barnet Road.

But Mrs Okai-Koi has told Judge David Pittaway, QC, that the McHughs were like Rottweilers let loose and she feared for her life.

Her lawyers claim it was the alcohol-fuelled McHughs who instigated a road rage clash that ended in tragedy.

Court challenge: John McHugh with wife Christie

Painter and decorator Mr McHugh, of Barnet, told the court he met his wife at the pub on March 4, 2013, and drank three pints of premium lager. As they left they saw Mrs Okai-Kois car parked tightly beside their Fiat Punto.

The nurse was on a shopping trip and Mr McHugh said: My wife remonstrated with her that she was parked illegally as it was not a public car park.

This led to an argument and Mrs Okai-Koi then stopped at the car park exit, basically blocking access in and out.

The couple asked her to move  possibly with some colourful language  but Mr McHugh said she was ignoring our pleas to leave the car park.

After seeing Mrs Okai-Koi was calling the police, his wife sat on the bonnet looking forward out of the car park waiting for officers to arrive. When the car suddenly accelerated, she fell off and suffered fatal head injuries.

Mrs Okai-Koi was convicted of causing death by careless driving and jailed for 12 months by Harrow crown court in June 2014. The Nursing and Midwifery Council later suspended her for two months but she was not struck off.

Her barrister Brian McCluggage insis- ted she was the victim of a road rage attack and could not be blamed for Mrs McHughs death.

The events that followed were tragic and life-changing for all concerned, he added. In alcohol-fuelled rage, Mr and Mrs McHugh instigated a road rage attack on Mrs Okai-Koi and her car.

Mrs McHugh was both the instigator and main perpetrator. She was verbally threatening, kicked and hammered on the vehicle, repeatedly tried the door handles. Mr McHugh joined in.

Mrs Okai-Koi told the court: They were like Rottweilers on the loose. They were livid, I dont know why.

She insisted she did not lose my temper and wished with hindsight that she had waited for police to arrive but had been in fear of my life.

Mr McCluggage argued that, given the couples behaviour, Mr McHugh should not be awarded a penny in damages.

Cyrus Katrak, for Mr McHugh, said the pair simply told the nurse to move, albeit forcefully. The case continues.
A rallying call has been issued to police across London to line the streets of the capital for the funeral of hero Pc Keith Palmer.

Pc Palmer was stabbed to death as he tried to stop Khalid Masood after the terrorist crashed into the gates of the Palace of Westminster.

The cop will be honoured with a funeral at Southwark Cathedral on April 10, Scotland Yard confirmed on Wednesday.

Now, officers across the capital have been called upon to line the streets before the service in a moving tribute to their colleague.

Pc John Sutherland, from the Met Police, described the memorial as one of the most powerful and moving things you'll ever see.

A social media campaign under the hashtag #StandforKeith has been shared hundreds of times by serving and retired members of the force.

The post calls on all staff to support the friends, family and colleagues of Pc Palmer by lining the streets of London during his funeral, to demonstrate support for and solidarity with all of those affected by the events that took place.

It reads: We need police officers, PCSOs and staff team 999 colleagues, service personnel and members of the public to join us as #WeStandTogether to remember our fallen colleague.

The funeral will take place at 2pm followed by a private service at a crematorium.

Photography trip: Pc Palmer posed with college students Will Robins and Tyler Chapperley-Russell / Will Robins/Tyler Chapperley-Russell

The plans emerged as thousands of officers, members of the public and emergency services joined hands and marched across Westminster Bridge in tribute to Pc Palmer and three others killed in the attack.

PC Palmer's family say they had been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for the police officer following the attack.

James Cleverly MP pays tearful tribute to friend PC Keith Palmer

In a statement, they said: We want to thank everyone who has reached out to us over the past few days for their kindness and generosity.

The police have been a constant, unwavering support and this very difficult time.

Westminster Bridge vigil - In pictures 1 /26 Westminster Bridge vigil - In pictures Schoolgirls on Westminster Bridge during the vigil today Jeremy Selwyn An injured man holding a rose is wheeled on to Westminster Bridge during an event to mark one week since a man drove his car into pedestrians then stabbed a police officer in London Stefan Wermuth/Reuters Police officers hold flowers at the event on Westminster Bridge Matt Dunham/AP Communities across London unite one week on from the attack in which four people died Metropolitan Police Police officers stand guard on Westminster Bridge ahead of the vigil Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Imams honour the victims of the attack on Westminster Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images Muslim men pray during an event to mark one week since a man drove his car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge Hannah McKay/Reuters A group of Muslim men hold banners on Westminster Bridge Stefan Wermuth/Reuters Superintendent Jon Williams (centre) joins a vigil held on Westminster Bridge in London, exactly a week since the Westminster terror attack took plac Yui Mok/PA A vigil is held on Westminster Bridge in London, exactly a week since the Westminster terror attack took plac Yui Mok/PA Memorial Service on Westminster Bridge today a week on from the terror attack last week Jeremy Selwyn Memorial Service on Westminster Bridge today a week on from the terror attack last week Jeremy Selwyn People arrive to take part in a vigil on Westminster Bridge in London, exactly a week since the Westminster terror attack took place Yui Mok/PA Police block Bridge Street outside the Palace of Westminster as a vigil on Westminster Bridge is held a week since the terror attack took place Victoria Jones/PA People pay their respects and hold roses on Westminster Bridge as they attend a vigil to remember the victims of last week's Westminster terrorist attack Dan Kitwood/Getty Images People walking across Westminster Bridge in London after a vigil to mark a week since the Westminster terror attack took place BBC Police officers hold white roses on Westminster Bridge during a vigil to remember the victims of last week's Westminster terrorist attack Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Members of Ahmadiyya Muslim Association pay their respects in Parliament Square, London David Mirzoeff/PA Memorial Service on Westminster Bridge today a week on from the terror attack last week Jeremy Selwyn People hold posters on Westminster Bridge during an event to mark one week since a man drove his car into pedestrians then stabbed a police officer in London Stefan Wermuth/Reuters

It has made us realise what a caring, strong and supporting family Keith was part of during his career with the police. We cant thank them enough.

We miss him so much, but we are also incredibly proud of Keith.

Terrorist Khalid Masood ploughed a 4X4 into crowds on the bridge before crashing into the gates of the Palace of Westminster and stabbing PC Keith Palmer to death at 2.40pm last Wednesday.

Masood died after he was shot by police.


D avid Cameron has defended his decision to call the EU referendum after Britain formally fired the starting gun on its divorce from the European Union.

The former Prime Minister said he had to fulfil the pledge, despite himself campaigning for the UK to remain.

Speaking out after the Brexit negotiations began, he stood by his decision to hold the vote.

Mr Cameron said he had to keep his promise, having enshrined the commitment to hold a referendum in the Conservative manifesto ahead of the 2015 general election.

Within hours of the result on June 23 last year, in which 17.4 million people vote Leave in a 52 per cent to 48 per cent victory for Brexit campaigners, Mr Cameron resigned.

The Prime Minister formally triggered the process of Britain leaving the EU in a statement to the House of Commons on Wednesday / PA

Explaining his decision on Wednesday, he told of how the issue that a referendum had been promised but not held was poisoning British politics.

David Davis on LBC: PM's letter was not too aggressive

He told news agency AFP I thought it right to hold the referendum because this issue had been poisoning British politics for years. The referendum had been promised and not held.

The former Conservative Prime Minister, speaking during a visit to Ukraine, did concede that things had not gone to plan.

Brexit: Article 50 Triggered - In pictures 1 /26 Brexit: Article 50 Triggered - In pictures Britain's ambassador to the EU Tim Barrow delivers British Prime Minister Theresa May's formal notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to European Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels AFP/Getty Images Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Common PA Britain's ambassador to the EU Tim Barrow delivers British Prime Minister Theresa May's formal notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to European Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels AFP/Getty Images European Council President Donald Tusk holds a news conference after receiving British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit letter in notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to EU Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels, Belgium Yves Herman/Reuters Prime Minister Theresa May takes her seat after announcing in the House of Commons PA The time 12:20pm shows on Big Ben on March 29, 2017 in London, England. The British Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the Houses of Parliament as Article 50 is triggered and the process that will take the United Kingdom out of the European Union begins Carl Court/Getty Images D-day: pro-EU protesters outside of the Houses of Parliament today as Theresa May prepares to trigger Article 50 AFP/Getty Images EU Council President Donald Tusk holds British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit letter which was delivered by Britain's permanent representative to the European Union Tim Barrow (not pictured) that gives notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty in Brussels, Belgium Yves Herman/Reuters PMQ's in The House of Commons PA Jeremy Corbyn speaking at PMQ's in The House of Commons Sky News Theresa May leaving for the House of Commons Jeremy Selwyn Mayor of London Sadiq Khan at the headquarters of Vivendi in Paris where he took part in TV interviews to discuss the imminent triggering of Article 50 by the UK to leave the EU Stefan Rousseau/PA Britain's permanent representative to the European Union Tim Barrow arrives at the EU Council headquarters for as meeting before hand delivering British Prime Minister Theresa May's notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to EU Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels, Belgium Yves Herman/Reuters Britain's ambassador to the EU Tim Barrow arrives at the British representation of the European Union in Brussels Aurore Belot/AFP/Getty Images A giant headed Theresa May in Parliament Square, London during a protest by Avaaz after PM signed a letter to trigger Article 50 that starts the formal exit process by the UK from the European Union David Mirzoeff/PA British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson walks down Whitehall Jack Taylor/Getty Images Britain's PM Theresa May signs the official letter to European Council President Donald Tusk, invoking Article 50. AFP/Getty Images

He said: We held the referendum and, of course, the result is not the result that I sought.

But it was a decisive result and thats why today Theresa May quite rightly is taking the next step to ensuring the peoples will is followed through.

Camerons successor Mrs May on Wednesday notified the European Council president Donald Tusk that the UK was triggering article 50.

The hand-delivered letter marked the start of the two-year countdown to Britains exit from the EU.
T heresa May faced a battle on two fronts today as she clashed with European leaders and parliamentarians in the first 24 hours of Brexit.

MPs and peers warned the Prime Minister against a power grab to rush through thousands of legal changes to transpose European regulations into UK law.

At the same time, the storm grew over her warning to EU nations that co-operation on fighting terror and crime could be weakened without a new deal that should also cover trade.

The French ambassador to London, Sylvie Bermann, waded into the row by saying there could be no trade-off of security in return for a free-trade agreement.

Sir Tim Barrow hands over Theresa May's letter on Brexit / Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images

Brexit Secretary David Davis today published a White Paper on the Great Repeal Bill which ministers stressed would wherever possible mean the same rules and laws will apply on the day the UK quits the EU as before.

However, Mrs May was warned against the widespread use of controversial Henry VIII powers allowing legislative changes to be made through secondary legislation  sometimes without parliamentary scrutiny.

David Davis on LBC: PM's letter was not too aggressive

Lib Dem leader Tim Farron said: Mrs May is strutting around believing she is some kind of medieval monarch.

And one of Parliaments most distinguished figures, Lord Lisvane, a crossbench peer and former clerk of the House of Commons, said: It would be a supreme irony after all we were told in the referendum campaign about taking back control and parliamentary sovereignty if the result of the process were actually to effect a major shift of power to the executive.

Jeremy Corbyn responds to Theresa May's statement triggering Brexit

Crossbench peer Lord Carlile, a former anti-terror watchdog, said: There will be resistance to any form of vagueness over legal changes. Any attempt to change the law has to be properly scrutinised.

However, ministers defended the use of the so-called Henry VIII clauses dating back to 1539, rather than full bills, to repatriate the powers  arguing that a significant proportion of existing EU law would cease to work properly without changes being made.

They proposed a new time-limited correcting power to allow changes through secondary legislation.

Attempting to put all the legal changes through the Commons and Lords as full legislation would clog up Parliament for years, leaving laws in chaos.

Sir Tim Barrow arrives at the EU Council headquarters in Brussels bearing the letter / Reuters

In an apparent bid to address the controversy, Mr Davis stressed there would be a sunset clause on the power so it would lapse after a set period of time.

He said: This White Paper lays out a pragmatic and principled approach to converting EU law into UK law on the day we leave the EU  giving businesses, workers and investors as much certainty as possible.

After that, it will be for Parliament to determine what EU legislation it wants to amend, repeal or improve  finally ending the supremacy of EU lawmakers.

The White Paper stressed that the Great Repeal Bill, which will repeal the European Communities Act 1972, would:

Convert directly-applicable EU regulations into UK law.

Provide that historic European Court of Justice case law be given the same binding, or precedent, status in our courts as decisions of our own Supreme Court.

Preserve all laws we have made in the UK to implement our EU obligations.

The rights in the EU treaties that can be relied on directly in court by an individual will continue to be available in UK law.

Ministers also pledged that more powers would be devolved to Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Meanwhile, European leaders piled pressure on Mrs May today to abandon what was seen as an attempt to link co-operation against crime and terrorism with a future EU trade deal.

Although two senior Cabinet ministers denied there was any threat or blackmail, they backed up Mrs Mays warning that anti-terror work will be weakened without a new agreement.

French ambassador Bermann said: We are all facing the same security challenges and we all need security. So it cant be a trade-off between a free trade agreement an economic agreement and security.

European Parliament negotiator Guy Verhofstadt insisted the two issues would be treated as separate pillars in talks and not taken together.

The security of the citizens is so important, the fight against terrorism is so crucial, that you cannot negotiate with something else, he said.

Mr Davis said Mrs Mays Brexit letter was not a threat but a statement of the fact that this would be harmful for both of us if we dont get a deal. Work and Pensions Secretary Damian Green called the row a misunderstanding.

But a senior Tory stepped in to warn that vital work to defeat terrorism must not come to a dead stop.

Lord Kirkhope, an ex-security spokesman and group leader of Tory MEPs, told the Standard that EU leaders would not treat it as a bargaining chip.

The Home Office said Britains roles in Europol, the European arrest warrant and passenger name sharing will lapse on Brexit without a deal.
New Delhi, Mar 30 (IBNS) : A five-judge constitution bench will sit on May 11 during the summer vacation to hear the triple talaq case to take a decision on the legality of the long-practised tradition in the Muslim community that allows a husband to get instant divorce from wife by saying "talaq" three times, Chief Justice J S Khehar on Thursday said.

The hearing will be held on the basis of a bunch of petitions filed in the top court opposing triple talaq after women complained of being divorced on Facebook and WhatsApp.

It will be one of the three issues, nikah halala and polygamy being the two other, that three constitution benches will look into during the summer vacation.

The top court has said instead of looking at individual cases, it would examine whether such practices which violate women's rights, can be upheld under the right to religion.

Whatever be the Supreme Court ruling on the subject, it is likely to have a strong bearing on the national politics, especially in the light of the Centre's intention to formulate a uniform civil code.

The court took up the matter after the Centre's posed four questions regarding the triple talaq, nikah halala and polygamy.

The Muslim personal law board contends that Muslim practices such as polygamy and triple talaq are matters of "legislative policy" that could not be interfered with by the judiciary.
T heresa Mays statement in a letter to the EU that security co-operation could suffer if a post-Brexit trade deal is not agreed was absolutely not a threat, a cabinet minister has insisted.

In her letter to European Council president Donald Tusk triggering Article 50, the Prime Minister said that failure to reach a comprehensive settlement would harm collaboration in the fight against crime and terrorism.

Critics have accused her of trying to make a trade-off between security and commerce.

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said the letter was "utterly scandalous" and a "blatant threat", while Labour's Yvette Cooper, who chairs the Home Affairs Committee, said the PM should not be using security as a "bargaining chip" in the negotiations.

All a 'misunderstanding': Work and Pensions Secretary Damian Green / PA

But last night Work and Pensions Secretary Damian Green argued the growing row over the letter is just a misunderstanding.

He told the BBCs Newsnight that trade and security had been mentioned side by side because they were "all bound up in our membership of the European Union".

David Davis on LBC: PM's letter was not too aggressive

"It's absolutely not a threat, he added.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson supported Mr Greens view in a column for the Daily Telegraph.

He wrote: "It is our clear desire and intention that we should continue to play a role as one of the indispensable guarantors of peace and stability in our continent.

"We want to continue to work with our counterparts on defence co-operation, intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism, foreign policy co-ordination - and much else besides - on an intergovernmental level.

Article 50 triggered: How the day unfolded

"At the same time, the PM is right to spell out her vision of a Britain outside the single market - and outside the EU legal order - but able nonetheless to continue the trading relationship that is so important for businesses and consumers both sides of the Channel."

How Europe's newspapers reacted to Theresa May's Brexit speech 1 /12 How Europe's newspapers reacted to Theresa May's Brexit speech Die Welt "Little Britain" said German newspaper Die Welt in a striking splash. Politiken Brits slam the door hard on EU says Danish newspaper Politiken. Liberation French newspaper Liberation ran a front page suggesting Europe will now sink or swim in a climate which has seen Brexit and President-elect Mr Trump both voted in. La Repubblica "Brexit: London gets its wall," says Italy's La Repubblica, adding: "away from the EU and commonmarket". The Irish Independent The Irish Independent picked up on the PM's pledge about the open border, calling it "an illusion". El Pais Immigration is the issue for Spain's El Pais. Although it wasn't on the front, the paper ran an article with the headline: "May quits the single market to have full control over immigration." (Photo Pilar Fernandez) El Mundo Similar to El Pais but splashing with the story, Spain's El Mundo said: "Theresa May quits the single market in order to control immigration" Corriere della Sera Italian paper Corriere della Sera splashed with Theresa Mays clear cut Cinco Dias "May challenges the EU with a hostile Brexit".

In New York on Wednesday afternoon, Matthew Rycroft, Britain's ambassador to the UN and current president of the Security Council, said he expected the UK to continue to be "completely aligned" on security with the rest of the EU during the Article 50 process.

In a "historic moment from which there can be no turning back", Mrs May set the country on the path to life outside the European Union when she triggered Article 50 on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister immediately ran into resistance from German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the European Parliament over her goal of conducting negotiations on Britain's trade relations with Europe at the same time as talks on arrangements for Brexit.

Plans to repatriate more than 40 years of powers back to Westminster will begin immediately with the publication of the details of the Great Repeal Bill.

The white paper will set out how the Government will deal with EU laws that cannot be easily converted.

Secondary legislation, known as statutory instruments, will be used to make technical changes with up to 1,000 pieces expected, nearly as many as MPs and peers usually deal with in an entire parliament.

In Mrs May's letter to Mr Tusk, she set out how it was "necessary to agree the terms of our future partnership alongside those of our withdrawal from the EU".

Mrs May told the BBC's Andrew Neil she wants "everybody to know" what the withdrawal arrangements are and the terms of the future relationship by the end of March 2019, but there "may be a period of implementation" after the UK leaves the EU.
A day after Theresa May delivered the 'Article 50 letter' to Donald Tusk, the Government published proposed legislation to transfer legal powers back to the UK after Brexit.

Ministers have a huge task on their hands - preventing chaos and legal "black holes" as the country is pulled out of the European Union.

In order to tackle this challenge, the Government is proposing a complex and large-scale legislative project - The Great Repeal Bill.

What is the Great Repeal Bill?

In simple terms the bill is legislation, proposed by the Government, which would set into motion the transfer of all EU laws into UK laws on the day of Brexit.

Article 50 triggered: What happens now?

In doing so, it will repeal the European Communities Act 1972  which is the legislation underpinning Britains membership of the EU.

As explained in the Prime Ministers foreword in the Legislating for the United Kingdoms Withdrawal from the European Union White Paper, the Bill will ensure that the same rules and laws will apply on the day after exit as on the day before.

And, then if any changes were to be made to primary legislation it would have to go through the processes of Parliament  debate and scrutiny.

Brexit: Article 50 Triggered - In pictures 1 /26 Brexit: Article 50 Triggered - In pictures Britain's ambassador to the EU Tim Barrow delivers British Prime Minister Theresa May's formal notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to European Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels AFP/Getty Images Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Common PA Britain's ambassador to the EU Tim Barrow delivers British Prime Minister Theresa May's formal notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to European Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels AFP/Getty Images European Council President Donald Tusk holds a news conference after receiving British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit letter in notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to EU Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels, Belgium Yves Herman/Reuters Prime Minister Theresa May takes her seat after announcing in the House of Commons PA The time 12:20pm shows on Big Ben on March 29, 2017 in London, England. The British Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the Houses of Parliament as Article 50 is triggered and the process that will take the United Kingdom out of the European Union begins Carl Court/Getty Images D-day: pro-EU protesters outside of the Houses of Parliament today as Theresa May prepares to trigger Article 50 AFP/Getty Images EU Council President Donald Tusk holds British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit letter which was delivered by Britain's permanent representative to the European Union Tim Barrow (not pictured) that gives notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty in Brussels, Belgium Yves Herman/Reuters PMQ's in The House of Commons PA Jeremy Corbyn speaking at PMQ's in The House of Commons Sky News Theresa May leaving for the House of Commons Jeremy Selwyn Mayor of London Sadiq Khan at the headquarters of Vivendi in Paris where he took part in TV interviews to discuss the imminent triggering of Article 50 by the UK to leave the EU Stefan Rousseau/PA Britain's permanent representative to the European Union Tim Barrow arrives at the EU Council headquarters for as meeting before hand delivering British Prime Minister Theresa May's notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to EU Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels, Belgium Yves Herman/Reuters Britain's ambassador to the EU Tim Barrow arrives at the British representation of the European Union in Brussels Aurore Belot/AFP/Getty Images A giant headed Theresa May in Parliament Square, London during a protest by Avaaz after PM signed a letter to trigger Article 50 that starts the formal exit process by the UK from the European Union David Mirzoeff/PA British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson walks down Whitehall Jack Taylor/Getty Images Britain's PM Theresa May signs the official letter to European Council President Donald Tusk, invoking Article 50. AFP/Getty Images

Why is it needed?

EU laws and regulation form a huge part of UK legislation.

As a result, leaving the EU with no legislative provision would leave the legal system with huge gaps.

In order to deliver a smooth and orderly Brexit the Bill will transfer existing EU law into domestic law, after which Parliament will be able to decide which elements of that law to keep, amend or repeal.

'We already miss you': Donald Tusk after receiving Article 50 letter

Brexit Secretary David Davis has stressed that the Bill is not a vehicle for policy changes.

He wrote in the White Paper: It will give the Government the necessary power to correct or remove the laws that would otherwise not function properly once we have left the EU.

Why is it controversial?

Aside from the obvious controversy surrounding Brexit, the Bill has sparked concern over the use of so-called Henry VIII powers.

Bill: It is set to be one of the biggest legislative projects in British history / EPA

These powers allow the Government to pass up to 1,000 pieces of secondary legislation without the usual close parliamentary scrutiny employed when passing primary legalisation.

But Mr Davis said any powers created in this way would be "time limited" and "Parliament will need to be satisfied that the procedures are appropriate".

He said the Bill will provide a power to "correct the statute book where necessary" using secondary legislation - which some critics have warned will not allow full parliamentary scrutiny of the process.

Theresa May announces she has triggered Article 50 - Full statement

This power will be time limited and Parliament will need to be satisfied that the procedures in the Bill for making and approving the secondary legislation are appropriate, he said.

He added that there was a "balance to be struck between the importance of scrutiny and correcting the statute book in time.

Another contentious area is the role of the European Court of Justice (ECJ).

Mr Davis said the Bill will not give the ECJ a "future role" in the interpretation of UK laws, and courts will not be obliged to consider cases decided by the ECJ after Brexit.

Will the UK still co-operate with EU nations on security matters / Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images

ECJ case law would be given the same status as Supreme Court decisions, which can be overruled by subsequent rulings in the UK's highest court.

What will it actually do?

The three key steps are:

1. Repealing the European Communities Act and thus returning all power to UK institutions

2. Converting EU law as it stands at the moment of exit into UK law before exiting the EU. This will allow businesses to continue operating knowing the rules have not changed significantly overnight, and provides fairness to individuals, whose rights and obligations will not be subject to sudden change.

3. Creating powers to make secondary legislation. This will allow ministers to make amends to laws that would not function appropriately once we have left the EU.

PM Theresa May in the cabinet office signs the official letter to European Council President Donald Tusk. / REUTERS

It will also enable domestic law to reflect the content of any withdrawal agreement under Article 50.

Mr Davis told the House of Commons that the Bill will provide "clarity and certainty" for businesses and citizens as Brexit takes place.

"We have been clear that we want a smooth and orderly exit, and the Great Repeal Bill is integral to that approach.

Brexit campaign in Parliament square

"It will provide clarity and certainty for businesses, workers and consumers across the United Kingdom on the day we leave the EU.

"But it will also ensure that we deliver on our promise to end the supremacy of EU law in the UK as we exit, he said.

In a foreword to the paper, Prime Minister Theresa May said the bill would "provide maximum certainty as we leave the EU".

"The Great Repeal Bill is an important part of our plan to deliver a smooth and orderly Brexit that commands the confidence of all," she added.

Although the White Paper did not specify a precise figure for the number of EU rules which will be transferred into domestic law, it noted that there are currently more than 12,000 EU regulations in force.

Jeremy Corbyn: EU immigrants should stay post-Brexit

It also noted that Parliament has passed 7,900 statutory instruments implementing EU legislation and 186 Acts which incorporate a degree of EU influence.

When will it come into effect?

The Bill will be proposed at the start of the next Parliamentary session and will come into effect on the day of Brexit.

What have people been saying about it?

Campaigner Gina Miller, who successfully took the Government to court over its plans to trigger Brexit without parliamentary approval, has already said she was considering legal action to challenge the use of Henry VIII powers to alter individuals' rights.

Sadiq Khan is "heart-broken" that the UK chose Brexit

Speaking to Emma Barnett on BBC Radio 5 Live Daily, she said: "The Government has already blotted its copybook by trying to bypass Parliament and use the Royal Prerogative, so if there is any sniff that they are trying to use Henry VIII powers, that would be profoundly unparliamentary and democratic."

Labour MP Chuka Umunna, chairman of Vote Leave Watch, described the Great Repeal Bill as "an immense undertaking, fraught with danger".

And Liberal Democrat chief whip Tom Brake described it as a shameless power grab under the cloak of secondary legislation would have made Henry VIII blush.

But the director-general of the British Chambers of Commerce, Adam Marshall, said the certainty, stability and continuity of the Bill would be welcome top UK businesses.

And CBI deputy director general Josh Hardie said businesses would welcome the Government's drive of clarity and certainty.
P rince Charles became the lord of the dance when he joined in a popular Romanian tradition.

The heir to the throne, who is in Romania on a Brexit charm offensive, showed off his moves in the hora, a circular dance for men and women.

At first Charles, 68  who is in Bucharest without wife Camilla for the first leg of his three-country tour  observed from a distance.

But then one of the women in traditional dress, from the Burnasul ensemble of dancers from southern Romania, invited him to join the circle. The royal, in a smart grey suit, smiled as he joined in while local country music played in the background.

Earlier Charles was greeted with traditional bread and salt by a group of young people in Romanian dress.

Prince Charles dances at a Romanian village / Getty Images

He then moved through the capitals Village Museum, viewing exhibitions and live demonstrations of traditional Romanian craft and renovation techniques from across the country.

Prince Charles later visited Vacaresti Nature Park, a former Communist-era reservoir - now a huge nature reserve in Bucharest.

The 68-year-old prince held onto a Romanian security officer as he walked down the steep concrete sides of the man-made lake at the start of his guided tour about area's wildlife.

Charles found a toad in the undergrowth - that also fascinated a group of schoolchildren on a field trip.

Ranger Vlad Cioflec held the eastern green toad for Charles to see and said afterwards: "The prince was asking me if there are any poisonous snakes in the area.

"I told him there are 200 hectares here and about 1,000 snakes. The water attracts the toads and snakes eat them."

Charles then went on a walk through the undergrowth where he met more rangers and planted a white poplar tree to mark his visit.

Afterwards he was by His Beatitude, the Romanian Patriarch, and escorted to the Patriarchal Church, where he lit a candle.

Lord of the dance: Prince Charles / Getty Images

Charles then took part in a one-day workshop hosted by The British Embassy to discuss the Issue of Modern Slavery.

Participants will include representatives of the various Romanian law-enforcement bodies, NGO representatives and other key stakeholders.

The reception is co-organised by Paul Brummell and Aura Woodward to celebrate the work of The Prince's Foundation in Romania.

Representatives from UK charities working on child protection and environmental preservation issues in Romania will be in attendance, as well as representatives from the Anglican Church.

It was part of a meeting, part of a one-day workshop hosted by The British Embassy to discuss the Issue of Modern Slavery.

Participants will include representatives of the various Romanian law-enforcement bodies, NGO representatives and other key stakeholders.

Romania is the most prevalent country of origin of victims of Modern Slavery trafficked to the UK.

Later, he was moved when he was told harrowing stories by neglected children in Bucharest.

Visit: Prince Charles arrives at the FARA Foundation / Getty Images

It came during a visit to children's charity, the Fara Foundation, he has backed for 16 years.

The charity runs two projects in Bucharest, a centre for vulnerable and neglected children, and a residential training centre for young people to teach them the skills to live independently.

The Prince was greeted by founder Jane Nicholson, who told him about the work of the charity, where he has been patron since 2001.

One small boy had been practising the phrase "My name is Paul" ahead of the Prince's visit, and was thrilled when the senior Royal beamed at him.

The Prince told FARA children: "Your English is much better than my Romanian, I've got a lot to learn".

He was introduced to teenagers who have been trained by the charity, asking questions about their new jobs as confectionery makers, trainee hairdressers and cleaners.

Told one young man worked at KFC, the Prince asked whether he cooked for his fellow FARA residents.

"The difficulty they always have is raising money," he remarked later, of the charity's efforts.

He proclaimed photographs on the wall of the building "splendid" and told staff: "You have them behaving so well."
T hree men and a girl have been arrested in Venice amid fears they were plotting a Westminster-inspired attack on one of the citys famous landmarks, according to reports.

Italian police had reportedly been monitoring the alleged jihadist group from Kosovo for months due to fears they were planning to travel to Syria to join Islamic State.

But officers carried out a dawn raid on Thursday after wire-tapping conversations in which they allegedly celebrated Khalid Masoods killing of four innocent people outside Parliament last week.

They were all attached to the ideology of Isis and interested in recent attacks, above all the one in London, which they praised, said prosecutor Adelchi DIppolito.

Italian media said there were concerns that a major tourist landmark such as the Rialto Bridge over the Grand Canal could be blown up, killing hundreds of tourists.

Potential target: the Rialto Bridge crosses Venice's grand Canal / Marco Secchi/Getty Images

Police raided 12 addresses in total, including 10 in Venices historic centre.

Venice mayor Luigi Brugnaro said all those detained had Italian residency permits.

The three adults arrested  two of which had reportedly been working as waiters  are now being investigated on suspicion of radicalisation by Italys specialist crime squad Digos.

Compliments to the forces of law and order for having carried out this important operation, said Mr Brugnaro. In the name of the city and of all citizens, I can only express sincere thanks for what they are doing to ensure our safety.

Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti also praised the authorities' handling of the operation.
A federal judge in Hawaii is extending an order blocking President Donald Trump's travel ban on Muslim-majority countries.

US District Judge Derrick Watson decided to increase a temporary order blocking the ban after hearing arguments from both sides.

Hawaii has argued the policy discriminates against Muslims and hurts the state's tourist-dependent economy.

"The implied message in the revised ban is like a "neon sign flashing 'Muslim ban, Muslim ban"' that the government did not bother to turn off, Hawaii state attorney general Douglas Chin told the judge.

Ruling: Judge Derrick Watson hearing arguments on whether to extend his temporary order blocking Trump's revised travel ban / AP

He argued that extending the temporary order until the state's lawsuit is resolved would ensure the constitutional rights of Muslim citizens across the US are vindicated after "repeated stops and starts of the last two months.

But the government says the ban falls within the president's power to protect national security.

Order: Donald Trump signed a revised executive order for a US travel ban on Monday. / REUTERS

The Trump administration had asked Judge Watson to narrow his ruling to cover only the part of Mr Trump's executive order that suspends new visas for people from six Muslim-majority countries.

Department of Justice lawyer Chad Readler told the judge that a freeze on the US refugee programme had no effect on Hawaii.

Arrivals: A student previously banned from travelling is greeted at Logan Airport / REUTERS

But Judge Watson rejected his argument.

Hawaii was the first state to sue over Mr Trump's revised ban.

The imam of a Honolulu mosque joined the challenge, arguing that the ban would prevent his Syrian mother-in-law from visiting family in Hawaii.

Earlier this month, Judge Watson prevented the federal government from suspending new visas for people from Somalia, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen and freezing the nation's refugee programme.
A missing farmer has been found dead inside the belly of a giant python in Indonesia.

The 25-year-old, known as Akbar, vanished while harvesting palm oil on the island of Sulawesi on Sunday.

After concerned villagers launched a search party, police officers stumbled across the huge snake lying still and extremely bloated near the family's palm plantation.

We were immediately suspicious that the snake had swallowed Akbar because around the site we found palm fruit, his harvesting tool and a boot, Salubiro Junaidi, a senior village official, told the Jakarta Post.

The python, measuring around 7 metres long, was cut open and Akbars body was retrieved.

Swallowed whole: the python was sliced open with a knife to retrieve the farmer's body / AP

Gruesome footage taken by West Sulawesi Police showed the bulging snake being sliced with a long knife and the clothed body being pulled out.

"When the snake was captured, the boots Akbar was wearing were clearly visible in the stomach of the snake, added Mr Junaidi.

"Resident[s] cut open the belly of the snake and Akbar was lifeless."

This species of python, commonly found in Indonesia and the Philippines, is known to attack small animals but rarely attempts to eat humans.
F ormer Fresh Prince of Bel Air star Janet Hubert has hit out at the casts recent reunion selfie, insisting that she has no interest in seeing them again.

The actress, who played the original Aunt Viv in the hit 1990s show, slammed her former co-stars in a lengthy Facebook rant, which has since been deleted.

I know the media h** Alfonso Ribeiro has posted his so called reunion photo, she wrote on her public profile.

Folks keep telling me about it. He was always the a**wipe for Will. There will never be a true reunion of the Fresh Prince. I have no interest in seeing any of these people on that kind of level.

Hubert went on to say that she was not offended in the least by the snap, but said that it had prompted her to set up meetings.

It does however prompt me to take some meetings in Hollywood to pitch my memoir PERFECTION IS NOT A SITCOM MOM and tell of the behind the scenes story before I leave this earth, she wrote.

Hubert stared as Aunt Viv on the hit US sitcom between 1989 and 1993 but left the show following a series of disagreements with creator and star Will Smith.

She was replaced by actress Daphne Maxwell Reid who remained on the show until is wrapped in 1996.

The mini-reunion was organised by actress Karyn Parsons, who played Hilary Banks, in aid of her charity.

Ribeiro posted the snap to his Instagram page, which read: Always amazing to spend an afternoon with my Fresh Prince family. Wishing that James Avery was still with us to make this complete.


S elfies have been banned backstage at the Oscars following this years humiliating fiasco.

The move is one of a series of safeguards put in place by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to prevent a repeat of last months disaster when the wrong winner envelope was handed to presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway.

The gaffe - described as the worst in Oscars history - resulted in the Best Picture Oscar being wrongly awarded to La La Land rather than Moonlight.

Accountancy firm PwC, which counts the votes and organises the envelopes, has taken responsibility for the unacceptable mistake.

PwC partner Brian Cullinan was said to be distracted by tweeting pictures of actress Emma Stone moments before the mix-up.

Mr Cullinan and fellow balloting leader Martha Ruiz have been told they will never work at the Oscars again.

New arrangements A greater oversight role for PwCs US chairman Tim Ryan

A return for PwC partner Rick Rosas, who was responsible for handing out the winning envelopes from 2002 to 2013

The appointment of a second new accountant who will be involved in Oscar ceremony rehearsals for the first time

The appointment of a balloting scrutineer who also knows the results and will sit in a control room to ensure a more rapid response to mistakes.

However, the Academy has decided not to sack PwC, which has been in charge of the Oscars voting count since 1934.

Instead staff from the firm, previously known as PricewaterhouseCoopers, have been banned from taking smartphones and tablets backstage to take selfies.

Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs said in an email to members that the board of Governors had agreed new protocols with PwC for next years 90th ceremony.

The email, seen by the Hollywood Reporter, said: Heading into our 84th year working with PwC, a partnership that is important to the Academy, weve been unsparing in our assessment that the mistake made by representatives of the firm was unacceptable.

But she went on to say that the Academy has reviewed all aspects of its relationship with PwC, and after the firm presented revised protocols and controls, the board has decided to continue working with PwC.

Ms Boone Isaacs called the 89th Academy Awards the most extraordinary and memorable Oscars ceremony in decades and said that academy officials have been working since then to develop the new protocols.
R icky Gervais has defended offensive jokes after a grieving couple walked out of his gig over a controversial joke about a dead baby.

Suzi Gourley and her husband Ryan went to Gervais gig in Belfast on Tuesday for the first night out they had had since their son Eli was stillborn last July.

But they were stunned at the joke about a baby dying which was said as part of Gervais Humanity show. Mrs Gourley said: I know people take things differently and I know our emotions are raw, but why joke about a baby being dead? Its just wrong.

Some people might read this and think were over sensitive and maybe we are - but its just not funny.

Stand-up: Ricky Gervais on stage (Jason Kempin/Getty Images) / Getty Images

Gervais, 55, defended himself on Twitter, writing: Is there any subject you shouldn't joke about? is no less ridiculous a question than Is there any subject you shouldn't talk about?

Offence often occurs when people mistake the subject of a joke with the actual target. They're not always the same.

Gervais said that a joke about a bad subject doesn't mean that it was supportive of that subject.

He continued: Jokes about bad things don't have to necessarily be pro those bad things. Surely, a joke that's anti bad things is a good thing, no?

Basically, offence is about feelings, and feelings are personal. People simply don't like being reminded of bad things.

All jokes should be banned in case anyone is offended. Discuss.

He finished by adding a warning for anyone who has booked to see his stand-up, but fears they may get offended: Warning: My stand up mentions AIDS, cancer, Paedophilia, famine, race, terrorism, rape, murder, drugs, death and even food allergies.

Mrs Gourley said Gervais should consider his audience before making such jokes.

I would tell him: Please, please consider your audience, she told Belfast Live.

Bereaved parents are one in four. Theres no way I was the only one sitting there last night that that it didnt strike a nerve with.

David Brent: Life On The Road 1 /16 David Brent: Life On The Road Entertaining Ricky Gervais as David Brent in the official trailer for David Brent: Life On The Road Entertainment One UK Back in action David Brent attempts to get the crowd going with his Foregone Conclusion gig Entertainment One UK Famous The travelling salesman gets a taste of fame Entertainment One UK Stage presence Brent is desperate to find fame as a rock star in the new film Entertainment One UK Office banter The cringeworthy office worker cracks a joke Entertainment One UK Cracking jokes The character is as awkward as ever in the new film Entertainment One UK Bad reaction Brent fails to get the crowd going at a pub gig Entertainment One UK In the group Brent on stage with his session musicians Entertainment One UK In the hot seat Brent relaxes in the recording studio as he puts together his debut album Entertainment One UK Duet Rapper Dom isn't a fan of his new role in the band Entertainment One UK Making it big The character is keen to make it in the music industry Entertainment One UK Travelling life Brent gets used to the life as a travelling musician Entertainment One UK

Gervais will play a string of dates across the UK as part of his Humanity tour.
Meerut, March 30 (IBNS): The year long controversy of nationalism in the country reached a new height as Mayor of Meerut Municipal Corporation asked minority members to leave the meeting following their refusal to sing 'Vande Mataram', on Thursday, media reports.

Mayor of Meerut said that the members of Corporation who were present but not singing the national song won't get the attendance.

"The mayor ordered us to sing Vande mataram and threatended that he will not let us sit in the Sadan (House) if we do not follow his directive. It is up to us whether we will sing it or not. The orders were delivered rudely, so we decided to boycott the proceeding," Afzal Saifi, one of the members who refused to sing said.

However, the Mayor refused to accept such allegations and said that the decision to ask unwilling members to leave was a collective decision.

Meerut Mayor Harikant Ahluwalia told The Indian Express that "We have almost 90 corporators, of whom 18 are Muslims. Only a handful of people have an issue with Vande Mataram, rest sing it."

Mayor even stated that he would not allow this to happen again in the House.
New York, Mar 30 (Just Earth News): The United Nations on Wednesday announced the appointment of David Beasley of the United States as the Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme (WFP), which delivers emergency food assistance around the world and works with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Jose Graziano da Silva, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), announced the appointment on Wednesday after consulting with the WFP Board at a special session in Rome.

In a statement, Secretary-General Guterres said that Beasley brings to the position extensive experience with key governmental and business leaders and stakeholders around the world, with very strong resource mobilisation skills.

Beasley, who is the Chair of the Center for Global Strategies, was Governor of the state of South Carolina from 1995 to 1999.

He will replace Ertharin Cousin, also a US national, whose five-year term expires on 4 April.

Cousin said she was impressed with Beasley's understanding of the organization and the strategic plan that guides WFP's work, as well as his commitment to the UN agency's work and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Cousin led WFP from April 2012 through a period of unprecedented number of major emergencies, according to the UN agency.

Photo: WFP/Dina El-Kassaby

Source: www.justearthnews.com
New York, Mar 30 (Just Earth News): Addressing the League of Arab States Summit in Jordan on Wednesday, United Nations Secretary-General AntAnio Guterres highlighted the importance of unity among the countries in the region to confront the challenges it is facing.

Divisions in the Arab world have opened the door to foreign intervention and manipulation, breeding instability, sectarian strife and terrorism, said Guterres.

At this time of transition and upheaval, unity will be critical, he said, emphasizing: I appeal to your leadership in shaping a new Arab world able to address and solve, by itself, differences through dialogue and cooperation.

In his remarks, the Secretary-General also underscored the importance of partnership between the UN and the Arab League and said that it was his responsibility to use his good offices, in cooperation with Member States, as an added dimension for conflict resolution.

It is time to end the fighting in Syria, he said, expressing hope that the Astana process can achieve an effective ceasefire.

By now it should be clear to all involved that while fighting terrorism is essential, any success will prove ephemeral without a political solution that allows the Syrian people to freely decide their own fate, he added, underlining the need, also, to support Syrian refugees in their hour of need.

Further, welcoming the progress in retaking territories held by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh), the UN chief expressed hope that the violence in Yemen and Libya can be resolved soon.

Turning to the peace process in the Middle East, Guterres underscored that the two-state solution is the only path to ensure that Palestinians and Israelis can realize their national aspirations and live in peace, security and dignity.

There is no Plan B, he stated.

Concluding in his address, the Secretary-General highlighted the importance of addressing youth unemployment as well as empowerment of women  both as a matter of human rights as well as a spur to human development.

Let us recognize the power and responsibility that lies in our hands to improve the lives of the people we serve.

Photo: UN News

Source: www.justearthnews.com
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Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts signed into law two bills on reform banking and unemployment benefits at a press conference in Lincoln on Wednesday.

LB140e, introduced by Sen. Matt Williams of Gothenburg, contains a package of banking reforms that cut red tape for Nebraska banks.

It modernizes the language in our banking statutes that havent been touched since 1963, Ricketts said, stating a specific example relating to the use of telegraphs.

Another point of the reform package, Ricketts said, removes licensing requirements for loan officers. While banks can still require the licensing of their officers, it now gives them the option to opt out.

Thats good customer service and means were being more responsive to the customers needs, Ricketts said.

Williams said that the reforms promote growth and stability for small businesses in the state.

It is our responsibility as a government on a state level to allow that growth to continue happening, he said.

Ricketts echoed Williams point.

If you think about what our community banks do ... theyre helping small business owners follow their dreams, he said.

LB203 introduced by Sen. John Kuehn of Heartwell reforms Nebraskas unemployment benefits system, bringing it more in line with national standards.

The reform retools the state unemployment system and focuses more on providing aid to those people whove lost jobs and takes the incentive away from people who quit a job to collect unemployment. Prior to the bill being signed, Nebraska was one of only two states that provided unemployment benefits to people who quit.

Unemployment insurance is an important safety net for people who lose their job through no fault of their own, Kuehn said.

Kuehn said the law is now more fair, stable, and better protects not only workers, but also the employers who pay over $100 million annually into the states unemployment trust fund. He estimated that it is keeping an estimated $5 million in the system, which he said helps maintain the integrity of the fund.

Ricketts said the state has a low unemployment rate, and that while state-provided employment assistance has worked to help individuals get work back, it would be prudent to protect the future solvency of the 100 percent employer-funded trust.
The failure of some House Republicans to back Speaker Paul Ryans bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, was the main topic of discussion for Rep. Adrian Smith during a conference call with reporters Wednesday.

We need to let things cool down and ultimately, focus on doing the right thing, Smith said.

Calling Ryans American Health Care Act a great first step, Smith said that while he was disappointed. The bills repeal of the individual mandate and moving control of health care from the federal to state control were aspects that had earned his support initially.

The key component of the bill was the equal tax treatment for those folks who do not receive health care through their employer, Smith said. They should not be penalized  especially when they are not even offered a plan through the employer  with what effectively amounts to taxing their health care outside their employer.

Theres likely to be disagreement over any solution, but I really feel doing nothing is not an option. Utilizing our process to perfect the work product needs to take place. Thats why I supported this first step and getting it out of the House and hopefully the Senate taking it up in a timely fashion and fashioning with their own ideas

Smith said the high cost of premiums has created a climate where people will simply pay the fine rather than get health insurance. The replacement of the ACA needs to be a system that draws young, healthy people into the pool before they get sick in order to ensure effective risk management. He said returning health insurance to an actual marketplace, versus something engineered by bureaucrats in Washington.

We want to set up some actual reforms, not just shift around the people who pay for it, Smith said. Ultimately, Id like to see less government.

Smith said constituents have contacted him expressing dismay about the possibility of losing their coverage gained under Obamacare.

I hear from Nebraskans who have some care in place right now, and they dont want to lose that, so I take that very seriously, Smith said. We do not want to be disruptive to Nebraskans who are doing everything they are supposed to be doing to take care of themselves. I really want to respect that, and not be disruptive about the entire situation.

Smith acknowledged that while he announced his clear support for the bill, the bill wasnt everything he wanted in one vote. He said he would continue to push for more affordable health care policies.

He also noted that the effort was somewhat more intensive than many Republicans realized, and that consensus building will be key for the House in future efforts.

There is far more diverse thought on the Republican side of the aisle than we sometimes get credit for, and I can appreciate the fact that there are good ideas floating around there, he said. But there comes a time when we have to make a decision. We must be bold, we must be decisive and we must move forward looking for the adoption of the next good idea in the future.

After roughly seven years of mostly symbolic votes to repeal Obamacare, Smith has said the climate in the House of Representatives has changed, and the legislative process will be important to finding a solution.

There needs to be some changed minds in realizing this is just a first step, he said. Were not guaranteed that the Senate will just rubber stamp anything that we do, but its part of the process.

"We know we didnt get here overnight, even though the original passage of Obamacare was rushed. We wont get everything with just one vote.

Essential Air Service

President Donald Trumps preliminary 2018 budget proposal would cut $2.4 billion from the Transportation Department, including $175 million to the Essential Air Service program, which subsidizes flights to rural airports like Western Nebraska Regional Airport in Scottsbluff.

Smith said there has been a history of both Democrats and Republicans zeroing out EAS from their proposed budgets, and while hes watching it, hes not terribly concerned.

Its the legislative branch of government that does more of the budgeting than the executive branch, he said. I want to be vigilant about any presidents budget, but I dont want to overreact or get anxious about things we can fix here in the legislative branch.

Farm bill hearings

Smith will host a farm bill hearing in Scottsbluff on April 17, to find out what producers are thinking.

We know that crop insurance has taken significant cuts previously, he said. I would imagine that there will be more discussion from the critics of crop insurance as we move forward.

But Im anxious to hear from the producers themselves. I appreciate the one-on-one that I get to have from them when Im back in the district to hear their priorities.

Impacts to trade will also be a topic of discussion, and Smith said that the 25 percent cut to the Department of Agriculture will more than likely not stand, repeating his earlier statement about the legislature ultimately deciding the fate of the budget.

I appreciate the fact that the executive branch lays out some suggestions, Smith said. But the president has said he wants to negotiate a deal ... and I think its important to all of us that we realize that weve got a lot of work to do.

Internet Privacy

The house passed a controversial bill Tuesday that repeals an Obama-era Federal Communication Commission (FCC) privacy protection rule which prevented Internet service providers from selling customers browsing data to marketers.

There were concerns that the FCC went too far, in terms of actually violating the jurisdiction that belongs to the Federal Trade Commission, that already has this issue in their jurisdiction, he said. When federal agencies start competing, I fear that consumers actually lose.

We need to be very explicit that this is Federal Trade Commission jurisdiction. This bill undid the Obama executive decisions to create these new rules that did not involve a vote of Congress.

I can only speak for myself, but I have a sense that we want to protect the privacy of consumers. Its a growing challenge, and its very important, and thats why we want to be very concise and specific in assigning that to the Federal Trade Commission.

Smith said if there are privacy issues that need to be addressed, congressional committees need to take on those challenges rather than leaving those concerns to what he said is executive overreach.

I hope more than anything that we can restore the power of the legislative branch, he said. I dont care whos president, we need to restore the process that allows the American people to weigh in.

Clean Power Plan

Trumps executive order signed Tuesday that instructs the Environmental Protection Agency to roll-back and replace key portions of Obamas Clean Power Plan, which will require a lengthy and complex process of seeking public comment on proposed initiatives before moving to deregulate parts of the energy industry.

Im mostly concerned about the energy rates that folks on a low, fixed-income have to pay, Smith said, calling the Clean Power Plan, a regressive tax on the American people.

Im an all-of-the-above energy guy, and I think theres a role for fiscally sustainable wind and solar development, and perhaps theres a role for fossil fuels, he said. We know, however, that fossil fuels are a finite resource, so its common sense would tell us that we want to expand beyond that and move more toward expanding biofuels.

I am truly excited about what energy can deliver for the future, but I would hope the federal government would get out of the way.
In a few weeks, kindergartners from ESU #13 will descend on the Legacy of the Plains museum to learn about history.

During Kindergarten Days Trip Through Time, the museum will be taking advantage of a collaborative relationship with Western Nebraska Community College (WNCC). Patsy Yager, early childhood education instructor at WNCC, and her students will be working with museum volunteers to help with the program, which runs in mid-April.

In addition to enjoying history, Yager said the event is a good way for students to learn history while volunteering and working with children.

About 600 kindergartners will participate in hands-on history, including handling felts and furs, working a telegraph and milking a cow. Theyll learn about how communication has changed, from using quill pens to computers to cell phones.

There is 44,000 square-feet set up in seven zones to tell a certain story about the areas history. The idea is for the children to have as good a time as possible.

In each zone, we want to have two or three big ideas you can share with kindergartners, said Rick Myers, volunteer and member of the museum board. We want them to have a good experience so theyll go home and tell their parents they need to come here.

Judy Amoo, executive director of the John Harms Center, first heard about the event when she was on the board at the North Platte Valley Museum, where the event was usually held. Amoo volunteered for the event then and thought her new position would provide several opportunities for WNCC and the Legacy of the Plains museum to collaborate.

Sandra Reddish (Legacy executive director) has been so incredibly receptive to the resources at the college and what we can bring to the table to grow and expand, Amoo said.

The early childhood program is just one example of many partnership opportunities created between the museum and college.

When Reddish needed a maypole at the grounds, Amoo contacted instructors in the powerline program to see if students could put a pole in the ground. Both parties benefited by working together. A maypole was installed and students fulfilled a part of their program which requires they place poles in the ground during their class.

Legacy and WNCC have also worked together with a temporary gallery for the 90th anniversary of the college and using the space temporarily for students in the History of Nebraska class where research and displays were required in order to pass the class.

Amoo is also aware that many volunteers at the museum are older, so she is proactively seeking ways the agricultural department at WNCC can help those volunteers to pass on their vast experience. She knows there are few people who know how to use the music box at the museum or how to maintain the farm equipment. She is working with the new ag director at the college to see if his students might be able to meet with the museum and lend a hand.

Whether its help with planting or harvesting (education crops) or even learning maintenance of equipment, anything he feels appropriate to explore can help, Amoo said.

After the North Platte Valley museum and the Farm and Ranch museum merged to become the Legacy of the Plains museum, getting the kindergarten event organized was more difficult due to renovations necessary for the merger.

This is the first year the students (kindergartners) will have a chance to walk through the new museum, Amoo said.

Amoo hopes the event in April goes well and the museum and WNCC will be able to make it a yearly project.

The tour on Tuesday for the WNCC students was their chance to walk through the museum, look at the exhibits and gain a better understanding of what the museum has to offer.

WNCC students are already preparing for working with kindergarten-aged children and Amoo thought the event would be a way for them to take their knowledge and expertise to the museum and work with museum staff and volunteers.

I felt it was a great opportunity for them to immerse themselves with kids for that specific purpose, Amoo said.
New York, Mar 30 (Just Earth News): With nearly 150 people dead or missing in another shipwreck off the Mediterranean coast, the United Nations refugee agency on Thursday stressed the importance of saving lives at sea.

This latest tragedy comes as a stark reminder of the vital importance of robust search and rescue capacities, said Volker Turk, UNHCR's Assistant High Commissioner for Protection.

A 16-year old boy is believed to be the only survivor of the boat that sunk with 147 passengers, including five children and several pregnant women, UNHCR said.

The 16-year old survivor said their boat left two days ago from Sabratha, in Libya, and started taking on water after a few hours of navigation, the UN agency said after interviewing the boy in Lampedusa.

He survived the shipwreck by hanging to a fuel tank, until he was rescued by a Spanish ship operating under Operation Sophia, UNHCR noted in reference to the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR MED) operations launched after the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks.

In the statement, Turk expressed deep sadness at the news of the deaths.

He commended the action of the Italian Coast Guard in coordination with Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency.

The senior UN official also noted the importance of non-governmental organizations, which provide additional and much needed rescue capacity. According to UNHCR figures, NGOs performed 26 per cent of rescue operations in the central Mediterranean in 2016.

Saving lives at sea must remain the key priority for all, Turk said.

In September 2016, when Member States adopted the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants, Governments committed to intensifying international cooperation on strengthening search and rescue.

Photo UNHCR/Alfredo DAmato

Source: www.justearthnews.com
An important event is coming up for anyone who would like to attend college. The event is the Scottsbluff Area College Fair on Sunday, April 2. from 1-3 p.m.

The event will help sophomores start their college search process, helps juniors narrow the colleges they are interested in, and it helps seniors to finalize their college decision.

EducationQuest Foundation is sponsoring the event. Students can visit with representatives from nearly 40 colleges during the college fair which will be held at Western Nebraska Community College. The event is being held for free.

A college fair has been held in Scottsbluff for the last 10 years. It is usually held in the fall but this year it was moved to the spring.

EducationQuest said in a statement they have been conducting more college fairs this spring to help high school juniors narrow their college choices.

This is important because juniors will take the ACT college entrance exam this spring and be asked to list colleges they want to receive the results, Andrew Hunzeker said, outreach services manager for EducationQuest Foundation.

Hunzeker also has an office at WNCC where he helps students with college planning.

EducationQuest said anyone interested in attending college will benefit from attending the event.

Before attending, students should register for a barcode at NebraskaCollegeFairs.org, print the barcode or download it to their smartphone and take it to the fair so college representatives can scan it.

When a student visits a college booth the representative will scan the barcode to retrieve a students demographic and academic information. This is aimed to save students time they would spend completing information cards at each booth.

A list of participating colleges and questions to ask are available through the events section at EducationQuest.org. Most of the colleges are in Nebraska or the surrounding area.
U.S. Senator Ben Sasse announced that a member of his staff will be hosting a Mobile Office on Thursday, March 30 in Alliance.

These office hours will provide Nebraskans with a face-to-face opportunity to speak with a member of Sasses staff about federal government-related issues. A constituent services representative will be on hand to offer guidance and aid to Nebraskans who require help navigating Washingtons federal bureaucracy.
With one hand holding a bottle of champagne and the other an oversized certificate declaring him the winner of $1 million from Publishers Clearing House, Bruce Saunders stood on the front porch of his western Davie County Monday and rattled off a list of things he plans spend his spend money on  medical bills, fixing his lawnmower and helping family members.
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Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu reiterates the Government's strong commitment to the anticorruption fight, stating however that it must not be "under the sign of one name".

In a press release remitted on Wednesday to agerpres, the Executive is introducing Premier Grindeanu's position regarding the results of the assessment carried out by the Minister of Justice. According to the source, Prime Minister Grindeanu took note on Wednesday of the Minister of Justice's decision, following the assessment of Romania's Attorney General, Augustin Lazar's activity, and that of the Chief-prosecutor of the National Anti-corruption Directorate (DNA), Laura Codruta Kovesi in the context of the Constitutional Court Decision of 27 February.

"The Minister of Justice has the legal, professional experience and moral stand to make this assessment and to recommend the appropriate measures," the release reads.

According to the Executive, the prime minister asked to be constantly informed about the results of the prosecutors' activity continuous monitoring, instituted by the Minister of Justice's decision.

"Furthermore, the Prime Minister considers necessary for the state authorities to respect their constitutional competencies so that such conflicts are avoided in the future. We must keep in mind that Romania's Constitutional Court (CCR) judges showed, in their decision, that an institution of the state has assumed prerogatives that it doesn't possess," the release specifies.

Premier Grindeanu reiterates "Romanian Government's firm commitment with regard to the anticorruption fight."

"The Prime Minister stresses however that, for this fight to be really effective, it must not stand under the sign of a name. The corruption combating mechanisms must reach maturity, which means they have to run, regardless of the leader. An institution cannot be confused with a person, whoever he/she might be," the statement further mentions.

The Minister of Justice, Tudorel Toader, declared on Wednesday that it is not appropriate at this time, to trigger the dismissal procedure of the Attorney General and the Chief Prosecutor of the DNA.

'In this context, assessing all factors of constitutionality, legality, opportunity (...) I believe that, in this moment, it is not appropriate to trigger the institutional mechanism for the dismissal of the Attorney General, the Chief prosecutor of DNA, respectively,' Toader said in a press conference.

The Justice Minister mentioned that it is necessary to establish an activity review obligation undertaken by DNA prosecutors, DIICOT and the High Court Prosecutor's Office, monitoring that he will carry out personally.
President Klaus Iohannis awarded Prince Charles, on Wednesday, the Grand Cross of the Star of Romania National Order and communicated to the latter that he is an excellent promoter of Romania's image abroad.

"Today I have the pleasant opportunity to officially acknowledge and to honour the activity carried out by Your Highness in and for Romania. Starting with 1998, when your first official visit to Romania took place, you have come almost every year to our country, for which you feel deep affection. You have done admirable things and you were an excellent promoter of Romania's image abroad. Today, we acknowledge your involvement in projects carried out in Romania, the attention you assign the local communities' development, your interest in preserving the Romanian heritage and traditions as well as in preserving the unique natural beauty of our country. The results obtained in Your charitable activities demonstrate not only vocation, but also devotion. You are a source of inspiration for young people in defence of the values underlying social harmony and sustainable development, " the Head of State declared at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace.

He stated that he knows many foreigners attracted to Romania and its beauty, but that what distinguishes Prince Charles from them is his "perseverance and involvement in the development of local communities, in protecting their historical and cultural heritage".

"You have done it for almost three decades when, in the late '80s, you spoke against the communist regime's nefarious plan of Romanian village systematization. The involvement of Your Royal Highness in numerous projects for the rehabilitation of villages, in the promotion of local products, in activities related to traditional craftsmanship training represented a valuable contribution to raising awareness on a lifestyle where nature, tradition and modern skilled man can coexist harmoniously," showed the Head of State, who brought the example of the project launched in 2015 in Viscri - 'The Prince of Wales Foundation' - in order to help the community in this area, including creating jobs, followed in 2016 by settingup craftsmanship training centers - 'the Prince of Wales's Training Center'.

Iohannis specified that Romania is grateful to the Prince of Wales because every time he talks about Romania and its citizens, he expresses his admiration for Romanian cultural and spiritual riches.

He recalled Prince Charles' appearance in the documentary film "Wild Carpathia", recognized as one of the best films about Romania's 'wild' beauty.

"By this you show that spiritually you belong in this space and you are part of it," underscored the Head of State.

Iohannis added that the Romanian nation is deeply grateful to Prince Charles for all the projects he carried out here.

"I was adamant to confer you the Grand Cross of the Star of Romania National Order, which honours the way you have contributed to the extraordinary quality of the relation between our countries, to its good development, but also the major merit in promoting Romania's image in the world and its natural potential. Your Royal Highness, by the hospitality and openness with which you are welcomed each time in our country, Romanians actually manifest their admiration and gratitude for what you do for them, " stated Iohannis .

He highlighted that the official visit of Prince Charles demonstrates his commitment towards Romania and its people and represents an important milestone in strengthening the Strategic Partnership between Romania and the United Kingdom.

"Enhanced cooperation in the military and security sphere, as well as the economic ties are the pillars of this strategic partnership," noted Iohannis.

Another key element of the Romanian-British relation, according to the Head of State, is the significant Romanian community living and working in the UK.

He communicated to Prince Charles, on his behalf and that of the Romanian people, condolences to the families of the victims and wishes for due recovery of those injured following the terrorist attack last week.

"The presence among the wounded of two Romanian citizens demonstrates, this time in a tragic context, the rapprochement between the Romanian and British peoples, but also that only through unity and solidarity we can overcome difficult times," said Iohannis.

agerpres.
Romania's Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu on Thursday welcomed visiting Prince Charles at the Government House to discuss the excellent bilateral relationships between Romania and the UK, particularly political and defence ties, along with the need for harmonised stances and interests of the two countries in the area of foreign policy, and the state of the Romanian communities in the UK. In a press statement released on Thursday, the Romanian Government quotes Grindeanu as having reiterated his message of condolences and full solidarity of the Romanian Government with the British people and government in the aftermath of the March 22 London terror attack. "His Royal Highness shared his best wishes, voicing hope that the Romanian woman injured in the attack will recover as speedy as possible," reads the statement.

The Government says that another important topic discussed at the meeting was the state of Romanian communities in the UK, the majority of which are excellently integrated with eth host society. "HRH Prince of Wales voiced hope that the two countries will find new ways for cooperation in the fight against human trafficking, that will add up to the existing nine joint investigating teams," reads the statement.

Grindeanu also thanked Prince Charles for his contribution to the advancement of the cultural heritage and natural riches of Romania. 'The activity of the foundation under your very generous aegis in the areas of protecting genuine values and restoring genuine architectural gems is very precious to us. I want to thank you because through you efforts, foreign tourists and Romanians alike have rediscovered areas with autochthonous values that otherwise we might have forgotten. The craft centre at Viscri, which you opened in 2016, is an example of how the traditions of a nation should be preserved," Grindeanu is quoted as saying in the statement.

Prince Charles is quoted as saying in his turn that his annual visits to Romania in the last 20 years are now a tradition, voicing his wish to get to know more wonderful areas in Romania. He said he would like to tour the Danube Delta and the northern province of Maramures. Prince Charles on Wednesday started a three-day official visit to Romania, his second in the past 20 years.

Agerpres
Prince Charles' interest was sparked by Dragomiresti Church, painted eggs and handmade icons at the Village Museum. Dressed in traditional costumes, women who dye eggs explained Prince Charles the technique used and gave a short demonstration of their craft.

His Royal Highness also admired the wooden icons, as well as the 300-year old Dragomirestui church. Prince Charles stopped and talked to the traditional craftsmen on site, then attended the artistic performance of Gelu Voicu and the folk music band "The fiddlers" of Teleorman county. The Prince of Wales joined the circle dance together with traditional artists, surprising those who were present.

He then entered a household from Chiojdu Mic, Buzau county, dating from the eighteenth century. Throughout the visit at the Village Museum, the audience, visitors and craftsmen could speak to His Royal Highness. The visit to the Village Museum is part of Prince Charles' scheduled three days to Romania. Prince Charles arrived on Thursday morning at "Dimitrie Gusti" National Village Museum, being greeted by the director of the institution, Paula Popoiu, and by Irina Cajal, Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Culture. His Royal Highness was welcomed with bread and salt.

Agerpres
Prince Charles arrived on Thursday morning at the "Dimitrie Gusti" National Village Museum, where he was welcomed by institution director Paula Popoiu, and Undersecretary of State in the Culture Ministry Irina Cajal.

His Royal Highness was given a traditional welcome with bread and salt.

Later in the day, Prince Charles will meet at the Victoria Governmental Palace with Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu, and then he will be welcomed by Princess Margareta and Prince Radu at the Elisabeta Palace.

The Prince's Thursday agenda also includes a visit to the Romanian Patriarchy.

This is the second day of the official visit Prince Charles is paying to Romania.

agerpres.
The Prince of Wales received from His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel an icon made of a Murano glass mosaic portraying Saint Andrew and participated, in the Patriarchal Cathedral, in a short religious music moment performed by a Byzantine choir. The Prince was welcomed by His Eminence Nifon, Archbishop of Targoviste and Michael Tita, head of protocol at the Patriarchal Administration.

In the lobby of the Patriarchal Palace, he was welcomed by Patriarch Daniel, who presented to him the murals in the room, as well as their significance. The Patriarch told his guest that in this building the Union of the Principalities, Moldova and Wallachia, was signed in 1859. Continuing, the high prelate showed Prince Charles the conference room, of which he said was consolidated and restored recently using European funds. "It was very hard work, but the building is much stronger now than it was at the beginning," the Patriarch added.

The Prince of Wales asked if the room is used frequently, and Patriarch Daniel answered yes, because it is used for special events and conferences. Later, the two delegations held talks for approximately half an hour, afterwards the two officials exchanged gifts. The Prince of Wales offered Patriarch Daniel a set of plates. "I will use them next time, when you will be here for longer," Patriarch Daniel said.

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel also received a framed photograph of His Royal Highness. Another important moment was represented by the visit to the Patriarchal Cathedral, where HRH lit a candle and recollected. In the church, he was not joined by Patriarch Daniel, only His Eminence Nifon, who was his guide within the church, offering details on the importance of the institution. All throughout their tour of the Patriarchal Cathedral, a Byzantine choir performed religious music. The Prince of Wales was joined during his visit to the Patriarchy by the Ambassador of the United Kingdom in Bucharest, Paul Brummell. The talks were also attended by Romania's ambassador in London, Dan Mihalache.

Agerpres
Prospects for cooperation between the Romanian Christian Orthodox Patriarchy, the Prince of Wales Foundation and the Pro Patrimonio Foundation to preserve and capitalise on Romania's cultural and religious heritage was one of the main topics discussed on Thursday by Prince Charles as part of his visit to the Romanian Patriarchate.

"His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, underscored the importance of Romania's cultural heritage, commending Romania for its receptiveness to its conservation. In the same context, prospects for cooperation between the Romanian Christian Orthodox Patriarchy, the Prince of Wales Foundation and the Pro Patrimonio Foundation to preserve and capitalise on Romania's cultural and religious heritage was discussed. Patriarch Daniel gladly welcomed the proposal, because the Romanian Christian Orthodox Church (BOR) is constantly preoccupied with the conservation of the country's national ecclesiastical heritage," BOR Parachute said in a press statement on Thursday.

Patriarch Daniel voiced joy over Prince Charles having included the Patriarchy in his official visit to Romania, underscoring the special interest displayed by the prince in Romania's spiritual, cultural and natural beauties, thus becoming a friend of the country and the Romanian nation. Daniel mentioned that many Romanian Christian Orthodox believers live in the UK as students or workers in various fields of employment. There are currently more than 45 BOR parishes there shepherded by a vicarious bishop and 42 clergymen. The parishes, he said, are enjoying support from the Church of England, including by being offered places for worshiping.

Given that Prince Charles mentioned his vests to humanitarian organisations operating in Romania in which British charities are also involved, Daniel introduced to the prince some of the BOR social programmes, including "Choose School!" - a programme to support children facing the risk of dropping out of school; "Give Blood! Save a Life!" and "Health for the Countryside," in support of the elderly and the poor in Romania's countryside.

The statement says that at the end of the visit, Patriarch Daniel offered a mosaic icon depicting St. Andrew, the patron saint of Romania, to Prince Charles, thanked the prince for his visit and sent wishes for health and blessings to Queen Elisabeth II.

Agerpres
Prince Charles on Thursday spent almost two hours at the Village Museum in Bucharest City, where he talked with crafts people to learn about their trade secrets, toured old homes and a church from Dragomiresti and also danced the hora to the accompaniment of musicians from Oltenia. Around 10:00hrrs, EEST, the Prince of Wales was welcomed in the entrance way to the Village Museum by museum director Paula Popoiu and senior official with the Culture Ministry Irina Cajal. "Your Highness, you know this," Popoiu told the prince meaning the custom of welcoming guests with bread and salt as they got closer to the welcome plate.

Prince Charles said he knows but the bread there was unlike the breads he has seen elsewhere in the country that are cleaned of ash. Prince Charles's first stop was at an old home close to the entranceway, where he was welcomed in the guest room. After leaving the house, Prince Charles stopped at the stand of a potter, confessing that he once used to paint plates himself and asking Popoiu it the plates are made on the potter's wheel.

On his way to the Old Church from Dragomiresti, one of the museum's main attractions, Prince Charles halted to look at a restauration site and a small photo exhibition of the Monumentum Association, which is conducting a programme in support of roof tile makers and which operates also in the province of Transylvania, a place where that Prince Charles has gone on private visits many times.

The prince stopped opposite the Dragomiresti Church at a stand of three craftswomen, whom she asked about the craft of egg paining. One of the three craftswomen, hailing from the northern province of Bucovina, told the prince that she has been painting eggs for 45 years in her native Bucovina.

While exiting the church, the Prince of Wales was welcomed by a throng of foreign tourist who were taking pictures of the area opposite the small fence of the church. The prince talked to the tourists, some of whom came from Canada and the UK. He was curious to learn about how long they will be staying in Romania and whether or not they have already visited Transylvania. A musical show for the prince staged by a folklore ensemble became the most picturesque after Prince Charles joined dancers and the hosts in a round dance.

Another stop was a house where on display were textile works made under projects of the Prince of Wales Romania Foundation. The tourists were not the only ones delighted to have talked to the prince; a group of children, whom the prince asked about the small objects in their hands, were also excited. "We have talked to Charles!" they were shouting enthusiastically from the yard of a home.

On his way to the last place of the visit, the prince watched a wood roof tile maker in action, a short music concert staged by children and discovered the interior of a bordei, a type of half-dugout shelter.

The prince's last guide was Ivan Patzaichin, founder of the Mile 23 Association, which takes acre of protecting the Danube Delata and promoting local crafts. In the place where a household from the Danube Delta Jurilovca settlement was recreated, Patzaichin shared his regret that the prince's visit does not include the Danube Delta. Prince Charles told him that he would have liked to, but he was worried about weather. Patzaichin presented the prince with an autographed oar and a postage stamp issue of legendary Romanian athletes, with the prince asking the retired rower to show where he is on the stamps.

The Prince of Wales ended his tour of the Village Museum by signing the guestbook and receiving presents from the museum's director, including a glass painting and a book about Dobrogea. Accompanying Prince Charles at the Village Museum were UK ambassador to Romania Paul Brummell and executive director of the Prince of Wales Romania Foundation Aura Woodward.

Agerpres
His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales has participated, Thursday evening, in Bucharest, on the second day of his official visit to Romania, in a reception offered in his honor. Among the participants to the reception were Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu, Foreign Affairs Minister Teodor Melescanu, Minister-delegate for European Affairs, Ana Birchall, Romanian Ambassador in London, Dan Mihalache, the head prosecutor of the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) Laura Codruta Kovesi and Princess Marina Sturdza.

The Prince of Wales was welcomed by the Ambassador of the United Kingdom in Bucharest, Paul Brummell, by Aura Woodward, executive director of the Prince of Wales Foundation Romania and by Aykut Korkmaz, CEO, Hilton Hotel. "The purpose of the visit is to celebrate the very close ties between the United Kingdom and Romania," said British Ambassador Paul Brummell, at the start of the event.

The reception took place at the Athenee Palace Hilton in Bucharest and was co-organized by Paul Brummell and Aura Woodward to celebrate the activity. Among the guests there were also representatives of British organizations that work to protect children and the environment in Romania, of the Anglican Church, of British companies, of the Romanian-British Chamber of Commerce, of NGOs specialized in the problems of Roma people or justice, as well as Romanian officials.

The Prince of Wales spoke to each guest at this special event. The official visit of His Royal Highness to Romania will end on Friday. The Prince of Wales Foundation is a branch of the Prince of Wales's Charitable Foundation in Britain, established by His Royal Highness with the purpose of extending the charitable activity to Romania as well. The mission of the Prince of Wales Foundation is the preservation of the architectural, cultural and natural heritage of Romania. Its main purpose is to offer opportunities for development, so that locals have more chances for employment or opening up small businesses.

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The Prince of Wales had on Thursday at the Victoria Governmental Palace, a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu. Prince Charles arrived at the Government headquarters at 11:55 hrs, having been welcomed by Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu and left the Victoria Palace at 12:25 hrs.

The Head of the Executive welcomed Prince Charles on the steps of the Palace, the two entering together the Central Hall of the Victoria Palace, where the two officials shook hands and took official photographs. The delegation of Prince Charles to the Victoria Palace also included the UK Ambassador in Bucharest Paul Brummell. The meeting took place on the second day of the official visit which Prince Charles is paying to Romania, after the visit the heir to the British Throne paid at the Village Museum.

His Royal Highness will have a meeting with Patriarch Daniel still on Thursday and will be welcomed by Crown Princess Margareta and Prince Radu at Elisabeta Palace. The official visit of Prince Charles to Romania began on Wednesday, when His Royal Highness laid a wreath of flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Carol I park. On Wednesday, the Prince of Wales was welcomed at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace by President Klaus Iohannis, who decorated him with the Grand Cross of the National Order of the Star of Romania, as a token of "appreciation for the activity in Romania and for promoting its image in the world." The official visit of Prince Charles to Romania will end on Friday.

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The Prince of Wales visited, on Thursday, the Vacaresti Natural Park, where he met with volunteers and students involved in the activities of the Vacaresti National Park Association, but also a group of children who were discussing with a herpetologist of the frogs and snakes that can be seen in the urban delta. His Royal Highness was welcomed by Adriana Mitsue Ivama Brummell, the wife of British Ambassador Paul Brummell, and by Dan Barbulescu, executive manager of the Vacaresti National Park Association.

Together they visited the park's observatory, situated on the 17th floor of the Asmita Tower building, observatory that Dan Barbulescu described as being a place where children and nature lovers can discuss about the Vacaresti Park. The Prince of Wales was presented to photographer Helmut Igant, the person that had the idea of protecting the "urban delta", but also other founding members of the association, which in 2012 started demarches to establish the natural park.

Dan Barbulescu invited His Royal Highness on the terrace of the Observatory, in order to give him a bird's eye view of the Vacaresti Delta, telling him also of the history of this area, of the "megalomaniac project" of Nicolae Ceausescu, which wanted to launch a hydrologic project in this area. Furthermore, he told His Royal Highness that the park is surrounded by a dam, thus being delineated from the urban environment and easily accessible to birds, but also allowing an observation point. The Prince of Wales viewed with interest an exhibit that presented in parallel images taken by Helmut Ignat in the Danube Delta and the Vacaresti Delta, noting the similarities of the two places. The Prince also followed the images exhibited on a themed panel that presented the threats that the "Little Bucharest Island" is facing: massive deforestation, trash dumping, and fires.

Later on, the Prince of Wales explored the swamps and the ecosystem of the Vacaresti Park, where he met a group of children who were being presented with a harmless house snake by a herpetologist. "He eats frogs, not children," the herpetologist explained. He explained to the Prince that he "is trying to prepare new generations of Romanian herpetologists," expressing his hope that they will be true ambassadors of nature. Furthermore, he told the Prince of Wales that the snake the children are studying is related to those common in Great Britain.

The herpetologist presented the children with a frog too, emphasizing - through their laughter - that this particular animal does not cause warts. He also explained to His Royal Highness that in Romania some people have the prejudice that frogs transmit certain diseases. A little girl also offered His Royal Highness with a bundle of dandelions. Later on, the Prince of Wales met with a group of students from the Faculty of Biology, shaking hands with all of them and smiling appreciatively when he observed that one of the students was wearing a traditional Romanian blouse.

His Royal Highness also inaugurated the bird observatory, the first facility available to visitors of the park, and also met with some of the members of the Romanian Scouts National Organization, and volunteers involved in the activities of the association. Furthermore, he met Gigu, a man that has been living for 20 years in a hut in the Vacaresti Delta, together with his family, and which was employed by the association as a park ranger. He will not be able to remain on the said land after the measures to refurbish the natural park will be implemented, yet the members of the association will take care of his social integration.

In order to mark the visit, His Royal Highness also planted a white poplar. The Prince of Wales bid the tree good luck, after planting it. Dan Barbulescu told His Royal Highness that the tree is one that reaches considerable heights and invited him to come back next year in order to observe its evolution. The Vacaresti Natural Park in Bucharest is a unique formation of urban swamps, on the site of a derelict hydrologic project from the communist times. The area was granted natural park status last year, and plans to preserve the local ecosystem were developed after the model of the London Wetlands center.

The Vacaresti National Park Association has developed the proiject for an urban swamp following the British example and working with well-known environment organizations, of which we can mention the Wetland Link International, Wildfowl and Wetland Trust, the WWF Romania branch, as well as that of Great Britain.

The area is surrounded by a dam, being thus delineated from the urban landscape and easily accessible to birds. Over 90 species of birds can be observed in Vacaresti Park, especially water species: herons, egrets, cormorants and wild geese. Moreover, the swamps are also home to small mammals such as: foxes, weasels and otters. The ecosystem is diverse and includes reptiles, amphibians and non-vertebrates such as tritons, salamanders, tortoises, grey lizards, and grass snakes.

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Bedbugs in hotel rooms and aggressive peacocks are some of the creatures behind an uptick in animal-related insurance claims filed by U.S. businesses, according to a study published on Thursday by insurer Allianz SE.

U.S. claims involving bedbugs increased 50 percent between 2014 and 2015, from 66 to 99, according to Allianz. The insurer has already counted 70 bedbug claims through September 2016, heading for a total that could surpass the previous years, said Larry Crotser, the chief claims officer for the insurers Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty unit.

The findings were included in a global report by the Allianz unit, which analyzed more than 100,000 corporate liability claims from roughly 100 countries paid by Allianz and other insurers between 2011 and 2016, totaling $9.3 billion. The claims involved everything from aviation to cybersecurity.

The analysis included nearly 1,880 U.S. animal-related business liability claims, representing about 2 percent of all commercial claims in the study.

Animal claims increased 28 percent between 2011 and 2015, from 287 to 365, according to Allianz. The average animal-related liability claim is about $10,400, with all animal claims totaling nearly $20 million.

Bedbugs accounted for 21 percent of U.S. business liability claims involving animals. Some claims, however, were peculiar, such as a hotel guest whose room was invaded by a flying squirrel and another whose hearing aid and slippers were destroyed by a rodent. Two claims involved people who were attacked by aggressive peacocks, according to the study.

Bedbugs, found on every continent except Antarctica, have been biting people for thousands of years. Widespread insecticide use in homes after World War II eliminated them from many regions, but bedbugs developed pesticide resistance and rebounded, thriving in heated homes and hitching rides in luggage during international travel.

Hotel companies typically file insurance claims to cover costs of reimbursing guests who encountered bedbugs during their stays and inadvertently brought the insects home in their suitcases, causing infestations, Crotser said.

Those guests then look to the hotel company to pay for fumigating their homes. Commercial bedbug claims averaged $5,660, an Allianz spokeswoman said.

Deer incidents, such as collisions with farm vehicles, were the most common involving animals, accounting for 58 percent of U.S. animal-related liability claims insurers received.

Other business claims involved damage from dogs, roaming cattle, horses, cats, rodents, snakes and sheep.
WASHINGTON  The new head of the Environmental Protection Agency refused Wednesday to ban a commonly used pesticide that President Barack Obama's administration had sought to outlaw based on mounting concerns about its risks to human health.

The chemical chlorpyrifos, also known as Lorsban, has been used by farmers for more than a half-century to kill pests on a range of crops, from broccoli to strawberries to citrus trees. The EPA banned its spraying indoors to combat household bugs more than a decade ago. But only in recent years did the agency seek to ban its use in agriculture, after growing scientific evidence that prenatal exposure can pose risks to fetal brain and nervous system development.

Under Obama, the EPA proposed in 2015 to revoke all uses of chlorpyrifos on food  a move taken in response to a petition filed by the Natural Resources Defense Council and Pesticide Action Network North America. A federal judge had given the EPA until Friday to decide whether to finalize its ban of the chemical.

On Wednesday, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt decided the answer would be no.

"We need to provide regulatory certainty to the thousands of American farms that rely on chlorpyrifos, while still protecting human health and the environment," Pruitt said in a statement. "By reversing the previous administration's steps to ban one of the most widely used pesticides in the world, we are returning to using sound science in decision-making  rather than predetermined results."

His statement argued that the "public record lays out serious scientific concerns and substantive process gaps in the proposal."

Sheryl Kunickis, director of the Office of Pest Management Policy at the Department of Agriculture, agreed with the decision.

"It means that this important pest management tool will remain available to growers, helping to ensure an abundant and affordable food supply for this nation and the world," she said in a statement. "This frees American farmers from significant trade disruptions that could have been caused by an unnecessary, unilateral revocation of chlorpyrifos tolerances in the United States."

The chemical industry also pushed hard against a chlorpyrifos ban. Dow Agrosciences, which manufactures the chemical, said late last year that the Obama administration's assessment of its safety "lacks scientific rigor." The company said it "remains confident that authorized uses of chlorpyrifos products, as directed, offer wide margins of protection for human health and safety."

But dozens of scientific researchers, doctors and public health professionals had joined the environmental groups in urging the EPA to prohibit all use of chlorpyrifos.

"With each year of delay in canceling food tolerances and agricultural and other uses of chlorpyrifos, more children are unnecessarily at elevated risk for problems in learning, social skills, motor function, and other developmental domains," a group of supporters wrote in a letter to the agency early this year. "We strongly urge EPA to finalize its assessment and cancel all remaining uses of chlorpyrifos as expeditiously as possible."

Environmental activists were incensed about the outcome Wednesday, saying that Pruitt had ignored substantial evidence of potential harms.

"The chance to prevent brain damage in children was a low bar for most of Scott Pruitt's predecessors, but it apparently just wasn't persuasive enough for an administrator who isn't sure if banning lead from gasoline was a good idea," Environmental Working Group president Ken Cook said in a statement. "Instead, in one of his first major decisions as head of the EPA, like a toddler running toward his parents, Pruitt leaped into the warm and waiting arms of the pesticide industry."
ST. LOUIS  News broadcast viewers here will see a familiar face on their screens next week.

St. Louis meteorologist Chester Lampkin returns to KSDK after covering weather events thousands of miles away in New Zealand for two years.

Lampkin's professional Facebook page is full of photos and videos of scerene mountainscapes, oceans and forests. A bit different than the local terrain.

But Lampkin, who grew up in north St. Louis and earned his degree in meteorology at St. Louis University, seems to be looking forward to his return. He posted an online story from KSDK announcing the homecoming to his social media followers on Wednesday.

"Hi, St. Louis!" Lampkin said with a link to the story.

Hundreds of people have posted reactions, including many welcome home comments and warm farewells from fans.

Residents and Lampkin's colleagues at KSDK took Twitter Wednesday to celebrate the announcement.

Lampkin worked at KSDK from 2012 to 2015. He worked in Colorado, Texas and Jefferson City before starting at the St. Louis station.

He will join meteorologist Scott Connell on the 4 to 7 a.m. news broadcast until Connell moves to afternoon hours Tuesday through Saturday beginning April 7, KSDK reports.
ST. LOUIS  Prosecutors say a Nigerian citizen living in St. Louis was part of a stolen identity fraud scheme that sought more than $12 million in tax refunds.

A federal grand jury in St. Louis returned a superseding indictment Wednesday charging Kevin Kunlay Williams, also known as Kunlay Sodipo, with mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, voter fraud, illegal re-entry and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Williams and others allegedly used public school employees' identifications stolen from a payroll company to file more than 2,000 fraudulent federal income tax returns. Williams also allegedly used fraudulently obtained identification numbers to obtain refund checks.

Williams was deported in 1995 but allegedly returned illegally in 1999 and voted illegally in 2012 and 2016 elections.

An after-hours message left with the public defender's office in St. Louis wasn't returned.
KINLOCH  Police have confirmed that human remains found last month in Kinloch are those of a missing Berkeley woman.

Monica Elaine Sykes, 25, went missing on Oct. 28 in Berkeley. Police say they are awaiting the medical examiners report to know how Sykes died.

We are devastated, just devastated, her mother, Regina Sykes, told the Post-Dispatch on Thursday. We will miss her dearly.

She said the lead detective, a supervisor and Berkeleys acting police chief, Art Jackson, told her the news on Tuesday night. Jackson said DNA confirmed the identity.

Jackson told the Post-Dispatch this month that if the remains proved to be those of Sykes, police would likely seek charges against a man already in custody.

But on Thursday, Jackson declined to talk about a suspect. Im going to leave that up to prosecutors, he said.

A spokesperson for the prosecutors office could not immediately provide an update on potential charges Thursday morning.

On Feb. 4, volunteers searching a desolate area of Kinloch found the remains. It took weeks to confirm the identity.

A man Monica Sykes was dating has been in custody for several weeks on a probation violation. Police have called him a person of interest. His white car was found on fire after Sykes was reported missing.

Sykes lived with her sister and three nephews in the 6300 block of Fay Drive in Berkeley. She left to buy candy and never returned, her mother said. One of the nephews said he saw her get into a white car.

Sykes had recently returned from a date with a Berkeley police officer. Jackson said this month that the officer was not a suspect.

Regina Sykes, 50, said she doesnt know how close police might be to solving the case because the detectives didnt divulge much. The family has been critical of Berkeleys efforts, wanting a more seasoned detective or agency with more resources to take over the investigation. Monica Sykes had worked at least a year at Ol Henry Restaurant in Berkeley.
In rural communities across the country, jobs are disappearing and people are moving away, driving a desperation that helped elect Donald Trump president.

But as state lawmakers look for ways to bring life to these long-struggling areas, many are falling prey to a complex economic development approach, pushed hard by investment firms that stand to benefit, that has failed to live up to its promises.
A bus in the Metro Transit fleet has hit 1 million miles, a first for the agency.

The distance the 16-year-old bus has traveled is equivalent to going around the world 40 times, said John Nations, president and chief executive officer of Bi-State Development, which oversees Metro.

The bus  which is using its original Cummins engine and has not had an engine overhaul  logged about half of those miles in Missouri, and half in Illinois.

Its millionth mile came while serving the #16 bus route the day before officials gathered at the Belleville MetroLink station Thursday to mark the milestone.

The bus is owned by the St. Clair County Transit District, but maintained and operated by Metro as part of its 400-bus fleet. It was purchased in 2001 for $273,000, and retirement isn't in its near future, said Ray Friem, executive director of Metro Transit.

It's expected to keep serving bus routes through January or February, when it will get semi-retirement status by joining the fleet of the Redbird Express, which carries passengers to Cardinals games from the St. Clair Square mall in Fairview Heights.
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Attorney General Jeff Sessions comes to St. Louis on Friday to talk about law and order. Sadly, its the lack thereof that draws him here. Violent crime has ravaged St. Louis, handing the city the dubious title of Americas per-capita homicide capital. Sessions says he wants to discuss ways to restore public safety.

This newspaper has lots of issues with Sessions proposed solutions. But we welcome the opportunity to spark a much-needed public discussion. Local leaders seem to be tapped out, and for all his stated intentions to help Missouris urban centers address violent crime, Republican Gov. Eric Greitens has yet to present a plan.

Police budgets are spread thin. Low salaries, especially in St. Louis city, make recruiting difficult. Guns and drugs are everywhere, unlike respect for human life.

Sessions probably will repeat positions from his confirmation hearings defending urban police departments from criticism and warning of growing morale problems as videos continue to surface of police-involved shootings of unarmed civilians. All valid points. But he also must address the need to ferret out bad cops and bring them to justice when they act beyond their authority.

Sessions prompted controversy in Washington by announcing this week that he would begin withholding federal funds to so-called sanctuary cities that refuse to cooperate when federal authorities issue detainer requests on undocumented immigrants under local custody. Missouri has no declared sanctuary cities, but a bigger concern revolves around demands that the federal government places on local jurisdictions without properly compensating them for the costs.

When known, dangerous criminals walk free because federal and local authorities fail to coordinate, everyones blood should boil. A year ago, Wentzville resident Julie Nordman witnessed the results when her husband was gunned down by a convicted felon, Pablo Serrano-Vitorino, who was in the country illegally. He allegedly killed another four men in Kansas during that rampage.

After this man was arrested on numerous occasions for violent crimes, he went on to kill five completely innocent men, Nordman stated in congressional testimony. Immigration authorities failed at their job, she added. U.S. borders are obviously wide opened as the man was able to enter not once but twice without being detected.

Migrants, including dangerous ones, do not come because sanctuary cities exist. They come for jobs. For all of Sessions threats against sanctuary cities, he has said nothing about sanctuary employers, who are the real magnet behind this problem. Employers who skirt federal law to exploit cheap migrant labor deserve equally vigorous federal attention.

Year after year, we hear from GOP hardliners who go after hard-working immigrants but remain silent on the industries that benefit from their labor, Texas state Rep. Rafael Anchia, D-Dallas, stated this week. We are tired of the hypocrisy.
While the nations attention focused last week on the health care chaos enveloping House Republicans, across the rotunda in the Senate, Republicans quietly were gutting internet privacy rules.

On a 50-48 party-line vote, the Senate approved a resolution rolling back internet privacy rules passed in October when the Federal Communications Commission was under Democratic control. The rules still needed approval under the Congressional Review Act, which Republicans have begun using to roll back pending Obama administration regulations. On Tuesday, the House passed the Senate resolution, which President Donald Trump is expected to sign.

The rules hadnt yet gone into effect, so in practical terms, nothing will change. The telecommunications and cable companies that operate the nations biggest internet service providers  ISPs like Comcast, AT&T, Verizon, Charter, etc.  are free to collect your internet browsing history and sell it to commercial clients. Thats why, when you search for used cars, ads begin popping up from car dealers.

In October, the Obama FCC passed a rule that would have required ISPs to obtain their customers permission to sell their browsing data and app-usage habits. Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., sponsor of the roll-back resolution, said the rule was unnecessary, confusing and adds another innovation-stifling regulation.

The telecoms complained that they were being held to a higher standard than Google and Facebook, which arent internet service providers. They provide social media, messaging and search functions via someone elses internet connection. As non-telecoms, they are regulated not by the FCC but by the Federal Trade Commission, which has imposed no privacy protections. Google and Facebook have long been relentless collectors of user data.

In a 2015 poll by the Pew Research Center, 93 percent of adult respondents said that being in control of who can get information about them is important. While they were most concerned about government surveillance, there were high levels of concern about commercial data collection.

Yet few Americans take steps to protect their online data. Teens and millennials in particular willingly share all sorts of personal data across social media platforms, including intimate photos. The more pervasive data collection becomes, the harder it is to keep private matters private.

There are ways to make it harder for ISPs and search companies to collect personal data. People who are serious about protecting their search history will clear out tracking cookies or use incognito or private options on their browsers. People who are really serious will install virtual private networks to block their internet data from being viewed by outsiders.

Its ironic that the GOP, a party that defends privacy when it comes to secure IDs, prescription drug databases and anonymous campaign donations, think nothing of dumping internet privacy rules. When corporate donors complain, concerns about privacy go right down the drain.
Jamila moved to Kabul to coordinate natural resource management programmes. She found that most of the programmes for agricultural development involved improved seed varieties. The overall aim was to increase productivity of crops and also increase their marketability.

I wondered why more wasnt being done to preserve the traditional varieties that have co-evolved in these mountain landscapes over millennia. And more importantly, I couldnt see how producing more marketable crops made sense in a place with limited market access to begin with, at least in the short term. I was sad about the lack of recognition, both within and from the outside, of the richness of Pamiri biological and cultural diversity. So I wrote to Frederik, and asked him if he still wanted to work on this recipe book.

The accidental cookbook author

With a donation of a few thousand dollars from a small foundation, they set off to the Pamirs again to collect recipes and stories. Conversations about recipes soon became conversations about age-old traditions and the rapid social and ecological changes that are now happening in the region. The result of the work became With Our Own Hands: A celebration of food and life in the Pamir Mountains of Afghanistan and Tajikistan.

The book is written in three languages in parallel  English as well as Dari and Tajik, the forms of Persian spoken in Afghanistan and Tajikistan respectively. In fact, it is the first book written about Pamiri culture in languages accessible to the people living there.

In May 2016 the book was awarded Cookbook of the Year by the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, the most prestigious and largest award in the culinary calendar. But for Jamila and Frederik writing the book was never about international recognition. In fact, the book was never meant for the outside world. We wrote it for the Pamiri people, Haider says. In October 2015 they returned to distribute 1700 copies to the villages in the region.

Surprising synergies

Alongside the book, Jamila started her PhD studies at the centre and her research journey started. For the past four years Jamila has looked at effects of poverty alleviation strategies on biological and cultural diversity , and the potential for adaptive or transformative responses from local knowledge systems.

Im interested in the process of development  specifically how development interventions can improve human well-being in food systems without eroding cultural and biological diversity, she explains.

Especially, I am fascinated with the relationship between agricultural biodiversity and culture, and how they have coevolved, creating beautiful landscapes over millennia. At the same time as I learnt about the rich agricultural diversity of the Pamirs I also became aware of the incredible ingenuity and knowledge that created this diversity and these landscapes. It is through this kind of human ingenuity, inspired by the landscape, that the Pamirs became a centre of origin of many grains, fruits and nuts. To separate food and culture, ecology and society, would be divide life itself into incomprehensible units.
By Press Trust of India: Dhaka, Mar 30 (PTI) Bangladeshi authorities today said 13 persons still remain missing in a major boat tragedy that has claimed 12 lives in south-western Bagerhat district.

The incident took place on Tuesday when the boat, carrying over 70 passengers, sank in the Panguchi River in the district, which is 370 kilometers from Dhaka, while it was heading towards Purano thana ghat from Srombaria.

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The bodies of 12 people, including women, have so far been recovered while 13 others still remain missing, said Rashedul Alam, officer-in-charge of Morelganj Police Station.

Of the deceased, four have been identified, the Daily Star reported.

A team of Fire Service recovered the seven bodies from different points of the river today, said assistant deputy director of Bagerhat Fire Service and Civil Defense Masud Sardar.

"Locals in Panguchi Rivers Baraikhali and Shanki Danga char areas spotted the bodies and informed police," officials said.

Local people rescued at least 30 people from the river on Tuesday.

Police, Fire Service Department, Navy and Coast Guard members are jointly conducting the rescue operation along with locals. PTI KJ AKJ KJ

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Several Africans earned great reputation for themselves in India. History has several names since the days of Delhi Sultanate who stood out as great ambassadors of statesmanship and contributed towards idea of India.

By Prabhash K Dutta: Though jury is still out on 'racial motivation' about the recent attacks on African people in Greater Noida, racism is back in debate in India, which has seen centuries of close association with people of that part of the world.

Africa is recognised as the birthplace of humans - the Homo sapiens. The humans wandered from East Africa to rest of the globe, underwent changes in physical appearances, colonised vast regions and developed civilisations.

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India was among the oldest civilisations to develop. India also embraced all such people who wandered in search of better and safer life. India's history since the days of the Aryans till the Britishers is the story of migrants including those coming from Africa.

Several Africans earned great reputation for themselves in India. History has several names since the days of Delhi Sultanate who stood out as great ambassadors of statesmanship and contributed towards idea of India.

RAZIYA SULTAN'S AFRICAN 'BOYFRIEND'

Raziya Sultan was the only female monarch of Delhi and one of the few heads of state around the globe till date. Among her royal courtiers was an African military general Jamal al-Din Yaqut, who was a prince of Abbyssinia.

Yaqut went down in the annals of India's medieval history as the lover of Raziya Sultan, the reigning queen of mighty Delhi Sutlanate during 1236-40. The two were considered so intimate to each other that it became a point of rebel for the nobles and clerics, who were already not happy with the idea of a woman governing them as the head of the state.

The nobles and clerics kept plotting against Raziya and her African love interest Yaqut. Finally, they succeeded in getting Yaqut killed and soon after Razia was replaced.

AFRICAN SHARQI DYNASTY OF JAUNPUR

Towards the end of 14th century when the Tughlaqs were losing control over the Sultanate, a black African governor of Jaunpur, Malik Sarwar snatched the principality from Delhi and became its ruler.

The African governor of Jaunpur assumed the title of mali-us Sharq, literally meaning the king of the east.

For the next one hundred years, the African dynasty ruled over Jaunpur and converted it into a place of great cultural amalgamation. This was the period of tremendous progress in the fields of art, architecture, trade, commerce and also learning. This Uttar Pradesh city still bears the testimony to the marvelous rule established by the Africans.

MALIK AMBAR OF JANZIRA

Born as Chapu in Ethiopia, Malik Ambar came to India as African slave in Ahmednagar in the Deccan. He proved to be a distinguished military general and extraordinary war strategist.

Initially, Malik Ambar served under the Nizam of Ahmednagar, who manumitted him seeing his capabilities and service to the state.

While Mughal emperor Akbar was going on a rampage annexing one kingdom after another and expanding his empire, Malik Ambar offered a great resistance to his domination. The African general built a fort at Janzira on the Konkan coast, which both the Marathas and Mughals failed to conquer despite several attempts.

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In years to come, the African rulers of Janzira occupied the fort of Sachin in Gujarat. They ultimately came under the fold of the Mughals and kept the Marathas at bay even during the time of Shivaji.

AFRICAN DYNASTY IN BENGAL

While the last ruling dynasty was establishing its footmark on Delhi Sultanate, black African generals were busy throwing out the Sultan of Bengal.

In 1487, after a series of killings and assassinations - all engineered by black African military generals and soldiers - Saif-ud-din Firoz Shah became the first black African ruler of Bengal.

The African sultan was known to open the treasury for the poor. He constructed the Firoz Minar and a mosque, which became a centre of learning.

The dynasty did not last long and by the turn of next century, Bengal was under the sway of a new ruling family. But, the African rulers of Bengal were known for their pro-people measures and running what could be called as welfare state.

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AFRICAN SIDDIS IN INDIA

The significant first mention of African Siddis in India comes from the times of Vijayanagar empire. The Siddis were people of money and muscle power in Kurnool, which slipped under the Bijpur Sultanate after the fall of Vijayanagar empire.

Masood Khan of Adoni was the famous minister in the Bijapur Sultanate. He built magnificent mosque at Adoni and gave patronage to art and learning.

Today about 30,000 Siddis live in India mainly concentrated in Gujarat, Telangana and Karnataka. Siddis are known as the protectors of lions in Gujarat.

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Nigerians attacked in Greater Noida: Rumours fuelling xenophobic violence?

--- ENDS ---
"You cannot win people's mandate by creating ruckus in the House. To win the mandate, one must win people's heart," Shah said in the Assembly.

By Press Trust of India: Taking part in the proceedings in Gujarat Assembly, BJP president Amit Shah today took a dig at the Congress, saying elections were won not by creating ruckus in the House but by winning people's hearts.

Shah, a member of the House representing Naranpura constituency in Ahmedabad, also asserted that the BJP will win the coming assembly polls in the state, due later this year.

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After making the hard-hitting speech in the House, Shah made a courtesy call on the opposition leader Shankarsinh Vaghela.HERE IS WHAT AMIT SHAH SAID

"You cannot win people's mandate by creating ruckus in the House. To win the mandate, one must win people's heart," Shah said in the Assembly.

"The BJP won all the elections here from 1990 to 2016. And, we will win the 2017 polls with more than 150 seats," he said during an hour-long speech.

Shah's assertion came while supporting a resolution brought by BJPs Ketan Inamdar, urging the state government to take forward the development agenda of the BJP.

In his speech, made in the absence of Congress members who were suspended for protesting over M B Shah Commission report, the BJP chief said that the "journey of development" will continue even after 2017 and 2019.

"Our hunger for development is still intact. This journey for development will continue even after 2017 and 2019," said Shah.

"Before 1995, the people of Gujarat were suffering due to large-scale corruption, lawlessness and shortage of electricity. After Narendra Modi took over in 2001, we transformed this state. Now, the entire world talks about Gujarat model," he said.

Earlier in the day, Speaker Ramanlal Vora suspended Congress MLAs for the first session.

But later, Shah met Congress leader Vaghela. After the meeting, which lasted for about half an hour, Vaghela termed it as a "courtesy call".

"It was a courtesy call by Shah, who had come here to attend the assembly session. No political issue was discussed," Vaghela added.

When asked if there was any indication of advancing the state polls, Vaghela said, "There were no indications of early polls, as I understand, but nothing can be said of these RSS people."

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and state BJP chief Jitu Vaghani were present during the meeting that took place at Vaghelas chambers at the Assembly building.

Vaghani also said it was a courtesy call.

"As our national president was here he wished to meet Vaghela and they met," he said.

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Shah also attended the lunch hosted by Assembly speaker Ramanlal Vora for the MLAs.

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Kings High celebrating diversity. Sitting, from left, Charlotte Brown and Pirasha Narayan. Standing, from left, Esther Obetoh, Vhidi Vyas, Aishani Sinha, Mariam Chaudry, Charlotte Allen, Lily Denton, Thurwaraha Vivekananthan, Yasmin Bakhtiari

KINGS High girls have responded to recent events with a celebration of diversity in their school community.

At a special assembly, girls from one class welcomed everyone in their own languages: Hindi, Greek, Punjabi and Norwegian.

Girls wore a range of costumes from China, Parkistan, Nigeria and India, and talked about some of the festivals they enjoy with their families, from Diwali to Eid, and Easter in the Czech Republic.

Pirasha Narayan played her sitar, and explained how it works. Girls across Years 7 to 9 created art works celebrating the diversity within their own class groups, and organised a fund-raising fete.

The highlight was one of the winning artworks - a four-foot Mexican pinata, filled with sweets from around the world.

Caroline Renton, deputy head of Kings High, said: The core message is that, with freedom and diversity, comes a need to respect difference. Everyone should be able to feel proud of their background. Differences become strengths in a collaborative effort.
The incident occurred when they were cleaning a chemical tank at an aqua food processing plant at Mogalthur.

By Indo-Asian News Service: Five workers died due to suspected inhaling of toxic gas in Andhra Pradesh's West Godavari district on Thursday, police said.

The incident occurred when they were cleaning a chemical tank at an aqua food processing plant at Mogalthur.

The officials said investigations were on to find out if they died due to inhaling of any toxic gas or due to asphyxiation.

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The families of the victims alleged that negligence by the plant management led to the tragedy.

ALSO READ| 336 tonnes of hazardous waste at Bhopal gas tragedy site: govt

ALSO READ| Proceedings stayed against then Collector, SP in gas leak case

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Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Zakaullah said on Wednesday that contemporary environment had seen a steady shift from conventional operations to the asymmetric domain, bordering on hybrid warfare.

That had brought the role of the special operation forces to the forefront, which was becoming the instrument of choice as a force-multiplier in the current scenario, he said during the Pakistan Navys golden jubilee celebrations of its elite Special Service Group or SSG (Navy), commonly known as naval commandos.

The SSG (N) was raised on March 29, 1967 and has served the nation with valour and honour for the last 50 years.

The chief of naval staff praised achievements and sacrifices of the SSG (N) in the line of duty and acknowledged invaluable and meritorious services rendered by war heroes, veterans and family members of SSG (N) martyrs for the defence of the motherland.

Congratulating SSG (N) veterans for setting a fine legacy to be followed by younger generations, Admiral Zakaullah said that their significant participation during anti-terrorist, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations reflec-ted the dedication and professionalism of the SSG (N), which had performed its tasks remarkably well.

The event was marked by a number of activities, including the launching of a SSG (N) history booklet and a firepower demonstration during which the SSG (N) displayed specialised skills for anti-terrorist/hostage rescue operations and simulated raids on enemy targets.

Highly trained and armed with bullets and brains in equal measures, the SSG (N) provides a deterrent capability to the navy and also serves as an offensive punch for the adversary. They are undoubtedly an icon of honour, a badge of excellence and a symbol of distinction for the navy.

Earlier, the chief of naval staff joined the hardcore physical workout of the SSG (N) and undertook underwater diving.

Besides serving and retired SSG (N) officers, chief petty officers and sailors, a large number of distinguished guests from sister services and other arms of the Pakistan Navy witnessed the celebrations.
A Russian Military delegation visited Miran Shah and Wanna on Thursday, according to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The delegation, which was headed by Deputy Chief of General Staff Colonel General Israkov Sergi Yuryevich visited Miran Shah, which is in North Waziristan Agency, and Wanna, which is in South Waziristan Agency.

The delegation was briefed about Pakistan Army's efforts to clear FATA from terrorists. Moreover, the delegation was also briefed about the Pakistan-Afghanistan border management and socio-economic development projects in the area for enduring stability.

The delegation acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan Armys achievements in fight against terrorism and efforts to bring stability in the region.

Commander Peshawar Corps Lieutenant General Nazir Ahmed Butt also accompanied the delegation.
A Pakistani petroleum engineer, who had been kidnapped from his workplace in South Sudan, was released on Thursday, confirmed family members and government officials.

An employee of DAR Petroleum Operating Company, Ayaz Hussain Jamali was among the four oil workers who were abducted from South Sudan's capital city of Juba earlier in March.

Fighters loyal to former vice president Riek Machar had kidnapped the engineers in a bid to force DAR, a Chinese and Malaysian consortium, to leave the country.

Jamali's sister Abida told Dawn that their other brother, Babar, who also works in the same company in South Sudan, informed the family in Sindh's Badin district that the 28-year-old engineer has been recovered.

Abida thanked the Pakistani and Chinese government, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as well as the media in helping to ensure her brother's safe recovery.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Nafees Zakaria confirmed the news, saying that the Pakistani missions in Khartoum and Addis Ababa had been working with the governments of all countries involved to secure Ayaz's release.

"We are grateful to the governments of Sudan, South Sudan and China for their cooperation and support to ensure the successful release of Mr Ayaz Jamali," Zakaria said.

South Sudan, which split away from Sudan in 2011 after decades of conflict, has been mired in civil war since President Salva Kiir sacked Machar in 2013.

The fighting has forced three million people to flee their homes, split much of the population along ethnic lines and paralysed agriculture, leaving the country facing famine, according to the United Nations.

South Sudan's government said it was using "diplomatic channels" to negotiate the workers' release and had accused the rebels of demanding a ransom. However, rebel spokesman Lam Paul Gabriel had dismissed that allegation.

"There are no conditions for their release, but we want to make it clear to their country of residence and the government that we do not want their company to operate in South Sudan," Gabriel had said.
Fake eggs made of plastic are sold in the markets of Kolkata. This has ruined many omelettes in the city so far.

By Indo-Asian News Service: Kolkata has been hit by a mass production of artificial eggs, allegedly made of plastic, which has led to the Kolkata Municipal Corporation to order an investigation into it.

The case of artificial eggs in Kolkata came into light after a woman filed a police complaint. Anita Kumar discovered the eggs were artificial when she cracked open a few of the fake eggs.

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The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has ordered an investigation into the alleged sale of artificial eggs made of "plastic" in the city's markets, the KMC mayor said on Thursday.

The civic body has asked police and municipal officials to check all municipal markets flooded with artificial eggs in Kolkata.

"These eggs are being sold in the Tiljala market. As soon as I got to know about the complaint, I let the police know so that we can carry out checks of all municipal markets. I have also received some documentary evidence," said KMC Mayor Sovan Chatterjee.

According to Anita Kumar, the "fake egg" had a strange "plastic-like quality" when it was spread out on a pan.

"I tested my suspicion by putting a match to it and it caught fire. The shell also looked plastic. I was sure that this was not natural and, being a mother, I felt I should alert the public," Anita said.

It has not just ruined Anita's breakfast but there will be many who'd be going through this.

FYI || Kid finds meth instead of toys inside Kinder surprise egg ||

FYI || Eggsperiment: Japanese students show how to hatch eggs without a shell ||

Also Watch: Shocking! Fake eggs made of plastic being sold in markets of Kolkata

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Mumbai Police is in search of the TVF founder Arunabh Kumar, but is unable to trace him.

By Saurabh Vaktania: A day after Arunabh Kumar was finally booked on sexual harassment charges, Mumbai Police remain in search of the TVF founder.

According to highly placed sources in Mumbai police, the cops are unable to reach or locate Arunabh.

Following the FIR, cops were supposed to send Arunabh summons on Thursday, but they haven't been able to find him to do so. The officials are keen to arrest Arunabh afterthe summons.

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If Arunabh remains untraceable for the next 3-4 days, police will arrest him directly, without serving him the summons.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

The series of allegations against Arunabh emerged after a woman wrote an anonymous blog earlier this month alleging sexual harassment by him during the time she worked at TVF between 2014 and 2016.

The post took the social media by storm, and brought out a lot of women who allegedly had similar experiences with Arunabh.

Read: All that happened since explosive blog post

TVF, at first, denied all the allegations saying it would "leave no stone unturned to find the author of the article and bring them to severe justice for making such false allegations." But in a second statement, days later, it promised to look into every allegations against Arunabh.

Then, just a day after Mumbai Police announced that with no women filing a proper FIR, the case against Arunabh was set to go cold, a woman came forward and filed a complaint against the TVF CEO.

According to her complaint, she met Arunabh at the TVF office last year for a job interview, during which he inappropriately touched her. The woman's identity is being kept secret at the moment.

Also read:

5 things you must never say to a person who decides to open up about sexual harassment

Twinkle Khanna slams TVF's Arunabh Kumar: Calling her sexy is OK in bedroom, not boardroom

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Woman who finally filed an FIR against TVF Founder and CEO Arunabh Kumar alleged he touched her inappropriately during interview.

The woman's identity is being kept secret at the moment. (File Photo)

By Vidya : After a series of sexual harassment allegations leveled against TVF Founder and CEO Arunabh Kumar, a woman has finally come forward to file an FIR against the 34-year-old.

The woman has never worked with TVF and works for a different production house, according to exclusive information accessed by India Today.

According to her complaint, she met Arunabh at the TVF office last year for a job interview, during which he inappropriately touched her. The woman's identity is being kept secret at the moment.

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Kumar has been booked under sections 354 A (causing sexual harassment) and 509 (intending to outrage a woman's modesty by indecent words, gesture or acts) of Indian Penal Code, said DCP Ashwini Sanap, police spokesperson.

Read: All that happened since explosive blog post

MIDC Police has taken down her statement and will be collecting other corroborative statements. Police will also send summons to Arunabh today to take his statement. He is likely to be arrested after the summons.

The Investigating officer in this case is the same officer who had investigated the gruesome Shakti Mill Compound photo journalist rape case.

The woman filed her complaint just in time, after Mumbai Police announced earlier this week that with no women coming forward to file a proper FIR, the case against Arunabh was set go cold.

The series of allegations against Arunabh emerged after a woman wrote an anonymous blog earlier this month alleging sexual harassment by him during the time she worked at TVF between 2014 and 2016.

The post took the social media by storm, and brought out a lot of women who allegedly had similar experiences with Arunabh.

TVF, at first, denied all the allegations saying it would "leave no stone unturned to find the author of the article and bring them to severe justice for making such false allegations." But in a second statement, days later, it promised to look into every allegations against Arunabh.

Also read: Twinkle Khanna slams TVF's Arunabh Kumar: Calling her sexy is OK in bedroom, not boardroom

Arunabh Kumar's remark about being heterosexual and telling women they're sexy made Twitterati angry, here's why

Also read: 5 things you must never say to a person who decides to open up about sexual harassment

TVF molestation row: Employees vouch for Arunabh Kumar

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An anonymous blog post by someone who chose to go by the name Indian Fowler put the Founder and CEO of content creation company The Viral Fever (TVF) Arunabh Kumar in a spot. Here is all that happened since then.

By India Today Web Desk: IT ALL STARTED WITH...

A Delhi University graduate, who is originally from Bihar, was hired by Founder and CEO of TVF Arunabh Kumar when she was 22 years old, said a blog post written on Medium. In the post she made explosive revelations of sexual harassment she suffered at the hands of Founder Arunabh Kumar while working with TVF.

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Choosing to keep her identity anonymous, the person went by the name Indian Fowler. The blog post that accused Arunabh Kumar of molesting her multiple times during her two-year-stint with the company went viral within hours, and made headlines.

In the blog post that now seems to have disappeared from Medium, Indian Fowler had said that Arunabh Kumar -- on the 21st day into her job -- told her that he feels lonely being a Bihari in Mumbai and the conversation quickly escalated to him telling her that they should engage in role plays.

Leveling more allegations against Arunabh Kumar, the blog post continued to accuse the Founder and CEO of pimping. The Indian Fowler wrote, "three years down the line I understood he was hiring his 'toys'," and mentioned how self-proclaimed movie critic Kamaal R Khan walking into the office expecting Arunabh Kumar to set him up with any of his female staffs. The writer said she couldn't quit the job because of a contracted signed at the time of joining and accused other bosses at TVF for dismissing her accusations saying what translates to "this is how the world is".

MORE WOMEN FOLLOWED SUIT

Within a few hours of the Medium blog going viral, more women came forward in support of The Indian Fowler and shared their personal (horrific) encounters with Arunabh Kumar.

A former TVF employee, commented on the Medium blog saying, "I have had to face a similar experience working there. I felt exploited and cheated and I left my job under very bad circumstances," and said, "it [TVF] is indeed no place for a woman."

A female writer-director made a Facebook post that started with saying, "to everyone doubting if this [Medium post] is true, know that this girl definitely isn't the only girl he has been a sleaze to," and narrated how Arunabh Kumar invited her home "to watch a movie" right after she met him for the first time, and how he, in between a shoot, touched her shoulder tattoo and said that it is sexy.

She ended her post saying that she regret not speaking up about the issue before but now that the anonymous writer has shown guts to do so, she shall too, and wrote, "TVF can release as many 'official responses' rubbishing these claims as they'd like. This is my truth."

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CHANGE IN RESPONSE FROM THE VIRAL FEVER

Responding to the viral Medium blog post by The Indian Fowler within hours, the TVF team lashed out saying they would "leave no stone unturned" to track down the anonymous writer and "bring them to severe justice". They termed the accusations "ludicrous, defamatory and unverified".

An internal inquiry was said to have been initiated, but the company stood by their stance that they never hired anyone from Muzaffarpur (The Indian Fowler claimed to belong from there). Arunabh Kumar's colleagues, meanwhile, vouched for his innocence by making social media posts from their personal handles.

A Mid Day report said, in less than three days' time, the number of sexual harassment accusations against Arunabh Kumar crossed 50. But Twitter user, who initially shared the Indian Fowler's post and claimed that he got direct messages from other women who accused Arunabh Kumar of sexual harassment, rubbished the Mid Day report and said there have been six verified complaints.

The Viral Fever, by then, had changed their stance. In an official statement, TVF said, "We are committed to getting to the bottom of these allegations. Many of you have asked so we would like to confirm that yes, we have an ICC Committee set up in each location."

ARUNABH KUMAR'S RESPONSE

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Addressing the accusations made against him, Arunabh Kumar said that he "compliments" women for being "sexy". And that statement didn't go down well with people on social media. He was slammed left, right and centre on Twitter and memes and jokes on him and the incident flooded social media platforms.

Talking about the Facebook post, the writer-director made to the Mumbai Mirror, Arunabh Kumar said, "The kind of insinuations the FB post makes are untrue. I am a heterosexual, single man and when I find a woman sexy, I tell her she's sexy. I compliment women. Is that wrong? Having said that, I am very particular about my behaviour - I will approach a woman, but never force myself."

POLICE'S RESPONSE

Mumbai Police Commissioner Dutta Padsalgikar told India Today that in such cases, there should be a formal complaint for an investigation to be launched.

When asked whether cases could not be filed taking into consideration the attention it has gotten, he said, "it would not be a complete case without an aggrieved person registering a case. We have been asking the victims to come forward so that law can take it's course."

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Days later, on March 28, a top Mumbai Police officer said that Kumar will not be called to the police station to record a statement because he is not been officially accused of sexual harassment and the department hinted at closing the case and giving Arunabh Kumar a clean chit.

OFFICIAL COMPLAINT

After they received a formal complaint from a woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, the Mumbai Police lodged an FIR against Arunabh Kumar yesterday under sections 354 A (sexual harassment) and 509 (intending to outrage a woman's modesty by indecent words, gesture or acts) of the Indian Penal Code.

Exclusive information accessed by India Today revealed that the woman who finally filed an FIR against Arunabh Kumar alleged he touched her inappropriately during an interview. She has never worked with TVF and works for a different production house.

SECOND FIR

A day after the Mumbai Police registered an FIR against Arunabh Kumar after he was accused of sexual harassment, another girl approached police yesterday. A new FIR was lodged against Arunabh Kumar under Section 354 of IPC at Versova police station yesterday.

Police sources said that this woman was called for an interview at Arunabh Kumar's Versova office, and that the woman accused Kumar of molesting her inside his cabin.

"The woman was molested inside the cabin by Arunabh Kumar. She immediately left from his cabin and later never met him. We have registered FIR under section 354 of IPC," police said.

ABOUT ARUNABH KUMAR

Born in 1982, Arunabh Kumar hails from Muzaffarpur in Bihar. An Electrical Engineering graduate from IIT Kharagpur, Kumar left engineering to join Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment as an assistant to Farah Khan for her movie Om Shanti Om.

He founded The Viral Fever, a content creation platform and production house based out of Mumbai, in 2010. The company has produced many popular web series like Permanent Roommates, Bisht Please and TVF Pitchers.

Permanent Roommates even became the second most-viewed long-form web series in the world at a point.

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Brian Rogers

Rogers Rabbits

www.sunlive.co.nz

RR and Mrs RR went for a stroll downtown in the weekend. She wanted to go to Broncos. I needed a new pair of fishnet stockings, since mine got laddered while at the FrocknRoll birthday bash with Richard OBrien on Friday night.



If Nicky Hager was serious about exposing atrocities, he should have been there, at Baycourt. Crimes against fashion abounded, men and women dressed to kill, you could write a book about the attire transvestite transgressions.



Whore crimes. And thats just the men.



An excellent night out it was too, shame it was followed by a morning. Still it raised $32,000 for Starship Hospital thanks to Richard and his frocked friends.



And while the cross-dressing scene isnt my thing, it was certainly better than being dragged away to Adele as a few of my long-suffering mates were. Id like to point out an important distinction here. The only time its okay to cross-dress, is when youre attending a Rocky Horror-themed function.



Any other time is just plain weird, unless you are Richard, who has a special licence. Nor is it never okay as a man, to attend an Adele concert. Youve had the last shreds of masculinity cruelly and painfully stripped from your sad, shadow of manhood. Even more devastating than being photographed on The Strand in fishnets.



It struck me that all this empowering women business is getting a bit out of hand, when theyre dressing us and making us listen to their music. Next well be expected to take turns at being chained to the kitchen sink; have the remote confiscated and forget how to back a trailer.



Downtown vibe



Anyway the downtown is looking perky and vibrant, in a sleepy Tauranga sort of way. Not a bustling Brisbane vibe or an arty hip Wellington style or a manic Auckland stuck-up-itself way; just a slightly oversized quaint village sort of feel.



A drinking village with a fishing problem, it was once described as. Although we seem to have grown beyond that, and the fishing isnt what it used to be. Legs are the only thing being caught in fishnets these days.



Sitting at Bravo enjoying the wonderful breakfast selection, it was fascinating to hear the cruise ship passengers talking about their impressions of Tauranga.



Bearing in mind, theyd just been unloaded at the reclamation, next to the soon-to-be-finished Tidal Stairs, had a stroll around Robbins Park and walked along the looks-like-it-will-never-be-finished Wharf Street/Eat Street. And it occurred to me, the reclamation is soon going to be a smidgeon more exciting when the tidal stairs are completed. We could rename it The Exclamation.



The bit that juts out will be Exclamation Point.



Anyway the boat people seemed to like the place.



A bit quiet, but the flowers are nice, one bloke said.



Not many shops open, said big woman in slacks.



Look theres a war canoe, said one old chap pointing to the waka cage.



I think it is going to rain, said my wife.



Not sure why that needs recording, but it turned out later, she was right.



Wouldnt it be great to see it being paddled? I wonder how often they take it out, mused another cruiser.



Depends on how much rain we get, RR answered in his own mind.



Waka welcome



Which got me thinking, wouldnt it be a nice touch for a waka to greet cruise liners on arrival in Tauranga?



I guess the tugmasters are quite attached to their current boats, but hey, with a bit of training and crash course in te reo, what better way to usher a few thousands tourists into port, than with a rousing chant and flashing paddles?



Okay, so what about a special waka escort for the ships? That would be something different, a unique tourist attraction perfectly suited to Tauranga, the Anchorage of Aotearoa.



As with all good ideas, this one will be shot to pieces by red tape, PC correctness, health and safety and any number of pointy-headed bureaucrats hell bent on stopping anything slightly risky or different.



Therell be an exclusion zone around the ship. An exclusion zone around enterprise. A complete ban on enthusiasm.



Pointy paddles are bound to be considered a hazard and pupu without inflatable lifejackets and personal EPIRBS sure to be outlawed. But its a nice thought, just for a moment, that a waka could one day become our symbol of welcome to these worldy travellers. Ill let you warm to that for just a moment, before its roundly condemned, to the Crazy and Dangerous Basket, by the Fun Police.



Parting thought



Think youve had a bad day? Spare a thought for the reality TV contestants who spent a year living rough in the remote Scottish highlands, only to find out on their return to civilisation that the programme had ceased to air seven months earlier.



Ten of the cast of 23 contestants of the show Eden discovered that after fending for themselves for a year on the desolate Ardnamurchan Peninsula, only four episodes had ever been broadcast. Low viewer ratings meant screening the show was canned after just a few months, unbeknown to the participants.



That must be how the United Future Party feels at the end of a term; finding youve been putting on a show all year but no-one knows or cares.





brian@thesun.co.nz
After coming first in their local Trustpower Community Awards in Tauranga, the Tauranga Model Marine and Engineering Club faced the tough task of taking on other regional winners at the national awards.

Club representatives Peter Jones and Oliver Duncan were accompanied by Tauranga Mayor Greg Brownless to the event in Rotorua, which pitted the countrys best volunteer groups against one another in a friendly competition.

Tauranga Model Marine and Engineering Club came out on top at the Trustpower Tauranga Community Awards last year, beating more than 56 other local voluntary organisations.

Trustpower Community Relations Representative Teresa Partridge says although Tauranga Model Marine and Engineering Club did not come away as award recipients in the national comp, the work completed by the group shouldnt be forgotten or discounted.

The two representatives that attended the National Community Awards for Tauranga Model Marine and Engineering Club shared their story of passion and love, she says.

These volunteers have given so much time and energy to this club over the years. From their humble beginnings to an iconic miniature railway, this club continues to grow and bring happiness to many in the community.

The national competition brought together 25 groups from across 27 regions  all of which were named Supreme Winners at last years Trustpower Community Awards, a programme run in partnership with local councils.

The Awards were announced on Saturday evening at the 2016 Trustpower National Community Awards Dinner, held at the Blue Baths.

Koha Kai, representing Invercargill and Southland District, was named Supreme Winner and Bay Bush Action Trust, a group representing the Far North District, was named Runner-Up. The Whetu Mataiata Award winner was Buller High School Bollywood Group from the Buller District.

In between a weekend of sight-seeing and networking, Tauranga Model Marine and Engineering Club volunteers gave an eight minute presentation on what the group has achieved. The groups were judged on their presentations, along with a 1000 word summary of the organisation, by their peers and a panel of independent judges.
By Press Trust of India: From Anisur Rahman

Dhaka, Mar 30 (PTI) Eight militants blew themselves up when police stormed their hideout in an eastern Bangladeshi city today following a two-day stand-off, police said.

Eight bodies were found scattered at a militant den in Moulvibazar Sadar upazila, Nasirpur, they said.

The militants might have blown themselves up inside the hideout, Chief of Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit Monirul Islam said.

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Earlier in the day, police launched Operation Hit Back to flush out militants from their hideouts.

Police also raided a militant hideout in Comilla municipality where at least two militants are said to be hiding with huge explosives.

Todays operation was launched after the chief of neo-JMB, a terror outfit linked to the countrys worst attack in Dhaka, was killed along with three terrorists in Operation Twilight in Sylhet.

Cops fired tear gas shells at the house.

During the 70-minute raid yesterday at Nasirpur, more than 300 shots were fired but police could not confirm if any of the militants were killed.

The SWAT team will begin next operation at Borohat in Sadar headquarter after wrapping up the Nasirpur part, he added.

Authorities have enforced a cordon in the areas, barring onlookers in the vicinity.

The decision most likely was prompted after security lapses led to casualties during the Sylhet operation.

Six people, two of them police officers, were killed when militants hurled grenades on the onlookers during the raid.

The chief of Islamic State-inclined neo-JMB claimed responsibility for the deadly July 1, 2016, attack on an upmarket Dhaka cafe that left 22 people dead, including an Indian.

IS has claimed several attacks in Bangladesh, but the government rejects the presence of foreign terrorist groups in the moderate Muslim-majority country, blaming home-grown groups such as the neo-JMB for terrorist attacks.

Bangladesh has been witnessing a spate of attacks on secular activists, foreigners and religious minorities since 2013. The country launched a massive crackdown on militants specially after the Dhaka cafe attack. PTI AR UZM NSA AKJ NSA

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Forest owners say the new Federated Farmers policy on climate change is a major step to help farmers understand trees are not an alternative to farming, but rather trees are tools to assist farmings survivability.

Federated Farmers has announced a new policy accepting the reality of human-induced climate change, after years of policy uncertainty from the farmer organisation on the issue.

New Zealand Forest Owners Association chairman Peter Clark describes Federated Farmers policy stance on the use of trees as absolutely correct and potentially far reaching.

The Federated Farmers policy states: Soil erosion control plantings on steep hillsides will see emissions sequestered in new forest plantings, reduce sedimentation and phosphate in our waterways, and could also achieve biodiversity objectives.

Peter says more farmers will now see trees are beneficial and helpful but it will be beyond locking up land for erosion control or riparian planting.

Planting trees for later harvesting also achieves the aims of carbon sequestration, improving water quality, biodiversity and erosion control. So long as the land is again replanted in trees after harvest.

And, for a well-managed woodlot, farmers will get a substantial return on their planting investment. The return will be easily comparable with pastoral farming, either through eventually selling their logs, or selling a farm with tree assets on it.

Peter says planting trees now will also enable farmers to positively enter into the Emissions Trading Scheme and sell carbon credits if and when they are required to meet their greenhouse gas liabilities by this or any future government.

Its not a competition for land use between stock and trees, any more than it used to be a competition between farming sheep for meat or wool. Theres a place for both on farms.

Peter says in this context hell be keen to share with farmers an upcoming New Zealand Institute of Economic Research report on the plantation forest industry in New Zealand.

From preliminary analysis, its clear the NZ forest industry now ranks economically at least as important as the meat industry or horticulture. But we are increasingly seeing, and being able to measure, the beneficial environmental effects of forestry as well.

This is what Federated Farmers are obviously turning their attention to as well, says Peter.
A kiwi chick has proven theres no right or wrong way to succeed  just as long as you get the job done.

The chick, which is originally from Moehau on the Coromandel Peninsula, emerged into the world by kicking its way through the bottom of its egg at Rainbow Springs Kiwi Encounter hatchery in Rotorua last Friday.

Kiwi Husbandry assistant manager Emma Bean says kicking through the bottom of an egg is not only a tiring exercise for kiwi, but could have cost the Coromandel chick its life. But with a little bit of last minute help from staff, this story has a happy ending  or in this case, a happy beginning.

This occasionally happens, that the chick tries to come out the wrong way. Kiwi use their strong legs to push their way out of the egg, instead of coming out head first through the blunt end of the egg, this chick tried to come out legs first out the pointy end.

This chick had worn itself out trying to hatch legs first so we needed to give it a helping hand at the very end of the hatch. In the wild, the dad may have been able to provide some sort of assistance, but in reality this chick may have not have made it.

Ngai Tahu Tourism, which owns and operates Rainbow Springs, spokeswoman Shelley Burnett says the unnamed kiwi weighed 357g when it hatched on March 24.The average weight for a kiwi egg at time of laying is 350g.

The chick doesnt have a name yet, we are currently seeking a sponsor who may want to support this bird, and they will be able to name it.

But the million dollar question  is the kiwi chick male or female?

We dont know the gender of our kiwi chicks when they first hatch, as the male and female chicks are practically identical.

To find out chicks gender Kiwi Encounter staff pluck a couple of sample feathers which are then sent to Massey University to undergo DNA testing.

Often the chicks have already been released back into the wild when we receive the results, so we do try to give them gender neutral names where possible.

If anyone is interested in sponsoring and naming the kiwi, contact staff Kiwi Encounter staff via the Rainbow Springs website, rainbowsprings.co.nz

KIWI ENCOUNTER  BREEDING SUCCESS

In the wild theres a 50 per cent hatch success each season, but at Kiwi Encounter, the largest hatchery of Brown kiwi, the success rate is 95 per cent.

Emma says during the 2016/17 hatch season, which is drawing to a close, 124 kiwi chicks have hatched from around the North Island at the hatchery.

Kiwi Encounter is also one of several facilities around New Zealand involved in Operation Nest Egg, which has been crucial to turning kiwi population numbers around from a two per cent decrease to a two per cent increase.

Weve got one more egg yet to hatch, and more eggs due to arrive during the week, so its been a busy season. The last couple of years only 100 chicks have hatched each season at Rainbow Springs and we have attributed this to the long dry summers.

Last winter was a mild one and weve had a soggy summer, which has been great for young kiwi as invertebrates - their food source - are closer to the surface and make for easier pickings.

So whilst this summers weather may have affected some of your plans, you can be comforted by the fact that its been great for kiwi.

Once hatched the chicks stay at Kiwi Encounter until they are a healthy stoat proof weight of 1kg before being released back to their home in the wild where they have a 65 per cent survival rate, instead of just five per cent if they were left to hatch in in their natural habitat.

To learn more about Kiwi Encounter at Rainbow Springs and kiwi conservation efforts, visit rainbowsprings.co.nz/kiwi-conservation/
A new Zespri office opened in Dubai this week to manage growing sales and marketing programmes in the Middle East and other developing markets.

Zespri is growing its presence across the Middle East, India and Africa and the new office will support this growth, says Zespri chief executive Lain Jager.

More consumers in the UAE and these regions are enjoying the great taste of premium quality, healthy Zespri Kiwifruit.

Sales are set to increase by more than 50 percent over the next five years with more than four million trays of New Zealand fruit and more than two million trays of Northern Hemisphere grown fruit.

Zespris gold variety SunGold has proved particularly popular with consumers in the Middle East who enjoy its sweet, juicy taste and powerful health properties, says Lain.

Our team in-market is working hard to expand distribution across the region to introduce more consumers to our premium quality fruit and get more of them to buy Zespri Kiwifruit each week.

Zespri is intending to grow overall kiwifruit consumption around the world and increase kiwifruits share of the global fruit bowl from a fraction of a percent, and building new markets like the Middle East, India and the United States is a key part of this.

The new office was opened and blessed by a Maori delegation led by Tauranga kaumatua Kihi Ngatai, and a traditional Maori whakairo (carving) installed in the office.

The whakairo is named Te Hau Marama which translates to the Wind of Understanding and embraces traditional architecture of the region which takes advantage of desert winds to keep a comfortable breeze for its inhabitants.

Kaumatua Kihi Ngatai blesses and dedicates Zespris Dubai branch office this week. Photo: Supplied.

The carving is made of kauri, traditionally used for pare (lintels) over doorways in wharenui (tribal meeting houses) in New Zealand which provide a boundary between the physical world outside and the spiritual world inside the wharenui.

It is the work of James Tapiata who has made several other carvings for Zespri offices in New Zealand and around the world.
The Superyachts

Sailors will gather once more to the crystaline waters of Bermuda for the finals in this year's edition of the world's greatest sailing event. What's more, is that a bespoke ring-side arena is being created for superyachts (such as the Maltese Falcon and Savannah), where owners and charter guests can feel a part of the action, both on and off the water.

Speaking with CEO of the America's Cup Event Authority Russell Coutts during an exclusive interview in London, we discovered that - while still a secret - the superyacht attention for the America's Cup is unprecendented. We are sold out on the Americas Cup Superyacht Program," explained Coutts. "We started off allowing up to 40 berths, weve had to increase that to 50 berths now and theres more than 80 large yachts coming to Bermuda for the event."

The Concierge

The dedicated Americas Cup Superyacht Program was created by the Americas Cup Event Authority (ACEA), teaming up with BWA Yachting, bringing their knowledge, expertise, and the trust the superyacht community making them a perfect partner for the Americas Cup Superyacht Program in Bermuda in 2017.

Stefano Tositti, CEO of BWA Yachting, commented, Through our experience and expertise we look forward to delivering the America's Cup Superyacht Program, making it the experience of a lifetime for everyone who will join us at this exclusive event. [...]"

A world renowned marine services brand, BWA Yachting specialising in everything from organisation to making entire vacations work according to the demands of the owner. To watch our exclusive interview with Stefano Tositti, click here.

The exclusive Americas Cup Superyacht Program will bring a stunning number of superyachts to Bermuda, and their owners, guests and crews will be welcomed as part of the Americas Cup family, explained Laura Esteve, BWA Yachtings VP Americas. BWA Yachting is honored to be part of this family and we look forward to providing impeccable services to our elite clients.

The Renewal

The Americas Cup Superyacht Program is also supported by the Bermuda Government, who are actively enticing superyachts to the area. New and impressive superyacht marinas have been built at the heart of the capital city, putting Bermuda on the map for superyachts.

"Theyre very proud of their island and they want to create the very best event they can for their guests," adds Coutts. "For instance, theyre building a dock by the airport allowing anyone flying in or out of the island, and especially for those who have their own superyacht in Bermuda, to be picked up upon arrival with their tender, to be delivered directly to their yacht. That, to me, is just part of a game changing experience that theyre looking to create for the long term."

Sam Hollis, COO of the ACEA, explains, We have made great efforts to engage the global superyacht community and we are looking forward to showcasing some of the worlds biggest and most beautiful superyachts at the heart of our event. We are offering incredible access for owners, including front row viewing of the race course, premium berthing at Americas Cup Village and experiences and opportunities that, really, money cant buy []

The Americas Cup Superyacht Program will also follow up on the hospitality front with a series of incorporated events where owners can particpate in everything from press conferences to their own regatta. Keep an eye out for more news of the America's Cup on the run up to Bermuda 2017.
By Press Trust of India: From Anisur Rahman

Dhaka, Mar 30 (PTI) A family of eight, including children, blew themselves up after police stormed a hideout of Neo-Jamaat-ul Mujahideen Bangladesh in an eastern city following a two-day stand-off, authorities said today.

"The suicide explosion blew up all who were inside the hideout...We assume seven to eight including minor children were there when the militants exploded a powerful device as we laid the siege to the den," Monirul Islam, the chief of polices counter terrorism unit, told reporters.

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He said the blast was so powerful that it tore the bodies into pieces, making it difficult for the police to ascertain exactly how many people were inside the militant den in Moulvibazar Sadar upazila, Nasirpur.

"The forensic examinations could confirm the casualty figure but we assume they are seven or eight in number," Islam added.

The militants in the hideout belonged to Neo-Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (Neo-JMB), inclined to Islamic State.

The neo-JMB was behind the July 1 terror attack on a Dhaka cafe that killed 22 people, including 17 foreigners.

The police today launched Operation Hit Back to flush out militants from their hideouts after they failed to convince them to surrender.

Islam said the police entered the house after a drone was flown into the den to assess the situation and found out that "the entire family committed suicide, finding no way to flee the security siege".

A neighbour told newsmen that two couples having five children aged between one to seven years used to live in the house as tenants.

He said that the two couples led a secretive life and even barred the children from interacting with neighbours.

Islam said Special Weapons and Tactics unit, backed by elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) kept under siege another Islamist den in the northeastern town.

Todays operation was launched two days after the chief of neo-JMB, a terror outfit linked to the countrys worst attack in Dhaka, was killed along with three terrorists in Operation Twilight in Sylhet.

Meanwhile, a senior police official in Dhaka said that they preferred to wait until tomorrow to launch the assault on the militants Comilla den as the district town was witnessing local elections today.

IS has claimed several attacks in Bangladesh, but the government rejects the presence of foreign terrorist groups in the moderate Muslim-majority country, blaming home-grown groups such as the neo-JMB for terrorist attacks.

Bangladesh has been witnessing a spate of attacks on secular activists, foreigners and religious minorities since 2013. The country launched a massive crackdown on militants specially after the Dhaka cafe attack. PTI AR UZM NSA AKJ ZH

--- ENDS ---

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Incumbent Will Morefield faces a challenge for the Republican nomination for Third District House of Delegates.

Morefield announced March 18 that he is seeking a fifth term representing Tazewell, Buchanan and Bland Counties and a small portion of Russell County. Third District Chairman Marcy Hernick said Robert Bob Altizer, an attorney from Tazewell had also filed for the nomination by the filing deadline of March 27 at five p.m.

She said the Republicans will gather in Tazewell April 29 for a mass meeting to choose between the two men for the nomination. Morefield said he is seeking another term to continue the work he has started.

My wife and I decided that I must continue the work we have started. Our baby girl was born just a few weeks ago and I refuse to see her grow up in a region with few opportunities to succeed. I have worked hard to bring back commonsense in government. I would like the opportunity to continue making a difference for our region and continue serving the people who built this country, the men and women of Southwest Virginia, he said.

Morefield has received endorsements from Bill Howell, the retiring speaker of the house and Kirk Cox, the incoming speaker, and Majority Leader Todd Gilbert. He is also supported by the Virginia Coal and Energy Alliance.

"Will is a key senior member of the Virginia House of Delegates and has been appointed to several important boards and commissions. These include the Virginia Tobacco Commission and the Southern States Energy Board. He works extremely hard for the 3rd Legislative District and Southwest Virginia. I have enjoyed serving with Will and I strongly support him for re-election. I look forward to working with him next year when I begin my term as the new Speaker of the House, Cox said.

Altizer, a lifelong resident of Tazewell County is making his first foray into politics. He is a partner in the law firm of Gillespie, Hart, Altizer & Whitesell, P.C. in Tazewell.

He touted his experience as a small business owner and his familys ties to the coal business and the fact he is a native as his strong suits in seeking the office.

I was born and raised here. This is my home. Ive done everything Ive set out to do in my

professional career and now it is time to give back to the people that have done so much for

my family and me. I have no ambition for higher political office, no ego to please. I just want

to dedicate my time towards making my community better for my children and

grandchildren. Most importantly, I aim to make our community a place where those who

were born and raised here, stay here - just like I did, Altizer said.

Im a small business owner - I have a law firm that employs a dozen people. Ive met a

payroll and balanced a budget. Ill bring that knowledge with me to Richmond. While in

Richmond Ill focus on creative ways to bring jobs back to SWVA and increase economic

development. Im also going to work to ensure our schools are adequately funded so that

our children do not receive a second rate education just because we dont have as much

funding as Northern Virginia.

My family has been involved in the coal industry for a number of years, including my uncle

Emory Altizer who worked in the mines until the age of 93. I know the importance ofstanding up for the coal industry and the jobs that depend on it, he said.
By Press Trust of India: Shimla, Mar 30 (PTI) A bill which aims to imprison and impose a fine on anyone who indulges in violence against medical service persons or damage property of medical institutes was introduced in Himachal Pradesh Assembly today.

Health Minister Kaul Singh introduced the Himachal Pradesh Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Amendment Bill 2017.

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Under the amended provisions, any act of violence against a medical service person or damage to property of medical care institution would be punishable with imprisonment upto one year and fine of Rs 5,000 if the person is found guilty by Court.

In view of the increased incidences of violence against medical officers on duty, the amendmentsprovide for making the offences under the Act, cognizable and non-bailable.

In case of damage to property, the culprit would also be liable to pay compensation as determined by the court in the judgement.

On March 22, nearly 40,000 doctors in Maharashtra had gone on strike in support of their colleagues agitating over frequent attacks and the lack of security in the government hospitals.

The strike was triggered after attack on a resident doctor at Dhule in that state on March 14.

The doctors had later resumed work after five days following assurance from government that adequate steps will be taken to ensure their safety while on duty. PTI PCL DIP

--- ENDS ---
Two people are dead in what Buchanan County officials are calling a murder-suicide.

The incident took place in the Deel Fork community in the Harmon section of the county and a statement from Sheriff Ray Fosters office said Bobby Harrison Deel, 65, and Patricia Joyce Fife both of Deel Fork both dead of gunshot wounds.

Investigators on scene determined that Deel had shot Fife outside a residence on Deel Fork Road and then shot himself. The investigation showed Deel and Fife had previously been in a relationship.

Deel Fork Road was closed for a short period of time so the investigation could proceed. Several witnesses were interviewed and evidence was collected, including the firearm suspected to be used in the shooting.

Both bodies were sent to The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Roanoke, VA for a full autopsy.

Sheriff Ray Foster states, I would like for everyone to keep the families of the people involved and the Deel Fork community in your prayers. Buchanan County Sheriffs Office was assisted by the Virginia State Police in responding to the call and during the investigation.
An FIR has been filed against the youth who was slapped by a Jaipur CCD employee on camera, on allegations of assault and abuse.

Priyanka Priyadarshini, the CCD employee who was caught on camera slapping a customer at the cafe. (Image: video screengrab)

By India Today Web Desk: Police have filed an FIR against the Delhi student who was slapped on camera by a woman staffer from Cafe Coffee Day (CCD) in Jaipur for assaulting and hurling abuses at the woman.

Priyanka Priyadarshini, the CCD employee, had filed a complaint against Delhi student Arpan Verma at Jaipur's Manak Chowk police station on Wednesday.

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Priyadarshini accused Verma of harassing her and threatening to outrage her modesty, in her complaint. She also accused Verma of calling her a slut and bitch.

According to the Priyadarshini, Verma was accompanied by another person when he entered the CCD outlet near Hawa Mahal. The duo ordered some beverages, but there was only coffee on offer. Hearing this, Verma got furious and abused her.

The duo left the cafe after the incident and later returned and began taking a video of cockroaches in the caf. In the (now viral) video, Priyadarshini can also be seen slapping Verma.

Also Read: CCD outlet at Jaipur's Hawa Mahal locked after slap controversy Cafe Coffee Day staff who slapped customer in viral video is now suspended

--- ENDS ---
China is looking forward for more cooperation both with India and Bangladesh, its Consul General here Ma Zhanwu said today.

By Press Trust of India: China is looking forward for more cooperation both with India and Bangladesh, its Consul General here Ma Zhanwu said today.

"We are working for more cooperation both with Bangladesh and India," he told reporters here when asked about Chinas stand on the Indo-Bangla Teesta water sharing issue.

"We have a lot of cooperation with Bangladesh and we are ready to work with both the countries for development and exchange of mutual benefits," he said.

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The envoy said the development of one country could bring benefits to other countries.

"We are living in an age of mutual self reliance," he added.

While several countries were veering away from the idea of globalisation, Indias view was that there is need to continue with it and China too believed in it, Zhanwu said.

"Globalisation is a natural trend," he said.

On the controversy relating to Oppo, the mobile handset maker from China, Zhanwu said the Chinese people living in India are always told to respect the local culture and the local laws.

One of the Chinese employees of the company had allegedly disrespected the Indian flag in the companys Noida plant. Shortly after the incident the employee was sacked.

"Even if they do something, that does not mean their intention is to offend Indian people. I hope this will not happen again," he said.

Asked to comment about the proposed visit of Dalai Lama to Arunachal Pradesh, he said China does not only have reservation, but is "strongly opposed" to this.

"Such activities by India go against the relations between India and China. We hope the Indian government will take effective measures to stop such activities," he said.

China is ready to cooperate with India on high-speed trains, he added. PTI DC KK ASV

--- ENDS ---
Yesterday, Deepa Jayakumar laid into Dinakaran, Panneerselvam and Madhusudhanan, saying the splinter groups they represented were only interested in holding on to power.

By India Today Web Desk: As the late J Jayalalithaa's former constituency gears up for a by-election, her niece, Deepa Jayakumar, on Tuesday said AIADMK chief VK Sasikala had betrayed 'Amma,' and that her "benami government" would fall, the Tamil daily Thina Thanthi reported.

After Jayalalithaa's "suspicious" death in December, the people's verdict will deliver justice, the report quoted Jayakumar as saying.

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Deepa Jayakumar is a candidate for the April 12 by-poll in Dr. Radhakrishnan (RK) Nagar, from where her aunt was twice elected to the Tamil Nadu Assembly. She leads the MGR Amma Deepa Federation, which she founded in February.

Also vying for the vacant Assembly seat are TTV Dinakaran and E Madhusudhan, who represent rival factions of Jayalalithaa's AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam). The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's (DMK) Maruthu Ganesh and the BJP's Gangai Amaran are also in the fray.

Dinakaran is Sasikala's nephew, and was appointed Deputy General Secretary after she was convicted in a disproportionate assets case in February.

Madhusudhanan is a former party Presidium Chairman. He backed former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, who formed a rival faction after Sasikala, just days before her conviction, was named the AIADMK's legislature party leader - effectively, the chief-minister-in-waiting.

Yesterday, Deepa Jayakumar laid into Dinakaran, Panneerselvam and Madhusudhanan, saying the splinter groups they represented were only interested in holding on to power, and not in being true to the Tamil people or in improving their lives for the better, the Thanthi TV report said.

On the other hand, she promised RK Nagar denizens jobs and a large, modern fish-market, and pledged to to remove state-run liquor stores from the vicinity of schools, colleges, residences and temples, the report added.

And to convey just how determined she was to develop the constituency, she resorted to using mild hyperbole: "I promise to make RK Nagar the best constituency in India," the Tamil daily quoted her as saying.

CANDIDATES COMPLAIN OF ELECTION FRAUD, E.C. STEPS UP VIGILANCE

The Election Commission on Tuesday announced that four permanent surveillance committees, six rapid-action committees, and three video surveillance teams would be deployed during the by-polls, to add to the vigilance measures that have already been planned, Thanthi TV reported.

Both the Panneerselvam-led AIADMK faction and the DMK have told the poll panel that the Dinakaran camp is trying to buy votes .

In fact, the DMK complained to the EC yesterday, and party MP MS Bharathi told reporters that the Election Commissioner promised to take action, Thanthi TV tweeted.

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And Deepa Jayakumar, on her part, yesterday accused both factions of the AIADMK of bribing voters, Thina Thanthi reported.

Also Read:

Chennai's RK Nagar bypoll: It's Sasikala's nephew Dinakaran vs Jayalalithaa's niece Deepa Jayakumar

Final list of candidates for RK Nagar by-polls out today

Also Watch:

Sasikala camp threatening me over decision to contest from RK Nagar: Deepa Jayakumar

--- ENDS ---
File this one under unexpected defenses of cable TV. A couple of recent opinion pieces suggest that cord cutting is a threat to the internet as we know it.

The theory goes like this: As more people abandon cable and satellite TV for streaming services like Netflix, demand for more internet bandwidth will skyrocket, and our poor internet infrastructure wont be able to keep up. Heres what Shira Ovide of Bloomberg View describes as a crucial issue that not enough industry people are talking about:

Traditionally, the cable and telecom companies that are responsible for internet networks dont have a great track record of making infrastructure investments, which often dont result in decent financial returns. Hopes that new mobile technology will patch holes or replace creaky broadband arent realistic for all but a handful of circumstances. The best hope for our internet infrastructure is that online video watching by those darn millennials will increase slowly and steadily rather than surge in coming years. Because if it does surge, the internet might have a meltdown.

And heres Jennifer Walpole of American Genius with a similar conclusion:

Is there any need to deactivate your Netflix account and stop streaming your favorite shows? Of course not, but it is something to consider when you hear about how many people are weighing whether or not to cut ties with their providers and go completely online; what will happen when there isnt enough bandwidth for everyone?

While the concern seems reasonable on its face, its ultimately a lot like the bogus claims that cord cutting wont save you money (it almost certainly will), or that cord cutting will ruin television (it most definitely hasnt). That is to say, the assertion crumbles under scrutiny.

Besides, this theory was debunked years ago.

The exaflood that wasnt

The streaming video brownout theory dates back to at least 2009, when various network technology vendors, think tanks, and ISP lobbyists started floating the idea that we were quickly running out of bandwidth thanks to Netflix and YouTube. Without industry-friendly policy that embraces data caps and squashes net neutrality, they implied, the internet would become unusable.

Part of the problem with the so-called exaflood theory is that it assumed the absolute worst case scenario in terms of how much bandwidth people would need. In reality, internet traffic growth has been much more modest than what the doomsday prophets predicted.

In the meantime, internet providers managed to keep pace with the times. Average U.S. internet connection speeds tripled from 2011 to 2014, according to a FCC report from last year, and Speedtest reported in June 2016 that average download speeds rose by 42 percent year-over-year, topping 50Mbps for the first time. Although the United States is by no means a leader in internet performanceand the cable and telecom industry is certainly not beloved by its customersthe rise in available internet speeds wouldnt be feasible if the infrastructure couldnt support more traffic.

The online video industry has also upgraded its technologies and methods to meet demand. Netflix, for instance, employs its own content delivery network, scattering servers around the world and working directly with internet providers to make streaming faster and more reliable. An emerging technology called open caching can provide similar benefits to other online video providers. New compression algorithms (from Netflix and others) also help reduce data consumption without a noticeable sacrifice in quality.

Because of these improvements, streaming video has been steadily displacing cable TV without incident. A recent survey by Leichtman Research Group found that 54 percent of U.S. households have Netflixthats now slightly more than the percentage of homes with a DVRand third-party estimates show that the average subscriber watches two hours of Netflix per day. If the rise of streaming video threatens to break the internet, one might wonder why it hasnt happened by now.

Real problems, not mythical ones

None of this is to say that delivering video over the internet is without challenges.

Compared to cable, streaming video involves more potential points of failure, leading to reliability problems when providers dont put enough redundancy in their systems. Streaming video also might not match the quality of cable, as providers look to maintain reliability at minimal traffic delivery costs. But these issues are the result of business decisions by streaming video providers, not flaws in the internet infrastructure.

Likewise, home internet data caps and overage fees can make cord cutting uneconomical for some people, especially with the rise of 4K HDR video. But by internet providers own admission, these caps have nothing to do with curbing network congestion. The real goal is to squeeze heavy data users for greater profit.

And, in fairness to Bloomberg Views Ovide, internet providers dont have a clean record when it comes to broadband investment. While internet speeds overall are improving, there have been cases where providers fail to deliver on investments they promised in exchange for subsidies and tax cuts, along with incidents of alleged false advertising for home broadband speeds that werent technologically possible. Without more competition or stronger regulation, this type of dysfunction will continue. But this is not a new problem in America, and so far it hasnt impeded the growth of streaming video in any measurable way.

As for the future, Its easy to dream up some nightmare scenario where streaming video destroys cable TV overnight and takes down the internet with it. But whats actually happening is a manageable shift in viewing habits, supported by a steady drumbeat of technological improvements. Without any real evidence to prove otherwise, claims that cord cutting threatens the internet are nothing but ill-informed fearmongering.

Sign up for Jareds Cord Cutter Weekly newsletter to get this column and other cord-cutting news, insights, and deals delivered to your inbox.
The Cloud Foundry Foundation on Wednesday announced the launch of a worldwide cloud-native developer certification initiative.

The foundation created the cloud developer certification program to fill the widening gap of trained programmers for cloud apps and services. The Linux Foundation  which has trained and certified more developers on open source software than any organization in the world  will provide the instruction.

More than a dozen leading technology, education and systems integration organizations around the world will participate in the cloud certification program. Companies involved in the initial training and certification rollout include Engineer Better, IBM, Pivotal, Resilient Scale, SAP, Stark and Wayne, and Swisscom.

The Cloud Foundry Foundation will announce the general availability of the program at its Cloud Foundry Summit Silicon Valley in June.

Businesses around the world need more skilled developers to fill a growing list of unfilled jobs, according to Cloud Foundry. The skills gap is evidenced by a quarter-million job openings for software developers in the U.S. alone. Some half-million unfilled jobs require tech skills, and that number is forecast to grow to 1 million within the next decade.

Enterprises are adopting cloud architectures much faster than expected, said Chip Childers, CTO of the Cloud Foundry Foundation.

That continuing growth surge led to a growing shortage of developers with hands-on cloud expertise, he told LinuxInsider.

Meeting the Challenge

The continuing skills shortage for cloud devs strongly overlaps the need for Linux developers, Childers said. The shortage in workers with both Linux and cloud training leaves organizations with three choices  or a mix of three choices  to address this shortfall:

They can train in-house software talent on cloud skills. They can accelerate hiring of outside cloud talent and bring them in-house. They can outsource.

As more and more organizations see digital transformation as a core business requirement, we expect to see a huge increase in hiring and training of people in-house on Cloud Foundry, Childers said.

Cloud Foundry decided to partner with The Linux Foundation because of LFs track record for advancing Linux and cloud skills training.

The Linux Foundation trained over 800,000 people in 212 countries on Linux and OpenStack cloud skills, Childers pointed out.

Whats Involved

Certification is the best way to verify that job candidates have practical experience with Cloud Foundry, across any distribution, including 2017 Certified Platforms. These include Huawei FusionStage, IBM Bluemix Cloud Foundry, Pivotal Cloud Foundry, SAP Cloud Platform and Swisscom Application Cloud.

The training material also can be licensed, allowing Cloud Foundry Foundation members to offer the content through their own customer training channels.

The program suite includes the following:

a free introductory course offered via the edX platform;

a self-paced eLearning Cloud Foundry Developer course;

a training partner program, which can include licensed materials for live, in-person Cloud Foundry developer classes offered exclusively by member companies; and

Cloud Foundry Certified Developer Certification, awarded to individuals who pass a performance-based exam.

Certification Criteria

Candidates for the certification exam need hands-on practical experience building software that runs on Cloud Foundry. Those skill areas include Cloud Foundry basics, cloud-native architectural principles, and troubleshooting applications on Cloud Foundry.

The certification exam addresses these skills:

cloud-native application security;

working with services in Cloud Foundry;

application management on Cloud Foundry;

container management within Cloud Foundry; and

facility in modifying simple Java, Node.js and Ruby applications.

How to Get There

The Linux Foundation will offer the online eLearning infrastructure for the Cloud Foundry Developer Certification initiative.

Developers can register for the free introductory course on edx.org in early May. The self-paced eLearning course, Cloud Foundry for Developers, will be available to the general public on June 13 for US$500. A combined course offering bundled with certification costs $750.

The Certification exam takes up to four hours to complete and is available online for $300. The exam also will be available in person at the Cloud Foundry Summit Silicon Valley on June 13-15, said Childers.

Discounts are available for bundled and bulk pricing purchases.

You can expect the course to take 40 to 50 hours to complete. The course is self-paced, so you can move as quickly or as slowly as you like, Childers said.

Alternative Training

The Linux Academy offers a related training program for Linux and cloud skills. This training is not affiliated with the Cloud Foundry and Linux Foundation partnership.

Linux Academyrecently announced a program/platform, called Cloud Assessments, noted Kimber Smith Fidler, spokesperson for the Linux Academy.

IT professionals and individuals can learn and assess their skills with real-time, hands-on labs as they move through assessments in order to receive a micro certification that corresponds to a job requirement, a position opening, or to expand their skills, she told LinuxInsider.

Cloud Assessments works by using real servers in live environments to test and verify a persons working knowledge of a particular skill. This training approach goes beyond providing just questions and answers.

Future features in the platform will enable enterprises to assign assessments to users. In addition to expediting the hiring process, companies can use Cloud Assessments to help a new hire get up to speed on its technology stack much more quickly, she said.

Different Strokes

Skills for developers working in the cloud-native world differ greatly from those required in legacy environments, according to Ben Bernstein, CEO of Twistlock. The common programming languages have shifted, and developers today are responsible for the full stack, not just the application layer.

This means that a developer looking to come up to speed with todays technologies needs to learn new languages and technologies  but also a set of skills traditionally associated with IT or operations teams, Bernstein told LinuxInsider.

Developers now are focused on the full stack, but they need not only the skills traditionally associated with programmers but also the skills of a Linux admin, he pointed out.

Expanding Duties

The modern full-stack developer today must handle hundreds of technologies. Cloud is just one little piece, noted Jeff Williams, CTO of Contrast Security. Most organizations can not afford to pay developers to go to training.

Even a few days of training a year is extremely expensive to most development organizations. Given all the topics to be expert in, they have to pick and choose very carefully, Williams told LinuxInsider. The most successful technologies are those that can be used by novice developers without a lot of training.

All the layers in the modern stack are leaky abstractions, so sooner or later, every developer will run up against a problem that requires understanding something about what is beneath their code, Williams said. That is when this skills gap really costs an organization.
Theres a big difference between B2C and B2B analytics that no vendors seem to be addressing, and it involves the consumption model. I recently spoke with K.V. Rao, founder and chief strategy officer of Aviso, an analytics company focused on sales, and his unabashed opinion is that if youre trying to expose insights and make things consumable, you have to address workflow.

He made a very good point  especially for buyers who may be having trouble figuring out what they need. The analytics decision process runs through digital disruption (am I being left behind?) to big data (what do I do with it?) to analytics and machine learning (same stuff, right?).

At this point in a client discussion, I usually ask people to tell me the kind of information they want to get before thinking about products, but now I think this might be jumping the gun. Before asking what kind of information you want, it would be an excellent thing to better understand what processes or workflows youre trying to influence.

The Right Questions

For example, we all want to sell more, and well try almost anything to do it  but that opens a big can of anacondas. What part of the marketing and sales process do you want to influence or spiff up?

Is the problem quantity or quality of leads? Do your reps get stuck in one part of the sales cycle? Are renewals off? Do your customers up and leave without warning? We could go on, and there are analytics tools that can help with all of that  but you need to get the diagnosis right first.

Workflow may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering analytics, but it might be the big silverback gorilla sitting in the corner. Workflows are vastly different in the B2C world than in a B2B situation. Simply put, when dealing with consumers, analytics aims squarely at aiding customer decision-making in the moment, so as Rao pointed out, the workflow is almost non-existent. Good point, and not at all what decision-makers in the enterprise encounter.

Strategies and Tactics

Consumers are trying to figure out whether or not to buy, and thats rather binary. On the other hand, enterprises buy by committee and need to develop information from whatever data they collect, so their need is for long-term information to build a purchase case.

Marketing, sales, service and support all might benefit individual users through analytics for in-the-moment tactical decision-making, but only to the extent that they already are working on organizational goals and not making individual choices.

IBM and Salesforce recently introduced a new partnership based in part on their respective analytics tools, Watson and Einstein. Theres great interest in how these two will work together productively, without stepping on each others toes. The evolution of this relationship will say much about the future of analytics generally.

As I see it, and as the companies strongly hint, Watson will be important for providing strategic situational information, while Einstein will support the tactics of a vendor-customer interaction  in CRM, at least.

As examples, the companies suggested Watson providing retailers with weather forecasting information that easily could be applied to better understanding the traffic pattern to expect for the day. Einstein, on the other hand, would be responsible for understanding data about customers past purchases, new requirements, upsell and cross sell potential and more.

The Human Factor

Retailers had all of this in mind for a very long time before Watson and Einstein  and they coped with it, though not always well. As Mark Twain is supposed to have quipped, Everyone complains about the weather, but no one does anything about it. And as a great retailer, John Wanamaker supposedly once said, Half of my marketing budget is wasted. I just dont know which half.

So the different roles of analytics are intended to solve those and similar problems  but before they do, we still need to get a handle on the workflow were trying to influence. Thats still a job for the human mind, as is the most important decision of all: whether to accept an analytics-driven recommendation or make a decision to rely on additional information that the genius software is not privy to.

For instance, even with a great weather forecast its probably still vitally important for a retailer to know if theres a parade coming through downtown at noon.
Samsung on Wednesday launched the Galaxy S8 and S8+, its next generation of smartphones. They feature major improvements in design and security processing power, as well as new digital assistant technology that may challenge the best devices on the market.

The Galaxy S8 and S8+ are available with 5.8 inch and 6.2 inch screens respectively. Both sport an infinity display using Corning Gorilla Glass, and a bezel-less design that provides a wider viewing area and more immersive experience than traditional smartphones.

The phones offer the industrys first 10nm processor, which allows for greater speed and efficiency when multitasking, according to Samsung. Both models have an 8-MP front-facing camera with F1.7 smart autofocus and a 12-MP dual pixel rear camera.

They are the first devices to be certified as Mobile HDR Premium by the UHD Alliance, which means viewers can watch TV and movies in vibrant color.

Security features, courtesy of Samsung Knox, offer defense-level protection that includes biometric authentication with iris and fingerprint scanning and facial recognition.

Click Image to Enlarge

Siri Killer

The Galaxy S8 and S8+ feature Samsungs new digital assistant technology, called Bixby, which extends artificial intelligence capabilities to touch, vision and text commands. It features contextual awareness, so the device can recognize a local landmark, for example, and recommend nearby restaurants.

Bixby understands context. It knows what is happening on your screen, Siriam Thodia, senior director of intelligence and IoT, told attendees at the launch event.

Bixby voice commands work with several native Samsung apps  ranging from contacts, camera and gallery to settings and messages. It works with some other Samsung and third-party apps as well.

The Galaxy S8 and S8+ feature several interactive technologies, expanding the range of features throughout the Samsung ecosystem. The phones unlock the companys new Gear VR with Controller, allowing single-handed navigation with Oculus devices. They also connect to the new Gear 360, which allows the creation of 4K 360-degree video and 15K photos.

The phones work with Samsung Connect, which allows them to control IoT-enabled devices using three-step configuration. Samsung DeX allows the phones to provide a secure, desktop-like computing experience.

Solid Reception

The Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ will be very well received, and it will solidify Samsungs leadership in smartphones, said Werner Goertz, research director for personal technologies innovation at Gartner.

That said, none of the hardware or feature sets announced at the event are revolutionary, he told TechNewsWorld. The infinity display, which increases the viewable display to 83 percent, is a good and competitive addition  but LG announced the same feature for its G6 at the Mobile World Congress.

In terms of recovering from the Galaxy Note recall, Samsung has learned to directly, openly and proactively address the loss of trust it caused, Goertz said.

The S8 could be an instant classic, said Jitesh Ubrani, senior research analyst for worldwide mobile device trackers at IDC.

Samsung has gone above and beyond in terms of design, he told TechNewsWorld.

The Samsung Galaxy 8 and 8+ phones will be available starting April 21. They will come in five colors: Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, Arctic Silver, Coral Blue and Maple Gold.
Enterprise IT decision makers have been exploring the potential of Internet of Things technologies, but they are not rushing IoT projects into development and are showing caution in their adoption commitments, according to survey results Red Hat released Wednesday.

Of the 215 participants in the companys survey, Enterprise IoT in 2017: Steady as she goes, 55 percent indicated that IoT was important to their organization. However, only a quarter of those organizations actually were writing project code and deploying IoT technologies.

Enterprise interest in IoT has been deliberate and careful, Red Hats findings suggest.

Open source software is well positioned to be the dominant technology for IoT development, and open source partners will be vital to project success, the survey results indicate.

The latest survey was a follow-up to Red Hats 2015 survey on IoT interest in the enterprise. While it appears that interest in IoT is picking up, companies are approaching actual rollouts with the common enterprise IT theme of steady deliberation.

The aim of the 2015 survey was to find out if people were building IoT solutions from scratch or were leveraging pieces from other projects and adding an IoT component, said Lis Strenger, senior principal product marketing manager for Red Hat.

Knowing that would help us decide what he had to add to our own product part. Two years later  we found that the hype cycle of IoT had quickly moved ahead very fast. It went out of hype more quickly than people expected it to, she told LinuxInsider.

Survey Revelations

The survey was segmented and sought responses only from people fitting the developer and architect profile.

At 55 percent, the number of survey respondents who described IoT as important to their organization was up 12 percent from 2015.

Their IoT deployments were in the early stages, with fewer than a quarter of respondents actually designing, prototyping or coding an IoT project, Strenger pointed out.

Still, more people are further along in active IoT projects. That was an important discovery, she said.

About 22 percent of respondents were in active development  designing, prototyping or coding.

This is a pretty significant chunk of our customer base, Strenger noted.

Almost 60 percent of respondents were looking to IoT to drive new business opportunities, rather than to optimize existing investments or processes.

Unexpected Takeaway

One of the chief takeaways from the latest study is that devs viewing open source as the best approach to accommodate the need for rapid innovation, according to Strenger.

An impressive 89 percent of respondents said they were going to be using open source software.

Standards are still developing for best practices around communication, productivity and security, said Strenger. These are evolving constantly as people try different things and push up against different barriers.

An example of the open source connection is the large number of vendors working to deliver device management and enterprise application integration as a set of common services hosted in the cloud, she explained.

Setting IoT Direction

The enterprise IT environment is rarely a hotbed for innovation.

I think the initial jumping on the IoT bandwagon came from a lot of hobbyists who might have also been enterprise developers, Strenger said. People were really involved in experimenting but were not actively interested in building enterprise IoT solutions.

Red Hats approach to IoT has focused much more on the middleware pieces. The survey helped the company gauge its customer response to the operating system as not the most important thing in IoT.

That confirmed the fact that we already have an OS (Red Hat Enterprise Linux) that is robust enough to support what the IoT workload will deploy, Strenger said. The important thing is to realize that if you are going to be touching production, you want to be careful about how you plug in the IoT components that are going to be touching the system.

To that end, Red Hat now will focus on the tools dev use. The goal is to make sure that the tools and programming languages devs prefer are included in Red Hats software collections, according to Strenger.

Developer Drag

IoT development is far from stagnant, but the time it takes to get a device from design to manufacturing may make it appear that way, suggested Baoguo Wei, founder of IoT development company Phoinix Technologies.

The ability to capture consumer data and streamline processes  save money  will continue to make the IoT attractive to marketing and the enterprise, he told LinuxInsider.

The issues faced in developing a device five years ago still hold true today, Wei said. Specifically, what slows the IoT down is the need for a design to go from conception to development, and then back to configuration for chip and software add-ins.

Enterprise Marketing

IoT can play a big role in marketing operations, said . Soon the marketplace will be ripe with smart marketing for smart devices, said Matias Woloski, CTO of Auth0.

The ability for IoT devices to access and perform actions using the Internet opens an arena for marketing opportunities, he told LinuxInsider.

IoT already has started to seep into enterprise operations. Enterprises use highly intelligent devices and data analytics tools that have contextual awareness of an environment. They adapt themselves accordingly and provide actionable data, or simply trigger an action on behalf of the administrator, according to Woloski.

All of these are precursors to the impending IoT trend in enterprise operations, he said.

The IoT already is becoming more prevalent in enterprise surroundings. Business process management is all about connecting people, processes and automated systems to increase efficiency and accuracy, noted Pat Wilbur, CTO of Hologram.

IoT already plays a significant role in business operations in many industries, from telematics and logistics to robotic assembly lines, he told LinuxInsider. As more smart devices pop up around us and people themselves become more connected, there is certainly opportunity to improve business operations with better interconnectedness among systems, processes, personnel and customers.

IoT and Open Source

IoT has an important role to play in the operations of many heavy industries, with 56 percent of such businesses estimated to have installed IoT processes by 2017. Despite the high level of activity, there are a few stumbling blocks for IoT, including project overruns and security costs, according to Tom Feltham, marketing director at Explore WMS.

The proliferation of open source systems can certainly counteract the concerns over project overruns, as these systems and the communities around them grow, he told LinuxInsider.

Security costs associated with open source IoT systems are unlikely to be any different from those of proprietary systems. However, the reduced or nonexistent licensing costs of open source IoT systems can reduce the burden on small businesses, Feltham said.

On the other hand, open standards may be more critical to IoT than the involvement of open source, suggested Auth0s Woloski.

The most important thing to IoT is not to get more open source software, but rather the need to have open standards that can be used between different IoT vendors, he said. Even if they continue to use proprietary software but have an open standard that is accepted among all parties, that is what is going to move IoT forward.

That will enable all IoT devices from all the different brands to talk to each other, Woloski emphasized. In turn, consumers will be able to have an automatic house with devices from all vendors, which will drive IoT in the near future.
McDonalds on Wednesday began testing new mobile ordering and payment functionality at 29 of its restaurants in Monterey and Salinas, California.

It will expand the pilot to another 51 restaurants in Spokane, Washington, on March 20.

The company will run multiple pilots to gather customer feedback, work out any issues that arise, and streamline integration with its IT systems before rolling out its updated mobile app to nearly all 14,000 restaurants in the United States  as well as 6,000 others in Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Australia and China  by the end of the year.

Improving the Customer Experience

Providing mobile ordering is part of a global growth plan McDonalds unveiled on March 1, which hinges on improving the customer experience. The updated app will track a customers location, allowing customers to place orders anywhere and ensure their food is fresh when they get it.

You want to make sure that orders are correct and delivered on time  that stuff thats supposed to be hot is hot, and stuff thats supposed to be cold is cold, Beagle Research Principal Denis Pombriant told CRM Buyer.

The mobile-ordering functionality likely will contribute positively to the customer experience, remarked Holger Mueller, a principal analyst at Constellation Research, because when you order fast food, you want to order fast, pay fast and eat fast.

The Trend Toward Mobility

Demand for mobile ordering in the restaurant industry is experiencing explosive growth, noted Cindy Zhou, a principal analyst at Constellation Research. For example, Panera Bread, an early adopter of mobile app ordering, has projected its digital sales to hit US$1 billion this year.

Constellation has found that about 30 percent of U.S. adults aged 65 or older have a smartphone, and they are moving towards mobile device ordering for the convenience and selection, Zhou told CRM Buyer.

Take Starbucks mobile ordering app, for instance. It worked so well that they had a problem filling orders, Mueller told CRM Buyer. There were long queues at the pickup counter.

When Being First Isnt Best

Other restaurant chains, notably Dominos and Starbucks, took an early lead in providing mobile ordering capabilities to their customers.

McDonalds may have wanted the early adopters to grapple with the new technology first. CEO Steve Easterbrook reportedly has said that its better to be right than to be first to market.

Starbucks saw a decline in customer satisfaction and their stock dipped about 4 percent last quarter because of issues around long lines and in-store congestion resulting from mobile ordering, Zhou noted.

McDonalds is what we call a fast follower at Constellation, she remarked. Not being the first to market gives them an opportunity to gauge consumer demand for the service and ensures they avoid some of the mistakes others have made.

Being first to market can provide a competitive advantage, though, depending on the strategy hammered out by management.

Execution is key. The Panera Bread 2.0 app, which offers rapid pickup and fast lanes, has led to excellent customer reviews, with over 6,000 4.5-star user ratings on the iTunes App Store, Zhou pointed out.

Service is important, but so is engagement, Pombriant observed. If you can find a way to engage better with your customers, theyll overlook small failings.
The attached properties worth Rs 75 lakh of Churchill Alemao includes eight apartments at Fatrade of Varca Village worth Rs 75 lakh as per the registered sale value of 2009.

By Mayuresh Ganapatye: The Enforcement Directorate has attached movable and immovable properties of Rs 1.95 crore of former Goan CMs Digamber Kamat and Churchill Alemao in the Louis Berger Bribery Case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA).

The attached properties worth Rs 1.20 crores of Kamat includes a plot of land of 4047 sq feet area situated at Gogal, residential building at Taligao and fixed deposits of Rs 41.35 lakh.

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The attached properties worth Rs 75 lakh of Churchill Alemao includes eight apartments at Fatrade of Varca Village worth Rs 75 lakh as per the registered sale value of 2009.

The ED has investigated the financial trail of the proceeds of crime obtained by the accused person in the case.

The officials of Louis Berger, Nihon Suido Consultants Company Ltd, Japan, NGS Consultants Company Ltd, Japan, Shah Technical Consultancy Company Ltd, India and other government officials and Hawala operators were examined. A Letter Rogatory has been sent to USA for further investigation of the absconding accused James McClung who is presently imprisoned in USA. Further investigation is in progress.

Also read:

J-K terror financing case: ED attaches deposits worth Rs 17 lakh

Enforcement Directorate secures highest sentence under PMLA in Kolkata

Zakir Naik's properties worth Rs 100 crore under ED's scanner, attachment begins

--- ENDS ---
After months of concern from security experts, the White House social media director has reported that President Donald Trump has switched over to a new iPhone. He had previously been using an unsecured Android device, to the dismay of his advisers and other politicians.

.@POTUS @realDonaldTrump has been using his new iPhone?for the past couple of weeks here on Twitter. Yes, it is #POTUS45 reading & tweeting! --- Dan Scavino Jr. (@DanScavino) March 29, 2017

It was believed that Trump dumped his old phone after his inauguration, but subsequent tweets revealed that this was not the case. Members of Congress also submitted complaints requesting an investigation into the Android phone. Recent tweets from the @POTUS account have been marked as sent from iPhone, and Scavino's announcement today confirms this.

The choice of an iPhone is surprising given Apple's stance and Trump's past calls for a boycott. The President is one of the largest targets for hackers, so security at this level is always preferred even if it means putting old grudges to rest. For a historical reference, former President Barack Obama chose a "3-year-old's play phone" that couldn't take photos, play music, send texts, or even make calls.

In another confusing development, CNBC reporter Arjun Kharpal pointed out that a recent tweet from Trump was still marked as sent from Android. This contradicts Scavino's statement that the President had been using his new iPhone for a few weeks. As time goes on we'll see how Trump and his administration balance national security and Twitter.
As expected, The US House of Representatives on Tuesday voted to overturn a ruling that would have forced Internet service providers to obtain consent before selling your web browsing history to third parties for the purpose of targeted advertising. The bill is now destined for President Trump's desk where the White House has already said he strongly supports repealing the FCC rules.

Now one Tennessee mobile software engineer and self proclaimed privacy activist wants to turn the tables on legislators, starting a GoFundMe campaign to buy their browsing histories from ISPs and expose them for everyone to see. Starting with a modest goal of just $10,000, the campaign had already raised almost $150,000. But while you may be rooting for this attempt at revenge, the reality is that you can't just legally buy somebody's search history by name, and you should think twice before throwing your money at this.

As The Verge and TechCrunch are pointing out, you can't buy targeted, de-anonymized internet data on individual users. Advertisers can buy web user data, but that's generally done in aggregate, and despite the House's vote there are still prevailing privacy laws, contract law and other individual protections that prevent the scenario proposed by the GoFundMe campaign from being plausible.

In a statement to TechCrunch, GoFundMe said the campaign doesn't violate their terms of service, and that they are working directly with campaign organizer Adam McElhaney to ensure the funds are managed appropriately. Despite this there's still no mention of where the funds will go in the likely scenario that the proposed goal of "purchasing the Internet histories of all legislators, congressmen, executives, and their families and make them easily searchable" isn't successful.
Uber is shuttering its operations in Denmark in light of a new taxi law in the country. The company, which offers ride-hailing services to users who want a quick and easy transportation alternative, operates sort of akin to a small business, in which it employs independent contractors to facilitate its enterprise with.

Uber Halts Services In Denmark

Unfortunately, for Uber, not everyone agrees with that setup. Latest proof of this is Denmark's new set of laws, which require all taxi cabs to have seat occupancy sensors and fare meters. It marks the latest setback for the Uber in Europe.

The Government Still Isn't Sure What Uber Is Exactly

An Uber spokesman confirmed to The Guardian that the company won't be able to operate inside the country unless the new regulations are changed, adding that Uber "must take the consequences." Uber has, however, also faced challenges in other cities such as Madrid, Paris, London, and more. The company is currently waiting for the European court of justice to set the terms on whether Uber should be regulated as a transport service or as a digital platform.

In Denmark, Uber has 2,000 drivers and 300,000 patrons using the app, the company said. While Uber won't be able to continue operations in light of the newly placed rules, it will, however, remain in talks with the government "to enable Danes to enjoy the benefits of modern technologies like Uber."

Taxi driver unions in Denmark and cab operators alike have argued in European courts that Uber doesn't follow legal standards like taxi firms do and that its ride-hailing services presents an unfair competition for them. In effect, Danish prosecutors last year accused Uber of facilitating an illegal taxi service.

For Uber, threatening total halt of its operations in an area it's deemed illegal to perform them is no strange response, as it has happened before in Anchorage, Alaska. The move, however, makes sense: if Uber succumbs to traditional taxi laws and regulations, it technically admits that it's a cab service and, by extension, an employer. Entering this category could restrict Uber in its attempts to disrupt the transportation industry at large.

Uber's String Of Controversies

The threats of shutting down isn't the only woe Uber has to deal with, however. The company is also currently entering war with Google of all companies over allegations that Uber stole plans and intellectual property from Google's Waymo unit and that these plans are what Uber has used to power its self-driving testing program. This battle is still very much under way, and the result could hamper the company's stint in driverless technology.

On the bright side, Uber just released its first-ever diversity report, although it didn't reveal much, just that the company is composed of mostly white and most male employees. Travis Kalanick, Uber's CEO, is intent on making a version that's more diverse, so we'll see if the diversity figures bump up a notch in the coming years.

The company is also currently looking for a chief operating officer to help Kalanick in terms of leadership, which he recently admitted he needed. Uber has been met with a string of controversies this year, including mounting allegations of sexist workplace abuse, which, in fact, compelled it to release the diversity report in the first place; a noxious, aggressively competitive office culture; and Kalanick being a "ruthless" firecracker of a boss.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ are set to hit the shelves soon, but a possibility exists that consumers will have a tough time procuring the smartphones.

According to reports, Samsung is facing a supply shortage issue for the chipsets, which will power the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+.

A report from Korea Herald reveals, that the slow production of Qualcomm chipsets may negatively impact the distribution of the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+. Sources have let on to the publication that the production of Samsung's Exynos 8895 and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 are sluggish.

"The supply of Samsung Electronics Co.'s upcoming flagship smartphone, presumably the Galaxy S8, may fail to meet demand due to the sluggish production of Qualcomm chipsets, industry sources said Tuesday," noted the publication.

Samsung Galaxy S8 Release Shifted: Chipset Shortage To Blame?

In March, leakster Evan Blass shared that the launch of both Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ could be delayed by a week. The initial expected release date of the smartphones was April 21, but Blass said it was deferred to April 28. Possibly, the sluggish production of the chipsets led to the release being postponed.

How The Chip Shortage Will Impact Samsung

The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ will be the first smartphones to house Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 835 CPU. Some variants of the smartphones, which will be available in South Korea and a few other markets across the globe, will be powered by the company's Exynos 8895 chipset.

Reports of Samsung calling dibs on the Snapdragon 835 have emerged online frequently. This was one of the reasons why other OEMs were unable to deploy the chipset on their handsets. Rival LG for instance, was forced to shift to a different processor, or delay the launch of the LG G6 due to Snapdragon 835 SoC's unavailability.

Samsung was able to monopolize the chipset as it has reportedly assisted Qualcomm in manufacturing the Snapdragon 835. Reports that the Snapdragon 835 chipset will not be made available to other OEMs till the launch of the Galaxy S8 have also been rampant.

It is rumored, that Samsung is expecting plenty of preorders for the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+, more than those of the Galaxy Note 7, Galaxy S7, and Galaxy S7 edge.

If Samsung is unable to fulfill the consumer demand for its next-gen flagship, the company could be in troubled waters. This scenario seems likely if the company does not have adequate Exynos 8895 and Snapdragon 835 chipsets to power its smartphones. The slow production of the chipsets will undoubtedly impact the sales of the smartphones.

If the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ are not available for purchase, consumers may gravitate toward other handsets such as the LG G6. Moreover, post its Galaxy Note 7 debacle, Samsung needs to keep consumers in good humor.

The OEM promised a Galaxy S8 smartphone to those who bought the Galaxy Note 7 as a replacement, which is also something the company will need to honor. However, the supply shortage of the Galaxy S8 may not allow Samsung to come through on its promise. This would likely lead to more consumer resentment, putting the company's reputation in jeopardy.

The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ are expected to become available for preorder in April. It remains to be seen if Samsung can meet consumer demand, despite supposed chipset shortages.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A recent study featured earlier this month in the journal The Science of Nature revealed that the world's spiders cumulatively devour between 400 million and 800 million tons of insects, lizard, birds, and small mammals each year.

Oddly enough, many spiders were even reported to have developed a taste for fish.

According to the paper  authored by Martin Nyffeler, from the University of Basel, and Klaus Birkhofer, from the Lund University  spiders can ingest annually up to double the amount of meat eaten by all humans combined, which is no more than 400 million tons of meat and fish per year.

Other research points to the voraciousness of spiders, indicating they typically gobble up each day around 10 percent of their body weight in food - the equivalent of a 200-pound man feasting on 20 pounds of meat on a daily basis.

Merely A Mouthful

It's a proven fact that spiders are avid hunters, and so, in a disturbing bout of curiosity, The Washington Post staff felt the impulse to investigate how long it would take for the arachnids to consume the entire human population on the planet.

Considering the data from National Center for Biotechnology Information, the total biomass of the adult population at around 287 million tons, the journalists did the math and discovered we would only be a snack for the eight-legged rapacious eaters.

Supposing we add to the equation another 70 million tons representing the weight of all the children on Earth, it still wouldn't match the quantity of food the arachnids can swallow yearly.

"In other words, spiders could eat all of us and still be hungry," conclude the reporters.

Spiders Are Everywhere Around Us

An entomological study published a year ago surveyed spider diversity in North Carolina homes, uncovering the insects are widespread in every household. The research showed spiders invade lavatories and bedchambers, dwelling in 68 percent of bathrooms and leaving unclaimed only under one quarter of bedrooms.

Other analysis assessed the median spider density at a global level and found it to be roughly 131 spiders per square meter.

To add to your anxiety, another paper noted city life agrees with the arachnids since urban spiders grow even bigger than their rural counterparts.

As Nyffeler and Birkhofer explain, the amassed spider population worldwide tips the scale at around 25 million tons. To get an idea of this concept, the Titanic reportedly weighed approximately 52,000 tons, which means the collective mass of all the spiders is comparable to 478 Titanics.

Unexpected Allies

Nevertheless, spiders present some undeniable advantages to humans.

Scientists are harvesting spider venom to help save stroke victims, while particular species of tarantulas can provide relief for chronic pain and irritable bowel syndrome.

Moreover, spiders are among the most effective predators of plant insects, their voracious nature turns into an excellent means of pest control.

Spiders also dispatch unwanted flies in the house and since they particularly prey of mosquitoes, some studies suggest they could be used to curb malaria cases.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Residents of the remote village, on the island of West Sulawesi, Indonesia, were shocked to discover the body of their neighbor, a young farmer, inside a monster python.

The 25-year-old victim, named Akbar (many Indonesian people go by only one name), had gone missing since March 26 and was last seen leaving to harvest palm oil.

Police forces deployed in the search for the lost man reported for BBC Indonesian that they discovered an enormous snake in the vicinity of the farmer's palm plantation.

Swallowed Whole

The giant serpent, a reticulated python (Python reticulatus) measuring over 20 feet in length, was found already dead and was immediately suspected to have swallowed the man whole. When the animal was spotted, the police could notice the shape of farming boots protruding from the reptile's stomach.

Local authorities assumed that the python, which is a constrictor snake, suffocated Akbar and then became asphyxiated while trying to gobble its meal  a common occurrence for pythons attempting to hunt large-sized prey.

"They didn't find him (Akbar), but the villagers saw an unmoving python in the ditch. They grew suspicious that maybe the snake had Akbar. When they cut it open, Akbar was inside the snake," said Mashura, police spokesperson for the West Sulawesi province.

In a statement for The Jakarta Post, a local news website, village secretary Salubiro Junaidi said that Akbar's neighbors heard cries for help the night before Akbar was found. Their fears weren't confirmed until 24 hours later, when the snake was found.

A gruesome video footage of the horrified villagers was posted cutting open the python's stomach with an 18-inch hunting knife to retrieve the lifeless body of Akbar.

Reticulated Pythons

The longest snakes in the world, reticulated pythons can grow up to over 32 feet and coil around their prey, cutting out its air supply, before swallowing it entirely.

According to Nia Kurniawan, from the University of Brawijaya, reticulated pythons typically feed on big animals, like boars, primates, or dogs.

Although normally avoiding humans, the 20-foot python could have been attracted to the palm oil plantations by the prospect of a good hunt, since farming settlements occasionally draw in the snake's favored meal.

Pythons seldom harm people and don't usually target them as prey, even though rare reports sporadically mention small children falling victim to a python attack.

Rarely seen, these snakes hide in the forest and are often regarded as sacred animals in parts of Indonesia.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Several states in America are constantly battling drug and opiate overdose, which is rapidly becoming the most common reason for early deaths and unemployment in the country.

Injury deaths, homicides, and drug abuse are ranked amongst the top causes for youngsters losing their lives.

According to the latest County Health Rankings & Roadmaps Report, the premature death rate in the country is rising. The study shows that many young Americans are losing their lives due to drug abuse and overdose.

"Drug overdose was by far the single leading cause of premature death by injury in 2015 and contributed to the accelerated rise in premature death from 2014 to 2015," notes the report.

What Is Opiate Overdose?

Opiate overdose is an extreme condition arising from consumption of excessive opiates such as heroin, fentanyl, morphine, and methadone. Often, it is seen that overdoses arise from prescription drugs meant for relieving pain. The increase in doctors prescribing such drugs is what is leading to an alarming increase in opiate overdose.

Premature Deaths: How Bad Is The Problem?

The easy availability of opiate drugs on the street have contributed to a rise in premature deaths.

The report reveals that the rise in premature deaths has seen the maximum increase in those aged between 15 to 44 years. One of the key findings was that the death rate showed a rise in 2012 and has since grown manifold. The premature death rate gained pace from 2014 to 2015, which is a 1 percent increase.

In the past decade, suburban metro counties showed the unhealthy trend of going from the lowest rates of premature deaths because of drug overdose, to the highest. Moreover, for youngsters aged between 15 to 24 years, death due to drug overdose showed an increase. However, the premature deaths were also because of firearm hazards, as well as car accidents.

Cuyahoga County, Ohio, has experienced over 800 cases of premature deaths due to opiate overdose in the past two years.

The use of the synthetic opiate fentanyl  which is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine  has aggravated the problem.

What Are Its Related Effects?

Drug abuse has largely hit the section of teenagers who are not in school or people who are unemployed. Such communities have always struggled to provide for education for their children and, therefore, lead to increased dropout and unemployment rates.

Unsurprisingly, there are greater rates of unemployment and school dropouts in areas where such drug abuse is rampant.

What Steps Are Being Taken To Counter Opiate Abuse?

The government is taking several steps to stop drug abuse among teenagers. Manchester, New Hampshire, has opened up its 10 fire stations to drug abuse victims, so that they can rehabilitate and recuperate. Since the program's inception, they have treated roughly 1,000 people.

Wisconsin's Menominee Indian High School's graduation rate was just 60 percent. However, by identifying the root cause of the behavior, and paying attention to the traumatized background of the children, the school managed to increase the graduation rate to over 90 percent in 2016.

Ohio's own Project DAWN also has a strategy to prevent deaths due to drug abuse. The program offers free overdose reversal kits to victims and helps them recoup. Since 2013, this program has rescued more than 660 patients.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Elon Musk's rocket company, SpaceX, will attempt on March 30 to relaunch and recover a first-stage booster of a 229-foot-tall Falcon 9 rocket that SpaceX fist fired off in April 2016.

The booster helped deliver a satellite into orbit and then managed to successfully land itself on a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean. This is highly unusual, as generally most of the rocket parts crash into the ocean, forever sinking at the bottom.

SpaceX's Rocket Launch Potentially Revolutionary

A booster is the most expensive component of a multi-stage rocket, and it can cost up to tens of millions of dollars.

The CEO of SpaceX declared that, in the event of reusing a rocket booster on a Falcon 9 rocket launch, customers who have only launched satellites and space station supplies could get a discount of approximately 30 percent. This percentage is a big deal, since the costs of the launch are about $62 million.

The price difference will be all the more significant, as the rockets of SpaceX are already the most affordable worldwide. A 30 percent discount would save companies more than $18 million every time there is a launch.

"This is potentially revolutionary. Reusability has been the Holy Grail in access to space for a long, long time," noted John Logsdon, a space policy expert and historian at George Washington University's Space Policy Institute.

The entire philosophy of SpaceX promotes the idea of reusability. Musk's company has been planning on using reusable rockets since the company was first created 15 years ago. Back then, there was only Falcon LV, which later turned into Falcon 1 that Musk displayed at the Washington D.C. National Mall in 2003, according to The Planetary Society's Jason Davis.

After every launch, SpaceX attempts to save only the first stage of its vehicles, such as the 14-story-tall main body of Falcon 9, which contains the primary engines and most of the fuel. Approximately 10 minutes after every launch, the first stage separates itself from the top portion of the rocket, making a controlled dive back to our planet.

The fuel that remains is employed in reigniting the engines on the rocket in a succession of burns, to boost the vehicle and make it safely re-enter our planet's atmosphere. This process is better known under the name of supersonic retro propulsion.

Customer SES Is Ready For The Flight

The customer who will fly the first "flight-proven" rocket is SES, a satellite operator from Luxembourg. The cargo is the SES-10 satellite, which is meant to provide communication services to Latin America. Additionally, SES-10 will sit in a super high orbit  22,000 miles above our planet's surface, a place known under the name of a geostationary orbit. Here, the satellite will follow our planet's rotation, and it will hover over the same patch of the planet continuously.

"Let me be clear, we are prepared to stand in front of this rocket with great confidence. We have had unprecedented access to review the efforts to prepare [the rocket] for a second flight and we are confident in its readiness," noted Martin Halliwell, SES's chief technology officer, in a March 28 press briefing.

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By Press Trust of India: London, Mar 30 (PTI) Reading ability of kids throughout school years can be predicted from their DNA alone, say scientists who have developed a new genetic scoring technique.

The scores could one day be used to identify and tackle reading difficulties early, rather than waiting until children develop these problems at school, researchers said.

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The study shows that a genetic score comprising around 20,000 of DNA variants explains five per cent of the differences between childrens reading performance.

Students with the highest and lowest genetic scores differed by a whole two years in their reading performance.

The findings from Kings College London in the UK highlight the potential of using genetic scores to predict strengths and weaknesses in childrens learning abilities.

The researchers calculated genetic scores (also called polygenic scores) for educational achievement in 5,825 individuals from twins study based on genetic variants identified to be important for educational attainment.

They then mapped these scores against reading ability between the ages of seven and 14.

Genetic scores were found to explain up to five per cent of the differences between children in their reading ability.

This association remained significant even after accounting for cognitive ability and family socio-economic status.

The study authors note that although five per cent may seem a relatively small amount, this is substantial compared to other results related to reading.

For example, gender differences have been found to explain less than one per cent of the differences between children in reading ability.

"The value of polygenic scores is that they make it possible to predict genetic risk and resilience at the level of the individual," said Saskia Selzam, from Kings College London.

"This is different to twin studies, which tell us about the overall genetic influence within a large population of people," said Selzam.

"These scores could enable research on resilience to developing reading difficulties and how children respond individually to different interventions," Selzam added.

"We hope these findings will contribute to better policy decisions that recognise and respect genetically driven differences between children in their reading ability," said Robert Plomin, from Kings College London.

The study was published in the journal Scientific Studies of Reading. PTI MHN MHN

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A new trailer for the second Spider-Man live-action readaptation has dropped, giving us another brief look at the embattled Tom Holland just wanting a place in the grown-up world of superheroes. The film is one of the most anticipated for 2017, and the newest trailer has already racked up millions of views, no wonder.

Now, for the regular watchers, the trailer may have come off as your typical, run-of-the-mill, heart-thumping high-octane crowd-pleaser, but one that's embedded with enough layer of mystery to coax the most ardent Spider-Man stalwarts into reaching for the pockets and screaming "Shut up and take my money!" at their screen. This flavor of enigma is mostly filled by Vulture, the film's foremost villain.

Beyond it, however, the more persnickety viewers may have noticed quite a bit of Easter eggs and plot points just scattered throughout, waiting to be lifted from obscurity.

So here are the Easter eggs, plot point hints, and references you may have missed from the new Spider-Man: Homecoming trailer. Warning: light spoilers ahead.

Spider-Man vs Vulture On Top Of A Plane

The trailer begins with scene lifted from the mini teaser released beforehand, with the emblem on Spider-Man's suit latching off and then hightailing away like a drone, leaving behind the startled superhero. While this is already intriguing on its own, the scene that follows is even more rife for guesswork. The scene cuts to Spider-Man and Vulture duking it out on what appears as the top of a plane. The curious part is that Spider-Man is wearing his old homemade suit during the said fight. This puts the scene either in a flashback, or after Tony Stark forces Peter Parker to hand over the advanced Spider-Man suit he gave him in Captain America: Civil War.

License Plate Number On Car

In one scene set inside the Staten Island Ferry, Spider-Man combats two villains pushing some kind of illegal weapons, at least gleaning from the dialogue. Spider-Man, of course, beats them with his slick webbing tricks, but this scene includes a blink-and-you'll-miss-it detail. Looking closely at the background of the sequence, the license plate of the car loaded on the ferry reads "SM2-0563." What could this mean? Well, do you know when Vulture first appeared in the Spider-Man series? That's right, it was in Amazing Spider-Man 2, published in May 1963.

Spider-Man easter egg: license plate reads SM2-0563. First appearance of Vulture? Amazing Spider-Man #2, published May, 1963 (05/63) @jnwtts pic.twitter.com/FsOHNci3uP  Mike Sampson (@mjsamps) March 28, 2017

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

The trailer begins with Stark telling Parker not to even flirt with the idea of becoming one of the Avengers. He tells him: "Can't you just be a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man?" Of course, the phrase is one of the most iconic lines of dialogue in the Spider-Man franchise, and comic book fans should take this in stride, as the callout also gives a brief homage to Peter David's issue run of comics from 2005, as WhatCulture points out.

A Fun Little Intertextual Nod

In one scene where Parker is with his friend Ned Leeds, played by Jacob Batalon, in what appears to be PE lecture, there's a little detail that you may have missed. If you look behind them, Zendaya's character Michelle is reading Of Human Bondage, written by W. Somerset Maugham. But why is this important? Well, Of Human Bondage tells the story of a of an orphan who is sent to live with his aunt and uncle as he struggles to mesh with his peers. Sound familiar? A big part of Of Human Bondage also talks about the repercussions of failing to curb one's emotions, which is a theme that particularly fits in with Parker's broader arc in the film.

Fellow Spider Bite Victim Cindy Moon Spotted?

This scene also has one more Easter egg that a Twitter user suggested. It links a woman in the frame between Parker and Leeds to a supposed casting list. She, as the Twitter user speculates, might be named Cindy, as in Cindy Moon, a radioactive spider victim who becomes the superhero Silk.

Am i correct in thinking the girl btwn pete and ned (ganke) is the girl they casted as cindy? Cindy Moon maybe? pic.twitter.com/4xDQB2yOXd  #kamalakorp (@agentfitz777) March 28, 2017

A Sylvia Plath Cameo ... Kinda

Sylvia Plath, famed American author, is in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Specifically, a photograph of her is printed on Michelle's shirt in the Washington Monument sequence. While this might not mean anything at all, Marvel Comics pictures are famous for stashing in little Easter eggs that signify details about characters. Could this signify that Michelle has a little bit of ennui, maybe even verging on the edge of suicide, as informed by Plath's tragic fate? No one knows for sure. But consider that in a film, every element that appears in a frame is a conscious decision either from the director or the litany of designers working on it. This means the shirt, while it could perfectly be an arbitrary feat of costume design, alludes to something deeper.

You have to watch Spider-Man: Homecoming on July 7 to find out.

Have you found any more Easter eggs on the new Spider-Man: Homecoming trailer that we haven't? Feel free to sound off in the comments section. Also, you can watch the full trailer below.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Android will usurp Apple in terms of mobile app spending, according to a new report by App Annie. This of course talks about the revenue generated from mobile apps this year, with the firm's estimate also inclusive of not just the Play Store, but other third-party Android app stores as well.

Android App Stores Will Beat The Apple App Store

However, without these third-party stores, Apple will still take the lead, the firm's forecast states, and such a lead is expected to remain at least through 2021. The report also goes on to add that it's expecting mobile app downloads to surpass 352 billion in 2021, with gross consumer spend across all app stores to hop past $139 billion.

The App Store is expected to generate $60 billion of that total spending, according to App Annie. Google Play will generate $42 billion; third-party Android app stores will generate a whopping $36 billion by 2021. Helping Android bump up the mobile app revenue is mostly China, where users can access app stores through internet brands such as Tencent, Xiaomi, Huawei, Baidu, among others. Those third-party Android stores made about $10 billion in 2016, reports CNBC. This will double to $20 billion this year, as per the firm's forecast.

"What a lot of people don't realize is how huge China is," Danielle Levitas, senior VP of research at App Annie, said. "Even if device sales slow, it's the biggest smartphone channel, and that's not going to change."

China's Emerging Mobile App Market

China's ballooning middle class and colossal population render it an important element in the broad sphere of app store revenues. But its market is maturing, according to App Annie. Majority of app users in China are expected to nestle in habitual patterns by 2021, which will pave the way for consistent revenue growth, even if download rates slow.

Downloads in China will also experience a growth spurt, at an annualized rate of 19 percent from 2016 to 2021, with consumer spend growing 24 percent at $56.5 billion. This is interesting, since larger Chinese cities are already saturated, which means the growth will most likely stem from other regions.

The top countries in terms of mobile app downloads are China, India, United States, Brazil, and Indonesia, accounting for 54 percent of all downloads last year. The rankings won't change much through 2021, the report states.

The firm's estimates are based on a model which observes data culled from major publishers, economic conditions, discussions with stakeholders, and past trends and performances. While the firm also looks into consumer spending, it doesn't take into consideration other possible sources of revenue, such as advertising.

While its estimates give a preview of what may come, it's interesting to note how other key elements will ultimately help the actual numbers, for instance, Google Play being integrated into Chrome OS  Google's proprietary operating system powering all Chromebooks in the market. If Android apps finally run on these devices with nary a hiccup, as present situations don't exactly allure, it could make for an interesting picture of the mobile app market in the long run.

Thoughts about Android beating out iOS in terms of mobile app spending? Feel free to sound off in the comments section below!

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Tesla is rolling out a new update for its Autopilot software, which brings advanced semi-autonomous capabilities to Model X and Model S cars from the company.

Last week, Tesla's CEO Elon Musk affirmed that the much-awaited Software 8.1 update would be pushed out from March 28 to March 29.

True to its promise, on March 29, the company started rolling out the Software 8.1 (17.11.3) update for owners of Model S and Model X, along with Autopilot 2.0.

Since October 2016, Tesla had been building vehicles equipped with a better range of sensors, cameras, and radar. The company calls this range Hardware 2, which was created with the aim of pushing the limit of Tesla's automated-driving feature.

The latest update pushed out for Hardware 2 will bring an array of features for the safety and convenience of Model S and Model X owners.

Tesla Software 8.1 Update: The New Features

The Tesla Software 8.1 update is making its way to vehicles equipped with HW2 in North America. The global rollout will follow soon, over the next couple of days.

The latest update adds more features in HW2-equipped vehicles. The Tesla Software 8.1 brings the following features in the Model X and Model S' control system.

Lane Departure Warning

This alert automatically warns the driver if the car has crossed a lane marking. The alert comes via a vibration in the steering wheel, notifying the driver of the mistake. The alert only works when the traffic signal is closed and not active.

High Speed For Autosteer

The automatic steering function, which helps the driver steer within a lane, now works at high speeds of up to 80 miles per hour. The previous speed was 55 miles per hour.

Although Autosteer works mechanically, Tesla advises drivers keep their hands on the wheel so that they can take control at any time. This feature is dependent on traffic-aware cruise control.

Auto Lane Change

Another handy feature that has been included in this update is the Auto Lane Change. This feature helps the driver move the vehicle into an adjoining lane, during an open signal. It also alerts the driver when it is safe to change lanes in moving traffic.

Driverless Parking

Last but not the least, the driverless parking feature enables the car owner to park or recover the vehicle via the keyfob or the Tesla mobile app. Tesla introduced this technology, dubbed Summon, in January 2016 in the 7.1 software update.

At the time, the feature was made available to HW1-equipped Tesla vehicles. However, with the 8.1 update, this handy feature has been introduced in HW2-supported vehicles as well.

Other Features

Apart from these endowments, the update also brings some other features. Post the update, Model X owners will be able to adjust their seats automatically, with a single tap. The built in height of the SUV's falcon doors can also be altered thanks to the new adjustment capability.

Post the installation of the update, the Google Maps on the touchscreen display of Model X and Model S will reflect the Google rating, phone number, address, and hours of operation of a business or shop that the user may choose.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
President Donald Trump has finally relented and ditched his unsecured Android smartphone in favor of a secured iPhone.

President Trump has been criticized for using an unprotected device, despite holding one of the highest and most important offices in the world.

It was earlier believed, that President Trump handed over his off-the-shelf unsecured Android smartphone post his swear-in ceremony. However, it was later discovered that the President was sending out tweets from his old phone.

According to a tweet from Dan Scavino Jr., the director of White House's social media platforms, the President has replaced his handset with an iPhone. President Trump has been using the device for a couple of weeks now. Scavino Jr. also confirmed that the Twitter messages were indeed coming from President Trump and not anyone else.

Are The Assertions True?

Even though Scavino Jr. asserted on March 28 that the President is using an iPhone for the past few weeks, tweets from Trump  as current as March 25  are reportedly from an Android phone. A report from CNBC asserts that a Tweetdeck  which shows off a tweet's source  reflected that a March 25 post from President Trump was via an Android device.

Why President Trump Switched To An iPhone

The President of the United States using an unsecured smartphone is a national security issue. This is because the unsecured device can be an easy target for hackers. Hacking of the President's smartphone not only endangers his life, but can also leak out classified data pertaining to national security.

Several Congressmen and senators were worried because of President Trump's continued usage of the unsecured Android handset. Two senators even raised their concerns to Jim Mattis, the Secretary Of Defense, in a letter.

The letter that was addressed to Mattis contained a twofold complaint from the senators. Firstly, the officials said that the unsecured Android device did not leave behind a Presidential paper trail. Secondly, an unsecured Presidential phone is an open invitation to hackers.

"This behavior is more than bad operational security  it is an egregious affront to national security," wrote the senators in the letter.

Trump Taking A Bite Of Apple

President Trump using an iPhone suggests that his relationship with Apple may have improved. For the unfamiliar, at a campaign rally in 2016, Trump suggested people boycott all Apple products since the company declined a request by FBI to unlock an iPhone. He was referring to the San Bernardino shooting, where a gunman's iPhone needed to be unlocked. However, Apple refused to comply with the FBI's demand.

"First of all, Apple ought to give the security for that phone," said Trump during the rally.

At the time, Trump asserted that he would boycott Apple and its products, till the time the company gave the security number of the shooter's phone to the FBI.

It is not known which iPhone model is being used by the President. However, it is definitely more secure than his older Android smartphone.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Paleontologists have revealed the discovery of the world's biggest dinosaur footprint as well as the world's most diverse collection of dinosaur tracks in Australia.

Giant Footprint Of Herbivorous Dinosaur Sauropod

The gigantic footprint belonged to a sauropod, an herbivorous dinosaur marked by its long neck, which likely measured 17 feet and 9 inches high at the hips. The track, which measures nearly 5 feet and 9 inches, is bigger than the previous record holder, which measured just nearly 3 feet and 9 inches.

The footprint is just one of a series of finds that scientists discovered in Australia's "Jurassic Park." Researchers also found 21 different dinosaur tracks and some rocks dating back from as early as 140 million years ago.

The footprints, which were between 140 million and 127 million years old, vary in size. They range from small, measuring about 8 inches, to very large, measuring over 5 feet in length.

Trace Fossils And Diversity Of Dinosaurs

The footprints are considered as trace fossils, left behind by animals but are not parts of the animals themselves.

The trace fossils revealed the diversity of dinosaurs that lived around the region during the Cretaceous period, the geologic period marked by relatively warm climate and an abundance of now-extinct marine reptiles, ammonites, and dinosaurs. The Cretaceous period ended with the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event, in which some three-quarters of animals and plants on the planet died out.

Dinosaur Hotspot In Australia

Analyses showed five different track types of predatory dinosaurs, six track types of sauropods, four track types of herbivorous ornithopods, and six track types of armored dinosaurs.

Paleontologist Steve Salisbury from the University of Queensland said that the findings show that Broome, a town on Australia's western coast, was once a dinosaur hot spot.

He said that the diversity of the tracks was unparalleled on a global level and made the area the "Cretaceous equivalent of the Serengeti." Serengeti in Africa currently hosts the largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world. The region hosts about 70 large mammal and 500 bird species.

"The overall diversity of the dinosaurian ichnofauna of the Broome Sandstone in the Yanijarri-Lurujarri section of the Dampier Peninsula is unparalleled in Australia, and even globally," the researchers wrote in their study, which was published on March 24 in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

"[T]his ichnofauna provides our only detailed glimpse of Australia's dinosaurian fauna during the first half of the Early Cretaceous," they added.

Tracks To Provide More Information About Iconic Prehistoric Animal

The tracks are not just fascinating. Scientists are also excited about the find since the dinosaur footprints can help them learn more about the anatomy, diversity, and evolution of the dinosaurs. Analyses of dinosaur bones allow scientists to study the iconic prehistoric animals, but footprints also offer an array of information about these large creatures.

"What stands out are [the footprints'] immense physical size and the great variety of dinosaur tracks found there," said paleontologist Steve Brusatte from the University of Edinburgh. "Obviously, this part of Australia must have been a dinosaur stomping ground during the Early Cretaceous."

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Samsung Unveils Connect Home Smart WiFi Router | TechTree.com

Along with the much awaited Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus, Samsung has also unveiled a couple of other interesting products including Gear 360 Camera, Desktop Dock, and a router, which it calls the Connect Home Smart WiFi System.

This new router is in-fact not just a router, but also a SmartThings Hub. Though the company has not yet announced any details regarding the routers price and availability, a recent report published on Engadget.com mentions that the Connect Home System will be sold on its own or in a three-pack, while a pro version may also available.

To recall, Samsung bought the home automation company called as SmartThings in 2014, and now, as a result, the new router with SmartThings hub built-in can communicate with gadgets like Netgear Arlo security camera, Philips Hue lights, and Samsung appliances over WiFi, Zigbee, or Bluetooth 4.1. So, in-fact, once everything is setup, it is said to be as easy as managing everything with just a single smartphone app.

Technically speaking, the company has announced that the new router comes with a range of 1,500 feet, similar to what we get from Google WiFi. The Samsung Connect Home comes with 512 MB RAM, 4 GB of internal storage, quad-core 710 MHz processor, and 2x2 WiFi 802.11ac support.

Having said this, Samsung is definitely looking forward to cater more and more niche people who actually care about IoT, which we feel is pretty awesome, as most of the existing mesh WiFi routers do not yet cater this segment.

TAGS: Samsung
By Press Trust of India: Dubai, Mar 29 (PTI) US-bound premium class passengers of Etihad Airways will be given free Wi-Fi and iPads during their flight following the Trump administrations ban on carrying large electronic devices as cabin baggage on non-stop flights from mostly Muslim-majority countries, the airline said today.

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has announced that it will offer first and business class passengers free Wi-Fi and iPads on all its US bound flights starting April 2, Gulf News reported.

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The new service will enable busy customers to do some work mid-flight or communicate with friends and family despite the electronics ban.

"Premium Class guests on Etihad Airways flights to the US will receive Wi-Fi vouchers from our cabin crew with the onboard welcome drink. These vouchers will provide free Wi-Fi for the duration of the flight," the airline said.

"In addition to free Wi-Fi, well have iPads available on all US-bound flights for those that need them. Power and USB sockets at every seat will keep devices charged throughout the journey."

All Etihad passengers travelling from the Abu Dhabi International airport complete their US Immigration and Customs at the US Preclearance facility in Terminal 3. When passengers land in the US, they arrive as domestic passengers.

Travelers to the US from eight countries in the Middle East and Africa, including from major global hubs like Dubai, cannot carry large electronic devices like cameras and laptops as cabin baggage due to terrorism concerns.

According to the tough security restrictions, passengers will have to check in any devices bigger than a smartphone -- including iPads, Kindles and laptops -- before clearing security or boarding, US officials had said.

The ban deals a blow to the likes of Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways after US President Donald Trump earlier this year attempted to restrict citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the US. PTI AMS AKJ AMS

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The letter asks the Vice President, chairman of Rajya Sabha, to "allow extensive and uninterrupted discussion into every aspect of the Bill in the Upper House".

By Press Trust of India: A group of eminent citizens, including noted jurist Fali S Nariman, has written to Vice President Hamid Ansari expressing concern over classification of the Finance Bill, 2017, as a Money Bill.

The Finance Bill, 2017, includes 40 amendments to a number of acts which have "far-reaching" consequences for not only several laws but the very nature of Indian democracy and Constitution, says the letter.

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The letter asks the Vice President, chairman of Rajya Sabha, to "allow extensive and uninterrupted discussion into every aspect of the Bill in the Upper House".

It also urges him to "do everything else in his power" to ensure the practice of "by-passing" the Rajya Sabha for important bills by "illegitimately" classifying them as Money Bills is immediately stopped.

Besides Nariman, Girish Karnad, TM Krishna, Aruna Roy, Jayati Ghosh and 200 other citizen have expressed concern on the classification of the Finance Bill as Money Bill terming it as an "illegitimate" move by the government.

Jagdeep Chhokar of the Association for Democratic Reforms said amending 40 pieces of legislation through the Finance Bill without application of mind of the Rajya Sabha runs completely "against" the spirit of the Indian Constitution.

"While the government and the Speaker have ignored the concerns raised by the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, it has become a duty to speak out and raise concerns following the passage of a Bill that has in one fell swoop affected so many multiple rights that we normally take for granted," said economist Jayati Ghosh.

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Venezuela and Colombia resumed air operations on Monday with an inaugural flight departing from Caracas to Bogota after more than two years of suspension, said the Caribbean country's... | Read More
Opposition MPs in Rajya Sabha moved five amendments to the controversial Finance Bill during yesterday's discussion.

By India Today Web Desk: After facing an embarrassing situation in the Rajya Sabha, where Opposition party MPs forced in five amendments to the Finance Bill 2017, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is set to bring the draft act back to the Lok Sabha today.

Congress's Digvijaya Singh was responsible for moving three of the amendments, while Sitaram Yechury of CPI(M) moved another two. The amendments were adopted with a significant margin, with the difference of votes ranging between 27 and 34 votes.

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In the 245-member Rajya Sabha, the BJP has 56 seats while the NDA combine has 74 seats.

The original Finance Bill draft, which was passed by the Lok Sabha last week, included as many as 40 ammendments. Since it was passed as a Money Bill, the Rajya Sabha's move to amend the bill won't carry much weight if the Lok Sabha, where the Narendra Modi government has a majority, rejects the additions.

Opposition parties, especially the Congress, have been vocal in their criticism of the manner in which the bill was passed in the lower house.

Earlier yesterday, Arun Jaitley addressed the issue of Aadhaar and privacy protections, concerns over which have been raised in Parliament and on social media.

To Congress's P Chidambaram questioning if the government could guarantee that Aadhaar details would not leak, Jaitley said, "If the firewalls can be broken and hacking can take place, the hacking can take place anywhere," adding "Hacking does not take place because of Aadhaar".

He went on to admit that Aadhaar was a great initiative of the UPA government.

OTHER ORDER OF BUSINESS TODAY

The Footwear Design and Development Institute Bill, 2017, and Repealing and Amending Bill, 2017 is scheduled to come up for consideration and passage in the Lower House today.

In Rajya Sabha, Appropriation Railways Bill, 2017 and Appropriation Railways Number 2 Bill, 2017 will also be taken up for consideration and return.

Health Minister JP Nadda will move the amendments made by Lok Sabha in the Mental Healthcare Bill, 2016, for consideration in the Upper House.

(With agency inputs)

ALSO READ | Finance Bill's amendments to Income Tax Act: Black money crackdown or return of inspector raj?

ALSO READ | GST Bill in Lok Sabha: All 4 bills related to tax reforms pass litmus test

WATCH | Finance Minsiter Arun Jaitley answers Opposition in Rajya Sabha on GST Bill

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The lower house, where the Narendra Modi government enjoys a majority, rejected Rajya Sabha's five amendments to the Finance Bill 2017.

By India Today Web Desk: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today reintroduced Finance Bill 2017 to the Lok Sabha after the upper house on Wednesday forced in five amendments to the money bill.

The lower house, where the Narendra Modi government enjoys a majority, however rejected those amendments and passed the bill in its original form.

Congress's Digvijaya Singh moved three of the amendments, while Sitaram Yechury of CPI(M) moved another two. The amendments were adopted with a significant margin in the upper house, where the BJP has 56 out of 245 seats while the NDA combined has 74 seats.

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The Finance Bill is a controversial piece of legislation , with the Opposition accusing the Modi government of using the proposed law's status of a money bill to slip in as many as 40 amendments to existing laws.

Among its provisions is an amendment to the Income Tax Act which would essentially allow Income-Tax officers to conduct raids without disclosing the reason. The bill also makes Aadhaar mandatory for I-T filings and also removes the cap placed on how much money a company can donate to a political party.

The bill was cleared by the Lok Sabha last week, but the government faced an embarrassment in the upper house when Opposition MPs managed to vote in five amendments.

With the lower house now having rejected those amendments, they will not hold any weight and the bill will now directly to President Pranab Mukherjee for approval.

ALSO READ | After Rajya Sabha forces amendments, Arun Jaitley to bring Finance Bill 2017 back to Lok Sabha

ALSO WATCH | Finance Minsiter Arun Jaitley answers Opposition in Rajya Sabha on GST Bill

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By Press Trust of India: Amaravati, Mar 30 (PTI) Five workers died today after allegedly inhaling poisonous gas in an aqua food processing unit at Mogalturu town in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, police said.

According to a senior police official in Eluru here, the five persons, aged between 21 and 25, were cleaning a tank filled with chemicals, used for shrimp processing, when they inhaled the gas, and died.

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The poisonous gas was suspected to be ammonia, police said.

The tank is located over 100 meters away from Anand Aqua Food Processing unit at Nallavari Cheruvu under Mogalturu.

The deceased belonged to villages in the vicinity of the plant, police said.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu spoke to West Godavari District Collector Katamaneni Bhaskar and enquired about the incident. He directed Bhaskar to immediately take up relief measures.

Also, Deputy Chief Minister (Home) N China Rajappa spoke to district Superintendent of Police Bhaskar Bhushan and directed senior police officials to rush to the spot and submit a report.

YSR Congress president Y S Jaganmohan Reddy expressed shock and grief over the incident. He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families. PTI DBV DK PTP

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The flavours of Japanese food have won over the world's foodies. Here's everything you need to know about it.

Koel Purie gives us an insight into the flavours of Japan.

By India Today Web Desk: Koel Purie, the brand new mascot of Japan Tourism, gives us a rare insight into the world of Japanese food.

For those who don't know, Japanese food has as many types of cuisine as there are in Indian food. Whether it's the rich and spicy Kaiseki, the vegetarian cuisine created for Buddhist monks, or the Okonomiyaki, this nation's cuisines have a lot to offer.

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Koel gives us a taste of the famous Soup Curry of Sapporo, which has a spice level of 5 on a scale of 1 to 40, but still manages to blow your socks off!

Also read: Here's how an old Japanese ritual led to the foundation of Burning Mountain food

If you have come across Ramens, here's something that will make you sit up with joy--slurping, while indulging in one, is actually acceptable in Japan!

The Japanese believe that slurping shows that you're enjoying the food.And if that's really the case, which foodie wouldn't want to eat a bowl or two of Ramen with abandon?

Now don't just wonder what these amazing and sublime delicacies from Japan look like. Just take a trip to the many restaurants of Japan with Koel Purie, here:

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Heads up to prevent injury from falls Morning walks in my neighborhood are one of the most enjoyable parts of my day. I love the coolness of daybreak and the special sightings of the stag and two does that frequent our open space. I also enjoy my walk because each day at...

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By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Mar 29 (PTI) A group of eminent citizens, including noted jurist Fali S Nariman, has written to Vice President Hamid Ansari expressing concern over classification of the Finance Bill, 2017, as a Money Bill.

The Finance Bill, 2017, includes 40 amendments to a number of Acts which have "far-reaching" consequences for not only several laws but the very nature of Indian democracy and Constitution, says the letter.

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The letter asks the Vice President, chairman of Rajya Sabha, to "allow extensive and uninterrupted discussion into every aspect of the Bill in the Upper House".

It also urges him to "do everything else in his power" to ensure the practice of "by-passing" the Rajya Sabha for important Bills by "illegitimately" classifying them as Money Bills is immediately stopped.

Besides Nariman, Girish Karnad, TM Krishna, Aruna Roy, Jayati Ghosh and 200 other citizen have expressed concern on the classification of the Finance Bill as Money Bill terming it as an "illegitimate" move by the government.

Jagdeep Chhokar of the Association for Democratic Reforms said amending 40 pieces of legislation through the Finance Bill without application of mind of the Rajya Sabha runs completely "against" the spirit of the Indian Constitution.

"While the government and the Speaker have ignored the concerns raised by the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, it has become a duty to speak out and raise concerns following the passage of a Bill that has in one fell swoop affected so many multiple rights that we normally take for granted," said economist Jayati Ghosh. PTI VIT TIR

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Following a seven-hour debate on the GST bill in Parliament, the Lok Sabha approved four supplementary legislations on Wednesday.

By India Today Web Desk: As four key supplementary GST (Goods and Services Tax) bills were passed in Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the historic step, and congratulated everyone. The Prime Minister called it "New Year, New Law, New Bharat" as the government moved a step closer towards meeting the July 1 deadline for rollout of Goods and Services Tax in the country.

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Following a seven-hour debate on the GST bill in Parliament, the Lok Sabha approved the four supplementary legislations, but not before the Opposition raised objections to certain clauses and called for amendments to the bills.

However, the government, which has the numbers in Lok Sabha, negated the amendments and ensured the bills get cleared as it is. These bills are: Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Bill, Integrated GST Bill, Compensation GST Bill and Union Territory GST Bill 2017.

Calling it a revolutionary bill that will benefit all, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley led the charge in Lok Sabha. He said 12 meetings of the GST Council were held to ensure the process of drafting the bill and rolling out GST was based on consensus and recommendations.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE GST AND THE FOUR BILLS PASSED IN LOK SABHA: The Goods and Services (GST) is an indirect taxation wherein most of the existing taxes will be merged into a single taxation system. Once the GST Bill is passed, it will allow the Centre and the states to levy indirect tax on manufacture, sale and consumption of goods and services across the country. Simply put, the Goods and Services Tax would put all taxes levied by state and Central government in one basket and merge them into a single-tax system, thus doing away with multiple taxation and promoting the concept of a common market for all. The Goods and Services Tax is governed by the GST Council which is headed by the Finance Minister. In Arun Jaitley's words, "once all other taxes are removed, the cascading effect is removed, goods will become slightly cheaper". The biggest challenge for a smooth GST rollout is coordination between states and the Centre to ensure uniform tax rates for good and services. To this effect, the GST Council has approved a four-tier uniform tax slab of 5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent on goods and services, plus an additional cess on demerit goods such as luxury cars, aerated drinks and tobacco products. Food items will not attract any tax and have been kept in the zero-per cent slab. Similarly, petroleum products, although included under the GST, will remain in zero tax slab as of now. However, the GST Council is yet to take a call on whether to keep alcohol under the Goods and Services Tax. With the Goods and Services Tax coming in, Centre-level taxes likes Sales Tax, Excise Duty, and state-level taxes like Value-added Tax (VAT), Entertainment Tax and Luxury Tax will be subsumed. On Wednesday, among the four supplemtary GST bills passed in Lok Sabha was the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Bill. The CGST Bill will allow the Central government to levy and collect tax on intra-state supply of goods and services. The Integrated Goods and Services Tax Bill 2017 provides for levy and collection of tax on inter-state supply. The Compensation GST Bill will provide compensation to states for the loss of revenue they may incur owing to implementation of the Goods and Services Tax. Clarifying on the clause, Arun Jaitley told the House that no additional tax will be imposed to provide compensation to states, and states will be paid compensation within the existing mechanism. The other bill passed in Lok Sabha pertained to Union Territory Goods and Services Tax. The bill will enable levy and collection of tax on intra-state supply of goods and services or both by union territories.

(inputs from agencies and Wikipedia)

ALSO READ:

GST Bill passed in Lok Sabha: New indirect tax regime set for July 1 rollout, except...

GST: 17-year-journey of missed deadlines and shifting political goalposts

Hoping to implement GST from July 1, says Arun Jaitley

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How GST Bill will impact you?

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A federal judge in Louisiana who took medical leave after she was mysteriously pulled off a string of cases now faces a lawsuit from a fellow judge challenging her mental and physical capacity to manage her personal and financial affairs.

The case against U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi  one that legal experts said could be unprecedented for the federal judiciary  has been sealed from public view.

Louisiana judge who mysteriously surrendered string of cases takes medical leave A federal judge in Louisiana who has been mysteriously pulled off or surrendered a string of

But attorney Thomas Lorenzi confirmed Thursday that he filed the March 16 suit on behalf of U.S. Magistrate Kathleen Kay, who has served under Minaldi at the federal courthouse in Lake Charles for the past decade. Lorenzi said Kay is acting in her personal capacity as a longtime friend of Minaldi.

Minaldi's attorney, Glen Vamvoras, said the judge is fighting the suit because she is "competent and able to manage her own affairs."

"They're trying to take her civil rights away from her. They're overstepping," Vamvoras told The Associated Press in a phone interview Thursday.

Minaldi has served as a judge in the Western District of Louisiana since her nomination in 2003 by then-President George W. Bush. She pleaded guilty to a drunken driving charge in February 2014 and was sentenced to one year of probation. Dashcam video obtained by local news organizations showed her arguing with an officer and refusing to get out of her car before police arrested her outside her Lake Charles home.

It's unclear why the magistrate, and not a relative of Minaldi, initiated the case. Vamvoras said the judge and the magistrate "were very close friends at one time."

"Sometimes the best intentions don't always make it right. I'll leave it at that," he added.

The American Press, which first reported the suit's filing, asked a state judge on Wednesday to unseal the proceedings and make them public. State District Court Judge Ronald Ware scheduled an April 18 hearing for the newspaper's request.

University of Pittsburgh School of Law professor Arthur Hellman, an expert in judicial ethics, said he has never heard of another instance of one federal judge suing another.

"Judge Minaldi is her boss in the system," Hellman said. "The more I think about it, the more bizarre it is."

Dane Ciolino, a law professor at Loyola University in New Orleans, said Minaldi shouldn't return to the bench if the state court decides she must have a "curator" appointed to manage her affairs.

"If she can't make reasoned decisions about her own affairs, how can she make reasoned decisions about the litigants who appear before her?" Ciolino asked.

Tony Moore, clerk of court for the Western District of Louisiana, said in January that Minaldi had taken medical leave. Moore said on Wednesday that he couldn't comment on the lawsuit against Minaldi but said she remains on medical leave.

Dozens of cases originally assigned to Minaldi have been reassigned to other judges since late December.

On Dec. 6, a criminal trial in Minaldi's courtroom was cut short without explanation before a jury could be picked to hear the case against a man charged with producing child pornography and crossing state lines to have sex with a minor.

In February 2016, Minaldi was pulled off a man's fraud case following a series of mistakes in routine trial procedures. Court documents unsealed at the AP's request showed that even basic requirements  like telling jurors the burden of proof lies with prosecutors, not the defense  weren't followed.

In March 2016, Chief Judge Dee Drell removed Minaldi from criminal cases against a south Louisiana sheriff and several subordinates. No explanation was given, though the order came four days after Minaldi abruptly adjourned a hearing to accept guilty pleas by two sheriff's deputies. The two deputies wound up pleading guilty later that same day before another judge in Lafayette, more than 70 miles away.
In November, 58 percent of Louisiana voters cast their ballots for Donald Trump. A little more than two months into his presidency, his approv
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A homeless man accused of strangling, stomping on and kicking a woman before raping her in Baton Rouge in March was charged Thursday by a loca
Your free lunches at work might be taxed under GST Bill from July 1.

Your free lunches at work might be taxed under GST Bill (Image for representation, via Twitter)

By India Today Web Desk: Freebies provided by workplaces might come under the purview of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from July 1.

According to a report in the Times of India, company assets used by employees for personal use could trigger GST.

"Amenities provided to an employee, which is not part of his or her cost to company (CTC) package, could now possibly attract a GST levy," Sachin Menon, indirect tax leader at KPMG India, told ToI.

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Many companies offer their employees free lunches, car drops, scholarships for children - which are all usually not part of CTC packages.

This is basically because under the recently passed GST Bill, supply of goods or services, made in the course of furtherance of business, is taxable under Goods and Services Tax.

Under Schedule II of GST Bill, if goods and services held for the purpose of the business are put to any private use, they would be liable for GST levy. Which would mean if an employee uses the company car for personal reasons or receives a company-sponsored gym membership, it would count as a service under GST Bill and would trigger Goods and Services Tax.

LOOPHOLES

A few loopholes in the GST Bill are proving to be quite confusing for the employee-employer relationship.

Schedule 1 of GST Bill says that "gifts" -- with a maximum value of Rs 50,000 in a financial year -- given to employees by a company will not be treated as supply of goods and services.

But the GST Bill doesn't outline what exactly counts as gifts.

Now, benefits like food or cab drops that are provided to employees are often "contractual obligations" and not voluntary services provided by most companies. And it's obvious that "contractual obligations" cannot be counted as gifts. So, that would mean they should not be subjected to GST.

According to one tax expert, by this logic the only items that should come under the purview of GST -- only if they exceed the Rs 50,000 limit -- are actual gifts, like awards, Diwali gifts, rewards during in-house functions, etc.

Read | GST Bill: How goods and services tax regime will impact your life

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Missing 57-year-old woman, Lin Dennien has been located safe and well by NSW police on Friday afternoon.

ACT SES, Police Search & Rescue and Fire Search & Rescue have been searching for the Canberra woman who was last seen at Calvary Hospital around 10.30am on Sunday March 26.

Canberra woman Lin Dennien found in NSW four days after she went missing Credit:ACT Policing

Search teams had worked through the early part of the week from a command post near her last known location in Bruce, ACT.

However as of Friday efforts to locate her were focused in NSW.
Canberra's cat community have doubts about the practicality of the ACT government new strategy to strengthen enforcement of pet de-sexing laws.

RSPCA ACT has called for greater prevention and pet owner education efforts with president of the cat society Capital Cats raising questions about how the issue will be practically policed.

RSPCA CEO Tammy Ven Dange urges pet owners to desex their cats. Credit:Dion Georgopoulos

The current laws, in place since 2000, require cat owners to de-sex their animal once it has reached three months of age or face a $7000 fine.

Exceptions are given cats born before 2001 or to owners with an granted with an exemption permit for the breeding and health concerns.
The Central Industrial Security Force has decided to do away with hand baggage stamping at some major airports.

Hand baggage stamping done away with at major airports. Photo: PTI.

By India Today Web Desk: This April 1, when you are flying from any of the airports in seven selected cities, there's one less headache for you.

The Central Industrial Security Force has decided to do away with hand baggage stamping at seven major airports from this Saturday (April 1).

The airports where you will not have to get your hand baggage stamped are: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin and Ahmedabad.

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Minister of State for Home on Friday tweeted about the decision, saying that a joint security review has been taken taken.

No more stamping of hand baggage tags at 7 airports from 1st April. Joint security review fully taken. Our motto; Enjoy hassle free travel. pic.twitter.com/xiA4IjmH7x- Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) March 31, 2017

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS NEW STEP: Airports at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin and Ahmedabad have been chosen for the new system to "upgrade" the security system for the convenience of passengers, said an official. This new step by CISF will enhance the passenger experience at the airports. This would provide hassle-free security environment at airports without compromising with the security requirements, said CISF Director General O P Singh. "The present system of stamping of hand baggage tags at pre-embarkation security check points for these seven airports shall be dispensed with from April 1, 2017," the CISF chief said. The CISF chief said the paramilitary force, responsible for the security of 59 airports across India, had taken appropriate measures to "upgrade the security system by adopting this new system for the convenience of passengers". "The system will speed up the security check procedure and will give more time to CISF personnel for checking of suspected baggage," he added.

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Udan scheme: Now you can fly to 43 airports in India, see if your city is there

Airports to now be ranked in India based on services, those with poor facilities will be named and shamed

Mumbai to Delhi via train for Ravindra Gaikwad after Air India cancels ticket for third time

ALSO WATCH

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Of all the policy areas on which Luke Foley could attack Gladys Berejiklian, racial discrimination would have to rank among the least likely.

The daughter of Armenian migrants who has risen to the highest political office in the state, Berejiklian is the gold standard for working class migrant success.

What possible benefit could there be for Foley, a middle aged white guy of Irish stock, questioning Berejiklian's commitment to protecting the state's ethnic communities?

Yet there he was in question time this week repeatedly challenging her commitment to opposing "racist hate speech".
If there was ever any doubt the Somali-born, Dutch-American anti-Islam activist Ayaan Hirsi Ali has become a global brand, the hype around her speaking tour of Australia and New Zealand next week settles the question. Her handsome face adorns trams, her upcoming Melbourne appearance at Festival Hall billed as a "show". She is dubbed the "Hero of Heresy".

No longer the property of the writers festival crowd, the former Dutch parliamentarian, author of four books, campaigner for women's rights, survivor of female genital mutilation and butcher of political orthodoxies has gone mainstream. It is where she deserves to be. And by far the most compelling moral justification for Ali's celebrity, the reason I keep writing about her, is the illiberal impulses of the two groups united in hating her: the jihadists and the regressive leftists.

Anti-Islam activist and former Dutch parliamentarian Ayaan Hirsi Ali. Credit:Elisabetta Villa

Let's dispel some of the white noise you'll hear around her visit. "White" being a good hook for the accusation that she's traded on a personal story, key elements of which have been thrown into doubt and exposed her to scrutiny by Dutch immigration authorities. Fascinating how in this pious era of identity politics Ali's critics aren't moved to check their privilege when insisting she's not really the victim her potted bio might suggest.

The US Southern Poverty Law Centre canvassed the controversy about Ali's past when it branded her an "anti-Muslim extremist". That she wasn't really a refugee from Somalia because while her family had fled to Kenya, she hadn't witnessed the civil war of the 1990s. That she wasn't really fleeing an arranged marriage because attendees said she was at her wedding despite her claims to the contrary, and her husband paid her way to Europe and granted her a divorce. That her family wasn't really poor and not really that devout. No one has yet suggested her genitals weren't really mutilated, although one of her more enthusiastic detractors, Linda Sarsour, the hijab-clad organiser of the anti-Trump Women's March on Washington, insinuated the procedure did not go far enough, tweeting in 2011 that she wished she could remove Ali's vagina as the Somali was "not a real woman". Go the sisterhood.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has delivered a blast to the backbench rebels who helped sink the China extradition treaty, questioning their trust in Australia's own legal and political system.

The deputy Liberal leader has also extended an olive branch to bring Labor back to the table on the ratification, suggesting the government would be prepared to meet an opposition request to review the entire Extradition Act.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull withdrew the treaty from Parliament this week after a backlash from Labor, crossbench senator Cory Bernardi, and a group of government MPs who had threatened to cross the floor over the issue.

The treaty was first signed by John Howard in 2007 and after nearly a decade of delay, the government moved this year to bring it into effect based on advice from the Australian Federal Police and Department of Foreign Affairs that non-ratification was becoming a major diplomatic irritant.
"Except it isn't our third child. It is actually our sixth child," he wrote in The West Australian .

Hammond, who won the seat of Perth at last year's federal election, is the father to two healthy daughters but the couple have also experienced three early-term miscarriages.

Labor MP Tim Hammond has opened up about he and his wife's numerous miscarriages in a bid to encourage more couples to openly grieve.

"Three times in a row we felt the excitement and joy of that positive test. Three times in a row we felt the nerves of the days and weeks in which Lindsay remained pregnant. And three times in a row we felt the sorrow, grief and loss - when her dreaded cramping came and we lost our babies in the first trimester."

Hammond said that while he understands why some wish to mourn in private, he fails to understand the suffering that can occur when prospective parents do so in secret, "under the cover of some arbitrary non-disclosure period of seeing out the first trimester," he said.

The politician, 41, who replaced the retiring incumbent member for Perth Alannah MacTiernan last year, said the reasons for announcing their pregnancy earlier than the "right" time of 12 weeks was due to his busy schedule as a Federal "fly-in, fly-out" parliamentarian.

"Being away from home is made much easier in the knowledge that even though we are only at the 10-week mark, our family and friends know that Lindsay is pregnant, and she has all the support around her that we could possibly hope for - just in case something goes wrong.
The damage inflicted by childhood abuse is lifelong and catastrophic but support services for victims are "grossly inadequate", a royal commission has heard.

Shelly Braieoux told the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse she still suffers decades after allegedly being abused in a religious organisation.

"Being a survivor of sexual abuse is like being in a lifelong invisible war," she said.

"If the scars of sexual abuse were visual I'm sure I would be in a wheelchair with missing limbs and horribly deformed with burns and scars."
Students have a "dire" lack of interest in pursing a career in maths, with just eight out of 6492 students expressing a desire to work in maths when they finish school, data from a four-year NSW study reveals.

Kathryn Holmes, an education academic at Western Sydney University, was part of a study done at the University of Newcastle which explored why students choose science, mathematics, engineering and technology (STEM) careers.

Professor Holmes said the study revealed "a dire lack of interest in, or possible lack of knowledge of" careers focused on maths, with only eight students expressing interest in a maths career throughout the four years of the study.

Using data from the four-year NSW longitudinal study, Professor Holmes and her colleagues followed a group of students who were in years 3, 5, 7 and 9 when the study started, and in years 6, 8, 10 and 12 when it finished.
There are are hopes for a peace treaty to end the bitter industrial war that has racked the Tax Office for three years.

The ATO's most hardline workplace union says it is prepared to agree in principle to a new draft enterprise agreement for the revenue agency's 19,000 public servants.

Peace overtures. Australian Services Union official Jeff Lapidos.

The decision by the Australian Services Union to tentatively endorse the terms of a new proposal from Tax Office bosses is likely to carry weight out of proportion to its several-hundred strong membership, given the union's tough approach to the dispute in the past.

A settlement at the ATO would add momentum to a growing push for peace in other departments where tens of thousand of public servants remain locked in a bitter industrial combat with the Coalition government, which has been raging since the early days of the Abbott-government.
High-profile Sydney broadcaster Alan Jones has lashed the Berejiklian government over the appointment of Mick Fuller as the state's new police chief, claiming it "doesn't pass the smell test".

Jones, a long-time backer of Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn, said that Ms Burn - who had also applied for the job - was "the outstandingly credentialled candidate" with a CV that "no one in the country could match".

Broadcaster Alan Jones has been very supportive of now disgraced minister Ian Macdonald. Credit:James Brickwood

He told Fairfax Media that state cabinet had "taken the line of least resistance" and "marginalised Burn, and put up some bloke who has never been a deputy commissioner. How the hell does someone ... from the Department of Premier tell us that such a person, someone who hasn't been a deputy commissioner, should be commissioner? It doesn't pass the smell test."

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced on Thursday morning that Mr Fuller - who until now has ranked below Ms Burn as an assistant commissioner - would be the new head of the NSW Police Force, ending the 10-year reign of Andrew Scipione.
By Brijesh Pandey: Home Minister Rajnath Singh will chair the 11th Standing Committee meeting of the Inter-State Council on April 9 to discuss the recommendations of the Punchhi Commission on Centre-state relations.

The forthcoming meeting of the Standing Committee of Inter State Council will be examining the first three volumes of the Punchhi Commission's report. The subjects expected to be discussed at the meeting include significant issues concerning Centre-State relations, such as the role of Governors, Centrally-sponsored schemes and financial transfers from the Centre to the states, creation of a unified agricultural market for the nation, measures to involve the states more closely in planning and delivery of services, steps to be adopted to make Inter State Council more vibrant and measures directed towards better fiscal management by the Centre and the states.

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The meeting acquires special significance because it is being convened after a gap of 11 years. The recommendations of the Standing Committee will be placed before the Inter State Council at its next meeting.

Also read:

Supreme Court asks Centre, Jammu and Kashmir government why no panel for minority rights protection in the state

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Holidaymakers and staff are being evacuated from Hamilton Island, with the Whitsunday island's airstrip now open following the destruction caused by Cyclone Debbie.

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said evacuations had begun from the island.

On Daydream Island, where people were also stranded, defence force personnel have flown in with food, water and fuel.

They have capacity to evacuate about 200 people from Daydream Island, Ms Trad said.
A man has been charged with the murder of missing Brisbane 22-year-old Sam Thompson after police seized a car and searched an Ipswich rubbish tip.

The 23-year-old Bald Hills man has also been charged with one count of interfering with a corpse.

Samuel Thompson went missing after leaving his Albion unit, with police finding his Ford Mustang in northern NSW.

Mr Thompson's remains are yet to be found and forensic officers are continuing investigations at a home in Bald Hills which "remains a primary crime scene", police say.

Police refused to confirm whether the Bald Hills man lived at the property, or if he was connected to it in any way.
South-east Queensland schools will remain closed on Friday as a result of the severe weather.

And Brisbane residents have been urged to stay home and prepare for more severe weather on Thursday afternoon.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she apologised for the inconvenience of state, independent and Catholic schools being closed for two days, ahead of the start of school holidays on Saturday.

"But I do not apologise for putting the safety of Queenslanders, families and children front and centre," she said.
A push to ban rough sleeping in Melbourne's CBD is facing overwhelming opposition from the public and city institutions, with thousands speaking out against the plan and condemning the council for its "disappointing" lack of leadership.

The City of Melbourne is seeking to introduce by-laws that would ban public camping and allow the confiscation of homeless people's belongings if they're left unattended.

But the results of a community consultation released on Thursday show the proposal is facing huge resistance and has created "moral outrage".

A group representing 16 churches in central Melbourne said the camping ban combined with the confiscation of belongings created "an impossible situation" for the homeless.
Concerned parents continue to hold out hope for the State Government to backflip on its election promise to relocate Perth Modern School.

Premier Mark McGowan and Education Minister Sue Ellery proposed to re-locate WA's sole academically-selective high school from its Roberts Road site to a 16 floor high rise in the CBD during WA Labor's election campaign. The Government has also flagged its intentions to halt the gifted program at Perth Modern in 2020.

An artist's impression of Labor's City Link proposal.

The proposal has previously drawn criticism from different groups since its announcement, and many parents have expressed concerns about the high rise plan put forward by Labor.

A Save the Perth Modern School spokesperson said the group had not received any updates from the Labor Government on the issue since the election, but hoped consultation talks would begin soon.
Bangkok: The body of Kim Jong-nam has been released to North Korea as part of a complex deal with Malaysia, brokered to end a bitter row between the two nations which began with Mr Kim's brazen nerve agent assassination.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak announced the deal, which included nine Malaysians being allowed to fly out of the North Korean capital Pyongyang to return to Malaysia. The nine people, three embassy workers and six family members, had already boarded a plane in Pyongyang when Mr Najib made the announcement on Thursday night.

Two women smeared deadly VX nerve agent on Kim Jong-nam's face as he was about to board a flight to Macau. Credit:AP

They flew home in a government jet and greeted by Foreign Minister Anifah Aman at the airport early on Friday, Reuters reported.

Mr Anifah said their safe return reflected "diplomacy at its best".
Cairo: A plank of wood believed to be from the boat of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh has been unearthed near the Great Pyramid at Giza, archaeologists say.

The boat is believed to have been built for King Khufu, also known by his Greek name of Cheops amid other names.

A restoration expert treats a giant piece of wood believed to have been from one of King Khufu's boats. Credit:AP

Khufu ruled Egypt during the fourth dynasty more than 4500 years ago and built the largest of Egypt's iconic pyramids.

Experts say they have uncovered 700 pieces of the boat from the site since the first discovery in the 1980s and now believe that they have found most of it.
US President Donald Trump has had a long-standing relationship with Russian officials. Credit:Bloomberg Millian told several people that during the campaign and presidential transition he was in touch with George Papadopoulos, a campaign foreign policy adviser, according to a person familiar with the matter. Millian is among Papadopoulos's nearly 240 Facebook friends. Trump aides vehemently reject Millian's claims to have had close contact with Trump or high-level access to the president's company. James Comey, director of the FBI, listens to testimony during the Senate Intelligence Committee hearing in Washington Credit:Bloomberg Millian did not answer a list of detailed questions about his interactions with Trump and his role in the Steele dossier, instead responding by email with lengthy general defenses of Trump's election as "God's will" and complaining that inquiries about his role are evidence of a "witch hunt" and "McCarthyism."

"Any falsifications, deceit and baseless allegations directed against any US President is damaging to the national security interests of the United States," he wrote in one email. "Publishing slanderous stories about the President's decency and offensive material about the first family is malicious propaganda and a threat to the national security in order to destabilise the integrity of the United States of America and stir civil disorder aiming at reducing its political influence in the world." In late January, Millian appeared on Russian television, where he denied knowing information that could be damaging to Trump. "I want to say that I don't have any compromising information, neither in Russia nor in the United States, nor could I have," he said, speaking in Russian. "Without a doubt it is a blatant lie and an effort of some people - it's definitely a group of people - to portray our president in a bad light using my name." The dossier, decried by Trump as "phony stuff" and "fake news" and derided by Russian President Vladimir Putin as "rubbish," consists of a series of reports compiled by Steele over the course of several months before the election. Millian, identified in different portions of the dossier as "Source D" and "Source E," is described as a "close associate of Trump." In addition to the salacious allegations that gained widespread attention, the dossier attributed other claims to Millian. For instance, Steele wrote that Millian asserted that there was a "well developed conspiracy of cooperation between [Trump] and Russian leadership," claiming the relationship was managed for Trump by former campaign chairman Paul Manafort. A Manafort spokesman said "every word in the dossier about Paul Manafort is a lie."

Some of those who know Millian described him as more of a big-talking schmoozer than a globe-trotting interlocutor. They say he's a self-promoter with a knack for getting himself on television - like the time he appeared on a 2013 episode of the Bravo reality show "Million Dollar Listing," where he attempted to broker a sale with a Russian-speaking client who agreed to pay $US7 million in cash for a luxury New York unit. "He's an opportunist. If he sees an opportunity, he would go after it," said Tatiana Osipova, who was a neighbour of Millian's when he lived in Atlanta and who in 2006 helped him found a trade group, the Russian American Chamber of Commerce in the USA. Osipova now lives in St. Petersburg but has remained in touch with Millian. "He's a fun guy, a smart guy. But always talking. He talks so much shit." Millian's original name was Siarhei Kukuts, but those who know him say he changed it because he wanted something that sounded more elegant. He told ABC News in July that he changed his name to honour his grandmother, whose last name he said was Millianovich. He has also at times gone by the name Sergio Millian. "My general impression of him was that he just wanted to be important. Nobody really knew what he or the chamber were doing, but he presented himself with grandeur," said Nadia Diskavets, a New York photographer who was also a founding member of the Russian American Chamber of Commerce but has not been in touch with Millian recently. "So I always took everything he said with a grain of salt." Another acquaintance referred to him in a similar way, saying he exaggerated his connections with Trump and with the Russians. "He's too small of a fish to deal with Russian people," she said. "They will smell his smallness from miles away."

Born in Belarus, Millian, 38, attended a university in Minsk. A Russian-language version of his biography that was posted on the Russian American Chamber of Commerce's website says he studied to be a military translator. He arrived in the early 2000s as a young, single professional in Atlanta, which has a large Russian-speaking community. Friends there said he worked in real estate, and, according to one resume posted online, he opened a translating business whose clients included the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Friends said that Millian founded the Russian American Chamber of Commerce as a way to forge business ties between the United States and Russia and as a personal networking opportunity. Millian's affiliation with the group also appears to have boosted his profile in Russia. He hosted events in the United States and abroad on the chamber's behalf and, after moving to New York, began being interviewed repeatedly by Russian-language news outlets as an expert on US-Russia relations. He travelled to Moscow in 2011 courtesy of a Russian government cultural group later investigated by the FBI for allegedly recruiting spies, though there is no evidence that the inquiry involved Millian. Millian's account of his relationship with Trump has shifted over time. As the Republican candidate was rising in the spring of 2016, a time before there was close scrutiny of Trump's ties to Russia, Millian used his media appearances to describe deep connections with the New York real estate mogul.

He told the Russian state-operated news agency RIA Novosti last April, for instance, that he met Trump at a Miami horse-racing track after "mutual associates" had organised a trip for Trump to Moscow in 2007. From there, Millian said, he entered into a business arrangement in which he says he helped market a Trump-branded condominium complex in Hollywood, Florida, to international investors, including Russians. Millian's description of the Miami event appears to match up with a picture he posted on Facebook that appears to show him posing with Trump and the project's developer, Jorge Perez - the only evidence that Millian ever met Trump. A spokesman for Perez said his company has no record of paying Millian in connection with the project, and Perez declined to comment further. A White House spokeswoman said, "Sergei Millian is one of hundreds of thousands of people the president has had his picture made with, but they do not know one another."

Millian, however, promoted ties he claimed to hold with Trump's company. A 2009 newsletter posted to the website of the Russian American Chamber of Commerce reported that the group had "signed formal agreements" with the Trump Organisation and Perez's company "to jointly service the Russian clients' commercial, residential and industrial real estate needs." In the interview with RIA Novosti, Millian boasted that when he was in New York, Trump introduced him to his "right-hand man," Michael Cohen, a longtime Trump adviser - a claim that Cohen has denied. "He is the chief attorney of Trump, through whom all contracts have to go," Millian told the Russian news outlet, adding, "I was involved in the signing of a contract" to promote Trump's real estate projects in Russia. "You can say that I was their exclusive broker," Millian continued in Russian. "Back then, in 2007-2008, Russians by the dozens were buying apartments in Trump's buildings in the USA."

Asked in the April interview how often he spoke to Trump or his associates, Millian responded: "The last time was several days ago." Millian told people last year that he was in touch with Papadopoulos, whom Trump had described in a March 2016 Washington Post editorial board interview as a member of his foreign policy team and an "excellent guy." Papadopoulos received attention during the campaign largely because of reports that he had exaggerated his resume and cited among his accomplishments that he had participated in a Model United Nations program for college and graduate students. But, according to foreign news reports and officials, he conducted a number of high-level meetings last year and presented himself as a representative of the Trump campaign. He told a group of researchers in Israel that Trump saw Putin as "a responsible actor and potential partner," according to a column in the Jerusalem Post, while later he met with a British Foreign Office representative in London, an embassy spokesman said. He also criticised US sanctions on Russia in an interview with the Russian news outlet Interfax. Papadopoulos did not respond to questions about contacts with Millian. But Papadopoulos said by email that his public comments during the campaign reflected his own opinions and that some of his energy policy views run counter to Russian interests. "No one from the campaign ever directed me to discuss 'talking points,' " he said. In a separate email, he accused The Post of relying on "innuendo" and "unsubstantiated claims by irrelevant sources."

Neither Millian nor a White House spokeswoman responded to questions about Papadopoulos. The person familiar with the contacts, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, did not provide details. Over the summer, as Trump prepared to accept the Republican presidential nomination, Millian travelled to Russia. He posted pictures on his Facebook page showing that he attended a Russian government-sponsored summit in St. Petersburg in June. One photograph shows him with Russia's minister for energy. Another shows him chatting with Russian aluminum magnate Oleg Deripaska, who is close to Putin. A spokeswoman for Deripaska declined to comment. A spokesman for the Russian Embassy did not respond to questions about Millian. Later in the summer, Millian continued boasting of his Trump connections. He told ABC News that he had been the "official broker" for the Trump-branded condo building and described Trump's affinity for working with Russians. He pointed to "hundreds of millions of dollars that [Trump] received from interactions with Russian businessmen." Millian added that Trump "likes Russia because he likes beautiful Russian ladies - talking to them, of course. And he likes to be able to make lots of money with Russians."

Millian told ABC that he was "absolutely not" involved with Russian intelligence. But when asked whether he had heard rumors to that effect, Millian replied, "Yes, of course." Millian also said that, at times, he talked about US politics with top Russian officials. "Usually if I meet top people in the Russian government, they invite me, say, to the Kremlin for the reception, of course I have a chance to talk to some presidential advisers and some top people," Millian said. While Cohen has said he has never met Millian, the two did interact last year over Twitter. Millian was, for a time, one of about 100 people that Cohen followed and they tweeted at each other on one occasion in August after Cohen appeared on television. Cohen later unfollowed Millian, telling The Post that he had mistakenly thought Millian was related to a Trump Organisation employee with a similar last name. "He is a total phony," Cohen said in an interview. "Anything coming out of this individual's mouth is inaccurate and purely part of some deranged interest in having his name in the newspaper."

Cohen said he did not believe Trump was in Russia in 2007, as Millian claimed in April. Cohen said it was possible that, like other brokers in Florida, Millian might have attempted to sell units at Trump Hollywood. But, he said, Millian never held an exclusive deal at the project or any contract with the Trump Organisation. Speaking with The Post over the phone from his New York office in a January interview, Cohen also read aloud from a lengthy email he said Millian had sent him shortly before the election that contradicted his earlier public statements. "I met Mr. Trump once, long time ago, in 2008, pretty much for a photo opportunity and a brief talk as part of my marketing work for Trump Hollywood, after my brokering service was signed. Now, to say that I have substantial ties is total nonsense," Cohen said, reading from an email he said Millian wrote after media coverage that mentioned him. In the email, Millian suggested holding a news conference to clear up the matter, Cohen said. Cohen said he rejected the idea, accusing Millian via email of "seeking media attention off of this false narrative of a Trump-Russia alliance" despite having met Trump only one time, "for a 10 second photo op."

Cohen, who left his job at the Trump Organisation in January to become Trump's personal attorney, said this month that he could not release a copy of Millian's email because he no longer has access to the company's email system. In South Florida, where Millian claimed to have had a contract to sell units at Trump Hollywood, there is little evidence that he played a major role. Daniel Lebensohn, whose company BH3 took over for the Related Group in 2010 after Perez's company struggled to complete the project, said his company's records show no sign that Millian sold any units in the building. Two Florida-based real estate brokers who specialise in the Russian market and have sold units in Trump Hollywood were equally mystified. "I've never heard of him," said Olga Mirer, who has travelled back and forth to Russia over the past decade brokering deals at Trump Hollywood and other Florida buildings.
By Press Trust of India: Mumbai, Mar 30 (PTI) The Maharashtra government has directed state-run district hospitals and medical colleges to set up special rooms to treat patients affected by heatwave, the legislative council was informed today.

The sudden rise in day temperatures and the prevailing heatwave conditions in the state figured in the Council today.

All 36 district, 125 sub-district hospitals and medical colleges have been asked to set up special rooms to treat patients suffering from symptoms of heatstroke, said Minister for Public Health Deepak Sawant.

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"Normally, these instructions are issued in April, but they have been issued in March itself due to rise in temperatures," Sawant said.

He said so far, two persons, one each in Aurangabad and Solapur, are reported to have died due to heatwave.

Meanwhile, Minister for Relief and Rehabilitation Chandrakant Patil, speaking to reporters, said the government has issued advisory of "Dos" and "Donts" for the public to follow in view of the heat-wave like conditions.

Patil said there was no provision for compensation to people who succumb to extreme heatwave conditions.

Intervening in the debate, Council Chairman Ramraje Naik-Nimbalkar mentioned about the committee of experts and NGOs set up by Parliament to dwell on climate change, and said the state, too, needs to set up such a panel.

"At least the House should set up such a committee comprising all party members to dwell on the issue," he said.

Speaking in the Upper House, Hemant Takle (NCP) said the government was not serious about the handling the issue of heatwave. Day temperatures in places like Chandrapur, Yavatmal and Nanded had already touched 42 to 43 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, sources in the Relief and Rehabilitation department said the government has issued general advisory asking people to take precautions during the summer season. PTI MM RSY

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WINDSOR, ON, March 30, 2017; The announcement of a $1.2-billion investment by Ford in Windsor is welcomed news and was made possible by Unifor's successful contract talks with the company last fall.

"Unifor went into talks with the Detroit Three with one goal in mind  secure investment in the Canadian auto industry to ensure good jobs for future generations," Unifor National President Jerry Dias said. "This investment shows the good things that happen for the entire community when there is a voice for working people at the table."

The collective agreement with Ford, ratified last November, called on the automaker to invest $713 million in its Canadian operations over the next four years. Ford's investment will see its Windsor operations develop into a world-class powertrain facility, its Oakville Assembly plant upgraded and establishment of a $500-million research and development centre.

"The production investments we negotiated will be backed up by the research that will now also be done here," Dias said.

Dias also welcomed the investment of $100 million each from the federal and provincial governments in the Windsor operations, noting that the recent federal budget talked about a new Strategic Innovation Fund, but offered few details on how it would operate.

"It is good to see both levels government investing in good jobs. The announcements today are a testament to the dedication and commitment of the workers at Ford," Dias said.

Across the Detroit Three, Unifor negotiated $1.6 billion worth of new investment from Ford, Fiat Chrysler and General Motors.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 310,000 workers, including 45,000 in the auto sector. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers union merged.
Jeep and Mopar Brands Reveal New Concept Vehicles for 51st Annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari +VIDEO

LEARN MORE: Jeep History 1941-2011

Jeep Grand One celebrates the 25th anniversary of the 1993 Grand Cherokee ZJ

Jeep Safari delivers optimal views for all passengers while providing protection from the elements

Jeep Quicksand is a hot rod-inspired Wrangler built for sand dunes

Jeep Trailpass delivers Compass Trailhawk capability with added utility and cargo

Jeep Switchback boasts added capability with 4-inch lift kit, 37-inch tires and Dana 44 axles

Jeep CJ66 makes its Moab debut, fusing a trio of vehicle generations and fueled by a Mopar 345 Crate HEMI Engine Kit

debut, fusing a trio of vehicle generations and fueled by a Mopar 345 Crate HEMI Engine Kit Jeep Luminator delivers the ultimate in lighting performance

Vehicles showcase a variety of Jeep Performance Parts available to enthusiasts

AUBURN HILLS, MI - March 31, 2017: The Jeep and Mopar brands have once again teamed up to develop a variety of vehicles that will debut at the annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, April 8-16. Now in its 51st year, the Easter Jeep Safari is attended by thousands of die-hard off-road enthusiasts looking to enjoy a week of serious off-roading on some of the country's most well-known and challenging trails.

"It's truly a labor of love for the Jeep team to develop exciting, capable concept vehicles each year for Moab and the Easter Jeep Safari," said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand  FCA Global. "We look forward to the reaction and feedback from enthusiasts and our most loyal customers as these new Jeep concepts are put through their paces on the trails in Moab."

An array of production and prototype Jeep Performance Parts were used on this year's collection of concept vehicles. The Mopar brand is responsible for developing, building and ensuring that all Jeep Performance Parts meet rigorous specifications and with 4x4 capabilities in mind, enabling Jeep owners to further enhance their stock vehicles.

"Jeep and Mopar have teamed up over 15 years to create unique, fun and highly capable concept vehicles for the popular Easter Jeep Safari in Moab," said Pietro Gorlier, Head of Parts and Service (Mopar), FCA  Global. "These concept vehicles are a perfect example of how off-road enthusiasts can use Jeep Performance Parts to personalize and enhance the already outstanding Jeep capability, allowing them to face the toughest trails in the world."

The 2017 Easter Jeep Safari concept vehicles include:

Jeep Grand One



The Jeep Grand One celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Grand Cherokee with a modernized spin on a classic 1993 ZJ.

On the exterior, the Grand One concept features custom 18-inch lace-style wheels, high-clearance fender flares, extended wheelbase, trimmed fascias and a subtle wood grain treatment on the body.

The Jeep Grand One concept includes 33-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires, front and rear axles equipped with selectable locking differentials and a 2-inch suspension lift.

Inside, the interior continues the celebration of the original Grand Cherokee with '90s-inspired materials and touches, a durable bed liner applied to replace the carpet and accessorized with an old-school car phone.

The Grand One is powered by a 5.2-liter V-8 engine, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.

Jeep Safari



The family-focused Jeep Safari concept is all about bringing the outdoors in while keeping the doors and roof on, with a special emphasis on giving the backseat passengers a great view.

This high-tech, Wrangler-based concept features a translucent hard-top roof panel, two-level aluminum cargo rack with incorporated drone, a raked windshield, boatsided rocker panels, LED headlamps, and custom LED tail lamps and parking/turn lamps.

The Safari's unique "windoors," made of lightweight aluminum and clear vinyl, are hinged so that they open like a cabinet, making the entrance to the vehicle particularly unique. The doors feature zipper openings to let in fresh air.

Inside, the two rear bucket seats are rotated outboard, making it easier for rear seat occupants to view out the side of the Safari. The custom interior includes an instrument panel-mounted iPad, adding to the high-tech vibe.

Jeep Performance Parts featured on the Safari include a front and rear Dana 44 axle equipped with selectable differential lockers and 2-inch lift. Overall body length has been reduced to make the Safari more nimble on the trails.

The Jeep Safari also includes 35-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires on custom 18-inch wheels, custom full-length skid plates, steel front and rear bumpers, integrated on-board air system, upgraded brakes and unique cold air intake.

The Jeep Safari is powered by the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.

Jeep Quicksand



Created for enthusiasts who love the sand life, the Jeep Quicksand is a loud, fast and fun hot rod.

The Quicksand concept is powered by a Mopar 392 Crate HEMI engine with eight-stack injection, mated to a six-speed Getrag manual transmission. A "peekaboo" cutout in the hood and gasser-style downturned open headers add to the vintage hot rod feel.

This Wrangler-based concept features a longer wheelbase, with trimmed front and rear body and a chopped hard top and windshield. An open top and open windows allow for full enjoyment of Quicksand's sound and wind-in-your-face freedom.

Inside, the minimalist interior features red accents, two front low-back bucket seats, flat aluminum door panels, tilt-out windshield glass and a chrome roll bar.

While the Quicksand was made for wheeling in sand, its off-road credentials ensure that it is fully capable in any terrain. Its staggered tire setup (a trait never before included on any Jeep concept) features 32-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires in the front and 37-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires in the rear, and coilover shocks, all on 18-inch vintage "kidney bean" alloy wheels.

The Quicksand concept also features a Warn winch concealed in a front-mounted Moon tank. A recovery rope is located in the rear, replacing the traditional drag racer's parachute.

Jeep Trailpass



Based on the all-new Jeep Compass, the Jeep Trailpass concept vehicle takes the Compass Trailhawk a step further for an extreme off-road adventure.

A 1.5-inch lift kit and 18-inch wheels with a unique pocket accent on Continental TerrainContact all-terrain tires increase the off-road capabilities of the Jeep Trailpass concept. Jeep Performance Parts featured on the Trailpass include a Jeep roof basket, cross rails and rock rails.

The Trailpass exterior features Gloss Black side mirror caps, a custom hood graphic, side stripes, tinted headlamps and tail lamps, and a Mopar/Thule roof basket with roof bag and traction mats.

Inside, the Jeep Trailpass includes custom Katzkin leather seats and armrest, body-color bezel accents and Jeep Performance Parts all-weather floor mats.



The Jeep Trailpass is powered by the 2.4-liter Tigershark engine and mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Jeep Switchback

The Jeep Switchback concept vehicle is equipped with an assortment of Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts for the ultimate in off-road performance.

Jeep Performance Parts featured on the Switchback include a front and rear Dana 44 axle, a 4-inch lift with Remote Reservoir Fox shocks, heavy-duty cast differential covers, 10th Anniversary steel front and rear bumpers, Rubicon winch, grille, winch guard and cold air intake.

An axle-back exhaust, 17-inch concept wheels and 37-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires increase the off-road capabilities of the Jeep Switchback.

The Switchback exterior features a concept hood and half doors, topped off with a concept "Safari" hard top and roof rack system. The Switchback's exterior also includes Jeep Performance Parts high-top fender flares, Mopar black fuel door and tail lamp guards, and Jeep Performance Parts swing gate hinge reinforcement and oversized spare tire carrier.

The Switchback's advanced lighting systems ensure superior visibility in any trail conditions, with a concept LED off-road windshield light bar, concept LED off-road A-pillar lamps, LED tail lamps, and Jeep Performance Parts LED headlamps and fog lamps.

The Jeep Switchback's interior features Katzkin leather seats, body-color bezel accents, concept sport bar grab handles, spray-in bed liner on the floor and Mopar all-weather mats. The cargo area also features a Mopar swing gate storage rack with first aid and roadside safety kits.



The Jeep Switchback is powered by the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.



Jeep CJ66



Take a Jeep Wrangler TJ frame, hang a 1966 Jeep Wrangler CJ universal Tuxedo Park body on it, add in Wrangler JK elements, power it all with a Mopar 345 Crate HEMI Engine Kit-enabled 5.7-liter HEMI and you have the Jeep CJ66.

The narrow-bodied Jeep CJ66 concept, which made its debut at the 2016 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas in November, harnesses the 383 horsepower of the 5.7-liter HEMI engine with a six-speed manual transmission. A Mopar 345 Crate HEMI engine cover shelters the powerplant and a Mopar cold-air intake and Mopar cat-back exhaust bump up its off-road performance a notch or two. Front and rear Mopar Dana 44 Crate axles help the Wrangler easily crawl over rocks and boulders.



The Copper Canyon-colored body stands out proudly, riding high on 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires wrapped around functional, Jeep Performance Parts 17-inch beadlock wheels and paired with a 2-inch lift kit. A concept two-way air system lets off-roaders quickly air up or air down tires to the desired pressure. Oversized, concept fender flares offer defense against trail obstacles at the front and rear, with added protection delivered by Mopar 10th Anniversary Wrangler JK Rubicon Bumper Kits, Jeep Performance Parts skid and front bumper plates and concept Jeep Performance Parts rock rails.



The Copper Canyon skin is highlighted on both sides with a custom matte black CJ66 graphic stripe that runs along the side of hood. The concept hood, bezel and latch also are matte black, along with the iconic seven-slot Jeep grille and bezels of the Wrangler JK headlamps. Mopar LED amber fog lamps and a Mopar Warn winch augment the CJ66's off-road capabilities. The custom, race car-inspired fuel filler cap is shifted to the inside fender wheel well.



Looking out from the cropped windshield, the driver and passenger are perched in custom Dodge Viper seats featuring concept seat risers. The cockpit is surrounded by a custom-built roll cage, while a bikini top netting offers shade and cover from the elements. A Wrangler JK center console and shifter, Mopar instrument panel gauges and Mopar all-weather mats complete the interior.



Jeep Luminator



The Jeep Luminator reigns supreme in off-road lighting performance, with a full arsenal of advanced lighting features designed to deliver superior visibility on the trail, jointly developed with the Automotive Lighting division of Magneti Marelli.

This Wrangler-based concept features magnetic underbody rock lights, powerful 7-inch LED projector bi-function headlamps, unique LED tail lamps, A-pillar-mounted high-powered LED spot lights, upper bumper LED auxiliary lighting with cornering fog lamps controlled by the steering angle, and low-profile integrated overhead LED auxiliary spot lights protected behind the windshield. The Jeep Luminator also includes LED versions of the standard 100 mm fog lamp and grille-mounted turn signals unique to the Wrangler.



On the Luminator's hood is a scanning LED light bar module with active spot and dynamic following technology, which delivers spot lighting to avoid wildlife or hazards on the trail ahead. On the rear, the center high-mount stop light acts as a scouting/trail lamp with four-color LEDs for trail rides, indicating stop (red), 1-3 miles per hour (amber), 3-25 mph (green) or providing rear flood lighting (white).



Other features include a roof-mounted solar panel, a drone landing pad with lighted drone and removable spare tire storage case, and a capacitive touch interactive display on the driver's side rear window linked to GPS and internet services.



Jeep Brand

Built on more than 75 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.



The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Renegade and Wrangler. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left and right-hand drive configurations and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options.



Mopar Brand

Mopar (a simple contraction of the words Motor and PARts) was trademarked in 1937 with the launch of an antifreeze product, but it truly made its mark in the 1960s during the muscle-car era. From Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use, the brand soon expanded to include technical service and customer support.



Today, Mopar is FCA's service, parts and customer-care brand and distributes more than 500,000 parts and accessories in over 150 markets around the world. With more than 50 parts distribution centers and 27 customer-contact hubs globally, Mopar integrates service, parts and customer-care operations in order to enhance dealer and customer support worldwide. Mopar is the source for genuine parts and accessories for FCA brands.



Mopar parts are engineered together with the same teams that create factory-authorized specifications for FCA vehicles. This offers a direction connection that no other aftermarket parts company can provide. A complete list of Mopar accessories and performance parts is available at www.mopar.com.



Jeep Performance Parts

The Jeep Performance Parts portfolio, created in 2012 and offered by Mopar for the Jeep brand, provides enthusiasts with high-end, hard-core quality aftermarket accessories and performance parts, including axles, lift kits, bumpers, winches, skid plates, suspension components and more. These aftermarket offerings are engineered together with the same teams that create factory-authorized specifications for FCA vehicles and help elevate the Jeep vehicles' already best-in-class off-road performance to the next level. Each part and accessory is specifically designed, built and quality tested to help transform stock rides into even more capable trail performers.



Easter Jeep Safari

Easter Jeep Safari consists of trail rides, mostly day-long trips, departing from Moab, Utah, throughout the nine-day-long event. The Jeep Safari was started in 1967 by the Moab Chamber of Commerce as a one-day trail ride. Over the years, as participation grew, the Safari expanded until it finally reached the current nine-day event. "Big Saturday" remains the culmination of the event on the Saturday of Easter weekend.

The Most In-Depth Independent Jeep Vehicle Consumer Research - Anywhere!

About Jeep

Jeep is an automobile marque (and registered trademark) of Chrysler. It is the oldest off-road vehicle (also sport utility vehicle - SUV) brand, with Land Rover coming in a close second. The original vehicle which first appeared as the prototype Bantam BRC became the primary light 4 wheel drive car of the US Army and allies during the World War II and postwar period. Many vehicles serving similar military and civilian roles have since been created by many nations.

The first jeep prototype (the Bantam BRC) was built for the Department of the Army by American Bantam in Butler, Pennsylvania, followed by two other competing prototypes produced by Ford and Willys-Overland. The American Bantam Car Company actually built and designed the vehicle that first met the Army's criteria, but its engine did not meet the Army's torque requirements. Plus, the Army felt that the company was too small to supply the number needed and it allowed Willys and Ford to make second attempts on their designs after seeing Bantam's vehicle in action. Some people believe that Ford and Willys also had access to Bantam's technical paperwork.

Quantities (1,500) of each of the three models were then extensively field tested. During the bidding process for 16,000 "jeeps", Willys-Overland offered the lowest bid and won the initial contract. Willys thus designed what would become the standardized jeep, designating it a model MB military vehicle and building it at their plant in Toledo, Ohio.

Like American Bantam, Willys-Overland was a small company and, likewise, the military was concerned about their ability to produce large quantities of jeeps. The military was also concerned that Willys-Overland had only one manufacturing facility: something that would make the supply of jeeps more susceptible to sabotage or production stoppages.

Based on these two concerns, the U.S. government required that jeeps also be built by the Ford Motor Company, who designated the vehicle as model GPW (G = governmental vehicle, P showed the wheelbase, and W = the Willys design). Willys and Ford, under the direction of Charles E. Sorensen (Vice-President of Ford during World War II), produced more than 600,000 jeeps containing their cost slightly above 300 dollars per unit, due to its mass-production system economy. Besides just being a "truck" the jeep was used for many other purposes.

The jeep was widely copied around the world, including in France by Hotchkiss et Cie (after 1954, Hotchkiss manufactured Jeeps under license from Willys), and in Japan by Mitsubishi Motors. There were several versions created, including a railway jeep and an amphibious jeep. As part of the war effort, Jeeps were also supplied to the Soviet Red Army during World War II.During the jeep's service in Korea the name was referred to as "Just Enough Essential Parts" by the troops due to the very basic design.
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Mar 30 (PTI) Projects worth USD five billion are expected to be discussed during the India visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, which started today, as the two sides look at inking more than a dozen business deals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Najib will hold wide- ranging talks on April one during which the two sides will also try to take forward their cooperation in key areas of security, defence and counter-terrorism.

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Briefing reporters on the six-day visit, Jaideep Mazumdar, Joint Secretary (South) in the External Affairs Ministry, said, "Projects under discussion during the visit would amount to around USD five billion," and about 15 business agreements are also expected to be signed during a business event on April 3.

The Malaysian prime minister is scheduled to attend Trade Expo by Malaysia?India Business Council Business Forum and 7Th Global Science and Innovation Advisory Council Meeting.

Asked if the two sides will ink a pact in the defence sector, he said the two sides will try to take forward the decisions taken in key strategic areas of security and defence in 2015 during Modis visit to Malaysia.

He also described the bilateral ties in security, defence and counter-terrorism as robust.

On whether the two sides will discuss the threat of ISIS, he said international terrorism and terrorism in the region would be an important subject of discussion.

Najib, who will be here on his third visit, is accompanied by his spouse Datin Sri Rosmah Mansour. His delegation consists of several cabinet ministers and senior officials. A delegation comprising 80-100 business leaders is also part of his team.

The Malaysian leader will visit Chennai and Jaipur. PTI PYK SC

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India Today's investigative teams filmed associates scaling walls to throwing paper balls inside examination rooms, with police looking the other way.

By India Today Web Desk: The Uttar Pradesh government has taken note of India Today's report of cheating in Uttar Pradesh and so has the Centre.

A FIR has been registered against 111 examination center managers, 178 invigilators and over 70 students.

Exams at more than 54 centres have been cancelled across Uttar Pradesh and 57 centers have debarred from holding examinations.

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The decision was taken after Dinesh Sharma held a video conference with district school superintendents late last evening.

In the middle of its board-exam season, Uttar Pradesh is hit hard by mass copying. A state-wide investigation by India Today has caught the epidemic on camera.

In a stark evidence of UP's crumbling education system, the probe has unearthed a shady nexus of parents, touts and teachers aiding cheating on school exams.

From Mathura, Deoria, Ballia, Mainpuri to Meerut, students as young as 10th graders were seen using unfair means to achieve good marks in their current pressure-packed board exams, helped as they were by their relatives and a well-oiled cheating mafia, the investigation found.

At a number of test centres in UP, India Today's investigative teams filmed associates scaling walls to throwing paper balls inside examination rooms, with police looking the other way.

At Mathura's Sardar Patel School, gangs of touts sitting outside received copies of Monday's question paper on their smartphones within seconds of its distribution inside, the probe observed. Answers were relayed back to the candidates after quick surfing of key books.

India Today's investigative reporters found how a racket of school and government administrators was apparently capitalising on the desperation for higher education.

At his home in Meerut, Premchand Lodhi, principal of the city's Rani Avantibai Inter-College, explained the modus operandi behind the rampant cheating.

Bribes, he told India Today's undercover reporters, fix everything and anything - from test centres to sending subject experts right there to the examination room. "It will cost around Rs 3 to 4 lakh for getting a (test) centre of your choice. We'll say we want a centre at xyz location. They will have everything fixed," Lodhi said, sitting on a sofa.

Sushil Kumar Sharma, founder of Meerut's KVSS Vidyapeeth Senior Secondary School, also accepted that he manipulated allocation of test centres.

Commenting on the India Today investigation, Dinesh Sharma, Deputy CM, UP had said that he will act against the officials involved in cheating. "Officials involved in cheating will be jailed. We will strike at the root cause of cheating, " he added. Sharma said, "Cheating won't be tolerated at any cost. Have asked police to conduct anti-cheating raids."

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Also Read:

India Today Expose: How Uttar Pradesh's money-for-marks mafia works

Also Watch:

By book or by crook: India Today investigation exposes exam cheats of UP

--- ENDS ---
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Sen. Richard Burr has become a believer.

The Republican chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committeewho endorsed Trump, voted for Trump and served on Trumps national security advisory council during the campaignwill preside Thursday over the first open hearings on Russian active measures against its adversaries. In stark contrast to their House counterparts, Burr holds the unflinching faith of Democratic Vice Chairman, Sen. Mark Warner. The two men stood together Wednesday afternoon at the front of a packed, sweaty Capitol press gallery.

I have confidence in Richard Burr, that we, together with the members of the committee, are going to get to the bottom of this, Warner said. If you get nothing else from today, take that statement to the bank.

Following the presidents election in November, lawmakers jockeyed for position as various committees sought to lead investigations into Russian interference with the U.S. election process. The responsibility for the Senates main probe was ultimately handed to Burrs panel, but it was not always clear how far Burr was willing to investigate.

In fact, after Trumps election, he told reporters he didnt believe his panel should be probing links between Trumps campaign and the Kremlin. Thats not our role, he told reporters on Jan. 12.

By the next day, Burr had changed his mind after Democrats on the committee threatened to boycott the investigation if Trump team ties wasnt included, according to Politico.

On Jan. 13, the Senate Intelligence Committee issued a bipartisan statement outlining the scope of their probe: the extent of Russian interference in the 2016 campaign; a review of the intelligence communitys assessment that Russia tried to disrupt the election; and links between Russia and U.S. political campaigns, including Trumps.

This one is one of the biggest investigations that the Hill has seen in my tenure here, Burr told reporters Wednesday.

Burrs commitment to an inquiry that involves the sitting president from his own party hasnt waned since, a signal to Democrats that they can trust his integrity and independence.

Warner and the Dems have been saying from the beginning they wanted this to be part of it. Burr told the press no [on investigating the Trump campaign], but 24 hours later they were able to secure an agreement, a senior Senate aide told The Daily Beast. Since that agreement was reached, the investigation has moved forward and is progressively into looking into it. Theres a united front among committee members on that.

Thats in stark contrast to the Houses probe, where Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes briefed the president about mysterious secret documents before he briefed his own committee and has since suspended all planned hearings.

Asked Wednesday whether he had coordinated at all with the White House regarding what the committee would investigate, Burr responded, No, sir, I have not, adding that the relationship and trust between the Democratic and Republican members of the committee would keep it from going off track.

I think its not only our relationship, but its the fact that the committee I think has got our back and they want to see it through, Warner said. He added that if the White House were to try to interfere with their investigation, youll hear from us.

The two had a buddy-buddy act throughout the press conference on Wednesday. When a reporter prefaced a question with,  I ask this with no disrespect, Burr quipped, [Warner] disrespects me all the time.

At another point, pleased with a response from his counterparts, Warner looked over and smiled, telling Burr, good answer. Referring to the dysfunction in the House Intelligence Committee, a reporter asked whether there would ever be a circumstance where Burr would hide one of his sources from Warner, Burr joked, he usually knows my sources before I do.

The committee has has been provided an unprecedented amount of documents by the intelligence community, said Burr, thousands of raw intelligence and analytic products, the majority of which have already been reviewed by the seven professional staff members devoted to the probe.

This week, the Senate Intelligence Committee began to schedule its first interviews. It has sought to interview 20 individuals, and arrangements for five have been finalized. They begin as early as next Monday.

And on Thursday, the Senate Intelligence committee will hold an open hearing featuring Russia experts and former NSA Director Keith Alexander.

When we started this, we saw the scope and what was involved. I said it was the most important thing Id ever taken on in my public life. I believe that more firmly now than even when we started. Were gonna get it right, Warner pledged.
By Press Trust of India: From K J M Varma

Beijing, Mar 30 (PTI) India sees Chinas Silk Road initiative as a geopolitical competition and is using the Kashmir issue as an "unfounded excuse" to oppose the ambitious project, Chinese state media today alleged and asked New Delhi to "abandon" its "cliche mentality".

"The official reason the Indian government rejected the offer to join the initiative (Silk Road) is that it is designed to pass through Kashmir. However, it is just an unfounded excuse as Beijing has been maintaining a consistent position on the Kashmir issue, which has never changed," one of the two articles on India by state-run Global Times said.

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"India sees the Belt and Road initiative as a geopolitical competition," the article said, criticising India for hindering Beijings push into South Asia and the world with multi-billion Silk Road project which is also known as the Belt and Road (BR).

"Whether to continue to boycott or join the Belt and Road remains a conundrum for New Delhi," it said adding that, India is the only one which can help itself.

The article said that India should give up its "biased" view on the BR initiative.

"It is high time to abandon the cliche mentality of associating everything with geopolitics. India will surely see a different world if it does," the article said.

Referring to Indias reservations to attend the BR summit called by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the article said it may be an "embarrassing occasion" for India as the meeting is backed by "Chinas peripheral countries, notably Russia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan and Pakistan".

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently said 20 heads of state will attend the summit, together with over 50 leaders from international organisations, over 100 ministerial officials and more than 1,200 guests from around the world.

The article referred to a comment by Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar during his visit here last month to co-chair the upgraded India-China strategic dialogue, saying India is examining Chinas invitation to attend the summit and "how a country whose sovereignty has been violated can come on aninvitation".

In the meantime, however, state-run Chinese media stepped up campaign to pressurise India to join the summit.

China apparently is keen about Indias participation in the summit as the project struggled to make headway in the region except the USD 46 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) where both Beijing-Islamabad are putting all efforts to show early harvest.

Media reports here said that Xi plans to invite his US counterpart Donald Trump to attend the meeting during their first summit early next month in Florida.

BR consisted of maze of roads, including CPEC, Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic (BCIM) Corridor and 21st Maritime Silk Road besides road network to connect China with Eurasia.

The article also said, "it seems that the mainstream opinion throughout India is that the connectivity brought about by BR initiative is geopolitically significant. Therefore, India cannot allow the initiative to expand further into South Asia".

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"This could also explain why the BCIM has seen no progress since its proposed by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in 2013, and also why New Delhi has been keen on Japans investment in the Iranian port of Chabahar," it said.

"New Delhi may also feel embarrassed as Moscow has actively responded to the Belt and Road initiative and will build an economic corridor with China and Mongolia," it said, adding Russia and Iran seeking to join the CPEC putting "India in a more awkward position".

It said, "Beijing has expressed, on various occasions, its anticipation to see New Delhi join the grand project and to make concerted effort with India in building economic corridors involving China, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar".

Another article in the same daily said a "benign" competition between India and China may help development in South Asia but they should avoid "cut-throat" rivalry.

"The so-called dragon-elephant contention is perhaps a blow against strategic mutual trust between Beijing and New Delhi, but may be conducive to development in South Asia," it said.

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Accusing India of not being "generous" to its neighbours, it said "a yawning infrastructure funding gap in South Asian countries creates space for China and those nations to strengthen economic cooperation".

"Bangladesh and China signed 27 deals worth billions of dollars during President Xi Jinpings visit last year," it said, adding Chinas BR initiative has received an increasing amount of attention from Bangladesh.

"Only by investing more resources in regional integration and extending the benefits from Indias rapid economic growth to other South Asian countries can New Delhi maintain its influence in the region," it said.

"Benign competition between China and India will be conducive to development in South Asia. The question remaining is how to avoid cut-throat competition as Beijing and New Delhi jostle for influence. India and China should seek common ground while strengthening cooperation with South Asian countries to promote regional integration," it said. PTI KJV UZM

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Few Republicans doubt Chris Christies commitment to addressing the nations drug crisis, but the New Jersey governors appointment to a federal drug addiction panel this week could elevate tactics that have rankled some prominent conservatives.

Christies approach to rising levels of opioid abuse in his home state has blended two of his signature characteristics: visible passion for the issues he cares about, and his tendency to browbeatand some say bullypolitical interests that stand in his way.

He will now bring those tactics from Trenton to Washington, where President Donald Trump tapped Christie on Wednesday to lead a new federal commission on drug abuse that will make policy recommendations to address what the president called a total epidemic.

Christie, White House press secretary Sean Spicer said on Wednesday, has dealt with it at the state level and has been a leader on this issue.

Christie focused more on drug addiction than any other 2016 Republican presidential candidate, and has made it a fixture of his agenda as he approaches the end of his term early next year.

But the governors tactics of late have upset a number of free market-oriented Republicans who bristle at his combative efforts to enlist the states largest health insurer as a financial backer of his anti-addiction policies.

Conservative activists such as Tea Party Patriots president Jenny Beth Martin are already warning the administration against elevating the types of policies Christie has recently pushed in New Jersey.

Governor Christie must not be allowed to use his new position and expanded government power to try to extort money from private companies to pay for government programs, Martin said in a statement on his appointment to the commission.

The alleged extortion referred to Christies recent populist fusillades directed at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey over its failure to put up sufficient financial support for the governors proposed drug abuse prevention programs.

Christies recent attacks on the insurer have drifted into anti-corporate language rarely seen from high-profile Republicans.

"Rich insurance companies in this state [should] pay to help take care of poor, drug-addicted people, the governor said on Monday.

He is demanding that Horizon put up $300 million from its loss reserve fund to help pay for drug treatment programs in New Jersey. He reportedly rejected a previous offer from the insurer to contribute $135 million.

Christie called out Horizon by name in his February budget address, saying it shares in the financial obligation of caring for our most vulnerable citizens.

As a deal with Horizon has eluded him, Christie has become more irate. If they say they dont have the money, Id like them tonight to reveal what they pay their lobbyists. What do they pay the CEO, the governor said in a Trenton radio interview on Monday.

Horizons executive salary information is already kept on file with state regulators. The company is also required to publicly disclose how much it pays its lobbyists.

The company says Christies proposal would eat away at reserve funds that it has stashed away to deal with sudden spikes in catastrophic insurance claims. The sums that the governor is requesting would force it to hike premiums on its policyholders, it warns.

Horizon is always looking to partner, but no amount of bullying or posturing will change the fact that the Governors proposal is a massive tax hike on policyholders, Horizon spokesman Tom Wilson said in response to Christies comments on Monday.

The governors proposals havent just upset the insurance industry; theyve also irked free market conservatives concerned at his determination to force a private entity to finance a new state spending program.

While Governor Christies efforts to combat drug addiction has good intentions, his plan to raid the reserves used to protect the health of millions of New Jersey citizens for this purpose is not the right approach, publishing executive and former GOP presidential candidate Steve Forbes said of the proposal. Imposing a permanent tax increase on the back of New Jersey residents and patients is not only fiscally reckless, but sets an awful budget precedent.

Former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, who led domestic policy for the Trump transition team, called Christies plan a reckless proposal that will increase taxes, undermine the insurance market and put the healthcare of the citizens of New Jersey at great risk.

In her statement on Christies appointment to the commission, Martin called his efforts in New Jersey financially reckless, self-serving behavior that must be stopped before it causes more consumer and economic harm.

Christies office declined to address specific questions about whether he would try to export his model for insurer buy-in by proposing similar measures on the presidents commission.

While Martin, Blackwell, and Forbes all supported Trumps election last year, Christies new role could expose some lingering divisions among more traditional conservative elements of the Republican base and the populist brand embodied by Trump and Christie.
House Telecom Subcommittee Chairman Marsha Blackburn received $84,000 from telecommunications companies in the 2016 election cycle alone.

On Tuesday, she and 264 other members of Congress, all Republicans, then voted to reverse a newly instituted FCC privacy rule that would allow internet service providers to sell previously private browsing data to the highest bidder.

Now one Tennessee mobile software engineer wants to prove just how disastrous the bill can be and highlight how data bought by ISPs can expose the private browsing historiesand livesof any citizen.

Adam McElhaney wants to see Marsha Blackburns browsing history. And hes trying to outbid ISPs to get it.

She represents my state and I feel personally hurt she would sell us out for nearly $700,000, said McElhaney, referring to Blackburns lifetime payout from the telecom industry.

Before the bill passed Tuesday, McElhaney created SearchInternetHistory.com, a website that aims to use the bills new power to crowdfund for the browsing histories of its biggest supporters. Currently, the website shows a poll for the first four possible targets: Blackburn, House Speaker Paul Ryan, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.

I think everyone is targeting Marsha Blackburn and Paul Ryan right now on the site, McElhaney told The Daily Beast.

McElhaney insists this isnt a joke. And it better not be: Search Internet Historys GoFundMe page had surpassed $100,000 at press time.

This grew much quicker than I had ever imagined, and were growing something bigger than I had ever hoped, he said.

Pulling off the funds stated goal will be tricky, but likely not impossibleand thats the scary part. Other privacy bills disallow the sale of individual account data. Individual users, however, could be reverse-engineered from data that is sold in a large set.

Once the law is signed by President Trump, geolocation data along with browsing history data will again be on the market for ISPs. That means a company with dedication and resources could likely, with a reasonable degree of certainty, pinpoint Blackburn, Pai, Ryan, or anyone they seek to take down based on their browsing data and IP address alone.

A company or super PAC with good intentions could use it to target you with better advertising. A company or super PAC with bad intentions could use it to target you with something much worse.

A guy with thousands of dollars and a team willing to home in on the identity of one politician could do that, too.

Ive been approached by a lot of people who are in support of this cause. Others who have offered their services: technical, legal, financial, McElhaney said. There are some smart people out there who want our cause to succeed. I plan on utilizing everyone I can.

To McElhaney, its not about comic-book-villain-style blackmail. The bill could allow companies to quietly blacklist people from jobs and servicesand they might never know about it.

Do you think your insurance company would be interested to see if youre looking up symptoms to a disease you might have? he said. Would your boss be interested in seeing if youre looking up other jobs? Or [when looking for a new job] to submit your search history to them?A statement by the House Energy and Commerce Committee that was tweeted by Blackburn called the previous protections the FCCs power grab in which the FCC applies its own set of rules for ISPs.These rules are nothing more than a big government power grab that will hurt hardworking taxpayers, and Im thankful the House took an important step today in protecting consumers and the future of internet innovations, Blackburn wrote.

But McElhaney echoed what many consumer and open internet advocacy groups said about the bill: The only side benefiting from this bill is the telecommunications companies.

I can see no consumer benefit. It will be the consumer who will feel the repercussions of their private data being bought and sold, he said.

Hes seeking to prove it first, in the highest profile manner availableby exposing a politician who wanted the bill to pass the most.
Harry Tye was buried Tuesday at Arlington National Cemetery in a ceremony that symbolized this countrys commitment to those who fight and die in wars declared by Congress and fought by the young, too often forgotten. His journey from the field where he fell to a ritual that summoned a few surviving members of his family to a grave on a misty morning was captured beautifully by Mandy McLaren of the Washington Post.

Tye was a 21-year-old rifleman assigned to the 2nd Marine Division when he was killed in action. He grew up in Gallagher, West Virginia, an unincorporated village with a listed population of 752 in the 2016 census.

He died on the first day of battle. On November 20. In 1943. On Tarawa, an island in the South Pacific held by the Japanese. His remains went undiscovered until they were found and identified after nearly 74 years had passed between when a bullet ended his life and when his flag-draped casket was carried by a horse-drawn caisson to the cloture and comfort of our countrys most revered final resting place.

Tarawa was one of historys bloodiest chapters. It was the successful start of Americas island-hopping battle campaign that lasted another two years and concluded on Iwo Jima and Okinawa before Japan finally surrendered after an atomic bomb fell on Hiroshima and then Nagasaki.

The fight to claim Tarawa was brief and brutal. It encompassed three days, 76 hours. In those three days 894 Marines were killed. There were 3,100 casualties out of the 12,000 Marines who landed on the beach. During those 76 hours of fierce fighting 4,600 Japanese soldiers were killed.

Across all the decades between then and now, the dust of history covered the memory of that island and those three days of horror. Other wars arrived; Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf, Afghanistan, Iraq. Other struggles called the United States to the world stage where we sent forces to defend the defenseless or again employ our youngest and bravest to define political goals: Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Somalia, The Gulf, Bosnia, Kosovo, Libya.

But Harry Tye was never forgotten by the few, his family, the Marine Corps and those who work today and have worked for years at finding and identifying the lost whose lives and deaths are symbols of honor and commitment.

The Post article reports that David Tincher was present at Arlington for the funeral of Harry Tye, his great uncle, a man he never met and only knew through family anecdote and a feeling that is universal and lasting among those the fallen leave behind.

Tincher spoke to the Post about his grandmothers memory of her big brother who went away to World War II and did not return for 74 years: Every year at Christmas and his birthday she would cry about him and say, If they ever find him, bring him home and take him to Arlington, Tincher said to Mandy McLaren, the reporter. Thats where we want him to be.

So Harry Tye is now where he belongs, on a sloping hillside of heroes, surrounded by all the others who gave us our history. He was delivered home to a country he would not recognize, where history is now measured by a click or a stopwatch, the national attention span seemingly down to a screen and a few seconds.

So that historyour own storyis too often either ignored, forgotten or misunderstood. And the long, sometimes disturbing, often praiseworthy and memorable tale of what America stands for and symbolizes to the world beyond the oceans is today lost to many or abused by the few.

On the night that Pfc. Harry K Tye was buried, the President of the United States gathered more than a few Senators and their spouses at the White House for a reception. He was gracious and brief in his welcome and told them, in part: We are doing really well in Iraq. Our soldiers are fighting and fighting like never before and the results are very good so I just wanted to let everyone know.

Our soldiers are fighting and fighting like never before

History is now a casualty too.
Despite widespread consternation over the news that President Donald Trumps eldest daughter Ivanka Trump will be officially joining her fathers administration as an unpaid adviser, David Axelrod is looking on the bright side.

Theres nepotism issues, theres conflict of interest issues, the former chief adviser to President Barack Obama said during an appearance on The View Thursday morning. As bright and skillful as Axelrod thinks both Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner are, he said, theyve never been in government, no one around the president in a senior role has ever been in government, the presidents never been in government, never served in the military.

This is one of the reasons why the first 70 days have been so calamitous, and Im not sure shes going to add to that, he continued. But I will say this. If the one thing she does is say, Dad, let me just hold that cell phone for you. If she does that, then she will have done a great service to him and the country.

Axelrod, who was on The View to promote a special televised version of his podcast The Axe Files with Senator John McCain airing on CNN this Saturday night, was speaking the same morning that President Trump once again used his Twitter account to threaten his fellow Republicans in the House Freedom Caucus, vowing to fight both them and Democrats in 2018.

Earlier in the interview, Axelrod said he was stunned (if not pissed) when he first saw Trumps tweets accusing Obama of wiretapping him, a claim that was officially dismissed as baseless during a congressional hearing with FBI Director James Comey.

The thing was so ludicrous, it was just so incredible, because anybody who knows anything about government, which may let him out, Axelrod said, taking a shot at Trump, would know that a president cant order a wiretap.

Even if you ascribe those kinds of motives or that kind of attitude to Barack Obama, which I found an astonishing claim, it would just be impossible to accomplish, he added.
In 2012, while many fashion glossies in the U.S. were hustling to digitize their brands, the magazine industry in China was thriving, with luxury consumers buying up Chinese versions of Vogue, Elle, and Harpers Bazaar like collectors items. (These glossies are published in China with the co-operation of state-owned publishing houses.)

Five years later, independenteven subversivefashion publications like i-D China, owned by Vice Media, are suddenly competing with legacy international brands on digital platforms like Weibo, China 's answer to Twitter, and WeChat.

In big cities like Shanghai, young, middle class consumers who have been exposed to international fashion brands like Vogue and Elle for some time now are craving new content from emerging brands like i-D China and Elsewhere , a bilingual fashion publication that launched online in 2012.

Now, Elsewhere is expanding with its first-ever print publication which they are billing as one of the first and only fashion magazines to be published independently of a state-owned publishing house.

Even magazines like Kinfolk (the quarterly lifestyle magazine) are published in cooperation with a state-owned publishing house in China, which limits the kind of content that they can produce, said Enrique Menendez, Elsewheres managing editor, adding that Chinas fashion market and fashion media landscape have reached a cultural tipping point.

I think China has long been viewed as a key market with great spending power, but now people are beginning to see that China has a lot to offer in terms of creation and fresh perspective, said Menendez. Elsewhere serves as a window into this growing creative scene, and the debut of our print issue is a testament to Chinas emerging creative class.

Legacy brands are facing competition from local digital players and content creators online that are much better suited to this young, middle class consumer, said Andrea Fenn, founder and senior consultant at Fireworks, a digital consultant agency in China.

Legacy brands are in turn marrying content with commerce: Elle China recently launched an e-commerce website, ElleShop, in attempt to blend content with commerce by local designers, Fenn said.

Nina Huang, a 30-year-old, New York-based journalist who freelances for Chinese publications, said her friends read online content from WeChat subscriptions.

Theyre not reading the mainstream publications as much as they were five years ago because now you can get free content online, said Huang.

Elsewhere is raising money for its first print issue on Kickstarter (to date, theyve raised nearly $5,000 of their $10,000 goal), with plans to distribute roughly 1,000 copies of their magazine for free.

Were not selling the magazine and there are no advertisements, so those are some of the ways were keeping our independence, Menendez said.

Given its small circulation, its unlikely that Elsewhere is indeed the first fashion publication to publish a print magazine independently of a state-owned publishing house.

Small art spaces and art groups in China have published their own magazines in small quantities and circulated them in appropriate communities.

Given Elsewheres tiny circulation scope, its unlikely that content which might be censored by other state-run publishing housesnudity, for examplewould attract government attention. (Menendez confirmed that Elsewhere does not plan to feature full nudity in its debut print edition.)

If Elsewheres content was censored, either online or in print, that would mean that they had made it big and, honestly, they havent, said Fenn, who noted that even legacy brands like Vogue China likely arent facing government criticism for partial nudity.

The fact that Elsewhere is publishing a free print magazine doesnt differentiate it from other independent publications, according to Fenn.

I dont see them blending content with commerce, which is itself a trend for international readers, said Fenn, though he argued that they were part of a larger trend in China, which is a realignment of Chinese and international aesthetics, both online and offline.
Clothing trends cycle in and out of fashion at intervals just long enough to outlast most closets capacity before roaring back into stores. Those who have the patience and foresight to hang on to, say, a No Fear shirt from the 1990s now have what a Williamsburg thrift-store owner might think of as hipster gold. Nothing conveys cool in places like Austin or Silverlake or Logan Square like an ugly old thing worn with ironic confidence. Not even having a real personality.

Social mores dont work the same way fashion does. Fashion comebacks dont do any harm besides stymying parents who take their tweens school shopping. Ideological comebacks can harm actual people.

In 1975, a woman named Carmita Wood tried to apply for unemployment benefits after she quit her job at Cornell University. Wood alleged that her supervisor had touched her inappropriately and that the school had refused to transfer her. The ensuing swell in support for Woods case minted the term sexual harassment. Subsequent investigations into the phenomenon revealed that a staggering percentage of women had experienced it. Outrage followed, and laws followed that, and unintentionally hilarious instructional videos on how not to sexually harass your coworkers followed that. In 1991, sexual harassment was taken so seriously that it almost derailed the nomination of a Supreme Court justice. Almost.

Suffice to say, sexual harassment has been frowned upon for quite some time. And out-of-favor sexual politics shouldnt be storming back into fashion like circa-1991 Nirvana chic at a Bushwick warehouse party.

But here we are.

The company Thinx developed a reputation for being a sort of hipster feminist darling, a company daring to espouse the DGAF aesthetic of the modern Cool Girl during its short life. Its only productunderwear designed for women to menstruate directly intowas advertised stylishly, irreverently, confrontationally, as products selling destigmatization tend to do.

Over the last weeks, that all came crashing down. Reports across female-focused media, from Racked to Jezebel to New York magazines The Cut revealed a company culture that seemed to be very much at odds with its feminist public face. Employees were allegedly underpaid and offered just two weeks maternity leave. And inside the companys headquarters, founder and She-EO Miki Agrawal was reportedly running things like a piggish boss in a reboot of Nine to Five. According to The Cut, employees of Thinx allege that Agrawal was a serial sexual harasser who made working with her impossible. One employee alleged that Agrawal was particularly fixated on breasts, frequently commenting on and grabbing them. Agrawal also allegedly changed clothes in front of her employees and occasionally called into meetings from her toilet.

Agrawal has been defensive of the work environment she created, insisting that shes just being forward thinking and subversive. You know, cool. Like a pair of high-waisted Lee jeans at Pitchfork Music Fest. Nevertheless, she stepped down last week, and Thinx is going to get itself an HR department to clean up the mess.

Agrawal isnt the first to deliver the archaic in an ironic package. In fact, hipster sexism has found a home in the modern cool-kid milieu. In the mid-Aughts, fashion photographer Terry Richardson was alleged to have had similar disregard for the personal boundaries of his professional contacts and was accused of sexual misconduct several times. Same goes for American Apparel honcho Dov Charney, whose brand of sexual creepiness couldnt have helped his brand much (its final days are happening as we speak. Spandex adult onesies and sensible hoodies for everybody!). The alt-lit community was similarly burdened with accusations of sexual misconduct by its powerful figures.

Other -isms have been harnessed ironically as well. Gavin McInnes, cofounder of Vice (who has since left the company), is now a darling of the alt-right. But his message and conservatism isnt all that different from the late Phyllis Schlafly. Prior to her death last year, the prim-until-the-end Schlafly posited that campus rape happens more now because more women are going to college and that nice girls dont get sexually harassed. In 2014, McInnes suggested the current popular understanding of college sexual assaults frequency was a feminist lie dating back to 1987, and frequently stood up for men accused of sexual harassment. Hes decades younger than Schlafly and may have been half of the team that figured out how to bottle up and sell modern counterculture, but his message is the same. Just with some tattoos and mustache wax.

Richard Spencer, a man who occasionally dresses fashionably, has been touted as the new face of white American nationalism. He wouldnt stand out, looks-wise, in Central Eastside, Portland. But theres nothing new about him. If his rhetoric were a brand of soda, itd be Nazi Classic.

A similarly regressive push exists among pick-up artists, California parents who refuse to vaccinate their children, Park Slope parents who bootleg unpasteurized milk under the assumption that somehow its better if its raw.

What Agrawal allegedly did to her employees at Thinx is certainly awful, but its not surprising nor is it particularly unique for this particular cultural moment. Self-anointed edgy figures have been latching onto antiquated behaviorsexism, racism, puritanism, fear of science, etc.so frequently of late that its become a bit of a mini-trend unto itself. Its no more novel or new than a pair of vintage Reebok Pumps. And, to be honest, its probably worth less.
In New York City, immigrants are increasingly worried about going to court, concerned that plainclothes ICE agents will arrest them there. According to attorneys and advocates, newly emboldened Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have dramatically increased their presence in courthouses, which has left many immigrantsincluding U.S. citizens and people with green cardsdeeply concerned about going to court, sometimes opting to skip hearings out of fear of arrest.

We have clients who might have perfectly lawful status, who dont have any prior deportation orders, who are not even deportable, said Justine Olderman, managing director of Bronx Defenders. But they dont necessarily know or understand that they are not in danger.

Oldermans group contracts with the city to represent clients who otherwise wouldnt be able to afford to hire lawyers. Many of her groups clients are immigrantsdocumented and undocumentedand she said they worry ICE will arrest them and move to deport them if they go to court.

Theyre terrified of coming to court, she said.

So increasingly, immigrants dont go. Stan German, the executive director of New York County Defender Services, said one of his groups clients, a lawful permanent resident, saw plainclothes ICE officers make an arrest in a courtroom where he was for a misdemeanor hearing. The man was so frightened by the arrest, according to German, that he fled the courtroom and missed his hearing.

Recently, another lawyer in Germans group negotiated for the dismissal of charges against one of his clients, an undocumented man with no criminal record. The lawyer told the man the good news, and that he would only need to come to court to get the charges dismissed. The man didnt show.

You would think that if your lawyer is saying, Hey, the case is getting dismissed tomorrow, all you have to do is show up, why would that person who has no record not show up in court? German said.

These kinds of things didnt happen during the Obama administration, he added. It wasnt completely unheard of for ICE agents to show up at courthouses, but it was much less common and people were far less afraid.

Its not just undocumented folks, he added. Its lawful permanent residents. I got arrested for smoking a joint five years ago, am I on a list? People just dont know, and they hear so-and-so went to court and got deported, and that kind of stuff spreads like wildfire.

And its hard for attorneys to know what to say to their clients, he said, because ICE has become much more aggressive in New York courts. Last week, agents arrested a man in family court in Brooklyn. He had appeared for a hearing about a child support payment issue, as the New York Law Journal reported.

ICE spokesperson Rachel Yong Yow told that publication that ICE agents show up at courthouses because they are often the easiest places to find people they are looking for.

Absent a viable address for a residence or place of employment, a courthouse may afford the most likely opportunity to locate a target and take him or her into custody, she said.

Advocates said that was the first time they had ever heard of ICE agents showing up in a New York family court.

Nyasa Hickey, supervising attorney at Brooklyn Defenders Services, said she hadnt seen an uptick in ICE presence in Brooklyn courts, and noted that ICE arrested three of her clients at homeless shelters during the Obama administration. But since Trumps inauguration, she added, the people she works with are much more frightened than they had been.

Clients are calling on a daily basis asking, Should I come to court? Hickey said.

Everybody is afraid, including people who are naturalized citizens. Ive had clients calling me saying, Im naturalized, is Trump going to take away my citizenship?

Lee Wang, a staff attorney at the Immigrant Defense Project, said her group has been counting the number of ICE arrests in courts in New York City for two years now, and that citywide theres been a major shift under the Trump administration.

Her group knew of 19 total arrests or attempted arrests by ICE agents in 2015 and 2016 combined. Over the last two months, she added, theyve already heard reports of 13 arrests or attempts.

These numbers are based on anecdotal reports and in all likelihood represent a serious undercount, she added.

ICE didnt respond to a request for comment for this story.

And advocates dont think the agency will scale back any of its enforcement operations. Under new enforcement guidelines issued by Homeland Security Sec. John Kelly, immigrants charged with crimes are deportation targets. That means showing up at court to try to get those charges dismissed could mean risking deportationwhich is why groups like Germans are having trouble getting their clients to come to court.

Its only going to get worse, he said.
In an explosive claim made before the Senate Intelligence Committee, a former FBI special agent told Sen. Marco Rubio that he had been a target of Russian influence operations during the 2016 presidential campaign.

Clint Watts worked as a consultant for the FBIs Counterterrorism Division and National Security Branch and told the panel Russias media outlets and trolls sought to sideline American politicians with adversarial views towards the Kremlin. Watts said they may have helped sink the hopes of candidates more hostile to Russian interests long before the field narrowed.

Sen. Rubio, in my opinion, you anecdotally suffered from these efforts, he said, causing the senator from Florida to look up from his seat in surprise.

The senator declined to comment on whether he believed he had been a target of the Russian government, and if he had been hacked during the campaign.

I dont have a reaction to that. Im just focused on our investigation, Rubio said in the hallway outside the committee hearing. The broader thing is that this is not just about the hacking of emails. This is about a concerted effort to engage in propaganda in the United States to undermine individuals, to undermine our elections.

When Rubio returned to the hearing following a brief recess, he revealed former presidential campaign staff were targeted twice by apparent Russian hackers.

"In July of 2016, shortly after I announced I would seek reelection to the United States Senate, former members of my presidential campaign team, who had access to the information of my presidential campaign, were targeted by IP addresses with an unknown location within Russia," Rubio said. "That effort was unsuccessful. I would also inform the committee that within the last 24 hours, at 10:45 a.m. yesterday, a second attempt was made against former members of my presidential campaign team again targeted from an IP address from an unknown location in Russia. That effort was also unsuccessful."

Rubio has long been a hawk on the Russia issue, both before his campaign for president and in the days since. He has repeatedly warned of the malicious actions of Vladimir Putin, demanded that Russia sanctions remain in place following President Donald Trump's elections, and grilled Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on his ties with the Russian government.

Watts, as part of his ongoing work, monitors trolling networks and bots created by the Russian government for influence operations.

Russia uses bots to push fake or fringe news stories into the mainstream, and force the press to respond to them, Watts said. And their network of online trolls even sweep up the online profiles of the place they are targeting, to build fake accounts that seem authentic to the people who live there. These trolling networks would team up with Russian-backed news networks for maximum effect.

The campaign to disrupt the American elections began to ramp up in August 2015, he said. During the presidential elections Watts noticed what he assesses to be a Russian campaign against Republican presidential candidates who stood up to Putin, Rubio included.

"It hurt [Rubio], but it also hurt people like Jeb Bush on the Republican side," Watts said. It was the promotion of Trump over all other candidates. They were promoting him at such a volume that it drowned out organic support for Republican candidates theres a pumping up of one candidate and discrediting of the opponent, and theres a combination of the two.
Vice President Mike Pence doesnt go to dinner alone with women who arent his wife or drink alcohol around them.

Today, as political watchers debated whether or not its okay for a grown man to choose to conduct himself that way in the confines of a marriage, Pence cast the tie-breaking vote in a Senate bill that would make it possible for states to defund Planned Parenthood and other organizations that provide reproductive health care to 4 million people.

It seems that refusing to go to dinner with female humans hes not married to is among the least bad things Vice President Pence has done to them during his political career.

The tidbit that launched 1,000 thinkpieces comes from a Washington Post profile of Second Lady Karen Pence, which referenced a profile of Pence The Hill ran in 2002. In it, he spoke of building a zone around his marriage, since going out for drinks or dining alone with a non-wife female human can send the wrong message.

There are sensible reasons that somebody like Pence would avoid being alone with women. He was first elected to Congress in the shadow of the Clinton sex scandal years. During that time, a self-preserving politico would be wise to avoid any appearance of sexual impropriety. Plus, Pences choice to avoid being alone with women is a function of his religious faith. Its hard to fathom similar left-wing backlash if Pences conduct were informed by a non-Christian faith.

At the very least, Mike Pences attitude is backward and a little funny, like how watching somebody try to ride a bicycle with a gigantic front wheel and a tiny back wheel is funny. Its funny ha-ha to imagine a performatively paternal 57-year-old man relating to women in the way that a second grader afraid of cooties relates to second-grade girls. Its funny uh-oh to reflect on how somebody unwilling to spend time around women has spent so much time trying to legislate away womens access to health care.

Pences views on marriage are goofy, but theyre his business. Pences views on womens health are directly and immediately harmful, and theyre everybodys business.

It was Pences tie-breaking vote Thursday that passed a bill to weaken Title X, a federal grant program that provides birth control and other reproductive health care services to low-income or uninsured individuals. Opposition to reproductive choice has long been one of Pences policy trademarks.

One year ago this month as governor of Indiana, he signed legislation that would have required women to pay for burial or cremation services for their aborted fetuses. As governor, he signed eight anti-abortion laws in four years. And he was the first congressman to introduce legislation designed to federally defund Planned Parenthood, back in 2007.

Think of all the women he wasnt going to dinner with then!

Title X was enacted by President Richard Nixon in 1970. It has never directly provided funding for abortion services and, because it makes it easier for people to get birth control, it reduces the number of unintended pregnancies and thus the demand for abortion. After repeated attempts by a handful of state legislatures to defund Planned Parenthood by blocking its access to Title X funds, the Obama administration clarified last December that in regulating Title X fund usage, states are not allowed to discriminate against health care providers based on whether or not they provide abortions. The law the Senate passed today used an obscure procedural maneuver to effectively undo that rule with a 51-vote majority.

The weakened version of Title X will still theoretically provide funding to womens health clinics, but states will be free to discriminate against clinics that also provide abortion. In many places, Title X patients dont have any other options for reproductive health care besides their local Planned Parenthood or other health provider that also provides abortion.

Now, the bill proceeds to President Trumps desk, where it will almost certainly be signed into law.
Our Earths climate is undeniably in transition: 2016 was the hottest year since modern observations began, solidifying it as possibly one of the worst years ever.

Earth is by no means experiencing its first world threatening climate eventour biological ancestors survived five mass extinction events, including a dinosaur-demolishing meteorite impact and countless erupting super volcanoes. But this is the first world threatening climate catastrophe humans can truly call our own. We are fouling our own nest, stealing from our grandchildren and their future.

Climate change is occurring rapidly in terms of geological time, but too slowly to attract our full attention. Earths life supporting climate system faces threat from the fossil fuel-dependent material needs of a rapidly increasing population. Those alluring moon bases promised as alternative accommodation by the golden age of science fiction disappointingly failed to materialize. Might science fiction authors fantasies of terraforming Mars become a matter of necessity before too long?

Climate fiction (Cli Fi) is the literature of our planet in transformation. Focusing specifically on human-created climate change, it allows readers to imagine and experience its complexity. Extrapolated from scientific data rather than pure imagination, climate fiction draws attention to the physical, political, and socio-economic changes that will no doubt be required to mitigate and adapt to the ever-increasing threat of global warming, such as reorientation of economies, government intervention, and changes to mass consumption practices.

Climate science speaks of great uncertainties: targets outlined in the Paris Agreement are no longer achievable, the release of methane from the melting permafrost might be more devastating than previously guessed. Bleaching coral, ravaged crops, and the spread of vector-borne diseases are only the tip of the iceberg.

Climate fiction is shaping up as the literature of now because were past the point of no return regarding science fictions cautionary tales. Many of science fictions blockbuster books and films warned us with catastrophic visions of the future. But caution was not exercised; it was thrown recklessly to the winds, and remains there still.

Climate fiction utilizes similar literary plot devices as traditional disaster narratives: historical monuments destroyed, familiar skylines ablaze or drowned and families torn apart. But cli fi narratives enhance and emphasize realism by presenting global warming and associated effects as an immediate and verified problem, rather than something that may happen in another place or time, or by accident or the wrath of god. Many cli fi novels feature scientists, either strategically placed to deliver information, investigate or provide explanations for environmental events, or as protagonists effecting change to traditional institutions or ways of thinking.

Most effective are the stories revealing what life might feel like when affected by events such as carbon rationing, mass transience, the spread of vector-borne diseases, extreme heat and water shortagesand everything played out through characters and their actions, as all good fiction should. The plots also often mirror current events: reflecting widening chasms between rich and poor; countries overtaken by militant authoritarianism, ushering in a return to brutal religious fundamentalism; barren lands lashed by killer storms; flooded cities; drought-stricken farmlands; post-catastrophe cityscapes tainted by a breakdown of law and order and stateless populations on the move. Some of these situations might sound more familiar than others.

Cli fi is in the process of expanding its parameters and becoming a contemporary literature of purpose and revolution. It is challenging the status quo of business as usual, of capitalism as a perpetual motion machine eternally borrowing from the future, passing the burden of recovery up the line by using real science, real data and real scenarios to envision our near future. We best pay heed to what climate fiction is illuminating: it is fast becoming the literature of transition, of loss, of learning and adjustment to wilder times and, ultimately, a literature of hope as we face the prospect of adjusting to a warmer, wilder world.

Cat Sparks is author of the novel Lotus Blue, available from Talos Press, an imprint of Skyhorse.
By Press Trust of India: From Shirish B Pradhan

Kathmandu, Mar 30 (PTI) Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat today called on Nepals Prime Minister Prachanda and they discussed bilateral relations, including collaboration between armies of the two countries.

General Rawat met Prachanda at his official residence in Baluwatar in Kathmandu and expressed happiness over the ongoing collaboration between Nepal Army and Indian Army, said a source at the Prime Ministers residence.

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Rawat appreciated Nepals peace process and said the international community can learn lessons from Nepals experience.

Rawat, who is on a four-day visit to the Himalayan country, was conferred the title of honourary general of the Nepal Army by Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari yesterday.

He handed over seven horses to Nepal Army yesterday.

Gen Rawat, who was appointed to the top post of Indian Army on December 31, was invited by Gen Chhetri to visit Nepal.PTI SBP MRJ AKJ MRJ

--- ENDS ---
On 26 October 2015, I authored a post at the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) entitled Russia Returns as al Qaeda and the Islamic States Far Enemy noting:

The Ru ssians have used social media-driven information campaigns to discredit the U.S. for years. Facebook and Twitter remain littered with pro-Russian, Western-looking accounts and supporting automated bots designed to undermine the credibility of the U.S. government.

Just a few weeks later in November 2015, the FBI visited FPRI, notifying their leadership that I had been targeted by a cyberattack. The FBI didnt say who exactly had targeted me, but I had a good idea who it might be.

In the 18 months prior to the above quote and in the three years leading up to today, two colleagues and I watched and tracked the rise of Russias social-media influence operations witnessing their update of an old Soviet playbook known as Active Measures.

For me, I began watching these influence operations in January 2014 after I co-authored an article in Foreign Affairs entitled The Good and The Bad of Ahrar al Sham. Hecklers appearing to be English-speaking Europeans and Americans trolled me for my stance on Syrian President Bashar Assad. But these social-media accounts, they didnt look righttheir aggression, persistence, biographies, speech patterns and synchronization were unnatural. I wasnt the only one who noticed this pattern. Andrew Weisburd and J.M. Berger, the two best social-media analysts Id worked with in counterterrorism, noticed similar patterns around the troll discussions of Syria, Assad, al Qaeda, and the Islamic State.

Shortly after, in April 2014, we noticed a petition on the WhiteHouse.gov website. Alaska Back to Russia appeared as a public campaign to give Americas largest state back to the nation from which it was purchased. Satirical or nonsensical petitions appearing on the White House website are not out of the norm. This petition was different though, having gained more than 39,000 online signatures in a short time period. Our examination of those signing and posting on this petition revealed an odd patternthe accounts varied considerably from other petitions and appeared to be the work of automated bots. These bots tied in closely with other social-media campaigns we had observed pushing Russian propaganda.

Through the summer and fall of 2014, we studied these pro-Russia accounts and automated bots. Hackers proliferated the networks and could be spotted amongst recent data breaches and website defacements. Closely circling them were honeypot accounts, attractive-looking women or passionate political partisans, which appeared to be befriending certain audience members through social engineering. Above all, we observed hecklers, synchronized trolling accounts that would attack political targets using similar talking points and follower patterns. These accounts, some of which overtly supported the Kremlin, promoted Russian foreign-policy positions targeting key English-speaking audiences throughout Europe and North America. From this pattern, we realized we were observing a deliberate, well-organized, well-resourced, well-funded, wide-ranging effort commanded by only one possible adversaryRussia.

Active Measures: Everything Old Is New Again

Soviet Active Measures strategy and tactics have been reborn and updated for the modern Russian regime and the digital age. Today, Russia seeks to win the second Cold War through the force of politics as opposed to the politics of force. As compared to the analog information wars of the first Cold War, the Internet and social media provide Russia cheap, efficient, and highly effective access to foreign audiences with plausible deniability of their influence.

Russias new and improved online Active Measures shifted aggressively toward U.S. audiences in late 2014 and throughout 2015. They launched divisive messages on nearly any disaffected U.S. audience. Whether it be claims of the U.S. military declaring martial law during the Jade Helm exercise, chaos amongst Black Lives matter protests, or tensions in the Bundy Ranch standoff in Oregon, Russias state-sponsored outlets of RT and Sputnik News, characterized as white influence efforts in information warfare, churned out manipulated truths, false news stories, and conspiracies. Four general themes outlined these propaganda messages:

 Political MessagesDesigned to tarnish democratic leaders and undermine democratic institutions Financial PropagandaCreated to weaken confidence in financial markets, capitalist economies and Western companies Social UnrestCrafted to amplify divisions amongst democratic populaces to undermine citizen trust and the fabric of society Global CalamityPushed to incite fear of global demise such as nuclear war or catastrophic climate change

From these overt Russian propaganda outlets, a wide range of English-language conspiratorial websites (gray outlets), some of which mysteriously operate from Eastern Europe and are curiously led by pro-Russian editors of unknown financing, sensationalize conspiracies and fake news published by white outlets further amplifying their reach in U.S. audiences. American-looking social-media accounts, the hecklers, honeypots, and hackers described above, working alongside automated bots further amplify and disseminate Russian propaganda amongst unwitting Westerners. These covert, black operations influence target-audience opinions with regards to Russia and undermine confidence in Western elected leaders, public officials, mainstream-media personalities, academic experts, and democracy itself.

Through the end of 2015 and start of 2016, the Russian influence system outlined above began pushing themes and messages seeking to influence the outcome of the U.S. presidential election. Russias overt media outlets and covert trolls sought to sideline opponents on both sides of the political spectrum with adversarial views toward the Kremlin. The final months leading up to the election have been the predominate focus of Russian-influence discussions to date. However, Russian Active Measures were in full swing during both the Republican and Democratic primary season and may have helped sink the hopes of candidates more hostile to Russian interests long before the field narrowed.

The final piece of Russias modern Active Measures surfaced in the summer of 2016 as hacked materials from previous months were strategically leaked. On July 22, WikiLeaks released troves of stolen communications from the Democratic National Committee and later batches of campaign emails. Guccifer 2.0 and DC Leaks revealed hacked information from a host of former U.S. government officials throughout July and August 2016. For the remainder of the campaign season, this compromising material powered the influence system Russia successfully constructed in the previous two years.

On the evening of July 30, my colleagues and I watched as RT and Sputnik News simultaneously launched false stories of the U.S. airbase at Incirlik being overrun by terrorists. Within minutes, pro-Russian social-media aggregators and automated bots amplified this false news story and expanded conspiracies asserting American nuclear missiles at the base would be lost to extremists. More than 4,000 tweets in the first 78 minutes after launching of this false story linked back to the Active Measures accounts wed tracked in the previous two years. These previously identified accounts, almost simultaneously appearing from different geographic locations and communities, amplified this fake news story in unison. The hashtags incrementally pushed by these automated accounts were #Nuclear, #Media, #Trump and #Benghazi. The most common words found in English-speaking Twitter user profiles were: God, Military, Trump, Family, Country, Conservative, Christian, America, and Constitution. These accounts and their messages clearly sought to convince Americans a U.S. military base was being overrun in a terrorist attack like the 2012 assault on the U.S. consulate in Libya. In reality, a small protest gathered outside the Incirlik gate and the increased security at the airbase sought to secure the arrival of the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff the following day.

This pattern of Russian falsehoods and social-media manipulation of the American electorate continued through Election Day and persists today. Many of the accounts we watched push the false Incirlik story in July now focus their efforts on shaping the upcoming European elections, promoting fears of immigration or false claims of refugee criminality. Theyve not forgotten about the United States either. This past week, we observed social-media campaigns targeting Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, hoping to foment further unrest amongst U.S. democratic institutions, their leaders and their constituents.

As we noted two days before the presidential election in our article describing Russian influence operations, Russia certainly seeks to promote Western candidates sympathetic to their worldview and foreign-policy objectives. But winning a single election is not their end goal. Russian Active Measures hope to topple democracies through the pursuit of five complementary objectives:

 Undermine citizen confidence in democratic governance Foment and exacerbate divisive political fractures Erode trust between citizens and elected officials and democratic institutions Popularize Russian policy agendas within foreign populations Create general distrust or confusion over information sources by blurring the lines between fact and fiction

From these objectives, the Kremlin can crumble democracies from the inside out creating political divisions resulting in two key milestones: 1) the dissolution of the European Union and 2) the breakup of the North American Treaty Organization (NATO). Achieving these two victories against the West will allow Russia to reassert its power globally and pursue its foreign-policy objectives bilaterally through military, diplomatic, and economic aggression. Russias undeterred annexation of Crimea, conflict in Ukraine, and military deployment in Syria provide recent examples.

Why did Soviet Active Measures fail during the Cold War but succeed for Russia today?

Russias Active Measures today work far better than that of their Soviet forefathers. During the Cold War, the KGB had to infiltrate the West, recruit agents, and promote communist parties and their propaganda while under watch by Western counterintelligence efforts. Should they be too aggressive, Soviet spies conducting Active Measures amongst U.S. domestic groups could potentially trigger armed conflict or would be detained and deported.

Social media provides Russias new Active Measures access to U.S. audiences without setting foot in the country, and the Kremlin smartly uses these platforms in seven ways to win Western elections. First, Russia chooses close democratic contests where a slight nudge can usher in their preferred candidate or desired outcome. Second, Russia targets specific audiences inside electorates amenable to their messages and resulting influencein particular, alt-right audiences incensed over immigration, refugees, and economic hardship. Third, Russia plans and implements their strategy long before an election, allowing sufficient time for cultivating an amenable audience ripe for manipulation. Fourth, their early entry into electoral debates allows them to test many messages and then reinforce those messages that resonate and bring about a measurable, preferred shift in public opinion. Fifth, Russia brilliantly uses hacking to compromise adversaries and power their influence messaginga tactic most countries would not take. Sixth, their employment of social-media automation saturates their intended audience with narratives that drown out opposing viewpoints. Finally, Russia plays either side should the contest changebacking an individual candidate or party so long as they support a Kremlin policy position and then turning against the same party should their position shift against Russia.

The implications of Russias new Active Measures model will be twofold. The first is what the world is witnessing todaya Russian challenge to democracies throughout the West. Russian influence surfaced in Eastern Europe elections and the United Kingdoms Brexit vote before the U.S. presidential election, helped bolster a losing far-right candidate recently in the Netherlands, and right now works diligently to shape the upcoming 2017 elections in France and Germany. Over the horizon, Russia has provided any authoritarian dictator or predatory elite equipped with hackers and disrespectful of civil liberties a playbook to dismantle their enemies through information warfare. Fledgling democracies and countries rife with ethnic and social divisions will be particularly vulnerable to larger authoritarian regimes with the time, resources and patience to foment chaos in smaller republics.

The U.S. Can Counter Russias Modern Active Measures

America can defuse Russias Active Measures online by undertaking a coordinated and broad range of actions across the U.S. government. Currently, the U.S. ignores, to its own detriment, falsehoods and manipulated truths generated and promoted by Russias state-sponsored media and their associated conspiratorial websites. While many Active Measures claims seem ridiculous, a non-response by the U.S. government introduces doubt and fuels social-media conspiracies. The U.S. should generate immediate public refutations to false Russian claims by creating two official government webpages acting as a U.S. government Snopes for disarming falsehoods. The U.S. State Department would host a website responding to false claims regarding U.S. policy and operations outside U.S. borders. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security would host a parallel website responding to any and all false claims regarding U.S. policy and operations domesticallya particularly important function in times of emergency where Russian Active Measures have been observed inciting panic.

Criminal investigations bringing hackers to justice will continue to be vital. However, the FBI must take a more proactive role during investigations to analyze what information has been stolen by Russia and then help officials publicly disclose the breach in short order. Anticipating rather than reacting to emerging Russian data dumps through public-affairs messaging will help U.S. officials and other American targets of kompromat prepare themselves for future discrediting campaigns.

Russian propaganda sometime peddles false financial stories, causing rapid shifts in U.S. company stock prices that hurt consumer and investor confidence and open the way for predatory market manipulation and short selling. At times, U.S. business employees unwittingly engage with Russian social-media hecklers and honeypots putting themselves and their companies at risk. The Departments of Treasury and Commerce should immediately undertake an education campaign for U.S. businesses to help them thwart damaging, false claims and train their employees in spotting nefarious social-media operations that might compromise their information.

The Department of Homeland Security must continue to improve existing public-private partnerships and expand sharing of cybertrends and technical signatures. This information will be critical in helping citizens and companies prevent the hacking techniques propelling Russian kompromat. Finally, U.S. intelligence agencies have a large role to play in countering Russian Active Measures in the future, but my recommendations in this regard are not well suited for open discussion.

The most important actions to diffuse Russias modern Active Measures actually come from outside the U.S. governmentthe private sector and civil society. Russias social-media influence campaigns achieve great success because mainstream media outlets amplify the salacious claims coming from stolen information. If forewarned by law enforcement of a Russian compromise (as noted above), the worlds largest newspapers, cable-news channels and social-media companies could join in a pact vowing not to report on stolen information that amplified Russias influence campaigns. While they would stand to lose audience in the near term to fringe outlets, Russias Active Measures would be far less effective at discrediting their adversaries and shaping polities if they lacked access to mainstream media outlets. Mainstream media outlets unifying and choosing not to be Kremlin pawns would also be a counter to Russias suppression of free speech and harsh treatment of journalists and the press.

Social-media companies have played an outsized role in recent elections as they increasingly act as the primary news provider for their users. Tailored news feeds from social-media platforms have created information bubbles where voters see only stories and opinions suiting their preferences and biasesripe conditions for Russian disinformation campaigns. In the leadup to the 2016 election, fake news stories were consumed at higher rates than true stories. As a result, Facebook initiated a noble effort to tag fake news stories for their readers. But Facebooks push must be expanded and joined by other social-media companies or they will be overwhelmed by the volume of stories needing evaluation and will find difficulty protecting freedom of speech and the freedom of the press.

Social-media companies should band together in the creation of an Information Consumer Reports. This non-governmental agency would evaluate all media organizations, mainstream and otherwise, across a range of variables producing news ratings representative of the outlets accuracy and orientation. The score would appear next to each outlets content in web searches and social-media streams providing the equivalent of a nutrition label for information. Consumers would not be restricted from viewing fake news outlets and their erroneous information, but would know the risks of their consumption. The rating, over time, would reduce consumption of Russian disinformation specifically and misinformation collectively, while also placing a check on mainstream media outlets that have all too often regurgitated false stories.

Over the past three years, Russia has implemented and run the most effective and efficient influence campaign in world history. Russian propaganda and social-media manipulation has not stopped since the election in November and continues fomenting chaos amongst the American populace. American allies in Europe today suffer from an onslaught of hacks and manipulation, which threaten alliances that brought U.S. victory in the Cold War. The U.S., in failing to respond to Russias Active Measures, will surrender its position as the worlds leader, forgo its role as chief promoter and defender of democracy, and give up on over 70 years of collective action to preserve freedom and civil liberties around the world.

Our nations democratic principles and ideals are under attack by a kleptocratic Russian regime sowing divisions amongst the American public and Western society through information warfare. Russias strategic motto is divided we stand, divided we fall. Its time the United States remind the world, that despite our day-to-day policy debates and political squabbles, we stand united, alongside our allies, in defending our democratic system of government from the meddling of power-hungry tyrants and repressive authoritarians that prey on their people and suppress humanity.

Clint Watts has been a fellow on national security and the Middle East at the Foreign Policy Research Institute since 2011, and is a senior fellow at the Center For Cyber and Homeland Security at The George Washington University. He is co-author of the recently published, "Trolling for Trump: How Russia Is Trying to Destroy Our Democracy."
Judge Neil Gorsuch is likely not going to be a great Supreme Court Justice. Based on his prior judicial opinions and his answers (or often non-answers) to Senate questions, he appears to have a disturbing lack of empathy for people like the freezing truck driver who was fired for making the only human choice possible and leaving his trailer under dire circumstances (two other judges said the firing violated federal law).

Gorsuchs stated method of deciding constitutional questions is either naive or dishonest. He cant possibly believe that the justices resolve hard constitutional cases just by striv[ing] to understand what the words on the page mean. Not import words that come from us, but apply what you, the peoples representative, the lawmakers, have done.

The words on the page will not tell us anything valuable about balancing the speech rights of corporations against fighting corruption, whether independent prosecutors are constitutional, or whether strict gun laws trump Second Amendment rights. These and other constitutional issues that reach the United States Supreme Court are there in large part because the text and history of the Constitution cannot resolve them.In addition, Gorsuch, when he is confirmed, will be sitting in a stolen seat. Despite a lot of misinformation from Senate Republicans and their followers, not allowing President Obama to name any replacement for Justice Scalia for almost a year contravened Senate norms of fair dealing and set a terrible precedent.

Given all of the above, I fully understand why so many Democrats want to see a filibuster of Neil Gorsuch. In addition to standing up for what is right, such a move would placate and maybe even energize the base of the party. Moreover, not filibustering may well antagonize the base at a time when its momentum and money is sorely needed.

Nevertheless, Senate Democrats shouldnt take the bait. Leaving the filibuster on the table is the best strategy for people taking a long view of the future of the United States Supreme Court.

The Republicans currently hold 52 Senate seats and Vice-President Pence breaks any 50-50 ties. Well placed folks have told me that the GOP will vote lockstep on the Gorsuch nomination. Thus, just as in 2013 when the Democrats in the Senate ended the filibuster for lower court judges and executive branch nominees by a simple majority vote (the so-called nuclear option), the Republicans will now end the filibuster for Supreme Court nominees if that is necessary to place Gorsuch on the bench. Make no mistake, the GOP is fully committed to Gorsuch.

I am not the only progressive who thinks the filibuster is a mistake. Professor Rick Hasen of the University of California at Irvine explains the risks:

Democrats hold a pair of twos. They dont have much they can do. Triggering a fight over the filibuster will gain attention, but Democrats can only do it once. The Gorsuch nomination restores the balance of power on the Court to the position it was in before Justice Scalias death.

Imagine if in a year or so Justices Breyer, Ginsburg, or Kennedy leave the Court. Then things get MUCH worse from the point of view of progressives. Then Roberts becomes the swing voter and there goes affirmative action, abortion rights, etc. If you think things with the Supreme Court are bad for progressive now they can get much, much worse.

Better to save the firepower for that fight. It is possible that Senators like Susan Collins would be squeamish about such a nominee, and they might not vote to go nuclear. At that point, people can take to the streets and exert public pressure.

The future under a Trump presidency is highly uncertain as scandal after scandal erupts. Should there be another vacancy on the Court (and given the ages of Justices Ginsburg, Kennedy and Breyer, that is highly likely), the political balance on the Court for decades will hang in the balance. The fight over the next seat may well be much more important to moderate conservatives (yes, there are a few left) than the seat once occupied by Scalia. The time for Democrats to go to war is then, not now, especially as this is a battle that cannot be won right now.

I would have been in favor of the Senate Democrats boycotting the hearings and the vote altogether in protest of what happened to Merrick Garland. But it is too late to play that card. Therefore, the only remaining question is how Democrats should play the current hand to maximize leverage and chances of success in the future. This is an issue of strategy not principle. The answer is to put the filibuster card back in the deck. That decision does not guarantee it will work next time but the players both at the table and away from the table may be very different the next time a vacancy arises. Sometimes the best strategy is simply to leave the table and come back to play another day.
Evidence is growing that House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes engaged in an elaborate charade last week when he went to brief the president about what he spun as an alarming development: The U.S. government had spied on some of his top aides.

Nunes claimed he was visiting the White House to tell the president about incidental collection of Trump transition team officials caught up in foreign surveillance. He claimed this information had been brought to him by whistleblowers.

But then Nuness story began to fall apart. First came the news that he mysteriously fell off the grid the evening before he briefed the president. That was followed by his admission that he had been on White House grounds that night.

And on Thursday, things went from bad to worse for Nunes and the White House. The New York Times reported that two White House officials were the ones who gave Nunes those intelligence reports.

That means these White House officials provided documents to Nunes privately, after which Nunes rushed publicly to the White House to brief them on documents he had reviewed. Whether it was the purpose of the charade or not, the mysterious behavior of the chairman has blown up the intelligence communitys investigation into Russia and changed the topic from the FBIs ongoing investigation into ties between the Trump campaign and the Russian government.

Thursdays report means that either Nunes has been lying to the public or The New York Times is flat wrong on a story that neither Nunes nor the White House will deny.

To comment on that story would be to validate certain things that I am not at liberty to do, White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters. But previous Spicer comments suggest that he may have known how many sources were providing surveillance information to Nunes. Asked about Nuness sources on Tuesday, the spokesman alluded to two individuals who were properly cleared before adding or three, or whoever he met with.

A House Intelligence Committee spokesperson also declined to dispute the report.

As hes stated many times, Chairman Nunes will not confirm or deny speculation about his sources identity, and he will not respond to speculation from anonymous sources, the spokesperson said in an email.

Nunes previously told Bloomberg View this week that his source was not a White House staffer but was instead an intelligence official.

And during his initial foray with the press, Nunes explained that he needed to brief the president because the administration isnt aware of this, so I need to make sure I go over there and tell them what I know. Because it involves them.

But The New York Times reported that his sources were Ezra Cohen-Watnick, a senior aide on the National Security Council, and Michael Ellis, a White House lawyer who formerly worked on Nuness committee. It The New York Times report is true, Nunes was misleading the public.

Previously, National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster had sought to oust Cohen-Watnick at the behest of Central Intelligence Agency officials who were uncomfortable dealing with him. Cohen-Watnick appealed to top White House advisers Jared Kushner and Steve Bannon, who pleaded his case with President Trump. On March 12, according to a Politico report, Trump overruled McMaster and allowed Cohen-Watnick to remain in his post.

Shortly before Trump moved to secure Cohen-Watnicks position, the White House brought on Nuness reported second NSC source. It hired Ellis on March 7 directly from Nuness committee, where he served as chief counsel.

House Speaker Paul Ryan said on Wednesday that Nunes had briefed Ryan on his conversations with his sources. He recalled Nunes attributing the information to a whistleblower type person, which is not typically how one refers to a former lawyer and longtime colleague.

But Ryans office declined to comment on the Times report. The speaker doesnt know the source of the disclosure to Chairman Nunes, spokesperson AshLee Strong said in an email. As the speaker said this morning, the chairman has his full confidence, she added.

On Thursday afternoon, the highest-ranking House Intelligence Committee Democrat, Rep. Adam Schiff , announced that the White House sent him a letter inviting him to the White House to view documents that may be the same ones Nunes had reviewed there last week.

It raised the profound question why they were not directly provided to the White House by the National Security staff and instead were provided through a circuitous route involving the chairman, Schiff told the press. If that was designed to hide the origin of the materials, that raises profound questions about just what the White House is doing that need to be answered.

Schiff and other Democrats have already called on Nunes to recuse himself from the investigation.

Why all the cloak and dagger stuff? And thats something that we need to get to the bottom of. I hope well get the White House cooperation on that issue, Schiff said.

The scrutiny comes as former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who resigned after serving in the position for less than a month after questions over false statements he gave about meetings with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, reportedly offered to testify before the FBI and the House and Senate Intelligence committees in exchange for immunity. According to the The Wall Street Journal, Flynns offer has not been accepted yet, but he reportedly hopes to exchange immunity from prosecution for information pertinent to the ongoing investigation of Russian election tampering.

Nunes has shared few details about what was in the surveillance reports that he has cited to claim that the Trump campaign was picked up in foreign intelligence. He initially said that surveillance collected incidental communications by the president himself before walking back that claim.

He has faced criticism from Democratic colleagues on the committee for personally discussing surveillance information with the president before sharing it with other committee members. Nunes has said he never plans to disclose to those colleagues who his sources for the information were.

Nunes is simultaneously leading an investigation into the Trump campaigns possible ties to Russia, and congressional Democrats say Nuness backchanneling with the president has compromised the integrity of that investigation.

As questions swirl about the independence of Nuness probe, some of his House Republican colleagues have offered less than helpful defenses.

Youve got to keep in mind that he works for the president. He answers to the president, said Florida Rep. Ted Yoho on MSNBC on Thursday. In fact, Nunes and Yoho both work for the legislative, not the executive, branch of the federal government.

Doesnt he work for the constituents of his district? MSNBC host Craig Melvin asked.

Well, you do both, Yoho said.
We all assume that its Russia that will bring this president down, and that is certainly a reasonable assumption. We already know that he coordinated with Russia, because he did so openly, urging the Kremlin to hack his opponent. But if evidence emerges that he and his team did more behind closed doors, what with his numerous and vehement denials, hes done.

So lets put Russia at the top of the polewhile not forgetting that there are other contenders for the title of Trump Finisher-Offer. For my money the second spot has to be occupied by the women who accuse Trump of pursuing them sexually in ways they did not seek, desire, or enjoy. Remember last October, when all those women came forward? Remember how Trump said they were all liars? Remember how he was going to sue them? Yeah. Right.

Well, one of those women is suing him now, for calling her a liar, and, true to form, Trump and his lawyers are arguing the exact opposite of the legal truth.

Summer Zervos, a past contestant on The Apprentice, alleges that Trump ambushed her on more than one occasion (so hard to believe!). At issue in the federal courts in New York this past week has been the question of whether a sitting president should have to endure such a trial. And Trumps lawyers cited Clinton v. Jones in arguing that the Constitution immunizes President Trump from being sued in this action while he is in office.

As all of us who wrote about (or merely paid attention) to politics 20 years ago know, the Supreme Court took precisely the opposite opinion in the Jones decision. It ruledunanimouslythat a sitting president is not immune from civil legal action over a matter that happened before he held office and was unrelated to the job of the presidency.

It was a bad decision then, and its bad law now. The emblematic quote came from liberal justice John Paul Stevens, writing (quite naively) for the Court that the Jones lawsuit appears to us highly unlikely to occupy any substantial amount of Clintons time.

But the fact is that its law. And if it applied to Clinton, it sure applies to Trump.

Yet here are his lawyers saying the opposite. Well, I guess if Trump can say the evidence proves that his inaugural was the biggest ever and that millions of people voted against him illegally, his lawyers can certainly say this.

More broadly, on the topic of Trump and women, we seem to have forgotten all about what a cad he was (generous application of past-tense there). A few weeks ago I was in New York and I was walking past a construction site on Fifth Avenue. The plywood boards were up so passersby couldnt see what was going on. And on the plywood sheets, I noticed some handbills with Trumps picture. They were done up to look classy in the well-known Trump way: strong typeface, black background, gold lettering.

I saw his headshot but couldnt read the text below. Then when I got close enough, I saw what it said. Im not remembering the exact order here, but it was the Access Hollywood quotes: I moved on her like a bitch. I did try and fuck hershe was married. I just start kissing them. Its like a magnet. Just kiss. I dont even wait. And when youre a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. Grab em by the pussy. You can do anything.

There were probably 20 of them, four across and five tall. It was quite a sight. And it struck me that I hadnt even thought about those quotes in months, because he says so many appalling things, utters so many lies, that an appalling thing we heard five months ago is like four million disgusting statements ago, so it washed down the toilet long ago.

But its worth being reminded of those remarks from time to time. And we all but know there are more of them, probably on tape somewhere. Some of them may yet come out. And Ms. Zervoss lawsuit may well progress, and who knows, the president may have to take the stand, although hell undoubtedly settle while tweeting a) his innocence and b) slurs against her character.

And finally, its worth remembering, the Jones decision may have much broader implications for Trump than solely having to do with sex. Remember that he agreed to those Trump University settlements just days before his inaugural (gee, if his lawyers thought then that the Constitution immunized the president against such proceedings, whyd he settle?). In addition, he was the target of some 75 civil lawsuits on the day he took the oath of office.

Small wonder that his lawyers argued what they argued this week. If any of these lawsuits start making their way through the pipeline, were going to see yet another new and humiliating Trump precedent seta president enmeshed in lawsuit after lawsuit alleging him to be either a sexual predator or chiseler. Getting used to it doesnt mean we have to stop being outraged by it.
In a move that could signal a major shift in White House strategyas well as a possible campaign of retribution against members of his own political partyPresident Donald Trump on Thursday morning tweeted: The Freedom Caucus will hurt the entire Republican agenda if they don't get on the team, & fast. We must fight them, & Dems, in 2018!

This comes on the heels of other recent tweets that he issued in the wake of his decision to pull the Republican health-care plan.

When the bill went down, it was unclear who would be blamed. Some theorized that House Speaker Paul Ryan would be the fall guy. Others suspected this was the beginning of the end for Chief of Staff Reince Priebus. The Freedom Caucus, others theorized, might take the blame. But in the immediate aftermath, Trump blamed Democrats for the bills defeat.

In the waning hours before his health-care plan collapsed, President Trump had attempted to cajole the Freedom Caucus, threatening that he might come after their chairman, Mark Meadows of North Carolina, if he didnt support the bill.

As part of a last-ditch effort to salvage the bill, Trump had made numerous concessions to the Freedom Caucus, but each time he granted a concession during their negotiation, they seemed to move the goal posts.

Todays tweet isnt a complete surprise. The day after pulling the bill, Trump tweeted: Democrats are smiling in D.C. that the Freedom Caucus, with the help of Club for Growth and Heritage, have saved Planned Parenthood & Ocare!

And on Monday, he tweeted: The Republican House Freedom Caucus was able to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. After so many bad years they were ready for a win!

Still, todays tweet seems more serious. If it is to be taken literally (we never know), it could mean that Trump will have to pursue a dramatically different governing strategy than the one he began with.

In my last column, I suggested the president might take a page from the Bill Clinton playbook and triangulate. This would involve embracing the populist themes he ran on, instead of outsourcing his governing agenda to Paul Ryan and House Republicans.

This latest tweetindicating he wants to fight both the Freedom Caucus and Democrats in 2018suggests he might be taking this idea seriously. There is always the possibility that Trump might be retooling his administrationsomething he must do if it is to be successful.

Another way of looking at it is that this could be a mess. While Breitbart (and maybe Bannon) are gunning for Ryan, Trump is going at the Freedom Caucus. This is not quite circular firing squad territory, but it is chaotic. If a Republican president seriously expends time and treasure taking down members of his own party in a midterm election, that doesnt bode well for him or his party.

Still, I think we have to accept the possibility that Trump (or, more likely, an outside group operating on his behalf) could identify some loyal Trump supporters to primary some of the Freedom Caucus members. Even if it doesnt workeven if Trump fails to oust anyonethe threat that the president of the United States might come to your districtmight run a radio ad for your Republican opponentcould be enough to make you think twice before crossing him again.

This could be part of a larger negotiation. Read the tweet closely, and youll see its a warning. He says this will happen If they dont get on the team. In other words, they had better cooperate with him on tax reform, avoiding a government shutdown, etc.

Back when Trump was trying to sell his health care plan, he warned Republicans that many of you will lose your seats if it didnt pass. As was the case with many of Trumps pronouncements, it wasnt precisely clear what he meant. Now, things are starting to come into better focus. He wasnt doing political analysis. He was issuing a threat.
President Donald Trump is in a vengeful mood over dissent in his Republican ranks, according to officials who spoke to The Daily Beast just hours after Trump threatened the House Freedom Caucus on Twitter on Thursday.

On Thursday morning, Trump once again hate-tweeted the hardline-conservative caucus, calling for an intra-party fight against it.

Shortly after the tweet was sent, the White House press office quickly informed curious reporters that Trumps tweet speaks for itself. According to two Trump administration officials speaking to The Daily Beast on the condition of anonymity to talk freely, the president is "in a vengeful mood, again," as one described it.

Another official confirmed an earlier report from The Washington Posts Robert Costa that Trump plans on keeping a close eye on who from [the] Freedom Caucus appears on television this week. The official said Trump has told [senior] staff to gauge who will be the biggest pain in his ass, and the biggest roadblocks as his administration moves forward on the legislative agenda.

On Thursday morning, when asked about Trumps latest fit of hate-tweeting, a senior aide working for the Freedom Caucus simply messaged The Daily Beast, Meh meh meh.

Members of the House Freedom Caucus have already signaled that they will take a similar posturing on the issue of tax reform that they did on the Trump-heralded American Health Care Act. Additional early-morning hate-tweeting from the president is unlikely to change that.

"Anonymous threats from the White House, and ones from the president, won't keep conservatives from doing [our] jobs," one House Republican aide said. "If last week should have taught [the White House and leadership] anything it's that we don't scare easy.

It has been almost a full week since Freedom Caucus members, along with other more moderate GOP members of Congress, effectively pulled the plug on Trumpcare , in a humiliating defeat for House Republican leadership and the allegedly master dealmaker of a president.

Over the weekend, Trump accused the conservative caucus of helping the Democrats save Obamacare and Planned Parenthood. The continuing Twitter salvos against the Freedom Caucus come from a president who had vowed to move on strategicallyto tax reform and infrastructure, for instancebut who cannot seem to do so emotionally.

Its constructive in 5th gradeit may allow a child to get his way, but thats not how our government works, congressman Justin Amash, a Freedom Caucus stalwart, said on Capitol Hill Thursday morning, responding to Trumps tweet .

"The idea of threatening your way to legislative success may not be the wisest of strategies," Amashs colleague Rep. Mark Sanford frankly told The Washington Posts Dave Weigel.

The Freedom Caucus is no stranger to direct threats, or suggestions of possible support for primary challengers, from the president or top White House staff. Last week, Trump summoned Rep. Mark Meadows, Freedom Caucus chairman, to stand up before a meeting of Republicans, and specifically singled him out for his dissent on the Obamacare-repeal effort.

"Mark, I'm coming after you," Trump reportedly said in the meeting.

On Friday, The Daily Beast reported that White House chief strategist Stephen Bannon was advising Trump to compile a shit list of those who opposed the bill, and that Bannon wanted the running tally displayed in his West Wing war room. Trump, for his part, was more than receptive to this enemies-list-type idea.

When asked by The Daily Beast last Friday afternoon if he was at all concerned about potentially making the White House shit list for his staunch opposition from the beginning to the AHCA, Amash just smiled, laughed, and asked,  What do you think? 
By Press Trust of India: From M Zulqernain

Lahore, Mar 30 (PTI) A leader of persecuted Ahmadi Muslim community and relative of Pakistans Nobel laureate Abdus Salam was today killed by the ISIS-linked Lashkar-e-Jhanghvi terror group which said it had sent another "infidel" to hell.

According to police, advocate Malik Saleem Latif and his son advocate Farhan were going to court in Nankana Sahib, some 80 kilometres from Lahore, when unidentified men opened fire on them, killing Saleem on the spot while injuring Farhan.

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Farhan was taken to local hospital where his condition was stated to be critical.

Saleem was the cousin of Nobel laureate scientist Abdus Salam. He was president of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiya Nankana Sahib.

"A special squad of LeJ Riaz Basra Brigade today undertook the nobel cause of sending an infidel (Ahmadi) to hell. Saleem was spreading his sects message in the area and he was wanted by Mujahideen of LeJ," Ali Bin Sufian, a spokesman of LeJ Al Alami, said on social media.

LeJ Al Alami, a faction of the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, has ties to the Taliban, al-Qaeda and most recently Islamic State militants. The group has been behind major terror attacks in Pakistan, including last months suicide bombing of a Sufi shrine in Sindh province that killed more than 90 people.

LeJ was founded in 1996 as a militant offshoot of Sipah-i-Sahaba, a Sunni sectarian group that emerged in the mid-1980s. LeJ has claimed responsibility for the deaths of hundreds of civilians, mostly minority Shia Muslims.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiya spokesperson Saleemuddin said Saleem was killed for his faith.

"Advocate Saleem has been targeted purely for his faith and the government has failed to rein in those elements spreading hate openly against the Ahmadi community," he said and demanded immediate arrest of the culprits.

The killing of Saleem puts the spotlight back on Pakistans problem of Ahmadi persecution. The issue is deep-rooted and dates back to pre-Partition of India.

In 2014, 11 Pakistani members of the Ahmadi community were reportedly murdered. At least six Ahmadis were killed in Pakistan in 2016 for their religious beliefs.

In 1984, Ahmadis were restricted from "misusing" the epithets, descriptions, titles reserved for certain holy personages or places of Islamic origins. They could not call themselves Muslim or propagate their faith.

In 1974, the then Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhuttos regime amended the constitution to include the definition of a Muslim and listed groups that were consider non-Muslim. PTI MZ MRJ ZH AKJ ZH

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Police personnel deployed in the valley responded to the situation with exemplary restraint and in a calibrated manner, said the police spokesman.

By Ashwini Kumar: Jammu and Kashmir police and security forces restrained themselves in Yaripora area of Kulgam district in Kashmir valley when stone pelters hurled petrol bombs on security forces deployed for the maintenance of law and order.

Miscreants tried to provoke security forces so that police would fire on the mob and lead to the maximum number of casualties.

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Police sources said some terrorists who were part of the mob started firing indiscriminately on security personnel.

However, police spokesman said that the police personnel deployed responded to the situation with exemplary restraint and in a calibrated manner after assessing the situation and particularly taking into account the safety of the civilians.

Instead of firing back immediately, terrorists were chased away into an orchard and a search operation was launched.

District police of Kulgam advises youth not to accompany terrorists to such gatherings where collateral fire may cause unfortunate deaths.

Intelligence sources claim that an administrator is sitting in Pakistan and is continuously directing the youth and women to attack army and security forces through a number of WhatsApp groups in Kashmir valley.

The same thing happened in the Budgam encounter where one terrorist was killed while the other escaped when the mob attacked the security forces. Three civilians were also killed in the cross fire, added the sources.

Intelligence agencies also stated that Pakistan has planned a new strategy in Kashmir valley which will cause an increase in civilians deaths and mob attacks on the army and special operations group of Jammu and Kashmir Police.

Also Read:

Kashmir: Life disrupted as Valley observes shutdown over civilians killed after Budgam encounter

Kashmir: 3 civilians killed, 63 jawans hurt in clashes after Budgam encounter - what you need to know

Also Watch:

Operation Stone Pelters: Kashmir's scariest admissions caught on camera

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The report which was tabled on March 15 states, "The Home Secretary stated that there was no plan to procure such vehicles as they were prohibitively expensive and there was no money available for the purpose".

By Jugal R Purohit: You were wrong if you thought the government was pulling out all the stops to secure our troops fighting the Maoist menace, especially against the Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) which are their weapon of choice.

Centre's top bureaucrat, Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, recently made some facts known during a meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs.

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Mehrishi, an IAS officer from the 1978 batch, was party to a discussion concerning Demand For Grants (DFG) in the meeting when the deliberation veered towards providing better security for troops from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) deployed in countering the Maoist menace across the ten affected states.

One of the members of the committee raised the issue of regular killing of civilians and CRPF personnel and sought to know whether any mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles were being procured for the protection of the CRPF personnel. The report which was tabled on March 15 states, "The Home Secretary stated that there was no plan to procure such vehicles as they were prohibitively expensive and there was no money available for the purpose".

The Home Ministry believes there has been 'unprecedented improvement in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) (Home Ministry's term for Maoist violence) scenario across the country' with 'an overall 7 per cent reduction in violent incidents (1136 to 1048) and 30 per cent reduction (397 to 278) in LWE related deaths since the end of 2013'.

However, the statistics with the CRPF which has nearly 90 of its battalions (each with 800 personnel) tell a different story.

WEAPONS OF CHOICE

From 2014 the forces have faced an increasing barrage of IEDs from the Maoist insurgents. Year-wise increase in the recoveries, number of blasts and the growing expertise of the insurgents in concealing them reveals IEDs are the weapon of choice for Maoists.

Between January 1, 2014 and March 27, 2017 the CRPF has faced 121 blasts and has recovered 2534 IEDs across the affected states. The CRPF also lost 59 personnel to Maoist IEDs and had 169 injured as a result.

The report further states, "The Ministry was trying to work with local manufacturers for bullet-proofing the vehicles. The Joint Secretary further added that the private sector in India was not producing any mine protected vehicles with the level of protection required'. The Home Ministry was in the process of providing 300 light bullet proof vehicles within the next six months.

For this response, the Home Ministry received a rap on its knuckles.

One of the members pointed out, 'while bullet-proof vehicles were useful in J&K however, they may not be able to protect personnel in LWE affected areas in Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand where hundreds of paramilitary and police personnel were getting killed because of mines and ambushes. He also stated that not sanctioning funds for such necessary equipment is grave negligence'.

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In its conclusion, the report states, "The Committee is constrained to observe that lack of financial resources is becoming a reason for casualty of valuable lives of police and CAPF personnel which are being lost in the battle against Left Wing Extremism. The Committee feels that bullet-proof vehicles would not be safe or sufficient for use in LWE areas. On the other hand, the Ministry feels constrained to procure advanced equipment due to lack of financial resources. In such a scenario, the Committee recommends that the Government should explore the opportunities created by the Make In India programme and develop indigenous vehicles. The Committee also recommends that in the meanwhile, the Ministry should explore other measures including import of suitable vehicles".

The said committee is chaired by former Home Minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram and has a total of 31 members including ten from Rajya Sabha and the 21 from Lok Sabha.

THE ABSURDITY

Back in 2009, under P Chidambaram, the Home Ministry had cleared the CRPF to procure 352 MPVs for use in Maoist affected areas. The Home Ministry recently approved an additional 180 MPVs for CRPF in its Modernisation Plan II.

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Yet the CRPF is currently providing its troops roughly 120 outdated and poorly serviced MPVs.

REACTIONS

Despite repeated calls and text messages Mehrishi did not reply. The MHA too said it would not like to comment.

K Vijay Kumar, former Director General of the CRPF, who was later appointed as a Senior Security Adviser by the Home Ministry said, "We require a spectrum of Mine Protected Vehicles and not just one type/class of it. Towards protecting our troops better against IEDs, combination of human effort, canine effort and gadgetry is required".

Sudeep Lakhtakia, Additional Director General who is holding charge as the Director General of the CRPF said, "The MPVs have been purchased and used. However there is a reason behind their limited utility to the ground forces. What goes against the usage of these vehicles is a lack of roads, terrain which does not support wheeled operations and the fact that Maoists simply pack in more explosives to debilitate and defeat the vehicle. We are looking at deploying technology in the form of drones, cameras and armoured vehicles can be one of them".

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LIP SERVICE

Within days of assuming charge, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on June 13, 2014 had told his ministry to ensure the 'best quality of training and equipment' for personnel from Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and state police forces.

Also watch:

Court gives life sentence to Delhi University Professor GN Saibaba for Maoist links

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The 2017 Physics and Engineering Festival at Texas A&M is set to kick off Friday, giving community members the opportunity to learn from and interact with students and faculty members from the university.

The event will feature more than 200 participating students from the university-funded Discover, Explore and Enjoy Physics and Engineering program, 50 faculty members and dozens of additional student volunteers. Those who visit the free festival Saturday can explore nearly 200 student-run presentations and experiments spread out in and around the George P. Mitchell Physics Building on the north side of A&M's campus.

Instructional associate professor of physics Tatiana Erukhimova, one of the event's organizers, said among the new additions to this year's festival is "The Physics of Cooking." The Friday evening presentation will feature Harvard University professor of physics David Weitz alongside local restaurant owner Peter Madden and Mitch Siegert of Truman Chocolates.

A popular presentation spinning out of a similar course taught by Weitz, Erukhimova said she believes the subject has a broad appeal thanks to the way it explains the science of everyday actions.

"There are many things you do in everyday life and you don't think about the simple -- or sometimes not so simple -- physics behind them," Erukhimova said. "Our hope is that people will connect this concept with everyday experiences...We hope it will remove some of the boundaries people face in seeing physics all around us."

Graduate physics student Dawson Nodurft noted that in recent years interest in learning more about the science behind cooking has been growing, fueling a number of cookbooks, blogs and more.

"It's something that's been looked into a lot more seriously these days," Nodurft said.

Erukhimova said while the festival is a chance for the community to see the fun behind physics and engineering, it also gives students the ability bring principals they learn in the classroom into the real world.

"It's a really beneficial experience for our students," Erukhimova said. "This is a unique teaching experience for students to get to explain the beautiful physics concepts behind these demonstrations to the general public."

Physics graduate student Joe Becker said the process of working with his team of undergraduate students has enlightened him as he gets the opportunity to see the excitement of learning something new that "can get lost in research as a graduate student."

"The festival for me is really a celebration for my team of undergrads to show off the things they worked on really hard this year," Becker said. "It's like doing a dry-run for research projects. It's not super complicated physics, but you still get the challenge of doing the research,"

In addition to the demonstrations and Physics of Cooking event, the festival will also feature virtual tours of the Large Hardon Collider, the "Amazing Bubble Show" presented by Keith Johnson, lectures by Nobel laureate David Lee, astronaut Bonnie Dunbar and astrophysicist and TED fellow Lucianne Walkowicz, and the grand-finale five-barrel depth charge demonstration.

For a full schedule of the festival's events, visit physicsfestival.tamu.edu.
A toddler and 21-year-old family friend likely drowned yesterday after the boat they were fishing in capsized and sank in a private pond in Brazos County. Neither were wearing a life-vest, officials said.

According to Brazos County Sheriff Chris Kirk, deputies were called at 7:10 p.m. Wednesday after a family reported that their 3-year-old son and their friend - Omar Martinez - had not returned from a nearby fishing trip.

The pond, which spans about 7 acres in the 4000 block of Telluride Way, exists as a dammed watershed and is not connected to any flowing water source. The toddler was discovered less than 30 minutes later at the edge of the pond by Bryan firefighters, who tried to resuscitate him as he was rushed to CHI St. Joseph Hospital. The boy was pronounced dead upon arriving at the hospital, Kirk said.

Bryan firefighters, who along with the Brazos County Precinct 4 Volunteer Fire Department, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, dragged the bottom of the pond until 1 a.m., but had to suspend the search until first light.

Martinez's body was discovered at 8:45 a.m. Thursday. An autopsy was ordered.

"It appears there were no floatation devices being utilized," according to a statement from the sheriff's office, which added that preliminary reports indicate both died as a result of drowning. The case remained under investigation.
Ian Grillot was surprised with the check Saturday at a gala organised by The India House.

By AP: A man wounded last month while trying to intervene in an apparently racially motivated shooting at a suburban Kansas City bar has been honored with a USD 100,000 check.

The Kansas City Star reports that Ian Grillot was surprised with the check Saturday at a gala in Houston. The India House, which hosted the gala, and three donors teamed to give Grillot the money to be used toward buying a house.

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His mother, Debra Grillot, described the evening as "impressive."

The shooting in Olathe, Kansas, left Srinivas Kuchibhotla dead and his friend, Alok Madasani, wounded. Both Kuchibhotla and Madasani were natives of India working as engineers for GPS-maker Garmin in Olathe.

Adam Purinton was arrested hours later in Missouri. He's charged with murder and attempted murder. Witnesses say Purinton shouted racial slurs.

Also read

Survivor of Kansas Ian Grillot bar shooting released from hospital White House says shooting of Srinivas Kuchibhotla looks racially-motivated, FBI probing incident as a hate crime

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When I first heard about Senate Bill 6, the Texas Privacy Act, my ears perked up. It was framed as a bill whose intent was to protect women and children from sexual assault and abuse.

As a pastor who often listens to the devastating stories of souls wounded by such abuse, and as a parent of small children who, as all parents, dreads what damage the world might inflict on my children, I wanted to learn more.

Finally we were taking seriously the statistics: that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 10 men would face some form of sexual abuse in their lifetime.

Senate Bill 6, as it turns out, is not concerned with women or children, nor does it take seriously these statistics. It is designed, instead, to punish those whose gender identity does not fit the traditional categories. It is legislated bullying.

You might not know any transgender people, or you might not realize that someone you know is transgender. Transgender persons are a small percentage of the population, but are at significantly higher risk of bullying, suicide, and homicide. My Christian faith tells me to pay attention to this.

After all, Jesus is quite insistent that we love all our neighbors, even those whose stories we may not fully understand.

I called state Sen. Charles Schwertner's office several times in the run-up to this month's vote to express these concerns. After the vote, when I asked Sen. Schwertner's office why he had voted in favor of this legislation, I could almost hear them shrug. They said something about privacy.

If this is truly about privacy, I asked his staff, what is his message to transgender persons who now have no restroom to use comfortably.

This wasn't intended to discriminate, the staff responded. Then what legislative exception did he introduce for transgender persons? Silence.

This is stunning. Even the author of the bill, when pressed, admitted that there had been zero -- zero -- incidents of transgender persons assaulting others in restrooms in the state of Texas. In fact, a recent study showed that up to 70 percent of transgender persons, which of course includes children, had faced harassment or assault in public restrooms.

This bill now moves to the House.

State Reps. John Raney and Kyle Kacal, we now turn to you. If you are serious about preventing sexual assault and abuse and protecting those who are vulnerable, there's a myriad of ways you can make this happen: increase the funding for sexual assault resource centers, help publicize the warning signs of sexual abuse, require alcohol education for every incoming college student, require single stall restrooms in every public building for those who feel unsafe in shared spaces, help get the word out about the Step In Stand Up campaign.

There's a whole network of folks who would be eager to work with you.

But let's be honest about what SB 6 is actually about. And let's stop picking on transgender people, for whom such legislative grandstanding is now a matter of life and death.
Could the recent terrorist attack on British Parliament be a cultural canary-in-the-coal-mine for us? Will the London attacker who repeatedly plunged a knife into a policeman guarding Westminster be celebrated by some Brits as a modern-day Guy Fawkes?

Who was Guy Fawkes? A British-born citizen nabbed while guarding gunpowder beneath the House of Lords, the intent being to assassinate King James I and restore a Catholic monarchy to the throne. Had his Gunpowder Plot of 1605 -- still commemorated in Britain every Nov. 5 as Guy Fawkes Day -- been successful, we would have been deprived of the 1607 colonization of Jamestown and the 1611 King James version of the Bible.

While the four-centuries-old Guy Fawkes plot is observed in a light-hearted manner, virtually every terrorist attack today is celebrated somewhere, often in proportion to the number killed. Make no mistake, 9-11 was celebrated in pockets of anti-Americanism around the world and the hijackers hailed as martyred heroes. Because terrorists often spring from minority communities, our own American admiration of the victimized underdog can become twisted into a sick form of political correctness that all but turns a blind eye to reality -- such as the Fort Hood massacre of 2009.

Why did fellow soldiers not report Maj. Nidal Hasan when he lectured on the efficacy and merits of suicide bombing? When he was known to style himself as a Soldier of Allah? When he bought guns and ammunition as part of his own Gunpowder Plot? Evidently fear of a politically correct backlash of Islamic phobia kept everyone silenced until Maj. Hasan triumphantly shouted "Allahu Ahkbar" and opened fire at Fort Hood, killing 13 unarmed soldiers.

And even then, our government could not bring itself to label Maj. Hasan a terrorist, his shooting spree being but a case of "workplace violence." You know, going postal. Aggravated with his boss. When we can't see the nose on our face because we won't look in the mirror, the PC epidemic has run amok.

It's more than obvious that large immigrant communities that are not assimilated into a country's cultural traditions can become a breeding ground for terrorists, often native-born second- and third-generation young males who feel justified in taking violent revenge for their community's isolation, unemployment, and poverty. Yes, I can understand that, but compassionate "understanding" can metastasize into excusing violent excesses -- see recent riots and rough treatment of guest speakers at Berkeley and Middlebury College as well as the attacks in London, Paris, and Brussels.

I'm familiar with attacks on Parliament. When my family of five visited there in 1979, I clearly recall walking past the gaping hole which was simply the entrance to an underground garage under Westminster. Shades of Guy Fawkes. A week later, a member of Parliament, Airey Neave, a war hero and close confidant of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher who was tabbed to be her secretary of State for Northern Ireland, was blown to bits by an Irish terrorist car-bomb fitted with a tilt switch that activated the bomb when the car drove uphill. Neave had to drive uphill to exit the underground garage at Westminster. Boom! One less staunch opponent of Irish terrorism in Britain.

On one of my eight trips to London and Belfast to study, teach, and write about the Irish Troubles, I was hosted at Westminster by an member of Parliament named Ian Gow. Several years later Ian turned the ignition key on his car; he died instantly from an IRA car bomb. A lesser fate awaited the wife of one of my Belfast friends: She had her legs removed by another IRA car bomb when she started her car to drive to work. This is how ugly terrorism can get -- nay, worse, when people are tortured and decapitated.

Terrorism, whether home-grown or imported, has not yet -- and hopefully won't -- become an epidemic in our country. But when you see Sharia courts proliferate in Britain and no honest efforts made to integrate immigrant communities into a country's culture, conditions are created for disobeying the law as well as lethal terrorism.

Diversity and multi-culturalism are wonderful -- up to the point where people in a country utterly reject that country's right to rule and attack it with knives, bombs, bullets, and destabilizing vital infrastructure with the newest weapon of cyber warfare.

Welcome to America -- but please love our country and follow our rules.

 James F. Burns is a retired professor at the University of Florida.
Flores should reach across the aisle to improve Obamacare

As compassionate Americans across the country breathe a sigh of relief at the defeat of the odious American Health Care Act, we never should forget the level of cruelty some of our conservative representatives were willing to inflict upon the most vulnerable in America.

Our representative, Bill Flores -- an unblinking advocate of the act -- lamented its failure on social media Friday evening. He was "disappointed" that more than 60,000 of his constituents -- women, the sick, and the elderly -- could not be left in the lurch by a poorly written and likely catastrophic bill. Is he more concerned with offering tax breaks for the wealthy than decent health care for his district's residents?

As a salve to angry conservatives, Donald Trump promises that he will now let Obamacare "implode." While Rep. Flores may be tempted to give in to this sort of bitterness, it is up to us to remind him that this is an opportunity to reach across the aisle. Let's find a way to improve the Affordable Care Act, so that it works better for more people.

JOHN M. KELLY

College Station

Texas A&M should be a leader in promoting free speech

Universities across America are failing miserably to provide students with the most critical aspect of diversity -- diversity of thought. Sadly, it appears that Texas A&M is determined to follow this trend as revealed in the recent guidelines that seek to discourage the invitation of controversial speakers.

This should be deeply troubling both to conservatives and those liberals who continue to esteem the Bill of Rights, as there is much that is either quite mainstream or scientifically valid that campus progressives (more accurately, regressives) might consider controversial and attempt to suppress or disrupt. Why should conservative groups foot the bill for any damages caused by anti-speech radicals or the additional security needed to protect the speaker or attendees from them?

Our constitutional rights and democratic institutions may be self-evident, but they cannot self-actualize. They must be inculcated into each new generation. Our K-12 education system appears to be failing many students in this area, making it that much more important that college campuses be places where such ideals can be encountered and tested. Texas A&M should continue to be a leader in this critical task and not a follower of this dangerous trend.

As C.S. Lewis noted, we all want progress, but if you're on the wrong road, it is the man (and the university) that turns back soonest that is the most progressive. One tangible way to demonstrate such leadership would be to hold accountable those groups attempting to suppress constitutionally protected speech rather than threatening those who might dare exercise it.

MATT POLING

College Station

Shed no tears for Rep. Bill Flores and his health care woes

It is hard to conjure up any tears for Bill Flores when he complains about his health insurance expenses. Here is a man who is paid a minimum of $174,000 dollars a year and when he retires he will have a government funded pension, payments from a Thrift Savings Plan which is like a 401k, and Social Security. Plus any income from his private sources.

Not the average American retirement plan. He complained about the difficulties he had when he had to go through the Washington, D.C. health care exchange and there is no question that the initial rollout of the exchanges was awful, but they were fixed.

We looked at the exchanges in Hawaii and California to help our son decide on which plan to choose as he moved between those two states, and the exchanges worked fine. It was easy to view and compare the plans and the information was clear. So Flores' complaints about the exchanges now are moot.

What I found most despicable about a previous column he wrote (Eagle, March 19) was when he briefly and dismissively said there was "some concern" about the projected numbers of people who would lose coverage under the Republican's American Health Care Plan. Some concern? Tell that to the 24 million people who no longer would be able to afford any health insurance. Mr. Flores, that includes an estimated 16,000 people in your own district!

Flores' zeal to pass the American Health Care Plan is an example of when one's strict adherence to ideology interferes with one's ability to think rationally. He so wanted to repeal the Affordable Care Act he was willing back a plan, endorsed by only 17 percent of Americans, that would have sacrificed the coverage of people he represents.

DAVID OGDEN

College Station
According to reports, the female student was inside a cab when some unidentified men pulled her out and started misbehaving with her.

By India Today Web Desk: "Alleged attack on Kenyan lady in Gnoida. Glaring loopholes in her story. Working to ascertain motive."

The tweet by the UP DGP Javeed Ahmad came after a Kenyan student made the news for being thrashed by some unidentified men near Knowledge Park in Greater Noida on Wednesday.

According to reports, the female student was inside a cab when some unidentified men pulled her out and started misbehaving with her.

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She was beaten up by the men for trying to call for help.

The female later informed the police about the whole episode. The police took her to a local hospital and said that it is probing the matter.

Alleged attack on Kenyan lady in Gnoida. Glaring loopholes in her story. Working to ascertain motive.- Javeed (@javeeddgpup) March 30, 2017

ATTACKS ON AFRICAN NATIONALS

Greater Noida recently has witnessed an increase in violence against African nationals.

Earlier this week, a mob thrashed four Nigerian nationals following the death of a teenager.

The class 12 student identified as Manish died of an alleged drug overdose. The incident occurred in Greater Noida area where the residents started blaming the so-called African drug mafia for the death of the child.

Over 1000 people have been booked, 300 for culpable homicide and five arrested in connection with the case by the Greater Noida police.

A FIR was lodged against nine people while 54 accused have been identified from video clips of the incident.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has spoken to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who has assured her of a "fair and impartial" probe into the matter.

(With inputs from Ilma Hassan)

Also Read:

Attack on Nigerian students in Greater Noida: Hundreds booked, 5 arrested

Attack on Nigerians: Greater Noida authorities trying to broker peace

Also Watch:

Nigerians attacked in Greater Noida: Rumours fuelling xenophobic violence?

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Venezuela intends to use the revenue generated by mining to get out of the country's crisis, but at what cost? Many people describe the operation as bringing 'pan para hoy y hambre para manana' (bread today and hunger tomorrow).

The Arco Minero also goes hand in hand with exploitation of the Orinoco Oil Belt (Faja Petrolifera del Orinoco), immediately north of the Orinoco river, the largest extra-heavy oil deposits in the world, in the form of tar sands whose characteristics and potential impact on the environment are directly comparable to the tar sands of Alberta in Canada.

Restructuring the economy in a sustainable manner and taking measures to address the severe problems at hand without perpetuating a rentier state model, whether based on oil or mining, is actually a viable alternative.

Although Venezuela's interest in renewables is currently low (tellingly, Venezuela has yet to ratify the Paris Climate Change agreement), the country's wind and solar power potential is huge. Tourism could be another great asset to the country, as long the county's natural environment is preserved.

Unfortunately, the rentier model and widespread corruption seem to have been the driving forces of what has been described as a severe man-made crisis, and the mind-set behind a very disconcerting set of solutions.

Guayana: what are its real assets?

The Arco Minero (111,843.70 km2) corresponds to 24% of Guayana, the region within Venezuela south of the river Orinoco (458,344 km2), comprising the states of Amazonas, Bolivar and Delta Amacuro.

Guayana constitutes the upper reaches of the Amazon rainforest, and is of outstanding natural importance: it holds 60% of the country's freshwater resources and 50% of its animal biodiversity. The Arco Minero is mostly forested (64%), with rainforests, primarily found in Area 4. amounting to over a third of forested areas.

A number of Natural Reserves and National Parks collectively referred to as ABRAE (Areas Bajo Regimen de Administracion Especial - Areas under Special Administration) protect ~70% of Guayana from mining and other forms of environmental degradation, but protection measures are not always enforced effectively.

Immediately south of the Arco Minero lies Canaima National Park, a Unesco world heritage site, now threatened by encroaching mining operations (550 / 30,000 km2 are already affected, according to RAISG, the Red Amazonica De Informacion Socioambiental Georreferenciada).

Guayana is also the home of 19 indigenous peoples, whose way of life is in principle safeguarded by Venezuela's 1999 constitution. Even though only 12% of their lands have been demarcated, around two thirds of these are located within ABRAE, conferring some degree of protection, at least on paper. As many as 11 different peoples (Pemon, Yekuana, Karina, Enepa, Mapoyo, Arawak, Piaroa, Sanema, Akawayo, Jodi/Hoti and Pume) are directly affected by the Arco Minero.

Climate change and drought are already taking their toll on Venezuela: water scarcity has a direct effect on the generation of electricity, as 60% of the country's electricity is generated by a set of four dams along the Caroni river (the major tributary of the Orinoco), whose flow in recent years has been severely affected by droughts, to the point that the government has had to ration electricity several times over the past years.

Now more than ever it would seem critical to maintain tree cover and an intact rainforest ecosystem.

Guayana has been purported to hold the second largest gold reserve in the world, estimated at 7,000 tonnes, worth some $200 billion dollars. Gold is not a recent discovery though, as the area has long been taken over by illegal mining operations.

In recent years, as many as 70,000 impoverished Venezuelans have left their homes to make a living in illegal mines and some estimates suggest that a total of 150,000 illegal miners (including Colombians and Brazilians) are operating across the entire region.

Living conditions are difficult, worsened by a severe malaria epidemic originating around mining sites, as tree cover is replaced with stagnant water pools, the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. The entire area is managed by criminal organisations, and mining is affecting local communities and indigenous people in particular, leading to social erosion and to a drastic increase in prostitution, as 'wealth' is generated in the mines.

According to another RAISG report, mining is already the main driver of deforestation in Guayana, Venezuela being the only country where Amazon rainforest deforestation rates increased between 2000 and 2013.

Arco Minero Plans (the Motor Minero)

In the government's view, Arco Minero plans are also in place to put an end to illegal mining, and the authorities claim that mining operations will be restricted to those areas already affected by illegal mining within the Arc, rather than the entire Arc.

While illegal mining is recognised by all parties as a serious issue, the government's solution to have more mining is at odds with the ecosystem services provided by the rainforest and with the lives of indigenous people.

As mentioned above, mining is currently not restricted to the Arco Minero: significant illegal mining operations are conducted across the rest of Guayana, and these are likely to continue undisturbed.

A confirmation of this can be seen in recent reports suggesting an increase in illegal mining in areas where operations can be only equipped and fuelled by rivers passing through the Arco Minero, suggesting that no effective measures have been put in place over the past year to curb this practice.

Within Venezuela, the operation has been widely described as an 'ecocide' and a 'silent genocide', as it would result in habitat degradation, forced relocation and urbanisation of traditional communities.

Gregorio Mirabal, leader of Venezuela's non-governmental indigenous organisation ORPIA (Organizacion Regional de Pueblos Indigenas del Amazonas) has clearly stated the indigenous people's opposition to the Arco Minero, also voiced by many other indigenous organisations.

Furthermore, there is precedent for mining companies to start with a relatively small and defined project and then expand following the results of explorations in surrounding areas. The recent case of Belo Sun mining in Brazil is emblematic: after a localised site downstream of the Belo Monte Dam, the company is now interested in a 120 km 'strike' of gold within a greenstone belt.

The interests at stake are huge, as gold is only one of the several minerals the region abounds with, which include diamonds, coltan, copper, iron and bauxite. As many as 150 corporations from 35 different countries have been enlisted in the project, though only a few names have so far been revealed.

These include Gold Reserve, Barrick Gold and Energold from Canada (gold), CAMC Engineering Co. and Yankuang Group from China (coltan and gold respectively), Afridiam from DR Congo (diamonds, gold and coltan), Bedeschi from Italy and Guaniamo Mining Company from the USA.

Coltan is particularly important for its strategic role in electronics and in the military sector, and has been the first industrial-scale mining operation to get the green light, with projected reserves worth $100 billion.

The newly-approved coltan mines are located in Area 1 close to where the Parguaza river meets the Orinoco, at the border with Colombia, where 10,000 hectares inhabited by the Piaroa indigenous people have been granted for 20 years to a new entity named 'Parguaza corporation'.

The decision was taken in spite of Piaroa opposition (and with bribery attempts), and also in the absence of a mining plan, let alone an environmental assessment.

Environmental impacts

Gold mining comes with huge environmental risks: aside from deforestation, habitat fragmentation and the impact on local communities through forced processes of 'modernisation', it also causes significant pollution.

Though development of the Arco Minero might not include the use of mercury (which has caused and is still causing widespread water pollution across the entire Amazon basin), toxic waste generated by modern mining includes water contaminated with cyanide, which is stored in large tailings dams.

The Venezuelan government promises that the Arco Minero will be a model 'clean' and 'eco-socialist' mining project. However, even in state-of-the-art mining operations, tailing dams are prone to leaking and contamination of waterways. Just over the last year, two cyanide spills occurred at Barrick Gold's mega-mines in Argentina, and the company was forced to suspend operations temporarily.

In addition, given the large volume of earth needed to extract 1 gram of gold (estimates are 1-1.5 tons of earth), the waste generated is enormous, and the area used for extraction is essentially dead thereafter, with little chance of it ever being recovered for other uses.

In Venezuela, large-scale gold mining is not an absolute novelty, it has already left deep scars at Las Cristinas and Las Brisas mining sites (see satellite image).

An alternative vision: the South Orinoco Mega-Reserve

Former senator Alexander Luzardo, co-author of the environmental section of Venezuela's constitution, has put together a counter-plan to the Mining Arc, demanding the Arco Minero project to be scrapped and strengthening and extending the protected status of the regions south of the Orinoco River.

This has now become a law proposal under the name of 'Mega Reserva del Sur del Orinoco', the South Orinoco Mega-Reserve, and has been championed by Americo De Grazia, an opposition leader working within the Arco Minero parliamentary sub commission. It envisages a complete ban of mining, the protection of indigenous peoples, of the Orinoco river basin and of the rainforest at large, and the promotion of tourism and sustainability.

The proposal is currently being discussed by Venezuela's National Assembly, where the majority is held by a coalition opposing the Maduro government, responsible for launching the Arco Minero project.

Why now?

Plans for the Arco Minero were first outlined by President Chavez in 2010, spurred by a spell of low oil prices and by geological surveys started in 2006 that led to the discovery of significant coltan deposits.

The plans mark a U-turn from Chavez's previous climate change-conscious sustainable development intents. Venezuela's current crisis seems to have come as the perfect opportunity to move forward with the project 'for the public good'.

The government's lack of transparency and clampdown on media, combined with the military hold over the Arco Minero, means that information is filtering through in tiny propaganda snippets (for example the celebration of the Mining Arc's first 'clean' gold bar), stifling the opportunities for real debate.

More journalistic investigations and coverage on Venezuelan and international media are warranted to expose this potentially catastrophic operation and to lend strength to the alternative plans put forward by the large number of people and organisations wanting Venezuela to protect its already fragile rainforests.

Lucio Marcello is a molecular ecologist with a background in tropical disease research. He currently works as a researcher at the Rivers and Lochs Institute in Inverness, Scotland. He has been campaigning on rainforest issues since 2010, as part of the global movement arising in opposition to the plans to build the Belo Monte dam in Brazil.

In April 2016, he founded Listen to the Amazon, an organisation aimed at promoting awareness of the threats faced by the rainforests of Latin America, and of the actions taken by environmental defenders to protect forest communities and their lands, with particular focus on issues that might not receive much coverage in the media, such as the Arco Minero in Venezuela. He tweets @totheamazon.

Listen to the Amazon is part of the Yes to Life No to Mining network.

Acknowledgements

The maps featured in the article were derived from the Arco Minero Story Map, an ArcGIS interactive Story Map developed in collaboration with Virginia Behm (@virginiabehm), a geographer with extensive expertise in cartography and direct knowledge of the Venezuelan Guayana.

Key links
The rapidly-evolving nuclear power crisis escalated dramatically yesterday when US nuclear giant Westinghouse, a subsidiary of Japanese conglomerate Toshiba, filed for bankruptcy.

The Chapter 11 filing took place in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York in New York City.

Westinghouse and its parent Toshiba are in crisis because of massive cost overruns building four 'AP1000' nuclear power reactors in the southern US states of Georgia and South Carolina.

The combined cost overruns for the four reactors now amount to about $11.2 billion and counting. And it has now emerged that they may never be finished at all. Whether the four reactors will be completed is now subject to an "assessment period", according to Westinghouse.

The corporate mishap may also signal the end of new nuclear power in the US. No other reactors are under construction in the country and there is no likelihood of any new reactors in the foreseeable future. The US reactor fleet is one of the oldest in the world, with 44 out of its 99 reactors having been operated for four decades or more.

A $10 billion financial hole - and it's getting deeper!

Toshiba says Westinghouse had debts totalling US$9.8 billion. Plans for new Westinghouse reactors in India, the UK and China are in jeopardy and will likely be cancelled. Bloomberg noted yesterday: "Westinghouse Electric Co., once synonymous with America's industrial might, wagered its future on nuclear power - and lost."

The same could be said about Toshiba, which is selling profitable businesses to stave off bankruptcy. Toshiba said yesterday it expects to book a net loss of $9.1 billion for the current fiscal year, which ends on Friday - a record loss for a Japanese manufacturer.

That projected loss is also well over double the estimate provided just last month, raising investor fears that the final figure may be greater still. "Every time they put out an estimate, the loss gets bigger and bigger", said Zuhair Khan, an analyst at Jefferies in Tokyo. "I don't think this is the last cockroach we have seen coming out of Toshiba."
Millennial Moms Review: 2022 Acura MDX is pretty close to the perfect family car

I dont know if perfect is attainable, especially considering weve got the world of options when it comes to modern vehicles. Were spoiled and, as such, we have very specific needs and wants. Driving-wise, the 2022 Acura MDX is one of my favourite ...
Chances of you witnessing something as bizarre as a cobra drinking water from a bottle are less, no? Watch it here.

By India Today Web Desk: While we sit in our AC rooms, comfortably reading this story, there are many people suffering due to a major drought that hit southern India.

And not just human beings.

A video that shows an unusual sight of a cobra gulping down water offered by some good human beings in a bottle is going viral on the internet. The video proves that at the end of the day even the most dangerous of all bow down in front of mother nature.

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Also read: Watch: Deadly python swallows man, police cuts open snake's stomach to retrieve his body

A 12-foot-long king cobra wandered into Kaiga village situated in Karnataka in search of water. When the wildlife officials saw the parched snake, they helped the "dangerous" serpent.

The wildlife rescuer poured water on Cobra's head to cool him off followed by quenching his thirst by pouring water in front of his mouth. The snake was taken to an animal care facility afterwards by the wildlife officials.

Here's the video:

Also read: 2017 to be the hottest year: Sea-ice shrinks, WMO says world entered 'uncharted territory'

Also watch: First Glimpse of Adorable Newborn Tiger Triplets at Crimean Safari Par

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Leonardo DiCaprio wrote a heartfelt note on the demise of his onscreen mother in What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Darlene Cates.

By AP: Darlene Cates, who played the housebound mother in the 1993 film What's Eating Gilbert Grape, passed away on March 26.

The 69-year-old actor died in her sleep on Sunday morning at her home in Forney, Texas, according to her son-in-law, David Morgan.

Cates was cast in the film as the morbidly obese mother of Johnny Depp, in the title role, and his younger brother, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. She had been spotted by the film's screenwriter, Peter Hedges, while appearing on the Sally Jessy Raphael talk show, where she discussed her struggles with her weight.

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Leonardo DiCaprio took to Facebook to mourn the loss of his reel-life mother. "Darlene was the best acting mom I ever had the privilege of working alongside. Her endearing personality and incredible talent will live on in the memories of those who knew her, and those who loved her work. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time," he wrote.

The film, directed by Lasse Hallstrom, won acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of a troubled but loving family in a small Iowa town.

Cates later appeared on episodes of the series Picket Fences and Touched By an Angel.

ALSO READ | Leonardo DiCaprio to play Rumi in a biopic? Twitter furious over another Hollywood 'whitewash'

ALSO WATCH | Golden Globes 2016: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, The Revenant bag top awards

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You have voting questions? We have answers

Unsure if you're registered to vote? Not sure where your polling place is? Need a ride to the polls? We have answers to all that and more.
Speaking to reporters outside the Vidhan Bhawan, animal husbandry Minister Mahadev Jankar said that the bill is likely to be tabled in the ongoing Budget session of the Assembly.

By Kamlesh Damodar Sutar: Following the footsteps of Tamil Nadu Assembly post jallikattu agitation in the state, the Maharashtra government too is likely to introduce a Bill seeking to restart bullock cart racing in the state.

Based on a notification which was issued on July 11, 2011, bulls were included in a category of animals that could not be exhibited or trained for exhibition as performing animals.

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A Supreme Court bench on May 7, 2014 upheld the notification and consequently bulls were barred from being used during jallikattu or bullock cart racing.

Speaking to reporters outside the Vidhan Bhawan, Animal Husbandry Minister Mahadev Jankar informed that the bill is likely to be tabled in the ongoing Budget session of the assembly.

"The state government has constituted a high level parliamentary committee to formulate draft of the Bill and it could be tabled as early as this (ongoing) session" said Jankar.

BJP's ally in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena has been aggressively pursuing the issue particularly after the Jallikattu protests in Tamil Nadu.

Shiv Sena MP from Pune's Shirur constituency, Shivajirao Adhalarao Patil also met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The party also took to the streets in Pune demanding bullock cart racing in the state as soon as possible.

ALSO READ:

Maharashtra: Bhira records blistering 46.5 degrees Celsius, IMD doubts authenticity

--- ENDS ---
You may think you can pay your landscaper, nanny or maid under the table and its no big deal. They just want cash and dont care, so why not?

After your "worker" leaves, he or she may file for unemployment, apply for student aid to attend college or want to file a tax return to get a loan. All of a sudden, you are tagged by a state or federal agency because you havent paid the nanny tax. Now, you need to buckle up for penalties and interest on the amount of tax you should have paid in the first place.

So, how can you prevent tax fraud and save yourself from a load of trouble? Below are the keys youll need to track and report your household employees before the IRS comes after you.

Related: 75 Items You May Be Able to Deduct From Your Taxes

Dont leave anyone out!

In 2016 or 2017, if you paid a household employee more than $2,000 annually, you are required to withhold payroll taxes: the nanny tax. In these cases, you dont have to issue a formal paycheck every other week unless you want to. You can pay cash and report these payments at the end of the year. But, the IRS is stepping up its audits on those with workers in their private homes, so make sure you are up to speed on the rules that apply to your help.

Applicable workers:

Housekeepers

Maids

Babysitters

Gardeners

Any household employee that is not an independent contractor

Exempt workers:

Children

Parents

Spouses

Adults under 21

Independent contractors

Related: 7 Tax Facts Entrepreneurs Need to Know Before Filing This Year

Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork!

To prevent fraud penalties and keep track of your employees, be sure to keep careful employment records of anyone who works in and around your home. Remember the list from above and try not to leave anyone out when you acquire their information. For starters, be aware of the following forms:

W-4  This verifies the name, address and Social Security number of your worker so you can send them other forms and notices at the end of the year.

 This verifies the name, address and Social Security number of your worker so you can send them other forms and notices at the end of the year. I-9  This is to assure your worker is not an illegal immigrant (dont get me started on the legal exposure of hiring an undocumented alien).

 This is to assure your worker is not an illegal immigrant (dont get me started on the legal exposure of hiring an undocumented alien). W-2  This is issued at the end of the year, due to be delivered to your employee by Jan. 31 of the year following their employment.

 This is issued at the end of the year, due to be delivered to your employee by Jan. 31 of the year following their employment. W-3  This is a "transmittal form" that you send to the IRS and Social Security Administration with a copy of the W-2 form you delivered to your worker.

 This is a "transmittal form" that you send to the IRS and Social Security Administration with a copy of the W-2 form you delivered to your worker. Schedule H  This is included with your 1040 form and calculates your FICA and FUTA tax that youll have to send to the feds.

 This is included with your 1040 form and calculates your FICA and FUTA tax that youll have to send to the feds. State Forms  Dont forget to consider state tax forms youll need to file; do some research or consult your tax professional for details.

All tax records and forms of household employees should be kept for at least four years after filing.

Related: How to Organize Your Expenses

Give them (the IRS) what they want!

For federal taxes, youll need to account for both FICA (essentially Social Security and Medicare) and FUTA (unemployment) taxes. For FICA, you can withhold 7.65 percent from your workers wages and match that percentage when you pay the tax on behalf of the worker. Thus, at the end of the year, youll report how much you paid the worker and remit 15.3 percent of the total to the IRS with Schedule H on your 1040. FUTA is a simpler calculation as you only need to remit 6 percent of the first $7,000 of wages (maximum $420) to the IRS -- also with Schedule H on your 1040.

Although you may be required to withhold FICA and FUTA, you arent required to withhold federal income taxes from the employees pay. You have to withhold only if your nanny asks you to and you agree to withhold. (In that case, have the nanny fill out a Form W-4 and give it to you, so you can withhold the correct amount.) However, you may be required to withhold Social Security and Medicare tax (FICA). And you may also be required to pay (but not withhold) federal unemployment (FUTA) tax.

For state taxes, you may owe some SUTA (state unemployment taxes) or workers compensation. Check with your tax professional and/or research the regulations in your particular state to see if and when you need to consider these taxes as well.

Its easy to think you dont need to worry about the so-called nanny tax or that it doesnt apply to you. And, lets not even talk about what might happen if your worker gets hurt on your property and you havent been paying workers compensation Insurance. At the very least, use the tools above to track your household employees effectively, report their wages correctly, and withhold and remit the right amounts. Dont ignore the issue -- get ahead of it!

Related:

Beware the 'Nanny Tax'

Amazon Will Collect State Sales Taxes Nationwide April 1

7 Tax Facts Entrepreneurs Need to Know Before Filing This Year



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
Paper wealth is meaningless when it comes to true financial security.

Or, more accurately, there's an enormous difference between paper wealth and real wealth. With investments, until you sell an asset and lock in any gains you have (hopefully) accrued, all you really have is a bunch of numbers on paper. This applies to your retirement and investment accounts, your college savings plan, your real estate appraisals and the valuation of your business.

In order to have true financial security, the numbers on your statements must be locked in and not subject to the whims of the market or economy. You should also be able to access your money for anything you want, any time you want, without having to ask permission or sell or liquidate assets.

In previous installments, Ive discussed why it is so important for small business owners and self-employed professionals to have a safe and secure Plan B for retirement. Now Id like to address how to do that.

Warren Buffett, who is arguably the most successful investor in history, has two simple rules for successfully building wealth:

Rule #1: Never lose money.

Rule #2: Never forget Rule #1.

Business owners and self-employed professionals take calculated risks in their businesses, but they should not risk their financial security when it comes to saving for retirement. Instead, they need what I call a Safe Money Plan. As with Buffetts rule, there are two core principles to such a plan. It should allow you to:

Get a little richer every single day. Never lose your principal or gains.

Five aspects of a true safe money plan:

Guaranteed annual growth. No loss of principal or gains in a market crash. Liquidity  you can access your money whenever and for whatever you want with no restrictions or penalties for doing so. Control  you should control the money in your plan  not the government. Favorable tax treatment.

When you look at traditional investments -- stocks, mutual funds and ETFs, bonds, gold/silver, real estate, currencies and art or other collectibles -- every one of them violates Buffett's two rules. They also lack most or all of the five characteristics for a true safe money plan.

Related: Retiring at 27: Ambitious, Lazy or Crazy?

In researching and investigating more than 450 financial products and vehicles, I found a little-known strategy that meets all five requirements listed above. It allows you to know the guaranteed minimum value of your savings on the day you retire and every step along the way.

It's based on an asset that has increased in value every single year for more than 160 years, through every period of economic boom and bust, including the Great Depression. The asset is a supercharged type of dividend-paying whole life insurance.

Many people have a knee-jerk negative reaction when they hear the words whole life insurance. Some financial advisors complain that the cash value in a whole life policy grows too slowly and commissions are too high. But the kind of whole life policies I'm talking about differ in two critical ways from the kind most financial advisors know about:

A significant portion of the premium you pay goes into riders or options that accelerate the growth of your equity or cash value in the policy, especially during the early years. That lets you use your policy as a powerful financial management tool from day one. Because most of your premium goes into these riders -- which pay the insurance agent a very small commission -- the total commission the advisor receives is slashed by 50 to 70 percent.

Why havent you heard about this retirement planning method before?

Unfortunately, many advisors and insurance agents emphasize policies that come with a big commission. However, there are financial advisors willing to forgo that paycheck who have advanced training in setting up these kinds of policies.

Some folks may think age or health concerns disqualify them from using this savings method, but that is usually not the case. There are plans available for people up to age 85. Many business owners and professionals start their plans after age 60.

Related: 13 Reasons Why Your 401(k) Is Your Riskiest Investment

Health issues dont necessarily rule out participating, either. If you have health concerns, you dont have to be named as the insured person on such a policy. Someone else you have an insurable interest in  such as a spouse, children or a business partner  can be the insured. As long as you own the policy, you control it and the money in it.

How dividend-paying whole life insurance meets all five requirements

Guaranteed annual growth. Money you save grows by a pre-set and guaranteed amount every year, allowing you to know the minimum value of your plan at any point along the way. The growth is greatest when you need it most -- in retirement -- giving you built-in protection against inflation. No loss of principal or gains in a market crash. All gains are locked in the moment they are credited to your policy and dont evaporate in the event of a market crash or economic downturn. The cash value of the policy is guaranteed to grow predictably every year, along with the value of the death benefit, allowing you to leave a legacy to people and causes you care about most. Liquidity. Traditional retirement plans like 401(k)s and IRAs come with restrictions, including how much money you can contribute, how much you can borrow, when you must pay it back or face taxes and penalties, how long you have to wait to access your money and when you must access it or pay penalties. With the kind of safe money plan I advocate, you have access to 85 to 90 percent of your cash value quickly and for whatever purpose you want. This allows business owners to act as their own source of financing while saving for retirement, their kids college and other life goals. Control over your money. Life insurance policies are private unilateral contracts, which is a fancy way of saying the company can't change the rules without your consent. In addition, there are no government limits on how much you can put in, no government restrictions or penalties for early withdrawals or for waiting to take withdrawals and no Required Minimum Distributions, unlike 401(k)s, IRAs and other government-controlled plans that force you to take withdrawals -- and pay taxes on them -- when you're 70. Favorable tax treatment. Tax advantages of this specialized form of dividend-paying whole life insurance are part of the tax code. You can access both principal and gains with no taxes due under current tax law. Similar to a Roth plan, you make contributions on premium payments with after-tax dollars, and can then access the money with no taxes due.

There are many other benefits of saving this way. For instance, you can use your cash value to finance business vehicles, equipment, office buildings and more and to qualify for deductions for interest paid and depreciation (consult your CPA or tax advisor for details).

The income you take from the plan is not included in income totals the IRS uses to determine how much you pay in taxes on your social security, and the cash value doesnt count against your kids when they apply for federal student aid.

Related: Small-Business Owners, Employees Save More for Retirement Than Before Recession

Unique among savings plans, this strategy lets you recapture interest youd otherwise pay to banks and other financial institutions.

Its interesting to note that our nation's banks own billions of dollars of guaranteed, high-cash-value permanent life insurance -- about $135 billion of it, according to the latest available statistics. That's because banks are legally required to have a foundation of very safe liquid assets, known as Tier 1 capital. Life insurance is considered to be so safe that bank regulators allow life insurance policies owned by banks to meet their Tier 1 capital requirements.

One final, powerful benefit of this plan is peace of mind. Since it requires no luck, skill or guesswork, you can be confident that you and your family can reach your personal and business financial goals without taking unnecessary risks.

Related:

What's Your Safe Money Plan for Retirement?

11 Lifestyle Changes You Need to Adopt If You Want to Be Rich

3 Steps to Secure a Rich Retirement



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
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BRIDGEPORT  It was getting dark as police officers on foot searched in the citys North End for robbery suspects

When they confronted two armed teens Wednesday evening, police said one of them turned toward them holding a handgun.

It was only after an officer shot the teen in the face that police learned the gun was fake.

Eighteen-year-old Austin Carr was in serious condition at Yale-New Haven Hospital, but was expected to live, authorities said Thursday.

Police said Carr and another teen, who is not being identified because of his age, confronted Officer Keith Hanson and several other officers with facsimile handguns Wednesday night. During the confrontation Hanson shot Carr.

During this operation, two male perpetrators were encountered by officers. Both male perpetrators were armed, and one Bridgeport police officer discharged his service weapon in response to the actions of one of the armed males, said police Capt. Brian Fitzgerald.

This male sustained a single gunshot wound to the face and was transported by medics to St. Vincent's Medical Center for treatment, Fitzgerald said. This male was later transferred to Yale-New Haven Hospital to receive advanced care. He said the wounded teen is expected to survive.

State Police were contacted by the State's Attorney's Office to investigate the shooting, said State Police Sgt. Eric Haglund.

Hanson, a 5-year veteran of the police force, has been placed on administrative duty pending the investigation by state police, Fitzgerald said. Hanson was previously awarded the departments medal of merit for helping to take an armed man into custody without serious incident in 2013. He is also a military veteran.

Hanson had been with other officers conducting an operation in the Woodmont Avenue area in connection with recent street robberies when they encountered the teens carrying the realistic-looking guns. Hanson shot the older teen in the face after he turned towards the officers with the gun, police said.

Officers then discovered both teens had phony, but real-looking firearms.

The shooting happened shortly after 7 p.m. on the 400 block of Woodmont Ave. Carr lives on nearby French Street.

Carr and a 16-year-old boy, who was not injured, were arrested on robbery and weapons charges, police said.

The younger teen was taken into custody and will be turned over to juvenile detention in Bridgeport.
Dear Annie: My husband, who is serving in the Army, is loving and caring and is a wonderful father to his two children. He works hard for his family. He just has one flaw: He has a very strong contempt for the Roman Catholic Church.

My family raised me Catholic, but I left the church because of a lack of interest. I consider myself a part-timer (attending during holidays). When I brought up about how he felt about getting married in a church, he went into a tirade. I never brought up the subject again.

When our son was born, I considered having a baptism at my church because its a tradition in my family  and he threatened to leave. I asked him why he has such strong feelings about this, wondering whether something happened in his past. He finally told me that when he was a child, he was close to a priest who ended up taking advantage of him. It was a shock. He requested that I not share this with anyone. I decided to honor his wishes.

Now I just had my daughter. His family and my family would like to have a baptism, but I do not want to go against his wishes. Forget about having it in a non-Catholic way, because Id end up disappointing my family. I am torn between what my family wants and what my husband wants. I hate being the middle woman and just dont want to do it at all.

 The Torn Middle Woman

Dear Torn: Instead of considering yourself the middle woman, you might want to think of yourself as the leader of the pack. Take it upon yourself to find a counselor with whom you and your husband can discuss this matter and with whom your husband might continue to meet one-on-one. He must address the anger and hurt that this horrible trauma inflicted on him.

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests offers many resources, from free downloadable literature to a directory of support groups. Visit http://www.snapnetwork.org for more information.

Dear Annie: I was disappointed in your response to the 25-year-old woman whose friend wants to go to parties given by men she doesnt really know. The friend admitted that she didnt know the people throwing one party that well but said they would have good beer and hot guys.

You told the letter writer to loosen up and be less judgmental. Do you not read the news or watch TV? Last night on TV, it was said that people are now encouraged to take a bottle opener with them and never drink from a container that is already open. It is too easy to slip drugs into a drink at a party, and you should be especially careful if you dont really know the people handing out the drinks. Too many young women are being drugged without their knowledge.

One of the new drugs cannot be tasted and can put you into a coma. One young woman showed up at the emergency room in a coma. She had been somewhere, drunk what she thought was a simple Mountain Dew and ended up in a coma. My advice is to never go to a party where you dont know the people well and only drink a drink that you have opened. Those were my rules for my kids.

 Safe Is Best

Dear Safe: I agree that safety is paramount, and Im printing your letter here to endorse that point. However, I stand by my advice that Murky Waters ought not to dismiss her best friends new friends out of hand, even if she doesnt want to go out to parties with them. We could all stand to be less judgmental.

Annie Lane, a graduate of New York Law School and New York University, writes this column for Creators Syndicate. Email questions to dearannie@creators.com.
BURWELL  The Loup Basin Resource Conservation and Development Council will raise money and supplies to help Kansas ranchers affected by the recent prairie fires.

The fires, which are the largest in Kansas history, destroyed hundreds of thousands of acres and killed many cattle, leaving ranchers and farmers with little.

Dale Melia is president of the Loup Basin RC&D Council. The nonprofit is based in Burwell and serves Blaine, Custer, Garfield, Greeley, Howard, Loup, Sherman, Valley and Wheeler counties.

Melia said he hadnt heard of any major group doing something to help the farmers in Kansas, though he has heard of many individuals donating loads of hay to Kansas.

I thought maybe somebody ought to do something from around here, he said.

He called an outfitter in Kansas, who got him in contact with a man in Ashland, Kan., who was heading up some efforts.

That man, Melia said, told him the town was flooded with materials from people who wanted to help, but the area did have a dire need for fences, which were wiped out in the fires.

Melia said he talked to the local Spelts Lumber Co. to help coordinate purchasing materials with suppliers in Kansas and Oklahoma. Its being done that way so its easier to manage, rather than people giving five posts here and there, since they come bundled.

The RC&D is asking for people to donate checks, if they so wish, for the cause. Melia said people should make the checks out to the Loup Basin RC&D and put Kansas fire in the memo line. That way, people can be recognized for their donations and documentation is easier to track.

Melia said hes hoping to get at least one truckload of fencing equipment. In Kansas, he said, each mile of fencing costs about $4,000 for the material.

Its not cheap, he said.

Volunteers with the RC&D have been making calls to area ranchers and organizations for help with donations.

I havent had one person Ive called that refused to give something, Melia said. Its overwhelming how people have helped.

He said the RC&D is just providing the avenue for people to help who didnt previously know how to help.

As for wanting to help ranchers and farmers in the neighboring state, Melia said its the right thing to do. He remembers when Valentine had fires a few years ago and ranchers needed help.

There were farmers that lost tons and tons of hay, Melia said. Were all farmers, and we need help. We know what its like.

All we want to do is offer a hand, and thats what were going to do, he said.

People wanting to donate can send checks to the Loup Basin RC&D Council at P.O. Box 400, Burwell, NE 68823. For more information, call Janet at (308) 346-3393 or email to info@loupbasinrcd.org.
The outdoor warning sirens sounded early Wednesday morning to indicate the public needed to seek shelter due to a tornado in the area. However, there was no actual weather threat. The sirens were sounded as part of a statewide mock tornado drill during Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Week.

Julia Berg, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Hastings, said a mock tornado watch was issued by the weather service at 10 a.m. Wednesday, while a mock tornado warning was issued at 10:30. She added the mock warning was over at 10:50, while the mock watch expired at 11.

Grand Island/Hall County Emergency Management Director Jon Rosenlund said the purpose of the test watch and the test warning every year is to ensure that all of Emergency Managements equipment and systems are operating properly to use in the case of a real weather threat.

Its a great opportunity for us to (conduct a) drill and to publicize tornado preparedness to the community, Rosenlund said. We try to take the opportunity here to test our tornado shelter procedures for this building during that event. If we see anything that needs to be changed, altered or updated, its an opportunity to see errors.

Berg said it is important for a business or school to do a tornado drill because if someone has done a drill before, then they will know what to do in case of a real weather threat.

You have practiced it, youre prepared, youre ready and you know whats going to happen, she said. Youre not running around trying to figure out what to do next. Preparedness is key. You are definitely going to be able to handle a real situation better if you have practiced it.

Rosenlund agreed with Berg, saying tornado season has arrived and that Severe Weather Awareness Week is the perfect time to test tornado plans.

We really hope people take this chance to review their plan, exercise their plan and find ways to improve it, he said.

Rosenlund added that the city of Grand Island practiced its tornado plan at City Hall during Wednesdays tornado drill.

He said an ideal tornado plan should include where to take shelter in a certain building. Berg advised the best places to take shelter during a tornado are on the lowest floor of a building or in a basement, if available.

Get underneath something sturdy and make sure you have something to protect your head and body, like a mattress, pillows or something like that, she said. If you dont have a basement, get to the lowest floor to an interior building and put as many walls between you and the outside as possible. If youre outside, get inside if you can. If you cant, then get as low to the ground in a ditch or something like that if possible. The best thing is to get inside.

Rosenlund said that while it is important to have a plan on what to do during a tornado, it is also important to focus on what to do to prepare for emerging after a tornado strikes.

Throw some shoes on when you go to your shelter because if something bad happens and your home is damaged, youre going to want to have shoes on your feet, he said. Do you have an emergency kit that includes a radio, a flashlight and a first aid kit with more than just Band-Aids? You need to have a first aid kit with some gauze and wraps. You need to assume youll have more than just some minor cuts and scrapes.

Rosenlund added that during a tornado drill, it is also important to communicate with each other and know where to meet if family members get separated from each other as a result of a tornado.

In the case of actual severe weather, he said, Emergency Management will congregate in the emergency operations center in the basement of City Hall. Emergency Management communicates with 911 dispatchers, weather spotters and the weather service.

If the weather service issues a tornado warning, Emergency Management will activate the various warning systems in Hall County.

We notify emergency responders over the radio. We are notifying internally who we have, Rosenlund said. A lot of the other public warning systems are automatic, like the emergency alert system. A lot of your cellphone warning apps are automatic. Theyll come straight from the National Weather Service.

Rosenlund added the outdoor warning sirens are not only sounded during tornadoes, but also for a variety of outdoor hazards, such as large hail, winds in excess of 75 miles per hour and for any hazardous material that is being released into the atmosphere. Any time the sirens are sounded, people should seek shelter and monitor the weather via local media.

While the outdoor weather sirens are useful in warning the public about an outdoor hazard and/or severe weather, he recommended people purchase a weather radio for indoor warnings.

A weather radio is the No. 1 way to get your most accurate weather warnings and watches, he said. They are very cheap. A siren will cost $16,000 to $17,000 and thats great for outdoors. But its lousy for the indoors. You really need to have a weather radio indoors for your indoor warning system. That weather radio will be the first thing that goes off.

In addition to a weather radio, The Independents mobile app will also send out a push notification in the event of dangerous weather if location services are enabled.

Rosenlund said when a severe weather watch is issued, that is the time to have eyes open and be aware of the weather.

When you get issued a watch, thats an indicator to get set and a warning is a go. During a watch, you have to get set, he said. Talk to the kids, make sure they know what to do and be sure your family knows what to do. Be ready to move during the watch because there is no time for decision-making when the warning happens. Thats the time to take action.
The number of miles being piled up by Uber drivers in Grand Island is growing.

In February of last year, Ricole Meinhardt became the first Grand Island resident to drive for the ride sharing service.

Kurt Dvorak, whos also gotten behind the wheel for Uber, knows of seven Uber drivers in Grand Island, including himself.

But Meinhardt says on most weekend nights, only four Uber drivers are available. Some drivers dont work regularly, and some come and go, she said.

Dvorak, 34, had never heard of Uber until he traveled to Lincoln for a company Christmas party. He got a ride from a driver whos earning enough money to pay for a Land Rover, in which he transports Uber customers.

Dvorak figured there must be enough money in it to make it worthwhile.

A full-time employee of Anderson Ford, Dvorak uses his Uber money to pay for gas for his 2015 Ford F-150 and his share of daycare costs for his 5-year-old daughter, Kaylie.

Dvorak usually does his Uber driving Friday night and most of the day Saturday. His Fridays are busy. After getting home from his main job at 6 p.m., he starts accepting Uber calls at 6:30 p.m. He might keep driving until 2 a.m.

Dvorak chauffeurs a lot of out-of-towners around Grand Island. His Autumn Park apartment is not far from a number of hotels, such as Hampton Inn, Comfort Inn, Candlewood Suites, Fairfield Inn and Suites and Holiday Inn Express. Many people who are drawn to Grand Island by various events call Uber to take them to restaurants or bars, Dvorak said.

The Fonner Park racing meet also brings a lot of people to town. Dvorak might pick those people up at the horse track and take them to a restaurant or bar, he said. He also takes people home from Nebraska Danger games.

Sometimes, truckers at Bosselman Travel Center call an Uber driver to take them to Walmart or some of the bars downtown.

Downtown Grand Island is a popular destination, Dvorak said. There are about eight bars in the center of the city, all within walking distance of each other, he said.

Meinhardt, 34, handles a lot of people from out of town. Five times a week, she picks up people at Central Nebraska Regional Airport.

Many people who grew up in Central Nebraska, returning for a funeral or a wedding, just assume there is Uber service in Grand Island. Those people track Meinhardt down.

In her 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe, she also chauffeurs people to other airports. Three times, shes driven people to the Lincoln airport. Two of them were pilots, one of whom didnt have much to say. I drove a pilot to Lincoln in utter silence, she says.

Shes transported 10 or 15 people to the Kearney airport. They were either pilots or air travelers.

Meinhardt routinely drives people to Hastings. The Nebraska State Fair, she says, attracts many Hastings residents.

But much of the business, for Meinhardt and Dvorak, is bar traffic.

Theres a big demand for Uber drivers between 12:45 and 12:55 a.m., Meinhardt says.

Meinhardt says she gets along well with the inebriated. They call me the drunk whisperer, she says.

Drunk people, she says, are often soothed by the sound of 1990s gangsta rap.

Cleanliness is important in the Uber business. After Dvorak drops off a person who didnt smell the best, he uses Febreze to freshen the scent.

Meinhardt says using Uber is cheaper than taxi cabs. Her average fare is $5 to $7.

The owner of Action Cab and Courier could not be reached for comment.

Dvorak thinks the increase in Uber drivers will benefit all of them. Because of the growth, customers will find more Uber drivers available. They will tell their friends, which will lead to an increase in business, Dvorak said.

Meinhardt likes to see more drivers available shortly before 1 a.m., to handle the late-night rush.

Meinhardt, who takes pride in her friendly personality, would like to work more in the daytime, giving rides to the elderly and people who have trouble walking. Her phone number is 573-465-0827.
By Shreya Goswami: There is a lot that's commendable about the journey Melania Trump has gone through. From being a model who migrated to the USA to becoming the FLOTUS, she has indeed come a long way.

But now that she has the world's focus--especially as Donald Trump's wife, and with the role of the First Lady at hand--Melania's actions draw more attention. So when she addressed an international gathering at the State Department recently, we all sat up and took notice.

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Melania gave the keynote speech, and honoured 12 women from across the globe at the International Women of Courage Awards ceremony. The speech itself was quite empowering, especially when she said that "wherever women are diminished, the entire world is diminished with them."

Melania Trump honoured 12 women from across the world for their courage in the face of brutality and disparity. Picture courtesy: Instagram/melaniatrumpworld

She also made a point of noting that "wherever women are empowered, towns and villages, schools and economies are empowered, and together we are all made stronger with them."

Also read: Do you think Melania and Ivanka Trump wore 'inappropriate' dresses for POTUS' speech?

During this 10-minute-long speech, Melania made an effort to underline the targets we must achieve for women's empowerment globally. "We must continue to fight injustice in all its forms, in whatever scale or shape it takes in our lives. Together, we must declare that the era of allowing brutality against women and children is over," she said in her address.

But what made this speech sound more than a little hollow is that it is in complete opposition to everything Donald Trump has said and done since last year. While Melania Trump must be treated with the respect that an individual in a place of power deserves, it's very difficult to see her words as completely divorced from her husband's policies--after all, her power comes from being Trump's wife.

Melania was dressed in white, the colour donned by generations of women working towards women's empowerment. Picture courtesy: Instagram/melaniatrumpworld

Once you do keep this point in mind, Melania's speech reeks of hypocrisy. She might talk about working "towards gender empowerment and respect for people from all backgrounds and ethnicities, remembering always that we are all members of one race, the human race." But the fact of the matter is, it is Trump's policies which have made this sort of global target more difficult to attain. If "America comes first", as he says repeatedly, what does "one race, the human race" even mean?

It must also be noted here that the gathering at the State Department included delegates from countries like Syria and Yemen--both countries affected by Trump's recent immigration policies.

However, Melania did not, even once, mention her husband or his policies. And that, we feel, diminishes her words further. Her sentiments in the speech were completely uncontroversial (which is actually how the previous First Ladies, including Michelle Obama, have operated), but one has to wonder if Melania's appearance at the gathering was more of a performance than anything else.

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Also read: The hidden meaning behind Melania and Michelle's outfits at the Inauguration

No wonder Twitter exploded after Melania's speech. The reactions clearly call out the irony of the whole situation. Take a look:

According to a report in The Guardian, Teresa Younger (the president of the Ms Foundation for Women campaign) commented: "Melania talking about the need for women's empowerment is in complete opposition to Donald Trump's policy of cutting aid for women's reproductive health in the developing world, his attempts to slash healthcare access for millions of women in America, or his repeated efforts to undermine women of color, LGBTQ people, and low-income women in order to direct funds to his billionaire friends."

All in all, we feel Melania really needs to up her game as the FLOTUS if she intends on being taken seriously--even by her detractors. Reports suggest that she'll be moving into the White House some time this year, and her public appearances and responsibilities will increase with it.

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If that's the case, and if she does really want to take education and women's empowerment as her key platforms, Melania should not refrain from grabbing her husband's misogyny by its horns.

--- ENDS ---
Over the years, the Epsilon Sigma Alpha organization has donated more than $200 million to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

In Grand Island, a style show is the St. Judes fundraiser presented by Alpha Sigma, the local chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha. This years effort, called St. Judes Stars Style Show, will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Monday at St. Pauls Lutheran Church, 1515 S. Harrison St.

The event includes a meal with dessert. Tickets cost $10.

Door prizes will be awarded. Clothes will be provided by CJ Banks, Christopher and Banks and Kohls.

By attending, people will help the children at St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, said Phyl Kostbahn, a longtime member of Alpha Sigma.

The event, which includes adult and childrens fashions, is not just for women.

We encourage men to come, too, Kostbahn said.

She pointed out that Epsilon Sigma Alpha donated $18 million to St. Judes last year.

Thats the most weve ever done, Kostbahn said.

When he was alive, St. Judes founder Danny Thomas reached out to the members of Epsilon Sigma Phi, asking them to support his dream that no child should die in the dawn of life.

Thousands of children each year are treated at the hospital regardless of their ability to pay. Through public contributions, the hospital covers all medical costs not covered by insurance, and covers all costs for families without insurance. Since adopting St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital as its international philanthropic project in 1972, Epsilon Sigma Alpha has been the hospitals largest third-party donor.

Alpha Sigma is one of six Epsilon Sigma Alpha chapters in Nebraska. The organization, based in Fort Collins, Colo., was founded in 1929.

Tickets to the style show may be purchased from any Alpha Sigma member or at the door.

The meal will consist of a chicken casserole, salad, rolls and dessert.

For more information call Peggy Jess at (308) 336-3395, Kathy Gorecki (308) 336-3290 or Kostbahn at (308) 384-5264.
While nobody knows what the U.S. Postal Service decision will be on moving post office retail services from downtown Grand Island to the postal sorting center on Old Potash Highway after the written comment period ends on Friday, the case of the Broadwater post office shows its possible to raise a successful protest.

What is still unknown is whether Broadwater has any useful examples for Grand Island, especially with time running out.

Broadwater is a village in Morrill County in the Panhandle.

James Kulacz, who is now a Broadwater Village Board member, had just moved to the community in 2010 as the Postal Service was announcing plans to close the Broadwater post office. A broad coalition of people fought to keep the post office open for the village, whose population was 128 residents at the time.

One hundred twenty-four now, Kulacz said, giving a current population update.

Although the villages population is tiny, he said the Broadwater post office serves a large rural area. Postal officials gave residents a report on what it would cost to keep the post office open versus closing it and how much the savings would be.

The figures in the report were wildly inaccurate, Kulacz said.

The Broadwater post office is a leased property owned by a person who lives in Kansas. He said his wife was able to get a copy of the lease, which showed the post office figures were, in his words, bogus. The lease had a clause saying the Postal Service still had to pay the owner even if no services were being offered in the building.

Kulacz said the amount of mail that the Postal Service said was going through the Broadwater post office was ridiculously low. Broadwater has a firearms dealer who does a lot of business through registered mail. The dealer also is required to retain receipts for a minimum amount of time.

The dealers receipts showed that the Postal Services figures for mail volume were much too low, he said.

Kulacz wondered whether Grand Island might have any businesses that do a lot of business by registered mail. Statistics from those businesses might provide a good benchmark of how much mail actually goes through the Grand Island post office.

Contacting U.S. Sens. Mike Johanns and Ben Nelson, as well as U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, was another factor in keeping the Broadwater post office open, he said. Residents also contacted their Nebraska state senator for help.

Kulacz said his wife contacted the postal unions to enlist their help in keeping the Broadwater post office open, while he contacted a retired postmaster for help.

He said he believes all these factors helped keep the Broadwater post office open, although its hours were reduced.

No decision lasts forever. Kulacz said the lease on the building for the Broadwater post office expires at the end of 2017.

But he added, As of now, we havent had a notification that theyre not going to renew it. So were kind of hopeful that theyre not saying, Were not going to renew the lease.

Kulacz is not sure what, if any, of Broadwaters experiences might benefit Grand Islands efforts to keep the Postal Services retail services in downtown Grand Island. He suggested that perhaps the Union Pacific Railroad might be willing to lease the post office building for a very nominal fee to maintain goodwill with the city of Grand Island.

Indeed, many Grand Island residents have said the carriers and their trucks could go out to the postal sorting center on the west, but the primary desire is to keep services at the counter and post office boxes downtown.

However, some people have suggested that another downtown location needs to be found because of the current buildings problems with asbestos tile and structural problems caused by trains passing so near the building.

Keeping the Broadwater post office apparently was not a complete fluke. Kulacz said Bridgeport, a town of 1,545 west of Broadwater, rebuffed efforts to close that communitys post office. Lisco, a town of just 64 people east of Broadwater, also fought successfully to keep its post office open.
The Nebraska State Patrol has released the identity of a suspect sought as a suspect in an Ogallala stabbing.

After a suspicious death in Ogallala on Tuesday morning, the Nebraska State Patrol Troop D released photos of an man sought for questioning. On Thursday, the Nebraska State Patrol released the identity of the man being sought and identified him as a suspect. The man has been identified as Amedeus L. Leroux, 15, of Denver, Colorado.

The State Patrol is seeking the publics assistance in finding Leroux, who law enforcement believe is in southwestern Nebraska or northeastern Colorado.

On Wednesday, authorities released that two people have been arrested and charged in the stabbing death of 25-year-old John Fratis.

The Nebraska State Patrol has arrested 32-year-old Larry Derrera and 28-year-old Raylynn Garcia. An arrest affidavit says Fratis died after a fight with another man. An investigator says Derrera and Garcia lied or withheld information related to Fratis' death, hindering the investigation.

Both Derrera and Garcia were being held Wednesday without bail in the Keith County Jail. It's not clear whether they yet have attorneys.

Anyone with information about Leroux's whereabouts is asked to contact Nebraska State Patrol dispatch at 308-535-8047, or 911. Members of the public are asked not to approach or contact the man if they see him, and to instead contact law enforcement immediately.
Election Day 2022: The stakes are high with all eyes on Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania voters on Election Day will make decisions that could reshape the future of both the commonwealth and nation.
By Press Trust of India: From Gurdip Singh

Singapore, Mar 30 (PTI) Hundreds of passengers onboard two planes had a miraculous escape when the wing of an Emirates aircraft came into contact with a Singaporean budget airlines at the busy Changi airport.

Flight EK405, which was scheduled to leave from Singapore to Dubai, came into contact with Singaporean budget carrier Scoot airlines while both were taxiing for take-off, damaging its left wing.

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Scoots flight TZ188 was scheduled to leave for Tianjin at 1.30 am in China but was returned to bay after the incident.

Both Changi Airport and Scoot confirmed that an on-ground accident happened between Emirates EK405, which was bound for Dubai, and Scoot TZ188.

All 303 passengers and 11 crew members on board the Scoot aircraft are safe but the flight was re-timed to about 6 am on a replacement aircraft while the affected plane underwent repair, a representative with the Scoot airlines said.

Emirates airlines later issued an apology for the inconvenience.

"Emirates apologies for any inconvenience caused, however, the safety of our passengers and crew is of utmost importance," said an Emirates spokesperson in a statement by email.

Emirates said there were no injuries aboard EK405.

However, number of passengers onboard the Airbus A380 aircraft was not specified.

"Emirates flight EK405 from Singapore to Dubai on March 30 was slightly damaged during pushback," the spokesperson said.

"Engineering inspections determined that some repairs will be required and as a result all our affected passengers have now been rebooked on alternative flights," he said.

The damaged plane is undergoing repairs.

"We are working with the relevant authorities to investigate the cause of the incident," Scoot spokesman said.

Changi Airport Group (CAG), manager of the airport, has confirmed that the incident took place.

CAG is also working with the authorities to investigate the incident, the spokesperson added. PTI GS UZM KJ AKJ KJ

--- ENDS ---
The Wildey is bringing country music and classic rock back to the stage for the month of April.

General Manager of the Wildey Theatre Al Canal said there are several good shows coming to town.

Weve got a lighter month but plenty of good things, Canal said.

First up is the band Little Texas performing at 8 p.m., Saturday, April 15.

The country music group includes Porter Howell on lead vocals and guitar, Dwayne OBrien on vocals and rhythm guitar, Duane Propes on vocals and bass guitar and Del Gray on the drums. The band has received three Grammy nominations and honors from the Academy of Country Music for Vocal Group of the Year and the Country Music Association for Album of the Year.

Fan-favorite hits include songs, God Blessed Texas, What Might Have Been, My Love, Some Guys Have All the Love, Rebel, and others.

Canal said the band has quite the reputation in the industry.

Very well liked; they had top 10 songs on the country charts. Were trying to branch out into country a little bit more. Here, country is fairly popular; plenty of country fans, he said.

Tickets for the show range between $40 - $45 each and can be purchased online at the Wildeys website.

For more information about the band, visit www.littletexasonline.com.

The next week, Garry Tallent of the E Street Band will be taking the mic at 8 p.m., Friday, April 21. Featuring upbeat Americana and rock hits, Canal said this will be a show you wont want to miss.

Canal said the Wildey was lucky to get Tallent to perform this month, given his touring schedule.

From Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Garry is the only original member left of the E Street Band. Hes in-between touring with Bruce; he took about sixteen dates around the country. We were lucky to be the one to get him, he said. Im really looking forward to that one.

Tallent is currently on tour with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. He has also performed with artists Sonny Burgess, Julian Dawson, The Delevantes, Steve Earle, Steve Forbert, the Hoopsnakes, Even Johns and His H-Bombs, Robert Earl Keen Jr., Greg Trooper and others.

Tickets for the show range between $27.50 and $30, pending on seating. They can be purchased online at the Wildeys website.

For more information about Garry Tallent, visit his website at www.garrytallent.com.

The last week of April will feature Johnny A. at 8 p.m., Saturday, April 29. Based in Massachusetts, the guitarist will be bringing his signature sound to the Edwardsville area.

Canal said the performance will be all instrumental but definitely worth checking out.

Johnny A. is no stranger to the music world. Although he is pursuing a solo career, Johnny has also been recognized by Gibson, as his name is placed on a signature guitar.

Johnnys album Driven is anticipated to be released this coming June.

Tickets for the show are $20 each and can be purchased on the Wildeys website. For more information about Johnny, visit his website at www.johnnya.com.

For more information about these upcoming shows or to purchase tickets, visit the Wildey's website at www.wildeytheatre.com or call 618-307-2053.
With the spring season in full swing, $2 movie Tuesdays continue to be a hit at the Wildey Theatre.

The month is kicking off with the 1969 classic Easy Rider, at 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 4.

Wildey Theatre General Manager Al Canal said it seemed like the perfect time to show the film.

Were showing that because we figured with motorcycle season beginning, (it was) kind of a natural tie-in, Canal said.

The film explores two bikers journeys from Los Angeles to New Orleans in search of America. Directed by Dennis Hopper, the film stars Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson. Its rated R.

The next week, on Tuesday, April 11 at 7 p.m., the Wildey will be showing Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. After having a successful turnout at the first films showing, Canal said it seemed fitting to show this one.

We showed the first one a couple of months ago. It did very well; that is also the week that kids are on spring vacation, he said. We are eventually going to get through all of them. It may be in the summertime when we do them; maybe on a different night than Tuesday.

The 2002 film, based on the J.K. Rowling book series, explores Harry Potters return to Hogwarts School as he battles a series of hurdles that lead him closer to Lord Voldemort.

The film is directed by Chris Columbus and stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson. Its rated PG.

Next up is Sunset Boulevard, the 1950s classic, showing at 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 18. The film depicts the story of a screenwriter who is hired to reword a silent film stars script while also forming a cautionary relationship.

The film is directed by Billy Wilder and stars William Holden, Gloria Swanson and Erich von Stroheim.

The last $2 Tuesday film of the month is the 1998 hit The Big Lebowski, showing at 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 25.

Canal said hes anticipating a good turnout for this particular showing.

That one will be extremely popular. It has such a cool following around here; actually across the country, he said.

The movie depicts the story of The Dude Lebowski, who seeks reimbursement for his ruined rug and partners up with his bowling companions to get it.

The film is rated R and is directed by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen; it stars Jeff Bridges, John Goodman and Julianne Moore.

Tickets for the movies can be purchased at the Wildey Theatre one hour prior to the showing. Cash or checks are accepted and seating is general admission. For more information, visit the Wildeys website at www.wildeytheatre.com.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the meeting with the MPs conveyed that they should make sure that everyone is aware about the work done by the government in last 3 years.

By Brijesh Pandey: BJP members of Parliament should take the work done by the government in the last 3 years to the public was the message given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the MPs from Maharastra, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh.

This meeting is seen as an attempt by the BJP to prepare for general elections in 2019.

In the meeting at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, the MPs were informed by Prime Minister Modi about the work done by the government in the last 3 years and then were told that it was their duty to take it to their constituents, so that when they seek fresh mandate they are aware of the work done by the Modi government.

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Not only this, the prime minister also told them to lay special emphasis on Swachh Bharat mission. PM Modi also heard the problems of MPs from respective states and conveyed them the ways to solve them.

The PM through these meetings has been telling his MPs to not only take the initiative and spread the good work done by the government but also make sure that the last man standing in the line is also aware about it.

In the meeting held on March 29, the PM told the MPs from 5-6 states how to use social media effectively but also cautioned them that they should not forget the real connect with their voters. On March 31, PM Modi is going to meet MPs from Jharkhand, Odhisa, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Also read: Udan scheme: Now you can fly to 43 airports in India, see if your city is there

Also read: Ahead of big GST debate in Parliament tomorrow, PM Narendra Modi meets his ministers, BJP MPs

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Linkedin Michel A. Rako (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 30, 2017

Anticorruption watchdog Transparency International Indonesia (TII) recently published the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2016, which ranked Indonesia 90th out of 176 countries, on par with Colombia, Morocco and Liberia.

A drop from the 88th position in the previous year demonstrates that the fight against corruption is going nowhere. A survey conducted by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) indicates that more than 90 percent of corruption cases prosecuted by the KPK involve perpetrators from the private sector as the bribe payers.

Bureaucratic red-tape is one of the causes of bribery, which is carried out to speed up licensing procedures and the award of business contracts or tenders. TIIs Bribe Payers Index 2011 ranked Indonesia in 25th place out of 28 countries, third from the bottom.

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Linkedin Inforial (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta, Indonesia  Thu, March 30, 2017 00:00 2049 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6c2b64 4 Inforial Free

So, you have just decided to invest on an apartment unit? That could be a good decision, considering the ever-increasing demand for apartment units these days.

Serviced apartments have the highest demand. This increasing demand will up the rent price of those apartments. So, instead of waiting for the selling price to increase, it is better to lease these apartment units for higher and more regular profit.

In order to maximize profit from the leased apartment unit, pay attention to these five factors:

Location

Is your apartment located in a strategic area? If not, does the area have the potential to become lucrative in the future? You can measure an areas strategic value from a number of factors, including its proximity to main roads, shopping centers, schools and universities as well as transportation, from bus stops to airports.

Do not hesitate to charge a high rental fee for your apartment unit if it is indeed located in a strategic area. Locations like Cibubur, West Java, and Lebak Bulus, South Jakarta, are also seen as a lucrative investment sites, thanks to the construction of mass rapid transportation (MRT) in the area.

Cost calculation

To make sure your investment is profitable, calculate costs carefully. When buying a property, take into consideration maintenance and electricity costs as well as emergency costs for potential damages, such as internal facility malfunctions. Keeping an emergency fund is crucial for potential damages.

Insure your apartment unit

Protect your property from unpredictable risks, which could cost you beyond your emergency fund. Insurance is a form of long-term investment, but do not take it for granted.

Renovate and repair

You should repair all the defects in your apartment, including dents and stains on the walls. In order to appear more attractive to prospective leaseholders, you could also renovate the apartment unit and reinvent its interior design concept. The most popular example for this is the minimalist interior design inspired by Japans Zen lifestyle embodying modest, environmentally friendly and peaceful lifestyles.

Make use of marketing and promotional tools

Make use of online advertisements, the internet could help you save money and resources. You can make use of various online property agents, such as lifull.id, to help market your apartment units.

Taking care of property business is not easy; this is where a property agents expertise could help you manage your business. This will be an additional fee, but the money you invest will multiply as you are being assisted by experienced professionals.

When selecting a property agent, do a background check regarding reputation and track record in order to ensure that they are truly competent to assist you in your business.
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Linkedin Sebastian Partogi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 30, 2017 09:20 2049 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6cc11e 4 Art & Culture Censorship,movie-makers,Film-Censorship-Board,film Free

The Film Censorship Board (LSF) marked its 100th anniversary last year, and its presence sparks controversy among filmmakers until this day, as film remains the only art form in Indonesia that is subject to censorship.

Although there is legal basis for censoring as stipulated in the 2009 Film Law, the details are rather unspecific. However, a clear pattern remains: films broaching the subjects of sexuality and ideology are the ones most vulnerable to their scissors.

Film programmer and former Kineforum manager Alexander Matius said the censorship board had begun to flex its muscles more assertively during the authoritarian New Order era. The board mainly got rid of scenes appearing to promote certain ideologies or depicting sexuality.

Examples include Sophan Sophiaans Bung Kecil (Little Boy), which was finished in 1978 but had to be reworked and was finally released only in 1983, after passing the censorship boards requirements for the big screen.

A similar case was Sjuman Djayas film Yang Muda Yang Bercinta (Youngsters who make love), the release of which was delayed from 1977 to 1993, when it finally saw the light of day  eight years after the director himself had passed away.

Read also: Jokowi's latest video reveals Slank, Burgerkill as his favorite bands

While Bung Kecil was censored for raising issues of social inequality, Yang Muda Yang Bercinta was censored because it was deemed to be carrying political propaganda by featuring poems by dissident poet WS Rendra, as well as for showcasing casual sex among its characters, Alexander told The Jakarta Post.

Paranoia over political overtones could go a little too far  even to a hilarious extent  during the Soeharto era: the title of Deddy Armands 1989 film had to be changed from Kiri Kanan OK (Left and Right is okay) to Kanan Kiri OK, because the placement of the word kiri first was perceived to infer that the banned leftist ideology was okay.

Fast-forward almost two decades and you have Edwins Babi Buta Yang Ingin Terbang (The Blind Pig Who Wants to Fly), which was rejected by the LSF in 2008 on the grounds of telling the story of the 1998 riots on the verge of the downfall of Soeharto. Other reasons cited for not allowing the film to pass censorship were ambiguous terms like sex by the sodomites and erotic breathing.

The poster for Blind Pig Who Wants to Fly(2015.neocinemap.asia/File)

Female director Chairun Ilun Nissa captured the issue, along with the censorship that befell a 2014 film called The Look of Silence (Senyap) on the bloody 1965 massacre of people thought to support communism, directed by Joshua Oppenheimer, in her 2016 documentary Potongan (Cuts).

Film critic Eric Sasono, however, said the reins on sexual content were sometimes loosened during times when the film industry was in crisis, such as when horror and comedy films dominated the screens starting in 2008, propelling actresses such as Julia Perez, Dewi Persik and even Japanese porn star Maria Miyabi Ozawa.

Due to censorship, these films with ideological themes could only be enjoyed in small cinema cafes and closed, small group screenings.

Read also: BPK holds film competition for youth

Because of this, discussion spaces [to talk about the 1965 and 1998 violence] are being shut down, leaving the generation born during the 1990s and the 2000s unaware of this part of Indonesian history, which still is a wound. Therefore, we can never discuss the wounds and reconcile, Ilun says.

In the film Potongan, LSF board members argued that scenes pertaining to the 1998 riots in Babi Buta Yang Ingin Terbang had to be censored for fear they might trigger social unrest. Likewise, House of Representatives Commission I member and former reporter Arief Suditomo said in the film that Indonesians still had a low level of education and might be provoked by such films.

These comments, besides being very patronizing, are also inaccurate. Films like Babi Buta have a very specific target audience. Here, censorship also has to take into consideration the cinema culture that is about to be created: Who is the targeted audience? Eric said.

He said that such censorship was unfair, as it might prevent spillover effects  or the possibility that the film is also watched and responded to by those who are not actually part of its intended audience.

Films have to reach as wide an audience as possible, he said. Not to mention that censorship also curtails filmmakers creativity. Filmmaking requires free imagination, a mind that considers all possibilities available.

In response to these statements, LSF commissioner and spokesman Rommy Fibri wrote in an email that the board was committed to keeping Indonesias democracy growing.

Those of us who work for the boards 2015-2019 period are open to the possibility where films with any kind of content, including Babi Buta, pass censorship, be it for festival criteria or for limited circles.
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Linkedin Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 30, 2017 11:11 2049 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6d5bba 4 People France,bilateral-ties,French-cuisine,French-Institute-in-Indonesia Free

Celebrated French kitchen master Jean-Francois Piege and film and fashion icon Catherine Deneuve are currently in Jakarta as part of a string of events to spur cooperation between the two countries in the creative industries.

Piege took the honor to introduce authentic French cuisine, which has been listed as an intangible cultural treasure by the United Nations cultural organization, UNESCO.

What characterizes French gastronomy are the rites, the presentation and the flavor, and the most important element is the [choice of] ingredients, he said in an interview on Sunday.

The chef created a multi-course dinner served later that evening at a gala attended by French diplomats, nationals and Indonesian-French alumni. He had brought all the ingredients from home.

Read also: Good France 2017: A season of good, food, fashion, film & friendship

Piege served baked celery flowers mixed with vanilla grass and tangy sauce with a squish of Bergamot orange, Brittany lobster cooked in Mijote Moderne combined with marinated mussels and herbs, grilled chicken from the Cour dArmoise farm and served with Morchella mushrooms and rice as well as grilled chocolate on a tarte with ice cream as dessert.

Original taste: Baked celert flowers mixed with vanilla grass and tangy sauce with a squish of Bergamot orange.(JP/Donny Fernando)

I dont need to make any adjustments to suit Indonesian taste buds, because Indonesian cuisine, after all, has also adopted a wide range of flavors.

The 46-year-old chef has been awarded two Michelin stars in 2011 for his restaurant that bears his name, and he has been named Chef of the Year by critics every year since 2005. He has also authored books on French cuisine.

He preferred home-cooked meals, such as gratin or grilled chicken, to eat with family members, because good company makes food taste the best, the chef said, adding that he didnt believe in using any secret ingredient to enhance the flavor.

I just use salt. The combination of flavors from the ingredients used to make a single dish is the whole point of creating authentic French flavor.

Read also: The hot new wine regions in your favorite countries

As a special guest at the gala dinner, Catherine Deneuve underlined the rich cultures of Indonesia in art, fashion, textiles and even architecture.

I would visit museums during my stay, she said about her second visit to the country.

Deneuve, 73, a sought-after actress in both art-house and mainstream films, said she would love to work with Indonesian filmmakers.

Catherine Deneuve(JP/Donny Fernando)

[Working abroad] is the best way to really learn about people of different countries, she said, citing her experience of staying in Vietnam while filming the 1992 movie Indochine with director Regis Wargnier. Its quite an incredible experience, much more so than if you arrive at a hotel and feel like a tourist.

With a career of nearly six decades, Deneuve, who received the Lumiere Prize last year for her lifetime dedication to the industry, said she consistently perceived the narration and the characters as the main factors to consider in a film project.

While working in Hollywood movies is near impossible for a French-speaking actress, according to Deneuve, she said she would soon start a project with renowned French director Andre Techine.

Read also: Homegrown movies gain wider audience

Ive done six or seven films [with the director], which are all very important to me. And actually, Im going to do a film with him next year, said Deneuve, who first collaborated with the director for Hotel des Ameriques in 1981. Then, what would be her greatest achievement so far?

I dont like the word achievement. Its something said by other people or journalists when they give you an award, or after some time youve been in the industry, she said. Achievement for me means finished. And Im not there yet.

With that, she shared her lifetime motto for young people aspiring to make it big in the film or fashion industry:

Follow your instinct. Thats what I do.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 30, 2017 15:18 2048 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6e2764 1 Lifestyle viral,#viral,Pope,Pope-Francis,#PopeFrancis Free

When Catholic blogger Mountain Butorac took his goddaughter to meet Pope Francis II in Rome, he wasnt expecting this.

As 3-year-old American Estella Westrick was lifted up by a Vatican aide to receive a kiss from the head of the Catholic Church, she reached out and plucked the hat off of his head. The pope looked surprised for a second, before taking his hat back as he and everyone else laughed.

Butorac posted the video of the incident on Twitter, where it went viral, receiving over 18,000 retweets, and 40,000 likes.

Took my Goddaughter to meet the pope. She stole his hat! pic.twitter.com/SdSorop3uN  Mountain Butorac (@MountainButorac) March 22, 2017

Read also: Pope chats with Scorsese, tells director he read 'Silence'

You can see that as they brought her, she was kind of staring at the hat, said godfather Butorac to Today. So as the pope was going in to kiss her, she was already eyeballing it and her hand was starting to move up. It was like she went in with a plan.

While Estellas mother, Alexis Westrick, was not there to witness the incident, she was quickly filled in by the 3-year-old.

She told me, I met the pope, and he gave me a rosary  and I took his hat! She was so excited about it, said Westrick.

"It's her first full day in Rome. Who knows what she will get up to tomorrow," Butorac joked. (sul/kes)
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Linkedin Ni Nyoman Wira (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 30, 2017 10:23 2049 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6d0aa8 1 Food Starbucks,starbucks-original-experience,conservation-international-indonesia,coffee,hutaginjang-village Free

Located near to the famous Toba Lake in Muara sub-district, North Tapanuli district, North Sumatera, Hutaginjang village is the site of the annual Starbucks Original Experience 2017, in which some of the coffee chains employees visit a village to gain knowledge about coffee and interact with the locals, especially coffee farmers.

Thirty-five coffee farmers and 100 Starbucks employees from 50 countries in the Asia-Pacific region took part in the program, according to kompas.com. Starting from March 14 to 21, they transplanted 1,000 coffee seeds to polybags, seeded them together with lamtoro as the shade trees (pohon pelindung) and finished the construction of a compost house.

According to the 2016 Coffee Outlook publication from the Agriculture Ministrys secretariat general, North Sumatra is known as the largest producer of Arabica coffee in Indonesia with an average annual production of more than 49,000 tons between 2012 and 2016. Meanwhile, in 2014, North Tapanuli district was noted as the district that was home to the largest Arabica coffee producer in North Sumatra.

Coffee chain employees taking part in the Starbucks Original Experience are welcomed by locals in Hutaginjang village, North Sumatra, at the start of the program. (Conservation International Indonesia/File)

Read also: Why mushroom coffee is hailed as next superfood

The area around Toba Lake is volcanic terrain that is rich with minerals and nutrients. This is one of the factors that determines the taste and aroma of the coffee beans, aside from how they are planted and processed after harvest. Furthermore, according to a 2015 study from conservation institution Conservation International (CI), who has partnered up with Starbucks Coffee Company, the area around the Toba Lake will be suitable for Arabica coffee up to the year 2050.

The majority of people in North Tapanuli implement a semi-wash technique (teknik giling basah), said Elidon Sitio, Conservation International Indonesias field livelihood and coffee supply coordinator, in a press release. They pick the red coffee seeds and grind them for eight hours after being harvested. This causes the coffee to have a balanced flavor and aroma.

This is not the first time that Hutaginjang Village has been selected as the location for the Starbucks Original Experience. In 2016, they visited the village on March 22 and 29. The village has been chosen due to its proximity to the processing plant of PT. Sumatra Specialty Coffee or the coffee chains green bean supplier. The company also collaborates with CI to purchase coffee beans from CIs target farmers. (asw)
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Linkedin Sandra Low (The Star/Asia News Network)  Thu, March 30, 2017 17:47 2048 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6ebc35 2 Lifestyle beauty,cosmetic,SK-II,National-Geographic,Japan,#beauty,#cosmetics,skin,skincare Free

To pit skin against the harsh environments of nature, Japanese beauty brand SK-II collaborated with National Geographic for a one of a kind on-location beauty shoot with notable fashion photographers Jesper Mcilroy and Kirk Cheung, and National Geographic Explorer, Hannah Reyes.

In a new series of short vignettes, four celebrities from around the world travel to some of the most extreme and beautiful places on earth to put themselves and their skin to the test with SK-IIs iconic Facial Treatment Essence.

Kasumi Arimura, award winning Japanese actress; Chiara Ferragni, social media star; Nini, celebrated Chinese actress; and Lee Siyoung, top South Korean actress and national boxer travelled to some of the worlds toughest environments from the Yanbaru jungle in Okinawa, Japan to the Anza Borrego Desert in America.

Read also: Karl Lagerfeld reveals collaboration with Swarovski

Follow photojournalist Reyes in Face The Wild where she documents and explores diverse ecosystems, topographies and cultures with the celebrities in extreme conditions such as sub-zero temperatures, harsh UV, dryness, sweltering heat, and pollution.

For Face The Camera, the celebrities embark on a beauty shoot with Mcilroy and Cheung to see if their skin withstood the test of the environments with the help of SK-IIs Facial Treatment Essence.

In a press statement Sandeep Seth, Global SK-II marketing director says that the brand continues to discover new miracles of Pitera, the signature ingredient in the Facial Treatment Essence with 50 micro-nutrients, and especially its ability to maintain crystal clear skin no matter what conditions one is in.

We hope this groundbreaking campaign will inspire women with the confidence to see the world with no constraints and experience the transformative power of crystal clear skin, Seth adds.

Topics :

This article appeared on The Star newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post
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Linkedin Anick Jesdanun (Associated Press) New York, United States  Thu, March 30, 2017 15:06 2048 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6e152f 2 Science & Tech Microsoft,#Microsoft,Digital-doodle,gamers,game,#games,windows-10,website Free

A major update to Microsoft's Windows 10 system will start reaching consumers and businesses on April 11, offering 3-D drawing tools, game-broadcasting capabilities and better ways to manage your web browsing.

This "Creators Update" also aims to make future updates less disruptive.

Microsoft said Wednesday that it will roll out the Creators Update to some 400 million Windows 10 devices worldwide over time. Though there's no set schedule, devices that came with Windows 10 installed will likely get the update first. That will make it easier for Microsoft to work out kinks for older devices, which are potentially more problematic.

Once you get it, here are five things to check out.

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WEBSITE CLUTTER

Throughout the day, you're likely using your web browser for a variety of tasks  researching a trip, checking the news and, gasp, doing actual work. Having all those websites open at once could prove cumbersome.

Windows 10's Edge browser now has a small icon on the upper left corner for setting aside a group of websites. Say, your deadline on a work project is rapidly approaching. Just hit the button to clear out website tabs for your Caribbean getaway. When you're ready to return to trip planning, hit an adjacent icon to restore those tabs you've set aside.

You can set aside multiple groups; the most recent ones appear on top. When things get rough, you can scroll down to check the set of job search sites you set aside weeks ago.

Though browsers let you bookmark sites, you probably don't want permanence for trips and short-term projects. Once you restore tabs using the new feature, you'll need to set them aside again when you're done for future access. And tabs won't sync across devices.

___

DIGITAL DOODLES

Last year's "Anniversary Update" introduced Windows Ink, the ability to highlight, mark and otherwise doodle on documents with a finger or stylus, provided you have a touch-screen computer.

Updated Windows apps for Microsoft's Maps and Photos will let you do more. Though the apps are available separately, getting the Creators Update ensures you have them.

In Photos, you can draw on photos and videos with virtual markers and share your creations with friends. For example, you can circle that guy in the background and call attention to how goofy he looks.

For maps, you can mark a specific spot in a park for friends to meet. Technically, you can already do that with web versions of Google, Bing and other maps, so long as you're using the Edge browser and its doodling function. Microsoft's Maps app offers extras. For instance, you can have the app calculate the distance of the bike route you're tracing; be sure to first hit the "measure distance" icon (the one with the red diagonal).

Ink would have been great for a new e-book feature coming to Windows. Microsoft is now selling e-books through its online store, and books open as a tab in Edge, with no separate app needed. But Microsoft says Ink is disabled on e-books because of publisher restrictions.

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Read also: Microsoft to end support for Windows Vista by April 11

IN 3-D

Paint, a graphics app Microsoft first shipped with Windows 1.0 in 1985, is getting a major refresh. You can now create images in 3-D .

Start by pressing the cube icon at the top. You can create 3-D images from scratch or choose an object, such as a cylinder, a fish or a person. You can get additional models from a 3-D online community called Remix and even share your creations there. You can add stickers, such as eyes, by tapping the icon to the right of the cube.

Play around to get a feel for all the capabilities. Expect lots of trial and error  and frequent use of the "undo" button.

3-D images created through paint will be compatible with 3-D printers and printing services.

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GAMERS, REJOICE

A game mode optimizes the computer for gaming. Other tasks can still run in the background but won't consume as much of the system resources. Game mode is on by default; you can turn it off through a new central location for system-wide game settings (individual games might still have their own settings).

Windows 10 also gets a broadcasting service called Beam, which Microsoft bought last year. Before, to share live streaming of game play, gamers had to install and activate Beam or a competing service separately.

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LESS-ANNOYING UPDATES

Although Creators Update is only the second major update since Windows 10's release in 2015, Microsoft has issued many smaller ones along the way. They often require a restart and can come at inopportune times  such as the start of an important meeting. Users with the Home edition of Windows 10 had no options for postponing updates.

Microsoft says it has listened and will give all users the ability to schedule a time or defer updates for three days. This doesn't mean you can avoid updates forever, but it gives you more say over when.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 30, 2017 19:59 2048 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6efd88 1 Business Apple,research-and-development-center,iphone-7,Communications-and-Information-Ministry Free

Technology giant Apple Inc.s first Indonesian research and development (R&D) center is expected to begin operating in the second quarter in Tangerang, Banten.

Industry Ministry expert staff member Sanny Iskandar said the United States firm was looking to rent an office as its first R&D center at Green Office Park in BSD City, Tangerang.

The center will develop educational programs for 300 to 400 local students, Sanny said after meeting with Apples representatives in Jakarta on Thursday.

(Read also: Latest iPhone series to enter Indonesian market)

The decision to set up the center in BSD City was Apples own initiative and it would bring mentors to teach students how to create applications, he added.

The center is scheduled to commence operations in the second quarter and Apple will carry on with the second center in Java and the third center outside Java.

For the location outside Java, the Information and Communication Ministry has suggested Apple set up the center in the Toba area in North Sumatra.

On Friday, the tech powerhouse will officially launch its latest series of smartphones, iPhone 7 and 7 Plus in Indonesia.

The company was not able to sell several models of its iPhone 6 series after the government issued a regulation, which required phone makers to meet a certain amount of local content, including through the establishment of R&D centers.

Apple finally agreed to comply with the regulation early this year by committing to building the centers and pledging to pour US$44 million into the R&D in Indonesia until 2018. (yon) (tas)
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Linkedin Setiono Sugiharto (The Jakarta Post)  Thu, March 30 2017

In the traditional approach to the teaching of academic writing, writing instruction stands independently from other language skills like reading. What is taught to students includes the ability to use effective grammatical construction, appropriate diction, accurate spelling, correct use of writing mechanics and structuring a paragraph into academic text. This practice continues in most writing classrooms today.

The separation of reading from writing is motivated by the fact that the former is deemed a receptive skill, while the latter a productive one. Given their very different natures, the teaching of writing is geared toward the production of language, rather than the comprehension of it.

Yet forcing students to write before they are ready will come to no avail. Production should not precede comprehension. Therefore, we first need to familiarize students with what academic writing really looks like and how governing conventions limit the practice of academic writing. How is academic text patterned or structured? What grammatical construction and academic vocabulary are typically used? This is the comprehension stage.

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By Press Trust of India: From Yoshita Singh

New York, Mar 30 (PTI) US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has claimed her mother, who had studied to be a lawyer in India, was not allowed to sit on the bench as a judge because of the situation with women in the country during that time.

"I am a big fan of women. I think theres nothing they cant do. And I think any democracy that has allowed themselves to really lift up women has benefited from it," Haley said when asked about the role of women following her speech to the Council on Foreign Relations here yesterday.

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She went on to briefly narrate the story of her mothers life in India where she was among the first female judges but was not allowed to sit on the bench as she was a woman.

"And so I think, this is near and dear to my heart because my mother ? you know, when you didnt have a lot of education in India, my mother actually was able to go to law school. And she was actually put up to be one of the first female judges in India, but because of the situation with women she wasnt allowed to sit on the bench. But how amazing for her to watch her daughter become governor of South Carolina and US ambassador to the United Nations," Haley said.

Haley was born Nimrata Randhawa to Ajit Singh Randhawa and mother Raj Kaur Randhawa, who had emigrated from India to Canada and then to the US in the 1960s.

However, Justice Anna Chandy was the first female judge in India and also the first woman in India to become a high court judge. She was was appointed as a munsif in Travancore in 1937.

Haley added that nations goal should always be to empower women and show how they can be fantastic leaders, "and to help them get there?and when they are successful, support them on it and encourage them on that."

Underscoring that legal immigration is the fabric of America, Haley added that she is the "proud daughter" of Indian immigrants and stressed that people should not be banned from countries due to their religion.

"Im the proud daughter of Indian immigrants who reminded my brothers, my sister and me everyday how blessed we were to be in this country," Haley said responding to questions.

She said she believes that the fabric of America is "legal immigration. So from that standpoint that is something that is near and dear to my heart and I very much support."

Haley was asked if Trumps immigration policies and vetting people coming in from Muslim majority nations carry the risk of alienating the three million Muslim-Americans already in the country.

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"We should never ban based on religion. Period. I dont think thats what this is," she said adding that there are another dozen Muslim countries that could have been on the list of the seven countries on Trumps executive order but are not.

"We will never close our doors in the US but what we did do is take a pause and say how are we going to keep our people safe," she said adding that she hopes the vetting process gets better and the administration moves forward with it.

She said Trumps travel ban aimed to make sure that no danger comes into the country.

"This is not about not wanting people in. This is about keeping the terrorists out," she said.

Haley referred to the recent terror attack in London, saying "when you look at situations like what happened in London, not just the president but everyone is trying to make sure we are keeping our people safe."

The attack on the UK Parliament, however, was perpetrated by a man identified as Khalid Masood who, according to media reports, was not an immigrant but born in the county of Kent in southeast England. PTI YAS BSA ABH

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 30, 2017 10:32 2049 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6d22cf 1 Business Citibank,net-profit,2016 Free

The Indonesian subsidiary of United States-based Citibank saw an 46.2 percent increase in its net profit last year, contributed mostly by the 16.1 percent increase in its net interest income.

The banks net profit in 2016 increased to Rp 2.29 trillion (US$171.88 million) from Rp 1.56 trillion in 2015, while its net interest income increased to Rp 4.12 trillion from Rp 3.54 trillion, Citibank Indonesia chief executive officer Batara Sianturi told reporters in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The positive result was supported by the stable third-party funds, he said, adding that the bank recorded Rp 24.56 trillion in demand deposits, Rp 9.75 trillion in savings and Rp 15.57 trillion in time deposits.

(Read also: Citibank projects 5.3% economic growth in 2017)

Operating costs improved last year due to improvements in the efficiency rate, as reflected by the decrease in the cost-to-income ratio to 81.6 percent from 89.2 percent, Batara said.

He added that the bank had also improved its capital adequacy ratio (CAR) by 1.80 percent to 30 percent as of last December. (yon/bbn)
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Linkedin Arif Gunawan Sulistiyono (The Jakarta Post) jakarta  Thu, March 30, 2017 21:31 2048 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6f1fc5 1 Business CFLD,Tangerang,alam-sutera,karawang,LAVON Free

PT CFLD Indonesia, the local unit of China Fortune Land Development (CFLD) Co Ltd, is poised to launch its flagship integrated new industrial city in Indonesia on April 6.

CFLD Indonesia vice president corporate affairs Imelda Adhisaputra said the company had spent around Rp 4 trillion in the last two years to procure land and develop real estate in Pasar Kemis, Banten and Karawang, West Java.

We will soft-launch our landed house project in Pasar Kemis, offering 2,800 houses on the 60-hectare LAVON area. It will be a mixed-use development, as we will integrate it with commercial and industrial clusters, she said during a discussion in Jakarta on Thursday.

The Indonesias first International New Industry City (NIC), she further said, would be provided with good connectivity as the mass rapid transit (phase three) was being planned to connect the area with Jakarta, aside from the existing Merak, Tangerang and Karawaci toll roads.

Meanwhile, the companys second project, located in Karawang, would also be a mixed-use development, with industrial estate being built first before the commercial and residential clusters. The firm aims to host high-technology manufacturers on the 200-ha plot.

According to Imelda, CFLD Indonesia bought the land for the LAVON project from PT Alam Sutera, the publicly listed company under the Argo Manunggal Group. CFLD was established in China in 1998 and listed its stock on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in 2011. (ags)
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Linkedin Mario Rustan (The Jakarta Post) Bandung  Thu, March 30 2017

Jakarta took part in the global Womens March on March 4, waiting for the hotly contested Jakarta gubernatorial election to pass. The march in front of the State Palace focused on several issues affecting Indonesia, such as respect for diversity, a proposal to pass a sexual violence bill, public service support for transgender and disabled women and public attention for international womens rights. The peaceful march involved thousands.

The backlash began online, focusing on a university student. Like in many other cases, it began not as an insult against her politics but as harassment. Apparently, a Facebook group focusing on online memes discussed a picture of the student and thought she was an adolescent. Vulgar comments were made, and when she responded to the comments, the commentators dug in.

Some maintained their cheeky attitudes, while some others became defensive and attempted to debate her in logic and semantics. Eventually, group members grumbled about how feminazis spoil everything, and some women argued that the true bad guys out there were radical Muslims, not guys engaging in friendly banter.

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Linkedin Dylan Amirio (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 30, 2017 08:51 2049 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6c8bd3 1 Business fintech,diversification,comments,remittance Free

While financial technology has taken off in the Indonesian market, there are still segments that players and startups have not explored, an expert has said, calling for gradually diversifying the industry.

One particular opportunity that has not been tapped much is remittances, which play a vital role for Indonesia as migrant workers send money home to their families.

Indonesian Fintech Association chairman Niki Luhur noted that if a clear know-your-customer (KYC) standard was to be implemented across ASEAN, it would help ease the remittance sending process by removing obstacles from national regulations.

(Read also: Fintech players demand full support from OJK)

We hope that because of the ASEAN Economic Community, a harmonization of standards can take place in ASEAN, so that the region can be more effectively integrated. Our migrant workers will be able to work with ease, he said at the Centre of Strategic and International Studies in Jakarta on Wednesday.

There are already some local fintech firms that operate in the remittance segment, including Intrajasa and Indosat Ooredoos Dompetku service for migrants working in China, but Niki feels that their number is still very low compared to other segments, such as peer-to-peer lending and e-wallets.

But in the end, fintech is growing here, and there are so many problems to tackle and opportunities to explore in the short time it has grown, he added. (bbn)

Topics : fintech diversification comments remittance
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Linkedin Farida Susanty (The Jakarta Post)  Thu, March 30 2017

The government has confirmed that it will aid the financing for a trans-Sumatra transportation megaproject by transferring the concession of the Tanjung Priok toll road to state construction firm Hutama Karya, the projects contractor.

Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono stated the government would transfer the concession of the 22.8 kilometer road access to Tanjung Priok, where the countrys busiest trade port is located, to the company.

During the Cabinet meeting, we reported [the plan for the asset operation transfer] and it has been approved by the President [Joko Jokowi Widodo], he said recently.

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Linkedin Nurul Fitri Ramadhani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 30, 2017 13:49 2048 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6dd89d 1 Politics house-of-representatives,KPU,Bawaslu,screening,fit-and-proper-test,#KPU,commissioners-selection Free

The House of Representatives grilled 11 members of the team tasked with selecting new commissioners for the General Elections Commission (KPU) and Elections Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) over suspected poor transparency in the screening process during a hearing on Thursday.

House Commission II, which oversees home affairs, said it wanted to seek clarification over issues that had emerged in the selection process. Among the issues raised by lawmakers was why three active Bawaslu commissioners did not pass the first selection stage.

Three out of 300 candidates registered to undergo Bawaslu commissioner selection, namely Nelson Simanjuntak and Daniel Zuchron, both active commissioners, did not pass the first selection stage. Meanwhile, Bawaslu chairman Muhammad only reached the top 36.

The House is set to hold confirmation hearings for 10 Bawaslu commissioner candidates and 14 KPU commissioner candidates. Five out of 217 names registered as KPU commissioner candidates, namely Ferry Kurnia Rizkiyansyah, Idha Budhiati, Arief Budiman, Sigit Pamungkas and Hasyim Asyari, are active commissioners. They reached top 14 and will be further screened.

We want to know how the selection team measured the quality of the candidates. Why did the KPU incumbents manage to pass the first stage of the selection process, while that was not the case with the incumbent Bawaslu commissioners? Al Muzzammil Yusuf of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) said.

Commission II is scheduled to hold confirmation hearings for KPU and Bawaslu commissioner candidates on April 3 to 5 before it presents the results during a plenary session on April 6. (ebf)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 30, 2017 21:33 2048 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6f25e3 1 Politics House,house-of-representatives,2019-elections,2019-presidential-election,e-voting-system,election-bill,#Elections Free

The House of Representatives has said it would not force the implementation of the electronic voting (e-voting) system in the 2019 elections as Indonesia was not yet ready.

One of the provisions agreed on by lawmakers in the deliberation of the election bill is that we will not apply the e-voting system in the near future, said NasDem Party lawmaker Johnny G. Platte, who is also a member of the House's special committee for the deliberation of the bill.

Initially, the committee planned to implement the e-voting system in the 2019 legislative and presidential elections and enshrine it into law.

It claimed the e-voting system could ensure the transparency and accountability of the electoral process. Several House lawmakers were also of the opinion that it was time for Indonesia to move on to more advanced voting technology. It is believed that an electronic system might quicken vote counting and unsuccessful candidates recapitulation.

The committee recently held a working visit to Germany and Mexico, two countries that have applied e-voting systems. However, what we found was that the e-voting system in Germany is problematic. The system is prone to being hacked, Johnny said.

Committee chairman Lukman Edy of the National Awakening Party (PKB) said e-voting devices could be dangerous because they were prone to trans-national cybercrimes that could endanger Indonesia's data privacy.

"If we want to apply e-voting, maybe it should be conducted offline to minimize the potential of data sabotage. Moreover, the country's geographical conditions have not yet enabled all areas to be connected to the internet. Not all people are technology savvy, Lukman said. (ebf)
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Linkedin Stefani Ribka (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 30, 2017 12:14 2048 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6d74b3 1 Business CEPA,EFTA,talks,Indonesia Free

Indonesia has said talks on forming a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) are on the right track. The twelfth round of negotiations are taking place from March 28 to 31 in Geneva, Switzerland.

Both parties are optimistic. Negotiations can be finished this year as targeted by the [Indonesian] government, said delegation leader Soemadi DM Brotodiningrat in a press statement on Wednesday.

The CEPA is meant to boost exports to the European Union. EFTA is integrated with the EU via the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland-European Union Bilateral Agreement.

(Read also: RI, EFTA look to jump-start economic talks)

As the EFTA market alone is small, comprising only 14 million people in Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Indonesia expects more investment from the four countries, said the Trade Ministry, previously.

Indonesia aims to improve investment and trade competitiveness with the negotiations, as neighboring countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines already have a CEPA with EFTA.

The twelfth round touches on trade, services, investment, intellectual property, cooperation, capacity building and sustainable trade and development.

The first round of talks were held on Jul. 7, 2010 during the administration of then president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Negotiations were delayed after the ninth round in 2014 due to the change of administration. Both parties agreed to resume talks last year. (bbn)

Topics : CEPA EFTA talks Indonesia
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 30, 2017 09:31 2049 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6ccafb 1 National death-penalty,#DeathPenalty Free

Indonesia has decided to keep capital punishment in the country's judicial system despite a call from the United Nations for a worldwide moratorium on executions.

Attorney General Muhammad Prasetyo said on Wednesday that the government would maintain the death penalty in its Criminal Code (KUHP), which is currently being amended at the House of Representatives.

We are just waiting for the right time [to execute criminals]. There are a lot of important things concerning us right now, but in the future we will still [implement the death penalty], Prasetyo said.

(Read also: Death penalty meets fresh resistance)

President Joko Jokowi Widodo has defended the Attorney General Office's decision to impose the ultimate punishment for serious drug offenses. Since his inauguration in 2014, there have been three rounds of executions, despite international outcries.

When asked about the National Narcotics Agencys advice that the AGO immediately execute 148 drug convicts, Prasetyo said prosecutors would examine each of those cases to ensure they punish the right prisoners.

We all have the same goal. We have declared war on drugs, especially when it comes to targeting dealers and traffickers, Prasetyo said. (hol)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Badung  Thu, March 30 2017

The Law and Human Rights Ministry cut the prison sentences of 154 Hindu inmates, including five foreign nationals, at the Kerobokan penitentiary in Bali on the Day of Silence (Nyepi), to mark the celebration of the Hindu New year.

Each of the five foreign inmates, all drug convicts, were granted one month of remission. The inmates are Dutch national Reindert Leopold, who is serving 8 years imprisonment, Malaysian Sargunan M. Supiah, who is serving 12 years, fellow Malaysian Gobinathan V. Loganathan, who is serving 13 years and 6 months, Russian Sergei Chernykh, who is serving 11 years, and his compatriot Alexander Simonov, who is serving 8 years of imprisonment.

Kerobokan prison warden Tonny Nainggolan said the inmates granted remission had shown good conduct during their time in the prison. Anther consideration for remission was active participation in prison events. Of the 154 inmates, 137 had already received the decree issued by the ministry, while the decree was impending for the others, Tonny said on Wednesday.

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Under the initiative of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, more than 500 madarsas have been engaged across the country.

By Atir Khan: A series of consultations initiated by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has initiated a massive exercise of introspection on the state of Muslim basic educational institutions much known as madarsas of the country.

The NCPCR, which as per the provisions of CPCR Act 2005 is mandated to delve into issues pertaining to children education has been holding consultations in this regard in Delhi, Ranchi, Kaddapa, Bhopal and Nagpur. More than 500 madarsas and thousands of madarsa- going children have been covered under this exercise.

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Talking about the initiative, NCPCR member Priyank Kanoongo said, "During the consultations, there was a consensus over coming up with more madarsa boards and a need to introspect over slow progress of Muslim educational institutions when compared to other religious educational institutions. The need to impart both religious and modern education to madarsa going children was also discussed."

Muslims though constitute a major component of minority community in India but their state of education has not been up to the mark. Over the last seventy years, the government's policy regarding Muslim education has been seen as a whole part of minority community, which includes Christians, Jains, Budhists and other communities also.

However, there is a view that the problems faced by Muslim community as far as education is concerned is unique and should be dealt with differently. Education to Muslim children is largely imparted through madarsas and maktabas, which requires a different approach altogether.

EDUCATION FOR ALL

As per a survey on higher studies conducted in 2015, though Muslims constitute a sizeable population, merely 42 per cent children in the community go for higher studies. Christians, Sikhs, Jains, and other communities have far greater representation in higher studies though their composition to overall population is less.

According to Article 21 of Constitution, there is a provision for education for all children, however, Muslim madarsas are not entitled to benefits under the Right to Education Act. Therefore, they cannot avail free uniforms, school bags and books and modern education due to this exclusion.

The NCPCR exercise is basically aimed at finding a mid way, which will ensure that the madarsa children get both religious and modern education within the institutions. Interestingly even BJP manifesto for 2014 Lok Sabha elections had promised modernisation of madarsas in the country.

Also read: In Yogi Adityanath's UP, Muslims put out banners to build Ram temple

Also read: Muslims living in fear after BJP win in Uttar Pradesh, says Imam Bukhari

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Linkedin Jill Lawless and Raf Casert (Associated Press) London  Thu, March 30, 2017

Britain filed for divorce from the European Union on Wednesday, with fond words and promises of friendship that could not disguise the historic nature of the schism  or the years of argument and hard-nosed bargaining ahead as the U.K. leaves the embrace of the bloc for an uncertain future as "global Britain."

Prime Minister Theresa May triggered the two-year divorce process in a six-page letter to EU Council President Donald Tusk, vowing that Britain will maintain a "deep and special partnership" with its neighbors in the bloc. In response, Tusk told Britain: "We already miss you."

May's invocation of Article 50 of the EU's key treaty sets the clock ticking on two years of negotiations until Britain becomes the first major nation to leave the union  as Big Ben bongs midnight on March 29, 2019.

The U.K. joined what was then called the European Economic Community in 1973. Its departure could not come at a worse time for the EU, which has grown from six founding members six decades ago to a largely borderless span of 28 nations and a half billion people. Nationalist and populist parties are on the march across the continent in revolt against the bloc's mission of "ever-closer union." And in Washington, President Donald Trump has derided the EU, NATO and other pillars of Western order built up since World War II.

"This is an historic moment from which there can be no turning back," May told lawmakers in the House of Commons, moments after her letter was hand-delivered to Tusk in Brussels by Britain's ambassador to the EU, Tim Barrow.

(Read also: Brexit and external risk for Indonesia's economy)

In the letter, May said the two sides should "engage with one another constructively and respectfully, in a spirit of sincere cooperation."

But for all the warmth, the next two years will be a tough test of the notion that divorcees can remain good friends.

May is under pressure from her Conservative Party and Britain's largely Euroskeptic press not to concede too much in exchange for a good trade deal with the EU. For their part, the other 27 members of the bloc will need to stick together and stand firm as they ride out the biggest threat in the union's history.

Brexit has been hailed by populists across Europe  including French far-right leader Marine Le Pen  who hope the U.K. is only the first in a series of departures. EU leaders are determined to stop that happening.

"The European Union is a historically unique success story," German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in Berlin. "It remains one even after Britain's withdrawal. We will take care of that."

Britons voted 52 percent to 48 percent in favor of leaving the bloc in a referendum nine months ago, and they remain deeply divided over Brexit.(jun)
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Linkedin Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 30, 2017 07:25 2049 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6c57c3 1 National Jokowi,France,#Jokowi,#DeathPenalty Free

During a meeting on Wednesday President Joko Jokowi Widodo and French President Francois Hollande apparently failed to discuss Indonesias controversial policy on the death penalty that France has repeatedly criticized.

France had several times requested Indonesia halt the plan to execute one of its citizens, Serge Atlaoui, who was put on death row after being convicted of drug charges, warning that the relationship between the two countries could suffer if it went ahead.

Foreign Affairs Minister Retno LP Marsudi, who accompanied Jokowi during the meeting, said that the two leaders discussed ways to improve bilateral ties between Indonesia and France, but none of the topics were related to Sergeis fate or Indonesias death penalty.

There was no [such topic discussed], Retno said at the State Palace.

Hollande was in Jakarta for a one-day state visit as part of a week-long Southeast Asian trip. He arrived in Jakarta after earlier visiting Singapore and Malaysia.

(Read also: Indonesia court rejects appeal of Frenchman facing execution)

Serge Atlaoui, 51, was arrested near Jakarta in 2005 in a secret laboratory producing ecstasy and sentenced to death two years later.

Imprisoned in Indonesia for a decade, the father-of-four has always denied the charges, saying he was installing industrial machinery in what he thought was an acrylics factory.

Despite international and domestic condemnation, the Jokowi administration has carried out three rounds of executions since the President took office in late 2014.

In January 2015, six convicts were executed, while another eight were executed in April 2015. The most recent round of executions was in July 2016, when four convicts were shot dead. (dan)
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Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Medan  Thu, March 30 2017

Local journalist Amran Parulian Simanjuntak of Senior weekly newspaper was murdered by a group of unidentified people after dropping his child off at school on Jl. Medan-Binjai, Sei Semayang, Deli Serdang regency, North Sumatra, on Wednesday.

The motive behind the murder of the 35-year-old journalist is not yet known, but his family suspects that it had something to do with his newspaper article published a few days earlier.

Amran died from six stabbing wounds to his body: three in his left abdomen, two in his back and another in his epigastrium. His body was found near his childs school and was later taken to Bhayangkara Hospital in Medan for an autopsy.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 30, 2017 17:50 2048 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6ed04b 1 City #JakartaElection2017,KPU-Jakarta-chairman-Sumarno,anies-baswedan,DKPP Free

The head of the Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPU Jakarta) denied he had a special relationship with gubernatorial candidate Anies Baswedan, as reported by volunteers of the latters rival Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama during a hearing at the Election Organization Ethics Council (DKPP) on Thursday.

Sumarno said he had never had a personal relationship with Anies before the latter registered as a gubernatorial candidate, although both of them were former members of the Islamic Students Association (HMI).

He admitted that he had met Anies on some occasions but no personal relationship was ever built. "I became officially acquainted with Anies after he registered [with the KPU Jakarta] and we named him [and Sandiaga Uno] as gubernatorial and deputy gubernatorial candidates," Sumarno told the DKPP commissioners.

He added that he has never made personal calls to the candidates.

Sumarno also responded to volunteers who accused him of having intentionally met Anies during a revote at one polling station in Kalibata, South Jakarta, on Feb. 19, saying that the meeting was coincidental as he had not known Anies would be there.

Sumarno was seen greeting Anies. The two shook hands and kissed each others' cheeks.

A volunteer group called Cinta Ahok reported the KPU Jakarta head to the DKPP on March 16 for a series of alleged incidents it claimed indicated he favored Anies.

It began with concern over Sumarno uploading onto his WhatsApp account a photo of a massive Dec. 2 protest that had been organized to push for the prosecution of Ahok on blasphemy charges.
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Linkedin Prima Wirayani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 30 2017

Several risks loom around the countrys banking industry despite an optimistic view offered by bankers and analysts this year, urging the industry players to transform their businesses to survive.

Fund availability, or liquidity, is predicted to be the main risk amid spurring hopes that loan growth and credit quality will improve this year.

Data compiled by the Financial Services Authority (OJK) from banks business plans (RBB) show that the industry expects an ambitious target. Loan growth is expected to reach 13.2 percent this year while the DPK is expected to grow by 11.9 percent.

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Linkedin Andi Hajramurni (The Jakarta Post) Makassar  Thu, March 30, 2017 07:59 2049 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6c685f 1 National Snake,Python,prey,Mamuju,eaten-alive Free

These days, we are supposed to harvest palm oil. But most of the farmers, especially those whose farms are near Akbars, are still shocked, afraid that more pythons are still out there, Junaedi, the secretary of Salubiro village in West Sulawesi, said on Wednesday.

He was referring to the 25-year-old farmer who was found dead inside the belly of a 7-meter-long python at his palm oil farm on Monday night.

Since then, the mood among residents of the village, which is part of the Karossa district in Central Mamuju regency, has turned gloomy.

(Read also: Indonesian man found dead in belly of 7m-long python)

Junaedi said the last time such a large python was found in the area was in the 1990s, when the forests started to transform into palm oil plantations.

Akbar went missing after setting off to harvest palm oil on Sunday.

On Monday, his uncle came to his house. He knocked on the door but there was no answer. With the help of other residents, the door was broken down, only to find out that no one was there, Junaedi said.

About 60 residents gathered and launched a search mission, he added.

Two hours later, one of them spotted the giant reptile in the bushes next to Akbars farm.

Villagers then used a large knife to cut open the snakes belly, slowly revealing the body of the father of two.

Horrifying footage has been released showing the corpse being slowly removed from the killer reptile. The process took more than an hour, according to Junaedi. (bbs)
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Linkedin Andi Hajramurni (The Jakarta Post) Makassar  Thu, March 30, 2017 07:19 2049 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6c558f 1 National Makassar,South-Sulawesi,police,drugs,narcotics,shoot-on-site Free

Narcotics officers from the South Sulawesi Police shot dead Ruslan aka Cullang, who was believed to be the biggest drug dealer in Makassar, South Sulawesi Police chief Insp. Gen. Muktiono said in the provincial capital on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old man was shot dead because he retaliated when the police tried to arrest him in Pasangkayu, North Mamuju, West Sulawesi, on Tuesday, Muktiono said.

The suspect had been on our wanted list and became a fugitive for quite a long time. He changed locations frequently, he said.

(Read also: Central bank, police to crack down on illegal money changers after April 7)

Ruslan had allegedly cooperated with an international drug ring that supplied crystal methamphetamine, he claimed.

The drugs were smuggled via Tarakan in North Kalimantan and then shipped to Makassar through the Soekarno-Hatta and Parepare ports, Muktiono added.

The head of the narcotics unit, Sr. Comr. Eka Yudha Satriawan, claimed the deceased suspect had smuggled an average of 10 kilograms of crystal meth to Makassar per month.

Previously, the police had arrested five alleged drug dealers who were supposedly part of Ruslans network, Eka said.

We will continue to expand this investigation, Eka said. (bbs)
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Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Medan, North Sumatra  Thu, March 30, 2017 22:50 2048 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6f3362 1 National journalist,murder,Medan Free

North Sumatra Polices violent crime unit arrested the alleged murderer of journalist Amran Parulian Simanjuntak whose motive is suspected to be personal grudge and not a reaction to Amrans articles.

A team of investigators arrested Timbul Sihombing, 39, on Wednesday evening, 10 hours after Amran was found dead at Jl. Medan-Binjai, Deli Serdang regency, earlier that day.

Despite Amrans family claiming that the killing might be related to stories he wrote for Senior weekly newspaper, North Sumatra Police chief Inps. Gen. Rycko Amelza Dahniel said personal issues are suspected as the motives.

The murder did not have any relation to journalism. This was a purely personal matter between the victim and the suspect, he told journalists on Thursday.

General Crimes Investigation Director at the North Sumatra Police Sr. Comr. Nurfallah said the case started when Timbuls parents asked Amran to bring Timbul to a drug rehabilitation center, as the latter allegedly had been using drugs since 2015.

The victim agreed to help and asked for Rp 3 million (US$225). Timbuls parent gave him Rp 4 million. However, it was found later that Amran did not take Timbul to a center but instead took him to an empty house, cuffed and beat him, Nurfallah said.

Timbul then allegedly escaped from the house and with his parents, asked Amran to return the money. Amran initially promised to return the money but after a while, he avoided paying them back and instead hit and chastised Timbul.

Timbul said he did not have any intention to murder Amran. He claimed that he went to meet Amran on Wednesday to ask about the money, but Amran got mad and hit him until he fell. He then allegedly stabbed Amran with a knife.

Nurfallah said Timbul could be charged with article 340 on the Criminal Code with a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. (rin)

Topics : journalist murder Medan
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 30, 2017 08:57 2049 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6ca123 4 National human-rights-abuse,reconciliation,Wiranto Free

The Ombudsman has summoned chief security minister Wiranto on allegations of maladministration regarding the government's plan to establish the Council for National Harmony (DKN).

On Feb. 2, the Solidarity Network of Victims for Justice (JSKK) and Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS) reported Wiranto to the Ombudsman, accusing him of violating official procedure in resolving past human rights cases by forming the council.

Ombudsman commissioner Ninik Rahayu said Wednesday that based on the report, there had been alleged maladministration in the establishment process of the DKN.

The government has yet to officiate the body pending approval from President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo.

Victims have said that they were not involved in the establishment process of the council, even though the councils task was very relevant to them. We will ask Wiranto as the initiator of the council, she said as quoted by kompas.com.

Ninik explained that based on Law No. 12/2011 on the guidance of drafting laws and regulations, government policymaking should involve concerned parties. She added that the alleged maladministration could be proven if the government continued to create the body without consulting victims and their families.

(Read also: Central Java governor reported to Ombudsman for factory permit)

Therefore, the Ombudsman will ask for Wirantos explanation regarding the allegations.

Wiranto was summoned to make a statement on Wednesday, but he did not attend. He was instead represented by officials from the Law and Human Rights Ministry and the Attorney General's Office. (rdi/wit)
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Linkedin Nurul Fitri Ramadhani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 30, 2017 16:19 2048 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6e5bf8 1 National KPK,#KPK,e-ID,#e-ID,graft,graft-suspect,corruption,Golkar,Hanura,Hanura-Party,novel-baswedan Free

Golkar Party politician Bambang Soesatyo has lambasted Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigator Novel Baswedan for accusing him of having intimidated Miryam S. Haryani, a House of Representatives member implicated in the KPKs ongoing e-ID graft case.

Bambang said Novel did not check Miryam's statement before speaking, adding that his accusation had tainted his good name.

I will ask for the recording of conversations between Miryam and KPK investigators as evidence for us to report his [Novel] accusation to the National Police for alleged defamation.

(Read also: Hearing reveals parties that allegedly intimidated witness in e-ID case)

During the third e-ID case hearing on Thursday, Novel said Miryam, a Hanura Party politician, had received threats from five House members, one of whom was Bambang.

Others are Aziz Syamsuddin of the Golkar Party, Desmond J. Mahesa of the Gerindra Party, Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) lawmaker Masinton Pasaribu and Sarifuddin Sudding of the Hanura Party. They are all members of House Commission III overseeing human rights, security and legal affairs.

Novel claimed that Miryam had admitted receiving dirty money from the e-ID project and revealed the names of several other lawmakers who had also received money. The five lawmakers told her not to admit her guilt to the KPK, Novel said.

Miryam should not mention our names arbitrarily. How could I threaten her? When did I meet her? Why did she bring up Commission III members? Miryam is accusing us, Bambang said.

The KPK questioned Miryam four times before it sent two suspects, Home Ministry director for civil registry Irman and ministry official Sugiharto, to trial as part of the case revolving around the project with a tender value of Rp 5.9 trillion (US$ 440 million). (ebf)
With just a day left for Naam Shabana to hit the screens, we give you five reasons to book its tickets ASAP.

By India Today Web Desk: She was a Southern actor until she made her Bollywood debut with Chashme Baddoor in 2013. Her first brush with Hindi film industry did not fetch her any recognition, forget accolades. She was written off by audience and critics alike, leaving her with the only option of going back to her safe haven- Tollywood. Until she was found again by Neeraj Pandey for a role that got her back in Bollywood and how.

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An almost forgettable Taapsee stunned audience with some kickass action in 2015 film Baby. A movie which rode high on Akshay Kumar's star power saw Taapsee turning the tables with her cameo. Many sat up and took notice of this girl who had almost become a memory.

And two years later, she is back with her Baby team. But not in a cameo. Naam Shabana is all about Taapsee, and that's reason enough to book a ticket to the film as soon as possible.

Come March 31, and audience will get to see Taapsee in yet another author-backed role. With a day left for the film to hit the screens, we give you 5 reasons to look forward to this film.

Taapsee Pannu

After giving a fiery performance in Shoojit Sircar's 2016 film Pink, Taapsee has reserved her place in this short list of good actors. And a film like Naam Shabana only promises to be an extension to her powerful on screen performances. Naam Shabana tells the story of making of a spy, and going by its trailer, Taapsee promises to be a firecracker.

Baby hangover

If Neeraj Pandey's 2015 film Baby made it to your list of favourite films, then its prequel definitely deserves a watch. Shivam Nair's Naam Shabana traces back the journey of a special agent Shabana Khan, and how she becomes a spy. And the good news is that your favourite characters from Baby will also make a cameo in Naam Shabana. Who wouldn't want to watch Anupam Kher or Danny Denzongapa again in this prequel? With Naam Shabana, get set for another edge-of-the seat thriller.

Khiladi Kumar is back

Baby franchise cannot be complete without Akshay Kumar. Though, Taapsee is the hero of Naam Shabana, Khiladi Kumar's extended cameo has got his fans all excited. With a little bit of role reversal this time, it is Akshay who will come to the aid of Shabana on another dangerous mission.

Kickass action

If that 5-minute action sequence starring Taapsee in Baby made you sit up and clap, then expect some more kickass stunts in the prequel. And with Taapsee undergone major martial arts training for Naam Shabana, we can't wait to see her kick some a** in this thriller.

Another woman-centric film

In days when Bollywood heroes are still worshipped, with heroines being sidelined to only song and dance, many filmmakers are breaking the norm by making heroines the real heroes of the film, and Naam Shabana is one such film.

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ALSO READ: Taapsee Pannu pens a moving post on her traumatic experience in Bollywood

ALSO READ: Naam Shabana's Taapsee Pannu and Akshay Kumar are bonding over these common traits

ALSO WATCH: Before Naam Shabana, Taapsee Pannu has some work for you

--- ENDS ---
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Linkedin Nurul Fitri Ramadhani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 30, 2017 22:12 2048 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6f2db0 1 National house-of-representatives,Hanura,Hanura-Party,KPK,#KPK,graft,e-ID,#e-ID,corruption Free

Members of the House of Representatives have denied allegations that they threatened Hanura Party politician Miryam S. Haryanti to influence her March 22 testimony during the trial of a graft case involving e-ID cards.

I was surprised that Miryam said such a thing [on March 23 when she recanted her testimony and told the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) that she had been threatened into denying she knew anything about the case]. I have never been on even one commission with her. If she cannot prove what she has said, she has committed a crime, Golkar Party politician Aziz Syamsuddin said on Thursday.

(Read also: Witness met with Setyas lawyer before renouncing statements)

Aziz is one of five House members reported to have pushed Miryam into making statements in favor of them. Other lawmakers are Bambang Soesatyo of the Golkar Party, Masinton Pasaribu of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Saifuddin Sudding of the Hanura Party and Desmond J. Mahesa of the Gerindra Party.

Masinton also denied the allegation. I am in a different commission with her. I only met her during plenary sessions. I dont really know her. Each time I met her I just said Hello. That's all.

Sudding claimed he did not understand why Miryam mentioned his name. He denied he had discussed the project with her.

I really have no idea why she mentioned my name. I never talked about the e-ID project. This project was supposed to be in the hands of Commission II, not Commission III.

In a hearing of the e-ID case trial on Thursday, KPK investigator Novel Baswedan said Miryam had told him that those five politicians had threatened her so she would not report to the KPK that she and several other politicians had improperly received money from the Rp 5.9 trillion (US$440 million) project. (ebf)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 30 2017

Since its inception in 2015, child-friendly integrated public spaces (RPTRA) have been the center for communal activities for Jakarta residents, such as study group meetings, seminars, traditional dance practice and music practice.

However, recently some RPTRAs have been used to revitalize the citys family planning program as Jakarta is facing an overpopulation crisis.

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Linkedin Nethy Dharma Somba (The Jakarta Post) Jayapura  Thu, March 30 2017

Lilis Setiawati, 23, an elementary school teacher assigned to Bayun, Pantai Kasuari district, Asmat regency, can no longer fulfill her service to teach children in Papuas hinterland, because the 15-horsepower fiberglass boat she was on with several other teachers in the Bayun River estuary was hit and sunk by a strong wave.

Seven passengers of the boat, including Lilis, were killed in the accident, while four survived by swimming and were saved by locals.

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Linkedin Indra Budiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 30, 2017 14:43 2048 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6e07f9 1 City rally,basuki-tjahaja-purnama Free

Another large rally is expected to hit the streets of Jakarta on Friday, as thousands of people will hold a protest to demand that Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama be dismissed from his post.

Initiated by the Muslim People Forum (FUI), rally coordinator Muhammad Al Khaththath said Thursday that similar to previous rallies against the governor, the participants would come from all over the country, hinting that hundreds of thousands might take part.

"I am not sure how many will come but I hope it will be similar to 411," he told reporters, referring to the Nov. 4 rally, which many consider to be one of the largest protests the country has ever seen.

The mass will gather at Istiqlal Grand Mosque in Central Jakarta before marching to the US Embassy, City Hall and then ending at the State Palace.

Khaththath said despite various rumors circulating on social media that the rally might turn violent, he was certain that the participants had no intention of provoking any riots.

"We hope the palace will open its gate for us so we can have dialogue and deliver our requests," he continued.
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Linkedin Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 30, 2017 17:46 2048 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6eb474 1 National setya-novanto,KPK,#KPK,graft,corruption,corruption-case,Corruption-court,MuhammadNazaruddin Free

The e-ID graft hearing on Thursday revealed that former House of Representatives member Miryam S. Haryani had met with lawyers representing House Speaker Setya Novanto and former Democratic Party treasurer Muhammad Nazaruddin before she testified as a witness in a previous hearing on March 22.

Miryam made the admission after being grilled by Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) prosecutors during the hearing about the reasons behind her decision to renounce all of her statements about the flows of dirty money from the e-ID project to several House lawmakers, which had been recorded in the cases investigation report.

Before you testified in the court, around one or two weeks ago, did you meet with someone? Where was it? KPK prosecutor Basir asked Miryam before the panel of judges at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Thursday.

Initially, Miryam did not want to answer the question but she had no choice but to give an answer after KPK prosecutors grilled her with the same question over and over again during the hearing.

[...] I met with the person on Jl. Radio Dalam [in South Jakarta]. I went to his house but he did not show up, so I went home, Miryam said.

Basir then asked her the name of the person. Miryam said his name was Rudy Alfonso, a lawyer who accompanied Setya when the Golkar Party chairman underwent questioning as part of the e-ID case in December 2016.

(Read also: Politician slams KPK investigator over threat accusation in e-ID case)

Basir later asked Miryam whether she had also met with Elsa Syarief, a lawyer who has represented Nazaruddin in a number of graft cases.

Yes, I met with Elsa Syarief at her office. She borrowed my money at that time. She called me and said that she needed Rp 100 million [US$7,506.39]. I went there twice, Miryam said.

Setya and Nazaruddin are among dozens of House lawmakers who have been accused of playing roles in the alleged illicit funneling of part of the Rp 5.9 trillion allocated for the project.

Miryam renounced her statements in the cases investigation document on March 23.

Basir said he did not take Miryam at her word as KPK prosecutors believed that during her meeting with Elsa, someone else, whose name he did not give, had asked the lawmaker to renounce all the statements she had made during the investigation. No other person was there other than Elsa, Miryam insisted. (ebf)
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Linkedin Carla Bianpoen (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, March 31 2017

Eddy Susanto is a history and literature freak  he found that the Panji story from his native Java has features similar to the Japanese Genji story, and considered it intriguing that both sagas narrate identical lives of pleasure, love, life and adventure.

The phenomenon of the Javanese script on the canvases of Eddy Susanto has been a tool for unifying cultures from the farthest corners of the eastern and western hemispheres.

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Linkedin Novan Iman Santosa (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, March 31 2017

Indonesia expects to increase defense cooperation with Brazil and expand defense industry collaboration in the near future following the signing of an agreement on defense cooperation in Jakarta.

Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu signed the agreement at the Defense Ministry on Thursday witnessed by Brazilian Ambassador to Indonesia Rubem Antonio Correa Barbosa.

The agreement will also be signed by Brazilian Defense Minister Raul Belens Jungmann Pinto in Brazil.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, March 31, 2017 00:05 2048 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6f3cc2 1 National #313-rally,#313Rally,313-rally,NU,Muhammadiyah,ahok,#ahok,#AhokTrial,basuki-tjahaja-purnama Free

Nahdlatul Ulama executive board chairman Marsudi Syuhud has called on members of the largest Muslim organization in Indonesia to refrain from participating in Fridays mass rally organized by Islamic group the Muslim Peoples Forum (FUI).

In a democratic country, holding a rally is permitted but it must comply with the law, he told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.

Marsudi said protesters must voice their concerns on a particular issue in a civilized way. I personally want NU members to not participate in the rally, he said.

Thousands of supporters of Islamic organizations are set to participate in a mass demonstration, called the 313 rally, on Friday. The rally is a follow up to similar protests held last year on Nov. 4 and Dec. 2 against Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama.

Abdul Muti, the secretary-general of Muhammadiyah, Indonesias second largest Islamic organization, said the 313 rally must be conducted in a responsible manner.

Conveying aspirations and opinions openly to the public via mass media, social media or other forms of media must be carried out in a responsible way through existing rules and laws, he said as quoted by Antara on Thursday.

Muti said legally, there was no problem with the 313 rally because it was in accordance with the 1945 Constitution, under which all Indonesians had the right to convey their grievances, verbally or in writing.

He said the rally had political content because the protesters were demanding that President Joko Jokowi Widodo dismiss Ahok from his position.

Obviously its a political action, especially if it is connected to Ahoks position as a Jakarta gubernatorial candidate. (mrc/ebf)
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Linkedin Dylan Amirio (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, March 31 2017

Prominent startup investors from Silicon Valley, in the United States and from other parts of the world will soon gather in Bali for a summit that will bring funding and networking opportunities to boost Indonesias startup ecosystem.

The first-ever annual Global Ventures Summit (GVS) will be held in on April 19 to 21, bringing about 30 venture capital firms, 50 angel investors and hundreds of corporate figures and startups from various corners of the world, but mainly from the US.

Among the key guests will be several Silicon Valley venture capital (VC) firms, such as 500 Startups, Intel Capital and Fenox Venture Capital.

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Linkedin News Desk (Associated Press) Pnomp Penh, Cambodia  Thu, March 30, 2017

Hundreds of members of Cambodia's opposition party held a remembrance Thursday marking the 20th anniversary of a grenade attack that killed 16 people.

The 1997 attack was widely seen as an assassination attempt on Sam Rainsy, a former finance minister, political leader and fierce critic of Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Rainsy escaped with minor injuries. But others at the anti-corruption protest where the attack happened died or suffered serious injuries, including lost limbs.

Speaking by video link from Paris, Rainsy said the victims are still waiting for justice. He has lived in self-imposed exile since 2015.

Hun Sen's government in the past year has put increasing legal pressure on its critics and political opponents, keeping them tied up in court, sending them fleeing into exile, or sometimes jailing them.(jun)
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Mar 30 (PTI) A Delhi court today dismissed the plea of nine JNU students in which they had claimed that they cannot be asked by Delhi Police to give their consent for lie detector test in a case relating to varsitys missing student Najeeb Ahmed.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Sumit Dass today summoned all the nine students to appear before it on April 6 in the case, where they will have to state if they are willing to undergo the test or not.

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The court had on March 15 reserved its order after the counsel appearing for the students submitted that the "lie detector test is unconstitutional and illegal unless it is voluntary".

The nine students, who are suspects in the case, had approached the court challenging the notice sent to them by the Crime Branch of Delhi Police seeking their presence before the magistrate for recording of their statement that whether they were willing to undergo the lie detector test.

In its notice issued on January 23, the probe agency had claimed that their lie detector test was required to get information about Najeebs whereabouts.

The notice was sent after the Delhi High Court had asked the police to explore other avenues of probe, like a polygraph test of persons connected to Najeeb, as all other leads had not yielded any result.

27-year-old Najeeb has been missing since October 14-15 last year after a scuffle at his JNU hostel allegedly with ABVP activists the previous night.

The RSS students wing has denied any involvement in his disappearance. PTI UK PKS RT

--- ENDS ---
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Linkedin Jim Gomez (Associated Press) Manila  Thu, March 30, 2017

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday he has asked the U.S. ambassador why America did not deploy an armada of warships to pressure China to stop constructing man-made islands that are now at the heart of regional concerns in the disputed South China Sea.

Duterte said in a speech that U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim was unable to reply to the question when they met Monday in southern Davao city, where the president had a separate meeting with the Chinese ambassador. While criticizing the U.S., Duterte did not berate China's behavior in his speech.

Duterte said he told Kim that he was surprised by what he described as U.S. inaction when newspapers were publishing pictures of China's construction of runways and other structures on the newly built islands in the disputed waters.

"Had America really wanted to avoid trouble, early on ... why did you not send the armada of the 7th Fleet which is stationed there in the Pacific, you just make a U-turn and go there and tell them right on their face, stop it?" Dutertesaid he asked Kim, referring to the U.S. naval fleet based in Japan.

(Read also: South China Sea dispute included in ASEAN summit agenda)

Kim, who arrived in Manila last year as American ambassador, replied that he was assigned elsewhere at the time and could not give an answer, Duterte said.

Duterte spoke in a visit to Oriental Mindoro province a day after concerns were raised over a report by a U.S. think tank that China has nearly completed construction work on three man-made islands that will allow it to deploy combat aircraft and surface-to-air missiles.

The Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies analyzed recent satellite photos and concluded that runways, aircraft hangers, radar sites and hardened surface-to-air missile shelters have either been finished or are nearing completion.

One of the islands mentioned in the report, Philippine-claimed Mischief Reef, was seized by China in 1995, drawing protests from Manila then. Another island, Subi, is very close to a Philippine-occupied island in the Spratly chain, which is claimed in whole or in part by China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei.

Duterte repeated that he would not go to war with militarily superior China over the territorial conflict.

"The first thing that will be blasted away from this planet Earth will be Palawan," Duterte said, referring to the western Philippine island province facing the disputed waters. "All of the deposits of armaments of the Americans, including ours, are there."

When Duterte took office in June, he reached out to China to mend relations strained under his predecessor, Benigno Aquino III, over the territorial dispute. While taking a friendly stance toward Beijing, he lashed out at the United States for criticizing his brutal campaign against illegal drugs.

Duterte thanked President Xi Jinping over the renewed friendship and return of normal trade relations, praising the Chinese leader as "very kind."

Duterte, however, said he will invoke an international arbitration ruling that declared China has no historic title to the disputed waters if Beijing drills for oil or gas in a shoal contested by China and the Philippines.

Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said in Manila that China and the Philippines have agreed to hold a bilateral consultation on the South China Sea disputes and Beijing has offered to host an initial meeting in May.

"The purpose of this bilateral consultation mechanism is to have a platform where issues about the South China Sea can be discussed," Jose told reporters.(jun)
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Linkedin Beth J. Harpaz (Associated Press) New York, United States  Thu, March 30, 2017 17:43 2048 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6eb42c 2 News travel,#travel,united-states,tourism,tourists Free

Some international travelers are citing politics as a factor in whether to visit the U.S. this year, according to survey research by the tourism marketing agency Brand USA.

The findings add to existing concerns about the tourism industry. Other new data shows that a slowdown in international arrivals to the U.S. began last spring and continued through August, likely due to the strong U.S. dollar and sluggish economies elsewhere.

POLITICS EMERGING AS A CONCERN FOR TRAVELERS

A survey for Brand USA asked travelers from 11 countries how the political climate influenced the likelihood of them visiting the U.S. in the next 12 months.

Those saying the political climate made them less likely to visit increased from December to February among travelers from every country surveyed but China.

Travelers from Mexico registered the most concern over political sentiment as a factor against visiting.

Travelers from Canada, Germany, Australia, the United Kingdom and France registered moderate sensitivity over political sentiment.

Travelers from India, Japan, Brazil and South Korea were the least sensitive to the U.S. political climate as a factor against visiting, but their likelihood of visiting also decreased over the three-month period, just less dramatically than the others.

(Read also: Trumps travel ban basics: What you need to know)

Chinese travelers were the only nationality in the survey who said the U.S. political climate made them more likely to visit.

Brand USA surveys typically provide a multiple-choice list of factors influencing travel plans. Last summer, respondents began writing in issues related to politics as a factor. "So we created a discreet option for that and began to measure that," Brand USA economist Carroll Rheem said in an interview.

When international travelers were asked in December and again in February "what if any impact the political climate has on their likelihood to visit the U.S. ... over the course of time we saw an increase in that as a reason for people being discouraged from visiting the U.S.," she said.

ARRIVALS DATA

International arrivals to the U.S. last year experienced the first sustained decline since the U.S. economy began to recover from the recession, according to newly released and revised arrivals data from the U.S. Department of Commerce National Travel and Tourism Office.

Between April and August of 2016, international arrivals to the U.S. dropped nearly 4 percent compared with the same five months of 2015, declining from 17.8 million to 17.1 million, the data shows. Prior to the second quarter of 2016, international arrivals to the U.S. had climbed every quarter year-over-year since late 2009.

It takes months for arrivals data to accurately be compiled from all U.S. international airports and border crossings, so whether the downward trend continued into fall 2016 and winter 2017 won't be clear for some time.

(Read also: A look at what's in, what's out in Trump's new travel ban)

BOOKING DATA

Despite concerns raised by arrivals and survey data, Rheem said preliminary data on airline bookings to the U.S. for 2017 shows continued growth. That booking data "is consistent with what we're hearing from the trade," Rheem said. "They've said things are stable if not growing. So some of the headlines out there about dramatic downward shifts or challenges in bookings are not really consistent with what we've been seeing in that data."

Rheem cautioned that it's "hard to tell" what the impact of the political concerns showing up in surveys might be. Arrivals data shows what's already happened, but surveys merely hint at future behavior.

"There's a good group of these people who have concerns who have a wait-and-see approach" about vacation planning, she said. "And there are others who are somewhat impacted or slightly negative but at the same time will end up booking. It's not a complete deterrent, but it's a bit of a concern." Sentiment versus booking behavior "don't always break in the same direction," she said.

Brand USA adjusts its marketing strategies in response to survey trends in an effort to make travelers feel secure about concerns that might prevent a visit. One strategy involves inviting "influencers"  individuals with large online or social-media followings  to visit the U.S. and then tell stories about their (hopefully positive) experiences.
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Linkedin Yoon Min-sik (The Korea Herald/Asia News Network)  Thu, March 30, 2017 17:59 2048 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6ed976 2 News muslim-friendly,restaurant,#restaurant,halal-destination,halal-tourism-destination,halal-tourism,Korea,halal-food,food,#food Free

To woo more Muslim tourists, the Korean government is planning to expand the number of Muslim-friendly restaurants here.

Korea Tourism Organization announced that it will expand the number of such restaurants from 135 to 170 to help reach its goal of hosting 1.2 million Muslim tourists this year. It started receiving applications from local restaurants Monday and will continue to do so until April 28.

The measure is part of the KTOs plan to diversify the countrys tourism market, in anticipation of declining numbers of Chinese tourists due to a recent diplomatic spat between Beijing and Seoul surrounding the deployment of an advanced US missile defense system here. The Korea-US alliance decided last year to station the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system here, which China claimed was against its strategic interest.

The Beijing government has been curbing Chinese tours to Korea, including a reported order to ban its tourism agencies from selling Korea-related programs.

This is a severe blow for the local tourism industry, as 8.05 million of the 17 million foreigners who visited the country last year were Chinese.

Since the need to expand the tourism market is greater than ever, we will attempt to raise the number of Muslim tourists from 980,000 last year to 1.2 million, said Park Jeong-ha, director of KTOs marketing planning team.

The number of Muslims visiting Korea in 2016 increased by 33 percent compared to the year before.

Meanwhile, the KTO has been seeking to expand the number of tourists from countries other than China.

We allocated a lot of budget that was originally directed at the Chinese market to other regions like Southeast Asian countries, said a KTO official.

The KTOs standard for Muslim-friendly restaurants has four categories; those that are halal-certified by the Korea Muslim Federation, those that are self-certified by owners and cooks as being Muslim and using exclusively halal ingredients, those that sell halal food but also sell alcohol -- which is banned for Muslims-- and those that are free of pork, which is also banned by Islam.

(Read also: Muslim-friendly spots for holidaymakers on Nami Island)

Korea Tourism Organization plans to attend tourism exhibitions in countries with a large Muslim population, such as one in Kazakhstan in late April along with tourism trade shows in Malaysia and Indonesia in the second quarter. The KTO will also launch a weeklong halal festival for Muslim travelers in September, during which local food made according to halal rules will be featured.

However, whether many Korean restaurants will apply for the halal certification remains to be seen, as some feel that the certification would not be worth the effort and cost.

Cho Hee-kyung, the owner of three Michelin star restaurant Gaon and one Michelin star restaurant Bicena, expressed difficulties in receiving the halal mark.

In the past, I looked to receive the certification, but there are lots of preparations to be made. Everything has to be different, from the cutting board to knives, she said, adding that her restaurants have given up on it.

To be halal-approved, operators of the restaurant also have to undergo a training program presented by the Certified Halal Internal Auditor.

Furthermore, Cho said that her restaurants -- which are popular among foreign visitors -- has attracted plenty of Muslim customers with its vegetarian menu, even without the halal seal of approval.

Instead of just focusing on halal certificates, she said the more important thing would be to find aspects of Korean traditional dishes that can be appreciated by foreigners.

One of the strong points of Korean dishes is its vegetarian menu. I think it would be better for us to present something new that has its own value, she said.

Despite this, Cho agreed that more Muslim-friendly restaurants would be the way to go, given the huge Muslim demographic.

It is a huge market, and its important to target it. As a restaurant, it is only natural to want to attract a wider range of customers, she said.

Topics :

This article appeared on The Korea Herald newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post
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Linkedin Masajeng Rahmiasri (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 30, 2017 11:07 2049 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6d535d 1 News Santika-Indonesia-Hotels-and-Resorts,Hotel,tourism,leisure,#hotel,#leisure Free

Santika Indonesia Hotels and Resorts (SIHR) celebrated its success in running 100 hotels in an annual appreciation night at Santika Premiere Slipi Hotel, West Jakarta, on March 23.

In January, the hotel operator achieved the 100-hotel mark through the establishment of the Amaris Serpong in Tangerang.

To us, operating 100 hotels is part of our target to become customers' first choice of hotel in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, said Hinggi Safaranti, SIHRs corporate assistant marketing communication manager.

Read also: Four Jakarta hotels for a weekend staycation

The operator has established three other hotels in Indonesia this year, namely the Amaris Mampang in South Jakarta, Amaris Padang in West Sumatra and Amaris Serang in West Java.

Hinggi stated that SIHR aimed to open seven other hotels this year. Among the areas it will open hotels are Belitung, East Java and South Sulawesi. Currently, the operator runs hotels and resorts in Indonesia and Singapore.

Besides celebrating its achievement, the hotel operator also presented awards to corporations, travel agents, media outlets, loyal members and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) partners on the appreciation night. The event was attended by 350 guests. (asw)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Straits Times/Asia News Network) Beijing  Thu, March 30, 2017 16:26 2048 a291276806121264c0bd211cde6e65db 2 News university,#university,students,#students,China,swimming,#swimming,Tsinghua-University Free

New students at the prestigious Tsinghua University will be required to know how to swim - or learn how to and pass a test - before they can receive their bachelor's degrees.

Starting this September, freshmen who fail a swimming test upon entering the university will be made to go for swimming course, reported local news media.

The test calls for them to show they can swim at least 50m using any stroke.

University president Qiu Yong said swimming was a key survival skill, adding that the move will help improve students' physical fitness.

The announcement on Monday has since stirred a lively debate on social media.

(Read also: North Korean university seeks English teacher)

While some praised the university for promoting "a necessary skill that can save lives", others questioned if it was fair to expect those who hail from inland cities to be able to swim.

Another commenter added: "Even though it is a 'famous university', it shouldn't make up arbitrary rules, as such rules could snuff out talents."

Tsinghua University first made swimming mandatory in 1919, but the rule was later dropped as the university grew in popularity. There was also a lack of swimming pools in Beijing.

According to Xinhua, many alumni of the university had to meet the swimming challenge. Renowned writer Liang Shih-chiu, who enrolled in 1915, failed the test before his graduation and had to take a second one.
Indian ambassador to Nigeria B Nagabhushana Reddy was summoned by the Nigerian government to discuss the attack on Nigerian students at a mall in Greater Noida.

One of the students attacked by mob.

By India Today Web Desk: Days after four Nigerian students were allegedly beaten up by a mob at a mall in Greater Noida, Nigeria has asked the Indian government to ensure immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attack on its nationals.

Indian ambassador to Nigeria B Nagabhushana Reddy was summoned by the Nigerian government to discuss the issue and share Nigeria's concerns with the Indian government.

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According to News Agency of Nigeria, Olushola Enikanolaiye, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria, spoke to the Indian ambassador in that country.

The Nigerian official asked for action against the offenders and called it necessary to prevent similar incidents in future.

THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME

"It is a concern to us that Nigerian students in that place were harassed, beaten up and many of them were seriously injured," Olushola Enikanolaiye is said to have told the Indian ambassador.

The Nigerian official said this was not the first time that people of his country were attacked in India. "Nigerians have suffered similar attack in the past," Olushola Enikanolaiye was quoted as saying.

"We think this should not have happened considering the excellent relationship between two of us--the two countries have things in common and have been great friends," the Nigerian official said.

JUSTICE WILL BE DONE

The Indian ambassador to Nigeria called the incident deplorable and said Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj has issued a statement condemning the incident. He said the Indian government is determined to see that "justice is done".

Ambassador Nagabhushana Reddy told the Nigerian official that five accused in the case have been arrested.

BE CALM, STAY VIGILANT

Nigeria has asked its nationals residing in India to remain vigilant. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has advised Nigerians living in India to remain calm and be watchful of their surroundings.

She condemned the attacks on Nigerian students and called it deplorable and unwarranted.

ALSO READ:

Greater Noida: Boy dies under mysterious circumstances, parents blame Nigerian neighbours

Sushma Swaraj seeks report from UP government over attack on Nigerian students in Noida

Attack on Nigerian students in Greater Noida: Hundreds booked, 5 arrested

ALSO WATCH

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by T.H. This afternoon, fifty by-invitation-only guests gathered at the White House as Vice President Mike Pence swore in David Friedman, a frum Jew, as the new U.S. Ambassador to Israel.

Among this exclusive group of attendees was Duvi Honig, Founder and CEO of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce. Duvi is a close friend of the new Ambassador, who lobbied aggressively to Senators and the general public on behalf of his confirmation.

While in the White House, Duvi wasted no time in his efforts to influence U.S. public policy on behalf of our communitys economic interests, both domestically and as it relates toboosting U.S.-Israel economic ties and the battle against the BDS movement. Duvi held a meeting with Vice President Pences staffers in his office, and conversed with the Vice President himself during the swearing in ceremony.

The Vice President and White House staffers expressed great interest in our efforts, Duvi relates. We look forward to meeting again in the near future and working together to boost economic opportunity for our community and the entire nation.
The following op/ed was written by Sam Moskowitz, a 30+ year resident of the Lower East Side. He can be reached at samuelkmoskowitz@gmail.com. The Lo-Down welcomes Lower East Side-relevant submissions from members of our community. They may be sent to: tips@thelodownny.com. Editorials on this website represent the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial viewpoint of The Lo-Down.

The Lower East Side as we have known it for the past 50 years is about to change. We are adding 1,000 units at Essex Crossing, 1,000 more at 250 South St. (in Extell Developments One Manhattan Square), and the 2,775-unit Two Bridges Large Scale Residential Development (LSRD) will pile on and drastically change the landscape of our neighborhood forever. If you are thinking you wont be affected because you live several blocks away, think again, as the impacts will extend all the way north to Essex Street and beyond. I dont know how many units the developer will add on the East Broadway Bialystocker site, but if Seward Park cooperators allow the air rights transfer sale, about 3 times the amount of units will be built compared to an as of right project*.

So were talking 4,775 units total, about three times the size of the Seward Park Co-op. And how many parking spots will be added to accommodate the luxury unit purchasers who will demand parking for their cars? About -500. Yes, you heard me. We are facing a net loss of 500 spots to accommodate almost 5,000 new apartments.

The scoping document provided by the Two Bridges LSRD and published on the Lo-Down is packed with troubling alternative facts that they are hoping you dont read. Im sure the developers environmental studies will show no adverse effects to the neighborhoods schools, public transportation, traffic, air quality, and other factors they must review as part of the study, but I call shenanigans on their highly flawed parking study.

Their initial parking survey of .25 miles had to be increased to .5 miles just to get the data they are falsely claiming shows off-site capacity. However, the ridiculous notion that off-site parking will meet demand (page 64-65 Table 4 and indicated in the chart below) is undeniably WRONG due to the following reasons:



1. They do not account for the fact that the vast majority of these parking lots are close to or at 100% of capacity for long-term parking. Many lots show availability in the scoping doc, but only because the lot operators do not lease to capacity to maximize profits on short-term daily/hourly rentals.

2. The 297 parking spots indicated as Site 11 (map below, Table 4) is Essex Crossing Site 3 (the entirety of Essex Crossing is shown as #3 on the map), which is slated for closure and redevelopment. The extended parking area indicated on this map covers the Essex Crossing site, but the scoping document does not take into account the increased parking demand from that 1,000-unit development.

3. Many of the smaller Chinatown lots are also prime development targets. Maybe not this year or next, but we all know these lots will not all remain parking lots for long and will soon go the way of our Manhattan gas stations

4. The 250 South St. development is including 110 parking spot for over 1,000 units (200 affordable, 800 market rate). These 100 spots do not alleviate the need for area parking, but only increase demand, as it well below the demand indicated by the 23% of Manhattan residents who own cars.

This inadequate plan by the developers of the Two Bridges LSRD will compound the negative changes that will be brought by Essex Crossing, 250 South St., and whatever Seward Park cooperators allow to be built on the Bialystocker site on East Broadway. *

What can we do about it? Please take a few minutes and send an email with your comments on this project to rdobrus@planning.nyc.gov.

Please save the date for April 27th and attend either the 2 p.m. or 6 p.m. public scoping meetings at 125 Worth St. If you cannot attend, and even if you can, I strongly urge to submit written comments (feel free to cut and paste from this article) to:

Robert Dobruskin, AICP, rdobrus@planning.nyc.gov

New York City Planning Commission

ADDRESS 120 Broadway, 31st Floor

NY, NY 10271

* I am not a Seward Park Co-op resident and have nothing to personally gain or lose by the sale of air rights. However, I do believe the infusion of $$$ is a short-sighted decision that will negatively affect the area, and specifically Seward Park cooperators, for the rest of our lives here (not to mention the resale value of the hundreds of your Seward Park neighbors who will be most affected). My family has lived in this neighborhood for six generations, and I can promise you that our decisions today affect our children and following generations. If you are a Seward Park cooperator I strongly urge you to VOTE NO on the air rights sales.
The One Belt, One Road Summit, to be held in Beijing in May, will be attended by leaders from Russia, South Asia, and Central Asia.

By Ananth Krishnan: Taking aim at India for its cautious response to China's One Belt, One Road (OBOR) infrastructure plan, Chinese state media today said that Delhi risked being isolated and "embarrassed" by its stand, with many of its neighbours backing the initiative.

Ahead of a major OBOR Summit that Beijing is hosting in May, expected to be attended by leaders from Russia, South Asian and Central Asian countries, state media said the event would be "an embarrassing occasion" for Delhi.

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"New Delhi may also feel embarrassed as Moscow has actively responded to the Belt and Road (OBOR) initiative and will build an economic corridor with China and Mongolia. Since the beginning of this year, there have been reports on Russia and Iran seeking to join the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which will likely put India in a more awkward position," said a commentary published in the Global Times, a nationalistic tabloid under the official People's Daily, authored by Lin Minwang, a strategic expert on China's ties with South Asia at the Institute of International Studies of Fudan University.

Unlike India, Lin said, "other smaller states in South Asia have shown interest toward the One Belt, One Road initiative. India is definitely reluctant to see itself being left out of all these economic cooperation projects between China and other South Asian nations. Whether to continue to boycott or join the Belt and Road remains a conundrum for New Delhi."

CHINA DEFENDS PoK CORRIDOR

Lin accused Delhi of holding "a biased view" on the OBOR by viewing it as "geopolitical competition". "The official reason why the Indian government rejected the offer to join the initiative is that it is designed to pass Kashmir, a disputed area between India and Pakistan. However, it is just an unfounded excuse as Beijing has been maintaining a consistent position on the Kashmir issue, which has never changed," said Lin.

This argument, however, has been rejected by Delhi, which has pointed out China's own sensitivities to its sovereignty being violated and repeated protests from China, for instance, on projects in the South China Sea.

The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), framed by Beijing as a flagship project under OBOR, passes through Pakistan occupied Kashmir, which is an integral part of Indian territory, but where China is building massive infrastructure projects.

The CPEC was planned before the OBOR, and it was Beijing's decision to include it under the plan, rather than carry it forward as a parallel project even in name, that effectively closed the door to Indian participation.

Lin, however, said, "Beijing has expressed, on various occasions, its anticipation to see New Delhi join the grand project and to make concerted effort with India in building economic corridors involving China, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar."

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BEIJING's OBOR SUMMIT SET FOR MAY

The May OBOR summit to be hosted by Xi Jinping in Beijing will see 20 leaders and over 100 minister-level officials in attendance. India has yet to take a call on its participation and representation. China invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Beijing officials say, although the PM will in any case be travelling to China later this year in September for the BRICS Summit.

Lin noted that the OBOR summit was "being supported by most of China's peripheral countries, notably Russia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan and Pakistan".

"It seems that the mainstream opinion throughout India is that the connectivity brought about by the OBOR initiative is geopolitically significant," he said.

"Therefore, India cannot allow the initiative to expand further into South Asia. This could also explain why the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor has seen no progress since its proposal by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in 2013, and also why New Delhi has been keen on Japan's investment in the Iranian port of Chabahar," he said.

"Perhaps what India should learn from the development history of China-ASEAN economic cooperation is that open regional cooperation is key to stimulating the vitality of South Asian regional integrity. It is high time to abandon the cliche mentality of associating everything with geopolitics. India will surely see a different world if it does," Lin said.

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RIVALRY IN SOUTH ASIA

As China's economic presence in India's neighbourhood deepens, a process accelerated by the OBOR plan, Beijing analysts expect rising rivalry between the neighbours.

Another commentary in the Global Times today said the geopolitical competition between Beijing and Delhi could be beneficial to countries in the region caught in between.

It said with China's growing economic presence in South Asia, New Delhi's "economic influence is decreasing as small countries in the region diversify their economic partners and strive to gain maximum benefits from geopolitical games".

"Benign competition between China and India will be conducive to development in South Asia," the commentary said. "The question remaining is how to avoid cut-throat competition as Beijing and New Delhi jostle for influence. India and China should seek common ground while strengthening cooperation with South Asian countries to promote regional integration," it said.

ALSO READ:

India cannot stop Silk Road plan, warns Chinese media

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Tawang a part of China, Dalai Lama's visit would hurt ties, says Beijing think tank

Chinese media now finds an Indian voice to slam 'backward' India

FROM THE MAGAZINE:

In the dragon's embrace

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Oppo row: China asks firms to respect Indian laws

--- ENDS ---
There is no easy way to talk about this, as it's something that has caused me a lot of distress and hurt - but I feel in a good enough state of mind now to talk to you, the readers, about what it is like to live day in and day out with Bipolar 2.

I am a third-year Drama student currently studying in Lincoln. In September 2014, when I first came to Lincoln to study, I was diagnosed with Depression, and this was tough enough - then in November 2016 I was diagnosed with bipolar, and told that I'd probably been suffering with this condition from the start.

What is Bipolar?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that mainly affects your mood. It is different to depression because it can cause you to have highs as well as lows; when youre on a high youre described as manic, which can lead to over-happiness, feeling like youre floating and everything is racing, including your heart beat.

Doctors dont completely understand the cause of bipolar, but it seems to often run in families. Experts believe it is partly caused by an underlying problem with specific brain circuits and the functioning of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.

What does being bipolar feel like?

Even though I was diagnosed not so long ago, that was not the start of my journey - as it's now believed that I was diagnosed incorrectly and I have had bipolar for a long time, if not forever.

It is a hard condition to explain. When Im low I can feel suicidal, although that is rare - but I can also feel just run down and horrid, as well as extremely depressed. This can lead to me questioning whether I belong here, but also can lead to fits of rage, anger, depression, feeling low, hating myself, hating others and pushing people away.

When I'm high it's a whole different game, and let me tell you this  being high is not a good thing; it can be a very difficult thing to be around and have to deal with personally. When I'm high, I am not necessarily happy - I'm not always, when high, in a good mood. Most of the time when I'm manic I am in a kind of crazy mood; I am on a scary high, I can sometimes feel like I am floating and on top of the world.

My thoughts, like most things when high, race around like racing cars and most of the time I cant lock down an individual thought because they are running around and around. I am much more active than usual and can get easily irritated and agitated.

How does it affect me day-to-day?

I can never tell when I am going to be high or low so, planning what I am going to do each day can sometimes be very difficult. If I cant tell what mood I am going to be in then I cant plan what I can and cant do on that day.

My brain does not work like someone without bipolar would, when in manic moods I cannot really control how I feel and sometimes make bad decisions linked to this; these decisions can sometimes be with money or with being brutally honest with someone and hurting their feelings.

During my biggest episode, I walked miles and miles and cannot remember how I got there, whether I walked on roads, whether I was safe. Like a kind of floating feeling.

It is always super difficult to manage any kind of mental health problem when studying for a degree, mainly because the workload is a lot more than school and college and managing this alongside an illness is always hard.

My university have been supportive, as supportive as they can be - and this is great. They have helped me a lot but I really struggled with my attendance when I was first diagnosed, because when down I couldnt get out of bed - but when on a manic episode I would do all my work in a . I always had to go through the work and check it because its like a mist in the mind; not being able to remember what happened or what you did  a very weird thing to get your head around. Sometimes I would hear voices and feel like I was floating.

Studying has been very tough at times, because as you would expect there is a lot of work involved and when I cant get a solid moment of concentration because my mind feels like its all over the place this can have a bad effect on the coursework and exams. I also suffer from anxiety which does not mix well with the bipolar.

What is the difference between Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2?

A person who has Bipolar 1 has manic episodes whereas someone with Bipolar 2 has hypomanic episodes.

You must have had at least one manic episode and one major depressive episode to be diagnosed with Bipolar 1 disorder. The depressive episode must have occurred either before or after the manic episode. The symptoms of a manic episode may be so severe that you require hospital care.

Bipolar 2 disorder involves a major depressive episode lasting at least two weeks and at least one hypomanic episode. People with Bipolar 2 typically dont experience manic episodes intense enough to require hospitalisation.

Bipolar 2 is sometimes misdiagnosed as Depression - when there are no manic episodes to suggest bipolar, the depressive symptoms become the focus. This is what happened to me; I was diagnosed with depression as I had not had a manic episode at that point, but now have - so they re-diagnosed me with Bipolar 2.

I have Bipolar 2 as I have less manic episodes and more depressive episodes; my bipolar is mainly linked the sadness and it is very rare I have a manic episode although they do happen every so often. They probably happen two or three times a month and last no longer than a day. A manic episode includes feeling like I am floating, speaking fast, doing everything very quickly, lack of concentration or emphasised concentration, and overspending - basically having very little control over myself and who I am at that moment.

What help is there for sufferers?

An important thing to note is that there is help available out there. Accessing it is sometimes a little daunting, and it is sometimes about jumping through the boxes - but it does exist.

For someone who has a solid diagnosis of Bipolar 1 or 2, there is a lot of help available. If you speak to the person who diagnosed you, this may be a doctor (GP), counsellor or psychotherapist, they should be able to advise you on what is available. They may suggest medication (antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilisers), NHS counselling - although be aware there may be a waiting list, this is dependent on where you live in the UK - or other art therapies like drama or art.

There is also a national charity called Bipolar UK, which can advise you on your next steps when you have a diagnosis. This group of people arrange talking therapies and help around Bipolar and are specialists in it, so completely understand.

You also have Mind, Samaritans, Turn 2 Me and Blurt, who are all mental health charities, and can offer confidential support and advice.

My advice is tell your family and friends and doctor and they can help you find the right support.
attacker Khalid Masood Westminsterhad been a student at the University of

Sussex

, it has been confirmed.

The university's

Vice-Chancellor, Adam Tickell, addressed all the students of the University of Sussex via email on Wednesday the 29th March, confirming the speculation that Masood was enrolled at the university.

The 52-year-old studied Economics with Economic History in 1994 under the alias of of Adrian Russel Ajao, before graduating in 1997.

On behalf of Sussex, Adam Tickel recognised the attacker's former status and offered his condolences as well as support to Sussex students.

If you feel you would like to talk about this or need any support, please visit or contact the Student Life Centre," he wrote in his email.

The university is aiding the Metropolitan Police with their on-going investigation but the Vice Chancellor declined any further comments on the matter.

A vigil was held at the university's multi-faith chapel in the afternoon of the 29th in memory of the lives lost, as well as the rest of those affected by the London terrorist attack on March 23rd.
In honour of National Unicorn Day on the 9th April, VisitScotland is challenging visitors to go on a unicorn hunt, and search Scotland for the countrys national animal.

The mythical creature is a symbol of nobility and power and has been the nation's favoured beast since the 14th Century.

You can start your unicorn spotting in some of Scotlands most important historic buildings, with statues and heraldic images of unicorns being able to be found outside the National War Museum at Edinburgh Castle, at the Queen's Gallery in the Palace of Holyroodhouse and on the fountain in the courtyard at Linlithgow Palace.

If you want to see Scotlands only water-based unicorn, why not head to Dundee and the HM Frigate Unicorn. This is Scotlands only surviving example of a wooden warship, and boasts an ornate unicorn figurehead.

You could also pay a visit to Stirling Castle and find the beautiful Mystic Hunt of the Unicorn tapestry. This tapestry took a team of weavers 13 years to complete, and closely based on the Hunt of the Unicorn series that was made in the early 1500s and is now displayed in New York.

If youre a fan of television series Outlander, why not follow in the fictional footsteps of Jamie and Claire whilst embarking on the unicorn quest and head to Falkland? The Fife town takes a starring role in the hit TV series and right bang in its centre there's a unicorn statue.

If you want to see a magnificent life-sized sculpture of the fabled beast, head north to Cromarty on the Black Isle to the Stables, a converted Georgian building which now houses a gallery and studios.

And if you want to catch a glimpse of the real thing? You can join Quests and Retreats for a Unicorn Quest exploring the landscapes and forests of Dumfries in search for the mysterious creature, which might just make a rare appearance.
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By Press Trust of India: Washington, Mar 30 (PTI) NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson is set to break Indian-American Sunita Williams spacewalking record, as she prepares for her eight spacewalk aboard the International Space Station (ISS) today.

Williams has made seven spacewalks totalling 50 hours and 40 minutes, and hold the records for most spacewalks by a woman and most spacewalk time for a woman.

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Expedition 50 Flight Engineer Whitsons last spacewalk was on January 6 with Commander Shane Kimbrough when she hooked up new lithium-ion batteries and inspected the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer.

Whitson and Kimbrough will finish cable connections at the Pressurised Mating Adapter-3 just recently attached to the Harmony modules space-facing port.

The PMA-3 relocation gets the ISS ready for the new International Docking Adapter-3 set to be delivered on a future SpaceX Dragon cargo mission.

European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet, who conducted last weeks spacewalk with Kimbrough, will assist the duo in and out of their spacesuits and monitor the activities from inside the station.

The spacewalkers are scheduled to exit the Quest airlock today at 5:30 PM IST for 6.5 hours of station maintenance work. PTI MHN AKJ MHN

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An additional 45 priority projects in the states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha are progressing well and are likely to be completed ahead of schedule.

By Brijesh Pandey: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today reviewed the progress of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY), his government's flagship irrigation programme. The meeting was attended by senior officials from various concerned ministries, besides PMO and NITI Aayog.

The officials said out of 99 priority irrigation projects, 21 projects, with a total irrigation potential of 5.22 lakh hectares are likely to be completed by June 2017.

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The officials who were present there and gave presentations also said that an additional 45 priority projects in the states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, are progressing well and are likely to be completed ahead of schedule.

Modi urged officials to give maximum attention to drip and micro-irrigation in these upcoming irrigation projects. He called for synergy between various government departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and agricultural universities to work out efficient cropping patterns and water use mechanisms in the command areas of these projects.

The PM asked officials to work with a comprehensive and holistic vision for PMKSY. He also called for using the latest available technology, including space applications, to monitor the progress of irrigation projects.

Also read:

PM Modi gives a glimpse of New India at India Today Conclave 2017

From coconut juice to wheat trees: Rahul Gandhi's agriculture game is poor

--- ENDS ---
By India Today Web Desk: Shakti actress Kamya Panjabi recently announced that she will release a short film starring late TV actress Pratyusha Banerjee on her first death anniversary (April 1).

Kamya had earlier said in a statement that the film bears resemblance to Pratyusha's real life. Now Pratyusha's former boyfriend Rahul Raj Singh (who was booked in her suicide case) claims that Kamya is just trying to make money by using Pratyusha's name.

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Also read: Rahul Raj Singh to write a book on Pratyusha Banerjee

In fact, Rahul has even filed a complaint with the police regarding the issue. Here is what it (the complaint) says:

"I lost my girlfriend last year on 1st April 2016. On 27/3/2017 I was shocked to read that Kamya Punjabi had given an interview and declared that she is releasing one short film based on the life of my girlfriend Pratyusha Banerjee, and she has portrayed my character in an abusive manner. Further, she has used my girlfriend Pratyusha's old video as a new one," Pinkvilla reported.

Kamya, on the other hand, has clarified her stand on the subject:

"It's been produced by a friend, Neeru Nikhat. She called me a few days ago, and said that let's do something about this movie, let's release it online. And I was like yes, we should." She added, "Whatever we earn from this movie, I will be handing it all over to Pratyusha's parents...People need to realise that it is okay to talk about your issues rather than going through them alone, I want people to know this."

--- ENDS ---
During a crucial strategy meet in Parliament, Congress MPs decided that they will raise the issue of farmers' plight across the country.

By Supriya Bhardwaj: Farm loan politics heats up with Congress party all set to raise the farmers' distress and farm loan waiver issue in Lok Sabha on Thursday.

An adjournment notice has been moved by party MPs in the Lok Sabha seeking a discussion on the entire issue. Some of the Congress' Lok Sabha MPs said that party's Vice President Rahul Gandhi asked them to go all out to raise the matter.

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During a crucial strategy meet in Parliament, Congress MPs have decided that they will raise the issue of farmers' plight across the country.

"We will be raising farm loan waiver issue in the both the houses of Parliament. If they can waive off farm loan in UP, then why not in other states? After raising the matter in Parliament we will take the matter to the streets, particularly in various states," said Congress' Veerappa Moily.

"There are reports from across the country about farmers' suicide. We have been demanding a loan waiver for them. We will continue to raise it in both houses," said another senior Congress leader.

TWO-PRONGED ATTACK:

Congress is going to be reaching out to other opposition parties to launch an agitation in various states if the principal opposition party's MPs raise the matter in Parliament.

While the Tamil Nadu farmers are protesting at Jantar Mantar with skulls of the farmers who have committed suicide, Congress, DMK and left are demanding loan waiver for them.

On the other hand in Maharashtra, the Opposition- Congress, NCP, JDU, SP, MIM, Republic Party of India (Kanade) and Peasants and Workers Party - have launched a statewide 'Sangharsh Yatra' seeking loan waiver for farmers.

Meanwhile in Punjab, Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has stated that not a single inch of farmers' land would be allowed to be confiscated.

Also Read:

Yogi Adityanath in Gorakhpur: Man tries self-immolation over 'loan waiver'

Farm loan waiver: BJP takes jibe at Opposition parties for launching sangharsh yatra in Mercedes

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Gaikwad, who has been unapologetic about the beating up an AI staffer, maintains that Air India employees misbehaved with him. He even went to the extent of bragging about how he slapped the staffer "25 times".

By Brijesh Pandey, Anindya Banerjee, India Today Web Desk: Sena MPs today met the speaker Sumitra Mahajan to stress upon the fact if action has to be taken then it has to be taken against Air India employee Sukumar Raman as well who they claim allegedly misbehaved with the MP.

Sources say the Speaker did not assure anything in today's meeting but told them she is awaiting the report from the Civil Aviation Ministry.

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After the meeting today, party MP Vijay Rao Patil told India Today, "How can airlines issue blanket ban when an inquiry is on. New videos have emerged which shows that it was not his fault and he was provoked."

Another Sena MP Hemant Godse, after the meeting, demanded an investigation. "We want the real story to come out and that will happen only when the investigation will be done," said Godse.

Yesterday Shiv Sena brought a privilege motion against the Air India for not allowing Gaikwad to board the flight from Mumbai for the second time.

Sumitra Mahajan kept the notice on hold and sought a report from the Civil Aviation ministry about the 'factual' analysis of that day's incidence.

THE CONTROVERSY

Gaikwad has been in the eye of the storm ever since last week, when he beat up Raman with his slippers following an argument with airline staffers over a business class seat.

Gaikwad, who has been unapologetic about the incident, maintains that Raman and other Air India employees misbehaved with him. He even gone to the extent of bragging about how he slapped Raman "25 times".

Following the incident and a huge public outcry, Indian airliners bonded together to bar Gaikwad from flying with them. After which, Gaikwad had tried to book flight tickets three times, but the tickets got cancelled by the respective airlines on each occasion.

Air India itself has cancelled Gaikwad's tickets twice. Since the ban was put in place, the Osmanabad MP has been forced to travel by rail or road.

ALSO READ| Ravindra Gaikwad barred from flying: Speaker seeks report from Aviation ministry, puts privilege motion on hold

ALSO READ| Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad third time unlucky as Air India cancels his Mumbai-Delhi flight ticket

ALSO WATCH| How can they ban an MP? Rajya Sabha echoes support to Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad

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According to the Met department, the sudden rise in temperatures is due to the presence of dry and hot air which is blowing from the southern latitude.

By Manjeet Sehgal: The Meteorological Department on Thursday said that the entire North Indian region will continue to face hot weather conditions for the next four days.

Rains have been predicted in the region in the first week of April and only then are the people expected to get some respite from the heat.

"South Haryana is experiencing extremely hot weather conditions and the temperature in this region has already crossed over 40 degrees. Narnaul is the hottest area in the region where the maximum temperature has touched the 42 degree mark which is 7 to 8 degrees above the normal temperature. Maximum temperature in Chandigarh has been recorded at 35 degrees and shot up about 3 to 4 degrees during the last four days," scientist, Indian Meteorological Department, Shivender Singh told India Today.

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The Met Department has predicted rains after four days when the temperature is expected to decline by two degrees. Rains are expected to occur on April 4 and 5.

According to the Met Department, the sudden rise in temperatures is due to the presence of dry and hot air which is blowing from the southern latitude. Anti-Cyclonic circulation has resulted in solar heating.

CHANDIGARH WEATHER ATTRACTS DELHI TOURISTS

The sudden rise in temperature has resulted in the movement of people in hill towns located close to Chandigarh and New Delhi. While a number of Delhiites are already heading to the hill towns besides Chandigarh, a sizeable number of local residents here are planning to spend the weekend either in Shimla or Manali.

'Delhi is hotter compared to Chandigarh which has less population and pollution. The food and water is also fresh here and comfortable," says Chahat Arora from New Delhi who is on her first visit to Chandigarh.

'The big difference between Delhi and Chandigarh is the temperature. There is a big gap, so we are enjoying here," says Vijay, another New Delhi resident.

"We are able to stand in the sunlight here where as in Delhi, we would be requiring air-conditioning. We are planning to visit Shimla next week," says Varun , another Delhi resident.

Also Read:

2017 to be the hottest year: Sea-ice shrinks, WMO says world entered 'uncharted territory'

4 yummy treats you can make with coconut water this summer

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Rollover results in passenger being injured after being enjected

The highway patrol and Watertown Fire Rescue responded to a rollover accident on Saturday. Passenger was thrown from the vehicle, sustaining injuries.
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Mar 30 (PTI) Comedian Radhika Vaz today said that the sexual harassment allegations against The Viral Fever (TVF) founder Arunabh Kumar were sad but not shocking.

"This is sad, but not surprising or shocking. The reason I say this is because what surrounds sexual harassment has not changed. The only thing that has changed is that now we have guys in skinny jeans that are harassing us.

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"Personally, I dont know this guy, but I was told that this is an old story which everyone knew and no one talked about," Vaz said while addressing a session, which was held as part of the She Leads India conference by UN Women in partnership with SheThePeople.TV.

The comedian drew laughs by comparing Arunabh with famous American entertainer Bill Cosby, who has been accused of sexual assault allegations by multiple women.

"He is our proud Bill Cosby, now no American should think that only they have one," she quipped.

Vaz, who calls herself a "feminist first" and a "comedian later", said things will remain the same unless "parents start teaching their children about how to behave with the other gender".

"Rarely do I see parents talking to their children about sex, or on how to behave with girls. And then they are sent to schools and colleges which further segregate boys and girls.

"The same continues till the time they go to work. Here, we suddenly expect them to change. How will they change when they are raised exactly the way the previous generations were?"

Having made comedy as a full-time career at the age of 38, Vaz joked that it is a good career option for girls who are not worried about "age, beauty or weight".

"This is one good thing for ladies aspiring to be a comedian. Comedy is not a young persons industry. So here you dont have to worry about your age, looking good or looking thin." PTI MG BK

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"Im a firm believer in not being greedy and giving what you can when you can."
The first schedule of Tiger Zinda Hai has been wrapped up.

By India Today Web Desk: A week after Katrina Kaif returned to India, Salman Khan too has packed up the first schedule of Tiger Zinda Hai. The 51-year-old actor was shooting in the sub-zero temperature of Austria for Ali Abbas Zafar's directorial venture.

And the cast and crew have finally wrapped up the Austria schedule.

Ali Abbas recently took to Twitter to make the announcement, "Freezing journey comes to end as @BeingSalmanKhan wraps 1st shooting schedule of @TigerZindaHai in Tyrol , Austria. (sic)"

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Along with the announcement, he shared a black-and-white photo with Salman overlooking the snow-clad mountains of Austria.

Freezing journey comes to end as @BeingSalmanKhan wraps 1st shooting schedule of @TigerZindaHai in Tyrol , Austria ???? pic.twitter.com/V63vnDNrkE- ali abbas zafar (@aliabbaszafar) March 30, 2017

After the 2013 hit film, the makers have decided to continue with the franchise. While the last one was directed by Kabir Khan, Tiger Zinda Hai is helmed by Ali Abbas Zafar. The film is set to hit the screens this December.

Post the pack up, Salman has flown off to Maldives to celebrate nephew Ahil's first birthday with the entire family. Salman's rumoured girlfriend Iulia Vantur is also in Maldives with Khan-daan.

ALSO READ: Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif in Tiger Zinda Hai's first photo from the sets

ALSO READ: Salman Khan to fight a pack of wolves in Austrian forests

ALSO WATCH: Salman and Iulia not getting married

--- ENDS ---
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Mar 30 (PTI) Muslim practices of triple talaq, nikah halala and polygamy are issues that are "very important" and involve "sentiments", the Supreme Court today said and decided a Constitution Bench would hear petitions challenging these from May 11.

Influential Muslim organisations like the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) have opposed courts adjudication of these matters, maintaining these practices stemmed from the Holy Quran and were not justiciable.

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Several Muslim women have challenged the practice of triple talaq in which the husband, quite often, pronounces talaq thrice in one go, sometimes even by phone or text message.

Nikah Halala is a practice intended to curb incidence of divorce under which a man cannot remarry his former wife without her having to go through the process of marrying someone else, consummating it, getting divorced, observing the separation period called Iddat and then coming back to him again.

A bench comprising Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice D Y Chandrachud observed that "sentiments" were involved in the matter pending before it and a five-judge constitution bench would adjudicate the issue, which required a detailed hearing.

"If we will not decide it now, it will not happen for years and decades," the bench said, adding it was open to hearing the matter on even Saturday and Sunday during the summer vacation which would commence from May 11.

Along with the triple talaq matter, the bench also referred to two other cases that can be taken up during the vacation by other Constitution Benches, including those related to Aadhaar and WhatsApp.

Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi expressed reservation over setting up of three Constitution Benches during the vacation, saying that it will consume the entire vacation.

Responding to AGs contention, CJI Khehar said, "If you say you do not want to do it (during vacation) then do not blame us. Last time, I kept on writing the judgements during the whole vacation. We have to work together.

"If you do not want us to work together, I will be very happy enjoying my vacation but then do not tell us so many years have passed and the matter has not been heard," the CJI said, adding when the matters remain pending there is a talk about the large arrears of cases.

The bench also clarified that it has fixed the matter for hearing from May 11 as all the parties had agreed before it to list the case at the start of the vacation.

"If we start from May 11, we will have hearing on May 12 which is a Friday. If you wish, we can even sit on May 13 and 14 (Saturday and Sunday). After that we will have a whole week for hearing the matter.

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"If a time frame can be fixed for NJAC (National Judicial Appointments Commission) case, why it cannot be done in this case. There are sentiments involved in it (this case)," the bench said. (More) PTI ABA MNL RKS SK SK

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Actor Arbaaz Khan and his wife Malaika Arora separated after 18 years of marriage and the two remained reconciled with each other. Meanwhile, speculations and assumptions were made about their split.



Speculations were rife that Malaikas extra marital relationship with actor Arjun Kapoor led to their split, but the news turned out to be untrue. There were also rumours of Arbaaz dating a foreigner, but the actor never confirmed any news of it. Amid everything, Arbaaz kept his personal life hidden from the prying eyes of the media.



Now, the actor has finally broken his silence. In an interview to a leading daily, Arbaaz spoke about his relationship but did not reveal the details about his new girlfriend . I am dating, yes. But we are not As of now, there is still a long way to go, the Dabangg actor said on being asked about his relationship status. When inquired whether he was dating the woman in his Instagram pictures, the actor said, Which one? If you are talking about the one in Yellow, she is just a friend. She is somebody who I meet when I go to Goa. She owns a restaurant. Is she a Romanian? No, thats another girl  Alexandria. Thats my friend, Arbaaz confirmed.



Arbaaz shares a cordial relationship with his estranged wife Malaika. Recently, the duo were spotted at Malaikas mothers birthday party. When asked to comment on it, the actor said, My association with Malaikas family is as long as my association with Malaika. We have a child together, and there are the grandparents, uncles and aunts. And whatever the reasons for our parting, they have never influenced our equations with the families. They have kept it to themselves as this is the personal decision between the two of us. They have not asked us to get back together."
Two-wheeler majors Hero MotoCorp and Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India are offering discounts of up to Rs.12,500 on BS-III models to liquidate stocks, a day after the Supreme Court banned sale and registration of such vehicles from April 1.

With 6.71 lakh two-wheelers affected out of the total of over 8 lakh BS-III vehicles impacted by the ban, dealers said the immediate effort is to sell as many units as possible before the deadline by offering "unheard of discounts" in the industry.

Market leader Hero MotoCorp is offering discounts of up to Rs.12,500 on its BS-III two-wheelers.

According to dealers, the company is offering rebate of Rs.12,500 on its scooters, Rs.7,500 on premium bikes and Rs.5,000 on entry level mass market motorcycles.

On the other hand, the number two player Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) is offering a straight discount of Rs.10,000 on its BS-III scooters and motorcycles.

Both the companies said the offer will be valid till stocks last or up to March 31.

"These are unheard of discounts ever in the two-wheeler industry," Federation of Automobile Dealers (FADA) Director-International Affairs Nikunj Sanghi told PTI.

When asked about what actions were dealers taking following the apex court verdict, he said: "Our energy is focused on selling as much stock as possible before the deadline. Our people are calling up potential customers informing them about the offers."

He said the dealership community was hoping for some relief from the court in the form of more time to sell their stocks but with that not happening, the focus has shifted to liquidating the stocks.

Afterwards, it will have to be discussed with the manufacturers what to do with the unsold inventories, if at all any are left, he added.

Observing that health of the people is "far, far more important" than the commercial interests of the manufacturers, the apex court observed yesterday that automobile firms have declined to take "sufficient pro-active steps" despite being fully aware that they would be required to manufacture only BS-IV compliant vehicles from April 1, 2017.
After a ban on sale of Bharat Stage-III compliant vehicles from April 1, now the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed all the oil tankers compliant with Bharat Stage-I (BS-I) and Bharat Stage-II (BS-II) to strictly ply on roads of NCR and Delhi, with effect from Thursday.

As per a report, NGT has asked 621 diesel-run old tankers to take off the roads of NCR and Delhi from Thursday.

This instruction is a warning for all the public sector oil companies running older oil tankers that run on diesels.

However, as of now, a bench headed by NGT chairperson justice Swatanter Kumar has asked Indian Oil Corp. Ltd, Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd and Hindustan Petroleum Corp to immediately stop their old vehicles from plying. NGT has also instructed the joint commissioner of police to ensure the compliance of the order.

The Supreme Court on March 29 issued order that only BS-IV compliant vehicles will be sold by automobile companies from April 1, 2017.
Ahead of March futures & options contracts expiry, domestic equity markets were trading in the positive zone in the second hour of trade on Thursday with Nifty trading above record closing high of 9160.

At 11.05 am, the Sensex was trading 68 points or 0.23 per cent higher at 29,599 while the Nifty50 was trading 17 points or 0.18 per cent up at 9,161.

In the broader markets, BSE Midcap index gained 0.5 per cent while BSE Smallcap Midcap index surged 0.9 per cent.

Among the BSE sectoral indices, Realty index registered the biggest gain with a jump of 2.5 per cent. Consumer Durables (up 1.5 per cent), Capital Goods (up 0.8 per cent), Oil & Gas (down 0.6 per cent) and Power (down 0.5 per cent) indices were other notable gainers. Telecom index slipped 0.2 per cent.

Top gainers in the Sensex-30 pack: Adani Ports (up 3.8 per cent), SBI (up 1.1 per cent), Hero Motocorp (up 1 per cent), Sun Pharma (up 0.7 per cent) and TCS (up 0.7 per cent).

Top losers in the Sensex-30 pack: Axis Bank (down 0.5 per cent), Coal India (down 0.5 per cent), Bharti Airtel (down 0.4 per cent), Tata Motors (down 0.4 per cent) and Lupin (down 0.3 per cent).

Asian markets were trading in the negative zone, Japans Nikkei 225 Index declined 0.9 per cent, Singapores Straits Times Index lost 0.3 per cent, Hong Kongs Hang Seng index shed 0.5 per cent, Koreas KOSPI index slipped 0.2 per cent and Chinas Shanghai Composite Index dropped 1.4 per cent.

Back home, the Rupee was trading one paisa down at 65.14 against the US Dollar.
Days after some African students were attacked in Greater Noida near here, senior Delhi Police officers on Thursday held a meeting with over 200 African nationals to allay the community's apprehensions.

The meeting was held by DCP(South), Ishwar Singh, and Additional DCP-I (South) Chinmoy Biswal.

The officers assured the African nationals their concerns will be addressed and their safety and security ensured.

The meeting comes days after the Nigerian students were assaulted in an alleged racial attack. Also a Kenyan woman was allegedly pulled out of a cab and assaulted by some unidentified persons in Greater Noida today.

The African nationals told the police they are not given rent receipts by landlords that could help prove they are residing here awaiting extension of visas in case it has expired.

They also said since the beat staff doesn't understand English, they face problems in communication.

The police might hold a sensitisation session for landlord and a meeting with African students bodies.

Last year, a Congolese national was killed in the national capital which had triggered a massive outrage.

Following the incident, a helpline number (8750871111) was launched for 247 help to African nationals living in India and joint commissioner of police (Southeast) was appointed the nodal officer for the purpose.

The DCPs of different districts had conducted 19 meetings last year with African nationals to assure them of their safety and security.
The complaint lodged by a Kenyan woman ~ that she had allegedly been pulled out of a cab and assaulted by several men in Greater Noida yesterday morning ~ was found to be "false", the Noida police said today.

The senior superintendent of police (SSP), Noida, Dharmendra Yadav told a press conference here this morning that the Kenyan national Maria Burendi was not assaulted and that her complaint was false. He said all evidences pointed to this conclusion in the case.

Mr Yadav, however, refrained from making any comments on why Maria had lodged a "false" FIR with the Noida police yesterday and whether the police will now take any action against her.

Maria had complained that while heading to Greater Noida yesterday morning to meet her friends there her cab was stopped by some local men near Omicron in the area, who allegedly dragged her out of the cab and beat her without any reason.

The Noida police presented Pintu, the driver of the Ola cab Maria hired to reach Greater Noida from Delhi, at the press conference to corroborate their version. Pintu said there was no attack on Maria whom he had dropped at her destination in Greater Noida yesterday.

Sources in the Noida police told The Statesman that both driver and the Kenyan woman were questioned together following which the latter told them that she wanted to withdraw her complaint.

Maria had alleged that she was attacked outside the Omicron society in Greater Noida, but during investigation the police team found that a PCR van was stationed there.

Pintu told the press conference that after he dropped Maria safely to her destination her friend received her and then they went inside the society apartment.

"I waited for around 20 minutes in the area to find any other passenger and also saw police personnel there," he said.

The Noida police verified Pintu's claims. They checked the electronic evidence, including the Ola cab's GPS details and payment slip, which showed that the car had not stopped during the journey.

At the conference there were members of the Nigerian Students' Welfare Association and the Kenyan High Commission too, who also backed the Noida police's version in the Maria case.

An Association representative Charles Kennedy said the Kenyan woman was under distress over her personal issues due to which she "fabricated" the incident.

A Kenyan High Commission official, Frederick, said they were "satisfied" with the police investigation into Maria's complaint which she has withdrawn. He also said the police have assured them that they will not press any charges against her.

They also expressed satisfaction over the measures taken by the Noida police for the safety and security of African nationals living in the area. The police have taken various security measures in this regard following the 27 March brutal mob attack on four Nigerian students in Greater Noida.
It was on a winter day that advocate Dharmendra walked into the chamber of Shoaib Ahmed Abbasi, the sub -registrar in the Registrar's office at Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, and informed him that Mahant Avaidyanath, the then Mahant of the Gorakhnath Math, wanted him to sign documents in his capacity as the concerned official to declare Yogi Adityanath his successor. The day was 13 February 1997, when the present Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh was 24 years old.

The sub-registrar was surprised and asked the advocate why he was being made to sign documents as there was a Hindu registrar at the Registrars office at Gorakhpur. The advocate replied, Yogi Avaidyanth personally wants you to sign the paper as he thinks that if a Muslim bears witness to this great tradition and becomes a part of it, it will be in the larger interest of society," recalled Shoaib Ahmed to The Statesman from Gorakhpur.

I went to the Math following the conversation, where I met the older Mahant Avaidyanath. He explained to me that he wanted to complete the constitutional formalities involved in transferring authority to the younger Yogi, Adityanath. I duly agreed to be a part of this historic process. Soon the older Yogi asked someone to bring Yogi Adityanath to be introduced to us, " said Shoaib.

Describing his first meeting with the present chief minister, Shoaib said, Yogiji was very boyish then. He looked innocent and soft spoken, he introduced himself to us very modestly. We never anticipated then that this young man would be the chief minister of the most populous state of India."

Shoaib recalled: "When I was made to sign the document, I was full of pride. I told the older Yogi that I will not just sign this but also write in red letters below my signature that I am proud to be a part of this historic transition of authority. And I did that.

Today, I am so glad Yogi Adityanath has been appointed as the chief minister of the state. I have been getting congratulatory messages from my former colleagues at the department for this. They all probably remember that day. I hope the chief minister will do great service to the people and state of Uttar Pradesh," Shoaib added.
Tripura Opposition parties on Thursday demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Manik Sarkar after the apex court upheld the High Court's order to terminate the jobs of 10,323 government teachers.

Trinamool Congress announced the launch of a state-wide agitation from Friday to highlight the state government's "irregularities in giving jobs to 10,323 teachers" and to press for its demand for resignation of Chief Minister Sarkar and Education and Law Minister Tapan Chakraborty.

"We also demand publication of a white paper detailing the government jobs provided in Tripura since 2014. An all-party meeting must be called by the state government to discuss the issue and how to deal with the situation arising out of the Supreme Court judgment on Wednesday," Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sudip Roy Barman told reporters.

Accompanied by Tripura TMC President Ashish Kumar Saha and other leaders, Barman alleged that to "acquire political mileage the Left Front government provided the teachers' jobs illegally".

Demanding a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation, Bharatiya Janata Party's state unit President Biplab Kumar Deb and observer (Prabhari) Sunil Deodhar also demanded the resignation of Chief Minister and Education and Law Minister in a joint media conference.

"It is now proved that the Left Front government in Tripura gave jobs to 10,323 teachers through corruption and irregularities," Deb told reporters.

Terming the Supreme Court's order as "inhuman", the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) also demanded a CBI probe in the matter.

"The Supreme Court's order would directly affect the lakhs of people and students in Tripura," the CPI-M, the dominant partner Opposition parties in Tripura demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Manik Sarkar and a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in the recruitment process after the Supreme Court upheld the state High Court order terminating the jobs of 10,323 government teachers.

Trinamool Congress on Thursday announced launch of a statewide stir from Friday to highlight the state government's "irregularities in giving jobs to 10,323 people" and to press its demand for the resignation of Chief Minister Sarkar and Education and Law Minister Tapan Chakraborty.

"We also demand publication of a white paper detailing providing government jobs in Tripura since 2014. An all-party meeting must be called by the state government to discuss the issue and how to deal with the situation arising out of the Supreme Court judgment on Wednesday," Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sudip Roy Barman told reporters.

Accompanied by Tripura TMC President Ashish Kumar Saha and other leaders, Barman alleged that to "acquire political mileage the Left Front government provided the teachers' jobs illegally".

Demanding a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), opposition Bharatiya Janata Party state president Biplab Kumar Deb and observer (Prabhari) Sunil Deodhar in a joint media conference demanded the resignation of the Chief Minister and Education and Law Minister.

"It has now been proved that the Left Front government in Tripura gave the jobs to 10,323 teachers through corruption and irregularities," BJP leader Deb told reporters.

The ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), the dominant partner of the Left Front government, in a statement termed the Supreme Court's judgment as "inhuman".

"The Supreme Court's order would directly affect the lakhs of people and students in Tripura," the CPI-M statement said.

In a major setback to the Tripura government, the Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the Tripura High Court order terminating the jobs of 10,323 teachers but allowed them to continue in their jobs till December 31.

The Court also asked the Tripura government to initiate a fresh recruitment process by May 31 and complete it by December 31 in compliance with the obligatory qualifications as mandated by the NCERT (National Council for Educational Research and Training).

The Supreme Court order came on three special leave petitions filed before it separately by the Tripura government, aggrieved job seekers and terminated serving teachers.

Tripura Law and Education Minister Tapan Chakraborty said in Agartala that the state government would take its next course of action after receiving the certified copy of the Supreme Court judgment and after the return of Chief Minister from Chennai on Friday.

"The government will stand by the serving teachers. The court did not find any irregularities in giving jobs to these teachers. The Tripura High Court only challenged the state's three-and-a-half decade old employment policy," Chakraborty told IANS on Thursday.

"We have given some jobs according to need based and considering the economic conditions of the families of the serving teachers, but the court opposed these criteria," the Minister added.

A division bench of the Tripura High Court, comprising then Chief Justice Deepak Kumar Gupta (now elevated to the apex court) and then Justice Swapan Chandra Das (retired on March 16) had passed the order on May 7, 2014 and asked the state government to frame a new employment policy within two months.

Tripura's Left Front government recruited 1,100 post-graduate and 4,617 graduate teachers in 2010 and 4,606 under-graduate teachers in December 2013.of the Left Front government, said in a statement.

In a major setback to the Tripura government, the Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the Tripura High Court order terminating the jobs of 10,323 teachers but allowed them to continue till December 31.

"A Supreme Court division bench of Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel and Justice Uday Umesh Lalit upheld the Tripura High Court's May 7, 2014, order terminating the jobs of 10,323 government teachers. However, the Supreme Court allowed them to continue in service till December 31," Tripura Law Secretary Data Mohan Jamatia told IANS over phone from New Delhi.

The apex court also asked the Tripura government to initiate a fresh recruitment process by May 31 and complete it by December 31 in compliance with the obligatory qualifications as mandated by the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT).

The Supreme Court order came on three special leave petitions filed before it separately by the Tripura government, aggrieved job seekers and the terminated teachers.

Tripura Law and Education Minister Tapan Chakraborty said in Agartala that the state government would take its next course of action after receiving a certified copy of the Supreme Court judgment and after return of the Chief Minister from Chennai on Friday.

"The government would stand behind the serving teachers. The court did not find any irregularities in giving jobs to these teachers. The Tripura High Court only challenged the state's three and a half decades old employment policy," Chakraborty told IANS on Thursday.

"We have given some jobs based on need and considering economic conditions of the families of the serving teachers, but the court opposed these criteria," the Minister added.

A division bench of the Tripura High Court, comprising of then Chief Justice Deepak Kumar Gupta and Justice Swapan Chandra Das (since retired), passed the order on May 7, 2014, and asked the state government to frame a new employment policy within two months.

Tripura's Left Front government recruited 1,100 post-graduate and 4,617 graduate teachers in 2010 and 4,606 under-graduate teachers in December 2013.
By Press Trust of India: Ahmedabad, Mar 30 (PTI) BJP president Amit Shah today said his party has ensured the people of his assembly constituency here do not face any difficulty even when he is not around.

Shah is the MLA from Naranpura here.

Addressing a gathering in his constituency, Shah said his larger responsibility as the national president of the BJP does not allow him to spend enough time in his assembly segment.

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But the BJP and party councillors in the area have made arrangements to ensure the people of his constituency do not face difficulty even when he is not around, he said.

"I must say I have not given as much time to the people of my constituency as an MLA should. But the BJP has made arrangements to ensure they dont face any problems."

Shah, on a visit to his home state, was in Naranpura to lay the foundation stone for the Rs 20-crore renovation and modernisation work of D N Patel Community Hall undertaken by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC).

Earlier in the day, he attended the assembly.

"Gautambhai (Shah, Ahmedabad mayor) told me works worth around Rs 1.25 crore have been done here, and many works are in the pipeline. My councillors are serving people with full dedication," Shah said.

Shah said development model adopted in Gujarat when Narendra Modi was chief minister is the best in the country. Gujarat has emerged as No. 1 state in terms of providing urban facilities.

"In terms of urban facilities, Gujarat is No 1 state. Today Gujarat is among the most urbanised states in the country," the BJP chief added. PTI KA PD RSY

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Comedian Raju Raju Srivastav is joining The Kapil Sharma Show for a few episodes post the Sunil Grover-Kapil Sharma controversy.

"I don't know how the channel is going to represent my character or my acts to the audience. But this is true that I'm shooting for the show and will feature in the show as a 'new entry'," Raju Srivastav was quoted as saying by a news agency.

Yes, I have started shooting for this show. The channel and the team are happy with the episodes I have shot for them and have called me for more episodes, he added.

Often credited as Gajodhar,Raju Srivastav is one of the most popular comedians in India and is best known for his observational comedy about various instances in daily life.

It was reported on March 20 that during a flight from Australia to Mumbai, Kapil had physically assaulted Sunil, known for essaying the role of Mashoor Gulati, a doctor, in The Kapil Sharma Show.
Warning that wheat blast could be "catastrophic" for South Asia, scientists from Bangladesh, which was ravaged by an outbreak of the disease in 2016, have offered to help their Indian counterparts tackle the deadly fungal foe, reported here for the first time this year.

Following the first sightings of wheat blast in India in Bengal, experts at the Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV) in the state have sought to fully understand the pathogen in collaboration with scientists at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU) in Bangladesh, given their experience in the matter.

"Through the collaboration with scientists from Bangladesh, we can step ahead as they are already continuing their studies from 2016. So their experience will help us. This kind of research will help even other countries of Southeast Asia where the disease is predicted to occur," Sunita Mahapatra, Assistant Professor, Plant Pathology, BCKV, Nadia, told IANS.

Mahapatra is waiting for the go-ahead from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

Wheat blast is caused by a fungus known as Magnaporthe oryzae although scientists are still debating its exact identity.

Mahapatra says the disease, that periodically devastates crops in South America, has been detected in wheat in the Bangladesh-bordering Murshidabad and Nadia districts of Bengal in February. Wheat on at least 1,000 hectare in the two districts has been riddled with the fungus.

"ICAR, Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research and the Agriculture Department of the state government took immediate measures and decided to burn all the infested fields to stop its spread as well as its survival for the next season," Mahapatra said, adding initial investigations have confirmed the presence of the fungus.

Now, with the wheat harvesting season knocking on the doors, there is an urgency to "know the enemy".

Wheat blast was first sighted in Brazil in 1985. In February 2016, the disease emerged in eight districts of Bangladesh and became an epidemic  the first reported outbreak outside South America. In Bangladesh, the fungus led to yield loss of up to 90 per cent in more than 15,000 hectares of crops last year.

In its aftermath, Md. Tofazzal Islam and his team at BSMRAU developed a convenient and rapid molecular diagnostic tool for detection of wheat blast in seeds, asymptomatic plants and alternate hosts.

"Indian researchers are welcome to collaborate with us for precisely determining the genetic identity and origin of wheat blast in India. We are ready to help them analyse Indian samples by field pathogenomics analytic methods and molecular diagnosis that we have developed," Islam, Professor and Head of the Department of Biotechnology at BSMRAU, told IANS.

Pathogenomics refers to genomic research on pathogenic micro-organisms.

"This pathogen causes a destructive disease on rice and it would be disastrous if the same situation arises now in wheat," he warned.

Through genomic analysis and bioinformatics studies, Islam and 31 researchers from 14 institutes spanning four continents collaborated to trace the lineage of wheat blast in Bangladesh to South American Magnaporthe oryzae.

British and Bangladeshi teams are making raw genetic data for the wheat blast pathogen available on the Open Wheat Blast website. One of the key collaborators is Sophien Kamoun of Britain's The Sainsbury Laboratory in Norwich.

"Our ultimate goal is to develop a durable blast-resistant wheat variety for the farmers," Islam explained.

Mahapatra said genetic studies are crucial to strengthen (disease) resistance research and strategies.

"We also need to find out the ancestor of the pathogen, from where it came, study pathogen behaviour, distribution of the pathogen, immunity in the host or resistance and so many other aspects that we need to solve before the next season of wheat harvesting  as soon as possible . So, if we work together, then our work will be faster as well as fruitful," reasoned Mahapatra.

Islam believes spores (reproductive units) of the fungus, that can travel via wind for six km or more, were responsible for the spread of the disease in Bengal.

Similarity of weather in the Bengal districts and across the border also favoured its dissemination, Mahapatra felt.

"Wheat blast needs no passport or visa for crossing geographical borders. It poses serious threat to future food and nutritional security of South Asia. If delayed, wheat blast can be catastrophic in South Asia," added Islam.

According to data on the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) website, South Asia is home to 300 million undernourished people and inhabitants consume over 100 million tonnes of wheat each year.
Taking part in the proceedings in Gujarat Assembly, BJP president Amit Shah on Thursday took a dig at the Congress, saying elections were won not by creating ruckus in the House but by winning people's hearts.

Shah, a member of the House representing Naranpura constituency in Ahmedabad, also asserted that the BJP will win the coming assembly polls in the state, due later this year.

After making the hard-hitting speech in the House, Shah made a courtesy call on the opposition leader Shankarsinh Vaghela.

"You cannot win people's mandate by creating ruckus in the House. To win the mandate, one must win people's heart," Shah said in the Assembly.

"The BJP won all the elections here from 1990 to 2016. And, we will win the 2017 polls with more than 150 seats," he said during an hour-long speech."

Shah's assertion came while supporting a resolution brought by BJP's Ketan Inamdar, urging the state government to take forward the development agenda of the BJP.

In his speech, made in the absence of Congress members who were suspended for protesting over M B Shah Commission report, the BJP chief said that the "journey of development" will continue even after 2017 and 2019.

"Our hunger for development is still intact. This journey for development will continue even after 2017 and 2019," said Shah.

"Before 1995, the people of Gujarat were suffering due to large-scale corruption, lawlessness and shortage of electricity. After Narendra Modi took over in 2001, we transformed this state. Now, the entire world talks about Gujarat model," he said.

Earlier in the day, Speaker Ramanlal Vora suspended Congress MLAs for the first session.

But later, Shah met Congress leader Vaghela. After the meeting, which lasted for about half an hour, Vaghela termed it as a "courtesy call".

"It was a courtesy call by Shah, who had come here to attend the assembly session. No political issue was discussed," Vaghela added.

When asked if there was any indication of advancing the state polls, Vaghela said, "There were no indications of early polls, as I understand, but nothing can be said of these RSS people."

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and state BJP chief Jitu Vaghani were present during the meeting that took place at Vaghela's chambers at the Assembly building.

Vaghani also said it was a courtesy call.

"As our national president was here he wished to meet Vaghela and they met," he said.

Shah also attended the lunch hosted by Assembly speaker Ramanlal Vora for the MLAs.
The Union government on Thursday sought to reassure the African nations of its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all African nationals in India and promised that those responsible for the violence against Nigerian students in Greater Noida recently would be prosecuted in accordance with the law of the land.

Such criminal acts are completely unacceptablewe remain engaged with our African friends and African students will continue to be welcomed in India, MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay said at a media briefing here. He added that the assault on Nigerian students in Greater Noida represented the action of uninformed and misguided few.

spokesperson said the MEA was in touch with the district administration of Greater Noida which has enhanced the security of the area. The District Magistrate had held a meeting with residents and foreign students associations in the presence of representatives from the Nigerian mission. The students who were hurt during the incident had been treated in a local hospital and had already been released.

Regarding yesterdays incident in which a Kenyan woman claimed that she had been assaulted in Greater Noida, he said the Kenyan High Commissioner had met senior officials of the MEA earlier today and conveyed to them that the reported incident in question does not correspond to reality.

He confirmed that Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria B N Reddy had met with officials of the Nigerian Foreign Ministry and assured them that New Delhi was committed to ensuring the safety and security of Nigerian nationals.

Reports from Abuja said Nigeria asked India to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for attacks on its nationals following the death of an Indian youth of a suspected drug overdose in Greater Noida.

The Nigerian media said the Indian envoy was summoned to the foreign office in the wake of the attacks. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora to President Muhammadu Buhari, condemned the attacks, describing them as deplorable and unwarranted. She asked the Indian government to ensure that any alleged suspect should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

She called on Nigerians in India to remain calm and be watchful of their surroundings. Her appeal followed multiple distress calls by Nigerian students on concerns over their safety.
Pakistan on Thursday urged India to respect the importance of Jinnah House in Mumbai, which a BJP legislator said should be demolished.

The Foreign Office said the Indian government needed to respect the "importance" of the historical residence.

"We have clarified our position on the Jinnah House to the Indian government," Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said.

On Monday, Bharatiya Janata Party lawmaker Mangal Prabhat Lodha demanded that the Jinnah residence should be demolished and a cultural centre built in its place.

Lodha said: "The Jinnah residence in south Mumbai was the place where the conspiracy of (India's) partition was hatched.

"Jinnah House is a symbol of the partition. The structure should be demolished," he said.

Jinnah, who lived for years in Mumbai, was once a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and is credited with the formation of Pakistan.
The queues at the designated Reserve Bank of India (RBI) offices seem to be spilling over as the deadline for exchange of invalid notes by residents who were abroad during the cash ban window draws to a close on Friday.

The anxiety is palpable as people are leaving nothing to chance and lining up at the RBI office in the national capital from the night itself so that they get to deposit the currency the next day.

The Reserve Bank has allowed Indian citizens who were abroad during November-December 2016 to exchange the scrapped notes up to March 31 and non-resident Indians (NRIs) up to June 30. This facility is available at RBI offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Nagpur only.

For some reasons or the other, there are several people who have not been able to deposit or exchange the junked notes or have discovered them after the end of the demonetisation period on December 30, who are now making a last-ditch effort.

"Since I am here in India for a short visit, I thought it would be prudent to finish with the RBI work on the first day itself. Therefore, I have come here directly from the airport," Nikhil Kapoor, a US-based NRI, told PTI.

He felt that given the queue, it seems impossible that the currency could be exchanged in a day.

Disappointed, Ram Kumar, who works in Dubai, said: "There was no information about Red Channel procedure at the airport and I did not get the Customs certificate. So, I am being turned away after standing in the queue for six hours."

He suggested that the RBI should have made arrangements for checking documents of those in the queue so that elimination could be done properly for those not carrying all the papers.

An agitated Kumar said: "This is not black money. It is money that I have earned, so why is the government creating so much fuss?"

Two elderly women, Usha (65) and Sumitra (80), next to the RBI gate in Delhi, have threatened to commit suicide in case they are unable to get their old notes exchanged.

"I have found INR 41,500 in clothes. The RBI officials are saying they will only exchange the notes of NRIs," Usha said.

Yesterday, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Finance Arjun Ram Meghwal had said ineligible persons queueing up at the Reserve Bank were responsible for longer queues.

The minister said the RBI has posted detailed instructions on its website clearly showing the eligibility parameters and other necessary documents required to be tendered for exchange of old notes.
Last weeks missile test launch from the east coast of North Korea, deemed a failure by monitoring stations in the South and at the US Pacific Command, underscores the deteriorating situation on the Korean peninsula and heightened panic in Pyongyangs ruling elite.

That this years Foal Eagle and Key Resolve exercises, as the US-South Korean wargames are known, have caused unprecedented consternation in Pyongyang is no secret. It comes as two US aircraft carrier battle groups are in Asian waters and the deployment of B1-B strategic bombers with munitions perfected for tasks such as taking out nuclear assets, or the regime itself.

The US is also rapidly installing the Thaad missile defence system in South Korea, a development that directly affects the strategic balance in that part of the world and worries not just Mr Kim Jong Un, the Norths ruler, but also China, his protector and ally. Russia is uncomfortable as well.

Political statements of the past three months would suggest a moment heading towards a tipping point. The new American President has said North Korea is a big, big problem and we will deal with that very strongly. Mr Donald Trump also subsequently sallied forth with his famous tweet: North Korea just stated that it is in the final stages of developing a nuclear weapon capable of reaching parts of the US. It wont happen!

Just last Friday, before he travelled to Beijing, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson pronounced an end to the American policy of strategic restraint and said a comprehensive range of capabilities was being developed to tackle the situation caused by North Korea.

With so much noise, you would have thought that an attack on North Koreas nuclear capabilities, if not an attempt at regime takedown, is imminent. It most likely is not.

Asia and the world, which waited and watched as Syria comfortably breached the red lines set by the Obama administration, should be prepared for deja vu in the time of Mr Trump. Indeed, tweeter Tony Posnanskis acid response on the Presidents Twitter handle to Mr Trumps it wont happen remark was probably the right question to ask: Was this over dinner with Kim Jong Un?

That is because the situation does warrant abundant caution. Bringing down the Kim regime, or launching an attack on North Korean nuclear pods, is no easy matter. For one thing, all those nuclear toys that threaten the South and Japan are not in one place but scattered around. Some are surely underground and others perhaps mounted on rail wagons to ensure they are not sitting ducks.

An equal worry is that there is no clear knowledge of the command and control mechanism employed by Mr Kim. Western news reports that the US managed to penetrate the Norths computer systems to thwart some missile tests would certainly not have been missed in Pyongyang, which would have taken countermeasures. Even if some of it was classic propaganda, delinking control systems would be a natural reaction.

Who knows to what level the power to launch has been devolved, and in what circumstances buttons will be pressed. Besides, a leader who has apparently assassinated his half-brother in the most public of places, using a nerve gas labelled a weapon of mass destruction, orchestrated by an intelligence service that has the guile to recruit foreign nationals as assassins, cannot be taken lightly. Japanese remember the gas attack on the Tokyo subway system in 1995. Mounted by the home-grown Aum Shinrikyo movement, it left 12 dead and affected thousands.

And of course there is also no knowing how China will react. Beijing has always viewed US reluctance to engage Pyongyang as emanating from a strategy of keeping the pot boiling on the Korean peninsula so it can station strategic arms on Chinas periphery. Last week, Chinese spokesman Hua Chunying stuck fast to Beijings suspension for suspension position  that the US cancel the military exercises and the North suspend testing in tandem.

Beijings official position is to welcome eventual Korean reunification but it is no secret that while the current generation of South Koreans no longer shares the sentimental attachment to the North of their parents, China cannot chance an unexpected and sudden unification that could potentially see US troops move all the way up to the Yalu River, facing Chinas underbelly.

For this reason, despite Beijings evident distaste for Mr Kim  high-level contacts between Pyongyang and Beijing are a third of what they used to be during his father Kim Jong Ils time  they are stuck with each other. Indeed, there is a theory that it deliberately lowered its protection of Mr Kims half-brother to assuage his fears that China may betray him in order to placate Mr Trump.

It is fashionable in some quarters to portray Mr Kim as an attention-seeking renegade running an isolated nation mired in poverty and staring at possible regime collapse. Recent remarks on North Korea by Ms Nikki Haley, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, confirm that Washington thinks Mr Kim is not in control of his mind.

Some of this may well be accurate, who knows. Yet, who can deny that Mr Kim has shown surprising resilience and an ability to play a bad hand of cards rather well, skilfully employing brinkmanship while steadily advancing his nuclear programme. Previous Kims have proved durable and have died in their beds. As for rampant poverty, those who think the Norths economy is tottering would find it useful to know that food production in the North last year was significantly higher than in 2015. This is not soup kitchen time, not yet anyway.

This is presumably what Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Foreign Minister Wang Yi educated Mr Tillerson on during his stay in Beijing. Declining to have a posse of accompanying American media, Mr Tillerson has escaped close questioning but there is reason to surmise that he may have struck a deal on Korea with his interlocutors. Foreign Ministry spokesman Ms Huas remarks on Wednesday reflect evident Chinese satisfaction: The two sides arrived at a clear consensus on ensuring a sound development of China-US relations at a new starting point in the spirit of non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation.

What possibly was the give on Washingtons part? History may offer a clue.

The 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis was sparked by the Soviet Union installing missiles in Cuba, in the wake of America stationing Jupiter nuclear-tipped missiles in Italy and Turkey. The American naval blockade of Cuba that ensued was lifted only after both sides backed off  it was originally seen as the Soviets having blinked and President John F. Kennedy got much credit for his resoluteness at the time. Only years later was it revealed that Mr Kennedy had also agreed to remove the Jupiters. The Thaad anti-missile system is the probable clue here.

But any such deal could offer only temporary respite.

The Norths nuclear weapons programme will not be stopped, even if the US agrees to negotiate. Ambassador Kim In Ryong, North Koreas Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, is reported to have said that if the purpose is making us give up our nuclear programme, North Korea is not interested in any kind of dialogue.

Mr Kim would doubtless have drawn lessons from Mr Trumps attacks on the Obama administrations nuclear deal with Iran and stated intention to draw away from it. Indeed, he may reckon his security will be diminished, not enhanced, by standing still on his own programme.

Without rushing in either direction, the US would be wise to keep its options open. And whatever it decides it must keep South Korea fully in the loop, and have its buy-in.

An opportune time for a Korea policy review is perhaps not now, therefore, but after South Koreas presidential polls.

Badly handled, the result might not be a choreographed Hollywood-style script but more like a Russian novel such as War And Peace, with an untidy ending that does not have all the ends tied up.

The Straits Times/ANN.
After assuming power in May 2014, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced key points of his economic policy, of which Make-in-India was an important component. Significantly, rate of growth of industrial production which was more than 15 per cent in 2007-08 dropped to zero and sometimes to negative in the years after 2011-12. Electronics, computer hardware, durable and non durable consumer goods, furniture etc. all were being imported from China or other countries. No new factory was coming up in India and existing ones were also shifting out. Not only that manufacturing was at a standstill, the share of manufacturing in GDP was hardly around 15 per cent.

In May 2014, after the formation of the Modi government, policies like Make in India and Start Up India were announced. In his speech from the Red Fort, Mr Modi said that his policy was to increase industrial production in India. He appealed to companies from around the world to come and start production in India. On the other hand, the government called upon entrepreneurs in India to set up manufacturing in the country and said they would be relieved from various types of red tape. Ease of Doing Business would be improved to make the business environment better for new and old entrepreneurs.

For start-ups, the government assured an enabling environment in terms of facilities, tax exemptions and cooperation. For the first time, there was an effort to increase business on such a large scale. New phrases like Start up, stand up, holding hands etc. were added to the official dictionary.

Although the fruits of these efforts may take some time to come, it cannot be denied that there has been some improvement in the environment for industrial and business development. The new start-ups started coming and the governments attitude was also to provide a holding hand.

Whereas, the first condition for increasing industrial production is that industries be established, domestic demand for those goods is also a precondition. Unfortunately for the last several years, the import of industrial goods (whether they are consumer goods or producer goods, such as machinery) has been increasing fast. Exports were not increasing at the same pace. However, huge imports also indicate that demand existed in our own country which is an important precondition for industrial output to increase.

World Trade Organisation (WTO) came into existence in 1995. According to the agreements reached at WTO, commitment was made by all member countries to keep import tariffs low and eliminate all non-tariff barriers which could curb imports. Due to cheap labour, government subsidies and unethical practices, and resulting low prices, Chinese goods started dominating world markets. The impact was also felt on India, and Indias trade deficit with China reached $ 52.7 billion by 2015-16.

The government is also a big source of demand. At present many imported goods enter the government procurement chain due to many reasons. Suppliers of Chinese goods win tenders due to low prices. According to a rough estimate, government purchases at least Rs 2 trillion (Rs 2 lakh crores) every year. It is therefore necessary that in order to increase production in the country, procurement of items made in India should be preferred by the government. Even before the new economic policy came into force, preference used to be given to small scale industries/ Khadi products. But this was given up after the new economic policy came into force. At the first instance the preference in the purchase was changed to a price preference and subsequently the preference was abated

gradually.

After the WTO agreements, it was argued that since we are obliged to treat foreign companies/ imports on a similar footing as Indian products, we could not give preference to indigenously produced goods, even from small industries.

Under the Buy American Act 1933, US-made products are preferred in government procurement in USA. According to WTO rules, if a government gives preference to products made from that country for its own consumption, then it would not be treated as violation of WTO rules. But if a commercial entity is forced to give preference to indigenously produced goods for commercial use or sale, then it would be considered a violation of WTO rules.

In the Jawahar Lal Nehru Solar Mission, when the condition of the use of local solar equipment was imposed by India, the US objected to the same and India lost its case in Dispute Settlement Panel (DSP) and even in the appeal.

It is clear that if the government gives preference to products made in India for its own requirements, then WTO Agreements are not violated. Even America gives priority to American goods in government procurement. India can do the same and there cannot be a dispute. Recently a committee of Secretaries of the Ministries has made a recommendation to the government that to make the Make in India policy successful, the products made in the country should be given preference in government procurement. It is believed that the government will soon announce such a policy and the rules will be issued by the Finance Ministry in this regard.

Significantly, today a large quantity of products is being imported from China and host of other countries and the same gets included in government procurement. It may be assumed that by giving priority to the purchase of products made in the country, the Make in India programme can be made successful in the country. Industry is also pleased with such a policy proposal because it will give industry an assured captive market for its goods.



The writer is Associate Professor, PGDAV College, University of Delhi,
With the tediously long-drawn-out carnival of the State elections over and the results ~ stunning in the extreme to some of a particular ideological persuasion ~ sealed and signed, the old familiar challenge of coming good on promises and delivering on them has made its inevitably quiet entrance on stage. In the initial rush of things, it remains artfully draped in strong political resolve and magnetically draws soaring expectations. Niggling and lumpy anxieties, apprehensions and fears stand effectively sidelined for the moment. Also forgotten are those hand-wringing gripes of the ECI (Election Commission of India) on inflammatory statements, mixing religion with election campaigns as well as the unchanged, all-conquering vice-like grip of money and muscle power. And it is left to the Supreme Court to adjudicate in its wisdom, sometime in the near, or distant future, on the purportedly dark and sinister role of the universally acclaimed EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines).

Captain Amarinder Singh, Chief Minister of Punjab, helming the lone Congress victory, after the predictable large-scale shuffling of the bureaucratic pack, got down to business immediately, ordering a crackdown on corruption, setting an amazing three-day deadline of filing of chargesheets and reiterating his determination to end the debilitating drug menace that had hollowed out the State. Going digital was to be the guiding mantra to provide the much yearned-for push to transparency, efficiency and accountability. Sound stuff, but nothing very dramatic. Similar announcements came from Trivendra Rawat, first-time Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. However, whetting the concern-quotient, without obviously intending to, he went public on his Governments commitment to cow protection in the State. Our Government will ensure the implementation of the Cow Protection Act that was formulated during the BJPs previous term in 2007, he stated in his first formal media address. On the other hand, perhaps caught up in the complexities of managing delicately balanced coalitions, crafted with enviable skill and speed, Manipur and Goa Governments did not seek to make a splash on this score. As it turned out, they received adverse publicity and severe lambasting in Parliament, in a measure ~ and for reasons ~ they may not have either anticipated or welcomed.

Beating the other States hollow, hands down, not surprisingly though, there has been more than a mega-splash in Uttar Pradesh, the most populous State in the country, where the seven-phase election and its outcome elicited unprecedented and avid interest , going far beyond the mere political. It is slated not only to redefine itself, on the strength of the thumping mandate, described more convincingly as prachand in the local language, in many a fundamental sense but also, boldly enough, to attempt to colour the national trajectory towards 2019 and beyond, to 2024. Uttam Pradesh is what is glowingly envisioned. Going by available reports, the political will for realising it could not be more unequivocal. The Chief Minister, Adityanath Yogi, the five-term MP from Gorakhpur, held a meeting with senior officials a day after he took the oath of office and made it clear that the Lok Kalyan Sankalp Patra, 2017, the BJPs election manifesto, would have to be implemented in letter and spirit. He directed that all the points in the manifesto would have to be taken up with utmost seriousness and stressed that as the majority of the population was dependent on administrative units like thanas and tehsils for the fulfilment of their basic needs, they had to be kept free of all political pressure. There was an equally firm emphasis on putting an immediate end to corruption. Zero tolerance of it was to be the undisputed leitmotif. Officials have been ordered, in a logical follow-up, to disclose details of their assets in a fortnight, with a view to infusing a new work culture and augmented transparency in the State. A promise has been held out that only honest officials would be hand-picked for assignments crucial to the realisation of the peoples verdict.

Citizens Charters are to be drawn up for each Department so that the common man gets the benefit of Government services without any discrimination. Sabka saath, sabka vikaas. Only development, no appeasement. It could not get more categorical than that. The key aspects of the Lok Kalyan Sankalp Patra are to be incorporated accordingly in the Budget to be presented shortly. To leave absolutely no room for doubt about the grave consequences of slipping up or faltering, officials have been warned upfront that penal action would be initiated if they failed to enforce law and order, check cow slaughter, crimes against women and communal flare-ups. In a nutshell, State officials have been put on the highest alert to perform or be pulverised professionally.

In UP it is no longer a wishy-washy whine about a wee better implementation of the tangled concertinas of myriad sarkari schemes and programmes or the hypocritical chant of finally wiping the proverbial tear from the eyes of the utterly deprived, marginalised and eternally victimised. There is a distinctive clarity and sharpness to the stated resolve. That it has made an impressive mark is as plain as plain can be. Images carried by media of the harried, hassled administrative machinery tying itself in the strangest of knots to report compliance in double quick time to a demanding CM, may evoke derision and scorn and even some faint amusement. That apart, they tell an important story very eloquently indeed. It is quite simply about the dynamic potential and prospects of realising the peoples verdict, given the appropriate synchronisation of political and bureaucratic commitment.

Though we never stop crooning about being the worlds largest, most vibrant, functioning democracy, coming good on electoral promises, has not been rated top priority. It is a disquieting commentary on our recent history that so many netas have got away with such brazen chicanery for as long as seven decades. The electorate has suffered in numbed, damaged silence . The only sweet revenge has been in unceremoniously unseating them but ~ and heres the most hurtful catch ~ not before they have been successful in reaping bumper harvests of the most undeserved perks and undreamt of goodies ~ without any compunction whatsoever ~ for themselves and their networks , cloyingly bonded by ties of blood and/or thuggery. The unimaginably easy democratic clamber up to the high table of privilege in a country which, unfortunately, ranks very low in HDI ( Human Development Index) ~ just to take an indicative benchmark ~ is patently unacceptable and has clearly run its course.

In this new backdrop, which is as yet unfolding, the moot question is will UP create the new model governance ~ moments? Or will there be governance-plus moments to record? Delivering on the mandate may have far-reaching and unintended ramifications, too. The answers are still in the womb of time. Whatever they be, there is no denying that bureaucrats, in particular, the All India Service Officers of the IAS and the IPS, will have to rise to the occasion and play their Constitutionally assigned roles at this remarkably poised juncture.

It is useful to recall a recent Resolution of the Bihar IAS Association ~ of course, in a totally different context ~ which was backed by the Central Association, of how best to respond to orders of the political executive.

Resolves and resolutions can ~ and must ~ be synergised to serve better.
After getting barred by all major domestic airlines for assaulting an Air India duty manager, Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad had to travel by road to Delhi for a Parliament session. But Gaikwad is not the only one who has been involved in an ugly inflight brawl, here are 5 others.

By Anindya Banerjee: After Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad assaulted a 60 year old employee of Air India 25 times with his sandal,he got banned by all major domestic airlines.

But was it an unprecedented decision or are inflight brawls common?

Well any inflight brawl, even threats of harming someone can land one in jail. International civil aviation rules are very clear about it and airlines are free to ban the concerned flier for lifetime from boarding their airline. Let's look at 5 such infamous inflight brawls across the globe.

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Kapil Sharma-Sunil Grover fight

Very recently famous comedian Kapil Sharma while flying Air India had a verbal spat with his colleague Sunil Grover while on way back from Australia. Kapil was allegedly in inebriated situation and hurled abuses at Grover. They were flying from Melbourne on AI 309, when the behaviour of Kapil Sharma scared co passengers and crew had to intervene. Kapil accepted it taking to Twitter but the matter resonated inside the parliament demanding action against him as well in line with the fly ban imposed by Air India on Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad. Air India is contemplating action against the comedian now.

Air India Pilots brawl

Up in the air at 36000 ft, the pilot and co pilot fought it out with 2 crew members inside the cockpit as passengers prayed for their life. This incident, which was reported in 2009 , again in an Air India flight shocked the civil aviation fraternity. The cabin-vs-cockpit tiff originated on the ground in Sharjah itself and then turned into a full-blown fight once IC 884 took off soon after midnight. Interestingly all involved accepted they were involved in a fight mid air. The DGCA summoned the airline bosses and later police complaint was lodged. This embarrassing argument later became a case study for budding pilots.

Pilot Vs Co Pilot Fight

It seems national carrier Air India has a long history of being somehow involved in inflight flights. In 2009, a pilot and his copilot exchanged blows inside the cockpit but this time before take off. AI 611 was getting ready to fly from Delhi to Jaipur when all hell broke lose. The altercation involving the captain and co-pilot erupted while the plane was being prepared for a 50-minute journey to Jaipur. Both pilots were immediately derostered after the captain of flight complained of the fight allegedly initiated by his colleague.

Passengers punch 36000 ft above

It's only this year when in January when passengers broke out punching each other mid air which forced a panic stricken pilot to make an emergency landing. Dramatic footage on board the Middle Eastern Airlines flight from Beirut shows two men squaring up before they launch in to a frantic brawl sparking chaos on board. Passengers and staff piled in as they tried desperately to intervene and break up the fight in the aisle. The fight was believed to have started when one passenger got into a dispute with an air stewardess before assaulting her.

Brangelina Brawl

It wasn't a commercial flight and the people involved were not regular passengers. It was Hollywood power couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie fighting it out inside a private jet. A video came out to substantiate the allegations. Brad was sloshed. So ugly was the fight that their little son had to come in between. The incident was reported from last year at Minnesota International Falls airport.

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Also read: Ravindra Gaikwad row: Shiv Sena meets speaker to demand action, not against MP, but against Air India

Also read: Mumbai to Delhi via train for Ravindra Gaikwad after Air India cancels ticket for third time

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Expressing deep concern over a series of attacks on Nigerians in Greater Noida, the country on Thursday summoned the Indian High Commissioner and asked for the arrest of the attackers immediately.

Three Nigerian students were attacked during a fight that broke out on Monday when local residents were holding a candlelight march against the death of a class 12 student who died of drug overdose. The local residents have alleged that the student, Manish Khari, was drugged by the Nigerians, who lived nearby.

In another incident in the same evening, another Nigerian student was also assaulted by a mob inside the Ansal Plaza mall in Noida.

The issue of the attack was also raised in the Parliament on Thursday with Rajya Sabha MPs strongly condemning the incident.

"We are condemning racial attacks on Indians in other countries, like US and Australia. Racial attacks in our own country cannot be justified. Very strong action must be taken. No Indian will justify it. The government should be very vigilant," said Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien.

Reacting to the issue, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday said the administration is on alert to ensure that such incidents don't repeat. "It's not apt to comment till there is a result of investigation. Administration is alert to ensure that such incidents don't repeat," Sushma said while replying to opposition members during the debate hour in Parliament.
Pakistan's top diplomat in the US said that his country's "offer of dialogue" with India stands as he urged New Delhi not to fall into the trap of terrorist groups by withholding dialogue with Islamabad.

"We want peaceful, cooperative (and) good neighborly relationship with India. Our offer of dialogue with India stands," Pakistan's new Ambassador to the US Aizaz Chaudhry told a Washington audience.

Chaudhry, who arrived in the US some two weeks ago, said, "it is unfortunate that terrorist groups strike every time a peace process or dialogue starts between India and Pakistan.

As a result of which India withdraws from the dialogue. This is what terrorist wants."

He said that terrorists are no friend of either India or Pakistan and urged New Delhi not to fall into the trap of such terrorist groups by pulling back from talks.

Responding to a question at the US Institute of Peace, a top American think-tank, he insisted that if India and Pakistan can continue their talks even after such strikes, this would result in frustration by terrorists groups.

"I believe that if India and Pakistan keep talking it would frustrate the terrorists. We have repeatedly stressed the importance of dialogue. We will wait for a time when India is ready for a dialogue. We believe that answer to problem lies with talks," Chaudhry said.

However, he adopted a tough approach when asked about trade between the two countries and transit trade between Afghanistan and India through Pakistan.

"We need same civilized dialogue. The ground realities do not allow that to happen," he said observing that the Pakistani leadership is well aware of the benefits of the trade.

The Pakistani diplomat claimed that his country is committed to taking action against all terrorist groups.

Pakistan is committed not to allow any terrorist groups from acting from its soil, he said.

Chaudhry said the perception prevailing in the US is lagging behind the realities of Pakistan.

"The realities on the ground are moving at a much faster pace," he said, adding that there is a nationwide consensus against terrorism in his country.

"We are now engaged in combing out terrorist who are hiding behind in urban centers," he said, noting that all this has had an impact on economy of Pakistan which is now growing at a much faster pace.


Protesters trying to block the movement of the "Free Speech Bus," are escorted out of the way by police outside the Statehouse, Thursday, March 30, 2017, in Boston. The bus is painted with the words "boys are boys" and "girls are girls." A spokesman for the group behind the bus said organizers are pushing back against greater acceptance of transgender people. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)


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By Press Trust of India: From Sajjad Hussain

Islamabad, Mar 30 (PTI) A peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan was in Pakistans interest, Prime Ministers Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said today as he reaffirmed support for the war-torn country.

"Reaffirming Pakistans commitment to continued efforts for lasting peace in Afghanistan, Aziz underlined the importance of politically negotiated settlement under an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process for resolution of Afghan conflict," the Foreign Office said.

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He met an Afghanistan delegation and said a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan was in Pakistans interest.

Aziz said the two sides should focus on implementation of the agreed mechanism for engagement to address the issues of security, counter-terrorism and border management.

The delegation, comprising representatives from the Afghan government and media, stressed on the need for continuous people to people contacts for strengthening bilateral ties. PTI SH CPS

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Students from Madurai were the first to begin the recent protests. They have been gathering near Madurai Thepakulam and protesting against the Center for not helping Tamil Nadu farmers, for two days now.

By Pramod Madhav: In support for the drought-hit farmers' stir at Jantar Mantar, students from various districts of Tamil Nadu have begun a protest against the issues threatening the livelihood of Tamil farmers.

Some students also protested against the hydrocarbon extraction project initiated by the Center at 'Neduvasal', a fertile Cauvery delta region, but withdrew it after CM Edapadi K Palanisamy's ensured that no permission would be given for commercial hydrocarbon extraction.

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The students have taken to calling this 'Jallikattu 2.0', in reference to this January's massive uprising of students and youth in Tamil Nadu to demand the right to conduct 'Jallikattu'. Millions participated in silent protests across the state and lakhs took part in the seven-day non-violent stir at Marina Beach.

Farmers Skull Protest

Farmer union members have been protesting at Delhi's Jantar Mantar for more than 16 days now, requesting the Center to waive off farmer loans, which they are unable to pay due to drought conditions year after year, forcing several farmers to end their lives.

Now, the the State's youth and students have taken the issue in their hands and are expressing their discontent on social media with the way farmer representatives are being treated in Delhi.

Hydrocarbon Extraction Row

The sudden news of Petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan signing the MoU for hydrocarbon extraction at Neduvasal pushed the youth of Tamil Nadu to go on a massive protest.

Students from Madurai were the first to begin the recent protests. They have been gathering near Madurai Thepakulam and protesting against the Center for not helping Tamil Nadu farmers, for two days now.

Protest At VOC Grounds

Following the lead of Madurai students, protest broke out in Coimbatore where students tried to assemble at VOC grounds but denied entry by cops. A small scuffle broke out which resulted in the detention of the protesters.

"Section 144 has not been imposed at VOC ground but the cops are denying us entry. We just want to protest peacefully, the same way we did for Jallikattu. Now we are at Race Course road and they threaten to arrest us if we don't leave now. We don't care, we'll continue our hunger strike wherever the police take us", said Harahan, a law college student.

Protest At Marina Beach

The protest at Chennai's Marina Beach even evaded heavy police presence.

Also, for the past two days, social media was flooded with messages to urge people to join the protest at the beach. Furthermore, the protesters at Marina beach even did a Facebook live, supporting the Tamil farmers.

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Police took cognizance of the matter and issued a warning, stating that stern action would be taken against those who post such messages on the social media.

Besides, the police detained 23 students who tried to enter Marina from Beach Road carrying placards. But to their surprise, 13 students walked all the way from Marina swimming pool and suddenly began to protest near the sea shore.

When the police tried to stop them by using force, they went into the sea causing panic. It took cops nearly two hours to persuade them and brought them back to the shore, where they were then detained.

ALSO READ| EPS concerned about RK Nagar by-polls, not farmers' cause: DMK leader MK Stalin

ALSO READ| Tamil Nadu: Protest against hydrocarbon extraction intensifies; EPS assures no permissions were given

ALSO WATCH| Chennai: Students protest at Marina Beach against hydrocarbon project

--- ENDS ---
By Press Trust of India: Sudipto Chowdhury

Kolkata, Mar 30 (PTI) Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen today expressed solidarity with poets Srijato and Mandakranta Sen who were vilified for allegedly hurting Hindu sentiments, but questioned their silence when she was "forced out" of West Bengal in 2007.

She said that she had always fought for freedom of speech, but at the same time one cannot be "selective" while exercising that freedom.

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Her remarks came a day after a case was registered against unknown persons for threatening eminent Bengali poet Mandakranta Sen with gangrape for expressing solidarity with fellow poet Srijato who recently was embroiled in a controversy after writing a poem allegedly hurting "Hindu sentiments".

"Where were these two when I was forced out of West Bengal by fundamentalists for my writing in 2007?" Nasreen asked while talking to PTI from an undisclosed location in New Delhi.

She said, "I stand beside Srijato for his views... and Mandrakranta too. I have been vocal for freedom of speech and thats why I support both of them. But one cannot be selective in asserting ones freedom of speech... Where were they when I was forced out of West Bengal in 2007?"

A Hindutva group had lodged a police complaint against Srijato for posting a 12-line poem on Facebook on March 19, the day Yogi Adityanath was sworn in as the chief minister of UP allegedly hurting "Hindu sentiments".

The author regretted that Srijato and Mandakranta were protesting because their freedom of speech came under threat, but pointed out that they wrote only when "Hindu fundamentalists attack.

"They do not write when Muslim fundamentalists or Christian fundamentalists attack and their partiality was manifest by their attitude," the writer of famous novels like "Lajja" lamented.

Referring to the recent killing of Tamil Nadu atheist and Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam activist H Farook, Nasreen said, "Where were they when Farooq was killed? I have not seen them spending a single word on that incident. Where were these people when so many persons, bloggers were hacked to death in Bangladesh?"

Farook, a 31-year-old daily wage labourer, was hacked to death in Coimbatore last week, a fortnight after he had posted a photo of one of his children holding a placard with the handwritten slogan Kadavul illai, Kadavul illai, Kadavul illai (No God, No God, No God).

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Nasreen also wondered why Srijatos pen was silent after the Khagragarh blasts, Dhulagarh violence and incidents of gangrapes reported in West Bengal.

"But its not the same thing with me unlike the pseudo-secular people... I stand for everybody. I dont see whether someone is a Christian or a Hindu or a Muslim fundamentalist when I speak out," she said.

On Mandakranta Sen receiving rape threat because of standing beside Srijato, Nasreen said, "This is a very common matter in todays world. I have come across a thousand girls who get such threats everyday... Even I have got such threats several times. But people are making an issue out of it because it has happened to Mandakranta. PTI SCH MD SMN

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The study says that tea can significantly reduce the amount of glucose in adults.

By India Today Web Desk: A recent study has concluded that drinking tea can prevent diabetes.

The study appeared in Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The research indicated that the tea leaves contain natural plant compounds-polyphenols, that significantly reduce the amount of glucose in adults.

The study also claimed that consuming tea aids in smoothing out the spikes in blood sugar levels, triggered by snacking sweet treats.

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"After water, tea is the second most commonly consumed beverage in the world and this new research adds to already published studies which suggest that it is good for health and well-being benefits," said Dr Tim Bond of the Tea Advisory Panel. " In effect, these polyphenols seemed to lower the Glycaemic Index--the relative ability of a carbohydrate food to increase the level of glucose in the blood--of the sugary drink," he added.

Also Read: 5 kinds of tea and its health benefits

The study based its results on the effect of tea on 24 participants. While half of them had normal blood sugar levels, the other had already been diagnosed with pre-diabetes. The experiments with their blood samples were conducted thrice, with a gap of one week.

(With inputs from ANI)

--- ENDS ---
Patnaik's close aides say that to understand him, one has to understand his empathy

By Pratul Sharma/Photos Sanjay Ahlawat
Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad is probably the most hated man in the aviation industry at the moment.

The airlines in the country had placed a flying ban on the public representative after he attacked a senior Air India staffer with sandals.

Moreover, it seems that the MP, with his actions, has managed to drag the 'Gaikwad' surname through the dirt.

BJP MP Sunil Gaikwad seems to be the first among the aggrieved parties.

On Thursday, the BJP MP alleged that he was repeatedly stopped at security points of an airport, all because of his surname and the fact that he was a member of the parliament.

"I have conveyed this to the concerned minister. Is having the Gaikwad surname a crime?," he said, reported ANI.

(With inputs from ANI)
Canadian cyclist John Szlazak, who was reportedly kidnapped by villagers and Jan Militia of Sukma in South Bastar of Chhattisgarh, was released late on Wednesday night.

Raja Rathore, a reporter from the local daily Navbharat, played a major role in tracing John from the interiors of Sukma.

Sukma SP Abhishek Meena told reporters that Szlazak is in their custody and added that the tourist will be sent to Raipur with police protection. Szlazak was questioned about his presence in the area.

Director General of Naxal Operations of Chhattisgarh Police D.M. Awasthi said, We have safely rescued him.

Szlazak is an adventure enthusiast with a tourist visa to India. The 25-year-old Canadian national left on a bicycle tour from Mumbai on March 14. According to police sources, Szlazak, began his tour from Mumbai to various cities of Maharsahtra and Telangana. He was last interviewed by some people from Kotaguedam in Telangana when he was on his way to Sukma.

Local media reported that the villagers, who were unable to communicate with him in English, grew suspicious of him when he reached at South Bastar. Fearing for his life, Szlazak pressed the secret 'GPS enabled emergency button' of his bicycle which alerted the headquarters back in Canada through a satellite link. The Canadian government in turn contacted External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj who through a tweet asked Odisa government to locate the missing cyclist.

Szlazaks disappearance triggered panic in the government circles of Chhattisgarh. The authorities from the High Commission of Canada and Ministry of External Affairs were in constant touch with the state government.

According to unconfirmed sources, the villagers in Sukma, who detained the tourist, handed him over to the Naxals.

Rathore said when he heard that a foreigner was being held by the locals, he went to Sukma for the story. According to him, when the Naxals were sure that the tourist was innocent, they released him.

He said Szlazak was treated very well by the naxals. The tourist was released after consultation with the top leadership of Naxals who was against holding him captive.

Sukma is in the eye of storm after Maoists killed 12 security personnel a fortnight ago. Police, fearing another Naxal ambush, decided not to send the security force to bring back the Canadian tourist, instead engaged local journalists, traders and businessmen to get him back, sources said.

Earlier in December 2015, three students from Pune were abducted by Naxlas when they had gone on a trip to South Bastar. In 2012, Naxals abducted collector Alex Paul Menon.
Officials of the Kenyan high commission to India met with officials of the ministry of external affairs on Thursday and informed them that the allegations of Kenyan woman Maria Burendi, claiming that she had been attacked, were false. The ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay confirmed this, though he did not explain what the actual story was. He said that the police were investigating the incident.

It has been reported that the woman has since withdrawn her complaint.

The woman's complaint, close on the heels of an attack on Nigerian students in Greater Noida, had caused concern abut rising intolerance and racially motivated attacks by local residents. The police, however, was suspicious of her story from the beginning, since her version did not fall in place with the testimonies of others who were questioned.

She had alleged she was pulled out of an Ola cab and assaulted by a group who thought she was Nigerian, though she pleaded that she was Kenyan. The Ola driver refuted her claims.

There are different versions on what led the woman to make the false complaint. While some claimed she was depressed, others said she had fought with friends of her own community. Whatever be the cause, the development comes at an opportune time for the government which is trying to repair ties with Nigeria and the larger African community after the attack in a mall in Great Noida.


French President Francois Hollande said on Thursday that Britain must agree on the conditions of its exit from the EU before the bloc's members discuss other issues such as a trade deal.

"First we must begin discussions on the modalities of the withdrawal, especially on the rights of citizens and the obligations arising from the commitments that the United Kingdom has made," Hollande said.

"On the basis of what progress is made, we could open discussions on the framework of the future relations between the United Kingdom and the European Union," he added.

Hollande's approach echoes that of German Chancellor Angela Merkel who on Wednesday snubbed Prime Minister Theresa May's call for negotiations on the UK's exit from the EU to run alongside talks on defining the conditions of their future relationship.

Merkel said the negotiations "must first clarify how we will disentangle our interlinked relationship... and only when this question is dealt with, can we, hopefully soon after, begin talking about our future relationship".

As the EU's major powers, Germany and France are expected to play a determining role in the negotiations over the relationship that Britain will have when it leaves.
An FIR has been filed against the victim's husband, his brother and two relatives, who the police said are absconding.

By Rajat Rai: A police team rushed to Shagufta Shah's home in the rural outskirts of Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur city on Wednesday, hours after Mail Today highlighted the plight of the pregnant woman who was divorced in an instant and thrown out on the streets by her husband and in-laws.

Cops registered an FIR at the local police station while media crews spilled into the narrow byways of Nanauta village to report on Shagufta's attempt to fight the controversial practice of triple talaq for which she has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for assistance.

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WHAT IS TRIPLE TALAQ

The Constitution allows most religions to regulate matters such as marriage, divorce and inheritance through their own civil code. But the tradition of triple talaq among the country's 170 million Muslims is one of the most controversial, because it allows a man to divorce his wife by merely uttering the word "talaq", or divorce, three times - sometimes even by Skype or email or text message.

The custom has been banned in more than 20 Muslim countries, including neighbouring Pakistan and Bangladesh.

SHAGUFTA'S STORY

Shagufta got married to Shamshad Saeed of Saharanpur district's Buddhakhera village five years ago and the couple has two daughters.

However, when she got pregnant again, her husband and in-laws pushed her to get an abortion as they did not want another girl child. Shagufta says her staunch refusal angered them and on March 24, they threw her out of the house after beating her up. She approached the police the same day, only to be turned away without an FIR.

She then sent a letter to the PM with a copy to UP chief minister Yogi Adityananth and other authorities, pleading for help and abolition of such anti-women Islamic traditions. However, Shagufta appeared much relieved on Wednesday.

"I thank the media for helping me. I hope my plight will now reach the PM and the CM also and they will help us (Muslim women) on this (triple talaq) evil," she said.

FIR REGISTERED

An FIR has been filed against the victim's husband, his brother and two relatives, superintendent of police Rafiq Ahmed said.

However, he played down a question on why it took five days to register an FIR. "It is possible that they were not able to reach the police station. However, a team has been formed and strict action will be taken against the accused," he announced.

Cops said all four accused were absconding when their house was raided.

A team of doctors also conducted a medical examination of Shagufta. "We will hand over the report to the police soon," said a doctor, preferring anonymity.

According to sources, Shagufta is receiving care in hospital as she is anaemic and has other medical conditions.

Also read

Triple Talaq: All India Muslim Personal Board urges Supreme Court not to change personal laws

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PM Narendra Modi gets SOS from pregnant triple talaq victim

--- ENDS ---
Europe just heaved a huge sigh of relief. Geert Wilders, the Netherlands far-right leader nicknamed the Dutch Trump, failed to pull off his populist revolution in a keenly watched election.

His anticipated success was pregnant with dire implications for the European Union (EU). But it turned out to be a false alarm. The anti-EU, anti-immigration, anti-Islam populist tidal wave appears to have ebbed, for now. Leaders of France and Germany who face populist threats in impending elections are particularly relieved.

The values of openness, respect for others, and a faith in Europes future are the only true response to the nationalist impulses and isolationism that are shaking the world, exulted French President Francois Hollande. This is a clear victory against extremism.

Tweeted Guy Verhofstadt, leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe in the European Parliament: People want constructive and reliable politicians to govern their country. This is why Le Pen (French far-right leader Marine Le Pen) will also fail.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte played his cards well. In the final days of the election campaign, he warned of chaos if Wilders was allowed to form the government, urging voters to make a point to the world by rejecting Wilderss intolerant agenda. Supporters responded to his call. Wilders, who wanted the Netherlands to the leave the EU, was put in his place by 81 per cent of the Dutch electorate who voted, the highest turnout in 30 years. Even the youth came out in droves to protect the liberal identity of their nation and prevent what happened in Britain, where millions of voters, especially the youth, did not bother to vote in the Brexit referendum. The Dutch nixed Nexit in the bud.

The outcome thrilled European leaders. In a personal letter to Rutte, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker wrote, The people of the Netherlands voted overwhelmingly for the values Europe stands for: free and tolerant societies in a prosperous Europe. The result of this election is an inspiration to many. Hint, hint, to the French and German voters! Juncker ended his letter exclaiming in Dutch, Laten we samen bouwen aan een sterk Europa! [Let us put our heads together for a stronger Europe].

In the autumn elections, German Chancellor Angela Merkel faces a stiff challenge from the populist Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) in her attempt to be chancellor for a record fourth term. Much of the public anger and resentment in Europe against the influx of Syrian and Afghan refugees stems from her decision to open the floodgates two years ago. In her typical staid fashion, Merkel observed, I was very happy that a high turnout led to a very pro-European result. It was a good day for democracy. Her chief of staff, Peter Altmaier, was more exuberant. The Netherlands, oh the Netherlands, you are a champion! he tweeted.

The Dutch poll is certainly not a storm in a teacup. Much can be interpreted from the tea leaves left behind by this tumultuous election. It signifies not merely the retreat of populism for now. As Rutte said, The voters have rejected the wrong sort of populism.

Tough message: A Wilders supporter in Spijkenisse shows a flyer that reads for freedom and against Islamisation | AFP

The key word is wrong. The main reason Rutte won this election is that he told immigrants: Behave normally or leave! He co-opted some of Wilderss popular, less extreme views, much the way Narendra Modi co-opted Arvind Kejriwals crusade against corruption. Both the prime ministers reaped rich dividends.

The declawing of populism is not the only message from the Dutch election. Equally significant is the utter collapse of the Labour Party (PvdA), the party of social democrats that was decimated from 38 to a pathetic nine seats in the 150-member parliament. Social democrats are crumbling across Europe. Post World War II, they were instrumental in Europes rise from the ashes of destruction to an economic powerhouse, ensuring workers rights, social equality, quality life and the rise of the middle class.

But now, in most European countries, the social democrats are being mauled. Prof Franck Orban, who specialises in European populism and extremism, told THE WEEK: The weakening of the traditional left and socialist parties is dramatic. We are witnessing a recomposition of the political scene in Europe, which until now had been dominated by twin political pillarsliberals and conservatives. The decreasing appeal of the socialists and the rise of small parties is a historic shift.

So why are European voters defecting from the traditional left and socialist parties? The losers of globalisation and liberalisation feel these parties have betrayed their interests. Ordinary workers have not benefited from the visible prosperity that has been hogged by a thin slice of elite, educated, high-skilled workforce. Downsizing, offshoring, cost cutting, austerity measures, mergers, smart machines and robotics have all resulted in dislocation and job losses. A whole way of life is vanishing. Youngsters get temporary jobs, so they do not have steady incomes or job security. They cannot plan for the future. Their parents middle class dream is now a mirage. A well-functioning market economy cum social welfare model is what they yearn for.

So who are replacing the social democrats? Orban notes that far-right populism is matched by far-left populism, resulting in the radicalisation of the mainstream middle. Alt (alternative) right vs alt leftthat is the Bernie Sanders vs Donald Trump narrative across Europe. Dutch Labour Party leader Lodewijk Asscher admitted the result was unbelievably disappointing. Voters have put their trust in another party.

And that party is the GreenLeft, which emerged as the single biggest Dutch winner, literally crawling out of the woodwork to win 14 seats from its previous four seats.

The traditional left and Labour Partys approach to solving modern-day problems is outdated and bureaucratic, highlighting the utter bankruptcy of new ideas. The perception that foreign workers are stealing local jobs is very real, be it in Britain or in the Netherlands. But Labour Partys solution to this problem is introducing Cold War-era work permits, regional quotas and other schemes requiring government control that are archaic and unenforceable. It symbolises a bunkering, shut-down mentality that youngsters find so yesterday.

Far more appealing is the green or radical lefts demand for stronger internal measures such as promoting local employment, training and protecting workers. Jingoism, bigotry and bashing of foreign workers are distasteful to the idealistic but grounded millennials, who form the core of the GreenLeft vote bank. The GreenLeft is led by the handsome 30-year-old Jesse Klaver, the rock star of Dutch politics. He could well be the kingmaker in the ongoing talks to form a coalition government. (These talks could drag on for months, but as far as a joyous Europe is concerned, the government formation in the Netherlands is now a matter of minor detail.)

Green parties are surging in Europe, notably in Germany and Scandinavia. Environment, social security, education and national values are the issues that matter most to the green left. Buoyed by the Dutch GreenLefts performance, British Green Party leader Jonathan Bartley tweeted the Dutch outcome may be a taste of things to come across Europe.

So relieved are European leaders by the Dutch verdict that many resort to hyperbole. Denis MacShane, Britains former minister of Europe in the Labour government, predicted that it would ensure the end of populism in Europe. The Dutch result and the probable new president of France signals an end to Brexit-Trump nationalist populism with its nasty anti-immigration scapegoating, he wrote in The Independent. Such politics will not disappear and it will infect mainstream parties but democracies are not yet ready to surrender to their extremes.

Not so fast, said Dutch political strategist Hans Anker. The death of populism is vastly exaggerated, he quipped. Agreed Orban: The populist tsunami is not over. Henceforth, there will be a more balanced appraisal of its real weight in European politics.

Job losses, income disparity and the feeling of being swamped by immigrants remain potent issues. While everyone praises Rutte for rescuing Europe from the clutches of populism, it must not be forgotten that his party actually won eight seats less than it did in 2012; and Wilderss won five seats more than in 2012. Wilderss real defeat is that he failed to win the 41 seats pollsters predicted at the height of his popularity. As Wilders warns, Rutte is far from rid of me!

Notwithstanding the Dutch victory, threats still lurk in Europe, as alt left and alt right, anti-establishment and Eurosceptic parties gain traction. Many Europeans resent the EUs domination and its theft of their national sovereignty.

The threat of EU destabilisation began with Grexit. The Greek economic distress is a combination of national mismanagement and unrelenting pressures exerted by EU institutions led by Germany, fabled for its Teutonic efficiency and discipline, in stark contrast to the laid-back Mediterranean approach.

The need to unify, rebuild and revitalise Europe is paramount. Brexit and the Trump victory shook the EU to its very foundations. The Dutch verdict throws a much-needed lifeline. Now the ball is firmly in the court of European leaders, who must, as Juncker says, put their heads together for a stronger Europe.
Chief Justice of India Justice JS Khehar has said the Supreme Court is ready to give up summer vacation to hear triple talaq case. Justice Khehar has asked the government, will it cooperate?

By Anusha Soni: Chief Justice of India Justice JS Khehar has said that the Supreme Court is ready to give up the summer vacation to hear the issue of triple talaq.

Justice Khehar called the matter as "issue of grave importance". The Supreme Court is ready to sit even on Saturdays and Sundays to hear the matter, Justice Khehar today said.

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Justice Khehar put the ball in the Modi government's court saying, "It is for the Centre to decide if they can cooperate."

TRIPLE TALAQ: WHAT HAPPENED IN SUPREME COURT

CJI Khehar insisted that for resolving key matters early everyone needed to work together.

"Whenever we say vacations, everyone wants it in the beginning so that they can go away later in the vacation. I am ready to work, I worked during the last two vacations, I am ready to do that even now," said CJI Khehar.

Responding to Justice Khehar's suggestion, Attorney General Mukul Rohtagi expressed difficulty in arguing the matter citing ongoing hearing by two other constitutional benches during the summer vacation.

A visibly irked CJI retorted saying, "If we don't hear the matter now, it will be pending for years, if you (Centre) do not want to co operate let us know. But then don't come blaming us that the matter has been pending for so long."

The Supreme Court is hearing two other cases in summer vacations. One case is pertaining to the privacy issue with WhatsApp and the second about the citizenship issue in Assam pertaining to illegal Bangladeshi migrants.

TRIPLE TALAQ IN SUPREME COURT

The Supreme Court will begin hearing the triple talaq case on May 11. All the parties have to file their replies within two weeks on the matter in the apex court.

The triple talaq matter reached the Supreme Court through a plea filed by Saira Bano who challenged the three rules related to Niqah (wedding). These rules are: Talaq-e-Bidat, Niqah Halala and a man's right to have four wives.

Responding to the Supreme Court notice on the matter the Centre had, last year, said, "The issue of validity of triple talaq, nikah halala and polygamy needs to be considered in the light of principles of gender justice and the overriding principle of non-discrimination, dignity and equality."

Earlier this week, the All India Muslim Personal Board (AIMPLB) urged the Supreme Court not to hear the matter of triple talaq as it comes under the personal laws.

ALSO READ|

Triple Talaq: All India Muslim Personal Board urges Supreme Court not to change personal laws

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Triple talaq: What is behind Allahabad High Court judgement

ALSO WATCH| Triple talaq victim writes to Prime Minister for abolition of instant divorce practice

--- ENDS ---
The Transportation Security Administration's pat-down of a little boy in sensitive areas disgusted his mother, and many on the internet.

By India Today Web Desk: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is receiving flak for the way they handled the security check of one particular traveller.

A little boy.

A security agent scrutinised little boy Aaron for more time than usual. The boy also has a case of hypersensitivity as part of his SPD or Sensory Processing Disorder.

The boy has an extreme response to surprise touch. People with the disorder are known to avoid hugs and cuddling even with familiar people.

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Aaron's mother Jennifer Williamson captured a minute-long video where a TSA agent at the Dallas/Fort-Worth International Airport in the US is seen repeatedly moving his hands over Aaron's body.

Aaron's mother described the incident as "traumatising" for her son.

"We were treated like dogs because I requested they attempt to screen him in other ways per TSA rules [sic]," Williamson wrote on Facebook.

"He has SPD and I didn't want my child given a pat-down like this."

According to Williamson, Aaron "set off NO alarms" and "physically did not alarm at all during screening."

The TSA detained Aaron for over an hour to carry on their screening process due to which the family missed their flight.

Apparently, the TSA is sticking to its conduct.

Watch the video here:

People with SPD are known to be fearful of crowds and avoid standing in close proximity to others. Aaron's mother shared that "he is still several hours later saying, I don't know what I did. What did I do? [sic]"

FYI || Exploited or empowered? Cambodian mothers sell breast milk to survive poverty ||

FYI || Supreme Court denies pregnant woman permission to abort foetus with brain defect ||

Also Watch: 14-Year-Old Without Hand 3D-Prints His Own Prosthesis for Less Than $100

--- ENDS ---
By Press Trust of India: Karachi, Mar 30 (PTI) Pakistani authorities today detained two Indians during census exercise here, claiming that they were "illegally" living in the country.

Both the persons did not have any legal documents, provincial census commissioner of Sindh Abdul Aleem Memon said while addressing reporters after winding up the first phase of census in eight districts of Sindh province.

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The authorities, during census exercise, detained the two Indian nationals, claiming that they were living in Karachi "illegally", the Express Tribune reported.

"One has been arrested from Gulberg Town, Karachi and we have recovered a diary from his possession," he said.

They have been handed over to law enforcement agencies for further investigation, the official said.

Pakistan on March 15 began its first census in about two decades with the assistance of over 200,000 troops and civilian officials collect crucial data that will be used for key policy decisions, including delimitation of constituencies. PTI CPS

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In the organizations annual report, Tzohar Rabbis explain 2016 was a most successful year for its operations around Israel. The rabbis affiliated with the organization noticeably increased their activities to bring Yiddishkheit far and wide.

They opened a new Jewish Ethics Department, and finalized the prenuptial agreement that it feels should be used by couples getting married today. 900 of the couples assisted and/or married by Tzohar signed the prenuptial agreement.

Since the establishment of the organization in 1996, the group officials explain has been working to maintain the integrity of marriage in Israel. In 2016 the organization assisted 8,000 brides and bridegrooms as well as giving kallah classes to 3,200 non-religious women in addition to holding 400 meetings of kallah classes for religious kallahs. An additional 40 rabbonim and 40 kallah teachers were certified during the year as well.

Their Roots program managed to close the cases on 2,200 persons whose Jewishness was in question.

Regarding Yomim Tovim, their program increased as well with Purim events taking place in 2,500 area including a total of 58,000 people. This included reading Megillah and distributing baskets of goodies to participants.

Tzohar boasts that there were 8,500 participants in its Shavuos learning programs in 21 locals, as well as 40,000 participants in Rosh Hashanah minyanim and events held in 250 places nationwide. This included blowing shofar in shuls and parks, minyanim and limud.

Yom Kippur hosted 58,000 participants around the country including over 300 minyanim.

The organizations bar mitzvah program addressed requests from 261 families.

Organization leaders express the hope that the current year will be accompanied by continued growth as they continue reaching out to assist the klall.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Israels Consul General in Toronto, Galit Baram, told the Limmud FSU Canada conference this week that the Israeli government will help Canadas Russian-speaking Jewish community grow and flourish.

Its heartwarming to see so many motivated young Russian-speaking Jews getting together in the framework of this major Jewish event in the heart of Canada, and to witness the inspiring work being done, Baram told Limmud FSU Canada participants. We will do everything in our power to help it continue to grow and flourish.

Baram added: The work Limmud FSU is doing is extremely important and crucial  taking care of the Russian-speaking Jewish community, which is a loyal community that supports Israel and fights the BDS movement.

Over 700 people gathered this past weekend for the biggest event geared towards the Russian-speaking community in Canada. The event took place at the Blue Mountain Resort, an alpine ski resort just northwest of Collingwood. Limmud FSU Canada featured an array of world-class programs and speakers from around the world, including Israels Counsel General of Toronto and Western Canada, and a special ceremony opening an exhibition on Elie Wiesels life and accomplishments.

Limmud FSU Canada, a dynamic and pluralistic Jewish festival of culture, creativity and learning featured more than 50 inspiring speakers and 150 panels, workshops and discussions on subjects ranging from art, to Jewish culture and tradition, history, politics, academia, business and lifestyles. Currently, there are about 330,000 Jews living in Canada among which 137,500 are Russian speakers.

The Canadian Russian-Jewish community is experiencing a remarkable renaissance and were thrilled that Limmud FSU Canada is a part of it, said Limmud FSU Founder Chaim Chesler. This successful weekend showcased the tremendous vitality of Russian-Jewish life in Canada.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Jared Kushner has been a power player able to avoid much of the harsh scrutiny that comes with working in the White House. But this week hes found that even the presidents son-in-law takes his turn in the spotlight.

In a matter of days, Kushner, a senior Trump adviser, drew headlines for leaving Washington for a ski vacation while a signature campaign promise fell apart. The White House then confirmed he had volunteered to be interviewed before the Senate intelligence committee about meetings with Russian officials. At the same time, the White House announced hell helm a new task force that some in the West Wing have suggested carries little real influence.

Kushner became the fourth Trump associate to get entangled in the Russia probe. North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr, the chairman of the intelligence committee, said Tuesday that Kushner would likely be under oath and would submit to a private interview about arranging meetings with the Russian ambassador and other officials.

The news came as the White House announced Kushner would lead a new White House Office of American Innovation, a task force billed as a powerful assignment for Kushner. But the task forces true power in the White House remained unclear, according to a half-dozen West Wing officials and Kushner associates who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The official White House line is that the group would have sweeping authority to modernize government, acting as strategic consultants who can draw from experiences in the private sector  and sometimes receive input from the president himself  to fulfill campaign promises like battling opioid addiction and transforming health care for veterans. White House press secretary Sean Spicer said Monday that it would apply the presidents ahead-of-schedule-and-under-budget mentality to the government.

But others inside and outside the White House cast doubt on the task forces significance and reach, suggesting it was a lower priority for the administration and pointing out that similar measures have been tried by previous presidents with middling success. The assignment revived lingering questions about whether Kushner had opted to focus his time on a project that would put him at some distance from some Trumps more conservative and controversial policy overhauls.

The announcement came just days after Kushner and his wife, Ivanka Trump, were photographed on the ski slopes of Aspen, Colorado, as the GOP health care deal began to unravel amid protests from conservative Republicans that it did not go far enough in replacing President Barack Obamas Affordable Care Act. Kushner rushed back to Washington on Friday but it was too late to save the bill, which was scuttled hours later by House Speaker Paul Ryan.

Two people close to Kushner vehemently denied the president was upset at his son-in-law for being absent, saying Trump had given the trip his blessing. And a senior White House official insisted the timing of the task force announcement was planned weeks in advance.

Kushner, who has been at his father-in-laws right hand since the campaign, has long been viewed as a first-among-equals among the disparate power centers competing for the presidents ear. Kushner, who routinely avoids interviews, draws power from his ability to access Trump at all hours, including the White House residence often off-limits to staffers.

His portfolio is robust: He has been deeply involved with presidential staffing and has played the role of shadow diplomat, advising on relations with the Middle East, Canada and Mexico. Though Kushner and Ivanka Trump have been spotted with some frequency on the Washington social circuit, the presidents son-in-law is routinely in the office early and leaves late, other than on Fridays when he observes the Sabbath.

While those close to Trump flatly state that Kushner, by virtue of marriage, is untouchable, this is a rare moment when he has been the center of the sort of political storm that has routinely swept up the likes of White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, chief of staff Reince Priebus and senior counselor Kellyanne Conway. It points to a White House whose power matrix is constantly in flux.

Kushner has been closely allied with senior counselor Dina Powell and National Economic Council director Gary Cohn, the former Goldman Sachs executive and a registered Democrat. That group has, at times, been at odds with conservatives led by Bannon, who to this point has been the driving force behind the White Houses policy shop.

When Kushner officially joined the administration in January as a senior adviser, it was suggested that the real estate heir would draw upon the private sector to streamline and modernize government. His task force has been meeting since shortly after the inauguration and started talking to CEOs from various sectors about ways to make changes to entrenched federal programs.

Jared is a visionary with an endless appetite for strategic, inventive solutions that will improve quality of life for all Americans, said Hope Hicks, Trumps longtime spokeswoman.

A list supplied by the White House of some of those who have met with Kushner reads like a whos who of the American business world, including Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Tim Cook of Apple and Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase. Kushner usually does more listening than talking in the meetings, largely avoiding ideological arguments while asking questions about efficiency and best practices, according to a person who has attended a gathering but is not authorized to discuss private conversations.

But the Trump team is hardly the first seeking to improve how the government operates. The Reagan administration tasked the Grace Commission in 1982 with uncovering wasteful spending and practices, while the Clinton administration sought its own reinvention of government in 1993 with what was initially called the National Performance Review. Previous commissions have not produced overwhelming results in changing the stubborn bureaucracy, casting some doubt on what Kushners team can accomplish.

Philip Joyce, a professor of public policy at the University of Maryland, said the domestic spending cuts in Trumps budget blueprint suggest that this new committee would most likely focus more on shrinking the government than improving its performance.

Even then, any change would be unlikely to deliver significant budget savings compared to reforming entitlement programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.

Its not the main thing we ought to be focusing on, Joyce said. Its at the margins of the big issues facing the country, certainly in terms of the budget.

(AP)
Israels High Court of Justice rejected a petition filed by MK (Likud) Yehuda Glick) against the prohibition against Members of Knesset and cabinet ministers visiting Har Habayis. He was asking the court to issue an interim order prohibiting Prime Minister Netanyahu from preventing from elected officials from visiting the holy site, which he used to do regularly before becoming a MK.

While the court did not agree to issuing the order immediately as requested, it did instruct respondents to submit their statements to the court within two weeks.

The petition mentioned not only PM Netanyahu but Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein, Police Chief Roni Alsheich and Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit.

Glick wanted to have the matter adjudicated before Pesach so he and other elected officials who visit the site on Yomtov could do so.

It is added that Gedolei Yisrael over the generations and the Chief Rabbinate of Israel prohibit visiting Har Habayis.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Yesh Atid party leader MK Yair Lapid feels the nation may no longer turn a blind eye to current events, namely the hafganos of the Peleg Yerushalmi faction of the litvish chareidi community.

He points out it is quite evident the campaign against serving in the IDF is escalating, becoming increasingly violent with each passing day and something must be done. He spoke of how mock IDF soldiers were hanged in effigy in Meah Shearim on Purim and how today, there are pashkavilim calling on persons to be mispallel for the death of Major Yaakov Rashi, a religious office who is in charge of the IDFs hesder soldiers. He added This time, the pashkavilim were not in Jerusalem or Bnei Brak, but in the neighborhood that Rashi lives citing it is totally unacceptable and not enough is being done to deter such actions in the future.

He points out that one must not generalize and one must understand the current activities is not representative of the entire chareidi community and this is not part of the legitimate machlokes that takes place on the matter between the religious and secular communities.

As a member of the opposition, Lapid blames the government coalition. He laments how chareidi IDF personnel regularly come under attack and not enough is being done to prevent this either.

Lapid calls on Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to order law enforcement agencies to act as they should and bring a halt to the law-breaking activities of the Peleg group and those daring to attack IDF soldiers.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
By Press Trust of India: From Aditi Khanna

London, Mar 30 (PTI) The UK government today published a White Paper on the Great Repeal Bill, which will convert the EU law into British law to give businesses, workers and consumers certainty after Britain leaves the economic bloc.

Britains minister for exiting the European Union, David Davis, told the House of Commons that the bill will provide "clarity and certainty" on the countrys plans, a day after Prime Minister Theresa May formally invoked Article 50 to begin the countdown to Britains exit from the economic bloc.

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"We have been clear that we want a smooth and orderly exit, and the Great Repeal Bill is integral to that approach. It will provide clarity and certainty for businesses, workers and consumers across the United Kingdom on the day we leave the EU," David told MPs today.

"It will mean that as we exit the EU and seek a new deep and special partnership with the European Union, we will be doing so from the position where we have the same standards and rules.

"But it will also ensure that we deliver on our promise to end the supremacy of EU law in the UK as we exit. Our laws will then be made in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast and interpreted not by judges in Luxembourg but by judges across the United Kingdom," he added.

The process of repealing the laws involves a so-called "copy-paste" exercise to ensure that all EU laws are incorporated into UK law to avoid a legal blackhole.

Workers rights, environmental protection and consumer rights currently enshrined in EU laws would continue as before when Britain left. But the UK Parliament, and the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, would then be able to amend or scrap these laws without EU consent.

Davis, who will be Britains chief negotiator in Brussels during the two-year negotiation process, said the rights of British expats would be the first priority in Brexit talks.

He said Britain had a "moral duty" to end the uncertainty facing Britons living in the EU - and EU citizens living in the UK - as it was not their fault that Britain had voted to leave.

The Great Repeal Bill is a crucial aspect of Brexit and will go through the parliamentary process as negotiations begin. PTI AK ZH

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A Bank of Israel report that was released this week shows that chareidim living in mixed communities earn more than their counterparts living in exclusively chareidi communities.

According to the report, immigration to the chareidi communities established over the past three decades, such as Betar Illit or Modiin Illit, stems from a desire to improve housing conditions. However, when it comes to cities on the outskirts of the metropolises of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, efficient public transport and advanced communications (Internet and cellular) make it easier to maintain contact with the old cities and thus enable access to employment.

However, the Bank of Israel notes in connection with the city of Kasif that when a population from a weak socio-economic background immigrates to a periphery far from employment centers, this may worsen the situation.

The new chareidi cities are characterized by young and multi-child population with low employment rates and extensive work in the chareidi sector itself, so the same population is also characterized by low income for the household per person.

In addition, the proportion of workers outside the locality of residence is relatively high due to the lack of opportunities and the high housing density due to the large number of children, so that in the bottom line, the residents of the chareidi new cities belong to a very low socioeconomic level.

A segmentation of the data shows that chareidi households in Jerusalem and Bnei Brak (which were classified as a single geographical unit due to similar characteristics) and in the heterogeneous localities in the center of the country earned more than chareidi households in communities where chareidim and non-chareidim live together in the periphery. The chareidi in the mixed cities earned more than the households in the new chareidi cities. These differences, according to the Bank of Israel, stem mainly from the fact that the latter two groups (chareidim in the mixed periphery and in the new chareidi cities) are characterized by low-income from work. Since they are also characterized by larger households, their poverty rates are higher and consumption per standard person is lower.

According to the Banks analysis, the average gross monthly income per household in Jerusalem and Bnei Brak stood at NIS 12,600 (NIS 3.5 thousand in allowances). In heterogeneous cities in the periphery, the income stood at NIS 9.9 thousand (NIS 1.9 thousand in allowances). NIS 1,000 (of which NIS 2.3 thousand are allowances) and NIS 9.4 thousand a month in new chareidi cities, of which NIS 2.6 thousand per month in allowances.

Identification according to various indicators such as number of children and years of yeshiva study and analysis of the chareidi population dispersion revealed that cities that are populated by chareidim and have undergone significant changes in the past few decades in terms of dispersion in the region. The changes were characterized by three main patterns: spilling over to the non-chareidi neighborhoods adjacent to the chareidim, settling in other non-chareidi neighborhoods and building new ones for the chareidi puplic.

In the late 1980s, for example, Jerusalem began to slide significantly into the neighborhoods north and west of the chareidi center in the city center of Ramot, Shmuel HaNavi, Ramat Eshkol, Maalot Daphna and Givat HaMivtar. The process of turning chareidi also appears in neighborhoods that do not border chareidi neighborhoods such as Gilo (in the south of the city) and Pisgat Zeev (north of the city).

Since 2008, the employment rates of chareidi men in Jerusalem and Bnei Brak, as well as in the other heterogeneous cities, have risen sharply, while in the new chareidi cities the rate has declined somewhat.

The Bank of Israel further notes that concurrently, the average number of hours worked fell sharply, apparently due to the fact that many chareidim joined the labor market in part-time jobs.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
The New York Police Department is investigating the apparent suicide of a hedge fund partner whose former firm invested with imprisoned Ponzi schemer Bernard Madoff.

Charles Murphy plunged from a 24th-floor window of the Sofitel (SOH-fee-tehl) New York Hotel on Monday. Police said he was depressed and was on medication.

Murphy previously worked at the Fairfield Greenwich Group, which agreed to pay $8 million to settle civil fraud charges related to Madoff investments. It neither admitted nor denied wrongdoing.

He most recently was a partner at hedge fund Paulson & Co.

Madoff was arrested in 2008 and sentenced to 150 years in prison.

That month, Madoff investor Rene-Thierry Magon de la Villehuchet (reh-NAY tee-ay-REE mah-GOHN duh lah veel-oo-SHAY) killed himself in New York.

Madoffs son Mark hanged himself in December 2010.

(AP)
Hours after President Donald Trump signed an executive order seeking to undo his predecessors efforts to curb climate change, his administration has asked a federal appeals court to postpone ruling on lawsuits over Obama-era restrictions on carbon emissions.

The regulations  known as the Clean Power Plan  have been the subject of long-running legal challenges by about two dozen mostly Republican-led states and industry groups that profit from burning coal.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit heard arguments in the case last year and could issue a ruling any time.

Because the rule is under agency review and may be significantly modified or rescinded through further rulemaking in accordance with the executive order, holding this case in abeyance is the most efficient and logical course of action here, lawyers for the Justice Department said in their motion late Tuesday.

A coalition of 16 mostly Democratic-led states and environmental groups involved in the legal case say they will oppose the administrations request for a delay. A ruling in favor of the carbon restrictions from the D.C. appeals court could help blunt the Trump administrations efforts to undo them and put the issue before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Rewriting the Clean Power Plan and other carbon-limiting federal regulations is likely to take years to complete and is expected to face legal challenges from big Democratic-leaning states as New York and California.

In a call with reporters, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said presidents dont have legal authority to just do away with Environmental Protection Agency regulations with the stroke of a pen.

Trumps executive order did not attempt to withdraw a key 2009 EPA ruling that greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide endanger the publics health and welfare. The Trump administration is also bound by a 2007 Supreme Court ruling that requires the federal agency to regulate planet-warming carbon emissions.

Were very confident that the EPA cant simply dismantle the Clean Power Plan and leave nothing in its place, said Schneiderman, a Democrat. We regret the fact that the president is trying to dial back history, but its not going to happen.

Meanwhile, members of the conservative coalition that sued to stop Obamas plan were already declaring a monumental victory for their side.

President Trumps decisive action lets everyone know this unlawful, job-killing regulation will find no support in his administration, said West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey. Thats a tremendous relief for every coal miner and family that depends upon coals success.

(AP)
President Donald Trump is vowing to step up efforts to combat the nations addiction crisis.

Trump convened an emotional roundtable Wednesday attended by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, members of his cabinet, law enforcement chiefs and recovering addicts. It was the first public event tied to the launch of a new addiction commission that Trump asked Christie, a longtime friend and formal rival, to chair.

Trump listened intently as attendees shared their harrowing stories about addiction and recovery. He told a woman who lost her son to an overdose that he did not die in vain.

Christie, who has made the issue of addiction a centerpiece of his own administration, chaired Trumps presidential transition team before he was unceremoniously replaced by incoming Vice President Mike Pence.

Christie spoke extensively about the issue during his own presidential bid and has dedicated his final year in office to addressing the drug crisis. Last month, he signed legislation that limits first-time opioid prescriptions to five days worth of drugs and requires state-regulated health insurers to cover at least six months of substance abuse treatment.

Christie told The Associated Press earlier Wednesday that he has no interest in having a permanent role in the Trump administration at this time, but that the president asked him to spearhead efforts to combat opioid and drug abuse as he completes his term as governor.

He asked me to help with this and Im going to, Christie said. Its an issue that I care about a lot in New Jersey and for the country and so the president asked me to do this and I was happy to.

Christie has been friends with Trump for years and has been working behind the scenes with the White House on the issue for months, discussing it with aides including Kellyanne Conway, a fellow New Jersey native, and the president. The commission is being rolled out as part of a new office led by Trumps son-in-law and top adviser Jared Kushner, whose father Christie prosecuted in his former role as U.S. attorney.

Christie, who had lunch with Kushner Tuesday as part of his discussions about the administrations policy, downplayed reports of tensions between the two.

It was great, Christie said. We are talking about the opioid issue because its one of the things thats going to be overseen out of his department and so we had a good lunch and a good opportunity to lay out what we need to do and what our goals are.

Christies history with drug policy dates to his first elected position in county government more than 20 years ago. The issue became personal more than a decade later, when one of Christies best friends from law school developed an addiction to prescription drugs and died of an overdose in a New Jersey motel.

Christies position leading the commission is a volunteer one, and he has long maintained that he plans to complete his term as governor before moving to the private sector. Nonetheless, people close to him say that he is open to potentially joining the administration once his term ends.

Christies last visit to the White House stoked speculation. After he and his wife, Mary Pat, had lunch with Trump in February, Christie was bombarded with questions at home about his intentions.

Let me be very clear, we did not get into any discussion of me joining the current administration in some type of drug abuse role, some type of czar or God forbid surgeon general, he said then.

The focus on the drug issue also gives Christie a chance to try to move past negative headlines that have helped fuel his unpopularity in New Jersey.

As Christie is appearing at the White House, two former aides are being sentenced for their roles in the 2013 George Washington Bridge lane-closing scandal. Bill Baroni was sentenced to two years in prison on Wednesday, while co-defendant Bridget Kelly was awaiting sentencing after they were convicted last November on counts including wire fraud, conspiracy and misusing the bridge for improper purposes.

The scandal derailed Christies presidential aspirations and may have cost him a chance to be then-GOP nominee Trumps running mate  a role Christie openly courted. He was later named chair of Trumps transition effort, but was booted after Trump won the election due to internal disagreements about the transitions direction.

Several of Christies former aides now work in the Trump administration.

(AP)
Mr. David Friedman, an Orthodox Jew and prominent attorney from NYC has been sworn in as the next United States Ambassador to Israel. Friedman has already been labeled the staunch supporter of settlements by Haaretz, representing the left-wing total inability to fathom having a US representative that is not in line with their left-wing liberal agenda.

In fact, Friedman in his civilian life has been a staunch supporters of Beit El and its institutions as well as other endeavors that are a far cry from the Haaretz agenda.

The Swearing-in Ceremony, which took place in the Indian Treaty Room of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, DC at 17:00, was attended by Vice President Mike Pence who opened the ceremony by praising Friedmans character and complimenting his family, his wife, children and five grandchildren. The ceremony was also attended by the Israeli ambassador to the US Ron Dermer, and a good friend of Mr. Friedmans, Eli Beer, who is the Founder and President of United Hatzalah.

Vice President Pence said that Mr. Friedman has always shown a love for both Israel and the United States and has been a supporter of the humanitarian work that Israel does, and that he has worked tirelessly to deepen the friendship between the two nations. Pence continued to say that Friedman knows in his heart that those who hate Israel do not hate Israel for what she does wrong, but rather for what she does right. David, your record of compassion and care for the Israeli people is an inspiration to the President and an inspiration to us all. Israel is our most cherished ally. Under President Trumps leadership, the United States will always be a faithful friend to the Jewish State of Israel and David, the President and I both know that you will help us make that immutable bond between our people and the people of Israel even stronger still.

After Friedman took the oath of office he thanked the Vice President for his kind words and thanked President Trump for his courageous leadership, his friendship, and his guidance. I am humbled by the trust that he has placed in me and I will do everything that I can to justify his faith and confidence in my abilities. I am very proud to say that my nomination represents the first time in American history that the US Ambassador to Israel was nominated by the President as early as the first day of his presidency and was the first ambassador approved by the senate and given the oath of office. That demonstrates how high the Trump administration prioritizes the unbreakable bond between the US and the state of Israel.

Beer and United Hatzalah have been staunch supporters of Mr. Friedman through the Senate hearings that have taken place since Mr. Friedman received the appointment by President Trump. Mr. Friedman is a close friend and supporter of the organization and has been an International Committee member for the past ten years. He has also been a personal friend of United Hatzalahs President and Founder Eli Beer. Friedmans support for the organization was honorably mentioned during the Senate Committee hearing and commented on by Democratic Committee Member Robert Mendez from New Jersey.

Just before the ceremony Beer said, Mr. Friedman is a close personal friend and he and his wife Tammy have been proud supporters of what we do. Bringing unity to the region through lifesaving is one of the goals of our organization, and it is something that Mr. Friedman values as well. Over the past ten years, he has shown that he recognizes the importance of saving lives in Israel and in providing quick treatment by highly trained medical responders. We wish him tremendous success in serving the government of the United States and President Trump and helping to build a stronger relationship between the United States and Israel.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Police Chief Roni Alsheich has contacted officials from the Justice Ministry Police Investigations Unit to express his anger over learning agents in plain clothes were armed with cameras, photographing police at Peleg protests.

According to the Walla News report, this is the first time the Justice Agency acted in such a fashion, sending undercover agents out into the field to document police actions to use against them later on. Police report that these activities compromise the departments ability to function properly and it is unacceptable to try to turn police into the criminals.

The report adds some police were angered during a recent Peleg protest when they actually saw members of the investigations unit photographing them.

Officials from the Justice Ministrys unit refused comment on this specific case, adding they use all types of means to document the actions of police in the field.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
[PHOTOS N EXTENDED ARTICLE]

Some 150 Arabs began moving towards Yishuv Yitzhar in Shomron early Thursday afternoon, 30 March, which is observed as Land Day. The IDF was summoned to take action to prevent them from advancing, using riot-control adjuncts to distance them including rubber-coated bullets. At least one Arab was reportedly injured by a rubber bullet.

Land Day, March 30, is an annual day of commemoration for Palestinians of the events of that date in 1976. In response to the Israeli governments announcement of a plan to expropriate thousands of dunams of land for security and settlement purposes, a general strike and marches were organized in Arab towns from the Galil to the Negev. In the ensuing confrontations with the IDF and police, six unarmed Arab citizens were killed, about one hundred were wounded, and hundreds of others arrested.



(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit:  )
The crises surrounding the closure of the Israel Broadcasting Authority and establishment of a new public broadcasting entity that threatened the coalition government has been resolved. It is reported that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon reached agreement, bringing an end to this particular coalition crises.

PM Netanyahu revealed the matter had been resolved during a press conference with Slovak President Andrej Kiska. The solution simply states the new public broadcasting entity will be created but staffed by the old staff that was to be fired from the IBA. Hence, their jobs are safe but a new director-general will stand at the helm, one who will be selected by a committee. The launch date has been extended from April 30th to May 15th. This is all based on the assumption the coalition will approve the agreement during a special Knesset session which will interrupt spring break.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Yesh Atid party leader MK Yair Lapid has worked hard to change his image during the current Knesset, seeking to distance himself from the anti-chareidi image that he earned during the tenure of the previous Knesset when he, Bayit Yehudi and Likud ran the coalition while the chareidi parties were in opposition.

Following that ordeal, with all of the gezeiros passed by Yesh Atid and Bayit Yehudi against the chareidi tzibur, the chareidim placed Lapid in cherem, stating they would not enter into a coalition with him. It is reported that to date, Health Minister Yaakov Litzman has even begun speaking with him, but added he (Litzman) has yet to determine if Lapids teshuva in truly sincere.

Despite Lapids image makeover and earnest efforts, there is believed to be a quiet understanding that the chareidim would still not enter a coalition government headed by Lapid. Recent polls continue to show Yesh Atid earning more seats in Knesset elections than Likud. This means Lapid might receive the presidential mandate to attempt to assemble a coalition government.

During a media interview MK (Yahadut Hatorah) Menachem Eliezer Moses was asked if there is an absolute ban on entering into a coalition with Lapid. To the surprise of some, Moses stated this is not the case from his perspective. In politics, there is no absolute no. We must see, speak, and discuss. We must determine what coalition guidelines will be. From my perspective, I do not disqualify him on a personal basis. We might however disqualify him based on hashkafa and the coalition guidelines, he explained.

Moses words are quite significant for it clearly shows that nothing is absolute in Israeli politics, including statements from elected chareidi officials that they would never sit in a coalition with Lapid.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
The Tel Aviv Labor Court convened on Wednesday afternoon 2 Nissan to discuss the ongoing negotiations between the state and Egged. Agreement has not yet been reached by the sides, who returned to the court as stipulated in the last hearing.

The Egged labor union and Histadrut National Labor Federation accepted a request from the court to push off the nationwide bus strike until April 18th, until after Pesach.

Justice Esther Robovitz-Barchash instructed the sides to continue intensive negotiations covering all the points of disagreement. If agreement is not reached, Egged will be permitted to strike beginning on 18 April, 2017.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
An academic review committee has been formed by the ministry of human resource development to delve into the academic standards of universities across the country, including some that have hit headlines for the wrong reasons.

By Arpan Rai, Siddhartha Rai: Institutes of higher education might soon find themselves in a tight spot as the Narendra Modi government prepares to crack down on under-performing teachers and varsities.

An academic review committee has been formed by the ministry of human resource development (MHRD) to delve into the academic standards of universities across the country, including some that have hit headlines for the wrong reasons.

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While under the current set-up, the qualitative review of varsities is carried out by the National Academic Accreditation Council (NAAC)- a body under the purview of the University Grants Commission (UGC) - this time around the MHRD has shortlisted JNU professor Amita Singh and DU professor Prakash Singh to carry out the qualitative review of select varsities to begin with.

WHY NOW?

Talking exclusively to Mail Today, Amita Singh said while she was yet to receive a formal communication in this regard from the MHRD, the quality of teaching and learning outcomes needed to be delved into to avoid such situations as emerged in the recent past in JNU or DU.

"Students across many varsities in India are not given aspirational teaching in the sense that while they are taught to speak and present through their work, they are also shown that it was an end unto itself. The professional aspiration in higher education is lacking and mostly due to teachers who disillusion students with the outside world, rather than preparing them to face it and excel there," said Amita.

Amita also wants to delve into a related phenomenon that the academic world has long been accused of. "Most of the appointments in higher educational institutes these days are done along the patron-client model. This needs to be stopped. We will look into the appointments too," she said.

The committee is also expected to look into the number and nature of courses offered in a varsity; the employment outcome of the courses; outcome of courses in terms of innovation and use of technology and field research.

"The ground reality in academic circles acknowledges poor quality of the research projects. Several research papers are written to malign the system or revisit of government policy. There is no parameter to ascertain if these projects on which a lot of government money is spent are even contributing to the social sphere. In university like JNU, where one supervisor is guiding 30 students at a time, questions on not only the quality of research but also on the relevance can be raised. I would focus sharply on the obsolete data used to substantiate research papers under theoretical parameter apart from their practical significance," said Prakash Singh who teaches at DU's Department of Political Science.Also read

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JNU's main gate defaced; students scuffle with security guards

JNU won top university award only for 'quality work and research', not for Afzal Guru slogans: Prakash Javadekar

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This week Mordechai Frankel made headlines after launching a Chesed Fund crowdfunding campaign. With just five days remaining until his wedding, the chassan and kallah are reportedly both living in a state of extreme poverty. The fund was launched in hopes of covering their basic needs.

Those with an eye for details have also noted that Frankel was also the subject of international news this time last year, when he was injured in the horrific 402 Egged bus accident. His wife at the time was killed in the crash. Israeli television showed emotional footage of wheelchair-bound Frankel, released by the hospital to attend the funeral services.

Since the campaigns launch, donors from around the world have contributed, in hopes of giving this young man and his bride a new and joyful start.

Notable gedolim from the Eidah Chareidis have also publicly issued statements of support, standing behind the validity of the fund and the urgency of the need. As the clock ticks closer to the couples wedding date, the world looks on in hopes that they will not begin life in poverty, particularly after all of the suffering they have already endured.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL CAMPAIGN











CLICK HERE TO DONATE

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL CAMPAIGN
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Mar 30 (PTI) Global diversified natural resources company Vedanta Resources has extended the contract of its Chief Executive officer Tom Albanese by another five months until August.

"Vedanta Resources...has agreed to extend the Executive Service Agreement of its chief executive officer, Tom Albanese until 31 August 2017," the mining conglomerate said in a statement.

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Albaneses three year contract was due to expire on March 31, it said.

Anil Agarwal, Vedantas Executive Chairman and the chairman of the Nominations Committee, is leading the succession process to identify candidates with appropriate global experience and a further announcement will be made in due course, it said.

Albanese has also been reappointed as whole-time Director & Chief Executive Officer of Vedanta Ltd for further period till August 31, 2017 subject to approval of shareholders in the next General Meeting.

Vedanta Resources plc is a London-listed diversified global natural resources company. The group produces aluminium, copper, zinc, lead, silver, iron ore, oil & gas and commercial energy. Vedanta has operations in India, Zambia, Namibia, South Africa, Ireland and Australia. PTI SID BAL

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The humiliating failure of the effort by Deutsche Boerse to effect a merger of equals with the London Stock Exchange should not be a cost-free exercise for the architects of this deal.

LSE chief executive Xavier Rolet and his opposite number at the Frankfurt exchange, Carsten Kengeter, should hang their heads in shame in pursuing a grandiose merger plan which was always doomed.

Millions of pounds of investor funds have been wasted on advisory and legal fees and management time, which could have been better used on building the enterprises.

Doomed: London Stock Exchange chief executive Xavier Rolet should hang his head in shame

Rolet could have been deployed to win initial public offerings in London, which have virtually ground to a halt.

Kengeter might usefully have spent his time better understanding rules, regulations and laws governing insider trading.

How could Kengeter even be considered a fit and proper boss of the merged exchange while allegations of wrongful trading were outstanding? The supreme irony about the failure of the 21bn deal is that it was blocked by the European competition commissioner on the day Theresa May delivered her Article 50 letter signalling Britains formal start of negotiations to leave the EU.

When the deal was unveiled early last year, much was made of the formation of a referendum committee designed to steer the deal through the shoals ahead.

Instead, the leaders of both exchanges managed to navigate the transaction directly on to the rocks. They badly misread the politics, launched clumsily aimed missiles at potential rival bidders and were overconfident that they were smart enough to overcome competition obstacles.

All of which suggests a degree of incompetence from executives at the heart of their respective financial systems, which makes their hold on office untenable.

There will be shareholders ready to defend the LSE boss Rolet on the grounds of his past record, having increased the value of the LSEs shares several times.

Indeed, the former Lehman trader was responsible for updating the LSEs technology and taking it in new directions through a series of acquisitions which immeasurably improved its data and trading capabilities.

Perhaps thats what being head of equities at a failed bank teaches you.

Despite all this, Rolet lacked a fundamental understanding of the role of the LSE as a historic pillar of the City and the risk that, by giving Deutsche Boerse a larger share in the joint exchange, pressure for a headquarters in Frankfurt would grow.

Brexit may have intensified the push from German politicians but it was evident from day one that that was the way the wind would blow. There was also a tendency to underestimate obstacles.

As a result of the financial crisis, derivatives trading moved from the investment banks to recognised markets  shifting the risk with it.

Neither the Bank of England nor the European Central Bank were necessarily satisfied that arrangements for monitoring at the merged exchanges would be satisfactory or that there was enough prudential capital in the kitty.

In the end it was the formidable competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager who settled matters by drawing a line in the sand. She demonstrated enormous bravery in the face of heavy lobbying, as was the case when she took on Apples tax arrangements in Ireland and blocked the merger between mobile operators O2 and Three.

If there was a bit of European bureaucracy one would like to save, it would be this.

Now that Britain is cutting loose from Europe it needs to make robust competition policy a priority, with a public interest test for all mergers.

In the future, the UK cannot afford command and control of its prize assets to fall into overseas hands.

It needs to strengthen the Competition and Markets Authority now or follow the US, Canada and Australia, all of which scrutinise overseas deals for breaches of national or economic security.

Back at the LSE, chairman Donald Brydon, who established the rules of engagement with Deutsche Boerse, has a final duty. He must move to find a suitable successor to Rolet and then resign.

The City needs to reinforce the defences of its key institutions in this new era.

Because the current leadership is not fit for that purpose.
Anyone listening to radio news bulletins in the past 24 hours might have thought it was all over for the City.

The London Stock Exchange escaped the unwanted embrace of Frankfurt but that other pillar of the Square Mile, Lloyds of London insurance market, was decamping to Brussels.

Reality is rather different. Lloyds, following Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and others, is taking out a small hedge against Article 50 talks going horribly wrong by establishing a bridgehead on the Continent.

Going nowhere: City deserters are a mere flicker compared to the inward investment

Lloyds is going to Brussels, JP Morgan to Dublin and Goldman to Frankfurt. But the numbers decamping are 20 or less in the case of Lloyds, the hundreds or low thousands at others. There is no suggestion that core underwriting and global trading activities are moving anywhere.

Far from this platoon of financial refugees gathering in any one place, they are scattering to where they can find matching regulation which will not involve them in big compliance costs.

As one senior British-based banker observed: London is where we need to be and want to be because of the depth of the markets. As importantly, banks need financial innovation in the shape of fintech, where Britain is a market leader.

Big financial groups are using fintech to provide customers with faster payments and online services. Central payment providers such as Chaps and Swift could rapidly be a thing of the past.

As for the deserters, they are a mere flicker compared to the inward investment.

Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs are also moving into fancy new headquarters in the heart of the City.

Most fascinating of all, Google, as part of its global push, is promising 7,000 new tech jobs in London by 2020 as it becomes Europes tech hub, with other digital giants, including Snap Inc, following.

London exodus? Hooey.

Energy boost

Even supporters of Donald Trump find it hard to draw comfort from his presidency so far. The big exception is the energy sector. As BP knows to its cost, the Obama administration was obsessed with regulating oil, gas and coal production to death, and investors ended up with a 55bn bill.

With Trump in the White House and an executive order for the US Environmental Protection Agency to review the Clean Power Plan, times are changing.

The White House has given the nod to two major pipeline projects  Keystone XL and the Dakota Access  that were put on hold by Obama. No one wants to see the world choked by carbon emissions but the scale and speed of destruction of the coal industry as a result of the Obama policies was unconscionable with $1 trillion (800bn) of output and 125,000 jobs put under threat.

Market forces already are reducing coal use in the US, which has dropped from 50 per cent to a 30 per cent share of the market. As new, cheaper oil and gas supplies come on stream coal will steadily dwindle.

Placing a Bunsen burner under a declining industry to speed up collapse raises the costs of energy to all in the US and globally, and causes enormous social dislocation.

The hiatus in oil and gas exploration and production caused by the fall in the oil price in 2014 is coming to an end. BP, having been scared out of the Gulf of Mexico by the hostility of Obama, has recommitted in partnership with Chevron. New health and safety standards will make another Deepwater Horizon very unlikely.

The quicker the US moves towards self-sufficiency in energy the less dependent the world will be on the unstable Middle East, and the better opportunity for business and consumers to see lower energy costs. Higher oil and gas prices act as a tax on all of us.

Trumps moves towards a deregulated marketplace, as long as safety and pollution are not ignored, must be a plus.

Red flags

An air of mystery has hung over the accounting scam which has led to BT gobbling up 530m of losses on its Italian operations. The companys chief executive, Gavin Patterson, has been inclined to attribute it to the kind of book-keeping shenanigans commonplace in Italy.

An investigation by Reuters suggests that a senior BT manager received warnings of a possible accounting difficulty as early as November 2015  a year before BT disclosed problems to the stock market.

Moreover, it is alleged problems at the offshoot involved bullying and inappropriate behaviour. Very worrying.
Settling back in his first-class train carriage as the Belgian countryside rolled past, Carsten Kengeter might have allowed himself a small smile of satisfaction.

The greying, burly German boss of Deutsche Boerse was closing in on his prize: a takeover of the London Stock Exchange, the jewel in the Citys crown.

Highly paid spinners had swept aside concerns the 21bn tie-up might harm the national interest, and doubts over Brexit looked to have gone away.

Now, Kengeter, 49, was on a Eurostar from London to Brussels to meet European competition chiefs. He was confident he could convince them  and LSE boss Xavier Rolet  to do what was needed to secure the deal.

And then his phone rang. It was his head office in Frankfurt. There had been a police raid on the company office and his apartment in the German city  he was under investigation for insider trading. How Kengeter reacted to this potentially career-ending news is known only by those in the carriage. But he didnt let anything slip when he reached the offices of the competition authorities. They, and his counterparts at the LSE, were oblivious to the revelation.

Perhaps Kengeter was simply waiting to get more details of the allegations he faced. But the decision to keep the LSE bosses in the dark, particularly his opposite number Rolet, was to prove a critical error. It marked the moment all trust between the two sides finally seemed to evaporate.

When Rolet found out about Kengeters secret at the meeting, it made negotiations almost impossible.

A relationship which had started with such promise was left shattered.

The decision yesterday of EU competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager to block the merger on the grounds it would create a market-wrecking behemoth was just the formal notification of a merger that had quickly unravelled.

We were getting the sense they were leaning towards approval, and everything was looking good, one insider said. Then everything changed in a matter of days.

When talks began back at the start of 2016, few City observers thought that the plan could be stopped. It was the third attempt at uniting Deutsche and LSE after previous efforts met with failure in 2000 and 2004. But this time both bosses were on board and enthusiastically promoting the tie-up.

The Mail was the lone voice in calling for it to be scrapped. We tirelessly fought for the LSE to remain independent.

Rolet, the 57-year-old Frenchman at the helm of LSE, said the deal was a winning combination and Kengeter promised a European player that will compete on a global basis.

The firms hired some of the best bankers in the business, luring them with promises of a share in 234m of fees  which eventually rose to 305m.

At the heart of it all, the bond between Rolet and Kengeter seemed unshakeable.

Even as markets reeled from the impact of the Brexit vote, the pair put out a joint statement pledging to forge ahead.

Concerns among British politicians appeared to have little effect. But over in Germany, Brexit proved the first hammer blow for the deal. Ominous rumblings could be heard over the plan to have the HQ of the merged business in London.

A string of regional politicians in Germany claimed the deal did not do enough to further Frankfurts interests  even though it would hand Deutsche shareholders a controlling stake and put Kengeter in charge.

They demanded the base had to be in Frankfurt, seeing it as a golden chance to snatch business after Britain left the EU.

Derailed: The 'merger' between Deutsche Boerse and the Stock Exchange is off

Things started to unravel further in December, when a deal to sell a French trading arm was delayed. It is thought to have exasperated Kengeter, who privately moaned that it was the LSEs fault.

Then, in February, Kengeter got his phone call.

He was told that prosecutors were investigating 3.8m of shares he bought days before formal talks on the tie-up began. Kengeter, who lives in a 9m house in Wimbledon, denies any wrongdoing. Deutsche claims he was required to buy the 60,000 shares as part of a new pay scheme. But it was a stunning setback for the tie-up and it dealt Kengeters credibility a savage blow.

The news was made even worse by its timing just hours ahead of the meeting with Rolet and Vestager which he hoped would set it on a path to final approval.

The meeting itself was positive, and insiders continued to brief that the deal could survive. But within a week, the European Commission ordered LSE to sell its prized Italian bond trading business.

For Rolet it was unthinkable, having already agreed to sell his French clearing operation to get the proposal through.

Kengeter hoped to convinced Rolet of the sale, but with his own reputation hanging by a thread this was more than the LSE could accept.

Despite the other sides entreaties, Rolet said no  and it made yesterdays veto by Vestager a formality.

It remains unclear what led to the Commissions sudden turn against the tie-up. Insiders blame rising protectionism in Germany and fears that the deal would interfere with Brexit negotiations. Regardless of the reason, a phone call on a train was all it took to derail months of the best-laid plans.
Three BT employees raised the alarm about its 531m Italian fraud problems a year before the scandal was made public, it is claimed.

Staff at its Italian arm were said to have warned their supervisor in Madrid long before the telecoms giant told investors about the irregularities.

The reports raised questions over how promptly BT started investigating the fraud, which wiped almost 8bn off its value when it was made public. And it piles fresh pressure on BT chief executive Gavin Patterson over how the firm responded to the scandal.

The claims, revealed by the Reuters news service, also alleged a culture of bullying, with staff criticised and shouted at for failing to meet targets.

BT has since sacked half a dozen managers, including its former BT Italy chief executive Gianluca Cimini.

Markets were stunned in January by the groups admission that inappropriate behaviour caused it to exaggerate its profits in Italy.

BT had first warned shareholders about the fraud last summer, but the firm later admitted the problems were far greater than previously identified, sparking a wave of panic selling.

At the time, Patterson said BT could not have spotted the problem sooner as Italian managers kept London bosses in the dark. But Reuters has cited a source who said he and two BT Italy colleagues told BTs head of European sales, Jacinto Cavestany, in late 2015 they were worried something was wrong. They also complained of bullying by local management.

But BT said Cavestany had no recollection of the issues having been raised with him.

Last night, details of how the deception worked was laid bare by sources. They said a network of Italian workers exaggerated revenues from BT-installed phone lines, faked contract renewals and invoices and invented bogus transactions to meet targets.

These were designed to disguise the units true financial performance. BT Italys purchasing office made fake purchase orders to suppliers with no intention of receiving goods, according to the sources. It would then suddenly cancel the order and ask the supplier to issue a credit note as a refund, they said.

Reuters said another employee claimed that staff made use of multiple internal accounting systems to fake income.

The sources said the cover-up took place in an environment where workers were shouted at for failing to meet targets. One said Cimini dipped a finger into a glass of water and said: What happens when I put my finger inside this glass and take it out? Absolutely nothing  the same as if you left the company.

Cimini denied the incident took place. BT said it had received complaints of bullying at BT Italy in 2016, adding: Human resources representatives visited our Italian operations and looked into the issue. BT does not tolerate bullying or breaches of our policies and... a number of BT Italys senior management have subsequently left the business.

BT said it became aware of the financial irregularities after receiving reports in summer 2016.
Some Muslims organisations have put out huge banners in Lucknow supporting construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya. The man behind these banners has sought security from police for his 'bold' step.

By Shiv Pujan Jha: Two significant developments have taken place with regard to the question of building Ram temple at Ayodhya since Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

Yogi Adityanath, an ardent votary of building Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya, has taken oath as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and the Supreme Court has suggested out of court settlement of the title suit.

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Now, some Muslim organisations have put out big banners in Lucknow supporting construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya. They claim that the hoardings and banners were put out after the Supreme Court called for amicable settlement of the dispute through dialogue between the parties.

Interestingly, the BJP is yet to spell out its own plan of action for Ram temple at Ayodhya. The party had included the issue in its poll manifesto and Yogi Adityanath had also promised to move in that direction if the BJP was voted to power. He went on to swear in as the UP Chief Minister.

THE PRO-TEMPLE BANNERS

Azam Khan, the president of Sri Ram Mandir Nirman Muslim Kar Sevak Manch, put out 10 these hoardings across Lucknow to move forward in the direction as 'suggested' by the Supreme Court.

Azam Khan set up a group of like-minded Muslims post-Supreme Court's advice. He has been trying to build a consensus on the issue within the community.

Banner in support of Ram temple put out in Lucknow. (Photo: @rajs66)

Flanked by two gun-wielding private guards, Azam Khan has no hesitation chanting Jai Shree Ram. He says Ram is as respectable to Muslims as to any Hindu.

A fairly large number of youths have joined him. The group minces no words criticising the religious leaders of both communities for driving a wedge between two communities by raking up the issue.

AZAM KHAN SEEKS SECURITY

Azam Khan says that he has been getting constant threat calls for taking the 'bold' step.

Talking to India Today, Azam Khan said, "I have been getting threat on e-mails and phones. I can't identify them. They tell me to leave the issue and rather speak in favor of masjid and work to rebuild the Babri mosque. I was also offered money to abstain from my mission."

An FIR has also been registered in this regard, says Azam Khan, but he is yet to get any security cover from UP police.

Azam Khan claimed that the solution to the Ayodhya dispute can be achieved within minutes if the self-proclaimed religious leaders of the two communities stay away as the aam aadmi from either side has no problem if Ram temple is built.

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ALSO WATCH| Open to the legislation route to build the Ram Temple, says Owaisi

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The new boss of John Lewis wants to reinvent the department store chain by stocking more of its own brands and enticing shoppers with new services.

Speaking for the first time since taking on the post 12 weeks ago, Paula Nickolds said she wanted more manufacturing brought back to the UK.

The 44-year-old joins as managing director in what she has called a turbulent and challenging time for the retail industry.

Back to basics: Paula Nickolds is the first female boss in John Lewiss 153-year history

It made her the first female boss in John Lewiss 153-year history, and the only woman at the top of a British department store chain.

But the John Lewis lifer, who joined as a graduate trainee in the haberdashery department 23 years ago, said the chain had to work harder than ever to hold on to its loyal customers.

It has already introduced opticians, spas, travel agents and more restaurants, but Nickolds wants to increase exclusive ranges and home brands from 38 per cent of its stock to 50 per cent.

And it is planning to introduce services tailored to modern needs, such as training delivery drivers to install electrical appliances, or allowing shoppers to book slots with in-store experts. Staff are also being equipped with mobile phones to stop customers having to wait while they check stock rooms.

We need to reinvent the department store, she said.

We are competing with time people spend in the latest restaurant. Our brand is our secret weapon. We need to offer customers things you can only get from John Lewis.

This strategy has seen John Lewis introduce its own luxury womenswear brand, Modern Rarity, and last week it launched a denim brand called And/Or.

But Nickolds warned of more job losses this year. Last month the chain said almost 800 will be axed as it buys in more food for restaurants and cuts back on admin. Nickolds said: Roles will have to change. For some partners that will mean some difficult circumstances.

John Lewis employs 29,000 people and has 48 stores across the UK  with three more due to open in Oxford, London and Cheltenham.

Online orders are just under 40 per cent of sales and Nickolds said she expected this proportion to reach 50 per cent by 2020.

Homeware sales are on track to reach 1bn within two years, but Nickolds has ruled out cutting back on traditional departments  especially haberdashery.

We are still a full-line department store  from thimbles to fridges to toasters and tote bags, she added.

But when you look back in history, the best department stores have reinvented themselves.

In the 1950s the challenge was supermarkets and the commoditisation of products. So we did a holiday home service where we would deliver to your caravan or holiday home on a daily basis.

She sees Brexit as an ideal opportunity to increase manufacturing in the UK. John Lewis makes 30 per cent of what it sells in Britain, while the rest is imported.

The biggest consideration is whether the capability exists, but I would like to think we would be manufacturing more in the UK, said Nickolds.


Having myself been homeless for most of 2012, I was struck by the recognition that life for the poorest among us, the unhoused, is today very much what it was a hundred years ago when Jack London wrote about his own experience of poverty. Like me, London knew the general torpor into which poverty drives you because, having no money, you can find simply nothing to do; the hostility which the comfortable direct at you, and the ease with which they pass judgment; and the small humiliations, such as the exhausting hours spent waiting in line for a bed in a shelter only to be turned away when you finally reach the front of the line because the place is suddenly full.



Things were different in the mid-twentieth century. FDR responded to the Great Depression by initiating major reforms in the relations between capital and workers, dissipating much of the revolutionary energy that had been building in the union movement in the 1920s and into the 1930s. And after World War II, American businesses were enriched by the fact that most of the other major industrial powers had been reduced to rubble, making it painless to share some of their bounty with working men and women. Furthermore, as the Cold War developed, capitalists wanted to undercut the appeal of the enemys economic ideology. But by the end of the twentieth century, the collapse of the Soviet Union allowed the American triumphalists to assert that Communism, along with its weaker sister, Socialism, had failed, thereby disproving its ideals. Thereafter the Reagan Revolution (and Clintons continuation of it in NAFTA and welfare reform) succeeded in largely dismantling the union movement, eliminating many of the programs providing aid to the poor, and negotiating treaties that enabled the exportation of manufacturing jobs, returning the United States to economic conditions similar to those of the Gilded Age.



In the following decades, the Digital Revolution, far from ameliorating the exploitation of labor, resulted in the gig economy in which were reborn the evils of piece-work, of unlimited working hours, and of no medical or retirement benefits. The protections which had been won by unions in the decades after Londons death became irrelevant as increasing numbers of workers were no longer considered employees but were called independent contractors instead. Thus the two Revolutions, Reagans and Steve Jobss, have left an increasing number of American citizens living as so many did in Jack Londons lifetime, as members of a new kind of lower class referred to by economists as The Precariat.



Jack London advocated a different revolution, a Socialist one. The various books, articles, and speeches referred to as his Socialist writings, though now little read in the United States, sold well when first published and have been avidly read all over the world. The Iron Heel, for instance, sold over 50,000 copies in hardback, and Wikipedia lists translations of the novel into thirty-two languages (including Esperanto). According to Alex Kershaw (in his Jack London: A Life), the novel waspassed along production lines throughout the nation, and it was quickly devoured by many in the International Workers of the World, the Wobblies. Kershaw also notes that Lenin and Trotsky both praised the novel, and it is the only American book in Bukharins bibliography of Communism. On the last two nights of his life, the bedridden Lenin apparently asked his wife to read to him from the works of Jack London.







In 1896, when Jack London was twenty, the San Francisco Chronicle had referred to him as the boy socialist of Oakland. His fame grew out of his power as a public speaker. Week after week he stood on a soap box in the little park in front of City Hall arguing that the unbridled capitalism of his day condemned a great many of his fellow citizens to lives of degradation and misery while enriching a small number outrageously. Dozens of speakers held forth in the park every week, but Jack London always drew the biggest crowds and held their attention better than any other speaker. And in 1897, when Oakland passed a law forbidding public meetings on public streets, London challenged the law by getting himself arrested for climbing on that soap box and speaking. Oakland authorities were surprised that instead of paying the fine or consenting to spend a few days in jail, London demanded a jury trial. Acting as his own lawyer, London argued that the law violated the constitutions guarantees of the rights to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, and he won.



Even at that young age, London already had long experience in the exploitation of labor and the difficulties suffered by the poor. He had worked in a fish cannery, in a coal mine, and in a jute factory, and as a fisherman, a seal hunter, an oyster pirate, and an officer in the Fish Patrol. He had traveled across the country as a hobo jumping trains. He had spent thirty days in jail in upstate New York on a charge of vagrancy.



London had returned to Oakland in 1895 and enrolled at Oakland High School, where he regularly published articles in the student paper, The Aegis. In December of that year, he delivered one of his articles as a speech in a student assembly at the school, and the effect he had on his audience was stirring enough for William Randolph Hearsts San Francisco Examiner to print the essay, What Socialism Is, on December 25, 1895. It was only a few months later that the Chronicle gave him his epithet.







When I started to read The Iron Heel, I felt I was in familiar territory. As a graduate student, I studied eighteenth-century British literature, much of which is didactic, as is Londons novel. The first half of the book is particularly so, recounting conversations between the revolutionary hero, Ernest Everhard, and characters who represent various classes within American society: clergymen, middle-class businessmen, academics, the progressive bourgeoisie, and, most dramatically, powerful capitalists. As philosophical arguments, these conversations are clear and logical, but they are, as fiction, unconvincing.



The novel, however, takes on a new tone with the conversationor, more accurately, the confrontationbetween Everhard and a group of capitalists. The scene is a meeting of a secretive club, the Philomaths, whose members are what we now call the One Percent. There Everhard delivers a lecture much like the speech which London delivered to a similar club in Stockton, California. The speech is an indictment of capitalists for mismanaging the economy.



Everhard denigrates and condemns the ruling class with his intellectual taunts and bullying, and he concludes with a promise on the part of the working class to take from them all their wealth and power. The members of the club sputter and rage in response. Then one member of the oligarchy, Mr. Wickson, rises to answer Everhard with a chilling prophecy:





When you reach out your vaunted strong hands for our palaces and purple ease, we will show you what strength is. In roar of shell and shrapnel and in whine of machine guns will our answer be couched. We will grind you revolutionists under our heel, and we shall walk upon your faces.





This brutal imagery initiates a fundamental change in the novel, as it becomes a more modern narrative of action and suspense. The representatives of the social classes cease to be participants in Socratic dialogues and come to life. As the story progresses, we see how the Iron Heel can use various levers of power to ruin its critics professionally and financially. We see how the courts and the media can be used to discredit and ultimately destroy any enemies of corporate power. And finally we witness the brutal military repression of protest and resistance when an uprising by the working class is violently crushed by paramilitary, military, and police forces.



I am not alone in finding the book prophetic. Anatole France, in his introduction to the French translation of the book, wrote that London possessed a special knowledge enabling him to anticipate the future. I do not believe that London had some special knowledge; rather, I believe that London was able to conclude from empirical observation of the society in which he lived that the plutocracy would co-opt the political institutions of democracy and that it would crush any nascent revolution of the working class.



Jack London was no philosopher, nor did he aspire to be. In both fiction and nonfiction, he sought to observe the world around him closely and to describe what he observed accurately, concretely, and in detail. Londons devotion to close observation and to accurate description of the concrete informs his best fiction. In stories such as To Build a Fire and War, London shows us in detail the material world in which and of which we are. His observations of the material world also tell us about the psychological and emotional dimensions of his characters. The prophetic aspect of The Iron Heel is best understood as a result of the same materialistic habit of thought. By disciplined and relentless attention to detail, and a corresponding avoidance of intellectual abstractions, London could discern the shape of coming events. He needed neither a Christian God nor a Hegelian History to analyze the dynamics of his society.



It was, however, the adherence to abstract ideology that led most of Londons fellow socialists in 1908 to denounce the novel and its author. They viewed as incorrect his view that the working class was unprepared for real revolution and that the middle-class was incapable of understanding that it too would be ground down under the Iron Heel. For his part, London complained in his resignation from the Glen Ellen Socialist Party that the Socialists were too willing to [make] terms with the enemy, rejecting the class struggle to pursue peaceableness and compromise.



Londons fellow socialists were largely bourgeois intellectuals and artists who wanted to help the working class from which London himself came. He had seen enough of the cruelty and casual violence with which capitalists treated workers in their factories, railroads, and other businesses. He knew the lengths to which they would go to get an extra penny of profit from the suffering of their workers. He had witnessed the loss of limb and even of life by workers who were forced to operate unsafe machines that the capitalists valued more highly than human life. London knew that the oppression of the working class could not be ended by political strategies advocated by bourgeois socialists: the revolution would have to be initiated by and carried through to victory by the workers themselves. He also knew that it would have to be violent. The rich and powerful will not give up their riches or their power easily, and wresting the wealth and power from them, London believed, would take a long time.



Everhard, whom commentators routinely describe as a mouthpiece for Londons ideas, disappears from the second half of the book. However, toward the end of the book he reappears briefly. He expresses skepticism about the readiness and strength of the revolutionists to counter the might of the Iron Heel. While other leaders debate strategy and tactics, Everhard fades into the background, becoming a lone and tired voice uttering a terrifying refrain. As the others prepare for what we know is a doomed attempt at rebellion, Everhard mutters over and over, How many rifles have you got? Do you know where you can get plenty of lead? As for powder, chemical mixtures are far better than mechanical ones, you mark my words on that.







I began reading The People of the Abyss because I was interested in Jack Londons political ideas. I did not expect to find myself engrossed in the lives of so many vividly portrayed individuals. It seems odd to say of a sociological study, but The People of the Abyss is a page-turner with as much narrative drive and as many sharply observed characterizations as any of Londons famous adventure tales.



The People of the Abyss is a record of the two months that Jack London lived in the slums of Londons East End during 1902. It is a work of what is now called New Journalism: a personal account of the reporters experience and of the conditions he observed. Except for occasional sarcasm in his characterizations of hypocritical authorities and casual moralists, London does not pass judgment on those about whom he writes. The book is all the more powerful for withholding any sermons from either the pulpit or the bench.



London begins with an account of his preparations for going into the East End and mingling with the people there in disguise as one of them. His tone in the first chapters is ironic and humorous, using dialogue that imitates British bourgeois speech to reflect the prejudices of the middle class toward the classes below them. Here London pokes fun at these prejudices with the sort of gently satirical humor that Mark Twain was using around the same time. Readers who do not know that London was born into abject poverty, began working at age ten, and struggled to educate himself and to lift himself out of a life of manual labor might think their narrator holds the same prejudices.



But the moment comes when Lon-don, having traded his well-tailored clothes for the frayed, used clothing of a down-and-out member of the working class, goes out into the street and finds that his appearance grants him a liberating transformation:





No sooner was I out on the streets than I was impressed by the difference in status effected by my clothes. All servility vanished from the demeanor of the people with whom I came in contact [I]n place of the fawning and respectful attention I had hitherto received, I now shared with them a comradeship. The man in corduroy and a dirty neckerchief no longer addressed me as sir or governor. It was mate nowand a fine and hearty word, with a tingle to it, and a warmth and gladness, which the other term does not possess And when at last I made it into the East End, I found that the fear of the crowd no longer haunted me. I had become a part of it.





This moment broughtand bringstears to my eyes. I spent a year out, as we say, living on the streets of San Francisco. In my case the word of welcome was brother, not mate, but the tingle, warmth, and gladness were the same. And like London, I found that my middle-class fear of the crowd on the sidewalks of the Tenderloin disappeared.



Most of the people about whom London writes had begun their lives in the relative comfort and health of the middle class. Then at some point the thing happened, as London puts it. Some fell ill and were hospitalized for months only to emerge from hospital to find their job gone and their bodies too weak to compete for another. Others had depended for support in their old age on their children, whom they raised well and who had steady work at good wages; but then the children got sick and died, and the aged man or woman, with no family on whom to depend, had been forced into the streets and to the misery of seeking food and a place to rest. Personal responsibility, self-discipline, and making good choices are no help once the thing happens.



London sticks to the actual people and events that he observed while in disguise among the poor, but although he eschews abstract principles and hypotheses, he does from time to time address his comfortable bourgeois reader directly:





O dear, soft people, full of meat and blood, with white beds and airy rooms waiting you each night, how can I make you know what it is to suffer as you would suffer if you spent a weary night on Londons streets! But when the dawn came, the nightmare over, you would hale you home to refresh yourself, and...you would tell the story of your adventure to your admiring friends Not so with these homeless ones  There are thirty-five thousand of them, men and women, in London Town this night Please dont remember it as you go to bed; if you are as soft as you ought to be you may not rest as well as usual.





Again and again, London informs these dear, soft people of the cruelty and violence that others suffer so that they can enjoy their comforts and their ease. Class supremacy, he ultimately tells them, can rest only on class degradation.



In the second half of the book, London considers poverty in more analytical and scientific ways. He incorporates the observations and opinions of other writers, politicians, social workers, and clergymen, and supports them with statistics, newspaper stories, and anecdotal evidence. He draws on statistics culled from studies of the economic and medical conditions in which the East Enders lived. The modern American reader might wonder what it means to live on thirty shillings a week, but Londons descriptions of the housing that such wages afford, of the unhealthy food consumed in a futile attempt to stave off hunger and malnutrition, and of the lack of adequate medical care make clear the reality of the lives lived in the East End.



Reading The People of the Abyss, I had the sense that the twentieth century might as well not have happened. In the first part of the century, labor won the right to unionize, and through the middle of the century labor got the government to establish the minimum wage and the eight-hour day, to end piece-work, to outlaw child labor, and to create the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. With the exception of child labor and minimum wage, most of these accomplishments were largely undone in the last part of the century, as government came to be seen as the servant of business, not of the people.



In The People of the Abyss London addresses many problems that we face today: homelessness, food insecurity, a corrupt criminal justice system, inadequate wages, drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, inadequate or unattainable medical care, pollution, contagious diseases, and gentrification. He shows us the hypocrisies of the elites, of politicians, of the wealthy, and of religious institutions. He analyzes the plutocracys control of the news media. And although he is here reporting on conditions in Britain, he makes the same points about the United States in the essay Revolution and in The Iron Heel. The world of Jack London is our world, and 1902 was yesterday.







Howard Tharsing, who holds a PhD in English from Johns Hopkins University, spent the majority of his professional life in financial services.
As part of the new and upgraded security paraphernalia, Adityanath will have about 25-28 commandos accompanying him with sophisticated weapons at all times he is mobile and his convoy will have pilot and escort vehicles armed with jammers.

By India Today Web Desk: Uttar Pradesh's new Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will now be guarded with the highest Z Plus security cover which is given only to those select VVIPs who face a high security threat.

Adityanath was till now enjoying the smallest category of 'Y' VVIP cover by the CISF in his capacity as a BJP MP from Gorakhpur but officials said with his taking charge as CM, a threat perception report of central security agencies required his security paraphernalia to be upgraded.

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Here's all you need to know about his enhanced security cover: Under the top-level category of security, the firebrand BJP leader will be guarded by a team of special commandos of the CISF along with a small contingent of the Uttar Pradesh police at any given point of time. His round-the-clock personal security will include an escort, a pilot and tailing vehicles. Even his residence would be under round-the-clock security. "The Chief Minister's security has been bolstered and he will now be secured by a strong team of CISF commandos everytime he moves across the country. A similar commando contingent will be deployed at his official residence," a senior officer was quoted as saying by PTI. As part of the new and upgraded security paraphernalia, Adityanath will have about 25-28 commandos accompanying him with sophisticated weapons at all times he is mobile and his convoy will have pilot and escort vehicles armed with jammers. Under the 'Y' cover, he was accompanied by about 2-3 commandos when he travelled, officials said. A Central Industrial Security Force squad from its Special Security Group (SSG) has recently taken charge of his security in Lucknow, they said. Centre takes the call on which VIP should get what kind of security based on threat perceptions. There are four kinds of security - X, Y, Z and Z Plus. The last category is the highest one and is accorded to only the most important people in the country. A handful of those in the Z Plus category like current and former Prime Ministers also get an additional SPG coverage.

Also watch:

Yogi Adityanath at UP Assembly: Use of red beacon only for official purposes

Also read:

In Yogi Adityanath's UP, Muslims put out banners to build Ram temple

--- ENDS ---
MBABANE  Being at the right place at the right time does not mean one is safe. This was evident when three unsuspecting people were involved in an accident when a female motorist lost control of her motor vehicle near Lilunga House building in Mbabane yesterday morning.

As a result, the motor vehicle veered off the road and knocked down two people who were standing on the pavement. Those found at the scene identified one of the survivors as a member of the parking metre wardens operating in the capital city.

The metre warden was talking to another person when they were both knocked down by the car while standing on the pavement, said a female witness found at the scene. The car proceeded to smash the wall fence before it was blocked by the pot plants placed near the road.



Those found at the scene believe the motor vehicle could have caused more damage if it wasnt for the pot plant near the road on the pavement.

The third person to be injured was an unsuspecting employee who was working at the garage inside the wall fence.

Witnesses said he was severely injured when he was hit by the falling bricks as a result of the accident.



His colleague, who was found at the scene, said the injured man fell from the top of a cliff and hit against the garage floor after he was hit by the bricks. They said he had been already given first aid when paramedics rushed him to hospital.

When the scene was visited, the three had been rushed to Mbabane Government Hospital. Police were found recording statements from the people found the scene.

Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Khulani Mamba confirmed the accident.
MBABANE  The lives of hundreds of diabetic patients are in danger as government hospitals have run out of insulin injection.



The injection that is currently not available is known as Actrapid, which is vital for patients to allow glucose to enter the blood cells.

If not administered timely, a patient could die.



When this newspaper visited the Mbabane Government Hospital yesterday, some of the patients confirmed that they had been advised to purchase the medication from local pharmacies. Making it worse is the fact that some of the most trusted pharmacies in the capital city did not have the injection and the patients were advised to place orders and wait till next week.



Another challenge is that the drug costs over E200, with one pharmacy confirming that it was selling for E517 and that there was no time frame on how long it lasted as it depended on what the doctors had prescribed. It has been gathered that the patients have not been able to get the medication for close to two weeks and that government was still waiting for stock.



Information from reliable sources is that the shortage is caused by governments failure to pay the supplier who was awarded the tender to supply the injection.

The sources said the relevant ministry was waiting for its budget allocation to pay the supplier.



The supplier has stopped supplying us, so right now there is no stock because the hospitals have depleted even the buffer stock that was left. The suppliers who were awarded the tenders cannot deliver if they are not paid, so it is a big problem especially because there are other departments that are facing the same problem, the source said.



Diabetes is a group of diseases that affect the bodys ability to produce or use insulin, a hormone that allows your body to turn glucose into energy. Diabetes can be effectively managed, but potential complications include heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.

With diabetes being a disease in which the body does not produce enough insulin to control the blood glucose or when the body is unable to use insulin effectively, Actrapid is replacement insulin that is very similar to the one made by the pancreas.
MATSAPHA  Police have made a link in the story of the Swazi man who was sentenced to life imprisonment in South Africa, with suspended Mbekelweni Head teacher Mduduzi Bhembe.



Bhembe, who is also the President of the Swaziland Principals Association (SWAPA), was yesterday arrested and charged with human smuggling. He is alleged to have smuggled the man who was handed down two life sentences by the South African courts for trafficking three minors and a rape case.



He was rounded up by members of the Serious Crimes Unit (LUKHOZI) after lunch yesterday together with his attorney, Sanele Mabila. After the arrest, a team of attorneys and relatives of the two suspects crammed the police station in support of both suspects. The Serious Crimes Unit, which had been working hand in hand with the Hawks in South Africa in this case, apprehended Bhembe at his home at Siphofaneni, where he was transported in a white double cab van, before his questioning and eventual arrest.



Meanwhile, his attorney was allegedly rounded up while he was in his offices, situated in the city.

It was gathered that he was allegedly facing the same charge as Bhembe. Information gathered is that Bhembe, who was suspended by the Ministry of Education and Training on October 5, 2015 following 48 complaints of alleged misconduct against him, is alleged to have smuggled a man, who is a former security guard at Mbekelweni High School to neighbouring South Africa.



Allegations are that he did this to conceal information regarding his connection to the 48 cases he was suspended for in the teaching profession.

According to information gathered from the police last night, this is the same security guard who was sentenced to two life sentences for trafficking three minors and further raping and impregnating the eldest, who was 13 years old at the time.



The security guard was allegedly sent off to one of Bhembes homes, situated within the outskirts of Durban, where he was allegedly taken care of and ordered not to leave.

In 2015, a high powered delegation of top detectives from the Royal Swaziland Police service left the country to accompany the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) officials to Durban to carry out intensive investigations on the matter involving Bhembe.
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ST. ALBANS  Police were seeking any information about a shooting incident along Merrick Boulevard in St. Albans in the early morning hours of Wednesday that left one man dead and another hospitalized.

Police said that on Wednesday morning at 3:49 a.m., a ShotSpotter siren activation alerted police from the 113th Precinct about shots fired near 126-14 Merrick Boulevard. A ShotSpotter system utilizes sensors in a community that might pick up sounds that could potentially be gunfire, and maps where those shots may be coming from.

Officers arrived on scene to find Chad Baldeo, 23, of Brooklyn, and another man injured with gunshot wounds. The victims were both 23 years old and were brought to Jamaica Hospital by EMS workers who responded to the scene.

According to the NYPD, Baldeo had just left Club Dubai at 126-15 Merrick Blvd. and was standing at the corner of Merrick and Leslie Road. A vehicle approached Baldeo, and a suspect exited and started firing at him. Baldeo was shot in the torso, and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Another man was shot in the lower left leg and was in stable condition as of press time, according to the NYPD. Police did not speak to motive, but they said while it was possible Bladeo had been targeted, it seemed as if the second victim was an unintended target. The name of the second victim was not released.
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By Mark Hallum

The nephew of reputed crime boss Vincent Asaro has been indicted in Brooklyn federal court, authorities said.

Ronald Giallanzo, 46, faces charges of racketeering and extortion, as well as attempted murder, spanning 20 years in the Howard Beach area alongside a crew of nine others, according to the U.S. attorneys office in Brooklyn.

Giallanzo is a member of the Bonanno crime family, of La Cosa Nostra, and has held the rank of captain since Jerome Asaro, his first cousin, was arrested in 2014, according to the criminal complaint.

During this time [20 years], Giallanzo has amassed massive wealth through the crime familys illegitimate activities. Giallanzos rise to fortune and power began in the early 2000s with his participation in numerous stock fraud schemes, the complaint said.  Using these illegal proceeds, Giallazno built a loansharking business in which he had over$3 million loaned on the streetand which he used repeated threats and acts of violence to collect.

Prosecutors also alleged Giallanzo had terrorized the neighborhood of Howard Beach. While on pre-trial release from his earlier stint in jail on similar charges, Giallanzo and his crew hunted a man from the neighborhood which resulted in at least four firefights in the south Queens community within a three-month period, they said.

His Howard Beach home was purchased as a humble property with a modest structure. But the structure he put in its place would stand as a symbol of his criminal prowess over the neighborhood, according to photos and statements provided by the court.

Through these loan-sharking proceeds, as well as his illegal gambling business and other ventures, Giallanzo was able to spend millions of dollars to purchase, construct and design a Howard Beach mansiona gargantuan home located at 164-04 86th St. in Queens, New York, which is a daily visual reminder to those in his neighborhood of his wealth and power, the complaint said.

Asaro, 82, is currently facing an indictment in the same court for allegedly torching the car of a man who cut him off in traffic. The 23-year-old grandson and namesake of John Gotti was indicted alongside Asaro after being sentenced to eight years on drug dealing charges earlier this month.

Gotti, whose infamous grandfather John headed the Gambino family, is estimated by Queens District Attorney Richard Brown to have had an average income of $1.6 million a year while peddling oxycodone and other prescription medications in Howard Beach and Ozone Park.

The Gotti grandsons car was stopped by Howard beach cops in June for having windows tinted below the legal level. He was found with an expired drivers license and Gucci bag with over 200 oxycodone pills.

Queens native and Bonanno member Christopher Boothby, 37, is one of men charged with Giallanzo. Known as Bald Chris, Boothby had also been indicted with Gotti and Asaro on charges of arson, bank robbery, Hobbs Act robberies and firearms offenses just a week prior.
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By Bill Parry

Community leaders in Astoria learned that the new Citywide Ferry Service will launch in their neighborhood later this summer than they thought. During a tour of the new ferry landing on Hallets Cove, officials from the New York City Economic Development Corporation said there would be a staggered opening of the new service beginning in Rockaway in June, followed by South Brooklyn and then Astoria by the end of the summer due to construction schedules.

I dont care when they open it, I just want to ride on our boat, Community Board 1 District Leader Florence Koulouris said.

Claudia Coger, 82, the president of the Astoria Houses Residents Association, was hoping the service would begin in May or June.

Im a bit disappointed, but were all still excited, she said. Maybe well have it by August. Whenever it happens, I just hope Im alive to see it.

The barge for the landing has been installed with pilings driven 75-feet into the bedrock below, according to NYCEDC President and CEO James Patchett. Electrical connections along the Astoria Houses esplanade and gates and railings of the gangway are next.

Were in really great shape in Astoria, he said. Manhattan is only 1,500 feet across the river, but commutes into the city can take an hour and a half. Were talking about a dramatic improvement in commute times.

When service does launch, rides will cost $2.75, although tranfers to the MTA have not been worked out.

I know how hard we fought to see transportation options added, City Councilman Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria) said. This has been a transportation dessert. This is one of the longest commutes in our district and for the residents of public housing who can look out their windows every day and have no connection to this water and to be reconnected, to get to their work every day. Its a watershed moment for this peninsula.

Patchett said the EDC is working with second-grade students across the city to come up with names for the 19 new ferries that are under construction in Alabama and Louisiana shipyards.

Weve got some interesting names  second-graders can be quite creative, he said. We got some really cute and creative names like Lunchbox and Friendship Express, and some ideas that reference the rich maritime history of our city.

The first of the 19 ferries is already on its way to the city, although it had a mishap in Central Florida, getting stuck in the mud.

It was more of a shallow water problem but there was no damage, Hornblower Sr. VP of Development Cameron Clark said. Weve already got four additional vessels in the Gulf of Mexico and theyll be heading to New York City shortly.
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By Patrick Donachie

This week marked the testing days for the New York State English Language Arts exams, administered throughout the state. As with the past few years, the test dates coincided with calls to opt-out of the exams, with elected officials and parents calling for the Department of Education to follow a unanimous 2015 New York City Council resolution mandating that the DOE inform parents of a students right to boycott the test.

These exams, originally intended to assess academic development, are still being used inappropriately by state and federal education departments, said Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights), the Councils education chair. High stakes, standardized tests were never intended to be used to evaluate schools and grade students.

The ELA exams were administered from Tuesday through Thursday of this week, while math exams were scheduled for May 2 through May 4. Opting-out is a protest against the Common Core standards, while some parents and teachers contend it is an attempt to target struggling schools for closure. Last year, 21 percent of students opted out statewide, though only 3 percent of city students decided to do so. However, the number of city students who opted-out did jump to 12,999 from 7,904 the year before.

Make no mistake: high stakes standardized tests are for politicians, not teachers. Their purpose is to discipline the workforce and close neighborhood schools so charters can replace them, Marilena Marchetti, a DOE occupational therapist, said. If public education werent a trillion-dollar industry the business class was salivating over would adults really allow children to endure the toxic stress these tests induce? Not a chance.

On March 23, StudentsFirstNY, an education reform advocacy group that promotes charter schools in the state, held a Say Yes to the Test rally on the steps of City Hall, with proponents arguing the state DOE and the Board of Regents had worked to improve test quality. The rally accompanied a statewide campaign to promote opting-in, with radio and social media advertisements.

These assessments give New York teachers and students the information they need to prepare for the future, Crystal Lee-McJunkin, a parent from Jamaica, said. If parents want to fight income inequality, I urge them to say yes to the test.

The state Education Department released information showing that about 230,000 students throughout the state opted-out last year, part of a national trend of bucking Common Core standardized testing. Dromm and others argued that part of the reason the citys statistics trailed significantly in comparison is that parents did not know it was within their rights to opt their students out of testing.

Kemala Karmen, a steering committee member for the New York State Allies of Public Education and a public school parent, said she found when parents were seeking more information about opting out, they were often not even aware of their right to refuse. To make their request official, Karmen said parents needed to write a letter or email the principal of their childs school, letting the administration know of their decision to have their child refuse the test.

It is clear that the DOEs failure to apprise parents of their rights, as called for by 2015s City Council resolution, has resulted in the suppression of opt-out in our city, which is not only undemocratic, but shameful for a department which allegedly champions parent engagement, she said.
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By Bill Parry

Immigrant workers at the Tom Cat Bakery in Long Island City have secured an extension of the deadline for a threatened mass termination after employees, some of whom have worked for the company for more than a decade, held a rally last week. The workers had been notified that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security had conducted an audit at the bakery and 31 of them were told they would be fired, with no severance pay, within 10 business days if they did not provide documents proving they are in the United States legally.

The workers demanded the company stick up for them, calling on management to work with them to explore challenges to the DHS investigation. The workers and management met Monday to discuss how they could cooperate in response to the audit after the company was able to secure an extension from DHS to April 21 before anyone would be terminated. On Wednesday the company pledged to do everything possible under the law to stand with its veteran employees, according to Brandworkers, a non-profit representing the workers.

An attorney for the company could not be reached for comment.

Tom Cat employees described their efforts as just the beginning of a sustained fight against the Trump administrations crackdown on immigrant workers and other communities under attack. They continued to urge fellow workers across the country particularly immigrants, indigenous peoples, African Americans and other marginalized groups  to rise up with them, culminating in a general strike on May 1.

As a child of parents who came to the U.S. from another country, I know that hardworking immigrants are the backbone of our society and I will continue to stand with them against the wrong-headed and mean-spirited policies coming from Washington, state Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria) said. I am proud to support the Tom Cat Bakery workers in this fight.

The bakery began in a garage in 1987 and now occupies an entire city block beneath the Queensboro Bridge at 43-05 10th St. It provides artisinal bread to Citarella, Darden Restaurants and the Grand Hyatt, among other companies. It is now an arm of one of the worlds largest multi-national baking companies, Yamazaki Baking.

Since 2011, employees at Tom Cat have been organizing with Brandworkers, which brings food manufacturing workers together to fight for good jobs and a sustainable food system. The workers are represented by attorneys with Catholic Migration Services and the Urban Justice Center  Community Development Project.

It seems to me that since the election of President Trump, its been open season on immigrants, state Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) said.

This is jeopardizing the livelihood of hardworking immigrants, who are just trying to put food on the table and pay rent. I stand with the workers at Tom Cat Bakery as they fight for their rights.
Beaver County identifies mail-in voters with undated ballots

Anyone on the list should visit the Beaver County elections office by 8 p.m. Tuesday to make the necessary corrections.
CORINTH  A search was under way for a missing 13-year-old centered around Angel Road, according to broadcast reports.

The girl has been missing since Wednesday morning, WRGB and WTEN were reporting Wednesday night.
Albany

In a potentially precedent-setting decision, the state Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs has lost a case against a teacher who was alleged to have had sex with one of her students at Albany's La Salle School for troubled youngsters.

State Supreme Court Justice Thomas Breslin dismissed the case against Marina Viviani because the center hadn't worked under the supervision of the Albany County district attorney's office in its prosecution.

"There is no evidence that the district attorney has retained ultimate prosecutorial authority and responsibility in this case," Breslin wrote in his decision.

More Information flood See More Collapse

Viviani was charged with rape, criminal sexual act and four misdemeanor sex crimes.

Her lawyer, Michael Pollok, had argued she was innocent of the charges. He also claimed the Justice Center's prosecution violated the state constitution because it involved appointed rather than elected prosecutors. The Justice Center was created by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and lawmakers to oversee facilities and programs where the disabled or other members of the state's most vulnerable populations are cared for.

The center maintains a hot line through which people can call in complaints and tips about abuse and neglect. The center's investigators and most notably its lawyers can bring criminal cases against alleged wrongdoers.

But Pollok argued that only elected prosecutors, such as local district attorneys, should have that ability under state law.

As an executive agency, the governor can exert control over the Justice Center. The agency's spokeswoman in a prepared statement said it believes its personnel were acting within the law when they prosecuted the case.

"The Justice Center believes that the Legislature acted within its authority when it created a special prosecutor in the Justice Center," Justice Center spokeswoman Diane Ward said. "We are reviewing the decision and considering our options, including appealing the court's decision."

As it stands now, the decision sets a potentially important precedent for the Justice Center in which similar defendants in Albany County and perhaps elsewhere could request reviews that examine how closely Justice Center lawyers worked with local district attorneys.

The defense attorney raised the constitutionality issue during a court appearance last month. Justice Center lawyer Jacqueline Kagan argued that there are instances in which appointed prosecutors  such as a special narcotics unit in New York City  can bring criminal cases.

Pollok noted that those prosecutors report to and work under the supervision of elected district attorneys.

Justice Center prosecutors in some instances pursue their cases through local grand juries which are overseen by the district attorneys, and in other cases they work very closely with the district attorneys.

But Breslin concluded that didn't happen in Viviani's case.

A similar issue came before the Court of Appeals in 2016. In that matter, People vs. Davidson, the state's top judges approved Justice Center lawyers' bringing of charges.

But judges at the time did not address the underlying constitutionality of the Justice Center prosecutors because that question didn't emerge early on when case was first brought in a local town court.

In the Davidson case, the judges upheld the Justice Center's prosecution of a worker in a Finger Lakes-area developmental center who was charged with abusive behavior toward a 14-year-old resident.

In the Viviani case, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's office also raised questions about the state constitutionality of having unelected criminal prosecutors bring cases.

Of the hundreds of allegations the Justice Center gets each year only a handful rise to the level of a criminal prosecution.

Others lead to misdemeanors or firings or both.

Additionally, 333 people, from the center's opening in 2013 through 2016, have been barred from working with the disabled.

In 2016 the Justice Center led 69 prosecutions that started that year, according to their annual report.

Another 45 prosecutions were led by local district attorneys. The overall conviction rate of prosecutions led by the Justice Center since 2013, including guilty pleas and trial verdicts, is 84 percent.

rkarlin@timesunion.com  518-454-5758  @RickKarlinTU
ALBANY  A 38-year-old Schenectady woman was sentenced Thursday to more three years in prison for her role in a Jamaica-based lottery scam that targeted the elderly.

Kimberly Powell pleaded guilty to mail fraud in August 2016, admitting she worked with her husband, Jeragh Powell, and others based in Jamaica to mail fake lottery prize notifications to mostly elderly people, according to the U.S. attorney's office.
THE ISSUE:

The takeover of a small law firm is raising new questions in Hoosick Falls.

THE STAKES:

Village officials should be building community trust. This only gives residents another reason to be skeptical.

More Information To comment: tuletters@timesunion.com or at http://blog.timesunion.com/opinion See More Collapse

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Every student of business or law is taught early on that how things look can seriously undermine trust in any process. In the village of Hoosick Falls, a community already rocked by contamination of its public water, a new issue has arisen that can only further erode the public's trust.

The law firm hired by the village to help it manage the complicated mess stemming from its polluted water system has taken over the private legal practice run by the part-time village attorney, John R. Patterson Jr. It was on Mr. Patterson's recommendation back in 2015 that the village brought in the outside firm, FitzGerald Morris Baker Firth of Glens Falls. While Mr. Patterson has not disclosed the terms of this recent deal to hand over his small, private practice in Cambridge, at the very least it creates at least the appearance of a conflict of interest  especially since the village that relies on his legal advice is under pressure to agree to a settlement that benefits the Fitzgerald firm.

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This can only heighten skepticism many among the village's 3,500 residents have for their local government because of the way it has handled the water contamination. After disclosure in 2015 that the water supply contained unsafe levels of toxic perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, residents weren't given clear direction on what to do. Mayor David Borge expressed concern the news could hurt the village's image and economy, then declared that drinking the water was a matter of "personal choice"  even as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warned the water was unsafe for human consumption.

Hoosick Falls' arrangement with FitzGerald Morris Baker Firth raised questions from the start. The law firm began its work in April 2015, nine months before the village board even approved its contract. Even then, the terms were vague, including the hiring of a public relations firm that specializes in crisis communication. The company, Behan Communications of Glens Falls, worked directly with the village government to help frame its message to residents, but was hired and billed through the law firm.

The proposed $1.04 million settlement offer that the law firm brokered between the village and the two companies blamed for the PFOA pollution, Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics and Honeywell International, includes payments totaling $400,000 for FitzGerald Morris Baker Firth and the Behan firm. The status of that proposed settlement is on hold after many residents complained it would protect Saint-Gobain and Honeywell from future liability. Mr. Borge, who did not seek re-election this year, leaves office next week.

Certainly the village needs to pay the mounting bills from the water crisis, but it also needs to rebuild citizens' fractured trust. The last thing it needs is another issue that raises questions about who is representing whose interests. All the more reason for the incoming mayor, Rob Allen, to re-examine all these legal relationships, and get a second  or is it a third?  opinion.
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Arrabawn co-ops investment programme over the past five years has delivered another positive year for its shareholders, with its 2016 accounts showing a 2.5m increase (from 2.1m) in its operating profit.

The companys annual results announced this Thursday has reaffirmed the solid position of the co-op, with the strong performance also coming in a year in which milk price, at 27cpl, was competitive.

Key financial figures in the report include that profit before tax was 4.5m, up 3.1m on 2015, while net debt at year end was 12.6m, a 3.2m decrease on 2015.

The positive returns were achieved despite turnover (199.7m) seeing a 2.7 per cent (5.4m) reduction on 2015. EBIDTA was at 9.5m, a 3.1m increase on the previous year, while operating margin was up from 1.03% to 2.32%.

On the cost side, fuel and power showed a 17 per cent reduction, with much of that attributable to the first full year of the Nenagh plant having a natural gas connection.

Arrabawn, which has 970 suppliers, is headquartered at Nenagh, and has a dairies head office at its milk processing plant and distribution centre at Kilconnell, County Galway. The company has three divisions: its dairy ingredients operation, liquid milk manufacturing and distribution and its agri-business section, which operates 13 retail stores and a feed manufacturing facility through Greenvale Animal Feeds and Dan OConnor Feeds, Limerick.

Launching the annual results, Arrabawn CEO Conor Ryan said that the strong 2016 performance was further evidence of the benefits accruing from an investment programme across its operations over recent years.

"Last year reaffirmed the strength of Arrabawn Co-op. We had a more than good performance and this will allow us to continue our capital investment programme going forward, which in turn will ensure the long term success and viability of the organisation. Last year alone we invested 7.2m in capital additions, with the biggest spend on our Nenagh plant. We also invested 1.3m in our Tyone retail operation, which is, as a result, a state-of-the-art flagship store that will not just serve our suppliers and the wider farming community but also the public," he said.

Said Arrabawn chairman Sean Monahan: "In many respects it was a challenging year for the dairy industry but the robust performance of Arrabawn validates the hard work over previous years that has seen us modernise our operations and ensure we are a lean organisation, ready for future growth and actively seeking opportunities for expansion.

"Representing the shareholders, the bulk of whom are suppliers, as Chairman of the board, I was particularly pleased that we managed in a tough year for dairy prices to pay a very competitive milk price of 27cpl. With a diversified business, I have every confidence we will continue to pay a competitive milk price into the future."
Tipperary Parkinson's Association were delighted recently with a donation of 250 from John Murphy from Kilkenny.

In a hands across the border gesture, John, who raised the money through taking part in a local Operation Transformation challenge, presented a cheque to the assocaition at its agm in Thurles.

Meanwhile, the local branch will travel to Dublin on Sunday, April 9, for the associations annual Unity Walk. Dublin will be heaven for all in the Parkinson's family and their friends and supporters with a stroll around Merrion Square to the music of the Garda Band to create awareness of Parkinson's Disease.

The branch is organising transport from Nenagh via Roscrea, and you can book through Marion Burke at 087-2967296, or through Mary Finnegan, 086-1224283, for those living in the Clonmel area.

Following the walk, refreshments will be served in The Davenport Hotel, where there will be a mini-conference with our own Marion Slattery as one of the guest speakers.

The Monday Club continues in Nenagh from 2pm with PD Combat with Marion Slattery, and, at 3pm, a singalong under the guidance of Sheelagh Chadwick. At 2pm on Monday, April 17, in the Community Hospital of the Assumption, Thurles East / West Medical Yoga commences with Dheai's and will continue for four consecutive Mondays
State Representative Kathy Rapp (R-65) presents Charlie Castelluccio, Vietnam War veteran and member of Titusvilles VFW Post 5958, with a resolution declaring today as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day in Pennsylvania.
[March 30, 2017] Florida Community Bank Hosts Sneaker Drive for Child Abuse Prevention Month in April

In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Florida Community Bank Financial Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: FCB), is raising awareness by hosting a children's sneaker donation drive at all FCB banking centers in the month of April. The children's sneakers collected will be donated to local charities supporting children in foster care. FCB rolled out its "Year of the Child," company-wide philanthropy initiative in 2015, which focuses on supporting local children in foster care. Since its launch, FCB employees have raised more than $28,000 to support the cause, and continue their commitment to children by bringing awareness to the issue of child abuse prevention. "At Florida Community Bank we are very passionate about aiding the communities we live and serve, and is proud to collect sneakers for children of all ages to make a difference in Florida foster care organizations," stated Kent Ellert, President and Chief Executive Officer, Florida Community Bank. On Friday, April 28, FCB invites customers and members of the community to visit any FCB banking center and join FCB teammembers in wearing blue in support, and to enjoy complimentary refreshments and goodies while supplies last. Blue is the designated color of Child Abuse Prevention Month.



For more information on FCB's philanthropic efforts or to find a local FCB banking center, visit https://www.floridacommunitybank.com/ About Florida Community Bank

Florida Community Bank (NYSE:FCB) is the third largest Florida-based independent bank, and among the most highly capitalized banks in the state. Recently awarded a five-star rating from Bauer Financial, FCB assets are $9.1 billion, with capital ratios that exceed regulatory standards by a wide margin. Since its founding in 2010, FCB has been steadfast in its commitment to delivering personalized service, innovation, and products and services equal to those offered by the national banks with an ever-growing team of highly-experienced associates and financial planning professionals. Similarly, FCB recognizes the importance of community, fostering a corporate culture that promotes employee volunteerism at all levels, while supporting community-based programs and partnerships that help promote greater financial independence and improved quality of life for families. FCB serves individuals, businesses and communities across the state with 46 full-service banking centers from east to west, and from Daytona Beach to Miami-Dade. For more information, visit FloridaCommunityBank.com. Equal Housing Lender, Member FDIC. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170330006158/en/

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[March 29, 2017] NICHE Canada : Make Public Safety "No1 Priority" in New Marijuana Laws: Top Cop

A veteran top cop is calling on Ottawa to make public safety the number one priority as Canada moves towards legalizing marijuana next year. "There must be clear direction on legislation, enforcement, crime prevention and substance abuse," said Jim Cessford, the former head of the Municipal Chiefs of Police and BC Association of Chiefs of Police. "There must be current technology that enables roadside screening for police and the development of laws that are understood and enforceable," said Cessford, who retired after a police career spanning 47 years. Cessford, an advisor to the National Institute for Cannabis Health and Education (NICHE Canada), said it is essential that the Federal Government develop a public awareness and education document outlining all of the information relating to the legalization of marijuana in Canada so everyone is aware of the introduction of this new legislation into the community. His comments come in the wake of reports that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government will introduce legislation to legalize recreational marijuana the week of April 10th and it should become law by July next year. The Canadian government is expected to follow the advice of a marijuana task force headed by former Liberal Health Minister Anne McLellan as well as the advice of former Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair, who is the parliamentary secretary to the justice minister. "Canadians need to have a full comprehension of the impact and opportunities that may exist with the advent of this new legislation," said Barinder Rasode, president and CEO of Niche Canada. "Success will come only through broad understanding, acceptance and support." "There are so many questions still unanswere and there is no time to lose," she said. "We'll continue to work with the medical profession, police, academics and scientists as these deadlines approach."



Based in Vancouver with a national vision, NICHE Canada was established in 2017 after discussions with the Federal and Provincial governments, industry, universities, patients, consumers, non-governmental organizations, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders. ABOUT NICHE CANADA

(National Institute for Cannabis Health and Education)

NICHE is an independent, not-for-profit organization that provides impartial and evidence-based research about cannabis production and use in Canada. NICHE's vision for a safe and sustainable cannabis industry encompasses health, social and economic impacts. Based in Vancouver with a national vision, NICHE was established in 2017 after discussions with the Federal and Provincial governments, industry, universities, patients, consumers, non-governmental organizations, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders. We have the support of highly reputable individuals who are invested in success and the wellbeing of Canadians. In part, NICHE was a response to the federal Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation calling on industry and government to "build upon existing and new organizations to develop and co-ordinate national research and surveillance activities." Much of the discussion about cannabis is taking place with little understanding of the diversity of public opinion on germane issues. The development of successful public policy will require a profound understanding of the public mindset towards these matters. Understanding the level of public awareness and engagement, and public opinion on matters that will need to be decided through legislation, will be an important part of ensuring that legislation is developed that is accepted by society. NICHE has a national mandate to facilitate research, analyze policies, identify best practices for safe and sustainable cannabis use, share information broadly, and create open dialogue with communities. Our work will be academically rigorous, independent, and unbiased. All research and analysis will be publicly released and made available at the NICHE website. Research from NICHE will focus on:  The medical, social, and economic impacts of cannabis in Canada  Understanding the risks of cannabis production and use in Canada and how risk information is used in decision making  Best practices for safe production, processing, distribution and use of cannabis products  Risks and best practices associated with specific products or health conditions  Identifying areas where new research is needed to provide a foundation for informed public engagement and the ongoing development of sound policy. Overall success will require engagement and collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders. Our governance model includes a community advisory council that will ensure our connection to grassroots voices. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170329006285/en/

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[March 29, 2017] Webgility Offers e-Commerce SMBs Toolkit to Success, Plus a Chance to Win Six Months of Unify Software

SAN FRANCISCO, March 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Webgility, the leader in multi-channel e-commerce automation software, today unveiled a rich lineup of white papers and on-demand webinars to give e-commerce SMBs a leg up in the competitive online world. As an added bonus, anyone who downloads the free research paper on the challenges facing independent retailers (deadline March 31) will be entered for a chance to win six free months of Unify, Webgility's flagship data automation software. Written by Nikki Baird of Retail Systems Research (RSR), the research paper outlines the hidden cost of omnichannel selling and helps online sellers avoid the costly expenses that can limit profits and hinder growth.



"One of the biggest obstacles of being a small, independent retailer is that you have all of the challenges of big retailers, but none of the resources they have to tackle these challenges," said Nikki Baird, Managing Partner, RSR. "In this new research, we identify the top hindrances for independent retailers and offer practical solutions that will empower them to make the most of the omni-channel selling environment."

Webgility's Unify is the first e-commerce solution that connects and unifies all revenue streams and expenses so multi-channel businesses can have better perspective, make smarter decisions, and run all operations from a single view. Unify allows e-commerce retailers to conquer the challenges that come with being multi-channel and lets them run and scale their businesses exactly the way they wantby unifying their business data rather than forcing them to switch platforms. To learn more and start a free trial of Unify, visit http://www.webgility.com/multi-channel-selling. ABOUT WEBGILITY

Webgility, Inc. is the leading provider of e-commerce automation software for multi-channel companies, managing millions of transactions for 10,000-plus online stores every month. Webgility's mission is to empower online retailers to focus on their passion by simplifying operations. Its Unify software connects all revenue streams, expenses, and business systems so businesses can have better perspective, make smarter decisions, lower costs, and streamline operations. Webgility is a certified partner of Intuit, QuickBooks, Xero, and NetSuite, and works with more than 85 e-commerce platforms and SaaS providers (including Amazon, eBay, BigCommerce, Shopify, and Magento), payment processors (PayPal, Stripe, Shopify Payments, Square), and hosting providers. Founded in 2007, the company is headquartered in San Francisco with an international branch in Indore, India. For more information about Webgility, visit http://www.webgility.com. For more information, please contact: Eileen Conway

Zealot Communications for Webgility

650-245-9015

[email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/webgility-offers-e-commerce-smbs-toolkit-to-success-plus-a-chance-to-win-six-months-of-unify-software-300431586.html SOURCE Webgility

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[March 30, 2017] Tokyo Advances Efforts to Attract Foreign Companies

TOKYO, March 30, 2017 /CNW/ -- From April of this year, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) will launch the following support measures to speed up the pace of attracting to Tokyo fourth industrial revolution companies, including companies in the arenas of IoT and artificial intelligence (AI), and foreign financial corporations, such as asset management and FinTech companies, to solidify its position as the top international financial and economic city in Asia. First, the TMG will boost assistance for overseas financial companies that are advancing into the Tokyo market with the provision of free business consulting services to formulate business plans, support to match FinTech companies and financial institutions in Japan (accelerator program), and a new subsidy program. The TMG will launch a financial one-stop support service to provide assistance with administrative procedures and comprehensive consulting services for foreign financial companies that are considering setting up their bases in Tokyo. The Tokyo One-Stop Business Establishment Center (TOSBEC) will also install a satellite cente in Shibuya to provide support in English for procedures required when starting a business in Tokyo.



Tokyo will also offer an extensive program to support companies in their daily lives. The TMG will ease regulations on housekeeping services provided by foreign nationals to alleviate the burden of housework in the home in order to support foreign businesspersons after they have set up operations in Tokyo. By utilizing this special provision to the Immigration Act, new companies will be able to access services for cooking, laundry, cleaning and shopping offered by foreign nationals. Tokyo is also promoting the improvement of an environment that is convenient for foreign residents to live, including the enhancement of clinical services using a special provision to bilateral agreements on foreign doctors. The TMG is stepping up its efforts to attract the Asian regional headquarters and R&D centers of multinational companies with advanced technologies, such as IoT, Big Data and AI, in order to create even more innovation in Tokyo.

Please visit the following website for details of the financial one-stop service provided by the Business Development Center TOKYO (BDCT) and the services by the TOSBEC. Tokyo's efforts to attract foreign companies: http://www.seisakukikaku.metro.tokyo.jp/invest_tokyo/index.html

Financial one-stop support service (BDCT): http://www.bdc-tokyo.org/?cat=3TOSBEC:https://www.tosbec.org/english/index.html To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tokyo-advances-efforts-to-attract-foreign-companies-300431648.html SOURCE Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG)

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[March 30, 2017] InstaReM introduces FREE Money Transfers

Absolutely ZERO Margins, ZERO Transfer Fees Shaking up the Money Transfer Industry HONG KONG, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- InstaReM, a Singapore-headquartered money transfer company is introducing FREE Money Transfers exclusively for users in Hong Kong. All new and existing clients can enjoy Absolutely ZERO Margins, ZERO Transfer Fees, Easy Sign-ups and Quick - Same or Next business day transfers at InstaReM. InstaReM, a Money Services Operator licensee in Hong Kong, is running this campaign until end of April 2017. By offering interbank rates directly from the exchange rates provided by Reuters.com, InstaReM will charge ZERO margins. InstaReM also doesn't charge any handling or transaction fee for money transfers as a rule. "We are keen to introduce our new way of money transfer to Hong Kong residents. We feel remittance services should be easier, quicker and more cost effective. Traditional services are costly. InstaReM enables individuals, SMEs, and financial nstitutions to send across payments at the lowest possible cost and fastest possible time," said Prajit Nanu, InstaReM co-founder and CEO.



This is exciting news for Hong Kong residents who need to move funds abroad, such as parents sending money for kids studying overseas, expatriates sending money home and SMEs paying overseas bills. InstaReM also provides a separate service to help corporations and SMEs to make bulk payments to its payees in the quickest possible time. To enjoy the services, individual users can sign up with basic personal information, with a simple upload of valid HKID copy and residential address proof on www.instarem.com. Upon verification, users could immediately perform money transfers online. The payees will receive the exact amount in the designated currency on the same or next business day. As quick as that!

Client Services:

Hotline: +852 5808 7734

Email: [email protected]

Live Chat: www.instarem.com About InstaReM InstaReM, which currently holds remittance licenses in Australia , Singapore , Hong Kong , and Canada , is applying for licenses in other jurisdictions including the USA .

, , , and , is applying for licenses in other jurisdictions including the . InstaReM started operations in Australia , since 2015 it has grown a client base of 20,000+ and with 45+ staff globally.

since 2015 has grown a client base of 20,000+ and with 45+ staff globally. InstaReM is one of Southeast Asia's largest digital cross-border payments provider.

largest digital cross-border payments provider. Major investors of InstaReM include Fullerton Financial Holding (a wholly owned subsidiary of Temasek, an investment company owned by Singapore's Ministry of Financ e ), Vertex Ventures and Global Founders Capital.

Ministry of Financ ), Vertex Ventures and Global Founders Capital. Instarem Limited is licensed as a Money Service Operator and is regulated in Hong Kong by the Hong Kong Customs Excise Department (License No.: 16-01-01797).

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[March 30, 2017] International Bipolar Foundation Fights Stigma with Shared Stories



Organization launches social media campaign for World Bipolar Day on March 30 SAN DIEGO, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Thousands of people with bipolar disorder will share their personal success stories through social media in honor of the 4th Annual World Bipolar Day on Thursday, March 30. The educational campaign is a project of the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF) as part of their ongoing efforts to bring awareness to bipolar conditions and to eliminate the social stigma associated with them. IBPF is encouraging the 51 million people worldwide living with bipolar conditions, as well as their friends, caregivers, and supporters to post stories, photos and videos that demonstrate that people touched with bipolar can enjoy happiness and success. World Bipolar Day (WBD) is an initiative of IBPF in collaboration with two other organizations, the Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder (ANBD) and the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD). The date of WBD was chosen to coincide with Vincent Van Gogh's birthdy, as the painter is thought by many to have been bipolar and to have created one of the greatest works of western art, "The Starry Night", during a manic episode.



Many contemporary artists also identify as bipolar. Paul Dalio, the director of the film Touched by Fire and a recipient of the IBPF's Imagine Award, thinks the stories from the WBD campaign will help to highlight the role bipolar can play in a creative life: "When out of all the poets who received the Pulitzer  the prize awarded to those who made the biggest contributions to the human spirit  38 percent of them were bipolar, how can we simply label it a human disorder? Think how much more they could contribute to the human spirit if they knew it could be used as a gift to humanity, instead of something to hide from humanity?" "We don't want to minimize the challenges and suffering that people with bipolar can experience," said Susan Berger, the Chairman of IBPF. "But that's not the whole story. We also want to recognize the immense amount of creativity and success that we see blossoming within the bipolar community." Ms. Berger assumed the role of Chairman in January 2017, following a twenty-five year career in business. She has served on the board of numerous foundations devoted to the advancement of mental health initiatives over the past 18 years.

Those wishing to participate in WBD on social media can use the hashtags #WorldBipolarDay and #MyBipolarFuelsMyPassion4. More details at ibpf.org. ABOUT INTERNATIONAL BIPOLAR FOUNDATION International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF) was founded in June 2007 in San Diego, California by four parents with children affected by bipolar disorder. Our focus is to promote care and provide support resources for individuals and caregivers within the bipolar community; and erase stigma through awareness and education, so that with early diagnosis and treatment those touched by bipolar can thrive to their full potential. Debbie Brown

Director of Operations

[email protected]

(858) 598-5967 x104 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/336694/IBPF_Logo.jpg

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[March 30, 2017] Infosys Achieves Cloud Elite Status in Oracle PartnerNetwork

BANGALORE, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NYSE:INFY), a global leader in consulting, technology, outsourcing and next-generation services, today announced that it has achieved Cloud Elite status in the Oracle PartnerNetwork (OPN). With this designation, Infosys is well positioned to help customers achieve cloud transformation, and provide sophisticated capabilities and next-generation services on Oracle Cloud. With strategic specialization and training programs, innovative joint solutions, and a clearly defined solutions roadmap, Infosys' Cloud Elite status will help clients derive better business value. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130122/589162 )

With multiple solutions on the Oracle Cloud Marketplace, dedicated centers of excellence (COE), industry specific solutions, co-development initiatives, and RapidStart Methodology that delivered as much as 30 percent reduction in effort and cost, Infosys has a very strong value proposition to give clients an unparalleled competitive advantage. This new dimension of the partnership gives an added impetus to the commitment and engagement for next-generation services on Oracle Cloud and provides greater value to our clients through higher specialization and innovative co-developed solutions. During Oracle OpenWorld 2016, Infosys was recognized with seven Oracle Cloud Excellence Awards across SaaS, PaaS and IaaS pillars. Infosys is also a Diamond level member of Oracle's PartnerNetwork. Quotes: Camillo Speroni, Vice President, Worldwide Strategic Alliances, Oracle "Infosys' achievement of the Oracle PartnerNetwork Cloud Elite designation is a demonstration of their commitment to delivering industry leading use case solutions that reduce our joint customers' implementation timelines in their journey to the cloud. Infosys' industry-led cloud offerings deliver pre-built integrations, enhanced customer experience, personalization and ROI-based outcomes that simplify these companies' cloud transformations." Ravi Kumar, President and Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Infosys "Thisrecognition is a testimony of Infosys' deep investments in cloud innovation and capabilities as well as our commitment to build cloud-focused Centers of Excellence around the world to deliver compelling business value. We have been continuously re-thinking existing business systems, co-creating innovative solutions by leveraging the power of Design Thinking and working on new ways of understanding client requirements and engaging with them."



About Oracle PartnerNetwork Oracle PartnerNetwork (OPN) is Oracle's partner program that provides partners with a differentiated advantage to develop, sell and implement Oracle solutions. OPN offers resources to train and support specialized knowledge of Oracle's products and solutions and has evolved to recognize Oracle's growing product portfolio, partner base and business opportunity. Key to the latest enhancements to OPN is the ability for partners to be recognized and rewarded for their investment in Oracle Cloud. Partners engaging with Oracle will be able to differentiate their Oracle Cloud expertise and success with customers through the OPN Cloud program - an innovative program that complements existing OPN program levels with tiers of recognition and progressive benefits for partners working with Oracle Cloud. To find out more visit: http://www.oracle.com/partners.

Trademarks

Oracle and Java are registered trademarks of Oracle and/or its affiliates.

About Infosys Ltd Infosys is a global leader in technology services and consulting. We enable clients in more than 50 countries to create and execute strategies for their digital transformation. From engineering to application development, knowledge management and business process management, we help our clients find the right problems to solve, and to solve these effectively. Our team of 199,000+ innovators, across the globe, is differentiated by the imagination, knowledge and experience, across industries and technologies that we bring to every project we undertake. Visit http://www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise thrive in the digital age. Safe Harbor Certain statements in this press release concerning our future growth prospects are forward-looking statements regarding our future business expectations intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in earnings, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, our ability to manage growth, intense competition in IT services including those factors which may affect our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, industry segment concentration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks or system failures, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which Infosys has made strategic investments, withdrawal or expiration of governmental fiscal incentives, political instability and regional conflicts, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, and unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our industry. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our United States Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016. These filings are available at http://www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. In addition, please note that any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable as of the date of this press release. The company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the company unless it is required by law. SOURCE Infosys

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[March 30, 2017] Sasol Receives Best Corporate Taxpayer Award in Mozambique for Second Time

MAPUTO, Mozambique, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sasol Petroleum Temane (SPT) received the award for Best Corporate Taxpayer for 2016 at the Mozambique's Tax Authority's annual event held on 22 March 2017. The event acknowledged various corporate companies who received certificates of recognition from the Tax Authority Chairperson Amelia Nakhare. This is the second year that SPT has been presented with the award, having received the same award in 2015. At the event, the Republic of Mozambique Pipeline Company (ROMPCO) received first place in the IRPC (corporate income tax) payable on profit category, ROMPCO is a joint venture between Sasol, Companhia Mocambicana de Gasoduto S.A (CMG), and South African Gas Development Company (SOC) Limited (iGas). Additionally, Central Termica de Ressano Garcia (CTRG) was awarded first prize in the overall best tax payer in the medium tax payers' group. The CTRG power plant is a partnership between the Mozambica state power utility, Electridade de Mozambique (EDM) - EDM holds (51%) and Sasol (49%) currently producing 175MW which benefits two million Mozambicans.



"We are honoured to have received this acknowledgement from the Mozambican Tax Authority and are proud to have played a pioneering role in the development of the country's gas industry," said Peter Manoogian, Acting Senior Vice President: Exploration and Production International at Sasol. "Mozambique lies at the center of our growth strategy for Southern Africa, we remain resolute in nurturing our investments in the country and partnering with the Mozambican government and other stakeholders to help stimulate growth to improve the quality of life of Mozambicans," he concluded.

Sasol's commitment to Mozambique began well over a decade ago when, together with its partners, Companhia Mocambicana de Hidrocarbonetos CMH and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) developed the Pande/Temane natural gas project. This project pioneered the monetisation of the Pande and Temane gas fields which had been effectively 'stranded' for over 30 years. To date, more than $1 billion was delivered to the government of Mozambique. This includes corporate taxes, royalties and social investments, as well as profit share and dividends paid out to state-owned entities by the upstream gas processing and midstream gas transportation projects. About Sasol: Sasol is an international integrated chemicals and energy company that leverages the expertise of our 30 100 people working in 33 countries. We develop and commercialise technologies, and build and operate world-scale facilities to produce a range of high-value product streams, including liquid fuels, chemicals and low-carbon electricity.

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[March 30, 2017] Moviola Offers a Year of Film School for $35

BURBANK, Calif., March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- moviola.com has released Coffee Break Film School, a comprehensive filmmaking course with video lessons delivered in the time it takes to drink a latte. All for an introductory price of $35 for an entire year's access. Dubbed, "Film school for those born without an attention span," the focus is on densely compressed training to get nascent filmmakers from empty slate to working professional in as short a time as possible. An augmented curriculum with instructor's guide, texts, and class exercises is available to educators looking to build an entire film program around Coffee Break Film School. ([email protected] for details) The site is already garnering a lot of attention. "With the speed of how technology and filmmaking have changed over the last 20 years, continuing education is one of the most important parts of filmmaking," says Barry Andersson, cinematographer and author of The DSLR Filmmaker's Handbook. "Moviola is one of the best places online to help you do that."



The film school content is just a part of the training available on moviola.com. The unique Visual Glossary of Terms provides animated definitions of cryptic film industry jargon.

The web is full of great training contentit's just hard to find the good stuff. To that end, the moviola.com team created the Compendium of Techniques: a curated collection of the best techniques from around the web (in addition to Moviola's "home-grown" content) carefully vetted by the team for quality and accuracy. In an effort to make the content as accessible as possible to aspiring filmmakers, access to the site is free for 14 days, then available via subscription for just $5 per month, or $35 for the entire first year. As the moviola.com team puts it, "Buy a month for the cost of an overpriced latte. Then watch the lessons in the time it takes to drink one." moviola.com is a resource dedicated to the art of filmmaking, and only filmmaking. It covers every aspect from preproduction to final delivery. Its Coffee Break Film School focuses on core competencies, while other features like the glossary of terms and compendium provide a visual reference library for understanding specific techniques and industry jargon. For more information contact:

Eric Lindvall

[email protected]

Ph: 323.799.2917

1015 N. Hollywood Way

Burbank, CA 91505 An EPK with image and video assets can be found at the following dropbox link:

https://goo.gl/q0U27W To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/moviola-offers-a-year-of-film-school-for-35-300431738.html SOURCE Moviola

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[March 30, 2017] General Dynamics Selected to Provide Enterprise IT and Cloud Services to NATO

FAIRFAX, Va., March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- General Dynamics Information Technology, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), was awarded a contract by the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) to deliver the most significant upgrade to the organization's technical infrastructure in decades. The single-award contract has a potential value of $140 million over five years. "This contract will fundamentally reshape NATO's nervous system and allow us to reduce costs," said Koen Gijsbers, NCI Agency General Manager. "In light of its importance to the Alliance's cyber posture, it is paramount that the work is executed on time, in scope and in budget. I look forward to our journey to the cloud with General Dynamics IT." Under the contract, General Dynamics will partner with the NCI Agency to implement a fully-modern private cloud-based infrastructure that will improve the operational efficiency and effectiveness of NATO's IT enterprise. This will be accomplished through a series of IT modernization phases, including: updating obsolete IT infrastructure; implementing NATO-wide continuity and disaster recovery capabilities; clarifying service levels in cloud computing terms; enhancing information security measures; increasing operational agility by enabling the dynamic reallocation of resources; and reducing O&M costs through the streamlining of management and operations.



Additionally, the company will implement multiple Service Operations Centers that will enable real-time command and control of NATO-provided IT services. Work on this contract will be based in Belgium and performed across many of the 28 NATO member nations.

"General Dynamics is honored to have been selected to deliver this mission-critical project for NATO," said Bernie Guerry, senior vice president of General Dynamics Information Technology's Intelligence Solutions division. "This IT modernization program comes at a critical juncture for the Alliance, and will be a significant contributor to delivering resilient and cutting-edge support to NATO at a time of unprecedented challenges on both the northern and southern flanks of the Alliance."

For more than 30 years, General Dynamics has been a trusted partner for the Department of Defense and our international allies, providing support to U.S. operations, while working with NATO and other coalition partners. This contract extends General Dynamics' leadership in providing coalition support for Europe, and across the globe. For more information on General Dynamics Information Technology, please visit www.gdit.com. More information about General Dynamics is available at www.generaldynamics.com. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/general-dynamics-selected-to-provide-enterprise-it-and-cloud-services-to-nato-300431861.html SOURCE General Dynamics Information Technology

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[March 30, 2017] SugarHouse Online Casino Is Shortlisted As 'Operator Of The Year' At Both The EGR North America Awards 2017 & The iGaming North America Awards

CHERRY HILL, N.J., March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SugarHouse Online Casino (PlaySugarHouse.com) has been named to the shortlist of nominees in multiple categories for two separate online gaming industry awards. First, in the shortlist of nominees at the EGR North America Awards 2017, SugarHouse Online Casino is included in four best of categories, including 'Operator of the Year,' one of the most prestigious recognitions in the online gaming industry. PlaySugarHouse.com is also nominated as Casino Operator, Best Product Innovation and Mobile Gaming Product. iGaming North America Awards also included SugarHouse Online Casino in three of its shortlist of nominations, which recognize excellence and innovation displayed by gaming organizations operating in North America. The nominations are for Operator of the Year, Best Innovation in North American iGaming and Best Marketing Campaign. Rush Street Interactive executives, who operate PlaySugarHouse.com, are honored by this remarkable recognition by both EGR and iGNA, since the site has only been live for six months. "We are thrilled to be among the shortlisted companies for these prestigious awards," said Mattias Stetz, COO of Rush Street Interactive. "We put a lot of thought into the product development when creating PlaySugarHouse.com. It is very flattering to see that our peers, as well as our players, are noticing. The feedback has been fantastic and our financial results are showing th same thing."



In six months, SugarHouse Online Casino has achieved month-over-month revenue growth of over 33% and is one of the three operators under the Golden Nugget iGaming permit in New Jersey that contributed to February's record breaking numbers, released earlier this month by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. Winners of the EGR North America Awards 2017 and the iGaming North America Awards will be announced at ceremonies next month.

"These nominations and our strong financial performance are testament that our interactive teams, who deserve all the credit, are driving iGaming innovation and placing us on the shortlist of main players in the industry," said Stetz. "Our strategy from the start has been to offer a large variety of exciting games and engaging social features." The SugarHouse Online Casino site boasts over 300 slots from IGT, Aristocrat, Konami, WMS Gaming, Bally, NYX Gaming Group, Spin Games, High 5 Games, and NetEnt. Visitors on PlaySugarHouse.com will also find a wide range of online table games such as single-deck and multi-deck blackjack and roulette. SugarHouse Online Casino features enticing player promotions, including industry low, player-friendly, wagering requirements of only 1 times on bonuses and rewards. After registration, players receive a free bonus wheel spin where they are guaranteed to receive between $10 and $20. In addition, they will receive a 100% bonus on their first deposits of up to $100. About Rush Street Interactive

Rush Street Interactive, an affiliate of Rush Street Gaming, was founded by pioneers in the internet gaming industry with decades of collective experience in developing and operating online gaming sites. Rush Street Interactive is also the developer of the SugarHouse's Casino4Fun website. Rush Street Gaming is one of the fastest-growing gaming companies in North America. Rush Street Gaming developed and operates Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh, SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia, Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, Illinois and Rivers Casino and Resort in Schenectady, New York. For more information, visit www.rushstreetgaming.com. SugarHouse Online Casino website: www.playsugarhouse.com.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sugarhouse-online-casino-is-shortlisted-as-operator-of-the-year-at-both-the-egr-north-america-awards-2017--the-igaming-north-america-awards-300431730.html SOURCE Rush Street Interactive

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[March 30, 2017] La Caisse invests $36.5 million to support Eddyfi's international growth

QUEBEC CITY, March 30, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec has announced a $36.5-million investment in Eddyfi, a Quebec developer of inspection equipment and software for the industrial sector. In addition to becoming a minority shareholder in the company, la Caisse will provide the necessary liquidity for Eddyfi to carry out its ambitious growth plan focusing on foreign acquisitions. Headquartered in Quebec City, Eddyfi is specialized in the development of equipment and software used to detect cracks, corrosion and other anomalies on different types of structures. Its advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) technologies  meaning no damage is caused to the asset being inspected  are used for the inspection of critical components in industries such as power generation, petrochemicals and aerospace. With the implementation of its growth plan, Eddyfi is well-positioned to reinforce its status as a global industry leader. Its technologies are perfectly suited to respond to global market trends such as widespread aging of critical infrastructure and increased inspection standards imposed on heavy industries and the aerospace sector. "This transaction is well aligned with our commitment to help Quebec companies expand internationally as part of ther growth strategy," said Christian Dube, Executive Vice-President, Quebec at la Caisse. "Over the years, Eddyfi has innovated by investing in technologies to provide increasingly effective solutions better tailored to its clients' needs. Today its equipment and software are recognized in more than 70 countries."



"Over the coming years, our growth will be focused in particular on strategic acquisitions. After acquiring Silverwing and IPN in 2016, it was important for us to team up with a partner that shared our ambitions and that had a clear understanding of our business culture and the dynamics of our industry. With teams in Quebec and internationally, la Caisse is without a doubt the ideal investor for Eddyfi, as it pursues its growth plans," said Martin Theriault, President and Chief Executive Officer of Eddyfi. Eddyfi currently has close to 200 employees working in its offices based in Canada, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, the United Arab Emirates and South Africa.

ABOUT EDDYFI TECHNOLOGIES

Eddyfi Technologies is a label designed to maximize the potential of multiple advanced and niche NDT inspection technology brands. With its two centers of excellence in Quebec City (Canada) and Swansea (UK), Eddyfi Technologies focuses on offering high-performance NDT solutions for the inspection of critical components and assets through two strong, complementary brands: Eddyfi and Silverwing. The company serves customers in more than 70 countries in such major industries as nuclear, power generation, oil & gas, and aerospace, leveraging its six offices around the globe, all staffed with NDT experts. ABOUT CAISSE DE DEPOT ET PLACEMENT DU QUEBEC

Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec (CDPQ) is a long-term institutional investor that manages funds primarily for public and parapublic pension and insurance plans. As at December 31, 2016, it held $270.7 billion in net assets. As one of Canada's leading institutional fund managers, CDPQ invests globally in major financial markets, private equity, infrastructure and real estate. For more information, visit cdpq.com, follow us on Twitter @LaCDPQ or consult our Facebook or LinkedIn pages. SOURCE Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec

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[March 30, 2017] EDC Reports Record Levels of Support for Canadian Companies in 2016

Export Development Canada's (EDC) year end results show a significant increase in the amount of transactions that supported the international business of Canadian companies in 2016, as well as a record CAD 28 billion in financing transactions. "EDC's customers continued to expand their trade and investments outside Canada despite the headlines that suggest a global slowdown in trade-related activity. We are particularly enthused to see a greater number of smaller companies engaging with international markets and increasingly interested in making foreign investments," said Benoit Daignault, President and CEO, EDC. Mr. Daignault explained that "EDC's unique global financial, risk, and trade expertise allowed us to deliver real value to customers in a challenging environment, which provided the support they needed to ensure successful outcomes for their business." EDC noted several key achievements in 2016, including: A record CAD 1 billion in support for cleantech companies. A record CAD 107 million in early-stage growth capital for small businesses, including CAD 56 million in direct financing and CAD 51 million in equity funding.

More than CAD 550 million in direct financing for SMEs, a 166 per cent increase in the amount financed and an 84 per cent increase in the number of transactions.

More than CAD 200 M in financing to boost liquidity for smaller Canadian oil and gas companies struggling with a prolonged lower-price environment. These loans were provided under a CAD 750 M financing initiative announced in 2016 that focused on helping companies invest in new technology to help diversify their products to different industries.

A record CAD 1 billion in EDC's export guarantee program, which helps smaller companies access financing to develop new markets, increase productivity or to make international investments.

More than 500 Canadian Direct Investment Abroad (CDIA) transactions, helping Canadian companies connect with global supply chains around the world.

World's first foreign financial institution to issue a rupee-denominated loan: A landmark transaction that showcases a distinct local-currencyadvantage for Canadian companies active in India.



"EDC's ability to extend more financial support to Canadian companies during challenging times is predicated upon a strong balance sheet, and we finished 2016 with total assets growing to $63 billion and a net income of $1 billion," said Ken Kember, Senior Vice-President, Finance and Technology Group and Chief Financial Officer. "These positive results also allowed EDC to declare a dividend of $786 million to our shareholder, the Government of Canada."

EDC is the leading provider of financing and insurance solutions for small- to medium-sized Canadian companies engaging in international trade. EDC is also a global financing partner to Canada's large anchor companies, who often bring along smaller Canadian suppliers when they expand into new markets. "An increasingly important part of Canada's trade story is the additional business activity generated by foreign investments," added Mr. Daignault. "Canadian companies with foreign affiliates have reported additional sales that created positive impacts on employment at the Canadian parent. EDC is there to support these foreign investors with 19 representations around the globe, including new locations in Jakarta and London added in 2016." Central to EDC's business focus are the following four key areas that bring value to Canadian exporters and investors: Providing a financial toolkit for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) 9% increase in small business transactions, reaching 3,188 (38% of total EDC transactions).

6% increase in SME business transactions, reaching 4,555 (84% of total EDC transactions).

8% decrease in total dollar amount of business facilitated for Canadian SMEs (CAD 14.2 billion), with 25 % of that business in emerging markets. Enabling Canadian business in emerging markets 5% increase in total business facilitated, reaching $30.6 billion.

Canadian companies access close to 150 countries with emerging economies using EDC's services. Facilitating Canadian direct investment abroad (CDIA) Total value of Canadian foreign investment transactions that EDC helped facilitate remained steady at CAD 12.4 billion.

14% increase in the number of transactions in support of CDIA, reaching 508. Creating opportunities by connecting Canadian companies with foreign buyers EDC led 18 matchmaking events in 2016, engaging more than 200 foreign buyers and almost 400 Canadian suppliers (83% of which were SMEs).

EDC develops relationships with large foreign companies with supply chain opportunities that match up well with Canadian capabilities. These foreign companies procured from more than 960 Canadian exporters in 2016, of which nearly 70% were SMEs. EDC released highlights of its 2016 corporate results today following a meeting of the Board of Directors. A complete Annual Report will be released in the second quarter. About EDC EDC helps Canadian companies go, grow, and succeed in their international business. As a financial Crown corporation, EDC provides financing, insurance, bonding, trade knowledge, and matchmaking connections to help Canadian companies sell and invest abroad. EDC also provides financial solutions to buyers of Canadian goods and services around the world. For more information about how EDC can help your company, call 1-888-434-8508 or visit www.edc.ca. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170330005738/en/

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[March 30, 2017] Zignal Labs Summit 2017 Features Big Brands, Changemakers in Media and Social Intelligence

SAN FRANCISCO, March 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zignal Labs today announced its Summit 2017 conference, From Chaos to Control: Make Media Intelligence Central to Your Business, to be held May 18, 2017, in San Francisco. The one-day, invitation-only gathering for communications and marketing executives focuses on using media and social intelligence to build bulletproof brands and effectively drive business transformation.

Leaders from top brands and agencies such as Airbnb, Citrix, NVIDIA, Uber, Brunswick Group, FleishmanHillard, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Ketchum Public Relations, and The Jeff Eller Group will share how they use data-driven media and social intelligence to mitigate risk to their business and brand, understand changing consumer demands, and streamline crisis response. Every day brings a fresh set of challenges for communication leaders, particularly in an era of hyper-empowered consumers, an always-on media landscape, and lightning-fast social platforms, remarked Josh Ginsberg, CEO of Zignal Labs. But when we use data science to drive real-time media intelligence, these professionals can amplify good opportunities, while mitigating reputational risks. Zignal Labs Summit 2017 will include dscussions on:



Ways corporate communications professionals can use data science to cut through the noise and deliver the analyses and recommendations valued by C-suite leaders.

How media intelligence can support data-driven decision making for crisis response, influencer identification, determining competitive share of voice and strategic planning.

Centralizing communications and social intelligence infrastructure in a Mission Control model, an emerging - and likely enduring - trend in large enterprise companies.

Future trends including artificial intelligence and deep learning and how these innovations will improve collaboration and decision making, and help predict the next crisis or opportunity. This exclusive event is tailored for members of corporate communications, public relations, marketing, digital strategy, and public and government affairs teams. Learn more about Summit speakers, workshops, and request an invitation at:

www.zignallabs.com/summit. About Zignal Labs

Zignal Labs turns media intelligence into a strategic asset for the worlds largest brands and enterprises. By analyzing the full media spectrum in realtime, Zignals centralized platform empowers corporate communications, marketing and executive teams to understand trends, pinpoint issues and make informed decisions. Headquartered in San Francisco with offices throughout the country, Zignal serves customers around the world including Airbnb, Citrix, IBM, PepsiCo, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, The Sacramento Kings, Brunswick Group and FleishmanHillard. To learn more, visit: www.zignallabs.com.

Media Contact Zignal Labs Randy Brasche [email protected] 415 683 7871 x 328

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[March 30, 2017] The Buzz: FirstNet Partner Announcement Plays Big at IWCE 2017 with Communication Technology Professionals

LAS VEGAS, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE), the premier annual event for communications technology professionals, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, is taking place this week in Las Vegas. The event is targeted to government, public safety, transportation, utilities and enterprises that rely on communications technology. This week's biggest announcement was made this morning in Washington D.C. by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross that the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) will sign a 25-year contract to AT&T to build and maintain a nationwide public-safety broadband network. Gregg Herring, VP & Market Leader, Public Infrastructure said, "We are excited that IWCE is able to play a critical role providing an informational forum for this important initiative. When it comes to public safety, Americans expect results from first responders. The first-of-its-kind FirstNet network will carry high-speed data, location information, images, and streaming video to public-safety users, so they can have the best information to make critical decisions quickly." Yesterday TJ Kennedy, president, FirstNet delivered a keynote address discussing the nationwide public safety broadband network. To view the video, click here. Stephanie McCall, Show Director, IWCE said, "This is an exciting time for our industry as well as first responders. FirstNet fulfills a promise made to first responders after 9/11  that they would have the technology they need to stay safe and do their jobs effectively. IWCE has been providing FirstNet with a platform for education since its inception. Even before FirstNet was established Morgan O'Brien, former Nextel Communications co-founder, proposed this idea for a nationwide public saety broadband network during a keynote at IWCE in 2006. FirstNet is featured throughout the event providing public safety professionals, technology vendors, government officials and app developers with opportunity to find the information and critical education they need."



A FirstNet Town Hall meeting will be held Thursday at 3:30 pm. FirstNet is located in booth #532 in the IWCE Exhibit Hall. In addition, the conference program is offering a FirstNet track covering the following topics: FirstNet Early Builders, Trials Use Cases and Deployable Networks

Flexibility: The Key to NPSBN Build-Out Success

Working Together: FirstNet and NG911

Going Shopping: What Exactly Does FirstNet Offer?

FirstNet in Review

Opt In/Opt Out: A Governor's Decision

FirstNet State Plans: Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN) Opt Out Process

FirstNet Tech Panel: Cybersecurity

Get What You Pay For: Ensuring Performance

FirstNet Voice Offerings: Dispel the Myths

FirstNet Tech Panel: Apps - How Will Public Safety Leverage FirstNet?

State of the States: State Plans

FirstNet Discipline Roundtables To read more about the latest news on FirstNet, visit http://www.urgentcomm.com.

For additional information on IWCE and to sign up for email updates, visit iwceexpo.com. Stay connected with @iwceexpo on Twitter and Facebook and be sure to follow our LinkedIn company page. ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS EXPO (IWCE)

Since 1977, the International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) has been the premier annual event for communications technology professionals. IWCE features over 400 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and trends in the industry. Over 7,000 individuals attend from a diverse group of industry professionals including government/military, public safety, utility, transportation and business enterprise. IWCE 2017 will be held March 27-31, 2017 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. For more information, visit www.iwceexpo.com. About Informa

IWCE is part of Informa, the international business intelligence, academic publishing, knowledge and events group. Informa serves commercial, professional and academic communities, helping them connect and learn, and creating and providing access to content and intelligence that helps people and businesses work smarter and make better decisions faster. Informa has over 7,500 colleagues in more than 20 countries and a presence in all major geographies. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE 100. MEDIA CONTACT

Nadira Ramatally

Director of Marketing

IWCE

(770) 618-0121

[email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-buzz-firstnet-partner-announcement-plays-big-at-iwce-2017-with-communication-technology-professionals-300431969.html SOURCE International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE)

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[March 30, 2017] Kanetix.ca Helps Drivers Save on Car Insurance and Reduce Their Carbon Footprint

#KanetixLovesTrees and pledges to raise funds for Tree Canada. TORONTO, March 30, 2017 /CNW/ - With Earth Day just around the corner, Kanetix.ca has pledged to help drivers reduce their carbon footprint during the month of April. Every time a car insurance shopper gets a quote and calls Kanetix.ca to secure their rate a donation will be made to Tree Canada, a not-for-profit charitable organization. The donation for each call will equal the money needed to plant and maintain a tree. The donation program is open to Canadian motorists in Ontario, Alberta, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick; everywhere Kanetix.ca is able to help drivers save on their car insurance through their quote comparison service. "We want to help offset the impact driving has on the environment, and we are thrilled to be raising funds for Tree Canada to achieve this end," said Janine White, Vice-President of Marketplaces for Kanetix.ca. "Trees naturally absorb carbon dioxide, one of the greenhouse gases released when we drive, and our goal is to give customers the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint all the while saving money on heir auto insurance."



#KanetixLovesTrees officially launches on March 30, 2017 and will continue throughout the entire month of April in celebration of Earth Day, which falls on April 22. For every customer who compares quotes and calls Kanetix.ca to secure their rate, Kanetix.ca will make a donation to Tree Canada, up to a maximum of $5,000 at the close of the campaign. Planting trees is just one way we can green our commute. View the Kanetix.ca infographic that illustrates some of the other everyday ways we can drive change and minimize our impact on the environment.

About Tree Canada Tree Canada is a not-for-profit charitable organization established to encourage Canadians to plant and care for trees in urban and rural environments. Tree Canada engages Canadian companies, government agencies and individuals to support the planting of trees, the greening of schoolyards, and other efforts to sensitize Canadians to the benefits of planting and maintaining trees. Since 1992, more than 80 million trees have been planted and over 580 schoolyards have been greened. Get involved or learn more about at treecanada.ca. About Kanetix.ca Launched in October 1999, Kanetix.ca was Canada's first online insurance marketplace and today provides over a million quotes per year to consumers looking for insurance, as well as comparisons for mortgage rates and credit cards. The Kanetix.ca comparison service is a one-stop shopping environment for consumers. Each day, thousands visit the Kanetix.ca website to comparison shop their various financial needs. Shoppers choose what they want to compare, obtain a quotation and complete an online application or, with the help of Kanetix.ca connect with the provider to purchase or apply for the product over the phone. SOURCE Kanetix.ca

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[March 30, 2017] Minister Carr Meets with U.S. Energy Secretary Perry in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 30, 2017 /CNW/ - Canada and the United States share a unique relationship, a mutually beneficial partnership forged by shared geography, common interests and two of the most integrated economies in the world. Millions of good, middle-class jobs  on both sides of the border  depend upon the free flow of goods and services between our two countries. Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Jim Carr, took that message to Washington, D.C. this week as part of his first official visit with the new U.S. administration. The trip included Minister Carr's first face-to-face meeting with Rick Perry, the new U.S. Secretary of Energy. Minister Carr and Secretary Perry agreed on the importance of advancing a North American energy strategy and to build on the important work done to date. The meeting also touched on the Keystone XL decision and the jobs it will create on both sides of the border, a recent example of the benefits to both nations of integrated energy systems. There was also agreement to align priorities on cybersecurity and infrastructure security. Minister Carr also met with Scott Pruitt, the new Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency; Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska); Rep. Kevin Cramer (R-span >North Dakota); chief executives of the National Association of Homebuilders and the American Petroleum Institute; and the presidents of the American Federation of LaborCongress of Industrial Organizations and the Laborers' International Union of North America.



While in Washington, Minister Carr delivered a speech at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for 21st Century Energy, where he expanded upon the significance of the CanadaU.S. relationship. He stressed that, with the third-largest crude oil reserves in the world, Canada is a secure and reliable source of energy for the U.S., providing 43 percent of all the crude it imports. Canada and the U.S. also share a prosperous trade relationship when it comes to electricity, mining and forest products. Minister Carr added that energy integration benefits both Canada and the U.S. by increasing our energy security, lowering energy and capital costs, and enhancing reliability of supply. It also creates good, middle-class jobs at the thousands of American companies that supply Canada's energy industry.

Quote "Nowhere is our shared prosperity more pronounced  or more important  than in our natural resource sectors, from Canadian softwood used to build American homes to minerals that are used in high-tech manufacturing. Canada and the U.S. share the closest energy relationship in the world and I look forward to enhancing and fostering that relationship with Secretary Perry." Jim Carr

Canada's Minister of Natural Resources Related Links Minister Carr  speech to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for 21st Century Energy Follow us on Twitter: @NRCan (http://twitter.com/nrcan) NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.news.gc.ca. SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

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[March 30, 2017] Winners announced in $5M nonprofit challenge from Google Canada

TORONTO, March 30, 2017 /CNW/ - The winners of the $5M Google.org Impact Challenge were revealed today. The Impact Challenge asked Canadian nonprofits to share their best ideas for how to use technology to tackle some of the world's toughest problems. More than 900 nonprofits applied, and today the winners were announced following a live competition. Five winning projects will each receive $750,000 in grant funding from Google, alongside hands-on support from both Google and their local support partner, the LEAP Centre, for the next year to help them bring their projects to life. An additional five finalists will receive $250,000 in funding from Google, along with the same support program. These ten projects all use innovative applications of technology to solve big problems with the potential to scale. From growing fresh food in the Arctic to providing a bird's eye view of disaster zones to changing the way disease is diagnosed in the developing world, these are bold ideas that highlight both Canada's talent for innovation and our culture of helping others. "We had huge expectations for what Canada could deliver as part of this Challenge, and these projects exceeded even those high expectations," explained Sam Sebastian, VP, Google and Country Director, Canada. "Canada's capacity to deploy innovative technology in the service of social challenges is truly something to behold." "There are a whole lot of innovators in Canada who understand the needs of underserved populations, and who are ready to create new and unexpected solutions to address inequities," said Jacquelline Fuller, managing director of Google.org. "This a country with humanitarianism and innovation baked into its DNA, and that comes out in these big ideas to make the world better through technology." Winning Projects - $750K: The Rumie Initiative - Only 40% of students on indigenous reserves graduate from high school, compared to 90% of students in the rest of Canada . The LearnCloud Portal is an offline, tablet-based curriculum to help high school students learn about Indigenous culture, history and language while gaining employment skills and financial literacy.

- Only 40% of students on indigenous reserves graduate from high school, compared to 90% of students in the rest of . The LearnCloud Portal is an offline, tablet-based curriculum to help high school students learn about Indigenous culture, history and language while gaining employment skills and financial literacy. World Wide Hearing Foundation International - Globally, 32 million children suffer from significant hearing loss, the majority of whom live in countries where access to hearing care can be a significant barrier. The Teleaudiology Cloud will connect children living in remote communities with audiologists and speech therapists who can assist with remote screening, hearing aid fitting, speech therapy and parent counselling.

- Globally, 32 million children suffer from significant hearing loss, the majority of whom live in countries where access to hearing care can be a significant barrier. The Teleaudiology Cloud will connect children living in remote communities with audiologists and speech therapists who can assist with remote screening, hearing aid fitting, speech therapy and parent counselling. Arctic Eider Society - With Arctic sea ice declining at over 13% per decade, changing conditions make navigation unpredictable and limits access to traditional foods for Arctic communities. The SIKU platform will provide a set of open-source tools that help Inuit communities map changing sea ice, and build a living archive of Inuit knowledge to help inform decision making for stewardship and sustainable development.

- With Arctic sea ice declining at over 13% per decade, changing conditions make navigation unpredictable and limits access to traditional foods for Arctic communities. The SIKU platform will provide a set of open-source tools that help Inuit communities map changing sea ice, and build a living archive of Inuit knowledge to help inform decision making for stewardship and sustainable development. PeaceGeeks Society - It can take up to ten years for the employment rate of recent immigrant cohorts to reach the equivalent rates for those born in Canada . With information provided in their native language, Services Advisor is an application aimed at welcoming new Canadians to our shores, making it easier for newcomers to access immigrant services like mentorship and employment skills.

- It can take up to ten years for the employment rate of recent immigrant cohorts to reach the equivalent rates for those born in . With information provided in their native language, Services Advisor is an application aimed at welcoming new Canadians to our shores, making it easier for newcomers to access immigrant services like mentorship and employment skills. People's Choice Award , selected by nearly 500,000 votes Food Banks Canada - Each year, close to $31 billion of food is wasted in Canada , yet nearly one in ten Canadian households have to worry about whether they have food on the table. The FoodAccess App diverts surplus quality food away from landfill by connecting farmers, manufacturers and restaurants with donation agencies and Canadian dinner tables that might otherwise go empty.

,



Finalist Projects - $250K: British Columbia Children's Hospital Foundation - Globally, pneumonia is the single largest cause of death among children under five. The PocketDoc for Pneumonia is a mobile platform to accurately diagnose pneumonia in the developing world and save children's lives.

- Globally, pneumonia is the single largest cause of death among children under five. The PocketDoc for Pneumonia is a mobile platform to accurately diagnose pneumonia in the developing world and save children's lives. GlobalMedic - In the chaos after an earthquake or a tsunami, every minute counts. The RescUAV project will use Canadian-made Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to fly over disaster areas, allowing emergency responders to see the terrain they are heading into and help them get aid to where it's needed most.

- In the chaos after an earthquake or a tsunami, every minute counts. The RescUAV project will use Canadian-made Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to fly over disaster areas, allowing emergency responders to see the terrain they are heading into and help them get aid to where it's needed most. Victoria Hand Project - Only 5% of the 40 million people who need prosthetic care can access the resources they need. The Victoria Hand Project will provide affordable 3D-printed prosthetics in low-to-mid income countries.

- Only 5% of the 40 million people who need prosthetic care can access the resources they need. The Victoria Hand Project will provide affordable 3D-printed prosthetics in low-to-mid income countries. Growing North - In Nunavut, nearly 70% of adults are food insecure - meaning they lack reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. Growing North addresses food insecurity issues by building greenhouses that will provide fresh produce all year round in latitudes above the Arctic Circle at about half of the present cost.

- In Nunavut, nearly 70% of adults are food insecure - meaning they lack reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. Growing North addresses food insecurity issues by building greenhouses that will provide fresh produce all year round in latitudes above the Arctic Circle at about half of the present cost. Canadian Red Cross - The Register Educate Deliver System (REDS) system will take a pilot project developed in the days following the Fort McMurray Wildfire and scale it so it's ready for the next big disaster. The program registers those affected, shares critical information about how to respond, and quickly delivers financial assistance into the hands of Canadians when they need it most. Additional Resources:

Google Canada blog post

blog post Photos and b-roll About Google.org Impact Challenge

The Google.org Impact Challenge is an opportunity for registered nonprofits and charities to share their vision for using technology to change the world. Winning organizations will share $5 million CAD in grant funding, as well as mentorship from Google and our challenge support partner, the LEAP Centre for Social Impact. About Google Canada

Google's mission is to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful. As a global technology leader, Google's innovations in web search and advertising have made its website a top internet property and its brand one of the most recognized in the world. Google Canada has offices in Waterloo, Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa with nearly 1,000 'Canooglers' working on teams across Engineering, Sales, Marketing, PR, Policy, and HR. SOURCE Google Canada

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[March 30, 2017] Acquisition of Comtelco Industries by Mobile Mark, Inc.

ITASCA, Ill., March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Mobile Mark, Inc. is pleased to announce an agreement in principle to acquire Comtelco Industries. Comtelco manufactures a wide range of Land Mobile Radio (LMR) antennas for both mobile and site installations. Antenna styles include omni-directional base station antennas, directional Yagi and Folded Dipole Antennas, and in-building Panel and Ceiling mount antennas, as well as Cellular, ISM, UHF, VHF, and Low Band Mobile Antennas. Their antenna products are widely valued for their efficient performance and rugged construction. Michael Berry, President & CEO of Mobile Mark, explained, "This is part of Mobile Mark's commitment to providing high quality antenna solutions for commercial wireless applications. We are pleased to welcome Comtelco into the Mobile Mark family of antennas. Their antennas embody reliability and high performance and complement the current Mobile Mark antenna line. We respect and value Comtelco's strong ties in the wireless industry and believe that together we are stronger." Bob Scorza, President of Comtelco, added, "Customers satisfaction has been our highest goal and we believe that Mobile Mark will continue to bring value to our customers b investing in research and development. We know how they operate their business and we know their commitment to the industry. We have every confidence that they will continue to provide the highest quality products, offering the best performance and reliability, at a reasonable price."



Both Bob and his wife, Kathie, co-owner of Whisco, are pleased with the move, "We are deeply committed to both our customers and our employees and see the partnership with Mobile Mark as a way to honor both commitments. Mobile Mark's facilities are located only a few miles from our facilities. We will be working closely with Mobile Mark and our employees to ensure a successful transition and ongoing relationship with our customers." The antenna manufacturing will be moved from Comtelco's Glendale Heights, IL location to Mobile Mark's Itasca, IL location allowing the "Made-in-the-USA" badge to continue with Mobile Mark.

The acquisition takes effect in June 2017. Contact Mobile Mark directly for details on product availability. About Mobile Mark

Mobile Mark, Inc. designs and manufactures site, mobile and device antennas for 600 MHz  9 GHz. Applications include GPS Tracking & Fleet Management, Cellular 3G & 4G LTE, WiFi, RFID, Public Safety, Military and Machine-to-Machine (M2M). Engineering and custom design services available. Mobile Mark's global headquarters, which include research facilities and manufacturing plant, are located near Chicago, IL. An additional manufacturing and sales facility is located near Birmingham, UK. For further information visit our website: www.mobilemark.com. About Comtelco

Comtelco was created as a division of Whisco Component Engineering, Inc. to distribute products that were designed by the parent company. This company eventually evolved into Comtelco Industries, a wholly-owned subsidiary that sells products, throughout the world, that are manufactured in our plant in Glendale Heights, Illinois. For further information visit our website: www.comtelcoantennas.com. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/acquisition-of-comtelco-industries-by-mobile-mark-inc-300432147.html SOURCE Mobile Mark, Inc.

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[March 30, 2017] Neovacs Provides Corporate Update and Reports Full Year 2016 Financial Results

IFNa Kinoid to treat Lupus received  Fast Track  designation from FDA; Phase IIb ongoing



Extended IFNa Kinoid clinical development program to Dermatomyositis; Phase IIa ongoing

Extended IFNa Kinoid preclinical development program to Type 1 diabetes

Secured key partnerships

Balance sheet strengthened through capital increase of 8 million

Operating expenses in line with projections, primarily therapeutic-candidate development PARIS, March 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NEOVACS (Alternext Paris:ALNEV), a leader in discovery and development of innovative active immunotherapies for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, today provided a corporate update and announced its full-year 2016 financial results, as approved by its Board of Directors on March 29, 2017. "The past year has been a pivotal period for Neovacs. The Company achieved multiple clinical development and regulatory milestones, while maintaining strict control over expenses, said Miguel Sieler, CEO of Neovacs. In 2017, we will focus on securing additional partnerships, which will allow us to further control our costs in the mid- and long-term, whilst maintaining ownership of our technology. 2016 HIGHLIGHTS



New indications for IFNa Kinoid: Phase IIa dermatomyositis clinical trial and a preclinical Type 1 diabetes study

Following authorization by the European authorities, Neovacs initiated a Phase IIa clinical trial of IFNa Kinoid to treat dermatomyositis in 30 adult patients. This multicentre European study aims to evaluate immunogenicity, tolerance and biological and clinical efficacy. At the end of 2016, Neovacs began a preclinical type 1 diabetes study in "NOD-mice," a widely recognized model, in collaboration with Dr. Agnes Lehuen and Professor Christian Boitard, Department of Immunology of Diabetes at Hospital Cochin in Paris. Initial results of the study showed a strong immune response, marked by a high production of anti-IFNa neutralizing antibodies. The activation of a U.S. Investigational New Drug (IND) protocol extended the IFNa Kinoid Phase IIb Lupus trial, including the first U.S. patients

Following the activation of an IND by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Neovacs extended its Phase IIb clinical trial into leading centers for Lupus treatment in the U.S. The study has attracted the interest of many leading U.S. clinicians, including specialists in autoimmune diseases. Due to strong demand, Neovacs opened additional U.S. centers, bringing the total number to 15. FDA Fast Track Designation for IFNa Kinoid in lupus

IFNa Kinoid was granted Fast-Track designation by the FDA. Fast-Track designation is provided for developing innovative therapies that target life-threatening, severe illnesses and have demonstrated pre-clinical and clinical ability to address an unmet medical need. This status facilitates interactions with FDA, accelerates product development and allows for priority review of the registration filing for marketing authorization. Neovacs entered into two strategic agreements to secure and optimize the manufacturing of interferon alpha (IFN alpha), one of the primary raw materials required for IFN alpha Kinoid

Neovacs first acquired the rights to the technology required to manufacture IFNa from the Argentinian company, AMEGABIOTECH. This transaction facilitated a subsequent partnership with 3P Biopharmaceuticals, a Spanish leader in the production of biological drugs, to produce IFNa. These two agreements represent a significant step in securing manufacturing capabilities for the future development and commercialization of Neovacs therapeutic vaccine, IFNa Kinoid. Creation of a production subsidiary, Neostell, in partnership with Stellar Biotechnologies

Neovacs and Stellar Biotechnologies created the production company, Neostell SAS (Paris, France), in the form of a joint venture, owned 70% by Neovacs and 30% by Stellar Biotechnologies. Benefiting from the IFN alpha manufactured by 3P Biopharmaceutical, Neostell will be directly involved in the manufacturing of kinoids, positioning itself as a leader in the production of conjugated therapeutic vaccines. Neostell will provide Neovacs with its IFN alpha Kinoid therapeutic vaccine using the cytokine, IFNa (produced by 3P Biopharmaceutical), and the carrier protein, KLH (produced by Stellar Biotechnologies). FULL YEAR 2016 RESULTS

Summary financial information In K 2016 2015 Revenues 394 1 181 Operating costs 17, 655 12, 459 of which, R&D 14,658 10,683 Operating profit/loss -17,261 -11, 279 Financial Results -99 -157 Pretax profit/loss -17, 361 -11, 436 Exceptional items 34 4 188 Research tax credit -3, 394 -2, 565 Net profit /loss -13, 932 -4, 683



In line with the Company's goals, the evolution of operating income reflects the intensification of clinical and pharmaceutical development programs over the past year, leading to an increase in operational expenditure of 42% to  17.6 million, in 2016, compared to  12.4 million in 2015. The increase in operating expenses, of which 83% is dedicated to R&D activities, was primarily driven by:

The opening of clinical enrolment in the Phase IIb study at new centers in the U.S., which coincided with the most active phase in the recruitment of Lupus patients

The initiation of a European IFNa Kinoid Phase I/IIa clinical study to treat Dermatomyositis (DM)

The preparation of new IFNa Kinoid development batches in preparation for larger clinical batches. The Company's net loss amounted to  13.9 million in 2016, compared with  4.7 million recorded in the previous year. This was offset by a significant increase in the French Research Tax Credit (+ 32% compared to 31 December 2015) in connection with the acceleration of R&D programs over this period. CASH FLOW POSITION At 31st December 2016, Neovacs had  3.9 million in cash, which was further reinforced during the first half of 2017 by the following payments: An undisclosed first payment under the license option contract with BIOSENSE GLOBAL

 1.5 million from "Credit Impot Recherche

 2.4million from Tranche 2 under the equity financing line with Kepler. The Company also has two additional flexible financing lines with Kepler Cheuvreux for a total of  13 million. Clinical development-related expenses are expected to decrease significantly following the conclusion of patient enrollment in the IFNa Kinoid Phase IIb Lupus study, which is expected to begin in mid-2017. NEOVACS TO PRIORITIZE PIPELINE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTAIN STRICT FINANCIAL CONTROL IN 2017 Finalization of recruitment in Phase IIb study of IFNa Kinoid to treat lupus

The Phase IIb clinical study already has enrolled more than 80% of its target number of 178 patients. The Independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (iDSMB) issued a favorable opinion for the continuation of the Phase IIb clinical study in January 2017. Preliminary results of phase IIa clinical study in dermatomyositis expected in H2 2017

Preliminary results from the Phase IIa clinical trial with IFNa Kinoid to treat dermatomyositis are expected in the second half of 2017. The Company expects that these data will confirm the biological activity of the antibodies generated by IFNa-Kinoid and, therefore, provide the opportunity for Neovacs to file for "orphan- drug designation" in this indication. Results of preclinical study in Type 1 Diabetes with IFNa Kinoid expected in H2 2017

Positive preclinical proof of concept in type 1 diabetes could lead to the launch of Phase II clinical development of IFN alpha Kinoid in this indication during the first half of 2018. Neovacs extends development activities to China following partnership with BioSense Global LLC

Neovacs is preparing for the development of IFNa Kinoid in Asia following the signing of an agreement with BioSense Global LLC for the development and commercialization of the product in lupus and dermatomyositis in China and other selected territories. The licensing option with BioSense Global LLC included a cash upfront payment and is worth up to  65 million, plus royalties. Neovacs received a first undisclosed payment upon signing, which will be followed by payments related to development and regulatory milestones, and later double-digit royalties on sales. About Neovacs

Listed on Alternext Paris since 2010, Neovacs is today a leading biotechnology company focused on an active immunotherapy technology platform (Kinoids) with applications in autoimmune and/or inflammatory diseases. On the basis of the companys proprietary technology for inducing a polyclonal immune response (covered by five patent families that potentially run until 2032) Neovacs is focusing its clinical development efforts on IFNa-Kinoid, an immunotherapy being developed for the indication of lupus, dermatomyositis and also in preclinical trial for Type 1 diabetes. Neovacs is also conducting preclinical development works on other therapeutic vaccines in the fields of auto-immune diseases, oncology and allergies. The goal of the Kinoid approach is to enable patients to have access to safe treatments with efficacy that is sustained in these life-long diseases. www.neovacs.fr Contacts NEOVACS  Corporate Communication & Investor Relations Charlene Masson +33 1 53 10 93 14 [email protected] LIFESCI ADVISORS- Investor Relations / Financial Communications Chris Maggos [email protected] +41 79 367 6254 Media  NewCap: Annie-Florence Loyer [email protected] +33 1 44 71 00 12 / +33 6 88 20 35 59

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[March 30, 2017] Anaplanner of the Year and Visionaries of the Year recognized at Anaplan Hub17

SAN FRANCISCO, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Anaplan, a leading platform provider driving a new age of connected planning, announced customer awards this week at Hub17, the company's premier global user conference, where over 1,500 planning change agents and leaders learned about a new age of connected planning. Anaplanner of the Year

Tyler Snellings, Senior FP&A Manager, AdRoll, is the 2017 Anaplanner of the Year. This award recognizes exceptional model-building expertise, excellence in training and certification, and contributions to the Anaplan community. Snellings was selected from a group of Master Anaplanners, which is a designation given to users who have demonstrated excellence in model building with Anaplan. Visionaries of the Year

Anaplan also announced regional awards for the 2017 Visionaries of the Year. The following were recognized for driving planning transformation and value widely within their companies: Americas : Kely Phillips , Global IT Portfolio Leader, Shared Services Leader, Halyard Health

: , Global IT Portfolio Leader, Shared Services Leader, Halyard Health EMEA : Louis Vuitton Malletier*

: Louis Vuitton Malletier* APAC: Wayne Lo , Senior Director, Financial Operations, Asia Region , Dimension Data Asia Pacific



Simon Tucker , Chief Customer Officer, Anaplan. "Anaplanners have a skill set that is in high demand. Recipients of these awards are shining examples and visionaries recognized internally at their own companies for impacting powerful business transformations." Industry visionaries, leaders, and experts, as well as people looking to be inspired, gathered at Hub17 in San Francisco to share the vision of connection. During the conference, Anaplan announced innovations that are driving a new age of connected planning and unveiled a new visual identity.

*this individual preferred to remain anonymous. About Anaplan

Anaplan is driving a new age of connected planning. Large and fast-growing organizations use Anaplan's cloud platform in every business function to make informed decisions and drive faster, more effective planning processes. Anaplan also provides support, training, and planning transformation advisory services. Anaplan is a privately held company based in San Francisco with 16 offices and over 150 expert partners worldwide. To learn more, visit anaplan.com. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/anaplanner-of-the-year-and-visionaries-of-the-year-recognized-at-anaplan-hub17-300432198.html SOURCE Anaplan

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[March 30, 2017] Envestnet Unveils Roster of Featured Speakers and Sessions for 2017 Advisor Summit

CHICAGO, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Envestnet, Inc. (NYSE: ENV) will host its sixth annual Envestnet Advisor Summit May 3-5, 2017 at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Dallas, Texas. The conference is expected to draw more than 2,000 investment professionals from across the country to talk about today's investment climate and strategies to support financial advisors as they grow their business in 2017 and beyond. More information about the summit can be found here. "The industry is facing significant market and consumer forces that are reshaping the way advice is delivered," said Jud Bergman, Chairman and CEO of Envestnet. "This year's Advisor Summit will provide an interactive setting where advisors can learn from recognized thought leaders how to harness the latest innovations in wealth management technology and position themselves as 'essential advisors' who can deliver better outcomes for their clients." Featured Speakers This year's summit will feature presentations from Envestnet's management team, including Mr. Bergman, Envestnet President Bill Crager, Envestnet | Tamarac Group President Stuart DePina and Envestnet | Yodlee Chief Executive Anil Arora. A distinguished lineup of keynote speakers also will present on a range of topics: Jim Harbaugh , Head Football Coach for the University of Michigan Wolverines

Head Football Coach for the Wolverines David Gergen , Professor of Public Service and Co-Director of the Center for Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School and Senior Political Analyst, CNN

Professor of Public Service and Co-Director of the Center for Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School and Senior Political Analyst, CNN Garry Kasparov, Contributing Editor for The Wall Street Journal, Chairman of the Human Rights Foundation and former World Chess Champion Session Highlights As a part of the summit, attendees can participate in panel discussions and breakout sessions to learn more about the challenges  and opportunities  facing the industry, including: Essential Advisor Certification - Envestnet will debut The Essential Advisor Certification Program, a new financial advisor practice management education program, developed in partnership with Cannon Financial Institute. This program will help financial advisors hone the skills needed to thrive in a dynamic competitive, consumer and regulatory landscape and will feature live training with Phil Buchanan , Executive Chairman of the Board of Cannon Financial, one of the industry's most sought-after educators and thought leader.

Envestnet will debut The Essential Advisor Certification Program, a new financial advisor practice management education program, developed in partnership with Cannon Financial Institute. This program will help financial advisors hone the skills needed to thrive in a dynamic competitive, consumer and regulatory landscape and will feature live training with , Executive Chairman of the Board of Cannon Financial, one of the industry's most sought-after educators and thought leader. Award Presentations - The frst annual Essential Advisor Awards will recognize three financial advisors whose business models focus on sustainable value creation for clients, engaging through a holistic planning model, embracing transparency, and leveraging technology to help them scale their practice. Envestnet will also continue a 12 year tradition with the SMA Manager and Strategist of the Year Awards, recognizing excellence in several asset classes.

The frst annual Essential Advisor Awards will recognize three financial advisors whose business models focus on sustainable value creation for clients, engaging through a holistic planning model, embracing transparency, and leveraging technology to help them scale their practice. Envestnet will also continue a 12 year tradition with the SMA Manager and Strategist of the Year Awards, recognizing excellence in several asset classes. Women Leaders in Finance  At this year's sixth annual Women Leaders in Finance event, Amy Trask , an analyst for CBS Sports and CBS Sports Network and author of "You Negotiate Like a Girl: Reflections on a Career in the National Football League" will provide insights on how she found success by operating without regard to gender. This networking event will bring together some of the most influential women in the financial community.

At this year's sixth annual Women Leaders in Finance event, , an analyst for CBS Sports and CBS Sports Network and author of "You Negotiate Like a Girl: Reflections on a Career in the National Football League" will provide insights on how she found success by operating without regard to gender. This networking event will bring together some of the most influential women in the financial community. Executive Roundtables  Bringing together industry leaders for highly interactive networking events, offering a unique opportunity for industry executives to discuss the opportunities and challenges of common concern. These leaders gain valuable insight from one another and the event offers an opportunity to share best practices.

Bringing together industry leaders for highly interactive networking events, offering a unique opportunity for industry executives to discuss the opportunities and challenges of common concern. These leaders gain valuable insight from one another and the event offers an opportunity to share best practices. Incubator Program  In an effort to help foster innovation in financial technology, the Incubator program was developed by Envestnet | Yodlee to help cutting-edge developers, innovators and entrepreneurs launch disruptive data-driven companies. Hear five of the hottest startups from the program describe their innovations and the use cases behind their ingenuity.



breakout sessions with American Funds, Nuveen and Russell Investments. Advanced Training Opportunities

Attendees can stop by the Learning Cafe to get one-on-one consultations about the solutions and tools available through Envestnet's next-generation platform. Those arriving early can take advantage of Tamarac University, Envestnet's classroom-style training session aimed at educating advisors on the latest developments to the Tamarac Advisor Xi suite, as well as ERS Technology University, which provides an overview of Envestnet's Advisor Advantage platform. Finally, for Envestnet | Yodlee customers, a pre-conference session will highlight key trends and customer requirements, along with sharing more details about the company's strategy, vision and products. These sessions will commence on May 1 and 2. Continuing Education 11 of this year's sessions qualify for one hour of Continuing Education credit for CIMA and CFP certifications. For more information, please visit http://envestnet.com/advisorsummit/credit/. Social Media Advisors can stay up to speed on summit events by following Envestnet on Twitter (https://twitter.com/ENVintel) and using the #ENVSummit hashtag. The Advisor Summit mobile app also will be available for download, which will give attendees access to an activity feed, agenda and documents shared during the sessions, as well as a city guide to orient visitors as they arrive in Dallas for the conference. About Envestnet Envestnet, Inc. (NYSE: ENV) is a leading provider of intelligent systems for wealth management and financial wellness. Envestnet's unified technology enhances advisor productivity and strengthens the wealth management process. Envestnet empowers enterprises and advisors to more fully understand their clients and deliver better outcomes. Envestnet enables financial advisors to better manage client outcomes and strengthen their practices. Institutional-quality research and advanced portfolio solutions are provided through Envestnet | PMC, our Portfolio Management Consultants group. Envestnet | Yodlee is a leading data aggregation and data analytics platform powering dynamic, cloud-based innovation for digital financial services. Envestnet | Tamarac provides leading rebalancing, reporting, and practice management software for advisors. Envestnet | Retirement Solutions provides retirement advisors with an integrated platform that combines leading practice management technology, research and due diligence, data aggregation, compliance tools, fiduciary solutions and intelligent managed account solutions. More than 54,000 advisors and 2,500 companies including: 16 of the 20 largest U.S. banks, 38 of the 50 largest wealth management and brokerage firms, over 500 of the largest Registered Investment Advisers, and hundreds of Internet services companies, leverage Envestnet technology and services. Envestnet solutions enhance knowledge of the client, accelerate client on-boarding, improve client digital experiences, and help drive better outcomes for enterprises, advisors, and their clients. For more information on Envestnet, please visit www.envestnet.com and follow @ENVintel. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/envestnet-unveils-roster-of-featured-speakers-and-sessions-for-2017-advisor-summit-300432205.html SOURCE Envestnet, Inc.

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[March 30, 2017] Coretelligent Named a Tech Elite Solution Provider by CRN

Coretelligent, the IT support and private cloud service provider of choice for small and midsized businesses, today announced that it has been named to The Channel Company's CRN 2016 Tech Elite 250 list. The annual list honors an exclusive group of North American IT solution providers that have earned the highest number of advanced technical certifications from leading technology vendors. "We're honored to earn a spot on CRN's coveted Tech Elite 250 list," said Kevin Routhier, Coretelligent founder and CEO. "Coretelligent recognizes the critical role our technology partnerships and certifications play in enabling us to efficiently support our loyal customers. We're proud of our solid and long-standing partner relationships, and we're dedicated to staying ahead of the curve in part through certification programs afforded to us by our partners." To compile the annual list, The Channel Company's research group and CRN editors work together to identify the most customer-beneficial technical certifications in the North American IT channel. Solution providers that have obtained these elite designations-which enable them to deliver premium products, services and customer support-are then selected from a pool of online applicants. "This exclusive, ambitious group of solution providers boasts some of the most advanced IT certifications available from top technology suppliers," said Robert Faletra, CEO, The Channel Company. "They have adapted impressively to major changes in the IT channel, epecially the shift to a more services-driven market, by expanding their skill sets and sharpening both their technical and customer service expertise. Congratulations to our 2017 list, whose robust investment in their organizations has earned them yet another elite designation-the CRN Tech Elite 250."



Coretelligent's recognition as a CRN Tech Elite solution provider is the latest in a series of recent distinctions. Already this year, Coretelligent has been named A SmartCEO Future 50 award winner, and most recently, a 2017 Fast 50 Award winner by the Boston Business Journal, recognizing Coretelligent as one of greater Boston's 50 fastest-growing private companies. Coverage of the Tech Elite 250 will be featured in the April issue of CRN, and online at www.crn.com/techelite250.

About Coretelligent

Coretelligent is the IT support and private cloud service provider of choice for small and midsized businesses. Founded in 2006 and led by world-class experts, Coretelligent's four key services - 360 Support, CoreCloud, CoreBDR and managed IT - are relied on by top-tier organizations in the communications, education, financial services, life sciences, retail and technology industries among others. Coretelligent and its team are recognized as leaders by the Boston Business Journal, CRN, Inc., MSPmentor and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It is headquartered in Needham, Mass., with offices in New York City, Philadelphia and the San Francisco Bay area. For more information about Coretelligent, please visit www.coretelligent.com. About the Channel Company

The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelco.com CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, LLC. The Channel Company logo is a trademark of The Channel Company, LLC (registration pending). All rights reserved. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170330006203/en/

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[March 30, 2017] Gina Betts and Jamie Whatley Selected as Dorsey Dallas Office Heads

International law firm Dorsey & Whitney LLP is pleased to announce that Partners Gina Betts and Jamie Whatley have been named Co-Office Heads of the Firm's Dallas office. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170330006276/en/ Dorsey Partner Gina Betts has been named Co-Office Head of the Firm's Dallas office. (Photo: Dorsey & Whitney LLP) Dorsey recently announced the opening, effective March 1, of its Dallas, Texas office, bringing on a team of Dallas-based lawyers who are pre-eminent practitioners in mezzanine finance, private equity and a broad range of other corporate finance, M&A and securities work. With more than 530 lawyers worldwide, Dorsey now has 14 offices strategically located across the United States, three in China, two in Canada and one in London. Gina Betts has extensive experience in corporate law. Ms. Betts represets middle-market private equity funds, family offices, portfolio companies, as well as public and private corporations. She has experience in fund formations, going private transactions, recapitalizations, mergers and acquisitions, roll-up transactions, rights offerings, spin-offs, and leveraged and management buy-outs. She also represents companies in connection with the negotiation and structuring of joint ventures, limited liability companies, partnerships, and other general business arrangements. Ms. Betts has served as lead counsel on transactions in many industries, including manufacturing, packaging, medical devices, retail, beauty, manufactured housing and mobile homes, technology, food, consumer products and real estate.



Ms. Betts was named a Dallas 500 Business Leader for her merger & acquisition work, by D CEO Magazine in 2015 and 2016. Jamie Grammer Whatley represents financial institutions, private equity funds, mezzanine funds, agent banks, institutional investors and startup companies in finance transactions and debt restructurings. Her experience includes both senior and subordinated debt transactions, leveraged buyouts, second lien financings, unitranche financings, cash flow and asset-based financings, equipment financings, project financings, structured financings, health care financing and real estate financings. She also has extensive experience in workouts and restructurings.

Ms. Whatley has handled corporate transaction matters across a wide range of industries, including energy, financial services, manufacturing, telecommunications, technology, transportation, insurance, retail, health care, construction, restaurant and hospitality. Dorsey's Dallas office is located at: 300 Crescent Court, Suite 400, Dallas, TX 75201. About Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Clients have relied on Dorsey since 1912 as a valued business partner. With locations across the United States and in Canada, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, Dorsey provides an integrated, proactive approach to its clients' legal and business needs. Dorsey represents a number of the world's most successful companies from a wide range of industries, including leaders in the banking, energy, food and agribusiness, health care, mining and natural resources, and public-private project development sectors, as well as major non-profit and government entities. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170330006276/en/

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Election day information: voting times, polling centers and races

Residents will have their final chance to cast votes in local races on Nov. 8, including seats on both the NLCS and MCS boards and Sheriff.
Council approves rules to limit self-storage growth Future self-storage facilities in the city of Thousand Oaks will be excluded from prime commercial areas, according to a new ordinance adopted by the City Council this month. In a...

Dealership does Distinguished thing SPECIAL TRIPChildren from Boys & Girls clubs in Camarillo, Simi Valley and Moorpark, and Oxnard and Port Hueneme attended Misty Copelands Oct. 18 appearance in the Distinguished Speaker Series at...

Stagecoach Inn honors veterans The Stagecoach Inn Museum is honoring those who served with a Veterans Day exhibit featuring museum volunteers who have served in the military as well as family members who have...
Another Galaxy means a new Gear VR. In addition to taking the wraps off the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ today (March 29), Samsung also announced the latest version of its Galaxy Gear VR headset. The new headset will be included in preorder bundles of the S8 and S8+. Otherwise, you'll have to shell out $129, which is a bit more expensive than previous versions. However, the revamped GearVR comes with a new controller, first previewed last month, that could potentially enhance your virtual reality experiences.



(Image credit: Photo Credit: Samsung)

At first glance, it doesn't look like much has changed from last year's Gear VR model, but there are a few differences. For one, the headset's gone from a rich midnight blue to a blackish hue that Samsung is calling Orchid Gray. (That also happens to be one of the colors for the new S8 smartphones.) But the biggest difference by far is the addition of a separate VR controller which has some proprietary motion-sensing technology built into it.

Thanks to this new technology, you should have better interaction with your VR environment. When you reach out and grab something in VR, there should be some sort of haptic response. The controller, which is bundled with the new headset and also available separately for $39 if you've got an older Gear VR, looks bigger than the one that ships with the Oculus Rift and the Google Daydream View. Similar to the Rift's controller, Samsung's device has buttons for Back and Home. There's also a trackpad-like surface at the top that also functions as a button along with a volume rocker. Along the back, you'll find a handy trigger.

But what's hardware without a library of compelling software? To make sure Gear VR users have something to jab, poke and grab, Samsung is leveraging its partnership with Oculus to deliver exclusive content for the new peripheral. Samsung will also start livestreaming 360-degree content including LiveNation concerts and UFC fights starting this summer.



MORE: Best VR Headsets

And if you're looking to create your own VR-ready content, Samsung has unveiled the revamped Samsung Gear 360 camera. The new version has greater portability, with a more comfortable grip and the ability to capture video in 4K resolution.

That's not the only update Gear VR fans can expect. Oculus has redesigned the home screen on Gear VR, optimizing it for mobile. According to TechCrunch, the revamped Home on Gear VR will load three times faster than the original with double the resolution quality, which puts it closer to higher-end VR rigs like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.

That's good for the more than 600 games and apps already featured in the mobile version of the Oculus Store, but the higher resolution is really beneficial for the mobile browser that recently launched. Dubbed the Oculus Browser, the service will let you go web-surfing in a 360-degree environment.


After a long period spent completely ignoring his Nobel Prize honour, followed by an eventual public acknowledgment that, yes, hed heard the news that hed won it, Bob Dylan is now finally going to make the effort to accept the prestigious award.

As reported by NPR, a post by the Swedish Academys permanent secretary Sara Danius confirmed that Dylan will be making the trip to Stockholm to accept the Nobel Prize in Literature this weekend.

In truth, hes not making a special trip over, and is simply stopping by as he makes his way through as part of his never-ending touring schedule  and the Academy will need to hand it over to him at one of his shows  but hes making that effort, at least.

The Swedish Academy is very much looking forward to the weekend and will show up at one of the performances, Danius says. The Academy will then hand over Dylans Nobel diploma and the Nobel medal, and congratulate him on the Nobel Prize in Literature.

The setting will be small and intimate, and no media will be present; only Bob Dylan and members of the Academy will attend, all according to Dylans wishes.

The one thing left unaccounted for is his requisite lecture, which needs to be delivered by June 10 in order for him to collect the $900,000 that comes with the award.

Please note that no Nobel Lecture will be held. The Academy has reason to believe that a taped version will be sent at a later point, Danius says of the lecture, noting that others have also provided pre-recorded versions.

While were sure he doesnt need the money, almost a million dollars is nothing to sneeze at for what will basically equate to a Skype chat, and at this point, were sure the Nobel folks will be happy just to have the whole thing over and done with.

As for Bob, hes clearly more focused on his music, as he gears up to release his first ever triple album tomorrow.
A number of iconic musicians have teamed together to help tell the story of the Bay Area punk explosion of the late 80s and early 90s, with the release of documentary Turn It Around: The Story of East Bay Punk.

The documentary is narrated by Iggy Pop, while the three members of Green Day have signed on to executive produce.

Turn it Around gave us the opportunity to tell the story of the East Bay punk rock scene, a scene thats a sacred thing to me, Mike and Tre and to a lot of others who were there at the founding and who helped to shape the genre, said Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong. Were proud to bring the history of this movement to the world and hope the film inspires people to create their own music and to build an artistic community.

The documentary will feature interviews with Green Day, NOFXs Fat Mike, Guns N Roses Duff McKagan, Rancids Tim Armstrong, Matt Freeman and Lars Frederiksen, Metallicas Kirk Hammett, Noodles from The Offspring, Jello Biafra and East Bay Ray from The Dead Kennedys, Fugazis Ian Mackaye, Bikini Kills Kathleen Hanna, Bad Religions Brett Gurewitz and Jay Bentley, AFIs Davey Havok, and many more.

The film will screen in the U.S. this winter, and hopefully well have some Aussie distribution news soon. Read more about the film here.
Two people were hurt in a crash early Thursday at 63rd Street and Swope Parkway. Kansas City police said two vehicles collided in the intersection about 5 a.m. Authorities did not release the victims' conditions. The crash remains under investigation.
Independence police identify Officer Tom Wagstaff as officer shot, critically hurt Wednesday morning INDEPENDENCE, Mo. -- Officer Tom Wagstaff was shot and critically hurt on Wednesday morning while responding to a burglary, according to Independence police. He remains listed in critical condition as of Wednesday night following emergency surgery. "Centerpoint Medical Center has treated and admitted the Independence Police Officer who was involved in an incident this morning at 10 a.m.

Jackson County Prosecutor Statement On Independence, Missouri Police Officer Shot In The Line Of DutyFollow-up today on today's most important story in the metro and a sign of ongoing violence directed against police in the Greater Kansas City Area and throughout the nation.Take a look:The Jackson County Prosecutor's Office offers its prayers and thoughts for the veteran Independence Police Officer who was injured in the line of duty this morning. This officer was responding to calls for service in the area of 3600 South Delaware in Independence when he was struck by gunfire. The officer remains hospitalized and his injuries are critical. Additional law enforcement agencies responded to assist.The shooting remains under investigation and is being led by the Kansas City (MO) Police Department at the request of Independence police.Any criminal charges related to this incident are not expected until Thursday. No further statement is expected today regarding the incident.Jackson County Prosecutors OfficeJean Peters Baker, Prosecutor##########Follow-up reporting:Developing . . .
In Kansas City, Barbecue, Beer and Bargains "Barbecue is highly subjective," said James Folder, a local I met outside Blip Roasters in the West Bottoms neighborhood, an old industrial area that has seen the arrival of restaurants, coffee shops and vintage stores in recent years.

Here's a familiar write-up from the nation's paper-of-record for those who haven't seen it already so that we can all savor the coverage from the condescending archrival of Prez Trump:
Hampton Already Has The Kansas City Weekend Planned

The Weekend Starts Today Saturday is April Fool's Day, meaning your social media feed will be filled with all sorts of ridiculous lies. Don't believe any of them. Do believe, however, that there's a ton of fun stuff to do around town this weekend. Unless, that is, you like sports.

Kansas City Tech Time Again

Kansas City Tech Startups See Promise As Funders Look To The 'Rise Of The Rest' Mike Farmer's high-tech startup, Leap.It, caught the attention of AOL founder Steve Case in October 2014 because Farmer's company was built in the first house hooked up with Google Fiber. Case loved the irony of the David of Kansas City taking on the Goliath of Google.

Dead Tree Media Against Weed

Editorial: Marijuana proposal a bad solution to a nonproblem Kansas City voters will be asked Tuesday to reduce the penalties for minor marijuana possession in the city. The proposal - Question 5 on the ballot - is fraught with potential complications and unintended consequences. Voters should reject it. The plan came to the ballot through an initiative petition.

Fear The Great Kansas City Eat Out

World Series of BBQ to be held at Kansas Speedway, include public festival KANSAS CITY, Kan. - The American Royal announced Wednesday afternoon this year's World Series of Barbecue competition will be held at Kansas Speedway for the second year in a row. President of American Royal, Lynn Parman says the this is the first time the competition will be held on Labor Day Weekend, August 31- September 3, 2017.

Blue-Eyed Cowtown Hip-Hop

KCUR's Band Of The Week: Second Hand King Working as Second Hand King, the locally based Joe Stanziola is a self-described "doo-wop rap" artist. He wears his heart on his sleeve, combining contemporary hip-hop with elements of vintage popular music including doo-wop and rat pack-era saloon singing (Hannah Copeland reviewed his album Before the Bomb Drops for KCUR in 2015).

Here's a glimpse of our Kansas City morning accompanied by an iconic contextual image featuringbefore she went of the deep end andin her far less "curvy" days . . .Song of the day for #TBT:and this is thefor right now . . .
THE APRIL 4TH ELECTION WILL BE DECIDED BY GRASSROOTS SUPPORTERS AND THEIR GROUND GAME!!!

NEITHER SOCIAL NOR MAINSTREAM MEDIA WILL MATCH OLD SCHOOL VOTER TURNOUT EFFORTS!!!

"This vote isn't going to be decided by the media or all of these smartphone tricks. It's all about turnout, getting real people involved. Social media invites and campaign commercial tricks are only effective at bulking up the billable hours of consultants. If you want to see who is going to win in such a puny election like this one, take a look at who is going out to talk to their neighbors, not just reporters."

KCMO Animal Lovers Adore Question 3

Urban Core Rally To Help Question 4

Kansas City's Next Generation Of Marijuana Reform Activists Don't Want To See Their Advocacy Go Up In Smoke

As we approach the final days of the campaign it's clear that Kansas City's chattering classes are caught in a media matrix slap-fight and have forgotten the big picture when it comes to getting out the vote.To wit here's what atells TKC . . .Moreover and apropos for. . .The quote . . .Further discussion offered a few examples and the initiatives with the strongest grassroots and ground level support in the upcoming Kansas City vote . . .What local media has failed to report is that the effort to build a new Kansas City animal shelter has been years in the making. Support of this effort has been cultivated over nearly a decade at local dog parks, animal clinics and shelters. A virtual army of animal loving supporters have demanded this proposal from politicos and, for better or worse, they're one of the strongest municipal advocacy groups throughout the metro.Support for this effort is being written off by mainstream media and so many local political experts. The reality is that a series of meetings over the past few months have made this ballot question something akin to a religious crusade on the East side. Interestingly, messaging toward these voters also speaks against Questions 1, 2 & 3 which are seen as nothing but corporate welfare among the denizens of the inner-city who desperately seek equal levels on economic investment in their communities rather than continued empty promises from the City Manager.Let's finish on a high point . . . Kansas City marijuana activists have finally found a way to move past constant infighting among their leadership that's often lackadaisical and more interested than partying than advocacy. This fresh start from locals is not only part of a national movement to decriminalize marijuana but also speaks to a growing number of urban professionals who see these initiatives as part of ending the disastrous drug war. It's almost tragic to see so much derision targeting these advocates given that they are young, motivated and part ofAccordingly . . .The point here is simple but has still been lost among the clueless local consultant class . . . In low turnout elections, efforts with the most dedicated following of grassroots and ground level supporters usually have the best chance at victory. While there is a great deal of well-deserved skepticism regarding City Hall promises on this ballot -- Locals willing to meet face to face with potential voters threaten to surprise so-called experts, keyboard warriors and small town pundits who mistakenly believe that junk mail and media chatter both social and mainstream will work more effectively than making a real world connection.You decide . . .
"The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice."

"The Mayor refusing to debate could mean that the 1-2-3 GO BOND campaign isn't very confident in winning. They don't want to even discuss the facts. At community meetings no one really is in favor of the GO BONDS and they don't like the 40 year tax increase or the project by non-binding resolution. If Mayor Sly debated and lost the election, he would truly be a lame duck. The hotel which is on life support goes away, the single terminal airport vote would be a lost cause, the streetcar expansion dies as well . . ."

A great many wise people have used this quote to find comfort and it's an appropriate place to take a pause tonight . . .And I guess sometimes it curves left or right depending on the appropriate mood . . . But I digress . . .And so this evening we dream of, a turning point in Kansas City politics and a very smart quote to consider amidDeveloping . . .
The formation of a new company that will run the Saudi-Jordanian Investment Fund was a milestone in the implementation of a project that would serve the interests of Saudi Arabia and Jordan, media sources quoted a senior official.



The new company is a joint investment between Saudi General Investments Fund (SGIF), which manages around 200 investments worldwide, and two local bank groupings: Jordan Commercial Banks Group and Jordan Islamic Banks Group, Yasir Al Rumayyan, supervisor of SGIF was quoted as saying by the Jordan News Agency, Petra.



The fund will be investing in vital sectors in Jordan, such as energy and tourism, the official said, adding that the project comes in line with the Saudi development plan for 2030, which seeks diversification of investments and destinations.




The International Islamic Financial Market (IIFM) and the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) today published a new credit support deed for Islamic hedging transactions in response to global margin requirements for non-cleared trades.



The ISDA/IIFM Wathiqah Hamish al Rahn al Naqdi (Credit Support Deed for Cash Collateral (VM)) governs the exchange of collateral for hedging transactions under the ISDA/IIFM Tahawwut (Hedging) Master Agreement and follows the rollout of variation margin requirements for non-cleared transactions in multiple jurisdictions from March 1, 2017.



The regulatory push for initial and variation margin exchange is part of a Group of 20 commitments to make global financial markets safer and more resilient.



The new credit support deed is the latest initiative by the two associations to provide the Islamic finance industry with documentation and product standards to manage and mitigate the risk arising from currency and rate-of-return mismatches. Islamic hedging transactions are widely used to help manage the exposure of Islamic financial institutions and mitigate risks associated with capital market instruments, trade finance and corporate banking activities.



Use of Islamic finance is extending to new jurisdictions and territories, and this has led to a pressing demand for Shariah compliant hedging products, as well as collateral documentation in order to manage credit risk, said Khalid Hamad, chairman of IIFM.



Recent regulatory requirements for the exchange of variation margin on non-cleared derivatives transactions has created an urgent need for the Islamic finance industry to develop standard credit support documentation. The ISDA/IIFM Credit Support Deed for Cash Collateral (VM) will undoubtedly benefit all stakeholders of the industry, and the efforts of IIFM and ISDA are commendable achievements.



Regulators across the globe are implementing margin requirements for non-cleared trades, which will require in-scope market participants to either set up or amend credit support documentation. The ISDA/IIFM Credit Support Deed for Cash Collateral (VM) responds to this development, and will further support the development of the Islamic hedging market, said Scott OMalia, ISDAs chief executive.



The new collateral requirements are part of a worldwide regulatory response to the global financial crisis, and will have an impact on certain Islamic finance transactions. IIFM and ISDA have developed this standard credit support deed in response to this regulatory requirement, with the active involvement of their member institutions, regulators, legal firms and other industry stakeholders, in coordination with external legal counsel Clifford Chance, said Ijlal Ahmed Alvi, chief executive of IIFM.



Alvi added: This achievement would not have been possible without the indispensable and greatly appreciated support of the honourable Scholars on the IIFM Shariah Board, the IIFM Board of Directors, IIFM member institutions and market participants.



IIFM and ISDA acknowledge the support of The Waqf Fund (Bahrain) for providing financial assistance in the development of this important legal document.



IIFM and ISDA will continue to assess the industrys requirements for new products and documentation standards, including the possible publication of credit support documentation for other types of collateral, such as Sukuk.  TradeArabia News Service
Banking and financial technology (FinTech) experts yesterday highlighted the need to implement innovative banking solutions at a key forum in Bahrain.

Bankers, regulators and FinTech experts from around the world had a very successful meeting at the first AFS Middle East and Africa FinTech Forum, held in Bahrain under the patronage of the Central Bank of Bahrain and supported by Bank ABC and Bahrain Economic Development Board. The event was also sponsored by Visa, GBM and ai Corp.

This was the first regional FinTech forum held in Bahrain.

Central Bank of Bahrain Governor Rasheed Al Maraj inaugurated the forum and delivered an insightful keynote speech highlighting the importance of FinTech and the necessity for banks to adopt innovative FinTech solutions to provide a better customer experience.

AFS chairman Sael Al Waary stressed on the urgency for banks to partner with FinTech enablers. He said AFS is ready to partner with banks to provide FinTech solutions including digital disruptions.

Susanne Chisti, the author of FinTech Circle, spoke on the success of FinTech hub in other parts of the world and was hopeful that Bahrain would soon adopt a similar model with the support of the Central Bank.

Other notable speakers from PayTM India, FSS, Visa, McKensey, IBM and ai Corp also spoke about the technological innovations that are happening at a rapid pace across many of the worlds largest markets and explained how the region could learn and implement some of these solutions.

There were panel discussions around cashless economy and FinTech start-ups, setting the scene for FinTech investments in the region.

B Chandrasekhar, CEO of AFS, said AFS was proud to organise this forum which has resulted in a lot of ideas for the banks in the region to partner with FinTech firms and AFS is well positioned as a FinTech enabler to help the banks bridge the gap in a quick time.

AFS has already launched the first frictionless payments solution in Bahrain and has plans to roll this out across other markets. AFS would also be making strategic investments and forging partnerships with FinTech firms, he said.  TradeArabia News Service
The best in in the industry across the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent from the shipping, ports and related maritime sectors will attend the Maritime Standard Awards (TMS Awards) 2017, which will take place later this year, in Dubai, UAE.



The region's leading maritime industry awards, now in its fourth year, will take place on October 23, at the Atlantis Ballroom, Atlantis, The Palm.



The event will celebrate and reward the achievements of the top performers in the industry at a high quality gala dinner, said a statement.



Trevor Pereira, managing director, said: We have earned a deserved reputation for offering the very best in terms of the value and profile of the awards and for the integrity of the judging process itself.



But we cannot rest on our laurels. So this year we are planning to make the awards even bigger, bolder and grander than ever before, to ensure we add real value to the industry in this part of the world, he said.



The event will be attended by over 700 top maritime executives and decision-makers not only from across the region, but also worldwide.



A total of 30 awards will be presented on the night, including a new one for Superyacht and Passenger Shipbuilder of the Year, reflecting the growing influence of the region in this particular market segment.



Of these 22 will be selected by an elite panel of judges, handpicked for their knowledge and experience, while eight will be chosen by The Maritime Standard team to mark exceptional individual achievements.



Winning an award gives companies and individuals a chance to significantly raise their profile. As Sheikh Daij Bin Salman Al Khalifa, chairman of Bahrain shipyard, Asry, who won The Maritime Standard Editors Choice of the Year Award, said: The high quality of the guests and the audience was truly impressive. I would like to congratulate TMS for the professional manner in which the event was organised, which made it both valuable and enjoyable.



A host of leading companies from the region's shipping and maritime related industries have already confirmed their attendance and sponsorship, it added.



Those organisations supporting the Maritime Standard Awards 2017 includes, Abu Dhabi Ports, Bahri, DNV GL, DP World, Islamic P & I Club, Kuwait Oil Tanker Company, Mercantile Marine Management, Oman Shipping Company and Safeen.



The supporting associations for the event includes, UAE Shipping Association (UAESA); The Organisation of Islamic Shipowners Association (OISA); The Dubai Council for Marine and Maritime Industries (DCMMI); Mission to Seafarers UAE; Women's International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA), UAE Branch; Indian National Shipowner's Association (INSA); Pakistan Ships Agents Association; Ceylon Association of Ship Agents; World Freight Network; Specialist Freight Network; The Cooperative Logistics Network; Conqueror Freight Network; Globalia Logistics Network, it stated.  TradeArabia News Service
US-based AM General, a leading designer, engineer, manufacturer of specialised vehicles for commercial and military customers, has been awarded a $28.19 million contract from the government of Iraq, said a report.



The modification to foreign military sales (Iraq) contract is to procure 150 high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles for Iraq, said an Iraq Business News report.



The vehicles will be manufactured in South Bend, Indiana, with an estimated completion date of May 31, it added.
Bahrains value of imports reached nearly BD333 million ($883.2 million) in February this year, while the value of national origin exports reached BD177 million ($469.5 million).



The top 10 countries accounted for 64 per cent of the imports value, according to the Foreign Trade Report of February 2017 issued by Bahrains Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA). It covers balance of trade, imports, exports and re-exports (national origin) goods.



According to the report, China topped the list of exporters to Bahrain with BD40 million ($106.1 million) worth goods. The UAE came second with BD34 million ($90.1 million) and Saudi Arabia ranked third with BD24 million ($63.6 million).



Saudi Arabia ranked first among the countries importing from Bahrain, with the value of imports touching BD45 million ($119.3 million). The US came second with BD35 million ($92.8 million) and the UAE too the third spot with BD20 million ($53.05 million).



As for exported products, aluminium wires emerged as the top product exported with BD26 million ($68.9 million). Agglomerated iron ores and concentrates were positioned second with a value of BD23 million ($61.01 million); and jewellery of gold stood third place for exported products with BD16 million ($42.4 million).



Meanwhile, the value of re-exports reached BD47 million ($124.6 million). Saudi Arabia ranked top in re-exports from Bahrain with BD17 million ($45.09 million), China came second with BD11 million ($29.18 million) and the UAE was third with BD8 million ($21.2 million).



Four-wheel drive cars emerged as the top product re-exported from Bahrain with BD11 million ($29.18 million), cigarettes came second with BD5 million ($13.2 million) and vessels for the transport of goods took the third spot with BD4 million ($10.6 million).



The trade balance -- difference between exports and imports -- declined with the value of the deficit reaching BD109 million ($289.1 million) in February, the report stated.  TradeArabia News Service
The Pavarotti Foundation together with Rosso Italiano, and in partnership with Guido De Sanctis, Ambassador of Italy to Qatar, announced the launch of a tribute concert to Luciano Pavarotti, 'Brave New World', aimed at raising funds to support Syrian refugees.



Commemorating the 10th anniversary of the passing of the Maestro, the concert, gathering renown Italian, local, regional and international artists, will take place on the February 1, 2018 at Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC), followed by a Gala dinner celebrating the Maestro's values and growing legacy across the globe.



"This concert brings a mix of Western, Italian and Arabic music and culture, two worlds that are blending in a very unique way with Brave New World. By its nature, it is a first-of-its-kind in the Middle East. We finally gathered all the right partners to make this event a moment to remember in our contribution to help the Syrian cause. We hope to convince additional partners to join us in the coming months and are confident to have a full house on the 1st of February next year," said Laura Somma, managing director, co-founder of Rosso Italiano and executive producer of Brave New World, who led this project and secured commitments from all partners between Italy and Qatar.



This concert entitled 'Brave New World' is a message of solidarity and a symbolic partnership between Italy and Qatar joining forces to support displaced Syrian families and children currently living in refugee camps in Jordan. The funds gathered through this event will be used to support the growth and sustainability of existing psycho-social education programmes for children and families currently living in refugee camps in Jordan, under the umbrella of the Italian NGO Vento di Terra. In addition to providing psychological support to help them overcome their trauma from the war, the centres will provide a wide variety of educational and creative activities.

Education, hobbies and artistic activities can play a major role not only in the recovery process but also in bringing a sense of dignity to those refugee families trying to find shelter, a place to live and some semblance of a normal life again.



De Sanctis said: "It is a real privilege to welcome the Pavarotti Foundation here in Doha and to be part of this challenging project to help displaced Syrian people recover from the on-going conflict. Italy is a strong advocate for education and an active supporter of the Syrian cause. The arts and Opera are uniting us for a good cause."



The concert already is receiving strong support from the local and global music community such as Qatari composer Dana Al Fardan who has written and composed the song 'Brave New World', as a result of her collaboration with the Pavarotti Foundation.



Additional international artists, musicians and performers have pledged their support and will be announced later this year. - TradeArabia News Service
The banking industry in the GCC grew at a lower rate in 2016 than it did in 2015 with just a 5.2 per cent increase, stemming almost exclusively from major customer segments such as retail and corporate banking, said a new study.



While still remaining high, profits declined for the first time since 2008. The major reason for this development is a very significant increase in provisions by 20.8 per cent, according to the new report by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG), a global management consulting firm.



Based on the banks 2016 annual results released in the first quarter of 2017, the newest study is part of BCGs annual banking performance indices measuring the development of banking revenues (operating income) and profits for leading GCC banks.



BCG launched the first edition of the banking performance index in the GCC in April 2009, creating a customized index specifically for the regional banking markets. The index covers the largest banks in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and in the UAE.



"The decline in profit is the first we see since 2008 for GCC banks. Nevertheless, this is not a reason for major concern, since the level of profits went up steadily for the last few years and is still very healthy, said Dr Reinhold Leichtfuss, senior partner & managing director at BCG's Middle East office.



The 2016 BCG Banking Performance Index includes 46 banks from across the GCC, capturing about 80 per cent of the total regional banking sector, added Dr Leichtfuss.



Growth of GCC banks in 2016



In 2016, Qatar banks led the pack in terms of growth numbers with 24.4 per cent in revenues, however, catapulted by the integration of acquired banks. Due to a massive increase in Loan-Loss Provisions (LLPs) in Qatar, largely for the same reason, profits declined slightly by 1.8 per cent.



Traditionally, we report the revenue and profit developments of GCC banks independently, whether the revenue growth is organic or through acquisitions done at home or abroad. For our 2016 findings, it is worth mentioning the effect of the biggest integration of Finansbank by Qatar National Bank. Without this acquisition, Qatar would have only grown by 5.4 per cent and profit growth would be negative with 8.2 per cent, stated Dr Leichtfuss.



On the other side of the spectrum UAE banks collectively had no revenue growth and saw a decline in profits by 4.5 per cent after an increase in provisions by 12.8 per cent. With the exception of Qatar all countries grew in the low single digits. All countries in the GCC had to deal with a negative development in profits.

Revenues and Profits per country (2016 vs. 2015)



LLPs catapulted but varied significantly between the countries. Qatar had the highest increase with 140.2 per cent followed by Saudi Arabia with 39.9 per cent. The Kuwaiti banks on the other hand reduced provisions by 17.3 per cent. This is the strongest increase in LLPs since 2008 and about as high as the increase from 2008 to 2009.While in last years banking index report, we had expected increasing provisions in 2016, the magnitude of the increase exceeds expectations.



Operating expenses grew by 6.3 per cent; higher than the previous year but significantly below the long term CAGR of ~12 per cent. The growth in Qatar is acquisition based and a distorted picture on cost growth. All other countries managed to remain below or close to their revenue growth; Kuwait banks even reduced costs overall.

Operating expenses per country (2016 vs. 2015)



With this low growth year of 2016, GCC banks conclude a three year decline, from a high level in 2014.Long term, however, GCC banks experienced a halving of the long term growth rates. With the exception of the Saudi Arabia banks, all countries have from 2013 to 2016 arrived at around 50 per cent of the long term growth rate of 2005 to 2015.

Retail revenues

In 2016, retail banking revenues in the GCC experienced a further uptick of 5.4 per cent, largely due to an increase in Saudi Arabias revenue growth of 12 per cent.

GCC retail profits also grew predominantly due the positive development in Saudi Arabia; however UAE banks faced a decline of 13 per cent. The growth rate in all the other countries was moderate; only Qatari banks reached a double-digit growth rate with 13 per cent.

Retail banking growth (2016 vs. 2015)



2016 was characterized by low corporate banking revenue growth in the large markets, while the three smaller markets grew at a high rate. Corporate banking profits, however, increased strongly in all markets with the exception of Saudi Arabia, which banks face a decrease of 20 per cent in growth.



Corporate banking growth (2016 vs. 2015)



In 2016, only 10 per cent of GCC banks were able to achieve double digit revenue and profit growth. Slightly more than 50 per cent of banks experienced declining profits. Many more banks entered the slower growth range. The number of banks in 'group' and for the 'retail' and 'corporate' segments deviate, since not all banks have a complete segment reporting yet, stated Dr Leichtfuss.



According to BCGs analysis, it is obvious that banks with superior strategies and strong business models can truly execute decisively and grow the strongest. Leaders still managed to achieve revenue and profit growth; however some of the fast runners of the past have slowed down.



Growth distribution of GCC Banks (2016 vs. 2015)



Over the past decade, the leading banks have grown at double or triple the rate of the average ones. In almost all cases, such a development is based on a superior and consistently-executed strategy.



In the coming three to five years, we consider the digitization of processes as the most important task that banks need to achieve  since this will enable advanced banks to reach the next level of customer experience as well as cost efficiency. Moreover new business opportunities are arising in the wake of the digital transformation," explained Dr Leichtfuss.  TradeArabia News Service
Seatrade has announced that Portugals capital city, Lisbon, will be the 2018 venue for the largest cruise industry event focusing on the Mediterranean and its adjoining seas  Seatrade Cruise Med 2018.



Hosted by the Port of Lisbon Authority (APL) and supported by CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) and MedCruise, the event will take place from September 19 - 21, 2018 and feature a showcase exhibition, conference and a full social programme.



As a leading platform for discussion and debate on issues confronting the Mediterranean's burgeoning cruise market, the conference forms an integral part of Seatrade Cruise Med, organised by Seatrade. Previous editions of Seatrade Cruise Med have attracted cruise line executives representing 30 brands.



Portugals Minister of the Sea, Ana Paula Vitorino, said: "Portugal is increasingly affirmed as an important and renowned player in the world cruise sector with both the country as a whole and the city of Lisbon benefiting from the economic impact of cruise ship calls.



A sentiment agreed by the President of APL, Lidia Sequira: "To host this prestigious event is recognition of the work we have been doing in the cruise sector for many years. The hope is that this event will give an important boost to the local and national economy of this sector, especially now that Lisbon is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to welcome all the cruise ships and their guests." - TradeArabia News Service
Turkish Airlines has added Kharkiv in Ukraine as its 297th destination in 120 countries with the inaugural flight commencing today.



By launching flights to Kharkiv, the global carrier is demonstrating its constant effort to further improve its expansion strategy.



Beginning from March 30, Kharkiv flights will be operated four times weekly, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. This figure will increase to seven times per week from May 30.



Round trip fares are available from Istanbul to Kharkiv starting from $109(including taxes and fees).



Additionally, for the first six months of operation to the new destinations, there is a special offer for Miles&Smiles members, with a 25 per cent reduction in the miles needed to redeem either award tickets or upgrades. - TradeArabia News Service
Rain got a lot more interesting because of Mexico. It's now possible to shower tequila according to the country's tourism board and Lapiz, the attached agency of advertising giant Leo Burnett. The organizations paired up to create a cloud which will then compacted to its water-based soluble and turn into rain.

The feat was exhibited in the art gallery, Urban Spree, in Berlin to invite Germans to visit Mexico and it was displayed during Germany's wettest month. Moreover, the cloud was programmed to precipitate when it rains in the city. The synchronization allows visitors to drink up much of the alcoholic rain according to local weather patterns in Germany.

Since Germany is the second largest consumers of tequila, Mexico thought it was the ideal display to boost its tourism to the liquor-loving-capital of the world. According to Adweek, Lapiz created the cloud with the use of "ultrasonic humidifiers to vibrate tequila at a frequency that actually turned it into visible mist." The ad agency condensed the haze into liquid as it fell like raindrops.

Visitors to the art gallery can pour themselves a glass of tequila beneath the cloud. Even if it's not raining, there's a tap underneath the haze for those who couldn't wait for the rainy weather to come in Berlin. But, the organizers and agencies assured the guests that Berlin would be raining all the time - therefore, people can drink up tequila shots as much as they want to, whether the weather permits.

Travel and Leisure reported that this display is just a one-off installation and Mexico wouldn't be creating the drink anytime soon in their country. However, in the event, if it does, the country would inevitably experience a high influx of tourists soon.

Conversely, the country is not the first one to test in creating alcoholic clouds. Two years ago, London decided to make a cloud where visitors can breathe alcohol.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
Most of the illegal ivory sold around the world comes from elephants that have been recently killed. It's not coming from old stashes of ivory, but from elephants that have been poached within the last few years, according to researchers.

Typically, authorities wouldn't know when the ivory was poached, but with new technology researchers used carbon dating to study hundreds of samples of ivory confiscated from around the world. The analysis found that most of the ivory came from elephants killed less than three years ago.

Among savanna-dwelling African elephants, populations are declining by about 8% per year, according to the Great Elephant Census, including a 30% drop between 2007 and 2014. Similarly, the number of African elephants living in forests dropped an incredible 62% from 2002 to 2013. These deaths, notes Smithsonian Magazine, are "intimately linked with the illegal global trade in ivory."

This suggests the poaching crisis may be even more dire than previously thought.

In 1989, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) banned the international commercial trade of African elephant ivory, except under a few rare circumstances. In the same year, the U.S. Congress passed the African Elephant Conservation Act (AECA), banning the importation of ivory from African elephants. Since then, the U.S. commercial ivory market has virtually collapsed.

Thats not the case in Asia, however. As much as 70% of the illegal ivory currently being plundered is being routed to China. Revered for millennia as a rare, status-boosting luxury item, ivory has long been out of reach for most. But as Chinas economic boom created a vast middle class, many new customers entered the market, which elevated the price of ivory to a staggering $1,000 per pound on the streets of Beijing. The tusks of a single adult elephant can be worth more than 10 times the average annual income for an African worker.

The lust for ivory and the situation in Africa have created what may be the greatest percentage loss of elephants in history. Many fear African elephants won't survive.

What can we do?

If youre a mercenary, you can strap on your Rambo gear and go to Africa to fight warlords and poachers. If youre in China and purchase ivory objects, you can decide to stop. But what about the rest of us? None of us can single-handedly stop the ivory trade, but we are not helpless  as much as it may feel like it. Here are six actions we can take to support these grand creatures.

1. Obviously, dont buy ivory.

Or sell it, or wear it. New ivory is strictly banned, but antique ivory can be legally available for purchase. Ivory has traditionally been used for jewelry, billiard balls, pool cues, dominoes, fans, piano keys and carved trinkets. Shunning antique ivory is a clear message to dealers that the material is not welcomed, and it's an easy way to show your solidarity with the elephants.

2. Buy elephant-friendly coffee and wood.

Coffee and timber crops are often grown in plantations that destroy elephant habitats. Make sure to buy Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified timber and certified fair trade coffee.

3. Support conservation efforts.

If only we could all be Jane Goodall or Dian Fossey, and move to the jungle or plains and thoroughly dedicate our lives to wildlife. Alas, for most of us thats the stuff of daydreams. In the meantime, we can support the organizations that are actively committed to elephant preservation. There are many, but here are a few:

4. Be aware of the plight of captive elephants.

Historically, zoos and circuses have offered elephants a life of, basically, indentured servitude. Fortunately, the zoo industry is starting to wake up and is beginning to develop more elephant-friendly environments, yet they have a long way to go. Circuses, even further. Make a difference by boycotting circuses that use animals, and by boycotting zoos that offer insufficient space to allow elephants to live in social groups, and where the management style doesnt allow them to be in control of their own lives.

5. Adopt an elephant.

Who wouldnt want to take home a cute elephant, protect it from the bad guys, and raise it as their own? OK, so thats unrealistic, but there are organizations that offer elephant adoptions so you get cute pictures of "your" elephant, and they get funding for their elephant conservation efforts. World Wildlife Foundation, World Animal Foundation, Born Free and Defenders of Wildlife all have adoption programs and are good places to start looking for that special pachyderm.

6. Get involved with Roots & Shoots.

Founded in 1991 by Dr. Jane Goodall and a group of Tanzanian students, Roots & Shoots is a youth program created to incite positive change. There are hundreds of thousands of kids in more than 120 countries in the Roots & Shoots network, all working to create a better world. Its a great way to get youth involved in conservation and pursue careers to help elephants and other wildlife.
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Insurance Back RENOMIA European Partners Conference showed the strong partnership between the 28 CEE&CIS countries

RENOMIA EUROPEAN PARTNERS (REP), a partnership between CEE&CIS leading insurance brokers operating in 28 countries, organized, between the 27th and the 28th of March, a dedicated conference in Prague, Czech Republic. More than 100 attendees from 30 countries visited the historical centre of Prague for presentations held by renowned international insurance experts, Czech public figures and members of the REP.



On the first day of the conference, RENOMIA presented the advantages of being part of the RENOMIA European Partners family. Last year, this unique CEE & CIS partnership of insurance brokers had altogether placed premiums worth EUR 766 million.



"RENOMIA EUROPEAN PARTNERS is a reliable partner in the CEE & CIS region both for global brokers and companies operating in the region. I am happy we had this opportunity to show our strength and capabilities in servicing the corporate clients in the CEE region", said Pavel NEPALA, managing partner of RENOMIA and the author of the CEE & CIS partnership of brokers operating in 28 countries.



The conference was also attended by the largest global insurers and insurance experts. Client ARX Investment and REP members Malakut, Mentor and AGD presented their experiences with the dynamic player in the international brokerage field.



"Most important private equity transactions in the CEE region are between EUR 10 - 100 million of value and done by regional investing specialists who cover several countries in the region. I can see that Warranty Insurance is becoming quite an interesting product in private equity, with D&O and risk insurance as a must. For us, the advisory attitude of RENOMIA was a key differentiator for becoming a client," said Brian WARDROP, Managing partner of ARX Equity Partners.



The afternoon programme consisted of panel discussions among top international insurance experts regarding their expectations in the region. The first day of the conference concluded with a workshop about driving sales, striving for excellence and business potential in the CEE region.



The second day of the conference started with presentations by IFC (International Financial Corporation), CIAB (The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers), and EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development).



Apart from specific insurance topics, the attendees also had the opportunity to find out more about economic and digitization trends in the CEE region. Economist Ales MICHL and digitization expert Filip DRIMALKA, both from Czech Republic, gave speeches about their respected fields of expertise.



"In the past ten years, GDP in Central Europe grew by 62% and in the Baltic region by 78%. A similar growth was also reported in gross premiums written - Central Europe grew by 53% and the Baltic by 77%. By comparison, the Eastern European countries grew in the past ten years approximately twice faster than Western European countries," said Ales MICHL, economic expert and advisor to the Czech Minister of Finance.



RENOMIA EUROPEAN PARTNERS (REP) is a partnership between CEE&CIS leading insurance brokers operating in 28 countries of the region. Independent brokers, united under the same vision, values and quality of service created unique service platform in the CEE region for corporate clients. In total, REP associates more than 1300 professionals with 81 offices with total placed premiums worth EUR 766 million. RENOMIA GROUP with the headquarters in the Czech Republic had itself placed record premiums worth EUR 307 million in 2016. More details are available on the official webpage





Author: Adina TUDOR on 30.03.2017





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Bengaluru, March 30

Apple Inc will be ready to start assembling high-end iPhones in the city in less than a month to boost its chances of gaining a foothold in the fast growing Indian market, Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge said today.

In less than a month, we will have something out  Apple will start assembling and making its high-end iPhones at its plant in the city. Taiwanese contract manufacturer Wistron Corp will help Apple in doing so, he said.

Kharge said making iPhones in India would help Apple lower prices, which will help it gain a foothold in the fast-growing Indian market.

Assembling and making of iPhones in Bengaluru will boost Apples chances of gaining a foothold in the fast-growing Indian market because it will allow the company to lower prices, he said.

The Karnataka Government has been in talks with the Centre for strengthening the ecosystem even as Apple is negotiating with it for its next level of production in India, he said.

Apple wants to bring its component manufacturers to India to make parts and export finished phones and is seeking tax concessions on import of key components. However, the Indian government has rejected most of the demands of the US company.

Kharge said if the Centre was keen on taking on China, it should not give special treatment to Apple alone, but to other players, including Samsung and Lenovo, if they are desirous of opening manufacturing units in India, especially Karnataka.

Kharge said the government should also give companies, including Apple, certain timelines, subsidies and incentives to create a level-playing field for them.  PTI
Vivek Katju

NAVJOT SINGH SIDHU in his present avatar as a Congress minister in Punjab is insisting on continuing with his participation in a television comedy show. A Shiv Sena member of the Lok Sabha, Ravindra Gaikwad, who has emphasised that he is a teacher, is loudly acknowledging and justifying his beating up of an elderly Air India executive. Sidhus approach and Gaikwads conduct profile the transformation of the normative landscape of Indias public life. This great change is further underlined by the responses of the leadership of the two parties of these politicians.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has treated Sidhus desire as a legal matter not as a question of norm and convention. The Advocate-General of Punjab has opined that Sidhus wish does not violate the office of profit statute. There is little doubt though that old Congress icons such as Nehru and Indira Gandhi would have had little patience with Sidhus demand even if they may have been, as a remote possibility, amused by his hazir jawabi. But times have changed and Amarinder Singh obviously finds nothing wrong with one of his ministers providing comic relief to television audiences. Perhaps he recalls how rajas were kept in good humour. It is unclear, as yet, of what the Congress first family feels of the propriety of Sidhus insistence.

Unlike the civil service which has conduct rules that prescribe dos and donts, persons in public life were expected to set standards of propriety. As guardians of public welfare they were expected to have an innate sense of what was the done thing. Naturally, the done thing may change with the passage of time but the need for self-restraint in public life is the bedrock of a democratic system and distinguishes it from an authoritarian order. It is only self-restraint that keeps a check on the limitless temptations that every minister can find to pursue sama-daam-dand-bhed to achieve political ends.

Over the years when the hard choice between power and expediency and the upholding of norms and conventions which flowed from the spirit of the Constitution was to be made political leaders and parties often opted for acquiring or maintaining power. Technical and legal reasons were invariably invoked to justify actions, as the Congress did in 1999. Its then Orissa CM Giridhar Gamangs crucial vote against the Vajpayee government in April 1999 is now a distant memory. He was still a member of the Lok Sabha and chose to cast his vote despite being a CM. Vajpayee was voted out by one vote. Prima facie it is absurd for a CM to cast a vote in the Lok Sabha but now a precedent was set. This is relevant today when Yogi Adityanath even while being CM of UP can take part in a Lok Sabha vote to elect the President.

Convention more than any rule demands that professionals, who hold political office, suspend their professional careers so long as they hold such office. Certainly, this was the case in the initial years after Independence. The only exception was for some distinguished doctors to see patients for a few hours every week or month on a purely honorary basis in order to keep up with their skills. Thus Dr BC Roy, the legendary CM of West Bengal who was a distinguished physician, devoted a couple of hours periodically to see patients on an honorary basis. The desire to continue with activity to maintain professional licences such as those of commercial pilots may fall within such exceptions. But can the same exception be invoked to take part in television comedy shows?

If simplicity and frugal life styles derived from Gandhijis example were the norm followed by those who held ministerial office immediately after Independence, over the decades, it has become its reverse. It may come as a surprise to many that ministers in the 1950s used their private cars, although with official drivers, for their private journeys. This writer may be forgiven for recalling childhood memories of his grandfather, a member of the Union Cabinet in the early 1950s, of occasionally taking him and his other siblings for drives in his personal car, a small Hillman Minx. Obviously, now security considerations may not permit the use of private cars but the idea of self-restraint in these matters has gone.

To turn to Gaikwad, the Shiv Senas initial response to his reprehensible and potentially criminal conduct was to virtually ask for an enquiry and emphasise his good conduct in his constituency. A few hours later the party made it known that its president Uddhav Thackeray was angry with Gaikwad and had summoned him presumably for a tongue-lashing. Perhaps he will ask him to apologise for his behaviour and the party will take recourse to the favourite words in all such situations  the law will take its course. This is especially as an FIR has been registered against him. Legally this may pass muster but does it uphold the norm that is expected of an MP? In all likelihood, the political class will let this pass with only critical comments even though Gaikwad has aggressively asserted and justified that he beat up the Air India executive. Political leaders of the past would have found such brazen conduct unacceptable and taken action. But now we are in a different normative territory.

Normative structures in the civil services have also undergone a sea change. Wide discrepancies between the provisions of the conduct rules which concretise them and what the senior bureaucracy and the political leadership not only permit but also perhaps expect have arisen. One such area is that of lobbying for jobs and posts. The rules prescribe that officials will not lobby for posts and transfers and postings. Some years ago, when this writer asked a PMO official the reasons for a suitable officer being overlooked for a job in the foreign office for which he was eminently qualified, he was told that no one had pushed his case by speaking on his behalf. Only the naive now let their work speak for them.

Another area is the public airing of views on government policies in areas outside their assignments even though this was not the earlier norm. The conduct rules permit officials to undertake cultural, scientific and literary activities but the expression of personal views on government policies do not fall within this ambit.

Perhaps Sidhu will claim that television comedy shows are part of the present-day culture and hence he should be allowed to carry on after office hours!

The writer is a former Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs
New York, March 30

Nikki Haley, the US Permanent Representative to the UN, has claimed that her mother was not allowed to be a judge in India because she was a woman, while in fact women have been judges in the country since at least 1937.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

Answering a question about the role of women at a meeting of the Council on Foreign Relations on Wednesday, she said, When you didnt have a lot of education in India, my mother actually was able to go to law school. And she was actually put up to be one of the first female judges in India, but because of the situation with women she wasnt allowed to sit on the Bench. But how amazing for her to watch her daughter become Governor of South Carolina and US ambassador to the UN, she added.

Haleys parents, Ajit Singh and Raj Kaur Randhwa, reportedly emigrated from India in the 1960s. But more than two decades earlier a woman, Anna Chandy, had become a judge in Travancore in pre-Independence India.

Chandy was promoted to District Judge in 1948, the year after Independence, and became a High Court judge in 1959. Chandy was able to sit on the Bench and function as a judge all through  years before Haleys parents left India.

UN Ambassador is a Cabinet-level position in the US and Haley is the first Indian-American to reach that position. A Republican, she was the elected Governor of South Carolina state in 2010.

Haley said that she is proud to be the daughter of Indian immigrants who believe the family is blessed to be American.

Prefacing her answer to a question about President Donald Trumps attempts to temporarily restrict people from six Muslim-majority countries and refugees coming to the US, she said, I am the proud daughter of Indian immigrants, who reminded my brothers, my sister and me every day how blessed we were to be in this country. I do believe that the fabric of America is legal immigration. That is what makes the US so fantastic, she said.

Haleys father is an agricultural scientist and a professor, while her mother is a businesswoman.

Haley denied that Trumps attempts to restrict people coming in from the six countries was based on religion and pointed out that several Muslim-majority countries were not covered by it.

I dont think thats what this is, she said.

If that were the case, there are another dozen, you know, Muslim countries that could have been on the list. She said that nothing should be banned based on religion.

We will never close our doors in the US. We wont. But what we did do was take a pause. Because of the difficulty to properly vet people from those six countries and the refugees, Trump had wanted the temporary ban.

This is not about not wanting people in, she said, adding that it was about keeping the terrorists out.

She noted that her husband, Michael Haley, a captain in the Army National Guard who served in Afghanistan, helped two Afghan interpreters and their families immigrate to the US.

The difference was that they could be properly vetted, but it was not possible in all refugees cases and the administration was stopping them till the problem could be resolved.

A US court has stayed Trumps orders temporarily banning people from six countries coming to the US.  IANS
THE Supreme Court sprang a surprise on the auto sector on Wednesday by insisting that the sale of vehicles with Bharat Stage (BS)-III emission standards will stop on March 31. Or at least that is how the industry would have us believe  that they were under the impression that only manufacture was supposed to stop on that date, and the produced vehicles could be sold thereafter. Even the government backed the industry claim. Facts, however, suggest they had sufficient reason to know that sale needed to stop. Even as the government notification only talked of a switch to BS-IV from April 1, the Supreme Court-mandated Environment Pollution Control Authority had in October last year stated that no non-BS-IV vehicle would be registered after April 1.

Indian cities rank regularly among those with the dirtiest air in the world. Every winter Delhi stays in the news for the suffering its residents undergo on account of breathing and lung issues, particularly the young, the old and the infirm. This is a challenge that has to be fought on every front possible  traffic congestion, industry, construction dust, climate change, et al. Auto emissions are at the heart of the problem, especially in the metros. And that is what weighed on the Supreme Court when it said citizen health had to take precedence over industry profit. Nonetheless, it is also a fact the auto industry will face more inconvenience than financial loss, as most vehicles can be either upgraded to BS-IV or exported to countries that still accept BS-III standards. Had they been allowed to sell after April 1, it would have taken nearly six months to clear the entire stock.

The fuss over the matter, however, has also betrayed how governments  not just Trumps  would rather go with industry than environment. The world stands where it does vis-a-vis environment because decisions are taken by governments guided by economic or populist considerations. There is no vote or money in clean air. But a simple statement of fact may convince the consumer more  BS-IV vehicles cut emissions by nearly half over BS-III.
Parveen Arora

Tribune News Service

Karnal, March 30

The Central government will soon install life scanners in nearly 15,000 police stations across the country for easy access to criminal data.

Dr Ish Kumar, Director, National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), stated this while interacting with The Tribune during the inaugural session of a two-day conference of directors of fingerprint bureaux at the Haryana Police Academy, Madhuban, in the district.

Several states are still working manually in fingerprint science, whereas it should be a software-based system. We need a life scanner to be installed in each and every police station to keep a check on criminals, he said.

He said nearly 60 per cent of the states had acquired software-based automatic fingerprint identification system. There is need for a national automatic fingerprint identification system to help the police nab accused and the NCRB is working on it, he added.

On challenges being faced by fingerprint experts in India, Kumar said: Destruction of vital evidence at the crime scene before the arrival of the police is a big challenge.

In foreign countries, he said, there were separate teams to guard the crime spot till the police arrives and there was need for a proper protocol by the local police in India too.

The NCRB director emphasised on integrated database and linking all kinds of personnel data, including Aadhaar, fingerprints, passport, crime-record data of all states with each other, to keep a check on criminals. It will help not only in nabbing criminals but also in identifying unknown bodies, he said. Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Telengana, Andhra Pradesh and Haryana were working comparatively better in the field of fingerprinting, he added.

He said advanced foreign fingerprinting techonologies should be imported. We are writing to state governments to set up district-level fingerprint analysis centres on the pattern of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana he added.

The government would start the interoperable criminal justice system this year under which all branches dealing with criminal justice would be linked with.
Sushil Manav

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 30

Union Minister for Consumer Affairs Ram Vilas Paswan and Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had launched web portal e-Kharid for online procurement of crops six months ago but Haryana has not been able to implement it under pressure from traders.

The state government has now decided that the procurement of wheat will be done through arhtiyas and the payment to farmers will be released through billingcum-payment agents (BCPAs), as traders have been demanding.

The decision was taken at a meeting of senior officials of all government procurement agencies, warehousing companies and marketing boards presided over by CMs Additional Principal Secretary Rakesh Gupta on Wednesday.

Gupta said while wheat would be procured traditionally through arhtiyas, a trial run of the e-Kharid portal would be done for the procurement of sunflower crop that starts arriving in grain markets in May. Besides, the online national trading forum e-NAM will start functioning in 54 of 108 grain markets from April 1, he said.

It is for the second time that the government has to retract from e-procurement after making preparations for it and despite the fact that the step would have checked evasion of taxes and market fee.

The state government had announced to start e-procurement of paddy After the launch of the e-Kharid portal on September 27 last year but it had to take back its decision despite all preparations because traders threatened to proceed on strike.

Haryana Pradesh Vyapar Mandal president Bajrang Dass Garg had at a Veopari Sammelan at Kurukshetra on March 26 demanded procurement of crops through arhtiyas. Garg today expressed gratitude to the government and said traders and farmers had long and tested relations and online procurement would have proved detrimental to that.

Sources, however, said the fear of protests by traders was not the only reason for not going for online procurement. The procurement of wheat is a massive operation that too for a short span of time. The way temperature is soaring by the day, the procurement season is going to be shorter, may be of 15 days only. Under such circumstances, it is not advisable to take the risk of putting a new system of procurement on trial, said the sources.
Over the last few weeks, this moggy has been scampering between several conferences and events about Brexit and Intellectual Property, and the progress of the Unitary Patent and Unified Patent Court. At other events, these topics have loomed over the proceedings.Back in the days before it was announced that Tim Moss would be the new Chief Executive of the UK IPO and he was happily in charge of Companies House, CIPA held a seminar on "The UPC: Where we are and why". Laura Starrs, head of the IPO's hastily re-convened UPC Task Force, set out what the UK needs to do before being able to formally ratify the UPC Agreement . All of the legislation to implement the provisions of the UPC Agreement itself into UK law were complete long ago in the heady era before the fateful referendum of 23 June 2016. The legislative basis was provided in the IP Act 2014 , and the detailed provisions are enshrined in the snappily-named The Patents (European Patent with Unitary Effect and Unified Patent Court) Order 2016 (analysed in painful detail by this Kat here ), which was made on 12 March 2016.It however remained to extend this legislation to the Isle of Man. The Isle of Man is not part of the United Kingdom, but the Patents Act extends there, and apparently the Isle of Man wished to be included in the new system. Laura Starrs was back in action at the MIP International Patent Forum on 8 and 9 March to inform this moggy that The Patents (Isle of Man) (Amendment) Order 2017 was made in Privy Council on 15th February (under the provisions of section 132(2) of the Patents Act 1977 ) and laid as a negative resolution of Parliament on 22 February (as required by section 124(2) of the Patents Act 1977 ), during which period either House of Parliament could in principle object (apparently by means of a "prayer"). Astute observers of the minutiae of UK constitutional matters will know that the Order must sit for 40 days, but it seems unlikely that anyone will object to this territorial extension.More significant is the Protocol on Privileges and Immunities. This is required for the UPC to sit in London as an international organisation, and the Protocol was signed on 14 December 2016 in Brussels, shortly after Baroness Neville-Rolfe (the then IP Minister - the position is now occupied by Jo Johnson) announced at Competitiveness Council meeting that UK would proceed to ratify UPCA. It was laid before Parliament on 20 January 2017. 21 sitting days (days when both Houses are sitting) are required before a treaty can be ratified, but this period has now passed. The (then) only UKIP MP Douglas Carswell did put forward a motion that the Protocol on Privileges and Immunities not be ratified, but this attracted no support.However, before the Protocol on Privileges and Immunities can be ratified, secondary legislation is needed in both the Westminster and Scottish Parliaments to give effect to the Protocol under both English and Scottish law. This is apparently in draft and should be appearing soon.The UPC Task Force is expecting ratification of the UPC Agreement in "Spring". Rumours that it might be before the Article 50 notification was sent have turned out to be over-optimistic.Germany has of course still not ratified either, and parliamentary consent to ratification is apparently hoped for in May 2017 (which would allow the provisional application of the UPC to begin, provided enough countries have signed the Protocol allowing provisional application of the Agreement by then, and so enable judges to be appointed and other preparations to be completed). Germany has long been of the view that it should be the last to ratify the Agreement and so determine the timing of its coming into force (being the first day of the fourth month after the deposit of its instrument of ratification, provided the UK has already ratified by then). The Preparatory Committee hopes that German ratification will occur in September 2017, allowing the sunrise period to begin (when opt-outs from the UPC jurisdiction can be filed), leading to the Court opening in December. Merpel always expects some slippage, so maybe early 2018 is more realistic for the Court opening. That also sets the date for when unitary patents can be obtained - if the grant date is after the UPC Agreement comes into force, then unitary effect can be registered for a European patent.There was a rumour that Germany might be seeking to delay ratification in order to include the UPC as an aspect of the Brexit negotiations, but Merpel has not been able to establish any serious basis for them.This is the crux of the matter. At an event on Brexit and IP convened by IPAN , there was some doubt about the attractiveness of a new patent and litigation system whose membership was, from the very beginning, in doubt. Those interested in the effect of Brexit on IP should look out for IPAN's forthcoming report: IP, Brexit and beyond  a blue-print for action in IP, which will be based on the event. Similar concerns were voiced at the MIP International Patent Forum On the one hand, some voices, especially from industry, have criticised the Government for taking the UK into UPC/UP system without the question of continuing membership being resolved. On the other hand it was argued that there was never going to be any guarantee of the situation post-Brexit, and the alternative would have been for the UK to be definitely out of the system, which nobody really wanted as an ultimate outcome. The latter view accepts short term uncertainty for a chance of a better long-term result.This Kat believes that there must be a very high degree of confidence that if the UK leaves the Unitary Patent system, there will be provided a mechanism by which existing unitary patents can revert to having national effect in the UK as an EP(UK). Such a mechanism is actually easier to provide than to provide continuing protection in the UK after Brexit for EU trade marks and designs (the issues of which are admirably set out by CITMA ) and plant variety rights (as this Kat is reminded to mention after the IPAN event). For patents, it would only be necessary to provide that a Unitary Patent revert to the status it had, with respect to the UK, before the unitary effect was requested. But with all the uncertainties inherent in a new system and a new court, is the additional certainty of what happens after Brexit one variable too far? Will potential users simply decline to request unitary effect and opt out their patents? For patentees with a significant presence in the UK, this may well be the case. But readers are invited to give their own opinions.If the UK is peripheral to the operations of a company, then the question of whether the UK is in or out of the scope of the unitary patent is simply the quantum of possible damage in an infringement action, so there must be at least some patentees who will not care much either way. But will they be enough to get the system off to a reasonable start? There will be likely at least a year of uncertainty between the UPC opening, and the question of the continuing participation of the UK being resolved. If there are no enough users of the system, it may not be financially viable and then again its future would be open to doubt. Here again, readers will doubtless have their views.
Tribune News Service

Jammu, March 30

In a sharp contrast to the countrywide debate on intolerance, the Union Home Ministry has revealed that as many as 5,477 foreigners, including 2,157 Pakistanis and 918 Afghans, acquired Indian citizenship during the last six years.

Since the BJP-led NDA government came to power in May 2014, the number of foreigners acquiring Indian citizenship is over 3,800. The highest number is from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. The foreigners from a total of 56 countries and some stateless people were granted Indian citizenship rights.

This information has been provided by the Union Home Ministry in response to an online RTI application submitted by Jammu-based activist Raman Sharma.

A thorough study of the reply under the Right to Information (RTI) Act reveals that the number of foreigners acquiring Indian citizenship has doubled from 2014-2016 when compared to three years of the previous government.

Between January 2014 to December 2016, the total number of foreigners acquiring Indian citizenship is 3,801, whereas during the last three years of the previous government (Congress government) between January 2011 to December 2013, the total number of foreigners national getting Indian citizenship was 1,676, the reply said.

According to the information, Pakistanis topped the list of foreign nationals acquiring Indian citizenship. Out of 5,477 foreigners, 2,157 were Pakistani nationals followed by 1,461 stateless people, 918 Afghanis, 218 Bangladeshis, 145 from the United Kingdom, 108 from Sri Lanka, 66 from Iran and 61 from the United States of America.

There are also 35 persons from the UAE, 33 from Nepal, 26 from Kenya, 15 each from Singapore and China. Thirteen persons each from Canada and France also acquired Indian citizenship.

The year-wise data of a total 2,157 Pakistani nationals who were granted Indian nationality reveals that in 2016, the maximum number of 660 Pakistanis were granted citizenship. As many as 263 and 267 Pakistanis were granted citizenship In 2015 and 2014, respectively. Similarly, out of 918 Afghan nationals, who were granted Indian citizenship at least 700 got Indian nationality between 2014 and 2016.

During the last three years, the number of immigrants from developed nations has also increased, from the US out of total 61 immigrants, 46 applied and granted citizenship rights only between 2014 and 2016. Seven French nationals, eight persons each from Germany and Italy also got citizenship rights.
Tribune News Service

Budgam, March 30

National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah today cautioned New Delhi against excessive use of force and repression against the people, saying that unless Kashmir is recognised as a political problem, peace will remain elusive.

For lasting peace and stability, a dialogue process is needed to be initiated forthwith, Farooq said while addressing an election meeting at Budgam. Three youths were killed during clashes with security forces on Tuesday in the Chadoora area of Budgam during an encounter in which a militant was gunned down.

The NC chief said the Kashmir issue had been recognised at the international level and therefore talks should be initiated with Pakistan and the people of Kashmir for a judicious solution. He called for involving all stakeholders to find out a way forward so that the current spell of bloodshed could be stopped. Our hearts bleeds when the blood of young people is spilled during broad daylight with security forces caring two hoots for human rights violations, he said.

He said, If New Delhi thinks that use of pellet guns would help restore peace, they are living in a fools world, he said while holding New Delhi squarely responsible for the current situation.

If successive governments in New Delhi would not have betrayed the people of Kashmir by not keeping their promise, the situation would not have come to this, he said.

Lashing out at PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, he said, I wonder over her hypocrisy saying that when out of power she used to shed crocodile tears while visiting the slain militants houses but now she underplays and unfortunately mocks the peaceful protests by the people.
Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, March 30

Two days after three protesters were killed on the sidelines of a gunfight in central Kashmir, J&K Police chief Shesh Paul Vaid today said the youth rushing to encounter sites were committing suicide.

In the encounter, even security forces take cover of BP (bullet-proof) vehicles or house. Youth coming to encounter sites are committing suicide, Vaid told reporters in Srinagar.

The Director General Police (DGP) appealed youth to stay at home and avoid rushing towards the encounter site. Bullet does not see who is coming and who it will hit. So, my appeal to all these young boys is they should remain in their homes and not come to the site of encounter, he said, adding of course, pelting is not desirable at all.

The people, especially youngsters, continue to remain undeterred even after Army Chief General Bipin Rawat last month issued a stern warning against protesters disrupting anti-militancy operations. At least five protesters have been killed since February during clashes near encounter sites. The J&K Government is also worried about civilian deaths near encounter sites, which has the potential to trigger a 2016-like unrest in the Valley.

The police chief said hurling of stones at the encounter sites is a grave provocation. It (stone hurling) is challenging, but we keep evolving our strategy and I am sure with our experience of last 25 years, the police and security forces will be able to handle the situation. It is point of grave provocation. We have been able to minimise collateral damage and civilian casualties. There has been lot of provocation from the other side, instigating young boys, misleading them to hurl stones and reach the site of encounter, Vaid said

The DGP said the social media was being used to instigate the youth to hurl stones at the forces.

I will say this is misuse of social media by the people who are inimical to the peace in Valley and the country. The moment the encounter starts, they activate WhatsApp groups, 300 of them, each having 250 members, and Facebook accounts gets activated, instigating young boys to reach the place of encounter and hurl stones so that terrorists are helped to get out of the encounter sites. This is being done by people. Some of these accounts have been traced across the border. It is attempt of enemies of India to create problems, Vaid said.

He said action would be taken against WhatsApp groups for instigating the youth for stone pelting. All these numbers are being monitored. We will take action against those who are here, the DGP said.

Reviews security ahead of PMs visit

Jammu: DGP SP Vaid on Thursday reviewed security ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Udhampur on April 2. Expressing satisfaction over security arrangements, he stressed on maintaining close coordination among the security agencies to ensure an incident-free visit.
The 13th annual prize distribution function of Malwa Central College of Education for Women was held on college campus on Thursday. Vivan Singh Gill, Director Fortis Hospital, graced the occasion as chief guest. Members of the management and other former faculty members also dignified the occasion with their presence. Dr Naginder Kaur, Principal of the college, welcomed the chief guest and other dignitaries present on the occasion. She also presented annual report highlighting various achievements of the students. The chief guest gave prizes to 210 students of BEd, MEd and Polytechnic (MIPSS) for their achievements in co-curricular activities.

GLOBAL VILLAGE PROGRAMME

Nearly 12 international teams from Papua New Guinea, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Colombia, Maldives, Syria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gambia, Indonesia, Libya and Lesotho participated in a three day programme started with Global Village. The event provided a platform for the students to experience different cultures of various countries under one roof. The cultural diversity was showcased through the means of art and music. Under the global Village, students organised their native booths - display of culture, flag and native commodities along with information about the country and The event has something to offer to everyone. The team from Papua New Guinea showcased traditional instruments like drums (kundu), traditional bags (bilum) and traditional attire.

QUEEN OF SALES CONTEST HELD

The team of Gurnoor, Priya, Sheetal and Nitisha won the Queen of Sales contest organised by the Department of Business Management of Khalsa College for women, Civil Lines. A total of 26 teams from various departments of the college, comprising of five students each participated in the contest. The students were given a pack of 32 articles comprising t-shirts, bangles and gift envelopes to sell across in duration of two hours within and outside the college. A minimum sale price was fixed for the goods and the teams had to use their marketing skills to sell the products at any price higher than the minimum price. The team which garnered the maximum sales was adjudged the winner.  TNS
Shiv Kumar

Tribune News Service

Mumbai, March 30

Despite the Maharashtra Government tightening security at all public hospitals following incidents of doctors being assaulted by relatives of patients, another case has been reported from Thane near Mumbai.

According to officials here, two doctors were attacked by a patient and his relatives at the Thane Civil Hospital on Wednesday night.

The hospitals OPD was also vandalised, according to the police complaint filed in the matter.



Police said two interns, Dr Javed Shaikh and Dr Dilnaz Ansari, were injured in the assault.



Doctors at the facility immediately suspended operations at the hospital demanding the arrest of the patient and his relatives.

The administration averted another strike by doctors by immediately apprehending the patient and another person for the assault, officials said.

We are on the lookout for more persons who have been caught on CCTV damaging equipment, a Thane police official said.



According to the complaint the patient, Mustaquim Memon, had come to the hospital to get a wound on his hand stitched.

However he got into an argument with the doctor tending to him and kicked him on his face.

The patients relatives however insisted that the doctors continue with the treatment. Equipment at the hospital was trashed when the doctors refused, police said.

State government sources said the police have been asked to book people assaulting health professionals under the tough Maharashtra Medicare Service Person and Medicare Service Institution Act where an

accused is not immediately granted bail.



Doctors across Maharashtra had gone on strike for five days last week following a series of assaults on them by relatives of patients.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had assured the striking doctors that those causing violence would not be granted bail easily.



Apart from posting police personnel at all hospitals, the Maharashtra Government also directed deans of all hospitals to ensure that a pass system is strictly implemented.

Only two persons are allowed to accompany patients in the hospital. Visiting hours are also being

strictly implemented, home department officials said.



Deans of hospitals have also been asked to carry out three rounds of the facilities every day to ensure that ICUs, emergency wards and entry points are well guarded.

They have also been asked to provide video footage of the hospitals to the home department daily.
New Delhi, March 30

The IS-inspired terror module, allegedly involved in the Ujjain train blast, had made a failed bid to carry out an explosion at Prime Minister Narendra Modis rally in Lucknow on Dasehra last year, according to National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe reports.

According to the reports of interrogation of Mohammed Danish and Atif Muzzafar accessed today, the duo, along with other friends owing allegiance to the banned IS, had planned to plant a bomb at Ramlila Ground in Lucknow where the PM was scheduled to address a rally on October 17 last. The duo is currently in the custody of the NIA.

The group, says Danish in his statement, was desperate to carry out blasts to test the level of radicalisation and in the process had made several unsuccessful attempts at planting bombs at various places. He alleged Atif Muzzafar, who was the self-designated Amir (chief) of the module, assembled a bomb. Atif is among the six persons arrested by the NIA after the March 7 blast at a rail track in Ujjain.

The accused claimed Atif had procured two packets of splinters (iron ball bearings) from a cycle shop and carried out a reconnaissance of the venue with another accused identified as Asif. Atif corroborated the version of Danish and said they went to buy cracker material from Moolganj in old Kanpur. Atif said he gave the bomb to GM Khan, retired IAF personnel who took it to Lucknow.

On October 11, he and others went to Lucknow and called Khan so that the bomb could be placed in or around the venue. Before Dasehra night, according to Danish, Atif kept the bomb in garbage bin near the rally venue. The module was waiting for news of a blast which never came.  PTI
Simran Sodhi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 30

Following the racial attack on a group of Nigerian nationals in Greater Noida, the Nigerian foreign ministry summoned Indias High Commissioner in Abuja yesterday to protest the incident.

This was reported widely by the Nigerian news media. The Ministry of External Affairs today said that such criminal acts are completely unacceptable and have been condemned.

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The ministry also said these acts represented the action of uninformed and misguided few. India which has come under the lens after the severe beating of Nigerian nationals on Monday has taken several correctional measures since.

On March 28, the DM of the Gautam Buddha Nagar held a meeting of the residents, foreign students associations in presence of the representatives from the Nigerian High Commission here. The MEA also said the attacks on the Nigerians did not detract from the deep belief of the government and the people of India of Vasudeva Kutumbakam.

India also reiterated its commitment to its relations with Africa. However, the Nigerian side does not seem to be taking things lightly. This is not the first time ...Nigerians have suffered similar attack in the past; so, what we will like to see on this occasion is that the perpetrator should be arrested, said Olushola Enikanolaiye, Permanent Secretary in the Nigerian ministry of foreign affairs during his meeting in Abuja with Nagabushana Reddy, Indias High Commissioner to Nigeria.

Nigeria sent out the message that it wants to see India take action against the perpetrators of the crime so that this serve as a deterrent to others and forestall future occurrences.
Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 30

The Supreme Court on Thursday fixed May 11 during the summer vacation to commence Constitution Bench hearing on petitions challenging the practices of triple talaq, nikah halala and polygamy among Muslims.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India JS Khehar said if needed the Constitution Bench hearing could continue even on Saturday and Sunday falling after May 11 and 12.

The CJI asked the parties which have not filed their written submissions to do it in two weeks.

Two other Constitution Benches on issues relating to citizenship of children of illegal Bangladeshi migrants and alleged privacy violation by WhatsApp will also be heard during the summer vacation, besides the one that generally hears urgent matters.

The top court  which is hearing a batch of petitions challenging triple talaq, polygamy and nikah halala  has already made it clear that it would not look into the Uniform Civil Code which is currently being examined by the Law Commission of India.

All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) had on March 27 defended the practices of triple talaq, polygamy and nikah halala, saying the Supreme Court cannot consider the constitutional validity of the principles of Muslim Personal law.

In an affidavit filed in the top court, AIMPLB said these issues were matters to be dealt with by the legislature.

On triple talaq, it said: Once three pronouncements of divorce are made, the marriage dissolves and the woman becomes unlawful or haram to the man who had pronounced divorce.

Defending polygamy AIMPLB said: Polygamy meets social and moral needs and the provision for it stems from concern for women. The policy of Islam is to discourage polygamy but not to prohibit it. Islam encourages monogamy but does not make it mandatory.

The Centre had on February 16 asked the Supreme Court to decide if these practices were protected under Article 25(1) of the Constitution that guaranteed fundamental right to religion to citizens.

It had also asked the top court to consider if fundamental rights, particularly right to equality and right to live with human dignity, were superior to right to religion  often invoked by conservative Muslim groups to justify such practices that have inherent gender bias against women.

Triple talaq or Talaq-e-biddat refers to pronouncing the word talaq thrice in one sitting while 'nikah halala' permits a man to remarry the woman he divorced only after she has married someone else; the marriage has been consummated with that man and then she has been divorced or widowed.

Polygamy allows a Muslim man to take four wives.

Many Muslim women and Muslim groups have challenged these practices on the ground that these violated their fundamental right to equality, right to non-discrimination and right to live with human dignity.
Sarbjit Dhaliwal

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 30

The state government has set the ball rolling to tackle the crisis in farm sector in earnest.

Apart from asking officials concerned to prepare a proposal to set up Punjab Agriculture Insurance Corporation, the process has also begun to give legal status and restructure the Punjab Farmers Commission.

For value addition in farm produce, a proposal is being prepared to set up Agriculture Production Board under the aegis of the PAU, Ludhiana.

Sources said that a committee has been set up to evaluate debt in farm sector and to waive it in a planned/phased manner. The committee has been told to submit its report within 60 days. The Agriculture Department has been made a nodal agency for follow up action in this regard.

To stop the auction of the land of debt-ridden farmers, a law would be enacted. The department has been told to bring the draft of the Bill in its next meeting with the Chief Minister.

With case of Agriculture Insurance Corporation, sources said, the previous government had rejected the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Beema Yojana because its parameters were not suitable for its farmers. Former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had personally requested PM Narendra Modi to amend certain parameters of the scheme but the Centre did not oblige.

Convinced of the need to provide insurance cover to the farmers, the government is now preparing a proposal to set up its own corporation.

For promoting drip irrigation, the state would give 80 per cent subsidy to the farmers. Likewise, those who would use solar power for operating tube wells and other farm activities would also get 80 per cent subsidy. Provision would also be made to make direct payment of subsidy to farmers.

Sources said that legal status was being given to Farmers Commission to make this body effective. Its main job would be to assist the Agriculture Department to improve the productivity at the farm level and to provide guidance for diversification in farm sector.

Besides, commission would conduct studies on marketing of various farm products and reforms which could be introduced in the sector.
Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.) a ranking member, said that, although he voted against the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran, he now doesnt believe it would be wise to withdraw. He continued, Having said that, Irans activities today are as bad as they have ever been and probably worse. They are certainly increasing their terrorist sponsorship in the Middle East as we see in so many different countries in that region. Their record on violating the ballistic missile obligations are well known and well understood. Their human rights violations against their own citizens are horrible, one of the worst countries in the world. They violate the arms embargo and the list goes on and on. So, it is appropriate to get this Committee to look at what we can do to make sure that first, the Iran nuclear agreement is honored so that Iran does not become a nuclear weapons state, but then secondly, look at those activities that were not covered under the JCPOA as to how we can play a stronger role.

Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) the Chairman, was like-minded. One of my criticisms of the JCPOA was that it would become our de facto Middle East policy and Iran would expand their destabilizing activities. I think we are seeing a lot of that today. Regionally, weve seen an escalation in Iranian intervention. Iran, along with its allies in Russia, has continued to prop up Assad at the cost of countless lives in Syria. Irans support to the Shia militias in Iraq threatens the interests of Sunnis and Kurds alike, not to mention the Shia in Iraq that dont subscribe to the anti-American, zero-sum politics of the militias that are there, he said, adding, Iran is arming the Houthis in Yemen, who are in turn attacking our Saudi allies and targeting our ships. Yemen now faces a humanitarian crisis unprecedented in its history. Iran remains the foremost state sponsor of terrorism. It counts Lebanese Hizballah  an organization that has killed hundreds of Americans  as among its closest allies.

At the AIPAC Policy Conference, Senator Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) told the audience that as I said when I voted against that deal, if Iran is to acquire a nuclear bomb, it will not have my name on it. He views Irans conduct as worsening. He continued, Many of us rightly predicted that an Iranian regime that prioritized funding terrorism over the well-being of its own citizens would see sanctions relief as a cash windfall for their terrorist proxies across the region. And on terrorism, we feared that much of Irans new economic capacity would be used to propagate violence against Jews. It is no surprise then that Iran has not suddenly transformed into a responsible member of the international community. Rather it remains an agent of instability throughout the Middle East, a nefarious actor that continues to undermine American national security interests and our efforts to partner with countries throughout the region working to protect civilians and build democratic governance structures.
Chandigarh, March 29

Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh today said lending agencies, including banks, had been directed not to issue auction notices to farmers for failure to repay loans. Assuring that the banks would not be allowed to confiscate their land, he said a Bill would be tabled in the Budget session to prohibit kurki (auction of farmers land in case of default).

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I will ensure no farmer is harassed in case of non-payment of loan. It will not happen, he said. On CCL (cash credit limit), he said the government would negotiate with banks and that CCL funds from the Centre were expected any time.

He reiterated that the Vigilance Bureau would probe the Rs 31,000-crore foodgrain scam. An investigation by a third-party auditor would first be done.

The scam was detected by the RBI last year which found that the government had taken loans (known as CCL) from 30 banks for procuring wheat and paddy. However, the funds were either diverted or the grains not delivered to the FCI.

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On pruning the security cover of politicians and officers, the CM said this was being done as per the threat perception and Centre guidelines. The VIP culture would end, he reiterated.  TNS
R Sedhuraman

Legal Correspondent

New Delhi, March 29

The Delhi High Court today said retrial appeared necessary in five cases pertaining to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in the Delhi Cantonment area as there were serious lapses in the investigation. Witnesses and complainants were not examined properly by trial courts, leading to acquittal of the accused, it said.

A Bench comprising Justices Gita Mittal and Anu Malhotra also directed the Delhi Government to express its view by April 20 on the need for ordering a reinvestigation into the complaint of Jagir Kaur, whose husband Joga Singh was killed by a rioting mob, by the CBI or any other independent agency.

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While recording this prima facie view, we make it clear that it shall be open to the (acquitted) persons to raise jurisdictional objections. A final view shall be taken after hearing all concerned, the HC said in the 80-page order.

Among those acquitted in these cases were Vidyanand, Balwan Khokhar, Mahender Singh Yadav, Dhanpat, Ved Parkash, Ramji Lal Sharma and Shiv Charan.

The HC has taken suo motu notice of the acquittals of the accused in the five cases. On March 25, the Supreme Court asked the Centre to submit files pertaining to 199 cases that were closed by the newly appointed special investigation team.

In the HC, the CBI had placed the trial court records in support of its appeal against the acquittal of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar and other accused.

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The HC noted that the complainants were either not issued summons or sent to the addresses that were destroyed in the riots, as a result of which these could not be served.

Despite noting that the incident had taken place in a densely populated area during daytime, no independent witness was examined by the prosecution, the High Court noted.

The prosecution is bound to produce the best evidence to support allegations against the accused. However, the responsibility does not rest only on or end with the prosecution. It is the statutory duty of the trial court as well to actively engage with the proceedings to ensure that the truth is brought out and that justice is done.

The High Court also pointed out that the trials in these cases concluded within a short period of three to four months and the final outcome was acquittal of the accused persons.

No effort has been made to trace out either the bodies or the stolen material. No statement of the eyewitnesses, including relatives or any other neighbours or other public persons who may have been present, has been recorded. To say the least, the bare notions of investigation do not seem to have been carried out before the challan was filed.
Balwant Garg

Tribune News Service

Faridkot, March 30

The Medical Council of India (MCI) has allotted 46 more postgraduate (PG) seats to Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, the highest ever to a medical college in the region in one go.

The MCI has allotted a total of 51 new PG seats to Punjab as five seats have been increased in Government Medical College, Patiala.

On March 20, the MCI had recommended the increase in the PG seats in the clinical subjects of government medical colleges for the academic year 2017-2018. Now, the Union Ministry of Health has approved these seats and the Faridkot medical college was informed about these.

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With these 46 seats in PG clinical subjects, the total number of PG seats (clinical and non-clinical) in the Faridkot medical college is now 100. The undergraduate (MBBS) seats in this college are also 100.

Three government medical colleges in Punjab at Faridkot, Amritsar and Patiala offer 100, 200 and 200 MBBS seats, respectively.

In Faridkot medical college, the seats for anaesthesia have been increased from two to 12, while the number of seats for general medicine has gone up from three to 10. In surgery ENT, ophthalmology, orthopaedics and general surgery, the seats have been increased from two to six, two to seven, two to five and four to 11, respectively.

For MD paediatrics, the seats have increased from two to five and for psychiatry there will be four in place of the existing three seats.

The number of seats for MD DVL (dermatology and venereology and leprosy) and MD Respiratory Medicine has increased from three to seven and one to three, respectively.

In Government Medical College, Patiala, a total of five PG seats have been added. Among these, three seats are in OBG (obstetrics and gynaecology), one seat each in ophthalmology and psychiatry.

The increase in PG seats is on the lines of the MCI revising its teacher-student ratio as per the directions of the Centre. As per the notification issued by the MCI under its PG regulations, the teacher-student ratio shall be 1:3 for professor and 1:2 for associate professor for all government medical colleges.

Dr Raj Bahadur, Vice Chancellor, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS), said the increase in the PG seats was a great achievement for the state. Faridkot medical college is a constituent college of BFUHS.

As the state is facing shortage of medical specialists, the increase of PG seats would help create more specialists, the VC said.

Over 300 specialist doctors posts are lying vacant in Punjab health department and many walk-in-interviews, organised by the health department failed to get eligible doctors.

The admission on these 51 new PG seats will be made in the coming days when the counselling for the PG seats would be started in BFUHS here. Fifty per cent of these seats will be filled through central quota.

While there is no addition in PG seats in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir got 13 and 42 new seats, respectively, this time.

Other states which have been allotted PG seats include Gujarat (211 seats), Andhra Pradesh (143), Delhi (129), Assam (102) and Chhattisgarh (24).
Ruchika M Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 29

The Punjab Chief Minister today said that despite the constraints faced by his government, which has inherited empty coffers, the three promises made to the people of Punjab, entailing major financial implications, would be met in the first year of the government  the youth would be given smartphones, one person in each household a job and farmers a debt waiver.

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I am aware the state is in a financial mess. Even though we will come out with a White Paper on the states fiscal health by the Budget session in June, we are looking at out-of-the-box ideas to fulfil these promises, Capt Amarinder said.

Sources say the government is in talks with a leading telecom company that will supply basic smartphones and will earn revenues through the use of its cellular network. For the best way to settle farm loans, a three-member committee of experts is being set up.

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The CM said his government would table a Bill in the next session to pave the way for waiving the farm debt.
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 30

Thousands of farmers from Punjab on Thursday took out a protest march to Parliament here, demanding to stop the import of food crops, especially wheat, which are being sufficiently produced by farmers.

The protest is being held under the aegis of Bharti Kisan Union Ekta (Dakaunda), Azad Kisan Sangharash Committee and Krantikari Kisan Union.

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A charter of demands will be handed over to PM Narendra Modi and Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh.

The farmers are demanding an immediate stop to the import of foodgrains, especially wheat; implementation of the Swaminathan Commissions recommendations; and farm debt waiver.
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, March 30

The government is hopeful that the mining ban will not affect its finances as only 30 per cent of the targeted revenue is being deposited into the treasury by the mining industry. Mining has come to a standstill in three river belts of the Kumaon region - the Gaula in Haldwani, the Kosi in Ramnagar and the Sharda in Tanakpur region.

Though only 30 per cent of the amount comes to the government treasury due to ill-management by former governments, the mining being one of the top sources of income the government is preparing its response to be presented before the court, requesting it to give a respite to it, seeing the rampant employment generated by it and increase in the cost of building material after the ban, said Prakash Pant, Finance Minister.

According to reports received from Ramnagar, Haldwani and Tanakpur, more than 3 lakh workers, including 20,000 inspection staff have, have gone workless from today as the SDMs at several places reached to stop mining and stone crushing. Revenue officers today seized stone crushers at Kapkot in Bageshwar and Jhapuli in Munsiyari as these stone crusher owners could not produce permission certificates, said a mining officer in Haldwani.

More ironical facts of the follow-up came from Bageshwar district where the mining work or soft stone from Kanda to Rima in Bageswar district, that caused court to take such stringent action on the PIL, remained continue as soft stone miners and the district administration have said until they received a copy of the courts order, they will continue mining. As soon as we get the copy of the courts order, we will stop mining in the district, said Mangesh Ghildiyal, District Magistrate, Bageshwar.

According to reports received from the Gaula river front in Haldwani, after all 11 exit gates of the Gaula were shut, the rates of mining material jumped to Rs 1,000 per truck from this morning. Even a truckload of building material cost Rs 9,500 while the same was at Rs 8,400 only till yesterday, said Bhim Meher, a building material supplier in Haldwani.
Los Angeles, March 30

The Attorney-General of Mexicos Pacific coast state of Nayarit, hard hit by drug cartel violence in recent years, has been arrested in San Diego on US narcotics trafficking conspiracy charges, federal officials said on Wednesday.

Edgar Veytia, 45, who has served as the top law enforcement officer of Nayarit since 2013, was charged in a seven-page, three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury on Monday in the New York borough of Brooklyn and unsealed on Tuesday.

He was taken into custody on Monday in San Diego by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations, acting on an arrest warrant, an FBI spokeswoman in San Diego said.

The arrest is another blow for Mexico President Enrique Pena Nietos Institutional Revolutionary Party, which governs Nayarit and is reeling from corruption scandals that have led a number of former governors to flee criminal charges.

Veytia was arraigned in US District Court in San Diego on Tuesday, the FBI spokeswoman, Davene Butler, told Reuters. No further details of his arrest or court appearance were immediately released.

Veytia is accused of plotting with unnamed conspirators in the United States to manufacture, import and distribute unspecified quantities of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana between January 2013 and February 2017.

The nature and scope of the alleged conspiracy were not specified in the indictment.

The governor of Nayarit, Roberto Sandoval, said the state government would cooperate with the investigation in Mexico and the United States and said he did not know details of the accusations against Veytia.

I want to be very clear to the people of Nayarit, men and women, that I will personally take responsibility for security...in the state, Sandoval said. We will not lower our guard, we will continue to be one of the safest states. The tiny, largely agricultural state, which encompasses a scenic stretch of beaches known as the Riviera Nayarit, has been the scene of increased narcotics-related bloodshed in recent years.

Mexican media have long alleged links between Veytia and the fast-growing Jalisco New Generation cartel.

Mexican marines used a Black Hawk helicopter in February to kill eight suspected cartel members in Nayarit, including the reputed head of the Beltran-Leyva gang, a rival of the Sinaloa cartel formerly run by Joaquin El Chapo Guzman.

An armed group attacked Veytia in 2011, but he was not injured in the resulting shootout. Reuters
Manila, March 30

A Philippines lawmaker filed supplementary charges on Thursday to an impeachment complaint against President Rodrigo Duterte, accusing him of taking a defeatist stance by doing nothing to challenge Beijings activities in the South China Sea.

Opposition congressman Gary Alejano said Duterte had made a slew of remarks that proved he had no intention to protect Philippine sovereignty and had alienated key allies like the United States through rants and unstoppable outbursts.

The complaint adds to a laundry list of what Alejano says are impeachable offences that amount to high crimes, abuse of power and betrayal of public trust.

He submitted the initial complaint two weeks ago, just as Congress went into a recess, a move aimed at keeping it in the public spotlight and preventing Congress from dismissing it right away. It reconvenes on May 2.

Duterte is frequently accused of abuse of power, though none of the allegations have so far stuck. The populist former city mayor commands a legislative majority and enjoys huge public support.

Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said Alejanos additional complaint was groundless propaganda and part of a coordinated conspiracy by Dutertes opponents.

Alejano said Duterte had failed to act on a ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration last year that invalidated Chinas nine-dash line claim to most of the South China Sea, its justification for building man-made islands in Manilas exclusive economic zone.

He said Dutertes recent comments that he could do nothing to stop China if it were to build structures at the disputed Scarborough Shoal indicated his unwillingness to defend the countrys rights.

The criticism comes as Duterte intensifies his charm offensive to encourage China to invest billions of dollars in the Philippines, including its flagging infrastructure, an approach that contrasts sharply with his open hostility towards the United States.

He last week railed against Washington for allowing China to construct and arm its artificial islands, but placed no blame on Beijing.

On Wednesday Duterte said he had asked the US ambassador to Manila why did you not send the armada?.

A US think tank on Monday said China had finished building military infrastructure on those islands and was now capable of deploying combat planes there.  Reuters
The report suggests that Iran has sent advisers from Shiite proxies, including Afghan forces, to train Houthi units and provide logistical support. The report says, The deployment of interoperable proxy forces is part of Irans evolution of a form of hybrid warfare that will allow it to project significant force far from its borders and fundamentally alter the balance of power in the region.

One of the reports authors, Emily Estelle, says the presence of Afghan advisers, including some who fought in Syria under the leadership of Irans special forces unit the Quds Force, might indicate a change. She said, This deployment is an early indicator that Iran may be mobilising its proxy network to conduct hybrid warfare in Yemen as it has in Syria, albeit on a much smaller scale.

The report explains how Houthi forces are using what appears to be Iranian-supplied drone technology. Iran and the Houthis are facing off against Saudi Arabia and an Arab coalition, part of a regional power struggle that is also exacerbating the conflict in Syria. Evidence has emerged that Tehran has increased its support to the Houthis, who seized the capital Sanaa in 2014.

Weapons experts have described the ways in which a Yemeni-built Qasef-1 drone shares specifications with an Iranian model and has been used to destroy air defence systems installed by the Saudi-led coalition. The same drone model might have been used in an attack that killed more than 20 troops who were loyal to president Abdrabu Mansur Hadi, two weeks ago.

Iran has been accused of supplying the technology that allowed Houthi forces to use a remote-controlled boat to attack a Saudi vessel in the Red Sea last January.

It is believed that the Iranian Revolutionary Guards and the Quds Force supplied penetrators, a type of armour-piercing projectile, for use in improvised explosive devices. A UN Security Council report confirmed the connection in January.

The Houthis, a Zaidi Shiite minority, launched a series of rebellions against the government of Ali Abdullah Saleh in 2004, and forced him from power in 2011 during the Arab Spring. His successor, Mr Hadi, struggled to assert control as he dealt with a southern separatist movement and Al Qaeda at a time when members of his security forces remained loyal to Mr Saleh.

In September 2014, Houthi fighters took control of Sanaa, prompting the intervention of a Saudi-led coalition of nine Middle East and African countries, including the UAE, six months later. Two months after the coalition intervened, Mr Saleh formally announced his alliance with the Houthis.

Government forces in the south and east remain in control of most of Yemens territory today, while the Houthis and their allies hold population centres in the northwest, including the capital.

More than 10,000 lives have been claimed by the conflict, which has also pushed Yemen to the brink of famine. According to Oxfam. Two-thirds of the population is classed as food insecure.

The report also made recommendations to Donald Trumps administration. This week it emerged that the US was considering offering additional support in the form of intelligence and planning to the Saudi-led coalition as Washington continues its review of Yemen policy.

Yemen has been viewed s as a haven for Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. However, the Trump administration is increasingly focused on the threat posed by Iran.

Ms Estelle said the US should work to avoid isolating the Houthis and focus on reducing their reliance on Tehran. This will require the US to steer the Saudi-led coalitions operations in Yemen away from the pursuit of the Houthis total defeat, she said. The US should instead shape coalition operations to block Iranian expansion, prevent harm to Yemens civilian population, and pressure the Al Houthi-Saleh faction with the goal of bringing the combatants to the negotiating table.

Other countries are concerned that Iran is breaching an embargo on supplying weapons to the Houthi movement. According to Reuters, a spokeswoman for Britains foreign office said last week that it was concerned by Iranian support to the Houthis, including reports that Iran has transferred weapons to Yemen, which would be contrary to UN Security Council Resolution 2216 and the Security Councils embargo on the export of weapons by Iran.
An early Fruehauf trailer is preserved in Detroit, where the man worked and his company was headquartered. Photos courtesy of Ruth Ann Fruehauf

August Fruehauf, inventor of the semitrailer, will be inducted into the Automotive History Hall of Fame, Hemmings.com reported on March 29. The online newsletter of Hemmings Motor News and other publications for collector-car enthusiasts said the induction would be later this year.

Two years ago, in Hemmings Classic Car, author Jim Donnelly wrote an article about Fruehauf, who pioneered, in great measure, the modern long-haul truck by inventing the tag-along semitrailer. This, the newsletter said, triggered the wide-scale distribution of modern consumer goods.

August Fruehauf, a German immigrant and blacksmith, found inspiration for the semitrailer from the horses he shoed.

A successful blacksmith and wagon builder in Detroit and the surrounding area around the turn of the [20th] century, Fruehauf built his first trailer in 1914 at the request of a boat owner who wished to transport his craft on dry land behind a Ford Model T.

Trailers -- latter-day wagons -- werent new, but a hitch that let a trailers nose rest on the frame of a beefed-up T and follow along behind was, Donnelly said. Of course, the hitch also eliminated the vehicles leading axle, and thus came the term semitrailer. Fruehauf promoted the idea as a way for a straight truck to transport three times what it could haul on its own, which was then how trucks were used.

Its also been written that Fruehauf, a German immigrant, had noticed that the horses he shoed as a blacksmith were in better physical shape if they had been pulling wagons instead of carrying heavy goods on their backs. He reasoned that trucks would likewise last longer if they towed rather than toted loads.

He began building and selling semitrailers, and his company eventually became the dominant manufacturer of many types of the vehicles. But it failed in the mid-1980s after squabbling among Fruehaufs descendants and general mismanagement financially weakened it.

The straw that broke the trailers back, so to speak, was a stock raid by an arbitrager, Asher B. Edelman. He took control of the company but found he couldnt turn it around. So, he shut it down and made his profits by selling off its assets. They included trailer plants in the industrial Heartland and on the West Coast.

The arbitrage process eliminates floundering firms that have stopped contributing to the economy, students of business explained at the time. It's a commercial form of Darwinism, the survival of the fittest. I recall writing about this, with sadness, back then for HDT.

The semitrailer pioneers granddaughter, Ruth Ann Fruehauf, keeps memories of the man and his company alive with her Fruehauf Trailer Historical Society and its website, www.SingingWheels.com . She has published books about her grandpa and the companys products.

Ruth points out that Fruehauf-brand trailers are still built overseas and in Mexico. Fruehauf de Mexico had a booth at last weeks big Mid-America Trucking Show, and plans to sell its trailers in the United States.

History often repeats itself, but this time a blacksmith isnt involved.
The Arab rulers accused Iran of meddling in the internal affairs of Arab nations, including inciting Shiites against Sunnis, as well as arming and training Shiite terrorist groups for operations against legitimate Arab governments. They called out Tehran for its interference in the Syrian civil war and assault on its sovereignty.

However, the formal resolutions did not address the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Later, a separate statement was issued, and the Arab rulers reaffirmed their commitment to a two-state solution of the Arab-Israeli conflict. A new round of peace talks was called for, to be based on a two-state formula. They renewed the 2002 reconciliation offer, which was drawn up by Saudi Arabia, saying if Israel quit occupied Arab land and agreed to a deal on Palestinian refugees.

According to an in DEBKA, This was the first Arab summit to refrain from defining Israels future borders under a peace deal. This leaves the door open for leeway in the negotiations to take place as part of the new US-Saudi-Egyptian peace initiative we reported earlier now the subject of active exchanges between the US, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Israel and the Palestinian Authority. King Abdullah of Jordan, who hosted the summit and Egyptian President Abdel-Fatteh El-Sisi will travel to Washington to report to President Donald Trump on the private discussions on this issue at the session and launch the next stage of the Arab-Israeli peace initiative.

DEBKA Also listed the 15 resolutions submitted to the Arab summit:

1. Good neighborly relations should prevail between Iran and Arab countries and Irans meddling in the affairs of Arab countries condemned as a threat to the security and stability of the region.

2. The Islamic Republic of Iran should assume responsibility for an attack on Saudi Arabias embassy in Tehran and its consulate in Mashhad and abide by the laws of diplomacy.

3. The Iranian government must tell its officials to desist from hostile, inflammatory remarks against Arab countries.

4. Iran must stop fomenting sectarian rivalries and withdraw support from groups who destabilize the Gulf countries and armed groups inside Arab countries.

5. Irans invasion of three Emirate islands (Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs) is condemned. They must be restored to lawful ownership by peaceful means.

6. Iran must stop supporting and training terrorists and sending arms and ammunition to rebel groups fighting the Bahrain government.

7. Bahraini security agencies win praise for foiling a terrorist plot in December 2016 supported by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards and terrorist Hizballah.

8. Irans nefarious meddling in the Syrian crisis has threatened its sovereignty, future stability, security and unity.

9. Iranian meddling in Yemens affairs by backing forces fighting the legitimate government negatively affects the security of the country, its neighbors and the wider region.

10. The importance of the initiative taken by the Assistance Council of the Arab Gulf Countries is underlined and calls for a positive response from Iran

11. Iran must be bound to compliance with Security Council Resolution 2231 of 2015 and penalized swiftly with effective sanctions for any violations. Iran must be held to its commitments under the nuclear and regional environment treaties.

12. The Secretary General is entrusted with managing the commission of four Arab foreign ministers set up to thwart Iranian interference in Arab affairs.

13. Arabic assistance forums with countries, regional, and international groups will highlight the ill effects of Iranian meddling in their affairs.

14. This issue will be placed on the UN agenda under Section 2 of Article 7

15. The Arab League Secretary General will monitor the implementation of these resolutions and report on progress to the next Arab summit.
[March 29, 2017] Quad/Graphics Champions Manufacturing Engineering Technology Program at Waukesha County Technical College

Quad/Graphics, a leading area employer, today announced its support for the new Manufacturing Engineering Technology program scheduled to launch at Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) in August 2017. The company has contributed heavily to the development of the curriculum and also has offered its financial support, which includes a recent $100,000 commitment toward the program. This donation complements a long history of investment in WCTC programming by Quad/Graphics and the Quadracci family, including a $500,000 donation to WCTC's Center for Integrated Manufacturing and a $1 million donation to the Harry V. Quadracci Printing and Graphics Center. "Step inside any one of our facilities and you'll see the high-tech, fast-paced nature of manufacturing today," said Joel Quadracci, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Quad/Graphics. "We embrace state-of-the-art automation and robotics, and require employees with sophisticated, interdisciplinary skill sets. WCTC's new Manufacturing Engineering Technology Program will provide students with essential skills - including an in-depth understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, safety and quality - relevant for success in today's technologically advanced manufacturing environment." Quadracci added that theprogram will continue to include printing process curriculum to support Quad/Graphics and other print manufacturers in the region. "WCTC is incorporating the very best of its long-standing Print and Publishing Program into this new Manufacturing Engineering Technology Program," he said. "This is a win-win for all of us in the print community."



Continued Quadracci: "The Printing and Publishing program isn't going away; it will be incorporated into an even stronger, more comprehensive program that addresses the very real needs of today's print manufacturers." Printers continue to be among the largest employers in Waukesha County and all of Southeastern Wisconsin. Quad/Graphics alone has more than 7,400 employees in 15 print-production facilities in Wisconsin. Currently, the company has more than 150 open production positions in Wisconsin.

"We are excited to launch this new program with the support of leading area employers like Quad/Graphics," said Mike Shiels, WCTC Dean of Applied Technologies. "The program will provide students with a broad base of skills desired by today's manufacturers, including contemporary production processes, modern design methods, safety, quality, and Lean and Six Sigma. Through consultation with multiple employers, we have developed a robust program that will prepare the workforce of the future." For more information about the Manufacturing Engineering Technology Program, visit the WCTC website. For more information about Quad/Graphics' job opportunities, visit WorkAtQuad.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170329006224/en/

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MUSKOGEE  An attorney who represented a Vian man in a federal trial testified Wednesday that he was not in charge of developing mitigating evidence that might have swayed jurors from giving his client the death penalty for killing an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper.

Bret Smith said that task was left to another attorney who was promoted to lead counsel on the eve of the 2005 trial.

I was not the mitigation guy, Smith said when asked about his involvement in the federal trial of Kenneth Eugene Barrett.

Barrett, 55, was found guilty in Muskogee federal court in 2005 of shooting Trooper David Rocky Eales on Sept. 24, 1999, when Eales and other law enforcement officers arrived at his cabin with a search warrant to look for methamphetamine.

Trooper John Buddy Hamilton was seriously injured by gunfire but survived. Barrett was shot in the leg by another trooper.

Federal jurors also found Barrett guilty of two related weapons crimes, and he was sentenced in September 2005 to death and two consecutive terms of life without the possibility of parole.

No drugs were found during the search of his cabin.

Smith testified during an evidentiary hearing in Muskogee federal court ordered by an appellate court to determine whether Barrett had ineffective counsel during the sentencing phase of his federal trial.

The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found in 2015 that jurors were presented no evidence of Barretts mental condition or family background that could have persuaded a jury to spare him from the death penalty.

Evidence presented on behalf of Barrett earlier this week indicates that he is bipolar, has had auditory hallucinations, has a history of brain trauma and has a family history of mental health issues going back several generations.

Smith said there was a concern that prosecutors might exploit Barretts mental health background if it was brought up during the sentencing phase.

Rather, the defense attorneys focus was on calling Barretts friends and family members to testify in an effort to humanize him.

We didnt ignore mitigation, Smith said.

Barrett was facing a very conservative jury and a victim who was as all-American a guy as you can get, Smith said. That was what we were wrestling with.

Smith was appointed to serve as one of Barretts two attorneys in May 2005, about two months before the trial began. His other attorney in the federal trial was Roger Hilfiger, who is expected to testify Thursday.

When asked Wednesday, Smith said he had no reservations about taking the case, which came at the request of U.S. District Judge James Payne, despite his never having handled a capital murder case at that point in his career.

I was honored that Judge Payne would consider me to be appointed to the case, Smith said.

John Echols, who represented Barrett in two state trials connected to the shooting and initially was lead attorney in the federal trial, resigned from the federal case in April 2005 amid concerns about inadequate government funding to hire expert witnesses.

Smith said he attempted to reach a deal with prosecutors that would spare Barrett the death penalty but that Barrett rejected the move.

It was all or nothing, Smith said.

He was asked several times by attorneys for both Barrett and the government about his handling of the case, prompting him at one point to express regret.

We can all second guess, but this fellow came in on the short end of the straw, Smith said, referring to Barrett.

After Hilfiger testifies, the hearing is scheduled to be in recess until June, when three witnesses who could not attend the hearing this week are to be heard.
Nickelodeon has announced Slime Cup will return in with crazier challenges, bigger spills, and even more ways for kids to get covered head-to-toe in slime.

A six-episode series, hosted by Kristy Best, will premiere in June and the channel is on the hunt for junior teams via video auditions or Gold Coast and Sydney tryouts.

Kids across Australia and New Zealand need to partner up with their sibling or best friend and audition to be one of the 15 teams selected to take part in the Slime Arena and battle it out for the ultimate title.

Slime Cup is open to all kids aged 9  13 in Australia and New Zealand. To enter, kids can either submit their audition videos online or pre-register to complete a series of challenges at on-ground events. For the first time ever, Nickelodeon is bringing Slime Cup live tryouts to Queensland (Sunday, 9 April from 9am  4pm at Sea World on the Gold Coast) and returning to NSW (Sunday, 23 April from 9am  4pm at Westfield Mt Druitt).

From the live tryouts and online auditions, 15 teams of superstar besties will be selected to compete in the Slime Arena and take on a series of larger-than-life inflatable challenges that will test their stamina, strength and stomachs to determine the final four teams. The Finale episode will see these four teams compete on an all-new inflatable obstacle extravaganza to win the ultimate prize, the 2017 Nickelodeon Slime Cup trophy.

One of the family highlights of Slime Cup 2016 was the parents or teachers involvement, where adults were put in the drop zone and covered in stank if their team received one of the two slowest times. In 2017 Nickelodeon is bringing back the parents for a whole new messy challenge.

Slime Cup will be hosted by Kristy Best and a U.S. based Nickelodeon star yet to be announced. Sydney-based Kristy will be front and centre on the sidelines reporting on the slime, the wipe-outs and the wacky challenges kids will face throughout the series.

Kids who think they have got what it takes to be Nickelodeons next Slime Superstars can go to www.slimecup.com.au to register for the Gold Coast and Sydney live tryout days or submit their best audition video up until Tuesday, 25th April 2017. Kids can check out www.slimecup.com.au to create their own Slime Cup courses, watch short-form clips, play games and see all the behind-the-scenes action.

Slime Cup will premiere on Nickelodeon at 5.30pm on Friday, 30th June 2017.
Filming has begun on the 20th season of Midsomer Murders, Britains curiously successful series of a county with a ghoulish history of expirations.

Actor Neil Dudgeon (Det. John Barnaby) who took over from original star John Nettles, told Variety, that the view of the English as genteel, reserved and well-mannered works as a counterpoint to the deceit and wrongdoing uncovered by the detectives.

Its like you are in the woods and you find some beautiful log and turn it over and all the woodlice, spiders and beetles come running out from underneath, he said.

Producer Jonathan Fisher likes the juxtaposition of the chocolate-box view of rural English life and its dark, often gothic, blood-splattered underbelly. He adds: Its pure escapism, and given everything that is happening in the world that is a real source of joy for our fans.

Fisher has more bizarre deaths lined up, including one where a mans head is encased in chocolate to become a grotesque Easter Egg.

But Midsomer Murders has not been without criticism either, notably around its heavily-Caucasian casting. In 2011 producer Brian True-May, was suspended after saying the show did not have non-white characters, because the setting was a bastion of Englishness. Since that controversy the show has seen more diverse actors move from background to foreground.

But never immune from the perilous ends that prevail
[March 30, 2017] BICS Partners With Hanhaa for Launch of Cross Border Parcel Tracking Service - ParceLive

BRUSSELS, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- BICS, a leading international communications enabler, today announced a partnership with Hanhaa, an Internet of Things and M2M services company, to provide global connectivity for Hanhaa's new ParceLive parcel tracking service. The service will give users key insights into their packages' location, condition and security, helping to improve performance of delivery across the globe. (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/483820/BICS_Logo.jpg )

(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/483819/BICS_Global_Connectivity_Infographic.jpg )

With the interminable rise of Internet delivery services, speed, transparency and the safety of goods become increasingly pertinent. The ParceLive tracking service will update users on shipments no matter the country or carrier. It also allows analysis based on multiple shipments so as to understand what is happening across an entire supply chain. BICS' global data, SMS and roaming services will enable Hanhaa Mobile, Hanhaa's own mobile network, to ensure seamless connectivity to ParceLive trackers across the world. Thanks to BICS' support, Hanhaa will be able to take ownership and control of its network to offer a seamless, global service at scale for its ParceLive business. ParceLive's unique use and return model provides nsight into entire networks without the need for any additional infrastructure. The small size ParceLive trackers incorporate multiple functionalities including sensitivity to moisture, impact and a GPS. The ParceLive trackers are then simply returned by the recipient so that the devices be recalibrated and reused.



"Our ambition for ParceLive has always been to provide the most detailed, current and useful information across the globe," said Christopher Riley, Marketing Coordinator at Hanhaa. "With the help of BICS, that ambition becomes a reality as it ensures that the ParceLive trackers are well connected wherever they go, whatever happens to them." "BICS global roaming and messaging services were made to enable IoT solutions like ParceLive. In our increasingly connected world, communication is key, which makes seamless connectivity paramount," said Mikael Schachne, VP Mobility Solution at BICS. "We are confident that our data services and cross-border functionality will ensure that Hanhaa's global parcel tracking solution works flawlessly."

About BICS BICS is recognized in the wholesale communications market as a top global voice carrier and the leading provider of mobile data services. We aim at bridging the telecom world with the new unconventional communication providers worldwide. Our innovative suite of solutions for Voice, Messaging, Data & Connectivity, Business Intelligence & Analytics, Fraud & Security, Roaming, Global IoT and Asset Monetization are designed to bring value to our customers' businesses. BICS is headquartered in Brussels with regional offices in Bern, Dubai, Madrid, New York, San Francisco and Singapore. We also have a satellite office in Beijing and local representation in Accra, Cape Town, Miami, Montevideo, Quito, Nairobi and Toronto. For more information visit http://www.bics.com About Hanhaa Hanhaa is a mobile services company that formed in 2014. The company focuses on the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine to machine applications. Hanhaa is weaving together technologies, services and engagements to empower you to fix your own IoT needs. Hanhaa's solutions are comprised of Symbisa and ParceLive, which both seek to ensure a better connected world in their own unique ways. Hanhaa is conveniently located in St Katherine's Dock, central London. Just a short walk from Tower Hill and London Bridge tube stations, Tower Gateway DLR station and both Fenchurch St and Liverpool St National Rail stations. For more information visit http://www.hanhaa.com Media contact

Jen Atkinson

Babel PR

[email protected]

+44(0)20-7434-5550

SOURCE BICS

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Next week Brian Cox features in Stargazing Live, joined by Julia Zemiro, over three nights on ABC.

The broadcast looking up to Australian skies will take place from Siding Springs Observatory on the edge of the Warrumbungle ranges near the NSW town of Coonabarabran.

There is also an ABC2 program Stargazing Live: Back To Earth that follows directly afterwards, in which viewers can use social media to pose question and take part in astronomy related discussions and debates live on air.

But a separate Stargazing Live production has gone out Live into the UK this week from Siding Springs, and includes Dara OBriain and Liz Bonnin.

Cox told Radio Times one of the problems theyve had in the past is that the night sky over Manchester is difficult to see. But the show had to film in the early hours of the morning.

Yes, it will be between 6 and 7am, which means we have to observe through the night, broadcast and then go to bed! Well be starting the show each night under the stars while it is still dark and then see the sun gently rise at the end.

And it has had to cope with the tail of Cyclone Debbie.

This is why @BBCStargazing was indoors tonight. The tail of Cyclone Debbie reduces visibility to about 40 feet. pic.twitter.com/AvNoKZl7YH  Dara O Briain (@daraobriain) March 29, 2017

Getting excited for @BBCStargazing now  here's my picture of the magnificent AAT last night pic.twitter.com/53oZD2SJ9D  Brian Cox (@ProfBrianCox) March 28, 2017

Stargazing Live 4,5,6 April 8.30pm AEST, 8pm SA + NT, 8.30pm AWST

Stargazing Live: Back To Earth 9.30pm AEST on ABC2, 9pm SA + NT, 9.30pm AWST
It has amateur cooks competing against professional chefs, dramatic music, blind tastings, 3 judges shouting out the remaining time and a general sense of camaraderie amongst all its competitors.

No, its not MasterChef, but new SBS series The Chefs Line.

And if youd never seen an Immunity challenge on the TEN series your appetite might be whetted by TVs newest competition food offering.

But in a crowded genre where SBS has always opted for personality-led cooking shows, I struggled to find a point of difference from that other one with Matt, George and Gary.

Its as if the battle between amateurs & professionals has been expanded into 4 half hour episodes -even capped off with a masterclass-style Friday show with Maeve OMeara.

There are only two differences I can ascertain: the first is that each week is a cuisine battle showcasing contestant heritage, and the second is that 4 contestants undergo nightly eliminations as the skill of the professionals progresses up The Chefs Line from apprentice to executive chef. Oh and there aint no prize unless you count a lovely trophy.

Otherwise this is has MasterChef written all over it, from the warm kitchen set, to the bench workstations, to the flamboyant judge, to the way professionals come and assist their own competition when the oven is too hot.

In the first week 4 amateurs are determined to topple 4 professionals from Vietnamese restaurant Dandelion. Each night comprises one dish, increasing in complexity, with the amateurs allowed to whip up their own take on a dish the professional replicates from Dandelion.

Between flamboyant Iyan, 22 year old Cecile, mother of 3 Emmylou and fresh produce wholesaler Thanh, there are the obligatory near-disasters and nerves across the week. But the food is also very good and some outcomes will surprise. 3 will be eliminated before a showdown with the Executive Chef each Thursday.

Judges Dan Hong, Mark Olive and Melissa Leong drive the proceedings, sharing duties in blind-testing dishes, expressing concerns over how our 4 are faring and maintaining an air of nurturing and enjoyment. Maeve OMeara narrates each contest. Dandelions 4 chefs may be raw TV talent but it gives the battle some authenticity. Of the three judges Dan Hong was the pick of the bunch.

While there is no ticking clock suspended high above everybodys head, the galloping music and judges shouting down 15 mins to go! Get it on the plate! is unmistakably familiar. If The Hotplate borrowed from My Kitchen Rules recipe book its hard to see how The Chefs Line didnt sit through a masterclass of MasterChef.

There was also the most-subtle of product placement, with a supermarket branding on the staple ingredients supplied.

Yet the end result is diverting enough, better TV than Zumbos Just Desserts could manage, and may lift ratings for SBS in an early evening timeslot (shouldnt this really be on SBS Food Network anyway?). At a whopping 65 episodes from Eureka Productions, it will need to. How else do we explain SBS detouring down the path of competition food when it has a rich history of serious food culture?

That said, The Chefs Line passes the food test if youre feeling hungry.

The Chefs Line airs 6pm Monday  Friday from April 3rd on SBS.
[March 30, 2017] VIPole Expands its Encrypted Video with Screen Sharing

LONDON, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- VIPole, the global provider of cloud-based and on-premise encrypted collaboration solutions, has announced the highly anticipated launch of its screen sharing service along with improved video conferencing in HD format. Now users worldwide can get a unique experience with video streams that are both high quality and secure. In VIPole, each time a video starts encrypted tunnels are created to protect data flows. To make sure multimedia streams are received by addressed recipients, session keys are used to read and write data within secure channels. These keys are sent encrypted inside secure containers and can not be decrypted by anyone other than legitimate participants. At heart of VIPole technologies lies end-to-end encryption and advanced security controls for additional multi-layer security. Encryption is applied to all communications within the systm - messaging, calls, video and file sharing - ensuring safety at all nodes of data transmission. Thereby flows are encrypted on sender's side, transmitted unchanged via server and decrypted on the recipient's side.



"Targeting rival solutions, VIPole is tending to be ahead of the market with wider functionality and comprehensive security," says Christopher Miller head of development at VIPole. "While big players like Signal and Telegram are just working on their betas for calls and video, VIPole is enhancing the system and bringing its technologies to the next level." "Most services are only good at one thing, such as only messaging or calls, so users often have to toggle between different tools which results in low security and opens the door to vulnerabilities" he continues.

Although VIPole Secure Messenger is available on the mass market, the company is pushing deeper into the collaboration market to broaden its appeal to business customers. In addition to messaging, group discussions, video, calls, file exchange and now screen sharing, VIPole offers a comprehensive set of tools and features, such a password manager, notes, a daily planner, encrypted storage and file exchange all-in-one platform which makes team collaboration easy, secure and convenient. VIPole is available for free in a basic version. Price plans start at $5.99 per month, with a higher tier from team accounts to standalone on-premise solutions for SMEs and enterprises featuring unlimited functionality with advanced admins panel for granular control and complete security. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vipole-expands-its-encrypted-video-with-screen-sharing-300431263.html SOURCE VIPole

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Partnership

We are determined to mobilize the means required to implement this Agenda through a revitalized Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, based on a spirit of strengthened global solidarity, focused in particular on the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable and with the participation of all countries, all stakeholders and all people.

Read more
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon supported the "Cup of Tea with a Refugee" campaign on her recent visit to the Scottish Refugee Council in Glasgow.  Scottish Government

How do you take your tea? The question is nearly impossible to avoid when visiting any Scottish home for the first time. Now, a new initiative is using the cherished cuppa to bring together refugees and locals across Scotland.

The Cup of Tea with a Refugee campaign  launched by the charity Scottish Refugee Council in October last year  invites locals to share a cup of tea with a refugee or asylum-seeker at events across Scotland. The campaign aims to give refugees and locals the opportunity to meet and share stories. There are so many sad stories in the news, says Scottish Refugee Councils Rachel Hamada. We wanted to do something positive. Something that will reach out to new audiences.

In tea, the campaign may have found a universal theme. From English Breakfast to chai, a cup of tea is synonymous with comfort and welcome across many cultures  making it the perfect backdrop to meeting someone new.

This campaign looks at the positive side of things, at creating a warm space where people can engage and get to know each other better. To bring together old Scots and new, all as one, Khosorov, an Iranian refugee who lives in Glasgow, told Scottish Refugee Council.

This campaign looks at the positive side of things....To bring together old Scots and new, all as one.

People were apprehensive at first, notes Selina Hales from Refuweegee. Refuweegee brings Glaswegians (weegies) together to welcome refugees, and has organised one of the largest Cup of Tea events so far. They worried about: What if I say something I shouldnt? What if I dont understand them?.

But any anxieties quickly melted away. In the end the event proved so popular that they needed an extra room to fit everyone in. It was a really lovely way to engage with new people.theres nothing like a brew to share a story over, said one participant.

Locals and refugees shared a cup of tea at a recent event at the Whiteinch Centre in Glasgow.  The Whiteinch Centre

At least twenty Cup of Tea events have been held across Scotland since the campaign began. Scottish Refugee Council recently joined forces with Social Bite  a Scottish cafe and social enterprise which counts George Clooney among its fans  to host monthly meetings in the heart of Glasgow city centre.

It was a really lovely way to engage with new people.theres nothing like a brew to share a story over

While the majority of events have been held in Glasgow, Scotlands largest city, Rachel has been approached by groups across the country who want to get involved. Recently, the initiative caught the attention of SEPA, Scotlands Environmental Protection Agency. Inspired by the campaign, SEPAs office in Stirling is offering a different kind of welcome by arranging trips for refugees to visit Scottish nature reserves.

With interest spreading across Scotland and beyond, the campaign shows no sign of slowing down. It recently received the endorsement of the Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon who, on a visit to Scottish Refugee Councils office, emphasised the importance of welcoming refugees.

This is echoed by Angela Constance, the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Equalities. Its about bringing people together. The campaign is a way for communities to get to know each other, learn new things, and support each other, says Constance.

What Cup of Tea with a Refugee shows is that when it comes to welcoming people, small gestures matter as much as large ones. What happened was an engagement of individuals over a shared experience, says Selina. Watching conversations happen amongst people who five minutes earlier were strangers, was both fascinating and wonderful.

This story is part of a series exploring the ways people across the UK are showing refugees and asylum-seekers a #GreatBritishWelcome.
The Mahmut family from Syria began a new life in Ottawa in 2016, under Canada's humanitarian programme to resettle 25,000 Syrian refugees.  UNHCR

As the number of men, women and children fleeing six years of war in Syria passes the 5 million mark, the international community needs to do more to help them, the UN refugee chief said today.

We still have a long road to travel in expanding resettlement and the number and range of complementary pathways available for refugees, said Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

To meet this challenge, we not only need additional places, but also need to accelerate the implementation of existing pledges.

The remarks come one year after the High-Level Meeting on Syria sought pledges to resettle 10 per cent of all Syrian refugees by 2018. Despite the call during that meeting in Geneva on 30 March 2016 to resettle and facilitate pathways for 500,000 refugees, to date 250,000 places have been made available.

These generous pledges are a welcome and important symbol of solidarity and responsibility-sharing by the international community. If we are to achieve our goal, we now need to accelerate these efforts in 2017 and beyond, said High Commissioner Grandi.

With the signing of the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants in September 2016, UN Member States committed to increase their efforts to find new homes for all refugees identified by UNHCR as needing protection and solutions in third countries. UNHCR estimates that almost 1.2 million refugees will need resettlement in 2017, among whom 40 per cent are Syrians.

The High Commissioner emphasized that Resettlement is a crucially important tool for protecting refugees. Only the most vulnerable, however, are referred for resettlement. For this reason, UNHCR will continue its work with States to increase the number of resettlement places and the number and range of pathways to protection that complement resettlement. As many States know from first-hand experience, resettlement not only gives refugees the opportunity to re-build their lives, but also enriches the communities that welcome them.



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During the project period, i.e. from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017, the legal experts of the EHRC will provide free legal aid to asylum-seekers. This activity will include: i) provision of free legal counselling, (ii) representation of asylum-seekers at their asylum interviews in the Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB) and (iii) preparation of written replies on the provisional decisions of the PBGB.

Also, in the course of the Project the EHRC will strive to identify cases which could be used as a basis for initiation of strategic litigations aiming to improve the quality of the refugee status determination in Estonia. Finally, the EHRC lawyers will undertake quarterly monitoring visits to the accommodation centres for asylum-seekers in Vao and Vageva as well as the PBGB detention centre in Harku. During these visits the EHRC will collect information which will be used, inter alia, for preparation of the legal analysis assessing the access of asylum-seekers to the state provided legal aid.
A portion of the University Union at Sacramento State has already begun demolition as part of their expansion and renovation project. The state plans to spend $53 million in student fees, reserves and other revenues on the project.

Construction is expected to add 42,000 square feet to the 183,000-square-foot building. They plan to add conference rooms, retail space, a Starbucks, study lounges and more indoor and outdoor seating. The construction on the three-story addition to the north side of the building is expected to be completed by August 2018.

Bill Olmsted, associate executive director of Union Well Inc., which is a campus non-profit that operates the building said that they have been talking about the expansion of the building for the last three years. The University Union's growing enrollment has affected its capacity. Students have been sitting in hallways, perch or on steps in a stairwell to eat lunch or do their papers.

The building, which houses study areas, food services, meeting spaces and program offices really needs the expansion to cater to all student needs. Olmsted said the expansion will increase the number of meeting rooms to accommodate student and community groups that had to compete for the limited space.

Some of the campus organizations had to move elsewhere on campus during the renovation. The State Hornet student-run newspaper relocated south of Highway 50 before they landed space in Del Norte Hall.

Dreyfuss + Blackford Architecture has been chosen to be the architect for the University Union project. McCarthy Building Companies is the contractor. The University Union expansion is just the beginning as it is a part of a major plan to overhaul the Sacramento State campus over the next 20 years.

According to The Sacramento Bee the university plans a 1.3 million square feet of new construction. It includes student and faculty housing, performing arts center, student events center, additional parking structures, and a new science and engineering buildings. University officials said the estimate cost is $3.7 billion.
If there is anything that keeps many millennials from being able to invest, it is the burden of their student debt. And that is the reason why there are colleges that take steps to help students carry some load of the loans they took to be able to pay for their college expenses.

According to The Morning Call, average student debt for 2016 graduates is a record $37,172, which is 6 percent higher than the previous year. And now, about 100 schools in the United States start to offer a sort of debt-sharing program which is tied to the college graduates' earning levels.

What these schools do is that they buy loan-repayment assistance packages from LRAP association, which is an Indiana-based firm, Fortune reported.

LRAP President Peter Samuelson said that it works similar to an insurance policy. The program will also cost the college about $1,300 per student. To make it simple, what LRAP will do is to issue checks to the graduates who are earning below a certain income level so that it becomes easier for them to repay their student loans.

According to statistics, the colleges and universities who adapt to this kind of program that is similar to LRAP are able to see traction in their admissions number. It is understandable that more college students will be encouraged to enroll to these institutions which offer similar programs as everybody wants and needs help and aid when it comes to shouldering the burden they carry on student loan after graduation.

An example is the Newberry College in South Carolina which noticed a 12 percent increase in their enrollment rate after getting an LRAP policy for their students. Newberry President Maurice Scherrens said that they would have not been able to do it had they not seen a jump in the enrollment.
Google opens a university in California to train African-American students to code. One of America's largest historically black colleges will be a recipient of a satellite school from one of the world's biggest tech companies. The purpose is to get more black coders into the tech industry.

America is currently undergoing diversity problems these days, thanks to its new administration. But it's not stopping a tech titan to invest on Howard University, one of the schools with the biggest African-American population, to give its students a chance to participate in an intensive coding training come summer, Business Insider reported. The initiative will be called Howard West and students will be learning inside Mountain View California's Googleplex.

About 30 juniors and seniors will be learning coding straight from Google's employees and Howard University's faculty. Their main goal is to be part of the tech industry where black coders or engineers are largely absent. Howard University's president, Dr. Wayne Frederick said it doesn't matter where these students will be employed in the future as long as it's in the tech industry.

The students will be immersed for 12 weeks learning coding and its culture. They will get course credits in their participation as well, USA Today reported. Howard West is one of Google's efforts to recruit African-American software engineers from historically black colleges and universities in America. Google acknowledges that there's a severe lack of African-American members from their payroll, especially for their technical division, where they only count one percent of African-American members in the workforce.

Bonita Stewart, a Howard University alumnus and a Google employee, said this opportunity wasn't available during her time and that there was little talk about diversity inside Google. Stewart said Google is very serious in its investment as it is an opportunity to ensure that the company is building a pipeline. It's also important to note that they are stimulating the right partnerships so that they can truly drive change.
After a reorganization of Liberty University's online management staff, some employees were told they don't have a position any longer. In a statement, the university said online education continues to evolve and become more competitive, which is why they had to continually evaluate their strategies and adjusting with changes in the marketplace.

The university has assisted with the transition by giving the laid off employee a generous severance package and has also encouraged each employee to seek employment in other areas of the university according to the WDBJ7 News. Liberty does not take the decision lightly but with recent changes they deem it necessary to position the university to be ready for the future.

The layoff has affected a small number of the online management staff according to a university spokesperson. The number is smaller compared to the entire Liberty University Online operation.

Liberty University Executive Director of External Communications Len Stevens said that the online enrollment went down to 94,000 students showing a drop of a few thousand students. The university audited the department for efficiency. He said that the reorganization has tasked a new vice president to oversee things more efficiently.

Liberty has been a pioneer in distance education and recognized online education as an important opportunity. Their revenue grew because of the programs, more than one thousand percent in the last decade from $150 million $1.8 billion according to WSLS.

As a pioneer in adult education, it has allowed the university to reach its original vision in decades rather than centuries. It would have probably taken much generation if they followed the tradition way through contributions and alumni support said Jerry Falwell, Junior in February.

Lynchburg's largest employer is Liberty University with more than 8,000 people working for the school and the layoff would greatly affect members.
On Tuesday, the Bellevue College Board of Trustees announced that they have voted to select Dr. Jerry Weber as the next president of Bellevue College. That will make Weber as the sixth president in the instituion's 50-year history.

Dr. Lisa Chin, chair of the board said that Dr. Weber's track record of exceptional leadership, deep commitment to values and passion for creating pathways to success for traditional and non-traditional learners will inspire students to reach new heights. The board went through a very thorough research from an exceptional pool of candidates. Chin said they knw they made the best choice.

Bellevue College is the third-largest institution of higher education. It is also the largest community college in the state with over 30,000 students enrolled annually. It offers a comprehensive array of programs that include 12 bachelor's degrees, four transfer associate degrees, 23 professional-technical degrees, 67 certificates, and 20 non-credit programs. They have also added Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Bachelor of Applied Science in Digital Marketing to the baccalaureate programs.

Dr. Weber said that the college's values resonate with his own core values such as the dedication to student success, equity, sustainability, diversity, and innovative approach to excellence. He looks forward to working towards the shared mission of helping students reach their academic and life goals.

He was selected as president of the College of Lake County in April 2009 and previously served as president of Kankakee Community College. Dr. Weber went to the University of Iowa and holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration and M.A. in Educational Measurement and Statistics.

The national search began last August after the resignation of Dr. David L. Rule, who served as president for five years. According to Chicago Tribune, Dr. Weber was chosen from three other finalists in February and is expected to start by July.

The search was coordinated by Presidential Search Advisory Committee comprised of representatives from Bellevue College students, trustees, faculty, staff, foundation, and community members, with the assistance of an executive search firm, Gold Hill Associates according to The Bellevue Reporter.
NASA has announced the five astronauts assigned to upcoming mission on Wednesday. The five astronauts are Joe Acaba, Ricky Arnold, Nick Hague, Serena Aunon-Chancellor and Shannon Walker.

The chief of the Astronaut Office at NASA, Chris Cassidy said that there will be plenty of work to be done at the space station, and the research opportunities are almost limitless.

Veteran astronauts Acaba and Arnold will be the first to launch on nearly six-month expeditions aboard the International Space Station in September and March 2018. Their assignments were to boost space station science and research, NASA said.

Space Flight Now reported Acaba will launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrom in Kazakhstan in September on the Soyuz MS-06 spacecraft. He will ride along with Russian commander Alexander Misurkin and NASA flight engineer Mark Vande Hei. They will be part of Expedition 53 and 54 crews on the ISS and will return to Earth next February and Shannon Walker will train as dedicated backup for Acaba.

Astronaut Ricky Arnold will join Drew Feustel from NASA and a Russian cosmonaut on a Soyuz launch in March 2018 and will be a part of the station's Expedition 55 and 56 crews. Arnold previously flew in space as Acaba's crewmate on Discovery's STS-119 mission and spent nearly 13 days in space.

Russia has reduced the size of its crew complement on ISS until a new research lab is launched to the complex next year. This is to cut down costs, training and staffing requirements.

Rookie astronauts Nick Hague and Serena Aunon-Chancellor have also been assigned to space station missions. Hague will launch in September 2018 on Expeditions 57 and 58 with two Russian cosmonauts.

Aunon-Chancellor is set to launch in November 2018 with Canadian Space Agency astronaut David Saint-Jacques and a Russian cosmonaut. They will join the Expedition 58 and 59 crews.

The additional crew members will greatly help the entire scientific community doing research on the station. This will allow capabilities of undertaking more complex research activities, which will prepare NASA for the journey to Mars said Julie Robinson, NASA's Chief Scientist for the International Space Station according to Indo Asian News Service.
Pest issues at the College of Charleston have closed another campus dining facility. The college sent out an email to students and employees on Tuesday informing them about the issue. Director of Environmental Health and Safety, Randy Beaver, said that the City Bistro closed at 5 p.m. and would be closed temporarily to address the issues.

Beaver added that the college has been undertaking several repairs to dining facilities on campus. Physical plant staff and the College's pest control vendor needed additional access and time on Wednesday evening to complete intrusion control measures.

City Bistro opened in October 2011 and is located at the corner of Calhoun and St. Philip streets. It shares a building with Chick-fil-A, which also closed last week to address the same rodent issue.

CofC officials have confirmed the rodents are mice and rats. Rat sighting downtown and on campus were nothing new to students.

During the operation workers discovered several thousand honeybees had built a hive in a brick wall near an exit of the Glenn McConnell Residence Hall on Wentworth Street. Around midday Tuesday, CofC work crews, Creature Catchers employees and an intrepid beekeeper named Cindy Buntan carefully removed the hive and relocated it to a bee farm. No students were displaced during the operation according to The Post And Courier.

A former manager at City Bistro, who asked to remain anonymous, said that the rats have been an issue on campus restaurants for the past eight years. CofC officials said crews are repairing the intrusion points in both restaurants and that the increased rodent activity may be related to the major floods the past few years.

They plan to re-open City bistro and Chick-fil-A by Friday morning. All other campus dining facilities still remain open on a regular schedule.

Students and employees are encouraged to report any rodent sightings, and to deter rodents by keeping their homes clean and securely storing food. People can report rodent activity by calling 843-953-5550, or by e-mailing physicalplanthelp@cofc.edu according to ABC News 4.
DREAMer and activist Belen Sisa took to Facebook to share how she had to pay taxes to the state of Arizona but not being eligible to receive financial aid from the state or from the federal government for her higher education. She is a junior at Arizona State University.

Her post, which has gained thousands of likes and shares, talked about how she cannot benefit from unemployment, a reduced healthcare plan or a retirement fund. She described how there are millions like her who "pay into a system they will never receive anything from." She even tagged President Trump's Facebook page and ended her post with the hashtag #HereToStay.

A lot of people, especially those who are anti-immigrant, criticized her. There are those who said that the country does not owe her anything.

Speaking to CNN, Belen Sisa expressed her astonishment at the hate that her post received. She added that some called her illegal and a liar while some commented on her appearance.

Moreover, there are those who even reported her to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and told her that she should be deported. Sisa noted that she is legally working in the U.S. through DACA.

According to AZ Central, the 23-year-old ASU junior arrived in the U.S. from Argentina with her parents when she was six years old. She is protected from deportation by the Obama administration's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

It is estimated that there are about 750,000 DREAMers, who sought protection through the DREAM (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) Act. They were able to receive work permits under former President Obama's 2012 executive actions.

The arrest of DREAMer Daniel Ramirez sparked worry especially for undocumented students since it could be anyone who would be threatened with deportation and detained by ICE. However, officials said that Ramirez was a "self-admitted gang member."
Ash Carter, former Defense Secretary, has been hired by Harvard University as a professor. He will also be a director of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.

Carter is the latest member of former President Barack Obama's cabinet to head to the academic sector. He joins former Vice President Joe Biden, who will be working with the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Delaware, and former Secretary of State John Kerry, who will be overseeing Yale University's new global affairs program.

The Harvard Gazette reported that former U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter will be joining the Harvard Kennedy School as the director of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. He will also be the Belfer Professor of Technology and Global Affairs.

He will take over the role of Graham Allison, who has been the director of the center since 1995. Allison will continue as the Douglas Dillon Professor of Government at the school.

Ash Carter is a physicist who became well known as the defense secretary that transformed how the military fought adversaries and strengthened alliances. He was also the one who managed the department's budget and talent as well as developed its technology.

As director of the Belfer Center, he has announced that he will focus on the role of innovation and technology in addressing challenges both locally and globally. Robert and Renee Belfer are also making a new funding commitment through a series of gifts, which will support Carter's professorship and provide additional financial aid for students, research initiatives and policy engagement by faculty members.

Harvard President Drew Faust expressed her delight in welcoming the former defense secretary. She described Carter's career as "one of great academic accomplishment and distinguished government service."

Speaking to the Associated Press, via U.S. News, Ash Carter has said that he wants to focus on "inspiring a new generation." He also wants to build up new leaders and researchers.
Researchers at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis examined one of nature's greatest mysteries in hopes of adding more insight to how the Namibian fairy circles were formed. These formations are found in the eastern, interior margin of the Namib Desert.

The Namibian fairy circles stretches from southern Angola to northern South Africa. They vary in size from about 12 feet to about 114 feet and consist of bare patches of soil surrounded by rings of grass.

There have been a lot of speculations as to how these fairy circles were formed. IUPUI researcher Lixin Wang said that analysis on the formation, structure and growth of vegetation patterns and how they interact with Earth's water cycle can provide more understanding of vital processes that are at the core of the dynamics of water-limited ecosystems, Phys.org reported.

Wang is an ecohydrologist in the School of Science at IUPUI. Other researchers involved in the study are IUPUI Ph.D. student Kudzai Farai Kaseke, Sujith Ravi and Ilya Buynevich of Temple University, and Eugene Marais of the National Museum of Namibia.

Their study is entitled "Ecohydrological interactions within 'fairy circles' in the Namib Desert: Revisiting the self-organization hypothesis." It has been published in the "Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences."

The researchers found evidence that supports the self-organization hypothesis of the Namibian fairy circle formation. This theory claims that the circular vegetation pattern is created because of competition for scarce water. The bare patches are said to have percolated more rainfall and act as water reservoirs for the grass along the edges of the circle.

The team conducted extensive measurements of infiltration rate, soil moisture, grass biometric and sediment grain-size distribution from several circles and the spaces between them. According to Science Daily, fast water infiltration rates were recorded within the inner portion of the circles.

This meant that the grass places its roots on the inner side of the ring, competing for water. When it rains, water flows to the edge of the circles where the roots can take water for their use.
Artificial intelligence is getting more and more sophisticated and can do things that humans cannot. In Japan, IBM's Watson saved a woman's life when it detected a rare form of cancer which human doctors missed. Because of such advancements, educators and experts are saying that teaching STEM at schools is not enough anymore.

Schools have placed a lot of emphasis on STEM education lately but with science and technology progressing in leaps and bounds, a traditional approach is clearly not enough. If it isn't, what is the best way to prepare the next generation to compete and stay relevant against these sophisticated computers?

Geoffrey Colvin, bestselling author and editor of Fortune Magazine, said that a comprehensive approach in STEM is needed. He also argued in his book, Humans are Underrated: What High Achievers Know that Brilliant Machines Never Will, that creativity and all the functions of the brain should be what humans need to nurture and utilize in the war against the machines.

The right brain, of course, is the one responsible for people's creativity, critical thinking, imagination, and emotional intelligence - traits that machine do not possess.

These, according to Colvin, are the capabilities that need to be cultivated along with STEM education. He added that machines might change humans and the way they communicate with each other but those who master these creative abilities will become the most valuable people in the future.

The most effective way to develop these brain skills is to teach students entrepreneurship skills. Training, according to Colvin, should begin in the middle and high school levels.

Why entrepreneurship?

That's because teaching students the process of creating and presenting a business plan that is related to their passions will enable them to stretch their minds, which traditional learning cannot do.

With the right training and mentors, the world will be far from being overtaken by cyborgs as Elon Musk predicted.
Getting swamped by student debt is one of the biggest reasons why a lot of students do not go to college. However, one school is taking the education industry upside down by paying students who will enroll in their coding class.

Revature, an Arizzona-based tech company, is collaborating with universities across the nation and offers a 12-week coding class to interested coding classes. The class is absolutely free but the students have to attend 40 hours of classes a week in order to receive certification. Aside from that, the students are guaranteed a job with an expected average salary of $60,000 a year at various firms in different industries.

At the moment, the company has set up immersion classes at Queens College in New York and the Arizona State University where students who attend the class are paid. Aside from these students, Revature also recruited college graduates to attend classes in their headquarter in Virginia. Students are housed in the company's dorms and are also paid by the company.

Revature hopes to expand more in the coming months. They hope to double the number of students within this year. They will also set up coding classes at the University of Missouri and George Mason University.

How does Revature profit from this? Revature is one of a number of coding bootcamps in the country that use the income share agreement, a kind of payment scheme where an investor pays for the student's tuition and have a percentage of their income later when they start working.

Many schools that support the income share agreement said that it is a good alternative to student loans because it does not burden students with exorbitant payments after they graduate. Critics, on the other hand, say that it is good if a student earns a high salary when they graduate but a burden for those who might receive a lower salary.
March 30 2017

The Scottish Prisons Service has produced fresh visualisations for the planned HMP Highland, which aims to foster a less oppressive environments for inmates.Situated behind Inverness Retail park off the A96, close to Inverness Campus , the 66m scheme succeeds a prior design for another site at Milton of Leys A modern prison has been specified to take the place of the 112-year old Inverness Prison, one of the oldest and smallest jails in the prisons estate, which has been deemed unsuitable for expansion.The jail will be delivered in tandem with Inverness Justice Centre to be operated by the Scottish Courts & Tribunal Service.A planning application for the build will be prepared following a public consultation, held today until 20:00 at Inshes Church.
UW Planetariums April Programs Focus on Easter, Earth and Some Foolishness

April 22 is Earth Day. This image of Earth captures its beauty. Our atmosphere is visible as a thin line around the edge of the planet on the daytime (left) side. At the top, and on the nighttime side of the Earth, you can spot the Northern Lights, a beautiful effect of the solar wind on the Earths upper atmosphere. (UW Planetarium Photo)

Easter, Earth and a little foolishness highlight programs at the Harry C. Vaughan University of Wyoming Planetarium during April.

The month of April showers us with holidays: April Fools Day, Easter and Earth Day all occur this month, says Samantha Ogden, the planetariums coordinator. And the UW Planetarium has created shows and activities to celebrate them all!

Friday planetarium shows during April start at 8 p.m., with a STAR Observatory tour scheduled to follow approximately an hour later. Kid-themed shows are scheduled Saturdays at 11 a.m. The month also includes three Tuesday night shows; all begin at 7 p.m.

Tickets cost $3 for students and $4 for non-students, and can be purchased at the Department of Physics and Astronomy main office, located in Room 204 of the Physical Sciences Building, Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m.-noon. Doors open 20 minutes before each show, where tickets will be sold if available. The planetarium, which seats 58, is located in the basement of the Physical Sciences Building.

Since the renovations were finished in November 2014, the full-dome shows now provide immersive 3-D experiences. Traditional star shows have been replaced with far more interactive presentations, similar to an IMAX theater. Laser shows consist of three lasers (red, blue and green) that project graphics on the dome. The lasers are synchronized with music, and pre-programmed graphics and images are displayed.

The April planetarium schedule is as follows:

-- Dont Be Fooled, Saturday, April 1, 11 a.m. Every year, on April 1, the custom of April Fools Day is to tell fun hoaxes and plan practical jokes. Did you know that the earth has three moons? How about that Jupiter is a giant vacuum cleaner? These are some hoaxes that are, in fact, true. This mornings show is all about all the crazy and bizarre, but true things in space. After the show, patrons can attend a physics magic show. These experiments are not hoaxes or practical jokes, but just good old physics magic.

-- This Months Sky, Tuesday, April 4, 7 p.m. As the months and seasons change in Wyoming, new astronomical events occur in the nighttime sky. No matter what time of year, there is always something to see after the sun goes down. From constellations to meteor showers to visible planets, this program acts as your guide to these remarkable events and where to find them.

-- Society of Physics Students (SPS) Presents: The Weird, Bizarre and Stranger Things of Space, Friday, April 7, 8 p.m. The universe is really good at making things difficult for humans to understand, and scientists work hard to figure out how it all works. But, every once in a while, the universe throws us a curveball. Stars with the same mass as our sun but the size of Laramie; planets made entirely of diamonds; balls of fried ice cream orbiting the sun: These are just a few of the stranger things that will be explored during this show sponsored by the UW SPS. A free STAR Observatory tour (weather dependent) follows at 9 p.m.

-- Tonights Sky: A Different View, Friday, April 14, 8 p.m. About 2,500 years ago, the Greek civilization revolutionized the way we see the night sky. Currently, 88 official constellations piece together the stars, most with a story dating back to Greek mythology. However, the Greeks were not the only civilization to look at and tell stories in stars. Tonights show honors the Northern Native American culture and its night sky. A free STAR Observatory tour (weather dependent) follows at 9 p.m.

-- Easter Eggs in Space, Saturday, April 15, 11 a.m. An Easter egg hunt will take place in space. This program will explore the night sky beyond the stars to discover deep sky objects. Beautiful, yet difficult to find, these are the night sky's hidden gems. And, visitors will find as many of these cosmic Easter eggs as possible. After the show, patrons will have the chance to go on their own stellar Easter egg hunt for a chance to win fun prizes.

-- This Months Sky, Tuesday, April 18, 7 p.m. As the months and seasons change in Wyoming, new astronomical events occur in the nighttime sky. No matter what time of year, there is always something to see after the sun goes down. From constellations to meteor showers to visible planets, this program acts as your guide to these remarkable events and where to find them.

-- The Perfect Planet, Friday, April 21, 8 p.m. In celebration of Earth Day, tonight will take a look at the amazing planet Earth and everything that makes it a planet full of life. Visitors will look at the Goldilocks Zone, the planets of Venus and Mars, and why our closest neighbors cannot support life like Earth. A free STAR Observatory tour (weather dependent) follows at 9 p.m.

-- A full-dome movie double feature, Seeing and Back to the Moon for Good, Tuesday, April 25, 7 p.m. Ride a photon across the galaxy to your mind's eye and experience how we see. Seeing follows a photons creation and journey across the galaxy to a young stargazers eye. From there, witness the conversion to an electro-chemical impulse that then travels the neuropathways of the brain to the various centers that create the image the brain sees.

Thanks to numerous landers and orbiters, humankind explored and learned a great deal about Earths closest neighbor in the 1960s and 70s. But we havent been to the moon in more than 40 years. That is about to change. The full-dome feature film Back to the Moon for Good follows numerous teams in competition to land on the moon in an attempt to win the $30 million Google Lunar XPRIZE. Designed to spark creativity and innovation in 21st century space travel, the XPRIZE is inspiring students and citizens to head back to the moon -- for good.

-- Aboriginal Skies: Land of the Lightning People, Friday, April 28, 8 p.m. John Stocke, a University of Colorado-Boulder professor of astrophysical and planetary sciences, will be joined by Paul Taylor, an Australian storyteller and educator, to present this program. The two will explore the creation story and ancient rock art that describes Aboriginal beliefs about the heavens. Visitors will discover the sky the way the Wardaman view it, based on research conducted with Bill Yidumduma Harney, senior elder of the Wardaman people of the Northern Territory in Australia. A free STAR Observatory tour (weather dependent) follows at 9 p.m.
MATTOON -- Research indicates a potential physician shortage could occur in the U.S. within the next decade. A new program in Coles County aims to combat that trend by boosting interest in medical careers during high school.

Students from Charleston, Mattoon and Oakland high schools, as well as many homeschooled students, have met monthly since September to learn from health care professionals in the region. SIU School of Medicine's Eastern regional office is now expanding the Health CareeRx Club program to include three more schools from neighboring Edgar and Cumberland counties: Kansas, Cumberland and Neoga high schools.

Presentations from pharmacists, chiropractors, family physicians, rural clinicians and pediatric nurse practitioners have showcased a range of career opportunities within the health care industry. The March program featured a fly-in visit from the Effingham-based Air Evac Lifeteam. The group arrived by helicopter at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital in Mattoon.

The academic year will conclude in April with a health careers fair at Lake Land College. Many of the states public universities and some private institutions will highlight their health education programs.

Its very exciting to see and hear firsthand what these dedicated men and women do for a living, said Brent Todd, assistant director of the Office of Regional Programs Eastern Region at SIU. The students are getting a variety of options to consider as they think about their futures.

The program is a joint effort between staff at Area Health Education Centers, Carle of Mattoon, Eastern Illinois Education for Employment System, Eastern Illinois University, Lake Land College, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System and SIU School of Medicine.
Hearing Loss is impacting one in four adults and dangers are being found where you least expected it. According to new information from the CDC, people as young as 20 years old live with some type of hearing loss. Valley News Live explains where the study is finding a lot of the damage is being done.

"I guess I never realized I had that much hearing loss until I went in," said Randy Fiechtner of Wyndmere, North Dakota.

Fiechtner says he finally went in to get a hearing test after hearing hissing and buzzing in his ears. He found out he had hearing loss and needed hearing aids.

"We had a joke me and my wife that she used to tell me to turn my TV down where now it is the other way around," laughed Fiechtner. "I tell her to turn the TV down and stuff, but yeah I was amazed at how much I could hear, the little sounds."

Fiechtner is like many adults in the United States. They have hearing loss and don't realize it.

In the CDC study about 53% of adults with noise-induced hearing damage reported no job exposure to loud sounds, meaning the damage came from exposure at home or in the community.

"You end up missing your high frequencies and that usually goes with noise,and with high frequencies now all of a sudden you're missing speech sounds, like S, Z, TH so if you don't hear those sounds in a conversations your like why is that person mumbling, and that is a hearing loss," said Sanford Audiologist, Brian Qvammen.

The study highlighted that "using a leaf blower or going to loud concerts can damage a person's hearing just as much as working in a very noisy place." It also cited that some people as young at 20 years old have reported hearing damage.

"You're always saying what? That was my big thing," said Fiechtner. "I was always saying 'what', you know you missed it. I would recommend it to go in, I wish I would have went in 10 years sooner. I'm sure I have had hearing loss for years."

Fiechtner says his hearing aids are smaller and a lot different than what people think.

"You don't even notice it with people that have them," explained Fiechtner.

Some people won't admit they have a hearing problem, and according to Qvammen that can be hard to help.

"We do see people coming in because of a spouse or a family member but if they are not ready to wear hearing aids we definitely do not push them," stated Qvammen.

Qvammen says it's important to remember once damage is done, there is no repairing it.

Hearing loss is more common among men and people over the age of 40. You should talk with your primary care doctor if you are having issues and get a hearing test.
ST. LOUIS -- The American Red Cross is issuing a call for platelet and type O negative and AB blood donors to make an appointment to give after severe winter weather in some parts of the country caused about 250 Red Cross blood drives to cancel in March, resulting in more than 8,500 uncollected blood and platelet donations.

Platelets, type O negative blood and type AB plasma are three of the most in-demand blood products by hospitals. Those who give can help patients locally or across the country as the Red Cross has the ability to move blood products where and when they are needed most.

All blood types are needed to meet the constant need of patients, and there is a significant need now for platelet and type O negative and AB donations to help some of the most vulnerable patients, said Joe Zydlo, external communications manager, Missouri-Illinois Blood Services. We ask that you schedule an appointment to roll up a sleeve to help save a life in the coming days.

Donations help patients like Brady Prosser. He was severely burned in October while mowing near burning leaves. He received regular -- sometimes daily -- blood and plasma transfusions during his hospitalization.

Platelets are tiny cells in blood that form clots and stop bleeding. Although they are needed for many reasons, cancer patients often rely on platelets during treatment. Platelets must be transfused within just five days after donation, making steady donations an important component of patient care. By giving platelets, donors can help patients kick cancer.

Type O negative blood can be transfused to patients with any blood type and is often needed in emergency situations when there isnt time to determine a patients blood type. While less than 7 percent of the U.S. population has type O negative blood, hospitals depend on frequent O negative donations to ensure its always available for patients in need. Type O negative blood donors are an important part of the Red Cross trauma team.

Type AB is the universal plasma type and can be transfused to patients of any blood type in an emergency. Plasma helps maintain blood pressure and supplies critical proteins for clotting and immunity. Plasma can be donated through a blood or platelet donation, or through a plasma-only donation where available.

Eligible donors can learn more, find a donation opportunity and schedule an appointment by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). A blood donor card or drivers license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood donors can save time at their donation appointment by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

For more information, visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit them on Twitter at @RedCross.
The world faces the prospect of more tension with China over trade, security and human rights after Xi Jinping awarded himself another five-year term as leader of the ruling Communist Party and called for self-reliance in technology, a stronger military and protection of core interests abroad. At a party congress, Xi gave no sign of plans to change the "zero-COVID strategy that has frustrated Chinas public and disrupted business and trade. He called for faster military development and announced no change in policies that strain relations with Washington and Asian neighbors. Xi is tightening control at home and trying to use Chinas economic heft to increase its influence abroad.
The Alternaty team will join the well-established hotel business of Savills to focus on providing best-in-class hotel advisory services for owners and developers.

Singapore-based Savills Hotels Asia-Pacific, led by managing director Raymond Clement, consists of individuals who have a strong track record and experience across the tourism and hospitality sector.

Mauro Gasparotti and Rudolf Hever, founding partners of Alternaty, will both take the role of director, reporting to Raymond Clement and driving business in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

This hotel advisory team will be based in Savills Ho Chi Minh City office.

The merger will give Savills a platform to tap into Indochina's rapidly growing hospitality markets, with Vietnam itself seeing a 26 per cent increase in foreign arrivals in 2016.

According to Mauro Gasparotti, new director of Hotels, Savills Asia-Pacific, this merger enables the two sides to promote their practices and tap into the abundant opportunities of Southeast Asia.

The Vietnamese hotel industry is becoming more dynamic as more players enter this growing market with the number of five-star hotel rooms in 2015 soaring by around 37 per cent year-on-year, to reach approximately 24,000. This growing trend in hotel development can be seen across all hotel segments with an estimated 15 to 20 per cent growth in total hotel supply in the short term, Gasparotti said.

Besides the key cities of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, markets such as Phu Quoc, Danang, and Nha Trang are catching investors attention too.

The total hotel transaction volume reached almost $500 million in the last 24 months, according to Savills.

In the past 24 months, Savills Hotels sold $2.1billion worth of hotel assets in the Asia-Pacific. Most recently, it has conducted the sale of Anantara Ubud Bali, Duxton Hotel Saigon, and Hyatt Regency Osaka.
Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street in London, March 29, 2017. photo source: REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth

"This is an historic moment from which there can be no turning back," May told a raucous session of parliament in an address that was frequently interrupted by heckling from opposition MPs.

"Now is the time for us to come together, to be united," she said. "The Article 50 process is now underway and in accordance with the wishes of the British people, the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union."

She said Britain would "control immigration so that we continue to attract the brightest and the best" and would make the status of three million EU nationals living in Britain an "early priority" in negotiations.

"We are going to take this opportunity to build a stronger, fairer Britain; a country that our children and grandchildren are proud to call home," she said.

DIVORCE PAPERS FILED

Nine months after the shock referendum vote to leave the bloc, Britain handed over a momentous letter to the EU president in Brussels, triggering Article 50 of the bloc's Lisbon Treaty and firing the starting gun on a two-year countdown towards Brexit.

The notification kickstarts months of what will be protracted and difficult negotiations between London and Brussels over outstanding bills, immigration and future trade ties.

Tim Barrow, Britain's ambassador to the European Union, personally delivered the letter to EU President Donald Tusk's office in Brussels, an AFP journalist said.

Finance minister Philip Hammond said the letter would set out "how we want to take the negotiation forward and how we see this negotiation developing".

While the EU scrambles to contain the fallout from Britain's departure after four decades of membership, British Prime Minister Theresa May is also battling to keep her deeply divided nation together.

The Article 50 trigger comes a day after Scotland's parliament voted in favour of holding a fresh referendum on independence from Britain in a bid to hold on to EU ties.

MONUMENTALLY DIFFICULT TALKS

Leaders of the other 27 EU nations are holding a summit on Apr 29 to forge their own response to Brexit, and it could be weeks before formal talks start.

"The die is cast!" European Parliament president Antonio Tajani told the German newspaper Die Welt.

"In the end, we have to be clear that being a member state of the EU is different from being a partner."

As with many divorces, negotiations could rapidly turn nasty over money.

The priority is settling Britain's outstanding bills, estimated at between 55 and 60 billion euros (US$59-65 billion) - an early battle that could set the tone for the rest of the talks.

Both sides also want to resolve the post-Brexit status of more than three million European nationals living in Britain, and one million British expats in the EU.

Forging a new trade agreement and tensions in Northern Ireland - which will have the UK's only hard border with the EU - will also cause major headaches.

Many business leaders are deeply uneasy about May's decision to leave Europe's single market, a free trade area of 500 million people, fearing its impact on jobs and economic growth.

The Brexit vote sent the pound plunging, although the economy has been largely stable since then.

"STOP THIS MADNESS"

Despite May's call for unity, Britons appear as divided now as in June's referendum, which the "Leave" camp won by a narrow 52-48 margin after a vitriolic campaign.

Tens of thousands marched through London on Saturday demanding Britain keep its 44-year-old EU membership, with one banner urging politicians to "stop this madness".

But many were elated after waiting years for this moment, including 66-year-old pensioner Christine Garrett, shopping at an east London street market.

"We could stand on our own two feet as a country. What do they do for us? Nothing," she said.

Pushing her pram nearby was Julia Rogers, 38, who disagreed, saying: "It's going to be a disaster".

In the City of London financial hub, some were worried about the implications of Brexit.

"It's quite a sorry state of affairs," said Daniel Smith, 41.

"DOVER AND OUT"

The famously partisan British press reflected this division as the historic day dawned.

The fiercely eurosceptic Sun beamed "Dover and Out" and "See EU Later" on the White Cliffs of Dover, Britain's closest point to the continent.

On the other side of the divide, the left-leaning Guardian mocked up an EU jigsaw with Britain missing and the headline: "Today Britain steps into the unknown."

The EU is determined to preserve its unity and has said that any Brexit deal must not encourage other countries to follow Britain out of the door.

As she begins Brexit, May is also battling to keep the United Kingdom together and has rebuffed the Scottish parliament's call for a second independence referendum.

Scots overwhelmingly voted for Britain to remain in the EU and are particularly worried about leaving Europe's single market - the price of controlling immigration.

With the challenges ahead, May has said that "no deal is better than a bad deal" and analysts say that threatening to walk away may be her only trump card in a process in which the EU will hold most of the cards.

Nevertheless, if talks break down and there is no agreement, it would be highly damaging for both sides by erecting trade barriers where none now exist as well as creating huge legal uncertainty.

Terry Scuoler, head of Britain's manufacturing association EEF, warned: "Forget all notion of crashing out of the EU without a deal and leaving business to pick up the pieces.

"A chaotic Brexit that results in the UK falling back on WTO rules will benefit no one," he said.
Photo shows Government bonds being traded.-Photo tapchitaichinh.vn

The latest auction was held on Tuesday, bringing the bank VND980 billion, which included VND300 billion in five-year bonds, VND400 billion in 10-year bonds and another VND280 billion in 15-year bonds.

The bidding for the five-year bonds fetched VND300 billion at a winning coupon rate of 5.4 per cent per annum, up 0.1 per cent from last weeks session. The bidding attracted two HNX members with valid bidding volume of VND400 billion and annual coupon rate ranging from 5.3 per cent to 5.5 per cent.

Two members participated in the bidding session for the 10-year bonds with valid bidding volume of VND650 billion at 6.45 to 6.5 per cent per annum. The bonds earned VND400 billion at a winning coupon rate of 6.47 per cent per annum, down 0.01 per cent from last weeks session.

Meanwhile, VND280 billion worth of 15-year bonds were mobilised at a winning coupon rate of 7.35 per cent per annum. The bidding session attracted two participants with valid bidding volume totalling VND380 billion and annual coupon rate ranging from 7.3 per cent to 7.35 per cent.
VNPT starts exporting

Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) has been the most active player in foreign expansion. VNPT has introduced its products and services to 30 countries, such as Qatar, Malaysia, Iran, Eastern Europe, and India, and exports to six countries, making approximately $4 million in revenue.

Last year, VNPT received the certificate to invest abroad. We are building a joint venture to develop a telecommunications network in Myanmar. In 2017, VNPT will continue expanding its investments in its Asian and European markets by providing telecommunication services, technological and industrial products, IT services, and e-government, among others, said VNPT general manager Pham Duc Long.

According to VNPT chairman Tran Manh Hung, the company has set the goal to provide its products to partners in at least 10 countries and reach millions of USD in revenue within 5 years.

VNG, Mobile World go abroad

While VNPT focuses on exporting ICT hardware, ICT giant VNG delivers its services and apps to foreign markets. On March 2016, VNG decided to introduce its social network Zalo to Myanmar. From June to October 2016, Zalo gained 2 million users in Myanmar.

If developed well, Myanmar would become as lucrative a market as Vietnam. Zalos long-term goal is to have 9-10 million users, said VNG deputy director Vuong Quang Khai.

VNG aims to become an internationally competitive ICT enterprise. In 2012, VNG successfully developed and exported its games Khu vuon tren may and Un in to China and Japan.

Mobile World Investment Corporation made its appearance in Cambodia under the name BigPhone in the beginning of March. Mobile World Investment Corporation has a distribution system of 1,300 The gioi Di dong stores in Vietnam and a revenue of $2 billion per year.

CEO Nguyen Duc Tai shared that their target is to open 10-15 stores in Cambodia in 2017. According to Tai, Cambodia is just the first step on the companys path to penetrate other markets in Southeast Asia. Laos and Myanmar are the two next destinations in the companys expansion plan.
Screengrab of video footage shows the body of a man lying inside the belly of a seven-metre python.

The body of 25-year-old Akbar was found when local people cut open the seven-metre (23-foot) python after it was found bloated and slithering awkwardly in the village of Salubiro, on the eastern island of Sulawesi on Monday.

"We were immediately suspicious that the snake had swallowed Akbar because around the site we found palm fruit, his harvesting tool and a boot," said Junaidi, a senior village official, who like many Indonesians goes by only one name.

Worried relatives launched a search for Akbar after he failed to return home from a trip to the family's plantation on Sunday.

Junaidi said the snake had swallowed the farmer whole, adding that it was the only such fatality recorded in the region.

The breed of snake, which regularly tops 20 feet, is commonly found in Indonesia and the Philippines.

While the serpents have been known to attack small animals, attempts to eat people are rare.

In 2013, a security guard on the tourist island of Bali was killed by a python at a luxury beachfront hotel.
A police officer checks coffee bags seized from a truck in Vinh Town, Nghe An Province. Of the 850kg of so-called coffee, 650kg turned out to be roasted soybeans.

The officers were on a routine patrol when they spotted a truck laden with 16 suspicious-looking bags, which the truck driver declared as coffee.

The bags weighed 850 kilograms (1,870 lb), but only 200kg was real coffee, while the rest turned out to be roasted soybeans soaked in chemicals and flavoring to make them look like coffee. The beans were on their way for sale in Nghe An Province from a company in the southern province of Binh Duong, the driver told police.

The catch is the latest in a series of cases involving fake coffee exposed over the past five years in Vietnam, the world's biggest robusta producer and exporter.

Fake coffee has been found across the nation, which has one of the world's fastest growing retail coffee markets, trailing only behind Indonesia, Turkey and India, as reported by global market intelligence agency Mintel.

Police have also uncovered small processing plants making fake coffee by over-roasting soybeans and corn in Ho Chi Minh City, which is Vietnam's main coffee trading market, as well as in Can Tho City and provinces like Binh Duong and Thanh Hoa.

Even in Dak Lak, the country's top coffee-growing province, market inspectors have found coffee powder containing only 10% real coffee, with the majority made up of soybeans, corn and chemicals used to create the bitter taste and bubbles.

In July 2016, the Vietnam Standard and Consumers Association said it had taken 253 coffee samples from various shops in four locations, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and found that one third of them had very low caffeine content, while the stimulant was totally absent in five samples.

The coffee sold in street-side shops, hospitals and schools tended to have very low caffeine content or no caffeine at all, the association said.

A kilogram of robusta beans now fetches around VND46,000 ($2.02), while imported soybeans can be bought on the domestic market for VND12,000-14,000 per kilo.

Real coffee beans and fake coffee made from soybeans soaked in chemicals and flavoring.

Changing awareness

These findings by police and market inspectors have caught public attention and have changed consumer behavior.

"Consumers are now aware that fake coffee is a real problem," said Le Duc Huy, deputy general director of the Dak Lak-based Simexco, one of Vietnam's biggest exporters of semi-processed robusta beans. "Many now know how to spot fake coffee."

He said the content of real coffee sold on the market has now doubled to around 60% in the southern region and the Central Highlands coffee belt.

"But in the northern and the central regions, which lie far from the coffee processing hub, consumers may not be aware, so the coffee content there is as low as 20%-30%," Huy told VnExpress International via telephone from Dak Lak.

Improved awareness among Vietnamese coffee drinkers has been reflected in the rising domestic consumption rate in a country where tea is also a popular drink.

Vietnam is forecast to use 172,200 tons of coffee at home in the 2016/2017 crop year, up 10 percent from the previous season, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said in its December report.

The domestic consumption rate has been rising in double digits since at least the 2012/2013 season, based on USDA data. The country's crop year lasts between October and September.

Rising exports

Higher domestic consumption, coupled with a rush to sell by exporters in the first months of 2017 and the smaller 2016/2017 harvest due to adverse weather, could disrupt coffee exports, traders said. More instant coffee being produced locally has also been contributing to the tighter export flow, Vietnamese industry officials said.

Vietnam could export an estimated 180,000 tons of coffee in March, the highest monthly shipment since April 2016, based on government data released on March 29.

Most of the shipments were sold in late January or February as exporters tried to cash in on higher prices while cutting costs, traders said. On the other hand, foreign buyers said they had stepped up purchases based on expectations of a smaller crop in Vietnam.

The March estimate has brought the country's total export volume to 847,000 tons in the first half of the 2016/2017 season, up 4% from a year ago.

Vietnam could face coffee shortages from May-June due to rising shipments and dwindling domestic stocks, top export firm Intimex has said.

Huy of Simexco said Vietnam should do more to fight fake coffee.

"The media should do its best to help consumers spot real coffee," he said. "Related agencies should also step up inspections of coffee shops because shop owners are making money by selling fake coffee as it costs up to 50% less than real coffee."
Pianist Nguyen Khanh Linh Linh will open the show by playing the song Step On My Cat while duo Lea Gilmore and Aidan Gilmore will perform Trong Com, a folk song of Vietnam.

Do Nguyen Minh Thu will present Johann Sebastian Bachs Prelude and Fugue No. 2 in C minor, WTC and Le Minh Chu Tu will perform his own song Thank you to wrap up the first half of the show.

Veteran pianist Nguyen Thi Uyen Sa will be a major artist in the second part of the show by playing a series of Frederic Chopin works, including Etude Op. 10, No. 12 in C minor, Fantaisie-Impromptu in C-sharp Minor, Op 66, and Scherzo No. 2, Op. 31 in B-flat minor, and Franz Liszts Etude de concert, S. 144, No. 3, Un Sospiro.

Sa will join pianist Truong Thi Hoang Dung for a performance of Erlkonig, D. 328 by Franz Schubert/Greg Anderson and later share the stage with violinist Ho Dang Hoi in the performance of Frederic Chopins Nocturne in C-sharp minor, Op. posth. for Violin & Piano and Pablo de Sarasate: Zigeunerweisen, Op. 20.

Pianists Nguyen Thi Uyen Sa and Truong Thi Hoang Dung will join with violinist Ho Dang Hoi to wrap up the concert by performing Brahmss Hungarian Dance No. 5 for Violin & Piano.

Spectators are advised to register in advance via info@saigonclassical.vn, and make a minimum contribution of VND100,000 to help maintain the groups operations.

The concert will take place from 6:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Southern Womens Museum at 202 Vo Thi Sau Street, District 3, HCM City.
Aaron Carter, the singer-rapper who began performing as a child and had hit albums starting in his teen years, was found dead at his home in Southern California. He was 34. Representatives for Carters family confirmed the singers death Saturday. They did not provide any immediate further comment. A sheriff's official says deputies responding to reports of a medical emergency found a person deceased at the home in Lancaster. Aaron Carter, the younger brother of Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys, performed as an opening act for Britney Spears as well as his brothers boy band, and appeared on the familys reality series, House of Carters.
Siemens supplies six SGT-A65 TR (former Industrial Trent 60) gas turbines to two power plants in the cities of Lujan and Matheu in Buenos Aires Province.

Six SGT-A65 TR (former Industrial Trent 60) gas turbines will form the heart of two plants in the cities of Lujan and Matheu in Buenos Aires province in eastern Argentina.

Siemens has also been awarded a contract to supply six industrial gas turbines of type SGT-800 for two power plants in Las Palmas and San Pedro in the cities of San Pedro and Zarate.

Siemens customers- two Canadian private equity companies Stoneway Capital and Araucaria Energy- will operate the plants as independent power producers with the support of Siemens.

The total order volume for Siemens is approximately $570 million. Siemens has also committed a $115 million loan to support the power plants construction.

This is the first time we have sold a turnkey industrial power plant equipped with aeroderivative gas turbines, as well as long-term service. What's more, these four power plants will help to alleviate the power shortages in Argentina and increase the security of power supplies, said Jose Aparicio, vice president for the Sales Region Latin America in Siemens' Power and Gas Division.

Siemens has also signed long-term service agreements for the four sites.

These contracts include operation and maintenance (O&M) and long-term agreements for each location for a period of ten years and include operation and maintenance staff, remote monitoring, 24/7 helpdesk, overhauls, spare parts for stock and reliability guarantees.

Siemens service and maintenance is centered on the companys Digital Services for Energy portfolio, combining advanced data analytics with Siemens proven expertise to help customers realise the full potential of their power assets for improved reliability and profitability.

With an electrical generating capacity of 127MW, the plant in Lujan will be fitted with two SGT-A65 TR gas turbines and with two SGen5-100A-series electrical generators.

The four model SGT-A65 TR turbines destined for the power plant in Matheu will provide a total electrical generating capacity of 254MW.

The Las Palmas site will be equipped with four SGT-800 gas turbines with an electrical generating capacity of 202MW. The other two SGT-800 gas turbines destined for the power plant in San Pedro will generate a total electrical output of 104MW; commissioning for the four sites is scheduled for the end of 2017.

All the sites have the option to be retrofitted as combined cycle power plants in the near future. The SGT-A65 TR gas turbines are being manufactured as fast-track units at Siemens' production locations in Mount Vernon, Ohio, in the US, and in Montreal, Canada.

The corresponding generators will be provided by the Siemens' manufacturing facility in Erfurt, Germany. The SGT-800 gas turbines will be manufactured in Finspang, Sweden.
When President Donald Trump's son-in-law and aide Jared Kushner voluntarily appears before the Senate intelligence committee, he will describe his interactions with Russians during the transition as a point man "looking for the right person to engage with on Russia," and nothing more, according to a source familiar with what transpired.

According to this source, neither of Kushner's meetings -- with the Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak and with Russian banker Sergey Gorkov -- were about sanctions, which Russian banks have been lobbying against since they were imposed in 2014.

These were "relationship meetings," the source said. In Kushner's meeting with Kislyak, the source added, Kushner asked Kislyak to "identify someone who would be a good intermediary as they were trying to figure out who the right person would be to engage with on Russia."

The source said the transition team -- and Kushner in particular -- were looking for ways to establish a back channel to Putin, as they had done with other leaders during the transition.

"In the transition they were looking to establish relationships with foreign leaders, and he took dozens of meetings," according to the source. Washington Post columnist David Ignatius first reported that Kushner was seeking a back channel to Putin.

In their meeting, Kislyak suggested Kushner also meet with Gorkov, whom Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed in February 2016 as chairman of VneshEconomBank, a Russian state development bank that has been under US sanctions since July 2014.

The bank, known as VEB, and its ties to the Russian government could have easily been identified in an internet search. But the Trump transition "had no mechanism for vetting anyone" and it was not done, the source said.

And while Kushner himself could have done a cursory search to find out more about Gorkov, that didn't happen. "In a more organized transition there would have been someone to vet people before there were meetings," the source said as explanation, acknowledging "incompetence" in that area of the transition.

The bank's recent statement that the meeting with Kushner was part of a "roadshow of business meetings" is in clear contrast to Kushner's view of it. "That wasn't the purpose of the meeting," the source said. "That's ridiculous."

In addition, the source also said that the meeting with Gorkov was not about business or sanctions or the bank's "new strategy," as the bank's recent press release said. "That doesn't make any sense to me from what I know," the source added.

The White House this week insisted that Kushner met as a representative of the incoming Trump administration and the meeting was not consequential.

"Jared attended the meeting in his capacity as a transition official. Nothing of substance was discussed. There was no follow up," a White House spokesperson said.

And Kushner never followed up with Kislyak. When the ambassador wanted to meet with Kushner again, Kushner didn't see the purpose in doing it, the source said. His feeling, according to this source, was "why should [Kushner] meet with a person for the second time who told [him] he's not the right person" to be an intermediary to the Kremlin. As a result, Kushner sent a young aide to meet with the ambassador instead.

The source added that when Rex Tillerson became Secretary of State, the need for a back channel became a moot point, since Tillerson had a wide range of Russian contacts, including with Putin himself.

"After Tillerson was in place, the liaison role that Jared had been playing ended," the source said, although Kushner obviously remains connected to the foreign policy world in his role at the White House.
Twitter Fires Hundreds of Employees, Only to Ask for Several to Return Days Later

Last week, Elon Musk began his first few days at Twitter by firing several of the companys employees. Now, the social media giant is asking for some of those laid-off workers to come back, following backlash and a lawsuit. Being sued is nothing new for Musk, considering his other company,
A Cambodian court has sentenced the former leader of the opposition, Sam Rainsy, to serve 20 months in prison and a fine of $2,500 in a defamation case filed by lawyers acting on behalf of Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The case was brought against Rainsy after he allegedly said that Hun Sen was behind the killing of prominent political commentator Kem Ley last year.

Rainsy, who is living in exile in France, was also ordered to pay a nominal fee of 100 riel (about 2 cents) to Hun Sen as compensation.

Ly Sophanna, Phnom Penh Municipal Court spokesman, said on Thursday that Rainsy had been found guilty of defamation and incitement.

Hun Sens lawyer, Ky Tech, filed the complaint against Rainsy in August. Hun Sen alleged that Rainsy defamed him in a post on his Facebook page and in a radio interview, where he alleged that the premier was involved in Leys daylight murder.

Hun Sen has denied any involvement in the killing.

Sam Sokong, Rainsys lawyer, said the courts decision was wrong as there was not evidence of incitement in the case.

It can only be incitement if there were losses or damages caused by what was said. But in this case, after the comments on Radio Free Asia, there was no loss of damage or chaos caused by the remarks, he said.

However, Sophanna said the courts decision was fair and based on the evidence presented in the case.

Sokong said he would discuss with Rainsy the possibility of filing an appeal.

Rainsy has a previous, outstanding defamation conviction in a case filed by a former foreign minister, Hor Namhong, which could see him spend an additional two years in prison if he returns to Cambodia.

He also faces several other unresolved cases filed by senior members of the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party.
Afghanistan's first - and only - all-female symphony is trying to change attitudes in a deeply conservative country where many see music as immoral, especially for women.



The symphony's two conductors show how difficult that can be, but also how satisfying success is.



One of them, Negin Khpolwak, was supported by her father when she joined the Afghanistan National Institute of Music and then became part of its girls' orchestra, called Zohra. But the rest of her family was deeply against it. Her uncles cut off ties with her father.



They told him he is not their brother anymore, said Khpolwak, now 20. Even my grand-mother disowned my father.



Khwolpak had learned about the music institute at the orphanage in Kabul where she spent most of her life. Her father sent her to the orphanage because he was afraid for her safety in their home province of Kunar in eastern Afghanistan, an area where Taliban militants are active.



The institute is one of the only schools in Afghanistan where girls and boys share classrooms, and it draws its students from the ranks of orphanages and street children, giving them a chance at a new life. Khpolwak studied piano and drums before becoming the orchestra's conductor.



First international tour

More than 30 girls aged 12 to 20 play in Zohra, which is named after a goddess of music in Persian literature. In January, the orchestra, which performs traditional Afghan and Western Classical music, had its first international tour, appearing at the World Economic Forum in Davos and four other cities in Switzerland and Germany.



The formation of the orchestra is aimed at sending a positive message to the community, to send a positive message to the girls, to encourage families and girls to join the music scene of the country, said Ahmad Naser Sarmast, the institute's founder and director.





Sarmast has experienced firsthand the militants' hatred of music. In 2014, a Taliban suicide bomber blew himself up at a concert Sarmast was attending. He was wounded and a German man in the audience died.



The Zohra orchestra was created in 2014 when one of the institute's students, a girl named Meena, asked Sarmast if there could be a group where girls could play together. Sarmast leaped at the idea.



Since then, Meena has disappeared. Last year, the 7th grader told the school she had to attend her sister's wedding in her family's village in eastern Nangarhar province. She never returned, a sign of how tenuous people's situation is in a country where war rages, communications are poor and poverty is rife. Sarmast said the school has not been in contact with her, but he's hopeful she'll return to the school and Zohra.



The orchestra's other conductor, 18-year-old Zarifa Adiba, faced resistance from her family just as Khpolwak did.



Societal barriers

When she joined the school in 2014, she only told her mother and step-father, not her four brothers and her uncles, because she knew they would disapprove. Her mother and step-father tried to tell them about the importance of music - without mentioning Adiba - but they weren't convinced.



If my brothers and uncles had known about me learning or playing music, they 100 percent would have stopped me because they had a very negative view toward music, Adiba said.



Her family's opposition to music was so intense she hesitated to join the orchestra's trip to Davos. But she ended up going, and as one of the conductors she was widely interviewed in the media there and appeared on TV.



When she returned, her uncles were the first to congratulate her. Two of her brothers are still not happy about her involvement with music but now she has the support of the rest of the family, she has more courage, and she said she is sure her brothers will eventually come around.



I changed my family, now it is time for other girls to change their families because I am sure that slowly all Afghanistan will change, she said.
The Ugandan military says an aide to Lord's Resistance Army chief Joseph Kony has surrendered, a day after the United States said it will withdraw from the task force chasing the notorious rebel group.

Ugandan military officials said Thursday that Michael Omona, Kony's chief communications officer, gave himself up in the Central African Republic. Omona was part of the LRA for 23 years after being kidnapped by the group in 1994.

On Wednesday, the U.S. military said it will remove its forces from Operation Observant Compass, the task force established in 2013 to hunt down bands of LRA fighters roaming across Central Africa and bring Kony and other LRA leaders to justice.

In a statement, the U.S Africa Command said the task force has "dramatically weakened the LRA in numbers and overall effectiveness." It said the LRA has shrunk from 2,000 to under 100 fighters, and noted that four of the five key LRA leaders have been captured.

Kony, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, remains at large. A former LRA senior commander, Dominic Ongwen, is currently on trial at the ICC in The Hague.

The African Union Peace and Security Council met in Addis Ababa Thursday to discuss the future of the anti-LRA task force. The council said on Twitter that it may recommend the force be increased, decreased, shut down or left as is.

"Though weakened, LRA remains a security threat," the council said.

A self-styled prophet, Kony launched a brutal rebellion in Uganda that displaced more than 1.5 million people before taking his group into Sudan, the CAR and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The United Nations estimated in 2013 that the LRA had killed more than 100,000 people and kidnapped more than 60,000 over the previous quarter-century.

Both numbers have likely increased since then, as the group has continued to attack villages in remote areas.
A South Korean court on Friday approved a warrant to arrest Park Geun-hye, the country's first democratically elected president to be thrown out of office, on accusations of bribery and abuse of power.

Park can be held in a cell for up to 20 days while she is investigated over allegations that she colluded with a friend, Choi Soon-sil, to pressure big businesses to contribute to now-defunct foundations set up to back her policy initiatives.

A judge at the Seoul Central District Court said in a statement that "the cause and the need for the warrant are recognized as the main charges against her have been verified and as evidence could be destroyed."

Lengthy testimony

Park gave about eight hours of testimony at the same court Thursday and was held at the prosecutors' office next door while the judge studied the evidence and arguments to decide whether to issue the arrest warrant.

On Thursday, Park, 65, arrived expressionless at the court to plead her case that she should not be arrested or held while prosecutors investigate.

Park argues that she does not pose a flight risk and will not try to tamper with evidence.

She and Choi have denied wrongdoing. Park's removal from office capped months of paralysis and turmoil over the corruption case, which also landed the head of the Samsung conglomerate in detention and on trial.

Her impeachment this month has left a political vacuum, with only an interim president pending a May 9 election, at a time of rising tensions with North Korea over its weapons program and with China, which is angry about South Korea's decision to host a U.S. anti-missile system.

Prosecutors said Monday that Park was accused of soliciting companies for money and infringing upon the freedom of corporate management by using her power as president. Park was questioned for 14 hours by prosecutors last week.d

Decade-plus in jail

She could face more than 10 years in jail if convicted of receiving bribes from bosses of big conglomerates, including Samsung Group chief Jay Y. Lee, in return for favors.

Lee, who denies charges that he provided bribes in return for favors for Samsung, and Choi are both in detention and on trial separately.

Lee's trial, for which so far only preliminary hearings have been held, will begin April 7 when he is expected to appear, court records showed.

Park may be given a bigger cell than other inmates in a Seoul detention facility, but she would be subject to the same rules on everything from meals to room inspections, former prosecution and correctional officials have said.

She was removed from office when a constitutional court upheld her impeachment by parliament. The ruling sparked protests by hundreds of her supporters, two of whom were killed in clashes with police outside the court, and a festive rally by those who had demanded she be removed from office.
Australia is hoping to ratify an extradition treaty with China, but this week abandoning plans for parliament to approve the controversial measure. Critics have insisted that Chinas judicial system is fraught with human rights abuses.

The center-right Australian government abruptly withdrew plans to ratify the extradition treaty with Beijing when ministers realized it was facing defeat in parliament.

There was dissent from the opposition Labor party, and also within government ranks by MPs worried about the lack of safeguards within the agreement to offer protection to Australians deported to China.

Their concerns have echoed those of the Law Council of Australia, which said China did not act in accordance with procedural fairness and rule of law standards in criminal proceedings.

Matt Thistlethwaite, a Labor MP, says the agreement goes against key Australian principles.

Australia values democracy, we value freedom of speech, we value the right to a fair trial, we value the presumption of innocence and we do not like the censorship of peoples comments in the media, he said.

The government insists the accord would be an important part in Canberras law enforcement relationship with China, which is Australias biggest trading partner.

But despite opposition in parliament, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says she will continue to negotiate with MPs to ensure the extradition treaty is brought into force.

The whole idea of foreign policy is to engage with other countries on the basis of trust, and we signed an agreement with China and there would be an expectation that having signed a treaty we would ratify it, she said. So that is what I am seeking to do now, to find a way that we can honor the agreement that we made.

Australia has extradition treaties with about 40 other countries.

Experts say Australias decision to delay ratifying the extradition treaty would not go down well in Beijing, but that Chinas displeasure would not inflict lasting damage on broader bilateral relations.
Beijings reported economic retaliation against South Korea for deploying the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system continues to target certain sectors, like imports of Korean cosmetics, canceling K-pop concerts, and a ban on Chinese tour groups to South Korea.

At Seouls Namsam Tower, smaller than usual crowds gather to watch the daily Korean cultural performances and to look out at the sprawling modern metropolis from the highest point in the city.

Buses of visitors from countries like Malaysia, Vietnam and Hong Kong still arrive at this popular site, but there are fewer visitors overall than in the past because Chinese tourists have virtually disappeared in the last month.

Fewer Chinese visitors

Chinese tourists accounted for nearly half of the 17 million visitors to South Korea last year. But the latest government figures indicate the number of tourists from China fell by nearly 20 percent in March. Local travel agencies, airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and duty-free operators have all been affected.

WATCH: Video report by Brian Padden

In Seoul, some tour groups and restaurants that cater exclusively to Chinese visitors have temporally shut down. Even travel agencies not directly affected by the abrupt decline of Chinese visitors are worried this could hurt South Koreas image as a tourist destination.

While it is comfortable for me to work as a tour guide because my guests do not need to line up and can avoid the inconvenience, it is always good to have many tourists visiting South Korea. It is sad, said Kim Sun-hee, a Malaysian tour group guide.

THAAD reprisal

Chinese officials have objected to the advance weapons system as an unnecessary and provocative regional military escalation, and voiced concern that the systems powerful radar could be used to spy on them and other countries as well. Washington and Seoul insist THAAD is needed to defend against North Koreas increasing nuclear and missile capabilities.

Beijing has also been accused of limiting some imports of Korean cosmetics and other products, and canceling K-pop concerts. Shares of the Korean cosmetics conglomerate AmorePacific dropped significantly in the wake of the reported Chinese retaliation, as did the stock value of the Korean automaker Hyundai after photos of a vandalized Hyundai car circulated widely on Chinese social media.

And the Lotte Group, the South Korean department store chain that provided the military with a plot of land for the THAAD deployment has had more than 50 of its stores closed in China.

Quiet pressure

Beijing has not acknowledged imposing a tourist ban, but travel agencies in Seoul have been told by their partners in Beijing that tours have been canceled because of pressure from the China government.

Shon Ho-kwon, the president of Modetour International Inc. in Seoul, said he was told officials from the China National Tourism Administration contacted virtually every travel agency and made a verbal warning that there will be many disadvantages if (the agencies) continued selling South Korea tourism products.

There is no document to prove this, but clearly it is understood that China is making such suggestions, Shon said.

A prolonged dispute between South Korea and China, its largest trading partner, could significantly hurt both economies in the long run.

South Korea last year had about $4 billion in investment in China. China had about $2 billion that they invested in South Korea, said James Kim, research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul.

But there is no resolution in sight with some travel agencies reporting no Chinese reservations for the upcoming spring holidays, which had been the busiest tourist season of the year.

Youmi Kim contributed to this report.
Congos government said Wednesday it will investigate the deaths of an American and a Swedish expert for the United Nations and their interpreter, whose bodies were found in a shallow grave Monday after the team disappeared more than two weeks ago.

Sweden said it was opening a murder investigation, and the U.N. Security Council strongly condemned the killings.

American Michael Sharp, Swedish national Zaida Catalan and their interpreter Betu Tshintela went missing March 12 along with driver Isaac Kabuayi and two motorbike drivers in Central Kasai province while looking into recent large-scale violence and alleged human rights violations by the Congolese army and local militia groups.

A U.N. Security Council diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, said the experts were investigating alleged mass graves.

Many deaths in Kasai provinces

It was the first recorded disappearance of international workers in the once-calm Kasai provinces, where the Kamwina Nsapu militia has been fighting security forces since last year. More than 400 people have been killed and more than 200,000 displaced since government troops killed the militias leader in August, according to the United Nations.

The U.N. Security Council issued a statement Wednesday night saying its members condemned the killings in the strongest terms and also expressed concern at the unknown status of the Congolese nationals accompanying them.

Council members called on the Congolese government to swiftly and fully investigate these crimes and bring the still unidentified perpetrators to justice and backed a U.N. inquiry, stressing that attacks targeting civilians may constitute war crimes under international law.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said the world body would conduct an inquiry into the deaths, saying the cause had not yet been determined. He called on Congo to do the same.

U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters the U.N. hopes the cause of death of the two experts will be determined following a more thorough examination.

Given that they have been found dead, we believe that theres likely grounds that this was a form of criminal act, but we need to determine cause of death, he said.

Haq said the U.N. will look into what their security conditions had been, what might have happened to them, as well as, of course, to the four Congolese nationals ... for whom we are continuing to search.

He said there were other remains found at the site that still need to be analyzed.

Other violence to be investigated

Sharp, from western Pennsylvania, and Catalan were killed senselessly, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N., Nikki Haley, said in a statement.

Swedens national police said it has initiated a murder investigation into Catalans death, and Swedens prime minister urged Congo to investigate.

Congo government spokesman Lambert Mende said authorities would look into the deaths and seek the U.N. experts missing Congolese colleagues.

Mende also said Congolese authorities also will look into other recent violence in Central Kasai province, including the deaths of 39 police officers who had been killed by militia forces.

The U.N. last week reported the discovery since January of more than two dozen mass graves in three Kasai provinces. And five videos have emerged in recent weeks that appear to show Congolese soldiers firing on militia members.

While the violence is linked to local power struggles, there are also clear ties to Congos current political crisis, according to Human Rights Watch.

Anger has been growing in the country at long-delayed presidential elections, and dozens were killed in December amid protests as President Joseph Kabila stayed on past the end of his mandate. A deal reached between the ruling party and opposition to hold elections by the end of this year, without Kabila, remains fragile as the U.N. urges its implementation.

Security forces have been known to back local leaders seen as loyal to Kabila, while militia groups support those who are believed to support the opposition, the rights group said.
Universal Pictures is going back to its roots  monsters.

The studio Wednesday debuted footage from its upcoming adventure film The Mummy, which opens a monster universe drawing on Universals vault of classic properties like Bride of Frankenstein, Invisible Man and Creature from the Black Lagoon.

Tom Cruise stars in the Alex Kurtzman-directed The Mummy, which is equal parts action and horror as Cruises explorer Nick Morton attempts to combat an ancient evil that has been unlocked and threatens to destroy the world.

Sofia Boutella is the Mummy, once an Egyptian princess who turned to the dark side when denied the throne.

Kurtzman and the cast, including Boutella, Annabelle Wallis and Jake Johnson, discussed Cruises famous commitment to eye-popping stunts.

I think I was brought onto this movie to be afraid to do stunts with Tom Cruise, Johnson said. Tom does it all and he makes his co-stars do it, too. And I do mean make.

Johnson laughed that when he would complain when he got hurt or bruised, Cruise would quip back: Yeah, we jumped off a building dummy. It hurts!

Cruise, who is on location for another filming, delivered a video message to the audience.

My love for this began with universal classic films, Cruise said. To usher in a new age of gods and monsters is something that makes me very proud and excited.

Audiences can meet the original monster June 9.
Authorities ordered the evacuation of large parts of a town of more than 25,000 people in eastern Australia Thursday as a storm system generated by a powerful cyclone that pummeled the northeast two days ago swept down the coast with heavy rain.

Cyclone Debbie hit as a category four storm in the north of tropical Queensland state Tuesday, smashing tourist resorts, bringing down power lines, flattening cane fields and shutting down coal mines.

This severe weather system that began with Cyclone Debbie and is tracking down the coast is causing havoc across our state, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told reporters in the state capital, Brisbane.

Cyclone downgraded, rain persists

The cyclone was downgraded to a tropical low Wednesday but it was driving squalls with torrential rain across a 1,200-kilometer (745-mile) stretch of Australias east coast, swelling rivers and prompting widespread flood warnings.

In Lismore in the north of neighboring New South Wales state, the State Emergency Service told residents to leave because weather forecasts predicted the towns worst flood in nearly 20 years.

The rural hub in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales is home to at least 25,000 people.

Further north, Queenslands government closed more than 2,000 schools as sustained heavy rainfall brought flash floods to the Gold Coast tourist area and Mackay further north.

Cleanup slowed

In the cyclone-hit tropical north, the poor weather has slowed what was expected to be a lengthy cleanup operation.

Military helicopters, ferries and planes brought hundreds of holidaymakers stranded on resort islands in the storms path to the mainland, where tens of thousands more people were still without power.

Resorts along the world-famous Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday coast bore the brunt of the storm Tuesday with wind gusts stronger than 260 kph (160 mph).

About 2,500 insurance claims have been filed, but Queenslands top two insurers, Suncorp Group Ltd and RACQ, said it was too early to put a dollar figure on the damage.

One female tourist was killed in a car crash Monday that police said was the result of wild weather as Cyclone Debbie approached. Another two people were injured as the storm passed through.
At least 13 people were killed and two injured when a pickup and a church van collided head-on on southwestern Texas highway.

The crash happened Wednesday afternoon about 75 miles (120 kilometers) west of San Antonio, police said.

Texas Department of Public Safety Lt. Johnny Hernandez confirmed that the person died at a San Antonio hospital. Hernandez said the bus driver and 11 passengers died at the scene of the crash.



Hernandez said the lone survivor from the bus was hospitalized in critical condition, while the pickup driver was hospitalized in stable condition.

Police said the van was carrying 14 senior members of the First Baptist Church of New Braunfels, and there was one person, the driver, in the truck.

In a statement posted on the church website, church officials said the members were returning from a three-day retreat at the Alto Frio Baptist Encampment in Leakey, about nine miles (14 kilometers) north of the crash site.

The National Transportation Safety Board sent investigators to the scene to begin seeking the cause of the crash, NTSB spokesman Terry Williams said Wednesday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Prominent U.S. lawyer Alan Dershowitz said in an interview Thursday that President Donald Trump spoke to him "clearly" about a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, suggesting a shift in Trump's stance.

Trump broke with longtime U.S. policy last month when he withheld clear support for an independent Palestine, saying he could endorse a one-nation solution to the conflict. "I'm looking at two-state and one-state, and I like the one that both parties like," Trump said in a February press conference at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

But Dershowitz, who is Jewish and close to the Israeli prime minister, told Israel Army Radio that he discussed the matter with Trump during a meeting on March 18, and that Trump endorsed two states in their conversation.

"Clearly he was talking about a two-state solution. He was not in any way suggesting, at least in his conversation with me, a one-state solution," Dershowitz said. He said Trump is "anxious to convey the message that he really wanted to have a peace agreement" and believes that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas "is anxious to make a deal," Dershowitz said.

Nabil Shaath, Abbas' foreign affairs adviser, confirmed that Abbas is "anxious" to reach a peace agreement with Israel and said it was "important" that Trump reportedly lent his support to the two-state solution.

Netanyahu's bureau and Israel's Foreign Ministry declined comment on Dershowitz's interview.

For nearly a half-century, the Israeli military has occupied the West Bank, land Palestinians want for an independent state. Over the past two decades, the international community has overwhelmingly backed the idea of a two-state solution as the best way of reaching peace in the region.

But Trump's campaign platform made no mention of a Palestinian state, and his appointed ambassador to Israel has expressed skepticism about a two-state solution in the past. Trump's inner circle includes aides with ties to the West Bank settler movement, which objects to the creation of an independent Palestine.

Netanyahu has not formally abandoned his stated support for the two-state solution, but has stopped mentioning it in his speeches since Trump was elected. Instead, he has made vague statements about seeking a region-wide peace agreement.

Dershowitz said he was "pleasantly surprised" by Trump's knowledge of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, saying Trump spoke to him about the main issues that would need to be solved in a two-state approach: competing claims to Jerusalem, security concerns, demilitarization of a Palestinian state, and Palestinian refugees' demands to return to land they fled or were expelled from during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war that led to Israel's independence.

The White House has been holding intensive talks with Israel in recent weeks about an agreement concerning Israel's future settlement building policy, but the sides have not come to an agreement yet.

Netanyahu said reaching an understanding with Washington on the settlements would be "good for Israel." But he has also pledged to honor a promise to build a new settlement to replace Amona, an illegal settlement outpost built on private Palestinian land that was dismantled following an Israeli Supreme Court ruling.

"I promised from the beginning that we would create a new settlement," Netanyahu said Thursday. "I believe I gave the first commitment in December and we will fulfill (the commitments) today. There are a few more hours and you will know all of the details later."

According to Israeli media, Netanyahu will convene his Security Cabinet late Thursday and is expected to hold a vote to approve a replacement settlement in the West Bank.
She has a West Wing office, facetime with world leaders and unrivaled access to the president. And as Ivanka Trump's White House role grows, so does the backlash.

Ivanka Trump, a first daughter with first-in-recent-history influence, has become fodder in a heated national conversation about gender politics and ideological beliefs. While she has won fans for her interest in advancing women, critics have questioned her qualifications, her power, her politics and her ethics.



Trump showed Wednesday she is sensitive to some of the discussion.



After weeks of resisting a formal role in her father's White House, she said she would become a federal employee, although an unpaid one. The decision was aimed at quieting ethics experts who noted her informal role allowed her to avoid filing financial disclosure forms and other transparency requirements.



In a statement announcing the decision, Trump said she had "heard the concerns" of critics and was working with the White House to address "the unprecedented nature of my role." She previously planned to work out of a West Wing office in a more informal capacity, while voluntarily following ethics rules.



Asked about the criticism of her White House work, Trump acknowledged in a statement to the Associated Press that she "wouldn't be here in Washington if my father wasn't elected president." But she added, "I want to add positive and meaningful value and people will be able to judge with time if I've been successful in that goal.''



It is difficult to find first family members who have raised similar levels of public fascination and broad debate, particularly among political women.



Some of the toughest knocks, although not all, are coming from liberals who think Ivanka Trump has done too little to temper the president's conservative agenda. Trump has seized on a set of typically progressive issues, notably family leave and child care, leading many to assume she did not share her father's nationalistic politics. Since her father took office, she has staged several events relating to women and workforce development, but avoided all public comment on her father's travel ban, border wall, proposed budget cuts or the rollback in climate-change regulations.



"For every woman who held out hope that maybe Trump isn't going to be so bad, or that she'd be able to curtail the worst of his impulses, it hasn't happened,'' said novelist Jennifer Weiner.



That view was captured in a "Saturday Night Live'' send-up that featured her in an advertisement for a perfume called "Complicit.'' A voiceover called it "the fragrance for the woman who can stop all this ... but won't.''



Ivanka Trump's defenders argue that the first daughter is being held to an unfairly high standard. Carrie Lukas, managing director of the conservative Independent Women's Network, said "a lot of this criticism of her overlooks that she is a pretty accomplished woman in her own right.''



Trump, a 35-year-old mother of three, previously held executive roles at the Trump Organization and running her self-named lifestyle brand that offers clothing and jewelry. She relinquished those positions to come to Washington, though she retains ownership of her brand.



Trump's influence in the White House has cemented quickly. Alongside husband Jared Kushner, a senior adviser to the president, she has become almost a fixture in the building. She has at times hosted events similar to those held by past first ladies: This week she welcomed female entrepreneurs to the White House, spoke to girls about STEM education and announced an official trip to Germany. But she's also sat in on meetings with foreign leaders, including a recent session with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.



While her influence in the tumultuous White House remains opaque, she is very close to her father, who joined her at a round table this week and praised her work on women's economic issues. Noting an invitation for Ivanka Trump to attend a summit in Berlin, the president said she will be "working on similar issues with Chancellor Merkel.''



Ivanka Trump's promise to advocate for pro-family proposals has been met with some skepticism. She has limited political experience and scant support from Republican lawmakers. Critics note she remained silent about the White House-backed health care legislation, which would have blocked federal payments for a year to Planned Parenthood and could have reduced access to maternity and pediatric care. As that bill unraveled last week, she was on vacation in Aspen with her family.



"Ivanka Trump is a woman, who happens to be a mom, who works,'' said Juliet Williams, a professor of gender studies at the University of California, Los Angeles. "That is really not the same caliber of qualifications to install her as a leader of this administration's efforts to address challenges facing working women.''



Still, some more liberal women have offered support. Trump was praised last month by Anne Marie Slaughter, who five years ago wrote a popular essay in The Atlantic magazine on why she left a job in the State Department to spend more time with her family. She took to Twitter to defend Trump against criticism of the childcare policy offered during the campaign.



Slaughter tweeted that if Trump "could actually get something like this through, it would be real & important progress.''



And the first daughter is winning people over. Dyan Gibbens, owner of Trumball Unmanned, which provides data services to the energy industry, came away from two White House meetings impressed with Trump.



"She's composed, she's confident, she's well spoken, she's well-educated, which are all the traits we want our daughters to have,'' Gibbens said. "Give her a chance.''


A federal court sentenced Brazil's former speaker of the lower house, Eduardo Cunha, to more than 15 years in prison on Thursday for corruption, making him the highest-profile political conviction yet in the "Operation Car Wash" scandal.

The former politician's defense team said they would appeal the decision but Cunha will remain imprisoned pending appeal.

Cunha, who drove the successful impeachment of former President Dilma Rousseff, was forced from his position as speaker in July and arrested in October on accusations he received millions in bribes from the purchase of an oil field in Benin by state-run oil company Petrobras.

Over 200 people have been charged in the Operation Car Wash probe, a far-reaching investigation that centers on bribes and political kickbacks from contracts at Petrobras. The Supreme Court is likely to approve soon the investigation of dozens of sitting politicians.

In February 2015, Cunha, a member of President Michel Temer's Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB) that for a decade was the main member of left-leaning Workers Party (PT) governments, defied the wishes of his own coalition to run for and win the speakership of the lower house of Congress.

'Political persecution'

Just six months later, he officially broke with the PT government of Rousseff, saying that she was using the Petrobras investigation as a tool of political persecution against him.

As speaker, only Cunha could allow impeachment proceedings to begin against Rousseff, whom critics accused of breaking budgetary laws.

He did just that in December 2015, just hours after PT deputies cast deciding votes for him to face an investigation by the House's ethics committee for lying about bank accounts he and his wife held in Switzerland.

By May, Rousseff was impeached and Temer installed as successor. But Cunha could not shake free of corruption allegations that eventually led to his downfall.

Cunha faces another charge

Once he was kicked out of congress, Cunha lost the privilege given to sitting politicians that only the badly overburdened Supreme Court can try them.

His case was instead sent to crusading anti-corruption judge Sergio Moro, who has been the driving force behind Brazil's fight against graft. Moro has a reputation for plowing through cases efficiently, with over 98 percent of his convictions in Car Wash cases being upheld by higher courts.

Cunha faces another trial for allegedly receiving $5 million skimmed from Petrobras contracts for two drill ships in 2006 and 2007.
During their first-ever formal meeting, culture ministers representing Group of Seven industrialized nations on Thursday decried the looting and trafficking of cultural treasures by terror groups while experts acknowledged that objects believed looted by extremists are starting to surface in the marketplace.

The topic was on the table both during technical sessions by experts and law enforcement and during the afternoon meeting of G-7 cultural ministers and top officials. The gathering in Florence came a week after the U.N. Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution co-authored by Italy and France warning that the destruction of cultural treasures may constitute war crimes.



Now, the discussion is turning not just to the destruction of cultural treasures, as seen in Syria and Afghanistan, but also to their trafficking as a source of funding to support the activities of extremist groups.

Heritage sites included

U.S. Ambassador Bruce Wharton, acting undersecretary for public diplomacy, told reporters that the ministers discussed the grave risk posed by looting and trafficking at the hands of terrorist organizations and criminal networks.

He cited the pillaging of heritage sites in Timbuktu in Mali, Palmyra in Syria and the Mosul museum in Iraq, which experts are just beginning to assess after 2 years being under control of Islamic State group extremists.

Looting, trafficking and the illicit sale of cultural heritage objects have helped ISIS-Daesh finance its operations, along with trafficking in drugs, weapons and people, Wharton said.



German Minister of State Maria Boehmer said terrorism feeds on illegal trafficking of cultural treasures and applauded moves by the International Criminal Court to make the targeted destruction of cultural property a war crime.

'The barbaric destruction by terrorist groups is targeting people's identity, she said.

Details are few



U.S. Department of Homeland Security Deputy Assistant Director Ray Villanueva said developments in identifying artifacts looted by extremists are very fresh ... happening as we speak. Villanueva said providing details, including of the countries of origin of looted objects, could compromise the ongoing investigations.



However, I can tell you in general that [through the] internet [and] art dealers we are seeing artifacts coming up from different places, Villanueva said, adding that the public, museums and art dealers were key to providing law enforcement with information.



Milan lawyer Manlio Frigo, who represents museums and art dealers, acknowledged that not all the trafficking in war zones was at the hands of extremists. Refugees crossing the border from Syria have been seen with plastic bags containing artifacts, Frigo said.

Looting for profit

Director-General Irina Bokova of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization said there is plenty of evidence that extremists are looting for profit.



A group of partners that includes Interpol and the world customs organization are creating a common database and sharing information in a bid to recover the treasures, Bokova said.



Every single day something happens somewhere that testifies to the fact that it is a systematic, I would say, looting of sites to engage with the illicit trafficking, she said.
Hundreds of Iranian students already accepted into U.S. graduate programs may not be able to come next fall because of the uncertainty around President Donald Trump's proposed travel ban, potentially derailing research projects and leaving some science programs scrambling to find new students.

With admission season still in full swing, 25 of America's largest research universities have already sent more than 500 acceptance letters to students from the six affected countries, according to data provided by schools in response to Associated Press requests. The vast majority of those students are from Iran, where undergraduate programs are known for their strength in engineering and computer sciences.

The ban, which would suspend immigration from Iran, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Syria and Yemen, has been blocked by federal judges. But if the court ruling is overturned or if Trump issues a new immigration ban, students would be locked out for next fall, legal experts say.

"For us to not have access to that talent pool is a major, major blow. It is unimaginable in schools of engineering across the country to lose that talent," said Kazem Kazerounian, dean of the School of Engineering at the University of Connecticut, which has accepted 15 Iranian students so far.

The new uncertainty has steered some students to other nations that compete with the U.S. for top students, including Canada, Australia and Japan, officials at some schools say.

Students from Iran have helped fill graduate programs at American colleges for years, especially in engineering schools. Out of 12,000 Iranian students who attended U.S. universities last year, 77 percent were graduate students and more than half studied engineering, according to data from the State Department and the Institute of International Education, a nonprofit in Washington.

At the University of Central Florida, a third of the 115 students who have been accepted to graduate programs in civil and electrical engineering for next fall are from Iran.

Iranian student Amir Soleimani, 26, has been accepted to two universities in the U.S., where he wants to pursue a doctorate in electrical engineering and continue his research on artificial intelligence. If he is kept out, he says, he'll likely have to begin his two years of mandatory service in Iran's military.

"My future is very dependent on this ban," said Soleimani, who lives in the city of Mashhad and has a master's in electrical engineering from the University of Tehran. "We have spent lots of our time and our energy to apply to top universities, and now that we have been admitted to these universities, it is very disastrous to see we may be banned."

Once implemented, the ban would last 90 days, but even afterward it would likely be too late for students to complete the months-long process to obtain visas.

Many U.S. universities rely on international students to work as research and teaching assistants, particularly in engineering. Americans who study engineering as undergraduates often opt for the job market instead of graduate school, experts say, leaving them to rely heavily on international students. Some schools also rely on tuition money from foreign students, who are typically charged full costs.

The University of Massachusetts at Amherst has offered acceptance to 42 Iranian students in graduate programs, and their absence would interfere with the progress of research, said John McCarthy, dean of the university's graduate school.

"It's not something where we can just suddenly go out in the street and grab somebody who's qualified to be a PhD student in electrical engineering," McCarthy said.

At the University of Central Florida, 30 percent of the students working at the school's Center for Research in Computer Vision are from Iran, and all of them play key roles in research, said Mubarak Shah, director of the center. Some, for example, are working on a $1.3 million project funded by a federal grant to develop computer technology that can quickly analyze thousands of hours of surveillance footage in an effort to help speed up criminal investigations.

"We are concerned that this may hurt us long-term in research," Shah said.

So far, Central Florida has offered admission to 87 graduate students from Iran for next fall. The university may be able to find replacements this year, but the quality of programs would likely suffer, said Dale Whittaker, the university's provost.

"These numbers are pretty high," he said. "I doubt that we would be able to fill 20 spots with high-quality students in one cohort."

Even if the White House does not restore the ban, many schools fear students overseas will think twice about coming to the U.S. At Ohio State University, total graduate applications from abroad are down 8 percent this year, including countries not affected by the ban. Numbers at Indiana University are down 11 percent.

"It's a big concern within the field, and not just at Indiana," said John Wilkerson, Indiana University's director of international affairs.

Indiana and some other universities have promised to refund application fees for students if they're banned, and some schools are offering to defer admission for a year. Many Iranian students have contacted the nonprofit American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee asking for advice, but for now, experts say, there's little to give.

"It's all up in limbo, even with the court orders," said Abed Ayoub, the group's legal and policy director. "If an opportunity does present itself in another country, they just may have to take that."
About 200 meters outside Mosuls Old City, you can hear the battle raging inside. But families, which typically flee Islamic State militants as soon as Iraqi forces get close, are no where to be seen.



Civilians who did escape say fewer people are coming because IS militants are executing anyone they can catch and forcing the rest of the people to remain in their homes. Many people are in hiding, trapped as human shields.





Besides IS snipers, Mosul residents are victims of airstrikes, car bombs, sniper fire, and mortars from both sides. Civilian death tolls are soaring and nearly 290,000 people have fled.



As many as 8,000 people per day have arrived at camps surrounding Mosul in recent weeks, but officials say that number is decreasing because so many civilians are trapped.



Outside a camp that serves as a make-shift bus station for fleeing families, children describe seeing their neighbors murdered by IS as they fled.





We ran away because we had no food and mortars were dropping on the houses, says 11-year-old Kamla. We ran fast through the hills. So many people were shot dead behind us.



The past week has seen some of the most brutal fighting since operations to re-take Iraq from Islamic State militants began in October, and soldiers have been battling at the edges of Mosuls Old City for weeks.



Iraqi forces say fighting in the Old City requires them to enter on foot, while IS snipers hide out in buildings above. And while in previous battles, many militants have fled, IS is now holding its ground in its last stronghold in Mosul.



Because so many IS fighters remaining are foreign, the battles are fierce, says Lt. Col. Abdulamir al-Muhammadawi, of one of Iraqs elite front-line fighting forces, the Emergency Response Division. But our soldiers are accomplishing our mission.





In areas captured by Iraqi forces in the past few days, IS mortars and other weapons left behind indicate that when the militants are beaten, they are retreating fast.



Last week, some Iraqi officials said operations would pause as suspected U.S.-led coalition airstrikes on civilian homes were investigated.



But soldiers here in Mosul say they are not slowing down. And families say the death and destruction is so extreme that, more than anything else, they just want it to end.



We hid in our house for 10 days, terrified, says Najal Ismaili, a grandmother of 20, who fled her home on Wednesday. May God banish the militants and cure us from this evil.
Yes, Simon's Cat is between the covers again The new book is called Simon's Cat vs the World and you can win your own copy, acco...
Russia justified its 2014 annexation of Crimea, and ongoing support for rebels in east Ukraine, by claiming ethnic Russians there were threatened by nationalists and faced discrimination. But while Russian rhetoric, frequent military drills, and the legacy of Soviet aggression raise concerns, there is surprisingly little tension within the Baltics' Russian minority community. VOA's Daniel Schearf visited the Latvian capital, Riga, to find out more.
In a cave in a mountain in western Texas, the Long Now Foundation is building a clock - a big clock, 150 meters tall. The clock will tick only once each year, go bong once a century, and once a millennium, it will send out a cuckoo. Its creators plan for it to last at least 10,000 years.

But theyre not doing it just to build a better clock.

The goal of the Long Now Foundation," explains its Executive Director Alexander Rose, "is fundamentally to foster long term responsibility and to think about the future in much deeper terms.

He calls the enormous, slow-ticking timepiece an icon of long-term thinking, one of many projects Long Now has launched on that scale.

Theres certain problems such as climate change, or education or things like that that can only be solved if youre thinking on a multi-generational or even longer time frame, he said.



Ferrets and mammoths

One of those long-term projects is an effort to save the black-footed ferret. This endangered, New World weasel is vulnerable to the old-world disease known as plague.

The Long Nows Revive and Restore project is exploring how to genetically modify the ferrets DNA to resist plague.

Rose says that Revive and Restore is also looking for ways to bring back the woolly mammoth.

Were sitting on the cusp of one of the very first times in human history where we can do that. That project has been pulling together different scientists as well as ecologists to figure out not only what species we could do but what we should do to help the environment.

Disappearing languages are another Long Now priority. This century, thousands of rare human languages may disappear. The Long Now is partnering with linguists and native speakers to preserve these languages on line. The foundation also has created language decoder rings. Each of these palm-sized disks, made from long-lasting nickel, holds miniaturized language pages for over 1,000 languages.

University of Colorado archives director Heather Ryan has assisted what's called the Rosetta Project. She says the Rosetta Disks are a great thought experiment for long-term thinking. And if we ever lose our on-line experts, she says, they may also be practical.

Looking 10,000 years into the future, somebody could come across and . . . pick up the fact that theres information etched on here. We can then find clues to all the languages of human civilization over time, Ryan said.

In the here and now

To foster long-term responsibility, the Long Now Foundation sponsors talks and podcasts with visionaries, such as Dr. Larry Brilliant. The physician and epidemiologist is a former hippie and current philanthropist, who helped the World Health Organization eradicate smallpox.

Audience members say hearing these long-term thinkers gets them thinking about their future. One teenage boy announces, Eventually, I want to make a difference in the world. A man in the crowd observes, We have to have a long-term view in order to have a long term life.



As for pessimists who wonder, whats the point of thinking 10,000 years ahead, when the world might not survive another 10 months, another member of the audience answers with a laugh, "Makes you wonder, but youve always got to keep your eye on the future or else youll be stuck. And you cant get anything done if youre stuck.

By helping people care, dream and do, the Long Now Foundation plans to make the world a better place for a long time to come.
Malaysian officials have authorized the release of the body of the half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak says the remains of Kim Jong Nam, the victim of an unusual murder last month at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, has been released to North Korea at the family's request.

Najib said following the completion of an autopsy and receipt of a letter from his family requesting the remains be returned to North Korea, the coroner has approved the release of the body.

Nine Malaysians who had been detained in North Korea since the killing have also been allowed to return to Malaysia.

Kim was poisoned at the airport in a bold Cold War-style assassination with a deadly nerve agent that has been banned by the United Nations as a weapon of mass destruction.

South Korea has blamed its northern neighbor for Kim's death, but North Korea has dismissed those allegations.

North Korea had denounced Malaysia's investigation as an attempt to discredit a secretive regime and has insisted Kim most likely died of a heart attack.

The murder has damaged relations between Malaysia and North Korea, which have expelled each other's ambassadors.
2 This handout photo from the Queensland Police Service shows a bull shark washed up on a road near the town of Ayr after a powerful cyclone wreaked havoc in northeast Australia.
Qatar Airways is offering loaner laptops to its business class passengers in the wake of a U.S. ban on them on flights from several countries.

As an award-winning and global airline we truly appreciate the importance of being able to work on board our aircraft and that is why I have insisted on offering only the best possible solution for our customers, said Akbar Al Baker, the companys CEO. By providing this laptop loan service we can ensure that our passengers on flights to the US can continue to work whilst on-board. This unique ability to offer business as usual, above and beyond the competition, is yet another example of Qatar Airways justification for being the Worlds Best Business Class.

A news statement from the airline did not say what kind of computers the loaners will be, nor what software will be available. Photos posted with the statement show a MacBook Pro.

The airline says customers will be able to bring their own USB sticks so they can have access to documents they may be working on.

In a nod to economy passengers, the airline says it will offer one hour of free wi-fi as well as full wi-fi access for the entire flight for $5.

The ban on devices, which as announced earlier this month, includes tablets, e-readers, portable DVD players or any electronic device bigger than a smartphone.

The policy only covers nonstop flights to the U.S. from 10 airports in North Africa and the Middle East. Some of the airports include busy hubs like Istanbul, Turkey, and Dubai in the UAE.

Flights to these destinations from the U.S. are not subject to the ban.

Other airlines affected by the ban are taking similar steps. Emirates is letting passengers use laptops up to the moment they board, and Etihad is offering free wi-fi and iPads to its premium customers.
A group of strawberry pickers from Bangladesh has won a case against Greece at Europe's highest human rights court, after being shot at by employers for demanding unpaid wages.

The Council of Europe's Court of Human Rights ruled Thursday in favor of 42 Bangladeshi nationals, and ordered the Greek state to pay them damages of 12,000-16,000 euros ($13,000-$17,000) each for having "failed in its obligations to prevent the situation of human trafficking, to protect the victims."



The 2013 incident occurred near the southern Greek town of Manolada, 260 kilometers (160 miles) west of Athens, when more than 20 migrant strawberry pickers were shot and wounded by foremen wielding shotguns after demanding delayed pay.



The European case was launched after a Greek court convicted two of the shooting suspects but they were released pending their appeal.



Morsed Chowdury, the lead applicant in the European case, and the human rights watchdog Amnesty International welcomed the decision taken by the court in Strasbourg, France.



"We are very pleased and excited by today's judgment. The Greek court's acquittal of the farmers for the crime of forced labor was a great disappointment to us," Chowdury said.



"We hope that the Greek government will learn from our experiences and recognize our important role in the Greek economy."



The shootings were widely publicized, highlighting the frequent mistreatment of migrant workers in Greek farming jobs.



"Today's judgment is an important vindication for them and their families and will hopefully help prevent future abuse," Amnesty International's Gauri van Gulik told the AP.



"Amnesty has met and interviewed the migrant workers about their exploitation in 2013 just after the incident and saw for ourselves their living conditions."
A Native American tribe in Montana filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration Wednesday, challenging its decision to lift a moratorium on coal leases on public land without first consulting with tribal leaders.

The Northern Cheyenne Tribe, located in southern Montana, said the administration lifted the moratorium without hearing the tribes concerns about the impact the coal-leasing program has on the tribe, its members and lands.

Earlier this month, the tribe sent a letter to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, who signed the order lifting the moratorium Tuesday, asking to meet with him to discuss the issue. Zinke did not respond to the letter.

It is alarming and unacceptable for the United States, which has a solemn obligation as the Northern Cheyennes trustee, to sign up for many decades of harmful coal mining near and around our homeland without first consulting with our Nation, Tribal Chairman Jace Killsback said.

Although coal leasing can resume on federal lands, Killsback said the tribe, which filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Great Falls, Montana, will bear the brunt of the impact.

The Northern Cheyenne rarely shares in the economic benefits to the region generated by coal industry and other energy development projects, he said.

Approximately 426 million tons of federal coal are located near the Northern Cheyenne Reservation at the Decker and Spring Creek mines in Montana, the tribe said.

Neighboring tribe, the Crow, rely on coal production to support their local economy and have called for the relaxation of coal regulations for years.

In a press call Wednesday, Zinke said the new executive orders are a boon for the Crow people, who rely on coal as their predominant industry.

A war on coal is a war on the Crow people, he said. He did not respond to a query about the Northern Cheyenne lawsuit.

In a separate lawsuit filed Wednesday by environmental group Earthjustice, a coalition of conservation groups challenged the administrations moratorium decision, arguing that it imperils public health for the benefit of coal companies.

No one voted to pollute our public lands, air or drinking water in the last election, yet the Trump administration is doing the bidding of powerful polluters as nearly its first order of business, Earthjustice attorney Jenny Harbine said in a statement.
Mortar shells wounded at least seven people in and around the presidential compound Thursday in Mogadishu, Somalia, while the Cabinet was meeting inside.

At least three mortars struck a residential neighborhood near the palace.

A mortar shell hit near a house in Wardhigley district close to the presidential compound. We transported four injured civilians to the hospital, Mohamed Aden, an ambulance driver told VOA.

No Cabinet members were wounded as Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire was holding the new governments first meeting with ministers to talk about security and the drought.

No one has claimed the responsibility for the shelling, but Somali militant group al-Shabab often attacks government targets.

In Washington, the Pentagon announced Thursday that President Donald Trump has given it more authority to launch airstrikes against al-Shabab without having to justify its actions.

The U.S. is supporting Somali and African Union forces in their fight against the Islamic terrorists.

The additional support provided by this authority will help deny al-Shabab safe havens from which it could attack U.S. citizens or U.S. interests in the region, Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis said Thursday.

The new Somali government is struggling to assert its authority as it deals with a devastating drought and terror from the militants.


The Rohingya Muslim insurgency, whose sneak attacks in October killed nine border guard officers in Myanmars northern Rakhine State, issued a detailed list of demands this week that struck a far more pragmatic note while describing the use of violence in the past as self-defense.

Ata Ullah, the commander of the Faith Movement, now rebranded as the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), signed the March 29 list, which has been verified and seems to have been timed to the anniversary of Aung San Suu Kyis first year in power. Arakan is another name for Rakhine.

A new presentation

In a preamble to the 20 demands, the ARSA said it does not associate with any terrorist organizations, eschews attacks against civilians and religious minorities, and wants to state loud and clear that its defensive attacks are only aimed at the oppressive Burmese regime. They said they would support international peacekeeping troops in the state.

Suu Kyis party, the National League for Democracy, won elections in late 2015 and swore in its president, Htin Kyaw, one year ago today. Suu Kyi, barred from the presidency by the 2008 military-drafted constitution, assumed the roles of foreign minister and state counselor. But the military still controls 25 percent of parliament and three key ministries.

By far the most polished and level-headed presentation of the groups goals, the list stands in stark contrast to grainy YouTube videos posted in the days after the attack, which showed men holding guns and reading off declarations in a forest hideout.

Among other things, the demands include calls for political representation, citizenship rights, access to relief aid, education opportunities, freedom of movement and religion, the return of property, the ability to participate in trade and commercial activities, and the return of Rohingya refugees.

Its significant they deny connections to terrorist organizations, deny targeting civilians, and speak mostly of rights-based objectives, said Matthew Smith, executive director of the NGO Fortify Rights, in an email. We have no evidence that the group is well-trained, well-financed, or well-organized, but its clear they arent going anywhere.

Muslim insurgencies began in 1940s

Since Myanmar became independent in 1948, Muslim insurgencies in Rakhine have emerged under different political contexts over the decades, a reflection of self-determination sought by members of other faiths and ethnic groups across the country. Myanmar does not recognize the Rohingya as one of its many ethnic groups, denies them citizenship and has pushed them out of the political sphere.

The International Crisis Group said in a report last year that the Faith Movement was formed around 2012 after inter-communal violence in Rakhine killed hundreds and sent more than 120,000 Rohingya into IDP camps in the state capital Sittwe, where they remain today. Its leaders are centered in the Rohingya diaspora in Saudi Arabia, the report said.

Accusations of atrocities

As part of the hunt for militants in the wake of the October attacks, Myanmars armed forces have been accused of numerous atrocities, including rape and arson. An estimated 1,000 people have been killed.

The government has vehemently denied the more serious of the accusations, but mounting testimonies pushed the United Nations Human Rights Council to green light a fact-finding mission last week. It is not clear whether the U.N. will gain access.

Meanwhile, tens of thousands of Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh, and the area of the state where the attacks occurred remains under lockdown except for rare visits and supervised tours.

A hard line by the Myanmar military

Zaw Htay, a spokesman for the presidents office, did not immediately return requests for comment on the Rohingya demands. But Myanmars Commander-in-Chief, Min Aung Hlaing this week gave an indication of how the government will view the demands of the ARSA and the prospect of a U.N. probe.

At the annual Armed Forces Day in the capital Naypyitaw, the general called the Rohingya illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

We have already let the world know that we dont have Rohingya in our country, he said, according to reports of his speech.

Two senior U.N. officials working among the Rohingya refugees said more than 1,000 Rohingya might have been killed during the four-month security operation. However, Myanmar presidential spokesman Zaw Htay has previously said fewer than 100 people had been killed during the operation.
There are more than 4,000 colleges and universities in the United States, where the educational experience traditionally revolves around living on campus and attending classes in person.

However, now, with the help of technology, the way knowledge passes from teachers to their students is changing.

In February 2016, the Babson Survey Research Group reported that 28 percent of all U.S. college students took at least one class over the internet. The research group, part of Babson College in Massachusetts, studies all levels of education across the country.

Yet, having students take a few online classes during their college years is not the only change technology is driving.

Many U.S. colleges and universities now offer full degree programs online. This opens up all kinds of possibilities for students around the world.

New educational possibilities

One such student, Leanne from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, is using an online degree program to meet her needs. The 30-year-old asked VOA not to share her last name as she has yet to complete her studies.

In 2012, Leanne earned a bachelors degree in nursing through a traditional study program at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. She then started working as a nurse in the Washington, D.C. area.

After a few years, Leanne decided she wanted to earn a masters degree to help further her career in medicine. However, she did not want to move to another city to continue her education, as can often be the case for students. Her job and her husband were in Washington, and she only wanted to study part-time. So, Leanne decided to look for an online program.

"There were a lot of good, appealing things about doing it online," she said. "It allowed me to work full-time and fit the schoolwork into my schedule, which often made it a lot more financially feasible."

In 2014, Leanne began taking nursing classes through the online masters degree program at DCs George Washington University. The program provides medical training videos through her home computer. She also is involved in discussion groups, takes tests, and submits projects online.

Leanne says much of her studies are self-directed. But students also must physically visit the university at least four times during their three-year program for in-person testing.

Leanne says her program appeals to a lot of people with full-time jobs. And, George Washington University is not alone in its efforts to spread online education.

Overcoming barriers

The communications company AT&T gave the Georgia Institute of Technology $4 million to create an online degree program in 2014. This led to an online masters degree program in computer science.

And in the past few years, the program has become a true success story, says Joshua Goodman, an associate professor of public policy at Harvard University. Goodman studied the effects of the online program. Harvards Kennedy School of Government published his findings last September.

Goodman says online degree programs have faced two major barriers. First, it has often been lesser-known, lower-quality, or for-profit universities that have offered online programs. Second, well-known, high-quality schools charged the same price for online and in-person programs, which often led to students choosing the traditional programs.

But the Georgia Tech program may have solved these problems, Goodman says. Many experts consider the university to have one of the best computer science masters degree programs in the country. Also, Georgia Tech began offering the online program at less than one-sixth of the cost of the traditional program.

The schools in-person program only has room for about 300 students. The online program had about 1,700 new students at the start of the school year.

Goodman argues it's not just the quality or the price that make Georgia Techs online program so successful. The average age of students trying to get into the traditional program is about 24. The average age of the online students is 34. These are people in the middle of their careers, Goodman notes. They are not free to drop everything and spend a few years studying instead of working.

Goodman says before the Georgia Tech program, many of these people had no other good choices for furthering their education.

"The folks who applied for this program  did not have other educational options that they would do if they didnt get into this program," he said. "What we found is that if they got into this program, they went, they did this degree. And if they didnt get in, almost none of them went to another university. So it seems like this program is creating educational opportunities for mid-career people that would not have otherwise existed."

Financial boost for struggling colleges

Online degree programs seem to not only help students with non-traditional needs. In some cases, the appeal of the programs has helped the schools themselves. This is especially important considering many colleges and universities have struggled financially in recent years.

Simmons College is a small, private college in Boston, Massachusetts. For several years, Simmons accepted more graduate students than undergraduates. In 2012, the school created a plan to start offering two of its most popular masters degree programs online. The two are in nursing and social work.

Last year, the college collected about $45 million in student payments for those programs. This year the programs are expected to bring in about $55.9 million. This is about $3 million more than all the in-person graduate programs Simmons offers, combined.

Suzanne Murphy, head of the online programs at Simmons, says the reason those programs appeal to so many students is the quality.

You measure success in student outcomes, Murphy said. How are the students doing? How are they progressing through the programs? Things like that. And the programs that we put online are the same programs that we have on the ground.
Thursday, March 30, 2017 Sanchez For Senate? Light Guv's Options Seem Narrow, Plus: NM Senators Play Nice With New Energy Boss



My intuitive sense is that he may well run for the seat in US Senate that will be up in 2018 rather than making a run for Governor that year. That would make a good deal of sense on several levels, including not having to run for Governor in the posture of being perceived as not much more than a continuation of the failed Martinez administration of which he has been a part since its inception.



Senate may be the play, if there is a future for the Light Guv. Down in Alamogordo he was



Sanchez said if there hadn't been fiscal responsibility in New Mexico's finances for the last six years or if Democrats had been in charge of the state government, the budget situation would've been extreme. "Some predicted New Mexico would be facing insolvency," Sanchez said. "I think it's important New Mexicans understand that because of a very disciplined responsible approach to how we spend New Mexico tax dollars in Santa Fe, we're in a better place."



You mean "avoiding insolvency" is the standard? A pretty low bar indeed. As for being in a "better place," that place is pretty wretched as the state's rankings across the board have plunged even further since Martinez and Sanchez took power. Maybe John believes he can run for Senate against Martin Heinrich and that Heinrich will forget all that. Good luck with that.



TIME FOR NICE



Sen. Heinrich voted against his nomination of Rick Perry as Secretary of Energy but now with billions in federal DOE funding on the line, it's time for him and Senator Udall (who



Senators Udall and Heinrich sent a letter to Energy Secretary Rick Perry inviting him to visit Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories.



The work at Los Alamos and Sandia is critical to meeting DOEs mission of assuring national security through stewardship of the nuclear weapons stockpile, nuclear non-proliferation, and homeland security. . . In addition, both laboratories are leaders in the development of advanced energy technologies, including renewable energy. . .



We don't know how far the senators will get in a climate change discussion with a member of the Trump administration, but they may find it heartening that Secretary Perry, the former Governor Texas, has finally



WEH'S WAYS



That strange



Where are the charges against him? Leaving a gun unsecured is a crime many people have been charged with. Allen, you are the perfect example of irresponsible gun ownership. How did you have the balls to give an interview after being so stupid? Now you know why you did not get elected. . .



POKING GRISHAM



Conservative reader Jim McClure has a dig for Dem US Rep. and '18 Guv candidate Michelle Lujan Grisham:



Lujan-Grisham has been particularly visible in the Dems anti-Trump resistance movement, participating in a sit-in on the floor of Congress and a costumed sit-down at a presidential speech. But because New Mexico is a ward of the federal government, our next governor will need to get along with the Trump administration to keep those military and welfare dollars flowing. So Michelles political theatrics could hurt the states access to the Washington trough.



Okay, but first there's all those anti-Trump votes needed for the nomination, and after that is the federal dollars.



HOW'S THE HOUSE?



The latest on BernCo property values from Assessor Tanya Giddings:



The 2017 Residential properties saw favorable growth at 4.13% overall. The largest amount of new construction was primarily in the NW quadrant of the County. Non-Residential properties are still relatively flat as values increased in that sector at 1.25%. The overall assessed value of Bernalillo County is $56.4 billion, which is a 3.2% increase from last year.



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( c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2017 An Alligator of the Senior variety writes of the political future of GOP Lt. Gov. John Sanchez:Senate may be the play, if there is a future for the Light Guv. Down in Alamogordo he was still tying himself to the apron strings of outgoing and unpopular Gov. Martinez. Sanchez was reduced arguing that the administration has left the state in lousy condition but it would be even lousier if the Democrats were in charge:You mean "avoiding insolvency" is the standard? A pretty low bar indeed. As for being in a "better place," that place is pretty wretched as the state's rankings across the board have plunged even further since Martinez and Sanchez took power. Maybe John believes he can run for Senate against Martin Heinrich and that Heinrich will forget all that. Good luck with that.Sen. Heinrich voted against his nomination of Rick Perry as Secretary of Energy but now with billions in federal DOE funding on the line, it's time for him and Senator Udall (who voted for Perry) to play nice. The news:We don't know how far the senators will get in a climate change discussion with a member of the Trump administration, but they may find it heartening that Secretary Perry, the former Governor Texas, has finally figured out just what the Department of Energy does.That strange story of former NM GOP party chairman and 2010 Guv candidate Allen Weh hashing his unlocked vehicle robbed of a gun four--count 'em--four separate times--had the readers writing--and not very favorably:Conservative reader Jim McClure has a dig for Dem US Rep. and '18 Guv candidate Michelle Lujan Grisham:Okay, but first there's all those anti-Trump votes needed for the nomination, and after that is the federal dollars.The latest on BernCo property values from Assessor Tanya Giddings:With the arrival of the warm weather months and no general election this year, the political news will slow some and we'll adapt to those months by bringing you NM Politics with Joe Monahan Tuesday through Thursday rather than the current five days a week schedule. Of course, if big news breaks out we'll break in no matter the time or day. And you can always find us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest on La Politica. Our new schedule is effective next week when we'll look forward to starting the blogging week with you Tuesday, April 4.This is the home of New Mexico politics. E-mail your news and comments. (jmonahan@ix.netcom.com)
Unknown gunmen in central Pakistan have killed a prominent local leader of the minority Ahmadi community, a day after a new report spoke of increasing violence against what is referred to as the countrys most persecuted religious sect.

Police and community spokespeople said Malik Saleem Latif, a lawyer by profession, was on his way to a court with his son on their motorbike Thursday in the town of Nankana Sahib when attackers ambushed them and fired at them from behind.

The slain lawyer was the area head of the Ahmadi community and a relative of Pakistans first Nobel laureate, Professor Abdus Salam, who fled the country in 1974 and lived in Britain to protest enactment of a new constitutional amendment declaring Ahmadis as non-Muslims.

The violence came as the Ahmadi sect, in its annual report released Wednesday, documented an unprecedented increase in deadly attacks against its members and worship places across Pakistan in 2016.

The year ended under great stress and strain for the beleaguered community. Most of the vicious acts took place in the Punjab [province], the report said.

Thursdays attack also occurred in the province, the countrys most populous and the political power base of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his ruling Pakistan Muslim League-N.

Codified discrimination

Despite calls for canceling the discriminatory laws against the community, legislation was introduced in 1984 that banned Ahmadis from calling themselves Muslims and building their mosques in the country.

The minority group in predominantly Sunni Muslim Pakistan, believes a prophet (Ghulam Ahmad) followed the Prophet Mohammed, who founded Islam. But that view runs counter to the Muslim religion's central belief of Mohammad being the last of God's messengers.

Last December, thousands of Islamists stormed the only Ahmadi mosque in a village in Punjab and desecrated the sanctity of the worship place. The attack prompted authorities to call in troops and paramilitary soldiers to disperse the protesters.

Pakistani authorities later locked the worship place to deter more attacks and have since ignored calls from the Ahmadi community to reopen the mosque to allow its members to resume religious activities.

Pakistans other religious minorities, particularly Christians, also frequently complain of being targeted by radical Muslims and falsely accused of blasphemy, charges that carry the death penalty.

In the latest such incident reported in local media Thursday, a prosecutor allegedly told a group of under trial Christian suspects that he can guarantee their acquittal" if they renounce their faith and embrace Islam.

Rights activist Joseph Franci, who is providing the accused legal assistance in the case, told reporters that during a recent hearing the prosecutor gathered the suspects outside the court and made the offer.

An anti-terrorism court is trying the group of at least 40 Christians for allegedly participating in an angry mob lynching of two Muslim men shortly after a deadly twin suicide bombing of two churches two years ago in Lahore.

Prosecutor Syed Anees Shah is reported to have conceded that he made the offer.
Venezuela has arrested a senior manager of state oil company PDVSA on suspicion of irregularities in contracts to supply fuel to the domestic market, authorities said on Wednesday.

The detention of international commerce manager Marco Malave, 47, followed a shakeup of personnel at PDVSA's trade department since January and amid gasoline shortages around the South American OPEC nation last week.

PDVSA representatives denounced a series of irregularities in the protocol for contracting companies with vessels to supply the referred hydrocarbon to the Venezuelan market, the state prosecutor's office said in a statement.

The situation affected fuel distribution in seven states, including the capital Caracas, it said. Malave was arrested last week in Caracas and his bank accounts have been frozen.

Vow to battle corruption

President Nicolas Maduro's socialist government and Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A., familiarly known as PDVSA, have repeatedly vowed to take steps to combat corruption, which has affected Venezuela and its oil industry for decades.

Earlier this month, the heads of Venezuela-based subcontracting companies Castillo Max and Guevara Training were arrested and charged with corruption for overbilling in equipment sales at the main oil-exporting port Jose.

Jesus Osorio, the former manager of Jose terminal, was jailed in February over the purchase of two floating platforms costing $76.2 million.

Opposition leaders have said that PDVSA has been crippled by malfeasance under 18 years of socialist rule.

A probe last year by the opposition-run Congress said $11 billion had gone missing from PDVSA. The government dismissed that as part of a right-wing smear campaign.

Change at the top?

Rumors are rife inside PDVSA and in the wider oil sector that company president Eulogio del Pino may depart soon, to be replaced by Oil Minister Nelson Martinez. There has been no official word on this. Attempts to reach Del Pino have been unsuccessful.

Del Pino's apparent replacement Nelson Martinez is part of this broader trend of promoting loyalists, Eurasia consultancy analyst Risa Grais-Targow wrote in a report on Wednesday.

Martinez is close to Maduro, who has long wanted him to head PDVSA. Martinez represents the most viable alternative to Del Pino considering a shallow bench of skilled oil sector technocrats.
Peru said Thursday that it was recalling its ambassador to Venezuela and condemned the recent decision by Venezuela's Supreme Court to take over the functions of Congress as a "flagrant breach of democratic order."

Peru's Foreign Affairs Ministry added in a statement that it has started consultations with other members of the Organization of American States to discuss urgent measures to preserve democracy in Venezuela.

The pro-government court in Venezuela, which has previously annulled most of the legislature's decisions since the opposition won a majority in 2015, said late Wednesday that it was taking over congressional functions.

"Latin America is democratic. It's unacceptable what's happening in Venezuela," Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski said on Twitter.

Kuczynski, a former Wall Street banker, has repeatedly expressed concern for Venezuelans amid the country's relentless economic crisis and has criticized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro for cracking down on political opponents.

Maduro has called Kuczynski a "coward" and a "dog" servile to the United States.
Note to President Donald Trump and House Republicans: People really dont like your approach to overhauling Americas health care.



Sixty-two percent of Americans turned thumbs down on Trumps handling of health care during the initial weeks of his presidency, according to a poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research released Wednesday. It was his worst rating among seven issues the poll tested, including the economy, foreign policy and immigration.

Six changes, five unpopular

Of six changes the failed House GOP bill would have made to President Barack Obamas law, five drew more negative than positive reviews.



An overwhelming 8 in 10 opposed the Republican proposal to let insurers boost premiums on older people. Seven in 10 disapproved of premium surcharges for people whose coverage lapses.



By wide margins, people also disliked proposed cuts in Medicaid, which helps lower-earning people cover medical costs, a halt in federal payments to Planned Parenthood and a transformation of the Obama laws subsidies  based on income and premium costs  into aid linked to age.



His campaign promise was great health care for everyone, for all Americans at great prices, said Raymond Brown, 64, a Republican and retired truck driver from Rio Grande, New Jersey. He isnt fulfilling his campaign promise.



Overall, just more than half in the poll said they worry many Americans would have lost coverage had the GOP bill become law. Would their own families and average Americans have been better or worse off? More said worse.



More people support than oppose Obamas Affordable Care Act  by 45 percent to 38 percent, a slightly narrower margin than in January. And a slender majority say covering all Americans is a federal responsibility, a view embraced by Democrats but not Republicans, who instead focus on access and lower premiums.





The survey was conducted over five days preceding and following last Fridays withdrawal of the GOP health care bill. Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin, prevented a House vote that would have spelled defeat for the Republican legislation because of opposition from conservative and moderate Republicans.

The poll suggests that health care is damaging Trumps image.



Fifty-eight percent disapproved of his overall performance as president, not much different from his negative grade on health care. Even among those approving the job hes doing in office, about 1 in 5 was unhappy with his approach to health care.

1 in 3 Republicans disapprove



Nearly all Democrats and most independents disapproved of Trumps performance on health care, but so did around 1 in 3 Republicans.



In addition, Republicans had mixed views on the collapsed House GOP bill. Clear majorities of them opposed boosting premiums for older people and those whove had gaps in coverage. They were more likely to oppose than support cutting Medicaid and were divided over linking subsidies to age more than income.



Republicans did mostly back the Republican bills blocking of federal payments to Planned Parenthood. And they were likelier to say their own families and average Americans would have been better off, not worse, under the legislation.



Of the proposed Republican changes examined by the poll, only one received a positive reception. That was its elimination of the tax penalty on people who dont buy coverage, though by a modest 48 percent to 35 percent margin.



Strong majorities backed two Obama requirements the GOP would have left in place: Insurers cant deny policies to sick people and must cover children up to age 26 under their parents plans.

The AP-NORC poll of 1,110 adults was conducted March 23-27 using a sample drawn from NORCs probability-based AmeriSpeak panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4.0 percentage points. Interviews were conducted online and using landlines and cellphones.
A new poll shows that Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. can agree on at least one thing: their parties are afflicted with internal discord.

The NBC News/SurveyMonkey Poll found three-fourths of Republicans and Republican leaners say their party is divided, while nearly 60 percent of Democrats and Democratic sympathizers think their party is split.

Less than one-quarter of Republicans feel their party is united, compared to 40 percent of Democrats who who feel the same way about their party.

The poll was conducted Friday, March 24, just after last week's failure to advance the Republican health care reform bill.





Despite the setback, 51 percent of Republicans believe the party will unify by the midterm elections in 2018. Nearly a quarter of Republicans are pessimistic, believing the party will remain divided next year.

Almost 40 percent of the Democratic respondents believe their party will come together by next year's midterm elections, but 20 percent think it will remain split.

Meanwhile, the poll showed U.S. President Donald Trump's approval rating is now at 42 percent, compared to 56 percent of Americans who disapprove of the job he is doing. Trump's net approval rating slipped three percentage points over the past month to a negative rating of 14 percent.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he would be willing to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Speaking at an Arctic forum, Putin and Finland's president, Sauli Niinisto, said they were open to the idea of such a meeting, and Niinisto said he would be honored to host the summit in his country.

Putin said Russia has many friends in Washington and relations between the two countries would get better at some point.

He denied involvement in any efforts to influence the U.S. presidential election last year and called the allegations of Russian meddling lies and provocations.

Putin said any contacts Russian diplomats had in the U.S. were part of routine work. He said Russia proposed a joint cyber security effort with the U.S. long ago, but it was refused by Washington.
A photograph of Harriet Tubman, believed to be the earliest-known image of the anti-slavery crusader and showing her as younger than she is normally depicted, will go up for auction Thursday in New York.

The photograph, previously unseen by scholars, shows Tubman in her late 40s, wearing an intricately decorated blouse and voluminous skirt, and sitting in a chair, leaning one arm on its back.

"It's quite remarkable: This is what she looked like in her prime Civil War period when she was working as a spy for Lincoln," Wyatt Day, the specialist organizing the sale at Swann Auction Galleries, said in a telephone interview.

He noted the photograph was taken about three years after the American Civil War ended in 1865. "All of the images show her as an older woman, maybe in her 70s. She looks a bit tired, and here she looks vibrant and strong."

Kate Clifford Larson, a historian and Tubman biographer, said the photograph, which was brought to Swann last year after being purchased at auction by a collector of vintage photos about 10 years ago, could help the public "reimagine" Tubman.

"There are so many details about it that are thrilling," she said in a phone interview. "She's so much younger and she's dressed so beautifully, so it helps us look at her in a different way."

Tubman, who escaped from slavery in Maryland when she was in her 20s, later led dozens of black slaves to freedom using the Underground Railroad and became a Union Army spy during the Civil War and women's suffragist.

The U.S. Treasury Department said last year it planned to put her on the face of the $20 bill, replacing former President Andrew Jackson, making her the first African-American so honored.

The photograph for auction is in the form of a carte de visite, a 19th-century custom in which people would leave photos of themselves as a calling card.

It appears in a carte-de-visite album compiled by the Quaker abolitionist Emily Howland. The album is estimated to sell for $20,000 to $30,000, the gallery said.

Day said research had shown the photographer Benjamin F. Powelson, who made Tubman's carte de visite, only spent time near Tubman's home in Auburn in upstate New York from 1868 to 1869, when Tubman was about 48.
Residents of Rockville, Maryland, pride themselves on living in a diverse community, the mid-sized citys most celebrated strength, they say. So proposing sanctuary status seemed like a realistic move, until a rape case brought the endeavor into question.

City councilwoman Julie Palakovich Carr introduced the sanctuary ordinance in early March. It would add Rockville to the list of about 600 sanctuary cities and counties, jurisdictions that choose not to inform immigration officials when undocumented immigrants, charged with or convicted of minor crimes, are released from local custody, according to the National Immigration Law Center.

The city held a hearing on the sanctuary jurisdiction topic at which at least 80 people testified, some in favor, others against.

But two weeks after the measures introduction, two undocumented Rockville High School students were charged with the rape of a 14-year-old girl.



The unidentified girl told law enforcement that Henry E. Sanchez, 17, from Guatemala, and Jose O. Montano, 18, from El Salvador, pushed her inside the boys bathroom and took turns raping her. The two were registered as freshman at Rockville High School.

Both Montano and Sanchez, who was charged as an adult, are being held without bond while their case is pending.

Marylands governor expressed his outrage.

The public has a right to know how something this tragic and unacceptable was allowed to transpire in a public school," Governor Larry Hogan wrote in a statement.

As the case became national news, Rockville's proposed sanctuary ordinance was called into question.





There is no reason why places shouldn't enforce federal immigration laws. You see what happens when they dont, said Brendan Cassell, a student at a local high school and executive director of the Montgomery County Federation of Teenage Republicans (MCTARS).



Rockville city is an example of that. We had two illegal immigrants who should have been deported, he told VOA.



Competing petitions

A suburb of Washington, D.C. and county seat of Montgomery County, one of the most affluent counties in the country, Rockville is home to numerous high tech and biotechnology companies. With several upscale regional shopping centers, it also is a major retail hub.



Since the rape case, it has been a center of controversy. The school system has been inundated with phone calls and emails. Parents have picketed Rockville High.

Rockville resident Brigitta Mullican drew up a petition, saying the city does not need to break the law to be inclusive and calling for an end to the sanctuary city effort.



Rockville should not give undocumented immigrants a false sense of security, the petition says. Adopting a so-called sanctuary city policy will do nothing to prevent immigration agents from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security, from taking action against undocumented immigrants in Rockville. More than 600 people have signed the petition.

In response, Ben Shnider, launched a competing petition on Change.org.



It urges city officials to keep our immigrant neighbors from being singled out by law-enforcement officials because of their immigration status and says, Rockville must write these protections into law.

The petition has 1,189 signatories.



Still facing a vote on the sanctuary ordinance, Rockvilles mayor and city council members were not available for comment, but a statement from the citys communication department says the Rockville City Police Department currently follows all federal mandates and notifies U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of arrests, as required.



In doing so, the city is following Montgomery County guidelines. Montgomery County is not a sanctuary jurisdiction.

Montgomery County Council member Craig Rice said he has been hearing from his constituents that since the rape case residents are focused on coming together as a community.



We continue to lift up people who may need support and may need help. We're going to do that for them and continue to do that regardless of your immigration status, Rice said. [It] really is about being a good fellow human being and that's what we believe here in Montgomery County.
Russian high school student Roman Shingarkin had some explaining to do when he got home after becoming one of the faces of anti-Kremlin protests at the weekend. His father is a former member of parliament who supports President Vladimir Putin.

At the height of a protest in Moscow on Sunday against what organizers said was official corruption, 17-year-old Shingarkin and another young man climbed onto the top of a lamp-post in the city's Pushkin Square.

Hundreds of protesters in the square cheered and whistled as a police officer, dressed in riot gear, shinned up the lamp-post and remonstrated with the two to come down. They refused, and the police officer retreated, to jubilation from the protesters down below.

As images of the protests, the biggest in Russia for several years, ricocheted around social media, Shingarkin's sit-in on top of the lamp-post was adopted by Kremlin opponents as a David-and-Goliath style symbol of defiance.

Shingarkin was eventually detained when, after the protest in Pushkin Square had dispersed, police persuaded him to climb down. He was taken to a police station but as a minor, he could not be charged. From the police station, he had to ring his father to ask to be picked up.

His father, Maxim Shingarkin, was from 2011 until 2016 a lawmaker in the State Duma, or lower house of parliament. He was a member of the LDPR party, a nationalist group that on nearly all major issues backs Putin.

Putin last year gave the party's leader, Vladimir Zhirinovsky, a medal for services to Russia. With Putin standing next to him, Zhirinovsky proclaimed: "God protect the tsar."

Shingarkin had not told his father he would be going to the protest, but the former lawmaker quickly guessed what had happened.

"When I rang my dad from the police station, he immediately understood why I was there," Shingarkin, wearing the same blue and black coat he had on during the protest, said in an interview with Reuters TV.

"I went there [to the rally] out of interest to see how strong the opposition is, how many people would take to the streets, and at the same time to get a response from authorities to a clear fact of corruption."

He decided to climb up the lamp-post because he "could see nothing from the ground."

Contacted by telephone on Wednesday, Shingarkin senior said he was sympathetic with his son's motives for attending the protest.

"He has a social position, against corruption, I support it completely," Maxim Shingarkin said.

But he emphasised that his son's actions did not mean that he or the family were opponents of Putin.

The Russian leader, Shingarkin senior said, is popular among voters and there is no one to replace him, but he is let down by the officials around him.

Roman Shingarkin said for now he would not attend any more protests unless they were approved by the authorities.

He said he might venture to a non-approved demonstration once he turns 18, because if he gets into trouble then, the police will charge him and not involve his parents.
Russia pulled off an unprecedented and wildly successful campaign to influence Americas political conversation during last years presidential campaign, according to experts who testified Thursday before the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Russia hopes to win the second Cold War through the force of politics, as opposed to the politics of force, said cybersecurity expert Clinton Watts of the Foreign Policy Research Institute. Watts detailed Russias use of cyberattacks and an elaborate disinformation campaign to confuse U.S. voters and pit Americans against each other.

The testimony confirmed what lawmakers of both parties have been saying for months.

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a deliberate campaign carefully constructed to undermine our election, said the committees top Democrat, Senator Mark Warner of Virginia.



WATCH: Warner on Russia's actions during 2016 election campaign



Putin's dismissal

Ahead of the open hearing, Putin blasted accusations of Russian electoral meddling as provocations and lies. Asked on a television program whether Moscow tried to influence the outcome of the U.S. presidential election, Putin said, Read my lips: No.

Witnesses before the Intelligence Committee described voluminous and incontrovertible evidence to the contrary.

"We've got 10 years of observation here," said Kevin Mandia, CEO of the U.S.-based cybersecurity firm FireEye. "It absolutely stretches credulity to think they [Russian actors] were not involved."

Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida shared an experience from his unsuccessful presidential bid last year.

"Former members of my presidential campaign team who had access to the internal information of my presidential campaign were targeted by the IP addresses with an unknown location within Russia. [The] Effort was unsuccessful," Rubio said.

The [Russian] activities in the United States do seem to be exceptional, said Georgetown University security and intelligence expert Roy Godson, adding that cyber and disinformation campaigns allow Russia to hit above their weight on the world stage.

Watts said Russia was aided last year by U.S. media outlets' extensive reports about material hacked by Russia that appeared on outlets such as WikiLeaks, as well as occasions when the Trump campaign parroted disinformation that Moscow disseminated about his opponent, Democrat Hillary Clinton. Watts added that Russia could one day turn its informational firepower against Trump.

Russia's action "is solely based on what they want to achieve ... whatever the Russian foreign policy objectives are," Watts said. "They will turn on President Trump, as well. They win because they play both sides."

Ongoing probe

The hearing was the first of many the committee expects to hold in coming months, some open to the public, but many behind closed doors. Chairman Richard Burr, a North Carolina Republican, repeatedly has pledged an impartial and exhaustive search for the truth, and he has implored fellow-committee members to refrain from partisan jabs.

If we politicize this process, our efforts will likely fail, Burr said.

WATCH: Burr on public's need to know extent of Russia's actions



Warner echoed the call, saying the goal of the investigation is not to re-litigate last years election, but rather to hold Russia accountable.

But as one Democrat argued, if the committee is determined to bring to light any ties President Trump's inner circle may have to Russia, the president himself must release his tax returns.

They key to a successful investigation is following the money, said Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon. Information about Donald Trumps finances may lead to Russia.

Trump has adamantly denied any links to Russia during or after the campaign, questioned U.S. intelligence about Russian meddling, and accused media outlets of mounting a smear campaign against him. Even so, the White House acknowledged the need for investigations to proceed.

We want this over as much as, I think, some of you. But we recognize that theres a process that has to take place, said White House spokesman Sean Spicer.

Thursday's hearing brought the Senate Intelligence Committee into the spotlight after its counterpart in the House of Representatives canceled scheduled hearings amid a war of words between its chairman, Republican Devin Nunes, and the ranking Democrat, Adam Schiff, both of California.

The House Committee has been in disarray since Representative Nunes personally briefed Trump on classified material he had yet to share with the committee. Nunes has dismissed calls by Schiff and others that he recuse himself from the House probe.

The New York Times reported Thursday that two White House officials provided Nunez with the information that triggered the firestorm. Spicer declined to comment on the matter.
Some residents of a South Sudanese displaced persons' camp say the head of the group that monitors the country's 2015 peace deal should be fired.

The residents accuse Festus Mogae, who chairs the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, or JMEC, of failing to speak up about government violations of the cease-fire, including alleged killings, rapes and torture committed by soldiers against civilians.

JMEC has reported on cease-fire violations and placed the blame on both sides in South Sudan's civil war.

But internally displaced people (IDPs) say Mogae is not accurately describing the situation faced by hundreds of thousands of civilians forced from their homes and into United Nations-run camps since the start of South Sudan's civil war.

Bikan Kuol, a community leader at the IDP camp in Juba, says IDPs like him have lost hope that JMEC's chairman has the ability to monitor implementation of the peace agreement.

Impartiality questioned



"He has shown beyond any reasonable doubt that he is no longer impartial," Kuol told VOA's South Sudan in Focus. "And he fears telling the truth to the international community about actual events happening in the country."

Ann Dau, a 39-year-old mother of eight, said she is tired of living in the IDP camp. She says she and her family ventured outside the camp for a time last year, but had to restrict their movements after renewed fighting broke out between government forces and rebels loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar last July.

"We tried to move freely without fear. But July 2016, there were a lot of rapes [and] killings; even women were killed during that time. So now for this time we need Festus Mogae not to be there, Dau said.

South Sudan In Focus reached out to JMECS communications officer in Juba, Mohammed Adow, for comment. Adow said Mogae is out of the country, but added he would forward VOA's request for an interview.

More than two million South Sudanese have been displaced from their homes during a war driven by political disputes and tribal rivalries.

President Salva Kiir and Machar's rebels signed a peace deal in August 2015 and established a transitional government of national unity, but clashes have continued. Mogae, the former president of Botswana, was appointed chairman of JMEC, which is tasked with monitoring implementation of the agreement.

Cease-fire violations



Under Mogae, JMEC has repeatedly blamed both sides for violating the peace deal. On March 17, Mogae told the African Union Peace and Security Council that the situation has deteriorated to an unacceptable level and asked both the government and rebels to comment on the alleged violations.

In February, he said that the continued disrespect of the cease-fire by both sides, other armed groups, and what he called criminals during the past few months had worsened the situation, forcing many civilians to flee the country.

Kuol said thats not enough. He said since July, government forces have violated the peace agreement many times and JMEC Chairman Mogae has remained silent about the killings, rapes and torture.

We the IDPs, we want peace, but peace without Mr. Festus Mogae because Festus Mogae has failed in reporting everything. Because he is supposed to write whatever obstructs the peace, but unfortunately he has failed to do that. His being here in Juba is nothing, Kuol said.
The Taliban in northern Afghanistan is seeking Russian assistance to build up its fight against Islamic State-backed militants along the country's border with the former Soviet Union, an Afghan official told VOA.

The governor of the strategic northeastern Kunduz province said Thursday the Taliban is asking Moscow for weapons and training to counter the expanding influence of IS groups in various parts of the country.

They [Taliban] are now opposing the Islamic State group and are attempting to convince Russia into extending a helping hand to them, Kunduz Governor Assadullah Omarkhail told VOA's Afghan service on Thursday.

Several militant groups are active in the restive Kunduz province, which borders Tajikistan, a breeding ground for IS sympathizers who have by the thousands gone to fight with IS in Syria and Iraq. Recently, a Tajik militia pledged allegiance to IS, spurring fears IS influence may expand into northern Afghanistan.

Kunduz remains a hot spot

Kunduz, the capital city of the province, briefly fell to the Taliban two years ago. Last year, Taliban militants came close to capturing the city again before Afghan forces pushed them back.

The Taliban reportedly has recently amassed fighters in Kunduz's Imam Saheb district, bordering Tajikistan.

The Taliban has about 650 fighters, most of whom are local residents, in the district and they have been deployed in 45 groups, district governor Imamuddin Quraishi told VOA.

According to Quraishi, Taliban fighters are equipped with heavy weapons, and they train in areas along the border with Tajikistan.

They [Taliban] control the Zangla area near the Tajikistan border where they train terrorists, said Quraishi.

Local Taliban leaders in Kunduz reportedly have met with Russian advisors across the Amu River in Tajikistan, according to Afghan media reports.

Taliban's connections with Russia came under the spotlight last year as Moscow sought to increase its influence in the nation it once occupied, and to counter IS expansion from Afghanistan to neighboring Central Asian countries.

Russia has acknowledged ties with the Taliban as it views Taliban help as essential in fighting the spillover effects of the IS insurgency in Afghanistan.

Russian officials say Moscow is not supplying Taliban militants with arms and training, though, asserting their contacts with the Taliban are aimed at diplomatically facilitating the peace process in Afghanistan.

Troubling talks

Afghan and American officials are increasingly wary, however, of the deepening ties between Russia and the Taliban that is fighting to topple the government in Kabul. Such an involvement on Russia's part, they say, could complicate an already precarious security situation in the country.

I believe what Russia is attempting to do is they are attempting to be an influential party in this part of the world, U.S. Central Command chief Gen. Joseph Votel told House lawmakers on Wednesday.

I think it is fair to assume they may be providing some sort of support to [the Taliban], in terms of weapons or other things that may be there, Votel said.

According to Wahid Muzhda, a Kabul-based Taliban expert, Moscow has provided the Taliban with a well-equipped mobile clinic, along with a large supply of medicine to treat injured Taliban fighters in the southern Helmand province, where Afghan forces are engaged in heavy battles with Taliban.

A Taliban delegation from its political office in Qatar recently told officials in Moscow the Taliban wanted anti-aircraft missiles, according to Muzhda.

As Moscow's concerns grow that IS is expanding to Central Asia, Taliban is a willing ally, Muzhda said.

Taliban have been fighting IS in Afghanistan and that has brought the group closer to Russia, said Muzhda. The Taliban have killed several IS-linked, anti-Russia Uzbek fighters in Afghanistan.

While opposed to Taliban insurgency  Taliban controls some 33 of the country's 407 districts  Kabul and the U.S. reject notions that Taliban are fighting IS in Afghanistan.

This idea that Taliban and Daesh [IS] are opposed to each other is wrong, Afghanistan national security advisor Mohammad Hanif Atmar told Indian media this month. It's actually the morphing and mutating of Taliban  into Daesh. They are the same people, but there is a lot of re-branding here.

Taliban claims discounted

U.S. military officials say Afghan forces  and not Taliban  are battling IS.

The Taliban is not fighting ISIS-K, U.S. Navy Capt. Bill Salvin, spokesperson for Resolute Support headquarters in Kabul, told VOA last week. It is the Afghan security forces that are taking the fight to ISIS-K and we are working with our Afghan partners in order to make sure that we continue to keep the pressure on these terrorists groups.

IS's self-styled Khorasan Province branch (ISIS-K) has taken root in mountainous areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan, increasing its recruiting efforts and terror attacks nationwide. Its name refers to a centuries-old description of Afghanistan and surrounding areas of Central Asia and Persia.

IS has been active in eastern Afghanistan for the past two years. It recently has expanded to northern Jouzjan province. Its activities in Kunduz, however, are harder to detect, experts say.
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson met Thursday in Ankara with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, as allies examine their next steps in the campaign to defeat Islamic State militants and stabilize the refugee crisis in the region.

"Todays conversation is built on three mutual long-term goals: working together to defeat Daesh, or ISIS, building stability in the region and bolstering economic ties between our two nations," Tillerson said after his meeting, speaking alongside his counterpart Cavusoglu.

"Turkey has been a NATO ally since 1952 and we continue to exercise military cooperation in that alliance and in the global coalition to defeat Daesh," Tillerson said.



Later in the trip, the top U.S. diplomat will press NATO allies to demonstrate a clear path to increase defense spending, in his first meeting with counterparts from this security bloc.

US operations in Syria



U.S.-led forces are increasing their campaign to retake the Syrian city of Raqqa from Islamic State militants.

Stabilizing areas where militants have fled and allowing refugees to return home are high on the agenda for the U.S. and its anti-Islamic State coalition partners.

Tillerson is looking to build on progress from last weeks meeting of coalition partners in Washington.

While a more defined course of action in Syria is still coming together, I can say the United States will increase our pressure on ISIS and al-Qaida, and will work to establish interim zones of stability through cease-fires to allow refugees to go home, he said.

But it could be a tall order, according to Middle East expert Daniel Serwer.

The Turks would like to have safe zones; they have been proposing them for years, he said. But they are in fact extraordinarily difficult to create, and to defend, and to maintain.

NATO

Days before Tillersons first meeting with NATO foreign ministers, he met with his counterparts from the Baltic states. They expressed confidence in Washingtons support for NATO.

Were passing what we consider very important messages of the need to develop transatlantic security and economic links, so it was overall a very good introductory meeting, Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics told VOAs Ukrainian Service.

After Russias 2014 annexation of Ukraines Crimea, NATO agreed to send troops to Lithuania and to Estonia, Latvia and Poland, in a move to deter potential Russian aggression.

I wouldnt say the military presence is insignificant, Estonian Foreign Minister Sven Mikser told VOAs Russian Service. These are very well-trained, well-equipped forces. But when you look at the numbers, the presence is slightly modest compared to what Russia has in place on the other side of the border. So it shouldnt be viewed as escalatory in any way ... but I think its sufficient to make Russia change its calculus. It makes clear to Russia that they should not launch a provocation and think that they can do it with impunity.

Tillerson is going to the NATO talks before he goes to Moscow, a move that ends the controversy over his earlier decision to skip the event.

[NATO allies] want the commitment by Tillerson to maintain sanctions [on Russia for its actions] on Ukraine; they want a commitment from Tillerson that his president isnt gonna sell out the alliance to the Russians, Serwer said.

Tillerson will make it clear that it is no longer sustainable for the United States to maintain a disproportionate share of NATOs defense spending. He also will consult with allies about their shared commitment to improve security in Ukraine and the need for NATO to push Russia to end aggression against its neighbors.

NATO member states have until 2024 to meet a shared pledge to contribute 2 percent of their gross domestic product on defense.

Estonia is the only Baltic nation to spend 2 percent of the GDP for defense purposes. Lithuania and Latvia have pledged to reach that level by 2018.

This report was produced in collaboration with VOAs Russian and Ukrainian services.
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson hailed Turkey as a trusted ally after meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other leaders Thursday during his visit to Ankara.

Tillerson underlined the importance of Turkey in the battle against Islamic State militants.

But the two NATO allies remain at loggerheads over Washington's support for the Syrian Kurdish PYD and its militia, the YPG, in fighting IS. Ankara accuses the PYD of being a terrorist organization affiliated with the PKK or Kurdistan Workers' Party, which is fighting the Turkish state.

Watch: US Secretary of State Tillerson Tackles Dilemma in Turkey

In a joint news conference with Tillerson, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu stressed Turkey's opposition to support of the PYD but did not directly criticize the Trump administration.

'A number of options'

Tillerson acknowledged no breakthrough on the dispute, saying more discussions were needed.

"We are exploring a number of options and alternatives," he said, but he reiterated Washington's support of Ankara in fighting the PKK.

"We stand alongside Turkey in their fight to stop terrorism directed against its country and its people. The PKK attacks in Turkey last year remind us how close to home the threat of attack is for the Turkish people," said Tillerson.

With Washington stepping up its military support of the YPG before the operation to liberate Raqqa, Syria, the self-declared IS capital, Ankara increasingly appears resigned to the fact that its call for its military forces to replace the Syrian Kurdish groups has been rejected. But a presidential source ruled out any retaliatory measures against the United States, stressing that Turkey did not want the issue to undermine future cooperation.

Tillerson paid tribute to Turkey's hosting of 3 million refugees and said his talks focused on efforts to allow their return.

"Those were the subject of our conversation today, to have exchange of views, the best way forward to create zones of stabilization to allow the return of people to Syria," Tillerson said, adding, "And to set the stage for a longer-term political solution."

Ankara's view on zones of stabilization is not dissimilar to its demand for safe havens.

Just before Tillerson's arrival, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim announced the end of Turkey's military operation in Syria, declaring it a success. Operation Euphrates Shield had been a point of tension with Washington as Turkish forces threatened Syrian Kurdish forces of the PYD.

Atilla's arrest

Clouding Tillerson's visit was Monday's arrest in New York of Mehmet Hakan Atilla, a senior executive of a Turkish state-owned bank, on charges of money laundering and Iranian sanction busting. During the news conference, Cavusoglu described the arrest as politically motivated: "This process is a political one, because the former prosecutor had close ties with the Fethullah terrorist organization."

The extradition of U.S.-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen was also discussed. Turkish prosecutors accuse Gulen of masterminding July's failed coup attempt. Washington insists the issues are a matter for the courts.

Despite the differences, Ankara appears eager to work with Washington, in particular to counter what it sees as the rising power of Iran and Russia in the region.

Tillerson acknowledged shared common ground on containing Iran.

"The United States and Turkey share many broad goals for the region, reducing Iran's ability to disrupt the region," he said. The secretary of state spelled out that future cooperation would be built on fighting IS, bolstering regional stability and conducting bilateral trade.

Cavusoglu, too, was eager to look to the future.

"We have just to inject a new dynamism into U.S.-Turkish relations," he said.
U.S. President Donald Trumps administration informed Congress Wednesday that it plans to move forward with a sale of fighter jets to Bahrain that had been held up last year because of human rights concerns.

The deal would allow Bahrain to buy 19 F-16 jets from Lockheed Martin for more than $4 billion.

Wednesdays notification sets off a review process during which lawmakers can ask for more information or raise any concerns. Trumps Republican Party controls both houses of Congress.

Former President Barack Obamas administration had stopped the sale, saying Bahrain first needed to address rights concerns such as crackdowns on opposition groups.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Bob Corker said Wednesday that such conditions were unprecedented and counterproductive, as he praised the decision to move forward with the sale.

There are more effective ways to seek changes in partner policies than publicly conditioning weapons transfers in this manner, Corker said in a statement.

Rights group Amnesty International objects to the sale, citing a number of concerns about Bahrains actions, including its participation in the Saudi-led coalition conducting airstrikes in the conflict in Yemen. The group also cited Trumps executive order suspending refugee admissions to the U.S.

It is particularly galling to arm these governments while simultaneously barring those fleeing violence entrance to the U.S., said Sunjeev Bery, Amnesty International USAs Middle East Advocacy Director. These deals place the U.S. at risk of being complicit in war crimes, and discourage other countries, like Saudi Arabia, from addressing their own human rights records.
The White House confirmed Thursday that Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the United States for talks with President Donald Trump on April 6.

President Trump will host Xi for two days at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

A White House statement said the agenda will include "global, regional, and bilateral issues of mutual concern," without giving any specifics.

During his campaign for president, Trump complained frequently about Chinas trade practices, threatening to impose tough import tariffs on Chinese goods and promising to label the country a currency manipulator.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson visited China earlier this month to lay the groundwork for Xi's visit.

In his own meeting with the Chinese president, Tillerson told Xi that President Trump looks forward to enhancing the understanding between the two countries.

In February, Trump reaffirmed Washingtons long-standing One China policy in a call with Xi, in an apparent move to ease concerns in China that he might use Taiwan as leverage in negotiations over trade, security and other sensitive issues. The policy in place since 1979 requires Washington to maintain only unofficial ties with Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory.



Relations between China and the U.S. under President Barack Obama were strained by issues including Chinas island-building in waters that straddle the international shipping lanes in the South China Sea, allegations of cyber hacking and a U.S. policy rebalance to Asia.



One bright spot touted by both sides was their cooperation, as the worlds top emitters of greenhouse gases, on tackling climate change. Lu said Wednesday that China would stick to its climate commitments after Trump, who has called climate change a hoax, this week rescinded measures enacted by Obama to reduce coal and oil use.
The White House has granted the U.S. military broader authority to carry out strikes in Somalia against al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab militants, the Pentagon said Thursday, the latest sign President Donald Trump is increasing U.S. military engagement in the region.

Last Friday, the head of U.S. forces in Africa said that greater ability to fight the militants would lead to more flexibility and quicker targeting.

Al-Shabab has been able to carry out deadly bombings despite losing most of its territory to African Union peacekeepers supporting the Somali government. The group's insurgency aims to drive out the peacekeepers, topple Somalia's Western-backed government and impose its strict version of Islam on the Horn of Africa state.

The United States has a small presence in Somalia and is allowed to carry out strikes in defense of partnered forces.

Two U.S. defense officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said parts of Somalia had been declared an "area of active hostilities" for at least 180 days by the White House on Wednesday night. The capital of Mogadishu was not included.

Denying safe havens

This broader authority would allow the United States to carry out offensive strikes against al-Shabab militants even if the militants were not attacking partnered forces, the officials said. They said rules to avoid civilian casualties would not be loosened.

In a statement, the Pentagon said Trump had approved a request for "additional precision fires in support of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Somali security forces."

"The additional support provided by this authority will help deny al-Shabab safe havens from which it could attack U.S. citizens or U.S. interests in the region," Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis said in the statement.

The decision mirrors one the White House made in January when it declared parts of three provinces in Yemen an "area of active hostilities," allowing the military greater flexibility to target al-Qaida militants there.

In recent months, the United States has carried out more than 40 strikes against al-Qaida militants in Yemen, which lies just across the Gulf of Aden from Somalia.

As many as 12 civilians, some of them women and children, were killed along with a U.S. commando in a January raid in southern Yemen. The United States has said that raid gathered valuable intelligence.
U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a rallying cry against the House Freedom Caucus, a powerful group of staunchly conservative Republican lawmakers who are largely responsible for the collapse of efforts to overhaul the nation's health care law.

In a Twitter post on Thursday, Trump called on Republicans to defeat caucus members and Democrats.



Trump's tweet seemed to encourage challenges to caucus members in next year's midterm primary elections. The Freedom Caucus has about 32 members, most of whom won elections in solidly Republican districts by comfortable margins.

The Trump administration has been stymied by the independence of the Freedom Caucus. The president lobbied members intensely to support the Republican bill to replace the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare.

But the efforts failed last Friday in the face of caucus opposition after Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan did not convince enough lawmakers to vote in their favor.

Trump initially blamed Democrats for the setback, but has since criticized the Freedom Caucus for its resistance.

Trump's threat comes as Republicans are gearing up for a month of possible intra-party debate on spending priorities.

Congress has to approve a spending measure by April 28 to avoid a federal government shutdown.
The priorities laid out in President Donald Trump's budget message have some small business owners strategizing how they might benefit from a big boost in defense spending, and others thinking about how to make up for revenue they could lose to cuts in grant programs and subsidies.

While Trump's plan, released March 16, is far from the final word on the subject, he has called for a $54 billion increase in the Pentagon's budget. He has proposed cuts elsewhere, such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Commerce Department, and no funding at all for 19 agencies including the National Endowment for the Arts. Departments and agencies across the government have programs that benefit small companies or offer them contracting opportunities.

"It's the opening bid in the negotiations," says David Primo, a professor of political science and business at the University of Rochester. The formal request that will go to Congress is expected in May, and even that version will be subject to negotiations among lawmakers.

Still, the proposal does give small business owners a sense of Trump's goals, not only for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1, but for the rest of his term.

A look at how four business owners believe Trump's objectives could affect them:

An end to subsidies?

Air Choice One would lose revenue if the administration succeeds in ending funding for the Essential Air Service program, says Shane Storz, the company's CEO. The St. Louis-based carrier gets federal subsidies under the program aimed at making it easier for people who live in rural areas to catch flights nearer their homes.

The company has 56 subsidized flights a day, sending eight-seater turboprops carrying about 2,000 passengers a month to seven small cities in Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Tennessee and Arkansas. The federal program subsidizes 60 percent to 70 percent of the cost of Air Choice One's flights, Storz says. If the program's funding is reduced or eliminated, the airline would have to cut flights, forcing many passengers to drive two or more hours to an airport served by a major airline.

"We get a lot of elderly travelers who don't want to drive," Storz says.

Air Choice One's subsidized flights run at 80 percent of capacity, a number consistent with major carriers. Storz is trying to increase ridership so the subsidized routes can be sustained even if funding is cut. The Trump administration says ending funding entirely would save the government $175 million.

"If the program ended, it would hurt tremendously," Storz says.

Higher defense spending, higher sales

Inquiries about Frontline Selling's sales management software shot up after the call for higher defense spending was released, co-owner Mike Scher says. His customers, technology providers to government contractors and subcontractors, are hoping for a jump in sales under the budget plan and from Trump's call during a speech to Congress for $1 trillion in government and private spending on infrastructure.

"They believe that's going to come to fruition," says Scher, whose company is based in Alpharetta, Georgia, an Atlanta suburb. "They're ramping up their business."

That has already helped Frontline Selling. Scher expects that his company's first-quarter revenue will rise 10 percent to 15 percent from a year ago, and there's a growing backlog of orders to fill. He's optimistic enough about government spending that he plans to hire five employees in the next quarter, increasing his staff to 55.

Hopes for fewer regulations

Charles Markman looks at the budget proposal's call for a 13 percent reduction in Department of Transportation funding and hopes that would mean no new regulations governing the drone industry. The co-owner of Galaxy Media, which uses drones for aerial photography in central and southern Florida, says Federal Aviation Administration regulations slowed the progress of the company's startup three years ago.

"For the better part of a year, we were significantly impeded by rules," Markman says. "The new administration recognizes the need for greater regulatory predictability."

The budget proposal did not mention regulations, but Markman noted that Trump signed an executive order in January requiring federal agencies to identify two regulations they will eliminate for every one they request.

Markman expects the budget that ultimately goes to Congress will prevent the FAA from adding staff who would write new regulations.

Arts funding cuts mean less business?

The possibility that the National Endowment for the Arts might lose all its funding has Shaun Breidbart concerned that some nonprofit theaters where he puts on stand-up comedy shows may take longer to pay him, or even shut down.

Any funding cut to the agency could mean individuals and organizations lose grants that range from $10,000 to $100,000. Many of the theaters where Breidbart has shows get some of their operating budgets from those grants. Executive directors of some theaters have already told him that if they lose grant money, they might not be able to give him a deposit upon signing a contract, the usual procedure.

"They're not sure they're going to be able to spare the cash," he says. And if Breidbart doesn't get those deposits, which can be several thousand dollars, he cannot pay other comedians who appear with him.

He's also afraid if the NEA is eliminated, "that next year, when I show up at a theater expecting to do a show, I'll arrive only to discover that the theater is closed."
Turkey is declaring an end to its 7-month-old operation in northern Syria to clear Islamic State militants and Syrian Kurds from the region along its border.

It is not clear to what extent Turkeys military operations will change inside northern Syria, where the Syrian government, Islamic State, Kurdish forces and rebel groups are all competing for territory.

Operation Euphrates Shield has been successful and is finished. Any operation following this one will have a different name, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told NTV television.

The operation began in August with Turkish forces and Turkey-backed Syrian rebels focused on the Islamic State-held town of Jarablus. The militants controlled a stretch of border territory extending 40 kilometers to the west but have since been pushed out.

Turkey also feared that Syrian Kurds would try to take over that same territory, providing a link to areas under their control in northeastern and northwestern Syria.

The Turkish government considers the Kurdish fighters an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, that has been waging a three-decade insurgency in southeastern Turkey.

Turkish officials have objected to the idea of the Kurds taking part in a future offensive to knock Islamic State out of their de facto capital in Raqqa, Syria. Planning for that fight has highlighted the complicated nature of the conflict in Syria and the many players involved.

The United States, which leads a coalition of militaries conducting airstrikes against Islamic State, supports the Kurdish fighters and sees them as an effective force against the militant group.


U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, on a visit to Iraq, says that protection of civilians in Mosul must be an "absolute priority."

After his arrival in Baghdad, Guterres met with President Fuad Masum, parliament speaker Salim al-Juburi, and Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari to discuss the "dire humanitarian situation on the ground" as a result of the operation to oust Islamic State from their stronghold.

Guterres was also due to speak with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi before flying north to the self-ruled Kurdish region of the country.

More than a half-million civilians are still believed to remain in Islamic State-held areas of Mosul, with many of them used by Islamic State extremists as human shields as Iraqi forces advance.

Civilians, humanitarian aid groups and monitoring officials have warned about the possibility of increased civilian casualties because of a growing demand for airstrikes and artillery.

A top U.S. commander said Islamic State fighters have begun forcing civilians in Mosul into buildings rigged to explode. The U.S. is investigating reports of about 100 civilians being killed in a building collapse in Mosul that occurred the same time U.S. jets were striking IS positions in the area.
U.S. Treasury authorities on Thursday sanctioned two prominent Southeast Asian leaders of Islamic State in charge of recruiting and laundering money from bases in Iraq and Syria.

Muhammad Bahrun Naim Anggih Tamtomo, an Indonesian national, and Muhammad Wanndy Bin Mohamed Jedi, originally from Malaysia, were added to the Specially Designated Global Terrorists list for providing financial and operational support for IS in both countries and funneling money through Southeast Asia to recruit people to IS battlefields.

Adding the pair to the terrorist list "sends a powerful signal to individuals that provide support to ISIS and demonstrates the U.S. government's resolve to combat terrorism and terrorism financing in the region," John E. Smith, director of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, said in a statement.

The two men were part of seven people put on the sanctions list, including Anjem Choudary, 50, a British Islamist preacher who was sentenced to prison last year for supporting IS.

The sanctions put forth by the assets control office and the State Department prohibit U.S. companies and Americans from doing business with the two men, blocks their assets in the United States and places them as high-profile targets for law enforcement worldwide.

Jakarta attack

Naim, 34, is suspected by authorities of being the mastermind of a 2016 attack in Jakarta that killed four civilians and injured 23. He is known for recruiting Asian Muslims and leading funding for IS operations in Southeast Asia.

Naim reportedly directed IS operations in Indonesia through the once-favored Telegram app in Raqqa, the group's de facto capital in Syria, Indonesian authorities said. He is one of Indonesia's most-wanted men, and authorities say he is a computer expert and skilled at bomb-making.

IS remains a threat to Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim country, authorities said. As many as 384 Indonesians have joined IS, according to Indonesia's counterterrorism agency. Most of those have traveled to Syria and Iraq.

According to media accounts, Naim was born in Central Java's Pekalongan city in 1983. He grew up in Solo, a city where radical groups have had a longtime presence, and graduated with a degree in computer technology in 2005.

Naim was arrested on suspicion of involvement in a terrorism network in November 2010, and he was convicted in June 2011 of illegal possession of ammunition. The court, however, found insufficient evidence to pursue the terror charges, Indonesian authorities said.

He fled the country in early 2015. Authorities tracked him to Syria, where they said he has continued strengthening his terrorist network in Indonesia.

"He [Naim] has a huge influence over his network," Wawan Purwanto, an intelligence analyst at Indonesia's anti-terror agency, told VOA last year. "He brings new inspiration to his followers through social media."

According to the BBC, Naim reportedly maintained a blog, portraying himself as a "freelance journalist." He has published posts on how to carry out terrorist attacks, make bombs and dodge surveillance.

Recruiter, attack director

The Malaysian Wanndy coordinates attacks for IS and recruits and facilitates travel of extremists to Syria to fight for IS, according to U.S. officials. He has directed multiple attacks and provided material support to IS, they said.

Wanndy claimed responsibility on behalf of IS for a June 2016 grenade attack on a nightclub in Malaysia in which eight people were wounded, the Treasury statement said.

"In early 2016, Wanndy recruited and facilitated the travel of three Malaysian [IS] supporters who were attempting to join the terrorist group in Syria, but were arrested in Malaysia following their deportation from Turkey," the statement said.
Turkish banker Mehmet Hakan Atilla, a prominent ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, came to New York this week to school investors on his state bank's plans to sell new dollar bonds.

Instead, he was placed under arrest by U.S. authorities and accused of conspiring to violate U.S. sanctions on Iran by teaming with wealthy Turkish gold trader Reza Zarrab to funnel hundreds of millions of dollars of illegal transactions through U.S. banks to Iran's government.

United States sanctions are not mere requests or suggestions; they are the law, Acting U.S. Attorney Joon Kim said in a statement in New York, where Atilla was arraigned Tuesday.

He was arrested at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport on Monday.

Gold, currency allegedly sent to Iran

Atilla protected and hid Zarrab's ability to provide access to international financial networks, U.S. authorities said in documents filed in the U.S. court. The documents allege that gold and currency were sent to Iran, while documents were forged to disguise the transactions as food shipments so as to comply with humanitarian exceptions to the sanctions law.

Atilla's arrest and the case of Zarrab  arrested last year in Florida  drew a sharp rebuke from the Turkish government, which said it planned to raise the matter with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson when he visits Ankara this week, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told Turkish media.

Relations between the U.S. and Turkey are frayed over the Syrian civil war and Turkish demands for the extradition of Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom the Turkish leadership blames for July's failed coup in Turkey.

Diplomatic dispute?

In terms of the impact of the recent development on the U.S. Turkish relationship, some analysts suggest it could potentially be an issue as the two sides view the case through different lenses.

For the U.S., it is a case of sanctions law violation, said Ihan Tanir, a journalist who follows U.S.-Turkish relations. But some people close to the Turkish president seem to be involved with Reza Zarrab.

Tanir added that because of the involvement of close aides of the Turkish president, the issue could escalate into a diplomatic dispute.

But Tanir said Atilla knew that U.S authorities viewed him as a potential suspect.

He knew that he was part of the U.S. investigation here. So why did he come to this country? It is hard to understand. If he took a risk, now he is paying for it, Tanir said.

The U.S. attorney's office in Manhattan declined to comment on his motives to travel to the U.S.

Lender's shares drop

The arrest could have major financial implications for Turkish state lender Halkbank. Bank shares posted their biggest one-day fall on Wednesday.

Halkbank, Turkey's fifth-largest bank in terms of assets, vowed to investigate.

Our bank and relevant state bodies are conducting the necessary work on the subject, and information will be shared with the public when it is obtained, Halkbank said in a statement.
The Venezuelan Supreme Court's decision late Wednesday to take control of the opposition-controlled legislature has set off a wave of outrage, with some hemispheric neighbors, including the United States, Mexico, Peru and Argentina, denouncing the measure as a threat to democracy.

The Organization of American States' secretary general, Luis Amalgro, accused the government led by socialist Nicolas Maduro of attempting "a self-inflicted coup d'etat" against its parliament. He called for an emergency meeting of the organization's Permanent Council, just two days after presiding at an extraordinary meeting in Washington about Venezuela.

In a statement, the U.S. State Department condemned the court for its "decision to usurp the powers of the democratically elected National Assembly.  We consider it a serious setback for democracy."

Peru pulled its ambassador Thursday in protest, and countries including Mexico, Colombia, Argentina and Chile also denounced Venezuela's high court.

In a wide-ranging ruling, the court criticized the National Assembly for what it called "disrespect and invalidity of its proceedings." It said as long as that persisted, "this Constitutional Chamber will ensure that the parliamentary powers are exercised directly by this chamber or by the body it has in place to ensure the rule of law."

"Maduro is now the National Assembly,'' assembly leader Julio Borges told The Associated Press. "It's one thing to try to build a dictatorship and another to complete the circuit."

The court decision followed Tuesday's rare meeting of the OAS, which brought diplomats to Washington to debate how to resolve the South American country's years-long political and humanitarian crisis.

Almagro  who detailed the country's problems in a 74-page report issued in mid-March  had recommended suspending Venezuela's membership in the group unless it quickly released political prisoners and scheduled long-delayed elections, but the United States urged giving the country another chance to cooperate on re-establishing democratic norms. The U.S. was one of 20 member states that committed to taking as-yet-uncertain steps in guiding Venezuela toward that goal.

Hours before the court decision was announced, Eustoquio Contreras, a legislator and deputy of the pro-government Polo Democratico party, defended Maduro.

He told VOA in a phone interview that "we are seriously threatened in our institutions. The government has had to choose to govern by decree and the extraordinary way, because the opposition has not ceased to advance its own interests."

Contreras also told VOA that Maduro "is a well-intentioned man who is making a great effort to solve the problems." He inherited "many difficulties" after his 2013 election to succeed the late Hugo Chavez, Contreras said.

A constitutional expert said Wednesday's ruling enables the government to suspend elections, detain deputies and withdraw Venezuela from the OAS.

"This is not an ordinary sentence," said Luis Salamanca, a political scientist at the Central University of Venezuela in Caracas. He told El Nacional newspaper that the ruling gives Maduro the power to "practically handle everything without any respect for the rules set out in the charter."

The National Mesa Bureau, an opposition group, condemned the court's decision as a flagrant violation of the constitution.

The bureau said in a statement that the government had resorted to "desperate measures." It said that through "legal aberration, the Constitutional Chamber urges the president to review criminal and even military laws under the state of emergency," allowing him to more directly attack the democratically elected National Assembly and its leaders.

In Washington, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio told VOA that "what exists in Venezuela today is not democracy."

Reflecting on Tuesday's OAS session and representatives' stances on Venezuela, the Florida Republican added, "I thank the countries like Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Honduras and others that have been clear in their position, and I think it is unfortunate that countries like the Dominican Republic, Haiti and El Salvador have used that [session] as an opportunity to defend the tyranny of Maduro."

VOA Spanish service's Gioconda Tapia Reynolds, Alejandro Escalona and Gesell Tobias contributed to this report.
The Vietnamese blogger known as Me Nam, or Mother Mushroom, missed meeting Melania Trump when the first lady awarded the International Women of Courage Award to 13 women in Washington on Wednesday.

Social activist Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh spent the day in a Khanh Hoa Province prison, where she has been held since she was detained on October 10 after posting about people dying in police custody.

Mother Mushroom, who started blogging under that name in 2006, is a founding member of the Vietnamese Bloggers Network. It is one of the few independent blogging groups in a nation where the ruling Communist Party tightly controls the media and writers.

She was charged under the Article 88 of the 1999 penal code for spreading propaganda against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The government has not set a trial date, and Mother Mushroom faces a maximum prison term of 12 years. The vaguely worded law has drawn international denunciation for the power it gives the government to suppress dissent.

The United States recognized Mother Mushroom for her bravery for raising civil society issues, inspiring peaceful change, calling for greater government transparency and access to fundamental human rights, and for being voice of freedom of expression, said Grace Choi, a spokeswoman for the State Departments East Asia-Pacific Office.

U.S. diplomats in Hanoi and Saigon posted news of Mother Mushrooms recognition to Facebook, attracting thousands of likes before the official ceremony.

Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynhs dedication to exposing corruption, raising awareness about environmental protection, and reporting on human rights violations in Vietnam is an inspiration for activists everywhere and has made her one of Vietnams best known online activists, said Choi, adding that since its inception in 2007, the award often has gone to women in prison for their activism.

'Timely' recognition

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Le Hai Binh said bestowing an award on someone being investigated for breaking Vietnam's law was "not suitable and beneficial to the development of the two countries' relationship."

Bui Thi Minh Hang, an activist in Saigon, told VOA that the recognition of Mother Mushroom is very timely because other bloggers, such as Tran Thi Thuy Nga, also are imprisoned. All the people who dare to stand up to fight, who dare to speak the truth in an evil regime like this, these are brave people."

Mother Mushrooms blogging led to many arrests, but her life changed in 2009 after the government detained her for writing about a bauxite mining project that counted a state-owned Chinese company among its investors. Although Chinese influence in Vietnams economy is a politically charged topic, she was released without being charged after a week.

After that landmark, Mother Mushrooms travel business and family life fell apart, according to her mother, Nguyen Thi Tuyet Lan, who, like her daughter, lives in Nha Trang. Since her daughters arrest, the bloggers 90-year-old grandmother has become fearful, and her children, nicknamed Mushroom and Bear, have changed.

Our lives are really difficult and threatened without Quynh, Nguyen told VOA on Wednesday.

I used to feel upset sometimes, because my family is under constant surveillance and harassment, Nguyen said. I told my daughter let it go but she said, 'I cannot live irresponsibly. I might die, but at least I can do something for others and do what I want to do."'

Ha Tinh spill

Among her recent campaigns, Mother Mushroom has blogged about the governments handling of a chemical spill at a Taiwanese-owned steel plant in the central Vietnam city of Ha Tinh. The spill that killed 80 tons of fish both embarrassed and worried the government. Images of piles of dead fish went viral worldwide, fishing communities lost income, and thousands of protesters demonstrated at the plant and in cities throughout Vietnam.

The April 2016 Ha Tinh fish kill is widely seen as having raised environmental awareness and activism among Vietnamese. The movement saw an early success when the Taiwanese-owned steel company accepted full responsibility for the fish kill and pledged to pay $500 million in damages for dumping toxic wastewater into the South China Sea.

Although the government is denouncing her and detaining her, deep inside, they know she is doing the right thing, said Nguyen. I am very proud of my daughter because she has overcome the common fear [of speaking up against the government]. She has overcome her fear to stand up and speak in the common voice.

This report originated with VOA's Vietnamese Service.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley met with White House adviser Jared Kushner about criminal justice reform Thursday, giving supporters a small sign of encouragement that the issue could be revived under President Donald Trump.

The bipartisan effort to overhaul the nation's criminal justice system would have revised 1980s- and -90s-era federal "tough on crime" laws by reducing some mandatory sentences for low-level drug offenders and giving judges greater discretion in sentencing, among other changes. The goal was to reduce overcrowding in the nation's prisons and save taxpayer dollars.

But the bill died in the Senate last year over conservative opposition, and its future has seemed unclear under Trump. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, then a senator from Alabama, was a fierce opponent.

Former President Barack Obama was an enthusiastic backer of the effort, but supporters of the bill were skeptical that Trump would follow suit, since he had dubbed himself "law-and-order candidate" and talked about a country in crisis, with terrorism in big cities and attacks on police.

Grassley, an Iowa Republican, confirmed the meeting with Kushner, Trump's adviser and son-in-law, which was first reported by BuzzFeed News, but he would not comment on its substance. The White House did not have immediate comment.

'Some accommodation'

On whether the bill could be revived, Grassley said, "We're trying to reach some accommodation, if there needs to be any adjustment to the bill we had last year."

An unusual coalition  including the American Civil Liberties Union and the conservative Koch Industries  says the system is broken and supports changes. Grassley, Texas' John Cornyn, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate, and Illinois' Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Senate Democrat, were sponsors of the bill. House Speaker Paul Ryan, a Wisconsin Republican, has also been a strong supporter of the effort.

Advocates were encouraged by the meeting. Holly Harris of the Justice Action Network said she was hopeful that lawmakers in Congress were paying attention to several successful state efforts to make similar changes. And given the bipartisan support, she said, it's legislation that has a real chance of passing.

"Congress needs to prove it can accomplish something, and this is the perfect issue," she said.
The Trump administration has submitted a vague set of guidelines to Congress for renegotiating the North American Free Agreement with Mexico and Canada, disappointing those who wanted a major overhaul of a decades-old trade deal that Trump described as a "disaster" during the presidential campaign.

In an eight-page draft letter to Congress, acting U.S. Trade Rep. Stephen Vaughn wrote that the administration intends to start talking with Mexico and Canada about making changes to the pact, which took effect in 1994. Trump and other critics blame the agreement for wiping out U.S. manufacturing jobs because it allowed companies to move factories to Mexico to take advantage of low-wage labor.

The letter spells out few details and sticks with broad principles. But it appears to keep much of the existing agreement in place, including private tribunals that allow companies to challenge national laws on the grounds that they inhibit trade  a provision that critics say allows companies to get around environmental and labor laws.

The draft also contains some provisions that were part of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a 12-country Asia-Pacific trade agreement negotiated by the Obama administration but rejected by Trump for possibly hurting U.S. workers.

"We've got a long ways to go," said Ohio Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown. "President Trump made big promises to working people in Ohio, and I'm ready to work with him to deliver on those promises or hold him accountable if he doesn't."

NAFTA critic Lori Wallach, director of the left-leaning Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch, called the letter "a punch in the face."

If it represents the president's plan for a revamped NAFTA, she said, "he will have broken his campaign promises to make NAFTA better for working Americans and have a deal that cannot get a majority in Congress."

But Gary Hufbauer, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, which advocates free trade, said the letter leaves open the possibility that the Trump administration can take a tougher position once talks with Canada and Mexico begin.

"The language is soft. It's very diplomatic," he said. "But it does have the potential of being an umbrella for very hard-hitting demands."

For instance, the letter said the president wants to revamp rules on government contracts to allow the U.S. government to insist that U.S. contractors do more to "buy American" while nudging the Mexican and Canadian governments to buy more U.S. products, too.

Texas Republican Rep. Will Hurd, whose district runs more than 800 miles along the border with Mexico, welcomed administration calls for NAFTA to be updated to reflect the rise of e-commerce in the years since the pact was negotiated. The U.S. will seek commitments from Mexico and Canada not to impose customs duties on digital products.

Criticizing NAFTA was a winner on the campaign trail. But many U.S. manufacturers have built complicated supply chains that cross NAFTA borders and worry that a rewrite of the deal will disrupt their operations. The letter states that a goal of new talks is to boost manufacturers' profits "within the trading bloc."

U.S. farmers also have enjoyed increased access to the Mexican market through NAFTA, a benefit an amended agreement would look to expand.

The vague draft may reflect a Trump administration still figuring out its trade priorities.

Outside of the president's own fiery rhetoric, congressional staffers have said it's unclear precisely which administration officials are setting the agenda on trade.

There is Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, a billionaire investor whom Trump has hailed as a "killer" negotiator.

But the president also created the National Trade Council led by the economist Peter Navarro, who has talked up border taxes in hopes of bringing factory jobs back into the United States.

And then there is Robert Lighthizer, the lawyer awaiting Senate confirmation as U.S. trade representative, the post officially responsible for leading talks about a new pact.

The White House declined to comment on the draft, which was obtained by The Associated Press and other media organizations, saying it would not verify the document's authenticity.

"That is not a statement of administration policy at this point," White House spokesman Sean Spicer said. "Our goal is to get Robert Lighthizer appointed as the next ambassador and U.S. trade representative."
The United Nations chief in Zimbabwe has rejected recent allegations the U.N. is seeking to interfere in the 2018 electoral process.

A majority-government-owned newspaper, the Sunday Mail, stirred controversy this month when it published an article accusing the United Nations of plotting to rig upcoming elections to remove President Robert Mugabe from office.

Mugabe, who has been in office since independence in 1980, says he will run for another term next year.

The Sunday Mail story came just days after an opposition protest in which demonstrators said they had lost confidence in the electoral commission and wanted an international body to run the 2018 polls.

On Wednesday, Bishow Parajuli, the U.N. resident coordinator in Zimbabwe, addressed the accusations of political interference.

"It is totally false," Parajuli said. "In fact, in every issue the U.N. is engaged in, the government is aware. We never deal on political matters like that. We are working on purely development and humanitarian matters."

He was joined at a news conference by Mugabe's chief secretary, Misheck Sibanda, who reaffirmed Parajuli's statement.

"UNDP means what? United Nations Development Program. And their job is to promote development. This is why we are together," Sibanda said, referring to the U.N.s past help in dealing with devastating droughts and flooding. "I think [the election] is an issue you [the media] want to blow out of proportion."

But political tensions have been rising, most recently over the purchase of biometric voter registration equipment. The electoral commission had initially agreed to have the United Nations purchase the necessary equipment, but last week, the commission announced the government would purchase it instead. Opposition parties cried foul.

On Wednesday, the U.N. chief in Zimbabwe said decisions about the purchase of the BVR equipment remain up to the government.
Husband and Wife Team to Swim the Straits in Aid of Charity

Matthew and Chloe Brokenshire, a husband and wife team, will be swimming the Straits of Gibraltar between the 8th and 14th April 2017 (weather permitting). They describe it as ABC  A Brokenshire Challenge. Their aim is to raise funds for 3 charities: Combat Stress, STEP UK (Chloe's charity in Iraq) and Clubhouse Gibraltar.

Gibraltar has always held a fascination to us! Perhaps it is the fact that neither my wife nor I had visited before? Perhaps it was the deep routed connection to the Royal Marine family? Perhaps it was the fact that my Base was called FOB Gibraltar on my first tour of duty in Afghanistan? Whatever the reasons, this year we have been able to prioritise a visit and complete a challenge at the same time! Chloe (my wife) and I are keen swimmers and each have completed some challenges in the past including the English Channel (me) and a Fowey to Plymouth family relay.

"This time we have set our hearts on swimming together across the Straits of Gibraltar. We hope to raise some money for the extremely worthwhile charities of Combat Stress, ClubHouse Gibraltar and STEP UK. The first two charities focus on mental health issues which are pertinent to me after my time spent in the Royal Marines and the last charity works with vulnerable children in North Iraq where we lived for a year and is close to both our hearts.

"Swimming the 16-20km across the Straits together will pose a number of challenges.and we hope we are still speaking civilly by the time we reach Africa!! We hope to get it cracked in 6 hours but it does depend a lot on the weather and how our training goes over the next few weeks : ). I think we could be the first husband and wife team swimming across the straits. Matthew and Chloe Brokenshire

For further details please contact the Brokenshires on e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Clubhouse Gibraltar on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

How to donate

STEP please visit - www.step-uk.org

COMBAT STRESS please visit - http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/A_Brokenshire_Challenge

CLUBHOUSE GIBRALTAR please visit  www.clubhousegibraltar.com
Dr Garcia Presents Medallion of Honour to Congressman Holding

The Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia this morning presented the Gibraltar Medallion of Honour to Congressman George Holding in the Capitol Building in Washington. The presentation took place in the Lincoln Room, once used by Abraham Lincoln to lobby members of Congress.

The award of the Medallion was unanimously approved by the Gibraltar Parliament in February and Dr Garcia has taken advantage of his visit to the United States in order to present it.

The Congressman is a well known friend and supporter of the special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States and in that context is a strong supporter of Gibraltar. He was a member of the Congressional visit to Gibraltar under the Mutual Education and Cultural Exchange Act.

Representative Holding sponsored a resolution thanking Gibraltar for the service it has provided to the Armed Forces of the United States over the centuries dating back to 1801. The Resolution also backs the right of the people of Gibraltar to determine their own future. It currently enjoys cross-party support from twenty Members of Congress.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that he was delighted to present the Gibraltar Medallion of Honour to the Congressman as a token of gratitude for his work in support of Gibraltar and the United Kingdom. He said that George Holding had been a staunch supporter of our right to determine our own future as an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom.

The Congressman said that he felt extremely honoured to receive the Medallion. 'It has been a pleasure to serve Gibraltar and I shall do my best to continue to assist The Rock in the future,' he said.
Gary Oldman is Darkest Hour. Photo: Focus Features

Honestly, Gary Oldman must have some kind of iron bladder. The skilled actor is starring as Winston Churchill in Joe Wrights Darkest Hour, a transformation that, God-given gravitas aside, required Oldmans time, energy, and seemingly bottomless capacity to sit in a chair without fidgeting or making any otherwise urgent exits. We know this thanks to a CinemaCon appearance by Oldman, wherein he discussed how his slim frame came to resemble Churchills. The process was, per Oldman understatement, a hard one. As in, it took Oldman over 200 hours (!!) in the makeup chair to get the look right, requiring him to carry around half my body weight in prosthetics. Of course, all of that body weight is still a lighter load than the weight of the free world that Churchill was schlepping around, but the effect is nonetheless convincing. Forget Oscars, and give this man a controversial portrait already.
A.D. Miles Photo: Mireya Acierto/Getty Images

Change is coming to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Head writer A.D. Miles, whos been working with Fallon since 2009, will leave the show within the next few weeks, Vulture has learned and NBC has confirmed. While the news comes as Fallon faces an increasingly fierce ratings challenge from CBS rival Stephen Colbert, people familiar with the situation say Miles had been mulling his departure for months as he looked to return to his former home in Los Angeles and refocus his career on performing. Whats more, there doesnt appear to be any bad blood between Fallon and Miles: The duo say they are working together on an animated feature film to be produced by Fallon.

In a statement, Fallon expressed gratitude for Miless nearly decade-long work on both Late Night and Tonight. Miles was there for the launch of Late Night as well as the launch of The Tonight Show. He is one of the funniest, most creative people Ive ever met, and I cant wait to work on this next project with him, Fallon said. Hes family to us, and we are gonna miss him. For his part, Miles underscored his continuing collaboration with Fallon even after he leaves New York and Tonight. Riding Jimmy Fallons coattails for the past eight years has given me all the confidence I need to strike out on my own and work on a movie with Jimmy Fallon, he said. Its certainly logical Miles would be interested in exploring opportunities as a writer and performer, given his career prior to hooking up with Fallon on Late Night back in 2009. Before his late-night days, Miles was a fixture of the alternative-comedy scene (he and Zach Galifianakis were roommates for a while) and a frequent collaborator with David Wain. Even as he served as head writer for Fallon, Miles recently was seen reprising the role of Gary in the Wet Hot American Summer TV series on Netflix.

Its also not particularly shocking Miles would call it quits after eight years doing the late-night grind. There are examples of top writers lasting a year of two before leaving a show or being promoted to executive producer  as well as examples such as Mike Sweeney, who has been Conan OBriens head writer since 2002. The changing content of network late-night shows may contribute to creative types feeling exhausted sooner. Whereas in past years, a Tonight Show head writer would focus on churning out monologue jokes, Miles  even in his Late Night days  was more involved in crafting Fallons signature sketches and comedy bits. That made his role more similar to a head writer on a cable show such as The Daily Show, where turnover has tended to happen more frequently.

That said, the news of Miless departure comes as Fallon is experiencing the first stretch of bad  or, at least, less good  ratings reports since he took over Tonight. After handily besting the competition for years, Fallon has seen his numbers dip since the election, and since President Trumps inauguration, Colbert has consistently beat him in overall audience. But while things have gotten closer, Fallon is still well ahead with viewers under 50 (the ones that translate into ad dollars). And over the past two or three weeks, Fallon has once again started closing the total viewer gap with Colbert. Nonetheless, losing is still losing, and Fallon  along with every late-night host ever  has a history of being competitive.
Kirsten Dunst, multimedia artist. Photo: ANGELA WEISS/AFP/Getty Images

Last night, while promoting her movie with Sofia Coppola The Beguiled at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Kirsten Dunst went to see Britney Spears. She had a good time. We know this because Dunst Instagrammed a photo of Britney with the simple line, She werked bitch  @britneyspears #PieceOfMe. Sure, you might imagine that this is normal Instagram content for a celebrity to post, but Dunsts Instagram is far more weird and spare than your average celebritys. She has posted only 56 photos in the 53 weeks that her account has been active. Every post, even the most mundane promo, is an event. Her tone is always dry and somewhat removed. Its a blend of precision and whimsy that is, frankly, awe-inspiring.

We begin our journey with Dunsts first post. America! She writes Finally joined the gram! Give me my free . Its a David Foster Wallaceian simultaneous embrace and criticism of American consumerism in just nine words, plus an emoji.

Here is her first foray into flashback posts, which she likes to post on Friday instead of the typical Thursday. Kirsten has not named Winona Ryder or Christian Bale in the photo, or mentioned that the picture was taken at an event related to 1994s Little Women. You are expected to know.

Happy Caturday.

As we said, she is very good at throwback photos.

Extremely good.

Kirsten Dunst was a judge at the Cannes Film Festival, a cheerocracy.

Kirsten Dunst was in The Virgin Suicides, a movie about suicide, and decided to make fun of Suicide Squad, a movie about Jared Leto torturing his co-stars. Her use of memes is vicious.

Occasionally she does promo, but likes to mix up the hashtags.

She is very supportive of her now-fiance Jesse Plemons, a.k.a. Landry from Friday Night Lights. Once, in an interview with Jimmy Kimmel, she talked about bingeing Friday Night Lights while gaining weight for Fargo and demanding that Plemons tell her the gossip about which people on the cast were dating. I like to imagine she once went up to Taylor Kitsch and whispered, I know about everything.

Kirsten Dunst went to see Dolly Parton, who deserved five emojis.

Like many people on Instagram, Kirsten Dunst likes to re-create Beyonce poses. Unlike most people, Kirsten Dunst has access to the same chair that Beyonce used.

This is a photo of Elle Fanning in a fairy outfit in a bathroom somewhere. Was Kirsten there with her? Who was Elle Fanning texting? Was it Dakota? Dunst shows, but does not tell.

Kirsten Dunst was on Star Trek: The Next Generation, but its chill. Really, the focus here is on the dog. It is a very good dog.

In conclusion, Kirsten Dunsts Instagram is the second-best thing shes done online, just behind the time she joined Miranda Julys celebrity email project slash contest and breezily informed the world Kirsten Dunst was unable to locate an email that gives advice.
March Madness has taken on a whole new meaning for the host and staff of MSNBCs The Rachel Maddow Show. There was, of course, the mid-month burst of global attention surrounding the programs unveiling of President Trumps 2005 tax return, a scoop that yielded a series-best audience of just over 4 million viewers  as well as a mini-backlash among critics who accused Maddow of overhyping the discovery. But even if the March 14 exclusive had never happened, Maddow this week would be wrapping up the most remarkable month yet in the eight-and-a-half-year history of her nightly news program, at least from a ratings perspective. While interest in the Trump administration (and its many scandals) has inflated Nielsen numbers for every cable news network, as well as many late-night comedy shows, Maddows March momentum has been massive and unmatched in prime time.

Topping the long list of statistical superlatives for Maddow is the size of her shows audience. On average, 2.7 million watched The Rachel Maddow Show at 9 p.m. this month, a jaw-dropping 107 percent gain compared to March 2016 that resulted in the most-watched month ever for Maddow, and the most-watched month for any 9 p.m. MSNBC show ever. Add in the slightly more than 1 million West Coasters (or East Coast night owls) who caught the midnight EDT replay of the show and Maddow (with 3.8 million) is now drawing a bigger crowd than Stephen Colbert or Jimmy Fallon. Fox News newbie Tucker Carlson did draw a slightly bigger overall audience at 9 p.m.  no shocker given his networks decades-long dominance in cable news  but whats telling is how Maddow has narrowed the gap.

When Maddow was matched against former Fox News host Megyn Kelly, Kelly would win the 9 oclock hour by nearly 1.4 million viewers. Last month, with Carlson in the anchor chair, Foxs total viewer lead was just 163,000 viewers  the smallest difference between Fox News and MSNBC in the 9 p.m. hour since December 2000. Whats more, among adults aged 25 to 54  the demo group targeted by cable-news networks  Maddow in March actually finished in first place, even if you exclude the big Trump-tax-return show. MSNBC had never previously won the 9 p.m. hour in the key news demo, and until Maddows victory, it hadnt won any hour against Fox News since 2012. And while March was a milestone month for Maddow, her show has been building momentum all year long. During the first three months of 2017, The Rachel Maddow Show grew 92 percent versus the first quarter of 2016, nearly tripling the percentage gains made by Fox News (+29 percent) and almost doubling the growth of CNN (+49 percent). In other words, March was not a fluke.

While Maddow has long been MSNBCs biggest star, her recent Nielsen surge arguably puts her in a new league. A bigger audience means a wider platform for her progressive take on the news  along with increased scrutiny, as happened with the Trump tax show. And since MSNBC is a business venture owned by the very much for-profit NBCUniversal, therell no doubt be intense internal pressure on Maddow and her team to maintain these numbers, or at least try to minimize the likely inevitable declines once things cool down in Washington (assuming they ever do). But if Maddow is feeling the weight of her even larger profile, it wasnt evident when Vulture caught up with her recently via phone as she made her way to 30 Rockefeller Center to start work on that evenings telecast. Maddow was very much, well, Maddow: There was no boasting about her ratings victory or shade-throwing toward her rivals. She offered praise for the Establishment D.C. media, a frequent target of her skepticism in the past, while expressing genuine fear for its ability to withstand President Trumps attacks on it. And when the topic turned to the small chorus of critics who attacked her handling of Trumps tax returns, her defense was both spirited (I have no regrets) and nonplussed (Whatever). What follows is a lightly edited transcript of our 15-minute chat.

Were doing this interview on the occasion of a really great March and a really great first quarter for your show. Everything in cable news these days is up, thanks to President Trump. But your show is up a lot, and whats interesting to me is you really havent changed a thing. You havent added panels of eight talking heads, or started doing gotcha interviews with Republicans for sport. You are still the same wonky Maddow youve always been, but youre now reaching twice as many viewers every night. Do you have any insights as to why your gains have been so enormous?

You know, I will say I dont pretend to understand what brings people to the show. I dont think I have more insight than anybody else into why more people are watching. But it is super gratifying to me, and everybody who works on the show, that we are just doing what weve always done. Were continuing the work weve built the capacity to do and that we really believe is the best approach for what I bring to looking at the news of the day. And its, for whatever reason, a rewarding thing for more people. I dont get it, necessarily, in terms of where its coming from.

But for me, its heartening, and its a confirmation that weve been approaching things the right way. I dont expect other people in cable news to do things the way that I do. I know that I have sort of a different approach, and I know its not for everybody. But apparently its for more people than it used to be for. And Im just trying to keep my head down and keep the quality of our work up.

So our president is someone who cares very much about ratings, either from Nielsen or Gallup. What about you and your team? Are you, like most people in cable news, running to check the overnights every afternoon? Or are you of the mind, Hey, as long as I get to do this show and my team is employed, ratings schmatings?

We all look at the ratings, definitely. The whole staff gets them, and we all get them at the same time every day. Id be lying if I said we didnt pay attention. But I do find, psychologically, its not helpful to mix our news decisions and our focus on the content with our appreciation of whatever is happening in the ratings. You have to keep them as separate things in your mind. If you try to program your show or adjust your news judgment to chase ratings numbers, it never works, and it pollutes the process of putting together the best show every day.

So, yeah, we pay attention. I mean, were in a business. Were not working at a charity. And our job security, all of us on the show, depends to a certain extent on how well we are doing in the marketplace. So I wont say we dont pay attention, but I try really hard to compartmentalize that and focus on what were going to do that night on the show.

Lets talk about the now-infamous show in which you landed the white whale that is President Trumps tax returns  or at least two pages of them. I expected those on the right to attack that hour, but I was taken a bit aback by the number of journalists on Twitter, and even a few on the left, who criticized it. It seemed to me you did the most un-cable-news thing of all: You did not change your format, or the kind of show you do, because of a scoop. Yet you were accused of hyping and drawing it out for ratings. Are you actually more critical about that hour than I am? Have you thought, You know what, maybe Id change this? Or are you feeling feisty about the negative reaction from some quarters  you know, Screw the people at the New York Times and others who want to attack me?

I definitely wouldnt put myself on either extreme that you just proposed there. [Laughs.] I have no regrets about how we broke that story. Im super psyched that we got the information. The question about whether or not to take it to air was whether or not we could authenticate that it was real information. And when we got the confirmation from the White House that it was true, that it was a real document? For me, that was go time. That was the green light that we were definitely going to do it. Once we knew we were going to do it, I felt like  and I still feel like  the right thing to do was to present that information in a way that explained it well. Thats why I do a long opening segment every night. As you mentioned, thats the structure of my show, that I try to explain the news, which means delivering information, sometimes new information thats a scoop  but I always try to put it in context so you know if its important, why its important; whats important about it; what else it might lead to; and where it comes from.

For me, one of the most interesting parts of that discussion, which I think has had a little more focus since the initial show, is what was the origin of that tax return? The first conversation that I had with it on the air, with David Cay Johnston, who actually obtained the document, was, Is it possible that this came from Trump himself? I remain totally open to the idea that it came from him, in which case that itself is a fascinating part of this. And theres been a lot of interesting reporting since we initially published the document in terms of what it means for the presidents financial entanglements [and] what else would be most helpful to see from his tax documents in terms of figuring out whether he has conflicts of interests that might be affecting his behavior as president.

So, I mean, people can like me or not like me, and they can like the way I do cable news or not like it  whatever. Its hopeless to try to keep everybody happy all the time, and Ive never tried. But I have no regrets about how we broke that story, and I remain very proud of the fact that we got the document, that the reporter who obtained it in the first place trusted us to do it, and that we presented it in a way that I think holds up. So, people can complain, but I dont really care.

Id imagine youre proud of the job your show is doing covering the new administration. Whats your take on how the rest of the D.C. press has been handling President Trump? Youve not been shy in the past about criticizing the Beltway media Establishment.

Were in a moment in American journalism where it makes sense to be both very proud and very protective of our press. If you are of the mind that this president, in his first 100 days in office, is facing one of the most serious potential national security scandals ever, with the Russia story, then support your local investigative journalists. Weve got these investigations going on at the FBI and the congressional committees, more or less. But the other part of whats going on in terms of figuring this out as a country is whats happening in the fourth estate. And I feel like actually the press is doing a pretty good job. In some ways, it has given us, by far, the biggest piece of what we know.

But I worry about the presidents attacks on the press  a little bit more than I worried about previous presidents attacks on the press. Not just because maybe this president will be more likely to act on them in some way, but also because the press has been weak as a business. The business structure that supports particularly in-depth investigative reporting, and professionally reported and edited content of the kind that we really need right now as a country, aggressively  particularly on this scandal that weve been covering so closely  its been in trouble, business-wise. And so if the president is going to push real hard, and the administration is going to push real hard on this business right now, Im not sure about the capacity of this business to respond, to withstand, a lot of pressure. So I worry about it. But a lot of people are starting to appreciate the press and the value of it more than they used to because of all the good work thats been done thus far on the scandals of this new era.

2016 was just this insane year for news. Many assumed Hillary Clinton would win the presidency, and that 2017 would just be a lot more calm by comparison. That didnt happen, obviously, and now 2017, in some ways, is making 2016 look almost boring. Are you and your team living on adrenaline right now, riding out this journalistic high? And for both you and your viewers, do you worry that with all of this insanity were living through, theres a risk of us all short-circuiting? Of people starting to not care anymore, or becoming inured to the daily madness?

Its an interesting question. I dont think Ive ever been in a news environment like this that felt like it had so much momentum while also being so unpredictable. I come in every day convinced that theres no scandal story to do, and then by the time we get on the air, events have proved otherwise. And in some ways thats frustrating, because it means you cant really plan ahead. Ive never been much of an advanced planner; like, Im never somebody who books guests a long way in advance. But that dynamic, where in the morning its almost impossible to predict what will have broken by the end of the day, thats an everyday dynamic now. Thats unusual. And it can wear you down because it requires being on your toes all day long, every day.

But it also gives you energy if youre in this part of the business. My job is to explain the news, and part of the reason that our numbers are up, and honestly everybodys numbers are up, is because theres a lot of appetite to have the news right now explained, because a lot of it doesnt make sense. If you dont have time to cover every twist and new development and new announcement and new scandal, putting it all in context  or having somebody who can put it in context, who can tell you whats important and whats okay to ignore  I think is a valuable service right now for something that can otherwise feel like drinking out of a fire hose.

Cable news is as necessary as its ever been, perhaps.

Everybody is always predicting the death of our business, and the death of network news and all this stuff. Well, look at the number of people who are watching right now. When theres a lot of news going on, when theres stuff that needs explaining, it helps to have people who are working at that full-time and trying to do the best job they can to make sense of the world. So, Im like a dog who needs a job. [Laughs.] I need to have something, and in order for me to have sustained energy, I need to know that what Im doing is needed and necessary and helpful. And right now, weve got that in spades. So I have more energy for this job than Ive ever had. I feel like every day the show writes itself a little bit. But again, its a balance between knowing that people have an appetite for what were doing, but also trying to not think too much about how its received.

With so much going on all the time, does that mean were not going to see the return of some former Rachel Maddow Show Friday-night staples, such as the cocktail moment or the Friday Night News Dump?

[Laughs.] We have heard from a lot of people since the election, like, Oh, weve never needed the cocktail moment more than we need it now. On the other hand, I feel like, especially right after the election, a lot of people were drinking anyway, without any help from me. [Laughs.] I dont know that alcohol needs much of an advertisement right now  not that I was encouraging people to drink. I was encouraging people who already drink to drink better! But at this point, I feel like if were going to do anything, we ought to do, like, Friday-night calisthenics. Or Friday-night vitamin counting. Like, Everybody, keep your strength up! Be healthy! Get outside!

I personally enjoyed seeing you interact with viewers via Skype during the news-quiz segment. That doesnt happen much in cable news.

And we may go back to that. Honestly, one of the weird things is  part of the reason we slated those things for Fridays was because, in a normal news environment, if youre a show thats focused mostly on politics, Fridays often sleepy. Congress goes home; the White House only makes news in a dire situation when it wants to dump something late in the day that nobody notices. And if they dont have that sort of a circumstance, then Fridays the day where stuff peters out until the Sunday-morning shows. So we invented these little franchises for Fridays. Well, Fridays are no longer slow! The news is not taking a day off. I dont feel like we have the chance to take that respite, or to take those steps back from what were doing, just because were caught up in the propulsive force of how fast the news is moving these days. Itll come back, but not until things slow down.
Gordmans will live on but at about half its current size, after a Texas-based retailer won a bankruptcy auction for the struggling retailer.

A bid by Stage Stores Inc., a Houston-based retailer that operates the Bealls department store chain and other store brands, was chosen by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Nebraska, according to documents filed Thursday.

In a news release, Stage Stores said it plans to assume the leases of 50 Gordmans locations and keep them open. It also has the rights to assume leases for an additional seven stores and a distribution center.

The company said the other 48 Gordmans locations will be liquidated and closed.

The locations remaining open were not identified, either in bankruptcy documents or by Stage Stores, leaving it unclear what will happen to the Lincoln store at 5050 N. 27th St. in the Lincoln Crossing shopping center.

Michael Glazer, president and CEO of Stage Stores, said the company will keep the Gordmans brand and will hire a significant number of the company's retail employees.

"We are pleased to enhance our store portfolio with the most desirable Gordmans locations, giving Stage a strong Midwestern presence in markets generally larger than those we serve today," he said in the news release.

Stage has stores in 38 states, but the vast majority of them are in the South and on the East Coast. Glazer says he thinks the Gordmans stores it is buying can thrive once they are free of significant debt and unprofitable locations.

Gordmans filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy March 13, partnering with liquidators to present what is known as a stalking horse bid. The deal with Tiger Capital Group and Great American Group called for Gordmans creditors to get at least $74 million based on a projection that its inventory would sell for between $145 million and $153 million.

It is not known exactly how much Stage Stores is paying for Gordmans. The deal calls for Tiger Capital Group and Great American Group to handle the liquidation of the locations that will be closing.
I confess that when I was younger, my mind would sometimes wander during church on Sunday mornings, particularly if the sermon was long. At times like that, Id pick up a hymnal and go through the names of all the people whod written songs. One name that came up time and time again, and still does today for many Waco browsers of hymnals, was Fanny J. Crosby.

Frances Jane Crosby was born in 1820 in the village of Brewster, New York, near the Connecticut border. She was blind from infancy and even though she could play the guitar and piano, writing poetry seemed to be her primary gift.

She wrote her first poem when she was just 8 years old, (Oh, what a happy soul I am/Although I cannot see it began) and in 1835 she entered the New York Institute for the Blind. After nine years as a student she became an instructor, teaching grammar and history.

Her first volume of poetry was published in 1844, and around that time she went to Washington with a group from the Institute to lobby Congress for help to schools for the blind. While she was there, she read one of her poems and in so doing became the first woman to speak in the U.S. Senate chamber.

Two more books of poetry followed in the next few years, as well as popular poems commemorating the exploits of Generals Zachary Taylor and Winfield Scott in the Mexican War. She wrote a moving poem for Senator Henry Clay to honor one of his sons whod been killed in that war and recited other of her poems for President James K. Polk, even playing piano at the White House.

She started writing music lyrics in the 1850s influenced in part by Stephen Foster, but didnt write her first hymn until she was 45 years old. Once she started, however, she never stopped. Today shes credited with writing an incredible 8,000 hymns and gospel songs.

By the 1890s some publishers had given her nearly 200 different pen names so it would look like their books were filled with songs from more writers than just Crosby alone.

She once said she prayed for inspiration before she wrote each of her hymns, and some are the most beloved and durable in Protestant Christianity, such as Blessed Assurance, To God Be The Glory, All The Way My Savior Leads Me, He Hideth My Soul and many, many more.

I pulled a couple of hymnals off my shelf to do a little checking. A 1956 hymnal contains 21 of her compositions while a 2012 version has 12. Today many of her papers and personal memorabilia are held in the New York Public Librarys music division at Lincoln Center.

When she died in 1915 one obituary said that most of the millions who sang her songs each Sunday probably never knew that it was a blind womans inspiration which they employed to express their Christian faith and hope in song.

Hymns may not always be the best kind of art. But theyre often the best example of what art has the power to do.
Nebraska's growing ranks of Libertarian voters could see more of their candidates on local ballots if a proposal that is working its way through the Legislature succeeds.

The bill would allow any political party with 10,000 or more registered voters to remain recognized in the state, regardless of how its candidates perform in statewide elections.

In recent years, Libertarians have been forced to run "sacrificial lamb" candidates for statewide offices in hopes of securing 5 percent of the vote, the minimum threshold for the party to maintain its officially recognized status.

"If this passes, that whole sacrificial lamb mentality goes away and we can focus on growing the party," said Gene Siadek of Omaha, treasurer of the Libertarian Party of Nebraska. "We can maybe focus on elections that might be more winnable for us."

Sponsored by Sen. Laura Ebke of Crete, the proposal (LB34) received first-round approval Wednesday on a 30-0 vote.

The change would apply to any third party that qualifies, but so far the Libertarians are the only ones who come close.

Their party has hit some major milestones in the past year, including Ebke's decision to ditch the GOP and register as a Libertarian. She became the state's highest-ranking Libertarian elected officeholder and the only Libertarian in the officially nonpartisan Legislature.

Last fall, the party topped 10,000 registrants for the first time, which Siadek attributed in part to Ebke's switch and also to Donald Trump securing the Republican presidential nomination.

And this year, the party submitted its first financial statement to the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission after exceeding $5,000 in donations for the first time.

"We're creating kind of a foothold," Siadek said.

The Libertarian Party has lost and restored its official status at least twice over the years, most recently in 2010. Under state law, the only way a party can regain the right to register voters and put candidates on the ballot is to gather thousands of petition signatures.

The threat of losing certification again has compelled Libertarians such as Mike Knebel of Bellevue to run long-shot campaigns for statewide offices such as treasurer or secretary of state every four years.

Knebel, a former chairman of the state Libertarian Party, spent much of his own time and money campaigning for state treasurer in 2014. He lost, but managed to get enough votes to protect the party's status until at least 2018.

He says he would have preferred to focus his energy on a more winnable local race, such as city council or school board.

"Now we can really focus on a lot of the local candidates and the local issues," he said.

Ebke's proposal met no opposition from the state's two major political parties during a public hearing March 9. Members of the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee voted 7-0 to advance it to the full Legislature.

"I think it's valuable for the citizens of Nebraska to have more options than the two major parties," said Sen. John Murante of Gretna, the committee's chairman.

Ebke said the change would allow Libertarians to "build from the ground up," but sees little threat to Republican domination in statewide politics.

"Nebraska is a red state, and it'll probably be a red state for a long, long time."
Gov. Pete Ricketts approved changes to Nebraska's unemployment system intended to keep it sustainable and in line with national standards.

The bill signed at a public ceremony Wednesday would prevent people from collecting benefits if they quit their jobs without good cause. It also would allow the state Department of Labor to provide electronic notice of determinations of an unemployment claim.

Ricketts said unemployment benefits should be targeted at those who lose their jobs. The bill was sponsored by Sen. John Kuehn of Heartwell and backed by some of the state's leading business groups.
A former McLennan County adult probation officer and a man with a previous manslaughter conviction charged with stabbing his girlfriend were indicted Wednesday.

A McLennan County grand jury indicted Michael Lee Gutierrez, a former probation officer, on a charge of official oppression, and indicted Eddie Morales as a habitual criminal in the stabbing of his girlfriend in the leg and arm.

Gutierrez, 28, was arrested on a Class A misdemeanor charge after two women supervised by him on probation complained in October that he used his position to sexually exploit them.

On 10/10/2016, during a routine office visit with an offender . . . Gutierrez requested the offender show her breasts to him, according to court records. Gutierrez told this offender, Youre going to make me want to pay your probation fees. 

The woman refused and later requested to be assigned to a different probation officer, documents state.

That same month, Gutierrez was aware of another female offender who violated her probation by smoking marijuana. Gutierrez told the woman that if she was going to fail her drug test to let him know and he would not drug-test her, court records show.

This offender would send Gutierrez text messages and photographs that exploited her in a sexual manner, an arrest affidavit states. She feared if she stopped sending this type of material to Gutierrez he would drug-test her.

Chip Seigman, director of McLennan County adult probation, said Gutierrez was fired in November. He declined additional comment.

Gutierrez was interviewed by Texas Rangers in February and confessed these allegations against him were accurate and true, the arrest affidavit states.

Gutierrez remains free on $1,000 bond.

The grand jury also indicted Morales, 42, on aggravated assault and possession of methamphetamine charges in a December 2016 incident in which his girlfriend was stabbed during a disturbance in the 1500 block of Mitchell Street.

The woman told police she and Morales were lying in a shed behind the main house, and Morales accused her of talking to someone in the shed, according to an arrest affidavit. Morales assaulted her, knocking her to the floor, and stepped on her face and neck, she reported.

She said she didnt realize she had been stabbed until she felt something warm running down her leg, reports state. Police reported a large puncture wound to the back of her right leg and one in her right forearm.

Morales fled, but when police returned to arrest him later, they also found him in possession of methamphetamine, reports show.

The grand jury charged Morales as a habitual offender because of a 1992 conviction for involuntary manslaughter, in which he stabbed a man to death, and a 2009 conviction for possession of methamphetamine.
Bluebonnets arent supposed to flower before daylight saving time springs forward.

But here we are in mid-March, and families have already been clambering onto roadsides for weeks for pictures with Texas state flower, Lupinus texensis. The flowers started popping up in Waco, including along Highway 6, in late February, and now theyre spreading across Central Texas.

Bluebonnets are coming about four weeks earlier this year than weve seen in the past, said Lee Clippard, spokesman for the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin. On Interstate 35, the roadsides are full of bluebonnets. Its very unusual.

Clippard said you can blame or thank the unusually warm winter weather throughout the southeastern half of the United States, which has caused trees to leaf out up to 20 days early from Texas to New Jersey, according to a national study.

Waco posted average February temperatures of 60 degrees, or 9.4 degrees higher than normal, according to the National Weather Service. February had two days with highs in the mid-80s, and the only freezing temperature was Feb. 16.

Bluebonnets are now in bloom at Miss Nellies Pretty Place in Cameron Park, at Whitehall Park in Woodway and along West Highway 84, among other places.

Clippard said the early onset shouldnt be a problem for the health of bluebonnets, at least in the short term.

Bluebonnets are cold-adapted, he said. If we had a late freeze, they would only get nipped a little.  One of the larger long-term threats is that they will come out of sync with the native bees and butterflies that pollinate them, and which dont come out until March.

Clippard said bluebonnets usually peak in early April, but this year he expects a more gradual bloom period.

City of Waco parks superintendent John Rose said he is hoping for a good showing of blooms in parks and roadways that his department maintains. Last year, the department mowed some bluebonnet areas in Cameron Park prematurely, drawing public complaints from wildflower lovers. This year, the department is planning to hold off on mowing until midsummer to give the bluebonnets and other wildflowers time to reseed. The city also spread 120 pounds of wildflower seed last fall, including about 8 pounds of bluebonnet seed, Rose said.

We are planning on doing that every October or November, Rose said. Normally, it takes about three years to get a good stand. If we do it yearly, down the road we should get to where we should be.

Clippard said municipalities and other landowners can encourage bluebonnets with some management practices that have been tested at the wildflower center. He said removing invasive species such as bastard cabbage and King Ranch bluestem helps. So does mowing around June, after the seeds have set. Some of the best results have come from prescribed burns, he said.

Rose said he has considered prescribed burns to encourage wildflower growth, but he thinks it would be too risky to set fires near Cameron Park.

Clippard said bluebonnets are tough plants that dont need irrigation or rich soil, but like other wildflowers, they sometimes need some human assistance to thrive in parklands.

One common misconception is that we can just let it go wild, he said. Even natural spaces require management because of invasive species and because weve already interrupted the natural process.
A Waco woman was arrested Wednesday after a school counselor reported suspected child abuse when a young girl came to school with a noticeable eye injury last month, an arrest affidavit states.

Kourtney Hamlin, 29, was arrested after a girl under the age of 10 came to school with the eye injury in February, Waco police Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton said. Detectives said Hamlin told school personnel the girl had fallen off a trampoline and injured her eye, but the girl told another student that Hamlin hit her, the arrest affidavit states.

"Victim stated she had been arguing with her sibling and she broke a window," the arrest affidavit states. "(Hamlin) walked into the room, backhanded hit (the girl's) left part of the eye, causing her to fall down and caused the eye injury."

The girl underwent a forensic interview and provided information about the injury to police. Hamlin told detectives the incident was an untrue allegation by the victim's father, the arrest affidavit states.

Hamlin was not cooperative with Child Protective Services investigators and refused to speak with police, adding that she had hired an attorney, the arrest affidavit states.

Hamlin was arrested on a state jail felony charge of injury to a child. She was also booked on a Class A misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest when she was taken into custody Wednesday.

Hamlin was later released from McLennan County Jail after posting a $4,000 surety bond.
Federal authorities prosecuting top national officers of the Bandidos motorcycle group in San Antonio have information that relates to the May 2015 shootout at Twin Peaks in Waco, but they will not share it with McLennan County prosecutors until after the federal trial, the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Texas said.

McLennan County District Attorney Abel Reyna filed notice Wednesday that his office is aware of the existence of federal evidence not in its possession or control, a development that could delay the trials of bikers charged in the Twin Peaks cases.

This obviously complicates an already immensely complex situation, said 19th State District Judge Ralph Strother, who last week was forced to postpone the start of a Twin Peaks case in his court after Christopher Jacob Carrizal, a Bandido, got a new attorney who needed more time to prepare.

Reyna said in his filing Wednesday that although federal authorities made no specific evidence disclosures, it is his duty under the Michael Morton Act and other statutes to make defense attorneys in the Twin Peaks cases aware that the information exists.

Although the federal investigation was underway when that incident occurred, neither the fact of the investigation nor any information pertaining to the investigation were shared with this office, Reynas filing states. The federal indictment was obtained under seal, and it was not until it was unsealed and reported by the media that the McLennan County Criminal District Attorneys Office became aware of the existence of the federal investigation.

Prosecutors in the Twin Peaks cases already have delivered a massive amount of evidence to the attorneys of the 154 bikers indicted in the shootout. The Morton Act requires prosecutors to turn over all evidence, including exculpatory, mitigating and impeachment evidence, to the defense before trial.

In a letter to Reyna dated Monday that Reyna filed Wednesday with his document, U.S. Attorney Richard L. Durbin Jr. declined to release evidence from his cases in San Antonio and said his office would provide the information after the trial of three members of the Bandidos upper echelon.

Start of federal trial

That trial is set for August, but Durbin said it could be postponed until later this year or early next year.

As you know, the defendants in our case include national officers of the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Club, Durbin wrote to Reyna. The information in the possession of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and this office was obtained through court-authorized wire intercepts . . . and remains under seal and protective order entered by the U.S. District Court.

Durbins letter states that Reyna asked him to disclose the evidence to Reynas office in a phone call March 20.

The question that comes to mind is why is that the first time that Reyna has asked for the federal evidence? said Dallas attorney Clint Broden, who represents local biker Matthew Clendennen.

He told the court during one of my pretrial hearings more than a year ago that he had already asked for that information. The implication from this letter is that this was the first time he has asked for all of this. I certainly think that if he had asked for this information a year ago, we would have heard about this a year ago.

Reyna did not return a call to his office Wednesday.

While Durbins office and Reynas office have not coordinated their efforts in the separate investigations, Durbin said his office has evidence that relates to the Twin Peaks incident.

Because of our limited knowledge of your cases, we cannot express an opinion on whether our information would be admissible in your prosecutions, nor whether it is clearly incriminating to some of your defendants, or exculpatory of others, Durbin wrote. It is possible that there may be some of both given the number of defendants charged in your cases.

While the federal indictments, which resulted in the arrests of three top Bandidos officers, include allegations from incidents before and after May 17, 2015, they do not specifically mention the Twin Peaks incident, thought to be an eruption from escalating tensions between the Bandidos and Cossacks.

As I explained, we and federal investigators have invested considerable time to obtain evidence through complex and expensive techniques to reach the highest levels of the Bandidos organization, Durbin wrote. Because of the significance of this prosecution, I have no choice except to maintain control over litigation relating to that information and evidence until we have completed our prosecution.

Seek to postpone

Broden said it is probable now that defense attorneys in the Twin Peaks cases will seek to postpone their trial settings because of the uncertainty about what federal prosecutors have that could be useful to their clients.

They are telling us about this now on the eve of some of these trial settings, and given the speed with which the federal court operates, I dont see that federal trial going until at least 2018, Broden said. That means the state cases in Waco will start maybe in 2019, assuming that the U.S. attorney would release the information then. And if those cases are appealed, an appeal would take two years, meaning you could be starting the Waco cases in 2021.

Defense attorneys also might file motions with the federal court in San Antonio asking that the information be disclosed, he said.

Here you are asking these defendants to choose between their rights to exculpatory evidence and their right to a speedy trial, and it is completely unfair to put a defendant to such a choice, Broden said.

The first Twin Peaks case is set for June 5 in Wacos 54th State District Court. Kyle Smith, 50, a Cossack from Kilgore, is the defendant.
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William Copeland, Sr.

March 30, 1943 - March 25, 2017

William "Bill" Lynn Copeland, Sr., 73, joined his heavenly Father, on Saturday, March 25, 2017.Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, March 31, at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home, 3110 Airport Road, in Temple. Memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 1, 2017, at Foundation United Methodist Church, 10751 W. Adams, in Temple. Senior Pastor Gary White will be officiating.

Bill was born and raised in Waco, Texas on March 30, 1943 to William C. and Evelyn M. (Martin) Copeland, Jr. He attended local schools and graduated from University High School in 1961. He attended Texas Tech and Baylor University. The majority of his executive career was with Southwestern Bell/AT&T as an Accountant Executive where he retired.

Bill idolized his family and his precious grandchildren. His love of traveling carried him near and far throughout the world, where he experienced an array of people, lifestyles and various cultures. He also embraced traveling throughout the USA, where he enjoyed meeting people and sharing his stories.

Bill is survived by two sons William "Willie" L. Copeland, Jr. and wife, Lynne, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, and Todd Copeland and wife, Michelle, of Eddy; daughter, Crystal Copeland Peterson and husband, Nate, of Burnsville, Minnesota; three grandchildren, Allie Copeland, Raegan, and Bianca Peterson; sisters, Diane Copeland Mitchell and husband, Harold, of Temple, and Megan Joachim and husband, Michael, of Temple; nieces, Neeley Talley of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Lindsey Kocsis, husband, Michael, of Temple; nephew, Jared Potts of Temple; and an abundance of cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and grandparents.

Memorial donations can be made to Foundation United Methodist Church.

Scanio-Harper Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Hughie Gillum

March 2, 1933 - March 27, 2017

Hughie Gillum, 84, of Bellmead, Texas, went to his heavenly home Monday, March 27, 2017. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 30, 2017, at the Waco Memorial Park Mausoleum. Graveside service at 1 p.m., Friday, March 31, 2017, at Waco Memorial Park.

Hughie Gillum known as "Gil" was born March 2, 1933 to Verna Gillum and Syriedia Gillum at Hennepin, Oklahoma.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Kathryn Gillum; children, Bobby Gillum of Whitney, Texas, Mark Thomas, Bellmead, Texas, and Debbie Pace, Mansfield, Texas; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and sister, Altie Marie Rowe, Choctaw, Oklahoma.

He served in the Army and was in the Korean War from 1953 to 1955. He retired from Mercury Tool and Machine of 34 years, in 2001.He is well known in Waco for grafting pecan and fruit trees.
To understand the significance of what happened in Washington last week, it might be easier to remove the names and the political parties involved.

Keeping it generic so as not to offend the political sensibilities of anyone, our countrys top cop told a congressional committee that there is an active investigation regarding the meddling by our most dangerous and persistent Cold War enemy into the core function of our democracy: our American electoral process.

To say such a revelation is extraordinary is no exaggeration. There should also be little debate about it being unprecedented in the history of this country.

Where the debate should and could begin in our country is whether this should be considered an act of war. And, if so, we must ask: How aggressively should our country respond in kind to the notion that a foreign power was actively involved in subverting our countrys electoral process?

As if all this were not extraordinary enough, as if all this were not frightening enough, perhaps the scariest moment about last weeks revelations is what the leaders of our country ultimately did ask; how the leaders of our country ultimately responded.

Democrats turned on Republicans. Republicans turned on Democrats. Americans turned on Americans, and the culprit of this ultimate provocation, Russia, became more of a side note that rarely rose to be the subject of any substantial debate.

It is tantamount to having President Franklin Roosevelt, a day after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, declaring Dec. 7, 1941, as a day of infamy, then going on to blame Republicans for allowing the attack to happen.

Instead, Roosevelt unified our country toward a common purpose. And it is incumbent upon our leadership today to do the same thing.

Otherwise, is it possible that Russia could get away with perhaps the most direct attack on our country since 9/11 and no one in Washington, or across the country, seems bothered by that?

That should be extremely bothersome to us all.

Has our political system become so mired by partisan infighting that Russia, of all countries, is getting a pass for an egregious act of political sabotage?

If engineered by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the strategy is brilliant. Stage a bold cyberattack on, of all things, the American presidential election, and dont worry if caught in the act because internal divisions in this country will deflect even the talk of any external consequences to Russia itself. Russia simply lit a match. Our countrys political system has become so volatile that it is consuming itself with its own flames, and Russia is disappearing in the smoke. Whether Russian agents colluded with officials with the Donald Trump campaign, and whether officials from Barack Obamas administration illegally leaked classified information to make the new Trump administration look bad, are both valid questions.

But these arent the only questions. Yet they might be the least important questions when considering conclusions already made about Russias actions last year. Theyre questions such as: How extensive were Russian hacks? Who ordered them? What implications do that countrys actions have for cyberespionage? For cyberterrorism or even cyberwarfare?

As we spend billions of dollars securing our borders, we must ask what are our priorities about securing our internet networks?

And, once again, how should the United States respond to such provocation?

While these are simple, perhaps simplistic questions, they are questions that I have yet to hear being asked by our congressmen and senators. Instead, the drama being played out in Washington remains the same drama that got us into this vulnerable situation in the first place: party politics locked in a death struggle with both Democrats and Republicans seeking the partisan advantage instead of the national advantage.

In any other era, in any other country, such actions would be considered traitorous. Have we become so blind to winning a principle that we cant see we are losing a democracy?
Scott Pruitt may face the biggest challenge of all of President Trumps Cabinet appointments. Thats because the Environmental Protection Agency, more than any other federal agency, is dedicated to a cause rather than the public.

Nearly half of its budget is distributed in grants to state environmental programs, non-profits, educational institutions and others to support its mission of protecting human health and the environment, according to the agency.

Actually, the agency does much more than that  and thats the problem. As attorney general of Oklahoma, Pruitt tried to constrain the EPA by leading or joining several multi-state lawsuits challenging the agencys regulatory mischief, especially with respect to air, water and carbon emissions.

For example, in West Virginia v. EPA, 29 states challenged the EPAs authority to regulate CO2 emissions at existing electricity-generating power plants under a little-used provision in the Clean Air Act. This novel approach prompted the Environmental Law Reporter to note, the fact that so many fundamental legal questions about the scope of EPAs authority have not yet been conclusively resolved by the courts introduces a level of legal uncertainty that has seldom been seen in the Agencys 40-plus year history of regulating air pollution.

Having challenged the EPA from the outside, Pruitt now has the opportunity to challenge  and remake  it from the inside. Here are some needed changes:

Limit the EPA to its intended purpose:

One of Pruitts biggest challenges will be to determine what the EPA is supposed to do under the law. The agency has been so aggressive in expanding its own agenda that it may be hard to disentangle its legitimate functions from its ideological ones. Fortunately, Pruitt has played a major role in challenging the EPAs efforts to micromanage state environmental policy and will have a good idea where to start.

Eliminate nonessential and insubordinate personnel:

The EPA has 15,000 employees. Its a fair guess many of them arent just trying to protect the environment; theyre trying to rid the world of fossil fuels.Some may try their best to undermine Pruitts  and Trumps  policies, which is why the head of Trumps transition team reportedly wanted to cut the number to 5,000. Best to show such ideologues the door so they can work for private-sector environmental groups. They will be much happier  and so will taxpayers who no longer have to pay their salaries.

Roll back ethanol mandates:

Pruitt should roll back the biofuels mandate that requires ever-increasing amounts of ethanol to be mixed with gasoline. Congress will have to act to eliminate the mandate completely, but the EPA has the power to postpone the increases.

End the war on carbon:

The Obama EPA, bolstered by a 2007 Supreme Court decision, declared war on greenhouse gases and especially carbon. It used that power to impose dramatic and costly new regulations on states and businesses. Reducing our carbon footprint is important, and the U.S. has been doing exactly that  and, incidentally, doing a better job than most countries that rail against climate change. But managing carbon should not undermine economic growth.

The goal should be the cleanest possible environment consistent with a thriving economy. In fact, only a prosperous, growing economy has the time and resources to ensure a clean environment.
Above: Ashley Silva, a graduate student in Optometry, traveled with a Pacific University program to Africa over Christmas Break to provide eye care to young and old in Tanzania.

Ashley Silva knew from a young age that she wanted to be an optometrist, and the reason why will tell you a lot about her.

"In sixth grade, we dissected cow eyeballs," Silva said. "It was the coolest thing to me. I wanted to take it home."

She's been fascinated ever since.

In eighth grade, she did a job shadow at the local optometrist's office. She knew she was interested in the medical field, but she saw this as a good way to interact and connect with patients. It was certainly more appealing than drawing blood all the time.

After graduating from Wahkiakum High School in 2012, she moved to Forest Grove, Ore., and began her studies at Pacific University.

During Silva's freshman year, she joined a program called Amigos, which sends students to different countries around the world on service trips to provide eye care. There is a lot of competition in the optometry program for the limited number of spots on each trip, which are led by professors. Students have to earn so many points to be considered for a trip, and they earn them by volunteering for different duties. One way Silva earned points was to visit a room at the college where they kept donated glasses. Students earned points by verifying prescriptions, and cleaning the glasses.

She is now in her second year of the Optometry School at Pacific University, having earned her undergraduate degree in a kind of accelerated program that allowed her to finish her senior year at the same time she completed her first year of graduate school.

Next year, she will step out of the classroom and move into rotation in a clinic, to continue her learning.

Last Christmas, she traveled to Africa with the Amigos program. She was so moved by the experience, she volunteered to go again next Christmas. So respected, she was asked to lead.

Silva and seven other students traveled to Tanzania with one of their professors, a doctor she really respects. They flew from Portland to Amsterdam, and then from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro. They spent the night in a nice hotel, because their guide, who grew up there, explained that late night travel was not culturally acceptable. The next day, they headed out to the area where they would spend the next few days.

On the first day they provided care, they visited a school. According to Silva, the children were pretty healthy, but there were some elders nearby who stopped in for a check up. Some had cataracts.

"It was very emotional," Silva said. "I got emotional every day in clinic. We worked from 10-4 and it was very fast paced. We saw around 150 patients each day, going to four different clinic sites."

The second day they visited an orphanage and school that got some attention on 60 Minutes. The students were really healthy and the area was more affluent.

The last two days were the hardest. The team traveled to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Maasai tribe used to live in the crater there. According to Silva, the government kicked them out of their homes. They are still allowed to live in the conservation area, but they cannot live in the crater.

"That's where I saw a lot of the stuff that I would have never seen here in the states," Silva said. "Almost every other patient was blind. People were bringing their elders, walking them there, completely blind. They'd been blind since they were young. When your eyes get damaged like that they kind of shrink and shrivel up, they are just destroyed eyes. That was so hard because there was nothing we could do for them."

Despite the terrible things Silva saw, she and her team were able to give some comfort and alleviate some pain. They gave away a lot of artificial tears, reading glasses, and sunglasses. They don't give out a lot of eye glasses, because the Maasai don't have the same visual demands there, Silva said.

"How much can we really do there?" Silva said. "But every time we even did a test, they were so grateful. Even if we couldn't give them anything, they were thankful."

One teenage girl came to them with recent eye trauma. Struggling to communicate through translators, they asked her how it had happened.

The girl disappeared and returned with an acacia thorn. Acacia bushes are everywhere, and the team concluded that was the culprit for a lot of the blindness they had seen that day. The Maasai use the plant to build fences around their villages to protect themselves, their families and their livestock.

"It was incredible the amount of trauma we saw," Silva said. "We had people lining up and waiting for help. When you got to them, you realized they'd been blind forever."

A mother came to Silva with her son on her back.

"I thought I was going to examine her eyes," Silva said, "but she kept pointing at her baby, who was screaming. She turned his head to me and his whole face was gashed open."

It was the most emotional experience she'd had on the trip and she had to step away for a moment to regain her composure.

"She was so helpless," Silva said. "She brought him there for us to help him, but we were eye doctors and we had to turn her away."

Through translators, they convinced her to go to the hospital. At least, Silva hopes so.

She really struggled with the language barrier.

"It tugged on my heart strings," she said. "I couldn't comfort someone as I gave directions, I had to explain through translators, and it always seems to lose something in the process."

The students administered antibiotic eye drops to some. They brought out their loupes to remove foreign bodies from eyes. On two occasions, they were able to treat an entropion. According to Silva, an entropion is caused by too much exposure to the wind or dust, and it causes the eyelid to roll in, bringing eyelashes into contact with the cornea, which they will destroy. The injury is treated by the removal of eyelashes, which allows the eyelid to relax.

"Once that happened, they were completely relieved," Silva said. "We had to put them through all that pain, and they completely trusted us, which is mind blowing to me."

The students also got to go on two safaris. They saw zebras, wildebeest, monkeys, giraffes, elephants, a couple lions and one rhino.

On Christmas Day, they were invited to a village for a welcoming ceremony, which was very moving for Silva.

Right: Silva and her team saw a lot of eye trauma while visiting the Maasai in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania. They saw cataracts, but they also saw people they believed had been blinded by the acacia thorn. Left untreated, the traumatized eye would shrivel and shrink and the owner would be blind. Photos courtesy of Ashley SIlva.

"They chanted and held our hands," Silva said. "They danced and we got to dance with them. We go to go into their homes.

"It was surreal," Silva said of the whole experience. "We're driving through the bush and they are herding their cows with a stick. Was I in a movie? People live like this every day."

The return to the US was initially disconcerting.

Silva and a friend are leading the team for the next trip to Tanzania in December, and they've already begun planning.

"There's a lot of work to be done there," Silva said. "Our doctor that goes with us is amazingly dedicated and supportive. He works year around for this trip. It's great to be able to go with him."

This year, they may begin to be able to provide cataract surgery for some of their patients in Africa.

Someday, when Silva has a practice of her own, she hopes to travel each year for similar service projects. She discovered eyes when she was in sixth grade. Apparently, she's always had a heart.
A student court at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln ruled Wednesday a veto of the Daily Nebraskans budget by the student senate president was unconstitutional.

The rarely used UNL Student Court, which is responsible for interpreting the student senates constitution and settling contested elections and disputes between student organizations and individuals, said Spencer Hartman overstepped his authority with a March 10 veto.

Hartman, president of the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska, known as ASUN, vetoed an appropriations bill that would have allocated roughly $135,000 to the Daily Nebraskan in 2017-18.

He told senators that while he supported the student newspaper, he felt the Daily Nebraskans reserve fund was too high compared to other organizations.

In an explanation of his veto, the senior ag economics major from Imperial said his intent was to reduce the Daily Nebraskans funding to a level recommended by the Committee for Fee Allocations of roughly $20,000 less than the amount approved by senators.

ASUN bylaws give the president line-item veto powers, but those powers do not permit the president to reduce a line item, Chief Justice Alyssa Stokes wrote in the courts opinion.

The court finds that giving the president authority to reduce an appropriation, without explicit language permitting such an action in the bylaw, erroneously allows the president to legislate and substitute his will for the will of the legislative body, Stokes wrote.

As part of his argument to the court, Hartman pointed to a veto by the UNL student body president in 1992-93 that reduced the budget of a student organization. The student senate failed to override that veto and no appeal was brought before the Student Court.

But the court rejected that argument, siding with the Daily Nebraskan in its interpretation of the bylaws and their plain meaning.

The language of the bylaw makes no mention of the presidents authority to reduce an appropriation, and this court will not be used as a vehicle to rewrite the ASUN constitution and bylaws, the opinion states.

Hartman said Wednesday afternoon he doesnt plan to appeal the decision to the University Appeals Board.

Im glad that we have it adjudicated now, he said. Future presidents now know what mechanisms they have to accomplish their goals.

Instead of using the veto to reduce the budget, future presidents will be required to veto an entire budget and ask senators to introduce a new appropriations bill with the amended amount, Hartman explained.

While the ASUN budget process grew contentious -- particularly as debate focused on funding for the Daily Nebraskan -- and social media and alumni got involved, Hartman said the experience hasnt turned him off from future public service.

Its given me insight between serving in the legislative branch and the executive branch, said the outgoing ASUN president and student member of the NU Board of Regents, and Ill digest and reflect on the difference for some time to come.
Irene Martin will do a presentation at Appelo Archves Center, 1056 SR 4, Naselle, on April 1 at noon. Titled Ship Jumpers and Mail Order Brides, she will talk about why people chose to leave the Scandinavian countries to come to America.

Irene Martin was born in England, raised in Canada, and has been a 40 year resident of the United States. She is a writer, fisher, and recently retired Episcopal priest. Her numerous books include Legacy and Testament: The Story of Columbia River Gillnetters, The Beach of Heaven which is a history of Wahkiakum County, Lewis and Clark in the Land of the Wahkiakums, and Sea Fire, Tales of Jesus and Fishing. Irene is also the author of the video, "Work is Our Joy: A History of Columbia River Gillnetters," produced by an Oregon Sea Grant. Her History of the Columbia River Packers Association and the Bumble Bee Seafoods was published in 2011 by the Chinook Observer Publishing Company.

She is the recipient of several awards, including the James B. Castles award in 1998 and the Washington Governor's Heritage Award in 2000. Irene lives in Skamokawa, with her husband, Kent.

This lecture is part of the Finland 100 events taking place in 2017 to celebrate Finlands 100th anniversary of independence. There is no admission charge, but donations are appreciated.
WAHOO  A fourth individual was arrested last week following a March 16 drug and weapons bust near Mead.

Victor N. Roberts, 28, joined Christopher J. Frommie, 37, Lindsay N. Blair, 28 and Heather N. Morgan, 33, in the Saunders County jail March 23, as he had also been living in the rural Mead home, said Saunders County Sheriff Kevin Stukenholtz.

Frommie, Blair and Morgan were arrested March 16. Roberts was arrested March 23.

Roberts had outstanding warrants in Douglas County and with the Omaha Police Department, Stukenholtz said.

Frommie, Blair and Morgan had their first court appearance March 23 and remain in the Saunders County Jail on $750,000 bond, according to court documents.

While serving the warrant at the home north of Mead, law enforcement found several firearms, prescription bottles, silencers, numerous swords and daggers defined by Nebraska State statute as deadly weapons, digital scales, flash-bang explosive and home-made explosives, according to court documents.

Most all of the items found in the home, were easily accessible to the children within this residence, according to court documents. The children living in the home were ages eight, five and 11, according to court documents.

The children were turned over to their biological father.

The next court appearance for the trio will be March 30.

Roberts is yet to appear in court, but will face similar charges, Stukenholtz said.
RAYMOND  This year marks a milestone in the Raymond Central Public Schools history, and the district is hoping to involve as many as possible in its celebration.

Fifty years ago, several area school districts consolidated to form Raymond Central, making this a golden year for the school.

Secondary Principal Kolin Haecker is among many district officials and community members involved in planning the celebration. Having only been with the district about 10 years, he said the process has been informational and interesting.

Haecker said he has learned much about the districts history over the last few months. A planning committee started meeting near the end of September last fall.

Its a way to remember where youve been, he said. Its been neat to hear the stories of how the district was formed.

A special District No. 19 meeting held in August 1966 set in motion the beginnings of the district, according to a history book created to honor Raymonds centennial in 1980. At that meeting, board members voted to merge the district with schools in Valparaiso and Ceresco. The following June, the merger became official and District 161 was born.

That same year, the federal government donated an abandoned Nike Missile site three miles east of Agnew to the district. That 21-acre location became what is now Raymond Central Junior-Senior High School. Voters approved a nearly $1 million bond in 1968 to remodel existing structures and construct new buildings on the site in 1968. Before that was complete, secondary students convened for class in Ceresco.

Haecker said the school still uses some of those old military buildings. In fact, the school office is an existing structure.

We still use one of the existing buildings as part of our school, he said. We just kind of built around it and engulfed it.

The school also used some old outbuildings as classrooms, until they were removed after the original addition was built on to the school.

Students moved into the school in January 1970, with a formal dedication taking place that March.

Haecker said he has enjoyed learning bits and pieces of history.

Its been neat to hear those stores from some of the people that have worked here for a while, he said.

Haecker and others are hoping to honor all that history this spring with a handful of events.

The first of which is a social gathering at James Arthur Vineyard near Raymond May 26 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Former graduates and their spouses are invited to take part in the festivities.

Well have a tent in back reserved just for this occasion, Haecker said.

He said the vineyards owner, Jim Ballard, has long supported the district.

Jim just had a daughter that graduated last year, he said. They have been big supporters of our district and community. They have been very inviting and a pleasure to work with, so were very much looking forward to partnering with them.

Early registration for the gathering is $20 and includes a couple drinks and a commemorative glass or mug, Haecker said. The deadline for early sign-up is April 15, and the price goes up to $25 on the day of the event.

The next day, May 27, the district will invite people to tour all its facilities. Elementary tours will be from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and the junior-senior high tour will go from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There are some people who just havent seen the new facility up here, Haecker said. We get a lot of calls when alumni are meeting up for a 10-year anniversary and they want to see if the schools open to see the changes that have been made.

The district has also planned a social gathering at the Valparaiso Legion Hall from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. May 27. Current and former staff, as well as board members, will be present at that event.

To register for any of the anniversary events, head to www.rcentral.org and go to the popular links section, Haecker said. There you can find more information and sign-up forms.

The district is also looking for interested volunteers.

Were trying to get people to serve, if they would be willing to help out, Haecker said.
LINCOLN  The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was confirmed in Omaha and Greenwood last summer and all ash tree species are still at a risk of attack as EAB spreads this summer.

Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County and the Nebraska Forest Service are presenting two seminars about Emerald Ash Borer to provide property owners with the information they need to make good decisions about their ash trees.

Seminars will be held Tuesday, April 4 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 6, from 9 to 11 a.m.

Both workshops will be held at the Lancaster Extension Education Center, 444 Cherrycreek Road, Lincoln. Registration is required at least three days prior to each seminar by calling 402-441-7180. Cost is $15 per person/couple for one set of educational materials. Pay at the door, making checks payable to Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County.

Insecticide treatments against Emerald Ash Borer are available, but can cause cumulative damage to trees. Treatments are not recommended until EAB has been confirmed within 15 miles of your location. Northeast Lincoln is within 15 miles of Greenwood.

At this seminar, property owners will:

- Learn how to identify ash trees. If you are unsure if a tree in your landscape is an ash, bring small branch samples or pictures for identification.

- Learn how to determine which of your ash trees are the best candidates for treatment. Many owners will decide to let some trees die -- particularly low-vigor trees, those in poor locations or with existing problems.

- Find out about the available treatment methods, their advantages and disadvantages, and when they should be applied.

- Learn about good replacement trees. Diversity is key.

Seminar presenters include Sarah Browning, Nebraska Extension Horticulture Educator; Jody Green, Nebraska Extension Entomology Educator and Laurie Stepanek, Nebraska Forest Service  Forest Health Specialist.

The Nebraska Forest Service has many Emerald Ash Borer resources online at http://nfs.unl.edu/nebraska-eab
EAGLE  Beyond the sun-faded white wood facade of the old community building resides a business with a grasp of modern technology that belies its 100-year-old home.

Elite Custom Technology moved into the space about a month ago, emigrating into the Eagle community from its previous headquarters in Lincoln.

The company is co-owned by Eagles own Nic Hitz. The business is the latest of his additions to the village, some of which include a public wireless internet system and supplying technology support to community events.

Eagle is the perfect spot for the company focused on home technology and security support.

Very few people want to come to Eagle and prospect, come to Waverly and prospect, come to Greenwood and prospect, said Co-owner Larry Roseberry. That fits us like a glove.

Hitz and Roseberry purchased the old community building last December for $7,500. The structure had previously been closed for months following the discovery of mold within its confines.

The pair immediately investigated the building after the purchase, discovered the source of the mold and got it wiped out.

Weve passed the test, Roseberry said, adding the business needed to get rid of the growth in order to receive their occupancy permit.

Thankfully, the mold wasnt as costly as they dreaded, Roseberry said. The most concerning part of the remediation was that it took some workers out of the loop for a bit while they got it under control.

It was manpower bad, Roseberry said. Not money bad.

With the mold issue out of the way, the company is now free to get down to business. And that business covers a lot of bases.

We are a technology company, we are not coders, Roseberry said. We work on equipment and our forte, if you will, is computer management, computer repair, whole home automation and then any of those incre-ments that make up whole home automation.

The business aims to connect every technological aspect of a home, such as stereo systems, lights and security, and make using those complex systems simple as can be.

Weve got it down now where if a customer has a smartphone he can run his entire house, from anywhere in the world, Roseberry said.

For example, he said, someone could land at the airport after a long vacation, realize its much colder in Lincoln than it was when they left and turn up their homes thermostat from the plane.

By the time he gets home the house is warm, Roseberry said.

Having everything automated can also make homes safer, Roseberry said. Being able to turn on lights from a distance, for instance, can prevent tragedy.

A thief is there to steal something and most people get hurt because they surprise the thief, he said. The thief has one thing on his mind, Ive got to get out of here without being seen. By turning on the lights youre guaranteeing yourself that when you pull up whoever has been in there is gone.

The company has been in business for almost a decade now, Roseberry said. Its five employees serve about 2,000 different computers under multiple clients.

They do both residential and commercial settings. One of their many customers is the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where they handle all of the schools sororities and other buildings.

Every home or business they do security on receives a visit before any quotes are given. They need to see the best spots for cameras and understand the structures layout beforehand.

As far as personal computer security goes, Roseberry and Hitz hope to enhance their services in that area with new advancements.

Were getting ready to introduce some new technology that we can either program it in based on equipment or put a unit in a persons house and we can measure from here their actual internet speed, we can measure all of their technical equipment, he said. In other words it tells us at 2 o clock in the morning that your cable went out. So youre going to get a phone call from us before you even realize that you dont have cable.

It will also enable them to assist in redirecting you from more dangerous parts of the internet. They dont see what websites people visit, but they do get notifications if a person is drifting into a danger zone.

If youre not careful of the sites you go to you can open up a can of worms, he said. It will take days to catch all of them.

When it comes to customer service, the team is knowledgeable but not judgmental.

Well show you how to use what you have, and thats really important, he said. If youre going to be judgmental about that, you cant be a techie.

They also try to prevent problems before they happen by being proactive about keeping customers equipment clean and well-maintained.

Id much rather have a customer call me griping that hes paid me $180 for the year and we never had to come out except four times to clean it and check it, Roseberry said. I can handle that complaint
April 1 2017 marks 99 years since the Royal Air Force was founded. With the services 100th anniversary approaching next year, the RAF Museum is hard at work preparing for the historic occasion by delivering a 26m RAF Centenary Program, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Forged in the crucible of the First World War, the story of the Royal Air Force has shaped the modern world. By inspiring technological development, pioneering cultural change and pushing the boundaries of human achievement, the RAF has touched the lives of millions around the globe.The RAF Museum is a national award-winning museum telling the story of the RAF past, present and future, through its people and collections at sites in both London and Cosford. 2018 is a once in a life-time opportunity to mark the 100th anniversary of the RAF as well as recognizing the on-going impact and contribution the service plays on the world today. Through a national collection of aircraft and artifacts, the Museum will honor this important milestone through a 26m major transformation of its visitor experience at its London site. Work is already underway to deliver the exciting plans that will celebrate and commemorate this anniversary as well as looking to the future, by creating a Royal Air Force legacy that endures and enriches future generations.

At London, new landscaping will welcome visitors to discover a new green heart of the community, reflecting the historic RAF Hendon airfield. New, innovative galleries will explore the first 100 years of the RAF, its roles today and entice visitors to imagine its future contribution and technology. Plus, a new digital sharing project will promote conversation with a global audience and help connect people to the RAF story, sharing information onsite and online.

The development plans will also include new exhibitions at Cosford, exploring the first 100 years of the RAF and new aircraft displays which are already underway, to enable the RAFs story to be more comprehensively represented to Museum audiences in the Midlands. The Cosford site will also be the focus of My RAF Story, which promises to be the largest collection of publicly sourced RAF stories.The new exhibition halls at London will be opening in Summer 2018 as part of the wider calendar of national RAF events. Until then its business as usual at both RAF Museum sites, open daily from 10 amalong with aircraft moves, exhibition construction, re-landscaping, design work and public events..and not forgetting that admission is FREE

Aviation fans can keep up to date with the centenary aircraft moves and on-going developments by signing up to the Museums free e-Newsletter http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/contact-us/newsletters.aspx
National environmental groups and the company seeking to build the Keystone XL pipeline fired separate legal volleys Thursday over the contentious project.

Environmental groups -- including one that got its start in Nebraska -- made good on a promise to file a lawsuit seeking to reverse President Donald Trumps green-lighting of the Keystone XL project.

Meanwhile, TransCanada filed a motion with the Nebraska Public Service Commission urging it to reject 56 people and groups seeking intervener status in the review of the Keystone XL route through the Cornhusker state, including Nebraska's Ponca and South Dakota's Yankton Sioux tribes and environmental and public-health advocacy groups.

More than 100 people and organizations, including more than 90 landowners and three labor unions, have petitioned to intervene, which would allow them to file legal briefs, cross-examine witnesses and present formal arguments to the PSC alongside TransCanada's attorneys.

TransCanada, in the filing, said some petitioners have tried to manufacture a legal interest in the proceedings, a requirement to become an intervener, by making donations or buying small interests in land near the proposed Keystone XL route.

TransCanada said activists and special interest groups should be denied because they want to bring up issues beyond the narrow scope of addressing the pipeline path, such as global climate change and safety. The company said the tribes failed to show a direct interest in the proceeding and that indirect, remote or conjectural interest isnt enough to merit intervention status.

The tribes argue they have an interest because the pipeline would cross through federally designated tribal land, as well as their historical territory, threatening historical, cultural, sacred and archaeological sites.

The Trump administration on March 23 issued a cross-border permit allowing Calgary-based TransCanada to build its $8 billion pipeline in the U.S.

A coalition of six environmental groups filed a lawsuit Thursday in U.S. District Court in Great Falls, Montana, asking the judge to throw that permit out and require additional review and public input on the project.

Supporters of the project have praised the Trump administration's granting of the permit saying the Keystone XL has been studied more than any other pipeline project in American history and will create jobs, boost local tax receipts and provide affordable oil from a friendly trade partner.

The environmental groups say the State Department, which oversees the permit process, violated federal rules and laws by issuing the permit based on an outdated 2014 environmental impact report. It's the same report former President Obamas administration relied on to deny the permit in 2015.

The lawsuit alleges the State Department ignored new research on crude oil from western Canadas sedimentary basin, including the difficulty of cleaning up spills, and that greenhouse gas emissions it produces may be five to 20 times higher than previously indicated.

Oil prices also have dropped drastically since the original environmental report was written, changing some of its underlying assumptions, the suit says.

Among other things, the State Department did not adequately analyze Keystone XLs significant negative climate, air quality, water quality, pipeline safety and biological impacts, the lawsuit says.

The suit asks for the cross-border permit to be junked and for an order directing the State Department to do a new environmental study. It also seeks to stop the Bureau of Land Management from issuing right-of-way for construction on 45 miles of federal land in Montana.

Plaintiffs in the suit include Bold Alliance, the Northern Plains Resource Council, Center for Biological Diversity, Friends of the Earth, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Sierra Club.

Bold Alliance, which got its start as Bold Nebraska, made a national name for itself fighting the Keystone XL pipeline. Jane Kleeb, who founded the group, recently expanded the Bold brand to several other states and created Bold Alliance as the national umbrella for the group.

We stand for the rule of law and protection of the air, the life-giving water and land that sustains us. We stand against eminent domain for private gain, said Ken Winston, attorney for Bold Alliance.

The Keystone XL would run from Canada to Steele City in Nebraska, where it would meet up with an existing pipeline network connected to U.S. refineries on the Gulf Coast.

TransCanada needs the Public Service Commission, an independent five-member elected board, to approve its 275-mile route through Nebraska before it can move forward with eminent domain to force easements from landowners who refuse to give them voluntarily and begin construction.
For those who chase severe storms the thrill of the chase is tempered by danger.

The effects of a tornado - damaging hail, winds that can exceed 160km/h and debris that can be made into deadly projectiles - are hazardous, but the other perils are man-made: the cars driven by other storm chasers.

Texas Department of Public Safety troopers investigate a two-vehicle crash that left several storm chasers dead. Credit:AP

That was the case on Tuesday afternoon when three storm chasers were killed in a crash outside of Spur, Texas, about 140 kilometres east of Lubbock, as they pursued a tornado, the Texas Department of Public Safety said.

Kelley Williamson, 57, of Cassville, Missouri, was driving a Suburban when he went through a stop sign and struck a Jeep driven by Corbin Jaeger, 25, of Peoria, Arizona, the department said in a statement. Jaeger was pronounced dead at the scene, as was Williamson and a passenger in his vehicle, Randall Yarnall, 55, also of Cassville, Missouri.
Three years of wrangling over a section of Australia's racial discrimination laws has again amounted to naught after the Senate killed off the Turnbull government's proposed changes late Thursday night.

A bid to amend section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act and make it lawful to offend, insult and intimidate others on the basis of race was voted down by Labor, the Greens and a slew of crossbenchers, including Nick Xenophon and the Tasmanian Independent Jacqui Lambie.

Attorney-General George Brandis described the defeat as a "sad day" but Labor MPs celebrated the bill's scuttling with frontbencher Tony Burke declaring it a victory for anyone who had experienced racism. The Independent Senator Cory Bernardi, who has led the charge to change the law since the coalition abandoned its election promise in 2014, accused the government of setting the changes up to fail accused the coalition of collaborating in a "tricky deal." But this was immediately rejected by the Attorney-General George Brandis who said "that is not true."

But the government will likely be more successful in passing procedural changes to how the Australian Human Rights Commission handles cases, which make it easier to dismiss vexatious complaints and require greater transparency toward defendants.
Right - company tax cuts.

The Senate is unlikely to vote on them tonight - it will be dealing with 18C - which means everyone is coming back tomorrow.

At the moment it looks like there will be a compromise deal of tax cuts for companies with an annual turnover of $50 million which isn't what the government wants.

But it does capture all but the very biggest of companies.
The mamma cow and baby calf will be sold Saturday. Then, theyll be sold again and again and again -- until the auctioneers voice gives out or the audiences pockets are empty.

Its the April Fools' Day auction at the Beatrice 77 sales barn. But the repeated sale of the cow-calf pair is no joke. Its a fundraiser called a rollover auction that will help rural families whose livelihoods have been ravaged by fire this spring.

The auctioneer symbolically sells the cow-calf over and over again to garner donations, then in one final push will auction the pair for real.

If you plop 100 out of your pocket, Im going to say sold and well appreciate what you did, Dennis Henrichs, an auctioneer and barn manager said.

This is a way that farm people, livestock people, really help each other when difficulty strikes, whether it be a death or a fire or a tornado.

Wildfires scorched the High Plains this spring, blackening ranch and farm land and taking the lives of both people and livestock, leaving behind emotional and financial wounds that will hurt for year to come.

Nebraska cattle producers, livestock sale barns and auctions have come to the aid of their fellow ranchers in Kansas, Colorado, Texas and Oklahoma.

The Nebraska Cattlemen Association earlier this month put out a call for fencing supplies, feed, hay and trucking services to deliver donations.

A fundraising rollover auction of a steer at the Imperial Livestock Auction on March 21 raised a little more than $10,000 to be split between Colorado and Kansas.

Proceeds from the Beatrice sale on Saturday will go to Kansas, where more than 1,000 square miles has been blackened by several fires, including one believed to be the largest in the state's recorded history.

Henrichs said more than $8,000 had already been pledged by Wednesday afternoon.

The Beatrice 77 cattle sale begins at 4 p.m. Saturday.
Twitter is proof that a start-up can change the world without developing a viable business model. Claiming 319 million active users, the company is "a success and failure at the same time", as Bloomberg tech reporter Sarah Frier observed after Twitter's revenue and profit expectations fell short of analysts' estimates last month.

So why not try something drastic? Charge for Twitter's true value: the opportunity to tweet.

Give everyone a small ration of free tweets, say five a week. After that, charge a few cents each. The motto could be, "Give the world your two cents' worth." To kick things off, the company could give everyone a dollar or two in credit.

Twitter is already considering a paid subscription aimed at people who use Twitter for business. That would give them an ad-free feed and more analytics with an improved version of the company's Tweetdeck app. This simply takes the freemium model a step further.
Corryn Rayney's sister and brother-in-law believe Lloyd Rayney was involved in his wife's death, the Perth barrister's multimillion-dollar defamation trial has heard.

Sharon Coutinho told the WA Supreme Court on Wednesday she did everything she could to find her sister's killer.

Corryn Rayney's (right) brother in law said in court Ms Rayney accused her husband Lloyd Rayney (left) of being 'a snake'.

"I thought he had something to do with it," she testified.

Her husband Rohan Coutinho said after Mr Rayney was acquitted of murdering the Supreme Court registrar and an appeal was dismissed in 2013, he expressed "disappointment" to journalists and still felt that way.
Australia's surfing big guns failed to fire during the opening round of the Margaret River Pro, but defending champion Sebastian Zietz produced a piece of late magic to score a perfect 10-point wave.

Three-time world champion Mick Fanning, Joel Wilkinson, Owen Wright, and Matt Wilkinson all lost their opening-round heats, putting their victory hopes on thin ice.

Mick Fanning lost his opening-round heat, putting his victory hopes on thin ice. Credit:Dallas Kilponen

The Australian quartet will now have to negotiate tough man-on-man battles in the elimination second round.

Queenslander Julian Wilson thought he might have to pull out completely after injuring his ankle while free surfing two days before the event.
An astute Perth father and son have thwarted an attempt by scammers to steal more than $200,000 during their property settlement after fraudsters likely hacked their actual settlement agency's email accounts.

The Mandurah property buyers received an email purporting to be from their settlement agent asking them to deposit funds into a bank account in order to finalise settlement.

The pair noticed the email address was slightly different to the original being used by their agent, and contacted them directly to query the request.

Their settlement agent confirmed it was a fake email.
On Wednesday, British Prime Minister Theresa May has pulled the trigger on one of Britain's most significant political experiments in its modern history  leaving the European Union.

A formal letter signed by Mrs May was handed to the President of the European Council Donald Tusk in Brussels triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty which allows for a country's exit from the block. It sets up two years of negotiation of the terms of Britain's exit.

Here is what to expect next:

2017
A 15-year-old Denver man sought in connection to the stabbing death of an Ogallala man turned himself in to Colorado authorities Thursday afternoon, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.

Amedeus L. Leroux will be charged with the second-degree murder of 25-year-old John Fratis. The State Patrol originally said he was charged with first-degree murder.

Keith County Attorney Randy Fair said Fratis was stabbed to death Tuesday morning. An arrest affidavit said Fratis died after a fight with another man.

State Patrol investigators described Leroux as a "person of high interest" after he was seen in surveillance images at an Ogallala convenience store at 8:22 a.m. Tuesday, shortly after Fratis' body was found in his home.

After leaving the convenience store, Leroux was dropped off in southwest Nebraska or northeast Colorado by someone driving a Chevy Suburban that investigators located before Leroux turned himself in.

The Keith County Attorney's office has begun the extradition process to return Leroux to Nebraska.

Nebraska State Patrol Lt. Tim Arnold said in a news release that tips from the public "helped greatly in this investigation."

Fratis' two roommates have been arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting murder.

An investigator said Raylynn E. Garcia, 28, and Larry J. Derrera, 32, lied or withheld information, hindering the death investigation.

Garcia was being held Thursday in the Keith County jail without bail; Derrera was in the Lincoln County jail.
Under the patronage of the Korean Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF- Korea) and in close collaboration with the Kenya School of Revenue Administration (KERSA), a World Customs Organization Accreditation Workshop for Expert Trainers (ET) on Rules of Origin was held at the WCO Regional Training Centre in Mombasa, Kenya from 20 to 24 March 2017.

The event was organized as part of the WCO strategic approach to expand overall the pool of Member Experts in order to assist the WCO in the effective delivery of capacity building activity. In particular, this event aimed at further developing the team of WCO Rules of Origin Expert Trainers capable of conducting international training activities in line with WCO standards.

The WCO has developed a three-phased approach to the accreditation process for the pre-selected candidates: (1) pre-screening; (2) participation to a WCO accreditation workshop; and (3) final evaluation carried out by a qualified WCO Expert during an in-field mission.

The event was attended by fifteen participants from East & Southern Africa and West & Central Africa WCO Regions who were assessed on their relevant technical knowledge and application, presentation and facilitation skills, communication and advisory skills, overall knowledge of key WCO tools and instruments and their team working capabilities.

During the intensive five-day workshop a good number of participants demonstrated the required skills and their overall potential to become WCO Expert Trainers and were duly invited to the next stage of the accreditation process. It is anticipated they will now each be given early opportunity of conducting an in-field mission in order to finalize their accreditations.
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Dear Amy: My wife and I are successful, hardworking physicians in our late 50s.

For many years we have had stress in our marriage that often centers around my tendency to focus on perceived "wrongs," and what I believe is her tendency to say things with hurtful intent.

After I saw a therapist, I worked harder to understand this, and our relationship has improved over the last year.

Until last night. We were watching a television show when a commercial came on. It featured a handsome man of about my age, standing in front of a very nice island home. He invited the viewers to enjoy financial independence.

I mentioned that I would like to join him on his island of wealth.

My wife said that she would like to run away with him (laughing, of course).

I did not share her laugh. I went up to bed.

Then I began to fixate on her comment, and why she thought that was so funny. I think what made it more hurtful to me is that A: I have thinning hair, and B: I just worked for over two hours making dinner for her because she was working late.

Later, I told her that her comment hurt my feelings. She replied, "But it was only a joke." Well, of course, I knew she wasn't going to run off with this handsome actor, but I still wonder if this is how normal, emotionally close couples share humor?

-- Upset Husband

Dear Upset: Many a marriage has been strained by failed "humor."

However, let's re-rack the evening in question: The "joke" started with you, saying that you wanted to join this man on his private island of wealth. Given your own extreme sensitivity, why would you make this sort of comment to your wife? By saying it, were you implying that your wife has not done a good enough job of providing wealth to your family? (No, but she could take it this way if she wanted.)

Instead, your wife signified that she got the joke by making a joke in return.

It's called domestic comedy, and in order to take the main stage, you need to not only make, but take jokes, making an effort to respect the context.

You should recommit to your individual therapy and be screened for anxiety; you and your wife could also use some relationship counseling, in order to learn ways to keep your communication family-friendly. Part of this effort would be for your wife to genuinely apologize when you tell her your feelings are hurt.

Dear Amy: I'm worried about the United States. In my 66 years on the planet, I've never seen this many angry, violent and selfish people making news.

Some advice, please, on some basic everyday practices by which we can learn to be better neighbors to each other.

-- Troubled

Dear Troubled: I have received many queries like yours, and of course I am personally also experiencing some of the tumult you describe, in my life, as well as through comments and reactions to my advice.

I am not quite as old as you are, but I can think of at least one other lengthy period during my lifetime when this country seemed to be combusting. During my childhood in the '60s, riots, protests, violence, racial tension, political corruption and upheaval, as well as the tragedy of the war in Vietnam, were a daily and inescapable backdrop to American life.

Then as now, the most we can do is also the very least we can do. And that is to be decent, respectful and kind to people; to protect people in trouble and to lend a hand when someone needs it.

If you are distressed, it would help to disengage from social media, where accusations carom back and forth, "facts" are misstated, feelings are hurt and reactions are amplified.

Let your actions reflect the better angels of your nature, and you may inspire others to do the same.

Dear Amy: Regarding the letter from "Baffled," whose 10-year-old son was rude to his grandmother: That mother needs to teach her son some manners and how to behave and care for others. It's something that should have been done through the years, and I hope it's not too late to start.

The fault does not lie with the grandmother. The fault is with the mother's inability to teach her son.

-- Disappointed

Dear Disappointed: Blaming the grandmother for her own sensitivity to this rudeness doesn't help the child, either.
Calvert City to help get letters to Santa
By West Kentucky Star Staff Mar. 29, 2017 | 04:50 PM | PADUCAH, KY





Nine new members - including one from Paducah - will join the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame on Friday, April 28. They will be inducted at a luncheon ceremony sponsored by the University of Kentuckys School of Journalism and Media and the UK School of Journalism Alumni Association.The new inductees being recognized for their contributions to journalism include Tom Butler, retired vice president of news for WPSD-TV in Paducah.In a press release, the hall of fame says that in addition to his 35 years of work in local television, Butler has been a mentor to other broadcast journalists and an advocate of strong journalism.Others to join the hall of fame include:Mary D. Ferguson, who became the first female reporter for Hopkinsvilles Kentucky New Era in 1962, then a columnist and the Pennyrile areas unofficial historian until her death in 2016 (posthumous induction).Lewis Conn and William Matthews, whose 1968 creation of the Newspapers Inc. chain changed the way Kentucky community newspapers were owned and published. (Conn is deceased and will be inducted posthumously.)Ron Daley of Hazard, former editor and publisher of the groundbreaking Troublesome Creek Times in Hindman, now strategic partner lead for the Kentucky Valley Educational Cooperative.Dr. Mike Farrell, professor of journalism at the University of Kentucky, director of its Scripps Howard First Amendment Center, and former managing editor of The Kentucky Post.Bill Francis, retired reporter and anchor for WDRB-TV, who covered Louisville for 42 years and was the first full-time business reporter for a Kentucky television station.Bettye Lee Mastin, a retired Lexington Herald-Leader reporter and author whose writing about historic architecture helped lead to the preservation of many historic structures in the Bluegrass.Joe Palmer, a Lexington native and UK graduate whose Thoroughbred racing coverage for the New York Herald Tribune in the 1940s and 50s was hailed by many contemporaries as the best (posthumous induction).The luncheon on April 28 will be held at The Grand Reserve, 903 Manchester Street #190, Lexington, beginning at noon. Cost is $50 per person.Reservations may be made online by following this link: http://www.ukalumni.net/journalismhalloffame .Reservations must be received by Friday, April 21 to ensure seat availability.The Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame recognizes Kentuckians who have made significant contributions to the profession of journalism. Nominees must be natives of Kentucky or journalists who have spent a significant portion of their careers in Kentucky.The Hall of Fame has inducted Pulitzer Prize winners, reporters, editors, photographers, publishers, broadcasters, journalism teachers and others who have left their mark on journalism. Scan the honor roll of some 200 names and youll find the first African-American woman to cover the White House, the developer of gonzo journalism, a voice of Triple Crown races and winners of nearly every national journalism award.The hall was created by the University of Kentucky Journalism Alumni Association in 1980. It is housed in the School of Journalism and Media in the Grehan Journalism Building on the Lexington campus. Nominees are inducted annually.
By West Kentucky Star Staff Mar. 29, 2017 | 05:18 PM | MAYFIELD, KY

The Graves County Sheriff's Office, along with Graves County High School, will be hosting a Ghost Out program at the high school on Friday.

Part of this program will involve a mock collision scene which will be set up in the high school parking lot next to the four way stop behind the school. The mock collision will start at approximately 7:00 am.

Agencies that will be participating in this mock collision will include the sheriff's office, the Mayfield Police Department, the Mayfield Fire Department, Mayfield/Graves County EMS, the Mayfield/Graves County Fire and Rescue Squad, the Graves County Coroner's Office and the Graves County Schools Police.

Please do not be alarmed if you see this collision as it is only part of the program.
By West Kentucky Star Staff Mar. 29, 2017 | 09:48 PM | MAYFIELD, KY

A Mayfield man faces marijuana and other charges following his arrest on Wednesday.

According to the Mayfield Police Department, a detective was stationary in an unmarked police car at the intersection of 8th Street and West Walnut Street. Police said 26-year-old Michael Embrey approached the passenger side of the vehicle in a curious manner, as if he was needing something.

The detective got out of his vehicle, and made contact with Embrey. Embrey offered his name, then hid his right hand in a pocket. The detective asked what he had in his pocket. Embrey pulled his hand from his pocket, and a baggie of marijuana fell to the ground.

The detective identified himself as a police officer, and grabbed Embrey's wrist. A struggle began, and Embrey grabbed the marijuana, slipped out of his shirt, and took off on foot. A. short time later, with help from a witness, officers found Embrey in a crawl space inside his home.

Embrey was taken into custody without further incident. He's charged with tampering with physical evidence, possession of marijuana, resisting arrest and fleeing and evading police.

He was lodged in the Graves County Jail.
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By The Associated Press

By The Associated Press Mar. 29, 2017 | 09:57 PM | FRANKFORT, KY

A bill that would require the state Board of Education to develop guidelines for Bible literacy courses is on its way to Republican Gov. Matt Bevin's desk.

The state Senate gave final passage to House Bill 128 on Wednesday. It would require the state board to develop administrative regulations for elective social studies courses on the Bible.

Many school districts already offer the courses. But Republican state Sen. C.B. Embry said state guidelines would offer "uniformity statewide and clarity to districts who would like to offer the course."

The bill requires Bible classes to maintain "religious neutrality" and to accommodate "diverse religious views."
By The Associated Press Mar. 29, 2017 | 01:22 PM | FRANKFORT, KY

Kentucky lawmakers have given final passage to a bill aimed at helping people overcome their criminal pasts to get occupational licenses they might need to start new careers.

The Senate sent the bill to Gov. Matt Bevin on a 36-0 vote Wednesday. The Republican governor has been a driving force behind efforts to turn former prisoners into productive citizens.

The measure, Senate Bill 120, continues efforts to revamp Kentucky's criminal justice system. It would prevent automatic denial of occupational licenses to people with criminal backgrounds.

Senators accepted a change made by the House that applies to people convicted of violent or sex-related crimes. Under the change, those offenders would have to prove there's no connection between their crime and the duties of the occupation for which they're seeking a license.
By The Associated Press Mar. 29, 2017 | 08:39 PM | FRANKFORT, KY

A bill that would allow judges to order people with mental illnesses into outpatient treatment will become law despite a veto by Republican Gov. Matt Bevin.

State lawmakers voted to override Bevin's veto of Senate Bill 91. The bill would let judges order people with mental illnesses into outpatient treatment if they had been involuntarily committed at least twice in a year.

Bevin vetoed the bill because he said it would restrict people's liberties. Mental health advocates said it would help people with mental illnesses get the treatment they need. The bill was named "Tim's Law" in memory of Tim Morton, a Lexington man who was hospitalized 37 times before he died.

Lawmakers also voted to override Bevin's veto of a bill that named dozens of roads throughout the state.
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There's a reason Donald Trump bangs on about China. Its emerging economy has dragged America's down and shifted capitalism's centre. It has opened up a new frontier; "the greatest pool of untapped consumers the world has ever known" - or so says the protagonist of Chinglish, Daniel Cavanaugh (Gyuri Sarossy), a smarmy Cleveland salesman out in China on business. Trump would like him. They're both into the art of the deal. Bigly.

Thing is, as Daniel discovers to his detriment, there are two sides to any deal and doing one in China takes all kinds of translation. He's flown to Guiyang province to secure a contract to supply signs for a new cultural centre, armed with evidence as to how easily - and how embarrassingly - English translations can go wrong. Without due care, disabled loos become 'Deformed Man's Toilets.' It cuts both ways though: English can mangle Mandarin in its own ways. Hence, Daniel's hiring of a local ex-pat consultant, Peter (Duncan Harte), to oil the cogs of his deal and translate across a linguistic and a cultural divide.

Only, as David Henry Hwang's play makes clear, nothing quite translates exactly  least of all capitalism itself. For all that China's economy looks to have embraced western principles, Daniel discovers that its free market is nothing of the sort. Instead of competition, he encounters corruption. Behind the facade of freedom, there's authoritarianism; behind trade deals, nationalism.

Nobody's quite what they seem here. Daniel's not the success story he makes out, but nor is Peter. Rather than a local expert, he's a teacher who holds sway over the culture minister (Lobo Chan), although not his deputy (Candy Ma, excellent), who strikes up a relationship  business as well as pleasure  with Daniel directly. In cutting out the middle-man, they come to an understanding of their own.

Chinglish plays out in a criss-cross of languages - English one way; Mandarin the other - and a lot of its drama comes from misinterpretation, be it translator's error or consultant's editing. Surtitles let us see the subtext and, for all that confusion and crossed wires can be ticklish, the prolonged mugging and miming that goes with it grows exhausting. Whole scenes resembles infuriating games of charades.

Hwang's plot has its contrivances  not least the sense, at the end, that everything's played out according to some mastermind's plan  but it's not helped by a production that plays it broad. So broad, in fact, that it teeters towards racial stereotypes of its own  though maybe that's a matter of translation too. Where Hwang gently ribs the oddity of unfamiliar etiquette  brusque mobile phone manners, for instance  Keates' cast send their characters and their customs up. There's more focus-pulling here than at a cameramans' convention, as disinterested waiters roll their eyes and unreliable translators huff, puff and try to bring the house down.

Even Sarossy, usually such an easy stage presence, goes into overdrive. He flags down Daniel's desperation with wild eyes and flared nostrils  the David Haig school of acting  rather than simply letting us glimpse the sweat patches beneath his blazer. As Peter, Harte does the same, upping his camp eccentricity that lets us get ahead of the play. We see these two for the down-and-outers they are from the get-go, both clearly trying to get themselves lost in translation and so start over.

Chinglish runs at the Park Theatre until 22 April.
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"So, they cleaned up the neighbourhood..." Cy Coleman and Ira Gasman's cult musical turns the clock back on Times Square. Before Broadway was all Disney musicals and Lin-Manuel Miranda, before the Elmos and Elsas moved in for good, the stretch from 42nd to 47th was the seedy underside of New York. Pushers pushed. Hustlers hustled. Prostitutes stalked every street corner.

Inpsired by an arrest Gasman witnessed outside a theatre, The Life pulls together a string of street tales, all shot through with the spirit of Damon Runyon, whose short stories inspired Guys and Dolls. The Life's like a return visit 50 years later, and the Broadway it uncovers has a far darker heart.

It's a world that preys on the vulnerable, and pulls the ladder up on those that fall into its trap. Queen (T'Shan Williams) dreams of a better life with her boyfriend Fleetwood (David Albury), a Vietnam vet battling demons by night, but for now, she's stuck on the sidewalk. He turns his hand to pimping, less to save for their future than to satisfy his coke habit, scooping up New York newbies fresh off the bus. Mary (Joanna Woodward), just in from Minnesota, with hopes as high as the Empire State Building, is his first recruit.

David Newman's book is neatly structured, with two plots - one rise, one fall - running in tandem, but it's made by its characters and by Coleman's crack score. Really, it's a musical postcard, the sense of a place through song, and by the time the plot kicks in at the end, it has a lot to do in a short space of time.

No bother, Coleman and Gasman's numbers could be cabaret standards, their self-contained stories told with gut feeling and wit. "My Body" slyly asserts a woman's right to mind her own business, while "Easy Money" trills with the exhilaration of earning good cash for the first time. There's sass in this score, but underneath it, in its bass notes and darker numbers, something anxious and menacing. "Don't Take Much" presses home the way men call the shots; its low-key timbre sliding into a sour, chauvinistic sense of humour.

Veteran director Michael Blakemore, who launched the Broadway premiere 20 years ago, puts on a good show, but it is just that: a show. There's no sense of Times Square's reality on Southwark Playhouse's small stage. The danger of those backstreets, the dinge of those bars, none of that ever entirely comes through. It's all a bit, dare I say it, musical theatre: wise-cracking, high-kicking hookers and twitchy hoodlums chewing on toothpicks. Dress that up in the leathers and velours the late '70s left behind and, without every effort to ground it in reality, the whole thing trips into fancy dress camp. Beneath Nina Dunn's glossy cityscape projections, it all gets a bit I HEART NY.

Only Sharon D Clarke really shrugs that off as the hardened old-timer Sonja. She's tough as old boots, but soft as a shagpile  the patron saint of streetwalkers and, somehow, the spirit of dirty, old New York. She alone wears the weight of a life spent on the sidewalk  someone who's seen it all, done it all and can still summon up a smile. When she sings "The Oldest Profession" ("I'm getting to old for etc etc"), she gives it all the exasperation, resignation and humour you'd expect of a woman who needs a calculator to tot up her tally. Clarke, astonishing, turns the final figure from a shrug to a snarl.

Cornell S John instils a genuine threat as the ever-present pimp Memphis, still as a snake charmer and proof that anyone with real power rarely needs show it, but David Albury's cokehead is too fresh-faced by half and, for all her country looks, Joanna Woodward never convinces us that Mary would do anything - yep, anything - to get ahead. There's always a hint of Home Counties about her.

That's true of the whole show, really; a great, unsung musical that, if it's to really nail its revival, needs a sharper sensibility than this - a staging that rather fluffs its feminist credentials with a quick flash of its leading ladies' tits. That's a mark of Carry On cheek, not Times Square's squalor and this neighbourhood never warrants a deep clean.

The Life runs at the Southwark Playhouse until 29 April.
HENDERSON COUNTY'S SENATOR EDWARDS FACES CHALLENGES REQUIRING COUNCIL DISTRICTS IN ASHEVILLE

"THE BILL IS NEEDED BECAUSE OF THE EXPANSION OF THE CITY."---SENATOR CHUCK EDWARDS

CAROLINA PUBLIC PRESS SAYS...New legislative session, new senator from Hendersonville, and a new bill requiring the city of Asheville to change the way it elects its leaders. Sort of.

Proposed Asheville voting districts

Former Sen. Tom Apodacas 2016 bill to draw council districts for Asheville is back in a new form. Apodacas successor, Sen. Chuck Edwards, R-Henderson, is using the same districts Apodaca proposed last year, but the new legislation, Senate Bill 285, allows the city to draw its own districts instead, provided it does so by November 1. Should the city council fail to draw its own districts by the deadline, maps included in the bill would take effect. Edwards confirmed that the districts to be implemented if the city doesnt approve its own districts are the same as those drawn by Apodaca. Although Edwards resides in Henderson County, his district includes a portion of southern Buncombe County, so that he represents about 15,000 Asheville residents.

If (Asheville council members) dont comply by November 1, the districts will be the same as the map that was drawn in the short session last year, Edwards said in a recent interview with Carolina Public Press.

Last week, the bill was moved to the Senates Select Committee on Elections, chaired by Sen. Ralph Hise, R-Mitchell. The committee has not yet scheduled a hearing on the bill.

The bill is needed, Edwards said, because of the expansion of the city.

The city has grown and become so diverse, Edwards said. Its clear that its time folks be represented by somebody in their own neighborhood that they can know and they can connect with. My intent is to make sure the entire city has adequate representation, nothing more than that.

Last years bill met an ignoble defeat in the House of Representatives on the last night of the legislative session in early July. Apodacas bending of a rule requiring unanimity among local delegations for local bills passed in the even-year short sessions, rankled some of the more conservative House Republicans who denounced the bill as heavy-handed and joined with Democrats to defeat the measure.

The unanimity rule is not required in the odd-number year long sessions.

Edwards was blunt when asked about whether the city could opt to put the districts before the voters in a referendum first, a move supported by city leaders.

This bill will go into effect November 1st, so a referendum would be pointless, Edwards said.

The bill requires the city to draw six geographical districts of similar population, with only the mayor elected at large. Candidates would be required to live in the districts they represent and only the mayor would be elected at-large. The new system would start with the 2019 election cycle.

Rep. Susan Fisher, D-Buncombe, said the bill stands a much better chance in the legislature than Apodacas bill.

I think there were a lot of factors at play when that particular bill was moving, she said in a recent interview.

Instead of outrage over procedure, shes relying on the city and the legislature coming to terms.

I know that the city is currently looking at ways to approach a districted organization and my hope is that there will have been enough work done toward that to make this bill moot when it does finally get to the House, Fisher said.

The use of only geographical districts and the lack of a referendum could cause trouble for the bill should it become law and face a court challenge, according to Allison Riggs, an attorney with the Southern Coalition for Social Justice, which has argued in federal court against recent legislature-imposed redistricting in Wake County and the City of Greensboro.

Riggs, who has reviewed the Asheville bill, said there are glaring constitution issues with the new legislation.

Even though the state constitution doesnt require a referendum on local electoral changes, it is common practice in North Carolina, she said. There are plenty of examples of where the legislature forced changes on people and still didnt take away their referendum right.

Like the case in Greensboro, in which a ruling is still pending, Asheville is clearly being singled out, she said.

Where you run into constitutional issues is where you give (a referendum) to the cities but then decided for arbitrary reasons only retract that right from one or two places, Riggs said.

There is no explanation of why the citizens of Asheville ought not be able to exercise the right afforded to every other citizen of a municipality in North Carolina.

Attempts to redistrict will also be difficult because of the growth in the city since the last census on which the districts are to be based. The population estimate for the city as of July 1, 2015 is 86,789 up from 83,393 in the 2010 Census. The state demographers office has suggested this number is too low and released its own 90,918 estimate for the citys population in 2015. A new federal population estimate as of July 2016, is due in May. But an actual census, rather than an estimate, has to be used in creating districts. If the population in one part of the city has grown or declined significantly relative to other parts of the city, any districts drawn right now could be off substantially.

Riggs said it is likely impossible for the city to initiate a new census to achieve fairer districts, a process that is both expensive and time consuming, and still meet the deadline in the bill.

Essentially theyre forcing the city to redraw with numbers that are bad, Riggs said.

Even without the constitutional issues, she said, the bill puts Asheville among a rare group of cities and towns in the state.

A very small fraction of municipalities statewide elect their city council members from single member districts alone, she said. This takes Asheville out of the mainstream. Its very inconsistent from traditional conservative principles that the folks on the ground know best.

Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer said the city is exploring its options as it moves ahead with citywide polling approved by the council to determine whether to hold a referendum on district elections.

Manheimer said the council has yet to discuss the issue and meet with legal counsel.

She said the citys attorney is reviewing how the council would have to draw the districts should it opt to comply with the bill, but is also looking at what legal course the city might take in the event it doesnt want to comply.

For now, she said, there are all kinds of questions on how the council could move forward.

One question is if Asheville elects to draw the districts themselves, then who draws them?

Manheimer, who worked on redistricting issues when she was a legislative staffer, said the city could assemble an independent redistricting commission to do the work, rather than having a sitting city council do it.

Another issue of concern is how the districts will affect the citys African-American residents. Although Asheville, unlike both Wake and Guilford counties, is not in one of the counties in North Carolina designated in the federal Voting Rights Act, the city still has to respect its principles.

For now, Manheimer said, the city is entering into the process knowing that the bill has a much better chance of becoming law than it did last year.

The opportunity to draw its own districts may help the bill clear objections raised by conservative Republicans last year, she said.

Despite that option for local input, she said, the bill still is a legislative mandate requiring specific changes.

It still requires the six districts, she said. Theres not a lot of flexibility in that.
PARDEE LIFTS VISITOR RESTRICTIONS DUE TO FLU

136 HAVE DIED FROM THE FLU IN NORTH CAROLINA SINCE LAST OCTOBER 5 HAVE DIED IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS

Pardee UNC Health Care has lifted flu-related visitor restrictions as flu cases have decreased. Flu season is not officially over and visitors with cold and flu-like symptoms are still encouraged to postpone their visit to see patients until their symptoms have resolved.

All staff, visitors and patients should continue to practice proper hand hygiene and cough etiquette.
PUBLIC FORUMS START THIS WEEK TO MEET THE CANDIDATES FOR BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE PRESIDENT

WILL BE THE FOURTH PRESIDENT IN THE COLLEGE'S HISTORY

Blue Ridge Community College Board of Trustees Announces Finalists in Search for Fourth President

Public Invited to Community Forum to Meet Candidates

After launching a national search earlier this year for its fourth college president, Blue Ridge Community College Board of Trustees announced today it has selected six finalists.

The six finalists (in alphabetical order) are Wendy Frye, director of high schools at Henderson County Public Schools; Laura B. Leatherwood, vice president of student services at Haywood Community College in North Carolina; Jeff McCord, vice president of economic and workforce development at Northeast State Community College in Tennessee; R. Chad Merrill, vice president for general administration at Blue Ridge Community College; Matthew R. Meyer, associate vice president of educational innovations at North Carolina Community College System; and Rebekah S. Woods, provost at Jackson College in Michigan. Biographic information about each candidate is listed below.

The finalists will visit the College campuses in April and interview with the trustees. Each will also participate in a community forum on the day they visit and will be given an opportunity to discuss their preparation for the position, their education and leadership philosophy, and respond to questions from community members. Attendees will be given the opportunity to provide feedback that will be given to the Board of Trustees. The community forums will be open to the public.

The community forums will be held at the Health Sciences Center located at 805 Sixth Avenue West in Hendersonville in Room 3003 from 1 to 2:15 p.m.on the following schedule:

Monday, April 10: Dr. Matthew R. Meyer

Tuesday, April 11: Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood

Tuesday, April 25: Mr. Jeff McCord

Wednesday, April 26: Dr. R. Chad Merrill

Thursday, April 27: Dr. Rebekah S. Woods

Friday, April 28: Dr. Wendy Frye

Board of Trustees Chair John C. McCormick, Jr., is leading the presidential search process. "Our goal is to find the best possible leader for Blue Ridge Community College," Mr. McCormick said. "These finalists are experienced and knowledgeable. We're looking forward to their participation in the next level of review."

The Board of Trustees plans to name the successful candidate in late May. Current President Dr. Molly A. Parkhill will be retiring on June 30, 2017, after more than 30 years of service to Blue Ridge Community College, ten as College president.

More about Blue Ridge Community College Presidential Finalists

Wendy Frye is currently director of high schools for Henderson County Public Schools. She has also served as director of career and technical education, career development coordinator, and classroom teacher with Henderson County Public Schools. Additionally, she was regional coordinator for career and technical education for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Dr. Frye holds a bachelor's degree in business education from David Lipscomb University, a master of arts in business education from Western Carolina University, and a doctorate in educational leadership, also from Western Carolina University.

Laura B. Leatherwood is currently vice president of student services at Haywood Community College in Clyde, NC. She has also served as vice president of student and workforce development, executive director of Haywood Community College Foundation, and director of institutional advancement at Haywood Community College. Dr. Leatherwood holds a bachelors degree in business law, masters degree in human resource development, and a doctorate in university and community college leadership, all from Western Carolina University.

Jeff McCord is currently vice president for economic and workforce development at Northeast State Community College in Kingsport, Tennessee. Before joining Northeast State, he held various management positions such as manager of learning and performance improvement, manager of project management, and supervisor of enterprise-wide systems training with Eastman Chemical Company. Mr. McCord holds a bachelors degree in management from Georgia Institute of Technology, a masters degree in business administration from Kennesaw State University, and is a doctoral candidate in learning and leadership at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

R. Chad Merrill is currently vice president of general administration at Blue Ridge Community College. He has also served as vice president of technology and development, chief of staff, chief institutional advancement officer, dean for transylvania programs, and cooperative education director at Blue Ridge Community College. Dr. Merrill holds a bachelors degree in literature/language from University of North Carolina at Asheville, a masters degree in two-year college administration from Western Carolina University, and a doctorate in educational leadership, also from Western Carolina University.

Matthew R. Meyer is currently associate vice president for educational initiatives for North Carolina Community College System and vice president and co-founder of Workforce Credentials Coalition. He also served as associate vice president of STEM education initiatives and strategic planning, director of BioNetwork at North Carolina Community College System. Additionally, he was dean for workforce and economic development for Community College Workforce Alliance and dean for corporate and economic development at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. Dr. Meyer holds a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering from University of Dayton, a masters degree in bioengineering from Clemson University, and a doctorate in community college leadership from Old Dominion University.

Rebekah S. Woods is currently provost at Jackson College in Jackson, Michigan. She also served as executive dean of instruction, dean of instruction for arts and sciences, special assistant to the president, and adjunct faculty at Jackson College. Additionally, she served as dean for student and academic support and director of student success at Lansing Community College and assistant dean for school of law/dean of student and director of career and alumni services at Regent University School of Law. Dr. Woods holds a bachelors degree in psychology from Albion College, a doctor of jurisprudence from Regent University, and a doctorate in organizational leadership, also from Regent University.
While it may have attracted derision from nigh-on everybody who has laid their eyes upon it, the artist responsible for the wonky bronze bust of Cristiano Ronaldo unveiled outside Madeira airport yesterday has defended his work.

As soon as the cover came off, the statue was being instantly mocked the world over as disbelieving onlookers wryly questioned why Madeira were paying tribute to Niall Quinn/Raoul Moat/John-Arne Riise/Brock Lesnar/the door knockers from Labyrinth, etc, etc.

So CR7, what look would you like for your statue?

You know the door knockers from the Labyrinth.?

Say no more pic.twitter.com/s8U1qMI3h2  Emma Wright (@emmabethwright) March 29, 2017

However the sculptor responsible, local fellow Emanuel Santos, is really rather proud of his creation, even insisting that the bust was personally okayed by the Ronaldo family during the production process.

Speaking to Globo, Santos, who is from Madeira and actually proposed the bust himself after first hearing about the plans to rename the airport in Ronaldos honour, said:

It is impossible to please both the Greeks and Trojans. Even Jesus did not please everyone. This is a matter of taste, its not as simple as it seems. I have seen works by great artists that follow this parameter. What matters is the impact that this work generates. There is always the possibility of making a difference, I was prepared for all this.

The 40-year-old also admitted that he was forced to work from photos of Ronaldo, as the man himself was too busy to model in person.

I used photos that I searched on the internet as a base. I put the photos next to me and started working on the bust.

Santos, who confesses to being self-taught, claims that both Ronaldos mother and brother were consulted during the 15-day project and both were more than happy with the results.

Cristiano saw the photos that his brother sent him. I was with the brother at Cristianos museum in Madeira and from the messages he sent, I could tell that he liked what he saw.

Speaking about the grand unveiling, the artist revealed that came face to face with Ronaldo, though the Real Madrid man was unable to express his full gratitude due to time constraints:

He [Ronaldo] greeted me. Honestly, it was very fast because he had to travel soon. So we could not talk.

Feel free to draw your own conclusions as to why Ronaldo was bloody desperate to get out of there.
WATERFORD  An advisory committee at Gateway Technical College has recommended hiring the Village of Waterford Fire Department to provide the college with an indoor fire training facility.

The village was the only entity to respond to the colleges request for proposals, a Journal Times open records request found.

The deadline for interested parties to submit responses to the colleges RFP arrived at 2 p.m. March 22. The Journal Times filed an open records request seeking copies of all submitted proposals that day, and was informed the next day by Gateways record custodian that per policy the college would not release responses until after Gateways proposal evaluation team had made their award recommendation.

The records custodian answered The Journal Times request a week later, sending the paper the single response to the RFP on Wednesday morning. The evaluation team finished its review of the villages proposal on Monday, said Bill Whyte, Gateways senior vice president of operations.

With its recommendation in place, the next steps will be for the evaluation team to draft a lease with the village and request it be approved by Gateways full board. It will then send the proposed lease to the Wisconsin Technical College System Board for final approval. That final approval likely will not happen until sometime in July, Whyte said, as the WTCS board only meets every other month.

Third facility

If approved, the Waterford facility would be the third Gateway fire training facility established in western Racine County in 15 years.

The specifications for the planned indoor fire training facility describe a space that is on par with a working fire station. The RFP required a facility located within the Gateways district, which encompasses Racine, Kenosha and Walworth counties.

Gateway has worked toward landing an indoor fire training facility for the better part of six months. But the plan has not been without its critics.

Gateway had already been using Waterfords Fire Station No. 1 as a training facility before an RFP process was even pursued. But state officials put the brakes on that last summer because state law had not been followed.

The college was penalized $5,100 in state aid by the Wisconsin Technical College System because a lease agreement with the village did not receive approval from the WTCS Board.

As a result, the college in August canceled a memo of understanding it had with the village regarding shared use of the station.

Despite the setback, college officials still saw the need for a facility, and in October, Gateway put out an initial RFP with a deadline to respond before the end of that month. Although handled correctly in terms of state rules, the short time frame for responses brought outcry from some members of the Racine County Fire Chiefs Association. So, in December, the RFP was sent out again, this time with a 90-day response period which ended on March 22.
RACINE  On Monday, Mayor John Dickert announced his resignation effective some time this summer.

For the Racine Taxpayers Association, headed by Sam Wahlen, Dickerts resignation cant come soon enough.

In a release Wednesday, the RTA called for Dickert to resign immediately, citing several ongoing issues that his continued involvement in could prove problematic for the next mayor.

We believe the mayors exit should be swift and soon, Wahlen said. Lets get the interim mayor in place. Lets suspend any new activity on the arena and Machinery Row until the voters have a chance to examine the replacement mayor and his or her priorities.

When asked for comment on the RTAs release Wednesday night, Dickerts response was brief.

I dont report to the Racine Taxpayers Association, he said. I report to the 80,000 people of Racine.

The RTA also said the hire of new City Administrator Jim Palenick should have been halted. Dickert likely found out he had been offered the job on the day Palenick was confirmed by the City Council.

When the mayor had made his decision to leave this office, that contract finalization should have been postponed instead of rushing into things, the release states. The new mayor should have had the opportunity to choose his or her own team.

Wahlen asserted that Racinians are faced with turmoil over projects left in midstream, citing the Machinery Row redevelopment project and the proposed event center.

He is clearly already in his new job, with the future of our city subordinated to his own personal desires, Wahlen added.

The release concluded with Wahlen wishing Dickert success in whatever you do.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 30/03/2017 (2048 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Robb Paterson may be the most genial, funny guy in a Winnipeg theatre community that happens to be filled with genial, funny people.

But in the past couple of decades, all that charisma tended to be expended backstage, mostly in Patersons capacity as the associate artistic director of the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, a gig he held for 12 years before he retired in March of last year. That job entailed several mainstage directing assignments, including White Christmas, A Christmas Story and My Fair Lady.

The upside of Patersons backstage leave-taking, evidently, is that well start to see a lot more of him onstage. He already played some multiple supporting roles in the Royal MTC production of The Curious Case on the Dog in the Night-Time last year. Now he is playing a leading character, and a romantic lead at that, in the Prairie Theatre Exchange comedy The Birds and the Bees by Canadian playwright Mark Crawford.

Paterson plays Earl, a farmer with a prickly past when it comes to his neighbour Gail (Mariam Bernstein) since their spouses ran off together 20 years earlier. The relationship gets more interesting when Earl proposes a no-strings-attached sexual relationship in a plot turn that sounds like Wingfield Meets Tinder.

LEIF NORMAN PHOTO We'll get to see a lot more of Robb Patterson onstage.

Im enjoying it immensely, Paterson says during a rehearsal break. Its scary, of course, a little bit nerve-racking, not having done it for a while.

The Montreal-born Paterson has more reason than most for a case of nerves. In 2002, he suffered a near-deadly bout with bacterial meningitis that left him in a coma.

He recovered and was back onstage in 2003, performing in the Royal MTC production of Richard III opposite William Hurt, when he suffered a lapse that left him hesitant to ever take the stage again.

I dried onstage, he says. I was paying Lord Stanley and I had about a 15-line soliloquy and in the middle of it, I just didnt know where I was and didnt know who I was.

It felt like a year that no words were coming out of my mouth, but finally it kicked in, he says. That experience was difficult for me.

Everyone dries occasionally, but Im sure it was related to my brain injury. So I got scared, he says. I was terrified of acting.

At a crucial time, he did get some sage advice from actor friend Mairi Babb. She said, Youre scared? No shit, who isnt?

I was lucky enough to get all this directing work, and I crept back onto the stage a bit, he says.

The role of Earl feels like someone Paterson knows, he says. I went to school in southern Ontario, and I know a lot of people in the farming communities down there and in the Eastern Townships of Quebec where my mom and dad live.

Theyre straight shooters in many ways and so I relate to that and I love those people, he says. Ive always admired people who shoot from the hip and are very honest in their opinions and thats this guy, definitely.

In December of this year, Paterson is going to take on what will likely be an even more demanding role: that of Scrooge in the Royal MTC holiday production of A Christmas Carol adapted by Bruce McManus.

Paterson says hes excited about the opportunity.

I wouldnt be anywhere else because I rediscovered the joy of sharing a dressing room, sharing a green room with a company and sharing a stage with people and telling stories, he says.

LEIF NORMAN PHOTO Robb Paterson, alongside Mariam Bernstein, star in PTE's The Birds and the Bees.

randall.king@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @FreepKing

If you value coverage of Manitobas arts scene, help us do more.

Your contribution of $10, $25 or more will allow the Free Press to deepen our reporting on theatre, dance, music and galleries while also ensuring the broadest possible audience can access our arts journalism. BECOME AN ARTS JOURNALISM SUPPORTER Click here to learn more about the project.

LEIF NORMAN PHOTO Paula Potosky and Tristan Carlucci in The Birds and the Bees.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 30/03/2017 (2048 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Its been 30 years since the movie Dirty Dancing became a huge independent movie hit. Given a full complement of music and dance, it would have been a natural fit for the property to join other 80s films, such as Footloose and Hairspray, in making the jete to the stage.

MATT MURPHY PHOTO Christopher Tierney and Bronwyn Reed play the roles made famous by Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey.

But in most of the intervening years, the films writer and co-producer Eleanor Bergstein has resisted entreaties to do so.

This is not without reason. The film was very much rooted in her own personal experience. Set in the year 1963, its the story of an illicit love that grows between Frances (Baby) Houseman (Jennifer Grey), a young woman vacationing with her family in the Catskills, and Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze), a seductive dance instructor who falls hard for Baby. Bergstein herself went by the name Baby growing up, but as a dance instructor herself, there was a lot of Johnny Castle in her too.

After a couple of decades of witnessing the films resilient popularity on TV and home video, Bergstein, speaking on the phone from her office in New York City, says she ultimately relented.

I became aware that people watched the movie so many times, over and over and over again, she says. After 20 years of not wanting to do the stage play, I finally decided it was time because (the fans) were hitting their faces against the flat screen and what they really wanted to do was be there while it was happening.

That said, the Broadway Across Canada touring production of the show, opening Friday, March 31, at the Centennial Concert Hall, has not been transformed into a typical musical.

Baby and Johnny dont sing to each other, she says. Ninety per cent of our music is live, but its not live with the characters singing the story.

The stage musical allowed Bergstein, 79, to enhance the movie, she says.

The movie is 90 minutes and the play is two hours so I could put this extra stuff in, she says. Theres a lot of scenes that I either wrote for the stage or couldnt fit into the movie so I have a lot more about Baby and Johnny, a lot more about the parents, and a lot more about what was happening in the world then.

Theres more dancing and more music, she says, referring to some rock n roll of the period that didnt get put in the film, whose soundtrack won over new fans for such 60s hits as the Contours Do You Love Me and Love Is Strange by Mickey and Sylvia.

The movie was very low-budget and nobody wanted to give us their songs, she says. But now, people are only too happy to give us songs I couldnt get last time.

Most of all, its very present. Youre there while its happening.

  

Bergstein, it must be said, is a delight in conversation, which tends to be wide-ranging. Asked why she stayed in New York when she had a foothold in Hollywood with the success of Dirty Dancing, she says New York is simply in her blood, stemming from her girlhood in Brooklyn.

Brooklyn then, trust me, was not the cool place it is now, she says. Its very amusing to me that its become this hipster kingdom. There was nothing cool or elegant about it when lived there. We carved Vs in each others cheeks if someone looked at your boyfriend.

Bergstein also wants to discuss the refugee situation at Manitobas southern border in the wake of President Trumps anti-Muslim travel ban.

Winnipeg is obviously where all the Americans are trying to go now, because theyre so terrified to be in America, she says. Its so horrifying for us. Its just breaking my heart. I want everyone to know that this is not America.

Strangely, the current social climate has made the 1963 context of the original movie relevant again, she says with some dismay.

The reason I set it in 1963 was that the year of Martin Luther Kings I have a dream speech, she says. We were sending people to Vietnam, freedom marches were starting, and there was an illegal coathanger abortion (in the movie).

When I made the film, which was in 87, I got a lot of pushback from people saying, Why did you have an abortion scene? Roe v. Wade is here. And why do you have Vietnam (references)? Why do you have all this race-relation stuff? Thats been solved.

Of course, now, not only is Roe v. Wade hanging by a thread, but we have young men being sent across the ocean to go to a war they do not want to fight in. And in many of the towns we go to they have these heartbreaking Black Lives Matter marches, or curfews.

Its all become very topical and nothing could make me sadder, she says. Who expected that and who wanted that?

randall.king@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @FreepKing

If you value coverage of Manitobas arts scene, help us do more.

Your contribution of $10, $25 or more will allow the Free Press to deepen our reporting on theatre, dance, music and galleries while also ensuring the broadest possible audience can access our arts journalism. BECOME AN ARTS JOURNALISM SUPPORTER Click here to learn more about the project.

Eleanor Bergstein
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 30/03/2017 (2048 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When art makes the headlines, its often bad news. Antiquities looted and destroyed in distant war zones; closer to home, vulnerable, personal works vandalized and stolen from a recent Craft Council show at HSC.

In the United States right now, in 2017, the art world is tearing itself apart over a painting. Id take it as a sign of arts enduring relevance if the particulars werent so fraught.

Included in this years Whitney Biennial, Open Casket by painter Dana Schutz, who is white, reinterprets horrific and widely circulated photographs of Emmett Till at his funeral. The fourteen-year-old black boy lynched by grown white men in 1955. Emmetts mother, Mamie Till, insisted on a public viewing: the world would see her sons face, or what was left where his face had been.

Moved by the image, Schutz painted it in her muscular, semi-abstract style, transmuting mangled flesh into violent smears. Since its debut, black artists, critics and their allies have lined up to thoughtfully, forcefully and persuasively explain why she really shouldnt have.

The question is less about Schutzs right to use the image than her responsibility to use it conscientiously, not beautify or estheticize it and, most importantly, not profit from an image of pain that critics argue she can never understand. Schutzs paintings routinely achieve six figures at auction: shes promised not to sell Open Casket, but the attention will bolster her brand, regardless. Calls for the work to be withdrawn and destroyed have inspired predictable waves of counter-protest.

Schutz and Till  faceless images, rights and responsibilities  are on my mind at Living On, the exhibition of large-scale documentary photographs by Dutch artist Lidwien van de Ven at the University of Manitobas School of Art Gallery, though on the surface its particulars are different.

SUPPLIED PHOTO Dutch artist Lidwien van de Ven documented scenes in Europe and the Middle East, including this Palestinin boy in Ramallah.

Van de Ven is an artist, but shes adopted the esthetics and working habits of a photojournalist. She travels Europe and the Middle East documenting scenes of street-level protest that capture shifting power dynamics and clashing waves of uprising, repression, migration and reactionary nativism.

In Living On, we get an uncomfortably close birds-eye view of protesters in Cairos Tahrir Square. In Beirut, a woman who reads as a South Asian domestic worker walks someones dog in front of a bombed-out car. A Palestinian boy hides his face behind a doorway in Ramallah  playfully or in fear, we cant know.

Layered graffiti, protest signs and rotting posters are recurring motifs, the last of which finding echoes in the installation itself. Van de Vens prints are monumental, pasted directly to grey-toned gallery walls. They appear almost as projections, apparitions or JPEGs on a screen, even as theyre emphatically, physically fixed in place. Theyll have to be scraped off when the show comes down.

A straight-ahead shot of a faded, water-damaged flyer memorializing a now-faceless suicide bomber exemplifies the subtlety of van de Vens treatment of image and text  and the profound ambivalence of her approach.

Photojournalists are held to exacting ethical standards, artists less so. For better or worse, that tension is central to what van de Ven is doing here. Shes cannier than Schutz (the ephemeral prints at least sidestep the secondary market), but similar questions persist. Her photo of survivors huddled in the shelter of a blasted apartment tower has the grace and presence of a Baroque history painting or Romantic landscape, but to see it this way seems monstrous.

As an insulated North American, I can find value in my discomfort, but I worry thats not important. Better to ask the boy in the doorway or the woman with the dog, the families left behind by the suicide bombing, whoever they are.

One image tears loose from the hushed gallery, migrating out to the lobby. Shot in Berlin, a row of German police stand between van de Ven with her camera and activists protesting PEGIDA, an anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim hate group. We dont see anyones face. Which side are you on? it seems to demand, and from van de Vens perspective (and ours) its hard to tell. That ambiguity, for me at least, strikes much closer to home.

Steven Leyden Cochrane is a Winnipeg-based artist, writer and educator.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources secretary Cathy Stepp defended her agencys record on climate change and environmental protection during a legislative hearing Thursday on Gov. Scott Walkers proposed 2017-19 budget.

The department is making progress fixing shortcomings in enforcement of water quality laws by reallocating employees, so legislators dont need to be concerned that Walkers plan calls for further cuts in agency staff, Stepp told members of the Joint Finance Committee.

But Democratic lawmakers pointed to dwindling financial penalties faced by polluters in recent years, and they scoffed when Stepp denied that insufficient staffing or leniency was behind the decrease.

Stepp said since Walker appointed her in 2011 she has brought customer-friendly private-sector principles at the agency. Now, instead of fearing the department, business operators view it as a safe space where they seek advice that helps them comply with regulations and avoid environmental violations.

Democrats also hit Stepp because the department last summer made it easier for farms and other businesses to obtain high-capacity well permits that pump out millions of gallons of groundwater.

Decades of scientific research have linked well operations to lakes that have dried up in the Central Sands region of the state, but industry groups and Republicans who control state government say more study is needed to prove pumping needs to be curtailed.

Stepp objected when Rep. Katrina Shankland, D-Stevens Point, told her she wasnt adequately protecting state waters or the DNRs scientific and educational functions.

To say Im not doing my job when Im following the law that all of you have put in place, I think is unfair, Stepp said.

DNR staff is available to provide scientific advice to the Legislature on writing laws that could specify how regulators should decide when too much water is being withdrawn from an aquifer and how much shrinkage of lakes and streams is unacceptable, Stepp said, renewing an offer she has made previously.

Members of the Republican majority who control state government are currently pushing through a bill to further reduce high-capacity well regulation.

Climate change questions

Stepp chuckled as Shankland complained the agency neglected an important duty to educate the public on global warming in December when it removed information about the human causes of climate change from its website.

Shankland bristled and told Stepp the potential for climate change to harm the planet wasnt funny, and most people have recognized this.

Stepp said she didnt think climate change was funny, but she has been befuddled by the strong reaction against the new website language suggesting there is uncertainty about whether greenhouse gases were the cause. Hundreds of people phoned and emailed their shock and dismay.

The department changed the website after repeated demands by a writer for a small northern Wisconsin newspaper who claims the causes of climate change are unproven.

Shankland pointed out 97 percent of climate scientists have concluded human activity is very likely the cause.

A science-based agency like the DNR should take a role in educating the public on such an important issue, Shankland said.

When Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Middleton, asked Stepp for her views on climate change, the committee co-chairman, Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, interrupted and said the answer wasnt relevant to the budget.

Cutting magazine

draws concerns

Stepp also responded to criticism of the proposed elimination of the DNRs popular, subscriber-supported Natural Resources magazine.

We at DNR are stewards of our natural resources and not magazine publishers, Stepp said.

The magazine is self-supporting financially, but Stepp said it takes staff members away from their core duties in a time when the department has been losing resources and gaining responsibilities.

Half the magazines articles were written by staff members in recent years, Stepp said.

The department can communicate with the public through social media and other means, and a private publisher absolutely could fill any void left behind, Stepp said.

Republicans and Democrats told Stepp that the magazine is one of the hottest budget issues for significant numbers of constituents.

Many prefer to read paper publications instead of digital, said Rep. Mark Born, R-Beaver Dam. Others noted that rural residents and others dont have ready internet access.

Detailed budget proposal

Continuing a two-decade-long trend, Walker would reduce the DNRs $562 million budget by 2.5 percent over two years. The budget calls for:

Allowing the DNR to set higher state parks admission and camping fees for the most popular parks. Walkers spending plan calls for up to $10 more for admission and $10 per night depending on the park. Thats on top of 2015 admissions increases of $5 at some parks and camping fee increases as high as $10 per night at popular sites with electrical service. Walker and the Legislature withdrew tax support and raised fees two years ago, leaving a $1.4 million annual budget hole. DNR budget director Joe Polasek said the parks revenue exceeded spending last year as attendance rose. Stepp said she believes the park system will continue to thrive.

Studying the transfer to the state agriculture department of the DNRs regulation of animal feedlots, which are a source of tainted drinking water and weed and algae growth that has impaired use of hundreds of lakes and streams. Critics say the shift could lead to a loss of expertise in a highly technical area.

Moving up to 56 DNR forestry headquarters employees out of Madison to northern Wisconsin, where most logging takes place despite criticism about the expected cost of up to $17 million over 20 years. The division already has 235 regional employees in northern Wisconsin. Given how financially strapped the DNR is, members of the departments policy board have said the proposal left them puzzled. The DNR estimated first-year costs of $1.1 million to $6 million to lease or buy a new headquarters in Wausau for 45 headquarters employees, with additional building-related expenses of between $9.4 million and $10.8 million over the next two decades.

The budget proposal is also notable for what it doesnt include.

The department transferred four employees to regulation of concentrated animal feeding operations. But Natural Resources Board members and others have suggested the department needs more funding.

The DNR keeps less than $80,000 of the roughly $6 million in fees it collects annually from CAFOs, sewage treatment plants and private industry, with the rest going to the states general fund.

Walker isnt seeking higher fees for fishing or hunting licenses despite a January report from the DNR saying $5 million was needed to avoid cuts in programs protecting wildlife habitat.

Stepp and DNR deputy secretary Kurt Thiede said a recent reorganization will allow the agency to be more efficient.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/03/2017 (2049 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Winnipeg agricultural biotech company is looking to unleash a new batch of bacteria onto Prairie crop fields and believes farmers are going to love it.

The three patented post-emergent biologicals  one for canola, one for corn, wheat and barley, and another for legumes  are based on a naturally occurring plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR).

XiteBio Technologies Inc. recently received regulatory approval from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to sell the bacteria in Canada, after a couple of years on the market in the United States.

KEN GIGLIOTTI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Manas Banerjee's company, XiteBio Technologies, has received regulatory approval to sell three new strains of crop growth-promoting bacteria to Canadian farmers.

The active ingredient has never been registered before in Canada, company founder and CEO Manas Banerjee said.

Because canola is such a large crop in Western Canada, with about 20 million acres planted, Banerjee is optimistic it will become an important new product for the company.

Nobody has such a canola product, Banerjee said. Our background market is canola right here in Western Canada. That is the market we are looking for.

Fiercely independent  and private  Banerjee does not disclose sales numbers, but said the 15-person company has been growing by about 30 to 35 per cent cent every year.

Even with the much smaller canola acreage in the U.S., the company has sold out of its supply the past two years. The company launched its soybean PGPR product in Canada in 2013, again after getting regulatory approval more quickly in the U.S.

The products patented strain interacts with other bacteria in soil, unlocking phosphorous to let plants access that nutrient more easily. The result is increased yields across a growing portfolio of crops.

Stonewall-based Quarry Seeds distributes XiteBio to a network of about 70 independent dealers across Western Canada.

XiteBio is a smaller, private company, and they dont sell to everyone and their dog, said Shawn Rempel, general manager for Quarry Seeds. They have done incredibly well with their soy and pulse products. They are unique and definitely not the cheapest.

One of the reasons for that is the companys devotion to research and development. Banerjee said he wants to continue selling his biologicals as scientific products.

They have done their background research, Rempel said. Farmers get thrown a lot of snake oil at them. They could spend thousands of dollars on products that may or may not give them a return on investment.

Banerjee said intensive testing has shown his new canola product will generate three to four bushels per acre of additional yield.

Tracey Maconacie, CEO of the Life Sciences Association of Manitoba, said Banerjee is continually modifying the technology and listening to farmer feedback.

He is passionate about getting it into the hands of as many growers as possible, she said. He is driven to have a hands-on approach and has been very successful at it.

A recent report from Dallas-based Orbis Research said the global market for so-called agricultural inoculants was estimated to be worth US$269.1 million in 2015 and is expected to reach US$525.4 million by 2022.

XiteBio continues to get its share of the market even though its up against global heavyweights such as Bayer, BASF and Dupont.

martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/03/2017 (2049 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The shortlist for the $10,000 John W. Dafoe Book Prize have been announced.

The submissions include John Boykos Cold Fire: Kennedys Northern Front (Knopf Canada), Adam Lajeunesse for Lock, Stock and Icebergs: A History of Canadas Arctic Maritime Sovereignty (University of British Columbia Press), Sandra Martins A Good Death (Harper Collins), Asa McKerchers Camelot and Canada (Oxford University Press) and Robert Wrights Trudeaumania: The Rise to Power of Pierre Elliott Trudeau (Harper Collins).

The winner will be named later in the spring and collect the award at the J.W. Dafoe Foundations Annual Book Prize Dinner in May.

The book prize memorializes John Wesley Dafoe, one of the most significant Canadian editors of the 20th century. It is one of the richest book awards for non-fiction excellence about Canada, Canadians and the Canadian nation in international affairs. In his tenure at the Manitoba Free Press, later renamed the Winnipeg Free Press, from 1901-1944, Dafoe was known for his advocacy of western development, free trade, and national independence. His case for adoption by Britain of the Statute of Westminster in 1931 advanced the severance of formal ties with Empire and created the eight dominions, which became the nucleus of the present 54-nation Commonwealth.

The Foundations activities also supports $10,000 in fellowships for MA students pursuing studies in international relations, politics, economics or history, at the University of Manitoba and a number of colloquia on Canada in international affairs.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/03/2017 (2049 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Leigh Anne Caron, director of health services, says the Women's Health Clinic is hoping to offer Mifegymiso to patients as soon as this summer.

Manitobas largest health-care centre provided the provinces first medical abortion using Mifegymiso last week  and health professionals are actively pursuing a more comprehensive rollout.

The long-awaited abortion pill arrived at the Health Sciences Centre (HSC) earlier this month, a year and a half after it was first approved by Health Canada. A Common Drug Review is expected to wrap up early next month, at which point it will provide a recommendation as to whether public drug plans should cover Mifegymiso.

The cost right now is prohibitive for many women, said Dr. Margaret Morris, one of only two physicians currently trained to prescribe and administer the drug at HSC. The hope is in the long term, it will improve access in rural areas.

Right now, only a few Canadian clinics and pharmacies have access to Mifegymiso, which Celopharma Inc. started shipping in January. As of Wednesday, it was available in 10 locations. Doctors can administer it in Vancouver, Victoria, Whitehorse, Saskatoon, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa and Winnipeg.

PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Mifegymiso is a pack of six pills, Morris said, two mifepristone tablets to be taken under doctor supervision and four misoprostol tablets to be taken at home the next day. The mifepristone kills the pregnancy, while the misoprostol will initiate the process of the uterus emptying the products of conception. Patients then have to return to the hospital within a week or so to confirm the pregnancy has ended. In five per cent of cases, women who take Mifegymiso do require surgical follow up.

But at $350 per prescription, Morris said a medical abortion is not an option many can afford. The only upside to the prohibitive cost, she said, is its giving us time to really learn how to do this well.

The process currently is somewhat cumbersome. Doctors need to date the pregnancy to confirm it is less than 50 days old before they can write the prescription (Health Canada has only approved the drug for women up to seven weeks pregnant). The patient then needs to take the prescription to the pharmacy and pay for it, at which point the pharmacy will deliver the drug to the doctor to be administered. While the misoprostol pills can be taken at home, Morris recommends patients remain close to a medical facility that could provide an emergency surgical abortion for up to two weeks after in case of an emergency.

For those who can afford it, a medical abortion can make an intensely difficult experience more personal.

The big advantage is that it feels more private, Morris said. Your name will never be put up on an operating (room) slate and you can have someone that you want to support you with you when it happens.

While the cross-country rollout has been quite slow, the Womens Health Clinic is hoping to offer Mifegymiso to patients as soon as this summer, according to director of health services Leigh Anne Caron. Several of the clinics doctors have already been trained, now its just a question of finding a willing pharmacy close by.

Caron said the clinic is particularly interested in offering the drug to rural patients. The Health Canada approval raised our excitement level because it meant that there was a possibility for access for women who lived outside of Winnipeg to have medical abortions without having to travel into the city, she said.

The clinic is looking to the Willow Womens Clinic as an example. The Vancouver clinic offers medical abortions using Mifegymiso by Skype to women who live more than a two-hour drive away.

Caron is hopeful that a similar service can be offered to women in northern Manitoba, with patients consulting with doctors over Telehealth, but having medical care including ultrasounds and follow-up lab work done close to home.

There just needs to be some work done around how to get training to doctors and how to support them to do this work, she said.

In particular, Caron would like to see some sort of network clarifying who has already received the online training for Mifegymiso. She said she knew of at least one doctor in Steinbach but beyond that wasnt sure. Dr. Morris at HSC also said she also wasnt clear on exactly how many physicians in Manitoba were trained.

There is a lot of work that needs to be done, she said.

Still, Morris said HSC is working with the Womens Clinic and Manitoba Health to see about expanding medical abortions to rural areas.

This is happening right across the country, she said. How do you make this affordable for the women that might need it, so you dont have any health equity issues?

The Canadian Drug Expert Committee is on track with its review. This week, the committee sent its recommendation, as well as redacted copies of its review reports to Celopharma and drug plans. A final recommendation is expected in early April. A spokesperson with the Manitoba government reiterated earlier comments that a decision on funding wont be made until that review is final.

Caron said clinic staff are optimistic.

Were hoping that the government will see this as an extension of the services theyre already funding and be willing to fund that medication as well.

jane.gerster@freepress.mb.ca
State agencies are testifying before the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee all week, detailing protions of Gov. Scott Walkers proposed $76.1 budget.

Thursday, a group of faith-based organizations from around Wisconsin will add their views on how the states money should be spent.

Were churches, were synagogues, were mosques, were parishes, were organizations and its more than just the few of us who are there, said Jerome Dillard, state director of Ex-Prisoners Organizing (EXPO), a participating organization. We want to get it across that we really need action.

The Day of Action event is organized by WISDOM, a statewide collective of religious social justice organizations. It plans to focus on topics like incarceration reform, more accessible health care and solidarity with immigrant populations.

WISDOM has 16 affiliates all over the state, and will be busing in participants from cities like Kenosha, Beloit, Waukesha, Wausau and Fox Valley. It represents activists from 19 religious traditions and 160 congregations. About 1,000 people, including 160 formerly incarcerated individuals, are expected at the Capitol tomorrow.

WISDOM organizes the event every two years, and the theme this year is "Our State, Our Budget, Our Voice."

"Madison Action Day is the chance we have, once every two years, to experience the energy of having all the people from WISDOM together in one place. It is our chance to celebrate our values, to embrace our diversity, and to let the decision-makers know that there are a lot of us and that we are from everywhere!" David Liners, executive director of WISDOM, is quoted as saying on the event website.

WISDOM has a full day of activities planned, starting with strategy and ending in action.

It began at 8 a.m. with breakfast and networking at Bethel Lutheran Church.

Alex Gee, Fountain of Life pastor and founder of Justified Anger, delivered a keynote address at the breakfast, and discussed why churches should be involved in issues like criminal justice, immigration, transportation and racism, Dillard said.

Attendees are then set to break up into smaller groups for workshops and strategy sessions to prepare to talk to legislators in the afternoon. There will be time to learn about legislation coming down the pipeline, Dillard said.

This year, WISDOM is looking at a broad range of topics, Dillard said, with 11 issues of focus. EXPO is a growing group within WISDOM, and many of the issues reflect an incarceration reform focus.

They include a call to reduce solitary confinement and stop crimeless revocations, or when individuals are sent back to prison for breaking technical rules or parole, rather than a law. Theres also an effort to return 17-year-olds to the juvenile, rather than adult, justice system.

Many of our young people do not even feel that theyre a part of America because of how theyre handled in the criminal justice system, Dillard said.

You lose many, many of the privileges that a citizen has the right to vote, discrimination in employment, once youre convicted youre ruled out of so many professions, and this is what our children experience.

Other topics include immigration reform, health care as a human right, and public transit. WISDOM will be calling for for less spending on highway expansion and more spending to repair roads and fund public transportation.

In places like Milwaukee and Kenosha County, a lack of public transportation makes it difficult for individuals to find jobs, Dillard said.

Theres work there, but if the person doesnt have a driver's license or a motor vehicle, they cant get to those jobs, he said.

After lunch, attendees will head to the Capitol to meet with legislators about their issues. They want to show legislators that these reforms make fiscal sense and are effective, Dillard said.

Other states have implemented change and reforms that work, he said. The research is out there  communities are safer by implementing these type of practices.

At 3 p.m., the group will meet in the rotunda to return to Bethel for a de-briefing and evaluation of the day.

We are better than this, Dillard said. I love Wisconsin, and I just want to see us be the state that we are, the state that we can be.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/03/2017 (2049 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Less than a month before Alche Fsehaye Kidane was allegedly stabbed to death by her husband, she begged him to get mental-health treatment, but he refused, court was told Wednesday at the second-degree murder trial of Teklu Tesfamichael Mebrahtu.

Kidane and her brother had enlisted help from an English-speaking neighbour who called 911 several times over the course of two days in mid-December 2011 to report that Mebrahtu was sick mentally and needed to go to the hospital.

Although the dispatcher explained police couldnt force someone to go to the doctor, police were eventually dispatched to the couples home. At the time, Kidane was too scared to tell them her husband had been carrying around a knife, claiming he was being followed. She wanted him to get treatment, not go to jail.

John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press files Alche Fsehaye Kidane is removed from her home after police received a 911 call from her husband in which he confessed to killing her.

About a month later, she was dead.

The couples former neighbour, Idris Tesfaghiorghis, recounted the events in court Wednesday as the 911 calls he made were played for Court of Queens Bench Justice Shawn Greenberg. He testified he wanted to keep an eye on Mebrahtu and his wife because he was scared for her, based on what he had heard about Mebrahtus behaviour  he stopped eating and drinking, talked about people following him and spoke badly about his wife, he reported to 911 dispatchers.

Mebrahtu believed his wife was trying to poison him and was conspiring with other people who were following him, according to another friend who testified Wednesday. Police were called to Mebrahtus home in December 2011 because he believed two men were about to rob or hurt him, court heard. Officers searched the area but couldnt find anyone matching the description Mebrahtu had provided.

Mebrahtu and his wife, who hailed from Eritrea, arrived in Canada via Sudan in the summer of 2011. Less than six months later, the 34-year-old Kidane was found dead in the bathtub in the couples Assiniboine Avenue apartment suite.

Mebrahtus defence team argues that while he did cause his wifes death, he was suffering from a mental disorder and didnt have the criminal intent necessary to be convicted of murder.

Defence lawyer Wendy Martin White opened her case Wednesday, trying to establish that Mebrahtu was mentally unfit at the time of his wifes death.

Yohannes Tekie, a friend who grew up with Mebrahtu in Eritrea and now lives in Winnipeg, testified that in the weeks before Kidanes death, Mebrahtu would call him repeatedly, claiming people were following him and that his wife was trying to poison him or conspire to have him killed. Tekie said the accused believed his wife had worked out an arrangement with unknown hitmen.

He said she can pay them through sex, he testified.

Supplied During apolice interview, Alche Fsehaye Kidane's husband admitted to kililng her.

Tekie said, at first, he advised Mebrahtu to call police, but when it became clear his claims were nonsense, he said he tried to get help for him. Mebrahtu refused to see a doctor.

I did my part and I offered, he said. There is not anything I can do to help him.

Tekie said he ran into his friend about three days before Kidanes death. Mebrahtu was working as a cleaner at Manitoba Public Insurance when Tekie arrived for a driving test and he looked good and appeared healthier than the last time theyd seen each other, when Mebrahtu wasnt eating, Tekie said.

In response to questions from Crown attorney Kyle Parker, Tekie said after that chance meeting he was still concerned that Mebrahtu needed medical attention.

He testified Mebrahtu has called him from jail to talk about conspiracies, claiming the government is spying on him.

Most of the calls I get from him are to tell me about spying or conspiracies, Tekie said.

On one occasion, he phoned jail officials to warn them about comments Mebrahtu had made about someone following him while he was in custody  it reminded Tekie of Mebrahtus behaviour before his wifes death.

I had the same kind of worry about whats going to happen, he said.

John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press Files Family and friends attend the funeral of Alche Fsehaye Kidane at the Holy Names Peace Centre on January 29, 2012.

The Crown closed its case against Mebrahtu Wednesday after playing his 5.5-hour videotaped interview with police. Before officers arrived to interview him, Mebrahtu talked to himself in his first language, Tigrinya. Speaking in a repetitive and agitated manner, he said she inculpated/incriminated me, according to the translated video transcript, and spoke of her cursed brother.

Kidanes brother had sponsored the couple to come to Winnipeg.

My soft heart became cruel I did something no man does, Mebrahtu said.

During the police interview, he admitted he had killed Kidane with a knife.

katie.may@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @thatkatiemay
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 30/03/2017 (2048 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba First Nations have rolled out the first provincewide indigenous mobile crisis team in response to last years wave of youth suicide crises in the north.

We are pleased to announce that a mobile mental health crisis response team is now in place to support both northern and southern First Nations, northern grand chief Sheila North Wilson said Thursday during a two-day mental health conference hosted by Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO).

The seven-member team, drawn from the ranks of veteran mental health workers in Manitobas indigenous communities, was introduced at the conference. The initiative is part of a three-year, $10-million program in which six more teams are being created to set up mental-health prevention programs for the provinces 63 First Nations. The money was announced in the Trudeau governments first budget in 2016.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Northern grand chief Sheila North Wilson unveiled a new, First Nations-led initiative that will assist the province's aboriginal communities in addressing crises.

Each of the teams will have a unique First Nations-led focus, North Wilson said. We look forward to building on this interim measure to ensure that long-term sustainable mental wellness supports are in place for all First Nations in Manitoba.

The teams first assignment occurred hours before the formal announcement. Three team members were headed to Norway House Cree Nation after a gang-related shooting in the northern community Tuesday in which a child was almost hit.

Meanwhile, work continues in Winnipeg to set up a crisis hotline; MKO will co-ordinate calls and deploy the team in response to First Nations calls for help.

Norway House couldnt wait after a bullet endangered a childs life this week. No one was injured but everyone in the community 460 kilometres north of Winnipeg was shaken up: They shot into a home and they just missed a little girl, Norway House Chief Ron Evans said by phone.

The mobile crisis team, their mandate is to work with people dealing with traumatic incidents, he said. If this little girl had been hit, it would have been national news.

Norway House is waiting for the province to agree to set up a checkstop on the only road into the isolated First Nation.

Our people are not feeling safe. We want a checkstop 24/7, 365 days a year, but to proceed we need the blessing of the provincial government. We need a letter to allow us to set up a checkstop on Hwy 373, Evans said.

Until then, theres no way to stop the trafficking of drugs and alcohol or keep gang members out, the chief said.

The issue reflects the range of crises beyond suicide that the mobile team is set up to handle.

Canadas 1.4 million indigenous people make up four per cent of the general population and have higher levels of poverty and a lower life expectancy than non-indigenous Canadians. They are more likely to be victims of violent crime, addiction and incarceration  factors related to a lack of opportunity that fuels rotating cycles of youth suicide.

Last winter, Pimicikamak Cree Nation in Cross Lake declared a state of emergency to cope with a suicide crisis, followed by Shamattawa and then Ontarios Attawapiskat First Nation.

BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Protesters have been peacefully occupying the Winnipeg office of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) at 365 Hargrave Street for the past 24 hours. Occupiers will release a statement in video and text form this morning at 11:00 am. Indigenous protesters and allies, who joined the #OccupyINAC campaign originally begun in Toronto on Wednesday, in response to the suicide epidemic in Attiwapiskat and Pimicikamak. Photo taken outside building. April 15, 2016

The crises made national headlines and sparked weeks of protests and occupations of federal Indigenous Affairs offices in cities across Canada. The one in Winnipeg lasted weeks longer than in other cities.

This is about the ongoing issues around suicide that our communities have been facing for a long time, North Wilson said. And of course it was heightened by what happened in Pimicikamak.

I hope the teams go in to provide another hand to deal with the trauma and crises our young people feel when theyre subjected to poverty and lack of resources. Sometimes kids may not be able to explain what they feel but what they feel is the trauma of colonization, North Wilson said.

Suicide rates are five times higher among indigenous males aged 15 to 24 and seven times higher for girls in the same age category compared with non-indigenous youth in the rest of Canada.

We come to a realization that there are few opportunities and sometimes its hard for a person to bear and they just give up, she said. Thats what kills us in the end.

She said opening economic doors for indigenous youth will take a massive effort on the part of indigenous and non-indigenous Canadians.

alexandra.paul@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 30/03/2017 (2048 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The federal, provincial and territorial governments have negotiated a new trade agreement that Premier Brian Pallister says will greatly increase opportunities for Manitoba businesses.

Negotiations are complete on the new Canadian Free Trade Agreement. A formal signing ceremony is expected to take place within days.

This is a positive, positive piece of news for our country, Pallister said Wednesday.

(Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)

The CFTA is more ambitious and comprehensive than the current Agreement on Internal Trade, which it replaces, giving Manitoba businesses far greater access to markets in other provinces  and vice versa.

Manitoba stands to benefit, Pallister said, because of the importance of trade within Canada to the provinces economy.

Interprovincial exports of goods and services  at $18.8 billion  represented 52 per cent of Manitoba exports in 2015, or almost 30 per cent of the provinces GDP.

Under the deal, technical regulations cant be used by provincial and territorial governments to create unnecessary obstacles to trade, Pallister said.

Manitoba engineering or architectural firms, for example, will no longer be discriminated against because of registration barriers, he said.

Government licensing and qualification procedures will have to be transparent and impartial, creating a level playing field for companies across the country.

There will also be a quicker and more transparent dispute-resolution mechanism for businesses that feel that theyve been treated unfairly. Fines are also being upped for non-compliance, although, Pallister said he did not have examples at his fingertips.

Also new will be the creation of a single online portal that will make it easier for businesses across Canada to see what opportunities exist in other provinces.

As well, labour will have greater mobility. Manitoba trains more people than it can employ right now  something Pallister said he wants to change. This deal, he said, will make it easier for Manitobans to obtain work in other provinces.

Pallister said the broad strokes for the agreement were hammered out at a premiers meeting in Whitehorse last July  a few months after the Manitoba Progressive Conservatives came into office.

I actually brokered a deal between (Alberta Premier) Rachel Notley and (Quebec Premier Philippe) Couillard that prevented talks from becoming derailed, he said. I was really pleased to be given the opportunity to do that.

Pallister agreed to an interview Wednesday about the agreement after a cabinet order authorizing the province to sign the deal appeared on the governments website this week.

The premier said the timing of the new Canadian internal trade agreement couldnt be better.

He said without it, Canada ran the risk of having more open trade with Europe than between provinces and territories within our country.

The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union, signed last October but not yet in force, will eliminate 98 per cent of tariffs between Canada and the EU.

We could have had the incongruity of having it easier for Germany to do business in Manitoba than for Nova Scotia, the premier said. That doesnt make sense.

Provinces will still have the right to declare exceptions to free trade, he said, but the overall effect of the deal will be far less restrictive commerce across provincial and territorial boundaries.

Manitoba, the premier declared, would have the fewest exceptions to the free flow of goods and services of any province.

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 30/03/2017 (2048 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Indigenous post-secondary students have an incredible capacity to create change. Thats the lesson Ive learned in the short time I have served at the University of Winnipeg.

Our indigenous students are leaders, innovators and risk-takers across every area of study on campus. Our business students are empowering themselves to become entrepreneurs  groundbreakers who will transform the economic landscape of First Nations communities. Our indigenous science students are working on cutting-edge technologies that will change the way we use computers to preserve and revitalize languages, and how we will communicate across the vast expanse of Manitobas north to provide health care and education.

Our education students are training to create the kinds of learning environments where all children can thrive and succeed, transcending any social or economic barriers. Our indigenous students are innovators, activists, achievers and leaders. We are both excited and proud to see everything they are, and will accomplish.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES People take part in a public forum in 2015 on the University of Winnipeg's required indigenous course for undergrads.

At the U of W, we believe that access to post-secondary is about removing barriers that may inhibit the talents and passions our students naturally possess. The federal governments recent funding announcement represents a long-overdue commitment to removing barriers and pursuing equity for indigenous students. It is a movement toward reconciliation. It is important to note, however, that this isnt just a positive for indigenous students, but a benefit for all Canadians. Our countrys future is tied to reconciliation and the vibrancy of indigenous people and communities.

There is a common misconception in Canada that indigenous students are guaranteed a free post-secondary education. Such misunderstandings exemplify the reason that the U of W has led the way in implementing an indigenous course requirement for all incoming students. Education has a significant role to play in truth and reconciliation. Not only is the myth of free education misinformed, but it ignores the very real challenges that far too many indigenous students face. This governments commitment to addressing the historic inequalities in funding will help to overcome one of our biggest challenges: the economic barriers that have kept far too many would-be innovators from flourishing.

At the U of W, we have the good fortune of seeing many indigenous students succeed; approximately 12 per cent of our student population identifies as indigenous  one of the highest rates of representation in the country. Our community learning projects and partnerships bring students and community together in powwow clubs and language programs. We recently partnered with Keeseekoowenin First Nations to offer intensive, immersive language classes for students and community. Our indigenous students have been involved with international climate change studies, machine technologies and field studies across the Canadian wilderness.

When witnessing so much success, it is also easy sometimes to ruminate on how much potential has gone unfulfilled because of systemic inequalities that many indigenous students face. How many innovations have been lost from lack of funding to First Nations schools, and lack of support for the family programs and social programs that are so important to the well-being and success of students? How many would-be innovators couldnt afford a post-secondary education?

Though it is easy to focus on what might have been, we must also look to the future and imagine all that will be accomplished. As Canada approaches its 150th birthday, we have an opportunity to celebrate the federal budget announcement and acknowledge that while we havent yet achieved our full potential as a country, our indigenous students will help to bring us there.

Kevin Lamoureux is the University of Winnipegs associate vice-president of indigenous affairs.
Early last fall, Adam Forrester assisted with the filming and set production of a music video for a hip-hop band. Not just any hip hop band, though.

Atmosphere, a renowned hip-hop duo based in Minneapolis, along with a production crew, spent last summer researching old jails in Minnesota to shoot a music video and chose the historic Houston County Jail.

The head of the production team, Sam Spafford, came into Elsies Bar and Grill in Caledonia, where Adam works, and talked with his boss, Elsie. Spafford was trying to get a feel for the town and asked Elsie if she knew anyone in town who might be interested in helping with the video.

She knew Adam had a passion for music and production, so she gave Spafford his number.

I got a phone call from (Spafford), Adam said. He explained why he was calling and said, We got notice from your boss that youre interested in (music and production).

Spafford didnt tell Adam the video was for one of Atmospheres songs, so he asked Elsie who the band was.

She told me Atmosphere, and I was like, Wait the Atmosphere?

The team spent three days shooting the video and Adam said he had the experience of a lifetime. It reaffirmed his passion and pursuit of becoming a recording artist after high school, and to carry out what his older brother Dan set out to do before a tragic accident.

After graduating, Adam  Caledonias selection for this years Above and Beyond award  plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire next fall to study graphic design and audio production.

Musical roots

Adam grew up the second-youngest of 10 brothers and sisters. He said his family has deep music roots, and growing up there was always some kind of music playing at the house.

Ive been around music for as long as I can remember, Adam said.

He said he remembers hearing anything from late 60s-early 70s rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival to Third Eye Blind and Sublime.

When Adam was a toddler, his oldest brother, Dan, lived in New York and traveled with different bands playing shows. He played music whenever he visited home, Adam said, and he looked up to Dan.

The constant exposure to various forms of music and instruments is one of the few memories Adam carries from his childhood. As Adam grew older, he started writing his own music and learning to play instruments.

It just comes naturally to me, Adam said.

Things, however, took a dramatic turn in 2004 for Adam and his family after Dan suffered severe brain damage from a car accident at 21 years old.

A drastic change

Adam was only four when the news broke about Dans accident. He said Dan was starting to make a name for himself as a musician before the accident.

I heard stories that he could play guitar like a madman, Adam said.

But doctors said he probably wouldnt walk or talk again, and his music career came to an abrupt halt.

Adam hadnt started school yet, so he went with his parents to New York to stay with Dan while he recovered.

We stayed in a temporary home out there for a while, he said. Emotionally, it took a huge toll on all of us.

Adam was too young to fully comprehend the impact of the situation. He said he used to think of it as a burden because he had to help take care of his brother and the house. He said he remembers wondering, Why did this have to happen to my brother?

As Adam matured, he started to understand the importance of helping his brother. He said he started to have more empathy for people with mental illnesses and disabilities because hes (dealt) with it every day helping take care of Dan.

It never really got easier, I just learned how to deal with it, Adam said.

Even though Adams brother couldnt talk anymore, they continued to bond through music. Instead of Dan showing Adam music, or playing music for him, it was the other way around.

One thing Adam said hes learned growing up in a musical family, and dealing with his brothers disability, is words fail, music speaks.

When theyre listening to music together, or Adam plays Dan a song hes working on, he can tell whether Dan enjoys it through his raw, emotional expressions.

If hes smiling, I know he likes it, Adam said. He just loves listening to music.

Despite his brothers untimely accident, Adam plans to continue in Dans footsteps and create a path for himself in the music industry.

Carrying the torch

Adam started to think differently about the burden of his brothers disability with age and understanding. He considered his brother a role model before the accident, and Adam said he wants to carry on Dans legacy.

Hes one of my biggest influences, he said.

Brent Schroeder, Adams school counselor, said the growth and compassion hes seen from Adam over the years is inspiring.

His past is truly leading his future, he said. Its impressive to see the caring, motivated individual hes become.

Adam said he enjoys playing different kinds of instruments, but has a particular love for playing keyboard and ukulele, and singing/songwriting. Growing up, through the ups and downs, Adam said he would always turn to music when he needed a release.

Its just the way I was raised, its my way of expressing myself, he said.

Adam said his experience last fall working on the set of Atmospheres video shoot gave him more motivation to continue pursuing a career in music. His interactions with everyone involved in the video  from offering input to assisting with camera work  encouraged Adam to continue the path hes traveling.

After learning hed be working on the set of Atmospheres music video, Adam said he had to tell Dan right away because they both love the duos music.

He definitely did not believe me at first, Adam said. But he was excited for me.

Adam said after the first run-through of the video shoot he thought to himself, this is awesome, this is what I want to do the rest of my life.

He said hes doing it with Dans passion and voice in mind, and because he couldnt imagine doing anything else.
A St. Charles man is continuing to rack up visits from police, with his home and business subjected to a warrant search for the fourth time since 2010.

Stephen Thomas Conlin, 58, St. Charles is charged with two counts of fifth-degree sale of a marijuana mixture, as well as cited for possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.

Conlin has previously been convicted of both fifth-degree possession of marijuana and fifth-degree intent to sell in 2010 and 2012, respectively.

The Winona County sheriffs office, Winona police and the Southeast Violent Crimes task force executed a search warrant on Conlins property at the 943 Wabasha Ave. Wednesday about 8 p.m., according to the sheriffs department.

In addition to 20 grams of marijuana, police report finding several eyedroppers with liquid suspected to contain THC  which was sent to be tested  and $260 cash.

A second man was charged in connection with the case who was not present at the search.

Charges of fifth-degree sale of marijuana were referred against Mickel Jeffrey Frisch, 23, Altura, as part of the same ongoing investigation, according to the sheriffs department.

Conlins legal history includes an unsuccessful attempt to convince a district court judge that his possession of state marijuana tax stamps meant he was legally selling the product from his business.

In October 2010, officers seized 17.5 pounds of marijuana, 68 plants, $1,100 in cash and six firearms during a raid of Conlins home and business, according to court documents.

In 2012, another raid turned up 1.8 pounds of processed marijuana, five marijuana plants, $668 in cash, marijuana tax stamps, labels and financial information, according to court documents.

Conlin was also arrested in 2014 and charged with suspicion of intent to sell marijuana after a raid on the property where they discovered a small amount of marijuana and various paraphernalia, including packaging equipment and scales. He was not convicted in that instance.

Conlin argued in his 2012 case that the possession and sale of marijuana is legal in Minnesota  so long as the provisions of Minnesotas marijuana tax stamp law are adhered to. His argument hinged on a 1986 Minnesota Legislature decision to impose a $3.50 per gram tax on marijuana, and specify civil penalties for failing to pay the tax.

However, the criminal law making it illegal to sell or possess marijuana was left unchanged.

Conlin ran for St. Charles mayor in 2012 and lost, but because he was convicted of a felony shortly after declaring his intentions, he wouldnt have been eligible to serve anyway. Conlin also ran unsuccessfully for city council in 2010.

UPDATE: A previous version of this story said that Conlin was a Goodview resident, when actually he and The Buzz were in St. Charles.
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Republican state lawmakers, in a Wednesday hearing, took aim at two parts of Gov. Scott Walkers tax blueprint in the next state budget  a push to bolster business auditing and a back-to-school sales tax holiday.

Theres other ways to give people a tax break, rather than this, honestly, gimmick, state Sen. Luther Olsen, R-Ripon, said of the sales tax holiday.

The comments came in a budget briefing by the Department of Revenue for the Legislatures budget-writing committee.

Walker, in his plan for the 2017-19 budget, proposes a statewide sales tax holiday in August for certain school supplies, clothing and computers. It is estimated to cost the state about $11 million in lost revenue.

The budget plan, while reducing the overall head count in the Department of Revenue, adds 46 tax-collecting positions with the expectation they will generate $64 million in revenue over the next two years. Employees filling those positions would collect delinquent taxes, process bills and collect debts.

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, the powerful state business lobby, has advocated against the auditing proposal. The groups vice president of government relations, Scott Manley, said it does not believe that hiring more tax collectors will help improve our business climate or show the world that Wisconsin is open for business.

This is Walkers second consecutive budget that bolsters auditing efforts. The 2015-17 budget added 102 Department of Revenue positions toward that end.

Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, and Sen. Sheila Harsdorf, R-River Falls, were among the lawmakers who said theyd heard concerns from businesses about the heightened focus on auditing.

There is a lot of frustration with debt collectors, auditors, whatever the case may be, Nygren said.

State Revenue Secretary Richard Chandler said tax fraud is on the rise nationally. He said the auditing push is meant to ensure fairness, particularly for businesses who always pay their full tax bill without prodding.

We want to be sure that people who owe their obligations are paying them, Chandler said.
WASHINGTON  The central promise of the Trump administration  the repeal and replacement of Obamacare  has failed. The central premise of the Trump administration  that Donald Trump is a brilliant negotiator  has been discredited. In the process of losing a legislative battle, Trump has lost the theory of his presidency.

It was a profoundly personal rejection. Trumps ignorance of policy details alienated legislators. His ill-timed threats backfired. His bonhomie fell flat.

The lessons, however, run deeper. Like other politicians before him, Trump ran for office arguing, in essence: Just give my party control of the elected branches of the federal government and massive change will quickly follow. Many Americans believed in this promise of winner-take-all government.

The American system of government  with its constipated Senate rules and its complicated House coalitions  is designed to frustrate such plans. But the closeness of recent national elections has encouraged partisan dreams of political dominance. Republicans had control of the House, Senate and presidency in the 108th Congress. Democrats had the same in the 111th Congress. Now Republicans have it all in the 115th Congress.

Total control is intoxicating. The winners feel like they have a mandate, even a mission. But the losers know, if they maintain partisan discipline and prevent achievements of the other side, they have a realistic chance of winning it all back. This leads to a cycle of hubris and obstructionism.

How can this cycle be broken? There is only one way. Someone must do genuine outreach, involving the credible promise of compromise, from a position of strength. It is the winners who must act first, taking the risk of offering a hand that may be slapped away. Then it is the political losers who have the responsibility to reward good faith.

Obamacare  passed in a partisan quick march and viewed by some Republicans as the focus of evil in the modern world  may not be the most promising ground for agreement. The same may be true for tax reform, which involves a thousand well-funded special interests. But genuine negotiation might be possible on an infrastructure bill. The same might be true on legislation designed to increase the skills  and deal with the dislocation  of 38 percent of American workers whose jobs are threatened by automation. And at least one culture-war issue belongs on the list: religious liberty.

Many religious conservatives imagined they would, at this point, be in a defensive crouch. The Obama administration had required the Little Sisters of the Poor to provide insurance coverage for sterilizations and the emergency contraceptive Plan B. Religious conservatives expected the Hillary Clinton administration to require the distribution of condoms at Mass (I exaggerate, but only a little).

Instead, unexpectedly, religious conservatives find themselves in a position of relative strength, as one of the main contributors to Trumps victory. It is possible they will squander their standing on repeal of the Johnson Amendment that restricts political endorsements from the pulpit  a change that few have demanded and none really need. Instead, they could use their influence to encourage genuine pluralism, with benefits that are shared and nonsectarian.

What would the elements of a legislative compromise look like? It would need to allow institutions motivated by a religious mission  including religious schools and charities  to maintain their identity. Religious liberty involves, not just the freedom of individual belief but the freedom to create institutions that reflect a shared belief.

But any realistic agreement would also need to include broad anti-discrimination protections in employment and services  including for gay people  outside of the strong carve-out for religious nonprofits. Religious conservatives would need to accept sexual orientation as a protected group in economic interactions.

This is consistent with what Jonathan Rauch calls the obvious compromise: protections for gay people plus exemptions for religious objectors. In practice, this would allow religious people to organize colleges, hospitals and charities according to their beliefs. But the cake baker would need to bake for everyone. The florist would need to sell to everyone.

The strongest advocates on both sides of this issue will find any compromise abhorrent. But it could be powerful for religious conservatives to attempt outreach from a position of political strength, And Donald Trump, oddly, may be the leader to get this kind of deal. He broke ground among Republicans in recognizing LGBT rights in his convention speech. But he is also close to religious conservative leaders.

And just about now, Trump needs a way to reconstitute the meaning of his presidency.
In January, before President Barack Obama left office, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service scheduled the rusty patched bumblebee to be listed on the endangered species list on Feb. 10  and with good reason.

The population of rusty patched bumblebees, which used to be abundant in 28 states, has suffered a devastating decline of nearly 90 percent over two decades. At the current rate of decline, it is expected to be extinct within a few years.

Theres no underestimating the importance of bumblebees to the natural order. While their busyness doesnt yield honey for your tea and toast, the nest-dwelling fuzzy pollinators are vital to the process that produces fruit, seeds and nuts. The rusty patched bumblebees are the first of continental Americas domestic bee population to be listed under the Endangered Species Act. Seven species of bees in Hawaii are also on the endangered list.

On Feb. 9, the day before they were to be officially listed as endangered, the Trump administration temporarily froze all new federal regulations. The rusty patched bumblebees status was suddenly thrown into limbo at a time when protections are needed most.

As a presidential candidate, Donald Trump vowed that he would freeze all new regulations and order a thorough review of environmental regulations. He insisted that regulations put American business at a competitive disadvantage.

The Natural Resources Defense Council sued the Trump administration in federal court for delaying the bumblebees listing as an endangered species, arguing that it was a violation of the law.

Fortunately, the Trump administration reversed its position and is allowing the rusty patched bumblebee to be listed. This will mean that bee habitats and the dwindling number of places they can be found can be protected from companies and individuals that would harm them.

This could not have been an easy call for an administration taking a skeptical look at environmental regulations, but it is the right call. Besides, it wouldnt have only been a species of bumblebee that felt the sting of extinction. It wouldve been everyone dependent on the fruits of the bees labor, as well.
Beaver Dam Police Department issued a warning via Facebook Wednesday about children being approached by strangers while they are walking home from school.

A post by the police reads:

Recently we have received after-the-fact reports of children being approached by subjects in vehicles after school while they are walking home.

These subjects have asked children if they would like a ride and in other cases told them to get in the vehicle. At this point we have received various descriptions but the common description seems to be a dark colored sporty type car with a male black driver. Other reports have included a white driver.

If you see a vehicle matching this description or any vehicle pulled up next to a young child speaking with them, please keep an eye on that situation and report any suspicious activity to the police department. The very best pieces of information you can gather would be a license plate and a driver description.
Gov. Scott Walker used his Twitter account late Wednesday to threaten his Republican legislative colleagues as they were briefed on his plan for the states next transportation budget, vowing to veto a gas tax increase if lawmakers defy Walkers no-new-tax plan.

Walkers tweet upended Wednesday nights budget hearing in which lawmakers, many of them Republicans, squared off with his Department of Transportation Secretary, Dave Ross.

In the hearing, lawmakers on the budget-writing Joint Finance Committee roundly battered Walkers proposed transportation budget for the two-year period starting in July.

The tense exchange deepened fissures among statehouse Republicans on how to square a growing imbalance in Wisconsins transportation-funding ledger.

Sen. Luther Olsen, R-Ripon, said the state cant keep delaying highway projects or borrowing to fund them.

Olson said lawmakers are prepared to bite the bullet and raise some revenue for transportation, but leadership from the DOT is needed.

Were going to be spiraling down into a hole where it will cost us so much to get our roads into shape, that well never get it done, Olsen said.

Rep. Mary Felzkowski, R-Irma, said townships in her rural district are hurting for road and bridge funds.

Rep. Dale Kooyenga, R-Brookfield, asked Ross if Walker would veto a bid by lawmakers to fund the U.S. Interstate 94 East-West project, a suburban Milwaukee highway expansion proposal that is snubbed in Walkers budget.

If you can find savings, were going to be there with you, the committees co-chairman, Rep. John Nygren, told Ross. But simply reforms are not going to fix the problem.

Walkers tweet appears to ratchet up his showdown with some of his GOP legislative colleagues who have remained open to increasing gas taxes or vehicle fees  the two main sources of revenue for the states transportation fund.

Previously, Walker only said he would veto any increase to gas or other taxes not offset by cuts to other taxes in the budget.

Lets be clear. I dont support spending less on K-12 education than whats in my budget and I will veto a gas tax increase, Walkers tweet read.

Walkers office could not immediately be reached late Wednesday to discuss his tweet.

Meanwhile, one of Walkers allies in the Legislature, GOP Sen. Steve Nass of Whitewater, showed his solidarity in a statement issued shortly after the governors tweet.

Senator Olsen doesnt speak for me on the gas tax, Nass said. I am standing with the middle class taxpayers and Governor Walker in opposing a gas tax increase in the 2017-19 state budget.
Members of the Columbia County Boards Ad Hoc Building Committee couldnt be blamed if they squirmed a little when Committee Chairman Kirk Konkel of Portage said the M word.

That word is move.

As excited as committee members might be about the impending completion of the three-story Administration Building and two-story Health and Human Services Building, the task of getting county offices out of the courthouse and Annex, and into the new buildings, is expected to be time-consuming and stressful.

And, as yet, no one knows how much it will cost.

The committee decided on Wednesday to put out a request for proposals for moving companies to carry out the move.

Those bids will be due April 28, and theyll be opened on that day, with the hope of awarding the winning bid on May 5.

A pre-bid meeting for moving companies that are considering a bid will be held April 12.

Until then, Konkel said, no one knows how long the move will take or how the move will affect the day-to-day business at county offices.

County employees are already disposing of documents and other items that they dont plan to take with them to their new offices, in the hope of minimizing the amount of material that will have to be moved.

Konkel said he thinks that the lower level of the new Administration Building, on the Portage Canals northwest side, can be used now for storage of some items  although the city of Portage would have to issue an occupancy permit before any county employees can actually go to work there.

The move is likely to start in May, and it will go in stages. The Building and Grounds and Management Information Services departments will likely relocate first, to set up the offices, and the electronic equipment such as phones and computers, to prepare the building for full occupancy.

The court-related offices, Konkel said, are likely to be out of the building by early July. Tentative plans call for the judges, the district attorneys office, the clerk of courts and the register in probate to work in the new HHS building, on the canals southeast side, for the nine months to a year that the courthouse remodeling is expected to take.

Most HHS offices will remain at 2652 Murphy Road until after the courthouse renovation is completed and the court-related offices are moved back there, in the spring or summer of 2018. However, the public health department and the HHS accounting office will be moved to the new building this spring.

Konkel said there could be any number of different transitional scenarios.

Its possible that some county offices might be closed for a day or two to accommodate the moving schedule.

Or, if the move can be completed over a weekend, there might be no interruption in regular business hours.

Whats actually going to happen, he said, depends on what prospective movers propose.

Meanwhile, Steve Klaven, senior project manager for J.H. Findorff and Sons, said he hasnt yet received any inquiries from other Wisconsin counties about the new Columbia County facilities  but he thinks its just a matter of time before such inquiries are made.

Committee member Andy Ross of Poynette said his conversations with insurers indicate that Columbia County is ahead of many other counties in creating facilities that meet modern needs for county services  especially the need for courthouse security.

The courthouse remodeling is expected to add several features, including:

Secure transfer of in-custody defendants, via a new sallyport and walls that a sheriffs deputy can activate to separate the inmate from the public.

Courtrooms designed for safety of judges, juries, litigants and spectators, in the event of an emergency.

Secure separation between courthouse personnel and the public.

Private spaces for attorneys and clients to hold confidential conferences  some of which now take place in the courthouses hallways.

Konkel noted, too, that the new buildings were designed with room for expansion, and that they can be adapted as county services evolve over the years. In fact, he said, its conceivable that the way that the new buildings and remodeled courthouse are used may change, even 10 years after their opening.
A Columbia County Board committee on Wednesday authorized spending almost $7 million to revamp the courthouse, with a construction official expressing confidence that the project will be brought in on budget.

In July, work will start on a remodeling project designed to convert the courthouse at 400 DeWitt St. from a multipurpose administrative building to a structure for court-related functions only  with all of the security features required of modern courts.

The project had been budgeted for $7.46 million.

That figure can be and will be attained, said Steve Klaven, senior project manager for J.H. Findorff and Sons, the Madison-based construction firm that is overseeing the bulk of Columbia Countys $45.51 million building project.

Although the bids run about $65,000 over budget now, he said, the contingency included in the budget for the remodeling will cover that, as will unspent money from the contingency fund for the two other features of the $45.51 million building project  a three-story Administration Building on the northwest side of the Portage Canal (due for completion in early June) and a two-story Health and Human Services building on the canals southeast side.

Tanner Davis of Findorff said the construction of the HHS building is about three weeks behind that of the Administration Building.

Starting on about July 10, the HHS building will be the temporary location of court-related offices, during the nine months to one year that the courthouse remodeling is expected to require.

The County Boards Ad Hoc Building Committee awarded bids for 14 of the 15 aspects of the courthouse remodeling  in almost all cases, to the lowest bidder in each category.

The bids, as awarded, added up to a little more than $6.9 million.

The only bid that was not awarded Wednesday was for landscaping.

Klaven said the sole bidder for landscaping, Schalows Nursery of Marshfield, offered a bid of $114,735 that was well above the approximately $30,000 budgeted for landscaping.

However, Klaven noted, the Schalow bid included aspects that were not required from bidders.

With the committees authorization, Klaven will negotiate with Schalow  and, if that negotiation isnt fruitful, the landscaping will be rebid.

Klaven noted, too, that two of the successful bidders are Portage-based firms, and another is based in Wisconsin Dells.

Mid-States Glass Corp., doing business as Portage Glass Co., was the successful bidder for glazing and aluminum entrances for the courthouse, at $110,633. There was one other bidder.

Portage-based Electric 1, Inc., offered the low bid of $1.022 million for the electrical work, beating three other bidders.

And, the roofing and metal panels contract went to Wisconsin Dells-based Long Life Roofing Co., for $64,234.

For plumbing, the committee did not accept the low bid among five, $285,800 from Hooper Corp. Klaven said he recommended against going with Hooper because its bid arrived on March 14, the due date, about three minutes after the noon deadline.

Going by the strict letter of our procedure, that bid is not compliant, Klaven said.

The plumbing bid that was accepted, from H&H Industries, Inc., was $287,000, less than $2,000 above that of Hooper.

H&H Industries also was the successful bidder for mechanical heating, ventilation and air conditioning, with a base bid of $1.692 million.

However, the actual cost of HVAC will depend on the outcome of negotiations, said Committee Chairman Kirk Konkel of Portage.

One of the ways of keeping the remodeling projects costs in check, Klaven said, is to determine which courthouse climate control systems should be replaced as part of the remodeling and which can remain intact.

Potential negotiations on that issue prompted a short closed session for the committee.

Sign consultant

In another matter, Project Manager Ron Locast of the Madison design firm Potter Lawson recommended that Columbia County engage the services of an interior signage consultant, to determine not only the safety-related signage requirements for the new Administration Building, but also the optimum strategy for helping visitors find the offices that will be located in the building.

Locast noted that there are some signage requirements that are related to safety, such as those that point the way to exits and stairways and designate the maximum safe capacity for each room.

Other requirements are related to equal access for people with disabilities. For example, some signs must include Braille for people with visual impairments.

And, in numbering and labeling rooms, doors and windows, the county will need to work with local public safety agencies, to make sure that firefighters and other emergency responders know quickly where they need to go to respond to a call for help.

Committee member Fred Teitgen of the town of Dekorra showed a drawing of some signage ideas.

He also noted that each department housed in the Administration Building will be decorated with art that is unique to that department.
The cows will die.

So said Rosa Jimenez, 26, whose husband works on a Pepin County dairy farm, as she talked about the difficulties and fears facing undocumented workers in Wisconsins dairy industry in the face of President Donald Trumps increasing crackdown on illegal immigration and his effort to move ahead with plans to build a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Yes, we need the work, but the farmers also need us because there are farms where 20, 25 or 30 people work, and nobody has papers, Jimenez said. Imagine if they got rid of all or them, if they did a raid and took everybody. What are the farmers going to do?

Jimenez is not the only worrier these days. Dairy farmers across the state are nervous about the future of their farms and their states $43 billion-a-year dairy industry, which relies heavily on immigrant laborers, many of whom are here illegally, according to the news report by Wisconsin Public Radio and the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism.

Even as state legislators last week named cheese the states official dairy product, there is talk in Americas Dairyland of selling off herds to cut losses before the labor market dries up and farms are forced to shut down.

If ICE came in here and checked my employees and found they were undocumented and those 10 people left, my next option of course is to close down  and try to find a market for my cows and sell out, John Rosenow, a farmer in Buffalo County with about 550 cows, told reporters. I wouldnt be able to farm anymore and it would just about kill me. I mean the cows have to be milked. I know of no other source of labor.

The decline in recent immigration numbers already has pushed up wages for dairy farm work. While laborers used to command wages of $8 an hour, shortages have pushed it up to $11 to $13 an hour, and in some places as high as $15, according to a USA Today report this month.

That, too, puts pressure on dairy farms to survive.

An estimated 51 percent of all dairy workers in the United States are immigrants and, of those, more than three-fourths are undocumented. According to the news report, researchers estimate eliminating immigrant labor in the dairy industry would reduce production by 23 percent or 48 billion pounds of milk. Shedding immigrant labor would cost the U.S. economy $32 billion and eliminate more than 208,000 jobs in dairying and related industries.

There are possible solutions for the dairy states looming immigrant worker shortage. Seven years ago, a survey showed 85 percent of Wisconsins dairy farmers backed a proposal for a guest worker program for the dairy industry. There are such programs for seasonal crops like blueberries and sweet potatoes, the news report said, but not for year-round employment like dairy farms.

The dairy industry is not alone in facing immigrant worker anxiety. Oconto Falls dairy farmer Tim OHarrow told reporters, This country cannot produce enough food to feed its own people without foreign labor. It isnt just dairy. Its workers in slaughterhouses, its workers picking fruit. Its all aspects of food is being supplemented by foreign labor. Because American citizens will not, will not do the work. It isnt a matter of how much money. Its a matter of they will not do it.

The question now is whether Trump and Congress can parse a solution to campaign promises versus the states need for a reliable dairy workforce. Otherwise, the cows will die.
MADISON  A former Sauk City investment broker was indicted March 30 in federal court for allegedly soliciting $905,000 from customers for a non-existent investment and using their funds to buy a house and pay personal expenses.

James P. Kolf, 64, was indicted on 16 felony counts of wire fraud and single counts of money laundering and mail fraud.

The U.S. Attorneys office is also seeking forfeiture of a house at 1701 Mulberry St. in Sauk City, which Kolf allegedly purchased using $280,000 in cash proceeds from the fraudulent investment scheme.

Kolf also is accused of using investor funds to pay

$152,000 in back taxes

$74,000 on credit card balances

$40,000 in legal bills

$47,572 in Ponzi-like payments to defrauded investors

$250,738 in personal expenses and cash withdrawals

$15,935 in home improvements

$10,325 to a condo association

Kolf faces maximum penalties of 20 years in prison on each wire or mail fraud conviction and 10 years if convicted of money laundering.

As of March 30, Kolf had no attorney of record, was not in custody and no court dates had been set in the case.

According to a statement from the U.S. Attorneys office and an order issued by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions on Dec. 19, 2016:

Kolf was a registered securities broker since 1981 and did business as SFN Financial Network LLC.

Between April 2011 and August 2016, Kolf encouraged his brokerage customers at New England Securities to invest in SFN Financial, which never existed.

Kolf told clients he would invest their money in energy companies and guaranteed them a 6 to 8 percent annual return, which was higher than several clients were earning at the time.

Kolf later told DFI staff that he used a prospectus and marketing materials from FN Investments, an approved investment product, because it sounded similar to SFN Financial and was intended to boost the credibility of his scheme.

Fourteen people invested between $16,000 and $205,000 with Kolf and several liquidated their brokerage accounts to invest with SFN Financial.

At the time Kolf did not tell his investors that he owed $152,000 in back taxes. He periodically mailed them account statements that falsely showed account balances and that the dividends were being reinvested to increase the value of their accounts.

Meanwhile, authorities allege Kolf was allegedly putting their funds to his own use.

In August 2016, Kolf was permanently barred from the brokerage industry for the sale of fake securities to customers.

Kolfs wife, Cheryl, filed a response to the federal forfeiture request of the Mulberry Street home. She states she is an innocent owner and if the property is liquidated, claims any amount due her.

Heritage Credit Union, which had extended Kolf a $100,000 line of credit against the houses value, has filed a claim similar to Cheryl Kolfs.
"Universal Background Checks"

Stopped in New Mexico Legislature

By Dean Weingarten. March 20th, 2017

Article Source

Michael Bloomberg has continued to pump money into state politics to find ways to infringe on the Second Amendment. His latest attempt was stopped in New Mexico on Monday, 13 March, 2017. A key vote against the measure came form Representative Eliseo Alcon (D) Milan.

From nmpolitics.com:

A legislative committee on Monday effectively killed a bill to expand background checks for gun purchases  an issue that drew large crowds to the Capitol as well as big campaign contributions and intense lobbying and advertising. The House Judiciary Committee voted 7-6 to table House Bill 548 after a lengthy hearing. It marked the defeat of the most recent gun-control bill sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard, D-Los Alamos. Democrat Eliseo Alcon of Milan joined the six Republicans on the panel to stop the measure, which would have required background checks on all sales of firearms at gun shows and from advertisements on the internet or print publications.

Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund spent $250,000 in New Mexico elections in 2016. From everytown.org:

In total, Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund spent more than $250,000 during the 2016 election in New Mexico.

The NRA only spent $10K in 2016, but spent $44,377 in 2017 opposing the current gun control scheme in New Mexico. The money went to buy Internet ads to oppose the Universal Background Check measures.

Representative Eliseo Alcon of Milan did not receive any money from Everytown or from the NRA in 2016. Eliseo, who is called Lee by friends and supporters, is a disabled Vietnam veteran. He was a judge before being elected to the legislature. Milan is a small town of 3,600 people that is located about half way between Albuquerque and the Arizona border.

32 or 33 New Mexico Sheriffs opposed the legislation. From abquournal.com:

Opponents say the regulations wouldnt actually deter criminals, who would just ignore them, and merely inconvenience law-abiding citizens. Sheriffs across New Mexico have turned out to oppose the legislation and say it wouldnt have prevented Websters death because dangerous criminals will still find a way to get firearms.

New Mexico is moderately gun friendly state that leans Democrat. It is also a mostly rural state that does not like to be pushed around by out of state interests. Democrats hold majorities in both houses. Second Amendment supporters count on rural Democrats like Representative Eliseo Alcon, to honor their oath to support the Constitution.

2017 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice and link are included. Link to Gun Watch.

It's a pity so much needs spent to try and prevent the likes of Bloomberg from trying to infringe on the Second Amendment, but fortunately this attempt to introduce extra background checks has been quashed, just. It took one right-thinking Democrat to enable the kill vote, by seeing that as the right thing to do. Unfortunately Bloomberg continues to pump money into anti-rights schemes all over the country in his mission to try and disarm good people.

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W&M faculty in the media this month

Bryan Watts is the director of the Center for Conservation Biology at William & Mary. He was recently quoted by the Chesapeake Bay Journal regarding the population decline of the Eastern black rail. Photo Courtesy of Bryan Watts

Stephen E. Hanson (right) is the vice provost for international affairs at William & Mary. Hanson was recently quoted by the Virginia Gazette about the appointment of Jon M. Huntsman Jr., as the United States' envoy to Russia. Photo Courtesy of Flat Hat News

Neal S. Devins is the Sandra Day O'Connor Professor of Law and director of the Institute of Bill of Rights Law at William & Mary. Devins was recently quoted in the Washington Post regarding the confirmation of Neil Gorsuch as a U.S. Supreme Court justice. Photo by Stephen Salpukas

Robert J. Latour (left) is a professor of marine science at William & Mary. Latour was recently quoted in the Daily Press regarding cuts to the federal Chesapeake Bay cleanup budget. Photo by David Malmquist

Rowan Lockwood is a professor of geology at William & Mary. Lockwood was recently quoted by the Christian Science Monitor regarding the future of life on Earth. Photo by Joseph McClain Photo - of - Hide Caption

Following are selected examples of William & Mary faculty and staff members in the national and international media. - Ed.

Partisan politics and the Supreme Court

In a March 22 Washington Post op-ed, the published work of Neal E. Devins, the Sandra Day O'Connor Professor of Law and director of Institute of Bill of Rights Law at William & Mary, was referenced concerning partisan politics in the Supreme Court.

During his congressional confirmation hearing on March 21, Judge Neil Gorsuch stated that, Theres no such thing as a Republican judge or Democratic judge, according to the article. However, the article states that Gorsuch, a possible supporter of Republican political campaigns, did not exactly tell the truth due to the fact that he received a citation for assisting in the confirmation processes of Republican-appointed judges.

The article also contends that the United States now has an ideological judiciary and references a paper titled Split Definitive: How Party Polarization Turned the Supreme Court into a Partisan Court, which Devins authored, to support its claim of how there is an increasingly tight connection between the party of the appointing president and how a judge rules.

According to the article, Devins writes that party polarization now affects the behavior of judges, reducing the likelihood that they will stray from the ideological positions that brought them to the Court in the first place.

Conservationists look to the past to help the future

In a March 21 Christian Science Monitor article, Rowan Lockwood, a professor of geology at William & Mary, discussed the future of life on Earth by using the disciplines of paleobiology and conservation.

According to the article, conservationists are looking to historical data to determine the baseline population or range of a species threatened by human activity, information which will be used to protect future plants and animals.

However, scientists have only recorded this kind of data for a few decades, maybe a century, but it is still a relative small amount of time in relation to how long humans have made an impact on the planet. Researchers look forward to finding new ways of helping the environment, according to the article.

"We're really interested in taking the past and applying it to the present," said Lockwood.

Huntsman needs keen learners to navigate U.S.-Russia relationship

In a March 15 Virginia Gazette article, Stephen E. Hanson, vice provost for international affairs at William & Mary discussed the appointment of Jon M. Huntsman Jr. as the United States envoy to Moscow by U.S. President Donald Trump.

According to the article, Huntsman was asked what he looked for when picking members for his diplomatic staff. Huntsman said that he looks for keen learners and people who are not just professionals using the knowledge theyve learned, but who are willing to learn constantly and adjust to changing circumstances, the article states.

Hanson, a nationally recognized expert on Eastern Europe and Russia, agreed that Huntsman will need the advice of keen learners to navigate the choppy waters of the U.S.-Russia relationship, particularly issues regarding the nation of Ukraine, according to the article.

The sudden collapse of Viktor Yankovych's government no doubt led Putin and his entourage to believe that Ukraine might be entirely 'lost' to the West without dramatic and immediate action, Hanson said. The problem is that Putin now sees the situation in Ukraine entirely in zero-sum-termsas a territory that either will 'belong' to the Russian sphere of influence or instead become anti-Russian."

Black rail population declining as sea level rises

In a March 12 Chesapeake Bay Journal article, Bryan Watts, director of the Center for Conservation Biology at William & Mary discussed the population of the Eastern black rail.

Watts discussed the scientific reasons behind the birds dwindling population.

We know almost nothing about this species, he said. Its very tiny and incredibly secretive. Even most bird watchers have never seen this species before. They are sort of evaporating around us.

The article states that the birds decline has been rapid and unexpected, and only 50 years ago, part of Dorchester County on Marylands Eastern Shore was a world-renowned hot spot for birders seeking a glimpse of them. Today, the black rails are gone from Elliott Island. Only a handful are left in the state and none have been seen in Virginias coastal marshes for a couple of years, according to the article.

This species is not going to be sustainable in its landscape in the face of sea level rise, Watts said. It will be lost. Maybe in five years, maybe in 10 years. But its on the way out.

In addition, Watts states that his research has found that the birds nests are increasingly inundated by storms and unusually high tides. Although the animals could resettle themselves by moving upslope, because the marshes where the bird is found are relatively flat, even a small amount of rising water can push them out of suitable habitats, according to Watts.

If the water gets up two centimeters, it is not just inundating the edge of the marsh it is inundating the entire marsh, Watts said. Once it hits that tipping point, you are effectively flooding the entire marsh.

Cuts to Chesapeake Bay cleanup budget under new administration could cost $68M a year

In a March 2 article by the Daily Press, Robert J. Latour, a professor of marine science at William & Mary, discussed the possibility of cuts to the Chesapeake Bay cleanup budget.

According to the article, the White House is promoting a plan to decrease federal funding from $73 million annually to $5 million beginning in the fiscal 2018 budget and reduce staff and programs at the Environmental Protection Agency.

Latour explained that the lack of funds could affect the ability of William & Marys Virginia Institute of Marine Science to monitor the diminishment of fisheries and ecosystems of the bay.

Very broadly, were all sort of holding our breath and wondering what the new administration is going to do regarding natural resources, he said. There are some scary proposals out there. Undoubtedly, a slash like that would have a very strong negative impacts across the scientific and research communitythe regulation community as well.




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CEZ aims to restore full nuclear potential

30 March 2017

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CEZ expects to increase its nuclear power production by 18% this year to 28 terawatt hours as it seeks to recover lost revenue from prolonged outages. The majority state-owned utility suffered billions of crowns in lost sales last year as it carried out checks to welding joints and prepared for an operating licence renewal.

The Dukovany plant (Image: CEZ)

The Czech Republic, where nuclear accounts for 32.5% of the country's electricity generation, has four reactors at 2040 MWe Dukovany and two at 2160 MWe Temelin. The two plants, which have a combined net capacity of 4047 MWe, produced 24.064 TWh of electricity last year, down from 26.72 TWh in 2015.

CEZ launched legal action against Skoda JS in November, accusing the nuclear power engineering firm of "misconduct" in carrying out safety checks on the welds at Dukovany, a spokesman for CEZ said. The Dukovany and Temelin units were offline for 449.8 and 253.5 days, respectively, the spokesman added.

Both Temelin units are now working at normal capacity and produced 4306 gigawatt hours of electricity between 1 January and 24 March. Dukovany 1 is on the 69th of a 120-day planned outage, Dukovany 2 has just completed a planned outage and was reconnected to the grid today, while units 3 and 4 are in normal operation. Dukovany produced 2234 GWh of electricity between 1 January and 24 March.

Financial results

The utility's chief financial officer, Martin Novak, announced the 28 TWh production target, following the release of its 2016 financial results. Novak also said CEZ expected to cut output at its coal-fired power plants by 1% this year to 31 TWh.

In addition to extended nuclear plant outages, CEZ has also faced lower wholesale power prices. Adjusted profit fell by 29% to CZK19.6 billion ($776 million) last year. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (Ebitda) were CZK58.1 billion - a decrease of CZK7 billion year-on-year, of which CZK 6.1 billion was due to lower wholesale power prices.

Novak told Patria news agency on 22 March that the fall in wholesale electricity prices in 2015 and 2016 was the "main negative factor" on the company's financial results. The country's Finance Minister Andrej Babis, whose ministry controls the state's 70% in CEZ, told Reuters however that weaker earnings were partly due to "neglect" at the company's most profitable plants. CEZ has undergone "massive" nuclear power plant shutdowns in recent years "due to neglected welding controls", Babis said.

Novak said he hopes the company achieves an Ebitda of CZK52 billion and a net profit of between CZK12 billion and CZK17 billion for 2017, but a "change to the stagnation trend" in electricity prices would depend on several factors. First, there needs to be a "tightening in allowances" in the emissions trading system and "ideally" a simultaneous increase in coal prices, he said.

Asked about "income from litigation" in the company's dispute with Skoda JS over the welds in its nuclear power plants, Novak said lawsuits typically take more than a year in the Czech Republic and so would not affect CEZ's financial results in 2017 or 2018.

Novak said the "relatively substantial increase" in nuclear power output this year would be possible thanks to extensive inspections of the welds of both plants.

In April last year the Czech Republic's State Office for Nuclear Safety (SUJB) granted an extension to the 10-year operating licence of Dukovany 1 for an indefinite period. The requirement to repeatedly check welds in the unit had caused delay to gaining approval from the SUJB. CEZ is in the process of applying for licence extensions to the plant's other units.

The CEZ spokesman said SUJB is reviewing the application to renew the operating licence of Dukovany 2.

Strategy

The State Energy Policy (SEP) and the national action plan for nuclear energy agreed by the government in 2015 foresees up to four new nuclear units. It states that Dukovany 5 has priority over Temelin to maintain production at the site after the old reactors are retired.

Nuclear is expected to become the main source of electricity production with its share rising to between 46% and 58% in 2040. The share of lignite is expected to fall to no more than 21%, while renewables could provide 25% and gas 15%. New nuclear capacity of 2500 MWe is to be added by 2035, and more thereafter.

The CEZ spokesman said the utility is meeting the requirements of the SEP and preparing for the construction of one to two units each at Dukovany and Temelin.

"Priority is being given to the construction project at Dukovany because new units [there] would replace the existing production facilities," the spokesman said. "For Temelin we have received a positive environmental impact assessment and we're going to start the EIA process for Dukovany," he added.

The four existing Dukovany units are VVER-440 (V-213) reactors and the Temelin units are VVER-1000 (V-320) reactors.

According to the World Nuclear Association, the licences for Dukovany 2, 3 and 4 expire in 2017, 2026 and 2027 respectively, while those for Temelin 1 and 2 expire in 2020 and 2022.

The CEZ spokesman said the utility "has not determined the service life of its nuclear power plants exactly", but expects them to operate for 50-60 years, in line with global nuclear industry experience. The operation of Dukovany 1 is assumed until at least 2035, he said.

The feasibility study for a new reactor at Dukovany is in progress, and in mid-2016 CEZ asked the Environment Ministry for an environmental assessment for two new units. Application for a construction permit is envisaged in 2025.

In October last year, Rusatom Overseas submitted to the Czech government and CEZ an offer to build a VVER-1200 reactor at Dukovany. The Russian company is prepared to offer a wide range of financial and commercial terms, including an EPC contract and holding minority ownership in the unit, similar to Russia's arrangement with Finnish Fennovoima for the Hanhikivi nuclear power plant project.

The Russian-Skoda consortium (Consortium MIR.1200) in June 2013 established a Czech project company Nuclear Power Alliance. Equity in that consortium is split between JSC Atomstroyexport (51%), Skoda JS (34%), and JSC OKB Gidropress (15%).

Though the government had not yet resolved the financing question, early this year CEZ held talks with six companies and consortia which had expressed interest in building reactors at Temelin and Dukovany. They are: Westinghouse, Rusatom Overseas, EDF, Areva-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries joint venture Atmea; China General Nuclear Power Corp; and Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power.

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

Related topics
Scana to evaluate Summer options

30 March 2017

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Scana Corporation is considering whether to complete or abandon one or both of the Summer AP1000 units as it begins a 30-day evaluation of information provided by Westinghouse on its filing yesterday for Chapter 11 protection from creditors, Scana's CEO said. Westinghouse made the filing to enable strategic restructuring amid "financial and construction challenges" in its four US AP1000 power plant projects.

Construction at Summer units 3 and 3, pictured in January 2017 (Image: SCE&G)



Two of those units - Summer 2 and 3 - are being built for Scana subsidiary South Carolina Electricity and Gas (SCE&G) and co-owner Santee Cooper. Both Westinghouse and its majority owner, Toshiba, stressed that only Westinghouse's US operations would be affected by the filing.

Scana CEO Kevin Marsh said yesterday that Scana and Santee Cooper had reached an agreement with Westinghouse to allow the continuation of work on the project during an initial 30-day transition and evaluation period, during which Scana will begin work to determine the "most prudent" path forward for the project. The agreement is subject to the approval of the bankruptcy court.

Marsh said Westinghouse had provided Scana with an estimate of the additional cost of completing the project, beyond that already provided under existing agreements. He said Scana would review the estimate, but that it expects resources from Westinghouse and Toshiba - including a so-called parental guarantee from Toshiba - to be adequate to compensate Scana for the additional costs. These, together with a surety bond and an escrow of AP1000 intellectual property and software, would be considered as Scana determines to course it wants to take, he said.

Scana will evaluate various options during the coming 30 days, Marsh said. These include: continuing with the construction of both new units; focusing on the construction of one unit, and delaying the construction of the other; continuing with the construction of one and abandoning the other; and abandoning both units. Should an option involving abandonment of one or both units turn out to be the best option, he said, Scana will seek recovery under the provisions of South Carolina's Base Load Review Act.

In answer to questions, Marsh said the company must evaluate all the options open to it before arriving at a decision, but that his own preferred option would be to complete the project. "We built these plants because we needed generation for our service territory. We were looking for a long-term clean energy solution, which these plants provide  If we just cancel these plants we still have a generation issue we need to face," he said. "Our commitment is still to try to finish these plants - that would be my preferred option before going through the evaluation. The least preferred option, realistically, is abandonment," he said.

As well as the Summer units, Westinghouse is building two AP1000s at Vogtle for Southern Company's Georgia Power. Marsh confirmed that Scana worked with Southern on the interim agreement, and that the companies were communicating with each other with the consent of Westinghouse and Tohsiba. He said both companies had an interest in completing their projects, but noted that the contracts for the projects are different.

Four AP1000 units are under construction in China - two each at Sanmen and Haiyang- and are all scheduled to be in operation by the end of this year. As the bankruptcy filing only affects Westinghouse's US operations, the Chinese projects are not expected to be affected. The chairmen of China's State Power Investment Corporation and State Nuclear Power Technology Corporation yesterday said they had been in communication with Westinghouse executives over the bankruptcy and reorganisation, and the two sides had agreed to prioritise completion of the Chinese reactors.

Construction of the four US units began in 2013. They are scheduled to start operations between 2019 and 2020.

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AP1000 design completes UK regulatory assessment

30 March 2017

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Regulators have concluded that Westinghouse's AP1000 nuclear reactor design is suitable for construction in the UK. The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales - which undertake the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) of new reactor designs - are "satisfied that the reactor meets expectations on safety, security and environmental protection at this stage of the regulatory process".

(From L to R) Stephen Hardy, nuclear regulation group manager at the Environment Agency, Richard Savage, chief nuclear inspector at the ONR, and Ash Townes, Moorside project director at Westinghouse (Image: Westinghouse)

The GDA is a voluntary process for reactor vendors that applies to England and Wales - it is policy rather than law - but it is a British government expectation for all new build projects. A reactor vendor, or the 'requesting party', has completed the GDA process when it receives a Design Acceptance Confirmation (DAC) from the ONR and a Statement of Design Acceptability (SoDA) from the Environment Agency.

The regulators had announced recently they expected to complete the GDAs of the AP1000 and the UK Advanced Boiling Water Reactor (UK ABWR) in March and December, respectively. They also reported the start of the GDA of the UK HPR1000, which they expect to complete in 2021.

EDF Energy/Areva's UK European Pressurised Reactor became the first design to receive a DAC and SoDa in December 2012. Hitachi's UK ABWR began the GDA process for its UK subsidiary Horizon Nuclear Power in January 2014.

Westinghouse initiated the GDA process in 2007 and its AP1000 reached the interim DAC and interim SoDA stage in December 2011. Westinghouse then paused the review process until its majority owner Toshiba bought a stake in NuGeneration. It restarted the process in January 2015 after NuGen - of which Japan's Toshiba owns 60% and France's Engie 40% - announced plans to build three AP1000 units at Moorside. The nuclear power plant to be built at the site in West Cumbria will have a gross capacity of up to 3.8 GWe.

Richard Savage, the ONR's chief nuclear inspector, said: "Closure of the GDA is a significant step in the process, ensuring the design meets the very high standards of safety we expect. We will now focus our regulatory attention on site specific assessments, and NuGen's application for a nuclear site licence."

In a summary report, Savage said: "Completion of this first phase of regulatory work is only the start for the Moorside development and there is much to be done in subsequent phases. We anticipate an application for a nuclear site licence from NuGen later this year and we have the capability and capacity to deliver this within our New Reactors Division. This equally important work also features in our regulatory plan for 2017/18."

The ONR noted that this is the second DAC that the ONR has awarded to a nuclear reactor designer, saying that it "further confirms the value of the GDA process". It added: "The clarity on the suitability of the design and regulatory certainty that a DAC provides should help improve stakeholder confidence in the overall project, give NuGen a catalyst to further develop and optimise the reactor design and progress the site-specific safety case."

Jo Nettleton, deputy director for radioactive substances and installations regulation at the Environment Agency, said: "Successfully completing GDA means that the AP1000 is capable of meeting the high standards of environment protection and waste management that we require. We're already working with NuGen, as it develops its proposals to build and operate three AP1000 reactors at Moorside in Cumbria, to ensure that those high standards are delivered."

The regulators required 51 GDA Issues to be resolved before confirming the suitability of the AP1000. All of the issues have been addressed to the regulators' satisfaction, enabling the DAC and SoDA to be issued. The regulators' assessment reports are all available online.

Westinghouse said successful completion of this "rigorous review" by the regulators had been "many years in the making" and represented "a major milestone towards bringing a new generation of safe, clean energy" to the UK.

Jose Emeterio Gutierrez, interim president and CEO of the Pittsburg, USA-headquartered company said it also "expands the global regulatory pedigree of the AP1000 plant design and further confirms Westinghouse's innovative safety technology".

Westinghouse said the three units planned at Moorside would benefit from the company's experience on the world's first eight AP1000 units, which are currently being delivered at four sites in the USA and China. Two units each are in the final stages of completion at the Sanmen and Haiyang sites in China, with an additional two units each under construction at the VC Summer and Vogtle sites in South Carolina and Georgia, USA respectively.

Westinghouse filed for Chapter 11 protection from creditors yesterday to enable strategic restructuring amid "financial and construction challenges" in its US AP1000 power plant projects. For its Japanese majority owner, Toshiba Corp, the move helps stem further liabilities from guarantees it provided its USA-based unit, which were $9.8 billion as of December. Both companies stressed that only Westinghouse's US operations would be affected by the filing.

NuGen said it will continue in a 'business as usual' manner, working in collaboration to gain the appropriate permits and licences required for the Moorside project. NuGen separately announced yesterday it no longer intends to submit a Development Consent Order application in the second quarter of this year. A company spokesman said this was due to the high number of submissions received during the second stage of public consultation it had held on plans for the project that ended in July 2016.

NuGen said today the conclusion of GDA means that - through its own in-house Design Authority - it now takes ownership of and responsibility for the design in relation to the AP1000 reactors at Moorside. NuGen will "lead on engagement" with regulators, it said, as it progresses applications for a nuclear site licence and works towards gaining consents and permits to construct, operate and eventually decommission the Moorside plant.

NuGen CEO Tom Samson said Moorside's three reactors will provide 7% of the UK's electricity needs from a low-carbon source. "This project will be transformational for Cumbria, and the North of England and will offer unrivalled employment, skills and supply chain opportunities in line with the government's work on industrial strategy," he said.

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Japanese court dismisses call to idle Ikata unit

30 March 2017

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The Hiroshima District Court has today rejected a petition by a group of residents for a temporary injunction against the operation of unit 3 at the Ikata nuclear power plant in Japan's Ehime prefecture. The decision comes days after another court removed an injunction against the operation of Takahama units 3 and 4.

The three-unit Ikata plant (Image: Shikoku)

Ikata 3 had been idle since being taken offline for a periodic inspection in April 2011. It was given approval by the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) to resume operation in April 2016. Shikoku Electric Power Company began the process to restart the 846 MWe pressurized water reactor on 12 August and the unit was declared back in commercial operation on 7 September.

Four residents from Matsuyama and Hiroshima filed a request with the Hiroshima District Court on 11 March last year, the fifth anniversary of the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi plant. The plaintiffs claimed that Shikoku Electric Power Company - operator of the Ikata plant - had underestimated the potential size of an earthquake that could strike the plant.

However, Shikoku argued that it has taken safety measures at the plant "based on the latest scientific knowledge" of the maximum magnitude quake likely to strike the area. The company said it has also made safety upgrades at the Ikata plant based on lessons learned from the Fukushima Daiichi accident.

The utility announced today that the court had made the "reasonable decision" to reject the request for an injunction on the operation of Ikata 3.

The judge ruled that Shikoku has used reliable measures in calculating the basic earthquake ground motion at the site. He also said the NRA had been reasonable in its decision that the unit meets safety standards introduced following the Fukushima Daiichi accident.

According to the Kyodo news agency, similar lawsuits and other injunctions seeking to halt operation of Ikata 3 have been filed with other district courts in nearby Matsuyama, Yamaguchi and Oita.

The ruling by the Hiroshima District Court comes two days after the Osaka High Court lifted an injunction that has kept units 3 and 4 of Kansai Electric Power Company's Takahama nuclear power plant offline for the past year. The court agreed with the utility that the units, which are in Fukui prefecture, are safe to operate. Kansai is now preparing to restart those units.

Five Japanese nuclear power reactors have already cleared inspections confirming they meet the new regulatory safety standards and have resumed operation. Another 19 have applied to restart. However, of Japan's 42 operable reactors, only Kyushu Electric's Sendai 1 and Shikoku's Ikata 3 are currently online.

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Papua is part of the island of New Guinea. Although the human population here is low, the levels of biodiversity are quite high, allowing conservation efforts to be put in place. It is home to approximately 190 species of mammals including kangaroos, wallabies, and rodents. It also boasts of being home to both the world's largest pigeons and the smallest parrots and frogs. There are also more than 2,000 species of orchids and 2,000 fern species growing in the country.

Papua New Guinea's Top National Parks And Protected Areas

Bagiai National Park

Bagiai wildlife management area derives its name from the volcanic mountain therein and covers a total of 53 square miles, which is slightly half of the total area of the Karkar Island on which it is found. The management area includes Karkar's eastern and central parts, the coastal reefs and small offshore islands of Tuale and Mungamek. The offshore islands are a breeding nest for seabirds and turtles. Its interior is mountainous and reaches an altitude of 1,840 m above sea level. The legislation restricts the use of guns on the wildlife except when killing pigs that attack their farmlands and birds of prey attacking poultry. Only the traditional landowners can hunt in the areas and only by using traditional methods of hunting and fishing.

Cape Wom International Memorial Park

The Cape wom international memorial park covers 0.4 square miles located 14 kilometers west of Wewak. It is a site of wartime airstrip where the Japanese surrendered to Australians. There are five memorial flagpoles and a white triangular concrete calm with a brass plaque on the spot where the Japanese lieutenant general Adachi, commander of the Japanese 18th Army, signed the surrender documents and handed his sword to the Australian major general Robertson on September 13, 1945. It also preserves the remnants of the Japanese troops who died on the spot, including two Japanese guns displayed along the several field guns. The park hosts war relics, with walking tracks, picnic tables and washrooms, and BBQ shelters. It is mainly a research and educational resource center and has provisions for outdoor activities. Its terrain is quite bushy and untrodden.

Maza National Park

Maza wildlife management area is an area covering 711 square miles of the sea and coral reefs off the coast to the east of Tonda. Established in 1796, the main aim of the park was to protect the dugong and marine turtles. It is a community-run and managed wildlife protected area, and there are restrictions on using modern hunting and fishing methods. The sale of the dugong meat is restricted around the region.

Tonda National Park

Tonda, Papua New Guinea's largest protected area, is one of the most ecologically significant wetlands on earth. Located in the western province, Tonda Wildlife Management area covers a total of 2,278 square miles. It has a flat terrain located at less than 45 meters above sea level. It includes mangrove swamps, Monson forests, grassland, and swamps. Most trees belong to the acacia and melaleuca groups, and most grasses are phragmites and pseudorabies. Over 220 species of birds are found in the area, both endemic and migratory water birds, birds-of-paradise, and Brolga. It also includes 56 species of fish, 50 species of mammals, including the rare spectacled hare-wallaby, chestnut dunnart, and false water rats. The reptiles found in the areas include the saltwater crocodiles and New Guinea crocodile. The area and its biodiversity face threats of poaching from the neighboring Indonesian people, and the harvesting pressure from the local merchants who sell the resources to people of the other side of the border. The area is protected by legislation that illegalizes hunting primarily by non-customary land owners. The Ramsar conservation listed it as a wetland of international importance in 1993, and 2006 it became a world heritage site.

Conservation Initiatives To Save The Flora And Fauna Of The Country

Most wildlife management areas of Papua were set up by traditional customaries including Tonda, Maza, and Bagiai, which were later incorporated into the national management zones and protected areas. Most of the species found in Papua are endemic and rare to New Guinea. Some of the top protected areas in Papua include Lake Lavu, Long Island, Pokili and McAda, Mount Gahavisuka and Namanatabu Historic Reserve. As much the region is making efforts to conserve wildlife, there still exist threats such as logging of the lowland forest and illegal hunting of the fauna species.
Parliamentary opposition is going to dismiss not only the Prime Minister but also the Speaker of Parliament. The leader of Respublika - Ata Jurt faction Omurbek Babanov said today at a session.++

According to him, the faction has decided to raise the issue on dismissal of the parliamentary speaker and send a statement to the Speaker for inclusion in the agenda. The opposition is dissatisfied with the fact that the ruling party - the Social Democratic Party - takes too much leading posts.

"We are the representatives of the legislative power. Our main strength and work - to speak frankly, as it is. When we elected the Speaker, we have said that the Speaker should be the Speaker of not one party, but the whole of Parliament. Chynybay Tursunbekov treats the MPs unfairly - comments them, evaluates and goes into personals," Omurbek Babanov explained the decision.

He noted that under the rules, the number of deputies from one faction in one committee shall not exceed four people. However, the Committee on Constitutional Legislation, State Structure, Judicial, Legal Issues and Regulations of Parliament includes seven deputies from the ruling Social Democratic Party faction.

The leader of Respublika- Ata Jurt believes that such decisions violate parliamentary ethics.

"The parliamentary fraction Respublika - Ata Jurt has decided to raise the issue on dismissal of the Speaker and send it for inclusion in the agenda. This is a legitimate way. The proposal should be considered within 72 hours," Omurbek Babanov said.

Earlier, the parliamentary opposition suggested the Prime Minister to resign voluntarily.
Where are the Greater and Lesser Antilles?

The islands of the Caribbean sea are also known as the West Indies. Within the West Indies, the islands can be divided even further into two groups: the Bahamas and the Antilles.

The islands of the Antilles are then further divided into two sub-groups:

The Greater Antilles: located southeast of the United States, contain the islands of Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominical Republic), and the islands composing the Cayman Islands.

located southeast of the United States, contain the islands of Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominical Republic), and the islands composing the Cayman Islands. The Lesser Antilles: contains smaller archipelagos like the U.S. Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique, Saint Lucia, Barbados, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago and Aruba.

Within the Lesser Antilles, the islands can be divided even further into two groups: the Leeward Islands (away from the wind) and the Windward Islands (exposed to the wind).

Why the Distinction?

The islands of the Greater Antilles are larger in size than the Lesser Antilles, but the contrasts do not end there. The geographic location of the two groups is different, with the Greater Antilles located in the northern end of the Caribbean Sea south of the United States. The Lesser Antilles are located in the southern end of the Caribbean Sea, closer to South America. Furthermore, the Greater Antilles are made up of continental rock whereas the Lesser Antilles are mostly comprised of coral islands or volcanic rock. The land of the Greater Antilles is thought to be much older than the land found on the Lesser Antilles.

The Greater and Lesser Antilles also demonstrate different evolutionary patterns for the native flora and fauna. Sometimes, the majority of the islands of the Greater Antilles (namely Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Cuba) are considered part of Latin America culture, and not Caribbean culture, although many argue that this distinction is too much of a generalization to be valid.
At the height of 16,627 feet above sea level, the Tanggula railway station of the Qinghai-Tibet railway line of the Chinese Railways is the highest railway station in the world. It surpasses the Ticlio station in Peru whose height is 15,843 feet above sea level. Other tall railway stations with a height close to Tanggula are the Condor station in Bolivia on the Rio Mulatos-Potosi line and the La Galera station Peru with heights of 15,702 and 15,686 feet above sea level respectively. The railway station (which is not staffed )was officially opened for service on July 1st, 2006 and is located more than half a mile from the highest point of the rail track which has a height of about 16,640 feet. The platform of the Tanggula Railway Station was chosen for the scenic sights from its platform, which is about 4,100 feet long and stretches over an area of 19.02 acres.

Overview Of The Tanggula Mountain Railway Station

The Tanggula Mountain Railway Station has three tracks, one of which is served by a platform while the other two are served by relatively short sub-platforms. The Tanggula Railway Station is a comprehensive railway station for both freight and passenger transport. Tanggula is the highest intermediate station along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. Tanggula Mountain Railway Station has a waiting room which is equipped with large devices that generate oxygen to prevent its passengers from getting altitude sickness. The region around the station is uninhabited thus there are no passenger transport services available other than the train. A train passing through to Tibet can stop at the Tanggula Station to wait for another train which is coming from the other direction to pass. However, passengers on board the train are not allowed to exit the Tibet train at that point.

Sightseeing along the Tanggula Railway Station

There are 45 railway stations along the Qinghai-Tibet route which offer passengers picturesque sceneries, nine of which have sightseeing platforms. Among the exquisite sights along the Qinghai-Tibet line include the Tuotuo River, the Kunlun, and Tanggula mountain ranges, Potala Palace, Lake Qinghai and the Bird Island, the Yangtze River, Yangpachen, and Kekexili. Other sites include forests, grasslands, rare wild animals such as the Tibetan antelope, prayer flags, folk houses, and lakes and rivers.

Significant Features Along The Qinghai-Tibet Line

With a width of more than 93 miles, the Tanggula Mountains' main peak is the Geladandong and the headstream of the Tuotuo River. Geladandong is an ancient point that always serves as a major tourist attraction. The other significant feature along the line is the Tanggula Mountain Pass with a height of approximately 17,262 feet above sea level. Tanggula Mountain Pass is the highest point on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and also serves as a natural border between Qinghai and Tibet. Since the mountain peak has numerous crisscrossed glaciers the snow on Tanggula Mountain does not melt throughout the year.

Schedules Of The Trains

The railway line which goes from Xining all the way to Lhasa in Tibet, not only connects Lhasa to Xining but also to the entire China railway network. At present, passengers can board the train from numerous large cities including Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, Xian, Chongqing, Lanzhou, and Chengdu. Most of the trains are available on a daily basis and the tickets can either be purchased at any railway station found in Mainland China, via phone, online or through a reliable booking agency.
Security guard (illustration)

By: Tanya Clark WorldWideWeirdNews.com

Police launched an investigation after a security guard and his girlfriend were found dead in his home, according to police in Zimbabwe.

Masvingo police said that 44-year-old Godwin Sungai and Covay Tizira, were discovered by the security guardas colleague after he failed to report for work.

The bodies were taken to the Gutu Mission Hospital for autopsies. Police suspect foul play.

According to the police investigation, Sungai worked as a security guard for Guard Alert. Sungai and his girlfriend were last scene alive 14 days before they were found dead.

37-year-old Robson Chiruvenge, who also works as a security guard for Guard Alert, became suspicious after his colleague failed to show up for work for so many days.

Chiruvenge tried reaching his colleague on his cellphone, but he got no answer. Chiruvenge rushed over to his colleagueas house, where he saw flies coming out of a window.

He broke down the front door, and found Sungai lying dead on the floor of a bedroom. Next to Sungai, was the body of his girlfriend, who was naked.

So far, no arrests have been made.
Police given extra an 36 hours to question murder suspect Jordan Davidson

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Mar 30th, 2017

Police say they have been given a further 36 hours to question Jordan Davidson over the murder of 67 year old Nicholas Churton.

In an update police also say they have released three people on bail.

A 27 year old man from Wrexham arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and a 19 year old woman and 51 year old man from Wrexham arrested on suspicion robbery and assisting an offender, have been bailed pending further enquires.

Jordan Davidson. 25 from Wrexham appeared before Mold Magistrates Court this morning where police have been given a further 36 hours to question him in relation to the murder.

Officers were called at 8.23am on Monday March 27 to an address in Crescent Close, Wrexham where the body of Mr Churton, aged 67 was found.

Det Supt Iestyn Davies, who is leading the investigation said; I would like to thank the public for their significant support so far, which has been really encouraging.

I am still appealing for as much information as we can get to help us with our investigation.

Anyone with information please call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting reference V042465.
Attention engineers

New buildings are coming up all over, but most are not accessible to disabled people
Last Thursday, the Victorian branch of the Australian Education Union (AEU) signed off on a new salary and working conditions agreement for teachers, principals and education support staff. The in principle Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA), struck with the Andrews state Labor government, has once again been stitched up behind teachers backs, without even the pretext of consultation or industrial action. Predictably, it is yet another sell-out deal, and follows 12 months of backdoor negotiations between the AEU and the government.

Before teachers had the opportunity to reador even seethe 50-page document, let alone participate in discussions or mass meetings to review and debate its contents, AEU president Meredith Peace told the media that the deal would address crushing workloads and described it as a great win for our members.

Peaces claims are an utter fraud. Like the 2013 EBA, when she trumpeted the achievement of a historic gain via the media to union members, she has united with the government and the corporate press to ram through another monstrous betrayal of public school teachers, their students and parents.

The union is fully aware that conditions in the states public schools are reaching the breaking point. This has been overwhelmingly demonstrated in union surveys, with input from thousands of teachers and at a recent series of well-attended regional meetings. Teachers have emphasised that workload is the key priority, along with insecure contract teaching, and have made crystal clear that they are willing to fight the government over these issues.

In 2013 during the 2013 EBA process, teachers throughout Victoria attended three of the largest statewide strikes and mass meetings in history. Peace and the other bureaucrats know that the extent of anger and pent-up hostility that currently exists to the impact of the AEUs past betrayals could see any mass meetings or strikes break out of the unions control. That is why Peace made her announcement just a few days before the term break. The union has already decided that no action will be organised, apart from two weeks of delegates meetings beginning on May 1, nine in the metropolitan centre of Melbourne and 21 in country and regional areas. This will be followed by a secret ballot.

The same bureaucratic, anti-democratic tactics were utilised by the NSW Teachers Federationan affiliate of the AEU in the state of New South Waleslast December, when it rammed through a new salaries and conditions agreement in a one hour meeting. With teachers having no opportunity to read the agreement, the union handed them, instead, its own five-point summary, and expected them to vote on it in hundreds of separate meetings spread across the state.

At these meetings, the bureaucrats claimed the deal with the NSW Liberal government contained no erosion of conditions. In reality, the union had already signed off on the reintroduction of inspectors into public schools, after their absence for 40 yearsa product of major struggles by teachers in the 1970s against the inspector regime.

Moreover, prior to the meetings, the union also agreed to the introduction of a new Bump It Up program, aimed at intensified NAPLAN testing of year 9 students under conditions where any student who failed the tests, would be barred from entering years 11 and 12the final years of high school (see: NSW Teachers Federation pushes through new agreement in anti-democratic meetings).

The new Victorian AEU deal contains no decline in face-to-face teaching time, which has become the key issue for teachers. At present, they are working, on average, 1415 unpaid hours per week in excess of their scheduled hours.

Instead of fewer hours, the union has claimed as an improvement, four professional practice days per year (one day, or 7.5 hours per term), but 30 extra paid hours per year is an insult to the grossly overworked and underpaid teachers. Moreover, beginning in 2018, they will have to be negotiated with the principal and be consistent with department priorities.

Last year, an AEU survey of over 13,000 union members indicated that full-time primary teachers averaged 52.8 hours per week and full-time secondary teachers 53.2 hours per week. Leading teachers averaged 55 hours per week and school principals more than 60. Forty-one hours were spent on teaching and related tasks and another 11 on other duties, administration and after school meetings. Eighty percent of teachers described their working hours as out of control, leading to a decline in mental health and impacting on overall student learning.

To reduce teacher workloads, the government would have to employ extra staff and create smaller class sizes, something it has refused to do, with the unions fawning acquiescence.

The AEUs other negotiated improvementsecuring ongoing employment for thousands of teachers and ES staff currently on contractsremains unsubstantiated and undetailed in the EBA. A recent report revealed that 22 percent of teachers and 40 percent of education support staff are being forced to work on short-term contracts, with numbers rising all the time.

As for wages, the AEUs deal of a 3.25 percent wage rise for teachers and 4 percent for principals, falls well short of its own demand for a 21 percent catch-up increase. Once again, it has simply caved in to the government.

The union has had some successes, however, in its negotiations with the government. The latter has agreed that the union should become even further entrenched in public schools, and in the education department itself, as a government policing agency. The AEU will now be present during all induction processes for new employees; union representatives on local consultative committees will be given 16 hours of time release per year; union state councillors will be given two days paid leave per term to attend council meetings, and any employee nominated by the union to attend a union training course will be given five paid days per year.

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Australian primary teachers resign in protest at standardised, assessment-based education

[14 March 2016]
The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) and the International Youths and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) will hold a picket protest and a public meeting as part of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) campaign to free framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers. The picket protest will be at 4 p.m. tomorrow in Colombo, outside the Fort Railway Station, and the public meeting at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4, at the Colombo Public Library Auditorium.

Thirteen workers from the Maruti Suzuki car assembly plant at Manesar in the northern Indian state of Haryana have been sentenced to life imprisonment on fraudulent murder charges. Another 18 workers from the same factory were sentenced to between three and five years prison terms on lesser charges.

These sentences are the outcome of a monstrous frame-up mounted by the Japanese-owned car maker and the police and judicial authorities, with the full collaboration of Indias main political partiesthe ruling Hindu supremacist Bharatiya Janatha Party (BJP) and the Congress Party. The workers were targeted for their role in a series of militant struggles, including strikes, occupations and protests, against the slave labour conditions at the plant.

The company and the police seized on a management-provoked altercation on July 18, 2012, and a fire that resulted in the death of Awanish Kumar Dev, a company human resources manager. While 13 workers were charged and convicted of murder there was no evidence linking any of the accused to the fire and the death. In handing down the convictions, the Indian court willfully ignored its own finding that the police had colluded with the company management and that evidence had been fabricated.

In jailing the Maruti Suzuki workers, the Indian ruling elite hopes to intimidate workers throughout the country, stop them taking any action against harsh working conditions, and reassure local and foreign investors that it will do anything to maintain the countrys sweatshop labour regime.

The ICFI is fighting to mobilise the independent political strength of the working class in India, throughout South Asia and internationally, to defeat the frame-up of Maruti Suzuki workers. It calls on the international working class to fight for the immediate release of all of the framed-up workers and the quashing of the bogus guilty verdicts.

The SEP/IYSSE public meeting will discuss the significance of the ICFI campaign and the political program and perspective on which it is based. We urge workers, youths, intellectuals and WSWS readers to support this critical struggle and attend our public meeting in Colombo on April 4.

Picketing

Date and time: Friday, March 31, 4 p.m.

Venue: In front of Fort Railway Station, Colombo

Public meeting

Date and time: Tuesday, April 4, 4 p.m.

Venue: Public Library Auditorium, Colombo
Amidst a state budget impasse now in its twentieth month, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) plans to hold a vote on April 5 by the citys 27,000 teachers and staff for a one-day strike to take place on May 1 to protest school cuts. The strike is the latest in a series of stunts called by the CTU to let off steam and facilitate the continued attack on public education.

Teachers and staff have already been furloughed four days this year, and in recent days CTU has organized work-to-rule in some schools.

Chicagos Democratic Mayor Rahm Emanuel, once a White House official under both Obama and Clinton, has recently floated plans to end the school year about three weeks early, on June 1, furloughing teachers and staff and forcing hundreds of thousands of households to scramble for childcare. School clerk positions are also under threat.

CTU President Karen Lewis declared about the one-day action, If the board goes ahead with the threat of canceling three weeks of school, we would view their action as a massive violation of our contract, and that could provoke a strike.

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has filed for an injunction with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board to stop the strike.

The budget impasse has already devastated social services and state institutions. It is being used by Republicans, Democrats and the CTU to advance the attack on public education and worker pensions as part of an effort to force the working class to pay for the entire crisis. The latest round of threatened cuts comes as former hedge fund mogul and Republican Governor Bruce Rauner continues to withhold $215 million in state funds to CPS until state legislators finalize a plan to gut state worker pensions.

Last year, CPS officials, fully anticipating Rauners intransigence and expecting to impose mid-year cuts, passed a school budget that incorporated $215 million Rauner had yet to allocate. Based on that budget, CTU teamed up with the Emanuel administration to push through a concessions agreement for teachers last October. The contract passed despite overwhelming support for a strike to oppose the introduction of a two-tier pension system, wage losses and increased health care costs. At that time, teachers had been working without a contract for nearly 16 months.

In line with the Democratic Partys efforts to obscure the class character of the attack on public education, CPS CEO Forrest Claypool filed a lawsuit earlier this month against Rauner. The lawsuit did not charge that his refusal to disburse funds is part of an assault on public education, but rather that it is narrowly racist. The governor is not holding up school funding for predominantly white school districts in the rest of the state in order to achieve his political agenda, he is not holding them hostagehe is only holding hostage our students, Claypool said.

The seemingly endless string of school cuts, layoffs, lawsuits, and threats of additional cuts and layoffs is evidence of the complicity of the CTU with the Emanuel administration in settling the budget impasse on the Democrats terms while maintaining a lid on the boiling anger over social conditions in the city, including intolerable conditions in the schools.

Last spring, the CTU put on a one-day strike protest on April 1, April Fools Day, that drew widespread criticism from teachers who took to social media to say the action was unserious given the scope of the problems they and their students face. Since it shut down the 9-day strike in 2012 on terms set by Emanuel, the CTU has done everything it can to prevent any significant mobilization of teachers against the attack on public education.

The school district has been operating under conditions of extreme crisis, and teachers and students have to work in filthy, dilapidated and overcrowded facilities and with inadequate personnel.

This year, it is reported that 90 percent of the schools do not have a librarian, and children are not able to check out books. Without additional funding, CPS is reportedly expected to be without any librarians when school starts again in the fall. The ratio of social workers and nurses to students is reported to be about 1 to 1000.

The constant refrain from city officials that there is no money for education is a blatant lie. In the years that he has been in office, Emanuel has expanded on the tradition of his predecessor, Richard Daley, in slashing the schools budgets while at the same time making CPS a source of highly lucrative contracts for well-connected business people.

Parasitic school reform startups have been awarded tens of millions in contracts on fraudulent premises. One such entrepreneur, Scott Solomon, was convicted last year along with former CPS head Barbara Byrd-Bennett in a corruption scheme involving CPS contracts upwards of $20 million. He was sentenced just last week to seven years in prison for his role. Byrd-Bennett is to be sentenced late next month. No money has been paid back.

Janitorial services that were privatized in 2014, and turned over to Aramark and Sodexo at the cost of hundreds of millions of dollars, have left the schools filthy with unremoved garbage and vermin. School staff have had to organize clean-ups with students. Bathroom supplies like soap and paper products are not restocked, and teachers and staff pay for these basic necessities out of their own pockets.

As it is with the budget impasse in general, there is broad agreement between both Democrats and Republicans that further cuts will be made to schools. The disagreement between the two parties is over how those cuts will be meted out. The role of the CTU leadership is to bind teachers and other workers to the Democratic Partys version of austerity, which relies on the unions to suppress the class struggle and drive social anger back into support for the Democratic Party, which then only further attacks public education.

Teachers are faced with the choice of continuing on the same path, or forging ahead in building new and independent fighting organizations that take as a starting point the needs and interests of the working classfor jobs, wages and quality educationand not whatever pittance the Democratic and Republican politicians see fit to hand down for schools.

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Over 1,000 teaching assistants (TAs) and their supporters marched through Durham in the north of England Saturday, demanding an end to proposed cuts to their pay and conditions.

Among the supporters were TAs from Derby, who have been involved in a similar dispute and have taken industrial action to protest drastic cuts.

The 2,700 teaching assistants have been involved in an 18-month dispute with Labour Party-run Durham County Council. The council wants to slash their contracts from 52 to 39 weeks a year, paying them only in school term-time. They propose to fire and then rehire staff on a contract that will result in a 23 percent pay cutor 10 percent if they work longer hours for no extra pay. For some this would mean a pay cut of up to 5,000 [US$6,220] a year.

The cuts will hit Durham TAs particularly hard as the council pays its TAs one of the lowest rates in the country.

The TAs carried out four days of strikes last year but their action was called off in November by the Unison public sector trade union, when the councilwho originally intended to impose the new contracts in Januarysuspended the action pending further talks.

Whilst the majority of TAs are in Unison, those in the GMB were forced, under pressure from the union leadership, to accept a two-year compensation deal and an agreement stipulating that they would not be put on the new inferior contracts until next April. Nearly 47 percent of GMB members voted against the deal.

Durham council has utilised legislation contained in the 2010 Equality Act to impose the pay cut. The council argues it has to slash wages and conditions to avoid equal pay claims from other staff, such as cleaners and dinner staffwho work in schools and are only paid term-time. The majority of these workers are no longer employed through the council and have been contracted out to private firms.

Speaking at a rally following the march, various union officials aired no end of platitudes on the determined fight of the teaching assistantsbut offered nothing except seeking further negotiations with the council.

Clare Williams, the Regional Secretary of Unison, said, We are not going to solve this dispute until we are sat round the table.

Kevin Courtney, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, which refuses to take up a fight against the overall onslaught on school level education, assertedin the face of all evidence to the contrarythat the council was amenable to a negotiated settlement in favour of the TAs. They [the council] will have to give way and have to recognise and reward the complexity of the work you do, said Courtney.

The purpose of this sort of talk was to chloroform workers who want to fight back and channel their discontent into a bankrupt campaign aimed at appeals to a Labour council who have been imposing austerity for nearly a decade.

This was in sharp contrast to one of the teaching assistants, who at the end of the rally urged TAs not to vote Labour in the upcoming local government elections.

WSWS reporters spoke to TAs on the demonstration.

Jill Hope, from nearby Consett, works with 2-19-year-olds as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA). She said, I dont know how they think they can take a third of our wage off us and expect us to not to do anything about it.

The council couldnt cope with more schools shut. We are not asking for more money but to stay the same to do the job we do. We plan lessons, prepare things and see to a childs every need, liaise with outside agencies and organise trips. We are dealing with challenging behaviour on a daily basisalmost a social worker as many of their families are vulnerable.

Jill said the proposed cuts were so substantial that, If this goes through I will have to sell my house. These equality laws are a load of crap and are one of the excuses the council are giving for this attack on us.

Alison Havard, a teaching assistant also from Consett, said, This has been dragging on for 18 months and many of these workers are single parents who will lose their homes.

We are not looking for extra money, its about keeping what we have got. We have bills to pay and will end up losing about 5,000. We have the backing of the parents and teachers. Its peoples lives they are playing with, who are at risk of losing their homes. The council have tried to divide us and because we are predominantly female, they didnt count on this level of support for a fight.

One TA explained that as medical advances now allow early births to live longer, this is producing an increase in the numbers of children with complex medical needs in mainstream schools.

Daisy, another HLTA, explained, I work in a department with 10 staff at a school in Newcastle. They said they dont need LSAs [Learning Support Assistant] anymore because they are not improving childrens grades fast enough in order to produce the outcomes required to improve results.

These children are entitled to an education, but instead they are being left. Children with autism need to come to school early to miss the rush and leave later so parents can pick them up.

This is in a mainstream school and they have hired mentors to boost the English and Maths results and got rid of LSAs.

We also have a lot of children with speech and language difficulties which cant be addressed in large classes. Out of 1,000 kids, over 300 are on the SEN [Special Educational Needs] register. Unison came in and said the head teacher had the right to do that. They [Unison] dont stand by us at all.

Staff were also told that if you take a job within a year of being made redundant you have to pay the money back. They have recently uncovered that the school is 750,000 in debt.

TAs dont get paid for school holidays, breaks and dinner time, yet they are expected to show good will by working their breaks and dinner across the week.

Daisy, concluded, My main concern is that by cutting down their pay, these workers will end up leaving. What will happen to the children at the lower levelthe kids with autism or PMLD [Profound Medical and Learning Disability]? I dont see a teacher going to the toilet to change a child. We do the crappiest of jobs and dont mind it. We have to feed kids, change tracheas etc.

Sarah works in an infant school with reception-age children with autism and Special Educational Needs. She explained the advanced skills and many responsibilities that TAs have.

People will have to leave because of the cuts. Ive got a degree in Care and Education and done the Elklan [speech and language] training, so I can sign, I change a PEG [Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy, where a feeding tube is put directly into the stomach through the abdominal skin, feeding and administering medications] and work with children with autism. Normally children spend more time with the TA than the class teacher because they have to lead the rest of the class.

At the moment a lot of TAs are the only ones in a family that are bringing in a wage. The pay cut will lead to unemployment.

In addition a letter [outlining further required spending cuts] has been sent out since the budget which will affect loads of schoolsso its a double attack. People are leaving, so if they cut even more we would have to leave and go work at Asda [supermarket retailer], where they pay more money.

Eileen, who works at an infants school, said, I have worked in this kind of job all my life. There will be redundancies and there are funding cuts still to happen.

On a day-to-day basis you deal with all sorts of problems which the teacher is unable to do. They expect us to go in and feel the samebut all the goodwill has gone. I will never vote Labour again because of this and neither will my family.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids continue to escalate throughout the country, from major cities such as Fort Worth, Texas, and Chicago, Illinois, to suburbs like Rockville, Maryland and rural towns like Geneseo, New York. These efforts involve mass arrests, the detention of entire families, including many with members who are US citizens, and an increased collaboration between ICE and local police officials.

These raids, carried out under the Orwellian banner of securing the community and public safety, are aimed at achieving the exact opposite: the spread of fear and intimidation within working class communities. These attacks are a manifestation of the ruthless elements of Trumps law and order campaign against the most vulnerable layers of the working class.

The raids are combined with the first steps to carry out Trumps notorious campaign pledge to build a wall across the entire southwest border of the United States. The White House sent a message to Congress Tuesday requesting $1 billion in funds to carry out construction, mainly in two key areas: a 28-mile segment of levee wall near McAllen, Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley; and two segments near San Diego, California, the most heavily used crossing between the US and Mexico, also totaling 28 miles. There are another six miles of wall in smaller projects.

At the rate of $1 billion for a total of 62 miles of wall, the total bill for Trumps proposed wall along the entire US-Mexico border, 1,945 miles in all, would come to $31.4 billionalthough the topography of much of the border, including desert, mountains and the Rio Grande River, would make the wall even more challenging and expensive to build than the first instalments.

The specifications of the wall, revealed in the official request for bids sent out earlier this month, with responses due April 4, underscore the delusional, even megalomaniacal character of the border proposal. The Department of Homeland Security demands reinforced concrete that is physically imposing in height, between 18 and 30 feet high, with anti-climb topping features, a foundation that prevents digging or tunneling for at least six feet underground, and a surface able to withstand assault by people armed with primitive toolssledgehammer, pickaxe, etc.for one to four hours. All that, and the side facing the United States (but not the side facing Mexico!) shall be aesthetically pleasing in color.

The stupidity of the wall is matched only by the callousness and brutality of the arrest and mistreatment of immigrants in the recent raids.

Fort Worth, Texas

On Sunday Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in Fort Worth, Texas rounded up 26 parolees who were reporting for court-ordered community service, in what was one of the largest such sweeps in North Texas in recent memory.

Those who were present described a scene in which an ICE bus and two vans pulled up to the Tarrant County Work Release site on Cold Springs Road and began to round up the 26 individuals on their list. This is perhaps the first instance of undocumented immigrants being detained while reporting for community service, picking up trash along highways.

Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybour told KXAS-TV that his officers participated in the operation at the request of ICE, stating, This was totally initiated by ICE ...They came to us and said, Listen, we reviewed the list (of names) and we suspect some of them are illegal aliens. So we said, Whatever you need to do.

One of the parolees who was not detained, Hector Rivera, described the panic experienced by those who were taken: They were really nervous, oh my God, oh my kid and everything ... Some were saying oh we got to run.

Rivera explained that the men were most concerned about informing their families of the events: One of the guys has a pen and we started writing phone numbers, hey call my wife, call my dad. I said OK, dont worry, Ill do it. Thats the least I can do.

After being frisked and escorted to a bus, the detainees were transported to an ICE facility in Dallas, where they were expected to be processed for deportation. According to another ICE statement released Sunday, of the 26 apprehended, 23 are from Mexico and three are from Honduras.

Dallas area ICE spokesman Carl Rusnok said in an emailed statement, ICE routinely conducts immigration enforcement operations locally and nationwide which help improve overall public safety by removing criminal aliens from our communities, and ultimately from our country.

The claim that this raid contributes to the public safety of the community is false, as is the depiction of these individuals as criminal aliens. The only crime committed by the vast majority of these men, 23 of the 26, is a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated. The other three charges are also DUI-related.

Chicago, Illinois

Early Monday morning in the Belmont Cragin community in Northwest Chicago an ICE agent shot and critically wounded 53-year-old Felix Torres, Sr. in a home raid.

ICE has reported that the man they shot was in fact not the same person they had come to arrest. The ostensible reason for the home invasion was a weapons charge against Torres son, Felix Torres, Jr., stemming from a traffic stop several weeks ago. The familys lawyer, Thomas Hallock, said that the younger man was stopped in a car with several other passengers where a handgun was found. After none of the passengers would lay claim to ownership of the gun, Torres and another passenger were charged.

In an almost unfathomable scenario, armed ICE agents entered the familys home at 6:20 am. Inside the home at the time of the raid were at least eight family members, many sleeping, including two children, 9 years old and 5 months old. The officers claim that Felix Torres, Sr. had a gun which he pointed at the officers, causing them to shoot the man in his left arm. Torres and his family deny that he had a gun.

Torres daughter Carmen described the chilling scene to a local news outlet: They didnt say anything. They just came in and pointed pistols in our faces and dragged us out ...We didnt even have time to dress or grab milk for the baby.

Perhaps the most shocking aspect of this event is that all members of the family involved are in fact lawful US residents, most of them citizens. The ICE had no jurisdiction over any of them.

Rockville, Maryland

In Rockville, Maryland last Friday, Adolfo Sanchez-Reyes was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after it was discovered through an investigation of his son that the father was in the country illegally from Guatemala.

Sanchez-Reyes son, Henry Sanchez-Milian, is one of two students facing rape charges of a 14-year-old student at Rockville High School. Neither the son nor the father has been convicted of a crime, and no criminal record of any kind has been reported for the latter.

Very few details of the familys history have been released. Sanchez-Milian is said to have entered the US illegally in August, when he was caught in Texas by a Border Patrol agent, according to federal immigration officials. He was eventually released to live with his father in Maryland.

The youth, who only months ago traveled to the US from Guatemala without his family, has undoubtedly come from an extremely unstable background. It is unclear how long the father has resided within the country but it can be assumed that the family is facing difficult circumstances. Both Sanchez-Reyes and his son are facing possible deportation.

ICE officials are conducting raids such as these on a near daily basis. There are numerous other instances equally or even more extreme taking place throughout the country, including the arrest of an entire family, in which five of the children are US citizens, in Geneseo, New York last Thursday.

Local police departments and ICE agents have been emboldened by the law and order rhetoric of the Trump administration and the executive actions on immigration signed in January. Attorney General Jeff Sessions raised the stakes on Monday when he threatened to strip some sanctuary cities of Justice Department grants for state and local law enforcement, saying that cities which do not comply with federal law on immigration will not be eligible for the more than $4.1 billion in grants awarded annually.

Elements within the Democratic Party, such as local governments in Seattle and San Francisco, have opposed the attack on sanctuary cities, posing as defendants of immigrant rights. Their opposition to these ruthless policies is political posturing rather than a genuine struggle in defense of democratic rights or the protection of this vulnerable layer. All these Democrats supported the Obama administration, which deported more immigrants than all previous US administrations combined.

The accelerated detentions and deportations, including those reported above, which have led to violence, the separation of families, and the breakup of communities, have been largely ignored by the congressional Democrats, who instead have focused their opposition to Trump on the question of the administrations alleged ties to Russia.

The only viable opposition to the anti-immigrant policies of the Trump administration will come from the international working class. It is these issues which have provided the impetus for thousands of workers to take to the streets in protest. Immigrant and native workers must unite in a common struggle to protect immigrants from deportations in their communities. The right to live and work with full citizenship rights must be available to all workers, regardless of immigration status.
The top American commander in the Middle East, General Joseph Votel, yesterday branded Iran as the greatest long-term threat to stability in the region and called for steps, including military action, to disrupt and undermine Iranian influence and activities. Such use of military force would constitute an act of war, destroy the international nuclear deal struck with Iran in 2015 and set the Middle East on the path for another disastrous conflict.

Testifying before the House Armed Services Committee, Votel, head of the US Central Command, denounced Iran for its destabilising role in the region. I believe that Iran is operating in what I call a gray zone, he said. And its an area between normal competition between statesand its just short of open conflict.

The general menacingly declared: We need to look at opportunities where we can disrupt [Iran] through military means or other means. He also foreshadowed a propaganda war, saying: We need to look at opportunities where we can expose and hold them accountable for the things that they are doing.

The hypocrisy involved is staggering. US Central Command has been the military instrument for the illegal US-led invasion and occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan that devastated both countries, led to millions of casualties and profoundly destabilised the entire Middle East. It is currently escalating a renewed war in Iraq and is enmeshed in the bloody US regime-change operation that has destroyed much of Syria, as well as military attacks inside Yemen.

Votel accused Iran of wanting to be the hegemon in the region and being involved in lethal aid facilitation, the use of surrogate forces and cyber activities, among other things. Yet the US and its allies have provided billions of dollars in arms to its surrogates in Syria, and elsewhere, to foment a civil war to oust Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Moreover, the aim of the criminal activities of US imperialism in the Middle East over the past quarter century has been precisely to ensure its own hegemonic role. Washington has long regarded Iran as the chief regional obstacle to its dominance in the Middle East.

Significantly, Votel challenged the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and the so-called P5+1 groupthe US, Britain, France, China, Russia and Germanythat eased sanctions on Iran in return for severe restrictions on its nuclear programs. The general declared that the US had not seen any improvement in Irans behaviour and claimed it still posed credible threats through its nuclear weapons potential and robust ballistic missile program.

Votels provocative remarks and calls for military action feed into the growing clamour in Washington for tough measures against Iran. In the same vein last month, then National Security Adviser General Michael Flynn responded to an Iranian missile test by denouncing Irans destabilising behaviour across the Middle East and warned, As of today we are officially putting Iran on notice.

President Trump in the course of last years election campaign denounced the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran as catastrophic for America, for Israel, and for the whole Middle East and pledged to dismantle the disastrous deal. In a meeting last week with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, Trump again openly questioned the deal and declared that nobody has been able to figure out why President Obama signed it.

The alternatives now under consideration, as Votels comments make clear, are tougher sanctions, diplomatic provocations, covert operations and military strikes.

In the US Congress, Senator Bob Corker hailed the bipartisan support last week for tough new sanctions against Iran in introducing the Countering Irans Destabilising Activities Bill that would effectively sink the 2015 nuclear deal known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The legislation would brand Irans Revolutionary Guard Corp as a terrorist organisation and allow the re-imposition of sanctions on Iranian entities lifted under the JCPOAa move that Tehran would undoubtedly regard as an open breach.

Corker, who is chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and bitterly opposed the JCPOA, accused Iran on Tuesday of expanding their destabilising activities. Like General Votel, he listed the litany of grievances against Iran: its support of the Assad regime, the influence of Shia militias in Iraq and the arming of Houthi militias in Yemen. Irans crime, in other words, is to cut across the strategic interests of the US and its allies.

Among the main charges against Iran is its collaboration with Russia in propping up Syrian President Assad and more broadly in the Middle East. General Votel specifically referred to Irans growing relationship with Russia as posing concern. Russia and Iran worked together closely and with the Syrian armed forces to inflict a humiliating defeat on US proxy forces in the city of Aleppo.

In an unprecedented move last year, Tehran gave Russian war planes access to one of its air bases to carry out operations inside Syria. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif announced on Tuesday that Russia would be able to use the countrys military bases on a case by case basis in carrying out the air war inside Syria.

Zarif was part of the Iranian delegation headed by President Hassan Rouhani that arrived in Moscow on Monday for talks on economic and strategic matters. Among the other deals concluded was an agreement for Russia to build two new nuclear power plants in the city of Bushehr, the site of its first power reactor.

The growing ties between Moscow and Tehran are undoubtedly provoking deep resentment and hostility in Washington where it will further fuel the bitter infighting in the American ruling elite over foreign policy. US claims that Iran is destabilising the Middle East are matched by the denunciations of Putin and Russia for destabilising Eastern Europe, the Balkans and the world.

The reckless and provocative call by General Votel for the US to use military means to disrupt Iran threatens to provoke a conflict that would not be confined to the Middle East but would draw in other nuclear-armed powers like Russia and engulf the world.
Mehring Verlag (Mehring Books), the publishing arm of the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality PartySGP) sponsored two well-attended meetings on the Russian Revolution and its contemporary significance as part of the Leipzig Book fair.

At a meeting held at the University of Leipzig on Friday, Mehring Verlag showed the film Tsar to Lenin, and at the book fair itself, ICFI Secretary Peter Schwarz presented the German translation of David Norths book, A Quarter-Century of War: The US Drive for Global Hegemony 1990-2016.

The film screening of Tsar to Lenin was one of the highlights of the fair and one of its best-attended events, drawing an audience of 400 people. In the run-up to the showing, supporters of the SGP and members of the IYSSE campaigned at local factories and at the citys university. Tsar to Lenin is the definitive documentary of the Russian Revolution released in 1937 by Herman Axelbank and Max Eastman.

The film was introduced by Christoph Vandreier, the spokesman for the IYSSE in Germany and assistant national secretary of the SGP. Vandreier described how the film came to be made, as well as the current significance of the Russian Revolution.

Vandreier stressed that the October Revolution was the most important event of the 20th century. For the first time in the history of mankind, the working class took an independent approach to political events, ended the world war and set about building the first-ever workers state.  Tsar to Lenin is one of the most important films of the 20th century because it brings to life this historical event.

The film not only shows history being made, it is itself a part of history. It demonstrates the enthusiasm for the revolution on the part of workers and progressive intellectuals all over the globe, he said. Not only was its origin and the huge response to its premiere an important part of the history of the 20th century, but also the way in which it was subsequently suppressed and censored. Both the Stalinists, who organized the great terror in the Soviet Union and killed millions of communists, and the anti-communists of the McCarthy era in the US, prevented the film from being shown.

Having described the turbulent history of the film, Vandreier spoke of the falsification of history that took place after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Professors, historians, and journalists have resurrected all of the Stalinist lies to discredit the October Revolution, he said. As examples, he cited the biography of Leon Trotsky by Robert Service, the German anti-communist Gerd Koenen, and the right-wing professor Jorg Baberowski who described the revolution as a pogrom.

This post-Soviet falsification of history proves the ruling elites are very aware of the power and the potential danger to their rule arising from the October Revolution.

Vandreier then dealt with the analysis made by WSWS International Editorial Board Chairman David North in his book The Russian Revolution and the Unfinished 20th Century. The same problems to which the revolution provided an answer are once again dominating world politics. Nationalism, militarism and social inequality are spreading across the globe.

Vandreier described the process whereby the Bolsheviks were able to lead the socialist revolution to success. He quoted from the online lecture, Why study the Russian Revolution? given two weeks ago by North.

Lenin and Trotsky paid great attention to the clarification of theoretical and political questions, Vandreier said. They understood that the struggle against opportunism is the necessary prerequisite for the independent intervention of the workers in the historical process. In this regard, the perspective of world revolution and socialist internationalism was especially important.

After this introduction, the 400 people in attendance watched the film, presented for the first time with German subtitles. Afterwards, Vandreier and Schwarz discussed the film and the events it documented.

One member of the audience said he had grown up in East Germany and was unfamiliar with many of the figures named in the film. In particular, he knew little about Leon Trotsky. So, I wonder what would have happened if Trotsky and not Stalin had triumphed.

Schwarz explained that at the heart of the struggle between the Stalinist clique and the Left Opposition, led by Trotsky, were opposed social forces. Stalin represented the interests of the bureaucracy, Trotsky based himself on the working class, Schwarz said.

Stalins theory of socialism in one country represented a nationalist policy that increasingly opposed revolution in other countries. Trotsky, on the other hand, represented socialist internationalism and fought for the world revolution, Schwarz stressed.

A student from the University of Leipzig asked what relevance the film had for the study of history. Schwarz replied that the film contained valuable documentary material, which refuted many historical lies. The scenes featuring mass demonstrations made clear that the revolution was not a coup, but the result of a mass movement. Tsar to Lenin also demonstrates the leading role played by Leon Trotsky alongside Lenin in the revolution, he said.

At a separate meeting at the Leipzig book fair, Schwarz presented the book A Quarter-Century of War: The US Drive for Global Hegemony 1990-2016 by North, which will be published in German this summer.

The book I am presenting today is of burning contemporary relevance. You have to study it to understand how Donald Trump could become president of the United States, Schwarz said, as he opened his 25-minute report. Trumps rise is not some aberration in an otherwise healthy society, but the product of a long development. The fact that the US has conducted wars virtually uninterrupted during the past 26 years played an important role in the collapse of American democracy.

Schwarz then dealt with the four main sections of the book: the first Gulf War from 1990-1991, the Balkan War of 1999, the 9/11 attacks and Bushs wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and Obamas wars of 2009-2016. When one reads the book, It is obvious that there is an inner, logical connection between all these wars and the rise of the Trump administration, which threatens the world with nuclear war, he said.

Summing up one of the key theses in the book, Schwarz noted that after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the US attempted to reverse the protracted erosion of its global economic position through the deployment of its immense military power. All the other imperialist powers, including Germany, are also determined to revive their own militarist ambitions.

Not a single imperialist power can permit itself to stand aloof from the new drive for colonial plunder, Schwarz quoted from one of the first chapters of the book, written 26 years ago. At stake are crucial raw materials, markets and sources of cheap labor, which no imperialist state can calmly leave to its economic rivals.

Schwarz finished his lecture, which met with great interest from the audience, with a quotation from the last chapter in the book, written in May 2016. North emphasizes that the same contradictions that gave rise to imperialist war also radicalized the working class and drove it onto the road of socialist revolution.

From this arises the strategy to oppose war: War cannot be stopped without ending the economic systemcapitalismthat generates military conflict. And, finally, the struggle against war must be international, uniting the working class and youth of all countries against capitalist exploitation and imperialist militarism.
The current wave of bloodletting in the senior ranks of the Polish army is unprecedented in the history of NATO.

Some 92 percent of the cadre in the general staff and 82 percent of colonels have been replaced in recent months, according to the Polish defence ministry. Information from the right-wing online website Wprost.pl indicates that between November 17, 2015 and January 31, 2017, 504 high-ranking officers resigned from military service, including 34 generals and 47 colonels. Numerous senior officers have also resigned in the subsequent period.

The most fundamental reason for the resignations are sharp differences between senior officers, many of whom are closely integrated into NATO, who served in Afghanistan and Iraq and in some cases were trained in the United States, and the ultra-nationalist Law and Justice Party (PiS) government.

The officers accuse Minister of National Defence Antoni Macierewicz, a close ally of PiS leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski, of bypassing them on important strategic decisions, awarding leading positions according to political loyalty, purging officers with even a remote connection to Polands Communist (Stalinist) past and, as a result, weakening the professionalism and fighting ability of the Polish army.

Strong opposition also exists in the army to the plans to establish a Territorial Defence Force (WOT), a paramilitary force made up of volunteers, whose creation was agreed to by the Sejm (Polish parliament) last November.

Retired General Waldemar Skrzypczak stated that the army had been gripped by an atmosphere of persecution for anyone with a different opinion from the government. They are treating the generals dismissively. They throw anyone out of the army who stands up for their own opinion and replace them with those with no backbone.

Skrzypczak accused Macierewicz of purges comparable to the actions of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and warned, The question now is whether we are still credible for NATO.

General Stanislaw Koziej, a brigadier general and a professor of military science, attacked the government for overt political interference into the competencies of the army command. In addition, he said, other problems included civil servants taking the role of political superiors and the politicisation of the army along party lines. He added, The scale and speed of the changes generate a risk to the effective functioning of the army.

The US magazine Foreign Policy wrote in January, The chief of defence was not consulted when the ministry replaced his deputies. People are appointed to positions without the necessary ranking required. The NATO-Corps deputy commander is supposed to be a two-star general, but a colonel was given the post instead. The Washington military attachealso at least a one-star positionhas been empty since April.

Among the officers who have resigned are all three generals who led NATOs Anaconda exercise last year: Marek Tomaszycki, Mieczysaw Gocu and Mirosaw Rozanski.

Rozanski, former general commander of the Polish armed forces, tendered his resignation in December, the same day as protests by the liberal opposition escalated to a blockade and occupation of parliament. He had held his post, which nominally made him the most influential general in the Polish army, since 2015 and was to have served until 2018. At 52, he was one of the youngest officers in the Polish army and served in the military interventions in both Afghanistan and Iraq.

According to a report in the liberal newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza, Rozanski opposed all of the important policy goals of Defence Minister Macierewicz. Like many other generals and officers, he rejected the construction of the WOT.

This militia is directly under the command of the Defence Ministry and not the armys supreme command. It is to be composed of at least 30,000 men and is being recruited mainly from far-right paramilitary units. Many professional officers view it as a competitor to the army and as PiS armed wing.

Jerzy Gut, the supreme commander of the Polish armys special forces, resigned on March 13 due to personal reasons. The relatively young Gut, born in 1960, is one of the Polish armys most experienced officers and has close ties to NATO and Washington. Media reports indicated that Gut had been bypassed by Macierewicz for months prior to his resignation on decisions relating to rearming the military and filling empty posts.

In liberal opposition circles, hopes are now being expressed about an intervention by the US government or the military. The magazine Polityka, which is aligned with the bourgeois opposition, in a comment headlined How will the Americans respond?, wrote that Guts resignation would surely encourage the US to concern itself with the changes in our army.

The special forces under Guts command were built up over the past decade under the direct supervision of the American army. Almost the entire leadership of the unit, which cooperated closely with the US, has been replaced over the past few months.

After deployments in Bosnia and Iraq, Gut studied at the National Defense University in Washington and in 2014 received the US Special Operations Command medal from the United States army. In 2015, he was commander of the special forces unit of NATOs Response Force (NRF).

Polityka wrote that while the US military has other priorities at present with a new president, there have been indications for some time that some of Minister Macierewiczs nominations have produced astonishment among the AmericansPoland has got rid of many military leaders in recent times who had excellent relationships with their NATO colleagues.

Janusz Bronowicz, who was one of the first generals to resign in early 2016, has been sharply critical of the Defence Minister. He described Macierewicz in Polityka as the first civilian leader of the armed forces, and declared that his military reforms would be catastrophic for the country. He wrote further, The situation is totally unacceptable. And in case of a possible conflict, it is paving the way for a repetition of the defeat of September 1939. That was when the Nazis overran Poland, beginning World War II.

The liberal oppositions hope for the US to step in or even for the intervention of the military says a great deal about its democratic character. Although the opposition Citizens Platform (PO) has sharp disagreements with PiS over Polands attitude towards the European Union and Germany, it fully agrees with PiS on the military build-up against Russia, which threatens to transform Europe into a nuclear battlefield. PO accuses PiS of endangering the fighting ability of the Polish army and its position in NATO with its clique politics.

Despite the bloodletting in the army leadership and the construction of the territorial army, Poland is rearming rapidly. According to official figures, the number of soldiers in the army rose from 96,000 in 2015 to 106,000 in 2017. Over the same period, the number of students at officer schools increased from 490 to 906. Wages for the lower ranks in the army have been increased substantially.

In addition, there are the 30,000 WOT members, a further 30,000 employees of the Defence Ministry and various institutions which supply the military, as well as numerous paramilitary units whose members are neither under the control of the government nor the military.
Euro IV standard fuel to be sold from Saturday

Nepali motorists will be filling their tanks with Euro IV standard gasoline from Saturday as Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has agreed to supply the higher quality fuel to Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC), said Sitaram Pokharel, spokesperson for the state-owned oil monopoly.
JEFFERSON CO. FL-UPDATE: Roadway is back open where a fatal crash occurred early this morning on US-221 in Greenville, Florida.

PREVIOUS STORY: Florida Highway Patrol reporting a Fatal Crash on US-221 near Bippus Road.

It happened shortly before 3 a.m. in Greenville, FL heading to Quitman, GA.

As of 6:30 a.m. Thursday the roadway was still block just south of Bippus Road.

FHP has not released the identity of the victim.

Stay with WTXL ABC 27 News on this developing story both on air and online.
THOMASVILLE, Ga. (WTXL)--Four teenagers have been arrested for making threats to Thomas County Central High School.

Thomas County Lt. Tim Watkins says the teens range in age from 13 to 15 and are from Boston, Georgia.

Watkins says they made a fake social media account with threats to shoot specific students at the school and blow it up. This all happened Sunday night.

The teens are charged with terrorist threats and acts.
Ex-Cyclone Debbie forces mass closure of Queensland schools

All schools in south-east Queensland, Australia, have been closed due to flooding caused by ex-Cyclone Debbie.
How to protect your internet privacy, since the government wont help you
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Export of power to Nepal will increase shortly: India

India has said export of power to Nepal will increase by around 145 MW shortly via Katiya-Kusaha and Raxual-Parwanipur cross-border transmission lines.
The below op-ed was written before the agreement was reached between the prime and finance ministers.

Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon will likely control himself. His logic will surpass his loathing of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. If he is guided by common sense, he wont risk elections which could make him lose his voters and he wont commit political suicide by teaming up with Zionist Union leader Isaac Herzog, who is trying to form an alternative coalition and evade elections.

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The Israel Public Broadcasting Corporation (IPBC) will survive, but it will be subject to political supervision which will lead to its degeneration almost immediately after it goes on the air. The active Herzog will fail in kidnapping the government, which is a good thing. An alternative coalition is unworthy of the effort involved in its creation, as it will distort the majority opinion which supports Netanyahus views, and will contradict the common tendency in the public to forgive flaws in his behavior. Saras whims, the cigars and the champagne, Noni Mozes and the IPBC affair have barely affected his image. Many believe that the perks he took for himself and for his family are trivial things, a justified reward for his work at the service of the nation, and that his war on the media is a patriotic act.

Yair Lapid is a graceful Netanyahu, but the prime minister has considerable advantages and Lapid suffers from significant disadvantages (Photos: Ohad Zwigenberg, Gil Yohanan)

Netanyahu remains the barometer that measures the Jewish publics sentiments most accurately, and there is no one who knows better than him how to stimulate them on Election Day and direct them against his rivals. If the attorney general doesnt decide to indict him and if the results of the next elections reflect the publics state of mind, he will likely head the next government as well.

And if it wont be him, the polls predict, it will be Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid. If one carefully reads the interview he gave Politico magazine several days ago, one will realize that he has done a good job memorizing the lessons of his political experience. His lessons can be summarized in a few sentences: A government is changed when the voters have had enough of it, rather than because the opposition presents fresh ideas. The voters seek change, but are afraid of revolutions, which is why the pragmatic oppositionist will resemble the person he wants to replace.

Lapid will wait patiently, remain aloof, blow bubbles and not commit to anything. He will talk about love: He will love the people, love us with all his heart, love us because he is his people. Occasionally, he will partake in the attack on his peoples haters, whose identity is determined by the Zionist consensus (the Zoabis, Breaking the Silence and the BDS). He knows how to write, but a meticulous reader who examines his article, The prime minister and the sensible power, which was published in the Institute for National Security Studies journal, wont find even a shred of thought that hasnt been voiced repeatedly by routine security-conscious officials.

Yair Lapid is a graceful Netanyahu. Thats quite a lot in light of Bibis outrageous personality, but the prime minister has considerable advantages and Lapid suffers from significant disadvantages. Apart from a party, he has never managed anything in his life. His term as finance minister will not be a memorable episode in the history of Israels economy. His contribution to the Security Cabinet at times of war was insignificant.

Under these conditions, there is no real alternative to the government. The Right and the Center are gathering under the wings of Zionist consensus and disagreeing with each other solely about politeness and tactics. The overwhelming majority of Israels Jewish citizens is against replacing the Jewish and democratic (a regime based on an ethnic distinction) with all its citizens (a regime ignoring this distinction). The overwhelming majority is against the fee required for a just peace between Jews and Palestinians and is not attracted to ideas challenging the hegemonic view in the social and economic field.

A serious deterioration in the security situation, in addition to a deep economic crisis, is the only thing which may divert the Jewish public opinion from supporting Netanyahu and his ideological twins, or to be more exactfrom the world of values they represent. The demographic trends in the Jewish population and the lessons from the history of modern times show that turning to the right and holding on to a one-dimensional, strong person, who is even more nationalist than Netanyahu and Lapid, will actually be the Jewish response to the crisis.

(Translated and edited by Sandy Livak-Furmanski)
BENI -- The UN Security Council is condemning the killing of two of its experts in Congo "in the strongest terms." It also has expressed concern at "the unknown status of the four Congolese nationals accompanying them" when the experts disappeared more than two weeks ago.

Council members issued a statement Wednesday night calling on the Congolese government "to swiftly and fully investigate these crimes and bring the still unidentified perpetrators to justice." It also supports holding a UN inquiry.

The statement stresses that attacks targeting civilians "may constitute war crimes under international law."
NAIROBI -- The US ambassador to the United Nations said Wednesday the United Nations is partnering with a "corrupt" government in Congo and she called for a large cut in the world's largest peacekeeping mission in the troubled African nation.

Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, Ambassador Nikki Haley said the UN mission in Congo "is aiding a government that is inflicting predatory behavior against its own people."
WASHINGTON  US President Donald Trump gained his first ambassador Wednesday when attorney David Friedman was sworn in as America's envoy to Israel.

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Vice President Mike Pence administered the oath of office to Friedman and hailed Trump's decision to nominate his former bankruptcy attorney for the sensitive diplomatic post as "one of the clearest signs" of the president's commitment to the state of Israel and the Jewish people.

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"The president of the United States of America is a lifelong friend of Israel and the Jewish people and, under his leadership, if the world knows nothing else the world will know this: America stands with Israel," Pence said as Friedman's wife, Tammy, their five children and most of their grandchildren watched. Ron Dermer, Israel's ambassador to the US, also attended the ceremony.

Friedman being sworn in (Photo: AFP)

Friedman, whose nomination faced resistance from Democrats and some Jewish groups, said he was "humbled" by the trust Trump had placed in him. He also noted his standing as the first of Trump's ambassador nominees to win Senate confirmation and be sworn in to office.

"Those facts speak volumes about how highly the Trump-Pence administration prioritizes our unbreakable bond with the State of Israel," Friedman said.

Friedman, with his family, being sworn in by Vice President Pence (Photo: AFP)

He said he recently resigned from the law firm in which he was a founding partner.

The Senate approved Friedman's nomination last week by a vote of 52-46, largely along party lines.

Republican lawmakers brushed aside complaints from Democrats that the combative Friedman lacked the temperament to represent the US with such a key Middle Eastern ally. The son of an Orthodox rabbi, Friedman has been a fervent supporter of Israeli settlements, an opponent of Palestinian statehood and a defender of Israel's government.

Friedman, with his family, being sworn in by Vice President Pence (Photo: AP)

Friedman tried to use his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in February to repair the damage from his past verbal attacks on individuals who hold opposing views on Israel. He assured senators that he regretted his choice of language and pledged to be "respectful and measured" if confirmed.

Friedman acknowledged to the committee that he deserved criticism for comments that targeted former President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, liberal Jewish advocacy groups and others. Friedman had called one group, J Street, "worse than kapos"  a reference to Jews who helped the Nazis imprison other Jews during the Holocaust. He had also accused Obama of "anti-Semitism."

Friedman with Vice President Pence (Photo: Reuters)

Republicans said Friedman's atonement satisfied them. But Democrats argued that his record of divisive statements couldn't be erased and would compromise his effectiveness as an ambassador.

All 11 Republicans and one Democrat on the committee supported Friedman's nomination. The panel's remaining nine Democrats opposed him.
NEW YORK - A former journalist from St. Louis who was arrested on a cyberstalking charge related to threats against Jewish organizations made his first New York court appearance on Wednesday and was given legal representation.

Juan Thompson, who was transferred from St. Louis, appeared briefly in federal court, where US Magistrate Judge James C. Francis IV appointed an attorney to represent him.

The attorney, Mark Gombiner, declined to make a bail argument, so Thompson will likely remain incarcerated until an April 10 hearing. Gombiner declined to comment outside court.

Prosecutors said Thompson made threats against at least eight Jewish community centers, schools or other facilities to harass his girlfriend. The government alleges in court papers that he sometimes emailed threats using the woman's name or used his name but claimed she was trying to implicate him.

Thompson was fired from the online publication The Intercept last year after being accused of fabricating story details.
Convicted terrorist Haitham Faiz Muari, one of the participants in a 2000 lynch of two IDF reservists who had accidentally entered Ramallah, was released Wednesday night from prison.

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Muari had requested a retrial and his original murder conviction was converted to lesser charges.

He was transferred from Ofer Prison to a checkpoint at the entrance to the Gaza Strip.

2000 Ramallah lynch

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The lynch occurred on October 12, 2000 when Vadim Nurzhitz and Yossi Avrahami were murdered by a mob at a Palestinian police station where they were being held. The bodies of the two men were thrown out the window and an infamous image of a man whose hands were covered in blood circulated across the world.

Muari was arrested in connection with the lynch in 2000 and has been imprisoned ever since. His life sentence was overturned following a plea bargain in light of evidentiary and legal difficulties in proving his involvement in the attack on Yossi Avrahami.

Simo Avrahami, the father of Yossi Avrahami, said, "What can I change? Can I bring back my Yossi? I cant. Our sons, among them my own, my oldest, were taken from us. We fight against animals who do not respect life. What could I have done today with the court's decision, which saw fit to reduce the punishment that he got? I do not see any reason for the IDF court to deal with an appeal of such a despicable murderer. What do we want to show? That we're just, that we're honest?"

Yossi Avrahami and Vadim Nurzhitz

In reaching the decision to release the Muari, the military court said, "The accused was involved in one of the most heinous events in the consciousness of Israeli citizens. Anyone who bore witness that day will never forget the images of the abuse those IDF soldiers suffered that were circulated on television. According to the indictment that was filed today, the accused played a small part of the incident.

"The accused was among the police who arrested the soldiers and brought them to the police station. The accused beat the soldiers on the way to the police station and, according to the indictment, was not part of the group that attacked the soldiers leading to their death."

Haitham Muari (right)

During sentencing, the court stated that "as a result of the defendant's actions that day, the accused has been convicted of not preventing a criminal action and attacking a soldier. Both sides presented the plea agreement which dictates his total sentence until his release. Following the arguments of the parties, we decided that the agreement is acceptable."

The IDF Spokesperson's Office issued a statement saying, "The military court in Judea convicted Haitham Muari, as part of a plea bargain reached during a retrial, of being involved in the lynch in Ramallah on October 12, 2000. Muari was convicted in 2004 of murdering one of the victims, SFC. Yossi Avrahami and was sentenced to life in prison.

"Appeals and petitions filed to the High Court by Muari were rejected. However, Muari's request for a retrial was recently accepted and new evidence made definitive identification of Muari difficult at the level required in a criminal case. Muari was convicted today of the offenses of attacking a soldier and not preventing a criminal act. His conviction of other security offenses will remain unchanged and his imprisonment was suspended."

(Translated and edited by Fred Goldberg)
Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yldrm declared an end to his country's military intervention in Syria on Wednesday.

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The announcement comes after the National Security Council of Turkey proclaimed that Operation Euphrates Shield in Syria had been successfully completed. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was present at the meeting when the announcement was made.

Turkish tanks roll into Syria (: )

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Photo: AFP

In an interview with Turkish television channel NTV, Yldrm said the operation in Syria was a success and further operations would be conducted under different names.

In August 2016, Turkey first announced the ground operation in Syrian territory. Turkish tank units crossed the border soon after with the goal to take the Syrian city of Jarabulus near the Turkish border, which was controlled by ISIS.

Photo: AP

At the time, Erdogan said the goal of the operation was to put an end to repeated attacks on Turkey from within Syrian territory and that the operation would seek to uproot ISIS and the Kurdish PYD.

Erdogan (Photo: EPA)

Erdogan stressed that Turkey's goal was always to help the Syrian people and remove the shadow cast by ISIS on Islam. Erdogan further contended that his country would take matters into its own hands if necessary to ensure Syria's territorial integrity.

(Translated and edited by Fred Goldberg)
DUBAI -- An Emirati academic held since August 2015 over his tweets has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Amnesty International criticized the sentence handed down to Nasser bin Ghaith, calling it "another devastating blow for freedom of expression in the United Arab Emirates."
BEIJING -- China says President Xi Jinping will meet his US counterpart Donald Trump at the latter's Florida resort on April 6-7.

It will be the first in-person meeting between the two. Trump sharply criticized China during his presidential campaign for what he described as unfair Chinese trade practices. He is now seeking Beijing's help in pressuring North Korea over its nuclear weapons and missiles programs.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters Thursday that Xi would attend the China-U.S. presidents' meeting at Mar-a-Lago.
International Commission of Jurists urges Nepal to revise Criminal Code Bill draft

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has urged Nepal to revise its draft Criminal Code Bill in line with international human rights standards to ensure justice for victims of serious human rights violations.
Meir Goldstein, 34, from Tiberias, is the prime suspect in the shocking and brutal murder of his ex-wife, Adele, in Tiberias on Wednesday.

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Goldstein was seen walking down the street covered in blood and carrying his ex-wife's severed head.

Goldstein in court (Photo: Ido Erez)

Goldstein appeared in the Nazareth Magistrate's Court Thursday morning, where his defense attorney said that Goldstein was having trouble explaining his actions.

"He said that a divine voice told him what to do and that he received another order from the same voice that only in eight days will his destination be revealed to him and he may explain why," said his attorney.

Photo: Ido Erez

Meir Goldstein moved to Israel in 1991 from Moldova, when he was eight years old. His parents still live in the former Soviet Union. He served in the IDF and became religious after his service. He had been hospitalized four years ago in a psychiatric hospital.

Yehoshua Avdan, who kneww the victim, told Ynet, "We didn't see any signs (of trouble) from her. She was a very closed woman."

Avdan said that the couple "had trouble adapting to a religious lifestyle and they were alone. They couldn't fit in, so we showed them the way. We invited them for the Sabbath and hosted them. I would visit them at home and he taught my son and bought him a scooter.

"Its hard for me to hear about such a thing. I can't even begin to digest it. She wouldn't have hurt a fly."

(Translated and edited by Fred Goldberg)
The Australian government said Thursday it had found no evidence that any of its donations to the Christian charity World Vision had been siphoned to the Islamic militant group Hamas.

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However, Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said its World Vision funding in Gaza would remain suspended while Israeli charges against the global aid agency's Gaza manager Mohammad El-Halabi remain unresolved.

Mohammad El Halabi (Photo: Herzl Yosef)

"DFAT has reviewed the management of its funding to World Vision in the Palestinian Territories. The review uncovered nothing to suggest any diversion of government funds," the department said in a statement.

"Australia's funding to World Vision in the Palestinian Territories remains suspended until we have considered the outcomes of the court case against Mr. El-Halabi and reviews being undertaken by World Vision Australia and World Vision International into this issue," it added.

Australia is the biggest single donor to World Vision's humanitarian work in Gaza, providing more than $2 million in the past three years.

Photo: El-Halabi in Gaza

Australia and Germany suspended funding in August after Israeli authorities charged El-Halabi with diverting around $50 million to Hamas to help build tunnels and purchase weapons.

Shin Bet alleged El-Halabi created fictitious humanitarian projects to get the funds to Hamas.

The Shin Bet further alleged that El-Halabi underwent Hamas training in the early 2000s and was "planted" by the group in World Vision in 2005, where he climbed the ranks to become director of the Gaza branch.

El-Halabi has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The Israeli Justice Ministry declined to comment on El-Halabi's case because his trial was ongoing.

World Vision welcomed Australia's findings, adding that its own ongoing audit had not yet raised concerns about how money was spent.

World Vision's work in Gaza has been suspended pending the outcome of that audit.

"We remain deeply concerned with this situation, and are saddened by the impact on Gaza's children and their families," a World Vision statement said.
In a diplomatic win for Israel, the Temple Mount and Western Wall will not be mentioned nor included in any vote or measure during a meeting of the UNESCO Executive Board on Jerusalem and the territories May 1st.

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A draft of the decision, which Ynet obtained, represents a significant achievement for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Israeli diplomacy at UNESCO, which is considered one of the most hostile arenas for Israel at the UN.

Carmel Shama Hacohen at the Temple Mount

The issue of Jerusalem at UNESCO has seen some extremely sensitive issues brought to the forefront, including a resolution seen by many as an attempt to erase Jewish connections to holy sites in Jerusalem.

Arab states have decided to take a step back from the sensitive issue of Jerusalem and their resolution was shortened from six pages to two. Additionally, the language was clearly softened in comparison to previous draft resolutions.

According to Israel however, despite the exclusion of Jerusalem, the proposal is still rife with political elements and falsehoods that have no business being included in an international organization, especially one that is ostensibly concerned with education and science.

Jerusalem (Photo: Reuters)

In the last two weeks, a concerted effort has been put forth by the foreign ministry, the Israeli delegation in Paris and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Two weeks ago, a UNESCO delegation of foreign officials arrived in Israel for a tour of the country and Jerusalem in order to understand the complex reality that pervades in the area.

Israeli envoy to UNESCO, Carmel Shama Hacohen, said, "When you're talking about anti-Israel resolutions initiated by Arab countries, achievements and conclusions are only counted on the stairs at the exit of the building after the vote.

Photo: AFP

"It is preferable to accept a draft resolution without a direct stab to the heart of the Jewish people, but we have no intention of keeping quiet when we are being stabbed in other places, even if they are less sensitive. The State of Israel has decided to put an end to the incitement and obsession against it in international organizations, even if it takes years."

Shama added, "There is no doubt that the new administration in Washington DC under the leadership of President Donald Trump and the wonderful US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, have made the goal that seemed fantasy achievable. We will work around the world this month around the clock to continue explaining our truth, both current and historical, and we will observe the sanity and fairness of our neighbors."

Nikki Haley (Photo: Shahar Azran)

The Arab proposal still contains several problematic clauses, including: a section that calls the Cave of the Patriarchs and the Tomb of Rachel Palestinian sites; a clause that states that any legal and administrative decision in all of Jerusalem "by the occupying power" is illegal and another clause that states that any past decision is recognized, including the decision to erase Jewish connections from the Temple Mount.

Israel is demanding to remove the clause entirely or to specify that decisions related to the Temple Mount are not binding.

(Translated and edited by Fred Goldberg)
The young Israeli man accused of being behind a rash of bomb threats against Jewish institutions around the world was brought before the Rishon Lezion Magistrate's Court Thursday for a hearing on the extension of his remand.

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During the hearing, the young man's attorney presented the court photographs and medical imaging of a brain tumor that the defense is claiming affected the 18-year-old's behavior.

The suspect's attorney presenting photo evidence of his brain tumor at Thursday's hearing (Photo: Motti Kimchi)

The suspect and his father were detained by Police and the FBI in a joint investigation last week.

Both are being charged with dissemination of information to cause panic, computer hacking, transmission of false information, threats, impersonation of another with the intent to defraud, extortion, threatening the public and carrying a weapon.

Suspect's father attempting to hide himself from press (Photo: AFP)

During questioning, the boy's father said, "I couldn't have known what he was doing. He can't deal with a lot of noise, so he was in his room all the time. He has permission from the Ministry of Education to be home schooled. I never thought he was capable of doing things like this. I'm in total shock."

Additionally, the father said that his son "suffers from insomnia and it was natural that he would sit at his computer all night. We never imagined that there was some type of problem. Even when we would go into his room the screen never showed anything suspicious."

The father has denied all allegations that he aided his son in carrying out the threats.

(Translated and edited by Fred Goldberg)
KUALA LUMPUR -- The body of Kim Jong Nam, half-brother to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and the victim of a bizarre murder at Kuala Lumpur airport, is expected to leave by plane on Thursday, media reports and an aviation industry source said.

Kim's body was believed to be on Malaysia Airlines flight MH360 to Beijing, en route to North Korea, that was currently preparing for take off, media said.
The archives of the National Library of Israel have revealed another document that attests to a connection between Nazi Germany and Mufti Hajj Amin al-Husseini.

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The document in question is a letter of praise sent by head of the SS, Heinrich Himmler, to the Palestinian leader in the autumn of 1943 at the height of the extermination of Jews in Europe.

Himmler and the Mufti shaking hands

"To the Grand Mufti Amin al-Husseini. The National-Socialist movement of greater Germany has made its fight against world Jewry a guiding principle since its very beginning. For that reason it has been closely following the battle of freedom-seeking Arabsand especially in Palestineagainst the Jewish invaders," wrote the SS commander.

Himmler continued, saying, "The joint recognition of the enemy, and the joint battle against him are what creates the firm allegiance between Germany and freedom-seeking Muslims all over the world."

Himmler ended the letter with congratulations to the Mufti, saying, "In this spirit, I am happy to wish you on the first anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, warm wishes for the continuation of your battle until the big victory."

Copy of Himmler's letter to the Mufti

Al-Husseini, the Mufti of Jerusalem, was considered the main instigator of the 1920 riots and was sentenced in absentia by the British Mandate authorities to 15 years in prison.

However, he was granted a pardon within a short period of time, and was appointed a year later to the Mufti, the supreme authority on matters of religion.

He took an extreme line, rejected any cooperation with British Mandate authorities, objected to the establishment of a Jewish national home and rejected any possibility of reaching an agreement with the Jews.

After his exile from Palestine, he stayed in Iraq during the war with Nazi Germany.

The letter from Himmler was sent about two years after the meeting between the Mufti and Adolf Hitler in the midst of World War II, during the murder of millions of Jews in Eastern Europe.

According to a British archive revealed 50 years ago, the Mufti asked "to take the opportunity to thank the Fuehrer, who is popular with the entire Arab world, for the sympathy he has always shown to the Arab world, especially the Palestinians.

"The Arab states are convinced that Germany will win the war and that Arab interests will flourish. The Arabs are Germany's natural friends because they have the common enemies of Germany, especially the British, the Jews and the Communists, and for this reason they were willing to cooperate with Germany with all their heart."

The subject of the Mufti's connection with the Nazis was the background created in Israel last year following a speech made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's in which he claimed that Hitler did not want to exterminate the Jews, but Al-Husseini convinced him.
ANKARA -- US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Thursday his talks during a visit to NATO ally Turkey had focused on the creation of stabilization zones in Syria and that a number of options on how to secure such areas were being explored.

Tillerson told a joint news conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu that Turkey was a key partner in the fight against Islamic State. He also said the two nations shared a goal of reducing Iran's potential to disrupt the region.
The threat of early elections dissipated Thursday when Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon announced a compromise agreement to address concerns about the Israel Public Broadcasting Corporation (IPBC).

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The compromise agreement, brokered by Finance Ministry Director General Shai Babad, Communications Ministry Director General Momo Filber and Ministers Yariv Levin and Tzachi Hanegbi, calls for a new path for public broadcasting in Israel, including a general broadcast corporation and a separate one for news and current events programming.

Moshe Kahlon addressing the press Thursday afternoon (Photo: Motti Kimchi)

Ongoing legislation to supervise the media has also been frozen as a result of the compromise.

The previous government, with Netanyahus support, had approved a plan to replace the Israel Broadcast Authority (IBA) with a new public broadcasting framework in 2014, but more recently the prime minister has voiced ferocious opposition to the Corporation.

Kahlon, speaking after the compromise was announced, told the press, Since I took office, I have stood as a pillar of defense for democracy, the Supreme Court, and public funds. The agreement guarantees the freedom of the press and the freedom of expression.

A few dozen IBA employees protested outside government offices in Tel Aviv while Kahlon spoke. A statement from the IBA announced their opposition to the compromise that claims that the deal results in the establishment of a divided entity that cant combine resources efficiently and cost-effectively as had been planned, and its result is wasting public funds.

IBA protestors in Tel Aviv (Photo: Avi Chai)

The minister added, The fight over the past few days was a fight over principles; it wasnt a fight over ego. As a result of the agreement, there wont be any political influence. The politicians are unequivocally distanced; there will be no contact with politicians.

Coalition Chairman MK David Bitan (Likud), lauded the compromise, which he termed a fair compromise between the positions of his party and Kahlon.

Yohanan Plesner, President of the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI), and Dr. Tehilla Shwartz Altshuler, Director of IDIs Media Reform Program said, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tried to bring public broadcasting down to its knees and succeeded. Dozens of senior journalists who left previous employers to work at the new Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation will lose their jobs, while the staff of the Israel Broadcasting Authority still dont know their fate

"Netanyahu trampled a reform that was conducted with hard work by his government, and in so doing, he harmed every governmental and democratic process. But more than anything else, Netanyahu delivered the message that he is the real boss of those who work in public broadcasting and to other media outlets he made clear who they need to serve."

Members of the parliamentary opposition were quick to denounce the agreement.

Congratulations on creating the ladder you both needed to climb down, mocked MK Nachman Shai (Zionist Union), a former director general of the IBA. Everybody will be thrilled to climb down via this classic Israeli compromise. There is no public broadcasting arrangement like this one anywhere in the world.

There wont be an authority, there wont be a corporation, there wont be any (publicly funded) news coverage. Everybody loses, especially the Israeli public. Theyve demolished the IBA and replaced it with nothing.

Moran Azulay, Itay Blumental and Ran Boker contributed to this report.
Between a collection of concrete buildings with Arabic graffiti that are designed to simulate a typical Lebanese village, dozens of Israeli officers are gearing up for their next battle with Hezbollah guerrillas.

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It's a mission the Israeli military has focused on intensely in the decade since it fought an inconclusive month-long war with the Iranian-backed group. But this drill at a base in northern Israel takes on added significance in the wake of rising tensions between the old adversaries.

Israeli soldiers train with paintball guns during a drill at an Army base near Elyakim (Photo: AP)

The friction includes a rare clash along the Syrian border this month in which Israel shot down an anti-aircraft missile fired at its planes as they were carrying out an airstrike on a suspected Hezbollah weapons convoy from Syria to Lebanon.

In the past month alone, Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah has also threatened to strike Israel's nuclear facilities if Israel were to attack, and Israel has detailed a contingency plan to evacuate up to a quarter-million civilians from border communities to protect them from attacks from Hamas, Hezbollah or other Islamic militant groups.

In another sign of the escalating feud, Israel's military chief, Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot, revealed intelligence that Hezbollah's top military commander was killed in Syria in May 2016 by rivals within the groupperhaps even on orders from Nasrallah himself.

Though officers taking part in the drill insisted their training was business as usual, the backdrop clearly offered a reminder of what could await.

"We are trying to give the commanders and the soldiers the environment that looks like the real war so that they can have the feeling, when they will have to go to war, they will feel that they did it before. This is the purpose of the training  to prepare for the real thing," said Col. Kobi Valer, commander of the Elyakim Military Base in northern Israel. "The forces need to know that this could be their last training before the war."

Hezbollah fired more than 4,000 rockets on Israeli communities in the 2006 war, while Israel bombarded targets in southern Lebanon. The month of fighting killed an estimated 1,200 Lebanese, most of them civilians, as well as 44 Israeli civilians and 121 Israeli soldiers.

The Israeli airstrikes caused massive destruction to residential areas in south Lebanon and south of Beirutareas where Hezbollah maintains a presence and has large support among the predominantly Shiite population. They also flattened entire blocs of residential apartments and destroyed roads, bridges, ports and power plants across the country.

Despite its military superiority, Israel ended the month-long war with a feeling that it had not delivered the crushing blow it had sought.

A commission of inquiry found the military to be inadequately prepared for the battle, which broke out after Hezbollah carried out a surprise cross-border attack and captured two Israeli soldiers, and many troops acknowledged that they had underestimated Hezbollah's capabilities.

Still, the war was credited with re-establishing Israel's deterrence and ensuring more than a decade of calm on the northern front.

In recent years, Hezbollah has been bogged down in Syria's civil war fighting in support of President Bashar Assad, where the group has suffered heavy casualties.

Although Nasrallah appears to be in no rush to resume hostilities with Israel, his group has gained valuable battle experience that has worried Israel, which says Hezbollah has significantly built up its weapons stockpile since 2006 and upgraded its arsenal to about 150,000 missiles, including longer range and guided systems capable of striking anywhere in Israel.

Israel has repeatedly stated it will act to prevent Hezbollah getting advanced munitions and is widely believed to have carried out several airstrikes in recent years on weapons convoys destined for the militant group.

Just recently, it made a rare admission of such a strike after Syria fired missiles at its jets. Still, Israel fears some advanced weapons like surface-to-sea weapons or anti-aircraft missiles might already have reached Hezbollah.

Israel, meanwhile, has been building up its missile defenses. A system called " David's Sling " to intercept medium-range missiles from Hezbollah is due to become operational in early April. That would mark the completion of a multilayer missile defense system that includes "Iron Dome" for short range rockets and "Arrow," designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles high in the stratosphere.

Israeli intelligence does not believe Hezbollah is interested in sparking war this year, but an unplanned escalation as a result of all the developments could happen.

In the mock village in Elyakim, the reserve officers focused on the type of urban warfare that their comrades struggled with in 2006.

Using paintball pellets to simulate battle, they raided structures featuring colorful murals of Nasrallah and other top Hezbollah figures and opened fire at fellow officers playing the roles of guerrillas. Moving in swift formations, commanders hollered orders as the troops ascended the various structures firing yellow paint pellets toward their supposed adversaries.

"All of this facility is meant to give us a more realistic feeling," said Capt. Ofek Sinai, a 26-year-old reserve platoon commander. "Undoubtedly, doing this a few weeks every year makes people more confident about fighting in a real war."
The Muslim and Jewish communities in Flanders have criticized a proposal by the Belgian region to ban the unstunned slaughter of small animals, which they say would contravene their rules for ritual killing.

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Under the draft law, animals like sheep and poultry will have to be stunned electrically before being killed, which most animal rights campaigners say is more humane than the Islamic halal and Jewish kosher rituals. Both require that butchers swiftly slaughter the animal by slitting its throat and draining the blood.

"Unstunned slaughter is outdated," Ben Weyts, regional minister of animal welfare, said in a statement. "In a civilized society, it is our damn duty to avoid animal suffering where possible."

Ritually slaughtering a sheep (File photo: Shutterstock)

The bill has broad support in the predominantly Catholic region, and the opposition from Flanders' religious minorities illustrates the difficulties facing some European countries as they struggle to integrate immigrant populations.

The issue could play with a wider audience, including right-wing politicians and animal rights campaigners, who generally support the legislation.

As stunning larger animals is not possible without also fatally wounding them, the proposed law requires animals such as cattle be stunned immediately after their throats are cut if slaughtered in a ritual manner.

Belgium's Muslim community said its religious council has previously expressed its opposition to stunned slaughter and there had been no change in its stance since then.

"Muslims are worried about whether they can eat halal food in conformity with their religious rites and beliefs," the Belgian Muslim Executive said.

The Flemish Jewish community said it was studying the proposal and that stunned slaughter was not in line with Jewish religious laws.

Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, President of the Conference of European Rabbis said, We are deeply disappointed by the decision in the Flemish Parliament which ignores the needs and rights of religious communities as well as a significant body of scientific opinion. We are seeking urgent talks with the Flemish authorities and will work with the local Jewish community to reverse this decision as soon as possible.

While the proposed law would only apply to the Dutch-speaking region of Flanders in the north of Belgium, other Belgian regions are planning similar moves.

Countries including Denmark, Switzerland and New Zealand already prohibit unstunned slaughter.
Indian envoy Puri calls on PM Dahal

Indian Ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri called on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Thursday.
A Kenya police official says they have arrested three alleged international human traffickers who are suspected of smuggling recruits for ISIS and helping to finance the group.

Two of the men were on a Kenyan wanted list with a $20,000 reward for information leading to their arrest.

Police spokesman George Kinoti said in a statement Thursday the two Kenyans and a Somali were arrested Monday in the coastal town of Malindi.

Kinoti says Somali-born Ali Hussein Ali is accused of being recruited by ISIS after he left Kenya in 2010 and "deployed" back to the country in November.

Kenya is battling to stop recruitment of its youth by extremist groups, notably al-Shabab in neighboring Somalia.
A Border Police officer who, with his colleagues, beat a Bedouin supermarket employee in May 2016 will only face a disciplinary hearing, it was announced on Thursday.

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The decision was taken by the Police Investigation Unit of the State Attorney's office, which is charged with investigating allegations of illegal activity and complaints against police. The officer, Ben Edry, is to be summoned for excessive use of force and conduct unbecoming for his part in the incident that saw other Border Police and undercover Israel Police officers attacking the 21 year old.

Footage of the attack

X

Four other officers who were involved in the incident are having their cases transferred to the polices disciplinary department, which has the ability to decide to hold a disciplinary hearing.

In addition, it was decided to transfer to the competent authorities in the Israel Police the findings of police officers conduct at the state, who allegedly harassed the complainant.

Still from the video

Shortly after the incident, Kobi Cohen, the attacked man's employer at Super Yuda across from Rabin Square in Tel Aviv, told Ynet that two undercover police officers came up to his worker outside the store.

"They asked him to identify himself to them, but they didn't show him a badge," said Cohen. "In response, he asked them to identify themselves first. They called for police backup, and when they arrived, they started to hit him."

"They asked him to identify himself to them, but they didn't show him a badge," said Cohen. "In response, he asked them to identify themselves first. They called for police backup, and when they arrived, they started to hit him."
The United Nations and human rights groups are accusing Gaza's Hamas rulers of endangering their own people by closing the territory's main crossing with Israel.

Hamas imposed the lockdown in the wake of a mysterious killing of a senior Hamas commander last week. It has accused Israel of being behind the killing.

The UN humanitarian agency OCHA says the measures are "negatively impacting already vulnerable sectors in Gaza."

The agency says dozens of people have missed hard-to-get medical appointments in Israel or the West Bank, while international consultants have been unable to enter Gaza to work on development projects.

The Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights on Thursday called on Hamas to reopen the border.

Hamas says the measures will remain in place until further notice.
The Bnei Menashe community throughout the remote northeastern Indian state of Manipur today began preparing for Passoverincluding by baking matzah, the holidays traditional unleavened breadat the Shavei Israel Hebrew Center in Churachandpur.

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The experience of seeing the entire community kneading, rolling, and then baking the doughall as the timer calls out the minutesis amazing, said Ohaliav Haokip, 31, of Churachandpur. Everyone present can feel the pressure of baking the matzah in timeits reminiscent of Biblical times, and our forefathers hurrying to flee Egypt I hope for a very special Seder this yearand next year in Jerusalem!

Members of the Bnei Menashe community preparing matzah for Passover at the Shavei Israel Hebrew Center in Churachandpur, India (Photo courtesy of Shavei Israel)

The Bnei Menashe are believed to be descendants of the tribe of Manasseh, one of the Ten Lost Tribes exiled from the Land of Israel more than 2,700 years ago by the Assyrian empire. So far, some 3,000 Bnei Menashe have immigrated to Israel, including more than 1,100 in the past four years and an additional 102 who arrived in Israel from Mizoram, India, in February. Some 7,000 Bnei Menashe remain in India.

(Photo courtesy of Shavei Israel)

Passover symbolizes the Jewish peoples deliverance and it is a festival that resonates deeply for the Bnei Menashe, said the founder and chairman of Shavei Israel, Michael Freund. His nonprofit organization explains its aim of strengthening the ties between the Jewish people, the State of Israel and the descendants of Jews around the world.

(Photo courtesy of Shavei Israel)

In the far-flung regions of northeastern India, thousands of Bnei Menashe will sit down on Passover eve to conduct the traditional Seder, which embodies the hope they have been nurturing for generations: to make aliyah and return to the land of their ancestors, the Land of Israel.

(Photo courtesy of Shavei Israel)

Down through the generations and into the last century, the Bnei Menashe continued to practice Biblical Judaism and marked Passover with a number of rituals, which included the removal of any bread from their homes and refraining from its consumption during the holiday as well as offering the Passover sacrifice.

(Photo courtesy of Shavei Israel)

In addition, each village priest would recite a series of ancient prayers, such as Miriams Song, which echoed the Biblical account of the Exodus and its aftermath, describing how their ancestorsthe Bnei Menashewere redeemed from slavery in Egypt, crossed the Sea of Reeds and were guided by a pillar of fire and clouds of glory until they reached the Promised Land.

In recent decades, the Bnei Menashe have embraced contemporary Judaism and adopted its practices.
Israel Railways announced on Thursday morning that rail traffic will be significantly disrupted between 11pm on Thursday, April 6, and 5am on the following Sunday due to reinforcement work to be carried out on the tracks. All the details can be found on their website.

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The stations of Tel Aviv HaShalom, Modi'in Central, Pa'atei Modi'in, Ben Gurion Airport, Kfar Chabad and Lod Ganei Aviv will be shut down.

As a result, trains to and from the north will start and terminate their routes at Tel Aviv Savidor Central. Those to and from the south will start and terminate their trip at Lod Station or Tel Aviv HaHagana station, depending on their normal route.

Tel Aviv Savidor Central Station (Photo: Motti Kimchi)

To ease transportation to Ben Gurion Airport, Israel Railways will operate free shuttles between Tel Aviv Savidor Central station and Ben Gurion Airport and between Lod station and Ben Gurion Airport, in both directions. The timetable is available at the link above.

On Friday morning and Saturday evening, a designated and truncated travel route bypassing the Tel Aviv stations will run. Southbound trains will travel stop at the following stations: Nahariya, Acre, Haifa Stations, Binyamina, Herzliya, Bnei Brak, Lod, Kiryat Gat, Lehavim-Rahat and Be'er Sheva Stations.

Northbound trains on that route will stop at the stations of Lehavim-Rahat, Kiryat Gat, Lod, Bnei Brak, Herzliya, Binyamina, Haifa stations, Acre and Nahariya.

Passengers who have purchased weekly or monthly passes that are valid in the area affected will be eligible for reimbursement. The reimbursement to be provided is an extension of the travel validity, in accordance with the number of days in which the travel ticket was valid and the travel segment was closed. The reimbursement will be provided at automatic machines or at cashiers until May 15.
The Security Cabinet unanimously approved the establishment of a new settlement for the former residents of Amona, an illegally constructed outpost in the West Bank that was evacuated in February.

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Following the Security Cabinets decision, other government ministers were contacted by telephone to obtain their approval for the plan. This is the first time in 20 years that the government has decided to establish a new settlement.

The new settlement is to be established in the Shiloh Valley. Last month, would-be inhabitants of a hilltop location there, Geulat Zionwhich, like Amona, is illegalmade a point of rejecting Amona residents moving to the area.

Protestors at Amona evacuation (Photo: AFP)

The former residents of Amona had been growing anxious regarding their housing istuation. They had released a statement earlier in the day saying, We demand that the prime minister and the rest of the government unanimously support the establishment of a new settlement at the site chosen by the residents.

The statement added that the residents would not accept or cooperate with plans to resettle the community as part of a new neighborhood of an existing settlement.

You destroyed our homes. Now build new ones. You signed an agreement stating that by March 31 work would begin on a new community. Fulfill that agreement, the residents said.

Later in the day, the former residents tone changed upon being informed of the new settlement, which they welcomed. They released a new statement that announced, The memory of the Amona settlement will always remain in our hearts. We love you, Homeland, so we swear on this day to return to the land of Amonaus, and if not us, our sons who will rise after usone never leaves a homeland.

However, from the time when Amona was destroyed, we asked only one thing: a pioneering-Zionist mission to establish a new settlement in the Land of Israel, for us and for the entire People of Israel. Only creating a reach life of prosperity of action will serve as a cure for our pain and the pain of the public for a life that was taken.

TPS contributed to this report.

http://tpsnews.co.il/
A new exhibition in Jerusalem's National Library of Israel reveals letters, maps and documents that documented Napoleon Bonaparte's trip to Israel at the very end of the 18th century.

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The exhibition shows, among other things, a letter written to Napoleon's patron. The letter shows the first time when the idea to give the Jews their own country and military in Israel is discussed.

A Napoleon Medal (Photo: National Library of Israel)

The letter may have later been brought to Napoleon himself, right at the start of his military conquests, as it is believed that he too contemplated the idea.

Dr. Milka Levy-Rubin, a curator at the National Library, spoke about the letter's history.

"(The letter) was written by an Irishman named Thomas Corbet, a devout protestant who rebelled against England and joined the French army together with his brother William. During his service, he wrote the letter to the leader of the French Directory, who at the time was Paul Barras, Napoleon's patron.

"In the letter he details, in slightly poor French, a proposal saying 'I recommend you, Napoleon, to call on the Jewish people to join your conquest in the East, to your mission to conquer the land of Israel.'

The letter (Photo: Israel's National Library)

"It should be noted that this letter was written in February 1799, right at the time in which Napoleon ventured to Israel, and he offered him to request the Jews to join him.

"He said that they have a lot of money and would be happy to aid him, since they have been spread across the world and humiliated for 1800 years with no rights to speak of, and that nothing else can really help fix that problem aside from returning to their homeland and establishing a nation there."

A painting by Danon (Photo: National Library of Israel)

This is a letter written almost 100 years before the assembly of the first Zionist Congress. "We see another kind of Zionism here, where the proposal (for a Jewish state) came not from the Jewish side, but from the Christian one, from millennialist Protestants who believed at the time that Napoleon will herald the great change, the biblical end of days which the Jews have an important part in," said Dr. Levy-Rubin.

"To their understanding," explained the doctor, "when the Jewish people returns to Israel the end of time will come and they will themselves convert to Christianity afterwards. This is the Christian angle, but it should be noted that many Jews at the time hoped for this kind of salvation, some even seeing Napoleon as the messiah. We have information from all over Europe, not only from this letter, that Jews were willing to enlist to Napoleon's army to come rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem."

The great mystery, though, is how Napoleon reacted to the letter. "We don't know if this letter ever made its way to Napoleon. There was a manifest though, which was discovered in 1940, which was Napoleon's call to the Jews to come join his journey to Israel and become a nation like any other nation. It called them to come worship their god there, in the Temple in Jerusalem which they will rebuild."

A painting of Egyptian antiquities (Photo: National Library of Israel)

The exhibition, which was opened last week, displays several dozen original documents and letters, painting, maps, coins and other items out of the "Napoleon and his era" collection, which includes over a thousand historical items.

The collection was cataloged and scanned in detail, and will soon be accessible in the National Library's website for people around the world.

For further details on the exhibition, which will remain open until July, the National Library's website can be visited here

(Translated & edited by Lior Mor)
For those of you who think all this talk about the eclipse in August is just hype . . . think again.

Listen to me . . . its going to be amazing.

I, for one, am simply thrilled that we will be in the line of totality. What does that mean? We will be able to experience the full effect of the eclipse . . . meaning that for about two minutes, over your lunch hour, the sky will be as black as night.

And Im not the only one thats pumped up.

Plans are being made for viewing parties at the Wessels Living History Farm in York and Heritage Park in Henderson.

Bob Sautter, director of the York County Visitors Bureau, reports that hotel rooms and campground spots are already being reserved for the occasion, throughout York County, as people from around the world will be coming here to see this amazing solar event.

The visitors bureau has already purchased thousands of eclipse-watching glasses that will be given to school kids, attendees at special events and then to the general public.

I already have my glasses sitting on my desk, ready to go, thanks to a reader who sent me a pair last year when I first realized this was going to happen. Bob assured me that he will have a back-up for me, in case the other pair goes missing.

There is talk about traffic control planning, as people (besides us natives) will be converging and moving about in order to be witnesses.

Businesses are being encouraged to prepare for a surge of visitors to our area before and on Aug. 21.

Heck, some of us at the News-Times want to design T-shirts in commemoration of it all, just for fun. Some of our themes havent quite yet hit the mark (for example, I blacked out in York, Nebraska.)

But for those of you who dont think this will be a big deal . . . listen to me. Experts say this will be something you do not want to miss or dismiss.

Then again, if you are here on that day . . . well, I guess you will see for yourself, either intentionally or by accident.

This week, I received information about the upcoming phenomenon from www.eclipse2017.org. They say they are a non-profit organization founded by veteran eclipse observers to assist local governments, the media, schools, civic organizations and individual eclipse chasers in making sure everyone has a chance to take part in the celestial event.

They also provided a fact sheet that answers many questions.

For starters, they explain that a total solar eclipse is when the moon moves right in front of the sun, covering it completely for a very short time. It darkens the whole sky, lets you look right at the blacked sun (only when its completely covered, beforehand you have to wear special glasses) and shows you the beautiful corona that surrounds the sun. Stars come out, the horizon glows, the temperature drops, and day turns into night. Its one of the most beautiful things you can ever see on earth.

I cant wait.

Arent these pretty common? Well, one happens about every year or every other year, somewhere on earth. However, you have to be situated in a very narrow strip of land (the path of totality) if you want to see the total phase of the eclipse. Very few people (as a percentage of the population) have ever seen a total solar eclipse.

Im so excited to be one of those people.

So a lot of people will show up for this? Thousands will. There are literally thousands of people from all over the world who chase these things, every eclipse, no matter where. They go to the deserts of Mongolia, to cruise ships in the South Pacific, to remote areas of Indonesia and even the Antarctic to catch a fleeting glimpse of the eclipsed sun. And we get to see this one right in our back yards. You can expect there to be thousands of people from near and far who converge on the USA for this amazing spectacle.

That includes York, Nebraska.

Why all this excitement over an eclipse? If I have to explain, says the writer of the fact sheet, you wouldnt understand. If you already understand, nothing I can say will matter. Its like having kids, or riding a Harley, or being in love. It is a spiritual experience for some, an intellectual and emotional unraveling for others. But truly, it just is.

And just think, all well have to do is walk outside and take part.

Meanwhile, we have to keep in mind that there will be a lot of visitors here . . . and people within the community are starting planning efforts to accommodate a substantial crop of newcomers.

The experts say that this will be something you will tell your grandchildren about (if they arent already here to see it for themselves. In that case, they will tell their grandchildren, they say). We are talking World Series, Super Bowl, moon landing-type stuff here. This is what people remember for the rest of their lives.

OK, Im ready for Aug. 21.

Are you?
After spending the last 16 of my 29 years in the healthcare industry at Community Hospital in McCook, Nebraska, the family and I decided to take advantage of a wonderful opportunity and move back East to York.

I grew up in the Omaha area and graduated high school from Plattsmouth where my parents live today. My wife will join me full time here in York, once my son graduates from McCook High School this May. Since starting at York General this past October 27th, I have felt very welcome in the community and have been very impressed with the city of York. It is easy to realize with the community pride, the services available, the businesses present, and the leadership and citizens at work, that York is going places and has a tremendous amount of potential to build upon all its success.

York General is also a very strong and successful organization. The organization consists of York General Hospital, a 25 bed Critical Access Hospital, the Hearthstone a 129 bed Nursing Home and Skilled Nursing facility, Willow Brook, a 40 room Assisted Living facility, and the Westview Medical Building, which house such services as Home Health and Dialysis. York General as a whole has nearly 500 employees.

Our success is evidenced by our employee and patient satisfaction scores, overall quality measures, in addition to our strong financial condition. However, continuing under the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), we see access to affordable health insurance becoming a bigger challenge for the public that will in turn further compromise our ability to preserve the precious local access to quality healthcare services that many of you have grown to appreciate and expect. I do feel that York Generals size and diversity of services will allow us to persevere through these future challenges better than many other Nebraska rural hospitals, but we do need better healthcare reformand we need to take the time to do it right.

On March 24th the York News Times ran an editorial titled Obamacare Replacement Bill Will Hurt Rural America, from John Roberts, Executive Director of the Nebraska Rural Health Association. I have known John for most of my 29 years in the industry and for rural Nebraska overall he was spot on. Here are a few points that will answer how the Affordable Care Act has affected York General:

 John wrote Bad debt has risen among rural hospitals by 50 percent, leaving one in three financially vulnerable. At York General, we have been fortunate that our trend over the last 5 years for Bad Debt write offs has increased by approximately 8 percent, while Charity Care write offs have increased by 3 percent. Even though our percentages of increase have been less than 50 percent, our single digit increases still add up, as our total write offs for Bad Debt and Charity Care combined for 2016 were in excess of $1,345,000.

 York General appears to be seeing a concerning trend begin to take shape with our annualized 2017 numbers for Bad Debts and Charity Care write offs on a pace to increase by nearly 18 percent over 2016 levels. This is a sign that reform needs to happen in this area of the Affordable Care Act. Continued increases of this magnitude to our levels of Bad Debt and Charity Care will further challenge our ability to provide the multitude of services and local access to quality care here in York.

 John also writes about the growing challenges in the rural insurance markets. Under the Affordable Care Act, York General has cared for a higher percentage of patients that carried insurance coverage of some kind, whether it was Medicare, Medicaid, or other commercial insurance product. However, in the last few years we have seen fewer choices and thus less competition in the open market for insurance providers. Given our growth in Bad Debts over the recent years, we conclude that continual increases in premiums and higher out of pocket costs (largely due to high deductible plans) to patients have increased the family and individuals cost of healthcare. This higher patient cost has further challenged their ability to pay and thus has resulted in increased write offs.

 Thankfully, the Affordable Care Act, pretty well left alone the current reimbursement structure for Critical Access hospitals. John mentions the importance of continuing a reimbursement structure for Medicare that is based on the cost to provide these services. Hospitals our size and smaller are subject to essentially the same level of regulations and the growing cost of compliance as much larger hospitals, but we do not have the volume of patients and revenue generated to offset the additional costs involved.

John concludes his article by writing that Congress needs to slow down and get this right instead of rushing to replace the Affordable Care Act The proposed replacement for the Affordable Care Act is a legislative bill known as the American Health Care Act. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) recently reviewed and estimated that under this bill 14 million more people would be uninsured in fiscal year 2018. Overall, nearly 24 million people would lose coverage over the next 10 years, CBO estimated. This would have a significant impact on the health of those individuals. The bill also would reduce Medicaid program funding by $880 billion over 10 years. I agree with John and was happy to see the Republicans pull the American Healthcare Act due to lack of supporting votes last Friday. We want to be at the table, with our Congressional Leaders to provide input on healthcare reform that will help to preserve the precious local access to quality care in rural America, and not on the menu.

James P. Ulrich, Jr.

Chief Executive Officer

York General
YORK  A lengthy criminal history that includes repeated thefts and getting caught with a stolen vehicle in York County has led to a 54-year-old Lincoln man being sent to prison again.

Virgil L. Johnson pleaded guilty to theft by receiving stolen property, a Class 4 felony, and this week he was brought back to District Court for sentencing.

According to court documents and the factual basis proceedings provided by the county attorneys office, two troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol were on Interstate 80 when they saw a reckless driver. They said the driver cut off several motorists and he was going 88 mph.

A traffic stop was initiated and Johnson, the driver, couldnt produce registration or licensing for the vehicle.

They then learned that this particular vehicle had been stolen in Lincoln.

It appears he wants a straight sentence and I couldnt agree more, said York County Attorney Candace Bottorf. His criminal history is very bad. There was no good reason for him to take that vehicle. And due to his record, I am asking for the maximum prison sentence that is allowable, which is two years.

York County Public Defender Nancy Waldron told the court her client does not want probation.

You have an extensive record that goes back to 1982, Judge James Stecker said to Johnson. You have had 20 thefts including a robbery. In light of you not wanting probation and your criminal record, you are not fit for probation. Incarceration is necessary to protect the public.

Johnson was sentenced to two years in prison, to be followed by 12 months of post-release supervision.
Internet addiction high among undergrads

A significant number of Nepali undergraduate students are found to be suffering from sleeping disorders due to their addiction to internet, according to a recent study.
LINCOLN  A bill that would create much longer prison sentences for people who buy and sell sex in Nebraska cleared its first major hurdle in the Legislature Wednesday, but lawmakers say it needs much more work.

Senators voted 42-0 to give first-round approval to a measure that could result in life sentences for people who force children into prostitution and prison sentences for other sex trafficking crimes that now carry no minimum penalties.

When you consider the horrors of this crime, probation is nothing more than a slap on the wrist, said Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks of Lincoln, the bills sponsor.

Under the bill, pandering, trafficking of an adult and soliciting a trafficked adult, all of which have no minimum penalty now, would be subject to a minimum of one year and maximum of 50 years in prison. Trafficking of an adult with force would result in a minimum of three years in prison, and any sex trafficking of a minor, including solicitation, would come with a minimum prison sentence of five years and maximum of 50. Trafficking of a minor between age 16 and 19 with force or of a minor younger than 16 would result in a maximum life sentence and minimum 20 years

Nebraskas good time law automatically cuts sentences in half, meaning people sentenced to one year in prison would serve six months before theyre eligible for parole, provided they behave in prison. Because of that law, the bill in effect creates mandatory minimum sentences, lawmakers argued.

The Legislature has done a lot in the past few years to reform sentencing and reduce prison overcrowding, and increasing penalties for sex traffickers doesnt fit with its efforts to overhaul the state prison system, said Sen. Burke Harr of Omaha.

Who wants to stand up for someone who does sex trafficking? Not me, Harr said. But this is about the principle.

Pansing Brooks, who has supported sentencing reform for nonviolent offenders, said she didnt make decisions about increasing penalties for sex traffickers lightly. But sex trafficking is a particularly heinous crime, she said, noting lawmakers heard stories about women and girls who had been beaten and in one instance raped with a hot curling iron for not pleasing their traffickers.

We are trying to solve prison overcrowding, but to do it on the backs of children who are being abused and tortured? Thats wrong, she said.

About 900 people are sold for sex each month in Nebraska, according to a report from the Human Trafficking Initiative. Creighton University researchers who analyzed postings on a Craigslist-like website used to sell sex determined nearly three-quarters of the posts showed signs that the individuals sold were underage or were being controlled by a third party.

Researchers found nearly half of the sex workers advertised on the website moved across state lines, and there were advertisements for every community along Interstate 80 in Nebraska. And although black people make up just 5 percent of Nebraskas population, black women were in about half of the ads.

All victims of trafficking are slaves, said Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue. Slavery was not abolished. This is slavery now.

Combatting human trafficking is a top priority for state Attorney General Doug Peterson, who worked with Pansing Brooks on the bill. Lawmakers in recent years have approved legislation that allows victims to sue traffickers and provide legal immunity to adult trafficking victims caught working as prostitutes.

Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha said Peterson and lawmakers want to appear tough on whatever crimes have gained attention. He said current responses to sex trafficking remind him of harsh sentences created for crack cocaine in the 80s.

Whatever the fad of the day is what will lead people to jump on the bandwagon, Chambers said. Sen Pansing Brooks just hitched her wagon to a bad horse.

The bill also would allow rape survivors to block their rapists from gaining custody or visitation rights to children conceived through sexual assault and prohibit domestic abusers from purchasing or possessing guns. It would provide protection orders for sexual assault survivors and let victims of domestic violence renew protection orders against their abusers.
YORK  As members of the York County Development Corporation took a retrospective look at 2016, there were several big things to note: York County was named a Livestock Friendly County; the City of York was named as Community of the Year by the Nebraska Diplomats; YCDC was a member of the Nebraska team at the FabTech Trade Show; new companies joined the York community; and more.

The YCDC membership held its annual meeting this week, taking a look at successes in the past year and toward goals for the future.

As outlined, YCDC staff and leaders worked on 45 projects for business expansions, business successions, business recruitment and housing.

Joining the roster of York businesses (that were assisted by YCDC through the process) were Pellet Technology USA ($40 million investment and 40 jobs); McCarthy Holthus LLP (25 jobs to start); and Levanders Body Shop (five jobs).

Also in 2016, 30 business visitation surveys were completed; surveys were done regarding workforce and housing; site identification work was ongoing; YCDC worked with the city on a due diligence and master plan for a new city industrial park; and a target industrial study was updated by the YCDC and NPPD.

The keynote speaker for this years YCDC meeting was Lt. Governor Mike Foley, who called the greater York community progressive, business-minded, and forward thinking.

Foley also took the opportunity to tell the local business leaders that he and Governor Pete Ricketts continue to be committed toward finding tax relief.

He noted the downturn in the farming economy in Nebraska  with ag net incomes dropping from $7.5 billion (as seen four years ago) to $4.5 billion right now.

We all knew that this would ripple through the economy and it has, Foley told the group. The legislature has heavy lifting to do as they will have to make cuts. We have to cut back. The budget will dominate the session.

And the governor is deeply concerned about tax burdens on farmers and businesses, Foley continued. Nebraska is the eighth worst state in property tax burden  what we hear over and over is fix the property tax burden, it is killing us. Also, income taxes are hurting us. We are competing head to head with states that have no income taxes. We have to address this.

He also touched on the governors plan to change the formula for determining property taxes for ag land.

Nebraska needs to scrap sales comparison valuation as this is hurting a lot of farmers, Lt. Governor Foley said. High valuations and low commodity prices, thats a bad combination.

The ag sector will turn around, it always does, but again, there will still be heavy lifting for the legislature until then, Foley concluded.

Following Foley was a presentation by Shannon Legg, York plant manager for Pellet Technology USA, who talked about the new business endeavor. He explained the value-added nature of their business  by breaking down stalks and stover, adding energy and value to a new product.

He also noted that farmers who sell off their stover are getting $42 an acre that they wouldnt have gotten before  which is especially important during a time when commodity prices are low.

The plant in York will produce 200,000 tons of pellets per year.

Tony North became the new president of the organization, following a two-year stint of leadership by Kelly Kadavy.

Kadavy thanked members for their participation in YCDC, and noted that private membership (of businesses, besides municipal support) has steadily grown over the past few years. He also encouraged members to educate more people about economic development  to encourage others to get involved in YCDC toward the growth of the community.

He just made a great point about marketing, North said. We need to help the public know what YCDC is doing and how to get involved. I also want to note that what Lt. Governor Foley said was true  we are a progressive area. We are on the states radar. We have a lot of good things going on here. We have a great business climate. There is no limit to what we can accomplish. The coming years are going to be pretty exciting.
Dobra, k. Szczecina 900 m2

40 miejsc parkingowych



Atut: Dodatkowe dochody z paczkomatow InPostu, a juz niedugo i z myjni samoobsugowej.



Tradycyjny zakup nieruchomosci, mozliwosc wykupienia uzytkowania wieczystego.
Manjeev Singh calls on Foreign Minister Mahat

India's new ambassador to Nepal, Manjeev Singh Puri, today paid a courtesy call on Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat at latter's office.
Un apel din suflet pentru sapte fiinte inghetate

Dragi OAMENI, azi dimineata (nu.n ieri,7 noiembrie) la Bughea de Sus, o familie formata din 7 persoane era sa arda in casa. Din fericire , nici copiii si nici cei patru adulti nu au avut de suferit fizic , reusind sa iasa la timp din casa in flacari. Dar, din pacate aproape toate bunurile agonisite [citeste mai departe]
Stiri pe aceeasi tema

- Prince Radu participated, on Monday, in the final events of the "King's Gambit" chess tournament and awarded the participating pupils. Fii la curent cu cele mai noi stiri. Urmareste stiripesurse.ro pe Facebook stiripesurse.ro  Help your friends know more about Romania!

- In cadrul discutiilor cu presedintele rus Vladimir Putin s-a convenit ca Turciei sa fie un hub de gaze naturale, a declarat miercuri presedintele Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Fii la curent cu cele mai noi stiri. Urmareste stiripesurse.ro pe Facebook stiripesurse.ro  NEWSLETTER 

- In addressing the young athletes, swimming champions, who came for the first time to the Elisabeta Palace, on Monday, Prince Radu told them that they are a "very beautiful example" for the entire Romanian society. Fii la curent cu cele mai noi stiri. Urmareste stiripesurse.ro pe Facebook

- The Alternosfera band will meet its fans in a unique event, to be held on Thursday at the Romanian National Opera in Bucharest, before the first concert from a series of shows to take place under the name "Theatroll/Corbul Troian" [Trojan Raven], informs a press release sent to AGERPRES. Fii

- Prince Radu participated, on Thursday evening, in the Royal Afternoon event dedicated to Romanian economic ties, organized, for the second consecutive year, by the RSM Romania company, specialized in audit, tax and consulting services, informed the Royal Family of Romania, in a Facebook post.

- Russia announced on Thursday that it was ordering a Romanian diplomatic out of the country in response to a recent expulsion by Bucharest, according to RFE/RL. Romanian authorities expelled a Russian diplomat last month, citing a breach of international norms, and Russias Foreign Ministry confirmed

- The day of September 1 marks 145 years since the appointment of the first Jewish officer in the Romanian Army, the moment being marked, on Thursday, in the Constitution Square of Bucharest, by a ceremony attended by members of the Government, the President of the Constitutional Court, but also personalities

- UNICEF representative to Romania Anna Riatti, speaking on Thursday at a press conference delivered together with UNHCR representative Pablo Zapata and Bucharest City Deputy Mayor Horia Tomescu on the occasion of the opening of the Kogalniceanu 'Blue Dot' support center in Bucharest dedicated both
Stiri pe aceeasi tema

- Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church emphasized, on Thursday, at the Feast of St Pious Demetrius the New, Protector of Bucharest, that the saints, who bring peace to the soul, are also intercessors before the Most Holy Trinity for peace between peoples, told Agerpres.

- The first field stage of the project called "Romania Student Tour - national programme to rediscover and promote Romania's cultural and natural heritage" will take place between 27 and 30 October, being organised by the Students' House of Culture, under the aegis of the Ministry of Family, Youth

- The Minister of Culture, Lucian Romascanu, informs that he has signed the contract for the purchase of two coins of an exceptional value for the national historical heritage. Fii la curent cu cele mai noi stiri. Urmareste stiripesurse.ro pe Facebook stiripesurse.ro  Help

- Casa de Cultura a Studentilor din Timisoara implineste anul acesta 65 de ani de existenta si activitate continua, pastrand de-a lungul timpului aceeasi menire: de a contribui la educatia non formala a tinerilor. In toate formele de manifestari cultural artistice si educative pe care le organizeaza,

- Spre deosebire de Romania, care a abandonat mostenirea regala de la malul Marii Negre, autoritatile bulgare au facut din Castelul Reginei Maria de la Balcic una dintre principalele atractii turistice.

- MP Biro Rozalia of the Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania (UDMR), chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Romanian Chamber of Deputies, told a news conference in Oradea on Wednesday that Romania wants to help Ukraine protect the cultural heritage affected by the war. Fii la curent

- In cadrul Galeriei de Arta din corpul A al Universitatii "Stefan cel Mare " din Suceava (USV), joi seara a avut loc vernisajul expozitiei de pictura purtand semnatura artistului plastic Roman Dimitrie. Expozitia s-a inscris in cadrul evenimentelor derulate la USV in timpul Conferintei ...

- Minister of Foreign Affairs Bogdan Aurescu will be paying a visit to Prague on Thursday, at the invitation of his counterpart, Jan Lipavsky, in the context of the Czech Republic holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU, informs a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) sent
NC leader murdered; Khalanga shut in protest

A Nepali Congress leader was murdered in Khalanga, the district headquarters of Jajarkot, on Tuesday evening.
New York: US' Permanent Representative to the United Nations Nikki Haley claimed on Wednesday that her mother was not allowed to be a judge in India because she was a woman.

Responding to a question regarding the role of women at a meeting of the Council on Foreign Relations, Haley said, "When you didn`t have a lot of education in India, my mother actually was able to go to law school. And she was actually put up to be one of the first female judges in India, but because of the situation with women she wasn`t allowed to sit on the bench."

"But how amazing for her to watch her daughter become governor of South Carolina and US ambassador to the UN," she added.

However, it is to be noted that women have been judges in India since at least 1937.

Haley`s parents, Ajit Singh and Raj Kaur Randhawa, reportedly emigrated from India in the 1960s. Raj Kaur Randhawa studied Law at the University of Delhi. But more than two decades earlier a woman, Anna Chandy, had become a judge in Travancore in pre-Independence India.

Chandy was promoted to District Judge in 1948, the year after Independence, and became a High Court judge in 1959. Chandy was able to sit on the bench and function as a judge all through -- years before Haley`s parents left India.

UN Ambassador is a cabinet-level position in the US and Haley is the first Indian-American to reach that position. A Republican, she was the elected Governor of South Carolina state in 2010.

(With IANS inputs)
Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday expressed concern over the safety of 'Jinnah House' located in Mumbai and said India should show respect towards it, days after a BJP MLA demanded that the building be demolished.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Nafees Zakaria, at his weekly briefing, said, "We have clarified our position on the Jinnah House matter to the Indian government."

He expressed concern over the safety of 'Jinnah House', the residence of Pakistan's founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah in south Mumbai, after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Mangal Prabhat

Lodha last week demanded that the building be demolished and a cultural centre built in its place.

Zakaria said that the Indian government should realise the importance of the building and show respect towards it.

Lodha, speaking in Maharashtra's Legislative Assembly on the budgetary demands of the Public Works Department (PWD), said, "The Jinnah residence in south Mumbai was the place from where the conspiracy of partition was hatched."

"Jinnah House is a symbol of the partition. The structure should be demolished," he had said.

The grand house built by Jinnah is located in Malabar Hill area in south Mumbai.
Tokyo: Japanese carmaker Toyota on Thursday issued a global recall of 2.9 million vehicles over a possible defect in their airbags, company officials said.

The move will affect around 750,000 vehicles sold in Japan, 650,000 in China, 350,000 in Europe, and 1,160,000 in other parts of the world. The vehicles include the RAV4, Yaris, Alphard/Vellfire and Auris models.

The fresh recall comes after consultations between Toyota and various national regulatory authorities, and the investigation carried out by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the US, company officials told Efe news.

The recall order, however, will not affect the US, where over 42 million vehicles have already been recalled over the defective airbags.

The fault, detected in 2014, involves defective inflators in the airbags, which might prevent them from working properly in the event of a crash.

Faulty airbag inflators have been linked to at least 15 deaths throughout the world, 11 of them in the US.
Rajgir: Pankaj Mohan, the interim vice-chancellor of Nalanda International University, on Wednesday tendered his resignation following alleged incidents of sexual assault by two students, one of whom was suspended.

As per the university's media in-charge Smita Polite, while one student was suspended on the charge of sexually harassing fellow students, another was shifted to a different hostel.

She added that the authorities had received a complaint against the two a month back and an action was taken against them following the set procedure.

An Internal Complaint Committee investigated the matter and submitted its report on March 20.

After following the norms and approval of the Chancellor, one student was suspended on Wednesday and another shifted out of his hostel on Tuesday, she said.

Earlier, a group of students of the university staged a protest in front of Vice-Chancellor's office, alleging that the authorities were not taking action against the two accused students though the complaint was lodged a month back.

Superintendent of Police of Nalanda Kumar Ashish said he intervened and took a delegation for talks with the VC after which the stir was called off.

After going through the details of the complaints, he asked the university authorities to register a FIR against the student, who has been suspended. He was also accused of sending threat mails to classmates.

Meanwhile, late last evening, the interim vice-chancellor resigned owning "moral responsibility".

In a letter to Chancellor Vijay Bhatkar, Mohan wrote, "Dear members of Nalanda University Community, I express my sincere apology to the members of Nalanda University Community for my inability to uphold their trust. I take moral responsibility for the problems that the University experienced in the last three days".

"I have relinquished all the administrative positions and I have also advised the Chancellor to institute an inquiry into the period of my term as Interim Vice Chancellor. If I am found guilty of any willful error I will quit the university," he wrote.

Bhatkar, the man behind India`s first supercomputer-- the Param series-- was appointed as the chancellor of Nalanda International University last month.

Based on the vision of former president APJ Abdul Kalam, the Nalanda International University came into existence on 25 November 2010 in Bihar's Nalanda district. The first academic session of the university started on September 01, 2014.

(With PTI inputs)
Bengaluru: Apple Inc will be ready to start asembling high-end iPhones in the city in less than a month to boost its chances of gaining a foothold in the fast growing Indian market,Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge said on .

"In less than a month, we will have something out - Apple will start assembling and making its high-end iPhones at its plant in the city. Taiwanese contract manufacturer Wistron Corp will help Apple in doing so," he told PTI here.

Kharge said making iPhones in India would help Apple lower prices, which will help it gain a foothold in the fast growing Indian market.

"Assembling and making of iPhones in Bengaluru will boost Apple's chances of gaining a foothold in the fast growing Indian market because it will allow the company to lower prices," he said.

Karnataka government has been in talks with the Centre for strengthening the ecosystem even as Apple is negotiating with it for its next level of production in India, he said.

Apple wants to bring its component manufacturers to India to make parts and export finished phones and is seeking tax concessions on import of key components. However the Indian government has rejected most of the demands of the US company.

Kharge said if the Centre was keen on taking on China, it should not give special treatment to Apple alone, but to other players, including Samsung and Lenova, if they are desirous of opening a manufacturing units in India, especially Karnataka.

"My position with the central government has been don't give special treatment to Apple alone, but treat other players equally. Open the entire eco-system for high-end manufacturing of electoronics if you really want to compete with China and Taiwan," he said.

Kharge said government should also give companies, including Apple, certain timelines, subsidies and incentives to create a level-playing field for them.

"The government should give companies a timeline, say in 10 years they should be able to manufacture 100 per cent of phones and its components by procuring them from the local market. Such a timeline should be given because we don't have that environment now," he said.

"The government should also give companies subsidies and incentives to create a level-playing field for them to strengthen the Indian eco-system," Kharge said.

Asked about the Stayzilla case, whose co-founder Yogendra Vasupal was arrested for alleged non-payment of dues filed by a Chennai based advertisement agency, Kharge said it should be a learning curve for startups to work under the parameters of the Indian legal system.

Vasupal was arrested on March 15.
New Delhi: Days after Bawana MLA Ved Parkash quit the AAP, another party legislator aired his dissatisfaction today, cautioning Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal against "sycophants".

In a series of tweets, AAP's Janakpuri MLA Rajesh Rishi quoted couplets saying a regime nears its end if one relies on sycophants and tagged Kejriwal. Rishi later deleted the tweets.

The development left the ruling AAP embarrassed as it is in the middle of preparations to contest its first civic polls in Delhi on April 23 after the disappointing performance in Punjab and Goa.

The party tried to control the damage, claiming that everything is fine between the leadership and the MLA.

Despite repeated attempts, the Jankapuri MLA could not be contacted. His office said, Rishi has been away since morning.

Party sources indicated that ticket distribution in the MCD polls could be the reason behind Rishi's outburst.

AAP's Bawana MLA had quit the party early this week, launching on attack on the Delhi government. He was also learnt to have been upset with the party over ticket distribution. AAP has 65 MLAs in the 70-member Assembly.

Rishi was in news after his brother was arrested for assaulting a women last month.

Interestingly, the party had fielded Rishi, along with other Poorvanchali MLAs, to take on Delhi BJP President Manoj Tiwari when note ban was announced.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Thursday rejected a plea of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia seeking a stay of trial court proceedings in a criminal defamation complaint filed by an advocate.



But Justice I.S. Mehta allowed the plea of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders seeking exemption from personal appearance before the trial court on April 6.



The court's direction were issued while hearing a defamation complaint filed by an advocate, Surender Kumar Sharma.



Sharma alleged that in 2013 the AAP asked him to contest the Delhi assembly election on the party ticket, saying Kejriwal was pleased with his social work. But it did not field him.



On October 14, 2013, Sharma claimed, articles in leading newspapers carried "defamatory, unlawful and derogatory words used by the accused" which lowered his reputation.



Sharma has also accused now Swaraj India chief Yogendra Yadav, who was a member of the National Executive of the AAP till 2015.


New Delhi: The Patiala House court on Thursday asked all the nine Jawaharlal Nehru Universitu (JNU) students to appear before it and record their consent or refusal to undergo the lie detector test in a case relating to missing Najeeb Ahmed.

The chief metropolitan magistrate has fixed April 6 as next date of hearing and has asked all nine students to appear on the date.

Earlier, the court had said that it will decide on Thursday whether nine JNU students can be asked by Delhi Police to give their consent for lie detector test.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Sumit Dass, who was scheduled to pass the order, had deferred the matter saying that the order was not ready.

The court had on March 15 reserved its order after the counsel appearing for the students submitted that the "lie detector test is unconstitutional and illegal unless it is voluntary".

Earlier, the Delhi Police had issued notice to the students and asked them to appear before it for a lie-detector test.

After receiving the summons, as many as nine students had opposed the police`s move.

Earlier in February, the Delhi Police was pulled up by the Delhi High Court over their slow progress in the case and was asked to explore other prospects of probe like polygraph test of other persons connected with the disappearance of Ahmed as all other leads in this case have not yielded any good result.

The High Court was hearing an application by one of the nine students, who are suspects in the case, seeking recall of the High Court`s order dated December 14 and December 22, 2016.

The application had alleged that by means of these two orders, the court was regulating the manner of investigation which was prejudicing the probe and violating their rights under Articles 21 and 22 of the Constitution.

The applicant had also challenged a notice issued to him by the Delhi Police to appear before the trial court on Friday to give consent for lie-detector test.

The Delhi Government`s counsel opposed the application, stating that the same student had moved a similar plea through another lawyer earlier and the High Court on January 23 disposed it off by asking the student to come forward.

Earlier, the Delhi Police had conveyed to the high court that it has not been able to carry out lie-detector tests on nine "suspect" students, as none of them responded despite multiple notices.

A habeas corpus plea was moved by Najeeb`s mother, Fatima Nafees, who sought direction to trace her son who has been missing since the intervening night of October 14-15. Najeeb, 27, a first year M.Sc. student, went missing from his JNU hostel, allegedly after a row with members of RSS student wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday described Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as "power greedy" and accused it of looting the citizens of Delhi.

Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari told ANI, "The AAP government is just greedy for power. The citizens of Delhi had given a majority to AAP with lots of hopes, but in return, the former has looted the citizens of Delhi."

Tiwari further asserted that the citizens of Delhi are still facing severe water scarcity problem inspite of promises made to improve water supply by the AAP.

"The citizens of Delhi are still suffering because of shortage of water. The AAP Government has used 97 crores for the publicity outside Delhi," he added.

Resonating similar views, another BJP leader R.P. Singh accused the AAP Government of misusing public funds for their personal benefit.

"The AAP Government diverted Rs 90 crores from the building construction workers welfare fund for their personal benefits. They used that money in others states," Singh told ANI.

Singh further asserted that a very strong comment came on this from the Supreme Court and we hope that all the money will be recovered from AAP.

On April 22, Delhi will elect the 272 members of its municipal corporation. The municipal corporation, presently governed by the BJP, decides crucial matters such as health and sanitation.
New Delhi: TRAI has rejected the Telecom Commission's contention of free offers by Reliance Jio playing havoc on finances of telecom companies saying its policies are aimed at promoting competition and lower tariffs that benefit consumers.

The government, it emphasised, should not look at the sector and policy governing it through the prism of revenue maximisation.

In a three-page letter, the telecom sector regulator highlighted that affordable services and consumer interest are key elements of the National Telecom Policy 2012 which "surprisingly appear to have been overlooked".

At the same time, it has said, that maximisation of the government revenue, which is not one of the objectives of NTP has been given centre stage by the Telecom Commission in its letter dated February 23, 2017.

"This is surprising since it is widely accepted that consumer interest is critical to good regulation and the same cannot be substituted by revenue maximisation," it has said.

Disagreeing with the Commission's suggestion that the regulator has not implemented its own decision and directions on promo offers in letter and spirit, the authority pointed out that while examining the free offers, it had also sought a formal legal opinion from the Attorney General of India.

TRAI asserted that the tariff regulatory regime established by it has since 1999 has promoted competition in the sector and facilitated all operators, including newcomers, to offer competitive tariffs to consumers.

TRAI has rued that ignoring these aspects and relying only on revenue data for a few quarters, the Commission has concluded that the regime needs revisiting.

This, it said, has been argued to be in the larger interest of the government revenue, without dwelling into the benefits accruing to consumers on account of lower tariffs and its positive impact on the overall economy.

Rejecting the commission's contention linking lower tariffs to the poor financial health of the sector, TRAI said that this approach is "inconsistent" with the principles of public policy and canons of public economics.

Therefore, it said that the objectives of telecom policy should not be viewed only through the lens of maximisation of government revenue from the telecom services sector.

It further said that tariff and impact on government revenue also need to be seen in the larger context of Digital India programme and affordable data connectivity.

TRAI said that the measures taken by it to facilitate competition have not only significantly contributed towards growth of the sector but resulted in data tariff reduction, thus benefitting customers.

TRAI in its letter to Telecom Secretary P K Pujari has also drawn attention of the government to its past recommendations and specifically to its suggestion of allowing spectrum as collateral could relieve stress of telecom and banking sectors.

Recommendations such as these and others pertaining to methodology for estimation of revenue for levying licence fee and spectrum usage charges and increased duration and instalments for payment of spectrum fee, would go a long way in addressing the concerns of the sector, it added.

The Telecom Commission, the highest policy making body of the sector, has warned of a loan default by operators and asked regulator TRAI to revisit its tariff orders and free promotional offers of firms like Reliance Jio.

The then Telecom Secretary J S Deepak, who at that time headed the Telecom Commission, on February 23 wrote to TRAI Chairman R S Sharma about the "serious impact" of the promotional offers on the financial health of the sector and the capability of the companies to meet their contractual commitments, including payment of instalments for spectrum purchased, and repayment of loans.
Need for consensus grows as date for polls draws closer

The country is set to vote on May 14 to elect representatives at 744 local units to fill the democratic deficit that has plagued local development works for the last two decades.
New Delhi: Stamping and tagging of the hand baggage of fliers at seven major airports, including Delhi and Mumbai, will be done away with from April 1, the CISF said on Thursday.

The other airports which will see the new system of baggage security coming in include the ones in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Cochin and Ahmedabad.

"The system of stamping and putting tags on the hand baggage of fliers will be dispensed with from April 1 at seven airports. We have put in place the required security systems that will help us in ushering in this passenger-friendly move," CISF Director General O P Singh told PTI.

The move, the CISF chief said, will enhance "passenger experience and provide hassle free security environment to them".

The move was earlier announced by the aviation security regulator, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), but the Central Industrial Security Force wanted to deploy appropriate security infrastructure before such a regime could be ushered in without any compromise on the security aspect at these sensitive facilities.

Singh said his personnel have been updated about the new protocol and that he himself had seen the preparations made in this regard at the Bengaluru airport yesterday.
Bengaluru: The SSLC exams kicked off in Karnataka from Thursday with around 8.77 lakh students appearing across 2,770 examination centers.

As per Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board director Yashoda Bopanna and Department of Public Instruction Commissioner Sowjanya, out of 8.77 lakh students, 4.69 lakh are boys while 4.07 lakh are girls.

In the wake of increased pressure from students, parents and the general public, the KSEEB has decided to allow students, who arrive even 15 minutes late (till 9:45 am), inside the exam hall.

To ensure that students and teachers do not face any difficulties in conducting the SSLC examination, the board has set up a helpline number. One can dial 080-23310075, 76 till 2.30 pm.

However, as per revised examination patterns, students will be provided with the question and answer scripts separately. Till last year, students could not take the question papers back home. But from this year, they can," an officer told the Deccan Chronicle.

Security measures have been heightened and the Karnataka Secured Examination System has been introduced to the SSLC exams as well. 40 CCTV cameras have been installed at the KSEEB office. Cameras at 30 district treasuries and four sub-treasuries will be monitored 24x7 from KSEEB," officials told Deccan Chronicle.

More than 2,000 government schools and aided schools are hosting the exams.


New Delhi: Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Uma Bharti on Tuesday suggested formation of a joint group between India and Bavaria - a state in southeastern Germany - to identify areas of co-operation in water sector.

This was stated that by the Union Minister, when Germanys Bavarian Minister Ulrike Scharf called on her in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Both the leaders discussed various others probable areas of co-operation in water resources sector, including the Namami Gange programme.

Bavaria is one of the federal states of Germany and has an experience of successfully cleaning river Danube there, according to a Union Water Resources Ministry statement.

Bharti said Bavaria has a rich experience of successfully cleaning Danube and India may benefit from their experience. Bharti gave an overview of Namami Gange programme to her and sought cooperation for the same, the statement said.

The visiting leader responded stating Bavaria would like to exchange its experience and knowledge in the sector with India.

Ms Scharf, while appreciating the work of Union Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, also extended an invitation to Uma to visit Bavaria.

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday said it is important to identify the stone pelters in Budgam and prosecute them on charges of terrorism.

"It is important to identify those throwing stones. They should be prosecuted on a terrorism-related offence, not for throwing stones as they are helping terrorists. It is also needed to keep a tab on the social media. We should think about it," BJP leader R.K. Singh told ANI.

Singh described it as a diabolical move and claimed people are being paid to carry out such operations in the valley.

"Clearly, the ISI is behind this and their supporters are in India. With their help, they organise these things. Separatists are also involved in this," he said.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said the recent Budgam encounter should be taken seriously adding that a thorough investigation is needed in this matter.

"If they are taking money to do this, then, this is a very serious situation. This is not only an anti-national issue, but an attempt to submerge our nation, our democracy. Naturally, we should take action on this issue," he said.

Recently, three stone pelters were killed in retaliatory firing by security forces in Budgam.

At least 17 stone pelters were injured in the firing by forces.

The security forces had launched a search operation following a tipoff about the presence of terrorists, which then became an encounter.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has made a fervent appeal to locals of the valley not to obstruct security forces while they are combat terrorists.

Sources have held Pakistan responsible for the Budgam violence.
New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a contract with the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) to provide 32 advanced light helicopter Dhruv (ALH-Dhruv), said an official release on Thursday.



Of the 32 helicopters to be built by HAL, 16 each would be shared by both the services.



The Rs 8,000-crore deal includes Performance-based Logistics (PBL) support for five years for 16 helicopters for the ICG.



Speaking on the deal, T. Suvarna Raju, Chairman and Managing Director, HAL, said: "The PBL is the purchase of logistics support as an integrated, affordable, performance package designed to optimise system readiness and meet performance goals for the product through long-term support arrangements with clear lines of authority and responsibility."



The contracts were signed by V. Natarajan, General Manager (Helicopter Division), HAL, and Jayant Sinha, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence, here on Wednesday.



As per the PBL contract, the responsibility for the maintenance will be with HAL and it will have to ensure the fleet availability.



The services in the past have blamed the lower availability of the aircraft to the inadequate support from the manufacturers.



The PBL envisages rewards or penalties based on the performance.



The indigenously designed and developed ALH-DHRUV is a twin-engine, multi-role, multi-mission new generation helicopter.


Washington: A Sikh doctor in the US has received death threats from an anonymous caller in Indiana amid a series of hate crime incidents against Indian- Americans.

Amandeep Singh, a general internist at Monroe Hospital in Indiana, recently received the death threat through a text message on his cell phone by the unknown individual who claimed to have murdered the number's previous owner, community leaders said.

"The subject then indicated that Singh was next," Indianapolis-based Sikhs Political Action Committee (SPAC) said in a statement.

Bloomington Police found that the phone's owner was alive and that the number had been hacked by a third party.

Singh said the local police was currently treating the incident as a racially motivated hoax.

Singh has been living and working in the US since 2003 after graduating from a medical school in India. He moved to Indiana three years ago to pursue an administrative position at Monroe Hospital.

"This is one of several similar threats against Sikhs in Indiana in the last week including one incident which involved a handgun," PAC chairman Gurinder Singh Khalsa claimed.

He said that they have also received reports from a number of Sikh business owners of vandalism and intimidation.

The committee is currently working with Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill to address widespread harassment and violence against Sikhs in Indiana.

"American society has no place for this type of violence," Khalsa added.

There have been a series of hate crime incidents against Indian-Americans. Weeks ago, Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla was killed when a US Navy veteran opened fire at him and his friend before yelling "get out of my country" in Kansas.

Earlier this month, a 39-year-old Sikh man was shot in his driveway in Washington state. The gunman had reportedly told the man to "go back to your own country" before pulling the trigger.
Kuala Lumpur/New Delhi: The five-day state visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, his third to India as Prime Minister, will see both sides discuss projects worth $5 billion as well as hold discussions on infrastructure, defence cooperation, air services arrangements, tourism and cultural relations.



Prime Minister Najib, who arrived in Chennai earlier in the day, said in his blog that the friendship between India and Malaysia extends beyond the formalities.



"My visit to India couldn't have come at a more appropriate time. Our ties with India go way back. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Malaysia-India diplomatic relations, therefore marking the significance of the friendship between the two nations.



"Uniquely, India has contributed to the demographics of the Malaysia we see today. The Indian community makes up the third largest ethnic group in Malaysia and many Indian Malaysians still have family relations in India. We are quite literally connected to each other," he said in an entry on his blog www.najibrazak.com.



According to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement in Malaysia, the issues expected to be discussed during the bilateral meeting between the two sides include trade and investment, infrastructure projects, defence cooperation, air services arrangements, tourism and culture relations as well as issues of mutual concern on regional and international cooperation. Several Government-to-Government memoranda of understanding and documents are set to be signed and exchanged during the visit. The exchange of the documents will be witnessed by both Prime Minister Najib and Prime Minister Narendra Modi



At a briefing in New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the Malaysian Prime Minister's visit follows the highly successful visit of Prime Minister Modi to Malaysia in November 2015.



Jaideep Mazumdar, Joint Secretary (South) in the MEA, said business deals will be discussed during the visit. "In all, the projects that will be under the discussion during the entire visit could amount to $5 billion."



Prime Minister Najib is visiting India between March 30-April 4 and is accompanied by his spouse Rosmah Mansour.



Besides the bilateral talks, the Malaysian Prime Minister will be holding dialogue sessions with leaders and captains of industries from major business sectors in India. He is also expected to attend a business luncheon and the 7th Global Science and Innovation Advisory Council Meeting (GSIAC).



In Chennai, his programme includes official reception hosted by the Acting Governor of Tamil Nadu, Vidhyasagar Rao and a meeting with the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Edappadi Palaniswami. He will also hold a dialogue session with the Malaysian community, including the students, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement said.



He will travel to Jaipur later to oversee Malaysia's participation in India's infrastructure projects. He is scheduled to meet with the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Vasundhara Raje, and attend a high level discussion on the progress of Malaysian companies in infrastructure projects in Jaipur.



On the last day of the visit, the Prime Minister will also officiate the newly completed complex of the High Commission of Malaysia in New Delhi.



On the Jaipur leg of his visit, the MEA official said, "Malaysia has bid for several roads projects in Rajasthan totally about $1.2 to $1.4 billion."



Calling the bilateral relations as 'quite significant economic relations', Jaideep said, "The Malaysian investment to India are to the tune of about $6 billion and additional $ 6 billion worth of projects have been executed in India. Our own investment in Malaysia are about $ 2.5 billion."



Prime Minister Najib is accompanied by a large business delegation consisting of many of the top companies and businessmen of Malaysia.



Calling the cooperation between the two countries on counter-terrorism as "robust", Mazumdar said that a very real time exchange of information happens between the agencies on both sides.



Malaysia is home to 2.7 million people of Indian origin with a large majority of Tamil origin.



The Malaysian Prime Minister would arrive in Delhi on Friday and would be accorded a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday.



In his blog, Prime Minister Najib said that since his last visit to India in 2010, Malaysia-India relations has flourished and blossomed.



"We have established the Malaysia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) and India is among Malaysia's largest trading partners and largest export destination. We have also established partnerships in terms of defence cooperation, counter-terrorism, tourism and culture relations, IT and services as well as infrastructure projects," he said.



"I have mentioned previously that innovation is key to success and with India's booming business sector and its innovative nature, I look forward to exploring new opportunities in India. We must always have one eye on the future!



He also said that he looks forward to meeting Prime Minister Modi again. "I hope to exchange ideas and have fruitful discussions with Prime Minister Modi to further strengthen our bilateral ties. Insya-Allah," he wrote.



His maiden visit to India was in January 2010 and again in December 2012 to attend the Asean-India Commemorative Summit.


New Delhi: The Indian government on Thursday refused to categorise the attacks of African nationals in Greater Noida as racial and said pending the probe it is not correct to draw a conclusion on "the nature and the reason" of these acts.

On the alleged attack on a Kenyan woman on Wednesday, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said Kenyan diplomats had a meeting with officials of the ministry concerned and it has been conveyed to the Indian side that the reported incident "does not correspond with reality".

Asserting that such attacks were "completely unacceptable and have been condemned", he said the government is engaged with the authorities concerned as well as the students.

Asked if these were racial attacks, Baglay said, "Pending the investigation it is not correct to go into the nature and the reason for these particular activities." There will be a better understanding after the outcome of the probe, he said.

Four Nigerian students were attacked by a group of Greater Noida residents who took out a candle-light march after a 17-year-old boy Manish died last week in the NSG Black Cats Enclave due to suspected drug overdose.

The protest march was taken out after the police released some Nigerians detained for questioning in connection with death of Manish due to "lack of evidence".

Terming these acts as "the action of the uninformed and misguide few", Baglay said they do not detract from the deep belief of the government and the people of India of 'vasudeva kutumbakam' (the world is one family).

"We will continue to welcome African people including students and youth as valuable partners. Our engagement with Africa, embodied among others in the implementation of the historic IAFS III, will continue to grow," he said.

Baglay said the external affairs minister has spoken to the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh and Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar has spoken to the acting high commissioner of Nigeria.

"We are in touch with the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi. The students who were hurt during the incident have been treated in a local hospital and have already been released," he said.

Law enforcement authorities of the district have made arrests and a large number of people are under watch, he said, adding, "The investigation is on and the law of the land will prevail."



The ministry is in touch with the district administration of Gautam Buddha Nagar, which has enhanced round-the-clock security in the area, he said.

He also noted that the district magistrate held a meeting of the residents, foreign students' associations in presence of the representatives from the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi.

Asked about reports of local residents alleging that some African nationals were indulging in illegal activity, Baglay said there have been reports but it is for the police and law enforcement agencies to investigate.

The government's effort is to make foreigners who are "legally here and are in legal activities" feel safe, the spokesperson added.
Prez confers honorary general rank on chief of Indian Army

President Bidya Devi Bhandari, who is the supreme commander of the Nepal Army, conferred the rank of honorary chief of the NA on Indian Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat amid a special function held at the Office of the President at Sheetal Niwas on Wednesday.
Abuja/New Delhi: Nigeria on Thursday summoned the Indian envoy in Abuja to express displeasure over the attacks on Nigerian students in India and voiced concern that the incident was not the first of its kind, the country's Foreign Office said.

On the other hand, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today assured the Rajya Sabha that there will be an impartial probe into the alleged brutal attack on African students in Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh.

Replying to concerns raised by some Opposition members during the Zero Hour, Swaraj said the incident was "unfortunate" and the Centre has sought a report from the state government.

"Both incidents are unfortunate. Firstly, 19 year-old boy died and thereafter there was an attack on a Nigerian student. On behalf of Uttar Pradesh CM and myself, I want to assure that there will impartial probe," she said, as per PTI.

The Minister said the state administration was taking steps to maintain law and order and the Nigerian student is being treated in a hospital.

"As long as investigation is not complete, it is not proper to say anything more," she added.



Meanwhile, Sola Enikanolaiye, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nigeria, summoned Indian High Commissioner Nagabushana Reddy, on Wednesday in Abuja.



"I have just finished a meeting with the Indian High Commissioner where I expressed Nigeria's displeasure with the attacks on Nigerians," Enikanolaiye tweeted.



He said the Indian High Commissioner "informed of concrete steps taken" by the Indian government to address the incident and also promised justice.

Enikanolaiye said that the Indian High Commissioner was invited to register the Nigerian government's concern over the incident. "It is therefore, a concern to us that Nigerian students in that place were harassed, beaten up and many of them were seriously injured," he said.



"We think this should not have happened considering the excellent relationship between two of us  the two countries have things in common and have been great friends," as per IANS.

The attacks on Nigerian student took place on Monday night in Greater Noida, some 40 km from the Indian capital, following protests over the death of a Class 12 student of a residential colony there due to drug overdose. Some people who were holding a candle-light vigil for the student attacked the Nigerians suspecting them of drug running.



Five people were arrested for the attacks.

(With Agency inputs)




New Delhi/Lucknow : Condemning the Meerut Municipal Corporation's move to prohibit its members from attending a meeting as they refused to sing 'Vande Mataram', the Congress on Thursday said one should not be forced to sing the national song.

"I think it should not be made mandatory to say Vande Matram, and on the other hand, people should also not refrain from saying Vande Matram. Neither the Municipal Corporation should force anyone to sing 'Vande Mataram' nor people should refuse to say it," Congress leader Rajeev Shukla told ANI.

Meanwhile, Muslim cleric Mufti Mukarram demanded a strict action against the mayor.

"I strongly condemn it. They can't force us to sing Vande Mataram. Mayor shouldn't act like this. There should be proper action against him," Mukarram told ANI.

The Meerut Municipal Corporation has prohibited its members from attending a meeting after they refused to sing 'Vande Mataram'.

The resolution was proposed by Mayor Harikant Ahluwalia after some councillors belonging to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Opposition clashed over the national song.

All seven corporators, refused to attend the meeting, were from the minority community.

They left the session soon after rest of the members started singing Vande Mataram.

There is also a proposal to terminate the membership of those councillors who did not sing the national song and instead walk out of the meeting.

The meeting had earlier on Tuesday started with Ahluwalia asking all members to stand up and sing the national song.

It was then that some members belonging to opposition walked out after which the BJP councillors started raising slogans, "Hindustan me rehna hai to Vande Mataram kehna hoga".

The corporators returned to the meeting after a while, but Ahluwalia refused to let them in.
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday assured an impartial probe into the alleged racial attack on some Nigerian students in Uttar Pradesh and promised action against the guilty.

"The moment I got information about the attack, I immediately sought a report from the Uttar Pradesh government. I also talked to Chief Minister Aditya Nath Yogi and asked him for a public assurance of an impartial probe into the matter," Swaraj informed the Rajya Sabha.

She said that Aditya Nath has assured of an impartial probe into the Monday night attack on four Nigerian students by a crowd in Greater Noida, some 40 km from the national capital.

The mob targeted the African nationals blaming them for drug running following the death of a teen due to suspected drug overdose.

"Unless the probe is complete, it will not be appropriate for me to say anything on the matter," added Swaraj, after Janata Dal-United member Sharad Yadav raised the matter in Rajya Sabha.

"The (UP) administration there is ensuring peace and security as well as treatment of the injured Nigerian students. I assure the Parliament, there will be an impartial probe and action will be taken against whoever found guilty," she said.
Lucknow: It seems every day there is something new and unusual happening in Uttar Pradesh after BJP's firebrand leader Yogi Adityanath became CM.

Now, a major development in connection with construction of Ram Temple has taken place in Lucknow.

Reportedly, some Muslims organisations have put out huge banners in Lucknow to support the construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya.

Azam Khan, who put out 10 these hoardings across Lucknow, is the president of Sri Ram Mandir Nirman Muslim Kar Sevak Manch.

Moreover, the man behind these pro-Ram Temple banners has sought security from police for his 'bold' step, according to a report in India Today.

Noteworthy, Yogi Adityanath is an ardent supporter of building Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

Also, recently the Supreme Court suggested that the dispute (title suit) should be settled out of court.

Moreover, Azam Khan has constituted a group of like-minded Muslims post to build a consensus on the issue within the community.
New York: Oil prices jumped for a third day on Thursday to their highest in three weeks after Kuwait gave its backing for an extension of OPEC production cuts in an attempt to reduce global oversupply.

Kuwait oil minister Essam al-Marzouq said his country was among several nations supporting the extension of a deal between the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other exporters to limit output, state news agency KUNA reported.

The rebound has renewed some optimism after a period of three weeks where speculators aggressively reduced long positions following weeks of higher-than-expected inventory figures. Both Brent and US crude reached their highest levels since March 9 on Thursday.

Brent crude oil rose 41 cents, or about 0.8 percent, to USD 52.83 a barrel by 1:33 p.m. EDT (1733 GMT), after hitting USD 53.10. US crude was 82 cents, or 1.7 percent, higher at USD 50.33 a barrel, after touching USD 50.46.

"There is a significant chance that a short-to-medium-term bottom has been found," said Tamas Varga, analyst at London brokerage PVM Oil Associates.

Fears of oversupply still hang over the market as OPEC grapples to tighten the oil market because inventories in many parts of the world are at, or near record highs and as US production rises.

OPEC agreed to reduce oil production by 1.2 million barrels per day during the first six months. Output has fallen for a third straight month and members have complied with 95 percent of their commitments.

"I see no sign from OPEC and Saudi Arabia that they will not roll over the cut into the second half of the year ... the market is about to go from supply surplus to deficit on crude " said Scott Shelton, energy futures broker with ICAP in Durham, North Carolina.

Other oil exporters outside OPEC, including Russia, have also gradually reined in production.

Russia has reduced its output by 200,000 bpd in March in accordance with the agreement, the ministry quoted Energy Minister Alexander Novak as saying in a TV interview.

Libya said production dropped by about a third or 250,000 bpd earlier this week due to armed protesters blocking western oilfields of Sharara and Wafa.

The start-up of a 500,000 bpd crude pipeline in North Dakota next month, despite opposition by environmental groups and Native Americans, is expected to hasten a revival in output from the Bakken region which fell sharply along with global oil prices during the past two years.
Srinagar: Ahead of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Separatist leaders on Thursday called for a Kashmir bandh on April 2.

According to media reports, Joint Resistance Leadership comprising of Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Mohammad Yasin Malik have called for the state-wide bandh on April 2, the day PM Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Chenani-Nashri tunnel.

The leaders have also issued a statement that has urged the people to observe protest shutdown against PM Modi's visit to the state, the report said.

Modi is scheduled to visit Jammu and Kashmir for inaugurating Chenani-Nashri tunnel.

Details awaited
Srinagar: Youths who storm the encounter sites in the Valley to hurl stones at security personnel are committing suicide, Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday said and appealed to them to refrain from such activity.

"In the encounter, even security forces and police take cover of a bulletproof vehicle or a house. Youths coming to the encounter sites are committing suicide," Director General of Police S P Vaid told reporters here.

He appealed to the youngsters not to rush to the encounter sites, saying they were being misled and misused by elements inimical to peace in the Valley for their short-term political gains.

"A bullet does not whom it will hit. My appeal to all the young boys is that they should remain in their homes and not come to encounter sites. The youth must understand that they are being used by people for their short-term political gains," he said.

The DGP said the inimical elements were misusing social media to instigate the youths to hurl stones at security forces to help militants flee.

"I would say this is misuse of social media by elements inimical to peace in the valley and to our country.

"The moment an encounter starts, they activate around 300 WhatsApp groups, each having more than 250 members, and other social networking websites like Facebook, instigating young boys to reach the encounter site and throw stones so that the terrorists escape from the spot," he said.

The J&K top cop said these WhatsApp groups and other social media accounts were being monitored and action will be taken against people operating them.

"Some of these accounts have been traced across (the border). It is an attempt by the enemies of India to create problems. All these numbers are being monitored and we will take action against those operating them from here," he said.

The DGP urged the people to think about the families of those who lost their lives during the incidents of stone- pelting recently.

"Think of the mother, father, sister or brother of those who died two days ago. People will forget those who died after 10 days. Their family suffer the most. We all would be doing our jobs," he said.
Ranchi: A Maoist camp was destroyed by the security personnel in Jharkhand's Giridih district and one of its commanders arrested in Khuti on Thursday, the state police said.

The arrested Maoist commander, Soma Munda, carried a reward of Rs 50,000 on his head. The police have seized Rs 48,000 from his possession collected as levy.

According to the police, the Maoist camp in Madhuban in Giridih was destroyed in a joint operation of the police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

The police had received information about the presence of Maoist guerrillas of Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand at the camp.

Police sources said a group of Maoists was holding a meeting, but they escaped when the camp was raided.

The police have seized Maoist literature and other incriminating documents.

Maoist guerrillas are active in 18 of the 24 districts of the state.
Bengaluru: An amazing video has come to light showing a King Cobra sipping from a water bottle in a drought-hit Indian village.

The video shows a 12-feet long cobra gladly sipping the water offered by wildlife rescue workers in a village in the Kaiga township of Karnataka`s Uttara Kannada district.

The village is grappling with the scarcity of water due to drought.

However, the deadly reptile was immediately offered water from a bottle by a villager while holding a snake catcher in the other hand in case the serpent launches a vicious attack. Another man is seeing holding the extremely venomous snake's tail to ensure that it does not cause harm to the person giving the water.

The men in the footage are forest officer CN Naykka and snake expert Raghavendra.

Watch the video here:

The snake was later taken to an animal care facility.

King Cobra can mostly be found in the forests of India and Asia and is a species of venomous snake belonging to the Elapidae family.

Karnataka is in the throes of a drought for the third consecutive year.
Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh government of Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan is contemplating making Sanskrit compulsory from Class I till XII.

News18.com reported on Thursday that the MP Sanskrit Board will soon send a proposal in this regard to the school education department.

However, there is no official confirmation in this regard as yet.

If implemented the tiny tots taking admission to Class I in Madhya Pradesh schools will have to grapple with Sanskrit from the next academic session.

Madhya Pradesh State Education Department had earlier proposed setting up of a Sanskrit University up in Ujjain.

The move aims to re-establish the identity of Sanskrit in the BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh.

The proposal to revive Sanskrit in schools was first mooted by vice-chairman of Sanskrit Board Dr Manmohan Upadhyay.

Upadhyay had argued that if English could be made compulsory from Class I when no one speaks it at home there is no reason why Sanskrit should be discriminated against.

According to him, district education officers had come up with the idea of making Sanskrit compulsory at a conference organised by the state Government.

Since the BJP government set up the board, Sanskrit is on an upswing in the state.

Also, UP Deputy CM and Minister for Secondary Education Dinesh Sharma had on Wednesday said that yoga would be included in school curriculum and a separate board to promote Sanskrit education would be set up in the state.

In 2015, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh had announced that Sanskrit will be introduced as a mandatory subject in all government schools in the state.

Many pro-Hindutva parties including Shiv Sena, too, support the idea of making Sanskrit compulsory in government-run schools.
South Africa's Zuma considers stepping down early in deal to oust Gordhan

Jacob Zuma is considering offering to step down next year, at least 12 months before his term as South African president ends, under a deal with opponents in his ruling party that would see Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan leave office now, two senior party sources said.
Agartala: Tripura opposition parties on Thursday demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Manik Sarkar after the apex court upheld the High Court's order to terminate the jobs of 10,323 government teachers.

Trinamool Congress announced the launch of a state-wide agitation from Friday to highlight the state government's "irregularities in giving jobs to 10,323 teachers" and to press for its demand for resignation of Chief Minister Sarkar and Education and Law Minister Tapan Chakraborty.

"We also demand publication of a white paper detailing the government jobs provided in Tripura since 2014. An all-party meeting must be called by the state government to discuss the issue and how to deal with the situation arising out of the Supreme Court judgment on Wednesday," Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sudip Roy Barman told reporters.

Accompanied by Tripura TMC President Ashish Kumar Saha and other leaders, Barman alleged that to "acquire political mileage the Left Front government provided the teachers' jobs illegally".

Demanding a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation, Bharatiya Janata Party's state unit President Biplab Kumar Deb and observer (Prabhari) Sunil Deodhar also demanded the resignation of Chief Minister and Education and Law Minister in a joint media conference.

"It is now proved that the Left Front government in Tripura gave jobs to 10,323 teachers through corruption and irregularities," Deb told reporters.

Terming the Supreme Court's order as "inhuman", the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) also demanded a CBI probe in the matter.

"The Supreme Court's order would directly affect the lakhs of people and students in Tripura," the CPI-M, the dominant partner of the Left Front government, said in a statement.

In a major setback to the Tripura government, the Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the Tripura High Court order terminating the jobs of 10,323 teachers but allowed them to continue till December 31.

"A Supreme Court division bench of Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel and Justice Uday Umesh Lalit upheld the Tripura High Court's May 7, 2014, order terminating the jobs of 10,323 government teachers. However, the Supreme Court allowed them to continue in service till December 31," Tripura Law Secretary Data Mohan Jamatia told IANS over phone from New Delhi.

The apex court also asked the Tripura government to initiate a fresh recruitment process by May 31 and complete it by December 31 in compliance with the obligatory qualifications as mandated by the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT).

The Supreme Court order came on three special leave petitions filed before it separately by the Tripura government, aggrieved job seekers and the terminated teachers.

Tripura Law and Education Minister Tapan Chakraborty said in Agartala that the state government would take its next course of action after receiving a certified copy of the Supreme Court judgment and after return of the Chief Minister from Chennai on Friday.

"The government would stand behind the serving teachers. The court did not find any irregularities in giving jobs to these teachers. The Tripura High Court only challenged the state's three and a half decades old employment policy," Chakraborty told IANS on Thursday.

"We have given some jobs based on need and considering economic conditions of the families of the serving teachers, but the court opposed these criteria," the Minister added.

A division bench of the Tripura High Court, comprising of then Chief Justice Deepak Kumar Gupta and Justice Swapan Chandra Das (since retired), passed the order on May 7, 2014, and asked the state government to frame a new employment policy within two months.

Tripura's Left Front government recruited 1,100 post-graduate and 4,617 graduate teachers in 2010 and 4,606 under-graduate teachers in December 2013.
Mumbai: Speculations were rife that AIB had approached Sunil Grover after the star comedian had a spat with Kapil Sharma while returning from Australia to India after a successful tour Down Under. And now, Rohan Joshi, a member of AIB has put all speculations to rest.

According to Deccan Chronicle report, AIB, during one of the episode of On Air With AIB, had cracked a joke, suggesting that Sunil was welcome to join them.

Grover, if you're watching this and want to work with a smart, funny comedy group jahan pe koi bhi mard salwar pehen ke nahi aata, toh please phone karo humko, hum flight pe sirf pillow phenkte hai, chappal nahi," the report quoted them as saying.

Can't believe we have to clarify this but the Sunil Grover line on On Air WAS A JOKE. MEDIA PLEASE STOP CALLING ME TO ASK WHEN HE IS JOINING. I'm pretty sure Sunil Grover, one of the biggest comedy acts in India, DOES NOT NEED A JOB WITH AIB, Rohan tweeted.

Can't believe we have to clarify this but the Sunil Grover line on On Air WAS A JOKE. MEDIA PLEASE STOP CALLING ME TO ASK WHEN HE IS JOINING  Rohan (@mojorojo) 28 March 2017

I'm pretty sure Sunil Grover, one of the biggest comedy acts in India, DOES NOT NEED A JOB WITH AIB.  Rohan (@mojorojo) 28 March 2017

Sunil hasnt spoken about his future plans. But going by his latest Twitter post, it looks highly unlikely that he will return to The Kapil Sharma Show.
New Delhi: Come April 1 and several rules will change in the country while newer rules will be implemented. So you have practically just a day's time before you finish these important tasks.

Find out what all needs to be done before March 31

Selling of household gold

If you wanted to sell your household gold for getting something important done, you might as well do it before March 1.

The government, in its amendment to the finance bill makes it tougher for sale of gold for obtaining cash.

From April 1, you can get only Rs 10,000 cash per day for sale of gold as against Rs 20,000.

And if multiple invoices for buying gold beyond Rs 10,000 in cash from the seller is being raised, you could come under the taxmen's radar.

Undisclosed Income

Offering one last window to blackmoney holders post demonetisation, the government has come out with the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) scheme giving them time until March-end to come clean. The last date to make your full and honest disclosure under PMGKY is by March 31, 2017.

Non-declaration of such undisclosed income will be liable to tax, surcharge and cess at 77.25 per cent, along with penalty, prosecution and enforcement action. The tax authorities will issue a certificate to the declarant within 30 days from the end of the month in which a valid declaration has been furnished.

General insurance premium

Car, motorcycle and health insurance will cost more from April 1 with regulator Irdai giving go-ahead to insurers for revision in commission for agents.

The change in premium after modification will be limited to +/- 5 percent of the existing rates.

The increase will be in addition to the enhanced third party motor insurance rates, which too will come into affect from April.

The Irdai (Payment of Commission or Remuneration or Reward to Insurance Agents and Insurance Intermediaries) Regulations, 2016 comes into effect from April 1, 2017.

Filing of income tax returns

Are you one of those taxpayers who has not filed income tax returns (ITRs) for FY 2014-15? Well this could be your last option. Do it before March 31.

Here is the reason

In one financial year, you can file IRS for the previous two financial years

So, in FY 2016-17, you can file returns for FY 2015-16 and FY 16-17

Hence returns for FY 2014-15 cannot be filed after March 31, 2017.
Jaipur: In a shocking incident, an employee of Cafe Coffee Day (CCD) slapped a customer after he complained of cockroaches in the freezer of the outlet in Jaipur.

More shocking is the report that the man has now been booked for sexual assault by the very woman who assaulted him.

While visiting the CCD Jaipur outlet on March 12, Arpan Verma shot a video of cockroaches in what he said was the freezer of the outlet.

The Delhi student is also heard in the video urging the viewers to look at the face of the female CCD employee who reportedly shouted at him.

CCD employee Priyanka Priyadarshini, who is also seen filming Arpan, then comes out from behind the counter and slaps him.

She is then heard shouting: "Why did you click my photo?"

Priyanka filed a complaint against Arpan at Jaipur's Manak Chowk police station on Wednesday.

Watch the video here:

On its Twitter handle, the CCD said: We will take the required action without compromising in our endeavor to deliver quality products and services to our patrons."

It added: "We have escalated the recent issue at our Jaipur outlet, and are in talks with the consumer and the internal team to ascertain facts."
New Delhi: The US space agency NASA has released a beautiful image of 'Earhart' propeller in Saturn's A ring.

The image was captured by NASA's Cassini spacecraft on March 22, 2017, at a distance of 69,183 miles (111,340 kilometers) from the propeller feature.

According to NASA, propellers are disturbances in the ring caused by a central moonlet. The moonlet itself would be a few pixels wide in this view, but it is difficult to distinguish from (and may be obscured by) the disturbed ring material that surrounds it.

Earhart is situated very close to the 200-mile-wide (320-kilometer-wide) Encke Gap, which is held open by the much larger moon Pan, as reported.

NASA said the detailed structure of the Earhart propeller differs from that of Santos-Dumont. And it is not clear whether these differences have to do with intrinsic differences between Earhart and Santos-Dumont, or whether they have to do with different viewing angles or differences in where the propellers were imaged in their orbits around Saturn.

The Cassini mission is a cooperative project of NASA, ESA (the European Space Agency) and the Italian Space Agency.
New Delhi: During Thursday's spacewalk, a regular event in support of space station assembly and maintenance, an essential piece of cloth shielding needed for the ISS went astray.

NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, who was conducting the spacewalk along with Shane Kimbrough, reported the mishap immediately to Mission Control, which was able to track the adrift cloth bundle.

NASA said it would be monitored to make sure it doesn't come back and hit the station.

It is highly unfortunate that the accident happened midway through Peggy Whitson's record-setting spacewalk, the eighth of her career, thereby making her the only spacewoman with the maximum number of spacewalks.

As per an Associated Press (AP) report, there was frustration in Whitson's voice as she spoke to Mission Control, informing them about the setback.

The piece of shielding the astronauts lost, protects against micrometeorite debris and was one of four pieces that Whitson and Kimbrough were installing over the spot left by a relocated docking port.

NASA spokesman Dan Huot said the three remaining shields were installed to cover the most vulnerable spots, the report said.

He further stated that it was not immediately clear who let the shield go or how it got away; it's supposed to be tethered to the station or spacewalker at all times.

This is not the first time spacewalkers have lost objects during a spacewalk. However, usually the items are small, like bolts. In 2008, an astronaut lost her entire tool kit during a spacewalk, the AP report recalled.

According to NASA, each fabric shield weighs 18 pounds. When unfolded, it is about 2 inches thick and measures about 5 feet by 2 feet. The entire 250-mile-high space station is protected, in some fashion, against possible debris strikes.

During last Friday's spacewalk, Kimbrough  the space station's commander and six-time spacewalker  disconnected the docking port for flight controllers in Houston, who moved it to a new and better location on Sunday. It will serve as one of two parking spots for commercial crew capsules under development by SpaceX and Boeing.

The spacewalkers hooked up vital heater cables to the docking port and removed a cover from the top. Then they turned to the shields, and that's when one of the folded coverings got away, the report further added.

Mission Control instructed the astronauts to retrieve the cloth cover just removed from the docking port, and try to fashion it over the gaping hole left by the lost shield.
New Delhi: The central government on Thursday accorded the Z-plus VVIP armed security cover to newly-elected Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The cover will be provided by a special commando team of the Uttar Pradesh police along with a small contingent of the CISF, that was earlier providing him 'Y' category security cover with 2-3 commandos guarding him round-the-clock.

Adityanath was till now enjoying the smallest category of 'Y' category VVIP cover by the CISF in his capacity as a BJP Member of Parliament from Gorakhpur but officials said with his taking charge as CM, a threat perception report of central security agencies required his security paraphernalia to be upgraded.

The Uttar Pradesh police has communicated the decision to Central Industrial Security Force and has asked it to make suitable logistical and operational arrangements in this regard.

The CISF cover by the Centre had been accorded to Adityanath in his capacity as a BJP Member of Parliament from Gorakhpur but officials said with his taking charge as chief minister, a threat perception report of central security agencies required his security paraphernalia to be upgraded.

The commandos will also be deployed at his official residence in Lucknow, they said.

As part of the new and upgraded security paraphernalia, Adityanath will have about 25-28 commandos accompanying him with sophisticated weapons at all times he is mobile and his convoy will have pilot and escort vehicles armed with jammers.
Standoff at border after Indian SSB intervenes in fence construction

A standoff broke out between Nepali locals and the Indian Shasastra Seema Bal at a Nepal-India border area in Bardiya district on Wednesday.
Sambhal: A team of Uttar Pradesh police and some other officials carrying out the drive against illegal slaughterhouses came under attack on Wednesday by a mob.

According to news agency PTI, five of the officials were injured in the attack.

Additional SP Ram Murat Yadav said the team had got information about alleged cow slaughter in the area and raided the place.

However, they did not find anything and returned.

However, people, agitated by police action, gathered and pelted the team with stones, leaving five of them injured, he said.

SDM Rashid Khan was also attacked and his staff suffered injuries.

Police reinforcement was rushed to bring the situation under control, Yadav said.

An inquiry has been ordered into the matter.

(With PTI inputs)
Noida: Maria Burendi, a Kenyan woman, who had alleged that she was attacked and brutally thrashed by some local residents in Greater Noida, has withdrawn her complaint after several loopholes were found in her statement.

Dharmendra Singh, the Noida SSP, claimed on Thursday that the Kenyan student had been lying about the alleged attack. She had been changing her statement, he added.

There were no locals involved in the alleged assault on the Kenyan lady. She fought with her own friends, the Noida SSP said.

The Ola cab driver, who had taken her to Greater Noida from Delhi, was interrogated by the police on Wednesday night during which he denied any attack on the lady, he said.

The driver said that he had dropped her safely at Greater Noida apartments around 5.47 am and left, the Noida SSP said.

Maria Burendi has now reportedly withdrawn her police complaint.

Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Police chief had said this morning that there were glaring loopholes in the story of a Kenyan woman, who was allegedly assaulted by locals in Greater Noida yesterday.

Javeed Ahmad, the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police had tweeted: Alleged attack on Kenyan lady in Gnoida. Glaring loopholes in her story. Working to ascertain motive.

Alleged attack on Kenyan lady in Gnoida. Glaring loopholes in her story. Working to ascertain motive.  Javeed (@javeeddgpup) March 30, 2017

The reactions from the UP top cop came a day after Maria Burendi  the Kenyan national - alleged that she was dragged out of a cab and beaten by locals in Sector Omicron on Wednesday morning.

The alleged attack on the Kenyan national took place three days after four Nigerian students were allegedly assaulted by locals who took out a candle-light march for a 17-year-old boy who had died last week due to suspected drug overdose in Greater Noida.

The police had registered a case under section 147, 148, 504, 506, 323 of IPC against 10 unnamed persons based on the allegations made by Burendi.

The woman claimed that she was travelling from Delhi to Alstonia Apartments in Sector Pi, around 3 kms from where she was attacked.

The woman is studying in Delhi and had gone to Greater Noida to meet a friend in Sector Pi 1&2.
Meerut: The Meerut Municipal Corporation on Tuesday barred its members from attending a meeting as they refused to sing `Vande Mataram`, the national song of India.

Mayor Harikant Ahluwalia passed the resolution after some councillors belonging to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Opposition parties clashed over the national song.

On Tuesday, seven corporators  all of them belonging to the minority community  left the Meerut Municipal Corporation House as soon as other members started singing Vande Mataram, following which a proposal to terminate their membership was passed.

BJP councillors then started raising the slogans, "Hindustan me rehna hai toh Vande Mataram kehna hoga".

The proposal put forth by Mayor Harikant Ahluwalia of the BJP also made it clear that any members opposing Vande Mataram will not be welcome in the House.

Albeit the corporators returned to the meeting hall after some time, yet Mayor Ahluwalia allegedly refused to let them in.

The Muslim members, however, said they will continue to boycott Vande Mataram "as the Sharia law does not allow them to sing it and that they will move court over the issue if necessary".

Ahluwalia said: "The seven Muslim councillors of the House had walked out of it on Tuesday when other members started singing the national song. They returned after some time, but I refused to let them in."

The proposal to terminate their membership was yesterday passed at a meeting of the municipal board, the Mayor said.

He said it is a serious issue and all members, barring Muslim councillors, were sincere about singing "Vande Mataram".

"We will not allow members, who are against the singing of Vande Mataram, to sit in the House, when it assembles next. We will even go to jail, if required, over it," he said.

Reacting to this, councillor Shaahid Abbasi said: "We are being looked at with suspicion even when we ready to lay down our lives for our country."

Councillors Diwanji Sharif and Arshad Ulla said: "Our religion...the Sharia law does not accept Vande Mataram. We are ready to tender resignation but would not sing it."

Terming the Mayor's proposal to terminate their membership as a "Tughlaqi diktat", they said they would move court against it.
Muzaffarnagar: Faced with a threat to their livelihood owing to the crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses and meat trade in the state, three meat sellers have now taken up a new occupation  brewing tea.

They abandoned their traditional occupation given the acute shortage of meat due to the large-scale closure of slaughterhouses after the Yogi Adityanath government came into power.

Importantly, all three have claimed that they had proper licences to carry out meat trade but were forced to close their shops.

One of them, Nazakat, said, My meat shop was forcefully closed even when I had a proper licence, forced to sell tea now.

However, it needs to be mentioned that the Uttar Pradesh has reiterated time and again that no orders have been issued to harass those who have licences to carry on meat business.

The government will not touch those [abattoirs] which are operating as per the provisions of the law and have a valid licence. But those which are violating the orders of the National Green Tribunal, creating pollution and playing with the health of the publicall those slaughterhouses would be shut down. We have started working on it, CM Adityanath said a few days back.

Adityanath said his newly formed governments decision was based on NGTs request to take action against illegal slaughterhouses. He said the green panel had been urging for action against such establishments for the past two years.

Uttar Pradesh Health Minister Siddhartha Nath Singh said the government was acting only against the illegal abattoirs.

"We are acting only against illegal abattoirs. Licensed slaughterhouses are requested to stick to the norms," he said.

'No order to shut down chicken, egg shops'

"The licensed slaughter houses should comply with the norms mentioned in the licence and need not fear," he added.

"No orders have been issued to take any action against any shop selling chicken, fish or eggs. They need not fear," Singh clarified.

He directed the officials that they should not act in over-enthusiasm nor should they overstep their jurisdiction.

Citing an instance, Singh said, "One of the norms mentioned in the licence is the installation of CCTV cameras in the premises of the slaughterhouse. If this norm is not complied with, then instead of ordering the closure of the slaughterhouse, a notice may be issued to its owner, and he be instructed to take necessary remedial steps within a specific timeframe."

Singh said a propaganda is being circulated through various social media platforms (especially by those who do not agree to our ideology). "Please do not fall prey to the propaganda," he said.
Aligarh: Following the crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses running in Uttar Pradesh by the Yogi Adityanath government, meat has gone off completely from the menu in all messes of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) hostels.

This hasn't gone down with the students at the varsity as the have filed a complaint with the AMU authorities about the bland food being served in the dining halls as the prices of chicken, vegetables etc have also risen.

Faizul Hasan, President of the AMU Students' Union, has written to AMU Vice Chancellor Lt Gen (retd) Zameer Uddin Shah following which University administration has called for a meeting to resolve the issue.

In his letter, Hasan has said that an "acute shortage of meat supply" is leading to a broader food crisis since the supply and cost of alternate food items have also started being adversely affected.

He suggested that a centralised purchase system should be put in place to ensure that the entire meat supply is through a registered meat supplier.

Hasan told PTI that the vegetarian food presently being served at hostel dining halls catering to more than 20,000 students is "very bland" and students are facing hardship.

The prices of chicken meat and vegetables have risen beyond the budgetary provisions of different dining halls, he added.

We support any legal action against illegal slaughtering but it was the responsibility of the state administration and the Aligarh Municipal Corporation, to ensure that only legal slaughtering of animals take place.

Meat merchants in Allahabad are on an indefinite strike to express solidarity with the strike call given in other parts of the state, following the Yogi Adityanath government's crackdown on illegal and mechanised slaughterhouses.

The spokesman of AMU Omar Peerzada said that despite some hardships students including leaders of the union were cooperating in this matter and hoped that a solution would be found.



District Magistrate of Aligarh Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod, told PTI that he had held a meeting with representatives of all export based meat plants in a bid to channelise a small percentage of their buffalo meat supply to local meat suppliers.

He said the exporters had 'in principle' agreed to this proposal.

He said that the Municipal Corporation's slaughterhouse, which was closed for the past three years over objections by the pollution board would reopen within the next few weeks.



Asked about attempts by cow vigilantes are to disrupt buffalo meat supply, Bhaskar said the administration is trying to put in place a new system, where export units would officially communicate about the transport mechanism and sources of their suppliers.

Once such a system is in place we can assure that no disruption in the animal supply chain would be allowed to take place, he said.
Lucknow: A delegation of meat traders who met the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister in Lucknow on Thursday have extended their support to the state government's view in the matter and seconded the move of banning illegal slaughterhouses in the state.

Confirming the report, Cabinet minister Siddharth Nath Singh told reporters that the meat traders echoing similar sentiments said it was their duty to assure that nothing illegal flourished in the state.

"All delegates (meat traders) supported the Chief Minister and said as citizens of India it is their duty to see that nothing illegal is allowed," Singh said.

While appealing to the protesters to return to work, meat Exporter Sirajuddin Qureshi today said that their meeting with the Chief Minister was very successful.

"Our meeting with the UP Chief Minister was very successful. He assured us that licensed slaughterhouses will not be troubled. I appeal to the protesters to return to work and start working with a proper licence, UP Government will help you procure one," Qureshi said.

Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Siddharth Nath Singh on Monday had asserted that the state government will only act against slaughterhouses that are illegal.

"We have assembled here to give a clarification that it is an investigation only against the illegal slaughterhouses. Those who have licenses have nothing to fear. They should continue following regulations," Singh told media here.

Singh further said it was also a message to the officers not to overstep their jurisdiction and the mandate given by the state government.

After coming to power, the Yogi Adityanath-led government has ordered the closure of illegal slaughterhouses and strict enforcement of the ban on cow smuggling to fulfill a key electoral promise.

Adityanath last week said abattoirs operating legally will not be touched but action will be taken against those being run illegally.
Lucknow: Call it a Yogi Adityanath effect or the need of the hour, a refreshing change is visible in Uttar Pradesh government departments these days.

The 'babus' are slowly giving up their old 'nawabi' habits of coming late to office and unnecessary delaying the government files.

After Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath banned 'pan masala' and 'gutkha' in government offices, the bureaucrats are now switching to chewing gums and confectioneries.

Interestingly, the officials are now coming to office on time.

A Times of India report claimed on Thursday that the UP Secretariat parking was so jam-packed around 9.30 am on Wednesday that there was no space left to park other vehicles.

Another visible change is cleanliness in the Secretariat campus, which was otherwise filled with filth, 'gutkha' and ''paan masala' wrappers, used plastic tea cups etc.

'Pan masala' stains on Secretariat walls are being washed and renovated so as to give them a new look.

Meanwhile, the state forest department has also put up posters in its corridors warning "Aap camere ki nazar mein hain. Gutka khane par Rs 1,000 fine lagega (you're on camera. Chewing gutka will attract a fine of Rs 1,000)."

After CM yogi Adityanath's advice to the bureaucrats to be ready to work 18-20 hours a day, attendance in almost all government offices is full and pending files are being cleared timely.

The Yogi Adityanath government is also mulling to put in place a biometric attendance recording system for government officials in the days to come.

UP Minister of State for Water Resources Upendra Tiwari, who was recently caught on camera sweeping his office floor with a broom, regularly inspects whether his work place is clean or not.

UP Cabinet Minister SPS Baghel has directed his staff to give up chewing 'pan masala'.

Other ministers like Surya Pratap Shahi, Dharampal Singh, Suresh Khanna, Anupama Jaiswal, Neelkanth Tiwari, Srikant Sharma, Sidharth Nath Singh are too setting good examples by coming to office on time and maintaining a clean environment.

Truly, the commoners in 'Yogi Raj' have begun to feel the ripple effects, too.
Islamabad: In a shocking statement, a senior Pakistani prosecutor asked dozens of Christians to embrace Islam to avoid conviction in the killing of two Muslims in mass violence two years ago.

Violence erupted in Youhanabad, the Christian neighbourhood of Lahore, on March 15, 2015, after suicide blasts targeted Sunday mass in two churches.

Forty-two Christians were charged with the lynching of two Muslim men, whom they suspected to be involved in the blasts.

Joseph Franci, a rights activist who is legally assisting the accused, said that Deputy District Public Prosecutor (DDPP) Syed Anees Shah told the accused that they can be acquitted if they renounce Christianity, reported The Express Tribune.

"He told them if they embrace Islam, he can guarantee them their acquittal in this case," Joseph said.

The activist added that the accused stayed silent and were stupefied.

Naseeb Anjum Advocate said that the public prosecutor`s offer was not new and added that he had also given this offer to some of the accused about six months back but they rejected it.

"They believe in the independence of the court, but why is the DDPP blackmailing them?" he asked.

"The government should get rid of such elements that bring a bad name to the state by such acts."

Shah, when contacted, said that he did not ask them to embrace Islam, but conceded that he offered them a choice when he was told that the accused have a video recording of what he said, the report said.

The minorities in Pakistan in the past have been accusing Muslim clerics of forcibly converting them to Islam but it is for the first time that a state functionary used conversion as an incentive to dodge legal proceeding.

(With PTI inputs)
Temporary police recruitment for local polls (Photo feature)

With the local level election slated for May 14 approaching nearer, recruitment process to hire Myadi (temporary) police personnel has begun across the country.
Phnom Penh: Cambodia's exiled former opposition leader Sam Rainsy was sentenced in absentia on Thursday to an additional 20 months in prison for defamation, on top of a previous five-year term.

Opponents of Prime Minister Hun Sen accuse him of using defamation cases and other tactics to marginalise rivals ahead of local elections in June and a general election next year.

The case against Sam Rainsy had been brought by Hun Sen himself over a radio interview in which he alleged "state authorities" were behind last year`s killing of a government critic, Kem Ley.

Phnom Penh Municipal Court judge Y Thavrak fined Sam Rainsy $2,500 in addition to the 20-month jail sentence. Sam Rainsy was ordered to pay Hun Sen a symbolic 100 riels ($0.025) in damages.

Sam Rainsy's lawyer had argued there were no grounds for defamation because he had not referred to anyone by name in the radio interview.

A man was jailed last week after confessing to murdering Kem Ley, but human rights groups and the activist's family said the case left many questions unanswered.

Sam Rainsy resigned from the leadership of the Cambodia National Rescue Party in February, in the face of a threatened government ban on any political party whose leader has been convicted of an offence.

Sam Rainsy has been convicted on a series of defamation charges and has lived in France since 2015 to avoid them.
Beijing: China will step up a campaign against religious extremism in the far western region of Xinjiang on Saturday by implementing a range of measures, including prohibiting "abnormal" beards, the wearing of veils in public places and the refusal to watch state television.

Hundreds of people have died in recent years in Xinjiang, home to the Muslim Uighur people, in unrest blamed by Beijing on Islamist militants and separatists, though rights groups say the violence is more a reaction to repressive Chinese policies.

The government strongly denies committing any abuses in Xinjiang and insists the legal, cultural and religious rights of Uighurs, a Turkic ethnic group, are fully protected.

While China officially guarantees freedom of religion, authorities have issued a series of measures in the past few years to tackle what it sees as a rise in religious extremism.

New legislation, passed by Xinjiang lawmakers on Wednesday and published on the region`s official news website, widens existing rules and will come into effect on April 1.

Workers in public spaces like stations and airports will be required to "dissuade" those who fully cover their bodies, including veiling their faces, from entering, and to report them to the police, the rules state.

It will be banned to "reject or refuse radio, television and other public facilities and services", marrying using religious rather than legal procedures and "using the name of Halal to meddle in the secular life of others".

"Parents should use good moral conduct to influence their children, educate them to revere science, pursue culture, uphold ethnic unity and refuse and oppose extremism," the rules say.

The document also bans not allowing children to attend regular school, not abiding by family planning policies, deliberately damaging legal documents and "abnormal growing of beards and naming of children to exaggerate religious fervour".

A number of bans on select "extremist behaviours" had previously been introduced in some places in Xinjiang, including stopping people with head scarves, veils and long beards from boarding buses in at least one city.

The new rules expand the list and apply them to the whole region.

While Uighurs have traditionally practiced a more relaxed form of Islam, the popularity of veils for women in particular has grown in recent years in what experts say is an expression of opposition to Chinese controls.

After a period of relative calm, there has been a rise in violence in recent months in the Xinjiang`s southern Uighur heartland and a large increase in security.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a "great wall of iron" to safeguard Xinjiang during the annual meeting of China`s parliament earlier this month.
Beijing: China on Thursday said that it is willing to work with Pakistan to push forward their "all-weather" strategic partnership, as it highlighted the significance of its troops' participation in the 'Pakistan Day' parade for the first time.

The Chinese military, at a media briefing, today screened a video of the combined contingent of Chinese army, navy and air-force personnel taking part in the Pakistan Day parade in Islamabad on March 23.

"Hearing it 100 times is not as good as seeing it for once," China's Defence spokesman Col Wu Qian said ahead of the screening of the video, a rare gesture to showcase solidarity with Pakistan.

It was the first-time China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops took part in a parade in Pakistan.

Screening the video, Col Wu translated into Chinese the Urdu slogan of "China-Pak Dosti Zindabad" (Long live China-Pak friendship) raised by the PLA troops during the parade.

Saudi Special Force's contingents and Turkish Janissary Military Band also participated in the parade.

Elaborating the relations between the two countries following the launch of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Wu said the bilateral military relations are signified by "three key words".

"In terms of friendship between Chinese and Pakistani armed forces, three key words are All-weather brotherly friendship, substantive mutual support and assistance and deep mutual strategic mutual trust," he said.

"We are willing to work together with Pakistan side to push forward continued development of China-Pakistan all weather strategic partnership," he said.

Wu, however, played down the recent write-ups in the state media that the PLA participation in the Pakistan parade is a first step for China's military toward safeguarding regional stability and world peace.

After the parade, Global Times quoted a "military source" as saying that the PLA's participation in the Islamabad military parade is another step for China's army to go abroad to safeguard regional stability and world peace.

Asked to elaborate on Chinese military playing a role in regional stability especially in the context of India-Pakistan military tensions, Wu said China is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperation in defence field with various countries to strengthen mutual trust.

"Also we have an active participant in regional and international security affairs. We are a staunch force in maintaining world and regional peace and stability," he said and referred to Chinese navy?s anti piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.

Besides joint anti-piracy training with Pakistan navy, Wu said China also worked with the Indian navy in the region to escort ships.

"In regional counter terrorism, China has conducted joint exercises and training with both Pakistan and India, so as to improve the joint capabilities of relevant countries in maintaining regional peace and stability under the new situation," he said.

He declined to comment on Global Times report after the Pakistan Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa's recent visit that China plans to step up missile cooperation with?Pakistan,? including ballistic and cruise missiles, besides joint mass production a multi-role combat aircraft.
Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the US next week for his first meeting with President Donald Trump, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang announced on Thursday.

Before arriving in the US, Xi will visit Finland at the invitation of President Sauli Niinisto from April 4 to 6, Xinhua news agency quoted Lu as saying.

Later, he will proceed to Florida from April 6 to 7.

Xi will meet Trump at the latter's private residence in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, where the two are expected to discuss bilateral commercial relations.

"China hopes to make joint efforts with the US to expand trade cooperation, properly settle trade frictions through dialogues, and maintain healthy and stable growth of trade and economic ties," Lu said.

The China-US trade in goods amounted to $519.6 billion in 2016, an increase of 207 times compared with that of 1979 when the two countries set up diplomatic ties, according to Lu.

Xi's visit to Finland will be his first trip to a European Union member state this year, and also his first visit to northern Europe as the President, Lu added.
Ramallah: President Donald Trump is "serious" about solving the Israel-Palestinian conflict, Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas said ahead of a meeting with the US leader.

"The US administration of President Donald Trump is seriously considering a solution to the Palestinian issue," Abbas told AFP yesterday after a meeting of the Arab League in Jordan.

Abbas met with Trump's Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt before leaving for the summit and said contacts with the administration were ongoing.

"(There is) continuing dialogue with the American administration and there were a number of issues they wanted our opinion on or our answer to them," he added.

"We gave them our position on all their questions."

Abbas is expected to meet with Trump in Washington for the first time in April.

Trump is also expected to meet other Arab leaders in the coming weeks, including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah II.

Trump caused alarm among Palestinians and many parts of the international community in February when he broke with years of US policy in support of the two-state solution, meaning an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.

"I'm looking at two-state and one-state, and I like the one that both parties like," Trump said at the White House before a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Abbas said the Arab League summit yesterday confirmed that the Arab world had a "clear" vision for peace on the basis of two-states.

In their final statement, the leaders called for a revival of "serious and productive peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians" and renewed their commitment to a two-state solution.
Dhaka: As many as eight militants have blown themselves up with a grenade north of the Bangladeshi capital rather than surrender to officers who had cornered them in their hideout, police said on Thursday.

Police urged the militants in Nasirpur, northeast of the capital Dhaka, to give themselves up on Wednesday, but instead they detonated the grenade.

"Up to eight militants, including a female, were killed," Monirul Islam, the chief of police for counter-terrorism and transnational crime, told reporters.

On Monday, Bangladesh army commandos killed four Islamist militants in the northeastern city of Sylhet during a raid on a building where they were holed up.

On Saturday, six people, including two police, were killed and more than 40 wounded in two bomb blasts near the militant hideout in the Sylhet building.

Islamic State claimed responsibility "for a bombing on Bangladeshi forces in Sylhet", the SITE monitoring service said, citing a report on the militant group`s news agency Amaq that appeared to refer to that incident.

Islamic State and al Qaeda have made competing claims over killings of foreigners, liberals and members of religious minorities in Bangladesh, a mostly Muslim country of 160 million people.

The government has consistently ruled out the presence of such groups, blaming domestic militants instead.

Marcia Bernicat, the United States ambassador in Bangladesh, said in a radio interview the police had done "such an excellent job" in identifying hideouts and seizing militants` explosives and money.

"But the other part of the battle is the harder one," she the Radio Today station. "Our real challenge is in helping to prevent people from becoming radicalised and violent in the first place."

She said vulnerable youths needed to be helped, including being given "a proper understanding of religion", so that "they can work to make the world better rather than turning to such violent alternatives."
London: With the clock ticking on Britain's EU membership, the bloc's leadership vows unity while in London the government begins the arduous task of disentangling itself from Brussels.

"This is a moment to unite," European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker said on Wednesday, hours after Britain formally started procedures to end its 44-year membership of the EU.

With just two years foreseen for negotiations, Juncker said the rights of EU citizens will be top of the agenda.

Settling Britain's exit bill, estimated by the Commission to be 60 billion euros ($64 billion, 52 billion), will also be a priority when talks get underway, expected mid- to late-May.

But even before the negotiations start, Britain on Thursday will begin the monumental task of incorporating EU legislation once the divorce is finalised.



Speaking in parliament on Wednesday, Prime Minister Theresa May said that was important "so that on the day we leave everybody knows those rules still apply and everybody knows where they stand".

The government will publish a "white paper" policy document on Thursday outlining its plans for the legal overhaul, which for better or worse will give MPs the opportunity to amend the laws as they are brought under the national system.

Meanwhile Juncker will meet in Malta with EU President Donald Tusk, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.Tusk bid farewell to Britain on Wednesday, after receiving the British government's divorce letter triggering Article 50 of the EU`s Lisbon Treaty -- the exit clause.

"We already miss you," he said. Merkel called for "fair and constructive" negotiations, while dismissing Britain`s wish to have exit negotiations run concurrently with talks on its future relationship with the EU.

Britain has until October 2018 at the latest to come up with a draft divorce plan, according to the Commission`s Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier.

While May asserted in January that "no deal is better than a bad deal", in her Brexit letter she adopted a more conciliatory tone and called for Britain and the EU to "work hard" to avoid failure in the negotiations.
California: FBI agents have arrested a Mexican prosecutor suspected of involvement in a ring producing and importing illegal drugs, including heroin and cocaine, into the United States, authorities said Wednesday.

Edgar Veytia, the prosecutor in Mexico's western state of Nayarit, was arrested Monday on a warrant from a New York state court.
Tehran: Iran strongly denied any meddling on Thursday after Arab leaders condemned "foreign interference" in their affairs in a clear reference to the Islamic republic.

Arab heavyweight Saudi Arabia has been at loggerheads with Iran over the conflicts in Syria and Yemen and political unrest in Bahrain, and the final statement from Wednesday`s Arab summit in Jordan again hit out at Iran, without naming it.

Iran has "said repeatedly it does not need to intervene in the domestic affairs of other countries and always abides by the principles of good neighbourliness and respect for the sovereignty of governments," foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said.

"We cannot, however, hide our deep sorrow for some Arab and Islamic leaders, who instead of dealing with the most important crises in the region and the Muslim world... go astray and fail to distinguish friend from foe, either intentionally or by mistake.

"It`s very regrettable that some are trying to change reality and replace the Zionist regime (Israel) with Islamic Iran as an illusory and fabricated enemy," he added.
Kuala Lumpur: The body of Kim Jong Nam, half-brother to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and the victim of a bizarre murder at Kuala Lumpur airport, is expected to leave by plane on Thursday, media reports and an aviation industry source said.

Kim`s body was believed to be on Malaysia Airlines flight MH360 to Beijing, en route to North Korea, that was currently preparing for take off, media said.

The flight was behind its scheduled departure of 6 p.m. (1000 GMT)

"It is planned for...but not sure if (it`s) happening," said the aviation industry source, when asked if the body would be flown out on Thursday.

The release of the body by Malaysia - which recently imposed a ban on North Korean nationals leaving the Southeast Asian country - was arranged to secure the return of nine Malaysians stranded in Pyongyang after North Korea imposed a travel ban on Malaysians leaving its borders.

Malaysian police say Kim was killed on Feb. 13 by two women who smeared super toxic VX nerve agent on his face at the Kuala Lumpur budget terminal.

North Korea is demanding Kims body and three remaining suspects inside its embassy be returned to Pyongyang in exchange for an end to the travel ban on Malaysians, diplomatic sources have said.

Some media reports said the North Korean suspects were also leaving for Beijing on the same flight. Reuters could not independently verify this.
Three held for trading bear gallbladder

Metropolitan Police Crime Division Hanumandhoka, Kathmandu, has arrested three persons for their alleged involvement in smuggling gallbladder of beer. A bear gallbladder has been seized from their possession, police said.
Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian government on Thursday struck a deal with North Korea for the return of nine of its citizens previously barred from leaving Pyongyang, in exchange for the body of Kim Jong-nam, the slain half-brother of North Koreas leader.



Kim Jong-nam was assassinated at Kuala Lumpur Airport last month with a lethal nerve agent banned by the UN as a weapon of mass destruction.



Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said that nine Malaysians, three diplomats and their six family members, were expected to return on Friday, the Malay Mail Online reported.



"Many challenges were overcome to ensure the return of our fellow Malaysians. The safety and security of our citizens will always be my first priority," Najib, who is on a five-day working visit to India, said in a statement.



He said: "In addition, following the completion of the autopsy on the deceased and receipt of a letter from his family requesting the remains be returned to North Korea, the coroner has approved the release of the body."



The body will be returned to the family in North Korea, KCNA news agency said, adding that both countries would lift reciprocal bans on travel by citizens and guarantee their safety.



Kim`s body was believed to be on Malaysia Airlines flight MH360 to Beijing, en route to North Korea.



The Malaysians left Pyongyang in a Royal Malaysian Air Force business jet, which headed immediately west out of North Korean airspace before turning south towards Malaysia, according to flight tracking website planefinder.net.



The agreement was reached after recent talks between the two countries in Kuala Lumpur, Najib`s statement added.



A statement by the North Korean government released simultaneously said both countries managed to "resolve issues arising from the death of a North Korea national" in Malaysia at a meeting in Kuala Lumpur.


Paris: French President Francois Hollande said today that Britain must agree on the conditions of its exit from the EU before the bloc's members discuss other issues such as a trade deal.

"First we must begin discussions on the modalities of the withdrawal, especially on the rights of citizens and the obligations arising from the commitments that the United Kingdom has made," Hollande said.

"On the basis of what progress is made, we could open discussions on the framework of the future relations between the United Kingdom and the European Union," he added.

Hollande's approach echoes that of German Chancellor Angela Merkel who on Wednesday snubbed Prime Minister Theresa May's call for negotiations on the UK's exit from the EU to run alongside talks on defining the conditions of their future relationship.

Merkel said the negotiations "must first clarify how we will disentangle our interlinked relationship... And only when this question is dealt with, can we, hopefully soon after, begin talking about our future relationship".

As the EU's major powers, Germany and France are expected to play a determining role in the negotiations over the relationship that Britain will have when it leaves.
Damascus: At least 11,612 people have been killed in Syria in Russian raids, which began in September 2015, a UK-war monitor reported on Thursday.

According to data released by the Syrian Observatory Human Rights (SOHR), among those killed were at least 5,013 civilians, including 714 women and 1,201 children, Efe news reported.

The airstrikes also killed at least 3,284 Islamic State (IS) militants.

Additionally, at least 3,315 fighters from rebel and Islamist factions have lost their lives in these bombings, according to the SOHR, which pointed out that Russia has used cluster bombs.
Islamabad: A prominent local leader of the Ahmadi community and a relative of Nobel laureate Abdus Salam was brutally gunned down in Pakistan's Nankana Sahib city on Thursday morning, the police said.

Malik Saleem Latif, who was also an advocate and a leader of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiya group, was on his way to a court on a bike along with his son Advocate Farhan when "unidentified attackers" fired at them. Latif died on the spot, reported Dawn.

No application for the registration of an FIR has been filed so far, according to reports.

The murder has sparked an outrage among the Ahmadi community. Saleemuddin, a spokesman for the Ahmadi community, said that "Latif was killed because of his religious beliefs".

He said thhe incident shows that the ongoing military operations "Zarb-i-Azb" and "Raddul Fasad" are not being implemented the way they should be.

"Around 1,700 advertisements were published against the Ahmadiya community in local and national newspapers in 2016," said Saleemuddin.

"There is no check on hate mongering and if the situation remains the same, then the killing of Ahmadis will also continue," he added.

Saleemuddin said that community is battling discriminatory laws in the country and expressed frustration that hate mongers are enjoying the support of the government, the daily reported.
New York: Republicans mostly blame the U.S. Congress, and not President Donald Trump or party leaders, for failing to pass their party's healthcare overhaul, according to a Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll released on Wednesday.

The March 25-28 poll asked who should take responsibility for the failure of the American Health Care Act (AHCA), which Republican leaders pulled from consideration last week without a vote.

Besides Trump, who backed the bill, and House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, who was expected to shepherd it through Congress, the poll asked if people blamed House Republicans, House Democrats or the media.

Republicans were most likely to blame Congress. Some 26 percent said House Democrats were most responsible and 23 percent blamed House Republicans. Another 13 percent blamed Trump and 10 percent blamed Ryan. Only 8 percent blamed the media.

Their assessment appeared to align with Trump's criticism of Democratic leaders and the conservative Freedom Caucus, whom he blamed for the bill`s failure.

Overall, nearly one in four Americans, including Democrats and independents, blamed Trump. Ryan, Congress and the media received less criticism.

The Republican reform was widely criticized after estimates by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office showed 24 million people could lose their health insurance over the next 10 years.

Trump said on Tuesday he still thinks healthcare reform can happen "very quickly" in Washington, but he did not offer any specifics on how it could get done, or what would be changed from the previous bill.

Nearly half of all Americans said they would like to see that happen, though the response was split along party lines. Some 80 percent of Republicans said they would like to see their party take another swing at a bill, compared with only 25 percent of Democrats.

In a separate poll conducted between Jan.7-23, 46 percent of Americans wanted to keep Obamacare, the popular name for President Barack Obama`s healthcare reform, while fixing problem areas, and another 8 percent wanted to keep it exactly as it is.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online in English in all 50 states. The March 25-28 poll included 1,332 people, including 456 Republicans and 558 Democrats. It has a credibility interval, a measure of accuracy, of 3 percentage points for the entire group and 5 percentage points for Democrats and Republicans.
Ankara: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was in Ankara today for talks on the Syria conflict, just a day after Turkey announced that its military offensive was over.

Tillerson, the most senior US official to visit Turkey since President Donald Trump took office in January, is seeking to turn around recently rocky relations between the NATO allies.

He met with Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and was also due to talk to Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

The trip comes after Turkey announced that "Euphrates Shield", its operation in northern Syria, had ended but did not say if troops had been withdrawn from the war-torn country.

Ties between Ankara and Washington were strained during Barack Obama's administration, particularly over US cooperation with Syrian Kurdish militia fighting against the Islamic State group.

Ankara views the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) as a "terror group" linked to Kurdish separatists waging an insurgency inside Turkey since 1984, but Washington regards them as the best force fighting IS.

Turkey has suggested it wants to join any operation to capture the IS bastion of Raqa but without involvement of Syrian Kurdish militia.

Speaking to NTV television on the eve of Tillerson's visit, Yildirim said Turkey was not yet officially informed if it would take part in a planned Raqa campaign.

"The developments give an impression that the (Trump administration) is following the path of the past administration," he said, referring to the same tensions of the Obama years over the Syrian Kurdish militia role.

"This issue will be told to the US Secretary of State without any buts and the United States will be asked to clarify its position."

Tillerson and Yildirim "discussed working to enhance our critical security and economic ties in the region," a State Department official said after the meeting.

And Tillerson "emphasized the important role of Turkey, a regional leader and longstanding NATO ally, to achieve these goals."

In a statement, Yildirim's office said the ministers discussed Syria, now in the seventh year of a war, and spoke about efforts to clear IS from Syria and Iraq.

There were also tensions with Obama over Ankara's calls for the extradition of US-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen, a matter that remains unresolved.

The premier's office also said Yildirim and Tillerson discussed the next steps that should be taken for Gulen's return to Turkey.

Turkey accuses the Muslim cleric living in self-exile of ordering last year's failed coup against Erdogan. Gulen denies the charges but Ankara has repeatedly called for his extradition from the United States.

Turkish officials hope relations will improve under Trump and have said Washington appears to be taking the Gulen issue "more seriously".

But there has not been any open indication of a change in policy under Trump.
YEREVAN, MARCH 29, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs that on March 29 the USD exchange rate was 483.82 AMD which is a decrease of 0.09 AMD compared to the previous day.

Armenpress reports the euro depreciated by 3.39 AMD forming 522.04 AMD, and British pound depreciated 6.41 AMD forming 601.53 AMD. Russian ruble increased by 0.01 drams against March 28 forming 8.49 AMD.

The prices for precious metals are as follows: the price for silver per gram is 279.06 AMD, gold-19 thousand 556.74 AMD, and platinum  14 thousand 995.19 AMD.
Toyotas 50 years in Nepal: A pleasant journey

United Traders Syndicate (UTS), the sole distributor of Toyota vehicles and parts in Nepal, has completed 50 years of operations. The automobile distributor has been credited with contributing to the development of transportation in the country by introducing the Japanese vehicle brand.
YEREVAN, MARCH 30, ARMENPRESS. The transition into parliamentary system in Armenia will contribute to increasing the level of defense capability of the country, Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan told Russian reporters, reports Armenpress.

The parliamentary governance model will also have a key significance in crisis situations, in those situations when the majority of the Parliament must make decisions on the necessary changes in the budget, other major legislative acts that are dictated by the situation development, he said.

The Minister added that the parliamentary governance system works in many countries and works very effectively. It is expected that the upcoming majority in the Parliament will be a stable majority which will have a chance to form a government that will in its turn be responsible for increasing the countrys defensibility, the national security. In a state of war the Prime Minister takes over the duties of the Commander-in-Chief, Vigen Sargsyan said.

Asked to what extent the new governance model will have an influence on Armenias mutual partnership with the CSTO member states, the Minister said all problems that will emerge while making decisions will be quickly solved. I dont see any major problem for Armenias mutual cooperation with the CSTO member states within the frames of the organization in connection with the transition to new governance model, the Defense Minister said.
YEREVAN, MARCH 30, ARMENPRESS. President of Poland Andrzej Duda organized a special reception on March 29 for the Armenian community representatives in the Presidential Palace, press service of the Armenian MFA told Armenpress.

Armenias Ambassador to Poland Edgar Ghazaryan, a number of Polish high-ranking officials, heads and representatives of Armenian organizations, famous Armenian scholars, clergymen, cultural figures, other guests attended the reception.

The reception was dedicated to the 650th anniversary of the establishment of Armenian community in Poland.

During the reception President Andrzej Duda delivered speech by attaching importance to Armenians presence and role during the history of Poland. The history of Armenian people is registered in the history of Polish people, it is inseparably linked with the history of our people. Over the centuries our mixed blood is the great achievement of Poland. It is impossible to imagine Polands history without Armenians input on that, on our culture, traditions, he said. By their tradition, intelligence, art, culture and faith Armenians have always been hosted in Poland. Their contribution in our countrys life, all spheres of public life is invaluable. They have always been engaged in the public life, in the life of their new Fatherland, by always remembering about Armenia. By looking at these centuries, I, as a President of the Republic of Poland, want to thank you for your contribution, Andrzej Duda said, adding that Armenians when arrived in Poland in late 1367, received a privilege to establish the first Diocese of Armenian Church in the country.

During the ceremony a number of figures, representatives of Armenian community delivered speeches highlighting the role of Armenians in the history of Poland.

At the end of the reception Ambassador Ghazaryan thanked President Duda for the warm reception and gave him Artsakh carpet with an image of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
















YEREVAN, MARCH 30, ARMENPRESS. In November 2016, a trilateral agreement was signed between the Armenias Human Rights Defender, Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and American University of Armenia. With the AGBU support and based on the agreement during the last six months intensive English language courses were conducted for the Defenders Office members at the American University of Armenia, the Ombudsmans Office told Armenpress.

The six levels of English language courses of the American University of Armenia Extension Program are designed both for beginners and those with intermediate and high level of English. Twenty members from different departments of the Defenders office have already enhanced their English skills, enriching their general and professional vocabulary. Within the educational project, the development of official writing and verbal skills was emphasized.

Development of English communication skills will enable the staff to explore and implement international best experience in their work and ensure active cooperation with international organizations, involving in various international working groups. The trainings will continue.

The Ombudsman highly appreciates the AGBUs support and important role of the American University of Armenia in the trainings of Ombudsmans staff.
YEREVAN, MARCH 30, ARMENPRESS. Joint operations in Syria arent viewed in the tactical plans of the Armenian-Russian joint troops, defense minister Vigen Sargsyan told Russian media representatives.

We dont have such a dialogue at this moment also. We cooperate very actively in sending humanitarian aid to Syria, we have several programs regarding different humanitarian actions, however using the 102nd Russian military base of Armenia in the operations in Syria isnt considered now, the minister said.

He added that it is necessary to take into account the fact that a huge Armenian community exists in Syria, as well as other Middle Eastern countries.

There are many issues in terms of ensuring the security of these communities. Regarding the situation in Syria, all actions of Armenia take into account this very fact, Sargsyan said.
YEREVAN, MARCH 30, ARMENPRESS. The Collective Security Treaty Organization is very important system for Armenias security, Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan said in a meeting with Russian reporters, reports Armenpress.

It is also stated in the National Security Strategy of Armenia and the countrys Military Doctrine. We are considered as one of the founding members of that organization, and of course, we highly appreciate the structures potential, he said.

The Minister added Armenia actively took part in the decision-making process on establishing CSTO operative response collective forces. We are highly interested in the organizations peacekeeping potential. We believe that this organization has a huge potential. We use very effectively the organizations opportunities in terms of preparing military personnel, as well as military-technical cooperation. We have a chance to buy military equipment and arms from producing countries with domestic prices, the Minister said.

He added that there are still a lot of issues in connection with harmonization of actions in key foreign policy issues within the CSTO. Certain steps were made on this path through Armenias efforts. Of course, we need to understand that not only the CSTO but also other international structures, including military-political alliances are well familiar with situations when the member states of the same organization can have different, sometimes, contradictory stances on foreign policy issues. We think this weakens the organization, especially when its member states are not many. Thats why I think we need to work on this, Vigen Sargsyan said.
YEREVAN, MARCH 30, ARMENPRESS. During the Governments March 30 session, the decision on establishing free economic zone in Syunik province, in the Iranian border, was discussed and approved, press service of the Ministry of Economic Development and Investments told Armenpress.

The launch of free economic zone in Syunik will contribute to creation of effective transportation-logistics and industrial hub, the social-economic development of the province, will boost export capital inflow to Armenia, will strengthen economic ties with Iran, as well as more effective utilization of Armenias economic potential.

The FEZ total area will be nearly 32 hectares. The program implementation is based on phases principle. In the first year it is expected to make over 3 million USD investment by the organizer as a result of which the minimum necessary infrastructures will be established and it will be possible to operate the FEZ already in autumn, 2017.

The FEZ in Syunik province is established with public-private sector cooperation formula. The state participation in the program implementation will be an additional signal for companies interested in carrying out activity in the FEZ.

During the operation of the free economic zone, it is expected to attract up to 120 operators, mainly foreign ones, whose investments will comprise over 350-400 million USD and who will export over 100 million USD average annual product and will create more than 2500 new jobs during the years of activity. The target directions for this purpose are the EAEU states, Iran, Middle East and EU countries.
YEREVAN, MARCH 30, ARMENPRESS. The government of Armenia approved the draft on privatizing the Yerverelak CJSC.

Deputy head of the state property management department Ashot Markosyan said the company will be privatized through a tender.

The government of Armenia proposes to present 100% state shares of the company for privatization through a tender, setting the starting price of the shares at 100% of the evaluated price  94 million drams, Markosyan said.

70 percent of the money will be directed to the state budget, and 30% to community budgets.

Yerverelak is the only licensed state company in the elevator business.

Back in 2012 the government decided to sell the company, but the auction didnt take place. An auction failed to take place again in 2013.
YEREVAN, MARCH 30, ARMENPRESS. Russias foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova says she doesnt have information regarding the possible meeting of the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers in Moscow.

Currently I dont have information regarding the meeting of the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Moscow. I will report to you in case such information comes up, Zakharova told a briefing.

Commenting on the reporters request to assess the one year process of settlement of the NK conflict after the 2016 April events, Zakharova said she will present the assessment of the Russian side on the NK conflict settlement process on the ministrys website or during the next briefing.
YEREVAN, MARCH 30, ARMENPRESS. State Tourism Committee of Armenia and Enterprise Incubator Foundation signed a memorandum of cooperation which implies implementation of joint projects on issues related to the development of Gyumri, Enterprise Incubator Foundation told Armenpress.

Both sides intend to support various events and flash mobs directed to the development of tourism industry in the region and Gyumri, elaboration of ideas, transformation, formation of target streets, neighborhoods and other places for tourism development in Gyumri.

The start has been launched. The 1st place changed as a result of cooperation in Gyumri is Shirak airport.

According to Amalya Yeghoyan, Gyumri Technology Center (GTC) business manager it is every persons responsibility living in Gyumri to think about transforming the city. We decided to begin with the airport as visitors arriving in Gyumri get their first impressions of the city from the airport. Any visitor is a potential client and a partner therefore we must put forth all efforts to keep them longer in the city and present our potential.

Digital Pomegranate Company operating at Gyumri Technology Center has proposed and implemented design solutions for the airport with the support of GTC and the mayor of Gyumri.

Pictures of buildings and streets representing historical and cultural value of Gyumri, Mher Mkrtchyans, Avetiq Isahakyans and other geniuses portraits. These portraits will be done with the help of #AR/ #VR technologies, with ARLOOPAs initiative.
YEREVAN, MARCH 30, ARMENPRESS. Armenias Government approved establishing free economic zone in Syunik province, recognizing Syunik Free Economic Zone LLC FEZ organizer, as well as the report forms presented by the organizer over the FEZ activity, reports Armenpress.

Minister of Economic Development and Investments Suren Karayan said the total area of free economic zone will comprise about 32 hectares. At the initial stage Syunik Free Economic Zone LLC will make over 3 million USD investment and will create new jobs. Already in autumn it will be possible to launch the operation of the FEZ during which it is expected to attract up to 120 foreign operators whose investments will comprise over 350-400 million USD, they will export an average of 100 million USD product annually and will create more than 2500 jobs during the years of activity, Karayan said.

The Minister said such initiative can be a boosting factor in terms of Armenias territorial development, development of economic ties with Iran, effective utilization of Iranian potential, mainly using the opportunities of freely entering markets of Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan.

He said they expect to attract the economic entities of third countries who will find it appropriate to work with the Iranian market and the Customs union.

Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan tasked the Minister to present all information on the Syunik FEZ to partners of Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Georgia.

I have talked to our partners, we will send the information by clearly stating when the platform will be ready. We are ready to provide conditions to the capitals of those countries in the FEZ that are interested in negotiating with the Iranian side and deploying in Iran, the PM said.
Transaction soars as investors book profits

The Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) posted a single-day transaction of Rs2.56 billion on Wednesday as investors rushed to book profits after the recent rally. An all-time high single-day transaction of Rs2.75 billion was recorded on July 27, 2016.
YEREVAN, MARCH 30, ARMENPRESS. Finance Minister Vardan Aramyan considers unrealistic Tsarukyan alliance leader Gagik Tsarukyans promise on attracting 15 billion USD investment in Armenia, reports Armenpress.

If we look within realistic approach, you will not see any country in the world15 billion is 150% of our GDP. We have an economy of 10 billion. Investments cannot be immediately become 15 billion, Minister Aramyan said.

Asked whether 3 billion worth programs announced by PM Karen Karapetyan are realistic, the Minister said: It as well is impossible to do in a year, we have said that for upcoming years.
YEREVAN, MARCH 30, ARMENPRESS. At least two investment programs are being discussed in every Government session, this means that investors are interested in Armenia, Suren Karayan, Minister of Economic Development and Investments, told reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Armenpress reports.

This is already a great activeness and speaks about the fact that investors have a great desire. Much more investment programs are submitted so that the Government will be able to assist with its support tools, the Minister said.

Asked why the investor must make an investment in Armenia, the Minister said investments are mainly made taking into account the fact that Armenia has trade privileges based on its advantages in the region.

They make an investment based on the fact that Armenia has favorable business environment. Under this Government investments were carried out in different spheres, energy, industry, healthcare, pharmacy and etc, Karayan said, adding that the statistics on investments will be presented soon.
YEREVAN, MARCH 30, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian on March 30 held a meeting with Vice-President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Kent Harstedt who arrived in Armenia with the OSCE PA observation missions delegation, press service of the MFA told Armenpress.

During the meeting they exchanged views on the preparation works of Armenias upcoming parliamentary election that will be held on April 2.

The sides discussed issued related to the OSCE agenda and the OSCE PA activity.
YEREVAN, MARCH 30, ARMENPRESS. In the sidelines of the working visit to Malta, President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan attended second plenary session of the congress of the biggest pan European political family, the European Peoples Party (EPP) and discussions of the subsequent summit, Armenpress was informed from the press service of the Armenian Presidents Office.
The exterior of Lloyd's of London, the centuries-old insurance market, is pictured in the City of London on March 30, 2017

Lloyd's of London's decision to open a European subsidiary was inevitable following the trigger of Brexit, with the only difficult choice being its location, chief executive Inga Beale told AFP Thursday.

Lloyd's, which insures against catastrophes such as earthquakes, shipwrecks and revolutions, announced it was to open a Brussels office one day after British Prime Minister Theresa May activated the two-year countdown to the nation's EU divorce.

"The decision to actually set up a subsidiary was not the difficult decision, because we have to do that," the British businesswoman told AFP at London's Lloyd's headquarters.

"We would no longer be able to provide insurance for our customers in the EU. Only the location was a difficult decision."

However, the CEO explained that "we still see, very much, the City of London as our core headquarters" given that a lot of the firm's business will be with the US, Asia and Latin America.

Lloyd's, which employs 700 people in the British capital, will start work at the Brussels office from January 1, 2019.

The new office is likely to require around 20 staff, Beale said, adding that "some jobs may be transferring from London", but that most of the Brussels team would be made up of new hires.

The business repeatedly warned before last year's shock referendum that it could move operations to elsewhere within the EU in the event of Brexit, with many other institutions in London's crucial financial sector making similar claims.

Britons voted on June 23 in favour of quitting the bloc, with May finally triggering the two-year divorce proceedings on Wednesday, following nine months of legal and political wrangling.

Lloyd's currently enjoys "passporting" rights -- which allows EU member states to trade across national borders, providing a gateway to access the rest of the bloc. It also benefits from trade agreements.

Beale said the insurance giant began the search for a new base immediately after the vote, with many cities in the frame.

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"We wanted to list all the detailed criteria about what was important to us, that's why it has taken so long," she said.

"There was so many equal jurisdictions in terms of various aspects, but Brussels has got a very good reputation for regulation... and we also can have access to very good multilingual talent in Brussels," she explained.

Brussels also scored highly on transport links to London and the rest of Europe and Belgium was very unlikely to leave the EU, added the CEO.

Beale was appointed as the CEO of the venerable finance institution in December 2013, becoming the first female CEO in the insurance market's 328-year history.
The offices of the European Banking Authority have been in London's Canary Wharf financial district but Brexit will likely see the EBA forced to quit the city

Luxembourg has claimed the legal right to host the London-based European Banking Authority after Brexit, a government spokeswoman said on Thursday.

Citing a European Union law dating back to 1965, Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel made his case in a letter to EU Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker, the spokeswoman said.

Bettel's letter is dated Wednesday, the same day that Britain's own letter to Tusk officially notified the EU that the UK intended to leave the bloc.

"Luxembourg's claim to host the EBA is nothing more than the implementation of this agreement that is still valid today," the spokeswoman told AFP.

"We want the 1965 decision to be respected and therefore claim that the EBA's new host should be Luxembourg."

The move fires the opening shot in what will certainly be a furious battle by EU countries to claim UK-based Brexit spoils.

Up for grabs also is the case for the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and its London staff of 900, including pharmaceutical experts, biologists and doctors from every corner of Europe.

The EBA is perhaps best known for its regular stress tests on the EU's financial sector, which have become a vital focus for investors and regulators in the wake of the global financial crisis.

Member states "are willing to locate in Luxembourg, or to transfer thererto, other community bodies and departments, particularly those concerned with finance," Bettel's letter quoted the law as saying.

- 'Really wide interest' -

But media reports suggest that cities including Amsterdam, Dublin, Frankfurt, Paris and Vienna are also trying to woo the EBA away.

Germany's powerful Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble last week said he would plead strongly to have the EBA based in Frankfurt.

Luxembourg believes that the 1965 law stipulates that any decision to locate an economic institution of the EU elsewhere than Luxembourg requires a special exception.

This was granted to Britain in the case of the EBA, now in London, and Germany for the European Central Bank, which is based in Frankfurt.

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Luxembourg already hosts the European Court of Justice as well as the European Stability Mechanism, the eurozone rescue fund that plays a leading role in the Greek debt crisis.

EU ministers are also bound by law to hold their regular monthly gatherings in Luxembourg three times a year, instead of the usual Brussels.

The London headquarters of the European Union's EBA financial regulator, in the Canary Wharf district, has 170 staff.

Britons voted in June to quit the EU bloc in a referendum that sent shockwaves across the globe and prompted several banks to announce plans to move jobs from London to continental Europe.

The EBA refused to comment on the latest claim.

Last week, executive director Adam Farkas told AFP of the "really wide interest from European capitals who expressed their desire or intention to host us."

"We do not have a formal role in deciding this," Farkas said, adding that it would be up to the EU governments, commission and European parliament to decide.
Trumps planned UN cuts to affect NAs wider deployment

The plan of US President Donald Trump to significantly cut down the funding for the United Nations Peacekeeping operations is likely to affect the Nepal Armys ambitious plan to double its presence in various war-hit countries across the globe.


Amir Taaki is a well-known anarchist bitcoin hacker whose project, Dark Wallet, is meant to create strong anonymity for cryptocurrency transactions; when he discovered that anarchists around the world had gone to Rojava, a district in Kurdish Syria on the Turkish border, to found an anarchist collective with 4,000,000 members "based on principles of local direct democracy, collectivist anarchy, and equality for women," he left his home in the UK to defend it.

The scene on the ground is somewhat shambolic, and Taaki spent months fighting at the front, watching his friends die to jihadi machine-gun ambushes, before someone figured out that he had special skills relevant to the cause. He was finally transfered to Qamishli, Rojava's capital, where he worked as a technologist before deciding to return to Britain to finish Dark Wallet in the hopes that strongly anonymous cryptocurrency could be a fundraising tool for anarchist free states.





However, he was arrested and accused of terrorism as soon as he landed. Now, he's mired in a long, terrible fight with the British government.



Taaki settled into Rojavan life in the northeastern city of Al-Malikiyah, and then in Qamishli, the capital. He joined the region's Economics Committee and enrolled in Rojava's language academy to learn Kurdish. And he began frenetically working to make himself useful in a society rebuilding itself in the Syrian war's power vacuum. He trained local people on how to use open source software and the internet, created an ideological curriculum for all the foreigners who came to Rojava, helped build a fertilizer production factory, worked on a solar-panel research project, wrote a guide for foreigners trying to learn Kurdish, and helped start a young women's revolutionary magazine. "His work was difficult, because here very few people understand the importance of the internet, and of course nobody had heard about bitcoin or free software or anything like that," says Pablo Prieto, a Spanish biologist based in Rojava who worked with Taaki on the fertilizer production facility. He also says the Rojavan community came to see Taaki as an important member. "He was very valued here  He left a deep footprint." Ultimately, Rojava's leaders gave Taaki the task of helping to design the technology curriculum for the nascent education system. He later became the only foreigner invited to attend the meeting of the country's economics conference, where the local government made the key decision to turn the land left behind by refugees into cooperative farms. "Being in that atmosphere, where all around you there are people working on building a new societyit's indescribable," Taaki says.



How an Anarchist Bitcoin Coder Found Himself Fighting ISIS in Syria [Andy Greenberg/Wired]

(Image: Anastasia Taylor-Lind for Wired)
medicial marijuana cannabis

Many investors looking to gain exposure to the marijuana ?green rush? of late in Canada and abroad have looked to Canopy Growth Corp. (TSX:WEED) as a first pick because of its large market capitalization and the belief that Canopy will be able to take advantage of a perceived first-mover advantage over rivals to gobble up market share in Canada and abroad.

But there?s a long-term candidate in the marijuana space that I believe has a chance to outperform Canopy in the long run for a number of reasons.

Let?s take a look at Aphria Inc. (TSX:APH).

Business model and growth prospects

With the marijuana industry and any other early stage company operating in an environment with a number of regulatory and economic uncertainties, the valuations placed on these companies are largely based on expectations:

Growth rate expectations (short, medium, and long term)

Market share expectations

Industry growth rate (in this case, relating to regulation and the ability of new consumers to legally consume)

Aphria is currently running the race, but lagging behind Canopy (the industry leader in Canada) for a number of reasons. Among these, Canopy has done a very good job of gaining ground on its competition, branding its products, and building international partnerships via acquisitions and investments than other firms.

That said, it looks like Aphria is doing a good job of catching up.

U.S. expansion

In terms of international growth potential, Aphria continues to move forward with high-quality investments in geographic areas that are likely to produce a significant stream of future cash flows in the long term. One investment announced recently in an Arizona medicinal cannabis producer Copperstate Farms, LLC gives Aphria a foothold in Arizona, one of the newest states to announce legalized marijuana.

This strategy of investing in areas that are untouched by other large competitors strengthens Aphria?s overall market share position, setting the company up as a viable rival to other large Canadian marijuana companies such as Canopy.

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Conclusion

One of the newest additions to the TSX, Aphria, is continuing to grow its presence domestically and abroad, setting itself up to ?play with the big boys? in Canadian marijuana production. That said, long-term competition from large U.S. or global marijuana companies looking to defend geographical areas from small Canadian producers may provide significant headwinds for companies such as Aphria or Canopy.

Given the fact that the competitive landscape is very messy right now, and the time horizon for the legalization of marijuana in specific jurisdictions remains unknown, I remain hesitant about Canadian marijuana companies. I do, however, prefer some over others.

Stay Foolish, my friends.

Canada's answer to Amazon.com

You've probably never even heard of this up-and-coming e-commerce powerhouse headquartered in Eastern Ontario...

But, despite coming public just last year, it's already helping the likes of Budweiser... Tesla... Subway... and Red Bull move $9.9 BILLION (and counting) worth of goods online each year.

And now it's caught the eye of the legendary investor who got behind Amazon.com in 1997 -- just before it shot up over 23,000% and made investors like you and me rich beyond their wildest dreams.

Click here to discover why this investor says it's time to buy.

More reading

Fool contributor Chris MacDonald has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Canada's answer to Amazon.com

You've probably never even heard of this up-and-coming e-commerce powerhouse headquartered in Eastern Ontario...

But, despite coming public just last year, it's already helping the likes of Budweiser... Tesla... Subway... and Red Bull move $9.9 BILLION (and counting) worth of goods online each year.

And now it's caught the eye of the legendary investor who got behind Amazon.com in 1997 -- just before it shot up over 23,000% and made investors like you and me rich beyond their wildest dreams.

Click here to discover why this investor says it's time to buy.

Fool contributor Chris MacDonald has no position in any stocks mentioned.
The office building of health insurer Anthem is seen in Los Angeles, California February 5, 2015. REUTERS/Gus Ruelas

(Reuters) - Anthem Inc (NYSE:ANTM - News) is likely to exit from a large portion of its Obamacare individual insurance markets next year, Jefferies analysts said, nearly a week after Republican leaders pulled legislation to overhaul the U.S. healthcare system.

Anthem is one of the few health insurers that still sells plans under Obamacare. Humana Inc (NYSE:HUM - News), Aetna Inc (NYSE:AET - News) and UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:UNH - News) pulled out after reporting hundreds of millions of dollars of losses.

Anthem is leaning toward exiting a "high percentage" of the 144 rating regions in which it currently participates, Jefferies analysts said in a note on Thursday after talking to the health insurer.

Obamacare, former Democratic President Barack Obama's signature legislation created by the Affordable Care Act of 2010, has had a tough beginning.

The mix of sick and healthy customers has been worse than expected, and premium rates on the individual insurance market went up 25 percent this year.

The Republicans' failure to repeal Obamacare, at least for now, means it remains federal law.

"We continue to actively pursue policy changes that will help with market stabilization and achieve the common goal of making quality health care more affordable and accessible for all," Anthem said in a statement.

Shares of the company were up 1.4 percent at $167.29 in late afternoon trading.

The company's management notes that regulatory advocacy needs to progress significantly in a "month or so," said analysts David Windley and David Styblo, raising their price target on the stock to $177 from $172.

(Reporting by Ankur Banerjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)
By Matt Scuffham

TORONTO (Reuters) - Scrutiny of Canada's financial oversight sparked by reports of improper sales practices at the nation's top banks shows its watchdogs lack the muscle and the bite to tackle consumer abuses as aggressively as their U.S. and European peers.

Canada's banking system avoided failures in the 2007-09 financial crisis and the World Economic Forum consistently ranks it as being among the world's soundest, crediting strong regulations and oversight for the top billing.

But reports by CBC News, Canada's public broadcaster, that staff at the country's biggest five banks had moved customers to higher fee accounts and raised overdraft and credit card limits without their knowledge made lawmakers and campaign groups question if lenders were properly supervised.

"If they're doing it with customer service, where else might they be doing it?" said Robert-Falcon Ouellette, a Liberal MP and a member of Canada's House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance.

A review of budgets, staffing and legal powers at the disposal of the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC), the primary financial consumer watchdog, shows the regulator lacking the firepower of its U.S. and British peers.

The FCAC has a budget of C$18 million ($13.5 million) for the 2016/17 financial year and employs 89 staff. In contrast, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions that oversees the safety of the entire banking system employs 700 with an annual budget of C$144 million.

By comparison, Britain's Financial Conduct Authority had an annual budget of 519 million pounds ($645 million) and 3,337 staff at the end of its last fiscal year. The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau had a budget of $606 million last year and 1,623 employees.

The FCAC's fines are also capped at C$500,000 per violation and since its formation in 2001, the FCAC has issued fines totaling just C$1.7 million. In contrast, Britain's FCA has dished out over $3 billion pounds since its creation in 2013 while the CFPB has handed out fines worth over $5 billion since its creation in 2011.

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"MYSTERY SHOPPERS"

One consequence of the tight budget is that the FCAC has not carried out a "mystery shopper" exercise since 2005.

"They demand a lot of resources and are not always necessary," FCAC's Deputy Commissioner Brigitte Goulard told Reuters in an interview.

"There are better ways to make sure the banks actually comply with the legislation," she added. "The banks are required to self-reveal, self-assess their own compliance with legislation and I think it's worked fairly well."

Consumer advocate Duff Conacher said, however, that the Canadian regulator's failure to detect questionable business practices reported by the public broadcaster could be down to the lack of "mystery shopper" checks where inspectors pose as regular customers.

To be sure, when Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC - News) paid $190 million last year to settle charges that its sales staff created 2 million of unauthorized accounts, it was down to a whistleblower and media who alerted the authorities about the practices.

But "mystery shopping" helped U.S. regulators last year to investigate allegations of racial discrimination at BancorpSouth Inc (NYSE:BXS - News) that led to a $10.6 million settlement.

In Britain, regulators used the technique in 2008 to investigate banks' mis-selling of loan insurance in the nation's most costly corporate scandal.

Conacher also criticized the FCAC for effectively tipping off banks when it said earlier this month it would review business practices in the federally regulated financial sector in April.

"It's just another example, unfortunately, of the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada's negligent lack of enforcement and weak enforcement record," he said in an interview.

Conacher is a co-founder of Democracy Watch, a lobby group which has gathered 50,000 signatures under a petition calling for more effective regulation of Canada's biggest banks.

One issue that stirred much debate was the continued use of sales incentives by banks named in the CBC reports - Royal Bank of Canada (Toronto:RY.TO - News), Toronto Dominion Bank (Toronto:TD.TO - News), Bank of Nova Scotia (Toronto:BNS.TO - News), Bank of Montreal (Toronto:BMO.TO - News) and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (Toronto:CM.TO - News).

All five have confirmed that they continue to offer sales incentives for staff and defended the practice that some of their British and U.S. peers have scrapped or modified under pressure from regulators.

"What we've created is an incentive system where people might feel pressure to engage in unethical behavior which might actually jeopardize the long-term future of the banking market," Ouellette said.

Since Canadian banks have avoided scandals or failures that have plagued banks their European and U.S. peers, they have avoided similar intense regulatory scrutiny, raising the question if any improper practices might have gone undetected, banking analysts say.

FCAC's Goulard said existing statistics did not suggest that.

"In the past two years we've had over 6,000 complaints and about 200 of those have to deal with not obtaining the consent of the consumer," she said. In some cases consumers have given their consent but have forgotten about it, she added.

Canada's Liberal government is currently reviewing the regulation of the financial services industry and, last August, launched a consultation on the issue.

Conservative MP Dan Albas, who also sits on the parliamentary finance committee, said the reports of mis-selling made the review particularly critical.

"If there seem to be systematic issues where there are gaps that consumers are falling through or banks aren't meeting their obligations then that's something the government needs to take very seriously."

(Reporting by Matthew Scuffham; Editing by Tomasz Janowski)
millionaire

As most established investors are aware, the ability to compound money over time is one of the most important aspects to becoming a successful investor. Although the initial sum of X can take a long time to build up, the time to double that is almost always shorter, then shorter again to triple it, and so on. While patient investors are keenly aware of this, newer investors can sometimes use a quick explanation and path to reach the goal.

Starting with $0, an investor making annual TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) contributions of $5,000, while compounding the balance at a rate of 12%, will need almost seven years to reach $50,000. Breaking the numbers down, the contribution will total $35,000, and $15,000 will come from the returns. Let?s take $50,000 as X.

Starting now with $50,000, the time to reach $100,000 will be no more than four years, assuming the rate of return is a consistent 12% and contributions remain $5,000 annually. To move the needle by another $50,000 ($100,000-$50,000), an investor will contribute only $20,000 and receive $30,000 in returns. Remember, the returns are on the entire balance, not just the new contributions.

The same investor begins with $100,000 and needs to hit the $150,000 mark. At a rate of return of 12% and annual contributions of $5,000, the time frame is down to fewer than three years. The tighter time frame translates to no more than $15,000 in contributions and $35,000 in returns.

Lastly, to quadruple the original $50,000, the investor will need only two years with $10,000 in contributions and 12% in returns, which translates to growth of almost $40,000.

Let?s look at this exercise from start to finish. The total time frames between Xs were seven years, four years, three years, and two years, a total of 16 years. It is important to consider that the money doubled over the past four years, while in the first seven years, the growth was a total of $15,000, or 30%, of the ending $50,000.

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While this exercise may not be encouraging to all, it is meant to encourage investors to start early. While $50,000 may seem exciting early on, the reality is that $50,000 for an investor with a $1,000,000 portfolio is no more than 5% of the balance. With enough time, we can all reach the $1,000,000 mark.

The hardest part is, of course, hunting down an investment that will return the required 12%. Taking Canada?s biggest corporation as an example, shares of Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY)(NYSE:RY) have returned a total price return of 66% over the past five years in addition to the dividend. Currently, the dividend sits a little over 3.5%. For investors doing the math, the average annual return is north of 16%!

While investors can?t expect the returns of any company to repeat over time, investors are justified in searching for an investment where good investments have been found before.

Put another way: if you pan for gold, you don?t go to another panner?s river; you find another river close by.

First Brexit... then Trump... Now, it's time for Pro...

To help investors like you navigate this historically uncertain -- yet high-flying -- market and prepare for an inevitable downturn, we're re-opening our Motley Fool Pro Canada service to a select few new members for a short time.

To discover how Pro Canada could help you to increase your upside potential... reduce your downside risk... and earn paycheque-like income in the process, simply click here -- before the small number of spots we have left are all gone!

More reading

Fool contributor Ryan Goldsman has no position in any stocks mentioned.

First Brexit... then Trump... Now, it's time for Pro...

To help investors like you navigate this historically uncertain -- yet high-flying -- market and prepare for an inevitable downturn, we're re-opening our Motley Fool Pro Canada service to a select few new members for a short time.

To discover how Pro Canada could help you to increase your upside potential... reduce your downside risk... and earn paycheque-like income in the process, simply click here -- before the small number of spots we have left are all gone!

Fool contributor Ryan Goldsman has no position in any stocks mentioned.
CEO of Trumbull Unmanned Dyan Gibbens speaks as US President Donald Trump participates in a roundtable with women small business owners at the White House in Washington, DC, March 27, 2017. (JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)

President Donald Trump gathered 11 female entrepreneurs in the Roosevelt Room on Monday for an hourlong discussion about women in business. We spoke to one attendee who came away from the talk feeling optimistic.

Dyan Gibbens, an Air Force veteran and the founder and CEO of Trumbull Unmanned, had a seat at the table  in fact, she was seated right next to the president.

It was amazing to sit next to him, a really unexpected pleasure, says Gibbens, whose company uses drones to collect information about the environment for the oil and gas industry.

I feel incredibly honored to have been a part of that conversation. Im honored to be a part of what I hope will be a continued initiative. He made clear that its an absolute priority for the administration, asking for our input on ways we can advance toward these shared goals, she added in an interview with Yahoo Finance.

Ivanka Trump has talked about how much her father cares about working women and has been holding roundtables about the issue, meeting with leaders like Justin Trudeau and Angela Merkel about the importance of having more women in the workforce. Though Ivanka Trump has been championing the issue on behalf of the administration, her father has the most male-dominated cabinet since Reagan.

(Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Gibbens  whos Hispanic, an entrepreneur and a mother of two (a 4-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son)  said shes never felt the need to speak up and advocate for female leaders, particularly in the STEM fields.

But more recently, she said, I became more active in representing female and minority-led businesses to ensure that I serve as an example as an engineer and the drone industry not only for other budding entrepreneurs but for my children.

Based in Houston, Texas, Gibbens, 35, flew into Washington twice in 12 days to participate in discussions at the White House, though this was her first time meeting Trump. Mondays meeting was a follow-up to a roundtable discussion organized by the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) led by Ivanka Trump and Dina Powell, the presidents deputy national security adviser for strategy.

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When asked whether she thought it was a fruitful discussion, Gibbens acknowledged that she doesnt expect any dramatic changes overnight. But she believes Trumps actions match his rhetoric and his willingness to listen to their insights.

I commend the president for bringing the topic of women in business to the forefront and bringing more women into the administration. It was a productive conversation  we discussed affordable childcare, access to capital, increasing networks and workforce development, she said. It felt productive and collaborative, and for us as a table we were able to focus on these shared goals and advancing women in business.

In February, Trump signed two executive orders that highlighted the significance of women in business  The Inspiring the Next Space Pioneers and Innovators and Explorers Act, which calls on NASA to encourage women to pursue STEM careers, and The Promoting Women in Entrepreneurship Act, which promises more support for entrepreneurial programs started by women.

Jessica Johnson, Ivanka Trump & Dyan Gibbens (Dyan Gibbens)

Gibbens was joined by 10 other female leaders like Shirley Ann Perry, the founder of environmental consulting firm HydroTech, Jessica Johnson, the CEO of security guard service Johnson Security Bureau, and Claudia Mirza, CEO of Akorbi, a language and translation service, as well as Ivanka Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and the head of the Small Business Administration, Linda McMahon.

She even had the opportunity to tell her favorite joke  an admittedly nerdy one  during her introduction, one she said was met with laughter from everyone around the table.

I was discussing our company and I didnt expect to share this as part of my intro, but it just came out. Everyone in our company is an engineer, a pilot or an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operator. So how do you know if someone is a pilot? Theyll tell you, she explained.

Thats the joke  because pilots have to make sure you know that theyre pilots. Everyone laughed. It was fun and Ive never had that many cameras in front of me. It was an intimidating, amazing experience.

Dyan Gibbens

Though Gibbens said she doesnt necessarily see eye-to-eye with all of Trumps policies, she thinks his stated desire to elevate females to leadership positions is a good place to start.

For me, we have to start somewhere. It seems to make sense to start on the ground that we have in common and use that as an entry point. As a country, we have common ground and we need to try to focus on the 80-90% we have in common and build from there.

The discussion happened to fall on the first work day after Trump failed to get enough votes to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Given such a polarizing and political backdrop, perhaps Trump can bring the unity he promised America by rallying individuals like Gibbens on focused issues like female empowerment.

Melody Hahm is a writer at Yahoo Finance, covering entrepreneurship, technology and real estate. Follow her on Twitter @melodyhahm.



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Starting next week, investors will be able to try to capitalize on the success of the growing pot industry by putting their money into the worlds first medical marijuana ETF.

Launching on April 5 under Horizons ETFs Management, the Horizons Medical Marijuana Life Sciences ETF (trading under the symbol HMMJ) will offer investors exposure to a diverse group of companies that have links to the medical marijuana industry. This includes companies involved with biopharmaceuticals, fertilizer, soil, hydroponics and other related businesses.

Its the first ETF of its kind to launch in a North American market, giving investors an opportunity to capitalize on the significant growth of the marijuana industry in recent years.

Here we are today, the medical marijuana industry has grown so significantly in the last two years, up like 400 per cent, Steve Hawkins, president and co-CEO of Horizons ETFs, told CBC News.

Its expected to triple again this year, and double again the following year after that, so right now  it is very timely to be talking about marijuana and to be investing in marijuana.

Until now, investors who wanted to share in the financial gains made by the medical marijuana have been limited in their stock options, with the primary candidate on the TSX being Canopy Growth Corp., the first company to be added to the S&P/TSX composite index.

ETFs, which have emerged as a lower-cost, diversified alternative to mutual funds in the last few years, are directed by indexes, rather than being actively managed by a fund manager. Horizons ETF will be based on the North American Medical Marijuana Index.

We feel that the methodology of the North American Medical Marijuana Index will maximize the risk/reward opportunity for investors by ensuring the companies in the index meet important liquidity and asset requirements, so that the stocks in the index are the leaders in the medical marijuana industry, Hawkins said in a press release.
UMLs two-day mass conference completes in Province No 2

A two-day mass conference organised by the main opposition CPN-UML in Province No 2 has completed on Thursday with a commitment to take the election campaign in an effective way in Madhes.
Xiang Xingchu, JAC Motors General Manager, shakes hands with Omar Fayad Meneses, Governor of Hidalgo State, during the presentation of an SUV model built in Mexico by the Chinese state-owned automaker, in Mexico City, Mexico March 28, 2017. Picture taken March 28, 2017. REUTERS/Edgard Garrido

By Anthony Esposito

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico's states are turning to Asia and beyond as some U.S. companies put investment plans on hold south of the border following President Donald Trump's calls to bring jobs back home.

A delegation of three Mexican state leaders, headed by the National Confederation of Governors (Conago), traveled to China this week to meet with business leaders and discuss investment opportunities.

"Conago is developing an agenda with China's provinces to build investment projects in our country," Conago tweeted on Wednesday. "China and Conago agree on building bridges for business, not walls."

Fears of a hit to foreign investment ran high when Ford Motor Co (NYSE:F - News) canceled a $1.6 billion plant in Mexico's central state of San Luis Potosi in January.

Trump, who had railed against U.S. manufacturers investing in Mexico, hailed the decision as a major victory, but Ford put it down to declining demand for small cars.

"We're not going to sit here with our arms crossed. We're going to turn to Asia, like we've been doing. We want the Chinese to come invest in Hidalgo," state Governor Omar Fayad said in an interview. "We want the Japanese to invest here."

Fayad was speaking on the sidelines of an event organized by China's Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Co Ltd (JAC Motors) (Shanghai:600418.SS - News) and Mexico's Giant Motors, which presented a new line of passenger vehicles that will be assembled in Mexico.

The Hidalgo government is also reaching out to European, Canadian, South American and Middle Eastern companies, and expects to announce several more investments this year, he said.

Fayad said the Hidalgo investment plans of some U.S. companies, which he declined to name, had recently been suspended indefinitely. "Obviously other countries are seeing this as an opportunity in Mexico," he said.

In February, JAC Motors and Giant Motors, along with distributor Chori Co Ltd (:8014.T), said they would invest some $210 million in an existing plant to build SUVs in Hidalgo. [nL1N1FM26F]

Story continues

"Mexico is a strategic market for JAC," David Zhang, head of international markets for JAC, said on the sidelines of the company's event. "If the products and service are accepted by customers and there is a lot of market demand of course we will increase production capacity."

JAC, which aims to produce 10,000 commercial and passenger vehicles in Mexico over the next three years, will initially concentrate on selling in the local market, Zhang said.

(Reporting by Anthony Esposito; Editing by Richard Chang)
You can now fly to France and Norway for less than $4, and were already packing our suitcases

Irelands low-cost carrier, Ryanair, is making international travel across Europe cheaper than ever. For travelers who can act fast, there are 2.99 flights to France and Norway on the table right now. With the current exchange rate, thats $3.75  less than the price of your daily morning coffee.

Related Article: Take a trip to Hong Kong For Less Than $500

According to The Sun, the cheap seats can be found on flights to the premier wine-making region of Bordeaux and Oslo: a European capital with a youthful arts scene.

Also included in the sale are 2.99 trips to Brive and Dinard, the latter of which is hailed as one of Frances best beach towns. If you visit Dinard for a last-minute spring break getaway, grab a blue-and-white cabana tent on the golden sands of Plage de lEcluse.

Related Article: 5 Private Islands you Can Buy For Less Than 200K

Of course, flights less than 3 wont be easy to find. The 2.99 trip to Dinard, for example, is only available on April 4 from London. So youll have to be very flexible with your travel plans.

And travelers must first get themselves to London, as all of the ridiculously cheap fares (literal pocket change, if you look hard enough) depart from Londons Stansted airport. Consider these prices a valuable excuse to go take that dream journey across Europe.

This article originally appeared in Travel and Leisure by Melanie Lieberman.
The plaque of the Deutsche Boerse AG is pictured at the entrance of the Frankfurt stock exchange February 1, 2012. REUTERS/Alex Domanski/File Photo

By Anjuli Davies and Huw Jones

LONDON (Reuters) - U.S. stock exchanges should not attempt to buy Deutsche Boerse (DB1Gn.DE), the German exchange whose bid to merge with its London counterpart has just collapsed, a senior German politician said on Thursday.

"Deutsche Boerse is not only a private company but it also has state responsibilities," Thomas Schaefer, finance minister for the German state of Hesse, told reporters.

"The stock exchange authorities of Germany have to guarantee that if there is a change of owner, it has to guarantee that business has to continue uninterrupted as normal and it doesn't matter who makes an offer," Schaefer said.

Asked what his response would be if a U.S. exchange like ICE (NYSE:ICE - News) stepped in to bid for Deutsche Boerse, Schaefer replied: "I would rather recommend colleagues in America not to attempt to do this."

Hesse regulates the financial center in Frankfurt where Deutsche Boerse is based, and also has a veto over any merger involving the exchange.

The European Commission on Wednesday vetoed a planned tie up between Deutsche Boerse and the London Stock Exchange Group (LSE:LSE.L - News), saying it would have reduced competition in fixed income markets.

In 2012, Brussels also vetoed a merger between Deutsche Boerse and NYSE Euronext, the U.S. exchange which ICE later acquired.

The collapse of the latest merger effort has triggered speculation of fresh attempts at consolidation among exchanges, with Singapore Exchanges (SES:S68.SI - News) looking at tie-ups abroad, according to media reports on Thursday.

FRANKFURT TO GROW

Schaefer was in London to visit financial institutions and regulators as Frankfurt hopes to benefit from banks in London having to beef up their continental bases to continue serving clients after Brexit.

"We believe Frankfurt will grow," Schaefer said.

However, he expects that the Brexit "cake" will be divided among several financial centers in the EU.

Insurance market Lloyd's of London [SOLYD.UL] said on Thursday it has chosen Brussels for its European Union subsidiary because of its strong regulatory framework.

Story continues

Schaefer said he believed banks would make decisions in principle over the next three to six months on where to set up new entities and relocate.

He also met with the European Banking Authority (EBA), which will have to relocate its headquarters from London, and noted that the European Commission has proposed that it is merged with the European Occupational and Pensions Authority, which is based in Frankfurt.

(Editing by Alexander Smith)
The Vogtle Unit 3 and 4 site, being constructed by primary contactor Westinghouse, a business unit of Toshiba, near Waynesboro, Georgia, U.S. is seen in an aerial photo taken February 2017. Georgia Power/Handout via REUTERS

By Tom Hals

(Reuters) - A U.S. bankruptcy judge on Thursday cleared Westinghouse Electric Co, a unit of Japan's Toshiba Corp (:6502.T), to borrow an initial $350 million to support the company's global operations while it restructures operations.

Westinghouse filed for Chapter 11 on Wednesday in the wake of billions of dollars in cost overruns at two U.S. nuclear power plants it is building in the U.S. Southeast.

The Pittsburgh-based company said the loan will support its profitable operations, such as nuclear maintenance and fuels businesses, some of which are in Europe and not part of the bankruptcy.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Michael Wiles in Manhattan approved the loan but demanded changes to protect Westinghouse from being on the hook for repaying money that was supporting non-bankrupt businesses, which are beyond the reach of the company's creditors.

A Westinghouse adviser testified the loan was needed to reassure European customers that the company could carry out its work, which would boost the overall value of Westinghouse and contribute to an eventual reorganization or sale of the company.

An affiliate of Apollo Global Management (NYSE:APO - News) has agreed to provide the loan to Westinghouse, which can seek court approval to borrow up to $800 million.

The V.C. Summer project in South Carolina and the Vogtle project in Georgia are the first new U.S. nuclear power plants in three decades. Construction on both plants is around one-third complete and billions of dollars over budget.

Westinghouse was hired by the utilities in 2008 to design and construct the plants using its new AP1000 reactors, which were originally expected to begin producing power this week.

The utilities that own the troubled projects in South Carolina and Georgia said they would assess their viability by April 28.

"Were facing a stark choice: shut down because (Westinghouse) no longer wants to provide support, or step in and take on direct payment of workers and vendors," Greg Gordon, a lawyer for Southern Co's (NYSE:SO - News) Georgia utility told the court on Thursday.

Story continues

Executives from SCANA Corp (NYSE:SCG - News), which owns the majority of the South Carolina project, said on a conference call on Wednesday they preferred to finish the work.

Westinghouse is building AP1000 plants in China, and that country's State Power Investment Corp said on Thursday it still expected the first of four planned reactors to begin producing electricity this year.

Westinghouse also won approval on Thursday from British regulators for its AP1000 reactor design.

(Reporting by Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware; Editing by Noeleen Walder and Jeffrey Benkoe)
FILE PHOTO: A man arrives at the Uber offices in Queens, New York, U.S., February 2, 2017. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo

By Jonathan Stempel

(Reuters) - Uber Technologies Inc has reached a settlement with Pennsylvania's taxi regulator to end the ride-sharing company's appeal of a record $11.4 million fine for operating illegally.

A notice posted on Tuesday with the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania said Uber and the state's Public Utility Commission had reported an agreement in principle to settle the case, which involved the largest fine imposed by that regulator.

The appeal was put on hold so a formal agreement between Uber and the PUC could be worked out.

Uber spokesman Craig Ewer confirmed the substance of the notice, but declined to provide details about the accord. PUC spokesman Nils Hagen-Frederiksen said: "The matter is under review by the commission."

The PUC fined Uber last April after finding that the San Francisco-based company had from February to August 2014 provided 122,998 rides in Pennsylvania without prior approval, and obstructed a state probe into its operations.

Though the $11.4 million fine was six times larger than any prior fine imposed by the PUC, it had been reduced from the $49.9 million ordered earlier by two administrative law judges.

The PUC rejected Uber's bid to reconsider the fine on Sept. 1. Uber appealed that decision to the commonwealth court four weeks later.

On March 8, Uber said it would stop using its so-called "Greyball" technology, which helped identify and avoid regulators seeking evidence that drivers were evading local laws governing taxi services.

It is unclear whether that decision was a factor in resolving the Pennsylvania case.

The case is Uber Technologies Inc et al v Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, No. 1617 CD 2016.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Additional reporting by Heather Somerville in San Francisco; Editing by David Gregorio)
Pramod Mishra is a biweekly columnist for The Kathmandu Post. He is the department chair of English Studies at Lewis University in the United States.
A Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) sign is seen outside of a branch in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, May 26, 2016. REUTERS/Chris Wattie (REUTERS)

CIBC is eliminating up to 130 jobs in its Toronto finance department and outsourcing the work to India.

As part of the transition, staff losing their positions must train other local CIBC employees. Those employees then train the workers in India who will be taking over the jobs.

Although they aren't directly training their replacements, the situation isn't sitting well with some affected staff who spoke with CBC News. They asked that their identity be protected because they fear repercussion from CIBC  one of Canada's largest banks.

"It's very, well, depressing," said one employee about having to pass on his work knowledge so that someone in another country can replace him.

"A lot of people would have rather just been let go immediately than to sort of, if you will, suffer [through this]."

"It feels like no one cares for us," said another employee. "The environment is really bad. People are bitter."

The jobs being outsourced are mainly accounting-related positions. CIBC has already let go about 49 employees and the layoffs will continue to roll out over the course of the year.

The replacement workers in India are with the global consulting and outsourcing firm, Accenture, which is partnering with CIBC.

$1.4B profit for CIBC

The bank says it has found jobs for 36 displaced staff and is making every effort to find work for others.

But the employees that CBC News spoke with say they feel the bank is more interested in raking in profits than helping them out.

"They want to get rid of us no matter what, because we are old or something," said one worker who claims many of the employees facing layoffs are middle-aged or older.

She said CIBC pulled in a $1.4 billion profit in the last quarter and is still outsourcing jobs to save money. "They said it's cheaper labour and it's 24 hours, because when we are sleeping, they are working."

Another employee said he could accept his layoff if his job had been outsourced to another Canadian company. But he believes sending the work offshore is going too far.

Story continues

"You have to draw the line somewhere, especially when you're talking about the types of profits that these companies are making," he said. "You're taking these good-paying jobs out of the Canadian economy."

When asked why it's outsourcing the work, CIBC suggested it's a common practice.

"Like most large companies, we selectively outsource," spokesperson Caroline Van Hasselt said in an email.

CIBC currently has 43,000 employees and has created almost 2,500 jobs in Canada over the past five years, she added.

Everybody does it

Many Canadian corporations outsource work to other countries, said Ron Babin, with the Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University.

"It's the way of the world. It's how companies remain efficient, it's how they remain competitive, it's how they keep their costs down."

Although outsourcing is a routine business practice, Babin said it still generates negative attention when people lose their jobs.

"It's a sad story," he said. "You hate to see something bad happen to good people."

In 2013, Royal Bank of Canada faced a tidal wave of criticism following a CBC News report that 45 of its IT employees were being replaced by cheaper workers from India employed by global outsourcing firm, iGATE.

RBC brought several of the replacement workers to Canada, prompting an employee to complain that they had to directly train them to take their jobs.

CIBC says none of its offshore workers are setting foot on Canadian soil.

RBC crossed a line by bringing foreign workers to Canada to be trained by staff facing layoffs, Babin said.

"That was callous, I would say, and I think RBC has learned from that."

RBC won't offshore jobs for money

RBC reacted to the backlash at the time by pledging to never outsource a Canadian job to another country solely to save money.

"RBC will not offshore work where salary savings is the primary reason and will make every effort to source in Canada," the bank said in a statement.

The bank's then-CEO Gord Nixon also published an open letter in national newspapers, apologizing to affected employees.

"We should have been more sensitive and helpful to them," he said, adding that the workers would all be offered comparable job opportunities at RBC.

The CIBC employees that CBC News spoke with also hope that the bank will have a change of heart and do something to guarantee their jobs.

"How are we supposed to make a living?" says one employee who worries about not being able to land a comparable job. "We have family, we have expenses to take care of."
BEIJING (Reuters) - China's Defence Ministry said on Thursday it was futile for Taiwan to think it could use arms to prevent unification, as the self-ruled democratic island looks to fresh arms sales by the United States amid what it sees as a growing Chinese threat. China has never renounced the use of force to bring under its control what it deems a wayward province, and Taiwan's defense ministry says China has more than 1,000 missiles directed at the island. The Trump administration is crafting a big new arms package for Taiwan that could include advanced rocket systems and anti-ship missiles to defend against China, U.S. officials said earlier this month, a deal sure to anger Beijing. China is deeply suspicious of Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, believing she wants to push the island toward formal independence, a red line for China. She says she wants to maintain peace with China. "Separatist Taiwan independence forces and their activities are the greatest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Wu Qian told a monthly news briefing. "It is futile to 'use weapons to refuse unification', and is doomed to have no way out," he added, without elaborating. Defeated Nationalist forces fled to Taiwan after losing a civil war to the Communists in 1949. Proudly democratic Taiwan has shown no interest in being ruled by autocratic China. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
By Abduljabbar Zeyad HODEIDAH, Yemen (Reuters) - Three rockets that fell in the darkness nearby were the first sign of trouble for 150 Somali migrants packed into a boat off Yemen's coast earlier this month. Moments later, bullets tore into the vessel near the Red Sea port of Hodeidah, killing more than a dozen men on the upper deck, four survivors told Reuters. It was the beginning of a half-hour attack on March 16 that killed 43 civilians. A coalition led by Saudi Arabia that is fighting the Iran-allied Houthi militia in the Arabian Peninsula country has denied carrying out the attack. But eyewitnesses say the assault came from a warship and a helicopter and implicates the coalition, which is the only party to the conflict operating helicopters. Reuters was unable to independently confirm these accounts. "We heard the sound of the Apache (helicopter) coming toward us. It was maybe 40 or 50 meters above us," said 20-year-old survivor Ibrahim Hussein. "The gunfire did not come from one direction. It fanned back and forth. Each time, it hit many people...People were shot in their abdomen, head, feet." The United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross and Human Rights Watch have collected similar testimonies. "According to survivors' accounts, the vessel carrying the refugees across the Red Sea was hit by shelling from a coalition warship, without any warning, followed by shooting from an Apache helicopter overhead," U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein said last week. The coalition, which receives U.S. arms and logistical support, has denied responsibility. "There was no firing by any coalition forces on Friday in the area in which the attack is alleged to have taken place," General Ahmed al-Asseri told Reuters days later, accusing the Houthis of smuggling weapons and launching attacks via the port. A Pentagon spokesman said no U.S. aircraft were conducting operations at the time. HAIL OF BULLETS In interviews last week, survivors in Houthi-controlled Hodeidah said a helicopter had circled above the boat in daytime before the attack. Around nine o'clock at night, rockets fired from another vessel missed the migrants' boat before heavy machinegun fire erupted. The shots sent some overboard while others fell inside the boat, where remaining passengers took cover under their mutilated bodies, according to survivors. Asma Birei, 22, said by telephone from a U.N. facility in Hodeidah that she had seen four women whose heads were blown off and another whose fetus was torn from her womb by the shooting. Two other survivors interviewed at a prison where the Houthis are holding them for security checks said the helicopter had made multiple loops, opening fire repeatedly despite the migrants' attempts to identify themselves by shouting and waving flashlights. Birei and another woman, partly shielded on the boat's lower deck, saw the helicopter in the afternoon but could not confirm the source of gunfire at night. One boy jumped overboard to escape the bullets but was shot dead in the water, she said. After that, the other passengers remained motionless for two hours until the captain guided the boat to Hodeidah, the nearest port. A dozen wounded migrants were taken to hospital as fishing boats searched for the missing. Corpses so overwhelmed the morgue that some were kept in a freezer at the fish market. DESTINATION: EUROPE Survivors said the migrant group had been heading to Sudan for transit through Egypt or Libya en route to Europe. Somalis, whose country has been mired in lawlessness and violence since the early 1990s, have migrated to Yemen for years, integrating into local communities and learning Arabic. But the two-year-old conflict in Yemen has killed more than 10,000 people, left millions hungry and pushed an impoverished economy toward collapse, frightening Somalis into seeking safety further abroad. "We could not wait any more," said 18-year-old Raissa Osman, who survived with her aunt and cousins. The war in Yemen has made land crossings to Gulf countries too dangerous, so the migrants took a sea route past Hodeidah, which Yemeni forces backed by the coalition are trying to isolate from other areas held by the Houthis. That has raised fears among humanitarian agencies that aid imports, already heavily restricted, will soon be cut completely. (Additional reporting by Stephanie Nebehay in Geneva and Idrees Ali in Washington; editing by Sami Aboudi/Mark Heinrich)
By Suleiman Al-Khalidi AMMAN (Reuters) - Syrian rebels have seized large areas from Islamic State in southern Syria in the last two weeks as the jihadist group prepares to defend its Raqqa stronghold in the north from a U.S.-backed assault, rebel commanders say. The advances by Western-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) factions have helped to reduce the risk of Islamic State fighters regrouping in areas near Damascus and the Jordanian border as they face major defeats in Syria and Iraq. Western intelligence sources have worried for months that militants fleeing from their main urban strongholds of Raqqa in Syria and Mosul in Iraq could find a safe haven in the vast areas of the Syrian Desert bordering Jordan. The rebels fighting in southern Syria have received military aid funneled via Jordan in a program overseen by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. Their sudden gains are a culmination of months of covert operations in which they have ambushed and cut communications lines to weaken the militants' stronghold in the southeastern border area close to Iraq, the rebels say. "Extensive areas have fallen into our hands. (Islamic State) has been pushed out of them in heavy clashes in 16 days of battles," said Talas al Salameh, the commander of the Osoud al Sharqiya, the biggest of the FSA groups in the area. "(Islamic State) had cut roads and were in control and had been positioned in former Syrian army bases with a strong presence and with heavy armor. We cut links between their areas and as a result they began to retreat," al-Salamah said. In northern Syria, Islamic State has come under growing military pressure in recent months from separate campaigns being waged by the U.S.-backed Arab and Kurdish fighters, by the Russian-backed Syrian army and by Turkey-backed FSA groups. The U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State is backing an alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters - the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) - in the campaign to isolate and capture Raqqa city on the other side of the country. TROOP MOVEMENTS Salamah said Islamic State had pulled hundreds of fighters from the areas where his group, working with four others, had made its advances, suggesting they had been redeployed to help defend Raqqa and Deir al-Zor province to the east. The advances have taken place in a swathe of sparsely populated territory stretching from the town of Bir Qassab, some 50 km (30 miles) southeast of Damascus, all the way to the borders with Iraq and Jordan, a desert area known as the Badia. "In the event of the fall of Raqqa and Mosul, where would they go? They would be coming here. So we decided to work and kick them out of this area before they would come to us," Salameh told Reuters in a phone interview. The rebels have also seized control of the eastern slopes of the Qalamoun mountains to the northwest of Bir Qassab, where Islamic State's presence had disappeared as it moved its forces further north, he said. The rebels say their campaign in the area had been gradually escalated over the last five months. Said Seif, an official in another FSA faction, the Shahid Ahmad al-Abdo group, said 250 square km (96 square miles) had been captured in the Badia alone. Salameh said at least 117 of his fighters had been killed in ferocious fighting over the last few months in what he said were relentless assaults and ambushes by the militants. His group first fought Islamic State when it took over parts of Deir al-Zor province at the height of its expansion in 2014. His fighters regrouped in areas near the Jordanian border, where their base was hit in a Russian air strike last year. (Editing by Tom Perry and Tom Heneghan)
STEM Equity

African-American Women in Engineering: 'Ignored Potential'

In 2015, less than 1 percent of all U.S. engineering bachelor's degrees went to African-American women. Of the 106,658 engineering bachelor's degrees awarded that year, 937 went to African-American women, just a third of the number that were achieved by African-American men. That gap, among others, represents "ignored potential," according to a new paper put out by Purdue University, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the Society of Women Engineers and the Women in Engineering ProActive Network.

As the report noted, STEM jobs are expected to increase by 10 percent by 2020. To address industry demand and achieve national goals of enrollment and graduation in engineering, "Increasing the numbers of black women engineering majors and retaining them to graduation will be critical," suggested NSBE National Chair Matthew Nelson in a prepared statement.

Systemic factors that are holding back participation by African-American women, according to "Ignored Potential: A Collaborative Road Map for Increasing African-American Women in Engineering," are flavored by both racism and sexism. Factors include a dearth of role models; the predicament of "stereotype threat" in which people feel "at risk of confirming to negative stereotypes about their social group; the perceived necessity of a "bicultural life" to fit into an environment that's predominately white; negative perceptions tied to tokenism; feelings of isolation; and pay inequities.

As the paper explained, overcoming those barriers will require a two-pronged approach: investment in systems that value the contributions of women of color to STEM and encouraging participation of African-American women "throughout their academic and professional careers."

Among the many recommendations suggested:

Targeted programming by professional organizations to highlight how the "multiple identities of African-American women can coexist" and sharing success stories of members in networking events, awards and articles;

Within industry, encouraging mentoring to "create stronger feelings of belonging among employees" and doing diversity and inclusion training that helps employees "recognize their own stereotypes and biases"; and

Making diversity a priority within higher education and leveraging professional societies and organizations to help build "sustainable communities of women of color"; and working with community colleges and K-12 to "ensure smoother transitions and a more cohesive K-16 learning experience."

"Some could not see why we as an organization would have an acute focus on African-American females and not males. I, as well as others, knew the need for a paper like this one," said Sossena Wood, former national chair of NSBE, who was part of a group that initiated development of the paper. "I think the timing is right to release this document. Hollywood has opened the minds of many by releasing Hidden Figures. Many leave the movie wondering how can we get more women of color to go into STEM, and I believe this whitepaper offers an excellent solution."

Trina Fletcher, director of Pre-College Programs for NSBE, a doctoral candidate in engineering education at Purdue and a contributor to the report, said she hopes the paper will help K-12 institutions, universities and others "take advantage" of the potential of African-American girls and women in engineering and other areas of STEM. "As we continue to become increasingly diverse as a nation, it is in our best interest to make the inclusion of groups that have historically been excluded a priority," she noted. "This is especially true for women of the African diaspora, one of the most untapped human resources on this planet."

The "Ignored Potential" report is openly available on the NSBE website here.
Releases from NASA, NASA's Galex, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, HubbleSite, Spitzer, Cassini, ESO, ESA, NASAs Chandra X-ray Observatory, Royal Astronomical Society, NRAO, Astronomy Picture of the Day, Harvard-Smithsonian Center For Astrophysics, Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics, Gemini Observatory, Subaru Telescope, W. M. Keck Observatory, Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, JPL-Caltech, Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, ICRAR, etc
Mother nabbed for murdering newborn in Bhaktapur

Police arrested a woman for allegedly killing her newborn daughter at Jhaukhel in Changunarayan Municipality-3, Bhaktapur, on Wednesday.
Mississippi is considering the use of firing squads as an option for capital punishment as House Bill 638 makes its way to Republican Gov. Phil Bryant, the Hattiesburg American reports.





The bill, "To Revise The Methods By Which The Death Penalty May Be Carried Out; And For Related Purposes," also includes lethal injection, nitrogen gas, and electrocution as means of execution to be considered before firing squads, in a line of succession if one is ruled unconstitutional.





The Senate adopted the bill on Tuesday and it is now in the process of being passed along to the governor. When it was first introduced, the bill had listed "firing squad" as the 3rd option, but was later removed by a Senate committee. The Mississippi House reinstated it.





Execution by firing squad is a form of capital punishment often used by the military at war. Its use in the military involves the detainee or prisoner standing or sitting in front of a wall, as military personnel line up and aim to shoot the individual in the heart.





Chairman of the House Judiciary B Committee, Andy Gipson said of the bill, "I have a constituent whose daughter was raped and killed 25 years ago and the person is still awaiting execution. If we want to have the death penalty, this bill will give us options."





In an earlier debate on the bill, Gipson told Rep. Chris Bell (D), who is also a Baptist minister, "I'm a big believer in mercy and grace. Unfortunately, the death penalty is necessary for those who commit atrocious crimes."





According to the report, Gov. Phil Bryant and Attorney General Jim Hood have expressed their approval of the bill.





Mississippi last executed a death row inmate in 2012. There are 47 remaining inmates on death row.

 | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com



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Source: rawstory.com , Erin Corbett, March 29, 2017
By Maayan Lubell JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel's security cabinet on Thursday approved the building of the first new settlement in the occupied West Bank in two decades, even as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu negotiates with Washington on a possible curb on settlement activity. The unanimous vote in favour of construction of the new settlement in an area called Emek Shilo came after Netanyahu earlier told reporters: "I made a promise that we would establish a new settlement ... We will keep it today." The result of the vote was announced in a government statement. Palestinian officials swiftly condemned the move. "Today's announcement once again proves that Israel is more committed to appeasing its illegal settler population than to abiding by the requirements for stability and a just peace," said Hanan Ashrawi, an executive committee member of the Palestine Liberation Organization. There was no immediate reaction from U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, which is in discussions with Israel on limiting the construction of settlements on land Palestinians seek for a state. Such settlements, in territory that Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East war, are deemed illegal by most of the world. Israel cites biblical, historical and political links to the land, as well as security interests, to defend its actions. Netanyahu first promised the new settlement at Emek Shilo in February, shortly before dozens of Israeli families were evicted from another West Bank settlement called Amona. Their houses were razed after Israel's Supreme Court said they were built illegally on privately owned Palestinian land. Establishing a new settlement may be a way for Netanyahu to appease far-right members of his coalition government who are likely to object to any concessions to U.S. demands for restraints on building. Israeli political sources, however, said the new construction would actually take place within the boundaries of an existing settlement. The new community would then be declared its own settlement, a nuance that might be enough to stave off possible U.S. opposition to the move. Trump, who had been widely seen in Israel as sympathetic towards settlements, appeared to surprise Netanyahu during a White House visit last month when he urged him to "hold back on settlements for a little bit". The two then agreed that their aides would try to work out a compromise on how much Israel can build and where. Trump's Middle East envoy, Jason Greenblatt, this week wrapped up a second trip to the region aimed at reviving Middle East peace talks that collapsed in 2014. A new settlement would be the first built in the West Bank since 1999. About 400,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank which is also home to 2.8 million Palestinians. Another 200,000 Israelis live in East Jerusalem. Palestinians want the West Bank and East Jerusalem for their own state, along with the Gaza Strip. (Additional reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi; Editing by Richard Lough)
Positive spirit: Yokoyama ends five-year Nepal tenure on a high note

Kenichi Yokoyama, the outgoing country director of the Nepal Resident Mission of the Asian Development Bank, was always a ball of energy. Those who worked with him were surprised to see him working for long hours, even during weekends and in coffee shops, and keeping abreast with domestic affairs by thoroughly going through local news reports.
By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Republican chairman of the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday promised a thorough investigation into any direct links between Russia and Republican Donald Trump during his successful 2016 run for the White House. Committee Chairman Richard Burr and Mark Warner, its top Democrat, pledged at a joint news conference that they would work together, in contrast with the partisan discord roiling a similar probe by the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee. Burr was asked if the Senate panel wanted to determine if there was anything suggesting a direct link to Trump, and responded: "We know that our challenge is to answer that question for the American people." Trump's young presidency has been clouded by allegations from U.S. intelligence agencies that Russia sought to help him win, while connections between his campaign personnel and Russia also are under scrutiny. Trump dismisses such assertions and Russia denies the allegations. The Senate committee intends to begin interviewing as many as 20 people, including Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and one of his closest advisers, beginning as early as Monday. Burr served as a security adviser to Trump's campaign but said he had not coordinated with him on the scope of the committee's investigation. He insisted he could remain objective. Burr declined to go along with the White House's denial of collusion between the campaign and Russian hackers, who U.S. intelligence officials believe favoured Trump in last year's campaign at the expense of Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton. "We would be crazy to try to draw conclusions from where we are in the investigation," Burr said. "Let us go a little deeper into this before you ask us to write the conclusions. That's clearly something we intend to do down the road." Burr and Warner would not comment on the investigation in the House, where the chairman of the intelligence committee, Trump ally Devin Nunes, has been under fire over his handling of the matter. Many Democrats, including Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House intelligence panel, called for Nunes to recuse himself from the investigation after he met last week with an unidentified source at the White House complex, accusing him of colluding with the White House. Before telling his committee colleagues, Nunes met with House Speaker Paul Ryan, and then Trump, and told reporters the source provided him with evidence that information on Trump's transition team had been collected during legal surveillance of other targets. Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have said the discord surrounding the House committee has made the Senate investigation more important than ever. "Clearly in the Senate, it appears that both Democrats and Republicans are acting like adults and taking this matter seriously," Democratic Representative Jim McGovern told Reuters. 'PAID INTERNET TROLLS' Warner and Burr both stressed the importance of exposing the activity of Russian hackers, which Warner said included reports of "upwards of 1,000 paid Internet trolls" who spread false negative stories about Clinton. Warner and Burr did disagree slightly, with Warner alluding to some difficulties getting particular documents from intelligence agencies, and Burr defending them. The two senators also indicated they had communicated with Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security adviser, who was fired last month after misrepresenting meetings with the Russian ambassador. "It would be safe to say we have had conversations with a lot of people and it would be safe to say General Flynn is a part of that list," Burr said. Neither Burr nor Warner gave a timeline for finishing the investigation. "This is one of the biggest investigations the Hill has seen in my time here," said Burr, who has been in Congress since 1995. The senators said they also wanted to call attention to what they described as Russia's attempts to influence upcoming elections in France and Germany. (Additional reporting by David Alexander; Editing by Bill Trott and Peter Cooney)
French English

CGG GeoConsulting Awarded Multi-Year Integrated Geoscience Study by Kuwait Gulf Oil Company

Paris, France - March 30, 2017

CGG announced today that it has been awarded a multi-year integrated geoscience study by Kuwait Gulf Oil Company (KGOC) to identify resource growth potential in the onshore Partitioned Zone (PZ).

The geoscience study will be conducted by CGG GeoConsulting and, importantly, involve KGOC geoscience experts embedded in the project team.

The combined team will work together to integrate recently acquired and processed 3D seismic data covering the entire PZ together with multiple geological, petrophysical and production data sets in order to deliver a robust portfolio of exploration prospects and asset development infill opportunities. In addition, the final geologic and seismic interpretations and data will form a consistent and continuous PZ-wide reference study for KGOC with detailed subsets for each producing field.

Mohammad Al-Haimer, Director for Exploration Project Kuwait, KGOC, said: "We are pleased to work with CGG on this prestigious and highly important project for KGOC. We were impressed with their in-house integrated geoscience capabilities, their experience in performing similar studies for NOC's and IOC's around the world, and the depth of knowledge that we expect CGG will bring to this project. We look forward to working closely with CGG and together identifying the resource growth potential of the PZ onshore."

Sophie Zurquiyah, COO, CGG, said: "We are honored to have been selected by KGOC to undertake this high-profile integrated study. It will draw upon the recognized expertise, capabilities and know-how of our GeoConsulting team who have considerable experience in performing large exploration- and reservoir characterization-scale studies integrating many complex geoscience data sets. We look forward to this opportunity to showcase the full range of our geoscience services, from geological control through rock physics and seismic inversion to prospect identification and production attribute analysis. We are confident that our support will deliver insight and value to KGOC to help it achieve its business objectives."

About CGG

CGG (www.cgg.com) is a fully integrated Geoscience company providing leading geological, geophysical and reservoir capabilities to its broad base of customers primarily from the global oil and gas industry. Through its three complementary businesses of Equipment, Acquisition and Geology, Geophysics & Reservoir (GGR), CGG brings value across all aspects of natural resource exploration and exploitation. CGG employs around 5,800 people around the world, all with a Passion for Geoscience and working together to deliver the best solutions to its customers.

CGG is listed on the Euronext Paris SA (ISIN: 0013181864) and the New York Stock Exchange (in the form of American Depositary Shares. NYSE: CGG).

Contacts
Lithuanian English

Notice is hereby given that on the initiative and by the resolution of the Board of AB Klaipedos nafta, legal entity code 110648893, with the registered office at Buriu g. 19, Klaipeda (hereinafter, the Company), on 29 March 2017, an ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of the Company will be held on 21 April 2017 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Companys offices at Buriu g. 19, Klaipeda, in the administrative premises of the Company (in the hall of the meeting on the 2nd Floor).

Agenda of the meeting:

1. On the announcement of the Auditors Report regarding the Financial Statements and Annual Report of the Company for the year 2016 to the shareholders

2. On the announcement of the Annual Report of AB Klaipedos nafta for the year 2016 to the shareholders.

3. On the approval of the audited Financial Statements of AB Klaipedos nafta for the year 2016.

4. On the appropriation of profit (loss) of AB Klaipedos nafta for the year 2016.

5. On the assignment of the audit company that shall perform the audit of the Financial Statements for the year 2017 and 2018 and the approval of the terms of payment for audit services.

6. On the approval of the decision of Companys board to sign loan agreement with Nordic Investment Bank.

The shareholders will be registered from 12:00 a.m. to 12:55 a.m. The persons intending to participate in the meeting shall have a personal ID document (an authorised representative shall have additionally a proxy approved under the established procedure. The natural persons proxy shall be notarised. A proxy issued in a foreign state shall be translated into the Lithuanian language and legalised under the procedure prescribed by laws).

A shareholder or his proxy shall have the right to vote in writing in advance by filling in a general ballot paper. At the request of the shareholder, the Company shall send a general ballot paper to the shareholder by registered mail free of charge at least 10 days before the meeting. The filled-in general ballot paper and the document attesting the voting right shall be submitted to the Company no later than until the meeting, sending by registered mail or providing them at the address of the registered office of the Company indicated in the notice.

The shareholders who hold shares carrying at least 1/20 of all the votes may propose additions to the agenda of the general meeting of shareholders by submitting with every proposed additional item of the agenda a draft resolution of the general meeting of shareholders or, when no resolution is required, an explanation. Proposals on addition to the agenda shall be submitted in writing or sent by e-mail. Written proposals shall be submitted to the Company on business days or sent by registered mail at the address of the registered office of the Company indicated in the notice. Proposals submitted by e-mail shall be sent to the following e-mails: info@kn.lt and a.kasparas@kn.lt. The agenda shall be supplemented if the proposal is received no later than 14 days before the ordinary general meeting of shareholders. If the agenda of the general meeting of shareholders is supplemented, the Company shall notify on the additions no later than 10 days before the meeting in the same ways as in the case of convocation of the meeting.

The shareholders, who hold shares carrying at least 1/20 of all the votes, at any time before the general meeting of shareholders or during the meeting, may propose new draft resolutions on items which are or will be included in the agenda of the meeting. The proposals may be submitted in writing or sent by e-mail. Written proposals shall be submitted to the Company on business days or sent by registered mail at the address of the registered office of the Company indicated in the notice. Proposals submitted by e-mail shall be sent to the following e-mails: info@kn.lt and a.kasparas@kn.lt.

The shareholders shall have the right to submit to the Company in advance questions relating to the items on the agenda of the meeting. The shareholders may submit their written questions to the Company on business days or sent by registered mail at the address of the registered office of the Company indicated in the notice no later than 3 business days before the meeting. The Company will reply to the questions by e-mail or in writing before the meeting, except the questions which are related to the Companys commercial (industrial) secret, confidential information or which have been submitted later than 3 business days before the meeting.

The Company does not provide the possibility of participating and voting at the meeting by means of electronic communications means.

The Shareholder shall have the right to authorize through electronic communications means another person (natural or legal) to participate and vote in the meeting on behalf of the shareholder. No notarisation of such authorization is required. The shareholder must confirm the proxy issued through electronic communications means by an electronic signature developed by a secure signature-creation device and approved by a qualified certificate effective in the Republic of Lithuania. The shareholder shall inform the Company on the proxy issued through electronic communications means to the following e-mails: info@kn.lt and a.kasparas@kn.lt no later than until the last business day before the meeting at 1:00 p.m. The proxy and the notice must be issued in writing. The proxy and the notice to the Company shall be signed with the electronic signature but not the letter sent by e-mail. By submitting the notice to the Company, the shareholder shall include the internet address from which it would be possible to download software free of charge to verify the shareholders electronic signature.

The record date of the meeting shall be 14 April 2017 (only those persons who will be shareholders of the Company at the close of the record date of the general meeting of shareholders or their authorised persons, or persons with whom an agreement on assignment of the voting right has been executed, may participate and vote at the general meeting of shareholders).

The shareholders of the Company may familiarise with the draft resolution of the meeting and the form of the general ballot paper under the procedure prescribed by laws in the registered office of the Company at Buriu g. 19, Klaipeda (tel.: 8 46 391636), or on the Companys website at http://www.kn.lt/. The following information and documents shall be provided on the abovementioned internet website of the Company:

- the notification on convocation of the meeting;

- total number of the Companys shares and the number of shares with voting rights on the convening day of the meeting.

Enclosed:

1. Draft decision of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

2. General voting ballot paper of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

3. Financial Statements of Klaipedos nafta, AB for the year 2016, prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards, as adopted by the European Union, presented together with the Independent Auditors Report and Annual Report for the year 2016;

4. Draft appropriation of profit (loss) of Klaipedos nafta, AB for the year 2016.
Latvian Russian English

Riga, Latvia, 2017-03-30 09:51 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ABLV Bank offers several innovations in products and services. They include restrictions for users of code cards, one-click payments and a whole list of other improvements in our Internetbank.

Restrictions for users of code cards

As reported earlier, in accordance with the information security requirements provided by the Financial and Capital Market Commission, increased safety requirements for user authentication in Internetbank are implemented for remote account management. In accordance with the said requirements operating with multiple-use value code cards will be restricted starting from 1 April 2017.

In response to the new requirements, in May 2015 we offered all of our clients to replace free of charge the multiple-use value code card with an electronic code card that generates unique authentication codes for each transaction.

Furthermore, since February 2017, in our Internetbank you can independently purchase a new mobile Digipass to use it as an additional authentication tool. Mobile Digipass is integrated into iPhone and iPad applications of our Internetbank.

For those clients who will not get to change the code card since 3 April 2017 we will grant access to the Internetbank in informative mode. This mode enables the client to enter Internetbank, see the condition of accounts and other financial information, and send a message to the bank in a free form.

Whereas the clients who use Internetbank with the two-factor authentication in informative mode will be able to submit some orders to the bank provided that such orders do not imply change of owner of the assets (for example, the client will be able to make payments between own accounts).

In accordance with our remote service development plans, we are going to stop accepting code cards with multiple-use values on 1 July 2017.

One-click payments and other innovations in Internetbank

On 2 April 2017, we are introducing more than 40 innovations to our Internetbank and its iPhone and iPad applications. The changes are aimed on making the use of it simpler and faster for the client.

From now on users will be offered a possibility to draft a new outgoing payment with one click, simply choosing one of the previously made incoming or outgoing payments from the account report. This is a great alternative for the existing functionality of payment templates because it facilitates filling in payment form using payment details of incoming payments, as well.

Here are some other major changes to mention:

An option ensured to provide more information in a message to the private banker (up to 2000 characters) and to add up to 10 attachments of total volume of 10 MB;

Presentation of payment cards is revised: the set daily cash withdrawal limit for payment card is added;

In applications section separate forms for executing transactions with financial instruments and precious metals and their transfers are created;

In order forms for financial instruments an automated recognition of financial instrument by the entered ISIN code is implemented;

A convenient and comprehensive settings form for receiving regular statements and reports is created;

A Rates and Charges section is created.

More information about spring news of ABLV Bank services is available at the bank's website.
WAYNE, Pa., March 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Judge Group, a leading global professional services firm, has been awarded a 2017 Top Workplaces honor by Philly.com. The Top Workplaces lists are based solely on the results of an employee feedback survey administered by WorkplaceDynamics, LLC, a leading research firm that specializes in organizational health and workplace improvement. Several aspects of workplace culture were measured, including Alignment, Execution, and Connection, just to name a few.



The Judge Group utilizes a network of over 35 officesseveral located in the Delaware Valleyacross the United States, Canada, China, and India to provide technology, talent, and learning solutions to clients across a wide range of industries. The company was founded in Philadelphia in 1970 and continues to be headquartered in the Greater Philadelphia Area.

The Top Workplaces award is not a popularity contest. And oftentimes, people assume its all about fancy perks and benefits, says Doug Claffey, CEO of WorkplaceDynamics. But to be a Top Workplace, organizations must meet our strict standards for organizational health. And who better to ask about work life than the people who live the culture every daythe employees. Time and time again, our research has proven that whats most important to them is a strong belief in where the organization is headed, how its going to get there, and the feeling that everyone is in it together. Claffey adds, Without this sense of connection, an organization doesnt have a shot at being named a Top Workplace.

We are incredibly honored to once again win a Top Workplaces award from Philly.com, said Brian Anderson, President of The Judge Group. The Delaware Valley is home to the largest concentration of our employees. They are the heart of our organization and the driving force behind the success we have seen at Judge. That is why an award like this, based solely on the results and feedback from our employees, means so much to us. It is our focus to provide unmatched customer service to our contractors and clients and to create a fulfilling and rewarding environment for our employees. This award is an indication that we have been able to do just that.

The Judge Group, headquartered in suburban Philadelphia, is located at 151 South Warner Road, Suite 100, Wayne, PA 19087. The office can be reached at 1-800-650-0035. To learn more, visit www.judge.com.

About The Judge Group

Working at the crossroads of people and transformative technologies, The Judge Group delivers innovative business solutions  powered by top talent  to help organizations reach their strategic goals and realize opportunities now and in the future.

The Judge Group is a leading professional services firm specializing in talent, technology, and learning solutions. Our services are successfully delivered through a network of more than 35 offices in the United States, Canada, China, and India. The Judge Group serves more than 40 Fortune 100 companies and is responsible for the placement of more than 5,000 professionals annually across a wide range of industries.

About WorkplaceDynamics, LLC

Headquartered in Exton, PA, WorkplaceDynamics specializes in employee feedback surveys and workplace improvement. This year alone, more than two million employees in over 6,000 organizations will participate in the Top Workplaces campaigna program it conducts in partnership with more than 40 prestigious media partners across the United States. WorkplaceDynamics also provides consulting services to improve employee engagement and organizational health. WorkplaceDynamics is a founding B Corporation member, a coalition of organizations that are leading a global movement to redefine success in business by offering a positive vision of a better way to do business.
State of Texas Composing Concurrent Resolution in Recognition of 100th Anniversary

PLANO, Texas - (March 30, 2017) - It's been 100 years since J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE:JCP) said howdy to the great state of Texas, and the Company is fixin' to celebrate its rich legacy in the Lone Star State. The Company will commemorate a century of serving Texas customers on March 31 with a special anniversary ceremony at its location in Wichita Falls - the same city founder James Cash Penney made his first foothold in the state 100 years ago.

"James Cash Penney was a retail trailblazer during the early 20th century, expanding his Company across the country at a rapid clip to provide the best products and highest levels of service to hard-working Americans," said Joe McFarland, executive vice president of stores. "He operated his business based upon the Golden Rule of treating customers as he would like to be treated, and this guiding principle still resonates with Texans today. We're proud to return to our roots and celebrate the occasion with our customers and associates in Wichita Falls and Texas."

During the early 1900s, the J.C. Penney Company was swiftly expanding across America. With 120 store locations serving customers in thriving downtown locations across multiple states, Penney opened an additional 50 store locations in 1917 - five located within Texas. The timing of these store openings was particularly precarious, as the United States was preparing to enter World War I. Penney persisted in his vision of serving customers in additional markets despite the war, opening 20 more locations across the U.S. in 1918.

Four of the five stores that opened in Texas 100 years ago - Abilene, Paris, Temple and Wichita Falls - are still operating within their original communities today at alternate locations. After World War II, the Company followed its customers from downtown shopping districts into sprawling suburbs, and later into regional shopping malls, as society and shopping patterns evolved. Today, Texas is home to 90 JCPenney stores and the Company's Home Office, which relocated to Plano from New York City in 1988.

To honor the Company's centennial in Texas, the state's legislature is composing a concurrent resolution that would recognize the retailer's historic milestone. The resolution, which requires passage by both the Texas senate and house of representatives, salutes JCPenney for serving customers, creating jobs and contributing to the vitality of the Texas retail industry. The resolution also extends best wishes to the Company and its associates for continued success.

For images, please visit http://www.jcpnewsroom.com/news-releases/2017/0330_celebrates_century_of_service_in_texas.html

Media Relations:

(972) 431-3400 or jcpnews@jcp.com; follow us at @jcpnews

Investor Relations:

(972) 431-5500 or jcpinvestorrelations@jcpenney.com

About JCPenney:

J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE:JCP), one of the nation's largest apparel and home furnishings retailers, is on a mission to ensure every customer's shopping experience is worth her time, money and effort. Whether shopping jcp.com or visiting one of over 1,000 store locations across the United States and Puerto Rico, she will discover a broad assortment of products from a leading portfolio of private, exclusive and national brands. Supporting this value proposition is the warrior spirit of over 100,000 JCPenney associates worldwide, who are focused on the Company's three strategic priorities of strengthening private brands, becoming a world-class omnichannel retailer and increasing revenue per customer. For additional information, please visit jcp.com.

###
EMPOWERgmatRichC wrote:

Hi vmelgargalan,



Now that we have this Official GMAT Score to use as a basis for comparison, we can discuss how to proceed with your studies. You've defined your score goal (750), but it's worth noting that no Business School actually requires a score that high - thus, the score that you 'want' and the score that you 'need' are not the same thing. This is meant to say that while we can certainly work towards that goal, it won't be a requirement for you to apply to Business School. Before I can offer you the specific advice that youre looking for regarding your studies, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:



Studies:

1) How long have you studied?

2) What materials have you used?

3) How have you scored on each of your practice CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?



Goals:

4) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

5) What Schools are you planning to apply to?



GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,

Rich

Hello Rich,1. I studied maybe 1 hour a day for 3 weeks prior to this last week where I was studying from dawn to dusk. I reckon in total I must ahve put in 100-130 hours of true revision.2. I only used the course books, read through them once, and then I used all the available questions and data in GMATClub.3. I took the GMATPrep a week before the exam and gota 570, I took another test, actually forgot which one, and got a 510.. I took a Veritas Test and got a 630 that the next day. I got quite lucky in my opinion as I did really well in verbal and scored a V35 and Q41. At the time of 500s I hadn't memorized the formulas or grammar rules so I knew I was under performing. After those test I knew I could blow it and get below a 600 in GMAT. But to be honest by the type of answers I was doing right I could tell my Q score was around the 44-47 level. (I got a 46, and not higher only because I had to guess more than 3 questions I could have solved due to time management issues). In terms of verbal i felt very strongly prepare for SC, even though I only revised two days. I am sure I did very well there as I understand most of the theory and what to look for. I was getting sentence correction questions that involved understanding the meaning so I assume that saved my poor performance in RC and CR.Here is where the issues come:1. I am applying actually this week to my MiM programs. I am staying in Europe, within Germany, as I want to learn and be fluent in German by the end of my masters. I am applying to WHU, HHL leipzig, Mannheim, EBS, and Cologne for the CEMS MiM. The minimum requirement for all these schools is 600, so I got it, but I know the average ranges from 640-680 in most of them. So I need to improve. I know they let me provide a GMAT score until June, so hopefully I can contact the universities and ask if they will consider my application with a future GMAT score.2. My goals are actually to get a 750 because I want to apply for a scholarship this year, and after my masters and two years in consulting I want to do an MBA ideally in a top US business school or LBS, Cambridge or Oxford. So I know I need at least to get a score over a 720 to achieve it, so I do not have to retake the GMAT and I can focus on improving other aspects of my profile the next four years.Thanks for your help,Valentin
10. MIT Sloan School of Management

9. Duke  The Fuqua School of Business

8. Michigan - Ross School of Business

7. Kellogg School of Management

6. London Business School

5. Chicago  Booth School of Business

[.....Read More]

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No Longer in business Signature Read More

Consulting is a top choice as a post MBA career goal for most MBA applicants. In this article we have selected 10 MBA programs based on their curriculum as well as placement data that do a great job of placing their students in top management consulting firms. All placement statistics and median salaries are based on 2016 Employment reports available in the school websites.Read on to find out which 10 schools have made it to the list._______________________________________Which MBA schools should you apply to, if you want to make a career in management consulting? Consulting is one of the most popular professions that MBA graduates pursue  and for good reasons. The profession is among the highest paid, most diverse and offers the opportunity for lots of responsibility and chance to quickly learn about the business world right out of the business school.Traditional wisdom will tell you that Harvard is for leadership positions in Fortune 500 companies, Wharton for finance, Kellogg for marketing and INSEAD for consulting. Theres truth to some of it. However, as time changes, recruiters preferences also changes. The most intelligent move may be to pick your B-school by focusing on a specific career outcome and getting admit from the one with an excellent record of helping students achieve the same.To help those who want to pursue a career in management consulting, we have compiled a list of 2017 Top 10 MBA programs for a career in consulting. Read on to see which business school you should go to for your best chance of getting into a career in consulting you had always wanted.2016 Class Size: 410Number (%) of graduates in consulting: 100 (24%)Median base salary: US$ 144,000Sloan offers one 21-month program which starts each year at the end of August. The academic year is broken down into four semesters. All Sloan students must take a predetermined course load for the first semester. They are then free to take the courses they choose during the next three semesters. Sloan is well known for its Action Learning Labs which provides students hands-on experience by teaming up with 5-6 students who take on actual consulting assignment for a real business problem faced by a company.As is the case for most top ranked MBA schools, companies fight to recruit on campus. The simple fact of being at Sloan will systematically open doors for interviews. Last year was no exception, with McKinsey being the biggest recruiter on campus, hiring 26 graduates. Bain was next, hiring 17, followed by BCG (14), Deloitte (6), and L.E.K Consulting (6).2016 class size: 445Number (%) of graduates in consulting: 115 (26%)Median base salary: US$ 140,000Dukes Fuqua School of Business is generally a young business school as compared with other business schools on our list. With 445 students, the school has been able to attract successful applicants and top quality faculty. It has led them to become one of the top MBA schools in the world (ranked No. 3 behind Harvard and Stanford in Business WeekThe Class of 2016 landed 24 graduates at Deloitte, 12 at Mckinsey, 13 at BCG, and 9 at Bain. Fuquas Class of 2017 was just as impressive, garnering 18 internships at Mckinsey, 16 at BCG, 15 at Deloitte, and 10 at Bain.2016 class size: 448Number (%) of graduates in consulting: 120 (27%)Median base salary: US$ 144,000This may come as a surprise to you: with nearly 450 students, Ross Class of 2016 placed 120 of its students in management consulting with a vast majority of those going to PWC (24), Mckinsey(14), BCG (14), Deloitte (14) and Bain (8). The median starting base salary for a Ross graduate entering consulting industry was $144,000The key highlight of Ross School of Business is the Multi-Disciplinary Action Program (MAP) in which student team of 5 -6 members work with companies in the U.S and abroad to complete a significant consulting assignment. The MAP is short-term student-led consulting engagement which prepares students for a career in consulting.2016 class size: 470Number (%) of graduates in consulting: 125 (27%)Median base salary: US$ 145,000Kellogg continues to be one of the major business schools for General Management. It remains also the world reference in marketing. These favorable reputations, along with an excellent academic and professional reputation, have allowed Kellogg to improve its selectivity, to recruit world-famous professors and increase its international standing.Top hirers for the Kelloggs Class of 2016 include the most prestigious consulting firms around, with McKinsey taking 43, BCG hiring 25, Bain& Company recruiting 24 and Deloitte taking 21 Kellogg graduates2016 class size: 410Number (%) of graduates in consulting: 140 (34%)Median base salary: US$ 145,000With only 410 students each year in the MBA program, LBS is relatively a small school as compared to other top ranked B-Schools. However, it helps you to know your peers better, and access to professor is much better. LBSs MBA is spread over 15 to 21 months, which is ideal for those who want to tailor their curriculum to support their career path.For the Class of 2016, 34% of LBS graduating took jobs in the consulting sector, mostly in strategy consulting. Most of these jobs were with the Mckinsey, BCG and Bain consulting firms. In fact, The Boston Consulting Group and McKinsey and were the top two employers overall, hiring 34 and 33 graduates respectively. Bain also figured into the top three by hiring 15 LBS MBAs last year.2016 class size: 585Number (%) of graduates in consulting: 145 (25%)Median base salary: US$ 145,000Chicago Booth sets itself apart by having total flexibility in its curriculum. With only one required course, students can design their program to meet their career goals. It places equal emphasis on case studies, lectures and experiential learning (courses lasting one or two terms where students form a team to solve a specific problem of a real company).Booth graduated 585 full-time students in 2016, and out of that total, 145 entered the consulting industry. 35 of these graduates accepted offers from McKinsey, 23 from BCG, 15 from Bain, 13 from Accenture, and 10 from PwC Strategy&/PwC Advisory. In addition, 9 graduates went to Deloitte, and 5 landed positions at A.T. Kearney._________________
The killers of Abdulhakeem Bauchin, a handsome Nigerian blogger, have been brought to book following the intense effort of the Nigerian police in Bauchi.

Photo showing the killers of Abdulhakeem Bauchin, a Nigerian blogger.

The decomposed body of the blogger was found March 17, 2017. The suspected killers of the blogger were arrested by the police. The press release made by the commissioner of police in Bauchi, CP GARBA BABA UMAR Psc, revealed that the killers are cultists.

"CPS PRESS BRIEFING:

In my maiden Press Conference on 13th March, 2017, I did not mince words on the resolve of Bauchi State Police Command under my watch to drastically bring down the soaring spate of kidnappings, Armed banditry, and other violent crimes through robust synergy with other security agencies, Vigilante Groups and eminent persons in the State. Immediately after that address, the Command swiftly consolidated on the support from the well meaning members of the public and carried out series and sustained operations in black spots, criminal hideouts and through a coordinated technical intelligence across the State and this yielded positive result as follows:

READ ALSO: Tension rises as traditional rulers, 200 others join MASSOB in Enugu

ARREST OF A SYNDICATE BEHIND THE KILLING OF ONE ABDULHAKEEM BAUCHIN BAUCHI: On the 12/3/2017 at about 00:05hrs, one Abdulhakeem Bauchin Bauchi was killed by unknown persons and his decomposing body was recovered at Rugun Jira mountain in Gwallameji Area of Bauchi State on the 17/3/2017.

However, discreet investigation by police detectives attached to Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Command led to the arrest of the following syndicate who alledgely perpetrated the dastardly act,

Michael Sansai male, aged 23yrs of Rafin Zurfi Yelwa

Samuel Uzima male, aged 24yrs of Yelwa (receiver)

William Yakubu male, aged 28yrs of the same address

Dauda Akanni male and 26yrs of Yelwa

Preliminary investigation revealed that the first suspect Michael Sansai is a member of the Black Axe Confraternity. (Secret Cult Group).

READ ALSO: Names of 11 committee members Buhari set up to resolve rift with Senate

Exhibit recovered include:

One Black Nokia 225 belonging to the deceased

Seven Wrap of dried leaves suspected to be Indian Hemp

Torn cloths of the deceased

One Sim card and other incriminating items.

Case under investigation to ascertain actual motive behind the act and efforts are being intensified to apprehend other fleeing accomplices after which suspects would be charged to court."

Legit.ng finds it heartbreaking to know that a talented and creative person like Bauchin was killed brutally by these suspects. May his soul rest in peace.

The strongest man in Nigeria had the opportunity to speak with Legit.ng, see what he has to say on fears here:

Source: Legit.ng
As of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQ
On 3-5 October 2017 Kyiv is going to host the Space and Future Forum to network international experts and youth, many of whom will also participate at the first CosmoHack in the world. Joinfo provides media coverage of the Forum, and some of its topics were already discussed ...
Theres no shortage of cheap single-board computers that you can use for development projects, media streaming, or even general purpose computing. But up until recently many of the most popular lacked built-in support for for WiFi or Bluetooth.

Now that the Raspberry Pi 3 and Raspberry Pi Zero W include those, whats next?

How about cellular connectivity? The Orange Pi 2G-IoT is a tiny computer-on-a-module with support for WiFi, Bluetooth, and mobile data connections. As the name suggests, you only get 2G data speeds but thats still a lot of connectivity for a device that sells for just $10.

The Orange Pi 2G-IoT is powered by a 1 GHz ARM Cortex-A5 32-bit processor with Vivante GC860 graphics and features 256MB of RAM.

It uses a miocrSD card for storage, and other features include a full-sized USB 2.0 port, a micro USB OTG port, a 3.5mm audio jack, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1, and a Raspberry Pi-compatible 40-pin GPIO connector.

The Orange Pi 2G-IoT supports GSM/GPRS data connections and has a SIM card slot.

The system doesnt have a a DisplayPort, VGA, or HDMI port, but there is an LCD connector that you can use to hook up an external screen.

The whole board measures about 2.7 x 1.7 and costs about $13 after you add shipping fees to the United States.

via CNX Software
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy named the 2017 F-150 with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 the only full-size pickup to its Greener Choices list in its annual ACEEE environmental impact survey

With a lighter, yet stronger high-strength, military-grade, aluminum- alloy body, paired with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 with stop/start technology, the 2017 F-150 4x2 has a best-in-class EPA gas fuel economy rating of 19/26/22 mpg city/highway/combined

As the best-selling trucks in America for more than 40 continuous years, the Ford F-Series trucks remain the toughest, smartest, most capable Ford trucks ever

DEARBORN, Mich., Mar. 29, 2017  The 2017 Ford F-150 truck was named the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) Greener Choice award - the only full-size truck in the councils Greener Choices list.

The F-150 4x2 with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine earned an ACEEE Green Score of 39, which placed it 12th overall in the Greener Choices for 2017. The truck meets LEV-III ULEV70/Tier 2 Bin 4 on unleaded gasoline and was rated by the EPA at 19 MPG city, 26 MPG highway and 22 MPG combined  all best-in-class gas fuel economy ratings.

ACEEEs Greener Choices list reviews top widely available petroleum-fueled vehicles with automatic transmissions and identifies practical options in each vehicle class.

Continuous innovation is at the core of Ford F-Series success, making it Americas best-selling truck for 40 consecutive years and Americas best-selling vehicle for 35 straight years.

As the toughest, smartest and most capable Ford trucks, Ford continues to innovate with a variety of powertrain and fuel saving options, including the first-ever 10-speed automatic transmission on a production truck, and standard stop/start technologies to improve fuel economy. Its why Ford F-150 was also named the Most Wanted Full-Size Truck by Edmunds, 2017 Autobytel Buyers Choice Full-Size Truck award and a three-peat winner of Kelley Blue Book KBB.com Best Buy of the Year for trucks award, among other accolades.
A new study indicates that the success of a kidney transplant may rely in part on a kidney donor's weight and sex, factors that are not typically considered when choosing a recipient for a deceased donor kidney. The findings, which appear in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN), suggest that changes may be needed to current immunology-based protocols that match donors and recipients.

Previous research has shown that there may be a higher risk of kidney transplant failure if a kidney donor is smaller than the recipient, perhaps due to increased strain on the relatively smaller transplanted kidney. Very few studies have investigated outcomes associated with donor and recipient weight mismatch, however. There is also a suggestion that sex mismatch between kidney donor and recipient may lead to worse outcomes post-transplant, but studies have generated conflicting results.

To investigate these issues, a team led by Amanda Miller, MD and Karthik Tennankore, MD (Dalhousie University and the Nova Scotia Health Authority, in Canada) examined whether receiving a kidney transplant from a smaller donor of the opposite sex would impact a recipient's transplant outcomes. The researchers analyzed information on a cohort of US deceased donor recipients between 2000 and 2014 who were listed in the Scientific Registry of Transplants Recipients. Over a median follow-up of 3.8 years, 21,261 of 115,124 kidney transplant recipients developed transplant failure.

After accounting for other transplant variables, the researchers demonstrated that if a kidney transplant recipient was >30 kg (66 pounds) heavier than the donor, there was a 28% higher risk of transplant failure compared with equally weighted donors and recipients. If the kidney was from a smaller donor of the opposite sex, the relative risk of transplant failure was further elevated to 35% for a male receiving a kidney from a female donor and 50% for a female receiving a kidney from a male donor. This risk is similar to that observed when a recipient receives a kidney transplant from a donor who has diabetes, a known risk factor for kidney failure.

"This study is extremely important because we have shown that when all else is considered, something as simple as the combination of a kidney donor's weight and sex is associated with a marked increase in kidney transplant failure," said Dr. Miller. "While more research is required before including these variables in a recipient matching strategy, this study highlights the importance of donor and recipient matching above and beyond current immunology-based protocols."

In an accompanying editorial, Bethany Foster, MD, MSCE and Indra Gupta, MD (McGill University) noted that while matching for sex and body size in organ allocation algorithms deserves consideration, this idea must be approached with a great deal of caution. It would require complex matching, and special care would have to be taken to avoid disadvantaging larger recipients. "Restricting transplant options by prioritizing sex matching may also lead to longer waiting times," they wrote. "Females with a large body size would be particularly disadvantaged by an approach that favoured allocation of sex- and body-size matched kidneys."
Dutch doctors have come out against a controversial proposed law that would allow assisted suicide for those who feel their lives are complete, and not just for people in unbearable suffering.

"Such a radical proposal is not desirable for practical reasons and for reasons of principle," the Dutch Doctors Federation, representing some 59,000 practitioners and students, said in a statement late Wednesday.

The Netherlands and neighbouring Belgium became the first countries in the world to legalise euthanasia in 2002.

But it is carried out under strict conditions, and only after at least two doctors have certified that there is no other reasonable solution for the patient, and that their suffering is "unbearable and without any hope of improvement".

In October, the now outgoing government proposed broadening the law to give elderly people, who are not sick but feel their lives are complete, the right to assisted suicide.

It would only apply to those who "no longer see any possibility of giving their life meaning, deeply feel their loss of independence, and remain isolated or lonely perhaps because they have lost a loved one," the Dutch health and justice ministers said in a letter to parliament.

But the doctors' federation argued that passing another law alongside the euthanasia law "will lead to an erosion of the conscientious practice of euthanasia" and increase "the feeling of vulnerability among elderly people and the stigmatisation of old age."

Instead, it pleaded for greater "investment in solutions which address the feeling of uselessness among the elderly."

The federation has sent its comments to the four political parties currently negotiating to see whether they can agree a common platform and form the country's next coalition government.

The Liberal VVD party which won the most seats in March 15 elections as well as the progressive D66 and the ecologist GroenLinks have voiced support for the law.

But the Christian Democratic Appeal is against it, although the party said it would not be a "deal-breaker" in the talks.

 2017 AFP
Credit: Imperial College London

Fish do it, amphibians do it, so why can't we? Scientists are questioning why human hearts lose the ability to regenerate, while other animals don't.

In a perspective piece, published in Science Translational Medicine, researchers from Imperial College London suggest that the loss of this ability may be down to the way the human heart develops.

They explain that mechanical and structural changes which occur in a baby's heart after birth may keep it 'locked' in a mature state. Humans have the ability to regenerate tissue in the womb, but some other animals retain this ability after birth to regrow lost limbs, tails and even parts of their heart.

According to the authors, if we could roll back some of the mechanical changes that occur in the human heart soon after birth, we might be able to unlock its regenerative capacity and find better ways to treat cardiac conditions and heal damaged tissue.

While a great deal of work has focused on stem cells as the key factor in regenerating the heart, scientists have had limited success. The key to unlocking the heart's healing ability may lie instead in the interplay between its biology and its physical structure, say the researchers.

"Right now, this is a relatively unexplored area," said Professor Nadia Rosenthal from the National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI) at Imperial College. "The focus has mainly been on cell biology and molecular signalling, rather than the profound relationship between those features and the mechanics of the heart."

In their review, Professor Rosenthal, who is also scientific director of The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine, and fellow Imperial NHLI researcher Dr Teresa Kennedy-Lydon, focused on the changes which occur in the hearts of newborn babies and mice, a critical period in which this regenerative capacity starts to wane.

Maturing heart

In the womb, babies are dependent on their mother's blood supply to bring oxygen to their developing tissues. The tiny beating heart contains a number of 'shunts', strategic openings that keep the blood flowing and bypass the fluid-filled lungs.

However, once the baby is born and starts to breathe, the heart undergoes remodelling. As oxygen-rich blood flows from the lungs, the pressure in the heart increases and the shunts close and begin to fuse shut. In mice, the same process completes around seven days after birth, providing a good model for study.

The researchers believe physical and metabolic changes linked with this hike in blood pressure, such as the strengthening of the heart walls and stiffening of the crisscrossing connective lattice which holds the cells together, are key steps in the heart maturing. They think that the time when these changes occur is the point at which the ability to fully regenerate tapers off.

In the review, the researchers cite previous studies that found reducing the workload on the heart  using an external pump to help pump the blood around the body  can go some way to reversing damage to the heart muscle after a heart attack.

The researchers believe that combining this type of 'mechanical unloading' with other approaches, such as using drugs to alter the lattice holding the cells in place, altering metabolic pathways, and using cell therapies, could be the key to kick-starting the heart's regenerative ability.

"It may well be that modulating these inbuilt features could produce the right environment for repair  such as introducing stem cells and grafting them into the heart, or stimulating the existing cells to regenerate  making these therapies more effective," said Professor Rosenthal. "All therapies are based on trial and error, but the more we know, the less error we'll have."

Dr Kennedy-Lydon added: "We're trying to expand the considerations of people working in this field of research rather than just relying on finding a specific type of stem cell to fix things. We are not trying to get everyone to shift direction and start working on mechanical unloading of the heart, but we would like them to be aware that mechanical load is probably going to play a role at some point in the repair process."

More information: Teresa Kennedy-Lydon et al. Cardiac regeneration: All work and no repair?, Science Translational Medicine (2017). Journal information: Science Translational Medicine Teresa Kennedy-Lydon et al. Cardiac regeneration: All work and no repair?,(2017). DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aad9019
BK Polyomavirus-specific CD8-Killer-Lymphocytes (blue) in cell culture. Credit: University of Basel, Department of Biomedicine

Certain white blood cells play an important role in bringing a harmful virus under control after kidney transplantations. The results of a research group at the Department of Biomedicine at the University of Basel and University Hospital Basel could contribute to improving control of immunosuppression, avoiding transplant rejection and developing relevant vaccines.

Celine Leboeuf and Sabrina Wilk, from Professor Hans H. Hirsch's research group, reported the results of a collaboration between Swiss transplant centers in the latest issue of the American Journal of Transplantation. The researchers investigated the blood of 96 patients immediately after a kidney transplant, and then six and twelve months afterwards. The virus was active in 28 patients; the remaining patients formed the control group.

BK polyomavirus infection occurs following a kidney transplant in up to 15% of cases, often leading to serious problems for the patients. The complications can cause a deterioration in function or even the loss of the new kidney. There is currently no effective drug available to combat the BK polyomavirus.

Increase of lymphocytes

The Basel researchers have now found that certain white blood cells  BK virus-specific CD8 killer T lymphocytes  significantly increased in those patients who were able to bring the virus under control. These blood cells were detectable in patients with different tissue types and could be propagated in cell cultures. "Our results open up new opportunities for improved control of the reduction in immunosuppression and contribute to the development of vaccines and adoptive T-cell therapy," says Hirsch.

The harmful BK polyomavirus was first identified as a cause of early transplantation failure more than ten years ago at the University and University Hospital Basel. Current treatment relies soley on viral load in the blood in order to guide the use of immunosuppressive medication and prevent a transplant rejection.

More information: Celine Leboeuf et al. BK polyomavirus-specific 9mer CD8 T-cell responses correlate with clearance of BK viremia in kidney transplant recipients: First report from the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study (STCS), American Journal of Transplantation (2017). Journal information: American Journal of Transplantation Celine Leboeuf et al. BK polyomavirus-specific 9mer CD8 T-cell responses correlate with clearance of BK viremia in kidney transplant recipients: First report from the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study (STCS),(2017). DOI: 10.1111/ajt.14282
When older adults have head injuries, they must make sure EMS knows they are on blood thinners to ensure appropriate and speedy treatment. Credit: American College of Emergency Physicians

One change to field triage guidelines for emergency medical services (EMS) responding to older adults with head trauma could make a "clinically important improvement over usual care," according to a study and accompanying editorial published earlier this month in Annals of Emergency Medicine.

"Adding a question about the use of blood thinners in older adults to our field triage criteria could save lives," said the editorial's writer, Craig Newgard, MD, MPH, of Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Ore. "Older patients suffering head trauma who are taking blood thinners are more likely to suffer from bleeding in the brain that requires time-sensitive surgery at a major trauma center. Current EMS triage criteria do not include that question but this study suggests that maybe they should."

Researchers analyzed charts for 2,100 patients who were 55 or older with head trauma who were transported to the hospital by EMS. Using standard field triage criteria, 19.8 percent of those patients were correctly identified as suffering traumatic intracranial hemorrhage, or bleeding in the brain. Adding a fourth question - whether the patient is on anti-coagulant therapy - improved the sensitivity for intracranial hemorrhage to 59.5 percent.

"Use of steps one to three triage criteria is not sufficient for identifying intracranial hemorrhage and death or neurosurgery for older patients who suffer head trauma," said the lead author of the study, Daniel K. Nishijima, MD, MAS, of the University of California Davis School of Medicine in Sacramento, Calif. "While we wait for other studies to confirm our research, we strongly urge patients to make their medication history available and known to their families and EMS providers, especially for situations that may arise where they cannot speak for themselves. Knowledge of their use of blood thinners may help in getting these patients to the right hospital."

More information: Daniel K. Nishijima et al, Out-of-Hospital Triage of Older Adults With Head Injury: A Retrospective Study of the Effect of Adding "Anticoagulation or Antiplatelet Medication Use" as a Criterion, Annals of Emergency Medicine (2017). Journal information: Annals of Emergency Medicine Daniel K. Nishijima et al, Out-of-Hospital Triage of Older Adults With Head Injury: A Retrospective Study of the Effect of Adding "Anticoagulation or Antiplatelet Medication Use" as a Criterion,(2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2016.12.018
Cheryl Meyer, an internationally recognized authority on mothers who kill their children, specializes in forensic psychology, family violence, correctional psychology and politics and reproductive rights of women. Credit: Wright State University

The last words of nearly 200 souls are snugged inside a crimson accordion folder on a bedroom floor in the home of Wright State University psychology professor Cheryl Meyer.

The suicide notes are the basis of a new book co-written by Meyer designed to unlock the mysteries of what pushes people to kill themselves, bring comfort to those touched by suicide and offer ways to prevent it.

"Explaining Suicide: Patterns, Motivations and What Notes Reveal" is written by Meyer; Taronish Irani, of The Counseling Center at SUNY Buffalo State and a Wright State alumna; Katherine Hermes, from the history department at Central Connecticut University; and the late Betty Yung, who was an associate professor of psychology at Wright State.

"I don't know anyone whose life hasn't been touched by suicide on some level," said Meyer. "We really felt like we could make sense of this and maybe help some people. I just want to bring some understanding to suicide or even open a dialogue."

Suicide deaths have increased astronomically since 1999. As many as 40,000 people kill themselves each year in the United States.

The suicide notes and files of 1,280 suicide victims who died in Montgomery or surrounding counties were turned over to Wright State in 2010 by Ken Betz, director of the Miami Valley Regional Crime Lab, and Lee Lehman and Sheri May of the Montgomery County Coroner's Office. The trio, who had been collecting the notes since 2000, wanted to know what more could be done to prevent suicides.

Of the 1,280 cases, 14 percent of the victims wrote suicide notes. Meyer read the notes before looking at any of the statistics and instantly knew it was a book.

Many of the notes were written on paper, but others had to be captured by photographs because they were written on towels, mirrors, Christmas cards, coffee filters and even on the victims' bodies. One man spray-painted a suicide note on the floor of a barn.

One victim, wracked by guilt involving the death of a child, made entries on his calendar for each day of the week preceding his suicide, starting with "maybe" on the first day, several days of "not yet" and "yet" on the day he shot himself in the head.

The victims killed themselves with guns, drugs, carbon monoxide and by hanging, drowning and slashing their wrists. Their bodies were found in homes, garages, a barn, a cemetery, a fraternity house, jail cells, a storage unit, a park, an island, the back of a van and hanging from trees.

Blood spatter stained some of the notes, making them difficult to read. Notes from victims who had been taking drugs became incoherent toward the end.

The notes often addressed a specific person. Others were addressed to no one in particular. One person addressed the note to his dog.

"If they had a note, I really felt that I got to know them," said Meyer. "Going back and reading a note is kind of like visiting an old friend."

Meyer said it is hard to know why some people leave suicide notes and others don't.

"It comes down to what the motivation was for the suicide," she said.

She said some notes are designed to lash out and accuse others of not caring, or to control and manipulate by making them feel guilty. Other notes simply say goodbye to loved ones or absolve them of any guilt.

Of the local note-writers, 70 percent said they committed suicide to escape painful life circumstances such as physical or psychological illness.

"I can't work and Social Security doesn't pay enoug (sic) to live on. Ever (sic) day is the samejust looking at a TV scenewatching fantasy and make believeor seeing other people live an active-fun and fulfilling life with family and friends."

The biggest single risk factor for suicide was being a white male. Meyer said some males have what is called "hegemonic masculinity," a hyper masculinity difficult to live up to. When these men fail in something significant in their lives, Meyer said, it can have a devastating psychological impact because they feel they are not real men.

"I've never been good enough. I've never been normal.  I feel disgusting. I hate myself. I don't know how to change and I'll never ever be OK."

Conflict in interpersonal relationships accounted for 23 percent of the suicides among note-writers, with many notes referring to unrequited or lost love.

Twenty-two percent of notes mentioned precipitating events that drove the writers to commit suicide. Usually these were significant events such as the loss of a job, a distressing medical diagnosis, a financial crisis, a breakup with a spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend or an arrest or impending jail sentence.

"We looked at the connections between legal issues and suicide," said Meyer. "There is a really strong tie between things like DUIs and killing yourself."

Many notes were written to reassure survivors that the suicide was not their fault and that there was nothing they could have done to prevent it. Writers of these notes often apologized for the pain that would be caused by their loved one finding them.

About one-third of the note-writers mentioned faith, religion or God in their notes.

"I leave this life with some sadness and grief, but on the other hand, I have a great curiosity to know what's on the other side. And, I have a faith that tells me that it's a better place and the loved ones who've gone before me will be here to greet me and we'll be together and be happy. In that regard, I'm looking forward to it."

The first day of the month held the highest risk for suicide. A greater percentage of women wrote notes than men. And 37 of the 1,280 victims were under the age of 18.

The hardest part of the project for Meyer was thinking about the children who killed themselves or who found the suicide victims.

Meyer is an internationally recognized authority on mothers who kill their children. Her book "When Mothers Kill: Interviews from Prison" won the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences Outstanding Book Award in 2009.

Meyer obtained her Ph.D. in social psychology from Miami University and her law degree from DePaul University. She joined the faculty in Wright State's School of Professional Psychology in 1997 and specializes in forensic psychology, family violence, correctional psychology and politics and reproductive rights of women.

The book on suicide looks at it through psychological, historical and social science lenses. The target audience includes psychologists, sociologists, social workers, clergy, law enforcement, policymakers, lawyers, corrections personnel, educators, nurses, medical professionals, students, other professionals who work with people whose lives have been influenced by suicide and anyone who has been touched by suicide.

Meyer said people are generally afraid to talk about suicide and that she hopes the book makes them more comfortable speaking with someone who might be suicidal. Suicides are both impulsive and planned, but it only takes a minute, or even a small act or reminder to interrupt one, she said. And limiting or delaying access to guns, pills and other lethal means can prevent them.

Meyer advocates suicide-prevention training modeled on "driver's ed" courses, which everyone must take to operate a motor vehicle. Trainees would learn how to identify warning signs of suicide, assess the situation and help the person contemplating suicide to seek help. The course should be offered to teenagers in schools, adults in continuing-education forums and elderly people in senior centers and other venues.

A major theme of the book is how to prevent suicide by building resiliency among potential victims, enabling them to better deal with life's setbacks. Meyer said the best way to do that is to make sure they have social connections and a sense of purpose in life.

"Part of it is the responsibility of the individual, but part of it is our responsibility of keeping that person connected," she said.

Meyer said a national agenda or an action plan for suicide prevention needs to be established. Communities must promote and foster social support systems, healthy lifestyles and the full use of people's skills and gifts.

"As I sit here in this empty house I realize I am all alone. I don't have anybody. Nobody loves me; Nobody cares about me. I love you all but you don't love me."
A new EMBL-EBI study reveals that aging causes cell coordination breakdown. Credit: Spencer Phillips, The European Bioinformatics Institute

Researchers from the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), University of Cambridge, the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and the Cancer Research UK-Cambridge Institute (CRUK-CI) have shed light on a long-standing debate about why the immune system weakens with age. Their findings, published in Science, show that immune cells in older tissues lack coordination and exhibit much more variability in gene expression compared with their younger counterparts.

Settling the debate

We've all witnessed the progressive decline of function that comes with ageing, but what exactly causes this decline - and why does it happen at different rates for different parts of the body? To find answers, scientists need to unpick all of the mechanisms of ageing at the molecular level, for every tissue. Today's study focused on immune tissue: specifically, CD4+ T cells.

The immune system is like a symphony orchestra, with many different types and subtypes of cells working together to fight infections. But as the immune system ages, its response to infection weakens for reasons that are not yet clear. One long-standing debate amongst scientists concerns two central hypotheses: either the functional degradation is caused by a loss of cellular performance, or it is down to a loss of coordination among cells.

To resolve the debate, scientists have studied many different cell types, analysing 'average' gene expression profiles. Today's study employed high-resolution single-cell sequencing technology to create new insights into how cell-to-cell variability is linked with ageing. The researchers sequenced the RNA of naive and memory CD4+ T cells in young and old mice, in both stimulated and unstimulated states.

Their findings clearly showed that loss of coordination is a key component of the impaired immune performance caused by T cell ageing.

The DNA smoothie

"You could think of DNA sequencing as a fruit smoothie," explains John Marioni, Group Leader at EMBL-EBI and at CRUK-CI. "Traditional sequencing technology is a bit like taking a sip of the smoothie, then trying to guess what the ingredients are. Single-cell genomics now lets us study the ingredients individually, so we get direct insight into the constituent parts. Extrapolating, this means that single-cell sequencing allows researchers to individually look at thousands of genes at any given time."

A phalanx of immune cells

Duncan Odom, Group Leader at the University of Cambridge's Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute and associate faculty at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, shares a further analogy to explain how immune cells fight infection.

"Imagine the immune system as a 'cell army', ready to protect the body from infection," says Odom. "Our research revealed that this army is well coordinated in young animals, with all the cells working together and operating like a Greek phalanx to block the infection."

Odom goes on to explain that this tight coordination makes the immune system stronger, and allows it to fight infection more effectively. The team's study shows that as the animal gets older, cell coordination breaks down.

"Although individual cells might still be strong, the lack of coordination between them makes their collective effectiveness lower," Odom concludes.

Older and more variable

Previous studies have shown that in young animals, immunological activation results in tightly regulated gene expression (see Box). This study further reveals that activation results in a decrease in cell-to-cell variability. Ageing increased the heterogeneity of gene expression in populations of two mice species, as well as in different types of immune cells. This suggests that increased cell-to-cell transcriptional variability may be a hallmark of ageing across most mammalian tissues.

"There is a great deal of interest in how biological ageing happens, but not much is known about molecular ageing," says Celia Pilar Martinez-Jimenez, experimental lead and Postdoctoral Fellow at the Sanger Institute and CRUK-CI. "This research initiative explored a new facet of cell response to disease, while also tackling questions related to ageing."

Nils Eling, computational lead of the project and PhD student at EMBL-EBI and CRUK-CI highlights that "the advantage of analysing gene expression from single cells is to detect how cell populations synchronise their response. It is interesting to see that ageing strongly distorts this response - a phenomenon which could not be observed before."

The interdisciplinary study paves the way for a more in-depth exploration of the mechanisms by which different types of cells age. It also illustrates the potential of single-cell sequencing to enable a richer understanding of cell development and activity.

More information: Martinez-Jimenez, C.P., Eling, N.et al (2017) Aging increases cell-to-cell transcriptional variability upon immune stimulation. Science. Published in print. Journal information: Science Martinez-Jimenez, C.P., Eling, N.et al (2017) Aging increases cell-to-cell transcriptional variability upon immune stimulation.. Published in print. science.sciencemag.org/cgi/doi  1126/science.aah4115
Waiting times for cancer patients in Scotland have been described as 'unacceptable' after new figures show that a key target has been missed for the fourth year in a row.

Health boards should ensure at least 95% of patients urgently referred with a suspicion of cancer will wait a maximum of 62 days from referral to starting treatment.

But figures show that only 87.5% of patients started treatment within the target time in the last 3 months of 2016. This means that hundreds of patients are waiting longer than they should for treatment.

Gregor McNie, Cancer Research UK's senior public affairs manager in Scotland, said that the latest figures show once again a worrying picture for cancer services.

"Speedy diagnosis and access to treatment is key to improving someone's chances of survival so it's absolutely critical we see improvements soon," he said.

The target was met by only 5 out of 15 health boards in Scotland.

Another target, which states that 95% of patients will wait no more than 31 days from deciding they need treatment to first receiving that cancer treatment, was also missed.

"Over a year on from when the Scottish Government announced its new cancer strategy , it's clear many health boards need to make better progress, and show progress from new investments," said McNie.

He added that a review of the targets was due.

Scottish Health Secretary, Shona Robison, said the Scottish Government has already announced a number of changes including "reforming outpatient services, streamlining access to cancer specialists and decreasing the time it takes to get a diagnosis."

But Scottish Labour health spokesman Anas Sarwar said the "shameful" figures "show that for four years the SNP have failed families across the country, and the performance is getting worse."

The cancer statistics were also heavily criticised by the other opposition parties.

Scottish Conservative MSP Donald Cameron said: "It's inexcusable for the SNP to just continually brush these missed targets aside, especially when it's well-known that receiving swift treatment for cancer can often make all the difference in improving outcomes for these patients."

But the Scottish Liberal Democrats said that after repeatedly missing this target, ministers need to be clear about what they will do differently in order to meet their commitments to patients in future.

The Scottish Green Party added: "The NHS workforce is under huge pressure and we need Scottish ministers to prioritise efforts to recruit and retain additional staff."
A kind of bacteria found in the vagina may trigger recurrent UTIs, according to a new study. Most UTIs are caused by the gut bacterium E. coli, which sometimes persists in bladder cells even after the infection has resolved. The vaginal bacteria Gardnerella vaginalis damages cells on the surface of the bladder, causing dormant E. coli to emerge from those cells and start multiplying again. In the image above, a bladder cell (blue) that has been exposed to G. vaginalis is dying and detaching from its neighboring cells (teal), revealing immature cells below (purple). Credit: Matthew Joens, James Fitzpatrick and Nicole Gilbert

About half of all women will experience urinary tract infections in their lifetimes, and despite treatment, about a quarter will develop recurrent infections within six months of initial infection.

A new study at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has uncovered a trigger of recurrent UTI infections: a type of vaginal bacteria that moves into the urinary tract.

The research, in mice, is published March 30 in PLOS Pathogens.

UTIs most often occur when bacteria that live inside the bowel make their way into the urinary tract. The infections can occur anywhere along the urinary tract but commonly develop in the bladder. UTIs are treated with antibiotics, but each time a UTI comes back makes it even more likely the infection will recur yet again.

In young, sexually active women, about 80 percent of UTIs are caused by E. coli. Conventional thinking holds that recurrence occurs when E. coli is reintroduced into the urinary tract. But the new research suggests another way for a subsequent UTI to develop: The vaginal bacterium Gardnerella vaginalis triggers E. coli already hiding in the bladder to cause another UTI. G. vaginalis also may be a contributor to more serious - and potentially deadly - kidney infections, the study suggests.

"We found that a particular vaginal bacterium, Gardnerella vaginalis, did not cause infection during exposure to the urinary tract, but it damaged the cells on the surface of the bladder and caused E. coli from a previous UTI to start multiplying, leading to another bout of disease," said the study's senior author, Amanda Lewis, PhD, an assistant professor of molecular microbiology and of obstetrics and gynecology at Washington University.

Previous studies already had established that E. coli bacteria can create dormant hiding places for E. coli in the bladder and later be reactivated to cause infection. But this is the first study to identify a plausible trigger.

The reasons why UTIs recur is not fully understood, but the researchers, including obstetrics and gynecology instructor Nicole Gilbert, PhD, and graduate student Valerie O'Brien, saw a clue in bacterial vaginosis, which is caused by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, resulting in vaginal odor and discharge. The condition is associated with UTIs.

As part of the study, the researchers infected the bladders of female mice with E. coli, initiating UTIs, and then let them recover. One month after infection, no E. coli was detected in the animals' urine. However, previous studies had shown that a small population of E. coli can persist in the bladder at levels undetectable in the urine.

Next, the researchers introduced into the bladders of the mice either Lactobacillus crispatus, a normal vaginal bacterium; G. vaginalis, which is associated with bacterial vaginosis; or sterile saltwater, as a control. Both kinds of vaginal bacteria were eliminated from the bladder within 12 hours, but this short sojourn in the bladder was enough for E. coli to reappear in the urine of more than half of the mice exposed to G. vaginalis, indicating a recurrent UTI. Mice given the normal vaginal bacteria or sterile saltwater were about five times less likely to develop another UTI compared with those given G. vaginalis.

"The mice are not being reinoculated with E. coli," O'Brien said. "Instead, the bacterial reservoirs already in the bladder emerge out of the tissue, multiply and cause another infection."

Moreover, in some of the mice with G. vaginalis, bacteria traveled from the bladder up the urinary tract to the kidneys. In women, kidney infections are rare - just 1 percent of women with bladder infections go on to develop one - but serious. Kidney infections involve back pain, fever, nausea and vomiting, and can be deadly.

"When we looked, we could see that this severe kidney damage was almost exclusively happening in the G. vaginalis group," Lewis said.

All of the mice that had either G. vaginalis or E. coli in their urinary tracts showed some degree of kidney damage. But of the mice that had both species, 6 percent showed severe kidney damage, high levels of E. coli in the kidney and signs that E. coli had moved from the kidney to the bloodstream, a form of UTI that can kill. In other words, the presence of G. vaginalis made E. coli more likely to cause severe kidney disease.

The researchers said G. vaginalis is not normally a concern for women with UTIs but that perhaps it should be.

"If a clinical lab finds G. vaginalis in a UTI sample, perhaps they shouldn't assume it's just a contaminant from the vagina," Gilbert said. "Our results suggest it could be contributing to the disease."

The researchers suggest that new clinical studies are needed to inform doctors treating women for UTIs - especially kidney infections - to look at whether bacterial vaginosis may put some women at greater risk for this severe form of UTI. Both UTIs and bacterial vaginosis are treatable with antibiotics, but different kinds are required. Standard UTI antibiotics will not rid a patient of G. vaginalis.

The findings also may explain why some women experience recurrent UTIs after having sex.

"A lot of women swear that every time they have sex they get a UTI, and obviously that's a huge burden," Lewis said. "We don't doubt that re-infection with E. coli is partly responsible, but we think we've found another pretty compelling reason why the connection between sexual activity and recurrent UTI might exist: Vaginal bacteria like G. vaginalis are moved into the urinary tract during sex."

More information: Gilbert NM, O'Brien VP, Lewis AL (2017) Transient microbiota exposures activate dormant Escherichia coli infection in the bladder and drive severe outcomes of recurrent disease. PLOS Pathogens, journals.plos.org/plospathogen  journal.ppat.1006238 Journal information: PLoS Pathogens Gilbert NM, O'Brien VP, Lewis AL (2017) Transient microbiota exposures activate dormant Escherichia coli infection in the bladder and drive severe outcomes of recurrent disease.
Violence in the US can be reduced if police and health agencies join forces, says a leading UK expert.

Evaluations show that policing and violence prevention can be much more effective if agencies work together to identify and address violence hotspots. This could reduce the violence on America's streets and the injuries that result.

Writing in JAMA, Professor Shepherd, Director of Cardiff University's Violence Research Group, and Dr Steve Sumner, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), argue that by using anonymised data collected by hospital emergency departments (EDs), health agencies can work with police to reduce violence.

Professor Shepherd pioneered the 'Cardiff Model' for reducing violence in the UK after he discovered that three-quarters of incidents which result in hospital ED treatment are not known to police. Following the implementation of the model the numbers of people injured in violence treated in Cardiff's emergency departments halved between 2002 and 2013. There was also a 39% reduction in violence inside licensed premises, and a 42% reduction in hospital admissions and violence recorded by the police (relative to 14 similar UK cities).

"Anonymised details from hospitals such as the precise violence location, time, days and weapons are shared with police, helping them to build a monthly 'hotspot map' of the timing and characteristics of violence, showing where their presence is most effective in deterring violence and intervening early if it does break out," says Professor Shepherd.

The 'Cardiff Model' is being replicated in Atlanta, Philadelphia and Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.

Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin are working with the US National Institute of Justice and the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Jennifer Hernandez-Meier, Research Scientist and Co-Principal Investigator of the project, Medical College of Wisconsin, said: "Equipped with this data, patterns of violence can emerge. The next step is for community organizations, public health, and law enforcement to devise and implement focused plans to prevent these incidents from happening in the first place.

"Preventing violence takes the commitment and collaboration of everyone in our community."

Published cost benefit analyses show that adopting the model across the US has the potential to reduce arrests and injuries and save billions of dollars in public service costs. Shepherd and Sumner say the collaborative approach of the 'Cardiff Model' could also inform policing methods.

Professor Shepherd said: "Formal police-health partnerships, underpinned by information governance standards and community violence prevention boards, are one way to improve public trust in law enforcement as well as to prevent violence.

"There's growing evidence that police-health partnerships in the U.S. can really help better address violence in communities."

The Cardiff Model is being replicated in several countries including Australia and the Netherlands.

The paper 'Policing and Public Health - Strategies for Collaboration' is published in JAMA.
Nearly all high school youth with autism spectrum disorder who participated in an intensive job skills program gained and maintained meaningful part-time employment after graduation, according to a forthcoming study by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Three months after graduation, 90 percent of the young people with autism who took part in the program acquired competitive, part-time jobs that paid between $9.53 and $10.66 an hour. A year after graduation, 87 percent of the participants still had their jobs.

Meanwhile, a control group of young people with autism who did not take part in the job skills program saw only 6 percent employed three months after graduation and only 12 percent employed after a year.

"This is the first randomized clinical trial to show that if young people with significant autism, who have historically been unemployed at a very high level after high school (greater than 75 percent), receive a combination of nine months of immersion in a business setting internship, plus supports such as applied behavior analysis, that their chances for becoming competitively employed are much better than those who do not receive these services," said Paul Wehman, Ph.D., director of both the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Successful Business Practices Leading to Employment of Persons with Disabilities and the VCU Autism Center for Excellence, who led the study. "The 90 percent retention rate of all of the employed persons at 12 months or longer is extremely encouraging."

The study, "Effects of an employer-based intervention on employment outcomes for youth with significant support needs due to autism," will be published in the April 1 edition of the journal Autism.

Wehman, a professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in the School of Medicine and in the Department of Counseling and Special Education in the School of Education, said the study shows definitively that there is a clear pathway to competitive employment for youth with autism who have traditionally been chronically unemployed.

"Jobs were found in many different health care [fields] and other settings," Wehman said. "Furthermore, this study shows the clear-cut employment potential of youth with autism and also the receptivity of employers to hiring and retaining young individuals with autism."

The researchers also found that the young people with autism who took part in the program found that the work provided them with an important therapeutic medium that helped make them more independent, and improved their social skills and self-esteem.

The program, called Project SEARCH plus Autism Spectrum Disorder Supports, was a nine-month, employer-based intervention that modified an existing high-school-to-work program called Project SEARCH that supports individuals with disabilities. The researchers built on Project SEARCH by incorporating the use of applied behavior analysis, which helps meet the extensive social, communication and behavioral needs of young people with autism.

"Each week, a behavioral consultant from our staff met with the onsite contact to debrief on specific situations/behaviors exhibited by the interns and assisted with developing plans to support those interns to minimize the interference of those behaviors in the workplace," Wehman said. "Applied behavioral analysis techniques played an extremely important role in teaching new work behaviors and developing appropriate social skills."

The study's participants were 49 high-school-aged people between the ages of 18 and 21 years old who had been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, and were eligible for supported employment.

Graduates of the program now hold jobs at a number of employers in the Richmond area, as well as in south Hampton Roads. Locally, employers that have hired the graduates include Bon Secours, Lowe's, Henrico County Public Schools, Hanover County Public Schools, Red Door Salon, Great Harvest, Kroger, Marriott, Gold's Gym, Mango Salon and Hobby Lobby.

The Virginia Department of Rehabilitation Services and Aging provided support throughout the study, which laid the groundwork for a larger study, funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research. That larger study aims to replicate the earlier findings with a larger sample, with more hospitals and school districts, and to develop a manual that would allow others around the country to replicate the findings.

The larger study is slated to finish later this year, Wehman said.

"We are extremely interested in seeing the efficacious impact of a nine-month (900 hours total) internship on the overall employment and social development of youth with autism coming out of school," he said. "The implications are powerfully supportive of providing more and more employment type opportunities in the community when these youth are 15 to 17 years old."

"We have found that most of these students have much more capacity than many people thought," he added. "There are implications, not only for special education teacher practices, but also rehabilitation counselors and physicians who are examining the long-term work potential of youth with autism. Finally and perhaps most important, individuals with autism and their families should feel validated that their true skills, abilities and human potential is being displayed with the right help and support."

More information: Paul Wehman et al. Effects of an employer-based intervention on employment outcomes for youth with significant support needs due to autism, Autism (2017). Journal information: Autism Paul Wehman et al. Effects of an employer-based intervention on employment outcomes for youth with significant support needs due to autism,(2017). DOI: 10.1177/1362361316635826
Point Topics fixed broadband price index map shows that South African fixed broadband subscribers are now paying much more than what they did a year ago.

Over the 12 months of 2016, median tariffs dropped in the United States, Australia, Russia, parts of Scandinavia, and Europe.

Median fixed broadband tariffs increased in Canada, Brazil, China, and nearly all monitored African countries.

South Africa was hit particularly hard, with local fixed broadband subscribers paying 1.46 times more in 2016 than what they did in 2015.

The fixed broadband price index map below provides an overview of how broadband prices changed across the globe over the past 12 months. (Click to enlarge.)

Now read: South African university with the highest Internet speed
The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic has been established as a state formation: it exists, possessing all the attributes of a state.

Director of the Institute of Diaspora Studies and Integration (Institute of CIS countries) Konstantin Zatulin said the aforementioned in an interview with Noyan Tapan newspaper.

According to him, not only the presence of its own army or own security services is indicative of this, but also the fact that democratic processes are taking place during the entire conflict in Nagono-Karabakh. ''Elections and re-elections take place, most of which I have attended as an obsrver since 1994,'' the director stressed.

These were both presiedntial elections and parliamentary ones. People in Nagorno-Karabakh don't have a hereditary power, but they struggle for national representation in a democtatic way, he added.

In Zatulin's words, although the economy of Nagorno-Karabakh certainly suffers from blockade and also other consequences of the conflict, it will gain many points as compared to many so-called recognized states, since the people [there] are used to and want to work, they have the suppoort of Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora and favorable natural and climatic possibilities are present there. In this respect, Nagorno-Karabakh is a much more self-sufficent state as compared with an entire group of officially recognized UN member-states.

''All the attempts to present Nagorno-Karabakh as a ''marionette state'' and a ''non-state'' or a black hole, which are exerted by the Azerbaijani authorities in terms of propoganda, are in my opinion based on jealousy, sorrow of losing these territories and shame for the losses in the military clashes of the 90s. But they do not objectively reflect the reality. And I am sure that no conflict resolution is possible without the final word of Nagorno-Karabakh,'' Zatulin noted.

In his words, Armenia definitely provides serious support to Nagorno-Karabakh, but it is still a question who impacts more the domestic life  Armenia influences Nagorno-Karabakh or otherwise. ''As we know, there is wide scope of opinions on this among the Armenian community.''
President: UAE is a responsible energy supplier as long as the world needs oil and gas

EU has serious concerns about US inflation reduction act

Head of IMF: The global surge in consumer prices may be close to the high point

Germany wants EU to resume trade talks with US as soon as possible

Pashinyan's closed meeting with MPs of ruling Civil Contract faction is over

Hungary will not support EU efforts to help Ukraine with joint funds

Greece to soon ban sale of spyware

U.S. military delegation arrives in Turkey

German industry calls for postponement of global minimum corporate tax

Podolyak: Ukraine has never refused to negotiate

Elon Musk calls on 'independent-minded' voters to vote for Republicans

Bezos Earth Fund pledges $1 billion by 2030 to protect carbon stocks and biodiversity

7 people killed in collision between truck and passenger bus in Turkey

Nikol Pashinyan holds closed meeting with members of ruling party faction

Qatar's foreign minister calls criticism of West 'arrogant' and 'racist'

Algeria officially applies to join BRICS group

Delegations headed by Armenian and Azerbaijani FMs meet in Washington

French Finance Minister calls on EU to oppose U.S.

Armenian President: Aliyev's statements about intentional destruction of mosques have nothing to do with reality

German MFA reports constructive talks in EU on new sanctions against Iran

Kazakhstani President Tokayev instructs to increase oil supplies bypassing Russia

President of Artsakh holds expanded working meeting

Armenian Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports to receive more than 250 billion drams in 2023

Borrell says EU is dependent on supplies from China

Armenia official: Peace treaty implies restoration of sovereign territory

Guterres thinks mankind is heading for climate hell

Dollar, euro gain value in Armenia

General: Iran riots were US plan to derail nuclear deal

Minister: 'Lydian Armenia' may start exploitation of gold mine on Mountain Amulsar

Armenia political scientist: Balance is formed in region thanks to Iran

Minister: 70 schools will be repaired or newly built in Armenia in 2023

UAE lifts most COVID-19 restrictions for tourists

Political scientist: There is no Armenian-American agenda

President of Finland says country has no plans to host nuclear weapons

Russian Ambassador to Armenia: We are not used to making PR and playing games

Flight restrictions extended to 11 airports in Russia

Kopirkin: Spiritual core will help Armenia, Russia overcome difficulties, challenges

Armenia ranks among top 5 CIS countries for winter tourism

Envoy: Russian president awarded Armenian philologist with medal

Iranian intelligence arrests 26 terrorists: an Azerbaijani citizen among them

Russian Defense Ministry confirms: Azerbaijan fired at Khramort village in Artsakh

Number of oil and gas drilling rigs is up in US

Economy minister: Azerbaijan aggression prevented increase of Armenia wheat sowing areas

Gegharkunik governor: There are observers who recorded that Azerbaijan carried out aggression against Armenia

The National Interest: Iran turns attention to the Caucasus

Tokayev: Kazakhstan is ready to use other measures, besides diplomacy, for its defense

Economy minister: Primary agricultural products ensure 11%-13% of Armenia GDP

FAO: World grain prices rise in October

Kremlin urges Yerevan and Baku to refrain from destabilization

Governor of Armenias Tavush on possible handover of enclaves to Azerbaijan: Not being discussed now

Governor of Armenias Vayots Dzor: We have pastures that are monitored by Azerbaijan

WSJ: Sullivan is in contact with Ushakov and Patrushev on Ukraine

Vayots Dzor governor: Azerbaijan military that infiltrated Armenia can be seen with naked eye from Jermuk city

Armenia President: Military clashes, hostilities have direct impact on soil, air pollution

IRGC seizes over 1,500 weapons in Iran riots

Minister: $879 million worth of agricultural products exported from Armenia

Japan to exterminate 150 thousand chickens because of bird flu outbreak

Armenia informational online platform for promoting highly qualified specialists engagement is launched

South Korea's president apologizes for crush in downtown Seoul

Documento: Greek PM Mitsotakis used intelligence services to spy on dozens of people

Close to $98M to be allocated from Armenia state budget for agricultural projects in 2023

Man who set self on fire near Armenia government mansion is in severe condition

Anti-Iranian action to take place in Baku

UN promises to lift restrictions on Russian grain exports in near future

Fighter jet crashes in Saudi Arabia

About $770M to be assigned to Armenia territorial administration, infrastructure ministry next year

Armenia parliament vice-speaker: There is very important note in Sochi statement

Copper falls in price

New York bank robberies up 42% this year

Armenia President to attend climate change convention in Egypt

Gold prices change slightly

World oil prices falling

Mirzoyan, Blinken, Bayramov to meet in Washington today

How long will it take to know US midterm elections results?

Iranian Armenian MP: Iran-Armenia trade is expected to reach $1B

U.S. National Park Service urges against licking the Sonora desert toad

Azerbaijan army units open fire in direction of Armenia positions

Minister: Britain's government faces tough decisions

Pashinyan: Teachers in Armenia must get 800,000, 1,000,000 and 1,200,000 drams wages

Boris Johnson from fighting for Conservative Party leader over fears of losing income

Greece slams Turkish authorities' temporary ban on Greek official's entry

Scientifically proven: EU is inscrutable

OPEC: To avoid unrestrained volatility we need to invest in oil

U.S. arms sales in Europe are soaring

Turkmenistan becomes regional energy center

Kishida pledges to strengthen Japan's naval and military capabilities

Germany and eight other EU member states plan to expand sanctions against Iran

Iranian Parliament Speaker's visit to Azerbaijan postponed

NYT: Kyiv plans total evacuation in case of power outage

Iran reveals new air defense missile

IRGC neutralizes terrorist group in southwestern Iran

Bahrain to continue building relations with Israel after Netanyahu's victory

Iran says it confiscated a large batch of U.S.-made munitions

Civilian exploded on mine in Artsakh

Iran successfully launches Ghaem 100 rocket, making the US nervous

U.S. sends warplanes to Iran

Washington Post: US privately urges Ukraine to show willingness to negotiate with Russia

Parisien: French man wins  160 million in European lottery

U.S. decides to block number of seats on planes because of the increase in passenger weight

BMW M4 turned into a pickup truck
YEREVAN.  U.S. Ambassador Richard Mills met with women from Armenias IT industry, and highlighted the economic benefits of womens empowerment.

The U.S. Embassy in Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia, has issued a respective statement.

Increased female employment offers great potential to Armenias economy. Currently, women constitute 67 percent of Armenias economically non-active population and their unemployment rate is almost double that of male unemployment (51.5 percent female vs. 21.8 percent male). According to World Bank estimates, Armenia loses as much as 14 percent of its potential GDP due to unequal opportunities for women to participate in employment and entrepreneurship. To highlight the importance of womens leadership and economic empowerment in Armenia, the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, Richard Mills, on Wednesday met with a group of female representatives from Armenias IT industry who have benefited from USAID assistance.

During the meeting, held at the USAID-supported Innovative Solutions and Technologies Center, Ambassador Mills discussed with the participants their career challenges and successes, and inquired about their ongoing projects. Too often, Im afraid, the stereotype of a successful IT professional is still of a man. But in reality, women play an increasingly important role in coding, product development, web design, and all aspects of IT work. That is especially true in Armenia, as demonstrated by the wealth of talent and expertise gathered today in this room. You are a group of IT professionals, all women, who are working to boost Armenias economy through your creativity, problem solving, and technical knowhow. Im proud that the United States, largely through USAID, has been able to support you and help you fulfill your potential and your aspirations, said Ambassador Mills.

USAID has supported female Armenian IT entrepreneurs through multiple activities, including the establishment of three innovative technology centers. Working in partnership with the Armenian government, universities, and the private sector  including Microsoft, National Instruments, and IBM  USAID has established the Microsoft Innovation Center Armenia (www.micarmenia.am), the Armenian National Engineering Laboratories (anel.am), and the Innovative Solutions and Technologies Center (istc.am).

As one of the fastest growing sectors in the Armenian economy, IT presents a real opportunity for women to become leaders in innovation and to make major contributions to the countrys overall economic advancement.

Recognizing the need for gender equality and the vital role women play as drivers of economic growth, USAID has been promoting Armenian womens participation in the economy for over two decades, helping them unleash their potential in areas that span from agribusiness and hospitality to textiles and IT, reads the statement by the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan.
For Armenia, CSTO is an important component of the country's security system, Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan told representatives of Russian media.

According to him, Armenia values the potential of the organization and actively participates in the preparation of the Collective Rapid Reaction Forces.

We are interested in formation of CSTOs peacekeeping potential. We believe that the organization has great potential. We actively use the organizations capabilities in terms of training personnel in partner countries universities, actively use military-technical cooperation, the possibility of direct purchases from producers at domestic prices. During Armenias presidency of the organization, we managed to finalize the process of creating a strategy of collective security, the Minister said.

However, he added, the CSTO still has many problems with soft power, the culture of comparing positions on key foreign policy issues.

Not the CSTO alone, but many international organizations, including military and political blocs, are familiar with the situation when partner countries not only have different, but sometimes opposing positions on foreign policy issues. The countries disagree with each other, moreover attack each other when speaking at the third platforms. We believe that this weakens the organization, especially when it has few members, Sargsyan added.

Asked about the fight against terrorism within the CSTO, the official recalled that the CSTO has a number of programs such as Proxy and Illegal aimed at combating human trafficking, illegal drug trafficking, cyber rimes.

There is certain background, but it is difficult to say that we have an intensive program of joint fight against terrorism, he added.
National Detector Dog Trials Set for April 2-5

The competition in Raleigh will feature dogs from local, state, and national law enforcement agencies, the military, and corrections departments.

North Carolina's State Bureau of Investigation is hosting this year's United States Police Canine Association National Detector Dog Trials, which are set for April 2-5 in Raleigh. Police dogs such as Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, and Belgium malinois are among the breeds being tested on their ability to detect narcotics, explosives, accelerants, or cadavers.

The state agency's K-9 Unit coordinator, criminal specialist Ken Mathias, is leading the event, which brings in dogs from local, state, and national law enforcement agencies, the military, and corrections departments.

"USPCA is the gold standard of police dog certification," he said. "They have some of the most rigorous standards in our profession, and this is a very prestigious competition. We are expecting more than 100 police K-9 teams from throughout the United States and Canada."

Detector dogs must prequalify at regional events to enter the more difficult national competition. Awards will be given from first to 15th places. SBI has 17 detector dogs statewide, and eight of them will be competing in the national trials.

SBI's announcement said a public demonstration of the dogs' abilities and agility will be given April 1 from 9-10:30 a.m. at the North Carolina State University School of Veterinary Medicine's open house event on Blue Ridge Road. Trials and competitions will be conducted at three Raleigh locations, including SBI headquarters on 3320 Garner Road, with an awards luncheon starting at noon April 5.

Mathias started the Raleigh Police Department's K-9 Unit in 1983, retired, and became SBI's dog handler in 2008. He trains SBI's detector dogs and travels statewide each year to 100 or more bomb or cadaver cases. "To get an idea of how incredibly trained these dogs are, the public is welcome to the NCSU vet school's open house on April 1 to watch them perform," he said.
"Bar Month" at OnMilwaukee is brought to you by Miller Brewing Company, calling Milwaukee home since 1855. For the entire month of March, we're serving up fun articles on bars, clubs and beverages  including guides, the latest trends, bar reviews, the results of our Best of Bars poll and more. Grab a designated driver and dive in!

According to a post on its website, Bend, Oregon-based Deschutes Brewery will bring its Street Pub tour of outdoor events to Milwaukee on Saturday, July 22.

A location for the event, slated to run from 2 until 10 p.m., has not yet been announced. Deschutes calls the event, "an outdoor pub of epic proportions that we bring to town for one day."

"Were excited to bring our pub to Milwaukee for one day," reads the post. "Street Pub is a family friendly one-stop shop to try lots of our beers with over 50 taps  from year-round and seasonal beers to specialty and pub exclusive beers.

"Well pair these beers up with culinary creations from our Executive Chef, Jeff Usinowicz and a couple of local chefs and well top it off with live music from local bands!

"Bringing the community together over a pint to raise funds for local non-profits has been an amazing experience over the past two years. Were excited to do it again in 2017 and we hope you will join us!"

The website notes that Deschutes  which was founded in 1988 and makes popular craft brews like Black Butte Porter, Chainbreaker White IPA and Mirror Pond Pale Ale  has raised more than $840,000 for nonprofits via previous Street Pub events.

The tour  for which Deschutes is partnering with Hydro Flask, Humm Kombucha and KEEN Footwear  also stops in Cincinnati; Roanoke, Virginia; Portland, Oregon; and Sacramento this year.

Stay tuned for further details on tickets, partnering nonprofits and a location.
"Bar Month" at OnMilwaukee is brought to you by Miller Brewing Company, calling Milwaukee home since 1855. For the entire month of March, we're serving up fun articles on bars, clubs and beverages  including guides, the latest trends, bar reviews, the results of our Best of Bars poll and more. Grab a designated driver and dive in!

Bay View

The title of Milwaukee's best bar district once more goes to Bay View, with Brady Street again falling short of knocking off the reigning champion and reclaiming its 2014 glory. Apparently, the bars of Bay View rise above Brady Street's classics, with 280 votes separating the two districts.

For Bay View, 2017 marks its third straight win and sixth year overall taking the No. 1 spot. It's most certainly thanks to a neighborhood sprawling with fine establishments, such as Burnhearts, Boone & Crockett, Cactus Club, Club Garibaldi, Tonic Tavern and many more. It's no surprise Bay View is so often able to win over the hearts of Milwaukee voters, as well as our OnMilwaukee editors.

However, everyone can agree that no matter where you end up in Milwaukee, there's sure to be a great bar waiting for you.

OnMilwaukee editors' pick: Bay View

Runners up:

2. Brady Street

3. Walker's Point

4. Old World Third Street

5. Third Ward

This year we also asked a variety of prominent Milwaukeeans to weigh in on their pick for specific categories. For this category, we consulted Paul Schwartz, Milwaukee Public Market operations and communications manager.

Schwartz's pick: Third Ward

I get one of the best neighborhood vibes from the bar scene in the Third Ward. The district is filled with a great mix of residents, professionals and out-of-towners looking for a place to mix and mingle with the locals. Especially during the warm weather months, where the atmosphere gets incredibly vibrant with outdoor activity, its great to be able to walk two or three blocks and have a handful of bars to choose from. And the range of bars is impressive in the Ward, as well.

I can leave the Public Market, stop at the Palapa at St. Paul Fish for a quick summer cocktail with co-workers, cross the street to The Wicked Hop for a local craft beer and finish up at The Irish Pub for $2 PBR specials. Each of those places has a slightly different offering or specialty, but maintains a great neighborhood experience that so many people have grown to love about the Historic Third Ward. Im looking forward to the new bars that are slated to open later this year!
Heads up, Hales Corners: A new pizza place is coming town  complete with a brick conveyor oven-- which, according to its owners, is a first for Wisconsin.

A project started by co-owners Gary Plassmeyer and Andrew Baer, 9th Slice Pizza Co. is a new fast-casual pizza restaurant moving into a strip mall space at 5620 S. 108th St. The Highway 100 strip mall was formerly anchored by a K-Mart, but the area is getting revamped, with a new Festival Foods location serving as its new centerpiece store and 9th Slice moving into the nearby corner space as a both a carry-out and dine-in food option, with a menu of made-from-scratch pizzas planned.

Neither Plassmeyer or Baer are strangers to the food industry. Both formerly owned Jake's Deli and Plassmeyer worked for Texas Roadhouse for 10 years, traveling around the country franchising locations. Together, they formulated the idea for 9th Slice a couple of years ago after discovering a fast-casual pizza chain called Pie Five Pizza while roving through Texas.

Plassmeyer wanted to combine that fast-casual immediacy with a dine-in component as well, so 9th Slice was born, featuring seating for 80 and a full-service bar as well as a "quick-serve" option that gets pizzas to customers in eight minutes or less.

To help cook up and crank out those pizzas, 9th Slice will be utilizing a specialty oven, built and shipped from Italy.

"It is a brick conveyor oven, so you get the taste of a wood-fired pizza but you get it in a minute and a half or two minutes," Plassmeyer said.

When 9th Slice opens, the handcrafted oven will be cooking up a menu of specialty house pizzas  with names such as The Ya Der Eh, The Spicy Ninja and The Farmers Haul  as well as plentiful options for customers to build their own pies, from personal sizes to 16-inches.

9th Slice will also feature other dine-in options, as well, including entrees  like lasagna, grilled tuna and roasted pork lion  appetizers, sides, soups and salads. Both dine-in and pizza menus, according to Plassmeyer, are expected to rotate every few months to keep the options fresh and new.

And Plassmeyer is already looking toward the future for 9th Slice Pizza Co.

"The whole idea behind this concept is to be able to start popping more of them up," he noted.

Before then, however, 9th Slice in Hales Corners is eyeing up an opening date sometime this summer, potentially in July, according to Plassmeyer, but most likely in August.
According to information gleaned this afternoon, the former Mimmas Cafe at 1307 E. Brady St. is slated to reopen sometime this spring as a restaurant called Dorsia.

When Jeno and Lorenzo Cataldo purchased the property last fall, there was much speculation about what was coming to the space, which had been long-time staple on Brady Street.

But during a conversation this afternoon, Jeno Cataldo confirmed that the new restaurant will continue to pay tribute for the Italian cuisine for which Mimmas was well known.

Cataldo says the restaurant is likely to be called Dorsia. It's a name he admits is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the movie "American Psycho," in which protagonist Patrick Bateman was plagued by his inability to get reservation at the fictional restaurant of the same name.

"I get a kick out of quirky," says Cataldo. "But I also see it as a tribute. In the '90s, Mimmas was a hard place to get into. You had to wait four hours for a dish of pasta. It was a popular place. So it makes sense."

In that spirit, Cataldo says the plan is for Dorsia to offer affordable Italian dishes (under $20), as well as a fine Italian wine selection. Cataldo has hired a chef (as yet unnamed) with extensive experience in Italian cuisine to design the new menu for the restaurant.

"We want it to be a neighborhood place where people can visit once a week," he says.

Currently, demolition has begun on the restaurant, which will undergo cosmetic work as well as a modernization of the interior, including relocating the bar.

"Were giving it a facelift," says Cataldo, "and were envisioning what a place like Mimmas would be if it opened in 2017. Im very proud and excited about this."
The citys newest coffee roaster, Pilcrow Coffee, began roasting in its new Bronzeville shop at 1739 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. late last year.

And, although it's a newbie to the Milwaukee scene, its coffee is already making a splash.

Earlier this month, Pilcrow was awarded first place in the Americas Best Cold Brew Competition in Nashville, Tennessee, for a cold brew made with Burundi Mikuba Red Honey. The award earned owner Ryan Hoban top honors among over 30 coffee companies including Cuvee Coffee (Texas), Bangarang Coffee Roasters (California), Sump Coffee (St. Louis) and Bean Fruit (Mississippi).

Pilcrow's cold brew is steeped for 16 hours, blended with flash chilled hot brew, kegged and infused with nitrogen gas, giving it a smooth, creamy consistency.

Hoban, who is currently roasting eight coffees  including Burundi Gaharo, Mikuba, Mikuba Red Honey, Guatemala El Limonar, Brazil FAF micro lot, FAF Bobolink, Panama Elida Estate and Columbia Prima Veral decaf  says that stylistically he's taking a slightly different approach from other local roasters.

"We specialize in light to medium roasts," says Hoban. "Were fully developing the sugars that are intrinsically in the coffee, but not roasting them so much that youre masking the other natural characteristics."

But, if youre looking for a darker roast, Hoban is happy to point you to something that's a bit more up your alley.

"The Guatemala has really nice chocolate and nutty notes, so it appeals to people who think they prefer a darker roast," he says. "Whereas the coffee from Panama and Burundi is more fruity and floral."

The minute shop offers limited weekend hours, during which customers can buy whole bean coffee, pour-overs, espresso and nitro cold brew. Hoban is not only the owner and roaster, hes also the barista, so if youre interested in engaging in some coffee geek chat, he says hes up for that as well.

In addition to folks from the neighborhood, Hoban says hes seeing a lot of interest from other local baristas, who come to chat and compare notes on coffee.

"Were seeing a lot of visitors from people who work for other area roasters," he remarks. "The coffee community here is pretty close, but people dont get together very often. So, its a nice place to be, and part of what I hoped would happen."

In next steps for the coffee company, which is taking a smart, sustainable approach to growth, Hoban says hell be launching nitro trikes this summer, which will offer nitro tapped cold brew coffee to customers at select locations downtown between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and at the lakefront and special events on weekends. The trikes are also available for hire for private events.

In the meantime, coffee lovers can grab a cup or bag of coffee at Pilcrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sundays, order coffee or a coffee subscription online, or sample pour-overs of their coffee at the new Fuel Cafe at 630 S. 5th St.
The very popular appointment of veteran Ray Jivoff as the new artistic director at Skylight Music Theatre represents a 180-degree pivot for the venerable Milwaukee company. And it may not be the last front office change at Skylight, as there are other rumblings surrounding the company.

Jivoff has been working since July of last year as the interim in the post vacated when Viswa Subbaraman left to pursue his career as a conductor.

Subbaraman programmed four seasons at Skylight, including the current one. He was one of a cadre of young artists in the country who were committed to producing new works, and some of his selections were not met with popular reception, although most critical reviews were generally favorable.

There were small divisions on the board of directors as to whether they wanted to continue the adventurous style of Subbaraman with a new artistic director or return to a mission more familiar and popular with Milwaukee audiences. Clearly the latter group prevailed, and the support for Jivoff was unanimous on the board after much discussion.

"What I know about Ray that the world will finally have more of a chance to see through his leadership is that in the center of a huge heart that brims with joy is a no bullsh*t guy," said Jonathan West, an actor, director and writer who has worked with Jivoff over the years. "He's smart, he engages with people in a way that makes your jaw drop, and he is genuine, sincere and unsurpassable in his passion for great work."

Jivoff has programmed a more mainstream season for next year, but its not without its moments of significance and intellectual engagement. Its not all fluff, by any means.

"What I want to do is make sure that we have fun," he said Wednesday amid all the phone calls with congratulations. "Well have shows with a message, sure, but I want the experience for people to be one thats an enjoyable one. Not everyone is going to like everything, but we are going to give it our best in each show."

Jivoff has long been a leader in Milwaukee for arts education and has worked on a wide variety of programs for young people, with a dedication that could well be imitated by other artists in this city.

"Ive always felt that teaching young artists is very important to the future of theater in Milwaukee. I want to make sure that there are opportunities for young people at the Skylight shows. For example, doing 'Annie' next year is an chance for young people to experience working in a professional production."

There was lot of discussion over who should replace Subbaraman, and the two schools of thought were persuasive. There is a value in the kind of experimental and cutting-edge productions Skylight has offered the past three seasons.

But the finances of the company are fragile, and its important that the productions produce audiences that, in turn, produce revenue. With Jivoff at the artistic helm, the odds of that have significantly improved.

One board member said to me that there will be further front office changes coming. The board member said it would not be surprising if the board began to look for a managing director to replace Jack Lemmon, and the board member said he has not met with universal approval from the board.

There is an apparent recognition on the board that as they continue to face the financial uncertainties  to the point that even selling their building in the Third Ward and finding a new location for offices  a different style of management may be helpful.

Jivoff has been part of some of the funniest and most exquisite shows Ive seen in Milwaukee. Five years ago he, Diane Lane and Niffer Clarke did a crazed Dale Gutzman take on Gilbert & Sullivan, then this season he teamed with Norman Moses in the most enjoyable "La Cage Aux Folles" Ive ever seen.

I would expect that under his direction there will be more opportunities for Milwaukee artists both onstage and behind the scenes.

Its almost giddy anticipating the potential joys of the next season and beyond.

Heres the schedule for Skylight next season.

"Hot Mikado"

Sept. 29-Oct. 15

Cultures collide in this swinging hot version of Gilbert and Sullivan's masterpiece, "The Mikado." Reset and re-orchestrated to big band, swing, jazz, blues and gospel music, "Hot Mikado" weaves a tale set in a land where outrageous laws sentence people to death for nearly any indiscretion.

Jivoff says, "'Hot Mikado' is a reimagining of a Skylight staple. This version addresses some of the stereotyping in the source material and creates a fresh, fun and non-traditional homage to Skylights past."

"Annie"

Nov. 17 -Dec. 23

Based on the popular Depression-era comic strip, "Annie" has become a worldwide phenomenon and won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The Broadway musical comedy boasts at least three movie versions, a beloved book and score, and the unforgettable hit song, "Tomorrow."

"The show is warm-hearted and perfect for families during the holiday season," Jivoff said. "In fact, its final scene takes place on Christmas with President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. We are looking forward to having children and dogs in our midst again. The show features seven orphans, who will be double cast, and of course, the dog Sandy."

"Zombies from the Beyond"

Feb. 2-18, 2018

"Zombies from the Beyond" is a musical comedy celebration of America in the Eisenhower era. Cold War and space race paranoia threaten the good folks at the fictional Milwaukee Space Center in 1955. The budding romance of rocket scientist Trenton Corbett and Mary Malone is jeopardized when a flying saucer lands in Milwaukee. Taking its cue from 50s pulp space-alien movies, Zombies brings the 1950s nostalgically and hilariously to life.

"A fun and quirky musical with strong Milwaukee ties," Jivoff noted. "Not only is it set here, it is written by James Valcq, a Milwaukee native and Skylight alum. Zombies was originally produced off-Broadway at the Players Theatre (New York City) in 1995 by Colin Cabot, former Skylight managing director."

"The Tales of Hoffmann"

March 16-29

An imaginative and kinetic new version of Offenbachs gorgeous opera. Sung in English, the story begins in a tavern, where the poet Hoffmann tells of his three ill-fated romances.

"Part of our mission is to tell stories through opera," Jivoff explained. "'The Tales of Hoffman' is a great example of a story that sings. In classic Skylight style, we will put a distinctive, creative spin on this 19th century piece, bringing audiences a fresh approach."

"Urinetown"

May 18-June 10, 2018

Winner of three Tony Awards, "Urinetown" is a hilarious musical satire of the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, corporate mismanagement  and musical theater itself. In a Gotham-like city, a 20-year drought has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets, regulated by a single malevolent company that charges admission for this basic need.

"'Urinetown' is praised for reinvigorating the very notion of what a musical could be," Jivoff said. "In many ways it is inspired by the works of Brecht and Weill, but it absolutely appeals to a contemporary audience."
Mossack Fonseca, the law firm at the heart of the Panama Papers affair, sold shell companies and held bank accounts that were used to help conceal bribes paid across South America, a Panamanian prosecutor alleged at a press conference on Thursday.

Romulo Bethancourt, one of Panamas organized crime prosecutors, is currently investigating Mossack Fonsecas alleged role in an international corruption probe. The investigation, known as Lava Jato, is tracing dozens of companies that allegedly paid bribes to politicians and officials in Brazil in exchange for contracts with the state-owned oil company.

We have a solid case, Bethancourt said about his agencys investigation of Mossack Fonseca, which began earlier this year. A separate investigation is ongoing into Mossack Fonseca and the Panama Papers.

Bethancourt told reporters that his office had identified two bank accounts in Panama that received irregular payments that were linked to Mossack Fonsecas office in the Brazil.

Mossack Fonsecas founders, Jurgen Mossack and Ramon Fonseca, have been detained since February in relation to the Lava Jato probe.

Mossack Fonsecas Brazil operation offered financial products aimed at hiding money that entered the Panamanian financial system, Bethancourt said.

In response, lawyers for Mossack and Fonseca held their own press conference on Friday morning to respond to the prosecutors allegations.

The mens lawyer, Guillermina MacDonald, said that the bank accounts mentioned by the prosecutor received legitimate administrative fees that were in no way illegal.

The bank accounts were closed after the release of the Panama Papers investigation by ICIJ and its media partners, MacDonald said. Contrary to the prosecutors claim, MacDonald said, the closing of the accounts was not due to the Lava Jato investigation.

Fonseca, Mossack and a third employee of the firm, Edison Teano, have been detained since Feb. 9. Mossack Fonsecas former representative in Brazil, Maria Mercedes Riano, also remains in detention in Panama City.

Earlier this month, lawyers petitioned for the release of Mossack and Fonseca, insisting that their detention was unlawful. Panamas criminal court has refused bail for the pair, citing the risk of flight and destruction of evidence.

Almost one year after it was first published, the Panama Papers data continues to be used by ICIJ partners in ongoing investigations, and to produce impact around the world. Among recent findings and responses:

Contributors to this story: Hamish Boland-Rudder
The body of a 25-year-old Indonesian man has been found inside a snake after he went missing while harvesting crops.

The farmer, Akbar, disappeared on Sunday and his relatives had been searching for him until the snake was seen moving slowly through the village of Salubiro on the island of Sulawesi on Monday.

A senior village official said they quickly suspected that the snake had eaten Akbar:

We were immediately suspicious that the snake had swallowed Akbar because around the site we found palm fruit, his harvesting tool and a boot.

The attack from the giant python (measuring a whopping 7 metres long) was the first of its kind recorded in the region, with no other instances of a person being swallowed alive.

The snakes are common in Indonesia and the Philippines but traditionally stick to small animals.

Source: The Guardian.

Photo: Getty Images / Auscape.
Credit: North Carolina State University

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a technique for converting positively charged (p-type) reduced graphene oxide (rGO) into negatively charged (n-type) rGO, creating a layered material that can be used to develop rGO-based transistors for use in electronic devices.

"Graphene is extremely conductive, but is not a semiconductor; graphene oxide has a bandgap like a semiconductor, but does not conduct well at all  so we created rGO," says Jay Narayan, the John C. Fan Distinguished Chair Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at NC State and corresponding author of a paper describing the work. "But rGO is p-type, and we needed to find a way to make n-type rGO. And now we have it for next-generation, two-dimensional electronic devices."

Specifically, Narayan and Anagh Bhaumik  a Ph.D. student in his lab  demonstrated two things in this study. First, they were able to integrate rGO onto sapphire and silicon wafers  across the entire wafer.

Second, the researchers used high-powered laser pulses to disrupt chemical groups at regular intervals across the wafer. This disruption moved electrons from one group to another, effectively converting p-type rGO to n-type rGO. The entire process is done at room temperature and pressure using high-power nanosecond laser pulses, and is completed in less than one-fifth of a microsecond. The laser radiation annealing provides a high degree of spatial and depth control for creating the n-type regions needed to create p-n junction-based two-dimensional electronic devices.

The end result is a wafer with a layer of n-type rGO on the surface and a layer of p-type rGO underneath.

This is critical, because the p-n junction, where the two types meet, is what makes the material useful for transistor applications.

The paper, "Conversion of p to n-type Reduced Graphene Oxide by Laser Annealing at Room Temperature and Pressure," is published in the Journal of Applied Physics.

More information: Anagh Bhaumik et al. Conversion oftotype reduced graphene oxide by laser annealing at room temperature and pressure, Journal of Applied Physics (2017). DOI: 10.1063/1.4979211 Journal information: Journal of Applied Physics
Ryan Batt takes a reading of oxygen levels in a Center for Limnology study lake in Northern Wisconsin. Credit: Steve Carpenter

Human beings are familiar with the idea of extreme events. Meteorologists keep us up to date on hurricanes, floods and high temperatures. Economists watch the stock market for signs of crashes or rallies. We spend a lot of time trying to better predict these events, yet are often surprised when they occur.

But, says a new study in the journal Limnology & Oceanography Letters, when it comes to biology's extremes, it's not enough to just expect the unexpected. We need to be ready for the unprecedented as well.

More than three decades of data on the physical, chemical and biological variables in 11 Midwestern lakes show that while lake temperatures and nutrient concentrations rise within relatively expected ranges, biological organisms achieve high population extremes. The findings challenge preconceptions about what a "normal" distribution of averages and extremes looks like.

"There hasn't been much attention given to extreme fluctuations in biological time series," says lead author of the paper, Ryan Batt, who conducted the study as a graduate student at the UW-Madison's Center for Limnology. "We tend to think of these things that cause a huge distress on human populations, like natural disasters or financial collapses. I wanted to know how biology stacked up, but I didn't expect it to be so extreme."

Batt, now a post-doctoral researcher at Rutgers University, took advantage of decades of data collected by the National Science Foundation's Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) site in Wisconsin. Since 1981, the North Temperate Lakes LTER project has routinely measured everything from water temperature to nutrient concentrations and fish populations in 11 Wisconsin lakes. That added up to data on 595 different variables over 30 years, Batt says.

The data shows that populations of the plants, fish and plankton living in the study lakes rise to such extremes that in other kinds of datasets, the numbers would seem like outliers. For instance, consider human height.

Members of the Lepomis family, like these bluegill in northern Wisconsin's Sparkling Lake show astonishing variability in population densities from year to year, often setting unprecedented records. Credit: Gretchen Hansen

"If you saw someone walking around that was 14 feet tall, that would be insane," says Batt. "Even a single foot in height makes a huge difference in terms of being an outlier for what we would consider 'normal.'"

However, in the dataset, such extremes were more frequent than researchers expected.

"My intuition was that biology would have fewer extremes," says Steve Carpenter, director of the UW-Madison Center for Limnology and a co-author of the study. "But there were new records being set all the time."

Anglers on Madison, Wisconsin's Lake Mendota, part of LTER, may have experienced these extremes first-hand. In the 30 years that researchers have recorded fish populations, an average catch rate for the popular and tasty panfish, bluegill, was about five fish per hour of fishing. But, in 1983 and again in 2004, that catch rate was over 30 per hour.

Nearby Lake Monona shows similar potential for extremes. From 1995 to the early 2000s, bluegill populations fluctuated between about 200,000 and 300,000 fish. Then, in 2002, that number spiked to a new extreme of 500,000, nearly doubling the previous high mark. Only three years after that, it topped out at about 800,000 fish.

Batt chose to focus on "booms not busts" because it was more interesting and a bit counterintuitive. "We always look at biology as having to deal with extreme events in the environment, like there was a heat wave and a bunch of fish died or there was a cold snap and a bunch of fish died," he says. "We tend to always think of the environment as having extremes that are lethal. What I wanted to know is, what is possible beyond what I can imagine?"

The NTL-LTER 'Fish Crew' takes a yearly 'census' of fish populations in the 12 LTER study lakes in Wisconsin. Here the crew measures a massive common carp pulled from a Fyke net in Lake Monona in Madison, WI. Credit: Adam Hinterthuer

To say the answer surprised the researchers may be putting it too mildly.

Seeing such extremes in the lakes' physical and chemical data requires waiting a long time and gathering volumes of data before new records are set, and those records weren't typically very shocking. With the biological data, Carpenter says researchers didn't have to wait very long, and what they did observe made them think: "'Wow, that's more yellow perch than we ever saw before.' By a lot," he adds.

In the report, the authors propose one mechanism that may be driving this phenomenon. Perhaps, they suggest, organisms are primed to take advantage of good conditions, amplifying things like optimal temperatures or an increase in available nutrients. Years with less extreme bumps in environmental conditions may correspond with unprecedented booms in fish or algae populations, though the researchers have yet to test this.

If so, says Carpenter, it suggests that ecologists should think more about the ecological causes of extremes while resource managers should "expect extremes in biology maybe more than our intuition would lead us to think."

In fact, as human activity impacts all sorts of environmental variables, from climate change, to habitat loss, to nutrient pollution, we should prepare for high variability in what those changes mean for the plants and animals that call those ecosystems home, the researchers say. However, with the kind of variability the study uncovered, Carpenter says, it gets difficult to decide what "normal" population levels and limits might be.

"We need to be prepared to see new records," says Carpenter.
Osteoblast cells of a mouse growing on 3-D matrices and developed from waste of the agri-food industry. Credit: Milagros Ramos, Angeles Martin, Malcolm Yates and Violeta Zurdo (CTB-UPM y CSIC)

Researchers from UPM and CSIC have employed waste from the agri-food industry to develop biomaterials that act as matrices to regenerate bone and cartilage tissues, which is of great interest for the treatment of diseases related to aging.

The researchers have produced biocompatible materials from apple pomace resulting from juice production. These materials can be used as 3-D matrices for the regeneration of bone and cartilage tissues, useful in regenerative medicine for diseases such as osteoporosis, arthritis or osteoarthritis, all of them rising due to the increasing average age of the population.

Apple pomace is an abundant raw material. The world production of apples was more than 70 million tons in 2015, of which the European Union contributed more than 15 percent, while a half-million tons came from Spain. About 75 percent of an apple can be converted into juice and the remainder, known as apple pomace, contains approximately 20 to 30 percent dried matter, and is used mainly as animal feed or for compost. Since apple pomace is generated in vast quantities and contains a large fraction of water, it poses storage problems and requires immediate treatments to prevent putrefaction.

The procedure of the multivalorization of apple pomace carried out by the UPM and CSIC researchers is based on sequential extractions of bioactive molecules, such as antioxidants or pectin, to obtain the material from which a biomaterial with suitable porosity and texture can be devloped for use in tissue engineering.

The primary extraction of antioxidants and carbohydrates constitutes 2 percent of the dry weight of apple pomace and pectin extraction is 10 percent. The extracted chemical cells have recognized value as nutraceuticals and pectin is a material of great utility in medical applications, such as antitumor drugs or in the treatment of coetaneous wounds.

Furthermore, it has been found that the materials remaining after antioxidant and pectin removal can still confer adequate structure, texture and composition to grow diverse types of cells. In this particular case, the chosen cells were osteoblasts and chondrocytes, both of which are useful for the regeneration of bone and cartilage tissues.

Today, there are expensive products in the market with the same applications, reaching over 100 per gram, while waste used in this work hardly reaches 100 per ton. For this reason, there are consistent incentives to convert this waste into final products of great added value.

According to Milagro Ramos, a contributor to the study, "With this approach, we achieve a double goalusing waste as a renewable raw material of high value and chemical diversity, and secondly, reducing the impact of waste accumulation on the environment."

Thanks to the new materials obtained in this work, researchers are developing new technological applications that allow them to structure customized biomaterials through 3-D printing techniques.

More information: Malcolm Yates et al. Multivalorization of apple pomace towards materials and chemicals. Waste to wealth, Journal of Cleaner Production (2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.12.036 Journal information: Journal of Cleaner Production
Diplocynodon ratelii, which is very similar in appearance to today's caimans, stalked small prey, such as rodents and other extinct fish. Credit: Jose Antonio Penas (SINC)

Sixteen million years ago, the reptile Diplocynodon ratelii lived in wooded ecosystems among the lakes and pools of what we know today as Catalonia (Spain). Fossils found at the Els Casots site in the Valles-Penedes Basin confirm not only that these are the most recent remains of the genus in the Iberian Peninsula, but also that temperatures at the time were higher than today's.

A group of researchers working at the Els Casots site in the 1990s excavated the remains of a species of crocodile that was until then known only to have lived in southern France.

Following several years in storage as they awaited analysis, the fossils have now been confirmed by new research published in the journal Comptes Rendus Palevol to be the first evidence of Diplocynodon ratelii in the Iberian Peninsula, where evidence had previously only been found for other species of this genus.

In addition to this, "these remains represent the latest published evidence of the genus in the Iberian Peninsula, as until now it had only been recorded much less recently, in the Eocene and Oligocene epochs, over 23 million years ago," Sinc was told by the lead author of the paper, David Alba of the Catalan Institute of Paleontology Miquel Crusafont (ICP).

To reach these conclusions, the study provides the most detailed anatomical descriptions of the species given to date, highlighting the small size of the reptile, which measured no more than a metre long, according to craniums found at the site in Catalonia. Diplocynodon ratelii was a diplocynodon which would have originated prior to the divergence between caimans and alligators.

"The genus Diplocynodon was widely distributed across Europe for over 40 million years (from the Paleocene to the Miocene) and includes many species of small crocodiles similar in appearance to caimans and alligators (the family to which the species belongs, now extinct, is part of the alligatoroidea superfamily, alongside caimans and alligators)," said the researcher.

The study provides the most detailed anatomical descriptions of the species given to date, highlighting the small size of the reptile. Credit: Jose Antonio Penas (Sinc)

Fauna in Catalonia during the early Miocene

Today, alligatoroids are more common in the Americas and East Asia, but millions of years ago, they were widespread in Eurasia. Diplocynodon ratelii, which is very similar in appearance to today's caimans, stalked small prey, such as rodents and other extinct fish and reptile species that were present during the early Miocene. It also hunted larger mammals, such as mouse-deer.

According to remains found in recent years in Els Casots, these crocodiles would also have shared their habitat with large mammals: rhinoceroses, the equid genus Anchitherium, peccaries, mouse-deer, primitive pigs and bovines, extinct relatives of elephants (including the mastodon and a proto-elephant named deinotherium) and some carnivorous species, such as the so-called bear dogs and felids, hyaenids and extinct mustelids.

The presence of crocodiles in this area of the Iberian Peninsula can be explained by evidence from the analysis of other paleo-environmental remains from the site, from 16 million years ago, which indicate that there was once a lake there.

Given the abundance of fauna remains found in Els Casots, which is listed as an Cultural Asset of National Interest, the research group is interested in reopening the excavations. Working in collaboration with the municipal government of Subirats, which owns the land, the scientists intend to recover additional fossil remains that may contribute to improving the available information on the fauna, paleoenvironment and taphonomy of the site as a whole and on the taxonomy and paleobiology of specific species.

"Reopening the site could also be linked to other actions to disseminate paleontology and paleontological heritage, although there still needs to be a discussion into how we would go about doing this," concludes David Alba.

More information: Jose Luis Diaz Araez et al. New remains of Diplocynodon (Crocodylia: Diplocynodontidae) from the Early Miocene of the Iberian Peninsula, Comptes Rendus Palevol (2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.crpv.2015.11.003
Chair of the House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space and Technology Lamar Smith accuses climate change scientists of alarmism

Lawmakers and scientists called names, lamented Soviet-era tactics and accused each other of wrongdoing at a nearly three-hour hearing on climate science in the US capital on Wednesday.

Similar hearings have been held in years past, notable for the often combative comments by conservative lawmakers who doubt the impact of humans on global warmingand who outnumber Democrats 22 to 16 on the House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space and Technology.

Wednesday's hearing took place one day after President Donald Trump ordered a massive rollback of rules that limited carbon emissions, and just weeks after he released a budget proposal that would slash funding and jobs at key federal science and health agencies.

Michael Manna Penn State University professor of atmospheric science who has received death threats in the past for his work on climate changewas the only mainstream climate scientist on the four-member panel, which also included three noted deniers of the scientific consensus on global warming.

Some colleagues had urged Mann to boycott the hearing, titled "Climate Science: Assumptions, Policy Implications, and the Scientific Method."

"In the past, the science community has participated in these hearings, even though questioning the basics of climate change is akin to holding a hearing to examine whether the Earth orbits the sun," wrote David Titley, a professor in the department of meteorology at Pennsylvania State University, in the Washington Post on Tuesday, the eve of the hearing.

"Enough!"

But Mann went ahead, undaunted.

"I was more than willing to endure the food-fight I knew would be coming, so that I could inject some science into a hearing that is ostensibly supposed to be about science," Mann told AFP in an email afterward.

'Wrongfully reported as fact'

Accusations and name-calling began flying immediately.

The chairman of the committee, Republican Lamar Smith of Texas, opened by alleging that climate scientists often issue "alarmist findings that are wrongfully reported as facts."

Ninety-seven percent of scientists agree that human activity and the burning of fossil fuels is driving global warming.

But Smith insisted the "science is not settled."

"Much of climate science today appears to be based more on exaggerations, personal agendas, and questionable predictions than on the scientific method," Smith said.

Judith Curry, a former professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology, said "sausage-making and even bullying" went into building the consensus on climate change in the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which found that greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels were the dominant cause of global warming.

She also pointed to "substantial uncertainties in our understanding of how the climate system works."

Echoing the central slogan of the Trump presidential campaign, Curry proclaimed: "Let's make scientific debate about climate change great again."

Ninety-seven percent of scientists agree that human activity and the burning of fossil fuels is driving global warming

Stalinist?

Republicans sparred with Mann repeatedly.

At one point, when Mann described an article that had been published in Science magazine, Smith responded that "is not known as an objective magazine."

Speaking in a prosecutorial monotone, Louisiana Republican Clay Higgins asked if Mann was associated with the left-leaning Union of Concerned Scientists or the Climate Accountability Institute.

Mann said no, clearly surprised by the questions.

California Republican Dana Rohrabacher likened the tactics of climate scientists to the tactics of the late Soviet leader Joseph Stalin and lamented their "personal attacks."

"For scientists to call names, to beat someone into submission, that's a Stalinist tactic," he said.

Georgia Republican Barry Loudermilk pressed the issue of natural variability in climate change, and said of Mann: "We could say you're a denier of natural change."

Democrats countered that three of the four scientists on the panelwhich also included John Christy of the University of Alabama and Roger Pielke of the University of Coloradorepresented the "fringe" of climate science research.

"For a balanced panel we would need 96 more Dr. Manns," said Democrat Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon.

Little common ground

Mann stood his ground and accused Republican lawmakers of being unduly swayed by special interests such as the fossil fuel industry, which fund their campaigns.

A few Democrats on the committee sought points of agreement among the panelists.

At one point, asked if funding cuts for science are wrong, all four nodded in agreement.

Rush Holt, chief executive officer of the American Association for the Advancement of Sciencewhich publishes the journal Scienceurged Congress to speak to a broader array of climate scientists.

"There is much our nation can do to address the risks that climate change poses to human health and safety, but disregarding scientific evidence puts our communities in danger," he said in a statement emailed to AFP.

By the end of the hearing, Mann was deluged on Twitter with offers of beer, wine and chocolate from fellow scientists who praised him for his efforts.

Asked if he felt any progress was made at the hearing, Mann told AFP: "I hope it was clear to objective observers where there real debate lies.

"It's not in whether we have a problem," he added.

"It's what we choose to do about that problem."

 2017 AFP
Credit: Cardiff University

The use of disposable coffee cups could be reduced by 50  300 million annually according to research announced today by leading coffee roaster Bewley's.

An estimated 2.5bn disposable coffee cups are used in the UK each year, creating approximately 25,000 tonnes of waste.

The research, conducted from September to December 2016 by Cardiff University on behalf of Bewley's tested a range of measures that could encourage the use of re-usable coffee cups.

The research found that financial incentives, re-usable alternatives, and clear messaging reminding customers of the environmental impact of single use coffee cups all had a direct impact on consumer behaviour.

The study found that a charge on disposable cups increased the use of re-usable coffee cups by 3.4 percent, environmental messaging in cafes increased the use of re-usable coffee cups by 2.3 percent, the availability of re-usable cups led to an increase of 2.5 percent, and the distribution of free re-usable cups led to a further increase of 4.3 percent.

Commenting on the results, author of the report Professor Wouter Poortinga, from the Welsh School of Architecture, said: "While the increases for individual measures were modest, the greatest behavioural change was when the measures were combined".

300 million coffee cups

The study found that the provision of free re-usable alternatives combined with clear environmental messaging and a charge on disposable cups increased the use of reusable cups from 5.1 percent to 17.4 percent.

"Our results show that, on average, the use of reusable coffee cups could be increased by up to 12.5 percent with a combination of measures. With this in mind, the UK's usage of an estimated 2.5bn disposable coffee cups each year could be cut by up to 300 million coffee cups," Professor Poortinga continued.

The most notable finding was that, while a charge on disposable cups increased the use of re-usable coffee cups, a discount on re-usable coffee cups had no impact on their usage.

Professor Poortinga said: "There is an important nuance when it comes to financial incentives..."

As one of the largest foodservice coffee business in the UK & Ireland, Bewley's has been working with industry partners on the sustainability of coffee cups for some time. Louise Whitaker, Head of Marketing at Bewley's UK, said: "There is a huge amount of waste being sent to landfill each year and promoting reusable cups is part of the solution".

While it may be difficult to persuade customers to change the way they drink their daily cup of coffee or tea, companies have a responsibility to play their part in solving the coffee cup waste problem.

Louise Whitaker of Bewley's continued: "As a company we are committed to working with our cup providers and customers to provide a solution to the problem..."
A businessman based in Cyprus is suing the Buzzfeed online media outlet for defamation over its publication of an unproven dossier on President Donald Trump's purported activities involving Russia and allegations of Russian interference during last year's U.S. election.

The businessman, Aleksej Gubarev, claims he and his companies were falsely linked in the dossier to the Russia-backed computer hacking of Democratic Party figures. Gubarev, 36, is seeking unspecified damages from Buzzfeed and its top editor, Ben Smith, for the lawsuit's libel and slander claims.

Buzzfeed's lawyers, meanwhile, say the case should be tossed out of Miami federal court due to lack of jurisdiction or at least transferred to New York, where the company's main offices are located.

The most recent filing by Gubarev's attorneys on Monday appeared to mock Buzzfeed's editorial style by titling the document this way:

"Six Ways Buzzfeed Has Misled The Court (Number Two Will Amaze You) ... And A Picture Of A Kitten."

The 35-page dossier, compiled by former British spy Christopher Steele, was circulating among multiple news outlets during the 2016 election. It contains unproven allegations of coordination between Trump's advisers and Russians on hacking the emails of prominent Democrats and makes unverified claims about sexual activities.

On Jan. 10, Buzzfeed published the dossier in full, noting at the time that much of its content had not been verified. The Associated Press has not authenticated its claims. Trump himself has described the lurid dossier as "phony allegations" concocted by his political opponents.

In one paragraph, the dossier claims that Gubarev and his companies, XBT Holdings and Webzilla Inc., "had been using botnets and porn traffic to transmit viruses, plant bugs, steal data and conduct 'altering operations' against the Democratic Party leadership" at the behest of Russian entities, according to court documents filed by his lawyers.

"Not a single portion of this statement, as it applies to Mr. Gubarev, XBT, or Webzilla, has any basis in fact whatsoever," his attorneys wrote in a filing dated Monday.

Since the dossier's publication, they added, Gubarev "has found his personal and professional reputation in tatters" and his wife has been subjected to online harassment. XBT operates 37,000 computer servers around the world, about 40 percent of them in Dallas, the document says.

In his lawsuit, Gubarev is described as a "venture capitalist and tech expert" who moved from his native Russia to Cyprus in 2002. Gubarev is not involved in politics and has no connections with the Russian government, the document says.

In a March 14 filing, Buzzfeed's attorneys contend the case has no place in a Florida court because neither Buzzfeed nor Gubarev's companies have a strong presence in the state. They want the case dismissed or moved to New York, where Buzzfeed's headquarters are located.

"On the most fundamental level, this action has no meaningful connection to Florida," the Buzzfeed lawyers wrote. "While the dossier itself continues to generate intense international interest, it is clear that this dispute about its publication has nothing to do with Florida."

Gubarev, however, contends that Buzzfeed regularly reports in and about Florida and that Webzilla has maintained a corporate presence and paid taxes in the state since 2009.

The case, originally filed in February, is pending before Miami U.S. District Judge Ursula Ungaro. She could issue a ruling on the motion to either dismiss or transfer at any time.

 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Human genes are riddled with a vast amount of DNA sequences which are known as jumping genes (colorful interconnected strings on the left). Without DHX9, these repetitive elements interact with each other to form entangled structures that can be detrimental to decoding the message. DHX9 is a nuclear enzyme that untangles this mess and creates neat mRNAs (thread) that are then used to make proteins (knitwork). Credit: Melica & timquo/ shutterstock.com; montage: MPI of Immunobiology & Epigenetics

Jumping genes are double-edged sword: By copying and integrating themselves into other parts of the genome these so-called transposons can lead to a variety of genetic disorders such as haemophilia or breast cancer. On the other hand the mobile DNA bits can create new genes and new gene expression programs. This is crucial for maintaining high genetic variability and adaptability to environmental changes. Scientists from the Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics Freiburg in collaboration with the University of Freiburg have now found that an enzyme called DHX9 can neutralize the harmful structures formed by transposons and effectively increase the tolerance of the genome to include these jumping genes. By understanding this process better scientists can devise better therapies for diseases caused by transposons while retaining their evolutionary advantage.

Geneticists have long focused only on a very small part of DNA that contains blueprints for proteins. The non-coding remainder, around 97 percent in humans, was often dismissed as junk. But what was damned as junk before turned out to be the key regulator of genes determining where and how much protein should be synthesized. However, an even closer look into the "junk" revealed that it is also home for many more actors in the genome. One of these are the so-called transposons or jumping genes. Jumping genes are DNA sequences which are able to copy themselves and then insinuate the copies into distant sections of the genome.

"Our work revolves around a family of human transposons called Alu elements, which with more than 1.1 million copies, compose more than ten percent of our entire genome" says Tugce Aktas, co-first author of the study. To copy themselves, Alu elements are transcribed into RNA, reverse transcribed and then reintegrated into the genomic DNA at a different location. Once reintegrated, the short Alu elements have a vast amount of effects on the genome. "Depending on their site of insertion they can cause problematic mutations if they, for instance, jump into essential genes. Interestingly, Alu elements can cause a variety of genetic disorders such as haemophilia, breast cancer or familial hypercholesterolaemia, thus our work has to be explored further for therapeutic potential," says Ibrahim Avsar Ilk, co-first author of the study.

Jumping genes in evolution

Alu elements, are often referred to as "invaders" or "parasites" harming the genome stability. But at the same time Alu elements are also important drivers of evolution. Studies comparing primates and humans showed that more than five thousand Alu elements were newly inserted into the human genome during the past six million years. Scientists suggest that they act as a "creative destroyer" by separating parts of the genome into functional pieces that can be copied, moved around and re-used in other contexts. This ability to modify the DNA by more than 1.1 million Alu elements at the same time increases the possibility to create new genes as well as gene expression programs that probably allowed faster adaptation to the environment.

"We wondered how our genome deals with the outcome of this continuous copy-pasting and still avoids potentially fatal threats. Our discovery that DHX9 as the enzyme responsible for neutralizing harmful RNA structures produced during expression of our genes is very exciting as it opens a new angle to look into the complex biology hidden behind this abundant RNA helicase," says Asifa Akhtar, Max Planck Director and the lead investigator.

Untie the knot

DHX9 has the ability to unwind DNA and RNA duplexes and plays a central role in many processes in the cell like DNA replication, transcription or RNA processing. The Akhtar team in collaboration with Daniel Maticzka and Rolf Backofen from the bioinformatics research group of the University of Freiburg was able to show that in mice and humans DHX9 finds and removes disruptive RNA structures formed by dense Alu insertions. "If the distance between Alu elements in our genome is not large enough they interact with each other and form massive tangled RNA pieces", says Ibrahim Avsar Ilk. These huge cluttered structures can have fatal consequences, because essential RNA processing signals can be masked by them. DHX9 resolves the clutter and hands the now-untangled RNA over to further processing. "So without DHX9, our RNA turns into an entangled yarn that is no good for knitting," adds Tugce Aktas (see Fig. 1).

DHX9 does not do all the work by itself but has a "partner in crime" called ADAR, another enzyme that was previously shown to also be involved in the handling of tangled RNA structures especially during viral infections. "We suggest that this clearing unit evolved originally to fight against viral invasions. Their untangling activities were later reassigned and put into use in cells that are not under viral invasion, but are experiencing a surge in Alu element insertions", explains Asifa Akhtar the evolutionary implications of the data.

The great collaborative effort between the Max Planck Institute and the University of Freiburg leads the team to propose that DHX9 allowed the insertion of excessive amounts of Alu elements in our genome by simply counteracting harmful consequences of having too many of them side-by-side. Even though harboring so many disturbing jumping genes may seem like a waste of our cellular resources it pays for itself in the long run with genomic innovations that would otherwise be impossible. In other words, what is seen as a waste in our genome has never really been a waste, it is essentially a long, expensive road to complexity.

More information: Tugce Aktas et al. DHX9 suppresses RNA processing defects originating from the Alu invasion of the human genome, Nature (2017). DOI: 10.1038/nature21715 Journal information: Nature
Forest fragments of the Brazilian Mata Atlantica forest in Brazil are surrounded by sugar cane plantations. Credit: Usina Trapiche S/A

When talk is of important ecosystems, tropical forests are top of the list. After all, half of the carbon stored in all of the Earth's vegetation is contained in these ecosystems. Deforestation has a correspondingly fatal effect. Scientists estimate that this releases 1000 million tonnes of carbon every year, which, in the form of greenhouse gasses, drives up global temperatures. That is not all, however, reveals a new study by the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) and the University of Maryland. A team of scientists has discovered that fragmentation of formerly contiguous areas of forest leads to carbon emissions rising by another third. Researchers emphasise in the scientific journal Nature Communications that this previously neglected effect should be taken into account in future IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) reports.

Mile upon mile of impenetrable green. When researchers travelled through the tropical rain forests of South America, Asia or Africa in centuries gone by, just making headway was a challenge in itself. Rivers were often the only transport links, roads were out of the question in many places. There were also huge areas where humans had not yet left their mark: no settlements or farmland, no deforestation or plantations for miles around.

The picture has changed since then, though. Human activity has cut clearings and trails through the once contiguous tropical forests. But just how far advanced is this fragmentation? And what are the implications for the carbon cycle and therefore for the global climate? These questions were explored by the team headed by UFZ researchers Prof. Andreas Huth and Dr. Rico Fischer in a new study arising from the Helmholtz Alliance "Remote Sensing and Earth System Dynamics".

"We have known for a long time that not only the complete loss of rain forests can exacerbate climate change," explains Andreas Huth. Fragmenting a larger forest area into several smaller ones also impacts the carbon balance. US researchers investigated this effect towards the end of the 1990s in a large-scale experiment on forest land in the vicinity of the Brazilian town of Manaus. They established that location is a decisive factor in the life expectancy of the trees in that area: while around two percent of all trees in the interior of an undisturbed tropical forest die each year, the figure is roughly double for those at the edge.

This is due to the fact that the vegetation at the edges is exposed to an unfavourable micro-climate: direct solar radiation, higher wind speeds and lower air humidities mean that these areas dry out more readily, even in the humid tropics. "Large trees suffer most from this development, because they are reliant on a good supply of water," explains Andreas Huth. Typically, this negative impact extends some hundred metres into the forest.

This means that larger amounts of carbon are released (in the form of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide) from these areas than from the undisturbed interior of the forest. This is because firstly, the micro-organisms that break down dead trees produce copious amounts of CO2, and secondly, there is less vegetation remaining that can remove the greenhouse gas from the air by capturing the carbon in leaves, trunks and roots as part of its growth cycle.

But how much carbon is released at the edges of the tropical forests worldwide? Does it actually play a role in the carbon cycle and therefore in the development of the climate?

Worldwide carbon emissions due to fragmentation of tropical forests are shown. Shading represents the estimated carbon losses for each fragment, setting edge depth to 100 m and relative carbon losses in forest edges to 50%. Credit: UFZ

"In order to find that out, we combined the findings of the forest land experiments with information from remote sensing and forest modelling," says Rico Fischer. The decisive question in this respect was how many additional forest edges humans have created. The researchers had investigated this issue once before in an earlier study relating to South America, but this time the idea was to address the tropical forests the world over.

An overview of such huge areas can only be obtained with the help of satellite images. Scientists have already used these to prepare maps with a high resolution of 30 metres, sufficient to show the forest coverage of the entire tropics. It is possible to count exactly how many forest fragments there are in each region on these maps. And it is possible to measure what size they are and how long their edges are.

This would have been far too time-consuming by hand, however. "We were not able to deploy the customary computer programs designed to analyse landscapes, either," Andreas Huth reports. They were simply overwhelmed by the huge quantities of data. "We struggled with this issue for a long time," the researcher recalls. At the end of the day, he and his colleagues had no option but to develop their own software capable of exploring forest fragments in the tropics.

When the software finally became operational after 18 months of work, it supplied impressive results within a few hours. According to these findings, 19 percent of all the world's tropical forests are now no more than one hundred metres away from the edge of the forest. "This severe level of fragmentation is clearly due to human activity," says Rico Fischer. This was revealed when the researchers merged their forest coverage maps with other maps depicting different types of vegetation. This made it possible to differentiate between natural transitions such as the ones between forest and savannah and man-made ones such as those between forest and agricultural fields. Accordingly, humans are, from a global perspective, responsible for 84 percent of the total amount of tropical forest fragmentation, although the picture varies slightly from continent to continent. "This relates to historical usage", Andreas Huth explains. For example, especially large amounts of forest are being transformed into agricultural land in South America. In contrast, there are more tree species growing in the forests of South East Asia and Africa that are of economic interest themselves, which means that deforestation in these areas is especially harmful. The varying types of usage, however, lead to different patterns of fragmentation. For example, South America not only has the largest area covered by tropical forests but, correspondingly, also the largest edge areas. The proportion of the edges to the overall forested area is particularly large in Africa, however.

The earth's tropical forests have so far been broken down into a total of some 50 million fragments. And every single one of them has been surveyed by the new special software. It was revealed that the total length of the edges of the tropical forests now amounts to almost 50 million kilometres - that is approximately a third of the distance between the earth and the sun.

Using field data and computer models, it was then possible to calculate the volume of carbon emissions along these forest borders. According to these calculations, fragmentation of the tropical forests leads to approximately 0.34 gigatonnes of additional carbon being released each year. In order to be able to accurately estimate this amount, one should be aware of the fact that the clearing of tropical forests gives rise to carbon emissions of around one gigatonne (1000 million tonnes) every year. Fragmentation of the remaining forests therefore increases this amount by approximately one third.

"Fragmentation therefore plays an important role in the global carbon cycle," says Andreas Huth to summarise. "Despite this fact, this effect has not been taken into consideration at all in the IPCC reports to date". The researchers hope that this will change in future. When dealing with tropical forests, it appears, even more sensitivity is required than previously assumed. To achieve effective climate protection, it will be necessary to stop chopping the forests into ever smaller fragments. Preventing deforestation alone is not enough.

More information: Katharina Brinck et al, High resolution analysis of tropical forest fragmentation and its impact on the global carbon cycle, Nature Communications (2017). DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14855 Journal information: Nature Communications
Credit: University of Twente

Researchers at the University of Twente have developed a mathematical model for improving the maintenance schedule for trains, rails, aircraft, self-driving cars, robots and nuclear power plants.

This new model ensures greater reliability and lower costs. Dennis Guck of the UT Department of Formal Methods and Tools recently earned a PhD based on this study.

Maintenance is essential for keeping trains, rails, aircraft, self-driving cars, robots and nuclear power plants in good operating condition and for preventing malfunctions. Researchers at the UT Department of Formal Methods and Tools have developed a new mathematical model for mapping the benefits and costs of maintenance procedures. The model can help organizations to decide which maintenance procedures are essential, and to identify procedures where they can save money and resources. Several organizations have already deployed the model, including ProRail, the Dutch national railway maintenance organization. ProRail's Martijn van Noort had this to say: "We used the UT model to project the maintenance benefits of introducing a new product. It enables us to conduct more reliable cost/benefit analyses, and it's part of the ExploRail programme."

The model

Maintenance is expensive. Organizations such as ProRail, the Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management and KLM spend millions on maintenance activities annually. For example, ProRail uses special trains for levelling tracks. The tracks are not available while this maintenance is being carried out, which makes the work costly. However, cutting back on maintenance results in a shorter service life for the tracks and more frequent disruptions. Unplanned failures and defects are even more costly than preventive maintenance. Moreover, maintenance is crucial to railway safety. The benefits and costs of maintenance must therefore be carefully weighed.

Operation

Dr Marielle Stoelinga, who was Dennis Guck's PhD supervisor, explains how the model works: "Traditional models tend only to look at the cost of maintenance, or at the implications of wear and failure. Our model combines both factors, meaning you can make better decisions. This model combines three ingredients, and it is based on models that describe system component wear and tear: how quickly do system defects occur in the absence of maintenance? And how does maintenance contribute to preventing failures? We developed a probability model to find answers to such questions. Based on this information, we can then predict the impact of component wear on the overall system. Finally, we use advanced probability calculations for the costs and benefits; the University of Twente is the world's premier institution in the field of stochastic model checking. Together, these three factors result in a system that enables maintenance engineers to optimize their activities."
Credit: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

The "InSight" Mars mission planned for 2018 by NASA and European partners is aimed at studying geophysical properties of the "red planet." In addition, fundamental questions relating to the planetary and solar system shall be answered to better understand the history of creation of planets of the inner solar system, one of which is the Earth. A highly sensitive seismograph (SEIS) will be one of the main instruments of the mission. The qualifying model, or sister instrument, of this seismometer is presently being tested by the joint geoscientific observatory of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and Universitat Stuttgart, the Black Forest Observatory (BFO).

Similar to the earthquakes on Earth and on the Moon, it is expected that there are also quakes on our neighboring planet Mars. In terms of size, Mars ranges between the Moon and the Earth. SEIS is to observe these Mars quakes and, hence, represents a central instrument of the "InSight" (Interior Exploration Using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy, and Heat Transport) mission. From the recordings, conclusions shall be drawn with respect to the structure of Mars, the size of its core, the thickness of its crust, and on whether its core is liquid.

Findings about the Interior of Mars

"Most of our findings on the properties of the Earth's mantle and the Earth's core were obtained from analyzing seismic waves. That is why this method is now also planned to be used for studying the inner structure of Mars," Thomas Forbriger of KIT, one of the scientists of BFO, says. Rudolf Schnidrig-Widmer of Stuttgart University, who coordinates current tests, explains: "Seismic waves propagate through the entire body of the Earth. Similar to X-ray tomography in medicine, an image of the interior of the Earth can be derived from seismic waves." For this reason, there is great hope that SEIS will provide many new findings about Mars's interior. The SEIS instrument package will contain six seismometers to measure ground movement in vertical and two horizontal directions. "With painstaking precision, we manually arrange the seismometers on the ground, adjust them, and shield them against interference. On Mars, the landing robot will have to do this. This alone will be a true technical masterpiece," Thomas Forbriger says. At BFO, the scientists test interaction of the different components from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and the USA.

Excellent Measurement Conditions

Measurement conditions at the BFO are excellent. Ambient seismic noise in the shut-down ore mine near Schiltach in the Black Forest is very low. The seismometers operated supply data with lowest noise in global comparison. Moreover, the BFO has an excellent measurement infrastructure and is one of the very few seismological observatories, where scientists are working onsite: When testing instruments, support can be rendered any time. The complete tunnel system is located in granite. The inner part of the tunnel accommodating the measurement chambers for the instruments is isolated from the outer world by two pressure locks. This part of the tunnel, where the tests are executed, is situated about 150 m below the Earth's surface. In this way, instruments are shielded from impacts of direct air pressure or temperature fluctuations and are located more than 5 km away from anthropogenic sources of interference (industry, traffic). All this makes the BFO an extraordinarily calm measurement location.
Dysprosium atoms (green) on the surface of nanoparticles can be magnetised in only one of two possible directions: spin up or spin down. Credit: ETH Zurich / Universite de Rennes

An international team of researchers led by chemists from ETH Zurich have developed a method for depositing single magnetisable atoms onto a surface. This is especially interesting for the development of new miniature data storage devices.

The idea is intriguing: if only a single atom or small molecule was needed for a single unit of data (a zero or a one in the case of binary digital technology), massive volumes of data could be stored in the tiniest amount of space. This is theoretically possible, because certain atoms can be magnetised in only one of two possible directions: "spin up" or "spin down". Information could then be stored and read by the sequence of the molecules' magnetisation directions.

However, several obstacles still need to be overcome before single-molecule magnet data storage becomes a reality. Finding molecules that can store the magnetic information permanently and not just fleetingly is a challenge, and it is even more difficult to arrange these molecules on a solid surface to build data storage carriers. To address the latter problem, an international team of researchers led by chemists from ETH Zurich has now developed a new method that offers numerous advantages over other approaches.

Fusing atoms to the surface

Christophe Coperet, a professor at the Laboratory of Inorganic Chemistry at ETH Zurich, and his team developed a molecule with a dysprosium atom at its centre (dysprosium is a metal belonging to the rare-earth elements). This atom is surrounded by a molecular scaffold that serves as a vehicle. The scientists also developed a method for depositing such molecules on the surface of silica nanoparticles and fusing them by annealing at 400 degrees Celsius. The molecular structure used as a vehicle disintegrates in the process, yielding nanoparticles with dysprosium atoms well-dispersed at their surface. The scientists showed that these atoms can be magnetised and maintain their magnetic information.

Molecules with a dysprosium atom (blue) at their centre are first deposited onto the surface of a silica nanoparticle (red and orange) and then fused with it. Credit: Allouche F et al. ACS Central Science 2017

The magnetisation process currently only works at around minus 270 degrees Celsius (near absolute zero), and the magnetisation can be maintained for up to one and a half minute. The scientists are therefore looking for methods that will allow the magnetisation to be stabilised at higher temperatures and for longer periods of time. They are also looking for ways to fuse atoms to a flat surface instead of to nanoparticles.

Simple preparation

One of the advantages of the new method is its simplicity. "Nanoparticles bonded with dysprosium can be made in any chemical laboratory. No cleanroom and complex equipment are required," says Florian Allouche, a doctoral student in Coperet's group. In addition, the magnetisable nanoparticles can be stored at room temperature and re-utilized.

Other preparation methods include the direct deposition of individual atoms onto a surface, yet the materials obtained are only stable at very low temperatures mainly due to the agglomeration of these individual atoms. Alternatively, molecules with ideal magnetic properties can be deposited onto a surface, but this immobilization often negatively affects the structure and the magnetic properties of the final object.

More information: Florian Allouche et al. Magnetic Memory from Site Isolated Dy(III) on Silica Materials, ACS Central Science (2017). DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.7b00035 Journal information: ACS Central Science
Credit: Petr Kratochvil/Public Domain

Research grants issued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) contribute to a significant number of private-sector patents in biomedicine, according to a new study co-authored by an MIT professor.

The study, published in the journal Science, examines 27 years of data and finds that 31 percent of NIH grants, which are publicly funded, produce articles that are later cited by patents in the biomedical sector.

"The impact on the private sector is a lot more important in magnitude than what we might have thought before," says Pierre Azoulay, a professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management, who is one of the authors of the paper.

After reviewing over 365,000 grantsmaking this a uniquely large studythe research also finds that over 8 percent of NIH grants generate a patent directly.

Intriguingly, the researchers also find no significant difference between "basic" or "applied" research grants in terms of the frequency with which those projects helped generate patents; both kinds of research spill over into productive private-sector uses.

"If you thought the NIH exists in an ivory tower, you're wrong," Azoulay says. "They are the nexus of knowledge that really unifies two worlds."

The paper, "The Applied Value of Public Investments in Biomedical Research," is co-authored by Azoulay, who is the International Programs Professor of Management at MIT Sloan; Danielle Li PhD '12, an assistant professor at Harvard Business School; and Bhaven Sampat, an associate professor at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health.

Decades of grants

The NIH, which has its main campus in Bethesda, Maryland, encompasses multiple research institutes and is the world's biggest source of public funding for biomedical research, dispersing about $32 billion annually in grants.

To conduct the study, the scholars examined 365,380 NIH grants funded between 1980 and 2007nearly every NIH grant awarded for decades. Exactly 30,829 were the direct basis for patents; 17,093 of those were so-called "Bayh-Dole" patents issued to universities and hospitals, something federal legislation made possible starting in 1980.

Of the NIH grants, 112,408 were additionally cited in a total of 81,462 private-sector patents.

And as the authors put it in the new paper, even these NIH-backed research projects that are indirectly cited in later patents "demonstrate the additional reach that publicly funded science can have by building a foundation for private-sector R&D."

Azoulay, an economist who studies the production and dissemination of scientific knowledge, says the bottom-line figures in the studythe 31 percent and 8 percent of NIH grants that contribute to and more directly generate patentsstrike him as being significantly large because of the broad scope of research the NIH supports.

"There is a lot of research we wouldn't necessarily expect to be relied upon in a patent," Azoulay explains.

He also noted that such research can be characterized as either "basic" or "applied"; the researchers found little difference in the long-term patent-creating productivity of those categories.

For instance, some research projects can be considered more directly "disease-oriented" than others, but even by this yardstick, the frequency of patent generation does not vary greatly. About 35 percent of "disease-oriented" NIH grants led to patents, compared to 30 percent otherwise.

Overall, Azoulay says, the flow of knowledge from NIH research projects to the commercial market seems clear.

"Grants produce papers, and papers are cited by patents used by pharmaceutical firms," says Azoulay. "It's hard to think of an innovation [in biomedicine] that doesn't have a patent."

More information: "The applied value of public investments in biomedical research," Science, science.sciencemag.org/lookup/  1126/science.aal0010 Journal information: Science
enus, just 10.5 hours before inferior conjunction on March 25th. Credit: Shahrin Ahmad

Have you seen it yet? An old friend greeted us on an early morning run yesterday as we could easily spy brilliant Venus in the dawn, just three days after inferior conjunction this past Saturday on March 25th.

This was an especially wide pass, as the planet crossed just over eight degrees (that's 16 Full Moon diameters!) north of the Sun. We once managed to see Venus with the unaided eye on the very day of inferior conjunction back in 1998 from the high northern latitudes of the Chena Flood Channel just outside of Fairbanks, Alaska.

The planet was a slender 59.4" wide, 1% illuminated crescent during this past weekend's passage, and the wide pass spurred many advanced imagers to hunt for the slim crescent in the daytime sky. Of course, such a feat is challenging near the dazzling daytime Sun. Safely blocking the Sun out of view and being able to precisely point your equipment is key in this endeavor. A deep blue, high contrast sky helps, as well. Still, many Universe Today readers rose to the challenge of chronicling the horns of the slender crescent Venus as they rotated 'round the limb and the nearby world moved once again from being a dusk to dawn object.

The orbit of Venus is tilted 3.4 degrees with respect to the Earth, otherwise, we'd get a transit of the planet like we did on June 5-6th, 2012 once about every 584 days, instead of having to wait again until next century on December 10th, 2117.

The joint NASA/European Space Agency's SOlar Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) mission also spied the planet this past weekend as it just grazed the 15 degree wide field of view of its Sun-observing LASCO C3 camera.

Venus kicks off April as a 58" wide, 3% illuminated crescent and ends the month at 37" wide, fattening up to 28% illumination. On closest approach, the planet presents the largest apparent planetary disk possible as seen from the Earth. Can you see the horns? They're readily readily apparent even in a low power pair of hunting binoculars. The coming week is a great time to try and see a crescent Venus with the naked eye. Such an observation is notoriously difficult, and right on the edge of possibility for those with keen eyesight.

One problem for seasoned observers is that we know beforehand that (spoiler alert) that the Horns of Venus, like the Moon, always point away from the direction of the Sun.

The glow of Venus (arrowed) just barely bleeding over into the field of view of SOHOs LASCO C3 camera. Credit: SOHO/NASA/LASCO

True Story: a five year old girl at a public star party once asked me "why does that 'star' look like a tiny Moon" (!) This was prior to looking at the planet through a telescope. Children generally have sharper eyes than adults, as the lenses of our corneas wear down and yellow from ultraviolet light exposure over the years.

Still, there are tantalizing historical records that suggest that ancient cultures such as the Babylonians knew something of the true crescent nature of Venus in pre-telescopic times as well.

Another fun challenge in the coming months is attempting to see Venus in the daytime. This is surprisingly easy, once you know exactly where to look for it. A nearby crescent Moon is handy, as occurs on April 23rd, May 22nd, and June 20th.

The Babylonian frieze of Kudurru Melishipak on display at the Louvre, depicting the Sun Moon and Venus. According to some interpretations, the goddess Ishtar (Venus) is also associated with a crescent symbol possibly lending credence to the assertion that ancient Babylonian astronomers knew something of the phases of the planet from direct observation. Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Image in the Public Domain

Strangely enough, the Moon is actually darker than dazzling Venus in terms of surface albedo. The ghostly daytime Moon is just larger and easier to spot. Many historical 'UFO' sightings such as a 'dazzling light seen near the daytime Moon' by the startled residents of Saint-Denis, France on the morning on January 13th, 1589 were, in fact, said brilliant planet.

Venus can appear startlingly bright to even a seasoned observer. We've seen the planet rise as a shimmering ember against a deep dark twilight sky from high northern latitudes. Air traffic controllers have tried in vain to 'hail' Venus on more than one occasion, and India once nearly traded shots with China along its northern border in 2012, mistaking a bright conjunction of Jupiter and Venus for spy drones.

The third brightest object in the sky behind the Sun and the Moon, Venus is even bright enough to cast a shadow as seen from a dark sky site, something that can be more readily recorded photographically.

Venus (arrowed) near the daytime Moon.

Watch our nearest planetary neighbor long enough, and it will nearly repeat the same pattern for a given apparition. This is known as the eight year cycle of Venus, and stems from the fact that 13 Venusian orbits (8x 224.8 days) very nearly equals eight Earth years.

Follow Venus through the dawn in 2017, and it will eventually form a right triangle with the Earth and the Sun on June 3rd, reaching what is known as greatest elongation. This can vary from 47.2 to 45.4 degrees from the Sun, and this year reaches 45.9 degrees elongation in June. The planet then reaches half phase known as dichotomy around this date, though observed versus theoretical dichotomy can vary by three days. The cause of this phenomenon is thought to be the refraction of light in Venus' dense atmosphere, coupled with observer bias due to the brilliance of Venus itself. When do you see it?

Also, keep an eye out for the ghostly glow on the night-side of Venus, known as Ashen Light. Long thought to be another trick of the eye, there's good evidence to suggest that this long reported effect actually has a physical basis, though Venus has no large reflecting moon nearby how could this be? The leading candidate is now thought to be air-glow radiating from the cooling nighttime side of the planet.

Cloud enshrouded Venus held on to its secrets, right up until the Space Age less than a century ago some observers theorized that the nighttime glow on Venus was due to aurorae, volcanoes or even light pollution from Venusian cities (!). This also fueled spurious sightings of the alleged Venusian moon Neith right up through the 19th century.

Venus should also put in a showing 34 degrees west of the Sun shining at magnitude -4 during the August 21st, 2017 total solar eclipse. Follow that planet, as it makes a complex meet up with Mars, Mercury, and the Moon in late September of this year.
Scientists have discovered a group of materials which could pave the way for a new generation of high-efficiency lighting, solving a quandary which has inhibited the performance of display technology for decades. The development of energy saving concepts in display and lighting applications is a major focus of research, since a fifth of the world's electricity is used for generating light.

Writing in Science this week, the team, from the University of Cambridge, the University of East Anglia and the University of Eastern Finland, describes how it developed a new type of material that uses rotatable molecules to emit light faster than has ever been achieved before. It could lead to televisions, smart-phone displays and room lights which are more power-efficient, brighter and longer lasting than those currently on the market.

Corresponding author, Dr Dan Credgington, of the University of Cambridge's Cavendish Laboratory, says:"It's amazing that the very first demonstration of this new kind of material already beats the performance of technologies which have taken decades to develop. If the effect we have discovered can be harnessed across the spectrum, it could change the way we generate light."

Molecular materials are the driving force behind modern organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Invented in the 1980s, these devices emit light when electricity is applied to the organic (carbon based) molecules in them. OLED lighting is now widely used in televisions, computers and mobile phones. However it has to overcome a fundamental issue which has limited efficiency when it comes to converting electrical energy into light.

Passing an electric current through these molecules puts them into an excited state, but only 25% of these are 'bright' states that can emit light rapidly. The remaining 75% are 'dark' states that usually waste their energy as heat limiting the efficiency of the OLED device. This mode of operation produces more heat than light just like in an old fashioned filament light bulb. The underlying reason is a quantum property called 'spin' and the dark states have the wrong type.

One approach to tackle this problem is to use rare elements, such as iridium, which help the dark states to emit light by allowing them to change their spin. The problem is this process takes too long, so the energy tied up in the dark states can build up to damaging levels and make the OLED unstable. This effect is such a problem for blue emitting materials (blue light has the highest energy of all the colours) that, in practice, the approach can't be used.

Chemists at the University of East Anglia have now developed a new type of material where two different organic molecules are joined together by an atom of copper or gold. The resulting structure looks a bit like a propeller. The compounds, which can be made by a simple one-pot procedure from readily available materials, were found to be surprisingly luminescent. By rotating their "propeller", dark states formed on these materials become twisted, which allows them to change their spin quickly. The process significantly increases the rate at which electrical energy is converted into light achieving an efficiency of almost 100% and preventing the damaging build-up of dark states.

Dr Dawei Di and Dr Le Yang, from Cambridge, were co-lead authors, along with Dr Alexander Romanov, from the UEA. He says:

"Our discovery that simple compounds of copper and gold can be used as bright and efficient materials for OLEDs demonstrates how chemistry can bring tangible benefits to society. All previous attempts to build OLEDs based on these metals have led to only mediocre success. The problem is that those materials required the sophisticated organic molecules to be bound with copper but has not met industrial standards. Our results address an on-going research and development challenge which can bring affordable high-tech OLED products to every home."

Computational modelling played a major role in uncovering this novel way of harnessing intramolecular twisting motions for energy conversion.

Professor Mikko Linnolahti, of the University of Eastern Finland, where this was done, comments:

"This work forms the case study for how we can explain the principles behind the functioning of these new materials and their application in OLEDS."

The next step is to design new molecules that take full advantage of this mechanism, with the ultimate goal of removing the need for rare elements entirely. This would solve the longest standing problem in the field - how to make OLEDs without having to trade-off between efficiency and stability.

Co-lead author, Dr Dawei Di, of the Cavendish Laboratory, says:

"Our work shows that excited-state spin and molecular motion can work together to strongly impact the performance of OLEDs. This is an excellent demonstration of how quantum mechanics, an important branch of fundamental science, can have direct consequences for a commercial application which has a massive global market."
40% of children in sole-parent households are living below the poverty line. Credit: Shutterstock

Sole parents in Australia are economically vulnerable and are experiencing ongoing cuts to their social security. Legislation limiting welfare benefits that was rushed through the Senate last week will make many of them poorer  but how is this a human rights issue?

Australia is party to many United Nations human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The covenant contains a right to social security, which countries owe to everyone. It requires countries to guarantee that the rights in the covenant are upheld without discrimination.

The UN committee responsible for this treaty has explained that social security must be:

" adequate in amount and duration in order that everyone may realise his or her rights to family protection and assistance, an adequate standard of living and adequate access to health care."

The committee has stressed the principle of "non-retrogression" applies under the covenant. This means that countries may not remove rights that have been developed over time and on which people have come to depend.

A country can only reduce social security benefits if it can justify doing so after consulting affected groups, considering alternatives and avoiding discrimination against particular groups, and harmful impacts on the realisation of the right to social security.

The government will breach the rights discussed here as a result of its cuts to benefits in the Social Services Legislation Amendment Bill. The bill arose because the government refused to introduce an improved childcare package without parliament finding budget savings elsewhere. It looked to welfare, the area of the budget supporting the poorest Australians, to fund the childcare measures.

The A$1.6 billion that these cuts generate for government are being shaved off the already inadequate support for struggling families. The legislation follows various attempts by the Coalition government since 2014 to reduce the welfare budget by removing benefits from young people, parents and other groups already facing financial hardship.

These have met with significant opposition from the public and in parliament. The government insists families will not be worse off.

The latest changes, while certainly less harsh than earlier legislative attempts, will still have negative impacts on students and other vulnerable groups, particularly low-income families. The Family Tax Benefit indexation freeze means that while the cost of living rises, family payments will fall further behind as families effectively become poorer.

The bill also denies parents income support for seven days by imposing a one-week wait before accessing parenting payments.

Lastly, it freezes indexation of income-free areas for parenting and unemployment payments. This means recipients who work will start losing their income support payments sooner.

Worryingly, the government has not indicated whether it will still proceed with some of the suspended cuts to supplements  such as Family Tax Benefit, education and energy supplements  that it previously attempted to legislate.

The measures will worsen child poverty, which is already high in Australia. Forty percent of children in sole-parent households are living below the poverty line.

Since more than 90% of sole parents are women, the measures will have a discriminatory impact on this disadvantaged group and their children. Families with children in high school who do not benefit from childcare increases will be hundreds of dollars worse off in the next two years.

The Australian Council of Social Service, the St Vincent de Paul Society, the National Council for Single Mothers and their Children, and the author of this article have written to the experts mandated by the UN to deal with extreme poverty, and discrimination against women, to report on this violation of Australia's human rights commitments.

The correspondence points to the retrogressive impact of the new laws and previous laws on the right to social security, coupled with violations of the right to non-discrimination. The social security benefits are already not adequate for the needs of sole parent families facing hardship in this wealthy country.

The current bill follows earlier budget savings measures introduced by the Labor government in 2013. These moved thousands of sole parents off existing payments onto the lower Newstart, resulting in significant reductions to their benefits. Parliament's Joint Committee on Human Rights found the government had not demonstrated that the cuts were compatible with human rights.

Single mothers affected by those cuts have pointed to a range of negative impacts. These include: rental stress; growing financial insecurity and hardship; stigmatisation of their children; inability to enrol their children in sport and community activities or to pay for school excursions; psychological stress impacting on their health and capacity to work and study; and shame at having to ask others for help.

A 2012 letter by the welfare groups listed above resulted in UN experts calling on the government to justify its apparent rights violations. The call went unheeded.

The new cuts are being brought to the attention of the international experts to put on record the government's ongoing violations of Australia's human rights commitments and to ask them to intervene on behalf of sole-parent families facing growing poverty and inequality.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
Carved ivory pieces lining the walls of the shop. Credit: Columbia University

In spring 2016, student Wendy Hapgood walked around midtown Manhattan, visiting antique stores advertising mammoth ivory for sale that she found on Google maps. "Mammoth tusk is so interesting," she explained, "A piece of ancient past, a long extinct mammal, dug up in the tundra in Russia, sent to China for carving, then finding its way here."

With her outgoing personality and interest in both art and conservation, she found it easy to engage shopkeepers in conversation as a potential buyer. What could they tell her about the carved "netsuke" pieces? What kind of buyers purchase these large tusks? Where will the gallery ship to? It wasn't until she got to Metropolitan Fine Arts & Antiques that she suspected anything was amiss. A shopkeeper, wary of her motives, prevented her from entering the back room, which she could see was filled wall-to-wall with what looked like elephant ivory.

"That's when I knew I had a story," she said. "I knew I needed to go back."

Hapgood, a student in the Master of Science in Sustainability Management program, was looking for a term project for her Writing about Science for International Media class. Designed to help scientists communicate their work more effectively to the public, students enrolled in the course are encouraged to select a journalism project on a topic that they care about. Knowing that Hapgood had recently co-founded an anti-poaching organization, the Wild Tomorrow Fund, professor Claudia Dreifus encouraged her to investigate the possible sale of illegal elephant ivory in Manhattan.

Small ivory figurines for sale. Credit: Columbia University

Dreifus, who writes an interview column for the New York Times, suspected that the elephant tusks and rhinoceros horns lining shop windows were just plastic replicas that they were selling to tourists, especially since New York's ivory laws had recently been strengthened. At the time, Hapgood agreed. "When I started the project, I was super worried that I wouldn't have a story to write," she said, "because I didn't really think there would be ivory just openly for sale in Manhattan."

New York has one of the largest markets for ivory in the United States, leading legislators to enact one of the strictest bans in the country in 2014. The New York ban further restricted the trade of elephant ivory and rhinoceros horn, with limited exceptions, and increased the criminal and civil penalties for violations. It also restricted the trade of mammoth fossil ivory, which had not been included in earlier versions of the ban. (An international treaty, CITES, bans most trade in ivory harvested after 1976.)

Since it is difficult to distinguish between mammoth and elephant ivory, some vendors were attempting to sell recently poached elephant ivory by passing it off as mammoth. To curb this practice, mammoth was included in the updated legislation, and vendors were given a two-year grace period to revise their inventories; as Hapgood discovered, some took advantage of the window to continue trafficking in elephant ivory as well.

Hapgood returned to Metropolitan Fine Arts & Antiques a month later with her boyfriend, who was also shocked to see how much ivory they seemed to have. This time, the shopkeeper escorted them to the back room, where he attempted to sell them a "starter piece" of what they suspected was elephant ivory. "They gave these stores a grace period, a bit of time to adjust to the law," Hapgood explained. "But they were lying to me and saying, 'Oh, this is mammoth.' It's too hard for the consumer to tell the difference."

Carved elephant tusks confiscated in an earlier bust. Credit: Columbia University

Considering the potential value of the ivory, she was concerned about putting herself at risk by reporting the store and publishing her project. But she decided to call the Department of Environmental Conservation hotline anyway, later meeting with investigators in person. Together, they discussed what she'd found while reviewing the laws and how to distinguish between different types of tusks.

As it turns out, Metropolitan Fine Arts & Antiques was already on the department's radar. Two undercover investigators posing as buyers had purchased a statuette allegedly of mammoth tusk; upon testing the piece at the American Museum of Natural History, it was discovered to be made of African elephant ivory. Following up with a search warrant, the investigators found $4.5 million in illegal ivory at the shop, making it the largest bust in New York State history. The salesperson and owners of the shop, Victor Zilberman and brothers Irving and Samuel Morano, were indicted in September 2016, and the case is pending as of this writing.

This month, the DEC announced a conviction in another ivory bust at a Manhattan antique shop, the Landmark Gallery, where environmental conservation officers recovered $250,000 in elephant ivory. As part of the plea, the shop agreed to make a $50,000 donation to the Wild Tomorrow Fund.

"What Wendy did is what I hope all the people in the course do, which is go out and find how the world applies to their science, and observe it and investigate it and learn about it and write about it, and she did that. And she did uncover real violations," Dreifus said. "That they'll be able to use some of this money that the merchants have been fined to prevent more poaching and more wildlife deaths, that's wonderful."

Hapgood with a sedated, recently dehorned rhino. Rhinos are unable to feel the procedure. Credit: Columbia University

Coordinating with rangers on the ground in South Africa, Hapgood and her co-founders started the Wild Tomorrow Fund by raising money for needed items, including updated uniforms, new tires for field vehicles, and supplies for anti-poaching dogs. They've since been able to expand into habitat conservation and education, purchasing land to close the gap between existing reserves and creating a poaching crime scene training program for rangers working along the border between South Africa and Mozambique, starting in May 2017. "It's great for international cooperation, for the rangers who share a border to work together," said Hapgood.

With this donation, they hope to expand further, helping to finance an anti-poaching rapid response vehicle to allow rangers to quickly address incursions, and dehorning 18 critically endangered black rhinos. With only 5,000 black rhinos left in the wild and horns fetching as much as $100,000 per kilogram on the black market, disincentivizing poachers on the supply side can be an effective short-term solution. Hapgood wrote about the dehorning process here in 2016.

However, in the longer term, she says, demand reduction is vital. Despite a crack-down on poaching on the ground, a recent study co-authored by Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory geochemist Kevin Uno found that the vast majority of ivory coming out of Africa has been recently harvested. Hapgood believes that New York's system, by combining tough laws with the resources needed to investigate violations and hold offenders accountable, while benefiting organizations working on the front lines of anti-poaching, will help shut down the market for ivory here and have a real impact on anti-poaching efforts in Africa.

"I love connecting New York with anti-poachers on the ground," she says. "We started this organization because it's so easy for New Yorkers to help."

Provided by Earth Institute, Columbia University

This story is republished courtesy of Earth Institute, Columbia University http://blogs.ei.columbia.edu.
Credit: Institute of Molecular Biotechnology

Using a newly developed method, researchers at the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA) have been able to shed light on the complexity of genome reorganization occurring during the first hours after fertilization in the single-cell mammalian embryo. Their findings have recently been published in the journal Nature. The team of researchers (from three continents) have discovered that the egg and sperm genomes that co-exist in the single-cell embryo or zygote have a unique structure compared to other interphase cells. Understanding this specialized chromatin "ground state" has the potential to provide insights into the yet mysterious process of epigenetic reprogramming to totipotency, the ability to give rise to all cell types.

Fusion of the egg and sperm, two highly differentiated cell types, leads to formation of the single-cell embryo or zygote. During the first hours after fertilization, the two separate genomes undergo reprogramming events that presumably function to erase the memory of the differentiated cell type and establish a state of totipotency. The mechanisms underlying totipotency remain poorly understood but are essential for generating a new organism from a fertilized egg.

A major advance in single-cell genomics

After fertilization, maternal and paternal genomes erase some of the epigenetic memory of the previously differentiated states in order to facilitate the beginning of new life as the zygote. In the first cell cycle after fertilization the maternal genome inherited from the oocyte (egg) and the paternal genome provided by sperm exist as separate nuclei in the zygote. The two genomes are marked by distinct epigenetic modifications acquired during reprogramming. Whether the 3-D chromatin structure of the maternal and paternal genomes is also distinct was not known.

An international team headed by Kikue Tachibana-Konwalski from IMBA in collaboration with researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston and the Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU) aimed to uncover how chromatin structure is reorganized during the mammalian oocyte-to-zygote transition. Using next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics analysis and mathematical modeling performed by Maxim Imakaev in Leonid Mirny's lab, the researchers identified specific patterns that emerge during genome reorganization in mouse oocytes and zygotes.

The low availability of starting material made it necessary to develop a new single-nucleus Hi-C (snHi-C) method that made it possible to analyze the chromatin architecture in oocytes and single-cell embryos for the first time. Using this method, features of genomic organization including compartments, topologically associating domains (TADs) and chromatin loops were detected in single cells when averaged over the genome. "Our method allowed us to detect chromatin contacts ten times more efficiently than a previous method. Because of this we were able to find differences in genome folding on the level of single cells: these cell-to-cell variations were missed in conventional Hi-C due to the averaging over millions of cells," says Ilya Flyamer, former Vienna Biocenter (VBC) summer student and then Master student and one of the first authors of the study.

Contrasting behaviour of maternal and paternal chromatin

"Additionally, we found unique differences in the three-dimensional organization of the zygote's chromatin compared to other interphase cells. What was even more interesting is that maternal and paternal genomes of the zygote seem to have different organizations within the same cell. It seems like the chromatin architecture is reorganized after fertilization, and that this reorganization happens differentially for the maternal and the paternal genomes," explained Johanna Gassler, PhD student at IMBA and one of the first authors of the study.

Senior author and IMBA group leader Kikue Tachibana-Konwalski is fascinated by the secrets of the mammalian oocyte-to-zygote transition and has been studying the miracle of life, and in particular the very first molecular steps, for many years. She also hopes the findings will generate new insights for the emerging field of totipotency. "To place the power of the zygote into context: Reprogramming to pluripotency by the Yamanaka factors takes several days with limited efficiency, whilst reprogramming to totipotency occurs in the zygote within hours. How this is achieved remains one of the key unknowns in biology. By studying the chromatin state of zygotes, we aim to gain insights into this mechanism, which could also have applications for regenerative medicine," says Tachibana-Konwalski, underlining her excitement for the potential applications for her favourite research topic.

More information: Ilya M. Flyamer et al. Single-nucleus Hi-C reveals unique chromatin reorganization at oocyte-to-zygote transition, Nature (2017). DOI: 10.1038/nature21711 Journal information: Nature
PHOENIX, March 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/  Items that are made in Asia have become increasingly popular because of their high quality, low price and ease of ordering through the Internet. There are, however, some concerns about shipping logistics and customer service when the seller is thousands of miles away.

DressLily and RoseWholesale, based in Asia, feature items that are mostly manufactured in China, Vietnam, the Philippines. They sell a wide array of fashion ware and other items to customers all over the world. As for delivery options, there are quite a few to choose from.

What options do customers have with regard to shipping?

Hayley Cheng, head of Logistics Dept. For DressLily:

DressLily customers have three choices: flat rate shipping, standard shipping and expedited shipping. Flat rate shipping is free but it takes the longest time, usually about 7-30 business days.

Janessa Leon, head of Customer Service Dept. for RoseWholesale:

We also provide the same three options but flat rate shipping is not free. Last year, we added priority direct mail, which is faster than flat rate shipping at about the same price. It depends on the weight of the order.

Is it true that some shipments can take a month?

HC, DressLily:

Most shoppers are looking for the lowest shipping prices so about 70 percent of our customers opt for the flat rate free shipping. Clearing customs in a foreign market can also add time to the delivery. For example, a package shipped to the US requires about four business days to clear customs, sometimes more during busy seasons. So yes, it can take a month for a package to arrive.

JL, RoseWholesale:

Our situation is similar. In order to minimize costs, RoseWholesale does not overstock so shoppers who choose hot items may need to wait 7-15 business days for the order to be prepared. This adds to the delivery time but also keeps our prices low. We have optimized our stocking evaluation system to reduce processing time as much as possible. Not every product requires a 15-day wait; some are three working days and others may only be one day.

What are your plans to improve the shipping process?

HC, DressLily:

We are looking into adding priority direct mail as an option. In addition, DressLily is exploring the possibility of increasing the number of warehouses in the US to expedite shipping times.

JL, RoseWholesale:

RoseWholesale will continue to optimize its stocking procedures in order to reduce the processing time. We also plan to establish an automated storage management system to streamline the shipping process, getting goods out of the warehouse more quickly and into our customers hands.

Your prices sometimes seem almost too good to be true. Are they?

HC, DressLily:

No, not at all. We combine great prices and free shipping so shoppers can get excellent value. Savvy consumers know a good deal when they see it. Even with extended delivery times, our customers are happy with their purchases. Sometimes good things are worth waiting for.

JL, RoseWholesale:

Prices can vary greatly in the international market. For example, a womans haircut can cost $50 in the US but you can get the same haircut in China for $10. A 1.5-liter Pepsi is $1 in America but $2 in China. We dont say that a $10 haircut is too good to be true. Global trade offers great value and brings benefits to consumers and businesses.

For further information

Visit www.dresslilyreviews.com and www.RoseWholesalereviews.com

SOURCE RoseWholesale
Inventory needs to be managed and managed well, or you are going to get in recurring trouble, and lose your credibility and hard-earned conversions, whether 

Read more
But passenger movements and cargo shipments both increased.

Singapore Changi Airport handled 4.67 million passenger movements in February 2017, an increase of 1.5% year-on-year. Company statement revealed that aircraft movements dipped 1.7% to 28,030 landings and takeoffs, whilst cargo shipments rose 7.9% to reach 146,870 tonnes, compared to the same period last year.

Passenger traffic for the month remained stable compared to a year ago, which saw travel boosted by the Lunar New Year holidays in February 2016.

Amongst Changis top 10 country markets, India posted the strongest growth of 14% increase  with traffic to Bengaluru, Mumbai, and New Delhi contributing to the growth. Traffic growth to Indonesia and Vietnam was also steady for the month, up 4% in both cases.



As at 1 March 2017, more than 100 airlines operate at Changi Airport, connecting Singapore to some 380 cities in about 90 countries and territories worldwide. With more than 7,000 weekly scheduled flights, an aircraft takes off or lands at Changi roughly once every 90 seconds.



Changi Airport welcomed its first new airline for the year, US-Bangla Airlines, to Singapore on 10 March. It operates 4x weekly services to Dhaka, Bangladesh.



On 5 March, IndiGo Airlines doubled its number of services to Chennai, India to 14x weekly.







More From Singapore Business Review


SIA CPA

Source: Cathay Pacific Airways (Orange) and Singapore Airlines (Blue), Bloomberg

With Cathay Pacific Airways hitting the headlines as the company suffers major losses from its hedging of oil, Singapore Airlines is not doing much better either. This comes as airlines in the region face strong competition from Chinese, Korean and budget Airlines that offer to fly passengers at a fraction of the price.

Full airlines are feeling the operation margin pressure as they are forced to engage in a price war with them. It is about time we revisit the topic of whether it is still viable to invest in the aviation industry given the intense competition.

Previously, we looked at Singapores Aviation industry in the article here. In this article, we will be looking across the causeway to present the opportunities available for investors as growth remains strong in the countrys aviation industry.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad

AIRPORT

Source: Malaysia Airports, Bloomberg

Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (KLSE: AIRPORT) is a holding company and operator of various domestics and international airports in Malaysia. In addition, the group also operates two airports overseas which are in India and Turkey respectively.

The return of Chinese tourists in Malaysia after the unfortunate series of airlines mishaps in 2014 that have seriously affected tourism will be one of the main drivers of the industry. Malaysia Airports noted a strong traffic growth of 10 percent in the first two months of 2017 that is expected to boost the groups retail revenue.

Furthermore, Chinas Ambassador expects tourist arrivals from China to reach three million this year. This comes as the standoff between China and South Korea has led to the Chinese government to prevent its citizens from going the East Asian nation. Instead, the Chinese government has encouraged its citizens to visit Thailand, Philippines and Malaysia.

Analysts from Maybank Kim Eng Research gave Malaysia Airports a Buy call with a target price of MYR 7.52.

AirAsia Berhad

AIRASIA

Source: AirAsia, Bloomberg

Story continues

The main highlight of Malaysia Aviation sector will definitely be AirAsia Berhad (KLSE: AIRASIA). Looking in the Singapore market, there is no longer any budget airlines listed there since the privatisation of Tiger Airways by Singapore Airlines.

In addition, AirAsia has competitive advantages against its peers in Asia as they are the first low-cost carrier in Asia to be able to fly directly into the US. AirAsia also controls a large market share being the largest low-cost carrier and fourth largest airline in Asia.

2017 will look to be a year of continuous growth for AirAsia as demand remains robust and supported by strong profit margin. They are one of the rare airlines that are not afraid of fare wars against other airlines given its cost advantage.

It is looking to push for a higher utilisation rate of its air crafts, renegotiating airport charges, optimising fuel consumption and increase in digitisation to further improve margins.

AirAsia will look to recycle its capital as it is selling its aircraft leasing arm for US$1 billion and planning for IPO of its Indonesian and Philippines associates. The sale of its aircraft leasing unit is likely to bring strong divestment gains against its book value given the favourable currency translation.

Analysts from Maybank Kim Eng Research gave AirAsia a Buy call with a target price of MYR 3.22.

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US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson met Turkish leaders Thursday for talks clouded by differences over Syria, a day after Ankara announced the end of its military offensive there. Tillerson, the most senior US official to visit Turkey since President Donald Trump took office in January, is seeking to turn around recently rocky relations between the NATO allies. He met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for over two hours, after talks with Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. The trip comes after Turkey announced "Euphrates Shield", its operation in northern Syria, had ended but did not say if troops had been withdrawn from the war-torn country. Ties between Ankara and Washington were strained during Barack Obama's administration, particularly over US cooperation with Syrian Kurdish militia fighting against the Islamic State group. Ankara views the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) as a "terror group" linked to Kurdish separatists waging an insurgency inside Turkey since 1984, but Washington regards them as the best force fighting IS. Turkey has suggested it wants to join any operation to capture the IS bastion of Raqa but without involvement of Kurdish militia. Speaking to NTV television on the eve of Tillerson's visit, Yildirim said the US had not yet informed Turkey if Ankara would take part in a planned Raqa campaign. "The developments give an impression that the (Trump administration) is following the path of the past administration," he said, referring to the same tensions of the Obama years over the Syrian Kurdish militia role. "This issue will be told to the US Secretary of State without any buts and the United States will be asked to clarify its position." Tillerson and Yildirim "discussed working to enhance our critical security and economic ties in the region," a State Department official said after the meeting. In a statement, Yildirim's office said the ministers discussed Syria, now in the seventh year of a war, and spoke about efforts to clear IS from Syria and Iraq. Presidential sources said Erdogan told Tillerson that it was important for the fight against terror to be conducted with "right and legitimate actors". Sinan Ulgen, chairman of the Center for Economics and Foreign Policy and visiting scholar at Carnegie Europe, suggested Turkey declared its Syria operation was over before Tillerson's visit to stave off claims the decision was made under US pressure. "Turkish troops are not leaving. But it also means that the Turkish military will not, in all likelihood, take part in further operations other than defending the current territory of Euphrates Shield," he told AFP, of the Turkish announcement. "It also means that Turkey will not take part in the Raqa operation" which he said was slated to take place with Kurdish militia. - Arrest of bank executive - There were also tensions with Obama over Ankara's calls for the extradition of US-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen, a matter that remains unresolved. The premier's office also said Yildirim and Tillerson discussed the next steps that should be taken for Gulen's return to Turkey. Turkey accuses the Muslim cleric living in self-exile of ordering last year's failed coup against Erdogan. Gulen denies the charges but Ankara has repeatedly called for his extradition from the United States. Turkish officials hope relations will improve under Trump but there has not been any public indication of a change in policy so far. The US detention of a senior Turkish state bank executive also added to tensions Wednesday. Halkbank's Mehmet Hakan Atilla is accused of helping to process millions of dollars of illegal transactions through US banks for Iran's government and other Iranian institutions. Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said Atilla's arrest in the US was "completely a political operation," in an interview with A Haber television.
AFP News

The UN's COP27 climate summit kicked off Sunday in Egypt with warnings against backsliding on efforts to cut emissions and calls for rich nations to compensate poor countries after a year of extreme weather disasters. An alarming UN report said the past eight years are on track to be the eight warmest on record, with an acceleration in sea level rise, glacier melt, heatwaves and other climate indicators. "As COP27 gets underway, our planet is sending a distress signal," UN chief Antonio Guterres said in a statement, calling the report a "chronicle of climate chaos". Just in the past few months, floods devastated Pakistan and Nigeria, droughts worsened in Africa and the United States, cyclones whipped the Caribbean, and unprecedented heatwaves seared three continents. The conference in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh also comes against the backdrop of Russia's war on Ukraine, an energy crunch, soaring inflation and the lingering effects from the Covid-19 pandemic. But Simon Stiell, the UN's climate change executive secretary, said he would not be a "custodian of backsliding" on the goal of slashing greenhouse emissions 45 percent by 2030 to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius above late 19th-century levels. "We will be holding people to account, be they presidents, prime ministers, CEOs," Stiell said as the 13-day summit opened. "The heart of implementation is everybody everywhere in the world every single day doing everything they possibly can to address the climate crisis," he said, noting that only 29 of 194 nations have presented improved plans as called for at COP26 in Glasgow last year. Current trends would see carbon pollution increase 10 percent by the end of the decade and the Earth's surface heat up 2.8C, according to findings unveiled last week. Promises made under the 2015 Paris Agreement would, if kept, only shave off a few tenths of a degree. Britain's Alok Sharma, who handed the COP presidency to Egypt, said that while world leaders have faced "competing priorities" this year, "inaction is myopic and can only defer climate catastrophe." "How many more wake-up calls does the world -- and world leaders -- actually need?" he said. - 'Loss and damage' - The COP27 summit will focus like never before on money -- a major sticking point that has soured relations between countries that got rich burning fossil fuels and the poorer ones suffering from the worst consequences of climate change. The United States and the European Union -- fearful of creating an open-ended reparations framework -- have dragged their feet and challenged the need for a separate funding stream. After two days of intense pre-summit negotiations, delegates agreed on Sunday to put the "loss and damage" issue on the COP27 agenda, a first step towards what are sure to be difficult discussions. Stiell said inclusion of loss and damage on the agenda after three decades of debate on the issue showed progress. "The fact that it is there as a substantive agenda item I believe bodes well," he told reporters. COP27 president Sameh Shoukry of Egypt said it would be unproductive to speculate on what outcome the negotiations will lead to, "but certainly everybody is hopeful." "Anything that we do effectively has to be on the basis of our common efforts and that we leave no one behind," he said. Shoukry also noted that rich nations have not fulfilled a separate pledge to deliver $100 billion per year to help developing countries green their economies and build resilience against future climate change. He lamented that most climate financing is based on loans. "We do not have the luxury to continue this way. We have to change our approaches to this existential threat," he said. - US-China tensions - After the first day of talks, some 110 world leaders will join the summit on Monday and Tuesday. The most conspicuous no-show will be China's Xi Jinping, whose leadership was renewed last month at a Communist Party Congress. US President Joe Biden has said he will come, but only after legislative elections on Tuesday that could see either or both houses of Congress fall into the hands of Republicans hostile to international action on climate change. Cooperation between the United States and China -- the world's two largest economies and carbon polluters -- has been crucial to rare breakthroughs in the nearly 30-year saga of UN climate talks, including the 2015 Paris Agreement. But Sino-US relations have sunk to a 40-year low after a visit to Taiwan by House leader Nancy Pelosi and a US ban on the sale of high-level chip technology to China, leaving the outcome of COP27 in doubt. A meeting between Xi and Biden at the G20 summit in Bali days before the UN climate meeting ends, if it happens, could be decisive. One bright spot at COP27 will be the arrival of Brazilian president-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, whose campaign vowed to protect the Amazon and reverse the extractive policies of outgoing President Jair Bolsonaro. bur-lth/mh/lg
AFP News

The UN's COP27 climate summit kicked off Sunday in Egypt with warnings against backsliding on efforts to cut emissions and calls for rich nations to compensate poor countries after a year of extreme weather disasters. Just in the past few months, climate-induced catastrophes have killed thousands, displaced millions and cost billions in damages across the world. Massive floods devastated swaths of Pakistan and Nigeria, droughts worsened in Africa and the western United States, cyclones whipped the Caribbean, and unprecedented heatwaves seared three continents. The conference in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh comes in a fraught year marked by Russia's war on Ukraine, an energy crunch, soaring inflation and the lingering effects from the Covid pandemic. But Simon Stiell, the UN's climate change executive secretary, said he would not be a "custodian of backsliding" on the goal of slashing greenhouse emissions 45 percent by 2030 to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius above late-19th-century levels. "We will be holding people to account, be they presidents, prime ministers, CEOs," Stiell said as the 13-day summit opened. "The heart of implementation is everybody everywhere in the world every single day doing everything they possibly can to address the climate crisis," he said. Current trends would see carbon pollution increase 10 percent by the end of the decade and Earth's surface heat up 2.8C, according to findings unveiled last week. Promises made under the 2015 Paris Agreement would, if kept, only shave off a few tenths of a degree. "Whilst I do understand that leaders around the world have faced competing priorities this year, we must be clear: as challenging as our current moment is, inaction is myopic and can only defer climate catastrophe," said Alok Sharma, British president of the previous COP26 as he handed over the chairmanship to Egypt. "How many more wake-up calls does the world -- and world leaders -- actually need?", he said. In a dire warning, the UN's World Meteorological Organization said the past eight years are on track to be the eight warmest on record, with an acceleration in sea level rise, glacier melt and heatwaves. "As COP27 gets underway, our planet is sending a distress signal," UN chief Antonio Guterres said in a statement. - 'Loss and damage' - The COP27 summit will focus like never before on money -- a major sticking point that has soured relations between countries that got rich burning fossil fuels and the poorer ones suffering from the worst consequences of climate change. The United States and the European Union -- fearful of creating an open-ended reparations framework -- have dragged their feet and challenged the need for a separate funding stream. Delegates agreed on Sunday to put the "loss and damage" issue on the COP27 agenda, a first step toward what are sure to be fraught discussions. Inclusion of the agenda item "reflects a sense of solidarity and empathy for the suffering of the victims of climate induced disasters," said COP27 president Sameh Shoukry of Egypt. "We all owe a debt of gratitude to activists and civil society organisations who have persistently demanded the space to discuss funding for loss and damage," he said to applause. Shoukry also noted that rich nations have not fulfilled a separate pledge to deliver $100 billion per year to help developing countries green their economies and build resilience against future climate change. He also lamented that most climate financing is based on loans. "We do not have the luxury to continue this way. We have to change our approaches to this existential threat," he said, calling for solutions that "prove we are serious about not leaving anyone behind". - US-China tensions - After the first day of talks, more than 120 world leaders will join the summit on Monday and Tuesday. The most conspicuous no-show will be China's Xi Jinping, whose leadership was renewed last month at a Communist Party Congress. US President Joe Biden has said he will come, but only after legislative elections on Tuesday that could see either or both houses of Congress fall into the hands of Republicans hostile to international action on climate change. Cooperation between the United States and China -- the world's two largest economies and carbon polluters -- has been crucial to rare breakthroughs in the nearly 30-year saga of UN climate talks, including the 2015 Paris Agreement. But Sino-US relations have sunk to a 40-year low after a visit to Taiwan by House leader Nancy Pelosi and a US ban on the sale of high-level chip technology to China, leaving the outcome of COP27 in doubt. A meeting between Xi and Biden at the G20 summit in Bali days before the UN climate meeting ends, if it happens, could be decisive. One bright spot at COP27 will be the arrival of Brazilian president-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, whose campaign vowed to protect the Amazon and reverse the extractive policies of outgoing President Jair Bolsonaro. bur-lth/fz
The stakes are high in Montepuez where the discovery of rubies has led to violence among miners that has turned the northern town into what some describe as Mozambique's own version of the Wild West. Discovery of the red gemstone in 2009 sparked a "ruby rush", with thousands of miners arriving to seek their fortune, but often finding only grim conditions, conflict and danger. "We have a lot of foreigners who come from a lot of countries to look for rubies," Tania Mabota, chief medical officer of Montepuez Hospital, told AFP. "There's conflict for territory because it's a means of subsistence for the artisanal miners," she added. "One stone is enough for a person to be attacked." The rubies attract informal -- also referred to as artisanal -- miners from Mozambique, Tanzania, Nigeria and other nations, whose work is illegal, unlike legitimate companies. A cohort of gem traffickers has also arrived to trade in the stones. Treating a dozen cases of injuries a month and the occasional death, the hospital finds itself on the front line of a turf war between gangs of illegal miners. "Miners are killing one another for the gems," said Montepuez district administrator Etelvina Fevereiro. "We have organised crime, armed attacks and trafficking of all kinds of drugs from cocaine to hashish," Fevereiro said. Police in February rounded up 3,672 illegal miners, more than two-thirds of them clandestine migrants. "The operation is very important because of the levels of disorder and anarchy," said journalist and commentator Fernando Lima. "The situation there is just like in a Wild West movie." The rush that has engulfed the remote region, 1,650 kilometres (1,000 miles) north of the capital, started six years ago. - Discovery of the century - Rubies were discovered when a local woodcutter picked up a stone, which was passed on for expert analysis. "Mozambique didn't realise it was sitting on such an amazing resource," said Pia Tonna, marketing and sales director with British firm Gemfields, the biggest of several mining companies operating in the area. Producing nearly 40 percent of rubies sold on the world market last year, Mozambique has become one of the world's leading sources. The African ruby is now seen as an alternative to the highly prized Myanmar ruby. Gemfields says it is proud to be supplying rubies mined "responsibly" and "ethically" and to share its profits with locals. "Bringing those rubies to the market on an international platform, realising the true value of that product, is only going to help the country," said Tonna. "It's going to help the country as a whole, that means you get more schools, more infrastructure." But some locals say they have enjoyed no benefits, believing instead that they were robbed of their livelihoods and claim they were violently removed from mining territory allocated to large operators. Celestino dos Santos Jesus, a farmer, alleges that police killed his son three years ago when he was found digging for rubies in an area intended for official mining. "He was 25 years old, he went to look for rubies," he told AFP. "He was killed by the (police) rapid intervention force." He added he had been too afraid to report the death to authorities. Contacted by AFP, the local prosecutor did not respond. Between 2014 and 2015, the local prosecution service opened investigations into at least 10 cases of alleged killings or violence, according to Mozambican media. One policeman was convicted of involuntary homicide, Gemfields said. - 'Zero tolerance' - Montepuez Ruby Mining (MRM), the subsidiary of Gemfields, says that whenever illegal miners stray on to its concession, the police are called. "They take hold of those guys and that is a process actually in law," said Gopal Kumar, the mine's general manager. "MRM absolutely never, never indulges in violence activities. We have zero tolerance policy towards violence." An agreement signed with the police includes provision "to treat artisanal miners with dignity and respect," Gemfields said, adding that the firm understood the authorities had given illegal miners advance notice of the last crackdown. Other accusations of police brutality have recently surfaced. One illegal miner, Zito Armando, told AFP: "They take people in cars and leave them far away, in the middle of the road, 100 kilometres away." Police dismiss the accusations, saying illegal immigrants are deported, while Mozambicans are sent back to their native provinces. "If there were violations, they would have been brought to the attention of the prosecutor. But we did not see that," said police spokeswoman Malva Brito. For the district administration, police action is a necessary move against illegal mining. "Unlicensed mining is illegal everywhere in the world," Fevereiro said. "We are bringing back order."
Sir Tim Barrow hands the letter triggering Article 50 to Donald Tusk

Theresa May has been accused of trying to shamefully blackmail the EU just hours after formally triggering the process of Brexit.

The accusations came as Angela Merkel also dealt an early blow to the PMs Brexit plans in the opening salvos of what is set to be two years of bitter negotiations.

Soon after Article 50 was triggered, thereby starting the clock on the UKs divorce from the EU, the German Chancellor dismissed the possibility of trade talks taking place at the same time as negotiations for the withdrawal  something Mrs May has consistently requested as being key to Britain securing the best deal possible.

In the letter formally triggering Article 50, which was received by European Council President Donald Tusk today, Mrs May made clear her desire that the two issues should be discussed at the same time.

The letter reads: The United Kingdom wants to agree with the European Union a deep and special partnership that takes in both economic and security cooperation. To achieve this, we believe it is necessary to agree the terms of our future partnership alongside those of our withdrawal from the EU.

It continues: If, however, we leave the European Union without an agreement the default position is that we would have to trade on World Trade Organisation terms. In security terms a failure to reach agreement would mean our cooperation in the fight against crime and terrorism would be weakened. In this kind of scenario, both the United Kingdom and the European Union would of course cope with the change, but it is not the outcome that either side should seek. We must therefore work hard to avoid that outcome.

In response, Ms Merkel made it clear that the terms of any divorce between the UK and EU must be finalised before any discussions can take place on trade.

She said on Wednesday afternoon: The negotiations must first clarify how we will disentangle our interlinked relationship. Only when this question is dealt with, can we begin talking about our future relationship.

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Mrs Mays letter to Mr Tusk also drew an angry response from some quarters of the EU, who interpreted it as a threat to the security of the continent. One source told the Guardian it was nothing short of an attempt at blackmail.

Tim Farron, the Lib Dem leader, branded it shameful:

It is shameful that Theresa May has threatened to withdraw security co-operation from our closest neighbours and allies. With growing terrorist threats from around the world, it is imperative that we work together with European allies for our mutual security. She is prepared to put the safety of British and European citizens on the line just so she can deliver her hard Brexit.

Security is too important to be used as a bargaining chip and this will backfire in any negotiations.

As the historic letter was delivered to Brussels, Europe started saying its goodbyes.

Mr Tusk told a press conference: Theres no reason to pretend this is a happy day  neither in Brussels or London.

European Council president Donald Tusk said he would miss the UK (Rex)

There is nothing to win in this process and I am talking about both sides. In essence, this is about damage control.

And in a personal message to the UK, Mr Tusk added: We already miss you. Thank you and goodbye.

MORE: Brexit day: This is what Theresa Mays letter Article 50 letter to Donald Tusk said

MORE: EU warns it could veto Brexit deal

Theresa May signed the Article 50 letter last night (Getty)

The UK and the EU now have two years to negotiate a Brexit settlement.

At PMQs, Jeremy Corbyn warned that the PMs plans for Brexit were reckless and damaging.

The Labour leader said Mrs May and her Government must listen, consult and represent the whole country as the UK negotiates its departure from the European Union over the next two years.

Mr Corbyn also said his party would not give the Prime Minister a free hand to use Brexit to attack rights and cut services.

He warned Mrs May that returning from Brussels at the end of the two-year period without a deal would have dire consequences for the UK.

The Prime Minister told Parliament that Article 50 had been triggered (PA)

Elsewhere, the head of the European Parliaments biggest political bloc said Britains decision to leave the EU is a mistake that will damage the UK as well as the 27 remaining members.

European Peoples Party chairman Manfred Weber said history will show that Brexit is a tremendous mistake. It will create a lot of damage for both sides.

But he said the parliament will respect the choice of British voters to leave and that the negotiations should follow two steps: first we need to agree on the divorce settlement, then we will talk about the new relationship.

Theresa May was also warned that denying Scots a vote between Brexit and independence will make the break-up of the UK inevitable, despite her claims leaving the European Union will make Britain more united.

SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson told the Prime Minister of the impact it could have if Scots are denied such a vote.

Speaking in the Commons, he said: The Prime Minister says that she thinks Brexit will bring unity to the United Kingdom, it will not. On this issue it is not a United Kingdom and the Prime Minister needs to respect the differences across the nations of the United Kingdom.

If she does not, if she remains intransigent, and if she denies Scotland a choice on our future, she will make Scottish independence inevitable.

Top pic: Twitter
As more young ladies in Singapore take on model-DJ careers, many of them end up succumbing to the pressures of showing more skin in order to remain competitive in the local clubbing scene.

In recent years, Singapores largest DJ agency Altra Management has seen a significant increase in the number of ladies joining the industry. In an email reply to Yahoo Lifestyle Singapore, a spokesperson said that they now represent around 60 local DJs, with a majority of them being women.

While the management acknowledges the pressure of these DJs to show more skin due to the tough competition, Altra, which was established in 2014, insists that they do not dictate what their DJs wear.

We do not control the way anyone dresses. Fashion is a form of self-expression and we support it, said the spokesperson. Their DJs have manned the decks of popular local nightclubs such as Baliza and Canvas.

Debi Chloe, 24, is one local DJ who struggles with the competition.

Speaking to Yahoo Lifestyle Singapore, Chloe, who manages herself, said, Theres so much competition and everyone dresses like that. If you dont dress the same way, show the same amount of skin, do you think youll be chosen to play at a club?

While some clubs will go with whichever girl [who] can draw the biggest crowd, ultimately, its quite hard to base your selling point solely on your music alone unless youre already well established. You still have to dress up, you still have to market yourself as a sexy DJ if you want to remain competitive, she said.

Model DJs like Debi might sometimes face pressure to dress provocatively in order to remain competitive. (Photo: Debi Chloe)

While appearances are important, Chloe said that doesnt mean model-DJs dont have to learn to play well.

You definitely need the bare minimum of appearance. I think thats a given in the model-DJ industry, but you need to be able to play well in order to get the crowd to react being a female DJ isnt just about boobs, said Chloe.

Altra DJ Sakura Soh, 20, agrees with Chloe that being a model-DJ is more than just looks.

[While] there are so many female DJs in the industry, and [that] most of them are very good looking, its not enough to just look good. You have to really prove yourself, she said.

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At the end of the day, whether you get gigs or not also depends on your music and the experience you have, Soh added.

The model DJ industry has grown rapidly in recent years, with many local dance clubs and flower joints boasting of female guest or resident DJs. (Photo: Sakura Soh)

Besides Chloe and Soh, some of Singapores hottest DJs include DJ Jade Rasif, 23, and DJ Reiko, 23.

Rasif has been one of the most in demand DJs since hitting the decks in 2015, easily racking up at least five shows a month both locally and overseas. Rasif is paid an average of $1,000 for a one-hour set in Singapore.

When asked about her thoughts on looking sexy for the industry, Rasif seemed blase about it.

Youre at a club to get drunk and have fun, if the female DJ is dressed in a certain way then let her dress in that way  it doesnt matter, said the NUS student.

I think my music is good, if they dont like my music just because of the way I dress, then thats their problem, she added.

DJ Jade Rasif said she will reject a client if they ask her to dress a certain way. (Photo: Jade Rasif)

Not fake DJs

Unfortunately, the pressure to show skin is only half of the battle these model-DJs face.

They also have to confront the common generalisation that model-DJs have no skill and talent, and that they are only meant to charm clubbers with their provocative looks.

Basically, many see them as fake DJs.

A lot of female DJs work really hard and its really horrible for people to make generalisation just because you show some skin or have big boobs doesnt mean that you dont have any talent, said Rasif, a former Altra DJ.

I put in a lot of effort into my music, if people dont like it just because of the way that I dress then what can I do? she said.

If you dont like my music, dont come.

Soh said it was quite common to get messages from haters saying that she was a fake DJ, or that she played a pre-recorded mix tape.

You cant please everyone  at the end of the day, I know Ive put in enough effort for my music, she said.

Chloe, who has been a DJ for two years and is known for spinning six nights a week at nightclub Luxi, said, Some people think were just there to look good, but they dont know that we spend a lot of time [on honing their DJing skills] Its not a one day thing, you just have to keep practising like any other musical instrument.

Its a common stereotype that even Altra has noted and realised how people tend to persist that these model-DJs are coasting on looks.

With that said, the agency sticks to their stand that these DJs do have the skills and talent, as well as passion and personalities for good showmanship.

We look for passion over talent. We believe the skills can be taught if there is interest and passion for music and being a DJ. On the business side, we are also looking for personalities that can be the anchor and energy of an event. We understand that a DJ is not simply a person who plays tracks but the maestro of the party, said Altras spokesperson.

Related stories:

Supermodel deejays in Singapore (Pt 1): Theyre sexy and they know it

Will female DJs ever be taken seriously?

Follow Yahoo Lifestyle Singapore on Facebook.
During the filming for this video then two of Leeds most iconic street spots, the Pig and Whistle Banks and the Man Bank, were both demolished  alongside both Needleside and now the Dustbowl. Did you find yourself travelling further into the outskirts as traditional Leeds spots went under the hammer?

Fortunately it wasnt until quite recently that the Man Bank was taken away from us, so we had quite a bit of footage at that spot. There isnt one clip in the video at Pig and Whistle or Needleside, which is disappointing, but we managed to get a few things at the Dustbowl before it was needlessly and brutally destroyed. Im really gutted for all of the boys who put so much time and effort into that DIY spot, but as Blinky says, there will always be another one.

Im sure its the same deal for everyone else out there. If you skate the same place with the same people every day then you can get relatively bored of the spots. It doesnt seem fresh to you anymore, so its natural to venture outside of the city centre. Unless there is a specific trick that somebody wants to film in the city, then its nice just to get away from it for a while. Its easy to hop into the car and drive 10-15 minutes, and although spots can be scarce, you can find some pretty good ones if youre lucky.

Outside of Leeds itself, and beyond the RWTBarcelona trip, did you make many trips to other cities and towns?

We didnt want to use any of the footage from the RWTBarcelona trip in the video as it would have looked out of place, so 95% of the video was filmed in Yorkshire. Obviously most of it around Leeds, but there is also plenty of footage from surrounding towns and cities like Barnsley, Wakefield, Harrogate, Huddersfield, Sheffield and more. We also did a couple of trips down to Bristol to see Mike and the Fifty Fifty boys. I really love going down there. If I was to move away from Leeds, Id go to Bristol for sure. We definitely wanted to keep the video as relevant to our scene as possible though, hence why the majority of it is filmed within an hours drive of Leeds.

Everyone in the video smashed it, but it seems like the most where did that come from? topic of discussion came courtesy of George Smith. For those yet to find out, when did you first meet the pop machine and how has it been seeing him throw down some of the stuff he did for the video? It must have been tough keeping some of it under wraps

George really is one of the nicest people I have ever met. I probably met him at Hyde Park a few years ago. I think he had just gotten back into skating again after a bit of a hiatus. He was kind of pretty quiet, but his skateboarding was pretty loud thats for sure. Hes a builder by trade and I think the hours he spends on sites at work definitely helps his skateboarding. Hes the hardest guy I know and I dont ever remember seeing him stay down after taking a bail. He is also a guy who knows his strengths and also takes on advice really well. Often Ill suggest he tries a trick and within a few tries hes done it. Hes so unbelievably calm when hes skating and I have never seen him celebrate a make. On that rare occasion that he isnt committing to something though, the offer of a few cans of Stella will do the trick.

It wasnt particularly difficult to keep his footage under wraps to be honest because hes so modest. If he had done something particularly fucked up, he wouldnt mention it to anyone and is way more hyped to hear if anyone else had got a clip.

The silent assassin George Smith 5050 transfers at the infamous Lloyds spot in Leeds  photo Reece Leung

Carrying on with keeping footage under wraps, how has Instagram helped or hindered you in the video making process? Did any tricks you would have rather saved get Insta-blown out, and whats your take on this happening?

I dont think Instagram hindered the video making process at all. We arent those guys that keep tricks a secret, but at the same the boys arent filming shit on their phones ready to post on Insta the day after the premiere. I also dont show the footage to anyone until the video is out. I might let the rider see it once or twice when they make it, but then I dont really watch it myself until I get to the editing process. I log it, back it up and then just hide it away until I need it.

As a tool though, I really do like Instagram. Im on it lurking every day of course. We didnt bother making a proper video teaser, instead we made three short Insta teasers. Is there a better tool than Instagram to advertise your skateboarding these days?

Yorkshire has produced countless hours of skateboarding footage over the years  do you have a top three favourite White Rose-centric scene or shop videos?

My favourite is definitely Snyde Park and The Curse of Brudenell Road by Alex Appleby. Its got such a great scene vibe about it and its definitely the video I watch the most. I love the soundtrack, all the dudes in it are my friends and it just has such a great feel about it. Its the video Ill put on when I get home a bit drunk from a night of beers. Blinkys part is so sick!

Obviously Baghead Flats is right up there. You and Ben did such a great job on that video. Nine years or so after it came out, its so good that you could easily release it today and everyone would be stoked on it. Everyone in the UK rinsed that Mike Wright part and rightly so, but I always loved Lynners skating. Thats the section Id have on repeat. The line at Playhouse at the start with the nollie frontside 180 down the ten will always be one of the best things done there. I also loved that he could straight nollie massive shit as well.

A third one would be Reprobates by Sore Skateboards. Vince put a lot of time, love and effort into that video and it definitely showed. There are some really great parts in it and it was such a strong local video. Brennas part stands out so much to me. The song, the editing, effortless style and varial flipsso good! Vince premiered it at Hyde Park Picture House, then we had a session at Hyde and made our way down into town and got really drunk. I remember Grove being on top form that night!

Obviously there are many more, but Id say these are the three Yorkshire vids that I get most hyped on watching.

The mighty bat man Foz grinds up a skip, as you do  photo Reece Leung

So this was your first major video production I guess, in so far as you had a seated cinema premiere, people had travelled from all over the country to be there and it was hyped on a national scale. In the weeks leading up to the premiere, did you feel under any pressure at all? Any comedy meltdowns to report or were you fairly relaxed? Also, on a scale of 1 to shitting it, how nervous were you at the cinema? Haha.

I was actually pretty cool about it all in the weeks leading up to it. I knew that I was going away with my family and girlfriend at the beginning of March, so I always planned to have it completed way in advance of the premiere. Tom, Sam and I watched it a few times and after each viewing I made some changes until we were completely happy with the final version. The morning of the premiere I was actually pretty chilled. I didnt really need to think about it as everything was already arranged with the guys at Hyde Park Picture House. It wasnt until about an hour before the video started that I started bricking it a bit. The idea that we had sold out a cinema just for our little skate video was kind of ridiculous. All I wanted was for my friends to like it and be stoked on their own parts. If any of those guys hated it, then I would have been gutted for them. As it turns out, after the video everyone had some really nice things to say and people seemed to be stoked on it. Darren Pearcy said that it felt like a bunch of friends having fun together. That was good to hear.

Out of everyone that you worked with, who surprised you the most? Was there any one person who shocked you more than the rest throughout filming?

Id say that Dale really surprised at times due to his level of his commitment. The one trick that got away was the wallie blunt flip fakie at the Waitrose bank in Sheffield. He spent hours and hours trying that trick and landed on it so many times. At least three of the sessions finished with him not being able to walk properly, never mind push on his board. He knew he could do it and wanted to land it so badly that he refused to stop until his body gave up. People have this misconception of Dale and believe he just wants to be the guy that makes it. Hes not like that at all. Yes, he does a bit of shouting and has the odd scream now and again, but he doesnt take himself too seriously and is always having fun. He takes a hell of a lot of shit from us on a daily basis, but he handles it all so well.

Dale Starkie gets a green tail (best see a doctor, mate)  photo Reece Leung

Kind of on the flipside, is there anyone on the team or tied to the shop that you wish you could have filmed with more, or had a larger part in the video?

Oh man, the answer to that question is always Will Sheerin. He is my favourite skateboarder. I have known him since he was about 12 and Ive still not managed to get a full part out of him. We will do it one day I swear. Baines and the Fabric dudes need clips. You hear that Shez?!

Will Sheerin sits between a lamp post and a house as he nails a kicker to road tre flip  photo Reece Leung

The music in the video may surprise some people as it is, for the most part, light-hearted and doesnt take itself too seriously, whilst not detracting from the skating in the slightest. Whose idea was it to take a less po-faced approach to the music?

I chose the majority of the music myself, however Sam helped out with a couple of the tunes as well. There is a lot of 80s music in it, but thats just because I love it and think it goes well with skateboarding. I think it would have been difficult for the riders to pick their own songs and often when that happens, the video doesnt flow as well as it could. The flow of the video is really important and although I dont particularly think I nailed it all that well, Id like to think people will watch it as a whole and not skip to particular sections. Whenever I came across a song that I liked, I would just add it to an iTunes playlist. Then when it came to editing, I tried to pick a song that I thought would work the best for each person. Dale was the only guy that I had a set song for months before. I just couldnt imagine him skating to anything else.

How much freedom did you have with Paul? Did Tom Brown and Sam Barratt have much of a hand in terms of the look, feel, running order etc, or was the project mainly left in your hands?

I had complete freedom to do what I wanted. Sam and Tom helped with the camera costs and petrol money if I ever asked for it, but apart from that I feel like they trusted me to do whatever I thought was best. Towards the end of the process, they became more involved and I obviously wanted their feedback, good or bad. Welcome is theirs, so I would have changed anything they wanted to, but they were quite happy to leave me to my own devices. Both of them were a huge help in planning the advertisements, the DVD release and the premiere. They put a lot of time, money and energy into hyping it up and making sure everything went well on the night. I couldnt have done something by myself and Im grateful to be involved in something as dope as Welcome Skate Store.

So Paul is filmed entirely in HD whereas your other shop edits such as RWTBarcelona have been filmed VX. What are your perceived pros and cons of each format, and which one would you claim you prefer?

Well it is all filmed in the 16:9 format, but its not completely HD. Ten years ago when I first bought a camera and knew nothing about filming, I ended up getting a Sony FX7. It films in 16:9, but records onto tape. Its a strange one and Ive had loads of issues with it. Broken tape deck, shutter speed, focus, eyepiece, not to mention the numerous issues Ive had with bits of random dirt inside the fisheye lens. The screws on the fisheye are so worn down now and that you cant take it apart anymore. When it was working perfectly, I really enjoyed using it, but I think it has had its day now and should probably be retired.

Personally I think skateboarding looks best on the VX. It looks so natural with a MK1 lens and to me, nothing can beat it. I love filming with that camera and everything about the way it looks. The 4:3 format is ideal for skateboarding as you have the subject directly in the middle of the shot, and there isnt too much on either side that can steal away your attention. The HD 4:3 version is pretty cool, but its just not the same. I know that its not meant to be the same, but if I was given the choice Id always go with the VX. However, my missus has just bought be a GH4, so Ill probably be eating my words in about six months time.

Dean Greensmith backside tailslide into the stalwart pit of despair  photo Reece Leung

Give us a comedy anecdote that took place throughout the filming of Paul that the average person reading this wouldnt know. What one funny/sketchy/surreal experience instantly springs to mind when thinking back to the years spent filming?

We were once at that church in Sheffield where David Stenstrom does the front rock during the Polar UK tour a couple of years ago. Dale blunt fakied the same thing a couple of times and then we decided to pack up and head back to Leeds. Everyone chucked their stuff into boot, piled into the car and we pulled out into the main road. It was rush hour on a Friday so I was immediately regretting the drive. Just as we pulled out, we all heard some faint banging from the back of the car and when I checked my mirror I realised that some fool had left the boot wide open. There were boards, shoes, jackets and a bag or two all over the main road. Dale and Reece flew out of the passenger seats in a panic, but managed retrieved everything pretty rapidly. Understandably Reece was shitting it because of his camera bag, but thankfully that had kept its safe place in the boot. Since that day when George Worthington left the boot wide open, our crew havent learned a thing and there have been many more occasions like it. It happens all too often and we really need to kick this habit, lads.

What is your own personal favourite piece of footage in the video? Is there any line or single trick that you are particularly fond of?

I think there are a couple

First up is the clip of Dale at the Casino rail spot that Lintell shut down a few years back. Chunky Wee Man Fat Bastard Boo Boo claimed he was going to ollie the rail, then backside flip the stairs and I honestly think I said to him You wont be able to do that. I didnt think he had the fast feet for that sort of shit. Sure enough, he made it within a few tries and I love the way he rolls away from that backside flip. I was really hyped on that!

The other is Mikes hippie jump kickflip at Leeds Art Gallery. Anyone that knows Marnold is fully aware that he isnt one for hucking himself down a big set of stairs. However, there was one week when he jumped down the nine stair quite a few times (see the nollie heel in credits). The hippie jump is pretty massive and after landing that and without adjusting his feet, as Tom Brown drunkenly claimed the other night, he then did not just a kickflip, the greatest kickflip ever done down the set.

So the standard post-video question to put to a filmer  are you planning on having a rest from filming now, or is it straight onto the next project?

Skate flat at Subvert every day after work? Actually, as much as Id love to do that, Ive already started a couple of new VX projects. Im working on an online clip with the dudes from Etnies featuring the UK riders. I skate with Dale all the time as it is and it means I get to hang out with Ben Rowles a whole lot more. The other is just a local edit featuring everyone in our Whatsapp chat group, the LSC. Then I think I might do another Welcome related shop promo in HD. Maybe just a couple of clips from each time rider. Something like that.
New podcast Evidence Squared by John Cook & Peter Jacobs

Posted on 29 March 2017 by John Cook

Since arriving in the US two months ago, I've been developing a podcast with Peter Jacobs, a PhD student studying paleoclimate at George Mason University. While there are a number of podcasts about climate change, there were no podcasts about the science of science communication, how to talk about climate change. Today, we've launched our podcast, Evidence Squared.

You can check us out on iTunes and listen to our first four episodes (more on those in a moment). Be sure to subscribe and rate us!

The first four episodes give you an idea of the type of podcast we've put together. Episode 1, Stephan Lewandowsky and Origins, explains how the podcast's origins - how years ago, I received an email from Stephan Lewandowsky introducing me to the psychology of misinformation - a fateful moment that set me on the path that now has me living a stone's throw away from Washington DC. Peter also explains how a social science class at George Mason University sparked his interest in science communication. We include an interview with Stephan Lewandowsky that I conducted last December in California.

Episode 2: Scott Pruitt and science denial was recorded a week and a half ago - fresh after the Pruitt CNBC interview that exploded all over the internet. This was a topic we were keen to discuss in detail for two reasons. First, it cut to the heart of what people mean when they talk about the 97% scientific consensus on climate change. Second, it brought up the issue of denial - what are the characteristics that help you recognize science denial?

Episode 3: Tony Leiserowitz and consensus messaging explored a topic close to my heart. No, not my lungs, but the how and why of communicating the level of scientific agreement among climate experts that humans are causing global warming. For several decades, a persistent misinformation campaign has cast doubt on the scientific consensus on climate change. A number of psychological studies have underscored the importance of communicating the overwhelming consensus among climate scientists. But a few academics, while accepting that there is a consensus, are not big fans of communicating the consensus. This episode includes my interview with communication expert Tony Leiserowitz (at COP21 in Paris), where I threw the most common objections about consensus messaging at Tony and he answered them with eloquent concision.

Episode 4: Previewing the climate science denial hearing was published this morning, an hour before Lamar Smith's hearing (aka inquisition) on climate science. While Peter repeatedly stressed that we weren't in the prediction game, we were attempting to anticipate what type of misinformation we might see in the hearing (frankly, we nailed it). Next week, we will pick out the highlights (including Mike Mann's Princess Bride reference) from the hearing and discuss them in detail.

So if you're into podcasts, please subscribe to us on iTunes and rate us. You can also check out our website evidencesquared.com, where we'll be posting the show notes for each episode (so far, they're very detailed, almost like scholarly references - I hope we can maintain the quality). I'll also be posting lots of short video excerpts on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

But if you're not into podcasts, I highly recommend giving it a try! I picked up the habit over the last year and have really enjoyed the entertaining, casual, funny yet highly informative conversations in all the podcasts I subscribe to (favorites being Positive Feedback, Pod Save America and Slate's Political Gabfest). That's the experience we're hoping to provide, focusing on the topics of climate change and science communication.
Robert Gilpin, R.I.P. - The Washington Post : His greatest book was written in 1981, but the main theory in it is perhaps more trenchant now...
Over 1,700 prisoners were imprisoned in inhuman conditions in the Nazi camp located in Petrzalka or Engerau in German.

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Hungarian Jews who suffered or died at the Engerau labour camp under the Nazi regime on the territory of Bratislavas borough of Petrzalka now have their own commemorative site. Slovak, Austrian and Hungarian Justice Ministers, Lucia Zitnanska, Wolfgang Brandstetter and Laszlo Trocsanyi, respectively, ceremonially unveiled a commemorative plaque there on March 29.

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The plaque has been placed on the wall of the Leberfinger restaurant. One of the six subcamps of the labour camp designed for Hungarian Jews was located in this building between December 1944 and March 1945. Over 1,700 prisoners were imprisoned in inhuman conditions in the camp.

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Following the Munich Agreement in 1938, Petrzalka or Engerau in German, then only a small village, was annexed by Nazi Germany.

Seventy-two years have passed since the day on which the camp was evacuated and prisoners were moved to Bad Deutsch-Altenburg [in modern-day Austria], said Zitnanska as cited by the TASR newswire. Dozens of prisoners were shot dead during the march, while additional ones were murdered even before that. Austrian guards murdered at least 13 prisoners directly on the Leberfinger subcamps courtyard.

An innocent-looking tavern on this site was turned into a death camp where innocent people were tortured and murdered, said Israeli consul Avital Gershon during the ceremony.

All three ministers concurred that the plaque will serve not only as a commemoration but also remind contemporary and future generations of the fascist past.

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During their meeting, the politicians discussed how to do more in order to prevent the further spread of extremism and radicalism.

Its very difficult to talk about the fate of people at a time when a human life had no value, said Zitnanska. However, its our duty to speak about them now when the whole of Europe faces growing radicalisation and extremism.
Brexit is on, but it is unclear where it will leave UK citizens living in Slovakia

Britain's permanent representative to the European Union Tim Barrow (right) leaves after he delivered the Brexit letter to EU Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels. (Source: TASR/AP)

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We should always put our citizens first is one of the principles for the Brexit process that British Prime Minister Theresa May listed as she officially launched the process.

In her letter to EU Council President Donald Tusk triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which defines the procedure by which EU members can leave the bloc, May states that her government wants to give citizens and businesses in the UK and the EU as much certainty as possible, as early as possible.

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For the moment, however, that certainty is lacking for UK citizens living in Slovakia, and for Slovaks living in the UK. Even though both countries say they want to ensure the minimum of problems for their citizens living in each others countries, it is unclear at the moment what, for instance, the standing of UK citizens will be with regard to the Slovak immigration authorities when the UK formally leaves the EU. Under Article 50, that will happen no later than March 29, 2019.

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Citizens first?

Slovak citizens living in the UK do not currently need to apply for residency permits; in most circumstances, their Slovak passport or ID is sufficient proof of their right to reside in Britain.

In Slovakia, where British and other EU citizens are required to apply for residency permits, EU passport-holders go through a much less complicated procedure when applying for permits than citizens from outside the bloc, who are referred to in legislation as third country nationals. At the Bratislava department of the immigration office (the local department of the Bureau of Border and Alien Police), the difference in waiting times alone is significant.

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We should aim to strike early agreement about their rights, the British prime minister stated in her letter.

After the official launch of Brexit proceedings, British Ambassador to Slovakia Andy Garth also listed the issue of EU nationals in the UK and UK nationals in the EU as one that should be solved early in the process, and possibly relatively smoothly.

video //www.youtube.com/embed/-Hy3u2ao8gM

One thing that the UK authorities can say for sure is that there will be a different approach to those EU citizens who were already living in the UK before Brexit, and those who come afterwards. They have not defined what exactly before Brexit means (i.e. if it is the date of the 2016 referendum, the date on which Article 50 was triggered, or the date on which the UK ceases to be a member of the EU), but for now the implication is that it will be the date that Britain formally leaves the EU, i.e. some time in the next two years.

The UK and Slovakia also need to prepare for no deal, Garth said. It is not a preferred option; we are confident that we will secure a deal, but are prepared should there be no deal.

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According to Garth, bilateral relations between Slovakia and the UK, as a result of Brexit, will be enhanced. While there is now an extra dimension thanks to their common EU membership, after the departure of the UK relations between the two countries will switch to a different model. In some matters, for instance science and research, they will no longer work within the EU frameworks.

My successor, the new ambassador who will come to Slovakia after me, will have more of a bilateral job, Garth said.
Shortly after Slovak media slammed violation of airport rules by the CEO of Zilina airport, he resigned.

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Miroslav Kunsch, head of the airport, quit his position on March 28, with the official reason being to give space to new management team to deal with the poor financial situation, the Sme daily wrote.

Kunsch tried to tackle it in a quite strange way, however. As a member of the board of directors of the joint stock company that operates Zilina airport, he borrowed funds from two private companies, in which he has involvement.

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This is an apparent conflict of interests, things should not be like this, commented the director of Transparency International Slovensko, Gabriel Sipos. Moreover, Kunsch acquired loans at a higher interest (6.6 percent) than his predecessors two years ago; and higher than was common at the time of the lone  3.33 percent.

In his letter of resignation, Kunsch writes that the state has cut subsidies for safety operation of the airport by 80 percent, and the airport company is no longer able to support its liabilities  thus blaming ths on poor economic performance.

Employees of the airport have not been given their salaries since the beginning of this year. The Transport Ministry says, as cited by Sme, that the money should be available by the weeks end.
The amendment boosting the position of the government in the activities and control of the regulatory authority, with good prospects of being passed soon in parliament.

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Ministers voted on March 29 to approve a draft amendment to the Act on Regulation in Network Industries. They also gave the green light to the proposal for parliament to deal with the draft amendment in a fast-tracked legislative proceeding, the Hospodarske noviny daily wrote.

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Lawmakers should have the draft on the agenda at the ongoing session. The amendment boosts the position of the government in the activities and control of the Regulatory Office for Network Industries (URSO). According to the amendment, the URSO chairman will no longer hold the top post at the Regulation Council which serves as the control and appeals body. Members of the Regulation Council will select their head from among themselves and the head of state will appoint him/her.

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The change was caused by a tussle between the URSO head Jozef Holjencik (who later resigned) and the cabinet represented by Prime Minister Robert Fico beginning in 2017, concerning the changed prices of electric power for end users.

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Slovak public-service TASR newswire after one month withdrew from the agreement with pro-Putin newswire Sputnik, after it has drawn media attention and criticism.

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Sputnik is linked directly to the Kremlin, when sharing its content, the Omediach.com website reported on March 29. Based on the agreement, the newswires were meant to exchange content and language but also develop projects whose aim is to strengthen the relations between Russia and Slovakia, Sputnik wrote.

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Head of TASR Jaroslav Reznik explained that TASR would be careful not to spread hoaxes. They allegedly had launched cooperation to have a direct access to the database and better evaluate whether a report is a hoax, or not. He also pointed to the fact that TASR has signed an agreement with the Russian TASS newswire.

Sputnik is a project that spreads pro-Russian propaganda around the world and boasts about fighting against pro-Western propaganda, through anti-press websites, in Slovakia for example the Hlavnespravy.sk website.

Sputnik was called pro-Kremlin propagandist machinery by NATO, which it alleges spread distorted stories and disinformation impacting on political opinions around the world. Such a newscast is used for political and military needs, NATO stated, while Sputnik protested against such a definition.

The public newswire TASR has been established and funded by the state, the Omediach website wrote, adding that it is the basic source of information for many media outlets.

Sputnik expressed satisfaction about the cooperation with TASR, while the head of the Slovak newswire, Jaroslav Reznik, said: I would like to stress in the first place that TASR cares very much about avoiding hoaxes in its production. We launched cooperation with another newswire to have a direct and not second-hand access to its database, which gives us a better space for evaluating immediately what is a potential hoax, what not  and to point to this difference, he summed up, adding that when TASR foreign editors choose a news piece for the service, its original source is duly noted, and it will depend on the editor of the final media source whether to use it, or not.

Moreover, a reciprocal principle has been agreed  which means that Slovak news from the newswire has another communication channel; and it will also be possible to check on their over-interpretation.

Chief editor of the Slovak newswire, Marian Kolar, said that the exchange of content mostly comes in English but TASR has always been interested in enhancing the scope of action of its news sources, he added.

However, TASR already has a contract with the TASS official Russian-state newswire, Reznik added, as cited by omediach.com, stressing that the contract with Sputnik enables them to double-check any potential shift in the meaning of some news stories.

In the past 24 hours, the TASR leadership has repeatedly made an in-depth scrutiny of the content of the contracts between TASR and Sputnik, and have come to the conclusion that during the one month of the contracts validity, not a single piece of information has been taken from the Russian newswire, TASR itself wrote on March 30 at noon, announcing it has scrapped the contract.
The main runway at Bratislava airport needs a complex reconstruction; the airport would like to build a new runway on this occasion.

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Bratislavas borough of Raca has rejected a development plan drawn up by Bratislavas M.R. Stefanik Airport that would mean that its two runways would be oriented exclusively in its direction. The project concerns the reconstruction of the current main runway and the building of a new one. Bratislava airport, located only nine kilometres from the city centre, was put into operation in 1951. Its 100-percent shareholder is the Ministry of Transport and Construction.

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Aside from the existing runway oriented in the direction of Raca, the airport is proposing constructing a parallel runway, meaning that all flights landing at or taking off from Bratislava international airport would use a runway pointing in the direction of Raca, a plan to which we vehemently object, of course, said Raca Mayor Peter Pilinsky as cited by the TASR newswire.

Pilinsky pointed out that the negative impact of having an airport in the vicinity of Raca is already being felt by the inhabitants there.

The submitted plan would make the situation even worse, with adverse effects on the quality of life and environment ratcheting up to an extreme extent, said Pilinsky, adding that the plan is not in accord with the master plan of both the Bratislava city council and the Bratislava Self-governing Region (BSK).

We are all the more surprised that this plan has already garnered support from the Transport and Construction Ministry, said the Raca mayor, who's seeking support among local councillors, regional deputies and BSK governor candidates running in this years election.

Plans for the airport

Bratislava M. R. Stefanik Airport approached Bratislavas borough of Raca in February, requesting its stance on a planned investment to reconstruct runway (VPD) 13-31 in the direction of Raca. As the reconstruction work at the airport would necessitate operational restrictions spanning several months, the airport is considering building a new runway what would enable it to keep its current capacity.

Airport spokesperson Veronika Sevcikova explained that the airport drafted a study analysing the location of a parallel runway next to the existing 13-31 runway, taking into account the expected growth in the number of flights, the lifetime of existing runway surfaces and restrictions on developing transport infrastructure on the airports premises.

The originally proposed location of the parallel runway with an axial distance of 1,500 metres, in line with the master plan, is currently unfeasible due to the construction of the D4 highway  as the highway directly extends into land reserved for the construction of the parallel runway, said Sevcikova, adding that the current plan for the parallel runway, to locate it 400 metres from VPD 13-31, was recommended by a study as the best alternative. The airport also would like gradually cease operation on the runaway in the direction of Ivanka pri Dunaja, which is perpendicular to the VPD 13-31 runway.

Sevcikova pointed out that both runways in use were extended to their current sizes in the 1990s and that a complex reconstruction of the main runway 13-31 is necessary. Without a new runway, the airport would have to shut down for several months, which is unacceptable from both business and operational standpoints.

The airport spokesperson claimed that the airport is planning the processes needed to amend the master plan in order to carry out its intentions in line with land-planning documents. She also pointed out that airport stakeholder, the Transport and Construction Ministry, has approved the plan and committed Bratislava airport to its development.
President Andrej Kiska has 15 days to sign it into law or exercise a veto.

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Parliament will receive powers to revoke presidential pardons and amnesties if they are in discrepancy with the principles of the democratic rule of law. MPs approved a coalition-sponsored amendment on March 30 aimed at scrapping the amnesties issued by Vladimir Meciar with 124 of 150 votes.

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Meciar's amnesties relate to the 1995 kidnapping of then president Michal Kovacs son Michal Kovac Jr. and the murder in 1996 of Robert Remias, who served as a contact for a key witness of the abduction. The amnesties issued by Meciar as acting president in 1998 also concern a thwarted referendum of 1997.

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Under the amendment to the constitution, any revocation of amnesties or pardons must be evaluated within 60 days by the Constitutional Court, which will be tasked with either confirming or rejecting the parliamentary decision. If the court fails to reach a verdict within the set deadline, the parliaments decision will stand.

The amendment is slated to be forwarded to President Andrej Kiska, who has 15 days to sign it into law or exercise a veto. Once its published in the collection of laws, at least 30 lawmakers must submit a motion to annul Meciar's amnesties, which must be passed with at least 90 votes.

Furthermore, parliament decided via an amending proposal by the opposition that actions that are subject to amnesties will not come under the statute of limitations.
(Tech Xplore)Sidewalk robots will deliver pizza this year. Domino's pizza, to be exact. Datelined London, a news release on Wednesday on the Starship Technologies site brought news of the launch of a pilot program with Domino's Pizza Enterprises"the master franchisor for the Domino's Pizza brand in Australia, New Zealand, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Japan and Germany." Across these seven markets, DPE and its franchisees operate over 2000 stores.

Alex Davies in Wired said, "Under the new deal, a fleet of five Starship robots will operate out of Domino's stores in Hamburg before more launch in other (yet to be announced) cities in Germany and the Netherlands."

The robotic delivery units will complement Domino's existing delivery methods, including cars, scooters and e-bikes, according to Don Meij, Domino's Group CEO.

"With our growth plans over the next five to 10 years, we simply won't have enough delivery drivers if we do not look to add to our fleet through initiatives such as this," he added.

Specifically, the robots will start delivering pizzas to customers within a 1-mile radius of selected Domino's stores in Germany and the Netherlands. "Domino's is running the project under the framework of DRU (Domino's Robotic Unit), an initiative using robot and drone technologies for delivery," said the news release.

Starship Technologies has offices in Estonia, UK and US. It was launched in 2014 by Ahti Heinla and Janus Friis.

The company said the robots weigh no more than 40 pounds. They can move at 4 mph (walking speed). You can check out Wired for a neat word picture: "The six-wheeled robot Starship built to conquer that final stretch holds about four or five medium pizzas, runs an electric motor, and ambles down the sidewalk at a casual 4 mph

Starship Technologies' site described generally how delivery systems work. "Parcels and groceries are directly delivered from stores or specialised hubs, at the time that the client requests via a mobile app. It takes 5 to 30 minutes for the shipment to arrive and the robots' entire journey can be monitored on a smartphone."

Talking about this recent pizza plan, Davies said, "you'll be able to watch its progress on your phone, and get a link to unlock the cargo compartment once it arrives."

While you are grooving over your melted cheese, the robot is busy returning to base. Davies said there, "someone swaps in a charged battery, reloads it, and sends it on its next mission."

The robots are autonomous but humans are to walk with them to see if anything goes wrong.

Speaking of things going wrong, what about pizza thieves? The Telegraph said "its storage compartment can only be opened by people with adequate permissions, according to its makers." Not only that, but the company said the movements are tracked for the journey.

Wait, ground-based robot delivery system? Haven't you read about these little bots before? Yes, we reported on them in January. (Chris Davies in SlashGear had remarked that the "robots look more akin to miniature moon rovers, with their squat bodies and six wheels.")

The company makes another selling point besides being efficient, and that is being kind to the planet. "Because of minimal emissions and energy efficiency, our system is incredibly clean and incredibly green."

TechCrunch said "In 2015, people in the U.S. ordered about $210 billion worth of food for delivery or takeout. "

 2017 Tech Xplore
Funding, Grants & Awards

Virginia Refreshes CTE Programs With $600,000 to Upgrade Equipment

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe recently allocated $600,000 in competitive grants to 16 high schools in and technical centers to revamp career and technical education (CTE) programs.

Each school or center will receive $37,500 to upgrade equipment for CTE programs that demonstrate a high need for resources.

As we continue to build the new Virginia economy, it is vital that we align our CTE programs with the needs of business and industry, McAuliffe said in a press release. These grants will allow the Commonwealth to better provide our young people with the cutting-edge skills and in-demand training they need to fill the jobs of the 21st century workforce.

The following schools and technical centers will receive the awards:
STEM Equity

'Ignored Potential': Report Urges Schools to Encourage African-American Girls to Pursue Engineering

In 2015, less than 1 percent of all U.S. engineering bachelor's degrees went to African-American women. Of the 106,658 engineering bachelor's degrees awarded that year, 937 went to African-American women, just a third of the number that were achieved by African-American men. That gap, among others, represents "ignored potential," according to a new paper put out by Purdue University, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the Society of Women Engineers and the Women in Engineering ProActive Network.

As the report noted, STEM jobs are expected to increase by 10 percent by 2020. To address industry demand and achieve national goals of enrollment and graduation in engineering, "Increasing the numbers of black women engineering majors and retaining them to graduation will be critical," suggested NSBE National Chair Matthew Nelson in a prepared statement.

Systemic factors that are holding back participation by African-American women, according to "Ignored Potential: A Collaborative Road Map for Increasing African-American Women in Engineering," are flavored by both racism and sexism. Factors include a dearth of role models; the predicament of "stereotype threat" in which people feel "at risk of confirming to negative stereotypes about their social group; the perceived necessity of a "bicultural life" to fit into an environment that's predominately white; negative perceptions tied to tokenism; feelings of isolation; and pay inequities.

As the paper explained, overcoming those barriers will require a two-pronged approach: investment in systems that value the contributions of women of color to STEM and encouraging participation of African-American women "throughout their academic and professional careers."

Among the many recommendations suggested:

Targeted programming by professional organizations to highlight how the "multiple identities of African-American women can coexist" and sharing success stories of members in networking events, awards and articles;

Within industry, encouraging mentoring to "create stronger feelings of belonging among employees" and doing diversity and inclusion training that helps employees "recognize their own stereotypes and biases"; and

Making diversity a priority within higher education and leveraging professional societies and organizations to help build "sustainable communities of women of color"; and working with community colleges and K-12 to "ensure smoother transitions and a more cohesive K-16 learning experience."

"Some could not see why we as an organization would have an acute focus on African-American females and not males. I, as well as others, knew the need for a paper like this one," said Sossena Wood, former national chair of NSBE, who was part of a group that initiated development of the paper. "I think the timing is right to release this document. Hollywood has opened the minds of many by releasing Hidden Figures. Many leave the movie wondering how can we get more women of color to go into STEM, and I believe this whitepaper offers an excellent solution."

Trina Fletcher, director of Pre-College Programs for NSBE, a doctoral candidate in engineering education at Purdue and a contributor to the report, said she hopes the paper will help K-12 institutions, universities and others "take advantage" of the potential of African-American girls and women in engineering and other areas of STEM. "As we continue to become increasingly diverse as a nation, it is in our best interest to make the inclusion of groups that have historically been excluded a priority," she noted. "This is especially true for women of the African diaspora, one of the most untapped human resources on this planet."

The "Ignored Potential" report is openly available on the NSBE website here.
Lloyd's of London is to shift around 100 jobs to the heart of the EU to limit potential damage to the world's biggest insurance market from Brexit.

It made the announcement, as Sky News reported , less than 24 hours after Theresa May began the formal process to commence divorce talks with the EU.

The decision highlights the pressure felt by financial services firms to secure their continued access to the bloc once the UK leaves as so-called passport rights - which currently allow them to trade seamlessly across borders - are expected to be lost.

Lloyd's, which derives 10% of its revenue from the EU, said it intended to have the Brussels office "ready to write business" for the 1 January 2019 renewal season, subject to regulatory approval.

It had considered Luxembourg instead.

Chief (Taiwan OTC: 3345.TWO - news) executive, Inga Beale, said: "It is important that we are able to provide the market and customers with an effective solution that means business can carry on without interruption when the UK leaves the EU.

"Brussels met the critical elements of providing a robust regulatory framework in a central European location, and will enable Lloyd's to continue to provide specialist underwriting expertise to our customers.

"I am excited about the opportunities this venture will offer the market by providing that important European access efficiently."

Lloyd's has not been alone in mulling its response.

Large investment banks are also weighing the future of their UK-based operations, with Sky News revealing that Deutsche Bank (IOB: 0H7D.IL - news) had signed a 25-year lease on a new City base.

Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS-PB - news) signalled earlier this week that it was accelerating plans to create more jobs on the Continent, with its London-based operations calling a halt to expansion.

JPMorgan (LSE: JPIU.L - news) , HSBC and UBS (LSE: 0QNR.L - news) have also given strong indications that thousands of jobs may cross the Channel or go to Dublin.

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Ms Beale called for the EU and UK to come to a sensible compromise in their looming divorce deal.

She (Munich: SOQ.MU - news) said: "It is now crucial that the UK Government and the European Union proceed to negotiate an agreement that allows business to continue to flow under the best possible conditions once the UK formally leaves the EU.

"I believe it is important not just for the City but also for Europe that we reach a mutually beneficial agreement. We stand ready to help and support the Government as best we can."

Lloyd's made the announcement as it published annual results - with 2016 profits flat on the previous 12 months.

It said pricing pressures made for an "extremely challenging" environment despite gross written premiums rising 11%.

Pre (Shanghai: 600048.SS - news) -tax profits came in a 2.1bn.
* Kuwait says OPEC discussing extending output cuts

* Russia energy minister says March output cut by 200,000 bpd

* North Dakota pipeline expected to hasten U.S. shale revival (New (KOSDAQ: 160550.KQ - news) throughout, updates prices and market activity to settlement)

By Devika Krishna Kumar

NEW YORK, March 30 (Reuters) - Oil prices jumped for a third day on Thursday to their highest in three weeks after Kuwait backed an extension of OPEC production cuts to reduce a global glut.

Kuwait oil minister Essam al-Marzouq said his country was among several nations supporting the extension of a deal between the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other exporters to limit output, state news agency KUNA reported.

Brent crude oil settled up 54 cents, or about 1 percent, to $52.96 a barrel after hitting $53.10. U.S. crude settled up 84 cents, or 1.7 percent, higher at $50.35 a barrel, after touching $50.47.

Both benchmarks reached their highest levels since March 9. In recent weeks, higher-than-expected inventory figures had prompted speculators to unwind long positions.

"There is a significant chance that a short-to-medium-term bottom has been found," said Tamas Varga, analyst at London brokerage PVM Oil Associates.

Yet concerns about the glut linger as OPEC grapples to tighten the oil market because inventories in many parts of the world are at, or near record highs and U.S. production has been rising.

OPEC agreed to reduce oil production by 1.2 million barrels per day during the first six months of the year. Output has fallen for a third straight month and members have complied with 95 percent of their commitments.

"I see no sign from OPEC and Saudi Arabia that they will not roll over the cut into the second half of the year ... the market is about to go from supply surplus to deficit on crude " said Scott Shelton, energy futures broker with ICAP (Frankfurt: A0BKYB - news) in Durham, North Carolina.

Other oil exporters outside OPEC, including Russia, have also gradually reined in production.

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Russia has reduced its output by 200,000 bpd in March in accordance with the agreement, the ministry quoted Energy Minister Alexander Novak as saying in a TV interview.

Libya said production dropped by about a third or 250,000 bpd earlier this week due to armed protesters blocking western oilfields of Sharara and Wafa.

The start-up of a 500,000 bpd crude pipeline in North Dakota next month, despite opposition by environmental groups and Native Americans, is expected to hasten a revival in output from the Bakken region which fell sharply along with global oil prices during the past two years. (Additional reporting by Christopher Johnson in London, Henning Gloystein in Singapore; Editing by Marguerita Choy and David Gregorio)
Sixty years or so ago, a Labour leader, urging his party not to toy with the idea of joining the then-EC, had this to say: "It is the end of a thousand years of history.

"You may say, all right, let it end, but my goodness, it is a decision that needs a little care and thought."

It turns out that Hugh Gaitskell was wrong. Europe wasn't the end of history after all.

History has bitten back and now we know the outcome: we're on our way back out.

As the 730-day countdown begins and the seconds start counting down, I'll be venturing to every corner of the kingdom on the Lewis Lorry, with a digital countdown emblazoned and ticking on its side.

We'll be reminding the politicians just how little time there is to undertake the biggest reorganisation of British public life in our peacetime history.

I began my journey in Monmouthshire in South Wales.

This bucolic spot, the gateway of the Brecon Beacons, was one of the few counties in the country to vote Remain in June's referendum, albeit narrowly by 50.7% to Leave's 49.3%.

The region is dominated by - what else in Wales - sheep farms. Dotted on virtually every hillside, small white blobs of fluff. What you can't see is the virtual euro sign hovering above each one.

Every farm in Wales, like the rest of the country, is subsidised by the EU.

John Biggs has tended to his flock in this patch for half a century. He's in no doubt where the majority of his colleagues would be without that money:

"On the dole, they'd give up. We're hardly making any money as it is. I hope the Government extends the system beyond 2020."

Currently the Government has guaranteed the money up to 2020, which when you consider we won't leave the EU and stop receiving the cash until we leave in 2019, isn't saying very much.

As I (sort of) help (but mainly hinder) John's efforts in taking his sheep to a local auction, as he does every week, I'm told the little colours tagged on the animals' backs give lots of clues as to their fates.

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Slaughter, resale, shearing, unsold, too big, too small and crucially, export. And that's a fair number of them - we export around a third of all of our lamb produce in the UK and a whopping 95% of that goes to the EU (I've resisted all day from making a ewe joke).

So the farmers here are desperate for a deal guaranteeing tariff-free access to the single market.

If there isn't, then British exports to the continent could face an enormous 50% border tax when sold there.

As Nick Turner, another local farmer selling his wares, tells me: "If there isn't free access there is no doubt, there will be hundreds of farmers who go bust."

And as a local NFU representative tells me, there won't be any chance of filling the gap elsewhere either: "Boris Johnson has said we can fill the gap by selling to the rest of the world. He needs to join the real world.

"There's no way we can compete with New Zealand and China in the growth markets of the south, they're just too close. We need to sell to France, Spain and Germany."

So Remain capital of Wales then? Well erm... no. Virtually all of the farmers I spoke to here voted Leave.

They might not rear turkeys but you might ask why then, they seem to have voted for Christmas.

Well, as John told me, it ain't all about farming: "I voted for Brexit, plainly because it was about democracy and the best way of running our country. Farming didn't come into my decision."

Remarkable selflessness or stupidity? Well weirdly it also betrays a real faith in the British state to sort things out, as John says: "It's in everyone's interests. It's common sense, I'm sure the Government will be able to sort it."

For the sake of all the farmers I met, they have to hope their instincts and faith in common sense are right.

Some 730 days to unpick a union and replace it with something else. Farming is a big piece of that puzzle.

But the clock is ticking now and my journey, until it reaches zero, has begun too.
As Theresa May and Nicola Sturgeon had their Brexit stand-off in Glasgow on Monday March 27 ahead of the Scottish parliament voting in favour of a second independence referendum, Richard Dawkins stepped into the fray  on the side of the Scottish first minister.

The renowned English evolutionary biologist and controversialist tweeted:

What made this particularly pertinent is that the best-selling author of The God Delusion had added cerebral heft along with Stephen Hawking to the roll-call of 200 celebrities wheeled out before the 2014 referendum to appeal to Scots to stay in the union.

Dawkins shift is part of a sea change among the progressive liberal left on how they view Scottish independence, reflected in their UK media bastions The Guardian and the New Statesman. Nationalism is no longer anathema  well, the Scottish brand anyway.

The lefts dilemma

Scotlands inclusive civic nationalism with its loosely social democratic values is now viewed as something to aspire to, particularly after its resounding vote 62%-38% to remain in the EU. It stands in stark contrast to the right-wing populism that has produced the Trump presidency and its America First nationalism; Marine Le Pen and the other nationalist movements in mainland Europe; and UKIP, which has effectively infected the soul of Tory party.

Added to this is the prospect of a decade of Tory government due to the enfeeblement of the Labour party. This has been particularly grave in Scotland, where the party that once saw the country as its back yard now has a solitary MP  no better than the Tories or Lib Dems. Sturgeons SNP holds the rest, having won 56 of Scotlands 59 constituencies in 2015.

Polly Toynbee of the Guardian made a passionate plea in August 2014 at the Edinburgh Festival for solidarity and Scots to stay in the union. By the general election of 2015 she was conceding: No wonder SNP are confident  the Tories behave as if they want Scotland gone.

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And this week Toynbee reflected: On Monday May was in Scotland, arguing for the unstoppable force of a better together United Kingdom. But every word in defence of that union rang hollow, as all she said applies with equal force to the European Union she herself is breaking.

Other Guardian writers have been even more forthright. John Harris said, Hard Brexit is making the case for Scottish independence, while Suzanne Moore wrote, Brexit was an English vote for independence  you cant begrudge the Scots the same.

Paul Mason recently felt the need to appeal to Scottish Labour to back independence, while George Monbiot has been calling for Scotland to cut to rope. The Guardians reporting of this weeks Holyrood vote has meanwhile been very even-handed  in contrast, for instance, to The Telegraphs coverage of Sturgeons endless quest.

Over at the New Statesman, Julia Rampen has been asking: Who would oppose Scottish independence second referendum campaign? The magazine recently ran a piece by David Clark, one-time special advisor to Robin Cook at the Foreign Office, which said: Scottish voters were warned that independence would leave them locked out of the EU. Now independence is their only hope of avoiding that fate. In another piece, Simon Wren Lewis, a professor of economic policy at Oxford University, argued: Brexit makes Scottish independence more economically attractive.

The view on the right

Sturgeon is even finding some sympathy on the soft right. Matthew Parris of The Times believes the Scots should have a second vote if they want one. The Guardians Simon Jenkins agrees, arguing that Anglo-Scottish relations should be released from the lingering fog of Anglo imperialism.

The Spectators Alex Massie has written that anyone in Whitehall or Westminster who thinks this is all fine, there is no risk, no danger here and so on, is deluding themselves. Independence, if voted for, could, one day be seen as one of the Brexit consequences.

Of course, the majority of the UK press  the most right wing and biased in Europe according to a recent YouGov poll of seven European countries  has been in full enemies of the people mode against the Scottish nationalists.

The Telegraphs Allison Pearson outdid even the tabloids with a recent splenetic attack on Scotlands first minister, headlined: Nicola Sturgeon is a liar and a traitor  off with her head! It was later changed to Nicola Sturgeon  another treacherous queen of Scots  has miscalculated, as no doubt even The Telegraph recognised its tastelessness.

Bolstering the unionist ranks have been two commentators somewhat on the left, David Aaronovitch of The Times and Nick Cohen of The Observer. Both are vigorous critics of nationalism and advocates of Western interventionism in the Middle East.

All the same, the shift in written opinion coming out of London has been discernible. As Theresa May triggered Article 50 and Sturgeon warned that she will be unveiling her strategy after Easter for bringing forward a second referendum, the battles lines between Edinburgh and London have been realigned.

Will the UK commentators fall into line and back unionism once a timetable for a vote has been agreed, or is a more permanent split developing? The signals will be fascinating to watch in the coming months.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

The Conversation

Simon Pia is a former spokesman for the Scottish Labour Party.
One of the churches targeted by the bombers

A group of Christians charged with lynching two men have been told by a Pakistan prosecutor that he can guarantee their acquittal if they embrace Islam, rights activists claim.

The lynching happened after suicide blasts at Sunday services at two churches in the Christian neighbourhood of Youhanabad in Lahore on March 15, 2015. Fifteen people, including a policeman, were killed and 85 others suffered injuries.

Violence erupted after the explosions, with a mob lynching the two men, suspecting them of helping the bombers.

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According to The Express Tribune, Joseph Franci, a rights activist who provided legal assistance to the 42 accused, said that: Deputy District Public Prosecutor Syed Anees Shah gathers the accused outside the courtroom and asks them to embrace Islam.

He tells them if they embrace Islam, he can guarantee them their acquittal in this case.

The blasts sparked protests  which ended with the lynching of two men

He says the statement was met with silence before one of the accused, Irfan Masih, replied that he was ready to be hanged if he embraced Islam.

Naseeb Anjum Advocate, counsel for some of the accused, told The Express Tribune said that the public prosecutor had made a similar offer last year but they had also ignored it then.

They [lawyers] believe in independence of the court, but why is the DDPP blackmailing them? he said. The government should get rid of such elements that bring bad name to the state by such acts.

Syed Anees Shah at first told the Express Tribune that he did not ask them to embrace Islam, but then conceded that he did make the offer after being told that they had a recording of the incident.
By Emma Farge and J.R. Wu DAKAR/TAIPEI (Reuters) - A state-run Taiwanese bank has successfully sued two African countries for $212 million in unpaid loans and brought a claim against a third, court documents showed, in a possible warning to allies who switched sides in Taiwan's spat with China. The three claims brought by the Export-Import Bank of the Republic of China before a U.S. district court against Guinea Bissau, Central African Republic and Democratic Republic of Congo amount to a total of at least $261.4 million including loans and interest. The first case is pending and the other two Eximbank won. "We see this as a commercial loan case," Johnson C.T. Liao, vice president and spokesman for Eximbank, told Reuters. He said most of Eximbank's loans are international and are repaid. "Usually there is a long period of negotiation. Then when we can't find a way, we have to go through the legal process to protect the debt claims," Liao said. But analysts say the legal action by Eximbank, which falls under Taiwan's finance ministry, is likely to be a warning about the costs of forging diplomatic ties with China. Guinea Bissau and Central African Republic have withdrawn support for Taiwan since the loans were disbursed and Congo did not ditch China even after receiving the money. Taiwan's foreign ministry said it could not comment on the matter because the case involves commercial loans. A Guinea Bissau official said the government was committed to responding to this claim under the rule of law but that its first priority is the welfare of its people and stability of the country. Officials in Congo and Central African Republic did not respond to requests for comment. "It is not surprising that Taiwan would seek repayment from nations that switched allegiance," said The Atlantic Council's Robert Manning, noting new tensions in China-Taiwan relations since the election of Tsai Ing-wen as president last year. Tsai is also the leader of a ruling party that traditionally advocates independence for Taiwan, a red line for Beijing. "It is in part about getting their money back, but in no small part, a bit of retribution," Manning said. DEBT RELIEF CONTROVERSY All the claims filed at a district court New York State and seen by Reuters are for loans dating back to the early 1990s -- a period when Taiwan and China used "dollar diplomacy" to attract allies in Africa after the end of the Cold War. The borrowers each failed to repay any principal and most of the interest on the loans, the filings showed. Taiwan has competed with China for recognition since defeated Nationalists fled there in 1949 at the end of China's civil war, but the tables turned in Beijing's favour in the 1970s when the United Nations and United States switched sides. Only 21 mostly small and poor countries recognise Taiwan, and a person familiar with government thinking says maintaining allies is difficult since they can always ask for a better deal or go to China instead. In the last two decades Taiwan, whose economy is 20 times smaller than China, has struggled to compete with Beijing's billions of dollars in aid and debt annulments. In Africa, only Burkina Faso and Swaziland still recognise Taiwan. As recently as December, Sao Tome and Principe broke ties with Taiwan in favour of China, a decision the west African nation's prime minister, Patrice Trovoada, explicitly linked to development aid expected from Beijing. [nL5N1EH2S3] All of the Taiwanese bank's cases have been brought since December 2015, according to the filings which are lodged in a public database whose existence few are aware of. Judges found in favour of the bank in the cases of Congo and Central African Republic for $57.3 million and $154.9 million respectively in two separate rulings in January 2017. It is unclear how the countries will settle the claims. The case brought in June last year against Guinea Bissau adds up to at least $49.2 million, or nearly a fifth of its last budget. Bissau is arguing that the time frame for proceedings has expired, according to a memo submitted this month. The official said he hoped a resolution could be reached by year-end. Claims against some of the poorest, most unstable countries in Africa are controversial as many states have been granted debt relief under an International Monetary Fund and World Bank initiative after extensive campaigns to relieve Third World debt. However, Taiwan has not been admitted as a full member of either body. "The coffers are virtually empty and paying the attorneys in New York is a lot for them," said a Western diplomat, referring to the case against Guinea Bissau, which has experienced coups, and a civil war since taking the money and is now in the middle of a political crisis. No defence lawyer details are listed for Central African Republic, where more than three-quarters of the population lives in poverty, or for Democratic Republic of Congo, in a possible sign of a lack of money or expertise. Former Taiwan ally Niger managed to cut a claim by Eximbank to $20 million from $183 million in a 2015 deal. (Additional reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York, Liang-sa Loh in Taipei, Alberto Dabo in Bissau, Crispin Dembassa-Kette in Bangui and Aaron Ross in Kinshasa; Editing by Tim Cocks and Giles Elgood)
First lady Melania Trump presents the 2017 Secretary's of State's International Women of Courage (IWOC) Award to Malebogo Molefhe, from Botswana, Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at the State Department in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

WASHINGTON (AP)  Melania Trump helped present State Department awards Wednesday to 13 women from around the globe who were recognized for demonstrating courage and leadership in the face of adversity, a group she praised as "true heroes."

The first lady, on her first visit to a Cabinet department, joined Thomas Shannon, undersecretary of state for political affairs, to present the Secretary of State's International Women of Courage Award. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was traveling to Turkey.

The award is given to women around the world who have shown courage and leadership while advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality and women's empowerment  often at personal risk.

One of the honorees, Natalia Ponce de Leon, of Colombia, started a foundation to defend and protect the human rights of victims of acid attacks after a stalker doused her face and body with sulfuric acid in March 2014.

Another woman, Malebogo Molefhe, of Botswana, became an advocate for female victims of gender-based violence after she was attacked, including being shot eight times, by an ex-boyfriend in 2009. She uses a wheelchair due to injuries suffered during the assault.

During brief remarks, Mrs. Trump asked the audience to imagine being any of the 13 women on stage with her.

"Ask yourself if you would have the fortitude of spirit, the courage of your convictions and the enormous inner strength required to stand up and fight against such overwhelming odds," she said. "Amazingly, each of our honorees has courageously answered 'Yes' to those questions."

"These honorees, who have fought on the front lines against injustice, are true heroes," she continued, adding that their bravery is a reminder that "there is always hope whenever the human spirit is brought to bear in the service of others."

Wednesday's honorees hail from Bangladesh, Botswana, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Niger, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Sri Lanka, Syria, Turkey, Vietnam and Yemen. In April, the women will take part in a State Department-sponsored exchange program in several U.S. cities.

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More than 100 women from more than 60 countries have been recognized with courage awards since 2007, the department said.

Mrs. Trump's participation in the award ceremony amounted to a rare public appearance for her in Washington, outside of the White House. She hosted a White House luncheon for International Women's Day earlier this month.

Wednesday's appearance also fell in the middle of a busy week in the nation's capital for the first lady.

She and President Donald Trump hosted a White House reception Tuesday night for all 100 U.S. senators and their spouses. Mrs. Trump also planned a third appearance Thursday in Washington, but the White House has not released any details.

After joining Shannon at the State Department, the first lady later appeared at a White House panel discussion on women's empowerment, where Trump introduced his wife, a former model, as a "very highly accomplished woman."

He mentioned that her poll numbers are higher than his, and also said she "feels so strongly about" empowering women.

Since her husband's Jan. 20 inauguration, the first lady has lived mostly at the family's Trump Tower penthouse in midtown Manhattan with the couple's son, Barron, 11. She often meets the president in Palm Beach, Florida, when he spends weekends at his waterfront estate there.

Trump has said his wife and son will move to the White House after Barron's school year ends.

___

Follow Darlene Superville on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dsupervilleap
The International Committee for the Red Cross has resorted to air dropping food supplies to isolated communities in South Sudan, according to a March 30 press release, saying conflict had made regualar deliveries by road impossible.

The ICRC said it was trying to raise $400 million to support drought-struck parts of South Sudan, Nigeria and Somalia as well as in Yemen. The UN has described the looming humanitarian crisis as the worst since the end of the Second World War, saying 20 million people face starvation. Credit: International Committee of the Red Cross via Storyful
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli paramilitary police officers shot dead a Palestinian woman who tried to attack them with scissors outside Jerusalem's walled Old City on Wednesday, Israeli police said. The incident occurred at Damascus Gate, a heavily guarded entrance to the Old City and scene of similar violence in the past. "Police responded to a life-threatening situation and the female terrorist was shot dead at the scene," Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said. Luba Samri, a police spokeswoman, said the 49-year-old woman had "approached a group of officers, pulled out a knife and tried to stab them". Rosenfeld later said the woman had used scissors and police video footage showed two still images of her standing behind a police barrier facing officers and brandishing a sharp object. The video also showed scissors on the ground. Samri said the woman was a resident of East Jerusalem, which Israel captured along with the adjacent West Bank in the 1967 Middle East war and which Palestinians now seek for a state. At least 241 Palestinians have been killed in Israel and the Palestinian Territories in a period of sporadic violence that began in October 2015 but has tapered off in recent months. Israel says at least 161 were Palestinians who launched stabbing, shooting or ramming attacks using vehicles on Israelis before being killed by Israeli security forces. Others died during clashes and protests. Two American tourists and 37 Israelis have been killed in such incidents since the violence began. Israel has accused the Palestinian leadership of inciting the violence. The Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in the occupied West Bank, denies incitement and charges that in many cases, Israel has used excessive force in thwarting attackers armed with rudimentary weapons. (Writing by Ori Lewis; editing by Jeffrey Heller/Mark Heinrich)
Lloyd's of London is to shift around 100 jobs to the heart of the EU to limit potential damage to the world's biggest insurance market from Brexit.

It made the announcement, as Sky News reported , less than 24 hours after Theresa May began the formal process to commence divorce talks with the EU.

The company's lead was followed hours later by US bank Citi, which warned staff it could be be forced to relocate work from London under a "hard" Brexit scenario it was preparing for.

However, it confirmed London would remain its European headquarters.

The moves highlight the pressure felt by financial services firms to secure their continued access to the bloc once the UK leaves.

So-called passport rights - which currently allow them to trade seamlessly across borders - are expected to be lost following the negotiations.

Lloyd's, which derives 10% of its revenue from the EU, said it intended to have the Brussels office "ready to write business" for the 1 January 2019 renewal season, subject to regulatory approval.

It had considered Luxembourg instead.

Chief (Taiwan OTC: 3345.TWO - news) executive, Inga Beale, said: "It is important that we are able to provide the market and customers with an effective solution that means business can carry on without interruption when the UK leaves the EU.

"Brussels met the critical elements of providing a robust regulatory framework in a central European location, and will enable Lloyd's to continue to provide specialist underwriting expertise to our customers.

"I am excited about the opportunities this venture will offer the market by providing that important European access efficiently."

In his note to staff, Citi's European boss Jim Cowles wrote: "A hard Brexit would require certain changes, including relocating certain client-facing roles to the EU from the UK, and the possible creation of a new broker-dealer entity within the EU."

He added that the bank was already well positioned as it had operations in 20 of the remaining EU27 nations.

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Planning for the divorce began in the City in the aftermath of last June's referendum.

Sky News recently revealed how Deutsche Bank (IOB: 0H7D.IL - news) had signed a 25-year lease on a new City base.

But Goldman Sachs signalled earlier this week that it was accelerating plans to create more jobs on the Continent, with its London-based operations calling a halt to expansion.

JPMorgan (LSE: JPIU.L - news) , HSBC and UBS (LSE: 0QNR.L - news) have also given strong indications that thousands of jobs may cross the Channel or go to Dublin.

Ms Beale called for the EU and UK to come to a sensible compromise in their looming divorce deal.

She (Munich: SOQ.MU - news) said: "It is now crucial that the UK Government and the European Union proceed to negotiate an agreement that allows business to continue to flow under the best possible conditions once the UK formally leaves the EU.

"I believe it is important not just for the City but also for Europe that we reach a mutually beneficial agreement. We stand ready to help and support the Government as best we can."

Lloyd's made the announcement as it published annual results - with 2016 profits flat on the previous 12 months.

It said pricing pressures made for an "extremely challenging" environment despite gross written premiums rising 11%.

Pre (Shanghai: 600048.SS - news) -tax profits came in a 2.1bn.
The first picture has emerged of the man mauled to death by his own dog in front of a shocked BBC documentary crew.

Mario Perivoitos, 41, died after his pet Staffordshire bull terrier, Major, bit him on the neck at his home in Wood Green, London, on March 20.

The computer expert was surrounded by a documentary crew, who were not filming at the time.

Mario Perivoitos was treated by paramedics after being bitten by his pet dog (SWNS)

Friends of Mr Perivoitos today described him as a really nice guy who would help others out in the area he lived.

Angela Constantinou, 35, told the Evening Standard: He was a good guy. I had known him since we were children, he taught me to ride a bike.

Major seemed such a nice dog. He told me he put his dog first.

MORE: Mother of drowned toddler admits she was stupid to leave him alone in bath

They called round a few weeks ago. He had two masters degrees, one in philosophy.

He was brilliant at computers and would fix everyones.

He loved study and I dont think he ever worked.

The computer expert lived alone in flats in Wood Green (SWNS)

Mr Perivoitos lost his way completely to drugs after the death of his father in 2007, according to Ms Constantinou.

His mother was also placed into a care home last year.

Neighbours of Mr Perivoitos said his home had been overrun by drug users who took advantage of him.

They believe the film crew were making a documentary about drug use, although the BBC has not confirmed this was the case.

Mr Perivoitos was treated by paramedics in the hallway of the flats where he live but he died in hospital two hours later.

A post-mortem attributed the cause of death to hypovolemic shock and damage to the airway consistent with a dog bite.

Top pic: Evening Standard
NASA has launched a library of 140,000 of its most iconic images  from manned space missions to satellite images of Mars.

The NASA Image and Video Library is fully searchable  and puts together imagery from 60 separate NASA collections into one place.

The new library shows off a Flickr-style display of the space agencys latest images  and also lets users search by Popular images to find NASAs most iconic pictures easily.

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All images are available in hires, and there are also audio files and video files, which will be continually updated.

NASA says, NASA Image and Video Library allows users to search, discover and download a treasure trove of more than 140,000 NASA images, videos and audio files from across the agencys many missions in aeronautics, astrophysics, Earth science, human spaceflight, and more.

The library is not comprehensive, but rather provides the best of what NASA makes publicly available from a single point of presence on the web. Additionally, it is a living website, where new and archival images, video and audio files continually will be added.
By Allegresse Sasse and Paul Carsten COTONOU/SEME, Nigeria (Reuters) - On the outskirts of Benin's port city of Cotonou, thousands of used cars fill a vast parking lot but the merchants who used to come here from Nigeria to haggle for them are absent as recession bites at home. Frejus Fatondji works at one of dozens of car lots in the commune of Seme-Kpodji, wedged on a spit of land between Cotonou and the Nigerian border. "There are no more Nigerian buyers, the car parks are full of merchandise, and mechanics, drivers, electricians, painters have all lost their jobs," he said, gazing morosely over a row of second-hand cars imported from Europe. At an adjacent lot, Tadjou Adejouma, vice president of a car import dealership, said that until last year they were selling 35,000 vehicles a month and now they barely sell 3,000. Residents say drivers used to pass by in huge convoys, speeding towards the border, beeping their horns in celebration. Bars that sprang up to cater for visiting clients have closed and dozens of Lebanese, who dominate the import business in West Africa, have departed, residents say. Benin is known as a "warehouse state" because it acts as a smuggling hub for goods bound for its larger, English-speaking neighbour Nigeria, Africa's largest economy. Import bans and high tariffs in protectionist Nigeria on everything from used cars to cigarettes as well as chronic congestion in its ports have encouraged trade across the border with Benin, which maintains low tariffs on goods it imports. But a recession in Nigeria which began last year, followed by the central bank's decision to keep the naira at an artificially high rate, has choked off dollar supplies through official channels, forcing importers to pay a huge premium on the black market. This has driven up prices for goods paid for in West African CFA francs and crushed cross-border trade. Amid growing signs of stagnation in Cotonou, from which 80 percent of the country's imports were previously sent to Nigeria, some question whether Benin's model of secretly re-exporting goods it has not produced is sustainable in a region which plans to remove anomalies in the tariff system that encourage smuggling. An International Monetary Fund report in December said the slowdown in the Nigerian economy was having "significant impacts" on Benin, including a decline in customs revenue due to reduced imports since the Nigerian slump. "There are three factors at play in the decline: the recession in Nigeria, the naira devaluation and the increased effectiveness of Nigerian customs officials after some changes at the top introduced by (President Muhammadu) Buhari," said Malte Liewerscheidt, Senior Africa Analyst at Verisk Maplecroft. Benin's finance ministry said it expected trade with Nigeria to pick up again this year and it is trying to encourage a return to a formal economy for regional commerce. Nigeria's customs service said it will begin an "aggressive anti-smuggling operation" in April and encouraged people to pay outstanding customs duties on vehicles in the remaining grace period. On the other side of the border, in the Nigerian town of Seme, 34-year-old Akowanu Ayoola Yusuf sits idle on the wall of a gas station, saying he has given up the increasingly costly and risky business of importing used cars from Benin. "It's not as plenty as it used to be before due to the exchange rate," said Yusuf, speaking in Nigerian Pidgin. Nearby, a family divides a bag of rice smuggled in from Benin into small containers to hide in different crannies of their car in the hope of outwitting officials along the 20 km drive back to Lagos. UNOFFICIAL BUSINESS Smuggling is big business, accounting for 20 percent of cotton-growing Benin's GDP, according to the World Bank. But, on paper at least, there is little trace of the trade. A former French colony where more than a third of people live in poverty, Benin records Nigeria-bound imports as being for domestic consumption, according to the IMF. This has the advantage of concealing the scale of the business from Nigeria, which has accused Benin officials of undermining its laws. It also allows Benin to collect VAT and other fees on the imported goods. Officials turn a blind eye to secret canal networks dug to ship goods across the lakes and lagoons of the border region, as well as the bribes sometimes paid to let them through, residents say. They do the same for cheap Nigerian fuel coming the other way, often ferried into Benin in jerrycans on small canoes. In addition to the Lebanese merchants, the business is often conducted by Yorubas, an ethnic group from southwestern Nigeria and Benin that has been involved in cross-border trade since colonial times. Countries in the 15-member West African regional bloc ECOWAS officially introduced common import tariffs in 2016, which should reduce opportunities for smuggling, although implementation has so far been patchy. But in a sign of what may be to come, re-exports from Gambia to its larger neighbour Senegal fell sharply after Senegal cut import tariffs in 2000. "We are hooked on a form of income that is not renewing itself," said John Igue, director of a Cotonou-based think tank, who added that Benin should aim to produce more locally. Still, Benin could remain an important transit country for landlocked neighbours Niger and Burkina Faso, especially if a long-stalled railway project to connect them is launched. (Writing and additional reporting by Emma Farge and Ulf Laessing; Editing by Giles Elgood)
Bill Clinton, when US president, referred to having only a bunch of bad options while attempting to tackle the Milosevic regime during the war in Kosovo. The UKs Northern Ireland Secretary, James Brokenshire, now faces a similar set of difficult choices as he contemplates what to do given the latest breakdown of devolved government.

Following the failure of the ruling parties to form a Northern Ireland Executive on March 27, Brokenshire declared, in his statement to the House of Commons the following day, that the government would consider all options if the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Fein (SF) cannot settle their differences by Easter. But his implicit message was that all of these options were bad ones.

Under power-sharing rules, Northern Ireland had an assembly election on March 2 2017 after the resignation of former deputy first minister, Martin McGuinness. The result reinforced the dominance of the DUP and SF as the two largest parties in Northern Ireland but only served to magnify the differences between them that caused the election in the first place.

The DUPs advantage over SF shrank from 10 seats to a single seat. It came within a gnats whisker of being overtaken in first preference vote share by SF  clinging to a 0.2% lead with 28.1% to SFs 27.9%. The politics of the result have meant that an embattled DUP is now fighting a rearguard action to save Arlene Fosters leadership of the party in the face of an emboldened SF  which is fresh from a rip-snorting nationalist mandate to hold the DUP to account and in the midst of collective grief over the death of its beloved Northern figurehead, Martin McGuinness. None of this is conducive to political compromise.

The issue of transparency and integrity in government that triggered the March 2 election has been overlaid with a range of other issues relating to what are referred to as legacy issues of the conflict, as well as Sinn Feins demand for the DUP to agree to an Irish Language Act.

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It is unlikely that the DUP and SF will have resolved their differences by Easter. The DUP cannot afford to look like it is dancing to SFs tune, given its recent poor performance. SF meanwhile, will want to return to devolved government on terms significantly better than those that caused their now deceased former leader Martin McGuinness to resign in the first place.

In the absence of agreement, further talks between the DUP and SF alongside a creeping form of direct rule is a likely scenario. This will see the Northern Ireland civil service stepping in to run essential public services in the interim. The failure to restore devolved government means that Northern Ireland currently has no budget for the new financial year that begins on April 6. The civil service has had to step into the vacuum left by the NI executive. David Sterling, the permanent secretary in Northern Irelands Department of Finance, assumed responsibility for 75% of Northern Irelands 10bn budget on March 29 and has now started taking decisions on how to allocate these resources.

The longer this goes on, the greater implications it will have for any future programme agreed between the DUP and SF  as the money may not be available to deliver what they want to do. Rate Bills (the equivalent of the Council Tax in GB) have not been set either, or sent out to local businesses or householders. This raises revenue of 1.2bn for local council services  money that will now have to come directly from the Department of Finance.

If these emergency arrangements continue beyond the summer, there will be a legal requirement on the Department of Finance to impose a 5% budgetary cut across public services, many of which are already impoverished.

And so to Brexit, the shadow of which looms large across all of the above. Should direct rule be the medium-term future for Northern Ireland, it will take place against the backdrop of the UKs negotiations over its departure from the European Union in a context where Britain will need Ireland as an ally. While leverage over Northern Ireland affairs would perhaps be too crude a way of putting it, some significant Irish influence over the shape of direct rule is a reasonable working assumption.

Without the buffer of its devolved government, NI politicians will cede local control over a swathe of economic, political and social policy matters. Thus, in the absence of devolution, the UK government could pass legislation to give effect to an Irish Language Act if it chose to do so, which the DUP have been adamantly resisting. It could also impose stringent welfare reforms that SF have been against for a number of years. However, given the Brexit context, where the UK will be desperate for European allies, direct rule may take on a decidedly green tinge over the next two years.

Bill Clinton spoke with great pathos at Martin McGuinnesss funeral on March 23 about how the former deputy First Minister expanded the definition of us  and shrank the definition of them. Whatever option James Brokenshire chooses over the coming weeks, it will need to deliver on this axiom if devolved government in Northern Ireland is to get much further.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

The Conversation

Feargal Cochrane works at the University of Kent. He is incoming Vice Chair of the Political Studies Association and a Trustee of the Oxford Research Group.
By Andrius Sytas VILNIUS (Reuters) - A professor said on Thursday he had found a copy of Lithuania's lost declaration of independence languishing in a German archive, an achievement hailed by authorities as the discovery of the nation's "birth certificate". Liudas Mazylis, political science professor at Lithuania's Vytautas Magnus University, told Reuters his find on Wednesday was the culmination of an eight-month search, funded by himself. The discovery of the 1918 document, a year short of its centenary, triggered celebrations in the Baltic state. Lithuania was already planning to mark the 100th anniversary, keen to assert its independence in the face of what it sees as renewed aggression from its neighbour Russia. Memories are still fresh of Lithuania's emergence from Soviet occupation in the 1990s. Lithuania's President Dalia Grybauskaite said she had asked Germany to send the document back, and was confident Berlin would comply. "We now have the best gift, the best monument to our centenary", Grybauskaite said. Germany's foreign ministry said it had confirmed the identity of the document uncovered in its own archives by the Lithuanian professor. "What a great find! This is perfect news for our Lithuanian friends. We celebrate together with them," it said in a statement that did not mention a return. Lithuania traces its modern statehood to the independence declaration signed on Feb. 16, 1918, but it lost track of all copies as turmoil and fighting engulfed the region after the end of World War I. The Lithuanian state was announced with the approval of Germany, whose army controlled the territory at the time, following a successful offensive against the Russian Empire in 1915. "I was driven by an excitement of the possibility of finding such an important document, which was lost for so long," Mazylis told Reuters. "We found our birth certificate", Lithuania's ambassador to Germany Deividas Matulionis said. "The historians always thought that at least three copies of the declaration were signed, with two of them meant for Russian and German governments", he added. Lithuanian business group MG Baltic last month offered a one-million-euro ($1.07-million) reward for the discovery of the document. The group's owner, Darius Mockus, told LRT television he would pay out once the document was delivered to Lithuania. (This version of the story adds dropped words in first par) ($1 = 0.9314 euros) (Reporting By Andrius Sytas; Editing by Daniel Dickson and Andrew Heavens)
FILE- In this Feb. 16, 2017, file photo, a U.S. fighter aircraft F-16 performs during the Aero India 2017 at Yelahanka air base in Bangalore, India. The Trump administration told Congress on Wednesday, March 29, that it plans to approve a multibillion-dollar sale of F-16 fighter jets to Bahrain without the human rights conditions imposed by the Obama administration. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi, File)

WASHINGTON (AP)  The Trump administration told Congress on Wednesday it plans to approve a multibillion-dollar sale of F-16 fighter jets to Bahrain without the human rights conditions imposed by the Obama administration.

If finalized, the approval would allow the Gulf island to purchase 19 of the jets from Maryland-based Lockheed Martin Corp., plus improvements to other jets in Bahrain's fleet. Though Congress has opportunities to block the sale, it is unlikely it will act to do so, given the Republican majority's strong support for the sale.

The decision is the latest signal that the Trump administration is prioritizing support for Sunni-led countries seen as critical to opposing Iran's influence in the region over human rights issues that President Barack Obama had elevated. Under Obama, the U.S. withdrew approval before the deal was finalized because it said Bahrain hadn't taken steps it had promised to improve human rights.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker's office said the committee was told Wednesday by the State Department that it plans to proceed with the sale. The State Department declined to comment.

The notice triggers a 40-day "consultation" period in which committee staff can review a draft of the Bahrain approval, ask questions about the sale and raise any concerns. Then the State Department will send a formal notification to Congress, setting off a final, 30-day review period, during which Congress could pass a joint resolution or take other steps to stop the sale.

Lockheed had lobbied strenuously for the sale's approval, even as rights groups and pro-democracy activists urged the administration not to jettison human rights conditions. Brian Dooley of the Washington-based group Human Rights First said decoupling the sale from such conditions would "encourage further repression" and fuel instability during a tense period for Bahrain.

"The sale will send exactly the wrong signal to the dictatorship: that the White House thinks the political crackdown is not just morally acceptable but also not dangerous, when in fact it's what's fueling the country's instability," Dooley said.

Story continues

But Corker, R-Tenn., praised the move and said the caveats would have been "unprecedented and counterproductive" for security and human rights.

"There are more effective ways to seek changes in partner policies than publicly conditioning weapons transfers in this manner," Corker said in a statement.

Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet and an under-construction British naval base, is a predominantly Shiite island off the coast of Saudi Arabia ruled by a Sunni monarchy. Government forces, with help from U.S. allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, crushed the 2011 uprising by Shiites and others who sought more political power.

Among the steps the Obama administration had sought from Bahrain was the release of Nabeel Rajab, a famed human rights activist who helped lead the 2011 protests. Rajab, whose trial has been repeatedly delayed, awaits sentencing on a charge of spreading "false news" via Twitter over his posts about the ongoing Saudi-led war in Yemen, as well as allegations of torture by authorities at a local prison.

The State Department said as recently as this week that it was calling for Rajab's release. The U.S. has said Bahrain lacks evidence against him.

Since the beginning of a government crackdown nearly a year ago, activists have been imprisoned or forced into exile. Bahrain's main Shiite opposition group has been dismantled. Lawmakers recently approved military tribunals for civilians while its feared domestic spy agency regained some arrest powers. Independent news gathering on the island also has grown more difficult.

Meanwhile, a series of attacks, including a January prison break, have targeted the island. Shiite militant groups have claimed some of the assaults. Bahrain has accused Iran's Revolutionary Guard of training and arming some militants, something the Shiite regional power has dismissed as a "futile and baseless lie."

Bahrain's government and Lockheed could not be immediately reached for comment.

___

Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
888poker Announce Destinations for its 2017 Live Events

March 30 2017 Matthew Pitt Editor

888poker has revealed the destinations it will take its 888Live Festivals and 888Live Local events to for the remainder of 2017.

The first event since the announcement is at Aspers Casino in London and is one of 888pokers popular local events, before the 888poker team heads to Barcelona for the 888Live Festival where more than 700,000 is guaranteed to be won.

Aspers Casino in London hosts three other 888Live Local events during 2017, with these taking place in May, July and November. The casino will also welcome hundreds of budding poker players through its doors in October for an 888Live Festival.

The last time 888poker was in London for one of its value-packed festivals, Ka Him Li and Shah Raza made a deal heads up in the Main Event and walked away with 45,300 and 40,000, respectively.

Month City Country April London UK May Barcelona Spain* May London UK June Dublin Ireland July London UK August Sao Paulo Brazil* September Madrid Spain October London UK* November London UK December Vienna Austria

*denotes an 888Live Festival

Another 888Live Festival is set for Sao Paulo, the most populous city in Brazil. It is a festival that is sure to attract masses of poker players, including the members of Team888 Brazil, Bruno Politano, Nicolau Villa-Lobos and Bruno Kawauti.

The atmosphere in 888Live events is amazing," said Politano to 888poker Magazine. "You can feel that the company is putting the players first, giving them the chance to play with our amazing 888team. I absolutely love the 888Live events in Brazil and will love even more the upcoming in Barcelona!

Announced alongside the schedule for the 888Live events for 2017 was the new travel partnership with MainEventTravel, a company owned by poker player Fraser MacIntyre.

888poker and MainEventTravel have created a system that allows package winners to maximise the value from their packages by choosing the exact days of their stay, their hotels and more.

We are absolutely thrilled to be working with 888Live for the Make It Big Festival in Barcelona  and proud to be launching a brand new online system for 888Lives prize package winners," MacIntyre said. MacIntyre is the managing director of MainEventTravel. "By putting complete control into the hands of the player, we can ensure that they get the very best out of their visit to Barcelona.

Download 888poker via PokerNews and prepare yourself for a huge boost to your bankroll. All new players who create an 888poker account receive a free $88 (free 20 in the UK) and a 100 percent up to $888 bonus on their first deposit.

Until March 31, any new player making a deposit of $10 using the bonus code POKERNEWS10 also receives a free $20 in their 888poker account.
Calling the Clock with Tristan Wade Sponsored by KO Watches

March 30 2017 PokerNews Staff

Beginning as a cutting-edge brand active in design, manufacturing and distribution of quality-finish watches from young Mexican entrepreneurs, KNOCK OUT -KO- Watches works to distinguish itself with its quality and clean design, allowing people to use time they have as they wish and without interruption. With our sponsor, KNOCK OUT -KO- Watches in mind, we're now going to "Call the Clock" on Tristan Wade.

PokerNews Sarah Herring called the clock on Tristan Wade, giving him two minutes to answer as many questions as he can. This week's segment comes from a previous interview with Wade on the PokerNews Podcast.

What is the most exciting thing going on in your life right now?

The freedom to create.

What is a night from your past that you would want to relive again?

Ive had some great moments down in Brazil with all my Brazilian guys and they really took care of me down there. I would like to go back.

OK. One thing every poker player should own?

A laptop.

Best advice you ever received?

Oh, thats tough. Be yourself.

Who is your poker icon?

Timothy Adams.

Favourite country to visit?

Japan. Japan. I visited there twice. Ive got a buddy  yeah, I wont give too much about Japan.

Last person you texted?

Tim Kelliher.

Boxers or briefs?

Boxer briefs.

App you use most on your phone?

iMessage.

Best movie youve watched in the last five years?

Hmm. What about Nocturnal Animals?

So good. Favourite TV show of all time?

The Simpsons.

If you could be in a band, what band would it be?

A band? Huh. The Beatles.

Coffee or tea?

Tea.

What was your first pet?

A hamster.

What was its name?

Harry. Harry the hamster.

Whats your biggest turnoff?

Bad personalities.

Movie you watched over and over as a kid?

Forrest Gump.

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Sharelines Two minutes with @TristanCre8ive sponsored by @kowatches: Whats your biggest turnoff?
More than 60 cadets at the University of North Georgia (UNG) were recognized for academic, leadership and military achievement at a March 28 awards ceremony.

"We congratulate all the winners, and we appreciate the organizations, families and corporations who provided the awards for our cadets," retired Col. Tom Palmer, UNG 's commandant of cadets, said. "Many of the awards were in the form of academic scholarships that will assist in offsetting the cost of a college degree. In all, more than $58,000 worth of scholarships were awarded to deserving members of the Boar's Head Brigade."

Among the top awards, Joshua Hill was recognized by the Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States for academic and military excellence. Only six of the awards are presented nationally each year, given to a cadet at each of the nation's six senior military colleges, which include UNG, Norwich University, Texas A&M University, the Citadel, Virginia Military Institute, and Virginia Tech.

Other awards presented included recognition for top cadets in each level; each recipient was in the top 10 percent of their class in both military and academics: Jericho Searcy, Superior Cadet MS I; Tyler Farney, Superior Cadet MS II; Addyson Albershardt, Superior Cadet MS III; and Krystal Jemmott, Superior Cadet MS IV.

Other top awards included: Terry Ellis, American Legion Military Excellence-MS III; Hayden Pilgrim, American Legion Scholastic Excellence-MS III; Jesse Clements, American Legion Military Excellence-MS IV; Bryton Wenzel, American Legion Scholastic Excellence-MS IV; and Jack Ward, Military Order of the Purple Heart Leadership Award.

Recipients of the awards were selected by members of the staffs of UNG's commandant and professor of military science, based upon criteria established by the donors and the national organizations sponsoring the awards.

"Previously, all cadet awards were presented during the annual Corps of Cadets Military Awards Review held during Alumni Weekend," said retired Maj. Richard Neikirk, assistant commandant of cadets. Due to the increase in the number of scholarships and other awards earned by UNG cadets, more than 90 this year, a second awards ceremony had to be added. The remaining awards and scholarships will be presented during the review on April 23."

Participation in UNG's Corps of Cadets, also known as the Boar's Head Brigade, offers the opportunity to acquire a degree in a chosen field of study while simultaneously earning an officer's commission in the U.S. Army, either active-duty, Guard or Reserve. The Corps of Cadets is a residential-based ROTC program housed on the university's Dahlonega Campus, and it consistently ranks among the best in the country.

UNG, with more than 130 years of experience educating future leaders, is a University System of Georgia leadership institution and is The Military College of Georgia. With more than 18,000 students, UNG is one of the state's largest public universities. The regional, multi-campus university offers more than 100 programs of study, including certificates, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and professional doctoral programs.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.  A seventh person has been arrested in connection with the deaths of two Colorado teenagers whose bodies were found on a rural road, and authorities are looking for two more people.

The Colorado Springs Gazette reports (https://goo.gl/jBGXcg ) a 21-year-old woman was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of kidnapping. The El Paso County Sheriffs Office has asked for the publics help finding a 28-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy.

The bodies of 15-year-old Derek Benjamin Greer and 16-year-old Natalie Partida were found March 12 by a passing driver about 20 miles south of Colorado Springs near Pikes Peak International Raceway.

Authorities havent said how the teens died or released any details about a possible motive.

___

Information from: The Gazette, http://www.gazette.com
A Nicaraguan man in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement died Tuesday after succumbing to injuries sustained in a suicide attempt last week, authorities said.

Osmar Epifanio Gonzalez-Gadba was discovered March 22 hanging in his cell at the Adelanto Detention Facility in Adelanto, California, about 80 miles northeast of Los Angeles, according to authorities.

After officials called 911, the 32-year-old  who has had been in ICE custody since December  was rushed to Victor Valley Global Medical Centers intensive care unit and placed on life support in Victorville, California, authorities said.

Gonzalez-Gadba died early Tuesday morning at the same facility, officials said, six days after he attempted to commit suicide. Authorities said he is the fifth detainee to die in ICE custody in fiscal year 2017.

There are officers and medical personal who make rounds regularly, Virginia Kice, an ICE spokeswoman, told The Washington Post. But in a case like his, this individual was housed in a one-person room, so he was alone when it occurred and they discovered him fairly quickly.

He used a bedsheet tied around his neck to hang himself  that happens very quickly, Kice added. We have personnel who monitor all of the residential areas and the facility 24/7.

Adelanto is the largest ICE facility in California, with daily population that averages over 1,900 detainees, authorities said. Gonzalez-Gadba is the first detainee death linked to the facility since December 2015.

Despite round-the-clock care, Gonzalez-Gadba never regained consciousness, an ICE news release said, adding that the preliminary cause of death being heart failure caused by the cerebral edema which resulted from asphyxiation.

Consistent with the agencys protocols, the appropriate state health and local law enforcement agencies have been notified about the death, as have the Department of Homeland Securitys Office of Inspector General and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility, the release continued. Additionally, ICE has advised Nicaraguan consular representatives.

Authorities said Gonzalez-Gadba was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents near Otay Mesa, a community just south of San Diego. At the time of his death, the news release said, ICE was trying to obtain a travel document from the Nicaraguan government that would allow the agency to move forward with deportation. The release noted that, according to Department of Homeland Security databases, Gonzalez-Gadba had been previously deported to Nicaragua in April 2016.

Kice said Nicaraguan consular representatives in Los Angeles told ICE officials that they have been in contact with Gonzalez-Gadbas family members in Nicaragua.

ICE is committed to ensuring the safety of all those in its custody, the news release said. As such, ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is conducting a thorough assessment of this incident.

News of Gonzalez-Gadbas death comes months after President Donald Trumps Jan. 25 executive order to crack down on the millions of illegal immigrants in this country. Enforcement agents have arrested hundreds of people in several states. Although the agents have arrested known criminals, they have also targeted those with minor convictions or no offenses at all, The Post reported.



The Washington Posts Kristine Phillips contributed to this report.
Two former allies of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie were sentenced to prison Wednesday for their roles in a conspiracy to shut down the nations busiest bridge  an act of political retribution dubbed Bridgegate that is thought to have seriously damaged Christies career, though he himself was not charged with a crime.

William Baroni Jr., 45, the former deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, and Bridget Anne Kelly, 44, Christies former deputy chief of staff, was sentenced to 18 months, according to the Justice Department. The two were convicted late last year of conspiring to tie up traffic on the George Washington Bridge to get revenge on a local mayor who refused to support Christies re-election bid.

We are satisfied that the sentences handed down today are a just result, acting U.S. Attorney William Fitzpatrick said in a statement. The defendants unlawful use of their government positions and government resources to settle a petty political score was a flagrant breach of their duty to the public and reflected a callous disregard for the welfare of the people of New Jersey. These sentences are fair and appropriate.

The case was notable in its own right but mostly because of the string of allegations it produced against New Jerseys governor  once a rising Republican star who ran for president and was thought to be a contender for a position in President Donald Trumps White House. On Wednesday, Christie, tapped by Trump to lead an effort to battle Americas opioid crisis, appeared at a roundtable discussion with the president in the White House.

Christie has said he did not know about his aides conspiracy to halt traffic on the bridge, though one of prosecutors key witnesses testified he told the governor about it and that the governor laughed. At their trial, prosecutors sought to cast Kelly and Baroni as devotees of Christie. During the Republican primary, in which Trump and Christie were rivals, Trump had said of Christies role in Bridgegate: He totally knew about it.

Asked about the sentences before they were imposed Wednesday, Christie told NBCs Matt Lauer, The judge will do what the judge believes is appropriate, Matt. And its not my role or anybody elses role, other than the judge in that courtroom, to pass sentence on people who have committed crimes. A spokesman declined to comment further.

Michael Baldassare, a lawyer for Baroni, said his client would appeal his conviction. This case is entering the next phase, and moving toward clearing Mr. Baronis name, he said. A lawyer for Kelly could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday evening.
Federal prosecutors accuse a veteran U.S. State Department employee of obstructing justice and lying about repeated contacts with foreign intelligence agents for China as she and people close to her accepted cash and gifts for years, according to charges unsealed Wednesday.

Candace Marie Claiborne, 60, has worked in office management at State since 1999 and held a top-secret security clearance, prosecutors said. She works at the Office of Caucasus Affairs and Regional Conflicts but previously had postings in China, Iraq, Sudan and several other countries, court filings show.

The Justice Department said that between 2011 and 2016, agents for China gave Claibornes family tens of thousands of dollars in gifts, including cash, electronics, trips, an apartment and tuition at a Chinese fashion school.

She faces a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison if convicted, U.S. officials said.

Claiborne, of Washington, D.C., was not required to enter a plea at a court appearance Wednesday and said little before U.S. Magistrate Robin Meriweather of the District ordered her held on home confinement and set a preliminary hearing pending indictment for April 18.

Prosecutors notified the court that they intended to use evidence collected under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

Claiborne allegedly confided to an unidentified co-conspirator, who lived with her in China, that the agents were spies, prosecutors said, and wrote in her journal that she could Generate 20k in 1 year working with them. Prosecutors charge that one of the agents asked her to provide internal U.S. analyses of economic talks in 2011 between the two countries and wired her bank account nearly $2,500.

In a 59-page affidavit filed Tuesday in support of an arrest warrant, FBI Special Agent Kellie OBrien with the Washington Field Offices counterintelligence division said Claiborne misled investigators for State and the FBI, including by instructing the Chinese agents and her live-in co-conspirator to delete evidence of the contacts and gifts.

OBrien did not name the Chinese nationals but said that one is an importer and exporter who runs a spa and restaurant in Shanghai and has known Claiborne since at least 2007 and that the other has communicated with Claiborne since 2012. U.S. authorities contend that both work for the Shanghai State Security Bureau, court filings show.

Claiborne used her position and her access to sensitive diplomatic data for personal profit. Pursuing those who imperil our national security for personal gain will remain a key priority of the National Security Division, Mary McCord, acting assistant attorney general for national security, said in a statement.

Claibornes attorney argued that she did not pose a flight risk or public-safety threat.

This is a 60-year-old woman who has never been involved in the criminal justice system, said Assistant Federal Defender David Bos, who is representing Claiborne until she hires a private lawyer. She does have family. Theres no indication she has tried to avoid these allegations.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John Hill said that Claibornes knowledge of several foreign languages and countries warrants closer monitoring.

Based on her contacts, her background, the information she knows in her mind, we do have to make sure she stays put, Hill said in asking for the home confinement.

OBriens affidavit redacted identifying information about the co-conspirator who lived with Claiborne in China, but it stated that Claiborne wanted him to pursue educational and career goals he had set overseas and that she sought financial help from the foreign agents, who, along with Claiborne and Conspirator A, were well aware, Claibornes goals were unobtainable on her State Department salary.

The agents paid for the co-conspirators college tuition in China, housing, travel and a monthly stipend and intervened to stop a Chinese criminal investigation into him and helped pay for his last-minute travel back to the United States, OBrien alleged.



The Washington Posts Rachel Weiner, Carol Morello and Julie Tate contributed to this report.
SANTA FE  Gov. Susana Martinez vetoed two bills Wednesday, including legislation aimed at improving the academic performance of Native American students by increasing student assistance programs and services.

In her veto message, the two-term Republican governor said the measure, House Bill 484, would have imposed additional costs on cash-strapped schools without providing extra funding.

Schools that are truly committed to serving their students and community already take steps to support their students as they strive to reach their potential, Martinez said. They do not need permission from a bill that would mandate duplicative programming and drive up costs.

The legislation was sponsored by first-term Rep. Derrick Lente, D-Sandia Pueblo. It passed both the House and Senate with broad bipartisan support.

The bill would have required 23 state school districts  those with high Native American student populations  to conduct an assessment for Indian students and set up programs to address persistent trouble spots, including lower-than-average graduation rates.

In a Wednesday interview, Lente disputed the governors contention that the bill represented an unfunded mandate, saying school districts with high Native American enrollment rates get federal funding that can be used for programs.

This was the first substantial piece of legislation weve had directed at Native American education in 15 years, said Lente, who said he was upset by the governors veto.

He also vowed to bring back the bill during next years legislative session.

Meanwhile, Martinez also vetoed a bill Wednesday dealing with how the state treasurer can spend money from certain fees, and signed three largely noncontroversial bills.

One of those signed measures will change the payment structure for those retirees eligible to receive benefits from both of the states public retirement systems. The other two deal with employment protection for National Guard members and the creation of a fund to pay for restoration projects on state trust land.

The governor has until April 7 to sign or veto most bills approved by the Legislature during this years 60-day session.

In all, lawmakers approved 277 bills during the session, which ended March 18. Including Wednesdays bill action, Martinez has signed 24 bills and vetoed 16. Two other bills took effect without the governors signature.
Washington  Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson told a Senate subcommittee Wednesday that hes worried about growing tension between the U.S. and Mexico, and he urged immediate, high-level diplomacy to get the bilateral relationship back on track.

The former U.N. ambassador said he frequently travels to Mexico and detects growing signs of hostility toward the U.S. among Mexicans. Richardson, a Democrat, cited President Donald Trumps pledge to build a border wall and a sharp uptick in deportations by the federal government as key reasons. He made the remarks to a Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee that specializes in Western Hemispheric affairs.

I have never seen the relationship in such bad shape as it is today, Richardson told the subcommittee. Its in tatters. The government-to-government relationship is shaky, but I worry about the relationship between the American people and the Mexican people. They feel insulted.

Richardson noted that Mexico is the United States second-largest export market, after Canada, and third-largest trading partner, after China and Canada, and said border states like New Mexico stand to lose the most from mass deportations that Trump pledged during the 2016 presidential campaign.

The New Mexico economy is dependent on immigrants, and there would be serious harm if they were just to disappear, Richardson said.

He also said the Trump administration should immediately engage the Mexican government in talks  and even suggested hosting a state dinner for President Enrique Pena Nieto  in advance of state elections in Mexico. Richardson said hes concerned that anti-U.S. sentiment could propel anti-U.S. candidates into office in Mexico.

We want to get the issues resolved in a way that doesnt give impetus to any one candidate, he said.

no on gorsuch: Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., said Wednesday that he will oppose President Donald Trumps nomination of Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Heinrich, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said an FBI investigation into the Trump administrations ties to Russia should be completed before the new president is allowed to make a lifetime appointment to the court.

Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., announced his opposition to Gorsuchs nomination last week and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has said Democrats aim to filibuster the nomination.

Given the multiple congressional and criminal investigations that are tainting this administration, it would not be responsible to move forward with President Trumps Supreme Court nominee until these Russia-related allegations are resolved, Heinrich said. We simply cannot process a lifetime appointment to the highest court in the land under these circumstances, especially since the court may be called upon to resolve matters related to these investigations.

Michael Coleman: mcoleman@abqjournal.com
WASHINGTON  The Senates coming confirmation of Neil Gorsuch will improve the Supreme Court, and Democrats incontinent opposition to him will inadvertently improve the Senate  if Republicans are provoked to thoroughly reform the filibuster. If eight Democrats will not join the 52 Republicans in providing 60 votes to end debate and bring Gorsuchs nomination to a vote, Republicans should go beyond extending to Supreme Court nominees the prohibition of filibusters concerning other judicial nominees. Senate rules should be changed to rectify a mistake made 47 years ago.

There was no limit on Senate debate until adoption of the cloture rule empowering two-thirds of senators present and voting to limit debate. This occurred on March 8, 1917  29 days before Congress declared war on Germany  after a filibuster prevented a vote on a momentous matter, the Armed Ship Bill, which would have authorized President Woodrow Wilson to arm American merchant ships. (He armed them anyway.)

In 1975, imposing cloture was made easier by requiring a vote of three-fifths of the entire Senate, a change the importance of which derived from what Majority Leader Mike Mansfield, D-Mont., did in 1970: He created the two-track system whereby the Senate, by unanimous consent or the consent of the minority leader, can set aside a filibustered bill and move on to other matters. Hitherto, filibustering senators had to hold the floor, testing their stamina and inconveniencing everyone else to encourage the majority to compromise. In the 52 years after 1917, there were only 58 cloture motions filed; in the 47 years since 1970, there have been 1,700.

Wisdom about the filibuster comes today from the other side of the Capitol, where House rules make filibustering impossible. Rep. Tom McClintock, a conservative California Republican, writing in Hillsdale Colleges publication Imprimis, praises the Senate tradition that a significant minority should be able to extend debate to deepen deliberation. Post-1970 filibusters, however, are used to prevent debate. As McClintock says, the mere threat of a filibuster suffices to kill a bill as the Senate shrugs and goes on to other business.

McClintock urges the Senate to make a motion to proceed to consideration of a bill undebatable and hence immune to filibustering: Great debates should be had on great matters  but not great debates on whether to debate. And he says the Senate should abandon the two-track system. This would prevent the Senate from conducting other business during a filibuster, but would require filibusterers to hold the floor. As he says, it was this mutual inconvenience that, between 1917 and 1970, made filibusters rare and productive of pressure for compromise to resolve the impasse.

As a result of todays Senate paralysis, McClintock says, the atrophy of the legislative branch drives a corresponding hypertrophy of the executive branch. The promiscuous use of faux filibusters  requiring 60 votes to proceed with consideration of, or votes on, ordinary legislation  blurs the implicit constitutional principle that extraordinary majorities are required only for extraordinary matters, such as proposing constitutional amendments, overriding vetoes and ratifying treaties.

The trivialization of filibusters  no longer requiring them to be strenuous and disruptive events  has deprived them of dignity. Restoring them to what they were would affirm the principle that majoritarianism  simply counting numbers; government by adding machine  should be tempered by a reformed filibuster as a mechanism for measuring the intensity of a minoritys opposition to a majority position. The Constitution affirms the power of each house of Congress to determine the rules of its proceedings, so any Senate procedures are compatible with the Constitutions text. But the practices made possible by the post-1970 rules have contributed to institutional disequilibrium, destabilizing the Constitutions design by inciting a dangerous expansion of presidential power. Hence Georgetown law professor Randy Barnett and The Weekly Standards Jay Cost urge forbidding filibusters of appropriations bills:

Democrats have discovered that if they block individual appropriations bills, the entire operation of government will inevitably be rolled into an omnibus appropriations bill and the majority must either accept it in toto or face a partial shutdown of the government. This maneuver has largely eliminated Congress ability to discipline the executive via line-item spending cuts.

Certainly, the filibuster fits a non-majoritarian institution in which 585,501 Wyomingites have as much representation as do 39,250,017 Californians. Besides, filibusters delay but do not defeat political processes: Can anyone name anything that a majority of Americans have desired, strongly and protractedly, that has been denied to them because of a filibuster?

Wills columns, including those not published in the Journal, can be read at abqjournal.com/opinion  look for the syndicated columnist link. Email: georgewill@washpost.com; copyright, Washington Post Writers Group.
SANTA FE  A droopy-eyed, knife-carrying, polka-dot hoodie-wearing man was arrested by Santa Fe police Tuesday night after he allegedly robbed a bank and nearby gas station within the span of a few hours.

Christopher Lucas Trujillo, 21, of Santa Fe, was charged with robbery and evading an officer after he was chased down by police following the gas station heist where police say he got away with cash and a pack of cigarettes. Earlier in the day, police say he robbed a Wells Fargo Bank located inside a grocery store.

According to police reports, Trujillo walked into the Albertsons grocery store at the corner of St. Francis Drive and Zia Road shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday and told the bank manager, Give me $10,000 because I have a gun so dont call the cops. Before leaving, the man said he also had a bomb strapped to his chest

The bank manager told police the suspect was wearing a black sweatshirt with multi-colored spots all over it. She said he seemed intoxicated because his demeanor and eyes were really droopy.

About five hours later, workers at a Giant gas station on Sawmill Road not far from the Albertsons called police after a man wearing a similar sweatshirt robbed the store of $71 and a pack of Marlboro Lights.

Shortly after receiving the call, a police officer spotted a man matching the robbers description on foot not far from the store and chased him through a field near Galisteo Street. The officer pulled the suspect down while he was trying to scale a 6-foot wall. On a nearby sidewalk, police found a an empty miniature bottle of Southern Comfort, an unopened pack of Marlboros, and a 14-inch serrated knife.

According to the reports, after Trujillo was in police custody he kept falling asleep. Though he stated he had not been drinking or doing drugs, police took him to a hospital to be checked out. Jail records show that Trujillo  whose criminal record includes charges of possessing drug paraphernalia, receiving stolen property, trespassing and battery  was still in jail Wednesday afternoon being held on $1,500 bond.
Copyright  2017 Albuquerque Journal

After revelations of dangerous-dog adoptions rocked the Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department and led to the departure of the agencys director last year, her successor has been found to have disregarded new reforms and overruled staff to keep unadoptable shelter dogs from being euthanized.

Those findings, contained in an internal city report obtained by the Journal, mark the second time since April 2015 that an internal Tiger Team of city officials found instances in which a director of Animal Welfare intervened or sided with volunteers, instead of department staff, to spare shelter dogs and put them up for adoption or placed with a rescue agency.

After three city investigations in 2015 concluded that Animal Welfare had been adopting out dogs that had bitten or injured humans or killed other animals and potentially endangered public safety, then-Director Barbara Bruin stepped down as director that year and left the agency in July 2016. Former volunteer coordinator Paul Caster was hired in a new deputy director position and eventually was promoted to the top job in mid-2016.

The city administration also announced new rules and clearer guidelines to ensure that decisions on euthanasia were made by professional department staffers, such as veterinarians and animal behaviorists.

However, according to the new Tiger Team report issued last month, it is this teams finding that these policies have at times been subverted or outright ignored by the AWD Director (Caster).

Asked which he values more, live animal exits or public safety, he (Caster) clearly stated that it was live exits, the report stated. Of 17,573 animals placed at city shelters in 2016, 1,703 were euthanized.

In conversations with staffers, the Tiger Team reported, There was a frequent concern that the director has released and is releasing dogs to the public without following the guidelines established.

The report also said, Contrasting with every other interviewee, in our interview with the AWD Director he stated the guidelines were vague.

Animal Welfare staffers also told the team they were consistently criticized by the Director and the Director is more inclined to listen to volunteers opinions over AWD staff.

Caster didnt return messages seeking comment, but city Chief Operating Officer Michael Riordan told the Journal the report showed better communication was needed between staff and Caster.

Caster initially probably had too much involvement in putting animals as adoptable or unadoptable, but I think hes done better than what was done in the past and hes continuing to work on that, Riordan said. No discipline imposed, Riordan said, adding that he believes Caster is working to improve the situation.

He said Caster will not be permitted to overrule staff decisions on euthanasia, and like all department employees, he was told that he must follow city policy.

Euthanasia list

The city in 2015 set specific criteria for deeming an animal unadoptable, including those that have killed the same species of animal, shown high prey drive by attacking or killing multiple animals and those that have caused multiple punctures or deep muscle tears. Those animals should be euthanized after intake in a timely manner, according to Animal Welfare policy.

Staff members told the team the written policies and procedures would provide a consistent method for determining EL (euthanasia list) if there was no interference. However, interviewees repeatedly stated that the director  has verbally assailed staff directly regarding euthanasia decisions, in both group and individual meetings  an accusation Caster denied in an interview with the Tiger Team.

The city also enacted a new rule designating a three-person department population management team made up of highly experienced staff members, such as veterinarians and animal behaviorists, to make decisions on adoptability and euthanasia.

But the Tiger Team reported that Caster had sent emails questioning the medical and kennel staffs EL (euthanasia list) decisions. In one instance he unilaterally changed (Population Management Team) team procedures and ordered the PMT to take dogs to the play yard prior to placement on the EL. In interviews, staff stated that EL decisions are more difficult as a result of this, the report said.

Impressive performance

The team also found that a new policy barring shelter volunteers from holding animals indefinitely wasnt strictly enforced.

Caster, in the department response, defended his actions as important to determining where these particular animals turned the corner from being adoptable to needing to be euthanized.

Riordan said the new policies were designed to take some of the emotion out of such decisions, but that its still impossible to do.

Caster, who was paid about $98,000 last year, according to the citys website, has no professional experience in overseeing a metropolitan animal shelter. He previously was a volunteer coordinator for the city Animal Welfare Department and was involved with two New Mexico animal rescues and a wolf sanctuary. He also served more than 30 years in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army, according to his resume.

The administration of Mayor Richard Berry said in October 2015 that it would initiate a search for a new director to replace Bruin. But the city gave Caster the top job because of his impressive performance this past year as a deputy director, a city spokeswoman said last July.

Tiger Team members were Assistant City Attorney Hessel Yntema IV; Mark Motsko, strategic program manager of the citys Department of Municipal Development; and Chris Payton, fiscal manager of the city Transit Department.

Their report said that when interviews were conducted in October, the shelter was crowded and experiencing the worst kennel cough outbreak in over a decade. In one case, a dog, instead of being euthanized, was allowed to die of pneumonia in kennel with other animals present.

In another case, the population management team determined a dog to be unadoptable, but the director worked on a live exit for the dog, adopting the animal to a volunteer. The dog entered the kennel as a stray, and the population management team said it was unadoptable after attacking a citizen and biting the owner inappropriately.

The report said another dog had eaten the face off of a sheep. Yet a population management team, which involved Caster, concluded the dog would be adoptable. And within five days of the animals intake, it was adopted.

Another dog involved in killing three sheep was transferred to a rescue group.

The man who took both dogs to the shelter reported he didnt feel safe with these animals around his animals any longer.

State law requires that owners of a dog that kills livestock have a duty to kill the dog after a court finds the dog has killed or injured livestock.
BAGHDAD  As the fight for the Iraqi city of Mosul drags on, many might ask: Why has it taken the combined militaries of the United States and Iraq backed by an international coalition more than two years to dislodge a relatively small force of militants lacking heavy weaponry?

Donald Trump raised the question during his campaign, promising to turn up the heat against the Islamic State group if he became president. Now the growing controversy over the high number of civilian casualties believed caused by recent U.S. airstrikes has touched on a major part of the answer: The militants are mingled among tens of thousands of civilians in Mosul and are willing to take the population down with them.

Inevitably, the more force brought to bear to crush the fighters, the greater the danger civilians will be killed.

To avoid that, strikes must be more surgical and more cautiously used, and the battle turns to street-by-street fighting where the technological edge is often neutralized. Minimizing civilian deaths is more than just a humanitarian concern: Heavy bloodshed can fuel public resentments that push some to join militant groups.

Another factor is whether the extremists have support from at least part of the population. Its even further complicated if they can claim to be fighting for national liberation  as, for example, with the Hamas group in its battles with Israel in Gaza. In Iraq and Syria, the Islamic State group clearly holds the population hostage in many cases, but it also seeks to sway some support by claiming to defend Sunnis against a mostly Shiite force from Baghdad.

After a March 17 explosion that residents say killed at least 100 people in Mosul, the U.S. military acknowledged an airstrike was involved. But the top commander of U.S. forces in Iraq said investigations may reveal a more complicated explanation, including the possibility that militants rigged the building with explosives after forcing civilians inside.

Army Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend said recent civilian casualties in Mosul were fairly predictable given the densely populated urban neighborhoods the IS fighters are defending against Iraqi troops.

Over the past 2 years, Iraqi forces backed by U.S. special forces and coalition airstrikes have managed to push IS out of most of the territory they overran in the summer of 2014  retaking three major cities and numerous smaller communities. The fight for Mosul, launched in mid-October, has been the longest battle yet.

With each fight, the Islamic State group has adapted its use of civilians as human shields, creating increasingly deadly battlefields.

In Tikrit and Sinjar, IS let the population flee early on, allowing Iraqi and coalition forces to liberally use airstrikes and artillery to retake the areas by the autumn of 2015.

IS then tightened its grip on other cities and towns. It locked down Ramadi in western Anbar province with checkpoints to prevent civilians from fleeing. Only those with serious health conditions were allowed out  and only if they left behind a relative, property or thousands of dollars to guarantee their return.

After Iraqi forces punched into Ramadi, fleeing IS fighters forced civilians to go with them to thwart airstrikes. Moving west along the Euphrates River, Iraqs military responded to the use of human shields by largely empting towns of their populations as they retook territory. The massive displacement resulted in humanitarian crises. Thousands were left without shelter and little food or water in desert camps.

So the government changed tactics. It asked civilians to stay in their homes, a decision that was controversial with commanders faced with clearing militants from dense residential areas.

In Mosul, an estimated 1 million people were in the city when Iraqi forces breached its eastern edge. IS fighters fired from the rooftops of homes where civilians sheltered, targeting those who fled with mortars and gunfire. In denser neighborhoods, even precision munitions inflicted heavy casualties. In western Mosul, IS fighters forced civilians into explosives-rigged homes, then took up positions on the roofs, Iraqi and coalition officials said.

A similar battle looms in the Islamic State groups Syrian stronghold of Raqqa.

There, the militants have taken even greater pains to trap the population. Land mines and checkpoints circle the city. And all the men have been ordered to wear the jihadis garb of baggy pants and long shirts, making it difficult to distinguish militants from civilians.

Here are other cases where advanced militaries have wrestled with the issue.

THE UNITED STATES

The U.S. has faced backlash over civilian deaths in nearly all its recent conflicts  Korea, Vietnam, and more recently Iraq and Afghanistan. Public fury in Iraq and Afghanistan over deaths in airstrikes and at checkpoints and abuses by U.S. troops has been a major factor shaping the evolution of U.S. tactics since 9/11. The response has been to turn increasingly to special operations forces and armed drones and to work with local fighters.

In Iraq from 2005 to 2007, the more secretive elements of U.S. special operations, led by Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal, combined intelligence with night raids to capture or kill insurgents, including the leader of al-Qaida in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. This  and the enlisting of Sunni tribesmen to fight the insurgents  proved far more effective than conventional forces kicking in doors.

Still, drone strikes that kill civilians continue to raise an outcry in Yemen, Pakistan and elsewhere.

And militants also evolve. Al-Qaida in Iraq was all but extinguished by 2009, but a kernel of militant leaders who met in U.S.-run prisons transformed it into the Islamic State group by exploiting Iraqs Sunni-Shiite divide, which worsened after U.S. forces left in 2011.

RUSSIA IN GROZNY

The Russian assault on the Chechen capital, Grozny, in 1999 and 2000 was the centerpiece of President Vladimir Putins drive to end Chechen separatist ambitions.

It was also a case of a military  and government  that seemingly cared little about how much destruction it wrought to crush the rebels. Russian forces unleashed heavy bombardment with artillery and airstrikes that leveled apartment buildings and even city blocks. Most of the population had fled but a significant number remained. There was an international outcry over the brutality, but public opinion in Russia strongly backed the assault, giving Putin freedom of action.

It took just four months before Putin declared Grozny liberated in February 2000. Thousands of civilians are believed to have been killed, and the United Nations called Grozny the most destroyed city in the world.

ISRAEL IN GAZA

The Israeli military knows the challenges of fighting an enemy embedded in a civilian population. Wars against Hezbollah in Lebanon in 2006 and against Hamas in Gaza in 2009, 2012 and 2014 killed hundreds of civilians. Israel blames its adversaries for the tolls, noting they used civilian areas to hide or to attack from.

The Israeli military says it takes numerous steps to minimize civilian casualties. It drops leaflets telling residents to leave. It makes phone calls and sends text messages to inhabitants of targeted buildings and sometimes strikes homes with nonexplosive shells as warnings to evacuate.

According to the United Nations, 2,251 Palestinians, including 1,462 civilians, were killed during the 2014 Gaza fighting, including 551 children and 299 women. Israel disputes these figures. A U.N. report accused both Israel and Hamas of committing possible war crimes.

FRANCE IN ALGERIA

As Frances empire was coming undone in the 1950s, it fought its most brutal battle for one precious piece of turf: Algeria, colonized beginning in 1830. The war to hold onto Paris crown jewel lasted seven years, 1954-1962, and left scars that have yet to heal.

The conflict, which began as an insurgency and continued with urban terror-style attacks on the French, was ferocious. Some Algerian lawmakers still call for reparations. The toll remains debated, but a leading French historian says 350,000-400,000 Algerian civilians died.

___

Perry reported from Jerusalem. Associated Press writers Robert Burns in Washington and Howard Amos in Moscow contributed to this report.
Police have arrested a man who was threatening customers and employees with a machete at a Smiths grocery store Wednesday evening, according to a spokesman for the Albuquerque Police Department.

The man, later identified as 47-year-old Steven Leewright was booked into the county jail and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Police say around 4:45 p.m. police were called to the store on Lomas and San Pedro NE because Leewright was yelling at and threatening a security guard after being asked to leave his backpack at the front counter.

According to a statement posted on the city of Albuquerque website, Leewright swung a machete blade toward the security guard, saying he was going to cut him. He also yelled at a woman who was shopping at the store.

The security guard told Leewright he was going to call the police, so Leewright took off.

As officers arrived on scene they located the suspect who attempted to flee into the backyard of a residence on Arizona St, said Tanner Tixier, an APD spokesman. Officers quickly set up a perimeter to contain the suspect.

The K9 unit found Leewright hiding in the bushes of the backyard.

The machete was located in the bushes where he was hiding from officers, Tixier said.

Leewright was taken to the hospital for treatment and booked into jail when he was released.
LAS CRUCES  Water will again fill the Rio Grande channel near Las Cruces in the coming days, after the first river water of 2017 is released on Friday morning.

The riverbed in south-central New Mexico has been mostly dry since the end of the farming season last fall. But the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is slated to release water from Caballo Reservoir, the southernmost of two upstream reservoirs, starting at 6 a.m. Friday morning, according to the agency.

Exactly how long the water takes to reach Las Cruces can vary from year to year, depending on the dryness of the riverbed and the volume of water being released. Last year, the first water was released on a Saturday morning and reached the Las Cruces area on a Sunday afternoon.

James Narvaez, irrigation systems director for Elephant Butte Irrigation District, estimated the water might reach Leasburg Dam in Radium Springs by about 7 a.m. Saturday. And it could be at La Llorona Park in Las Cruces about early afternoon the same day.

But its really hard to say until it actually hits, he said.

Farmers have said theyve noticed the riverbed, thanks to winter moisture and recovery of the water table, appears to be wetter than in past years. Narvaez said, however, there are still dry portions that can slow the water flow.

River water for El Paso

The first water being released isnt for farmers in EBID, which covers southern Sierra County and Dona Ana County. Rather, its designated for farmers in the El Paso area, which is beginning its water delivery earlier than EBID.

This initial release is for the El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1, said reclamation bureau spokeswoman Mary Carlson.

Jesus Chuy Reyes, general manager for EPCWID No. 1, said that district is ready to start irrigation. Water is expected to reach the El Paso area possibly as early as Sunday, or, at the latest, by Monday. The district has a two acre-foot per-acre initial allotment set, based on the amount of water the district has in storage. But that could increase this summer, possibly to 4 acre-feet per acre, in the summer after snowmelt run-off has reached the reservoirs.

Reyes said the amount of water available this year is prompting farmers to plant all of the districts available acreage. That has been unusual here the last three years when we were in severe drought.

Were looking at our farmers planting 100 percent of their fields, he said.

Last year, about 85 percent of the El Paso districts acreage was farmed, Reyes said.

EBID water season set

EBID officials have said this water season, depending on the amount of spring run-off that materializes, may be one of the best in recent years, thanks to strong snowfall in the southern Rocky Mountains.

Friday, EBIDs governing board met Friday and OKd an initial 8 acre-inches per-acre water allotment for farmers in the district. Thats based on water already in storage at the reservoirs and is expected to increase as the spring run-off progresses, according to an EBID news release.

Also, EBID is planning a phased start to its irrigation season, with the first water deliveries in the northern part of the district set to begin April 17. In mid-May, water deliveries are tentatively set to start in the central and southern part of Dona Ana County, according to the district. Exact dates havent been finalized, according to EBID.

Diana Alba Soular may be reached at 575-541-5443, dalba@lcsun-news.com or @AlbaSoular on Twitter.

Irrigation Season Dates

Friday: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation will release the first Rio Grande water of 2017 from Caballo Reservoir.

Monday: El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1 will begin Rio Grande water diversion at American Dam.

April 5-6: EPCWID will begin diversion at Mesilla Dam (Eastside and Westside Canals)

April 10: EBID farmers can begin placing water orders accepted for the North area (around Hatch)

April 11: Meeting for Hatch farmers from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Hatch Community Center, 837 N.M. Hwy. 187.

April 17: For the northern area only, EBID will begin water diversions from the Rio Grande at Percha Dam (Arrey Canal). River water irrigation will start around Hatch.

April 18: Mexico will begin diversions at International Dam.

May 6-7: Tentative flat-rate/ small-farm irrigation date for EBIDs north area

Mid-May: Tentative start state for EBID will begin water diversions at Leasburg and Mesilla Dams for the Central and South areas of the district.

Other info

EBID farmers are encouraged to provide a ready date and to place river-water orders early to improve irrigation efficiency, according to the district. Delays in placing surface water orders will reduce the opportunity to receive water. Members must be prepared to receive their water when it is available.

EBID Farm Rate or large-acreage account water orders can be placed (beginning April 10 for the north area) online through the Farmer Services tab on the EBID website at www.ebid-nm.org. EBID members can set up an account to place water orders and manage other account activities. Farmers may also place water orders by contacting the EBID Water Records Department at 575-524-8003 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

?Source: Elephant Butte Irrigation District



2017 the Las Cruces Sun-News (Las Cruces, N.M.)

Visit the Las Cruces Sun-News (Las Cruces, N.M.) at www.lcsun-news.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

_____
WASHINGTON  The Trump administration has told Congress it plans to approve a multibillion-dollar sale of F-16 fighter jets to Bahrain without the human rights conditions imposed by the State Department under President Barack Obama.

If finalized, the approval would allow the Gulf island to purchase 19 of the jets from Maryland-based Lockheed Martin Corp., plus improvements to other jets in Bahrains fleet. Though Congress has opportunities to block the sale, it is unlikely it will act to do so, given the Republican majoritys strong support for the sale.

The decision is the latest signal that the Trump administration is prioritizing support for Sunni-led countries seen as critical to opposing Irans influence in the Mideast over human rights issues that Obama had elevated.

Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navys 5th Fleet and an under-construction British naval base, is a predominantly Shiite island off the coast of Saudi Arabia ruled by a Sunni monarchy. Government forces, with help from U.S. allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, crushed the 2011 uprising by Shiites and others who sought more political power.

Under Obama, the U.S. withdrew approval before the fighter jet deal was finalized because it said Bahrain hadnt taken steps it had promised to improve human rights.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corkers office said the committee was told Wednesday by the State Department that it plans to proceed with the sale. The State Department declined to comment.

The notice triggers a 40-day consultation period in which committee staff can review a draft of the Bahrain approval, ask questions about the sale and raise any concerns. Then the State Department will send a formal notification to Congress, setting off a final, 30-day review period, during which Congress could pass a joint resolution or take other steps to stop the sale.

Lockheed had lobbied strenuously for the sales approval, even as rights groups and pro-democracy activists urged the administration not to jettison human rights conditions. Brian Dooley of the Washington-based group Human Rights First said decoupling the sale from such conditions would encourage further repression and fuel instability during a tense period for Bahrain.

The sale will send exactly the wrong signal to the dictatorship: that the White House thinks the political crackdown is not just morally acceptable but also not dangerous, when in fact its whats fueling the countrys instability, Dooley said.

But Corker, a Republican from Tennessee, praised the move and said the caveats would have been unprecedented and counterproductive for security and human rights.

There are more effective ways to seek changes in partner policies than publicly conditioning weapons transfers in this manner, Corker said in a statement.

Among the steps the Obama administration had sought from Bahrain was the release of Nabeel Rajab, a famed human rights activist who helped lead the 2011 protests. Rajab, whose trial has been repeatedly delayed, awaits sentencing on a charge of spreading false news via Twitter over his posts about the ongoing Saudi-led war in Yemen, as well as allegations of torture by authorities at a local prison.

The State Department said as recently as this week that it was calling for Rajabs release. The U.S. has said Bahrain lacks evidence against him.

Since the beginning of a government crackdown nearly a year ago, activists have been imprisoned or forced into exile. Bahrains main Shiite opposition group has been dismantled. Lawmakers recently approved military tribunals for civilians while its feared domestic spy agency regained some arrest powers. Independent news gathering on the island also has grown more difficult.

Meanwhile, a series of attacks, including a January prison break, have targeted the island. Shiite militant groups have claimed some of the assaults. Bahrain has accused Irans Revolutionary Guard of training and arming some militants, something the Shiite regional power has dismissed as a futile and baseless lie.

Bahrains government and Lockheed did not respond to requests for comment. In prepared remarks before a hearing Wednesday of the U.S. Houses Armed Services Committee, the head of the U.S. militarys Central Command acknowledged the delay in the fighter jet sale to Bahrain continues to strain our relationship.

We continue to urge the government of Bahrain to reverse steps it has taken over the past year to reduce the space for peaceful political expression in its (Shiite) population and have encouraged the Bahrainis to implement needed political reforms in the country, U.S. Gen. Joseph Votel said.

___

Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Shortly after the inauguration of President Donald Trump, whose plan to defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting leaked on the eve of his swearing-in, the NPR member station in Philadelphia held a record-smashing winter pledge drive: $1.3 million from roughly 12,700 contributors  double the totals in previous years.

New York Public Media, which produces syndicated radio programs, such as Freakonomics and Radiolab, raised $3.4 million during its best February fundraiser ever.

And in the days after Trump officially proposed stripping the CPBs entire $445 million appropriation, on March 16, half the traffic to the website of PBS SoCal, in Los Angeles, flowed to a page explaining the importance of federal dollars to the local TV station.

These audience responses are exactly what Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colo., had in mind when he filed a bill in January that would cut off funding to the CPB and said that the public media system is perfectly capable of standing on its own two feet and not on the financial shoulders of the American taxpayers.

But at KWIT, the NPR affiliate in Sioux City, Iowa (median household income: $43,888), general manager Mark Munger can only fantasize about the kind of donation bursts sustaining stations in the nations largest media markets.

I dont see that happening in our community  not that I dont think there are people who are generous or would want to give, Munger said. They want to, and they would, if they could. We dont have the community thats going to give us millions of dollars a year. And thats why we should be here. Thats why we need the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Republicans have tried, on and off, for decades to defund the CPB, which awards less than 10 percent of its grant money directly to PBS and NPR and sends the rest to the local member stations, such as KWIT, that comprise their networks. Now, the GOP has a prime opportunity to accomplish its longtime mission, since it controls the White House and both chambers of Congress.

At public radio and television stations across the country, the current moods range from concern to existential fear, depending on how deeply their budgets rely on federal funding.

Its a very serious proposal, said PBS SoCal chief executive Andrew Russell, whose station depends on the CPB for 11 percent to 15 percent of revenue each year. Its a very serious threat to public television and public radio.

Generally speaking, stations in small, rural markets  many in red states  receive more money, per capita, than their counterparts in big cities, who have greater access to corporate underwriters, foundations and affluent populations. In 2014, $186.1 million in CPB grants went to stations in the states that voted for Trump in the fall.

At Philadelphias WHYY, grants from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting represent about 7 percent of the stations budget; at Sioux Citys KWIT, they make up one-third of all revenue.

It would be devastating to us to lose CPB funding, Munger said. Were going to be the ones who are in trouble. Likely, stations like us will go out of existence.

Munger is drafting a letter to listeners in which he will explain the stakes and solicit whatever donations his audience can manage. Some large-market stations are doing the same. WGBH, a public radio and TV broadcaster in Boston, has sent at least two fundraising emails to listeners and viewers since Trump unveiled his budget proposal. Chicago public radio station WBEZ emailed listeners last week and asked them to do three things: donate, sign a petition and call members of Congress.

Nationally, WBEZ is best-known for producing Wait, Wait  Dont Tell Me, the weekly comedic quiz show. What would happen to the program if CPB dollars dried up?

What would happen is we would do everything possible to replace those funds with something else and not impact our programming or our listeners, WBEZ chief executive Goli Sheikholeslami said.

Public radio stations all over the country pay WBEZ a fee to air Wait, Wait  Dont Tell Me. The fee is manageable, even for small stations, because there are so many of them; the NPR network includes more than 900 local affiliates. The same principle applies to all syndicated shows, including NPRs flagship programs, Morning Edition and All Things Considered.

The entire public media system is hung on an economy-of-scale play, said Bill Marrazzo, president of the Philadelphia public radio station, WHYY. No one of us  even in the richest, most robust local  could afford to muster the resources that enable you to create a public radio or public television program stream as robust as ours is, absent an economy-of-scale play where every station at the local level elects to participate in chipping in.

Sheikholeslami said that without money from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, WBEZ and other large stations would have to try to raise more money than we would just for ourselves to make up for what other, smaller stations are losing  assuming the smaller ones survive.

New York Public Radio chief executive Laura Walker added that another, undesirable option would be to try to produce syndicated shows like The Takeaway and On the Media more cheaply.

If smaller stations have to cut back, it could hit the line of national producers, which will basically put the quality and the quantity of productions that are being created for public radio at risk, she said.

Walker said the recent influx of donations at stations like hers should not be viewed in the way Lamborn suggested  as evidence that the public media system would be just fine without federal funding. Listeners and viewers might be able to step up right now, she said, but youd have to be careful about projecting forward and being able to say, OK, in the second and the third year, people will be able to do the same.'
A former New Mexico Military Institute cadet from California was sentenced Wednesday in federal court in Las Cruces to 10 years in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release for possession of child pornography.

Joshua Adam Williams, 21, of Lakeside, Calif., will be required to register as a sex offender after completing his prison sentence. He was also ordered to pay $210,010 in restitution to one of the victims of his criminal conduct, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in a news release.

A criminal complaint charged Williams with distribution, possession and attempted production of videos and images depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. It alleged that Williams committed these crimes in May 2015 in Roswell while he was enrolled as a cadet at the New Mexico Military Institute.

The investigation into Williams began in Aug. 2014 after a father and minor child told the FBI the child had been self-producing child porn and sharing it through an internet chat room, according to court filings. Investigators found the minor childs cell phone, which contained child pornography, linked to an account of Williams. Search warrants for Williams computers, cellphone and other digital media uncovered videos and images consistent with child pornography.

In his plea agreement, Williams admitted he possessed a computer and phone that contained child pornography including video of a toddler being sexually molested by an adult and about 100 videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, according to court filings.

This case was investigated by the Roswell office of the FBI, New Mexico State Police, New Mexico Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and the New Mexico Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory with assistance from the FBI in San Diego, Calif., and the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of California.

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LAS CRUCES, N.M.  A 28-year-old southeastern New Mexico woman who admitted making child pornography faces 15 years in prison.

Kyla Lashawn Norby of Hobbs was sentenced Wednesday in Las Cruces after pleading guilty June 22 to production of child pornography.

Norby also must pay $210,000 of restitution to the victim.

The U.S. Attorneys Office says Norbys arrest in January 2016 resulted from an investigation begun after an Odessa, Texas, man disclosed to authorities that Norby made a toddler child sexually available to him.

The office says a search of the mans cellphone revealed incriminating photos that Norby sent to the Texas man.
A major global partnership aimed at fighting superbugs announced Thursday that it is investing up to $48 million in research projects, including potentially the first new classes of antibiotics in decades, to target the deadliest drug-resistant bacteria.

The investments announced by CARB-X include $24 million in immediate funding for 11 companies. The firms can receive up to $24 million in additional payments over three years if they meet specific milestones.

The projects represent a broad range of approaches. Three companies are working on new classes of antibiotics, a significant development because the last class that made it to market was in 1984. Four companies are developing nontraditional therapeutics to boost the human immune response and disable pathogens ability to grow. Yet another company is pursuing a diagnostic imaging tool to identify the type of bacteria causing a lung infection within 60 seconds.

All the projects are in early stages of research, when risk of failure is high, officials said. CARB-X, which stands for Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator, was launched in July to stimulate such critical early-stage work. Its goal is to jump-start drug development with money and access to expertise, supporting companies with promising antibiotic candidates so they can attract enough private or public investment to advance development and eventually win regulatory approval.

Funding comes from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, or BARDA, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Wellcome Trust, a London-based global biomedical research charity. CARB-X aims to invest $450 million over five years with the goal of speeding up preclinical discovery and development of at least 20 antibacterial products and moving at least two of them into human trials. The partnership, which also includes academic, industry and other nongovernmental organizations, was created as part of the U.S. and British governments calls for global efforts to tackle antibiotic resistance.

The projects announced Thursday were selected out of 168 applications. These projects hold exciting potential in the fight against the deadliest antibiotic-resistant bacteria, said Kevin Outterson, executive director of CARB-X and a law professor at Boston University, where the partnership is headquartered.

All the potential medicines under development target Gram-negative bacteria, among the most dangerous types of superbugs because they are increasingly resistant to most available antibiotics. They include CRE, or carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, which U.S. health officials have dubbed nightmare bacteria.

These pathogens, which cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and wound or surgical site infections, have been identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization as the greatest threat to human health. They have built-in defenses that include a double membrane barrier and a mechanism that expels drugs, such as antibiotics, from the cell.

Drug-resistant infections kill an estimated 700,000 people a year globally. The more antibiotics are used, the less effective they become as bacteria develop resistance to them. Scientists, doctors and other public health officials have increasingly warned that if antibiotic resistance continued at its current rate, routine infections eventually would be life-threatening ones. Common modern surgeries, such as knee replacements, could again become precarious.

Last month, the World Health Organization announced its first list of drug-resistant priority pathogens to guide and promote research and development of new drugs. Of the 40 antibiotics in clinical development in the United States, fewer than half have the potential to treat the pathogens identified by the WHO, said Allan Coukell, senior director of health programs at the Pew Charitable Trusts antibiotic-resistance project.

Experts said they are excited by the research CARB-X is funding.

Its hitting the right targets for potential drug development, said Kathy Talkington, director of Pews antibiotic-resistance project. Its covering a diverse portfolio of products. It addresses the need for novelty.

Eight companies are based in the United States and three in the United Kingdom. The projects also will receive business and drug development support from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, and other partners.

Companies that are developing potentially new classes of antibiotics include San Diego-based Forge Therapeutics, which was awarded $4 million over 15 months to spur development of a small molecule product to target an enzyme found only in Gram-negative bacteria and essential for its growth.

Visterra Inc. of Cambridge, Mass., was awarded $3 million over 12 months to develop an antibody with a potent antimicrobial compound engineered to kill all strains of the deadly Pseudomonas bacteria, including multidrug-resistant strains, the company said.

And Proteus IRC, based in Edinburgh, Scotland, is receiving $640,000 over 21 months to develop its technology to rapidly visualize bacteria in the deepest part of the human lungs.
WASHINGTON  The Senate voted Thursday to undo an Obama-era rule that would have made it easier for major cities to launch retirement plans for workers who dont have access to one through their jobs. The move is part of a broader effort in Congress to block state and local governments from creating such programs.

Senators narrowly approved the resolution 50 to 49. Most Republicans voted in favor of killing the rule, with the exception of Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., who opposed the measure and Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., who was absent. The resolution, which was passed by the House in February, now heads to President Donald Trumps desk for a signature.

A handful of major cities, including New York City, Philadelphia and Seattle, had considered launching savings plans that would expand access to retirement accounts for some workers. But the efforts have gained more momentum at the state level. At least seven states  California, Oregon, Illinois, Maryland, Connecticut, New Jersey and Washington  are in the process of creating state-run retirement plans.

The initiatives have faced resistance from some Republicans and business groups who argue that states and cities shouldnt be creating retirement plans. Some critics say they are worried that the local plans may discourage some employers from offering their own retirement programs. Others say the approach could create confusion for small businesses that have locations in multiple cities.

These regulations encourage state and municipal governments to impose conflicting and burdensome mandates on private-sector businesses and to bar private workers access to their retirement accounts, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said on the Senate floor Wednesday.

At issue is a Labor Department rule finalized last year that would have made the cities and states creating these retirement programs exempt from the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the strict law that governs workplace retirement plans and pensions. Last month, the House passed two resolutions that would eliminate those exemptions for both cities and states. The Senate gave final approval on Thursday to nix the exemption for cities, and will schedule a vote for the resolution affecting states.

Thursdays vote upset supporters who say the programs can help reduce some of the shortfalls faced by workers who retire with little or no money saved. But Democrats and consumer advocates are focusing their efforts on convincing senators to reject the resolution on state plans  which they say would affect more workers than the proposed city plans.

This fight is not over, said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., in a statement released Thursday. I urge Republicans to listen to workers, governors, state treasurers and legislators-reverse course on any further efforts to target these retirement programs-and work with Democrats to meaningfully and responsibly address our retirement crisis.

The state-run retirement plans have garnered some Republican support, raising hopes among supporters that senators may vote differently on the state rule. For instance, Utahs Republican Treasurer David Damschen wrote a letter earlier this month urging Sen. Hatch to reject the resolution. And Sen. Corker, the Republican who voted against the city rule, framed it as an issue about states rights. I do not think the federal government should stand in the way of states seeking to solve very real problems, especially in the midst of a growing retirement security crisis, Corker said in a statement issued after the vote.

Supporters of the city and state retirement strategies say they can help tackle one of the biggest obstacles workers face when it comes to saving for retirement: access to a savings plan. About 55 million Americans dont have retirement accounts or pensions through their jobs, according to AARP, which supports the local retirement plans.

In addition to being automatically enrolled into a plan, workers would have the contributions deducted directly from their paychecks. People who dont want to participate would be able to opt out. Many Americans who lack a workplace savings plan do not save enough for retirement, and run the risk of relying exclusively on Social Securitys modest benefits when they retire, said Nancy LeaMond, executive vice president of the AARP in a statement.

When New York unveiled its retirement proposal in October, the city estimated that the initiative would affect about 1.5 million New Yorkers who dont have access to retirement savings accounts through their jobs  or nearly 60 percent of the citys private-sector workers.

Republicans in the Senate just voted to prevent Americans from saving for retirement, New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer said in a statement released Thursday. This vote was an active, willful attempt to undermine the economic security of Americans.

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WASHINGTON  Surely, almost everyone watching Sunday nights episode of ABCs political drama Madam Secretary missed one little detail  but hidden in the action was an Easter egg for the wonky set.

In a scene where the titular character, a tough and principled secretary of state played by Tea Leoni, and her husband, played by Tim Daly, are getting ready for bed, Dalys character is reading. And not just any tome  a few (likely bespectacled) eyes caught that it was Council on Foreign Relations President Richard Haasss new book, A World in Disarray. The reading material was perfectly in-character: Daly plays a theologist and undercover intelligence officer, the kind of guy who would plausibly find the treatise on the demise of the global order a relaxing bedtime read.

So how did the book wind up onscreen? It turns out the choice wasnt the work of an up-on-world-affairs propmaster, but rather, it was Dalys own doing.

Haass and the actor have met several times over the years, first at a Black Eyed Peas concert at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, CFR vice president of media affairs Lisa Shields tells us. When Haass published his book, Daly was on the list of folks who got copies from the author. The actor apparently enjoyed the read, and let Haass know he was planning to use a copy during the filming of the show.

Haass wasnt sure until the episode aired whether the scene would make it or wind up on the proverbial editing-room floor.

He was delighted, Shields says, to see it make its prime-time appearance.

The stagecraft no doubt helped the shows bona fides  unlike, say the far-fetched doings on House of Cards, Madam Secretary often gets kudos for getting at least some things right about life at Foggy Bottom.

It hews close to world events  theres nothing implausible about the scenarios, Shields says, noting the shows ripped-from-the-headlines storylines. As for the World in Disarray, she says it aptly describes both the fictional world of the CBS drama and the one unfolding on cable-news screens: Its perfect for what was happening in the show and in real life.
The first shots have been fired in whats likely to be a long, bitter war over the environment between conservationists and President Donald Trump.

It started Wednesday when a broad coalition of groups sued the Trump administration in federal court, barely 24 hours after the president signed an executive order that lifted a moratorium on new coal leases on federal land.

Earthjustice, the Sierra Club, WildEarth Guardians, Defenders of Wildlife, the Center for Biological Diversity and others call the directive illegal because it allows a massive area of land to be disrupted without any federally required study of the potential environmental impact.

They were joined by the Northern Cheyenne Tribe in Montana, whose president said the tribe would bear the brunt of the decision to resume leasing. More than 425 million tons of coal are located near its reservation at the Decker and Spring Creek mines.

On Thursday, environmentalists also challenged the administrations decision to move forward with the Keystone XL oil pipeline. This second federal suit claims the State Department relied on an outdated and incomplete environmental impact statement to comply with a 60-day decision deadline set by Trump.

The president has said both actions were taken to harness American energy and create jobs. Native communities fear the changes will come at their expense.

The Nation is concerned that coal mining near the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation will impact our pristine air and water quality, will adversely affect our sacred cultural properties and traditional spiritual practices and ultimately destroy the traditional way of life that the Nation has fought to preserve for centuries, said L. Jace Killsback, president of the Northern Cheyenne.

Environmental groups have been raising money and preparing to battle Trump since his election, and the fight over coal is expected to be the first of many. The president already has moved on a campaign promise to dismantle parts of the federal government, with recent proposals to dramatically cut funding for the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Interior, the nations steward for public lands.

No one voted to pollute our public lands, air or drinking water in the last election, yet the Trump administration is doing the bidding of powerful polluters as nearly its first order of business, Jenny Harbine, a lead attorney for the activist group Earthjustice, said Wednesday. Our legal system remains an important backstop against the abuses of power weve witnessed over the course of the past two months.

The coalition may have company in its legal challenge. Several governors and attorneys general have indicated a willingness to take the Trump administration to court over the new executive order and other environmental policies. California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) said in an interview that he was prepared to sue if the EPA revokes the waiver it granted his state in 2012 to set more stringent fuel-efficiency standards for cars and light trucks built for model years 2022 to 2025.

Trump recently announced that the agency would revisit the federal carbon standards for that fleet, prompting California to announce it would press ahead with its own rule.

I fought the Bush administration as Californias attorney general and will continue defending the California law, Brown said, adding that climate change ranks as an existential threat that must be addressed. Not out of any political position, but in recognition that the world is at risk and that the lives of real people are endangered.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D), who successfully challenged the administrations first immigration executive order, said he and his states attorney general are assessing whether to return to court in light of the new executive order on climate. Were looking at some litigation options, he said.

At a recent conference, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock (D) emphasized the importance of preserving public lands. As governor of a state with millions of acres of public land, he said, I will not stand idly by if Congress or other outside special interests try to erode the birthright of all Americans.

But Trump and Zinke have powerful allies, including Utah Gov. Gary R. Herbert (R), whose office sued over the Obama administrations Clean Power Plan to regulate greenhouse gases and ripped the rule that led to a moratorium on coal leases.

Utah and many public-land and energy-producing states think that the Clean Power Plan was a significant overreach. It was really designed to kill off carbon-based fuels and particularly coal, he said recently. The standards that they were trying to put in place, there is not even technology that allows you to meet those standards.

Under the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, established in 1970, conservationists and other organizations can fight any government attempt to take administrative action without following proper administrative procedures. These regulations are binding on all federal agencies, according to a NEPA fact sheet on the EPAs website. The regulations address the procedural provisions . . . and the administration of the NEPA process, including the preparation of environmental impact statements.

Following Trumps action, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced Wednesday that he signed two secretarial orders to advance American energy independence. One was to foster responsible development of coal, oil, gas and renewable energy on federal and tribal lands. The lengthy statement did not mention NEPA or the environmental study it requires.

In Montana, thats where the coalition lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Great Falls took aim. In repealing the moratorium . . . the Secretary of the Interior, Department of Interior and Bureau of Land Management opened the door to new coal leasing and its attendant consequences without first performing an environmental review.

Under the Obama administration, Interior worked for more than a year to evaluate the impact of coal mining and to determine if the benefit was worth the environmental harm. With U.S. power plants using less coal, companies have laid off workers and entered into bankruptcy proceedings. And with abundant coal reserves expected to last two decades even without new mining, the department decided on a moratorium.

The decision was controversial in Wyoming, Montana, Nevada and other states that rely on coal revenue mined on federal land, but it was not made without a scientific review, public hearings, comments and a written rule that takes months to finalize. Trump and Zinkes decisions were made virtually with the stroke of a pen, their challengers claim.

Zinke said his action aligned with the presidents vision for energy independence and bringing jobs back to communities across the country. He said that for far too many local communities, energy on public lands has been more of a missed opportunity and has failed to include local consultation and partnership.

His detractors say Zinke is guilty of the same, acting without consulting scientists and environmentalists and without following the proper administrative steps.

Before the department acted in late 2015, the federal coal program that leases land for mining had not been reviewed in nearly 40 years. Over that time, studies showed that coal-fired fuel produced a dirty mix of particulate matter and chemicals such as mercury, benzene and radium that cause respiratory illnesses and heart disease.

As part of the Obama administrations review, the Bureau of Land Management was examining whether the program could ensure that land damaged by mining could be restored by companies, commitments to lower pollution could be met and companies could continue to profit. Trumps order ended that assessment.

The moratorium was a common-sense policy move to fix our federal coal program, and Trumps actions likely mean that program will stay broken, Shannon Hughes, who works in the climate and energy program at WildEarth Guardians, said in a statement. Managing public lands and public interest to bail out energy executives is nothing short of corruption. A moratorium wont help a dying coal industry, but it will help its CEOs line their pockets.

From southeastern Montana, Art Hayes is tracking the Trump administrations action with keen interest. His 9,000-acre ranch, which has been in his family since the late 1800s, is in an area that gets only about 12 inches of rain a year and depends on water from the Tongue River for irrigation. Its also downstream from the Decker Mine, which has pending lease applications that could move forward now that the moratorium has been lifted. Hayes worries about the safety of his water supply.

We totally depend on it, Hayes said Wednesday. The river is everything. . . . We dont have much water here, and its precious.

  

Brady Dennis contributed to this report.
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback on Thursday vetoed a bill that would have expanded Medicaid in the deep-red state under terms set by the Affordable Care Act, pitting him against the state legislature  including many members of his own party  which overwhelmingly voted in favor of the measure earlier this week.

The bill now goes back to the legislature, where supporters of the bill will try to wrangle a two-thirds majority to override the governors veto. The bill is just five votes away from becoming veto proof  three in the House and two in the Senate.

I am vetoing this expansion of Obamacare because it fails to serve the truly vulnerable before the able-bodied, lacks work requirements to help able-bodied Kansans escape poverty, and burdens the state budget with unrestrainable entitlement costs, the Republican governor said in a statement released Thursday.

He added that, most grievously, the bill funnels more taxpayer dollars to Planned Parenthood and the abortion industry.

The expansion would make 150,000 additional low-income Kansas residents eligible for Medicaid. Critics have argued that expanding Medicaid would increase the federal governments power at a time of deep uncertainty in Washington. Supporters say the bill would help the states most vulnerable citizens and also alleviate budget shortfalls hospitals face because of unpaid medical costs, particularly in rural areas.

The Kansas Senate on Tuesday voted 25 to 14 to pass the bill  with 16 Republicans in favor of expansion and 14 opposed. In a vote last month, the Kansas House of Representatives approved the bill 81 to 44.

The veto is not entirely unexpected; state lawmakers, including members of his own party, have regularly butted heads with Brownback in recent years. Several senators spoke optimistically earlier this week about assembling a veto-proof coalition.
WASHINGTON  Former New Mexico congresswoman Heather Wilson pledged to modernize the Air Force and boost its manpower during a mostly friendly Senate confirmation hearing Thursday to consider her nomination to lead the military service branch.

Wilson, a Republican, signaled support for the F-35 Joint Strike fighter plane, the most expensive  and one of the most controversial  weapons systems contracts in military history. Wilson said older F-15, F-16 and F-18 fighter jets cant be retrofitted with the same stealth capabilities as the F-35.

The Air Force Academy graduate also fielded questions about her own controversial contract issues related to a consulting deal she signed with Sandia National Laboratories after leaving Congress in 2008. One member of the Senate Armed Services Committee also asked Wilson her role in a U.S. attorneys scandal during the administration of former President George W. Bush.

Wilson, 56, has been serving as president of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City since 2013. She represented New Mexico in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1998 to 2009, serving on the Armed Forces and Intelligence committees. She lost a bid for the U.S. Senate to Democrat Martin Heinrich in the 2012 general election.

In a March 22 letter to the Office of Government and Ethics, Wilson agreed, if confirmed to lead the Air Force, to resign from the boards of Peabody Energy and Raven Industries and divest herself of stock in 16 different companies that do business with the Department of Defense. Some of those companies, including Raytheon and Honeywell, which is set to take over management of Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, are among the Air Forces largest.

Wilson declined to comment Wednesday when asked by the Journal about the role New Mexicos three Air Force bases could play under her leadership of the service branch.

Despite the controversies in her past, Wilson did not face particularly fierce questioning from her former congressional colleagues, who included Heinrich, Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committeee. But they also didnt let her completely off the hook.

Reed, of Rhode Island, and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., each quizzed Wilson on the Sandia contract noting that she filed sparse invoices for the work.

This is a profoundly important issue for defense procurement, Blumenthal said, holding up a copy of one of her Sandia invoices. Shouldnt we expect more from contractors than this nearly blank invoice? There is no way of knowing from this invoice to know what you did.

Wilson said at the time no one questioned her invoices at Sandia labs.

I did the work, they were happy with the work, I complied with the contract and I will expect anyone who contracts with the Air Force to comply with that contract as well, Wilson said.

A 2013 Department of Energy inspector generals report alleged Sandia, then run by defense giant Lockheed Martin, had inappropriately paid Wilson about $226,000 in consulting fees beginning in January 2009, to lobby for Sandia to take on new assignments for the federal government. Sandia and Wilson have said no prohibited lobbying occurred.

However, Sandia reimbursed the government more than $226,000 for fees paid to the consulting company run by Wilson, who was not mentioned in the settlement agreement between the Justice Department and Sandia Corp.

Reed also asked Wilson about a call she made in 2007 to David Iglesias, who was then New Mexicos U.S. attorney. The call was part of a Bush adminstration scandal that accused the executive branch of trying to politicize federal prosecutors. Wilson said she called Iglesias to ask him about public corruption in New Mexico and has long denied any impropriety. She declined repeatedly on Thursday to name the person who alerted her to the alleged malfeasance.

I didnt betray them then and Im not going to betray them now, Wilson said.

I find it deeply disturbing, Reed replied before ending his questioning.

Throughout Thursdays two-hour hearing, Wilson displayed the wonkishness she became known for during the decade she spent representing the Albuquerque-based 1st Congressional District in Congress. The former congresswoman bantered about technical weapons systems with senators, noted that military competition for assets in space is heating up and vowed to remedy what she said is a shortage of 900 Air Force fighter pilots.

We sometimes take for granted American dominance in air and space, Wilson said. We have a mismatch between our strategic objective and the military means we have available to confront threats.

To that end, Wilson also urged Congress to repeal caps on military spending enacted as part of a 2011 federal budget deal. The law, called sequestration, puts caps on the amount that Congress can spend on defense and on non-defense discretionary programs through 2021.

I think it needs to repealed, Wilson said. It is it hurting the Air Force and our ability to defend ourselves.

When it came time for New Mexicos senator to question Wilson, Heinrich told his one-time political rival: You certainly have impressive qualifications for this post.

Heinrich asked Wilson about her plans to boost Air Force staffing levels and how she would determine priorities for growing and retaining pilot forces. He noted that Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico is primed to take on more responsibilities.

We wont put any thumbs on the scale and well make those straightforward direct decisions in the best interest of the country, Wilson said.

Wilson also told Heinrich she strongly supports moving directed energy and laser systems, some of which are being developed at Kirkland Air Force Base in New Mexico, onto the war fighter.
WASHINGTON  Two high-profile Republican members of Congress may have been targets of Russian social-media campaigns to discredit them as recently as this past week, an expert in Kremlin influence-peddling told the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday.

This past week we observed social-media accounts discrediting U.S. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, Clint Watts told the committee in a rare open hearing with cybersecurity, intelligence and Russian-history experts that leaders billed as a primer on Russian influence-peddling.

Watts, an expert in terrorism forecasting and Russian influence operations from the Foreign Policy Research Institute, also said that in his opinion, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., anecdotally suffered from Russian social-media campaigns against him during his presidential bid.

The revelations widen the scope of politicians who have become the subject of Russian smear campaigns carried out on social media, a central part of the Kremlins alleged strategy of spreading propaganda in the United States and undermining its democratic institutions.

While Watts and the other witnesses are not involved in ongoing probes of Russias alleged efforts to swing the election toward Donald Trump and possible links between the Kremlin and the presidential campaigns, they argued that such meddling is only one example of what Russia plans to do with the arsenal of hacking and influence tools it has been building for years.

Russians could not do this if they started in 2016, said Roy Godson, an expert in Soviet and Russian active measures  tools of political warfare used to influence world events  and an emeritus professor of government at Georgetown University. For many, many decades we did not take this stuff very seriously, and they were able to take enormous advantage.

Watts stressed that Russia had no political allies in the United States and would attack or discredit people on both sides of the aisle . . . solely based on what they want to achieve in their own landscape, whatever the Russian foreign policy objectives are. They win because they play both sides.

But Watts noted that President Trumps actions in particular  such as calling attention to conspiracy theories and tweeting about them  are helping Russian propaganda efforts succeed in the United States.

Part of the reason active measures have worked in this U.S. election is because the commander in chief has used Russian active measure at times against his opponents, Watts said, citing the presidents history of making unsubstantiated claims about voter fraud, former president Barack Obamas birthplace, and a rigged election.

At peak times, Watts said, such fake accounts even swarm-tweeted conspiracy theories at the president, in the hopes that he would cite them, lending them credibility and strengthening Russias ability to sow more discord in the United States.

Until we get a firm basis on fact and fiction in our own country . . . whether it be do I support the intelligence community or a story I read on my Twitter feed, were going to have a big problem, Watts said.

The testimony came a day after the leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee  Sens. Richard Burr, R-N.C., and Vice Chairman Mark Warner, D-Va.  stood side by side in a rare press briefing to offer an update on the status of their investigation.

They did so at a time when the House Intelligence Committee, also pursuing an investigation of Russian involvement in the election, has effectively ground to halt with Democratic members accusing the Republican chairman, Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., of undermining the investigation by working on Trumps behalf.

The different approaches being taken by the two committees is drawing notice on both sides of the Capitol. On Wednesday, a Republican congressman, Rep. Charlie Dent, R-Pa., said the Senate should take the lead on the Russia investigation.

On Thursday, the witnesses painted a timeline of Russias active measures that dates back at least to 2009, when Russian-owned fake social media accounts began to pop up online. Those accounts  meant to look like they belong to Americans, pictures and all  amount to an easily-deployable influence army that has been critical to spreading Russian propaganda, the witnesses argued.

In 2014, they began to work on those influence campaigns more intently, and by 2015, had tied hacking and influence together at the same time, Watts said, specifically referring to the hacking of the Democratic National Committee, and the later release of that information publicly.

It was a one-year build up to the election, Watts said.

Experts also warned that Russia, now that it has successfully deployed an Internet army, would likely look for future political targets and exploit new technologies to sow more discord in the American electoral process and more distrust among citizens of the countrys democratic institutions.

Somewhere in their cache right now theres tremendous amounts of information laying around they can weaponize against other Americans, Watts warned.

The panel of experts recommended several ways to counter Russian propaganda and online smear campaigns, including changing the way cybersecurity experts are hired to bring more skilled people into the government, and getting the Department of State and Homeland Security to play a more active role in discrediting fake news and other false rumors and reports.

The quicker theyre refuted, the faster they die on social media, Watts said.

One technology that experts warned about in particular is virtual reality  simulated worlds in which people can interact with through a headset or helmet with people and places that seem real but arent. The format is becoming increasingly popular for marketing products, in gaming and even in the presentation of news. But its a ripe target for Russia to exercise more influence, experts warn, because in virtual reality, nothing has to be the way it is in the real world outside.

Anybody who could set up the reality is going to have a very decided advantage in politics and other areas, Godson said. For example, in a virtual reality environment, someone could present a politician in a negative light  r present themselves as a politician espousing Russian-influenced views or in a compromising virtual situation  and hope to influence the views of people experiencing that virtual world.

The ability to impersonate [someone] online is the next phase that we will go through, Burr concurred, and I think its fair to say we dont have our best and brightest focused on that yet.

The experts also encouraged investigators to follow the trail of Russian money, through oligarchs, and follow the trail of dead Russians, Watts said, referring to a string of prominent Russians who have recently died or been killed, to find clues about how Russian money is laundered.

Watts also warned that the intelligence community had to change their way of thinking, and focus on what is going on in public arenas like social media as much as they do on closed secure transactions, since the spread of propaganda is such a critical part of Russias campaign.

Most of this influence came online. They essentially duplicated an old active measure system without setting foot in the United States, Watts said. When it comes to open source, we miss whats right in front of our nose.

Burr said his committee is dedicating seven staff members to the Russia investigation and is within weeks of completing a review of thousands of pages of documents provided by the intelligence community. Burr said his panel expects to request  and receive  more documents as the investigation continues.

Burr said he has not coordinated with the White House on the investigation and insisted that although he advised Trump during his campaign  and voted for him  he could conduct the probe objectively.

Most of the initial 20 interviews the committee will conduct, according to Warner, are with officials who put together a report released in January that stated Russia interfered in the 2016 elections with the purpose of trying to improve Trumps chances of winning. Burr said that five of those interviews have been set, and the remaining 15 will be scheduled in the next 10 days.

While Warner and Burr did not disclose additional people they hoped would testify before the committee, they hinted that list may include Michael Flynn, who resigned as national security adviser over the controversy surrounding his conversations with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak and his failure to fully disclose those discussions to Vice President Pence.

  

Video: Sen. Rubio talks about attempted hacking on his campaign aides

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) told the Senate Intelligence Committee on March 30, that former members of his presidential campaign faced unsuccessful hacking attempts at least twice in the past year. (The Washington Post)

Short URL: http://wapo.st/2oDsjoD

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Devin Nunes has some explaining to do.

The New York Times just reported that two White House officials helped provide Nunes with information that President Donald Trump and his associates had been swept up in legal surveillance, just before Nunes briefed Trump himself and then disclosed some of the information to the media and to the House Intelligence Committee that he chairs.

The Times sources identified the officials as Ezra Cohen-Watnick, the senior director for intelligence at the National Security Council, and Michael Ellis, national security lawyer in the Office of White House Counsel:

The officials said that earlier this month, shortly after Mr. Trump wrote on Twitter about being wiretapped on the orders of President Barack Obama, Mr. Cohen-Watnick began reviewing highly classified reports detailing the intercepted communications of foreign officials.

Officials said the reports consisted primarily of ambassadors and other foreign officials talking about how they were trying to develop contacts within Mr. Trumps family and inner circle in advance of his inauguration.

But theres a problem: This conflicts with what Nunes has apparently said about his source or sources. He has declined to name them, but he and a spokesman have reportedly said and/or strongly suggested it wasnt White House staff.

Nunes reportedly told Bloombergs Eli Lake in an interview Monday that his source was not a White House staffer and was an intelligence official, Lake wrote.

A Nunes spokesman, Jack Langer, also told the Los Angeles Times that it wasnt a White House staffer, the Times reported.

And Nunes again appeared to deny meeting with any White House aides in a Monday afternoon interview with CNNs Wolf Blitzer:

BLITZER: In addition going to that secure room to look over these documents, do you have other meetings at the White House? Did you meet with the president or any of his aides while you were there that night?

NUNES: No. And in fact, Im quite sure that people in the West Wing had no idea I was there.

It wasnt just Nunes team. White House press secretary Sean Spicer, who hasnt detailed Nuness visit to the White House last week, cited Nunes comments to Bloomberg on Monday. He has said, from my understanding on the record, that he did not meet with White House staff, Spicer said.

And Spicer last week suggested strongly that he doubted it was the White House that provided the information.

I dont know why he would brief the speaker, then come down here to brief us on something that we wouldve briefed him on, Spicer said. It doesnt really seem to make a ton of sense. So, Im not aware of it. But it doesnt really pass the smell test.

Nunes hasnt said much about his sourcing, but he has certainly suggested the only reason that he was on the White House grounds is because the information happened to be there and that it wasnt something that was fed to him by parties interested in confirming Trumps evidence-free claim that he was under surveillance during the 2016 election. The Times report seriously calls that into question.

We can perhaps expect Nunes to quibble with the definition of a White House staffer or what constitutes any of [Trumps] aides. Maybe hell argue that the National Security Council is a separate entity. But Ellis works in the White House counsels office, so hes clearly a White House staffer and an aide to the president. And if he and/or Cohen-Watnick played any role in providing information to Nunes, the denials above would be highly misleading, at best.

Spicer declined to comment on the Times report Thursday afternoon, saying he didnt want to lend credence to any of its details.

Langer took the same line in response to my questions to him: As hes stated many times, Chairman Nunes will not confirm or deny speculation about his sources identity, and he will not respond to speculation from anonymous sources.

The Times report will make that line much more difficult to hold.

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WASHINGTON  A Senate committee approved labor secretary nominee Alexander Acosta on Thursday, advancing the confirmation process for one of President Donald Trumps last remaining Cabinet slots.

Members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee voted 12-11 along party lines in favor of Acosta, a former U.S. attorney from Miami. Republicans supported his nomination and Democrats opposed it. The approval means that Acostas nomination must now be voted on by the full Senate. The date for that vote has not been set.

If confirmed, the Cuban-American would be the only Hispanic member of Trumps Cabinet.

Acosta, who is currently a law school dean at Florida International University, has faced less controversy than Trumps first pick for the Labor Department, fast-food executive Andrew Puzder. But workers advocates and Democrats say they would still concerned that Acosta, 48, may not do enough to protect workers.

Im glad this is not Andrew Puzder, said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., ranking member of the Senate HELP committee, before voting against Acostas nomination. Still, she said she was deeply concerned Acosta would not be willing to stand up to the Trump administration on policies that could affect workers.

Acosta did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Republicans praised Acosta as someone who would help the Trump administration roll back some of the rules introduced under former president Barack Obama that they view as obstacles to job growth. The issue for workers today is not whether they belong to a union, it is whether they have the skills to adapt to the changing marketplace and to create, find, or keep good-paying jobs, said Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., chairman of the Senate HELP committee in a statement Thursday.

At his confirmation hearing last week, senators questioned Acosta about his work record and his views on some of the Obama-era labor rules that have been pending since the election. Acosta said he would follow Trumps guidance on those rules, including a regulation that would restrict the investment advice given to retirement savers and a rule determining which workers are eligible for overtime pay.

Senators also asked the nominee about how he would handle the budget cuts proposed by Trump, including possible reductions for Job Corps, a program that provides education and job training to disadvantaged youths. Acosta also touted the benefits of job training programs, but said that he would rely on data to determine which programs are effective.

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Science guy Bill Nye will join Mona Hanna-Attisha, the doctor who helped expose lead poisoning in Flint, Michigan, and Lydia Villa-Komaroff, a molecular biologist who helped develop the technique for making insulin, in headlining the upcoming March for Science in Washington.

Organizers announced Thursday that the three will be honorary co-chairs and feature in the festivities on the National Mall. The April 22 event, which will involve the event in Washington and sister events in more than 400 other cities, is shaping up to be one of the scientific communitys biggest demonstrations ever.

Conceived online after President Donald Trumps inauguration and galvanized by the administrations handling of science issues, the march has gained a lot of steam in recent months. In February, some of the nations biggest scientific organizations, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science, said theyd join in. Some 800,000 people have said online that theyll attend one of the events.

Nye said Wednesday that hes never seen the scientific community so energized  or troubled by  political issues. Researchers are concerned by the presidents proposed funding cuts to science agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency. And everyone should be alarmed by the Trump administrations skepticism of climate change, Nye said  the most serious issue facing humankind.

Science is what makes our world what it is, Nye said. To have a movement or a tendency to set science aside is in no ones best interest  but nevertheless, thats whats happening in the U.S.

Nye is the only bona fide celebrity of the three co-chairs. The 1990s TV icon, who has squared off against creationists and climate change deniers, is exactly the kind of person youd expect to headline a science march.

Hanna-Attisha and Villa-Komaroff are giants in the public health and science communities but not necessarily household names.

The Flint pediatrician risked her career to alert officials to the dangerous levels of lead in her patients blood. Her whistleblowing drew public attention to the crisis and led to an investigation of the citys water system. Time magazine named her one of its 100 most influential people in 2016, and her work garnered awards from environmental and social justice organizations.

In 1975, Villa-Komaroff became the third Mexican-American woman to receive a science doctorate in the United States. Shortly after getting her PhD in the 1970s, she was part of the team of researchers who discovered that bacteria could be used to generate insulin  a vital medication for treating diabetes. She is a fierce advocate for diversity in science and a founder of SACNAS, the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science.

These two co-chairs were consciously selected to address criticisms that the March for Science hasnt done enough to include women and minorities, who often face additional barriers working in scientific fields. The organizers  volunteers who are mostly new to political protest  have scrambled to address that and other concerns.

Some people say the march risks turning scientists into an interest group and are skeptical of explicit references to diversity. Science sees no color is a frequent refrain in online debates.

On the other hand, many contend that the march needs to be more aggressive in addressing inequality. An early organizer, University of Maine paleoecologist Jacquelyn Gill, quit the marchs steering committee over frustration with its leaderships handling of diversity issues. The diversity statement on the march website has gone through four revisions as organizers tried to keep up with criticisms.

According to BuzzFeed, march organizers initially planned to announce Nye as the first co-chair last week, but held off after deciding it would look bad to name a white man as the events first public face.

Adding Hanna-Attisha and Villa-Komaroff was an opportunity to put up a picture of science that did not just fit the white male image, organizer Stephani Page told BuzzFeed. Page was invited to join the marchs steering committee in February after she faulted its handling of diversity.

March spokesman Aaron Huertas stressed that the work Hanna-Attisha and Villa-Komaroff have done is as important as their backgrounds. Both have devoted their careers to serving marginalized communities, and their research benefits people who might otherwise be left behind.

What happened in Flint is so illustrative of why we want and need a March for Science, Huertas said, because it shows what happens when scientific information is hidden from the public.
ANKARA, Turkey  Secretary of State Rex Tillerson traveled to Turkey on Thursday hoping to preserve the Trump administrations cordial relationship with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan despite deep policy disagreements that threaten to drive the allies apart.

But flashes of tension during the visit left doubts about whether Tillerson had succeeded and raised new questions about the future of the U.S. relationship with the NATO ally and partner in the broader fight against the Islamic State militant group.

Even before Tillerson landed, Turkish officials this week leaked to the local news media a damaging rumor about the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul that seemed timed to put pressure on the secretarys visit. At a news conference with Tillerson on Thursday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu recited a litany of complaints, including annoyance with a U.S. plan to support Kurdish fighters in Syria. Turkey says the fighters are part of a terrorist group.

Tillerson said his discussions in Turkey, which included a two-hour meeting with Erdogan, had been frank.

These are not easy decisions, he said, referring to the debates with Turkey over combat strategy in Syria. There was no space between Turkey and the United States in our commitment to defeat the Islamic State, he said. But there were difficult choices that need to be made.

Erdogan has pinned lofty hopes on his relationship with President Trump, betting that the new leader would be a more sympathetic partner than his predecessor. Turkeys frustrations with President Barack Obama stemmed from anger at a U.S. plan to support a Kurdish-Arab force in Syria for an assault on Raqqa, the de facto capital of the Islamic State militants. Turkey is concerned that the plan could strengthen Syrian Kurdish fighters it regards as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party, a Kurdish separatist group outlawed in Turkey.

Another sore spot is Washingtons noncompliance with a request to extradite Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish Muslim cleric living in exile in Pennsylvania. Turkey accuses Gulen of spearheading a coup attempt against Erdogans government last summer.

U.S. officials say the evidence provided by Turkey so far is insufficient to make a legal case for extradition.

On Thursday, Tillerson was full of praise for Turkey, calling the nation a long-standing ally and friend and expressing sympathy for victims of attacks by Kurdish militants. He did not comment on the Turkish governments broad purge of state institutions after last summers coup attempt or the ongoing crackdown on civil society activists, journalists and academics.

Tillerson also did not meet with any of Erdogans political opponents, because there was no time in his schedule, U.S. officials said.

Still, Trump, who spoke in glowing terms about Erdogan during the U.S. presidential campaign, has shown no sign of deviating from Obama-era policies that had so angered Turkey, including a reliance on the Syrian Kurdish force, known as the Peoples Protection Units, or YPG. In the months since Trump took office, the United States and Turkey have managed to avoid any open confrontation over their differences, with Turkish officials showing optimism that the relationship could only improve.

Something may have changed this week, however.

On Wednesday, Turkish news media reported that a telephone call had been made from the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul to one of the top suspects in last summers military coup attempt  an incendiary allegation ahead of Tillersons visit. The U.S. Embassy in Ankara quickly issued a statement confirming the phone call on July 21. But the embassy said the call was far from suspicious and was made to inform the suspect, Adil Oksuz, that his U.S. visa had been revoked at the behest of Turkish authorities.

Turkish authorities say Oksuz, a theology professor from Ankara, was a top aide to Gulen. Prosecutors think Oksuz helped facilitate meetings between renegade generals in Ankara ahead of the July 15 coup attempt, according to Turkish media reports.

The U.S. Embassys explanation for the call did little to quiet the controversy. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said the government was waiting for a more satisfying answer from the United States.

At the news conference Thursday, Cavusoglu also cast doubt on the embassys account, saying, We want to see the details in concrete terms.

The Turkish president and his supporters are seen as especially volatile partners these days, as they fight for votes at home in advance of a referendum in April that could give Erdogan broad new powers and extend his term in office. The referendum has already sparked bitter fights between Turkey and several European allies, including Germany and the Netherlands. U.S. officials said Tillerson was well aware of that context before he traveled to Ankara.

Meanwhile on Thursday, Belgian media reported that fighting broke out among Erdogans supporters and opponents as Turks lined up to vote in the referendum at the Turkish Embassy in Brussels, the Associated Press reported.

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said via Twitter that he will apply zero tolerance for violence surrounding the Turkish referendum.

Turkish citizens in six European countries have until April 9 to vote in the referendum.



Erin Cunningham contributed from Istanbul.

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President Donald Trump has approved new kinds of operations for the U.S. military in Somalia, the Pentagon said Thursday, setting the stage for a wider American role in the war there as U.S. troops team directly with Somali soldiers in offensive operations.

The authorization, approved Wednesday, is consistent with our approach of developing capable Somali security forces and supporting regional partners in their efforts to combat al-Shabaab, said Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, referring to the al-Qaida-linked group.

U.S. troops will team with both the Somali military and the African Union Mission in Somali (AMISOM), a regional peacekeeping force that operates with approval from the United Nations.

Somali and AMISOM forces have already achieved significant success in recapturing territory from al-Shabaab, and additional U.S. support will help them increase pressure on al-Shabaab and reduce the risk to our partner forces when they conduct operations, Davis said. We stand with the international community in supporting the Federal Government of Somalia as it strives to improve stability and security in Somalia.

Previously, the United States carried out airstrikes in limited circumstances in Somalia, most commonly when there was an imminent threat to Americans on the ground. But senior U.S. military officials had sought leeway to approve strikes more quickly, including through the establishment of a zone south of Mogadishu that is considered an area of active hostility.

Trump signing off on the decision was first reported by the New York Times on Thursday. Marine Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, the chief of U.S. Africa Command, acknowledged the Pentagon was seeking the additional authorities in a news conference last week. If Trump approved the decision, the general said at the time, it would allow the U.S. military to prosecute targets in a more rapid fashion.

But Waldhauser was quick to add that he did not want to turn Somalia into a free-fire zone.

We have to make sure that the levels of certainty that have been there previously, those are not changed, Waldhauser said of who the United States targets.

The decision comes after a year in which militants took some territory back from the Somali government, and as U.S. and Somali officials prepare for regional peacekeeping forces to begin withdrawing from the country next year. The Islamic State also is making inroads, presenting another complication, Waldhauser told the Senate Armed Services Committee on March 9.

A few hundred U.S. Special Operations troops at a time have been deployed to Somalia, with former President Barack Obama expanding the size of the operation last fall to allow self-defense strikes in support of U.S. and African forces on the ground. The new authority goes even farther, with the U.S. military advising Somali troops and coordinating airstrikes as needed, said Army Maj. Audricia Harris, a Pentagon spokeswoman.

Al-Shabaab has carried out several attacks outside Somalia in recent years, including one in 2015 that killed 148 people at the Garissa University College in Kenya and one in 2013 at the Westgate Mall in Kenya that killed at least 67 people.

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MIAMI  President Donald Trumps senior adviser Steve Bannon will not face charges related to his registration to vote in Miami despite spending most of his time elsewhere, Florida prosecutors announced Thursday.

The Miami-Dade County State Attorneys Office concluded in a memo that there was not enough evidence to prove any crime. Bannon registered to vote in the county on April 2, 2014 after leasing the first of two houses in Miamis Coconut Grove neighborhood, then switched his registration to the Sarasota area last year.

Bannon never voted in Miami-Dade County, the prosecutors said. They also said there was insufficient evidence to prove Bannon falsely claimed to reside in Florida on a voter registration form, which is a felony.

The memo says the amount of time a person spends at a given address is not proof alone of residence. Bannon spent much time while registered to vote in Florida in other states, most notably California and New York.

Especially in our increasingly mobile society, a person may spend the majority of his or her nights at one (or multiple) locations, but legally reside at another under Florida law, the memo says. The old adage of where you lay your head is home is only part of the residency analysis.

Lawyers for Bannon didnt immediately respond to emails seeking comment. But in the memo, attorneys Thomas Scott and Ed Pozzuoli were quoted as telling investigators they had reviewed the matter and found no actionable conduct by Bannon.

The investigation by the prosecutors Public Corruption Unit found that Bannon first leased a home in Coconut Grove in April 2014 along with his ex-wife, Diane Clohesy. Clohesy told prosecutors that Bannon did stay in the house from time to time between 2014 and 2016.

Bannons office paid the rent and records also showed his name was on the lease and on another lease for a separate home in the same area, which he rented in January 2015. Bannon also took out accounts with utilities in his name for those residences.

Miami political consultant A.J. Delgado told investigators she met with Bannon at the first home and saw boxes, papers and effects in the house that indicated to her that (he) was living at the house. Delgado also said Bannon referred to the place as my house.

Bannon also had an active California drivers license, the investigation revealed, but the address had not been updated since March 2013. Bannon also was linked to several other properties in New York and California but none were listed as his main residence for tax reasons, the memo says.

To prove a violation, prosecutors concluded they would have to prove Bannon did not intend to live in Miami-Dade County when he originally registered to vote in 2014.

The investigation did not uncover sufficient evidence to do so, they wrote.

_____

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TUCSON, Ariz.  A federal judge in Arizona has ruled the federal government must reconsider endangered species protection for the cactus ferruginous pygmy owl.

Wednesdays decision came in response to a lawsuit brought by the Center for Biological Diversity and Defenders of Wildlife over a 2011 decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that denied endangered species protection for the reddish-brown owl that burrows in Sonoran Desert cactuses and trees.

There reportedly are fewer than 50 of the small birds in Arizona.

Environmentalists say the owl is threatened by urban sprawl, invasive species, fire, drought and other factors across the Sonoran Desert.

The species was listed as endangered from 1997 to 2006 before that protection was removed following a lawsuit by developers.

Wildlife groups again petitioned in 2007 to protect the owl.
WASHINGTON  The Trump administration has submitted a vague set of guidelines to Congress for renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada, disappointing those who wanted a major overhaul of a decades-old trade deal that Trump described as disaster during the presidential campaign.

In an eight-page draft letter to Congress, acting U.S. Trade Rep. Stephen Vaughn wrote that the administration intends to start talking with Mexico and Canada about making changes to the pact, which took effect in 1994. Trump and other critics blame the agreement for wiping out U.S. manufacturing jobs because it allowed companies to move factories to Mexico to take advantage of low-wage labor.

The letter spells out few details and sticks with broad principles. But it appears to keep much of the existing agreement in place, including private tribunals that allow companies to challenge national laws on the grounds that they inhibit trade  a provision that critics say allows companies to get around environmental and labor laws.

The draft also contains some provisions that were part of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a 12-country Asia-Pacific trade agreement negotiated by the Obama administration but rejected by Trump for possibly hurting U.S. workers.

Weve got a long ways to go, said Ohio Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown. President Trump made big promises to working people in Ohio, and Im ready to work with him to deliver on those promises or hold him accountable if he doesnt.

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross confirmed in an interview on CNBC that the draft letter had come from the administration. He told CNBC that the administration wants to update how products qualify for tariff-free status, noting that some auto parts made outside the United States, Canada and Mexico can now qualify for this special status due to the agreements outdated rules.

It is a backdoor way for non-NAFTA goods to take advantage of NAFTA, Ross said.

But not everyone viewed the draft letter as protecting workers.

NAFTA critic Lori Wallach, director of the left-leaning Public Citizens Global Trade Watch, called the letter a punch in the face.

If it represents the presidents plan for a revamped NAFTA, she said, he will have broken his campaign promises to make NAFTA better for working Americans and have a deal that cannot get a majority in Congress.

But Gary Hufbauer, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, which advocates free trade, said the letter leaves open the possibility that the Trump administration can take a tougher position once talks with Canada and Mexico begin.

The language is soft. Its very diplomatic, he said. But it does have the potential of being an umbrella for very hard-hitting demands.

For instance, the letter said the president wants to revamp rules on government contracts to allow the U.S. government to insist that U.S. contractors do more to buy American while nudging the Mexican and Canadian governments to buy more U.S. products, too.

Texas Republican Rep. Will Hurd, whose district runs more than 800 miles along the border with Mexico, welcomed administration calls for NAFTA to be updated to reflect the rise of e-commerce in the years since the pact was negotiated. The U.S. will seek commitments from Mexico and Canada not to impose customs duties on digital products.

Criticizing NAFTA was a winner on the campaign trail. But many U.S. manufacturers have built complicated supply chains that cross NAFTA borders and worry that a rewrite of the deal will disrupt their operations. The letter states that a goal of new talks is to boost manufacturers profits within the trading bloc.

U.S. farmers also have enjoyed increased access to the Mexican market through NAFTA, a benefit an amended agreement would look to expand.

The vague draft may reflect a Trump administration still figuring out its trade priorities.

Outside of the presidents own fiery rhetoric, congressional staffers have said its unclear precisely which administration officials are setting the agenda on trade.

There is Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, a billionaire investor whom Trump has hailed as a killer negotiator.

But the president also created the National Trade Council led by the economist Peter Navarro, who has talked up border taxes in hopes of bringing factory jobs back into the United States.

And then there is Robert Lighthizer, the lawyer awaiting Senate confirmation as U.S. trade representative, the post officially responsible for leading talks about a new pact.

White House spokesman Sean Spicer declined to discuss the draft until Lighthizer is in place.

Our goal is to get Robert Lighthizer appointed as the next ambassador and U.S. trade representative, Spicer said.
A Houston attorney says 15 tourists from Texas have filed lawsuits asking more than $250 million in total damages over a train-bus crash that killed four people in Biloxi.

Tony Buzbee says in a news release that his clients include Tim Orr, whose wife died in the March 7 wreck.

The lawsuit, filed Wednesday, alleges that CSX Transportation Inc. knew its crossing needed attention, and that the train could have been stopped in time to prevent the crash. The tour company, Dallas-based Echo Transportation Inc., is also a defendant.

Biloxi police said earlier this month that their investigation does not indicate any criminal activity. They said Echos bus driver, 60-year-old Louis Ambrose Jr., apparently was not familiar with the area.

A crossing sign warned that long vehicles might get stuck.
Police In Virginia and Maryland have identified additional suspects in separate MS-13-related killings, part of a wave of recent violence tied to the resurgent street gang.

Prince William County police said Thursday they are looking for Dimas Misael Canales Santos, 27, of Hyattsville, and have arrested a 17-year-old from Maryland in connection with the slaying of 21-year-old Christian Alexander Sosa Rivas, whose body was found near the Potomac River in the Dumfries area in mid-January. Rivas was from Fairfax City.

Police had previously made six arrests in the killing, which authorities think was carried out because Sosa Rivas angered local leaders of MS-13  shorthand for Mara Salvatrucha  by claiming to be a leader in the gang, according to a search warrant. Charging documents say that around New Years Eve, female associates of MS-13 used social media to lure Sosa Rivas to the location where he was killed.

Montgomery County police also announced Thursday that they had made a fifth arrest in the brutal killing of Cristian Antonio Villagran Morales, 18, who was stabbed more than 40 times, allegedly by MS-13 members, in a Gaithersburg park last July. Jose Coreas Ventura, a.k.a. Josue Corea, 20, was taken into custody in Bedford County, Va., after allegedly fleeing arrest. He is charged with first-degree murder.

One of the suspects told police that Villagran Morales was killed because he was a member of a rival gang, but detectives said there was no evidence of that.

The Sosa Rivas case has ties to the MS-13-related killing of 15-year-old Damaris Reyes Rivas, who was taunted, interrogated and then killed in a Springfield park about a week later in retaliation for Sosa Rivas killing, according to a search warrant. Her assailants took videos of her killing, and one attacker brazenly wore a court-issued GPS monitoring bracelet, according to a search warrant. Reyes Rivass body was discovered a short distance from the park near an industrial area in mid-February.

In all, police have arrested or issued warrants for 18 suspects in the Sosa Rivas and Reyes Rivas slayings. Nearly all are teens or young adults, a fact that has troubled local law enforcement officials.

The most alarming thing we see these days is violence by young adults, the director of the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force, Jay Lanham, said at a meeting on the violence Wednesday night in Fairfax County.

At the packed forum in Annandale, Fairfax County detective Douglas Comfort said the county had recorded a 70 percent increase in MS-13 violence from 2015 to 2016, part of a regional increase in activity by the gang. Fairfax County gang detectives said in an interview that the gang is rebuilding after a major federal case in 2014 that sent some top leaders to prison.

The 17-year-old from Montgomery County is wanted on suspicion of murder and conspiracy to commit a felony. He has been charged with being a principal in the second degree to a murder. Police said that authorities will seek to extradite him from Maryland to Virginia to face charges.

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NASA astronauts on a spacewalk Thursday accidentally lost a fabric shield needed for the International Space Station  a minor setback in what was otherwise a record-setting mission for one of the crew members.

Astronauts Peggy Whitson and Shane Kimbrough were working on an area of the space station where a docking port had been disconnected and moved last week. They were in the process of using four large cloth panels to cover the access point where the docking port had been when one of the fabric shields suddenly drifted away and floated off into space.

There was audible frustration in Whitsons voice as she reported the sequence of events to Mission Control, according to the Associated Press.

Up until that point, about 3 1/2 hours into the spacewalk, everything had been going smoothly, NASA spokesman Dan Huot told The Washington Post. Its unclear what happened or who was responsible for the lost fabric shield.

The team will go back and look at what the chain of events were, but essentially it was untethered, Huot said.

Covering the access point for the docking port was critical, Huot added, to protect that area of the module from what NASA calls MMOD (micro-meteoroids or orbital debris)  or, in laymans terms, basically any space junk, any space rocks that might impact it.

The shield also provides a barrier from extreme temperature changes.

Because it was such an important task, ground teams at Mission Control scrambled to find a solution for the quarter of the access point left exposed.

Immediately, teams gathered in a Mission Control office that contained replicas of everything up in space, Huot said.

They quickly laid things on the floor and devised a way for the astronauts to use a different piece of cloth and wire ties as a substitute for the lost shield.

It was spur of the moment, completely unplanned, Huot said. They got presented with a problem and the ingenuity kicked in.

Each of the four cloth shields weighs 18 pounds and is a little over 5 feet long, 2 feet wide and almost 3 inches thick, Huot said.

It was the first time NASA had lost a fabric shield during a spacewalk  though astronauts have lost other items during spacewalks before.

Sometimes bolts will go, Huot said. There was one spacewalk where we lost an entire bag of tools.

Eventually, he said, the lost fabric shield will degrade, then burn up upon reentry into the Earths atmosphere. However, because lost items in space run the risk of returning in orbit and damaging the space station, Mission Control closely monitored the lost cloth at first. It was spotted again one orbit, or about 90 minutes, later  at which point officials determined there was no risk it would come back into contact with the station.

The rest of the spacewalk, which clocked in at seven hours and four minutes, went as planned, Huot said.

Of note: Part of the way through the spacewalk, Whitson set the record for the female astronaut with the most cumulative spacewalking time, at 53 hours and 22 minutes. She broke the previous record, 50 hours and 40 minutes, held by American astronaut Sunita Suni Williams.

It was Whitsons eighth spacewalk, also a record for a female astronaut.

Russian cosmonaut Anatoly Solovyev holds the all-time spacewalking record, with 16 separate spacewalks and over 82 hours of cumulative spacewalking time.

According to the AP, Whitson is scheduled to return to Earth in June but may extend her time in space for an additional three months, until September.

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There are now 99 federal lawsuits filed by a Santa Fe attorney against mostly Albuquerque businesses alleging disability violations.

The lawsuits were filed by Sharon Pomeranz on behalf of Alyssa Carton, described as a Bernalillo County resident who uses a wheelchair because of a disability.

The suits are nearly identical, alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act covering such issues as properly marked parking spaces and bathroom accommodations.

An explosion of ADA-related lawsuits has hit cities nationwide over the past year.

I dont think the goal is, frankly, to bring attention to those problems, said Jim Jackson, CEO of the non-profit Disability Rights New Mexico. Id hesitate to speculate on the motivations of the folks involved, but Id be surprised if what theyre hoping to accomplish is to call attention to  people who are not in compliance with ADA.

Pomeranz said Thursday she did not want to comment.

Jackson added that even if the goal of the lawsuits is to bring attention to ADA violations, this is not the best way to accomplish the goal because it generates backlash.

Business owners with whom the Journal has spoken have said they were not notified there was a problem before the suit was filed, nor were they given an opportunity beforehand to make fixes or renovations.

Mike Ashcraft, who owns property at Lomas and Morris NE that is rented out as office space, was one of those targeted in the latest round of 23 lawsuits filed on March 7. Earlier batches were filed in January and February.

Ashcraft said he did not know of any problems until the suit was filed.

Ashcraft, in an email, added that his parking lot has two ADA-compliant parking spaces and that he had spent $25,000 during an earlier renovation to meet the acts requirements inside the building.
A group of 10 progressive activists staged a pop-up town hall in a hallway of the Maryland State House on Thursday, asking Gov. Larry Hogan, R  who did not make an appearance  to stand with them on issues such as immigration enforcement, health care, charter schools and sick leave.

The demonstration was led by Cheverly, Maryland, resident Elizabeth MacKenzie, who said her repeated requests to meet with Hogan about the direction he is taking the state and his lack of public opposition to President Donald Trumps administration have largely been ignored.

Streaming live video of their efforts online, the activists stood near Hogans constituent services office, reading statements and posing questions as they waited for a member of his staff to meet with them.

Will you personally speak out against attempts to cut funding to the Chesapeake Bay? asked Prince Georges County, Maryland, resident Judi Decker, referring to the Trump administrations plan to cut federal support for an environmental cleanup program.

The activists gave up after 45 minutes and headed to the office of Senate President Thomas Mike Miller, D-Calvert, where they called on the legislative leader to support a bill that limits police cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

They said they were concerned about Millers remarks on Wednesday suggesting that the measure would not pass out of the Senate in its current form. But they were happy when one of Millers top aides came out to exchange contact information and promised to relay their message to the lawmaker.

MacKenzie, whose group calls itself Hear Us, Hogan, said she has made weekly visits to Hogans office for nearly two months to request a conversation with the governor or one of his legislative aides. She said the director of constituent services has accepted messages she has delivered from activists, but she has had no luck landing the meeting her team wants.

Hogan spokeswoman Amelia Chasse said the governor meets with hundreds of constituents every week at public events throughout the state.

The governor firmly believes that everyone has a right to express their views, and he takes all of the input that our administration receives from constituents into account as we work to make Maryland better, she said.

Thursdays effort was the latest attempt by progressives to tie Hogan to Republican Party positions that are unpopular in Maryland.

Last month, three activists crashed a Board of Public Works meeting headed by the governor, interrupting it with calls for him to oppose Trump administration actions that they said would harm immigrants, refugees, women and the nations health care system.

Progressive Maryland executive director Larry Stafford Jr., who helped coordinate the disruption and joined Thursdays gathering, described both efforts as part of a grass-roots movement inspired by a growing groundswell of people who are concerned.

Critics last month also flooded Hogans Facebook account with comments urging him to denounce the Trump administrations travel ban and GOP plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act, among other policies. The deluge prompted Hogans office to block a number of posters and delete many comments from the site.

Many of the participants in Thursdays gathering are affiliated with other progressive groups. MacKenzie said she organized the event through social media.

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AUSTIN, Texas  The Texas Senate on Thursday approved a major voucher plan offering state funding to children attending private and religious schools  but only after slashing its potential cost by limiting the number of eligible families and exempting rural areas, which opponents argue can least afford losing students.

Sen. Larry Taylors bill creates publicly sponsored education savings accounts for parents while offering tax credits to businesses that sponsor private schooling via donations. It appeared stalled before the Republican from Friendswood agreed to make wholesale changes.

Our public schools have all the incumbency advantages. They have the facilities, they have the activities and, frankly, for many places, its the center of the towns activities, Taylor said Tuesday. But there are some students in those schools that thats not the best environment for them.

His overhauled proposal no longer applies to communities with fewer than 285,000 residents and includes caps ensuring that only low-income families are eligible, except in cases of students with special needs who could get funding to enroll in private schools regardless of their familys income.

After hours of debate, the revised version passed 18-13 in the GOP-controlled Senate.

It now heads to the state House, which is also Republican-majority but is far warier of vouchers. So-called school choice has long been defeated by Democrats and rural Republicans in that chamber who fear harming public schools that are top employers for  and often form the lifeblood of  the small communities they represent.

Scaling back the voucher plan reduced the cost from $100-plus million over the life of the two-year Texas budget cycle to less than $10 million, Taylor said. He said he believed only as many as 75,000 students would apply for educational savings accounts or scholarships out of the states roughly 5.2 million public school students.

Fourteen states and the District of Columbia have voucher programs, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Many of those began with relatively modest plans, like the one Taylor is now pushing, only to expand them in subsequent years.

Teachers groups oppose vouchers, saying theyll squeeze funding from public schools while disproportionately hurting struggling classrooms that are often located in poor and heavily minority parts of Texas.

You can put lipstick on the voucher, but its still a voucher, said Houston Democratic Sen. Sylvia Garcia, who voted against the bill.

After it was approved, Gilberto Hinojosa, chairman of the Texas Democratic Party, released a statement saying: Education is a right for every Texan that democracy depends on, not a market for Republicans to make a quick buck.

But Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who oversees the Senate, responded with a statement of his own calling school choice the civil rights issue of our time.

Last session, the Senate approved a more ambitious school voucher plan, but it never made it to a House vote. In 2013, the House overwhelmingly passed a budget resolution that public money should stay in public schools.

Taylor said he made changes so his bill might have a chance in the House. Were trying to make it where everyone likes this bill, he said.

Still, Houston GOP Rep. Dan Huberty, head of the House Public Education Committee, said the voucher bill as originally proposed wouldnt pass. And even the revamped version will have to wait as the House focuses on updating the states long-troubled school finance system.

Last summer, the all-Republican Texas Supreme Court ruled that the way Texas funds its public schools was constitutional  though deeply flawed.

That spared the Legislature from being forced to devise a new funding system. The House is attempting small but important fixes anyway, but those may not survive the Senate, where vouchers have taken priority.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that President Donald Trump was being barred from implementing his agenda, including improved relations with Moscow, by false accusations about Russian interference in the U.S. political process.

Putin suggested that the upheaval in Washington, D.C., eventually will die down and he will meet personally with Trump. He suggested the encounter could take place in July, at the G-20 summit in Germany, or at a summit of the Arctic Council scheduled for September in Finland.

We are ready, Putin said. But the timing depends to a large extent on the American side.  At a certain point in time it will come to a close, he said of internal U.S. squabbles, and we will decide when and where the meeting is held.

Speaking on a panel of leaders of nations bordering the Arctic, held in the northern Russian city of Archangel, Putin at first rejected questions posed to him about the United States, saying that he didnt want positive sentiment on Arctic cooperation to be killed off by the issue of U.S.-Russia relations.

But, he said, Ill have to be led astray. He proceeded to declare that opposition polls in the United States show that many people are friendly toward the Russian Federation, and that suggestions to the contrary were based on fictional, illusory provocations [and] lies being used for domestic American political agendas.

Putins comments came as Washington was embroiled in controversy over possible contacts between Trump associates and Russian officials and intelligence operatives during the presidential campaign and transition period, which are being investigated by Congress and the FBI.

Allegations about the contacts have emerged as part of a broader investigation into what the U.S. intelligence community has said was Russian-sponsored hacking of Democratic email accounts and subsequent leaks of information to undermine the campaign of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

Trump has denied any substantive contacts with Russia, and charged that former president Barack Obama wiretapped him.

You see whats been happening? Putin said. The newly-elected president is barred from implementing his agenda  delivering on his pledges on health care, and international affairs, and relations with the Russian Federation. We [will] just wait until things rectify and stabilize.

The best proof that Russia has not interfered with the United States in the past, he said, is that it is not interfering now in any way.

During the campaign, Trump variously said he did have a relationship with Putin and had interacted with the Russian presidents people during visits to Moscow, including during the 2013 Miss Universe pageant held there. Trump said later, I spoke indirectly  and directly  with President Putin, who could not have been nicer.

Trump switched gears in mid-2016, as his calls for a better relationship and counterterrorism collaboration with Russia in Syria and elsewhere ran headlong into controversy about Russias intervention in Ukraine and aggression toward NATO. I never met Putin, I dont know who Putin is, Trump said in his last news conference before the election. He once said nice things about me.

A week after his inauguration, Trump spoke on the telephone with Putin, and both said they would work toward a face-to-face meeting. But the administration has said little about collaboration or an upcoming meeting as the hacking scandal has grown. At the same time, key Trump national security aides, including Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, have said they view Russia as a threat and cannot foresee any military cooperation.

At the Archangel forum, Putin said he will meet with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who has scheduled a trip to Moscow in early April. Counterterrorism, he said, would be among the key issues on our agenda.

But in order for this work to be efficient, we need interaction not only with the Department of State, we also need interaction with the CIA, we need interaction with the Pentagon. It is unlikely that we can achieve a positive result without constructive work with our partners on these tracks, he said.

The White House has indicated Trump will attend the July 7-8 summit of the worlds 20 major economies, including Russia, to be held in Hamburg. It has not indicated plans to attend the September summit of the Arctic Council, which includes Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden in addition to Russia and the United States.

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Kantar Millward Brown recently launched its India-centric Media Predictions and Recommendations (2017) based on four varied sources:

Global Media & Digital Prediction (2017)

AdReaction (2017)

Consolidated learnings from over 150+ cross-media & digital campaign evaluations

Industry conversations with multiple stakeholders

These holistic set of studies not only provide a thorough environment scan of the year gone by (2016), but also provides predictions, hence recommendations to marketers for 2017 to increase the efficacy of their ad campaigns across platforms so as to ensure the best bang for their buck.

Adgully spoke with Nigel Hollis, Chief Global Analyst at Kantar Millward Brown, and Meheer Thakare, Head of Digital Solutions, South Asia,Kantar Millward Brown to know more about the efficacy of ad campaigns on various platforms, status of traditional media in India, programmatic advertising and more. Excerpts:

What is AdReaction all about, specifically for the Indian market? How can brand and agencies utilise it better? How can marketers use it as a tool?

Nigel Hollis: One of the key things about AdReaction is just how adverse we are making our potential audience and, therefore, the real challenge is to break through that audience with something that attracts their attention. We assume that we can get our ads in front of people without much effort, but thats just not true. India is very interesting because one of the things that we did in the study was look at Gen Z (15 to 19 years old), who are going to be our future consumers. This is a really huge call-to-action, mostly for the advertisers as they are the ones with the budget. When Gen Z grows up, the question is will their behaviour change? My expectation is that it wont. They are going to remain adverse and unless marketers do something to give them content that is remarkable and valuable, they are not going to pay attention to it.

Do you think the same pattern follows for advertising in traditional media?

Nigel Hollis: Although the younger generation is less receptive of advertising in general and they are more receptive to ads in traditional media. The worst format is the mobile popup, where they are completely not accepted. Mobile phone is a personal device and one uses it with a purpose, hence people find it highly irritating to be interrupted by popup videos.

Are the marketers aware that the advertisements they are putting up in the mobile space may not be as effective in any other domains?

Nigel Hollis: They are conscious of the fact that they dont really have a good understanding of what is effective where. Everybody accepts that television has always been effective. And though everybody feels the pressure to move into digital, there is still a worry about whether they are spending their money in the right place. One of the studies we provide looks across different channels and their campaigns, so we know which channel has been the most productive in terms of shifting the key matrix.

Given todays ecosystem, does traditional media still work? What is the reason that India hasnt veered too much from the traditional space?

Nigel Hollis: India still prefers traditional  television, radio, print. It reflects the environment here in India. My understanding is that Internet penetration in this country is significantly lower. It is very noticeable in our AdReaction study. People in India are more likely to spend an hour a day or more on magazines and newspapers than people around the world and of course, the media money follows the eyeballs. However, marketers need to focus on a digitally oriented audience as well to make it worthwhile. I would like to point it out here that no matter where you are, the more channels you are using, the more impact you tend to see, because even if you are smart at advertising, you still need to reach the maximum number of people. By just using one channel on its own, you are missing the opportunity to create synergies which will multiply the impact for your campaign.

On brand experience taking centre stage...

Nigel Hollis: When I think about brand experience, the best experience is using the brand itself. There are great opportunities for creating or engaging with the value addition format, but I think the big challenge is to reach enough people with it.

Meheer Thakare: According to our study, the more challenging the campaign is, the better is the impact out of it. The campaigns that are breaking only on digital also tend you to give more impact. Digital complements the other spends that one does.

Havas Media is pulling out all of their campaigns from Google and YouTube, and some brands in India are also doing the same. Your comments.

Nigel Hollis: My suspicion is that this is a great bargain that has been offered. There are clearly issues that major brands do not want their content to be associated with other content that they feel are appropriate. At the same time, it is also a great opportunity to try and negotiate with the deal getting forward.

Do you think video advertising will drive brand impact going forward?

Nigel Hollis: I think video advertising is incredibly powerful, however video on mobile and laptops also present a big challenge because we cant assume what will work in a more passive environment when we look at the behaviour related to online videos. On an average, it is just 12 seconds before someone says that he/she has seen enough and that time span is even shorter for the younger people. What brands really need to think about is how to structure that video to make the most of this impression.

Your thoughts on the future of programmatic advertising, programmtic targeting and their influence on branding.

Meheer Thakare: Last year in our predictions, our industry sources said that we do not have enough inventory for programmatic to run. This year there is a growth in the inventory volume wise. The growth is so fast that the quality of the inventory is still a concern.

Nigel Hollis: Which is why we were raising the issue of viewability and the people who are actually the right TG are highly variable as well. The more precise they try to make the programmatic targeting, the less accurate it tends to be. The thing about programmatic is there is a lot of promise, but the delivery is still questionable. The most successful programmatic campaigns or the ones that use data intensively and too often programmatic is not pulling out all the data resources. However, the other things that we see from our insight study are where we test and compare the people who are seeing the programmatic advertising with those who dont. We know that programmatic can do a great job, moving the intent to buy, but is not necessarily good at changing the wider variables by making people more aware of the brand. They are focusing more on activation rather than true brand building.

How is ad-blocking impacting the advertising space?

Meheer Thakare: We know from our studies that while avoidance is high, the Gen Z is seen to use more hours of the avoidance strategies and pro-skippable formats. So, we take these formats positively.

Nigel Hollis: According to our AdReaction study in India, 57 per cent of the people said that if they saw an ad on their laptops or mobile phones, their immediate reaction was to skip it, this percentage is higher than the older generation.
The Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus will receive an upgrade to Android 7.1.1 Nougat at launch, a person familiar with the matter told Talk Android at yesterdays Unpacked event in New York City during which the South Korean tech giant officially unveiled its highly anticipated pair of flagships. A product expert said that latest stable build of Googles operating system should be ready for the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8 Plus by the time both phones hit the market in the second half of April. Its currently unclear whether that means the handsets will run Android 7.1.1 Nougat out of the box or whether Samsung will release an over-the-air (OTA) update around the time they launch, though the latter scenario seems more likely seeing how all preview units of the devices that Samsung showed so far were running Android 7.0. Regardless, the legitimacy of this report has yet to be determined as the source of the information is curiously described as a product expert and not a Samsung official.

Overall, initial units of the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8 Plus will likely ship with Android 7.0, though devices produced at a later date might be running Android 7.1.1 out of the box. Both variants of the handset will eventually be updated to Android O, though thats unlikely to happen until early 2018, just like the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Edge didnt start receiving stable builds of Nougat until this year after launching with Marshmallow in March 2016. Samsung will likely reveal more details regarding major and minor software updates for the Galaxy S8 lineup in the coming weeks, possibly even before both devices launch worldwide on April 21.

Regardless of the exact Android OS version the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8 Plus will be running, neither device will offer a stock Android experience as Samsung continues to stick with its proprietary user interface that changed to a significant degree in recent years. Major OS builds aside, it remains to be seen how the company will handle monthly Android Security Updates for its latest flagship duo seeing how unlocked variants of the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Edge so far werent updated on a monthly basis in most parts of the world.
It currently seems as though Google is A/B testing a different design and layout for the Pixel Launcher that comes pre-installed on the Google Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones. At the moment, the user reports on this are fairly limited and there is no certainty on who is included in the testing  as is the case with A/B testing in general. However, if you own the Google Pixel or the Pixel XL and your home screen looks relatively normal, then it is probably fair to assume that you are not part of the testing.

The reason for this is that the new layout does come with some rather obvious and fundamental changes. The first is that the Google Search pill-shaped button (which is synonymous with the Pixel Launcher) has been removed. In its place, the Pixel Launchers new design makes use of an older style Google Search tab  one that stretches across the majority of the width of the screen. Although, this is not the exact same Google Search bar as before, as it does come with rounded edges and is suspiciously similar to one which was previous noted as being in testing as far back as November of last year. In either case, and presumably as a direct result of the employing of an elongated Search tab, the weather widget seems to have now been removed completely. The image below highlights these changes quite neatly.

Interestingly, one user on Reddit (the source of the image below), notes that the design changed occurred when rolling back from the Android 7.1.2 (Nougat) beta to the stable version of Android 7.1.1. With the user also noting that there does not seem to be any functional changes in play here  it is just the displaying of the Google Search bar (and removal of the weather widget) that takes place. While other users are noting that if you go to the Pixels settings menu, then to apps, then to Pixel Launcher, and clear the data, the new style (with old style Search bar) is replaced again by the current (pill-shaped) button. Likewise, some are noting that the new style changes to the old style after performing the clear data action on the current (normal) layout.
Smartphone accessory manufacturer Moshi announced a range of accessories for the newly unveiled the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus. Moshis list of products for Samsungs latest flagships includes three types of snap-on cases, a regular case, and a screen protector. The accessories will be launched in late April and early May around the time the Samsung Galaxy S8 series will hit the shelves.

Starting off with the Moshi Tycho Hybrid Snap-on Case, this is the only product in Moshis new portfolio to be designed solely for the Samsung Galaxy S8, sans the larger model. Its proprietary hybrid construction boasts a shatter-proof hard shell frame and shock-absorbing inners providing maximum protection in a minimalist design. It will be available early May in Metro Black and Blush Pink for the price of $35. Next in line is the Moshi Vitros Transparent Snap-on Case for both the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus. Described as slim and stylish, the Vitros case is built from durable yet pliable polymer, it features a transparent back panel and a precision cut giving easy access to the smartphones rear-fitted fingerprint sensor. The Vitros Transparent Snap-on Case will be available late April in Crystal Clear, Titanium Gray, and Orchid Pink for the price of $30. The final snap-on case offered by Moshi is the Napa Leatherette Case, designed for both Samsung Galaxy S8 variants. It features a leatherette back but boasts a hybrid construction with military-grade protection. The Moshi Napa case will be launched late April in Charcoal Black for $40/$45.

Moshi also offers a wallet case called the Overture, able to accommodate not only your smartphone, but also credit cards and cash in specially designated slots. Its exterior is covered in durable leather and features proprietary Terahedron microfiber inner lining on the inside. The case is reinforced with a shatterproof polycarbonate frame boasting military-grade protection. The Moshi Overture will be available late April in Charcoal Black for the price of $45/$50, depending on size. Lastly, prospective customers looking to protect Samsungs borderless Infinity display might be interested in the Moshi IonGlass screen protector. Its described as an atomically-strengthened screen protector securing the panel edge-to-edge, and its treated with an oleophobic coating to prevent fingerprint smudges. It will be available for $40/$45 in early May.
The BLUBOO D1 is an upcoming smartphone from BLUBOO and among other things, follows in the trend of offering its owners the ability to make use of a rear dual camera setup. However, unlike most other dual camera boasting smartphones, including BLUBOOs own previous smartphone, the BLUBOO Dual, the BLUBOO D1 not only comes with dual rear cameras, but also dual front-facing cameras.

Along with the information on this, there are also some images that have now come through showcasing the BLUBOO D1 from multiple angles, and further confirming the inclusion of dual cameras on the front and the back of the device. In addition, and according to the information coming through, one of the added features on offer with the BLUBOO D1 is the inclusion of a soft light on the front of the device, designed to ensure that selfies taken are taken in the best possible lighting conditions. This light not only looks to increase the quality of the images overall, but also the complexion of the target person  making it an ideal option for those looking for more of a selfie-dedicated smartphone.

In terms of the general specs, the BLUBOO D1 is a device that is expected to come equipped with a 5-inch display which employs the help of a HD resolution. Inside, the BLUBOO D1 is expected to come loaded with 2GB RAM, 16GB internal storage, and be powered by a MediaTek MTK6580A quad-core processor (clocking at 1.5 GHz). Cameras will come in the form of an 8-megapixel main rear camera which is flanked by a secondary 2-megapixel camera. While the front-facing option will be spearheaded by a 5-megapixel camera. Additional features worth noting include a metal unibody design, a rear-positioned fingerprint sensor, a 2,600 mAh battery, and Android 7.0 (Nougat) pre-installed.

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In terms of availability, the details on this are still a little limited, although it is expected that the BLUBOO D1 will become available to pre-order sometime in early April. Likewise, while the pricing has yet to be confirmed, it is expected that the BLUBOO D1 will be available to buy for $60, or thereabouts. You can find out more about the BLUBOO D1, as well as BLUBOO in general, by heading over to the companys official website through the link below.
The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus dropped yesterday, finally, the company introduced the two devices in New York, and theyre more or less exactly what weve expected. A ton of carriers and retailers already released their Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus availability details, and a British carrier, O2, just joined that list. O2 reached out to us today and confirmed that the two Samsung-branded flagships are now available for pre-order from O2 in the UK, following Vodafone UKs announcement which landed yesterday.

O2 said that you can now pre-order one of the two devices, and if you do that, you will receive it 8 days before it goes on sale on April 28th. O2 is offering a range of tariffs for the two Galaxy S8 smartphones, featuring a new Yearly Upgrade Programme, up to 50GB of data, free music streaming and a free JBL speaker (worth 119.99). So, what is O2s Yearly Upgrade Programme? Well, it gives you an opportunity to replace your smartphone after 12 months of use, and get a new one without the need to cancel your current contract with O2. There are several options for both the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus that you can take advantage of. For example, you can pay 49.99 upfront for the Galaxy S8, then 51 a month for 3GB of data, plus you get a free JBL Flip 4 speaker worth 119.99. Another option for the Galaxy S8 is that you pay 9.99 upfront, then 55 a month for 5GB of data, and you get a free JBL Flip 4 speaker and free music streaming. You also have an option to pay 9.99 upfront, 59 a month for 10GB of data, and you get a free JBL Flip 4 speaker, free music streaming and Yearly Upgrade Programme. O2 is offering similar options for the Galaxy S8 Plus as well, though the companys larger Galaxy S8 smartphone is a bit more expensive, of course. You can get more info by clicking on the source link down below.

The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus are basically identical in terms of the design and specs, the only difference is that the Galaxy S8 Plus is a larger phone thanks to its 6.2-inch panel, and it comes with a larger battery. The two devices are made out of metal and glass, they ship with Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box, and are fueled by the Exynos 8895 or Snapdragon 835 SoC, depending on the region. If youd like to know more about these two phones, click here.
Samsung Galaxy Note 5 owners in India will soon experience the benefits of Android 7.0 Nougat soon as Samsung started pushing out the latest major stable iteration of Googles operating system in the country. The Android 7.0 Nougat update, along with the latest March security patch, will be available for owners of Galaxy Note 5 with the model number N920GDDU3CQC7, with the size of the package being around 1 GB. When installing the update, the phones should have at least 50 percent of battery charge left and be connected to a Wi-Fi network, Samsung recommends. Aside from India, Galaxy Note 5 owners in neighboring countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal are also receiving the update on phones with the same model number. It may take some time before the update reaches all of the compatible handsets but owners can try manually updating their devices through the Settings app.

The Android 7.0 Nougat update for the Galaxy Note 5 brings some major new features to users. The package contains a number of improvements for the Android OS including improved power management with new Doze Mode and some other performance tweaks. User experience-oriented improvements like the new and improved launcher similar to the one that launched on the discontinued Galaxy Note 7 are also present, along with a better multi-window mode, and redesigned quick settings. Threaded notifications are now also available, giving users the ability to expand multiple notifications from the notification shade and do things like reply to a message even without opening the app that sent the notification. The update also brings multitasking improvements which include faster switching between apps through double tapping the recent apps button. Also worth mentioning is the addition of an exclusive feature called Samsung Pass which uses the fingerprint scanner of the Galaxy Note 5 for authentication on mobile banking devices and websites.

Samsung has recently been quite busy with updating its older flagships to Android 7.0 Nougat across the world. In Turkey, the company already brought the package to the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus and the Galaxy Note 5. Given that state of affairs, the South Korean phone maker will likely launch more updates for other devices in the near future.
Samsung covered the entire New York Citys Times Square with ads promoting the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8 Plus during the companys Unpacked event last night. The South Korean tech giant proudly boasted about that achievement on its official website on Thursday, noting how the scenery it created in the heart of the Big Apple is reflective of the impressive visual experience the Infinity Display of the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8 Plus are said to offer. Refer to the gallery below to see how a Galaxy S8-themed Times Square looks like.

This will hardly be the last major marketing push of Samsungs latest Android flagship duo seeing how the company traditionally spends vast amounts of money on advertising its high-end products, which is one of the reasons why it continues to be a major player in the industry. Last years Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge were promoted in a rather aggressive manner, and their successors will likely be advertised even more seeing how Samsung is eager to bounce back from the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco that saw the company lose billions of dollars last fall. Regardless of that misstep, recent studies suggest that most consumers are willing to forgive Samsung for that ordeal and are extremely excited about the companys new Galaxy S8 lineup. Given that state of affairs, both the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8 Plus are expected to become one of the best-selling smartphones of the year and help Samsungs mobile unit post record profits. The devices are already available for pre-orders in most parts of the world and are scheduled to hit the market on April 21.

As for what theyre offering, the Galaxy S8 is equipped with a 5.8-inch QHD+ Super AMOLED display panel, while the Galaxy S8 Plus features a 6.2-inch one. Both handsets are powered by either the Exynos 8895 or the Snapdragon 835 system-on-chip depending on the territory and feature 4GB of RAM and at least 64GB of internal storage. Though China is currently said to receive a 128GB variant of the device, that model likely wont make an official appearance in other markets. Time will tell whether the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8 Plus manage to live up to expectations, but more information on the matter should be available shortly.
President Trump will sign the controversial reversal of broadband privacy rules that the United States Congress barely managed to pass on Tuesday, the White House said earlier today. The bill that polarized the U.S. political scene and saw strong opposition from the Democratic Party will reverse the rules preventing Internet service providers (ISPs) from selling or otherwise sharing user browsing data without explicit consent. The original legislation that is now set to be reversed was approved under the former Obama administration and hasnt yet gone into effect, which likely wont ever happen given latest developments. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer confirmed President Trumps intention to sign the polarizing bill but couldnt say when exactly the signature will be given.

The regulations that are now set to be revoked were adopted by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) last October and also mandated ISPs to put more effort into protecting the privacy of their users, in addition to preventing them from sharing their data with third parties without obtaining permission. The bill overturning the rules was passed without support from a single Democrat and was heavily criticized by the opposition party and numerous privacy advocacy groups, most of whom are arguing there is no reason for anyone who doesnt stand to financially benefit from the new (lack of) legislation to vote for the controversial reversal. Republicans who managed to pass the bill are claiming the rules they intend to reverse were never in effect, with some proponents of the move saying theres no valid rationale behind preventing ISPs from doing what Internet giants like Google and Facebook already do.

The latest turn of events is said to be a prelude to another bill that will aim to overturn net neutrality rules adopted by the FCC in 2015. The regulations enacted under President Obama reclassified broadband Internet providers as public utilities and required them to treat all data, i.e. online traffic equally, in a way that doesnt directly discourage consumers from using certain websites or competitors. The rules were already tested by zero-rating practices adopted by some wireless carriers in the country but will now likely be completely reversed later this year under the new FCC chairman Ajit Pai who previously said net neutrality was a mistake.
YEREVAN, MARCH 29, ARMENPRESS. In the sidelines of the 2nd stage of the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Natural and Man-made Disasters in the Eastern Partnership Countries (PPRD East 2) program a staff training at the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Armenia took place on March 28-29 called Response to international help call.

As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the Ministry, 6 member states of the program, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus, as well as Czech Republic, Denmark and Romania participated in the training. The training is aimed at fostering the cooperation between Eastern partnership states in the sphere of disaster management.

Experts were present at the staff trainings in each country tasked to coordinate and control the activities. Expert, disaster management consultant Alain Pilou coordinated the activities in Armenia.

Summing up the results, the expert noted that he is deeply impressed by the skills and discipline of the Armenian staff. The Armenian personnel of disaster management was able to fully demonstrate its practical knowledge, the experts said.

This was the theoretical part of the program, while the large-scale field exercises will take place on September 16-17 of the current year.

Natural disasters can strike anywhere, any time. Even the most well prepared country may find that its own rescue services are unable to cope with the situation and need assistance from other countries. The European Union has developed a mechanism to facilitate the international response to disasters. On 28-29 March 2017, the mechanism was tested in a decision-making exercise taking place simultaneously in six Eastern European Partner Countries, three EU Member Countries and the Emergency Response Coordination Centre of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

The arrival of international rescue teams at the site of a disaster is often shown on the news. What the news programmes never show is the intense international coordination, exchange of information, and decision making in many capitals that goes on prior to the actual sending of teams. As Part 1 of the international exercise named EU MOLDEX 2017, that decision-making was tested in a table-top exercise on 28-29 March 2017. To start the exercise, an alert message announced a major earthquake affecting parts of Moldova. The Civil Protection and Emergency Situations Service of Moldova decided that international assistance was needed, and the Crisis Emergency Management Centre sent a request for assistance to the EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre in Brussels. Brussels immediately contacted the capitals of the countries participating in the exercise: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Georgia, Romania, and Ukraine. In each of these countries, decision makers were gathered at the national crisis management centres and considered the request for assistance. Offers of assistance were made, the offers were coordinated by Brussels, Moldova decided which offers to accept, and questions about host nation support were discussed between the offering countries and Moldova, reads the statement of the EU Delegation to Armenia.

After the Spitak Earthquake in 1988 there was no proper coordination of the international assistance, says Mr Mushegh Ghazaryan, Director of the Rescue Service, Ministry of Emergency Situations of Armenia, and PPRD East 2 Steering Committee member.

This exercise has shown that the international community has come a long way since 1988. We are grateful for the EU to organise the exercise and to serve as a catalyst for international coordination.

The second part of the EU MOLDEX 2017 exercise will take place in September 2017, when rescue teams from the five other Partner Countries  Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, and Ukraine will support Moldova. They will be supplemented with teams from three EU Member States: the Czech Republic, Denmark and Romania. Background information

The EU-funded Programme on Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Natural and Man-made Disasters (PPRD East 2) is to contribute to the peace, stability, security and prosperity of the Eastern Partner Countries. It is also aimed to protect the environment, population, cultural heritage, resources and infrastructures of the region by strengthening the countries resilience, preparedness and response to man-made disasters and disasters caused by natural hazards. The PPRD East 2 Programme facilitates the strengthening of disaster risk management capacities at the national level in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. It enhances regional cooperation among the Partner Countries, and brings Partner Countries progressively closer to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The Programme will last for 4 years with a budget of 5.5 million.
YEREVAN, MARCH 30, ARMENPRESS. Armenia continues talks with Iranian side over establishment of export company, Suren Karayan, Minister of Economic Development and Investments, said in response to the Prime Ministers question during the Government session, Armenpress reports.

We are holding active talks. 10 days before the Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Investments was in Iran where discussions also were held. They promised to submit proposal on the formation of the company in near future. We will report you the details within 10 days, the Minister said.

PM Karen Karapetyan urged to be consistent over the implementation of works.
MPV

The Bavarian carmaker plans to introduce numerous new models in its line-up, and these launches include facelifted versions of existing cars. One of those facelifts is scheduled for the 2 Series Active Tourer If you have lived in a cave in the past three or four years, this is BMW s first front-wheel-drive car ever, and it is also the firms firstOur spy photographers caught an example testing in the wild with a few new elements. Those components are currently covered up, but we can see that the Life Cycle Impulse planned for this automobile does not involve dramatic changes. We will describe them below, just to keep tabs on the people carrier from Munich.The 2018 2 Series Active Tourer comes with a redesigned front end and a restyled rear. The LED daytime running lights in the headlamps have been modified, and the same can be said about the indicators, which also use LED technology.As you can observe, the shape of the hood seems to have changed a bit, and the same can be stated about the front grille. The bumper has been adapted accordingly.Meanwhile, at the rear, this prototype only conceals the lower part of its bumper. Most likely, it has been changed a bit, but without any dramatic alterations.If it was not already obvious, this prototype is a plug-in hybrid vehicle. On top of the individual door for the charging plug, placed on the front fender, the blue-and-white-roundel has put stickers on all sides to show that this is a hybrid test vehicle.The 2 Series Active Tourer is already available in a hybrid version, called 225 xe , and it is a plug-in hybrid . Most likely, the facelift will bring efficiency improvements across the board, for all engine versions, along with an improved interior. Customers should also expect new wheel designs, as well as fresh color options.
SUV

Of course, this is not uncommon. German automakers do this a lot, but with vehicles that are far larger than this Tiguan rival.For example, there's something called the VW California , which is based on the T6 but was available many years before that. Mercedes-Benz, meanwhile, makes the similarly styled but more luxurious Marco Polo. But the thing is that the interiors of those vans are already huge. Some of them come with tables, a sink, and refrigerator, so there's a point to being able to stand up in the middle of a car.We're not 100% sure, but it seems Mazda has made the CX-5 Pop-up work as a double bed. So there a couple of people lounging over the top of the folded rear seats and trunk, plus another two on top of the roof.It's got a transparent outer membrane so that you can peer out at the wilderness, and a LED roof light for when the wilderness peers back at you.The thing is, I never knew the Japanese like the outdoors. Media reports suggested they never get married and just date some sort of apps that look like cat maids or dragon-girls. But Mazda says that wasn't always the case, as between 1995 and 2005 it sold something called the Bongo Friendee based on a van. Check it out in the photo gallery!The Japanse automaker says that by starting off with an, it can provide high driving performance. Some schematics we found say the distance between the dash and the back of the rear seats is 1,910mm, so the roof should be almost as long as an average bed. Crazy, right?The tent perched on top of the Mazda is protected by a fiberglass top that hinges up. Inside, there's 1,800mm to stretch the legs and 900mm from one side to the other. It's kind of tight, so only one adult and one child can sleep there.When the top is folded down, the CX-5 is still only 1,790mm tall, so it can enter every parking lot in Japan (most have a 2-meter restriction).
Oksana Kosheleva, a 34-year-old Russian powerlifter, is the star of a video that shows an unexpected reaction to a road rage incident. In this case, she is not the victim of road rage, but an assailant.It all happened in the parking lot of a shopping center in Irkutsk , where another driver nearly crashed into her vehicle.She was furious at the other driver because he almost hit her Nissan as he was doing handbrake turns in the parking lot, and she got out of her car to understand what her conversation partner was saying. That is her "official version" of the event, while the alleged victim says that nothing happened.After Oksana left her vehicle, which is a dangerous thing for anyone during a road rage incident, she approached the door of the other driver. Something went wrong in their conversation, and she extracted him from the vehicle.Ms. Kosheleva is famous in the region, and the sport, for her amazing feats of strength. Her opponent was a regular-sized male, who got a first-class ticket to her show of power.The powerlifter lifted the other driver like he was a backpack, and then proceeded to place him in the trunk of her car. This is illegal in many countries, including Russia, for obvious reasons. The victim did not file a complaint, as he was released after a 100-meter (328 feet) drive, just to demonstrate what could have happened if his assailant had evil intentions, Siberian Times reports.Oksana insisted that she never wanted to harm the other driver, and just wanted to teach him a lesson. The latter part is something that is extremely dangerous in any situation, as things could get out of control in moments, and theres no turning back from some things.After he was released from Oksanas trunk, the man recognized her, and they figured out that they used to attend the same gym. It is a small world, and you can pick up or pull most of it if you are a powerlifter.
TDI

While regular people could have sold their TDI Volkswagens and Audis to other citizens, dealers were forbidden to sell any cars, new or used, if they came with known emissions tampering devices.The new permission compels VW dealers to notify their clients of the fact that the diesel engined car they want to purchase is part of a recall that has not been completed, but they are allowed to complete the sale even before the repairs are performed.As the spokesperson for Volkswagen Group of America explained to Automotive News , the companys dealers will have the parts required for the recall starting early next year. That means that the affected vehicles that are currently in dealer stock, approximately 12,000 units, will be permitted to get new owners while they are months away from being fixed.Only 67,000 diesel-engined vehicles sold in the USA are eligible for this exemption, as this rule applies to MY2015 vehicles. Out of the mentioned number, about 12,000 are already in dealer inventory.The owners of the rest of the cars have accepted the settlement money from VW and decided to keep their automobiles, while others are waiting to reach their buyback appointment.This situation shows why Volkswagen asked owners not to dismantle their cars when they turned them in for a buyback. While some vehicles were accepted with missing parts , the most stripped car ever offered was denied its appointment before reaching the dealer.In spite of being able to sell dieselgate-affected MY2015 used vehicles, Volkswagen will not be allowed to market any other oil burners in the USA too soon. Company officials have already explained that the 2018 model year will not get anyengines in the U.S., and their position in the portfolio will be progressively reduced.
The Department of Energy's Office of International Climate and Clean Energy has been directed not to use the phrases "climate change," "emissions reduction," and "Paris Agreement" in any official written communications, per Politico.

The office is the only one with "climate" in its name at the Department of Energy and is an artifact of the Obama administration's clean energy initiatives, which have been largely cast aside under President Trump.

A Department of Energy spokesperson denied there was a formal ban on language, but one of Politico's sources said their office had consciously been choosing to use words like "jobs" and "infrastructure" to better represent the Trump administration's priorities.
An administrative official at the State Dept who held top secret clearance is facing up to 25 years in prison for allegedly accepting tens of thousands of dollars from Chinese spies in exchange for information.

Candace Claiborne, 60, appeared in court yesterday. Mary McCord, an acting assistant attorney general, claimed Claiborne, "used her position and her access to sensitive diplomatic data for personal profit."

What she allegedly gave: information over the course of five years, including "information about a dissident who was being secretly housed at the embassy," per the FT. The dissident was not named but may have been Chen Guangcheng.

What she allegedly got: cash, gifts, and even help for a friend or relative who "committed a serious crime in China."
The 2017 India Baja, which will be conducted between April 7 and April 9, has been granted Dakar Challenge status by Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), the organisers of the rally. The winner of the India Baja will get free entry into the Dakar Rally, along with the Merzouga Rally in Morocco.

Organised by Northern Motorsports, this is going to be the second edition of the India Baja, and will see the participation of over 70 competitors. The event focuses on testing participants riding skills and endurance along with vehicle preparation and strategy. Spread over three days, the event will be conducted in the Thar desert and on the outskirts of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, covering over 430km. The Indian Baja will also be seeing some renowned names at the event this year including CS Santosh and Joaquim Rodrigues from the Hero Motorsports as well as Aravind KP and Adrien Metge from TVS Racing.

The India Baja was established to provide a platform for Indians to showcase their prowess in cross-country rallying. Now, with the affiliation with ASO, we can expect a jump in the international exposure and opportunities for the local talent.




First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Food Drink Ireland (FDI), the Ibec group representing the food and drink sector, yesterday called for agri-food to be a top priority for the Irish Government in the forthcoming brexit negotiations.



The group estimates that the agri-food sector exports 4.1bn of food and drink to the UK and accounts for 43,000 Irish jobs, which could be threatened after Brexit.

FDI warn that agri-food is the Irish sector most exposed to trade disruption and the Irish Government must do all within its control to ensure minimum impact to the free flow of goods.



They have called for free and unfettered access to the UK market for Irish business and an agreement that takes account of the special case of the all-island economy.



Director of Food Drink Ireland, Paul Kelly said, "Ibec and FDI will continue advising our members to examine how Brexit might impact their business, and we are providing contingency planning support."

Source: www.businessworld.ie
Modified On Mar 31, 2017 06:07 PM By Khan Mohd. for Tata Tigor 2017-2020

Tata Motors is now moving in the right direction with some fantastic launches coming out of its stable. Be it the Bolt and the Zest or the IMPACT philosophy-boasting Tiago, Hexa and the latest, Tigor, it has managed to gather the much needed attention of the buyers, and has its cars once again make it to the list of vehicles one considers before buying. Launched at Rs 4.70 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Tigor is the latest compact sedan from the carmaker and it is getting ready to take on its arch rival, the Maruti Swift Dzire, along with the competition. Lets check out what each of the Tigor variants has on offer over the other.

Tata Tigor XE

The XE is the base variant of the Tata Tigor and thus, gets bare minimum features. However, it does get body-coloured bumpers so that nobody is able to judge whether its a base variant (as bumpers are generally black in such cases). The compact sedan gets multi-drive modes, dual-tone interiors, AC with heater, 7-speed front wipers, tachometer, collapsible door handles and door open & key in reminder. It misses on an important feature - central locking, even the manual option isnt provided. This variant is suited for a person whos tight on the budget but still wants to enjoy the charm of having a car with a boot.

Intersting read: 2017 Maruti Swift DZire: Tata Tigors Biggest Threat?

Tata Tigor XT

The next variant of the Tigor is the XT, where the car starts to grow in features. This trim is equipped with ConnectNext touchscreen infotainment system, height-adjustable driver seat, all four power windows, electrically adjustable ORVM, steering-mounted controls and rear park assist with sensors. As the trim level increases, the car gets safer. The XT gets remote central locking and ABS with EBD and CSC. Other convenience features include cooled glove box, rear power outlet, LED turn indicator on ORVM, body-coloured door handles, bumpers and ORVM, foldable armrest with cup holders, boot lamp and Bluetooth, AM/FM, USB, AUX-IN, iPOD connectivity. We expect this variant to sell more as it gets most of the utility traits at an extra amount of Rs 70,000 over the base XE trim.

Tata Tigor XZ

Moving up the chart, the Tigor XZ is the second to the top variant. It gets a host of features like projector headlamps, alloy wheels, dual airbags, rear defogger, seat belt with pretensioners & load limiters, electrical boot unlocking and body coloured air vents on select two exterior shades - Berry Red and Copper Dazzle. You also get two tweeters in addition to the four speakers of the XT. Costing Rs 49,000 more, it is a decent buy for someone looking for a car with most of the comfort and convenience features and, of course, the additional safety in the form of airbags.

Tata Tigor XZ (O)

Now we head towards the top-of-the-line Tigor trim, the XZ (O). Its the fully loaded trim which comes with amazing features such as voice command recognition, a bigger 5-inch ConnectNext touchscreen infotainment system, rear park assist with camera, automatic climate control and four tweeters in addition to the four speakers. It gets Tata smart remote and Tata emergency assist. Being the highest variant, it costs Rs 29,000 more over the XZ trim but justifies it with the practical fitments it comes with. Unlike most top-end variants of the other cars, the Tigor gets useful features. It is a must buy for a person who wishes to have practicality, aesthetics, features and a Tigor tag on his/her set of wheels.

Among the four variants, our pick of the lot is the Tigor XZ variant as it offers decent safety equipment as well as a good kit of features over the XT trim at just Rs 50,000.

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In February 2016, a yellow fever outbreak was declared in DRC; approximately 90% of suspected cases and deaths occurred in Kongo Central Province. Thirty seven of the 393 specimens tested received laboratory confirmation of yellow fever virus; 35 of these 37 cases were imported from neighboring Angola. Most imported cases occurred in persons who crossed the DRC-Angola border at a single market city, where 40,000 travelers cross the border each week on market day, overwhelming the border health screening program. Insufficient laboratory supplies and delayed transport of specimens to the laboratory compromised case confirmation.

Border areas with high population mobility and intense trade activities can foster outbreaks such as yellow fever, particularly in settings where vaccination coverage and health screening capacity are not optimal. In December 2015, a large yellow fever outbreak began in Angola, bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

On April 23, 2016, the Democratic Republic of the Congos (DRCs) Ministry of Health declared a yellow fever outbreak. As of May 24, 2016, approximately 90% of suspected yellow fever cases (n = 459) and deaths (45) were reported in a single province, Kongo Central Province, that borders Angola, where a large yellow fever outbreak had begun in December 2015. Two yellow fever mass vaccination campaigns were conducted in Kongo Central Province during May 25June 7, 2016 and August 1728, 2016. In June 2016, the DRC Ministry of Health requested assistance from CDC to control the outbreak. As of August 18, 2016, a total of 410 suspected yellow fever cases and 42 deaths were reported in Kongo Central Province. Thirty seven of the 393 specimens tested in the laboratory were confirmed as positive for yellow fever virus (local outbreak threshold is one laboratory-confirmed case of yellow fever). Although not well-documented for this outbreak, malaria, viral hepatitis, and typhoid fever are common differential diagnoses among suspected yellow fever cases in this region. Other possible diagnoses include Zika, West Nile, or dengue viruses; however, no laboratory-confirmed cases of these viruses were reported. Thirty five of the 37 cases of yellow fever were imported from Angola. Two-thirds of confirmed cases occurred in persons who crossed the DRC-Angola border at one market city on the DRC side, where 40,000 travelers cross the border each week on market day. Strategies to improve coordination between health surveillance and cross-border trade activities at land borders and to enhance laboratory and case-based surveillance and health border screening capacity are needed to prevent and control future yellow fever outbreaks.

Yellow fever is an arthropod-borne flavivirus, transmitted in urban outbreaks primarily by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Signs and symptoms take 36 days to develop and include fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches. In general, worldwide approximately 15% of persons with yellow fever develop serious illness that can lead to bleeding, shock, organ failure, and death (1). The historic case fatality rate for yellow fever in Africa is approximately 20% (2).

Yellow fever vaccine is safe and effective (2). Approximately 1.5 million doses were administered in two mass vaccination campaigns conducted in Kongo Central Province; these campaigns were estimated to have reached 99% administrative vaccination coverage (the number of vaccine doses administered divided by the most recent census estimates for the targeted population). The CDC team visited Kongo Central Province during August and September 2016, reviewed yellow fever surveillance data reported in the DRC Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response system, assessed health facilities and border ports of entry, interviewed health and border surveillance officers, and made recommendations for prevention and control.

A suspected yellow fever case was defined by the DRC Ministry of Health (adapted from the World Health Organizations standard case definition) as acute onset of fever, followed by jaundice within 14 days of symptom onset. Laboratory-confirmed cases were defined as 1) detection in serum of yellow fever virusspecific immunoglobulin M and yellow feverspecific neutralizing antibodies or yellow fever virus nucleic acid by polymerase chain reaction, or 2) isolation of yellow fever virus from a blood specimen. In response to the outbreak, the DRC Ministry of Health implemented yellow fever casebased surveillance with immediate notification and field investigation requirements, including collection of blood specimens, ascertainment of vaccination status, and documentation of travel history. On the basis of travel history and location of exposure, laboratory-confirmed cases with no previous vaccination history were classified as imported (from another country) or autochthonous. Health facilities reported all suspected yellow fever cases to the health zone office in their jurisdiction; health zone reports were compiled by the Kongo Central Province Health Division. All blood specimens were sent from affected health zones to the National Institute of Biomedical Research in Kinshasa, DRCs capital, which serves as the national reference laboratory. Surveillance and laboratory data were tabulated in Epi Info and descriptive analyses were performed using statistical software.

From January 4 to August 18, 2016, a total of 410 suspected yellow fever cases, including 42 (10.2%) deaths were reported in Kongo Central Province. Blood specimens from 393 (98.5%) suspected cases were collected and tested for yellow fever virus; 37 (9.4%) were positive, 346 (88.0%) were negative (n = 325) or discarded because of recent vaccination (21), and results for 10 (2.5%) were inconclusive (Table). Among the 37 confirmed cases, 32 (86.5%) were serologically confirmed and five (13.5%) were confirmed by detection of yellow fever virus nucleic acid by polymerase chain reaction or isolation of yellow fever virus.

The median age of persons with laboratory-confirmed cases of yellow fever was 31 years (range = 072 years) and 86.4% were male; eight deaths occurred among confirmed cases (case-fatality ratio = 21.6%) (Table). Thirty five (94.5%) laboratory-confirmed yellow fever cases occurred in persons who had been in Angola in the 14 days preceding illness onset and were thus classified as imported from Angola; the other two (5.4%) were classified as autochthonous. The highest numbers of laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in March and April 2016 (Figure 1) and began to decline before the vaccination campaigns. No additional cases were confirmed after June 27, 2016.

Within Kongo Central Province, laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in eight health zones, seven (87.5%) of which border Angola. The highest incidence of laboratory-confirmed yellow fever cases in Kongo Central Province was in Nsona-Mpangu Health Zone (13 cases per 100,000 population; 15 laboratory-confirmed cases) (Figure 2). The market city of Lufu in the Nsona-Mpangu Health Zone accounted for 23 of 35 (65.7%) laboratory-confirmed cases imported from Angola. Lufu is situated on the DRC-Angola border and 40,000 travelers cross the border every week on market day (in a 10-hour period 65 persons per minute are seen crossing). At the time of the outbreak, four health professionals were assigned to identify travelers with unexplained fever and jaundice consistent with the suspected yellow fever case definition, obtain travel histories, and check yellow fever vaccination certificates.

In some remote areas of Kongo Central Province, because of the absence of correct supplies and standard operating procedures for specimen collection, inappropriate and nonsterile 5-mL vacuum tubes were used to collect blood. The average time between blood collection at health facilities in Kongo Central Province and receipt of specimens at the reference laboratory was 4 days (range = 17 days).
The impact of Xpert MTB/RIF testing on TB case notification has not yet been fully realized in Uganda. Findings from this evaluation will help direct operations research, such as a review of the diagnostic algorithm for TB, as well as programmatic interventions, such as training health care workers on Xpert MTB/RIF usage and results interpretation.

This early impact evaluation of the Xpert MTB/RIF rollout demonstrated no apparent increase in overall TB case notification rates after testing became available in Uganda. However, within a few selected districts the proportion of bacteriologically confirmed TB cases did increase after testing became available. These two findings validate previous reports.

The World Health Organization recommends use of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay as the initial diagnostic test in adults and children with presumptive HIV-associated TB or multidrug-resistant TB. Currently, data on the effect of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay on case notification or TB treatment outcomes are limited. Published studies indicate the Xpert MTB/RIF assay might improve the proportion of TB diagnoses that are bacteriologically confirmed, but appears to have little effect on overall rate of diagnoses or patient care, especially in locations where clinical diagnosis and empiric TB treatment are high.

In 2012, Uganda introduced the use of GeneXpert MTB/RIF (Cepheid, Sunnyvale CA), a sensitive, automated, real-time polymerase chain reactionbased platform for tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis, for programmatic use among children, adults with presumptive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated TB, and symptomatic persons at risk for rifampicin (RIF)-resistant TB. The effect of using the platforms Xpert MTB/RIF assay on TB care and control was assessed using routinely collected programmatic data; in addition, a retrospective review of district quarterly summaries using abstracted TB register data from purposively selected facilities in the capital city of Kampala was conducted. Case notification rates were calculated and nonparametric statistical methods were used for analysis. No statistically significant differences were observed in case notification rates before and after the Xpert MTB/RIF assay became available, although four of 10 districts demonstrated a statistically significant difference in bacteriologically confirmed TB. Once the GeneXpert MTB/RIF platform is established and refined, a more comprehensive evaluation should be conducted.

The Xpert MTB/RIF assay detects genetic sequences of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex as well as mutations associated with resistance to RIF and provides results in 2 hours. The test is much more sensitive than the conventional diagnostic test (sputum smear microscopy), with a pooled sensitivity among persons living with HIV infection of 80% (1). The World Health Organization recommends use of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay as the initial diagnostic test in adults and children with presumptive HIV-associated TB or multidrug resistant TB (2). It is hoped that the use of a more sensitive diagnostic test will increase case detection and notification; however, an evaluation of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay in Nepal found that use of Xpert MTB/RIF testing was associated with an increase in the proportion of TB diagnoses that were bacteriologically confirmed, but had little impact on overall rate of diagnoses or patient care, which might be the case in locations where clinical diagnosis and empiric TB treatment are common (3).

In Uganda, the HIV prevalence in adults is >7% (4), and the Xpert MTB/RIF assay is used as the initial diagnostic test for all persons living with HIV, children, and persons at risk for RIF-resistant TB who have any of the principal signs or symptoms of TB (cough, weight loss, night sweats, or fever). As of February 2016, there were 111 GeneXpert instruments installed in 76 (68%) of 111 districts throughout Uganda.

Two retrospective data reviews were conducted. The first was a review of district quarterly reports from 2012 to 2015 submitted to the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Program; regional case notification rates before and after availability of GeneXpert MTB/RIF testing were compared. Ten districts that had data reported and available for multiple quarters before and after the installation of a GeneXpert instrument were selected, and deidentified data from multiple calendar-year quarters before and after GeneXpert instruments were installed were abstracted. Case notification rates were calculated using the Uganda National Population and Housing Census 2014 (5). For the second review, line-listed data (including longitudinal data such as treatment outcomes) were abstracted on all patients registering for TB therapy during 20122015 at a convenience sample of six facilities in Kampala, which were selected based on size, ease of access, and completeness of records. At five facilities, data were collected from patients registered during one quarter before and two quarters after the availability of Xpert MTB/RIF assays; at four of those facilities, data were collected over a 24-month period, and at the fifth, data were collected over an 18-month period. Because of high patient volume at the sixth facility (Mulago National Referral Hospital), data were collected from patients registered during the first month of the quarter immediately before introduction of Xpert MTB/RIF testing, and the first month of each of the two quarters immediately after introduction of Xpert MTB/RIF testing.

The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to test for differences in case notification rates between districts before and after Xpert MTB/RIF testing initiation, and differences were considered statistically significant if p<0.05. Because of small sample sizes and uncertainty about the population from which the samples were drawn, nonparametric bootstrap sampling was used to construct confidence intervals for the difference in facility diagnoses before and after installation of GeneXpert instruments. Bootstrap sampling was also used to evaluate treatment outcomes reported by health facilities, specifically evaluating the differences between facilities in the proportion of patients with TB in three mutually exclusive categories: 1) completed TB treatment, 2) stopped TB treatment without completing, and 3) continuing TB treatment at the time of data collection. A total of 100,000 bootstrap samples were used to approximate the true sampling distribution for each model.

Forty quarterly report summaries from the 10 selected districts were abstracted. Although no statistically significant differences in case notification rates before and after Xpert MTB/RIF testing initiation were identified, statistically significant increases in the percentage of bacteriologically confirmed TB cases were found in four districts (Table 1).

A total of 1,650 patient records were abstracted from the six Kampala facility treatment registers. Records from one (Kiseny Health Center IV) indicated a statistically significant increase in the proportion of TB cases that were bacteriologically confirmed after availability of Xpert MTB/RIF testing (Table 2). This health facility also had a statistically significant increase in the proportion of patients who completed TB treatment after Xpert MTB/RIF testing initiation and a decrease in the proportion who stopped treatment before completion. In a second facility (Nsambya Hospital), records indicated a statistically significant decrease in the proportion of patients completing treatment and an increase in the proportion of TB cases continuing in TB treatment (Table 2).
Earlier this month, a fire at an orphanage outside of Guatemalas capital caught international attention. Forty children died of carbon monoxide poisoning and burns; the tragic event drew worldwide condemnation.

But the aftermath of the fire has given hope to those who work with the Central American countrys orphans. As the government turns to evangelicals for help, it seems the tragedy may spark the breakthrough many have been praying for.

In some ways, the tragic blazeset intentionally by children locked in the overcrowded facilitywas not unexpected by evangelical experts. In 2006, Orphan Outreach founder Mike Douris told the Guatemalan government that the orphanages design wasnt a good idea.

The government went ahead and built it anywayanother link in a chain of wrong moves. For decades, Guatemala has had some of the worst child welfare practices on the planet.

In 2015, the country had the second-highest rate of child murders in the world. ...

1
12,000 homes, $200 million: The cost of rebuilding just part of Iraq's shattered Christian community

Islamic State has damaged more than12,000 homes belonging to Christian families in just one region of Iraq and destroyed a further 700.

The figures come from Aid To The Church In Need (ACN), the Catholic charity that responds to persecution of believers around the world.

ACN says the cost of repairing and replacing the homes will be around $200 million.

The specific area the report applies to is the Nineveh Plain, an area of northern Iraq close to the city of Mosul, where the ancient city of Nineveh is located.

The report says there are now 14,000 families  around 90,000 people  who are IDPs, or internally displaced people. They are living in the Erbil area, having been forced to flee the Mosul area by the arrival of Islamic State.

These people are being cared for by charities and churches supported by ACN. A less-well reported aspect of the impact of IS is the impact it has made on Christians' personal possessions and well as their properties and land. 'More than 25 percent [of those surveyed] also reported that their vital documents had been stolen by ISIS,' said ACN.

Erbil is in Kurdistan and is a relatively safe haven for Christians and other minorities, while in Mosul itself the battle for control between the Iraqi army and Islamic State rages on.
Christian Pastor Jailed In Turkey Spent Christmas In Prison

An American pastor imprisoned in Turkey because of his Christian faith has had his appeal denied and remains jailed on charges of "membership in an armed terrorist organisation", campaigners say.

According to the American Centre for Law and Justice (ACLJ), Pastor Andrew Brunson appealed against his imprisonment but Turkish authorities denied his request.

Brunson, 48, led a Protestant church in Izmir and was jailed on December 9 after being detained in October.

His family say he was arrested on false terrorism charges after he was accused of links to US-based cleric Fetulah Gulen, whom Turkey blames for the failed coup in July.

Together with his wife Norine, originally from North Carolina, Brunson has lived in Turkey for 23 years.

The ACLJ, which is representing the pastor, says no evidence has been provided by the Turkish authorities to justify Brunson's detainment.

"The charging documents do not present any evidence against him," the Centre said in a statement.

It accused officials in Turkey of denying Brunson attorney-client privilege and said he was previously denied access to a Bible, though he has now been allowed a copy of the New Testament.

"Although Pastor Andrew has finally been allowed a family visit and some access to his attorney, he is still wrongfully imprisoned and the charge he faces is serious," the ACLJ said.

"Pastor Andrew must be released. We are continuing our diplomatic efforts to engage the incoming US administration, and moving forward with an appeal of his case."

On Saturday, evangelist Franklin Graham urged Christians around the world to pray for Brunson and his wife.

In a Facebook post, Graham said: "He spent Christmas in prison. Andrew Brunson is an American citizen who has been serving as a pastor in Turkey for more than 23 years. He and his wife raised their family there.

"Over two months ago, he was unexpectedly detained and has been unfairly charged with being a member of an armed terrorist organisation and is still imprisoned. These are very serious charges. I spoke with Pastor Andrew's wife yesterday, prayed with her, and assured her that I would share this with you. You can understand her concern.

"I ask that you join me in praying specifically for Pastor Andrew's protection and release. Please share your encouragement and prayers with Mrs Brunson in the comments below and I will be sure she knows. I hope you will also share this post with others who will pray.

"The Bible says, 'Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering' (Hebrews 13:3)."

Brunson's family said in an earlier statement: "Andrew's strong faith has always been at the centre of his life and that has never been more evident than his pastorship in Turkey.

"His love and concern for the people of Turkey is unmistakable, as he has dedicated 23 years of his life serving them."
Christian President of Lebanon controversially declares Christians are 'no longer in direct danger' in Middle East

The President of Lebanon has declared that Christians in the Middle East are 'no longer in direct danger' during an interview in which he also opened up about his own Christian faith.

President Michel Aoun, the general and former prime minister of the country, told the Catholic news site Aleteia: 'I believe that Christians in the region are no longer in direct danger, but the danger remains in the form of terrorist cells that target everyone, Christians and Muslims. Everyone has been affected, [for example] both mosques and churches have been attacked in Syria.'

Aoun, who met with Pope Francis in Rome this week, was asked who Jesus represents to him.'For me, Jesus Christ is the first rebel in history and probably the only one, because he changed the world,' the President said.

Aoun went on to outline at length his views on the break Jesus made with the Jewish religion of the Old Testament.

'Christianity arose in the world as an ideology when Judaism was the first religion and the Jews believed that God was for them alone,' he said.

'The commandments were prohibitions, for example: "Do not take the name of God in vain," but Christ came to give God, Christ did not make a special God, he made him God for everyone.

'People do not pay attention to the fact that the law of Moses is not the same as Jesus Christ's commandments, although there are many examples that prove this.

'The law said, "Do not take the name of God in vain." Christ did not say that, but he said, "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.'"

'Christ did not say, "Do not kill," but he said, "Love one another." Killing is a negative behaviour, while love is the fundamental relationship between human beings.

'He did not say, "Do not be sad," but he said, "anyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Christian teaching is positive for man. It shows him what he has to do, not what he should not do.

'Jesus did not say, "Do not steal," rather he said, "Go, sell what you have."

'Jesus did not say "Do not give false testimony," he did not sit idly by, but he said, "I have come into this world for judgment."

'This is what Christianity represents for me, and whereas the law of Moses is based solely on "non-aggression" ,the Christian message is a message of peace for the whole world; there is a difference between the two, and Christianity has created peace in the world.'

Elsewhere in the interview, Aoun described Lebanon as a melting pot of Islam and Christianity and a 'model' for the world.

'Lebanon is the meeting place of different cultures and civilisations, and its social fabric includes all the confessions of Islam and Christianity that live in harmony, respecting freedom of belief and political balance, and this is proof that it has been a sophisticated model throughout the Muslim conquest up until today,' he said.

Describing the plight of Christians in the Middle East in recent years as a 'disaster', he went on to say of Lebanon: 'Fear is now behind us; we have overcome one of the most dangerous phases in our history. The threats to our security that take place today, like car bombs for example, are very little in comparison to our past history.'

Aoun was almost certainly referring to the Lebanese Civil War, which lasted from 1975 to 1990 and resulted in an estimated 120,000 fatalities. Almost a million people are believed to have fled Lebanon as a result of the civil war, which was between Phalangist militia and Palestinians.

'We have resisted, our national unity is still intact, and the internal danger in Lebanon has been suppressed,' Aoun said. 'The current situation is much better; what remains is the bad economic situation in the world. The world must reconsider the regulations it has made, and reflect on the false steps taken by the new international regime in regard to the economy, so that many things can be solved.'

The President also compared the plights of Syrian and Palestinian refugees, declaring their 'right to return' to their homelands. 'One and a half million Syrians and half a million Palestinians, they must all go back when the situation in their country becomes secured,' he said.
Christians In Turkey: Attacked, Deported And Seen As A 'Threat Against National Security'

Churches face serious terror threats in Turkey, where hate speech against Christians in social and conventional media has increased and Church figures are being deported, according to the country's Association of Protestant Churches.

The findings come in a Human Rights Violations report for 2016, which especially highlighted hate speech incidents around Christmas and New Year's Eve, conveyed through billboard advertisements, posters, leaflets, and online.

According to the report, Protestant religious officials have been handled by the government as a "threat against national security" and some have been deported.

Anteb church leader Patric Jansen was not allowed to enter Turkey on August 26, 2016 because he was regarded by officials as a "threat against national security".

Andrew Craig Brunson, the leader of Izmir Resurrection Church, was detained to be deported and kept in a repatriation centre for 64 days. His request to leave the country voluntarily was denied and was again arrested on December 9.

Ryan Keating, who is affiliated with the Ankara Salvation Church, was leaving Turkey on October 8, 2016 to attend a conference abroad when he was informed at the airport that his residence permit was cancelled and that he posed a "threat against national security". He was told he would not be able to return to Turkey.

The report also charts a number of other persecution incidents, including an amateur theatrical act on a street in the Nazilli district of the western province of Aydn, in which a group of traditionally costumed men were recorded holding another man dressed as Santa Claus at gunpoint on December 28, 2016.

It further covers multiple protests and attacks against Protestants in Turkey, including on February 25 when a group broke the surveillance camera of Samsun Protestant church and tried to enter; on March 31 when police tightened security around all churches and Protestant institutions in Turkey, especially the Protestant church in Ankara and Radio Shema because of potential terrorist threats; and on November 22 when the pastor of the Protestant church in Canakkale was threatened over the phone.

Around 98 per cent of Turkey's population is Muslim.
Evangelical Christian Mike Pence won't eat alone with any woman other than his wife

Evangelical Christian Vice President Mike Pence reportedly refuses to eat dinner alone with any woman other than his wife, Karen. A profile piece on Mrs Pence also described her as the Vice President's 'prayer warrior' and a passionate Trump supporter.

The news that Mike Pence 'never eats alone with a woman other than his wife and that he won't attend events featuring alcohol without her by his side, either,' originally revealed to The Hill in 2002, resurfaced in a profile on Karen Pence in the Washington Post.

The practice of not eating alone with a woman is one made famous as 'The Billy Graham Rule'. It was coined by the evangelical pastor as a conservative discipline in his 'Modest Manifesto' that emphasises the importance of marital fidelity.

Karen Pence, 60 and now the Second Lady of the US, was described by friends as a 'prayer warrior', dedicated to supporting her husband with whom she shares a committed Christian faith.

Mrs Pence is also a vocal supporter of Donald Trump. She was 'among those most upset' by the Access Hollywood tape which revealed Trump speaking crudely and explicitly about harassing women. However, Trump called Mike and spoke to Karen personally to apologise, and she now remains a Trump enthusiast.

Kellyanne Conway called Karen 'one of the biggest pro-Trump people and Trump defenders there was'.

Mike and Karen dated for eight months before getting engaged. They married in a Roman Catholic church in 1985, then later became evangelical Christians.

They are reportedly united in their decision making, heavily influenced by their conservative Christian faith.

'As governor [of Indiana], Mike Pence had a very tight inner circle, and Karen Pence was very much a part of that,' said Brian Howey, publisher of Howey Politics Indiana.

'I would characterize her as the silent, omnipresent partner. You knew she was there, you knew there was some considerable influence she wielded, but, boy, she was not public about it.'

However, Karen reportedly has a 'hard and fast rule' that she does not try to influence policy.
Father's Day 2017: Different countries celebrate on different dates

Each year, families from all over the world remember their fathers through a mass celebration called Father's Day.

The tradition started back in the Middle Ages when the Catholics celebrated Father's Day together with the Feast of St. Joseph. Nonetheless, the occasion was formally recognized only about a hundred years ago in the United States and in 1940s in the United Kingdom.

Currently, there are mixed insights into how Father's Day was marked in the calendar. There are some who believe that Grace Golden Clayton from Fairmont, West Virginia, suggested the idea in 1908, as a tribute to the 360 men died in a mine explosion. On the other hand, there are others who believe that it was a man named Sonora Dodd who suggested it after hearing a homily about Mother's Day in 1910.

Nonetheless, the event is now considered a public holiday in the United States, after President Richard Nixon officially declared it a holiday in 1972.

Father's Day is usually celebrated on the third Sunday of June, which means that this year, it will take place on June 18. However, not all countries commemorate the said event in the same month.

According to The Sun, most of the countries such as Canada, Cyprus, France, Greece, Japan, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the United States, and the United Kingdom celebrate Father's Day in June.

However, there are countries that celebrate Father's Day three months after June, particularly in September. These include Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand.

Likewise, there are nations from other parts of Europe that celebrate the said event three months earlier, particularly on March 19. These include countries like Croatia, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland.

On the other hand, some parts of Europe such as Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden celebrate on the second Sunday of November. As for Bulgaria, the Balkan nation remembers fathers on December 26.

The Sun said that the dates when Father's Day is celebrated in each region depend on the country's culture and tradition.
Free Missionary Andrew Brunson, US Lawmakers Tell Turkish President

US lawmakers have written to Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan asking him to release an American missionary pastor, Andrew Brunson, held in prison and accused of terrorist activities.

Brunson and his wife Norine had been working in Turkey since 1993 and led the Resurrection Church in the coastal city of Izmir. Norine was released after 12 days of detention but Andrew Brunson was told he had been accused of terrorism by a secret informant. He has been held for four months with limited access to legal or consular help or to his family.

The letter is signed by 78 lawmakers including 37 senators, headed by the leadership of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

It argues there is no evidence to back Turkey's allegations Brunson was involved with armed terrorists.

The letter says: Mr Brunson's imprisonment has been raised repeatedly by US Government officials with officials of the Government of Turkey. Unfortunately, high-level efforts to secure Mr Brunson's release have been unsuccessful. We have closely followed developments with this case, and are deeply disappointed.'

It refers to the 'close partnership' between the US and Turkey, and says: 'Now is the time for our countries to reaffirm respect for fundamental freedoms and the rule of law while reasserting our shared commitment to addressing security challenges through partnerships and cooperation.

'In this spirit of partnership, we respectfully ask you to consider Mr. Brunson,s case and how the recent treatment of Mr. Brunson places significant strain not only on him and his family, but also on the robust bilateral relationship between the United States and Turkey.'

President Erdogan's rule has been increasingly authoritarian since a failed coup last year, with tens of thousands of people arrested or dismissed from their jobs. A referendum in April is set to give him sweeping powers and entrench his political position for years.
Hope Amid Crisis: Testimonies Of Christian Transformation In War-Torn Syria

Powerful testimonies of Christian transformation and salvation are emerging from the war-stricken Middle East in what is reckoned to be the largest refugee crisis in history.

Nearly five million people have had to flee their homes in Syria, but charity Leading The Way has been one of many at work to help those in need. The charity now report several stories of those who have found hope not only though the practical help provided, but through giving their lives to Jesus.

One such story is that of Rima (name changed), a Syrian mother whose name means "hope". Rima's home was destoryed and her husband went missing, leaving her and her sons who fled to seek refuge in Lebanon. She walked through freezing cold temperatures for seven hours to the Lebanon border, where she found limited shelter in a sparse, basic apartment. Leading the Way cites "incredible circumstances" that led one of their teams to visit Rima in her home and provide help.

Leading The Way's Help The Persecuted ministry coordinator Mary described her shock at Rima's living conditions: "What we saw was very heart-breaking. There were no windows, no doors, no heat, no electricity, nothing."

The team that visited her were able to provide essential support, including warm clothes, medical supplies, and a stove as Rima's ten-year old son had become ill with a fever.

They also provided spiritual support, giving Rima one of their Navigator Audio Bibles, but the greatest gift they could give, says Mary, was Christ.

"I asked her if she knew Jesus, that God sent us to her.

She said: "I know that because you are all here," and she could tell that we were going to help her. From there she was just so open. She said, 'Yes I believe in Jesus' and I asked her if she wanted to pray and she said 'yes'."

Rima's story and prayer of conversion can be seen in this video, which includes emotional reactions from Leading The Way's executive vice president Joshua Youssef.

Youssef says that Rima's story of salvation is one among many: "We drew so much hope from the volume of people coming to the Lord. We went to one church where there are 400 Syrian Muslims who've come to Christ, the next church there's 250, meeting five times on a Sunday. That's just two churches.

"You think maybe the Lord is turning this crisis in a way that would benefit the future of Syria in that they're coming to know the Lord and could go back into their countries and re-populate Syria with newly converted Christians. That to me is the most exciting thing about this issue."

Leading The Way's senior director of international operations Allan Guinan said: "These are the stories we don't see in the mainstream news. We see this happening a lot, with people calling our follow up teams and wanting to know about the Lord Jesus. This is an unprecedented opportunity as we're seeing more Muslims coming to Christ than at any other time in our ministry."

The news comes after the Bible Society last week announced "good news from Syria". They reported testimonies about closed streets reopening, the return of the displaced, and she sharing of Bibles bringing joy to many in a time of crisis.

Gaith, a Bible Society source in Syria, said: "We have had very peaceful weeks in Aleppo, where suddenly all the barriers and walls separating us from one another were dismantled. We could suddenly walk through areas  less than five hundred metres from our Bible House  which had been cut off from us for years. There we were walking those streets that had been part of our childhood and tears were streaming down our cheeks."

Syria has not only been desolated by civil war, but remains a site of intense persecution for Christians. Stories like those of Rima, Gaith and many others offer light in an increasingly desperate time.

Gaith adds "So many questions were asked and even though so many are still without answers, we are looking ahead with a lot of hope."
Jailed in Turkey, American pastor begs Trump: 'Please help me'

An American missionary jailed in Turkey is pleading with President Trump to secure his release.

Andrew Brunson has been detained since October when he and his wife were held on immigration violation charges after running a small church in Izmir, on Turkey's western coast.

'I plead with my government  with the Trump Administration  to fight for me,' he wrote from his jail days before Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is due to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Published by the American Center for Law and Justice, an advocacy group backing the pastor, the letter was passed US embassy officials after a meeting on Wednesday.

'Will the Turkish government face no consequence for stubbornly continuing to hold an American citizen as a political prisoner?' writes Brunson.

'Even though I have a long public track record as a church pastor, they falsely accuse me of being a member of an Islamist terrorist group.'

Although Brunson's wife has been released, his charges have been scaled up and he now faces accusations of terrorism.

The Turkish government have produced no evidence of their claims but prosecutors have suggested he is being held on suspicion of links to Fethullah Gulen, a US-based Muslim cleric blamed for a failed coup last July.

President Erdogan has labelled Gulen a terrorist and asked both the Trump and Obama administrations to deport Gulen to face trial in Turkey.

Tillerson will meet the Turkish president in Ankara on Thursday and Gulen will certainly be discussed amid tensions over the US military action in Syria and alliance with Kurdish forces.

Brunson went on: 'I have been imprisoned since October 7, 2016. During this time the Turkish government has produced no proof and has rebuffed numerous attempts by the American government to secure my return to the United States.

'In fact they are treating the US government with contempt and paying no price for it.'

The ACLJ backed Brunson's call and called on Tillerson to step in.

'The US government must take a more active role in fighting for Pastor Andrew's release,' a statement on Wednesday read. 'He has done nothing wrong. He is a US citizen wrongfully imprisoned in a foreign land because of his Christian faith. He deserves to be free.'
Judge throws out class action against Christian group brought by LGBT activists

A judge in Canada has thrown out a $100 million-plus class-action defamation lawsuit brought by homosexual activists against a Christian group.

The plaintiffs claimed that people taking part in Toronto Pride last year were defamed when the Christian group, led by Bill Whatcott, dressed up as green 'gay zombies' and handed out 'information leaflets' designed to look like packets of condoms.

In his judgment, Justice Paul Perell dismissed the case on a technicality, ruling that plaintiffs Christopher Hudspeth and George Smithermen could not claim defamation of an entire group, such as those taking part in the Pride Parade or the 'LGTBTQ2SI' community.

He writes, 'The civil law, generally speaking, is concerned with the civil rights of individuals. The doctrinal problem is there is no common law cause of action by a community for defamation, intentional infliction of mental distress, and civil conspiracy to injure.'

He does say however that the information packets were 'hate speech' and therefore not covered by a defence of 'legitimate exercise of freedom of expression'.

And he says the gay activists can continue the action if they can produce individuals claiming to be defamed, injured, or inflicted by mental distress by the information packets. He gave them 30 days to find any such individuals.

LifeSite News also reports that Perell ordered Whatcott to deliver the names some of those who helped hand out the packets and the financial backers who helped pay for the exercise. This was because knowing their identities was necessary to the legal action being continued.

Whatcott says on his own website that he would rather go to jail than hand over the names of his friends and supporters.

He says: 'There could be serious repercussions for me, including prolonged jail time if I don't comply with the order to disclose the names of my supporters. Generally, Christians should comply with secular courts, but not when complying harms the innocent or when the order is unjust in the eyes of God.

'I don't actually want to be put in jail indefinitely for contempt, or have to spend the rest of my life making it as difficult as possible to prevent these hate-filled homosexuals from taking my property or somehow getting access to who my friends and supporters are and then going after their homes and life savings.'
Lost for words: Syria, six years on

Is it five or six or seven years now? As the years roll on in the Syrian conflict, dates and anniversaries grow vaguer. We're losing count of just how many years it's lasted. It just starts to feel like a long, long war that's been going on for a long, long time and is never going to come to an end. What's the point in even counting the years any more?

And yet, here we are six years on, still despairing at a country torn apart by a civil war playing out on our TVs, laptops and iPads. At times we can feel like a passive audience watching a Shakespearean tragedy, as the scenes unfold, death and destruction pile up; and all we can do is helplessly look on.

I feel I barely have words left. I've written articles, signed petitions, marched against the UK bombing of Syria and hosted prayer vigils. I've read what feels like hundreds of stories of those on the run, displaced and forced to live in temporary camps across the Middle East and Europe. I've met Syrian refugees at the camp in Calais desperately searching for a life free of fear and conflict. I don't think I can write much beyond what has already been said about the pain and horror; I probably can't move you more than you have already been moved.

Maybe we are beyond words.

The opening of Pete Greig's significant and popular book on suffering, God on Mute always powerfully struck me. In it he describes the pain he and his family endured when his wife was diagnosed with a brain tumour. He writes about praying like a man falling downstairs; when the only words he could get out were, 'Oh, God'. It reminded me that all those times when I've cried myself to sleep over heartbreak or watched a news report that has left me speechless or screamed out to God, 'Why?' Those 'Oh, God' prayers were just possibly the deepest and most honest kind I could have uttered.

Perhaps in the same way that the Spirit intercedes, now is the time for groans not words: 'In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans' (Romans 8:26).

'Wordless groans' seem like an apt way to respond to the seemingly endless nightmare continuing to evolve in Syria.

Beyond words, images may help us grieve, lament and hope in a country which could well be hell on earth. And yet, however dark and overwhelming the situation is, surely we can cling to this powerful image: 'The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it' (John 1). If ever there was a verse for these times, could this be it?

Can we look for the dimmest, flickering light in a country cast into blackout, where millions have no access to even the most basic necessities like food and electricity? The light, we are told, can never be put out. Never. Not even after six years of a bloody war, leaving 13.5 million in desperate need in their own country and five million refugees searching for sanctuary around the world; where children are being forced to man checkpoints, trained to use weapons or trafficked out of refugee camps and into exploitation? Do we have the courage to look into the abyss for long enough to see the light?

It's not easy; and we'll have to dig deep for different images and stories from what we see and hear rolling out on the news channels every day. But just in the last few months I've heard of churches on the ground in Aleppo, in spite of the dangers, distributing food to the most vulnerable, of young Syrian peacemakers being trained to help bring long-term reconciliation in their communities and the generous love, welcome and compassion shown to refugees living in Lebanon through local Christians. The Church is rising up and responding with profound acts of mercy: that surely is a reason to give thanks.

'The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.' It might feel like a dim light, a pathetic one even  but it does shine and I chose to look for where God is working in Syria. Today, six years on, I refuse to believe all hope is lost.

Katherine Maxwell-Rose is a writer, speaker and activist campaigning on issues of social justice and transformation.
More Than 500 Evangelical Leaders Warn Trump And Pence Over Refugee Ban

More than 500 evangelical pastors and ministry leaders representing every state in the US have signed a letter published in yesterday's Washington Post expressing grave concern over Donald Trump's refugee policy.

The letter comes as Trump's executive order banning refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries makes its way through the courts.

It was coordinated by World Relief, one of nine agencies nationally authorised by the US State Department to resettle refugees.

"We live in a dangerous world and affirm the crucial role of government in protecting us from harm and in setting the terms on refugee admissions. However, compassion and security can coexist, as they have for decades," says the letter, addressed to Trump and the Vice President Mike Pence.

"While we are eager to welcome persecuted Christians, we also welcome vulnerable Muslims and people of other faiths or no faith at all. This executive order dramatically reduces the overall number of refugees allowed this year, robbing families of hope and a future."

The letter notes how thousands of local American congregations have welcomed newly arrived refugees of all faiths through the Refugee Resettlement Program and how these churches and other ministries still have the desire to welcome many more.

"As Christians, we have a historic call expressed over two thousand years, to serve the suffering. We cannot abandon this call now," it states.

Signatories include the authors Tim and Kathy Keller, senior pastor Bill Hybels and author Lynne Hybels, Northland Church senior pastor Joel Hunter, National Association of Evangelicals President Leith Anderson, New York Times bestselling author Ann Voskamp, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary President Daniel Akin, and Open Doors USA President and CEO David Curry.

"It is not new for the church to use its voice on behalf of those who have none. It is part of our historic call and identity. And for nearly four decades World Relief has helped thousands of churches and tens of thousands of volunteers express that call by welcoming refugees. This letter is evidence that the church will not abandon its calling to serve the most vulnerable," said World Relief President Scott Arbeiter.

Ed Stetzer of Wheaton College added: "Christians have always spoken up for the vulnerable. I hope the Trump administration hears our concerns that we have a safe and compassionate refugee policyand our confidence that we can continue to do both."

Lynne Hybels said: "For some people, embracing refugees is a political issue. For me, as a Christian, speaking up for and caring for refugees is more an act of worship and obedience to a God whose Kingdom is global and whose 'mercies are new every morning.' On a personal level, my life has been profoundly enriched by the courageously resilient refugees I've known in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as in Illinois and Michigan. I hope many more American Christians will be able to enjoy the rewards of such mutually transformational relationships."
Mother of Palestinian shot by Israeli forces last year in Jerusalem is also killed

A Palestinian woman has been shot and killed by Israeli soldiers outside one of Jerusalem's most famous landmarks.

Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz reports that Siham Ratib Nimr, 49, was the mother of Mustafa Nimr, who was killed by soldiers in September after being mistaken for a terrorist.

It's reported that the woman was carrying a pair of scissors and was attempting to attack Israeli forces.

The incident took place at the Damascus Gate on the edge of the Old City of Jerusalem. It's the gateway to East Jersusalem, the Palestinian sector of the Holy City which has been under Israeli military occupation since 1967.

A spate of stabbing attempts by Palestinians in the last two years has led to an increased state of tension, which was added to in November 2016 when Mustafa Nimr was shot and killed by Israeli soldiers in the Shaufat Palestinian refugee camp. He was travelling in a car that the soldiers shot at, claiming they thought they driver was carrying out an attack.

The Damascus Gate is a popular site with Palestinians accessing the old city and is adjacent to one of the main shopping districts of East Jerusalem. It's also a popular meeting destination for tourists.

Ha'aretz claims Siham Nimr's husband and daughter were recently detained for questioning and people who knew her said she was depressed.
No evidence World Vision siphoned money to Hamas - government review

No evidence has been found that World Vision siphoned off taxpayers money to the Palestinian terror organisation Hamas, a government review has found.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) launched its investigation in August after World Vision Gaza employee Mohammad El Halabi was arrested and charged with funnelling millions to the militant group.

But the government department said on Tuesday it has found no evidence of the allegations lodged by the Israeli government, according to ABC News. The government's prosecutors have also failed to produce any evidence of World Vision's funding being diverted, despite several hearings being held.

The Australian government has given more than $3million to World Vision's projects in Gaza in the past three years, according to the news site. But it suspended the funding after the claims were raised.

Halabi's trial continues in Israel and he rejected a plea deal from the government insisting he is innocent of all charges. Halabi also accused Israel of torturing him while in custody.

It comes after Israel was accused of holding a 'secret trial' of the humanitarian worker.

Amnesty International said Halabi was initially denied access to a lawyer. Then, when he was allowed to meet a legal representative, al-Halabi allegedly said that he had been 'seriously mistreated in custody', according to Amnesty.

Amnesty went on: 'The lawyer is prevented from disclosing the details of that allegation, as well as many other elements of the case, by a set of severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli authorities on reporting around the case.'

World Vision have defended Halabi calling him a trusted employee.

'So far, our own ongoing forensic audit has not uncovered any money subverted and to hear DFAT say their investigation hasn't either is consistent and is very good news,' chief advocate Tim Costello, told ABC News.

'We want to see the evidence,' he added.
Now we know what British troops in Great War Palestine did: Israel archaeologists make fascinating find

An intriguing insight into how First World War British soldiers in Palestine spent their leisure time has been revealed by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA).

An excavation near Ramla uncovered hundreds of bottles near a building where the soldiers were garrisoned during the campaign against the Ottoman Turks, who controlled the region.

The building where the objects were found appears to have caught fire and collapsed, according to excavation director Ron Toueg. He said: 'This structure was used for agricultural purposes in the Ottoman period, and during World War I the British converted it for military use and soldiers were housed in it. Inside the building we discovered dozens of uniform buttons, belt buckles, parts of riding equipment, and other artefacts that were the property of the British soldiers.'

Around 70 per cent of the material discarded in a refuse pit nearby were bottles. Toueg said: 'It seems that the soldiers took advantage of the respite given them to release the tension by frequently drinking alcohol.'

IAA researcher Brigitte Ouahnouna, a researcher in the glass department of the Israel Antiquities Authority said: 'Interestingly, the glass bottles, which contained mainly wine, beer, soda and alcoholic beverages such as gin, liqueur and whiskey, came from Europe to supply soldiers and officers in the camp. It is a fascinating testimony of the everyday life of the British military camp a century ago.'

Another item of interest was the tip of a swagger stick carried by a senior Royal Flying Corps officer, believed to be the first of its kind ever found in Israel.

British forces were in the region from November 1917 under the command of General Allenby, before he led his troops in the capture of Jerusalem the following month.

Famously, Allenby dismounted his horse and walked into the city to show respect for its sacred character.
Pakistani Christian killed in the street had refused to work on a Sunday

A young Christian in Pakistan was shot and killed in the street allegedly for refusing the demands of an influential Muslim that he work on a Sunday, his day off.

Noman Munir Masih, 20 lived in Sheikhupura in Punjab Province, working in a local sanitation department. He was on his way to work with his brother-in-law and uncle on March 20 when he was attacked and killed, according to Morning Star News.

'They were about to leave after dropping off Noman when suddenly two motorcyclists arrived there,' Norman's mother Khalida Bibi said.

'One of them whipped out a pistol and opened fire on Noman, killing him instantly.' Bibi said her family was in shock at their loss.

Norman was the primary provider for his Pentecostal Christian family after his father died two years ago. Through his work he supported his mother, three brothers and two sisters. A local Muslim man named Daanu Chaddar has been arrested in connection with the case.

An attorney for the family, Kashif Naimet, said Chaddar threatened Masih after he refused to sweep his outhouse on Sunday, Masih's day off.

Naimet said: 'Ostensibly angered by the Christian's refusal to submit to his demand, Chaddar allegedly told Noman to be ready to face "dire consequences", as he will not take no for an answer from a petty sanitary worker. Chaddar reportedly threatened Noman that he would "Cut off his legs and riddle his body with bullets" for defying his order.'

Naimet added: 'Noman was a simple sanitary worker and had no enmity with anyone. His refusal to clean the Muslim's dera [outhouse] apparently led to his killing.'

Rights advocates say many Muslims in Pakistan mistreat Christians as they are a minority community with minimal power or status. Many in the sanitation profession, a relatively lowly position mostly comprising Christians, find themselves especially degraded.

Riaz Masih Bhatti, president of the Sheikhupura Tehsil Municipal Authority sanitary workers union, said: 'There have been frequent incidents of prejudice against Christian sanitary workers, but Noman's murder in a brazen attack in broad daylight has sent a wave of shock and panic in the entire community.'

Christian rights activist Napolean Qayyum said: 'Many Muslims find it hard to accept refusal by a "lowly" Christian. This is not the first time a Christian sanitary worker has been killed or subjected to violence for refusing to comply with unjust demands of persons from the Muslim majority.

'The situation won't change for the better for Christian street sweepers and sanitation workers until the state realises its responsibility toward all citizens regardless of their faith, caste and creed.'
Q&A explainer: Why are ultra-Orthodox Jews protesting in Jerusalem against the State of Israel?

Thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews have been protesting in Jerusalem, most recently on Tuesday. In somewhat surreal scenes, the protesters, dressed in their traditional black garb, held signs saying, 'The state of Israel persecutes Jews' and 'A Holocaust for the Torah world'.

So, what's going on? Why are ultra-Orthodox Jews protesting against the State of Israel?

Well, as it happens, it is not unusual for ultra-Orthodox Jews to be opposed to the behaviour of the  largely secular  state of Israel, including by its military, but that's another story.

Here, the specific reason is because of a recent spate of arrests in the community over members failing to show up for their Israeli Defence Force (IDF) drafts.

But I thought the ultra-Orthodox were exempt from serving in the army, unlike the rest of Israelis.

They are. All ultra-Orthodox are exempt if studying in 'yeshiva' religious schools, where traditional religious texts, primarily the Talmud and Torah are studied. However, they must register at a recruitment office.

But some who have been inspired by rabbis hostile to any cooperation with the Israeli authorities on this issue have refused even to go to the office. They are considered deserters.

What's the situation for the rest of Israelis?

Conscription exists for all Israeli citizens over the age of 18 who are Jewish, Druze or Circassian. Arab citizens of Israel, known as Arab Israelis, are not conscripted. The conscription has been in place since 1949, a year after the foundation of the State of Israel.

What is the nature of the protests?

Recent weeks have seen small-scale violent protests, including the throwing of rocks, blocking of traffic and burning of rubbish.

This week's protest was much larger and more peaceful, with community leaders setting up a stage for rabbis to speak and closing a main street in the ultra-Orthodox Geula neighbourhood near to Jerusalem's central bus station.

Police said that although the protest was unauthorised and illegal, they decided to contain and monitor it rather than risk violence by trying to break it up.

Who exactly organised the protest?

It was organised by the supporters of Rabbi Shmuel Auerbach, the leader of the Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox community in Jerusalem. The protest was given weight by the unusual support of the Orthodox Council of Jerusalem, an anti-Zionist extreme faction opposed to any cooperation with the state. Rabbis from both groups spoke from the podium, preaching against the IDF.

What do secular Israelis make of the ultra-Orthodox exemption?

The issue is controversial, especially among Israel's secular majority, and attempts have been made to reverse the exemption.

However, in 2015, the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, passed a law approving the exemption until 2023.

In the view of the ultra-Orthodox community, young men studying at the yeshiva are fulfilling God's will by spending 16-hour days poring over sacred texts.

But some secular Israelis consider them lazy or even cowardly, and the tension between the two communities is unlikely to disappear.
Second complaint over 'abusive and derogatory' comments against gay cleric as pressure builds on Church in Wales

A second complaint has been lodged as pressure builds over alleged homophobia by the Church in Wales after a senior gay cleric was blocked from being appointed a bishop.

Jeffrey John, currently Dean of St Albans cathedral, won more than half the votes in the electoral body but failed to secure the two-thirds necessary to be appointed Bishop of Llandaff. His name was then barred from further consideration despite unanimous support from local church leaders in the diocese.

Now four senior members from the decision-making standing committee in Llandaff have filed an official complaint after allegations of homophobic remarks against Dr John during the election process were revealed by Christian Today.

The comments were 'abusive and derogatory, demeaning their relationship and sexuality' and went unchecked by the body's chair, a source told Christian Today.

Asked about the complaint a Church spokeswoman confirmed: 'We have received a complaint from four members of the Standing Committee of the Llandaff Diocesan Conference. The complaint is not on behalf of the Standing Committee.

'It has been referred to the Legal Sub Committee which is a body in the Church in Wales assembled to consider legal and governance matters.

'It is too early to say whether the deliberations of the Legal Sub Committee will have any effect on the timing of an announcement.'

The second complaint will further raise tensions and comes after a separate objection was made by five members who were present at the electoral college.

The electors said the remarks 'prejudiced' Dr John and made the whole process 'invalid'.

In a letter to the Church's most senior executive Simon Lloyd, they wrote: 'We object to the raising at electoral college of the matter of sexuality or civil partnership status, in direct contravention of the Church in Wales's own policy that sexuality or civil partnership status is not a bar to appointment as a Bishop.

'We consider that this action was deeply inappropriate, and prejudiced the electoral college proceedings so as to render them invalid.'

Both complaints will now be investigated by a legal committee in the Church and the appointment may be on hold until the investigation is complete.

In response to the first complaint Mr Lloyd said: 'The timescale is a matter for the Legal Sub-committee and is dependent upon the amount of analysis required and how many times they need to meet. The deliberations of the Committee cannot and should not be hurried.'

The Church in Wales has strongly denied the allegations of homophobia and that Dr John was blocked.

A statement from the Church read: 'Neither homosexuality nor participation in a civil partnership are a bar to any candidate being either nominated or elected as a Bishop in the Church in Wales. Moreover, this was made clear to members of the Electoral College by its President, the Bishop of Swansea and Brecon.'
Six men arrested for 'trying to force a woman to convert to Christianity' in India

Six men were arrested yesterday on charges of allegedly forcing a woman to convert to Christianity in India.

The arrests took place in Agra in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

The men were arrested after a man identified as Bablu Jaatav, a resident of Gopalpur village, alleged that six Christians had been visiting his sister-in-law's home in the absence of his elder brother to pray for her and persuade her to adopt the Christian faith.

According to the Times of India, the man raised the alarm and called the local villagers, who handed the men over to police.

Ashok Kumar Singh, the local deputy superintendent of police, said: 'During our investigation, the six men accepted that they came to offer prayers at Sunita Jaatav's home as she was going through hard times.'

The Times of India reported sources as saying that Sunita's daughter is about to get married in April but the family is facing a financial pressures.

'Based on the written complaint of Bablu Jaatav, we have arrested the men and booked them under IPC section 153B (Imputations and assertions prejudicial to national-integration),' a police statement said.

The accused were named as Michale of Icchapur in Chattisgarh, Sanjay Lodhi of Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh, Brijesh Jaatav from Kashmiri Gate in Hathras district, Suraj Balmiki of Rakabganj, Sundar Singh Jaatav of Nagla Ajeet and Mahesh Chand Jaatav of Shahganj in Agra.

Christianity is the third largest religion in India behind Hinduism and Islam, with nearly 30 million Christians, constituting 2.3 per cent of India's population. The rise of right-wing Hindu nationalism has seen increasing pressure on minority faiths, with frequent attempts to 're-convert' Christians to Hinduism, seen by adherents of the 'Hindutva' ideology as the default faith of all Indians. Several states have passed anti-conversion laws aimed at preventing conversions away from Hinduism.
The hidden crisis facing Iraq's refugees  their medicines have run out

Medical needs that are not being met in Iraqi Kurdistan have reached a critical point, according to the UK-based medical donations charity International Health Partners (IHP). This week the charity launched an urgent appeal for funding and medical donations in the region.

The primary reasons for the crisis are two-fold: the current economic crisis in Iraqi Kurdistan, and the surge of refugees and the displaced people coming from within Iraq and Syria.

Over 215,000 Iraqis have been displaced from Mosul and surrounding areas in recent months. Kurdistan is currently hosting approximately two million refugees and displaced people, including 300,000 Syrian refugees.

Christian Today spoke to IHP's CEO, Alex Harris, who recently returned from Iraqi Kurdistan.

First, the context. 'The situation on the ground has been an intractable crisis for five to six years and this particular part of northern Iraq [Kurdistan], where the local population is 5 million, is currently hosting approximately 2 million refugees and internationally displaced persons (IDPs) internally,' explains Harris.

Many Iraqi Christians and others were driven from their homes by the ISIS advance in the summer of 2014. Some 80,000 Christian refugees fled Mosul and the Nineveh Plain under threat of forced conversion or execution.

'The number of people arriving into Iraqi Kurdistan is into the thousands every day, and particularly people fleeing from Mosul, leaving in their thousands every day,' says Harris. 'The issue is one of very large numbers of people moving rapidly.

'In that geographical context is a local government who have no money  because of an economic depression  in which doctors get paid around a quarter of their salary once every 36 days.

'Any acute medical cases have to be referred from refugee camps into local hospitals, which in turn are chronically under-financed and under-supplied.'

IHP is working with its local partner, Bring Hope, to distribute medical aid across Iraqi Kurdistan, both in the refugee and IDP camps, and the local hospitals and clinics.

'I visited a hospital in Irbil [West Irbil Emergency Hospital], which is the closest place to Mosul where you can receive emergency medical care: 80 per cent of its patients are now refugees and IDPs. Across that region they are seeing about 200 to 300 trauma patients every day. They are under-financed, but as much as anything they are [also] under resourced.

'Last year we were able to supply 650,000 treatments into Iraq but we are aware that there is much more to be done. So the appeal that we have launched in Mosul was in response to what felt to me like the refugee crisis reaching a crescendo in that part of the Middle East.'

On the ground, there is no doubt that medicines supplied by IHP that have reached the region are having a positive impact.

An example highlighted by the charity is that of Hameeda, who fled Mosul three years ago and set up a shop in Harsham camp for displaced people. 'I am not young and I have several health problems. At the clinic they've been able to provide me with the different medicines I need,' she says. 'They give me water pills for my hypertension, aspirin for my heart and statins for my cholesterol. I'm not sure what I would do without the clinic.'

Harris concludes: 'Our challenge and opportunity is not so much the availability of the medicines but the financing to make it happen, because the institutional spending is focusing  rightly  on building the refugee camps and water, sanitation, shelter and food. But for those who are unfortunate enough to suffer a serious medical condition, the funding is not there. And we believe that access to medicine is a basic human right.'
The Lib Dem Leader says UK Christians have to pretend not to have faith. But is Tim Farron right?

Tim Farron struggles to be heard above the almost unprecedented noise of British politics. With only nine MPs, the leader of the Liberal Democrats simply doesn't have the platform afforded to his predecessors.

He's a skilful politician, a good parliamentary performer and one of the best constituency MPs I've known  up close. Still, he's not often able to cut through and command attention.

This week, though, he got headlines in the Christian press for comments he made to the Evening Standard.

Farron said: 'In America you've got to invent a faith to be taken seriously; in the UK you have to pretend not to have one. You shouldn't be ashamed.' Cue breathless reporting about Farron proclaiming that Christians aren't taken seriously.

I just don't buy it.

I'm a Christian. I go to church on a Sunday and on various occasions during the week. I work for Christian organisations. I worship freely and I work freely.

I'm an occasional guest on mainstream broadcast stations and I've never felt  or been told  that I can't mention my faith.

But it isn't just about me. Farron, who works in the heart of Westminster, the very seat of power in the UK, is a Christian. He was given a rough ride over his views when he first became the Lib Dem leader, but he handled the tough interviews well and remains a high-profile politician.

In the UK Parliament, there are many, many Christian politicians. Although it's hard to pin down exact numbers, a large proportion of MPs and Peers self-identify as Christians, belong to the various Christian party groupings, attend church and support Christian charities.

Would I like there to be more Christians taking up places on the benches? Probably  the Christian ethic and worldview presents the best basis for a vibrant, thriving, democratic society, in my mind. But still, there are many Christians in Westminster and the system itself is still at least nominally Christian. Each day starts with prayers and Church of England bishops retain their seats in the Lords.

None of this is to say that there aren't occasional problems. Farron is correct if he's pointing out that there seems to be an increasing unfamiliarity with faith which shows itself. The recent controversy over a BBC politics Twitter account asking whether it was OK for an SNP MP to have the sign of the cross on her head on Ash Wednesday was a prime example.

As well as misunderstanding, there is also outright hostility to public officials displaying their faith on occasion. When Theresa May was interviewed on Brexit and her faith, social media went into meltdown. Labour politician Christian Woolmar tweeted, 'Surely most worrying aspect of the whole #Brexit affair is that decisions, according to Theresa May, are being made on the advice of God?'

The National Secular Society said, 'While it is fine for Theresa May to have a faith, what she mustn't do is abuse her position to promote Christianity or impose her own religious values on others.'

Given these reactions, and headlines such as 'PM WHO EARLIER OPPOSED BREXIT NOW SAYS GOD TELLS HER IT'S THE "RIGHT THING" TO DO' it would be easy to think Theresa May had actually said she was relying on God to help her work out the Brexit deal.

In fact, asked about making tough decisions by the Sunday Times she'd merely said, 'I suppose there is something in terms of faith... I am a practising member of the Church of England and so forth, that lies behind what I do... It's not like I've decided to do what I'm going to do and I'm stubborn. I'll think it through, have a gut instinct, look at the evidence, work through the arguments, because you have to think through the unintended consequences.'

The way this story was spun indicates a lack of understanding about faith and the role it plays in many of our lives  including politicians.

We mustn't minimise the huge job we have to do to help the media and the rest of society understand that to have faith  and in our case a Christian faith  is a normal and acceptable thing. Yet, if that's the worst we have to put up with, then I fear our sisters and brothers in genuine fear of their lives elsewhere in the world may look at us askance.

Let's take one example. In Pakistan, Christian politicians have been murdered for merely suggesting that all citizens should be equal, regardless of their faith. That is real suffering.

Christian politicians and other public servants in the UK simply don't face anything in the same league. Yes there's a lack of understanding of faith at times, but we really aren't made to 'pretend not to have one' as Farron said. Instead, we should calmly keep pointing out our position. It's the British way, and more importantly, the Christian way.

Follow Andy Walton on Twitter @waltonandy
'Tokyo Ghoul' season 3 news, speculations: Viz Media debunks rumors about season 3 air date

Viz Media has denied rumors that season 3 of "Tokyo Ghoul" is in production and that it will start airing in 2017.

Rumors about the new season's premiere surfaced after Kevin Hamric, the senior director of sales and marketing of Viz Media, said in an interview that new episodes of the anime series will air this year. However, the studio has since clarified that what he meant was that "My Hero Academia" is getting a new season, not "Tokyo Ghoul."

This announcement has fueled rumors that the third season of the anime will no longer be produced. The lack of news regarding season 3 and the disinterest of the studio in the project also added fuel to the fire. Speculations suggest that the reason for the delay in producing season 3 the lack of manpower, as members of the team that worked on "Tokyo Ghoul" were reassigned to other projects.

Viz Media is the publisher of the manga series in North America, while Pierrot produced the anime series. The manga ended in 2014, while the anime adaptation's last episode aired in Japan in March 2015. The ending left viewers wondering about the fate of Ken Kaneki, who faced Arima Kishou, a Reaper, in the finale.

A fan theory is that Kaneki will either die and be reincarnated or lose his memory. Either way, it is assumed that he will take on the identity of Haise Sasaki, an Associate Special Class Ghoul Investigator at the Commission of Counter Ghoul (CCG). Another theory is that Touka Kirishima will become the new lead should the third season push through.

With the lack of announcements about the third season of "Tokyo Ghoul," all fans can do now is to hope that the anime series will be renewed. The good news, however, is that fans can watch the live-action film to tide them over while waiting. According to the Anime News Network, the film will be released this summer.
Turkey Has Given 'No Evidence' In Andrew Brunson Case, Says Legal Team

Supporters of a US pastor who has been jailed on charges of 'membership in an armed terrorist organisation' since October say their legal defence is struggling.

Rev Andrew Brunson of North Carolina has been held in Turkey since October. Brunson, 71, led a Protestant church in Izmir, Turkey, but was accused of connections to the US-based cleric Fetullah Gulen, who Turkey alleges was involved in a coup attempt last summer.

The legal case for Brunson has been struggling due to lack of information provided by the Turkish authorities, Fox News reports.

'The problem we have is that his file is sealed, his Turkish attorney doesn't have access to the file, and there hasn't been any evidence that has been presented,' said Cece Heil of the American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ), a non-profit law firm supporting Brunson's case.

'It's been extremely hard to prepare any defence or to know what is at issue here,' she said, adding 'we have no idea why' Brunson was detained.

'He was a pastor in Turkey for 23 years with no problem.'

Last week US Republicans and Democrats in Congress made a bi-partisan appeal to the Turkish government led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Their joint letter demanded the pastor's immediate release and deportation.

'Mr. Brunson has worked peacefully in Turkey since 1993,' the address to Erdogan said. 'There appears to be no evidence to substantiate the charges against him for membership in an armed terrorist organization. Moreover, your government has repeatedly denied regular and appropriate access to legal counsel and American consular services.

'We respectfully ask you to consider Mr Brunson's case and how the recent treatment of Mr Brunson places significant strain not only on him and his family, but also on the robust bilateral relationship between the United States and Turkey.'

The letter also called for the country to 'reaffirm respect for fundamental freedoms and the rule of law'. The ACLJ also sent a letter to secretary of state Rex Tillerson urging his support.

President Erdogan's rule has been increasingly authoritarian since a failed coup last year, with tens of thousands of people arrested or dismissed from their jobs. A referendum in April is set to give him sweeping powers and entrench his political position for years.
Turkish Muslim woman who 'hated Christians' dreams of Jesus telling her to 'follow My way'

More and more Muslims are seeing Jesus in their dreams, with each of their testimonies revealing their amazing conversion.

One of the latest Jesus dreamers is a devout young Muslim woman who, according to Christian Aid Mission (CAM), harboured a deep hatred of Christians.

The woman, who was not named for security reasons, lived in Turkey along with her conservative Muslim family.

One Sunday, she visited the church of Pastor Matta, the leader of a local ministry, and tearfully told him that she had intended to "make fun of you when I started watching your videos in the Internet."

But then a strange thing happened to her, prompting her to abandon her malicious plans..

"But the things I was hearing from you spoke to me of the love I was always looking for, and the words of faith and courage were doing away with my fears," she said.

The woman said hearing the Gospel transformed her heart, which eventually led to her conversion to Christianity.

However, she remained hesitant to join other Christians in worship services.

That was when Jesus appeared to her in a dream.

"In my dream, Jesus led me to the church, telling me, 'What are you still waiting for? Follow My way,'" she told Pastor Matta. "And I saw all of you in there waiting for me, smiling at me. Before I met you, I saw you in my dream. Thanks be to God."

Pastor Matta later found out that the young woman had been boldly sharing her newfound faith with her family and friends on her Facebook page.

"This young girl still wearing her headscarf, having hundreds of friends in Facebook, does not stop spreading the gospel to others," the stunned pastor said, adding that he later warned the girl to be careful in what she's doing.

Indeed, Christian converts in Turkey face more danger now. According to Open Doors USA, there are three notable trends in that country at present: the presence of radical Islam, the ethnic conflict, and the changing political scene.

The persecution watchdog says all of these trends will make life more difficult for Christians in Turkey. Because of this, Turkey's rank on the World Watch List rose sharply this year, from #45 last year to #37, according to the Christian persecution watchdog.
Women's March: Hundreds Of Thousands Of Feminist Protesters Gather In Washington Against Trump Agenda

Hundreds of thousands of people from all over the United States are converging in Washington today for a women's march in opposition Donald Trump's agenda, rhetoric and past comments about women.

The Women's March on Washington will feature speakers, celebrity appearances and a protest walk along the National Mall.

It comes the day after the nation's capital was rocked by violent protests against Trump, with black-clad anti-establishment activists smashing windows, setting vehicles on fire and fighting with riot-gear-clad police who responded with stun grenades.

The protests illustrated the depth of the anger in a deeply divided country that is still recovering from the scarring 2016 campaign season. Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton, the first woman nominated for president by a major US party.

The organisers of Saturday's march said they had extensive security plans in place, and would have both visible and hard-to-spot security workers along the route.

The event, the brainchild of Hawaiian grandmother Teresa Shook, was intended as an outlet for women and men who consider themselves feminists to vent their frustration and anxiety over Trump's victory. It spotlights the fierce opposition Trump faces as he takes office, a period that is typically more of a honeymoon.

A recent ABC News/Washington Post poll found Trump had the lowest favourability rating of any incoming president since the 1970s.

Women contacted by Reuters gave a host of reasons for marching, ranging from inspiring other women to run for office to protesting Trump's plans to repeal the 2010 Affordable Care Act, which among other things requires health insurers to cover birth control.

Overall, the women said they hoped to send a unity message to Trump after a campaign in which he said Mexican immigrants were "rapists," discussed banning Muslims from entering the United States, and was revealed to have once bragged about grabbing women by the genitals and kissing them without permission.

"It's a lot of things: To protest the administration that's coming in and the blatant disrespect for women and people of colour," said Whitney Jordan, 28, who works in retail in New York and said she was coming to Washington on a bus organised by Planned Parenthood, the reproductive health organisation that is the march's biggest sponsor.

Another march participant, Carli Baklashev, a stay-at-home mother of five boys from Missouri, said, "I want to resist the ideology of everything that he stands for and teach my children that, you know, love, empathy and inclusion and diversity are a staple of who we are.

Trump's team did not respond to a request for comment about the march.

During his inauguration speech on Friday, Trump vowed to work for the good of the US worker, saying: "Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs, will be made to benefit American workers and American families."

Celebrities such as the musicians Janelle Monae and Katy Perry - both of whom supported Clinton in the election - are expected to take part in Saturday's march.

Dozens of groups representing myriad issues joined together to sponsor the march.

Shannon Watts, the head of pro-gun control group Moms Demand Action, said her organisation will send more than 100 marchers.

"Gun violence is a women's issue," Watts said. She added that women in the US are 16 times more likely to be the victim of gun violence than in other high-income nations and that studies have found 4.5 million women have been threatened at some point with a gun.

Groups including Emily's List, which supports Democratic women candidates, said the election had already spurred increased turnout at classes to train women to mount campaigns for mostly low-level political offices.

"I want it to be energizing," Erica Eisdorfer, 59, of Carrboro, North Carolina, said of the march. "Nothing is going to change on Sunday morning, nothing will have changed ... but I think the people who wish it were other will be energised."

Additional reporting by Reuters.
It was not without irony that two former aides to Governor Chris Christie were sentenced to jail yesterday in a Newark courtroom for their role in the infamous Bridgegate scandal at the same time that President Trump was naming the governor to lead a White House commission on opioid addiction in America.

As Christie stood at Trumps side, Bill Baroni, a former top official at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and a close Republican associate of Christie, and Bridget Kelly, the governors former deputy chief of staff, were sentenced to jail terms for conspiring to close access lanes to the George Washington Bridge in September 2013a scheme intended to punish the mayor of Fort Lee for refusing to endorse Christies reelection. Both pleaded not guilty, claiming that they believed the lane closings were part of a legitimate study of how to ease bridge traffic. The jury found both aides guilty of nine criminal counts, including wire fraud and using the bridge for unauthorized purposes. Baroni, whom Christie had named as the Port Authoritys deputy executive director, received a two-year sentence and 500 hours of community service. Kelly, a divorced single mother of four, received an 18-month jail sentence and a years probation. Both intend to appeal.

In their seven-week trial, Baroni and Kelly asserted that Christie was well aware of the lane-closing plan beforehand. Other witnesses at the trial seemed to corroborate that claim, but Christie steadfastly denied wrongdoing. Though Bridgegate caused his popularity to plummet and tanked his short-lived presidential campaign, Christie, unlike his two lieutenants, was never charged with a crime. That a politician known as a micromanager and for his take-no-prisoners governing style neither sanctioned nor knew of the bridge closings strains credulity.

But Christie is not the only public official to have survived the scandal and thrived. Other once-close allies have landed top jobs in the Trump administration. Last January, Trump named Bill Stepien, Christies campaign manager in 2009 and 2013 and well-known as his political enforcer, as his own deputy assistant and political director. Stepien wasnt charged in Bridgegate, but his name surfaced repeatedly during the trial. David Wildstein, another senior Christie appointee and the governments star witness who pleaded guilty in exchange for a lenient sentence, told the jury that Stepien knew about the plan to punish Fort Lee mayor Mark J. Sokolich by creating gridlock on the bridge. Stepien was fired for alleged poor judgment, but Trump hired him to lead his field operations in Michigan and Wisconsin.

Another Bridgegate survivor is Matt Mowers, also a former Christie political operative. Last September, Mowers, who worked in the Trump campaign as a director in battleground states, testified in federal court against his former boss and other alleged conspirators in the lane closings. Having never been charged in the case, Mowers described how, in Christies office of intergovernmental affairs, alleged lines between political and official work were blurred dailyan atmosphere that made the Bridgegate scandal possible. In another apparent case of failing upward, Mowers is now a White House adviser in the State Department.

Since the scandal, Christie has nominated Kevin OToole, who defended the lane closures on the bridge as sound public policy, to a slot on the Port Authority board. David Samson, the authoritys former chairman and the governors former close friend, was convicted in a related scandal for shaking down United Airlines to schedule a flight to his vacation home in South Carolina. He was recently sentenced to four years probation and a year of confinementin that same vacation home.

As for the Port Authority itself, it remains a broken, dysfunctional agency, still plagued by interstate squabbling between New Jersey and New York governors Christie and Andrew Cuomo. The governors have vetoed a desperately needed reform package. Bridge and tunnel tolls continue rising. While funding for a new bus terminal has been approved, few experts think it will be built as envisioned. And the Port Authority police, responsible for security at the World Trade Center site and the citys critical transportation networks, remain poorly managed, hugely overcompensated, and hamstrung by work rules.

The Port Authority has grown to proportions well beyond anything its founders imagined. When so much power and reach is placed beyond democratic oversight, its no surprise that scandals like Bridgegate occur.

Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Charities have been urged by HM Revenue & Customs to introduce a three-stage check for donors registering for Gift Aid, after the taxman found that up to 1m a month is being claimed incorrectly.

Steve Carroll, part of HMRCs charities outreach team, told delegates at the Charity Tax Group's Annual Tax Conference on Tuesday that three further statements should be agreed by donors to prevent Gift Aid being registered inaccurately.

He said that 1m a month was being wrongly claimed, and some institutions had an error rate of up to 60 per cent.

Charities legally are only required to check donors are UK taxpayers, but Carroll advised charities to put the following confirmation statements on their online donation pages:

I am donating my own money and the funds have not come from anyone else including family members or from an office or bucket collection

The money I am donating is not the proceeds from sales of goods or services or the sale of tickets

I have not received something in return for this donation such as an entry ticket to an event or a raffle ticket

The move follows a dispute between HMRC and JustGiving last year, in which the online donations website was told that a donation signed "Love from Mum & Dad" would not qualify for Gift Aid.

HMRC later moderated its stance on the issue.

Examples Carroll gave of where the single confirmation box had been ticked incorrectly involved fundraisers donating money they had raised from multiple sources without knowing whether each person who had contributed was paying tax.

The departments research has revealed for some of the larger institutions, the error rate was getting up to around 50 to 60 per cent because of the amount of fundraising they were using.

However, he did reassure delegates that HMRC was not looking to retrospectively retrieve Gift Aid from incorrectly registered donations.

New approach 'going too far', says CTG

CTG policy adviser Chris Lane welcomed Carrolls insistence HMRC would implement a gradual transition from the one-line confirmation check.

But he said it was going too far to insist charities include the new confirmation statements in everything.

For instance, he said when a donor is trying to set up a direct debit it would be unnecessary for them to have to agree to the above statements as the money is clearly coming only from themselves.

Lane said some fundraisers had concerns the changes could put off potential donors if not enough flexibility is allowed for charities to amend the wording.

More than 40 charities are sitting on CTGs Gift Aid working group, where discussions between themselves and HMRC are ongoing with regard to the changes implementation.
The Institute of Fundraising have announced they are working with the Royal Mint to encourage members of the public to give their old 1 coins to charity.

The IoF said that the phasing in of the new, 12-sided, bimetallic 1 coin, which came into circulation on Tuesday, means that charities have the chance to raise up to 21m through donations of the old, round 1 coin, which will cease to be legal tender from 15 October 2017.

In a blog, Stephanie Siddall, policy officer at the IoF, said that the phasing in of the new 1 coin could provide charities with a similar fundraising opportunity to the #FirstFiver campaign which a lunched last year with the new 5 note.

Its estimated that over one third of the 1.3 billion worth of coins stored in piggy banks or jam jars around the UK, are the current 1 style. Government research suggests that that 5 per cent of the public would consider donating their old 1 coins to a charity when they cash them in, wrote Siddall.

Weve been working with the Royal Mint and others to encourage people to donate their old pound coins when they receive a new one, raising awareness using the hashtag #PoundforPound.

According to research at the end of last year, the #FirstFiver campaign raised over 12.5m for charity, and the IoF are convinced that its #PoundforPound campaign can raise even more.

Michael Birtwistle, senior policy adviser at NCVO, said that some of the most significant fundraising opportunities are likely to come for charities in the summer.

Previous updates in coins or notes have resulted in successful fundraising opportunities for charities, such as last years #FirstFiver campaign.

"Theres similar scope for charities to get involved in the Royal Mints publicity of the new coin launch and raise awareness of their cause by highlighting their fundraising efforts on social media.

Macmillan, NSPCC and Action for Children amongst charities fundraising using new 1 coin

A number of large fundraising charities, including Macmillan have already begun fundraising using the new 1 coin.

Macmillan have started a campaign using the #poundcoin, and have said that 28 of the new 1 coins could pay for one hour of care from a Macmillan nurse.

In Fundraising Magazine

Discount retailer Poundlound have also teamed up with Macmillan and have set up charity tins at checkouts across its stores.

A number of charities, including Action for Children, the NSPCC and Sue Ryder have also begun using the #PoundforPound set up by the IoF and Royal Mint.

A spokesman for CAF, said: When the new 5 note was introduced last year, our UK Giving research found that around one in 20 people donated their first one to charity. The Treasury suggests a similar number of people are likely to be giving their old round pound coins to a good cause. Theres a great opportunity for charities to get involved and raise some pounds.
BBC journalist Louise Minchin will host this years Charity Awards, which will take place in the grounds of the Tower of London for the first time.

The Charity Awards take place on Thursday 8 June at the Pavilion in the grounds of the Tower of London. It is Civil Society Medias annual awards programme which is held to identify, recognise and reward those organisations doing exceptional work in all areas of charitable activity.

Minchin is one of the main presenters of BBC Breakfast, and has previously anchored news bulletins on BBC1 and the News Channel.

The shortlist for the years awards will be published on Wednesday 10 May, and the winners will be announced at a black-tie ceremony and gala dinner at the Pavilion in the grounds of the Tower of London on Thursday 8 June.
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management is revamping its leadership structuring, paring its 10 divisions down to six in the process, according to an internal memo obtained by CNBC.



Andy Sieg, head of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, said the changes "will help us operate more effectively as a business."



"Our shared objective is to make the organization feel like a smaller, more tightly integrated firm," he said in the memo.

As part of the shuffle, some executives have been promoted, while others are choosing to retire, transition into new roles or pursue other opportunities outside Merrill Lynch.

The shakeup comes just months after Sieg assumed his current role as head of the Bank of America subsidiary. He was previously head of global wealth and retirement solutions at the bank.

CNBC's Jim Forkin contributed to this report.

Watch: Financials badly overpriced
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Mexico City, March 29, 2017Mexican authorities should credibly and thoroughly investigate todays shooting of veteran journalist Armando Arrieta Granados, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Arrieta, the editorial director of the daily Veracruz newspaper La Opinion, was shot and gravely wounded as he returned to his residence in the city of Poza Rica.

According to initial news reports, Arrieta was hit by four 9mm caliber bullets as he arrived at his home. He was taken to a local hospital, where he remains in serious condition, media reports said.

Arrieta, 51, has worked as a journalist for more than 20 years, according to news reports and a journalist from Poza Rica who spoke with CPJ. The journalist, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of his safety, said that Arrieta wrote mostly about politics and general news.

Todays shooting of editor Armando Arrieta Granados is another reminder that the Mexican state of Veracruz remains one of deadliest places in the world for journalists, Carlos Lauria, CPJs senior program coordinator for the Americas, said from New York. Federal and state authorities should exhaustively investigate the attack, establish a motive, and bring all those responsible to justice as a step toward ending this legacy of violence.

Arrieta most recently wrote about Mexican presidential candidate Margarita Zavala, the national oil company Pemex, and several deaths in a local hospital. CPJs attempts to reach the newspaper for comment were unsuccessful.

The Veracruz state attorney generals office released a short statement saying an investigation has begun. The statement said that Arrieta was attacked by a single unknown individual, whereas initial media reports mentioned an unknown number of attackers. The statement said that he was being treated for gunshot wounds in a local hospital. The statement made no mention of the victims work as a journalist as a possible motive for the attack. Attempts by CPJ to reach the investigators for further comment were unsuccessful.

Jorge Morales Vazquez, executive secretary of the Veracruz State Commission for the Care and Protection of Journalists (CEAPP), told CPJ that Arrieta was in serious condition and had been moved to a hospital in the city of Puerto de Veracruz, where he was being treated for gunshot wounds to the chest and a punctured lung.

CPJ was not immediately able to reach the office of the Federal Special Prosecutor for Attention to Crimes against Freedom of Expression (FEADLE) or the Federal Mechanism for the Protection of Journalists to establish whether federal investigators were looking into the attack, or whether Arrieta was enrolled in the federal governments protection program for journalists. His friend and colleague from Poza Rica said that Arrieta had not reported having received any threats.

According to CPJ research, at least four journalists from Veracruz were killed in direct relation to their work during the 2010-2016 term of former Gov. Javier Duarte de Ochoa, now a fugitive from corruption and graft charges, while the motives for the killing of another 10 journalists in the state remain unclear. On March 19, Ricardo Monlui, a reporter and columnist for the newspaper El Politico in the Veracruz city of Cordoba, was murdered in the nearby town of Yanga, a case that CPJ is still investigating to determine whether the killing was related to his work.

Veracruz has long been one of Mexicos most violent states, plagued by warfare between rival criminal groups fighting for control over lucrative drug and human-trafficking routes. At least 1,258 people were murdered in the state last year, according to news reports. Journalists from Veracruz told CPJ that Poza Rica in particular has been a hotspot for organized crime and violence.
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Among the things Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and U.S. President Donald Trump are scheduled to discuss during their April 3 meeting in Washington is Egypts fight against terrorism. Egypts government has broadly interpreted this fight to include jailing dozens of journalists, including photographer Abdelrahman Yaqot, who a few days before el-Sisi arrives in Washington will have checked in at the local police station, as he must every month to meet the terms of his release from prison.

Yaqot, who spent two years in Alexandrias overcrowded Borg al-Arab Prison on trumped up terrorism charges, told the Committee to Protect Journalists that he fears police officers will send him back to jail when he goes.

I have been out [of prison] for two weeks, but I still cant live among people normally, Yaqot, a former journalist for the news website Karmouz, told the CPJ. I am trying to remember what normal life is like.

On March 21, 2015, Yaqot approached a police station in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria to investigate rumors of a bomb threat to the station. Police arrested him on the spot and accused him of plotting to blow up the station on behalf of the Muslim Brotherhood.

After nearly two years behind bars, Yaqot told CPJ that he no longer works as a photojournalist for fear of being rearrested.

I am technically still in prison, he said. I cant adapt.

Meanwhile, at least 25 journalists were imprisoned in Egypt on December 1, 2016, when CPJ last conducted its census of journalists jailed around the world. Only Turkey and China imprisoned more journalists. Despite these clear violations of Egyptians human rights, the United States has earmarked $1.3 billion in military aid to Egypt this year. In one of his first phone calls with a head of state upon taking office, Trump reaffirmed to el-Sisi his commitment to funding Egypts fight against terrorism.

Yet terrorism is the pretext that Egypts government has used to jail most of the journalists behind bars. Among them are:

Mahmoud Abdel Nabi: Abdel Nabi was arrested in Alexandria July 3, 2013, while covering clashes between Morsi supporters and opponents for the website Rassd, hours after el-Sisi, then defense minister, deposed former Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi. Abdel Nabi was charged with weapons possession and rioting, and government prosecutors accused Rassd of spreading lies about the Egyptian government and military on behalf of the Muslim Brotherhood, which it considers a terrorist organization. Now jailed in Alexandrias Borg al-Arab prison, Abdel Nabi is to CPJs knowledge the longest-held journalist in Egypt.

Abdel Nabi was arrested in Alexandria July 3, 2013, while covering clashes between Morsi supporters and opponents for the website Rassd, hours after el-Sisi, then defense minister, deposed former Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi. Abdel Nabi was charged with weapons possession and rioting, and government prosecutors accused Rassd of spreading lies about the Egyptian government and military on behalf of the Muslim Brotherhood, which it considers a terrorist organization. Now jailed in Alexandrias Borg al-Arab prison, Abdel Nabi is to CPJs knowledge the longest-held journalist in Egypt. Abdullah al-Fakharany: Al-Fakharany has been in prison since August 25, 2013, when he was arrested in the home of a Muslim Brotherhood leaders son. He was sentenced to life in prison, a sentence of 25 years, April 11, 2015 for spreading chaos and forming an operations room to direct the Muslim Brotherhood to defy the government. Al-Fakharany is currently appealing his sentence. He began a hunger strike in prison to protest his lack of treatment for a leg ailment.

Al-Fakharany has been in prison since August 25, 2013, when he was arrested in the home of a Muslim Brotherhood leaders son. He was sentenced to life in prison, a sentence of 25 years, April 11, 2015 for spreading chaos and forming an operations room to direct the Muslim Brotherhood to defy the government. Al-Fakharany is currently appealing his sentence. He began a hunger strike in prison to protest his lack of treatment for a leg ailment. Hisham Jaafar: Police detained Jaafar on October 21, 2015, at the offices of the Mada Foundation for Media Development, which he headed. Jaafar was also formerly editor-in-chief of the website Islam Online. Jaafar is charged with belonging to the banned Muslim Brotherhood and is still detained. Other employees of the foundation have told CPJ that they received threats from security forces for their work, prompting some of them to flee the country.

President Trump this week told el-Sisi in a call that he looks forward to building off the positive momentum in the countries bilateral relationship.

But with Abdel Nabi, Al-Fakharany, Jaafar, and dozens of other journalists still behind bars, and with Yaqot and countless others censoring themselves to avoid prison, any positive momentum in the U.S.-Egyptian relationship has clearly left many of Egypts journalists behind.
Dominica will have its first summer cruise calls since 2010 as Carnival Cruise Line will visit the island four times.

We had a long discussion with Carnival, it was all about the value proposition and looking at both sides of the business, said Benoit Bardouille, CEO of the Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority, and chairman of Discover Dominica.

That meant putting together a win-win situation for both Dominica and Carnival.

We are working in the private sector with the tour operators to improve the quality of the product, Bardouille said.

Before Carnival arrives in the summer, the destination will handle about 300,000 passengers this season.

Among the initiatives is increasing the number of so-called priority tour sites on the island, meaning organized shore excursions (bought by passengers from the ship) will get first access to certain areas.

Bardouille said if they can help the lines drive tour revenue, he expects more ships, and more economic impact. Popular tour sites are also getting a make-over to make them more accessible to mobility-impaired passengers.

The same holds true for onboard revenue, and a movement is underway to let casinos and shops stay open in port.

We want to portray the country as a port of call, but also as a place that allows vessels to generate more revenue in port, added Bardouille. What were seeking to do here is to remain competitive. In this business you cant just sit on your laurels and assume that a ship that is coming is always going to come.

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Get an in-depth, behind the scenes look at the Caribbean cruise market and the ports that make it happen in the 2017 Spring edition Cruise Industry News Quarterly Magazine. Subscribe today.
Future Care CEO, Christina DeSimone talked about medical issues at sea last week at the CMA Shipping 2017 Conference, held in Stamford, Connecticut.

DeSimone discussed the mitigation of crewmember medical claims utilizing innovative techniques, such as Tele-Medical Physician Advice at Sea and Future Cares unique Caring for the Crew Program.

Other speakers included representatives from Royal Caribbean and the Coast Guard, as well as Abojeb Manning Agency, and the North American Ministries.

DeSimone focused on the idea that medical triage for crewmembers begins onboard the vessel, and should be utilized for any medical incident, no matter how small. Primary health care aliments in particular, require immediate treatment on board, with physician oversight, thus assisting the crewmember immediately, avoiding emergency shoreside treatment, emergency deviations and unnecessary repatriations.

Tele-Medical advice has been at the helm of shipowners current concerns with the 2013 Title IV Maritime Labor Convention in effect that requires a shipowner to give their crewmember access to tele medical advice at sea.

Future Care Live combines Future Cares Caring for the Crew program with live video streaming software to provide a new level of medical care at sea.

Future Cares most recent medical statistics, presented at CMA, have shown that illness at sea is the predominate cause for captains to ask for medical advice. The presentation summarized that managing and monitoring a crewmembers medical treatment should be a continuous process both on board the vessel and shoreside.

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Star Cruises announced that the SuperStar Gemini will re-deploy to Laem Chabang in Thailand, for cruises from December through April 2018. The ship will remain in Singapore through the end of 2017.

We are excited to announce Star Cruises return to The Land of Smiles with the deployment of SuperStar Gemini at Laem Chabang, said Ang Moo Lim, President, Star Cruises. Our long history with Thailand stretches all the way back to 1995 when we first called upon Phuket and, today, we are proud to be able to call Laem Chabang our new home come December 17.

With this new deployment, Star Cruises will continue to shine the spotlight on Thailand as a premier destination in Asia for the fly-cruise market to help support the local inbound and outbound tourism industry, said a statement from the company.

Thailand has the largest number of tourists of all ASEAN countries and the two airports of Bangkok serve more than 85 million passengers every year, adde Ang. This is a perfect location for fly-cruise passengers and we will work closely with inbound agents to package cruises with land vacations  providing tourists yet another reason to visit Thailand. We will make Bangkok the Gateway to IndoChina due to its superior air and tourist infrastructure. 

During her deployment, SuperStar Gemini will embark on 3-night cruises to Sihanoukville and Ko Samui, departing every Sunday, 2-night cruises to Sihanoukville, departing every Wednesday, and 2-night cruises to Koh Kong Island, departing on every Friday.
Fincantieri has already seen a strong start to 2017, after posting net income of 14 million euro on revenues of 4.4 billion euro for the year ended Dec. 31, 2016, compared to a net loss of 289 million euro on revenues of4.2 billion euro for the previous year.

In January, Fincantieri was advised that it has been selected as the preferred bidder in the sale of a 66.6 percent stake of STX France.

Also in January Fincantieri signed a contract with Carnival Corporation for two new ships for Holland America and Princess; its subsidiary Vard signed a letter of intent with an unnamed cruise company for the construction of an expedition vessel at its yards in Romania and Norway; and it delivered the Viking Sky, the third of six ships for Viking Ocean Cruises.

In February, Fincantieri signed a four-ship order for Norwegian Cruise Line, with an option for two more. Deliveries are scheduled from 2022 through 2027 if the options are exercised. The order has a potential value of $4.8 billion.

Later in the month, Fincantieri, China State Shipbuilding Corporation and Carnival signed a binding memorandum of agreement for the construction of two cruise ships with an option for four more.

In terms of firm orders, Fincantieri said in a prepared statement that it has five cruise ships scheduled for deliveries in 2017 and 2018, four in 2019 and 2020, one in 2021 and one beyond 2021.

Shipbuilding generated 3.2 billion euro in revenues during 2016; offshore 1 billion euro; equipment, systems and services, 0.5 billion euro; while a loss of 272 million euro was attributed to consolidation and other adjustments.

The Italian shipbuilding group cited a strong recovery of operating performance for its cruise ship construction with four complex prototype ships delivered on time in 2016, with simultaneous sister ships and or what it called semi-sister ships, characterized by higher margins.

Last year, Fincantieri also finalized its contracts for three ships for Virgin Voyages, signed a contract for Carnival for another Princess ship, and another ship for Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

The Vard Group signed contracts for four expedition vessels for Ponant and two for Hapag-Lloyd. Both orders involve support and supply of key components from Fincantieri.

Fincantieri and Vard also signed other orders for naval and commercial vessels during 2016 for a total order backlog of 24.0 billion euro for 99 ships at the end of 2016.

Fincantieri delivered a total of 13 vessels last year, including five cruise ships.

Moreover, last June, Fincantieri signed a labor agreement with the trade unions, which it said represents a step toward greater efficiency. The agreement is based on individual performance and overall company results. It will stay in force until Dec. 31, 2019.
Credit union marketers are making a lasting impact on the San Antonio community during the CUNA Marketing and Business Development Council Conference.

Attendees at a preconference workshop called The Difference worked together to assemble bikes that will be donated to children from the Boys & Girls Club of San Antonio.

For many people, getting a bicycle is a part of growing up. These kids just dont have that, says Andy Reed, who led the workshop.

Reed is president/CEO of Texas People Federal Credit Union in Fort Worth. He is also former chair of the CUNA Marketing & Business Development Council Executive Committee, which helps organize the conference.

When the kids come and get the bikes get the bikes, thats the coolest moment ever. Their facesits like Christmas, says Reed, who has participated in similar efforts in previous years.

The kids will be thrilled, says Roxanne Garza, volunteer and events coordinator with the Boys & Girls Club of San Antonio. Receiving a brand new bike is unheard of for many of the kids that attend club activities, says Garza.
Hackers Threaten To Attack Israel's Cyber Infrastructure

People associated with the Anonymous hackers' organisation are threatening to attack Israel's cyber infrastructure in April 7th.

This annual "tradition" began in April 2013, winning the name OpIsrahell. Operatives associating with Anonymous previously warned that they intended to "wipe Israel off the map of the Internet," but the damage actually caused by the annual attacks was negligible.

Are Israeli companies concerned about the attack announced for April 7 this year? A survey by the research department of "People and Computers" indicates that enterprises are taking the threat seriously, but that most of them are taking no special measures. The survey included 80 computing executives in large and medium-sized enterprises.

55% of the respondents said that they had made no special preparations for an Anonymous attack, while 45% said they took any threat seriously, and were bolstering security for their information systems. 43% of those questioned admitted that they had previously been victimised by a cyber-attack not related to, Anonymous.

92% of those questioned said that the damage caused by the attack amounted to tens of thousands of shekels, while the rest estimated the damage in the hundreds of thousands of shekels.

Commenting on the findings, People and Computers group CEO Peli Hanamer Peled said, "The results of the survey of IT managers in Israel reflect an appropriate level of security among enterprises in general, not just for April 7.

One of the reasons for this is the growing awareness of cyber threats on the part of enterprises, reflected in larger allocations of resources for IT managers for protecting the enterprise's information systems."

Globes:

Hamas Upgrades Cyber Espionage Capability:

Cyber Threats To Israels Air Traffic Control:

Stuxnet, Secrecy & The New Era of Cyber War:
WASHINGTON -- One change to field triage guidelines for emergency medical services (EMS) responding to older adults with head trauma could make a "clinically important improvement over usual care," according to a study and accompanying editorial published earlier this month in Annals of Emergency Medicine ("Out-of-Hospital Triage of Older Adults With Head Injury: A Retrospective Study of the Effect of Adding 'Anticoagulation or Antiplatelet Medication Use' as a Criterion" and "Can an Out-of-Hospital Medication History Save Lives for Injured Older Adults?").

"Adding a question about the use of blood thinners in older adults to our field triage criteria could save lives," said the editorial's writer, Craig Newgard, MD, MPH, of Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Ore. "Older patients suffering head trauma who are taking blood thinners are more likely to suffer from bleeding in the brain that requires time-sensitive surgery at a major trauma center. Current EMS triage criteria do not include that question but this study suggests that maybe they should."

Researchers analyzed charts for 2,100 patients who were 55 or older with head trauma who were transported to the hospital by EMS. Using standard field triage criteria, 19.8 percent of those patients were correctly identified as suffering traumatic intracranial hemorrhage, or bleeding in the brain. Adding a fourth question - whether the patient is on anti-coagulant therapy - improved the sensitivity for intracranial hemorrhage to 59.5 percent.

"Use of steps one to three triage criteria is not sufficient for identifying intracranial hemorrhage and death or neurosurgery for older patients who suffer head trauma," said the lead author of the study, Daniel K. Nishijima, MD, MAS, of the University of California Davis School of Medicine in Sacramento, Calif. "While we wait for other studies to confirm our research, we strongly urge patients to make their medication history available and known to their families and EMS providers, especially for situations that may arise where they cannot speak for themselves. Knowledge of their use of blood thinners may help in getting these patients to the right hospital."

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Annals of Emergency Medicine is the peer-reviewed scientific journal for the American College of Emergency Physicians, the national medical society representing emergency medicine. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research, and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies. For more information, visit http://www.acep.org.
Annals of Internal Medicine, the flagship journal of the American College of Physicians (ACP), has published summaries of the most important medical studies published in 2016 in the fields of general internal medicine, cardiology, hematology, endocrinology, gastroenterology and hepatology, rheumatology, and perioperative, pulmonary, and geriatric medicine. All articles were published within the last year in some of the world's most prestigious medical journals. Authors in each topic area chose articles based on novelty and quality of the research, as well as potential impact on clinical practice.

Publication of the updates coincides with Internal Medicine Meeting 2017 (hashtag #IM2017) the annual scientific meeting of the ACP, taking place March 30 - April 1 in San Diego. Each "Update" includes detailed summaries of several articles pertaining to a particular subspecialty of internal medicine. Highlights from each subspecialty include:

General Internal Medicine : An article published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that smokers who quit abruptly were more likely to quit successfully. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews published a study showing that acetaminophen did not reduce pain or disability in acute nonspecific low back pain.

: An article published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that smokers who quit abruptly were more likely to quit successfully. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews published a study showing that acetaminophen did not reduce pain or disability in acute nonspecific low back pain. Women's Health : An article in Annals of Internal Medicine found that low-dose aspirin is modestly beneficial for preventing cardiovascular events and colorectal cancer in high-risk women as well as men. An article in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that women who were vaccinated for the human papillomavirus (HPV) could extend the cervical cancer screening interval.

: An article in Annals of Internal Medicine found that low-dose aspirin is modestly beneficial for preventing cardiovascular events and colorectal cancer in high-risk women as well as men. An article in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that women who were vaccinated for the human papillomavirus (HPV) could extend the cervical cancer screening interval. Cardiology : An article published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that industry-funded research suppressed evidence of the role of sugars as a risk factor for coronary artery disease. A second article in JAMA Internal Medicine found that eating more plant protein and less animal protein was associated with less cardiovascular disease and a lower risk for death.

: An article published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that industry-funded research suppressed evidence of the role of sugars as a risk factor for coronary artery disease. A second article in JAMA Internal Medicine found that eating more plant protein and less animal protein was associated with less cardiovascular disease and a lower risk for death. Hematology and Oncology : An article in the New England Journal of Medicine found that active surveillance may be a reasonable option for many men with prostate cancer. No difference in mortality was observed at 10 years among patients undergoing active surveillance, surgery, or radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer. An article in Annals of Internal Medicine found that use of an age-adjusted D-Dimer level with a low-likelihood Wells score led to an increased number of patients in whom imaging could be withheld.

: An article in the New England Journal of Medicine found that active surveillance may be a reasonable option for many men with prostate cancer. No difference in mortality was observed at 10 years among patients undergoing active surveillance, surgery, or radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer. An article in Annals of Internal Medicine found that use of an age-adjusted D-Dimer level with a low-likelihood Wells score led to an increased number of patients in whom imaging could be withheld. Critical Care Medicine: An article in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that too much oxygen could be harmful in patients with respiratory failure. An article in the American Journal of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine found that a continuous infusion of -Lactam antibiotics may reduce hospital mortality in severe sepsis.

An article in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that too much oxygen could be harmful in patients with respiratory failure. An article in the American Journal of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine found that a continuous infusion of -Lactam antibiotics may reduce hospital mortality in severe sepsis. Rheumatology: Arthritis & Rheumatology published an article suggesting that vaccination for herpes zoster may benefit patients with autoimmune conditions at younger ages than stated in current guidelines. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases published an article that showed statin use may lower mortality risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis & Rheumatology published an article suggesting that vaccination for herpes zoster may benefit patients with autoimmune conditions at younger ages than stated in current guidelines. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases published an article that showed statin use may lower mortality risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Hospital Medicine: An article published in JAMA Internal Medicine showed that antipsychotic medications resulted in prolonged and more severe delirium among terminally ill hospitalized patients. An article in Annals of Internal Medicine showed that hospital readmission rates decreased after federal law levied financial penalties for readmissions.

An article published in JAMA Internal Medicine showed that antipsychotic medications resulted in prolonged and more severe delirium among terminally ill hospitalized patients. An article in Annals of Internal Medicine showed that hospital readmission rates decreased after federal law levied financial penalties for readmissions. Pulmonary Medicine: An article published in Thorax found that pulmonary rehabilitation at home was as effective as a facility-based program for patients with COPD. The home-based intervention had a lower coast and higher adherence rates. An article published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that CPAP treatment did not prevent cardiovascular events in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

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About Annals of Internal Medicine

Annals of Internal Medicine is one of the most widely cited and influential medical journals in the world, with an impact factor of 16.593 -- the highest of any specialty journal in its category. Annals' mission is to promote excellence in medicine, enable physicians and other health care professionals to be well-informed members of the medical community and society, advance standards in the conduct and reporting of medical research, and contribute to improving the health of people worldwide. Established in 1927, Annals is the flagship journal of the American College of Physicians (ACP).
Sarah M. Davis, MD, was recently named the seventh scholar in the Brown University/Women & Infants Hospital Women's Reproductive Health Research (WRHR) Career Development Program.

Dr. Davis has been a member of the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Women & Infants since 2015. She was selected as a WRHR scholar to support her research to study causes of preterm birth, specifically on a study entitled "Mechanisms underlying obstetric pathobiology: The study of cell-free fetal DNA, TLR9 mediated inflammation, IL-10 and parturition using human in vitro modeling."

"Preterm birth remains an important public health concern. Current studies indicate that there are multiple pathways that may lead to preterm and term delivery, including inflammation," explained Dr. Davis. "Certain cells in the placenta release fetal DNA that circulates freely in maternal blood and may contribute to inflammation that could serve as a stimulus or biomarker for labor. I am excited to have the opportunity to investigate the underlying obstetric mechanisms as they relate to cell-free fetal DNA, inflammation and labor."

Dr. Davis will work with Kristen A. Matteson, MD, MPH, research director for the WRHR program, interim director of the Division of Research at Women & Infants, and associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University; along with her WRHR mentors Surendra Sharma, MBBS, PhD, research scientist at Women & Infants and professor of pediatrics at the Warren Alpert Medical School; and James F. Padbury, MD, pediatrician-in-chief and chief of Neonatal/Perinatal Medicine at Women & Infants and the William and Mary Oh - William and Elsa Zopfi Professor of Pediatrics for Perinatal Research at the Warren Alpert Medical School; and Katharine Wenstrom, MD, the director of the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Warren Alpert Medical School.

The WRHR Career Development Program was initiated in 1998 by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute. In 2005, Women & Infants and Brown University were awarded one of the competitive WRHR Program Grants and have successfully competed for a third funding cycle for the program. One of 15 currently active programs, the Brown/Women & Infants WRHR Program ensures protected time for the selected physicians to develop and pursue research careers in women's reproductive health.

The program enables Dr. Davis and other WRHR scholars to devote 75 percent of their time to their research career development with support from mentors, research assistants and other research personnel.

Maureen G. Phipps, MD, MPH, chair and Chace-Joukowsky Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and assistant dean for Teaching and Research in Women's Health at the Warren Alpert Medical School, professor of epidemiology at the Brown University School of Public Health, and chief of obstetrics and gynecology at Women & Infants Hospital and Care New England Health System, is the principal investigator for the WRHR program in Providence and Kristen A. Matteson, MD, MPH is the research director for the Brown/Women& Infants WRHR.

"By having protected time for research and career development, junior clinician-scientists are more prepared to compete in this competitive research environment," explains Dr. Phipps. "Women & Infants is honored to participate with Brown in the WRHR Scholar Program to cultivate the next generation of physician-researchers in women's health."

WRHR Scholars typically work through the program for two to five years with the expectation that they will secure their own grant funding for their projects to continue independently. Past Brown/Women & Infants WRHR Scholars who are currently on faculty at Women & Infants include:

Kristen A. Matteson, MD, MPH, Women & Infants' first WRHR scholar, is a researcher in the Women & Infants Division of Research and a clinician in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Care Center. She earned a National Institutes of Health (NIH) career development award to develop patient-reported outcome measures for women with heavy menstrual bleeding. She is also the current research director for the WRHR program and has received NIH funding to conduct a randomized trial to evaluate the effectiveness of medical treatments for abnormal uterine bleeding. Vivian Sung, MD, MPH , of Women & Infants' Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, is the principal investigator of the Pelvic Floor Disorders Network (PFDN) grant awarded to only seven sites across the country by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including Women & Infants Hospital. She has earned grant support through a Brown University/Women & Infants Hospital National Center of Excellence in Women's Health seed grant, an American Urogynecologic Society Foundation Grant, and several other NIH grants. Her research focus is improving the decision-making process and patient-centered outcomes research in treating female pelvic floor disorders.

, of Women & Infants' Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, is the principal investigator of the Pelvic Floor Disorders Network (PFDN) grant awarded to only seven sites across the country by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including Women & Infants Hospital. She has earned grant support through a Brown University/Women & Infants Hospital National Center of Excellence in Women's Health seed grant, an American Urogynecologic Society Foundation Grant, and several other NIH grants. Her research focus is improving the decision-making process and patient-centered outcomes research in treating female pelvic floor disorders. Katina Robison, MD, an oncologist with the hospital's Program in Women's Oncology, continues her research focusing on women's cancers, quality of life, and prevention. Dr. Robison is the principal investigator on an institutional-funded grant evaluating the prevalence of abnormal anal cytology and high-risk HPV among women with a history of cervical, vaginal or vulvar neoplasia. She was awarded more than $2.7 million in contracted funding from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to study cancer of the uterus and treatment of stress incontinence. Dr. Robison is currently designing a survivorship database to follow women with cancer longitudinally to assess for baseline measures and design appropriately timed interventions. Dr. Robison completed an observational cohort study, funded by the Rhode Island Foundation, that evaluated the prevalence of high-risk HPV among Southeast Asian women.

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About Women & Infants Hospital

Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, a Care New England hospital, is one of the nation's leading specialty hospitals for women and newborns. A major teaching affiliate of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University for obstetrics, gynecology and newborn pediatrics, as well as a number of specialized programs in women's medicine, Women & Infants is the ninth largest stand-alone obstetrical service in the country and the largest in New England with approximately 8,500 deliveries per year. A Designated Baby-Friendly USA hospital, U.S.News & World Report 2014-15 Best Children's Hospital in Neonatology and a 2014 Leapfrog Top Hospital, in 2009 Women & Infants opened what was at the time the country's largest, single-family room neonatal intensive care unit.

Women & Infants and Brown offer fellowship programs in gynecologic oncology, maternal-fetal medicine, urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic surgery, neonatal-perinatal medicine, pediatric and perinatal pathology, gynecologic pathology and cytopathology, and reproductive endocrinology and infertility. It is home to the nation's first mother-baby perinatal psychiatric partial hospital, as well as the nation's only fellowship program in obstetric medicine.

Women & Infants has been designated as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiography; a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology; a Center of Biomedical Research Excellence by the National Institutes of Health (NIH); and a Neonatal Resource Services Center of Excellence. It is one of the largest and most prestigious research facilities in high risk and normal obstetrics, gynecology and newborn pediatrics in the nation, and is a member of the National Cancer Institute's Gynecologic Oncology Group and the Pelvic Floor Disorders Network.
Clinical trials found that it is safe to regularly infuse brain and lung cancer patients with 800 -- 1000 times the daily recommended amount of vitamin C as a potential strategy to improve outcomes of standard cancer treatments. In a work presented March 30, 2017 in Cancer Cell, University of Iowa researchers also show pathways by which altered iron metabolism in cancer cells, and not normal cells, lead to increased sensitivity to cancer cell death caused by high dose vitamin C.

"This paper reveals a metabolic frailty in cancer cells that is based on their own production of oxidizing agents that allows us to utilize existing redox active compounds, like vitamin C, to sensitize cancer cells to radiation and chemotherapy," says co-author Garry Buettner, who was one of the first to propose that cancer cells might have a vulnerability to redox active compounds over 40 years ago. Buettner, along with study senior authors Bryan Allen and Douglas Spitz, are faculty members at the University of Iowa's Department of Radiation Oncology, Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program, in the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The 11 evaluable patients enrolled in the brain cancer safety trial received three infusions of vitamin C a week for 2 months followed by two infusions per week for 7 months while receiving standard care radiation and chemotherapy. The goal of each infusion was to raise the concentration of vitamin C in a patient's blood to 20,000 M, as compared to a blood level of about 70 M found in most adults. The high dose is necessary because vitamin C has a half-life of about two hours in the circulation of humans. The treatment was generally well tolerated; with modest side effects including frequent trips to the bathroom and dry mouth. Rarely, some patients developed high blood pressure that subsided quickly following infusion.

Why is this approach safe? Vitamin C, even at high levels, isn't toxic to normal cells. The research group at Iowa found, however, that tumor tissue's abnormally high levels of redox active iron molecules (a by-product of abnormal mitochondrial metabolism) react with vitamin C to form hydrogen peroxide and free radicals derived from hydrogen peroxide. These free radicals are believed to cause DNA damage selectively in cancer cells (versus normal cells) leading to enhanced cancer cell death as well as sensitization to radiation and chemotherapy in cancer cells.

"This is a significant example of how knowing details of potential mechanisms and the basic science of redox active compounds in cancer versus normal cells can be leveraged clinically in cancer therapy," says co-senior author Douglas Spitz, who focused on the biochemical studies. "Here, we verified convincingly that increased redox active metal ions in cancer cells were responsible for this differential sensitivity of cancer versus normal cells to very high doses of vitamin C."

The safety study sets the stage for phase II clinical trials looking at whether high dose vitamin C is effective at extending overall lifespan and quality of life for patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. The researchers are currently enrolling patients with stage 4 lung cancer and will soon begin enrolling people with glioblastoma multiforme (brain cancer) in these phase II trials. They are hopeful that brain cancer responses to radiation and chemotherapy can be enhanced in these phase II trials. This guarded optimism is based on the phase I trial data showing an increase in overall survival of 4-6 months in 11 glioblastoma multiforme patients (18-22 months) versus the 14-16 months survival typically seen with the standard treatment.

"The majority of cancer patients we work with are excited to participate in clinical trials that could benefit future patient outcomes down the line," says co-senior author Bryan Allen, who led the clinical side of the study. "Results look promising but we're not going to know if this approach really improves therapy response until we complete these phase II trials."

The cost per patient above standard insurance billing for the phase II vitamin C glioblastoma multiforme protocol is approximately $8000 spread over 9 months of test infusions. This cost can be less than a single dose of some immunotherapy and/or chemotherapy drugs.

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This work is supported by the American Society for Radiation Oncology, the Carver Research Program of Excellence in Redox Biology, the US National Institutes of Health, Ms. Marie Foster/matched by IBM, the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the University of Iowa Medical Scientist Training Program. Co-author Dennis Riley is the Chief Scientific Officer of Galera Therapeutics, Inc., which supplied some materials for use in the basic science studies.

Cancer Cell, Schoenfeld et al.: "O2* - and H2O2-Mediated Disruption of Fe Metabolism Causes the Differential Susceptibility of NSCLC and GBM Cancer Cells to Pharmacological Ascorbate" http://www.cell.com/cancer-cell/fulltext/S1535-6108(17)30062-4

Cancer Cell (@Cancer_Cell), published by Cell Press, is a monthly journal that provides a high-profile forum to promote major advances in cancer research and oncology. The journal covers topics related to molecular and cellular mechanisms of cancer, mechanisms for the sensitivity and the resistance to cancer therapies, development of better cancer therapies, and clinical investigations. Visit: http://www.cell.com/cancer-cell. To receive Cell Press media alerts, contact press@cell.com.
Researchers from the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), University of Cambridge, the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and the Cancer Research UK-Cambridge Institute (CRUK-CI) have shed light on a long-standing debate about why the immune system weakens with age. Their findings, published in Science, show that immune cells in older tissues lack coordination and exhibit much more variability in gene expression compared with their younger counterparts.

Settling the debate

We've all witnessed the progressive decline of function that comes with ageing, but what exactly causes this decline - and why does it happen at different rates for different parts of the body? To find answers, scientists need to unpick all of the mechanisms of ageing at the molecular level, for every tissue. Today's study focused on immune tissue: specifically, CD4+ T cells.

The immune system is like a symphony orchestra, with many different types and subtypes of cells working together to fight infections. But as the immune system ages, its response to infection weakens for reasons that are not yet clear. One long-standing debate amongst scientists concerns two central hypotheses: either the functional degradation is caused by a loss of cellular performance, or it is down to a loss of coordination among cells.

To resolve the debate, scientists have studied many different cell types, analysing 'average' gene expression profiles. Today's study employed high-resolution single-cell sequencing technology to create new insights into how cell-to-cell variability is linked with ageing. The researchers sequenced the RNA of naive and memory CD4+ T cells in young and old mice, in both stimulated and unstimulated states.

Their findings clearly showed that loss of coordination is a key component of the impaired immune performance caused by T cell ageing.

The DNA smoothie

"You could think of DNA sequencing as a fruit smoothie," explains John Marioni, Group Leader at EMBL-EBI and at CRUK-CI. "Traditional sequencing technology is a bit like taking a sip of the smoothie, then trying to guess what the ingredients are. Single-cell genomics now lets us study the ingredients individually, so we get direct insight into the constituent parts. Extrapolating, this means that single-cell sequencing allows researchers to individually look at thousands of genes at any given time."

A phalanx of immune cells

Duncan Odom, Group Leader at the University of Cambridge's Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute and associate faculty at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, shares a further analogy to explain how immune cells fight infection.

"Imagine the immune system as a 'cell army', ready to protect the body from infection," says Odom. "Our research revealed that this army is well coordinated in young animals, with all the cells working together and operating like a Greek phalanx to block the infection."

Odom goes on to explain that this tight coordination makes the immune system stronger, and allows it to fight infection more effectively. The team's study shows that as the animal gets older, cell coordination breaks down.

"Although individual cells might still be strong, the lack of coordination between them makes their collective effectiveness lower," Odom concludes.

Older and more variable

Previous studies have shown that in young animals, immunological activation results in tightly regulated gene expression (see Box). This study further reveals that activation results in a decrease in cell-to-cell variability. Ageing increased the heterogeneity of gene expression in populations of two mice species, as well as in different types of immune cells. This suggests that increased cell-to-cell transcriptional variability may be a hallmark of ageing across most mammalian tissues.

"There is a great deal of interest in how biological ageing happens, but not much is known about molecular ageing," says Celia Pilar Martinez-Jimenez, experimental lead and Postdoctoral Fellow at the Sanger Institute and CRUK-CI. "This research initiative explored a new facet of cell response to disease, while also tackling questions related to ageing."

Nils Eling, computational lead of the project and PhD student at EMBL-EBI and CRUK-CI highlights that "the advantage of analysing gene expression from single cells is to detect how cell populations synchronise their response. It is interesting to see that ageing strongly distorts this response - a phenomenon which could not be observed before."

The interdisciplinary study paves the way for a more in-depth exploration of the mechanisms by which different types of cells age. It also illustrates the potential of single-cell sequencing to enable a richer understanding of cell development and activity.

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Source article

Martinez-Jimenez, C.P., Eling, N.et al (2017) Ageing increases cell-to-cell transcriptional variability upon immune stimulation. Science. Published in print. DOI: 10.1126/science.aah4115

About the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI)

The European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) is a global leader in the storage, analysis and dissemination of large biological datasets. EMBL-EBI helps scientists realise the potential of 'big data' by enhancing their ability to exploit complex information to make discoveries that benefit humankind.

EMBL-EBI is at the forefront of computational biology research, with work spanning sequence analysis methods, multi-dimensional statistical analysis and data-driven biological discovery, from plant biology to mammalian development and disease.

We are part of EMBL, an international, innovative and interdisciplinary research organisation funded by 22 member states and two associate member states, and are located on the Wellcome Genome Campus, one of the world's largest concentrations of scientific and technical expertise in genomics.

Website: http://www.ebi.ac.uk

The University of Cambridge

The mission of the University of Cambridge is to contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning and research at the highest international levels of excellence. To date, 96 affiliates of the University have won the Nobel Prize.

Founded in 1209, the University comprises 31 autonomous Colleges, which admit undergraduates and provide small-group tuition, and 150 departments, faculties and institutions.

Cambridge is a global university. Its 19,000 student body includes 3,700 international students from 120 countries. Cambridge researchers collaborate with colleagues worldwide, and the University has established larger-scale partnerships in Asia, Africa and America.

The University sits at the heart of one of the world's largest technology clusters. The 'Cambridge Phenomenon' has created 1,500 hi-tech companies, 14 of them valued at over US$1 billion and two at over US$10 billion. Cambridge promotes the interface between academia and business, and has a global reputation for innovation. Website: http://www.cam.ac.uk

The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute

The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute is one of the world's leading genome centres. Through its ability to conduct research at scale, it is able to engage in bold and long-term exploratory projects that are designed to influence and empower medical science globally.

Institute research findings, generated through its own research programmes and through its leading role in international consortia, are being used to develop new diagnostics and treatments for human disease.

Website: http://www.sanger.ac.uk
The idea is intriguing: if only a single atom or small molecule was needed for a single unit of data (a zero or a one in the case of binary digital technology), massive volumes of data could be stored in the tiniest amount of space. This is theoretically possible, because certain atoms can be magnetised in only one of two possible directions: "spin up" or "spin down". Information could then be stored and read by the sequence of the molecules' magnetisation directions.

However, several obstacles still need to be overcome before single-molecule magnet data storage becomes a reality. Finding molecules that can store the magnetic information permanently and not just fleetingly is a challenge, and it is even more difficult to arrange these molecules on a solid surface to build data storage carriers. To address the latter problem, an international team of researchers led by chemists from ETH Zurich has now developed a new method that offers numerous advantages over other approaches.

Fusing atoms to the surface

Christophe Coperet, a professor at the Laboratory of Inorganic Chemistry at ETH Zurich, and his team developed a molecule with a dysprosium atom at its centre (dysprosium is a metal belonging to the rare-earth elements). This atom is surrounded by a molecular scaffold that serves as a vehicle. The scientists also developed a method for depositing such molecules on the surface of silica nanoparticles and fusing them by annealing at 400 degrees Celsius. The molecular structure used as a vehicle disintegrates in the process, yielding nanoparticles with dysprosium atoms well-dispersed at their surface. The scientists showed that these atoms can be magnetised and maintain their magnetic information.

The magnetisation process currently only works at around minus 270 degrees Celsius (near absolute zero), and the magnetisation can be maintained for up to one and a half minute. The scientists are therefore looking for methods that will allow the magnetisation to be stabilised at higher temperatures and for longer periods of time. They are also looking for ways to fuse atoms to a flat surface instead of to nanoparticles.

Simple preparation

One of the advantages of the new method is its simplicity. "Nanoparticles bonded with dysprosium can be made in any chemical laboratory. No cleanroom and complex equipment are required," says Florian Allouche, a doctoral student in Coperet's group. In addition, the magnetisable nanoparticles can be stored at room temperature and re-utilized.

Other preparation methods include the direct deposition of individual atoms onto a surface, yet the materials obtained are only stable at very low temperatures mainly due to the agglomeration of these individual atoms. Alternatively, molecules with ideal magnetic properties can be deposited onto a surface, but this immobilization often negatively affects the structure and the magnetic properties of the final object.

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For this research project, ETH scientists worked with colleagues from the Universities of Lyon and Rennes, College de France in Paris, Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland, and Berkeley National Laboratory in the USA.

Reference

Allouche F et al.: Magnetic Memory from Site Isolated Dy(III) on Silica Materials. ACS Central Science 2017, doi: 10.1021/acscentsci.7b00035
When talk is of important ecosystems, tropical forests are top of the list. After all, half of the carbon stored in all of the Earth's vegetation is contained in these ecosystems. Deforestation has a correspondingly fatal effect. Scientists estimate that this releases 1000 million tonnes of carbon every year, which, in the form of greenhouse gasses, drives up global temperatures. That is not all, however, reveals a new study by the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) and the University of Maryland. A team of scientists has discovered that fragmentation of formerly contiguous areas of forest leads to carbon emissions rising by another third. Researchers emphasise in the scientific journal Nature Communications that this previously neglected effect should be taken into account in future IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) reports.

Mile upon mile of impenetrable green. When researchers travelled through the tropical rain forests of South America, Asia or Africa in centuries gone by, just making headway was a challenge in itself. Rivers were often the only transport links, roads were out of the question in many places. There were also huge areas where humans had not yet left their mark: no settlements or farmland, no deforestation or plantations for miles around.

The picture has changed since then, though. Human activity has cut clearings and trails through the once contiguous tropical forests. But just how far advanced is this fragmentation? And what are the implications for the carbon cycle and therefore for the global climate? These questions were explored by the team headed by UFZ researchers Prof. Andreas Huth and Dr. Rico Fischer in a new study arising from the Helmholtz Alliance "Remote Sensing and Earth System Dynamics".

"We have known for a long time that not only the complete loss of rain forests can exacerbate climate change," explains Andreas Huth. Fragmenting a larger forest area into several smaller ones also impacts the carbon balance. US researchers investigated this effect towards the end of the 1990s in a large-scale experiment on forest land in the vicinity of the Brazilian town of Manaus. They established that location is a decisive factor in the life expectancy of the trees in that area: while around two percent of all trees in the interior of an undisturbed tropical forest die each year, the figure is roughly double for those at the edge.

This is due to the fact that the vegetation at the edges is exposed to an unfavourable micro-climate: direct solar radiation, higher wind speeds and lower air humidities mean that these areas dry out more readily, even in the humid tropics. "Large trees suffer most from this development, because they are reliant on a good supply of water," explains Andreas Huth. Typically, this negative impact extends some hundred metres into the forest.

This means that larger amounts of carbon are released (in the form of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide) from these areas than from the undisturbed interior of the forest. This is because firstly, the micro-organisms that break down dead trees produce copious amounts of CO2, and secondly, there is less vegetation remaining that can remove the greenhouse gas from the air by capturing the carbon in leaves, trunks and roots as part of its growth cycle.

But how much carbon is released at the edges of the tropical forests worldwide? Does it actually play a role in the carbon cycle and therefore in the development of the climate?

"In order to find that out, we combined the findings of the forest land experiments with information from remote sensing and forest modelling," says Rico Fischer. The decisive question in this respect was how many additional forest edges humans have created. The researchers had investigated this issue once before in an earlier study relating to South America, but this time the idea was to address the tropical forests the world over.

An overview of such huge areas can only be obtained with the help of satellite images. Scientists have already used these to prepare maps with a high resolution of 30 metres, sufficient to show the forest coverage of the entire tropics. It is possible to count exactly how many forest fragments there are in each region on these maps. And it is possible to measure what size they are and how long their edges are.

This would have been far too time-consuming by hand, however. "We were not able to deploy the customary computer programs designed to analyse landscapes, either," Andreas Huth reports. They were simply overwhelmed by the huge quantities of data. "We struggled with this issue for a long time," the researcher recalls. At the end of the day, he and his colleagues had no option but to develop their own software capable of exploring forest fragments in the tropics.

When the software finally became operational after 18 months of work, it supplied impressive results within a few hours. According to these findings, 19 percent of all the world's tropical forests are now no more than one hundred metres away from the edge of the forest. "This severe level of fragmentation is clearly due to human activity," says Rico Fischer. This was revealed when the researchers merged their forest coverage maps with other maps depicting different types of vegetation. This made it possible to differentiate between natural transitions such as the ones between forest and savannah and man-made ones such as those between forest and agricultural fields. Accordingly, humans are, from a global perspective, responsible for 84 percent of the total amount of tropical forest fragmentation, although the picture varies slightly from continent to continent. "This relates to historical usage", Andreas Huth explains. For example, especially large amounts of forest are being transformed into agricultural land in South America. In contrast, there are more tree species growing in the forests of South East Asia and Africa that are of economic interest themselves, which means that deforestation in these areas is especially harmful. The varying types of usage, however, lead to different patterns of fragmentation. For example, South America not only has the largest area covered by tropical forests but, correspondingly, also the largest edge areas. The proportion of the edges to the overall forested area is particularly large in Africa, however.

The earth's tropical forests have so far been broken down into a total of some 50 million fragments. And every single one of them has been surveyed by the new special software. It was revealed that the total length of the edges of the tropical forests now amounts to almost 50 million kilometres - that is approximately a third of the distance between the earth and the sun.

Using field data and computer models, it was then possible to calculate the volume of carbon emissions along these forest borders. According to these calculations, fragmentation of the tropical forests leads to approximately 0.34 gigatonnes of additional carbon being released each year. In order to be able to accurately estimate this amount, one should be aware of the fact that the clearing of tropical forests gives rise to carbon emissions of around one gigatonne (1000 million tonnes) every year. Fragmentation of the remaining forests therefore increases this amount by approximately one third.

"Fragmentation therefore plays an important role in the global carbon cycle," says Andreas Huth to summarise. "Despite this fact, this effect has not been taken into consideration at all in the IPCC reports to date". The researchers hope that this will change in future. When dealing with tropical forests, it appears, even more sensitivity is required than previously assumed. To achieve effective climate protection, it will be necessary to stop chopping the forests into ever smaller fragments. Preventing deforestation alone is not enough.

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Further links:

Press release on forest fragmentation in South America:

http://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=35289

The Helmholtz Alliance Remote Sensing and Earth System Dynamics:

http://hgf-eda.de

Overview on long-term fragmentation experiments in forests published in "Nature":

http://www.nature.com/news/forest-ecology-splinters-of-the-amazon-1.12816

FORMIND forest model:

http://www.formind.org
NEW YORK, NY. March 30. The Lupus Research Alliance announced today the Novel Research Grant Class of 2017. The Lupus Research Alliance Novel Research Grants, the proven platform for innovation, make discovery and scientific progress possible. This year's grantees push science out in front and ahead of the curve to deliver 10 innovative approaches seeking results that can transform the lives of people with lupus.

"Standing on a 16-year foundation of documented success, the Novel Research Grants bring new insight and untried directions to the complexities of lupus," said Lupus Research Alliance Co-CEO Margaret Dowd. "The program works because we create a space where scientists are encouraged to explore at the frontiers of current knowledge and to imagine without limits."

Finding the Flaws That Lead to Lupus

When we have a cold or the flu, our immune system fights back against the bug that's making us miserable. In lupus, however, that same immune system mistakenly takes aim at the wrong target -- patients' own organs and tissues. Four 2017 grant recipients are exploring dramatically different approaches to correcting the immune system's critical mistakes.

Mridu Acharya, PhD, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, has found a new pathway in lupus, having identified proteins that normally work together to prevent B cells, a type of immune cell that releases disease-fighting molecules, from targeting patients' cells. Working with human B Cells, she will investigate why these proteins fail to put on the brakes in lupus and potential new treatments to get them working properly again.

Shaun Jackson, MD, PhD, Seattle Children's Hospital, is also taking a fresh look at an old B cell problem, zeroing in on two recently identified molecules that may act as signals to promote immune attacks. Identifying the specific signals responsible for activating B cells and producing dangerous autoantibodies will inform development of potential targeted lupus treatments.

Christian Lood, PhD, University of Washington, is exploring a new treatment approach by examining whether people with lupus do not properly remove excess energy-producing structures, known as mitochondria, thus sparking inflammation. This highly novel project is likely to lead to new targets for therapy and new biomarkers for evaluating disease progression and response to treatment.

Zhiqiang Zhang, PhD, The Methodist Hospital Research Institute, is testing whether the protein he just discovered, APEX1, is responsible for sounding a distress call that stimulates our defensive cells - an impressive discovery that would allow researchers to develop new ways to prevent this false alarm.

Getting the Immune System Back on Track

Like a guard dog that bites its owner instead of a burglar, the cells that normally protect us from infections attack the wrong target in lupus. Three of this year's grant recipients are exploring state-of the-art approaches to induce the immune system to leave the body's cells alone.

Guo-Ping Shi, DSc, Brigham and Women's Hospital is investigating the enzyme Cathepsin S in controlling regulatory T cells, which rein in the immune system, from malfunctioning and to restore their ability to control other defensive cells. Testing in human cells, Dr. Shi's novel and important study has the potential to lead to the development of a novel therapy to prevent and treat lupus.

Natalia Giltiay, PhD, University of Washington plans to teach the immune system to tolerate the body's own cells in much the same way that allergy shots curb abnormal reactions to allergens. This novel approach to inducing immune system "tolerance" has never been applied to lupus before and may lead to a new effective treatment.

Anthony Rongvaux, PhD, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center is using state-of-the-art technology to study a newly discovered process that may cause or worsen lupus and whether molecules involved in this process are potential targets to validate and advance new treatments that may reverse symptoms.

Testing Old Drugs for New Treatments

Developing new drugs is difficult, expensive, and takes years. But sometimes researchers find that existing drugs work against diseases they weren't designed to treat. Two of this year's grant recipients are asking whether the next lupus treatment is already on pharmacy shelves.

Vipin Kumar, PhD, University of California, San Diego, is testing a novel hypothesis backed by his preliminary data; he will explore a drug used to fight tropical parasites as a potential oral medication to prevent and treat kidney damage in lupus.

John Zhang, DVM, PhD, Medical University of South Carolina, is confirming initial findings and now testing in human cells whether the chemotherapy topotecan could offer an effective treatment to reduce inflammation in lupus. Topotecan blocks Fli-1, a protein Dr. Zhang and his team have determined worsens lupus symptoms.

Improving the Lives of Young People with Lupus

Up to 50% of children with lupus develop neuropsychiatric disorders, but they often don't receive the right mental health care. One 2017 grant recipient is asking whether technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can change that.

Andrea Knight, MD, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, is developing a new biomarker to better detect and diagnose neuropsychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety that are common in pediatric patients so they can receive treatment and get relief sooner.

The answers to these 10 scientific questions hold breakthroughs that can transform lupus treatment and help advance toward prevention and a cure. With your continued support, we can bring more brilliant minds and new scientific talent to lupus research for pivotal discoveries that make a real difference.

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About Lupus

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and tissue damage to any organ system in the body. The health effects of lupus include heart attacks, strokes, seizures, organ failure, and possible death.

About the Lupus Research Alliance

The Lupus Research Alliance is the largest private funder of lupus research, united to free the world from lupus by harnessing the power of innovative science to make a difference for people living with the prototypical autoimmune disease. Through the power of collaboration, we are relentlessly focused on seizing every opportunity to transform the lives of all affected - patients, families, loved ones and the entire lupus community.
New research shows large spillover from the lab to commercial activity

Research grants issued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) contribute to a significant number of private-sector patents in biomedicine, according to a new study co-authored by an MIT professor.

The study, published in the journal Science, examines 27 years of data and finds that 31 percent of NIH grants, which are publicly funded, produce articles that are later cited by patents in the biomedical sector.

"The impact on the private sector is a lot more important in magnitude than what we might have thought before," says Pierre Azoulay, a professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management, who is one of the authors of the paper.

After reviewing over 365,000 grants -- making this a uniquely large study -- the research also finds that over 8 percent of NIH grants generate a patent directly.

Intriguingly, the researchers also find no significant difference between "basic" or "applied" research grants in terms of the frequency with which those projects helped generate patents; both kinds of research spill over into productive private-sector uses.

"If you thought the NIH exists in an ivory tower, you're wrong," Azoulay says. "They are the nexus of knowledge that really unifies two worlds."

The paper, "The Applied Value of Public Investments in Biomedical Research," is co-authored by Azoulay, who is the International Programs Professor of Management at MIT Sloan; Danielle Li PhD '12, an assistant professor at Harvard Business School; and Bhaven Sampat, an associate professor at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health.

Decades of grants

The NIH, which has its main campus in Bethesda, Maryland, encompasses multiple research institutes and is the world's biggest source of public funding for biomedical research, dispersing about $32 billion annually in grants.

To conduct the study, the scholars examined 365,380 NIH grants funded between 1980 and 2007 -- nearly every NIH grant awarded for decades. Exactly 30,829 were the direct basis for patents; 17,093 of those were so-called "Bayh-Dole" patents issued to universities and hospitals, something federal legislation made possible starting in 1980.

Of the NIH grants, 112,408 were additionally cited in a total of 81,462 private-sector patents.

And as the authors put it in the new paper, even these NIH-backed research projects that are indirectly cited in later patents "demonstrate the additional reach that publicly funded science can have by building a foundation for private-sector R&D."

Azoulay, an economist who studies the production and dissemination of scientific knowledge, says the bottom-line figures in the study -- the 31 percent and 8 percent of NIH grants that contribute to and more directly generate patents -- strike him as being significantly large because of the broad scope of research the NIH supports.

"There is a lot of research we wouldn't necessarily expect to be relied upon in a patent," Azoulay explains.

He also noted that such research can be characterized as either "basic" or "applied"; the researchers found little difference in the long-term patent-creating productivity of those categories.

For instance, some research projects can be considered more directly "disease-oriented" than others, but even by this yardstick, the frequency of patent generation does not vary greatly. About 35 percent of "disease-oriented" NIH grants led to patents, compared to 30 percent otherwise.

Overall, Azoulay says, the flow of knowledge from NIH research projects to the commercial market seems clear.

"Grants produce papers, and papers are cited by patents used by pharmaceutical firms," says Azoulay. "It's hard to think of an innovation [in biomedicine] that doesn't have a patent."

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Continuing research

The current project is one of multiple related studies that Azoulay and his colleagues -- including Li, who will join the MIT faculty in July 2017 -- have conducted on the impact of publicly funded science.

A 2015 working paper released by Azoulay, Li, Sampat, and Joshua Graff Zivin, a professor at the University of California at San Diego, estimated that every $1 of public NIH funding yielded between $1.5 and $2 in private-sector pharmaceutical drug sales. That study is still undergoing peer review.

The current research was conducted partly with the support of the National Science Foundation's Science of Science and Innovation Policy program (SciSIP).

Additional background

ARCHIVE: 3 questions: Pierre Azoulay on the value of funding the NIH

http://news.mit.edu/2015/3-questions-pierre-azoulay-nih-funding-0206

ARCHIVE: Should scientists handle retractions differently?http://news.mit.edu/2014/academic-paper-retractions-0905

ARCHIVE: How the 'Matthew Effect' helps some scientific papers gain popularityhttp://news.mit.edu/2014/how-the-matthew-effect-helps-some-scientific-papers-gain-popularity-0127

ARCHIVE: Scientists: This man has your numberhttp://news.mit.edu/2012/profile-azoulay-0229

ARCHIVE: Tracking the flow of knowledgehttp://news.mit.edu/2011/knowledge-flow-azoulay-0519
Large groups practicing the advanced Transcendental Meditation program were associated with significant reductions in murder rates in US urban areas during the period 2007-2010

Following up on a 2016 study on group meditation that found a 21.2% reduction in the national homicide rate during the period 2007-2010, a new study focusing on 206 large US urban areas found an even greater decrease of 28.4% in the murder rate. In both studies, the reductions during the period 2007-2010 were in comparison to the baseline period 2002-2006.

In their study, published in the Journal of Health and Environmental Research, the authors suggest that these results are consistent with the hypothesis that a sufficiently large group practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique and its advanced program, the TM-Sidhi program would lead to reduced societal stress, as reflected in reduced rates of murder and violence. This group practice is said to create a positive effect in the environment due to a hypothesized "field effect of consciousness."

During 2007-2010, the size of the TM-Sidhi group located at Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, Iowa, was above or near 1,725 participants, the size predicted to have a positive influence on the US quality of life. This predicted threshold represents the square root of 1% of the US population at that time.

"In view of the recent increases in murder rates in large US cities, the results of this prospective social experiment should be of particular interest to government policy makers seeking an effective method of reducing urban violence," said lead author Dr. Kenneth Cavanaugh.

"This study and 17 other peer-reviewed studies suggest that one's individual consciousness is directly connected to an underlying, universal field of consciousness, and that by collectively enlivening that universal field through the Transcendental Meditation technique, such a group can have a positive effect on the quality of life in society," added coauthor Dr. Michael Dillbeck.

28.4% reduction compared to previous four-year period

The study found that a slightly increasing trend in murder rate during the baseline period 2002 to 2006 shifted significantly to a declining trend during the four-year period 2007 through 2010. As a result, the urban murder rate was reduced 28.4% relative to the 2002-2006 average. The researchers estimated 4,136 murders in the 206 cities were averted by the significantly reduced trend in murder rates.

They calculated that the probability that the reduced trend in murder rates could simply be due to chance was 1 in 10 million million.

Rising murder rates cause concern

Despite long-term declines in US murder and other violent crime rates from their peak in the early 1990s, recent increases in these rates have led to heightened concern among policy makers and the general public.

Beginning at historically low levels not experienced since the early 1960s, the national murder rate (murder and non-negligent manslaughter) increased 10.8% in 2015, the largest increase in 25 years. Ten large cities with an average population of about one million experienced a disproportionately large surge in homicides during 2015. Preliminary data indicate that continued increases in national murder rates in 2016 were also being driven by a handful of large US cities.

"The 2015-2016 increase in US murder and violent crime rates, especially in urban areas, highlights the need to consider new, alternative approaches to reducing violence that might help address this important national issue," said Dr. Dillbeck.

Using time series analysis to compare trends

The researchers first calculated a baseline trend for monthly murder rates during 2002-2006 for all 206 urban areas over 100,000 population for which uninterrupted FBI data were available. They then used time series intervention analysis to compare that baseline with the corresponding trend for the intervention period 2007-2010.

A slightly rising trend in the urban murder rate (see Figures 1 and 2) during the baseline was reversed significantly when the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi group exceeded 1,725 participants beginning in January 2007 (vertical dashed line in Figure 1). This declining trend continued through 2010. (The irregular ups and downs of the murder rate shown in Figure 1 are largely due to seasonal fluctuations around the trend.)

A hypothesized "field effect of consciousness"

The Transcendental Meditation technique is said to allow the mind to settle down to quieter states and ultimately experience "pure consciousness" or "pure awareness," in which the mind is aware but without an object of thought. EEG research and subjective reports suggest the existence of this unique state. Research has found that experience of this state results in benefits such as reduced stress and increased brain integration.

According to Dr. Cavanaugh, "The basis for the hypothesized effect on society is that consciousness in its pure form, pure consciousness, has a field-like character and is a universal field at the basis of everyone's thought and behavior. When the participants in a group equal to or exceeding the square root of one percent of the entire population are experiencing pure consciousness during group practice of the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi program, the field of pure consciousness is enlivened in the entire population. This will positively influence all others in society, leading to development in the same holistic direction as experienced by individuals practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique."

Reduction not explainable by factors such as policing

The authors noted that reductions in the trends of murder rates occurred at the predicted time and in the predicted direction, and this reduction could not be predicted from baseline trends or seasonal cycles.

The researchers also were able to rule out other alternative explanations. The reduction in murder rates could not be explained by such factors as unemployment and national economic conditions, changes in incarceration rates, police strategy and police technology, urban demographics, police reporting standards, or temperature changes. And for the first time in a major economic downturn since 1945, the murder and violent crime rates failed to rise during the severe recession of December 2007 to June 2009.

The authors point out that the study's findings are especially noteworthy because these 206 large urban areas pose a particularly difficult challenge to any proposed initiative to help reduce urban rates of murder and violence. These cities experience higher poverty rates, lower educational levels, higher unemployment, greater social instability, and other predictors of higher rates of violent crime than the rest of the US.

A total of eighteen peer-reviewed articles have now been published validating the prediction by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of the Transcendental Meditation program, that a TM-Sidhi group of this size would lead to reduced societal stress, as reflected in reduced crime, violence, accidents, illness, and increased positive trends in society.

Fourth study in a series

The study, titled "Field Effects of Consciousness and Reduction in US Urban Murder Rates: Evaluation of a Prospective, Quasi-Experiment," was published in the Journal of Health and Environmental Research, March 2017.

This article is the fourth in a series that comprehensively evaluates the impact of the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi group on the US quality of life and public health.

The first in the series, published in 2016 in SAGE Open journal, reported a highly significant 21.2% reduction in the US national homicide rate during the same 2007-2010 period, resulting in the prevention of an estimated 8,157 homicides. A reduction of 18.5% in violent crime rates in 206 urban areas was also found, thus averting an estimated 186,774 violent crimes.

The second article in the series, published in the January/February 2017 issue of the Journal of Consciousness Studies, found a highly significant reduction of 20.6% in the rate of US motor vehicle fatalities and 13.5% in the rate of all other accidental fatalities during the same experimental period. The study estimates that 19,435 motor vehicle fatalities and 16,759 other accidental deaths were averted by the significantly reduced trends in fatality rates.

The third in the series, published in the March 2017 issue of SAGE Open, found a highly significant reduction of 30.4% in the US drug-related death rate and 12.5% in the rate of infant mortality. The researchers estimate that 26,425 drug-related fatalities and 992 infant deaths were averted by the significantly reduced trends in fatality rates.

In view of these findings, the authors invite governments to implement and evaluate this scientifically validated approach to reducing violence and other negative trends in society.

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Field Effects of Consciousness and Reduction in US Urban Murder Rates: Evaluation of a Prospective, Quasi-Experiment. Kenneth L. Cavanaugh and Michael C. Dillbeck, Institute of Science, Technology, and Public Policy, Maharishi University of Management, Fairfield, Iowa. DOI: 10.11648/j.jher.s.2017030301.13
In mice, exposure of the bladder to a common vaginal bacterium awakened dormant Escherichia coli and triggered recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Published in PLOS Pathogens, these findings could help improve understanding of recurrent UTIs in women.

Millions of women around the world experience recurrent bladder infections. Many recurrent UTIs are thought to occur when dormant E. coli present in the lining of the bladder are reactivated, causing a new infection. However, potential triggers of this reactivation have remained unclear.

Nicole Gilbert , Valerie O'Brien, and Amanda Lewis of Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis considered the idea that certain vaginal bacteria, which are mechanically transferred to the urinary tract during sexual activity, may damage bladder tissue and lead to reactivation of E. coli infection.

To test this hypothesis, Lewis's team raised mice with dormant E. coli reservoirs in their bladders and exposed their urinary tracts to two vaginal bacteria species commonly found in women. Lactobacillus crispatus, found in high proportions in the healthy vagina, had no effects. However, Gardnerella vaginalis, which can cause problems in the reproductive tract when it grows excessively, damaged the cells lining the bladder and activated the dormant E. coli, which emerged to cause a new infection.

Mice exposed to G. vaginalis, which was eliminated rapidly from the bladder, were also more likely to experience life-threatening consequences of the recurrent E. coli UTI, including severe kidney damage and systemic infection. The effects of G. vaginalis persisted after the bacterium was no longer present in the urinary tract.

These results indicate the first plausible trigger of recurrent UTIs from dormant E. coli in the bladder. They could also help explain previously found links between vaginal bacteria species, sexual activity, and risk of recurrent UTIs in women.

Recurrent UTIs are usually treated with antibiotics to kill the E. coli. If occasional exposure to G. vaginalis does, indeed, cause recurrent infection in some women, then it could serve as a potential new target of treatments to prevent recurrent UTIs. In light of the rise of multi-drug resistant E. coli, such a strategy could prove especially appealing.

"One of the important findings of this study is that Gardnerella can cause damage to organs of the urinary tract even in the absence of E. coli.," explains Dr. Lewis. "This has exciting implications, suggesting that Gardnerella exposures to the bladder could be important for urologic diseases beyond recurrent UTI that we don't fully understand."

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In your coverage please use this URL to provide access to the freely available article in PLOS Pathogens: http://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.1006238

Citation: Gilbert NM, O'Brien VP, Lewis AL (2017) Transient microbiota exposures activate dormant Escherichia coli infection in the bladder and drive severe outcomes of recurrent disease. PLoS Pathog 13(3): e1006238. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1006238

Funding: This work was supported by the Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research at Washington University School of Medicine (Pilot Research Award to NMG), by the American Heart Association: #12POST12050583 (NMG) and #14POST20020011 (NMG), by the National Science Foundation (Graduate Research Fellowship to VPO#DGE - 1143954), and by the National Institutes of Health, NIAID: R01 AI114635 (ALL) and NIDDK: R21 DK092586 (ALL) and P50 DK064540-11 (SJH, project II PI:ALL). Some of the animal studies were performed in a facility supported by NCRR grant C06 RR015502. Initial SEM studies were performed by the Research Center for Auditory and Vestibular Studies, supported by the NIH NIDCD Grant. Additional SEM was performed at the Washington University Center for Cellular Imaging (WUCCI) supported by Washington University School of Medicine, The Children's Discovery Institute of Washington University and St. Louis Children's Hospital, the Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital and the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NS086741). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist
Rice University compressive-sensing pioneer Richard Baraniuk has won one of the Defense Department's most coveted basic research awards: a five-year fellowship worth up to $3 million for "blue sky" basic research that could produce revolutionary new technologies.

Baraniuk is one of 13 Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellows announced March 29 by the department. The fellows program provides extensive, long-term financial support for basic research by distinguished U.S. university scientists and engineers. It was launched in 2008 as the National Security Science and Engineering Faculty Fellowship program and renamed this year in honor of Vannevar Bush, an American engineer and inventor who headed U.S. scientific research during World War II and later helped found the National Science Foundation.

Baraniuk, Rice's Victor E. Cameron Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, is one of the world's leading experts on compressive sensing, a branch of signal processing based on mathematical techniques developed in 2004 that enables engineers to glean useful information from far fewer data samples than would typically be required.

Baraniuk holds 28 U.S. patents and six foreign patents in signal processing and acquisition, including a dozen related to compressive sensing. For example, in 2006 Baraniuk and colleagues used compressive sensing to create the world's first single-pixel camera and they followed that up in 2015 with FlatCam, a lens-less camera thinner than a dime that can be fabricated like a microchip.

"There are nearly 1 trillion Internet-connected sensors on Earth, and the resulting deluge of data from all those sensors stresses our capability to process, understand and make decisions in real time, all of which are important for national security," Baraniuk said.

"Compressive sensing is one of most exciting new approaches for solving these problems, but there are still misunderstandings and misconceptions about it," he said. "Compressive sensing is not a panacea, but it does afford opportunities to profoundly rethink signal models, dimensionality reduction and recovery algorithms. Our Bush Fellow research program will explore, characterize, optimize and introduce new sensing trade-offs that aim to broaden the applicability of the concept, improve its performance in the wild and enable radically new sensing and processing capabilities."

Baraniuk and the class of 2017 Bush Fellows join an elite group of 58 scientists and engineers previously recognized by the National Security Science and Engineering Faculty Fellows program. These include Rice nanophotonics pioneer Naomi Halas, the Stanley C. Moore Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and professor of chemistry, of bioengineering, of physics and astronomy and of materials science and nanoengineering.

Baraniuk joined Rice in 1992. In addition to his research in signal processing, he's a well-known pioneer in open education. He founded Rice-based Connexions in 1999 to bring textbooks and other learning materials to the Internet, and in 2012 founded Rice-based open textbook publisher OpenStax, whose freely available textbooks have been used by more than 1.8 million college students.

Baraniuk is a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), been thrice recognized as a Thomson Reuters' Highly Cited Researcher, is a three-time winner of Rice's George R. Brown Award for Superior Teaching and the winner of Rice's 2014 Presidential Mentoring Award. His other honors and awards include the 2012 Compressive Sampling Pioneer Award and the 2008 Wavelet Pioneer Award, both from the International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE); the 2015 IEEE James H. Mulligan Education Medal; and the IEEE Signal Processing Society's Best Paper (2015), Technical Achievement (2014) and Education (2010) awards.

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Related compressive sensing research from Rice:

Random DNA + high-tech math = 'universal microbial diagnostic' -- Sept. 28, 2016

http://news.rice.edu/2016/09/28/random-dna-high-tech-math-universal-microbial-diagnostic/

No lens? No problem for FlatCam -- Nov. 23, 2015

http://news.rice.edu/2015/11/23/no-lens-no-problem-for-flatcam/

Rice tapped for role in computing research center -- Aug. 18, 2009

http://news.rice.edu/2009/08/18/rice-tapped-for-role-in-computing-research-center/

Single pixel camera has multiple futures -- Oct. 14, 2008

http://news.rice.edu/2008/10/14/single-pixel-camera-has-multiple-futures/

Rice's single-pixel camera takes high-res images -- Oct. 2, 2006

http://news.rice.edu/2006/10/02/rices-single-pixel-camera-takes-high-res-images/

This release can be found online at news.rice.edu.

Follow Rice News and Media Relations on Twitter @RiceUNews.

Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. With 3,879 undergraduates and 2,861 graduate students, Rice's undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked No. 1 for happiest students and for lots of race/class interaction by the Princeton Review. Rice is also rated as a best value among private universities by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. To read "What they're saying about Rice," go to http://tinyurl.com/RiceUniversityoverview.
HOUSTON - (March 30, 2017) - To stand up to the heat and pressure of next-generation rocket engines, the composite fibers used to make them should be fuzzy.

The Rice University laboratory of materials scientist Pulickel Ajayan, in collaboration with NASA, has developed "fuzzy fibers" of silicon carbide that act like Velcro and stand up to the punishment that materials experience in aerospace applications.

The fibers strengthen composites used in advanced rocket engines that have to withstand temperatures up to 1,600 degrees Celsius (2,912 degrees Fahrenheit). Ceramic composites in rockets now being developed use silicon carbide fibers to strengthen the material, but they can crack or become brittle when exposed to oxygen.

The Rice lab embedded silicon carbide nanotubes and nanowires into the surface of NASA's fibers. The exposed parts of the fibers are curly and act like the hooks and loops that make Velcro so valuable - but on the nanoscale.

The result, according to lead researchers Amelia Hart, a Rice graduate student, and Chandra Sekhar Tiwary, a Rice postdoctoral associate, creates very strong interlocking connections where the fibers tangle; this not only makes the composite less prone to cracking but also seals it to prevent oxygen from changing the fiber's chemical composition.

The work is detailed in the American Chemical Society journal Applied Materials and Interfaces.

The work began when Hart, who had been studying the growth of carbon nanotubes on ceramic wool, met Michael Meador, then a scientist at NASA's Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, at the kickoff reception for Rice's Materials Science and NanoEngineering Department. (Meador is now nanotechnology project manager at NASA's Game Changing Technologies program.)

That led to a fellowship in Cleveland and the chance to combine her ideas with those of NASA research engineer and paper co-author Janet Hurst. "She was partially converting silicon carbide from carbon nanotubes," Hart said. "We used her formulation and my ability to grow nanotubes and figured out how to make the new composite."

Back at Rice, Hart and her colleagues grew their hooks and loops by first bathing silicon carbide fiber in an iron catalyst and then using water-assisted chemical vapor deposition, a process developed in part at Rice, to embed a carpet of carbon nanotubes directly into the surface. These become the template for the final product. The fibers were then heated in silicon nanopowder at high temperature, which converts the carbon nanotubes to silicon carbide "fuzz."

The researchers hope their fuzzy fibers will upgrade the strong, light and heat-resistant silicon carbide fibers that, when put in ceramic composites, are being tested for robust nozzles and other parts in rocket engines. "The silicon carbide fiber they already use is stable to 1,600 C," Tiwary said. "So we're confident that attaching silicon carbide nanotubes and wires to add strength will make it even more cutting-edge."

The new materials should also make entire turbo engines significantly lighter, Hart said. "Before they used silicon carbide composites, many engine parts were made of nickel superalloys that had to incorporate a cooling system, which added weight to the whole thing," she said. "By switching to ceramic matrix composites, they could take out the cooling system and go to higher temperatures. Our material will allow the creation of larger, longer-lasting turbo jet engines that go to higher temperatures than ever before."

Friction and compression testing showed the lateral force needed to move silicon carbide nanotubes and wires over each other was much greater than that needed to slide past either plain nanotubes or unenhanced fibers, the researchers reported. They were also able to easily bounce back from high compression applied with a nano-indenter, which showed their ability to resist breaking down for longer amounts of time.

Tests to see how well the fibers handled heat showed plain carbon nanotubes burning away from the fibers, but the silicon carbide nanotubes easily resisted temperatures of up to 1,000 C.

Hart said the next step will be to apply her conversion techniques to other carbon nanomaterials to create unique three-dimensional materials for additional applications.

###

David Ruth

713-348-6327

david@rice.edu

Mike Williams

713-348-6728

mikewilliams@rice.edu

Other co-authors of the paper are Rice alumni John Hamel and Thierry Tsafack, visiting student Yusuke Ito, graduate students Ryota Koizumi, Peter Samora Owuor, Sehmus Ozden and Kunttal Keyshar and faculty research fellow Robert Vajtai, all of Rice; Sanjit Bhowmik and S.A. Syed Asif of Hysitron Inc., Minneapolis, part of Bruker Corp.; and intern Rahul Mital of the NASA Glenn Research Center.

Ajayan is chair of Rice's Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, the Benjamin M. and Mary Greenwood Anderson Professor in Engineering and a professor of chemistry. The NASA Jenkins Fellowship and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research through its 3-D Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative grant supported the research.

Read the abstract at http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsami.7b01378

This news release can be found online at http://news.rice.edu/2017/03/30/fuzzy-fibers-can-take-rockets-heat/

Follow Rice News and Media Relations via Twitter @RiceUNews

Related materials:

Ajayan Research Group: http://ajayan.rice.edu

Rice Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering: https://msne.rice.edu

Images for download:

http://news.rice.edu/files/2017/03/0403_FUZZY-1-WEB-13q0e22.jpg

Silicon carbide nanotubes attached to separate silicon carbide fibers, used by NASA, entangle each other in this electron microscope image. The material created at Rice University is intended for a ceramic composite that would make rocket engines stronger, lighter and better able to withstand extreme heat. (Credit: Ajayan Research Group/Rice University)

http://news.rice.edu/files/2017/03/0403_FUZZY-2-WEB-t0xh0z.jpg

Carbon nanotubes grown on the silicon carbide fiber at left was burned with a lighter by researchers at Rice University. At right, the same fiber shows the nanotubes have been burned away. (Credit: Ajayan Research Group/Rice University)

http://news.rice.edu/files/2017/03/0403_FUZZY-3-WEB-vimv20.jpg

A silicon carbide fiber enhanced with a carpet of "fuzzy" carbide nanotubes created at Rice University is shown at left. The same fiber with fuzz intact appears at right after researchers burned it with a lighter. (Credit: Ajayan Research Group/Rice University)

http://news.rice.edu/files/2017/03/0403_FUZZY-4-WEB-1nappei.jpg

"Fuzzy" silicon carbide fibers used by NASA were enhanced at Rice University with silicon carbide nanotubes that act like hook-and-loop Velcro on the nanoscale. The material is intended to become part of a composite for stronger, lighter and more heat-resistant rocket engines and other aerospace materials. (Credit: Ajayan Research Group/Rice University)

http://news.rice.edu/files/2017/03/0403_FUZZY-5-WEB-1iiofml.jpg

Rice University graduate student Amelia Hart holds "fuzzy" silicon carbide fibers enhanced with silicon carbide nanotubes that entangle each other when put inside a ceramic composite and add strength and resistance to extreme heat. (Credit: Ajayan Research Group/Rice University)

Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. With 3,879 undergraduates and 2,861 graduate students, Rice's undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked No. 1 for happiest students and for lots of race/class interaction by the Princeton Review. Rice is also rated as a best value among private universities by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. To read "What they're saying about Rice," go to http://tinyurl.com/RiceUniversityoverview.
HUNTSVILLE, TX (3/30/17) -- After 10 years of research and a bookcase full of documents, Professor Willard Oliver of Sam Houston State University, College of Criminal Justice published a comprehensive biography of August Vollmer, known as the "Father of American Policing."

Vollmer, the former police chief of Berkeley, CA, ushered in a new era of professionalism in policing, which led to the first criminology program at the University of California, Berkeley in 1916, the forerunner of criminal justice and criminology programs today.

In addition to promoting education for his officers, Vollmer is credited with modernizing local policing agencies by collaborating with others to launch the first free-standing police crime lab in Los Angeles and to introduce the polygraph exam as well as one-way radios in his department. Vollmer was the first to use hot spot policing in 1924 to target high crime areas, a popular practice not routinely used until the 1990s.

Vollmer came from humble beginnings. After fighting in the Spanish American War, he was appointed a postal carrier in Berkeley. In 1904 while on his route, he stopped a runaway rail car before it plowed into a commuter train filled with people. Celebrated as a hero, Vollmer was urged to run for town marshal to replace the corrupt incumbent, who represented the old guard of politicized policing at the turn of the century. Vollmer was elected and then became police chief when the community adopted its city charter 1909. He also served a year as police chief in Los Angeles.

Oliver browsed news archives and found 17,000 listings for "August Vollmer." He eventually ended up with 10,000 newspaper articles on Vollmer. He spent seven weeks at the library at the University of Berkeley, reading through Vollmer's papers. He also spent days working at the Berkeley Police Department, sifting through historical records in the department.

The result is an 800-page book written in popular biographical style.

Through his research, Oliver discovered Vollmer was a humanitarian, treating prisoners with dignity and respect.

Despite his successes, Vollmer's life ended at age 79 by suicide. Oliver didn't shy away from the topic; instead he explored potential reasons behind it through both his supporters and detractors.

For Oliver, the book was clearly a labor of love.

"Some of his ideas and his influences, we still see in policing today," said Oliver. "He was certainly a man ahead of his time."

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August Vollmer: The Father of American Policing is available from Carolina Academic. http://www.cap-press.com/books/isbn/9781611635591/August-Vollmer
Thanks to a new sensor system developed collaboratively by Professor Andreas Schutze and his research team at Saarland University and a group of industrial project partners, unnecessary oil changes could well be a thing of the past. The new system can provide operators of combined heat and power plants with reliable continuous feedback on the current state of the oil. And the system can also warn the operator if the condition of the oil suddenly deteriorates. The oil flows through a small measuring cell where it is analysed spectroscopically to record the condition of the oil. The method offers numerous benefits: it is better for the environment, it lowers operating costs and it simplifies maintenance scheduling.

The team of engineers will be presenting the system at Hannover Messe at the Saarland Research and Innovation Stand (Hall 2, Stand B46).

For an engine to survive it needs oil. Oil prevents an engine overheating and reduces friction and wear. But as time goes on, the oil deteriorates as it begins to oxidize. Water begins to accumulate in the oil and at some point the additives that help to maintain the oil's lubrication properties have been consumed. To avoid damaging the engine, the oil has to be changed. But when exactly has that point been reached? The problem up until now has been that the oil change point could only be determined precisely by regular laboratory examinations. For safety's sake, the oil in the engines of cars or CHP power plants is therefore changed at regular intervals, but in many of those cases the oil could have been used for longer. However, things now look set to change thanks to a new approach that is being showcased by Professor Andreas Schutze and his team at Hannover Messe.

'In our method we put a small measuring cell into the engine, through which oil flows while the engine is running. As a result, we can continuously monitor the quality of the oil and provide a running forecast of when the next oil change is likely to be due. This enables maintenance work to be scheduled more conveniently and it reliably eliminates the risk of expensive engine damage from a sudden deterioration in the condition of the oil,' explains Schutze.

The measuring cell continuously monitors the chemical composition of the oil. The oil is irradiated with infrared light, and the light that passes through the oil is detected. 'When the chemical make-up of the oil changes, so too does the spectrum of the infrared light that we detect. This enables us to infer the chemical condition of the oil, measure the degree of oxidation and determine whether water has entered the system,' explains Eliseo Pignanelli, a graduate engineer who helped to develop the method. The data from the measuring cell can be fed to the control system or remote monitoring system so that the engineering team can evaluate the data no matter where the plant or equipment is located.

Combined heat and power (CHP) plants generate electricity and heat locally at the site where they are needed and thus offer a way of supplying heat and power independently of the major distribution networks. Small-scale CHP plants find use in industry, schools, hospitals and even private homes. These mini cogeneration plants achieve a high level of efficiency. CHP plants can remove the need to transport energy - a process that never occurs without energy loss -- and any surplus electricity not used by the local consumer can be fed back into the public grid. The regular oil changes that have to be carried out in CHP plants have a negative impact both economically and environmentally. 'In gas-fired CHP plants, the oil is currently changed every 1500 operating hours, no matter whether strictly necessary or not. That is bad for the environment and also puts up plant operating costs -- a situation that can be avoided with our measuring system,' explains Andreas Schutze.

The Saarbrucken sensor system can be installed as a standard component in CHP plants. In addition to being fitted in cogeneration systems, the sensor system can also be installed in industrial plants, wind turbines, machinery or even used in mobile equipment. It is also suitable for monitoring other liquids.

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The Saarbrucken engineering team have developed the system in a variety of research projects at Saarland University and at the Centre for Mechatronics and Automation Technology (ZeMA) that were carried out in collaboration with other academic and industrial partners. The work involving oil sensors in CHP plants was conducted in cooperation with EAW, WEGRA and ZILA - companies from Thuringia in eastern central Germany that are specialized in CHP plants, plant construction engineering and sensor systems. The research projects received financial support from the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the Saarland Ministry of Economics and the European Regional Development Fund.

A press photograph is available at http://www.uni-saarland.de/pressefotos and can be used at no charge.

Contact:

Prof. Dr. Andreas Schutze:

Tel.: +49 (0)681 302-4663

schuetze@lmt.uni-saarland.de

Dipl.-Ing. Eliseo Pignanelli:

Tel.: +49 (0)681 85787-44

e.pignanelli@lmt.uni-saarland.de

http://www.lmt.uni-saarland.de

The Saarland Research and Innovation Stand (Hall 2, Stand B46) at Hannover Messe can be reached by calling +49 (0)681 302-68500.

Background:

Saarland University, Saarland University of Applied Sciences (htw saar) and industrial partners are working together at ZeMA -- Centre for Mechatronics and Automation Technology in Saarbrucken to strengthen the fields of mechatronic engineering and industrial automation in Saarland and to promote technology transfer. ZeMA is home to a large number of industry-specific development projects as well as projects aimed at transforming research findings into practical industrial applications. http://www.zema.de/

The Saarland Research and Innovation Stand is organized by Saarland University's Contact Centre for Technology Transfer (KWT). KWT is the central point of contact for companies interested in exploring opportunities for cooperation and collaboration with researchers at Saarland University. http://www.uni-saarland.de/kwt
Scientists have discovered a group of materials which could pave the way for a new generation of high-efficiency lighting, solving a quandary which has inhibited the performance of display technology for decades. The development of energy saving concepts in display and lighting applications is a major focus of research, since a fifth of the world's electricity is used for generating light.

Writing in Science this week, the team, from the University of Cambridge, the University of East Anglia and the University of Eastern Finland, describes how it developed a new type of material that uses rotatable molecules to emit light faster than has ever been achieved before. It could lead to televisions, smart-phone displays and room lights which are more power-efficient, brighter and longer lasting than those currently on the market.

Corresponding author, Dr Dan Credgington, of the University of Cambridge's Cavendish Laboratory, says: "It's amazing that the very first demonstration of this new kind of material already beats the performance of technologies which have taken decades to develop. If the effect we have discovered can be harnessed across the spectrum, it could change the way we generate light."

Molecular materials are the driving force behind modern organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Invented in the 1980s, these devices emit light when electricity is applied to the organic (carbon based) molecules in them. OLED lighting is now widely used in televisions, computers and mobile phones. However it has to overcome a fundamental issue which has limited efficiency when it comes to converting electrical energy into light.

Passing an electric current through these molecules puts them into an excited state, but only 25% of these are 'bright' states that can emit light rapidly. The remaining 75% are 'dark' states that usually waste their energy as heat limiting the efficiency of the OLED device. This mode of operation produces more heat than light just like in an old fashioned filament light bulb. The underlying reason is a quantum property called 'spin' and the dark states have the wrong type.

One approach to tackle this problem is to use rare elements, such as iridium, which help the dark states to emit light by allowing them to change their spin. The problem is this process takes too long, so the energy tied up in the dark states can build up to damaging levels and make the OLED unstable. This effect is such a problem for blue emitting materials (blue light has the highest energy of all the colours) that, in practice, the approach can't be used.

Chemists at the University of East Anglia have now developed a new type of material where two different organic molecules are joined together by an atom of copper or gold. The resulting structure looks a bit like a propeller. The compounds, which can be made by a simple one-pot procedure from readily available materials, were found to be surprisingly luminescent. By rotating their "propeller", dark states formed on these materials become twisted, which allows them to change their spin quickly. The process significantly increases the rate at which electrical energy is converted into light achieving an efficiency of almost 100% and preventing the damaging build-up of dark states.

Dr Dawei Di and Dr Le Yang, from Cambridge, were co-lead authors, along with Dr Alexander Romanov, from the UEA. He says:

"Our discovery that simple compounds of copper and gold can be used as bright and efficient materials for OLEDs demonstrates how chemistry can bring tangible benefits to society. All previous attempts to build OLEDs based on these metals have led to only mediocre success. The problem is that those materials required the sophisticated organic molecules to be bound with copper but has not met industrial standards. Our results address an on-going research and development challenge which can bring affordable high-tech OLED products to every home."

Computational modelling played a major role in uncovering this novel way of harnessing intramolecular twisting motions for energy conversion.

Professor Mikko Linnolahti, of the University of Eastern Finland, where this was done, comments:

"This work forms the case study for how we can explain the principles behind the functioning of these new materials and their application in OLEDS."

The next step is to design new molecules that take full advantage of this mechanism, with the ultimate goal of removing the need for rare elements entirely. This would solve the longest standing problem in the field - how to make OLEDs without having to trade-off between efficiency and stability.

Co-lead author, Dr Dawei Di, of the Cavendish Laboratory, says:

"Our work shows that excited-state spin and molecular motion can work together to strongly impact the performance of OLEDs. This is an excellent demonstration of how quantum mechanics, an important branch of fundamental science, can have direct consequences for a commercial application which has a massive global market."

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Reference

Dawei Di et al: "High-performance light-emitting diodes based on carbene-metal-amides" is published in Science 30th March 2017

http://science.sciencemag.org/lookup/doi/10.1126/science.aah4345

DOI 10.1126/science.aah4345

Contact details

Paul Seagrove

Research Communications Officer,

University of Cambridge

Tel: +44 (0)1223 765542

Mob: +44 (0)7739 160561

Email: paul.seagrove@admin.cam.ac.uk

About the University of Cambridge

The mission of the University of Cambridge is to contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning and research at the highest international levels of excellence. To date, 96 affiliates of the University have won the Nobel Prize.

Founded in 1209, the University comprises 31 autonomous Colleges, which admit undergraduates and provide small-group tuition, and 150 departments, faculties and institutions.

Cambridge is a global university. Its 19,000 student body includes 3,700 international students from 120 countries. Cambridge researchers collaborate with colleagues worldwide, and the University has established larger-scale partnerships in Asia, Africa and America.

The University sits at the heart of one of the world's largest technology clusters. The 'Cambridge Phenomenon' has created 1,500 hi-tech companies, 14 of them valued at over US$1 billion and two at over US$10 billion. Cambridge promotes the interface between academia and business, and has a global reputation for innovation. http://www.cam.ac.uk
Met Office technology used to study climate change is being used by scientists to predict the behaviour of vitalsorting and location of proteins cells in cells of the the human body.

Proteins are large biomolecules, which are required for the structure, function, and regulation of the cells in the human body. After their production, many proteins have to be routed to specific locations within the cell for it to work properly.

Researchers at the University of Exeter have made a key finding about the signals and mechanisms which mediate and regulate this protein sorting in the cell. They have discovered how an important group of membrane proteins, which function as adaptor molecules at the surface of cellular compartments, are routed to their specific target membranes.

Proper targeting of these membrane adaptors is crucial for the function of cellular compartments. Mis-targeting or loss of adaptor function leads to a range of severe or fatal disorders associated with metabolic, developmental or neurological defects.

Dr Michael Schrader, from the University of Exeter, who led the study, said: "This research has allowed us to better understand how the cell sorts and delivers these proteins. We now know which properties determine how they travel to specific organelles and can exploit this knowledge to predict the localisation of hitherto uncharacterised adaptor proteins encoded in the human genome."

The study has identified for the first time the specific chemical properties in tail-anchored membrane proteins which determine where they travel in a cell. It reveals that a combination of tail charge and hydrophobicity - or water-fearing - of the membrane-spanning domain determines targeting to distinct organelles. Subtle alterations in those physicochemical parameters are sufficient to shift adaptor protein targeting between organelles.

Dr Schrader said: "Our findings can be used to modulate and improve targeting of membrane adaptors. This could also improve medical treatment, because researchers could use this information to produce drugs which better target specific organelles."

The researchers are working with experts from the Met Office. "It can be expensive and slow to run the most accurate computer simulations of the Earth's climate, so we are always looking for ways to make the best use of the data we have. It turns out the statistical methods we use to predict climate change are useful for predicting where proteins anchor within the cell", said co-author Doug McNeall from the Met Office.

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The University of Exeter's research, funded by BBSRC, was carried out in cooperation with the University of Heidelberg/Mannheim, the EMBL Hamburg, and the National University of Singapore.

The paper, Predicting the targeting of tail-anchored proteins to subcellular compartments in mammalian cells, is published in the Journal of Cell Science.

The authors were Joseph Costello, Ines Castro, Fatima Camoes, Tina A. Schrader, Doug McNeall, Jing Yang, Evdokia-Anastasia Giannopoulou, Silvia Gomes, Vivian Pogenberg, Nina A. Bonekamp, Daniela Ribeiro, Matthias Wilmanns, Gregory Jedd, Markus Islinger and Michael Schrader.
Now, 50 years later, a group of physicists from Konstanz headed by Dr Peter Keim, were able to prove the Mermin-Wagner theorem by experiments and computer simulations - at the same time as two international working groups from Japan and the USA. The research results were published in the 21 February 2017 edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) scientific journal.

Based on a model system of colloids, Peter Keim was able to prove that in low-dimensional systems slow but steadily growing fluctuations occur in the distance between particles: the positions deviate from perfect lattice sites, distances frequently increase or decrease. Crystal formation over long ranges is therefore not possible in low-dimensional materials.

"Often the Mermin-Wagner theorem has been interpreted to mean that no crystals at all exist in two-dimensional systems. This is wrong: in fact long-wave density fluctuations grow logarithmically in two-dimensional systems and only destroy the order over long ranges," explains Peter Keim. In small systems of only a few hundred particles, crystal formation can indeed occur. But the larger the systems, the more the irregularities in particle position grow, ultimately preventing crystal formation over long ranges. Peter Keim was also able to measure the growth rate of these fluctuations: he observed the predicted logarithmic growth, the slowest possible form of a monotonic increase. "However, the perturbation of the order not only has a structural impact, but also leaves traces in the dynamics of the particles," continues Keim.

The Mermin-Wagner theorem is one of the standard topics of interest in statistical physics and recently became a subject of discussion again in the context of the Nobel Prize for Physics: Michael Kosterlitz, the 2016 Nobel Prize winner published in a commentary how he and David Thouless got motivated to investigate so-called topological phase transitions in low-dimensional materials: it was the contradiction between the Mermin-Wagner theorem that prohibits the existence of perfect low-dimensional crystals, on the one hand and the first computer simulations that nevertheless indicated crystallization in two dimensions on the other hand. The proof from Peter Keim and his research team has now resolved this apparent contradiction: over short scales crystal formation is indeed possible, but impossible over long ranges.

The Konstanz-based project analyses data from four generations of doctoral theses. The Mermin-Wagner fluctuations were successfully proven by investigating the dynamics in unordered, amorphous, that means glassy, two-dimensional solids - just as in the work from Japan and the USA which appeared almost at the same time - while the existence of Mermin-Wagner fluctuations in two-dimensional crystals still has not been proven directly. The Konstanz research was sponsored by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Young Scholar Fund of the University of Konstanz.

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Factual overview:

Model system of the experiment: Colloids confined at a flat water-air-interface.

Project sponsored by: German Research Foundation(DFG) and the Young Scholar Fund of the University of Konstanz

Proved almost simultaneously by: H. Shiba, Y. Yamada, T. Kawasaki, K. Kim: Phys. Rev.Lett., 117, 245701 (2016) S. Vivek, C. Kelleher, P. Chaikin, E. Weeks: Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci, 114, 1850 (2017)

Comment from Michael Kosterlitz about his early work that led to the Nobel Prize:

Journal of Physics Condensed Matter, 28, 481001 (2016)

Note to editors:

Photos can be downloaded from here:

https://cms.uni-konstanz.de/fileadmin/pi/fileserver/2017/Gitterschwingungen.png

Caption: Microscopic image of lattice vibrations in a two-dimensional crystal consisting of a monolayer of approx. 6,500 colloids. Deviations of particle positions from ideal lattice sites can be observed. If these deviations grow (logarithmically) with the system size beyond all limits, they are due to Mermin-Wagner fluctuations. In a three-dimensional crystal, particle distances are fixed and deviations are limited, irrespective of the size of the crystal.

https://cms.uni-konstanz.de/fileadmin/pi/fileserver/2017/Peter-Keim.JPG

Caption: Dr Peter Keim, University of Konstanz

Original publication:

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) 114, 1861 (2017)

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1612964114

Comments highlighting the original publication:

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 114, 2440 (2017)

Nature Physics 13, 205 (2017)

Contact:

University of Konstanz

Communication and Marketing

Phone: +49 753188-3603

E-mail: kum@uni-konstanz.de

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A consortium of eight UK universities, led by the University of Oxford, has been awarded 3 million by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to establish a national high-performance computing facility to support machine learning.

The new facility, known as the Joint Academic Data Science Endeavour (JADE), forms part of a combined investment of 20m by EPSRC in the UK's regional Tier 2 high-performance computing facilities, which aim to bridge the gap between institutional and national resources.

JADE, which will be the largest Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) facility in the UK, will provide a computational hub to support the research of the world-leading groups in machine learning at the universities of Oxford, Edinburgh, Sheffield, King's College London, Queen Mary University of London and University College London (UCL). It will also provide a powerful resource for data science and molecular dynamics researchers at the universities of Bristol and Southampton.

Machine learning has experienced huge growth over the last five years, with applications including computer vision for driverless cars, language translation services and medical imaging. JADE is the first national computing facility to support this rapid growth.

Professor Mike Giles of Oxford University, who is leading the project, said: 'For the first time, JADE will provide very significant national computing facilities addressing the particular needs of machine learning, one of the fastest growing areas of academic research and industrial application.'

JADE will be delivered through a partnership between Atos, who will provide and integrate the system hardware, and STFC's Hartree Centre, who will host and support the system for the three-year initial duration of the facility. Exploiting the capabilities of the NVIDIA DGX-1 Deep Learning System, JADE will comprise 22 of these servers, each containing 8 of the newest NVIDIA Tesla P100 GPUs linked by NVIDIA's NVlink interconnect technology.

To support researchers using the system, five software engineering posts are being created by Oxford, KCL, QMUL, Southampton and UCL. This is a key investment to ensure the necessary expertise is in place to derive maximum benefit from the new facility.

Speaking on JADE's potential research impact, Professor Philip Nelson, EPSRC's Chief Executive, said: 'These centres will enable new discoveries, drive innovation and allow new insights into today's scientific challenges. They are important because they address an existing gulf in capability between local university systems and the UK National Supercomputing Service ARCHER. Many universities are involved in the six new centres, and these will give more researchers easy access to High Performance Computing.'

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For further information please contact Lanisha Butterfield in the University of Oxford press office at Lanisha.butterfield@admin.ox.ac.uk or on+44 (0)1865 280531

The Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division (MPLS) is one of four academic divisions at the University of Oxford, representing the non-medical sciences. Oxford is one of the world's leading universities for science, and MPLS is at the forefront of scientific research across a wide range of disciplines. Research in the mathematical, physical and life sciences at Oxford was rated the best in the UK in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) assessment. MPLS received 133m in research income in 2014/15.

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As the main funding agency for engineering and physical sciences research, our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world to Research, Discover and Innovate.

By investing 800 million a year in research and postgraduate training, we are building the knowledge and skills base needed to address the scientific and technological challenges facing the nation. Our portfolio covers a vast range of fields from healthcare technologies to structural engineering, manufacturing to mathematics, advanced materials to chemistry. The research we fund has impact across all sectors. It provides a platform for future economic development in the UK and improvements for everyone's health, lifestyle and culture.

We work collectively with our partners and other Research Councils on issues of common concern via Research Councils UK.
An online metabolic calculator developed by a University of Virginia School of Medicine doctor and his research partner at the University of Florida predicts patients' risk of developing heart disease and diabetes more accurately than traditional methods, a large new study has found. The tool's creator hopes it will prompt patients to make lifestyle changes that would spare them the suffering and expense of avoidable illnesses.

"This boils it down to telling a patient, 'On the risk spectrum, you are here, and you're in a position where we're worried you're going to have a cardiovascular event in the next 10 years,'" explained Mark DeBoer, MD, of the UVA School of Medicine and the UVA Children's Hospital. "My hypothesis is that the more specific information you can give to individuals at risk, the more they will understand it and be motivated to make some changes."

Evaluating Risk

Physicians traditionally have predicted risk for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke by looking for five factors: obesity, high blood pressure, high fasting triglycerides, low HDL (good) cholesterol and high fasting blood sugar. Patients with abnormalities in at least three of these are diagnosed as having metabolic syndrome and told that they are at elevated risk for future health problems.

The problem with that approach, DeBoer said, is that it is black-and-white. "As is true in most processes in life, the reality is that this risk exists on a spectrum," he said. "Someone who has values in each of these individual risk factors that are just below the cutoff still has more risk for future disease than somebody who has very low values."

The traditional approach also fails to consider variables such as race, ethnicity and gender. For example, DeBoer noted, African-American men are unlikely to be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome but still have a high risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Testing the Predictions

On the other hand, the metabolic crystal ball, developed by DeBoer and Matthew Gurka, PhD, from the University of Florida, weights the traditional risk factors and also takes into account race, gender and ethnicity to produce an easy-to-understand metabolic severity score. A small study previously found that the online calculator's predictions lined up well with actual cases of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and the large new study further bears that out: The study looked, retroactively, at outcomes in more than 13,000 people and found that DeBoer and Gurka's tool was a better risk predictor than the individual risk factors alone.

"This would suggest that when somebody has this congregation of metabolic syndrome findings, there probably is some underlying process that is producing those findings, and that those underlying processes are also contributing to future risk," DeBoer said. "The hope is that a scoring system like this could be incorporated in the electronic medical record to calculate someone's risk and that information could be provided both to the physician, who then realizes there is an elevated risk, and to the patient, who hopefully can start taking some preventative steps."

The tool is available as a free online calculator at http://mets.health-outcomes-policy.ufl.edu/calculator/. Further research is required to determine exact cut-off values of the score that indicate particular jumps in risk. The score is primarily intended for physicians but can be used by anyone who has the needed health information.

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Findings Published

DeBoer and colleagues have described the study findings in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The research team consisted of DeBoer; Matthew J. Gurka, PhD; ?Sherita Hill Golden, MD; Solomon K. Musani, PhD; Mario Sims, PhD; ?Abhishek Vishnu, PhD?; Yi Guo, PhD; and ?Thomas A. Pearson, MD, PhD.

The work was supported by the National Institutes of Health, grant R01HL120960.
MADISON, Wisconsin - A study that used a new digital library and machine reading system to suck the factual marrow from millions of geologic publications dating back decades has unraveled a longstanding mystery of ancient life: Why did easy-to-see and once-common structures called stromatolites essentially cease forming over the long arc of earth history?

Stromatolites are contorted layers of sediment formed by microbes, and they are often found in limestone and other ancient sedimentary rocks deposited beneath oceans.

"Geologists have known for a long time that stromatolites were abundant in shallow marine environments during the Precambrian, before the emergence of multi-cellular life" more than 560 million years ago, says Jon Husson, a post-doctoral researcher and co-author of a study now online in the journal Geology. "But, stromatolites are rare in the ocean today."

The new study measures the slide in stromatolite prevalence based on descriptions of rocks sifted from more than 3 million scientific publications.

"Paleontologists have largely attributed the decline in stromatolites to the evolution of animals, starting some 560 million years ago," says Shanan Peters, a professor of geoscience at University of Wisconsin-Madison and study first author. "Many multi-cellular animals, like snails, eat microbes. The evolution of these big microbe-grazing animals hit 'reset' on the stromatolite's world. Or so the story has gone."

The new study found a weak correlation between stromatolite occurrence and the diversity of animals, but a stronger link to seawater chemistry.

"The best predictor of stromatolite prevalence, both before and after the evolution of animals, is the abundance of dolomite in shallow marine sediments," says Husson. Dolomite is a high-magnesium variety of carbonate, the type of sediment that forms limestone. Dolomite is harder to make than low-magnesium carbonate and it forms today in only a narrow range of marine environments.

When the ocean water is super-saturated with carbonate, "that can make it easier for things like stromatolites to form," says Husson. "In Lake Tanganyika [Africa], there are stromatolites forming today, even though there are animals everywhere, snails and fish. The lake is super-saturated with carbonate, and it's begging to be precipitated. The microbes come along and help it to precipitate, and the result is an abundance of stromatolites." Elevated carbonate saturation can also help the formation of dolomite, thereby driving the correlation with stromatolites found in this study.

Measuring the prevalence of stromatolites through all Earth history is difficult because counting the number of stromatolites alone is not sufficient. You must also know how many rocks could potentially have stromatolites, but do not.

The big innovation of this study is the interplay of a new type of digital library and machine reading system called GeoDeepDive with a geological database called Macrostrat. Both were spearheaded by Peters at UW-Madison.

GeoDeepDive is a digital library built on high throughput computing technology that can "read" millions of papers and siphon off specific information. To date, the GeoDeepDive library contains more than 3 million scientific publications from all scientific disciplines; some 10,000 new published papers are added daily.

Macrostrat is a database describing the known geological properties of North America's upper crust, at different times and depths.

The massive computing capacity at UW-Madison's Center for High Throughput Computing and HTCondor system, the brainchild of UW-Madison computer scientist Miron Livny, powers GeoDeepDive. Combining the digital library with the geological database allowed the researchers to estimate, at different time periods, the percentage of shallow marine rocks that actually have stromatolites.

The study began in the summer of 2015, when the third author, Julia Wilcots, a Madison-native who was then an undergraduate at Princeton, asked Peters for a summer project. "In my typical fashion I gave Julia a few options," Peters says. "She picked stromatolites, so I said, 'Okay, go do it!' With minimal help from us, she developed a working application to discover and extract every mention of stromatolites from our library."

Among 10,200 papers that mentioned stromatolites, "our program was able to extract 1,013 with a name of a rock unit, which enabled us to link stromatolite occurrences to Macrostrat," says Husson.

Wilcots did not have to travel to see stromatolites, Peters says. "In Madison, we are sitting on top of rocks recording one of the biggest rises in stromatolite abundance - at least during the age of animals."

Scientists long ago observed that stromatolites started a long decline just before the start of the Cambrian era, but that decline represented a "fundamental question of paleobiology," Husson says. "Stromatolites are the oldest fossils that are visible to the naked eye. If you look at rock that is a billion years old, the chance for seeing evidence of life equals the chance of seeing stromatolites."

Beyond answering a fundamental question of Earth's history, the new study "allows us to do the kind of analyses that scientists used to only dream about, Peters says: 'If we could just compile all the published information on... anything!'

"Doing this study without GeoDeepDive would be all but impossible," Peters adds. "Reading thousands of papers to pick out references to stromatolites, and then linking them to a certain rock unit and geologic period, would take an entire career, even with Google Scholar. Here we got started with a talented undergrad working on a summer project. GeoDeepDive has greatly lowered the barrier to compiling literature data in order to answer many questions."

Another beauty of the big data, machine-reading approach is the baked-in capability for replication and improvement. "Now that this study has been done, we can run the stromatolite application again and again. We can refine the searches, and they will evaluate the new data that is being published all the time," Peters says. "So a rerun could make a better study, with minimal effort."

For centuries, "geologists have transferred hard-to-get information from the field to hard-to-get information in the literature," Peters says. "To achieve a broad-scale synthesis, you have to survey all of the published knowledge. There are new discoveries waiting in the scientific literature, if you can see the big picture and get all the data into one place."

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David Tenenbaum, 608-265-8549, djtenenb@wisc.edu
Wednesday, March 29, 2017

In The New York Times article, A Movie Date With My Younger Self, film writer Mark Caro asks if Harold and Maude, a favorite film from his youth, can still hold its charms all these years later. The 1971 movie received bad reviews in The New York Times and Variety when it first came out, yet it became a cult classic on the college circuit.

Happy birthday to Bud Cort, who played Harold! Today is his 69th birthday. Has he aged as well as this iconic film?

Caro had parked it on some side ramp in my mind. He was nervous about revisiting the film.

Heres a movie that mines laughter from fake suicide attempts as it depicts the budding relationship between a pale-faced, death-obsessed 20-year-old (Bud Corts Harold) and a 79-year-old life-embracing pixie (Ruth Gordons Maude). Harold repeatedly pretends to kill himself to freak out his snobby, rich mother. Maude steals sickly trees from sidewalks to return them to nature. Cat Stevenss soundtrack takes Maudes side, reminding us, If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out.

After a very long break, Caro decided to re-screen his adolescent film heartthrob in a theater setting.

Instead of watching it on a TV screen, I wanted to recreate the conditions under which Id originally enjoyed this movie, so I booked it at Chicagos Music Box Theater as part of my film series, Is It Still Funny? It was a packed house, and as Harold embarks on that first fake suicide, I could feel my own tension building.

Then his mother addresses her hanging child with a droll I suppose you think thats very funny, Harold, and the dam burst: laughter, release, a crowded theater in sync in the dark.

Holy Toledo, what a great movie. I mean, that shouldnt have been a surprise given that it used to be my favorite, but still  me of little faith.

It wasnt just that it still makes me laugh at big moments and small. It wasnt just that the movie still guts me at the end. It wasnt even how impressed I was by the tightness of Ashbys direction and Colin Higginss screenplay, how expertly the film establishes a tone that balances the macabre and some literal cheerleading for life  and how it anticipates the deadpan yet emotionally penetrating works of Wes Anderson and other American indie filmmakers.

What I hadnt expected was how Harold and Maude would connect me to sensibilities that have become part of my core. Maybe this is why I loved the movie so much, because it dramatizes a way of seeing the world that looks directly into darkness but also emphasizes humor, creative thinking and kindness while concluding that cynicism and despair are dead ends.

As twisted as the movie is, it feels the way I often have felt, that push-pull of amusement and horror, curiosity and withdrawal, with songs heightening the emotions. Music plays a key role in almost all of my favorite movies, and Harold and Maude addresses the why.

What does Maude do to lift Harold out of his morbid spiral? She gives him a banjo because everyone should be able to make some music. As someone who plays guitar more enthusiastically than skillfully for soul-restorative purposes, who regards his record collection as an encyclopedia of moods and who has songs constantly running through his head, I relate.

You can see my Friday Funeral Film review of Harold and Maude through this link. And treat yourself to this video about the recreation of the Jaguar hearse from the film.

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The Government has been urged to be prepared to 'think differently' by a farming union, after the publication of the Great Repeal Bill white paper.

Thousands of EU laws on everything from workers' rights to the environment are to be transferred into UK law as the country gears up for Brexit.

Brexit Secretary David Davis said the Great Repeal Bill would allow the UK Parliament and Welsh, Scottish and Northern Ireland administrations to scrap, amend and improve laws.

Todays white paper, which prefigures the Great Repeal Bill itself, confirms the UK Governments intention to repeal the European Communities Act 1972; the legislation which took the UK into the European Economic Community (EEC) and through which EU legislation derives legal effect in the UK.

The Great Repeal Bill will convert directly applicable EU laws into UK law and preserve EU laws which have been implemented via UK legislation.

'Mutual respect and trust'

Farmers have said agriculture must be front and centre of Brexit negotiations, the NFU urged, as Prime Minister Theresa May yesterday (29 March) triggered Article 50 to kick-start the official process of Britain leaving the EU.

Stephen James, NFU Cymru President says the number one priority from the Article 50 negotiations is that the UK secures a trade deal with the EU

Indeed, for farmers, there are still some much needed questions that need answering.

Commenting on the ongoing developments, NFU Cymru President Stephen James said: A lot has of course changed since we joined the EEC 44 years ago, not least the fact that since 1999 we have had devolution in Wales.

Matters such as agriculture and the environment, which lie within the National Assemblys devolved competence, are two of the areas which have been most greatly impacted by the accrual of EU legislation.

Any amending, enlarging or diminishing of the scope of devolved powers, should be consented to by the National Assembly for Wales, as part of a relationship between London and Cardiff that has to be founded on mutual respect and trust.

As an industry, our number one priority from the Article 50 negotiations is that we secure a trade deal which works for Welsh agriculture with the EU 27. Failing to make provision to give ongoing effect to EU legislation would leave enormous gaps in our legal system, which would undoubtedly make it almost impossible for the UK to secure trade deals with the residual EU and much of the rest of the world.

For that reason I understand why it is necessary to preserve the ongoing effect of EU legislation for the time being, but it is very much my aspiration that in due course we will be able to review the body of legislation that is transposed onto the domestic statute books, with a view to getting rid of any which is unnecessary.

CAP framework model

The farming union then states that the current CAP framework model could be used to support UK farming.

Mr James continued: The fact that we retain most of the body of EU legislation means that I see no reason why we could not, as an interim measure, use the current Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as a framework model for support to Welsh farming.

This would offer both continuity and stability and give us the necessary breathing space to devise a domestic agricultural support policy that suits our needs, sometime after our EU departure in 2019.

The bureaucratic burden under which Wales farmers must operate remains a source of great frustration. I would urge the Welsh Government to work with industry and be ambitious in reviewing EU derived legislation which adds unnecessarily to the bureaucratic burden faced by farmers.

I know, for example, that the Cabinet Secretary, Lesley Griffiths, has spoken of the fact that around five thousand pieces of EU derived legislation impact on her portfolio alone. Now is the time for the Government to be prepared to think differently, looking wherever possible at a voluntary approach to achieve agreed outcomes with industry with regulation only used as a last resort.
The UKs four farming unions are calling on Government to delay the new Making Tax Digital scheme for farm businesses, many of whom will find it almost impossible to access.

Following a joint consultation response on the Making Tax Digital draft legislation, the NFU, NFU Cymru, NFU Scotland and Ulster Farmers Union fear that the scheduled implementation will be inaccessible for many farm businesses and difficult to implement properly.

In what has been described as a 'complex' scheme, the union say it requires access to digital infrastructure that is not available in many rural areas, as 5% of the population does not have adequate access to broadband  many of those people are farmers.

Plans to digitise all tax-related accounting is due to be phased in from 2018 onwards, but rural businesses and farmers have criticised the plans.

'Serious concerns'

Rural business owners have voiced concerns over government plans to force taxpayers to submit tax information online

National Farmers' Union (NFU) President Meurig Raymond said that all four farming unions are together calling for the Government to delay the implementation of Making Tax Digital for farmers and aligning the introduction with larger partnerships and limited companies.

He said: The Government proposes that Making Tax Digital will bring business tax into the digital age but for many of our members the digital age has yet to be delivered to them by the Government.

This fact, combined with overwhelming complexity, is why action is necessary. We have serious concerns for those farm businesses that will be among the first forced to comply with these changes and the issues this may bring, not to mention the potential costs involved.

In its announcement, the Government indicated that the implementation of Making Tax Digital would be delayed until 2019 for small businesses. Despite this, the practical implications have not been properly assessed. Government must be clearer on what information is required and that the system is sufficiently tested by farm business owners.

There is insufficient time available for the industry and HMRC to achieve what is required for this to work.

Complexity of modern farm businesses

The four UK farming unions believe that farmers will have considerable difficulty due to the complexity of modern farm businesses, two-thirds of which run diversified enterprises, requiring different accounting and tax adjustments and potentially separate income and expenditure reporting.

In addition to this, there is a lack of suitable and registered software that is compliant with the proposed measures.

The unions believe that farmings seasonality compounds this, meaning that quarterly tax returns provide little benefit to HMRC or farmers.

The CLA, which represents farmers and rural businesses, said it is 'vitally important' to help everyone achieve tax compliance.

We support new technology which aims to make life simpler for businesses but the government must look at the whole picture before making tax digital," CLA President Ross Murray said.

Rollout of superfast rural broadband has been too slow and the governments Universal Service Obligation (USO) of 10Mbps by 2020 is not guaranteed to be met.

Current broadband technology in the UK means download speeds are faster than upload speeds, so the government must reassure businesses they will not be unfairly penalised as a result of poor connectivity when trying to complete and submit tax information online.
Replacing set stocking with rotational grazing, higher stocking rates and quicker more accurate finishing are how upland Scottish sheep farmer John Struthers is gearing up for post-EU success.

This "high productivity from marginal land" strategy won John an integrated sheep handling and weighing system from Alligator worth 8,500 in a nationwide competition that attracted nearly 200 entries.

Mark Lawrence, a director of competition organiser Allflex UK Group, said: John impressed the judging panel with his passion and vision for a sustainable farming system designed to overcome some of the challenges of his largely marginal upland farm.

Working towards one-man operation of the family farm's suckler herd and 300-ewe flock near Carluke, Scotland, Johns focus is to get finished lambs away as quickly as possible without creep feed, releasing space for more breeding ewes.

'Sustainable production system'

"Who knows what will happen to farming support payments once we've left the EU," says John.

"I am working on the basis we may have to manage without, so I want to be ready with a sustainable production system. The Alligator system will help monitor growth rates more accurately, pick out finished lambs as soon as they reach target, and thereby maximise returns. This sort of thing will be key for future success."

The standard of finalists was hugely impressive, says Mark Lawrence. Making breeding and other flock management decisions based on capturing and analysing individual animal performance data was a key theme, as was their optimism for a future without subsidies.

The judges were so impressed they decided to award additional prizes. These included another handling and weighing system to David Doody from Worcestershire to support his contract sheep husbandry and lamb grading business, and TruTest stick readers to more finalists showing exceptional merit.

The Allflex Group designs, makes and supplies animal identification technology to help livestock producers use animal identification as a valuable management tool. The company also makes and supplies Alligator sheep handling systems, and distributes Prattley sheep and cattle handling systems, TruTest electronic weighing equipment and Heiniger clippers and shearers in the UK.
The House of Lords has launched an inquiry into the implications of Brexit on farm animal welfare.

The Lords EU Energy and Environment Sub-Committee inquiry will consist of a one-off roundtable discussion on Wednesday 5 April with leading academics and industry experts.

In evidence given to the Committee during its inquiry 'Brexit: Agriculture', witnesses raised concerns that after Brexit, a new trading regime with countries operating lower standards for animal welfare could undermine the high standards of the UK.

Government ministers have expressed intentions to maintain high standards of welfare for farm animals after Brexit.

This inquiry will further examine the possible effects of Brexit on farm animal welfare and identify the challenges and opportunities facing the Government in maintaining the UK's role as a global leader in farm animal welfare.

The Committee will begin the roundtable discussion at 10:00am and participants include the National Farmers Union, the British Veterinary Association, the Red Tractor and the National Beef Association, including many more.

The Committee is also hoping that representatives for consumers, supermarkets and DEFRA will attend.

Questions to be asked by the Committee

 What are the critical issues that must be addressed in terms of farm animal welfare regulations, compliance and enforcement to deliver these intentions?

 Which monitoring bodies and mechanisms of enforcement need to be expanded or created post-Brexit?

 What action must the Government take to ensure that the UK remains a world leader in farm animal welfare after Brexit?

 To what extent might trade pose a risk or an opportunity for UK farm animal welfare after Brexit? What tools could or should the UK government employ to ensure that any risks are mitigated (e.g. labelling of products, restrictions on imports, trade agreements)?

 Will current levels of inspections be adequate to maintain consumer confidence?
The National Pig Association (NPA) has insisted the UKs high animal welfare standards must not be lowered in pursuit of new trade deals and a post-Brexit cheap food agenda.

As Prime Minister Theresa May triggered Article 50 yesterday (29 March), the NPA is calling for steps to protect pig producers and consumers, including equivalent standards for meat imports and, if necessary, tariffs and quotas where standards fall short.

The association also wants to see strict labelling laws put in place to provide clarity for consumers over differences in production standards.

The UK pig industry exported more than 206,000 tonnes of pigmeat, worth 252 million, in 2017, nearly 60% of which went to or via the EU.

'Absolutely vital'

NPA chairman Richard Lister said: A free trade deal with the EU is absolutely vital for the pig sector. Tariffs on pork exports, for example, of 45p/kg on carcases or 131p/kg for processed hams, would cripple our export trade, slash profitability and export production overseas, particularly if equivalent tariffs were not levied on imports into the UK.

If we leave without a trade deal, sensible transitional arrangements must be put in place.

A great concern among farmers is the prospect of new trade deals that would expose UK consumers and producers to cheaper pork imports from the likes of the US, Canada and Brazil, where health and welfare standards are often considerably lower than the UK's.

The recent Brazilian meat scandal has highlighted the dangers in any potential new trade deals.

Mr Lister continued: We dont want imported meat produced to lower hygiene, welfare and traceability standards posing a threat to consumers and undercutting UK producers. We dont want pork from the US, for example, from pigs reared using the growth promoter ractopamine or from sows reared in stall systems outlawed in the UK since the late-1990s.
If the Scottish Government's IT system for farm payments had been a tractor it would have been returned to the dealer a long time ago, the President of NFU Scotland has said.

On his blog, Andrew McCornick questioned whether the government is "flogging a dead horse" by sticking with its costly IT system for delivering CAP support.

Mr McCornick claimed that if the CAP futures IT system, installed at a cost to taxpayers of 180 million, had been a tractor, he would have returned it to the dealer long ago with a demand for "a full refund".

"Another year on and our farmers and crofters are still facing the same challenges from the Scottish Governments IT system, set up to deliver support," writes NFU Scotland President Andrew McCornick

"We can all recognise that a massive amount of public money - at least 180 million  and a considerable amount of time and effort has gone into making it work.

Problems within the CAP Futures system have prevented payments for a number of more complex claims and anomaly cases

"And I genuinely believe that Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewings main priority is to get this sorted.

"However, as a farmer, had this been a tractor that I had bought, it would be getting presented back to the dealer with a demand for a full refund. Police Scotland seem to have managed this with their failed IT system.

"We are entering year three of submitting our SAFs into the system and I have no major issues in my own business with this part of the process.

"While the input side is working, it is what happens beyond that that is failing those that it is meant to serve."

'Step backwards, not forwards'

The President of NFU Scotland goes on to say that some claimants are receiving a further 10 per cent of their Basic Payment and Greening support this week and while that money is welcome, it means the IT system is now delivering these payments in three stages, rather than the two stage process seen in 2016.

He continued: "That is a step backwards, not forwards. Crucially, for our hill farmers and crofters, there remains no clear timetable when the system will be able to deliver Less Favoured Areas support, which directs 65 million into the rural economies of some of our more remote and vulnerable areas.

"All that continues to undermine attempts to build confidence in the system

"Scotland Food and Drink has launched Ambition 2030 with the challenge of growing the farming, food and drink sector to 30 billion a year in terms of what it delivers to Scotlands economy with recognition that farm incomes will be used as a health check on its success.

"That is great news that we are now being recognised as an integral part of this ambition.

"However, as can be seen in the total income from farming figures, support remains fundamental to farming and crofting businesses, underpinning this primary resource to the food and drink sector.

"I think Scottish Government must reflect on Audit Scotlands most recent report on the CAP Futures programme which questions if the system will ever be fit for purpose and get proper guidance on whether or not they are flogging a dead horse."
Bird flu: Poultry in England must now be housed indoors
Infant formula maker, Bellamys, is facing delays in getting its products registered under Chinas new import regulations.Bellamys says its infant formula products wont be registered with the China Food and Drug Administration before the new rules come into effect on 1 January 2018.The company also says the testing required for product registration may take up to 6 months.In 1H17, the companys China products accounted for around $16 million worth of sales, which is 14% of Bellamys total sales.After this mornings announcement, Bellamys share price has fallen 7.4% to $4.14.
Late last year, ConocoPhillips (COP 1.98%) unveiled a new strategy to create value for investors in an increasingly uncertain oil price environment. One focus of that plan was to allocate capital in the future for share repurchases and debt reduction as opposed to focusing solely on production growth. In fact, the company planned to accelerate that strategy by selling $5 billion to $8 billion of natural gas assets in North America over the next two years, using the funds for debt reduction and share repurchases.

This week, however, the company supercharged its strategy by announcing the sale of several oil and gas assets in Western Canada to Cenovus Energy (CVE 0.14%) in a $13.3 billion deal. As a result, ConocoPhillips will exceed the goals of its three-year financial plan in less than a year. Furthermore, its overall financial and operating metrics will vastly improve, which sets the company up to thrive in any oil market.

Drilling down into the deal

ConocoPhillips is selling its 50% interest in the Foster Creek Christina Lake oil sands partnership to its partner Cenovus Energy. That joint venture consists of two operating oil sands assets and one future project. In addition, ConocoPhillips is selling the bulk of its Canadian Deep Basin gas assets to Cenovus, which consist of the Elmworth-Wapiti, Kaybob-Edson, and Clearwater fields. That said, the company isn't completely exiting Canada, as it will retain its acreage position in the high-growth Montney shale in Western Canada and its 50% stake in the Surmont oil sands facility, which it co-owns with French oil giant Total (TTE 0.75%).

In exchange for those assets, Cenovus Energy will pay ConocoPhillips $10.6 billion in cash at closing and issue it 208 million shares, valued at $2.7 billion. For perspective, that's well above the $10.9 billion net book value of the assets, implying that this transaction unlocked value for ConocoPhillips' investors. Furthermore, ConocoPhillips will also receive a quarterly contingent payment of $6 million every dollar the oil price averages above $52 per barrel for the next five years. As a result, ConocoPhillips gets cash to accelerate its strategy while retaining upside to both oil prices and an improvement in Cenovus' stock price.

How this deal impacts the company

ConocoPhillips intends to put the cash proceeds to work immediately and accelerate its value creation strategy. It will use the bulk of the funds for debt reduction, paying off $7 billion in debt and bringing total debt down to its $20 billion target. As a result, the company set a new debt goal, aiming to get total debt down to $15 billion by the end of 2019. In addition, ConocoPhillips will double its share repurchase authorization to $6 billion, with plans to buy back $3 billion this year, triple its initial estimate.

The debt reduction will have the most notable impact on the company. It's net debt-to-cash flow from operations ratio, for example, will plunge from 4.8 times at the end of last year to 1.8 times in 2017. Meanwhile, ConocoPhillips' annual interest expense will drop from $1.25 billion last year to $950 million in 2017. That interest expense savings, when combined with a reduction in operating costs associated with the sold assets, will completely offset any impact to cash flow from operations.

Another notable result of this deal is that it will lower ConocoPhillips' future cost of supply. While the company will lose 3 billion barrels of oil equivalent (BBOE) resources in the deal, those were higher-cost resources. As a result, the company's average cost of supply will decline from $40 per barrel to $35 per barrel. Meanwhile, the company still has nearly 15 BBOE of low-cost resources remaining, which is enough to last it 32 years at its current production pace.

Investor takeaway

This transaction enables ConocoPhillips to achieve its three-year value creation plan in a matter of months. Furthermore, the company unlocked value, improved several financial and operating metrics, and retained some upside to improving oil prices all at the same time. Because of that, ConocoPhillips is in an even stronger position to create value for investors in the years ahead.
The UKs farming unions want to see a raft of measures to counter market volatility, which they believe will be vital for farmers, unless the government secures a post-Brexit trade that is good for agriculture.

As the government finally triggered the Article 50 process for the UK to leave the EU this week, we examine the farming unions visions for how agricultural policy should be shaped.

National Farmers Union

Three cornerstones for a post-Brexit farm policy

The NFU underlined its belief that agricultural policy should be based on three cornerstones:

1. Mitigating market volatility

Direct payments, insurance schemes, financial instruments, fiscal measures

2. Enhancing farm productivity and competitiveness

R&D, skills and training, knowledge exchange, market intelligence, producer organisations

3. Recognising and rewarding environmental goods

Environment and landscape scheme

NFU president Meurig Raymond says Brexit is an opportunity to shape a new deal for both the farming sector and society.

Weve established an objective for this policy: to enable farm businesses to be competitive, profitable and progressive, he says.

See also: Three options for post-Brexit farm support explains

Future policy should comprise a package of incentives and support for British farming and continuing current support levels is essential if the government is serious about maintaining farmings already substantial economic contribution.

The NFUs proposals will be submitted to government ministers later this year  possibly as early as the summer.

But how support is split between each of the three elements of the new policy will depend on the eventual Brexit deal between the UK and the EU.

A bad Brexit deal  which leaves British farmers facing a double whammy of cheap food imports and the prospects of swingeing tariffs on exports  would mean a bigger requirement for measures that mitigate market volatility, says NFU Brexit director Nick von Westenholz.

The NFU is working on a detailed vision of what these measures might include.

It is early days, but they are likely to entail a mix of crop insurance schemes, financial instruments, as well as fiscal measures, such as tax breaks.

Under this scenario, farmers would also require continued direct payments, explains Mr von Westenholz. British farmers would need direct support to remain viable. But in a more favourable scenario, you could focus on productivity and the environment.

A better scenario would see the UK secure a free trade agreement with the EU  giving market access on the same or very similar terms to the situation now.

This would maintain current trade flows while providing opportunities to develop overseas markets further afield.

With less of a need for market volatility measures, more money could be directed at measures that boost farm productivity.

This could include funding for research and development, skills and training and business development.

A smooth Brexit  with a satisfactory outcome on regulation and a guarantee that UK farmers have access to adequate labour from overseas  would also free up funding to support environmental measures, including schemes that reward farmers for the provision of public goods.

NFU Scotland

Focus must be on farm profit and free trade

Profitability for Scottish farmers and crofters must be the focus of forthcoming Brexit negotiations on agriculture, says NFU Scotland policy director Jonnie Hall.

The union believes producers should be supported post-Brexit by continued free trade with the EU, international trade deals, access to a non-UK labour pool and a well-funded, refreshed agricultural policy that meets the needs of Scotlands landscape and farming practices.

But Mr Hall warns: Substance and detail on what measures will be prioritised for the agricultural industry have been frustratingly sparse.

NFU Scotland would continue to press the importance of ensuring any Brexit deal worked for Scottish farmers, he adds.

Farmers north of the border must not be penalised by the escalating disagreement between the UK and Scottish governments on how future agricultural policy is developed, says Mr Hall.

The needs of Scottish farmers and crofters must be put ahead of political posturing.

NFU Scotland also wants a mechanism that guarantees to return at least the same amount of funding to Scottish agriculture as the industry received within the EU.

Devolution must allow an appropriate agricultural policy to be developed in Scotland, says the union.

NFU Scotland is crystal clear that any approach that drops a Defra-centric, one-size-fits-all policy on to the devolved nations would be unacceptable, says Mr Hall.

Scotland should continue to determine its own agricultural policy.

Farmers Union of Wales:

Put family farms to the fore

Post-Brexit policies for agriculture must recognise the particular importance of family farms to the Welsh economy, says the Farmers Union of Wales.

The family farm is the cornerstone of much of our agriculture and our way of life  far more so than in England, says FUW president Glyn Roberts.

Therefore we must ensure that the role of such farms in rural Wales is recognised.

Welsh agriculture differs to England in terms of need, product and social importance, argued Mr Roberts.

If we value our communities, our public services, our countryside, our heritage, our schools and our jobs, then we must protect them.

Gross output from agriculture is worth almost 1.5bn to Wales, with food and drinks export worth 302m to the Welsh economy.

The industry is particularly important in mid and north Wales, where it accounts for one in 25 jobs.

Hence, we cant have an England-centric policy once we leave the EU, says Mr Roberts.

We need the UK government to appreciate the difference and repatriate powers from Brussels to the Welsh government  ideally within a new UK framework.

We can have a prosperous future for the sector after we leave the EU and there are plenty of opportunities to be explored but a lot of it depends on the willingness of our politicians to recognise how different farming across the devolved nations is.

Ulster Farmers Union:

Cross-border trade is vital for farmers

A Brexit deal that threatens cross-border trade between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will be a major threat to agriculture in both countries, says the Ulster Farmers Union.

Northern Ireland is the only UK nation that shares a land border with the EU.

Some 40% of lambs in Northern Ireland are traded across the border annually and Northern Ireland dairy farmers provide Irish processors with quality milk on a year-round basis.

It is important politicians fully understand the detail of cross-border trading and the need for this to be factored into whatever decisions are ultimately taken on how the border will operate after Brexit, says UFU president Barclay Bell.

This has major economic implications for the entire agricultural industry.

Trade has traditionally been on an all-island basis, and if this cannot continue it will disrupt trade relationships that have been the norm since long before the UK and Ireland became EU members.

A hard Brexit, which fails to take into account the practical realities of the Irish border, would be a major problem for the farming and food industries  especially the dairy, sheep and horticulture sectors, says Mr Bell.

Access to cross-border labour is also a significant issue for many of our horticulture farmers.

In addition, there are farm businesses that have land straddling the border and there is cross-border ownership of processing capacity in both the dairy and red meat industry.




Haiti - FLASH : Jovenel Moise appoints 10 others DG





For 4 days, President Jovenel Moise, who seems not wanting lose time, has already made 47 appointments including 10 new Directors General Tuesday, March 28 (order published in Le Moniteur #48).



Note that out of 29 new Directors General, Jovenel has so far appointed only 5 women (17%): Volette Mengual at the Ministry of Haitians living abroad; Myrtho Rene, to the Status of Women; Maguy Durce, to the National Institute of Vocational Training and Tessa Jacques at the Investment Facilitation Center (CFI) ; and Magalie Habitant, to the Metropolitan Solid Waste Collection Service (SMCRS).



Appointment Order March 28, 2017, Directors General :

The citizen Jean Claudy Pierre, was appointed Director General of the Ministry of Justice and Public Security;

The citizen Stevenson Jacques Timoleon, was appointed Director General of the Ministry of Planning and External Cooperation;

The citizen Laure Adrien, was appointed Director General of the Ministry of Public Health and Population;

The citizen Irving Mehu, was appointed Director General of the National Airport Authority (AAN);

The citizen Olivier Jean, was appointed Director General of the National Office of Civil Aviation (OFNAC);

The citizen Herve Pierre-Louis, was appointed Director General of Electricity of Haiti (EDH);

The citizen Tessa Jacques, was appointed Director General of the Investment Facilitation Center (CFI);

The citizen Guito Edouars, was appointed Director General of the National Directorate of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DINEPA);

The citizen Magalie Habitant, was appointed Director General of the Metropolitan Solid Waste Collection Service (SMCRS);

The citizen Dieudonne Bruno, was appointed Director General of the Maritime and Navigation Service of Haiti (SEMANAH);



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20486-haiti-flash-jovenel-moise-makes-14-other-appointments-including-9-new-dg.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20476-haiti-flash-jovenel-moise-makes-23-appointments-including-11-advisors.html



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Health : Moise on tour in several hospitals





Tuesday, President Jovenel Moise, accompanied by the new Minister of Health, Dr. Marie Greta Roy Clement and the new Minister of the Interior and Local Government, Max Rudolph Saint-Albin, visited several hospitals in order to inquire about the state of progress of some in construction and operating conditions for others.



The Head of State visited, among other the Fontamara Hospital Center, 80% completed, which will be for officers of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20492-haiti-security-moise-to-the-27th-pnh-promotion.html as well as the Community Health Center and Notre Dame du Perpetuel Secours Hospital, both located in Bon Repos, in the commune of Croix-des-Bouquets and others under construction or nearing completion.



At the conclusion of his tour President Moise declared "Most of these hospitals attest to a serious human resource problem. Equipment often available does not have technicians to maneuver or repair them. Some centers have been completed, but political instability has prevented them from functioning normally."



Jovenel Moise reiterated his commitment to work towards putting Haitian hospitals in working conditions and expressed his conviction that the State and health authorities must combine their efforts to strengthen the national health system.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Agriculture : Modernization of the agricultural sector in Fond-des-Blancs





The Haiti Christian Development Fund has received a grant to begin implementing modern farming techniques in Fond-des-Blancs (Commune of the district of Aquin - department of the South).



The project is being funded by a grant of US $ 806,000 from the WK Kellogg Foundation located in Battle Creek, Michigan.



These improvements will be realized through the purchase of modern farm equipment such as tractors, combines, cultivators, planters, etc... These equipments will be used on the current 100 acres under HCDF management as well as another 400 acres of local farmers lands adjacent to the current project land. Ultimately, the target area will increase to 2000 acres covering the entire Lhomond Valley. This increase will be possible because of the high interest of the local farmers in this new approach to farming as demonstrated by HCDFs pilot project. The improvements will include land preparation and planting techniques plus greater irrigation possibilities, harvesting, transformation and marketing. A mobile farming unit will also be used for farms located at a greater distance from the Lhomond Valley area. The increased production will be distributed through an existing marketing relationship with Assesco and other companies.



Several thousand students from pre-school to Philo will benefit from the project farms produce and revenue generated from the sale of the produce ensuring them at least one hot meal a day.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Politics : Promises of security of Prime Minister





Tuesday in the Prime Minister's Office, Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant held his first Superior Council of the National Police (CSPN). At the end of this first working meeting with the members of the Higher National Police Council and Herve Denis, the new Minister of Defense, to which were invited, among others : Max Rudolph Saint-Albin, the new Minister of the Interior, Michel-Ange Gedeon, Director General of the Haitian National Police (PNH) he indicated that at this meeting important points were discussed in particular :



The adoption of a security plan for Haiti, whose he did not detail the measures in order not to give any clues to the bandits;



The respect for private property, announcing that measures will soon be taken by Heidi Fortune, the new Minister of Justice, together with the General Inspectorate of the National Police of Haiti (IGPNH) in order to protect private property, which are essential for investment;



Social benefits for PNH officers;



Of the National Prison Administration (APENA) and mechanisms to strengthen prison institutions and prevent deaths of prisoners;



The professionalization of the Fire Brigade which should be given a new base within the metropolitan area as soon as the site is located. He also said that medium-sized towns will have appropriate structures for the work of fire brigades.



He confirmed the departure, within the next 6 months, of the Minustah.



Concerning this departure, Monday at the graduation ceremony at the Academy of Police to Freres of the 27th promotion https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20492-haiti-security-moise-to-the-27th-pnh-promotion.html Michel-Ange Gedeon addressing the 946 new police officers declared "As you can understand, we will be the only masters of our destiny. In the not too distant future, the only institution that will take charge of security in Haiti will be the PNH [...]"



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20492-haiti-security-moise-to-the-27th-pnh-promotion.html



HL/ SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Politics : Tensions within the OAS on Venezuela, Haiti dismayed





Tuesday, at the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS), Secretary General Luis Almagro circulated a report recommending the suspension of Venezuela of the Organization and requiring "general elections without delay and at all levels" in this country, hhat caused a strong reaction from Harvel Jean-Baptiste, Ambassador of Haiti to the OAS...



Extract from the intervention of Haiti :



"[...] Mr President,



[...] With such recommendations, the Secretary-General has not only exceeded his prerogatives, he has also committed an inadmissible disregard for the fundamental principles enshrined in the Charter of the Organization.



Indeed, should we recall that under Article 1 of the Charter of the OAS 'The Organization of American States has no powers other than those expressly conferred upon it by this Charter, none of whose provisions authorizes it to intervene in matters that are within the internal jurisdiction of the Member States'.



Similarly, according to Article 2 and 3 of the Charter, the OAS gives itself the principles of 'to promote and consolidate representative democracy, with due respect for the principle of nonintervention;' and to 'respect for the personality, sovereignty, and independence of States'.



In these circumstances, we are deeply dismayed that the Secretary General of the OAS can only think of calling for 'he convening of general elections without delay and at all levels', in a Member State of the Organization, with a President-in-Office whose term of office runs until 2019!



[...]



The time is serious. It goes far beyond the question of Venezuela. The actions of the Secretary-General are weakening our Organization. His actions do not reassure us at all in terms of peace and stability in the region. If we allow the Secretary-General, as he does, to interfere unreservedly in the internal affairs of a country and to the detriment of the principle of respect for the sovereignty of States, soon Haiti and other countries in the region will be those that will also be victims of the same drift from the Organization.



From this perspective, what is happening at the OAS at this very moment, augurs the dark days for the Hemispheric Organization and for our region. The Organization of American States has never been so divided. The convening of a meeting of the Permanent Council to discuss the situation of a member state under the threat of suspension of this State, and by trying to push ahead with an early election against an elected President, all this makes us fear the implementation of an agenda that does not correspond to the spirit or the letter of the Charter of our Organization [...]"



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping politics...





The Governor of the BRH very confident

Jean Baden, the Governor of the Central Bank (BRH) is very confident about the stabilization of the gourde. He announces the adoption of a set of measures to prevent the further downgrade of our currency against the US dollar.



Exercise of the Police Units constituted

This Wednesday morning was held a a dynamic exercise of the Formed Police Units (FPUs) of Port-au-Prince. This exercise, involving 4 police units from the capital, is part of the continuing training program to harmonize technical command maneuvers of policing units.



A rigorous DG at the FAES

Tuesday, Jude Alix Patrick Salomon the new Minister of Economy proceeded to the installation of Charles Ernest Chatelier as new Director General of the Social and Economic Assistance Fund (FAES). He replaces the outgoing Director, Lucien Francur. In his speech, the new DG suggested a certain degree of rigor, saying "I can assure you that the road map will be scrupulously respectedas it was entrusted to me."



Installation of the Secretary General of the Primature

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant installed Hugues Joseph as Secretary General of the Primature. he reminded him of his duty "to deal with the affairs of the State with celerity and efficiency in a spirit of disinterestedness". He replaces Marides Menager Alexandre.



Grand'Anse Recovery Budget

"I will advocate in Parliament so that the plans for the rehabilitation of communes of the Grand'Anse are reflected in the national budget," said Senator Saurel Hyacinthe. "For the effective recovery of the Great South, the commitment of national and international partners is inescapable," said Minister of Planning Aviol Fleurant.



Closure of a project of detainees reintegration

This Wednesday will take place the closing of the project "Support to the Civil Prison of Croix-de-Bouquets: preparation of prisoners for their community reintegration", implemented by Terre des Hommes Italy. This project, funded by the Minustah Community Violence Reduction (CVR) section, will facilitate the social reintegration of prisoners by providing professional, psychosocial, civic and correctional counseling.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















U.S. hotels saw year-over-year performance increases for the week of 19-25 March. Occupancy rose 5% to 68.7%, ADR increased 2.9% to $127.68 and RevPAR jumped 7.9% to $87.75.

The U.S. hotel industry recorded positive results in the three key performance metrics during the week of 19-25 March 2017, according to data from STR.

STR analysts note that performance growth was boosted by an Easter calendar shift (27 March 2016). In comparison with the week of 20-26 March 2016, the industry reported the following in year-over-year comparisons:

Occupancy: +5.0% to 68.7%

Average daily rate (ADR): +2.9% to US$127.68

Revenue per available room (RevPAR): +7.9% to US$87.75

Among the Top 25 Markets, Detroit, Michigan, saw the weeks largest increases in occupancy (+21.9% to 69.1%) and RevPAR (+34.4% to US$69.02). ADR in the market rose 10.2% to US$99.92.

Of the 11 additional markets to report double-digit growth in RevPAR, four saw an increase of more than 20.0% in the metric: St. Louis, Missouri-Illinois (+25.4% to US$70.44); Chicago, Illinois (+21.0% to US$83.61); Houston, Texas (+21.0% to US$79.57); and Washington, D.C.-Maryland-Virginia (+20.3% to US$138.64).

Washington, D.C. posted the largest year-over-year increase in ADR (+16.3% to US$176.50). In addition to Detroit, three other markets recorded a double-digit lift in rate for the week: Denver, Colorado (+11.3% to US$122.62); St. Louis (+10.1% to US$100.71); and Chicago (+10.0% to US$125.70).

After Detroit, four other markets experienced double-digit growth in occupancy: St. Louis (+13.9% to 69.9%); Houston (+13.8% to 70.4%); Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota-Wisconsin (+10.8% to 62.9%); and Chicago (+10.0% to 66.5%).

New York, New York, saw the steepest decrease in RevPAR (-8.5% to US$196.21). Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Virginia, reported the largest decline in ADR (-6.3% to US$86.76). Oahu Island, Hawaii, experienced the largest decrease in occupancy (-5.2% to 79.8%).

View weekly U.S. hotel performance review

STR provides clients from multiple market sectors with premium, global data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights. Founded in 1985, STR maintains a presence in 10 countries around the world with a corporate North American headquarters in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and an international headquarters in London, England. For more information, please visit str.com.
Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami Hotel to Open Q3 2017

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a franchise agreement with Concord Aztec Brickell LLC for Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami, located at 1101 Brickell Ave. in the center of Miamis thriving financial and business district. Concord Aztec Brickell LLC is a joint venture comprised of Aztec Group and Concord Hospitality, which will manage the hotel. Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami is expected to conclude construction and open in Q3 2017. As with all Hyatt Centric hotels, Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami will place guests in the heart of the action, providing an ideal launch pad to explore downtown Miami and beyond.

Miamis Brickell neighborhood has always been an important financial and business center but is evolving into the type of 24/7 urban destination that is at the heart of our Hyatt Centric brand. Expanding the Hyatt Centric brand presence in Miami is important to our global expansion strategy to be at the center of the destination in primary business and leisure markets around the world, said David Tarr, senior vice president of real estate and development for the Americas, Hyatt. Joined by Hyatt Centric South Beach Miami, the new Brickell hotel will provide our guests with another great location from which to explore everything that Miami and Miami Beach have to offer.

This will be a very special hotel for Miami, said Mark Laport, president and CEO, Concord Hospitality. The location and amenities of Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami will serve business and leisure travelers who desire the authentic hospitality for which Hyatt is known around the world.

Located off Brickell Avenue, with views to Biscayne Bay, Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami will be part of the mixed-use 83-story Panorama Tower development that, when completed, will be home to the tallest building in Miami and the largest residential building south of New York. The first two floors of Panorama Tower will include more than 50,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space.

Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami will offer 208 guestrooms, in addition to a signature second-floor restaurant and bar serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and 24-hour room service. The hotel will share a full-service spa, fitness center and pool with the buildings residences. All hotel guestrooms and suites will offer the Hyatt Centric brands signature amenities such as salon-grade Drybar Buttercup blowdryers, BeeKind eco-friendly bath and body products, Keurig in-room coffee brewing system and JBL Wireless speakers.

With 4,000 square feet of meeting and event space, the hotel will provide business travelers with accessible spaces for group functions, both large and small.

For more information on the Hyatt Centric brand, please visit hyattcentric.com.

For more information on World of Hyatt, please visit hyatt.com/understanding.

The term Hyatt is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

The Hyatt Centric Experience

Hyatt Centric is a brand of full-service lifestyle hotels located in prime destinations. Created for millennial-minded travelers who want to be in the middle of the action, Hyatt Centric hotels are thoughtfully designed to enable exploration and discovery. The lobby lounge is a launch pad providing guests with information about the most sought after food, nightlife and activities the destination has to offer. The bar and restaurant are local hot spots where great conversations, locally inspired food and signature cocktails can be enjoyed. Streamlined modern rooms focus on delivering everything guests want and nothing they dont, including BeeKinds environmentally conscious bath products, Bluetooth-enabled electronics and salon-grade blowdryers. A team of colleagues is always available to recommend local hidden gems to launch guests discovery of the destination. For more information please visit hyattcentric.com. Follow @HyattCentric on Facebook and Instagram, and tag photos with #HyattCentricExplorer.

About Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company

As an award-winning hotel development, ownership and management company, Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company has spent the last three decades partnering with owners and its investors on more than $2.5 billion in premium branded properties across the United States and Canada. As an operator, both for third party owners and partners, Concord Hospitality instills value from the ground up, developing and managing with a sustainable viewpoint, a focus on quality and a hands-on involvement to ensure long-term profitability. Learn more at concordhotels.com.

Aztec Group

Founded in 1981, Aztec Group, Inc. specializes in facilitating the acquisition, disposition, financing and capital needs of real estate projects for institutional investors, entrepreneurs and commercial developers as well as offshore clients. Aztec has been long-recognized as the premier real estate capital markets intermediary and merchant banking firm in the Southeast, handling more than $10 billion in transactions during the past decade. The company is also considered an innovator, often seeing opportunities for clients before they become apparent in the marketplace. For more information, visit www.aztecgroup.com.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 13 premier brands. As of December 31, 2016, the Company's portfolio included 698 properties in 56 countries. The Company's purpose to care for people so they can be their best informs its business decisions and growth strategy and is intended to create value for shareholders, build relationships with guests and attract the best colleagues in the industry. The Company's subsidiaries develop, own, operate, manage, franchise, license or provide services to hotels, resorts, branded residences and vacation ownership properties, including under the Park Hyatt, Miraval, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt, Andaz, Hyatt Centric, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Residence Club brand names and have locations on six continents. For more information, please visit hyatt.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Forward-Looking Statements in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as may, could, expect, intend, plan, seek, anticipate, believe, estimate, predict, potential, continue, likely, will, would and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us and our management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, the rate and pace of economic recovery following economic downturns; levels of spending in business and leisure segments as well as consumer confidence; declines in occupancy and average daily rate; the financial condition of, and our relationships with, third-party property owners, franchisees and hospitality venture partners; the possible inability of third-party owners, franchisees or development partners to access the capital necessary to fund current operations or implement our plans for growth; risks associated with potential acquisitions and dispositions and the introduction of new brand concepts; changes in the competitive environment in our industry, including as a result of industry consolidation, and the markets where we operate; general volatility of the capital markets and our ability to access such markets; and other risks discussed in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which filings are available from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any of our forward-looking statements. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are made only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any of these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information or future events, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.
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Cristina Polo is a French expat who has been living in Dubai for the last 11 years. With close to 20 years experience in the hospitality industry in Europe and Middle East & Africa, shes worked with global and regional multi-brand groups, including Hilton and the Rezidor Hotel Group, in the Revenue Optimization, Distribution, Sales, Digital Marketing and Room division areas.

Cristina Polo, GM of Insights Middle East team, channels her wealth of experience in the hotel sector to helping other hospitality and tourism brands in the Middle East solve their unique challenges.

We continue by discussing the evolving role of digital in the Middle East and Africa, the seemingly unstoppable growth in Dubai, and how travel brands can cater to the Middle Eastern traveler.

How do you think MEA stacks up with the rest of the world in terms of their programmatic understanding, and why?

Programmatic is still underused, and probably due to a lack of understanding. Companies like Sojern will certainly contribute to a better education with seminars like you organized in October. The enthusiasm was obvious among participants.

How have travel and tourism brands in the Middle East embraced digital?

There is a difference here between OTAs, airlines, branded hotels or car rentals, and the independent, non-branded hotels. Even in 2014-2015, only some of these had embraced digital. Those who had, did it with a lot of enthusiasm, but sometimes not with clear strategies or objectives in mind. Technology and digital opportunities are evolving so quickly, that it can be difficult to have a clear understanding of what is a good activity to invest in.

How can digital travel marketers reach Middle Eastern travelers in a more effective, meaningful way?

At the most basic level, its all about having a good website! Programmatic certainly offers great opportunities, as does Search Engine Optimization and Search Engine Marketing. And dont forget Social Media  here, more than anywhere else, people really embrace peer-to-peer recommendations.

Dubai has a target to be the worlds most visited city by 2020. What are they doing to achieve this and do you think they will achieve their goal?

This has been going on for some time already. The Government and the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) have developed the offerings in the city, and I dont think much can stop them!

In the last 10 years alone, the airport opened another terminal, a second airport opened, Emirates launched new routes at a tremendous pace, iconic hotels were established, such as Atlantis and Armani in the Burj Khalifa, the metro opened with two lines and more to come, the city expanded, malls opened and more are under construction. In 2016 we saw the opening of Dubai Parks, the Dubai Canal, and on and on. It is just fascinating to witness and be part of. Novelty is seen to accompany the growth of the Emirates, such as partnerships with Airbnb, with Uber more recently.

What are Middle Eastern travelers looking for in a holiday?

First, we need to define who the Middle Eastern traveler is. In this part of the world, there are many expats coming from Europe or Asia. Then, you have the locals. Generally speaking, I would say that short breaks in Europe or Asia are popular for adventure, cultural or shopping experiences. Comfort, not necessarily luxury, and flexibility in the offerings are key, such as vegan and halal menus, family rooms, and so on.

What is your favourite place that youve traveled to and why?

This is a very difficult question! My suitcase is always ready and all destinations visited have a special memory no matter which continent. It could be Machu Picchu, Quebec, Kenya, Singapore, Cape Town or Jordan with the family, but even business trips can be interesting. How many of us get a chance to go to Ethiopia or Sudan?

Now, I would love to go to Australia. Traveling gives you a chance to discover new cultures, new people: it is fun, provides amazing experiences and is humbling at the same time.

Get our latest Global Travel Insights Report now for our latest travel trends in the Middle East and Africa.

About Ashley

Ashley is Sojern's Marketing Manager, EMEA & APAC and works in the London office. Originally from Canada, she's been living in London for over four years, and is actively trying to fill all the pages in her passport. She has never met a cheese she didn't like.
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
From the Archive New Political Order Begins in Burma

Today marks one year since Daw Aung San Suu Kyis NLD government assumed office.

As today marks one year since the NLD government assumed office, The Irrawaddy revisits this commentary from the early days of the new administration.

Its now official and its party time! many Burmese said to each other. Millions were glued to live television footage of the long awaited official political handover which took place at the presidential palace on Wednesday.

A new government came into power and the National League for Democracys (NLD) Htin Kyaw, a close confidant of Aung San Suu Kyi, was sworn in as Burmas ninth president.

As the new administration settles in, it is expected that fundamental changes and surprises awaitthe first of which is talk of a new political position being created for Suu Kyi, who now holds four Cabinet posts in the new government as minister of foreign affairs, electric power and energy, the presidents office and education.

While no title yet exists for this role, it is likely to be state political counselor, or even state adviser in chief. A draft State Adviser Bill is being discussed in the Upper House that would effectively make Suu Kyi head of state, according to one NLD lawmaker.

Such a broad designation would not only allow the Lady to move freely within the government and offer guidance to President Htin Kyawit could also fulfill her repeated claim that in a new administration, she would be above the president, or, at the very least, his equal.

Her intentions have been revealed earlier than expected, but everything surrounding the new leaderships inauguration is unfolding rapidly.

Htin Kyaws first presidential speech, which lasted only three minutes, did not exactly capture the political momentum of the occasion or provide national inspiration. But in a limited time frame, he did emphasize the importance of building a peaceful, federal and democratic nation in an ethnically diverse country plagued by civil war. He also stressed his partys continued push for constitutional reform.

I have an obligation to work toward having a Constitution that is of a democratic standard and which is suitable for the country, he said.

In the three-minute speech, Htin Kyaw also mentioned Suu Kyis name, with a gentle reminder that she remains the real political boss, even before knowledge of the draft state adviser bill was made public.

Many NLD supporters described the succinct speech as straightforward and meaningful. It was a comparatively brief political statement in the context of Burmas modern history, which the public welcomed. After all, Htin Kyaws executive predecessors were notorious for delivering long-winded monologues unsupported by policies and action, leaving Burma in limbo for generations.

Like the speech, the handover ceremony at the Presidents house was also rather abrupt. Observers on social media were not critical of the hasty proceedings, however, and many responded by posting jokes and satirical commentary about the occasion.

The faster the better, because I want them to leave as soon as possible, said one user, implying that Thein Seins administration was an extension of the former military regimeand highlighting an eagerness to see this period of Burmas history give way to change.

At the dinner hosted in the presidential palace to conclude the days events, Thein Sein and his former cabinet ministers were nowhere to be seen, but military commander-in-chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing was present. It was Suu Kyi who was once again the center of attention, rather than loyalist Htin Kyaw.

On Thursday morning, state-owned newspapers, which were once described as Stalinist, splashed photos of the new government on their pages. Suu Kyi is, predictably, at the center of these images; Htin Kyaw is there too, and a smiling Min Aung Hlaing also makes an appearance.

This government-owned media is now operating under the new information minister, Pe Myint, a well-known and respected writer in Burma. Until midnight after his inauguration, the newly appointed minister was reportedly working on the production of Thursdays paper, knowing it would represent a new political message.

Poems written by some revolutionary heavyweightsincluding former student leader and longtime political prisoner Min Ko Naingwere published for the first time in a state-run paper. It was also the first time that a respected editorial cartoonist, APK, was invited to contribute a piece of his work to such a publication.

Headlines in Thursdays Burmese version of The New Light of Myanmar read: New history begins in Burma Similarly, The Mirror, which once served as a mouthpiece to the repressive military regime and denounced opposition, thundered: The greatest change ever in 50 years and a government is formed under the guidance of a Daw Aung San Suu Kyi-led National League for Democracy government!

Indeed, the undeniable fact is that a new political order has begun in a once military-ruled Burma.

Some cannot help but reflect back on Suu Kyis first landmark political speech in 1988, when the Lady, then 43, famously described the fight for democracy as a second struggle for independence, meaning that it was necessary to liberate Burma and citizens from the armys generals the way that her father did from British domination.

After more than two decades, this long struggle is now beginning to witness some vital changes and political shifts, but it has not succeeded just yet.
Asia Thai Jungle Cameras Reveal New Breeding Population of Endangered Tigers

A female tiger looks on after spotting a camera trap set by Thailands Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant conservation (DNP), Freeland, at a forest in Eastern Thailand. Undated. / DNP / Freeland Handout via Reuters

BANGKOK, Thailand  Images of Indochinese tigers and cubs captured on camera in Thailands eastern jungle have confirmed the existence of the worlds second breeding population of the critically endangered animals, wildlife conservationists said on Wednesday.

Poaching for the skin and body parts of tigers, used in traditional Chinese medicine, is a multi-million dollar business in Asia that has driven the animals to the brink of extinction in the wild.

Of about 3,900 tigers believed to be left in the wild globally, just about 350 belonged to the Indochinese species living in Thailand and Burma, figures from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) showed in 2011.

Images from 156 camera traps installed by Thai wildlife authorities along with Freeland, a group that fights wildlife trafficking, and Panthera, a global wild cat conservation group, documented at least six cubs from four females.

Wildlife officials hailed the pictures as the first evidence of tigers breeding in Thailands eastern region in more than 15 years, highlighting the success of authorities patrol and protection efforts against illegal poaching and logging.

It provides a little bit of hope that potentially, we no longer have all of our eggs in one basket, Eric Ash, a conservation project manager at Freeland, told Reuters.

That really can only happen if tigers have effective, sufficient amount of prey and if they have sufficient protection.

Western Thailand was the site of the only previously known breeding population of Indochinese tigers.
Burma Five UNFC Members to Sign the NCA

The UNFC and the Burmese government delegation led by Dr. Tin Myo Win are pictured at an office of the National Reconciliation and Peace Center in Rangoon in July 2016. / The Irrawaddy

Five members of the ethnic alliance the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) will sign the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA), announced State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, following her State of the Union address on Thursday evening, while the two of the organizations powerful membersthe Kachin and Shan armed groupsappear to be left behind.

The Karenni National Progressive Party, New Mon State Party, the Arakan National Council, Lahu Democratic Union and the Wa National Organization will sign the NCA, she said in the later speech, which was read on the state-run MRTV. But the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) and the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army-North (SSPP/SSA-N)both currently engaged in active conflict with the Burma Armywere not on the list.

It is very good news, as well as the best gift on this [first] anniversary of the [National League for Democracy] government, the State Counselor said, adding that the she was glad that the five groups had put their trust in her government and the peace process.

There has been speculation that such a move could create a division within the ethnic alliance: the KIO and SSPP/SSA-N attended an ethnic summit in Panghsang hosted by the United Wa State Army in February, and have voiced a desire to replace the NCA with a new approach to the peace process.

The UNFC members did not sign the NCA with eight other armed groups in October 2015, and until recently they were still negotiating the process with the government, proposing eight demands which would precede their signing the pact. Among these demands included the government declaring a unilateral ceasefire.
Burma Military Officer: Rambo IV Defames Burma Army

A scene in Rambo IV showing Sylvester Stallones character killing U Min Htays character. / flixster.com

RANGOON  U Min Htay, a central committee member of the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF) facing trial under Article 17(1) of Burmas Unlawful Association Act, is now likely to face another charge for his appearance in the 2008 Hollywood blockbuster Rambo IV which is deemed to defame the Burma Army.

U Min Htay was arrested by the Burma Army on Dec. 28 last year at the Sein Lone military checkpoint on the BhamoLwegel road in Momauk Township, Kachin State, and charged for allegedly associating with Kachin Independence Army (KIA), which has opted out of signing the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) with the government.

As he appeared at Momauk Township court on Wednesday, Maj Nay Lin Htike of Bhamo-based 21st Military Operations Command (MOC-21), who is a prosecution witness, told the court that Rambo IV, in which U Min Htay played a military officer of a ruthless military regime in Burma, vilified the Burma Army.

Rambo IV is a 2008 action film and the fourth and final installment in the Rambo franchise which Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone wrote, directed and starred in.

The film depicts the rescue of Christian missionaries who came to an ethnic Karen village in Burma to provide medical aid and were kidnapped by Burmese government troops. It includes scenes of the Burma Army brutally torturing and massacring Karen people.

The character played by Stallone single-handedly killed dozens of Burmese soldiers to rescue hostages.

The major told the court that he also found photos of my husband and Stallone, which defames the army, Daw Nan Yin, wife of U Min Htay told The Irrawaddy.

After U Min Htay was arrested, the ABSDF central committee complained that both the government and the army already knew at the point of signing the NCA that ABSDF was based in both areas controlled by the government and by NCA non-signatories.

U Min Htay is currently being detained at Bhamo Prison and has lamented his arrest as the ABSDF is a NCA signatory, according to his wife.

There will be 10 prosecution witnesses to testify in the trial that is expected to last for at least the next six months. The next court appearance is set for April 5.

Burma Army chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, in a meeting with NCA signatories on Jan. 24 in Naypyidaw, said the Burma Army had no plan to release U Min Htay, but would proceed in line with the law, ethnic leaders who attended the meeting told the media.

Together with seven other ethnic armed groups, the ABSDF signed the NCA with the previous U Thein Sein government on Oct. 15, 2015 and attended the 21st Century Panglong peace conference held in August last year under the National League for Democracy (NLD) government.

U Min Htay also played a part in The Lady, a 2011 film about Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, as well as Burmese movies critical of the Burma Army and the Parliament under the previous government.
Burma Police: Detainees Underwent Training for Money

A border guard policeman stands in front of people at Buthidaungs Tinn May village. / Htet Naing Zaw / The Irrawaddy

BUTHIDAUNG, Arakan State  More than a dozen Rohingya Muslims in Buthidaung Township who were arrested earlier this month for allegedly undergoing illegal military training claimed that they attended the exercise for money, according to police in the area.

Seventeen people were arrested in the townships Tinn May village on March 7 and were charged under Article 17 of the Unlawful Association Act.

A total of eleven persons were from the village while the others were from other locations, according to police.

We interrogated those who were at the training. They said they attended because they received 3,000 kyats (US$2.30) per day to do so, the head of No. 3 Border Guard Police Force Tun Naing told the media.

A former village administrator, a religious leader, a landowner and a 15-year-old boy were among the detainees; the rest were workers, police said.

The training included martial arts and the use of small arms, according to police officer Tun Naing. Trainees related that they had been instructed that weapons would arrive from Bangladesh after completion of the training, the officer claimed.

A religious leader who is suspected of involvement in attacks on border guard posts in Maungdaw in October last year led the events, according to Tun Naing, who is also the chief of Taung Paza Police Station.

The defendants trial began at Buthidaung Township Court on March 27 and the men are being detained at Buthidaung Prison while the trial is ongoing.

According to the police officer, the authorities had been informed that the training activities had taken place from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. over a series of nights in Tinn May village. The trainees were arrested on the seventh night, according to the police officer, who added that trainees were learning martial arts on that occasion and no arms were found.

Acting on a tip-off, we cornered them, but some got away, said Tun Naing. We arrested them as they were gathering to make a call to Bangladesh with a Bangladeshi phone.

A villager named Abdur, the son of 60-year-old landowner named Rashdan who is among the detainees, told the media through an interpreter that his father was not arrested at the alleged night-time training but while he was preparing to open his shop in the early morning.

He said he doesnt know why [his father] was arrested, the interpreter related to media. He can swear by the Quran that he was together with his father every night.

Another villager named Akhtar, the younger brother of another detainee named Huston, said through the interpreter that he did not support the use of violence.

Police officer Tun Naing claimed that although more police members have been deployed in the area, the force was still too understaffed to fully secure the border.

Earlier this week a group calling itself the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army issued a statement saying that it was carrying out armed resistance in the western state.

The statement made a number of demands for Rohingya rights and stated that the group was not associated with any international terrorist groups.

Arakan State has been virtually inaccessible to media and others since a series of attacks on three border outposts in Maungdaw Township on October 9 last year.

More than 70,000 Muslims from the area have since fled to Bangladesh amid clearance operations conducted by Burma security forces that have received heavy criticism from the UN and other international organizations.
Burma World Bank Financing Arm Under Fire Over Burmese Coal Mine Link

Mining operations at the Ban Chaung coal mine. / Tarkapaw Youth Group

The World Banks private sector lending arm, the International Finance Corporation, which gives financial assistance to businesses that invest in the developing world, has come under criticism in a new report over its connection to a controversial coal mining operation in Tenasserim Division.

The Ban Chaung coal project is led by the Thai firm Energy Earth and is located in territory partially controlled by the Karen National Union (KNU), Burmas oldest ethnic armed group. According to a report released earlier this month by the NGO Inclusive Development International, the mine is severely affecting the health and livelihoods of locals in the area, who have already endured years of conflict.

The report titled Reckless Development: The IFCs Dodgy Deals in Southeast Asia, alleges that the IFC is surreptitiously channeling money to a series of extremely controversial projects across Asia by way of for-profit financial intermediaries, like commercial banks and private equity funds, in a manner that runs afoul of the groups own guidelines. According to the reports authors, the IFC, in addition to its connection to the Burmese coal mine, is also linked to a range of other highly contested projects in Asia, including mega-hydropower dams in Vietnam and Cambodia and massive land grabs in Cambodia and Laos.

The IFC told The Irrawaddy that it disputes many of the findings presented: While we share concerns for communities negatively impacted by some of the projects mentioned, we find many factual inaccuracies in the report.

According to the report, when fully operational, the Ban Chaung mine is expected to adversely affect some 16,000 people from 23 villages living in the surrounding area. A press release quoted a spokesperson from one of the local groups that aided with the report warning of the serious repercussions of the mine project, which already allegedly includes the poisoning of local waterways and a significant decrease in local air quality due to noxious coal underground fires triggered by strip mining.

After 70 years of civil war, the people of Ban Chaung are trying to rebuild their lives again from zero. But rather than focusing on community development and improving education, health and livelihoods, we have had to spend five years fighting with this company that is trying to take away everything, said Naw Pe Tha Law from the Tarkapaw Youth Group.

Another villager quoted by the report indicated that company representatives had informed him of the permission from the KNU to go ahead with the project, which is located in territory that has been for decades under the control of the KNUs Fourth Brigade. A report from 2015 by the Tarkapaw Youth Group also reported that Earth Energys Thai partner, East Star, a firm know to have longstanding ties to KNU officials in the area, had received a permit from the KNUs Fourth Brigade to operate in 2011, a year before the firm entered into a partnership with Earth Energy.

Although the coffers of one of the countrys largest armed groups will grow thanks to the mining in Ban Chaung, the local population will see little, if any, benefit. Villagers interviewed for the report say that since mining operations began in 2012, the area has become unlivable.

The smell is hideous. When Im near it, I cant breathe. I get dizzy and have headaches, said a mother of six, interviewed for the report, who was forced to abandon her home because of the toxic fumes from uncontrolled underground coal fires triggered by the mining operations.

IFC Mine Connection Via Austrian and Chinese Banks

The reports authors describe the IFC as being linked to the project by way of equity investments made in recent years by the IFC in two large commercial banks, Austrias Raiffeisen Bank and the Postal Savings Bank of China, which the report describes as being closely connected to the Thai firm leading the project.

In January 2014, the IFC bought US$186 million worth of shares in Raiffeisen, at a time when the bank was facing significant financial difficulties, giving the Washington-based IFC a significant stake. Shortly after this deal was completed, Raiffeisen bought a 3 percent stake in Earth Energy, which is listed on the Thai stock exchange.

The IFCs involvement with the Postal Savings Bank of China began in 2015 when the IFC bought a $300 million stake in the bank. Shortly after this deal was completed, the partially state-owned bank in turn co-arranged $1.5 billion in corporate bonds for four of Chinas big five electric utility companies: Huaneng, Datang, Guodian and China Power Investment. An investors report produced by venture capital firm CM Equity cited by the Inclusive Development International report indicates that these firms are major buyers of Energy Earths coal.

According to the report, because the bonds that were underwritten by the Postal Savings Bank were general, the power firms would be free to use these funds to buy coal for their China-based power plants. As such, the IFC, through its equity stake in Postal Savings Bank, appears to be channeling funds that could be used for the purchase of coal from the Ban Chaung mine, the report claimed.

In addition to drawing scrutiny from NGOs and environmentalists who frequently are at odds with much of what the IFC does, the move to invest in the Postal Savings Bank has also been questioned by the IFCs former director Peter Woicke.

It is unclear to me what the role is for the IFC in [the Postal Savings Bank of China] If that [investment returns] is why you are doing it, you might as well be Goldman Sachs. But the job of the IFC is not just to be Goldman Sachs, Woicke told the Financial Times in December 2015.

IFC told the Irrawaddy: As has been communicated to IDI [Inclusive Development International] on numerous occasions, many of the sub-projects mentioned either pre-date or fall outside the scope of IFCs investment with the financial institution mentioned.

The report is misleading in insinuating that IFCs investments in the FIs [financial institutions] mentioned indirectly support a significant number of harmful activities. In any cases where IFC confirms non-compliance with the applicable environmental and social requirements by our FI clients, we raise these issues with our clients and seek redress, added an IFC spokesperson.

The latter claim about steps taken by the IFC when it finds non-compliance by its clients seems to be at odds with a recent monitoring report by the IFCs own Compliance Advisor/Ombudsman (CAO). The CAO report, which studied a sample of the IFCs investments, found widespread systemic non-compliance by the IFC with its own policies and procedures.

The CAO report found that the IFC does not, in general, have a basis to assess [financial intermediary] clients compliance with its [environmental and social] requirements, which the CAO flagged as highly problematic.
Editorial Days of Discontent

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is pictured as political stakeholders convene at the Presidents home in Napyidaw for a conference of 48 leaders representing ethnic, military and political interests in Jan. 12, 2015. / The Irrawaddy

RANGOON  Burmas first civilian government since 1962 is facing growing discontent at home and abroad. One year has passed since the National League for Democracy (NLD)-led administration was sworn in and serious soul searching by its leaders is urgently needed.

That is, if government leaders are actually willing to listen to the people who pinned all their hopes on them and elected them to office.

The countrys de facto leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her cabinet ministers need to seriously tackle the countrys ills and work to repair past mistakes and blunders. If not, they will face tougher opposition as Burmas people become disillusioned.

Under Daw Aung San Suu Kyis administration, the conflict in Burmas North has intensified and confidence and trust between the State Counselor and ethnic leaders has greatly eroded. She has alienated ethnic groups and, as a result, the peace process is on the verge of derailment. When taking office, she claimed achieving peace was a priority of her government.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyis relations with the Burma Army commander-in-chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing are strained and her perceived lack of action to fix the countrys sluggish economy has increased widespread dissatisfaction.

Understandably, people are disappointed. But that doesnt mean the public are unsympathetic. Many people understand that the new civilian government has faced daunting challenges as it inherited a country that languished under decades of repressive and corrupt military dictatorship.

Many NLD supporters have expressed concerns about the current state of affairs in good faith. They want this government to succeed and to move the country forward, as does the international community.

Once considered a darling of the West for her relentless pursuit of democratic reform in Burma, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi now faces an almost daily onslaught from international media.

The Nobel Peace Prize winners international image suffered a heavy blow when the UN reported evidence of crimes against humanity committed against Rohingya Muslims in northern Arakan State.

Burmas democracy hero has appeared powerless to stop government security forces committing atrocities. Meanwhile, many people in Burma do not accept the Rohingya as one of Burmas ethnic groups, insisting that they are illegal migrants from Bangladesh, and referring to them as Bengali.

The governments lack of a clear economic policy and the appointment of loyal but ineffective cabinet ministers have caused concern among the business community inside and outside of Burma. Ministers have been accused of lacking experience and having no vision to push their ministries in a productive direction.

Burma is located between two giant neighbors, China and India, and it has great potential to move forward. But the economy is slowing and there is little action to intervene from those supposedly running the country.

Worryingly, under the democratically elected government, arrests and detention of critics, journalists, and activists have continued as both the military and the civilian government increasingly turn to the draconian Article 66(d) of Burmas Telecommunications Act.

Government leaders have been accused of being media shy and even lacking respect for the media. They forget that it was local and independent media that played a major role in 2015s historic elections.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, her puppet president U Htin Kyaw, and other senior government leaders have failed to hold one press conference in the first year of taking office.

Pundits have been questioning what has gone wrong with Daw Aung San Suu Kyis government and its policies: Was the NLD unprepared or did its leaders lose their vision and become complacent?

There is growing criticism the State Counselor acts haughtily and views herself as above othersincluding both political opposition members and important allies. She has burned a number of bridges and caused allies to flee.

Perhaps, as the daughter of Gen Aung Sanindependence hero, politician, and founding father of Burmas armed forcesshe feels entitled to solve the countrys issues and assumes everybody will follow her.

But this is not the case. She is not Gen Aung San and she has no control over the armed forces. There is a structural problem with Burmas governmentthe military continues to control the key ministries of defense, home, and border affairs, as well as 25 percent of seats in all parliaments and the all-powerful General Administration Department.

In the eyes of some businesspeople and politicians, the NLD is operating a caretaker government with little executive power.

Members of the public, particularly everyday people such as farmers and workers, have not witnessed significant change in the first year of the new government.

It is time to stop living under the illusion that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her government will match expectations and bring about miraculous, concrete, change. It is time instead to ask the government to act decisively, and it is time to hold it accountable for its mistakes.

If the government has the will to listen, it will review its year of shabby governance, shake up its cabinet, and change its direction.

Living in blind hope for what the State Counselor and her government can achieve must stop here.
Opinion Has the NLD Learned Nothing About Ethnic Concerns?

Gen Aung San Bridge in Mon State. / The Irrawaddy

The National League for Democracy is the party of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. This is clear. In certain ways, this also makes it the party of Gen Aung San, or at least, of his legacy. While it might seem to be of great political benefit for a party to be connected to its countrys founding hero (especially when its main rival is prominently associated with decades of repressive military rule), the NLD seems, contrary to expectations, to be able to turn its Bogyoke connections into a liability.

At issue is the name of a bridge in Mon State being built over the Thanlwin (Salween) River, connecting Mawlamyine with the neighboring township of Chaungzon. It is a project funded by the central government that should be completed by the end of March. That it has sparked controversy is the most recent evidence that the ruling NLD is insistent on carrying out actions that alienate (or at least annoy) Myanmars ethnically diverse population, despite its repeated promises to prioritize national reconciliation.

In this case, the national government has barreled forward with its plans to name the bridge after Gen Aung San. This is despite strong indications from local organizations that they preferred another name and a statement from a Mon State minister that the state government had decided not to use the name for the bridge. Thousands have protested the name, with Mon groups joined by representatives of other ethnic groups. Local suggestions have included Yamanya (Mon State in Mon language) or Salween Bridge.

The comments made by the new Mon State Chief Minister Dr. Aye Zan (an NLD loyalist who was first elected in 1990 and was recently tapped by President U Htin Kyaw to lead the state after the resignation of the previous chief minister) reflect the standard Burman-oriented history of the countrys founding. He said local residents should be proud of the name because, if Gen Aung San had not brought together different ethnic groups from Ministerial Burma and the Frontier Areas at the 1947 Panglong Conference, there would be no Myanmar today. This is a striking remark from a leader of one of the ethnic groups that had no representation at Panglong because the area that would become Mon State was within Ministerial Burma, which was represented solely by the Burman-dominated Anti-Fascist Peoples Freedom League (AFPFL).

This is not the place to engage in a more detailed consideration of Gen Aung Sans complicated place in Myanmars history, but that must also be part of the re-consideration of the countrys founding myths. What does it signify that many of the countrys ethnic groups were not present at Panglong, an event that State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi continues to insist reflects the absolute unity of its groups, rather than the aspiration for such a condition? What does it mean to celebrate as a national hero and founding father a man who, in addition to helping to convene the Panglong Conference, executed a Karen village head during World War II? How can Myanmar achieve national reconciliation without an honest appraisal of its divisive and exclusionary past?

As Mon activists and politicians have made clear, their rejection of the name is not meant to disrespect Gen Aung San, but to insist that the bridge be given a name that is more meaningful to the local population. That NLD lawmakers and leaders cannot recognize how insulting and destructive this move is to their professed efforts for national reconciliation is reflective of what I have called Burman privilege. Not the same as outright discrimination or prejudice, this theory suggests that, as the majority ethnic group, Burmans enjoy certain benefits or status that accrue solely because of their ethnicitybenefits that are not necessarily available to non-Burmansand furthermore, this privileged position is largely invisible to those who enjoy it daily.

In this case, Burman leaders enjoy the privilege of having most (if not all) of the countrys heroes come from their own ethnic group privilege that also allows them to ignore the fact that members of other groups might not adopt the same worshipful attitude towards Gen Aung San. Scholars have documented the ways in which non-Burmans have been excised from the countrys official histories, either taken out completely or rendered in ways that make their ethnic identity peripheral to their contributions. A basic component of national reconciliation will have to be the rewriting of a Myanmar history in which every school childregardless of ethnicity or religioncan see her or himself. Apparently the much simpler step of just recognizing local agency in naming a landmark is even too difficult for the current government.

But maybe this should not come as a surprise. At a recent academic conference focused on Myanmar, a scholar presented a paper that examined a range of complex views held by members of a minority ethnic group on citizenship. In sharing the perspectives of her informants, she related their claims that various cultural elements or prominent individuals had been appropriated by the Burman majority, either as Burman culture, or universalized into Myanmar culture. Representatives from the Myanmar government that were attending criticized the paper as divisive and not reflective of the countrys reality. They put forward anecdotes of inter-ethnic marriages as evidence that there were no ethnic tensions in the country. Rather than even consider the possibility that some (in fact, many) might feel excluded from the countrys official narrative and history, their knee-jerk reaction was denial. And of course, this attitude preceded the current government.

The former military government tried to explain its massive name change policy in 1989 as both a rejection of Anglicized names imposed during the colonial era and an attempt to de-ethnicize the country, by changing the countrys name from Burma (too close in sound to the majority Burman or Bamar ethnic group) to Myanmar (allegedly a national term that would include all of the countrys ethnicities). This was demonstrably false for several reasons: Both terms had been used to describe the country throughout its recent history and both were names for the country in Burmese, the language of the ethnic majority Burmans. The former governments flimsy reasoning was further belied by the fact that, in enacting name changes around the country it not only changed colonial era names but also changed places that had previously been named in local languages to their Burmese equivalents. The irony of all of this, of course, is that today, in attempting to push forward with giving the bridge a name strongly rejected by an ethnic community, the NLD is continuing in spirit the past Burmanization process described by so many ethnic activists and scholars, while the small USDP contingent in Parliament was joined by the military bloc (!) in opposing it.

Bridge-gate (how I wish we had ready-made names for political scandals in Myanmar like we do in America!) might seem like a minor and unimportant event, a non-scandal ginned up by ethnic activists and spread by an increasingly critical domestic media. I would argue that we ought to see it as yet another small but meaningful moment of ethnic alienation in Myanmars ongoing politics of exclusion and assimilation. Perhaps this is one move by the national government that we could attribute to ignorance (of ethnic sentiment or majority privilege) rather than bigotry or incompetence, yet the effects are the same. Without a change in attitude from (Burman) political leaders, national reconciliation in Myanmar will remain an elusive dream.

This article originally appeared in Tea Circle, a forum hosted at Oxford University for emerging research and perspectives on Burma/Myanmar.
Guided by Alumni, Students Make Career Discoveries in Nations Capital

Students pose in front of the White House during their Career Immersion Excursion to Washington, D.C.

March 28, 2017

During the Hart Career Center's 2017 Career Immersion Excursion spring break trip,19 students and five Illinois Wesleyan staff members visited Washington, D.C. for four days of employer site visits, panel sessions, alumni socials and professional networking with more than two dozen IWU alumni.

Students learned first-hand about working in government, public policy/advocacy, the nonprofit sector, law, healthcare administration, and the intersections of government and business. The Career Immersion Excursion program is made possible with generous support from the Carswell family and from kind contributions from participating alumni and employers.

Students returned from the trip bursting with newfound confidence, appreciation for Titan alumni encouragement, and relief that their career journeys will be both personal and successful. Some excerpts from their evaluation forms follow:

Student Reactions Regardless of your major, career plans or personality, you need to get a glimpse of the real world. CIE does precisely that and helps you get your sails out and compass pointing in a direction.  Hamzah Khan 19, physics major in pre-engineering Its difficult to know exactly what path you want to pursue. This experience was valuable in exposing me to career options I was not previously aware of. It also reassured me that its OK to not know what I want to do with my future right now.  Veena Hamill 18, chemistry major on the pre-med track The CIE will help you develop professionally, provide you with tremendous opportunities that cant be obtained normally, and make it fun the entire time.  Kurt Meyer 18, economics and financial services double major The IWU alumni network is extensive and so helpful and until you meet and talk with alumni, you cannot appreciate this or start to utilize it.  Josie Blumberg 19, International Studies and economics double major I have never felt more confident about my ability to succeed and find a career than I did when I was on this trip.  Molly Johnson 17, political science and International Studies double major Alumni Reactions [Kyle Serafico and Gina Blaskie] were impressive students, very friendly, asked great questions, and were delights as dinner dates. So glad IWU is doing programs like this.  Elizabeth McMahon 96, small group dinner host; Scientific Communications Manager, Office of the Director, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute The three students [Molly Johnson' 17, Preslav Mantchev '17, and Jake Robbins '18] who went with me to dinner were intelligent, thoughtful, and well spoken  and a LOT of fun to talk to! The enthusiasm of this entire group rubbed off on me and has really brightened my week! Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this outstanding program. I am so energized to think of all the future opportunities for engaging IWUs great alumni all over the country.  Scott Huch 86, small group dinner host; President Elect, Alumni Association Board of Directors; President, The Delta Group, Inc. Staff Reactions "The Career Immersion Excursion has allowed us to accomplish one of the most important goals of career services...successfully connecting current students with successful alumni. This not only allows students to learn from accomplished professionals, it also engages our alumni in meaningful ways, thereby connecting them back to the university."  Warren Kistner, Hart Career Center Director "I returned from the trip dazzled once again with the generosity of Illinois Wesleyan alumni! They care about our students and are willing to share their time, stories and advice - what a wonderful gift."  Laurie Diekhoff, Associate Director for Career Engagement, Hart Career Center

Why IWU alumni are awesome:

I was amazed with the opportunities to talk with and ask the alums questions. I was also happily surprised with how willing they were to help us and how they encouraged us to get in contact with them.It was a humbling experience to see how far most of the alums have come, yet they are really grounded..I was very impressed with the quality and the number of alums who helped. I think they were very helpful and had a lot of advice to offer.

Figuring out a very personal career path:

This trip helped me narrow my focus on what Im passionate about, and it helped me figure out the career moves I need to make now..I am now thinking of taking a gap year or applying to AmeriCorps or Teach for America...I have set my sights higher and am very motivated to achieve those higher goals.

IWU alumni are really nice, too:

The Alumni Reception was my favorite. Networking is not something that I am very confident about, but this event made me much more comfortable.I enjoyed the small group dinner because it was a nice way to get to know the host in a more personal way. He was very open about everything and we had a really good time. This made it more comfortable to talk to him and I feel like I can reach out to him at any time.The panels were all great. The alumni speaking were incredible and very kind.

First-person reflection:

Political science major Veronica Torres Luna 19 wrote this short reflection about her experience:

The Career Immersion Excursion poster was taped onto the walls of Memorial Center among a sea of other advertisements and notices, both old and new. I was not sure if I should apply or not. What if I didnt get in? What if there were other more qualified students than me? I was worried about the cost of the trip and how competitive would be to get in.

Soon, however, I found myself sitting in the Welcome Center at the Pre-Trip Workshops, learning about networking, the alumni we would meet, the places we would visit, and that the cost of the trip was almost completely covered.

From our arrival on Sunday afternoon to our departure on Wednesday evening, I felt I was exposed to a world of opportunities! From education and healthcare policy to international litigation to nonprofits, the panelists working in these fields were informative and gave sound advice on life and careers. The one I remember, best, however, was from Mark Israel 91. He told us, Dont try to figure out what youre going to do forever. Figure out what youre going to do next.

After he said this, I looked around and could see that the other faces, especially the seniors, turned from yellow to a flesh color. Every alum we met told us the same thing, and thats when I realized the value of this program, at least for me.

I used to see Washington, D.C. through the eyes of a scared young lady because it was a formal place full of successful people. Now, I know that there are so many alumni out there willing to help me succeed. I love the atmosphere of a city with young people. I now thank myself for applying to this program.

Photo Gallery

Photos courtesy of Adriane Powell and Warren Kistner
Perera to Receive Early Career Award

Criley Student Research Fellow Lydia Rudd '16 (right) worked u nder the faculty mentorship of Manori Perera, who said she enjoys encouraging the next wave of scientists.

March 29, 2017

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. Illinois Wesleyan Universitys Manori Perera has been selected as an inaugural recipient of the ACS Illinois Heartland Early Career Chemist Award.

Perera is assistant professor of chemistry and one of two inaugural recipients of the Early Career Chemist Award, which recognizes outstanding scientific contributions of early career scientists to the field of chemistry. The award is presented by the Illinois Heartland American Chemical Society, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to providing science education opportunities to the community. The Illinois Heartland American Chemical Society, which includes 240 chemists, chemical engineers, and educators in an 11-county area in central Illinois, is a local chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS), the worlds largest scientific society.

I didnt expect that I would win since the Heartland area has quite a number of institutions, said Perera, who said she was both surprised and honored to receive the award.

Assistant Professor Manori Perera (right) supervised Eckley Scholar Justyna Koscielniak 14 in her design of instruments to study chemical reactions and the dynamics of space molecules in the lab

Pereras colleagues nominated her for the award for her research, which extends from studying reactions of astrochemistry to understanding antioxidant properties of tea and wine. Because of Illinois Wesleyans strong research culture, Perera explained that she had the opportunity to publish her research while working in close collaboration with her students.

Our university contributes to faculty development and to student scholarship, said Perera, who received her Ph.D. in physical chemistry from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. I was fortunate to be a part of this culture and this was especially important to me as a junior faculty. I feel honored that my research was recognized through this award.

Perera spent two years as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign prior to working at Illinois Wesleyan. She said the opportunities students at Illinois Wesleyan have as undergraduates in conducting and publishing research are unique to the University.

I am very proud of our research because all the work is done by undergraduate students, she said. An undergraduate student doesn't get to publish a paper as a first author or get the opportunity to build an instrument at large research universities. I enjoy sharing these experiences with my students and encouraging the next wave of scientists through my work.

By Vi Kakares 20
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By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) |  

Many progressives are suffering Trump exhaustion. The new administration has set the country back on so many fronts that it may not even be possible to follow all the breaking, and very bad, news. Every time you take some comfort in a successful lawsuit against the dark side, a whole new set of evils are rolled out.

Trump wants the Environmental Protection Agency to declare that carbon dioxide is not a dangerous greenhouse gas, and to stop threatening polluting coal plants. And you might despair about that until your realize that what hed really like is to abolish the EPA entirely.

Trump is authorizing oil pipelines like crazy and you might despair about that until you realize that he wants to use hydraulic fracturing to fill them with oil, visiting enormous environmental degradation on a wide swathe of America.

Trump put Alabamas Jeff Session in charge of the Department of Justice to back voter suppression efforts of southern states, who are on the verge of re-instituting Latin exams for African-American voters. And you might be depressed about that until you realize that his real goal is a permanent Republican majority.

Trump wants to cut virtually all federally supported research, scientific or in the humanities, including on diseases like cancer and on climate change, and you might be distressed about that until you realize that he and his cronies would like to substitute state propaganda for science entirely, instituting the first post-Stalinist Lysenko State.

Trump wants to try to enlist the Federal government in a fight against local attempts to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour. And you might be depressed about that until you realize that he probably doesnt want a minimum wage at all.

Trump wants to overturn Roe v. Wade and reduce American women to the same estate as the Irish and the Iranians. And you might be depressed about that until you realize that he wants actually to throw women in jail for having abortions, as he told Chris Matthews, and wants to whittle away and womens rights in general.

Trump wants to abolish internet privacy and allow private corporations to sell your browser history without your knowledge to other corporations. And you might despair about that until you realize that his ultimate goal to to get rid of net neutrality and make sure we can only visit the web sites of a handful of huge media conglomerates if we want the site to load in less than half an hour.

Trump wants a ban on entrants from six Muslim countries and you might despair about that until you realize his real goal is a complete Muslim ban, followed by a complete Mexican ban.

Trump wants to move the US embassy to Jerusalem, which international law does not recognize as Israels capital (it is a matter for final status negotiations with the Palestinians) an action that will deeply anger and set against the US 1.6 billion Muslims. And you might despair about that until you realize that Trump likely will throw the weight of the US government behind the determined and concerted Israeli government project of putting hundreds of thousands more Israeli squatters on land in the West Bank stolen from Palestinian owners with the likely ultimate outcome of their being made completely homeless in their millions.

I havent even covered all the bases! There is hardly any progressive achievement of the past 40 years which is not on the chopping block. There is hardly any hard-won right of citizens or consumers which is not in danger of being taken away.

The one thing of which I am sure is that we must not allow ourselves to be enervated and exhausted by Trump Fatigue. We have all been working toward certain societal goals, and well just have to keep at it. Were being made to take a step back on many fronts. But lets quote a rightwinger right back at the administration: Bad! Bad! What? Does he notgo back? Yes! But you misunderstand him when you complain about it. He goes back like every one who is about to make a great jump forward.  Nietzsche, Beyond Good and Evil.

We will make our great jump forward, and will set records precisely because we have been backed up so far and have room to build up speed when we turn it around.

-

Related video added by Juan Cole:

The Ring of Fire: Trump Has Weakened America By Destroying Environmental Protections
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John W. Dower | ( Tomdispatch.com) |  

[This essay is adapted from Measuring Violence, the first chapter of John Dowers new book, The Violent American Century: War and Terror Since World War Two.]

On February 17, 1941, almost 10 months before Japans attack on Pearl Harbor, Life magazine carried a lengthy essay by its publisher, Henry Luce, entitled The American Century. The son of Presbyterian missionaries, born in China in 1898 and raised there until the age of 15, Luce essentially transposed the certainty of religious dogma into the certainty of a nationalistic mission couched in the name of internationalism.

Luce acknowledged that the United States could not police the whole world or attempt to impose democratic institutions on all of mankind. Nonetheless, the world of the 20th Century, he wrote, if it is to come to life in any nobility of health and vigor, must be to a significant degree an American Century. The essay called on all Americans to accept wholeheartedly our duty and our opportunity as the most powerful and vital nation in the world and in consequence to exert upon the world the full impact of our influence, for such purposes as we see fit and by such measures as we see fit.

Japans attack on Pearl Harbor propelled the United States wholeheartedly onto the international stage Luce believed it was destined to dominate, and the ringing title of his cri de coeur became a staple of patriotic Cold War and post-Cold War rhetoric. Central to this appeal was the affirmation of a virtuous calling. Luces essay singled out almost every professed ideal that would become a staple of wartime and Cold War propaganda: freedom, democracy, equality of opportunity, self-reliance and independence, cooperation, justice, charity  all coupled with a vision of economic abundance inspired by our magnificent industrial products, our technical skills. In present-day patriotic incantations, this is referred to as American exceptionalism.

The other, harder side of Americas manifest destiny was, of course, muscularity. Power. Possessing absolute and never-ending superiority in developing and deploying the worlds most advanced and destructive arsenal of war. Luce did not dwell on this dimension of internationalism in his famous essay, but once the world war had been entered and won, he became its fervent apostle  an outspoken advocate of liberating China from its new communist rulers, taking over from the beleaguered French colonial military in Vietnam, turning both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts from limited wars into opportunities for a wider virtuous war against and in China, and pursuing the rollback of the Iron Curtain with tactical atomic weapons. As Luces incisive biographer Alan Brinkley documents, at one point Luce even mulled the possibility of plastering Russia with 500 (or 1,000) A bombs  a terrifying scenario, but one that the keepers of the U.S. nuclear arsenal actually mapped out in expansive and appalling detail in the 1950s and 1960s, before Luces death in 1967.

The American Century catchphrase is hyperbole, the slogan never more than a myth, a fantasy, a delusion. Military victory in any traditional sense was largely a chimera after World War II. The so-called Pax Americana itself was riddled with conflict and oppression and egregious betrayals of the professed catechism of American values. At the same time, postwar U.S. hegemony obviously never extended to more than a portion of the globe. Much that took place in the world, including disorder and mayhem, was beyond Americas control.

Yet, not unreasonably, Luces catchphrase persists. The twenty-first-century world may be chaotic, with violence erupting from innumerable sources and causes, but the United States does remain the planets sole superpower. The myth of exceptionalism still holds most Americans in its thrall. U.S. hegemony, however frayed at the edges, continues to be taken for granted in ruling circles, and not only in Washington. And Pentagon planners still emphatically define their mission as full-spectrum dominance globally.

Washingtons commitment to modernizing its nuclear arsenal rather than focusing on achieving the thoroughgoing abolition of nuclear weapons has proven unshakable. So has the countrys almost religious devotion to leading the way in developing and deploying ever more smart and sophisticated conventional weapons of mass destruction.

Welcome to Henry Luces  and Americas  violent century, even if thus far its lasted only 75 years. The question is just what to make of it these days.

Counting the Dead

We live in times of bewildering violence. In 2013, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told a Senate committee that the world is more dangerous than it has ever been. Statisticians, however, tell a different story: that war and lethal conflict have declined steadily, significantly, even precipitously since World War II.

Much mainstream scholarship now endorses the declinists. In his influential 2011 book, The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined, Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker adopted the labels the Long Peace for the four-plus decades of the Cold War (1945-1991), and the New Peace for the post-Cold War years to the present. In that book, as well as in post-publication articles, postings, and interviews, he has taken the doomsayers to task. The statistics suggest, he declares, that today we may be living in the most peaceable era in our speciess existence.

Clearly, the number and deadliness of global conflicts have indeed declined since World War II. This so-called postwar peace was, and still is, however, saturated in blood and wracked with suffering.

It is reasonable to argue that total war-related fatalities during the Cold War decades were lower than in the six years of World War II (19391945) and certainly far less than the toll for the twentieth centurys two world wars combined. It is also undeniable that overall death tolls have declined further since then. The five most devastating intrastate or interstate conflicts of the postwar decades  in China, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and between Iran and Iraq  took place during the Cold War. So did a majority of the most deadly politicides, or political mass killings, and genocides: in the Soviet Union, China (again), Yugoslavia, North Korea, North Vietnam, Sudan, Nigeria, Indonesia, Pakistan/Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Angola, Mozambique, and Cambodia, among other countries. The end of the Cold War certainly did not signal the end of such atrocities (as witness Rwanda, the Congo, and the implosion of Syria). As with major wars, however, the trajectory has been downward.

Unsurprisingly, the declinist argument celebrates the Cold War as less violent than the global conflicts that preceded it, and the decades that followed as statistically less violent than the Cold War. But what motivates the sanitizing of these years, now amounting to three-quarters of a century, with the label peace? The answer lies largely in a fixation on major powers. The great Cold War antagonists, the United States and the Soviet Union, bristling with their nuclear arsenals, never came to blows. Indeed, wars between major powers or developed states have become (in Pinkers words) all but obsolete. There has been no World War III, nor is there likely to be.

Such upbeat quantification invites complacent forms of self-congratulation. (How comparatively virtuous we mortals have become!) In the United States, where we-won-the-Cold-War sentiment still runs strong, the relative decline in global violence after 1945 is commonly attributed to the wisdom, virtue, and firepower of U.S. peacekeeping. In hawkish circles, nuclear deterrence  the Cold Wars MAD (mutually assured destruction) doctrine that was described early on as a delicate balance of terror  is still canonized as an enlightened policy that prevented catastrophic global conflict.

What Doesnt Get Counted

Branding the long postwar era as an epoch of relative peace is disingenuous, and not just because it deflects attention from the significant death and agony that actually did occur and still does. It also obscures the degree to which the United States bears responsibility for contributing to, rather than impeding, militarization and mayhem after 1945. Ceaseless U.S.-led transformations of the instruments of mass destruction  and the provocative global impact of this technological obsession  are by and large ignored.

Continuities in American-style warfighting (a popular Pentagon word) such as heavy reliance on airpower and other forms of brute force are downplayed. So is U.S. support for repressive foreign regimes, as well as the destabilizing impact of many of the nations overt and covert overseas interventions. The more subtle and insidious dimension of postwar U.S. militarization  namely, the violence done to civil society by funneling resources into a gargantuan, intrusive, and ever-expanding national security state  goes largely unaddressed in arguments fixated on numerical declines in violence since World War II.

Beyond this, trying to quantify war, conflict, and devastation poses daunting methodological challenges. Data advanced in support of the decline-of-violence argument is dense and often compelling, and derives from a range of respectable sources. Still, it must be kept in mind that the precise quantification of death and violence is almost always impossible. When a source offers fairly exact estimates of something like war-related excess deaths, you usually are dealing with investigators deficient in humility and imagination.

Take, for example, World War II, about which countless tens of thousands of studies have been written. Estimates of total war-related deaths from that global conflict range from roughly 50 million to more than 80 million. One explanation for such variation is the sheer chaos of armed violence. Another is what the counters choose to count and how they count it. Battle deaths of uniformed combatants are easiest to determine, especially on the winning side. Military bureaucrats can be relied upon to keep careful records of their own killed-in-action  but not, of course, of the enemy they kill. War-related civilian fatalities are even more difficult to assess, although  as in World War II  they commonly are far greater than deaths in combat.

Does the data source go beyond so-called battle-related collateral damage to include deaths caused by war-related famine and disease? Does it take into account deaths that may have occurred long after the conflict itself was over (as from radiation poisoning after Hiroshima and Nagasaki, or from the U.S. use of Agent Orange in the Vietnam War)? The difficulty of assessing the toll of civil, tribal, ethnic, and religious conflicts with any exactitude is obvious.

Concentrating on fatalities and their averred downward trajectory also draws attention away from broader humanitarian catastrophes. In mid-2015, for instance, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reported that the number of individuals forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of persecution, conflict, generalized violence, or human rights violations had surpassed 60 million and was the highest level recorded since World War II and its immediate aftermath. Roughly two-thirds of these men, women, and children were displaced inside their own countries. The remainder were refugees, and over half of these refugees were children.

Here, then, is a trend line intimately connected to global violence that is not heading downward. In 1996, the U.N.s estimate was that there were 37.3 million forcibly displaced individuals on the planet. Twenty years later, as 2015 ended, this had risen to 65.3 million  a 75% increase over the last two post-Cold War decades that the declinist literature refers to as the new peace.

Other disasters inflicted on civilians are less visible than uprooted populations. Harsh conflict-related economic sanctions, which often cripple hygiene and health-care systems and may precipitate a sharp spike in infant mortality, usually do not find a place in itemizations of military violence. U.S.-led U.N. sanctions imposed against Iraq for 13 years beginning in 1990 in conjunction with the first Gulf War are a stark example of this. An account published in the New York Times Magazine in July 2003 accepted the fact that at least several hundred thousand children who could reasonably have been expected to live died before their fifth birthday. And after all-out wars, who counts the maimed, or the orphans and widows, or those the Japanese in the wake of World War II referred to as the elderly orphaned  parents bereft of their children?

Figures and tables, moreover, can only hint at the psychological and social violence suffered by combatants and noncombatants alike. It has been suggested, for instance, that one in six people in areas afflicted by war may suffer from mental disorder (as opposed to one in ten in normal times). Even where American military personnel are concerned, trauma did not become a serious focus of concern until 1980, seven years after the U.S. retreat from Vietnam, when post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was officially recognized as a mental-health issue.

In 2008, a massive sampling study of 1.64 million U.S. troops deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq between October 2001 and October 2007 estimated that approximately 300,000 individuals currently suffer from PTSD or major depression and that 320,000 individuals experienced a probable TBI [traumatic brain injury] during deployment. As these wars dragged on, the numbers naturally increased. To extend the ramifications of such data to wider circles of family and community  or, indeed, to populations traumatized by violence worldwide  defies statistical enumeration.

Terror Counts and Terror Fears

Largely unmeasurable, too, is violence in a different register: the damage that war, conflict, militarization, and plain existential fear inflict upon civil society and democratic practice. This is true everywhere but has been especially conspicuous in the United States since Washington launched its global war on terror in response to the attacks of September 11, 2001.

Here, numbers are perversely provocative, for the lives claimed in twenty-first-century terrorist incidents can be interpreted as confirming the decline-in-violence argument. From 2000 through 2014, according to the widely cited Global Terrorism Index, more than 61,000 incidents of terrorism claiming over 140,000 lives have been recorded. Including September 11th, countries in the West experienced less than 5% of these incidents and 3% of the deaths. The Chicago Project on Security and Terrorism, another minutely documented tabulation based on combing global media reports in many languages, puts the number of suicide bombings from 2000 through 2015 at 4,787 attacks in more than 40 countries, resulting in 47,274 deaths.

These atrocities are incontestably horrendous and alarming. Grim as they are, however, the numbers themselves are comparatively low when set against earlier conflicts. For specialists in World War II, the 140,000 lives estimate carries an almost eerie resonance, since this is the rough figure usually accepted for the death toll from a single act of terror bombing, the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. The tally is also low compared to contemporary deaths from other causes. Globally, for example, more than 400,000 people are murdered annually. In the United States, the danger of being killed by falling objects or lightning is at least as great as the threat from Islamist militants.

This leaves us with a perplexing question: If the overall incidence of violence, including twenty-first-century terrorism, is relatively low compared to earlier global threats and conflicts, why has the United States responded by becoming an increasingly militarized, secretive, unaccountable, and intrusive national security state? Is it really possible that a patchwork of non-state adversaries that do not possess massive firepower or follow traditional rules of engagement has, as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff declared in 2013, made the world more threatening than ever?

For those who do not believe this to be the case, possible explanations for the accelerating militarization of the United States come from many directions. Paranoia may be part of the American DNA  or, indeed, hardwired into the human species. Or perhaps the anticommunist hysteria of the Cold War simply metastasized into a post-9/11 pathological fear of terrorism. Machiavellian fear-mongering certainly enters the picture, led by conservative and neoconservative civilian and military officials of the national security state, along with opportunistic politicians and war profiteers of the usual sort. Cultural critics predictably point an accusing finger as well at the mass medias addiction to sensationalism and catastrophe, now intensified by the proliferation of digital social media.

To all this must be added the peculiar psychological burden of being a superpower and, from the 1990s on, the planets sole superpower  a situation in which credibility is measured mainly in terms of massive cutting-edge military might. It might be argued that this mindset helped contain Communism during the Cold War and provides a sense of security to U.S. allies. What it has not done is ensure victory in actual war, although not for want of trying. With some exceptions (Grenada, Panama, the brief 1991 Gulf War, and the Balkans), the U.S. military has not tasted victory since World War II  Korea, Vietnam, and recent and current conflicts in the Greater Middle East being boldface examples of this failure. This, however, has had no impact on the hubris attached to superpower status. Brute force remains the ultimate measure of credibility.

The traditional American way of war has tended to emphasize the three Ds (defeat, destroy, devastate). Since 1996, the Pentagons proclaimed mission is to maintain full-spectrum dominance in every domain (land, sea, air, space, and information) and, in practice, in every accessible part of the world. The Air Force Global Strike Command, activated in 2009 and responsible for managing two-thirds of the U.S. nuclear arsenal, typically publicizes its readiness for Global Strike Any Target, Any Time.

In 2015, the Department of Defense acknowledged maintaining 4,855 physical sites  meaning bases ranging in size from huge contained communities to tiny installations  of which 587 were located overseas in 42 foreign countries. An unofficial investigation that includes small and sometimes impermanent facilities puts the number at around 800 in 80 countries. Over the course of 2015, to cite yet another example of the overwhelming nature of Americas global presence, elite U.S. special operations forces were deployed to around 150 countries, and Washington provided assistance in arming and training security forces in an even larger number of nations.

Americas overseas bases reflect, in part, an enduring inheritance from World War II and the Korean War. The majority of these sites are located in Germany (181), Japan (122), and South Korea (83) and were retained after their original mission of containing communism disappeared with the end of the Cold War. Deployment of elite special operations forces is also a Cold War legacy (exemplified most famously by the Armys Green Berets in Vietnam) that expanded after the demise of the Soviet Union. Dispatching covert missions to three-quarters of the worlds nations, however, is largely a product of the war on terror.

Many of these present-day undertakings require maintaining overseas lily pad facilities that are small, temporary, and unpublicized. And many, moreover, are integrated with covert CIA black operations. Combating terror involves practicing terror  including, since 2002, an expanding campaign of targeted assassinations by unmanned drones. For the moment, this latest mode of killing remains dominated by the CIA and the U.S. military (with the United Kingdom and Israel following some distance behind).

Counting Nukes

The delicate balance of terror that characterized nuclear strategy during the Cold War has not disappeared. Rather, it has been reconfigured. The U.S. and Soviet arsenals that reached a peak of insanity in the 1980s have been reduced by about two-thirds  a praiseworthy accomplishment but one that still leaves the world with around 15,400 nuclear weapons as of January 2016, 93% of them in U.S. and Russian hands. Close to two thousand of the latter on each side are still actively deployed on missiles or at bases with operational forces.

This downsizing, in other words, has not removed the wherewithal to destroy the Earth as we know it many times over. Such destruction could come about indirectly as well as directly, with even a relatively modest nuclear exchange between, say, India and Pakistan triggering a cataclysmic climate shift  a nuclear winter  that could result in massive global starvation and death. Nor does the fact that seven additional nations now possess nuclear weapons (and more than 40 others are deemed nuclear weapons capable) mean that deterrence has been enhanced. The future use of nuclear weapons, whether by deliberate decision or by accident, remains an ominous possibility. That threat is intensified by the possibility that nonstate terrorists may somehow obtain and use nuclear devices.

What is striking at this moment in history is that paranoia couched as strategic realism continues to guide U.S. nuclear policy and, following Americas lead, that of the other nuclear powers. As announced by the Obama administration in 2014, the potential for nuclear violence is to be modernized. In concrete terms, this translates as a 30-year project that will cost the United States an estimated $1 trillion (not including the usual future cost overruns for producing such weapons), perfect a new arsenal of smart and smaller nuclear weapons, and extensively refurbish the existing delivery triad of long-range manned bombers, nuclear-armed submarines, and land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles carrying nuclear warheads.

Nuclear modernization, of course, is but a small portion of the full spectrum of American might  a military machine so massive that it inspired President Obama to speak with unusual emphasis in his State of the Union address in January 2016. The United States of America is the most powerful nation on Earth, he declared. Period. Period. Its not even close. Its not even close. Its not even close. We spend more on our military than the next eight nations combined.

Official budgetary expenditures and projections provide a snapshot of this enormous military machine, but here again numbers can be misleading. Thus, the base budget for defense announced in early 2016 for fiscal year 2017 amounts to roughly $600 billion, but this falls far short of what the actual outlay will be. When all other discretionary military- and defense-related costs are taken into account  nuclear maintenance and modernization, the war budget that pays for so-called overseas contingency operations like military engagements in the Greater Middle East, black budgets that fund intelligence operations by agencies including the CIA and the National Security Agency, appropriations for secret high-tech military activities, veterans affairs costs (including disability payments), military aid to other countries, huge interest costs on the military-related part of the national debt, and so on  the actual total annual expenditure is close to $1 trillion.

Such stratospheric numbers defy easy comprehension, but one does not need training in statistics to bring them closer to home. Simple arithmetic suffices. The projected bill for just the 30-year nuclear modernization agenda comes to over $90 million a day, or almost $4 million an hour. The $1 trillion price tag for maintaining the nations status as the most powerful nation on Earth for a single year amounts to roughly $2.74 billion a day, over $114 million an hour.

Creating a capacity for violence greater than the world has ever seen is costly  and remunerative.

So an era of a new peace? Think again. Were only three quarters of the way through Americas violent century and theres more to come.

John W. Dower is professor emeritus of history at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is the author of the National Book Critics Circle Award-winning War Without Mercy and the Pulitzer Prize-winning Embracing Defeat. His new book, The Violent American Century: War and Terror Since World War Two (Dispatch Books), has just been published. This essay is adapted from chapter one of that densely annotated book. (Sources for the information above appear in the footnotes in that book.)



Follow TomDispatch on Twitter and join us on Facebook. Check out the newest Dispatch Book, John Feffers dystopian novel Splinterlands, as well as Nick Turses Next Time Theyll Come to Count the Dead, and Tom Engelhardts latest book, Shadow Government: Surveillance, Secret Wars, and a Global Security State in a Single-Superpower World.

Copyright 2017 John W. Dower

Via Tomdispatch.com

Tom Engelhardt writes:

 John Dowers new book, The Violent American Century: War and Terror Since World War Two, arrives at such an opportune moment, just as the era of Donald Trump begins with a visible ramping up (yet again) of Americas wars across the Greater Middle East. It offers a rare assessment of what that centurys human toll actually looks like and of our countrys involvement in it. In his article today, adapted from that books first chapter, Dower offers some striking thoughts on how to begin to measure the toll of the last 75 years of global war and conflict. And I must admit that, under the circumstances, it seems particularly fitting to me that Marilyn Young gave what must have been the last blurb of her life to his book, writing, In The Violent American Century, John Dower has produced a sharply eloquent account of the use of U.S. military power since World War II. From hot Cold War conflicts to drone strikes, Dower examines the machinery of American violence and its staggering toll. This is an indispensable book. Tom
VANCOUVER, March 30, 2017 /CNW/ - Rock Tech Lithium Inc. (the "Company" or "Rock Tech") (TSX-V: RCK; Frankfurt: RJIB) is pleased to announce additional channel sample assay results from its recently completed exploration program at its 100%-owned Georgia Lake lithium property in the Thunder Bay Mining District of Northwest Ontario, Canada.

The assay results contained in this news release are from channel samples taken from the West, Harricana, Line 60, Newkirk, MZSW and Conway pegmatites. Seventy-four (74) channels were cut and three hundred twenty-five (325) samples taken from these pegmatites.

Rock Tech's CEO, Martin Stephan, commented, "These channel sample results, specifically those from the area of the West, Line 60 and Harricana pegmatites, suggest the presence of a multiple dike system exceeding what was previously thought to be just three dikes. Furthermore, channel sampling on Line 60 increased the width of the pegmatite far more than anticipated. On the Conway pegmatite, the results confirmed the extension of the pegmatite to surface and along strike to the south."

The exploration program targeted nine (9) of the known lithium-bearing pegmatite occurrences and has expanded on the wealth of knowledge obtained through past exploration programs that led to the Company's National Instrument ("NI") 43-101 resource estimate.

The purpose of the channels was to gain information on the location of the pegmatites on surface and to aid in drill targeting in the future. Assay result highlights are summarized in the following table:

Channel From (m) To (m) Length (m) Grade (% Li 2 O) West-16-CH-4 2.47 7.54 5.07 1.58 West-16-CH-5 0.99 10.06 9.07 1.03 Harricana-16-CH-2 3.69 7.68 3.99 1.49 Harricana-16-CH-4B 1.75 4.76 3.01 1.40 L60-16-CH-11 14.93 16.97 2.04 1.01 L60-16-CH-12B 0.00 2.06 2.06 1.10 NK-16-CH-4 2.95 4.67 1.72 1.91 MZSW-16-CH-03 0.00 2.97 2.97 1.40 CW-16-CH-4B 1.67 5.78 4.11 1.42 CW-16-CH-4C 0.00 4.01 4.01 1.40 CW-16-CH-5W 0.00 6.04 6.04 1.01

The channel samples were analyzed by Actlabs, an ISO 9001:2008 certified analytical laboratory located in Geraldton, Ontario.

Rock Tech is the only exploration company in the Georgia Lake region with an NI 43-101 resource estimate. Further, the Company has completed metallurgical testing on a bulk sample demonstrating the ability to produce both a high-grade spodumene concentrate and battery-grade lithium carbonate ("Li2CO3"). The spodumene-bearing pegmatites of the Georgia Lake area were originally discovered in 1955.

All scientific and technical information in this news release concerning the Georgia Lake lithium property was reviewed and prepared under the supervision of Locke B. Goldsmith, P.Eng., P.Geo., an independent Qualified Person to Rock Tech.

About Rock Tech Lithium:

Rock Tech Lithium is an exploration company focused on acquiring and exploring properties in the field of lithium and other selected battery metals.

The Company's 100%-owned Georgia Lake lithium property, located northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario, has an NI 43-101 indicated resource estimate of 3.19 million tonnes grading 1.10% lithium oxide in addition to an inferred resource estimate of 6.31 million tonnes grading 1.00% lithium oxide.

To view photos, videos and maps from the ongoing exploration program, please use the following link: http://rocktechlithium.com/ongoing-exploration-program/
Toronto, Ontario (FSCwire) - Tartisan Resources Corp. (CSE: TTC) (Tartisan, or the Company) is pleased to announce the closing of the acquisition of the Don Pancho |polymetallic zinc-lead-silver-manganese project in Peru.

Tartisan Resources Corp. has now acquired 100% of the Don Pancho polymetallic zinc-lead-silver-manganese project located in the Province of Huaral, in the Department of Lima Peru, 105 kilometers north-northeast of Lima, comprising one concession of 600 hectares and located approximately between 3,660 meters and 4,487 meters above sea level. A Technical Report on the Don Pancho Polymetallic Project (Zn,Pb,Ag,Mn) NI 43-101 has been filed on SEDAR (2014).

The Don Pancho Project is located in a prolific polymetallic mineral belt in central Peru with several operating mines in the area including the world class Iscaycruz and Yauliyacu polymetallic mines operated by Glencore-Xtrata Plc located 50 kilometers to the north-northwest. Additionally, Trevali Mining Corporations Santander silver-lead- zinc mine is located 9 kilometers to the east and Buenaventuras silver-lead-zinc Uchucchacua mine is located 63 kilometers to the north, (10 million ounces of silver produced in 2011). Infrastructure is considered excellent with ready access and a power line crossing the property en route to the Santander mine.

Don Pancho Project

Previous exploration on the property included an extensive surface mapping and sampling program, geophysics and a 2021 metre diamond drilling program of 6 holes conducted by a private Peruvian company.

Mapping and sampling shows an extensive NNW-SSE trending breccia zone measuring over 800 metres in length and 150 to 200 metres in width. There are numerous old workings and underground drifts located within this zone. The 2014 diamond drilling program shows large intersections of polymetallic mineralization, including 40 metres of 0.88% Zn, 0.40% Pb and 7.7 g/t Ag, 22.65 metres of 1.00% Zn, 0.26% Pb and 6.85 g/t Ag and 1.15 metres of 4.38% Zn, 3.25% Pb and 61.1 g/t Ag, (see Durans Press Release September 2, 2014). Surface sampling from the previous operator has revealed very interesting values, including 13.9 metres of 28.1 g/t Ag, 2.43% Pb, and 2.42% Zn, 2.8 metres of 28.1g/t Ag, 1.06% Pb, and 9.07% Zn and 13 metres of 8.38g/t Ag, 0.39% Pb, and 2.22% Zn.

Sampling of underground workings in Yanapallaca area before the previous operators retuned 106 g/t Ag, 3.26% Pb and 17.56% Zn over 2.00 metres. (see 43-101 Technical Report on Don Pancho filed December 30th, 2014 on Sedar). Please note that the true width of the mineralization both on the surface and underground workings cannot yet be determined as the controls of the mineralization is yet to be fully understood.

A Stage 1 Program of geophysics, diamond drilling and potentially underground drifting is envisioned to commence in 2017. Structural analysis on the geology suggests previous drilling did not properly test the potential of the property. Tartisan has acquired the core and data.

In summary under the terms found in the Defineative Agreement Tartisan has acquired a 100% undivided interest in the property by paying $50,000 and issuing 500,000 common shares. Upon completion of 5,000 metres of drilling and/or underground development a further 150,000 shares are payable, and if a NI 43-101 compliant resource is published, a further 150,000 shares are payable and if the Company loses control of the project either by sale or joint-venture, a further 200,000 shares are payable. Duran Ventures will retain a 2% net smelter return royalty, of which half (1%) can be purchased by Tartisan for US$500,000.

Tartisan Resources Corp. common shares are listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE:TTC). Currently, there are 64,564,345 shares outstanding (84,913,414 fully diluted)..|Tartisan additionally owns a 20% + equity stake in Eloro Resources Ltd . as well as holding a 2% NSR in the La Victoria Project in North-Central Peru.

For further information on Tartisan, please contact Mr. D. Mark Appleby, President & CEO and a Director of the Company, at 416-804-0280 (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ). Additional information about Tartisan can be found at the Companys website at www.tartisanresources.com or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. For further information on Duran, please contact Jeff Reeder at 647-302-3290 (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) or www.duranventuresinc.com

Jeff Reeder P.Geo. a qualified person in the context of NI 43-101 has reviewed and approved the technical content of this News Release
VANCOUVER, March 30, 2017 /CNW/ - Hannan Metals Limited ("Hannan" or the "Company") (TSX.V: HAN) announces the results of a gap analysis on mineralogical investigations on the Kilbricken project, Ireland by Dr. Kurt Forrester of Arn Perspective Ltd.

Key points:

Based on the available information it is likely a conventional lead-zinc flotation circuit at Kilbricken would be able to achieve saleable mineral concentrates;

It is anticipated that there should be no penalties due to the presence of deleterious elements (arsenic, manganese, cadmium, selenium), subject to confirmation from the assessment of bulk element deportment during lead-zinc flotation;

A primary grind of between 100m to 150m is anticipated to achieve satisfactory liberation and there are no red flags with the modal mineralogical analysis with respect to mineral processing and beneficiation;

Based on the information available, it is anticipated that Kilbricken should be able to achieve high recoveries of both zinc and lead concentrates. Results from limited grade recovery analysis indicated the following recoveries probable using a conventional flowsheet: Targeting a sphalerite grade of 85% in the zinc concentrate would result in recoveries in excess of 85%; Targeting a galena grade of 70% in the lead concentrate would result in recoveries in excess of 75%;

Recommendations include conducting metallurgical test work across the deposit as part of an ongoing exploration and development program. To this end, Hannan plans to start drilling at Kilbricken during April 2017 . The first two drill holes will collect metallurgical samples for locked cycle flotation testwork.

Mr Hudson, CEO and Chairman states, "In general, Irish style zinc-lead deposits are typically attractive because of their simple mineralogy and polymetallic nature. It is most encouraging that this also appears to be the case at Kilbricken with these results suggesting a conventional lead-zinc flotation circuit at Kilbricken would be able to achieve saleable mineral concentrates, with no penalties likely due to the presence of deleterious metals. Our metallurgical studies will continue, with drilling to start in April, to focus on gaining fresh metallurgical samples."

The findings were based on a gap analysis performed by Dr. Kurt Forrester of Arn Persepective Ltd, based on a report by SGS Mineral Services, Lakefield Facility, dated September 2010 and titled: "An Investigation by High Definition Mineralogy into the mineralogical characteristics of Fourteen Rock Samples from A Carbonate Hosted Base Metal Deposit, Ireland, prepared for Lundin Mining Exploration". The study examined fourteen mineralized samples from Kilbricken and was carried out with X-ray diffraction (XRD), QEMSCAN, electron microprobe and chemical analysis. The purpose of the mineralogical appraisal test program was to determine the overall mineral assemblage and textural characteristics in each sample, and the liberation characteristics. Material employed in these analyses were taken from zones across a number of mineralogical domains identified in 2010 during historical exploration undertaken by Lundin Mining Exploration Limited and there is no guarantee that the samples analyzed will form part of any future resource area.

About Hannan Metals Limited (TSX.V:HAN)

Hannan Metals Limited has 100% ownership of the County Clare Zn-Pb-Ag-Cu project in Ireland, which consists of 9 prospecting licences for 32,223 hectares. The Kilbricken project, a new high-grade Zn-Pb-Ag-Cu discovery is the Company's flagship project. Better intersections, to date, include DH 46: 20.5m @ 7.5% Zn, 9.9% Pb, 0.07% Cu, 74.6g/t Ag, DH06: 21.3m @ 11% Zn, 4.8% Pb, 0.06% Cu, 94.4g/t Ag. The project is drilled over more than 1.5 kilometres and, importantly, holds large upside with a 40-kilometre trend to test, which includes the Milltown prospect (incl. DH19: 13.3m at 5.8% Pb and 10.5% Zn). The true thickness of the mineralized intervals quoted is interpreted to be approximately 95% of the sampled thickness.

Zinc remains in tight supply amidst rising demand and stagnant supply. Ireland is a leading global jurisdiction for zinc mining and exploration. It has been stated that Irish base metal ore field is ranked first in the world in terms of zinc discovered per square kilometre, and second in the world with respect to lead. In 2015, Ireland was the world's 10th largest zinc producing nation with 230,000 tonnes produced.

Over the last decade, the team behind Hannan has forged a long and successful record of financing and discovering mineral projects in Europe. Additionally, the team holds extensive zinc experience, gained from the world's largest integrated zinc producer of the time, Pasminco Ltd.

Dr. Kurt Forrester, Chartered Chemical Engineer (CEng MIChemE) and Chartered Professional Metallurgist (MAusIMM CP(Metallurgy), is a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release.
VANCOUVER, March 30, 2017 /CNW/ - Rye Patch Gold Corp. (TSX.V: RPM; OTCQX: RPMGF; FWB: 5TN) (the "Company" or "Rye Patch") reports it has received approval from the Bureau of Mining Regulation and Reclamation to start irrigation on the new South Heap Leach Pad ("South Pad"). In spite of the severe winter weather this year, the Florida Canyon mine re-start has been successfully completed.

Mining, crushing and loading of the South Pad are ramping up and are nearing 70% of the forecast production rate coming into the end of the first quarter. Optimizing and maximizing performance of the mine will take place over the second quarter with commercial production anticipated by mid-2017.

"It's with a great sense of accomplishment and pride that the Florida Canyon team has completed the re-start of the mine," said President and CEO William Howald. "This accomplishment launches Rye Patch as a tenacious gold producer with a bright future with its pipeline of existing resource assets and exploration upside along the Oreana trend."

The final Nevada Department of Wildlife ("NDOW") site inspection has been scheduled. The first gold pour from the South Pad is projected in April 2017.

About Rye Patch Gold Corp.

Rye Patch Gold Corp. is a Nevada based, Tier 1, mining company engaged in the mining and development of quality resource-based gold and silver mines and projects along the established Oreana trend in west central Nevada. Leveraging its strong financial position and cash to acquire the operating Florida Canyon Gold Mine, Rye Patch Gold Corp. now controls a trend-scale platform with operations, resource assets and exploration upside. The combination of operations and exploration concentrated along a major Nevada gold trend positions Rye Patch as an emerging mid-tier gold producer with tremendous value added potential. For more information, please visit our website at www.ryepatchgold.com.
SEXSMITH, AB --(Marketwired - March 30, 2017) - Angkor Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE: ANK) (OTC PINK: ANKOF) ("Angkor" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that it has received notification of the Effective Date of the Joint Exploration Agreement ("JEA") of the Oyadao South Project from its partner, Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation ("JOGMEC") to explore Angkor's 100% owned Oyadao South license. (See previous press release dated June 14, 2016 - http://www.angkorgold.ca/1810-2/.)

A total investment of US$3 million in exploration expenditures by JOGMEC over a 3 year period will begin immediately with Angkor as operator effective March 29, 2017 under the previously agreed to JEA. The JEA also gives JOGMEC the option right to acquire 51% of the Oyadao South license.

"The Angkor team had been working towards renewing the Oyadao South license, and with that successfully completed, we are focussed on initiating our first work programme with JOGMEC," said Mike Weeks, CEO and Chairman of Angkor. "The Halo Prospect represents a cornerstone asset for the company," he continued, "and we worked very hard to find a world-class partner to help build our understanding of the potential of this asset. JOGMEC's extensive experience in working with large porphyry systems globally will be extremely valuable to us moving forward."

"Angkor and JOGMEC have now established a Management Committee and planning is underway to initiate a first-round Induced Polarization (IP) programme followed by plans for drilling once targets are identified," said JP Dau, Angkor's VP of Operations. "Angkor has initiated a Request For Proposals (RFP) process for the IP work, and the Management Committee will be reviewing the responses in short order."

Previous exploration by the Company on the Halo Prospect has identified the potential of copper-molybdenum-gold mineralization as expressed by hydrothermal alteration that covers an area of approximately 7.25 square kilometres.

Key Highlights of the JEA Announced June 14, 2016:

JOGMEC has been granted the option right to earn a 51% in the Oyadao South Project located in Cambodia and will fund US$3.0 million during a Farm-In Period of 3 years or less.

During the Farm-In Period, Angkor will conduct all exploration activities and JOGMEC will fund 100% of the programs.

Subsequent to the farm-in 51% milestone, each Party shall fund the ongoing cost thereof in proportion to its existing actual and deemed entitlement to a participating interest in the project.

If the participating interest of either Angkor or JOGMEC is diluted to less than 15%, then that Company will no longer be a party to the project, and its interest will be automatically converted to a 1.5% NSR. At such time, the other party may at any time afterwards purchase 0.5% of the 1.5% of the NSR for a one-time cash payment of US$1,500,000.

Dennis Ouellette, B.Sc, P.Geol., is a member of The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"). He is the Company's Senior Geologist and has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure in this document.

ABOUT ANGKOR GOLD CORP.

ANGKOR Gold Corp. is a public company listed on the TSX-Venture Exchange and is a leading mineral explorer in Cambodia with a large land package and a first-mover advantage building strong relationships with all levels of government and stakeholders.
MELBOURNE, March 30, 2017 /CNW/ - OceanaGold Corporation (TSX/ASX: OGC) (the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its global exploration program following strong drill results at each operation and its updated annual Resource and Reserve ("R&R") statement for the year ended December 31, 2016. Note the Haile reserves remain unchanged pending the completion of the optimisation study expected in the middle of 2017. Further, the year-on-year comparison commentary included in this release excludes the El Dorado resources and Reefton reserves.

Key Highlights

Total Measured and Indicated Resources of 9.93 Moz of gold, 5.6 Moz of silver and 0.21 Mt of copper and Inferred Resources of 3.1 Moz of gold, 0.8 Moz of silver and 0.03 Mt of copper.

Total Proven and Probable Reserves of 5.04 Moz of gold, 5.0 Moz silver and 0.18 Mt copper.

Completed 12,466 metres of drilling at the Palomino target at Haile with significant intercepts that include: 66.3m @ 3.0 g/t Au, 33.5m @ 4.6 g/t Au, 4.2m @ 14.2 g/t Au, and 9.1m @ 11.7 g/t Au.

Defined a maiden underground resource of 20 koz Indicated Resource and 137 koz Inferred Resource on veins associated with the Martha Project at Waihi which contributed to a 22% increase year-on-year in total resources at Waihi to 527 koz (371 koz Measured and Indicated and 156 koz Inferred) after mine depletion.

Continued exploration success at Waihi from underground and surface drilling yielding significant intercepts that include: Edward: 12.6m @ 16.5 g/t Au and 120.5 g/t Ag and 6.4m @ 7.0 g/t Au and 23.8 g/t Ag, Daybreak: 6.7m @ 7.8 g/t Au and 10.2 g/t Ag Gladstone : 90.0m @ 1.1 g/t Au and 4.9 g/t Ag, 43.6m @ 2.2 g/t Au and 8.7 g/t Ag, 7.9m @ 5.0 g/t Au and 25.9 g/t Ag and 5m @ 8.4 g/t Au and 19.0 g/t Ag Favona: 1.6m @ 426 g/t Au and 856 g/t Ag, 17.6m @ 2.4 g/t Au and 7.9 g/t Ag and 20.1m @ 3.0 g/t Au and 4.8 g/t Ag Rex: 2.4m @ 32.4 g/t Au and 1.6m @ 11.0 g/t Au.

Continued exploration success at Macraes including 14.0m @ 3.7 g/t Au, 12.0m @ 2.3 g/t Au, 4.0m @ 7.8 g/t Au, 9.0m @ 2.7 g/t Au and 4.0m @ 5.5 g/t Au from Golden Point .

. Significant drill intercepts from the Didipio deposit that include 131.0m @ 2.5 g/t Au and 0.4% Cu and 115.0m @ 2.4 g/t Au and 0.5% Cu from infill drilling and 44.0m @ 1.2 g/t Au and 0.6% Cu and 10.0m @ 1.5 g/t Au and 0.4% Cu from deeper extensional drilling.

Mick Wilkes, President and CEO said, "OceanaGold has a portfolio of high quality assets which includes a significant mineral endowment across our operational footprint. Last year, we initiated the most extensive exploration program in our Company's history, which produced significant results across our business."

"In New Zealand, where we are the country's largest gold miner, we remain committed to expanding our exploration efforts to increase resources and achieve mine life extensions at both Waihi and Macraes. Furthermore, the exploration success we achieved in 2016 at the Horseshoe deposit, when combined with the Haile optimisation study offers significant upside in the near-term to further increase our reserves," he added.

"In 2017, one of our primary areas of focus is to leverage the many opportunities for organic growth of the business that we believe will create significant value."

On a consolidated basis, the Company's total Proven and Probable ("P&P") Reserves stand at 5.04 Moz of gold, 5.0 Moz of silver and 0.18 Mt of copper, reflecting slight decreases in gold and copper from the previous year due to mine depletion but partly offset by reserve replacement in New Zealand. Silver reserves increased by 12% due to revised estimates of the silver content in the ore stockpiles.

Table 1  Updated Reserve Table (as at 31 December 2016)

PROJECT PROVEN PROBABLE PROVEN & PROBABALE AREA Cut-off Mt Au g/t Ag g/t Mt Au g/t Ag g/t Cu % Mt Au g/t Ag g/t Cu % Au Moz Ag Moz Cu Mt MACRAES Open Pit 0.4g/t Au 12.2 1.08 - 18.1 1.12 - - 30.3 1.10 - - 1.07 - - MACRAES Underground 2.1g/t Au 0.54 2.70 - 1.31 2.30 - - 1.85 2.42 - - 0.14 - - WAIHI Open Pit 0.5g/t Au 0.16 3.05 30.5 0.66 2.91 29.1 - 0.81 2.94 29.4 - 0.08 0.77 - WAIHI Underground 3.5g/t Au 0.37 9.14 18.1 0.76 6.56 13.1 - 1.13 7.40 14.7 - 0.27 0.54 - NEW ZEALAND - 13.2 1.39 - 20.8 1.45 - - 34.1 1.43 - - 1.56 1.30 - DIDIPIO Open Pit 0.52g/t AuEq 28.6 0.47 2.5 2.4 0.94 2.3 0.45 31.1 0.51 2.5 0.35 0.51 2.46 0.11 DIDIPIO Underground 1.3g/t AuEq 2.3 2.48 2.6 13.7 1.76 2.5 0.43 15.9 1.86 2.5 0.44 0.95 1.27 0.07 PHILIPPINES - 30.9 0.62 - 16.1 1.64 - - 47.0 0.97 - - 1.46 3.73 0.18 HAILE Open Pit 0.48g/t Au 19.6 2.19 - 10.9 1.82 - - 30.5 2.06 - - 2.02 - - USA - 19.6 2.19 - 10.9 1.82 - - 30.5 2.06 - - 2.02 - - TOTAL - 63.7 1.26 - 47.8 1.60 - - 112 1.41 - - 5.04 5.0 0.18

Notes: 1. Reserves are reported within current mine designs using economic assumptions unless otherwise noted: US$1,300/oz gold, US$3.00/lb copper and US$19/oz silver. 2. Didipio reserves based on US$1,250/oz gold and US$3.20/lb copper. 3. Haile reserves based on US$950/oz gold price. 4. Estimates of contained metal do not make allowances for processing losses.

Consolidated Measured and Indicated ("M&I") Resources (inclusive of reserves) total 9.93 Moz of gold, 5.6 Moz of silver and 0.21 Mt of copper at the end of 2016, a decrease from the previous year due to mine depletion and removal of the El Dorado resource, but partly offset by additional resources defined through the Company's extensive 2016 exploration programs. Total consolidated Inferred Resources stand at 3.1 Moz of gold, 0.8 Moz of silver and 0.03 Mt of copper.

Table 2  Updated Resource Statement (as at 31 December 2016)

PROJECT MEASURED INDICATED MEASURED & INDICATED AREA Cut-Off Mt Au g/t Ag g/t Cu % Mt Au g/t Ag g/t Cu % Mt Au g/t Ag g/t Cu % Au Moz Ag Moz Cu Mt MACRAES Open Pit 0.4g/t Au 17.5 1.11 - - 65.1 0.95 - - 82.5 0.99 - - 2.62 - - MACRAES Underground - 3.88 3.11 - - 7.34 2.06 - - 11.2 2.42 - - 0.87 - - REEFTON 0.5g/t Au 1.26 1.83 - - 6.55 1.49 - - 7.8 1.54 - - 0.39 - - BLACKWATER - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - WAIHI Open Pit 0.5g/t Au 0.16 3.05 30.5 - 0.66 2.91 29.1 - 0.8 2.94 29.37 - 0.08 0.77 - WAIHI Underground 3.5g/t Au 0.37 9.13 15.5 - 0.88 6.57 11.5 - 1.2 7.33 12.67 - 0.29 0.51 - NEW ZEALAND - 23.1 1.62 - - 80.5 1.18 - - 103.6 1.28 - - 4.25 1.27 - DIDIPIO Open Pit 0.5g/t AuEq 28.9 0.48 2.48 0.34 7.10 0.65 2.15 0.30 36.0 0.51 2.41 0.33 0.59 2.79 0.12 DIDIPIO Underground 1.12g/t AuEq 2.57 2.50 2.58 0.48 17.2 1.74 2.38 0.46 19.8 1.84 2.41 0.46 1.17 1.53 0.09 PHILIPPINES - 31.4 0.64 - - 24.3 1.42 - - 55.8 0.98 - - 1.76 4.32 0.21 HAILE Open Pit 0.41g/t Au 36.8 1.78 - - 33.6 1.68 - - 70.3 1.73 - - 3.92 - - USA - 36.8 1.78 - - 33.6 1.68 - - 70.3 1.73 - - 3.92 - - TOTAL - 91.3 1.35 - - 138 1.34 - - 229.7 1.34 - - 9.93 5.6 0.21

PROJECT INFERRED RESOURCE AREA Cut-Off Mt Au g/t Ag g/t Cu % Au Moz Ag Moz Cu Mt MACRAES Open Pit 0.4g/t Au 39 0.9 - - 1.1 - - MACRAES Underground - 3.5 1.4 - - 0.2 - - REEFTON 0.5g/t Au 1.4 1.1 - - 0.0 - - BLACKWATER - 0.9 23 - - 0.7 - - WAIHI Open Pit 0.5g/t Au - - - - - - - WAIHI Underground 3.5g/t Au 0.7 6.9 13.5 - 0.2 0.3 - NEW ZEALAND - 46 1.9 - - 2.7 0.3 - DIDIPIO Open Pit 0.5g/t AuEq 2.4 0.5 2.0 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.01 DIDIPIO Underground 1.12g/t AuEq 6.5 1.3 1.6 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.02 PHILIPPINES - 9 1.1 - - 0.3 0.5 0.03 HAILE Open Pit 0.41g/t Au 19 1.1 - - 0.7 - - USA 19 1.1 - - 0.7 0.0 - TOTAL 73 1.3 - - 3.1 0.8 0.03

Notes: 1. Mineral Resources include Mineral Reserves. 2. Macraes and Reefton open pit resources constrained by a NZ$2,200/oz gold price pit shell. Macraes underground resources are geologically constrained. 3. The commencement of Reefton closure and rehabilitation was announced on 19 December 2016. 4. The Waihi open pit resources are reported to a 0.5 g/t Au cut-off within a pit design to the 890mRL. The underground resources are based on a NZ$1,857/oz gold price. 5. For Didipio, open pit resources are reported above the 2,460mRL and underground resources between the 2,460mRL and 2,070mRL. - Open pit resources use AuEq cut-off based on US$1,300/oz gold and US$3.00/lb copper. Underground resources use AuEq cut-off based on US$1,450/oz gold and US$3.80/lb copper 6. Haile open pit resources are reported to a 0.41 g/t Au cut-off within a US$1,200/oz gold price pit shell

Table 3  Updated Resource Statement for Minority Interest in Assets (as at December 31, 2016)

ASSET MEASURED INDICATED INFERRED Mt Au g/t Au Moz Mt Au g/t Au Moz Mt Au g/t Au Moz SAMS CREEK - - - 2.0 1.77 0.11 2.0 1.3 0.1 TOTAL - - - 2.0 1.77 0.11 2.0 1.3 0.1

Notes: 1. OceanaGold has a 20% interest in the Sams Creek Project. The tabulated resource is factored by the percentage ownership.

United States

At Haile, open pit reserves and resources remain unchanged from 31 December 2015. Upon completion of the Haile optimisation study in mid-2017, the Company will provide an update to the Haile open pit and underground resources and reserves. Results from the 2016 exploration campaign at Haile will be incorporated into the optimisation study, including more than 35,000 metres of drilling from 66-holes at the Horseshoe underground deposit.

Between September 2016 and March 2017, the Company drilled 23 diamond holes for 12,466 metres at the Palomino target (Figure 1). Assays for the first 15 holes (Table 4) demonstrate extensions to the mineralisation along strike from this underground target which is 300 metres below surface and approximately 300 metres long (Figure 2).

At the adjacent Snake target, below the Snake pit and between the Horseshoe and Palomino underground deposits (Figure 2), the Company tested extensions to known mineralisation with seven diamond holes for 4,355 metres. Assays for these drill holes are pending.

To further support the optimisation study, the Company will drill prospective deeper mineralisation at Snake, Mustang and Mill Zone Deeps targets in the first half of 2017. At the Mustang target, a 44-hole, 16,000 metre resource delineation diamond drill program commenced in the first quarter to test extensions to mineralisation north of the Chase Hill and Ledbetter resources. At Mill Zone Deeps, the plan is to drill four infill holes for 1,500 metres in the second quarter.

Geophysical data processing and evaluation were completed for the Haile region in late December 2016 including magnetic, EM, gravity and IP data and are being integrated with geology and drilling to identify further near mine exploration targets.

Table 4  Significant Drill Intersections from Palomino Drilling, Nov 2016  March 2017

East North Collar RL From To Length True Gold Drill Hole ID Project NAD83 Z17 NAD83 Z18 Az Dip (m) (m) (m) width^ Grade (m) (m) (m) (m) (g/t) DDH0577 Palomino 542693 3826518 138.0 148.0 -50.0 422.0 434.8 12.8 9.6 6.70 DDH0580 Palomino 542693 3826439 138.0 148.0 -50.0 377.6 383.2 5.6 4.2 14.20 DDH0583 Palomino 542627 3826444 138.0 148.0 -50.0 399.6 466.7 67.1 50.3 2.40 DDH0584 Palomino 542592 3826452 137.0 148.0 -50.0 393.3 481.7 88.4 66.3 3.00 DDH0590 Palomino 542893 3826045 155.0 328.0 -50.0 479.1 491.2 12.1 9.1 11.70 DDH0593 Palomino 542693 3826439 138.0 152.0 -56.0 370.6 392.7 22.2 16.6 2.60 DDH0593 Palomino 542693 3826439 138.0 152.0 -56.0 422.5 441.7 19.2 14.4 3.70 Including 436.5 441.7 5.1 3.8 10.20 DDH0595 Palomino 542596 3826455 137.0 148.0 -46.0 393.6 438.3 44.7 33.5 4.60 Including 431.3 434.4 3.1 2.3 11.30

^ true thicknesses average 75% of reported interval length based on core intersection angles.

New Zealand

Waihi

At Waihi, P&P Reserves at the end of 2016 stood at 0.27 Moz of gold and 0.54 Moz of silver in the underground and 0.08 Moz of gold and 0.77 Moz of silver in the open pit. There was no year-on-year change to the open pit reserves and a 12% decrease in underground reserves due to mine depletion.

The Company is pleased to announce a maiden underground resource of 20 koz Indicated Resource and 137 koz Inferred Resource on veins associated with the Martha Project which contributed to a 22% increase year-on-year in total resources of 527 koz (371 koz Measured and Indicated and 156 koz Inferred) after mine depletion.

In 2016, the Company drilled over 35,000 metres at Waihi with surface and underground exploration drilling and defined a significant exploration target beneath the current open pit at Martha. The Martha project is a significant, medium term exploration target generated through preliminary modeling based on limited drilling and historical crosscut data beneath Martha. The Martha project will be a key focus for the exploration team in 2017 and 2018 to increase and upgrade the resource base.

In the first two months of 2017, the Company drilled 6,622 metres, utilising three underground and up to five surface drill rigs. Drilling continues to return good widths and grades across multiple targets, adding incremental ounces on vein extensions to those currently being mined at Correnso, Empire, Christina and Daybreak. To complement the surface drilling around the perimeter of the open pit in 2016, the Company commenced two underground exploration drives in 2017 from which drilling will test the deeper extensions of known veins.

This year, the Company also commenced drilling in the Favona and Gladstone areas. Early results have been encouraging with good widths and grade that have the potential to extend the life of the operation. Additionally, the Company commenced drilling on the Rex vein, a splay off the Royal vein, which has returned significant intercepts that are currently being followed up with further drilling (Table 6).

Table 5 presents significant results to hand since the 12 December 2016 exploration update.

Table 5  Significant Intersections from Waihi Resource Drilling

Drill Hole ID Vein East# (m) North# (m) Collar RL (m) Az# Dip From (m) To (m) True width (m) Gold Grade (g/t) Silver Grade (g/t) 830ER0998 Christina 396342.3 643167.0 833.4 291.7 -9.2 150.3 154.1 3.7 8.33 9.4 830ER0998 Christina 396342.3 643167.0 833.4 291.7 -9.2 163.2 166.8 3.4 7.39 5.5 860ER1030 Christina 396347.2 643155.0 865.6 337.3 7.3 120.1 121.4 1.1 11.57 10.9 800ER1007 Daybreak 396255.2 643139.1 807.1 302.1 23.8 7.9 12.0 2.9 5.46 6.1 844SP2DR1008 Daybreak 396423.4 643035.2 829.8 327.7 24.9 131.5 137.3 2.1 14.07 17.6 844SP0DN1020 Daybreak 396360.4 642970.6 834.9 304.6 25.9 181.8 188.1 5.9 5.36 141.0 844SP0DN1020 Daybreak 396360.4 642970.6 834.9 304.6 25.9 200.8 203.1 1.8 8.31 33.1 844SP0DG1029 Daybreak 396362.5 642971.7 834.6 355.3 25 161.5 169.1 6.7 7.81 10.2 UW493 Edward HW 395380.9 642696.5 1130.2 328.8 -31.5 120.8 136.0 6.4 6.99 23.8 UW493 Edward HW 395380.9 642696.5 1130.2 328.8 -31.5 182.6 197.8 12.6 16.50 120.5 UW493 Edward HW 395380.9 642696.5 1130.2 328.8 -31.5 267.0 274.9 2.7 21.24 29.3 UW493 Welcome 395380.9 642696.5 1130.2 328.8 -31.5 322.9 328.2 4.3 5.12 19.7 846EN1018 Empire 396367.2 643525.5 842.8 283.3 0.9 31.7 37.2 3.5 4.02 37.1 846EN1018 Martha FW 396367.2 643525.5 842.8 283.3 0.9 199.9 206.7 4.1 6.21 8.6 UW495 Edward HW 395276.5 642734.9 1128.2 19.2 -52.3 94.0 107.0 4.5 4.33 7.2 UW495 Edward 395276.5 642734.9 1128.2 19.2 -52.3 251.8 267.5 9.2 10.04 88.6 UW497 Edward HW 395380.2 642697.1 1129.8 317.6 -37.2 168.8 180.6 6.1 5.04 7.7 UW497 Edward HW 395380.2 642697.1 1129.8 317.6 -37.2 230.6 239.8 4.6 4.27 27.6 UW499 Gladstone 396991.5 642331.0 1138.2 322.2 -44.5 59.7 63.5 3.8* 3.10 5.8 UW499 Gladstone 396991.5 642331.0 1138.2 322.2 -44.5 87.4 91.1 3.7* 4.27 2.7 UW499 Gladstone 396991.5 642331.0 1138.2 322.2 -44.5 116.5 119.6 2.3 3.93 3.1 UW501 Gladstone 397127.1 642327.2 1127.1 334.8 -44.9 109.8 125.8 6.3 3.19 14.4 UW502 Gladstone 396945.1 642363.8 1142.6 18.0 -45.2 11.7 17.7 4.6 2.26 2.4 UW504 Gladstone 396922.5 642283.2 1134.2 322.9 -44.7 78.0 90.1 12.1 1.27 2.6 UW505 Gladstone 396938.8 642386.2 1147.5 117.0 -53.7 44.5 56.3 11.8* 3.51 3.9 UW505 Gladstone 396938.8 642386.2 1147.5 117.0 -53.7 102.3 120.7 18.4* 1.62 10.2 UW506 Gladstone 396941.2 642288.9 1134.8 328.5 -44.9 85.0 103.0 18.0* 1.23 3.1 UW506 Gladstone 396941.2 642288.9 1134.8 328.5 -44.9 116.0 119.8 2.7 4.53 10.1 UW507 Gladstone 397151.8 642458.4 1137.0 169.3 -47.8 22.4 66.0 43.7* 2.16 8.7 Including 55.1 63.0 7.9* 5.02 25.9 UW509 Gladstone 397201.9 642426.8 1128 293.7 -44.1 149.5 161.9 6.2 2.01 6.8 UW509 Gladstone 397201.9 642426.8 1128 293.7 -44.1 166.0 177.7 9.8 1.60 8.5 UW510 Gladstone 397192.7 642477.5 1129.5 143 -52.7 55.7 83.2 27.5* 2.00 4.2 Including 61.9 64.7 2.0 6.93 4.6 UW510 Gladstone 397192.7 642477.5 1129.5 143 -52.7 124.4 128.8 4.4* 3.22 17.3 UW510 Gladstone 397192.7 642477.5 1129.5 143 -52.7 134.3 148.0 13.7* 2.34 9.8 1120SP2GR1010 Gladstone 397045.2 642528.4 1079.9 159.7 1.0 0.0 38.2 38.2* 0.97 9.9 1120SP2GR1010 Gladstone 397045.2 642528.4 1079.9 159.7 1.0 69.0 145.3 76.3* 1.45 4.4 Including 97.1 103.0 5.0 8.36 19.0 1120SP2GR1009 Gladstone 397045.1 642528.4 1080.1 158.1 7.2 95.2 110.3 9.3 2.09 5.8 1120SP2GR1009 Gladstone 397045.1 642528.4 1080.1 158.1 7.2 119.9 134.4 10.3 2.26 4.2 1120SP2GR1012 Gladstone 397045.9 642528.6 1079.8 133.5 -2.4 115.1 156.7 41.6* 1.79 2.9 Including 135.8 139.8 4.0* 4.70 11.8 1120SP2GR1017 Gladstone 397046.4 642528.8 1079.7 121.6 -4.3 106.6 163.5 56.9* 2.24 4.9 Including 137.0 145.2 6.7 5.95 12.4 And 155.4 157.1 1.4 19.63 30.0 1120SP2GR1019 Gladstone 397044.9 642528.4 1079.5 169.3 -12.7 7.6 21.0 13.4* 2.37 50.1 1120SP2GR1019 Gladstone 397044.9 642528.4 1079.5 169.3 -12.7 99.0 216.5 90.0 1.13 4.9 GT1034 Favona 397382.6 642914.5 1117.1 106.2 -69.0 85.0 93.5 8.5* 1.83 4.9 GT1035 Favona 397379.2 642936.2 1118.5 89.2 -66.0 44.8 95.8 51.0* 0.84 1.9 GT1035 Favona 397379.2 642936.2 1118.5 89.2 -66.0 95.8 97.3 1.6* 426.00 856.0 GT1035A Favona 397379.2 642936.2 1118.5 89.2 -66.0 43.2 96.7 53.5* 1.31 3.6 UW511A Favona 397400.6 642934.0 1115.5 276.5 -48.9 110.6 118.0 5.5 3.39 25.0 UW512 Favona 397404.1 643044.0 1115.9 291.7 -44.5 84.0 93.0 9.0* 1.01 1.3 UW512 Favona 397404.1 643044.0 1115.9 291.7 -44.5 110.0 114.2 3.4 2.11 1.6 UW514 Favona 397445.6 642841.7 1105.6 286.5 -45.6 72.0 93.5 21.5* 0.87 1.2 UW514 Favona 397445.6 642841.7 1105.6 286.5 -45.6 97.7 106.6 8.9* 0.84 1.8 UW516 Favona 397389.9 642999.3 1115.2 267.7 -48.4 123.9 126.3 2.1 8.93 54.6 UW521 Favona 397572.4 643007.5 1097.9 271.9 -45.5 78.9 87.7 8.8 2.28 2.9 UW521 Favona 397572.4 643007.5 1097.9 271.9 -45.5 106.6 108.7 2.1 3.18 6.8 UW521 Favona 397572.4 643007.5 1097.9 271.9 -45.5 158.8 167.3 8.5 1.74 6.0 UW521 Favona 397572.4 643007.5 1097.9 271.9 -45.5 172.1 178.2 6.1* 1.76 5.4 UW524 Favona 397454.6 642976.7 1098.0 285.0 -45.0 28.0 34.0 6.0* 1.37 2.1 UW524 Favona 397454.6 642976.7 1098.0 285.0 -45.0 47.0 64.6 17.6* 2.39 7.9 UW524 Favona 397454.6 642976.7 1098.0 285.0 -45.0 69.0 79.0 5.3 1.03 5.0 UW525 Favona 397535.3 643058.0 1097.2 261.7 -51.0 41.8 50.7 8.9* 1.08 0.8 UW525 Favona 397535.3 643058.0 1097.2 261.7 -51.0 53.7 73.8 20.1* 3.02 4.8 UW525 Favona 397535.3 643058.0 1097.2 261.7 -51.0 133.0 134.6 1.6* 2.58 17.6 UW526 Favona 397463.0 643050.6 1100.0 287.1 -45.0 106.7 145.0 24.1 1.11 4.1 UW530 Favona 397459.7 643123.4 1114.3 286.2 -45.0 19.6 67.3 33.1 0.78 2.2

# old Mt Eden Coordinate system * downhole length as not possible to determine true width

Table 6  Significant Intersections from Waihi Exploration Drilling

Drill Hole ID Vein East# (m) North# (m) Collar RL (m) Az# Dip From (m) To (m) True width (m) Gold Grade (g/t) Silver Grade (g/t) UW498A Rex 395710.8 642820.4 1117.9 182.8 -47.9 256.1 257.8 1.65* 10.99 34.8 UW520 Royal 395711.5 642819.6 1118.0 173.2 -32.8 52.9 54.7 1.80* 5.22 288.0 UW520 Rex HW 395711.5 642819.6 1118.0 173.2 -32.8 112.8 113.8 1.00* 2.06 20.9 UW520 Rex 395711.5 642819.6 1118 173.2 -32.8 218.1 221.0 2.40 32.35 81.8 UW522 Unnamed 395382.0 642689.1 1129.8 124.6 -43.0 48.5 49.7 1.15* 6.80 133.0 UW522 Unnamed 395382.0 642689.1 1129.8 124.6 -43.0 101.5 105.9 4.45* 10.49 85.2

# old Mt Eden Coordinate system * downhole length as not possible to determine true width

Macraes

At Macraes, P&P Reserves at the end of 2016 stood at 1.22 Moz of gold including 0.14 Moz of gold at the Frasers Underground as drill programs at Coronation and Coronation North successfully offset mine depletion. Macraes has a total M&I Resource of 3.49 Moz of gold and an Inferred Resource of 1.3 Moz gold.

In December 2016, OceanaGold announced the closure of the Reefton Mine and as such removed the Reefton reserves from its mineral inventory. The resources however, have been retained in the Company's inventory.

Over 31,000 metres of diamond and reverse circulation drilling was completed in 2016. In the first two months of 2017, the Company drilled 4,080 metres utilising one underground diamond and up to three surface diamond / reverse circulation drills rigs. Since the last exploration update in December 2016, the Company has drilled several targets along the 35-kilometre Hyde-Macraes Shear Zone including Coronation North, Trimbells, Golden Point and Frasers Underground (Figure 4). Drilling is currently targeting extensions to known mineralisation at Coronation North, Coronation and Golden Point.

Following the revision of an updated Coronation North resource model in December 2016, approximately 34 koz were added to its resource before the end of the year with mineralisation remaining open to the southeast and current drilling focused on testing this extension. The Company is also drill testing for extensions to the east of the historic Golden Point deposit with encouraging results received to-date (Figure 5 and Table 7).

Table 7  Significant Intersections from Golden Point

Drill Hole ID Project East# (m) North# (m) Collar RL (m) Az# Dip From (m) To (m) True width (m) Gold Grade (g/t) RCH6319 Golden Point 70365.2 15656.1 478.8 285.0 -73.0 189.0 199.0 10.0 1.12 RCH6319 Golden Point 70365.2 15656.1 478.8 285.0 -73.0 209.0 217.0 8.0 2.51 RCD6320 Golden Point 70400.7 15518.3 468.7 317.0 -68.0 237.0 250.6 13.5 1.29 RCH6321 Golden Point 70216.6 15609.6 428.1 48.0 -82.0 137.0 148.0 11.0 2.03 RCH6322 Golden Point 70217.6 15609.4 428.1 70.0 -72.0 162.0 168.0 6.0 1.27 RCH6323 Golden Point 70251.5 15688.0 420.8 53.0 -86.0 134.0 136.0 2.0 3.96 RCH6323 Golden Point 70251.5 15688.0 420.8 53.0 -86.0 150.0 162.0 12.0 2.29 RCH6323 Golden Point 70251.5 15688.0 420.8 53.0 -86.0 171.0 180.0 9.0 2.71 RCH6324 Golden Point 70225.3 15774.5 411.6 79.0 -69.0 94.0 99.0 5.0 3.33 RCH6324 Golden Point 70225.3 15774.5 411.6 79.0 -69.0 139.0 144.0 5.0 2.52 RCH6340 Golden Point 70222.3 15776.2 411.6 279.0 -78.0 103.0 107.0 4.0 7.84 RCH6341 Golden Point 70250.6 15727.3 416.8 283.0 -73.0 106.0 120.0 14.0 3.76 RCH6342 Golden Point 70257.9 15725.3 416.8 53.0 -77.0 129.0 133.0 4.0 5.48* RCH6342 Golden Point 70257.9 15725.3 416.8 53.0 -77.0 153.0 163.0 10.0 1.29 RCH6343 Golden Point 70247.9 15687.0 420.8 276.0 -76.0 138.0 151.0 13.0 1.32 RCH6344 Golden Point 70235.1 15656.8 423.6 273.0 -70.0 125.0 128.0 3.0 2.18 RCH6344 Golden Point 70235.1 15656.8 423.6 273.0 -70.0 133.0 141.0 8.0 2.15 RCH6344 Golden Point 70235.1 15656.8 423.6 273.0 -70.0 146.0 148.0 2.0 1.76 RCH6345 Golden Point 70236.2 15656.8 423.5 63.0 -84.0 130.0 133.0 3.0 2.41 RCH6345 Golden Point 70236.2 15656.8 423.5 63.0 -84.0 145.0 159.0 14.0 1.28 RCH6346 Golden Point 70237.8 15653.6 423.5 104.0 -66.0 125.0 133.0 8.0 1.80 RCH6346 Golden Point 70237.8 15653.6 423.5 104.0 -66.0 144.0 152.0 8.0 1.44 RCH6347 Golden Point 70211.1 15606.8 427.9 283.0 -75.0 125.0 129.0 4.0 4.73 RCH6348 Golden Point 70200.3 15573.2 430.7 307.0 -84.0 132.0 138.0 6.0 2.26

# Macraes Gold Project Grid * Assays cut to 15g/t

Philippines

At Didipio, P&P Reserves stood at 1.46 Moz of gold, 3.73 Moz of silver and 0.18 Mt of copper; a 6% and 2% year-on-year decrease in gold and copper respectively, due to mine depletion. Silver reserves increased by 0.51 Moz net of mine depletion due to revised estimates of the silver content in the ore stockpiles.

In the last quarter of 2016, the Company completed more than 9,000 metres of diamond drilling. In the first two months of 2017, the Company completed 2,625 metres of drilling focused on infill and extensional underground drilling of the Didipio ore body and initial drilling of early stage targets, utilising two underground and one surface diamond drill rig.

Didipio underground infill drilling continued with the completion of 12 holes for 2,495 metres between December 2016 and February 2017. All holes intersected mineralisation (Table 8). The initial drilling of depth extensions to the Didipio resource has been completed with assay results confirming the continuation of mineralisation (Table 9).

Exploration continues within the broader FTAA area with drilling of the Mogambos prospect and detailed surface exploration at the D'Fox, Napartan (part of TNN), Binogawan (part of MMB), and Capisaan-Belet prospects. At the Mogambos prospect, initial drilling of 1,056 metres tested a large Au-Cu soil anomaly associated with diorite and monzonite intrusives. Narrow zones of mineralisation were intersected including 4 metres @ 1.87 g/t Au, 656 ppm Cu from 32 metres and 1.5 metres @ 1.1 g/t Au, 1.02% Cu from 136.7 metres.

Table 8  Significant Intersections from Didipio Infill Drilling

Drill Hole ID Project East# (m) North# (m) Collar RL (m) Az# Dip From (m) To (m) True width (m) Gold Grade (g/t) Copper Grade* (%) RDUG05 Didipio 1230 5358 2430 0 -3.0 11.0 126.0 115.0 2.40 0.5 RDUG06 Didipio 1230 5358 2430 0 -13.0 1.0 135.0 131.0 2.50 0.4 DDDH252 Didipio 1250 5356 2429 0 -26.0 38.0 49.0 10.0 0.90 0.3 DDDH252 Didipio 1250 5356 2429 0 -26.0 71.0 153.0 74.0 3.70 0.5 DDDH253 Didipio 1250 5356 2429 0 -13.0 15.0 58.0 42.0 1.10 0.2 DDDH253 Didipio 1250 5356 2429 0 -13.0 73.0 141.0 66.0 2.60 0.4 DDDH253 Didipio 1250 5356 2429 0 -13.0 152.0 167.0 15.0 0.70 0.2 DDDH255 Didipio 1250 5356 2429 0 -3.0 8.0 137.0 129.0 1.90 0.3 DDDH249 Didipio 1350 5329 2427 0 -40.0 65.0 146.1 62.0 1.20 0.5 DDDH249 Didipio 1350 5329 2427 0 -40.0 161.0 254.0 71.0 1.60 0.4 DDDH250 Didipio 1350 5329 2427 0 -31.0 77.0 163.0 74.0 2.90 0.6 DDDH251 Didipio 1350 5329 2427 0 -22.0 61.0 189.0 119.0 1.50 0.6 DDDH246 Didipio 1370 5335 2427 0 -35.0 86.0 98.0 10.0 1.70 0.8 DDDH246 Didipio 1370 5335 2427 0 -35.0 112.0 123.0 9.0 2.00 1.0 DDDH247 Didipio 1370 5335 2427 0 -28.0 86.0 120.0 30.0 0.70 0.5 DDDH247 Didipio 1368 5335 2427 0 -28.0 137.0 216.0 70.0 2.60 0.8

# Coordinates and Azimuth in Mine Grid and reported as whole numbers. *Results are length weighted and reported above 1g/t EqAu cut-off based on US$1250/oz gold and US$2.50/lb copper and composited to a minimum 10 metres true width including a maximum contiguous true width of sub-grade mineralization and rounded to one decimal place. EqAu g/t = Au g/t + (Cu% x 1.3714). ^ Approximate True Width reported as whole numbers. Results are reported for completed holes that traverse the full width of mineralisation.

Table 9  Significant Intersections from Didipio Depth Extensional Drilling

Drill Hole ID Project East# (m) North# (m) Collar RL (m) Az# Dip From (m) To (m) True width (m) Gold Grade (g/t) Copper Grade* (%) DDDH240 Didipio 334557 1805482 2477.8 22 -60 575.0 626.0 26 0.50 0.2 DDDH241A Didipio 334556 1805480 2477.8 34 -69 795.0 825.0 9 0.40 0.1 DDDH242 Didipio 334558 1805482 2477.8 60 -60 446.0 534.0 44 1.20 0.6 DDDH242 Didipio 334558 1805482 2477.8 60 -60 572.0 599.0 13 0.50 0.2 DDDH242 Didipio 334558 1805482 2477.8 60 -60 614.0 634.0 10 1.50 0.4 DDDH242 Didipio 334558 1805482 2477.8 60 -60 676.0 706.0 15 0.40 0.1 DDDH242 Didipio 334558 1805482 2477.8 60 -60 726.0 738.0 6 0.50 0.2

# Coordinates and Azimuth in UTM_WGS84_Z51N reported as whole numbers. * Results are reported above 0.5g/t EqAu cut-off based on US$1,250/oz gold and US2.50/lb copper and composited to a minimum down-hole width of five metres true width including a maximum of five contiguous true width metres of sub-grade mineralization and rounded to one decimal place. ^ Approximate True Width reported as whole numbers.

Other

Following the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes ("ICSID") ruling against the Company in 2016, the Company has elected to remove the El Dorado resource from its mineral inventory.

OceanaGold's interest in the Sam's Creek project remains unchanged at 20%.

As part of the requirements under the listing rules of the Australian Stock Exchange, the Company has filed a separate document containing the material summaries and JORC table 1 information related to the resource and reserve drill results for each operation. All drill data and the material summary and JORC table 1 documents can also be found on the Company's website at http://www.oceanagold.com/investor-centre/filings/

About OceanaGold

OceanaGold Corporation is a mid-tier, high-margin, multinational gold producer with assets located in the Philippines, New Zealand and the United States. The Company's assets encompass its flagship operation, the Didipio Gold-Copper Mine located on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. On the North Island of New Zealand, the Company operates the high-grade Waihi Gold Mine while on the South Island of New Zealand, the Company operates the largest gold mine in the country at the Macraes Goldfield which is made up of a series of open pit mines and the Frasers underground mine. In the United States, the Company is currently commissioning the Haile Gold Mine, a top-tier asset located in South Carolina along the Carolina Terrane. The Company expects the Haile Gold Mine to commence commercial production in early in the second quarter of 2017. OceanaGold also has a significant pipeline of organic growth and exploration opportunities in the Australasia and Americas regions.

OceanaGold has operated sustainably over the past 27 years with a proven track-record for environmental management and community and social engagement. The Company has a strong social license to operate and works collaboratively with its valued stakeholders to identify and invest in social programs that are designed to build capacity and not dependency.

In 2017, the Company expects to produce 550,000 to 610,000 ounces of gold and 15,000 to 17,000 tonnes of copper with sector leading All-In Sustaining Costs that range from $600 to $650 per ounce sold.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - March 30, 2017) - Millennial Lithium Corp. (TSX VENTURE:ML)(FRANKFURT:A3N2)(OTCQB:MLNLF) ("Millennial" or the "Company") reports it has made the initial payments under its option (the "Option") to acquire a 100% interest in the Pocitos West Project ("Pocitos West") consisting of 15,857 hectares (39,183 acres) of prospective lithium brine exploitation concessions on the Pocitos Salar in Salta Province, Argentina. Pocitos West is adjacent to ground recently acquired by Pure Energy Minerals Ltd. and is strategically located in close proximately to known lithium resources including the Rincon Project located 32 kilometres (km) to the north and the Sal De Vida Project 90km to the south. The Option was first announced on February 2, 2017.

Pocitos West is located 160km from Salta, and approximately 40 km due west of Millennial's flagship Pastos Grandes Project where recent drilling has confirmed significant lithium brines from surface to depths of 400 metres. Pocitos West is directly accessible by Salta Provincial Highway 17 and close to other high quality regional and site infrastructure including local labour, rail and power generation.

Millennial and the Vendors of Pocitos West executed a definitive option agreement (the "Agreement") that defines the material terms and conditions of the Option. A non-refundable deposit of $100,000 (the "Deposit") has been paid to the Vendors as has the additional $150,000 (U.S.) (the "First Option Payment") which was due upon receipt of Exchange approval of the Option.

The Option may be exercised within three years by making a total of $4,500,000 (U.S.) in payments (including the Deposit and the First Option Payment) (the "Option Exercise Price"): (i) $250,000 (U.S) six months from the date of the Agreement; (ii) $500,000 (U.S.) twelve months from the date of the Agreement; (iii) $500,000 (U.S.) eighteen months from the date of the Agreement; (iv) $500,000 (U.S.) twenty-four months from the date of the Agreement; (v) $500,000 (U.S.) thirty months from the date of the Agreement; and (vi) $2,000,000 (U.S.) thirty-six months from the date of the Agreement.

Upon payment of the full Option Exercise Price, Millennial will have earned a 100% interest in Pocitos West.

No securities of the Company are to be issued in conjunction with exercise of the Option.

The 60-kilometre-long Pocitos salar basin was previously drill tested by 12 shallow holes in 1979 by an Argentine government agency, the Direccion General de Fabricaciones Militares (DGFM). The most significant result from the historical work program includes a shallow drill hole, which averaged 417 parts per million (ppm) lithium and 15,300 ppm potassium. The results of these holes and the sampling conducted are historical in nature and cannot be confirmed by the Company under National Instrument 43-101 standards of exploration applicable today.

In 2010, Li3 Energy Inc. announced the results of 46 brine samples taken from just below the surface of the salar, with brine assays ranging from 300 ppm to 600 ppm lithium. These samples were taken immediately east of the Pocitos West property. Previous geophysical studies conducted by Li3 Energy Inc. also demonstrate the Pocitos basin, where sampled, is approximately 500 metres deep and that the prospective brine target is open and extends westward toward the Pocitos West property.

This news release has been reviewed by Iain Scarr, AIPG, CPG, who is COO of the Company and a qualified person as that term is defined in National Instrument 43-101.
North Korea carried out another ballistic missile engine test last week, a news report said Tuesday. The second test in less than a week using such technology took place Friday, CNN said, quoting two unnamed U.S. defense officials.

One official told CNN, based on the initial assessment, that the engine technology could "possibly be used in an eventual intercontinental ballistic missile."

The North's state media announced on March 19 that it succeeded in testing a high-thrust rocket engine at a missile site near the border with China, indicating it was conducted a day earlier.

It was viewed as a prelude to the launch of a long-range rocket in a bid to master intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) technology. Pyongyang usually claims it's part of a space program.

South Korea's military authorities said the North's weekend announcement shows "meaningful" progress in the reclusive nation's missile development program. (Yonhap)
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The Timken Company designs, manufactures, and manages engineered bearings and power transmission products worldwide. It operates in two segments, Mobile Industries and Process Industries. The Mobile Industries segment offers a portfolio of bearings, seals, and lubrication devices and systems, as well as power transmission components, engineered chains, augers, belts, couplings, clutches, brakes, and related products and maintenance services to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end-users of off-highway equipment for the agricultural, construction, mining, outdoor power equipment, and power sports markets; and on-highway vehicles, including passenger cars, light trucks, and medium- and heavy-duty trucks, as well as rail cars and locomotives. It also provides power transmission systems and flight-critical components for civil and military aircraft, which include bearings, rotor-head assemblies, helicopter transmission systems, turbine engine components, gears, and housings. This segment sells its parts through a network of authorized automotive and heavy-truck distributors to individual end-users, equipment owners, operators, and maintenance shops. The Process Industries segment provides industrial bearings and assemblies; power transmission components, such as gears and gearboxes; and linear motion products, couplings, seals, lubricants, chains, belts, and related products and services to OEMs and end-users in various industries. It also offers aftermarket sales and service needs through a network of authorized industrial distributors; and repair and service for bearings and gearboxes, as well as electric motor rewind, repair, and services to end-users. The company offers its products under the Timken, Philadelphia Gear, Drives, Cone Drive, Rollon, Lovejoy, Diamond, BEKA, and Groeneveld brands. The Timken Company was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in North Canton, Ohio.
It was a day family and friends gathered to share in the joy of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who marked his 73rd birthday today March 29, 2017.

Joined by his family, the Vice President and his wife as well as some members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for a breakfast at his home.

He then proceeded to the Flagstaff House, where a cake was cut to mark the day.

President Akufo-Addo started the day with a word of prayer.

...then there was music



...time to dine



...beeming with pride



...and the 'happy birthday to you' was sang

...here's to 73!



...happy birthday



...a lovely birthday card from the granddaughter



...congratulations



...'thank God for a new year' Mrs Bawumia seem to be saying

...happy birthday grandapa!



...73 looks good on you



...happy birthday sir



...happy birthday



...the girls were present



...time for selfie



Later at the Flagstaff House...



...and he danced

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
Once again, Citi FM has shown that is it possible. Having clocked seven days of touring the country with nearly a hundred out-going Ghanaians and other citizens, Citi FM has once again shown that it is possible.

It is possible to instill the culture of leisure travel among our people. It is possible to have fun while learning about this nature-blessed nation of ours. It is possible to meet diverse Ghanaians of different cultures and still yearn for more.

For the records, around this same time last year, the Adabraka based FM station organized a similar road safari much to the pleasure of patrons (and the envy of some observers). This year, CITI FM used a different route and a different set of attractions across eight regions.

At the end, participants, some of whom were part of the first tour, still felt the travel holiday was too brief. And for Yours Truly, it was such an honour to serve as a resource person for the tour of Ghana.

The above story title is inspired by biblical scripture. The Transfiguration. As narrated in Luke 9:28-36 Jesus took Peter, James and John to the top of a mountain to pray. The three disciples fell asleep. When they awoke, they were astounded to see Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah. It was like nothing they had ever seen before. Peter, obviously mesmerized by the spectacle suggested the building of three shelters, one for Jesus, one for Moses and one for Elijah. So a return to the site could become possible.

For many participants of this year's Heritage Caravan that was the feeling each time we had to leave a destination. Be it at the Mole National Park, the Military Museum in Kumasi or the Slave Memorial at Assin Manso, there was so much to see and learn!

Perhaps starting off with the tour of Old Accra was the eye-opener for many. Yes, they had seen these places many times yet they had no idea the history and the stories under and behind these structures. And what practically blew everyone away was the bird's eye view of the city from the 112 ft high light house, at James Town.

Later in the evening, Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital welcomed the travel party with a night of music and Karaoke at the majestic Anita hotel. Further north in Tamale, Modern City Hotel provided a great base for participants. One can however not forget the grace and generosity of the Northern Regional Minister, Salifu Saeed. He hosted the travel-weary group to a welcome cocktail event. Truly, never have I encountered the offer of such succulently grilled guinea fowl. And oh, the taste!

Another wonderful happening of the second night was the dance fiesta in the courtyard of The Chief of Tamale (Naa Dakpema). If the exhilarating dance was going to leave an everlasting impression, a side attraction event took the night to different dimensions.

The tour participants were both awed and delighted by the installation of CITI FM's CEO Samuel Atta Mensah (Samens) as a divisional Chief of the area. Under the starry savannah skies and before our own eyes that evening, the media chief was 'en-fugu-ed' and enskinned as Mazali Naa (Development Chief) of Tamale.

Next morning the travel team raveled further north to the border town of Paga. The exciting encounter with crocodiles by team members is a story on its own. Importantly, management of CITI FM mounted a signage at the pond.

The next day, the travellers descended on Mole Park with the eagerness to conquer the sights of the jungle. And soon enough they faced off with elephants. At Mole, the kobs, deers and bush bucks were also not lacking in the backing.

On the South-bound trip, Eusbett Hotel, Sunyani provided a cozy base for the group. Folks felt so much at home, that a movie night was organized and thoroughly enjoyed.

Talking of hotel bases, Busua Beach in the Western Region was kind and hospitable to everyone. It was from here that the team traveled to Nzulenzo to enjoy the river safari. The beachfront here also served as the performance stage on the bonfire night. The hotel's nightclub was the perfect cover for the final night's masked club party.

You should see our distinguished domestic tourists doing their own thing- under cover. And during our entire stay, the Busua beach front was available for the pleasure of all. Participants were either strolling on the sands or lazying near the waves.

No wonder when it was time to leave on Saturday afternoon, folks were like 'Can we stay here much longer?'

To be continued next week



By: Kofi Akpabli ([email protected])
30.03.2017 LISTEN

The youth business network as part of their weekly capacity building workshops have hosted a representative from the Registrar Generals Department (RGD) to discuss various topics about Startups in Ghana.

Mr. Halidu Issah; with the Intellectual Property and Business Registration unit of the RGD took the young business executives through the various types of Business registrations , Protection of Business ideas, among others.

He advised that it is best to register your business once you are sure of your readiness to commence operations. Dont start operations with a name you have no legal rights over. Rather, be sure you register the name before launching your services or products, he said.

He explained the simplicity of getting a business registered  Obtaining a Tax Identification Number (TIN), Making the name Search, Filling the application forms, and then Making the payment. All these processes can be completed within just some few hours, he said.

He added that tax payment aspects commences the moment the Certificate of Registration is issued, and so weather the business operates or not, the owner is expected to pay tax and annual renewal fees.

Mr. Issah also touched on other sensitive aspect of ensuring a trouble free business operations when he advised that the youth must Register and Protect their ideas and brands as well, instead of just the business names.

It is good to register your business, but go beyond that, and take advantage of the other registrations available  Trademark, Copyright, Patent, Textile/Industrial Design, and Geographical Indicators. These ensures your business and ideas are fully protected under the laws of the land, He advised.

Mr. Issah educated the youth on all the various registration types, as well as the processes to get it done, and the costs involved.

The Youth Business Network is a network of Youth in Business, Young and Potential Entrepreneurs, with the mission to champion the welfare of, and to imbibe entrepreneurship in the youth through capacity building, showcasing of success stories, and advocating for the development and implementation of youth-related policies in the country, while creating the platform for like-minded youth to Network, Learn and Share experiences and ideas.

The Network hold the weekly topical discussions in their Whatsapp group during the weekends. Interested young entrepreneurs can whatsapp 0243158017 to join.
There are various ways to improve your search rankings like optimising your content for Google. However, a way that is ignored or scarcely exploited to increase search rankings is social media. In fact, some people dont know that social media can serve this purpose.

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Dont ignore your profile if you want to increase your website ranking via social media. You should search for keywords relating to the content of your website and include them in all your social media profiles. Also, use these keywords, when captioning your pictures especially on photo sharing website.

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Sometimes you have to tell your target audience what you want them to do. This is why you should use words or phrases such as See, retweet, kindly follow back or like, and check out. This will engage your followers who in turn check out what you are sharing.
A woman who was standing trial for inserting a dildo into a co-tenants vagina after getting her drunk has been acquitted and discharged by an Accra Circuit Court.

Queenie Akuffo, a student was standing trial on the charge of unnatural carnal knowledge.

The court presided over by Mrs Abena Oppong Adjin-Doku in its judgement held that Queenie should have been charged with indecent assault.

According to the court the video evidence produced in court showed that the victim was conscious and could have resisted the act, adding, that what happened between the two was consensual.

State Prosecutor Detective Inspector Judith B. Asante told the Court that Comfort Sam is the complainant and mother of the victim. The victim is Janet Amoakwah a nursing mother.

Prosecution said the accused person and the victim reside at Ablekuma, where they are tenants within the same compound.

On January 25, last year at about 1800 hours, Queenie sent the victims younger sister, a witness in the case to go and call the victim which the witness obliged.

Detective Inspector Asante said when the victim arrived Queenie offered her a Vodka and other varieties of drinks after which the victim got intoxicated. Queenie then lured her into her bedroom.

The prosecution said Queenie asked other witnesses around to leave and she locked her bedroom.

Detective Inspector Asante said a 13-year-old who is a witness went to peep through the window of the accused and saw Queenie inserting the artificial penis into the victims vagina.

The witness informed the victims brother known as Nana Sasu and he also alerted their mother (the complainant).The Prosecution said the witnesses rushed to the aid of the victim and saw her lying naked in the accused persons bedroom with vomit all over her.

Prosecution said as the victim was unconscious she was rushed to the hospital after obtaining a medical report form from the Police Station.

The Police proceeded to the scene and apprehended Queenie whilst a search in her room revealed an empty container of Vodka, Star Beer bottles, and bottles of Orijin alcoholic beverages.

According to the prosecutor, the dildo was found on top of the accused persons wardrobe and a video recording of the act was on Queenies [email protected] mobile phone was also discovered.

Prosecution said Queenie in her caution statement to the Police admitted the offence but the court found her not guilty per the charge.

In all six witnesses testified in the case  Prosecution called four witnesses to make their case whilst defence called two witnesses.
The chiefs of Effutu traditional area in the Central Region, have banned party colours at the 2017 Aboakyir Festival which will come off on May 6, 2017.

The move, they explain, is to prevent any unhealthy occurrences during the week-long celebration.

Speaking at a press briefing at Winneba on Wednesday, the Abusuapanin of the Otuano Royal family, Neenyi Bonzie Asiedu, urged parties to allow the previous resolution which has helped maintain peace in the last four years to be maintained.

Our festival is purely a traditional customary event and we will humbly appeal to all those who wear political colours to stay out of it. We are crying for peace and development not selfish individuals who would want to use the festival to amass wealth and leave the town in an impoverished state.

The festival over the years has been marred by violence as a result of a lingering chieftaincy dispute in the area.

Neenyi Bonzie Asiedu also indicated that, all rituals and security measures to guarantee a successful celebration have been put in place.

He however called on all participants to exhibit a high sense of diligence during the festival in order to forestall any eventuality whilst calling on stakeholders to be guided by the previous resolutions aimed at promoting peace and security during the celebration.



By: Akwasi Koranteng/citifmonline.com/Ghana
The Public Interest Advocacy Group has called on the Joe Ghartey committee to make public, the report on its investigation into the bribery allegations made against the Minister of Energy, Boakye Agyarko and some members of Parliament's Appointments Committee.

The Chairman of the group , Aaron Abdul Rahman, who made the appeal on Eyewitness News, said the disclosure of details of the report will boost the confidence of Ghanaians and the international community in the countrys institutions.

We are worried that such an allegation, if not well precipitated and their findings made public, will have some negative repercussions on our country. We are therefore asking that we publish the report for the international community to know the details and for that matter the truth.

The group in a separate statement issued earlier, explained that the report when published, will also ensure what it called objective analysis.

The final content of the report if made public for all stakeholders to have access to it, will aid us to do an objective analysis as to whether or not, objectivity can be cited in the entire report considering the information we have at hand already.

Though the fashion of interrogation vis-a-vis the questioning mode and personality posturing of persons at both the Committee level and some of the witnesses gave a lot of reasons for observers to be worried of what is expected of the report, we still reckon that, the final content of the report if made public for all stakeholders to have access to it, will aid us to do an objective analysis.

A five-member committee was set up to look into allegations that the Energy Minister, Boakye Agyarko, bribed some members of the Appointments Committee to ensure his approval as a minister.

Discussions on the report, which has been laid before Parliament upon the advice of the Committee's Chairman will take place today  [Thursday].

The statement from the group is below

The Manager,

Tamale Branch,

March 29, 2017.

JOE GHARTEY COMMITTEE REPORT ON ALLEGED BRIBERY SCANDAL SHOULD BE MADE PUBLIC

Quite skeletal information gathered from the media points to the readiness of the Joe Ghartey Committee to release the final report on the bribery scandal as alleged against parliament house of Ghana's Republic today, March 29, 2017 which coincidentally falls on the birthday and exact day (Wednesday) of President of Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Ado Danquah Akuffo-Addo; we take this opportunity to wish our President a Happy Birthday.

It important to recall that, the Committee was caused to investigate the alleged bribery scandal that hit the august house during the vetting of Mr. Boakye Agyarko, now known as the Hon. Minister of Energy by no mean a person, but a member of the august house in the person of Hon. Mahama Ayariga.

Some Civil Society Organisations in the likes of African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) have already mounted doubts over the possible objectivity expected of the Joe Ghartey Committee's Report but we of Public Interest Advocacy Group (PIAG) hold a different view. PIAG believes that, it is too early yet to begin to cast doubts over the possible objectivity of the expected report. As honuourable as the Committee members are, we anticipate with the greatest respect that, they will do a good job that will indemnify the august house of its lost notional image in the eyes observers in Ghana's public gallery and other stakeholders including the international community.

Though the fashion of interrogation vis-a-vis the questioning mode and personality posturing of persons at both the Committee level and some of the witnesses gave a lot of reasons for observers to be worried of what is expected of the report, but we still reckon that, the final content of the report if made public for all stakeholders to have access to it, will aid us to do an objective analysis as to whether or not, objectivity can be cited in the entire report considering the information we have at hand already.

With the greatest respect once again, we of the Public Interest Advocacy Group (PIAG) call on the leadership of our august house to facilitate with adequate speed, all processes leading to making the Joe Ghartey Committee Report on the bribery scandal that was alleged to have hit Ghana's Parliamentary House. We will continue to believe that, on the practice of accountable democracy, Ghana will continue to be the beacon of hope of Africa and for that under no circumstance should her image be dented through her parliament house with such a serious alleged scandal.

We will continue to collaborate with Government, other Civil Society Organisations, Stakeholders and the international community to ensure that, Ghana's image in the face of the practice of accountable democracy is not tampered with in favour of any personal or parochial interest or gains.

Abdul-Rahaman A.

(EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR)



By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
The Agricultural Policy Research in Africa (APRA) has held a workshop with stakeholders in the agric sector to generate inputs for an upcoming research into commercialisation.

The study, which will span at least five months, is expected to begin later this year and will seek to understand the different types of agric commercialisation pathways that can secure for the country and farmers optimal benefits.

It will also look into the impact of the existing commercialisation methods in Ghana on the livelihoods of farmers and also suggest to policy-makers the best methods to support.

Country Director for APRA in Ghana, Dr Fred Dzanku, says the project is expected to cost some $600,000 and would focus on production of crops such as cocoa, oil palm as well as other select crops in the Western, Central, Eastern and Ashanti regions.

If you look at government policy, over time the emphasis has been that if we can help smallholder farmers to commercialise, to participate in markets, it will lead to better outcomes in terms of their livelihood and in poverty reduction as well as better security for their nutritional needs, but it is not clear which of these commercialisation types have worked in a way that policy has envisaged, he said on the sidelines of the workshop that was held at Yiri Lodge in Accra.

APRA, which operates in Ghana, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania, hopes to find the best forms of commercialisation that are most effective in empowering women and girls, reducing rural poverty and improving food and nutrition security in Sub-Saharan Africa.

We want to see which types of commercialisation is more suitable. Is it large plantation? Is medium scale? And the type of linkages which the different types of commercialization can have on the livelihood of smallholder farmers in order to improve their livelihood, reduce poverty and ensure food security, Dr Dzanku explained.

Research Coordinator of the project for Ghana and Nigeria, Prof Joseph Yaro, said the study hopes to scale out its findings to ensure that all stakeholders in the agric production value chain understand the situation on the ground.

Photo: Prof Yaro said the study hopes to include varied stakeholder inputs as much as possible.

We want to deal with different farmer groups with this particular knowledge. We want to know what in our research would be of interest to them, he said.

The research will use panel discussions with various agriculture stakeholders, longitudinal studies of different pathways of commercialisation and policy studies to assess outcomes such as employment rate and conditions, empowerment of women and children among others.

The one-day workshop brought together stakeholders from the Ghana Cocoa Board, the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA), Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG), as well other private institutions.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | George Nyavor | [email protected]
The second edition of the Young African Women Congress (YAWC) is set to be launched on 11th April, 2017 at the British Council in Accra.

The theme for this years congress is, Harnessing Africas Demographic Dividend; The Case for Women in Leadership.

This is expected to raise curtains for the main event to be held in July 2017 and the numerous activities that would precede it.

The launch will attract participation from representatives of government and its agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, Women empowerment movements, Civil Society Organisations, Corporate Ghana, students and members of the media.

The Young African Women Congress is a Pan-African women empowerment platform which inspires and nurtures young women for active leadership life for national and continental development through thought-provoking discussions, producing insightful recommendations and mentoring participants. The 2017 edition will focus on the effectiveness of women in leadership in both public and private sector and the challenges which confront them as we endeavour to enhance the potential of the more than half Africas demographic dividend.

More importantly, the launch will officially open registration for the Young African Women Congress (YAWC) 2017 for all African women within the age bracket of 18 and 40 years.
30.03.2017 LISTEN

This month has been some way paaa oo. We have had series of suicides; I have resisted the temptation to write about it. A daughter of Eve is trying to convince me to, at least, write something about it, but I have resisted that temptation. In my view, raising the profile of the recent incidence of suicides might encourage more people to consider that as an option.

Then we had series of accidents. I did a script on that, and, I was nearly lynched for that article. One day I will tell the story. One irresponsible police officer just nearly gave me out as a meat to some street boys, and it was only the grace of wisdom that saved me.

The issue of child deaths started a few weeks before the month began. A school in Brakwa collapsed on some nursery children, and killed several of them. Yes, that is what happened, we watched young children schooled under dilapidated structures, and we only reacted when they died, then we trooped to celebrate ourselves on TV, with fake tears. There are a lot more schools collapsing, if your tears are genuine, fix those schools, dont wait for another disaster to come.

Then last week, Kintampo, the most catastrophic preventable child deaths in our history, happened; over 20 of our children died when they were having fun. The fact that no one got to know that the Kintampo falls was becoming a safety risk, that alone speaks a lot, of how we have been put on auto pilot, as a country. These trees have been there for several hundreds of years, and the falls are so steep that the stones should have been thought to be wearing away with time.

So did we not, at all, get a hint, that a day is coming, and that day would have come sooner, that the levels of erosion would inch at the trees, and the force of gravity would compel the trees to lose their ground? Did we not have public servants to have pre-cautioned us?

But when the trees did fall, and it killed our children and their teachers, we began to assign reasons, that the gods are angry at the invisible forces? Simpa Panyin, you see why I get angry at you? We are so quick to find ways of shielding public service inefficiencies, we are so quick to finding routes out of our poverty, just blame it on the gods, just blame it on politics, and every noise will seize. That pathetic way of endorsing mediocrity, was so weakly espoused, that you could see between the teeth that those in charge, and those who came before them, all contributed to the killing of these innocent children; just forget about that chief, for he spoke like a politician.

It just keep looking as though we are happy celebrating bad news. Last week a group calling itself the NPPs Delta Force, went berserk, they went to stop the Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator from performing his duties. They claimed they could not work with him, because he is not a native of the Ashanti Region. I saw the video, and I saw how Mr Adjei was manhandled and dragged from his office, tagged on by the police.

Some of the leaders of the group had the impudence to grant media interviews after the attack, at the full glare of the Ghana Police Service. He was surrounded by several of the group members, and all the media people were there, radio, television, online, and cameras, all at the pleasure of the assailants.

I kept opening my mouth, bemused, like, taflatse, an idiot. It felt like an armed robbery gang holding a press conference after their robbery operation, in the presence of the IGP; at least, that is how daring I felt they were.

Before I proceed I will like to ask one question; Mr Adjei, how did you enter the security service? Did you come through protocol? What did you do when the NDC Azorka boys and their vigilante groups were brutalizing the NPP people in 2009, and in the run up to the 2016 elections? Are you falling on your own daggers? You see how painful it can be? I sympathize with you, but your guilt is in your own head.

Anyway, so those police officers who were present when the incident was taking place, what were they doing? Maybe the answer can be found in a previous article I wrote, which had laid the reasons for our weak police service on the door steps of our politicians. The never-ending protocol list that gets unqualified people into the service, that is what is causing your fellow policemen to look on as you go through brutalities, in the same way as you looked on as others went through brutalities. Dont worry; they too will face the same taste shortly.

Unfortunately it appears to me that, President Nana Akufo-Addo, you are allowing these Delta and Invisible boys to have a payback time, and you are allowing the police to look on, because they claim they protected your party when you were in power? Mr. President, when are you going to stop these boys? I am worried. What happens to those of us, the ordinary citizens, who only voted for you, and expected you to change our lives? How do we receive protection from you?

Yes, I voted for you. I voted for you to change my life. I voted for you to provide me with jobs, to provide jobs for my siblings, my friends, and my classmates, regardless of where they are found, regardless of their political affiliation, and regardless of their religious faith, that you will be fair to all of us.

I needed a change. A change that would come with dignity, my brother, a change that will see you doing things differently, that is what I voted for. That is why I have not criticized the size of your government. I have not criticized the new ministries you have created, because that is what I voted for, a change, for you to do things differently.

So for instance one of the reasons why I voted for you was that, I know that Naaba, Collins Daudas brother, has boasted of killing other human beings, I know that there were some glaring shooting at Chereponi, and some killing at Agbogbloshie. I know that there were a number of government property seizures across the country.

But I was not happy with them. If I was happy with those things, I would not have voted for you. It was because I was not happy with those things, that is why I voted for you. Therefore what I bargained for did not include the brutalities being meted out to Mr Adjei. I did not vote for you because of the invisible forces. I did not vote for you to allow your vigilante groups to attack my brothers. I did not vote for you to allow your men to seize government properties. Those properties are for all of us. You took taxes from me, from everyone, to build them, so I voted for you so that you could protect them.

The police derive their powers from the Police Council. The IGP was appointed by you, and the Police Council is chaired by your vice President. Sir, you are ultimately responsible for the physical security of my soul. There is nothing that you will say that the police will not listen. So if I see a police officer refusing to act, to protect innocent boys and girls, and if I see you refusing to take a brutal action to compel police action to protect my sister from being raped, then I will have to conclude that you have given your support for such brutalities, and my brother, that is not good.

How do you expect me to feel, if I see on television, such gross manhandling of a security officer, at the full glare of policemen in uniform, and I see absolutely no effort to arrest those committing the crime, how do you expect me to feel? How do you expect such a police person to protect Dukua, your daughter, when your power has ended? Did I vote for you for nothing? Did I vote for you to deprive me of my right to live?

Do you remember Kum Preko, the one that you participated? I was then a very young boy, dreaming to be like you, a fighter. So if you are not going to act, if you are not going to cause these policemen and women to protect me, if you are not going to stop the invisible forces from attacking my brothers in the NDC, then give them guns, give the invisible forces machine guns, let them kill all of us, and when they are done, let them live
Nsuta (Ashanti ) March 30--Nsuta Circuit Court presided over by Her Honour Ms Lydia Osei Marfo has convicted and sentenced Nana Kwame Baah Wiredu, self-acclaimed pastor from Kumasi for stealing items valued at GHc 3,000 and amount of GHC 795 belonging to two complainants who went to pray at Atwea Mountains.

He pleaded guilty and was fined GHC 2,400 in default 24 months in prison. In addition, he is to serve six months in prison and ordered to pay GHC 1,000 as compensation to the complainants. In return from prison, he will return all the stolen items or their value to the complainants.

The prosecutor, Chief Inspector Nana Boamah told the court that on March 21, 2017,at about 5 p.m ,members from the Calvary Charismatic church,Tema and the convict visited the Atwea Mountains to pray.He said both the church members and the convict were in separate rooms

He said about 11. p.m.on the same day,the church members left their room to go and pray at a point.He said when they returned to their room,the complainants, Ms Petronas Owusu Acheaw, detected that her Gold ring,bracelet and a driver's licence valued GHC3,000 and amount of GHC620 was stolen from her bag while Ms Sandra Aquaye had her GHC175 missing.

The prosecutor said the accused was nowhere to be found until March 23,at about 9 a.m. when he returned to the camp and was confronted by the caretakers of the camp, he confirmed committing the crime.

He was arrested and handed over to the police at Nsuta and in his caution statement, admitted the crime but said he stole an amount of GHC 503.50 but denied stolen the other items.
ICE CAN BE simply defined as frozen water into the solid state or cubes. It can also be defined by medical scientists as a stimulant drug which speeds up the messages travelling between the brain and the body.

According to the medical scientists it is a type of methamphetamine which is generally stronger, more addictive and has more harmful side effects than the powder form known as speed.

In United States of America [U.S.A.] a third meaning of ICE with the acronym Immigration and Customs Enforcement ICE] is a household name among immigrants.

A mere mention of ICE in America causes a lot of fear and panic among illegal immigrants in the country making them to live in anxiety.

How U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ICE is terrorizing immigrants in America, let us get the story from STEPHEN A. QUAYE, a freelance based in Toronto-Canada.

From: Stephen A.Quaye, Toronto-Canada.

POO, POO, POO, the phone at the receiving end sounded followed by computerized message, sorry the number you are calling is not reachable.

Just two weeks ago, Kwaku, a Ghanaian living in Toronto-Canada called his friend Yaw in one of the states in America and never had problem speaking to him on his cell phone.

They had a lengthy chat, shared jokes and life experience as far as living in the diaspora is concern. Only to call him again a week after to find out that he was not reachable.

It could be the person had been arrested and his phone blocked as usually done by immigration officers.

Or, he has relocated to another state without a word or has gone underground to avoid being reached by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ICE.

Before January 20, 2017, anyone in any part of the world could call a relative in any part of United States of America USA, and have a lengthy chat with him.

Since Mr. Donald Trump, was sworn in as American president and vowed to fulfil his campaign promise of deporting 11 million illegal immigrants from the country, phones of suspected illegal immigrant relatives, loved ones are now not reachable.

In other words, immigrants irrespective of their home of origin do not want to be reached by these scary mask wearing ICE officers.

Currently in most of the states in America, hundreds of immigrant parents have entered into legal agreements to give powers to friends and loved ones to pick up their children from school and access their bank accounts to pay their bills in event they are arrested by ICE.

It has been learnt that some illegal immigrants are carrying around wallet size know your rights guides in Spanish and English that explains what to do if they are rounded up.

It is so disturbing to learn that in some states, illegal immigrants are careful about answering the door and start making worried phone calls when someone does not come home on time.

Ghanaians will recall that President Donald Trump vowed during the U.S. Electioneering campaign that he will shove away 11 million illegal immigrants in America.

Going by his words, his efforts of sending home these immigrants have spread fear and anxiety and led many people to brace for arrest and to change up their daily routines in hopes of not getting caught.

In hopes of not getting caught, some people have developed a network to keep each other updated via text messages on where immigration check points have been set up.

It was observed that majority of these immigrants who are living in fear and anxiety, also makes certain everything they does is in order at all times.

They check their taillights before leaving home, not speed and keeps a close eye on their surroundings.

What is so surprising to note is that petty offences such as aforementioned can get one a police ticket and get them back to their original home.

The unease among immigrants has been building but intensified in recent times with ever-clearer signs that the Trump administration would jettison the Obama-era policy of confusing mostly on deporting those who had committed serious crimes.

President Donald Trump Administration announced on February 23, 2017 that any immigrant in the country illegally who is charged with or even convicted of any offence or even suspected of a crime will now be an enforcement priority.

Surprisingly, that could include people arrested for shoplifting or other minor offences or those who simply crossed the border into America illegally.

STEPHEN A. QUAYE, REPORTED FOR THE GHANAIAN CHRONICLE BEFORE MOVING TO CANADA IN 2007. NOW NCTJ STUDENT.
Keta (V/R)Ghana Police Services use of inordinate brutality has, once again, been displayed in the blatant killing of 22-year old Atsu Nkegbe of Adina. The killing was occasioned by the protest of residents of the Adina community against the negative impact of Seven Seas Salt (SSS) Limited, on their livelihood, the environment and water resources resulting from the companys operations.

Two other people, a pregnant woman, Enyonam Ackumey and Bright Katta (who is in critical condition at 37 Military Hospital) were also said to have been shot by the police in their indiscriminate targeting of unarmed demonstrators.

Facts available to Anlo Youth Council (AYC) show that the immediate cause of the protest by the community was the non-compliance of the Company to guidelines for environmental protection and agreements reached with the community on the management of the water resources and mitigation of the environmental impacts of the companys operations on residents.

The company which initially registered as Kensington Industries Limited has reneged on several agreements reached with the constituent communities among which they were to develop a 300m2 piece of land into a fish farm; desist from tapping into ground water for their salt mining; source water directly from the sea for their operations; mitigate the impact of environmental degradation through best practices.

Altogether, the company has woefully failed in its community engagement process as it apparently has no policy to tackle the myriad of challenges prevailing in their area of operation, some of which have been as a result of their operations. Untold hardship has therefore been visited on the outlying communities including Adina, Sonuto, Kpedzeakope and their satellite villages.

Furthermore, in resolving what has clearly become a resource conflict between a company owned by affluent, well-connected foreign investors and a powerless community engulfed by abject poverty, the company has relied on the collusion of the law enforcement agencies, to shoot to death members of the community demanding accountability from the salt production company. There already exists a precedence of unprofessional conduct of the police with regard to operational procedures in dealing with the unarmed community of demonstrators.

The police actions that followed the clash are in flagrant disregard of their own rules of engagement in the case of unarmed civilians and against existing standards of modern policing methods.

The AYC and the people of Anlo are of the firm conviction that anytime there is civil conflict in our communities, the only means the security services, in particular the police, have of resolving the trouble is to shoot at the people using live bullets resulting in death and mortal injuries to unarmed residents.

This incident, coming exactly 10 years after a similar incident by the police in November, 2007, which left four people dead; and a similar intervention by the police in December, 2015 with one person dead and several injured at Sonuto, leaves much to be desired and evokes an almost sadistic image of the police service in discharge of their duties, particularly in the Volta Region

AYC condemns the barbaric acts of the police service and urges Ghanaians and members of the international community to also condemn the recent spate of brutalities and abuse of state power by the Keta Police Command against residents of Adina and Sonuto in Ketu South of the Volta Region.

Noting the increasing resort to the military as surrogates in the conflict and the brutalisation of completely unarmed civil populations protesting against the destruction of their source of livelihood, AYC further condemns this misuse of state resources and calls for the immediate withdrawal of the Army to the barracks. There is no war in Adina for which the mandate of the Ghana Armed Forces is required.

Anlo Youth Council (AYC), in this press statement requests the following stakeholders and duty bearers to do all in their power to investigate the conflict, bring those culpable to book and establish a framework for compensation of victims of police/state violence against the citizenry in Anlo, dating to November, 2007:

1. IGP and the police administration to ensure:

i. Total cessation of hostilities in the affected areas and the unconditional withdrawal of the police and military from the affected areas;

ii. An immediate service inquiry into the incident, circumstances leading to the killings and related issues;

2. Parliament of Ghana

i. To set-up a Parliamentary Committee of Inquiry into the killings, dating to December, 2015 when the initial conflict erupted;

ii. To call for the relevant documentation on the setting up of the Seven Seas Salt Company, including true ownership; circumstances surrounding the sale of land to the company; document the destructive impact of the companys operations on the local Economy (livelihood); Environment (damages to water resources  underground and surface); Society (Quality of life) and establish the degree of injuries (Physical/psychological) sustained by the victims including death.

iii. Come up with recommendations for appropriate compensation for police killings and brutality meted out to the people of Anlo from 2007 to the recent police killings in Sonuto aand Adina.

3. Government of Ghana

i. The government of Ghana, as duty bearers for the protection of life, individual liberties and freedoms in the named communities, is bound to ensure the impartiality of all investigations, inquiries and recommendations aimed at seeking justice for those who died and the survivors of police/state violence in Anlo;

ii. To ensure impartiality and possibilities of tampering with evidence or obstruction of justice, the AYC urges the Government, through the IGP to cause the interdiction of all officers involved in the ill-fated shooting or connected with operations of the Salt Company.

iii. Government should take overall responsibility for finding out the true state of affairs with regards to operations of Kensington, now Seven Seas Salt including whether the proper regulatory instruments governing exploitation of natural resources have been complied with.

In the meantime, we urge residents of the affected communities to remain calm and to go about their normal duties while investigations continue to shed more light on the incident.

The leadership of the AYC wishes to assure the affected communities that under the mandate of the 1992 Ghanaian Constitution, it shall do all it can to ensure justice is secured for those whose human rights and personal liberties have been unjustifiably infringed upon.

This release is without prejudice to actions that the AYC intends to take in concert with like-minded organisations to secure respect for the human rights of our citizens and the rule of law in Anlo.

ISSUED BY THE ANLO YOUTH COUNCIL

Signed:

Mayor Agbleze

(President  Anlo Youth Council)

0244584835
An Inter-Ministerial Committee, comprising members from the Food and Agriculture and the Information Ministries, has been inaugurated to oversee the upcoming official launch of the Government's flagship Agricultural Project dubbed "Planting for Food and Jobs".

The National Organizing Committee has been tasked with the responsibility of engaging various stakeholders in the preparation stage ahead of the launching scheduled to take place in the Brong Ahafo Region on April 19, 2017.

It has the Deputy Minister-designate for Information, Mr. Perry Curtis Okudzeto, as Chairman with the Chief Technical Advisor at the Agric Ministry, Mr. Asante Krobea, as member.

Other members include the Press Secretary to the Food and Agriculture Minister, Mr. Issah Alhassan, Personal Assistant, Frank Amoako and Mr. Theophilus Osei Owusu as well as Philip Osei-Nkrumah from the Agric Ministry.

They will work alongside a Local Organizing Committee(LOC) to be inaugurated in Sunyani next week.

The President, His Excellency Nana Addo Akuffo Addo, will be expected to do the official launching to kick start the campaign to revolutionalize the country's agriculture with the aim of increasing food production whilst cutting down on billions of dollars used to import food items into the country annually.

It will involve the supply of improved seedlings and fertilizers at subsidized prices as well as the provision of extension services, marketing opportunities for produce and use of data collection technology for farmers.

The project is also targeted at creating over 750,000 direct jobs for Ghanaians who will be actively involved in the pilot phase of the project this year, whilst expecting to spearhead government's agricultural modernization policy for the next five years.

Inaugurating the Committee, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, said Government was committed towards creating job opportunities for the teeming youth through agricultural modernization.

He expressed worry about the declining trends of the growth of agriculture over the past eight years and pledged that the President Nana Akufo Addo-led administration of the NPP will do everything possible to reverse the trend.

He noted that the campaign will also be private sector led, adding that government will involve the private sector at both the production and harvesting stages in terms of addition of value and prevention of post harvest losses.
By Eica Apeatua Addo, GNA

Bankyim (W/R), March 29, GNA- A 55-year-old farmer, James Ayambilla has been murdered by people believed to be criminals between Bankyim and Teberebie, in the Tarkwa Nsueam municipality.

The deceased allegedly went to spray his pepper farm at Bankyim and never returned home.

The station officer in charge of Nsuta Wasa, Chief Inspector George Sakyi who disclosed this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency said the deceased hailed from Bawku in the Upper East region and had lived with his family at Bankyim for more than forty years.

He said on March 27, the deceased's sons, Messrs John Awuni and Jacob Abugri noted that their father who usually went to his farm in the morning and returned home early had unusually kept long.

They therefore went to the Nsuta Wasa police station around 1340 hours and made a report.

Chief Inspector Sakyi said after receiving the information he organised a search party and they proceeded to the deceased's farm.

He said at about 15:30 hours, the team found the 55-year-old farmer, lying dead some few metres away from his farm with a deep cut on his throat and multiple cuts on his neck, with one of his wrists was almost chopped off.

He said after the body was inspected, they conveyed it to the Tarkwa municipal hospital morgue for autopsy.

He appealed to the general public especially those residing around Bankyim and Teberebie area to volunteer any information that could assist the police to get hold of the culprits who carried out that act.

GNA
30.03.2017 LISTEN

Accra, March 29, GNA - The National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) has launched the Greater Accra Regional Safety Campaign ahead of Easter to ensure that proper safety regulations are adhered to before and during the festivities.

The National Easter Road Safety Campaign Programme and Activities is on the general theme: "Safety First, Think Safety and Drive Safety'.

The campaign, which is an inter-sectorial collaboration, would afford the NRSC, the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service and Drivers, Vehicle and Licensing Authority (DVLA) to visit transport terminals to interact with the leadership of transport operators.

The Easter Road Safety crusaders would also engage with commuters to ensure that passengers are safely transported by road to their various destinations during the festive period.

The NRSC and campaign team, as part of the public sensitisation programme, visited the VIP Bus Terminal, Neoplan Station, VVIP Bus Terminal (at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle), Intercity STC, Metro Mass Transit Limited and the Takoradi Ford Station in Kaneshie.

Mr Samuel Owusu-Yeboah, the NRSC Information Officer, explained to the Ghana News Agency that the Commission was mandated to spearhead and co-ordinate road safety issues among stakeholders.

He said at all the bus terminals visited officials of the three institutions took turns to address the Union leaders.

Mr David Osafo Adonteng, the Director of Planning and Programmes, NRSC, said the visit was basically to encourage the operators on their efforts to observe high safety standards and the need to remind them of the rising spate of accidents.

He attributed the recent accidents to bad driving practices such as speeding, uncalculated over taking and tiredness.

Mr Alexander Kweku Obeng, the Regional Commander of the MTTD said the nation's work force was being driven by drivers adding; 'this makes the work of drivers very important because if the drivers are not there, people cannot move about and work'.

He said with such an important role, a little mistake on their part could cause so much havoc for the country.

Mr Thomas Ntori, an official of the DVLA, said a driver must check the car thoroughly in the morning and make sure that everything was in perfect condition before moving it.

He admonished drivers to acknowledge and understand the road signs adding; 'roads do talk to drivers so they must take time to learn the road signs, the only way they could communicate with the road.'

Mr Ntori said drivers, who could not go to the DVLA offices to renew their license, could use DVLA Mobile Service currently in operation.

He, therefore, advised drivers not to wait for their license to completely expire before renewing it.

GNA
By Lydia Asamoah, GNA

Accra, March 29, GNA - The First Lady, Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo, has commended a USA-based Ghanaian couple for donating assorted items and 20,000 dollars to the bereaved families and the injured of the Kintampo tragedy.

The couple; Bishop and Mrs Kofi Adonteng Boateng of the Divine Word International Ministry in the USA, donated the items and money for the upkeep of the bereaved families and the injured.

During a courtesy call on the First Lady by Bishop Adonteng Boateng and his wife in Accra recently, Mrs Akufo-Addo thanked them for their generosity and encouraged them to do more for society.

The couple expressed their appreciation to the First Lady for her warm reception, saying that members of their church were moved when they heard of the sad news, hence their contribution.

The tragedy, which occurred on Sunday, March 19, at the Kintampo Waterfalls in the Brong-Ahafo Region, claimed 19 lives comprising 13 males and six females of the Wenchi Methodist Senior High School and the University of Energy and Natural Resources who visited the falls for excursion and research purposes.

The incident happened a fortnight ago at the waterfalls following a rainstorm that hit the Kintampo Municipality, uprooting trees in its wake and killing the victims in the process and injuring others.

The First Lady had earlier sent a message of goodwill to empathise with the bereaved families and the wounded.

'The news of the tragedy at Kintampo has stunned the whole country. I am deeply sorry for your loss. There are no words I can offer that will make this any easier,' Mrs Akufo-Addo said in a message.

'I hope you find some comfort in knowing that the whole of Ghana shares your pain,' the First Lady said.

Mrs Akufo-Addo prayed for the speedy recovery of all the injured and expressed the hope that they returned home to their loved ones as early as possible.

Meanwhile, Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, on behalf of the Government, visited the families of the victims and promised government's support for the bereaved families and those on admission. GNA
By Iddi Yire, GNA

Accra, March 29, GNA - The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has launched the maiden edition of its Professional Master Class Programme.

The programme, which is a week-long engagement with industry, was designed to give students industrial experience and to also afford them the opportunity to interact with captains of industry.

Speaking at the launch in Accra, Professor Abednego Feehi Okoe Martey, the Vice Chancellor, UPSA, said: "Master Class is a concept I conceived some time ago when I became burdened with the lack of 'practical industry insight' by Ghanaian graduates which immensely contributed to Ghana's high graduate unemployment.

"My conviction was that business and management education, which integrate theory and practice, will not only be a valuable learning experience for Ghanaian university students, but also provide a good return on investment".

He said industrial practitioners for a long time had criticised traditional business and management education as being too theoretical and lacking a focus in integrating learning with application at the work place.

"There has been a call on higher education providers to inculcate a midget into students to think outside the box to help our country achieve increased productivity and a resilient economy.

"It is my view that in the face of a rapidly changing globalised market place, business schools in Ghana have a responsibility to adopt the work-applied approach to teach students the skills and the qualities that businesses need," he stated.

He explained that work-applied approach means that student apply the learnings to current real business situations.

Prof. Martey said UPSA's vision is to be the world class education provider in both academic and professional discipline, nationally entrenched, regionally relevant and globally recognised.

"To be relevant, our university has to churn out graduates, who are not only endowed with theoretical and academic knowledge but also deep-seated practical knowledge," the Vice Chancellor said.

"Superior educational value should mean taking the classroom to industry and bringing industry to the classroom," he added.

He said UPSA believed that quality education must give their students the knowledge, skills and confidence which prepared them for a career and positioned them to reach their fullest potential to be industry-relevant.

He said the UPSA aimed at generating fully-fledged complete and balanced graduates, who would lead change, drive innovation and solve complex problems.

"To this end, we are introducing Professional Master Class, a complimentary component to our academic programmes; which places learning in the context of real-world application.

'The goal of the Professional Master Class is simply to infuse and to instil practical industry insight into our students," he stated.

"We have therefore, carefully invited industry experts and practitioners, who are accomplished in industry and wield several years of experience and practical wisdom to share their knowledge and experience with us," he added.

Prof Martey said the Professional Master Class would boost the confidence of their graduates, knowing that their qualification would be recognised by employers.

He said the Professional Master Class would be beneficial to industry, as it would contribute to producing effective graduates that could deliver results in the work place.

Prof Charles Bannor, the Pro-Vice Chancellor, UPSA, hailed the Vice Chancellor for the innovative Professional Master Class project.

He said the UPSA over the years had been introducing very innovative programmes.

GNA
I greet you all fellow patriots in Atwima Kwanwoma District. I want to use this moment to thank the Almighty God once again for the unprecedented victory He granted the NPP during the just ended general election. I say Ayekoo to all our hard working supporters who made this win possible.

However, my attention has be drawn to some press statements and conferences from some section of supporters of the NPP in Atwima Kwanwoma either supporting or condemning some of the 13 DCE aspirants.

The current one was a press conference organized by some supporters of Hon. Emmanuel Asuah Dadzie (an aspirant). In as much as they (group) have the democratic right to support any of the candidates, I think such actions must be CONDEMNED and DISCOURAGED in our district politics.

MY REASONS

1. THE PRESIDENT KNOWS BEST: In as much as we believe in ourselves that, the various candidates we support will be the right persons for the job, the president is the only person in who's ultimate decision that whoever becomes a DCE is bestowed.

Let's all party supporters and activists master a high level of trust in the president because I believe the president knows best for the district and will deliver unto us a hardworking person who will move Atwima Kwanwoma to the level we deserve.

2. UNITED FRONT FOR DEVELOPMENT: It is very sad to know that, our district created in 2007 by Ex-president Kuffuor is bedeviled with little development.

A 10year old district like Atwima Kwanwoma has almost nothing to show for in terms of development and this to me, has been the case because of the high level of disunity among party members of the various regimes since the district was created. After 10yrs, Atwima Kwanwoma District cannot boast of even a district office of its own.

The current apartment that houses the DCE and all offices in the district are rented facilities where we spend much money on paying for the bills instead of using same funds in projecting developments. A research conducted by Ash FM and some media houses in Kumasi in 2015 concluded that, Atwima Kwanwoma is one of the top 5 districts with the poorest road networks in Ashanti region and we can't continue to umbrella ourselves in such disgusting accolades.

Again, our elders says, "wisdom is not in one head". In this regard, I believe the good people of Atwima Kwanwoma must come together as one family and rally behind whoever the president nominates as his representative in the district so that we can all contribute our quota to the best of AKDA.

3. HATCHING CHAOS: again, I believe with such kind of press releases and conferences at this crucial moment, we are brooding a high level of possible chaos and tension in the district which I believe is needless. It is no doubt that the NPP has suffered some destructive levels of chaos in AKD, which has cost us a lot as a party. Thank God, now we have come to know peace and this peace is what I stand to preserve. We cannot continue to live in chaos whiles we deprive the district of development. We must come together and uphold the peace we are enjoying now!

On this day, I pledge my unflinching support for the president's choice of DCE and promise to work my heart out to ensure s/he is endorsed by all Assembly members.

No one person can be bigger than the district and nobody is indispensable in the district.

Onward patriots we match.... It's time to uphold our dignity as a district. It's time we come together and fight a common goal. It's time we stood up and call a spade a spade.

God bless our homeland Ghana.

Long live NPP!

Long live Atwima Kwanwoma!!

Long live Ghana!!!

...Signed...

Richard Sarpong

(Electoral Area Coordinator & AKC comm. Team member)
I made it clear that I will not countenance any acts of disloyalty or subversion of their respective Ministers, for I will take such acts as disloyalty to me, and, by inference, disloyalty to the Party and the State.

Any Deputy, who thinks the route to advancement lies in your ability to subvert or undermine your Minister, will be sadly mistaken. You will not profit from that conduct in Akufo-Addo's presidency.

President Akufo-Addo is in no doubt ready to whip bad appointees into line as he bestows the arduous task of public office into their hands. There could not have been better expressions from a President in a hurry to change a malfunctioning country into one with her systems at full throttle.

He has never been so resolute, through expression, about his readiness to deal with deviant public officers whose passion for insubordination could constitute spanners in the wheels of the state machinery.

With appointees already in place, many of them serving under superior officers such as ministers, the tendency as rightly observed by the President, is for some to indulge in undermining of their bosses and petty gossips; empirical evidence from previous political orders have shown. This is what the President is warning against.

If the President has no appetite for such frivolous pastimes which can only be indulged in by idle appointees whoever resorts to that inappropriate line should suffer the prescribed sanctions as would be spelt out by the man at the helm.

Only bad leaders countenance such anomalous tendencies from their appointees and the President's warning shows his depth of experience in governance at the top.

It has generally been held that the genesis of bad governance is leadership. Bad leaders do not only listen to petty gossips and acts of disloyalty from subordinates but encourage them openly and subtly. This is what President Akufo-Addo has shown he is not ready to countenance. We do not have any good reason to disagree with him as are others too who understand such matters of governance and leadership, of course.

Such distractions from the very serious business of making the country work again after a long spell of stagnation and bad governance must be met with the full force at the disposal of the President.

There is no better time to warn the appointees especially the deputies than now when the excitement about the glitters of their new offices is high. Even as they set to work at their desks let them remember the ominous words that they risk suffering telling sanctions should they veer off the path of exhibiting maximum loyalty to the State, the President and their party  the latter being supreme. Anything short of this amounts to insubordination to the state; the sanctions of which should be uncompromising.

The distracters are devious and are ready to play on the insubordination of appointees to their superiors as their unwelcome contribution towards slowing the speed of the government machinery to their political advantage.

A lot of things are at stake and the President whose mission of changing the trend of affairs won him the hearts of most Ghanaians would be incurring the wrath of the electorate if he treats such negative traits with kids' gloves. Therein lies the goodness of his warning which must be undertaken to the letter when the circumstances demand it.

Leadership is about many attributes, one of which is being ready to deal drastically with breaches of standard conduct of public officials.
30.03.2017 LISTEN

Dear Saraki,

I never wanted to write this letter, but due to the happenings in and out of the Senate and the danger signals emanating from your actions or inaction, I feel it's my duty to put in a few words, and maybe my efforts would make you see reasons to back down and let peace reign.

I still remember when you came to Kebbi, just after the general elections and during an interview with the press you said "I am contesting the presidency of the Senate to give hope to Nigerians, who have for a long been deprived of quality leadership.

Ours will be a Senate with a difference, with focus on National development, and a listening ear to the yearnings of Nigerians" l can still recollect your posture, the smile and the goodwill with which you were received by the people of Kebbi, who placed so much trust and confidence on you to chart the course of history, and earn your place as the Senate President, who assisted in bringing succor to the people.. But alas!!!

This dream of a better Nigeria died the very day you decided to hearken to wrong advise and kidnapped reasoning, by hijacking the leadership of the Senate, contrary to earlier agreements within your party, the APC. That day was the day you set your camp against the larger Nigerian interest, protecting the interest of only those who spent the better parts of their lives milking the country dry, bleeding the blotted blood of the long suffering people of this country.

Sir, that was the day you put personal interest above patriotism and national interest. You became a demi -god, with a retinue of followers, who kept misleading you, telling you that you are bigger and stronger than Nigeria and Nigerians.

Dear, Saraki, because you choose to listen to them, you gave room for other interests to creep in, highjacking the revolution Nigerians struggled for, died for and even faced the full wrath of Boko Haram to make possible.

The third columnists then took over the Senate, rubbishing all efforts by the President to make life better for the masses. It started with stealing the 2016 budget, then padding and eventually it graduated to open disdain for all bills, appointments and ideas sent to the Senate by PMB.

This disdain became so visible with your open refusal to confirm MAGU as chairman of EFCC, even though he has been able to perform so exceptionally well, and recovered stolen loot from those who stole from our national treasury, including serving senators.

Secondly, you decided to take on Hameed Ali of the customs just because he refused to play ball as usual. You wanted your pound of flesh from him for daring to demand customs duty from you.

Olubukola, why did you allow them to push you so far, and now you are at wits end? Sir, we all know the legacy left behind by your late father. He was a gentleman, who was revered and respected all over the country.

He was an icon of righteousness, a politician in the true sense, a man who never wanted to do anything that could harm his people. We all thought you'd take after him, but we should have known after all look what you did to him and your blood sister. You rode on his coat tails and then when you as a good Muslim should have respected him, you pushed him out of the party, disgraced him and finally killed him.

I hope you know that we all know his blood is on your hands. Alas. you became the prodigal son who is trying to burn down the house just to spite the housemaid. Your actions have brought so much suffering on the people who look up to you.

You're now the albatross of our democracy, our hopes and dreams of a better Nigeria. You have Truly discarded the regalia of honour, integrity and compassion sawn by your father, and in the process you've allowed the enemies of the Nigerian state to be prominent in charting out a tragic melody for the infamous drama that is now unfolding.

Yours is a tragic movie in the making, and sure enough it is likely to put you on the wrong side of history, forever.

Dear Saraki,

I have so much to say, but I guess this part of my letter, which will run in five parts will have to end here. The part two will come your way tomorrow, but I hope before then you'd have a rethink, and do the needful now.

I have said it, you can summon me, you can suspend me, you can arrest me or kill me, the AUTOCRATIC SENATE PRESIDENT.

I am Usman Mohammed

07060815443.

([email protected]).

IBB University, Lapai-Niger State.
Are you feeling a bit groggy, let down or drowned in debt? Is your love or marriage life on life support and needs resuscitation or you want to travel abroad? Have you been seeing pastors, consulting prophets and visiting seers for a breakthrough lately?

Then throw on your Battakari or Fugu. Fasten your boot straps, take no bread, take no water, and pocket no CDs, (because the angels will pat you down if you dare). Also pack baggage and luggage and make a move to Down South. Were going. The Lord knows where we are going. So hurry, dont hesitate my sister/brother.

If you are in Africa or traveling from any of the African nations the journey would be shorter, faster but I must warn you it might not be smoothdepending on which flight youre taking. Dont eat any cookies while onboard and dont lie to the pastor that youd dry fasting. The message is single and simple--- you drink deep or you taste not.

And in case you just got onboard youre forewarned not to carry any currencies considered weak and of no value. Yes, you heard me. No Zimbabwean dollar, no Egyptian pound and no Nigerian naira. Why the smile? You think youre exempted right? The Ghanaian cedi is banned. The Indian rupee is embargoed. Even the Zambian Kwacha which as of January 1 2013 was the strongest in Africa wont be tolerated whilst in SA.

If youre coming from Europe, North America, Asia, or any of the groups that adopted some aspects of Anglo-Saxon culture and language kindly book your flight (s)as quickly as possible .Youre also hereby reminded not to forget to find a wheel barrow to haul in wads of euros, dollars and pound sterling. For your information, your host wants currencies that are water-resistant and depreciating-proof.

Well dont mistake this person for President Trump.

Remember Mr. Trump issued the executive order banning entry for 90 days by citizens from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia and Yemen. This person welcomes all of them regardless. This person needs the petrol dollars. This person doesnt mind where the visitor or the traveler is coming from as long as the person has the pounds, euros and dollars, preferably the US dollar.

What would Jesus do?

He warned us to be wary of false prophets and teachers. He advised us to be as wise as the serpent. Yet, Man has ignored all the advices, all the warning signs and all the things the Lord said. Thing is, if I even told you, there are lions in my house so do not enter youd still enter anyway.

If I told you I can increase your genitalia youd believe me isnt it?

Ice cubes will definitely melt when you take them out from the freezer right?

And if I told you that as they melt all your problems would melt away, youd believe me?

So who would you blame the owner of the lions or the trespasser?

I might be fined for keeping lions in my house because they arent domestic animals. But I guess you would also not be spared for acting folly. What do they say ignorance is no excuse..

Some of us are like the people of biblical Ninevehalways looking for signs and wonders. Some people hold the belief that pastors and prophets would receive stiffer or tougher punishment than believers. Well I dont know about that. And I dont think anybody has an idea or know how the Lord would deal with us when he comes back.

The message is single and simple: Beware of dogs or lions.

Are you still upbeat? Are you ready for the journey? Are you sure?

I love South Africa. I love Joburg and I love Madiba may his soul continue to rest in peace. Pretoria and perhaps Robin Island is one place I would like to visit if I happened to be in that beautiful country. Yes, I love SA but I dont think Im taking this trip. This trip looks tricky.

Theres an invitation by a lady pastor via a video on social media. I believe many of you mightve seen the clip. Call her the miracle woman. She uses ice cubes or frozen water to meltdown all human problemsdebts or financial, marriage, joblessness, sickness or health problems. The lady is selling the frozen water for $100, or 100 rand South Africa money. And she begins the invitation with this:

Greetings in the name of the Almighty Lord, I am Pastor Tenge Wei of the Church of Believers with the lot of extra cash. And I have come to share with you the miracle that Lord Almighty has chosen to give me the power of. 

Today, our share with how you wash all your problems away, how you can melt all your problems away for only a hundred Rand when you come to my church and get this frozen water. This water is frozen by the power of the Lord, the power the Lord has given me. All I have to do is to pray and pray for the waterand as I pray for the water.

Sharabosh it freezes. And then when you give the hundred pounds, dollars, rands or euros depending on which country you come from. But the Lord Almighty will not t accept any Zimbabwean dollars, Nigeria nairas, or any other Afriican currencies that money that dot have any value. But this water what happens is you take it home with you. You put it next to your bed before you go to sleep. Then you pray, you tell the Lord all your problems that you want them to melt. When you get up in the morning youd see that the water has melted. So you are not wasting your money if you pay me $100 dollar or 100 pounds.

There is not one person that has come to complain the water didnt melt. So the water is guaranteed to melt away and as it melts away it melts all your problems. Please dont come to my church unless you have money. ..Because we are the Church of Believers with a lot of Extra Cash. Praise be to God, she concluded.

Remember, some waited they got the bus. Some waited they missed it. They missed it because they were ill-prepared. Some didnt wait, yet they got the bus. Youve to follow your instinct always. Give your heart and mind time to dialogue, give them time to confer and share, give them time to decide. And in all that trust the Lord for a breakthrough.
30.03.2017 LISTEN

Djembe Communications, a pioneering pan-African communications consultancy, todaysigned a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The One Event, a leading Ghanaian public relations and events management agency, to form a strategic partnership.

Combining Djembes award winninginternational corporate communications and financial PR capabilities with TOEs consumer PR and event expertise is a strong offering to existing and potential clients in Ghana and West African region.

The expanded team, consisting of Djembe Country ManagerToyin Dania and TOEs team of seven Ghanaian staff,will be in an even stronger position to deliver successful and impactful communication programs for clients with a particular commitment to both Anglophone and Francophone West Africa.

In Ghana to announce the MOU, Djembe Communications Director-International, Kevin Nolan explained, We are thrilled to further grow our presence inGhana with this partnership with TOE, as we will now offer our clients not only an added consumer PR and events capabilities but also be able to provide clients more in-depth insights in the West African regional market.

Being the communications partner of choice across Africa, we are investing in expanding our local presence in key markets such as Ghana. With our cross-border approach when it comes to building strategies and delivering campaigns for our clients, the Ghana TOE team will be an integral part of our global network and be a benefit to all of our clients.

In addition to a presence in Accra, Djembe is present in Angola, Mozambique, Morocco, Nigeria, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States through a wholly owned and integrated network of offices.

Paschorina Tedjame-Mortty, Managing Director of The One Event, added, At The One Event, we recognize that the world is constantly evolving and we must be ahead of this evolution. We are therefore excited about the potential and injection of energy our strategic partnership with Djembe Communications presents not just for us, but for our clients across West Africa andthe ever evolving Ghanaian business community.Our values that are centered on going the extra mile and providing high quality, creativeservices will only be amplified by Djembes award winning capabilities and solid African footprint.

Tedjame-Mortty will be working closely with Toyin Dania, Country Manager for Djembe Communications Ghana, to service existing clients such as Vlisco, Philips, Infanta Malaria Prevention Foundation and Infinix amongst others. Djembe and The One Event will consult across the whole spectrum of communications encompassing consumer marketing, digital, events management, reputation managementand stakeholderengagement as well as branding and design.

For more information, visit our websites: www.djembecommunications.com or www.theoneevent.com .

About Djembe Communications

Named after the West African drum, Djembe Communications is an independently owned, pioneering pan-African consultancy with a mission to become the communications partner of choice in sub-Saharan Africa by combining global expertise, local market capabilities and customized solutions to deliver best-in-class services to clients.

Djembe comprises an organically grown international network with local market presence in Angola, Mozambique, Nigeria, Ghana, Morocco, Switzerland, United Kingdom, UAE and the USA. The consultancys continued expansion builds on its remarkable success achieved in just one year and half by providing leading industry recognized capabilities.

In 2016, Djembe won the Stevie Bronze Award for the 2016 Public Relations Agency of the Year for the Middle East and Africa category and Two IPRA Golden World Awards for launch of New Service Category for Djembe Insights and Publications category for Djembe Insights report.

Sweeping the Awards in Angolan markets, the Consultancy won the Lusos Awards 2016 edition for Agency of the Year award for PR specifically for Angola, Lusophone Agency of the Year award for PR and a Bronze for Djembes CSR My Dream project in Angola. Djembe also gained international recognition by winning the In2 SABRE Award in the Best Live Event category for the Djembe Insights Roundtables andhonoured to have won four prizes at the 2016 edition of the Hermes Creative Awards.

About The One Event (TOE)

Established in 2006 by Paschorina Tedjame-Mortty, TOE started life in London before relocating to Ghana in 2012. Over the years, the agency has executed events and PR activities in the UK, Ghana, Togo and Nigeria. TOE is defined by their highly personal, creative and can-do approach, which is why they have produced some of the most exclusive and high profile events, ranging from award ceremonies and charity fundraising galas to fashion shows, private parties and conferences. TOE also has extensive experience in creating imaginative and results-driven PR campaigns for emerging and established brands and organizations.
State Enterprises Commission (SEC) is taking steps to boost productivity and efficiency of enterprises under it with the revival of the state-owned enterprises (SOEs) Excellence Awards.

The awards are designed to ginger government owned enterprises to excel in service delivery and deliver value to all stakeholder, including the public and the government.

At a press conference on Monday, the Executive Chairman of SEC, Dr. Camynta Baezie, disclosed plans for a wider recognition event where outstanding staff and individual SOEs will be recognized and awarded.

The event is scheduled to hold on Friday 28th of April 2017 at the State Banquet Hall with the theme: Leading SOEs to Enhanced Sustainability and Higher Productivity.

The awards have not been regularly held as they were held in 1991 and 1998. Dr. Baezie, determined to revive and continue it, described the awards one of the best tools to encourage innovation and excellence through the recognition of the efforts of the SOEs that have successfully embarked on good initiatives for improved service delivery towards the public, their trade partners and stakeholders.

These awards will now be an annual event for the SOEs as part of steps being put in place to reawaken the service and value delivery consciousness amongst SOEs on the one hand, and amongst the employees of the SOEs on the other hand.

He said, this vision comes at a time when much expectation is on His Excellency President Nana Akufo-Addos administration to deliver on its promise to the people.

He also said that the performance or non-performance of the SOEs affects the socio-economic growth of the country, hence the need to appraise, recognize and award those who are excelling, while also challenging others to seek to be better every day.

Dr. Baezie disclosed that panel of judges for the awards was carefully selected and consisted of credible individuals from various sectors of the economy, who are respected names in their areas of endeavor. The panel has been working for months on this and will determine the winners for eight of the nine categories.

The award categories are: Presidential Prize for the SOE of the Year; Chief Executive of the Year; Employee of the Year; Good Corporate Governance Innovation; Disability Inclusive Organizational Structure; Human Resource Innovation; Technology Innovation; and Operational Excellence.

The Award category for Public Service Innovation, which seeks to recognize the SOE that has provided improved access about its services, delivering efficient, effective and seamless customer or public service while maintaining a strong service ethic, will be decided by members of the public through sms voting. The SOEs under this category include ECG, Ghana Water Company Ltd, Graphic Communication Group Ltd, Metro Mass Transit Ltd, GOIL, GIHOC, COCOBOD and STC.

The event is being supported by a host of organizations including Unibank and Fidelity, which was commended for being at the forefront of assisting SEC to get the SOEs on better footing through this recognition project.

He sought the cooperation and assistance of the media as a critical partner in making the project a huge success.
A lead economist at the African Development Bank Dr. Ernest Addison is set to take over as the new governor of Bank of Ghana, sources say

Government has settled on him following the decision of the current governor, Dr. Abdul Nashiru Issahaku to step down effective April 1, citing personal reasons. He has rejected reports that he was forced out.

Dr. Addissions appointment is expected to be formally announced today by Government, after the Council of States approval. The Bank of Ghana is also expected to issue a statement on current developments at the Central Bank.

Work Experience

Dr. Addison joined the African Development Bank in May 2011 and has worked as a lead economist.

Before joining the AfDB, Dr. Addison was a Director of Research at the Bank of Ghana from 2003 to 2011. He was also the Chief Economist at the West African Monetary Institute from 2003-2011

Educational Background

Dr. Addison holds BA in economics from the University of Ghana Legon from 1982 to 1986. He also holds a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) from University of Cambridge from 1987 to 1989 and a PhD in Economics from McGill University from 1989 to 1993.

Industry Views

Banking Consultant Nana Otuo Acheampong told JOYBUSINESS even though, he is surprised by the News, he thinks that it was the prudent decision by Dr. Abdul Nashiru Issahaku.

He if it is established that the Akufo-Addo administration was not prepared to work with him, as governor of the Bank of Ghana, it would be understandable.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com| George Wiafe
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will travel to the Ashanti Region on Friday on a three-day tour.

The President would be accompanied by top government officials.

This was disclosed in a statement authored by Sam Pyne, the Ashanti Regional Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Mr Pyne did not give details about the president's visit, but said that he would address a rally on Sunday.

Meanwhile, checks by DAILY GUIDE indicate that President Akufo-Addo would use the visit to determine areas which are crucial to the development of the region.

Nana Akufo-Addo continually promised to develop the region during the 2016 campaign season.

The President would also thank the people of Asanteman for their massive support during the 2016 polls.

The NPP, led by Nana Akufo-Addo, obtained many votes in the Ashanti Region to win the crucial elections.

Nana Akufo-Addo, according to some party members, would also express appreciation to prominent traditional leaders in the region.

The president would also express gratitude to all NPP members and sympathizers for massively voting for him.

From I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi


Minister of Aviation, Cecilia Abena Dapaah has said that plans are far advanced for Ghana to re-introduce the national carrier.

Our country, in the past, boasted of Ghana Airways as our national carrier which served the interest of passengers across Africa and many other destinations in the world. We believe that this honour must be restored through government's keen interest to re-introducing a national carrier which will bear our spirit and pride as a people into the succeeding generations, she stated.

The Minister disclosed this at the opening of the three-day Regional Aviation Summit for members of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) held at Kempinski Hotel, Gold Coast City Accra.

The event, which opened on Monday, was under the theme, Sustainable Development of the Air Transport in Africa.

It attracted more than 30 players in the aviation industry in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Europe.

The summit also seeks to expedite the implementation of the Yamoussoukro Declaration (YD), which among others, seeks to establish a single African air transport market for the region.

According to Ms Dapaah, Government recognizes the role of aviation in the economic development of the national economy and has initiated a number of moves to ensure that the country becomes an enviable aviation hub both for international and regional airlines in the West African sub-region.

She cited ongoing projects at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA), as well as the scrapping of 17.5 percent VAT on domestic flights by government.

The Council President of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, said more emphasis must be placed on aviation infrastructure development to decongest African airports.

Dr. Aliu also stated that ICAO would foster partnerships under its 'No Country Left Behind (NCLB) policy.

By Solomon Ofori


Some journalists who were recently on a tour of the MT Africa Gas vessel at the Tema Port.

The West Africa Gas Limited (WAGL), an energy company owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Oceanbed, a member of the Sahara Group, have acquired a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) vessel for commercial activities.

The feat, the first to be achieved by any energy company in Africa, would help in diversifying and strengthening the operations of the company.

Built at the Hyundai Mipo Shipyard in May 2014, the LPG ship is the first of two vessels ordered by WAGL and designed for transporting Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Each of the vessels has a capacity of 38,000 cubic metres.

Named MT Africa Gas at its inauguration in Korea recently, the ship would first dock at the Tema Port in Ghana from its maiden voyage from Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in South Korea. The other ship, MT Sahara Gas, is expected to arrive in West Africa in the coming weeks.

Sharing his thoughts on this new milestone achieved by WAGL, Roland Omoreegbe, Managing Director of the company, said that the acquisition of the vessel would help in actualizing the vision of WAGL to be the foremost gas company on the continent.

Our decision to acquire these vessels demonstrates clearly our commitment to serving the energy needs of all classes of consumers in Africa and beyond.

This strategic investment, he added, is very crucial and underscores our commitment to meeting energy needs across the continent and indeed globally.

WAGL currently has a Gas Sale Agreement with the Government of Ghana for the supply of 180,000 standard cubic feet of gas, even though construction at the Tema Port to receive first gas for the thermal plants in the Tema energy enclave is underway.

The WAGL proposition includes the construction of a jetty, dredging of a channel within the ports and extension of the break water, as well as other relevant facilities to receive gas from their Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) MT Golar Tundra, which is currently anchored approximately four nautical miles offshore Tema.

The company was incorporated in March 2013 as a joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation LNG Ltd and Ocean Bed Trading Limited.
Abraham Amoakohene, the brother of Samuel Kwabena Poku  the man who was allegedly murdered by his own houseboy on March 10, this year, at his Ofankor residence in the Ga West municipality of Accra  has urged the media to stop speculating the motive and circumstances surrounding the crime in order not to undermine the cause of justice.

Mr Amoakohene said though the bereaved family appreciates the interest and the sympathy the media have demonstrated in respect of the case, they should wait for the full facts, which would be disclosed in court on completion of police investigation for fairness to prevail for all the stakeholders in the matter.

The late Poku's brother, who is the complainant in the case, told the Ghana News Agency, on Monday that Mr Poku's family was distressed by the varied media accounts regarding the motive of the alleged murderer, the circumstances leading to the murder and how the murder was carried out.

We are even yet to have the full facts, while the houseboy keeps changing his story, he said.

An Accra Central District Court on Friday remanded Vanwood Kofi Asante, the houseboy, into police custody to assist the police in their investigation.

He is to come back to the court, presided over by Ebenezer Kwaku Ansah, on April 7.

Asante has been charged with murder, but he had his plea reserved.

The London-based 60-year-old landlord had reportedly returned to Ghana to take part in a friend's funeral and to undertake some projects when he was purportedly assassinated by the houseboy.
Dr. Abdul Nashiru Issahaku

30.03.2017 LISTEN

The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Abdul Nashiru Issahaku, has resigned from his post three years to the end of his tenure.

He told Joy Business George Wiafe that he was leaving the top job based on personal reasons.

The Governor also explains that the decision to step down is the outcome of an agreement reached with the current government earlier this month.

Dr Issahaku's job came under scrutiny following the victory of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at the Presidential elections last year.

Opinions were divided over whether the new Nana Akufo-Addo-led administration should replace him or he should be allowed to serve the remainder of his four-year term.

Dr Issahaku was appointed by former President John Mahama last year following a similar voluntary resignation of Dr. Henry Kofi Wampah as Governor of the Bank of Ghana.

Our sources say a former Head of Research at the Bank of Ghana, Dr Ernerst Addison, is expected to take over as the new Governor after April 1, when Dr Issahakus resignation takes effect, reports George Wiafe.

Dr Addison left the Bank of Ghana in 2012 as Head of Research to the African Development Bank (AfDB).

He was Director of Research at the central bank from 2002 to 2012.

Dr Issahaku on Monday addressed Journalists after he chaired the Monetary Policy Committee Meeting last week to review the health of the economy where he reduced the policy rate by some 200 basis points to 23.5 percent.

The Governor is said to have already informed some critical international institutions that the Bank works with, like the IMF, of his decision to step down.

He will also later this week formally engage staff of the central bank about his resignation.

Before Dr Issahaku's appointment as Governor, he was the Second Deputy Governor and Executive Board member with oversight responsibilities of nine departments including Economics, Statistics, Finance, Legal, Banking Supervision and Financial Stability.

Controversy after NPP victory

While NPP big shots, like the current Minister of Policy and Evaluation, Anthony Akoto Osei, held that Dr Issahaku should voluntarily step down, the Chief Executive Officer of Dalex Finance and Leasing Company Limited, Kenneth Thompson, and a former President of the Ghana Bar Association, Sam Okudzeto, kicked against the suggestion.

Replacing the Central Bank boss, according to Mr Thompson, will have dire implications for the economy, as the incoming government will have to dole out huge sums of money as a payoff to the governor and this is likely to affect investor confidence.

It is very sad because this whole debate that has been ignited, I believe, has to do with some individual's personal interest. But Akufo-Addo the President-elect must allow the institutions to work which I think will be to his advantage as well, Mr Thompson had told the B&FT newspaper.

Sam Okudzeto at the time of the controversy also stated that the day of appointment of a governor is not the same as the day of appointment of the government so we must allow the law.

According to the law, the four-year term of a Governor of the central bank is protected and cannot be dismissed even by the president unless on stated grounds.

Article 183 (4) (d) of the 1992 constitution states that he shall not be removed from office except on the same grounds and in the same manner as a Justice of the Superior Court of Judicature other than the Chief Justice, may be removed.

-Myjoyonline
March, 2017: The Accra Chapter of the Air Force Wives Organisation (AWO), of the Ghana Air Force, has joined women around the world to commemorate this years International Womens Day (IWD).

International Womens Day is a global celebration of Women, observed on the 8th of March every year, which brings to light their political, social, economic and cultural achievements, while highlighting gender equality and rights.

The event was held at the AWO Secretariat at Burma Camp in Accra, with a talk on the theme The Virtuous Woman: How to be and remain a Virtuous Woman.

The occasion was also used to celebrate and send off one of the groups longest serving and senior-most members, Mrs. Margaret Sampson-Oje, wife of the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces.

The President of AWO, Mrs Hilary Arko-Dadzie, in her welcome address noted that women, no matter their economic or social status, contribute significantly to society, either in their roles as homemakers or as employees/employers at the workplace. Indeed, women are the real architects of society. We are the glue that keep everything together, be it at home, at work or in the communities where we live, she added.

Acknowledging that there have been giant strides made over the years towards gender parity in all areas of life, she was of the view that there were still a lot of work to be done by governments, lawmakers, employers and authority holders to ensure that women all over the world are given equal opportunities and rewards for their work.

According to her, AWO decided to participate in this years International Womens Day to remind their members of their role and responsibilities as women married to men in uniform and the impact they make in their lives.

The outgoing senior patron of AWO, Mrs. Margaret Sampson-Oje, on her part, urged the senior wives among the group to mentor the younger wives and foster relationships that would grow the organisation and promote its activities and agenda.

She appealed to the AWO leadership to consider an annual AWO Congress, involving all the three Air Force bases in the country, namely, Accra, Takoradi and Tamale bases, to promote togetherness, sharing of ideas on projects and to deliberate on a common agenda for the future of the organisation.

A counsellor and motivational speaker, Mrs. Stella Koranteng, who was the main speaker for the event, called on women to constantly feed their minds with positive thoughts, while assuring themselves that they are capable of managing their diverse responsibilities so as not to succumb to the frustrations of life. She advised members of AWO to foster the right connections in order to offer and receive the right mentoring, which will ensure success in life.

Also present were retired senior patrons; Mrs. Nafisa Kadri and Mrs. Aku Dovlo, current patron Mrs. Rosette Kwakye-Bekoe, as well as some senior Air Force Officers.

About AWO

AWO is an organization whose membership comprise of all wives of personnel of the Ghana Air Force. The organisation has been in existence for the past twenty-five (25) years with branches at the Accra, Tamale and Takoradi bases of the Ghana Air Force.

AWOs main aim is to provide a forum for meaningful and fruitful interactions for its members to help them better manage their lives and families whilst their husbands are away or busy serving the country.

Hilary Arko-Dadzie

President  AWO
I would hate for a moment to put blame on Nana Addo Dankwa, the President of Ghana why he appointed 110 ministers as appointment to lauraceous positions are ongoing and I would continue to find fault with people who for whatever reason would want him cut down on his number of ministers.

I would rather desire that they turn their frustrations; anger and annoyance on flabbergasted, roguish, unpleasant laws constructed to munge and bespatter everything good we have of mother Ghana.

110 ministers would be less than the design of the Constitution under which we operate if we continue to reason with the framers of the constitution that Political Parties shall sponsor candidates to public offices under Article 55.3 of the Constitution 1992.

55.3 Subject to the provisions of this article, a political party is free to participate in shaping the political will of the people, to disseminate information on political ideas, social and economic programmes of a national character, and sponsor candidates for elections to any public office other than to District Assemblies or lower local government units.

Those who are disgruntled about Nana Addos number of ministers, be informed and be warned, that, we would continue to be adding more pain to injury if we insist and dwell on absolute majority win of popular votes to make our heads of governments turned heads of state contrary to democratic principles of electing heads of governments especially in practicing either the United States of America executive system or the British parliamentary system or merging the two systems.

At the onset of our electoral system under the 1992 Constitution, the cost the State of Ghana bears into conducting parliamentary and Presidential elections has skyrocketed. In 2008, the total expenditure on the elections was $ 138 million, it shot up to $267 million and 2016 it ranges around 1.7 billion Ghc.

If this is how much it has cost the State of Ghana, imagine how much it would cost political parties more especially the opposition political party who has nothing of the State to use except few air time on the state media.

We must take notice, the French is practicing the hybrid system of the United States executive system and the British system but the fundamentals are that, the elected President of France is never and would never become the head of government at any point in time even if his political party won the majority in the National Assembly. He shall remain the head of state of France and does not appoint ministers. His share of appointments is limited with a countervailing one from the Prime Minister whose political party shall have the majority in the National Assembly.

Though elected by popular vote contrary to the United States executive system, the President of France position in government is like the head of family we have in Ghana and most of his mandate is scheduled to relate to foreign relations. As for the government of France, he is not a member in decision making until his/her political party has the majority in the National Assembly.

From which source makes the Ghanaian hybrid system? A fallacy of a cupid law!

With two hundred and sixteen districts, 275 Constituencies in Ghana, the President must win an absolute majority to become the President of Ghana relatively so as the President of France except that, in France he shall not be the head of government and in Ghana, the President is the Head of Government.

Translating sponsorship to the office requires vigorous campaign with the almighty Cedis to sell the candidate in all the 216 districts. These includes gargantuan billboards depicting the picture of the presidential candidate,(Ghc 20.000 per one multiply by 2= Ghc 40.000 for a district and multiply by 216 districts in Ghana) followed by radio and television advertisements (averagely 350Ghc per minute) and then lobby district opinion leaders to rally behind the candidates with lauraceous promises after perks of motivation. Not to forget logistics of travelling cross country to establish presence and offer same promises to opinion leaders that if they support the candidate he would see to it to alleviate their problems. (CUVs or cross country cars or V8 = 500GHC per one per day multiply by 4 averagely). Not to forget T-shirts and parafenalas

These all cost monies and big time monies and in politics down here in Africa, there is nothing like free gift or Father Christmas much as the next election is poking its head immediately after general elections. Those who invested must recoup to await the next battle; the battle is of the Lords!

This notwithstanding, those who contributed huge sums of monies and support a particular candidate at the primaries of a political party form the nucleus of the party and they do so with solid intent. The inner intent of political parties shall never and would never be disclosed or made public to Ghanaians. The surface ones to prompt citizens to give in to political parties shall surely be defined as the political party manifesto.

The president shall appoint ministers and beyond and he would appoint local government operatives, heads of departments, board members of state enterprises, foreign emissaries and shall appoint a minister for parliamentary affairs!

Surely the President shall appoint no other but members of his/her political parties to help him execute his plans and at the same time fulfil the objectives of the political party that sponsored him/her to public office. The President in the likely of longer period of stay shall only serve for 8 years but the political party that sponsored him to win to become the President has all her life to win to retain power; the struggles continues.

So Nana Addo Dankwa, the President of Ghana is doing nothing but involving the political party nucleus that contributed too much to his campaign trail and he is fortifying and expressing gratitude to all those who contributed immensely for him to become the President of Ghana.

By so doing, he has the support of Article 78.1, 79.1 256 all of the 1992 Constitution.

Ministers of State shall be appointed by the President with the prior approval of Parliament from among members of Parliament or persons qualified to be elected as members of Parliament, except that the majority of Ministers of State shall be appointed from among members of Parliament.(2). The President shall appoint such number of Ministers of State as may be necessary for the efficient running of the State. 78. (1& 2)1992

The President may, in consultation with a Minister of State, and with the prior approval of Parliament, appoint one or more Deputy Ministers to assist the Minister in the performance of his functions. 79.1 1992

The President shall, with the prior approval of Parliament, appoint for each region, a Minister of State who shall (a.)represent the President in the region; and (b.) be responsible for the co-ordination and direction of the administrative machinery in the region.

(2.) The President may, in consultation with the Minister of State for a region and with the prior approval of Parliament, appoint for the region a Deputy Minister or Deputy Ministers to perform such functions as the President may determine 256 1&2 1992

But then when do we draw the distinction between the President in Public Office with overwhelmingly appointing powers and the political party of which he is a member that sponsored him to that office?

The nations interest is at stake as a result of fallacious constitutional design. We need change to assert the right formula for democratic evolution of our Republic.

Munir Saani
30.03.2017 LISTEN

The attention of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) has been called to a publication by the Ghana Business News (www.ghanabusinessnews.com) titled: Ghana Risks Being Blacklisted Over Anti-Money Laundering Policy.

The publication gave the impression that Ghana is on the verge of being blacklisted for lack of efforts with regards to anti-money laundering.

For the avoidance of doubt and for the attention of the general public, the following should be noted with regards to Ghanas AML/CFT regime:

1. Ghana is the first GIABA Member State to be evaluated under the on-going GIABA Second Round of Mutual Evaluations.

2. The draft report of the Mutual Evaluation is being finalised and would be discussed st the GIABA Technical Commission / plenary in May 2017.

3. In preparation for the mutual evaluation, Ghana with the support of World Bank and GIABA successfully conducted a National Risk Assessment. During the evaluation process, the assessment team received full support and cooperation from the Ghanaian authorities.

4. It is therefore false and out of context for anyone to suggest that Ghana risks being blacklisted because there is no reason or condition for such a suggestion with respect to Ghana.

5. The journalist who wrote the report was granted an interview with regard to the Mutual Evaluation Process on the sidelines of the workshop for assessors on the New FATF Assessment Methodology currently taking place in Accra.

6. GIABA wishes to admonish all journalists to be circumspect with regard to reporting on money laundering and terrorist financing because of the sensitivity of the matter to the general public and the country in particular.

7. It is worthy of note that blacklisting is a very serious matter with regard to AML/CFT regimes of countries. For any country to be blacklisted, that country would have passed several stages of monitoring and review to the extent that it is concluded that such a country is lacking in political commitment and is not making any significant effort to overcome identified strategic deficiencies in its AMLCFT systems.

8. The general public is hereby called upon to discountenance that story and any story that will at the moment portray Ghana in a negative light as there are no basis for such affirmation.

GIABA Secretariat
Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts. - (Winston Churchill)

LADY DIANA (nee Spencer), like Jacqueline Kennedy, wife of assassinated U.S. President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, was an icon. Her beauty and charm got her betrothed to Charles, Prince of Wales and the marriage was consummated in a lavish wedding at St Paul's Cathedral, London on Wednesday, 29th July, 1981.

The marriage was ruffled, after they had got two heirs to the throne and fingers pointed at Mrs Parker Bowles. Diana said: There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.

Lady Diana, born on 1st July, 1961 was killed in a high speed car accident on 31st August, 1997 at Pont de l'Alma, Paris France, with her lover Dodi Fayed. There was a separation of the marriage with Charles in 1992 and a divorce in 1996.

In November, 1995, Lady Diana was interviewed for BBC by Martin Bashir, at which she talked freely about the infidelities within the royal marriage, her postpartum depression and buliama nervosa, her children, the media, and even the monarchy, expressing doubts about Charles ever becoming King. Diana would not go quietly, nor would Mrs Parker Bowles. Diana opened up I'll fight to the end because I believe that I have a role to fulfill. I'm a very strong person.

NDC, like Diana, would not go quietly. There is internal strife and mutual disquiet over the ignominious defeat of November 7, 2016. Angry supporters are accusing Kofi Adams, Siidi Abubakar and Fred Agbenyo, the NDC campaign team of doing 'lazy job.' Some are threatening to beat the party executives, to the point of issuing death threats. The supporters accuse the campaign team of pocketing money meant for campaign. The party offices in various places, including Kumasi, were locked up. The lock-up of the Kumasi office was done by Yakubu Tony Aidoo- to punish the executives who, in his view, had been responsible for the crushing defeat.

Kofi Adams accepted responsibility for the agonizing defeat which he attributed to IT failure, but Afrifa Yamoah Ponkoh would not spare Kofi Adams whom he blamed for incompetence as a campaign team leader. Yamoah Ponkoh yelled: I laughed it off when I heard Kofi Adams saying he should be blamed for our defeat. He should stop irritating our ears; why should he accept the blame; why did he accept to be the National campaign coordinator when he knew that he was going to fail us?. it is an unforgivable sin Andy Okrah and Kofi Adams need to be hanged for our defeat. They have no excuse to give.''

There was hullabaloo when a request was made by the Functional Executive of the NDC at a meeting to seek financial assistance from former appointees of the Mahama administration. At least one ex-Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, Ms Shirley Ayittey, is alleged to have sworn not to contribute a dime towards the management of the party unless the National Executives accounted for campaign funds donated to the party. Yaw Boateng Gyan, the former NDC National Organizer had predicted doom for the party if the internal bickering should continue. Allotey Jacobs, the Central Regional Chairman of the NDC, had threatened to throw up a bombshell that could scatter the NDC.

Missiles are now being thrown by a pro-NDC pressure group, the Action Movement of the NDC; this group accuses Mahama and the 'greedy bastards' of sending the party into forced opposition. The group further accuses Mahama's brothers of contributing to the NDC loss. The brothers were accused of collecting all contracts from the Airport, roads. Cocobod, GNPC, ECG, VRA, Ministry of Power and many major contracts. At the Accra Conference Centre on Monday, 27 March, 2017, the Action Movement leader, Kodzo Hamenya Keglo noted that Mahama appointed 'greedy bastards' who knew nothing about their work. One other reason for the defeat was the point Mahama made referring to himself as a 'dead goat' a statement he made in Botswana to indicate his nonchalance about what was happening to Ghanaians and his fate in the 2016 election.

The former First Lady was not spared in the tirade by the Action Movement. She was accused of getting T-shirts printed in China, instead of Ghana which could have provided jobs or Ghanaians. She had also got 'mayafi' (scarves) embossed with her picturethese too produced in China. The group mentioned the appointment of Kwabena Opuni, CEO of Cocobod, the changing of Gbevlo Lartey and replacing him with Yaw Donkor as the security coordinator as contributory to the NDC failure to get Mahama re-elected.

All these goings-on in the NDC have come at a time the party has nominated Dr Kwesi Botchway to lead a 13- member committee to go round the country to give audience to party supporters in a bid to unravel the mystery surrounding their defeat. The Committee, approved by the Council of Elders is to conduct a hearing among the rank and file of supporters with a view to restructuring the party, if need be. The Kwesi Botchwey committee has, according to Asiedu Nketia, the General Secretary, 90 days to submit its report to the party. But the committee has not had things easy, to begin with. At various places, including Koforidua, the committee meetings have had rough times, with the members even sometimes being roughed up.

One is tempted to ask: what does the committee seek to find? So the NDC did not see the writing on the wall during the campaign. ' Ahomasoo', ' dwee'- arrogance, pride- were their undoing, to say the least. Koku Anyidoho's braggadocio and insults, Mark Woyongo's violence begets violence, and the ascerbic tongues of Omane Boamah, Okudjeto Ablakwa and Kwakye Ofosu and even Mahama's own 'most unkindest cut' those born before independence ( including 'old men' like Nana Addo) and those born thereafter (including 'young men' like Mahama) all culminated in the crushing defeat.

Sammy Awuku, the NPP Youth leader has thrown a life-line, and though he would not wish the NDC well, he would not wish them ill either. He thinks the internal wrangling have security implications, and what can save the NDC is to fast-track the committee going round.

In October 2015, Mahama was thanking his stars for leading a solidly united party while NPP was foundering and handing him 2016 on a silver platter.  the NPP has been unbelievably charitablethey have contributed to the success of my re-election in unimaginable ways..

Where Mahama was a Goliath, Nana Addo was a David; where Mahama was a Brobdingnagian; Nana Addo was a Lilliputian; where Mahama did intricate syncopations to ' Yenntie Obiara', Nana Addo cried to Heaven and solicitously declared 'the battle is the Lord's; where Mahama displayed opulence, Nana Addo was pleading silver and gold have I none. And God opened up the heavens and showered his blessings on his chosen one in whom He was well-pleased.

Do you remember the Ananse story; 'Ananse Yee me; na me nso me yee no?' Tit for tit and tat for tat, the people proclaim. Do not fault me if I remain taciturn (if not skeptical) about the fate of the Kwesi Botchway Committee. A benign critic would admonish them: Why don't you go quietly?

[email protected]

Africanus Owusu-Ansah
President Akufo-Addo with the delegation from the Eugene Gasana Jr Foundation

An International Paediatric Cancer Centre, the first of its kind in the world, is to be built in Ghana as a center of excellence in cancer care on the African continent.

The centre is the first step of a broad global initiative being undertaken by the Eugene Gasana Jr. Foundation to enhance the rate of cure of cancer in children, through increasing access to comprehensive cancer care.

Dr. Tanya Trippett, President of the Eugene Gasana Jr. Foundation, made this known on Monday, when she, together with a delegation from the Foundation, paid a courtesy call on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

The 94-bed state-of-the-art centre, according to Dr. Trippett, will also serve as a teaching facility for medical professionals in Ghana and the continent, with the infrastructure of the hospital also designed to meet high international standards for delivery of quality cancer care for children.

She also revealed that the centre will factor in lodging facilities for patients and parents, in addition to the recruitment of visiting international medical professionals to aid in the training of medical professionals in the delivery of high quality care.

Four of such centres, Dr. Trippett stated, will be built across the world in four other continents, with the centre in Ghana being the flagship project.

The project, she added, will be completed within two years.

President Akufo-Addo, on his part, thanked Dr. Tanya Trippett and the Eugene Gasana Jr. Foundation for the gesture and for making Ghana the first country in the world to set up this critical piece of infrastructure.

Describing the project as a brilliant idea with immense benefits for our country, President Akufo-Addo noted that the International Paediatric Cancer Centre will bridge the gap in the field of cancer care for children in Ghana and Africa.
Jarklin Xiong of Ghana Heavy Duty Trucks and Spare Parts being whisked away by the police

Six staff of some private commercial entities in Accra were yesterday arrested by the National Taskforce instituted by the National Insurance Commission (NIC) to ensure the compulsory insurance of private commercial buildings- both completed and under construction.

The 16-member taskforce made the arrests at Osu, Asylum Down and Spintex Road in Accra after several unsuccessful attempts to get the recalcitrant owners to acquire compulsory fire and building insurance for their buildings.

The suspects include Dennis Tettey, Ganesh Shrestha of Yan Tai International, which is putting up a five-storey building at Osu; Gao Quankang, Manager of Casino Gold at Osu; Mary Bempah, a staff of Eco Furniture Works at Asylum Down; Samuel Alfred, Fritz Jordan, workers of General Auto Zone, Spintex Road, and Jarklin Xiong, a staff of Ghana Heavy Duty Truck and Spare Parts.

Drama

During the operation, which began around 10 am at Eco Furniture Works, some workers nominated their colleagues to be arrested by the police instead of themselves.

A five-member taskforce from the National Insurance Commission (NIC) also arrested some owners of commercial property in Tema, who allegedly failed to insure their landed property.

The suspects were whisked away in a police van from their respective locations to the Cantonments District Police Command where they were detained.

The exercise was aimed at ensuring compliance with Sections 183 and 184 of the National Insurance Law (Act 724, 2006), which makes provision for the compulsory insurance of private commercial buildings  both under construction and completed.

Since October 2014, the Taskforce, chaired by Joseph Bentor, has been embarking on the inspection of commercial properties in the Upper West, Upper East, Northern and Greater Accra Regions. It has so far arrested about 165 persons.

The special taskforce comprised personnel of the Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), NIC and Ghana Insurance Association (GIA).

Mr. Bentor told journalists during the exercise that the taskforce shall relentlessly ensure compliance with the law.

We started the exercise in January 2017 when we went round to inspect about 70 commercial buildings. We realized that they were not insured and warned them, and in February, we went round again and only a few had complied, he said.

According to him, the Act was passed to protect users and third parties against liabilities.

He indicated that NIC has over the years educated property owners about the need to insure their property but they failed to adhere to the law.

Mr. Bentor appealed to members of the business community to insure their property to avoid arrest.

We regret the inadvertent use of a wrong story in an earlier edition of DAILY GUIDE on a similar subject.

By Melvin Tarlue
Former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, has backed the recent advocacy by President Akufo-Addo for Ghana to wean itself off foreign aid to become a partner in the development agenda.

Answering questions from journalists at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) which invited him to give a lecture on democracy, Mr. Blair said the success of Ghana depends largely on its people although aid was important.

Whether a country like Ghana succeeds will be up to Ghanaians, in the end we can help, developed world can help, but ultimately your success lies in your hands. You will make your country succeed and nothing else can substitute for that and that is the principle of partnership rather than general recipient, he told journalists.

He explained that Ghana, which has great potential to grow, must take the difficult decisions to improve the lives of the citizenry.

Right now is the moment for understanding our potential and developing for there is a genuine opportunity for Ghana to make it with the right decisions, he added.

He said in order for Ghana to become trade partner, the country must learn the lessons of governments around the world to strengthen its democracy, fight corruption, improve skills and infrastructure for businesses to come in.

Yes we need to knock down those trade barriers in the West but we also need to knock down the trade barriers like tariffsWe know what we should do, the challenge is doing it, we have to learn the best lessons around the world and apply those lessons, he noted.

Touching on Brexit, Mr. Blair said there was a general anxiety about change and globalization because they come with economic and technological change.

Ultimately the world moves closely together across the boundaries of ethnicity and culture. The challenges of globalization should not shut the world down, instead it should open it up to help people improve with the process of change and this is why things like education, skills and infrastructure are really important.'

No wonder your new president has made education such a big priority because the more educated you are, the more capable you will be to handle this world of change and the challenge with the governments is how to help people through the process of change, how to access the benefits of globalization and minimize its risk, he stated.

We can make globalization work for people and it will be a mistake to shut it down; if we shut it down, we will make a lot of people worse off.

The former UK Prime Minister earlier met President Akufo-Addo and expressed optimism that Ghana's new president would fix the country's economy.

By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri


The Chief Executive Office of the Tamale Teaching Hospital Dr. Prosper Akambong has admitted that the facility is hit with oxygen shortage which has affected health delivery.

According to him, the oxygen supply has been a major issue because the facility did not have local experts to maintain the oxygen plant.

He explained that when the plant broke down, it became a problem since there was no local specialist to fix it.

We have suggested that the new machines that will come with the second phase; there must be a local person in Ghana who must be able to maintain it.

Dr. Prosper Akambong, stated that though the facility has complemented the low oxygen with oxygen purchases from Accra and Kumasi, they did not get the exact amount they requested.

Sometimes you want 100 cylinders they tell you, we can't give all our stock to you but we can only give you a certain amount.

He said plans are far advanced to replace the oxygen plant indicating that they would be going to the ministry to get the approval and clearance to install a new plant.

He made this known to the media at the annual institutional performance meeting at the Tamale Teaching Hospital.

The Tamale Teaching Hospital has been in the news lately for the wrong reasons, and the gas incident is believed to be part of the mal-administration that has hit the hospital lately.

The situation has caused the facility to reportedly spend over GH15,000 weekly to buy oxygen from a company in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.

The Northern Regional Minister, Salifu Saeed who was at the meeting, disclosed that a lot of reports had reached him about the hospital.

He therefore challenged the management and staff of the hospital to become proactive and change the bad public perception about them.

FROM Eric Kombat, Tamale


The National Service Scheme (NSS), has finally approved an increment of allowances for service personnel from GHs 350 to GHs 559.

It said the increment takes effect from April 1, 2017.

The scheme had debunked various reports of an approval of the amount few weeks ago.

The erstwhile National Democratic Congress (NDC) government had announced an increment of the service allowances from the GHs350 to GHs559.04 in the final minute of its administration, but the increment was not effected when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government assumed office in January 2017.

The acting NSS Executive Director, Ussif Mustapha, said the increment could not be effected because it was not captured in the governments 2017 budget.

It also announced that it had submitted a proposal to parliament for approval of the increment which was yet to be granted.

But a statement issued by the scheme on Wednesday, 29th March, 2017, said the upward adjustment has been approved.

The Management of the National Service Scheme (NSS) wishes to inform national service personnel and the general public that the government has approved an upward adjustment of national service personnel allowances from GH350.00 a month to GH559.04 a month with effect from 1st April, 2017.

While thanking the government for its positive response to Management's request for the increment, Management wishes also to express its gratitude to national service personnel for their patience and fruitful periodic engagements and discussions with Management on the subject matter, a statement from the scheme said.

Management wishes, therefore, to urge all national service personnel to reciprocate this gesture by further committing themselves to working even harder to support the government's effort at improving the economy, the statement signed by Ussif Mustapha said.



By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @jnyabor
Rabat (AFP) - Morocco is hosting a month-long festival to celebrate African art and culture, featuring some of the continent's most prominent artists.

Activities including theatre, exhibitions and concerts are being held around Rabat as part of the Africa in the Capital event.

The festival follows a vast diplomatic, political and economic offensive by Morocco across the continent which culminated in its return to the African Union in January.

"We wanted to celebrate our Africanity and the return of Morocco to the African Union through the universal language of culture," said painter Mehdi Qotbi, president of Morocco's National Foundation of Museums.

Africa in the Capital is giving pride of place to contemporary art, "because we want to try to erase everything that is folklore and talk about Africa in the present," said Qotbi.

Visitors walk past artwork by Congolese artist Kouka Ntadi in Rabat during the "Africa in the Capital" event in Rabat on March 29, 2017

Works by artists including Congolese painter Cheri Cherin, Bruce Onobrakpeya of Nigeria, Aboudia of Ivory Coast and Wahib Chehata of Tunisia will be on display at Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art until April 28.

Elsewhere in the capital, graffiti by German artist Hendrik Beikirch adorns a building while a train at Rabat station has been dressed in the multi-coloured works of the Ivorian artist Mederic Turay.
Maapa Kwame Quansah General Manager of Zepto a Ghanaian owned Electronics Company has charged Ghanaians to develop confidence in local brands.

In an exclusive interview with asempanews.com Mr. Quansah revealed that Zepto, (manufacturers of a wide range of electronic products) are just as good as the others you can get out there; but Ghanaians believe in foreign products than indigenous versions.

Our major challenge has been that people doubt something good like this can come from Ghana, but the truth is that, our products are of same quality as the foreign branded products on the market



Patrons are quick to push us aside for foreign brand. This trend unfortunately make foreign companies popular and richer than local firms despite the fact that we all present similar product quality, he lamented.

He encouraged Ghanaians to believe in locally produced goods and patronize them as its the only way local names can penetrate the foreign market. He indicated that the economics of patronizing indigenous products is that, the companys income will experience a boom and these profits eventually will be used here in the country to bolster the economy.

Though the major challenge has been complaints that locally made products are not good enough; we must purchase and give feedback which will be used to improve those versions till a near perfect version is made. When we consider countries like China and Turkey, they all started from somewhere but they can now boast of globally accredited brands; and that is how to build a brand and to a larger extent our nation, he said.
Members of Parliament are concerned about the apparent delay in the release of committee report about bribery allegations against members of the Appointment Committee of Parliament.

Even though the report is tabled for a debate on the floor on Thursday, members are yet to receive copies, Joy News' Parliamentary correspondent Joseph Opoku Gakpo reported.

A day before, the paper covering the report was laid by Joe Ghartey, Chair of the Committee tasked to investigate the circumstances under which monies was said to have exchanged hands in the vetting and approval of the Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko.

The laying of the paper signaled a completion of the bribery investigation that has the potential of denting the image and credibility of Parliament.

The House was supposed to debate the content of the report but somehow, the debate had to be rescheduled to Thursday with the explanation that MPs would have to be given copies of the 50-paged report for them to read before the debate takes place.

It appears members are yet to receive the report on the day of the debate.

According to Gakpo, the House is on an hour break and will resume after 1:00pm to discuss matters relating to the report.

Even before sitting resumes some of the MPs have expressed disappointment with the delay in the release of the report.

Joe Ghartey is chair of the committee

The law making body had to extend the period of investigations for three more weeks to allow members of the committee to complete investigations on the matter. Yesterday March 29, 2017 was the final day on which the committee was supposed to present the report.

With the House expected to rise today and with members yet to receive copies of the report, it is not clear if the matter will be debated.

MP for Nsawam Adoagyiri Frank Annor Dompreh however expects that the report will settle a matter that has truly affected Parliament.

"Our image has been dented. Other institutions of government has come under allegations of corruption

"We never slept over it. So far it has been good. It was a public sitting, open to the med. I just hope that what we saw will translate into the report. Nothing will be compromised," he said.

He assured the public will know what the truth is adding, "we will do a good job."

Background

The Joe Ghartey committee was constituted after allegations by the Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga that the Chairman of the Appointment Committee Joe Osei Owusu had given E3,000 each to minority members of the committee to approve the Minister of Energy nominee at the time.

Ayariga told an Accra based radio Station Radio Gold that the money was given to the Minority Chief Whip Muntaka Mubarak for onward distribution to the members of the Minority.

He explained that the Minority MPs on the committee initially accepted the monies thinking it was payment of their sitting allowance but when they got to know it was monies from the Minister designate to bribe them, they returned the money.

Boakye Agyarko was at the time battling to be approved by consensus following a rather combative vetting process.

Approval for both Agyarko and the Senior Minister Yaw Osafo Maafo had both been shelved by the committee following controversial comments they made during the vetting process.

But the bribery allegation by Ayariga, as dramatic as it was, was met with vehement denials by Joe Osei Owusu, Muntaka Mubarak and the Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko.

After almost two months of investigations most which was held in publi,c the report has been compiled by the five member committee and has been tabled for a debate.

Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah
The police in Kumasi have arrested nine more suspects over the attack by pro-NPP vigilante group, Delta Force, on the Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator.

This brings to 14 the total number of people arrested by the police in connection with the assault on George Agyei.

Ashanti Regional Police PRO, ASP Nketia Yeboah, has told JOYNEWS they are determined to arrest all those who played a role in the attack.

He disclosed they are compiling the data of the arrested suspects, and building a docket to be forwarded to the Attorney-General for advice.

At least 200 members of Delta Force went to the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) on February 24 to drive out Mr Agyei from the office.

The group said it was opposed to his appointment as the Regional Security Coordinator, contending he did not play any role in the struggle to bring the NPP into power.

They shoved the man and dragged him out of the office. But for the presence of some police officers, Mr Agyei may have been beaten.

The incident triggered public outrage against vigilante groups linked to the two dominating parties  the NPP and National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The Invincible Forces also linked to the NPP stormed the Drivers and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to provide security after the party was declared the winner of the 2016 elections.

The NDC-affiliated Azorka Boys also put up similar attitude during the eight-year tenure of the party.

Security experts have warned the failure to disband these groups portend serious security challenges in the future.

After a whirlwind of calls from Ghanaians, the police in Kumasi swooped on five suspects.

They include Kwadwo Fosu Bamba (Commander of the group), Awal Sadat Abubakar, Abubakar Sadiq, Abdul Hameed, Jamil Issah, and Hamza Mohammed.

However, the police are yet to make public the names of the new suspects arrested.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brako-Powers | [email protected]
Airtel Ghanas Managing Director Lucy Quist was honoured at the maiden Ghana Legacy Awards, alongside 6 other distinguished Ghanaians, for her extraordinary leadership and impact in Corporate Ghana and for her exceptional ability to transform businesses for growth and positive reputation even in the most challenging situations.

Lucy Quist, since taking over the helm of affairs at Airtel Ghana in 2014 has successfully repositioned the company into one that plays a significant role in connecting people to improve their lives. The company has grown under her stewardship with data customers leapfrogging to a strong number 3 position in Ghanas hyper competitive telecom industry. Currently Airtel has more than 61% of its customers using data  an unprecedented feat in the industry and a glowing tribute to the companys effort to ensure more Ghanaians are digitally included.

Under her leadership, Airtel Ghana has consistently led the telecom industry in data and digital innovation  providing the best experience and superior offerings to meet the current and future needs of customers. The companys innovation agenda has received popular acclaim and customers have responded positively by making Airtel the network of choice for data, enterprise solutions, mobile financial services and tailor made telecom and lifestyle solutions for high value customers.

Through the companys life transforming Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, thousands of Ghanaians have been sustainably supported through several interventions in health, environment, youth empowerment and education.

Airtel Ghana has also won more than 20 local, regional and international awards over the last two and half years including Best CSR Initiative at the Global Carriers Award in 2016.

PHOTO CAPTION: Lucy Quist second from left and the other honorees

The Ghana Legacy Awards, an initiative of Babu Global, seeks to honour Ghanaians who are blazing the trail in their various fields of endeavour. The inaugural honorees, comprises both local and diaspora Ghanaians who have broken glass ceilings in their respective fields and are contributing towards positively projecting Ghana on the global stage.

Mrs Quist picked the Corporate Leadership Award for her exceptional leadership, drive, strategic insight and her commitment to shaping the minds of the next generation of African and global leaders through her mentorship initiatives and the Evolve with STEM project.

Other renowned awards

Lucy has been recognised by several reputable organizations for her transformational and inspirational leadership, her exceptional strategic marketing insights, selfless dedication to growing people and for championing causes that are shaping the lives of young people. Notable among these are  CIMG Marketing Woman of the year (2014), Telecom CEO of the Year (Ghana ICT and Telecoms Award 2016), CSR CEO of the year (Ghana CSR Excellence Awards 2016) and Corporate Personality Award (Ghana Women of the Year Award 2016)

STEM advocate shaping the minds of the next generation of African leaders

Mrs. Quist is a passionate advocate for greater participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). She believes that great leadership will create and demonstrate the right visions while STEM will accelerate development. She also believes that together these should create room for every African to realise their potential and live more fulfilling lives.

To drive a meaningful impact in this space, she passionately leads Airtel Ghanas Evolve with STEM initiative to transform mindsets, empower and encourage young people to embrace and participate in STEM. This initiative has now impacted more than 3,000 pupils in several schools across the country and contributed to Airtel Ghanas award for Best CSR initiative at the Africa and Global Carriers Award.

Proudly leading the charge to empower women in Corporate Ghana

She is a founding member of the Executive Women Network, a non-profit organization of women in senior management and executive positions committed to inspiring, empowering and supporting women executives to succeed and become influential both locally and internationally. She is also an ambassador for the W initiative by Access Bank to inspire and promote financial inclusion for women.

Accomplished international speaker on leadership, business and technology

Lucy is an accomplished speaker on many subjects including leadership, business and technology and has been on platforms such as Mobile World Conference, TEDxEUSTON, Wharton Africa Business Forum, the Sanford C. Bernstein Center for Leadership and Ethics Conference at Columbia Business School and the African Development Investment Convention. She was recently featured on BBCs Power Women series as one of the top business women driving transformational change in Africa.

Award citation

The citation for the award read by Rosa Whitaker, CEO and President of the Whitaker Group, a Washington based consultancy states There are two general views of how talent is best nurtured and developed. One view is that burgeoning talent should be honed and specialized in a specific art, sharpened and chiseled into an arrowhead aimed at a single task or goal. The other view is that talent should be tested and shaped through varying experiences in a wide range of environments.

While both methodologies have their supporters and merits, the brilliant and eclectic education and career of Lucy Quist provides profound evidence for the validity and likely superiority of the latter method. Her life, education, and career has crisscrossed several countries, fields, and industries, and yet she has found success at whatever she has set her mind to.

Lucy Quist, thank you for being an extraordinary example to women of color around the world. On behalf of the Ghana Legacy Honors, I am pleased to present to you the 2017 Award for Impact in Corporate Leadership.

Grateful for the award

Receiving her award, Mrs Quist said I am truly honoured to be a recipient of this prestigious award and to be in the company of such accomplished honorees. I want to congratulate all the award winners tonight. It is always inspiring to meet fellow Ghanaians who are willing to dedicate and commit themselves to demonstrate the best of Ghana. And every time a Ghanaian demonstrates the best of Ghana, they blaze the trail for your children, my children and for all the future generations to come. I thank God, I thank you all, the organisers, my family, my team at Airtel.

She continued What really motivates and drives me is my firm belief that through business, we can transform our continent. Not only do we want to set examples for our people to be entrepreneurial but we want them to be enterprising on a large scale. We need to mentor our small business owners to grow their enterprises into large businesses  to transform Africa, and of course my beloved Ghana, into the amazing place that I believe and I know is possible. Let us redefine what is normal in Africa.

Other distinguished honorees

Lucy Quist was honoured alongside reputable business magnate Sir Sam Jonah, renowned U.K. based fashion designer Ozwald Boateng, head of the anti-corruption unit at the African Development Bank Anna Bossman, world-renowned architect Sir David Adjaye, tech innovator Herman Chinery-Hesse and young Scholar Shadrack Frimpong.

About Bharti Airtel

Bharti Airtel Limited is a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 18 countries across Asia and Africa. Headquartered in New Delhi, India, the company ranks amongst the top 3 mobile service providers globally in terms of subscribers. In India, the company's product offerings include 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services, mobile commerce, fixed line services, high speed DSL broadband, IPTV, DTH, enterprise services including national & international long distance services to carriers. In the rest of the geographies, it offers 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services and mobile commerce. Bharti Airtel had over 359 million customers across its operations at the end of July 2016. To know more please visit, www.airtel.com

About Airtel in Africa

Airtel is driven by the vision of providing affordable and innovative mobile services to all. Airtel has 17 operations in Africa: Burkina Faso, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Madagascar, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Airtel International is a Bharti Airtel company. For more information, please visit www.airtel.com , or like the Airtel Ghana Facebook page via www.facebook.com/airtelgh or follow us on Twitter via the handle @airtelghana.
30.03.2017 LISTEN

Airtel Money, Ghanas most innovative and convenient mobile financial platform and a sub brand of Airtel Ghana is enabling Airtel Money users in the Ledzokuku-krowor Municipal Assembly (LEKMA) area pay their property rates directly from their Airtel Money wallets.

The company announced that the development of an electronic revenue mobilization system for LEKMA has been made possible through a partnership with Tucksee Ghana Limited a company that offers customized Revenue Solution to both public and private sector clients and helps them improve their revenue collection with end to end solutions, increasing both efficiency and effectiveness.

The electronic property rate payment provides Airtel Money customers in LEKMA the convenience of paying their property rate in the comfort of their homes or offices. This service which is available only on Airtel Money, will enable Airtel Customers make payment via a USSD short code *456*15#. This means the service is available to all Airtel Money subscribers irrespective of the type of phone being used  smartphones or feature phones.

Speaking on the partnership, Edmund Barwuah, Head of Corporate Sales, Airtel Money said As the industry leader in innovative mobile financial services, we are happy to partner Tucksee and LEKMA to empower our customers to make payments for property rates electronically.

This initiative we believe will save our customers the time and money they would otherwise have spent in traveling to make physical payments at payment points. Customers will as well receive real time notifications via SMS which can be used as validation for rates paid within a specified period of time. Beyond the convenience it provides, this partnership supports our broader agenda of financial inclusion for the majority of Ghanaians. 

On his part, Peter Ramokone, Chief Executive Office of Tucksee said Throughout the years our company has taken time in understanding the central issues within a revenue collection and administration environment, and we have a simplified solution deployed within various countries in this respect. This initiative with Airtel Ghana is one of the many tailored solutions to provide convenience and a mechanism to tracking funds to District municipalities and metropolitan assemblies. We are happy to partner with Airtel Money in this regard.

Airtel Money is Ghanas innovative, safe and secure mobile wallet that provides a complete suite of services like money transfer, bill payments and recharge on the move from a mobile device.

About Bharti Airtel

Bharti Airtel Limited is a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 18 countries across Asia and Africa. Headquartered in New Delhi, India, the company ranks amongst the top 3 mobile service providers globally in terms of subscribers. In India, the company's product offerings include 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services, mobile commerce, fixed line services, high speed DSL broadband, IPTV, DTH, enterprise services including national & international long distance services to carriers. In the rest of the geographies, it offers 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services and mobile commerce. Bharti Airtel had over 359 million customers across its operations at the end of July 2016. To know more please visit, www.airtel.com

About Airtel in Africa

Airtel is driven by the vision of providing affordable and innovative mobile services to all. Airtel has 17 operations in Africa: Burkina Faso, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Madagascar, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Airtel International is a Bharti Airtel company. For more information, please visit www.airtel.com, or like the Airtel Ghana Facebook page via www.facebook.com/airtelgh or follow us on Twitter via the handle @airtelghana.
Joehil International School, a private preparatory school located at Kasoa last Saturday marked its maiden sanitation day which was on the theme: PUTTING A QUALITY SMILE AT THE SICK.

As part of the celebration, the school embarked on a clean-up exercise at St. Gregory Hospital, Liberia Camp  Buduburam and made some donations including mattresses, disinfectants, bottled water, cash presentation, toiletries and other items..

Presenting the items, the Acting Head teacher of the school, Madam Comfort Tawiah, said it is the schools social responsibility to give back to the society by putting a quality smile at the sick and join government in its quest to ensure a clean and a healthy environment.

The matron of the hospital, Madam Ernestina Frimpong receiving the items expressed her appreciation on behalf of the Hospital and urged others to emulate such kind gesture.

In a related development, the children of the school held placards with inscriptions like a man can be poor yet a candidate of God , Giving is an investment to save lives , a man can be poor yet a friend of God  , Your life is a solution to someone in need , Faith is a life-style of trusting in God among others.
"A ROCHA Ghana is an organization that is supporting communities to better manage what they have on their community lands. The land and environment can be put into several uses.

You can put it into a use that will ensure that it is completely depleted after it has been used.

You can also use the resources today and still use it tomorrow and generations after you will also have the opportunity to use the same resources. And for us as an organization, that is what we pursue, that is why we are drawing attention of the communities so that together, we can do it."

The deputy National Director of A ROCHA Ghana, Mr. Daryl Bosu said this at Murugu on Friday 24th March, 2017.

He was speaking at the launch of the Inclusive Green Local Economy Project that brought together seven different communities surrounding the Mole National Park.

The beneficiary communities are Bawena, Grubagu, Kpulumbo, Mognori, Murugu, Yazori and Wawato.

Mr. Daryl explained that Green are some activities that you do that will not destroy what you already have, in relation to the natural resources.

If people before us used the resource the way we are using it now, am sure we will come and meet a dry land in this particular location.

I therefore, appeal to you to protect the environment for the benefit of all today, and tomorrow.

Activities such as farming, logging, mining, charcoal burning among others, when done in a wrong way will lead to the destruction of the land and getting places to farm to feed society would become very difficult.

We are supporting communities with activities that will ensure that we use the resources today and the future and still get profit from them. Let's all endeavor to put an end to all the practices that will damage our lands, so that generations after us will also use it and still get the right profits he added.

He disclosed that Rotary Club International are the main donors for the project.

They will support the seven communities in Small Scale farming (Conservation Agriculture), Honey Producing and Bee keeping activities and continue with the Organic Shea program to improve the value for the women and community members.

Rotary International will provide resources to support all the activities in order for you to get value for money.

Moringa, Mango production will also be included in order to get the best value for these communities.

The project is embarked upon in collaboration with the Forestry Commission (FC), Savannah Fruits Company (SFC), Community Resource Management Areas(CREMAs), North Gonja and the West Gonja District Assemblies.

This is done to make sure they will be existing market their products.

On his part, the deputy Coordinating Director for West Gonja district, Mr. John Osman said the Assemblies were ready to give full support to the project and asked the Murugu-Mognori CREMAs to bury their differences and forge ahead in unity to make the project a success. This he said, will help properly care for the environment and also reduce poverty in the area.

He represented the Coordinating Director and spoke on behalf of the two districts.

They were solidarity messages from the FC, SFC, CREMAs, and Traditional leaders among others.

All of them pledge their support to make the project achieve its mission.

The launch was chaired by Chief Gabase-Wura.

He commended the institutions for the foresight in collaborating to alleviate poverty in the Damongo and Wasipe traditional areas and urged the subjects to help make the project a success.

Other traditional leaders in attendance were the Murugu Land Priest, Tindaana Mambala Naa-Yuwa, the youth Chief Ware Lange, Langaterewura Sanufunu Sulemana.

Also in attendance were the Deputy Mole Park Manager Mr. Festus Agya-Yao, Mr. Iddi Emmanuel (SFC), the representatives of the CREMAs and members of the various communities .

There was cultural display by the Mognori cultural troop.
The Member of Parliament for Manhyia North has called for a probe into how a 20 million euro loan approved by parliament for the development of Kumasi roads was diverted to the Asawase Constituency.

Collins Owusu Amankwaah is accusing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government of deliberately denying Kumasi its fair share of road development.

He told Luv News the roads at Manhyia North are in a deplorable state because of a political move by the NDC administration to score cheap points in the Asawase Constituency.

According to him, he has tabled the issue before the Roads Minister calling for a probe into how the Kumasi town roads loan was disbursed.

Mr Amankwaah was speaking to Luv News when he donated an ambulance, medical equipment and drugs valued at GH85,000 to health centres at Buokrom and Moshie Zongo.

The MP has for some time now been decrying what he calls selective political justice in the construction of roads in Kumasi.

He accused the transport Ministry last year of lying about the completion of Krofrom town roads in his constituency, while other streets in some perceived NDC strongholds were paved with bitumen.

Many streets within the Asawase constituency- Aboabo, Sawaba, Parkoso and some Zongos perceived to be the strongholds of the NDC have been asphalted.

"Having been significantly neglected for some time, it is high time the roads are developed. The NDC government's neglect was deliberate and calculated because they left the main roads to work on others at the outskirts of town," he said.

Meanwhile, the Manhyia North MP has been spreading laterite on some of the Krofrom town roads to make them motorable.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Abubakar Ibrahim
A large coalition of civil societies from all over Nigeria converged on the Unity Fountain, Abuja, on Wednesday, March 22, from where they marched down to the Abuja offices of Amnesty International Nigeria to show solidarity and support to the global human rights body.

Received at the Amnesty International premises by some officials of the organization led by Onyinye Onyemobi, speaker after speaker eulogized the body for its consistency in compiling and exposing the appalling human rights abuses of state agents despite the overwhelming intimidation, blackmail and harassment it is made to pass through in the hands of such agents.

Opening the stage for the deluge of speeches that characterized the rally, Comrade Abdul Mahmud, a former national president of NANS and leader of Public Interest Lawyers League, who was also among the leading lights of the rally, went down memory lane and recalled how in 1991 during one of Nigerias darkest military eras, he alongside some other officials of NANS were illegally detained for six months and brutalized by the military junta, it was Amnesty International that first exposed the illegality to the world and also worked assiduously for their release by continuously piling pressure on the government of the day.

While presenting an official statement of all the CSOs represented at the rally, Jude Ndukwe, national leader of the Movement for the Advancement of National Transformation (MANTRA), and a co-convener of the rally, recalled the ignominious display of ludicrousness by that group of rented crowd masquerading as members of a civil society organization under the name Global Peace and Rescue Initiative (GOPRI) against Amnesty International Office, Abuja the previous week describing their anti-Amnesty rally as shameful and condemnable.

He lampooned GOPRI for its brazen and impudent threat for Amnesty International to leave Nigeria within 24 hours, describing the carrying of a coffin to the offices of the international human rights organization as an act that has brought opprobrium upon the nation.

Reiterating its support for Amnesty International, the coalition of CSOs declared that Amnesty International has come to stay. Amnesty International is going nowhere. You have our full support. Keep the focus and do not be intimidated or deterred, for those who are for you are greater than those who are against you.

Also speaking, one of the spokespersons of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria who turned out in their large numbers, Abdulmumin Giwa, recounted how the military killed about a thousand of their members in Zaria in December of 2015 and attempted to cover up their heinous crime by burying a majority of them in shallow graves. He said but for the prompt reactions and reports of organizations like the Amnesty International, the murder of IMN members would have been swept under the carpet.

The highlight of the rally was a symbolic presentation of palm frond and torchlight to Amnesty International which was done by Comrade Ariyo Dare-Fatoye, Leader of the Coalition in Defence of Nigerian Democracy and Constitution (CDNDC), and a co-convener of the rally. While presenting the items, Ariyo stated that with the powers vested upon us by the oppressed citizens of this great nation, some of whom have died just for exercising their fundamental human rights of association and assembly, mowed down by those paid to protect them, we hereby CANCEL the ultimatum by GOPRI for Amnesty International to leave Nigeria.

In place of the coffin and its evil significance brought here by GOPRI, we present to Amnesty International this palm frond which is a symbol of peace, victory and triumph.

For the darkness they brought here, we bring light which this torchlight symbolises, and for the death they placed here we bring life. We nullify their evil plans and void their threats. We render all their enchantments puerile and nullify all their incantations.

Receiving the items and responding on behalf of Amnesty International Nigeria, Onyinyechi said they are not in any way deterred by the activities of those trying to intimidate them and thanked the organizers of the rally for standing by them, saying the solidarity visit has further encouraged them to keep on with their work.

She presented copies of a book Amnesty International Report 2016/2017: The State of the Worlds Human Rights to leaders of the rally.

Also present at the rally were members of Global Rights and Human Rights Watch.
Ghanas leading telecommunications service provider, MTN, has announced a partnership agreement with Uber Ghana to offer free rides for MTN customers.

Through this partnership, MTN subscribers will enjoy two free rides with Uber, with each ride capped at GH 15.00. MTN subscribers will be notified to download the Uber App onto their phones and register. A special code will be provided by MTN to enable the subscriber access these free rides from Uber. The customer will be required to add the promo code in the payment section of the App to enjoy the service.

Commenting on the partnership, the Chief Marketing Officer for MTN Ghana, Mr. Asher Khan, expressed his excitement at the opportunity MTN is offering to its customers. He indicated that the services provided by Uber Ghana epitomize the bold new digital world MTN seeks to enable for subscribers.

In the very near future, technology will drive every aspect of our lives through the introduction of Internet Of Things, where with a click of a button, one can undertake domestic activities, financial transactions, and manage security at their convenience. Uber App is just a tip of the many big things to be made available to all through technology, he said.

In a related development, MTN has renewed its partnership with Emirates Airlines for another year, to offer special discounts to MTN subscribers. Subscribers travelling to Dubai will enjoy 20% and 25% discounts on economy and business class tickets respectively to Dubai. Additionally, subscribers will enjoy 15% and 20% off economy and business class tickets respectively to 82 other destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, Middle East and the US. Tickets of Emirates Airlines can be purchased using the MTN Mobile Money payment option.

Free rides on Uber and discounted fares on Emirates Airlines follow other loyalty reward schemes instituted by MTN to reward its customers.

MTN remains committed to making the lives of its customers a whole lot brighter hence its quest to partner organizations providing essential services to add more value to customer experience.
By Benjamin Mensah, GNA

Accra, March 29, GNA - Parliament has approved the budget estimates of GH553.645 million for the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for the 2017 financial year, with a call on the authority to provide more tax offices and make them more visible to the taxpayer.

Members of the House in their contributions to the debate on the estimates also stressed that the tax agencies should heighten education on tax to get more people to honour their tax obligations.

Mr Alexander Afenyo-Markin, MP for Effutu, in a contribution urged the GRA to make sure that its offices are located near areas where commercial activities were high.

He said there was no tax office in the constituency capital in Winneba, or nearby Apam and taxpayers had to travel to Swedru to pay their taxes, and stressed that the authority would have to be encouraged to open more offices.

First Deputy Speaker and MP for Bekwai Constituency, Mr Joe Osei-Owusu also took the authority to task, saying that the tax office in the constituency was located in an old rickety building.

The House recognised that revenue mobilisation was key to achieving the financial estimates for the Authority.

Established by the Ghana Revenue Act 2009 (Act 791), the GRA is a single semi-autonomous public organisation that replaced the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) and the Value Added Tax (VAT) Service to centralise, coordinate and integrate the assessment, collection, accounting and administration of tax and revenue in Ghana.

According to the Report of the Finance Committee on the Estimates, for the year 2017, the Authority proposed a budget of GH963,070,650.29 to finance the proposed programmes and activities for the year.

On the outlook for 2017, the Report said the 2017 expenditure budget for the GRA was expected to be driven by the programmes and projects that had been planned to enhance operations and thereby improve revenue mobilisation for the year.

The Authority intends to recruit 350 additional staff in various graded in 2017 to fill positions crated through retirement, deaths and resignation among others.

It would also embark on massive tax education to improve voluntary compliance, and widen the tax net through identification and registration of new and eligible taxpayers using the GIS device.

The Authority intends to pay allowances in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) approved in 2016 as well as the Conditions of Service for Management.

The Report said the Authority has also set up a Special Task Force at the ports to augment efforts to monitor declarations and payment of important duties.

The Committee, in its report, recommended to the House to urge the Ministry of Finance to provide the necessary allocations to the Authority to enable them to undertake their operations to achieve the targeted revenue.

The House also approved the sum of GH4.226 billion for the activities of the Ministry of Health for the 2017 Fiscal Year, and GH443,921,709 for the activities of the Ministry of Transport for the 2017 fiscal Year.

GNA
By Iddi Yire/ Caroline Pomeyie, GNA

Accra, March 30, GNA - SEND Ghana, a Social Enterprise and Advocacy organisation, on Tuesday held a project inception meeting and launch dubbed: "Addressing Inequality through Pro-Poor Budget Advocacy (AIPBS)".

The project is being implemented in the Sisala West, Wa East and West Districts of the Upper West Region and the Ada East, Ashaiman Municipal, and Ayawaso East for the Greater Accra Region by SEND Ghana with funding from the Ford Foundation.

The project seeks to ensure that the national budget provides improve access and quality of services in priority programmes in the health and education sectors.

The purpose of the inception meeting and project launch is to present an overview of the project implementation approach as well as partnership arrangement to increase awareness and understanding among stakeholders.

Mr George Osei-Bimpeh, the Country Director, SEND Ghana, said Ghana had experienced significant poverty reduction from 7.9 million in 1992 (56.5 per cent) to 6.3 million (29 per cent) in 2006 and 24.2 per cent in 2013.

He said: "Inequality, however, has been increasing while poverty remains prevalent in many areas.

"The highest level of inequality is registered in the Upper West Region and the largest increase since the 1990s".

Mr Osei-Bimpeh who did not quote the source of the statistics, explained that considering consumption levels, the gap between the poorest 10 per cent and the richest 10 per cent of the population had been increasing since 2006 with the wealthiest docile consuming 6.8 times the amount than the poorest 10 per cent.

Adding that the average consumption of the wealthiest group had increased by 27 per cent between 2006 and 2013 but for the poorest, it only increased by 19 per cent.

"Moreover, the wealthiest 10 per cent consumed one third of all national consumption, whereas the poorest 10 per cent take just 1.7 per cent. Thus, some districts, communities and groups of people in Northern Ghana are missing out on recent economic growth," he said.

Mr Osei-Bimpeh said in an attempt to address poverty and inequalities, the government had implemented several social protection programmes to support the most poor and marginalise groups.

He said in recognition that economic growth and mainstream development interventions were enough to reduce poverty, address inequality and protect vulnerable citizens.

"However, the implementation of key social protection programme is characterise by weak compliance with key laws, administrative procedures and programme design.

"In addition, citizens involvement in the national budget process is minimal and thus limiting their say and how their needs should be met," he added.

He said overall, these factors led to low levels of social protection budgetary allocations, transparency and accountability as well as equity.

"As a result, the effectiveness of the budget to reduce poverty and inequality is being minimised by interrelated factors," he said.

The Send Ghana Country Director said the budget planning and execution were inconsistent with the objectives to reduce poverty and inequalities.

He stated that funds disbursements to support social protection programmes were irregular, unpredictable and inadequate.

He said the government's Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) was one of the key factors for addressing poverty.

He urged pro-poor Civil Society Organisations to engage duty bearers to ensure that the poor is not left behind.

Mr Bashiru Mohammed Jumah, the Programme Officer, SEND Ghana, in his presentation said the project team would engage consultants to undertake a project baseline study that would help in the finalisation of the Activity Monitoring.

He said upon the completion of the baseline study, a baseline video documentary would be conducted to help in tracking progress at the end of the third year.

Mrs Mary Arhin of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, said the Ministry would collaborate with SEND Ghana to ensure the success of the project.

GNA
By Francis Ameyibor, GNA

Accra, March 30, GNA - The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has step-up the fight against corruption through execution of the tenets of the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP).

Mr Joseph Akanjolenur Whittal, CHRAJ Commissioner, told the Ghana News Agency in Accra that the development of NACAP was an unqualified contribution to the fight against corruption and the promotion of national development.

He said the Commission's renewed vigor to fight corruption hinges on the strength of the NACAP wrapped-up in its action plans, which were directly integrated into national development planning.

It also makes the fight against corruption an integral part of the regular annual activities of public institutions including the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Mr Whittal described corruption as an insidious plague that has a wide range of corrosive effects on societies'the Commission would empower all other strategic stakeholders for a mass movement against corruption'.

Meanwhile the profile of the new CHRAJ Commission obtained by the Ghana News Agency indicates that Mr Whittal was appointed CHRAJ Commissioner in December 2016.

From 2012 to December 2016 he was the Deputy CHRAJ Commissioner and served as a Member of the Governing Council of the Commission responsible for policy formulation and implementation and the strategic direction of the Commission as an Independent Constitutional Body (ICB)

As a Deputy Commissioner he also had oversight responsibility over the Legal Department; Human Rights Department; Administrative Justice Department; Investigations Department and the Legal Registry and Complaints Units

Mr Whittal was responsible for the final approval and release of all Decisions after investigations by the core Departments - Human Rights, Anti-corruption and Administrative Justice as well as the draft decisions of the ten Regional Directors

He was also responsible for coordinating International Cooperation with International Human Rights Organizations such as United Nations Special Procedures and Mechanisms.

The CHRAJ Commissioner also served as a UN Special Rapporteurs on thematic issues; Treaty-based Committees, preparation of the Commission's Independent Report on the Universal Periodic Report (UPR) to the Human Rights Council (HRC); the International Coordinating Committee (ICC) of national human rights institutions; the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

Responsible for coordinating Regional Cooperation with the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (ACHPR); African Court on Human Rights; ECOWAS Community Court; The Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) and bilateral relations with other National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs)

Responsible for coordinating International Cooperation with the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI); the African Ombudsman and Mediators Association (AOMA) and bilateral relations with other Ombudsman Institutions

He was a member of the Working Group (WG) appointed by the President of the Republic to develop the NACAP as the blueprint for fighting corruption in Ghana. It has since been developed and adopted by Parliament and being implemented.

Presently, he is heading the team working to develop a National Human Rights Action Plan (NAHRAP) as the overarching blueprint for the promotion and protection of human rights on a systematic basis in the country.

A baseline study report of the human rights situation in Ghana has been produced and is currently being studied by the team to inform the Action Plan.

He represents the Commission as the Implementing Partner (IP) and Chair of the Governance Cluster of UNDP support under UNDAF 10

Mr Whittal continues to engage within and outside Ghana on any of the triple mandates of the Commission: Human rights, anti-corruption and administrative justice as well as on governance issues generally.

GNA
30.03.2017 LISTEN

The driver who petitioned President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to remove the Chief Justice, Georgina Theodora Wood from office has written demanding action.

Ernest Obiri Lartey in February petitioned the president accusing the Chief Justice of violating Article 146(8) of the constitution with the way she handled the judiciary bribery scandal.

The driver in his petition, indicated that the 34 judges who were dismissed were not given the chance to respond to the claims made against them before they were indicted following a petition to then president John Mahama for their removal from office.

In Mr Larteys view, the Chief Justice should have allowed the accused judges to respond to the petition before she released details of the petition to the media and subsequently allowed the screening of the documentary detailing the alleged bribery.

He said the Chief Justice deliberately violated the constitution when she discussed the contents of the petition from journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas prior to its submission. This he said constituted ex parte communication.

Since Mr Larteys petition, however, the president has not commented on the issue, neither has the Chief Justice been fired.

This for him, this is worrying. In a letter to the president to remind him about his request, Mr. Lartey said the petition is very dear to my heart and I intend to pursue it to its logical conclusion.

He added that, Mr President, I am respectfully reminding you of the pendency of my petition and do humbly implore you to take prompt action on same.

Below is a copy of the letter

RE: PETITION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 146 OF THE 1992 CONSTITUTION FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE CHIEF JUSTICE, MRS JUSTICE GEORGINA THEODORA WOOD

On 10m February 2017,1 was compelled, as a citizen of Ghana, to address to you a petition for the removal of the Chief Justice, Mrs Justice G.T. Wood for her unlawful violation of the Constitution, incompetence and holding ex-parte communication.

I personally delivered the said petition at your offices on 13th February, 2017. Unfortunately, your good offices are yet to acknowledge receipt of my said Petition. Also,

I have not been informed as to whether any action has been taken or not.

Your Excellency, the petition is very dear to my heart and I intend to pursue it to its logical conclusion.

Mr President, I am respectfully reminding you of the pendency of my petition and do humbly implore you to take prompt action on same.

God bless our homeland Ghana and make us bold to defend the course of Justice.

Yours Faithfully,

Ernest Obiri Lartey

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | NSA
Dr. Cadman Atta Mills, brother to late President John Evans Atta Mills, has disclosed his brother was offended by the series of scathing criticism poured on him by former president J.J Rawlings.

[Late President] Mills got very hurt at a point when ex-president Rawlings was being cruel, he divulged Wednesday on Starr Chat.

Some of the things that ex-President Rawlings said were a bit cruel, Dr. Atta Mills who served his brother as his senior presidential advisor during his presidency told Starr Chat host Bola Ray.

Appearing extremely emotional in the studio of Starr 103.5 FM, Wednesday night, the former World Bank economist, painted a disconsolate picture of his late brother's stay at the then seat of government, the Christianborg Castle, saying he regretted entrusting his [late Mills'] physical and emotional well-being to others.

I would come back and I would realize that he was a very lonely manextremely lonely manOh! My God I would go to his quarters in the Castle which were not really basically fit for human being to live in. I mean my God and he will be sitting in this chair very quietly, Dr. Atta Mills said.

For him, handlers of his brother during his sick periods betrayed him for hiding his ailment for political expediency. According to him, they were insensitive towards his brother who was deteriorating at a point and had to take him to get proper treatment for the former president in the USA and South Africa.

My brother got very sick and was in South Africa in 2005 and he had treatment in South Africa and part of the effect of the treatment that he had was that progressively it affected his vision and affected his hearing a little bit. Otherwise, the treatment was extremely successful and he was getting progressively better. The only problem he had was [with] his vision and even that was getting better with time. We were very conscious of the sickness he had in 2005, and, therefore, he regularly had medical checkups to confirm that everything was ok, he recounted.

He continued: Now, some things were happening that I must be very honest I wasn't happy about. Fiifi, as I called him, was very open, very honest and he'll sit down with you and tell you in gory detail what his prognosis was, what the diagnosis of his disease was.

He's not somebody who will hide things, but for some strange reason, they decided that politically it was not allowable for people to know that he was sick. Before that I went to China and when I came back I couldn't recognise my brother, he was not even coherent. He was very visibly sick and I'd never seen him like that before and I said we had to evacuate him immediately. We had to go to the U.S and that is when they started telling me that elections are going to be soon and politically it was not right. That was the first time I was very disrespectful of the Presidency.

I told them my peace of mind and I decided we had to go to the USA. What really got me furious was that they said he was going to the U.S for a routine medical checkup and I said what are you people talking about. My brother is a human being, he's not well. I wanted him to take the time necessary to get well. The fact of your being a president doesn't mean you don't get sick and what is political about getting sick but you see the narrative had been developed for a long time that he was a very sick man, he was on the verge of death at any given time, all of these were not true.

Whatever got him ill, was it in April or May, was something I'd never seen before. Surely enough we went to the US and lucky enough they detected very quickly what's causing it and he got much better. I was very angry with him when he came back and he wanted to show everybody that he was well. I confronted him on a lot of things including that.

-Starrfmonline
United Nations (United States) (AFP) - The United Nations Security Council will vote Friday to cut the number of troops and police in its peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo by around seven percent.

The lawless central African giant is under pressure to hold key elections this year, despite fighting between armed factions, political chaos and widespread corruption.

But UN member states, in particular President Donald Trump's new US administration, want to scale back UN spending on its missions around the globe.

According to a draft council resolution seen by AFP, which diplomats expected to pass unanimously, the force of 19,815 uniformed personnel will be reduced to 18,316.

The military part of the UN Mission, known as MONUSCO, was authorized to deploy 18,232 Blue Helmets.

This will be reduced under the draft plan to 16,215, but diplomats said that the actual force currently on the ground was already down to around 17,000.

"The most important thing is that this figure was decided after a study of the situation on the ground, the mandate of the mission and its needs," one diplomat said.

"It wasn't cut just any old how, it preserves the mission's ability to operate."

France had warned against a too dramatic cut in the size of the forces, warning that it might endanger what little progress has been made towards stabilizing the DRC.

But France's UN ambassador pronounced himself satisfied with the draft resolution.

"You know it is the outcome of an important negotiation," Francois Delattre told reporters.

"And so if things go well we will go for a vote tomorrow at noon. And I think it is important for DRC, for MONUSCO and for peacekeeping in general. This is a good agreement."

On Wednesday, the US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said she will use her presidency of the Security Council next month to launch a review of peacekeeping.

"We will go back to first principles and ask hard questions," she told New York think tank he Council of Foreign Relations.

"What was the original intent of the mission? Is the mission achieving its objective. Do we have an exit plan and is there accountability?

"As it stands the lack of this basic kind of basic evaluation in the UN missions is shocking."

General strike

Meanwhile, the situation on the ground in the DRC is tense.

On the last day of 2016, President Joseph Kabila signed a deal to share power with the opposition as officials work to set up national elections later this year.

The agreement was never fully implemented, despite international pressure, and an opposition umbrella group has called for a general strike from Monday to protest.

Kabila first took power in 2001 to replace his assassinated father as war ravaged the country.

His unwillingness to step down and enable elections at the end of his constitutional mandate last year led to protests in which at least 17 people were killed.

Under a deal brokered by the country's influential Roman Catholic bishops, Kabila was allowed to stay in office in tandem with a transitional body and a new premier.

But talks on implementing the accord appear to have broken down, and violence has flared.

Last week, 39 police were killed in an ambush by rebels in the remote central region of Kasai.

In a separate incident, two foreign UN experts, an American and a Swede, were killed in the same region.

On Tuesday, the United Nations, European Union and the African Union called for an opposition figure to be named premier as had been agreed under the December 31 deal.

"A step forward of this kind will help the country's stabilization process, the restoration of public order... and the holding of elections as scheduled," they said.

The opposition coalition was formed around Etienne Tshisekedi, a veteran foe of successive Kinshasa regimes who died in Brussels in February, aged 84.
A former deputy Local Government Minister is accusing members of a government task force of theft of gold bars from his car when they tried to forcibly seize his V8 land cruiser in Accra on Tuesday.

Emmanuel Agyekum told Joy News he has filed a formal complaint with the Kwabenya police about the incident and the theft of the gold.

Narrating what happened, wife of the former deputy Minister, Priscilla Agyekum, told Joy News her husband who exports gold came back from a business journey on Monday evening.

On Tuesday morning the guys came to the house, the items were in the car to be sent to the office to be shipped to Dubai. But on Tuesday evening we realised the items were not in the car, she said.

According to her, a police officer and four people who said they have been sent by the Flagstaff House to take the V8 vehicle because it belonged to the state accosted them.

"We asked them for their warrant but they did not have any. When we asked for their identification cards only one guy had his to show," she said.

According to her, although they showed them the paperwork to the V8 vehicle, the men said they believed there are Toyota Camry and a Prado in the house, "but we told them we don't have them and that we have returned all vehicles given to us by the state."

The task force and the deputy Minister in a dispute at the police station

She said they allowed the men access to the V8 after they requested to check the Chassis number. They later realised that some valuables were "stolen" from the car after the men were done.

My husband was on the phone trying to get people to help with the situation and I was arguing with them demanding their warrant so I was asked to go inside the house. We both didnt realise that we had it [gold bars] in the car, she said.

Mrs Agyekum said when they went back to the police station to check on the progress of the complaint against the men, the police commander called the head of the task force to inquire if he sent a man by name Ahinkora to the said house.

"The task force chairman said no and that they have warned that Ahinkora to stop going around seizing cars from people. The task force commander then told the commander to treat the case a criminal case because Ahinkora was not sent by the state," she said.

However, minutes later another phone call was placed by an unknown person to the police commander to not let the V8 move as its ownership is under contention.

Some men then moved to the police station to impound the car. Mrs Agyekum said although she showed them the documents to the vehicle, they insisted driving it to the presidency.

We were uncomfortable handing them the car because the last time we left it to them we lost some valuables in the car, she said adding, the police station is a state environment so we thought we could keep it here and go to Flagstaff House with the documents.

She said they are going to take legal action against whoever sent the task force demanding the taskforce stops harassing former appointees and do due diligence before acting.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Abubakar Ibrahim
The state of politics here in Ghana and Africa, raises the question of why people go into politics. Of course there is no one answer to that. People differ. Their motivations differ. And their ability and inclination to navigate the system and get selected to run as a candidate for a plausible party varies too.

Interestingly the information Minister Hon. Mustapha Abdul Hamid told Top FMs Ghana Te Sen today that he got into politics to make sure Former President J.J Rawlings was out of office.

During my university years, I swam into the waters of politics because of an incident I witnessed in my childhood. I was at home one day when some soldiers who claimed were sent by former president J.J.Rawlings came to arrest my daddy. To me, I never understood the reason for this as a child but this incident forced my father into exile who later returned home only after the former president had left office. This made me vow to get as much education as possible to one day help me see Mr. Rawlings out of office he stated.

In his years at Cape Vars, Mustapha Hamid joined an equivalence of todays TESCON NPP to see to the fruitation of his dream. This helped him take advantage of whatever opportunity that came his way.

He became the general secretary to the local NUGS and later an SRC President of UCC even when he was a graduate student competing with opponents who were undergraduate students in a university where 80% are undergrads.

Mustapha Hamid became a member of the Nana Addo campaign team as his spokesperson in 2007 and has been appointed as the Information Minister in Akufo-Addos Government now.

However, he could not tell why he is still in politics even though Rawlings is no more in power, he laughed  honestly i cannot tell why am still in politics, you know politics is very infectious he explained.

Mustapha Hamid loves to describe himself as a bold, assertive person rather than a humble person because he thinks leaders must be bold and courageous.
A 36-year-old woman, Felicia Asamoah has been arrested by prison wardens at Ankaful Maximum Security prison at Cape Coast for attempting to smuggle a substance suspected to be Indian hemp, to an inmate.

The Central Regional PRO of the Ghana Prison Service, ASP Daniel Machator who confirmed the incident on Adom Midday News said the police, at noon on Wednesday, March 29, as required, through a thorough search, Felicia had the 'dry leaves' hidden in the soles of a pair of slippers she intended to deliver to Kwame Adu, the inmate serving 65 years in hard labour.

Upon interrogation, she said she has no idea how the substance managed to find its place in the slippers because she was sent by her husband, George Kumah, to deliver the slippers to his brother who is an inmate at the prison.

During the clearing stage, the officers realized there was something in the sole of the slippers. It was split opened and the weed was found.

They used super glue to keep the soles tighter. She said her husband gave it to her to deliver so she had no idea the marijuana was in it ASP Daniel Machator said.

ASP Daniel Machator further noted that, investigations have begun to get to the bottom of the matter.

He said once the suspect's act is against the law, she will be arraigned before court to be dealt with.

Once it's against the law, she has to be arraigned to the court. She's with the police now till investigations will be carried fully. We have to know the source he said.

-Adomonline
President Akufo-Addo is expected to begin a three-day thank you tour to the Ashanti Region tomorrow.

On his final leg of the tour, the President is expected to address a rally of party members on Sunday before returning to Accra.

Speaking to Citi News, the Ashanti Regional Secretary of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Sam Pyne said the region is ready to receive the President.

Whatever he is coming to do, so far as he is a President, he comes with state protocol. The only thing that will be purely partisan or purely political is the rally that we will be holding on Sunday so that is what we are looking at. The rest will be organised by state protocol. The rallies are about meeting with party people and talking about issues that are out and addressing the crowd to say thank you to them for the elections.

A few days ago, the NPP's Ashanti Regional Communication team announced a boycott on all media outlets as according to them, the party had neglected them after the election.

But Sam Pyne said the party had met with the team and resolved the matter.

It was yesterday that they boycotted radio. The same yesterday, they tended that decision with another statement and they have started doing what they are suppose to do. We have been speaking to them and we scheduled a meeting with them to resolve this issue.

The President since his electoral victory has been on a Thank you tour in some regions in the country.

He has so far visited the Northern and Western, Upper West and Upper East regions among others .



By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @EfeAnsah
A lecturer at the Department of Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness and Extension at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology is expressing worry at the rate at which agric graduates are drifting from their chosen fields after school.

Many agric students graduate annually from the KNUST but experts say few remain to work in the sector.

Though figures are readily not avialable, Dr. James Osei Mensah who describes the situation as very pathetic tells Luv Biz urgent solution is needed.

For us to make the transition of agric as the way of life to agric as a business, we need the manpower with the requisite knowledge and these are the young people we have spent four years with the skill to make the change. So it is very disheartening when you see one of your students doing totally something different from the agric sector.

He however indicates one cannot begrudge anybody for deciding not to practice agriculture, graduates are expected to effect change in the life of farmers and within the agric sector.

In the midst of difficulties, Dr. Osei Mensah reveals agriculture lecturers take consolation in the fact that some are able to stay and that is what encourages.

Figures from the Ghana Labour Force Survey Report put the unemployed at 1.2 million in 2015 representing 11.9 per cent of the national population.

Meanwhile, agriculture company, Farmerline Company limited has gone to the rescue with the KNUST Department of Agriculture Economics, Agribusiness and Extensions during an Agric Entrepreneurship Clinic.

Director of Farmer Services at Farmerline Company Limited, Schandoph Adu Bright says various opportunities exists in the agric sector for students.
Pressure is mounting on government to take a second look at an agreement that will lead to a partial privatisation of power distributor, the Electricity Company of Ghana.

The Programme Implementation Agreement (PIA) under the Millennium Challenge Compact agreement, campaigners say, is fraught with serious problems.

Even though the Compact promises a juicy sum of $500m to fix Ghana's deteriorating Electricity sector, a Coalition of stakeholders on the ECG concession agreement insists it is entirely possible for Ghana to access the entire amount and not see any significant improvement in efficiency of the Electricity Corporation of Ghana (ECG).

According to the Vice President of IMANI Ghana, Kofi Bentil, who looked at the legal implication of the concession agreement, of the $500 million promised under the compact, $300 million is to go into restructuring the governance system of the ECG, something he said has been done already.

This means, he argued, "all that money can be spent on ECG and we will end up with nothing, no improvement in the sector.

"If that is what will happen we should not waste our time," he suggested, pointing to Ghana's ability to raise an amount of $500million through its oil proceeds, invest it in the Electricity sector on its own terms without the express intervention by the Americans.

Mr Bentil was speaking about the US sponsored second Millennium Challenge Account programme, the Ghana Power Compact, with the government of Ghana.

Under that Power Compact, the Millennium Challenge Corporation will invest up to $498.2 million to transform Ghanas power sector and stimulate private investment.

The aim of the five-year Ghana Power Compact is to create a financially viable power sector to meet the current and future needs of households and businesses, and to help fight poverty across the country.

The compact will play a critical role in Power Africa, the U.S. Governments initiative to double access to power on the African continent. The Ghana Power Compact is the largest U.S. Government transaction to date under Power Africa, and will serve as an anchor for increased American engagement in Ghana. The compact was signed on August 5, 2014 and was supposed to have been enforced by September 6, 2016.

However, the Mahama-led administration decided to hold on to the implementation of the of the compact and the Nana Akufo-Addo led administration has decided to review it.

Speaking at a programme organised by the Coalition of stakeholders on the ECG concession, the IMANI Vice President stated neither himself nor IMANI has any problem with the Millennium Challenge Account.

As a matter of fact, ECG, having "catastrophically failed" in managing its own activities, needs some private participation and to that extent, any move to welcome private investors into ECG is in the right direction he argued.

However, Bentil posited the Programme Implementation Agreement (PIA) under the Challenge Account is what he disagrees with.

Having read the details of the PIA, the IMANI Vice President said there are clauses which are inimical to the interest of Ghana.

Quoting Article 7 (1) of the Compact Agreement which says the PIA shall not be subject to the laws of Ghana, Bentil insists that must not be accepted.

He argued the United States of America is notorious for exempting itself from international law. "Even when they go into other people's country they want their laws to prevail."

That must not be allowed to happen, he pointed out and suggested that no law, particularly a US crafted law must be made superior to the Supreme law of Ghana in the operations of ECG.

Kofi Bentil also raised issues about conflict of interest involving IFC, the advisors of the compact agreement.

According to him, out of six companies applying to manage ECG under the joint venture agreement, four of them are linked to the IFC.

He does not understand how the IFC, advising partners in the compact agreement will also have interests in companies seeking to manage ECG.

"The person advising the person we are going to deal is the person advising us," he stated, and this must not happen.

Citing a portion of the agreement which gives right to the IFC to take monies from an escrow account in the event government fails to pay its debt to ECG, Bentil said if government can pay its debts faithfully there will be no point in agreeing to this compact agreement.

The forum also had representatives from ISODEC, PURC and other interest groups in the electricity sector speaking on the matter.

Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah
30.03.2017 LISTEN

Accra, March 30, GNA - The International Community has been called upon to expand the mandate of the International Criminal Court to prosecute companies, governments and individuals that pollute water bodies as having committed crimes against humanity.

This was in a statement issued by WACAM, human rights, environmental and mining advocacy non-governmental organisation (NGO) and Centre for Environmental Impact Assessment (CEIA), an environmental NGO, to mark this year's International Water Day.

The statement urged the Government, as a matter of urgency, to repeal Section 78 of the Minerals and Mining Act (2006), Act 703.

The Act states, among other things, that; 'Subject to obtaining the requisite approvals or licences under the Water Resources Act (1996), Act 552, a holder of a mineral right may, for purposes of or ancillary to the mineral operations, divert, obtain, impound, convey and use water from a river, streams, underground reservoir or water courses within the land, the subject of mineral right'.

'In our opinion this provision facilitates the pollution of water bodies in mining communities in Ghana,'' the statement said.

It called on Ghanaians to respect Article 41 (k) of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana which states; 'It is the duty of every citizen to safeguard and protect the environment. That is, we should refrain from activities that pollute our water bodies.'

It said: 'Beyond meeting basic human needs, water bodies contribute to sustainable development in a number of important ways and it is enshrined as Goal Six in the Sustainable Development Agenda,' adding that Ghana was among 12 countries in Africa projected to face water scarcity.

The statement cited the current pollution of rivers Offin, Tano, Ankobra and Birim as an indication of the enormity of the problem and urged the stoppage of mining, logging and farming along the banks of water bodies and in protected forest reserves.

The global theme for this year's World Water Day is: 'Why Waste Water'' but Ghana chose the theme; 'Water and Waste Water,' which incidentally has been the core advocacy agenda of CEIA and WACAM over the years.

A study commissioned by WACAM and conducted by CEIA in 2009 indicated that water bodies in Tarkwa and Obuasi were polluted with high levels of heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead.

GNA
Senator Tom Berryhill View Photos

Sacramento, CA  A bill authored by Mother Lode Republican Senator Tom Berryhill that would ease construction costs for disabled veterans has cleared a committee test.

SB 330 would allow local governments to waive building permit fees for home improvements related to veterans service connected disabilities. It gained needed approval yesterday in the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee.

Berryhill states, They gave so much for our freedom. This modest and important gesture is the least we can do.

SB 330 now heads to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for review. It is backed by groups including the California Building Industry Association, Vietnam Veterans of America-California State Council, American Legion Department of California and several others.
Sacramento Capitol Building View Photos

Sacramento, CA  A Senate Judiciary Committee has approved legislation that would require any future presidential candidates make their tax returns public in order to appear on the California ballot.

Senate Bill 149 is being pushed by legislative Democrats in response to President Donald Trump declining to make his tax returns public. The bill calls for the Secretary of State to redact any information that jeopardizes privacy, such as social security numbers, and then make the other information public record on the Secretary of States website. It requires candidates to submit income tax records for the five most recent taxable years. In addition, Presidential write-in candidates would no longer be recognized as part of the bill.

The legislation would need to be approved in both the Senate and Assembly, and signed by the Governor, to become law. It was approved on a party-line vote during its first committee test.

It is authored by Senator Mike McGuire of Marin County and Senator Scott Wiener of San Francisco.
Sonora, CA  Various officials are warning folks of several specific scams.

As the April 15 tax deadline looms the IRS and leading credit agencies report that it is generally accompanied by a huge spike in phishing and malware scams  last years was a 400 percent surge.

According to Tuolumne County Sheriffs spokesperson Sgt. Andrea Benson, a devious new ploy targets HR and other administrative departments by compromising a CEO or company executives email and then making it seem like that person is emailing what might appear to be a timely request for W-2 forms and employee records.

Employment documents provide a wealth of personal information in addition to names and addresses, like Social Security numbers and wages. Armed with this information scammers are potentially able to file fake tax returns using victims information and steal their refunds. The personal data may also wind up for sale on the dark web. Subsequently, victims might  insult to injury learn of the tax return fraud if they file later than the perpetrators and have their legitimate claim rejected by the IRS.

School Districts, Healthcare Agencies, Nonprofits Among The Targeted

Sgt. Benson states, The IRS issued an urgent alert regarding these types of scams, noting cyber criminals are starting to combine the W-2 phishing scam with the wire transfer fraud. Once the HR department sends over the W-2 data requested, the phishers will email the payroll or finance department asking for a wire transfer to be completed. The IRS notes that the range of targets for these attacks is only increasing. Phishers are targeting school districts, healthcare organizations, chain restaurants, staffing agencies, and non-profits.

She suggests that businesses and employees alert their HR departments to be on the lookout for any requests for W-2 information or other requests that might be fraudulent. The IRS requests W-2 scam emails be forwarded to phishing@irs.gov and that the subject line be modified to read: W-2 Scam.

Administratively, policies against sharing sensitive data such as W-2 forms via unencrypted email should be enforced in order to prevent these kinds of crimes from being carried out. A further inhibitor might be to require that employees verify the legitimacy of emails requesting such data with the sender by calling a known phone number associated with that person.

Heads Up PG&E Customers

PG&E in California points out recent fraudulent activities across the state where scammers, posing as company representatives, have been targeting customers in at least three ways.

The first two are through phishing activities by email and phone. Using the PG&E company name, scammers aggressively seek utility payments while also attempting to trick customers into providing personal data. Too, be aware that in-person imposters going door-to-door, while pretending to be utility workers for the utility, use the ruse to gain entry to peoples homes.

Senior Manager Dave Meier, of the PG&E Stockton Division stresses that any PG&E customer who may have experienced any such activities should immediately report it by calling 1-800-PGE-5000. He emphasizes, During tax season, scammers email messages with false tax refund documentsawareness is the best defense, so we are asking our customers to stay alert and contact us if anything seems suspicious.

When In Doubt, Report It

Meier adds that scammers are getting more and more sophisticated every day. From phishing emails to fake postings on social media, cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to separate us from our personal informationwe are asking our customers to practice good cyber-awareness and to call us directly if they receive any suspicious online communications claiming to be from PG&E.

PG&E maintains that its employees do not idly make door-to-door visits. Too, if you have an appointment with the utility you will receive a call within 48 hours prior to a scheduled visit. Employees always carry their company identification and are ready to show it upon request.

The company will never ask for personal information or a credit card number over the phone. If you receive an unexpected email that claims to be from PG&E, do NOT click on any links or provide any personal information. Instead, report the email by calling 1-800-PGE-5000.
Editor's Note: Ogoni, a tribe in Rivers state, Southern Nigeria, has been in the news for years. Rather than the life of the people changing, especially with the change campaign of the present government, it has not been good news. In this article by Fegalo Nsuke, the publicity secretary of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), he delved into what Shell is doing in the area which is not too palatable to the people.

The expected cleanup of Ogoniland may save the land but many may never recover from the terminal diseases pervading the area and increasingly killing our people. Shell's lies and irresponsibility have left an irreparable damage on the health of thousands in Ogoniland. This should necessitate an urgent need for a health audit in Ogoni, Rivers state.

The people of Ogoni in Rivers state are displeased over how Shell is treating them in the area

We are getting more revelation about Shell's activities in Ogoniland. German Geologist hired by Shell, Kay Holtzmann, has recently revealed that Shell concealed data on the level of environmental contamination of Ogoniland. Shell's immediate response suggest that Holtzmann's revelations did not require emergency measures. The company is largely irresponsible and will rather wish all Ogonis die.

READ ALSO: Dino Melaye wears academic robe to Senate

I call this an Armageddon. It is a shame that Shell tried to conceal atrocities against the Ogoni people for over 50 years and will not get any punishment from the Nigerian state outside a meager $1billion clean up funding, recommended by UNEP. Livelihoods have been destroyed and none will be compensated, while Shell and the Nigerian government continue to launder their image with a lazy-loaded clean-up programme after many have died from heavy pollution and many currently suffer from terminal illnesses. Shell should have been ashamed of her actions in Ogoni and act quickly to address this mess.

The neglect of a people who have contributed over $50 billion to the Nigerian economy, a small minority whose current input to the Nigerian economy still exceeds those of 20 Nigerian states put together. A people callously neglected because of their small size, the poorest of Nigeria's poor and yet they live on a richly endowed land whose benefit they never feel is definitely a sad tale to tell about a state in the twenty-first century.

READ ALSO: Senate has no constitutional power to summon me! Professor Sagay spits fire

Ogoni is faced with ultimate death. Grappling to survive in an environment that can no longer sustain families, decreasing agricultural output, increasing insecurity and recourse to stealing to survive, and even more shameful is the conscienceless attempt by Nigeria's drilling company, the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) to resume oil production in the area.

The story of the Ogoni should not be told of any civilized society. Nigeria's failure to resolve the Ogoni problem especially as related to our environment and right to self-determination signals a failure on the part of our country's leadership to build a united and progressive Nigeria.

The world must continue to be made aware of the story of the Ogoni, a small minority that had been exploited to death by Shell.

We will continue to touch the conscience of the world and highlight the injustices perpetrated against the Ogoni people until they are addressed. We will not let Shell hide her crimes against the Ogoni people nor shall we be persuaded by political maneuvers which do not address our concerns for a safe environment and our right to self-determination.

Watch this video where Nigerians are lamenting the hardship occasioned by APC government in Nigeria

Fegalo Nsuke is the Publicity secretary of Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) in Rivers state

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President Muhammadu Buharis planned medical trip to London has been cancelled with reports indicating doctors will instead fly in from UK for further medical examination.

The president had gone to the UK on an extended medical vacation before returning 51 days later.

READ ALSO: Why Buhari wants Magu as EFCC chairman - Hon Nwuke

On his return, the president had hinted that he would soon be returning to the UK for further medical examination but according to Sahara Reporters, the medical trip has been cancelled.

Instead, medical doctors are expended from London on Friday, March 31 in Abuja to meet with the president in order to carry further examination.

It was reported that some of his closest aides advised again going on another medical trip as this would fuel rumour concerning his state of health all over again.

Legit.ng had reported that the presidents trip to the UK had generated speculation that he was seriously ill with some even saying he had passed away although this was refuted several times by his media aides.

Meanwhile, the minister of information, Lai Mohammed said that the federal government's decision to release the medical expenses of President Buhari was on the basis of national security.

He said: This matter (the Presidents medical bill) has come several times and our position on the matter is quite straight forward.

What are the Presidents conditions of service? What are his entitlements in terms of his well-being and health care? The state is supposed to take responsibility for these.

We believe that asking for how much has been spent on the health of the President is an issue that we should weigh very well both for national security and also for moral issues. I dont know why we must divulge such very sensitive information"

Source: Legit.ng
The UK government through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has released travel advise on many Nigerian states.

Below is a list of Nigerian states they are advised never to travel to:

1. Borno state

2. Yobe state

3. Adamawa state

4. Gombe state

5. Riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states

6. Within 20km of the border with Niger in Zamfara state

READ ALSO: Airlines, cab operators anticipate loss due to Abuja airport closure

The red parts of the map should be avoided at all costs according to the UK government

The FCO also advises that all tourists should not travel to the following states unless absolutely essential:

1. Bauchi state

2. Zamfara state

3. Kano state

4. Kaduna state

5. Jigawa state

6. Katsina state

7. Kogi state

8. within 20km of the border with Niger in Sokoto and Kebbi states

9. Jos City in Plateau state

10. Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau state

11. Non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers state

12. Abia state

Below are some reasons given by the FCO:

1. Terrorism

There is a continuing high threat from terrorism. Most attacks occur in the north east, particularly in Borno (including central Maiduguri and along access routes into the city), Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe States.

Also, There have also been significant attacks in Kano, Kaduna, Jos, Bauchi, Abuja and Gombe. Further attacks could occur anywhere. Major towns and cities remain particularly at risk, including Kano and Kaduna, and Abuja as the federal capital.

READ ALSO: Kaduna airport a disaster waiting to happen - Reps raise alarm

2. Public places

The UK government also says attacks have taken place in public or crowded places, including places of worship, markets and displacement camps.

Terrorists should avoid public places where crowds gather, including religious gatherings and insecure public spaces like markets and transport hubs.

3. Kidnap

There is a high threat of kidnap throughout Nigeria especially in the Kogi region. Recent terrorist kidnaps have occurred mostly in northern Nigeria, but could occur anywhere in Nigeria. Kidnaps can be for financial or political gain, and can be motivated by criminality or terrorism.

4. Violent crime

The government also advised tourists that demonstrations and civil unrest can occur at short notice so they should follow news reports and be alert to developments and if they become aware of any nearby protests, they should leave the area immediately.

READ ALSO: Kaduna-Abuja train stations witness upsurge in passengers over Abuja airport closure

5. Natural disasters

The FCO also warns that flash flooding can occur during the wet season (June to October). There is a greater risk from water-borne diseases during the rainy season.

Meanwhile the Nigerian Ministry of Transportation has announced the closure of Abuja airport (Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport) from March 8 to 18 April 2017. This is for essential runway maintenance.

Legit.ng made a video of the Abuja airport and the ongoing work on it. Watch the video below:

Source: Legit.ng
- The police intelligence response team has paraded some alleged fraudsters who dupe people by parading themselves as high profile politicians in the country

- The alleged fraudsters operated by registering sim cards with the names of these high profile personalities in the country and using them to defraud people

- The suspects were said to have confessed to have made over N20 million from their criminal activities within the last six months

About 14 different phones, all with SIM cards registered with the names of top government officials were recovered from the suspects.

Some suspects who specialize in defrauding foreigners using the names of Chief Bola Tinubu, Senate president, Bukola Saraki and other high profile politicians in the country have been arrested by operatives of the police intelligence response team.

READ ALSO: Ifeanyi Ubah denies being arrested by DSS

The suspects had been also parading themselves as special advisers to chief of staff to the president, pational security adviser, minister of petroleum, minister of Finance, Saraki and others, the Punch, citing a police source reported.

The alleged fraudsters operated by registering sim cards with the names of these high profile personalities in the country.

The alleged fraudsters operated by registering sim cards with the names of these high profile personalities in the country and using them to defraud people of millions of naira.

Disclosing how the suspects were apprehended, a police source said:" Following the series of complaints received by the IGP on the activities of some notorious criminals, who posed as Chief of Staff to President, NSA, Minister of Petroleum, minister of Finance, Chief Bola Tinubu, Senate President and others, the IGP, Ibrahim Idris, directed the Intelligence Response Team to trace and Arrest the Criminals.

After three days of unrelenting follow up and technical intelligence support from TIU, the four-man syndicate led by one High Chief Ovie Ogogo, 47, who impersonates prominent citizens from the South South and SouthEast; Abdulazeez Eragbe, 40, who impersonates prominent citizens from the North; Babatunde Oshamoto, 49, who impersonates prominent persons from the South West and North Central and Samuel Idah, 25, who supplies them with sim cards registered with the names of the prominent citizens were all arrested in a luxury hotel in Kaduna State by IRT, the police added that all the suspects had confessed to the crime."

READ ALSO: Senate leader lashes at Buhari's aides (video)

The suspects were said to have confessed to have made over N20 million from their criminal activities within the last six months. They also allegedly mentioned one Prince Maurice based in the United Kingdom as their overall gang leader.

Exhibits recovered from the suspects included 14 different phones, all with SIM cards registered with the names of top government officials and several extra registered Sim cards.

Meanwhile, a former minister of information, Frank Nweke Jnr, has been rescued from persons suspected to be kidnappers.

Legit.ng learnt that the police rescue operation took place along Kaduna-Abuja road on Thursday afternoon, March 30.

Frank Nweke, who shared details of his botched kidnap on his twitter handle, thanked the gallant operatives of the police force for coming to his aid on time and praised them for protecting the lives of Nigerians daily.

Below is a Legit.ng video updating you on trending issues that have occurred recently

Source: Legit.ng
Arthur Blythe, whose brawny alto saxophone sound and independent spirit made him a standard-bearer of the New York jazz avant-garde in the late 1970s, died on Monday at a retirement home in Lancaster, Calif. He was 76.

The cause was complications of Parkinsons disease, said his wife, Queen Bey Blythe.

When Mr. Blythe arrived in New York from California in the mid-1970s he was already well into his 30s, with a trenchant, vibrato-thickened saxophone style and a reputation that preceded him.

It was pretty much undisputed that Arthur Blythe was the best alto saxophonist out there on the West Coast, the tenor saxophonist David Murray said in a phone interview.

Mr. Blythe quickly became a leader of the newly ascendant loft jazz scene, centered on musician-run venues in Lower Manhattan. Within three years, he had a deal with Columbia Records, making him a spokesman for jazzs Afrocentric vanguard at a moment when the musics future was far from certain.
William Powell was a teenager, angry at the government and the Vietnam War, when he walked into the main branch of the New York Public Library in Manhattan in 1969 to begin research for a handbook on causing violent mayhem.

Over the next months, he studied military manuals and other publications that taught him the essentials of do-it-yourself warfare, including how to make dynamite, how to convert a shotgun into a grenade launcher and how to blow up a bridge.

What emerged was The Anarchist Cookbook, a diagram- and recipe-filled manifesto that is believed to have been used as a source in heinous acts of violence since its publication in 1971, most notably the killings of 12 students and one teacher in 1999 at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo.

Throughout his manual, Mr. Powell fashioned a knowing voice that suggested broad experience in warfare, sabotage or black ops, mixed with an extremists anti-establishment worldview.
In Decatur, Ill., far from the coal mines of Appalachia, Caterpillar engineers are working on the future of mining: mammoth haul trucks that drive themselves.

The trucks have no drivers, not even remote operators. Instead, the 850,000-pound vehicles rely on self-driving technology, the latest in an increasingly autonomous line of trucks and drills that are removing some of the human element from digging for coal.

When President Trump moved on Tuesday to dismantle the Obama administrations climate change efforts, he promised it would bring coal-mining jobs back to America. But the jobs he alluded to  hardy miners in mazelike tunnels with picks and shovels  have steadily become vestiges of the past.

Pressured by cheap and abundant natural gas, coal is in a precipitous decline, now making up just a third of electricity generation in the United States. Renewables are fast becoming competitive with coal on price. Electricity sales are trending downward, and coal exports are falling.
As if intent on showing that he could weather the hot seat, the mayor took about 40 minutes of questions on topics including fetid-looking school lunches, the actions of federal immigration officials in local courthouses, and metzitzah bpeh, a circumcision ritual practiced in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in which a mohel uses his mouth to suck blood away from the incision on an infants penis. In some cases, the practice has transmitted herpes from mohel to infant.

The mayor had called the news conference to herald a drop in the city jail population  down 18 percent over all and 23 percent on Rikers Island, he said  and discuss a $10 million city investment to provide temporary employment to inmates leaving city jails after serving a sentence there.

But the timing, less than an hour after the conflicts board issued its ruling, ensured that there would be several questions on the legal defense fund, which has not yet been set up. Mr. de Blasio did not explicitly say whether he had requested the ruling by the board, and Wayne G. Hawley, the boards general counsel, declined to say who had asked for it.

The decision speaks for itself, Mr. Hawley said.

But it divided some election lawyers. Jerry H. Goldfeder, a special counsel at Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, called it a strict and rigorous interpretation of the ethics law.

Sarah Steiner, another election lawyer, was more critical. Its a ridiculously low amount of money, she said, noting that the ruling applied to other city officials beyond the mayor. Its an ugly position for him to have gotten himself into, and now it affects everybody else.

Beyond any legal defense fund, Mr. de Blasio could use money that was raised for a 2013 Democratic primary runoff that did not ultimately occur  though much of it has already been spent. Funds in the runoff account are governed by state election law and can be spent on legal fees related to criminal matters (something barred for other types of campaign accounts that are subject to city law).

A campaign filing in January showed that $212,070 had been paid since last August to two law firms. A spokesman for the campaign, Dan Levitan, said the firms represented people associated with the campaign on matters related to the state and federal investigations, not the mayor. The runoff account contained $117,105 as of early January. Mr. Levitan would not say if any funds had since been spent on Mr. de Blasios personal lawyers.
And a lot of boys lived in that world. Mr. Gonzales-Mugaburus indictment sent tremors through New Yorks foster care system, not only because of the nightmarish substance of the allegations, but also because of the number of boys who had been entrusted to him. Over two decades, New York Citys child welfare agency sent 95 boys to live with him. In all, 106 boys were placed with Mr. Gonzales-Mugaburu, who had convinced social service agencies that he was adept at raising troubled adolescent boys. He even took in three boys from Washington State, adopting two of them.

The allegations against Mr. Gonzales-Mugaburu exposed major gaps in oversight. Who was responsible for these childrens well-being and for vetting the foster parent? On paper, numerous agencies were involved in the lives of most of these children: New York Citys child welfare agency, the nonprofit agencies it entrusted to find and vet foster homes, the authorities in Suffolk County that received and investigated each allegation of child abuse or neglect. But the agencies communicated little, even when concerns arose about Mr. Gonzales-Mugaburu.

Those communication failures were examined in an article in The New York Times last year and in a grand jury report released in February by the Suffolk County District Attorneys office, which is prosecuting Mr. Gonzales-Mugaburu. The grand jury report noted that the magnitude and similarity of the allegations, along with the number of victims, should have prompted a greater response from each child welfare agency.

Image In all, 106 boys were placed with Mr. Gonzales-Mugaburu. Credit... Suffolk County District Attorney

Over the years, at least a dozen complaints  possibly several dozen  were lodged against Mr. Gonzales-Mugaburu, often anonymously, regarding the abuse or neglect of children in his care.
WASHINGTON  Betsy DeVos, in her first extended policy address as education secretary, argued on Wednesday for an expansion of school choice programs, pointing to lagging test scores and a program championed by the Obama administration that funneled billions into low-performing schools but failed to produce better academic outcomes.

Speaking at the Brookings Institution, which released a ranking of choice options in the countrys 100 largest school districts, Ms. DeVos made her case for choice policies that she said focused on the individual child. And she called for the rejection of an us versus them mentality when it comes to investing in programs, like charter schools and school vouchers, to which President Trump has proposed giving part of a $1.4 billion funding increase in the fiscal year that begins in October.

Our nations commitment is to provide a quality education to every child to serve the greater public, common good, Ms. DeVos said in her address. Accordingly, we must shift the paradigm to think about education funding as investments made in individual children, not in institutions or buildings.

While Ms. DeVos offered no new details about the Education Departments budget  which in the presidents budget blueprint takes a $9 billion, or 13.5 percent, cut  she rejected the notion that money was a panacea for the challenges facing public schools.
WASHINGTON  Scott Pruitt, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, moved late on Wednesday to reject the scientific conclusion of the agencys own chemical safety experts who under the Obama administration recommended that one of the nations most widely used insecticides be permanently banned at farms nationwide because of the harm it potentially causes children and farm workers.

The ruling by Mr. Pruitt, in one of his first formal actions as the nations top environmental official, rejected a petition filed a decade ago by two environmental groups that had asked that the agency ban all uses of chlorpyrifos. The chemical was banned in 2000 for use in most household settings, but still today is used at about 40,000 farms on about 50 different types of crops, ranging from almonds to apples.

Late last year, and based in part on research conducted at Columbia University, E.P.A. scientists concluded that exposure to the chemical that has been in use since 1965 was potentially causing significant health consequences. They included learning and memory declines, particularly among farm workers and young children who may be exposed through drinking water and other sources.

But Dow Chemical, which sells the product under the trade name Lorsban, along with farm groups that use it, had argued that the science demonstrating that chlorpyrifos caused such harm is inconclusive  especially when properly used to kill crop-spoiling insects.
WASHINGTON  Melania Trump has been a spectral presence since her husband became president. But on Wednesday, the first lady stepped out of the shadows, speaking out on behalf of women who battle gender discrimination and violence around the world.

Wherever women are diminished, the entire world is diminished with them, Mrs. Trump said at a ceremony at the State Department that honored 13 women who have faced rapists, acid-wielding attackers and the prejudiced courts that often protect them.

Speaking softly but firmly, from a teleprompter, Mrs. Trump challenged the members of her audience to put themselves in the shoes of these women  victims of domestic abuse, gender bias, or violence  who fought laws and social norms that sought to perpetuate the injustice.

Ask yourself if you would have the fortitude of spirit, the courage of your convictions, and the enormous inner strength required to stand up and fight against such overwhelming odds, Mrs. Trump said, gesturing to the women, from Yemen to Sri Lanka, arrayed behind her.
HONOLULU  A federal judge in Hawaii decided Wednesday to extend his order blocking President Trumps travel ban.

The judge, Derrick Watson of Federal District Court, issued the longer-lasting hold on the ban just hours after hearing arguments.

Hawaii says the policy discriminates against Muslims and hurts the states tourist-dependent economy. The implied message in the revised ban is like a neon sign flashing Muslim ban, Muslim ban, that the government didnt bother to turn off, the states attorney general, Douglas Chin, told the judge.

Extending the temporary order until the states lawsuit is resolved will ensure the constitutional rights of Muslim citizens across the U.S. are vindicated after repeated stops and starts of the last two months, the state has said.
Thirteen people who were on their way home from a church retreat in southwest Texas were killed Wednesday afternoon when their bus collided head-on with a pickup truck, officials said.

The bus, which was carrying 14 people, most of them parishioners in their 50s or older from First Baptist Church in New Braunfels, was traveling south on Route 83, about 100 miles west of San Antonio, when it collided with a Dodge pickup just before 12:30 p.m., according to Lt. Johnny Hernandez, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety, and Barron Casteel, the mayor of New Braunfels. The driver of the pickup, the trucks only occupant, and one other were injured, Lieutenant Hernandez said. It was not yet clear how the crash occurred, he said.

Mr. Casteel called the church a pillar of the community that has long been involved in youth programs.

Its just awfully sad, he said. All of us will be affected because were a small town and were going to be part of those families who lost loved ones.
SAN SALVADOR  Lawmakers in El Salvador voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to prohibit all mining for gold and other metals, making the country the first in the world to impose a nationwide ban on metal mining, environmental activists said.

Declaring that El Salvadors fragile environment could not sustain metal mining operations, legislators across the political spectrum approved the ban, which had broad support, particularly from the influential Roman Catholic Church.

Supporters said the law was needed to protect the countrys dwindling supply of clean water.

Today in El Salvador, water won out over gold, Johnny Wright Sol, a legislator from the center-right Arena party, wrote on Twitter.

The vote in the Legislative Assembly turned a decade-old moratorium on mining into law, halting efforts by international companies to tap the gold belt running across the northern provinces of El Salvador.
LONDON  A law put forward by the Hungarian government would force a university founded by the Hungarian-American financier and philanthropist George Soros to shut its doors, the schools top official said on Wednesday.

The move, according to observers, was the latest development in a crackdown on free expression and liberal values under Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has embraced President Trump and vociferously denounced Mr. Soros, a billionaire who is a frequent target of attacks by the right-wing news media in both the United States and Europe.

The school, the Central European University, opened in Mr. Soross native Budapest in 1991, not long after the fall of communism and the start of Hungarys uneven transition to democracy. The school is known as a center for research in the social sciences, with programs led by internationally prominent educators.

The university has also given a platform to dissident voices, particularly in the period since Mr. Orban, who helped popularize the term illiberal democracy, came to power in 2010. Proponents of illiberal democracy place majority rule over civil liberties and minority rights, and they say that financiers like Mr. Soros are part of an elite capitalist class that puts cosmopolitan values over national interests.
ANKARA, Turkey  He has already met the Mexican and Chinese presidents and hosted a conclave of 68 nations fighting the Islamic State, but no meeting in Rex W. Tillersons brief tenure as secretary of state will be as delicate as the one in Ankara on Thursday with Turkeys president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Mr. Erdogan is the leader of an important NATO ally and is crucial in the fight against the Islamic State, but he is also a prickly strongman whose campaign to change Turkeys Constitution in a referendum has many worried that the country is on the precipice of authoritarianism.

The referendum has resulted in the worst divide between Europe and Turkey in decades, with Mr. Erdogan accusing European leaders of Nazi-like tendencies after they refused to allow officials of his government to address pro-referendum rallies.

Mr. Erdogan also has serious reservations about the American plan to attack the Syrian city of Raqqa, the declared capital of the Islamic State, and has demanded that the United States extradite a Pennsylvania cleric who the government says was the mastermind behind a failed coup attempt last July.
BAGHDAD  A suicide bomber driving a truck filled with explosives attacked a police checkpoint in southern Baghdad on Wednesday night, killing at least 15 people and wounding 45 others, Iraqi officials said.

Three police officers were among the dead and several were wounded, but most of the victims were civilians, officials said.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but the Islamic State has carried out similar attacks as its territorial hold in Iraq weakens.

Iraqi forces are battling Islamic State fighters in western Mosul, where about 2,000 militants are engaged in fierce counterattacks. After beginning the operation to retake Mosul in October, the Iraqi authorities declared in January that they had liberated eastern Mosul, which is separated from the citys western neighborhoods by the Tigris River.
While intervening covertly to support the rebels, the United States has ordered airstrikes on the jihadists  alone in the case of Al Qaeda and as part of a coalition against the Islamic State. It has also built ties with the Iraqi security forces, and with Kurdish and Arab fighters in Syria to battle the jihadists on the ground.

But recently, a string of airstrikes have exposed the United States to allegations of killing large numbers of civilians. More than 60 people were killed in a strike on a mosque complex where local residents said a religious gathering was taking place. The United States said it was targeting Qaeda leaders. The military has been accused of killing about 30 Syrians in an airstrike on a school, but has insisted that the early indications show it hit Islamic State fighters. A strike in Mosul killed scores of civilians, although the military is investigating whether militants herded the people into the building or possibly rigged it with bombs.

The rise in reports of civilian deaths linked to the United States and its allies has been so significant that Airwars, a group that tracks airstrikes, said last week that it was suspending its investigations into Russian airstrikes to avoid falling behind on those by the United States.

American officials have attributed the rising number of strikes and the danger to civilians to the urban battlefields in Mosul and Raqqa and the high concentration of civilians in areas held by the jihadists. They say they try to avoid civilian casualties while the Islamic State deliberately kills anybody who stands in its way.

This month, American officials also said they would send an additional 400 troops to Syria to help prepare for the assault on Raqqa, the Islamic States self-proclaimed capital, nearly doubling the total there.

In Iraq, General Votel said that in just the past 37 days, as the fight moved into the denser western side of Mosul, 284 of the Iraqi forces had been killed and 1,600 more wounded, underlining the ferocity of the battles.
The Cambodians in Phnom Penh now have clear evidence that it was definitely stolen from Prasat Chen at Koh Ker as the feet are still in situ, she emailed a Sothebys officer. She counseled against selling it at public auction because the Cambodians might block the sale and ask for the piece back.

Image Credit... Sonny Figueroa/The New York Times

A few weeks later, just back from Cambodia, Ms. Bunker reported that the Cambodians had no plans to ask for it back. Sothebys could proceed with the sale, she advised, but perhaps not good to show or mention the feet still in situ at Koh Ker in the catalog.

Sothebys ended up putting the statue on the cover of its sales catalog. But the Cambodians did object, and the United States attorney in Manhattan at the time, Preet Bharara, initiated a seizure action in court. The auction house challenged whether the piece had been looted, but the case was settled and the statue was ceremonially returned to Cambodia in 2014.

At the time of the dispute, one expert spoke to how the passage of time had created new legal parameters that veteran collectors and dealers would need to observe.

We live in a different world, said Matthew F. Bogdanos, a Marine Corps Reserve colonel who had led the hunt for ransacked treasures during the Iraq war, and what was acceptable 50 years ago is no longer so.

As it turns out, Mr. Bogdanos, who is also a prosecutor in the office of Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr., is now leading the Wiener investigation.
On Saturday, however, Mr. Hurwitz, 67, will be the center of attention for A Nonesuch Celebration, a concert at the Brooklyn Academy of Music that will celebrate his career and legacy. Joseph V. Melillo, the academys executive producer  who has, by his count, put 36 Nonesuch artists onstage over the years  said it was the first time in his three decades there that an event honored a record executive.

Bob is the epicenter of why Nonesuch and its artists have had a relationship with BAM, Mr. Melillo said.

The concert will feature Nonesuch regulars like the Kronos Quartet, Natalie Merchant, Pat Metheny, Caetano Veloso, Chris Thile and Dawn Upshaw. And, in something of a musical gift, it will also include the premieres of 11 piano pieces written by Nonesuch composers for Mr. Hurwitz, himself a skilled amateur pianist. (During an interview at his office at Warner Music, the labels parent company, a copy of Bachs Well-Tempered Clavier lay open at his upright piano.)

Nonesuch was started in 1964 by Jac Holzman, the founder of Elektra Records, as a budget classical label. When Mr. Hurwitz took over in 1984, he was determined to remake Nonesuch as a home for maverick contemporary composers; in time, it also came to reflect his interests in world music, jazz and adult-leaning pop. Occasionally the label has scored out-of-the-blue hits, like Buena Vista Social Club and Henryk Goreckis somber Symphony No. 3, which sold more than a million copies. In 2014, BAM held a series of more than 20 concerts celebrating Nonesuchs 50th anniversary.

In describing the labels philosophy, Mr. Hurwitz contrasted it with the other part of the record business, meaning the pop world, where hits are bigger but the careers of artists  and, sometimes, label bosses  can be much shorter.
Morgan Freeman is the owner of one of the most famous voices in the United States. Hes narrated an array of films and commercials, and Mark Zuckerberg recently asked him to record the voice for Jarvis, a virtual home assistant system that he designed. But the actor, who spoke to Mr. Meyers on Late Night on Wednesday, is getting tired of friends asking him to record voice mail greetings.

MORGAN FREEMAN: It gets exhausting, you know? I cant tell you how many times Ive said, Hello, this is so and so  is not willing to come to the phone right now. You know? Or something.

SETH MEYERS: Well you know, if you want me to record yours, I feel like you have one coming, karmically. Because no ones ever asked me.

FREEMAN: Well, I would, Seth, but I have the absolute perfect telephone answerer. The guy who installed the system is a Southerner with just the most godawful Mississippi drawl you ever heard, who calls and says, Hellaw? Layve a numba.

MEYERS: Is that true?

FREEMAN: Yes. He sounds about as far away from me as you can get.

MEYERS: You just had him do it?

FREEMAN: He did it as a test and I wouldnt change it. It was perfect.

MEYERS: So the one place you cant hear an outgoing voice mail from Morgan Freeman is on Morgan Freemans phone.

FREEMAN: Absolutely.

MEYERS: Well, there you go.

FREEMAN: Because if you called there and you have never called before, you got the wrong number.

MEYERS: Oh, I see!
THE AMAZING RACE 10 p.m. on CBS. In its 29th edition, this series ratchets up the drama by taking 22 single competitors  among them, an Army drill sergeant, a professional snowboarder and a college drum major  and asks them to pair off based on first impressions.

THIS OLD HOUSE 8 p.m. on PBS (check local listings; on Saturday at 7 p.m. on WNET in New York). The series heads to Detroit to renovate an abandoned brick home in the Russell Woods neighborhood, bought from the Land Bank Authority.
In 2014, the true-crime podcast Serial began like this: A tipster asked a radio journalist to investigate a murder. S-Town, the new narrative podcast from the creators of Serial, kicks off in a similar fashion. This time, the tipster is John B. McLemore, an eccentric antique clock restorer from Woodstock, Ala. The journalist is Brian Reed, a longtime producer for This American Life. When Mr. McLemore tells Mr. Reed that a Woodstock rich boy got away with murder and has been bragging about it ever since, Mr. Reed agrees to head down from New York to check it out. But it soon becomes clear that the homicide story is a bit of a red herring. Its the hook to get Mr. Reed on the line.

Mr. Reed has used a similar tactic to draw his podcast audience into the story, with a teaser for the series that emphasizes the murder. Some Serial fans may be disappointed to learn that the crews latest offering is not a straightforward whodunit. They shouldnt be. S-Town turns out to be much more interesting than that.

S-Town is not another tale of a journalist trying to solve a murder with just a microphone and a little elbow grease, and thank God. Instead, S-Town transcends the podcast procedural with a destabilizing narrative structure in which one small-town mystery leads to another, all surrounding Mr. McLemore and his acquaintances. There is that murder, but also a treasure hunt, a land grab and a mysterious benefactor. Mr. Reeds investigation turns psychological and emotional  into how people come to be branded as bad, and the hidden relationships among men in the rural South.

S-Town  which is executive produced by Mr. Reed and the Serial producer Julie Snyder, with editorial input from the Serial host, Sarah Koenig, and the host of This American Life, Ira Glass  is not Serial Season 3. Its kind of a podcast spinoff, and it unfolds more like a novel than a true-crime procedural. Mr. McLemore is its beguiling principal character. Hes got a backyard labyrinth, gold buried in an undisclosed location and a literary flair that turns small-town life into big drama. Hes the peppiest pessimist south of the Mason-Dixon line.
LONDON  Oxford University, which recently came under fire from student protesters urging the removal of a statue of the imperialist Cecil Rhodes, announced on Thursday that a diverse set of portraits would soon be put on display.

The 24 portrait subjects include the novelist Jeanette Winterson; the writer Jan Morris; the film director Ken Loach; the Olympic bobsledder Henry Odili Nwume; and the astrophysicist Carole Jordan.

A university statement said that the portraits would feature people with disabilities, people from a variety of ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, and people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning.

Last fall, the university announced a Diversifying Portraiture Project that included unearthing and cataloging images of prominent minorities affiliated with the university, as well as the new portrait initiative.
Secret Realities: The suspense novel Mississippi Blood, new at No. 1 on the hardcover fiction list, concludes Greg Iless mammoth Natchez Burning trilogy, about race, murder and a fraught father-son relationship spanning half a century in the Deep South. Before the trilogy started with Natchez Burning in 2014, Iles had written a number of previous best sellers featuring its protagonist, the lawyer Penn Cage, and early drafts of Natchez Burning treated that book as another straightforward thriller along the same lines. But after a serious car accident in 2011  Iles lost a leg and spent months recuperating  he returned to the book with a new sense of purpose and an ambition reflected in the trilogys ultimate size: more than 2,300 pages published over the course of three years. (At that rate, Robert Caro could have wrapped up his Lyndon Johnson biography decades ago and moved on to a multivolume study of Gerald Ford.)

So how does it feel to complete such a strenuous undertaking, and what comes next? I dont think Ive recovered yet, Iles told me by email. When I began the trilogy, I had two legs, I felt young, and my kids were beginning high school. Now I have one leg, I feel old, and my kids are in college or graduating. More seriously, when I started writing the trilogy, people were talking about America becoming a postracial society, and I worried that my epic exploration of the secret realities of race had begun too late. Today, no one on earth would argue that America is postracial. Race is the wound in Americas side, and we still have far to go to heal it. I need to take a breath, maybe do one less ambitious novel, and then its back into Mississippi, where the answer lies.

Matchmaker: Alyssa Mastromonaco was in her mid-30s when President Obama asked her to serve as his White House deputy chief of staff for operations, a job she writes about in Who Thought This Was a Good Idea? (It enters the hardcover nonfiction list at No. 10.) Mastromonaco told the website Popsugar recently that Obama had weighed in on her relationship with the man who eventually became her husband. He said, He needs to put a ring on it because youre worth it,  she recalled. And the thing is, Im not even kidding you, it was about a week or two later that we got engaged. Ive never told that story to my husband, either. It would be news to him. Also, what, are you going to go back to your boyfriend and say The president told you to put a ring on it? The lamest thing ever.

Burning Bright: Has it really been 20 years since Tiger Woods won the Masters to claim the first of his 14 major titles? Woods looks back on that victory in The 1997 Masters: My Story, new at No. 15 in hardcover nonfiction. There are a few tournaments throughout my career where I felt, Just dont screw it up,  Woods told USA Today recently. That was one of them.
William A. Ackman  not usually known for his contrition  has said sorry.

Mr. Ackman acknowledged in his annual letter to investors that his bet on Valeant Pharmaceuticals had been a huge mistake that cost his firm, Pershing Square Capital Management, a tremendous amount.

I deeply and profoundly apologize, he said.

Mr. Ackman sold his stake in Valeant after months of defending the company during scrutiny by regulators. In the end, the investment resulted in a $4 billion loss for Pershing.

The investment, he wrote in the annual letter, had damaged the firms record.

My approach to mistakes is that I personally assume 100 percent of the responsibility on behalf of the firm while sharing the credit for our success, he wrote.

Brexit in Motion

Britain has finally started the legal process of leaving the European Union. What does that mean?

Well, not much yet, because nothing substantive has actually happened.
Arizona Summit Law school, a troubled for-profit institution owned by the InfiLaw System, has been placed on probation by its accrediting body, the American Bar Association.

The associations move was announced on Monday and followed Arizona Summits affiliation with Bethune-Cookman University, a nonprofit historically black college in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Arizona Summit Law in Phoenix is the second school owned by InfiLaw to be placed on probation for failing to meet A.B.A. accreditation standards. Sterling Partners, a private equity firm in Chicago and Baltimore, is an investor.

The first, Charlotte School of Law in Charlotte, N.C., lost its eligibility for federal student aid in January as a result of the probation. Its enrollment has declined sharply, and the school has said it is trying to restart federal aid and is exploring affiliation with a nonprofit college in a Northeastern state.
Cincinnati Law is not unique by any means. With the exception of the very top tier, law schools, including Cincinnati Law, are facing a steep decline in the number of graduates  this year will be the lowest in about four decades. And predictions for 2018 are that there will be even fewer.

We have a massive amount of contraction taking place, said William D. Henderson, a law professor at the Indiana University Maurer School of Law. The average entering class is now about 182, which is down from 260. And there are 40 more law schools now than there were 40 years ago.

Applicants began shying away from law school several years ago as the number of jobs requiring a three-year law degree shrank. To many, the six-figure debt did not seem worth the risk.

Few law schools have dared to raise tuition lest they price themselves out of the market. At the same time, students are bargaining furiously for discounts so they do not have to pay full price  or anything close to it  for a degree.

That has left law schools like Cincinnati Law in a vise because around half of all law students pay either sticker tuition or something close to it, while others pay tuition that, in real dollars, is similar to tuition rates of 20 or 30 years ago, said Paul F. Campos, a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder law school who tracks law school data.
Lloyds sums up Londons phantom exodus.

A day after Britain formally announced the start of its process to leave the European Union, its best-known insurance marketplace confirmed plans to open a new office in Brussels. The outflow of staff members  in the mere tens, out of a British work force approaching 900  is consistent with a sense that Brexodus is a steady trickle rather than a torrent.

Lloyds monitors and supports 99 syndicates underwriting specialist insurance worldwide, who in 2015 wrote 11 percent of their gross written premiums in the European Economic Area. In doing something to preserve this arrangement, it is comparatively late to the party. The risk of British entities losing access to European customers after Brexit has been obvious since the vote in June. But most big financial companies, like HSBC and Aviva, already have subsidiaries on the Continent.

How many staff members need to actually move is a function of how much business the group does in the European Union and how antsy European regulators might be about the changed circumstances.

There is no way to spin this outflow as a good thing. Even if every financial firm moves only 10 percent of its staff, that could still risk a tangible proportion of the 71 billion pounds (about $89 billion) in tax from financial services companies generated in 2016. UBS has said a fifth of its 5,000 London staff members could be affected by Brexit, while a quarter of JPMorgan Chases 16,000 employees in Britain could be.
At the big banks, the decline in foreclosures is striking.

In 2016, JPMorgan foreclosed and took the titles of 6,221 homes compared with 25,126 homes in 2010. At Wells Fargo, the number of completed foreclosures last year was 17,850, down from 57,098 in 2010. And at Bank of America, 7,756 homes were foreclosed on, compared with 43,612 in 2010, according to RealtyTrac.

The number of foreclosures is down as a result of big banks selling delinquent loans and modifying distressed mortgages to comply with the terms of their multibillion-dollar settlements with federal and state authorities. The settlements arose out of investigations into the banks sales of flawed mortgages and mortgage bonds in the run-up to the financial crisis.

In the case of Bank of America, the monitor named to oversee its $16 billion settlement recently reported that the bank had completed its obligation to provide $7 billion in so-called consumer relief as part of that deal. In a March 17 report, the monitor, Eric D. Green, said Bank of America had received credit for restructuring and lowering payments to borrowers on more than 130,000 mortgages.

Under the terms of the mortgage settlements, banks do not get credit for foreclosing on a mortgage. So some banks have dealt with their thorniest delinquent mortgages by selling them to upstart firms willing to buy loans at a steep discount on the gamble that they will have better luck restructuring them.

PennyMac, for instance, has bought nonperforming loans from Citigroup, and Lone Star has bought bundles of soured mortgages from JPMorgan Chase and HSBC.

Lone Star has also been a major buyer of delinquent mortgages sold by Department of Housing and Urban Development and Fannie Mae, the giant government-controlled mortgage finance firm.

A Goldman subsidiary, MTGLQ Investors, has emerged as one of the largest buyers of distressed mortgages from Fannie. The Wall Street bank is buying the mortgages to meet its consumer relief obligation under the terms of its $5 billion mortgages settlement with federal and state authorities.
Ferrante Fever is coming to HBO.

The premium cable channel will broadcast a new drama series based on the international literary hit My Brilliant Friend, the book by Elena Ferrante, HBO said on Thursday.

The series, which will include eight episodes in the first season, with the potential for more, will go into production this summer. It will be filmed in Italian and will run with English subtitles on HBO.

Also titled My Brilliant Friend, the series will be a coproduction: HBO will carry the series along with the Italian state broadcaster RAI, and the show will be produced by the Italian production company Wildside and Fandango Productions. Wildside also produced the Jude Law series The Young Pope, which was broadcast on HBO in America, and made with Canal+ and Sky.
WASHINGTON  President Trump, who has called the North American Free Trade Agreement the worst trade deal ever signed by the United States, appears to have backed off his threat to abandon the deal and is instead proposing keeping major planks in place when he begins renegotiating it later this year.

But Mr. Trump, eager to showcase his tough stance against unfair trade practices, plans to sign two executive orders on Friday that will lay the groundwork for new policies and stricter enforcement of trade laws.

The president will order a 90-day study of abusive trade practices that contribute to the United States trade deficit. The Commerce Department and the United States trade representative will do a country-by-country, product-by-product accounting of the reasons for the imbalance. A second directive is aimed at increasing the collection of duties from countries whose companies American officials believe are selling products in the United States below their cost of production.

Neither measure will have an immediate impact on trade policy or enforcement, but each could eventually lead to aggressive new measures. Both are aimed at showcasing Mr. Trumps intent to fulfill his promises on trade.
Last spring, on the street known as Bangla Bazaar in the Parkchester section of the Bronx, the Bangladeshi restaurant Neerob  thought by many to be the citys best  vanished.

Another Bangladeshi restaurant stands in its place, a source of confusion for some pilgrims who step off the No. 6 train at the Castle Hill Avenue stop and make their way to that strip of halal meat markets and threading salons. But Neerobs presiding spirit, Mohammed Rahman, whom friends and regulars call Khokon, is gone.

Fortunately, he can be found a few blocks away, in an equally utilitarian space on Westchester Avenue that was once home to a 99-cent store. There, a year and a half ago, he opened Packsun Halal Chicken with a resolutely American menu of rotisserie and fried chicken and burgers, along with the occasional pakora.

Soon after, he split with his business partner in the Bangla Bazaar space. He took the Neerob name with him and unfurled it in Packsuns window to the delight of customers who had been chiding him for the lack of Bangladeshi dishes.
For a region as ancient as Ribeira Sacra, it may seem odd that we dont know a lot about the wine.

It was the ancient Romans who first carved terraces into the perilously steep hills that rise from the rivers in eastern Galicia in northwest Spain. Paradoxically, the wine available today is a relatively recent phenomenon. Ribeira Sacra wines are modern interpretations, produced by winemakers who are still learning the intricacies of the land and how it is expressed through the mencia grape.

Here at Wine School, we welcome opportunities to discover wine regions as they are still discovering themselves. Ribeira Sacra, like so many other Spanish regions, provides a great opportunity to examine the merger of ancient and modern. And it offers a chance to explore the qualities of the mencia grape, which, because of the potential it has displayed in Ribeira Sacra and the neighboring region of Bierzo, is becoming increasingly popular in other parts of Spain as well as in the Dao region of Portugal.

You know how we operate: I recommend three good examples of a particular wine each month. You drink one or as many as you would like at home, in a relaxed atmosphere with food, family or friends, noting your own reactions to the wine. Then we gather to discuss. As always, I welcome hearing your thoughts.

The three wines I recommended were the Decima Ribeira Sacra 2014, the Guimaro Ribeira Sacra Tinto 2015 and the D. Ventura Ribeira Sacra Vina Caneiro 2012.
OISTERWIJK, the Netherlands  In his airy studio at the European Ceramic Workcenter, Tim Belliveau, a glass artist from Canada, toyed with digital color renderings of the ceramic polygon sculptures he envisioned. Later, after building a cardboard model of one, he would cut slabs of clay, scaling up the prototype.

Im going as big as I can, about three feet, which will take about two and a half weeks to dry, another week to fire and another week to glaze, Mr. Belliveau said. Im trying to mix the digital aesthetic with rough materials.

If Mr. Belliveau sounds like he knows his way around clay, he will be the first to say otherwise. Like almost three-quarters of the artists, designers and architects who vie for three-month residencies at the center, about 70 miles southeast of Amsterdam, he is new to the medium.

Its a crazy crash course in ceramics, plus everyone is working on an insane scale, said Mr. Belliveau, who also specializes in 3-D printing. In my first two weeks here, I think Ive done about a years worth of work.
MYSORE, India  In and around the pale yellow buildings of Mysores central market, the smells of jasmine, spices and incense mingle with the bright colors of dyes, candies, fruits and fabrics. The sensory overload can leave even seasoned travelers awe-struck, and torn about what to take home as a souvenir.

Along with sandalwood oil and Mysore pak  a yellow dessert made from ghee, sugar and chickpea flour  a popular choice is a silk version of the sari, the traditional Indian garment commonly made from cotton.

The countryside around Mysore, a city of about 900,000 in the south-central state of Karnataka, was once a hub for silk farming. And though Chinese silk now dominates the local supply chain, companies and artisans from the greater Mysore area still weave saris from raw silk, just as they did more than a century ago.
But before Ms. Imai painted a single stroke, she spent months studying Bach and his counterparts, pouring over biographies to understand why the German composer wrote the piece. Otherwise realization is just personal and does not connect with the artist, she said. Its too sad.

Her tools also have the mark of a perfectionist. All the powder is made from the highest quality natural gemstones, while the silklike paper she uses is produced without chemicals by the son of the craftsman who made Picassos paper, she said: Hes like me. It takes 300 hours to make just one paper.

Her brushes are made from plant root (the same kind used in ancient Japanese brushes) by a craftsman in a tiny village on the island of Okinawa. Ms. Imai found him on the internet. I wanted a certain texture, she said. He really loves French culture, so he was willing to make these brushes especially for me. We have a really nice relationship.

Though precious powder is her forte, translating it onto watches was a different story. After meeting Mr. Selmoni, Ms. Imai spent the next two years experimenting with how to fix the powder onto the watch dials, which now come in representations of three cities  Geneva, Paris and New York. The series has been given the name Metiers dArt Villes Lumieres, which translates to Light Cities.

For each dial Ms. Imai sets some 30,000 points of either diamond, platinum or gold powder with a thin metal stylus, a process that takes more than 500 hours, or three months per dial. And that doesnt include the background research.
A corridor links the Glass House to the main factory building, which, on a quick glimpse, looks like a metal mesh rectangle. Perforated aluminum panels encircle the building about 20 feet from the facade, so workers can look out on the surrounding green countryside but no one can look in, for security reasons.

The panels were treated to change color depending on sunlight and the angle from which they are viewed, but on a warm, sunny March day, they seemed to remain charcoal gray. The name BVLGARI is spelled out in huge glistening letters across the front with the companys signature ancient Roman V in place of the U; earlier this month, the letters werent quite visible enough, Mr. Rapone said, so workers were busily polishing away.

Mr. Rapone, who oversaw the 18-month construction process, knows every corner of the new facility. One of the companys directives was to be kind to the environment and to the employees.

The factory is built around the Roman domus (or home) model, Mr. Rapone said, in tribute to Bulgaris Roman heritage. It has a courtyard (measuring 6,460 square feet), a primary feature in traditional homes, to encourage workers to enjoy fresh air and socializing, although on this particular day employees on breaks were clustered around the espresso machines on each floor or gathered in adjacent smoking rooms.

The new site also features a cafeteria where employees can have free lunches, created with produce sourced locally. Theres a free shuttle to take workers into the city center, incentives for car pooling, and even a shower for those who bike to work.

Workers are issued uniforms, indigo polo shirts and cotton trousers. They are held up by buttons, no belts or zippers, because employees are required to go through metal detectors each day to make sure no gold is going out the door with them. Two security guards monitoring 36 screen views of the factory also help ensure no materials leave the building.
Thirteen-year-old JoJo Siwa rolled up to school in a souped-up vintage car with a giant pink bow plastered on the grill. Inside the car, with her blond hair tightly pulled into a side ponytail and wrapped in a pastel yellow bow, she sang to her mother, I dont really care about what they say, while a group of mean girls wearing not-so-pastel clothes snickered from a bench. (We know theyre mean girls because the words mean girls are displayed on the screen next to them.)

Dont let the haters get their way, JoJos mother, also clad in yellow pastel, told her.

No worries. The new young teenage heroine of suburban America showed no fear. After winning a rowdy dance battle in her video Boomerang, which has gotten over 200 million views on YouTube, JoJo places a purple bow on the lead mean girl. Everyone becomes best friends.
The Fashion Institute of Technology held its annual gala on March 22 at the Marriott Marquis. The Cultural Services of the French Embassy held a costumed benefit on March 23 to renovate its Venetian Room. Pflag National held its annual gala at the Marriott Marquis on March 27. And Fordham University held its annual Fordham Founders awards dinner on March 27 at Cipriani Wall Street.
Roger Wilkins would not be trifled with.

Not by Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, the publisher for whom he worked as an editorial board member. Not by A. M. Rosenthal, the executive editor for whom he worked as a news columnist.

Mr. Wilkins, a champion of civil rights who died Sunday at 85, had an outsize impact at The New York Times, given that his career here lasted only five years. Even as he reached readers who might not otherwise have connected with The Times, Mr. Wilkins was embroiled in intramural conflicts  not a few of his own making.

A true intellect, he was torn that his smarts were accepted by fellow blacks but not totally by the dominant white society, Paul Delaney, a former Times correspondent and editor, and a friend of Mr. Wilkins, said in an email on Wednesday. That provoked an extreme response by him.

He could be the cool, reasonable, quiet-spoken intellect that he was, Mr. Delaney recalled. Or, he could be the radical, venom-spitting militant, which left many people perplexed and confused  but many of us understood exactly where he was coming from; we shared his experiences.
Air quality has long been a serious problem here in Beijing  for citizens and The Timess foreign correspondents alike. Now efforts to dial back air pollution worldwide are likely to take a hit: On Tuesday, less than a week after rolling back fuel-economy standards for the auto industry, President Trump announced an executive order reversing the rest of the Obama administrations climate plan. If carried through, the order  which lifts American limits on carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants, the largest contributor of particulate pollution  flies in the face of the United States pledge under the Paris climate accord to cut its emissions.

Air pollution is worst in developing nations, particularly in Asia, where economies are growing fast and countries often have lax regulations, but smog also affects Europe, making headlines in London, Paris and Warsaw. Beijing, New Delhi and Tehran experience smog that far exceeds W.H.O. limits. Dirty air contributes to the deaths of millions of people each year, according to a recent Health Effects Institute report, State of Global Air.

Katrin Bennhold, a Times correspondent in London, cycles daily through smoggy parts of the city to reach work. There are days in the summer when the heat and the rush-hour fumes hang over the stationary black cabs and double-decker buses like an invisible blanket, she wrote in an email. A year ago, her doctor warned her about it. He said the damage to my respiratory system of biking for 30 minutes, twice a day, almost certainly outweighs the health benefit. That came as a shock.

For Ellen Barry, The Timess South Asia bureau chief, who is based in New Delhi, the smogs arrival is a true disaster.
Article: Trumps Executive Order Pushes the U.S. Climate Pledge Further Out of Reach

Before Reading

Watch this video from 2015 of former President Barack Obama as he announces the successful Paris agreement on climate change, signed by representatives from 192 countries.

What did you learn from the video, and what are your impressions of the worldwide agreement that was reached in 2015? Was the agreement a positive thing, in your view, and if so, why? If not, why not?

Questions for Comprehension and Analysis

1. What did President Trump sign on March 28? What did his executive order mean for American leadership in the international campaign to curb the heating of the planet?

2. What does the executive order mean for the Obama-era Clean Power Plan, and what did that plan intend to do?
In your ideal world, what type of college or university would you attend?

Provide details on what it would it be like. What requirements  if any  would be placed on students, both for admission and for graduation? Does this college already exist?

In The Young Mariners of Throgs Neck, Gary M. Stern writes:

New York City is a college town. With no fewer than 137 institutions of higher learning, from community colleges to world-class private universities to specialized colleges like the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and the Juilliard School for music, there is a school for virtually every academic pursuit. Even, it may come as a surprise, for future merchant mariners. Tucked away under the Throgs Neck Bridge in the Bronx is the often overlooked State University of New York Maritime College, which has become known for its strong engineering and marine transportation programs. According to a new study, recent graduates of SUNY Maritime earn more than graduates of any other university in the United States. When Payscale.com surveyed the annual incomes of 1.4 million midcareer graduates with bachelors degrees, Maritime College ranked first, with an average income of $144,000, surpassing M.I.T., Harvey Mudd College and Princeton University. The college is an unusual blend of engineering school and military academy; a majority of the students train to be merchant mariners, wearing uniforms and following a strict regimen that prohibits freshmen, for one thing, from leaving campus during the school week. A typical cadet is Cullen Palicka, a 20-year-old junior who was raised in Manhattan and attended the Harbor School, a maritime-themed high school on Governors Island, which provided his first taste of life at sea. For Mr. Palicka, sailing on the Training Ship Empire State VI is what sets Maritime College apart from the typical college. The navy blue ship  565 feet long with a 32-foot draft, and weighing more than 17,000 tons  is crucial to Maritime Colleges mission. Every cadet spends 45 days on it in the summers after freshman and sophomore years, then does a 90-day tour after junior year. They are responsible for the ships navigation, plotting the course and powering the ship, said Lori Shull, the director of communication at the college. It serves as a traveling lab, replete with pumps and motors. Youre no longer in a classroom, with a desk, chair and whiteboard, Mr. Palicka said. Thats our classroom.

Students: Read the entire article, then tell us:

 Were you surprised to hear there is a special college for merchant mariners in New York City? Why or why not?

 Would you be more excited about college if you could attend one that highly specializes in what you want to learn? Why or why not?

 What specialty college would you create, what would you name it, what would the student body and faculty be like, and where would it be located?
I was staying in a square cinder-block house on a dirt road outside the Lovely Bay settlement on Acklins Island in the southern Bahamas. This was a number of years ago, a fishing trip, long days spent out on the flats of the Bight of Acklins with a local guide named Fidel Johnson. Each night we returned to eat fiery stews prepared by his sister, Doramae Johnson. They were bright crimson affairs, perhaps familiar to those who have spent time eating in the islands of the Bahamas and Lesser Antilles. Doramae ginned them up from canned goods and fresh conchs, lobster, sometimes chicken or pork shipped in from Nassau, and served them on a small table in her brothers kitchen. They were bewilderingly delicious. I begged her for a recipe. She only smiled. I tried to come off the water early to cook with her. She was onto me. The stew was finished, left warm in the oven, and she was gone, her secrets kept.

The writer Jim Harrison, who died last year at 78, did not to my knowledge ever eat or cook with Doramae. In 1981, when he published a recipe for what he called Caribbean stew in the literary magazine Smoke Signals, she was only a child. But when I came across that recipe in Harrisons new posthumous collection of food writing, A Really Big Lunch, published last month, it sent me directly back to that kitchen on Acklins, to the aromas and flavors of the place, and to the deep satisfaction I had eating there, night after night.

It was not easy cooking, at first, to make it right. In Smoke Signals, Harrison shared pages with Terry Southern, Charles Bukowski and Patti Smith. His job was to be ribald and wild. Hed get to the recipe eventually. In his essay Eat Your Heart Out, he first outlined a fantasy about Meryl Streep (Then I slipped on my fifty-dollar Key West pig mask and stalked her pealing laughter through the penthouse etc.) and delivered the address, in Ann Arbor, Mich., of a woman who made a hot sauce he admired (Clancys Fancy, still around).
Life magazine was like life itself for me for about 12 years of my early youth, until we stopped renewing our subscription. I remember the images of the Korean War, the movie Cleopatra, the funeral of William Faulkner (reported by William Styron), the space program and the Vietnam War. Lifes photographs were brave and brilliant, capturing the human moment. Reading Life in a bungalow in Medford, Mass., I beheld a world that was remote and alluring, places I would never see, parties I would never attend, millionaires and up-and-comers I would never know. It was how the mass of people lived, vicariously, following the fortunes of famous names in magazines; how they still live, overlooked, grinding away, not celebrated, not up-and-coming.

Thirty years passed, in the course of which I published 30 books. Eventually, I fetched up in Hawaii, a place I first saw in Life  hula girls, luaus, volcanoes, big surf. I had paddled a kayak for years, and the folding kayak I owned was one I first saw in a cover story in Life magazine in 1957, the Klepper kayak paddled by Hannes Lindemann in his epic ocean voyage. That issue also contained an article about racial strife in the Deep South. All I knew about segregation then I learned in Life. When I was a boy, most of what I knew of other cultures, of celebrity, of literature, of politics and war, I discovered in the intensity of Lifes stories and photographs. In many ways, its witness and authority pushed through the letter slot vitalized me for the life of travel I was about to live.

In Hawaii, some fellow paddlers said I should meet Gardner McKay  a paddler and also a writer. The word got to Gardner. He invited me for a drink in Honolulu, at a bar on Makaloa Street. He was way over six feet tall, handsome, deeply tanned, 10 years older than I, with a paddlers broad shoulders. Like me, he wore an aloha shirt, a pair of shorts and the flip-flops known in Hawaii as slippers. Because of the street name, we talked about Jack Londons tale On the Makaloa Mat. We groused a little about Hawaii  the traffic, the crowds  as local haoles do.

He drank the last of his beer and said: So how about dinner? Come home with me. My wifes a gourmet chef.
The Twin Peaks television revival is finally arriving in May, but David Lynch fans have had a long spell of contenting themselves with leftovers. (The directors last feature was Inland Empire in 2006.) The documentary David Lynch: The Art Life benefits from confining itself to a less-examined period.

It closes with Mr. Lynchs work on his first feature, Eraserhead (1977), following his artistic development from an upbringing in which he says his mother refused to let him have coloring books  the lines were somehow too restrictive  through his education as a painter.

Bouncing his young daughter on his knee, or at work in his studio, Mr. Lynch is less cryptic in this film directed by Jon Nguyen, Rick Barnes and Olivia Neergaard-Holm than in the 2007 documentary Lynch.

Mr. Lynch charts the shift from an idyllic early childhood in Idaho to a darker period after a family move to Virginia. He repeatedly credits the encouragement of the artist Bushnell Keeler and he calls Philadelphia, where he attended the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, a city that would suck your happiness away and fill you with sadness and fear. (Images of his paintings and a rumbling Lynchian score infuse even his folksiest utterances with a sense of menace.)
Recounting the stories of five Hollywood directors who served in World War II with cameras in tow, the 2014 book Five Came Back, by the journalist Mark Harris, is an extraordinarily detailed account of how the men brought the war home for viewers. Still, it has a problem endemic to film books: It lacks clips.

So perhaps Five Came Back was destined to become a Netflix series. Divided into three parts, this screen adaptation is a companion piece and a stand-alone work, and itself superlative film criticism. Directed by Laurent Bouzereau, Five Came Back will be shown theatrically in New York and Los Angeles starting Friday, when it also begins streaming on Netflix.

Sidestepping the impossible task of compression, this chronological series takes the gambit of having each directors story relayed by a contemporary counterpart. The pairings arent always the expected ones.

Steven Spielberg, whose own movies share obvious affinities with those of Frank Capra and John Ford, is the surrogate for William Wyler. Mr. Spielbergs eye is one of the series strongest assets: He extols the aerial photography in The Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress (1944), an account of a B-17 bombers mission, and later notes how Wyler avoided camera motion until a crucial scene in The Best Years of Our Lives (1946), one of several postwar films held up as examples of how the directors experiences overseas transformed their movies.
A cyborg takes a deep dive in this scene from Ghost in the Shell, the new live-action adaptation of a Japanese comic book. Here, the cyber-enhanced Major (Scarlett Johansson) goes inside the digital information found in a geisha robot to solve the mystery of how it was hacked. The robots digital memories are visualized as Major physically walks through them. The director Rupert Sanders discussed building robots, visualizing data onscreen and greasing up stuntmen for the sequence. Here are excerpts from that conversation.

Tell me about the deep dive concept.

Major knows that to find where this robot was hacked, her subconscious ghost needs to dive into the memory of the geisha.

Can you talk about when you use digital effects rather than practical ones here?

My default mode is in-camera as much as possible. So that geisha, for instance, we built fully practically, and inside were animatronic brass cogs. So it was kind of like a Swiss watch inside, and outside it was a kind of ceramic doll. It was based on the face of the actress and model Rila Fukushima, whos got this incredibly serene and beautiful face.

Tell me about how you wanted to visualize the dive itself, that moment Major plunges into the digital memories.
If the movie industry gave out awards for Most Accurate Title, the Catalan writer and director Albert Serras new film would walk away with one. As it happens, Mr. Serra did receive Frances prestigious Jean Vigo award for The Death of Louis XIV, which stars Jean-Pierre Leaud as the French monarch.

Louis XIV reigned for 72 years, until his death in 1715. He knew no other life save that of king. Mr. Serras depiction of the monarchs final days shows a mostly bedridden Louis keeping to his dimly lit, ornately appointed bedroom. Bedecked in elaborate clothing and ridiculously oversize hairpieces, he is initially in a relatively content state. He gossips and indulges in what some might call mild locker-room talk with his doctors, asking one whether a certain marquise is beautiful naked. This state doesnt last. He has night sweats; he calls for water; when water is brought to him, he demands that it be served in a particular piece of crystal. It was perhaps once good to be the king; now its confusing. And it will get worse before he gives up the ghost.
Every other Tuesday, Onita Estes-Hicks, 80, spends three hours in a New York City seminary contemplating her past and, just as important, her future.

Its not silent contemplation, but time engaged with 15 fellow travelers who are part of the Encore Transition Program, a semester-long curriculum at the Union Theological Seminary in Morningside Heights, right in Dr. Estes-Hickss neighborhood. Encore began last year to help retired and older adults make a change for the better, in their lives and in the world around them.

For Dr. Estes-Hicks, a former professor and chairwoman of the English department at the State University of New York at Old Westbury, that change has been a long time coming. In 2004, just after retiring, she found out she was the descendant of 13 of 272 slaves sold by Jesuits who once ran Georgetown. Now Encore is helping her make sense of it all.

While planning a family reunion 13 years ago in New Orleans, she and her niece decided to work out a family tree. They found that Dr. Estes-Hickss paternal great-great-grandfather, Nace Butler, a 50-year-old blacksmith; his 45-year-old wife, Biby; and their children were sold in 1838 by the president of Georgetown to settle heavy debts. The slaves were taken from their Maryland plantation and relocated to Louisiana. This was long before The New York Times reported about the Georgetown slave sale, and long before students demanded that the names of the priests who sold those slaves be removed from campus buildings.
A Manhattan appeals court ruled on Thursday in two separate lawsuits that a long-established but contentious provision of the New York civil rights code prevents the disciplinary records of city police officers from being publicly released.

The twin rulings by the First Judicial Department appeals court handed a victory to Mayor Bill de Blasio and the New York Police Department, both of which had argued, sometimes grudgingly, that the state civil rights law, known as Section 50-a, forbids the public issuance or mention in court of an officers personnel record without judicial approval.

Though the law was put in place in 1976 mainly to safeguard the privacy of officers, and to shield them from the abuse that might arise if their records were released, two civil rights groups and a host of media organizations had sought to obtain such records, claiming in separate suits that the Police Departments disciplinary process was overly secretive and that making the records of police officers public would increase accountability and transparency.

The appeals courts first decision put to rest litigation filed by the New York Civil Liberties Union, which in 2010 had sent a Freedom of Information request to the Police Department seeking a decades worth of judicial decisions as well as the outcome of the internal trials of police officers accused of misconduct.
A tangled court battle that pitted New Yorks budget authority against its Education Department took another turn on Wednesday when the state released a long-delayed infusion of cash to some of its lowest-performing schools.

In 2015, the State Legislature created a $75 million pot of money for 20 schools that were considered persistently failing, to pay for things like counseling for students or professional development for teachers. Schools in the persistently failing category must be among the lowest performing schools in the state according to the federal government. Last year, the state Education Department announced that nine of the original 20 schools were no longer in that position.

In response, the Division of Budget froze all the money that remained in the program, about $69 million. It said that it could not give money to schools that no longer qualified for the program. And because it did not have a mechanism for distributing money to some schools but not others, the division said, none of the schools received the funding.

Parents at some of the schools sued the Division of Budget, arguing that the schools were persistently failing when they qualified for the money, therefore, they were still entitled to receive it. Their children attended three of the schools that were removed from the program: The Mosholu Parkway middle school in the Bronx, Roosevelt High School in Yonkers, and the William S. Hackett Middle School in Albany. The Education Department sided with the parents in court.
The lawyer for Reza Zarrab, a Turkish gold trader jailed in New York on charges of violating United States sanctions on Iran, sent a letter to a judge on Thursday that suggested that Rudolph W. Giuliani had been retained to negotiate a resolution of the case with government officials at higher levels than the federal prosecutor overseeing the matter.

The judge in the case on Tuesday asked Mr. Zarrabs lawyers to clarify the roles of Mr. Giuliani, the former New York City mayor who is close to President Trump, and Michael B. Mukasey, a former federal judge and attorney general in the George W. Bush administration, who have both been retained by Mr. Zarrab.

The New York Times has reported that Mr. Giuliani and Mr. Mukasey traveled recently to meet with the president of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, about Mr. Zarrabs case.

Mr. Zarrabs lead lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, said in the letter to the judge on Thursday that Mr. Giuliani and Mr. Mukasey were merely serving an ancillary role which requires no direct interaction with the court.
There is not much to show yet, beyond some renderings. The details still have to be fully worked out  like pedestrian access. (The drawings show a couple of new crosswalks connecting local streets with the waterfront, which arent very many for a stretch that long, with another possible crossing marked as being under study.) What about bicycles, changes to the riverfront and parks, or the connections to the nearby Hunts Point Produce Market, a vital economic asset that is choked with trucks and exhaust? Local groups are eager to find out.

A coalition of community groups, the Southern Bronx River Watershed Alliance, is among those that support the Cuomo plan to lay the Sheridan low. How could it not? But The Timess report of the announcement included this telling warning from Elena Conte, director of policy at the Pratt Center for Community Development, an alliance member: If Governor Cuomo wants credit for undoing the legacy of Robert Moses in the South Bronx, he will do that not just by making physical changes, but also by listening to a community that Moses pointedly ignored.

This means close, painstaking engagement with local groups and experts in New York City government  to make sure the boulevard is only as big and wide as it absolutely needs to be, is maximally hospitable to street life and pedestrian safety and is beautiful to boot. New York City is highly skilled  and has been getting better  at designing and improving urban spaces. The city issued its own transportation and land-use study of the Sheridan Expressway area in 2013, in far more detail than what Mr. Cuomo has so far presented. Its exciting that the governor has big plans to fix the Sheridan. Its disheartening that city officials say they did not know about them until the day they were announced, on March 19.
To the Editor:

Re Scholarly Sting Operation Exposes Murky World of Predatory Scientific Journals (news article, March 23):

PLoS, the Public Library of Science, strongly denounces predatory publishing practices by unscrupulous actors, which hurt individual scientists, the scientific enterprise and society as a whole. The reputation of the majority of legitimate open-access journals is also at risk when predatory journals succeed in their deception.

The value of open access is more than its business model; it is a movement that makes science more transparent and accessible to all. Legitimate open-access publishers strive to defend the integrity of this principle. But all publishers have a role to play in educating scientists on how to identify predatory publishers.

The value of open-access publishing is clear. More and more governments, institutions and funders like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Wellcome Trust require that the research they fund be made freely available through open access, immediately upon publication, so that their contributions reach the widest audience and have the most impact to improve human understanding of the world as quickly as possible.

DAVID KNUTSON, SAN FRANCISCO

The writer is manager of public relations, PLoS, a nonprofit scholarly publisher.
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Tom Perriello, a populist former Congressman who represented rural Virginia and has long been admired by Barack Obama, talks about the consolidation and monopolization of the economy. But Perriello has also been praised by the National Rifle Association.

Ralph Northam, meanwhile, is the lieutenant governor of Virginia, praised by both the states Democratic Party leaders and by abortion-rights groups. But Northam also voted for George W. Bush for president, twice.
This idea that the sins of our past are a byproduct of some general societal failing, rather than being the inevitable outcome of a church-run, state-supported policy of punishing women for out-of-wedlock pregnancies also finds an echo in the highest levels of government. In his speech following the commissions disclosures about the burial site, the Irish prime minister, Enda Kenny, waxed lyrical about the Tuam grave as a social and cultural sepulcher. Yet he tactfully gave the religious order that was paid by the state to care for the babies who lie in those graves a pass.

No nuns broke into our homes to kidnap our children, he said. We gave them up because of our perverse, in fact, morbid relationship with what you call respectability.

This notion of the church as a benign actor amid societys rush to banish illegitimate children and the mothers who bore them is hardly supported by witness accounts. On Irish TV recently, Peter Mulryan, whose baby sister is believed to have died at the Tuam home and may be buried there, spoke of how the local priest personally transported his mother, seven months pregnant at the time, on the crossbar of his bicycle for the 20-mile journey to a home in Loughrea, after telling her parents that their daughter was causing a scandal. She eventually ended up at the Tuam home.

I spoke to another survivor of the home, P. J. Haverty, who told me that his grandparents also got the priestly visit instructing them to surrender their pregnant daughter. She spent 12 months at the home breast-feeding her baby. Then, after she was ordered to leave him so no further bonding could occur, she returned almost every week to beg the nuns to give her back her child. She gave this up only after he was placed in a foster home at age 6.

Of course, when one realizes that in Ireland today about 90 percent of primary schools and many hospitals are state-funded and church-run, just as the mother and baby homes were, the desire to establish collective guilt begins to make sense. But the effort to deflect blame from the church also involves an unsavory business interest.

In the early 2000s, the government decided to establish a mechanism to compensate victims of abuse in state-funded, church-run institutions. The sexual assaults and savage beatings that took place were inflicted by priests and nuns, but the state accepted 50 percent of the blame for its oversight failure. After much wrangling, some 18 Catholic religious orders agreed to contribute $138 million to the compensation fund, then estimated at $270 million, in return for indemnification against lawsuits.

Better still for the church, its contribution was capped at that level. Later, in 2009, when an investigation known as the Ryan Report detailed the abuses, the Catholic orders offered an additional $378 million, only for it to be reduced by more than a third of that amount in 2015. So when the demands for compensation outstripped the initial funds, as they quickly did  rising to about $1.6 billion  the Irish taxpayer was left to pick up the tab.

So here we are, nearly a century into this self-rule thing, and the Irish state, which is, of course, an expression of Irish society, is still hellbent on protecting an institution, the church, that has repeatedly failed to live up to the moral code it imposes on others. We have a high tolerance for guilt here, but babies in a mass grave is a new low. The Irish public is right not to accept this latest moral burden. Nor should it have to pay the churchs debts of dishonor.
AMHERST, Mass.  President Trumps skinny budget might be a misnomer, because in foreign policy, at least, it is actually giving us fat nationalism. The biggest winners are the military, the Homeland Security Department and, of course, the wall. The biggest loser is the State Department and thus diplomacy. Mr. Trump is all about intimidating more and negotiating less. This is the hallmark of xenophobic nationalism.

Mr. Trump is also blending xenophobic nationalism with protectionism. The jury is still out on how protectionist the Trump administration wants to be. But in relation to Latin America, even before revealing his budget, Mr. Trump already showed a clear preference for protectionism.

He walked away from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was as much about United States trade with Latin Americas rising Pacific economies as it was about trade with Asia. He has trashed Nafta, a trade agreement that is more important as a symbol of the reconciliation between the United States and Mexico than it is as a change in the economic fortune of the United States. His administration has expressed reservations about trade normalization with Cuba and the peace accord in Colombia, a nation with which the United States has a major trade agreement and a history of close cooperation.

One problem with nationalist protectionism is that as an ideology, it is prone to double blindness: It is blind both to its exaggerations and to its consequences.
Judge Gorsuch discussed every precedent thrown at him as if it were a grenade with the pin pulled. He never embraced even the most universally acclaimed landmarks, not even Gideon v. Wainwright, the 1963 decision that gave indigent criminal defendants the right to a free lawyer. Gideon was, the nominee conceded generously, a seminal precedent. He added: Im not in a position to tell you whether I personally like or dislike any precedent. That actually wasnt the question, not even from softball-throwing Senator Grassley, who purported to want to know not whether the nominee loved a particular precedent, but how he might apply it in future cases.

Unlike Senator Grassley, the Democratic senators tried to penetrate the armor, but their questions bounced off without a trace. Judge Gorsuch insisted that it would be unfair to litigants before the Supreme Court to tip his hand on how he regarded prior cases  any prior case, no matter how ancient or uncontested. That is actually a fatuous position. Once judges take their seats and rule on an issue, the world knows what they think and how they are likely to rule the next time the issue comes up. Justice Scalia, for example, was explicit in calling on his colleagues to overrule Roe v. Wade. There was not a chance that he would change his mind the next time an abortion case came along. So how would Judge Gorsuchs commenting on past cases be any different? No one would have suggested that Justice Scalia had unfairly tipped his hand or that he should have recused himself from future abortion cases.

Ill give credit, though, to Senator Dick Durbin, Democrat of Illinois, who questioned Judge Gorsuch about an episode from the nominees pre-judicial career. For a year in the administration of President George W. Bush, Mr. Gorsuch held a senior position in the Justice Department and was deeply involved in issues concerning the hundreds of men held as enemy combatants at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Dozens of the countrys major law firms were providing free legal assistance to the prisoners, a fact that was beginning to draw attention in conservative media, especially as efforts on behalf of the detainees began to bear fruit at the Supreme Court.

On Jan. 23, 2006, from his Justice Department email account, Mr. Gorsuch forwarded an article from the blog of the right-wing American Spectator. The identity of the emails recipient was blacked out in the copy the Trump administration made available to the Judiciary Committee. Mr. Gorsuchs subject line was Elite Law Firm Pro Bono Work for Terrorists and his message read: I thought you mind [sic] find this of interest. It seems odd to me that more hasnt been made of this. See esp. list of firms below from Spectator blog. His recipient replied: The great fallacy here, of course, is that this work helps to protect the rights of Americans. By definition, the only rights at issue here are those of suspected alien terrorist enemies during time of war. Mr. Gorsuchs response? Exactly.

Asking Judge Gorsuch about this exchange, Senator Durbin recalled that Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. had represented unpopular clients during his legal career and had spoken proudly about it during his Senate confirmation hearing in 2005. The principle that you dont identify the lawyer with the particular view of the client, or the views that the lawyer advances on behalf of a client, is critical to the fair administration of justice, John Roberts said then.

So for the record, Senator Durbin asked Judge Gorsuch, would you put in perspective any comments that you made about people representing Guantanamo detainees?

The question marked one of the only times during the hearing that a Democrat dented the carefully polished armor. The email youre referring to is not my finest moment, blowing off steam with a friend, privately, Judge Gorsuch replied. The truth is, I think my career is better than that.
Womens History Month is coming to an end. Donald Trump must be absolutely exhausted.

 the White House has been hosting events all throughout March, press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters, launching into a list of activities that culminated Wednesday in a visit by the president to a special Womens Empowerment Panel. The administration regarded this gathering as so important that it featured every single female cabinet member.

Yes! All four!

Actually, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao couldnt come, so they substituted Seema Verma, the head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. My cabinet is full of really incredible women leaders, the president said, looking at the quartet.

There are 24 people in the cabinet. This is one of the reasons that pictures of White House decision-making resemble a meeting of the Freemasons.

Besides Chao, the cabinet women include Nikki Haley, ambassador to the United Nations, and Linda McMahon, head of the Small Business Administration. While everybody wants to encourage small business and at least some of us want to encourage the U.N., neither of those would be regarded as exactly superpower positions.
PARIS  Shortly before midnight on Nov. 13, 2015, in an address intended to project an air of solemn strength but which nonetheless betrayed the bewilderment that now seems to permeate French public life, President Francois Hollande offered to the nation what little information he possessed about the atrocities then underway in Paris. There are dozens killed, there are many injured, Mr. Hollande said. It is a horror.

In the confusion of early morning, as the full scale of the killings became apparent  413 wounded, 130 dead, the deadliest attack on civilians on French soil since World War II  the president declared a state of emergency, freeing the countrys security services from many of the legal constraints, and much of the judicial oversight, to which they must submit in normal times. Initially expected to last only a short time, the state of emergency has now been in place for more than 16 months. It is scheduled to continue through at least midsummer. Under its provisions, the police have conducted more than 4,000 warrantless searches and raids, placed more than 700 people under administrative house arrest (some for more than a year), and closed around two dozen mosques and Muslim prayer spaces.

This spectacle of state power may have reassured many people here, but there is little to suggest that it has made their country safer in ways that normal law could not. The scores of searches without warrants, for instance, have resulted in only about 20 indictments on terrorism charges; over the same period, more than 150 terrorism indictments have been obtained without recourse to such tactics. The security services have headed off a number of apparently imminent attacks in recent months, but these successes seem to have owed nothing to the state of emergency. Its provisions have also failed to prevent several episodes of mass violence, including a truck rampage in Nice last summer that killed 86 and wounded scores more.
In addition, Trump has antagonized the leaders of allied countries like Mexico, Australia and Germany, and he has repeatedly demonstrated an extraordinary lack of knowledge about foreign affairs.

This is the president who faces what Warren Christopher, President Clintons first secretary of state, called problems from hell. A partial list, compiled by Project Syndicate, includes: intensifying conflicts and dissent within the European Union; the rise of illiberal forces, including welfare chauvinism and exclusionary nationalism; the danger to the continued independence of the buffer states surrounding Russia; a frayed consensus in support of western liberal democratic principles; aggression from a nuclear-armed North Korea and counter threats from the Trump administration of a pre-emptive strike; a foreign policy that The Economist reports has left Americas allies aghast  a policy that seems determined to destroy many of the institutions and alliances created in the past half century.

How dangerous is the situation that the United States faces?

I asked a range of foreign policy analysts and other scholars to assess the ability of President Trump and his administration to effectively manage the developments listed above.

Steve Nadler of the University of Wisconsin had more to say:

Donald Trump and the people with whom he has filled his cabinet are perfectly unqualified and unprepared to handle any and all of those developments and trends. The lack of experience and understanding of the world, especially of our historical and contemporary relationship with our European allies and rivals is frightening, especially in todays world, where the stakes and the dangers are so much greater than ever.

Andrew Bacevich, professor emeritus of international relations and history at Boston University and a retired Army colonel, wrote that Trump is utterly unqualified, both intellectually and by temperament, for the office he holds, adding that the possibility that Trump will disastrously mishandle foreign policy is real.

Bacevich makes an intriguing argument to downplay the danger of a Trump presidency:

Because Trump is manifestly unprincipled, there are very few things he actually believes in.

Bacevich cites

the growing list of things he seemed certain to do where that certainty has now largely disappeared: tearing up the Iran nuclear deal; jettisoning NATO; abandoning the One China policy; moving the US embassy to Jerusalem; reinstituting torture.

Gambling the future of the country on the possibility that Trump will turn out to be a weak reed is, however, a high-risk proposition.

Charles A. Kupchan, a professor of international affairs at Georgetown, wrote me, arguing that Trumps America First agenda is a retreat into an illusory and dangerous isolationism.

If Washington walks away from the rules-based order it has defended for the last seventy years, Kupchan explained,

its democratic allies will be ill-placed to defend it on their own. Whether by design or by default, Trump may well preside over the closing of the era that began when the bombing of Pearl Harbor awakened the United States to the responsibilities and privileges of international leadership.

Of the multiple international tensions that could turn into crises at any time, North Korea could lead the way.
But if moderate Democrats are disposed to cooperate with the deal-maker in chief, they ought to exact a high price. On tax reform, for example, they should insist that Mr. Trump deliver tax relief to the middle class, not the wealthy, and that he jettison Mr. Ryans proposed border-adjustment tax, which would hit consumers and business with big price hikes. The administration needs to find better ways to pay for a sharp reduction in the corporate tax rate. Democrats dont have to love big business to recognize that our antiquated tax system forces companies to pay much higher taxes than their overseas competitors. That makes American workers less competitive and gives our companies incentives to move investment abroad  and keep profits there  to avoid the higher rate.

Some die-hard Republican supply-siders would gladly abandon Mr. Ryan and simply add the cost of Mr. Trumps enormous tax cut to the federal deficit. Democrats ought to hold their feet to the fiscal fire. One way is to close loopholes that cost hundreds of billions in lost revenue and, most economists believe, distort investment decisions. Another is to cap the value of tax deductions (as President Obama proposed) so that high-income people would receive no more tax relief than anyone else. More ambitiously, Democrats could go where Mr. Ryan apparently feared to go by proposing a consumption tax that has actually been tried and proved effective around the world  the value-added tax, with adjustments to ensure progressivity.

Democrats should also insist that Mr. Trump put new revenue on the table, specifically an economywide carbon tax. Otherwise, it will be difficult if not impossible to finance both a comprehensive tax overhaul and the nation-building infrastructure push Mr. Trump has promised. According to the Harvard economist Joe Aldy, a $25-per-ton carbon tax going up 5 percent a year could raise from $130 to $200 billion a year by 2030. Crucially for Democrats, it would also provide a powerful, market-based alternative for the Clean Power Plan and other regulatory policies for lowering carbon emissions that Mr. Trump and the Republicans want to scuttle.

Finally, pro-growth Democrats should be prepared to work with the White House to pass a major boost in spending on roads, air and seaports, railways, water systems, a smart electrical grid and other public goods that can support more robust economic innovation and investment. In return, they should demand that its actually funded, and that a significant share target people and communities left behind by changing technology and globalization.

Would Mr. Trump accept Democrats help on these terms? If he really wants to start racking up wins for his voters, he would. Hed have to share credit  a novel experience  with Democrats, whod get points from swing voters for being pragmatic and competent. And they wouldnt be constrained from fiercely opposing Mr. Trump on just about everything else.

If Democrats have a chance to help average working families and show theyre not obstructionists, they should take it. America doesnt need two parties of no.
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Nearly a dozen years ago, Jo Blackwell-Preston and Kamau Preston rented a two-bedroom in the Sugar Hill area of Harlem, switching to a three-bedroom in their building as their family grew.

A few years later  with a son, daughter, dog and large turtle  they moved to yet another three-bedroom in the building, spending $15,000 on renovations there.

Shortly thereafter, the building was sold. The new owner raised the monthly rent around $500, to $2,900.

The couple already resented paying so much more than their many rent-regulated neighbors. Dayne, now 11, and Ava, 9, shared a bedroom; Mr. Preston, a D.J., used the third bedroom as a music studio.
Its a small fish, only a couple of inches long, and its bright colors make it pop in the Pacific coral reefs it calls home. The first thing that makes this fish peculiar is the striking pair of large lower canines it sports.

But when attacked by a predator, this fish, part of a group called fang blennies,does something even more strange. A predator that puts this fang blenny in its mouth would experience a violent quivering of the head, according to George Losey, a zoologist who observed this species up close in a series of feeding experiments in the 1970s. Then the predator would open its jaws and gills. The little blenny would swim away, unscathed.

A study published on Thursday in Current Biology now lays bare the details of the fishs unusual defense mechanism: Unlike most venomous fish, which inject toxins through their fins, fang blennies deliver venom through their bite. Furthermore, fang blenny venom does not appear to produce potent pain, at least in mice. Instead, it causes a sudden drop in blood pressure, which might temporarily stupefy predators.
The used booster indeed worked just as well as a new one. We just had an incredible day today, Mr. Musk said.

Why Is This a Big Deal?

It is cheaper than using a new rocket, potentially much cheaper.

Until now, rockets have almost all been single-use. Once the fuel is expended, a rocket stage plummets to Earth, a quick demise for a complex machine that cost tens of millions of dollars to build.

Mr. Musk has likened that to scrapping a 747 jet after one flight, which would make air travel impossibly expensive.

How Much Cheaper?

We do not know. Ms. Shotwell, the SpaceX executive, has suggested launches with reused boosters could be discounted, to 30 percent off the usual $62 million price tag. SES asked for 50 percent off. Both SpaceX and SES are private companies, and they have not divulged the negotiated going rate, except to acknowledge there was a discount.

Mr. Musk has suggested that rocket launches could eventually be much cheaper since the cost of the rocket propellants are less than 1 percent of the full-price ticket for a launch. So, if a rocket could be simply refueled like a jetliner for another flight, the cost of space travel could drop to a fraction of what it is now.

But the stresses of spaceflight on reused boosters  like the rising mileage on a used car, sometimes called pre-owned in todays parlance  are much greater. The economics will depend on how many times a booster can be flown, and how much the individual expense will be to refurbish the booster  and particularly the engines  each time.
SAN FRANCISCO  Palmer Luckey, a founder of the virtual-reality technology company Oculus, has left Facebook three years after the social network acquired his company for close to $3 billion.

Mr. Luckeys departure was announced two months after a trial in federal court over allegations that he and several colleagues had stolen trade secrets from a video-game publisher, ZeniMax Media, to create the Oculus technology. A jury found Facebook liable for $500 million in damages, in part for Mr. Luckeys violation of a confidentiality agreement.

Palmer will be dearly missed, Tera Randall, an Oculus spokeswoman, said in a statement. His inventive spirit helped kick-start the modern VR revolution and helped build an industry.

Ms. Randall declined to disclose the terms of Mr. Luckeys departure.

The move adds another twist to Facebooks bumpy foray into virtual-reality technology. Mark Zuckerberg, Facebooks chief executive, has bet big on virtual reality as part of the social networks future, saying he envisioned social interactions between people will someday exist inside virtual worlds. Oculus, he has said, could be a catalyst for that.
The long-running rivalry between Uber and Google has taken many twists and turns. The two companies have been competing to hire talent and to race ahead of each other in technologies like driverless cars.

Now, the latest fracas between the technology behemoths is heading into uncertain legal waters.

It all began last month, when Googles sister company that focuses on self-driving cars, Waymo, sued Uber for using stolen intellectual property in its autonomous vehicles. Though the case could eventually end up going to trial, Uber made a push on Wednesday for parts of the lawsuit to be settled through arbitration, writes Daisuke Wakabayashi, a tech reporter for The New York Times.

Specifically, Uber revealed in a new court document that Waymo previously pursued arbitration with Anthony Levandowski, who formerly worked on Googles self-driving cars and is now the head of Ubers autonomous car unit. According to the filing, Waymo went the arbitration route with Mr. Levandowski last October over its contention that he tried to hire Google employees by using confidential salary information from the company. Its unclear what the outcome of the arbitration was.
To save himself from a miserable home life, Stephan Wolfert joined the Army. And to save himself from the Army, Mr. Wolfert became an actor. He has merged these experiences in Cry Havoc! at the New Ohio Theater, a full-bore autobiographical solo with a meddling co-writer named William Shakespeare.

The piece is directed by Eric Tucker of Bedlam, a theater company that specializes in antic versions of Shakespeare and other literary classics. Mr. Tucker also helped to shape Cry Havoc! through Bedlams outreach program for veterans.

Onstage, Mr. Wolfert leaps and prowls as he describes his experiences during the Persian Gulf war of 1991 (he served stateside) and the post-traumatic stress that still dogs him. He remains concerned by the lack of services available to veterans struggling to make the transition to peacetime life.

We were wired for war, he says. But at the end of our military services we were not unwired from war. We were not rewired for society.
FRANCIS BENHAMOU Its pretty cool that a guy wants to write about an Arab family instead of writing another white story.

How are audiences responding?

JOFFREY Weve had two talkbacks so far. There are questions about whether Emina should be wearing a hijab if shes found the Muslim faith. There are these preconceived notions that people have about the Muslim religion  that they all wear hijabs, that theyre all one way. Theres just as much of a spectrum as there is with Judaism and Christianity.

Are these characters a departure from the kinds you usually play? Do you feel a personal connection to them?

ASHE I feel an enormous pressure to sensitively and accurately portray Middle Eastern characters. Im not Muslim, I dont know any more about Islam than what Ive read in a book. A lot of times youre brought into the room and sort of expected to represent something that you dont. That challenge and that pressure manifest in many ways.

RAMSEY FARAGALLAH Before 9/11, if you were brown, you were basically just a cabdriver or a punch line. Somebody was going to pour soup on you. And then, with all the horrors of 9/11, things slowly started to change. Youre telling some stories about real people. Other times, youre like, Well, gosh, if I do this one terrible job, I could make a living for a year. We have to make those choices as artists, and those are hard choices to make.

BENHAMOU Im kind of a mutt. My family is from everywhere. Ive always been other no matter where I am. I get cast in a lot of ethnicities. Im actually Jewish. I love the opportunity to always be the other, because I can relate to that, thats how I grew up.

TAFTI We dont have a lot of plays about Islam coming out. We have Ayad Akhtar, and thats about it, right? So the pressures of trying to tell this story fall upon a production that cant necessarily support it, because its talking about one nuance.
On a recent weeknight at Ahiru Store, a gastro wine bar in the Tomigaya neighborhood of Tokyo, the seven guests lucky enough to grab a spot at the counter noshed on dishes like freshly made pate, French-style onion pie, avocado and octopus salad, and what might be best described as a pan-fried take on shrimp tempura. Behind these diners, Japanese salarymen and expats in business attire crowded over two oak barrels serving as standing tables.

Wakako Saito, half of the brother-and-sister team behind this boite specializing in modestly priced organic wines, had to politely turn away a steady stream of walk-in guests, all the while delivering the dishes that her brother, Teruhiko, and another cook were whipping up in the open kitchenette. Above the shelves of wineglasses were chalkboards scribbled with the days menu in Japanese.

Tomigaya, which has retained its low-rise silhouette, is one of Tokyos latest it neighborhoods. While enclaves like boho-chic Nakameguro and hipster Shimokitazawa have been cool for some time, Tomigaya feels markedly less touristy and more of a work in progress.
Marcus Hamilton, Winthrop Eaton and Michael Perry were each convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death in Louisiana more than 25 years ago. But all three men are still alive. And all three have been living in solitary confinement for a quarter century or more.

Lawyers representing the three men filed a federal class-action lawsuit this week that seeks to overturn a prison policy that automatically and permanently places prisoners sentenced to death in Louisiana in solitary confinement. They are kept there for the length of their incarceration, a period that can stretch on for decades.

There are currently 71 prisoners who have been sentenced to death in the state and are being held in solitary confinement at the state penitentiary at Angola, a former slave plantation. But Louisiana executes only a small minority of death row inmates  fewer than 12 percent over the last 30 years, Nicholas J. Trenticosta, one of the lawyers for the plaintiffs, said.

The death row inmates at Angola spend 23 hours a day in windowless concrete cells that measure 8 by 10 feet. They are allowed to leave the cell for one hour each day to shower, make phone calls or walk along the tiered walkway beside their cells. Three times a week, they can use that hour to go outside to sit in a small outdoor cage.
But nowhere has there been more vitriol than in Florida, where a battle over the death penalty shows just how volatile an issue capital punishment remains, especially when the death of a police officer is involved.

Aramis D. Ayala, the new chief prosecutor in Orlando and a Democrat, announced on March 16 that she would no longer seek the death penalty. Almost immediately, Gov. Rick Scott, a Republican, moved to replace her in the case of Markeith Loyd, who is charged with killing his pregnant ex-girlfriend and, during a subsequent manhunt, an Orlando policewoman. Every citizen should be outraged, he said of Ms. Ayalas decision.

This week, state legislative committees proposed cutting her budget by more than $1 million, saying it was to cover the costs of other jurisdictions that are assigned her capital cases. Some lawmakers are now calling for her suspension. On Thursday, Ayala supporters from across the state traveled to Tallahassee for a rally, while her opposition protested in Orlando.

In court papers, Ms. Ayala, the states first black elected prosecutor, said removing a prosecutor because of a disagreement over her use of discretion was unprecedented. The NAACP, the Florida Legislative Black Caucus and other groups denounced the governors intervention, with one caucus member calling it a lynching.

On Tuesday, Ms. Ayala appeared in court to argue for a delay while she fights Mr. Scotts order. She was represented by Roy L. Austin Jr., a former Obama White House official who also served as a high-ranking civil rights lawyer for the Justice Department. Florida law allows the governor to appoint a special prosecutor in cases where he finds good and sufficient reason that the ends of justice would be best served.
The governor of Arkansas has signed a law that requires doctors to investigate the pregnancy history of women seeking abortions and to make sure they are not using the procedure as a way to select the gender of the child. Abortion rights proponents said on Thursday that they planned to challenge the law.

The law, signed by Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Wednesday, banning sex-selection abortion requires doctors to ask a woman seeking an abortion if she knows the gender of the fetus she is carrying, and if she does, to tell her it is illegal to choose an abortion based on that information. The doctor is also required to obtain the medical records that pertain to her pregnancy history.

Doctors who do not comply face misdemeanor charges, with up to a year in prison and a fine of up to a $2,500 as well as civil penalties, The Associated Press reported. It would also lead to revocation or suspension of the doctors medical license.

Opponents of the newest law, which takes effect on Jan. 1, 2018, said it was an invasion of medical privacy. Mr. Hutchinson, a Republican, had no comment on Thursday, his office said in an email.
Age: 44

Elected: November 2016

Background: As a child, she was sexually abused and was for a time homeless.

Promises: To prosecute retail theft cases involving less than $1,000 of merchandise as misdemeanors. Prosecutors will no longer oppose the release of nonviolent offenders with bonds under $1,000 if they cannot afford to pay.

People should be in our jails because they pose a risk to the public or they are a flight risk. We wanted to make sure folks who dont pose a risk are not sitting in jail because theyre poor and cannot afford to post bond.

Aramis Ayala

State attorney in Floridas Ninth District (Orlando)

Age: 42

Elected: November 2016

Background: She is the first black elected prosecutor in Florida.

Promise: Wont seek the death penalty.

Certain communities want to know that their cries are heard. So I think its important to bridge that gap.

Kim Ogg

District attorney for Harris County, Tex. (Houston)

Age: 57

Elected: November 2016

Background: She was the director of Crime Stoppers in Houston and of the citys first anti-gang task force.

Promises: To avoid prosecutions for possession of small amounts of marijuana. To seek very few death sentences. To support changes that would jail fewer low-level offenders because they cannot afford bond.
A series of fliers posted in a college preparatory school in Florida tried to convey appropriate prom attire for female students.

Instead, the pictures of dresses drew complaints of sexism, causing the school to apologize, after social media blew up a controversy that might have been drawn little attention in a different era.

The fliers, with photos of four dresses, were posted on a bulletin board in the Stanton College Preparatory School in Jacksonville, Fla., and a picture of them was widely circulated  and criticized  this week on Twitter.

Printed at the top of each photo was Going to Stanton Prom? One photo showed a floor-length dress and the caption: Yes you are. Good girl.
Gov. Sam Brownback of Kansas vetoed a bill on Thursday that would have expanded Medicaid in his state, setting up a potential showdown next week with a Legislature that, while heavily Republican, has come to favor extending the largely free health coverage to as many as 180,000 additional poor adults.

Although the bill was easily approved in both chambers of the Legislature, supporters would need to muster three additional votes in the House and two in the Senate to override the veto by Mr. Brownback, a conservative Republican.

After the House briefly debated an override on Thursday, the measure was put aside, probably until at least next week. Supporters were hoping to mobilize hundreds of residents who would benefit from Medicaid expansion, as well as hospital executives, clergy members and others who back the measure, to lobby specific lawmakers over the weekend.

Our plan is to make sure their phones are ringing off the hook, said David Jordan, executive director of Alliance for a Healthy Kansas, an advocacy group.
What does he mean?

On the campaign trail, where he was not constrained by Twitters character limit, Mr. Trump was more expansive.

Im going to open up our libel laws so when they write purposely negative and horrible and false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money, Mr. Trump said. Were going to open up those libel laws. So when The New York Times writes a hit piece which is a total disgrace or when The Washington Post, which is there for other reasons, writes a hit piece, we can sue them and win money instead of having no chance of winning because theyre totally protected.

What does libel law say?

It is indeed hard for public figures to win libel suits. They have to prove that something false was said about them, that it harmed their reputation and that the writer acted with actual malice. That last term is misleading, as it has nothing to do with the ordinary meaning of malice in the sense of spite or ill will.

To prove actual malice, a libel plaintiff must show that the writer knew the disputed statement was false or had acted with reckless disregard. That second phrase is also a term of art. The Supreme Court has said that it requires proof that the writer entertained serious doubts about the truth of the statement.

That is a high bar, and public figures rarely file libel suits and seldom win them.

Can the president change libel laws?

No. Libel law is a state-law tort, meaning that state courts and state legislatures have defined its contours.
WASHINGTON  A pair of White House officials helped provide Representative Devin Nunes of California, a Republican and the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, with the intelligence reports that showed that President Trump and his associates were incidentally swept up in foreign surveillance by American spy agencies.

The revelation on Thursday that White House officials disclosed the reports, which Mr. Nunes then discussed with Mr. Trump, is likely to fuel criticism that the intelligence chairman has been too eager to do the bidding of the Trump administration while his committee is supposed to be conducting an independent investigation of Russias meddling in the presidential election.

It is the latest twist of a bizarre Washington drama that began after dark on March 21, when Mr. Nunes got a call from a person he has described only as a source. The call came as he was riding across town in an Uber car, and he quickly diverted to the White House. The next day, Mr. Nunes gave a hastily arranged news conference before going to brief Mr. Trump on what he had learned the night before from  as it turns out  White House officials.

The chain of events  and who helped provide the intelligence to Mr. Nunes  was detailed to The New York Times by four American officials.
Indeed, Mr. Trumps Twitter posts have become the communications equivalent of a mother who threatens to cancel the family vacation if her children do not unload the dishwasher  a noteworthy threat, but most likely empty. Oddly enough, I think its fairly banal, said Representative David Schweikert, Republican of Arizona and a member of the Freedom Caucus. We are used to it. It goes with the job. He is not the first president who has attacked us, just the first from our own party. Asked if he expected the White House to work closely with the group on further legislation he said, The answer is yes.

Mr. Trumps Twitter account has long been seen as fear-inducing political weapon. And his message Thursday was the sort of warning shot many Republicans thought could be fired to enforce party discipline. But it seemed to have the opposite effect.

The reasons Mr. Trumps threats may well have about as much bite as a catfish  scary appearance, weak teeth  are many.

The health care bill that the many House members rejected was extremely unpopular. Only 17 percent of Americans supported the proposal, according to a Quinnipiac poll released last week. Even among Republicans, the repeal-and-replace measure was barely tolerable: Just 41 percent of Republicans in the same survey said they approved of the bill. Many voters in states that Mr. Trump won benefit from the Affordable Care Act, derided as Obamacare, particularly in states that have expanded the Medicaid program.

In the most conservative districts where Mr. Trump may target lawmakers, such as that of Mr. Sanford, voters are likely more in sync with their representatives, who felt the rollback of the law did not go far enough, than their president, who simply wanted a win.

These are not people subscribed to the Heritage Foundation, Mr. Sanford said, referring to the conservative research group that opposed the Republicans doomed effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Theyre not part of the intelligentsia of what happens in Washington. Theyre just conservative folks.
And they were not done out of impulse. Mr. Trumps advisers have become more involved in his free-form Twitter feed in the last few weeks, ever since his impetuous, conspiratorial posts about President Barack Obamas supposedly wiretapping his phones touched off a still-running controversy.

Stephen K. Bannon, Mr. Trumps chief strategist, has counseled a tough tone with the rebels, instructing his staff to use Twitter as a rhetorical prod to keep the party in line. Dan Scavino, an aide who controls Mr. Trumps official White House Twitter account, recently moved into Mr. Bannons West Wing office, where he closely monitors social activity by and about the president, according to two officials.

A handful of people have always had access to Mr. Trumps personal Twitter account, but in the weeks since the presidents accusation against his predecessor, there has been a stricter imposition by aides to make sure there is a strategic imperative behind his posts, according to two people briefed on the process.

The cannon blasts at the House Freedom Caucus followed nearly a week of the presidents stewing about the debacle over his failed health care effort. He did not take the loss especially well. His aides quickly began discussions about reopening negotiations that would at least demonstrate a commitment to what in the past has been one of his partys most urgent priorities.

The House Freedom Caucus came away from the health care fight feeling emboldened, and Mr. Trumps senior advisers are now mindful of the need to slow any momentum the group has going into other legislative battles, including the budget fight just four weeks away.

The health care bill that the many House members rejected was extremely unpopular. Only 17 percent of Americans  and 41 percent of Republicans  supported the proposal, according to a Quinnipiac poll released last week.
WASHINGTON  On the fourth floor of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, the staff of the White House chief technology officer has been virtually deleted, down from 24 members before the election to, by Friday, only one.

Scores of departures by scientists and Silicon Valley technology experts who advised President Trumps predecessor have all but wiped out the larger White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Mr. Trump has not yet named his top advisers on technology or science, and so far, has made just one hire: Michael Kratsios, the former chief of staff for Peter Thiel, the Silicon Valley investor and one of the presidents wealthiest supporters, as the deputy chief technology officer.

Neither Mr. Kratsios, who has a bachelors degree in political science from Princeton, nor anyone else still working in the science and technology office regularly participates in Mr. Trumps daily briefings, as they did for President Barack Obama.
LOS ANGELES  When Zoot Suit made its debut in New York in 1979, it was the first time a Chicano show had made it to Broadway. But the musical, by Luis Valdez, was a distinctly Los Angeles production: It was commissioned by the Mark Taper Forum and portrayed a 1940s murder trial involving zoot-suit-wearing Mexican-American youths known as pachucos. The trial is set against the backdrop of the infamous Zoot Suit riots, a series of racially motivated attacks against Mexican-Americans in summer 1943.

To help mark the Los Angeles Center Theater Groups 50th anniversary, the show returned recently to the stage here for the first time since 1978. Tickets went on sale late last year and sold out quickly. The production has since been extended three times, a rare occurrence at the theater. The acclaim and the enthusiasm demonstrate that the play touches a deep nerve in this city, particularly at another moment of political upheaval.

Some of the shows most devoted fans are showing up to the performances dressed in their own zoot suits and vintage attire. We spoke to some of them to find out what the play means to them. These interviews have been condensed and edited.
When I decided to undergo a lumpectomy earlier this month after a diagnosis of D.C.I.S., I learned a new word that makes me grateful for my privileges but also worried about the privations of others. The word is lagniappe, a bonus, like the 13th doughnut in the purchased dozen. As I went through yet another operation, my way was eased by the kindness of friends and relatives.

The greatest extravagance came from my daughters who gave me their precious time. The younger flew in from New York City, the older from Boston. They were my lagniappes, in a sense: a bonus beyond the gift of having a potential health crisis averted. At my age, 72, and with my history, eight years of ongoing treatment for advanced ovarian cancer, I knew that their presence would bolster me.

At the hospital, I went straight to radiology in order to undergo what is called the Savi Scout procedure. A mammogram machine was used to locate the calcifications that were causing the concern and then a tiny reflective device was shot into that spot. The radiologist used a black marker to ink an X above the spot on my skin. Later, during the operation, a wand placed on the X would activate radarlike waves: Beeping would send my surgeon to the reflectors location. It would be removed, the technician explained, along with the abnormal cells.

Then I was taken to a preoperative cubicle where I met with the surgeon and the anesthesiologist. I remember being wheeled toward the operating room, positioning myself on a narrow table, and being informed that I was being given something for sedation.
Under the new guidelines, Africa Command may treat Somalia under less-restrictive battlefield rules: Without interagency vetting, commanders may strike people thought to be Shabab fighters based only on that status, without any reason to think that the individual target poses a particular and specific threat to Americans.

In addition, some civilian bystander deaths would be permitted if deemed necessary and proportionate. Mr. Trumps decision to exempt much of Somalia from the 2013 rules follows a similar decision he made for parts of Yemen shortly after taking office.

The new directive for Somalia is another example of how the American military is accelerating the ways it carries out combat missions under the Trump administration, reducing constraints on the use of force imposed by the Obama administration.

As the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria has recently moved into the city of Mosul, civilian casualties have spiked. One American strike on March 17 may have killed scores of civilians, and human rights groups have questioned whether the rules of engagement were to blame.

While American commanders say the formal rules of engagement have not changed in Iraq, they acknowledge that the system for calling in airstrikes there has been accelerated. Gen. Joseph L. Votel, the commander of United States Central Command, said on Wednesday that the new procedures made it easier for commanders in the field to call in airstrikes without waiting for permission from more senior officers.

What we consider before using anonymous sources. Do the sources know the information? Whats their motivation for telling us? Have they proved reliable in the past? Can we corroborate the information? Even with these questions satisfied, The Times uses anonymous sources as a last resort. The reporter and at least one editor know the identity of the source. Learn more about our process.

The loosening of the rules in Somalia comes against the backdrop of a broader, continuing Trump administration policy review about whether to scrap the 2013 rules altogether. The decision was described by officials familiar with the new directive who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss military planning.

Luke Hartig, a former senior director for counterterrorism at the National Security Council during the Obama administration, said greater action could be helpful in dealing with a threat, pointing to the Obama administrations decision last year to temporarily declare the region around Surt, Libya, an active-hostilities zone. That decision similarly permitted airstrikes that helped Libyan forces root out Islamic State militants.
Leftist Salvadoran guerrillas, emboldened by the Marxist Sandinistas success in neighboring Nicaragua, had been trying to overthrow the countrys ruling junta. But Mr. Hinton was determined. He encapsulated his mission this way: Save the economy, stop the violence, have the elections and ride into the sunset.

But after an election campaign in which fending off far-right candidates was at least as demanding as subduing leftist insurgents, Mr. Hinton gave a more modest goal: We were not going to let it become a Marxist totalitarian state.

In a speech in El Salvador in October 1982, he also delivered an ultimatum, saying El Salvador must make progress in advancing human rights and in controlling the abuses of some elements of the security forces, or it would lose American military and economic aid.

He denounced El Salvadors legal system and far right, which he blamed for thousands of murders.

The speech had been cleared by the State Department but not, apparently, by the White House. Presidential aides were quoted as saying afterward that the decibel level had risen higher than our policy has allowed in the past. The administration was particularly uncomfortable with Mr. Hintons use of the term death squads. He was told to refrain from any further public criticism of rights abuses.

In his official reports, Mr. Hinton accused Salvadoran soldiers of being responsible for unexplained killings, including that of Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero in 1980, in which the right-wing leader Roberto dAubuisson was said to be complicit. Reagan nevertheless certified that the Salvadoran government had made significant progress in reducing human rights violations and that it therefore qualified for American aid.
HONG KONG  As fewer than 1,200 electors were casting ballots on Sunday for Hong Kongs next leader, Sampson Wong was tagging Facebook videos that showed city residents making breakfast, riding trains and playing with cats.

The scenes were unremarkable, and that was the point: Mr. Wong and other members of the Add Oil Team, an artists collective, were broadcasting the videos of people engaged in activities that did not include voting as a critique of an unrepresentative political process. No Election in Hong Kong Now, the title of their Facebook Live stream said.

The Add Oil Team plans to turn the videos into a documentary-style work that could be exhibited in a gallery. Although its an angry protest gesture, its also kind of peaceful, Mr. Wong said, flanked by laptops and coffee cups in a minimalist design studio.
Nine Malaysians who had been barred from leaving North Korea were allowed to depart on Thursday in a deal giving the North the remains of Kim Jong-nam, the slain half brother of its leader, the Malaysian government said.

Under the deal, three suspects in Mr. Kims death were questioned in the case before being allowed to leave the North Korean embassy in Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian police said Friday.

The deal, announced by Prime Minister Najib Razak, ends a standoff that followed the Feb. 13 killing of Mr. Kim with a banned chemical weapon at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Angered by Malaysias investigation of the killing, North Korea said on March 7 that Malaysians could not leave North Korea. Malaysia responded in kind.

I am pleased to announce that the nine Malaysians who had been barred from leaving North Korea have now been allowed to return to Malaysia, Mr. Najib said on Thursday in a statement.
The meeting had been in the planning stages for several weeks as aides worked out the particulars. China had pushed for the more relaxed atmosphere of a meeting at Mr. Trumps resort, rather than at the White House, American officials said.

The leaders will have a full agenda as they hash out some of the more contentious issues in bilateral relations: Mr. Trumps claims about Chinas unfair trade practices; curbing North Koreas nuclear ambitions; and American concerns about Chinese military ambitions in the South China Sea, among other matters.
The reassertion of Russias greatness has been a motif of Vladimir V. Putins presidency, and his projection of military might and cyberpower is in part why Russian-American relations are at their lowest point since the end of the Cold War.

So the 150th anniversary on Thursday of Russias sale of Alaska to the United States  an event few Americans may notice  was a day of mourning for some hard-right Russian nationalists who see the transaction as a gigantic blunder by the ailing czarist empire, one that reverberates as the major powers vie for influence over the Arctic and its natural riches in an age of climate change.

If Russia was in possession of Alaska today, the geopolitical situation in the world would have been different, Sergey Aksyonov, the prime minister of Crimea, told a Crimean television network this month.

A niche military magazine, Military-Industrial Courier, recently ran a two-part article headlined The Alaska Weve Lost, grumbling about what could have been.
ARKHANGELSK, Russia  Breaking five days of silence  and a virtual Soviet-style blackout on state news media  over the biggest protests in Russia in years, President Vladimir V. Putin responded publicly on Thursday to the nationwide anticorruption demonstrations with a familiar message: apres moi, le deluge.

Speaking in the northern port of Arkhangelsk at an international forum on Arctic issues, Mr. Putin defended his record on fighting corruption and warned that such outbursts, if uncontained, could lead to chaos akin to that spawned by the Arab Spring uprisings.

Mr. Putin did not mention Aleksei A. Navalny, the opposition leader who called for the demonstrations and who would like to oppose the president in the March 2018 election. But Mr. Putin left little doubt to what, or to whom, he was referring when he called the marches part of a presidential campaign.

After accusing unidentified political forces of using public concern about corruption to promote their own selfish interests, Mr. Putin said this would only end in chaos if allowed to continue.
ANKARA, Turkey  Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson showered praise on Turkeys government on Thursday, despite what some international critics see as a slide toward authoritarianism, and in response he got an earful of grievances from Turkish officials.

Mr. Tillersons visit to Ankara, the Turkish capital, was intended to reassure a NATO ally in the fight against the Islamic State and a regional bulwark against a resurgent Iran.

Turkish officials have repeatedly protested United States support for and reliance on Kurdish forces in the fight against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria at the same time the Turks are waging a campaign against Kurdish militants inside Turkey.

Mr. Tillerson was vague on Thursday when discussing American support for the Kurds, saying only that there were difficult choices that have to be made.
VENICE  The Italian police announced on Thursday that they had dismantled a suspected jihadist cell whose members had discussed blowing up the Rialto Bridge, one of the top tourist attractions in Venice.

Three Kosovar men living in Italy were arrested in overnight raids, and one teenager, also from Kosovo, was held, the police said.

The police also conducted nearly a dozen raids in Venice, one in nearby Mestre on the mainland and one in Treviso.

In wiretapped conversations, the men celebrated the terrorist attack in London on March 22, in which a Briton mowed down pedestrians, killing three of them, and then fatally stabbed a police officer outside Parliament. They expressed their readiness to carry out a similar slaughter here.
Stevan Dojcinovic is the editor of the Crime and Corruption Reporting Network, a nonprofit organization that does online investigative journalism. He is 31, with a steely personality, a short scruffy beard and metal piercings.

He was investigating the undeclared assets of Mr. Vucics family last year when his picture appeared on the front page of The Informer, a popular pro-Vucic tabloid in Serbia, five times in one month. Some of the photographs and personal information could only have been obtained from government surveillance, Mr. Dojcinovic says.

S&M French Spy? was the lead headline in one issue.

Other articles accused Mr. Dojcinovic of working alternately for organized crime, the businessman and philanthropist George Soros and Western intelligence agencies, without explaining how he managed to juggle working for all three at the same time.

You cant hold democratic elections in an undemocratic environment, Mr. Dojcinovic said.

The repressive news media environment is one reason there is little coverage of Mr. Vucics latest gambit: He is seeking Serbias presidency and will face 10 other candidates on the ballot this Sunday. He is widely expected to win, but hopes to avoid a runoff. If the front-runner does not receive a majority of all votes, a runoff will be held on April 16, and the results of that head-to-head matchup might be less predictable.
The Crisis in Scale

Five million people is roughly equal to the population of Norway. If nearly a quarter of the United States population left the country, it would be as if the combined populations of California, New York and Florida had disappeared.

In addition, 6.3 million Syrians have been internally displaced by the war. Altogether, about half of all Syrians have been forced from their homes because of violence.
WASHINGTON  A United States military spokesman said Thursday that Islamic State fighters had been herding local Iraqi residents into buildings in western Mosul, calculating that rising civilian casualties would restrain the United States from using airstrikes to help retake that half of the city.

What you see now is not the use of civilians as human shields, said Col. Joseph E. Scrocca, a spokesman for the American-led task force that is battling the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL. ISIS is smuggling civilians into buildings so we wont see them and trying to bait the coalition to attack.

An episode this week in which Islamic State fighters forced civilians inside a building, killing one who resisted, was observed by American surveillance aircraft. Islamic State fighters then positioned themselves inside the same structure to fire on Iraqi forces, according to an account provided in a briefing for Pentagon reporters by Colonel Scrocca.

No video of the episode was released on Thursday, but he said the video would soon be made public.

The furor over the March 17 American airstrike that led to the collapse of a building in western Mosul, killing scores if not hundreds of Iraqi civilians, as well as Defense Department allegations that Islamic State fighters deliberately placed the civilians in harms way, have caused a change in American tactics. It has caused some adjustments to our procedures, Colonel Scrocca said, though he declined to say what specific changes had been made.
From Counterpunch

You can thank House Speaker Ryan and President Trump for pushing their cruel health insurance boondoggle. This debacle has created a big opening to put Single Payer or full Medicare for all prominently front and center. Single Payer means everybody in, nobody out, with free choice of physician and hospital.

The Single Payer system that has been in place in Canada for decades comes in at half the cost per capita, compared to what the U.S. spends now. All Canadians are covered at a cost of about $4500 per capita while in the U.S. the cost is over $9000 per capita, with nearly 30 million people without coverage and many millions more under-insured.

Seventy-three members of the House of Representatives have co-signed Congressman Conyer's bill, HR 676, which is similar to the Canadian system. These lawmakers like HR 676 because it has no copays, nasty deductibles or massive inscrutable computerized billing fraud, while giving people free choice and far lower administrative costs.

Often Canadians never even see a bill for major operations or procedures. Dr. Steffie Woolhandler, who has taught at Harvard Medical School, estimated recently that a Single Payer system in the U.S. would potentially save as much as $500 billion, just in administrative costs, out of the nearly $3.5 trillion in health care expenditures this year.

Already federal, state and local governments pay for about half of this gigantic sum through Medicare, Medicaid, the Pentagon, VA, and insuring their public employees. But the system is complexly corrupted by the greed, oft-documented waste, and over-selling of the immensely-profitable, bureaucratic insurance and drug industry.

To those self-described conservatives out there, consider that major conservative philosophers such as Friedrich Hayek, a leader of the Austrian School of Economics, so revered by Ron Paul, supported "a comprehensive system of social insurance" to protect the people from "the common hazards of life," including illness. He wanted a publicly funded system for everyone, not just Medicare and Medicaid patients, with a private delivery of medical/health services. That is what HR 676 would establish (ask your member of Congress for a copy or find the full text here. (Conservatives may wish to read for greater elaboration of this conservative basis, my book, Unstoppable: The Emerging Left-Right Alliance to Dismantle the Corporate State.)

Maybe some of this conservative tradition is beginning to seep into the minds of the corporatist editorial writers of the Wall Street Journal. Seeing the writing on the wall, so to speak, a recent editorial, before the Ryan/Trump crash, concluded with these remarkable words:

"The Healthcare Market is at a crossroads. Either it heads in a more market-based direction step by step or it moves toward single payer step by step. If Republicans blow this chance and default to Democrats, they might as well endorse single-payer because that is where the politics will end up."

Hooray!

Maybe such commentary, repeated by another of the Journal's columnists, will prod more Democrats to come out of the closet and openly push for a Single Payer system. At a recent lively town meeting in San Francisco, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi blurted at her younger protesters: "I've been for single-payer before you were born."

Presumably retired President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton will do the same, since they too were for "Full Medicare for All" before they became politically subservient to corporate politics.

Even without any media, and any major party calling for it, a Pew poll had 59% of the public for Full Medicare for All, including 30% of Republicans, 60% of independents and 80% of Democrats. Ever since President Harry S. Truman proposed to Congress universal health insurance legislation in the 1940's, public opinion, left and right, has been supportive.

We've compiled 21 ways in which life is better in Canada than in the U.S. because of the Single Payer health insurance system. Canadians, for example, don't have to worry about pay-or-die prices, don't take or decline jobs based on health insurance considerations, nor are they driven into bankruptcy or deep debt, they experience no anxiety over being denied payment or struck with reams of confusing, trap-door computerized bills and fine print.

People in Canada do not die (estimated at 35,000 fatalities a year in the U.S.) because they cannot go for diagnoses or treatment in time.

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From Our Future



Junior Doctors protesting Unfair Pay and Unsafe Workplaces

(Image by Roger Blackwell) Details DMCA



Who could be against fair pay and safe workplaces? Give you one guess.

President Trump just signed a bill, passed by the Republicans in the House and Senate, that repealed President Obama's Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces executive order.

"Fair pay and safe workplaces" says it all. The rule stated that our government should contract with companies that have "a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics."

It required companies to report if they had violations of workplace laws covering wage theft, discrimination and safety, when applying for new government contracts of $500,000 to $1 million. The federal procurement officers would take that into consideration, and work with the companies to remedy the problems.

That is what President Trump and the Republicans repealed. This Trump/Republican government does not care if companies that have "a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics." In fact, repealing this rule signals to companies that it is OK to "save money" by stealing pay from employees, violating their civil rights and threatening their safety.

This rule was a big deal, because companies that get federal contracts employ one in five American workers.

This is the Republicans, not just Trump. This is who they are.

But, of course, the "working class" voters who helped elect Trump and the Republicans all voted for this, right? They all clearly understood that electing Republicans meant that their pay and civil rights and job-safety were going to be rolled back so that the giant corporations could pass ever-higher profits to their "investors." Right?

Of course they did. And they understood that the things our government does to make our lives better would be rolled back so that investor class could get huge tax cuts. Right? Of course they did.

But wait, there's more.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration's (OSHA) "record keeping rule" is also under the gun. This rule requires employers with more than 10 workers to keep records of safety incidents for five years. The Republicans in the Senate voted last week to gut that rule, too.

UAW President Dennis Williams called it "a slap to the face of American workers" and urged Trump to veto it. Williams said if employers can legally dispose of incident records after six months, "it will be extremely difficult to identify and fix hazards and incident patterns that cause illnesses, severe injuries, or even deaths on the job."

"It will now cross the desk of President Donald Trump, who is expected to sign it."

But this is only right, because this is clearly what the country voted for. Right?
Green Party opposes SEPTA gas power plant, Endorses Jules Mermelstein for PA Superior Court Judge

By Chris Robinson and Margaret Neary.

At the March Membership Meeting of the Green Party of Philadelphia (GPOP, www.gpop.org), members voted to endorse the opposition campaign to the proposed SEPTA fracked-gas power plant in Nicetown. Despite the SEPTA board voting to approve the project, the Green Party voted to support the ongoing efforts to resist the building of the gas power plant.

Over 50 groups have signed on to support the resistance efforts including 350Philadelphia, Avenging the Ancestors Coalition, Brandywine Peace Community, Caucus of Working Educators, Food and Water Watch, Neighborhood Networks, Edward T. Steel Public School, Friends of Mifflin School, and many other community, environmental, faith and labor organizations.

GPOP membership secretary Chris Robinson said, "It is important to continue educating the public about the environmental dangers of the gas-power plant and mobilizing those who are opposed." Legislators who have voiced support for the opposition to the plant include State Representative Rosita Youngblood and Councilwoman Cindy Bass.

The Greens in attendance also voted unanimously to endorse Jules Mermelstein for PA Superior Court Judge, http://www.mermelstein4judge.org/. "I am delighted to receive the endorsement of the Green Party of Philadelphia," Mermelstein responded. "In recent years we have seen the evidence of the misuse of the justice system by both parties in Pennsylvania. We have seen PA Supreme Court justices being forced to resign. We have seen Attorneys General of both parties end up in jail. We have seen a juvenile court judge selling our children to a private prison. And most recently we have seen the DA of Philadelphia indicted for corruption. The Green Party and I will be reaching out to work with other individuals and groups interested in bringing true justice to Pennsylvania, beginning with my election to the Superior Court in November."

Mermelstein, a retired attorney and teacher, received the endorsement of the Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA) in January and will run as a Green Party candidate in the November 7 General Election.

Green Party members Olivia Faison and Eric Hamell will run for Minority Inspector of Elections at their respective polling places in November. Galen Tyler, GPOP chair, said, "We are searching for others who would like to run for office on the Green Party ballot in 2017 and 2018."

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Let me make this clear: it's not all Trump. America's criminal-justice system has been systemically unjust for as long as anyone can remember. Advances we've made toward improvement could be undone under the Trump administration. During Trump, state and local governments will have to do their best to keep their eyes on the goal of criminal-justice reform. If not, post-Trump, voters and lawmakers will have to make a concerted effort to heal the nation.

It's painful to watch this story play out. But you and I probably need a little pain to help us wake up. Imagine you're born into a poor family in a small town, Anywhere, USA. As you're growing up, your parents try to set aside money for a college fund, but everyday expenses keep chipping away at it. Then, the Great Recession of 2008 hits and anything they've set aside goes out the window.

What's more, your dad works in a coal mine where he feels the wages aren't what they should be, and then, the final straw, he gets laid off because Obama puts an ax to the coal industry. He's steaming mad because he can't find a new job and the country's not working for him when all he's done his whole life is work for it.

You're about to graduate from high school and you're contemplating college. As the 2016 election looms, your mom and dad vow to vote for Trump because he'll fight for coal jobs. Bernie or Hillary are promising to send their child to college for free, but they're incensed about their current economic plight and don't have a ton of thought for the future. This makes you incredibly angry, but you have no idea how to deal with your anger properly. Let's just say the people around you aren't good role models, and society doesn't encourage you to express your emotions the right way.

Trump gets elected, but your dad doesn't get his job back. Even the top coal boss, Robert Murray, said Trump won't bring back jobs. You're stuck. The price of college is too high, you don't even want to go anyhow, it's just a bunch of know-it-alls, so-called 'experts' telling you how to live your life. You don't know the correlation between a bachelor's degree and salary potential: with a degree, you'll earn an average of $1 million more than you will with a high school diploma.

You also don't know the correlation between poverty and incarceration. Regardless of race, ethnicity, and gender, people who go to prison earn 41% less than those who don't. Your decision to skip college makes you statistically more likely to end up in prison. But that's not the only thing pushing you toward the jail cell.

You're angry, but instead of getting violent, you start smoking pot. You figure it's harmless and you're not mad when you're on it. Attorney General Jeff Sessions says marijuana is only "slightly less awful" than heroin, ignoring the fact that 13,000 people died of heroin overdoses in 2015, while no one died of a marijuana overdose. You live in a red state that voted overwhelmingly for Trump, a state that views prison as the primary solution to the 'marijuana problem', a view Trump and Sessions stand behind. What's more, Trump is bringing back private prisons, which thrive on a lack of sentencing reform. A private-prison company lobbies to make penalties and mandatory minimums for marijuana possession even stricter than they already are. A lot of money changes hands. It works. Then, one night, you're busted for selling paraphernalia to a friend and you find yourself facing three to five years of federal prison time.

You've become a statistic, one of the many that point to the need for sentencing reform:

-- America has the highest prison population in the world, over 2.2 million inmates compared to China's 1.6 million

-- Drug-related offenses are responsible for 46% of federal incarcerations, and less than 50% of offenders have a history of violence

-- Federal prisons are 25% over capacity and consume 25% of the Justice Department's budget

-- Sentencing reform could save the government $4 billion in the first 10 years, money that could go toward creating jobs and developing new technology

During Obama, both the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 and the Sentencing Reform Act of 2015 were moves to reduce the number of people who land in prison for non-violent crimes, such as drug offenses. But Trump wants to raise mandatory sentences for drug offenders. A 2014 study already showed more prison time doesn't work as a deterrent to the dissemination and consumption of drugs. But Trump will return to the old War on Drugs. He'll be "tough on crime" at a time when America needs a new, rehabilitative approach. He'll support the stop-and-frisk policy that was unconstitutional and didn't actually help deter criminals.

The Justice Department was moving away from private prisons in the first place because they're not as safe and secure as public ones. And the private-prison system is intrinsically flawed, since it thrives on recidivism, not rehabilitation. Trump hasn't done much in the way of getting tough on crime, but he has struck a blow against lowering incarceration rates. Private prisons are like motels in the middle of nowhere. There's not a lot of competition, so they don't have to do a good job of keeping the place up. Thanks to the Citizens United ruling (which Trump is also a fan of), private-prison companies don't have any limits on the amount of money they can give to politicians to ensure they pass laws that see non-violent criminals end up behind bars.

Although Trump supports mass incarceration, there is reason to believe that state and local authorities are the ones who make the difference when it comes to proper sentencing and a sensible approach to criminal justice. Yet, a nation's leader sets the tone, and the federal government can also institute higher mandatory sentencing, and incentivize the creation of more prisons. By bringing back private prisons, Trump has already done the latter. It won't be long before he tries to do the former.
Conservative columnist Eric Fehrnstrom, in this opinion piece, defends Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch from his liberal critics by praising Gorsuch's strict adherence to the "rule-of-law" principle and ridiculing Senator Elizabeth Warren's contrary "empathy" principle on the basis of which she accused "Gorsuch of favoring the interests of big corporations over workers and consumers, as if what matters is the identity of the plaintiffs and defendants and not the legal reasoning behind Gorsuch's opinions.

In defense of Gorsuch's (now famous) opinion that a trucking company was legally justified in firing a truck driver for abandoning his rig to save his life, Fehrnstrom gushes:

"Gorsuch addressed the law's demands, and how what we might desire in terms of an outcome is not always possible. 'Sometimes,' he said, 'the answers we reach aren't the ones we personally prefer. Sometimes the answers follow us home at night and keep us up. But the answers we reach are always the ones we believe the law requires. And for all its imperfections, I believe that the rule of law in this nation truly is a wonder.'"

Ah yes ... a "wonder" indeed! No doubt Gorsuch's "wonder" is the same one that Anatole France so insightfully praised with these words:

"In its majestic equality, the law forbids rich and poor alike to sleep under bridges, beg in the streets and steal loaves of bread."

Praise be to "rule-of-law" judges such as Gorsuch who would dispassionately declare it legal for the employer to fire a person for saving his/her life regardless of whether the employer and employee were, respectively, a) a corporation set up to make wealthy people who don't have to work for a living rich from the labor of poor people who have to work for a living, and b) a poor person who had to work for a living, or VICE VERSA.

Yep! Even if vice versa. That's right. Even if the employer were a poor person who had to work for a living and the employee were a big corporation enriching its non-working owners (yeah, I know this "totally dispassionate rule-of-law" kind of thinking is so divorced from reality that it can be confusing even to pretend to believe in it), then--even then!--the "rule-of-law" Judge Gorsuch would have ruled in favor of the employer (the poor man), God bless him.

So, Fehrnstrom lectures us, there is nothing wrong or biased, and everything praiseworthy, in Gorsuch's "rule-of-law" principle.

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Fourteen years ago on March 19, 2003, I resigned from the U.S. government in opposition to President Bush's decision to invade and occupy oil rich, Arab, Muslim Iraq, a country that had nothing to do with the events of September 11, 2001 and that the Bush Administration knew did not have weapons of mass destruction.

In my letter of resignation, I wrote of my deep concerns about the Bush decision to attack Iraq and the predictable large number of civilian casualties from that military attack. But I also detailed my concerns on other issues -- the lack of U.S. effort on resolving the Israel-Palestinian conflict, the U.S. failure to engage North Korea to curb nuclear and missile development and the curtailment of civil liberties in the United States through the Patriot Act.

Now, three Presidents later, the problems I was concerned about in 2003 are even more dangerous a decade and a half later. I am glad I resigned from the U.S. government 14 years ago. My decision to resign has allowed me to speak publicly in the United States and around the world on issues that jeopardize international security from the perspective of a former U.S. government employee with 29 years of experience in the U.S. Army and 16 years in the U.S. diplomatic corps.

As a U.S. diplomat, I was on the small team that reopened the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan in December 2001. Now, 16 years later, the U.S. is still battling the Taliban in Afghanistan, as the Taliban takes more and more territory, in America's longest war, while the graft and corruption within the Afghan government due to the mammoth U.S. funded contracts for support of the U.S. military machine continues to provide the Taliban with new recruits.

The U.S. is now fighting against ISIS, a brutal group that emerged because of the U.S. war in Iraq, but has spread from Iraq into Syria, as the U.S. policy of regime change has resulted in arming international as well as domestic Syrian groups to fight not only ISIS, but the Syrian government. The deaths of civilians in Iraq and Syria continue to rise with the acknowledgement this week by the U.S. military that it is "likely" that a U.S. bombing mission killed over 200 civilians in one building in Mosel.

With U.S. government acquiescence, if not complicity, the Israeli military has attacked Gaza three times in the past eight years. Thousands of Palestinians have been killed, tens of thousands have been wounded and the homes of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have been destroyed. Over 800,000 Israelis now live in illegal settlements on stolen Palestinian lands in the West Bank. The Israeli government has built hundreds of miles of separation apartheid walls on Palestinian land which separate Palestinians from their farms, schools and employment.

Brutal, humiliating checkpoints purposely attempt to degrade the spirit of Palestinians. Israeli-only highways have been built on Palestinian lands. The theft of Palestinian resources has ignited a worldwide, citizen-led boycott, divestment and sanctions program. Imprisonment of children for throwing rocks at occupation military forces has reached crisis levels. Evidence of the Israeli government's inhumane treatment of Palestinians has now been formally called "apartheid" in a United Nations report that resulted in massive Israeli and U.S. pressure on the U.N. to withdraw the report and force the Under Secretary of the U.N. who commissioned the report to resign.

The North Korean government continues to call for negotiations with the U.S. and South Korea for a peace treaty to end the Korean War. U.S. rejection of any discussions with North Korea until North Korea ends its nuclear program and increased U.S.-South Korean military drills, the last one named "Decapitation" has resulted in the North Korean government to continue its nuclear testing and missile projects.

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Seven years down the line, civil society has made strides in improving their effectiveness and accountability. However, progress in realizing Istanbul Principles in CSO practice, depends largely on enabling government policies and laws.

Justin Kilcullen, European Representative to the CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness (CPDE) and Chair of Social Justice Ireland (watch video | listen/ download audio podcast); and Azra Saeed of Roots for Equity, an organization that works with with small-landless farmers (especially women farmers) in Pakistan, shared their views with CNS (Citizen News Service) as to how realisation of Istanbul Principles is being challenged by shrinking CSO space, necessitating a redefinition of accountability and effectiveness of all actors in development cooperation.

Istanbul Principles increase effectiveness and accountability

"Istanbul Principles highlight that CSOs are at their best when they practice gender equity, have a human rights-based approach, and foster a relationship with each other that is based on equality, rather than based on power and financial resources. During the last 7 years many CSOs in the north as well as in the south have tried to put these principles into practice. As a result, civil society is now being accepted as an authentic and autonomous voice in development circles," said Justin.

Azra agreed that the main context of Istanbul Principles is accountability of the people to the people, and it popularises the sentiment that CSOs, as actors of change, have to be accountable. While people's movements have always been accountable, Istanbul Principles have given some food for thought for the big CSOs to practice it as well. There can be development justice only if there is accountability.

Challenges faced in implementing Istanbul Principles

Justin comes from Ireland in the north, while Azra represents Pakistan from the south block.

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From The Nation

House Intelligence Committee Chair Devin Nunes is openly at war with the system of checks and balances that the founders of the American experiment outlined in the US Constitution. That system establishes a separation of powers and charges the Congress with oversight of the executive branch. The US House of Representatives has the most well-defined oversight and accountability responsibility, as it is the chamber afforded the power to initiate impeachment proceedings against lawless presidents, vice presidents and cabinet members.

Unfortunately, Nunes has abandoned his oversight duties and made himself a political pawn of the Trump White House. There is no question that, after his secret visits to the White House grounds, closed-door meetings with the president and clumsy attempts to make excuses for Trump's unfounded claim that President Obama ordering politically motivated wiretapping of Trump Tower, Nunes must recuse himself from his role as the chair of the committee investigating allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 election on Trump's behalf.

But the California Republican refuses to abide by his oath to uphold the Constitution.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, who because of his leadership role has an even higher duty to uphold the separation of powers than Nunes, should be calling for the committee chair to recuse himself. Indeed, if Ryan took his duties as speaker seriously, he would remove the compromised chair from the Intelligence Committee. But Ryan, the Republican political careerist from Wisconsin who bid for the vice presidency in 2012, has made it clear that party loyalty in general, and loyalty to Trump in particular, takes priority over his constitutional responsibilities.

Most House Republicans appear to be falling in line with Ryan.

In fact, only one Republican has, at this point, done what is not just right but required.

Congressman Walter Jones, the maverick Republican from North Carolina who is very conservative but also very committed to the rule of law, says Nunes "absolutely" must recuse himself from the Intelligence Committee investigation.

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This is the best of times in American history. Perhaps the best time since the founding of our nation when we were led by the genius of Jefferson, Franklin, Madison and company. And we have the newly elected, tweeter-in-chief to thank for it. Thank God he was shredded, utterly humiliated as the buffoon he is by then-President Obama at the White House correspondents' dinner five years ago. Otherwise he might not have had the gall to mount his dumb-luck campaign that has led to this unanticipated yet potentially happy moment. Tens of millions of smart, committed people who previously had taken democracy for granted have awakened to their responsibility as citizens, shaking the ground beneath both political parties and forging a whole new array of political and social possibilities. Perhaps even more exciting than this awakening is the fact that Mr. Trump, almost single-handedly, has shattered the illusion, the myth that has engulfed our understanding of what leadership is and how we should expect to be led.

Yes, yes, keeping up with the mind-numbing flow of unnerving events issuing from the new administration has become exhausting, but that is only because we have failed to see the grand rending of the leadership veil that the Donald has affected, allowing us to see the logical absurdity of that most common approach to leading - transactionalism - which the new president employs with aplomb in the White House, the nation, and, purportedly, the world.

With Mr. Trump as its mad exemplar, transactional leadership is being carried to its logical and destructive extreme. As Roger Cohen recently noted in the New York Times, in Trump's approach to government "there is no governing, only transactional hollowness." With his narcissistic, empty-headed, utterly tireless bravado, Trump is stripping off the veneer of acceptability that for decades has carefully hidden the soulless and ultimately untenable reality of leading business, government, even education in many cases, from the transactional mindset.

It's true that our new president gives license to racists and bigots of every stripe. But Trump, by sheer dint of his clanging volume, is also making it impossible to pretend that the self-interested exchange is all that matters, should be all that matters. He is so closely tied to the belief that the transaction, "the deal," is all there is, his ugly shallowness necessarily sheds light on the deeper dysfunction of the approach.

The morality play that is the Trump presidency reveals, in fact, what we should have learned from the Great Recession: that leadership exclusively based on what I can get for me and mine, regardless of how we may pretty it up, no longer works in a world as complex and interrelated as ours; that leadership based on seeing followers as means rather than ends, that assumes the only basis for the leader-follower relationship is an exchange of mutual self-interest--money for labor, votes for policy--has become untenable. As a society, it seems, we had lived so long in the atmosphere of the glorified transaction that we had become numb to it, failing to see that it had become, in effect, absurd.

But then out of nowhere comes our hero, our savior, Donald J. Trump. God love him, for with his, crude, adolescent, vacuous effusions he is changing everything. He is shaking us out of the intellectually lazy assumptions that tolerated the transactional mandate. He is rapidly becoming the rallying point, the galvanizing force, the poster boy for something that is very nearly the opposite of the transactionalism he has come to personify, something that, in fact, has been slowly emerging for two decades or more in the world of leadership.

Led by women, minorities, millennials, and not a few middle-aged, balding white guys, a more humane way of thinking about leadership is taking hold, and Mr. Trump, with his endless hot air, is fueling this flame in ways he never could have imagined. Whether it's called Stake-holder Theory, Integral Leadership, Conscious Capitalism, B-corps, or any other number of new schools of thought, it boasts a very different basis for achieving sustainable success in the workplace, the community, the environment, and in government and politics.

The leaders who are adopting these new ways of understanding leadership have what Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, James MacGregor Burns, would describe as a transforming quality to them. Unlike the Trumpian transactional approach where leaders seek to squeeze all that they can from their people (for themselves or the company or the party), these transforming leaders see their role as that of contribution--shaping, growing, enhancing the people in their charge. Their drive is to make their followers better, more effective, as employees, as constituents, as human beings. Above everything else, their job is their followers.

And let's clear something up from the get-go. These more humane leaders are as much pragmatist as they are idealist. They are not soft-headed bleeding hearts. Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce, Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, Jeff Weiner, CEO of LinkedIn--these are not business lightweights. Ohio's Republican governor, John Kasich, and California's Democratic governor, Jerry Brown, are not political hacks (and no one would ever accuse Brown of being soft and fuzzy). All five are shrewd, strategically savvy executives. They just have a greater capacity to see the big picture and have an increasing capacity for compassion.

And it's this expanded capacity to see and understand from a larger, often self-transcending perspective that gives this type of leader the critical edge on their competition, not because they're explicitly looking for a competitive edge, but because they are playing a fundamentally bigger game than most of their peers. And the byproduct is success, measurable, sustainable, repeatable success--consider California's economic trajectory under Brown or the market dominance of Salesforce under Benioff.

Ironically, perhaps, up until just recently we've seen more of the transforming approach in the business arena, because some leaders actually got the message from the Great Recession--driven as it was by a remarkably cynical version of transactionalism. But now with the emergence of Trump, politicians, particularly in the center and on the left, are beginning to join the emerging chorus that demands more from its leaders, who in turn expect more for (and from) their followers.

Something grand is afoot. Yes, in fact, this is one of the greatest of times to be alive, not in spite of the newly elected emperor sans his clothing, but because of him. For all the pain and fear he has generated in his jarring, still-brief tenure, he is simultaneously lighting a fire under the better aspects of our nature. Facts still matter (real facts!), democracy is finding a new footing, and leadership is being re-imagined in a courageous, bold new way. We've got quite a mountain still to climb, but the path up is increasingly clear and the journey has begun in earnest. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, indeed.
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From Reader Supported News

Trump also promised during the campaign to "drain the swamp" and to name outsiders, rather than lobbyists and professional political hangers-on, to important policy positions in Washington. It's not working. Trump should have hired people from the swamp, who know how the city runs and how to get things done. But Trump isn't capable of learning from the mistakes of others. Instead, he brought in the likes of Steve Bannon and neo-Nazi Sebastian Gorka to run the show.

This same "drain the swamp" thing has happened in the past. Jimmy Carter promised in the 1976 campaign to bring in outsiders, to push out the insiders, and to turn Washington politics upside down. Instead, he couldn't get along with Democratic Senate Majority Leader Robert Byrd (D-WV) or House Speaker Tip O'Neill (D-Mass.) and was able to pass almost no legislation of any note. In the 1980 elections, voters punished the president -- and the Democrats in Congress -- for the gridlock by giving the presidency to Ronald Reagan by an electoral vote of 489-49, the Democrats lost the Senate, and they lost 34 seats in the House.

CNN political commentator David Gergen, who has served in senior positions for presidents of both parties, including Ford, Reagan, and Clinton, said last week that Trump's first 100 days in office have so far been the worst in presidential history -- and we're only two-thirds of the way into it.

Gergen and others argue that, absent a major unifying event like, God forbid, a terrorist attack, it will be virtually impossible for Trump to push through Congress any controversial or polarizing legislation. With his abject failure on the health care bill, an utter lack of a bully pulpit, no political capital to hold over the heads of either Democrats or Republicans on Capitol Hill, and the Democrats' willingness to use the filibuster in the Senate, Trump is simply crippled legislatively.

That's good for the country, for the most part. (I say "for the most part" because I think the country really does need a major infrastructure spending bill.) Don't expect any major legislation on school vouchers, though. Don't expect any new legislation to restrict abortion rights. Don't expect any real effort to shut down the departments and agencies that Trump railed against during the campaign. His own party members just aren't intimidated by him. They don't feel compelled to do what he wants.

Now is not the time for the opposition to sit on their laurels. There's an old saying in Washington: "Don't kick a man when he's down. But once he's down, don't stop kicking him." And that's what Democrats, progressives, and others have to do -- keep kicking. If we keep up the pressure, if we continue our activism, if we block legislation, if we remain in the streets, we can make this president an asterisk in the history books. We can emasculate him starting now. Let's do it.

Reader Supported News is the Publication of Origin for this work. Permission to republish is freely granted with credit and a link back to Reader Supported News.
From Consortium News

On March 19, Israeli tax officials arrested Omar Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian human rights defender and co-founder of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Omar and his wife Safa, an Israeli citizen, were detained for 16 hours and have been subjected to daily interrogation sessions.

Barghouti's arrest is indirect evidence of the growing strength of the BDS movement, a worldwide non-violent challenge to Israel's illegal occupation of Palestinian lands, a protest campaign that the Israeli government has identified as an existential threat to Israel.

Israel is particularly sensitive in light of the new United Nations report concluding that it has established an "apartheid regime" and recommending that national governments support BDS activities to challenge Israel's illegal system of oppression of the Palestinians. The report was co-authored by Richard Falk, an international law expert and former U.N. Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories.

In his address to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) earlier this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "We will defend ourselves against slander and boycotts."

Barghouti wrote in the New York Times, "Having lost many battles for hearts and minds at the grass-roots level, Israel has adopted since 2014 a new strategy to criminalize support for BDS from the top" in order to "shield Israel from accountability."

Last year, the Israeli Ministry of Strategic Affairs established a "tarnishing unit" to tarnish the reputation of BDS human rights defenders and networks.

According to the Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions National Committee, the "inflammatory fabrications" against Omar Barghouti constitute the "latest chapter of repression and intimidation" against him. For years, various arms of the far-right Israeli government have subjected Barghouti to intense threats, intimidation and repression.

The investigation of Barghouti is part of Israel's "systematic efforts to criminalize the BDS movement, intimidate activists and stop free speech," the Committee said.

"After failing to intimidate them through the threat of revoking Omar's permanent residence in Israel, and after the effective travel ban imposed on him proved futile in stopping his human rights work," the Committee stated, "the Israeli government has resorted to fabricating a case related to Omar's alleged income outside of Israel to tarnish his image and intimidate him."

Travel Ban

The latest travel ban against Barghouti, imposed in connection with the investigation, coincidentally comes shortly before he is scheduled to travel to the United States to accept the Gandhi Peace Award, along with Ralph Nader, at Yale University.

In addition to the travel ban on Barghouti, top Israeli officials have threatened BDS activists in general and Barghouti in particular. At a "Stop the Boycott" conference in Jerusalem last year, Israeli public security and strategic affairs minister Gilad Erdan warned that BDS activists "will know they will pay a price for it."

During the same conference, Yisrael Katz, Israel's intelligence minister, called for attacks on BDS leaders. Katz utilized the same Hebrew word the military uses for "targeted civil elimination," or civil assassination. Aryeh Deri, Israel's interior minister, told attendees at the conference that he might revoke Barghouti's residency permit.

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U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley did not mince words in her remarks about the Democratic Republic of Congo to the Council on Foreign Relations. "The UN peacekeeping mission is mandated to partner with the government," Haley said. "In other words the U.N. is aiding a government that is inflicting predatory behavior against its own people. We should have the decency and common sense to end this."

This was the first time in this writer's memory that the United States publicly called out the Congolese regime of Joseph Kabila for violence against its own people. It was expected that Haley would speak about her plans to assess current U.N. peacekeeping missions while "making the case that human rights fall within the Security Council's responsibility for maintaining international peace and security," according to the media advisory for the event.

The mandate for the $1.2 billion U.N. peacekeeping mission in DRC, known as MONUSCO, expires in two days. Haley will assume the rotating Presidency of the U.N. Security Council in April. Security Council negotiations about troop strength are taking place with a backdrop of increasing violence as President Joseph Kabila is refusing to step down as constitutionally mandated in the 2017 elections. The U.S. has indicated that it wants MONUSCO troops cut to 15,000, a drop of about 25 percent.

Besides the concerns about human rights violations, term limits and increasing violence, the cuts are tied to President Donald Trump's America First Budget, which calls for deep reductions in foreign aid. The Department of State budget includes The U.S. Mission to the U.N.

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"I think the best thing that happened to the education system in New Orleans was Hurricane Katrina." -Democrat Arne Duncan



... Betsy DeVos - Caricature ...706  504 - 77k - jpg

(Image by flickr.com) Details DMCA



While claiming to oppose DeVos' policies, the Democrats do not have a track record that is much better. In the spirit of 1984, groups like Democrats for Education Reform substitute clever phrases like "new, accountable public schools" in place of the word "charter", but their true motives were betrayed when they sent out a press release congratulating the Mayor of Washington, DC for "an annual increase of 2.2% to the per-pupil facilities allotment for public charter schools over the next four years, the awarding of two school buildings for long-term lease to charter schools, and the release of two excess school facilities for proposals from charter schools." Six of the seven Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board members are Democrats, but that has not stopped the District from becoming the largest authorizer of charter schools in the country or from allowing these publicly funded private schools from operating largely without oversight. Newly re-elected Board member, Monica Garcia, who attended the Democratic convention as a Clinton delegate, was cited by the Los Angeles Times as the only School Board Candidate "who would not categorically state that she opposed private-school vouchers, which are being pushed by the Trump administration."

The foundation of charter growth in the LAUSD was partially built by current Congressional candidate, Yolie Flores, who is also a Democrat. As an LAUSD Board Member, Flores introduced the misnamed "Public School Choice" resolution which let "charter management organizations apply to run new schools." Knowing that this resolution would not be passed if it was appropriately labeled as being for the benefit of charters, e-mails attributed to Flores warns that messages supporting its passage "are emphasizing the charter aspect" and ask for "help in communicating to the Charter community that we cannot make my resolution about charters." Similarly, her campaign's website claims that she "will fight to protect public education" with no mention of charters. Educated voters should see past the obfuscation.





The CD34 special election is on April 4. I have endorsed Green Party candidate Kenneth Mejia.

____________________________________________

Carl Petersen is a parent and special education advocate and was a Green Party candidate in LAUSD's District 2 School Board race. He was endorsed by Network for Public Education (NPE) Action and Diane Ravitch called him a "strong supporter of public schools." His past blogs can be found at www.ChangeTheLAUSD.com.
This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here.

Terror attacks like the recent one in London send a shudder through Americans. Since 9/11, they have been the definition of what TomDispatchregular Rajan Menon calls "national (in)security." They've also been the lifeblood of a media machine that loves to focus 24/7 on immediate and obvious horrors (especially against folks like "us"). In the age of Donald Trump, preventing such attacks has, if anything, become even more the essence of what American security is all about.

And yet, in the context of the insecurity to come in this world, they are essentially nothing. It is, of course, a terrible thing when some disturbed fanatic or set of fanatics gun down or run down innocent civilians in London, Berlin, Paris, or San Bernardino (as it should be, but in our American world isn't, when a U.S. plane or drone kills innocent civilians in distant lands). But if, for a moment, you stop to think in either nuclear terms (as in the pairing of North Korea's unnerving leader Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump) or in climate change terms, then those attacks are the smallest of potatoes when it comes to national insecurity. If you really want to think about acts of "terror," consider what Donald Trump and his climate-denying crew at the Environmental Protection Agency and elsewhere in his administration would like to do to the environmental policies of the world's second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases.

Trump's urge is clearly to negate every positive act of the Obama administration when it comes to reining in the use of fossil fuels -- from the Paris climate agreement to the Clean Power Plan aimed at shutting down coal-fired power plants. In the end, if a Trump presidency takes this country out of the climate change sweepstakes entirely, if it opens the flood (and fracking) gates yet wider on the development of fossil fuels of every sort while tamping down the development of alternative energy sources, you're talking about an act of terror on a scale that would once have been inconceivable. What the Trump administration is already trying to do should lead to constant headlines of a sort that would put the recent London ones to shame. However, because the full impact of Trump's climate terror won't strike home until the era of our grandchildren or even great-grandchildren, because his version of terror will be enacted on a time scale that plays havoc with our usual sense of history and of our own lives, he'll undoubtedly get only the most modest of attention for it -- while Khalid Masood, the London killer, and his successors will remain the eternal headliners du jour.

Still, make no mistake about it, in his rented vehicle of choice President Trump will run over future generations. Even on a less drastic time scale, as Rajan Menon makes vividly clear today, he will certainly prove to be a heavyweight in the national (in)security business. Tom

National (In)security

What a Trump Presidency Really Means for Americans at the Edge

By Rajan Menon Donald Trump's supporters believe that his election will end business as usual in Washington. The self-glorifying Trump agrees and indeed his has, so far, been the most unorthodox presidency of our era, if not any era. It's a chaotic and tweet-driven administration that makes headlines daily thanks to scandals, acts of stunning incompetence, rants, accusations, wild claims, and conspiracy theories. On one crucial issue, however, Trump has been a complete conformist. Despite the headline-grabbing uproar over Muslim bans and the like, his stance on national security couldn't be more recognizable. His list of major threats -- terrorism, Iran, North Korea, and China -- features the usual suspects that Republicans, Democrats, and the foreign policy establishment have long deemed dangerous. Trump's conception of security not only doesn't break the mold of recent administrations, it's a remarkably fine fit for it. That's because his focus is on protecting Americans from foreign groups or governments that could threaten us or destroy physical objects (buildings, bridges, and the like) in the homeland. In doing so, he, like his predecessors, steers clear of a definition of "security" that would include the workaday difficulties that actually make Americans insecure. These include poverty, joblessness or underemployment, wages too meager to enable even full-time workers to make ends meet, and a wealth-based public school system that hampers the economic and professional prospects, as well as futures, of startling numbers of American children. To this list must be added the radical dangers climate change poses to the health and safety of future citizens. Trump may present himself as a maverick, but on security he never wavers from an all-too-familiar externally focused and militarized narrative. Conjurer-in-Chief Barack Obama wrote a bestselling book titled The Audacity of Hope. Perhaps Donald Trump should write one titled The Audacity of Wealth. During the presidential campaign of 2016 he morphed unashamedly from plutocrat to populist, assuring millions of people struggling with unemployment, debt, and inadequate incomes that he would solve their problems. The shtick worked. Many Americans believed him. Fifty-two percent of voters who did not have a college degree chose him. Among whites with that same educational profile, he did even better, winning 67% of their votes. Unemployment, underemployment, stagnant wages, and the outsourcing of production (and so jobs) have hit those who lack a college degree especially hard. Yet many of them were convinced by Trump's populist message. It made no difference that he belonged to the wealthiest 0.00004% of Americans, if his net worth is the widely reported $3.5 billion, and the top 0.00002% if, as he claims, it's actually $10 billion. Former Louisiana Governor Huey Long, perhaps the country's best-known populist historically speaking, was born and raised in Winn Parish, a poor part of Louisiana. In the 1930s, his origins and his far-reaching ideas for redistributing wealth gave him credibility. By contrast, Trump wasn't cut from humble cloth; nor in his present reincarnation has he even claimed to stand for the reallocation of wealth (except possibly to his wealthy compatriots). His father, Fred Trump, was a multimillionaire who, at the time of his death in 1999, had a net worth of $250 million, which was divided among his four surviving children. The proportional allocations are not publicly known, though it's safe to assume that Donald did well. He also got his start in business -- and it wasn't even an impressive one -- thanks to lavish help from Fred to the tune of millions of dollars. When he subsequently hit rough patches, Dad's connections and loan guarantees helped set things right. A man who himself benefited handsomely from globalization, outsourcing, and a designed-for-the-wealthy tax code nonetheless managed to convince coal miners in West Virginia and workers in Ohio that all of these were terrible things that enriched a "financial elite" that had made itself wealthy at the expense of American workers and that electing him would end the swindle. He also persuaded millions of voters that foreign enemies were the biggest threat to their security and that he'd crush them by "rebuilding" America's military machine. Worried about ISIS? Don't be. Trump would "bomb the sh*t out of them." Concerned about the nuclear arms race? Not to worry. "We'll outmatch them at every pass and outlast them all." Yet few if any Americans lie awake at night fearing invasion by another country or the outbreak of nuclear war. Fifteen years after 9/11, terrorism still ranks high on the American list of concerns (especially, the polls tell us, among Republicans). But that danger is not nearly as dire as Trump and the U.S. national security state insist it is. A litany of statistics shows that deaths from car crashes leave death-by-terrorist in the dust, while since 2002 even bee, hornet, and wasp stings have killed more Americans annually in the United States than "Islamic terrorists."

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Every year, around 150,000 visitors make the pilgrimage to Torres del Paine National Park, on the southern tip of the Andes in Patagonian Chile, lured by the promise of some of the most spectacular geological formations and scenery in the Southern Hemisphere. But theres more than one way to tackle the 935 square miles of stunning scenery. Hikers can walk the W route in around five days, or make the journey round the full Circle route in eight or nine days.

Those who are so inclined can even partake in one of the many day trips on offer around the region, and experience the exceptional wonders of Torres del Paine in a morning and afternoon.

Here are five of the best, biggest and boldest sights you can pack into a single day in Torres del Paine.

1. Bluer-than-Blue Bodies of Water

Are they aquamarine or sapphire? Minty or cerulean? Milky green or grayish white? In the end, words are insufficient to describe the vivid, eye-confounding blues of the lakes of Torres del Paine.

Again, theres a scientific explanation for the striking hues: glacial rock flour that has tinted the water over many centuries. But, again, science can only do so much to prepare you for the sight of the parks various lakes, each one a slightly different hue of blue: Dickson Lake, Nordenskjold Lake, Grey Lake, Sarmiento Lake, Del Toro Lake and Lake Pehoe (pictured at top). The latter, especially, a cool vast pool of turquoise, looks like a locale from a childrens picture book, magical cottage-dotted isle and all.

Its difficult to say in which weather conditions the vividly colored lakes of Torres del Paine are more astonishing. Under moody gray skies, the lake waters look stupefying and unreal. Under clear, cloudless skies, both sides of the horizon seem locked in a dazzling battle of blueness.

2. Soaring Mountainscapes

The 12-million-year-old stone formations of Torres del Paine tend to excite geology buffs, but you dont need to be an expert to appreciate the monumental, granite towers of the Paine Massif.

The main attraction, emblematic not just of the national park but of Chilean Patagonia as a whole, are the three granite peaks of the Torres del Paine themselves (the name is Spanish for Towers of Paine, paine being the indigenous name for blue), easily the most photographed sight in Chile. And the most visible: the tallest of the peaks extends 9,350 feet above sea level.

Alongside the Torres del Paine, Los Cuernos (pictured above) are striking not only for their tusk-like, saw-teeth shape, but their color markings: a streak of exposed granite.

There are also plenty of roadside spots in the Park to park a vehicle and gain some altitude on foot, all the better to appreciate panoramic views of the other, dramatically named peaks around: Cerro Catedral (named for its resemblance to a cathedrals facade), the Aleta de Tiburon (Sharks Fin), Fortaleza (Fortress), La Espada (The Sword), La Hoja (The Blade) and La Mascara (The Mummer).

3. Vanishing Ice

Theres more reason to visit Grey Glacier than ever beforeits thinning and rapidly losing volume, another casualty of climate change.

Not that it looks anything less than mighty. A 100-foot-high wall of ice, the glacier sits in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, at 6,487 square miles, the Southern Hemispheres largest reserve of fresh water outside of the Antarctic.

On the pebbly southern shoreline of Lake Grey, youre likely to be battered by wind and rain (let this serve as a reminder to pack your waterproof/windproof gear: Patagonian weather is notoriously erratic). But the views of the glacier, a frozen expanse stretching as far as the eye can see, are well worth it.

After a climb up Paso John Gardner just under a mile, youll find yourself at an ideal vantage point to appreciate not only the awesome immensity of the glacier, but the snow cone-blue icebergs that have calved from it, sailing slowly across the lagoon before melting and being claimed by the icy water. Time to bust out your flask of scotch from your inside pocket.

4. Raging Cascades

By waterfall standards, the Salto Grandethe largest waterfall in Torres del Paine, its name literally meaning large waterfallisnt really all that big. An outflow from Nordenskjold Lake, it takes a plunge of around 50 feet, on its way to becoming the Pehoe Lake.

Still, theres a reason the Salto Grande regularly makes lists of the best waterfalls in South America. What it lacks in height, it makes up for in volume and power. Peer over the brink and try not be awed by the force of the glacier-fed water passing through its steep, narrow ravine to the basin below.

Its also obvious why the spot is a favorite for photographers: the wild, ever-colorful waters set against the solemnly still backdrop of the Torres and Cuernos of the Paine Massif. And keep an eye out for some of Torres del Paines unique wildlife 

5. Unique Bird and Animal Life

A stunning diversity of habitats equals a stunning diversity of wildlife for the interested animal-spotter. Most visitors will likely encounter the quizzical glance of guanaco (pictured above), a close camelid cousin of the llama, grazing around the park. More watchful visitors may even spot the South Andean deer, the Andean grey fox or Patagonian Hairy Armadillo, while even more intrepid travelers might even spy puma (at a prudent distance) or the Patagonian hog-nosed skunk (at a prudent distance, for different reasons).

For the keen birder, the region boasts a huge variety of birdlife, from the humble Darwins rhea (Charles Darwin discovered the species while in the middle of eating one) to the elegant Chilean flamingo. Torres del Paine is especially known for its 15 bird of prey specieskeep your eyes on the skies to stand a chance of spotting the famously vast wingspan of the Andean Condor.

All going to plan, you can be back in your lodgings by dinnertime. Many restaurants offer guanaco on the menuarguably the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Darryn King is a writer in New York.
Boris Beyer

Jay French

Digby Shaw

Despite the weather not cooperating with its name, the Deep Summer Photo Challenge went down this week as part of Crankworx Rotorua. Originally there were five photographers taking part in the second running of the competition here in New Zealand. However, by the time the three-day contest kicked off, there were only three photographers left to take on the challenge. With a high level of imagery expected, this is a coveted event that the who's who of photography take part in.Teams consisting of four riders had just under three days to shoot a series at pre-determined locations including the Redwoods, Whakarewarewa, the Natives and Rainbow Mountain, and to stamp their identity on the area. Each team then had to submit a slideshow showcasing the best images from their three-day assignment. To add to that, this year teams had to choose three separate images that best encompassed each of these areas, and submit these alongside their slideshows.As you might have seen, the weather in Rotorua this week hasn't been kind to us, and it made shooting Deep Summer a real challenge. Torrential rain, mist, low cloud, and mud hampered teams efforts on two of the three days and made for seriously challenging shooting conditions.The whole competition came to a close with a special screening of each of the slide shows to a big audience in City Focus, in the heart of Rotorua. Cam McCaul and Hannah Bernard were there to hand out the Prizes. Boris Beyer, more commonly known as 'Maddog Boris' took the overall honours, with each of the photographers taking one of the 'Iconic' shot wins as well.Check out the full slideshows here:
Racers ready...

The view from the start gate as seen by Barry Nobles.

Chainless riding meant that the riders needed to pop up really high to get that first pump and send them down the start ramp.

Close racing as viewed from the Maori carving at the end of the straight.

Very close racing.

Defending Queen of Crankworx, Jill Kintner.

Back from a year focusing on BMX and the Olympics, Caroline Buchanan has her sights set on Queen of Crankworx title for 2017.

The blur of Mitch Ropelato.

Cody Johnson in a drag race with Mitch Ropelato to kick off the night.

Defending champ Adrien Loron missed out narrowly today.

A close race to second place keeps Adrien in contention for another overall, and he doesn't look to gutted about it either.

Keegan Wright.

Keegan Wright riding like a man possessed.

Jill Kintner.

Bernard Kerr and Mitch Ropelato debrief after their 1/16 final.

Keegan sure does make some seriously interesting shapes on the bike.

Giveaways and Mexican waves thanks to this guy.

EWS Racer Cody Kelley made it into the top 32 main event but his night would end in the first round.

Grit and determination for Barry Nobles.

Tomas Slavic injured his wrist in practice and struggled to keep pace in the main event.

Jill sits patiently awaiting her heat, while the big screen behind her pays tribute to her Queen of Crankworx title.

The racing was as close as ever in Rotorua tonight, and with the earlier start came a lighter race than last year.

Bryn watches intently as his wife, Jill Kintner, goes into a race with local rider Shania Rawson.

Jill Kintner slipped up in this corner against Caroline Buchanan, losing precious speed before the final straight and the race to the line.

Phil Atwill in his signature pump track brown trousers,

Eyes on the prize for Barry, who would make the podium again here in Rotorua with his other half, too!

Austin Warren made the main event on his first trip overseas in a few years.

Anneke made qualies but was knocked out by local Shania Rawson.

Danielle Beecroft almost knocked out Caroline Buchanan in the semi-final round.

Young local lass Shania Rawson has been dominating the local female gravity scene all season and dug deep today against some seasoned pros, a hugely credible 4th will only help fuel her fire even more.

Barry Nobles elbows out Mitch Ropelato for 3rd.

Caroline Buchanan muscles down the final straight.

Caroline Buchanan nips Jill Kintner at the line.

After winning all three pump track events at last year's Crankworx, Jill Kintner found her match in Rotorua.

Keegan Wright death grips it to the line ahead of Barry Nobles.

Hopefully the only thing raining from here on out in Rotorua is Champagne.

Congrats on your first Crankworx event win Keegan Wright.

After rain wreaked havoc on yesterday's competitions, the sun began to shine this afternoon in time for the Pumptrack Challenge presented by RockShox here at Crankworx Rotorua 2017. Both the crowds of spectators and the racers had been getting anxious waiting on the weather, and the pump track event under the lights was just what everyone needed to turn the vibe up a notch.With the crowd in his corner all night, Rotorua local Keegan Wright was able to knock off rider after rider on his way to the final matchup with Adrien Loron. Loron, who is the current Crankworx Pumptrack Champion, was looking to get his first ever win here in Rotorua, while Wright was intent on giving the locals a reason to celebrate. Keegan had been unstoppable all night, especially down the final straightways. And when he pulled a lead out of the last corner on both his heats against Loron, it was obvious there was would be no catching the young Kiwi. It would be his first Crankworx event win, and in the process denied Adrien Loron that elusive win in Rotorua for the third straight year.In the Women's race, all eyes were on defending Queen of Crankworx, Jill Kintner and rival Caroline Buchanan. Jill dominated this event last season winning all three rounds while Caroline had been absent due to her Olympic BMX obligations. So it was good to see both powerhouse riders here in Rotorua racing head to head once again. After the first heat it looked like it would be in Jill's favor as she had started on the slower blue lane, but on the second heat she threw her advantage away after she drifted high on one of the big right-hand turns. With the soft nature of the track, there was no way to recover from a mistake, and that allowed Buchanan to beat her to the line by about one bike length.In the small final which would decide the third spot on the podium Danielle Beecroft took down Shania Rawson, while Barry Nobles narrowly edged out Mitch Ropelato by the smallest of margins. With his third place finish, Barry Noblefgutts would also share the podium for the second time in Crankworx history with his fiance, Caroline Buchanan.MENTIONS: @officialcrankworx
PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-30 17:43:01

(Article 14 of the law of May 2, 2007 on the disclosure of significant shareholdings)

Mortsel, Belgium - March 30, 2017 - 5.40 p.m. CET

According to Agfa-Gevaert NV's bylaws, the threshold as from which a shareholding needs to be disclosed, has been set at 3%, 5% and a multiple of 5%.

In conformity with the Law of May 2, 2007 regarding the disclosure of significant shareholdings in listed companies, Agfa-Gevaert (Euronext: AGFB) discloses the following declarations:

Norges Bank has announced on March 29, 2017, that it held a stake in Agfa-Gevaert as per March 27, 2017 of 8,529,901 voting rights or 4.96% (denominator is 171,851,042), thus crossing the threshold of 5% downwards.

Also on March 29, 2017 Norges Bank announced that it holds a stake in Agfa-Gevaert as per March 28, 2017 of 9,531,886 voting rights or 5.55% (denominator is 171,851,042), thus crossing the threshold of 5% upwards again.

Norges Bank is the central bank of Norway. As part of its central bank activities, Norges Bank manages Norway's foreign exchange reserves and is responsible for the management of the Norwegian Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG). The formal responsibility for the management of the GPFG is placed with the Ministry of Finance, but is delegated to Norges Bank. All investments are executed by Norges Bank acting as principal and all holdings are registered in the name of Norges Bank.

Notifications of important shareholdings to be made according to the Law of May 2, 2007 or Agfa-Gevaert NV's bylaws, should be sent to viviane.dictus@agfa.com.

About Agfa

The Agfa-Gevaert Group develops, manufactures and distributes an extensive range of analogue and digital imaging systems and IT solutions, mainly for the printing industry and the healthcare sector, as well as for specific industrial applications.

Agfa's headquarters and parent company are located in Mortsel, Belgium.

The Agfa-Gevaert Group achieved a turnover of 2,537 million euro in 2016.

Contact:

Viviane Dictus

Director Corporate Communications

tel. ++32 0 3 444 7124

e-mail: viviane.dictus@agfa.com

This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.

The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: Agfa-Gevaert via Globenewswire


PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-30 19:20:08

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for BetterU Education Corp.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver, Briitish Columbia (FSCWire) - BetterU Education Corp. (TSX Venture:BTRU). has issued a press release with the following headline:betterU Education Corp. Announces an Endorsement Deal with Satnam Singh, the NBAs First Player Ever Drafted from IndiaTo view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on BetterU Education Corp., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/BetterU Education Corp.Source: BetterU Education Corp. (TSX Venture: BTRU, WKN: A0RKCH, ISIN: CA68371K1030)Date: March 30, 2017Time: 1:20 PM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of BetterU Education Corp. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-30 19:22:05

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Canadian Zeolite Corp.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCWire) - Canadian Zeolite Corp. (TSX Venture:CNZ). has issued a press release with the following headline:Canadian Zeolite Rolls Out New Products for DistributionTo view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on Canadian Zeolite Corp., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Canadian Zeolite Corp.Source: Canadian Zeolite Corp. (TSX Venture: CNZ, ISIN: CA1368001097, WKN: A2AEE1, OTCQB: CNZCF, FWB: ZEON)Date: March 30, 2017Time: 1:10 PM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Canadian Zeolite Corp. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
Crotonaldehyde Market

PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-30 10:44:29

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Aldehydes is a class of organic chemical compounds which are represented by a structural formula R?CHO. Crotonaldehyde, an unsaturated aldehyde, is highly a flammable, colourless to pale yellow liquid synthesized by aldol condensation of acetaldehyde. The chemical exhibits moderate solubility in water whereas it is miscible in organic solvents. Moreover, Crotonaldehyde is a highly reactive and strong reducing agent characterized by a pungent odour and lachrymatory effect. Crotonaldehyde is used majorly used as a raw material for preparation of sorbic acid and crotonic acid. Moreover, its properties render the chemical an effective precursor for numerous fine chemicals. Also, it finds application in preparation of pesticides and surfactants. Some of the other application areas of crotonaldehyde include locating leaks in pipes, leather tanning, as a solvent for polyvinylchloride among the others. The use of crotonaldehyde in variety of aforementioned applications can be attributed to the presence of a double bond and an aldehyde functional group.Crotonaldehyde Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe global crotonaldehyde market is set to witness a steady growth during the forecast period. The growth of overall global chemicals market is expected to result in growth of global crotonaldehyde market. Moreover, the growing demand from developing countries, especially from those in Asia Pacific is expected to fuel the growth of global crotonaldehyde market. The growing demand for packaged food has resulted in a growth in demand for preservatives such as sorbic acid. Crotonaldehyde is a key raw material in manufacturing sorbic acid, as such, the growing demand for sorbic acid is expected to in turn result in growth of global crotonaldehyde market. On the flipside, the fact that over exposure to crotonaldehyde causes several health hazards, may act as a restraint to growth of global crotonaldehyde market.Request For Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-549 Crotonaldehyde Market: SegmentationOn the basis of applications areas, global crotonaldehyde market can be segmented into following key market segments:Precursor to Fine chemical, PharmaceuticalsPesticides, Rubber processingLeather tanning, OthersCrotonaldehyde Market: Region-wise OutlookOn the basis of geographic regions, global crotonaldehyde market is segmented into seven key market segments namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. The growing demand for crotonaldehyde from developing regions namely Asia Pacific, corresponding growth in end use industries in the region are together expected to result in the Asia Pacific emerging as the fastest growing region based segment of global crotonaldehyde market during the forecast period.Request For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-549 Crotonaldehyde Market: Key PlayersSome of the identified major participants of the global Crotonaldehyde market are as follows:Celanese Corporation, Haihang Industry Co., Ltd.Alfa Aesar, Nantong Acetic Acid Chemical Co., Ltd.Godavari Biorefineries Ltd
Digital Instrument Clusters Market

PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-30 09:52:16

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Instrument clusters with digital displays are increasingly replacing electromechanical pointer instruments. Moreover, digital instrument clusters are poised to supersede the analog instrument clusters in the next generation vehicles. The global instrument clusters is basically categorized into three groups: digital, analog and hybrid. Analog cluster is a classic instrument panel that contains a physical dial and a needle for the speedometer. A digital instrument cluster displays all these classical instruments on the LCD, VFD or TFT-LCD screen. Such digital instrument clusters can be programmed to display the appropriate selection of virtual instruments according to the drivers preferences. A hybrid cluster is the combination of the analog and digital cluster. Furthermore, they can enhance the appeal of a vehicle with eye-catching graphics. Therefore, most of the luxury brands are seeking to differentiate their vehicles through the inclusion of digital instrument clusters. It is expected that over seven million cars will have fully digital instrument clusters by the 2018. Digital instrument clusters that offers personalization are a key selling point.Digital Instrument Clusters: Drivers & RestraintsThe key factor driving the digital instrument clusters market is substantial rise in the automobile output and its personalization. A digital instrument cluster that is reconfigurable is very appealing. Features such as distance until next charge, information on battery charge, and other driver information, can easily be displayed using a digital instrument clusters. These features are driving the market for global digital instrument clusters. Another factor driving the market for global digital instrument is consumer trend. The tablet, PC and smartphone ownership is increasing and there are opportunities to integrate these devices to drive global digital configurable instrument clusters. Furthermore, the economical and the environmental constraints upon the engine designs are driving the introduction of digital instrument clusters since the interior gains more attention from OEMs as a way to differentiate. Another features that are driving the global digital instrument clusters market includes advanced technological features such as reusability, dynamic, scalable, simple and attractiveness. Digital instrument clusters needs a larger LCD display- often 1280 x 480 pixels, thus leading to higher cost. Also, an 8 or 16-bit CPU cannot transfer that many pixels, hence the digital cluster needs a 32-bit CPU. In addition, the level of software capability needed extends beyond the traditional entrenched skill set. These factors act as restraints for the digital instrument clusters up to a certain extent.Request For Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-524 Digital Instrument Clusters: SegmentationOn the basis of application, the global digital instrument clusters market is segmented into:Smartphone, Tablet PC/Desktop/NotebooksAutomobiles, Others (Digital cameras, inverters, power suppliers, painters, car radio, LED lighting, payment terminals)The demand for digital instrument clusters in automobiles is anticipated to grow at an accelerated pace mainly due to significant growth in the automobile industry globally. Furthermore, the smartphone segment is also expected to grow at a high CAGR during the forecast period.Digital Instrument Clusters: Region-wise OutlookOn the basis of region North America, Asia Pacific and Japan are expected to be the dominant players as a result of growing economy in these regions. The Indian electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM) industry is one of the fastest growing industry in the country, which is further boosting the demand for digital instrument clusters in the region. The global digital instrument cluster market is anticipated to grow at a steady rate in other regions of the world as a result of a slowing global economy in these regions.Request For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-524 Digital Instrument Clusters: Key PlayersSome of the market participants in the global digital instrument clusters market are Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd., Ford Motor Company, Audi AG, Renault, Volkswagen, Kia Motors Corp., BMW AG, Jaguar Land Rover Limited, NVIDIA Corporation and Tesla Motors.
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the eDiscovery Market : Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2015 - 2022" report to their offering.

eDiscovery Market

PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-30 08:23:10

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Increasing dependence on digital information management for efficiencies and accuracy has led towards adoption of solutions such as eDiscovery especially among legal firms and enterprises.Computer forensics, also known as cyber forensics, is a specific form of eDiscovery. Cyber forensics is carried out on contents stored in the hard drive of a particular computer system for the purpose of investigation. This enables investigators to make a digital copy of contents that can be produced in a law suit in response to a request. The global eDiscovery market is forecast to grow from US$ 7,230.6 Mn in 2015 to US$ 21,089.1Mn by 2022, at a CAGR of 16.5% from 2015 to 2022. eDiscovery solutions find widespread applications in government and regulatory agencies, small, mid and large-sized enterprises, and law firms.Government and regulatory agencies, enterprises (small, mid and large), and law firms are the end-users of eDiscovery solutions. Among these end user segments, government and regulatory agencies was the largest segment in 2015 which accounted for around 51% revenue share of global eDiscovery market. Use of eDiscovery solutions by government agencies is increasing due to rise in the number of civil cases. Moreover, these solutions enable government agencies to achieve significant cost savings. Major players in the global eDiscovery services market are emphasizing on the development of solutions and services to address the end to end eDiscovery needs of government agencies and organizations. Further, players are focusing on developing their capabilities to sell directly to government and law agencies. In North America, growing volume of ESI in organizations and increasing volume of government investigations due to rise in criminal cases has resulted in increased utilization of eDiscovery solutions in the region. In 2015, the government and regulatory agencies segment was the largest end-user in the North American eDiscovery market. In the U.S. and Canada, agencies such as CIA and FTC are using eDiscovery software and services for the purpose of investigation. However, the enterprise segment is likely to dominate the market by 2022, due to increasing adoption of eDiscovery solutions in organizations to meet increasing compliance requirements imposed by Federal Government agencies.Request For Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1671 Enterprises was the second largest segment with around 40% share in 2015. Different enterprises including small, medium and large-sized enterprises use eDiscovery software and services to maintain eDiscovery documents with data mapping. In addition, organizations use eDiscovery solutions to mitigate risks associated with legal actions. Increase in adoption of eDiscovery solutions in organizations has been seen in recent years due to increasing electronically stored information (ESI) volume every year. Furthermore, regulations imposed by governments to preserve ESI in organizations for discovery of digital data are expected to drive growth of this market in the enterprise segment. Growing use of social media is creating huge amount of metadata (hidden data), which contains creation date, modification date, and name of author. This type of data is only discovered through eDiscovery solutions. In addition, increasing use of mobile devices for organizational operations is creating need of mobile eDiscovery, which will further drive the growth of the eDiscovery market over the forecast period. Enterprise segment is expected to exhibit fastest growth owing to the rising adoption of eDiscovery solutions across all sizes of organizations in countries such as the U.S., UK, South Africa, Brazil, China and South Korea. These organizations are implementing eDiscovery solutions to ensure efficient internal investigation related to corporate and human resource policies.Send An Enquiry@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-1671
Fuel Injection System Market

PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-30 10:46:19

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The Fuel injections system is a vital mechanism in engine of vehicles to ensure proper flow of fuel through the engine. The performance of engine is heavily dependent on performance and reliability offered by Fuel injection system. Automobile, defence & military, mining industries and aviation are key end-users of Fuel injection systems. The fuel injection systems not only maintains health of the engine but also reduces carbon emission and improves economy of fuel usage. In order to cater to demand for technologically advanced fuel injection system for automotive, the majority of players in fuel injection system market are focusing on research & development.Fuel injection system offers numerous benefit to the automotive, such as  simple setup, easy start to engine, smooth running of engine, fuel burning efficiency, save fuel by preventing excessive consumption, provide precise amount of fuel to all cylinders, ability to adapt with alternative fuels and increase mileage of the vehicle. The Fuel injection system supplies, measures and optimizes the fuel consumption and thereby increasing life of the engine. On other hand, fuel injection systems are comparatively expensive than carburettors, have short life and difficult to repair.On the basis of vehicle type, fuel injection system market is segmented into  Two-Wheeler, passenger cars, heavy vehicles and others. Market share for passenger car fuel injection system by value is expected to represent highest growth in forecast period. On the contrary, heavy vehicles segment is expected to reflect limited growth.Request For Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-556 On the basis of Components, fuel injection system market is segmented into  Fuel Pump, Fuel pressure regulator (FPR), fuel injectors and Electronic Control Unit (ECU). Share of ECU in Fuel injection component is highest in terms of value and same trend is expected to continue by 2025.On the basis of technology, fuel injection system market is segmented into  direct fuel injection systems and multipoint fuel injection system.On the basis of engine type, fuel injection system market is segmented into  gasoline/petrol engine, diesel engines and others.The gasoline/petrol direct injection technology is emerging as most attractive option for the forecast periodThe demand for global fuel injection system market is expected to grow with a significant CAGR within forecast period. The major manufacturers of fuel injection systems are moving towards developing countries to get low cost skilled labours. Asia pacific has the highest contribution share in global fuel injection market due to increasing demand for automobiles from developing countries like china and India.The basic factor that drive the global fuel injection system market is significant improvement in per capita income and significant rise in standard of living of the population in developing countries, which is an ultimate factor responsible for increasing demand for two-wheeled vehicles and passenger cars. Out of concern to improve fuel economy and reduce associated maintenance expenses, the demand for fuel injection systems has increased. The ability of fuel injection system to adapt to alternate fuel requirements and increase mileage of the vehicle has driven the market for Global Fuel Injection System. On other side, the technology is expensive and need specialised maintenance. The other factors such as technological adaption and development of fuel injection systems is dependent on dynamics of automobile industry, which acts as both challenge as well as opportunity for the players in fuel injection systems marketRequest For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-556 Global Fuel Injection System Market: Key PlayersRobert Bosch GmBH, Denso Corporation, Delphi Automotive Plc., Continental AG, Hitachi Ltd, Edelbrock LLC, Woodward, Inc., Kinsler Fuel Injection etc. among others are some of the top players in global fuel injection system market. The strategy of acquisition of local manufacturers and new product development is adopted by top players in global fuel injection system market. Most of the Fuel injection system manufacturers are positioning their products as a part of contribution towards green and sustainable development.
Automotive Test Equipment Market

PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-30 09:57:55

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Automotive test equipment is primarily used for adjustment of vehicle performance and executing the quality tests on the vehicle. Automotive test equipment are used for measuring the engine wear, lubricant aeration, engine oil consumption, fuel dilution and evaporation and clogging of after-treatment systems. These test equipment are also used for testing the impact on engine oil consumption, hand brake tension and for interaction between fuel and lubricant. The examples of automotive test equipment are used as engine dynamometer, vehicle emission test system, wheel alignment tester, chassis dynamometer, fatigue testing, impact testers, tire plunger testers, fogging testers, etc.Automotive test equipment are providing control over the stability of the vehicle and excelling the riding comfort, these advantages are fuelling the market for automotive test equipment.Automotive Test Equipment Market: Drivers and ChallengesExpected growth in automotive industry is projected to fuel the growth in automotive test equipment market during the forecast period. As original equipment manufacturers are technologically advancing the automotive test equipment, the global automotive test equipment industry is expected to experience a growth during the forecast period. The growing demand for automotive test equipment from Asia Pacific and Middle East is fuelling the growth of the global automotive test equipment market. Stringent emission regulations regarding CO2 and NOX are boosting the demand for automotive test equipment globally.Request For Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-531 Automotive test equipment market is facing a challenge of market maturity in the developed economies such as U.S.A., Canada, etc.Automotive Test Equipment Market: OverviewThe global automotive test equipment market is expected to expand at a CAGR of around 4-7% during the forecast period (2016-2025), due to stringent government emission regulations (CO2 and NOX) and technological advancements.Automotive Test Equipment Market: SegmentationThe global automotive test equipment market can be segmented on the basis of type of vehicle, type of product and by regions.Based on type of vehicle, the global automotive test equipment market is segmented as:Passenger Vehicles, Commercial VehiclesBased on type of product, the global automotive test equipment market is segmented as:Vehicle emission test system, Wheel alignment testerChassis dynamometer, Engine dynamometerAutomotive Test Equipment Market: Region-wise OutlookThe global automotive test equipment market is expected to register a single-digit CAGR for the forecast period. Depending on geographic regions, global automotive test equipment market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. In terms of market revenue, Asia Pacific automotive test equipment market is projected to register a fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Many automotive original equipment manufacturers are shifting their manufacturing base to Asia Pacific, as the region is considered to be the low cost production destination. Due to the increased presence of manufacturing plants in Asia Pacific, the demand for automotive test equipment is growing in the region. North America & Western Europe are the matured markets for automotive test equipment and they are projected to register a single-digit CAGR of 4-5% during the forecast period.Asia Pacific is forecast to register a fastest CAGR during the forecast period, due to the high demand for automotive test equipment from countries such as India and China. Expected growth in the automotive production is also going to fuel the demand for automotive test equipment in Asia Pacific.Request For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-531 Automotive Test Equipment Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market participants in global automotive test equipment market are Robert Bosch gmbh, Siemens AG, Honeywell Industrial Inc., ABB Ltd, Delphi Automotive PLC, Actia S.A., etc.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-30 10:53:02

The FCA broker has announced that its Cyprus-based entity is CySEC certified and has introduced new branding as part of its transition into new markets.

HYCM Seals European Presence With CySEC Regulation

HYCM

Rosemary Barnes

Email: rosemary.barnes@hycm.com

Telephone: +357 25 24 5750

www.hycm.com

HYCM, an FCA-regulated global leader in online capital markets trading, has confirmed that its Cyprus-based entity HYCM Europe is licenced and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). The status is now reflected on the company website.

CySEC is Cypruss financial regulator which provides a framework within which the countrys financial services companies are obliged to operate. As a CySEC regulated broker, HYCM must adhere to the strictest financial standards, including capital adequacy requirements, segregation of client funds and transparency of business operations.

An international broker with a strong presence in key markets in Asia, Middle East and the United Kingdom, HYCM is now set to expand its footprint in the European Union, providing traders with the opportunity to benefit from competitive pricing, high execution speed, high levels of financial security and its renowned customer support.

Commenting on the CySEC licence, Stavros Lambouris, CEO, HYCM Europe said, The CySEC authorisation marks a milestone in our history as part of our plans to expand our global operations. We now have a gateway to the European market, affirming our commitment to our European clients whilst rubber-stamping the companys position as a global leader.

HYCM is part of the Henyep Capital Markets Group, an international conglomerate which recently rebranded its UAE operations within the DIFC to unify its offices worldwide and to reflect the broad range of capital markets products on offer to its retail clients. DFSA-regulated Henyep Investment Bank Limited became known as Henyep Capital Markets (DIFC) Ltd as part of its plans for growth in the region, particularly within the UAE.

The latest move means that European clients can now experience HYCMs full product offering including forex, commodities and equities as well as positioning the 40 year old Group on a renewed growth path as it seeks to extend its global footprint.

HYCM has also announced the introduction of a new logo to reflect these developments which will replace the existing one and will appear on the Groups website as well as all its advertising and promotional materials from April 2017.

HYCM

Notes to editors:

HYCM is a leading provider of online FX and CFD trading services to retail and institutional investors. With a 40 year operational history and a strong focus on client satisfaction and technological advancement, HYCM has become the online broker of choice for investors across the globe, providing access to a range of asset classes including currencies, commodities, metals, shares and indices.

HYCM offers clients a complete trading solution together with all the trading tools and analysis needed to make informed trading decisions. Backed by its state-of-the-art trading platforms, including the industry leading MetaTrader 4 and mobile app enabling clients to trade while on the go, HYCM has secured a strong industry reputation for delivering a trading experience that is second to none.

HYCM is part of the Henyep Capital Markets Group, an international conglomerate with businesses in financial services, property, education and charity and is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority of the UK (FCA reference number 186171 and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC licence number 259/14).

The company is represented globally with offices in United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Cyprus and Dubai.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201703300054
PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-30 12:02:02

Leading Fund Manager Glennmont Partners Host High Level Debate Exploring Investment Opportunities In Renewables

Lodestone Communications for Glennmont Partners

Harry Padfield

Harry.padfield@lodestonecommunications.com

07896140920

Glennmont Partners today (Thursday 30 March) hosted a high-level seminar, bringing together institutional investors, industry leaders and policy experts to discuss current developments and growth opportunities for the European offshore wind industry.

The seminar, which took place at de Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam, Netherlands, addressed the strategic issues facing the clean energy sector  from accessing value in the growing Clean Energy infra segment and Offshore Wind markets to the role of pension funds and how to reduce the risk of capital. Three keynote speakers focused on the theme Current developments in Offshore Wind Infrastructure Investing  bringing insights across cost synergies, refinancing opportunities and profitable exit strategies.

Former Government Minister and former Executive Director of the IEA (International Energy Agency), Maria van der Hoeven addressed delegates by underlining the importance of a joint approach between climate change and wider energy policy. Bart Heijermans, CEO of DeepOcean Group, spoke about best practice and his experiences in the execution and operations of renewables project. While delegates also heard from Managing Director of Energy Advisory at ABN AMRO Bank, Max ter Linden, who discussed his role advising a wide range of stakeholders from utilities, IPPs and financial investors on the current policy environment.

Joost Bergsma, CEO of Glennmont Partners said: We are delighted that so many people from across the investment and renewables community engaged in this important debate. At Glennmont, we are calling for a stable policy framework within the low carbon sector to bring certainty to the market which is crucial to continue to unlock private sector investment. Three prominent speakers shared their insights at todays discussion, highlighting the role of the Netherlands, where two of the most successful auctions in offshore wind have taken place. The Dutch Governments example can act as a blueprint for other countries to create stable growth and help them reach the binding target for EU countries of 20% renewables by 2020.

Speaking after the seminar, Maria van der Hoeven, former Executive Director of the IEA (International Energy Agency) said: There is strong support among European Governments to reducing the impact of climate change by enhancing energy security. Their policies and support have already unlocked significant private sector investment into renewable infrastructure projects. While the sector faces challenges to ensure it remains cost competitive, innovation and technological advances has already led to a significant cost reduction. Todays seminar provided an important contribution to the debate and dissemination of best practice.

Glennmont Partners is one of Europes largest fund managers focusing exclusively on investment in clean energy infrastructure. Glennmont raises long-term capital to invest in alternative power generation projects, such as wind farms, biomass power stations, solar parks and small-scale hydro power plants. The carefully selected, risk managed investments deliver sustained performance and predictable returns over periods of 10 years or more.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201703300055
Functional Printing Market

PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-30 10:49:20

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# 585 Words

616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: www.futuremarketinsights.comAbhishek Budholiya+1-347-918-3531

Functional printing is a process of bringing functionality into 2D and 3D silicon based components. It is printing of different electronic components using substrates and ink. The some of the most commonly used printing techniques are screen, flexography and inkjet which are being employed to print on various substrates like glass, paper, paper etc. using dielectric inks, conductive copper and silver inks and grapheme inks. The increasing demand for low cost volume production of electronic components and rising concern towards environmental sustainability issues has boosted the growth of Global Functional printing market.Functional Printing is used for mass production of electronic devices such as light crystal display (LCD), Radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips, sensors, photovoltaic and organic light emitting diode (OLED).The use of functional printing for production of electronics is not only cost effective and environmentally safe but also provide scope for creating graphical visual effects like electrochromic effect, electroluminescent effect and electroluminescent effects. Functional printing offers increased durability, efficiency and reliability to the electronic components as compared to conventional process of production. On other hand existing functional printing technologies are still immature in terms of its application in development and production of electronic objects. It act as a both opportunity as well as challenge for market players to develop functional printing specifically designed for printed electronics.Request For Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-558 On the basis of materials, Global Functional Printing market is segmented into  substrate and ink. Further substrate is categorized into glass, polyethylene naphthalene (PEN), plastic, gallium nitride (GAN), paper, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), silicon carbide and ink is categorized into- dielectric inks, conductive copper, silver inks and grapheme inks.On the basis of technology, Global Functional Printing market is segmented into  screen printing, flexography printing, gravure printing, micro-contact printing, offset printing and inkjet printing.On the basis of coating, Global Functional Printing market is categorized into  Conformal coating and conductive coating.On the basis of Application, Global Functional Printing market is categorized into  light crystal display (LCD), Radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips, sensors, photovoltaic, organic light emitting diode (OLED), lighting, batteries and displays.The North America is the biggest functional printing market as most of the functional printing equipment & material manufacturers are from this region. There is need for technical developments and interdisciplinary efforts to fuel more innovative business opportunities along with core functional printing business to support rapid growth in functional printing market.The basic factors that drive the growth of global functional printing market is increasing demand of low cost, reliable and robust electronic devices such as RFID antennas and sensors all over the world. The development of new types of substrate materials and inks has further boosted the global functional printing market. The functional printing market is also driven by benefits that it offers such as less material wastage and low power consumption, which ultimately an effort to reduce negative environment impact by electronics industry. On other side, functional printing is not specifically designed for production of electronic components, which is a factor that surpasses the growth of functional printing market.Request For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-558 Global Functional Printing Market: Key PlayersSome of the top players in global Functional Printing market include - Avery Dennison Corporation (U.S.), Blue Spark Technologies (U.S.), Blue Spark Technologies (U.S.), BASF SE (Germany), Mark Andy, Inc. (U.S.), Xennia Technology (U.K.), Novaled AG (Germany), Xaar PLC (U.K.), Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated (PARC) (U.S.) and E Ink Holdings, Inc (Taiwan).
PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-30 15:37:08

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

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# 389 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Tartisan Resources Corp.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Toronto, Ontario (FSCWire) - Tartisan Resources Corp. (CSE:TTC). has issued a press release with the following headline:Tartisan Resources Corp. Acquires the Don Pancho Polymetallic Zinc-Lead-Silver-Manganese Property in Huaral, PeruTo view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on Tartisan Resources Corp., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Tartisan Resources Corp.Source: Tartisan Resources Corp. (CSE: TTC)Date: March 30, 2017Time: 9:37 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Tartisan Resources Corp. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
Agriculture Equipment Market

PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-30 09:50:11

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Future Market Insights

616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,



Valley Cottage, NY 10989,



United States



T: +1-347-918-3531



F: +1-845-579-5705



Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com



Website: www.futuremarketinsights.com









email





Published by

Abhishek Budholiya

+1-347-918-3531

e-mail

http://www.futuremarketinsights.com







# 351 Words

616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: www.futuremarketinsights.comAbhishek Budholiya+1-347-918-3531

Agriculture equipment are the machine tools used in the various stage of agriculture such as harvesting, planting, threshing and agro processing. Agriculture equipment are replacing traditional tools: for traditional practice in land development, tillage and seed bed preparation plough and blade harrow were used but current practice includes tractors, mould board plough and power tiller.Agriculture Equipment Market: Drivers & RestraintsGrowing population at faster pace is the main driver for agricultural equipment market as it spurs the need of food which aggressively demand for better equipment for agriculture. Though agriculture equipment help in the cultivation but farmers are in having financial issues to replace the old equipment with new machinery, which hindered the growth of the global agriculture equipment market. Asia Pacific is one of the major user of tractor.Agriculture Equipment Market: SegmentationOn the basis of product type, agriculture Equipment market is broadly segmented as:Tractor, Combine HarvesterThrasher, RotavatorSelf-Propelled Vertical Conveyer Reaper, Zero Till Seed DrillMulti Crop Planter, Power TillerLaser Land Leveler, Rice TransplanterPower Spray, Power WeederDrip Irrigation Equipment, Sprinkler Irrigation EquipmentRequest For Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-523 On the basis of process, the market is segmented into:Land Development, Tillage, Seed Bed PreparationSowing & Planting , Weed Inter CultivationPlant Protection, Harvesting & ThreshingPost-Harvest & Agro ProcessingAgriculture Equipment Market: Region  Wise OutlookAsia  Pacific region is expected to dominate the market during the forecasted period aided by China and India the fastest growing agriculture equipment market. Growing population will increase the demand of food in these countries, which in return increase the demand of better harvesting machinery. Europe and North America agriculture equipment market is expected to show a moderate growth. With rapid technological advancement and growing population agriculture Equipment market is expected to increase at a double CAGR during the forecast period.Request For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-523 Agriculture Equipment Market: Key PlayersSome of the players in the market we identified includes, CNH Industrial NV, AGCO Corp, J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited, Iseki & Co. Ltd, Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, Deere & Company and Kubota Corporation.
Vehicle Electrification Market

PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-30 10:39:47

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Future Market Insights

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United States



T: +1-347-918-3531



F: +1-845-579-5705



Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com



Website: www.futuremarketinsights.com









email





Published by

Abhishek Budholiya

+1-347-918-3531

e-mail

http://www.futuremarketinsights.com







# 421 Words

616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: www.futuremarketinsights.comAbhishek Budholiya+1-347-918-3531

Electrification of a vehicle is considered as one of the best way to reduce carbon emission, increase vehicle efficiency and reduce dependency over oil. Vehicle electrification generates new opportunities for consumer engagement along with various environmental and economic benefits. We can replace various hydraulic or mechanical systems with electric systems: hydraulic power steering with electric power steering and mechanical or hydraulic pumps with electric pumps. The air conditioner in a vehicle canVehicle Electrification Market: Drivers & RestraintsIncreasing prices of conventional fuels, growth in the sales of electric vehicles will enhance the growth of vehicle electrification. Growing demand for fuel efficient vehicles, stringent emission norm along with increasing environmental awareness among the consumer are also expected to fuel the growth of vehicle electrification market. Governments of various countries such as US are actively supporting vehicle electrification by providing tax exemption and subsidies.Request For Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-542 Vehicle Electrification Market: SegmentationOn the basis of product type, vehicle electrification market is broadly segmented as:StartStop System, Electric Power Steering (EPS)Liquid Heater PTC, Electric Air-Conditioner CompressorElectric Vacuum Pump, Electric Oil PumpElectric Water Pump, Thermoelectric GeneratorElectric TurbochargerOn the basis of vehicle type, the market is segmented into:Passenger Car, Light Commercial VehicleHeavy Commercial Vehicle, Two  WheelerVehicle electrification market is segmented on the basis of degree of hybridizationas:Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) & Micro-Hybrid Vehicle, Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), Battery Electric Vehicle (Bev) & Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV)In addition, report also includes segmentation on the basis of channel type:OEMs, AftermarketRequest For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-542 Vehicle Electrification Market: Region  Wise OutlookAsia  Pacific region owing to the fast growing automotive industry in developing countries such as India, China and South Korea is expected to show a significant growth in the vehicle electrification market. Strict laws in Western & Eastern Europe for vehicle efficiency will drive the vehicle electrification market in this region. North America is also anticipated to a moderate growth with credits to the strong fuel efficiency norms and support from government in the region. With rapid technological advancement and growing automobile industry, vehicle electrification market is expected to increase at a double CAGR during the forecast period.Vehicle Electrification Market: Key PlayersSome of the players in the market we identified includes, Continental AG, Robert Bosch GmbH., TRW Automotive Holdings Corp., Denso Corporation, (Japan), Nexteer Automotive, JTEKT Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Mando Corp., Borgwarner Inc. and ZF Friedrichshafen AG.
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.




Benson & Bingham, a prominent personal injury and accident law firm with three locations in Southern Nevada, recently released notable news and events in the first quarter of 2017.

By: Benson & Bingham

New Workers' Compensation Attorney Ida Ybarra, Esq.

Contact

HIkanoo, Inc

Justin Simpson

***@hikanoo.com HIkanoo, IncJustin Simpson

End

-- Benson & Bingham recently announced several prominent news and events the firm has achieved during the first few months of the new year.: Joseph L. Benson II, Esq, of Benson & Bingham, gears up for trial in Tucson, AZ on a tractor trailer case that occurred in Pima County, AZ against Werner Trucking from Nebraska. Mr. Benson is admitted pro hac vice with the firm of Hollingsworth & Kelly to prosecute the case.: Benson & Bingham's workers' compensation department is in full swing with a staggering number of new cases in its inaugural year. Headed by Ida Ybarra, Esq., the firm anticipates hiring more lawyers to handle the influx of cases. The stellar reputation for their personal injury representation gives clients the confidence that they handle the on the job injuries with the same quality and outstanding service Nevadan's have come to expect.: Benson & Bingham hire the Geary Company for marketing efforts.: Pond, Lehocky, Stern and Giordano from PA affiliates with Benson & Bingham to handle their Nevada personal injury referrals. Pond & Lohocky handle workers' compensation ( https://www.bensonbingham.com/ workers-compensation ) and social security disability cases and have a National presence. Benson & Bingham is pleased to handle their referrals and is excited to foster another National Law firm for their Nevada cases. Benson & Bingham also handle Morgan and Morgan's referrals.is a Southern Nevada injury and accident and workers' compensation law firm with three offices in the Las Vegas Valley: Downtown, Summerlin and Henderson, Nevada. Benson & Bingham is focused on client service, from the initial consultation to the negotiation process, the firm communicates with its clients every step of the way.For more information about Benson & Bingham, please visit: https://www.bensonbingham.com
SuperGIS Server 10, the next-gen web GIS software will be available at the end of 2017. New features like Web Mapper, temporal slider, etc. will be added.

Contact

Supergeo Technologies Inc. /

Eugene Tseng

***@supergeo.com.tw Supergeo Technologies Inc. /Eugene Tseng

End

-- When your company grows bigger as the project scale becomes larger, to organize huge volume of data wisely turns to be increasingly important. Based on the abundant experience of developing desktop GIS and mobile GIS products, Supergeo released its first generation of SuperGIS Server five years ago. By deploying SuperGIS Server, enterprises and organizations of different size can manage vast amount of spatial data and publishing various kinds of map services. The greatest strength of GIS Server is making use of the global proximity of the Internet, which allows people from all over the world to view and share the maps and spatial data you have produced. Other than sharing and managing data, you can utilize SuperGIS Server to build web GIS applications. By doing this, not only are you able to access and manage spatial data, but other workers without GIS are allowed to digitize and analyze spatial data through their web browser.After releasing the next-gen desktop GIS - SuperGIS Desktop 10 as well as mobile GIS- SuperSurv 10 and SuperPad 10, Supergeo will spare no effort to propel the development of SuperGIS Server 10! Unlike the publishing tool used in the past, Supergeo will introduce a practical tool called Web Mapper in SuperGIS Server 10. With Web Mapper, there will be more templates for users to apply immediately when establishing web applications. Meanwhile, users are able to manage the tools more flexibly as well as to preview the layout of web application on different devices.Besides, SuperGIS Server 10 will offer more methods for data visualization and also help users to display and discover data from different dimensions, such as show data in discrete time interval or illustrate data in 3D environment. In addition, as a cross-platform product, SuperGIS Server will make it possible for all SuperGIS products to connect with one another more tightly. This will enable users to conduct cross-platform projects effortlessly. Currently, the product is under the developing stage. The official version will come out by the end of this year. Stay tuned!Experience the World Earthquake Report created by SuperGIS Server:Contact us for the trial and tech support for SuperGIS Server:Supergeo Technologies Inc. is a leading global provider of GIS software and solutions. Since the establishment, Supergeo has dedicated to providing state-of-the-art geospatial technologies and comprehensive services for customers around the world. Our vision is to help everybody gain geographic insights with practical, professional, and affordable GIS software and create a better future.Supergeo develops desktop, mobile, and server GIS software, which can efficiently help users to collect, manage, and publish spatial data in one single platform.
MYOB is an organization providing a multiple of business accounting solutions for the business establishments in Australia and New Zealand.

Contact

Online Assignments Help

write.assignments@ gmail.com Online Assignments Help

End

-- MYOB is an organization providing a multiple of business accounting solutions for the business establishments in Australia and New Zealand. They have a multiple of accounting solutions which needed to be learned thoroughly with proper teaching aids and test papers. Normally students have to register for a month-long fictional transaction with all normal postings like any real-world situation to complete MYOB assignment successfully. Special attention is to be given on the date, invoice number, and transaction amount in order to complete MYOB assignment.According to the spokesperson of PERDISCO MYOB Assignment help service, "The most difficult parts of any MYOB assignment are sales and purchase return entries, payroll processing, BRS processing, etc. Students need to show the highest levels of accuracy in posting the transactions one after another. The slightest mistake can make the entire job wrong, so there is no scope of committing any mistake".MYOB assignments are mostly given in the form of PERDISCO MYOB practice set. Examiners provide the deadlines and the guidelines on how to register with PERDISCO in order to start the MYOB assignments. Undoubtedly, accuracy, diligence, concentration and speed are mandatory for the successful accomplishment of an PERDISCO MYOB assignment. It is not always possible to perform with equal speed and accuracy day after day. Moreover, correct knowledge and speedy grasping power are also required. In such condition, mistakes are quite normal. So, it is always feasible to take help from an expert. In fact, this is the only professional online PERDISCO MYOB assignment writing service ( https://www.onlineassignmentshelp.com/ myob-perdisco- assig... ) that provides up to date solution against any MYOB. The assignments related to MYOB normally designed with complicated accounting entries. These accounting entries cover all types of accounting books that are commonly used in an organization. Such entries are to be done in the MYOB software.At an early stage of learning MYOB software, many students feel the subject a bit complicated and hard to understand. Naturally, the process involved in transaction posting may also be seen a bit complicated. With the help of MYOB PERDISCO assignment solving professionals,everything becomes easier, accurate and faster. Students then will be able to concentrate on other serious matters including regular classes.Online Assignments help ( https://www.onlineassignmentshelp.com/ ) is provided through MYOB v.19 software. There is a special student version of the software available as in most of the situations, examiners instruct to use the student version only. However, the professional version is also used if the instruction is given in such a manner.A Professor normally provides MYOB practice in the PERDISCO portal and asked the students to complete them within the due time.As per the spokesperson, "These types of MYOB practice tests are composed of scores of pages. A student needs to create a virtual company and post the transactions as per the data available. The data sheet may contain any span of data ranging from a week to a month. Students sometimes feel nervous seeing such a load of data. But with the help of expert writers, any complicated practice test can be solved within the due time".Name : Online Assignments Help AustraliaPhome : +61 589 214 2034Website: https://www.onlineassignmentshelp.com/E-Mail: contact@onlineassignmentshelp.com
Contact

WealthyTec Press Department

***@wealthytec.com WealthyTec Press Department

End

-- Today, WealthyTec are excited to announce the launch of additional B2B solutions to their offering that will help finance industry companies become truly digital.Now available, these solutions will transform wealth management experiences and financial service delivery, using WealthyTec's advanced software solutions and cloud capabilities.", said Jukka Blomberg, CEO of WealthyTec.WealthyTec's strengthened offering will assist financial industry companies to create compelling, personalized and consistent digital experiences for their customers with fast time-to-market.- White label Robo Advisor and out-of-the-box support modules, that will enable financial institutions to offer their customers a great digital advisory experience.- Robo Reporter, which will automize and "Google optimize" financial news and content creation  ultimately helping companies to increase their userbase organically and save time.- Automated reporting and API aggregation modules to help you to get MiFID II compliant and tap into PSD2 opportunity.- Availability of WealthyTec's FinTech Consultancy service that will help both traditional companies as well as startups to seize the digital opportunity by innovating, concepting and developing great new solutions and drive growth.These solutions enable existing and new players deliver great experiences under their own brand and expand the addressable customer base.Continues Jukka Blomberg, "The B2B solutions are available at: http://www.wealthytec.com/ for-companies/ WealthyTec is WealthTech start-up based in Helsinki, Finland. We offer Robo Advisor consept that has already been used by over 15,000 people globally. In addition WealthyTec offers powerful B2B solutions  helping finance industry companies become truly digital.For more information, please visit: http://www.wealthytec.com/for-companies/(http://www.wealthytec.com/for-companies/)Media enquiries: press(at)wealthytec.comMedia kit: https://www.dropbox.com/ sh/kczqbozdrm8wzjp/ AAD5Arb7NPZLMv...
Small group specialist Travel The Unknown has unveiled it's latest programme which includes Nepal and Laos for the first time, plus lots of other fascinating trips to India and more.

By: Travel The Unknown

Contact

Mick Thompson, Travel Dog PR

***@traveldogpr.co.uk Mick Thompson, Travel Dog PR

End

-- Small group, off-the-beaten track specialist Travel The Unknown, has launched its new programme for 2017/18 which includes itineraries to Nepal and Laos for the first time.There are also a lot more options in India, including the 14-day Tribes of Orissa & Chhattisgarh (http://www.traveltheunknown.com/tour/india/tri/tribal%20orissa%20&%20chhattisgarh)and 20-day Hillstations to the Himalayas (http://www.traveltheunknown.com/tour/india/hth/hillstations%20to%20the%20himalayas), taking in places such as Haridwar, Shimla, Dharamsala and Ladakh. In South India, one can discover the relatively lesser-visited state of Karnataka, known for its ancient stone architecture and wildlife in Kabini Wildlife Reserve. In remote north east India, one can take a river cruise on the Brahmaputra and combine this with a trip into neighbouring Bhutan.There is also a highly unusual new trip called Hidden Tribes & Pagodas of Myanmar (15 days)  providing a chance to discover ancient tribal cultures in this fascinating country. The holiday costs from 3295 per person.There are two new trips to Nepal, the 13-day Hidden Nepal, and Classic Nepal (also 13 days). There is also a trip combining Nepal with India, and a three-centre adventure with Nepal, India and Bhutan.Highlights of Hidden Nepal ( http://www.traveltheunknown.com/ tour/nepal/hne/ hidden%20n... ) include the capital, Kathmandu, the World Heritage Site of Swoyambhunath Temple, Pokhara, watching the sun rise at Sarangkot, Royal Chitwan National Park and the royal city of Bhaktapur. The holiday costs from 2395 per person.Places visited on the Classic Nepal ( http://www.traveltheunknown.com/ tour/nepal/cne/ classic%20... ) trip include Kathmandu, UNESCO-listed Patan Durbar Square, Chitwan, Nagarkot, Bhaktapur, Dhulikheland and Panauti. The holiday costs from 2195 per person.Travel The Unknown's first entry into Laos features two itineraries, the 14-day Hidden Laos and the 11-day Essential Laos.Highlights of Hidden Laos (http://www.traveltheunknown.com/tour/laos/hil/hidden%20laos)include Wat Xieng Thong monastery, exploring the Pak Ou Caves, Xieng Khouan Buddha Park, the ancient Wat Sisaket temple, the mountain temple of Wat Phou, spotting Irrawaddy dolphins at Khone Pha Pheng Waterfall and the idyllic island of Don Khone. The holiday costs from 3095 per person.The shorter Essential Laos (http://www.traveltheunknown.com/tour/laos/ela/essential%20laos)itinerary includes Wat Xieng Thong monastery, Patouxai Lao Victory Monument, the scenic waterfalls on the Bolaven Plateau, meeting the Katou people and the mountain temple of Wat Phou. The holiday costs from 2595 per person.All prices are based on two people sharing a room and include flights, ground transportation, accommodation, meals and activities as per individual itineraries and a guide. Land only prices are available for all trips for those who prefer to make their own flight arrangements or join a tour overseas.Call 020 7183 6371 (www.traveltheunknown.com)
Waltham Technologies pioneered Miami's Start-Up community in Wynwood

Contact

Candice Nestel

***@mydriverlicense.org Candice Nestel

End

-- Wynwood's very first tech start-up is celebrating its 5-year anniversary. Waltham Technologies, located in the heart of the vibrant Wynwood Arts District, is a tech firm that specializes in data collecting and digital publishing through commerce throughout a diverse network of websites.Owner Burton Katz, converted a 5,000-square foot warehouse into more than just a vision. Katz took his small 12-employee company and grew it into a successful international business. With offices in Costa Rica, Uruguay and Los Angeles, Waltham Technologies now employs over 160 people within its affiliated owned companies.Waltham Technologies, housing its very own ice cream shop, Serendipity, it is located across the street from The LAB and two doors down from Zak the Baker, has witnessed Wynwood's drastic evolution from a few warehouses with some street art to Miami's very own Silicon Valley."Five years ago, our company, much like Wynwood was just an idea. As the neighborhood evolved and developed, so have we. It has helped inspire our corporate culture and by trendsetting the tech movement in the area, we hope to have helped define Wynwood's culture as well," said Katz.As the first tech start-up in Wynwood, Waltham Technologies has utilized the neighborhood to foster growth and creativity amongst its employees. With new positions available every day, Waltham Technologies is always looking for career-motivated individuals.About Waltham TechnologiesWaltham Technologies is a high-growth internet start-up company focusing on content, data and commerce. Having launched a network of web properties across many verticals and developed, managed and operated over 200 websites, Waltham has seen success in its methods by using a scalable Customer Acquisition and Data Monetization Platform, efficiently turning high-volume transactional clicks into lifetime value customers. Waltham is pioneering the development of extensive publisher relationships within the burgeoning territory of content marketing and contextual commerce. Through Waltham's owned and operated websites, the company currently acquires 180,000 new consumer records each day.
"Through the Looking Glass" Literary Panel at Taiwan Academy in Los Angeles

Contact

Ivy Tseng

info@taiwanacademyla.org

(213) 403-0168 Ivy Tseng(213) 403-0168

End

-- The third literary panel of the Reading Taiwan exhibit, titled "Through the Looking Glass", took place at Taiwan Academy in Los Angeles on Saturday, March 25th. Moderated by professor Michael Berry (UCLA), and featuring professor Shih, Shu-Mei (UCLA), professor Liao, Pin-hui (UCSD), and professor Robert Chi (UCLA), the panel consists some of the most dedicated scholars to Taiwanese literature on the west coast. The four panelists shared their personal perspective of the literary world of Taiwan, and provided illuminating insights on each of their respective fields.An expert in sinophone literature studies, professor Shih Shu-mei gave a heartfelt and empathetic overview of the indigenous writers of Taiwan. From identifying the Austronesian origin of the indigenous tribes' languages, to detailing the struggles against the colonizers (the Japanese and the Han people alike,) Shih shared examples of spirited but tragic folklore and poems from writers of the Paiwan tribe and Rukai Tribe. Read aloud in Mandarin Chinese, English, and some in their native dialects, Shih recited indigenous literature which were empowered by the internal conflict of having to utilize the colonizer's script, and augmented by the challenges of transitioning from a mainly oral tradition. Filled with tales of bravery and resistance, indigenous literature was and continues to be an important part to the history of Taiwanese literature.Professor Liao, Pin-Hui gave an impassioned personal view of the recently deceased author Chen, Yingzhen, condemning a perceived lack of true understanding from both sides of the strait of Chen's spirit and belief in his literature. Liao mourns the passing of Chen, who he considers one of the most significant and influential Taiwanese writers of his time. Feeling the injustice in how political opportunism and controversy overshadowed the true soul of Chen's literary works, Liao is passionate about exonerating Chen from being reduced to a mere political token, and shared his grieving of Chen's spectre, a phantom adrift and lost to a fog of superficiality.A scholar interested most in Taiwanese cinema, professor Robert Chi showed the audience his love of the intricacies in the relationship between literature and cinema in Taiwan. Aside from the most common case of direct adaptations, Chi honed in on the idea of "intermedial hybridity"; a symbiotic relationship between literature and cinema, coexisting and mutually promoting each other in an entirely new and unique ecology. The two share many similar qualities, but are at the same time different in their similarities, including but not limited to, deep investment in storytelling, experience-focused, and navigating their unique role as a medium. Chi shared several clips from contemporary films such as Juliets, Seven Days in Heaven, and Au Revoir Taipei, using the concept of Mise-en-scene to guide the audience through how literature expands and anchors the cinematic experience."Through the Looking Glass" marks the conclusion of the literary panel series, with each of the panels in the series reaching a wide range of audiences and receiving generally positive and enthusiastic response. The literary exhibit is the first of its kind at this gallery space, transforming it into a multi-functional space for cultural exchange, by not only providing a mini book fair consist of one of the most complete and comprehensive collection of English-translated Taiwanese literature at a single physical location, but also accompanying the fair with weekly screenings of documentaries, short films and feature length films adapted from Taiwanese literature. The literary exhibit will stay open to the public until the 8th of April, and will continue to spread the unique and vibrant world of literature in Taiwan by moving onto the Taiwanese cultural center in Canada next.For more, visit https://www.facebook.com/ taiwanacademyla
Local author Derek Strahan will be available to sign copies of book

Lost Springfield

End

--At the end of the nineteenth century, the U.S. Armory opened in Springfield, spurring rapid growth. With that golden age of progress came iconic buildings and landmarks that are now lost to time. Railroads brought workers eager to fill Springfield's factories and enterprises like Smith & Wesson, Merriam Webster and Indian Motorcycles. The Massasoit House Hotel, the Church of the Unity and the Daniel B. Wesson mansion once served as symbols of the city's grandeur. Forest Park grew into an upscale residential neighborhood of Victorian mansions. Join local historian Derek Strahan as he returns Springfield to its former glory, examining the people, events andmost importantlyplaces that helped shape the City of Firsts.Derek Strahan, 30, is a lifelong resident of Western Massachusetts. He grew up in Monson, where he first gained an appreciation for local history. After graduating from Westfield State University with degrees in English and Regional Planning, he moved to Springfield, where he lives with his wife Melissa and their son, Isaiah. He currently teaches English at The Master's School in Simsbury, Connecticut. While living in Springfield, the city's many historic buildings of the past and present inspired Strahan to start his blog, Lost New England, which features then and now scenes of Springfield and many other cities and towns across the northeast. This book expands upon the work that Strahan started with his blog, taking an in-depth look at some of Springfield's most historically significant places that no longer exist. Through this book, he seeks to celebrate the city's rich history while at the same time inspiring an appreciation for the historic landmarks that are still standing in Springfield.Barnes & Noble7 Holyoke StreetHolyoke, MA 01040Saturday, April 8th 2017 at 1:00 p.m.Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or online.The combination of Arcadia Publishing & The History Press creates the largest and most comprehensive publisher of local and regional content in the USA. By empowering local history and culture enthusiasts to write local stories for local audiences, we create exceptional books that are relevant on a local and personal level, enrich lives, and bring readers closer - to their community, their neighbors, and their past. Have we done a book on your town? Visit www.arcadiapublishing.com
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Dori Media Group has sold the crime drama Dumb to Mexicos TV Azteca in a deal that represents the first international format sale of the production, whose first season of 60 episodes will air in 2018.





Dumb has tremendous potential to deliver excellent ratings for TV Azteca . It is a contemporary fresh and unique urban format that can take place anywhere: in Tel Aviv, Mexico City or Tokyo. The crime drama has been a tremendous hit in Israel, having been viewed by 46% of HOT cable subscribers in Israel, with a second and third series already committed to, said Nadav Palti, CEO of Dori Media Group.Dumb was recently chosen as one of only 20 dramas from around the world to be screened to key influencers and buyers at the recent European Film Festival in Berlin during its Drama Series Days.TV Azteca is proud to be the first international buyer of Dumb. Our new way of production has proved to be innovative and responsive to audience demand, added Joshua Mintz, deputy to the president of TV Azteca. TV Azteca's audience is looking for great storytelling and characters they can relate to. We know how to create just that and by adapting Dumb we'll make a great series, in line with our vision towards becoming the best place to create TV. Dumb is a crime drama about a 30-year-old frustrated actress who has the body and appearance of a teenager and hates it. All she has is her boyfriend, who later dumps her and gets arrested for dealing drugs. Determined to save him, she joins the police as an undercover agent posing as a high school senior class student.
BBC Earth HD is launching in the Philippines via direct-to-home (DTH) satellite TV platform Cignal TV on 1 April.





The natural history and factual channel will be added to the pay-TV platform along with its sister channel BBC World News, following a content deal between Cignal TV and BBC Worldwide.We are very excited that two highly rated channels from the BBC will now be available to Cignals 1.6 million pay-TV subscribers. The Philippines is a country that is deeply passionate about natural history  it has the highest rate of discovery of new animal species with 16 new species of mammals discovered just in the last ten years, said Myleeta Aga, SVP and general manager of South and South East Asia, BBC Worldwide.We hope that BBC Earth, showcasing the work of the worlds foremost factual film makers, will take Filipino viewers on a journey of discovery, with heart pounding action and mind-blowing visuals.It is the first time BBC Earth HD will be available to viewers in the Philippines, however, the channel is available elsewhere in Asia: in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. The channel is also available in India as Sony BBC Earth  a joint venture with Sony Picture Networks India.David Attenboroughs Natural Curiosities and Trust Me, Im a Doctor with Dr Michael Mosley will be among the shows available on BBC Earth. Later this year, Blue Planet II, presented by David Attenborough and filmed over four years in Ultra HD, will also premiere exclusively on BBC Earth.BBC World News, meanwhile, is now available in 433 million households across the globe and reaches almost 85 million people a week. It will, said Myleeta Aga, meet Filipino viewers demands for high quality news content.Jane Jimenez-Basas, president, Cignal TV, said: We are very excited to be partnering with BBC Worldwide to bring two premium BBC channels to our subscribers. We are committed to providing genre-defining content for our discerning viewers. With the addition of BBC World News and BBC Earth to our platform, we are very pleased to be able to deliver on that promise.
Croatian director Antun Vrdoljak finds himself in a bind.

His current project, called The General, deals with Croatia's recent past; it is meant to be a blockbuster about the exploits of Croatian wartime commander Ante Gotovina. Vrdoljak and his crew are currently shooting the film in the vicinity of the Croatian coastal city Split, recreating the final battle of the Croatian war of independence in 1995.

But he is having trouble finding actors willing to play "the enemy."

Vrdoljak's dilemma is that even in the filmmaker's world of make-believe, Croatian actors refuse to put on the uniform of "Chetniks" -- as rebel Serb fighters were dubbed to evoke the nationalist Serbian units that collaborated with the Nazis during World War II -- while Serbs refuse to take part in a Croatian movie about General Gotovina.

There are efforts afoot in Serbia to rehabilitate the Chetniks as part of a nationalist-inspired movement for historical revisionism, but their specter is still enough to inspire revulsion and fear in neighboring Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. (Chetniks' Croatian counterparts are "Ustashe," by the way, similarly a reference to World War II-era fascists.)

In a grim reminder of the fragility of peace in the Balkans and the freshness of wartime wounds for many, a commentator on the Banja Luka-based web portal Buka deadpanned that if live ammunition were provided for the filming of The General, the feature could easily become a documentary.

Vrdoljak contacted a private agency in Belgrade to help him cast his movie and, to sweeten the deal, he is offering 1,000 euros ($1,050) per day of shooting, according to B92.

Even though that's around 10 times what actors usually get when they're hired locally, it is unclear whether any Serbian actors are prepared to take Vrdoljak up on his offer. In the Croatian narrative of the 1991-95 war, Gotovina is a hero; but among Serbs, he is a war criminal.

Mihailo Laptosevic, a Serbian actor who was cast for a minor role in the movie, was quoted as saying in a reference to the pay for five days of filming: "Five thousand euros is not a lot of money if tomorrow you cannot look at yourself in the mirror."

For Vrdoljak, this is a minor setback, as there is otherwise considerable support for his project in Croatia.

Vrdoljak's son-in-law, Goran Visnjic, plays the title role in The General. Visnjic is a talented actor who is currently among Croatia's most prominent actors, and has made a name for himself in Hollywood.

But he also has some direct experience with the events being portrayed. He was performing his military service in the Yugoslav Peple's Army on the eve of the war in Croatia (1991), and on his return home joined the Croatian Army.

Apart from the movie, Vrdoljak is also producing an eight-part miniseries about Gotovina that should be completed in 2018.

Gotovina's life has certainly taken many twists and turns.

He served in the French Foreign Legion before war broke out in Croatia. He was charged by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in The Hague for his role in the final Croatian offensive that ended the war, code-named Operation Storm (Oluja). During that operation, in addition to many hundreds of civilian deaths, some 200,000 Serbs were forced to flee their homes in what was described as the war's largest exodus of Serbs.

After spending five years in hiding, Gotovina was eventually apprehended in the Canary Islands and handed over to the ICTY. At the time, his arrest and trial opened the way for Croatia to become a full member of the European Union. Gotovina was sentenced to 24 years in prison "for participating in a joint criminal enterprise to expel Croatian Serbs from the Krajina during the 1995 Operation Storm."

Yet on appeal, Gotovina was acquitted of all charges. When he came home a free man, supporters in Croatia organized a spectacular welcome reception at Zagreb's main square, expecting the general to take up the Croatian nationalist banner.

They were to be disappointed. Instead of the warmongering rhetoric that his audience expected, Gotovina addressed the crowd with a short message: "The war is behind us; let us turn to the future."

In an interview with the Serbian tabloid Kurir in November 2012, Gotovina struck a conciliatory tone and invited Croatian Serbs to return to Croatia. "Croatia is no more my home than it is theirs," he said.

Such a statement coming from a man celebrated as a war hero by one side and reviled as a criminal by the other was widely thought to have been made up -- until the audio recording of the interview surfaced.

Nationalists on both sides cling to misimpressions of Gotovina, and the same can arguably be said of narratives of the war on both sides.

And while it might be hard-pressed for actors, there's no shortage of materiel; the Croatian and Bosnian armed forces have each agreed to provide tanks and other weapons for the filming.

* This blog has been edited to remove a description of Gotovina's reception in Zagreb being organized by "anti-European and pro-Ustashe circles."

The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect those of RFE/RL
Kosovos president has backed away from a controversial pledge to push through a law turning the country's security force into a national army, telling RFE/RL that he will consult with ethnic minorities and make the change through constitutional amendments.

Creating a regular army for the Balkan country "should be a gradual, inclusive process with the engagement of all communities, including the Serbian one, President Hashim Thaci said in an interview with RFE/RL's Balkan Service on March 30.

We fully agree that this process should occur through constitutional changes, he said.

Thaci had drawn sharp criticism from the United States and NATO when he sent a draft law to parliament in early March in a bid to legislate the creation of the army without changing the constitution.

It was an effort to bypass lawmakers from Kosovo's substantial Serbian minority, whose support would be needed for a constitutional amendment but not a for a regular law.

The plan is vehemently opposed by Belgrade and by ethnic Serbs in the northern part of Kosovo, a former province of Serbia that broke away in a 1998-99 war and declared independence in 2008.

Washington and the Western alliance have warned that they would reduce military cooperation if Kosovo converted its lightly armed, NATO-trained security forces into a regular army without changing the constitution and consulting all groups.

Thaci initially indicated he would push ahead with the plan for a law despite the criticism.

But in the RFE/RL interview -- which came a day after a senior U.S. diplomat said in Pristina that Kosovo should take "a step back and take the law off the table" -- he pledged to consult with minority groups.

We want them to be more active so we can have multiethnic armed forces, in accordance with NATO standards, Thaci said.

He said he would lead the talks.

'Inalienable Right'

At the same time, he said he was not ready to wait indefinitely for support from ethnic Serbian members of parliament, who have opposed the plan.

"If Serbs refuse the constitutional changes on the army forever, then Kosovo has its right to create the army based on the law," Thaci warned. "That agenda will not stop."

"We want to create a Kosovo army so we become an integrated part of NATO, and not an isolated country," he said, insisting that nobody can prevent Kosovo from reaching that goal.

"That is an inalienable right of Kosovos citizens and of an independent and sovereign state," Thaci said."We now have to coordinate the steps so that the process is inclusive."

"I want to believe that Serbs have understood that our idea of the army is not against anyone, but it is in the interest of all citizens," he said.

Thaci also said the creation of a regular army would not represent a threat to the region.

"We have excellent relations with neighbors and we are in an important process of normalization of relations with Serbia," he said. "The creation of an army will actually help the political dialogue with Serbia."

Thacis comments come a day after a U.S. official urged leaders in Kosovo to consult with ethnic minorities on the plan instead of unilaterally implementing the law that would create a regular army.

"We would like the government to make a step back and take the law off the table," Hoyt Brian Yee, a deputy assistant secretary of state, said in an interview with public broadcaster RTK during a visit to Pristina.

"The transformation should be made with constitutional amendments," Yee said.

Kosovo is recognized as an independent nation by 114 countries including the United States and major European powers, but not by Serbia or Russia.

Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, who is running for president in an April 2 election, told a rally on March 7 that "Serbia will never agree with the formation" of a Kosovar army.



Kosovo's existing security force, which was created in 2009, has about 4,000 lightly armed regular forces and 2,500 reservists.

Thaci's plan would increase regular forces to 5,000 and reserves to 3,000, and international military forces deployed in Kosovo to ensure its protection would remain.

Some 4,500 troops from 31 countries have been deployed in Kosovo since June 1999, after NATO's 78-day air campaign to stop Serbia's crackdown against ethnic Albanian separatists.

Serbia has about 50,000 people in its regular military, not including reserves.
PEN America has announced that it will honor imprisoned Ukrainian writer and filmmaker Oleh Sentsov with its 2017 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award.

Sentsov, a native of Crimea who opposed Russia's March 2014 annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula, is currently serving a 20-year prison term in a maximum-security facility on terrorism charges that he and international rights groups call politically motivated.

The charges against Sentsov "have been condemned by human rights groups as fabrications by a Russian government intent on silencing dissent," PEN America said in a statement on March 29.

Sentsov was arrested in May 2014 on suspicion of planning the fire-bombings of pro-Russian organizations in Crimea.A Russian court convicted him on multiple terrorism charges in August of the same year.

Sentsov has denied all charges against him, saying that a "trial by occupiers cannot be fair by definition."

PEN America said Sentsov is widely regarded for work that includes two short films, A Perfect Day For Bananafish and The Horn Of A Bull, and a full-length feature film, Gamer, which debuted to acclaim at the 2012 International Film Festival in Rotterdam.

His writings include scripts, plays, and essays, and he has continued to produce prolifically from prison, the statement said.

Since 1987, PEN America has honored more than 50 writers worldwide with the Freedom to Write Award.

"The PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award is a reminder of the heavy price that writers pay to speak out in societies where free expression is not respected," said Peter Barbey, owner of the Village Voice and director of the Edwin Barbey Charitable Fund, which sponsors the award.

In January, several high-profile members of the Russian PEN chapter, including Nobel Prize laureate Svetlana Alexievich, novelist Grigory Chkhartishvili (who writes under the name Boris Akunin), and poet Lev Rubinshtein quit the organization over its failure to speak out in defense of Sentsov.


Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti says he is in constant contact with international security authorities to ensure stability in Kosovo as more ethnic Serb police officers in the north of country resigned.



Kurti said on November 6 after a rally by ethnic Serbs in the streets of North Mitrovica that the security situation in Kosovo was threatened by various criminalized individuals and groups, but said that during his time in office, we have made great progress in the fight against crime and corruption."



He added that the rule of law goes hand in hand with peace and security and cannot be threatened, adding that authorities do not distinguish criminals on the basis of ethnicity, but only on the basis of their criminal acts."



When asked about the decision on November 5 by the Serbian List party to leave Kosovo's institutions, Kurti repeated his call that Kosovo Serbs refrain from doing so.



"I once again I invite all Serb citizens of our country to not abandon institutions, not to resign, not to leave their jobs, because there would be less service for the people," he said.



Kurti has blamed Belgrade for seeking to destabilize Kosovo by supporting the ethnic Serbs in their boycott of state institutions.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement on November 5 that the withdrawal of Kosovo Serbs from the country's institutions "is not a solution to the current disputes" and it has the potential to further escalate tensions.



A statement from the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo released to RFE/RL's Balkan Service late on November 6 said the United States agreed with the European Union that the recent developments around relations between Kosovo and Serbia "are of great concern and put important progress achieved in the EU-facilitated Dialogue at risk."



"The Kosovan Serbs' withdrawal from Kosovan institutions is not a solution to the current disputes and has the potential to further escalate the tensions on the ground," the statement added. "All involved must take steps to reduce tensions and ensure peace and stability on the ground."



The Serb officers who resigned on November 6 submitted written resignations to the police station in North Mitrovica. One of the policemen told RFE/RL that the officers only submitted their resignations in writing but had not yet turned in their uniforms and weapons. However, he said this will follow in the coming days.



Numerous media outlets reported that the police officers took off their uniforms as part of the wider Serb movement to withdraw from institutions in Kosovo touched off by a move to implement a mandate on the conversion of vehicle license plates.



A statement from the Kosovar police force said it was aware that Serb police officers had abandoned their posts and that some have handed over police equipment.



The rally by ethnic Serbs in North Mitrovica on November 6 came a day after Serbs there said they would quit their posts in state institutions to protest against the use of license plates issued by Pristina.

Following a meeting of Serb political representatives in the north of Kosovo on November 5, the minister of communities and returns, Goran Rakic, said he was resigning from his post in the Pristina government.



He told reporters that fellow representatives of the Serb minority in the north had also quit their jobs in municipal administrations, the courts, police, and the parliament and government in Pristina.



Rakic said they would not consider returning unless Pristina abolishes the order for them to switch their old car license plates, which date to the 1990s when Kosovo was a part of Serbia, to Kosovo state plates.



Addressing the rally on November 6, Rakic accused Kosovo government authorities of not respecting international law and agreements negotiated in Brussels.



Rakic has called on the protesters "not to fall for provocations and to continue the fight with peaceful and democratic means."



The license-plate measure took effect on November 1, and Kosovo authorities said enforcement would be gradual.

The U.S. Embassy statement reiterated Washington's position that the Kosovar authorities should extend the process of converting vehicle license plates and suspend any punitive actions until the license plates issue can be resolved through dialogue.

Many ethnic Serbs in Kosovo refuse to recognize the countrys independence from Serbia, which it declared in 2008.



The European Union has told Kosovo and Serbia that they must normalize ties if they want to advance toward membership in the 27-nation bloc.

With reporting by dpa, AP, and AFP
Poland has temporarily shut down its consulates in Ukraine after a grenade attack damaged one of them in the border town of Lutsk early on March 29.



Both Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and Polish President Andrzej Duda condemned the attack, in which no one was injured.



The Ukrainian security forces issued a statement saying the incident was one of a series of "provocations against the Republic of Poland" that "are of benefit only to one party -- the Russian Federation."



A Poroshenko spokesman claimed on social media that Russian provocateurs had tried to orchestrate a prank phone call with Poroshenko by claiming to be Duda.



In an earlier phone call between the two presidents, Poroshenko invited Poland to participate in the investigation of the Lutsk attack.



Relations between Poland and Ukraine have been tested in recent months by several incidents of vandalism of World War II monuments that officials from both countries have also blamed on Russia.



Despite their historic enmities, Poland has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine's closer relations with the European Union and a leading advocate of sanctions against Russia for its 2014 annexation of the Ukrainian region of Crimea.

Based on reporting by Reuters and Interfax
From 1st April, India has banned the sale of BSIII vehicles. This has resulted in dealers who have pending stocks of BSIII two wheelers, announcing huge discounts. For example, a few dealers in Pune who have both CBR150R and CBR250R in stock, are offering a Navi for free to those who buy either of the bike.

The same dealer has also revealed that Honda Navi BSIII will be sold at a discount of INR 20,000, thus making the effective on road price of Honda Navi just INR 31,000.

New Honda Navi moto-scooter was launched in India back at the 2016 Auto Expo. Honda Navi is a two wheeler which is neither a scooter nor a motorcycle. We think of it as a modern-day Luna, which has been developed and design keeping in mind the needs of modern day buyer. It is affordable, it has storage space, low ride height, lightweight (lighter than Activa by 7 kgs), easy to manoeuvre in traffic jams, styling is in place, and so on.

Powered by an 110 cc engine, which generates 8 PS power and 9 Nm torque. Mated to a CVT gearbox, Honda Navi has a kerb weight of 101 kg, fuel tank capacity of 3.8 liters, and ground clearance of 156 mm.

Honda claims that the Navi is a 100% Make in India product which is also fun to ride. This new kid off the block has managed to make its space in the crowded automatic two wheeler 100 cc segment. As of now, it has no competitor.

Honda Navi  Photos
Royal Enfield Himalayan with FI was launched in India a few months ago. Priced from INR 1.84 lakh on road in Chennai, today RE announced the launch an accessory loaded variant called Sleet. It is priced from Rs 2.12 lakh, on road Chennai. The word Sleet means  rain containing some ice, as when snow melts as it falls.

Royal Enfield Himalayan Sleet is purpose built for those who want to go on those long road trips, without the worry of how the road ahead would be. The colour, is inspired by the snow-capped Himalayas.

In addition to the new colour, you also get official Royal Enfield accessories package which include aluminium panniers, aluminium handlebar with cross brace, pannier mounting rails and large engine guard. Only the first 500 buyers will get this accessory pack. Bookings are only accepted only, via Royal Enfields official site.

Royal Enfield President Rudratej Singh said, The new Himalayan Sleet is inspired by the terrain of Royal Enfields spiritual home  the Himalayas, its craggy land, the gorges, edgy peaks all brought together in the colours of the sleet.

The new Royal Enfield Himalayan Sleet is powered by the companys new BS4 engine and is based on the newly launched Himalayan, which RE has said is free of any issues.

Named after the mighty Himalayas of India, Royal Enfield Himalayan features a relaxed seating postion, which proves to be a boon on long rides, especially the ones with bad raods. Long suspension travel with off-road tyres give the bike a very rugged appeal. Instrument panel consists of analog as well as digital meters. Powered by a new 410 cc single cylinder engine, Royal Enfield Himalayan is an entry level adventure tourer. The engine is rated to deliver 25 PS and 32 Nm torque via a 5-speed gearbox.

News Release
Yamaha Motor India is ready with its all new Bharat Stage IV (BS IV) complaint range. The energy efficient offerings are available in a wide array of colours, and AHO (Auto Headlamp-On).

Yamaha Blue Core enabled FZ-S FI, FZ FI, Fazer FI and SZ RR are now powered by a BS IV engine. New FZ-S FI and FZ FI are fitted with a midship muffler, rear tubeless radials, front disc brake, split tandem seat, and split grab bar, and monocross suspension.

[table id=76 /]

The BS IV Fascino range is now offered in more colour choices. Cygnus Alpha is available in disc brake and drum brake variants. Roy Kurian, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt. Ltd., says the new advanced BS IV compliant motorcycles and scooters offer added value. Mandated by the government, Auto Headlamp-On (AHO) features.

Also Read  Honda Navi offered free with CBR150R / CBR250R

For the coming fiscal, Yamaha has set even higher sales targets. Helping them achieve will be their new Yamaha Motor Research and Development India (YMRI), which is their second technical centre in India. It has been built at an investment of INR 66 crore. Destined to serve as a pillar to the primary technical centre in Surajpur, the new facility is located within Yamahas manufacturing facility in Kancheepuram.

The objective of the new facility is to promote optimum utilisation of resources, develop, purchase and do cost innovation. The second unit will also work towards developing cost-sensitive India-specific models and enhance the factorys manufacturing capabilities.

The R&D will focus on developing products with strict cost targets.

Facilities at the new Kancheepuram R&D includes prototype testing and validation equipment and a test track that simulates various Indian road conditions. This centre will be working in tandem with the Surajpur facility which was established in February 2013.

Yamaha has been developing a low-cost commuter motorcycle codenamed Project INDRA at its Indian R&D centre. The Kancheepuram centre is expected to handle the test and validation task of this bike. The entry level 100-110 cc bike will have India as its production base and will be marketed in other price sensitive commuter bike markets across the world.

The facility has test track and validation equipment.

In the first half of this year, Yamaha India registered an impressive growth of 45% compared to the same period last year. Moving forward, the company is set to develop several India-specific products.
Researchers from King's College London have used a genetic scoring technique to predict reading performance throughout school years from DNA alone.

The study, published today in Scientific Studies of Reading, shows that a genetic score comprising around 20,000 of DNA variants explains five per cent of the differences between children's reading performance. Students with the highest and lowest genetic scores differed by a whole two years in their reading performance.

These findings highlight the potential of using genetic scores to predict strengths and weaknesses in children's learning abilities. According to the study authors, these scores could one day be used to identify and tackle reading difficulties early, rather than waiting until children develop these problems at school.

The researchers calculated genetic scores (also called polygenic scores*) for educational achievement in 5,825 individuals from the Twins Early Development Study (TEDS) based on genetic variants identified to be important for educational attainment. They then mapped these scores against reading ability between the ages of seven and 14.

Genetic scores were found to explain up to five per cent of the differences between children in their reading ability. This association remained significant even after accounting for cognitive ability and family socio-economic status.

The study authors note that although five per cent may seem a relatively small amount, this is substantial compared to other results related to reading. For example, gender differences have been found to explain less than one per cent of the differences between children in reading ability.

Saskia Selzam, first author of the study from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London, said: 'The value of polygenic scores is that they make it possible to predict genetic risk and resilience at the level of the individual. This is different to twin studies, which tell us about the overall genetic influence within a large population of people.'

'We think this study provides an important starting point for exploring genetic differences in reading ability, using polygenic scoring. For instance, these scores could enable research on resilience to developing reading difficulties and how children respond individually to different interventions.'

Professor Robert Plomin, senior author from the IoPPN at King's College London, said: 'We hope these findings will contribute to better policy decisions that recognise and respect genetically driven differences between children in their reading ability.'

*Calculating an individual's polygenic score requires information from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) that finds specific genetic variants linked to particular traits, in this case educational attainment. Some of these genetic variants, known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), are more strongly associated with the trait, and some are less strongly associated. In a polygenic score, the effects of these SNPs are weighed by the strength of association and then summed to a score, so that people with many SNPs related to academic achievement will have a higher polygenic score and higher academic achievement, whereas people with fewer associated SNPs will have a lower score and lower levels of academic achievement.
An investigation by a team of scientists from Australia, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, and Wisconsin has identified and named a new species of the tyrannosaur clan: Daspletosaurus horneri -- "Horner's Frightful Lizard."

The species is named for renowned dinosaur paleontologist John "Jack" R. Horner, formerly curator at the Museum of the Rockies (MOR) in Bozeman, Montana. The tyrannosaur's name honors his discoveries of numerous dinosaur fossils and his mentorship of so many students that launched them to accomplished scientific careers. The type (name-bearing) specimens are stored in the research collections of the MOR.

The research is led by Thomas Carr, a professor in Carthage College's Biology Department and an expert on the evolution and growth of Tyrannosaurus rex and its closest relatives, collectively called tyrannosaurs.

The fossil resources of Montana, where the new tyrannosaur was found, are central to studies of dinosaur evolution, explains Professor David Varricchio of Montana State University: "These specimens emphasize the excellent record of dinosaurs to be found in Montana. They highlight both the quality of the specimens, the preservation revealing the details of how these giant carnivores once looked in life, as well as the overall collection of specimens that provides insight into the evolution of the tyrannosaur group. Montana remains a wonderful place to explore the Cretaceous."

In addition to adding a new species to the tyrannosaur family tree, the team's research provides new information about the mode of evolution and life appearance of tyrannosaurs -- specifically the face. This latest study, published today in Nature Publishing Group's Scientific Reports, found evidence for a rare, nonbranching type of evolution in tyrannosaurs and that tyrannosaurs had scaly, lipless faces and a highly touch-sensitive snout.

Carr said: "Daspletosaurus horneri was the youngest, and last, of its lineage that lived after its closest relative, D. torosus, which is found in Alberta, Canada. The close evolutionary relationship between the species taken with their geographic proximity and their sequential occurrence suggests that together they represent a single lineage that changed over geological time, where D. torosus has morphed into D. horneri."

Jason Moore, a professor in the Honors College at the University of New Mexico, elaborated: "One of the difficulties in demonstrating anagenetic change, as we suggest occurred in the Daspletosaurus lineage, is establishing that the different species in question don't overlap in time. The new radiometric dates we measured from the Two Medicine Formation not only help support that D. torosus and D. horneri did not live at the same time, but also help us refine the timeline of environmental and ecological changes recorded by the Two Medicine Formation."

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Eric Roberts, a professor in geosciences with the College of Science and Engineering at James Cook University, explained: "Advances in radioisotopic dating of sedimentary deposits is key to testing this and many other evolutionary and ecological questions about dinosaurs and other ancient organisms. New age dates presented in this study are just the tip of the iceberg. Ongoing work in this field will provide unprecedented improvements in the dating of Late Cretaceous dinosaurs from western North America over the next few years."

Continued Carr, "When we consider the geological ages of the two species, the evolution of Daspletosaurus gives us an indication of how slowly evolution can act on large dinosaurs, which in this case happened over a span of 2.3 million years.

"This type of speciation is called anagenesis, which is different from the more common type called cladogensis, where an ancestral species splits into two or more descendant species. Although uncommon in many evolutionary studies, anagenesis has been reported in some duck- billed dinosaurs and horned dinosaurs. Daspletosaurus and these other dinosaurs point the way forward in picking out the evidence for anagenesis in the fossil record."

The team's work literally changes the face of tyrannosaurs, which they found was covered by a lipless "mask" of large flat scales and extensive patches of armor-like skin. This conclusion results from comparison of tyrannosaur skulls with those of crocodilians, birds, and mammals, and earlier work by other researchers who had matched bone texture with different types of skin covering.

Jayc Sedlmayr, a professor at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, explained, "Much of our research went beyond field paleontology: it was generated from lab based comparative anatomy, where you get arms deep in "blood and guts" dissecting birds as living dinosaurs and crocodilians as their closest living relatives and based on the similarities of the facial nerves and arteries we found in those same groups that left a trace on the bones, we were able to then reconstruct them in the new tyrannosaur species."

"It turns out that tyrannosaurs are identical to crocodilians in that the bones of their snouts and jaws are rough, except for a narrow band of smooth bone along the tooth row. In crocodilians, the rough texture occurs deep to large flat scales; given the identical texture, tyrannosaurs had the same covering," explained Carr. "We did not find any evidence for lips in tyrannosaurs: the rough texture covered by scales extends nearly to the tooth row, providing no space for lips.

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"However, we did find evidence for other types of skin on the face, including areas of extremely coarse bone that supported armor-like skin on the snout and on the sides of the lower jaws. The armor-like skin would have protected tyrannosaurs from abrasions, perhaps sustained when hunting and feeding."

"Strikingly, the large horn behind the eye is elevated beyond the side of the head, indicating a covering of keratin, the hard and shiny material that makes up human fingernails," he continued.

In crocodilians and tyrannosaurs, the snout and jaws are penetrated by numerous small nerve openings, allowing hundreds of branches of the trigeminal nerve to innervate the skin, producing a sensitivity that, in crocodilians, is as sensitive as human fingertips. "Given that the foramina are identical in tyrannosaurs indicates that they had super-sensitive skin as well," explained Carr.

This sensitivity is part of a bigger evolutionary story, explained Sedlmayr. "Our findings of a complex sensory web is especially interesting because it is derived from the trigeminal nerve, which has an extraordinary evolutionary history of developing into wildly different 'sixth senses' in different vertebrates, such as sensing magnetic fields for bird migration, electroreception for predation in the platypus bill or the whisker pits of dolphins, sensing infrared in pit vipers to identify prey, guiding movements in mammals through the use of whiskers, sensing vibrations through the water by alligators, and turning the elephant trunk into a sensitive 'hand' similar to what has been done to the entire face of tyrannosaurs."
Underground restaurants are revitalizing Cuba's dining scene, as well as their economy.

For decades, all restaurants in Cuba were owned and run by the state. Many of them thrived initially, but during the years before the collapse of the Soviet Union, food became scarce. Most people were concerned with simply getting enough to eat each day, so going to a restaurant was out of the question.

Many of Cuba's restaurants subsequently failed and the country picked up a nasty reputation for bad cuisine.

Then in 1993, Fidel Castro legalized several privately owned business types, such as restaurants and salons, in hopes of boosting the country's failing economy. This is when underground restaurants, known as "paladares" first starting popping up everywhere. Initial regulations stipulated that these private businesses must only employ family members and typically restaurants could not have more than 20 seats.

RELATED: America Wants Cuba's Lung Cancer Vaccine

In 2011 that number was increased to 50 under Raul Castro (Fidel's brother) and Cuba again loosened restrictions on private businesses. During the five years since then, the number of private restaurants in Cuba went from 100 to 1,600.

Niuris Isabel Higueras Martinez has been cooking since she was nine years old and owns one of the paladares in Havana. Her entire family invested their own money in the restaurant, and her uncles gave the tables and chairs from their own kitchens to use in the dining room.

With a change in Cuba's business laws came a welcome change in attitude as well. "Before, business people were looked down upon," Martinez told Seeker. "Now, we're seen as an important part of society. It's a special moment to be an entrepreneur."

After restored relations with the U.S. last year, Cuba has opened up to foreign investment again. But the U.S.-imposed economic embargo still prevents them from trading with the U.S. This makes getting restaurant supplies pretty difficult for paladares owners like Martinez.

RELATED: Which Countries Stayed Neutral During The Cold War?

"Every time I travel abroad, I bring back 10 or 20 pounds of spices. There are spices that we use but we can't find them here," Martinez says. "I've brought frying pans, cutlery, many things for the restaurant, but in my personal luggage. When we can buy products from the United States, which is so close...and which has such good equipment and merchandise, it's going to be much better."

Martinez knows the future of her business will largely depend on the ability to serve not only tourists, but local Cubans as well. She hopes the country's economic conditions continue to improve, which will allow more locals to eat at restaurants, but it must not come at the expense of the low crime rate, public health care, and excellent education system Cuba is so fortunate to have.

"My dream for the country is that the economic conditions improve," she says. "But some things should stay the same, like the public safety we have. I can walk down any street in my country and I'm not afraid. Few countries in the world are as safe as Cuba."

Paladares have become an essential part of a Cuban vacation. U.S. tourism has greatly increased since relations were restored, and in addition to the comforting safety of walking down Cuba's streets, visitors can now easily enjoy authentic meals prepared by very experienced cooks like Martinez.

-- Molly Fosco


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During 2016 Islamic terrorists in Iraq began using commercial UAVs, especially quad-copters, on a large scale. Some were equipped with an explosive payload and sent on one-way trips to attack a target. But most of them were used for reconnaissance and surveillance and in that role they were expected to come back. As American countermeasures for this began arriving in Iraq the Islamic terrorists tried to adapt.

The jammers and other electronic detection devices used by AUD (Anti UAV Defense) systems have been showing up in Iraq and Syria since 2014. Some AUDs mainly detect UAVs and either jam or take over the control signal and capture (by making it land) the UAV.

A growing number of new AUDs rely on lasers or electronic signals to destroy or disable UAVs. These AUDS can be defeated if a user sends a small UAV off on a pre-programmed mission. This can be to take photos or deliver a small explosive. Usually it is to take photos and return. This trick quickly backfired because the Americans began using a technique they developed back in 2005. That involved a JSTARS radar aircraft tracking where the attackers went after an attack or setting up a roadside bomb. This was often easy to do because many of the attacks took place in sparely populated places and bombs were placed at night. JSTARS could track vehicles on the ground over a wide area and record that information. For example, a single JSTARS can cover all of central Iraq, although its ground radar can only track a smaller area. The JSTARS radar has two modes: wide area (showing a 25 by 20 kilometer area) and detailed (4,000 by 5,000 meters). The radar can see out to several hundred kilometers and each screen full of information could be saved and brought back later to compare to another view (to see what has moved). In this manner operators could track movement of ground units over a wide area. Operators could also use the detail mode to pick out specific details of what's going on down there, like tracking the movement of vehicles fleeing the scene of an ambush or after setting up a roadside bomb. JSTARS is really good at picking up trucks moving along highways on flat terrain. JSTARS can stay up there for over 12 hours at a time, and two or more JSTARS can operate in shifts to provide 24/7 coverage. Until U.S. troops left in 2011 there was always at least one JSTARS operating in Iraq. Islamic terrorists never came up with a successful counter for this particular technique and the existence of this capability severely limited Islamic terrorist bomb planting operations.

A variant on this was applied in Iraq and Syria when the Islamic terrorist UAVs were sent out on automatic. There are other ways to spot and track these small UAVs and with that the UAVs could be tracked to where they came from and that location was then either put under surveillance or bombed. It didnt take ISIL veterans (especially those who had been active during the earlier 2005-8 campaign) to figure out why their UAV bases were being discovered and attacked.
Islamic terrorism isnt what it used to be in Algeria. A visible sign of the changes can be seen in media coverage which is more concerned with traffic deaths (over 3,300 in 2016) than those caused by Islamic terrorism. Thats because there are 17 times more traffic deaths and nearly all the Islamic terrorism related deaths are Islamic terrorists themselves. Very few civilians or security personnel are killed by Islamic terrorists anymore. Back in the 1990s, there were more Islamic terrorism related deaths than traffic deaths in some years and most of the deaths were civilians killed by Islamic terrorists or security forces.

While Islamic terrorists are still operating in Algeria they no longer terrorize like they used to. Thats why more people are coming forward with information on current or past Islamic terrorist activity. Most of the bunkers and Islamic terrorist supporters now found in the countryside are the result of tips from locals who feel safe enough (from Islamic terrorist retaliation) to mention what they know. Because of this the security forces are clearing out the remaining areas where Islamic terrorists are still active. This is mainly Boumerdes, Bouira, Tizi Ouzou and Jijel provinces east of the capital as well as the far south where border areas with Mali, Niger and Libya are very active with smugglers and a far smaller number of Islamic terrorists.

Libya

Algeria is seen as the major reason why the main factions in Libya are still talking to each other. Algeria has not provided any material support to any faction and provides a convenient and safe place to hold the frequent meetings between faction officials and diplomats from the UN and neighboring countries. Algeria has provided similar assistance for Mali.

Algeria and Egypt are under a lot of pressure from the UN to get behind the GNA (Government of National Accord) which the UN organized in 2015 but has been unable to convince all Libyans to support. Egypt sees GNA as too cozy with Islamic conservative groups. Algeria feels the same way as do many Tunisians. These attitudes have been made public as leaders from Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt have met several times since 2012 to discuss Libya and continue to agree that none of them wants to intervene militarily (on a large scale) to deal with the chaos next door. But at the same time all three nations, which have long borders with Libya, will cooperate with whatever faction is controlling the Libyan side of the border and will work to keep Islamic terrorists from freely moving back and forth across the border. Thus Egypt has become very close to the HoR (elected House of Representatives that GNA replaced) government while Tunisia is on good terms with both the GNA and pro-HoR groups who have worked with Tunisia to control Islamic terrorism, especially ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant). Tunisia noted that general Hiftar (the HoR military leader) keeping ISIL out of eastern Libya while pro-GNA militias drove ISIL out of their new base in Sirte by the end of 2016. All this greatly reduced ISIL activity in Tunisia. Algeria noted the same thing and all three neighboring countries have increased their border security to contain the lawlessness that still predominates throughout Libya.

The GNA has not ignored neighborhood politics and has recently sent officials to Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt and Russia to make their case for being the only national government in Libya. These officials came back with vague promises to help and some blunt assessments by foreigners about what HoR does right especially compared to GNA efforts. The GNA is also advised to make more of an effort to reconcile their differences with HoR, especially when it comes to general Hiftar.

The Economic Time Bomb Ticks On

The government, mindful of what happened in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when rising unemployment and falling oil prices led to widespread unrest and eventually a Islamic terrorist uprising, is making a major effort to cushion the population from the impact of the current (and apparently long-term) decline in oil prices. There is also talk of doing something about the corruption, but not much action.

The government cut their budget 17 percent in 2017 after a nine percent cut in 2016. The cuts are necessary to reduce the budget deficit (8 percent of GDP in 2017 versus 15 percent for 2016). There are limits on how long these deficits can be tolerated. The deficits are covered by drawing on cash reserves (essential to pay for imports, especially food) built up (to about $200 billion) before 2013. In 2015 these reserves fell 22 percent to $143 billion and in 2016 another 20 percent to $114 billion. Given the uncertain efforts are being made to reduce reserves only about ten percent depending on the price of oil. Current estimates are that the foreign exchange reserves can be drawn on for another six or seven years (supplemented by some foreign loans). After that severe cuts will have to be made and there will be much unrest. To avoid that the government has actually addressed (or at least admitted to) problems like corruption and mismanagement that have long crippled the economy and created popular discontent. This led to the Islamic terrorist uprising of the 1990s that was defeated but not forgotten. The Islamic radicals still have supporters, especially among men under age 30 (about 30 percent of whom are unemployed). The government has tried, especially since 2010, to reduce the youth unemployment rate but so far has not had much success. But the government still has a chance because economic reforms have enabled Algeria to keep GDP growing despite the price of oil dropping fifty percent in the last three years and not showing any sign of increasing.

March 28, 2017: In the southeast (Illizi Province) troops patrolling the Libyan border came upon and arrested a known Islamic terrorists in a border town.

March 26, 2017: In Oran (430 kilometers west of the capital) police arrested an ISIL recruiter and three younger men who had agreed to go to Syria as soon as the recruiter could arrange transportation. The recruiter was identified and tracked down because of his activity on social media. Police had earlier found and eliminated another ISIL recruitment network in an operation that led to nine arrests and prosecutions. Only about fifteen ISIL members were killed in Algeria during 2016 and nearly all once belonged to AQIM (Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb), which was formed in 2007 from several of the 1990s era Algerian groups. ISIL has been largely on the defensive in Algeria in 2016 with most members concentrating on recruiting. The only active group (still carrying out attacks) is east of the capital near the Tunisian border.

In Tizi Ouzou (120 kilometers east of the capital) soldiers found four homemade bombs plus components for additional bombs. No one was around to arrest and this material may have been left in hiding for some time.

March 25, 2017: In Constantine province (400 kilometers from the capital) police caught up with and killed Abu Hammam, the leaders of the Algerian branch of ISIL. Another ISIL member was with Hammam and also died in a brief gun battle. Hammam was believed directly responsible for planning or even carrying out the ISIL attacks in this area over the last two years. The pistol Hammam carried when he was killed was later identified as the same one used in the murder of a policeman in late 2016.

March 24, 2017: In Tizi Ouzou (120 kilometers east of the capital) soldiers found a cache of recently stored Islamic terrorist gear, including an assault rifle, ammo, food and lots of medical supplies.

March 23, 2017: Near the Tunisian border (Tebessa province, 650 kilometers east of the capital) soldiers found and destroyed eight bombs that were located due to a tip.

In the far south (Tamanrasset, 2,000 kilometers south of the capital) a known Islamic terrorist surrendered to soldiers and brought along his weapons and ammo.

March 19, 2017: In Boumerdes province (55 kilometers east of the capital) troops found and destroyed four bunkers apparently used recently by Islamic terrorists. In Sidi Bel Abbes province (370 kilometers west of the capital) troops arrested seven civilians belonging to an Islamic terrorist support group.

March 18, 2017: Near Ain Defla (100 kilometers west of the capital) soldiers found and destroyed fifteen bunkers. Some of these had been used recently because food and equipment were found in them. The next day an Islamic terrorism supporter was arrested nearby.

March 17, 2017: In Tizi Ouzou (120 kilometers east of the capital) soldiers found and destroyed five bunkers built by Islamic terrorists for shelters and storing equipment. Like most of these bunkers found in the last few years these had not been used for some time. Elsewhere in the area three civilians belonging to an Islamic terrorist support group were arrested.

March 16, 2017: In Jijel Province (365 kilometers east of the capital) soldiers clashed with two Islamic terrorists and killed them. Troops seized two assault rifles, ammo and equipment from the dead men.

March 14, 2017: Troops searching rural areas east of the capital found evidence of Islamic terrorist activity in four areas. Found and destroyed were six bunkers, six bombs and two improvised cannon. Most of this stuff was found in Boumerdes province (55 kilometers east of the capital) and Bouira province (120 kilometers southeast of the capital)

March 11, 2017: In Bordj Bou Arreridj province (200 kilometers east of the capital) troops killed two Islamic terrorists and arrested to members of an Islamic terrorist support group. Weapons and equipment were seized.

March 9, 2017: Tunisia and Algeria signed nine cooperation agreements, most of them economic. The two countries already have several security cooperation agreements to deal with the remaining Islamic terrorists in the region.

March 6, 2017: In Boumerdes province (55 kilometers east of the capital) troops killed two Islamic terrorists and captured two others.

February 26, 2017: In Constantine province (400 kilometers from the capital) an ISIL suicide bomber tried to attack a police station but was shot dead before he could get close enough to do much damage. The bomber died in the explosion and two policemen were wounded. Several hours later two ISIL gunmen fired on another police station but the police fired back and the Islamic terrorists fled. This was the first ISIL attack in Algeria since October 2016 in the same general areas. Back then three ISIL gunmen killed a police officer in a restaurant and stole his weapon. That was only the second ISIL attack in Algeria for 2016. The other incident took place in March.

February 25, 2017: In Jijel Province (365 kilometers east of the capital) soldiers encountered a known Islamic terrorist and killed him after a brief gun battle. The dead man was armed with a semiautomatic rifle and a grenade. In nearby areas troops found and destroyed Islamic terrorist bunkers.

February 12, 2017: Algeria and Mali have agreed to allow Algerian telecommunications companies to offer Internet and cell phone services in Mali.
Royal Bank of Canada operates as a diversified financial service company worldwide. The company's Personal & Commercial Banking segment offers checking and savings accounts, home equity financing, personal lending, private banking, indirect lending, including auto financing, mutual funds and self-directed brokerage accounts, guaranteed investment certificates, credit cards, and payment products and solutions; and lending, leasing, deposit, investment, foreign exchange, cash management, auto dealer financing, trade products, and services to small and medium-sized commercial businesses. This segment offers financial products and services through branches, automated teller machines, and mobile sales network. Its Wealth Management segment provides a suite of advice-based solutions and strategies to high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals, and institutional clients. The company's Insurance segment offers life, health, home, auto, travel, wealth, annuities, and reinsurance advice and solutions; and business insurance services to individual, business, and group clients through its advice centers, RBC insurance stores, and mobile advisors; digital, mobile, and social platforms; independent brokers; and travel partners. Its Investor & Treasury Services segment provides asset servicing, custody, payments, and treasury services to financial and other investors; and fund and investment administration, shareholder, private capital, performance measurement and compliance monitoring, distribution, transaction banking, cash and liquidity management, foreign exchange, and global securities finance services. The company's Capital Markets segment offers corporate and investment banking, as well as equity and debt origination, distribution, advisory services, sale, and trading services for corporations, institutional investors, asset managers, private equity firms, and governments. The company was founded in 1864 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.
The minke whale surfaced for a breath of air when a harpoon hit her body. She thrashed around, but she couldn't get away. She died slowly, and probably painfully, as her blood stained the ocean red. The harpoon ship that struck her reeled her body in. Once she was onboard, the fishermen cut her up so they could sell her meat. Warning: Graphic photos below This is exactly what Norway plans to start doing this April, when the country commences its annual whale hunt in the Arctic. This year, the goal is to kill 999 minke whales, which is higher than last year's quota of 880.

Michael Tenten/IMMCS

While other whaling nations like Japan and Iceland have received lots of media attention for their whale hunts, Norway is currently the largest whaling nation in the world, killing more whales each year than Iceland and Japan combined.

Michael Tenten/IMMCS

The hunt happens despite the fact it's illegal to hunt whales under international law, and has been since the International Whaling Commission (IWC) placed a global moratorium on commercial whaling in 1982. Japan found a loophole to the moratorium, continuing to whale for so-called scientific purposes. Norway, however, simply objected to the moratorium, and has continued to commercially hunt whales.

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A Norwegian whaler standing behind a harpoon on a whaling vessel | Michael Tenten/IMMCS

But animal welfare advocates argue that Norway's whale hunts are inhumane. Hunters shoot whales with grenade harpoons that have spring-loaded "claws" on their tips. When the harpoon hits the whale, it embeds itself deeply in the whale's flesh - not only does this slowly and painfully kill them, but it's used to haul their body onto the deck of the whaling vessel. If the whales don't die right away, the hunters will shoot them with rifles.

This minke whale struggled for over an hour after being harpooned, according to Michael Tenten of IMMCS, so the hunter eventually shot her. | Michael Tenten/IMMCS

In some cases, according to Michael Tenten, cofounder of the German chapter of International Marine Mammal Conservation Society (IMMCS), the hunts can go on for hours before the whale finally dies. In fact, one hunt supposedly went on for 333 minutes, which Tenten learned after he and a colleague boarded a Norwegian whaling ship in 2016. "We both don't want to think about what had happened on a 333-minute procedure," Tenten told The Dodo.

A photo of the online logbook of a Norwegian whaling ship. Whale hunt number 19 is marked as taking 333 minutes to complete. | Michael Tenten/IMMCS

"The grenade hits the whale's body and detonates, causing massive trauma," Kate O'Connell, a marine wildlife consultant with the Animal Welfare Institute, told The Dodo. "We firmly believe that there is no humane way to kill a whale, and that commercial whaling is inherently cruel."

A dead minke whale on a Norwegian whaling ship | Michael Tenten/IMMCS

Another unfortunate facet of the hunt is that that Norwegian whalers they tend to go after females - and most of them are pregnant. In fact, 90 percent of harpooned whales turn out to be pregnant females, according to new documentary about whaling in Norway.

A harpoon being shot at a whale | Michael Tenten/IMMCS

"Pregnant whales are slower swimmers," Astrid Fuchs, lead of programs at Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), told The Dodo. "They are easy to harpoon. And the whalers can't tell apart a pregnant whale from a nonpregnant whale, let alone a male from a female, because usually you just see the tip of the back, and not the whole animal." The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently lists minke whales as a species of "least concern," yet Fuchs believes that the taking of pregnant females - or any whale, for that matter - can still have devastating effects on the population.

A Norwegian whaling ship | Michael Tenten/IMMCS

"Emerging scientific evidence shows that whales have a culture, and individuals are really important to the group in terms of knowledge of where the best feeding grounds are, and teaching the younger whales where to go," Fuchs said. Removing whales from the ocean can also wreak havoc on the marine environment, according to Paul Watson, the president of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, which actively opposes global whaling activities.

A dead whale on the ship of a Norwegian whaling vessel | Michael Tenten/IMMCS

"The more whales, the healthier the oceans, because whales provide the nitrogen and the iron that is necessary for a vital phytoplankton population," Watson told The Dodo. "Phytoplankton populations have diminished 40 percent by 1950, primarily because of the diminishment of whale population."

Whalers cutting up a dead whale on board their ship | Michael Tenten/IMMCS

Despite opposition from scientists, the Norwegian hunts continue, though it's unclear why. Few people in Norway actually want to eat whale meat, so the demand is low, and Norway ends up exporting most of the meat to Japan.

Whale meat for sale in Norway | Michael Tenten/IMMCS

Last year, it was revealed that Norway has used its whale meat to feed animals at fur farms, whose skins would be used to make coats and other clothing items. "We are stunned that Norway, as otherwise a leader in nature conservation, kills the most whales worldwide - most of them pregnant females," Nicolas Entrup, consultant to OceanCare, a marine wildlife protection group, told The Dodo. "We are hopeful that this practice will cease very soon in the face of mounting international protest. There is no need and no place for commercial whaling in the 21st century."

Norwegian whale hunters on their ship | Michael Tenten/IMMCS

While it might seem like a behemoth task to stop Norway from whaling, organizations like OceanCare, AWI, WDC and Sea Shepherd Conservation Society are working hard to draw attention to the issue in an effort to stop it. There are also smaller groups working on the issue, such as the German chapter of the IMMCS, which has been working to film and photograph the Norwegian whales hunts.

A minke whale swimming freely in the waters off Norway | Michael Tenten/IMMCS
<p><em>Holly Dixon</em><span></span></p>

In October 2016, a tiny, grey ball of light came into the world, but something wasn't quite right.

Holly Dixon

This 2-month-old kitten was born with only three legs, and was slated to be put down at the Philadelphia shelter where she was being held. Until a woman named Holly Dixon stepped in. Dixon, a Philadelphia-based medical editor, first came across the grey bundle of joy on Facebook. "I first saw Olive on the urgent cat list," Dixon told The Dodo. "I help run the Philly Urgents Facebook page, and the shelter sends us the list of any 'timestamped' [at risk for euthanasia], or urgent cats, so we can help promote them to find rescues, adopters or fosters."

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Holly Dixon

Olive was brought to Animal Care & Control Team of Philadelphia (ACCT Philly), along with her mother and littermates, after being found somewhere in Philadelphia, according to Dixon. However, all of Olive's siblings, who were healthy and without life-threatening birth defects, were soon adopted. Dixon knew she had to act fast to save this special needs kitten - shelter staff also suspected Olive had a diaphragmatic hernia, according to Dixon, which could impact the cat's ability to breathe, among other serious complications. "My immediate response to seeing Olive on the urgent list was to contact The Philly Kitty Rescue," she said. "I've worked with them several times before, and I know they have a propensity for saving special needs cats and kittens. Without hesitation, they agreed Olive could join the rescue under my care as foster."

Holly Dixon

Along with Dixon, volunteers with Philly Kitty swooped in to save Olive.

Holly Dixon

The first time Dixon met the kitten in person, she discovered how unique Olive really was. "Aside from her missing leg, she appeared to be a normal kitten when I met her at the shelter," Dixon said. "It wasn't until I put my hand under her to lift her from the carrier that I could literally feel her tiny heart beating against my hand. That's when I really understood the enormity of her situation."

Holly Dixon

So, Dixon decided to take Olive under her wing. After countless visits to the vet, Dixon finally received a diagnosis properly explaining the poor cat's condition. She was born with a congenital amputation of her left front leg, according to Dixon. In short, she was born without her limb. Additionally, vets told Dixon that Olive was missing most of her sternum and her ribs hadn't fused to the sternum section that remained.

The combination of an amputated left front leg and a missing sternum section meant Olive's heart was dangerously vulnerable - Dixon said she could feel Olive's heartbeat with her finger. Given Olive's medical issues, one might assume she would be a timid, skittish cat, but she's far from it, according to Dixon. "Olive is such a happy kitten," she said. "The minute I enter the foster room, I can hear her purring in her cage. She is not the least bit shy and she loves exploring and meeting new people. She has boundless energy - I've been fostering for almost 10 years and I've yet to see a kitten with stamina like hers."

Holly Dixon

Olive doesn't know she's different than other cats, of course. She just wants to play more than anything, said Dixon. "I do have resident cats and other foster cats, and Olive would love to be able to play with them more often. I have to monitor her when she is out of her cage to make sure she's not in danger."

Jumping for joy at all the support she's received. | One by One Photography
The province and city are eyeing a tax on vacant houses and condos to address soaring real estate prices that are putting the squeeze on home ownership and rental vacancies in Toronto.

The tax would be one way of curbing the property speculation that many believe is behind the growing crunch on affordability.

It could also open up more rental units, say politicians and housing experts.

But both levels of government say more data on the number of vacant homes is needed before moving ahead, and Toronto Mayor John Tory said the city would mine its water and hydro data to determine which homes are genuinely empty.

If they are vacant, Tory said, We want those properties on the market for people to own or rent.

The mayor made the comments following a closed roundtable on Thursday with housing and real estate experts about the frenzied Toronto property market.

He dismissed concerns that such a vacancy tax would unfairly penalize investors.

In the real world we look at real estate as a place to live, said Tory at city hall.

Ontario Finance Minister Charles Sousa said hes also looking at ways of stemming some of the Toronto region property speculation as part of a comprehensive approach to housing affordability.

If theres a number of vacancies that are out there then they should be paying their fair share, he said.

Sousa has suggested that measures to cool the housing market could be part of the provincial budget expected for April 27.

We know that demand is high and supply is not keeping pace, the treasurer noted.

Tory wouldnt speculate on what the tax rate might be for unoccupied homes.

But he cited census numbers suggesting there could be as many as 65,000 vacant dwellings in Toronto.

Thats the number of dwelling that Statistics Canada defines as unoccupied by usual residents.

But it doesnt mean those homes are vacant. The 65,000 could include homes occupied by foreign or temporary residents  students, for example, living off campus, who, nevertheless, still count their parents home as their primary address.

Even if the number of vacant homes turned out to be half that, it would indicate a worrying gap especially in the context of a hot housing market, Torys office later told the Star.

An empty homes tax introduced in Vancouver this year charges 1 per cent or $10,000 on a $1 million property that isnt occupied by the owner or family or, rented to a tenant, at least six months of the year.

Vancouver also launched a 15 per cent foreign buyers tax last year. But Tory was cool to the idea of such a charge here, saying the suggestion that foreigners are responsible for property speculation may be inaccurate and unfair.

At least one real estate expert, who wasnt part of the mayors meeting, says theres no evidence there are enough unoccupied homes that such a tax would have a significant impact on available housing.

Although he agrees with a vacancy tax in principle, Royal LePage CEO Phil Soper said he doesnt believe most investors buy properties without the intention of renting them out.

If youre simply looking for investment there are equities and other vehicles with less overhead and costs, he said.

Its a tax the city could implement on its own, said Cherise Burda, executive director at the Ryerson City Building Institute, who was at the mayors Thursday roundtable.

The issue is: How do you collect data for vacant homes that dont even turn their hydro on, she said.

Toronto Region Board of Trade CEO Jan De Silva supported Torys conclusion that the city needs to find new ways to attract developers of purpose-built rental units.

The lack of rentals is the biggest pain point for our city, she said.

With 100,000 people moving to the Toronto area annually, the region needs about 30,000 rental units. Toronto has about 1,500 coming on stream, she said.

The Affordable Housing Committee and Tenant Issues Committee will hold a joint city hall meeting on Monday asking Torontos executive committee to push the province on a review of the Residential Tenancies Act of 2006 so that landlords in buildings built after 1991 can no longer exceed provincial rental increase guidelines.

Theres a new reality out there that the act needs to take into account, said Councillor Ana Bailao, the mayors point person on affordable housing, who chairs that committee.

She and Tenant Issues Committee chair Councillor Josh Matlow are also asking the city to pursue a series of avenues to create more affordable housing, including through the federal budget, and to investigate the feasibility of a vacant homes tax.

They said, the idea is to encourage affordable purpose-built rental development without creating two tiers of landlords and two tiers of tenants.

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Several licensed marijuana producers have penned a letter to Ottawa, urging the federal government to allow them to brand their products and provide medical cannabis on a tax-free basis.

The seven producers  Tilray, Tweed, Mettrum, CannTrust, Green Organic Dutchman Holdings, RedeCan Pharm and Delta 9 Bio-Tech  are lobbying the government ahead of the week of April 10, when legislation legalizing recreational use of the drug is expected to be introduced.

A federal task force has recommended requiring plain packaging for cannabis and advertising restrictions similar to those placed on the tobacco industry.

But in their letter, the licensed producers argue that preventing them from branding their products will make it tougher for them to compete with black market operations such as illegal dispensaries.

Brands allow professional companies to separate themselves from less scrupulous competitors, says Brendan Kennedy, president of B.C.-based marijuana producer Tilray.

Some health advocates have argued that restricting branding and advertising is necessary in order to ensure that users are aware of possible health risks associated with the substance.

Another concern is that cannabis producers could use advertising to compel widespread usage of the drug, similar to what occurred with tobacco and alcohol in the past.

But the licensed producers say they arent looking to lure people into consuming marijuana. Instead, they wish to use branding and in-store advertising to educate users about various strains and their impacts, according to the letter.

No one in this industry is looking to repeat the same mistakes as tobacco or alcohol, says Kennedy. No one wants to see a Joe Camel of this industry.

Cannabis producers also take issue with the tax forces recommendation that medical and recreational cannabis be taxed the same amount.

This would unduly burden medical cannabis patients, according to the companies, who argue that medical cannabis should be sold tax free.

Other pharmaceutical products arent taxed, says Kennedy.

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Via Rail said early Thursday that all available $150 youth passes for unlimited travel across Canada in July had been sold out after the sales were derailed on Wednesday due to high demand on its website.

The Canada 150 Youth Pass  intended to coincide with celebrations marking the countrys sesquicentennial  went on sale Tuesday. The company said, however, that sales were temporarily suspended due to high demand and technical difficulties with its online booking engine.

But Via Rail pushed out a tweet at about 3:30 a.m. ET Thursday morning saying all available of the passes had been sold.

Bon voyage! All the Canada 150 Youth Passes have been sold. 1,867 young travellers will discover Canada this summer, read the tweet.

An earlier tweet said sales were being capped at 1,867  which corresponds to Canadas confederation  otherwise there wont be enough seats for all come July.

The pass is for young people between the ages of 12 and 25. But students who are 26 and older with a valid International Student Identity Card (ISIC) could also purchase it.

In the promotion announced in February, pass holders can travel coast to coast in economy class but must book using the Escape fare category, which is subject to seat availability.

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HALIFAX  A new docu-drama series about the history of Canada has touched a raw nerve in a rural corner of Nova Scotia.

Bill MacDonald, the mayor of Annapolis Royal, is leading a campaign to denounce the first episode as a disrespectful and erroneous version of what really happened when Europeans first settled in this land.

He said he was shocked this week when the CBC showCanada: The Story of Us asserted that the first permanent European settlement was established near what is now Quebec City.

MacDonald said the CBC got it wrong, although the public broadcaster denies that.

Its well known that French explorer Samuel de Champlain established a permanent settlement at Port Royal, N.S., in 1605  three years before he founded another one along the St. Lawrence River in Quebec, the mayor said.

Here in Annapolis Royal, we believe that we truly are the cradle of our nation, MacDonald said in an interview Wednesday, two days after he posted a rebuke of the show on his mayoral Facebook page, saying CBC has misrepresented Canadian history.

MacDonald said he plans to write a letter of complaint to the CBC. He suggested a prequel may be in order, given the fact that Port Royal wasnt even mentioned during the two-hour program broadcast Sunday night.

His online post has sparked more criticism, though not all of the comments on the mayors page endorsed his view.

Some commenters suggested the first settlements were in other places altogether, including Red Bay, N.L., and LaHave, N.S.

Others piled on the CBC.

I, like a lot of the people of Nova Scotia, was very surprised and disturbed about the missing history of the first settlements at Port Royal, said one person. As a person who grew up in this area, I have always promoted Annapolis Royal . . . I was very disappointed.

Others were more blunt: Sad when we cant get our own history straight, wrote one.

CBC spokesman Chuck Thompson said the shows producers chose to focus on Quebec City after reaching out to historians.

We fully acknowledge (Port Royal) is a special and important part of Canadian history, Thompson said in an email. Port Royal came up many times in the producers research and in numerous conversations with noted historians.

He said the first episode focused on Quebec City because, unlike Port Royal, it maintained a permanent population without interruption from 1608 onward.

Its also important to note that this series features key moments in Canadian history, Thompson said. It is not meant to be a comprehensive and linear account of our nations history.

According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, Port Royal was established near the mouth of the Annapolis River by Champlain and Pierre du Gua de Monts in the summer of 1605, but the site was abandoned in the summer of 1607. The colony was re-established by an original colonist in 1610 and changed hands several times after that.

Although the buildings were rudimentary, Port Royal remained the earliest European settlement of any permanence in North America north of St. Augustine, Florida, the encyclopedias website site says.

However, the Parks Canada website describes the reconstructed national historic site as one of the earliest European attempts at settlement in North America.

While its true Port Royal was briefly unoccupied during its early history, it was always meant to be a permanent settlement, MacDonald said.

To suggest that this wasnt the beginning of Canada  the cradle of Canada  simply because the doors may have been closed for a couple of years while people went back to France to get provisions . . . really doesnt appreciate the context in which history unfolded, MacDonald said.

The settlement would later become the capital of Acadia and the early capital of Nova Scotia.

Retired history professor Doug Owram said the debate centres on what constitutes permanence, because there were many temporary settlements in Canada long before Champlain arrived. The oldest among them is the short-lived Viking encampment at the tip of Newfoundlands Great Northern Peninsula, built more than 1,000 years ago.

Owram, a professor emeritus who taught at the University of British Columbia, said Port Royal did precede Quebec as a settlement, but it later failed and was abandoned, only to be refounded and later destroyed.

Quebec is the first continuous European settlement, Owram said in an email. (However), it might have been nice to mention the failure at Port Royal.

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HALIFAXThe premier of Nova Scotia has added his voice to a growing chorus of complaints about a TV docu-drama about Canadas history.

Stephen McNeil said the CBC program Canada: The Story of Us was wrong to assert that the countrys first permanent European settlement was established in 1608 near what is now Quebec City.

The premier said the history of Canada started three years earlier, when French explorer Samuel de Champlain founded a settlement at Port Royal, N.S., now a national historic site in his riding.

The history of Canada started in 1605 in Port Royal when (Mikmaq Grand Chief Henri) Membertou welcomed Champlain here in peace and friendship, the premier said Thursday after making an announcement in Fall River, N.S.

It is unfortunate that people will try to rewrite history. The fact of the matter is that Canada was founded here. Multicultural Canada began here in Port Royal.

The premier said Canadas public broadcaster should correct the mistake.

Also Thursday, Nova Scotias Acadian federation issued a statement saying the first episode of the series misrepresented Canadian history. The advocacy group echoed the premiers complaint, saying the first permanent European settlement was indeed at Port Royal, contrary to what was stated in the television series.

The history of our country does not begin in 1608, said federation president Ghislain Boudreau. This omission in the CBCs television series gives a misrepresentation of our Canadian history and dismisses the fundamental contribution of the Acadians in the creation of this country.

A spokesman for CBC has said the two-hour show focused on the Quebec City area because, unlike Port Royal, it has maintained a permanent population without interruption from 1608 onward.

Its also important to note that this series features key moments in Canadian history, Chuck Thompson said in a statement Wednesday. It is not meant to be a comprehensive and linear account of our nations history.

Peter Riding, a history professor at the University of Ottawa, said he understands the need to keep storylines clean to maintain viewer interest, but any treatment of Canadian history should begin in 1604-05.

The CBC program seems to smack of a central Canadian perspective that all too often overlooks events that occurred outside the St. Lawrence-Great Lakes region, he said in an email.

Of course, the Norse and Basques appeared (even) earlier, and a European presence on the Atlantic Coast goes back to around AD 1000. Some current archeological research on the early evidence of the Norse is pushing that date even further back.

According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, Port Royal was established near the mouth of the Annapolis River by Champlain and Pierre du Gua de Monts in the summer of 1605, but the site was abandoned in the summer of 1607. The colony was re-established by an original colonist in 1610 and changed hands several times after that.

However, the encyclopedias online version specifically states: Port Royal remained the earliest European settlement of any permanence in North America north of St. Augustine, Florida.

The Parks Canada website describes the reconstructed historic site as one of the earliest European attempts at settlement in North America.

But Nova Scotians arent the only ones complaining about the episode.

Earlier this week, New Brunswicks Green party leader, David Coon, wrote in an editorial that before Champlain settled Port Royal in 1605, he built the first European settlement in 1604 on St. Croix Island, just off the shore from present-day Bayside, N.B., marking the birth of LAcadie.

The island is now on the American side of the Canada-U. S. border.

Coons piece goes on to explain that Champlains group left the island after one disastrous winter, sailing on to Port Royal the following summer.

Has the position of New Brunswick, LAcadie and the Maritimes diminished in the national psyche to the point that our history is being erased by the CBC? Coon wrote. If New Brunswicks place in Confederation is invisible, then it becomes impossible to rally national support for equitable treatment of or province by Ottawa.

The debate over the accuracy of the program, broadcast Sunday night, received national attention Wednesday when the mayor of Annapolis Royal, N.S., denounced the show as a disrespectful and erroneous version of what really happened when Europeans first settled in Canada.

Mayor Bill MacDonald said he was particularly miffed by the fact that Port Royal, which is near Annapolis Royal, wasnt mentioned during the show.

To suggest that this wasnt the beginning of Canada  the cradle of Canada  simply because the doors may have been closed for a couple of years . . . really doesnt appreciate the context in which history unfolded, MacDonald said.

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OTTAWAAs the United States and Australia raise alarms on trade and extradition with China, Canadas new ambassador to Beijing said Wednesday Ottawa is eager to do even more than already suggested by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to improve formal relations.

In an interview with the Star, John McCallum, the former Markham MP and cabinet minister, signalled that Canada is charting a very different, more open and liberalized course with Beijing.

McCallum arrived in the Chinese capital 11 days ago, and presented his diplomatic credentials directly to President Xi Jinping within 24 hours of arrival.

He said their meeting lasted just five minutes, long enough to tell Chinas top Communist government leader that he was there to deliver on Trudeaus promise of a renewed relationship.

I said on behalf of our prime minister that Canada wanted to expand and deepen its ties with China beyond what has been agreed to previously by the leaders, that we wanted to do more.

My slogan is more, more, more. We want to do more trade, more investment, more tourists, more co-operation in many areas, particularly in environment and climate change where both countries have an interest, said McCallum.

He said Xi was clearly pleased by his message. McCallum tried out his beginners mandarin, and said the meeting was very positive but not long enough to raise human rights concerns. I only had a few minutes in that first meeting, he said, but added he has raised it with other officials since taking up his diplomatic post.

McCallum said Trudeau wants to increase two-way trade in several sectors immediately, even before exploratory talks on free trade get underway in earnest. Preliminary meetings were held in February, and the next round is set to take place in Canada, likely next month.

McCallum said the Canadian government can walk and chew gum at the same time  talking trade while promoting human rights with Beijing.

He said Trudeau has made it clear that promoting and protecting human rights remains an integral part of our foreign policy and it remains a total priority, and suggested any agreement  whether on trade or extradition  is a long way off and would take account of those concerns.

McCallums declarations stood in stark contrast to recent signs of a cooling relationship in Australia, and the conflicting and alternating positions taken by the new administration in Washington under President Donald Trump.

Trump has slammed China for unfair trade practices and expansionist moves in the South Pacific seas, yet courted its help to rein in North Korea. Trump is slated to meet with President Xi next week at a summit in his Florida resort. McCallum said its not entirely clear yet what position the Americans will take in Beijing as a new ambassador is not yet in place.

The prime minister, as you know, is working very hard to secure a positive relationship with the United States and with President Trump but at the same time we are working to expand our ties with China because we think its good for Canada.

McCallum said Canada certainly noted that the government of Australia, which has already signed a free trade deal with China, cancelled a parliamentary vote Tuesday to ratify an extradition treaty with China because it didnt have enough support among its own Liberal Party members to win, due to concerns over human rights abuses and how China would treat fugitives handed over by Australia.

McCallum insisted Ottawa has had concerns from the beginning since the Liberal government agreed last September to look at a deal long sought by Beijing to legally transfer offenders between the two countries.

Human rights advocates are outraged that Canada would pursue such talks given Chinas use of the death penalty and record of human rights violations.

McCallum downplayed the prospect of a quick resolution of the extradition issue.

From the beginning, we have said we will discuss this with the Chinese but its a long, long path to any kind of negotiation or acceptance of this. Canada has very high standards on extradition treaties and these will be upheld with China or any other countries.

He emphasized formal negotiations on an extradition treaty have not begun, despite the memorandum signed last fall. We never said we would negotiate, we said we would have a conversation on this, said McCallum. But were a long way from any negotiations.

Its the same as with our free trade agreement  weve had exploratory talks. Weve not yet agreed to negotiations. Similarly on extradition, if the Chinese wish to talk to us about it, we will talk. But we have not agreed to negotiate any kind of extradition treaty.

He predicted Canada could work out sector-by-sector trade increases, including a doubling of tourism, and radically increase exports of Canadian seafood and agricultural products where there are a number of barriers now, but which could lead to more Canadian jobs.

The Chinese were very receptive in my conversation with the president and with other officials to this idea of moving quicker. And so I think, you know, it takes two to tango. And I think we are certainly enthusiastic to move forward and I think the other side is, too.

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One year after six adults and three children died in a house fire in the Pikangikum First Nation, indigenous leaders are demanding the province conduct an inquest into fire-related deaths on reserves in northern Ontario.

Last week, Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation  which represents 49 First Nations in northern Ontario  sent a letter to Ontarios chief coroner, Dr. Dirk Huyer, asking for an inquest that would examine the causes of such tragic fires.

Its unacceptable, I think, for us to not do anything, Fiddler said. We need to take action, to try to find some of the reasons why this is happening, and why families are still in high risk situations.

Earlier this year, a Star investigation revealed that at least 173 people have died in house fires in First Nation communities across the country since the government stopped tracking the deaths in 2010. At least 25 of them are children.

Read more:Fire and Death in Canada's First Nations

According to a database compiled by the Star, at least 21 people living in Nishnawbe Aski territory have died in fires over the last seven years.

Fiddler said this winter has seen a high number of house fires across Nishnawbe Askis territory, including too many close calls and another death in late February.

Fiddler was in Pikangikum on Wednesday to mark the one-year anniversary of the fire that claimed six-month old Amber Strang and eight others.

Its been a very difficult and challenging day for the community, Fiddler said.

Pikangikum Chief Dean Owen said in a statement that the fire shook our community to the core and we are still struggling to come to grips with it.

Overcrowding, unsafe building standards, and a lack of firefighting equipment continues to put lives at risk in Pikangikum and communities across NAN (Nishnawbe Aski Nation) territory, he said.

We experienced our worst nightmare with the terrible loss of nine of our members and today we honour their memory. We fully support an inquest to help prevent similar tragedies.

In February, a resolution was passed at the chiefs assembly of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, demanding a coroners inquest into fire-related deaths.

In the aftermath of last years fire, Fiddlers government also called for a full public inquiry into these deaths, a call that Fiddler said has gone largely unanswered.

What we are looking for, it cant just be your standard inquest. We want to look at the broader issues, similar to the inquest last year into the seven youth who died in Thunder Bay, Fiddler said.

Huyer said he agrees that there are common and, in some cases, systemic factors contributing to the fires that need to be investigated.

All of these deaths are a terrible tragedy. My condolences certainly go out to the community and the families involved, he said.

Huyer said his office is still in the early stages of deciding whether a formal coroners inquest is the best way forward, but committed that something will be done.

One of the challenges is that while a formal inquest has the potential to significantly raise the public profile of an issue, it can take up to a year or more to get started, Huyer said.

Given the urgency around these fires, another process may allow the coroners office to issue recommendations to help address the problems more quickly, Huyer said.

In the letter theyre talking specifically about the Pikangikum fire, but I think Id like to look more broadly at the issues than just the Pikangikum deaths, he said.

The resolution demanding the inquest was moved by Mishkeegogamang Chief Connie Gray-McKay, whose community of about 1,000 people has been devastated by fires over the last several decades.

Gray-McKay said Mishkeegogamang has lost 26 people to house fires in the last three decades, many of them children. In 2014, four people were killed in a house fire, including a 30-year-old mother and her two daughters, just 3 and 6.

These deaths are far too common, she said.

Gray-McKay said an inquest will not only raise awareness about systemic issues with First Nation housing and fire infrastructure, but can potentially help make communities safer.

Our communities deserve to have the same type of resources that any other jurisdiction in the country has, she said.

There is nothing more horrible than that helpless feeling of not being able to do anything while a house burns with people inside it.

The Ontario Fire Marshal investigated the Pikangikum fire last year. Due to the near-complete destruction of the home in the fire, it was impossible to determine a specific cause, but investigator Manny Garcia told the Star in February there appeared to be no working smoke detectors in the home.

The Stars investigation found that is a common factor with fatal on-reserve fires, in part because there is no legislation applying basic building or fire codes on reserves across Canada.

After the Stars investigation, Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett committed to implementing two long-standing recommendations that could help save lives: creating a national indigenous fire marshals office and tracking fire-related data again.

A much-anticipated report by the Aboriginal Firefighters Association of Canada, due to be released this spring, is expected to call for a third recommendation: creating national legislation that applies a basic fire and building code on reserve, which experts say would be a major step forward to reducing the number of fatal on-reserve fires.

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CALGARYSaskatchewan Premier Brad Wall is taking a turf war with Alberta to its economic heart, inviting energy companies based in Calgary to move their headquarters to his province.

In a letter to Whitecap Resources dated Monday, Wall offers to subsidize relocation costs, trim taxes and royalties and help find space in unused government buildings if the oil and gas firm moves to Saskatchewan.

Wall cites reductions to corporate and personal income taxes promised in his recent provincial budget as further incentives, adding that his government has no intention of implementing a carbon tax like the one Alberta did this year.

Given these major tax changes and your production presence in our province, I would therefore like to formally ask you to consider a relocation of your head office from Calgary to Saskatchewan, reads the letter.

Kathy Young, a spokeswoman for Wall, said the letters were sent to several energy firms. She said Wall takes every opportunity to ask companies to move their headquarters to Saskatchewan.

The letter emerges in the wake of public bickering between Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Wall over each others provincial budgets. Neither was available for comment.

The letter, provided to The Canadian Press, says it may make sense for Whitecap Resources and other Calgary companies with oil and gas production in Saskatchewan to make a co-operative joint move to benefit from additional cost savings.

Calgary Economic Development president Mary Moran said tax tweaks in the Saskatchewan budget dont overcome Albertas competitive tax advantage, adding that Walls short-term incentives will borrow loyalty, not buy loyalty.

Im not a big believer, whether it be labour or companies, that it serves us well as a country to be poaching from one province to the other, Moran said.

Alberta Economic Development Minister Deron Bilous said Albertans pay billions less total tax than Saskatchewan due to no sales tax, payroll tax or health-care premiums. Bilous also said his province has some of the lowest gasoline and diesel taxes in Canada.

Contrary to Premier Walls claim, businesses know the federal government will impose a carbon levy in his province, he added.

Whitecap Resources CEO Grant Fagerheim said hes taking Walls offer seriously but would only move if it would benefit his companys shareholders. He conceded such a decision would come as a shock to his Calgary head office staff of 105.

Its a very pleasant offer from Premier Brad Wall but we have to look at that in much more detail, Fagerheim said.

When were working for shareholders, we have to consider all of our costs and everything that goes alongside that, (including) logistics.

Whitecap Resources produces about 50 per cent of its oil and gas in Alberta, 40 per cent in Saskatchewan and the rest in B.C., said Fagerheim. Other Calgary companies with oil and gas production in Saskatchewan include Crescent Point Energy, Husky Energy, Raging River Exploration and Surge Energy.

Notleys NDP government tabled a budget this month that relies on economic growth to balance the books in six years. Walls budget boosts the provincial sales tax and cuts spending with the aim of returning to surplus in three years.

When Notley was asked whether there is anything in the budget tabled by Walls right-leaning government that she would never do, she replied: Almost everything.

On the weekend, Wall took to Twitter to say he wasnt about to take budgeting advice from Notley and the Alberta NDP.

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Just weeks after it came into effect, Toronto city council has repealed a ban on pronged dog collars and choke chains, and asked city staff to consult the public on their use.

Acknowledging public concern and division amongst those on council, Councillor Cesar Palacio, who chairs the city's municipal licensing and standards committee, made a motion at council Wednesday night to rescind the ban.

There has been a considerable amount of effort to get consensus on this approach, Palacio said.

The bylaw, which just came into force this month, left trainers and groups like the Canadian National Institute for the Blind worried that what they say are best practices and necessary training for service and other dogs would put them at odds with the law.

That prompted some on council to recommend council revisit the ban ahead of this weeks council meeting.

RELATED:Choke-chain ban goes back before Toronto city council

Palacios motion asks licensing staff to consult the public on use of the collars, specifically including veterinarians, experts and professionals involved with the humane and ethical treatment of dogs; those who rely on service dogs; those who have mobility issues; dog trainers; and dog groomers.

Staff will report back to the Sept. 18 meeting of the licensing committee.

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Chad Pelley is an author, songwriter and journalist whose debut novel, Away From Everywhere, has been adapted into a film now making the festival rounds. But he might never have become the celebrated artist he is today.

The 36-year-old resident of St. Johns has arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a rare heart disorder prevalent in Newfoundland and Labrador where the first and only symptom is often a fatal heart attack. Thanks to genome sequencing that identified the gene responsible for ARVC, Pelley was able to learn through a blood test that he has the disorder.

Today, he walks around with a defibrillator implanted under his skin on the left side of his chest. Should his heart suddenly falter or stop, the defibrillator will send an electrical pulse to start it beating again.

Pelley says his brother and father also have implants and both have had electrical pulses from their defibrillators. Mine has never fired at me, but there are times when my heart does something very strange.

The future of medicine has always seemed out there, as fantastical as Star Treks fictional tricorders. But in the realm of diagnostics, cutting-edge innovation is rapidly drawing this future within arms reach of todays patients, professionals and health-care system.

In a triumph of science and high-performance computing, new technology now makes it possible for doctors to diagnose conditions with unprecedented accuracy, identify the probability of developing a disease based on genetic analysis, and tap into the wisdom of experts around the world.

As a result, were moving towards health and medicine thats much more personalized, says Will Falk of the health care services group at PwC Canada, which provides assurance, advisory and tax services. This means doctors have to think about who you are and whats different about you as they design treatment plans.

As well as being more effective, treatment will become more efficient, says David Agus, a professor of medicine and engineering at the University of Southern California. According to Agus, who is also a bestselling author on the future of health, personalized treatment and preventive strategies will lessen the financial burden on the system.

Its testing the right patient at the right juncture in life, he says. Women now have a colonoscopy and a mammogram when they turn 50 even though thousands of people under that age die of breast and colon cancer every year. Soon youll be able to say with accuracy whether or not you will develop a particular disease, so you and your doctor can immediately discuss prevention. This will lower health-care costs over time.

Some diagnostic innovators have already veered into Star Trek territory. Kitchener-based Cloud DX Inc., for instance, has developed VITALITI, a wearable device that uses biosensors to track vital signs and identify various medical conditions, including seven respiratory diseases that it can detect just by analyzing a patients cough.

The VITALITI isnt for sale yet, but Cloud DX has other transformative technology, including cloud-based monitoring equipment that tracks patients vital signs remotely and alerts doctors when trouble appears.

We can spot adverse drug interactions before they even manifest symptoms  with our technology, you can actually see changes in the way the body is processing itself based on the different medications you take, says Robert Kaul, the Cloud DX founder, president and chief executive officer. Doctors have used our devices to monitor first-time moms subject to maternal hypertension, which can lead to pre-eclampsia, and we know of at least two cases where the intervention happened early enough so that the baby was saved.

MolecuLight I:X, another hand-held device made in Canada, detects the presence of bacteria in wounds  information thats critical for patients with chronic wounds, and those who may not show symptoms of infection until its too late.

Craig Kennedy, chief executive officer of MolecuLight Inc., the devices Toronto-based manufacturer, says MolecuLight I:X makes bacteria visible and gives you immediate feedback on the status of the wound. It gives clinicians a tremendous amount of information.

MolecuLight I:X is in good company. Toronto is home to 16 of the worlds top 25 makers of medical devices  such as Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic and GE Healthcare  and more than half of the countrys estimated 1,100 medical device companies. These Toronto-based innovators are developing products that are making a difference around the world. For example, last year Profound Medical Corp. sold its MRI-guided prostate care device to health care organizations in Spain and Germany. Another Toronto company, BresoTec Inc., got the go-ahead last February to market its sleep apnea diagnosis aid device, BresoDx, in Europe, and began selling it in the U.K. last fall.

Advances in DNA analysis have also pushed the limit of diagnostic possibility. For instance, at the Ottawa-based Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), doctors use genomic technology to identify the cause of rare diseases in young patients.

Kym Boycott, a clinical geneticist at CHEO, says genetic testing can uncover more than one rare disease in the patient, which has a critical impact on treatment.

Knowing that a child has two diseases dramatically changes the way (doctors) look after these patients, she says. It is absolutely disruptive technology.

Many, if not most, of todays disruptive diagnostic technologies rely on high-powered computing. In fact, complex tests such as exome sequencing  which involves analyzing as many as 20,000 genes all at once  would be near impossible to undertake without major computing muscle.

Its pretty clear that medicine is fundamentally changing and becoming more of an information science, says PwCs Falk. Not only will medical practitioners need to deal with large data sets and multiple sources, he adds, they will have to share those sources with their patients.

Read more: Wearable technology may predict when illness is brewing

The idea of greater access to information is certainly taking hold in life sciences. McGill University in Montreal recently made all of its published research and data available to other institutions for free while, in the rare disorders community, an online repository called PhenomeCentral now connects clinicians and scientists by matching their patients profiles with similar cases.

At Toronto-based Figure 1 Inc., knowledge sharing takes place on a Pinterest-like platform that allows doctors to post (with their patients permission) images and notes on cases they cant quite figure out. Diagnoses are, in essence, crowdsourced among Figure 1s more than one million registered users  all doctors, many of whom are experts in their field.

Joshua Landy, chief medical officer at Figure 1, says the system allowed a doctor in Los Angeles to help a colleague in Haiti treat a babys unusual skin rash and a lone physician in a Peruvian rain forest regularly posts photos of patients conditions, soliciting advice from other physicians on the platform before deciding whether to send them to a specialist.

Hes cut down the number of people who need to fly to Lima, Landy says. What were doing is leveraging the power of the internet, which is the power of distribution.

Robert Kaul at Cloud DX sees a future in which automated systems diagnose, and perhaps even treat, health problems.

We believe its inevitable, he says. And we believe health professionals will love it because it will mean better results for their patients.

Chad Pelley wont argue. Walking around St. Johns, he says, Its disturbing to think what could happen if advanced diagnostics had not identified his disease, prompting him to get a defibrillator that now constantly protects his heart.

This article is part of a series on the Future of Health featured in MaRS, a publication that highlights the people and companies in MaRS Discovery Districts network, and the innovations that touch our lives. Learn more about the Future of Health.

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Patrick Brown is Ontarios premier-in-waiting but also a politician in a hurry.

Not so fast. Haste can make for environmental waste.

With an election 14 months away, and a runaway lead in the polls, Brown keeps running away from serious positions on climate change. And then digging himself in deeper.

Time for an environmental assessment of the Progressive Conservative chief who aspires to be premier.

Campaigning for the PC leadership, Brown pretended global warming could wait. He told Tories what they wanted to hear  downplaying the planetary risks of greenhouse gas emissions to our children while playing up the personal perils of sex education in our schools.

Once safely ensconced as leader, Brown suddenly changed his mind on climate change. Ignoring promises to consult the grassroots, he mowed their lawn by declaring that carbon pricing couldnt be avoided.

Brown wouldnt be the first politician to tack one way and then another, bending with the political winds to win a race. Timing counts  which is precisely why his more recent manoeuvres are so troubling.

On March 22, Ontario held its first scheduled auction under a new cap and trade program to lower harmful emissions across the continent. The stakes are high, setting the stage for billions of dollars in future revenues under the polluter pay principle, bankrolling transit and other energy conservation initiatives down the road.

Browns response? On the eve of the auction, he promised to cancel the plan if he becomes premier:

Yes, I would dismantle cap-and-trade  I would withdraw Ontario from the Western Climate Initiative, he told stunned reporters.

The WCI is a complicated plan, with its own strengths and weaknesses, about which more later. Ive never loved cap and trade, but grudgingly recognize that its probably the lesser of various evils (or virtues) in pricing and deterring carbon.

But even if I opposed it, I cant imagine sabotaging it just hours away from an auction, scaring off private corporations that would otherwise put money into public coffers. Or prompting them to pay less.

Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner also dislikes cap and trade, but was nevertheless dumbfounded by such a dumb declaration by a premier-in-waiting. Despite his preference for another form of carbon pricing (dubbed fee and dividend), Schreiner says Browns behaviour proved both reckless and feckless.

I would never say that Id cancel a program the day before an auction takes place, he told me. Thats just an irresponsible interference in a market.

The NDPs Andrea Horwath (who supports the concept, but questions the Liberal governments ability to execute) also condemned Browns awkward timing.

He wasnt thinking about any implications that it might have created around the success of the auction, and so thats worrisome, she said in an interview. If it was part of his thought process, then . . . its also worrisome because obviously it would mean hes attempting to have an impact on the success of that auction.

We wont know the results of the first auction until next week. Auction receipts in California and Quebec go up and down, as markets are wont to do, so its hard to say what impact Browns comments had, if any.

For his part, the PC leader says he now favours a B.C.-style carbon tax with a wrinkle: Brown would tack on other tax cuts so that taxpayers come out ahead, but has offered few details.

The Liberal government opted against a carbon tax for three reasons: it hobbles trade-sensitive companies competing against cross-border rivals in the U.S. who remain untaxed; it doesnt actually lower emissions if polluters opt to keep paying; and, candidly, it can be unpopular with voters because its so visible.

Instead Queens Park opted to join Quebec, California, and other jurisdictions in a continental plan to reduce overall emissions (cap and trade), which has three key advantages: trade-sensitive companies can get exemptions; it lowers overall emissions (the cap) annually; and its largely invisible to voters, which lowers the political temperature while easing global warming.

Back in 2015, Brown told me: It would not be my plan to bring in a cap-and-trade system or a carbon tax.

But when pressed, he added: Im not ruling out cap-and-trade forever.

Now, its never. Perhaps Brown spoke out this month because hes still feeling the heat from his Tory base on global warming. But why should the rest of the province pay a price for internal party politics?

No plan is perfect, least of all cap and trade. But even those who dont love it crave the certainty of it, notably the business sector. Polluters want to know what price they will pay so that they plan investments in abatement measures that reduce overall costs.

Theres nothing wrong with the opposition opposing  but sabotaging goes too far. Just ask Browns co-oppositionists in the NDP and the Green Party.

Its no way to run an auction. And its the wrong way to show youre ready to govern.

Martin Regg Cohns political column appears Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. mcohn@thestar.ca , Twitter: @reggcohn

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MPPs considering changes to a child protection bill received a heartfelt message from the provinces youth advocate, who told them you cant legislate love, but you can legislate the conditions in which love can flourish.

From making sure kids who are removed from their parents home have a say about their care and are informed when they are being moved, to restricting the use of solitary confinement, Irwin Elman said Bill 89  while historic  needs a number of changes.

There is no more important work you will ever be involved in, he told the standing committee on justice policy Thursday morning, flanked by three youth who spent time in foster care or group homes.

Bill 89, an act that overhauls the childrens aid and youth justice systems, is a positive move, he said, and begins by committing to making sure children have a voice  especially those from marginalized communities  but thats not reflected in the rest of the legislation, the first of its kind in 100 years.

Its so important that we get it right this time, added Paul Chapman, 25, who was removed from his mothers care when he was 9 years old. He later told MPPs that we are your children.

Children and Youth Services Minister Michael Coteau told the Star that the bill is one of the most comprehensive pieces of legislation that this government has ever put forward, and that amendments will be made. We are listening to everyone.

He added, however, that a lot of what will change will come through directives and regulations once the bill is passed.

We dont want to build legislation thats so rigid that every time we want to make a change, we have to go through the same process again. People need to realize if the legislation passes, that we will move forward directly with regulations.

Coteau said the use of solitary confinement or restraints is a difficult issue because when situations get violent, things have to de-escalate and sometimes isolation does that. However, he added, isolation cant be used as a form of punishment, restraints cant be used as a form of punishment. I think thats inhumane.

Oversight is also necessary to determine how long a person can be kept in solitary, and who makes that decision. The guards need to be watched.

A Star investigation into the child protection system found that of 23,263 serious incidents in 2014 involving children in care, about 9,000 saw staff resort to physically restraining them. In Toronto group homes alone, police were called about 40 per cent of the time.

In its preamble, the new legislation says the Government of Ontario acknowledges that children are individuals with rights to be respected and voices to be heard and that it is committed to a child-centred approach. It also means that children who want to remain in the system after age 16 can do so for two more years, and that services like including foster care and post-secondary tuition be offered past age 18.

However critics have said law, while groundbreaking in its opening statement, does not follow through.

Elmans office has also called for minimum education levels mandated group home staff.

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A provincially mandated outreach campaign that was trying to use schools to find children affected by the Motherisk scandal triggered such outrage among students, teachers and advocates that the Ministry of Education pulled the plug on the effort.

A flyer posted this week at the request of the Ministry of Education on elementary and high school bulletin boards and Facebook pages appealed directly to children, with the question: Were you taken from your parent by the Childrens Aid Society?

Childrens Aid Societies used hair strand tests to see if parents were using drugs or alcohol. We know these tests were unreliable, the flyer said. Do you want to know if this testing was relied on in your case? If yes, we may be able to help and its completely confidential.

The flyer was produced by the Motherisk Commission, which the province established to probe thousands of child protection cases that relied on flawed hair drug tests from the Hospital for Sick Childrens Motherisk laboratory. It was distributed by deputy minister of education Bruce Rodrigues, with a letter to directors of education instructing them to share the flyer through bulletin boards, newsletters, or other methods that are most likely to be seen by staff, parents and students.

The commission is led by Justice Judith Beaman. It was established on the recommendation of Justice Susan Lang, whose review of Motherisk, which followed a Star investigation, found the labs tests from 2005 to 2015 were inadequate and unreliable for use in child custody and court proceedings.

The Hospital for Sick Children closed the Motherisk lab in April 2015.

Ida Bianchi, a lawyer for the Motherisk Commission, said the campaign was created in consultation with a variety of groups representing children and youth who urged the commission to do direct outreach to youth in order to fulfil its mandate to reach as many affected individuals as possible.

Children are at the centre of our work. We understand that they will be impacted the most, she said.

However well-intentioned it may have been, the campaign quickly raised concern. Shortly after schools began to circulate the flyer this week, word travelled to Ontarios Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth Irwin Elman, who tweeted on Tuesday evening that he was stunned. Concerned the flyer would incite fear among vulnerable children, who dont know their histories, he said he immediately contacted the Motherisk Commission and the Ministry of Education, urging them to remove the poster.

We just dont throw that information out there, he told the Star. On 100 levels, its potentially damaging.

Julie Despaties, executive director of the Toronto-based adoption support network Adopt4Life, said her organization was flooded with frantic messages from adoptive parents, prompting the group to send a letter to the Ministry of Education on Wednesday demanding action to remove the poster and warning of emotional and psychological harm.

Despaties said parents feared their children could be bullied by schoolmates who knew they had been adopted, and were struggling with how to provide reassurance and answer the sensitive questions that may arise.

One mother, who has three adopted children, was grocery shopping on Tuesday when she saw the flyer on the Facebook page of her childs school in the Upper Canada District School Board.

It was like a punch in the stomach, she said. It was just this immediate thought of, My kids are going to see this. Not only are my kids going to see this, but this was actually directed at my children. Thats the part of this thats so disturbing.

The intent to go directly to kids who have had a really tough start, and have tried to find healing and permanency . . . all of this just exposes them in a way thats completely unacceptable, she said.

Although she said she knows Motherisk testing was not done in her childrens cases, she still spent much of Tuesday evening having difficult conversations with her kids, who are aware that drugs and alcohol played a role in their histories and needed reassurance that Motherisk wasnt involved.

She said it was particularly challenging for her daughter, who was awkward and embarrassed, and worried whether she would be asked questions by her teachers.

Pat Convery, the executive director of the Adoption Council of Ontario, said she has been impressed by the very important work the commission is doing but does not understand why adoptive parents werent warned or consulted.

I dont know where the fulsome conversation was about how do we make sure we do our job and also manage the sensitive issues involved in this also manage the unintended consequences? she said.

Amid mounting pressure on Wednesday, Rodrigues reversed course, issuing a directive for the poster and Motherisk Commission materials to be removed from all schools and social media immediately.

We understand that some of our students may have been negatively affected by these posters, the letter states, noting that the concerns had been raised by students, parents and advocates and that those concerns have merit.

He also asked schools to make mental health and support staff aware that some students may require additional support on this matter.

Before the ministrys reversal on Wednesday, Bianchi said the commission had not intended the poster to be disseminated in elementary schools, but stood by its placement in high schools. She did not respond to requests for comment following the ministrys decision.

The commission is more than halfway through its two-year mandate to review cases and determine the weight given to Motherisk tests, which were used as evidence of parental substance abuse in decisions to remove children from their families. It has relied on Children's Aid Societies, Sick Kids, the electronic court filing system and affected individuals to find cases.

In cases where the commission concludes the tests played a significant role  a finding it has reached in 33 of the more than 650 cases reviewed so far  it offers legal support to help families reconnect. It also offers counseling services.

Clarification  March 30, 2017: This article was edited from a previous version to make clear that the Motherisk Commission is led by Justice Judith Beaman

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Ontario will fight back if New York state legislators adopt Gov. Andrew Cuomos Buy American policy in a vote Friday, warns Premier Kathleen Wynne.

Ontario is the biggest export market for New York, Wynne said Thursday, recounting last weeks trip by Economic Development Minister Brad Duguid and International Trade Minister Michael Chan to lobby politicians in the Empire State.

While were encouraged by the response that the ministers received in Albany, and were hopeful that New York state will make the right decision tomorrow, we are considering all reasonable options to protect Ontario jobs in the face of Buy American policies.

Ontario is seeking an exemption to Cuomos Buy American effort for procurements of goods and services.

The policy would require the state government and related agencies to give preference to American-made goods and products in new contracts worth more than $100,000.

Duguid, who was with Wynne in Windsor for a Ford engine plant announcement, said Cuomos policy hurt Ontario construction, infrastructure, information technology, communications and service companies along with manufacturers.

He noted Alstom, a French transit company that manufactures light rail vehicles in New York state, and which has a contract with the city of Ottawa, could be just one of many victims should Ontario retaliate in the event Buy American is passed.

New York state businesses do a considerable amount of procurement in Ontario, Duguid told reporters, pointing to Ontarios infrastructure plan for transit, highway and other improvements.

Weve got $160 billion of investment coming in the next 12 years and I would expect New York companies are going to want to have access to that.

Wynne maintained that New York and Ontario will both lose if Cuomos plan is approved.

As neighbours, the two jurisdictions benefit enormously from a strong and integrated partnership that supports good jobs on both sides of the border, Wynne said.

This just isnt a competitive advantage for our province.

Trade with Ontario accounts for $10 billion a year, roughly 80 per cent of New Yorks exports to Canada, while Ontario companies doing $12 billion worth of business in the state.

The lobbying efforts by Wynne, Duguid and Chan have been part of a broader campaign as the Canadian government and provinces do their best to counter a protectionist mood in the U.S. since the election of U.S. President Donald Trump with his slogan Make America Great Again.

Wynne said the federal and Quebec governments have joined Ontario in presenting a united front to keep Canadian concerns on the agenda with legislators in Albany this week.

In addition, Ontario has hired John Gero, an international trade expert and former Canadian ambassador to the World Trade Organization and chair of its general council, to act as the provinces special adviser on trade issues.

Wynne said she will continue to reach out to governors of 27 states that count Ontario as their best or second-best export customer in hopes of keeping trade lanes open.

She cited a recent memorandum of understanding with Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder to jointly develop emerging technology initiatives in the auto industry.

We both understand that integration of our economies menas that we are both more competitive.

The premier said shell be travelling to Rhode Island in July for the annual meeting of the National Governors Association to keep a dialogue going with her U.S. counterparts.

At the end of the day, these trading relationships create good jobs for the people of Ontario  but they also create good jobs for people in the United States, Wynne added.

Im going to stand up for open borders so that we can get our goods to market, so that we can import U.S. goods.

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In June, a Belarusan-American businessman who goes by the name Sergei Millian shared some tantalizing claims about Donald Trump.

Trump had a long-standing relationship with Russian officials, Millian told an associate, and those officials were now feeding Trump damaging information about his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton. Millian said that the information provided to Trump had been very helpful.

Unbeknownst to Millian, however, his conversation was not confidential. His associate passed on what he had heard to a former British intelligence officer who had been hired by Trumps political opponents to gather information about the Republicans ties to Russia.

Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump

The allegations by Millian  whose role was first reported by the Wall Street Journal and has been confirmed by The Washington Post  were central to the dossier compiled by the former spy, Christopher Steele. While the dossier has not been verified and its claims have been denied by Trump, Steeles document said that Millians assertions had been corroborated by other sources, including in the Russian government and former intelligence sources.

The most explosive allegation that the dossier says originally came from Millian is the claim that Trump had hired prostitutes at the Moscow Ritz-Carlton and that the Kremlin has kept evidence of the encounter.

By his own evolving statements, Sergei Millian is either a shrewd businessman with high-level access to both Trumps inner circle and the Kremlin, or a bystander unwittingly caught up in a global controversy.

An examination of Millians career shows he is a little of both. His case lays bare the challenge facing the FBI as it investigates Russias alleged attempts to manipulate the American political system and whether Trump associates participated.

It also illustrates why the Trump administration remains unable to shake the Russia story. While some of the unproven claims attributed in the dossier to Millian are bizarre and outlandish, there are also indications that he had contacts with Trumps circle.

Millian told several people that during the campaign and presidential transition he was in touch with George Papadopoulos, a campaign foreign policy adviser, according to a person familiar with the matter. Millian is among Papadopouloss nearly 240 Facebook friends.

Trump aides vehemently reject Millians claims to have had close contact with Trump or high-level access to the presidents company.

Millian did not answer a list of detailed questions about his interactions with Trump and his role in the Steele dossier, instead responding by email with lengthy general defences of Trumps election as Gods will and complaining that inquiries about his role are evidence of a witch hunt and McCarthyism.

Any falsifications, deceit and baseless allegations directed against any U.S. President is damaging to the national security interests of the United States, he wrote in one email. Publishing slanderous stories about the Presidents decency and offensive material about the first family is malicious propaganda and a threat to the national security in order to destabilize the integrity of the United States of America and stir civil disorder aiming at reducing its political influence in the world.

In late January, Millian appeared on Russian television, where he denied knowing information that could be damaging to Trump. I want to say that I dont have any compromising information, neither in Russia nor in the United States, nor could I have, he said, speaking in Russian. Without a doubt it is a blatant lie and an effort of some people  its definitely a group of people  to portray our president in a bad light using my name.

The dossier, decried by Trump as phoney stuff and fake news and derided by Russian President Vladimir Putin as rubbish, consists of a series of reports compiled by Steele over the course of several months before the election.

Millian, identified in different portions of the dossier as Source D and Source E, is described as a close associate of Trump.

In addition to the salacious allegations that gained widespread attention, the dossier attributed other claims to Millian. For instance, Steele wrote that Millian asserted that there was a well developed conspiracy of co-operation between (Trump) and Russian leadership, claiming the relationship was managed for Trump by former campaign chairman Paul Manafort. A Manafort spokesman said every word in the dossier about Paul Manafort is a lie.

Some of those who know Millian described him as more of a big-talking schmoozer than a globe-trotting interlocutor. They say hes a self-promoter with a knack for getting himself on television  like the time he appeared on a 2013 episode of the Bravo reality show Million Dollar Listing, where he attempted to broker a sale with a Russian-speaking client who agreed to pay $7 million in cash for a luxury New York unit.

Hes an opportunist. If he sees an opportunity, he would go after it, said Tatiana Osipova, who was a neighbour of Millians when he lived in Atlanta and who in 2006 helped him found a trade group, the Russian American Chamber of Commerce in the USA. Osipova now lives in St. Petersburg but has remained in touch with Millian. Hes a fun guy, a smart guy. But always talking. He talks so much s---.

Millians original name was Siarhei Kukuts, but those who know him say he changed it because he wanted something that sounded more elegant. He told ABC News in July that he changed his name to honour his grandmother, whose last name he said was Millianovich. He has also at times gone by the name Sergio Millian.

My general impression of him was that he just wanted to be important. Nobody really knew what he or the chamber were doing, but he presented himself with grandeur, said Nadia Diskavets, a New York photographer who was also a founding member of the Russian American Chamber of Commerce but has not been in touch with Millian recently. So I always took everything he said with a grain of salt.

Another acquaintance referred to him in a similar way, saying he exaggerated his connections with Trump and with the Russians. Hes too small of a fish to deal with Russian people, she said. They will smell his smallness from miles away.

Born in Belarus, Millian, 38, attended a university in Minsk. A Russian-language version of his biography that was posted on the Russian American Chamber of Commerces website says he studied to be a military translator.

He arrived in the early 2000s as a young, single professional in Atlanta, which has a large Russian-speaking community. Friends there said he worked in real estate, and, according to one resume posted online, he opened a translating business whose clients included the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Friends said that Millian founded the Russian American Chamber of Commerce as a way to forge business ties between the United States and Russia and as a personal networking opportunity.

Millians affiliation with the group also appears to have boosted his profile in Russia. He hosted events in the United States and abroad on the chambers behalf and, after moving to New York, began being interviewed repeatedly by Russian-language news outlets as an expert on U.S.-Russia relations. He travelled to Moscow in 2011 courtesy of a Russian government cultural group later investigated by the FBI for allegedly recruiting spies, though there is no evidence that the inquiry involved Millian.

Millians account of his relationship with Trump has shifted over time. As the Republican candidate was rising in the spring of 2016, a time before there was close scrutiny of Trumps ties to Russia, Millian used his media appearances to describe deep connections with the New York real estate mogul.

He told the Russian state-operated news agency RIA Novosti last April, for instance, that he met Trump at a Miami horse-racing track after mutual associates had organized a trip for Trump to Moscow in 2007.

From there, Millian said, he entered into a business arrangement in which he says he helped market a Trump-branded condominium complex in Hollywood, Florida, to international investors, including Russians.

Millians description of the Miami event appears to match up with a picture he posted on Facebook that appears to show him posing with Trump and the projects developer, Jorge Perez  the only evidence that Millian ever met Trump.

A spokesman for Perez said his company has no record of paying Millian in connection with the project, and Perez declined to comment further.

A White House spokeswoman said, Sergei Millian is one of hundreds of thousands of people the president has had his picture made with, but they do not know one another.

Millian, however, promoted ties he claimed to hold with Trumps company.

A 2009 newsletter posted to the website of the Russian American Chamber of Commerce reported that the group had signed formal agreements with the Trump Organization and Perezs company to jointly service the Russian clients commercial, residential and industrial real estate needs.

In the interview with RIA Novosti, Millian boasted that when he was in New York, Trump introduced him to his right-hand man, Michael Cohen, a longtime Trump adviser  a claim that Cohen has denied.

He is the chief attorney of Trump, through whom all contracts have to go, Millian told the Russian news outlet, adding, I was involved in the signing of a contract to promote Trumps real estate projects in Russia.

You can say that I was their exclusive broker, Millian continued in Russian. Back then, in 2007-2008, Russians by the dozens were buying apartments in Trumps buildings in the U.S.A.

Asked in the April interview how often he spoke to Trump or his associates, Millian responded: The last time was several days ago.

Millian told people last year that he was in touch with Papadopoulos, whom Trump had described in a March 2016 Washington Post editorial board interview as a member of his foreign policy team and an excellent guy.

Papadopoulos received attention during the campaign largely because of reports that he had exaggerated his resume and cited among his accomplishments that he had participated in a Model United Nations program for college and graduate students.

But, according to foreign news reports and officials, he conducted a number of high-level meetings last year and presented himself as a representative of the Trump campaign. He told a group of researchers in Israel that Trump saw Putin as a responsible actor and potential partner, according to a column in the Jerusalem Post, while later he met with a British Foreign Office representative in London, an embassy spokesman said. He also criticized U.S. sanctions on Russia in an interview with the Russian news outlet Interfax.

Papadopoulos did not respond to questions about contacts with Millian. But Papadopoulos said by email that his public comments during the campaign reflected his own opinions and that some of his energy policy views run counter to Russian interests. No one from the campaign ever directed me to discuss talking points, he said. In a separate email, he accused The Post of relying on innuendo and unsubstantiated claims by irrelevant sources.

Neither Millian nor a White House spokeswoman responded to questions about Papadopoulos. The person familiar with the contacts, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, did not provide details.

Over the summer, as Trump prepared to accept the Republican presidential nomination, Millian travelled to Russia. He posted pictures on his Facebook page showing that he attended a Russian government-sponsored summit in St. Petersburg in June. One photograph shows him with Russias minister for energy. Another shows him chatting with Russian aluminum magnate Oleg Deripaska, who is close to Putin. A spokeswoman for Deripaska declined to comment. A spokesman for the Russian Embassy did not respond to questions about Millian.

Later in the summer, Millian continued boasting of his Trump connections.

He told ABC News that he had been the official broker for the Trump-branded condo building and described Trumps affinity for working with Russians. He pointed to hundreds of millions of dollars that (Trump) received from interactions with Russian businessmen.

Millian added that Trump likes Russia because he likes beautiful Russian ladies  talking to them, of course. And he likes to be able to make lots of money with Russians.

Millian told ABC that he was absolutely not involved with Russian intelligence. But when asked whether he had heard rumours to that effect, Millian replied, Yes, of course.

Millian also said that, at times, he talked about U.S. politics with top Russian officials. Usually if I meet top people in the Russian government, they invite me, say, to the Kremlin for the reception, of course I have a chance to talk to some presidential advisers and some top people, Millian said.

While Cohen has said he has never met Millian, the two did interact last year over Twitter. Millian was, for a time, one of about 100 people that Cohen followed and they tweeted at each other on one occasion in August after Cohen appeared on television.

Cohen later unfollowed Millian, telling The Post that he had mistakenly thought Millian was related to a Trump Organization employee with a similar last name.

He is a total phoney, Cohen said in an interview. Anything coming out of this individuals mouth is inaccurate and purely part of some deranged interest in having his name in the newspaper.

Cohen said he did not believe Trump was in Russia in 2007, as Millian claimed in April.

Cohen said it was possible that, like other brokers in Florida, Millian might have attempted to sell units at Trump Hollywood. But, he said, Millian never held an exclusive deal at the project or any contract with the Trump Organization.

Speaking with The Post over the phone from his New York office in a January interview, Cohen also read aloud from a lengthy email he said Millian had sent him shortly before the election that contradicted his earlier public statements.

I met Mr. Trump once, long time ago, in 2008, pretty much for a photo opportunity and a brief talk as part of my marketing work for Trump Hollywood, after my brokering service was signed. Now, to say that I have substantial ties is total nonsense, Cohen said, reading from an email he said Millian wrote after media coverage that mentioned him.

In the email, Millian suggested holding a news conference to clear up the matter, Cohen said. Cohen said he rejected the idea, accusing Millian via email of seeking media attention off of this false narrative of a Trump-Russia alliance despite having met Trump only one time, for a 10 second photo op.

Cohen, who left his job at the Trump Organization in January to become Trumps personal attorney, said this month that he could not release a copy of Millians email because he no longer has access to the companys email system.

In South Florida, where Millian claimed to have had a contract to sell units at Trump Hollywood, there is little evidence that he played a major role.

Daniel Lebensohn, whose company BH3 took over for the Related Group in 2010 after Perezs company struggled to complete the project, said his companys records show no sign that Millian sold any units in the building.

Two Florida-based real estate brokers who specialize in the Russian market and have sold units in Trump Hollywood were equally mystified.

Ive never heard of him, said Olga Mirer, who has travelled back and forth to Russia over the past decade brokering deals at Trump Hollywood and other Florida buildings.

Despite the Trump teams efforts to distance the president from Millian, the dossier source nevertheless attended Trumps inauguration in January.

He posted photos of himself on Facebook attending VIP events for supporters, including one in which he posed in front of the podium at a reception for Trump chief of staff Reince Priebus at Trumps Washington hotel. A White House official did not address a question about Millians attendance.

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Lets be brutally frank: The odds of Premier Kathleen Wynne and her Ontario Liberals winning re-election in 2018 are slim to non-existent.

The reasons are numerous and obvious:

Wynnes personal popularity stands at just 12 per cent, the lowest of any premier in Canada; the Liberals trail the Conservatives badly in province-wide polls and even fall behind the Tories in their traditional key stronghold of Toronto; her handling of key issues, such as hydro is hugely unpopular; and the cry of time for change is powerful given the Liberals will have been in office 15 years come voting day June 7, 2018.

Within the party itself, the mood is grim.

Many sitting Liberal MPPs from the 905 area and suburban 416 ridings, such as Scarborough, believe their seats are already lost. Local riding organizers have virtually given up. Campaign coffers are exceedingly low.

The fact is the numbers do not lie and the ability to win the next election is in grave, grave doubt, Greg Sorbara, who managed Dalton McGuintys three winning election campaigns, said last week on The AgendaTVOs The Agenda. Sorbara said the anger toward Wynne, who he backed in the 2013 leadership race, is palpable outside of Toronto.

Despite all the negativity, though, Wynne plans to stick around and lead her dispirited troops into the next election.

Indeed, Wynne is considering an aggressive  and progressive  policy agenda that her senior advisers have already started to quietly promote.

Their goal is to win back middle-class working people who, rightly or wrongly, feel Wynne has largely ignored them and their concerns about jobs and the economy.

As they see it, such an agenda can appeal to enough traditional urban Liberals and NDP supporters wary of seeing the Conservatives in power that Wynne might be able to eke out a minority victory.

Go bold or go home is how some key Liberals describe the next 14 months leading up to the election.

The initial signs of the new plan will emerge in the April budget.

First, Wynne may announce a raise in the minimum wage to $15 an hour in 2018. A Forum Research poll last fall found 72 per cent of Liberals nationally and 84 per cent of New Democrats support the idea. The current minimum wage for full-time workers in Ontario is $11.40 an hour and will increase to $11.60 an hour on Oct. 6. Alberta, which already has the highest minimum wage in Canada at $12.20 an hour, has promised to raise it to $15 an hour by next year.

Second, Wynne is expected to move ahead with introducing a guaranteed annual income for low-wage workers and welfare recipients  with no strings attached.

The first step would be a three-year pilot project that would set the basic income at about $1,690 a month for a single person. The non-taxable money would be available to people aged 18 to 65. Numerous studies have recommended such a plan as a way to help alleviate poverty without unduly increasing government costs.

Third, the government may announce sweeping changes in Ontarios labour and employment laws to address issues ranging from precarious work for young people to the rise in layoffs and lost job security in todays business environment. The changes stem from the Changing Workplace Review, a major independent report that Wynne commissioned early last year. The proposals are described as the most dramatic in a generation.

In addition, Wynne will try to convince voters shes got a handle on the economy by tabling the first balanced budget in years in April. Finance Minister Charles Sousa has promised the budget will be packed with measures to help curb fast-rising home prices, especially in the Greater Toronto Area.

In theory, the strategy seems sounds. In practice, though, voters may have simply tuned out Wynne and are no longer listening to anything she says.

For her part, Wynne has tried to remove the most virulent criticism of her government by promising a 25-per-cent cut in hydro rates that kick in this summer and by flip-flopping on her initial support for road tolls on the Don Valley and Gardiner expressways, a move that panders to 905 voters.

Unfortunately, Wynne has tried several times over the past year to gain some traction with voters. She has shuffled her cabinet, offered free university tuition, put a bit more money into health care and more.

None of it has worked. All that desperate Liberals can hope for is that this latest bold strategy starts to break that pattern.

Bob Hepburn's column appears Thursday. bhepburn@thestar.ca

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Re: Public Schools should be religion-free, letter, March 27

Public Schools should be religion-free, letter, March 27

Anyone entering this policy debate should be aware of how complex public opinion is in the area. There has never been a consensus on what schools should be government-supported, since full funding was extended to Catholic schools in the 1980s.

Public opinion has been deadlocked among the options of a single public system, the status quo of public and Catholic systems or extension of public funding to independent or private schools.

Public support for accommodating religious groups within the public schools varies depending on the specific measure proposed.

Our 2012 survey for the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education indicated that most supported scheduling tests to avoid religious holidays and half would permit students to wear religious symbols at school. However, only a third would allow students to attend prayer sessions during school hours.

Arlo Kempf and Doug Hart, OISE Survey of Educational Issues, Toronto

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Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) CEO Bharat Masrani said today that the bank does not have a "widespread problem" of aggressive sales practices, according to the Financial Post.

The statement comes as media reports alleges the bank of having a high-pressure sales environment and fostering unethical employees.

Masrani and his leadership team spoke with their colleagues across the country after the CBC News report, published earlier this month, alleged that the bank has unethical practices.

"The experiences expressed by some of our colleagues concern me - they go against the very fiber of our culture.... While we have sales goals to help manage our business, people behaving unethically in order to achieve these goals would be inconsistent with who we are as an institution, and I don't believe we have a widespread problem of that type of behavior," Masrani said.
President Trump will reverse an Obama administration ban on selling Lockheed Martin (LMT) F-16's to the government of Bahrain, according to reports, Investor'sBusinessDaily said.

The Obama administration halted sales of the plane to the U.S. ally until the country improved its human rights record. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee now have 40 days to review the $5 billion sale of 19 planes to the country.
Samsung's (SSNLF) much buzzed-about edge-to-edge screen on its latest smartphone may prove hard for even Apple (AAPL) to match when it comes out with the latest version of its own flagship phone later this year.

Samsung's updated S series features curved corners (like the Note 7) and edges that spill over the sides with a virtual home button, forming what the company is referring to as its OLED "infinity" screen. The new design results in a phone that's comfortable to hold and maximizes screen size. This will be hard for Apple to compete with, according to one analyst.

"While Apple's new OLED form factor looks similar, current indications are for less use of curved OLED which may result in a slightly less 'infinity' screen form factor," JPMorgan analyst Rod Hall wrote in a note on Thursday morning.

His predictions come five months before the expected release date of the 10th-anniversary edition of the iPhone, which rumors suggest could be called also be called the iPhone X or the iPhone Pro. Despite some expected similarities, the standard iPhone 8 is expected to measure five inches, a good bit smaller than the standard S8's 5.8 inches, and the larger iPhone 8 plus is expected to be 5.8 inches, also smaller than the larger S8 Plus's 6.2 inches.

The switch by both companies to organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays from the traditional liquid crystal (LCD) displays gives them the ability to curve the screens and create the sharper and larger images seen on the S8. In addition, OLED gives customers better battery life. Ironically, Samsung will actually be providing the OLED, curved screens to Apple for its new iPhone, sources told the Wall Street Journal last month.

Apple shares fell 0.1% to 143.93 on Thursday, but are up almost 24% so far this year.

Editor's Pick: This story was originally published on May 30 at 1:05 p.m.

Apple is a holding in Jim Cramer'sAction Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells AAPL? Learn more now.

JPMorgan also noted that Samsung seems to have given particular attention to upping its security features in response to what it thinks Apple might release on the upcoming iPhone. The S8 includes a number of new high-tech ways to get into the phone, including an iris scanner, fingerprint reader and facial recognition. With the last option, a user simply has to lift the phone's screen up to their face in order to unlock the phone.

These features all seem similar to the rumors surrounding Apple's updated security features, which also include facial recognition and retinal scanning. However, Apple is also rumored to be working on technology that would allow for finger scanning on the front of the phone without a physical button -- something Samsung was not able to do for the S8. Instead, Samsung simply moved the fingerprint scanner to the back of the phone near the camera to free up space on the front of the phone, a decision that has some worried about fingerprints smudging the camera lens.

While the phone's designs may be similar, it's worth noting that Apple's fans seem more loyal than Samsung's, according to a survey of 1,500 Americans by marketing platform Fluent. In Fluent's survey, 89% of iPhone owners said they were likely buy another iPhone next, vs. 58% of Samsung owners who said they would purchase another Samsung for their next phone. In addition, 30% of iPhone owners said they get "very excited" when Apple announces a new phone, vs. 18% of Samsung owners who said they feel similarly about a new Samsung phone announcement.

Recon Analytics founder Roger Entner said the S8 was a "very good phone," but he doesn't think it scared Apple at all. "Apple wins not only on the device side, but also on the more integrated features seen on the iOS and a better user interface," he explained.

On the other hand, however, Entner said he does think the S8 gives a better picture of what the new iPhone might look like as Apple could look to adopt similar design features. Apple and Samsung have gone back and forth in copying key features of each other's phones in the past. Most recently, Samsungwas ordered to pay nearly $400 million in damages to Apple in 2012 for stealing patented designs until the decision was reversed this past December. Apple had accused Samsung of copying a number of its iPhone designs, including its home screen with colorful apps as well as its rounded corners and rectangular shape.

The rivalry between the two tech giant rivals is reportedly what contributed to the Note 7 disaster, with Samsung skipping some tests on the devices in order to get them to market in August before the iPhone's planned launch in September. After just two months, the Note 7 was recalled due to problems with the batteries that made the phones prone to overheating and sometimes exploding. Samsung has since released a detailed report on what went wrong with the batteries, as well as an updated eight-step safety check for its batteries.

That rivalry was touched upon in an interview with Samsung's vice president of global product planning for mobile Gaeyoun (Robert) Kim that appeared in Mashable this week in which Kim said that the Galaxy S8's internal code name of "Dream" referred in part to Samsung's dream of surpassing Apple. However, Samsung downplayed Kim's comment later, claiming that was just his personal interpretation of the code name.
The Chapter 11 case of Toshiba's U.S. nuclear unit, Westinghouse Electric Co., puts its power plant projects in jeopardy, pressuring three of the public power issuers involved in them, Fitch Ratings said.

Westinghouse filed for bankruptcy on Wednesday, listing $9.81 billion in debt, after months of pressure from parent Toshiba.

The company requested in court papers a 30-day relief period to continue operations and negotiate the contracts on its nuclear power plant projects. The debtor hopes to sell its business, but there are serious doubts that it will be able to do so.

Previously, Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Hitachi said they have no intention of buying Westinghouse's assets. Korea Electric Power Corp. is the only viable buyer left standing. The Korean-based group, known as Kepco, said it would consider a deal if invited but that it had no plans to tender an offer on its own.

Bankruptcy attorney Mickey Etkin of Lowenstein Sandler told TheStreet that if Westinghouse fails to find a buyer for its assets, the U.S. government may have to step in and "help to some extent as the costs of the overruns are enormous."

"They will have to find an alternative," Etkin said. "But I think the parties anticipate there will be a solution."

The bankruptcy ends Toshiba's brutal 11-year venture into nuclear energy, which began when it acquired a 77% stake in Westinghouse for $4.5 billion in October 2006. The Japanese company sought to tap the boom in nuclear energy but its prospects dimmed as demand declined due to heightened competition and after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan. Westinghouse, in turn, suffered massive cost overruns and delays on the construction of its AP1000 nuclear plants in Georgia and South Carolina.

The U.S. government provided $8.3 billion of loan guarantees to one of the stakeholders involved in the South Carolina plant.

The U.S. Department of Energy "continues to monitor the situation through conversations with relevant stakeholders," spokeswoman Lindsey Geisler said.

"Our position with all parties has been consistent and clear," she said. "We expect the parties to honor their commitments and reach an agreement that protects taxpayers, promotes economic growth and strengthens our energy and national security."

In a recent note, Fitch Ratings put the majority stakeholders of Westinghouse's Georgia and South Carolina projects on "negative watch." Those stakeholders are Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia, Oglethorpe Power Corp. (Ga.) and South Carolina Public Service Authority."

If the projects are terminated, Fitch said these entities will be forced to draw on letters of credit, and, now that Westinghouse entered bankruptcy, "the co-owners' abilities to recover additional costs and damages from the project guarantor [Westinghouse] could be limited."

As for the effect on Toshiba itself, Etkin said it "remains to be seen."

"The immediate impact is clear in terms of their public announcements about selling off assets to raise cash," Etkin said. "When you have $9 billion in liabilities, that tends to sting."

Toshiba was pressured to place its nuclear reactor business under protection of Chapter 11 as investors became increasingly concerned about the company's decision to delay its release of its third-quarter financial results.

The company said on Wednesday that it expects its net income to fall by about 620 billion ($5.6 billion) for the 2016 year, likely to result in a loss of 1 trillion.

Etkin said it is too early to make the prediction whether or not Toshiba will be forced to file for bankruptcy itself but that the company is definitely looking to avoid it at all costs.

Cranberry Township, Pa.-based Westinghouse, and its U.K. sister company Toshiba Nuclear Energy Holdings (UK), filed for Chapter 11 protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York in Manhattan.

Westinghouse is requesting to tap $800 million in debtor-possession financing with Apollo Global Management. The financing includes up to $225 million of cash collateral provided by an affiliate of Citibank, the administrative agent on the DIP loan, according to court papers.

Editor's Pick: This story was originally published on March 30 at 3:40 p.m.
For a company that's become one of the world's top brands and prides itself on offering a one-stop e-commerce shop backed by unique services and a well-oiled infrastructure, it has always been a little odd that Amazon.com (AMZN) maintains a handful of online retail subsidiaries with their own brands and operations.

The strategy has admittedly paid off at times, as shown by the success of Amazon's Zappos footwear unit, which the company bought for $850 million in 2009. And as Amazon's just-announced deal to buy Middle Eastern online retailer Souq.com shows, the approach can make regional expansion easier.

But in those markets where Amazon has a giant warehouse footprint and its Prime service has gone mainstream, the rationale for running standalone e-commerce units that specialize in certain types of products has gotten weaker. Particularly when those units often sell goods that don't cost much and/or are bought on a recurring basis in conjunction with other items.

And the rationale has perhaps gotten weaker still following a new report about Amazon's attempts to woo major consumer packaged goods brands.

On Wednesday, Amazon announced it's shutting down the websites run by its Quidsi unit, which it bought in 2011 for $545 million. Quidsi runs Diapers.com, Soap.com, and four other sites that specialize in various household goods. Over 260 employees at Quidsi's New Jersey headquarters will be laid off. Quidsi employs 1,100-plus workers overall, and has warehouses in Kansas and Nevada.

Amazon, whose North American e-commerce reporting segment posted a $2.4 billion operating profit last year, attributes its decision to a failure to make Quidsi profitable since its acquisition. It adds that Quidsi's brand experts will continue working to provide selections for Amazon.com, and that its software team will work on the AmazonFresh grocery delivery service.

There has been speculation that Amazon's move amounts to retribution against Quidsi co-founder and current Wal-Mart (WMT) e-commerce chief Marc Lore. In 2014, Lore founded yet another Amazon rival in Jet.com, and two years later sold it to Wal-Mart for $3.3 billion. But it's hard to imagine Jeff Bezos making a call like this on account of a personal grudge.

Likewise, the suggestion that Amazon is now less interested in competing in the household goods markets that Quidsi services doesn't hold water. The "Beauty, Health & Food" and "Toys, Kids & Baby" categories on Amazon.com are chock-filled with popular items that are offered by Amazon and third-party sellers, including many eligible for 2-day or same-day shipping via Prime.

Moreover, Amazon has been rapidly expanding its selection of private-label goods available through the company's site and apps. And via its Subscribe & Save program, Amazon has been offering discounts on frequently-purchased household items if customers commit to buying them on a recurring basis.

With Amazon's North American segment having posted nearly $80 billion in U.S. sales last year and Prime estimated to have about 50 million U.S. subscribers, it's quite likely that Amazon.com itself has been taking a large bite out of Quidsi's sales. In the online baby products category, U.S. e-commerce research firm Slice believes Quidsi's share fell to 2% in the first quarter of 2017 from 9% three years earlier.

And just as Quidsi gets axed, Bloomberg reports Amazon has invited execs from General Mills (GIS) , Mondelez (MDLZ) and other big consumer packaged goods makers to a three-day event in May during which they'll be pitched on selling their items directly via Amazon.com. Amazon would presumably collect a commission on such sales, and perhaps also provide fulfillment services via its FBA platform, which many sellers have adopted to help make their items Prime-eligible.

Bloomberg notes such direct sales would allow brands to rethink how goods are packaged, focusing less on making items stand out on a Wal-Mart or Kroger (KR) aisle and more on creating durable packages that can be easily and cheaply shipped to consumers. Those brands buying into Amazon's pitch would be in good company: Amazon's retail third-party seller services revenue grew 43% last year to $23 billion, and active FBA sellers rose by over 70%.

In time, one could also see Amazon's attempts to both court big consumer brands and expand its private-label lineup aiding its efforts to launch bricks-and-mortar grocery stores. But those efforts are still in their early days.

At the same time, both private-label and direct brand sales are likely to cause friction with third parties that are reselling consumer packaged goods on Amazon's site. Bezos & Co. likely aren't too concerned about this, however. As the Quidsi experience shows, Amazon isn't squeamish about hurting or even decimating an existing revenue stream in the name of growing another for which it sees a greater long-term payoff.
Kingsway Financial Services Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the extended warranty business services, asset management, and real estate businesses. The company operates through three segments: Extended Warranty, Leased Real Estate, and Kingsway Search Xcelerator. The Extended Warranty segment markets, sells, and administers vehicle service agreements and related products for new and used automobiles, motorcycles, and ATVs. This segment also sells new home warranty products, as well as offers uninsured warrant administration services to homebuilders and homeowners; markets and distributes warranty products to manufacturers, distributors, and installers of heating, ventilation and air conditioning, standby generator, commercial LED lighting, and commercial refrigeration equipment; and provides equipment breakdown and maintenance support services to companies. The Leased Real Estate segment owns a parcel of real property consisting of approximately 192 acres located in the State of Texas. The Kingsway Search Xcelerator offers outsourced finance and human resources consulting services, including operational accounting, such as bookkeeping, accounting, financial reporting, and analysis and strategic finance services; technical accounting comprising initial public offerings, SEC reporting, and international consolidation services; human resources, workforce management, and compliance support services; and advisory services. The company offers its products and services through credit unions, dealers, homebuilders, and consumers. Kingsway Financial Services Inc. was incorporated in 1989 and is based in Itasca, Illinois.
- Police declares illegal wearing of mini-skirts, skinny jeans, among other attires they deem unfit for 'public eyes'

-Anyone found flaunting the new rule will be arrested without hesitation and fined or jailed for six months, or both

- The authorities insist that from 1st April, every citizen in this country must get conversant with the dress code they need to wear to avoid being arrested

If mini-skirts and skinny jeans are your favourite outfits, then you may need to overhaul your wardrobe, as these kind of attires are no-longer allowed in Zambia and can easily get you jailed, fined or both.

READ ALSO: Female singer reveals more than intended, shows BREASTS to audience (photos, video)

Mini-skirts, ripped and skinny jeans, lace attires and other outfits banned in Zambia

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The Government of Zambia has also reportedly directed its officers to start, with immediate effect, arresting people who dress indecently in public.

Zambia police is concerned with the dress code of some of our women and men in public. It is now a serious offence to dress indecently in public," a statement from the police command said.

READ ALSO: Kenyans mercilessly troll plus size model Neomi Nganga for dressing like this (PHOTO)

Wearing of mini-skirts, sagging trousers , skinny jeans, leggings, ripped jeans, and lace attire are all considered indecent dressing under the new Act.

Failure to follow the prescribed dress code will now attract jail term of six months or a hefty fine.

"Zambians must get conversant with the attire they need to wear to avoid being arrested," says Esther Katongo, the country's police spokesperson, in a statement.

The new dress code rule is expected to take effect on 1st April 2017. Persons seen in dresses that expose their bodies to the public will be arrested without prejudice.

READ ALSO: Oops! We Can See Your Underwear Lupita!

Watch video of the banned attires that could get you arrested:

Have something to add to this article? Send to news@tuko.co.ke

Source: TUKO.co.ke
Despite the reports on the bankruptcy of the U.S. fuel and energy company Westinghouse LLC, Westinghouse Sweden is planning not just to continue but also to expand cooperation with Ukraine in terms of the delivery of nuclear fuel and services, the companys head office has stated in response to Ukrinforms enquiry.

As announced on March 29, Westinghouse LLC and certain subsidiaries and affiliates filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. These filings do not relate to any operations in Westinghouses Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) or Asia regions. More importantly they do not in any way impact the delivery of fuel and services to Ukraine today or in the future, the report states.

In addition, Westinghouse and Ukraine have a strategic partnership, which is expected to remain strong and grow going forward, the company stressed.

In 2017, Westinghouse Sweden, which has a solid financial position and is not impacted by todays announcement, will manufacture and deliver nuclear fuel for 6 of Ukraines VVER1000 reactors per our contract, the representatives of the companys head office noted, adding that cooperation with Ukraine is of the highest priority to Westinghouse.

Currently, discussions are being held on deepening both Westinghouses fuel and services support for Ukraine which will bring mutual benefit and ever greater energy security.

mk
The World Bank is ready to support the Government of Ukraine in carrying out the necessary reforms and to consider the possibility of new targeted programs for financial support.

World Banks Vice President Kyle Peters said this during the meeting with Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman, the Government portal reports.

"We are ready to continue our cooperation aimed at supporting the reforms that are being conducted by the Government of Ukraine, as well as to consider the possibility of launching new targeted programs for financial support," Kyle Peters said, reassuring of the World Bank's readiness to support Ukraine on the path of change.

WB Vice Presidents Kyle Peters and Cyril Muller noted the remarkable progress achieved by the Ukrainian government over the past eight months regarding the economy stabilization, the resumption of economic growth and the increase in the minimum wage.

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The Ukrainian delegation arrived in Helsinki, Finland, to participate in the Nordic Baltic Bioenergy Conference dedicated to the replacement of traditional energy resources with alternative fuel, biomass markets development, highly-efficient cogeneration and biofuels.

This is reported by the Government portal, referring to Ukrainian State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving Chairman Sergiy Savchuk.

In the course of our visit to Finland, in cooperation with the representatives of Finland's Foreign Affairs Ministry and leading Finnish companies, we will discuss the technical solutions and economic models of heat production using alternative sources, the promoting tools for biomass market development and the development mechanisms of highly-efficient cogeneration in Ukraine, Savchuk said.

According to him, bioenergy's share is rapidly growing in the countries of the Baltic region. In particular, a share of green energy in Finland's final consumption came to 39.3% in 2015, including 80% of energy generated from biomass.

For Ukraine, having a strong potential for the use of agricultural wastes and forestry residues, Finland's best practices in energy production using alternative fuel are very useful, Savchuk noted.

Ukraine's overall potential in terms of agricultural wastes is 93.5 million tonnes. It is possible to replace more than 9 billion cubic meters of natural gas per annum by using just 37% of agricultural wastes for energy purposes.

mk
President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko has held a meeting with President of the Republic of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca within the framework of participation in the European People's Party summit in Malta.

This was reported by the press service of the Head of State.

"The parties expressed readiness to intensify the Ukrainian-Maltese political dialogue at all the levels. In this regard, President of Ukraine was again invited to arrive in Malta on a state visit in May this year," the statement reads.

During the meeting, the presidents expressed interest in deepening trade, economic and investment cooperation between Ukraine and Malta, in particular, in such sectors as transport, agriculture and tourism.

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President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko has discussed with President of Romania Klaus Iohannis the strengthening of energy security of the two countries by expanding the gas transportation opportunities, including reverse gas supplies.

This is reported by the press service of the President of Ukraine.

"The heads of state discussed the issue of continuing bilateral cooperation in the gas transportation sector with a view to enhancing energy security by expanding the gas transportation opportunities, including reverse gas supplies," the statement reads.

During the meeting, Poroshenko praised the consistent stance of Romania on the need to maintain the existing EU sanctions against Russia because of its continuing aggression and violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity.

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Russia will do its utmost to destroy the successful project of the European Union and to build an alternative Europe.

President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko said this in his speed during the European Peoples Party (EPP) Congress in Malta, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

Europes adversaries wont rest. The anti-EU forces are still on the move. Russia will do its utmost to push the EU off the cliff. The Kremlin never gave up on attempts to build an alternative Europe, President Poroshenko said.

He also emphasized that they will spread uncertainty and distrust in societies and added that Russia is guided by the main and key principle - divide et impera.

The Kremlins goal is to split Europe and to water down the values. As long as this goal stands  the idea of EU and Russia getting strong together is an illusion. You cant get strong together with someone who has zero-sum thinking. And the Kremlin has only one rule: Russia must be on the top, Petro Poroshenko said.

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President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko held a meeting with President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades during the expanded Summit of the European People's Party (EPP) in Malta on March 29.

The parties discussed current issues of the bilateral cooperation within international organizations. Nicos Anastasiades fondly recalled his visit to Ukraine in December 2015 and renewed invitation to Petro Poroshenko to visit Cyprus. Special attention was paid to the issue of countering Russian aggression in Donbas, the Ukrainian presidents press service reports.

Also, the parties discussed the issue of keeping the existing EU sanctions against the Russian Federation as an efficient tool to ensure the full implementation of the Minsk agreements and the resumption of Ukraines territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Nikos Anastasiadis stressed that the position on the EU sanctions against Russia remains unchanged.

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Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Viacheslav Kyrylenko has held a meeting with Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the United States to Ukraine Marie Jovanovich, the governments press service reports.

"The Vice Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Ambassador Marie Jovanovich for the consistent assistance provided by the United States to Ukraine, reads a report.

The parties discussed the course of reforms being carried out in the country, especially in the humanitarian sphere. In particular, they discussed the implementation of joint projects in education and youth policy. Special attention was paid to the issues of information security.

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President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko has held a meeting with President of the European Peoples Party (EPP) Joseph Daul during the expanded EPP Summit in Malta, the presidents press service reports.

The two leaders coordinated efforts to increase international pressure on Russia due to its recent illegal actions destabilizing the situation in Donbas, reads a report.

The EPP President reaffirmed commitment to support Ukraine and stressed that the EU sanctions against Russia must remain in place until Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity, including Crimea, are fully restored.

In addition, during the meeting, the parties discussed prospects of completing the ratification of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU, as well as the introduction of the visa-free regime with the EU for Ukrainians.

iy
Ambassador of Ukraine to Germany Andriy Melnyk has sent to Germanys Ministry of Foreign Affairs a note of protest because of the illegal visit of German politician Andreas Maurer to temporary occupied Crimea.

I sent a note of protest regarding the illegal visit to Crimea by the local politician from Quakenbruck, Andriy Melnyk wrote on Twitter. iy
The European People's Party has accused Russia of threatening the liberal values and sovereignty of Europe and called on the European Union to develop a strategy to counteract Russian information warfare.

This is stated in the draft resolution of the European People's Party (EPP), which was adopted at the end of the two-day congress held in Malta.

"EU Member States are facing an unprecedented threat to their democratic societies. Russian propaganda, disinformation campaigns and continuous support for anti-European political forces are undermining the European project, transatlantic cooperation and Western democracies in general: in terms of liberal values, political independence and sovereignty," the document says.

The participants in the EPP congress noted that the annexation of Crimea, hybrid warfare against Ukraine, the invasion of Georgia, Russian campaigns against the Baltic States, Belarus, Moldova or even Poland, all these pose challenges for Russias neighbours and undermine the peace and stability which Europe has enjoyed for decades," the resolution says.

The EPP called on the EU to put in place an effective and detailed strategy to immediately, robustly counteract Russian information warfare.

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When ready to move, we need to check that the load on the donkeys back is firmly tied. Prepare yourselves and get ready for climbing. When we reach the villages, you need to write down how many children are there in each house. If a house has no child, write that down too, even if its locked, Ahmed says.

After a tortuous ascent and descent, Ahmed and his team are finally in Alanaf. The children and their families have been waiting anxiously. They had been informed through radio announcements days ahead of the polio campaign that a team of vaccinators would be visiting their village soon.

Despite the fatigue, the team immediately starts to administer the polio vaccine. Each child under 5 gets two drops in the mouth. Children aged 6 to 11 months are also given Vitamin A supplements to help boost their immunity.

This vaccine will protect your child from polio, Ahmed tells the parents holding the vial in his hand. If your child gets polio and becomes disabled, the whole family will suffer because you have to take care of the child and carry him everywhere, even to the toilet.

According to Ahmed, his team covers around 20 to 30 households each day over the course of the three-day campaign. After a child is vaccinated, his or her index finger is marked, and the house is marked as well. This is to make sure that no child is missed. The house marking also helps the team to know where they ended the previous day, and where to begin from the following day.

We need to vaccinate our children because they are a part of us, Ahmed says, We will not leave out even a single child.

The campaign comes at a critical time when the population, particularly children, are extremely vulnerable. With children in Yemen living on the brink of famine and malnutrition widespread, children face an extremely high risk of disease. Moreover, over half of Yemens medical facilities in 16 priority governorates are closed or partially functioning, and the health system is on the verge of a collapse.

UNICEF, together with its partners and health authorities, has scaled up support for immunization by providing vaccines for children, as well as medicines for treating common childhood diseases such as diarrhoea and respiratory tract infections.

With the health system hanging in the balance, such campaigns are helpful but are not sustainable. These interventions alone cannot address the medical needs of the entire population. The health system urgently needs attention, and above all, the conflict must come to an end.

>> Learn more about the humanitarian situation of children in Yemen
Representative Maxine Waters doesn't expect to pose for a photo with President Donald Trump anytime soon.

In fact, the California congresswoman plans to boycott any meeting, event, ceremony or public event with the president, at the White House or even in her home district of Los Angeles.

"I don't see myself meeting with him, sitting down with him, believing anything he would say or even respecting anything he would say," Waters said sternly to The Associated Press. "It would not be honest on my part to go to any ceremonies with him or to pretend I am having a decent conversation with him."

And if Trump personally invited her to the White House for a conversation? "I wouldn't go," she said emphatically.

Waters has served in Congress for a quarter-century. Now she's turned into the passionate voice of resistance against the Trump administration. The 78-year-old Democrat lays politeness aside when she talks about the new president. When told that this is not normal political dialogue, she shrugs.

"My spirit tells me I cannot be silent. I must address this so-called president, no matter where it takes me," she said.

Waters is a favorite target for conservatives. Conservative commentator Armstrong Williams said he thought Waters' heated rhetoric was "very sad, very disappointing, and just not the kind of legacy that she would want to be remembered by."

O'Reilly remark

Fox News personality Bill O'Reilly said earlier in the week that he had a hard time concentrating on a Waters speech because he was distracted by her "James Brown wig." He apologized later in the day.

Waters tweeted: "I am a strong black woman. I cannot be intimidated, and I'm not going anywhere."

Waters skipped Trump's first address to Congress after calling him abnormal, "potentially dangerous for this country," and an all-around horrible bully who offends her and most of America with his runaway mouth and uncouth actions. Another day, she called Trump offensive, potentially dangerous, someone who may eventually warrant impeachment and a male chauvinist pig who bragged about groping women  all in one sitting.

The memes, the retweets and the pictures of her reactions have gotten her lots of traction with the younger crowd, said Rashad Robinson, executive director of online civil rights group Color of Change.

"In this moment of facing an authoritarian racist who tweets constantly, it feels nice to see someone on our side who isn't afraid," he said.

Waters says she is not saying outrageous things for attention, to build a legacy or perhaps aspire to higher office. "This is not sour grapes. This is not politics as usual," Waters said. "You can't make this up. This is who I am."

South Africa stand

Waters' outspokenness certainly is nothing new. While serving in the California Assembly from 1977 to 1991, Waters broke into the national scene by pushing her state to divest from South Africa because of its government-sanctioned system of racial apartheid. Her stand is still remembered fondly by black lawmakers in California, said Karen Bass, another Democrat who represents the state in the U.S. House.

"She is known historically to be at the forefront of resisting injustice, and so to me what's happening now is consistent to her lifelong commitment to fighting for civil rights and against injustice," Bass said.

Waters' district includes portions of Los Angeles and surrounding cities, and she gained attention in Washington for bringing supplies to south-central Los Angeles after the Rodney King riots and for passionately opposing the war in Iraq. A former Congressional Black Caucus chairwoman, Waters pushed to end the Cuba trade embargo and called for investigations into allegations that government intelligence agencies were behind the crack epidemic in Los Angeles. Waters was also critical when Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide was deposed; he blamed his push from power on the United States.

Waters entered politics as an aide to Los Angeles City Councilman Dave Cunningham, and she's been comfortably re-elected in her district, even after the House Ethics Committee charged her with helping a bank connected to her husband. She was ultimately cleared.

"Far too often African-American female leaders are charged with being angry, but it is really seriousness and a commitment she is exuding," said Nicole Lee, former president of advocacy group TransAfrica, who called herself a mentee of Waters.

'Political stunts'

When asked about Waters' suggestions on impeachment this year, White House press secretary Sean Spicer said despite "these little political stunts on the House side, the bottom line is, I think, by and large, you see the support that the president's receiving for his policies throughout the country."

One of her most popular moments online is her reaction to a top-secret congressional briefing by FBI Director James Comey on accusations of Russian hacking during Trump's campaign. An obviously angry Waters walked up to some microphones reporters had set up for departing attendees and glared at the cameras.

"Can I help you? What do you want?" she shot at reporters. When asked what Comey said, a frustrated Waters threw up her hands.

"It's classified, and I can't tell you anything. All I can tell you is the FBI director has no credibility," Waters snarled, and walked away.

When asked about that day, Waters said she thinks her words are vibing with young activists because of her unvarnished honesty about what she's feeling.

"We moan and groan all the time about a lack of involvement of young people," she said. "But they have taught me a lot about what moves them. It seems like all they are looking for is some honesty and some truth and somebody that they can believe in."
Afghanistan is expected to get up to 200 helicopters and other aircraft as part of a four-year plan to improve the nation's security forces to help beat the Taliban insurgency, according to Dawlat Waziri, the spokesman for the Afghan Defense Ministry.

Waziri said discussion of the plan is part of the agenda of a top level U.S. delegation expected to visit Kabul over the next couple of weeks. U.S. officials have not publicly confirmed the reported trip, but their Afghan counterparts have been discussing the expected agenda.

Ahead of the visit, Afghanistans National Security Adviser Haneef Atmar held a one-hour video conference Wednesday with his American counterpart H. R. McMaster to discuss bilateral security cooperation between the two nations.

On the agenda

The trip by the first high ranking U.S. delegation to visit Kabul since the change of administration in Washington is also expected to discuss continuing U.S. assistance to the country, according to the speaker of Afghan parliament Abdul Raouf Ibrahimi.

A source says Russia, Iran and Pakistan will be discussed.

Another high level Afghan source said the delegation would also discuss the involvement of Russia, Iran, and Pakistan in Afghanistan.

While U.S. officials have long accused Pakistan of providing sanctuaries to the Taliban, they have recently become wary of the growing influence of Russia and Iran in Afghanistan.

John McCain, Chairman of the U.S. Senates Armed Services Committee, in a hearing of the committee in February, said Iran was arming and funding the Taliban and Russia was meddling in Afghanistan to prop up the Taliban and undermine the United States.

General John Nicholson, the top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan, told the same committee that there has been an increase in external actors interfering in Afghan attainment of peace and stability, adding that Russian involvement had become more difficult and Iran was directly supporting the Taliban in Western Afghanistan.

Russia is hosting a regional conference on Afghanistan in April in which the U.S. was invited but has declined to attend. Afghanistan is still debating whether to attend according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Increased use of Special Forces

Afghanistans four-year security plan would also double the Afghan Special Forces, upgrading what is now a division of Special Forces to a corps, according to Defense Minister General Abdullah Habibi in his briefing to the Afghan parliament.

The Special Forces have been one of the most successful units of the Afghan security apparatus in its fight against the Taliban. The defense minister added the forces would be used to drop into Taliban controlled areas, denying them the opportunity to plant landmines as they flee.

The plan is also supposed to focus on the training and literacy of Afghan security forces and strengthening intelligence services.

According to the Defense Ministry spokesman, the beefing up of the air force, including not just the aircraft but also radar systems and other parts, would be completed by 2020.

NATO and EU delegations are also expected to visit Kabul in the next few weeks.
Syrian opposition representatives attending the intra-Syrian peace talks report the issue of a transitional government leading to a political settlement to end their countrys brutal six-year long war has been broached for the first time.

Departing from their usual pessimistic outlook, Syrian opposition negotiators are putting a slightly positive spin on what they call substantive discussions with chief U.N. mediator Staffan de Mistura on a future election process.

Head of the High Negotiating Committee (HNC), Nasr al-Hariri, says his delegation has engaged in serious discussions regarding constitutional changes and an 18-month transitional process leading to U.N.-supervised elections for a new government.

Of course, one session will not be enough to discuss this topic. We hope that the coming meetings we will have further discussions in depth about this topic and we are hopeful that these discussions will not be wasted. On the contrary, we want to build on them in a way that feeds into the political process to reach a political solution, Hariri said.



The war in Syria, which has entered its seventh year, has killed more than 400,000 people and displaced more than 11 million, inside and outside the country.

HNC spokesman Salem Meslet criticizes the governments seeming unwillingness to discuss anything except counter-terrorism measures. He said his delegation will consider all issues concerning his countrys future, except for one.

There is no room for [President] Bashar al-Assad, neither in the transitional period nor in the future of Syria. This is something that everybody must understand and remember. No matter what circumstances or what differences and the conditions will be, this is something that we will not waver on, Meslet said.

This fixed position by the opposition is unlikely to sit well with the Syrian president, who many observers agree believes he can win the war and the peace on the battlefield.
Residents of the northern Syrian city of Raqqa live in terror, trapped as a massive human shield in the Islamic State's de facto capital ahead of the final battle with U.S.-backed opposition forces for the militant group's last major urban stronghold.

A belt of landmines and militant checkpoints circle the city. Inside, all the men have been ordered to wear the jihadis' garb of baggy pants and long shirts  making it difficult to distinguish Islamic State militants from civilians.

Hundreds if not thousands of Syrians who fled from other parts of the country now live in tents in Raqqa's streets, vulnerable to both warplanes and ground fighting. Enormous tarps have been stretched for blocks in the city center to hide the militants' movements from spy planes and satellites.

The estimated 300,000 people trapped inside live in terrifying uncertainty over how to find safety. Airstrikes by the U.S.-led coalition shake the city almost daily, mainly hitting northern neighborhoods, amid reports of civilians killed by strikes in the nearby countryside.

Leaflets dropped by coalition warplanes give confusing directions  one suggests areas closer to the Euphrates River are safer, but then another warns that boats crossing the river will be struck.

Mass panic erupted Sunday, when IS announced on mosque loudspeakers that U.S. strikes had hit a dam to the west of Raqqa. Residents were urged to flee imminent flooding, and thousands did. The militants allowed them into IS-controlled countryside nearby, as long as they left their possessions behind, according to an activist who is in touch with people inside the city. Hours later, the militants announced it was a false alarm and urged everyone to return.

"The people really don't know where to go," said the activist, saying residents were caught between airstrikes, landmines and IS fighters mingling among civilians.

Hunting for 'spies'

To get a picture of Raqqa, The Associated Press talked to more than a dozen people with knowledge of the city, including residents who were still there or who had recently escaped, and activists with organizations that track events through contacts inside, as well as diplomats, the U.S. military and aid groups. Almost all spoke on condition they not be identified, fearing for their own lives or the lives of their contacts.

Getting information is difficult. Militants constantly look for "spies." One activist said two people had recently been put to death for suspected contact with the coalition. The only internet access is in a few approved cafes where patrons must give their names and addresses and endure spot checks by IS fighters, who burst in and order everyone to raise their hands so computer screens can be inspected.

Raqqa, a provincial capital on the northern bank of the Euphrates, is the next major battle against the Islamic State group as Iraqi forces push to complete the recapture of the northern Iraqi city of Mosul after nearly six months of fighting. For the Raqqa campaign, a multi-ethnic force of Syrian fighters, dominated by Kurds and supported by U.S. special forces, artillery and air power, have been maneuvering to isolate the city.

Civilian casualties

Concerns over civilian casualties have become a significant issue in the fight for Mosul. Amnesty International said Tuesday a significant spike in civilian casualties suggests the coalition is not taking enough precautions in its airstrikes. The U.S. has said it is investigating the deaths, but American and Iraqi officials also suggested the militants blew up homes and blamed the coalition.

The Islamic State has sent most of its European fighters out of Raqqa farther east to the region of Deir el-Zour, deeper into its shrinking territory, according to Tim Ramadan, an activist with the group Sound and Picture, who remains in Raqqa, and Eyas Dass, editor of Al Raqqa Post, an opposition website that documents atrocities by IS and the Syrian government.

That is probably a sign it wants to protect the foreigners, either for a propaganda campaign or to send them to carry out attacks in their home countries, they said. Both spoke on condition they be identified by the aliases they always use in their activities to protect themselves and their families.

Battle-hardened Syrians and Iraqis are leading the defense in Raqqa, bolstered by reinforcements from those who withdrew from Mosul and other parts of Iraq. Dass said about 2,000 fighters and their families are en route from Iraq, and Ramadan said many are already in Raqqa. Rami Abdurrahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, estimated over 4,000 fighters in the city.

Earlier this month, the militants used their artillery in the city for the first time, a sign of how close the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces have come. The SDF has positions to the north, west and east  their closest position is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) from Raqqa to the northeast.

Coalition airstrikes

Coalition aircraft have taken out 18 bridges, including the main ones out of the city across the Euphrates, according to the coalition. Airstrikes have also focused on the former base of the Syrian military's 17th Division, north of the city, now a major IS base. Most of its buildings have been destroyed, activists say.

For days, dollar-bill-sized leaflets have fluttered from coalition planes to warn of impending strikes. More than 2 million have been dropped in two weeks, the coalition said.

One urged those living in tents to move closer to the Euphrates, according to a resident and the U.S. military in Baghdad. Another warned residents not to board the small boats that are the only way to cross the river, whether for daily errands or to flee Raqqa.

"Daesh is using boats and ferries to transport weapons and fighters. Do not use ferries or boats, airstrikes are coming," the flyer said, using an Arabic acronym for the group.

Getting smuggled out is too expensive for most. Smugglers  most often IS fighters looking to make a profit  charge $300 to $500 a person and sometimes as high as $1,000 to get out of the city, according to several activists and a Western aid worker familiar with the situation. The aid worker also declined to be identified for fear of jeopardizing his group's work and safety.

Once outside, they face the danger of the landmines. The aid worker said one man who staggered into a camp for the displaced had lost a child from a roadside bomb and was himself gravely injured.

Those who make it to SDF-controlled areas risk being turned back unless they have someone vouch for them, according to Muhab Nasser, an activist from Raqqa province. He said some had been refused entry by SDF fighters, suspicious of IS infiltrators or sympathizers.

The cost of being smuggled out of Syria entirely is a prohibitive $3,000 to $4,000 a person, according to Sarmad al-Jilane, a Sound and Picture activist in Turkey. Turkey also is cracking down on crossings.

As a result, few from Raqqa are found in southern Turkey, where hundreds of thousands of Syrians have fled the civil war. The aid worker also said so far there is no refugee crisis from Raqqa  a chilling sign of how hard it is to leave.

Hiding among civilians

Fighters in Raqqa have started to move in with families to hide among civilians. Residents must dig trenches, stack sandbags and build earthen berms for the city's defenses. Children have stopped going to school.

"If you want 'lessons,' you go to the mosques," said Hamad, a former resident of Raqqa province who keeps in regular contact with people in the city. He spoke from Beirut on condition he be identified only by his first name for fear of reprisals against relatives and friends there.

Food is still in adequate supply, though prices rose after the destruction of the bridges. Medical care is almost nonexistent since most doctors fled long ago, according to Hamad and others. Hospitals are short on equipment.

But underground clinics run by the Islamic State group for its fighters are well-stocked, said Hussam Eesa, one of the founders of the activist group Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, speaking from Turkey.

Loudspeakers on mosques or on vehicles used by the religious police warn the populace that the battle is coming.

"They tell people ... it is a battle against Islam, all nations are attacking us and the Prophet says we should be united," Eesa said. "They are putting psychological pressure on residents."
Israel has announced it's reducing its payments to U.N. institutions following recent anti-Israel votes.



Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said Wednesday's decision was taken following votes critical of Israel at the Human Rights Council (HRC). Nahshon says Israel is cutting 2 million dollars from its U.N. dues, given the anti-Israel votes at UNHRC. The money will be used for development projects in countries that support Israel in international organizations.



He says the cut is from annual payment of about $11 million.



Israel and the United States decry what they see as an entrenched U.N. bias against the Jewish state and an obsession with the Palestinian issue at the expense of other crises and human rights issues around the globe.



Nearly from its inception, the HRC has drawn criticism for its make-up.
Riga's Russian Theater stands as a testament to the endurance of Russian culture in Latvia, as well as a bridge between the two, despite political tensions.

"The theater is 135 years old. This is the oldest [Russian] theater beyond Russia. And within these 135 years it has quite harmoniously been incorporated into the context of Latvian culture," said the theater's director, Edward Cekhoval.

He shows visiting journalists the awards he has received from the Latvian government, as well as the Order of Friendship from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

At a March performance of Russian poet and writer Mikhail Lermontov's Princess Mary, Latvian subtitles flash on a screen above the stage as the actors in period costume speak only Russian.

"There is no discrimination as far as the language is concerned or any other life aspect because the [Russian] people who live here, they should clearly realize that they live in a different country, that this is not Russia," said Cekhoval, who was himself born in Russia, but has lived in Latvia for 28 years.

"They should observe all the laws existing in this country. And naturally [that includes] the Law about the Language."

Russia justified its 2014 annexation of Crimea and its ongoing support for rebels in east Ukraine by claiming ethnic Russians there were threatened by nationalists, and faced discrimination because they spoke Russian. That raised alarm bells in the Baltics, where a quarter of the population in Estonia and Latvia, and about eight percent in Lithuania, are Russian, and where similar allegations of discrimination have been made.

Like Ukraine, many of the ethnic Russian minority in the Baltics are immigrants from when they were all part of the Soviet Union.

Occupier status

Since independence, though, Latvians openly call the Soviet Union an invader and occupier, along with Nazi Germany.

"The difference is that Germany has apologized and keeps on apologizing," said Gunars Nagels, director of the Occupation of Latvia Museum. "We often see in our guest book, people have written in German that they are sorry, after seeing all this. However, Russia does not consider all of this to have been something bad."

Soviet persecution and forced relocations controlled local populations through fear and intimidation that can still be felt at the former KGB offices in Riga called the Corner House. European tourists walk past open cell doors where political prisoners were crammed in small, dark spaces, many of them sent to prison camps or executed.

Critics say Russia is returning to Soviet fear tactics with its rhetoric about protecting ethnic Russians and its military posturing.

"Clear recognition of Soviet occupation and apology would be the right way how to gain some trust," said Latvia's foreign minister, Edgars Rinkevics.

Calls of discrimination

After independence in 1990, Latvia reasserted its culture with laws on citizenship that required a Latvian language test for the right to vote or to get a government job. Thousands of ethnic Russians were made "non-citizens" overnight.

Russia and Russian-Latvian critics call it discrimination, or even punishment for the Soviet past.

"It is a problem when in political life and it is a problem ... from Latvian society, actually," said IT worker Dmitry Prokopenko after showing a journalist his passport marked "alien."

Prokopenko learned Latvian in school, but he refuses to take the citizenship test on principle, arguing he shouldn't have to prove his proficiency to earn his civic rights.

"The living standards here in Latvia and in Estonia are much higher than in Russia," Rinkevics said. "Those Russian speakers are enjoying all the same freedoms that Latvian or Estonian citizens are enjoying."

Despite having ethnic Russian political parties, and an ethnic Russian mayor of Riga, some Russian-Latvian politicians claim the rights of non-citizens are being glossed over.

"They're not speaking about Russian education, they're not speaking about non-citizens, and so on. They're completely passive in these issues," said co-chair of the Latvian-Russian union, Miroslav Mitrofanov.

His party lost their seats in parliament in recent elections, and Mitrofanov says they now have go to Moscow for support.

"Because our voters here, they are consumers of this content produced in Russia," he said. "So, when we are speaking in Moscow, our people here in Latvia they say, 'Oh, guys, we have seen you. It is great that you are there among those politicians.'"

Rinkevics says Russia's influence in Baltic politics is nothing new.

"Guys, you are not used to it, in the United States or Germany or France," he said. "We are used to it. This is [a] concern. But, we also know how to tackle it. And we are ready also to share a little bit of our experience if asked with those countries that are very surprised that they [Russia] can be meddling in their election process through different means."

Looking to EU

Even the most critical Russian-Latvians still see the European Union as their future and look to Russia for their past and culture.

Mitrofanov laments that Russian propaganda portrays ethnic Russians in the Baltics as victims and the European Union as a failed project.

"And we do not agree with this. Because, Russia is not ready to support Latvia financially and the only source of existence of this country is the support which is provided by European Union," he said. "So, it's the main source of our stability nowadays."

And while Russian does not have the same status as Latvian, it is common in the city, and ethnic Russians make up about a quarter of the population.

"The unique feature of our geography and generally the position of the country gives a lot of choice to children," said Liudmila Smirnova, a Russian literature teacher at Riga Secondary School 40. "They may consider themselves Europeans to a greater extent because they study not only the language, but Russian literature and some Russian history. They have a chance to feel Russian."
Peru asked the United States for more aid Wednesday to confront the intense rains and flooding that have buried entire villages in mud, displaced thousands from their homes and left 97 dead.

The Andean nation is struggling to recover from what officials describe as the worst environmental disaster to strike in nearly two decades and Defense Minister Jorge Nieto said Peru is especially in need of equipment like motor pumps to drain areas still inundated in water.

Nations from throughout Latin America have sent airplanes filled with food and water in recent weeks. The United States announced Friday it was donating $525,000 and pledged to redirect helicopters typically working on coca eradication in the Amazon toward the rescue effort.

On Monday, China, Peru's largest trading partner, announced it was donating $1.5 million to aid in the recovery.

The unusual rains are being caused by a warming of Pacific Ocean waters off Peru's coast that climatologists are calling a "coastal El Nino." Floods and mudslides have damaged or destroyed nearly 200,000 homes so far this year, leaving some residents stranded on rooftops awaiting rescue.

Meteorologists are expecting at least several more weeks of rain.

The Peruvian government has mobilized thousands of soldiers to rescue stranded residents and is spending more than $1 million a day on gas alone for trucks helping repair the estimated 5 percent of national roadways that have been damaged.
The United States is examining its next steps in the campaign to defeat Islamic State militants and stabilize the refugee crisis with regional allies, as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson embarks on trips to Turkey and NATO headquarters this week. The top U.S. diplomat will press NATO allies to demonstrate a clear path to increase defense spending, in his first meeting with counterparts from this security bloc.

U.S.-led forces are increasing their campaign to retake the Syrian city of Raqqa from Islamic State militants. Stabilizing areas where militants have fled and allowing refugees to return home is high on the agenda for the U.S. and its anti-Islamic State coalition partners.

In Turkey, Tillerson will try to build on progress from last week's meeting of coalition partners in Washington.

"While a more defined course of action in Syria is still coming together, I can say the United States will increase our pressure on ISIS and al-Qaida, and will work to establish interim zones of stability through cease-fires to allow refugees to go home," he said, using a common acronym for Islamic State, which is also known as ISIL and Daesh.

But it could be a tall order, according to Middle East expert Daniel Serwer.

"The Turks would like to have safe zones; they have been proposing them for years," he said. "But they are, in fact, extraordinarily difficult to create, and to defend, and to maintain."

NATO

Days before Tillerson's first meeting with NATO foreign ministers, Tillerson met with his counterparts from the Baltic states. They expressed confidence in Washington's support for NATO.

"We're passing what we consider very important messages of the need to develop transatlantic security and economic links, so it was, overall, a very good introductory meeting," Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics told VOA's Ukrainian Service.

After Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimea, NATO agreed to send troops to Lithuania and to Estonia, Latvia and Poland, in a move to deter potential Russian aggression.

"I wouldn't say the military presence is insignificant," Estonian Foreign Minister Sven Misker told VOA's Russian Service. "These are very well-trained, well-equipped forces. But when you look at the numbers, the presence is slightly modest compared to what Russia has in place on the other side of the border. So it shouldn't be viewed as escalatory in any way ... but I think it's sufficient to make Russia change its calculus. It makes clear to Russia that they should not launch a provocation and think that they can do it with impunity."

Tillerson is going to the NATO talks before he goes to Moscow, a move that ends the controversy over his earlier decision to skip the event.

"[NATO allies] want the commitment by Tillerson to maintain sanctions [on Russia for its actions] on Ukraine; they want a commitment from Tillerson that his president isn't going to sell out the alliance to the Russians," Serwer said.

Tillerson will make it clear that it is no longer sustainable for the United States to maintain a disproportionate share of NATO's defense spending. He also will consult with allies about their shared commitment to improve security in Ukraine and the need for NATO to push Russia to end aggression against its neighbors.

NATO member states have until 2024 to meet a shared pledge to contribute 2 percent of their gross domestic product on defense.

Estonia is the only Baltic nation to spend 2 percent of the GDP for defense purposes. Lithuania and Latvia have pledged to reach that level by 2018.
Somalia's parliament has endorsed the country's new Cabinet, a victory for the prime minister after more than 100 legislators challenged his nominations last week.



Acting parliament speaker Abdiweli Sheikh Ibrahim said Wednesday that 224 MPs out of the 341 present voted in favor of the new Cabinet, while 15 rejected it and two abstained.



Somalia's chief justice has sworn in the Cabinet members.



Some lawmakers had said the proposed Cabinet went against the power-sharing formula that Somalia's powerful clans agreed on previously.



The fragile central government is trying to assert itself in this long-chaotic country after the election of Somali-American President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed last month.



The international community has poured in hundreds of millions of dollars in recent years for Somalia's political and economic recovery.
Islamic State fighters have begun forcing civilians in Mosul into buildings rigged to explode, according to top U.S. commanders, and the new tactic could explain why scores of people died in the Iraqi city recently.

Senior American officials said Wednesday they first noticed IS herding civilians into apparently booby-trapped buildings when fighting recently began for control of western Mosul  an area of the large northern Iraqi city where Islamic State still holds territory.

A senior official told Pentagon reporters battlefield video from western Mosul shows civilians fleeing from a building where an American airstrike hit a sniper on the roof but did not damage the structure.

Army Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend, the top American commander on the ground in Iraq and Syria, also told reporters that Iraqi counterterrorism forces have found and disarmed explosives set to blow up two buildings during the past week. The Iraqi squads saved the lives of 25 hostages in one instance, Townsend said, and 45 civilians in the other.

Information about the new Islamic State tactics came as the top general for U.S. military operations in the Middle East said a formal investigation has been launched into the circumstances that caused estimates of about 100 civilian deaths in Mosul on a single day earlier this month.

IS exploitation

General Joseph Votel, the Army officer who heads the U.S. Central Command, described to lawmakers on Capitol Hill on Wednesday how the fight against Islamic State has changed in the dense urban terrain in western Mosul.

Islamic State fighters "understand our sensitivities to civilian casualties, and they are exploiting that," Votel told members of Congress at a meeting of the House Armed Services Committee.

The investigation of the Mosul incident on March 17, led by Air Force Brigadier General Matthew Isler, will look at all factors in the massive loss of life that day. U.S. officials have said they are reviewing images from more than 700 videos covering 10 days of airstrikes, along with information from human-rights groups and intelligence provided by Iraqi forces.

The general said that while U.S. military leaders "at the tactical edge" now have additional authorities needed in the fight, their level of care for preventing civilian casualties has not changed.

"We have not relaxed the rules of engagement," Votel said.

He accused Islamic State of deliberately using human shields and circulating false accusations about civilian casualties as a tool to hinder coalition operations.

'Fair chance we did it'

Townsend, also an Army general, told reporters in a conference call Tuesday from Baghdad that the U.S. military likely played a role in the civilian deaths.

"Because we struck in that area, I think there is a fair chance that we did it," Townsend said.

The American commander said Iraqi military leaders "firmly believe" that civilians were gathered by Islamic State in advance of the airstrike, either to lure the coalition into a trap that would kill civilians or possibly for use as human shields by the extremists.

Further questions of U.S. involvement have been raised based on the amount of damage in the area where civilian casualties were reported. According to Townsend, munitions used during the U.S. airstrike would not have collapsed an entire building. Since the building did collapse, he said that "actually contradicts" the conclusion that American firepower was responsible for extensive casualties.

U.S. personnel have inspected the site to conduct tests and gather information, the general added.

The United Nations has said at least 307 people were killed and 273 others wounded between February 17 and March 22 in western Mosul. It attributed the casualties to all sides involved in the fight for western Mosul: Iraqi and coalition airstrikes, Islamic State shellfire and improvised explosive devices detonated by the militants.

The Islamic State strategy "of using children, men and women to shield themselves from attack is cowardly and disgraceful," U.N. human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said this week. "It breaches the most basic standards of human dignity and morality."
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley on Wednesday accused the world body of aiding a "corrupt" government in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Haley, speaking at the Council of Foreign Relations in New York, said the U.N. peacekeeping mission is "mandated to partner with the government."

"In other words, the U.N. is aiding a government that is inflicting predatory behavior against its own people. We should have the decency and common sense to end this," she said.

Haley's comments came as Swedish police initiated a murder investigation into the death of a Swedish U.N. expert and an American colleague, whose bodies were found Monday in a shallow grave.

The two U.N. experts, Swedish national Zaida Catalan and American Michael Sharp, along with an interpreter and three drivers, went missing earlier this month in Central Congo while investigating widespread violence and alleged human rights violations carried out by the Congolese army and local militia groups.

Haley, in a previous statement, said the two experts were "killed senselessly."

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Tuesday the organization also would investigate the deaths of the experts, though he said their cause of death is still undetermined.

DRC government spokesman Lambert Mende told VOA's French to Africa Service that Catalan's had been beheaded. He said the government would continue looking for the missing Congolese citizens, but he said it was unclear whether the Congolese would open up a murder investigation for the dead experts.

The disappearance of U.N. experts is the first to happen in the DRC, according to the advocacy group Human Rights Watch. It also is the first recorded disappearance of international workers in the Kasai provinces.

Kasai province has been the scene of unrest and violence in recent months. Members of a militia beheaded about 40 police officers in Kasai on Friday, according to government officials.
PHARMACEUTICALS

Multiple sclerosis drug gets FDA approval

U.S. regulators have approved the first drug for an aggressive kind of multiple sclerosis that steadily reduces coordination and the ability to walk.

The Food and Drug Administration approved Ocrevus late Tuesday after a large study found it slowed progression of the neurological disease and reduced symptoms.

While there are more than a dozen treatments for the most common form of MS, there has been nothing specifically for people with primary progressive MS. That type of MS is relatively rare, affecting about 50,000 Americans.

The drug, which is given intravenously every six months, was also approved for relapsing forms of MS.

Ocrevus was developed by California-based Genentech, part of the Roche Group, a Swiss drugmaker. Genentech said the initial list price without insurance will be $65,000 a year.

The life span for patients with primary progressive MS is shortened by six years on average, said Fred Lublin, director of the MS center at Mount Sinai Health System in New York and a consultant to Genentech.

Ocrevus will be available in the United States within two weeks, Genentech said.

 Associated Press

TELECOM

FCC wants states to manage subsidies

The Federal Communications Commission plans to reverse an Obama-era decision allowing it to approve companies to offer government-subsidized telecommunication services to low-income families, the FCCs chairman said Wednesday.

Chairman Ajit Pai has said telecom service providers exploited loopholes in the Lifeline program for their own gain and that states should decide which companies may provide the Internet, mobile phone and fixed-line services to poorer Americans.

Democrats say Pais moves are aimed at winding down the program, but Pai has said he just wants to reform Lifeline to prevent fraud.

Pai said the commission would not approve about three dozen pending applications from companies that wanted to join Lifeline. He said the agency would not defend earlier FCC actions regarding the program in a case pending before the U.S. Court of Appeals.

Twelve states have challenged the FCCs order allowing the agency to approve companies to offer services.

 Associated Press

Also in Business

More Americans signed contracts to buy homes last month as warm weather and rising confidence appeared to encourage consumers to shop for houses. The National Association of Realtors said Wednesday its pending home sales index rose 5.5 percent in February to 112.3, its highest point since April and second-highest since 2006. It rose 11.4 percent in the Midwest, 4.3 percent in the South, 3.4 percent in the Northeast and 3.1 percent in the West.

New York City police are investigating the apparent suicide of a hedge fund partner whose former firm invested with incarcerated Ponzi schemer Bernard Madoff. Charles Murphy, 56, plunged from a 24th-floor window of the Sofitel New York Hotel on Monday. Police said he suffered from depression. Murphy previously worked at the Fairfield Greenwich Group, which agreed to pay $8 million to settle civil fraud charges related to Madoff investments. He most recently was a partner at hedge fund Paulson & Co.

Rhode Islands economic development agency has settled a lawsuit brought against it by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission over the states failed $75 million deal with former Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schillings video game company. The Rhode Island Commerce Corp. said Wednesday it agreed to pay $50,000. The lawsuit accused the agency and Wells Fargo of making misleading statements about bonds used to fund the deal. The agency has neither admitted nor denied the allegations.

Amazon founder and Washington Post owner Jeffrey P. Bezos has leapt past Amancio Ortega and Warren Buffett to become the worlds second-richest person. Bezos, 53, added $1.5 billion to his fortune as Amazon.com rose $18.32 on Wednesday, the day after the e-commerce giant said it plans to buy Dubai-based online retailer Souq.com. Bezos has a net worth of $75.6 billion on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, $700 million more than Berkshire Hathaways Buffett and $1.3 billion above Ortega, the founder of Inditex and Europes richest person. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is the worlds wealthiest person with $86 billion.

 From news reports

Coming today

8:30 a.m.: Commerce Department releases fourth-quarter gross domestic product.

8:30 a.m.: Labor Department releases weekly jobless claims.

10 a.m.: Freddie Mac releases weekly mortgage rates.
White House strategist Stephen K. Bannon, shown in Indianapolis in December, claimed on voter forms to live in Florida on three occasions from 2014 to 2016. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

White House adviser Stephen K. Bannon probably did not intend to live in Miami when he registered to vote there in 2014, but there is not enough evidence to charge him with voter fraud, Florida prosecutors said on Thursday.

Bannon became the focus of an investigation by the Public Corruption Unit of the State Attorneys Office in Miami last summer following a report in the Guardian that the residence he cited on his voter registration was vacant. That report appeared as Bannon became the chief executive of Donald Trumps presidential campaign.

From 2014 to 2016, Bannon claimed three times on voter forms to live in Florida. At the time, Bannon maintained a California drivers license, owned property and businesses in that state and spent much of his time outside of Florida, prosecutors found.

This investigation revealed evidence that tends to indicate that the Subject did not intend to or actually reside in Miami-Dade County, Assistant State Attorney Devon Helfmeyer wrote in a seven-page memo closing out the investigation.

The prosecutors also said their decision not to file criminal charges was based on the states fuzzy legal definition of reside. They said there was reasonable doubt that Bannon willfully gave false information about his residency to election officials.

White House adviser Stephen K. Bannon was registered to vote at this house on Onaway Drive in Miami from February 2015 to August 2016. Neighbors said they often saw his ex-wife there, but not Bannon. (Obtained by The Washington Post)

To reside at a location is a nebulous concept that depends on a persons actions and their subjective state of mind. The Florida case law . . . is both sparse and antique, the memo said.

Bannon did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The questions over Bannons residency status in Florida highlight the unusual, peripatetic lifestyle he led in the years before he went to the White House as Trumps senior adviser.

[During his political rise, Stephen Bannon was a man with no fixed address]

A recent Washington Post examination found that Bannon paid the rent for two houses in Miami that were occupied by his third ex-wife. Neighbors at both homes in Miami said they never saw him over the three years he reported living there. At the time, he was serving as executive chairman of Breitbart News and was hosting a regular radio program from studios in Washington and New York.

The Florida investigation focused on whether Bannon had violated two state laws that prohibit providing false information on voter-registration documents. A violation of either law is a third-degree felony.

Investigators said they interviewed multiple people and examined leases, business records, utility bills and other documents.

Prosecutors said that Bannon was afforded the opportunity to speak with the State Attorneys Office but declined through his attorneys.

The public record is replete with accounts of the Subjects business and political engagements outside Florida during the dates in question, prosecutors wrote.

The landlord at the home where Bannon claimed to live from 2013 to 2015 told investigators that although Bannon paid the rent, the landlord dealt exclusively with his former wife and saw no sign that he lived there.

One of the people prosecutors interviewed was Arlene Delgado, who worked for the Trump campaign. She told them that she met with Bannon three times at the home he leased on Opechee Drive in Miami.

Bannon referred to it as my house, she said. Delgado also told investigators that she remembered seeing boxes and papers at the home that indicated Bannon was living there. She said the meeting was part of Bannons effort to recruit her to work for Breitbart. Delgado did not immediately respond to calls and an email from The Post.

Diane Clohesy, Bannons ex-wife, told investigators that Bannon stayed with her at the two Miami homes. But she offered few details, prosecutors said.

Ms. Clohesy stated that she did not remember what their arrangement was, or whether the two of them had discussed whether these houses were intended to be the Subjects primary home. Beyond that, Ms. Clohesy stated that she did not feel comfortable or prepared to answer any questions, prosecutors said in the memo.

Neighbors previously told The Post that someone other than Bannon appeared to be living in the Opechee Drive home with Clohesy.

In October 2013, at the time that Bannon said he was living with Clohesy, she became ensnared in an undercover investigation of a jail guard suspected of smuggling drugs and other contraband to another man, a friend of hers in the Miami-Dade County Pre-trial Detention Center.

Over several months in 2014 and 2015, police also responded to multiple reports about disturbances, including loud music, at the homes Bannon leased with Clohesy. The owner of the first home told The Post that the home was left with extensive damage: missing or padlocked doors and a bathtub destroyed by what appeared to be acid.

The prosecutors wrote in the memo that they faced a high bar for filing criminal charges.

Especially in our increasingly mobile society, a person may spend the majority of his or her nights at one (or multiple) locations, but legally reside at another under Florida law, they wrote.

Before bringing charges, ethically, a prosecutor must have sufficient evidence to prove a crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Lacking proof beyond a reasonable doubt, the prosecutor must decline to pursue charges.
Negin Khpolwak, center, conducts during a rehearsal of Zohra, Afghanistans first all-female orchestra. The group is trying to change attitudes in a deeply conservative country where many disapprove of playing music. (Rahmat Gul/AP)

Afghanistans first  and only  all-female orchestra is trying to change attitudes in a deeply conservative country where many see music as wicked, especially for women.

The groups two conductors show how difficult that can be but also how satisfying success is.

One of them, Negin Khpolwak, was supported by her father when she joined the Afghanistan National Institute of Music in Kabul and then became part of its girls orchestra, called Zohra. But the rest of her family was deeply against it. Her uncles cut off ties with her father.

They told him he is not their brother anymore, said Khpolwak, now 20. Even my grandmother disowned my father.

Khpolwak had learned about the music institute at the orphanage in Kabul where she spent most of her life. Her father sent her to the orphanage because he was afraid for her safety in their home province of Konar in eastern Afghanistan, an area where Taliban militants are active.

Zarifa Adiba plays during one of Zohras concerts in Kabul. Some of Adibas family members do not approve of her participating in the group. (Rahmat Gul/AP)

The institute is one of the only schools in Afghanistan where girls and boys share classrooms, and it draws its students from the ranks of orphanages and street children, giving them a chance at a new life. Khpolwak studied piano and drums before becoming the orchestras conductor.

More than 30 girls and young women ages 12 to 20 play in Zohra, which is named after a goddess of music in Persian literature. In January, the orchestra, which performs traditional Afghan and Western classical music, had its first international tour, appearing at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and four other cities in that country and Germany.

The formation of the orchestra is aimed at sending a positive message to the community, to send a positive message to the girls, to encourage families and girls to join the music scene of the country, said Ahmad Naser Sarmast, who founded the institute in 2010 and started the orchestra four years later.

Sarmast has experienced firsthand the militants hatred of music. In 2014, a Taliban suicide bomber blew himself up at a concert Sarmast was attending. He was wounded, and a German man in the audience died.

The orchestras other conductor, 18-year-old Zarifa Adiba, says her familys opinion of the group is changing.

When Adiba joined the school in 2014, she told only her mother and stepfather, not her four brothers and her uncles, because she knew they would disapprove. Her mother and stepfather tried to tell them about the importance of music  without mentioning Adiba  but they werent convinced.

If my brothers and uncles had known about me learning or playing music, they 100 percent would have stopped me because they had a very negative view toward music, Adiba said.

Her familys opposition to music was so intense she hesitated to join the orchestras trip to Davos. But she ended up going, and as one of the conductors she was widely interviewed in the media there and appeared on TV.

When she returned, her uncles were the first to congratulate her. Two of her brothers are still not happy about her involvement with music, but now she has the support of the rest of the family, she has more courage, and she said she is sure her brothers will eventually come around.

I changed my family, now it is time for other girls to change their families because I am sure that slowly all Afghanistan will change, she said.
At Sip & Dry Bar in the Districts Ivy City, its possible to get your hair done and have a cocktail. (Nathaniel Koch/for The Washington Post)

At the heart of the new development in Ivy City is a unique blowout bar, Sip & Dry Bar (2004 Hecht Ave. NE). This blow-dry salon, which opened in the mixed-industrial district off New York Avenue NE in January, has 10 employees, two shampoo stations, five styling chairs  and six seats in the bar.

Owner Sahar Bozkurt (she and her husband also own Pidzza next door and U Streets Desperados Burgers & Bar) says the concept  a mixed drink with your do  was a no-brainer.

I grew up in the beauty industry, says Bozkurt, 33, who was born in Afghanistan and came to the United States when she was 4.

In keeping with the Dieselpunk style of the revitalized Hecht Warehouse, Sip & Drys interior is old-movie monochrome, softened with distressed rose pink and accented with riveted chrome.

I wanted something that has character, Bozkurt says of Ivy City, where new organic markets and boutique distilleries rub shoulders with razor wire and bus lots and auto-repair shops. The Ivy City Smokehouse, New Orleans-style bar Big Chief and the Districts first Nike Community Store are all about a block away.

Sip & Dry offers six drink-and-blowout combinations ($48 each). These include the Dirty Shirley (beachy, undone-looking hair plus a Shirley Temple-and-vodka) and the Sao Paula (a chemical-free Brazilian blowout and a caipirinha). Stylists are trained for varied hair textures. Also available: makeup, ponytails, updos, braiding and hair-care products by Paul Mitchell, AG Hair and Obliphica.

Cocktails are $10 a la carte. Sometimes, customers are just there for the bar.

There are always guys here ... hanging out, Bozkurt says. [Often] the girlfriend is getting her hair done.

Bozkurt designs the menu, aiming for not-too-sweet and freshness, and offering homemade syrups and infusions  including pineapple vodka, jalapeno tequila, mint whiskey and cucumber gin.

Customer Karene Brown, who lives next door in the Hecht Warehouse apartments, was making a second visit  for a Pink Lady and a blowout with curls.

Places like this are really helping to put the neighborhood together, she says.


Pierce Spencer, a high school freshman, at his home in Atlanta in 2004, signs onto Gmail. (Erik S. Lesser/The Washington Post)

April 1, 2004 Its hard to believe, but when Google launched Gmail 13 years ago, people werent sure whether it was a joke. Google had by then established a tradition of April Fools Day pranks, such as the MentalPlex hoax of 2000, which tried to sucker people into mentally projecting what they wanted to search for onto a spinning wheel. A brief report in

The Washington Post announcing the arrival of Gmail touted the fact that it would come with a whopping 1 gigabyte of free storage, more than 100 times what some popular rivals offer. (Gmail now offers 15 GB, and Yahoo offers 1 terabyte.) But the caveat that still creeps many people out to this day was that to finance the service, Google will display advertising links tied to the topics discussed within the e-mails. The actual April Fools Day prank that year was an announcement that Google was looking to fill positions at the Copernicus Center, a lunar hosting and research center.


(Illustration by Mitch Gee /For The Washington Post)

To those comparative few paying attention to the Twitter feed of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics on the morning of Nov. 30, it appeared as if @OfficeGovEthics had become unhinged, or been commandeered by hackers.

.@realDonaldTrump OGE is delighted that youve decided to divest your businesses. Right decision! read the first of nine tweets over three frantic minutes.

The storm ended with: .@realDonaldTrump OGE applauds the total divestiture decision. Bravo!

Never mind that the president-elect had decided no such thing. The tweet flurry was a brisk change in programming from the feeds customary bland stream of updated gift rules, ethics dates and deadlines and amended supplemental #ethics rules.

Somewhere in the middle of the storm came a tweet referring @realDonaldTrump to 18 USC 208  a section of federal law on conflicts of interest  plus a link to an arcane 1983 advisory on the U.S. presidents obligation to uphold the spirit of the conflict law.

This wonkish touch was proof that no hacker was to blame. It was the moment Walter M. Shaub Jr., the low-profile director of the little-known ethics office, found his voice and rocked Washington  a federal-code-spouting avatar of divided times.

You get the sense that, like Bartleby the Scrivener, Shaub would prefer not to. But that, like Don Quixote, he must. Those rogue tweets marked the opening lines of a new Washington fable: The Ballad of Walter Shaub.

(Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

Members of the public flooded the ethics office with messages of rage, rapture and confusion. More than 30,000 people had called, written or emailed by mid-March, a precedent-shattering record for the small agency.

What is wrong with your office? wrote one. Who is working there and approving this nonsense?

As a taxpayer, I expect federal employees to act like grownups, wrote another.

On the other hand: Just a quick note to congratulate you on the wonderful idea of fighting the Trumpster Fire with your own fire. Keep up the amazing work!

The nature of Shaubs elusive charisma was hotly debated.

Tweeted one: walter is brad pitt for us smart girls.

I see Dir. Shaub as the Neville Longbottom of this whole story, offered another, referring to a Harry Potter character. The unlikely hero.

A Walter Shaub Fans Facebook page was created, and his name was lettered on signs at protest marches: I [heart] Shaub.

Hunkered down on the fifth floor of a beige brick building in downtown Washington, Shaub, 46, maintained public silence. (His preferred modes of communication are the heavily footnoted letters he writes in response to congressional inquiries about the finer points of financial disclosure form 278e.) Like every faithful and forgotten ethics chief before him, since the office was created as a post-Watergate reform in 1978, Shaub had seemed destined to pass directly from obscurity to oblivion.

Now an image of his face on a T-shirt was ricocheting around the Internet. It resembled the universal visage of a million office ID badges, the frozen smile, the awkward tilt. Beneath his mug shot on the T-shirt was a quote of his that suggested the Shaub equivalent of Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead:

I dont think divestiture is too high a price to pay to be president.

Sounding the alarm brought powerful enemies.

America Rising PAC, a pro-Republican research outfit, asked whether Shaubs ethics office had become an arm of the Senate Democrats campaign of obstruction. It publicized two donations of $250 each that Shaub gave to the reelection campaign of President Barack Obama, who nominated him for the ethics director job in 2012. (Additionally, as Shaub himself disclosed with characteristic precision during his own Senate confirmation, he gave two gifts of $100 each to Obamas first presidential campaign, and $100 to Hillary Clintons campaign for the Democratic nomination against Obama.)

Were keeping an eye on him, said Colin Reed, executive director of America Rising PAC.

[Showdown between a tiny ethics office and the GOP]

My question is about the head of the Office of Government Ethics: Is he acting ethically? Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) said in January on This Week With George Stephanopoulos.

The head of the government ethics office ought to be careful because that person is becoming extremely political, Reince Priebus, then the incoming White House chief of staff, said on the same program.

It was somehow fitting that neither of those TV hits mentioned Shaubs name.



Walter Shaub Jr. testifies during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs in 2012. (Diego M. Radzinschi/ALM/The National Law Journal)

The ethics office is dedicated to promoting ethical standards for 2.7 million employees in the executive branch, including the White House. In normal times, when a new president assumes control, its role includes quietly and efficiently advising Cabinet nominees on what to disclose and how to avoid conflicts.

The day after the election, Shaub emailed a Trump lawyer: Were looking forward to getting down to work on this Presidential transition  which were going to make the best one in history!

But ethics have proved to be a flash point for President Trumps administration, with Shaub pulled into the fray. There were controversies over the pace at which nominees were being scheduled for hearings, and over White House counselor Kellyanne Conways touting of Trumps daughter Ivankas fashion products on television.

[White House rebuffs ethics office call to discipline Kellyanne Conway]

Hes not a grandstander; hes a back-row kind of guy, said Richard Painter, a former chief ethics lawyer for President George W. Bush. Hes not looking for attention; hes looking for getting things done and keeping people out of trouble. ... Hes not a partisan advocate at all.

Hes very nonconfrontational, said Amy Comstock Rick, a former director of the ethics office. Which is different from avoiding confrontation. He will certainly do what he needs to do or stand up for something he believes in.

Some who agree with Shaubs perspective on Trumps business conflicts wonder about his decision to opine publicly.

The ethics office has to be led by people who are very, very cautious with their public messages but very aggressive privately, said Paul C. Light, a professor of public service at New York University. I think keeping a low profile and grinding away on the work is whats important. ... Im glad he put OGE on the map. Youve just got to be very careful about whos looking at that map.

In January there was a rare and important Shaub sighting.

At a morning news conference, Trump, then president-elect, announced that he would no longer manage his business empire, but he would still own it. Trump has pointed out correctly that the conflict-of-interest law does not apply to the president. So it must be okay.

That afternoon Shaub appeared unexpectedly at a roundtable at the Brookings Institution.

I wish circumstances were different and I didnt feel the need to make public remarks today, he said. You dont hear about ethics when things are going well.

Reading aloud in a mild voice for 13 minutes, Shaub cited the Bible, Antonin Scalia and other authorities to make the case that presidents should act as if the conflict-of-interest law did apply to them. Previous presidents have done so, he said.

Should a president hold himself to a lower standard than his own appointees? he asked. Then, without taking questions, Shaub gathered up his papers and disappeared again.

No one would have expected the good guy we all knew Walt to be to be the one called upon to step forward in a moment of ethical heroism, said Josh Rosenthal Bartok, a high school classmate.

Shaub graduated from South Lakes High School in Reston and earned a degree in history at James Madison University. In the college yearbook, most men wore coats and ties for their senior portraits. Shaub is pictured in a Hawaiian shirt with a couple of buttons undone  a hint of his Parrothead phase as a serious Jimmy Buffett fan.

He started at the University of Puget Sound School of Law, then switched to the Washington College of Law at American University. According to his own federal financial disclosure form 278e, he is still paying off a student loan.

He joined the ethics office in 2001 and became director in 2013.

In a brief email exchange for this story, Shaub spoke generally about his sense of mission as a public servant: I feel like Im working for the good guys.

OGEs role is to help the public understand the government ethics program, he wrote, slipping naturally into the muted key of Shaub. When I think that communicating publicly will help advance that goal I do it. However, I dont really want to be the story myself. I want OGE to be the story.

As for the Facebook fan page, the Twitter love, the marchers signs?

Im not really comfortable with the level of attention Im getting.

Obamas former chief ethics lawyer Norman Eisen sees something Shakespearean in the Shaub saga.

Theres been a fourth act and a fifth act, like in a good Shakespeare play, said Eisen, counting Shaub-related flaps with Trump from the tweets through Conways endorsement of Ivanka products. But just like Henry IV has Part 1 and Part 2, I dont doubt there will be another five acts  Walt I, Part 1 and Walt I, Part 2  because of Trumps failure to do what is normal.

Another act could come in May. Thats when President Trump has the option to file a financial disclosure report, following one he submitted during the campaign.

Presidents have traditionally filed disclosures in their first year in office. But Trump is not required to file one until May 2018.

By then, Shaub could be gone. His five-year term ends in January.

It all feels like one giant civics lesson. At least now we are paying attention, said Deanna Kreisel, an English professor who created the Facebook fan page.

All these things are invisible when theyre working properly, Kreisel said. We havent really treated our country like a participatory democracy. Weve been sitting here and thinking that people like Walter Shaub will do our work for us.

Maybe that was Shaubs message all along.

David Montgomery is a Washington Post staff writer. To comment on this story, email wpmagazine@washpost.com or visit washingtonpost.com/magazine.

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Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the Exxon Valdez spill was the worst oil spill in North America until the 2010 Deepwater Horizon accident. It was the worst spill in U.S. coastal waters until Deepwater Horizon. This version has been updated.



The Exxon Baton Rouge, smaller ship, attempts to off load crude oil March 26,1989 from the Exxon Valdez. (AP Photo) ( / )

Beach clean-up worker Bill Scheer shows off his oil-covered gear while working on the Exxon Valdez oil spill at Prince William Sound, Alaska, April 13, 1989. (AP Photo/John Gaps III, File) ORG XMIT: AKJG801 ( / )

March 24, 1989 The Exxon Valdez oil tanker was carrying more than 50 million gallons of crude oil when it left Valdez, Alaska, on March 23, 1989. Around midnight, the vessel struck a reef, releasing roughly 11 million gallons of oil into Prince William Sound over several days. It was the worst oil spill in U.S. coastal waters until the 2010 explosion at the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico.

Chuck Meacham, a regional biologist for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, told The Washington Posts Bill McAllister at the time of the Exxon spill: Its very difficult to know what ultimately will happen. The potential for serious problems is just staggering. Cleanup efforts began almost immediately. But aides to President George H.W. Bush later said the federal government and oil industry response was wholly insufficient.

The state of Alaska sued Exxon over the spill, and the federal government indicted the company for violating the Clean Water Act. Exxon paid $1 billion in settlements to the state and federal governments, and $300 million in voluntary settlements with private parties. A lawsuit was also filed against Exxon Mobil on behalf of more than 32,000 fishermen, native Alaskans and landowners, resulting in an award of $5 billion in punitive damages. In 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court reduced it to $507.5 million. By 2014, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported most of the affected species had recovered, but the sound had not fully returned to pre-spill conditions.


Scarlett Johansson stars as the Major in the sci-fi film Ghost in the Shell. (Paramount Pictures)

Arriving in theaters a bit bruised by accusations of whitewashing and battered by audience expectations ranging from skeptical to sky-high, Ghost in the Shell winds up being the kind of good-but-not-great movie that does little to live up to the controversy that precedes it.

Scarlett Johansson stars in this moody, visually dazzling adaptation of Japanese director Mamoru Oshiis 1995 anime film, which became a cult classic for its revolutionary mash-up of classical animation and computer-generated effects. Directed by Rupert Sanders (Snow White and the Huntsman), this iteration of Ghost in the Shell streamlines the original story, about a crime-fighting cyborg whose human soul  or ghost  begins to flutter to life with unsettling fragments of past memories. Wearing a razored black hairstyle, her eyes two smoldering black embers, Johansson delivers a convincing if impassive performance as the Major, a somber superheroine who, like her animated antecedent, strips down to her porcelain-colored body suit (her shell) before literally diving into the action to perform her most acrobatically impressive derring-do.

[With Ghost in the Shell, Scarlett Johansson again plays a sci-fi character battling for her own agency]

In a time when most humans are cybernetically enhanced to live longer and perform better, the Major is simply the most extreme example of how the lines between whats human and whats technological have blurred. But shes haunted by existential questions about her true identity. Her doctor  a scientist played with motherly concern by Juliette Binoche  told her that her brain was salvaged from a refugee whose parents were killed by terrorists in the harbor of the sprawling Japanese city where Ghost in the Shell takes place. In the films arresting opening sequence, we see her brain being transplanted into her synthetic body, which emerges from a final bath of milky glaze that hardens and shatters, revealing the humanlike form beneath.

Sanders evinces a similar fasciation with surfaces throughout Ghost in the Shell, whether theyre grimy, gleaming, glistening or dissolving into an enigmatic haze of pixels. The movie is often lovely to look at, its ultramodern metropolis setting a hive of holographic billboards, personal-media bubbles, seductive neon and classical Asian design elements. As the Major and her colleague Batou seek out a mysterious super-hacker known here as Kuze, what passes for a story turns out to be relatively prosaic. But, whether its quoting its original source material (as in that birth sequence, or reimagining a squad of geisha bots), or creating eye-catching new set pieces, Ghost in the Shell is often ravishing  and at a swift 105 minutes, it knows better than to overstay its welcome.

With her chilly, monotonic reserve, Johansson is playing another version of a character thats become something of a go-to in recent years, in such intriguing speculative fantasies as Under the Skin, Lucy and the rapidly evolving operating system in Her. Although purists will still no doubt think of the Major as a properly Asian character, Sanders has eased the inherent cultural tensions of Ghost in the Shell somewhat by making it a pluralistic ensemble picture: Binoche is French; the Danish actor Pilou Asbaek plays Batou; the Romanian actress Anamaria Marinca plays a key role; and the legendary Japanese crime-film actor Beat Takeshi Kitano portrays Majors commander, Aramaki (tossing in an amusingly self-referential moment along the way).

Narratively, Ghost in the Shell is rather dull, in large part because of the many movies that have copied the anime original so ingeniously. This version may not break new ground, but it revisits familiar territory with a vibrant sense of style and welcome restraint. It exemplifies the kind of respectable and utterly unnecessary remake that now defines the Hollywood business model.

Ghost in the Shell (105 minutes, at area theaters) is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence, suggestive scenes and some disturbing images.


The Grote Markt was the heart of golden-age Antwerp; the Brabo Fountain stands in the foreground. (Ian Dagnall/Alamy Stock Photo)

Its late, were hungry and Phil is leaving nothing to chance. Hes about four dishes into an order from the extensive menu at Hong Kong Palace, a Chinese restaurant on Van Wesenbekestraat in Antwerp, Belgium, when the waiter politely stops him. Are you sure that isnt enough, sir? Not quite. Singapore noodles and beef with mushrooms, and two bottles of Duvel, a strong golden ale, and that, Phil decides, should do for the two of us.

You might consider a Chinese restaurant a strange place to begin a trip to Antwerp, but youd be wrong. This is a diverse and cosmopolitan city, a port city, a city that wouldnt exist were it not for the sluggish, slate-gray Scheldt. All an Antwerper has to do to connect with the rest of the world is simply dip his hand into the Scheldts water, former Antwerp mayor Lode Craeybeckx once said.

Thats been the case for more than 500 years. In the 16th century, Antwerp was Europes richest place, attracting merchants from across the continent. The English crown borrowed money here because Londons banks were too small, but it didnt last: Antwerp fell victim to the war between the Dutch, who were fighting for their independence, and the Spanish. The latter conquered the city in 1585 and gave its Protestant inhabitants two years to leave. The final blow came when the Dutch closed the Scheldt to navigation.

Two centuries of decline followed, but Antwerp once again is one of Europes great trading centers, its port second only to Rotterdam in terms of size. Im here to trace its river story, and to discover how its seagoing tradition has given it a unique and richly textured culture.

Im going to start with a long walk. Having left my friend with a huge bag of leftover Chinese food in the excellent Beerlovers Bar the previous evening, I wake up on Thursday morning intending to see Antwerps latest tribute to its seagoing culture: the Havenhuis, or Port House, designed by Zaha Hadid, the Iraqi-British architect who died last year.



Two cyclists pass the Red Star Line Museum building, once the last European stop for more than 2 million immigrants heading for the New World. (Will Hawkes/Special to The Washington Post)

I should have rented a bike. As I trudge alongside the Scheldt, Antwerper after Antwerper whizzes past on sit-up-and-beg bikes. This is a city made for bikes; anything bigger has to deal with the many cobbled streets, like the trucks rolling in and out of the port, whose tires make a rippling, grumbling roar as they hit a patch of cobbles there.

I can see the Port House long before I reach it, but its only close up that you appreciate the scale. Its a 1920s fire station onto which Hadid has fixed a huge, jutting, glistening glass diamond, pointing out toward the river. Beautiful? Its certainly impressive.

This is the HQ of the Antwerp Port Authority, and Im not clear if the public is allowed inside, but no one stops me. Theres a satellite image of the city on the floor of the atrium. The city of Antwerp is squished into the lower left-hand corner, while the port  a riot of multi-colored containers, oil holders, cranes, railway lines, warehouses and docks  spreads like spilled Skittles across the rest of the image.

The size of the port relative to the city is striking; the scale is impressive but overwhelming. I leave hoping to find something on a more human scale at my next destination, the Red Star Line Museum.

Its housed in a handsome redbrick building down by the river, through which more than 2 million people passed in its early-20th-century heyday. Among them was Irving Berlin, then known as Israel Beilin, who left Antwerp in 1905 on his way from Belarus to immortality. Another emigre featured in the exhibits, 11-year-old Basia Cohen, sailed on the Zeeland to America in 1921 but never forgot Antwerp. Of all the towns we visited, that was my favorite, she said later. Its there that I had my first ice cream. Wed heard of it before but wed never seen it.

Its a bit cold for ice cream as I step out of the museum, but I am hungry. A 15-minute meander brings me to Mercado, a food hall that opened in October. It has stalls offering a wide variety of grub, including BoxBird, which majors in wings, dim sum specialists Sum Sum and  my choice  Karnivor, where I pick up a plate of assorted charcuterie and find a place at one of the long, high, wooden tables.





I wash the charcuterie down with a glass of De Koninck pale ale, the tawny brown, delicately bitter, dry local brew whose history reflects Antwerps own magpie tendency: Former owner Modeste Van Den Bogaert first had it brewed to resemble the beers he had enjoyed while in exile in England during World War II.

Next, I stroll across Groenplaats to the cathedral, which was built between the 14th and 16th centuries.

It has a single 403-foot-tall spire; there were supposed to be two, but Antwerps wealth meant a bigger cathedral was planned and then never completed as the city lost its place as Europes trading capital. Inside, the highlight is Peter Paul Rubenss triptych The Descent From The Cross (1612-1614). Im particularly taken with a servant girl, a basket on her head, who glances knowingly toward the viewer from the left-hand panel. A minor detail, but beautifully done.

From the cathedral, it is a short walk to Grote Markt, the heart of golden-age Antwerp. I marvel at the muscular splendor of the 450-year-old City Hall  built in Renaissance style and soon to be renovated  and a row of gold-trimmed guildhouses. Theres the Brabo Fountain, which depicts a mythical Roman soldier (Brabo), who vanquished Druon Antigoon, a giant who guarded a bridge over the river and chopped off the hands of all who refused to pay his toll. One day, brave Brabo chopped off the giants hand and flung it into the river. The fountain depicts this moment of grisly triumph.

I walk toward Museum aan de Stroom, or MAS, a sturdy red sandstone-and-glass tower that records Antwerps place in the world, with my hands firmly in my pockets. It is a marvelous building: Inside, its calm and spacious, with views in every direction. Im charmed by images of Antwerp shopkeepers on the walls around the escalators. A butcher poses with a cows head, tongue lolling out in front of his own; a delighted young girl, the daughter of a grocery store owner, proffers a huge bunch of mint.

Its time for another glass of beer, perhaps accompanied by something to eat. I opt for the cozy, dimly lit De Pottekijker, where a bowl of rich, creamy fish stew and a glass of the classic Belgian witbier, Hoegaarden, are just what I need before I head back to my hotel.

The next morning, I stride out with a purpose. I pass the main station, a magnificently over-the-top Belle Epoque structure that makes up in size what it lacks in discretion, and skirt the diamond district, the center of world trade in those remarkable rocks. I hurry down Lange Kievitstraat, at the heart of Antwerps Jewish neighborhood, where a glimpse of whats available in Hoffys Kosher Restaurant  fishballs, stuffed peppers, pastrami, innumerable other delicacies  causes me to loiter for a moment.

Next I cross Stadspark before plunging into the affluent neighborhood just south of the city center. A group of middle-aged ladies are getting their hair done at Mijo on Sint-Jorispoort while  a little farther on  Cafe Kulminator, one of the worlds great beer bars, is temporarily shuttered while owner Dirk van Dyck recovers from an operation. (Its now open again.)



Antwerps seagoing tradition has given it a unique and richly textured culture. (Joris Van Ostaeyen/Alamy Stock Photo)

The Sint-Anna tunnel in Antwerp connects the two sides of the Scheldt. (Will Hawkes/Special to The Washington Post)

At the river I find the art-deco entrance to the Sint-Anna tunnel. Completed in 1933, this is how pedestrians and bicycles navigate the Scheldt: out of the way of the all-important shipping. The original wooden escalators, droning and clanking, take you down to a dead-straight, 1,900-foot-long tunnel tiled in white and blue. I can hear two women talking loudly minutes before they reach me; ascending the other side, Im impressed by a young woman who nonchalantly munches an apple while ensuring that her bike doesnt tumble down the escalator.

Theres a great view of the city from the other side, even on a gray, overcast day, plus various bits of river-related sculpture: propellers, buoys and a wooden model of a man looking across the water.

Its too cold to linger, though, so I stroll back toward my final destination. Antwerp may be a modern and cosmopolitan city, but anyone coming back from Belgium without chocolate is likely to get a frosty reception. One of the best chocolate shops in town is called the Chocolate Line, in Paleis Op de Meir, on the main shopping street.

Would you like special or classic chocolates? the assistant asks. Special includes bacon and onion flavors, so its got to be classic. Chocolates in hand, I walk around the corner to the kitchen workshop where two customers are watching a young chocolatier at work.

Nearby theres a large chocolate frog with bulging red lips. An animal equally at home on land and sea, and made out of chocolate? If Brabo ever needs replacing, Ive got an idea for a new Antwerp city mascot.

Hawkes is a writer based in London. Find him on Twitter at @will_hawkes or at willhawkes.contently.com.

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Evelyn Harris, 65, poses with her husband at her sons wedding last year. (Family photo/Family Photo)

Theres flying while Muslim. Flying while looking Muslim. Flying in leggings. Flying while 13 and forgetting to pull your laptop out.

But did you know about flying with a panty liner?

Evelyn Harris, a 65-year-old retiree who lives in Crofton, Md., was flying to San Diego this year when she went through an experience that a court might consider a sexual assault.

She passed through the airport scanner at Baltimore-Washington International Marshall Airport one day in January and was pulled aside for a pat-down that was just one step removed from being a Pap smear.

I started to ask if I had done something wrong or if this was random, but before I could get a second word out, the TSA agent yelled at me, Harris told me. She grabbed my throat hard, causing me to choke and cough. She yelled at me for coughing. She then put her hands inside my bra and panties and groped my private parts with the front, not the back, of her gloved hand. Afterward, I worried that I may have been infected if she had groped someone else without changing gloves. Her attitude was so threatening and hostile, that I was afraid to look at her face and name plate.

In an undated photo, a TSA agent rubs her hands across a female traveler's chest during a pat-down at Denver International Airport. (Rick Wilking/Reuters)

Nothing like this had happened to her before. On the rest of her trip, she had normal security experiences. When she flew two weeks later, again, no problem.

But the invasive and humiliating search shed endured bothered her. So she filed a complaint a few weeks after the incident.

The Transportation Security Administration investigator who called her back told her the agency saves videos of screenings, but only for 30 days. At that point, it was too late. The search had been erased.

Anyway, the pat-down was legit, the investigator said. Intimate apparel has been a source of concern ever since Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab tried to bring down a plane on Christmas Day 2009 by detonating a bomb hidden in his underwear.

The investigator told Harris, she said, that his own wife carried a panty liner with her and put it on after security, as this is something that could trigger a search.

Indeed, turns out all sorts of feminine hygiene products could be grounds for a search, according to the TSA.

The advanced imaging technology scanner at the checkpoint helps TSA identify concealed metallic and nonmetallic items between the skin and clothing using millimeter-wave technology, TSA spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein said. So if an individual were to try to conceal something in the area of the groin, the machine would detect it. It is not out of the question that the machine could detect something placed inside an individuals underwear.

(Victoria Walker/The Washington Post)

There you have it, sisters. Our Stayfrees will not live up to their names.

[TSA defends pat-down of Texas boy; countless others were creeped out]

The awful abuse of airline passengers reached new lows this week, as a video went viral, showing a 13-year-old boy being patted down by a Texas TSA agent with the intensity and precision that my dog reserves for a burger wrapper.

TSA officials stood by the agent, who conducted the search because the kid set off an alarm with his laptop.

Half of America gasped at the video. The other half cheered TSA: Thank you for keeping us safe!

Heres my question: At what point are we sacrificing our freedoms by giving in to our fears? I bet Harris and every woman who has been similarly searched  and there are many (my mom showed up at the airport rattled and in tears after an invasive search a while back)  have the same answer.

Earlier this month, I wrote about a retired police chief, Hassan Aden, who was detained at John F. Kennedy International Aiport for 90 minutes because of one thing  fear of his name. Nothing else, not even his decades in law enforcement in North Carolina and Virginia, mattered.

[A retired police chief is detained at JFK for one reason: His name is Hassan]

Christine T. Trankiem encountered the same suspicions and the same discrimination this month. Shes the classic American success story, the daughter of immigrants who is a trauma surgeon in the nations capital. She was flying home from Copenhagen when a customs agent stopped her at Dulles International Airport.

Where are you from? he asked.

D.C., she said.

I meant what kind of name is that?

Vietnamese, answered the woman born in Pennsylvania.

And she was immediately pulled aside to a separate room for an intense search.

In there, I found at least two dozen travelers; all but two had varying shades of brown and yellow skin, she told me.

Never in my life did I ever think that as an American citizen I would be subject to this kind of racial profiling and scrutiny, Trankiem said. It makes me fearful of the climate of our country and where we are headed.

Its not too late to turn back, America.

Twitter: @petulad
"Hear Us, Hogan" group organizer Elizabeth MacKenzie announces her group's arrival to a state trooper stationed outside the governor's office Thursday in Annapolis. (Doug Kapustin/For The Washington Post)

A group of 10 progressive activists staged a pop-up town hall in a hallway of the Maryland State House on Thursday, asking Gov. Larry Hogan (R)  who did not make an appearance  to stand with them on issues such as immigration enforcement, health care, charter schools and sick leave.

The demonstration was led by Cheverly resident Elizabeth MacKenzie, who said her repeated requests to meet with Hogan about the direction he is taking the state and his lack of public opposition to President Trumps administration have largely been ignored.

Streaming live video of their efforts online, the activists stood near Hogans constituent services office, reading statements and posing questions as they waited for a member of his staff to meet with them.

Will you personally speak out against attempts to cut funding to the Chesapeake Bay? asked Prince Georges County resident Judi Decker, referring to the Trump administrations plan to cut federal support for an environmental cleanup program.

The activists gave up after 45 minutes and headed to the office of Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D-Calvert), where they called on the legislative leader to support a bill that limits police cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

From outside the governor's office, the Hear Us, Hogan group, led by Elizabeth MacKenzie, top left, is sent downstairs to the office of Constituent Services in Maryland's State House on Thursday. (Doug Kapustin/For The Washington Post)

They said they were concerned about Millers remarks on Wednesday suggesting that the measure would not pass out of the Senate in its current form. But they were happy when one of Millers top aides came out to exchange contact information and promised to relay their message to the lawmaker.

MacKenzie, whose group calls itself Hear Us, Hogan, said she has made weekly visits to Hogans office for nearly two months to request a conversation with the governor or one of his legislative aides. She said the director of constituent services has accepted messages she has delivered from activists, but she has had no luck landing the meeting her team wants.

Hogan spokeswoman Amelia Chasse said the governor meets with hundreds of constituents each week at public events throughout the state.

The governor firmly believes that everyone has a right to express their views, and he takes all of the input that our administration receives from constituents into account as we work to make Maryland better, she said.

Thursdays effort was the latest attempt by progressives to tie Hogan to Republican Party positions that are unpopular in Maryland.

Last month, three activists crashed a Board of Public Works meeting headed by the governor, interrupting it with calls for him to oppose Trump administration actions that they said would harm immigrants, refugees, women and the nations health-care system.

Progressive Maryland Executive Director Larry Stafford Jr., who helped coordinate the disruption and joined Thursdays gathering, described both efforts as part of a grass-roots movement inspired by a growing groundswell of people who are concerned.

Critics last month also flooded Hogans Facebook account with comments urging him to denounce the Trump administrations travel ban and GOP plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act, among other policies. The deluge prompted Hogans office to block a number of posters and delete many comments from the site.

Many of the participants in Thursdays gathering are affiliated with other progressive groups. MacKenzie said she organized the event through social media.
Fairfax Mason District Supervisor Penelope Gross (D) fields questions at a community meeting about the recent spate of gang-related violence in Fairfax County. (John McDonnell/The Washington Post)

Cooper Jessup summed up what many residents appeared to be wondering after hearing about three dead bodies found in Fairfax County in recent weeks, plus a surge of other violent crimes linked to increased gang activity in Virginias largest jurisdiction.

Which high schools are safe right now? Cooper, of the Mantua community, asked police Wednesday night at a town hall meeting in Annandale, which was attended by about 200 residents, county officials and community organizers.

Where are we okay? Where are we not okay?

The answer has been frustratingly elusive as the county of 1.1 million residents wrestles with what experts say is a drive for a greater presence in the United States by leaders of the Central American gang known as Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13.

Police have tied the slaying of 15-year-old Damaris Alexandra Reyes Rivas  whose remains were found in February in a Springfield industrial park  to MS-13.

Maj. Richard Perez of the Fairfax County Police, center, follows up on a answer from a panel that was addressing the recent spate of gang-related violence in Fairfax County. (John McDonnell/The Washington Post)

Investigators have yet to determine who is behind the apparent homicides of two more people found earlier this month in Holmes Run Stream Valley Park, a sprawling recreational area in Fairfaxs Lincolnia section where two other bodies were discovered in 2014 in what were MS-13 related killings.

Local residents say theyre worried that calm neighborhoods in one of the nations wealthiest jurisdictions are becoming breeding grounds for violence in what police describe as a spike in gang recruitment in Fairfax schools the past year.

Shouldnt we be concerned about this? said Marita Elsts, who lives near Holmes Run park and described groups of teenagers regularly entering the area during school hours. That theyre going down there in the middle of the afternoon, where, yes, they could end up getting killed or hurt?

Fairfax Police Capt. Paul Cleveland, who oversees the countys gang task force, offered assurances but few answers to counter worries that gang violence is increasing.

Youre in a safe jurisdiction, he told the crowd.

The meeting was the latest effort by the county government to deal with violence and MS-13 recruitment, which police say stems in part from the arrival of unaccompanied minors from Central America, many of whom are fleeing gangs themselves.

Gangs had not been a major concern in Fairfax for several years, after a surge in activity about a decade ago prompted the creation of gang-prevention programs in the school system and then-Rep. Frank R. Wolf (R-Fairfax) helped secure funding for a Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force.

At a Public Safety Committee hearing last week, the County Board of Supervisors again discussed beefing up gang-prevention programs, which could be challenging given a tepid local economy that has made it harder for Fairfax to fund schools, parks and other services.

Residents at Wednesdays town hall, hosted by Supervisor Penelope A. Gross (D-Mason), seemed to have largely been insulated from the gang problem in their everyday lives.

Several gasped when a police detective revealed that there are 35 active gangs in Fairfax, six of which are connected to national or international organizations, including MS-13 and the Los Angeles-based Crips gang.

That made the meeting a primer of sorts on what gangs are and what their members look like in 2017.

Fairfax Police Chief Edwin C. Roessler Jr. said most of the recruiting occurs through social media. Many gang members no longer sport tattoos, he said, or use graffiti to mark territory. The lack of those telltale signs make it more important for parents to be vigilant about potential problems with their children, Roessler said.

We need to be looking over the shoulders of our children, Roessler said. Especially our middle-school kids. We need to snoop.

Since 2014, 3,925 unaccompanied minors have been placed in the custody of relatives in Fairfax County, more than any other jurisdiction in the Washington region, according to federal statistics.

Some at the meeting asked about immigration enforcement efforts and whether Fairfax County police cooperates with federal officials seeking to deport dangerous criminals.

The answer from police officials was yes.

But community activists who work with troubled teens cautioned residents against confusing the problem of gang violence with the broader issue of immigration. Edgar Aranda-Yanoc, a community organizer with Legal Aid Justice Center, said focusing on unaccompanied minors as potential troublemakers could backfire.

If the kids are not feeling welcome, then they are going to be more vulnerable to recruitment efforts, Aranda-Yanoc said. We need to embrace them.

Gross, whose district includes Holmes Run Park, said she plans to work on ways to make it harder for gangs to meet, such as adding more lights or increasing police bike patrols on park trails.

But in a suburban community that treasures the solitude of its green space, she said, dealing with the gang issue without turning away other residents will be a delicate balance.

Deputy County Executive David Rohrer argued that its important for the county to deal with problems without succumbing to fear.

At the end of the day, if youre afraid to go to the grocery store, to walk to the park or to let your children play there, then we have lost, Rohrer said.
A longtime criminal defense lawyer in Maryland was charged with sexual solicitation of a minor after using the Internet and text messages to set up a sex encounter with someone he thought to be a 15-year-old boy, according to police allegations filed in Montgomery County District Court on Wednesday.

The lawyer, Michael D. Dobbs, 57, was released on a $100,000 bond after a hearing in a Rockville courthouse two blocks from his law office.

Alex Cordier, a lawyer who represented Dobbs in the hearing, said: I look forward to Mike being exonerated. I believe the allegations are wildly different than the full story.

Over the past two months, according to the allegations, Dobbs was snared by a sting technique known by those working in the criminal justice system, adding to the stunned reaction among some lawyers who know Dobbs.

In the stings, detectives post a message on any number of websites used by people looking for sexual encounters. Once a connection is made  and text messages and emails are being exchanged  the detectives hold themselves out to be younger than 16 to the person in the messages. A meeting is arranged. The target of the law enforcement sting arrives and is quickly surrounded by police.

Michael D. Dobbs was charged with sexual solicitation of a minor. (Montgomery County Police)

That is what allegedly happened to Dobbs, who at one point during text exchanges revealed his profession to a person he thought was named Brandon, court filings show.

Im an attorney, he wrote, according to the court records.

Dobbs grew up in Montgomery County and earned his law degree from the University of Maryland in 1984. He worked as a prosecutor for the Montgomery County States Attorneys Office. His current practice covers a variety of areas: criminal defense, workers compensation and personal injury.

In 25 years, Ive never heard anyone say a bad word about Mike, Rockville defense lawyer David Martella said Wednesday. I think very highly of him as a lawyer and a human being. I hope there is an explanation for the allegations.

Part of that hope, Martella said, rests on how little sense it makes that a person who knows police techniques would engage in such behavior. When you deal with people in legal trouble, you quickly become aware of all the efforts of law enforcement out there, Martella said.

At a bond hearing in court Wednesday, Cordier stressed that Dobbs has no previous criminal record and was cooperative with police after his arrest. The accusation, Cordier said, certainly is something out of character, and I suspect its a misunderstanding.

Although the charges are quite serious, Cordier also said, the silver lining in all of this is there is not a child really involved.

During a sting operation, detectives assert, Michael Dobbs drove to this commercial parking lot in Rockville, expecting to meet a 15-year-old for a sexual encounter. The teen was a fiction created online by detectives who as part of their tale professed the teen was a student at the high school, in background, close to the meeting site. (Dan Morse/TWP)

The affidavit written by the detective lays out how the detective set up the sting and quotes emails and text messages allegedly written to him by Dobbs.

On Feb. 2, according to the affidavit, the detective posted a message on a website that stated: young wm seeking older.

He received an email from a person who identified himself as Mark RockvilleGuy, according to court records, which state the detective posed as Brandon and asked: Are you cool with me being 15. Im almost 16.

Mark RockvilleGuy kept emailing him and then provided a cellphone number, the police account asserts. The detectives said in court filings that police traced the cell number to Dobbs. Mark RockvilleGuy also sent the detective who was messaging a picture of his face, which detectives said in court filings matched Dobbss photograph in Motor Vehicle Administration records.

As a result of text messages and phone calls with Mark RockvilleGuy, detectives wrote, a meeting was set up.

At 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, undercover officers working the sting operation staked out the parking lot at a commercial rock-climbing facility near Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville. This fit the tale detectives had spun, according to court records, because theyd led Dobbs to believe that Brandon was a student at Richard Montgomery. The plan, according to police allegations, was for Dobbs to pick up Brandon at the lot and go to Brandons house nearby.

As police recalled it, Dobbs drove into the parking lot in a Kia Optima, made a couple of trips around the lot and pulled into a spot at the end of a row. Three detectives quickly appeared and took Dobbs into custody.

Detectives said in court filings that they found an iPhone in the Kia. One of the detectives  who had posed as Brandon  called the number he had for Mark RockvilleGuy, and the iPhone found in the Kia rang, police charge.

Dobbs was questioned and acknowledged that he had communicated via text and email with Brandon, according to the court records.
A Maryland judge on Thursday ordered continued detention for a 17-year-old accused as an adult of raping another student at a Rockville high school earlier this month, saying from the bench that even if the 14-year-old girl in the case had at some point agreed to have sex with the suspect, she also could have withdrawn consent later and been raped.

On Thursday, attorneys for Jose Montano came to Montgomery County District Court to ask Judge James B. Sarsfield to issue a bond for Montano, which could have allowed him to be released pending further court matters. The judge denied bond.

[Earlier: 17-year-old suspect also contends sexual contact was consensual]

The request opened an exchange between attorneys. Defense attorneys have said the sex acts during the school day March 16 were consensual. Prosecutors told the judge that while Montano and the girl may have agreed a day earlier to meet that morning for sex at Rockville High School, the girl was lured into a trap in which Montano and an 18-year-old defendant  Henry Sanchez Milian  forced her into a bathroom stall and took turns raping her.

Prosecutors cited text messages between the two suspects that they say show Montano plotting with Sanchez Milian on how he would get the girl into the bathroom.

Once he had her nude, you come in and youll threaten her/us with telling the teachers, and so that she would do it, Assistant States Attorney Mary Herdman said, describing text exchanges she said occurred between the suspects. They talk about the fact that they are going to have sex with her in very vulgar ways.

This was clearly a conspiracy between this defendant and the co-defendant to get this victim into that bathroom and rape her and commit other sexual assaults against her, Herdman added.

Herdman also spoke of possible links to the dangerous criminal gang MS-13.

We have been shown some photos on both of the defendants phones of them flashing MS gang signs. Those are confirmed gang signs, Herdman said.

Gang detectives are examining the images, she added. Thats another element of what we have going on in this case, she said.

[First story: Two students arrested in case ]

In an interview after the hearing, one of Montanos attorneys, David Wooten, described the gang insinuation as trash. He said he has no evidence his client was involved in gangs or has a criminal record.

This is a terrified young man, Wooten said. He is suffering with all of this.

The case, which erupted in national headlines March 17 and was addressed in a White House press briefing, is playing out amid the debate over illegal immigration. Both suspects had come into the United States unlawfully from Central America last year and enrolled at Rockville High School.

[Suspects in Rockville High rape case came to U.S. last year to join relatives]

Shortly after Montanos birth in El Salvador, his mother died, leaving him an orphan, Wooten said. The boy was taken in by an elderly woman and remained with her after her own son, Orlando Montano, eventually left for the United States. When the elderly woman died, Jose Montano traveled to enter the United States and rejoin Orlando Montano in Rockville.

[Suspects in Rockville High rape case came to U.S. last year to join relatives]

Thursdays hearing focused on Montanos bond, meaning limited discussion about what role Sanchez Milian had.

An attorney for Sanchez Milian was in court to observe and later repeated a previous statement that any sex acts between his client and the girl were consensual. It appears all parties were willing participants in the entire encounter, said the attorney, Andrew Jezic.

The Thursday hearing suggested the arguments each side is adopting as the case evolves.

Two weeks ago, in obtaining charges against Montano and Sanchez Milian, detectives submitted a statement recounting what the female student said:

She told detectives that shed been speaking with Montano  whom she said she knew as a friend  in a hallway about 9 a.m. when he asked her for sex and that Milian Sanchez was nearby.

The girl told detectives that she said no to Montano but that he continued asking and pushed her into the bathroom, pulled her into a stall and attacked her, according to the detectives description in the filing for an arrest.

Sanchez Milian then entered the stall, and the two teens took turns holding her down and raping her as she repeatedly told them to stop, according to the detectives statement filed in court.

Defense attorneys have since asserted that the initial account omitted that the girl and Montano had exchanged text messages a day before the incident in the bathroom, agreeing to have sex in school.

During Thursdays hearing for Montano, one of his attorneys, Maria Mena, said:  The day before, she agreed to have sex with our client. They talked about it at length. Mena said in court that video was exchanged. Very explicit video. Talking about having the encounter the next day. She agreed. They even said where they were going to meet.

Our contention is that this girl lied, Mena said in court. This was consensual sex, your honor.

Prosecutors did not dispute in court that the girl had agreed to have sex with Montano and that of the text messages recovered some might help the prosecutions case while others might harm it.

But prosecutors were insistent to the judge that whatever agreement may have been made in advance about a sexual encounter, the incident turned into forced acts to which the girl objected.

Montanos attorneys were asking the judge, Sarsfield, to agree that there was enough new evidence to show a weakened case and warrant Montanos release from jail for now.

In making his ruling, Sarsfield said that even if there were an agreement on having sex, it didnt negate the account detectives said the girl gave them initially.

Any plans for sex, Sarsfield said, werent irrevocable.

She was forcibly taken into the restroom, Sarsfield said, citing the detectives version of the case, resisted in there, was pulled from a sink into a stall, where she was sexually assaulted over her resistance and protests by both individuals in a variety of ways.
Police in Virginia and Maryland have identified additional suspects in separate MS-13-related killings, part of a wave of recent violence tied to the resurgent street gang.

Prince William County police in Virginia said Thursday that they are looking for Dimas Misael Canales Santos, 27, of Hyattsville, Md., and have arrested a 17-year-old from Maryland in connection with the slaying of Christian Alexander Sosa Rivas, whose body was found near the Potomac River in the Dumfries area of the county in mid-January. Sosa Rivas, 21, was from Fairfax City, Va.

Police had previously made six arrests in the killing, which authorities think was carried out because Sosa Rivas angered local leaders of MS-13  shorthand for Mara Salvatrucha  by claiming to be a leader in the gang, according to a search warrant. Charging documents say that around New Years Eve, female associates of MS-13 used social media to lure Sosa Rivas to the location where he was killed.

Montgomery County police in Maryland also announced Thursday that they had made a fifth arrest in the killing of Cristian Antonio Villagran Morales, 18, who was stabbed more than 40 times, allegedly by MS-13 members, in a Gaithersburg, Md., park in July. Jose Coreas Ventura, a.k.a. Josue Corea, 20, was taken into custody in Bedford County, Va., after allegedly fleeing arrest. He is charged with first-degree murder.

One of the suspects told police that Villagran Morales was killed because he was a member of a rival gang, but detectives said there was no evidence of that.

[Behind the rise in seemingly chaotic MS-13 violence: A structured hierarchy.]

The Sosa Rivas case has ties to the MS-13-related killing of 15-year-old Damaris A. Reyes Rivas, who was taunted, interrogated and then killed in a Springfield, Va., park about a week later in retaliation for Sosa Rivass killing, according to a search warrant. Her assailants took videos of the killing, and one attacker brazenly wore a court-issued GPS monitoring bracelet, according to a search warrant. Reyes Rivass body was discovered a short distance from the park near an industrial area in mid-February.

[She thought shed saved her daughter from MS-13 by smuggling her to the U.S. She was wrong.]

In all, police have arrested or issued warrants for 18 suspects in the Sosa Rivas and Reyes Rivas slayings. Nearly all are teens or young adults, a fact that has troubled local law enforcement officials.

The most alarming thing we see these days is violence by young adults, Jay Lanham, director of the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force, said at a meeting on the violence Wednesday night in Fairfax County.

At the packed forum in Annandale, Va., Fairfax County detective Douglas Comfort said the county had recorded a 70 percent increase in MS-13 violence from 2015 to 2016, part of a regional increase in activity by the gang. Fairfax County gang detectives said in an interview that the gang is rebuilding after a major federal case in 2014 that sent some top leaders to prison.

The 17-year-old from Montgomery County was arrested on suspicion of murder and conspiracy to commit a felony. He has been charged with being a principal in the second degree to a murder. Police said that authorities will seek to extradite him from Maryland to Virginia to face charges.
D.C. Police released this photo of the suspect in a kidnapping in Northwest involving a Georgetown University student. (Courtesy of D.C. Police)

A man accused of kidnapping a Georgetown University student is working on a possible plea deal with federal prosecutors, his defense attorney said in court Thursday where a judge set the next hearing in the case for May 31.

Paolo Aldorasi, 34, who authorities said resides in London, faces one count of kidnapping after allegedly abducting a Georgetown University student off a cobblestone street near campus Jan. 26 and forcing him to drive to banks and a jewelry store in an attempt to obtain money.

[FBI arrests suspect in kidnapping of Georgetown University student]

Aldorasi did not speak at the hearing before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emory V. Cole said the government had turned over six or seven videos showing the suspect and complainant together at four banks, a Best Buy in the District and a Cartier store in Maryland. Defense attorney Bernard S. Grimm asked for 60 days to work toward a cooperation agreement, which Leon granted as the sides consider a resolution of the case without a trial.

[Georgetown University student abducted from street near campus]

Aldorasi was arrested by the FBI in a suburb of Seattle on Feb. 25 and transferred to Washington.

The student, who has not been identified, was released unharmed, police said. Georgetown University previously said the victim was a student in an email crime alert to students. Georgetown University Police Chief Jay Gruber has said officials have no knowledge of the suspect coming on campus or approaching other students.
Donald Harvey, known as the Angel of Death, pleaded guilty in 1987 to killing 37 people, mostly while he worked as a nurses aide at hospitals in Cincinnati and London, Ky. (Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction via Associated Press)

OHIO

Angel of Death dies after attack in prison

A former nurses aide known as the Angel of Death after he admitted killing three dozen hospital patients in Ohio and Kentucky died Thursday, two days after he was attacked and beaten in his prison cell.

Donald Harvey, 64, who was serving multiple life sentences, was found injured in his cell Tuesday afternoon at the state prison in Toledo, officials said.

While details about the attack were not released, he was beaten when someone went into his cell, a patrol report said.

Harvey pleaded guilty in 1987 to killing 37 people, mostly while he worked as a nurses aide at hospitals in Cincinnati and London, Ky. He later claimed he was responsible for killing 18 others while working at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Cincinnati.

He told his former attorney that the killings began in 1970 when he was at Marymount Hospital in Kentucky. Many of his victims were chronically ill patients, and he claimed he was trying to end their suffering.

Harvey used arsenic and cyanide to poison most of his victims, often putting it in the hospital food, prosecutors said. Some of the patients were suffocated when he let their oxygen tanks run out. He was caught after a medical examiner smelled cyanide while doing an autopsy on a victim.

 Associated Press

PENNSYLVANIA

Authorities search for missing federal judge

State police took to the air Thursday as the search intensified for a 91-year-old federal judge who suffers from memory loss and was reported missing from his home.

U.S. District Judge Edwin Kosik, who recently stopped hearing cases because of health problems, takes medication for memory problems, and investigators said that might have prompted his disappearance in northeastern Pennsylvania late Tuesday. U.S. Marshal Martin Pane said authorities have not ruled out foul play.

Kosik, who was appointed by President Ronald Reagan and spent more than 30 years on the federal bench, was last seen just after 11 p.m. trying to enter a grocery store pharmacy near his home outside Scranton. He left his wallet and phone at home.

State police searched the area via helicopter but found no trace of Kosiks gray 2015 Acura SUV, which has drivers-side damage. The FBI joined the investigation.

Kosik is best known for imprisoning corrupt judges in a kids for cash scandal. The judges, accused of taking money from the developer of a pair of for-profit youth detention centers, initially pleaded guilty to federal charges, but Kosik rejected the deal and sentenced one judge to 17 years and the other to 28 years in prison.

 Associated Press
John Hampton stands outside his brother's house, which was damaged in an early-morning storm in Rockwall, Tex., on Wednesday. A powerful storm system with winds exceeding 60 mph has damaged homes in suburban Dallas, knocked out power to tens of thousands of homes across Texas and brought heavy rain that inundated some areas. (Rose Baca/AP)

NEW JERSEY

Former Christie aides sentenced over scandal

Two former aides to Gov. Chris Christie were sentenced to prison Wednesday for their role in a political revenge plot involving traffic jams at the countrys busiest bridge, a scandal that sank the Republicans presidential aspirations.

Bill Baroni, a Christie appointee to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, was sentenced to two years in prison, and Bridget Kelly, Christies former deputy chief of staff, was sentenced to 18 months in prison at separate hearings in the 2013 George Washington Bridge lane-closing case. Both must also perform 500 hours of community service.

U.S. District Judge Susan Wigenton told both it was clear there was never a legitimate traffic study, as they have claimed, and said Baroni, 45, misled a legislative committee by blaming the gridlock on one.

Referring to New Jersey politics, she told Kelly, 44, that she got caught up in a culture and an environment that lost its way.

The two were convicted in November of all counts against them, including wire fraud, conspiracy and misusing the bridge for improper purposes. The governments star witness, David Wildstein, testified that he and the co-defendants sought to retaliate against a Democratic mayor for not endorsing Christies reelection. Text messages and emails produced at trial showed Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolichs increasingly desperate pleas for help being ignored by Kelly and Baroni.

 Associated Press

CALIFORNIA

Court bars release of antiabortion videos

A federal appeals court barred the release of videos made by an antiabortion group whose leaders are facing felony charges in California accusing them of recording people without permission in violation of state law.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit upheld a lower-court ruling blocking the recordings made by the Center for Medical Progress at meetings of the National Abortion Federation, an association of abortion providers.

The Center for Medical Progress previously released several secretly recorded videos that it says show Planned Parenthood employees selling fetal tissue for profit, which is illegal. Planned Parenthood said the videos were deceptively edited to support false claims.

The videos stoked the American abortion debate when they were released in 2015 and increased congressional heat against Planned Parenthood that has yet to subside.

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra on Tuesday filed 15 felony counts each against Center for Medical Progress leaders David Daleiden and Sandra Merritt, saying they made recordings without the consent of the people in them in violation of state law. The charges came eight months after similar charges against the pair were dropped in Texas.

 Associated Press

Court upholds Tenn. lethal injection procedure: The Tennessee Supreme Court has unanimously upheld the states lethal-injection procedure, a decision that potentially clears the way for a pharmacist to compound a hard-to-obtain execution drug. The states highest court has ruled that any execution using pentobarbital, a barbiturate regularly used by veterinarians to euthanize animals, does not violate a condemned inmates constitutional right to be treated humanely. Tennessee has no executions scheduled. Executions were put on hold in 2015 after death row inmates challenged Tennessees announced change to a single dose of pentobarbital, which replaces a three-drug method.

 Associated Press
I dont like to think that I contributed to people being killed, William Powell once said, wrestling with what he had wrought as a disaffected 19-year-old when he hunkered down with military manuals and revolutionary writings and compiled The Anarchist Cookbook.

His volume  a guide to drugs, booby traps, sabotage, hand-to-hand combat and explosives  entered circulation in 1971 and reportedly sold more than 2 million copies. Still in print, and accessible online in PDF form, the book has been linked in recent years to the perpetrators of crimes including the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, the 1999 massacre at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo., and the 2011 Tucson shooting that wounded then-U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.).

Mr. Powell, who has died at 66, ultimately renounced his book, which he described as a misguided product of my adolescent anger at the prospect of being drafted and sent to Vietnam to fight in a war that I did not believe in. He became an educator, working in schools around the world.

The central idea to the book was that violence is an acceptable means to bring about political change, Mr. Powell wrote in an authors note that since 2000 has accompanied the books listing on Amazon.com. I no longer agree with this.

Mr. Powell died July 11 of a heart attack while traveling with his family near Halifax, Nova Scotia. A son, Sean Powell, announced the death shortly afterward on Facebook. The news did not receive wide notice until the release on March 24 of a documentary film about Mr. Powell, American Anarchist, by director Charlie Siskel.

Efforts to reach Mr. Powells family were not immediately successful.

Siskel, who said the family had notified him of Mr. Powells death, said in an interview that he saw The Anarchist Cookbook as an example, however extreme, of something quite universal: a youthful indiscretion or mistake that can haunt someone during their early years or even longer.

Mr. Powell was born in December 1949 on Long Island. His fathers work as a U.N. spokesman took the family to England, where Mr. Powell said teachers caned him fairly regularly. When he returned to the United States, he was teased for his British accent. In an unpublished memoir, Mr. Powell wrote that he was molested, Siskel said.

Mr. Powell was managing a New York City bookstore when he received his draft card and, in 1968, set about putting together the manifesto that became The Anarchist Cookbook.

This is not the age of slender men in black capes lurking in alleyways with round bombs, just as it is not the age of political discussions in a Munich beer hall, he wrote, calling upon the real people of America to resist fascists, capitalists and communists. This is a truly unique age, where the individual has become the supreme agent of anarchist theory.

The revolution in this country has already started, he continued. It is a battle between the poor blacks and the rich employers. It is a battle between the artists and the censors. It is a battle between the Black Panthers and the police. It is a battle between the welfare mother and the bureaucracy of the city, and surprisingly enough it encompasses the yearly battle between the taxpayer and the Internal Revenue Service.

He warned that the books do-it-yourself subject matter was illegal and not to be used by children or morons. In about 160 pages, he provided instructions, complete with illustrations, on projects such as converting a shotgun into a grenade launcher, making tear gas and TNT and destroying bridges.

First printed by the maverick publisher Lyle Stuart and later distributed by other houses, the book attracted the scrutiny of the FBI. As recently as 2015, U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) argued that its contents should be removed from the Internet.

Mr. Powell noted that the book had not been difficult to research. He had simply gone to the library and gathered information readily available elsewhere.

Three years after the books publication, he received a bachelors degree in English literature from Windham College in Putney, Vt. He left the United States in 1979, the same year he received a masters degree, also in English, from Manhattanville College in Purchase, N.Y., according to an online biography.

His name forever tied to the revolutionary guide, Mr. Powell at times struggled to find work. He eventually listed the publication on his resume, Newsweek reported in a 2011 profile, having concluded that it was better to acknowledge his past than let potential employers happen upon it.

His teaching career took him to the Middle East, Africa and Asia. With his wife, Ochan Kusuma-Powell, he wrote the book Becoming an Emotionally Intelligent Teacher and co-founded Next Frontier: Inclusion, a nonprofit serving children with developmental and learning disabilities. He described the effort as a form of atonement.

The Cookbook has been found in the possession of alienated and disturbed young people who have launched attacks against classmates and teachers, he wrote in a 2013 renunciation of the book published in the London Guardian. I suspect that the perpetrators of these attacks did not feel much of a sense of belonging, and the Cookbook may have added to their sense of isolation.

He said that although the reason for his anger  unnecessary government-sanctioned violence  continued, he could no longer endorse a militant response. He requested that the book be removed from print but said he lacked the authority to pull it from shelves because the copyright was held by the publisher.

A complete list of survivors was not immediately available.

To paraphrase Aristotle: it is easy to be angry, Mr. Powell wrote in his Guardian mea culpa. But to be angry with the right person, at the right time and to the right degree . . . that is the hallmark of a civilized person.
FRANCE

Socialist Valls backs centrist Macron in race

Former prime minister Manuel Valls said Wednesday that he would vote for Emmanuel Macron in Frances presidential election, becoming the biggest name in the Socialist Party to turn his back on its official candidate and support the centrist instead.

Although it was not clear whether Vallss defection would help poll favorite Macron, head of the new En Marche! (Onward!) party, it prompted anger among Socialists and media speculation about the survival of the countrys largest left-wing party.

Valls, whose announcement came days after Socialist Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian deserted to Macron, said he wanted to do all he could to ensure that far-right leader Marine Le Pen, appearing second in polls, did not win power.

Im not going to take any risks, Valls said, adding that Le Pens score potential was seriously underrated. I will vote for Emmanuel Macron, he said.

Opinion polls show Macron winning the presidency in a second-round vote on May 7, facing off against Le Pen. The polls show Socialist Benoit Hamon set for a humiliating fifth-place finish in the elimination round on April 23.

The news of Vallss defection came a day after third-place candidate Francois Fillon, under formal judicial investigation on suspicion of financial impropriety, suffered a further blow when his wife was put under formal investigation, as well.

 Reuters

BURUNDI

U.N.: Malaria has killed 4,000 since January

An outbreak of malaria has killed more than 4,000 people in Burundi this year, the United Nations said Wednesday, a dramatic increase over the 700 victims the government announced just two weeks ago.

Millions have been affected by malaria in the East African nation since January 2016, the report by the U.N. humanitarian office said. Burundi, one of the worlds poorest countries, has a population of about 11 million.

The malaria cases are well beyond the epidemic threshold, the report said, citing World Health Organization investigators.

The outbreak is the latest crisis for Burundi, which has been racked by political violence since 2015 and faces food shortages that the United Nations says have left nearly 1 in 10 people with severe food insecurity.

The political crisis began with President Pierre Nkurunzizas ultimately successful decision in April 2015 to seek a third term, a move that critics called unconstitutional. Hundreds have been killed, and more than 380,000 Burundians have fled to neighboring countries.

 Associated Press

Mexican journalist wounded in shooting: A reporter in Mexicos gulf coast state of Veracruz is in serious condition after being shot in a region plagued by drug cartel violence. The president of the state commission for the protection of journalists said a bullet punctured the lung of Armando Arrieta Granados, the news editor at La Opinion de Poza Rica. It was the second attack in two days targeting a journalist in Mexico. A bodyguard for a threatened journalist was fatally shot Tuesday in San Jose del Cabo.

Israeli police kill Palestinian attacker: Israeli police fatally shot a Palestinian woman who attacked officers with a pair of scissors near Jerusalems Old City, a police spokesman said. Micky Rosenfeld said the 49-year-old woman from East Jerusalem had tried to stab officers near the Damascus Gate. The womans son was accidently killed last year when officers opened fire on the car in which he was riding.

Somali lawmakers approve new cabinet: Somalias parliament has endorsed the countrys new cabinet, a victory for the prime minister after more than 100 legislators challenged his nominations last week. Some lawmakers had said that the proposed cabinet went against the power-sharing formula that Somalias powerful clans had agreed on. The fragile central government is trying to assert itself after the election of Somali American President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed last month.

Ivory Coasts former first lady cleared of war crimes: A court in Ivory Coast acquitted former first lady Simone Gbagbo of crimes against humanity and war-crimes charges linked to her role in a 2011 civil war that killed about 3,000 people, state television announced. The trial was held in an Ivorian court after the government rejected her extradition to the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Gbagbos husband, ex-president Laurent Gbagbo, is standing trial before the ICC on similar charges.

 From news services
BRITAIN

Great Repeal Bill targets E.U. laws

The British government published plans Thursday for a herculean legislative task: converting thousands of E.U. laws onto the British books as the country begins its Brexit decoupling from Brussels.

The law-changing blueprint landed a day after British Prime Minister Theresa May triggered Article 50, officially serving the European Union divorce papers and beginning exit negotiations expected to last two years.

The swift release of the governments plans for the Great Repeal Bill reflects just how split Britain remains as divorce talks loom with the European Union. British leaders now sense a greater urgency

to calm Brexit opponents, including many businesses worried about Britains new legal structure.

The repeal bill will see thousands of E.U. laws  covering such topics as workers rights, environmental rules and finance regulations  transposed into British codes to provide legal certainty and a smooth and orderly departure from the European Union.

The bill seeks to show workers, consumers and businesses that the rules have not changed overnight, David Davis, the Brexit secretary, told the House of Commons.

He also said it signaled the end of the supremacy of E.U. law in Britain.

 Karla Adam

ETHIOPIA

Parliament extends state of emergency

Ethiopias Parliament voted unanimously Thursday to extend the countrys state of emergency for another four months after top officials warned of the continuing threat of unrest.

Ethiopia declared the state of emergency in October after widespread rioting broke out and foreign factories were attacked following the death of dozens at a cultural festival.

Defense Minister Siraj Fegessa said there were still some people who occasionally strive to disrupt peace and security, according to the state-owned Fana Broadcasting. The extension was needed, he said,

to ensure that the prevailing peace reached the point of no return.

The state of emergency imposed broad restrictions on freedom of assembly and gave security forces wide powers to arrest people and search premises. According to the government, more than 26,000 people were detained, and

most have been released. Opposition figures have said the number detained was much higher.

For more than a year and a half, the Oromo people, Ethiopias largest ethnic group, have been protesting economic marginalization, corrupt local officials and what they say are attempts to confiscate their land for the nations development.

In October, police used tear gas on protesters at the Irreecha cultural festival, triggering a stampede that killed more than 50 people by official count. Activists say many more died.

 Paul Schemm

Vaccine shipped to fight yellow fever in Brazil: The World Health Organization said it and partners have shipped 3.5 million doses of yellow fever vaccine to Brazil to help the country stamp out its worst outbreak in years. The WHO helps maintain an emergency stockpile of yellow fever vaccine of about 6 million doses, intended to help poor countries. In a statement, the WHO said Brazil would reimburse the cost later; one vaccine maker is Brazilian. To date, more than 490 cases of yellow fever have been reported in Brazil.

 Associated Press

Cease-fire ordered in Ukraine: Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has ordered his countrys troops to cease firing on Russian-backed separatists on Saturday. Fighting between government troops and the separatists has been raging in eastern Ukraine since 2014, killing more than 9,800 people. Poroshenko met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Malta on Thursday and said Ukraine, Germany and France would renew efforts to bolster a 2015 peace deal brokered by the two European powers.

Kenya arrests 3 suspected traffickers tied to ISIS: Kenyan police said they have arrested three alleged human traffickers suspected of smuggling recruits for the Islamic State and helping to finance the group. Police spokesman George Kinoti said two Kenyans, Ibrahim Abasheikh Mukhtar and Abdi Mohamed Yusuf, and Somali Ali Hussein Ali were arrested Monday in the town of Malindi.

ISIS claims attacks in Syria: An online publication linked to the Islamic State says two of its Syrian members carried out the deadly twin suicide attacks on March 15 in Syrias capital. The attacks hit the Justice Palace in Damascus and a restaurant in another part of the city, killing 30 people. The al-Nabaa online weekly says the man who attacked the Justice Palace shot the guards and then walked into the building and blew himself up. Two hours later, an Islamic State member blew himself up in a restaurant frequented by Christians, the publication said.

Mexican priest kidnapped: Mexicos Catholic council of bishops says a priest has been kidnapped in the northern gulf coast city of Tampico. The council identified the priest as the Rev. Oscar Lopez Navarro. Tampico Bishop Jose Luis Dibildox said Lopez Navarro was abducted late Tuesday outside his residence by people who had been following him. He said the kidnappers had indicated they would negotiate for his release, apparently in exchange for a ransom. On Monday, a priest was shot to death in the Pacific coast state of Nayarit. In 2016, two priests were found shot to death in Veracruz state, and another priest was killed in the western state of Michoacan.

 From news services
IN THE decade since the start of school reform in the District, a variety of metrics have been used to gauge progress. Test scores, graduation rates and student enrollment have all pointed to steady improvement in the public school system. But perhaps nothing has been as encouraging  or inspiring  as the news that the entire graduating class at Ballou High School has applied to college this year. Ballou was long seen as the epitome of D.C. school dysfunction, a place that dead-ended its students by not giving them challenges. So the fact that all 190 seniors want to go on to higher education is an important achievement that should be applauded.

There are some schools and communities where college is an automatic next step. There is no celebration. Our kids dont get that same message, said Ballou Principal Yetunde Reeves of the struggling Ward 8 school, where all students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Changing that message, The Posts Alejandra Matos reported, by raising expectations for students has been the aim of Ms. Reeves and her team. That it was the Class of 2017 that last spring set the goal that all seniors would apply to college speaks to the principals success in starting to reshape the school culture.

Ballou is one of the citys lowest-performing schools. For its students, applying to college, or even being accepted, is not enough, and school officials acknowledge that. But getting students  many of whom are from families where graduation from high school has been a struggle  to see college as an attainable goal is a critical first step. It is progress. Now they have choice. That is the beauty of this entire thing  you get to pick, said Assistant Principal Shamele Straughter.

Key to the effort  which D.C. Schools Chancellor Antwan Wilson hopes to expand to other high schools  has been the work of a college and career coordinator who has worked individually with students in setting goals. Assistance is also given in preparing and taking college entrance tests and filling out college and financial assistance applications.

Providing support to students once they are in college is also critical. The system is in the beginning stages of setting up what officials hope will be a muscular outreach program. Ballou trumpeted this years 100 percent application rate as a first; we trust it wont be the last time it happens.
Correction: Because of a copy editing error, an earlier version of this piece misstated that the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus came to Washington in 1917. Ringling Bros. owned both circuses at that time, but they did not combine operations until 1919. In 1917, it was the Ringling Bros. Circus that performed in Washington.

On May 14, 1917, the Ringling Bros. Circus descended upon the nations capital on four trains stretching more than a mile. The Washington Post reported that a crowd of about 30,000 people gathered at the show grounds at 15th and H streets to watch the construction of the multi-acre tented city, which housed 1,370 performers and laborers, more than 1,000 wild animals, 735 horses and 41 elephants for the two-day stand. The big top could hold more than 10,000 people for a single performance. Nearly 100 years later, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is staging its final shows in Washington this weekend, and then, the storied Greatest Show on Earth will shutter forever in May. If you want to understand this history, and the future of the American circus, be wary of these common refrains.

Myth No. 1

The circus is dying.

Since Ringling Bros. announced its closure in January and the Big Apple Circus filed for bankruptcy last year, cultural observers have issued grim prognostications about the death of the American circus. Without sugarcoating it, lets accept the fact that the circus will not survive our generation unless the state comes to its rescue, journalist Preetam Kaushik wrote for the Huffington Post. Author Naomi Schaefer Riley opined on what the death of the circus means for todays kids.

The advance postmortem is nothing new. On July 16, 1956, Ringling Bros. performed its last show under a canvas tent, deciding to move to indoor arenas to reduce its labor force and transportation costs. The New York Times observed, The big top, furled forever, started its funeral ride today.

But the impending death of the circus has been greatly exaggerated. Although the biggest productions have had trouble attracting the large audiences they need to support themselves, smaller circuses are flourishing. Cirque du Soleil, the highly profitable Montreal-based one-ring show, is expanding in the United States. Other one-ring shows, such as Circus Flora and the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus, are still going strong. As a bellwether of the future, youth circuses are booming. According to the American Youth Circus Organization, there are 250 circus education programs nationwide, with growth projected at 10 new programs per year.

Myth No. 2

The circus is a good metaphor for chaos.

People began to use circus as a metaphor for extraordinary disorder during the Gilded Age, when American shows ballooned in size like other modern big businesses. The turning point came in 1881, after James A. Bailey merged his operations with P.T. Barnum and other partners: To increase the novelty of their combined circus, the impresarios added a ring, an outer track for chariot races and two stages for even more constant activity. Audiences were dazzled, but they complained that it was too big to see at once.

On Circus Day, towns were flooded with strangers, an event just as chaotic as the three-ring show. Fights erupted, pocketbooks and horses were stolen and restless residents occasionally ran away with the circus troupe.

The metaphor stuck. When O.J. Simpsons murder trial became an all-channels sensation in 1995, critics declared it a circus. During the tumultuous 2016 presidential campaign, Showtime enshrined the metaphor into a hit show, The Circus.

Yet the circus itself has always been tightly organized. The movement of people, animals and supplies across the country by railroad necessitates incredible discipline and punctuality. On multiple occasions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Army followed circuses to learn up to date methods of moving men, animals and baggage.

On July 6, 1944, circus discipline saved thousands of lives. The Ringling Bros. tent caught fire, and, because it had been waterproofed with a volatile mix of paraffin and gasoline, within minutes it was engulfed in flames. Tragically, 167 people died. But more than 7,000 people lived, owing to a carefully orchestrated disaster response. Band director Merle Evans immediately began playing Stars and Stripes Forever, the shows designated distress call, which mobilized employees to clear the audience from the burning big top.

Myth No. 3

Animal rights only recently caught up with the circus.

Kenneth Feld, whose family owns the Ringling Bros. circus, cited confrontations with animal rights activists as a major reason for shutting down. In the past five years, dozens of U.S. cities have banned wild animal exhibitions, as well as the bullhook, which is used to train and guide performing elephants. In 2014, the Feld family prevailed in a 14-year legal fight with animal rights groups over the treatment of its elephants; still, Ringling Bros. bowed to continued pressure and the next year announced the retirement of its pachyderms.

One might conclude that these clashes are a product of 21st-century sensibilities. Yet 19th-century animal advocates readily confronted suspected cases of animal cruelty at the circus. In 1873, officers with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals questioned Barnums circus about the use of the bullhook, but were reassured after finding no marks on the elephant.

In the early 20th century, some animal advocates began to reject captivity and circus animal performances wholesale. In 1918, the Jack London Club, named in honor of the late author, condemned trained-animal acts and staged walkouts from circus performances. In 1925, circus owner John Ringling seized on what appeared to be a cultural shift and temporarily banned big-cat cage acts, which he had long disliked because they were difficult to transport. But no other circus joined him, and Ringling soon brought the big cats back into the ring.

Myth No. 4

Barnum was a con man.

Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt was apprehensive when he met the showman Phineas Taylor Barnum for the first time in 1851: I expected to see a monster  part lion, part elephant, and mixture of rhinoceros and tiger. A museum owner and circus impresario, Barnum profited mightily from his public hoaxes, such as the Feejee Mermaid, a dried monkey head and torso attached to a fish, and books, such as Humbugs of the World. To this day, people assume that Barnum concluded, Theres a sucker born every minute.

Yet Barnum never uttered the phrase that has been so famously attributed to him. Biographer Arthur Saxon observes that although Barnum loved pranks, even at his own expense, he always considered his audience to be in on the joke. For instance, after he pounced on an opportunity to purchase an extraordinary cherry-colored cat, sight unseen, he quickly realized he had been duped: The cat was black. Nonetheless, the sellers witty response pleased him: No sir, some cherries are black. Barnum displayed the cat with great fanfare, and audiences delighted in discovering and keeping Barnums secret.

Barnum saw himself as a respectable community leader and a cultural broker of the show business: As a general thing I have not duped the world nor attempted to do so. . . . I have generally given people the worth of their money twice told. A convert to Universalism, he became a passionate temperance advocate and supported womens rights and abolitionism. He also proved to be an honest and effective politician. Barnum served in the Connecticut state legislature from 1865 to 1867, and he was elected mayor of Bridgeport in 1875. Generous with his fortune, Barnum was a founding trustee of Tufts University and endowed an expansive museum of natural history, which exhibited the stuffed hide of his most famous circus animal, Jumbo the Elephant, the universitys mascot.

Myth No. 5

The circus is a form of escapism.

The Roman poet Juvenal wrote derisively about bread and circuses as a form of placation and escapism during the reign of Emperor Augustus in the first century. Centuries later, Ernest Hemingway reflected that the circus is the only spectacle I know that, while you watch it, gives the quality of a truly happy dream. During the Great Recession, Shrine Circus promoter Paul Leavy commented on the shows appeal, I say its escapism.

Yet the circus, rather than a mere diversion, has celebrated the realities of the world. The circus was at times the first place that Americans encountered new technology. In 1879, Bailey became the first impresario to illuminate his big top with an electric generator. In 1905, Barnum & Bailey made automobiles fly in The Dip of Death, featuring a female driver hurtling off a platform under the big top and performing looping automotive convolutions in midair.

Circuses staged spectacular reenactments of current events, including battle scenes from the Spanish-American War and important peace treaty signings. When the Ringling Bros. rolled into Washington in 1917, the shows courier beckoned audiences to the Ringling Bros. University of Natural History. Writer Hamlin Garland recalled the cultural power of the circus during his childhood in rural Wisconsin in the 1870s: In one day  in a part of one day  we gained a thousand new conceptions of the world and human nature.

janetmdavis@austin.utexas.edu

Five myths is a weekly feature challenging everything you think you know. You can check out previous myths, read more from Outlook or follow our updates on Facebook and Twitter.
CHINAS COMMUNIST leadership appears convinced it can handle opposition in Hong Kong by the same means it has recently employed on the mainland: brute and uncompromising repression. For several years, unrest in the territory has been growing because of Beijings refusal to deliver on the promise it made when the former British colony reverted to Chinese rule, which was that its executive would be chosen by popular suffrage. On Sunday came part of the regimes response: A Beijing-controlled Hong Kong assembly of just 1,200 delegates installed a hard-line bureaucrat as chief executive, ignoring the fact that polls showed she was less popular than the other major candidate allowed on the ballot.

The next day, the Hong Kong proxies of Xi Jinping added injury to insult: Police informed nine activists who led mass protests in 2014 to demand a truly free election that they were being charged  after all this time  with crimes carrying multiple-year prison sentences. It was a naked crackdown on dissent in a city where freedom of speech and assembly is supposed to be guaranteed under the one country, two systems autonomy Hong Kong was promised  and a signal that the pro-democracy movement will no longer be tolerated.

Theres a good chance that the repression will backfire, as it has repeatedly before. The 2014 umbrella protests, which paralyzed the center of Hong Kong for 75 days, came in response to a plan for elections that failed to deliver on the promise of universal suffrage. The official who oversaw it, Carrie Lam, is the executive imposed by Beijing on Sunday.

Since the Umbrella Movement was suppressed, Beijing has refused to compromise with the moderate opposition while repeatedly violating the territorys autonomy, including through the lawless abduction of book publishers and a businessman. As a result, sentiment has been growing for complete separation from China. Several young activists with pro-independence leanings were among the six opposition candidates elected last fall to the local legislature. The regime responded by preventing two from taking their seats and is now moving against the other four.

Whether or not new mass protests erupt, the continuing hard line is likely to drive more support to the opposition, including those favoring independence. The prospect that China could persuade Taiwan to accept reunification under a two systems formula will become ever more remote. And investors will question whether Hong Kong can continue to offer the stability and rule of law that have been the foundations of its prosperity.

One price Mr. Xi probably wont pay, however, is damage to relations with the United States. Defending democratic freedoms in Hong Kong has been a long-standing and natural part of U.S. foreign policy. But Beijing appears to be calculating that the Trump administration will shrug off the assault on the democrats. So far, thats the case. The State Department offered no criticism of the arrests on Tuesday, saying only that it was aware of press reports about them. On Monday the U.S. consulate in Hong Kong actually congratulated Ms. Lam on her victory in Sundays balloting. The reality that her selection was a travesty that betrayed the promise of democracy was simply ignored.
Since news broke that Jared Kushner will lead an effort to make government more efficient, Ive been asked the same three questions over and over. First, isnt this what Al Gore did with Reinventing Government? Second, didnt that fail? And third, wont this fail, also?

No, nope . . . and probably.

Every recent president has launched an effort to employ learning from management experts, scholars and business leaders to improve the functioning of government. The one led by Gore is perhaps the most famous of these; the most recent was President Barack Obamas U.S. Digital Service  which brought top private-sector talent from Silicon Valley to Washington. Is President Trumps new Office of American Innovation, to be led by first son-in-law Kushner, similar to these earlier efforts? I think not, for reasons set out below.

Before analyzing the differences, however, its worth asking: Are these predecessors worthy of emulation? The bottom line is that while none fixed government, several did have impressive achievements. Gores Reinventing Government program (ReGo) launched electronic filing of taxes, slashed the time it takes to get a passport and created the first portals for citizens to do business with the Social Security Administration online. It trimmed 400,000 people from the federal payroll and saved taxpayers billions. As Paul C. Light, a leading expert in public administration, said of ReGo, Gores initiative proved that government can get better.

Obamas Digital Service tackled similar challenges in the Internet age. It drew on a cadre of talented engineers and designers from Google, Facebook, Twitter and other tech titans who were asked to help fix the beleaguered HealthCare.gov website and then stayed on to tackle other challenges. In addition to helping millions get health-care coverage online, USDS built a mobile app to help students refinance loans, improved cyber defense at the Pentagon and digitized large portions of our immigration system.

Will Kushners effort follow in these footsteps? Since its unveiling Monday, the Office of American Innovation has faced a wave of skepticism. Some of this criticism  doubts based on Kushners scant business record or Trumps many private-sector failures  seem like cheap shots. I dont question whether a Trump-Kushner effort could achieve the kind of results that Clinton-Gore and Obama produced  but I seriously doubt that it will, for four reasons.

First, for any such effort to be serious, it needs serious full-time leadership. For most of Gores tenure, ReGo was led by the brilliant Elaine Kamarck, a scholar of public administration and government reform; under Obama, USDS was led by Mikey Dickerson, a star Google engineer. But Kushner is taking on this project in addition to duties bringing peace to the Middle East, being a senior counselor to the president and negotiating a new trade deal with Mexico. Transforming the performance of even a small entity is herculean work; tackling it for the federal government is far more than a full-time job. Given everything else on Kushners to-do list, its hard to believe that this new role is anything more than a photo op.

Second, there is reason to suspect that the Office of American Innovation is just a front for an effort to peel away environmental, health, safety and consumer-protection rules in the name of making government more efficient. Kushner has emphasized that his new office will work with corporate chief executives  leaders who are (understandably) more likely to make requests for regulatory relief than get into thorny issues of improving government efficiency. Of course, private-sector leaders are free to seek regulatory changes, and theres nothing wrong with their government hearing them out  but dressing that up as an effort to make government run better is a bait-and-switch.

Third, any serious effort to improve government has to begin with working with the existing government employees: the federal civil service. Sure, there are some truculent and inefficient government workers; but in my four stints in the White House, I never met people more dedicated to finding better ways to do things than the civil servants with whom I worked on projects such as the Recovery Act and the Ebola response. Trump and his administration, however, are openly contemptuous of this workforce and view it with suspicious hostility. Ask any of the executives working with the White House if they could reinvent their companies without the active and engaged support of their employees. Not one would say yes.

Fourth, and most important, there is no way to make the government more efficient if you dont believe in the government and what it does. Trump has already announced that his goal is to collapse Obamacare; should we expect Kushners Innovation Office to build on USDS work to make HealthCare.gov better and faster? Will Kushner really focus on fixing the veterans health-care system  or boost Republican efforts to privatize it? Does he want to find new ways to track and report environmental risks  or is the goal to make it easier to pollute? Trump strategist Stephen K. Bannons stated mission of deconstructing the government is at odds with any genuine effort to reconstruct it  and its easy to guess which is the true aim of the White House.

The night that The Post first reported on the Innovation Office, I glibly tweeted that I had a simpler two-point plan to improve governing under President Trump: (1) Hire some people who know what they are doing; (2) Work harder. Mr. Kushner, its not too late to give it a try.
The Senates coming conrmation of Neil Gorsuch will improve the Supreme Court, and Democrats incontinent opposition to him will inadvertently improve the Senate  if Republicans are provoked to thoroughly reform the libuster. If eight Democrats will not join the 52 Republicans in providing 60 votes to end debate and bring Gorsuchs nomination to a vote, Republicans should go beyond extending to Supreme Court nominees the prohibition of libusters concerning other judicial nominees. Senate rules should be changed to rectify a mistake made 47 years ago.

There was no limit on Senate debate until adoption of the cloture rule empowering two-thirds of senators present and voting to limit debate. This occurred on March 8, 1917  29 days before Congress declared war on Germany  after a libuster prevented a vote on a momentous matter, the Armed Ship Bill, which would have authorized President Woodrow Wilson to arm American merchant ships. (He armed them anyway.)

In 1975, imposing cloture was made easier by requiring a vote of three-fths of the entire Senate, a change the importance of which derived from what Majority Leader Mike Manseld (D-Mont.) did in 1970: He created the two-track system whereby the Senate, by unanimous consent or the consent of the minority leader, can set aside a libustered bill and move on to other matters. Hitherto, libustering senators had to hold the floor, testing their stamina and inconveniencing everyone else to encourage the majority to compromise. In the 52 years after 1917, there were only 58 cloture motions led; in the 47 years since 1970, there have been 1,716.

Wisdom about the libuster comes today from the other side of the Capitol, where House rules make libustering impossible. Rep. Tom McClintock, a conservative California Republican, writing in Hillsdale Colleges publication Imprimis, praises the Senate tradition that a signicant minority should be able to extend debate in order to deepen deliberation . Post-1970 libusters, however, are used to prevent debate. As McClintock says, the mere threat of a libuster sufces to kill a bill as the Senate shrugs and goes on to other business.

McClintock urges the Senate to make a motion to proceed to consideration of a bill undebatable and hence immune to libustering: Great debates should be had on great matters  but not great debates on whether to debate. And he says the Senate should abandon the two-track system. This would prevent the Senate from conducting other business during a libuster but would require libusterers to hold the floor. As he says, it was this mutual inconvenience that, between 1917 and 1970, made libusters rare and productive of pressure for compromise to resolve the impasse.

A view of the Capitol dome. (Brendan Smialowski/Agence France-Press via Getty Images)

As a result of todays Senate paralysis, McClintock says, the atrophy of the legislative branch drives a corresponding hypertrophy of the executive branch. The promiscuous use of faux libusters  requiring 60 votes to proceed with consideration of, or votes on, ordinary legislation  blurs the implicit constitutional principle that extraordinary majorities are required only for extraordinary matters, such as proposing constitutional amendments, overriding vetoes and ratifying treaties.

The trivialization of libusters  no longer requiring them to be strenuous and disruptive events  has deprived them of dignity. Restoring them to what they were would afrm the principle that majoritarianism  simply counting numbers; government by adding machine  should be tempered by a reformed libuster as a mechanism for measuring the intensity of a minoritys opposition to a majority position. The Constitution afrms the power of each house of Congress to determine the rules of its proceedings, so any Senate procedures are compatible with the Constitutions text. But the practices made possible by the post-1970 rules have contributed to institutional disequilibrium, destabilizing the Constitutions design by inciting a dangerous expansion of presidential power. Hence Georgetown Law professor Randy Barnett and the Weekly Standards Jay Cost urge forbidding libusters of appropriations bills:

Democrats have discovered that if they block individual appropriations bills, the entire operation of government will inevitably be rolled into an omnibus appropriations bill, and the majority must either accept it in toto or face a partial shutdown of the government. This maneuver has largely eliminated Congresss ability to discipline the executive via line-item spending cuts.

Certainly the libuster ts a non-majoritarian institution in which 585,501 Wyomingites have as much representation as do 39,250,017 Californians. Besides, libusters delay but do not defeat political processes: Can anyone name anything that a majority of Americans have desired, strongly and protractedly, that has been denied to them because of a libuster?

Read more from George F. Wills archive or follow him on Facebook.
According to the cynical old saw, apocryphally attributed to Joseph Stalin, a single death is a tragedy but a million deaths is a statistic.

Ive been pondering that line lately, apropos the 183,000 deaths related to prescription opioid overdoses between 1999 and 2015  a figure sure to rise when 2016 data come out. A study published last week by economists Anne Case and Angus Deaton argues opioid overdoses help explain rising death rates for whites without a college education in the 21st century, when death rates for other demographic groups continue to fall.

Prescription opioid overdose deaths were rare before the 1990s, suggesting the current wave could have been avoided, and that one or more persons or institutions can and should be held accountable.

Who, exactly? I dont know, but I know whose opinion on the subject I most want to hear: Dr. Richard S. Sacklers.

Sackler is the scion of one of the wealthiest families in the world, whose collective assets, shared among 20 people, total $13 billion, according to Forbes magazine. Art museums and medical research institutions around the world bear the Sackler name in recognition of the familys philanthropy.

(The Washington Post)

Relevant to the opioid crisis, however, the source of the Sacklers fortune is their privately held firm, Purdue Pharma, maker of OxyContin, a potentially addictive painkiller that has earned an estimated $35 billion in revenue since it came on the market in 1995  an event many consider the trigger of the opioid epidemic.

Purdues aggressive marketing tactics, akin to those pioneered for other drugs by Richard Sacklers uncle, Arthur Sackler (who died in 1987), spurred OxyContins phenomenal sales growth around the turn of the 21st century.

They also got the company prosecuted by the Justice Department. In 2007, Purdue pleaded guilty, as a corporation, to a felony related to false marketing of the pills, and paid $635 million. Three top executives also accepted guilt and paid fines.

Neither Richard Sackler (nor any other family member) faced charges; evidence did not tie them to the misconduct, according to the Virginia U.S. attorney in the case, John L. Brownlee.

Sackler was, and apparently still is, a key figure at Purdue, however. He went into the family business in 1971 and over the next 33 years rose to a series of positions of increasing responsibility, including direct management of both the Research and Development and the Sales and Marketing functions, according to his published resume. Sackler became president of Purdue in 1999, then co-chairman of the board in 2003.

Today, Purdues corporate website announces its learning from the past while focusing on the future. In 2010, Purdue reformulated OxyContin so it is much more difficult for those seeking a high to convert the pills into inhalable or injectable forms. Perhaps not just coincidentally, OxyContin sales, though substantial, are declining. The company is at work on new products (such as a remedy for constipation caused by prolonged opioid use) and recently provided a $3 million grant to Virginias prescription drug-monitoring program.

Still, its hard to move on without some sort of public accounting, unmediated by lawyers or corporate executives, from the people who made so much money off these drugs.

The Sacklers, though, are publicity-shy, aside from putting their names on buildings and endowed chairs. A Purdue spokesman declined my request for an interview with Richard Sackler or any member of the companys board, which includes his close relatives.

The closest thing to an accounting Sackler has given may be his 2015 sealed deposition in a lawsuit against Purdue by the opioid-ravaged state of Kentucky. Purdue settled out of court shortly after this sworn testimony, for $24 million, with no admission of wrongdoing. Now Purdues lawyers are fighting a state judges subsequent order to release Sacklers deposition, and other internal Purdue records, at the request of Stat, which covers health care news.

A Kentucky appeals court could decide the matter soon. Perhaps Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) will have better luck producing documents. She has announced a wide-ranging investigation into the top five opioid manufacturers and their marketing practices.

To be sure, continuing opioid-related litigation against Purdue and other pharmaceutical companies would discourage individual owners and executives from addressing the crisis candidly outside of court, even if they wanted to. This may be a drawback of how the American system holds businesses, and others, accountable.

Also, no investigation of the crisis would be complete without examining the role of all the gatekeepers  the Food and Drug Administration, the Drug Enforcement Administration, state regulators and prescribing physicians  that were supposed to protect the public.

Which brings us back to the cynical old saw. If everyone is to blame, is no one to blame? Where does the buck stop for 183,000 lives avoidably lost?

I want Richard Sacklers take on that  because we know where the bucks stopped.

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As Womens History Month draws to an end, first lady Melania Trump proclaimed at a Wednesday award ceremony that wherever women are diminished, the entire world is diminished with them. Soon after, White House press secretary Sean Spicer said at a briefing that the president made womens empowerment a priority throughout the campaign. And later in the afternoon, President Trump attended a womens empowerment panel and jokingly asked whether anyone had heard of Susan B. Anthony.

It was a discordant series of remarks given Trumps history of controversial comments about and allegations of mistreatment of women over the years. This is a president who bragged during a conversation with an Access Hollywood host that he could grab women without their permission, who allegedly burst into the dressing rooms of beauty pageant contestants and who was accused by 11 women before the election of inappropriately touching or kissing them.

Trump  who lagged Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton badly among female voters in November  has leaned heavily on men for his top Cabinet and administration posts. As he signed legislation rolling back environmental protections this week, Trump was surrounded by at least 16 men, including Cabinet members, coal executives and coal miners.

That history has cast a shadow of sorts over the administrations commemorations of womens accomplishments over the past month, particularly events involving the president or the White House. The juxtaposition has also inspired widespread jeering on the left, where many view Trumps past and his policy agenda as out of step with womens interests.

[Republicans warn that Trumps critique of Clintons look fuel accusations of sexism]

(The Washington Post)

During the Day Without a Woman strike on March 8, comedian and late-night host Samantha Bee  a vocal Trump critic  tweeted a photo of Trump sitting in the Oval Office surrounded by 12 men with the message: The Trump WH is so feminist, EVERY day is Day Without a Woman.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a spokeswoman for the president, rolls her eyes at such criticisms, asking why there are not tweets and articles about events where the president is surrounded by only women. She pointed to a White House panel Wednesday afternoon that brought together more than 200 women and girls, including Sanders and her young daughter.

Sanders said that for decades, Trump has given women positions of power in his businesses and, now in the White House, frequently asks the women on his staff what they think.

Ive spent a pretty good deal of time around him, and he has been nothing but respectful and deferential, Sanders said.

Trump has included a number of women in senior positions, including the formal announcement Wednesday that his eldest daughter, Ivanka, will hold an unpaid job as assistant to the president. Ivanka Trump already has a West Wing office and is expected to focus on issues related to women, especially those in the workplace.

On March 1, Trump signed a proclamation designating the month as a time to honor celebrated women pioneers and leaders in our history, as well as those unsung women heroes of our daily lives.

I have tremendous respect for women and the many roles they serve that are vital to the fabric of our society and our economy, Trump tweeted a week later, on the same day when many women skipped work in protests. On International Womens Day, join me in honoring the critical role of women here in America & around the world.

(The Washington Post)

Throughout the month, the White House has invited groups of women to meet with the president to discuss helping small-business owners and health care. These events nearly always feature Ivanka Trump, who along with her husband, Jared Kushner, is among his closest advisers.

Melania Trump has also been involved during the month and was the keynote speaker at the State Departments International Women of Courage event Wednesday that honored women from Bangladesh, Botswana, Colombia, Congo, Iraq, Niger, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Sri Lanka, Syria, Turkey, Vietnam and Yemen.

The time for empowering women around the world is now, Trump said in her remarks. For wherever women are diminished, the entire world is diminished with them. However, wherever women are empowered, towns and villages, schools and economies are empowered, and together we are all made stronger with them.

Spicer repeated the quote at his daily media briefing and gave the first question of the afternoon to April Ryan, the White House correspondent for American Urban Radio Networks. A day before, Spicer had grown frustrated with a question that Ryan had asked and at one point told her: Please, stop shaking your head again.

[Women, Hillary Clinton among them, stand up for April Ryan and Maxine Waters]

The comment angered many women who found Spicers comment patronizing, including Clinton, who brought it up during a speech at the Professional BusinessWomen of California conference in San Francisco.

Too many women, especially women of color, have had a lifetime of practice taking precisely these kinds of indignities in stride, Clinton said. But why should we have to? And any woman who thinks this couldnt be directed at her is living in a dream world.

Spicer defended Trumps record on women during the briefing.

The president made womens empowerment a priority throughout the campaign, speaking out on affordable child care and paid family leave, investing in womens health, and the barriers faced by female entrepreneurs and business owners, Spicer said.

Soon after, Emilys List  which supports Democratic women running for office who favor abortion rights  emailed reporters with the subject line Nice try, Sean. The email included links to articles about Trumps campaign paying women less than men, Trump suggesting he backed punishment for women who have abortions, Trumps attacks on a former beauty pageant contestant and his taped comments to Access Hollywood in 2005.

At the Wednesday afternoon panel, Vice President Pence said that this is a president who has advanced the interests of women.

As Trump addressed the group, he marveled at how his wifes poll numbers went through the roof last year and recognized the women serving in his administration, strong female leaders throughout history and some of the women he had met over the past month.

So as a man, I stand before you as president, but if I werent president, I wouldnt be happy to hear that statement  that would be a very scary statement to me because theres no way we can compete with you, Trump said. So I would not be happy. Just wouldnt be happy.
Two high-profile Republican members of Congress may have been targets of Russian social-media campaigns to discredit them as recently as this past week, an expert in Kremlin influence-peddling told the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday.

This past week we observed social-media accounts discrediting U.S. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, Clint Watts told the committee in a rare open hearing that leaders billed as a primer on Russian influence-peddling.

Watts, an expert in terrorism forecasting and Russian influence operations from the Foreign Policy Research Institute, also said he believes Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) anecdotally suffered from online Russian campaigns against him during his presidential bid.

Ryans office was not aware of an effort against him, according to a spokeswoman. Rubio said later Thursday that his campaign staff had been targeted twice from an unknown location in Russia, once in July 2016 and again at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday. Both attempts were unsuccessful, he added, without providing further details.

The revelations widen the scope of politicians who have become the subject of Russian-backed hacking operations and online smear campaigns, allegedly a central part of a Kremlin strategy to spread propaganda in the United States and undermine its democratic institutions.

Clint Watts, a senior fellow with the Foreign Policy Research Institutes Program on National Security, talks with reporters after his testimony on March 30. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Watts and others who spoke to the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday are not involved in ongoing probes of Russias alleged efforts to sway the 2016 elections and possible campaign links to the Kremlin. They argued that such meddling is only one example of what Russia plans to do with the arsenal of hacking and influence tools it has been building for years.

Russians could not do this if they started in 2016, said Roy Godson, an expert in Soviet and Russian active measures  tools of political warfare used to influence world events  and emeritus professor of government at Georgetown University. For many, many decades we did not take this stuff very seriously, and they were able to take enormous advantage.

Experts noted several deficiencies in U.S. defenses against Russian cyberattacks, including the lack of a cybersecurity policy, poor defense coordination between the public and private sector, and almost no reliable government system to shoot down false propaganda when it arises.

They stressed that there was a false sense of complacency in government, with information technology expert Thomas Rid of Kings College London highlighting a close and surprising example: The security chips on congressional staffers identification badges, he said, are fake.

The badge doesnt actually have a proper chip. It has a picture of a chip, Rid said. Its only to prevent chip envy. That tells you theres a serious IT security problem.

Experts stressed Russia has no political allies in the United States and will, as Watts put it, attack or discredit people on both sides of the aisle . . . solely based on what they want to achieve in their own landscape, whatever the Russian foreign policy objectives are. They win because they play both sides.

He also said that President Trumps actions in particular  such as calling attention to conspiracy theories and tweeting about them  are helping Russian propaganda succeed in the United States.

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr (R-N.C.), right, sits next to the panels top Democrat, Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-Va.), during the committee's hearing March 30 on alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. (Susan Walsh/AP)

[Burr and Warner: In the spotlight, and arm in arm, on Russia probe]

Part of the reason active measures have worked in this U.S. election is because the commander in chief has used Russian active measure at times against his opponents, Watts said, citing the presidents history of making unsubstantiated claims about voter fraud, Barack Obamas birthplace and a rigged election.

At peak times, he added, fake accounts swarm-tweet conspiracy theories at the president in the hope he will cite them, lending them credibility and strengthening Russias ability to sow more discord in the United States.

Until we get a firm basis on fact and fiction in our own country . . . whether it be do I support the intelligence community or a story I read on my Twitter feed, were going to have a big problem, Watts said.

[Senate Intelligence Committee to start Russia probe interviews next week]

The testimony came a day after the committees chairman and vice chairman, Sens. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and Mark R. Warner (D-Va.), stood side by side in a rare news briefing to offer an update on the status of their investigation.

They did so as the House Intelligence Committees probe has effectively ground to halt, with Democratic members accusing the Republican chairman, Rep. Devin Nunes (Calif.), of undermining the investigation by working on Trumps behalf.

Experts suggested that Congress has no time to sort out its political differences before addressing the Russian threat. They warned that Russia, having successfully deployed an Internet army to affect an American election, will probably look for future political targets and exploit new technologies to sow more discord in the electoral process and more distrust among citizens of the countrys democratic institutions.

Somewhere in their cache right now theres tremendous amounts of information laying around they can weaponize against other Americans, Watts warned.

The witnesses said Russias active measures date at least to 2009, when fake, Russian-owned social-media accounts began popping up online. Those accounts  meant to look as if they belong to Americans, pictures and all  amount to an easily deployable influence army critical to spreading Russian propaganda, the witnesses argued.

In 2014, they began to work on influence campaigns more intently, and by 2015 they had tied hacking and influence together at the same time, Watts said, specifically referring to the hacking of the Democratic National Committee and the later release of that information publicly.

In just March and April of 2016, Rid added, Russians targeted at least 109 full-time Hillary Clinton campaign staffers, as well as several DNC staffers.

Experts said they have no way of knowing which attacks were carried out by automatic bots and which were not, imploring lawmakers to seek more detailed data from social-media companies.

They also urged lawmakers to think about ways Russia could exploit new technologies, drawing particular attention to virtual reality, the simulated worlds in which people can interact through a headset or helmet with people and places that seem real but arent.

Anybody who could set up the reality is going to have a very decided advantage in politics and other areas, Godson said.

The experts encouraged investigators to follow the trail of Russian money, through oligarchs, and to follow the trail of dead Russians, Watts said, referring to a string of prominent Russians who have recently died or been killed, to find clues about how Russian money is laundered.

Finally, they warned that the intelligence community has to change its way of thinking and focus on what is going on in public arenas such as social media as much as they do on closed secure transactions, since the spread of propaganda is such a critical part of Russias campaign.

Most of this influence came online. They essentially duplicated an old active-measure system without setting foot in the United States, Watts said. When it comes to open source, we miss whats right in front of our nose.

Read more at PowerPost
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) speaks in his office in the U.S. Capitol on March 30, 2017. (Katherine Frey/The Washington Post)

The top Senate Democrat warned on Thursday that it is unlikely Democrats and Republicans can reach a deal by next week to avoid a bitter showdown over the confirmation of Neil Gorsuch, President Trumps first choice to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.

I dont think theyll be able to come to any kind of agreement, Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in an interview with The Washington Post. Its virtually impossible.

The warning came at a critical moment for Trump and lawmakers still reeling from last weeks decision to abruptly end debate on a Republican plan to rewrite health-care policy. The decision has upended the political dynamic on Capitol Hill, giving Democrats a stronger hand in upcoming debates over the federal budget, potential talks over revamping the tax code and transportation funding  all major priorities for Trump.

But Democratic senators can only slow, not stop, Republicans from confirming Gorsuch, a 49-year-old judge on the Denver-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit whose nomination has united GOP lawmakers behind Trump as nothing else so far this year.

On Thursday, two moderate Democrats facing GOP pressure to support Gorsuch, Sens. Heidi Heitkamp (N.D.) and Joe Manchin III (W.Va.), said that they would back him. But an additional 32 Democrats oppose Gorsuch and plan to filibuster him, according to a Washington Post whip count  meaning that the judge will need 60 votes to clear a procedural hurdle before a final confirmation vote scheduled for later next week.

View Graphic How Gorsuchs judicial experience compares with his Supreme Court predecessors

[How many votes Democrats need to block Neil Gorsuchs Supreme Court nomination]

Republicans hold 52 seats in the Senate, not enough votes to defeat a filibuster but enough to invoke the nuclear option that would change Senate rules and allow Gorsuchs confirmation  and others after it  to proceed on a simple majority vote.

Senators fearful of ending long-standing traditions tried in recent days to ward off a bitter floor fight but failed to launch talks on a compromise. In the interview, Schumer said he doubted that an agreement could be reached.

The deal would be, We wont change the rules on the next one, but the nuclear option is always available, he said. So how do you solve that?

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) and other Republicans have said that Gorsuch will be confirmed no matter what  a threat to change Senate rules to do so.

But Schumer said it is absurd that Republicans believe they need to change the chambers rules to confirm Gorsuch. Schumer warned that Republicans face an uphill slog that became more difficult after Gorsuchs confirmation hearing.

Over three days last week, Gorsuch spent nearly 20 hours answering approximately 1,200 questions from members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, according to aides helping him with his confirmation. He has also provided 70 pages of written responses to questions from senators of both parties, those aides said. As of Thursday, Gorsuch had met with nearly 80 senators  including seven this week, but aides declined to specify with whom he met with in recent days.

(The Washington Post)

[Neil Gorsuchs Supreme Court nomination is on track to change the Senate  and further divide the country]

Regardless, Gorsuch did not convince people he was independent and thoughtful and down the middle, Schumer said  a sentiment echoed by other Democrats in recent days.

Throughout history, the overwhelming majority of Supreme Court nominees have received a substantial majority of votes for confirmation. No Supreme Court nominee has ever been blocked by a single-party filibuster. Abe Fortas, nominated to be chief justice in 1968, was the only nominee for the court to get blocked on the so-called cloture vote, by a bipartisan coalition that had enough votes to defeat his nomination outright.

In the nearly 50 years since, just two justices  William Rehnquist and Samuel A. Alito Jr.  have been the only nominees to face a cloture vote. Rehnquist faced one when he was first nominated in 1971 and when he ascended to chief justice in 1986.

Republicans are increasingly agitated with Democratic attacks on Gorsuch. On Thursday, one of his staunchest defenders, Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.), called him one of the finest men to ever serve on the bench in the history of this country and used an interview on Fox News to denounce garbage Democratic attacks on Gorsuchs record.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) described the Democratic opposition as an escalation of years-long partisan feuds over the composition of federal courts.

Its sort of like the Hatfields and McCoys; the feuds been going on for so long that people have forgotten what the initial causes were, Cornyn said on Wednesday. But it did start back in the George W. Bush administration when this whole idea of filibustering judges with requiring 60 votes was cooked up. And, unfortunately, weve been through 15 years of that, and this is just the latest incarnation of that fight.

Conservative organizations, including the National Rifle Association, are spending millions of dollars to pressure the 10 Democratic senators facing reelection next year in states that Trump won.

With Manchin and Heitkamp on board, attention will turn to others, including Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), who told donors in recent days that a decision on Gorsuch is really hard, according to a recording obtained by the Kansas City Star.

There are going to be people in this room that are going to say, No, no, no. You cannot vote for Gorsuch,  McCaskill said in the recording, which was verified by her office. Lets assume for the purposes of this discussion that we turn down Gorsuch, that there are not eight Democrats that vote to confirm him and therefore theres not enough to put him on the Supreme Court. What then?

If it comes to that, Schumer said, Democrats would be willing to consult with Trump on a replacement. As a candidate, Trump vowed to select from a list of 21 names provided by the conservative Federalist Society and Heritage Foundation. Gorsuch came from the list  and Democrats blasted Trump for outsourcing his choice.

When Schumer met with Trump and other senators in January to discuss the Supreme Court, he said he told Trump that we couldnt support anybody on that list.

Asked for the names of potential replacements, Schumer demurred.

I have not done the research. Im not going to throw out a name now before the process unfolds, he said.

Read more at PowerPost
(Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post)

President Trump threatened Thursday to try to knock off members of the House Freedom Caucus in next years elections if they dont fall in line  an extraordinary move that laid bare an escalating civil war within a Republican Party struggling to enact an ambitious agenda.

In a series of tweets that began in the morning, the president warned that the powerful group of hard-line conservatives who helped block the partys health-care bill last week would hurt the entire Republican agenda if they dont get on the team, & fast.

The president vowed to fight them as well as Democrats in the 2018 midterm elections, a warning that his allies said was intended in the short term to make members of the Freedom Caucus think twice about crossing him again. But Trumps pledge was met with defiance by many in the bloc, including some members who accused him of succumbing to the establishment in Washington that he had campaigned against.

Later in the day, Trump singled out three of the groups members in another tweet, saying that if Reps. Mark Meadows (N.C.), Jim Jordan (Ohio) and Raul R. Labrador (Idaho) got on board, we would have both great healthcare and massive tax cuts & reform.

Most of the roughly three dozen Freedom Caucus members were elected from safe Republican districts, and many of them faced no primary opposition. To make good on his threat, Trump would have to recruit GOP candidates to make the case that the Republican incumbent they face was unhelpful to an unorthodox, populist president.

Trumps frustrations with the Freedom Caucus also reflect only part of his challenge in moving legislation, even in a Congress where his party controls both chambers. If Trump does too much to mollify members of the hard-line group, he risks alienating a similar number of more moderate Republicans in districts won or narrowly lost by last years Democratic presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton.

And on many pieces of Trumps congressional agenda, hell need the support of at least some Democrats, particularly in the Senate, an uncertain prospect given the toxic partisan environment on the Hill.

House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) told reporters a few hours after Trumps first tweet on Thursday that he sympathized with him.

I understand the presidents frustration, Ryan said. About 90 percent of our conference is for this bill to repeal and replace Obamacare and about 10 percent are not. And thats not enough to pass a bill.

Ryan said he had no immediate plans to bring the bill back to the House floor, saying it was too big of an issue to not get right.

Trump and his White House advisers have been particularly frustrated by the intransigence of several prominent Freedom Caucus members, led by Meadows.

In White House meetings, Trump lobbied them intensively, only to see the bill collapse last Friday after Meadows and some of his allies said they would not vote for it. The bill also faced strong opposition from a group of moderate Republicans who were concerned it went too far in cutting Medicaid and leaving millions more people without insurance.

(The Washington Post)

This has been brewing for a while, a White House official said of Trumps decision to pressure and possibly target Freedom Caucus members.

Our view is: Theres nothing as clarifying as the smell of Air Force One jet fuel. So if he needs to bring in the plane and do a rally, hes going to think about doing that, said the official, who requested anonymity because the official was not authorized to speak publicly.

The official added that Trump and White House aides are sick and tired of seeing Freedom Caucus members on television in recent days.

Trumps threat comes as Republican leaders are bracing for a month of potential GOP infighting over spending priorities. Congress must pass a spending bill by April 28 to avert a government shutdown.

Beyond that, the same divide that derailed the health-care legislation could imperil the next marquee legislation that Trump wants to tackle: tax reform.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters Thursday that Trump remains committed to a bold and robust agenda, adding: Hes going to get the votes from wherever he can.

Since Fridays debacle, Trump and his aides have increasingly talked up the possibility of working with Democrats on a reboot of the health-care bill and other priorities  but that prospect has also divided Republicans on Capitol Hill.

In in a CBS News interview that aired Thursday morning, Ryan said he does not want to see Trump have to work with Democrats on revamping the Affordable Care Act  drawing flak from some members of his own party, including Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), who said Trumps bipartisan overtures should be encouraged.

[Hill Republicans trying to avert a shutdown need Democrats  and Trump]

Hes irritated, anti-tax advocate Grover Norquist said in explaining Trumps decision to lash out at Freedom Caucus members. During the health-care discussions, the Freedom Caucus would say theyd support him if they got one thing, then theyd want another thing. If youre Trump, you wonder, Why are these people meeting with me if theyre always going to be a no vote?

If Trump gets involved in Republican primaries, Norquist said he thinks its possible he could get some scalps.

Though Trumps national job approval numbers are historically low for a new president, he remains popular in many of the districts where Freedom Caucus members were elected. At the same time, most of those members won a larger percentage of the vote in their districts than Trump did.

On Capitol Hill, Trumps tweet was met with a range of reactions: Some members said it could prove counterproductive while others praised him for using the power of his office in a way he hasnt to this point.

Rep. Mark Sanford (R-S.C.), who has called for health-insurance reform to work its way through Congress more slowly, said that with Trumps tweet on Thursday, the president was taking exactly the wrong approach.

The idea of threatening your way to legislative success may not be the wisest of strategies, Sanford said Thursday. His message yesterday was that he wanted to work with Democrats; I guess the message today is, We need to fight against Freedom Caucus members and Democrats. . . . Its a case of shooting messengers who were, rightfully, pointing out problems in a bill that the American public has not shown a proclivity toward.

Jordan, another Freedom Caucus member, said the break with Trump was based on real policy differences, not a lack of loyalty.

The president can say what he wants and thats fine. But were focused on the legislation, Jordan said.

Some of the harshest responses to Trump came via Twitter, his preferred means of provocative communication. Those included a tweet from Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.), who said that Trumps support of the health-care bill signaled he was now part of the Washington elite.

It didnt take long for the swamp to drain @realDonaldTrump, said Amash, a member of the Freedom Caucus and one of Trumps frequent GOP critics. No shame, Mr. President. Almost everyone succumbs to the D.C. Establishment.

Rep. Chris Collins (R-N.Y.), a Trump ally, said the presidents focus on the Freedom Caucus was well placed as the White House attempts to steady itself and rethink its congressional coalitions.

Collins, a member of the Tuesday Group, a group of moderate House Republicans, rejected the notion  put forth this week by members of both groups  that there could be an accommodation between them on the health-care bill.

The Tuesday Group will never meet with the Freedom Caucus, with a capital N-E-V-E-R, Collins said, spelling out the last word.

Some Republicans said they see potential for Trump forging a governing coalition that includes some Democrats.

Trump is a New York-type bargainer who wants to get something done, said Rep. Peter T. King (R-N.Y.). That approach will give him a lot of room to maneuver on taxes and infrastructure. Once you break the barrier that every bill has to have total Republican support, you can be more creative.

Michael Steel, who was a senior aide to former House speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio), said there is potential in some districts for Trump to dislodge Freedom Caucus members.

If the president chooses to support primary challengers to House members whove been unhelpful, it wouldnt necessarily be an ideological challenge, Steel said. It would be based on loyalty to the president, or lack thereof.

But Steel added: You dont necessarily have to wait for 2018 for this to have an effect.

There is precedent for Republican leaders taking aim at Freedom Caucus members. A spate of 2015 ads purchased by the American Action Network, a nonprofit issue advocacy group with ties to House GOP leaders, targeted Jordan and two other hard-liners for opposing a Department of Homeland Security funding bill.

Those ads infuriated members of the caucus, then only months old, and spawned a confrontational relationship that culminated in Boehners resignation six months later.

One open question is whether the National Republican Congressional Committee, the GOPs House campaign arm, would intervene on behalf of incumbents targeted by Trump.

Rep. Steve Stivers (R-Ohio), the NRCCs chairman, chuckled Thursday after a reporter read him Trumps tweet.

I want to be very clear: We have a policy of helping out incumbents that pay their dues, Stivers said, referring to the hundreds of thousands of dollars GOP lawmakers are expected to raise for the committee each election cycle. As long as they pay their dues, were gonna be there for them. . . If I was them, Id take a look and see how Im doing on my dues.

Philip Rucker, David Weigel, Sean Sullivan and Scott Clement contributed to this report.

Read more at PowerPost
Former South Korean president Park Geun-hye was arrested early Friday and taken to a detention center so she could be questioned further in the corruption scandal that forced her from office three weeks ago.

It was another dramatic turn in the life of the 65-year-old, who was considered a political princess because of her familys tragic history long before she became South Koreas first female president.

Park was taken to a detention center outside Seoul at 4:30 a.m. local time to be held in a 70-square-foot cell, where she will be given $1.30 meals on metal trays while she is questioned about her role in the scandal.

Prosecutors have identified 13 imprisonable charges that could be laid against Park, including bribery, abuse of power, coercion and leaking government secrets. Park lost her immunity from prosecution when South Koreas Constitutional Court upheld her impeachment on March 10 after concluding that she had continuously violated the law.

The former president continued to deny all wrongdoing during a 14-hour interrogation last week, leading prosecutors to ask for a warrant for her arrest. They said they were concerned Park would destroy evidence if she remained at large.

The Seoul Central District Court agreed this was a risk and issued a warrant early Friday. Park, who had been present in the court during the nine-hour hearing and was waiting at the prosecutors office for the decision, was immediately taken to the detention center.

TV footage from outside the detention center showed crowds of Parks supporters, some waving American flags, flanked by police.

[ South Korean prosecutors request warrant to arrest former president Park ]

Choi Soon-Sil, Parks lifelong friend and confidante who is at the center of this scandal, is being held at the same detention center, as is Lee Jae-yong, the de facto head of Samsung. Both are on trial and strongly deny any wrongdoing.

Prosecutors allege that Choi used her friendship with the president to extract $70 million in bribes from conglomerates as kickbacks for business favors, and that the former president colluded in the scheme.

Lee is accused of giving or promising to give Choi $37 million to ensure government support for the merger of two Samsung units  crucial for the Samsung scion to retain control of South Koreas biggest conglomerate.

Park became the third South Korean president to be arrested. But the previous two were former generals who held office immediately before and after South Koreas transition to democracy in 1987.

Ousted South Korean president Park Geun-hye leaves after a hearing Thursday on prosecutors' request for her arrest for corruption. She was arrested early Friday. (Ahn Young-joon/Pool/Reuters)

It is another landmark development in the history of South Korean democracy and in Parks life.

Park lived in the Blue House  the presidents office and residence  as a child, while her father, military strongman Park Chung-hee, was president.

[ South Koreas impeached president questioned for 14 hours amid corruption probe ]

When Park Geun-hye was 22, her mother was killed by a North Korean sympathizer who was trying to assassinate her father, and Park effectively became first lady. Five years later, Park Chung-hee was killed by his own spy chief.

As a result, Park Geun-hye, who continues to wear the hairstyle favored by her mother in the 1970s, has been seen as a tragic figure by some.

Older conservatives who were nostalgic for her fathers era, when South Korea industrialized at an astonishing pace, formed the base of support that helped return Park to the Blue House in 2013.

But she soon fell afoul of the general public, accused of mishandling the Sewol ferry disaster that killed 304 people a year into her tenure.

That sowed the seeds for the anger that erupted last year when reports began to emerge of a huge corruption and influence-peddling scheme at the very top tiers of government and business.

Read more:

South Korean prosecutors say president colluded in corruption scandal

South Koreans celebrate presidents impeachment

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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Ethiopias parliament voted unanimously Thursday to extend the countrys state of emergency for another four months after top officials warned of the continuing threat of unrest.

Ethiopia, Africas second most populous country and a regional power house, declared the state of emergency in October after widespread rioting broke out and foreign factories were attacked following the death of dozens at a cultural festival.

Ethiopia is a close U.S. ally in the fight against extremism in the unstable Horn of Africa region and has also become a magnet for foreign investment, especially in manufacturing.

Defense Minister Siraj Fegessa, the point man for the state of emergency, said there were still some people who occasionally strive to disrupt peace and security, according to the state-owned Fana Broadcasting. The extension was needed, he said, to ensure the prevailing peace reached the point of no return.

The state of emergency imposed broad restrictions on freedom of assembly and gave security forces wide powers to arrest people and search premises. According to government figures, more than 26,000 people were detained under the state of emergency, and most have been released. Opposition figures have said the number detained was much higher.

[Investors shy away from Ethiopia in the wake of violent protests]

Parts of the state of emergency have since been modified. Police are now required to have warrants to arrest suspects or search their homes, and some restrictions on media had been lifted, as well.

For more than a year and a half, Ethiopias Oromo people, the countrys largest ethnic group, have been protesting against their economic marginalization, corrupt local officials and what they say are attempts to confiscate their land for the countrys rapid development.

In October, police responded to protests at the Irreecha cultural festival with tear gas, triggering a stampede that killed more than 50 people by the official count. Activists say many more died.

In the aftermath, there were attacks against government- and foreign-owned factories, prompting the declaration of the state of emergency.

There were also antigovernment protests in the northern Amhara region. Ethiopia has blamed its neighbor Eritrea, as well as Egypt, for being behind the unrest.

The government investment bureau said in February said that there was a 20 percent drop in foreign investment during the latter half of 2016 compared with the first six months of the year.

Since the emergency was declared, however, protests have dropped off dramatically, though with social media blocked, it is often difficult to determine the situation in the remote countryside.

Seyoum Teshome, a university lecturer in the Oromia region, said the government extended the state of emergency because they dont know how else to keep a lid on the unrest. If they dont extend the state of emergency, the protests may continue, because the people have no other means to express their grievances besides the open air, he said.

Teshome was detained in September just before the emergency was declared and was charged with inciting violence. He was acquitted by a jury but then was arrested again under the state of emergency and only released in December.

In the Oromia region in December, many locals told The Washington Post that their grievances had yet to be addressed and that they planned to protest once the state of emergency was lifted.

The government has promised to address poor governance at the local level, broaden the political participation of the opposition and pursue deep reform of state institutions.

Teshome said extending the state of emergency showed that little reform had taken place. They are extending the state of emergency because they havent done any real change or real reforms.

Read more:

Ethiopia boasts about economic progress but toll at garbage dump tells different story

Ethiopia faces worst unrest in years

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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The British government published plans Thursday for a herculean legislative task: converting thousands of E.U. laws onto the British books as the country begins its Brexit decoupling from Brussels.

The law-changing blueprint landed a day after British Prime Minister Theresa May triggered Article 50, officially serving the European Union divorce papers and beginning exit negotiations expected to last two years.

The swift release of the governments plans for the Great Repeal Bill reflects just how split Britain remains as divorce talks loom with the European Union. British leaders now sense a greater urgency to calm Brexit opponents, including many businesses worried about Britains new legal structure.

The repeal bill will see thousands of E.U. laws  covering such topics as workers rights, environmental rules and finance regulations  transposed into British codes to provide legal certainty and a smooth and orderly departure from the European Union.

The bill seeks to show workers, consumers and businesses that the rules have not changed overnight, David Davis, the Brexit secretary, told the House of Commons.

He also said it signaled the end of the supremacy of E.U. law in Britain.

Our laws will then be made in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, he said, referring to the capitals of the four members of the United Kingdom.

The plans, published in a policy paper, have been described as a gigantic cut and paste job, repatriating 40 years of powers from Brussels to London. From there, Britain will decide which laws to keep and which to scrap  with the government granted new authority to make the changes.

But officials insist that the powers  dubbed Henry VIII powers by critics after the imperious monarch  are needed to make corrections to E.U. laws once they are taken onto the books.

Some opposition lawmakers called it a government power grab and said that the plans give the government too much authority to change laws without parliamentary oversight.

Keir Starmer, the opposition Labour Partys Brexit spokesman, said that the plans give sweeping powers to the executive and that rigorous safeguards are needed.

Some Brexit proponents see this as a golden opportunity to scrap E.U. regulations that they consider an infringement on businesses.

The Daily Telegraph, a right-leaning British newspaper, urged the Conservative Party to promise a bonfire of E.U. red tape in its 2020 manifesto to put Britain on a radically different course.

Boris Johnson, the foreign secretary, told the Commons earlier this week that Brexit will be an opportunity for this country to get rid of some of the burdensome regulation that has accreted over the last 44 years  when Britain joined the group that would evolve into the European Union.

Others say that the regulations are essential and that Britain would suffer if its laws did not closely mesh with the 27 remaining E.U. states.

Caroline Lucas, the co-leader of the Green Party, tweeted that the bill could undermine 40 years of environmental and social protections with no Parliamentary scrutiny.

The consequences of the Great Repeal Bill could be widespread, and analysts said that companies across industries will be following events closely.

Mujtaba Rahman, an analyst with the Eurasia Group, said in a briefing note that an enormous lobbying operation will swing into action as different sectors try to defend their interests during the filtering process.

Business will be watching the debate closely, he said.
Homes in the Israeli settlement of Efrat in the occupied West Bank on Feb. 7. (Ammar Awad/Reuters)

Israels government on Thursday appeared set to approve the construction of a new Jewish settlement in the West Bank for the first time in 20 years, despite fierce opposition from Palestinians and a recent request from the White House to hold back on settlement activity.

The move, which was unanimously approved by the security cabinet and is awaiting a final go-ahead from the wider cabinet, is meant as compensation for the settlement of Amona, which was demolished more than a month ago after Israels Supreme Court ruled that it was built on land privately owned by Palestinian farmers.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been under pressure at home to uphold his promise to the 40 families evicted from Amona to resettle them on an alternative parcel of land in the West Bank.

If the plan for the new settlement goes ahead, it would contradict a request by President Trump in February for Israel to hold back on settlements until an understanding is reached between the two governments on the issue.

A team of Israeli officials, led by Israels ambassador to the United States, Ron Dermer, met last week with Jason Greenblatt, Trumps special representative for international negotiations, to find a solution. The talks, however, ended in a stalemate, with the White House expressing its concerns about settlement construction.

Israels settler movement has expected Trump to be more supportive of its goals to expand its communities in the West Bank after eight years of restrictions and criticism during the Obama administration.

Greenblatt has expressed the Trump administrations interest in restarting the stalled peace process between the two sides. But a new Israeli settlement could make achieving that goal more difficult.

Greenblatt visited the region earlier this month, meeting with Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

According to Israeli human rights group BTselem, roughly 125 settlements have been built on land Israel occupied after the 1967 war with Jordan. Israel has continued to build additional housing units inside those settlements over the years.

There are a further 100 outposts, or small communities, viewed as illegal even by the Israeli government.

Palestinians oppose the existence of Israeli settlements, seeing them as an expansion of Israel into territory they hope will one day be part of a Palestinian state. Much of the international community views Israeli settlements as illegal.

Israels relentless efforts to expand its illegal settlement enterprise with the aim of displacing Palestine and replacing it with Greater Israel should send a strong message to governments worldwide that they need to intervene immediately and to undertake concrete measures to hold Israel accountable with serious punitive measures, said Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the Palestine Liberation Organizations executive committee.

Read more:

Netanyahu blasts U.N., Obama over West Bank settlements resolution

Rights groups ask court to bar Israel from taking Palestinian land for settlements

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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The State Department notified Congress on Wednesday that it supports selling F-16 fighter jets to Bahrain without requiring that the tiny island monarchy in the Persian Gulf first improve its human rights record.

The decision to proceed with the sale amounts to an abrupt reversal of an Obama administration decision. Last fall, the State Department informed Congress that it would pursue a $5 billion sale of 19 Lockheed Martin F-16s and related equipment to Bahrain. But it included the precondition that Bahrain curb human rights abuses, amid a crackdown on dissidents among the Shiite majority protesting the countrys Sunni rulers.

The about-face reflects the Trump administrations determination to train its focus on countering Irans influence in the region. The Sunni leaders of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain consider the Shiite theocracy of Iran to be a regional threat to their existence. Bahrain has a unique position for U.S. national security, too, as the home of the Navys Fifth Fleet headquarters, responsible for keeping the shipping lanes open in the waterways traversed by oil tankers.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who met this month with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, has said that the United States should give priority to its own strategic interests, part of the Trump administrations America First philosophy.

The State Department declined to confirm it has decided to drop the arms-sale leverage it had used to promote respect for human rights in Bahrain.

As a matter of policy, the department does not comment upon or confirm proposed U.S. defense sales or transfers until they have been formally notified to Congress, a State Department official said.

Human Rights Watch urged Congress to restore human rights as a precondition of sale.

At a moment when Bahrain is in the middle of an intensified crackdown, removing the conditions attached to the F-16 sale will validate hard-liners in the government who want to completely silence dissent and walk away from commitments on reform, said Sarah Margon, the Washington director of the advocacy group. Congress should use its authority to correct course and, unless the conditions remain, block the sale.

But in a statement released by his office Wednesday night, Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said there are better ways to get Bahrain to treat its own citizens with dignity than setting preconditions for arms sales.

This type of conditionality would be unprecedented and counterproductive to maintaining security cooperation and ultimately addressing human rights issues, he said in a statement. There are more effective ways to seek changes in partner policies than publicly conditioning weapons transfers in this manner.

The State Department notification kicks off a 40-day review by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, although it could be shorter if everyone on the committee clears the sale, or longer if a member places a hold on it. That is followed by a 30-day review before the sale can move forward.

Tillerson raised eyebrows this year when he did not appear in person for the unveiling of the annual Human Rights Report, as secretaries of state have traditionally done in a statement of American values. With the new administration just getting its footing in foreign policy, the report this year was largely the product of the State Department run by Tillersons predecessor, John F. Kerry.

The report cited several serious human rights problems, including arbitrary killings by government security forces and torture.

The State Departments notice to Congress came the same day that Gen. Joseph Votel, the commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East, told a House committee that Iran poses a threat to U.S. interests and regional stability. In his prepared remarks, Votel cited Bahrain as an example of an ally that has strong military cooperation with the United States. He said concerns over Bahrains human rights abuses had slowed the F-16 sales and continued to strain the relationship.
North Korea appears to be getting ready for another nuclear test, according to new satellite images that show a prolonged and heightened level of activity at its underground testing site.

It was not immediately possible to tell whether North Korea is putting on a performance for the satellites  a ploy it has sometimes used to raise tensions  or whether a sixth nuclear test is imminent. But analysts agree that North Korea is determined to make progress on its nuclear and missile programs.

They are trying to get a working arsenal, so the more they test, the more they learn, said Jon Wolfsthal, a senior nonproliferation adviser in the Obama administration who is now at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Its likely that theyre trying to make a device small enough to achieve their goal of putting a nuclear warhead on a long-range missile, Wolfsthal said.

North Korea has made no secret of its ambitions to build a missile capable of reaching the continental United States, and Kim Jong Un said in a Jan. 1 address that his regime had entered the final stage of preparation for a test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile.





The country has been launching medium- and intermediate-range missiles and testing rocket engines at a surprisingly fast pace over the past year, tests that analysts view as part of a bigger ICBM program.

[ North Koreas leader is a lot of things  but irrational is not one of them ]

Pyongyang has also bragged about its progress with nuclear weapons, claiming after its last test in September that it had successfully miniaturized a warhead. At the time, a state news anchor warned the United States that North Korea was able to counterattack if its enemies invaded.

With the Trump administration warning that all options are on the table to stop the North Korean threat, and South Korea and the United States conducting joint military exercises on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula, tensions are high in the region.

North Koreas Foreign Ministry issued another angry diatribe against the exercises Thursday, saying it would mount a resolute preemptive attack if it thought the United States was about to strike.

In case a war breaks out on the Korean Peninsula, the U.S. will be held wholly accountable for it, no matter who will launch a preemptive attack, as it is causing trouble by bringing lots of nuclear strategic assets and special warfare means, said the statement, carried by the official Korean Central News Agency.

Adding to these tensions, April is an important month on the North Korean calendar  the regime celebrates the anniversary of founding president Kim Il Sungs birthday on April 15  and North Korea has a habit of timing provocative actions with key dates.

The next such action could be a nuclear test.

New commercial satellite imagery of the Punggye-ri nuclear test site in the northeastern part of North Korea shows an increased level of activity there.

It certainly looks like theyre preparing for another test, Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., chief analytics officer for AllSource Analysis, a Denver-based consulting firm, said after reviewing new satellite images. The images were published on the 38 North specialist website Wednesday.

Photos taken Tuesday show a group of as many as 100 people standing outside the main administration building at the test site.

The last time we saw a large formation of people like this was six weeks before the February 2016 test, Bermudez said. When you look at the way theyre draining water and removing rubble, it sure looks like theyre getting ready for another test.

[ As North Korea arsenal grows, experts see heightened risk of miscalculation ]

Images taken between March 24 and 28 show four or five vehicles or trailers at the entrance to the north portal of the underground site and machinery to pump water out of the site, presumably to keep the tunnels dry for communications and monitoring equipment that appear to have been installed.

The North Koreans know when commercial satellites are passing overhead and typically try to avoid activities during that time, Bermudez and fellow analyst Jack Liu wrote for 38 North. The fact these formations can be seen suggests that Pyongyang is sending a political message that the sixth nuclear test will be conducted soon.

Alternatively, it may be engaged in a well-planned game of brinkmanship, they wrote.

South Korean government officials also see signs of preparations for another test.

We have intelligence that North Korea may conduct its sixth nuclear test in the first week of April and are in the process of confirming this, an unnamed South Korean military intelligence official told the JoongAng Ilbo newspaper. We have determined that North Korea is expected to finish all preparations for a nuclear test by March 31.

Furthermore, South Korean officials say they have spotted Kims private airplane at an airfield near the Punggye-ri test site.

Our assessment is that the North is ready to conduct the nuclear test when they get the green light from Kim Jong Un, Lee Duck-haeng, a spokesman for the Unification Ministry, which is in charge of the Souths relations with the North, told reporters Wednesday.

But Joshua Pollack, editor of the Nonproliferation Review, was skeptical of the images, saying that they showed an active site  as they always do.

Many people are anticipating a test in light of the recent North Korean missile tests and a reading of the diplomatic tea leaves, Pollack said. The picture probably shouldnt lead anyone to change that judgment one way or the other.

[ Defying skeptics, Kim Jong Un marks five years at the helm of North Korea ]

While April 15 is an auspicious day in North Korea, and the Supreme Peoples Assembly, the nations rubber-stamp parliament, will be convened on April 11, Kim might see an opportunity to interrupt another bilateral summit in the United States.

North Korea tested an intermediate-range ballistic missile  its first launch since Donald Trump was elected president  in February just as Trump was sitting down for dinner at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Trump is expected to host Chinese President Xi Jinping at the resort on April 6 and 7.

Regardless of the timing, many analysts expect another nuclear test, after two were conducted last year.

Our sense has been for more than a few months that they could test at any time, said Wolfsthal of Carnegie. History suggests that they want to be prepared to test because weve started military exercises and because there is a new president in the United States, and they want to show him they are tough and wont back down.

North Korea has conducted five nuclear tests, three of them since Kim Jong Un took over the country after the death of his father at the end of 2011. Four of them took place inside the north portal of the test site at Punggye-ri.

Read more:

As North Korea fires missiles, some in Japan want the ability to launch strikes

North Korea says it was practicing to hit U.S. bases in Japan with missiles

Citing North Korea, U.S. deploys advanced defensive missile system

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, left, and with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu after their news conference in Ankara, Turkey, on March 30, 2017. (Tumay Berkin/European Pressphoto Agency)

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson traveled to Turkey on Thursday hoping to preserve the Trump administrations cordial relationship with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan despite deep policy disagreements that threaten to drive the allies apart.

But flashes of tension during the visit left doubts about whether Tillerson had succeeded and raised new questions about the future of the U.S. relationship with the NATO ally and partner in the broader fight against the Islamic State militant group.

Even before Tillerson landed, Turkish officials this week leaked to the local news media a damaging rumor about the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul that seemed timed to put pressure on the secretarys visit. At a news conference with Tillerson on Thursday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu recited a litany of complaints, including annoyance with a U.S. plan to support Kurdish fighters in Syria. Turkey says the fighters are part of a terrorist group.

[Video: Tillerson pledges support to Turkey in fight against terrorism]

Tillerson said his discussions in Turkey, which included a two-hour meeting with Erdogan, had been frank.

(The Washington Post)

These are not easy decisions, he said, referring to the debates with Turkey over combat strategy in Syria. There was no space between Turkey and the United States in our commitment to defeat the Islamic State, he said. But there were difficult choices that need to be made.

Erdogan has pinned lofty hopes on his relationship with President Trump, betting that the new leader would be a more sympathetic partner than his predecessor. Turkeys frustrations with President Barack Obama stemmed from anger at

a U.S. plan to support a Kurdish-Arab force in Syria for an assault on Raqqa, the de facto capital of the Islamic State militants. Turkey is concerned that the plan could strengthen Syrian Kurdish fighters it regards as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party, a Kurdish separatist group outlawed in Turkey.

Another sore spot is Washingtons noncompliance with a request to extradite Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish Muslim cleric living in exile in Pennsylvania. Turkey accuses Gulen of spearheading a coup attempt against Erdogans government last summer.

U.S. officials say the evidence provided by Turkey so far is insufficient to make a legal case for extradition.

[What you need to know about Turkey and the Trump administration]

On Thursday, Tillerson was full of praise for Turkey, calling the nation a long-standing ally and friend and expressing sympathy for victims of attacks by Kurdish militants. He did not comment on the Turkish governments broad purge of state institutions after last summers coup attempt or the ongoing crackdown on civil society activists, journalists and academics.

Tillerson also did not meet with any of Erdogans political opponents, because there was no time in his schedule, U.S. officials said.

Still, Trump, who spoke in glowing terms about Erdogan during the U.S. presidential campaign, has shown no sign of deviating from Obama-era policies that had so angered Turkey, including a reliance on the Syrian Kurdish force, known as the Peoples Protection Units, or YPG. In the months since Trump took office, the United States and Turkey have managed to avoid any open confrontation over their differences, with Turkish officials showing optimism that the relationship could only improve.

Something may have changed this week, however.

On Wednesday, Turkish news media reported that a telephone call had been made from the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul to one of the top suspects in last summers military coup attempt  an incendiary allegation ahead of Tillersons visit. The U.S. Embassy in Ankara quickly issued a statement confirming the phone call on July 21. But the embassy said the call was far from suspicious and was made to inform the suspect, Adil Oksuz, that his U.S. visa had been revoked at the behest of Turkish authorities.

[What Turkey was looking for when Trump called Erdogan]

Turkish authorities say Oksuz, a theology professor from Ankara, was a top aide to Gulen. Prosecutors think Oksuz helped facilitate meetings between renegade generals in Ankara ahead of the July 15 coup attempt, according to Turkish media reports.

The U.S. Embassys explanation for the call did little to quiet the controversy. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said the government was waiting for a more satisfying answer from the United States.

At the news conference Thursday, Cavusoglu also cast doubt on the embassys account, saying, We want to see the details in concrete terms.

The Turkish president and his supporters are seen as especially volatile partners these days, as they fight for votes at home in advance of a referendum in April that could give Erdogan broad new powers and extend his term in office. The referendum has already sparked bitter fights between Turkey and several European allies, including Germany and the Netherlands. U.S. officials said Tillerson was well aware of that context before he traveled to Ankara.

Meanwhile on Thursday, Belgian media reported that fighting broke out among Erdogans supporters and opponents as Turks lined up to vote in the referendum at the Turkish Embassy in Brussels, the Associated Press reported.

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said via Twitter that he will apply zero tolerance for violence surrounding the Turkish referendum.

Turkish citizens in six European countries have until April 9 to vote in the referendum.

Erin Cunningham in Istanbul contributed to this report.

Read more:

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson spends his first weeks isolated from an anxious bureaucracy

As a new relationship is tested, Turkey keeps high hopes for Trump

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A family of asylum seekers is taken into custody after crossing the border into Canada from the United States on March 28, 2017, near Hemmingford, Quebec. (Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press via AP)

Candidates for leadership of Canadas Conservative Party are calling for drastic measures to halt the flow of asylum seekers fleeing the United States into Canada, including deployment of the Canadian army to detain would-be refugees as they cross the border.

This get-tough approach reflects public opinion surveys that show a hardening of attitudes among some Canadians toward the asylum seekers and immigration in general, placing political pressure on the Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Canadian news recently has been full of images of migrants trudging across snow-covered fields and through icy ditches, hauling small children and suitcases as they cross into Quebec, Manitoba and other provinces from U.S. border states. The phenomenon has gained momentum since Donald Trump was elected president in November.

Kevin OLeary, a reality-TV celebrity and neophyte politician who has taken a Trump-like approach to his quest for the Conservative leadership, says that illegal crossings are unacceptable and that Canada must beef up its border security to avert a flood of refugees. I dont want whats happening in Europe to happen in Canada, he said in a recent campaign video.

[Heres how Canadians want Trudeau to handle Trump]

An asylum claimant and her two daughters cross the border into Canada from the United States Friday, March 17, 2017, near Hemmingford, Quebec. (Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press via AP)

OLeary, considered a leading contender in the May 27 leadership vote, seeks a new law to prevent asylum seekers from getting refugee hearings if they cross the border illegally. He admits that the measure would contravene Canadas Charter of Rights and Freedoms but wants to use a special constitutional clause to permit an override of those protections.

Another top leadership hopeful, Maxime Bernier, a member of Parliament from Quebec, would go even further. If more police and the border security agents fail to stop the flow of migrants, I would look at additional temporary measures, including deploying Canadian forces in troubled border areas, he said.

According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the force intercepted 1,134 asylum seekers crossing the border outside regular ports of entry in January and February, with most of the crossings taking place in Quebec, British Columbia and Manitoba. The force said it does not have comparable figures for the same period in 2016.

Under a 2002 agreement with the United States, asylum seekers must make their claims in the first safe country where they arrive, or they can be turned back. That means asylum claimants arriving at a Canadian land border can be rejected automatically when coming from the United States. But there is an exception if refugees cross into Canada unofficially and then make their claim.

[Canadas immigrant policy isnt quite that dreamy]

Alex Neve, secretary general of Amnesty International Canada, said that its 150 percent politics that is motivating the Conservative leadership aspirants. How many thousands of kilometers of border are we talking about? Are we going to have military patrols along the border? Neve said.

He also noted that the numbers remain small compared with the thousands of asylum seekers and resettled refugees who enter Canada every year, including 40,000 refugees from Syria.

An asylum claimant pleads to Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers for safe passage with her two daughters Friday, March 17, 2017, near Hemmingford, Quebec. (Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press via AP)

I think its important not to suggest that we are even remotely in the realm of a crisis, he said.

An Ipsos survey published last week by Thomson-Reuters said that 48 percent of respondents wanted the migrants returned to the United States, while 36 percent wanted to allow them to remain and seek refugee status. A poll conducted for Radio-Canada, the French service of the Canadian Broadcasting Corp., showed that although most Canadians still see immigration as a strength for the country, 37 percent think there is too much of it and 25 percent want to see a Trump-like ban on Muslim immigration.

The Trudeau government hit back at suggestions that the border situation was out of control.

There is no free ticket to Canada for those attempting to slip across the border, said an official in the office of Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen. Once irregular crossers are on Canadian soil, they are apprehended, identified, subject to security and health checks, and dealt with according to Canadian law.

[More students in U.S. look to head north]

Osaa Ahmed, a 37-year-old Ghanaian, is one of the irregular crossers now safely in Canada. He told The Washington Post that he fled Ghana last year to escape discrimination for his sexual orientation. He flew to Ecuador and then traveledthrough Colombia, Central America and Mexico with the aim of getting to the United States.

When Ahmed reached the U.S. border at Brownsville, Tex., he presented himself to U.S. authorities and asked for asylum. The next thing I knew, they chained me up, he said. After initially being detained in Texas, he was transferred to a jail in Pennsylvania, where he had a hearing with immigration authorities. His request for asylum was denied.

Freed while awaiting deportation to Ghana, Ahmed traveled to Minneapolis, where a friend suggested he seek asylum in Canada. In November he took a bus to Grand Forks, N.D., got into a taxi with a fellow Ghanaian and headed to the border.

He dropped us in a farm field. He pointed us to some lights and told us to go there, Ahmed said. They ended up walking for six or seven hours through the night before turning up in the town of Emerson, Manitoba.

Police took them to border officials, who registered and fingerprinted them. They gave us hot tea and a warm blanket because all our clothes were wet, Ahmed said.

He then traveled to Winnipeg, where he had his refugee hearing Feb. 22.

I was granted refugee status in Canada, Ahmed said. Im so happy. He is sharing an apartment, waiting for his work permit and planning to return to a university.

Its excellent, he said. Much, much better than the U.S. Here in Canada, they give you respect.

Read more

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Jordan Davidson Arrested In Flint Overnight  Police Renew Appeal For Information

This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Mar 29th, 2017

Following the arrest of a 25-year-old Wrexham man for the murder of Nicholas Anthony Churton, police are renewing their appeal for information to assist their investigation.



Officers were called at 8.23am on Monday March 27 to an address in Crescent Close, Wrexham where the body of Mr Churton, aged 67 was found.

Suspect, Jordan James Lee Davidson, 25 was arrested in Flint in the early hours of March 29th. He is currently in custody in St Asaph.

Det Supt Iestyn Davies, who is leading the investigation said: Mr Churton who lived alone and was a vulnerable, partially disabled man, died in horrific circumstances.

I would like to thank the people of Wrexham for their support so far, and I am now appealing again for as much information as we can get from the public to help us with our investigation.

It is my belief that Mr Churton was killed sometime between 2.45pm on Thursday and midnight on Friday March 24. I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who heard or witnessed a disturbance in Crescent Close in that time.

Meanwhile a 35-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman, both from Old Colwyn, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

A 27-year-old man from Wrexham arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender remains in police custody.

A 19-year-old woman and 51-year old man from Wrexham arrested along with Davidson in Flint remain in custody on suspicion of a robbery committed against a man in the Chester area last night, for which Davidson has also been arrested.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting reference V042465.
Over the past several weeks, sharp tensions emerged between Beijing and Manila over the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, exposing the advanced character of the crisis gripping the Philippines, a result of Washingtons preparations for war with China.

The Scarborough Shoal is a triangular chain of rocks and atolls located 140 miles west of the Philippine island of Luzon. In the wake of the Obama administrations launching its pivot to Asia in 2010, this collection of rocks in the South China Sea became the subject of fierce contention. Manila and Beijing came to the brink of a shooting war over the shoal in a military stand-off that lasted for months in the first half of 2012.

Tensions flared up again over Scarborough in the first part of March, as Reuters reported on March 17 that Xiao Jie, mayor of Sansha, a prefecture of Chinese claimed islets and features in the South China Sea, had announced that China would be constructing an environmental monitoring station on Scarborough.

Washington has repeatedly indicated that Scarborough is a geopolitical red-line, and moves by China to construct facilities there would not be tolerated. Speaking in 2016, then US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter threatened that a reclamation activity by Beijing in Scarborough would result in actions being taken by both United States and ... by others in the region which would have the effect of not only increasing tensions, but isolating China.

The report on Scarborough coincided with a larger provocation staged by Washington over the South China Sea. Two days earlier, on March 15, Reuters released a report on alleged new Chinese construction in the South China Sea. On the same day, US Senators Marco Rubio and Ben Cardin introduced the South China Sea and East China Sea Sanctions Act, calling for a ban on visas for Chinese people helping to build South and East China Sea projects. It would impose sanctions on foreign financial bodies that knowingly conduct or facilitate a significant financial transaction for sanctioned individuals and entities.

The politics of the Philippines are in an advanced state of crisis as a result of President Rodrigo Dutertes attempt to rebalance the countrys economic and diplomatic ties toward Beijing by downplaying Manilas claims in the South China Sea. Prominent sections of his own administration have publicly contradicted the president over questions relating to geopolitics, among them the military, the justice department, and most recently, the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The announcement that China was going to engage in construction on Scarborough brought these tensions to the fore.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on March 19 demanded that Beijing give an explanation for the reports of planned construction. Duterte, seeking to contain tensions and continue developing relations with Beijing, declared We cannot stop China from doing this thing. ... What do you want me to do? What do you want? Declare war against China?

Philippine Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio, who has played a central role in promoting the Philippine legal claim in the South China Sea, intervened in the dispute on March 20. He sharply informed the president that he had a constitutional duty to defend the Philippines against China. Carpio admitted, however, that in a war, the Philippines was too weak to defeat the Chinese military. He then proposed his solution: Send the Philippine Navy to patrol Scarborough Shoal. If the Chinese attack Philippine navy vessels, then invoke the Phil-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty which covers any armed attack on Philippine navy vessels operating in the South China Sea.

In other words, a justice of the Philippine Supreme Court is publicly proposing that Manila provoke a conflict with China in order to invoke Washingtons treaty obligations.

Emboldened by Carpios speech, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre declared that Manila was going to file a formal protest against Beijing before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague. The PCA handed down a ruling against Chinas territorial claims in the South China Sea in the middle of 2016, a ruling which Duterte has studiously avoided invoking.

Chinese Foreign Minister Hua Chunying declared on March 22 that China had no plan to build on Scarborough. Hua added that the Chinese cherish the good momentum of the bilateral relationship [with the Philippines] and will be committed to pushing forward the sound, steady and rapid growth of the relationship.

An openly acknowledged difficulty with Carpios proposal for war with China is that the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between Manila and Washington, which obligates either party to go to war in event the other signatory is attacked, does not in fact cover the South China Sea, but only island territories and ships in the Pacific.

Over the past weeks, simultaneous with those over Scarborough, tensions have erupted over a previously politically irrelevant volcanic ridge known as the Benham Rise, a submerged land mass to which no country but the Philippines lays claim, stretching 250 kilometers east of the northern island of Luzon, into the Pacific Ocean. Several leading Filipino political figures, among them Carpio, have publicly speculated that a conflict in the Pacific, not the South China Sea, would be needed to invoke the MDT.

In mid-March, Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzanaa man who has repeatedly revealed that he speaks for the interests of Washington far more than he does for his supposed boss, Duterteabruptly denounced Chinese vessels for conducting maritime surveys over the Benham Rise.

China responded that they acknowledged that the Benham Rise was part of the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and that they were just sailing through the waters which they were free to do. Duterte announced that he had authorized the Chinese to sail through the Benham Rise. Lorenzana publicly contradicted Duterte, stating that he had received no notice of this authorization and declaring that he was sending ships to the Benham Rise to patrol, and if necessary, confront Chinese vessels. The foreign affairs secretary chimed in, declaring that he also had received no notice of authorization being given to China.

Confronted with this incipient mutiny within the cabinet, Dutertes national security adviser, Hermogenes Esperon, angrily denounced the defense and foreign affairs statements. He declared that Duterte as the chief architect of foreign policy, does not need to inform his subordinates about all his decisions. The DFA and DND [Defense] are departments under the President. Are you telling me everything the President does, he has to inform the department?

On Monday, Duterte met with Chinese ambassador Zhao Jianhau in Davao City where they confirmed plans for Duterte to travel to Beijing at the invitation of Xi Jinping in May. The May meeting, presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella declared, would be the first implementation of a new bilateral mechanism for handling the South China Sea issue.

This is a remarkable development. Beijing has long pressed for bilateral resolution to the territorial disputes, to which Washington has aggressively counter-posed the need for multilateral discussionsin which it could be a participant and directly influence the outcome. Under former President Benigno Aquino, Manila relentlessly opposed Beijings appeals on this issue. What is more, Abella referred to the disputed waters as the South China Sea, dropping the nomenclature established under Aquino of West Philippine Sea.

At the same meeting, Duterte and Zhao confirmed arrangements for members of the Philippine Coast Guard to travel to China for joint exercises with their Chinese counterparts.

This sharp infighting all points to bitter and intensifying divisions in ruling circles in the Philippines over foreign policy with powerful sections of the Manila elites moving against Duterte over his tilt away from the US, its military ally, and towards China, its major trading partner.
The House Intelligence Committee investigation of alleged Russian interference in the 2016 US elections ground to a halt this week, as the Republican chairman cancelled all hearings and meetings, while Democratic members demanded he recuse himself from the probe.

The committee held a nationally televised hearing March 20 at which FBI Director James Comey confirmed for the first time publicly that the agency was investigating both alleged Russian interference in the 2016 elections and possible collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russian government.

That hearing was to be followed by a second, scheduled for Tuesday, March 28, with public testimony from three top officials of the Obama administrationformer Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, former CIA Director John Brennan and former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates.

However, Chairman Devin Nunes, a California Republican, cancelled the hearing March 24 without giving any explanation, saying that he first wanted to hear from Comey and the director of the National Security Agency, Admiral Michael Rogers, in a closed-door setting where they could answer questions they had declined to discuss in public.

There were indications that Nunes was coordinating his actions with the White House, which sent a letter to Yatess attorney, warning him that Yates should not testify about her communications with the White House about then-National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, whose telephone calls with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak were monitored by US intelligence agencies.

Only hours after Yatess attorney informed the White House that Yates would testify despite attempts to invoke executive privilege to gag her, Nunes cancelled the hearing at which she was to appear.

That its purpose was to block the public hearing and thereby reduce the combined pressure of the media and the Democratic Party on the White House was demonstrated by the fact that Nunes gave no date for the closed-door hearing for Comey and Rogers, which he now claimed was a higher priority.

Nunes also cancelled regularly scheduled meetings of the committee on Monday and Thursday at which members might have questioned his decision, and then revealed that no public hearings would be held until after the congressional recess for Easter, which ends April 25.

Over the past week, the conflict over the Trump-Russia investigation has been dominated by media headlines sparked by the unprecedented action of Nunes, who visited the White House to give Trump a private briefing on intelligence information he had received about the monitoring of communications between Trump transition officials and representatives of foreign governments.

This action was a clear breach of the separation of powerscongressional committees, like that chaired by Nunes, are supposed to exercise oversight of executive branch activities, not report to the executive branch in secret.

The episode became even more questionable when Nunes revealed that he had received the intelligence information about the monitoring of Trump transition communications at an executive office on the White House grounds. This raised the prospect that he was receiving information from the White House and then feeding it back as a discovery in a way that would be politically helpful to the president.

Behind the occasionally bizarre details, however, lie major foreign policy disputes within the US ruling elite, with powerful forces, particularly in the military-intelligence apparatus, opposed to Trumps apparently softer line on Russiaor at least, his shift towards confronting China and Iran first, rather than continuing with the Obama policy of confronting Russia in the Middle East, Ukraine and the Baltic states.

The underlying foreign policy conflict is demonstrated by the line-up within Congress over whether to condemn or support Nunes, which did not break along strictly partisan lines. Senate Republicans who have opposed Trumps foreign policy shift on Russia, such as John McCain and Lindsey Graham, condemned the actions of Nunes as bizarre and joined with Democratic calls for his ouster, and for the establishment of an independent commission into the alleged Russian intervention in the US elections.

Meanwhile both the rhetoric from the Democratic Party and the media headlines about supposed ties between Trump aides and Russia became more strident. USA Today published a lengthy report Wednesday on alleged ties between the Trump Organization and no fewer than 10 Russian mobsters who the newspaper claimed had invested in Trump properties and businesses.

One Democratic member of the House Intelligence Committee, Eric Swallwell, condemned the actions of Nunes as the cover-up of a crime. Senator Mark Warner, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said that Nuness trip to the White House to meet his intelligence source is more than suspicious.

The Senate committee, which is conducting a parallel investigation, announced that it had drawn up a list of 15 to 20 people who would be asked to give sworn testimony about contacts between the Trump campaign and Russian government officials. The witnesses will include Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law and a top White House adviser, who met with both the Russian ambassador and a top Russian banker during the transition period.

One of the most right-wing figures in the Republican Party echoed some of the anti-Russian rhetoric of the Democratic attacks on Trump. Former Vice President Richard Cheney, speaking at a business conference in New Delhi, India, on Monday, called Russian intervention in the US elections an act of war against the United States.

Theres no question there was a very serious effort made by Mr. Putin and his government, his organization, to interfere in major ways with our basic fundamental democratic processes, Cheney told his audience. In some quarters, that would be considered an act of war. I think its a kind of conduct and activity we will see going forward. We know hes attempted it previously in other states in the Baltics.
Photo credit: Associated Press

From Cosmopolitan

WASHINGTON (AP) - Ivanka Trump and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos on Tuesday exhorted young girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math, saying those fields will provide the jobs and innovation for the future.

Their tour of the National Air and Space Museum with a group of middle school students came as the Trump administration proposed further cuts to education and science, drawing harsh criticism from teachers' unions and others.

Ivanka Trump, a successful entrepreneur who considers herself as a women's rights activist, lamented that women make up 48 percent of America's work force but only 24 percent of STEM professionals.

"This statistic is showing that we are sadly moving in the wrong direction. Women are increasingly underrepresented in important fields of science, technology, engineering and math," Trump said. "But I dare you to beat these statistics and advance the role of women in STEM fields."

She said she and her 5-year-old daughter Arabella plan to take a coding class together this summer because "coding truly is the language of the future."

Astronaut Kay Hire and female researchers at NASA also spoke to the students and DeVos urged the children to follow in their footsteps by studying, working hard and mentoring younger peers.

"You can do your part to improve the lives of women in the future," DeVos said.

As she praised the role of women in the American space program, Ivanka Trump also said her father's administration has expanded NASA's space exploration to add Mars as a top objective. But as she spoke, the Trump administration sent Congress a series of "options" for budget cuts, including slashing $3 billion from Education Department, as well as cuts to NASA and the National Institutes of Health.

The American Federation of Teachers accused the administration of hypocrisy.

"Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Ivanka Trump are feigning an interest in STEM careers with a photo op at the National Air and Space Museum while eliminating all funding for NASA's education programs. This takes chutzpah to a new level," American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten said in a statement. "The next generation of astronauts, scientists, engineers and mathematicians need support, not budget cuts eliminating the very programs being promoted."

Story continues

But Gerard Robinson, a resident fellow at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, said that STEM was not limited to the Education Department and that other agencies, like the Defense Department, where Trump has proposed to increase spending, also have STEM programs.

Robinson added that President Donald Trump has signed two laws aimed at encouraging women to pursue STEM majors. The bills, which Trump signed into law in February, call on NASA to encourage young women to study STEM and empower the National Institutes of Health to support women in turning their scientific work into business ventures.

"Both of these are signs to me that both Trump and Betsy DeVos are committed to advancing women in stem fields," Robinson said.

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Making History and Happy Endings star Adam Pally was arrested Tuesday night in New York and hit with two misdemeanor drug possession charges, a New York Police Department spokesperson confirmed to Variety.

A source tells Variety that Pally was seen smoking marijuana with an e-cigarette in the neighborhood of Hells Kitchen in public view at about 10:46 p.m. When police arrested him, they found that he had a small bag of cocaine, and cited him with the second drug charge. Hes since been released from custody.

He has been charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree, and criminal possession of marijuana in the 5th degree. Pallys ticket requires that he appear in front of a judge within 30 days.

His reps did not immediately respond to request for comment on Wednesday. TMZ first broke the news of the arrest.

Pally is best known for his role as Max Blum on ABC comedy Happy Endings, which was canceled after three seasons in 2013. He also plays Dr. Peter Prentice in Mindy Kalings The Mindy Project, and currently stars in the Fox comedy Making History.

His other credits include Search Party, Iron Man 3, Dirty Grandpa, The To Do List, and Taking Woodstock.
High-profile supporters like Hillary Clinton, Ava DuVernay and NAACP president Cornell Brooks are rallying around veteran White House correspondent April Ryan after she was scolded by Press Secretary Sean Spicer during a briefing Tuesday.

Speaking at a diversity conference organized by the Professional BusinessWomen of California on Tuesday, Clinton criticized Spicer for patronizing Ryan, the Washington Bureau Chief for American Urban Radio Networks.

April Ryan, a respected journalist with unrivaled integrity, was doing her job just this afternoon in the White House pressroom when she was patronized and cut off trying to ask a question, said the former secretary of state and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee.

Preach @HillaryClinton!!! Ryan tweeted in response to Clintons comments.

Ryan tells PEOPLE she had no heads-up that Clinton was going to speak about the incident. I got home around 8 oclock last night and was like, This was a hard day! I was on the phone with a friend from the National Association of Black Journalists and he told me Hillary talked about me. I said, What?! I was in shock. For her to come out and say that, I was like, Wow. Thank you. 

Ryan, who spoke to PEOPLE Wednesday morning as she drove to the White House for another days work, says Clinton is far from the only person whos reached out to her in the aftermath of Tuesdays press briefing.

She has also heard from entertainers, everyday people, former Cabinet officials and White House press secretaries who worked with her during past Republican and Democrat administrations.

Story continues

I had entertainers reach out - Eric Benet DMd me on Twitter - and I heard from civil rights leaders, everyday people, she says. A very high-ranking official in a former administration sent me an email saying, People love and respect you. 

It feels good to know that people know your heart and know who you are, Ryan adds.

Cornell Brooks, NAACP president and CEO, also came to Ryans defense on Twitter, calling Spicers disrespect of her sickening.

Many on Twitter showed their support under the hashtag #BlackWomenatWork:

Saluting my sisters telling their truth via #BlackWomenatWork. Onward for all of us. Queens, we can39;t be stopped. xo pic.twitter.com/8TyUsZv784 - Ava DuVernay (@ava) March 29, 2017

Even conservative talk-show host Joe Scarborough stood up for Ryan on Wednesdays broadcast of Morning Joe on MSNBC.

The thing is, you just dont have to be abusive, Scarborough said of Spicer. And in that situation ... Ive never heard anybody be as condescending in that position and abusive for accusing somebody of doing something they werent even doing.

FROM COINAGE: This Is How Much It Would Cost to Paint the White House (And More Crazy Facts)

Spicers criticism of Ryan came after she asked him how the Trump administration planned to revamp its image amid several controversies, including President Trumps ties to Russia.

Pressed on the question by Ryan, Spicer snapped, At some point, report the facts. The facts are that every single person who has been briefed on this subject has come away with the same conclusion - Republican, Democrat. So Im sorry that that disgusts you. Youre shaking your head.

As the tense exchange continued, Spicer repeated, Please stop shaking your head again.

RELATED VIDEO: Watch: Natasha Stoynoff Breaks Silence, Accuses Donald Trump of Sexual Attack

Ryan later told PEOPLE that she wasnt even shaking her head. I dropped my head. I was listening to him and thinking of my follow-up question, she said, adding that she felt like she was in combat.

Despite this, Ryan says shes not suiting up for battle. Theres no girding up. I have a job to do. I do it. This is not about personal attacks. Its about the American people getting information about the White House through us, the press. When you start playing childish games, you dont get the information you need.

Im going back in today, and Im going to raise my hand again, and Im going to ask a question, and Im going to hope for an answer, she says. Im not in a fight. Im doing my job.

This article was originally published on PEOPLE.com
Buyers are circling around Annie Canavaggios upcoming Panama Canal docudrama 1977, The Treaty: Son of Tiger and Mule, which will trace Panamas contentious path towards recovering its sovereign rights to the Canal. Scoring best docu at the December round of Panamas state fund awards, the docu will focus on the seven-year negotiations leading up the signing of the treaty by General Torrijos and President Carter, and its ratification afterwards.

Taking a page from Michael Winterbottoms The Road to Guantanamo, Canavaggio aims to blur fact and fictional re-creation in her docudrama. I hope to show more nuanced facets of the key players in this major event by combining reenactments with archival material, said Canavaggio. I want to show Torrijos as a human being, not just the hero he has been portrayed to be, she said. By merging my co-writer Vicente Ferrazs investigative skills and my narrative flair, I think we can achieve what I want, she added.

Produced by Maria Neyla Santamaria, 1977, The Treaty is among a dozen projects selected to participate in the 6th Panama Intl Film Festivals inaugural workshop Talent Campus Latino, in collaboration with the Goethe Institute.

This will be the fourth docu for the London Film School grad who has covered a variety of subjects, starting with her first doc, Liza Like Her, which tells the story of a gay indigenous native, followed by Breaking the Wave, about three talented local surfers in the surfing mecca of Santa Catalina, Panama. She is now in post on her third doc, In Search of the Rabbit Indian, which took her into the depths of the Panamanian jungle in search of a mysterious, allegedly cannibalistic tribe. I think making documentaries and shorts prepare you to make feature films, said Canavaggio. My next project will probably be a fiction feature.
Censorship of American movies has been a subject of note lately. After reports of an exclusively gay moment in Beauty and the Beast, there were questions as to whether foreign countries would screen it. Malaysia nearly didnt and Russia gave it an adults-only rating.

China, however, allowed the film. The Peoples Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party tweeted, Controversial gay moment kept in Disneys #BeautyAndTheBeast requires no guidance for minors.

Jharrel Jerome and Ashton Sander in Moonlight (Photo: David Bornfriend/A24/courtesy Everett Collection)

The LGBTQ community of China was pleased, but there might be a new battle brewing over Moonlight as the Best Picture winner might run afoul of Chinese censor. According to The Hollywood Reporter, a Chinese version of Netflix (iQiyi) has already bought streaming rights.

Sources tell THR that the Moonlight acquisition was made without prior censorship clearance and iQiyis online release plans remain uncertain, reported THR. There is also question as to whether it will show at the Beijing International Film Festival.

Beauty and the Beast passed Chinese censors, but Moonlight might not. (Photo: Disney)

Chinese indie director and activist Fan Popo told THR he doubts the movies release will be approved, but he hopes it will. It would also be good news for the whole Chinese movie audience. Moonlight is a beautiful and thoughtful film, he said.

Watch: The Cast of Moonlight Didnt Expect This Oscar Love But Theyre Enjoying It

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Mastodon photo by Jimmy Hubbard

Over the past 17 years, Atlanta prog-metal heroes Mastodon have addressed tragic fact and wild fantasy, and have turned both into cinematic voyages. Their second full-length, 2004s Leviathan, was a turbulent concept album based on Herman Melvilles Moby Dick. Two years later, they followed with the equally aggressive Blood Mountain, a tale about warriors encountering various nefarious creatures that symbolized the obstacles the band faced during its ascent.

With lyrical deviations came a structural metamorphosis. While the bands first three albums were fierce and unrelenting, filled with thrashy guitar riffs, howling vocals, and hammering beats, their 2009 disc Crack the Skye was a proggy-psychedelic concept record heavily influenced by guitarist and vocalist Brent Hindss near-fatal experience after the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. When Hinds was swinging his T-shirt over his head in drunken celebration, he accidentally thwacked another artist, who sucker-punched him, sending him backwards onto the pavement and causing his head to crack open. Hinds suffered a brain hemorrhage and was unconscious for days. The dreams he had while he was out informed Crack the Skye, which was named after drummer/lyricist Brann Dailors sister, who killed herself in 1990.

We tend to draw from lifes experiences over the course of time and since the previous album cycle, says bassist/vocalist Troy Sanders, who co-formed the band in 2000 with the same musicians who are on the bands new record, Emperor of Sand: Hinds, Dailor, and rhythm guitarist Bill Kelliher. That way, the music is authentic and natural. I love that approach, because its not perfectly put together for any other reason except that it comes from us and its an honest expression of what we were feeling.

In early 2016, as the members of Mastodon prepared to create the follow-up to their sixth album, 2014s Once More Round the Sun, three of the four members were in a bleak place. Dailors mom, who has suffered from poor health for years, was undergoing chemotherapy; Kellihers mother had just been diagnosed with a brain tumor that eventually killed her; and Sanderss wife was battling breast cancer.

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For Dailor and Kelliher, getting away from reality to spend a few hours playing music was like primal scream therapy. The two musicians worked on new material in Kellihers basement, and the guitarist was more prolific than ever. He came up with a batch of diverse ideas for song rhythms, which Dailor complimented with an array of complex beats. From one song to the next, the music unraveled like a journey, expressing a variety of styles, including bruising metal, circuitous prog, and poppy hard rock. Compared to Mastodons other albums, Emperor of Sand is most reminiscent of the hairpin twists and mind-bending turns of Crack the Skye, only with shorter songs. Theres even a surreal, fully fleshed-out concept.

The albums story is about a man whos exiled by a tyrannical sultan and escapes into the desert. As he suffers deadly heat and severe dehydration  a metaphor for a patient undergoing radiation treatments  he stumbles across various bizarre individuals, each of whom symbolizes a different facets of the battle against cancer, from surgical procedures and treatment methods to the promise of miracle cures, the hope for recovery, and the acceptance of death.

Its a pretty dark record that reflects the shock, pain and grief we were all experiencing, Sanders tells Yahoo Music. Bills mother died of brain cancer last year. It just came up and hit her, and we watched this hideous and horrible disease take a beautiful and smart woman away and it was horrible to see. Its dark and f***ing evil. Stealth diseases coursing through your veins make a lot of people angry, and Im one of em. So we channeled this darkness into some sort of art to try to find a shred of light there.

While Dailor and Kelliher got a jump on writing Emperor of Sand, Sanders was stuck at home tending to his wife, who was undergoing operations and taking medications that left her weak and debilitated.

The whole situation f***ed-up our world for a year and a half, he said. I was doing things to be a good father and husband. And the whole time my wife was the most courageous and brave woman Ive ever been friends with. Shes in a much better spot today than she has been for the past year and a half. But its a slow process, and certain treatments take you down to near-death before they can rebuild you back up to life.

Since he was dealing with his wifes care and treatment, Sanders missed the songwriting sessions for Emperor of Sand and showed up at the studio two weeks into the recording. Channeling all the frustration and helplessness he felt, Sanders quickly locked into a groove and tracked his bass parts. Then he helped Dailor finish the lyrics and vocals.

As we were penning lyrics for the songs, it became obvious that we had a lot to say about this and how were all affected by the therapies we had, all experienced and the damaged state of our loved ones and the scariness and the time involved and the time left and all the open-ended questions, he says. That was all spewing from us from a lyrical perspective. And Brann was able to take all this and bring it to another level to create a story.

While cancer is the underlying theme of Emperor of Sand, notions of mortality and time also weighed heavily on the band as they worked, and affected the tone and composition of the record.

We were all having those questions: How much time is left? Do we have time to make this record for our loved ones? Sanders says. The Emperor of Sand is the cancer  that taker of time. Thats the f***ing evil emperor. If your life is the hourglass, its in his palm.

Sanders takes a moment to compose himself, then continues. When youre learning about a cancer diagnosis, usually the first question you have is, What kind of timeframe are we looking at? Did we catch this in time? And then you watch the decline of a person from perfect health to death in a very short period of time. Besides being horrific to witness, its hard to wrap your head around how this all transpired so fast.

Instead of sinking into a state of depressed inactivity, Mastodon made the most of their time at the Quarry Studio, a facility in Kennesaw, Georgia, about 25 miles north of the bands hometown of Atlanta. They worked there throughout October with producer Brendan OBrien (Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots), who had produced the majestic Crack the Skye.

We were so ready to go when we entered the studio, Sanders says. And that preparedness really paid off, because we just blasted through the songs and didnt have to spend a lot of time fine-tuning anything. Brendan works really quickly and helped keep us motivated, too. We werent just lazy, sitting around going, OK, Ill do another take tomorrow. He just kept us chugging along and it went swimmingly. There were no hiccups at all. The songs and creative juices were all on 10 for this record.

When Mastodon finished in the studio, they mixed Emperor of Sand at Henson Recording Studio in Los Angeles. Soon after, they began rehearsals for their upcoming tour with Eagles of Death Metal, which launches April 14. Before then, theyll appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live on April 3.

The late-night shows are interesting because youre playing live, but its the only time the audience in front of you is truly who youre not playing for, Sanders explains. You are playing for the cameras. There are 300 people seated who are on vacation from Oklahoma and Idaho and Upstate New York. But theyre there to see whatever the talk show is. They have the tickets and a lot of times they dont know who the musical guest is. Theyre not interested in you as a band and they dont know your history and career. So thats a little odd, but its great exposure and Im glad weve been able to do it a few times. I want as many people as possible to be aware of our band.

To that end, Mastodon have split their time between playing headline shows and opening for bigger bands, including Metallica, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Tool; theyve also played on nine Slayer tours. In addition, Mastodon welcome the opportunity to play non-metal bills and festivals.

When we jump on a Bonnaroo, for example, or festivals that are just as diverse, we love it because the people there are usually open-minded music fans and we have the opportunity to maybe turn some of them onto something they wouldnt have known theyd like. And its fun because theres like, Ice Cube, Paul McCartney, Mastodon, and Die Antwoord all playing to the same people.

Between the time Mastodon finished mastering Emperor of Sand and its March 31 release date, Sanders has been just a bit fidgety. He was excited when the first single, the blazing, riff-heavy Sultans Curse, dropped Jan. 27, and stoked that the second single, the simple, poppy Show Yourself, was picked up by numerous radio stations. A little over a month later, Andromeda came out, but those are only a taster of the multifaceted album. There are another eight songs hes been itching for fans to hear.

Like every record weve done, were very excited for it to be birthed into the world and let everyone that gives a damn have a chance to listen, he says. The whole gestation period between recording and releasing is always so frustrating. Were not a singles band. We still believe in the idea of having full albums that work as a whole. So for the past few months Ive been like, OK, lets get the damn thing out already. Time is of the essence. Lets not waste time. Thats the real essence of the record: Do the most you can with the time that you have. But I can wait just a little longer, because I know there are gonna be a handful of people on this earth that are deeply moved by what weve done and that energy will come back to us, and thats a beautiful thing.
Guadalajara (Mexico) (AFP) - At least 10 bodies were found in a ravine in western Mexico, authorities said, the latest mass grave discovered in a country haunted by a grisly drug war.

The bodies were found at the bottom of a deep gully near the town of Queseria, on the border between the states of Jalisco and Colima, said Colima Governor Jose Ignacio Peralta.

"Some of them are already in an advanced state of decay. Some are practically just skeletons," he told journalists.

"An investigation will have to be carried out. We have counted 10 so far, but that's a preliminary report."

The border region between the two states is controlled by the powerful Jalisco New Generation drug cartel.

It is fighting a turf war with the notorious Sinaloa cartel.

Both are known for murdering their enemies and ditching the bodies in remote areas.

Mass graves, sometimes containing hundreds of bodies, have become all too common in Mexico as drug cartels and the army fight violent battles over the lucrative narcotics trade.

Recently discovered mass graves in the eastern state of Veracruz -- another state where Jalisco New Generation is seeking dominance -- contained at least 242 bodies, according to investigators.
The U.S. News Short List, separate from our overall rankings, is a regular series that magnifies individual data points in hopes of providing students and parents a way to find which undergraduate or graduate programs excel or have room to grow in specific areas. Be sure to explore The Short List: College, The Short List: Grad School and The Short List: Online Programs to find data that matter to you in your college or grad school search.

Most medical school graduates leave school with a significant amount of student debt, and their debt burden tends to be higher if they attended private medical schools.

But private medical schools vary widely in price. Among ranked private schools in the 2018 Best Medical Schools research and primary care rankings, the cost of tuition and fees for the 2016-2017 school year ranges from $32,663 per year at Baylor College of Medicine to $63,890 per year at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

At the 10 least expensive ranked private medical schools, tuition and fees for the 2016-2017 school year were slightly more than $43,700 on average compared with the typical price at a private medical school, which was nearly $53,900 annually. Six of these 10 schools were ranked in the bottom one-fourth in the medical school rankings, and are labeled Rank Not Published.

Below is a list of the 10 ranked private medical schools with the lowest tuition and fees in 2016. Two of these schools offer discounts to in-state residents -- the Baylor College of Medicine and the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami. The prices given for the schools in this article are the full-freight rates paid by out-of-state students. Unranked schools, which did not meet certain criteria required by U.S. News to be numerically ranked, were not considered for this report.

Don't see your school in the top 10? Access the U.S. News Medical School Compass to find information on medical school tuition, complete rankings and much more. School officials can access historical data and rankings, including of peer institutions, via U.S. News Academic Insights.

U.S. News surveyed 170 medical schools for our 2016 survey of research and primary care programs. Schools self-reported myriad data regarding their academic programs and the makeup of their student body, among other areas, making U.S. News' data the most accurate and detailed collection of college facts and figures of its kind. While U.S. News uses much of this survey data to rank schools for our annual Best Medical Schools rankings, the data can also be useful when examined on a smaller scale. U.S. News will now produce lists of data, separate from the overall rankings, meant to provide students and parents a means to find which schools excel, or have room to grow, in specific areas that are important to them. While the data come from the schools themselves, these lists are not related to, and have no influence over, U.S. News' rankings of Best Colleges, Best Graduate Schools or Best Online Programs. The tuition data above are correct as of March 30, 2017.

Ilana Kowarski covers graduate schools for U.S. News. You can reach her via email at ikowarski@usnews.com.
At least 13 people have been killed and several others injured when a church bus carrying senior worshippers from a Bible camp collided head-on with a truck in rural Texas, authorities said.

The Wednesday crash involved a small bus from the First Baptist Church in New Braunfels and a pickup truck, officials said. All of the fatalities occurred on the bus, according to authorities.

Read: Boy Gets Locked Inside School Bus, Misses First Day of Kindergarten

There were 14 people in the bus and one person in the truck, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Highway 83 in Uvalde County was closed for several hours as investigators combed the scene. There was no immediate word on how the accident occurred.

On its Facebook site, church leaders asked for prayers and support.

We have received word that the bus carrying our senior adults back from their retreat was involved in an accident, the post by church leaders read. "We understand there have been some fatalities  The Sanctuary will be open this evening for prayer and support. Please be in prayer for all involved."

Read: Mom and 8-Year-Old Daughter Killed in Separate Crashes Just 30 Minutes Apart

The National Transportation Safety Board had a team of investigators on the scene, KSAT-TV reported.

Speaking on behalf of his own family, Texas Governor Greg Abbott gave his condolences to families of the victims.

"We are saddened by the loss of life and our hearts go out to all those affected. We thank the first responders working on the scene in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy, and ask that all Texans join us in offering their thoughts and prayers," he wrote.

Watch: Bus Driver Fired for Dropping 6-Year-Old Off on the Side of Busy Road

Related Articles:
Paris (AFP) - More than 200 people in Paris joined a fresh protest Thursday over the killing by police of a Chinese father of five, an incident that has caused tensions with Beijing.

The protesters, including many from the Chinese immigrant community, gathered at the central Place de la Republique and waved banners bearing slogans such as "colonialist police" and "Wake up French Asians! You are still oppressed in this country".

The incident happened on Sunday night when police shot and killed a 56-year-old Chinese man named as Liu Shaoyo.

Three officers were slightly injured in the incident and one police vehicle was damaged by an incendiary device.

A police source told AFP that officers were called to the Chinese man's house after reports of a domestic dispute.

The source said the man attacked the officer with a knife "as soon as the door opened", injuring him.

A police colleague then opened fire, killing the Chinese man, authorities say.

Lawyer Calvin Job has said the family of the dead man "totally disputes this version of events."

Yehman Chen, 49, attending Thursday's protest said of the police, "my feeling is that they came to his apartment to kill him."

Thursday's protest was the fourth straight night of demonstrations in Paris over the death.

There have been some violents incidents with 45 people, including minors, arrested.

The family of Liu Shaoyo have called for calm.
The U.S. Census Bureau apparently has abandoned plans to count LGBTQ Americans in the 2020 Census. Census officials submitted to Congress a list of topics it plans to cover in the decennial survey that dashes hopes of the LGBTQ that the federal government would obtain a clearer picture of what it looks like.

The Associated Press reported sexual orientation and gender identity initially was listed as one of the topics in an online draft posted Tuesday but later was removed. The questions have not appeared on earlier Census surveys but past censuses have offered the option of identifying whether a household involved a same-sex relationship.

Read: Census Bureau Moves To Add Middle Eastern, Latino Categories To Surveys

Gay rights groups had hoped more specific questions would be included in 2020.

This topic is not being proposed to Congress for the 2020 Census or American Community Survey,



Census said in a statement. The report has been corrected.

The departments of Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development and Justice had asked for the topic to be included.

Read: More LGBT Americans Self-Identifying As Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay Or Transgender

Meghan Maury, director of the Criminal and Economic Justice Project at the National LGBTQ Task Force, said in a statement oversight will hamstring those agencies when it comes to making the right choices about how to allocate  resources if they dont have a sense of what the LGBTQ community looks like. She called the decision to leave the questions out a missed opportunity to serve the federal agencies and the American people.

Gay rights groups have been critical of the Trump administration for rescinding bathroom privileges for transgender students who wanted to use the school bathroom corresponding to their gender identity. The Human Rights Campaign now wants to know whether the White House pressured Census to drop the sexual orientation and gender identity questions, and has submitted a Freedom of Information request.

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GLAAD CEO Sarah Kate Ellis labeled the Census decision a "systematic effort on behalf of the Trump administration to erase LGBT people."

Maury noted both HUD and HHS have eliminated sexual orientation and general identity questions in their surveys in recent weeks.

The Census Bureau sends out two types of forms. Most homes receive the short form, which asks for age, gender, ethnicity and marital status, along with a few other questions. The longer form goes to a few households and asks about everything from utility costs to condominium fees.

The Census has been conducted every 10 years since 1790.

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SCOTTSBURG, Ind. (AP)  For the second time in two days, a wild turkey has flown into a motor vehicle's windshield in Indiana.

Indiana State Police Sgt. Stephen Wheeles says Trooper Tia Deaton wasn't injured when the bird flew into cruiser's windshield Wednesday night on State Route 56 near Scottsburg, about 30 miles north of Louisville, Kentucky. The collision partially caved in the glass.

The day before, a 30-pound turkey crashed through the windshield of an SUV in northern Indiana. The dead turkey was left lodged in the shattered windshield as driver John Tarabocchia of Emerson, New Jersey, pulled over along U.S. 20 near Rolling Prairie, about 25 miles west of South Bend.

LaPorte County Sheriff's Office Capt. Michael Kellems says Tarabocchia and his three passengers suffered minor cuts.
TULSA, Okla. (AP)  Three Oklahoma teenagers who were shot dead during a suspected home invasion this week broke into a detached garage on the property earlier the same day and stole liquor from a game room, authorities said Thursday.

Maxwell Cook, Jacob Redfern and Jakob Woodruff robbed the converted apartment earlier Monday and decided to return the house in an affluent Tulsa-area neighborhood after a woman suspected of driving them there had "indirect knowledge" there might be expensive items to steal inside, Wagoner County sheriff's deputy Nick Mahoney said.

The alleged getaway driver, 21-year-old Elizabeth Marie Rodriguez, is jailed without bond on murder and burglary warrants. Jail records don't list an attorney for her.

"(Rodriguez) had indirect knowledge of the household and knew indirectly there would be expensive items, and they decided that was the house to burglarize," Mahoney said.

The three were shot by the homeowner's son, who hasn't been arrested. Mahoney said the case could be sent to the district attorney by Monday for a determination whether to file charges.

Monday's triple shooting also figures to test the state's "Stand Your Ground" law, which allows citizens to shoot someone if they believe their safety is threatened. Oklahoma is among 24 states with such a provision, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

When the three teens returned to the house, Cook, Redfern and Woodruff were clad in black and wearing masks and gloves, Mahoney said. After the teens  who are between 15 and 19 years old  broke in at the back of the house, they were quickly confronted by the homeowner's son, who shot them with an AR-15 rifle, then called 911.

"I've just been broken into. Three men. Two I've shot in my house," the homeowner's son tells the dispatcher, sounding relatively collected on the recording released by the county. The son tells the operator he had gone to his bedroom and locked the door. "And you guys need to start EMS. I believe one of them's shot bad."

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Two of the teens died inside. The third ran outside and died in the driveway. A knife and brass knuckles were recovered at the scene. The name spellings and ages of the teens differ in some public records.

Numerous attempts by The Associated Press to contact the son, who is a pilot, and his parents were unsuccessful Thursday.

Monday's shootings rattled the quiet neighborhood located in an unincorporated part of Wagoner County, which itself has an annual homicide rate "in the single digits," Mahoney said.

"It's not something we're accustomed to seeing in that area," he said. "It's a prominent neighborhood."

A criminal law expert, who discussed the Oklahoma home invasion case in his Wednesday class, doubted charges would be brought against the son. Joseph Cillo, an assistant professor of criminal justice at Saint Leo University in Florida and a former Los Angeles defense attorney, said the son would be protected by the Castle Doctrine, which states that a person can defend their home if they feel they are in danger.

"The Castle Doctrine is even better than 'Stand Your Ground,'" Cillo said. "It would be a criminal homicide if he would have killed them outside.

"You've got to put yourself in the shoes of the homeowner. It's a nanosecond on the clock of life. It's a split-second decision and there's three of them and one of you," he said.

___

This version of the story corrects the title of the organization in the sixth paragraph to National Conference of State Legislature.
Reeling from the defeat of their health care proposal last week, Republicans in Congress are regrouping and planning for the coming months. There are budget deadlines to meet and policy issues to tackle, ranging from tax reform to infrastructure.

But prospects for achieving major victories in the coming months looks dim. Many lawmakers are concerned that divisions in its ranks between conservatives and moderates will make it difficult to notch any major achievements in the coming months.

Things that you assumed could happen automatically, youd better now spend a lot more time on and make sure they occur, said Republican Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma.

Many have advocated looking beyond the partys own ranks and finding common ground with Democrats.

Weve got a lot of work to do, said Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona. One of the things we need to do - and its going to be harder now, because we just failed - is theres got to be bipartisanship.

Here are the five issues Republicans will have to work out.

How to defund Planned Parenthood

The government is set to partially shut down on April 28 unless Congress approves a spending package first. Republicans are deciding how many of their policy priorities to squeeze into the proposal without risking a government shutdown.

Planned Parenthood is one measure many Republicans want to see in the spending package due by the end of April. But Democrats could filibuster the government funding bill in the Senate, thereby forcing Republicans to decide whether they want to shut down the government.

That has made House Speaker Paul Ryan wary about defunding it through the April spending package, leading him to suggest defunding the womens health organization through a budget reconciliation measure instead.

The budget reconciliation will head off the risk of Senate filibuster from Democrats, as it only requires a simple majority to pass the upper chamber.

We think reconciliation is the tool, because that gets it into law, Ryan told reporters, responding to a question about Planned Parenthood funding. Reconciliation is the way to go.

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If conservatives in the Republican conference object to Ryans delay, however, there could be a fight on the partys hands.

Whether to pay for a border wall

Another measure that some want to see in the government funding bill next month is funding for President Trumps proposed wall on the border with Mexico. It is a major campaign promise by the president, and one that galvanized many voters in Republican Congressional districts.

Does that need to be a presidential priority? Well hes made it one, said Randy Weber, Republican from Texas. Is there support for getting it in there? Unequivocally yes. Can they get it in? I dont know, well have to see.

Democrats have firmly objected, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer saying border wall funding would be a poison pill that would lead to a filibuster.

Whether to pursue the border adjustment tax

Tax reform is the next big item on the Republicans agenda. But rewriting the tax code is notoriously difficult, and there are strong divisions among Republicans about what would work best.

Republican leaders in the House have insisted that the best method would be through a 20% border adjustment which would tax goods consumed in the United States and slash the corporate tax rate. Its a revolutionary plan that would likely help domestic manufacturers like Boeing and hurt importers like Walmart, but it has enough skeptics in the Senate that it might be a pipe dream.

The conflict is setting up the GOP for another fight.

Whether to end the filibuster on the Supreme Court

It is looking increasingly likely that Democrats will have the votes needed to block the confirmation vote for Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, with Democratic senators from across the political spectrum saying they will oppose President Trumps nominee. That will force Senate Republicans to either back down, or trigger the so-called nuclear option, which would abolish the filibuster on Supreme Court nominees, and force Gorsuch through.

It is a difficult choice for Republicans. Many longtime senators are traditionalists and do not want to change the rules of the Senate. Abolishing the filibuster requires a majority in the Senate, so just two Republicans would need to get cold feet for the effort to fail, and thus sink Gorsuchs confirmation.

Still, even moderate Republicans with a longstanding respect for the Senates rules are adamant that Gorsuch will get confirmed one way or another. He will be confirmed, said McCain.

We will confirm him. So whatever it takes, were going to have to do, Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah told National Journal.

Whether to try repealing Obamacare again

Republicans are not done with their effort to repeal Obamacare. After Fridays defeat, the House Republicans held a rousing conference meeting, where members committed again to finding a way to repeal Obamacare and replace it with a law that repeals certain regulations and reduces federal expenditures.

What shape that law will take is hard to know, and Republicans have not started drafting new ideas. The old, deep divisions in the party have not disappeared, and the hard-right members of the Freedom Caucus will still want a plan that looks very different from what moderates want.

Still, despite the difficulty of health care and all the other pressing matters President Trump promised to address, many members want to repeal Obamacare first.

If we just sit up here and play diddly-winks, itll hurt us, said Republican Rep. Morgan Griffith of Virginia. I think you need to do health care first.

The fact that we did not pass a bill next week doesnt mean we are not going to pass a bill-Id love to see it pass next week-but if its not next week, then its next month, said Republican Rep. Austin Scott of Georgia.

Until we decide what were doing with health care, everything is going to be a stumbling block, Republican Rep. Dennis Ross of Florida.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
Between Iron Fist, Ghost in the Shell and that first Death Note trailer, it's been a banner month for racially insensitive casting.

But while the problem may be getting extra attention right now, it's not new  and it doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon, either. In fact, with each passing controversy, the excuses have just started to sound more and more familiar.

SEE ALSO: Netflix's 'Death Note' teaser trailer opens the book on horror and destruction

Hollywood's racial bias comes in many forms. Sometimes it's "whitewashing"  casting a white actor to play a character who was originally conceived of as non-white, like the Major in Ghost in the Shell or Light in Death Note. (John Oliver has an excellent primer on the industry's long history of whitewashing here.)

Other times, it might be favoring a white lead character in a narrative that borrows problematically from non-white cultures  like positioning Iron Fist's Danny Rand and Doctor Strange's Stephen Strange as the ultimate practitioners of mystical martial arts that they learned in made-up Asian countries.

Perhaps most insidiously, it can also mean simply overlooking POC talent, and defaulting to white characters and white actors time and time again, even when there's no narrative reason to do so. We adore Tim Burton and the Coens as much as the next person, for example, but it's hard to deny that their films tend to be pretty homogenous.

(And we're just talking about casting here, though the data shows that there's racial inequality in basically all areas, at basically all levels of the industry. More on that here.)

Image: giphy

If there's a bright side to these seemingly endless controversies, it's that they're making headlines  moviegoers seem less and less willing to let this kind of prejudice slide. Even as journalists and audiences have become more critical, though, too many stars and filmmakers seem to be stuck pushing the same old defenses.

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So in the interest of saving everyone some time, we've compiled some of Hollywood's favorite excuses for favoring white people in casting  and some thoughts on why each one falls apart.

Actually, this is a really diverse cast.

Eddie Redmayne and Katherine Waterston in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Image: Warner Bros.

Recently used by: J.K. Rowling, who insisted, "Everyone in Fantastic Beasts is not white."

Also used by: Steven Paul (Ghost in the Shell), Joe Wright (Pan), Ridley Scott (Exodus: Gods and Kings), Finn Jones (Iron Fist).

Why it's nonsense: This excuse might hold up if it were actually true in any meaningful sense  if, in fact, the real problem was that detractors were just woefully misinformed about the makeup of the cast and/or the significance of their roles.

But very often, the "diverse" cast members turn out to be supporting players or even extras, while white stars get the meaty leading roles. Yes, it's nice that America's wizarding community has a black female leader in Fantastic Beasts, or that Tiger Lily's tribe is a racially diverse bunch in Pan. It's just too bad they get fuck-all to do compared to the white leads.

Even in Iron Fist, which is a bit more evenhanded than some of these other examples, there's no question of whose story gets top priority  and it's not Claire Temple's or Colleen Wing's.

This argument, then, turns out to be disingenuous. It makes no distinction between a high-profile hero and a half-baked love interest, a one-off guest star, or a non-speaking extra.

This is a universal story.

Russell Crowe in Noah

Image: paramount

Recently used by: Producer Ari Handel, explaining why Darren Aronofsky's Noah was about a bunch of white people. "From the beginning, we were concerned about casting, the issue of race," he stressed, before going ahead to put his foot in his mouth:

Also used by: Lilly Wachowski (Cloud Atlas).

Why it's nonsense: Leaving aside that it'd actually be really nice to see a cast diverse enough to make up a Benetton ad, why should "everyman" default to white? (We can't know the ins and outs of casting for Noah, but Handel makes no indication that they ever seriously considered the possibility of, say, an all-Middle Eastern cast.) The assumption here seems to be that only people of color have race, while white serves as a totally neutral default.

Cloud Atlas and Noah might think they're beyond race somehow, because they're concerned with lofty ideas  but they're still movies made by and for people who live in this world, with all of our weird racial hangups and troubling cultural contexts.

We wanted to avoid stereotypes.

Tilda Swinton in Doctor Strange.

Image: marvel/disney

Recently used by: Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson, who in trying to avoid one controversy face-planted straight into another. It was a challenge from the beginning that I knew I was facing with both Wong and the Ancient One being pretty bad racial stereotypes1960s versions of what Western white people thought Asians were like," he said. "We werent going to have the Ancient One as the Fu Manchu magical Asian on the hill being the mentor to the white hero. I knew that we had a long way to go to get away from that stereotype and cliche.

Also used by: Johnny Depp (The Lone Ranger).

Why it's nonsense: Avoiding stereotypes is a good goal to start with, but casting a white person to play the part of a person of color doesn't fix that problem. It just creates a different one. The better approach in scenarios like these would be to subvert the stereotype, maybe by using the character to comment on it or simply by fleshing them out so much that they're not a flat, two-dimensional archetype any more. Or, better yet, start by asking yourself it's even worth resurrecting such an outdated and possibly racist property in the first place.

But we hired a woman.

Scarlett Johansson in Ghost in the Shell

Image: paramount

Recently used by: Ghost in the Shell star Scarlett Johansson, who used Hollywood's woman problem to deflect a question about Hollywood's race problem. "I certainly would never presume to play another race of a person. Diversity is important in Hollywood, and I would never want to feel like I was playing a character that was offensive."

However, she continued, "having a franchise with a female protagonist driving it is such a rare opportunity. Certainly, I feel the enormous pressure of that  the weight of such a big property on my shoulders."

Also used by: Tilda Swinton and Kevin Feige (Doctor Strange).

Why it's nonsense: We're all for seeing more and better female roles, but gender and race aren't somehow equivalent or interchangeable. Bringing in a white lady doesn't magically make up for erasing a person of color. Plus, this line of argument conveniently forgets that women of color exist. Ghost in the Shell wouldn't have been any less female-led if its star had been an Asian or Asian-American woman.

We hired the best person for the job.

Characters voiced by Charlize Theron, Art Parkinson and Matthew McConaughey in Kubo and the Two Strings

Image: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock

Recently used by: Director Travis Knight, addressing why his Japan-set fantasy Kubo and the Two Strings has a mostly-white voice cast. Ultimately, what matters most for us is the ability for an actor to convey the nuance and the emotional truth of the role  using the only tool that they have at their disposal, which is their voice, he said. "There are very few actors in the world that can do that. There are a lot of great actors that cant do that.

Also used by: Tina Fey (Whiskey Tango Foxtrot), Scott Buck (Iron Fist), Rupert Sanders (Ghost in the Shell).

Why it's nonsense: "Hiring the best person for the job" sounds all good and fair in theory. But "best" is a subjective measure, and the specific criteria are set by the filmmakers. If they believe the "best" person for a non-white role is a white person, it means the filmmakers decided that racially sensitive casting wasn't something they felt they needed to address.

(Keep in mind, too, that "best" can encompass all sorts of qualities that have little to do with the actual quality of an actor's work, like how famous they are or what their public image is. It's not as if the casting process exists in some artistically pure plane before race is factored in.)

Furthermore, there are plenty of films that seem to fare just fine with racially appropriate casts. Kubo itself was shown up a few weeks later by Moana, which went out of its way to find stars of Polynesian descent  and was rewarded with praise in addition to all its of excellent reviews and truckloads of money.

Non-white stars arent bankable.

Joel Edgerton, Sigourney Weaver, John Turturro and Christian Bale in Exodus: Gods and Kings

Image: Fox/Scott Free

Recently used by: Ridley Scott, who blamed the business for making his Egypt look so white in Exodus: Gods and Kings. "I cant mount a film of this budget, where I have to rely on tax rebates in Spain, and say that my lead actor is Mohammad so-and-so from such-and-such," he said. "Im just not going to get it financed. So the question doesnt even come up."

Also used by: Dana Brunetti (21).

Why it's nonsense: This argument sounds kiiinda pragmatic until you start to break it down. Sure, Exodus star Christian Bale is world famous. But is Joel Edgerton's international fanbase really that big? Is 21 star Jim Sturgess'? And why are the options here "white A-lister" or "nameless nobody"? Non-white stars exist some of them even starred in Scott's next movie, The Martian.

This rationale also conveniently forgets that Hollywood doesn't just employ stars  it creates them. Indeed, Sturgess himself was just a scrappy up-and-comer when he landed 21, which would turn out to be one of his first big breakthroughs. Brunetti could've used this opportunity to boost an Asian-American actor; he just chose not to.

And yes, while conventional wisdom might state that only white-led movies do well overseas, the conventional wisdom in this case is wrong.

Why would we need non-white people in this?

Ella Purnell, Asa Butterfield, Eva Green and more in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Image: fox

Recently used by: Tim Burton, justifying the lily-whiteness of Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children. "[T]hings either call for things, or they dont. I remember back when I was a child watching The Brady Bunch and they started to get all politically correct. Like, OK, lets have an Asian child and a black," he said.

"I used to get more offended by that than just ... I grew up watching blaxploitation movies, right? And I said, thats great. I didnt go like, O.K., there should be more white people in these movies."

Also used by: Joel and Ethan Coen (Hail, Caesar!).

Why it's nonsense: Once again, this argument only makes sense if you assume that white stories and white characters are the default, whereas non-white stories and non-white characters have to be specifically "called for."

This, by the way, is how you end up with stereotypes: by presuming that, say, a Latino character should only exist if there's something "Latino" about the story.

And never mind that the blaxploitation genre, which Burton cites in his own defense, was created specifically because black people weren't being represented in "mainstream" (i.e., white) movies.

This character is supposed to be (or look) white.

Matt Damon in The Great Wall

Image: Universal

Recently used by: Matt Damon (The Great Wall). I didn't take a role away from a Chinese actor ... it wasn't altered because of me in any way," Damon said, adding that he hopes criticism of the film will die down once people see that its a monster movie and its a historical fantasy.

Also used by: Cameron Crowe (Aloha), Ben Palmer (Urban Myths)

Why it's nonsense: Of course you can have white characters in a story full of non-white people. Of course some non-white people can pass for white. But that doesn't mean it makes sense to cast a white person as the star of a story about a person or a culture of a different background.

The reason it's frustrating to see Damon in The Great Wall or Emma Stone in Aloha or Joseph Fiennes in Urban Myths is that it's hard enough for an actor of color to snag a meaty role without getting shut out of stories that borrow from their culture or revolve around people of their heritage.

In short, as Hollywood continues to drag its feet on casting actors of color, their arguments are only wearing thinner. The only real fix is for this industry to become more inclusive.

That might mean reinventing an old property by bringing in a Native-American lead. Or launching the next big movie star from the pool of overlooked Latino actors. It might even mean  gasp!  hiring an actual Asian person to play an Asian person.

What it definitely doesn't mean is returning to the same old excuses for keeping out people of color. We've heard it all already, Hollywood. It's time to write a new story.

WATCH: Viola Davis is the first black woman to win an Emmy, Tony, and now, an Oscar for acting
Ramallah (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) - President Donald Trump is "serious" about solving the Israel-Palestinian conflict, Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas said ahead of a meeting with the US leader.

"The US administration of President Donald Trump is seriously considering a solution to the Palestinian issue," Abbas told AFP late Wednesday after a meeting of the Arab League in Jordan.

Abbas met with Trump's Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt before leaving for the summit and said contacts with the administration were ongoing.

"(There is) continuing dialogue with the American administration and there were a number of issues they wanted our opinion on or our answer to them," he added.

"We gave them our position on all their questions."

Abbas is expected to meet with Trump in Washington for the first time in April.

Trump is also expected to meet other Arab leaders in the coming weeks, including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah II.

Trump caused alarm among Palestinians and many parts of the international community in February when he broke with years of US policy in support of the two-state solution, meaning an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.

"I'm looking at two-state and one-state, and I like the one that both parties like," Trump said at the White House before a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Abbas said the Arab League summit on Wednesday confirmed that the Arab world had a "clear" vision for peace on the basis of two-states.

In their final statement, the leaders called for a revival of "serious and productive peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians" and renewed their commitment to a two-state solution.
Madrid (AFP) - The representatives of seven countries buying Airbus's troubled A400M military plane told the aviation giant Thursday they would maintain penalties over delivery delays after a meeting in Madrid, a source at the talks said.

The A400M was commissioned jointly in 2003 by the governments of Germany, Belgium, France, Britain, Luxembourg, Spain and Turkey, but since a delayed launch in 2013 it has run into difficulty, with behind-schedule deliveries of the plane.

Last month, Airbus CEO Tom Enders told reporters that the group would ask clients to refrain from imposing further penalties over delivery delays as the firm's 2016 profits nosedived due to charges related to problems with the transport plane.

Spain then invited Airbus and defence officials from the seven client nations for a meeting in Madrid, which took place on Thursday.

Airbus was represented by Dirk Hoke, the head of its defence and space division.

"The clients were firm towards Airbus," a meeting source who refused to be named told AFP.

"They maintained the penalties... and asked that Airbus honour its commitments."

Originally planned for 2011, the plane's launch was delayed by two years.

The A400M's delivery has also run into substantial delays due to a string of technical problems and different requests from the governments.

An A400M plane crashed during a test in May 2015 near Seville in Spain, killing four of the six people on board and seriously injuring the two others.

And new faults were discovered in the propellor engines last year.

Last month when the group announced its results, Enders said that Airbus needed "the cooperation of clients... to push the programme forward and end the haemorrhaging."

At the time, the Spanish defence ministry said Enders had "surprised the seven partner countries with declarations to the media about difficulties encountered in the development of the programme".

The German government, the main customer for Airbus military aircraft, has also urged the firm to live up to its contractual obligations and deliver the promised A400M planes.
On this day in 1867, United States Secretary of State William Seward signed a deal acquiring Alaska, an agreement that was ridiculed by some as Sewards Folly and opposed in the House.

In todays popular culture, Seward is best known for his association with Abraham Lincoln. But his name is also forever linked to a decision back that brought Alaska into the fold as a United States territory, at a bargain price: The cost for Alaska in 1867 was $7.2 million, which is about $113 million in 2017 dollars.

Read the treaty

Seward negotiated the deal in an extended bargaining session with Russian minister to the United States Eduard de Stoeckl on March 30, 1867. The Senate passed the treaty a few days later, but the House held up funding the purchase for more than a year, as the public debate raged over the purchase price and soundness of Sewards decision.

On October 18, 1867, the United States took possession of Alaska from Russia under the terms of a formal land transfer, in a ceremony in the town of Sitka.

The Alaska Purchase gave the United States a land mass of 586,412 square miles, an area about twice the size of Texas. But it came at a time when the United States had just ended the Civil War, and it had an abundance of underpopulated land.

Prior to World War II, Alaska suffered from a bit of an inferiority complex and its own internal politics. In the wake of Sewards Folly, Alaska avoided national attention until its Gold Rush began in the 1890s.

It became a territory in 1912 and started making noise about becoming a state four years later. As its strategic importance became obvious during World War II, in 1946 Alaska held a referendum asking Congress to consider it for statehood.

The Democrats during the 1950s favored Alaska as the 49th state, while the Republicans wanted Hawaii admitted by itself. The reason was that each new state gets two U.S. senators and at least one new House member, and the admission of a new state can swing votes in Congress.

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Alaska became the 49th state in January 1959 after a compromise was reached in Congress.

In recent years, there has been some revisionist history about Sewards decision. In 2009, University of Iowa economist David Barker argued, using a different set of statistics, that the federal government has lost money on the Alaska deal since 1867because of the amount of federal subsidies spent on Alaska.

The fact that the federal government has not profited from Alaska supports the contention of the new Western history that the West has generally been subsidized by the federal government, he said.

That theory was contested on a New York Times blog a year later by two professors in Alaska, who said Barkers calculations didnt take into account broader measures.
ZURICH (Reuters) - The "political temperature" in the Balkans has risen significantly, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama told a Swiss newspaper, citing tensions in Macedonia over the country's ethnic Albanian minority. Balkan states Albania, Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia, Kosovo and Montenegro all hope to join the European Union, but political feuds, ethnic strife and lingering misgivings over the wars of the 1990s complicate this process. Rama, the Socialist Party leader whose role in helping organize ethnic Albanians in Macedonia has been criticized by some there as inappropriate foreign meddling, told the Tages-Anzeiger newspaper in the interview published on Thursday that things could get worse. "In Macedonia, the situation could spiral completely out of control because the head of the country's second-biggest political party has denied the Albanians' mandate to help build the government," he said. "We are demanding only that the government in Skopje respect the rights of the Albanian minority." Rama, a former Tirana mayor, accuses Skopje of blocking Albanian as an official language even though ethnic Albanians comprise a quarter of Macedonia's 2 million population. "It is inconceivable for us that Macedonians reject Albanian as an official language at national level," Rama said. He said other factors contributing to heightened emotions include what he called Serbia's provocations against Kosovo, including sending a train emblazoned in Serbian colors and the phrase "Kosovo is Serbia" to its former province. Ethnic Albanian-majority Kosovo, in turn, is seeking to turn its security force into a national army, a plan opposed by the Serb minority and widely panned by NATO and the United States. European Union leaders said earlier this month that Balkan states could still join the EU but must stick to a path of economic and democratic reform to reach that goal. Likewise, the prospect of EU membership has for years been the main driver of reform in the Balkans following decades of communist role, economic hardship as well as ethnic bloodshed associated with Yugoslavia's 1990s disintegration. "When you consider this inheritance, the only way for Balkan countries to develop into mature democracies is to do so within the European Union," Rama told the Swiss newspaper. "As long as the people and political elite of the Balkans do not lose faith in EU membership, they'll stay calm. The borders will be in danger when the European Union sits on its hands and, in doing so, abandons us to the Russians." Russia, a traditional ally of the Serbs, denies accusations of political manipulation in the Balkans to reassert its influence in the historically volatile region. (Reporting by John Miller; editing by Mark Heinrich)
American technology investors are well aware of the dominant position Amazon.com (ticker: AMZN) has built in the cloud services business. But while Amazon is building its cloud empire in America, Alibaba Group Holding Ltd ( BABA) may be quietly doing the same across the Pacific Ocean.

[See: Chinese ETFs: 9 Ways to Play the Middle Kingdom.]

According to a new research note from Bernstein analyst Bhavtosh Vajpayee, Alibaba is following in Amazon's footsteps and stretching its lead over the cloud competition in China. For years, Amazon prioritized expanding its customer base and gaining market share over booking quarterly profits. Vajpayee says Alibaba is now doing the same.

"Profitability in the cloud business remains a choice for the firm -- we reckon the management will choose some more quarters of share gains before pressing the pedal on profits," Vajpayee says. "Alibaba is several years ahead of its peer group in its enterprise cloud platform, a lead that is hard to bridge."

Bernstein says Alibaba's GAAP operating margins could expand 7.2 percent by 2020 once the company moves past its cloud investment phase. The firm is calling for overall revenue growth of 30 percent in fiscal 2018.

In the meantime, Alibaba's massive e-commerce business is still growing as well. Vajpayee estimates Alibaba holds a dominant 40 percent market share of the China mobile advertising market compared to a 20 percent share for Baidu ( BIDU) and an 11 percent share for Tencent.

[Read: How to Invest in Chinese Tech Funds.]

Bernstein isn't the only research firm that is bullish on Alibaba's growth prospects. Earlier this week, Barclays analyst Ross Sandler named Alibaba, Tencent and Weibo ( WB) as his top Chinese internet stock picks. Sandler said Alibaba should reach $1 trillion in gross merchandise volume by 2020.

Alibaba stock traded up to a new 52-week high on Thursday morning, but an ongoing Securities and Exchange Commission investigation into the company's accounting practices is likely weighing on investor enthusiasm.

Bernstein maintains an "outperform" rating on Alibaba and has a $130 price target for the stock.

Wayne Duggan is a freelance investment strategy reporter with a focus on energy and emerging market stocks. He has a degree in brain and cognitive sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and specializes in the psychological challenges of investing. He is a senior financial market reporter for Benzinga and has contributed financial market analysis to Motley Fool, Seeking Alpha and InvestorPlace. He is also the author of the book "Beating Wall Street With Common Sense," which focuses on the practical strategies he has used to outperform the stock market. You can follow him on Twitter @DugganSense, check out his latest content at tradingcommonsense.com or email him at wpd@tradingcommonsense.com.
Amanda Stanton and Josh Murray found love in the last season of Bachelor in Paradise. However, their romance was shortlived, and their split turned nasty soon after.

Joshs assistant Hayley Watts has come forward and revealed the details behind their messy breakup. According to Watts, the couple had an explosive argument that became the catalyst for their split. She also accused Amanda of body shaming her by calling her fat in front of one of her daughters.

But Amanda has now spoken out regarding the accusations and insisted that Watts is lying. Its all a lie! Its just really frustrating, Amanda told E! News. He doesnt even have a personal assistant. I don't know why [she's calling herself that]. Shes contacted all these people and I dont know why because hes in Italy, Im in Fiji. We havent even talked. I dont know why I woke up to all this. I thought things were fine.

This comes after Watts revealed that after Josh appeared in the finale of Nick Vialls The Bachelor, the now-estranged couple got into a big fight on March 13 that resulted to Amanda gathering all his belongings in their shared apartment and dumping them out to the hallway. Watts recalled that she had to retrieve the things for Josh.

READ: Bachelor In Paradise star Amanda Stantons ex-husband Nick Buonfiglio accuses her of causing harm to their kids

Watts added that Josh wanted his car back, but Amanda had it. She then offered two options to Amanda, which was to either return the car or get a lender to pay off the remaining balance. But Joshs ex reportedly refused both options and told Watts that she will only return it if the judge orders her to do so. After Amanda refused to give it back, Watts had to call an officer to get the vehicle from Amanda.

Amanda denied all the allegations against her, explaining that she has not been with Josh since December. She also added that her ex-husband had bought her a car, but Josh was very jealous so he gave her a new one. They decided to work things out once they were both back in the country.

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At the time, Josh was in Italy. He just shared a photo of himself on Instagram reading a magazine while riding the bullet train in Florence.

Around the same time, Amanda had also shared a photo of herself on Instagram holding a coconut. Fiji: home of the prettiest water bottles & best fruity coconut drinks...& my home for the next few days, she wrote in the caption.

Josh proposed to Amanda on the finale of Bachelor in Paradise Season 3. The pair got engaged on the show, along with Evan Bass and Carly Waddell, and Grand Kemp and Lace Morris, Daily Mail noted.

What do you think about Amanda and Joshs split? Drop a comment below.

Amanda Stanton & Josh Murray

Photo: Getty Images/Phillip Faraone

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Amazon is reportedly shutting down its Quidsi division, which owns Diapers.com and Soap.com, according to Bloomberg. The move comes a few years after Amazon acquired Quidsi for $545 million in 2011.

Amazon said it wasnt able to make Quidsi profitable.

We have worked extremely hard for the past seven years to get Quidsi to be profitable, and unfortunately we have not been able to do so, Amazon said in a statement. Quidsi has great brand expertise and they will continue to offer selection on Amazon.com; the software development team will focus on building technology for AmazonFresh.

Read: AmazonFresh Pickup: Drive-In Grocery Store For Prime Members Announced

The shutdown of Quidsi will leave more than 260 employees without jobs in June. However, some of them will be able to apply for other jobs with Amazon. Meanwhile, Amazon announced Wednesday plans to open up its 10th fulfillment center in Texas, which will create 1,000 full-time jobs.

Amazon To Purchase SOUQ.com

Before Bloomberg reported Amazon would shut down Quidsi, Amazon announced Tuesday it reached an agreement to acquire SOUQ.com, a Middle-Eastern e-commerce company. SOUQ.com offers more than 8.4 million products across 31 categories on its site and attracts over 45 million visits per month.

Read: eBay Takes on Amazon Prime, Walmart With Three-Day Guaranteed Delivery

"Amazon and SOUQ.com share the same DNA  were both driven by customers, invention, and long-term thinking, said Amazon senior vice-president Russ Grandinetti in a statement. "SOUQ.com pioneered e-commerce in the Middle East, creating a great shopping experience for their customers. We're looking forward to both learning from and supporting them with Amazon technology and global resources."

The deal is expected to close this year, Amazon said.

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Sedition charges brought against executives at Fiji's oldest newspaper are "absolutely outrageous", Amnesty International said Thursday, while accusing the government of trying to intimidate the media.

Three staff members at the Fiji Times -- occasionally a feisty critic of the regime -- are facing up to seven years in jail for publishing a letter to the editor last year containing inflammatory comments about Muslims.

"To charge people with sedition over something that's printed by an outside contributor in a newspaper is extremely heavy handed," Amnesty's New Zealand chief Grant Bayldon told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

"Fiji has a really sad history of suppressing freedom of expression and we really have to wonder if the motivation here is to intimidate one of the few media outlets that is still independent in Fiji."

The letter in question was printed in a low-circulation Fijian-language supplement of the Times, which remains the Pacific nation's oldest newspaper established in 1869.

The executives -- editor-in-chief Fred Wesley, publisher Hank Arts and supplement editor Anare Ravula -- initially stood accused of inciting communal antagonism but the charges were upgraded to sedition last week.

Bayldon said the matter could have easily been dealt with by a media regulator rather than the courts and was likely to have a "chilling effect" on freedom of expression in Fiji.

"Just because something's distasteful doesn't mean that it's criminal and doesn't mean that it's sedition," Bayldon said.

Fiji Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama seized power in a 2006 military coup and ruled by decree until he won a general election in 2014.

Military censors in newsrooms were among the measures Bainimarama implemented before the country's return to democracy.

In 2010, his government tightened media ownership laws, forcing Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. to sell the Fiji Times masthead.

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"A lot of people were hopeful that the dark days of media censorship were over in Fiji," Bayldon said.

"The real risk here is that they're still with us, just in a different form."

The executives indicated they would fight the charges when the case came before the High Court in Suva this week.

The case was adjourned to May 9.
Longport has become the first town on Absecon Island to ban smoking on its beaches.

The ban, which prohibits all kinds of smoking, including cigars, pipes and electronic devices on the beaches of this affluent Jersey Shore town, carries an initial fine of $250 and can rise to $1,000 for repeated offenses.

After a resident complained that other activities famously banned on New Jersey beaches were not enforced  such as ball-playing and picnicking  Longport Mayor Nicholas Russo said the city would look into repealing those old ordinances.

Which might make Longport's one of the only beaches in New Jersey to officially allow picnics and Frisbee playing.

Longport joins about a dozen other beach towns, mostly on Long Beach Island and to the north, to ban smoking on beaches. Ocean City has banned smoking on its Boardwalk.

According to the Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights website, the following beach towns in New Jersey ban smoking: Belmar, Cape May Point, Lavallette, Long Branch, Point Pleasant Borough, Rockaway, Seaside Park, Spring Lake, and Surf City.

Gov. Christie signed a smoking ban law in 2016 as it applied to state parks like Island Beach, but vetoed the part of the law that would have applied to counties and municipal beaches, saying he would leave it up to local government.

The ban, adopted at a meeting earlier this month, has set off a debate in nearby towns on Absecon Island.

"OK VENTNOR, NOW OUR TURN TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND PASS THIS LAW TOO," posted Merrill Kelem on a Facebook page devoted to Ventnor community issues. The post received 258 comments, with descriptions of cigar smoking chasing people off the beach, toddlers picking up cigarette butts, and ocean breezes laden with cigarette smoke.

But others saw the ban as yet another restriction in New Jersey's oceanfront Land of No.

Said one commenter: "Are we even allowed to go in the water still?"

"Every year the sign on the beach gets bigger on what we can't do," noted another.

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Ventnor Mayor Beth Holtzman said she had placed the topic of a smoking ban on an earlier workshop agenda, but removed it on the advice of the city's solicitor.

"Everybody is so green conscious, it would seem like a no-brainer," she said. Ventnor, Margate, Longport and Atlantic City all banned the intentional release of helium balloons recently. "Smoking's not the norm."

A smoking ban has not been considered in Margate or Atlantic City.

As for enforcement, Russo said he would be meeting with the head of the police as well as the beach patrol, which he said would be the ones most likely to field complaints about smoking. But he said he hoped the ordinance itself and new signs would be enough to discourage the practice.

"We associate the ocean with healthy activities," he said. "It seems contradictory to expose people who don't want to be exposed to second hand smoke. I'm not meaning this to be punitive."

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Las Vegas - CinemaCon audiences were treated to an appearance from several members of the Justice League during Warner Bros. annual presentation Wednesday night. Special surprises also included a sneak peek at Wonder Woman and an update on the highly anticipated Aquaman spin-off.

Aquaman himself, actor Jason Momoa, was on hand at Caesars Palaces The Colosseum to update DC Universe fans on his characters standalone movie. While CinemaCon is typically the venue where studios tease footage for their upcoming films, Momoa shared that was not an option for Aquaman due to its stage in production. The film is due to set filming in Australia on Thursday, according to the actor.

Im excited to get down there, Momoa told the excited crowd.

aquaman

Photo: Getty

Before appearing onstage with his Justice League co-stars, Momoa shared a brief teaser of whats to come in the December 2018 superhero flick. The footage, led by director James Wan, including detailed concept art for the movie. The images showed underwater vessels, a human riding a shark and a sneak peek oof Atlantis.

Wan said that Aquaman will be the DC characters origin story and is aiming to have both fun, adventure and romance. Wan added that due to technological advancements used to make the film, it could have not been created five years ago.

Ill see you guys in 2018, Wan concluded the piece.

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BUENOS AIRES/TORONTO (Reuters) - Argentina's San Juan province ordered Barrick Gold Corp to suspend some activities at its Veladero mine after a pipe carrying gold-bearing solution ruptured on the leach pad, state-run news agency Telam reported on Thursday. Reuters could not immediately reach the provincial government to confirm the report. A spokesman for Barrick said the Toronto-based company was confirming its understanding of the order. Barrick said on Wednesday that a monitoring system at the mine had detected a rupture on the pipe on Tuesday night. The issue was "quickly corrected," it added, following procedures to contain and mitigate the situation. All solution was contained within the operating facility and there was no impact to people or the environment, Barrick said in the statement. Barrack experienced similar issues in September 2016 and September 2015. Last September, mine operations were suspended after falling ice damaged a pipe and spilled some ore saturated with cyanide solution over a berm, or raised bank. One year earlier, authorities suspended operations after a cyanide solution spill, which was caused by equipment failure. The open pit mine is expected to produce 770,000 to 830,000 ounces of gold in 2017, at an all-in sustaining production cost of $840 to 940 per ounce of gold. Spot gold was trading at $1,243.68 an ounce on Thursday afternoon. Veladero accounts for about 14 percent of Barrick's total gold production, RBC Capital Markets analyst Stephen Walker estimated in a note to clients. "While we view this latest issue as a slight negative for Barrick's shares, the company has stated that there has been no impact on production at this time," Walker wrote. Barrick shares were down 2 percent at C$25.06 on the Toronto Stock Exchange on Thursday afternoon, amid broad declines for gold miners as the price of bullion slipped alongside a stronger dollar. (Reporting by Caroline Stauffer in Buenos Aires and Susan Taylor in Toronto; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and Peter Cooney)
Buenos Aires (AFP) - Argentina suspended Canadian mining company Barrick Gold on Thursday after the firm admitted to a new spill at a mine in the Andes mountains, its third in two years.

Barrick said Wednesday that a pipeline at its Veladero gold and silver mine had sprung a leak the day before, spilling liquid used in the mining process.

It insisted there were no toxic chemicals in the spill, but environmental groups called for the company to be banned.

The governor of the western province of San Juan, Sergio Unac, ordered Barrick to halt metal separating operations until the pipeline is repaired.

A local judge backed that up in a separate ruling, saying the repeated spills at the mine suggested a "failure of its hydraulic system."

In September 2015, the Veladero mine was hit by a million-liter (260,000-gallon) spill of cyanide solution.

Nine Barrick directors were charged over that spill, and the company had to pay a fine of $9.3 million.

A year later there was another cyanide solution spill, though the company insisted none of it came into contact with water sources or drainage channels.

The Argentine environment ministry has sent a team of experts to investigate the latest spill.
BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Port workers in Greater Rosario, from where 80 percent of Argentina's grains is shipped, suspended plans for a 24-hour strike on Thursday after a truck driver ran over and killed a protester, a union leader said. The driver drove through a line of protesters and had been drinking alcohol, according to local television reports. The workers had started a strike at midnight to protest recent layoffs and demand higher salaries in a range of professions related to port operations. "We are going to suspend the day of fighting that we had planned for today," Edgardo Quiroga, a delegate for the CGT union in San Lorenzo, north of Rosario, said in an interview with local radio. Quiroga, who also said the truck driver had been drinking alcohol, said port workers in the region would adhere to a national general strike called by the CGT, Argentina's main umbrella union, on April 6. Argentine ports are currently exporting wheat and corn and old crop soybeans. (Reporting by Maximilian Heath; Writing by Caroline Stauffer; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
Associated Press

Concerns over the Buffalo Bills troubling loss to the New York Jets were quickly overshadowed by even bigger worries regarding the status of Josh Allens throwing elbow on Monday. Suddenly, the entirety of the organization and its fanbase is holding its collective breath while awaiting the results of medical tests to determine the severity of Allens injury sustained in the final minutes of a 20-17 loss to the Jets  and what impact it will have on the second half of the season and the franchises Super Bowl aspirations. The reality, however, is bracing for the potential of having to turn over a very Allen-centric offense to journeyman backup Case Keenum to keep the AFC-leading Bills (6-2) afloat in the interim.
The White House is offering to share with key congressional leaders material that has come to light about the handling of communications intercepts involving American citizens, press secretary Sean Spicer said Thursday.

Spicer said the new material was discovered by national security staffers in the ordinary course of business. He said a letter had been sent, offering to make the information available to House intelligence committee Chairman Devin Nunes and ranking member Adam Schiff, D-Calif., and to the top Republican and Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee.

The announcement during Spicers regular daily press briefing is the latest twist in the controversy that was touched off weeks ago by President Trumps tweet alleging wiretapping of Trump Tower. Although no evidence for that has come to light  and investigators have unanimously debunked the charge  Nunes has suggested that American citizens, presumably connected to the Trump presidential campaign, might have been monitored or overheard in conversation with foreign officials in the course of routine intelligence gathering. Nunes and other Republicans on the committee have made the handling of these intercepts  within the government and in leaks to the media  a focus of their investigation.

Democrats want to steer the investigation toward allegations of contacts between Russian officials and Trump campaign members.

Spicer was pressed by reporters to comment on a New York Times report that two White House officials played a role in giving Nunes information related to the so-called incidental communications intercepts. He refused to confirm the story.

I never said Id provide you answers, Spicer said at his daily press briefing. I said wed look into it.

Your obsession with who talked to whom and when is not the answer here, he told reporters.

Earlier Thursday, the Times reported that several current American officials had identified Ezra Cohen-Watnick, the senior director for intelligence at the National Security Council, and Michael Ellis, a lawyer who works on national security issues, as the White House officials who helped provide Nunes with the intelligence reports. Yahoo News had previously reported that the committees speculation was focused on Ellis.

Story continues

Related: Speculation swirls on possible identity of Nunes White House source

Last week, Nunes sparked a firestorm when he declared that he had seen information leading him to believe that Trump campaign officers may have been swept up in the surveillance of foreign officials prior to the election.

His statement, provided at a press conference held at the White House, was seized on by Trump, who said it supported his tweet that former President Barack Obama ordered a wiretap on his Trump Tower headquarters. The administration has provided no basis for that claim, and investigators, including from the FBI, have found no evidence of it. The White House called on the House and Senate intelligence committees to investigate the wiretapping allegations alongside their probe of the Kremlins efforts to influence the U.S. election.

Earlier this week, reports indicated that Nunes had talked to his mystery source on the White House grounds, leading to calls for his recusal from the investigation. As a member of Congress, Nunes could not have accessed the White House complex without being cleared or escorted by staff.

Nunes speaks to reporters after a meeting at the White House on March 22. (Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

This is what a cover-up to a crime looks like, Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., a member of the committee, said on MSNBCs Morning Joe on Tuesday. Going over to the White House, he went to receive information that you know, Joe, we can receive at the Capitol. We have our own secure facility.

Nunes apologized to his committee members for briefing the White House on his findings first, instead of his panel, and speculation has swirled as to who exactly gave the California lawmaker his secret intel.

On Thursday, a spokesman for Nunes would not comment on the Times report, either.

As hes stated many times, Chairman Nunes will not confirm or deny speculation about his sources identity, House intelligence committee spokesman Jack Langer said in a statement. And he will not respond to speculation from anonymous sources.

Spicer refused to add to the speculation.

If I start going down the path of confirming and denying one thing, were going down a very slippery slope, he said.

At a press conference later Thursday, Schiff said Spicers offer raises more questions about the circuitous route of the materials being provided to the panel.

If these materials or a subset of materials were previously provided to the chairman, Schiff said, it raises profound questions about just what the White House is doing.

Read more from Yahoo News:
From Cosmopolitan

Belen Sisa, 23, is a junior at Arizona State University. Shes also one of the recipients of President Barack Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which allows her to live, study, and work in the country free from the threat of deportation for a renewable period of time, despite not having a green card or visa. Sisa was born in Argentina and came to United States with her family on a visitors visa when she was 6 years old. As a DACA recipient, she became politically active years ago, which is partially how she came to write the above Facebook post in which shes holding a 1040 tax form to pay $300 worth of taxes.

Since March 26, the post has been shared thousands of times, as well as commented on and reacted to thousands of times as well. The post reads in full:

MYTH BUSTER: I, an undocumented immigrant, just filed my taxes and PAID $300 to the state of Arizona. I cannot receive financial aid from the state or federal government for school, I cannot benefit from unemployment, a reduced healthcare plan, or a retirement fund. I think I'm a pretty good citizen. Oh and there are MILLIONS just like me who pay into a system they will never receive anything from. Wanna tell me again how I should be deported, contribute nothing and only leech off this country while the 1% wealthiest people in this country steal from you everyday? How about you show me yours Donald J. Trump? #HereToStay

Though the focus of the hate shes received has mainly been from Trump supporters on her status as an undocumented immigrant, the way shes been attacked has been very intersectional, Sisa told Cosmopolitan.com. They talked about my appearance, they said 'Oh, youre so good-looking, but too bad youre so stupid.

Dozens of people also screenshotted themselves reporting Sisa to ICE and then posted the screengrabs to her Facebook in the comment thread. That, she found ridiculous. But one of the reactions that actually scared her "was someone [who] created a meme of Trump and they cut out my face so its him holding my head and throwing it over the wall hes supposedly going to build. So that was a little bit scary, because I was thinking These people are trying to hurt me. While the negative comments continue to build, Sisa said it was the loving ones shell remember the most.

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I received so much positivity and love that I think I will never regret posting the photo with the caption I did because I think it helped a lot of people who are in the same situation as me, she elaborated. Thats why I did it, because I wanted to speak for the people who were too scared to speak for themselves. I think my duty as an empowered immigrant and an empowered woman is to use that empowerment to speak for those who are still too scared. To show them youre not alone, that this injustice is happening to all of us, that were being put in this stereotype but that Im here for you and Ill make sure the truth comes to light.

Photo credit: Facebook

Though Sisa never intended for her post to go viral, shes glad it did. Since the election, she's struggled with normalcy, knowing "with the swipe of a pen," Donald Trump "could easily change" the status she has with DACA and change her and her family's lives forever.

Millions of other people who came here legally - or illegally! - are paying taxes and we dont leech off the system, we dont receive unemployment, she explained. We cant go and get a reduced health-care plan, we cant get financial aid, but thats all [Trump supporters] are ever saying. Didnt you say you like good immigrants? But at the same time, nothing is ever good enough for you. Its a very good showing that racism, xenophobia in this country is still very well and alive.

This - along with the hate mail - only motivates her to further combat hurtful misconceptions people have of immigrants. "Those messages were to instill fear and ensure we wouldnt fight back, but it made me do the complete opposite," she concluded. "It made me want to stand up to them more.

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By Deborah Kyvrikosaios ATHENS (Reuters) - Crowds of protesters gathered outside court chamber 7 in central Athens one recent Wednesday, unfurling a huge banner before they moved swiftly to block the entrance. "No House in the Hands of Bankers" the banner read. In the court a property auction was underway. On any given Wednesday for the past four years, activists have been taking their fight against austerity to the country's civil courts, fighting for people driven into poverty as a result of Greece's debt crisis and international bailouts. Occasionally, skirmishes break out with police. But Greece is a country where the right to protest is considered sacrosanct, so the activists come back, week after week. "People are fed up, they are exhausted from being incessantly pounded by payments and debts," said Leonidas Papadopoulos from the activist group Den Plirono, meaning I Won't Pay. Advocating civil disobedience, I Won't Pay emerged in 2012, tapping into public anger with austerity imposed by the European Union and International Monetary Fund in exchange for bailout loans. A loose collective of about 10,000 members, of which between 300 and 400 are regular activists, Papadopoulos says court incursions of I Won't Pay have thwarted 4,000 auctions annually over the past four years. Reuters could not independently confirm the claim, but there would have been plenty of opportunity given that home ownership in Greece is about 75 percent, among the EU's highest, and austerity has caused widespread failure. Bad loans, or non-performing exposures (NPEs), reached 107.6 billion euros in the third quarter of 2016 at Greek banks, with about 31 percent of that concerning housing loans, according to the Bank of Greece. Yet according to official data, auctions have in fact fallen. From 43,000 in 2008 and a peak of 52,000 in 2009, auctions fell to 16,000 in 2014. Part of that is down to a 2010 law protecting primary residences, allowing arbitration between creditors and lenders. Papadopoulos says its also because of their activism. But for some, it was too little, too late. "OUR DREAMS ARE DEAD" Electrician Vassilis Skopelitis was a casualty. On a hot summer morning in 2016 a bailiff, locksmith and a bank clerk turned up at his modest two-storey dwelling in an Athens suburb to evict its occupants, including a bedridden 93 year old man. "I asked where was he to go. They said they didnt care, said Skopelitis, 55, of his now deceased father-in-law. The family got a reprieve when local activists and a mayor intervened, but he expects a new eviction attempt in coming months. With an income from a social benefit at 200 euros a month, Skopelitis says bank payments are impossible. "I don't have money to eat," he says. When his electrical goods store started failing in 2009 he couldnt afford mortgage payments on a 160,000 debt for his two-storey home. In 2012, his home was confiscated by a bank, and the following year banks foreclosed on the homes of his two adult children also, left unemployed by the crisis. They now live with him. The stress of it all, he said, gave him a heart attack in 2015. And yet the phone bills and letters for payment persist. Skopelitis's hopes are now pinned on getting a disability pension so he could rent a home in the countryside and possibly grow his own food. But he says he will resist leaving his home for as long as he can. "Our dreams have died.. Our dreams for life ... died with this house." (Additional reporting by Lefteris Papadimas; Writing by Michele Kambas Editing by Jeremy Gaunt)
CANBERRA, Australia (AP)  The Australian government says it has found no evidence that any of its donations to the Christian charity World Vision had been siphoned to Islamic militant group Hamas.

But Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said Thursday that its World Vision funding in Gaza would remain suspended while Israeli charges against the global aid agency's Gaza manager Mohammed el-Halabi remain unresolved.

"DFAT has reviewed the management of its funding to World Vision in the Palestinian Territories. The review uncovered nothing to suggest any diversion of government funds." the department said in a statement.

"Australia's funding to World Vision in the Palestinian Territories remains suspended until we have considered the outcomes of the court case against Mr. el-Halabi and reviews being undertaken by World Vision Australia and World Vision International into this issue," it added.

Australian is the biggest single donor to World Vision's humanitarian work in Gaza, providing 5.8 million Australian dollars ($4.4 million) in the last three fiscal years, the department said.

Australia and Germany suspended funding in August after Israeli authorities charged el-Halabi with diverting millions of dollars to Hamas to help build tunnels and purchase weapons. Israel's internal security service Shin Bet alleged el-Halabi created fictitious humanitarian projects to get the funds to Hamas.

The Shin Bet alleged he underwent Hamas training in the early 2000s and was "planted" by the group at World Vision in 2005, where he climbed the ranks to become director of the Gaza branch.

El-Halabi has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Israel's Justice Ministry declined to comment on el-Halabi's case because his trial was ongoing.

World Vision welcomed Australia's findings, adding that its own ongoing audit had not yet raised concerns about how money was spent.

World Vision's work in Gaza has been suspended pending the outcome of that audit.

"We remain deeply concerned with this situation, and are saddened by the impact on Gaza's children and their families," a World Vision statement said.
Austria wants to stop refugees from coming into its borders, officials from the country said Tuesday, asking the European Union to be exempt from taking in more asylum seekers. The countrys chancellor argued that it had already taken in enough refugees over the past few years as the migrant crisis has swelled.

We believe an exception is necessary for Austria for having already fulfilled its obligation. We will discuss that with the European Commission, Chancellor Christian Kern said Tuesday.

Read: Migrant-Hunting Hungarian Village Uses White Supremacist Rhetoric To Outlaw Muslim Practices

Austria, a country north of Italy and Slovenia with a population of about 8.5 million, had previously accepted 90,000 asylum seekers in 2015. The EU gave Austria an exemption to the refugee crisis after 2015, but the country was meant to start accepting 2,000 refugees into its borders in 2017.

The European Commission hasnt been pleased with Austrias intentions.

"Austria is now expected to fulfill its legal obligation ... to start relocating," Commission spokeswoman Natasha Bertaud said.

Read: Over 3,000 Attacks Against Refugees In Germany Last Year, Report Says

Austrias unwillingness to follow through with EU refugee quotas is not unique in Europe. Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban is in the midst of building a second fence along the countrys southern border to keep migrants out.

The pushback is another major obstacle for the EUs refugee resettlement program. The plan was meant to resettle 160,000 refugees over two years, ending this upcoming September. But only a fraction of those asylum seekers  fewer than 14,500 refugees  have actually been taken in by European countries thus far. For now, it seems, many of those migrants are stuck in Italy and Greece.

Europeans fears about refugees entering their borders have intensified due to terrorist attacks over the past couple of years in Germany, France and other countries. But refugees have also found themselves to be the victims of violent attacks after they had resettled in Europe. In Germany, assaults against refugees rose from 60 in 2015 to 78 in 2016.

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Refugee Protest

Photo: Reuters

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CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP)  An off-duty deputy who was fatally shot by Chattanooga police was facing a $250,000 federal civil rights lawsuit by a woman who accused him of beating her in a local jail while she was shackled.

Deputy Daniel Hendrix had been arrested in 2015 and suspended over the incident involving jail inmate Leslie Hayes, according to the Chattanooga Times Free Press (http://bit.ly/2nE26J1 ). Charges were later dropped against him and Hendrix was allowed to return to work.

Police on Wednesday shot and killed the deputy, who was off-duty and had been celebrating his 26th birthday with two female Chattanooga Police officers, after Hendrix drew his gun, became agitated and refused commands to drop the weapon, authorities said.

Court records show that Leslie Hayes accused the deputy of roughing her up in jail in August 2015 and then lying about it. Hendrix, the lawsuit said, had Hayes charged with aggravated assault after the incident.

"Hendrix obtained the criminal charges after he falsely swore under oath to the misrepresentation he made in an affidavit of complaint in his attempt to provide justification for his assault on the plaintiff," the lawsuit states.

The suit, which was also brought against Hamilton County and others, is still ongoing.

"Given that this matter is still pending, the local rules of federal court prohibit an attorney from commenting," D. Scott Bennett, an attorney who represented Hendrix, said in an email to the Associated Press.

A man who identified himself on the phone as the deputy's father said he did not wish to speak to the media.

Officials with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

A video of the incident shows the deputy grab Hayes, yank her to the floor and punch her repeatedly while she is on the ground and her hands and feet are shackled. The lawsuit alleges that the deputy pepper-sprayed Hayes after punching her.

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Robin Flores, who represents the woman, said the lawsuit speaks for itself. The suit says the woman was a brain-injury survivor and had a metal mesh inserted into her skull at the time of the incident with the deputy.

While the court case proceeds, police radio communication released by Broadcastify, puts the shooting of Hendrix more into focus but still raises questions about what happened in the hours after the deputy's birthday celebration.

The call, which came in at 1:26 a.m. Wednesday, reported a man armed with a rifle. The woman who called for help, who was identified as the suspect's girlfriend and an off-duty Chattanooga Police officer, had barricaded herself into a bathroom, the police dispatcher said. The dispatcher said the woman reported the suspect was "beating on the door, trying to get in."

"See if there is any way you can make contact with the young lady that's barricaded and communicate with this guy to put the rifle down and come outside," one officer told the police dispatcher. At one point, he asked the dispatcher to see if the woman could calm Hendrix down.

"She can tell him to come out without his weapon so we don't shoot him," that same officer said.

That idea was vetoed by another officer who thought police responding to the incident, and not the woman, should try to talk to Hendrix.

The dispatcher could be heard saying that Hendrix' rifle was loaded. Police called the SWAT Team in, but Hendrix was shot in the chest before the tactical unit got a chance to arrive, the radio communication said.

The communication did not say why the deputy was so agitated and what transpired before police were called.

Hendrix changed his demeanor, became agitated, armed himself and threatened the two women, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has said. A police officer responding to the scene, the TBI said, fired his service weapon at least four times after the situation escalated.

Hendrix was white. Neither the TBI nor the Chattanooga Police Department would identify the officer who shot the deputy or the officer's race.

___

Information from: Chattanooga Times Free Press, http://www.timesfreepress.com
Bangladesh security forces found the scattered remains of up to eight people, including women and possibly children, in a "horrific scene" when they stormed an Islamist hideout on Thursday, police said.

Security forces entered the building after a two-day stand-off with armed fighters believed to be from a new faction of an extremist group the government has blamed for a wave of deadly attacks targeting foreigners and religious minorities.

Bangladesh prides itself on being a mainly moderate Muslim country. But that perception has been damaged by a series of gruesome killings of atheist bloggers, foreigners and religious minorities.

The head of the counter-terrorism unit Monirul Islam said police believed the group holed up in the hideout had blown themselves up to avoid being taken by security forces in the latest incident.

He said some of those killed were women, and that there could also be children among the dead.

"There was an explosion late yesterday afternoon when the operation began. They died due to that explosion," he told reporters.

"We think there were seven to eight bodies of different ages. It's a horrific scene."

Police came under grenade attack when they raided two Islamist hideouts in the northeastern district of Moulvibazar on Wednesday.

Militants threw at least eight grenades as police cordoned off the two houses -- one in the Moulvibazar town and another outside the town in a village called Nasirpur, both owned by a Bangladesh origin British citizen.

Counter-terrorism officers and the elite SWAT unit then stormed Nasirpur hideout at the village and found body parts scattered across two rooms, Islam said.

Security forces were also planning to storm a second hideout in the town, where authorities believe one or two extremists were holed up, district police chief Mohammad Shah Jalal told AFP.

Last week army commandos stormed a five-storey building in the nearby city of Sylhet, triggering a violent three-day stand-off.

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At least four extremists died and another six people including two police officers were killed when two bombs went off on Saturday near a crowd watching the operation.

The Islamic State group took credit for the twin bomb attacks, but the government has rejected the claim and instead blamed the banned homegrown Islamist organisation, Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB).

There has been a resurgence of extremist attacks in recent weeks in the Muslim-majority nation of 160 million after a relative lull since five IS-linked gunmen killed 22 people including 18 foreign hostages at a Dhaka cafe on July 1.

IS has also claimed at least two of three other incidents this month in which attackers blew themselves up at security checkpoints, including one targeting an elite security force tasked with tackling Islamist militancy.

Police also stormed a building outside the port city of Chittagong this month, killing four members of JMB, including a woman.

Another suspected militant hideout has also been cordoned off in the eastern city of Comilla, where a local election is underway.

Analysts say Islamist militants pose a growing danger in conservative Bangladesh, where a long-running political crisis has radicalised opponents of the government.

Since the cafe attack, security forces have launched a nationwide crackdown on Islamist extremist groups, killing around 60 suspected militants.

These include the founders of a new faction of the banned JMB, which has been blamed by the authorities for most attacks.
There's plenty of ugliness surrounding the fight for trans people to use the bathroom that matches their gender identity, so we're glad at least one place has its priorities right.

The Regent Theatre in Dunedin, New Zealand has installed a sign in front of its two unisex restrooms, indicating that it's for use by females, males, non-gender specific people, those with disabilities, and er, aliens.

SEE ALSO: Yes, of course, someone from Congress apparently edited the 'celibacy' Wikipedia page

What it's trying to say is, it doesn't matter who you are, just so long you do one thing: Wash your freakin' hands when you're finished up.

The Regent Theatre's marketing manager Hannah Molloy told One News they put up the signs last Friday, following an idea from director Sarah Anderson.

"The point was making it really obvious that there is a restroom for everybody," Molloy told the news outlet.

"Coming to see performing arts should be a fun, exciting, magical experience. It's taking any pressure points off for people, making sure people have an enjoyable time."

Because, people, hygiene should be your number one bathroom priority, and not making others feel unwelcome.

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By Hyunjoo Jin YONGIN, South Korea (Reuters) - South Korea's Hyundai Motor Co is developing its first dedicated architecture for electric vehicles, an executive told Reuters, seeking to catch up with the likes of Tesla in the growing segment with multiple, long-range models. While the platform will not be completed soon, Hyundai Motor and affiliate Kia Motors Corp plan to roll out small electric sport utility vehicles (SUVs) based on an existing underpinning next year, said Lee Ki-sang, who leads Hyundai-Kia's green cars operations. The separate platform represents a major push into the battery electric-car segment for a firm which has long trumpeted rival fuel-cell vehicles, reflecting strong investor pressure to compete more vigorously in a market that has been stimulated by U.S.-based Tesla Inc's longer-range models. Industry executives also say tough fuel-economy and emissions regulations in the United States, Europe and China are compelling automakers to push fuel-efficient cars even though low oil prices have undercut demand. Hyundai's electric-car platform would allow the automaker to install a battery pack in vehicle floors to accommodate more battery capacity and maximise cabin space, Lee said. "The electric-vehicle platform will require high up-front investments but we are doing this to prepare for the future," he said at Hyundai-Kia's green car research centre in the city of Yongin, outside Seoul. He did not reveal the cost. Lee, a senior vice-president at Hyundai Motor, was speaking during an interview on the eve of an auto show that kicked off in Seoul on Thursday. Analysts said Hyundai had no choice but to join the likes of Tesla, General Motors Co and Daimler AG unit Mercedes-Benz in building separate electric-vehicle platforms to be relevant in the segment. "The separate platform may incur losses initially, but Hyundai will be left behind the market if they don't offer long-distance models, like 300 km, 500 km and 600 km," said Ko Tae-bong, an analyst at Hi Investment & Securities. Hyundai Motor said in a statement on Thursday that it plans to launch a new luxury electric vehicle under its Genesis marque in 2021, after introducing a plug-in hybrid version of an unidentified Genesis model in 2019. CAUTIOUS OUTLOOK Hyundai will launch an electric SUV, followed by a sibling model by Kia Motors next year, Lee said, citing strong demand for SUVs. The subcompact or compact models would have a range of more than 300 km (186 miles) per charge, and would be "more competitive" than rival offerings, Lee said. Hyundai Motor's IONIQ hybrid sedan fell short of its sales target, while Kia's Niro hybrid SUV exceeded its forecast last year. Kia Motors was also working on its first fuel cell vehicle, following Hyundai Motor's lead in the segment, Lee said. Despite Hyundai's beefed-up plans for the electric car market, Lee was cautious about the outlook given the planned phase-out of government subsidies in China and other markets. Limited charging infrastructure and problems with battery technology, such as lengthy charge times on long-range vehicles, were also holding back demand, he said. Lee expected electric vehicles to account for about 10 percent of total global vehicle sales by 2025, from some 1 percent now, with China leading the way. Fuel-cell cars, by comparison, were unlikely to take off until 2025 but had long-term potential. In China, Hyundai Motor was considering sourcing batteries from Contemporary Amperex Technology Ltd (CATL) or a couple of other Chinese firms, because of subsidy restrictions on South Korean batteries, he said. As part of efforts to meet Chinese electric car quotas, Hyundai and Kia planned to introduce electric versions of its China-exclusive sedans and SUVs, while readying electrified models under local brands made with Chinese joint venture partners, he said. (Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin; Editing by Stephen Coates)
Republican Governor Sam Brownback of Kansas, speaks during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland, U.S., February 23, 2017. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback vetoed a bill Thursday that proposed expanding Medicaid, the government-run health program that provides insurance primarily to pregnant women, single parents, people with disabilities, and seniors with low incomes.

"I am vetoing this expansion of Obamacare because it fails to serve the truly vulnerable before the able-bodied, lacks work requirements to help able-bodied Kansans escape poverty, and burdens the state budget with unrestrainable entitlement costs," Brownback said in a statement.

Lawmakers have been trying to expand the program under a provision of the Affordable Care Act that opens eligibility up to any adult living under 138% of the federal poverty level  an income of $27,821 for a family of three in 2016.

Thirty-two states, including the District of Columbia, have chosen to participate, leading to more than 11 million people nationwide gaining coverage.

In Kansas, the bill's supporters, a bipartisan coalition of moderate Republicans and the state's Democrats, are expected to attempt to override Brownback's veto. The Kansas House passed the bill in February by a margin of 81-44 and the Senate passed it on Tuesday by a margin of 25-14.

In order to override Brownback's veto, the legislature would be need an additional three votes in the House and an additional two votes in the Senate, which many of the bill's supporters have acknowledged would be a tall order.

Sen. John Doll, a moderate Republican elected in 2016 amidst a public backlash against Brownback's conservative policies, told Business Insider on Thursday that it is likely the House will override, but garnering the two votes needed to override in the Senate will very "really difficult."

"I hope we are able to. I just dont see it," Doll said.

Barbara Bollier, a first-term senator representing several Kansas City suburbs and a retired physician, said that overwhelming public support for the bill could push some senators and representatives from no to yes.

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A public opinion poll conducted by the American Cancer Society in January found that 82% of Kansans support the Medicaid expansion. Several other polls from recent months put the number closer to 62%. Still, it has been hampered, its supporters say, by its association with the Affordable Care Act.

Bollier specifically said that Senate President Susan Wagle, who represents an area of central Kansas including Wichita, Kansas's largest city, will be pushed by the bill's supporters and Kansans because she is the most high-profile "no" vote.

A major supporter of the bill, Doll said that even if an override fails, public support ensures that Medicaid expansion will be raised by lawmakers again, though probably not until the next legislative session.

"It will come before the legislature again and again until it becomes law. Or until [the ACA] is repealed in Washington," Doll said.

A major obstacle to the bill's passage is its association with the ACA, according to Doll.

"Some of us cant get past the origination of the law," Doll said. "Weve got to look past parties and look at policies. We need a big lesson that at every level of government, but especially state and federal. We need to look at whats good for the people."

In his veto memo, Brownback said that an increase in federal Medicaid funding would result in increased funding to abortion providers such as Planned Parenthood and said that because Kansas is "pro-life," he could not support the bill.

Bollier called Brownback's reasoning "disingenuous" and a "weak excuse," noting that amendments to the Medicaid expansion bill addressing funding to abortion providers were introduced in both chambers and were voted down because voters did not support the measures.

"The people have spoken. [Planned Parenthood is] not their issue," said Bollier. "We're a far cry from listening to the people right now."

Bollier also suggested that Brownback's objection to the bill's lack of work requirements for Medicaid reciepents was a non-issue because the population gaining coverage is "the working poor."

NOW WATCH: Here's why the former head of the CIA says Obama never tapped Trump's phones





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By Andrei Makhovsky MINSK (Reuters) - Belarus's authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko will meet Russia's Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg on Monday, signalling the two sides are looking to settle their differences as a crackdown on protests in Minsk risks new Western sanctions. Russia and Belarus are traditional allies but relations became strained after Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula in 2014, a move Lukashenko described as a "bad precedent". Russia cut the subsidies it uses to keep its one-time Soviet vassal afloat, worsening an economic downturn in Belarus. But Lukashenko's suppression of street demonstrations could undo his recent efforts to court the West and nudge him back towards Moscow. Hundreds were arrested last weekend in Minsk, some dragged away or beaten by riot police. Moscow and Minsk are in a dispute over the price that Belarus pays for imports of Russian gas and over a reduction in the volumes of crude oil that Russia ships to Belarus. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, on a regular conference call with reporters, said the trade disputes would be on the agenda at Monday's meeting. Separately, Russia's ambassador to Minsk said all oil and gas issues could be resolved. Belarus is in its third year of recession, hit by the knock-on effects of a downturn in Russia and a fall in oil prices. Monthly wages have fallen to $380 from $630 in 2014. Russia's own finances are squeezed and the country is still under Western sanctions following the Crimea annexation. Over the past year, Russia has reduced oil supplies to Belarus by 20 percent, hitting Belarussian refiners and knocking, in Minsk's estimates, 1.5 percentage points off economic growth. The result is a fraying social contract between Belarussians and Lukashenko, a former state farm manager who has ruled for nearly a quarter of a century promising jobs, steady incomes and stability in exchange for obedience. PARASITES AND SCUMBAGS The protests in Belarus coincided with similar ructions across the border in Russia. But while in Russia the protests were powered by the young, in Belarus a significant portion was made up of Lukashenko's traditional base. The foreign minister of neighbouring Lithuania warned that the crackdown would affect Belarus's future ties with the EU. "If once again there are political prisoners, then without any doubt we will again return to the question of sanctions," Linas Linkevicius told Lithuanian public radio this week. Police had not interfered in earlier demonstrations but last week Lukashenko hardened his stance against the protesters, calling them "scumbags" and accusing a "fifth column" of plotting to overthrow him and plunge the country into chaos. "It was terrible, it was a nightmare. A 70-year-old grandmother was dragged by several policemen. The powers that be have shown they despise the people," said Vladimir, a 49-year-old protester. "I work in a private company but recently it has become harder for us to live. People are poor. Only those who are beating people today are getting a good salary." The demonstrations began on February 17, almost exactly a year after the EU lifted sanctions on Belarus citing its improved human rights record, and doubled an aid package to 29 million euros from 14.5 million in 2015. The trigger for the protests was a new tax of around $250 on citizens working less than 183 days a year, locally known as a law against "social parasites". Belarussians said the tax unfairly punished those unable to find work. Nikolai Statkevich, a Belarussian opposition leader who spent four years in prison after a previous crackdown, said the protests would continue. "Dialogue with the West began with my release. If I am now imprisoned in a criminal case, the basis for the dialogue is lost. And the authorities need money to maintain a machine of repression," Statkevich said. "The social contract in Belarus is changing - there was loyalty in exchange for benefits, then loyalty in exchange for stability," he said. "Now the money is enough only to maintain the loyalty of small groups, in particular the 'siloviki'," he said, referring to those in power whose roots go back to the security services. (Additional reporting by Maria Tsvetkova in MOSCOW and Andrius Sytas in VILNIUS; Writing by Matthias Williams; Editing by Gareth Jones)
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The Muslim and Jewish communities in Flanders have criticized a proposal by the Belgian region to ban the unstunned slaughter of small animals, which they say would contravene their rules for ritual killing. Under the draft law, animals like Sheep and poultry will have to be stunned electrically before being killed, which most animal rights campaigners say is more humane than the Islamic halal and Jewish kosher rituals. Both require that butchers swiftly slaughter the animal by slitting its throat and draining the blood. "Unstunned slaughter is outdated," Ben Weyts, regional minister of animal welfare, said in a statement. "In a civilized society, it is our damn duty to avoid animal suffering where possible." The bill has broad support in the predominantly Catholic region, and the opposition from Flanders' religious minorities illustrates the difficulties facing some European countries as they struggle to integrate immigrant populations. The issue could play with a wider audience, including right wing politicians and animal rights campaigners, who generally support the legislation. As stunning larger animals is not possible without also fatally wounding them, the proposed law requires animals such as cattle be stunned immediately after their throats are cut if slaughtered in a ritual manner. Belgium's Muslim community said its religious council has previously expressed its opposition to stunned slaughter and there had been no change in its stance since then. "Muslims are worried about whether they can eat halal food ... in conformity with their religious rites and beliefs," the Belgian Muslim Executive said. The Flemish Jewish community said it was studying the proposal and that stunned slaughter was not in line with Jewish religious laws. While the proposed law would only apply to the Dutch-speaking region of Flanders in the north of Belgium, other Belgian regions are planning similar moves. Countries including Denmark, Switzerland and New Zealand already prohibit unstunned slaughter. (Reporting by Robert-Jan Bartunek, additional reporting by Tom Heneghan; editing by Richard Lough)
Rio de Janeiro (AFP) - Eduardo Cunha, the once-powerful speaker of Brazil's lower house of Congress who spearheaded the impeachment of leftist president Dilma Rousseff, was sentenced Thursday to more than 15 years in prison for corruption.

The sentence, imposed by top anti-corruption judge Sergio Moro in Curitiba, was a landmark for the country's battle against rampant, high-level graft.

Moro, frequently cited as a hero by Brazilians at demonstrations, cited Cunha's conviction for corruption, money laundering and tax evasion in handing down the sentence of 15 years and four months.

Cunha "took wrongful advantage of his mandate as a federal (congressional) deputy," Moro wrote. "There can be no more serious offense than betraying the parliamentary mandate and the sacred trust placed in him by the people for personal gain."

Cunha's defense lawyer said an appeal would be lodged. However, Cunha will remain incarcerated in Curitiba, in the south of Brazil.

Prosecutors said he took millions of dollars in bribes as part of a sprawling corruption network in which politicians and major contractors embezzled from state oil company Petrobras.

The investigation, dubbed Operation Car Wash, has upended Brazilian politics, with dozens of politicians accused of participating in the scheme.

A member of current President Michel Temer's PMDB party, Cunha, 58, was one of Brazil's most influential politicians until he was removed from his speaker's post in July and arrested in October 2016.

When he outmaneuvered Rousseff and triggered impeachment proceedings, she was replaced by Temer -- who at the time was her conservative vice president in a coalition between the PMDB and Rousseff's Workers' Party. This briefly left Cunha first in the line of succession for the presidency.

Widely hated by Brazilians, Cunha earned a reputation as the ultimate master of dark political arts and was dubbed Brazil's Frank Underwood -- the scheming, corrupt anti-hero of the hit Netflix series "House of Cards" about a US politician.

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- Symbol of rot -

Cunha is only one of many politicians tainted by the Car Wash probe or by other investigations. No less than one in three members of the lower house -- 155 out of 513 deputies -- face criminal cases, according to the specialist political website Congresso em Foco.

That number could spike soon when the Supreme Court, which handles all cases involving sitting politicians, acts on a request by the prosecutor general to open new Car Wash-related probes against about 100 as-yet unnamed politicians.

Among the many big names already in the crosshairs is former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a larger-than-life figure in leftwing Latin American politics who founded the Workers' Party and helped Rousseff into power.

Like Cunha, Lula is accused of corruption and money laundering and will be tried by Moro because he is no longer a serving politician.

By contrast, the overburdened Supreme Court may not complete cases of many other high-profile suspects for years -- raising the question of whether Cunha is the sign of more to come from Car Wash or one of its high water marks.

Cunha stood out in Congress as a feared and grudgingly admired political operator who ended up symbolizing the thieving and lack of accountability in the capital Brasilia.

Even before his arrest, Cunha was already in trouble for lying to Congress. Through a variety of delaying tactics he managed to avoid his eventual expulsion from the legislature for months.

During his trial before Moro he asked Temer to be a witness, but his questions were excluded after being ruled to be an attempt to "intimidate" the president even from behind bars.

Cunha's sentence is one of the harshest so far in the Car Wash saga.

Marcelo Odebrecht -- former CEO of the Odebrecht construction giant, which was integral to the Petrobras embezzlement-and-bribery scheme -- was sentenced to 19 years and four months, while Lula's former chief of staff Jose Dirceu was sentenced to 20 years and 10 months.
By Francesco Guarascio and Gabriela Baczynska BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Parliament said on Wednesday that Brexit could be reversed, but if Britain pursued divorce from the EU it should first settle its bill and protect citizens' rights before a new trade deal with the bloc can be discussed. In a draft resolution published on the day that Britain formally triggered the two-year process to leave the European Union, senior EU lawmakers said there could be transitional arrangements to smooth the UK's departure but they should not last more than three years. Two London-based EU agencies, the European Banking Authority and the European Medicines Agency, must also move as soon as practicably possible, said the draft resolution. The draft sets the European Parliament's red lines on the conduct of EU divorce talks with Britain before a free trade pact can be tackled. The Strasbourg-based assembly will have a final say on any deal struck with Britain. In casting the Brexit process as reversible, EU lawmakers were seen to be offering a concession to strengthen the hand of Britons who voted to stay in the EU in last year's membership referendum, despite opposition from EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier to making any such reference. Conservative British Prime Minister Theresa May declared on Wednesday there was no turning back from Brexit. Britons voted by a margin of 52 to 48 percent to leave the EU. The EU parliament's resolution, to be voted on by the entire chamber next week, stressed that even if Britons changed their mind they would not get a better deal than what they had as members of the world's largest political and trade bloc. Parliament president Antonio Tajani told a news conference that if Britain decided to reverse course, "it cannot do it alone (as) all member states need to decide whether it is possible (too)". The EU parliament's Brexit team, led by Belgian ex-prime minister Guy Verhofstadt, accepted that in case of Brexit there should be transitional provisions to ease the split but lasting no more than three years and "strictly limited" in scope. GUARANTEES Negotiations on such arrangements could start only after substantial progress is made on a withdrawal accord that should include a bill for Brexit, guarantees for EU citizens living in Britain and British nationals residing in EU countries, and legal certainties for companies, the document said. "Not reaching a deal on citizens' rights means not reaching a deal at all," Tajani said. Three million EU citizens live in the UK and about 1 million British nationals in EU countries. The EU's parliament's draft resolution said London's Brexit bill should cover not just outstanding commitments to the bloc's budget but also "provision for off-balance sheet items, contingent liabilities and other financial costs that arise directly as a result of its withdrawal". That raised the prospect of a tab even higher than the 60 billion euros ($64.5 billion) figure bandied about of late - an amount rejected by prominent pro-Brexit politicians in the UK. Verhofstadt said it was possible to reach a withdrawal agreement and also one on the "general terms of the future relationship" within the two-year time frame of Brexit talks. To that end, he said, Britain should recognize that the European Court of Justice will be the "competent authority for the interpretation and enforcement of the withdrawal agreement". That stance may not go down well in Britain, where many see a quick end of ECJ jurisdiction as critical to restoring complete national sovereignty after four decades in the EU. (Editing by Mark Heinrich)
London (AFP) - Britain sought to downplay a row over future security ties with the EU on Thursday, as London and Brussels drew up the first battle lines at the start of their two-year divorce.

France and Germany also put up a common front against Prime Minister Theresa May's call to negotiate the exit and the new relationship at the same time, setting up a major stumbling block before negotiations even begin.

But a day after May formally notified the EU of Britain's intention to leave, it was her warning that failure to clinch a deal on trade would weaken the fight against terrorism that rankled.

"It's not a threat," Brexit minister David Davis told BBC radio after warnings from Brussels against using security as a bargaining chip in the talks.

- 'Brexit is not the end' -

The row came as some of the EU's top leaders fleshed out their strategy for the tough talks ahead as the bloc reels from the blow of one of its biggest members becoming the first state ever to start withdrawal from the 60-year-old union.

"Brexit is not the end of everything, but we must make it a beginning of something that will be new, stronger and better," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said in Malta.

"I suggest we get a move on because otherwise the populists are going to keep running," he said.

French President Francois Hollande on Thursday followed German Chancellor Angela Merkel in snubbing May's proposed structure for the negotiations, saying the exit agreement should come first.

"First we must begin discussions on the modalities of the withdrawal, especially on the rights of citizens and the obligations arising from the commitments that the United Kingdom has made," Hollande said.

The fate of three million EU citizens living in Britain and one million British people within the bloc's nations is at the top of leaders' agenda.

Also looming large is the so-called "exit bill" Britain will have to pay, estimated to be as much as 60 billion euros ($64 billion, A52 billion).

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German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said the divorce settlement should not lead to a "totally hostile relationship" between the two sides.

But he said there would be no concessions to Britain like the cut in EU budget contributions obtained by former prime minister Margaret Thatcher in 1985.

"There will be no UK rebate," he said.

In the first signs of a business fall-out since May's Brexit notification, the prestigious Lloyd's of London insurance market said it would open a new Brussels subsidiary to ensure smooth operations in the EU.

Several banks have announced plans to increase their operations in continental Europe as a safeguard once Britain leaves the single market.

Before the talks can even get under way, the government outlined plans for the daunting task of bringing thousands of items of EU regulation into British law on the day that Britain leaves the EU.

Davis told parliament that the Great Repeal Bill, which would also scrap Britain's EU membership enshrined in the 1972 European Communities Act, was necessary for a "smooth and orderly exit".

The proposals include the temporary use of extraordinary powers -- referred to by commentators as "Henry VIII powers" after the 16th-century English king who introduced them -- to amend thousands of EU regulations that are not compatible with British law.

- EU response -

A first response from the EU to Britain handing in its notice will come from Tusk on Friday when he issues draft "negotiating guidelines".

Leaders of the 27 remaining EU countries will then hold a special summit on April 29 to rubber stamp the plans.

While the bloc has tried to show a united front in the face of Brexit, celebrating the EU's 60th anniversary earlier this month, in Britain the prime minister is struggling to unite her own country.

Britons last year voted 52 percent to 48 percent in favour of Brexit after a bitterly divisive campaign.

In Ireland and neighbouring Northern Ireland, a once-troubled British province, the result has also raised fears about a return of border checks and an impact on the delicate peace process.

The referendum result has also led to a renewed campaign for independence in Scotland, after a majority of Scots voted for Britain to stay in the EU in the June referendum.

Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon was pictured at her Edinburgh residence on Thursday working on a letter to May, formally requesting an independence referendum, which is expected to be sent to Downing Street on Friday.

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Brussels (AFP) - Hammering out a trade deal between EU and post-Brexit Britain will be a one-of-a-kind negotiation, a battle between intimate allies unprecedented in modern history, officials and analysts say.

Recent EU free trade agreements including ones with Canada and South Korea have taken at least five years to achieve, with negotiators bogged down in both tiny details and major headaches.

Efforts to reach a trade deal with the US have taken even longer and now stalled -- but insiders say Brexit could top the lot when it comes to difficulty.

Lurking over the trade talks is the prospect of no deal, known as "hard Brexit", a legal void that most observers believe could have grave consequences for Britain, but also the EU.

An EU-Britain deal would be the "biggest free trade deal ever struck, ... that goes far deeper than what happens for EU-Canada or EU-Korea," Ivan Rogers, who stepped down as Britain's ambassador to the European Union in January, told British MPs last month.

Both deals were followed by a bruising ratification process by the EU's national governments.

- 'World-class' EU negotiators -

British Prime Minister Theresa May launched the two-year Brexit process on Wednesday, with the European Union insisting that issues like Britain's exit bill and the fate of EU citizens in Britain must be settled first.

But once those issues are settled, Britain and the EU will seek to sketch out a new future in the form of a far-reaching trade deal to cover all the issues currently covered by the single market.

Many in the EU have warned that it will be impossible to reach a deal before Britain leaves the EU in 2019, meaning it will need a transitional period under still-to-be-determined terms before a full agreement can be reached.

European Parliament Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt recommended limiting any such transition to three years after Brexit.

But Rogers warned that London would stand far weaker on trade than the "world class" and highly experienced EU, with the British government having had no negotiators since the 1970s when it joined the bloc.

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Some pro-Brexiters in Britain argue that an EU deal make light of the challenges.

Indeed, Britain is currently an integral member of the EU's single market, the most comprehensive international trade agreement there is. Why should hammering out a trade accord be difficult when your starting point is convergence?

To some degree this was true, analysts said.

"The previous experience of trade negotiations like TTIP or CETA doesn't actually matter," said Hosuk Lee-Makiyama, director of the ECIPE think tank, referring to talks with the United States and Canada.

"This divorce settlement is going to be built on the ... status quo," he said.

The starting point for trade deal with Canada was no agreement while "the status quo in Brexit is actually an agreement," he said, speaking at a conference in Brussels on the consequences of Brexit.

That is not the rhetoric of the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, who has ruled out negotiating a trade deal before the official divorce is settled, nor of German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

- Indignity for Britain -

Barnier has threatened that a nasty divorce with no trade deal would condemn Britain to the status of a mere "third country", guided only by World Trade Organization rules.

Rogers said this would leave Britain out in the cold.

Becoming a third country would be an ultimate indignity for Britain -- third countries in EU-speak are automatically slapped with higher tariffs and a raft of regulatory barriers.

The vast majority of world countries are not in that category, having hammered out little-known deals on various sectors and products. The United States has at least 20 of these deals with the EU, Rogers said.

Barnier described the potential dangers of zero-deal for London: queues of backed up trucks at Dover, lower growth and a regulatory void that would spook foreign investors from Britain.

"While low, that risk is not zero," said Berenberg Bank analyst Kallum Pickering.

"The issues that led to Brexit in the first place could again turn into points of contention," he said.
Brussels (AFP) - The answer to the question of whether Britain's exit process from the European Union is revocable is simple: it just depends who you ask.

British Prime Minister Theresa May insisted after triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty on Wednesday that it was a "historic moment from which there can be no turning back".

But hours later European Parliament President Antonio Tajani said the clock could in theory be reversed, if only with the approval of the other 27 member states.

"If the UK now changes its mind it can't do it alone, all the other member states of the union have to decide if they can do it or not," Italy's Tajani said.

The apparently contradictory remarks reflect a political and legal ambiguity about whether Britain is saying goodbye for ever.

The once obscure and now famous Article 50 is frustratingly vague on this issue, as on most others.

It says merely that "a Member State which decides to withdraw shall notify the European Council of its intention."

It then adds: "If a State which has withdrawn from the Union asks to rejoin, its request shall be subject to the procedure referred to in Article 49," referring to the section for fresh applications to join the bloc.

Britain's Supreme Court said in January that it was "common ground" that the notice was "irrevocable and cannot be conditional", although it was not ruling on that subject but on parliament's supremacy.

The European Commission appears to be agree, but only on the surface.

"Once triggered, it cannot be unilaterally reversed. Notification is a point of no return," it said in a statement on Article 50 on Wednesday.

But this appears to leave open the possibility suggested by Tajani that the other 27 EU states could agree to let it reverse the notification.

- 'Can't be forced to leave' -

The European Parliament mentions the possibility of revoking Article 50 in a resolution on Brexit that it intends to pass next week, if only to say that a "revocation of notification needs to be subject to conditions" so it cannot be "abused in an attempt to improve the current terms of the UK's membership".

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A leading EU legal expert said that all the work on creating Article 50 nearly a decade ago had been focused on making it a smooth process for a country to exit, and that Brussels officials believed it was irreversible.

"But it was admitted that it could be considered that it is reversible in exceptional cases," added the expert, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of his position.

The author of Article 50, John Kerr, who in a piece of historical irony is British, had the same idea.

"An Article 50 notification is not irrevocable," he told the House of Lords in February.

"If, having looked into the abyss, we were to change our minds about withdrawal, we certainly could and no one in Brussels could stop us."

Jean-Claude Piris, a former director of legal services at the European Council who is now a consultant, agreed.

"If the British authorities said 'I don't want to any more', you can't force a member state to leave," he told AFP. "My theory is that in this case you would return to the status quo."

- 'Quite punchy' -

Ultimately, the question is a legal one.

Politically there appears to be little will in Britain at the moment to defy the result of a referendum that, however much of a shock, is uncontested.

But Jolyon Maugham, a British lawyer who has launched legal action in Ireland in a bid to force the European Court of Justice to rule on whether Britain can reverse Article 50, says that could still change.

"It is just quite punchy to assert that the political mood will remain static," he said.

"There is quite compelling evidence that people are changing their minds about the cost of Brexit for them."

If a decision ever does have to be made, it seems certain that it would be the ECJ that decides -- "even if one of the motivations for the British withdrawal is to secure its sovereignty", said a report by French MPs.
President Donald Trumps inauguration in January made the headlines for more reasons than one. At least two of these were the small crowds, and former President George W. Bushs tussle with his rain poncho.

Now, a new report released Wednesday says that the former president reacted to Trumps inauguration speech by saying, That was some weird shit.

Read: George W. Bush Is Very Fond Of Michelle Obama, Who Likes His Jokes

The report by New York Magazine cited three people who were at the event where he was seated next to former President Bill Clinton and Democratic nominee for president Hillary Clinton as well as former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama.

Bush did not make any formal statement following the conclusion of the inauguration but a statement from his office, prior to the ceremony, said he and wife Laura Bush were pleased to be able to witness the peaceful transfer of power  a hallmark of American democracy  and swearing-in of President Trump and Vice President Pence.

bush trump

Photo: REUTERS\Saul Loeb

Many say that the couple attended for the same reason as the Clintons, which was to show respect toward the democratic running of the government of the United States.

Bush shared a cordial relationship with the Obamas and also said he liked Michelle Obama because she laughed at his jokes. The former first lady and Bush have routinely been seated next to each other at numerous official events, fostering a friendship.

In an interview with People magazine earlier this month, Bush said Michelle Obama kind of likes my sense of humor. Anybody who likes my sense of humor, I immediately like.

The former presidents comments on Trump, however, have been limited. Bush refused to endorse the Republican candidate before the presidential election and did not appear at the Republican National Convention. A spokesman for his family also confirmed that he did not vote for Trump.

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Self-exiled opposition leader Sam Rainsy was sentenced to 20 months in prison by a Cambodian court Thursday for accusing the government of assassinating a prominent critic.

The verdict is the latest legal case to hamper an opposition movement struggling to break Prime Minister Hun Sen's 32-year grip on power.

The defamation charge centred around the brazen daylight murder of political commentator Kem Ley in July, whose killing sent shudders through Cambodia's hard-pressed rights community.

Many feared the assassination was orchestrated by forces loyal to Hun Sen, who has been cracking down on critics ahead of elections in 2018.

Former opposition leader Rainsy, Hun Sen's top foe, called Kem Ley's murder an act of "state terrorism" and said "the government was behind the assassination."

The strongman premier hit back with a defamation charge.

On Thursday a Phnom Penh court sentenced Rainsy to 20 months in jail in absentia, with Judge Y Thavrak declaring him guilty of "public defamation and inciting unrest".

The exiled politician, who resides in France, faces a string of convictions and charges he claims are politically motivated and stepped down as leader of his Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) last month.

The move was an effort to evade new legislation pushed by Hun Sen's government that bars convicts from leading political parties -- seen as a clear shot at Rainsy and the CNRP.

A poor ex-soldier was sentenced to life last week for murdering Kem Ley, who was known for taking swipes at both of Cambodia's political factions.

The killer claimed he shot the popular commentator over $3,000 in unpaid debt -- a motive that has failed to sway many in a country with a dark history of political assassinations.

Rights groups say Hun Sen has been heaping pressure, mostly through the courts, on his rivals ahead of local elections in June this year and a general election in 2018.

The CNRP made huge gains in the 2013 elections and say they only lost because the vote was stolen -- a claim Hun Sen denies.

Rainsy's latest conviction comes as his party marked the 20th anniversary of a deadly attack on a rally he led in 1997, where at least 16 people were killed and 120 wounded.
PHNOM PENH (Reuters) - Cambodia's exiled former opposition leader Sam Rainsy was sentenced in absentia on Thursday to an additional 20 months in prison for defamation, on top of a previous five-year term. Opponents of Prime Minister Hun Sen accuse him of using defamation cases and other tactics to marginalise rivals ahead of local elections in June and a general election next year. The case against Sam Rainsy had been brought by Hun Sen himself over a radio interview in which he alleged "state authorities" were behind last year's killing of a government critic, Kem Ley. Phnom Penh Municipal Court judge Y Thavrak fined Sam Rainsy $2,500 in addition to the 20-month jail sentence. Sam Rainsy was ordered to pay Hun Sen a symbolic 100 riels ($0.025) in damages. Sam Rainsy's lawyer had argued there were no grounds for defamation because he had not referred to anyone by name in the radio interview. A man was jailed last week after confessing to murdering Kem Ley, but human rights groups and the activist's family said the case left many questions unanswered. Sam Rainsy resigned from the leadership of the Cambodia National Rescue Party in February, in the face of a threatened government ban on any political party whose leader has been convicted of an offence. Sam Rainsy has been convicted on a series of defamation charges and has lived in France since 2015 to avoid them. (Reporting by Prak Chan Thul; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
By Chine Labbe PARIS (Reuters) - A French court sent Carlos the Jackal, once one of the world's most wanted criminals, back to jail for his third life sentence on Tuesday after convicting him of a grenade attack 42 years ago on a Paris shop that killed two people. The Venezuelan, whose real name is Ilich Ramirez Sanchez, is already serving two life sentences in France for deadly attacks in the 1970s and 1980s. The 67-year-old Ramirez, white-haired now, denounced the trial as "absurd" in a statement before the verdict. "I am being prosecuted for completely phoney matters," Ramirez, who wore a dark jacket and jeans, told the judges. "It is up to you to defend France, to defend the interests of the French people," he said. Ramirez was charged with murder over the Sept. 15, 1974 grenade attack on the Publicis drugstore in central Paris, which also injured 34 people. He denied involvement. His lawyers had urged the special Paris court to acquit him but the panel of five judges found him guilty after four hours of deliberation and handed down the life sentence requested by prosecutors. There is no jury in French terrorism trials. Defense lawyers, alleging heavy media coverage had influenced the judges, said they would appeal. "The judges didn't dare to acquit Carlos," lawyer Francis Vuillemin said outside the court room. Throughout the two-week trial, Ramirez's lawyers repeatedly attacked the absence of many witnesses and the decision to hold the trial more than 40 years after the events. In the 1970s and 1980s, the Marxist militant and self-dubbed "elite gunman" became a symbol of Cold War anti-imperialism and public enemy number one for Western governments. He sealed his notoriety in 1975 with the hostage-taking of OPEC oil ministers in Vienna in the name of the Palestinian struggle, and went on to become an international gun-for-hire with Soviet bloc protectors. At the start of the trial, Ramirez, who has been held in France for 23 years since being captured in Khartoum by French special forces, called himself a "professional revolutionary". The two life sentences he is already serving in France are for the murder of two French police officers and an informant in June 1975 and for a series of attacks on trains, a train station and a Paris street in 1982 and 1983 that killed 11 people and wounded about 150 more. The press gave him his nickname after a reporter saw a copy of Frederick Forsyth's "The Day of the Jackal" at Ramirez's London flat and mistakenly assumed it belonged to him. Investigators said the U.S.-made hand grenade used in the Paris shop attack came from the same batch as a grenade found in a Paris apartment used by Ramirez and from the same batch as three grenades used in an attack on the French Embassy in The Hague by the Japanese Red Army militant group two days previously. (Writing by Adrian Croft; Editing by Richard Balmforth)
By Jonathan Stempel

(Reuters) - A high school run by the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago on Wednesday defeated an appeal by seven students who claimed that its drug testing program, in which they received false positive results for cocaine, was racially discriminatory.

By a 3-0 vote, the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the six African-American students and one white student failed to show that Marian Catholic High School's drug tests violated federal civil rights laws.

Each student at Marian Catholic, located in Chicago Heights, Illinois, is randomly tested for illegal drugs at least once a year, and those testing positive could face sanctions ranging from counseling to expulsion.

The students said the school and Omega Laboratories, which analyzed the test results, knew that hair of African-Americans and hair products used by African-Americans raised the potential for false positives, yet refused to change their protocols.

Writing for the Chicago-based appeals court, however, Chief Judge Diane Wood said that even if one assumed that Omega's techniques were poor, that was a "far cry" from showing that the tests were systematically biased.

"We readily accept the proposition that errors can creep into test results," but this does not show racial discrimination unless distinctions based on race "explain what is going on," Wood wrote. "The operative complaint in this case fails to meet this burden."

Wednesday's decision upheld a May 2016 ruling by U.S. District Judge Manish Shah in Chicago.

Mary Grieb, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Andrew Kopon, a lawyer for the school and Omega, said in an interview the decision shows that Marian Catholic did not discriminate.

The case is L.P. et al v Marian Catholic High School et al, 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 16-2856.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Bill Trott)
In most states, babies are required to ride with their car seats facing the rear of the car until around age two  but is that too young to turn them?

According to certified child safety technician Jennifer Beall Saxton, the American Academy of Pediatricians recommends that you keep your child rear-facing until age two, or until they exceed the height and weight limits of their seat.

Watch: Comfortable Seatbelts

However, even when its legal to turn the seat forward, she notes, Its five times safer to stay rear-facing, because the head and neck and spine havent fully developed in small children. So when theyre forward-facing theyre more susceptible to severe injuries or death in a car accident.

Breast Surgeon Dr. Kristi Funk wonders about older kids. She has three six-year-olds, and all of their peers are already using booster seats. Is it safer to keep them in their five-point-restraint seats, or are they too old for that?

Watch: Life-Saving Car Accident

A five-point harness is much safer than just the seatbelt, says Jennifer. We recommend staying in that five-point harness as long as possible, because its going to diffuse the forces of a car accident.

ER Physician Dr. Travis Stork tells Jennifer, We applaud you for what you do. He urges parents to learn the laws around child car seats in their states.
The value of China's coal imports from North Korea surged nearly 40 percent in February, official data shows -- the same month Beijing vowed to suspend the trade over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile tests.

China imported $97.6 million worth of North Korean coal last month -- a key foreign currency-earner for the pariah state -- up from $70.1 million during the same period last year, according to China's customs website.

Its total imports from the North rose to $176.7 million in the month, up 47 percent from $119.9 million a year earlier.

The volume of coal imported last month, however, fell to 1.23 million tonnes from a year-ago 1.52 million tonnes.

The data came after Beijing announced on February 18 that it was halting all imports of coal from North Korea for the rest of the year.

The move followed another rocket launch by Pyongyang and the assassination in Malaysia of the half-brother of the North's leader Kim Jong-Un.

It is unclear if China imported any coal after the suspension came into force or if all the purchases were made earlier in the month.

China is the North's sole major ally and its economic lifeline, but has come under pressure to do more to rein in its neighbour.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly accused Beijing of failing to use its leverage to help stop the North's nuclear programme.

"North Korea is behaving very badly. They have been 'playing' the United States for years. China has done little to help!" Trump wrote in a Twitter-blast earlier this month.

The hardened US stance followed two North Korean nuclear tests last year and recent missile launches that Pyongyang described as practice for an attack on US bases in Japan.

Pyongyang is barred under UN resolutions from carrying out ballistic missile launches or nuclear tests.

Beijing is reluctant to squeeze the unpredictable North too hard lest it trigger a confrontation or messy regime collapse.

China wants to resume multi-lateral diplomatic negotiations with North Korea on dismantling its nukes -- which UN resolutions bar it from having -- but various rounds of such talks in years past failed to deter Pyongyang.

Chinese authorities traditionally ensured that UN Security Council resolutions on sanctions against Pyongyang included humanitarian exemptions, and had continued to purchase huge amounts of North Korean coal.

But the latest resolution, passed in December, had no such clause and Beijing suspended purchases of coal from the North -- for three weeks to December 31.
Bogota (AFP) - Colombia's government and the country's last active rebel force plan to start demining conflict areas, the armed group said Thursday.

The announcement by the National Liberation Army (ELN) came weeks after it launched peace talks with the government.

The ELN hopes that "by April 7 we can be organizing humanitarian demining activities in various regions," its chief negotiator Pablo Beltran said on Caracol Radio.

"There have been demands for that and we are going to listen. That is an agreement that will be reached in the negotiations."

Colombia ranks as the country with the second-biggest quantity of landmines after Afghanistan, according to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines.

The Colombian conflict erupted in 1964 and has drawn in various rebel and paramilitary groups and gangs as well as state forces.

Of the 260,000 people estimated by authorities to have died in the conflict, some 2,000 have been killed by landmines.

President Juan Manuel Santos says he wants a deal with the ELN to seal "complete peace" after signing an accord with the biggest rebel force, the FARC, in November.
Is Your Commute Really the Worst?

Site Compares Commute Times Across the United States

The automotive site Auto Accessories Garage has compiled a huge pile of data from the U.S. Census Bureau to create an interactive map that allows commuters compare their travel time with people in other parts of the country.

For those who work at or close to home, feel free to sit back smugly. (Those of you who use a motorcycle to get to work  and lane split  can feel pretty good about yourselves, as well Ed.)

The site allows travelers to enter their ZIP code and one-way commute time for comparison. It also includes an interactive map, and the data can be downloaded and viewed as a Google Spreadsheet. The statistics show the countrys most populous cities win the prize for both the longest and shortest commute times. For the former, Chicago topped the list at 32.4 minutes, followed by Philadelphia (31.2), New York and Miami (29.5) and Los Angeles (28.9).

Lane splitting

Folks in Omaha have the shortest commute it seems, at 18.4 minutes  then Wichita (18.5), Tulsa (18.6), Nashville (19.6) and Oklahoma City (19.7). The study goes on to state that "of the five largest American cities, (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Philadelphia,) Houston is the only city not listed [in the top five commute times]. With an average commute time of 26.2 minutes, Houston manages to rank 8th overall for longest commute. Oddly, Houston is also the largest city in the nation without a major public rail transit system. However, public transit may have little bearing on traffic congestion as 86 percent of American workers commute by vehicle, and of those drivers, more than 75 percent drive alone. Meanwhile, Miami is only the 44th most populous American city, making its inclusion on the bottom five something of a surprise to - but maybe not to its residents."

The report also includes the numbers for longest and shortest commutes by state. It does not show any statistics for those who commute by motorcycle, which would of course be among the smallest numbers by comparison.
Muhammad Ali Khalidi, a professor of philosophy and cognitive science at York University in Toronto, recalls that he first experienced the tingling sensation when he was around 5 years old. Waiting after school for his parents to pick him up, an older gentleman -- perhaps a custodian -- who waited at the school until kids' rides arrived would talk in a gentle voice. "As far as I can recollect, he would speak in a kind of monotone way, and have this kind of gravelly voice, and it was very relaxing," Khalidi recalls.

Since his childhood, similar triggers, such as when a doctor was speaking quietly to him about his health while taking notes -- making scratching sounds in a notebook -- have induced the same pleasant tingly sensation running up and down his scalp as well as in his back and parts of his arms. He later recognized what he felt as ASMR, or autonomous sensory meridian response, while listening to the novelist Andrea Siegel describe her own experience with it on the podcast "This American Life."

Since Khalidi delivered a blog post about it last year for the American Philosophical Association, the internet and online social communities have been abuzz extolling its potential benefits, most widely as a mode of relaxation.

[See: 8 Ways Meditation Can Improve Your Life.]

Quite literally millions of videos on YouTube have been created for the express purpose of inducing ASMR, including the ever popular Gentle Whispering ASMR, notes a 2016 review of limited research on ASMR and frisson, a strong, pleasant tingling feeling induced in some by music. The review argues that the two mindfully induced sensory phenomena are interrelated. With ASMR -- which observers note, seems to be experienced by a small but still significant minority of the population -- the atypical response is usually first noticed in childhood. It may be triggered by crisp sounds, whispering and slow or repetitive movements, as research details in the review published last year in the International Journal of School and Educational Psychology.

"Some of the triggers involve somebody giving them close personal attention," says review lead author Marisa del Campo, a school psychologist at Natchaug Elementary School in Connecticut and a PhD student in school psychology at the University of Connecticut. The feeling could be brought on by a visit to the barber shop, touching hard objects like a comb or brush with fingernails -- as featured in some videos produced by "ASMR-tists," who specialize in making videos to help induce the sensation. Some people experience goosebumps as part of the sensation, del Campo notes.

There's a dearth of research into exactly how ASMR is experienced on a neurological level, or what sort of brain activity results from it. Instead, descriptions come solely from self-reports of those who say they experience it. But as del Campo and Thomas Kehle, professor of school psychology at the University of Connecticut, who co-authored the review on ASMR and frisson point out: It appears that both are induced or enhanced through the practice of mindfulness, which involves focusing attention on one's internal and external experiences in the present moment. As with mindfulness, where much more research has been done, the reported benefits extend from improved mood and reduced stress and alleviation of depression symptoms to decreased anxiety levels. That mindfulness, which del Campo and Kehle believe is integral to ASMR, as well as frisson -- and getting into that "flow state" -- can be very therapeutic, Kehle says.

[See: Hoarding, ADHD, Narcissism: Inside the Minds of History's Great Personalities.]

Some who experience ASMR, like Khalidi, say it can also help combat insomnia. And the benefits appear to persist after the tingling wears off. However, much remains unknown. A non-clinical concept, the term ASMR was first coined in 2010 by Jennifer Allen who started a Facebook group focused on ASMR. Only nonscientific descriptions exist since ASMR is solely self-reported. It hasn't been measured in a lab, for example, by neurological responses on a brain scan. That has led to no small degree of skepticism, as Khalidi notes, with some doubting the sensation really exists or is experienced in any sort of uniform way.

Enthusiasts have also called for research into the subject to better understand potential benefits -- and whether there are any drawbacks. One study found differences in personality traits between the people who experience ASMR and those who don't, del Campo notes: Those who do experience ASMR score higher in the traits of neuroticism and openness to experience (being willing to try new things), and then lower in agreeableness, conscientiousness and extraversion. "Neuroticism certainly is linked to depression," she says. However, del Campo, who wasn't involved in the research published in February in the journal Frontiers of Psychology, as well as study authors note study limitations. That includes a sample drawn from an online ASMR community who "may be more willing to disclose information about their ASMR experiences and may be more naturally 'open to experience' than the general population."

[See: 11 Simple, Proven Ways to Optimize Your Mental Health.]

Given the soft, intimate nature of a whispering interaction that can induce ASMR, for example, some also wonder whether it's stimulating in another way. "One natural response to all this is that there's something creepily sexual about it," Klalidi writes. "Take my word and that of fellow members of the 'ASMR community' that it's less about arousal than relaxation or 'zoning out,' even though there are some distant relations to porn, for instance, in the level of intimacy in some of the trigger videos, many of which seem to be made by attractive young women." Some confusion may arise based on how the sensation is described, like as a "headgasm," yet del Campo agrees it isn't about sex drive but about a desire to induce relaxation, among other benefits.

For the majority who don't experience ASMR, one additional takeaway is the proven benefits of mindfulness, in general. ASMR may yet be one more way to realize those, though a closer look is needed first. "I'd like to pin down -- and it shouldn't be too hard to do -- what's going on in the body. What's happening when people experience this? ... Is it indeed producing these kinds of benefits, such that it could be used as an intervention for increasing well-being?" del Campo asks. "Right now there really isn't enough data to do that."

Michael Schroeder is a health editor at U.S. News. He covers a wide array of topics ranging from cancer to depression and prevention to overtreatment. He's been reporting on health since 2005. You can follow him on Twitter or email him at mschroeder@usnews.com.
SAN ANTONIO (AP)  Golden State was emotionally prepared to shrug off a 22-point deficit during the first quarter in a key showdown with San Antonio.

After all, the Warriors have battled the scrutiny of failing to win an NBA championship last year after a record-setting regular season and have fought through a knee injury to Kevin Durant this season.

Stephen Curry scored 29 points, Klay Thompson had 23 and the Warriors rallied to beat the San Antonio Spurs 110-98 on Wednesday night for their ninth straight win.

"You don't let go of the rope," Curry said. "Whether it ends up in a win or a loss, you can't ever feel like you're out of it. Understanding based on the experiences we've had the last three years, we have what it takes to win all sorts of way."

Golden State extended its lead over San Antonio to 3 1/2 games for the league's best record, beating the Spurs for the first time in three meetings this season.

The Warriors rallied to beat the Spurs a day after defeating the Rockets 113-106 in Houston, giving Golden State consecutive wins over the West's best.

"This was a big win for us, a confidence booster," said Warriors veteran David West, who scored 14 points. "Because, obviously, they are two tough teams, two playoffs teams, two teams we could see possibly late in the year. I thought the guys showed great resolve and focus."

The Spurs had a five-game winning streak halted in inglorious fashion. San Antonio got off to its best start of the season two days after dismantling Cleveland in a 29-point victory. The Spurs raced to a 33-17 lead in the opening quarter, matching their largest lead of the season after the first quarter.

"We had a great start, as everybody saw," Spurs guard Manu Ginobili said. "We kind of caught them by storm at the beginning."

Andre Iguodala's 20-foot fadeaway jumper off one leg in the final seconds kept the Warriors from matching a season-low for points in the opening period.

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Iguodala finished with 14 points.

Golden State rallied from that horrendous start, overcoming a 22-point deficit in the first quarter to take its first lead at 59-57 on Thompson's 3-pointer 1:20 into the second half.

Unlike last season when they captured a record-setting 73 wins in the regular season, the Warriors are not focused on their record.

"Last year, things kind of got pushed under the rug and painted over a little bit because we were winning games," Curry said. "It wasn't really a great way to go into the playoffs. It was obviously a good emotion, but we had some habits that needed to be fixed. I think now we understand how important our defense is for us winning, especially in the playoffs."

The Warriors demonstrated that by outscoring the Spurs 93-65 after the first quarter.

San Antonio had 14 turnovers in the final three quarters.

"Our offense kind of got stagnant a little bit," Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard said. "Some miscommunication on the switches. We knew they were going to make shots."

Leonard had 19 points and five assists for San Antonio. Leonard shot 7 for 20 from the field while being guarded by a rotation of defenders.

"We've got a lot of good defenders on this team," Golden State coach Steve Kerr said. "It's a luxury to be able to put Andre, Matt Barnes, Sean Livingston, Klay to mix it up and throw different bodies. It's helpful for us."

Golden State finished 13 for 26 on 3-pointers after shooting 2 of 5 on 3-pointers in the first quarter.

Ginobili had 18 points for San Antonio, and LaMarcus Aldridge added 17.

TIP-INS

Warriors: Golden State forward Kevin Durant worked out on the court before the game, but remains sidelined by an injured left knee. Kerr said there is no update on a possible return, but is encouraged that Durant is moving well and progressing. Durant played a "hard" 1-on-1 against Golden State assistant coach Willie Green earlier in the day. "Kevin got him pretty good," Kerr said. "It's a good sign. If Willie had beaten him, I would have been worried." ... Curry has 289 3-pointers this season, second-most in league history, surpassing the 286 he made in 2015. Curry set the league record with 402 3s last season. ... Golden State has seven winning streaks of at least seven games in three seasons under Kerr.

Spurs: Ginobili has played 987 regular-season games in his career, tying Hall of Famer David Robinson for third all-time in franchise history behind Tony Parker (1,136) and Tim Duncan (1,392). ... PG Patty Mills has 582 career 3-pointers, one more than Hall of Famer Michael Jordan. ... San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said rookie Dejounte Murray is progressing slowly, but remains out with a left groin injury. ... San Antonio has eight games remaining, including four at home. ... The Spurs are 106-57 overall against the Warriors.

NEVER GOING TO LET YOU GO

Ginobili said he won't make a decision about whether he will return for a 16th season until the Spurs' year is done, but Popovich doesn't want him going anywhere.

"I don't ever want him to retire," Popovich said, smiling. "I want to squeeze every last ounce of juice I can. I'm going to use him like a bar of soap until there's nothing left."

UP NEXT

Warriors: Host Houston on Friday night.

Spurs: At Oklahoma City on Friday night.
Washington (AFP) - David Friedman, a Jewish American attorney close to President Donald Trump, and who is known for a hardline stand in favor of settlements in occupied territories, was sworn in on Wednesday as new US envoy to Israel.

The Senate confirmed his nomination in a 52-46 vote.

"One of the clearest signs of the president's commitment to the state of Israel and to its people is in his choice of David Friedman as America's Ambassador to Israel," Vice President Mike Pence said at the event.

A longtime attorney and the son of a rabbi, Friedman has backed Jewish settlements in some occupied territories, as well as moving the US embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv.

"This is a critical time for our two nations and our peoples. The challenges we face are many, but our resolve to overcome them has never been stronger," Pence said.

"Under President Trump's leadership, the United States will always be a faithful friend to the Jewish State of Israel."

The Israel job was seen as a key bellwether of the new administration's attitude to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and Friedman's nomination was welcomed by the Israeli right.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Twitter that Friedman "will be warmly welcomed as President Trump's representative and as a close friend of Israel."

Before becoming the ambassadorial nominee, Friedman was known as a vocal supporter of Israeli causes, including the building of settlements on Palestinian land in Jerusalem and the West Bank.

He clashed with American Jewish progressive groups, notably dubbing liberals "worse than kapos," a reference to Jewish collaborators who worked as guards in Nazi prison camps.

And he is widely seen as hostile to the two-state solution -- the vision of an end to the conflict in which Israel and a future Palestine live side-by-side within agreed borders.

Trump's administration insists it might support this idea if Israel comes to a deal, but has clearly softened the Obama administration's tough criticism of Israeli settlements.

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Democratic senator Dianne Feinstein voted against Friedman and dubbed him "too divisive to serve in one of our nation's most sensitive diplomatic positions."

And liberal Jewish lobby group J Street said it was "heartened" that the level of opposition to Friedman's confirmation showed that his views were outside the US mainstream.

Trump, who is Protestant, is the first US president to have Jewish members of his immediate family.

His daughter Ivanka converted to Judaism before marrying Jared Kushner, a billionaire developer and now her father's White House adviser.
Washington (AFP) - Senior Senate Democrats on Thursday said they were demanding the US government investigate connections between President Donald Trump's real estate company and an Azerbaijani oligarch reported to have ties to Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

The lawmakers wrote to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and FBI Director James Comey to express concern that the billionaire president's Trump Organization may have violated anti-corruption laws.

In 2014, Trump announced a hotel project in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, in which he partnered with Anar Mammadov, son of the country's then-minister of transportation Ziya Mammadov, known to be a close ally of strongman President Ilham Aliyev.

The project was the subject of a bombshell investigative report early this month in The New Yorker titled "Donald Trump's Worst Deal."

It portrayed the hotel as an ethically hazy project that may have ended up aiding money laundering linked to Iran's elite military force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The magazine reported on a potentially sloppy due-diligence process which may have failed to raise alerts about possible violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), the 1977 US law that forbids American companies from rewarding foreign government officials in exchange for material benefit or preferential treatment.

"It appears that the lack of due diligence by the Trump Organization described in the article exposed President Trump and his organization to notoriously corrupt Azerbaijani oligarchs, and may also have exposed the Trump Organization to the IRGC," Senators Dianne Feinstein, Ben Cardin and Sherrod Brown wrote in their letter.

"Even though the Trump Organization appears to have withdrawn from the Baku Tower deal, serious questions remain unanswered about the Trump Organization's potential criminal liability."

The New Yorker reported that diplomatic cables from the US Embassy in Azerbaijan from 2009 and 2010 -- exposed by WikiLeaks -- described Ziya Mammadov as "notoriously corrupt even for Azerbaijan."

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Alan Garten, a Trump Organization lawyer, told the magazine that the real estate conglomerate was not to blame for any corruption by the Mammadovs.

"We didn't own it," Garten said of the hotel. "We had no equity. We didn't control the project... We did not pay any money to anyone. Therefore, it could not be a violation of the FCPA."

The New Yorker reported that Trump's daughter Ivanka, now a White House advisor, oversaw the project since its inception and toured the Baku hotel site in 2014.

A November 2014 photograph showing Ivanka in a hard hat high up in the Baku hotel remains on her Instagram feed.
Theres an easy way and a hard way for the Senate to confirm Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, and it appears Democrats are going to make Republicans do it the hard way.

That Gorsuch would ultimately take the late Justice Antonin Scalias seat on the high court has scarcely been in doubt in the weeks since President Trump nominated him 11 days after he took office. A well-regarded judge on the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Colorado, Gorsuch has a legal resume tailor-made for the Supreme Court, hes won nearly universal praise from conservatives, and he emerged from his confirmation hearings with his reputation largely intact.

The only question has been whether Gorsuch would win the eight Democratic votes necessary to reach 60 and defeat a filibuster, or whether Democratic resistance would force Republicans to change Senate rules, invoke whats known in Washington as the nuclear option, and confirm Gorsuch with a simple majority of 51 votes. Statements of opposition have flooded in from Democrats this week, making the answer clearer every day: Gorsuch is likely to fall short of 60 votes, and Republicans will have to jam his nomination through the Senate on their own.

Will Republicans go nuclear? Theres little doubt that they will.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a man known inside the Capitol for choosing his words as carefully as anyone in politics, has not explicitly outlined how Republicans would respond to a Democratic filibuster. But his statements on the nomination have been so declarative, so free of hedging that theyve left no question about his plans. When McConnell said on Tuesday, Judge Gorsuch is going to get confirmed, it was less a prediction than a guarantee.

Recommended: Mike Pence Refuses to Be Alone With WomenJust Like Many Other Religious Conservatives

McConnells determination is rooted in a simple reality: For Republicans in general and McConnell in particular, there is no higher political priority than maintaining a 5-4 conservative majority on the Supreme Court. Cutting taxes, repealing the Affordable Care Act, eliminating regulations, nor any of the promises theyve made in recent elections come close. For a generation, the Court has been the rights ultimate prize, so much so that McConnell engineered an unprecedented Republican blockade last year to deny former President Barack Obama a chance to fill Scalias seat with Merrick Garland, a nominee whose qualifications, on paper, matched those of Gorsuch.

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It is McConnells treatment of Garland that, more than anything else, has hardened the Democratic opposition to Gorsuch. The GOPs denial of even a hearing for Obamas nominee a year ago was seen as a galling, even cynical, break with Senate norms, but one that Democrats were confident voters would rectify with the election of Hillary Clinton. Trumps victory last November, however, cast McConnells move in a new light, and liberal activists are demanding revenge for what they now consider a stolen Supreme Court seat.

If at least 41 Democrats try to block a final vote on Gorsuchs nomination, McConnell would need all but two of the GOPs 52 senators to support a rules change lowering the threshold to end debate and defeat the filibuster. If executed, that move would remove an exception for the Supreme Court that Democrats left in place when they eliminated the 60-vote threshold for executive-branch and most judicial nominees when they held the majority in 2013. At the time, Democrats said a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court should still demand bipartisan support, forcing presidents to choose nominees that could achieve a consensus in the Senate.

Recommended: The Intelligence Devin Nunes Brought to the White House Came From the White House

But the trend toward partisanship in court appointments, though lamented by both parties, has been building for decades, beginning with the defeat of President Ronald Reagans nomination of Judge Robert Bork to the Supreme Court in 1987. Justice Clarence Thomas won his seat with just 52 votes in 1991 (though, as Republicans now point out, Democrats allowed him an up-or-down vote without a filibuster). Democrats blocked lower-court nominees of President George W. Bush, and Republicans did the same to Obama before then-Majority Leader Harry Reid led his caucus in invoking the nuclear option for most nominees. Had Clinton won the presidency with a Democratic majority in the Senate, Senator Tim Kaine, the would-be vice president, had already warned that Democrats would have changed the rules if Republicans tried to block her nominee for Scalias seat.

Some Democratic senators initially considered making only a half-hearted effort to defeat Gorsuch, hoping to preserve the filibuster option for a future high-court vacancy that would actually shift the ideological balance on the bench. (Replacing Scalia with another conservative maintains the status quo.) Yet progressives ridiculed that idea. Republicans, they argued, would not hesitate to nuke the 60-vote threshold for any Trump nominee, so Democrats might as well force them to do it with Gorsuch. McConnell will go nuclear at the first opportunity. Theres just no question, said Adam Jentleson, a former top aide to Reid who is now a senior strategist at the Center for American Progress.

The answer is not to change the rules. Its to change the nominee.

Minority Leader Charles Schumer adopted that view in recent weeks, and so have most of his colleagues. Thirty of the partys 48 members now support a filibuster against Gorsuch, including more moderate members like Senator Bill Nelson of Florida, who is up for reelection next year. McConnell has said the Senate will confirm Gorsuch by the end of next week, ahead of a two-week congressional recess. The Democratic arguments against Gorsuch have run the gamut. Many senators have gamely stuck to the view that he is simply too conservative a pick, citing his record as a jurist and as a political appointee in Republican administrations.

Several members of the Judiciary Committee took issue with his performance at his hearings last week, which they found evasive and condescending, if not overly controversial. And others have called for the vote to be put off until the investigations of the Trump campaigns ties to Russia have been completed, warning that a president whose legitimacy might be tainted should not get a lifetime appointment to the nations highest court.

Recommended: What's Wrong With Mike Pence Following the 'Billy Graham Rule'?

But mostly, the gathering Democratic opposition to Gorsuch is a reflection of the coarse political moment, as senators face pressure from an angry party base seething over the Republicans treatment of the martyred Garland and the likelihood that a president elected under a cloud of suspicion and without popular support will be able to secure a conservative majority on the Supreme Court for decades more to come.

Their goal over the next weeks is to force even a few Republicans to think twice about Gorsuch and the precedent of confirming a nominee without bipartisan support. The answer is not to change the rules. Its to change the nominee, Schumer said Wednesday. We believe there are Republicans who are reluctant to change the rules, and we hope they wont do it.

While a few GOP senators, including John McCain of Arizona and Bob Corker of Tennessee, have voiced reservations about invoking the nuclear option to confirm Gorsuch, none have come out against it. Feel no guilt, McConnell told his members about the prospect, according to Politico. If Republicans appear to have the will to confirm Gorsuch by any means necessary, Democrats can at least try to take the sheen off Trumps victory by painting it as another move flouting institutional norms. Its an ugly vote, Jentleson said.

But as polarization and partisanship have steadily overtaken the confirmation process, neither party is innocent. Democrats may have tried to preserve the filibuster for the Supreme Court four years ago, but they knew it probably wouldnt last. They started the slide toward majority rule for nominees, and next week, theyll likely make Republicans finish it.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
As Tennessee law enforcement officials continue to search missing teen Elizabeth Thomas, new details have emerged about her teacher Tad Cummins, who is suspected of kidnapping her. A former student, Destany Parrish has revealed that Cummins sang a love song to her when she was about 15-years-old.

In an interview with CBS Inside Edition, the now 19-year-old Parrish said she and Cummins used to be really, really close.

I could talk to him about just about anything. He was somebody I could go to and not have to worry, Parrish said, adding Cummins arranged for them to be alone when he sang the song.

We were in the music room right next to his classroom and I had learned a new song on the piano and I was going to show him, but he sat down first and played that song, Parrish told Inside Edition.

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) launched an Amber Alert earlier this month for 15-year-old Elizabeth after she went missing on March 13. The bureau listed Cummins under Tennessees Top 10 Most Wanted and issued a warrant against him for kidnapping and having sexual contact with Elizabeth, who went to Culleoka Unit School in Maury County. The school, where he worked as a health science teacher, fired him after the alleged kidnapping.

In a March 23 interview to NBC-affiliated WSMV.com, Parrish revealed she considered Cummins her close friend and trusted him with everything.

"Everybody loved Tad," Parrish told the local news outlet. "He put inspirational quotes on his board. He was still doing it when I went back and visited him some time last year. He was always just really friendly. I never thought for a second that it was anything else."

However, Parrish recalled one incident with Cummins when he told the rest of the students to head to the lunch room after an alleged complaint from the principal.

"He told us all one day that the office had gotten on to him and that we all had to go back to the lunch room because that's where we're supposed to be anyway," Parrish told WSMV.com. "Everybody left and I got my bag and got ready to leave, and he said the office hadn't said anything to him, he just didn't want that many kids in his room. It just ended up being he and I chilling in there. I would go there after school.

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On Tuesday, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) said the officials suspected Elizabeth and 50-year-old Cummins may have gone to Mexico. The bureau also tweeted a Spanish translation of Elizabeth's missing poster Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Elizabeths sister Sarah Thomas said Wednesday she knew something was wrong.

She [Elizabeth] said, Im going to be gone,  17-year-old Thomas told People magazine in an interview. She had a strange edge to her voice. She said, Im going to get back at 6 tonight. If Im not back by 6, call the police and come find me.

TBI is seeking help for information on the missing student and teacher. The bureau is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the teachers arrest.

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Keeping Up With the Kardashians star Kylie Jenner and Tyga have broken up and gotten back together so many times in the past that it would not be surprising if they did it again now.

It seems like the couple have called it quits once again since Tyga is barely present in the lip kit moguls latest social media posts. A source even told E! News that the rapper moved into a new home in the Hollywood Hills last week, and hes been partying and having people over every night.

READ: PnB Rock wants to steal Kylie away from Tyga

There's been no sign of Kylie, the insider added.

When Tyga enjoyed a fun night at the newest Los Angeles hotspot Avenue Nightclub, Jenner was also nowhere to be seen. Tyga was later seen at his go-to nightclub 1Oak in L.A. flying solo before he hopped on a plane to Las Vegas Sunday to kick off his Daylight Beach Club residency and the launch of Lit Sundays.

As for Jenner, she was busy during that time posting sultry photos on Instagram with an orange Lamborghini. She filled her Snapchat with videos featuring her girlfriends having some kind of dance party.

If Jenner and Tyga really called it quits, Jenner would have no problem moving on since a bevy of guys have already expressed an interest on her.

No Heart rapper 21 Savage is one of them. He previously made headlines by flirting with Jenner online. He posted sexy photos of her and at one point, he even used her face as his profile photo.

The rapper was earlier asked if he was still pursuing the lip kit mogul. His answer was indefinite given Jenners disinterest. I don't know, man, he said, according to Hot New Hip Hop. She shot me down.

21 Savage insisted that hes not trying to rile up Tyga by making moves on Jenner. They made it seem like I was beefin with Tyga, like I don't know Tyga, he said. I aint got no problem with Tyga.

The rapper explained that he just thinks Jenner is great. She fine, though, he admitted. And I'll tear her [expletive] up, straight up. I aint gon lie.

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Tyga and Kylie Jenner

Photo: Getty Images/Dimitrios Kambouris

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A Virginia firefighter's courage went to the dogs this week as he ran into a burning home to rescue an unconscious canine.

Read: Puppy Recovering After Elastic Band Was Wrapped Around Her Snout to Stop Her From Barking

It all started when firefighter Paul McNeely of the Abingdon Volunteer Fire & Rescue in Virginia got word that there was an unconscious dog inside the home where he and his colleagues had responded.

McNeely, donning a bodycam, ran inside and found Roxy lying unconscious on the floor of one room. He rushed her outside and immediately put an oxygen mask on the dog.

Roxys "sister," Daisy, was rescued earlier and was already receiving treatment.

In a video supplied by PETA and featuring McNeely's bodycam footage, McNeely said the medics went through four oxygen tanks in an hour to help bring Roxy and Daisy back to life.

We were all shocked, he said of the moment when they began to show signs of life.

"When we came back to the station it made us feel good, McNeely added. "It made us all feel good. You cant save them all but it feels good when you do."

Read: Real Life Sharknado? Fish Out of Water Winds Up on the Road Following Cyclone

A week after the fire, PETA arranged for the dogs to be reunited with their rescuers, and McNeely got emotional.

"It felt good. It did. I'm a grown man  I'll admit it  it made me want to cry, at least get teary-eyed," McNeely said. "Any animal that's in a house with a family relies on the family to take care of [him or her], and [Roxy] was helpless. It couldnt help itself."

PETA also presented the rescuers with the Compassionate Fire Department Award for their heroics.

Watch: Firefighter Rescues Motionless Dog From Apartment Fire Using Mouth-To-Snout Resuscitation

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TACOMA, Wash. (AP)  Their hug was silent, their smiles broad.

A Mexican man who had been arrested despite his participation in a program designed to prevent the deportation of those brought to the U.S. illegally as children walked free after more than six weeks in custody.

Daniel Ramirez Medina, 24, is facing deportation proceedings but greeting his brother  also a participant in the program  on Wednesday in the lobby of the Federal Detention Center in Tacoma marked the culmination of weeks of legal fighting.

"He's free to go," a guard told them.

After conferring with one of his lawyers, Ramirez stepped into the sunshine and hugged his brother again for a crowd of news cameras waiting just beyond the chain-link and barbed-wire fence.

He spoke to reporters briefly in Spanish, thanking his supporters, and later issued a written statement in English through his lawyers.

"I'm so happy to be reunited with my family today and can't wait to see my son," the statement said. "This has been a long and hard 46 days, but I'm so thankful for the support that I've gotten from everyone who helped me and for the opportunity to live in such an amazing country.

"I know that this isn't over, but I'm hopeful for the future, for me and for the hundreds of thousands of other Dreamers who love this country like I do," referring to what some call young people in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

A day earlier, Judge John Odell in Tacoma approved releasing Ramirez on $15,000 bond until his next immigration court hearing. Agents had arrested him last month in suburban Seattle, saying he acknowledged affiliating with gangs. Officials then revoked his protected status.

Ramirez adamantly denies any gang ties or making any such admission.

"The government had no evidence whatsoever," his attorney, Mark Rosenbaum, said.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a statement Wednesday that Ramirez's attorneys had twice declined to have their client participate in bond hearings that could have resulted in his earlier release  something his lawyers said was designed to keep his case in federal court, rather than immigration court.

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Ramirez, who came to the U.S. at 7, has no criminal record and twice passed background checks to participate in the DACA program allowing those brought to the U.S. illegally as children to stay and work.

Immigration agents had gone to arrest Ramirez's father, a previously deported felon, at an apartment complex Feb. 10 when they took Ramirez into custody.

His legal team, which includes the Los Angeles-based pro bono firm Public Counsel and Harvard Law professor Laurence Tribe, pressed claims in federal court that the arrest and detention violated Ramirez's constitutional rights.

A federal magistrate judge in Seattle agreed to hear the constitutional claims but declined to release him in the meantime. U.S. District Judge Ricardo Martinez upheld the decision not to release Ramirez last week, saying he instead should challenge his detention in immigration court.

But Martinez said "many questions remain regarding the appropriateness of the government's conduct" in arresting him.

Among those questions, his lawyers have said, is whether ICE agents misinterpreted a tattoo on his forearm when they described it as a "gang tattoo" in an arrest report. The lawyers say the tattoo, which says "La Paz BCS," pays homage to the city of La Paz in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur, where he was born.

Ramirez's case is one of several recent arrests that have left immigration activists fearing an erosion of protections under the DACA program instituted by President Barack Obama in 2012.

ICE agents in Portland, Oregon, on Sunday arrested Francisco J. Rodriguez Dominguez, a DACA participant who was brought to the U.S. from Morelia, in Mexico's Michoacan state, at age 5.

Last December, he entered a diversion program following a drunken driving arrest and had attended all his court dates and required meetings, the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon said in a statement.

The agency said it targeted Rodriguez Dominguez because of the DUI and that he would be released on bond pending deportation proceedings.
Christopher Nolan is the master of subtly creating unease  and also the master of putting Tom Hardy in a face-covering mask.

Nolan showed a 5-minute clip Wednesday of Dunkirk, his World War II drama epic due in theaters July 21, and if you thought the teaser they released last August was intense, just wait until you see this thing.

SEE ALSO: First look: 'Fate' takes the 'Furious' franchise into James Bond territory

The new footage was revealed at Cinemacon, the annual gathering of movie-theater owners and Hollywood studios, and it could very well be our first extended look at one of the year's biggest Oscar contenders  and biggest heart-stoppers.

"I believe Dunkirk to be one of the greatest stories in human history ... it's one of the stories that British people grow up with. It's in our DNA," Nolan said of the Dunkirk evacuation, in which nearly a half-million Allied soldiers were trapped at the beach in 1940, cut off by the German army and on the verge of slaughter  were it not for a major impromptu civilian effort that came to be known as the Miracle of Dunkirk.

What we already know from previous Dunkirk teasers: Tom Hardy plays a Spitfire fighter pilot who's patrolling the skies over the beach. What we didn't know: He's about to be in serious peril.

Here's what we saw in Wednesday's footage reveal (sorry, One Direction fans  we didn't get a glimpse of Harry Styles this time).

Two British soldiers are carrying another on a stretcher (Styles? Could be!) across the beach, toward one of the precious few military evacuation boats.

"That's two minutes  you've missed it," they're told, and it seems they are out of options.

Meanwhile, on another shore, Mark Rylance (playing a civilian boat owner, who's lending his craft to the effort) is gearing up to go help out. "Some men across the channel at Dunkirk need taking off," he tells a boy, who sees the dozens of life jackets being loaded on.

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"Some men?" the boy replies.

In the skies overhead, Hardy is leading a three-plane sortie of Spitfires. With a Bane-like flight mask covering his face, he sounds supremely calm as they get into a dogfight with approaching German aircraft.

(A steady drumbeat over the images is picking up speed, like a too-fast heartbeat that's getting faster.)

"He's on me!" one of Hardy's mates cries, but Hardy has settled his Spitfire in behind the pursuing Luftwaffe: "I'm on him," he says.

Back on the ground, the two soldiers carrying a stretcher have encountered a major hole in the wooden bridge, which is spanned by a single plank. They'll have to run their patient across  and do. The other soldiers cheer.

Hardy opens fire on the German plane and bullets light up the enemy's fuselage. "He's down for the count," Hardy says coldly, as he and the sortie fly over a giant frigate filled with men.

Then Hardy's plane runs out of fuel.

As the drumbeat hits an unbearable pace, he's dead-sticking his plane over Dunkirk.

The rest ... will probably have to wait 'til summer.

WATCH: This futuristic tiny home switches rooms by rotating like a washing machine
LONDON (Reuters) - The European Court of Justice (ECJ) will have no future role in interpreting British laws after the country leaves the European Union, Britain's Brexit minister David Davis said on Thursday. The government published its proposals on Thursday for a "Great Repeal Bill" which will convert the body of EU law into domestic law to give businesses, workers and consumers certainty on the first day after Britain leaves the bloc. "The Great Repeal Bill will provide no future role for the European court in the interpretation of our laws and the bill will not oblige our courts to consider cases decided by the European Court of Justice after we have left," Davis told parliament. To reduce uncertainty, any question over the meaning of EU law which has been converted into domestic law will be determined in UK courts by referencing ECJ case law, he said. "But our intention is not to fossilize the past decisions of the European Court of Justice. As such we propose the bill will provide that the European court case law be given the same status in our courts as decisions of our own Supreme Court," he said. (Reporting by Kylie MacLellan and William James; editing by Stephen Addison)
Elephants, rejoice: China is making a major effort to kick its nasty ivory habit.

On Friday, the Chinese government is slated to shutter more than two dozen factories that carve ivory. Authorities have also committed to closing all retail outlets for ivory jewelry and goods by the end of the year.

Despite the devastating toll on elephants, China's ivory market  the world's largest  has long been legal. In late 2016, however, the government agreed to shut down its ivory trade to help stem the bloodshed of African elephants and save them from extinction.

SEE ALSO: Africa's elusive forest elephants are disappearing

Across Africa, elephant populations have plunged from about 1.3 million in the 1970s to less than 500,000 today due to poaching and habitat loss, conservationists estimate.

"This is a critical period for elephants. With the end of the legal ivory trade in China, the survival chances for elephants have distinctly improved," Iain Douglas-Hamilton, president and founder of the conservation group Save the Elephants, said this week in a news release.

"There is still a long way to go to end the excessive killing of elephants for ivory, but there is now greater hope for the species," he said.

Ivory prices in China have dropped sharply as a result of the new policy, Save the Elephants found in a new report. The falling prices reflect a decrease in demand for ivory.

The wholesale price of raw ivory in China dropped by almost two-thirds in the last three years, from an average of $2,100 per kilogram in 2014 to just $370 per kilogram in February.

Ivory goods.

Image: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Lucy Vigne, a researcher from Save the Elephants, said findings from 2015 and 2016 show that China's legal ivory trade "has been severely diminished." Thanks to law enforcement efforts, "We have seen a decline in the number of illegal ivory items on display for sale since 2013," she said in the news release.

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China's 130 licensed outlets have steadily reduced the amount of ivory items on display and are cutting prices to boost sales, Vigne said. Other vendors had replaced elephant ivory displays with mammoth ivory dug out of the Russian tundra.

Apart from China's new ivory ban, the nation's economic slowdown has also resulted in fewer people being able to afford luxury items. A crackdown on government corruption has discouraged business people from plying government officials with ivory "favors," the conservation group said.

Six tons of crushed ivory confiscated by the U.S. Fish and Wildfire Service is crushed in Commerce City, Colorado, in 2013.

Image: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Still, this doesn't mean the Chinese have fully kicked their appetite for ivory.

Previous research on the ivory trade in Hong Kong and Vietnam showed that more than three-fourths of the buyers were actually mainland Chinese tourists who smuggled the ivory home. Save the Elephants said the government's ability to stop illegal trading and enforce the new rules will help determine the effectiveness of China's ban.

Wildlife authorities in Kenya, a major hub of ivory smuggling, welcomed the news of China's falling ivory prices.

"Once they don't have an appetite for ivory, it will no longer be attractive to kill elephants," Patrick Omondi of the Kenya Wildlife Service told the Associated Press.

WATCH: Elephants take their final bow at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
The alleged relationship between missing Tennessee teenager Elizabeth Thomas and adult teacher Tad Cummins was not a "romance," authorities said Tuesday as the case stretched into its third week. Elizabeth was a victim, according to Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director Mark Gwyn, and law enforcement officers were determined to bring her home, the Associated Press reported.

"She is 15, a child. He is 50, a grown man. She's a high school freshman. He's a former teacher. This is, and was, not a romance," Gwyn told reporters, according to WBIR. "This was manipulation solely to benefit Tad Cummins. This is not a fairy tale. This is a case of kidnapping."

Read: Tennessee Student Believed To Be Kidnapped By Teacher Tad Cummins

Cummins and Elizabeth vanished March 13, a month after a student saw them kissing at school and a week after the man searched the internet for "teen marriage," the Tennessean reported. Police have received more than 1,000 tips about their disappearance but have not located the girl. Cummins, who was believed to be armed, has been charged with aggravated kidnapping and sexual misconduct with a minor. He has also been fired from his job at Culleoka Unit School.

The school had been investigating the duo's relationship before the abduction, but Elizabeth and Cummins insisted they didn't have any inappropriate interactions, according to CNN.

Read: Missing Tennessee Teen Knew Something Bad Would Happen

One of Elizabeth's friends dropped her off March 13 at a restaurant; Cummins was spotted nearby filling his gas tank. Investigators initially thought they'd fled to Alabama, but the bureau revealed they now suspected the couple could have gone to Mexico, according to the Tennesseean. ABC News reported that law enforcement in Mexico and Central America had been alerted about the duo.

The bureau also tweeted a Spanish translation of Elizabeth's missing flier Wednesday and asked viewers to help share it. "We don't know how much publicity it's getting, and we need people down there to know who they are," District Attorney General Brent Cooper said.

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If you see Cummins or Elizabeth or have information about them, you're asked to alert 1-800-TBI-FIND or 911.

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(CHICAGO) - Environmental groups that have hired extra lawyers in recent months are prepared to go to court to fight a sweeping executive order from President Donald Trump that eliminates many restrictions on fossil fuel production and would roll back his predecessors plans to curb global warming. But they said theyll take their first battle to the court of public opinion.

Advocates said they plan to work together to mobilize a public backlash against an executive order signed by Trump on Tuesday that includes initiating a review of former President Barack Obamas signature plan to restrict greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired power plants and lifting a 14-month-old moratorium on new coal leases on federal lands. Trump, who has called global warming a hoax invented by the Chinese, said during his campaign that he would kill Obamas climate plans and bring back coal jobs.

Even so, this is not what most people elected Trump to do, said David Goldston, director of government affairs at the Natural Resources Defense Council, who said Trumps actions are short-sighted and wont bring back the jobs he promised. Poll after poll shows that the public supports climate action.

A poll released in September found 71 percent of Americans want the U.S. government to do something about global warming, including 6 percent who think the government should act even though they are not sure that climate change is happening. That poll, which also found most Americans are willing to pay a little more each month to fight global warming, was conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago.

The White House and the Department of Justice did not immediately respond to Associated Press emails seeking comment.

While Republicans have blamed Obama-era environmental regulations for the loss of coal jobs, federal data show that U.S. mines have been losing jobs for decades under presidents from both parties because of automation and competition from natural gas and because solar panels and wind turbines can produce emissions-free electricity cheaper than burning coal.

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But many people in coal country are counting on the jobs that Trump has promised, and industry advocates praised his orders.

These executive actions are a welcome departure from the previous administrations strategy of making energy more expensive through costly, job-killing regulations that choked our economy, said U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Thomas J. Donohue.

The order also will scrap language on the social cost of greenhouse gases, and will initiate a review of efforts to reduce the emission of methane in oil and natural gas production as well as a Bureau of Land Management hydraulic fracturing rule, to determine whether those reflect the presidents policy priorities.

It also will rescind Obama-era executive orders and memoranda, including one that addressed climate change and national security and one that sought to prepare the country for the impacts of climate change. The administration is still in discussion about whether it intends to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Environmentalists say clean energy would create thousands of new jobs and fear that Trumps actions will put the U.S. at a competitive disadvantage to other countries that are embracing it.

But they believe efforts to revive coal ultimately will fail because many states and industries already have been embracing renewable energy or switching to natural gas.

Those decisions are being made at the state level and plant by plant, said Earthjustice President Trip Van Noppen, who said his group is continuing to work aggressively to retire dirty coal plants.

Coal is not coming back, Van Noppen added. While the president is taking big splashy action, he is actually doomed to fail.

A coalition of 16 states and the District of Columbia said they will oppose any effort by the Trump administration to withdraw the Clean Power Plan or seek dismissal of a pending legal case before a federal appeals court in Washington.

Environmental advocates also are ready to go to court on a moments notice, including to defend environmental laws if the U.S. government does not, and will watch the administrations actions closely, said the NRDCs Goldston.

The president doesnt get to simply rewrite safeguards; they have to ... prove the changes are in line with the law and science, Goldston said. I think thats going to be a high hurdle for them.

Jeremy Symons, associate vice president at the Environmental Defense Fund, said advocates will work to build support among lawmakers along with the public.

In terms of the big picture, our strategy is simple: Shine a spotlight on what is going on and mobilize the public against these rollbacks that threaten our childrens health and the climate, he said.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Trump Administration on Wednesday denied a petition by environmental groups that sought to ban a common pesticide used on citrus fruits, apples, cherries and other crops, reversing a push by the Obama administration to revoke all uses of the pesticide on food after a government review concluded it could harm children's brains.

In announcing the decision, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt said that by not banning chlorpyrifos he is providing "regulatory certainty" to thousands of American farms that rely on the pesticide.

"By reversing the previous Administration's steps to ban one of the most widely used pesticides in the world, we are returning to using sound science in decision-making - rather than predetermined results," Pruitt said.

Environmental groups pointed to recent studies showing even minuscule amounts of chlorpyrifos, sold by Dow Chemical, can interfere with brain development of fetuses, infants and children. They accused Pruitt of putting the interests of big business over people.

"EPA's refusal to ban this dangerous pesticide is unconscionable," said Patti Goldman, the Earthjustice managing attorney handling the case. "EPA is defying its legal obligation to protect children from unsafe pesticides."

Goldman said her group will seek a court to order to countermand Pruitt's decision.

The pesticide, in use since 1965, has sickened dozens of farmworkers in recent years. Traces have been found in waterways, threatening fish, and experts say overuse could make targeted insects immune to the pesticide.

U.S. farms use more than 6 million pounds of the chemical each year  about 25 percent of it in California.

The EPA banned home use of chlorpyrifos in 2000 and placed "no-spray" buffer zones around sensitive sites, such as schools, in 2012.

But environmental and public health groups said those proposals don't go far enough and filed a federal lawsuit seeking a national ban on the pesticide.

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In October 2015, the Obama administration proposed revoking the pesticide's use in response to a petition from the Natural Resources Defense Council and Pesticide Action Network North America.

The EPA said then that its analysis didn't suggest risks from exposure to chlorpyrifos in food. But when those exposures are combined with estimated exposure from drinking water in certain watersheds, "EPA cannot conclude that the risk from aggregate exposure meets the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act safety standard," it said.

Now under new management, the EPA said Wednesday that the previous administration's proposal relied on a study "whose application is novel and uncertain, to reach its conclusions."

The maker of the pesticide praised Pruitt's decision.

"Dow AgroSciences remains confident that authorized uses of chlorpyrifos products offer wide margins of protection for human health and safety," the company said in a statement.
On Thursday morning, the Environmental Protection Agency sent out a press release containing praise for President Donald Trump's executive order that rolls back Obama-era climate change rules.

But the agency's press office made an obvious mistake in the first paragraph, which included harshly critical comments attributed to West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, a Republican coal booster and prominent Trump supporter.

The quote, falsely attributed to Capito, actually belonged to Delaware Sen. Tom Carper, a Democrat.

SEE ALSO: Enjoy NOAA's vital satellite imagery, while you still can

Yet Carper's statement was far closer to the truth of what the Trump administration did when it ordered the EPA to begin the process of dismantling key greenhouse gas emissions reduction programs and other policies aimed at reducing harmful pollution.

The release quoted Capito as saying: "President Trump has chosen to recklessly bury his head in the sand. Walking away from the Clean Power Plan and other climate initiatives... is not just irresponsible  it is irrational."

Doesn't exactly sound like praise, does it?

The statement went on to say that Trump's executive order goes against the "clear science" on climate change.

In reality, Trump, along with EPA chief Scott Pruitt, denies the mainstream science on climate change, and has called the exhaustively documented phenomenon a "hoax."

This morning @EPA sent out a press release highlighting reaction to Trump's climate Executive Order...this first quote seems off message: pic.twitter.com/Na2EWCrBzj  Patrick Ambrosio (@Pat_Ambrosio) March 30, 2017

The EPA press office then corrected the statement, noting that it got the two senators' statements mixed up, as one does when their views and party are diametrically opposed to one another.

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EPA sends a correction: pic.twitter.com/hvJNYb6LGh  Betsy Woodruff (@woodruffbets) March 30, 2017

The mistake was especially strange because Capito had been singled out for praise during the signing ceremony at the EPA on Tuesday, which brought coal miners to the agency that wrote the climate policies Trump is trying to erase.

Capito's actual statement is far more supportive: "If fully implemented, the Clean Power Plan would have completely decimated West Virginia's vital coal industry while having no meaningful climate impact," she said.

The EPA press shop apologized for the mixup. "We apologize for the error and are making sure that our process is improved as we build out our team," the statement said.

The Trump administration has proposed gutting the EPA's budget while eviscerating its ability to regulate carbon dioxide and methane emissions that are causing global warming. Huge cuts would hit the agency's science programs in particular.

Given the hostility to Pruitt within the agency, it's possible (though not likely) that the press release on Thursday was not a mixup, but rather an act of civil disobedience.

If so, more power to the bureaucrat who pulled it off.

WATCH: NASA timelapse shows just how quickly our Arctic sea ice is disappearing
By Ritah Kemigisa

The Opposition Forum for Democratic are planning to propose for immunity and all benefits provided by the law granted to the first family if the President allows to leave power peaceful.

According to the FDC Deputy Secretary General, Harold Kaija, this is because the immediate family members of the president are scared that the president will not be in safe hands if he leaves power.

Kaija says immunity will ensure a peaceful transition of power and have a former president have his retirement in his own country and not in Exile.

He adds it will make a land mark in the country facilitating consultative meetings to take place between current and former presidents.
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP)  Ethiopian lawmakers on Thursday extended the country's six-month state of emergency for an additional four months. The widely expected move came amid reports of continued violence and anti-government activities in some remote, restive areas.

The state of emergency, called after months of sometimes deadly protests demanding wider political freedoms, has hurt one of Africa's fastest-growing economies.

"We still have some anti-peace elements that are active and want to capitalize on disputes that arise among regional states in the country," Ethiopia's defense minister, Siraj Fegessa, told lawmakers. "In addition, some leaders of the violent acts that we witnessed before are still at large."

More than 25,000 people suspected of taking part in protests were detained under the state of emergency. Several thousand have been released. The government has indicated that a "few thousand" others will face justice for their role in organizing the protests.

Hundreds died in the protests that first ignited in the Oromia region in November 2015 and spread into the Amhara region, with people also demanding the release of political prisoners.

Ethiopia's security has improved but the extension of the state of emergency is needed to bring a "lasting peace," said the defense minister, who cited a government-conducted nationwide poll in which he said the public "significantly" demanded the extension.

Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn in a recent address to parliament said 82 percent of Ethiopians want a partial or full continuation of the state of emergency. However, opposition figures and parties say it is used to clamp down on their activities, especially in rural regions.

Ethiopia's parliament is 100 percent controlled by the ruling EPRDF party.

Some parts of the state of emergency recently were removed, including arbitrary arrests without court orders and restrictions on radio, television and theater.
By Alastair Macdonald and Robin Emmott BRUSSELS/VALLETTA (Reuters) - The European Union will tell Britain on Friday how it aims to negotiate its "orderly withdrawal" from the bloc, limit uncertainties for businesses and pave the way for a close future partnership. Donald Tusk, who chairs the European Council, will send leaders of the other 27 member states his proposed negotiating guidelines for Brexit talks before presenting the main principles in Malta two days after British Prime Minister Theresa May formally triggered the two-year withdrawal process. Tusk will speak around 9:45 a.m. (0745 GMT), alongside the Maltese premier Joseph Muscat whose government holds the bloc's rotating presidency. Shortly beforehand, EU envoys from the 27 governments will meet in Brussels to study the draft guidelines. Once endorsed by leaders at a summit on April 29, these will pave the way for talks which the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier expects to start in about two months. Diplomats say they will reflect the 27's previous insistence on a "balance of rights and obligations" -- notably that Britain will have less access to EU markets if it opts out of the bloc's system of centralized rules and common budget contributions. In December, the leaders agreed: "In the future, we hope to have the UK as a close partner of the EU." After May wrote to Tusk on Wednesday to confirm Britain's departure, they issued a statement saying: "The Union will act as one and preserve its interests. Our first priority will be to minimize the uncertainty caused by the decision of the United Kingdom for our citizens, businesses and member states." The negotiations will be among the most complex international talks ever undertaken. Businesses big and small are unsure how they will trade across the new EU-U.K. frontier and some three million EU expatriates in Britain and a million or so British expatriates are unsure of their residence rights. Barnier has said tackling those uncertainties will be his top priority, along with ensuring Britain pays what Brussels argues it owes as a share of commitments made by the EU but not yet funded -- maybe of the order of 60 billion euros. May says Britain will fulfill its obligations. British officials will pay close attention to what Tusk says about launching talks on a free trade deal during the two years, before the Brexit settlement is final. May said she wants those to start "alongside" those on the withdrawal treaty while the EU's official line is that it wants to hold off until divorce terms are clear. Also under scrutiny will be what Tusk says on the terms of a transition period, on the assumption a free trade pact cannot be concluded for some years after 2019. May wants to show Brexit supporters ahead of an election in 2020 that Britain has truly left the bloc. But the continentals may insist that if Britain retains some rights of membership during the transition, it continue to be subject to the kind of budget payments and legal oversight that irk many Britons. (Writing by Alastair Macdonald; editing by Richard Lough)
Valletta (AFP) - European leaders vowed Thursday to fight populism and prevent a haemorrhaging of the EU a day after Britain started the exit process.

"Those who take aim at European unity threaten their own communities," EU President Donald Tusk told a congress of the European People's Party (EPP) in Malta, which currently holds the presidency of the bloc.

"We must challenge the populists, we must say loud and clear that they are the opposite of modern patriotism.

"Today they are efficiently and cynically taking advantage of social fears and uncertainty, building their own model of security based on prejudice, authoritarianism and organised hatred. Our response must be clear and decisive," he said.

Britain launched the historic process of leaving the European Union on Wednesday, but its European partners were quick to warn of the difficult path that lies ahead amid fears a good deal for London could encourage others to leave.

The centre-right EPP, the biggest party in the European Parliament, approved a document after the two-day congress warning that voters' fears were being exploited by "extremists from both left and right" and "time is running out".

- 'Should have listened' -

The caution came less than a month before France's presidential election and ahead of Germans going to the polls in September.

"Our open societies, open democracies and open economies within the EU are under threat from those longing for a nostalgic nationalism which would be harmful for our prosperity and which would undermine our values," the EPP said.

Some on Thursday admitted they had underestimated the wave of anti-EU sentiment that saw the British vote with their feet.

"We have not always listened as we should, and we angered people," Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny told the congress.

Hungary's right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban blamed migration, the "Trojan horse of terrorism", for the continent's woes and slammed liberals, saying "leftist politicians are disarming Europe in the face of the Muslim invasion".

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The migration issue, the most serious since the end of World War II, has fuelled anger against the EU as it struggles to present a united front on how to tackle the arrival of over one million people fleeing war, poverty and oppression.

- 'Foolish and dangerous' -

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who opened the door to hundreds of thousands of refugees from Syria and elsewhere in 2015, admitted "we cannot behave as if we do not have an external border".

But she insisted the EU was "a project of peace", with no room for fear-mongers.

And Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy criticised those who courted voters with false promises, saying "never has a populist party brought its people answers".

The tone was briefly lightened by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, who said Brussels was going to start cutting red tape by getting rid of small, irritating regulations.

"We decided not to annoy people anymore", he quipped, before turning serious and saying that "Brexit is not the end of everything, but we must make it a beginning of something that will be new, stronger and better."

"I suggest we get a move on because otherwise the populists are going to keep running," he said.

Tusk agreed, insisting it was time to stamp out the myth "that we are losing control over our own fates as we delegate part of our powers to the European community... that it is difficult to reconcile being Europeans and patriots".

"This is a view which is both foolish and dangerous," he said.
By Alastair Macdonald BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union is wary of Prime Minister Theresa May's call for swift negotiations on a post-Brexit free trade deal while Britain is still settling its withdrawal terms, but the bloc is not ruling out early talks. Responding to May's letter to Brussels on Wednesday which triggered a two-year countdown to leaving the bloc, EU leaders lined up to repeat that London must deal with its divorce before negotiating the comprehensive trading partnership that the prime minister wants. On Thursday, French President Francois Hollande told her on the phone that "talks must at first be about the terms of withdrawal", notably the rights of expatriate citizens and money Britain owes to cover commitments made as an EU member. "On the basis of the progress made, we could open discussions on the framework of future relations between the United Kingdom and the European Union," Hollande told May, according to a statement issued by the president's office. That echoed German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday. She said Britain must first work out how to unwind its relationship with the EU and pay its debts: "Only then, later, can we talk about our future relationship." But behind the bald statements, lies a more nuanced approach acknowledging that many of the issues to which the exit treaty must bring legal clarity cannot be resolved without some understanding of how trade and other relations between Britain and the EU will work in the future. The EU's chief Brexit negotiator, former French minister Michel Barnier, said in a speech last week: "It is not too early to start outlining the contours of our new partnership today, even if it is too early to start negotiating." In other words, while talks will focus on Barnier's priorities of citizens' rights, budget obligations and border arrangements, notably in Ireland, there will have to be some idea of the future relationship to inform how those are settled. "This issue about negotiating in a sequence or in parallel has got a little theological," said a senior official involved in preparing the Brexit negotiations from another member state. "In fact, we must have some discussion about the future trading relationship from the start, even if it's not negotiation." One possibility may be to set Britain a goal of showing it is getting on with agreeing the outline divorce before allowing trade talks to start. FOCUSING BRITISH MINDS The brief and never-before-used Article 50 of the EU treaty itself asserts that a state leaving the bloc must negotiate "arrangements for its withdrawal, taking account of the framework for its future relationship with the Union". The hard line on "no trade talks before a divorce deal" is intended in part, diplomats say, to concentrate British minds on the continentals' push for London to pay a leaving bill that they estimate at roughly 60 billion euros, as well as to clarify the legal status of millions of expatriate Europeans. In the interests of unity among the 27 remaining members, that line will remain a public mantra. British officials will, though, be aware that while money and expatriates are a big issue for some countries, notably in the poorer east, Germany and other rich states are more anxious to keep trading. A senior EU diplomat likened the insistence on sequencing to the repetition by the 27 since Britain's referendum that there could be "no negotiation before notification" -- a stance they believe forced May to accept the two-year deadline set by Article 50, which she might otherwise have tried to avoid. But a senior Brexit negotiator from a third member state said there were differences among the 27 and some talk of a trade deal was likely fairly early on: "we would be in the camp that says to start the discussions on the future relationship as quickly as possible." Given the Union's priorities for settling the withdrawal treaty in outline by the end of this year, a broad framework of the future relationship seems essential -- for example, how to manage with minimal disruption a new EU-U.K. land border in Ireland will require an idea of what kind of trade relationship Britain and the EU will have. Two years is widely seen as too little time to map out in full a future relationship, meaning transition arrangements will be needed to avoid a cliff-edge departure. But, EU officials say, negotiating a transition will require both sides to have a good outline of what the final relationship will look like. (Reporting by Alastair Macdonald; editing by Richard Lough; @macdonaldrtr)
London (AFP) - With the clock ticking on Britain's EU membership, the bloc's leadership vowed unity while in London the government was set to begin the arduous task of disentangling itself from Brussels.

"This is a moment to unite," European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker said on Wednesday, hours after Britain formally started procedures to end its 44-year membership of the EU.

With just two years foreseen for negotiations, Juncker said the rights of EU citizens will be top of the agenda.

Settling Britain's exit bill -- estimated by the Commission to be 60 billion euros ($64 billion, 52 billion) -- will also be a priority when talks get underway, expected mid- to late-May.

But even before the negotiations start, Britain on Thursday will begin the monumental task of incorporating EU legislation for when the divorce is finalised.

Speaking in parliament on Wednesday, Prime Minister Theresa May said that was important "so that on the day we leave everybody knows those rules still apply and everybody knows where they stand".

The government will publish a "white paper" policy document on Thursday outlining its plans for the legal overhaul, which for better or worse will give MPs the opportunity to amend the laws as they are brought under the national system.

Meanwhile Juncker will meet in Malta with EU President Donald Tusk, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.

- 'We already miss you' -

Tusk bid farewell to Britain on Wednesday, after receiving the British government's divorce letter triggering Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty -- the exit clause.

"We already miss you," he said.

Merkel called for "fair and constructive" negotiations, while dismissing Britain's wish to have exit negotiations run concurrently with talks on its future relationship with the EU.

European stock markets closed slightly up Wednesday, but dealers said investors had largely "priced in" Brexit already.

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Britain has until October 2018 at the latest to come up with a draft divorce plan, according to the Commission's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier.

While May asserted in January that "no deal is better than a bad deal", in her Brexit letter she adopted a more conciliatory tone and called for Britain and the EU to "work hard" to avoid failure in the negotiations.

The cliff edge scenario of Britain leaving the European bloc with no deal has alarmed business leaders, who have also emphasised the need for a transitional arrangement to allow for the divorce deal to be gradually implemented.

The European Parliament's chief Brexit negotiator, Guy Verhofstadt, said such a transition period should be limited to three years.

Tusk is due to issue draft "negotiating guidelines" on Friday and leaders of the 27 remaining EU countries will hold a special summit on April 29 to rubber stamp the plans.

- 'A magnificent moment' -

While the bloc has tried to show a united front in the face of Brexit, celebrating the EU's 60th anniversary earlier this month, in Britain the prime minister is struggling to unite her own country.

Britons last year voted 52 percent to 48 percent in favour of Brexit, leaving the country bitterly divided with tens of thousands of pro-EU protesters marching in London on Saturday.

The referendum result has also led to a resurgence of Scotland's independence campaign, after Scots voted to stay in the EU but were outnumbered nationwide.

"Dear Donald Tusk, We'll see EU soon" read Thursday's headline of Scotland's pro-independence newspaper, The National.

The Telegraph, meanwhile, described Brexit as "A magnificent moment" on its front page, quoting Foreign Minister Boris Johnson who played an instrumental role in the leave campaign.

"We have every reason, in reality, to be brimming with confidence," Johnson wrote in the newspaper.
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The chairman of the European Union's leaders, Donald Tusk, will go to Poland on April 19 to testify before a prosecutor as a witness in an investigation Poland has launched against two former military counter-intelligence chiefs. "I can confirm that President Tusk, despite his legal immunity, will participate in the hearing on 19 April," Tusk's spokesman said. Tusk is summoned as a witness and is not a defendant in the case. The investigation is to establish if the two officials had all the necessary approvals, including from Tusk, who was then Poland's prime minister, to establish cooperation with Russian intelligence on withdrawing NATO forces from Afghanistan. Poland has contributed troops to the mission, which has used Russia's transit hub of Ulyanovsk to bring people and equipment in and out of Afghanistan. (Reporting by Jan Strupczewski; Editing by Alison Williams)
SAO PAULO (AP)  A once-powerful politician who led impeachment proceedings against former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff was sentenced on Thursday to 15 years and four months in prison for a corruption scheme at state-run oil giant Petrobras.

Judge Sergio Moro found Eduardo Cunha, the former speaker of the country's lower house, guilty of corruption, tax evasion and money laundering in a case related to a Petrobras contract in the African nation of Benin. Moro said Cunha earned a profit of $1.5 million in the scheme from 2011-2014.

Moro, who is hailed by many as an anti-corruption hero in Brazil, also said Cunha tried to embarrass his once-close ally and now President Michel Temer in court by asking him to be a witness in the case against him and then prepared questions that could have been potentially harmful for the president.

The judge, who saw the questions beforehand, ultimately ruled that they should not be asked in the courtroom because they had nothing to do with the case against Cunha and were designed only to make Temer look bad.

"There can't be a bigger offense than that coming from the man that betrays his office and the sacred confidence placed in him by the people so he can benefit personally," the judge wrote in his decision.

The former congressman has been in jail since October. His defense said it will appeal Moro's ruling.

Cunha was speaker of Brazil's lower house when he opened impeachment proceedings against Rousseff on charges of manipulating the fiscal budget.

Before that, Cunha spearheaded a rebellion that stopped Rousseff from passing any key bills in Congress.

He was also a leading figure in his PMDB party's March 2016 decision to back Rousseff's removal.

Cunha voted in April for the impeachment, which was overwhelming approved by the lower house before it was confirmed by the Senate.

Temer, then vice president, assumed the presidency in May.

Cunha and Temer were allies most of their careers, but drifted apart after the former congressman was jailed.
Norman Eisen, a former White House ethics lawyer under the Barack Obama administration, said Wednesday on CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360" that Ivanka Trump's official role at the White House as an assistant to her father President Donald Trump violates nepotism laws.

Former President George W. Bush's ethics lawyer Richard Painter reportedly also agreed with Eisen.

"My view  and it's a bipartisan view, professor [Richard] Painter, the Bush ethics czar, agrees with me  is that the nepotism statute does apply," Eisen said. "For decades, the Justice Department held [the position], 'Yes, the nepotism statute does apply to the White House office.' It's a murky area, reasonable minds can disagree. President Trump got an opinion from the Justice Department that the nepotism statute doesn't apply to his White House. We disagree with that opinion."

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android.

An announcement was made early Wednesday that the first daughter will become a government employee at the White House and will serve as the president's assistant. Earlier this month, the first daughter was offered an office in the West Wing of the White House adjacent to one of Trump's most trusted senior advisers. However, ethics watchdogs were also critical of her unofficial role and said that it would allow her to avoid certain major disclosures and ethics rules that one has to follow while serving in the government.

"I have heard the concerns some have with my advising the President in my personal capacity while voluntarily complying with all ethics rules, and I will instead serve as an unpaid employee in the White House Office, subject to all of the same rules as other federal employees," Ivanka Trump said in response to the critics' concerns, CNN reported. "Throughout this process I have been working closely and in good faith with the White House counsel and my personal counsel to address the unprecedented nature of my role."

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The nepotism law, passed in 1967, states that "no public official from the president down to a low-level manager at a federal agency may hire or promote a relative." However, the law had an exception, which said that any employee violating the law is "not entitled to pay" by the federal government. This exception appears to provide the opportunity to Ivanka Trump to be an unpaid employee while serving in the government.

When her husband Jared Kushner, joined in January as Trump's senior adviser, the Justice Department said that his appointment did not violate federal anti-nepotism laws.

"In choosing his personal staff, the President enjoys an unusual degree of freedom, which Congress found suitable to the demands of his office," wrote Daniel Koffsky, deputy assistant attorney general in the DOJ Office of Legal Counsel that deals with the interpretation of federal laws, CNN reported.

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The speaker of parliament Rebecca Kadaga has called for joint effort to address issues of inequality.

Kadaga made the call while officiating at the launch of the Oxfam inequality report in Kampala.

She says parliament has done its part by putting in place a certificate of gender equity which she has accused some officials in government of fighting to have it repealed.

Kadaga has also hinted on a possibility of parliament blocking passing of the coming budget if government does not increase funding to the agriculture sector
By A. Ananthalakshmi KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - More than one hundred foreigners died in the past two years in Malaysia's immigration detention centers from various diseases and unknown causes, according to documents from the governmentfunded National Human Rights Commission reviewed by Reuters. The toll, which has not been previously disclosed, is based on Malaysian immigration department data provided to the commission, which is known by its Malay acronym Suhakam. There were 83 deaths in 2015, and at least 35 in 2016 up to Dec. 20. It is unclear whether the death rate is higher than in neighboring countries. Government officials in Indonesia and Thailand told Reuters they do not disclose such numbers. The rate is higher than in major industrialized nations such as the United States, which in the last financial year recorded 10 deaths in its immigration detention system, which has many more detainees than Malaysias. More than half of the 118 dead are from Myanmar, the source for tens of thousands of refugees coming to Malaysia, including Rohingya Muslims escaping persecution by Myanmars authorities and its majority Buddhist population. The number of Rohingya fatalities in the camps is unknown. For a graphic on deaths in detention in Malaysia, click http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/MALAYSIA-DETENTION/010040D40TD/MALAYSIA-DETENTION.jpg Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been a harsh critic of the Myanmar government and its de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi after a crackdown in October by Myanmars security forces led many Rohingya to flee across its borders amid multiple allegations of mass killings and gang rapes by troops. He has called for foreign intervention to stop the genocide in Myanmar. Najibs office did not return calls seeking comment. "The numbers are too many and are shocking and it calls for the overhaul of the system," said Jerald Joseph, one of eight commissioners at Suhakam, which was established by the Malaysian parliament through an act in 1999 and is due to publicly announce the numbers next week in its annual report on human rights issues in Malaysia. He described conditions at the centers, some of which he has visited, as appalling and said the deaths should be investigated as a criminal matter. The illnesses that led to some of the deaths may have been caused or exacerbated by poor sanitation and food, physical abuse and a lack of medical attention, said Joseph, who was speaking on behalf of the commission. BRUTAL CONDITIONS Malaysias home ministry, which oversees the immigration department, said it was trying to improve the conditions in the centers but that its budget was constrained. I agree there is some overcrowding and the conditions are not ideal. We are always trying to improve the procedures, health conditions and management of these sites. The problem is we hit a budget brick wall," said deputy home minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed in an interview. He said there wasn't enough funding to upgrade facilities, provide adequate healthcare and hire and train enforcement officers. Jazlan blamed overcrowding on the never ending flow of people seeking better future in Malaysia. The living conditions inside the Malaysian camps are grim  overcrowded, unhygienic and brutal - according to interviews with 13 former detainees, and 12 others who have regularly visited the centers, including people from government agencies and rights groups. Those who had been detained say they did not get adequate food, water or healthcare, that many inmates developed skin and lung infections, and the sick are usually not isolated, leading to the spread of contagious diseases. All of the detainees interviewed also allege they were beaten by guards at the camps or witnessed others being beaten. One former Rohingya inmate of the Lenggeng camp in the southwestern state of Negeri Sembilan told Reuters in an interview that he witnessed detainees being beaten and then saw them die when the resulting injuries were not treated. When we asked for medicines, we were beaten, he said. Reuters could not independently verify his account or the similar accusations made by other detainees. They all declined to be identified for fear of reprisals. Asked about the claims of beatings, Jazlan said he needs more evidence to establish if it was prevalent. "I hope critics won't rely on detainees' testimony, and come up with proper evidence," he said. FARED WORSE Of the 118 people recorded as dying in 2015-2016, 63 were from Myanmar, and people from that country have fared worse than those from elsewhere, the documents from Suhakam and data from the Malaysian governments Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) show. During 2016, for example, there were 14,180 Myanmar nationals detained and at least 14 of them died, while there were only five fatalities among 34,586 Indonesian inmates. The documents and data dont explain this discrepancy and Reuters was unable to independently confirm the reason for it. People from Myanmar, including Rohingya Muslims, tend to stay in the detention centers longer as they try to persuade the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to issue them with identification cards that allow them to stay in Malaysia temporarily, rights groups and former detainees said. People from other countries are often undocumented migrant workers who are deported home relatively quickly. Malaysia, which has not signed the U.N. Refugee Convention, treats refugees as illegal migrants with few rights. Asked about the deaths of Myanmar nationals in Malaysian detention centers, Zaw Htay, who is spokesman for Myamnar's Suu Kyi, said that we havent heard about these cases. He also said that a lot of Bengali people in Malaysia say they come from Myanmar to get UNHCR cards. Bengali is a derogatory term used by many in Myanmar to refer to the Rohingya that suggests they come from Bangladesh, even though many Rohingya have lived in the country for generations. LUNG INFECTIONS The documents reviewed by Reuters give causes of death for 68 detainees. Pneumonia and lung infections led to 19 deaths, at least 10 were the result of various heart-related conditions, and five died from the bacterial disease leptospirosis, which is often spread through the urine of infected animals, including rodents. Sepsis, or septic shock, a condition usually triggered by other illnesses, claimed 21 victims, including some who were suffering from pneumonia or leptospirosis, various forms of tuberculosis led to three deaths, and one Filipino woman committed suicide. The 13 detention centers in Malaysia held a total 86,795 detainees for various periods during 2016, according to the EAIC. Malaysia isnt the only country in southeast Asia that has faced criticism for the conditions in its prisons. In its human rights report for 2016, the U.S. State Department said Indonesian and Thai facilities, including those used to detain immigrants, are overcrowded. It said government figures showed that 548 prisoners died in custody in Indonesia between January and June of 2016, and 762 died in official custody in Thailand in the year to September 2016. However, there was no breakdown between those who died in ordinary jails and those who died in other forms of incarceration, such as immigration detention facilities. No cause was given for 50 deaths in Malaysia. They are classified in the documents as "no report" or "pending autopsy" or "undetermined" or "awaiting report from hospital" or "unascertained." One center in Kuala Lumpur had 13 deaths in 2016, but no reasons were stated for any of them. When asked about the lack of reasons given for so many deaths, Jazlan said he will look into it. The documents do not specify the reasons for the lower death rate in 2016, though a Reuters analysis of them and related data shows that there was a 27 percent drop in the number of people detained at the end of 2016 from a year earlier. (Reporting by A. Ananthalakshmi; Additional reporting by Praveen Menon in Kuala Lumpur, Antoni Slodkowski in Yangon, Manuel Mogato in Manila, Kanupriya Kapoor in Jakarta, Patpicha Tanakasempipat in Bangkok, Julia Edwards Ainsley in Washington, Thomas Wilson in Tokyo; Editing by Martin Howell)
By Byron Kaye and Jeremy Wagstaff SYDNEY/SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The big data company credited with helping Donald Trump win the U.S. presidency has registered a company in Australia and plans to meet the country's ruling conservative Liberal Party next week, according to documents and a government official. Cambridge Analytica, which has also said its "psychographic" methods helped the successful campaign for Britain to leave the European Union, has registered an Australian office at a property currently being redeveloped in the Sydney beachfront suburb of Maroubra, corporate filings show. The presence of Cambridge Analytica in Australia underscores its efforts to capitalize on two high profile successes in the past year and enlarge its footprint in established Western democracies. The person named in filings as the only shareholder of Cambridge Analytica's Australian operation, Allan Lorraine, confirmed in a telephone call he was working with the firm but declined to comment further. Cambridge Analytica's U.S. head office declined an interview request with the company's global chief executive officer, Alexander Nix, to discuss its Australian plans. Nix is scheduled to speak at an Australian data analytics conference next week and will be meeting officials from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's Liberal Party. "Senior Liberals will be talking to Mr Nix and the Cambridge Analytica team while they're out here in Australia, and will be interested to talk with them about their capacities and what they're offering people in the Australian political system," said Tony Nutt, party's federal director. The main opposition Labor Party declined to comment. MICROTARGETING VOTERS Cambridge Analytica says it uses "behavioral microtargeting", or combining analysis of people's personalities with demographics, to predict and influence mass behavior. It says it has data on 220 million Americans, two thirds of the population. Its London-based parent company, consumer researcher SCL Group Ltd, says it formed Cambridge Analytica in 2013 to work on the U.S. election. Cambridge Analytica worked for the campaign of failed Republican candidate Ted Cruz before signing on with Trump. Although it has a population of only 24 million, Australia offers high sales volumes for companies which make money from elections. It has federal elections every three years, among the shortest election cycles of developed nations, and is one of the only countries with compulsory voting enforced by fines at federal, state and local government level. The Australian arm of Cambridge Analytica has so far lodged no financial disclosures, according to regulatory records, suggesting it has not traded in the country despite being established before the federal election in 2016 and several state elections. While profiling would-be voters and targeting messaging is nothing new, Cambridge Analytica achieved a degree of notoriety after media reports revealed the extent of its data gathering and apparent effectiveness. "It is scary how accurate the information is you can glean from publicly available data," said Bela Stantic, an information technology professor who runs the Big Data and Smart Analytics laboratory at Griffith University in Australia. DIFFERENT MARKET Still, Australian election analysts questioned whether Cambridge Analytica's model, which involves analyzing people's voting and party registration history, as well as social media profiles and other data, would work in Australia. Most Australians do not register for political parties and voting histories are not recorded, while the country's compulsory voting system also weakens the power of campaigns aimed at encouraging - or discouraging - certain demographic groups to vote. "They might find it useful but still most political professionals in this country would be of the view that campaigns are not about motivating people to vote, it's about banging the same message long enough that those who aren't interested hear it," said Antony Green, election analyst at the Australian Broadcasting Corp. Alex Oliver, director of the polling program at non-partisan think tank the Lowy Institute, said Australian law required organizations to disclose the source of political advertising. "I'd be concerned about the intentions and bona fides of a commercial organization which claimed to have influenced important elections through audience targeting and psychological manipulation," Oliver said in an email. "That practice, if indeed it could be achieved, would impinge on the proper functioning of a democratic system." (Editing by Lincoln Feast)
A blog called 'Nostradamus and India' by the French political writer Francois Gautier has caused a stir in India after it was published by the country's largest-selling English daily, and later found to be inaccurate.

Soon after the blog went live on the Times of India, an alternative news portal Alt News exposed it for inventing "fake passages" and attributing them to the famed 16th century French astrologer Nostradamus.

The blog was taken down from TOI and republished on Thursday with a disclaimer.

SEE ALSO: Facebook's new 'Trending Topics' update is here  now with less fake news

Gautier claimed in his blog that in 2012, he'd chanced upon some "hidden manuscripts" in an "old trunk". Those manuscripts contained Nostradamus' predictions on the rise of Indian prime minister (a.k.a. "supreme leader") Narendra Modi.

Alt News discovered through a few Google searches that Gautier had a knack of discovering this "old trunk".

"Francois Gautier has discovered the 'old trunk' so many times over that it is difficult to keep track. He discovered it in his 2009 blog 'Nostradamus and Saffron' and in his 2014 blog 'Nostradamus and 2014' elections.

The latest 'old trunk' discovery happened on March 28, 2017 on the TOI blog. In fact, every time Mr Gautier discovers this old trunk, the contents inside the trunk seem to change magically," it wrote.

Wow.

This revelation left Indian Twitter in a whirlwind.

Though some users raised concerns over fake news being published by popular media, most people had a field day.

Hilarious. Francois Gautier invented fake Nostradamus predictions about Modi. TOI & Zee faithfully published it. https://t.co/961seroNqF  Aditya Menon (@AdityaMenon22) March 29, 2017

Nostradamus predicted that Modi is the fourth reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, & is born to end the human race   Sam HellCat (@SoGe89) March 29, 2017

Nostradamus once said-C'est la vie, a prediction abt how Narendrus Modius govt will levy a cess in 2017 to make Bharatus Mataus a superpower  Scotchy (@scotchism) March 29, 2017

Even Nostradamus couldn't predict that Gautier would be so good at finding "old trunks." https://t.co/4Fjhsg7JHU pic.twitter.com/tIoO95WCGk  Sadanand Dhume (@dhume) March 29, 2017

How Nostradamus Predicted Stupidosaur Destroying The Aadhaar  VICE INDIA IS HIP (@ViceIN_is_Hip) March 29, 2017

Did Nostradamus also predict demonetisation?   Ramanan (@Ramanan_V) March 29, 2017

Did Nostradamus predict his own fame in India several years after his death? Maybe @fgautier26 will be best suited to answer ;)  Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19) March 29, 2017

+ "Balus narendrus swimmus rio narmadus el grouppus crocodilio shitus brickums"

- Prophecies of Nostradamus, Ch XIV, verse 265 pic.twitter.com/CzbSVWoW90  The Last Caveman (@CarDroidusMax) March 29, 2017

+ Il duce Narendrus name-printus suit adornus, el Americanus capitano Barakus Broximus Obamus, speakus: "Da Fuqus Mitrus?"-Ch X, Nostradamus pic.twitter.com/WDwsyKH8pd  The Last Caveman (@CarDroidusMax) March 29, 2017

However, the real concern is this:

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Francois Gautier creates a fake Nostradamus passage, @ZeeNews & @timesofindia join the bandwagon spreading it. https://t.co/nSRLbNA7gv  Thakursahab (@65thakursahab) March 29, 2017

How do you fight fake news in India when the established groups like @ZeeNews & @timesofindia patronize fake news?https://t.co/GOb0hbRa4h  Gaurav Pandhi (@GauravPandhi) March 29, 2017

'Fake news' is plaguing the internet. Facebook and Google, the biggest mediums of online news dissemination, have struggled to combat it. This makes it even more imperative for media organisations to fact-check before running their stories.

The danger of influencing a significant readership wrongly has never been greater.

WATCH: In stunning exchange, Trump refuses to answer question from CNN reporter
A little-known federal agency responsible for making health care safer and more efficient has survived 20 years in Washington with a target on its back, but its time may be running out.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has made enemies because it takes a hard look at whether popular  and often expensive  treatments like spinal surgery actually help patients.

Supporters say it plays a key role in controlling health care costs and ensuring that medical practice is dictated by evidence, not the financial interests of doctors and insurers in a $3.4 trillion industry.

American health care cant thrive without the lights on, said Dr. Donald Berwick, former director of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services under President Obama. We need to know whats happening.

But Republicans have long dismissed the agency as duplicative and wasteful.

Now, President Trump is proposing to eliminate the agencys independent status and merge it with the National Institutes of Health  which also faces huge funding cuts under the administrations proposed budgets.

Clearly, some of the kinds of things that are being done at NIH are also being done at AHRQ, Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price said in a budget hearing on Wednesday. He said the proposed changes would improve efficiency but also make sure were continuing to fulfill [AHRQs] mission.

AHRQ, whose roots date back to 1989, generates reams of data used to examine the effectiveness of health care practices. Its signature initiatives include helping identify ways to reduce medical errors and curbing hospital-acquired infections that kill tens of thousands of people each year. The agency has an annual budget of $334 million, following an 8 percent cut in the final year of the Obama administration.

Read more: White House proposes new, sweeping budget cuts at NIH

Focusing on applied research

Even staunch supporters of AHRQ dont see malice in the efforts to cut its funding. They see a misunderstanding of its role.

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AHRQ is focused on applied research: examining the effectiveness and costs of clinical practices, and how they impact different populations. It is involved in some of the most pressing questions in medicine: how to change prescribing of opioids, improve care for diabetics, use telehealth to serve rural patients, and prevent medication mistakes and infections. It is also investigating how to better prepare patients to leave the hospital to avoid costly readmissions.

Read more: An Obamacare success: financial penalties reduce hospital readmission rates

When you think about how many taxpayer dollars are spent to pay for health care under any scenario  Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP  to not invest a tiny amount of money to understand how to improve the quality of care seems so ill-advised and shortsighted, said Lisa Simpson, chief executive of Academy Health, a health care research organization.

Simpson, who previously served as a deputy director of AHRQ, said she has used the agencys data on health care costs and utilization to examine out-of-pocket costs for child mental health services, orthodontic care, and re-hospitalization rates, among many other research projects. When so much is changing, it is critical for us to understand for whom and for which communities these changes result in improvement, and for which they are actually harmful, Simpson said.

In some ways, she said, AHRQ has suffered from a lack of visibility. Although its research on cost and quality is widely used within the scientific community, it remains somewhat obscure compared to larger agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the NIH, and the new Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Innovation Center, which was given a $1 billion budget during the Obama administration to test changes in the delivering and financing of medical care.

All of that has made it easier for Congress chop AHRQs budget.

In fiscal year 2016, Oklahoma Representative Tom Cole became the third consecutive GOP chairman of the committee overseeing health appropriations to recommend the elimination of its funding. Cole proposed to incorporate some of its programs in other agencies. The Senate initially proposed a 35 percent cut, but the agency won support from the White House, and survived with an 8 percent cut.

Read more: Undermining a small but important federal health agency is a dangerous gamble

That was seen as a big triumph, said Dr. Richard Kronick, the agencys director at the time, who is now at the University of California, San Diego.

A major effort to reduce infections

As proof of the agencys unique role, Kronick pointed to its effort to curb hospital-acquired conditions, such as deadly bloodstream infections.

Data about that effort was plastered across the agencys home page last week: Since 2010, it says, AHRQs research and tools for providers have helped to produce a 21 percent reduction in hospital-acquired conditions, translating to 3 million fewer adverse medical events and savings of $28 billion.

Natalia Bronshtein/STAT Source: National Scorecard on Rates of Hospital-Acquired Conditions 2010 to 2015

It resulted in 124,000 fewer people dying in hospitals because hospitals are safer places than they used to be, Kronick said. We dont know exactly why that 21 percent decline occurred, but there is good reason to think its because of the production of evidence about how to make health care safer, the production of tools and training materials to make sure that the evidence is understood and used, and the support for data systems that produce valid measures of progress.

AHRQs effort to reduce hospital-acquired conditions has taken many forms. It has published tool kits to help hospitals prevent bed sores, falls, urinary tract infections, and medication mistakes. It has also funded research to help reduce infections in catheters inserted into patients to deliver nutrients and medicine.

Dr. Peter Pronovost, a Johns Hopkins University physician funded by AHRQ, developed an infection prevention checklist in 2001 for intensive care providers, including hand-washing and wearing protective clothing, such as gowns, gloves, and sterile masks. He said the money from AHRQ helped to disseminate the checklist and other prevention tips to providers across the country.

Since then, those infections have dropped by as much as 80 percent in intensive care units in the US, according to a 2013 study.

These infections were a public health problem on par with breast and prostate cancer, said Pronovost, director of the Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality at Johns Hopkins. Imagine the praises wed be singing if someone knocked prostate cancer down by that much. We certainly wouldnt be saying, Lets defund the agency that helped make that real.

While such work generates bipartisan support, AHRQ is also situated at the sensitive crossroads of science and health care reform, where political agendas blur the lines between evidence and innuendo, often causing otherwise straightforward research to become controversial.

The agency found itself in the middle of a fierce battle when it looked at treatments for lower-back pain in the 1990s. It issued guidelines that said, in most cases, less invasive interventions would eventually cause the pain to go away without the need for costly operations.

While adopted by large segments of the medical community, the findings generated howls of protests from the North American Spine Society, whose members received a large share of the money spent on back surgery. They complained to Republican budget leaders, who then concluded that the agencys work was inefficient and duplicative, and proposed to eliminate its funding.

In that battle, AHRQ lost a quarter of its funding and ended up changing its focus and name (it was formerly the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research). Simpson, the Academy Health CEO who worked at the agency during the transition, said its leadership resolved to move away from publishing specific guidelines.

For several years, the agency managed to stay out of Congresss crosshairs  that is, until the next round of health care reform arose under President Obama. The Affordable Care Act increased financial pressure on clinicians to deploy evidence-based practices and reduce health care spending; it also reassigned AHRQs research comparing the effectiveness of clinical practices to a new entity, called the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.

AHRQ would still retain its core focus on improving safety practices and generating data on the cost and use of medical services. But Republicans argued the agency had become redundant and a waste of resources. They repeatedly proposed to eliminate its funding, each time getting blocked by Obama and other Democrats.

In 2012, as the law was being rolled out, House Republicans passed a measure to eliminate funding for AHRQ, but it was not enacted.

Earlier this year, the agency was in the spotlight again, as stories surfaced about how Price tussled with the AHRQ while serving as a Republican congressman from Georgia. An aide to Price had sent several emails pressing the agency to remove a study from its website that questioned the safety and efficacy of BiDil, a treatment for African-Americans suffering from heart failure, according to ProPublica.

The chief executive of Arbor Pharmaceuticals, the company that markets the drug, had given Price the maximum campaign contribution of $2,700. AHRQ ultimately kept the study on its site, but included a note indicating it was greater than five years old.

As the agency continues to be in the cross-hairs, there is some suggestion that bipartisan support might save it. On Wednesday, as Price spoke of eliminating duplication and finding efficiencies in the organization, Republican Representative Tom Cole struck a more cooperative tone, saying, We look forward to working with you to find ways to stretch those dollars further.
Dear Mr. President: You are famous for not reading many books, but, ironically, your own work, The Art of the Deal, is on many nightstands at the moment as people do their best to understand your approach to governing and leadership. I actually own a signed first edition of it, which I bought years ago at a used bookstore for $19. I consider it a bargain given how things have turned out for you lately. But lets talk about books and leadership.

Having spent decades in the military serving for a series of terrific leaders, I would offer the simple thought that reading books can make people better leaders. In my time around Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, Secretaries of Defense Robert Gates and Leon Panetta, and chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Colin Powell and Adm. Mike Mullen, I often saw them reading; each was always happy to discuss books. Over the course of my career, I exchanged book recommendations frequently with two of your cabinet secretaries, Gen. James Mattis and Gen. John Kelly  close friends, contemporaries, and dedicated readers. And your good friend and special advisor Stephen Bannon, whom I know from waterfront days in the Navy many years ago, is a voracious reader as well.

May I suggest that, like Bush and Obama, you dive into a few good books? There is certainly no shortage of good works on offer about leadership per se, but I would argue that novels and historical fiction, with an occasional personal history or biography thrown in, can hone those skills the best. This is because by reading about other great leaders  both fictional and historic  we can in effect create a leadership simulator that allows us to think through the big decisions we have to make, draw analogies with earlier times, and learn from mistakes and successes in big leadership jobs.

Recognizing there are many books and little time, I would offer five suggestions that might appeal:

The Killer Angels, by Michael Shaara. This brilliant historical novel was mentioned more than any other when my co-author and surveyed over 200 senior admirals and generals about books they would recommend on leadership. It follows generals on both sides of the Battle of Gettysburg and offers a stunning variety of leadership styles, from the quiet intellectual approach of Maines Joshua Chamberlain to the religious-based Robert E. Lee to the utter flamboyance of George Pickett. It teaches us that there is more than one way to lead and offers models across the spectrum of personality.

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Team of Rivals, by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Your aides have spoken about building such a team from time to time, and I am told you have had the book on your desk in Trump Tower. Many see that as a signal that you had decided to open your administration to talented outsiders to include those who had not supported you throughout the campaign. I hope youve actually read the book, but if not, I highly recommend it. The biggest problem our nation faces is gridlock. Successful leaders are unafraid to reach out to rivals, and doing so consistently would strengthen your team.

Gates of Fire, by Steven Pressfield. This historical novel of ancient Greece is a page-turner  hard to put down even though you know the tragic ending in which the 300 Spartan heroes are finally overcome by the Persians. In addition to giving you some insight into the character of both Greeks (think the euro crisis) and Iranians (the descendants of the Persians), this novel will help you truly understand the character of the millions of Marines, soldiers, sailors, and airmen under your direct command. As you face the most difficult task of your administration  ordering them into battle  this is a classic for understanding their lives and ethos.

How, by Dov Seidman. A nonfiction book about ethics and values, How can help you understand the importance of owning your integrity. How we do things, in the end, is often more important than what we do. That may sound paradoxical, but this book can help you think through the way in which you communicate the rationale behind your decisions, and is a kind of moral compass that we all need from time to time  even in the White House.

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court, by Mark Twain. And finally, something a bit out of the ordinary: This is a fascinating and highly quirky novel by an American master about an inventor and engineer who travels from the 19th century back to the time of King Arthur and Merlin. What he discovers is that innovation and change are hard work and require not only rhetoric but actual planning and demonstrated accomplishment. Leadership is like rolling the boulder of Sisyphus up the mountain, and the chances of it rolling back down are unfortunately high. Determination matters deeply.

Mr. President, I wish you the best as you continue to take up the mantle of global leadership. And I believe that in some small way these books can help illuminate the path ahead  but only if you read them.

Photo credit: DREW ANGERER/Getty Images
FEBRUARY 2019  It sounds like a Frederick Forsyth novel.

The Western intelligence alliance that had held firm since the end of World War II was finally shattered this month by U.S. President Donald Trump. To understand how it came to this, one must consider the above quote, which appeared in the New York Times back in the heady spring of 2017 and would quickly be lent the undue authority to eventually jeopardize the entire Five Eyes intelligence-sharing program.

The speaker was former CIA analyst Larry C. Johnson, who left the agency in 1993, and the comparison he wished to draw was between the U.S. governments relationships with its closest allies and the plots of best-selling British pulp spy novels. In March 2017, Johnson claimed on his blog that Britains signals intelligence agency GCHQ  or, as he repeatedly called it, GHCQ  intercepted communications within Trump Tower during the 2016 U.S. presidential election. His evidence for this? GCHQ Director Robert Hannigan had resigned three days after Trumps inauguration. Hannigan announced that he would be caring for his ill wife and elderly parents, but Johnson saw a darker plot in the timing, writing, I do not believe in coincidences. Like many a conspiracy theorist before him, Johnson sought out a reassuringly malevolent order amid the worlds daily churn of chaos. The real reason, he surmised, was obvious: The Brits had passed intelligence they had gathered on Trump to the Obama administration, and as soon as Trump was apprised of this, Hannigan had been forced to step down.

Johnson repeated this fanciful claim on the Kremlin-funded network RT, after which it was picked up by Andrew Napolitano, a Trump confidant and pundit for Fox News. Two days later, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer cited Napolitanos comments at a briefing, provoking an unusually forceful denial from the Brits.

Intelligence insiders were aghast. Johnson was best-known for a hoax in 2008 in which he claimed Michelle Obama had been caught on tape using the racist term whitey. More recently, he had claimed, without evidence, that it wasnt the Russians who had hacked the Democratic National Committee but the CIA.

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In normal circumstances, nobody close to power would have taken seriously the conspiracy theories of this discredited crank. But since January 2017, the American president has been a man of the same stamp, having entered politics propagating the lie that Barack Obama wasnt born in the United States. Spicer, with Trumps blessing, clutched at Johnsons claims in a desperate attempt to bolster Trumps own fabrication that Obama had wiretapped him illegally.

The invoking of Frederick Forsyth was fitting, though ironic. Best-known for the classic thriller The Day of The Jackal, the British novelists specialty is making fantastical near-future plots seem plausible. But even he would have struggled to sell the story of an American president giving credence to a conspiracy theory, fanned by a Russian propaganda network, that the British had spied on him at the behest of his predecessor.

In light of subsequent events, this farcical episode seems less like Forsyth than John le Carre at his most downbeat.

Before its disbandment, Five Eyes was the worlds most significant intelligence alliance. Founded in the aftermath of World War II with an agreement between the United States and the U.K., and later expanded to include Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, it entailed the mutual sharing of signals and communications intelligence between these countries  and the understanding they would not spy on each other. The terms of the arrangement had not always been upheld, and relations had occasionally been fraught, with Washington previously threatening others with expulsion or suspension from the group.

But the alliance had borne fruit on countless occasions, particularly between Britain and the United States. Anglo-American cooperation had been crucial in tracking Soviet ballistic missile-carrying submarines during the Cold War, and the United States had for decades relied heavily on British listening posts in its former empire for signals intelligence in the Middle East and elsewhere. Following 9/11, American and Pakistani intelligence arrested Osama bin Ladens aide Khalid Sheikh Mohammed on the strength of an intercepted text message, leading to a wealth of intelligence about planning against British targets.

Some spies in the alliances member countries had initially welcomed Trumps presidency, imagining they would be able to take advantage of his ignorance to increase their budgets and minimize interference in their activities. But looming over everything was the specter of Russian interference. In late 2016, former MI6 officer Christopher Steele had handed the FBI a dossier detailing dozens of sourced claims that Russian intelligence had cultivated and compromised Trump years before he became a presidential candidate.

Investigations by Congress into the relationship between the Trump administration and Russia sparked a Cold War between the U.S. president and his own intelligence agencies. Trump derided every new piece of evidence as fake news, and coupled with the publics fatigue at a seemingly never-ending political circus, that managed to reduce a scandal that in scale and severity eclipsed Watergate to a mere sideshow for most Americans. But U.S. intelligence officials were less easily distracted and began to wonder how they could share secrets with a president who might be compromised by a hostile power.

The best-selling members of Trump administration survivors have now confirmed Trumps own insistence that intelligence briefings be as brief as possible (you know, Im, like, a smart person) gave them some leeway. Under the guise of concision, they omitted as much potentially sensitive information as possible. On the rare occasions that Trump asked for more, they buried him in a mix of bureaucratese and espionage jargon. If National Security Agency analysts intercepted a message in Damascus from a terrorist courier working with minimal information about the rest of the organization, they would provide the president with a 45-page report titled Provisional assessment of ELINT take from interception of cutout to handler in Syria, knowing he would almost certainly not read it. Pressed to explain the operation face-to-face, they would use similar tactics and retreat to explaining procedures for protecting sources in excruciating detail. Trump, increasingly distrustful, started intimating that he would cut budgets for time-wasters who couldnt give him straight answers.

Halfway through Trumps first year in office, even the Russians had concluded that Trump was too volatile. In September 2017, a clip was uploaded to YouTube in which someone looking and sounding exactly like Trump was heard giving explicit requests to prostitutes in a hotel room once frequented by the Obamas in Moscow, backing the most sensational claim of the Steele dossier. And yet even this proved unable to penetrate Trumps fake news defense. There was a media frenzy, and senior Democrats and some Republicans alike called for Trump to resign or be impeached, but Trump claimed the clip had been concocted with an actor and produced by his enemies.

The real bombshell came in December 2018. Overnight, WikiLeaks published a cache of high-level correspondence between British and American intelligence analysts about their investigations into Vladimir Putins business dealings. One document quoted by Julian Assange in an interview on conspiracy site and Trump favorite InfoWars seemed to suggest the Brits had recommended that the president be taken out. The full context made it clear the suggestion had been to remove Trump from the distribution list for reports on Putin, but the damage was already done. Watching the interview over breakfast in Mar-a-Lago, the president reached for his smartphone.

Trumps subsequent Twitter rant eclipsed even the wiretapping crisis. In a series of rapid-fire tweets, Trump accused the British of plotting to assassinate him. By the end of the day, he had fired the directors of the CIA and NSA and ordered all U.S. agencies to suspend sharing intelligence with the British. He even temporarily added Britain to the list of countries whose citizens could not enter the United States. After several frantic calls from British Prime Minister Theresa May, who promised an investigation into the allegations, he quietly rescinded that order.

Reporters pressed Trump and his aides for evidence for the assassination claim other than an obvious linguistic misunderstanding but had as little success as they had had with previous claims.

Despite pleas from the intelligence community, Trumps order to suspend all cooperation with Brits was not lifted but extended. His anger with the British dated back to the Steele dossier and the idea that GCHQ had spied on him. Now he took his revenge, ordering the dismantling of projects with British intelligence piece by piece. This eventually brought to an end Five Eyes founding agreement. In response, the Brits naturally also stopped sharing their intelligence, including the fruits of their listening posts in the Middle East, Africa, and elsewhere. Terrorist cells started thinking about how to benefit from the new blind spots.

Today, Britain, already weakened from Brexit and no longer a member of Europol, is looking for alliances elsewhere in this field. Australia and New Zealand are still too small to risk losing their access to U.S. signals intelligence, but Canada has decided to take Britains side. The United States has reportedly tried to woo Germany and France into a closer arrangement, but the leaders of both countries envisage their own resignations if WikiLeaks or anyone else ever exposed that they had made a deal with an American administration despised by their voters. Italy, Denmark, and others have filled in some of the gaps left by the Brits and the Canadians, but decades of infrastructure and expertise have not been easy to replace.

Five Eyes had lasted through the Cold War and beyond but had finally been undone by Donald Trump misunderstanding a mischievous leak distributed through Russian cutouts. What happens next depends in large part on the upcoming U.S. presidential election in November 2020. If Mike Pence, who has resigned as vice president to challenge Trump in the Republican primary, wins the election, as the polls indicate, some in the intelligence community are optimistic that Five Eyes could be resurrected under his presidency. Terrorists, criminals, and tyrants around the world have benefited from the collapse of the arrangement, but perhaps, slowly, things can start to return to something like normal again  and the day of the crackpots will finally be behind us.

Photo credit: CHRISTOPHER FURLONG/Getty Images
Photo via Twitter

School administrators at Stanton College Prep in Florida are facing backlash after discriminatory flyers depicting prom dress code were plastered around the school on Monday.

The posters included four pictures, each with varied gowns, captioned: Going to Stanton Prom?

The first dress showed a woman with fair complexion, baring minimal skin, captioned: Yes you are good girl. While the others photos featured women of a darker skin tone, one wearing a high-split skirt, another in a backless gown, followed by a mannequin in a plunged-neck dress, captioned: Going to Stanton Prom? No youre not.

Students who took offense to the flyers called out the school by sharing images on Twitter.

ALSO SEE: Boy denied entry to prestigious New Zealand school over hair length

Guys this was my high school. Im disappointed in the administration in the biggest way. #SCPgoodgirl pic.twitter.com/ya9lMtvCtX  44574: Marewick, Ali (@Aluminum_Iodide) March 29, 2017

Spectators and students shared in the concern, calling the flyers sexist, racist and condescending under the hashtag #SCPGoodGirl.

good girl. how utterly disrespectful and condescending can you be?! this is disgusting https://t.co/PN8SUxZkg1  neha (@NehaSohoni) March 27, 2017

#scpgoodgirl its one thing to send out prom dress rules a WEEK before, but to make them overtly sexist toward intelligent women? cmon now  alex (@alexandramonk_) March 27, 2017

Not only is this ridiculous it is also racist! #scpgoodgirl https://t.co/7PdCPTOrdI  Jazzie R (@RelovaJazzie) March 29, 2017

Due to immense criticism, officials from Duval County Public Schools issued an apology on Tuesday.

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ALSO SEE: Teen seeking cleaning job is preyed upon by creepy employer

The display of prom dress photos at Stanton College Prep is not appropriate or an approved policy. Images were removed on Mon. #SCPgoodgirl  DCPS (@DuvalSchools) March 28, 2017

Both students and staff have been informed this was not acceptable or appropriate guidance for prom dress attire, Duval County Public Schools spokeswoman Laureen Ricks told to the New York Post.

Let us know what you think by tweeting @YahooStyleCA!




SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co said on Thursday it was hiring 400 engineers, mostly in Canada, to work on connectivity software and hardware, part of a wider push to meet demand for more connected cars. The 300 engineers in Canada and 100 in the United States will double the current size of the Detroit automaker's mobile connectivity engineering team. The company said it also plans to establish a new research and engineering center in Ottawa, Canada. Connectivity is a key investment area for the auto industry as in-car technology catches up to that of smartphones. As more modems are built directly into cars, vehicles are able to access a richer array of digital services. Ford plans to equip 20 million cars with built-in modems in the next five years. The new hires, many of whom are coming from BlackBerry Ltd's shuttered handset business, will work on infotainment, in-vehicle modems, gateway modules, handset integration, security, driver assist features and autonomous vehicles, Ford said. The move by the Detroit carmaker underscores how many new jobs in the auto sector are for white-collar technology jobs related to connectivity, mobility or autonomous vehicles, versus traditional factory jobs. Ford said on Tuesday it was investing $200 million for an advanced data center in Michigan to support advances in vehicle connectivity and future developments in autonomous vehicles.[nL2N1H50BR] (Reporting by Alexandria Sage in San Francisco; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
Paris (AFP) - French President Francois Hollande said Thursday that Britain must agree on the conditions of its exit from the EU before the bloc's members discuss other issues such as a trade deal.

"First we must begin discussions on the modalities of the withdrawal, especially on the rights of citizens and the obligations arising from the commitments that the United Kingdom has made," Hollande said.

"On the basis of what progress is made, we could open discussions on the framework of the future relations between the United Kingdom and the European Union," he added.

Hollande's approach echoes that of German Chancellor Angela Merkel who on Wednesday snubbed Prime Minister Theresa May's call for negotiations on the UK's exit from the EU to run alongside talks on defining the conditions of their future relationship.

Merkel said the negotiations "must first clarify how we will disentangle our interlinked relationship... and only when this question is dealt with, can we, hopefully soon after, begin talking about our future relationship".

As the EU's major powers, Germany and France are expected to play a determining role in the negotiations over the relationship that Britain will have when it leaves.
BERLIN (Reuters) - German prosecutors have charged an Afghan citizen with being a member of the Taliban and an accessory to attempted murder by taking part in armed attacks by insurgents against policemen in Afghanistan. The Federal Prosecutor's Office (GBA) said in a statement on Thursday that 21-year-old Hekmat T. received military training by the Taliban after he joined the militant group in mid-2013 and took part in four attacks against policemen. "In two additional clashes, he fired his own Kalashnikov automatic rifle in the direction of the Afghan police," the GBA said. "It is unclear if there were deaths or injuries among the Afghan security forces." The statement did not confirm when he had arrived in Germany or if he was an asylum seeker, but said that he left the Taliban at the start of 2014. The GBA said it was charging the man with membership of a "foreign terrorist organization" and that he had been arrested on Dec. 1 last year. He has been in pre-trial custody. The charges were filed March 20 at the Higher Regional Court in Koblenz, some 100 km (62 miles) northwest of Frankfurt, it said. (Reporting by Joseph Nasr; Editing by Toby Davis)
By Andrea Shalal BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany has deported 10 potential attackers since January as part of a tougher approach toward failed asylum seekers and other foreigners it deems dangerous after one of them killed 12 people at a Berlin market, security sources said on Thursday. Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere and other top officials have been pushing for quicker deportations of those denied asylum, while working with Morocco, Tunisia and other countries to speed up the repatriation process. Tunisian Anis Amri, a supporter of Islamic State, attacked a Christmas market in Berlin in December after being denied asylum. He was shot dead by Italian police days later. Shortly after the incident, German's Joint Terrorism Prevention Centre (GTAZ), reviewed the open cases of all other "potential attackers" like Amri, the sources said. "A total of 10 potential attackers have since been successfully deported in a joint effort with the affected German states," said one of the sources. The Interior Ministry estimates that there are more than 600 potentially dangerous Islamists in Germany, including 250 who are citizens of other countries but not asylum seekers. The suspected militants were sent back to mainly North African countries, the sources said, without providing details. The change in approach was agreed by de Maiziere and Justice Minister Heiko Maas at a meeting on Jan. 10, where both men agreed that the Amri case must not be repeated. In Amri's case, one of the obstacles to physically deporting him was Tunisia's failure to issue replacement identification papers, despite the availability of finger- and handprints. This month German Chancellor Angela Merkel secured a promise from Tunisia to take back 1,500 rejected Tunisian asylum seekers, with those who agreed to leave voluntarily eligible to receive government aid. Germany also offered Tunisia 250 million euros in development aid. Merkel, who will seek a fourth term as chancellor in September, has come under fire for allowing more than one million refugees to enter Germany over the past two years. De Maiziere vowed on Tuesday to continue pushing for legislative changes that would make it easier to detain and deport potential attackers following the Amri case. One proposed law also calls for use of electronic tags. The security sources said state prosecutors in the past had sought to exhaust opportunities to prosecute potential attackers in Germany for various other infractions, but this had proven difficult and time-consuming. The sources did not provide details on the 10 individuals deported or say whether they were related to the Amri case. German authorities have arrested at least two individuals who had contact with Amri before the December attack. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Gareth Jones)
BERLIN (AP)  Germany's interior minister said Thursday that Turkey's intelligence agency may have given its German counterpart a list of suspected supporters of a U.S.-based cleric to "provoke us in some way."

Last month, Turkey's MIT agency handed German intelligence a list of some 300 alleged supporters of Fethullah Gulen thought to be living in Germany, among them reportedly a German lawmaker.

Officials have said Turkey asked the Germans to put those people under surveillance.

Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere told ZDF television that he suspected the move may have been intended to weigh on Turkish-German relations, "to provoke us in some way." He said he didn't believe it was meant as a contribution to anti-terrorist reconnaissance.

The Turkish government claims Gulen supporters were behind a July coup attempt. Gulen denies orchestrating it.

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim acknowledged that an MIT undersecretary gave Germany's intelligence chief a file on Gulen's movement at a Munich security conference. Yildirim told Turkish broadcaster NTV the exchange was routine and he condemned the way the information has been treated in Germany.

"Unfortunately, of course, intelligence organizations share such information with each other. This should not be leaked to any side," he said. "But it is clear that this information in Germany was given to government sources and they used it. This is, first of all, not ethical. It does not fit intelligence practices."
BERLIN (Reuters) - The co-leader of the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD), Frauke Petry, is not considering quitting, her spokesman said on Thursday, after media reports suggested that she might just six months before a national election. The AfD has seen its support tumble in recent months, due to party infighting, a big drop in the number of migrants arriving in Germany and a revival in the fortunes of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) under new leadership. The latest Forsa and Allensbach polls show support for the AfD at 7 percent, its weakest level in those surveys since late 2015. German newspaper Tagesspiegel cited Petry in its online edition on Thursday as saying: "For me, neither politics nor the AfD are without alternatives". It also reported the pregnant 41-year-old had said it made sense to re-think one's life at certain points and then to adjust it. "That's the way I do it and still do after more than four years in the AfD, which has required a huge amount of energy and meant the end of a normal life," Petry told the newspaper. That prompted widespread speculation in the German media that Petry, seen as the face of the party, was planning to resign. Her spokesman Oliver Lang denied the reports, saying: "That's unfounded." Petry has had a tough time recently - she was pictured crying at a regional AfD congress at the weekend, with media reports saying her tears were in response to strong criticism for her condemnation of AfD member Bjoern Hoecke, who has called Berlin's Holocaust Memorial a "monument of shame". Petry and her supporters want Hoecke expelled from the party but other members have defended him. Two-thirds of the executive board voted in February to oust him and it is now up to a party arbitration body to decide whether to let that stand. Petry was not able to prevent a Hoecke supporter from being chosen as the second candidate - after her - on the list for the state of Saxony, where she heads the AfD, for the Sept. 24 national election. Germany has a mixed-member proportional voting system under which voters cast two ballots: one directly for a candidate in his or her constituency and the second for a party. Seats from the second vote are allocated from the parties' lists. Petry is said to want to be the party's sole frontrunner at the national level for the election, rather than having a team of top candidates. But after an online members' vote the party looks set to go into the election campaign with a team. A final decision on that is expected at an AfD congress in April. (Reporting by Hans-Edzard Busemann; Writing by Michelle Martin; Editing by Gareth Jones)
Even though federal laws in the United States still classify marijuana as an illegal drug, many states have formulated more lax laws surrounding cannabis, with varying acceptability of both medical and recreational marijuana use. However, the nascent industry is far from standardized, especially in terms of the many variants of weed that are available in the market.

Researchers from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada are trying to change that with a new study on the flavor of different strains, hoping a better understanding would lead to cultivation of consistent high-quality varieties. Published Wednesday in the journal PLOS ONE, the open-access study is based on scanning the genome of different cannabis plants to identify the genes responsible for flavor.

Read: What Is A Marijuana Strain?

The researchers found around 30 terpene synthase genes that are responsible for different flavors in marijuana. Terpenes are produced by a large variety of plants, as well as some insects, and are a large class of organic compounds that usually have a strong smell, which can be fragrant. Synthases are enzymes that catalyze the process of synthesis in an organism, in this case, terpene in cannabis.

Some of the genes discovered by the researchers contribute to the production of limonene, myrcene and pinene in marijuana plants. Limonene, for instance, gives cannabis a lemon-like flavor, while myrcene imparts an earthy flavor. Also discovered was the terpene that gives cannabis its signature smell  beta-caryophyllene.

Weed words you should probably know.

Photo: REUTERS

The goal is to develop well-defined and highly-reproducible cannabis varieties. This is similar to the wine industry, which depends on defined varieties such as chardonnay or merlot for high value products. Our genomics work can inform breeders of commercial varieties which genes to pay attention to for specific flavor qualities, Jorg Bohlmann, a professor in the faculty of forestry at UBC and lead author of the study, said in a statement Wednesday.

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Read: Where Is Marijuana Legal In The US?

The number of genes found in the study is similar to that found to play a role in grapevine for the flavor of wine. The researchers said the interaction between terpene compounds and cannabinoid compounds  like tetrahydrocannabinol that gives marijuana its medicinal properties  still needs to be examined. Bohlmann said it will help standardize an industry whose economic potential is massive.

There is a need for high-quality and consistent products made from well defined varieties. he said.

Co-authors on the study were graduate student Judith Booth and Jonathan Page, who teaches in the botany department, and also founded cannabis testing and biotechnology company Anandia Labs.

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Some girls receive a car for their Sweet 16, but this Texas teen was given a present far more precious when her grandfather gave her notebooks full of their memories together when she was just a toddler.

Read: For Her 18th Birthday, Girl Opens Time Capsule Filled With Letters Written When She Was 1

Lauren Blank, 16, of Keller said her grandfather has usually gifted her clothes, shoes or a shopping trip on previous birthdays.

When she hit the milestone birthday on March 22, she never expected to receive three diaries her grandpa had kept when she was between the ages of 2 and 5, filled with memories of their time together.

"I was in shock. It took a while for it to sink in," Blank told InsideEdition.com. "I went to my room and then I just started bawling."

Ron Petrillo, 72, who spent most of his time looking after Blank before she started school, wrote down all his favorite memories with the tot, from riding in the car, to visiting a pumpkin patch.

It was whatever I felt like writing at the time and what we did that day, he told InsideEdition.com. Some of them were half a page and some of them were four or five pages.

Petrillo explained that he started the project because he wanted her to remember details from when she was little that they were not able to capture in pictures.

"I was going to give it to her at 16, maybe 21, and maybe when I was gone," he said. "Turns out, she was very squared-away at 16. You know every parent or grandparent thinks their kid is the smartest and prettiest person in the world? Well, I still think that about Lauren."

He recalled some of his favorite memories  which he wrote down in the journals  included taking her to the rescue zoo in Sacramento when she was 2 years old or walking around the block as she napped in the stroller: "If you took her home, shed just lay there wide-eyed."

For Blank, her favorite passage recalled a playdate.

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It read: "Tuesday I was lucky enough to be with my perfect angel for 10 hours today. We went to Gymboree and had a great time. You do everything easily that other kids would have a hard time with. Youd rather do most things on your own. You can join in on the things you really like.

Read: Retiree Returns to Work to Celebrate His 100th Birthday: 'I Enjoyed Every Minute of It'

And, even though Blank was young when he wrote the journals, she said she remembers many of the memories in the journals.

I remember him making me laugh, and some of the things he did to make me laugh," she fondly recalled.

Watch: Woman Celebrates Her Birthday Every Year With Barbecue for Those Who Can't Afford a Meal

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Athens (AFP) - Greece is close to a long-delayed deal with its creditors after months of tough talks that have held up the payment of vital loans, a senior official has said.

"We are close to an agreement in coming days," Greek parliament chief Nikos Voutsis told a European Left meeting late on Wednesday.

"All indications show that a deal is imminent," he added, according to the state Athens News Agency.

Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos has said that reaching an agreement in time for a scheduled April 7 meeting of eurozone ministers is "feasible."

Negotiations between Athens and its eurozone and International Monetary Fund creditors have dragged for months owing to disagreements over debt relief and budget targets for the austerity-hit country.

Among the measures reportedly demanded by the creditors are new pension cuts, lower tax breaks and more restrictive rules on union strikes.

They are also pushing for a major asset sale at the state Public Power Corporation, Greece's largest electricity provider and a near monopoly, in the interests of increasing competition in the sector.

The impasse has held up the latest installment of Greece's 86-billion-euro ($91 billion) bailout, agreed in 2015, which it needs for debt repayments in July.

The last such deadlock over Greece, which followed the election of leftist Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras in early 2015, nearly saw Athens expelled from the euro.

Experts say the uncertainty has also dragged down Greece's troubled economy.

The latest data shows the economy stagnated in 2016, dashing hopes for a small recovery.

It has also held up access to the European Central Bank's asset purchase programme, known as quantitative easing, or QE.

Without access to QE, the country will not be able to make a planned return to debt markets by early 2018, according to the Greek finance ministry.

The issue is further complicated by back-to-back elections in Germany and France later this year, which are expected to hold up decision-making on Greece at the eurozone level.
By Valerie Volcovici WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Several environmental groups filed lawsuits against the Trump administration on Thursday to challenge its decision to approve construction of TransCanada Corp's controversial Keystone XL crude oil pipeline. In two separate filings to a federal court in Montana, environmental groups argued that the U.S. State Department, which granted the permit needed for the pipeline to cross the Canadian border, relied on an "outdated and incomplete environmental impact statement" when making its decision earlier this month. By approving the pipeline without public input and an up-to-date environmental assessment, the administration violated the National Environmental Policy Act, groups including the Center for Biological Diversity, Sierra Club and the Northern Plains Resource Council said in their legal filing. "They have relied on an arbitrary, stale, and incomplete environmental review completed over three years ago, for a process that ended with the State Departments denial of a cross-border permit," the court filing says. In the other filing, the Indigenous Environmental Network and North Coast Rivers Alliance sought injunctive relief, restraining Transcanada from taking any action that would harm the "physical environment in connection with the project pending a full hearing on the merits." U.S. President Donald Trump announced the presidential permit for the Keystone XL at the White House last week. TransCanada's Chief Executive Officer Russ Girling and Sean McGarvey, president of North America's Building Trades Unions, stood nearby. Trump, a Republican, said the project would lower consumer fuel prices, create jobs and reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil. His Democratic predecessor, former president Barack Obama, rejected the pipeline, saying it would lead to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions and do nothing to reduce fuel prices for U.S. motorists. "This tar sands pipeline poses a direct threat to our climate, our clean water, wildlife, and thousands of landowners and communities along the route of this dirty and dangerous project, and it must and will be stopped," said Michael Brune, executive director of the Sierra Club, one of the groups that filed the lawsuit. The lawsuits came on the heels of a lawsuit filed on Wednesday challenging other recent moves to undo Obama's climate change regulations. Conservation groups and the Northern Cheyenne Native American tribe of Montana sued the administration on Wednesday for violating the National Environmental Policy Act when it lifted a moratorium on coal leases on federal land. All lawsuits have been filed in U.S. District Court in Montanas Great Falls Division. (Reporting by Valerie Volcovici; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn and Marguerita Choy)
Stockholm (AFP) - Swedish clothing giant Hennes and Mauritz (H&M) Thursday announced the launch of its eighth fashion brand as tough market conditions in the US and Central Europe hurt profits.

The company reported a 3.4 percent drop in net profit in the December to February period, the first quarter of the company's financial year, due to the combination of a slower than expected rise in revenues and seasonal discounts.

"To meet the rapid change that is going on in fashion retail we need to be even faster and more flexible in our work processes, for example as regards buying and allocation of our assortment," CEO Karl-Johan Persson said in a statement.

H&M posted a net profit of 2.45 billion kronor (256 million euros, $275 million), while turnover was up eight percent to 46.98 billion in the same period.

Sales increased by four percent in local currencies, but the group has a target of 10 to 15 percent per year.

"For fashion retail in general, market conditions were very tough in many of our large markets in central and southern Europe and in the US, and this was reflected in our sales," Persson said.

H&M's share price dropped in response to the announcement, falling by 5.7 percent on the Stockholm stock exchange, vastly underperforming an overall market down just 0.8 percent.

The new brand, ARKET, will be launched in the third quarter, with the first store to open in London followed by Brussels, Copenhagen and Munich and online operations in 18 European markets, the group said.

It will offer clothes for men, women and children and household products, which will be more upscale than H&M, and each store will include a coffee shop inspired by Nordic kitchen and cuisine.

The group also operates Swedish brands such as Cos, & Other Stories, Monki, Weekday and Cheap Monday, whose sales continue to grow both online and in stores.
Fashion retail chain H&M is preparing to launch a new retail brand, Arket, which it describes as a "modern-day market" for men, women, children and the home.

The brand's name, arket, isn't just "market" without an "m," as Ulrika Bernhardtz, ceative director, explains; it means "sheet of paper" in Swedish.

"It both relates to our origin in the Nordic tradition of functional, long-lasting design and symbolizes the blank sheet, the sense of optimism and possibility we felt creating this new brand," said Bernhardtz in a statement to the press.

Ready-to-wear and accessories collections and homewares drawn from Arket's product range as well as third-party suppliers will be offered.

On-site cafes with a New Nordic Kitchen theme are also part of the Arket high street vision.

"We're very excited to soon reveal the brand and share our collections with customers," said Lars Axelsson, Managing Director.

The first store is set for a fall 2017 opening on London's Regent Street, with the Arket website then serving 18 European countries, and stores in Brussels, Copenhagen and Munich also planned.
Paris (AFP) - With less than a month to the first round of the French presidential election, the Socialist Party licks its wounds after its candidate was spurned by ex-premier Manuel Valls and pensioners took to the streets with their demands.

Here are three things that happened in the campaign on Thursday:

- 'Nail in the coffin' -

Le Parisien newspaper said Valls' repudiation of the Socialists' candidate Benoit Hamon -- a leftist rebel who quit the government in 2014 over its pro-business policies -- was the "nail in the coffin" of the party.

The party of Francois Mitterrand that had acted as a broad church of the left since the 1970s "died yesterday, without panache, corroded by ideological and personal rivalries," the paper wrote after Valls endorsed independent centrist Emmanuel Macron.

- 'We're not toffs', seniors say -

Hundreds of seniors took to the streets in major cities across France to call attention to their declining purchasing power because pensions have stagnated since 2013.

More than 1,000 marched in Paris behind a giant banner reading "Pensioners Aren't Toffs".

"One of Fillon's suits is worth a year's pension," said a retiree in Marseille, referring to scandal-plagued conservative candidate Francois Fillon, who accepted three bespoke suits from a wealthy friend.

Pensioners also protested in the northern city of Lille, southern Toulouse and central Dijon.

- 'Stop hassling farmers' -

Farmers were friendlier towards Fillon at a gathering in the town of Brest, in the western Brittany region, where seven candidates turned up to discuss their proposals for the struggling agriculture sector.

The conservative candidate, who polls show will crash out of the first round on April 23, drew warm applause when he said the government and the EU should "stop hassling farmers", while calling for a "strong, ambitious, reactive Europe".

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Meanwhile the two frontrunners in polls for the presidency, Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen, spelled out their opposing views on the European Union.

"We need, you need Europe," Macron said, while Le Pen called the EU's Common Agricultural Policy -- which accounts for 80 percent of French farmers' income on average -- "a disaster."

Outside, around 20 farmers had driven their tractors to the venue to highlight their distress.

"We need support and proposals from the candidates, because so far we haven't had much of either," dairy farmer Julien Hindre told AFP.
Los Angeles (AFP) - The judge who halted President Donald Trump's revised travel ban on refugees and arrivals from six mainly Muslim countries has extended his order, dealing another blow to the White House.

After a hearing lasting several hours, US District Judge Derrick Watson in Hawaii said Wednesday he had turned his original temporary restraining order into a preliminary injunction.

Such an injunction generally has no set expiration date, said Hawaii state Attorney General Doug Chin, meaning Trump will be barred from enforcing the ban while it is contested in court.

The US Justice Department is expected to appeal to the US 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Hawaii was the first of several US states to sue over the amended ban.

Trump has said his proposed travel ban is needed to preserve US national security and keep out terrorists intent on doing harm to Americans.

The government had asked Watson to limit his first ruling to just the part of the order involving the six Muslim countries -- Somalia, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen, the New York Times reported.

Justice Department attorney Chad Readler argued before the judge that the refugee resettlement restriction had no effect on far-flung Hawaii, the paper said.

But Watson rejected the argument. He said 20 refugees had been accepted in Hawaii since 2010, the Times said.

- Widespread protests -

Watson's first order suspending enforcement of Trump's amended ban was issued March 15 -- a day before it was to go into effect.

Trump's first ban and the revised one have both been criticized as amounting to a ban on entry of Muslims into the US.

Hawaii's attorney general Chin praised the new court ruling.

"With a preliminary injunction in place, people in Hawaii with family in the six affected Muslim-majority countries  as well as Hawaii students, travelers, and refugees across the world  face less uncertainty," he said.

"While we understand that the president may appeal, we believe the court's well reasoned decision will be affirmed," he added in a statement.

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In his first order, Watson ruled it was plausible "to conclude that targeting these countries likewise targets Islam" given their Muslim populations ranging from 90.7 percent to 99.8 percent.

If the Justice Department appeals the latest ruling it will be heard in the same San Francisco-based court that upheld a halt to Trump's first travel ban in February after a judge in Seattle ruled against it.

The ban aims to close US borders to nationals of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days, and all refugees for at least 120 days. Iraq was included in the original ban but then was removed in the revision.

The White House said the six countries were targeted because their screening and information capabilities could not meet US security requirements.

The Trump administration's wide-ranging initial travel restrictions imposed on January 27 were slapped down by the federal courts, after sparking a legal, political and logistical furor.

The first version of Trump's order triggered protests at home and abroad as well as chaos at US airports as people were detained upon arrival and either held for hours or sent back to where they came from.

Trump's revised ban signed on March 6 had a reduced scope, exempting permanent US residents and valid visa holders -- an effort by the administration to help it pass legal muster.
(Reuters) - Highlights of the day for U.S. President Donald Trump's administration on Wednesday:

RUSSIA

The Republican chairman of the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee promises a thorough investigation into any direct links between Russia and Donald Trump during his successful 2016 run for the White House.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Nations led by China and the European Union rally around a global plan to slow climate change after Trump began undoing Obama-era plans for deep cuts in U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

MIDDLE EAST PEACE

After weeks of heightened unease over the stance of the United States under the new administration, Arab leaders reaffirm their commitment to a two-state solution to the decades-long Arab-Israeli conflict.

TAX OVERHAUL

Raw feelings and mistrust could pose an obstacle to Trump and hardline conservative lawmakers in his Republican Party as they seek to rebound from defeat on healthcare legislation by launching into an overhaul of the U.S. tax code.

U.S. STOCKS

Wall Street has tempered its expectations for sweeping U.S. tax cuts in the wake of Trump's stinging healthcare defeat, a move that could push investors to embrace cheaper global stocks after the heady U.S. rally of recent months.

HEALTHCARE

Republicans mostly blame the U.S. Congress, and not Trump or party leaders, for failing to pass their party's healthcare overhaul, according to a Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll.

INTERNET PRIVACY

Trump plans to sign a repeal of Obama-era broadband privacy rules as a bigger fight looms over rules governing the openness of the internet, the White House says.

IMMIGRATION

The city of Seattle sues Trump's administration over its executive order seeking to withhold federal funds from "sanctuary cities," arguing it amounts to unconstitutional federal coercion.

FEDERAL LANDS

A Native American tribe in Montana sues the Trump administration, challenging its decision to lift a moratorium on coal leases on public land without first consulting with tribal leaders.

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ARMS SALES

Trump's administration has informed Congress of its plan to pursue the $5 billion sale to Bahrain of 19 Lockheed Martin LMT.N F-16 aircraft and related equipment, which was held up last year by concerns about human rights, a congressional source says.

IVANKA TRUMP

Ivanka Trump says she will work in the White House in an unpaid, informal advisory role to her father the president as she seeks to allay ethics concerns about working there.

Related Video:

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android.

(Compiled by Jonathan Oatis; Editing by Bill Trott and Peter Cooney)
The hiker who risked a year in jail to save a baby black bear he encountered on a trail has opened up about his deed, saying he would do it again.

Read: Real Life Sharknado? Fish Out of Water Winds Up on the Road Following Cyclone

Photographer Corey Hancock was hiking a scenic trail in Oregon when he came across a frail 3-month-old baby bear Monday night.

"I didn't have a choice, I wouldn't have left it out there," he told Inside Edition. "He seemed to be abandoned and dying. He was hardly moving at first when I walked up on him. I thought was dead."

The cub, weighing just five pounds, looked certain to die. Hancock decided to rescue him and carried him for more than two miles.

"I was carrying this little lifeless creature in my arms kind of wondering if he was going to make it," he said. "I tried to give it CPR. I gave it a few rescue puffs and pushed on his chest. He took one breath. He was fighting to survive."

Hancock drove the bear to a wildlife center near Salem, Ore., where he is recovering well but can never be returned to the wild. Animal experts believe the hiker was out of line.

Read: Raccoon With Head Stuck in Sewer Rescued With Jaws of Life, Crowbars and Sledgehammer

Interfering with wildlife and taking them out of their natural habitat is illegal, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. The good Samaritan could have been fined $6,000 or even been sent to jail for a year.

On Wednesday, the Oregon State Police said that Hancock, who says he felt "a special bond with that little bear," will not be punished for what he did.

Watch: Beloved Polar Bear Practices Plunges and Handstands in Freezing Pool

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A Hong Kong democracy activist was jailed Thursday over Umbrella Movement mass protests while nine more campaigners face charges, as fears grow that freedoms are under threat in the semi-autonomous city.

The cases come days after pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam was selected as city leader by a committee skewed towards the mainland camp.

They also precede an expected visit by China's President Xi Jinping in July to mark the 20th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong back to China by Britain in 1997.

Activist Alvin Cheng, 28, who has in the past advocated the idea of Hong Kong's independence from China, was sentenced to three months in prison for criminal contempt of court.

The charge related to defying an injunction order for activists to clear a sprawling protest camp in the commercial area of Mong Kok in November 2014 during the Umbrella Movement rallies, which called for fully free leadership elections but failed to win concessions from Beijing.

Mong Kok saw some of the most violent clashes during the demonstrations and some activists refused to leave the site despite the order from authorities.

Judge Andrew Chan said Cheng had shown "little remorse" and also chastised him for being late to hearings, and playing with his mobile phone.

Another protester, Au Yuk-kwan, was fined HK$10,000 ($1,287), also for defying the clearance injunction, and given a suspended one-month jail sentence.

Separately Thursday, nine other campaigners accused of causing a public nuisance or inciting others to do so during the 2014 rallies appeared at magistrates' court, in a case they have criticised as political persecution.

The group, ranging from 22 to 73-years-old and including students, professors and lawmakers, were charged one day after pro-Beijing Lam won the leadership.

They could face up to seven years in prison.

Their case was adjourned to May 25 after a brief hearing, during which the defence requested a High Court jury trial so that the public could participate in the decision.

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They have yet to enter a plea.

- 'Sustained attack' -

Rival protesters from the pro-democracy and pro-China camps faced off outside the court where the nine activists' case was being heard, chanting at each other.

Some pro-China supporters slapped a picture of democracy campaigner Benny Tai with a pink plastic slipper, mimicking a local custom practised by some where a shoe is used to beat an image of an enemy.

Speaking outside court, Tai told reporters the activists would not give up on the fight for democracy in Hong Kong.

"I believe our society is steeped with the spirit of civil disobedience," said Tai, co-founder of Occupy Central, one of the groups behind the Umbrella Movement rallies.

"We won't give up until Hong Kong has real democracy and real universal suffrage," he added.

Rights group Amnesty International condemned the charges, saying the case showed the city's freedom of expression and right to peaceful assembly was "under a sustained attack".

Activist Ken Tsang started a five-week jail term earlier this month for assaulting police during the 2014 protests.

Tsang was himself attacked the same night by seven police officers who were jailed for two years in February for assault causing actual bodily harm.

New leader Lam has promised to try to unify divided Hong Kong, but opponents said the new crackdown immediately undermined that pledge.

Sunday's vote was dismissed as a sham by democracy campaigners who say Lam will be no different from unpopular current chief executive, Leung Chun-ying.
HONG KONG (Reuters) - Nine leaders of Hong Kong's 2014 democracy protests appeared in court on Thursday after their surprise summons, charged with inciting the street occupation that paralyzed parts of the city for months in what some expect to be a long legal battle. The nine were charged on Monday, just a day after a new Beijing-backed leader, Carrie Lam, was chosen as the city's next leader, seen by many as a worrying sign after she had vowed to heal divisions in the Chinese-ruled city and unite society. The protest leaders, including the "Occupy Central trio" of Benny Tai, Chan Kin-man and Reverend Chu Yiu-ming, entered the magistrates' court smiling and shaking hands with a few dozen supporters, some holding yellow umbrellas, the symbol of the 2014 civil disobedience movement. The "Occupy Central trio" each face charges including conspiracy to commit public nuisance and inciting others to commit public nuisance. Six others, including two legislators and two former student protest leaders, were also charged with crimes related to public nuisance. The nine told the court they understood the charges, but the hearing was largely procedural and didn't require them to enter pleas. The case was adjourned until May 25. Veteran pro-democracy politician and barrister Martin Lee, representing five of the defendants, requested the case be transferred to the high court instead of the district court, so that the nine could be tried by a jury. "After all, the allegations are of a public nature," Lee said. The judge says it was up to the prosecution to decide which court tries the case. Outside the court, about a dozen pro-China protesters jeered at the protest leaders, cursing them in colorful Cantonese to get stabbed, while slapping photos of them with flip-flops. The charges carry a maximum sentence of seven years, Tai said, adding the activists might plead guilty, in the spirit of civil disobedience. The former British colony, governed under a "one country, two systems" formula, was promised a high degree of autonomy and the right to select its chief executive when it was handed back to Communist Chinese rule in 1997. Twenty years later, only 1,200 people on an "election committee" stacked with Beijing loyalists voted Lam into power. (Reporting by Venus Wu; Editing by James Pomfret and Nick Macfie)
How does heroin work with these beautiful lakes and trees? thenpresidential candidate Donald Trump asked during a campaign stop in New Hampshire in September 2016. More than any place, this state, Ive never seen anything like it with whats happening with the drugs. He promised to stop the heroin from pouring in.

Experts say Trump was accurate in his observation. The rippling White Mountains and sparkling blue lakes of New Hampshire offer a stark contrast to the ravages of a heroin epidemic that has torn through the states quintessential small towns, with the Live Free or Die state landing at the forefront of the crisis. It continually ranks among the states with the most opioid overdoses in the U.S.

Yesterday President Trump, in an apparent attempt to make good on his promise to tackle whats become a national epidemic, held a listening session on the opioid crisis, where he announced that New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie would take a leading advisory role in a commission to fight the scourge. Im just so honored that the president would ask me to take on this task, Christie said during the meeting.

President Donald Trump speaks during an opioid and drug abuse listening session. (Photo: Evan Vucci/AP Photo)

We want to help those who have become so badly addicted, Trump said during the session, which included family members of those who have experienced an opioid overdose. This is a total epidemic, and I think it is probably un-talked about compared to the severity we are witnessing. The president went on to say that the commission will work with local officials, along with law enforcement and victims of the crisis, to combat the issue.

Solving the drug crisis will require cooperation across government and across society, including early intervention to keep Americas youth off this destructive path, the president said.

In a statement to NH1, a local news station, New Hampshire Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen expressed disappointment that not one official from her state was at the session but said she welcomes the federal governments aid in fighting the problem. Still, Shaheen said, the Trump administrations policies are in desperate need of a course correction.

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I hope this commission will help facilitate a turnaround before New Hampshires efforts are severely undermined, she added. There is a massive gulf between President Trumps promises to tackle this crisis and the policies this administration has proposed during his first two months in office.

New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan echoed Shaheens sentiment, saying shes ready to work with the administration to combat the crisis but that officials need more than just window dressing. Both Shaheen and Hassan argued that the attempt to dramatically cut funding to addiction recovery programs and ending Medicaid expansion in the now-defunct Obamacare repeal would have had dire consequences for people battling opioid addiction. Experts estimated that nearly 1.3 million Americans would have lost access to substance-abuse treatment under Trumps failed health care bill.

The New Hampshire leaders and addiction experts also criticized Trumps proposed budget plan, which includes an unprecedented $1.2 billion cut to research grants from the National Institutes of Health. The budget proposal has already been met with bipartisan resistance and will likely be rejected by Congress. Experts say the cuts would greatly undermine rehab efforts.

The listening session also included high-profile White House officials, such as Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, Defense Secretary James Mattis and Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who has argued for harsher penalties for drug users. Sessions also has voiced the opinion that the answer to the drug problem might be a return to the 1980s-era abstinence programs spearheaded by Nancy Reagan, when the U.S. government urged people to Just Say No.

But those on the front lines of the battle dont agree that those tactics would be the most effective.

Dr. John Kelly, director of Harvards Recovery Research Institute, noted that some of the most innovative solutions have come from law enforcement, such as facilitating the rehabilitation of drug users, rather than arresting and prosecuting them. Other efforts that have seen success include greater prescriber education, prescription monitoring programs, medication take-backs and disposal efforts, and increased availability of, and training for, naloxone, the opioid overdose-reversal drug.

We must look to the causes of this epidemic, which have included the vastly underrecognized potential for harm from opioids, which has been directly related to overprescribing by medical professionals, said Kelly.

President Donald J. Trump delivers remarks during an opioid and drug abuse listening session in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 29 March 2017. (Photo: Shawn Thew / Pool via CNP /MediaPunch/IPX/AP)

Opioids  both prescription medications and street drugs like heroin  are now the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S., killing more than 33,000 people in 2015, more than any year on record, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About half that number involved prescription opioids.

Experts acknowledge the complexity of the crisis, in which many users often are legally prescribed a painkiller for a medical treatment, but then turn to a cheaper, more potent high from illicit drugs like heroin, fentanyl and carfentanil.

The opioid crisis is different than other drug crises in our history in that abusers have a different pathway to addiction  through pain medication, pharmacies  than other addicts, said Faye Taxman, professor of criminology, law, and society at George Mason University. The new strategy must reduce the barriers to treatment and also provide for a path to deal with the stigma of having a drug addiction problem.

Dr. Dominic Gaziano, an internist who treats opioid addicts in Chicago, praised the new commissions multidisciplinary approach, which includes the Departments of Justice, Health and Human Services, and Veterans Affairs. He noted, however, that its imperative for the medical community  pharmacists, nurses and doctors  to come together to create robust inpatient and outpatient rehab programs.

Currently, there are areas the coalition needs to address within a medical setting, said Gaziano. National programs must be implemented to help doctors identify prescription drug abuse more quickly in hospitals and other medical settings. In addition, he said, a multidisciplinary approach to rehabilitation  including the involvement of psychiatrists, psychologists, internists and drug rehab specialists  would make a huge difference in overall recovery and sobriety.

There used to be many programs years ago for inpatient illicit and prescription drug addiction, said Gaziano. These are practically nonexistent now. He argued that there needs to be greater expansion and accessibility of treatment facilities. I presently have a patient who is begging for a heroin-inpatient program. Insurance will not pay for it.

Read more from Yahoo News:
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deliberately targeted Austin, Texas after talks between the agencys officials and local authorities went awry, U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Austin said during a public court session Tuesday. Immigration officials reported at least 50 people were arrested in Austin  typically described as a sanctuary city for its welcoming stance on immigration  early last month after a federal crackdown began following President Donald Trumps inauguration.

The raids began after Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez met with an ICE field office director to discuss the federal governments new immigration guidelines under Trump.

Read: How Donald Trump May Be Creating Fake News About Immigrants Every Week

Instead of working with federal agencies to comply with an increase in immigrant detentions and deportations nationwide, Hernandez created a policy limiting the cooperation between local law enforcement and immigration officials.

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Photo: Reuters





The judge said he was warned by immigration officials that the city "could expect a big operation, agents coming in from out of town" that was "a result of the sheriffs new policy, that this was going to happen" when questioning ICE agent Laron Bryant Tuesday.

"Thats the one we heard about where 50-some-odd people were arrested," Judge Austin said. "My understanding is, what was told us is, one of the reasons that [the raid] happened is because the meetings that had occurred between the field office director and the sheriff didn't go very well."

The Trump administration ramped up raids detaining undocumented immigrants across the country beginning in late-January, as Attorney General Jeff Sessions warned action would be taken against sanctuary cities and other locales which fail to comply with new Department of Homeland Security guidelines. The federal government can legally step in and detain unauthorized aliens in states and cities where local officials aren't as well as strip funding from sanctuary cities, Sessions warned Tuesday.

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"Fundamentally, we intend to use all the lawful authority we have to make sure that our state and local officials, who are so important to law enforcement, are in sync with the federal government," Sessions said to reporters Tuesday. "Countless Americans would be alive today and countless loved ones would not be grieving today if these policies of sanctuary cities were ended."

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In early March, the heads of 16 federal agencies gathered around a table in the White House to craft President Trumps $1 trillion infrastructure plan.

Led by Gary Cohn, the National Economic Council director and former president of Goldman Sachs, the officials mapped out a six-part strategy to reinvigorate the nations bridges, railways, and sewers. New projects would be solicited, existing projects expedited, and new funding streams examined. Sweeping policy and regulatory changes would be explored. The goal was to fulfill Trumps promise to usher in a new program of national rebuilding, as the President put it in his first address to Congress.

America is suffering from a massive infrastructure deficit-crumbling and dilapidated roads, bridges, airports, and tunnels, Trump said in a March 29 statement to TIME. We need members of both parties-partnering with industry and workers-to join together to repair, rebuild and renew the infrastructure of the United States.

Administration officials have long viewed infrastructure spending as a rare opportunity to join forces with congressional Democrats. But if Republicans hope to put points on the board with a bipartisan infrastructure package, the plan being developed inside the White House is not likely to hold much appeal for Trumps opponents.

While the President boasts about boosting U.S. infrastructure and stimulating the economy with shiny new projects, on paper he has consistently embraced a far more conservative strategy, one that fits with the broader White House push to dismantle federal regulations. As a result, rather than become a vehicle for bipartisan cooperation, there are already signs that infrastructure may be the latest legislative item to get caught in Washingtons partisan logjam.

In a series of recent interviews with TIME, Administration officials outlined the White Houses plans for meeting Trumps goal of $1 trillion in infrastructure spending. The strategy, aides say, is to shell out between $100 billion to $200 billion in federal dollars, while overhauling the regulatory process, cutting regulations and offering tax credits to private companies. The White House argues the total package will propel the effective spending total well above Trumps target.

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If we were to take our 10-year [project approval] process, and shrink it down to a two-year process, that in and of itself would create trillions of dollars of economic activity, a White House official says. Trillions.

Relying on private investment to fund national infrastructure projects is a far more conservative strategy than what Trump touted on the campaign trail. Sometimes you have to prime the pump, he told TIME after his election last year. The approach would almost certainly foreclose any chances of winning the support of Democrats, who favor direct federal spending for infrastructure projects. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and several colleagues have proposed $1 trillion in direct spending to repair the countrys roads, bridges and ports. Trumps public-private partnership plan falls far short of that, which is one reason why Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon calls it a nonstarter.

Yet the White Houses priority has been process reforms, rather than a construction wish list. We would love to make this process shorter, less expensive, more certain, and make it more transparent, said a White House official. It shouldnt take 10 years to approve a major project. In one demonstration of the red tape snarling projects, White House aides prepared a flow chart of required regulatory sign-off for a hypothetical highway that spans six taped-together sheets of paper.

Critics of the White Houses approach argue the bureaucratic processes at federal agencies are important safeguards, designed to ensure, for example, that projects dont contaminate streams or damage historic places. White House officials say they have no intention of rolling back protections, but that they want to make the process speedier and more predictable. We have very important environmental stewardship responsibilities. We have very important financial stewardship responsibilities, says the official. We need to protect those, but it shouldnt take 10 years to approve a major project.

Inside the Administration, Cohns council is working with the newly formed White House Office of American Innovation, led by Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner. The office has a mandate to pursue transformational infrastructure projects. Among the projects under consideration are a push for nationwide broadband, a plan to modernize the electric grid with a focus on growing alternative energy sources and storage capacity, and investing in faster rail lines in the U.S.s heavily trafficked Northeast Corridor. Administration officials point to new private-sector development in the latter two areas by companies controlled by Elon Musk-who sits on Trumps business advisory council-as an example of how the White House can link really great ideas and people in a way that the White House can add value, another White House official told TIME.

In an effort to generate support in recent weeks, Administration officials have stepped up outreach to governors and mayors, members of Congress and agency officials to identify roadblocks. Meanwhile, White House aides and the President have hosted CEOs, labor leaders and other stakeholders seeking input on how to boost infrastructure.

Trump has also offered frequent input. The President is a former developer with a long history of overseeing building projects, and aides say his interest in infrastructure far exceeds his appetite for the details of the health care package that failed earlier this month. As the White House prepared the presidential permit to clear the way for the Keystone XL pipeline, for example, Trump pressed his aides on technical specifications, from the thickness of the steel used to the depth it will be buried to the spacing between pumping stations. In at least one instance, Trump has reviewed engineering drawings. He has this sort of natural affinity for infrastructure, the first official said.

Administration officials hope the efforts to streamline regulations-which will be measured in months, if not years-will be enough to win over support from conservative lawmakers opposed to new government spending. The White House hasnt yet settled on a definite source of funding to pay for the expanded federal investment.

It remains unclear whether the White House will try to combine an infrastructure package with the tax reform plan congressional Republicans are hoping to take up in the coming months. Combining the two could increase the odds of winning over some Democratic support-and could provide a funding stream-but would make an already complex process even more difficult.

In the meantime, Capitol Hill lawmakers are awaiting guidance. As of Monday afternoon, Republican Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, the chair of the Senates infrastructure subcommittee, had yet to speak with the White House about how to proceed on any bill. Its my subcommittee, so we want to be on the cutting edge of that, Inhofe told TIME. Were just not far along enough on that because of all the other things [were] involved in.

Republicans and Democrats still say they hope to find common ground on an infrastructure package, an area in which both sides generally support funding. Everybody knows that we Democrats believe you need greater investment in infrastructure. Mr. Trump said he thinks we need greater investment, said Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, the House Democratic whip. Thats something certainly that we can work on, but good faith is the underlying requirement.

The plan the White House is pursuing suggests the prospects for bipartisanship are dimming.

With reporting by Sam Frizell/Washington

This article was originally published on TIME.com
By Padraic Halpin DUBLIN (Reuters) - Ireland must loosen its strict abortion laws and replace them with a regime more respectful to women's rights, the Council of Europe's human rights commissioner said on Wednesday. Rules on terminating a pregnancy in once stridently Catholic Ireland are among the world's most restrictive and a referendum on widening access could be held if a citizens' assembly set up by government recommends it in a decision expected next month. At present, terminations are allowed only if a mother's life is in danger, after a total ban was lifted in 2013, a provision Commissioner Nils Muiznieks said still has a "chilling" effect on doctors who must decide who meets restrictive requirements. The Council, not part of the European Union, is a pan-European body concerned primarily with the region's human rights. "It's an unjust regime because it doesn't actually affect the number of abortions. If a woman has means to travel, she will do so, so that leave poorer women to fend for themselves in Ireland," Muiznieks told Reuters in a telephone interview. This deepens social inequalities and often leads to traumatic, clandestine procedures, Muiznieks said in a Council of Europe report covering a range of human rights issues in Ireland. "Culturally, politically, socially, Ireland has changed significantly and I think that is not reflected in the current regime," he said. Muiznieks joined the United Nations Human Rights Committee in recommending that at a very minimum, the Irish government should decriminalize abortion and widen the law to allow for abortion in cases of fatal fetal abnormality, rape or incest. In a letter responding to the recommendations, Ireland's government said the current laws do not prevent a doctor communicating in a normal way with regards to a patient's care. The report was also critical of the government's handling of past abuses of women and children at Church-run institutions, saying enquiries into different cases had been inconsistent and redress proposed to victims inadequate. The comments came after Ireland said it may widen an inquiry into so-called "mother-and-baby homes" -- one of three areas where shortcomings were identified in the report -- after the remains of babies ranging from new-born to three-years-old were found in the sewers of one such home this month. While the Catholic Church ran many of Ireland's social services in the 20th century, they did so with state funding and the report expressed concern that in most cases, the state's accountability "has not been fully accepted, if at all" The government's response did not specifically mention "mother-and-baby homes" but it said authorities will give the recommendations careful attention. "The approach of the government heretofore has been quite ad-hoc. The people have waited a long time, if you're going to do it, do it right. These are quite serious human rights violations we're talking about," Muiznieks said. "The government cannot wash its hands of the human rights violations that took place. It's quite uncomfortable to have this mirror in front of you but the only way to move on is to provide justice." (Editing by Jeremy Gaunt)
Tel Aviv (AFP) - An Israeli minister has gone against the tide in proposing a way he says would alleviate conditions in the Gaza Strip while maintaining his country's security control -- build an island nearby.

The unusual proposal has gained backing among some in the Israeli security establishment, but he is a long way from convincing everyone.

Those concerned with Palestinian rights say it would do little to address the root of the problem and question whether it would further separate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank -- making a future contiguous Palestinian state even more difficult to achieve.

Israeli Intelligence and Transport Minister Yisrael Katz argues that it is feasible and the best option for now, with the island's long-term status to be negotiated.

Katz has pushed the idea for several years, but has recently redoubled efforts to spread the word.

It would see an artificial island built in the Mediterranean Sea some three miles (five kilometres) off the coast of the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian enclave under a decade-long Israeli blockade.

The island would be tiny at some 534 hectares (1,320 acres), only a fraction of the size of Malta, for example.

It would include infrastructure to provide the Gaza Strip with essential services it currently lacks, including desalination facilities for clean water and an electricity plant.

There would also be a freight harbour and an area for container storage, which Katz says will help open the Gazan economy to the outside world.

A bridge would connect it to Gaza, with one portion acting as a drawbridge. An airport could be considered at a later stage.

But a key point for Katz is Israel would control security around the island and in the port, with threats such as rockets and tunnels that could be used for attacks from the territory a major concern.

On the island itself, Katz envisions an international police force.

The cost would be some $5 billion -- but Katz argues it could be covered by private companies locating there.

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"We have to find a way to deter Hamas from the other side, but let the residents, Palestinians, live their lives," Katz told AFP recently at his Tel Aviv office, a mock-up of his idea hanging on the wall.

"We are taking a risk here but I think it is a viable risk."

- 'What the real goal is' -

Ideas for some form of seaport have gained ground in Israel due to humanitarian conditions in the enclave, where some two million Palestinians live.

Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza have fought three wars since 2008.

The UN development agency has said the enclave, run by Islamist movement Hamas, could become uninhabitable by 2020, while others have warned of frustration spilling over and leading to fresh violence.

Israel strictly controls traffic into and out of Gaza, while the enclave's border with Egypt has also remained largely closed in recent years.

UN officials have called for the blockade to be lifted, but Israel says it is necessary to keep Hamas from obtaining weapons or materials to make them.

Gilead Sher, a former chief negotiator for the Israeli government, said some kind of seaport is needed.

Which kind "does not really matter if all the considerations and all the components of the decision-making are taken within a large context of Israel's policies," he said.

Sher said Israel must maintain security control for now and Hamas must buy into the plan.

But others suggest less grandiose moves and question the motives behind an island.

Tania Hary, executive director of Gisha, an NGO monitoring Israel's Gaza blockade, said steps like removing restrictions on the types of goods Gazans can market to Israel and the West Bank could lead to immediate improvements.

"I think Katz's proposal raises questions about what the real goal is," she said, asking whether part of it involves continuing "the isolation of Gaza".

Raji Sourani of the Gaza-based Palestinian Centre for Human Rights was more blunt, saying of Israel that "we don't want anything from them."

"All that we want is for them to get off our shoulders," he said, referring to the blockade and the 50-year occupation of the West Bank.

"We want to be normal human beings."

Omar Shaban, an economist in Gaza, said the idea could be technically feasible, but it would have to include foreign supervision.

"Israel wants to preserve its security, but security is also in the interest of Palestinians and the entire region," he said.

Hamas did not respond to a request for comment.

Whether Katz, a senior member of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party, will be able to move his idea forward is another question.

Among Netanyahu's rivals within the Likud, Katz makes no secret of his desire to eventually be prime minister.

Still, he says his proposal deserves a fair hearing.

"We are willing to give them a gateway to the world -- economic, humanitarian," he said.
ELYAKIM MILITARY BASE, Israel (AP)  Between a collection of concrete buildings with Arabic graffiti that are designed to simulate a typical Lebanese village, dozens of Israeli officers are gearing up for their next battle with Hezbollah guerrillas.

It's a mission the Israeli military has focused on intensely in the decade since it fought an inconclusive month-long war with the Iranian-backed group. But this drill at a base in northern Israel takes on added significance in the wake of rising tensions between the old adversaries. The friction includes a rare clash along the Syrian border this month in which Israel shot down an anti-aircraft missile fired at its planes as they were carrying out an airstrike on a suspected Hezbollah weapons convoy from Syria to Lebanon.

In the past month alone, Hezbollah's chief Hassan Nasrallah has also threatened to strike Israel's nuclear facilities if Israel were to attack, and Israel has detailed a contingency plan to evacuate up to a quarter-million civilians from border communities to protect them from attacks from Hamas, Hezbollah or other Islamic militant groups. In another sign of the escalating feud, Israel's military chief, Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot, revealed intelligence that Hezbollah's top military commander was killed in Syria in May 2016 by rivals within the group  perhaps even on orders from Nasrallah himself.

Though officers taking part in the drill insisted their training was business as usual, the backdrop clearly offered a reminder of what could await.

"We are trying to give the commanders and the soldiers the environment that looks like the real war so that they can have the feeling, when they will have to go to war, they will feel that they did it before. This is the purpose of the training  to prepare for the real thing," said Col. Kobi Valer, commander of the Elyakim Military Base in northern Israel. "The forces need to know that this could be their last training before the war."

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Hezbollah fired more than 4,000 rockets on Israeli communities in the 2006 war, while Israel bombarded targets in southern Lebanon. The month of fighting killed an estimated 1,200 Lebanese, most of them civilians, as well as 44 Israeli civilians and 121 Israeli soldiers.

The Israeli airstrikes caused massive destruction to residential areas in south Lebanon and south of Beirut  areas where Hezbollah maintains a presence and has large support among the predominantly Shiite population. They also flattened entire blocs of residential apartments and destroyed roads, bridges, ports and power plants across the country.

Despite its military superiority, Israel ended the monthlong war with a feeling that it had not delivered the crushing blow it had sought. A commission of inquiry found the military to be inadequately prepared for the battle, which broke out after Hezbollah carried out a surprise cross-border attack and captured two Israeli soldiers, and many troops acknowledged that they had underestimated Hezbollah's capabilities.

Still, the war was credited with re-establishing Israel's deterrence and ensuring more than a decade of calm on the northern front.

In recent years, Hezbollah has been bogged down in Syria's civil war fighting in support of President Bashar Assad, where the group has suffered heavy casualties.

Although Nasrallah appears to be in no rush to resume hostilities with Israel, his group has gained valuable battle experience that has worried Israel, which says Hezbollah has significantly built up its weapons stockpile since 2006 and upgraded its arsenal to about 150,000 missiles, including longer range and guided systems capable of striking anywhere in Israel.

Israel has repeatedly stated it will act to prevent Hezbollah getting advanced munitions and is widely believed to have carried out several airstrikes in recent years on weapons convoys destined for the militant group. Just recently, it made a rare admission of such a strike after Syria fired missiles at its jets. Still, Israel fears some advanced weapons like surface-to-sea weapons or anti-aircraft missiles might already have reached Hezbollah.

Israel, meanwhile, has been building up its missile defenses. A system called "David's Sling" to intercept medium-range missiles from Hezbollah is due to become operational in early April. That would mark the completion of a multilayer missile defense system that includes "Iron Dome" for short range rockets and "Arrow," designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles high in the stratosphere.

Israeli intelligence does not believe Hezbollah is interested in sparking war this year, but an unplanned escalation as a result of all the developments could happen.

In the mock village in Elyakim, the reserve officers focused on the type of urban warfare that their comrades struggled with in 2006.

Using paintball pellets to simulate battle, they raided structures featuring colorful murals of Nasrallah and other top Hezbollah figures and opened fire at fellow officers playing the roles of guerrillas. Moving in swift formations, commanders hollered orders as the troops ascended the various structures firing yellow paint pellets toward their supposed adversaries.

"All of this facility is meant to give us a more realistic feeling," said Capt. Ofek Sinai, a 26-year-old reserve platoon commander. "Undoubtedly, doing this a few weeks every year makes people more confident about fighting in a real war."

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Follow Aron Heller on Twitter at www.twitter.com/aronhellerap
Rome (AFP) - Three men from Kosovo and an unidentified minor have been arrested in Venice on suspicion of plotting to blow up the city's celebrated Rialto Bridge, Italian police said Thursday.

"With all the unbelievers there are in Venice, you put a bomb under the Rialto and you go straight to heaven," one of the alleged jihadist plotters said in a wiretapped conversation, said Adelchi d'Ippolito, the Venice prosecutor in charge of the case.

"That was one the most worrying and alarming remarks we heard," he said at a press conference, revealing that the group had been under surveillance since last year.

The suspects were detained in an overnight sweep carried out after it was established that they had undergone "religious radicalisation", according to a police statement.

Raids were conducted at 12 locations in the historic centre of the city, which is a magnet for millions of visitors from around the world.

D'Ippolito said the suspects appeared to have been studying how to build explosives but did not have the necessary components for making a bomb.

"There was a lot of talk about unconditional support to ISIS (the Islamic State group). It wasn't just theory and dogma," d'Ippolito said of the wiretaps.

They were also envisioning moving on to "planning and projects", he said.

Interior Minister Marco Minniti praised the police for what he called "an important success in our terrorism prevention effort."

The Rialto Bridge is the oldest of the four bridges that span Venice's Grand Canal, first built at the end of the 12th century.

The current bridge, an arched stone construction which dates from the late 16th century, is one of the best-known landmarks in the floating city and its walkways are frequently packed with tourists.

It was the only way of crossing the Grand Canal on foot for the best part of three centuries.

According to media reports, the wiretap evidence against the suspects also includes recordings of them celebrating the attack outside Parliament in London last week and discussing their desire to join Islamist fighters in Syria.
First daughter Ivanka Trump will become a federal employee as part of her new White House position, reversing course just hours after Elizabeth Warren asked the Government Ethics Office to clarify her role.

Last week, reports indicated Ivanka Trump would receive a White House office and security clearances as part of her new role as an informal adviser to her father, President Donald Trump. But the informal role prompted many, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., to question what ethics rules would apply to the president's eldest daughter, whose husband, Jared Kushner, is a White House senior adviser. Federal employees are required to disclose various personal records and adhere to ethics laws.

Read: Jared Kushner Timeline: From Ivanka To Russia, How Trump's Son-In-Law Became So Powerful

"I have heard the concerns some have with my advising the president in my personal capacity while voluntarily complying with all ethics rules and I will instead serve as an unpaid employee in the White House Office, subject to all of the same rules as other federal employees, Ivanka Trump said in a statement Wednesday. She previously said she would voluntarily comply with all ethics laws.

Warren and Sen. Tom Carper. D-Dela., sent a letter early Wednesday to the Office of Government Ethics asking how the office would ensure Ivanka Trump voluntarily adhered to ethics laws, and which ethics laws would apply to her if she wasn't a federal employee.

It is "important to determine which ethics rules apply to Ms. Trump, which disclosures she will be required to make to demonstrate her compliance, and whether her compliance with these rules will be monitored and enforced," the lawmakers wrote.

"If Ms. Trump is not following relevant laws, precedents, and legal opinions, what are the consequences for her? Which government officials are responsible for determining and enforcing these consequences?"

Shortly after he was elected, President Trump denied he was seeking security clearances for his children. Now Ivanka Trump, who has met with foreign leaders as part of her father's administration, will have one.

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TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's ruling party on Thursday urged Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government to consider acquiring the capability to hit enemy bases and to beef up missile defense, as North Korea defies U.N. sanctions with its nuclear and missile development. "North Korea's provocations have reached a level where our country can by no means overlook them ... We cannot afford to lose any time to bolster our ballistic missile defense," said a Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) proposal submitted to Abe. Japan has so far avoided taking the controversial and costly step of acquiring bombers or weapons such as cruise missiles with enough range to strike other countries, relying instead on its U.S. ally to take the fight to its enemies. But the growing threat posed by Pyongyang, including a simultaneous launch of four rockets earlier this month, is adding weight to an argument that aiming for the archer rather than his arrows is a more effective defense. "Our assessment is that threat from North Korea has advanced to a new stage, and this assessment is shared by the United States," Abe said at a ceremony where the proposal was submitted. "We intend to grasp today's proposal firmly." The LDP proposal demanded that the government promptly start necessary consideration for the acquisition of capability to hit enemy bases, such as cruise missiles, to improve deterrent effects of the U.S-Japan alliance. "The first (missile) attack can be met with our missile defense. But as for repetitive attacks, it is important to put under control the opponent's launch sites and prevent second and further firing," Itsunori Onodera, an LDP lawmaker and former defense minister, told the ceremony. "This is not a proposal about preemptive attacks, but about counter attacks to prevent the second (missile) launch." Acquiring weapons capable of reaching Japan's neighbors would likely anger China, which is strongly protesting the deployment of the advanced U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) anti-missile system in South Korea. The LDP proposal also called on the government to swiftly start examining the possible introduction of such advanced missile defense systems as Aegis Ashore and THAAD, and to accelerate technological development for operating Japan's own early warning satellites. Aegis Ashore is a land-based version of the missile defense system used at sea, while early warning satellites are used to detect missile launches. Japan currently relies on the United States for such information. Washington-based 38 North, a website that monitors North Korea, said on Tuesday satellite imagery of North Korea's main nuclear test site taken over the weekend indicated that Pyongyang could be in the final stages of preparations for a sixth nuclear test. Successive governments have interpreted Japan's post-World War Two pacifist constitution as allowing a military for "self-defense" only. Under Abe's watch, Japan's parliament in 2015 voted into law a defense policy shift that could let troops fight overseas for the first time since 1945, a milestone in his push to loosen the constraints of the U.S.-drafted constitution. (Reporting by Kiyoshi Takenaka, Nobuhiro Kubo; Editing by Michael Perry)
Jared Kushner plays many roles: The son-in-law of President Donald Trump, husband of Ivanka Trump, as well as a senior White House advisor and shadow diplomat. The 36-year-old may very well be one of the most powerful people in Washington, D.C. despite having no political past aside from donating money to Democratic candidates.

In fact, Kushner has had such an influence in the White House he was scheduled to testify about his meetings with a Russian diplomat and banker in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday.

Here's a brief history of Kushner's ascent to power.

Kushners paternal grandparents were Holocaust survivors who immigrated to the U.S from Poland in 1949. Kushners grandfather, Joseph Kushner, became a businessman, and since the 1940s, the Kushner family built a fortune on real estate and media.

Read: How Powerful Is Jared Kushner? Ivanka Trump's Husband Driving White House Foreign Policy For President

Jan. 10, 1981  Jared Kushner is born. He is raised a Modern Orthodox Jew, the religion to which his future wife would convert later on.

1999  Kushner graduated from the Frisch School, a private yeshiva school in New Jersey. That was also the year Kushner would begin studying at Harvard University  although theres speculation that Kushner would not have gotten into to Harvard without the $2.5 million his father donated to the university in 1998.

Read: How Much Does Jared Kushner Make? Trump Taps Son-In-Law To Lead White House Office

2003  Kushner graduated from Harvard with a B.A. in government. While in college, he started dabbling in the real estate business. He bought, renovated and sold buildings in Massachusetts, and ended up with a profit of more than $20 million, according to a report from The New Yorker.

March 4, 2005  Kushners father, Charles Kushner, was sentenced to two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to tax evasion, witness tampering and making illegal campaign donations. The New York Times described the elder Kushner as one of the top Democratic donors in the country.

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At twenty-four, Jared started running Kushner companies, stated the New Yorker piece, although he wouldnt officially become CEO of Kushner Companies until a few years later.

2006  When Kushner was 25, he bought the New York Observer for $10 million. Under Kushner, it became profitable for the first time.

Kushners Observer has lost virtually all of its cultural currency among New Yorks elite, but the paper is now profitable and reporting traffic growth, stated a 2016 Vanity Fair profile of Kushner.

2007  Kushner graduated from the law school and the business school at New York University, where he earned both a M.B.A. and a J.D.

2008  Kushner became CEO of Kushner Companies.

Oct. 25, 2009  Kushner married Ivanka Trump. One of the guests was now-New Jersey Sen. Corey Booker  a Democrat. Thats because Kushner was a major backer of Booker, along with several New Jersey Democrats.

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner

Photo: Reuters

June 16, 2015  Trump announced his candidacy for president. From the beginning, Kushner masterminded the campaigns social media strategy and pulled strings behind the scenes.

Jan. 20, 2016  Trump fired campaign manager Corey Lewandowski; Kushner reportedly advised Trump to do so.

Nov. 8, 2016  Trump wins the presidency.

Nov. 22, 2016  In an interview with Forbes, Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel said, "It's hard to overstate and hard to summarize Jared's role in the campaign. If Trump was the CEO, Jared was effectively the chief operating officer."

December, 2017  Kushner met with Michael Flynn, Trumps first national security advisor, and Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak at Trump Tower.

Jan. 9, 2017  Trump announced Kushner would take on the role of senior White House advisor. Kushner said he would not take a salary to avoid breaking nepotism laws.

Jan. 16, 2017  Its announced that Kushner, who had no foreign policy experience, would be put in charge of brokering a peace deal in the Middle East.

Jan. 20, 2017  Trump was inaugurated as president of the United States.

Jan. 22, 2017  Kushner was sworn in as senior advisor.

Feb. 10, 2017  Citing Kushners talks with Mexican officials, the Washington Post reported that Kushner is almost a shadow secretary of state, operating outside the boundaries of the State Department or the National Security Council.

March 13, 2017  Bloomberg reported that Kushner might stand to gain more than $400 million in a deal with a prominent Chinese company, Anbang Insurance Group. Democratic senators criticized the deal as posing a conflict of interest.

March 26, 2017  Trump announced Kushner would lead the newly created White House Office of American Innovation with the goal of overhauling bureaucracy so that the federal government would run more like a business.

March 27, 2017  Its reported that Kushner would go before the Senate Intelligence Committee to be questioned about his meetings with Kislyak and his ties to Russia.

March 29, 2017  The Anbang-Kushner deal was dropped.

Jared Kushner and Donald Trump

Photo: REUTERS/Carlos Barria

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Dior has once again chosen a natural woman -- a chic but stylish woman, in touch with her own style -- as the focus of the brand's Fall 2017 collection designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri. Jennifer Lawrence, an ambassador of the French fashion house for five years, fronts the campaign for the fall collection.

French photographer Brigitte Lacombe -- who also shot the brand's spring/summer 2017 campaign -- has captured key pieces from the Dior Fall 2017 collection, modeled by American actress Jennifer Lawrence in a new advertising campaign. Looking natural and relaxed, the "Silver Linings Playbook" star shuns glitter, sequins and cocktail dresses for a chic but laid-back look.

Shot in black and white, the campaign shows Jennifer Lawrence in a simple, minimalist decor, modeling the collection in relaxed, natural poses. She can be seen sitting nonchalantly on a chair, a bench, a piece of furniture and a bean bag, or leaning against a white wall.

Brigitte Lacombe has captured the "authentic" Jennifer Lawrence, wearing clothes perfectly in tune with her personality: laid-back and chic. The actress wears the iconic Bar jacket over slogan T-shirts ("We should all be feminists," "J'Adior") matched with jeans and heels or flats.

Jennifer Lawrence also shows off the label's accessories, with various combinations of rings, as well as lucky charm necklaces featuring stars or birds. Dior's iconic bags feature in the campaign too, including the "Lady Dior," reinterpreted with charms and a wider cross-body strap, the "C'est Dior," a vintage-style model inspired by a bag from the Dior archives, and the "Dioraddict," finished with a woven motif.

Jennifer Lawrence has been a Dior brand ambassador since 2012. She has notably fronted campaigns for the "Miss Dior" bag, for Dior Beauty makeup and for the label's accessories collections.
Rishon Lezion (Israel) (AFP) - An Israeli-American teenager accused of making dozens of anti-Semitic bomb threats that led to concern and a backlash in the United States has autism and a brain tumour, his lawyer told a court Thursday.

The Israeli court extended the 18-year-old's remand at the hearing in Rishon Lezion, near Tel Aviv, to April 6 following the Jewish teenager's arrest in the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon on March 23.

His father, also arrested as part of the investigation, was released as the probe that has involved the FBI continues.

A gag order prevents their identities from being published.

Their arrests followed a wave of bomb threats to American Jewish institutions since the start of the year, which helped spread fears over whether hate crimes and anti-Semitic acts have been on the increase in the country.

Some have said that the rise of Donald Trump as US president has encouraged the extreme right and emboldened hate groups.

The arrest of a Jewish teenager over dozens of the threats has however complicated the debate.

His alleged motive is unclear, but his lawyer, Shira Nir, highlighted his medical condition, which she said may have led him to wrongdoing through no fault of his own.

She showed the court an image of what appeared to be a tumour on the right side of his brain, but gave no medical details.

"The tumour is in a place where it's very dangerous to operate," she told the court, while also saying he suffered from autism.

She said he had fallen asleep at one point as police questioned him and officers handled him roughly, resulting in bruises on his face.

Police denied the accusations.

Turning down Nir's request that he be moved to house arrest under his mother's supervision, judge Amit Michles said that the accused was suspected of carrying out offences "for years while his parents were in the home."

As he was being led out of court, his legs shackled, he stumbled and his mother burst into tears at the back of the room.

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The judge ordered police to provide the prison service with his medical records after Nir said guards had not been made aware of his condition.

The suspect is a dual US-Israeli citizen.

Police say he is behind a range of threats against Jewish community centres and other buildings linked to Jewish communities in the United States in recent months.

The teenager is also suspected of being behind similar threats in New Zealand and Australia.

In addition, police say he is suspected of a bomb threat to Delta Airlines in February 2015 which led to an emergency landing.

Police said he used voice-disguising technology when making calls. Authorities have seized computer equipment and other items.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP)  The Latest on a lawyer seeking to obtain information about Arkansas execution drugs ahead of an unprecedented run of lethal injections (all times local):

5:50 p.m.

A judge says Arkansas is being too secretive about part of its execution procedures ahead of an unprecedented schedule of lethal injections and must disclose more information about the drugs it intends to use.

Pulaski County Circuit Judge Wendell Griffen found that state confidentiality laws apply to sellers and suppliers, not pharmaceutical companies.

He gave the state 30 minutes to hand the information over to a lawyer for the inmates.

Prison officials who want to execute eight inmates in a 10-day period next month had refused to release packing slips that detail how the drugs are to be used. The Associated Press has previously used the labels to identify drugmakers whose products would be used in executions against their will. The prison system has promised its suppliers anonymity.

Lawyer Steven Shults has said he wants the package inserts to ensure the inmates are put to death as humanely as possible.

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2 p.m.

A lawyer is trying to obtain information about the drugs Arkansas will use in an unprecedented run of executions next month, but prison officials say the information is a secret they must keep.

Steven Shults was in court Thursday seeking the drugs' packing labels. The prison officials say that, after The Associated Press previously used labels to identify drugmakers, they will no longer distribute them.

Shults says Arkansas' execution law requires that the packing labels be disclosed to ensure the inmates will be executed properly. He fears Arkansas' supplier may be violating its contract with pharmaceutical companies that bars their products' use on death row prisoners.

Eight doses of one execution drug expire April 30, so Arkansas has set eight executions in a 10-day period starting April 17.

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Editors: This version corrects spelling of judge's last name to Griffen
Valletta (AFP) - European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker joked Thursday that he was ready to encourage Ohio or Texas to leave the United States should President Donald Trump continue to celebrate Brexit.

"The newly elected president is delighted to see Britain leave" the European Union, Juncker told a congress of the European People's Party (EPP) in Malta on the day after one of the bloc's biggest members started the exit process.

"If he carries on, I am going to promote the independence of Ohio and Austin, Texas,'" he said in German to chuckles from delegates in Valletta.

Juncker, who was in Malta with EU President Donald Tusk, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, urged the remaining 27 EU nations to pull together.

"Brexit is not the end of everything, but we must make it a beginning of something that will be new, stronger and better."

Britons last year voted 52 percent to 48 percent in favour of Brexit, leaving the country bitterly divided.

Trump said the vote to leave the EU was a good idea and that other countries would likely follow suit.

In an interview last week, Juncker said he had asked Trump's administration not to encourage other countries to ditch the bloc.
In late February, as Iraqi troops advanced on the western half of the city of Mosul, ISIS gunmen barged through Median Hikmat al-Galous house, commandeering it for the battle that now raged around them. One of the militants set fire to a car sitting in the front driveway. He spoke in broken Arabic, leading Galou to believe he was Russian. Islam needs smoke, he said as the car went up in flames, creating a black plume that would help the gunmen conceal their position from the U.S. and allied warplanes that targeted them from above. The gunmen moved into the house, and later took Galous entire family hostage, using them as human shields in their own home and in a nearby house.

This type of horror has become familiar to residents of western Mosul as Islamic State militants have put civilians in the line of fire as Iraqi troops and U.S.-led coalition warplanes intensify their assault on the city. As many as 500,000 civilians are trapped in the section of Mosul still controlled by ISIS with shrinking supplies of food, fuel, and drinkable water. Reports of civilian deaths in the battle surged to an all-time high in March, with an alleged U.S. strike reportedly killing as many as 200 people.

After battling through Mosuls neighborhoods east of the Tigris River last year, Iraqs armed forces launched a renewed offensive to reclaim the western half of the city in February. The battle aims to reverse the Iraqi militarys embarrassing collapse in the summer of 2014 when ISIS swept across a vast portion of Iraqi territory and conquered Mosul, Iraqs second city. Western Mosuls more densely populated neighborhoods have added an additional challenge for the government forces retaking the city street by street - especially as the militants deliberately put the innocent in harms way.

Emanuele Satolli for TIMEThe home of Median Hikmat al-Galou was destroyed during fighting between Iraqi forces and ISIS in southwest Mosul in February 2017.

In interviews on Wednesday, residents of western Mosul described being corralled from place to place by ISIS gunmen mounting a chaotic defense of the last neighborhoods of the city under their control.

They treated us like cattle, says Hashem Yasin Younis, 47, who said he and his family were also taken captive in recent weeks. He said at they were taken at first to the Mosul train station along with hundreds of others, and later to Mosuls Mansour district, before being freed by the federal police.

Galou, who is 37 and has a small business providing electric generators, said the gunmen who invaded his house at the end of February stayed for three days. The militants then moved his entire family to another house adjacent to a nearby mosque, where they survived on rations of buffalo milk for nine days before being freed by Iraqs Federal Police. They just took us, he said. For nine days we only ate milk, sitting there and thats it. He calls the officers who liberated them heroes.

In the time that he was away from his two-story home, his block was bombed by coalition warplanes. Inside his house on Wednesday, the family picked through heaps of splintered furniture, scraps of metal, and random household items, carting away what they could still salvage. Asked what he thinks of the coalition airstrikes that damaged his home, he said, Its fine for ISIS to go to their heaven, but we dont accept the killing of children.

Across the street from where Galou stood, the body of a young dead man lay in the street. Passersby denounced the black-clad corpse as that of an ISIS member. Their claims were impossible to verify.

Emanuele Satolli for TIMEA room inside the home of Median Hikmat al-Galou that was ravaged during a February battle between Iraqi forces and ISIS in southwest Mosul.

The reclaimed neighborhoods of the city are a shattered landscape of bombed-out buildings and cars, even trucks flung aside or flipped over by powerful explosions. ISIS fighters also left behind some of the traces of their brand of insurgent warfare. Inside one house, piles of homemade mortars were stacked high. Outside, a series of civilian cars that commanders from Iraqs Rapid Response division said were intended to become car bombs. One car, a yellow sedan sat with its hood raised and pieced of its seats ripped out, lying on a stretch of grass.

The perils of the offensive on Western Mosul reached a peak on March 17 when as many as 200 civilians died in alleged U.S. airstrike. The military acknowledged that it carried out an attack in the same place on the same day. On Tuesday, Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend acknowledged that there was a fair chance that the U.S. was responsible for the blast. Iraqi military officials have also said Islamic State booby traps were to blame for the deaths.

The U.N. human rights office denounced the climbing civilian death toll, blaming both the airstrikes and the actions of ISIS. Bodies continue to be found in buildings where civilians were reportedly held by ISIL as human shields, and were subsequently killed by airstrikes, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said in a statement.

Intense fighting continued on Wednesday as Iraqi forces pushed closer to the Nouri mosque, a symbolically powerful target where ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi described himself as the leader of a worldwide caliphate. In the area near the mosque, helicopter gunships launched air raids, sending up huge clouds of smoke.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
By Dan Whitcomb

(Reuters) - The last abortion clinic operating in Kentucky has sued a state health and family services agency, accusing it of retaliating against the clinic for another lawsuit and trying to use a technicality to shut the facility.

The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Louisville on Wednesday by the EMW Women's Surgical Center seeks an emergency restraining order that would block the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services from revoking its license.

"Their goal and the governor's goal is to make sure women in Kentucky can't have abortions, period full stop," attorney Donald Cox, who represents the clinic, said in an interview.

Representatives for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and for Governor Matt Bevin, an anti-abortion Republican who took office in 2015, did not returns calls seeking comment.

According to the lawsuit, the state agency sent the clinic a letter "out of the blue" on March 13 claiming its license renewal was in jeopardy because certain agreements with ambulance companies were out of compliance.

The letter threatened to shut down EMW Women's Surgical Center, Kentucky's sole operating abortion clinic, within 10 days if those agreements were not rectified.

The lawsuit called the action "deeply suspicious," saying it came after the clinic sued the state in January over a new law that would require women seeking an abortion to first undergo an ultrasound and hear a description of the embryo or fetus. The lawsuit was backed by the American Civil Liberties Union.

That law, passed swiftly after Republicans gained majorities in the state legislature and signed by Bevin, is part of a renewed push by abortion opponents in the United States to restrict access to the procedure.

Some 25 states have laws regarding ultrasounds and abortions, but only three states require medical staff to display and describe the images, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, a non-profit group focusing on health issues.

(Reporting by Dan Whitcomb)
NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenya has arrested a suspected Islamic State militant on the country's "most wanted" list who allegedly helped send recruits to Libya and Somalia, police said on Thursday. Police seized Ali Hussein Ali, who is nicknamed "Trusted One", and two accomplices in the coastal town of Malindi on Monday. In a statement, the police said Ali had helped smuggle recruits to Islamic State in Libya where he has ties with a human trafficking ring, and to the al Shabaab militant group in Somalia. He also moved money around East Africa and beyond for Islamic State, police said. Kenya has in recent years suffered a series of attacks by al Shabaab, which is waging an insurgency against the U.N.-backed government in Somalia, where Kenya has deployed peacekeepers. Islamic State has also claimed at least two low-level attacks in Kenya. Kenyan police said Ali was born in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, and moved to Kenya in 2010 under the guise of being a tourist. He then moved to Libya, via South Africa and Sudan, where he joined IS, before returning to Kenya last November, police added. The two men he was arrested with are also suspected of having links to Islamic State and al Shabaab, the police said. (Reporting by Humphrey Malalo; Writing by Duncan Miriri; Editing by Richard Lough)
By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Russia mounted a campaign of "propaganda on steroids" seeking to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election, the top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee said on Thursday, listing several areas of concern about possible links to Republican Donald Trump's campaign. In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin again denied that Russia tried to influence the election, but in doing so he made reference to the wrong U.S. president in answering a question at an Arctic forum. "Once, Reagan, while discussing, I think, taxes, told the Americans: 'Read my lips: No!" His reply recalled what George H.W. Bush told Americans during his 1988 presidential election campaign, "Read my lips: No new taxes." Trump has dismissed suggestions of links with Moscow as Democratic Party sour grapes about his surprise November defeat of the party's candidate, Hillary Clinton. U.S. intelligence agencies said Russia hacked emails of senior Democrats and orchestrated the release of embarrassing information to hurt Clinton's campaign. "I will not prejudge the outcome of our investigation," Senator Mark Warner told an intelligence committee hearing on the allegations. "We are seeking to determine if there is an actual fire, but so far there is a great, great deal of smoke." Putin also said on Thursday that contacts Russian diplomats had made in the United States were merely part of routine work. At the hearing, lawmakers warned of the danger that Russia could interfere in elections in France and Germany this year and in future U.S. campaigns. Cyber security experts at the rare day-long public hearing detailed what they described as the dissemination of disinformation and cyber attacks on both Democratic political operatives and Republicans. Lawmakers and cyber experts mentioned stories that were being spread to discredit German Chancellor Angela Merkel. And they said Britain's "Brexit" vote last year on leaving the European Union should be examined. Clinton Watts, a security consultant and former FBI agent, told Senator Marco Rubio, a Republican committee member, that he may have been a victim of Russian activity during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 Republican nomination against Trump. Rubio later said he would not comment. But he told the hearing that in July 2016, after he announced he would run for re-election to the Senate, former members of his presidential campaign team were targeted by an unsuccessful cyber attack from Russia. He said former campaign staffers were also targeted unsuccessfully from within Russia within the past 24 hours. 'CAPABLE ADVERSARY' "We're all targets of a sophisticated and capable adversary," said Senator Richard Burr, a Republican who heads the intelligence committee. Democrat Warner, who was a technology executive before entering politics, described a sweeping Russian campaign using trolls and botnets, or networks of hacked or infected devices, to spread large amounts of disinformation. The campaign of "fake news" was particularly targeted at traditionally Democratic-leaning states such as Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania, where Trump defeated Clinton by narrow margins that were not predicted by opinion polls, he said. "This Russian 'propaganda on steroids' was designed to poison the national conversation in America," Warner said. Citing concerns to be addressed in the committee's probe, Warner listed the prediction by a Trump associate about the release of hacked emails weeks before they were released, a change in the Republican Party's platform to water down language on Ukraine, and Trump's campaign manager, Paul Manafort, and other Trump associates being forced to step down over ties to Russia. A separate investigation in the House of Representatives into the intelligence agencies' allegations of a Russian role in the U.S. election has become mired in controversy over accusations that its Republican chairman, Trump ally Devin Nunes, is not impartial. Nunes and Representative Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House committee, met on Thursday to discuss their investigation. Schiff said the two had discussed obtaining documents before deciding which witnesses to call in. The New York Times reported on Thursday that two White House officials played a role in providing Nunes with documents the Republican committee chairman cited to show Trump and his associates were swept up in surveillance by U.S. intelligence. Trump said Nunes' comments about the surveillance helped justify his insistence, made without evidence, that former President Barack Obama had wiretapped Trump Tower in New York, his campaign headquarters. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; additional reporting by Dustin Volz and Tim Ahmann in Washington and Vladimir Soldatkin in Moscow; Editing by Alistair Bell and Grant McCool)
Nationalist leaders are used to dashing liberals hopes. In their early periods in power, Turkeys Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Chinas Xi Jinping, and even Russias Vladimir Putin promised to strike a balance between populism and economic reform and even hinted at moving their countries in a more liberal direction. That didnt last. And it looks like Narendra Modi is following the same regressive path, after the Indian prime minister appointed rabble-rousing Hindu monk Yogi Adityanath to one of the countrys biggest political jobs.

Following a landslide victory this month in elections in Uttar Pradesh, Indias most populous and important state, Modi shocked many of his countrymen by appointing Adityanath as chief minister. The decision makes Adityanath the leader of more than 200 million people  38 million of them Muslims  and thus one of the most prominent and popular figures in the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which Modi led back to national power in 2014.

The appointment has been greeted with barely disguised dismay by Modis more implacable opponents, notably liberals, and anyone worried about the health of Indias secular democracy and the fate of its sizable Muslim minority. But it has also dismayed those who voted for Modi in hopes he would focus his energy on making the countrys economy more dynamic, including, in private at least, some moderates within the BJP itself. Adityanaths appointment was Modis decision, and his alone, meaning it is hard to view it as anything other than a step toward a kind of majoritarian populism that puts hard-line Hindu demands above economic development as he gears up to win re-election in two years time.

Dressed in his trademark saffron robes, the shaven-headed Adityanath moved quickly to describe the BJPs victory as a rejection of the politics of Muslim appeasement. In a frenetic first week in power, he dominated headlines, especially by launching a crackdown on slaughterhouses, a move that is popular among Hindus, who want to see literal sacred cows protected, but which targets businesses that tend to be owned by Muslims.

Until this week, Adityanath was a mildly infamous but politically minor figure. A longtime BJP parliamentarian, he was known mostly as a pugnacious preacher and firebrand activist. After renouncing his family for clerical life in his early 20s, he rose rapidly to become the mahant (or chief priest) of a temple in the hardscrabble eastern city of Gorakhpur. From there, he first built a religious following and then a political career, where his take-no-prisoners attitude and bellicose rhetoric endeared him to the BJPs rank and file.

That his politics are extreme is hard to dispute. Although only 44, Adityanath has extensive experience stirring up a mob. Like many politicians in Uttar Pradesh  one of Indias poorest states, and one with a dismal record for intermingling governance and crime  he has a hefty police record, with pending charges that include attempted murder and rioting. Yet it is his talent for fomenting tension between Hindus and Muslims  who make up about four-fifths and one-eighth of Indias population, respectively  that has caused the most alarm.

Clips of his incendiary speechmaking circulated widely in India following his appointment. In one, the diminutive monk whips up a crowd with fiery anti-Muslim rhetoric. If they kill even one Hindu, we will kill he calls out, pausing. 100! the throng eagerly responds. In another, members of a radical youth group he founded in his home city are seen calling, as Adityanath looks on, for Hindu men to rape the corpses of Muslim women.

Elsewhere, he spoke warmly of Donald Trumps ban on immigrants from Muslim countries, argued that Hindu religious idols should forcibly be placed in mosques, and called for his party to press on with plans to build a controversial Hindu temple in honor of the god Ram on the site of a mosque destroyed by Hindu activists in 2002. Perhaps unsurprisingly he enjoys warm ties with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the hard-line Hindu nationalist organization from which the BJP originated and for which Modi, in his youth, was a longtime activist.

I met Adityanath with a group of journalists and academics at his sprawling temple complex one morning this month, as Uttar Pradeshs monthlong election campaign reached its crescendo. Outside, the scene was peaceful; elderly, bearded sadhus (or holy men) in orange robes sat cross-legged in nearby buildings while the smell of marigolds wafted through the air. Inside, Adityanath talked in Hindi with wiry intensity, sitting alone on a saffron-colored couch in a large windowless meeting room, in front of a huge portrait of his two predecessors as chief priest.

His rhetoric that morning was calm but pointed. Gorakhpur is one of Indias most benighted cities, with rubbish-strewn streets and high levels of crime  the result of decades of governance marked by lawlessness and graft. Adityanath claimed that the BJP would curb corruption, but he still blamed much of the areas own problems on outsiders, variously criticizing a minister in the states previous government (who happened to be Muslim), Nepali migrants arriving from over the nearby border, and migrant laborers from nearby Indian states. Asked about economic reforms, he gave only a brief answer about farming.

As chief minister, Adityanath must now grapple with two of Indias most dangerous fault lines. On the one hand, the state suffers deep divisions over caste and religion, which often descend into violence, most recently in rioting in 2013. On the other, it is an economic backwater, enjoying little of the prosperity that has reached parts of India over the last decade. Many hoped Modi would pick a chief minister able to downplay cultural tensions and stir up investment. Adityanath seems more likely to do the opposite.

The decision is more broadly troubling. Since his election, Modi has styled himself as a champion of development. His RSS background led many liberals to doubt his sincerity, but until now he has generally proved them wrong, heading an administration that has mostly avoided playing politics with religious divisions while also making reasonable economic progress.

Now, Adityanaths arrival has refocused anxieties that Modi will push a far more aggressively nationalistic Hindutva agenda that insists India is a Hindu nation that should relegate Muslims and Christians to a status as outsiders. It is a deeply worrying decision and one that sends all of the wrong signals about Modi and the kind of government he wants to lead, says Devesh Kapur, a professor of political science at the University of Pennsylvania. [Uttar Pradesh] has more Muslims than Saudi Arabia. What sort of message does it send to appoint a figure who is so blatantly bigoted and prejudiced?

Modi last week offered reassurances that he and his chief ministerial pick remained focused on economic growth as their sole mission. Yet his appointment remains peculiar. His previous chief ministerial picks in other states have mostly been fairly moderate, low-profile figures, if for no other reason than they were unlikely to grow into political rivals. Although liberal critics often accuse him of deploying dog-whistle tactics to appeal to hard-line Hindus, the BJPs recent campaign in Uttar Pradesh was also notable for having relatively few divisive overtones.

It may be that the trappings of power will mellow Adityanath and that Modi will keep his focus on job creation and investment. But it seems more likely that a different calculation is at play  namely, that Modi thinks the BJP is most likely to win re-election in 2019 by signaling its support for a more aggressive form of majoritarian Hinduism, at least in heartland states like Uttar Pradesh. Coming after last years bold but economically questionable demonetization experiment  in which Modi scrapped the two largest-denomination Indian banknotes as part of a quixotic anti-corruption drive  the appointment smacks of a further turn toward populism.

Modi has never been, or pretended to be, a liberal leader. But as he contemplates re-election, the risk is that he will learn the lessons of other conservative nationalists before him. In Turkey, for instance, Erdogan rose to power by promising unity and reform but held onto it by becoming ever more hard-line. So far, Modi has proved a more moderate force. But if his appointment in Uttar Pradesh is any indication, that moderation could be about to rapidly disappear.

Photo credit: SANJAY KANOJIA/AFP/Getty Images
Nine Malaysians freed by Pyongyang arrived home early Friday, after Kuala Lumpur agreed to send back the body of the assassinated half-brother of North Korea's leader, ending a bitter feud between the two countries.

Kim Jong-Nam was killed with the lethal nerve agent VX on February 13 at a Kuala Lumpur airport, triggering a diplomatic row between Malaysia and North Korea, which expelled each other's ambassadors and barred their citizens from leaving.

But a deal announced by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and confirmed by North Korean state media on Thursday said the two countries had lifted their respective travel bans, and Kuala Lumpur would send the body to North Korea.

The Malaysians, three embassy staff and six family members, including a small baby and three other children, landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport before sunrise where they were met on the tarmac by Foreign Minister Anifah Aman.

There were emotional scenes at the airport as they were embraced by tearful relatives who had also gathered to meet them.

Mohamad Nor Azrin, counsellor of the Malaysian embassy in Pyongyang, said that while they had not been threatened and were free to move around they were not allowed to leave.

"We were very concerned because we had done no wrong. But we had to keep our spirits up," he told reporters.

Najib, who had earlier declared the diplomatic crisis over, said on Twitter Friday: "Thank God, all nine Malaysians from Pyongyang have arrived safely in our homeland."

Najib had earlier announced the body was being sent back "following the completion of the autopsy on the deceased and receipt of a letter from his family requesting the remains be returned to North Korea".

The prime minister did not specify who in the family had made the request. Kim's wife and children, who were living in exile in the Chinese territory of Macau, staged a vanishing act after the murder and are believed to be in hiding.

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On Friday, foreign minister Anifah confirmed the body was on its way back to North Korea after being kept in a hospital morgue in Kuala Lumpur for more than six weeks.

Chinese and Malaysian media reported it was put on board a Malaysian Airlines plane bound for Beijing at 7:39pm Thursday and an AFP photographer saw a North Korean embassy van and officials leaving Beijing airport early Friday morning.

South Korean news agency Yonhap reported Friday Kim's body was expected to leave for Pyongyang on an Air Koryo flight as early as on Saturday.

The South has blamed Pyongyang for the Cold War-style killing, citing what they say was a standing order from North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un to murder his exiled and estranged half-brother.

But the North denies this and denounced Malaysia's investigation into the death as an attempt to smear the secretive regime.

It had insisted that the man died of a heart attack and his body should be handed over to Pyongyang.

- Body a 'propaganda tool' -

Analysts said the North Korean regime may use Kim's body as a "propaganda tool".

"They will likely use the body to claim they were not responsible and tell an alternative narrative," said Bridget Welsh, an expert on Southeast Asian politics.

Pyongyang has refused to confirm the identity of the victim, who was carrying a North Korean passport bearing the name of Kim Chol when he was killed.

Malaysia however has officially confirmed his identity using DNA evidence.

There are fears Kim's 21-year-old son, Kim Han-Sol, could be targeted next.

Two women -- one Vietnamese and one Indonesian -- have been arrested and charged with the murder. Airport CCTV footage shows them approaching the 45-year-old victim and apparently smearing his face with a piece of cloth.

Malaysian investigators are also seeking seven North Korean suspects, four of whom left Malaysia on the day of the murder.

Interpol has issued an international arrest warrant for the four men and they were still on Interpol's list of those wanted for murder as of Friday.

Japanese media on board the MH360 plane to Beijing said two of the three other suspects who Malaysian police said went into hiding at the North Korean embassy were on board the plane that carried the remains of Kim.

It was still unclear what happened to the third suspect.
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - The body of Kim Jong Nam, half-brother to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and the victim of a bizarre murder at Kuala Lumpur airport, is expected to leave by plane on Thursday, media reports and an aviation industry source said. Kim's body was believed to be on Malaysia Airlines flight MH360 to Beijing, en route to North Korea, that was currently preparing for take off, media said. The flight was behind its scheduled departure of 6 p.m. (1000 GMT) "It is planned for...but not sure if (it's) happening," said the aviation industry source, when asked if the body would be flown out on Thursday. The release of the body by Malaysia - which recently imposed a ban on North Korean nationals leaving the Southeast Asian country - was arranged to secure the return of nine Malaysians stranded in Pyongyang after North Korea imposed a travel ban on Malaysians leaving its borders. Malaysian police say Kim was killed on Feb. 13 by two women who smeared super toxic VX nerve agent on his face at the Kuala Lumpur budget terminal. North Korea is demanding Kims body and three remaining suspects inside its embassy be returned to Pyongyang in exchange for an end to the travel ban on Malaysians, diplomatic sources have said. Some media reports said the North Korean suspects were also leaving for Beijing on the same flight. Reuters could not independently verify this. (Reporting by Liz Lee and Joseph Sipalan; Editing by Nick Macfie)
Washington (AFP) - Jordan's King Abdullah will visit the White House next week for his second meeting with Donald Trump since the US president took office, a US official told AFP Thursday.

Trump and Abdullah briefly met at a prayer breakfast in Washington last month.

The official confirmed that Abdullah will visit on April 5, amid increased diplomatic efforts to get the Palestinian-Israeli peace process back on track.

Earlier in the week Trump will host Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, another key player in the stalled peace process.

Trump's Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt has been shuttling around the Middle East trying to build momentum for a deal that would be the ultimate achievement for a president who prides himself on bargaining prowess.

The issue was also raised when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the White House last month.

No date has yet been set for Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas to visit the White House, although a tentative invitation has been made.

The Jordanian king's visit also comes as fight against the Islamic State group enters a crucial stage, with allies attempting to wrestle back control of Mosul and Raqqa.

Relations between Amman and Washington recently hit a bump when Trump introduced rules barring large electronic devises on flights from Jordan and the United States.

Several other countries faced similar measures.
Land Day demonstrator detained by Israeli troops A Palestinian demonstrator is detained by Israeli troops during a protest marking Land Day in the West Bank city of Hebron March 30, 2017. (Photo: Mussa Qawasma/Reuters)

A Palestinian demonstrator is detained by Israeli troops during a protest marking Land Day in the West Bank city of Hebron; An Israeli border police officer reacts during clashes with Palestinians at a protest marking Land Day in the West Bank village of Madama; and a peacock spreads its feathers at Dusit zoo in Bangkok.

These are just a few of the photos of the day for March 30, 2017.

See more news-related photo galleries and follow us on Yahoo News Photo Tumblr.
NEWARK, N.J. (AP)  The Latest on the sentencings in the George Washington Bridge lane-closing trial (all times local):

2:05 p.m.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's office is defending itself after a judge cited the venomous culture of his administration while sentencing two of his former aides in a political revenge plot.

Christie spokesman Brian Murray says the work of Christie staffers has been "honest, honorable, bi-partisan and effective." He says Bridget Kelly and Bill Baroni's actions were a "sad and unacceptable exception to the way the office has conducted itself."

Kelly and Baroni were sentenced Wednesday to prison for creating a colossal traffic jam near the George Washington Bridge linking New Jersey and New York in 2013 to punish a mayor who didn't endorse Christie's re-election.

Judge Susan Wigenton told Kelly she got "caught up in a culture and an environment that lost its way."

Christie wasn't charged in the plot.

___

2 a.m.

Two former aides to New Jersey's governor have been sentenced to jail for creating traffic jams at the busiest bridge in the United States for political revenge, bringing the case to a close.

But appeals and a pledge from one of them that the fight isn't over promise to keep the George Washington Bridge lane-closing scandal hanging over Republican Gov. Chris Christie's final year in office.

Bridget Kelly told reporters after she was sentenced to 18 months in prison Wednesday that she won't be a scapegoat.

Her attorney pointed out that her testimony that she told Christie about the traffic jams while they were happening was never contradicted.

Christie hasn't been charged and denies that Kelly told him about the lane closures.

Co-defendant Bill Baroni was sentenced Wednesday to two years in prison.
Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Some clouds. Low near 35F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds. Low near 35F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.
HONOLULU (AP)  The Latest on a federal court's ruling in Hawaii on President Donald Trump's travel ban (all times local):

3:05 a.m.

Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin says there is likely to be an appeal by the Department of Justice of the ruling by a federal judge in Hawaii who extended his previous block of President Donald Trump's revised travel ban.

Chin told The Associated Press on Thursday morning that, "The next move is theirs."

On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson granted Hawaii's request to extend his previous temporary block of provisions that would suspend new visas for six Muslim-majority countries and halt the nation's refugee program.

Watson rejected the government's request to narrow his ruling to apply only to the six-nation ban. Watson is stopping the government from enforcing both provisions until he orders otherwise.

___

2:50 a.m.

The Department of Justice says that it strongly disagrees with the ruling by a federal judge in Hawaii who extended his previous block of President Donald Trump's revised travel ban.

The DOJ says in a statement that Trump's "Executive Order falls squarely within his lawful authority in seeking to protect our Nation's security, and the Department will continue to defend this Executive Order in the courts."

On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson granted Hawaii's request to extend his previous temporary block of provisions that would suspend new visas for six Muslim-majority countries and halt the nation's refugee program.

Watson rejected the government's request to narrow his ruling to apply only to the six-nation ban. Watson is stopping the government from enforcing both provisions until he orders otherwise.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)  A bill moving swiftly through the Iowa Legislature would eliminate the public's right to access 911 calls involving emergencies in which people are injured, sealing off key information about authorities' first response to shootings and other incidents.

The bill would declare that audio, video and transcripts of 911 calls involving injured victims of crimes or accidents are confidential medical records and exempt from the Iowa open records law. In addition, any calls involving juveniles under the age of 18 would automatically be confidential.

The House passed the measure unanimously this month, and a Senate committee passed it Thursday with some Democratic opposition. A final vote could happen as early as next week.

Rep. Dean Fisher, a Montour Republican, said it was crafted in response to last year's release to The Associated Press of 911 calls that helped expose an unusual string of gun mishaps in Tama County. Two teenage girls were unintentionally shot and killed and a third teen and her mother were injured in a one-year span in the county of only 20,000 residents.

The calls revealed that one father had accidentally shot and killed his daughter  a fact that the police had never made public. The audio of another call showed that a fast emergency response by authorities helped save the life of an injured 14-year-old girl who was accidentally shot by her brother.

County officials said they were at a loss on how to improve gun safety after what they called an unprecedented string of tragedies, which didn't result in criminal charges against anyone. Instead, at least one county official pushed to limit information about such cases going forward statewide.

Emergency management coordinator Mindy Benson, who had released the calls in response to the AP's open records request, complained to Fisher that she felt the release invaded the privacy of the families and sought a change in the law, Fisher said on the House floor.

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"These grieving families simply wanted their privacy," he said.

Two of the three families affected, however, had agreed to speak to AP in the hopes of raising awareness about gun safety.

Randy Evans, director of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council, said the Tama County cases are "spot-on" to show why such information is in the public interest. He said he can understand why lawmakers are concerned about medical privacy but it appears they haven't considered the "unintended consequences" of closing off access to 911 recordings involving injuries.

"This bill would hamper the public's efforts to hold government officials or private citizens accountable for their actions," he said.

Fisher said Thursday that privacy should outweigh the public's right to know and that 911 calls should be treated with the same confidentiality as patients' medical records. He noted that doctors can't publicly discuss medical conditions, asking: "Just because it's a 911 call, why is that different?"

Fisher noted that public records custodians could choose which, if any, of the calls to release at their discretion under the open records law  a power they rarely use. The bill also would allow parents to obtain 911 calls involving their children.

Although members of both parties praised the bill's confidentiality provisions regarding minors, the measure also would block the public's ability to assess how law enforcement officials respond to emergencies involving children.

Fayette County recently released 911 calls related to the death of a 4-year-old boy who shot himself last summer in Elgin. The calls revealed that it took many minutes for an ambulance to arrive  a delay that Sheriff Marty Fisher acknowledged was caused by the closure of a key road that added five miles to its route.

Margaret Johnson, interim executive director of the Iowa Public Information Board, which is responsible for interpreting the open records law, said the board hasn't taken a position. She said her biggest concern is ensuring that any new exemption is "real clear" so it can be easily carried out.
Baghdad (AFP) - At least 14 people were killed when a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-rigged vehicle at an entrance to Baghdad, in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group, officials said Thursday.

The blast, which hit the checkpoint at the main southern entrance to the city on Wednesday night, also wounded at least 36 people, the officials said.

IS issued a statement claiming the attack, saying it was carried out by a suicide bomber driving a truck "carrying several tonnes of explosive material."

The jihadist group overran large areas north and west of Baghdad in 2014, but Iraqi forces backed by US-led air strikes have since regained much of the territory they lost.

Iraqi security forces are now battling IS in west Mosul, the last city in the country in which the jihadists hold significant ground.

But even the full recapture of Mosul will not do away with the threat of IS bombings that have plagued Iraq for years. The jihadist group still holds territory in the country's west, as well as in Syria.

And even the loss of all that territory would not prevent it from reverting to underground insurgent cells carrying out bombings against civilians and hit-and-run attacks on security forces.
SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS, Mexico  Several months ago, Mercedes de Maria Santiago Gomez set one too many places at the table for the last time.

Her youngest child, Lidio Javier de la Cruz Santiago, was 18 when he left the cobblestone streets here in the highlands of Chiapas in 2005. He headed north for work, she said, in the way everyone in Mexico means: north to the United States. The family didnt need the money. Her husband, Javier Magin, worked in construction and as a mariachi musician, and Mercedes had a small cooking and cleaning business. But Lidio wanted to prove himself.

Lidio planned to make the dangerous journey with other young men from San Cristobal, and Javier tried to talk him out of it, urging him to stay and finish his studies. His boy  nicknamed Zorrillo, local slang for skunk, because he shunned showers and always brought home animals  was headstrong, Javier said, smiling through tears. Still, he went with Lidio to meet the pollero who would guide them across the border.

He said all the right things, Javier said of the smuggler. So he gave Lidio the $5,000 fee and put him on a bus on July 13, a Wednesday, his parents recalled. In a few days Lidio would reach Sonora in northern Mexico, just south of Arizona, where he would cross the border.

Javier Magin and Mercedes de Maria Santiago Gomez, at the offices of an NGO in San Cristobal, Mexico. Their son, Lidio Javier, disappeared on his way to the United States in 2005. (Photo credit: TENNESSEE JANE WATSON)

But Lidio soon stopped answering his phone. His companions from Chiapas stopped answering, too, after they told Javier that the guide had ditched his son in the desert by a state highway, where he said U.S. Border Patrol would pick him up.

Lidios parents posted photos of their son everywhere: a serious young man, with spiked black hair and a round face. They filed missing person reports with local and state officials and with Mexican consulates in California and Arizona. They heard nothing.

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Then, last September, they learned what they desperately needed to know and not know for more than a decade after Lidio got on that bus: Investigators had found a DNA match to a John Doe in a collection of migrant remains in Arizona.

As the pollero had promised, U.S. Border Patrol had found Lidio. But they found him in December 2005. By then, months after authorities believe he died, he was just bones.

Don Javier and Dona Mercedes are still waiting for him to come home.

The remains of old border fencing before a newer section on the U.S.-Mexico border outside Tucson, Arizona, in December 2016. (Photo credit: TIM BOWDEN)

Deaths in the desert

Lidios unfinished journey bookends years of increasingly strict U.S. immigration policy and highlights why President Donald Trumps border wall will likely fail to deter migrants like him  and lead to even more deaths in the desert.

Far fewer people are illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border than almost any time since the 1970s, but as American enforcement funnels them by design into increasingly remote routes, more of them are dying.

Apprehensions at the border  a proxy for the number of illegal crossings  have fallen sharply since 2000 and most dramatically since the fallout from the financial crisis and economic downturn around 2008, according to the Pew Research Center. Since the recession, the number of unauthorized Mexican immigrants has declined by roughly 1 million, and net migration from Mexico has in fact reversed.

But many who do cross are dying in the desert. Migrant deaths on American soil increased by more than 50 percent in the seven years after U.S. Border Patrol began tracking them in 1998. The year Lidio died, 2005, was the deadliest ever recorded for migrants, with 492 total deaths. Despite the dramatic drop in illegal crossings since 2006, migrant fatalities havent fallen with them: For six of the last 10 years, total fatalities have neared or topped 400.

Even though Central Americans fleeing violence at home now make up a bigger chunk of would-be migrants, about 90 percent of those who die crossing the border are Mexican, according to data obtained from Border Patrol, the Mexican consulate in Tucson, and Gregory Hess, the chief medical examiner in Pima County, Arizona.

Thats likely because while many Central Americans immediately turn themselves in to U.S. immigration authorities knowing that they can make a claim for asylum, Mexicans know they will be rapidly removed and take far greater risks to evade authorities.

Experts tie the rise in migrant deaths  more than 7,000 have died on U.S. soil since Border Patrol started counting, or one a day for nearly 20 years  to the U.S. crackdown on illegal immigration beginning in the 1990s.

By putting personnel, surveillance technology, and infrastructure on the border, illegal traffic will be deterred, or forced over more hostile terrain, less suited for crossing and more suited for enforcement, Border Patrol concluded in its first national strategy, in 1994.

A view of the border fence from a hilltop outside Tucson, taken during a U.S. Border Patrol ride-along in December 2016. Here, the wall turns into a shorter vehicle barrier and simple fencing because of the desolate terrain. (Photo credit: TIM BOWDEN)

Thats the same strategy U.S. authorities use today, except with a border force that has seen its ranks grow more than sevenfold and its budget grow fourteenfold. The United States has built more than 700 miles of fencing along the southern border, mostly raised under former President Barack Obama. Almost half of it is in Arizona.

Hesss office in Pima County, Arizona, holds the countrys largest set of unidentified border-crosser reports. He said migrant deaths have risen with shifts in border enforcement intended to deter border-crossers.

But rather than decrease the number of people crossing, they just moved them, to where they now cross in more remote areas, Hess told me in late December.

A recent report from the Congressional Research Service also notes the likely diminishing returns and potentially deadly downside to perpetually growing the U.S. immigration enforcement regime  especially the border wall.

Each added mile of fencing would be in ever more remote locations, and therefore more expensive to install and maintain and likely to deter fewer unauthorized migrants, the report found, adding that the concentration of enforcement resources on the border may increase border area violence and migrant deaths.

Last December, Border Patrol agent David Jimarez took me around the Tucson sector, which encompasses about 3,800 square miles. There, a border wall ran west into distant mountains; to the east, it stopped abruptly, ending in a squat vehicle barrier. Thats because theres nothing here but desert brush and jagged peaks, save a few mantis-like rescue beacons that flash periodically.

To respond to increasing migrant deaths and violence against agents that followed the enforcement surge of the 1990s, Border Patrol began training units in emergency search and rescue. Those beacons are the latest sign of that effort.

For Jimarez, a Mexican-American born in the United States, the tension between being both first responder and first line of defense is personal. He said he doesnt want to know what happens to the people they find, alive or dead. Its too hard.

Those people wouldve died if I didnt arrest them, he said. Were rescuing them from themselves.

Trump has said his tougher new stance on enforcement is already paying off by deterring would-be migrants.

General Kelly is doing a great job at the border. Numbers are way down. Many are not even trying to come in anymore.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 27, 2017

In early March, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly touted a 40 percent drop from January to February in illegal crossings and noted that smuggler fees more than doubled in certain mountainous regions, such as southern Arizona.

Fewer people are putting themselves and their families at risk of exploitation, assault, and injury by human traffickers and the physical dangers of the treacherous journey north, Kelly said.

Yet, according to Border Patrols own data, some 121 migrants died between October and March  almost 25 percent more than the same time last year.

Jimarez, standing in the shadow of a 20-foot-high section of border fence, pointed out dusty handprints on the bars, an indication that someone had recently climbed over.

You could build a 100-foot wall, he said, and theyll build a 101-foot ladder.

Pima County Chief Medical Examiner Gregory Hess stands over a table with the laid-out skeletal remains of a person who died trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border at the medical examiner's office in Tucson on Oct. 13, 2016. (Photo credit: FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)

The things they carried

On Dec. 8, 2005, Border Patrol agents found a skull and scattered bones in Pinal County, Arizona. Three months later and four miles away, in Pima County, in the desolate Sasabe corridor that Jimarez patrols, agents found another set of bones. Authorities had no reason to believe they came from the same person.

In late December, I drove out to where the second set was found, 13 miles down a washed-out road from the tiny town of Red Rock, between Tucson and Phoenix, about 100 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border. Beyond the silhouettes of 10-foot-tall Saguaro cactuses, the lights of Phoenix emerged, deceptively close. Before he died, Lidio would have been able to see his likely destination.

When agents find remains, all of the things people carry  credit cards, scraps of paper with scribbled numbers, photos of children, rosary beads, watches, smartphones, wedding rings, reading glasses, a belt buckle  become clues in trying to identify them, Hess said, gently removing some items from lockers at his office.

But even those clues are often not enough: From 1998 to today, only 57 percent of Mexican migrants who have died and been found in the Arizona desert have then been identified and repatriated, according to the Mexican consulate in Tucson.

The deceased in Hesss collection are mostly unidentified Hispanic males between 20 and 35 years old, but the range is depressingly wide.

Some have names: Maria Dolores Moreno-Trejo died in 2002 at the age of 10 from blunt force injury to her skull. Baby Boy Pedro Bautista was a 26- to 28-week-old nonviable fetus. Leandro Bautista Alba was 58 and probably died of hypothermia, the most common cause of death in the southern Arizona desert, where temperatures can hit 125 degrees during the day and plunge at night. Others met more violent ends, such as multiple gunshot wounds and asphyxia due to hanging.

For identification purposes, even a single shard of bone can yield a wealth of information, such as sex or a specific health condition, Hess said. But if remains are scattered by animals or mostly decomposed, as Lidios were, identification becomes much more difficult.

After failing to identify Lidios remains, Hesss office released them  still believing they were from two people  to the counties, which arranged for them to be interred in John Doe plots in public cemeteries. They would stay unidentified for almost another decade  until a last shot paid off for Javier and Mercedes long after theyd given up.

In 2012, the Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team, or EAAF, founded in 1984 to investigate desaparecidos, or disappeared persons, during Argentinas military dictatorship, and Voces Mesoamericanas Accion con Pueblos Migrantes, an NGO in San Cristobal, joined forces to try to build a DNA database of missing migrants. In 2014, more out of solidarity with other families of desaparecidos than hope of finding Lidio, Javier and Mercedes gave EAAF investigators a saliva sample.

Body bags in the morgue at the Pima County medical examiner's office containing the remains of the unidentified dead, including some of those who died trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border, on Oct. 13, 2016. (Photo credit: FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)

Then, in September 2015, the EAAF investigators contacted Hesss office: They had made a blind hit to the states collection and had matched the DNA from the saliva sample Javier and Mercedes gave with the two sets of remains. In September 2016, the investigators felt confident enough in the match to notify the Mexican consulate in Tucson, which ultimately notified Javier and Mercedes.

Hess, who was able to close one of the 900 unidentified files he has open, personally appended the death certificate in December.

His entry now has a name: Lidio J. de la Cruz Santiago, found in the Sasabe corridor, date of death Dec. 8, 2005, cause undetermined.

It was news his family had desperately sought and deeply dreaded. When a missing migrants remains are found and identified, its a new torture for the family, said Floridalma Perez Gonzalez, who works with Voces Mesoamericanas as a counseling director.

Now they know, but there is no closure, she said. They cant move on because they cant get him back.

U.S. and Mexican officials, NGOs, and local funeral services involved in Lidios case all point to someone else responsible for the delay in bringing his remains back to San Cristobal  and someone else to blame for his ever having left at all.

Officials in the Mexican consulate in Tucson said in late December that Lidios remains would soon be sent back to the family in San Cristobal. They were just waiting on the green light from Mexico City to pay for exhuming the remains, a more expensive process than usual, given Lidio had been buried so long and in two places.

Stuffed animals on a grave in the public section of Mountain View Cemetery in Casa Grande, Arizona, in December 2016. (Photo credit: MOLLY OTOOLE)

Unmarked graves of John Does in the public section of Mountain View Cemetery in Casa Grande, Arizona, in December 2016. Pinal County buries unidentified migrant remains, such as Lidio Javiers, here. (Photo credit: MOLLY OTOOLE)

A tribute hinting at the legacy of migrant deaths in the Arizona desert, in the public section of Evergreen Cemetery in Tucson, Arizona, in December 2016. (Photo credit: MOLLY OTOOLE)

Before his remains were dug up and sent home, I tried to see just where Lidio had spent the last decade. But no one at the time  not Hess, the Mexican consulate, the county authorities, funeral homes, or cemeteries  could tell me exactly where he was.

Weve never lost any, to my knowledge, Hess said.

I got as close as I could. In the public section of the Mountain View Cemetery in Casa Grande, Arizona, in Pinal County, among the muddy teddy bears and rusted crosses, were a dozen barely discernible mounds of dirt: the John Does. A few plastic placards stuck out, but none were labeled. County officials told me Lidio was there.

Other officials from neighboring Pima County told me he was there, too, in the burnt orange columbarium in the public section of Evergreen Cemetery in Tucson that holds their John Does.

Mercedes and Javier dont know many of these details. They cant afford the trip to Arizona and fear trouble with U.S. immigration officials, even when visiting legally. They still dont understand how their son is in two places, where his belongings are, and why his remains have not yet been sent home for a proper burial.

When I contacted the Mexican consulate at the end of March, officials said they had been working with the Pima County-contracted funeral home that initially had cremated and interred a portion of Lidios remains in Evergreen Cemetery. The home had located, exhumed, and joined the remains with the matching set buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Pinal.

Once the appended death certificate is processed, the funeral home will deliver Lidios cremated remains to the consulate, which will send them to San Cristobal, the officials said.

Lidio will have a place waiting for him there, in Javier and Mercedess parish cemetery.

We dont know the truth, so we have no peace of mind, Javier told me in December.

Until he is here, Mercedes said, we will never really, truly know.

Reporting for this article was also supported by the International Womens Media Foundation as part of the Adelante Latin America Reporting Initiative.

Top image credit: Molly OToole (left)/Courtesy of Javier Magin and Mercedes de Maria Santiago Gomez (center)/Tim Bowden (right)/Foreign Policy illustration
New Delhi (AFP) - After years of slow but steady decline the colonial-era Regal cinema, a New Delhi institution, is enjoying a late flourishing -- sadly just as it is about to close its doors.

Manager Roop Ghai says families have been flocking to the crumbling white building at the heart of the Indian capital since learning that it is shutting down, a victim of competition from the gleaming multiplex cinemas springing up around the city.

"People are coming in much larger numbers than they have in recent years, especially older people who have many memories linked to this cinema hall," he told AFP at the Regal, which closes on Friday.

"We are happy to be busy again, even if it is only for a few more days."

The Regal is one of India's oldest cinema halls -- when it first opened its doors in the 1930s, the country was still a British colony.

In the ensuing decades it hosted everyone from the last British viceroy Louis Mountbatten to independent India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and his daughter Indira Gandhi as well as Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan.

But many young Indians now prefer the air-conditioned comfort of the out-of-town multiplexes, which offer a far greater choice of movies than the old single-screen cinemas.

Among them is Amita Raj, who was visiting the Regal for the first time despite living nearby.

"I wanted to see it and watch a movie here before it shuts in the next few days," she said as she queued to buy her ticket.

- Bollywood legend -

The building may survive as a cinema -- its historic facade cannot be altered, but its owners say they will try to get permission to eventually turn it into a multi-screen cinema.

But the closure will be the end of the road for Ramesh Kumar, who has worked as a projectionist for 44 years, 23 of them at the Regal.

He regretted the cinema's closure because unlike modern multiplexes, it was affordable for all.

Tickets for a matinee at Regal cinema cost as little as 100 rupees ($1.50), going up to 200 rupees for a prime "box" seat -- around half of what multiplexes typically charge.

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Audiences can expect to pay as much as 1,200 rupees at a sleek, suburban multiplex with faux leather recliners and more expensive confectionery and popcorn.

But he said the building had not been properly maintained of late.

"No one paid (enough) attention to it. If someone had taken care of it, we wouldn't have reached the situation where we are today," he said.

The final straw for the Regal's owners was the recent collapse of another building in the historic Connaught Place complex where it is located.

Municipal authorities have since launched a crackdown on buildings violating structural safety regulations and the necessary repairs would have proved too onerous to be worthwhile.

But the writing had been on the wall for a long time.

"Earlier, no matter what film was screened here, the cinema used to be always full. There used to be long queues from here to the corners of the street outside," said Ravi Shukla, who worked at the Regal's canteen for 36 years.

"Now things are not how they used to be."

On Thursday night, the Regal will hold special screenings of two classic Raj Kapoor movies from its heyday in the 1960s and 70s.

The legendary Bollywood actor and director was a regular visitor and many of his films premiered at the Regal.

Ghai, the Regal's manager, said the cinema had been full of fans in recent days, from young people taking selfies to older couples wanting to show it to their children.

"It feels like parting with a family member," he said.
London (AFP) - Lloyd's of London will open a Brussels subsidiary in early 2019, the historic insurance market said Thursday, the first company to respond to Britain's decision to trigger Brexit.

The group, which insures against catastrophes such as earthquakes, shipwrecks and revolutions, is now in the eye of the Brexit storm and seeking to ensure access across the European Union once Britain leaves the bloc.

Lloyd's announced the news one day after British Prime Minister Theresa May activated the two-year countdown to the nation's EU divorce.

"Lloyd's, the specialist insurance and reinsurance market, has announced it will be setting up a new European insurance company to be located in Brussels," it said in a statement that gave no indication of potential job losses in London.

Lloyd's, which employs 700 people in the British capital, will start work at the Brussels office from January 1, 2019.

Reports suggest that about 100 jobs could be shifted, adding that Brussels beat Dublin, Luxembourg and Malta in the selection process.

The business repeatedly warned before last year's shock referendum that it could move operations to elsewhere within the EU in the event of Brexit.

- Central European location -

The group added Thursday that its new Brussels subsidiary would allow it to underwrite insurance risks across the 27 EU nations that will remain.

"The company will be able to write risks from all 27 European Union and three European Economic Area states after the United Kingdom has left the EU, providing our customers and partners continued access to the innovative solutions of the Lloydas market," it said.

Lloyd's chief executive Inga Beale said Brussels met its "critical" requirements of a "robust regulatory framework in a central European location" as well as access to talent.

She added: "I am excited about the opportunities this venture will offer the market by providing that important European access efficiently."

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Nine months after the shock referendum vote, Prime Minister May on Wednesday formally activated Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, meaning Britain is set to leave the bloc in 2019.

Lloyd's stressed Thursday that, for at least two more years, there will be no immediate impact on its existing insurance policies, renewals or new policies.

- 'Crucial' for trade agreement -

"It is now crucial that the UK government and the European Union proceed to negotiate an agreement that allows business to continue to flow under the best possible conditions once the UK formally leaves the EU," added Beale.

"I believe it is important not just for the City (London's financial district) but also for Europe that we reach a mutually beneficial agreement."

Britons voted on June 23 in favour of quitting the bloc despite warnings from the business community over the potential adverse impact of Brexit.

Lloyd's currently enjoys "passporting" rights -- which allows EU member states to trade across national borders, providing a gateway to access the rest of the bloc. It also benefits from trade agreements.

Separately on Thursday, Lloyd's revealed that profits flatlined in 2016 against a backdrop of "extremely challenging" conditions.

Annual pre-tax profits were unchanged at A2.1 billion ($2.6 billion, 2.4 billion euros) compared with 2015.

The level of major claims also hit A2.1 billion -- the fifth highest since the turn of the century.

Claims soared last year on the back of wildfires in Canada in May and June, and Hurricane Matthew -- which was the first category 5 storm to form over the North Atlantic in nearly a decade.

The performance was partly buoyed, however, by rising investment returns -- and foreign exchange gains driven by the pound's Brexit-fuelled collapse.
LONDON (AP)  Britain's government has announced plans for a Great Repeal Bill, which will in effect end the European Union's jurisdiction in Britain and import all EU laws into British law on the day the country formally leaves the bloc. Here are the main points.

WHAT WILL IT DO?

The bill will repeal the European Communities Act 1972, ending the jurisdiction of EU law in Britain on the day the country formally leaves the bloc. To ensure a smooth transition, the legislation will also convert all EU laws into British law.

WHAT'S INVOLVED?

More than 12,000 EU regulations are in force in Britain. The legislation will cover major issues such as immigration and ending the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice, as well as more technical matters such as who will regulate British banks, airlines and chemical companies.

WHY IS THIS CONTENTIOUS?

Because of the sheer number of laws and the limited time allotted, lawmakers will be called to delegate authority to Prime Minister Theresa May and her Cabinet to change some laws without a detailed debate or vote in Parliament. While the government has said it will use these so-called Henry VIII powers only for technical matters, some lawmakers fear a power grab by ministers.

WHAT DOES HENRY VIII HAVE TO DO WITH IT?

The Statue of Proclamations 1539 gave King Henry VIII the power to legislate by proclamation. Although the statute was repealed immediately after his death in 1547, similar powers have been inserted into legislation in modern times.

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the opposition Labour Party, criticized this approach in a recent interview with ITV. "I don't think the record of Henry VIII on promoting democracy, inclusion and participation was a very good one," he said. "He was all about essentially dictatorial powers to bypass what was then a very limited parliamentary power."
Brussels (AFP) - Luxembourg has claimed the legal right to host the London-based European Banking Authority after Brexit, a government spokeswoman said on Thursday.

Citing a European Union law dating back to 1965, Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel made his case in a letter to EU Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker, the spokeswoman said.

Bettel's letter is dated Wednesday, the same day that Britain's own letter to Tusk officially notified the EU that the UK intended to leave the bloc.

"Luxembourg's claim to host the EBA is nothing more than the implementation of this agreement that is still valid today," the spokeswoman told AFP.

"We want the 1965 decision to be respected and therefore claim that the EBA's new host should be Luxembourg."

The move fires the opening shot in what will certainly be a furious battle by EU countries to claim UK-based Brexit spoils.

Up for grabs also is the case for the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and its London staff of 900, including pharmaceutical experts, biologists and doctors from every corner of Europe.

The EBA is perhaps best known for its regular stress tests on the EU's financial sector, which have become a vital focus for investors and regulators in the wake of the global financial crisis.

Member states "are willing to locate in Luxembourg, or to transfer thererto, other community bodies and departments, particularly those concerned with finance," Bettel's letter quoted the law as saying.

- 'Really wide interest' -

But media reports suggest that cities including Amsterdam, Dublin, Frankfurt, Paris and Vienna are also trying to woo the EBA away.

Germany's powerful Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble last week said he would plead strongly to have the EBA based in Frankfurt.

Luxembourg believes that the 1965 law stipulates that any decision to locate an economic institution of the EU elsewhere than Luxembourg requires a special exception.

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This was granted to Britain in the case of the EBA, now in London, and Germany for the European Central Bank, which is based in Frankfurt.

Luxembourg already hosts the European Court of Justice as well as the European Stability Mechanism, the eurozone rescue fund that plays a leading role in the Greek debt crisis.

EU ministers are also bound by law to hold their regular monthly gatherings in Luxembourg three times a year, instead of the usual Brussels.

The London headquarters of the European Union's EBA financial regulator, in the Canary Wharf district, has 170 staff.

Britons voted in June to quit the EU bloc in a referendum that sent shockwaves across the globe and prompted several banks to announce plans to move jobs from London to continental Europe.

The EBA refused to comment on the latest claim.

Last week, executive director Adam Farkas told AFP of the "really wide interest from European capitals who expressed their desire or intention to host us."

"We do not have a formal role in deciding this," Farkas said, adding that it would be up to the EU governments, commission and European parliament to decide.
PARIS (Reuters) - Malaysia, which wants to buy up to 18 combat planes in a deal potentially worth more than $2 billion, is now talking to only one supplier, France's Dassault Aviation, about its Rafale jets, the French government spokesman said on Thursday. "Negotiations have started. I believe there are now only negotiations with Dassault about the Rafale," Stephane Le Foll told reporters in a briefing after a cabinet meeting. Pressed by Reuters on whether Dassault was the only manufacturer left in the running, Le Foll said: "There is now only a bilateral negotiation. There is no other operator." Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Tuesday that he had discussed the possible purchase of Rafale fighters with Francois Hollande during the French president's visit this week, but the government was not yet ready to make a decision. Malaysian Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein was reported in the media recently as saying the race for new fighter jets had narrowed to the Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon, built by Britain's BAE Systems. Dassault Aviation declined comment on Le Foll's remarks. BAE Systems had no immediate comment. A source in Malaysia's Defence Ministry said last week that the Rafale was emerging as the frontrunner in the contest. Malaysia plans to replace the Royal Malaysian Air Force's squadron of Russian MiG-29 combat planes, nearly half of which are grounded. France struggled for years to secure its first foreign order for the Rafale but, since making a breakthrough with a 2015 deal to sell 24 of the planes to Egypt, it has notched up several other orders for the multi-role combat jet. In May 2015, France and Qatar concluded a 6.3 billion euro ($6.77 billion) deal for the sale of 24 Rafales and last September, India signed a deal to buy 36 Rafales for around $8.7 billion, the country's first major acquisition of combat planes in two decades. (Reporting by Jean-Baptiste Vey and Adrian Croft in Paris and Paul Sandle in London; editing by John Irish)
By Joseph Sipalan KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysian authorities returned the body of the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Thursday, in a deal that secured the release of nine Malaysian citizens held in Pyongyang after a drawn out diplomatic spat. U.S. and South Korean intelligence sources say North Korea masterminded the deadly attack on Kim Jong Nam last month using VX nerve agent, a chemical so toxic that it is on a U.N. list of weapons of mass destruction. The attack outraged Malaysia and sparked a diplomatic row with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), as North Korea is officially known, resulting in travel bans on both sides and a collapse in their long-standing friendly ties. The nine Malaysians who were barred from leaving North Korea arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport early on Friday, where they were received by the foreign minister and large group of media who had waited overnight. "We won't deny that when the DPRK government imposed the travel ban which prevented (us) from leaving, we were very concerned especially since we had committed no wrong," said Mohd Nor Azrin Md Zain, a counsellor at the Malaysian embassy in the North Korean capital. "During that time we were not particularly harassed by DPRK authorities. We were given the assurance that life could go on as normal," he added. The Malaysians left Pyongyang on a Bombardier Global 6000 business jet operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force. Earlier, sources told Reuters authorities were preparing to transport Kim's body on Malaysia Airlines flight MH360 to Beijing, en route to Pyongyang. "Following the completion of the autopsy on the deceased and receipt of a letter from his family requesting the remains be returned to North Korea, the coroner has approved the release of the body," Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said in a statement. Najib is currently on an official visit in India but officials said he was directly involved in the negotiations. Najib's statement did not mention Kim by name. Pyongyang has maintained that the body was that of Kim Chol as stated in his passport, and not Kim Jong Nam. Kim was assassinated at Kuala Lumpur airport on Feb 13. The swap agreement brings to an end nearly seven weeks of diplomatic standoff between the formerly friendly countries. North Korea had been demanding the handover of Kims body and that three remaining suspects inside its embassy be returned to Pyongyang in exchange for an end to the travel ban on Malaysians, diplomatic sources have said. Local media reports said at least two of those suspects, including a North Korean embassy official, had left Malaysia. North Korean officials were seen leaving the airport in Beijing on Friday morning, but Reuters could not verify if the officials were among them. Kim Jong Nam, the eldest son of the late North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, had spoken out publicly against his family's dynastic control of the isolated, nuclear-armed nation. The young, unpredictable Kim Jong Un had issued a "standing order" for his elder half-brother's assassination, and there was a failed attempt in 2012, according to some South Korean lawmakers. RELATIONS REAFFIRMED Malaysian police say Kim was killed by two women who smeared the super toxic nerve agent VX on his face. An Indonesian woman and a Vietnamese woman have been charged. North Korea reacted angrily when the Malaysian authorities identified North Korean suspects and sought to question others including a diplomat at their embassy in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia expelled North Korea's ambassador for being "diplomatically rude", although Najib later said that ties with Pyongyang would not be severed, in a bid to calm relations. A statement by the North Korean government released simultaneously said both countries managed to "resolve issues arising from the death of a DPRK national" in Malaysia at a meeting in Kuala Lumpur. "The importance of bilateral relations was reaffirmed. In this connection, both countries agreed to positively discuss the re-introduction of the visa-free system and work towards bringing the relations to a higher level," read the statement from North Korea. Najib said on Thursday that North Koreans will now be allowed to leave Malaysia. (Additional reporting by James Pearson, Rozanna Latiff and Liz Lee; Writing by Praveen Menon; Editing by Nick Macfie, Hugh Lawson and Lincoln Feast)
DETROIT (AP)  A Detroit man accused of amassing weapons, buying explosives and expressing support for the Islamic State group has pleaded guilty.

Sebastian Gregerson pleaded guilty Thursday to possessing unregistered destructive devices, more than eight months after his arrest. He met an undercover FBI operative and traded a handgun for grenade parts.

An indictment accused Gregerson of intending to kill someone and destroy property.

FBI agents say they found CDs with the name of cleric Anwar Al-Awlaki at Gregerson's home. Al-Awlaki's internet sermons called for a war against the United States. He was killed in Yemen in 2011.

Gregerson's plea deal would cap his prison sentence at five years, although Judge Arthur Tarnow isn't bound by it.
A man who returned home from a brief vacation found his house in Oregon had been broken into and vandalized with expletive-laden racist and anti-Islam graffiti that called him a "Muslim" and a "terrorist." However, the victim's faith is not Islam.

"I'm not Muslim," 33-year-old Hasel Afshar told local news outlet Pamplin Media Group. "I just grow a beard."

Read: Anti-Islam Banner Suggests Muslims Endanger Americans

Afshar, who was born in Iran and raised as a member of the Baha'I religion, came home to spray painted messages telling him to "get out" and a threatening note left under seven bullets arranged in a cross. "If I see you here next month, I will shoot you and burn your house," the anonynous note said.

Afshar said he now plans to sell his home in the city of Troutdale and move out of the country after having lived in the U.S. since 2010.

"I'm not going to be a hero and stay here and fight about it." he said. "I'm not going to sit here and wait for someone to shoot me."

The break-in and vandalism were reported on Tuesday to local law enforcement, which was investigating the entire episode as a "bias crime." A national advocacy group subsequently called for a federal probe.

"The FBI should join in the investigation of this apparent hate crime in order to demonstrate that the rights and safety of American Muslims, and those perceived to be Muslim, will be protected," Council on American-Islamic Relations National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper said in a brief statement Wednesday.

A similar situation recently unfolded when a different family returned home after a weekend trip and found their apartment had been broken into and vandalized with anti-Muslim spray painted messages of hate.

Read: Virginia Man Has Face Bitten In Anti-Muslim Attack

"Fuck Muslims" was sprayed on a wall and a copy of the Koran was dfound estroyed when the family entered their home in Fairfax County, a suburb of Washington, D.C. Mahrukh and her husband Shoaib, who only gave NBC Washington their first names to protect their full identities, live at the home with their two young children. The family is Muslim.

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"We were in complete shock. It's a dream. We're just going to open our eyes and it's all going to go away," said Mahrukh. "Especially when we saw that written on the wall and the Quran torn to pieces on the floor, and my painting just torn apart and on the floor, that was just shocking."

Like police in Oregon, local officials were treating the incident as a "bias incident."

There were more than 7,100 victims of hate crimes in the U.S. in 2015, from when the most recent statistics maintained by the FBI are available. Of that number, nearly 20 percent were targeted because of their religion.

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New York (AFP) - McDonald's announced Thursday it will shift to fresh beef in its new made-to-order Quarter Pounder hamburgers in most US restaurants as it seeks to beef up sales in its home market.

The fast-food chain by mid-2018 will move away from frozen beef on the popular hamburger, which will be cooked at the time of order, the company said in a news release.

The change, which does not affect the Big Mac and other beef products, follows a trial run in about 400 restaurants in Texas and Oklahoma that was well received.

"We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers and employees and we're proud to have been part of a test that is creating a watershed moment for McDonald's," Dallas/Fort Worth franchisee Joe Jasper said in a statement.

In a short video, McDonald's chief executive Steve Easterbrook said the company also was testing other customer-friendly changes such as home delivery, curbside check-in and mobile order and pay.

Easterbrook was installed as chief executive in 2015 to boost flagging sales. Changes have included the rollout of all-day breakfast in the US market, moving to cage-free eggs, and removing artificial preservatives from several menu items.

Easterbrook has focused on improving nuts-and-bolts operations, but Thursday's announcement is the latest menu tweak after rivals like Wendy's already touted their fresh beef burgers.

McDonald's in January reported slightly lower fourth-quarter earnings, with a drop in comparable sales in the US offset by gains in foreign markets, including China, Japan and some Latin American countries.

Shares of McDonald's rose 0.4 percent to $129.32.
Melania Trump gave a rare speech during the 2017 Secretary of States International Women of Courage Award at the State Department on Wednesday. She appeared alongside Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Thomas Shannon.

The first lady wore a below-the-knee-length white, belted coat dress with lapels. She also wore a pair of brown, patterned Christian Louboutin Pigalle Follies pumps that run for about $745 at Neiman Marcus.

The annual ceremony honors a group of women from around the world who hold positions in leadership and have shown unparalleled strength and courage in their line of work. The 2017 awardees included a group of about a dozen women, including Veronica Simogun, the Director and founder of Family for Change Association from Papua New Guinea, Major Aichatou Ousmane Issaka, a Deputy Director of Social Work at the Military Hospital of Niamey from Niger and Rebecca Kabugho, a political and social activist from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Other women included activists and human rights champions from countries like Iraq, Yemen and Syria.

Read: Watch First Lady At International Women Of Courage Award Ceremony

Each of the award recipients has overcome incredible odds in her pursuit to change the world and make it better, Melania Trump said, according to a White House statement. As women, we must continue to stand together with the steadfast goal of making our world safer through acts of collaborative and individual bravery. As we all know, wherever women are diminished, the entire world is diminished with them.

The first lady spoke to issues that she said still need to be tackled, like gender empowerment and respect across all backgrounds and ethnicities.

Tuesday evening, Trump also hosted a reception event at the White House event with the POTUS along for senators; she wore a black dress by Roland Mouret.

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Nearly 50,000 people had signed a Change.org petition by Tuesday morning demanding First Lady Melania Trump move in with President Donald Trump in their new White House presidential pad in an effort to reduce the costly taxpayer expense of protecting the first family as they live in separate states.

New York City has been footing a daily bill from $127,000 to $146,000 so the first lady can continue living in her $100 million Trump Towers penthouse, according to New York Police Commissioner James O'Neil. The cost surges to more than $300,000 to secure the 58-story building each day the president visits his family.

Read: The Trumps' Love Life: Melania's Key To A Happy Marriage Is Using A Separate Bathroom

New Yorkers and activists have begun speaking out against the added cost of living, ordering Melania Trump to move in with her husband or start paying for her family's security in the Big Apple herself.

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Photo: Reuters

"The U.S. taxpayer is paying an exorbitant amount of money to protect the first lady in Trump Tower," a statement accompanying the online petition Tuesday said. "As to help relieve the national debt, this expense yields no positive results for the nation and should be cut from being funded."

Meanwhile, each of the president's trips to the "Winter White House," Trump's luxury, members-only Mar-A-Lago resort in Florida, reportedly costs the public nearly $3 million. The total bill for those trips has topped $15 million just two months into his tenure in Washington, D.C.

The cost of protecting the first family also naturally increased to cover Trump's five children and wife, compared to former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama and their two children, all of whom lived in the White House throughout the entirety of his presidency.

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It remained unclear whether the first lady would heed the call of her New York neighbors to pack up and move to the White House before the summer. Four of Trump's adult children live separately from the president and first lady, while Melania and Barron Trump reportedly plan to make the move to Washington, D.C. in June.

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LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The attorney general of Mexico's Pacific coast state of Nayarit, hard hit by drug cartel violence in recent years, has been arrested in San Diego on U.S. narcotics trafficking conspiracy charges, federal officials said on Wednesday.

Edgar Veytia, 45, who has served as the top law enforcement officer of Nayarit since 2013, was charged in a seven-page, three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury on Monday in the New York borough of Brooklyn and unsealed on Tuesday.

He was taken into custody on Monday in San Diego by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations, acting on an arrest warrant, an FBI spokeswoman in San Diego said.

The arrest is another blow for Mexico President Enrique Pena Nieto's Institutional Revolutionary Party, which governs Nayarit and is reeling from corruption scandals that have led a number of former governors to flee criminal charges.

Veytia was arraigned in U.S. District Court in San Diego on Tuesday, the FBI spokeswoman, Davene Butler, told Reuters. No further details of his arrest or court appearance were immediately released.

Veytia is accused of plotting with unnamed conspirators in the United States to manufacture, import and distribute unspecified quantities of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana between January 2013 and February 2017.

The nature and scope of the alleged conspiracy were not specified in the indictment.

The governor of Nayarit, Roberto Sandoval, said the state government would cooperate with the investigation in Mexico and the United States and said he did not know details of the accusations against Veytia.

"I want to be very clear to the people of Nayarit, men and women, that I will personally take responsibility for security...in the state, Sandoval said. We will not lower our guard, we will continue to be one of the safest states.

The tiny, largely agricultural state, which encompasses a scenic stretch of beaches known as the Riviera Nayarit, has been the scene of increased narcotics-related bloodshed in recent years.

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Mexican media have long alleged links between Veytia and the fast-growing Jalisco New Generation cartel.

Mexican marines used a Black Hawk helicopter in February to kill eight suspected cartel members in Nayarit, including the reputed head of the Beltran-Leyva gang, a rival of the Sinaloa cartel formerly run by Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.

An armed group attacked Veytia in 2011, but he was not injured in the resulting shootout.

(Reporting and writing by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Additional reporting by Lizbeth Diaz and Frank Jack Daniel in Mexico City; Editing by Leslie Adler)
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The attorney general of Mexico's Pacific coast state of Nayarit, hard hit by drug cartel violence in recent years, has been arrested in San Diego on U.S. narcotics trafficking conspiracy charges, federal officials said on Wednesday.

Edgar Veytia, 45, who has served as the top law enforcement officer of Nayarit since 2013, was charged in a seven-page, three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury on Monday in the New York borough of Brooklyn and unsealed on Tuesday.

He was taken into custody on Monday in San Diego by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations, acting on an arrest warrant, an FBI spokeswoman in San Diego said.

Veytia was arraigned in U.S. District Court in San Diego on Tuesday, the FBI spokeswoman, Davene Butler, told Reuters. No further details of his arrest or court appearance were immediately released.

Veytia is accused of plotting with unnamed conspirators in the United States to manufacture, import and distribute unspecified quantities of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana between January 2013 and February 2017.

The nature and scope of the alleged conspiracy were not specified in the indictment.

The tiny, largely agricultural state of Nayarit, which encompasses a scenic stretch of beaches known as the Riviera Nayarit, has been the scene of increased narcotics-related bloodshed in recent years.

Mexican marines used a Black Hawk helicopter in February to kill eight suspected cartel members in Nayarit, including the reputed head of the Beltran-Leyva gang, a rival of the Sinaloa cartel formerly run by Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.

(Reporting and writing by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Additional reporting by Frank Jack Daniel in Mexico City; Editing by Leslie Adler)
DHAKA (Reuters) - As many as eight militants have blown themselves up with a grenade north of the Bangladeshi capital rather than surrender to officers who had cornered them in their hideout, police said on Thursday. Police urged the militants in Nasirpur, northeast of the capital Dhaka, to give themselves up on Wednesday, but instead they detonated the grenade. "Up to eight militants, including a female, were killed," Monirul Islam, the chief of police for counter-terrorism and transnational crime, told reporters. On Monday, Bangladesh army commandos killed four Islamist militants in the northeastern city of Sylhet during a raid on a building where they were holed up. On Saturday, six people, including two police, were killed and more than 40 wounded in two bomb blasts near the militant hideout in the Sylhet building. Islamic State claimed responsibility "for a bombing on Bangladeshi forces in Sylhet", the SITE monitoring service said, citing a report on the militant group's news agency Amaq that appeared to refer to that incident. Islamic State and al Qaeda have made competing claims over killings of foreigners, liberals and members of religious minorities in Bangladesh, a mostly Muslim country of 160 million people. The government has consistently ruled out the presence of such groups, blaming domestic militants instead. Marcia Bernicat, the United States ambassador in Bangladesh, said in a radio interview the police had done "such an excellent job" in identifying hideouts and seizing militants' explosives and money. "But the other part of the battle is the harder one," she the Radio Today station. "Our real challenge is in helping to prevent people from becoming radicalized and violent in the first place." She said vulnerable youths needed to be helped, including being given "a proper understanding of religion", so that "they can work to make the world better rather than turning to such violent alternatives." (Reporting by Serajul Quadir; Editing by Tom Heneghan)
A Florida mother has been arrested after police said she attacked her daughter's rival at the teen's high school in an act of vengeance.

Ernstlatta LaFrance, 30, allegedly showed up to Carol City Senior High School during dismissal, where cops said she approached a teenager before snatching the girl's phone from her hand.

Watch: Mother Charged With Murder After Stabbing 5-Month-Old to Death: Cops

LaFrance is accused of then hitting the girl several times and taking the phone with her when she left, according to a police report.

Investigators believe the bad blood began when LaFrance's daughter was reportedly involved in a fight with a group of girls at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition.

But the feud didn't end at the fair, cops say it continued after LaFrance left Carol City High.

According to the police report, the victim subsequently showed up at LaFrance's home to retrieve her phone. That's when LaFrance took an ax and destroyed the teen's car, cops said.

Police say LaFrance also broke the girl's middle finger.

On Tuesday, LaFrance reportedly agreed to speak to police. According to police, she admitted to getting in a fight with the teen and told police that her girlfriend had fired the shots.

What's more, police say LaFrance posted video of her confrontation to Facebook as a warning to other teens to not mess with her daughter.

"The defendant also bragged on Facebook telling the victim that suffering two black eyes was not the end and she would use a gun," an officer wrote.

Watch: Mother Allegedly Beat Her 2 Young Sons for Opening Christmas Presents Early

LaFrance was arrested and charged with strong-armed robbery, child abuse and aggravated battery.

As of Thursday morning, LaFrance remained held in Miami-Dade's Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on a $38,000 bond.

Watch: 2-Year-Old Boy Accidentally Shoots His Mom Dead as She Drove

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Photo credit: Time Well Spent via Instagram

From Woman's Day

When Jodie Norton, the Utah-based blogger behind Time Well Spent, went to the emergency room last year, she got the scare of her life. Only, the scare wasn't related to her health. According to Norton, while she was in the ER, two of her kids were almost abducted. Thankfully, they remembered the "Tricky People" lesson their mom had taught them and stayed safe. Recently, the story has resurfaced, and the message is as timeless as ever.

It all started when Norton was in the shower one morning and started experiencing unbearable pain, which turned out to be a ruptured ovarian cyst. Somehow, she got dressed, loaded her four kids into the car, and drove to the hospital five minutes away (she says she has since realized she should have called an ambulance instead).

"In a moment of what I deem foggy-thinking 'pain brain,'" Norton wrote in a post on her blog, "I left my two oldest boysCJ (10) and T-Dawg (8)-outside the ER door on a bench to await our kind neighbor who said he was coming to pick them up and take them to school." The youngest two went into the room with their mom.

But the neighbor wasn't as close as Norton thought, so rather than the five minutes she thought her kids would be waiting, they ended up sitting outside the room for 40 minutes.

During that time, a female and two males allegedly approached the boys and asked them to go into a bathroom to convince their friend, who was supposedly hiding from the doctor, to come out and get treated. Remembering the "Tricky People" lesson his mom had taught him, CJ declined. "Please? You could really save his life if you'd just go in that bathroom and tell him it's safe to come out," the "Tricky People" continued. Again, CJ replied, "No, thank you."

So what's the "Tricky People" concept? It comes from Pattie Fitzgerald, of Safely Ever After, who, among other things, advises that parents stop teaching their kids not to talk to strangers (as they might have to someday) and start teaching them to identify which strangers are the "tricky" ones. One of Fitzgerald's guidelines, which Norton had taught her kids, is that adults don't ask kids for help. "If a safe adult needs help, they'll ask another adult," Fitzgerald wrote.

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Finally, the strangers left the boys alone, but CJ witnessed a third adult male come out of the bathroom, get into a car with the others, and drive off. Finally, the neighbor arrived and drove the kids safely to school. It wasn't until that night that Norton heard the scary story, her mouth hanging open.

"Mom, I knew they were tricky people because they were asking us for help. Adults don't ask kids for help," CJ told Norton. The family reported the incident to the police, who promised to review security footage and investigate from there. Now, Norton says she's going to continue arming her kids with more advice, like that it's not necessary to be polite to an adult that is making you uncomfortable in that way.

"When it's all said and done, the phrase 'knowledge is power' undoubtedly applies to our kids keeping themselves safe," she wrote. "We know we won't always be physically present to protect our kids from everythingI'm sure you lose sleep over this like I do. But, we can empower them and give them confidence by teaching them what they can do in these kind of situations."

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By Ben Klayman

(Reuters) - American Michael Sharp told his mother two years ago he was committed to helping the Congolese people in his role as a U.N. investigator and was "not afraid to die," she recalled Thursday after he was murdered this week along with a colleague in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

"He said the hardest thing for him was to think about pain he would cause his family," Michele Miller Sharp said in a telephone interview from her home in Kansas. "I told him we all supported him and we would handle any pain and he should continue his work."

Sharp's mother learned of his death on her birthday. United Nations peacekeepers in Congo this week discovered his body and that of Zaida Catalan, a Swedish national, who had been missing in an area engulfed in violence.

Sharp, 34, was in a group of experts monitoring sanctions imposed on Congo by the U.N. Security Council when he and others were kidnapped this month in Kasai Central province.

Despite the risks, Sharp's parents, who live outside Wichita, "were fully supportive of him because he was passionate. This was his calling," said his father, John E. Sharp, 65.

"We were not about to step in the way of that in spite of our fears," he added. "Although we hoped and prayed something like this would never happen, we knew it was a possibility."

Michael Sharp was raised in Indiana and learned from his Mennonite Christian faith the core values of peace building and nonviolence, his 62-year-old mother said. After studying history in college, Michael headed to Germany, where he volunteered and then earned a master's degree in international conflict resolution.

Sharp resided in Albuquerque, New Mexico when he was on breaks from his work. In Congo, he worked three years building relationships with militia leaders, convincing them to lay down their weapons and release the children they had dragooned into being soldiers.

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"That was his passion, to work at helping this war-torn country," said his mother. "He cared deeply about the Congolese people."

Michael joined the U.N. in 2015 as a militia group expert, presenting information to the Security Council and making recommendations on sanctions, his parents said.

Colleagues told his parents that Congolese militia leaders respected their son, who would travel for miles, unarmed, to meet them under a banana tree and just listen to them.

Michael would no doubt be amazed at the fuss about him as he was very unassuming and humble, his father said. While he understood the risks involved, he worried more about the effect his death might have on his family.

"About two years ago, he sat down beside me and said, 'Mom you know I don't have death wish in the work I do, but I want you to know I'm not afraid to die either.'" his mother said. She said the family supported him.

"From a toddler on up, every day was lived to the fullest," she added.

Meanwhile, his parents and two sisters wait for the return of Michael's body to the United States, where U.S. officials will perform an autopsy. His parents said U.N. officials have been in constant communication with them.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday said the world body would "do everything possible to ensure that justice is done." U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley called the death senseless.

"Michael was working on the front lines of what we try to do at the United Nations every day: find problems and fix them," she said in a statement. "He selflessly put himself in harms way to try to make a difference in the lives of the Congolese people."

Congo's Kasai Central region is the center of the Kamuina Nsapu insurgency that has now spread to five provinces in the loosely governed Central African country.

The parents said they hope the U.N. doesn't abandon its work in Congo due to their son's death. "We would not want this tragedy to be compounded by withdrawal from that region," the father John said. "We also want the U.S. to continue its funding to the U.N."

(Reporting by Ben Klayman in Detroit, additional reporting by Michelle Nichols in New York and Aaron Ross in Kinshasa; Editing by David Gregorio)
ANCHORAGE, Ky. (AP)  A man shot his girlfriend in the head then killed himself during a gunfight with police Tuesday night, after a two-day, cross-state crime spree in which they allegedly stabbed an elderly widower to death and stole two cars and a gun, police say.

Investigators from at least four jurisdictions are trying to puzzle together the series of events that left 18-year-old Destiny A. Moneyhun and 25-year-old Bradley James Sheets dead in an overgrown field in Anchorage, Kentucky, a wealthy suburb of Louisville 100 miles from their home in Barren County.

In between, they allegedly stopped in Hardin County where deputies say they stabbed 74-year-old Lewis Hoskinson to death with a large knife and stole his car.

Police in Barren County started looking for them on Monday, when a roommate reported that his truck, his credit card and firearm had been stolen, said Glasgow Police Capt. Jennifer Arbogast. They issued a statewide bulletin asking police agencies to look out for the two as suspects in the thefts, warning they should be considered armed, dangerous and possibly suicidal.

Police encountered them next on Tuesday night in Anchorage.

A resident reported a suspicious car parked at a dead-end, gravel road leading to an overgrown field. Officers with the Anchorage Police Department, a small 10-officer force, ran the plates and found it registered to a man in Hardin County. They called the sheriff's office there and asked that they check on the owner.

Hardin County Chief Deputy David Lee said a deputy was dispatched and peered through the window of the home, where 74-year-old Lewis Hoskinson lived alone since his wife passed away. The deputy saw signs of foul play  the house had been ransacked  and called in backup. The deputies entered and discovered Hoskinson dead. He had been stabbed with a very large knife, Lee said.

Arbogast confirmed that the couple knew Hoskinson, but she declined to say how.

"They knew this man. They knew him well," she said. "They knew the home and they had been there in the past."

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Lee did not return calls asking for information on their connection.

Meanwhile, Anchorage Police Officer Brian Taylor and Lt. Mark Hoskins, then unaware that the body had been discovered linked to the stolen car parked in their town, began searching the area.

They came across Sheets and Moneyhun under a tree in the thick brush.

Louisville Metro Police Col. Michael Sullivan, whose department is leading the investigation into the shooting, said Sheets took out a revolver and pointed it at the officers.

The police department on Thursday released footage from a body camera worn by Taylor during the confrontation. It's difficult to see the suspects, but Hoskins can be heard telling them to stand up, then Taylor shouts "he's got a gun, he's got a gun, he's got a gun."

Hoskins shouts "put it down."

Sullivan said Thursday that Taylor took cover. Hoskins fired at Sheets, who then fell to the ground and dropped the gun. Sullivan said Moneyhun picked the gun up from the ground and pointed it at police.

Hoskins, in the video, screams again "put it down, put the gun down."

Four more shots ring out, and Sullivan said Hoskins fired at the woman. She dropped the gun.

Sullivan said Sheets picked it up again. Sullivan said Sheets then put the gun to Moneyhun's head and fired, killing her, then shot himself in the head.

Sullivan said the preliminary investigation suggests both were hit by the officer's gunfire, though they are believed to have died from the bullets fired by Sheets.

The entire exchange lasted only a few seconds.

Both officers remain on administrative leave while Louisville police completes its investigation.

Anchorage Police Chief Dean Hayes said it remains a mystery why Moneyhun and Sheets ended up in Anchorage, a quiet small town of just 2,300 people, 60 miles from the Hardin County home where the widower was found dead.

"There's a lot of emotion spread over those 60 miles," he said. "Between that crime scene down there, and the one here, our officers feel it, the community feels it."
Is there a record for the number of records broken by one astronaut?

NASA astronaut  and all around badass  Peggy Whitson set yet another spaceflight record Thursday. Whitson surpassed NASA astronaut Sunita Williams to become the female astronaut with the most spacewalks under her belt, according to NASA.

SEE ALSO: This badass woman is about to set an astronaut record

With this spacewalk, Whitson has now walked in space a total of eight times. Whitson now also has the most cumulative spacewalking time, beating Williams' record of five hours and 40 minutes. (Michael Lopez-Alegria holds the overall record for most spacewalking time for any astronaut, but Russian cosmonaut Anatoly Solovyev blows everyone out of the water.)

Shane and Peggy on their way to their first #spacewalk tasks@astro_kimbrough et @AstroPeggy en route vers leur zone de travail pic.twitter.com/18X4atxxsP  Thomas Pesquet (@Thom_astro) March 30, 2017

The spacewalk itself hasn't exactly been a cakewalk. Whitson and NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough  her partner for this spacewalk  lost shielding used to protect a piece of hardware from the potentially harmful impacts of space debris hitting the station.

Mission controllers have figured out a workaround to protect the equipment, but it's never a great thing to see a piece of needed equipment floating off into space accidentally.

Cameras spot missing shield to protect Tranquility module from micrometeoroids. Astronauts installing new cover in its place. pic.twitter.com/FStj6cJEHD  Intl. Space Station (@Space_Station) March 30, 2017

This is only Whitson's most recent record in a string of them since she flew to the International Space Station in November 2016.

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Whitson, who is 57 years old, became the oldest woman to fly in space when she launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, and in January, she set yet another record as the oldest woman to perform a spacewalk.

On April 6, Whitson will extend her record when she heads outside of the Space Station for her ninth spacewalk.

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By Robert-Jan Bartunek and Gabriela Baczynska BRUSSELS (Reuters) - NATO still has "clear disagreements" with Russia over the Ukraine crisis and expects Moscow to do more to rein in armed separatists battling Kiev's forces, the Atlantic alliance's Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday. The West slapped sanctions on Russia in 2014 over its annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula and its support for the rebels in eastern Ukraine, in a conflict in which more than 10,000 people have been killed. "Allies and Russia continue to have clear disagreements on the crisis in and around Ukraine," Stoltenberg told a news conference after chairing a meeting of ambassadors from NATO and Russia in Brussels. Intense fighting continues to rage in the industrial eastern Ukrainian region of Donbass despite a formal ceasefire, he said. "Allies urged Russia to use its significant influence on the militants to meet their obligations in full, and raised serious concerns about Russia's recognition of identity documents issued by the separatists, imposing the (Russian currency) rouble, and seizure of companies," Stoltenberg added. France and Germany were among NATO allies who criticized Moscow's move in February to recognize the rebels' documents. But Stoltenberg, a former Norwegian prime minister, also welcomed the exchange of information between NATO and Russia on military moves. "It is not an easy dialogue but a dialogue we are committed to. When tensions run high, it is even more important to keep talking to each other to reduce unpredictability and risks," he said, adding that Russia had briefed NATO on three new divisions in its western military district. In exchange, NATO offered information on four battle groups it is deploying in Poland and the Baltic states to help assuage their concerns over a more assertive Russia. On Friday Stoltenberg will chair a meeting of NATO foreign ministers attended for the first time by new U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. They will prepare for the alliance's first top-level summit since Donald Trump became U.S. president. Last year Trump upset America's allies by describing NATO as "obsolete", though he has since said he strongly supports the alliance. However he has continued to press NATO's European members to spend more on defense. Stoltenberg said he would meet Trump in Washington in April to prepare for the May 25 summit in Brussels. (Editing by Gareth Jones)
By Robert-Jan Bartunek and Gabriela Baczynska BRUSSELS (Reuters) - NATO still has "clear disagreements" with Russia over the Ukraine crisis and expects Moscow to do more to rein in armed separatists battling Kiev's forces, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday. The West slapped sanctions on Russia in 2014 over its annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula and its support for the rebels in eastern Ukraine, in a conflict in which more than 10,000 people have been killed. "Allies and Russia continue to have clear disagreements on the crisis in and around Ukraine," Stoltenberg told a news conference after chairing a meeting of ambassadors from NATO and Russia in Brussels. He said intense fighting continued to rage in the industrial eastern Ukrainian region of Donbass, despite a formal ceasefire under the Minsk peace agreements signed in 2015. "Allies urged Russia to use its significant influence on the militants to meet their obligations in full, and raised serious concerns about Russia's recognition of identity documents issued by the separatists, imposing the rouble (currency), and seizure of companies," Stoltenberg added. Russia's ambassador to NATO, Alexander Grushko, blamed the Ukrainian military for ceasefire violations and said he had raised the issue with alliance envoys, saying NATO was not putting enough pressure on Kiev to control its forces. "We drew attention to ceasefire violations by Ukrainian forces, the continued creeping offensive of the Ukrainian army in so-called grey zones, the use of heavy weapons prohibited by the Minsk agreements, and the presence of heavy weapons," he said. France and Germany were among NATO allies who criticised Moscow's move in February to recognise ID documents issued to people living in the rebel regions in place of Ukrainian papers. But Stoltenberg, a former Norwegian prime minister, also welcomed the exchange of information between NATO and Russia on military moves. "It is not an easy dialogue but a dialogue we are committed to. When tensions run high, it is even more important to keep talking to each other to reduce unpredictability and risks," he said, adding that Russia had briefed NATO on three new divisions in its western military district. In exchange, NATO offered information on four battle groups it is deploying in Poland and the Baltic states to help assuage their concerns over a more assertive Russia. Grushko said such concerns were unfounded. "A confrontational agenda is imposed on us, as NATO seeks to prove its relevance," he said, adding it was a "dead-end path." On Friday Stoltenberg will chair a meeting of NATO foreign ministers attended for the first time by new U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. They will prepare for the alliance's first top-level summit since Donald Trump became U.S. president. Last year Trump upset America's allies by describing NATO as "obsolete", though he has since said he strongly supports the alliance. He has continued to press NATO's European members to spend more on defence. Stoltenberg said he would meet Trump in Washington in April to prepare for the May 25 summit in Brussels. (Additional reporting by Robin Emmott, editing by Mark Trevelyan)
Photo credit: U.S. Navy / Darryl L. Baker

From Popular Mechanics

Secrets haunt the still-classified Operation Ivy Bells, a daring Cold War wiretapping operation conducted 400 feet underwater.

It's the summer of 1972 and the U.S. is in the middle of pulling off the most daring, covert, and dangerous operation of the Cold War. Only a few months before, the signing of SALT I (Strategic Arms Limitations Treaty) limited the number of nuclear missiles of the world's two largest superpowers. Yet even with this well-publicized US/Soviet detente in place, a submerged American submarine rests mere miles from the Russian coastline.

At the bottom of the Sea of Okhotsk, the U.S. nuclear submarine Halibut silently listens to the secret conversations of the Soviet Union. With the Kremlin completely unaware, Navy divers emerge from a hidden compartment (referred to as the "Bat Cave") and walk along the bottom of the sea in complete darkness, wiretapping the Soviet's underwater communications line.

America wiretapped this particular Soviet communications cable for maybe a decade or moreand many details remain classified. It was the U.S.'s most ambitious wiretapping operation, until this point, in its entire history. This was Operation Ivy Bells.

Photo credit: U.S. Navy / Darryl L. Baker

Battle Plans and Mistresses

Down below the sea surface, the intel is flooding in. With the divers' taps in place, American communication techs onboard the Halibut gather a wide range of intelligence, from operational tactics to Soviet commanders' conversations with their mistresses. But up on the sea surface, a storm is brewing.

As the angry sea rocks the sub, the still-working divers are trapped outside the vessel in the murky cold water. Then, with a loud snap, the steel anchor lines break free. The Halibut drifts upwards, in danger of exposing itself to the enemy.

"If (they) had gotten caught, [they] had every reason to belief that [the Soviets] would have blown [them] away," says Sherry Sontag, who co-wrote the 1998 book Blind Man's Bluff.

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Quickly, Captain John McNish makes a rather unconventional decision: to flood the sub. In a matter of seconds, the Halibut plops back down into the sea bottom's sandy muck. The divers scramble back into their decompression chamber (used toprevent the "bends") and an international crisis is avertedat least temporarily.

Days later and after the storm subsides, the Halibut finally emerges from its watery depths. The mission is a resounding success, and the sub is returning home with tapes of recorded Soviet Union voices discussing the secrets of a superpower. As W. Craig Reed wrote in his book Red November, it was like the U.S. placing "a glass against the Soviet Union's wall to hear their every word."

Photo credit: Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum

What Lies Beneath

This sub mission was one of several that made up the still-classified Operation Ivy Bells. It's not exactly a secret that the U.S. and USSR launched a silent intelligence war, one that lasted for decades and likely continues to this day, even after the fall of the Soviet Union. What made Operation Ivy Bells so unprecedented is the literal depths to which the U.S. government would go to spy on its Cold War rival.

According to Sontag's book, it was Captain James Bradley who first considered the possibility of an underwater wiretapping operation. A World War II and Vietnam War vet who had commanded ships in the heat of the battle, Bradley knew how to operate in close proximity to the enemy. In 1966, he became the undersea warfare director in the Office of Naval Intelligence, where he came up with the idea that forever shifted the Cold War in America's favor.

In 1968, Bradley devised and led a mission that sent the Halibut into the Pacific in search of the Soviet sub K-129, lost due to an internal explosion during a routine patrol. The Soviets' searched for months with little success, but they were missing an invaluable ally that aided the American quest: "the fish."

Built by Westinghouse Electric at an estimated cost of $5 million each, this was a two-ton underwater camera mounted inside a mini-sub, deployed while remaining tethered to the Halibut. The fish hovered just above the ocean floor taking pictures. "It was kinda like a sophisticated vacuum cleaner for your pool," Reed told Popular Mechanics.

While the covert mission to dredge up K-129 called Project Azorian was only a partial success, it proved the fish could capture images even in the dark waters of the ocean floor. But the Halibut and the fish's next mission would be much more complicatedand dangerous.

Bradley believed an unencrypted telephone line connected Petropavlovsk's submarine base (near the tip of Kamchatka peninsula) to Russia's mainland, likely running under the Sea of Okhotsk. Soviet cryptographers were notoriously backlogged and military officers needed fast communication between the Kremlin and Russia's most important naval base. So, Bradley theorized, the Soviet's solution was to deposit a communications line so deep underwater and close to Russia's shoreline that no one could access it.

Or so they thought.

Photo credit: U.S. Navy/Gary Flynn

The Challenges Aheadand Below

Three obstacles stood in Bradley's way. First, the search area needed to be significantly narrowed to have any chance of finding the cables in 611,200 square miles of water. According to legend, the solution came to Bradley one morning in his Pentagon office. Daydreaming about his boyhood spent on the Mississippi River, Bradley remembered that there were signs near the shorelines warning boaters not to anchor due to utility lines at the bottom of the river. He realized that if there were location signs like this in America, there surely would be in Russia as well.

He was absolutely right. When the Halibut moved into the Sea of Okhotsk, they scanned the Siberian coast and found warning signs dotting its northernmost half, telling fisherman to avoid particular areas.

"The Soviets weren't trying to hide (the cables)," says Sontag, "They had no idea we could get that close...that we could send divers walking on the bottom that deep...or that we had the technology to tap it. No one had conceived anything like this before."

Within days, the Navy had found what they'd been looking for. Next, they needed to figure out how divers were going to go and stay that deep underwater for the several hours needed to complete the wiretapping. The answer was helium. Since the late 1950s, Navy Captain George F. Bond had been developing new methods, techniques, and gases that would allow divers to go deeper and stay submerged for longer. While his infamous Sealab project was shut down after the death of a diver, Bond proved that certain gas mixes could work.

Photo credit: U.S. Navy/Eric Lippmann

We land mammals breathe in a cocktail of gases every day that is around 80 percent nitrogen and 20 percent oxygen, with a few other garnishes thrown in. When these gasses are compressed by water pressure, it causes nitrogen to build up in the blood. This can be an extremely dangerous condition for humans that can result in nitrogen narcosis or decompression sickness, a fatal embolism if the diver does not decompress properly while ascending. So instead, Ivy Bells substituted nitrogen for helium. Helium has a lower molecular weight than nitrogen and leaves human tissue more rapidly, making it perfect for a diving technique known as saturation diving.

With the search completed and the human element solved, the last complication involved the mechanics of the tap itself. To avoid shorting out the cable (and alarming the Soviets), the divers couldn't just open it up. Instead, the wiretap had to work through induction. The divers would need to place the tap by wrapping a connector around the comm line and then feed it into a three-foot-long reel-to-reel tape recorder.

The big technological problem wasn't pulling the signal out from the cable but separating the channels so someone could understand it. Running through that one cable was perhaps up to a dozen different lines, all with Soviet voices chattering away. As Reeds puts it, it was a "gargled cacophony" and nearly impossible to gather any real intelligence. For this reason, the first mission failed. "It was trial and error," says Reed, "When they first got the signals in, it was a mess."

But as the mission moved forward, the communication technicians jerry-rigged equipment that separated signals and drew out particular voices. Exactly what and how they did it remains a mystery as parts of Ivy Bells remains classified.

"These guys were the original makers... they were making it up as they went along," says Sontag regarding the operation's communication technicians. "No one else was doing underwater cable tapping. This was all brand new."

40 Years a Secret

Now retired, David LeJeune was a Navy saturation diver who participated in several later missions. Although he was unable to answer many questions, he says that the information that he and his fellow divers uncovered led to the successful completion of the SALT II talks, which was eventually signed in 1979 and restricted each country's nuclear delivery systems.

LeJeune also says the tech and gear they were using was cutting edge. "We were using technology that is so far advanced from the civilian community that the public doesn't know that capability even exists."

For a decade, the U.S. wiretapped this comm line at the bottom of the Sea of Okhotsk. The Halibut and other subs would venture into the Sea of Okhotsk a couple of times a year, picking up the tap and replacing it with a new and often more advanced one. It was an intelligence gold mine, consistently providing the U.S. with invaluable information.

"We didn't know... how much we were frightening (the Soviets)... until we listened to these tapes," says Sontag, "Very quickly, we pulled back from the brink. And this had a lot to do with it.... I think finding this information turned out to be the thing that let the Cold War end."

But in 1980, a former NSA employee named Ronald Peltonwalked into the Soviet Embassy in Washington D.C., and for $35,000, divulged the inner workings of Ivy Bells. With that, the operation abruptly endedor so it was claimed.

Over three decades later, this type of wiretapping is thought to be largely obsolete. Thanks to the digital age, there are far more efficient, easier, and less risky ways to spy on someone's comms. However, these types of underwater cables still exist and are of great importance. As the New York Times reported in 2015, there are continued fears that these cables could be cut, effectively halting communications across the globe.

But, even though this type of surveillance may be old fashioned, Reed thinks it's possibly still happening today. "Submarines absolutely still have the capability to do these kind of missions and there are personnel that are still trained on how to do these missions," says Reed. "Whether or not those missions are still underway, that would be considered classified."

Photo credit: Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum / Darryl L. Baker

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By Jeffrey Heller JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu resolved a dispute with his finance minister on Thursday over broadcast regulation, an issue that had put a strain on the governing coalition and fed speculation of an early election. Critics had accused Netanyahu of using the issue as a pretext for engineering an early national vote that could delay any peace moves under the new U.S. administration and also put off the his possible indictment over suspected corruption. But coalition partners and members of Netanyahu's own right-wing Likud party balked at the idea of an early ballot, and brokered talks with Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon. On March 18, Netanyahu cited concerns over job losses when he scrapped an agreement with Kahlon on setting up a new public broadcasting watchdog on April 30 intended to replace an existing authority widely seen as antiquated and inefficient. Netanyahu has met Kahlon - leader of the center-right Kulanu party - several times this week over the issue. Right-wing politicians close to Netanyahu said the prime minister had been concerned that two officials appointed to senior posts in the new watchdog leaned to the left and could spearhead critical coverage of the conservative leader. On Thursday, Netanyahu and Kahlon agreed a compromise, the prime minister's office said in a statement. It said the news division of the Israel Broadcasting Authority will be managed separately - an arrangement that could effectively ensure that those two officials would not oversee news coverage. A panel picked by a judge would appoint managers for the news division, David Bitan, a senior legislator from Netanyahu's Likud party, said on Israel Radio, and "there will be no political intervention". He said the restructured broadcaster, called Kann, would go on air in mid-May, some two weeks after its planned debut. Israel's attorney-general is widely expected to decide within weeks whether to indict Netanyahu, who was re-elected two years ago and has denied wrongdoing. Leveling charges during an election campaign could be seen as interfering in the process. Even if Netanyahu is charged, legal and political analysts say he could go on governing for a year or more since the process of confirming and approving charges can be drawn out. One of the investigations relates to conversations Netanyahu held with an Israeli newspaper publisher about limiting competition in the news sector in exchange for more positive coverage. The other involves the receipt of gifts from businessmen. Israel's next national election is due in November 2019. (Editing by Louise Ireland)
Berlin (AFP) - Britain should not expect a "UK rebate" from the EU in talks over its exit from the bloc, Germany's foreign minister said Thursday, in reference to a budget discount won by then-PM Margaret Thatcher.

The priority of the EU's remaining 27 member states would be to protect their social and economic interests, Sigmar Gabriel told German parliament, a day after British Prime Minister Theresa May launched the two-year negotiation process to quit the bloc.

"In all these, there will be no UK rebate," Gabriel stressed, in a reference to a reduction in Britain's contribution to the EU budget in place since 1985.

Thatcher had obtained the substantial rebate -- equivalent to two-thirds of Britain's net contribution in the previous year -- after threatening to halt payments to the bloc's budget.

With a potential row now building up over Britain's so-called "exit bill", estimated to be as much as 60 billion euros ($64 billion, A52 billion), Gabriel also reminded Britain that it is obliged to meet its financial commitments to the EU.

At the same time, Gabriel noted that the divorce settlement talks should not lead to a "totally hostile relationship" between the two sides.

"We must stay friends," he said.

As EU leaders squared up for tough negotiations, German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday rebuffed May's call for exit talks to run alongside negotiations on future ties between the EU and Britain.

French President Francois Hollande on Thursday presented a common front with Merkel, insisting that details about the UK's withdrawal had to be agreed on first.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  North Carolina's General Assembly passed a measure on Thursday to repeal the "bathroom bill" that has provoked an economic backlash since its hasty enactment a year ago. Republican leaders and Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper reached the deal despite strenuous objections from both social conservative and gay rights advocates. Here's a look at the details:

HOUSE BILL 2:

The compromise repeals House Bill 2, arguably making good on Cooper's campaign promise to get rid of the law signed by his predecessor, Republican Gov. Pat McCrory, after GOP leaders rushed it through the General Assembly last spring.

HB2 was quickly derided as a "bathroom bill," but reached far beyond public restrooms in North Carolina.

Because the state had no anti-discrimination law before then, HB2 created a new statewide policy prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, color, national origin or biological sex  while leaving lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people unprotected  in "public accommodations," which include restaurants, hotels and public bathrooms.

HB2 also prohibited any local government from providing additional anti-discrimination protections. This prevented an LGBT ordinance passed by the city of Charlotte from taking effect. The prohibition also banned cities from requiring private employers bidding for local contracts to provide any additional benefits, such as a higher minimum wage, to their workers.

THE COMPROMISE:

If Cooper signs the repeal bill, it would, for now, return North Carolina to more or less how it was before Charlotte passed its ordinance and the legislature responded with HB2.

The revised law repeals the state's directive for transgender people to only use public bathrooms and showers that match their birth gender. This requirement was never backed by criminal penalties or other teeth, but Thursday's change means transgressors would continue to be punished with the laws against trespassing, peeping and indecent exposure that were in effect before and after HB2.

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And some wording in the compromise bill appears even more sweeping than HB2 in prohibiting what local governments can require from the private sector.

The new law also makes more explicit than before that state legislators will make the rules on using bathrooms  not agencies, municipalities or universities. Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, declined to say whether lawmakers plan to quickly use this authority.

It also would impose a moratorium against local governments adopting or changing any ordinances regulating private employment or public accommodations. That means municipalities couldn't pass establish terms for car-hailing services like Uber, said Cathryn Oakley, a lawyer for the Human Rights Campaign in Washington.

The delay  until December 2020  could give time for multiple federal lawsuits over transgender issues to play out.

As for transgender people who need to use a bathroom, they are basically back where things started in North Carolina. Anybody who was born one gender and now identifies as the other can try to use whatever bathroom they want  at their own risk.

___

Kinnard reported from Columbia, South Carolina. Follow her at www.twitter.com/MegKinnardAP and Dalesio at www.twitter.com/emerydalesio
After a year-long battle, a federal judge ordered Novartis to turn over to the Department Justice documents containing details of allegedly 79,200 sham speaking events the drug maker used to encourage doctors to prescribe several blood pressure medicines.

The decision stems from a whistleblower lawsuit, which was initially filed six years ago by a former Novartis sales rep, contending the drug maker violated federal anti-kickback laws for nearly a decade. The Justice Department later joined the lawsuit, which alleged Novartis paid bribes to boost prescriptions and, as a result, caused federal health care programs to overpay for medicines.

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Washington (AFP) - The head of the Organization of American States denounced as a coup a move Thursday by Venezuela's Supreme Court to assume for itself the powers of the opposition-controlled National Assembly.

The Supreme Court's order on the National Assembly and another that stripped members of the assembly of parliamentary immunity are "the latest blows with which the regime subverts the constitutional order of the country and puts an end to democracy," said OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro.

The denunciation from the OAS comes after the Supreme Court seized legislative powers from Venezuela's opposition-majority National Assembly, whose speaker declared a "coup."

The high court, whose judges have staunchly backed leftist president Nicolas Maduro in a power struggle with the legislature, based its decision on an earlier ruling that the opposition majority was in contempt of court.

Political analysts had warned the ruling was a sharp authoritarian turn for the South American oil giant, where a crushing economic crisis has caused food shortages, riots and an epidemic of violent crime.

The ruling came a day after the OAS held a special meeting where 20 countries voiced concern about the situation in Venezuela, drawing a furious reaction from Maduro.
CANTON, Ohio (AP)  Ohio police say four people have been killed in a suspected domestic shooting at a home.

Canton Police Chief Bruce Lawver says it appears one of the dead may have been the shooter. He says the bodies of two men and two women were found Thursday afternoon in the northeastern Ohio city about 60 miles (97 kilometers) south of Cleveland.

Lawver says the shooting appears to be the result of a domestic situation.

Names of the victims haven't been released.
Yangon (AFP) - One year after Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party was sworn in as Myanmar's first elected government in half a century, opinions are mixed on its performance.

Many have a saint-like adoration for "The Lady", who championed a decades-long democracy struggle against the country's former military oppressors.

But after 12 months with dubious progress on economic reform and repressive legislation still on the books, some supporters are starting to lose patience.

Here are some views from Myanmar:

'Penis poet' Maung Saungkha

"I was imprisoned for six months for a poem," said the young writer who was arrested in 2015 for penning a satirical verse about having a tattoo of former junta-installed president Thein Sein on his penis.

"We understood that the previous (military-backed) government was a new form of junta... so when we attacked them, people supported us.

"But since the new government led by Aung San Suu Kyi took power, we can't say what we like. We can't point out issues or criticise Aung San Suu Kyi. If we did, people who support her online or outside would attack us."

Many activists have expressed acute concern about a spike in the number of online defamation prosecutions since the NLD came to power, with some cases filed by party members.

"The law can keep people silent," said Maung Saungkha. "This situation should not be acceptable in a democratic country. There is no democracy without freedom of expression and certainly we don't have that today."

Nay Phone Latt, NLD lawmaker in Yangon

The former free speech blogger, who spent years in jail for criticising the junta before being elected as an NLD lamaker in 2015, said the government needed to improve its communication with the public.

"Some problems and mismanagement happened because of the eagerness to change the country quickly," he said, pointing to the chaos caused by an ill-planned overhaul of Yangon's bus service and the uproar that greeted the government's decision to cut the 10-day Thingyan holiday in April.

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"Misunderstandings have arisen between the government and those people because decisions were made without proper explanation," he said.

"I would like the government to take this lesson from their first year.... Some people have had real problems."

Farmer and activist, Htet Htet Wai

Farmer Htet Htet Wai said the NLD has let down the rural voters who propelled them to power by failing to return land confiscated under the former junta.

"When the government won power, farmers were optimistic and hoped to get land back that had been taken from them," she said.

"But in reality, farmers have the same problems and difficulties as under the old government."

Rural workers turned out in droves to elect the NLD, which promised to return thousands of acres seized by the military and their cronies during the 1990s and 2000s.

But little has been done to help them over the past year and hundreds of farmers are now facing court in cases relating to land-grabbing.

"To make it worse, some NLD members are only furthering their own interests... We can see that they are working with the cronies," said Htet Htet Wai.

"No one stands up for the farmers, who know little about the world, so the farmers have lost their rights."

Ye Myat Min, CEO of tech firm 'nex'

"Generally I am quite happy with how things are progressing," said Ye Myat Min, who founded his technology firm in 2013.

"I understand that they (the NLD) need time. We can't reverse everything that went wrong in the last 20-30 years in five years, so we need to give them time."

Myanmar has one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia, with reforms under the previous army-backed government thrusting open a market that had withered under junta mismanagement and Western sanctions.

However its stellar run has slowed under Suu Kyi's administration while foreign investment is tipped to fall for the first time in four years.

"I think we're hopeful the NLD government will instill the right mindset and the right foundations for the next government... so the next government can really build on top of this solid, good foundation."
Khartoum (AFP) - More than 60,000 South Sudanese have entered Sudan in the first three months of 2017, the UN refugee agency said on Wednesday, fleeing famine and war in the world's youngest nation.

South Sudan, formed after splitting from the north in 2011, has declared a famine in parts of the country where 100,000 people are said to be facing starvation.

The UN refugee agency UNHCR was initially expecting 60,000 South Sudanese refugees to arrive in Sudan in the whole of 2017, but that figure has already been exceeded in the first three months.

"The number of new arrivals has surpassed expectations, signalling a likely worsening situation in South Sudan," it said in a statement.

UNHCR anticipates a continuous influx of South Sudanese refugees throughout this year, but is concerned about a drop in funding to meet their needs.

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More than 365,000 South Sudanese refugees, most of them women and children, have arrived in Sudan since December 2013.
CHICAGO (AP)  If sanctuary communities that refuse to cooperate with immigration authorities lose federal funds under President Donald Trump's executive order, their credit ratings aren't likely to change, a major rating agency concluded Thursday.

Standard & Poor's examined the financial health of over 100 cities and counties that have designated themselves sanctuaries, along with a snapshot of the 10 biggest U.S. cities. Its report said the types of federal grants that could be withheld make up tiny portions of the communities' budgets.

"Local governments would likely not experience significant budgetary pressure and all other things being equal, their credit quality would likely remain largely unchanged," according to the report.

Assessments by rating agencies are a strong fiscal measure for financial doubts municipalities may have, and S&P's findings appeared to weaken the Trump administration's warnings to sanctuary cities.

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Most federal funds are exempt from Trump's order, leaving discretionary grant programs. S&P reviewed grants from the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, believed to be the most likely candidates. Examples of grants at stake include those funding to help crime victims or pay for police body cameras.

There are an estimated 200 sanctuary cities and counties nationwide. They're generally defined as areas that limit cooperation with federal immigration agencies. S&P maintains ratings on 133 of them.

Its analysis of 10 sanctuary cities, including New York, Detroit and Seattle, showed that DHS and DOJ discretionary grants make up less than 1 percent of their total government funds revenue.

Story continues

The report also cast doubt over whether Trump has the authority to withhold funding, considering federal budget laws and legal precedent. The executive order already faces legal challenges, including a lawsuit filed this week in Seattle.

What could impact credit ratings is how states react, according to the report. For example, new laws could diminish funding more drastically to sanctuary cities.

Several states and communities have responded to Trump's order by either beefing up sanctuary laws or trying to punish areas that don't comply with federal law. Cities, including Chicago and New York, have publicly defied the order. Roughly a dozen states, including Kansas, are considering measures against sanctuary cities.

___

Follow Sophia Tareen on Twitter at https://twitter.com/sophiatareen.
HARRISBURG  Does Republican state senator and gubernatorial candidate Scott Wagner really think that the warmth of human bodies and movement of the earth are behind climate change?

His campaign manager, Jason High, said Thursday that Wagner, a York County businessman, doesn't know what causes global warming  that was "kind of the point" of remarks Wagner gave to an interviewer this week that are now rippling in political circles.

"He's not running to be the top scientist in the state," High said. "He's running for governor."

Talking about climate change, Wagner on Monday told WITF radio in Harrisburg: I havent been in a science class in a long time, but the earth moves closer to the sun every year  you know the rotation of the earth ... Were moving closer to the sun.

We have more people," he continued. "You know, humans have warm bodies. So is heat coming off?

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The Pennsylvania Democratic Party emailed out a list of headlines about the interview, such as this one from the Huffington Post: "Badly Misinformed Lawmaker Thinks Our Warm Bodies May Be Causing Climate Change."

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Stepping up its crackdown on Greek life, Pennsylvania State University Thursday announced a new round of restrictions on its fraternities and sororities, including a substantial reduction in the allowed number of parties and an unprecedented permanent ban of one frat where a student died earlier this year and a criminal investigation continues.

Given the severity of the problems, Damon Sims, vice president for students affairs, said the university considered a total shutdown of the Greek life system at the 46,00-student University Park campus  and said some have urged us to go in that direction.

But university leaders, he said, decided against the nuclear option because of all the good that the fraternities and sororities do, including philanthropy and community service.

Most importantly, I think they give students a sense of belonging, which I think is very important when you come to a university as large as Penn State, he said.

But Sims left no doubt that Greek life at Penn State, home to 82 fraternities and sororities, was about to undergo an overhaul. University officials said they no longer will rely on the student-run governance system of Greek life  its Interfraternity and Panhellenic councils  to enforce rules.

Today, Penn State is drawing a line and imposing critical changes, Sims said. Enough is enough.

The university last month banned alcohol at all fraternity parties for the semester and instituted a minimum five-year ban on Beta Theta Pi where Timothy Piazza, 19, a sophomore engineering major from Lebanon, N.J., fell down a stairwell while intoxicated and died. Members of the frat didnt call for help until 12 hours later.

But on Thursday, Sims said the university - perhaps for the first time in its history - will institute a permanent ban on Beta Theta after a university investigation found rampant forced drinking, hazing and other illegal activity. One member of the group was arrested and charged with selling illegal drugs, he said.

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The university's investigation has produced deeply disturbing evidence showing that Beta Theta Pi fell far short of its professed policies and values," Sims said. Despite its notable history at Penn State, (the frat) merits no continuing place in our community."

The problems, he said, are not limited to Beta Theta Pi. The Greek system at Penn State, to which 18 percent or 7,468 undergraduates belong, has widespread problems, most notably underage drinking, university officials have found. Its members are four times more likely than the general student population to be heavy drinkers, Sims said. Sorority women are 50 percent more likely than other female students to be sexually assaulted. And fraternity men are 62 percent more likely to commit a sexual assault than non-fraternity men.

Sims said student leaders who oversee fraternities and sororities were quite surprised if not stunned when he told them earlier this morning that each group would be permitted to hold no more than 10 parties or socials with alcohol per semester, a walloping decrease from the current limit of 45.

I made it as clear as I could that that is not negotiable, he said.

Recruitment of new members, known as rush, no longer will be permitted first semester freshman year and can only occur second semester if students have completed 12 credits.

The university will consider delaying rush until sophomore year for 2018-19, which a good number of universities already do.

But Sims noted that all of its peer schools in the Big Ten conference allow membership to begin freshman year.

The university also will continue to prohibit underage drinking at the events and a ban on kegs. No day-long events will be allowed. The regulations will be enforced under a new monitoring protocol that will include third parties and a combination of student leadership and university staff, Sims said.

When discovered, any violations of these expectations will result in appropriate and significant disciplinary action, Sims said.

Other action could be coming, Sims said, including more staff and new leadership for the office of fraternity and sorority life, staff in frat houses and a publication of a report card on the groups.

Penn State in September 2015 established a task force to look into Greek life on its campus after allegations that Kappa Delta Rho members posted pictures of nude and partially nude women - some of whom appeared to be sleeping or passed out - on private Facebook pages.

Stepping up its crackdown on Greek life, Pennsylvania State University Thursday announced a new round of restrictions on its fraternities and sororities, including a substantial reduction in the allowed number of parties and an unprecedented permanent ban of one frat where a student died earlier this year and a criminal investigation continues.

Given the severity of the problems, Damon Sims, vice president for students affairs, said the university considered a total shutdown of the Greek life system at the 46,00-student University Park campus  and said some have urged us to go in that direction.

But university leaders, he said, decided against the nuclear option because of all the good that the fraternities and sororities do, including philanthropy and community service.

Most importantly, I think they give students a sense of belonging, which I think is very important when you come to a university as large as Penn State, he said.

But Sims left no doubt that Greek life at Penn State, home to 82 fraternities and sororities, was about to undergo an overhaul. University officials said they no longer will rely on the student-run governance system of Greek life  its Interfraternity and Panhellenic councils  to enforce rules.

Today, Penn State is drawing a line and imposing critical changes, Sims said. Enough is enough.

The university last month banned alcohol at all fraternity parties for the semester and instituted a minimum five-year ban on Beta Theta Pi where Timothy Piazza, 19, a sophomore engineering major from Lebanon, N.J., fell down a stairwell while intoxicated and died. Members of the frat didnt call for help until 12 hours later.

But on Thursday, Sims said the university - perhaps for the first time in its history - will institute a permanent ban on Beta Theta after a university investigation found rampant forced drinking, hazing and other illegal activity. One member of the group was arrested and charged with selling illegal drugs, he said.

The university's investigation has produced deeply disturbing evidence showing that Beta Theta Pi fell far short of its professed policies and values," Sims said. Despite its notable history at Penn State, (the frat) merits no continuing place in our community."

The problems, he said, are not limited to Beta Theta Pi. The Greek system at Penn State, to which 18 percent or 7,468 undergraduates belong, has widespread problems, most notably underage drinking, university officials have found. Its members are four times more likely than the general student population to be heavy drinkers, Sims said. Sorority women are 50 percent more likely than other female students to be sexually assaulted. And fraternity men are 62 percent more likely to commit a sexual assault than non-fraternity men.

Sims said student leaders who oversee fraternities and sororities were quite surprised if not stunned when he told them earlier this morning that each group would be permitted to hold no more than 10 parties or socials with alcohol per semester, a walloping decrease from the current limit of 45.

I made it as clear as I could that that is not negotiable, he said.

Recruitment of new members, known as rush, no longer will be permitted first semester freshman year and can only occur second semester if students have completed 12 credits.

The university will consider delaying rush until sophomore year for 2018-19, which a good number of universities already do.

But Sims noted that all of its peer schools in the Big Ten conference allow membership to begin freshman year.

The university also will continue to prohibit underage drinking at the events and a ban on kegs. No day-long events will be allowed. The regulations will be enforced under a new monitoring protocol that will include third parties and a combination of student leadership and university staff, Sims said.

When discovered, any violations of these expectations will result in appropriate and significant disciplinary action, Sims said.

Other action could be coming, Sims said, including more staff and new leadership for the office of fraternity and sorority life, staff in frat houses and a publication of a report card on the groups.

Penn State in September 2015 established a task force to look into Greek life on its campus after allegations that Kappa Delta Rho members posted pictures of nude and partially nude women - some of whom appeared to be sleeping or passed out - on private Facebook pages.

But Sims said that the task forces work wasnt leading to any meaningful change and university officials decided to initiate much stronger action.

There was nothing as plain or strong out of the task force, he said, which included some students and alumni.

Universities around the country have struggled with how best to monitor and enforce rules within their fraternity systems. The groups are private associations and often live in off campus housing, but universities have the hammer of official recognition, which allows the groups to hold events and recruit on campus.

Our ability to influence outcomes among these young adults is profoundly limited, yet the university's recognition is vital to all of these organizations, and their success as safe, healthy, constructive and sustainable enterprises, is equally important to us, Sims said.



At Penn State, the former Beta Theta Pi house is privately owned and on private property. Thirty-nine members had lived in the house before the university announced its previous five-year ban. The university offered each of the members Penn State housing for the rest of the semester.

But Sims said that the task forces work wasnt leading to any meaningful change and university officials decided to initiate much stronger action.

There was nothing as plain or strong out of the task force, he said, which included some students and alumni.

Universities around the country have struggled with how best to monitor and enforce rules within their fraternity systems. The groups are private associations and often live in off campus housing, but universities have the hammer of official recognition, which allows the groups to hold events and recruit on campus.

Our ability to influence outcomes among these young adults is profoundly limited, yet the university's recognition is vital to all of these organizations, and their success as safe, healthy, constructive and sustainable enterprises, is equally important to us, Sims said.



At Penn State, the former Beta Theta Pi house is privately owned and on private property. Thirty-nine members had lived in the house before the university announced its previous five-year ban. The university offered each of the members Penn State housing for the rest of the semester.

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Noble County Republican Chair Randy Kirkpatrick is one of Indianas 11 electoral members and will cast his vote for President-Elect Donald Trump at a ceremony Dec. 19 at the Indiana Statehouse.
LIMA (Reuters) - Peru said on Thursday that it was recalling its ambassador to Venezuela and condemned the recent decision by Venezuela's Supreme Court to take over the functions of Congress as a "flagrant breach of democratic order." Peru's Foreign Affairs Ministry added in a statement that it has started consultations with other members of the Organization of American States to discuss urgent measures to preserve democracy in Venezuela. The pro-government court in Venezuela, which has previously annulled most of the legislature's decisions since the opposition won a majority in 2015, said late on Wednesday that it was taking over congressional functions. "Latin America is democratic. It's unacceptable what's happening in Venezuela," Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski said on Twitter. Kuczynski, a former Wall Street banker, has repeatedly expressed concern for Venezuelans amid the country's relentless economic crisis and has criticized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro for cracking down on political opponents. Maduro has called Kuczynski a "coward" and a "dog" servile to the United States. (Reporting by Teresa Cespedes; Editing by Dan Grebler and Alistair Bell)
State-owned Chinese energy giant PetroChina on Thursday announced it slumped to a record-low profit for 2016 as global oil price weakness slashed earnings by 78 percent.

Net profit fell to 7.86 billion yuan ($1.1 billion), the Beijing-based company said in a statement to the Hong Kong stock exchange, where it lists shares.

Bloomberg News reported that the profit figure was a record-low for PetroChina, the country's biggest oil producer.

Citing a "complicated and severe domestic and international economic environment," PetroChina blamed the result on depressed prices of crude oil and natural gas and a "severe" oversupply of refined products due to slower demand as China's economic growth moderates.

PetroChina said it was cautiously optimistic for 2017, if the global economy can recover.

"As the global oil market gradually tends to be balanced, the international oil price is likely to rebound, but may still involve relatively great uncertainty," the company statement said.

Tian Miao, a Beijing-based analyst at North Square Blue Oak Ltd., told Bloomberg News that profit was "badly hit by the oil price crash last year".

"We're expecting better results from the company this year with the rebound in international crude prices."

PetroChina's Hong Kong-listed shares closed 0.2 percent higher at HK$5.76 on Thursday before the earnings statement.

Earlier this week, state-owned Chinese energy major Sinopec said its 2016 net profit jumped 44 percent to 46.7 billion yuan ($6.8 billion), its first annual profit rise in three years.

It said strong demand and better margins in its downstream refining business helped offset low oil prices.

Sinopec, Asias biggest refiner, had previously seen profits dive around 30 percent in both 2015 and 2014.
With monumental landmarks, world-class museums and cutting-edge food, fashion and art scenes, the Eternal City is a must-visit destination for any world traveler. From the Colosseum to the Roman Forum to the Vatican, Rome brims with historical attractions and UNESCO World Heritage sites. But while there's plenty to see and do once you arrive, visiting Rome requires plenty of determination to make sure any stay -- be it a weekend getaway, a weeklong jaunt or a longer adventure -- fully encapsulates its splendor.

[See: 10 Beautiful Underrated Places in Italy.]

For Americans on a tight budget, a top hurdle for organizing a quick weekend trip to Rome is snagging affordable international plane tickets. Unless you live in a major hub such as New York City or Atlanta, there are few direct flights to Rome. If you want to trim costs, consider flying with Alitalia, Italy's flag carrier, which recently unveiled no-frills low-cost fares on flight to the U.S. to compete with legacy airlines such as Delta, United and British Airways. Aside from flying with a budget carrier to trim transportation costs, there are a variety of other tactics to pull off an affordable and unforgettable trip.

Here's how to make the most of your next Roman holiday.

Where to Stay

For a stay to remember, consider retreating to the Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria, which is set high in the hills of a residential community near Piazza Barberini and is home to La Pergola, the only three Michelin-starred restaurant in Italy. Helmed by the acclaimed executive chef Heinz Beck, La Pergola offers gourmet seven- and 10-course menus with delicious bites such as smoked scallop tartare and cod with celery sauce and curry crust. Relax in the hotel's luxurious atmosphere, complete with soaring ceilings, marble furniture and velvet accents. If you're looking to splurge, consider shelling out for the penthouse suite, which boasts sweeping city views from its private Jacuzzi.

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If you would rather stay in a boutique hotel, consider retreating to the 30-room J.K. Place Roma. Located in the heart of Rome's fashion district, just steps off of Via Condotti, the property is a 30-minute walk away from top attractions such as the Colosseum and the Vatican, and a quick 10-minute stroll away from the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and the Parthenon.

If you're looking for a more cost-effective alternative, consider retreating to the Le Meridien Visconte Rome. Situated near the Villa Borghesa as well as the Vatican, this Le Meridien outpost has transformed itself into a modern hotel with a variety of creature comforts (think: complimentary Wi-Fi access, minibars and access to a fitness center and a rooftop pool terrace ), with nightly rates starting at around 200 euros.

[See: 12 Great Destinations in Europe You Can Afford.]

Where to Eat

With a cutting-edge culinary scene, Rome has no shortage of classic trattorias and avant-garde eateries. If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, enjoy top-notch gelato at Giolitti, the oldest ice cream parlor in Rome that was founded in 1890 by Giuseppe and Bernardine Giolitti. While there are two Giolitti locations, make sure to make your way to the original outpost on via Uffici del Vicario, which is conveniently situated near the Pantheon.

For dinner, Osteria delle Coppelle offers delicious staples such as fresh ricotta with honey and carbonara and grated truffles at an affordable price, and is located in Piazza delle Coppelle, a historic Roman square. For an elevated dining experience, reserve a table at the Michelin-starred Il Convivio Troiani, helmed by executive chef Angelo Troiani. Located near Piazza Navona, the restaurant features innovative twists on classic dishes, such as spaghetti carbonara and risotto with hazelnut, oyster sauce and pepper. Plus, all dishes are sourced and prepared with organic materials.

[See: 10 Money-Saving European Travel Tricks.]

What to Do

When it comes to can't-miss sites in Rome, you can't miss visiting legendary attractions such as the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. To maximize your time in Italy, make sure to buy tickets in advance to get into the Vatican (without tickets, the line can take more than two hours). And its best to take in the the Spanish Steps in the early morning before the crowds arrive. Also keep in mind, the Trevi Foundation is best seen at night when the crowds start to dwindle and bright lights illuminate the iconic baroque fountain.

Sery Kim, trained as an attorney at The University of Texas at Austin School of Law, has written for U.S. News Travel since 2015. Additionally, she currently appears on-air each month for ABC and FOX while writing stories for several publications including the prestigious Travel and Leisure Magazine, Food and Wine Magazine, Forbes Travel Guide, Manifesto's Brand USA and Brand America, as well as Washington Life Magazine, Business Traveler USA and Fairmont Raffles Swisshotel Magazine. Recently, Sery also began writing for Fox News National Travel, as well as Town and Country Magazine and Washingtonian Magazine. You can find out more information about Sery on her personal blog www.AdventuresInSery.com.
WARSAW, Poland (AP)  Poles, who have settled in large numbers in Britain in recent years, expressed confusion and apprehension as Britain formally triggered the process to leave the European Union.

They rue being cut off from Europe's most attractive job market, while some even fear that weakened European unity leaves them more vulnerable to a belligerent Russia.

"It makes me very sad," said Anna Koziolek, 51, a Warsaw airport employee who traveled to Britain to visit friends on Wednesday, the day that Britain officially launched the exit process.

Brexit means "a closed path to a better life," she said before boarding. "It will be harder to travel to work there. Everything will be harder. Finding work will be harder. What we earn here is not enough for a decent life. We need to work abroad."

Seeing her off at the airport was her husband, Adam Koziolek, 53, who also worries that Poland "will be poorer" because the EU will lose the financial support of a rich Western contributor. Those EU subsidies have fueled dramatic economic development in Poland in recent years.

To be sure, some people in the proud Central European nation sympathize with Britain's decision to restore greater national sovereignty, a priority for Poland's own nationalist government.

But it appears that most Poles have little to celebrate. After decades behind the Iron Curtain, they eagerly seized the chance to emigrate for work or study when they joined the bloc in 2004. No country drew more Poles than the U.K., which beckoned with jobs aplenty and much higher wages than most could ever dream of earning at home. Young Poles often speak English and also adapt quickly to life in Britain.

Experts estimate that there are anywhere from 850,000 to somewhere over 1 million Poles living in Britain  people who have built families, homes and new lives and feel little desire to return home.

Many of their relatives back in Poland have also come to depend on financial help sent from abroad.

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"I think that current levels of uncertainty and anxiety connected to this are very high, much higher than even the biggest pessimists could have expected," said Jacek Kucharczyk, the director of the Institute of Public Affairs, a think tank in Warsaw. "This is related to the fact that the British government treats EU citizens, including Poles, as a bargaining card in the negotiations with the EU."

Prime Minister Theresa May rebuffed pressures in Britain to guarantee before negotiations that all EU citizens could remain.

Until those negotiations are concluded  the target is 2019  no doors will be closed to citizens of other EU countries. But after that?

Amid the uncertainty, officials from De Montefort University in Leicester were in Warsaw on Wednesday to reassure upcoming Polish students that the university will continue to welcome them despite Brexit, making available the same loans, grants and fee levels as before.

"I have basically been reassuring them that our country is still open for business," the university's vice-chancellor, Dominic Shellard, told The Associated Press after delivering that message to dozens of young Poles who will begin attending the school in the fall.

Students interviewed by the AP said that message of openness made them feel welcome  in contrast to the punch in the gut they felt when Britain voted last year to leave the EU.

"Many of our classmates came to school crying," said Malgorzata Swiderska, an 18-year-old from Lodz, recalling that day in late June. She said they feared they would never be able to study in Britain and felt "unwanted."

Another student, Wojciech Choinski, also 18 and from Lodz, said the prospect of Brexit actually gave him greater impetus to study there.

"This thought at the back of my head  that this opportunity can be lost in two years' time  it pushed me toward my goals to study in the U.K., to visit this country that I've always wanted to visit," Choinski said. "That just really gave me the kick to go there."

___

Monika Scislowska contributed to this report.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  Investigators had a key clue in the 2011 South Carolina killings of a mother and her 3-year-old daughter  a partial palm print in the girl's blood. But it took six years of advances in crime solving technology to finally match that print to a suspect in the cold-case killings.

Columbia police flew across the county to arrest Kenneth Canzater Jr. near his home in Perris, California, and charge him with murder, Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook said Thursday.

Canzater had been a suspect since shortly after the killings. A DNA test put him among several people who could neither be put at the crime scene nor ruled out. Technology from several years ago had him as one of four possible matches among the 200 people investigators were checking out in the killings of 25-year-old Candra Alston and her 3-year-old daughter Malaysia Boykin, Holbrook said.

The palm print was run through a more sophisticated test in February, and it was a match, Holbrook said.

South Carolina authorities are fighting to extradite Canzater. He has been at a jail in Riverside County, California, since his March 23 arrest. Officials didn't know if he had a lawyer.

Canzater was living in South Carolina and was friends with Alston when she was killed, Holbrook said.

Authorities said Alston was shot in the head and her daughter was killed with a knife in what Richland County Coroner Gary Watts said was one of the most brutal crime scenes he has dealt with in more than 30 years of investigations.

Holbrook wouldn't speculate on why Alston and her daughter were killed or go into details about the savageness of the slayings.

"Based on the nature of death, it certainly seems to be someone you would characterize as enraged. It was a very serious and gruesome crime scene," the police chief said.

Nearly a dozen family members listened as Holbrook announced the arrest to reporters. One woman cried "he killed her" several times, while another man as soon as Holbrook finished speaking walked up to an easel where Canzater's mugshot was placed and threw the blown up picture to the ground.

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Family friend Sharon Williams thanked investigators for never giving up on the case even when the evidence to fully solve it appeared like it would never come.

"This family can sleep well tonight," she said.

___

Follow Jeffrey Collins on Twitter at http://twitter.com/JSCollinsAP . His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/jeffrey-collins .
Pressure built Wednesday for an independent select committee to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election with Republicans objecting to House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes handling of the issue.

Rep. Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla., called for an independent investigation just a day after Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C., urged Nunes to recuse himself because of his announcement last week that he had a source with evidence of inadvertent surveillance on Trump transition officials. After the announcement, Nunes headed for the White House to brief the president.

Read: Dirty Trickster Roger Stone Denies Collusion With Moscow

Senate Republicans John McCain of Arizona and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina also have called on Nunes, R-Calif., to step aside as have leading Democrats, including Rep. Adam Schiff of California, the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York.

Curbelo told the Hill an independent commission would give any congressional investigation greater credibility and independence.

"I dont think you need a special prosecutor or anything like that, but a select committee in the Congress that is independent, that doesnt respond to the leadership in either party, to dig into all these issues and get to the truth ... both sides want to know how we got to this point, Curbelo said. Lets empower Republicans and Democrats in the Congress to seek out those answers.

Read: Rep. Adam Schiff Says Evidence Of Collusion More Than Circumstantial

Jones criticized Nunes for briefing the White House.

"How can you be chairman of a major committee and do all these things behind the scenes and keep your credibility? You can't keep your credibility," Jones told the Hill Tuesday. If anything has shown that we need a commission, this has done it by the way he has acted. That's the only way you can bring integrity to the process. The integrity of the committee looking into this has been tainted."

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Nunes has yet to reveal the evidence to which he alluded last week or who gave it to him, nor has he briefed other committee members. He canceled a hearing this week at which former acting Attorney General Sally Yates was supposed to testify about the investigation into former national security adviser Mike Flynns contacts with Russian operatives, ostensibly at the White Houses request although White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Tuesday the administration wants Yates to testify.

The White House  took no action that prevented Ms. Yates from testifying, Spicer told reporters.

President Donald Trump Monday attempted to deflect attention from the Russian investigation and whether his campaign and transition teams colluded with Russian operatives by tweeting the intelligence committees should be investigating former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, his opponent in the 2016 presidential race, and former President Bill Clinton.

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MEXICO CITY (AP)  Mexico's Roman Catholic council of bishops said Thursday that a priest kidnapped in the Gulf coast city of Tampico had been released unharmed.

The council identified the priest as Rev. Oscar Lopez Navarro, from the Tampico diocese. He was kidnapped late Tuesday.

Tampico Bishop Jose Luis Dibildox had said the kidnappers indicated they would negotiate for his release, apparently in exchange for a ransom. But the bishop's council did not say whether any ransom was paid.

"We are pleased to hear of his release, we mourn the way our society is being affected by violence," the council said.

On Monday, a priest was shot to death in the Pacific coast state of Nayarit. In 2016, two priests were found shot to death in Veracruz state and another priest was killed in the western state of Michoacan.

An estimated 32 priests have been slain in Mexico since 2006.
BUCHAREST, Romania (AP)  Britain's Prince Charles joined in a traditional folk dance Thursday during a visit to Romania, the first stop in a three-nation trip seen as an effort to reassure European Union nations that Britain remains a close ally.

The prince's nine-day tour is designed to "highlight the U.K.'s relationship with European partners" in areas such as military ties and combating human trafficking, according to his official website.

Britain formally triggered two years of negotiations to leave the EU on Wednesday.

Romania's ambassador to Britain, Dan Mihalache, said Romanians were concerned about their future status after Britain formally leaves the bloc. He estimated there are up to half a million Romanians living in Britain many more than the 190,000 officially registered there.

"We don't have a formula, we have many varieties; that's what I've heard from British officials," Mihalache said. "Probably during the negotiations, a formula will be defined."

He said the embassy has advised Romanians to get a resident's permit and to make sure they were working on a legal contract.

Meanwhile, Charles visited an open air museum in Bucharest that features rural houses from Romania's different regions. He joined women and girls dressed in embroidered peasant blouses in a traditional jig known as the "hora" and watched craftsmen painting eggs and religious icons on stone and wood.

Charles is enamored of Romania's rural traditions and owns two properties in the northwest Transylvania region, which he visits every year. He even boasts of sharing common lineage with Vlad the Impaler, the 15th century Romanian prince who was the inspiration for the Dracula character.

The heir to the British throne later visited the Vacaresti wetland park, which was developed from a project initiated by late Communist leader Nicolae Ceausescu in 1986 to connect Bucharest to the River Danube, 60 kilometers (40 miles) south of the city.

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The project was abandoned after communism ended in 1989.

He also met Patriarch Daniel, who heads the Romanian Orthodox Church to which more than 85 percent of Romanians belong. He earlier met Romanian Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu.

The next stop on Charles tour' is Italy, where he plans to meet up with his wife, Camilla. After that, the royal couple will head to Austria.
By Andrius Sytas VILNIUS (Reuters) - A professor said on Thursday he had found a copy of Lithuania's lost declaration of independence languishing in a German archive, an achievement hailed by authorities as the discovery of the nation's "birth certificate". Liudas Mazylis, political science professor at Lithuania's Vytautas Magnus University, told Reuters his find on Wednesday was the culmination of an eight-month search, funded by himself. The discovery of the 1918 document, a year short of its centenary, triggered celebrations in the Baltic state. Lithuania was already planning to mark the 100th anniversary, keen to assert its independence in the face of what it sees as renewed aggression from its neighbor Russia. Memories are still fresh of Lithuania's emergence from Soviet occupation in the 1990s. Lithuania's President Dalia Grybauskaite said she had asked Germany to send the document back, and was confident Berlin would comply. "We now have the best gift, the best monument to our centenary", Grybauskaite said. Germany's foreign ministry said it had confirmed the identity of the document uncovered in its own archives by the Lithuanian professor. "What a great find! This is perfect news for our Lithuanian friends. We celebrate together with them," it said in a statement that did not mention a return. Lithuania traces its modern statehood to the independence declaration signed on Feb. 16, 1918, but it lost track of all copies as turmoil and fighting engulfed the region after the end of World War I. The Lithuanian state was announced with the approval of Germany, whose army controlled the territory at the time, following a successful offensive against the Russian Empire in 1915. "I was driven by an excitement of the possibility of finding such an important document, which was lost for so long," Mazylis told Reuters. "We found our birth certificate", Lithuania's ambassador to Germany Deividas Matulionis said. "The historians always thought that at least three copies of the declaration were signed, with two of them meant for Russian and German governments", he added. Lithuanian business group MG Baltic last month offered a one-million-euro ($1.07-million) reward for the discovery of the document. The group's owner, Darius Mockus, told LRT television he would pay out once the document was delivered to Lithuania. (This version of the story was refiled to add dropped words in first paragraph) (Reporting By Andrius Sytas; Editing by Daniel Dickson and Andrew Heavens)
By Katharine Houreld NAIROBI (Reuters) - One of Kenya's most prominent conservationists said on Thursday she was repeatedly shot at when she ran to her baby as armed men set fire to a lodge near her home in the drought-striken north, where such attacks are becoming increasingly frequent. Residents say politicians hoping to win votes in an August election are encouraging herdsmen desperate for grazing to bring tens of thousands of cattle into the area. "Yesterday evening our operations buildings and our house came under direct gunfire from armed men," Sveva Gallmann said in a statement released after Wednesday night's attack. "My nine-month-old daughter was in the house with her carers and I was shot at three times as I ran between the buildings to get to her." The Gallmann family own the 100,000-acre (400 square kilometer) Laikipia Nature Conservancy and employ 250 Kenyans on the luxury lodges, ranch, and other businesses on the land. This month, the government announced it would send troops to the area after herdsmen shot dead a British military veteran who ran a safari company in Kenya when he went to inspect a friend's house that had been burnt down. Kenya has a history of ethnic clashes and political violence. The last election, in 2013, passed relatively peacefully but more than 1,200 people were killed following a disputed poll in 2007. (Editing by Louise Ireland)
CRANBURY, N.J. (AP)  A body has been removed from a New Jersey highway service area where authorities say a state police officer fatally shot a man during an investigation.

The attorney general's office says the shooting happened Thursday afternoon at the Molly Pitcher service area on the New Jersey Turnpike in Cranbury.

No police officers were hurt in the shooting. The man who was shot was declared dead at the scene.

The body was removed Thursday night.

Video footage from news helicopters over the scene showed a pickup truck smashed into barriers on the side of the service road leading to the rest area.
Moscow (AFP) - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday denounced the scandals over Donald Trump's ties to Moscow, adding that he would be happy to meet with his US counterpart this year.

Speaking at an international forum on the Arctic organised by Russia in the northern city of Arkhangelsk, Putin once again denied any Kremlin involvement in the US election last year, slamming the recent accusations as "absurd" and "irresponsible."

"We are just waiting for when the situation improves," Putin said in televised comments. "When it's over, I hope we decide on holding a meeting" with Trump.

Putin said he would be keen for their first face-to-face talks to happen at the G20 summit in July or earlier, for example at a summit Finland may host after becoming chair of the Arctic Council intergovernmental forum in May.

"Such events should be prepared by both sides. If it happens, then we would be glad, I would be glad, to take part in this event," Putin said at the forum, which Finnish President Sauli Niinisto is also attending.

"If not, then such a meeting could take place within the framework of the usual meetings, at the G20," Putin added.

The G20 summit of world powers is set to convene in the northern German city of Hamburg in early July and both US and Russian leaders are expected to attend.

"We see the US as a great country with which we want to have a good partnership. Everything else is lies, inventions and provocations" used by "some political forces in the US... to strengthen their position," said Putin.

He slammed the scrutiny of the Russian ambassador to the US, Sergey Kislyak, whose meetings with Trump's associates figure in several congressional investigations into possible election meddling by Moscow.

"I can see the US ambassador (to Russia John Tefft) is sitting here... He is communicating with everyone," Putin told the audience at the forum.

"Meanwhile the contacts of our envoy are being limited, his every meeting is met with hostility as some kind of spy stunt," Putin said, insisting that Kislyak is simply doing his job.

Story continues

"What else is he there for?"

- 'What do we want?' -

US intelligence has accused Moscow of waging a broad-ranging campaign to help Trump win the election. This has led to investigations in the Senate and House of Representatives as well as an FBI probe into the Trump campaign's ties with Russia.

Trump's son-in-law and top aide Jared Kushner is to face a congressional panel over his contacts with Russian state bank executives last year that Moscow has dismissed as "normal business" for the banks.

Putin on Thursday said the Russia allegations are used as a way to prevent Trump from implementing his policies and accused the forces behind them as irresponsible.

"We can see what is happening, the president is being prevented from carrying out his policies," Putin said of Trump.

"It's not in the interests of the majority of American people to take US-Russian relations to the point of absurdity," Putin said.

"What do we want? To completely end all relations? They are already almost at zero."

"What do we want? To completely break off diplomatic relations? To take the situation to the 1960s, to the Cuban missile crisis?" Putin questioned.

"And then what? People who are this irresponsible, where are they leading us all?" Putin asked, without accusing anyone in particular.

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Moscow (AFP) - Russsian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday insisted that participants in unauthorised protests must be punished after anti-corruption rallies across the country at the weekend ended in mass arrests.

"During political activities everyone must act within the framework of the law," Putin said Thursday in comments broadcast from an Arctic forum held in the northern Russian city of Arkhangelsk.

"Those who go outside the law must be punished in accordance with Russian legislation."

More than 1,000 people were arrested in Moscow on Sunday during an anti-corruption protest, one of the largest unauthorised rallies to take place during Putin's 17 years in power as president or prime minister.

Opposition leader Alexei Navalny -- who has announced plans to run for president next year -- called for Russians to take to the streets after he published a report accusing Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev of controlling a property empire through a murky network of non-profit organisations.

Navalny was fined for having organised an unauthorised rally and sentenced to 15 days in prison for his alleged insubordination to police.

A Moscow court on Thursday rejected Navalny's appeal and ordered him to serve his sentence in full. Navalny was brought into court handcuffed to a policeman in an unusually harsh procedure.

Navalny's lawyer Olga Mikhailova said her client's detention was "politically motivated" and insisted that video footage from his arrest debunked the testimony of policemen.

Although he did not name Navalny, Putin on Thursday accused "someone, some political forces" of trying to advance "selfish interests" and engaging in "self-promotion in the political arena ahead of some political events including electoral campaigns within the country."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday that Russians' "civic stance" would be respected as long as it was expressed legally, branding Sunday's peaceful protests "a provocation and a lie."

Demonstrations took place not only in Moscow and the second-largest city Saint Petersburg, but also in a number of provincial cities where protests are rarely seen. or-gtf/am/boc
ARKHANGELSK, Russia (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Western criticism of how Russia had handled anti-government protesters at the weekend was a politically-motivated attempt to interfere in his country's domestic affairs. Speaking at an Arctic forum in northern Russia, Putin, who is expected to seek a fourth presidential term next year, also said his political opponents were trying to channel public discontent about corruption for their own "mercenary" needs. "We know well that this tool was used at the start of the so-called Arab Spring, what this led to, and what bloodshed happened in the region," Putin said, in his first comments on the weekend street protests. Thousands of people took part in anti-corruption rallies across Russia on Sunday and dozens of them were arrested or fined. The United States and the European Union called on the Russian authorities to free detainees. Putin condemned their calls on Thursday. "Such appeals to Russia are purely political aimed at applying pressure on the country's domestic political life," he said. "Everybody should abide by the law and everyone who breaks the law should be punished in accordance with Russian legislation." The authorities refused to grant protesters formal permission to hold their rallies in most cities meaning that the demonstrations were, in their eyes, illegal. Opposition activists disagreed however and cited the Russian constitution which they said gives people the right to gather peacefully without the authorities' approval. (Reporting by Oksana Kobzeva and Nastya Lyrchikova; Writing by Maria Tsvetkova; Editing by Vladimir Soldatkin/Andrew Osborn)
Madrid (AFP) - Vladimir Putin is cozying up to the far-right to divide Europe, the European Commission's Vice President Frans Timmermans said Thursday, a week after France's Marine Le Pen met with the Russian leader.

Le Pen, France's far-right presidential candidate who has called for closer ties with Putin, met him in Moscow last week just a month before the first round of the election there, with the Russian president stressing that the Kremlin does not meddle in her country's politics.

But Russia has offered praise for rightwing and eurosceptic politicians in Europe -- with Putin cementing closer ties with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, for example, in Budapest last month.

"There is a reason why Mr Putin supports the extreme right all across Europe," Timmermans told lawmakers in Spain.

"Because he knows the extreme right makes us weak, he knows the extreme right divides us.

"And a divided Europe means that Putin is the boss," he said.

He said he did not want to enter into conflict with the Russian leader, but thought he was "trying to create disunity by inviting Mrs Le Pen to the Kremlin and supporting all sort of extreme right parties across Europe."

Russia has been accused of interfering in the US election in an effort to sway results in President Donald Trump's favour, prompting a probe by American authorities.

Last month an aide to staunchly pro-Europe French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron accused Russia of trying to derail his campaign by spreading false rumours through state media.

But according to a transcript issued by the Kremlin after Putin met Le Pen, he told her "we by no means want to influence the current events but we reserve the right to communicate with all representatives of all political forces of the country."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has this month met with French Socialist presidential candidate Benoit Hamon and Macron, as well as conservative candidate Francois Fillon earlier in January.

Still, it is rare for Putin to meet a foreign presidential candidate so close to an election.
This is Robert Weighton, he's 109 years old and he has the face of someone who gives zero f*cks. Just look at him:

Image: Solent News/REX/Shutterstock

His face screams: "It's going to take a lot to impress me, even if the Queen in person sends me a card."

Well, that's actually happened.

Weighton, who was born in March 1908 when Edward VII was King and Britain had yet to fight in two world wars, has declined a card from the Queen because he's got too many of them and doesn't want to clutter his cosy home.

SEE ALSO: Small child meets the Queen, throws wildly unimpressed tantrum

"I'd already received one every year and since it's the age of austerity I thought I would save the country a little bit on postage and printing," he told ITV News. "I don't want a whole row of them, there's no point in that."

Fair enough mate. I guess when you reached the age of 109, with three children, 10 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren you can let yourself to be a bit cheeky. Also, when you reach that age you probably give zero f*cks about everything. Even the Queen.

In another interview, Weighton said he accepted a card from the Queen two years ago because she'd been smiling on it.

"In the rest of the cards she looked a bit miserable while on official duties," he said.

Robert, you cheeky lad.

WATCH: OpTic crowned champions at $1 million 'Halo' championship
BUCKNER, Kentucky (AP)  One of the House Republican rebels, Kentucky Rep. Tom Massie, wasn't just "no" on the GOP health care bill to replace Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act. Massie was "hell no."

That won over Mary Broecker, president of the Oldham County Republican Women's Club and a strong proponent of a full-blown repeal of the 2010 law.

"When he came out against this bill, I thought, 'I trust him so this must be the right way,'" the 76-year-old retired teacher said of Massie this week as she sat at a coffee shop near her LaGrange home.

Defying President Donald Trump on the seven-year Republican Party promise to repeal and replace "Obamacare" sounds like political suicide, especially in the congressional districts Trump won handily. Yet in Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee and Iowa in the bitter aftermath of the GOP's epic failure, Republicans who blocked the legislation have won praise from constituents for stopping what many saw as a flawed plan, either in the legislation's substance or strategy.

Trump initially faulted Democrats for rejecting the bill, but on several occasions since then, including Thursday morning, he lashed out at the hardline conservatives of the House Freedom Caucus.

"The Freedom Caucus will hurt the entire Republican agenda if they don't get on the team, & fast. We must fight them, & Dems, in 2018!" Trump tweeted.

Conservatives opposed the bill because it didn't go far enough in getting the government out of health care while moderates worried that tens of millions of Americans might be left without insurance. Trump's famed deal-making and power of persuasion faltered with his own party, a remarkable turn at a time when the GOP controls the White House, Senate and House.

Massie, who is not a member of the Freedom Caucus, answered Trump's tweet with one of his own.

"It's a swamp not a hot tub. We both came here to drain it. #SwampCare polls 17%. Sad!"

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Nationwide, an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll released Wednesday found that 62 percent disapprove of the way Trump is handling health care, his worst rating among seven issues the poll tested, including the economy, foreign policy and immigration.

The same poll found negative views of five of the six changes Republicans envisioned for the bill, including allowing insurers to charge older customers higher premiums than is now allowed, reduced funds for Medicaid and denying federal dollars to Planned Parenthood.

Yet the same voters who backed their local lawmaker for opposing the bill showed patience with Trump.

"I think he's going to be a great president," Broecker said. "I think he'll figure it out."

In the districts of the bill's foes, Republican voters and activists faulted Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin. Some argue he was too willing to accept pieces of "Obamacare."

"We've been hearing repeal-and-replace for seven years and finally we get control, and they say, let's just kind of fix it," said 31-year-old Justin Wasson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who runs a small business. "We gave them everything. Now, I want this thing gutted."

Shea Cox, a 21-year-old computer science major from Shelbyville, Tennessee, said the bill failed because Ryan rushed what Cox called a "complete hack job" that "looked almost exactly like "Obamacare" with a couple of things taken out." That's why he was happy to see Tennessee Rep. Scott DesJarlais oppose it.

With midterm elections coming next year, Wasson said he planned to vote again for his congressman, Rep. Rod Blum of Dubuque  a sentiment echoed by other voters whose representatives opposed the bill.

Gary French, a minister from Buckner in Massie's district, said it was a "piece-meal" bill and his representative was right in opposing it. "The issue's not dead, they'll return to it. Absolutely. I think they're going to have to do what the constituents want," he said.

Kelly Stanger of Lowell, Michigan, argued that conservatives were prevented from contributing to the bill, and said she'd vote again for Rep. Justin Amash who opposed it.

"He has no problem taking heat," the 50-year-old cafe waitress said. "I don't think just because you belong to a party that you have to agree."

She said she voted for Trump because "there needed to be change," adding, "It's not going to be easy."

The failure of the health bill in the House may have spared a couple GOP senators a tough vote as the legislation grew increasingly unpopular with the public. The two most vulnerable GOP senators in next year's midterms, Dean Heller of Nevada and Jeff Flake of Arizona, both represent states with large populations of older voters who would have been disproportionately impacted by higher premiums under the bill.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, far from dwelling on the bill's defeat or weighing plans to revive it, quickly moved on to other issues. The House bill had already divided GOP senators and would have required major changes to pass.

A leading opponent was the head of the Freedom Caucus  Rep. Mark Meadows. In Meadows' North Carolina district, 77-year-old Hendersonville retiree Don Lee said he voted for Trump to "bring Republicans together," but added that the president "needed to take some more time with this bill and try to find some unity."

___

Beaumont reported from Des Moines, Iowa. AP reporters Sheila Burke in Shelbyville, Tennessee, Chris Ehrmann in Ionia, Michigan, Jeffrey Collins in Hendersonville, North Carolina, and Erica Werner in Washington contributed to this report.
Paul Ryan Mitch McConnell

Two leading congressional Republicans had seemingly different views on the future of healthcare overhaul from the party  and whether or not Democrats should be cheering the GOP's inability to bring their to the House floor for a vote last week.

Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, the Republican House whip, told reporters Tuesday that the celebration from Democrats on the American Health Care Act's failure was coming too early.

"To my Democrat colleagues who were celebrating Friday's action, I think their celebration was premature because we're closer today to repealing Obamacare than we've ever been before. Surely, even closer than we even were Friday," Scalise said at a press conference held by House Republican leaders.

Slightly less optimistic was Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who told reporters on Tuesday that Obamacare was going to stick around.

"I think where we are on Obamacare, regretfully, is where Democrats wanted us to be  with the status quo," he said.

He continued that he expected Democrats to be pleased about the AHCA's failure.

"Well it's pretty obvious we were not able, in the House, to pass a replacement," McConnell said. "Our Democrat friends out to be pretty happy about that because we have the existing law in place."

For their part, Democrats did gloat after the GOP could not muster enough votes to pass the AHCA, which became colloquially known as "Trumpcare," through the House. Disagreements between the conservative and moderate wings of the party, plus House Speaker Paul Ryan and President Donald Trump's inability to bring the sides together, led to the bill being pulled from the House floor.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said on Friday that the decision to pull the bill by Trump and Ryan was "a victory for the American people."

Story continues

NOW WATCH: Watch Trump surprise the first White House tour group





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Toyota has released a teaser shot for a concept called the FT-4X that well see for the first time at next months 2017 New York auto show.

The FT in the name stands for Future Toyota and is a standard feature of many concept car names from the Japanese automaker. And the 4X suggests that we could be dealing with a 4x4 of some sort, though it easily could mean something entirely different.

The teaser shot reveals what appears to be rugged body cladding as well as a chunky off-road tirealbeit one wrapped around an 18-inch wheel. Unfortunately, thats all we know at present.

But with a new Jeep Wrangler just around the corner and Ford committed to launching a new Bronco, perhaps Toyota is toying with the idea of a new FJ Cruiser and is planning to use the FT-4X to gauge interest. Another possibility is that well be treated with a preview of a new 4Runner variant more capable than the current TRD Pro Series.

Well have all the details soon as the New York auto shows April 12 opening day is now just a fortnight away. To learn about some of the other vehicles appearing at the show, head to our dedicated hub.
Mosul (Iraq) (AFP) - On west Mosul's Baghdad street, thousands of displaced Iraqis flee the fighting with their meagre belongings but similar numbers walk in the other direction, heading straight back into the war-torn city.

The street is currently the main corridor for civilians fleeing the battle between the Islamic State group and the government forces trying to root them out of their last strongholds.

It is also the main entry point for those already returning to the homes they fled in the early stages of the offensive federal forces launched last month on the western side of Mosul.

The contrary flows of trudging civilians cross quietly, each on their half of the road, sometimes parted by a screeching ambulance taking wounded residents or fighters to the nearest hospital.

"They are fleeing areas that have not been liberated yet like Yarmuk, Matahen and Aabar neighbourhoods," said Ghanem Ahmad, a 48-year-old in a grey traditional gown.

"But we the people of Risala feel safe now and are returning to our homes, it's better," he said.

Ghaith Lafi, a 21-year-old student wearing a red hoodie, decided to park his cart stacked with chocolate bars and wafers on Baghdad street a few weeks ago.

"This street is full, as if it was judgement day," he said.

"There are other places like this where displaced people cross but now Baghdad street... is the safest street and the one people use the most to flee," he said.

"I just stand here on 'displacement road' -- some people come to me with nothing so I give them things for free."

Mosul is witnessing one of the biggest battles since IS jihadists proclaimed a so-called caliphate over parts of Iraq and Syria nearly three years ago but it was never emptied of its population like other cities were when government forces moved back in.

- Short-term displacement -

Residents were largely unwilling to leave. Those who eventually had to because the fighting got too intense are trying to return as soon their neighbourhood is retaken, even when the battle still rages a few blocks down.

Story continues

The corridor is secured by forces from the elite Counter-Terrorism Service and other units but mortar rounds still whizzed over the streams of displaced civilians while gunships unleashed thudding bursts of machinegun fire on nearby jihadist targets.

"Why would we be scared? Thank God, we Iraqis have no fear, never as long as he is present," said Shetat Mohammed, a veiled woman in her late 50s, pointing to the sky as she and her family walked towards the plumes of black smoke rising above Mosul.

There were an estimated one million people in Iraq's second city before security forces began a huge offensive in mid-October.

More than 300,000 were displaced at one point but not all went to camps set up by the United Nations and other aid groups.

Many have simply moved from one neighbourhood to another as the front line itself moved, attempting to remain as close as possible to their abandoned homes.

Faisal Hamid, carrying nothing but two framed training certificates, was among the droves of civilians fleeing the city but hoped to walking homeward on Baghdad street within days.

"I'll be back, God willing, in two or three days. The security forces told us to come back when the area is secured," he said.

Aziz Ali, a 47-year-old with a grey beard, is making the Baghdad street journey for the third time in 10 days already.

He and his children tried to return last week to the Mosul al-Jadida neighbourhood they had fled a few days earlier but found very few other families there and no water to drink.

He decided to leave again and temporarily move to the east bank of Mosul, which is split in two halves by the Tigris river.

"My uncle's house is there... hopefully the children can go to school."
The Senate Intelligence Committee heard during a wide-ranging hearing on Thursday  its first into Russian interference in the 2016 election  that Russian operatives launched a sophisticated, broad campaign that targeted not just the election but sought to deepen division and sow distrust in Western society, and that the worst of the active measures campaign may be yet to come.

The target list for Russian hackers was wider than previously understood, said Thomas Rid, a scholar of cyberwarfare and a professor at Kings College London. Those targets included the personal email address of Hillary Clinton, which was subjected to phishing attempts by hackers working on behalf of GRU, Russian military intelligence, as well as former campaign staffers for Sen. Marco Rubio (R.-Fla.), a noted Russia hawk. Another such attempt had occurred in the last 24 hours, Rubio said, adding that none had been successful.

Given the wide range of Russian targets, Clint Watts, a fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, told the Senate panel that Moscow may be sitting on a trove of explosive information, or what he called information nukes.

The Senate hearing comes as former National Security Adviser ret. Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn has offered to testify before House and Senate investigations of the Trump campaigns ties to Russia in exchange for immunity from prosecution, according to the Wall Street Journal. At the same time, partisan politics threaten to undermine the House investigation. The House Intelligence Committees parallel inquiry has ground to a halt amid calls from Democrats that its chairman, Rep. Devin Nunes (R.-Calif.), recuse himself from the investigation.

Democrats argue that Nunes is running political interference on Capitol Hill on behalf of the Trump administration after he claimed that American intelligence agencies had collected information on Trump aides during the campaign. On Thursday, the New York Times revealed that two White House aides had supplied Nunes with those intelligence reports. A spokesman for Nunes refused to comment on the chairmans sources.

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Shortly after the publication of the Times story, the White House invited Nunes and Rep. Adam Schiff (D.-Calif.), the House Intelligence Committees ranking Democrat, to review intelligence reports. At a press briefing later in the day, Schiff said he would accept the invitation, but noted it was impossible to say whether those reports were the same obtained by Nunes earlier this month.

We want to find out, Schiff said, if in fact these are the same materials earlier provided to the chairman, why that circuitous method was employed to provide them to the committee.

The Senate committee, in contrast, has sought to downplay partisan divisions.

If we politicize this process our efforts will likely fail, committee chair Sen. Richard Burr (R.-N.C.), said on Thursday. The public deserves to hear the truth about possible Russian involvement in our elections, how they came to be involved, how we may have failed to prevent that involvement, what actions were taken in response if any, and what we plan to ensure the integrity of future free elections.

By a combination of overt and covert techniques, Russian intelligence operatives employed a campaign of propaganda, hacking and leaking, and disinformation to allow Russia to hit above their weight, Roy Godson, an emeritus professor at Georgetown University, told the Senate panel Thursday.

These tools are used by Russia to compensate for what Eugene Rumer, a former U.S. intelligence officer for Russia and Eurasia, described as Russias conventional shortcomings vis-a-vis the West. The Russian economy is far smaller than those of its adversaries, and its defense spending far smaller.

A handful of cyber criminals cost a lot less than an armored brigade but can cause a lot of damage, said Rumer, now a senior fellow and the director of the Russia and Eurasia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Russias efforts to bolster its national power sometimes has surprising targets. In 2014, for example, Russian bots flooded a White House petition advocating returning Alaska to Russia. In a short time, the petition gained 39,000 signatures, Watts told the committee.

Our examination of those signing and posting on this petition revealed an odd pattern  the accounts varied considerably from other petitions and appeared to be the work of automated bots, Watts said. These bots tied in closely with other social media campaigns we had observed pushing Russian propaganda.

In another instance described by Watts, Russian bots picked up a false report by RT, a Russian-government controlled broadcaster, that a U.S. airbase in Incirlik, Turkey, was being overrun by protesters. Pro-Russian bots immediately picked up the story, blasted it across Twitter, and promoted it as a replay of the deadly 2012 attack on the U.S. diplomatic facility in Benghazi, Libya.

In fact, only a small group of protesters had gathered outside the airbase.

The 2016 election campaign marked a watershed moment for Russian efforts to influence American politics through cyberspace, largely because Moscow found a willing partner, Watts suggested.

Asked why the Russian campaign was so successful, he offered a simple diagnosis: Active measures worked this time because the commander in chief has used Russian active measures at times against his opponents.

Staff writer Emily Tamkin contributed to this article.

Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images
Last week, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visited Australia. There he announced plans for joint mine, rail and port projects and removed the last restrictions on imports of Australian beef to China, an industry already worth $300 million annually to local ranchers. It is time for China and Australia to enter into an era of free trade across the board, which means that we need to have free trade between our two countries in wider areas, Li told reporters in the Australian capital, Canberra.

Lis visit was the latest salvo in a concerted Chinese charm offensive in Australia, one that has taken on new impetus since the election of U.S. President Donald Trump. In one of his first acts, Trump nixed U.S. involvement in the Trans-Pacific Partnership free-trade bloc, which the Australian government had lauded as bringing tremendous benefits for local exporters. When Trump spoke with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on Jan. 28, the U.S. President said it was the worst call by far hed made. The two leaders clashed over an agreement forged by the Obama Administration to accept 1,250 refugees from an Australian detention center, which Trump deemed the worst deal ever.

The spat threatened to derail a strategic alliance that stretches back decades - including American-led wars in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan - and push Canberra closer to Beijing. Already, China is Australias largest trading partner - two-way trade was $115 billion in 2014. Chinese students flock en masse to Australian universities, while Chinese consumers supped $400 million of Australian wine last year.

Still, fears of an Australian defection to Chinas corner are misplaced for now, as illustrated by an incident that unfolded 4,600 miles away just hours after Li addressed reporters in Canberra. Feng Chongyi, a China-studies academic at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), was halted at Guangzhou International Airport attempting to board a flight back to Australia. He remains in Guangzhou in a special situation, his lawyer Liu Hao tells TIME. No reason for the travel ban has been given.

Feng, who was born in China, is an Australian permanent resident though not a citizen, and reportedly entered China on a Chinese passport. Yet he was far from a dissident: he worked for UTSs Australia-China Relations Institute, headed by former Foreign Minister Bob Carr, which has a reputation for unashamedly propagating a positive spin on the Australia-China relationship. Critics have even branded it the local propaganda arm of the Chinese Communist Party.

Fengs quasi detention stirred enough public alarm to prompt the shelving on Tuesday of a joint extradition treaty that had been on the books for 10 years and was finally due to be ratified by the Australian parliament. Most embarrassingly, the nixing came just hours after Li departed following his five-day visit. The incident stood to demonstrate that however closely entwined the two nations become economically, Chinas poor human-rights record and repressive legal system will bridle how deep any alliance could ever be.

Since the Trump election, China has gone on a bit of a charm offensive with Australia, says Professor Nick Bisley, an Asia expert at Australias La Trobe University. But its far too early days to mark Australia out as a country thats turning or even ripe for the turning.

Read More: Wife of Taiwanese Rights Activist Detained in China Speaks Out About His Disappearance

Australias wariness is partly prompted by Chinas ham-fisted attempts of gaining domestic political leverage. In 2013, Chinese hackers stole the blueprints for the Australian Security Intelligence Organisations (ASIO) new $480 million headquarters. The building remained empty until very recently. In October, Labor Party Senator Sam Dastyari was forced to resign from the shadow cabinet after it emerged that a Chinese government-linked company had paid a private travel bill. The 33-year-old is known for being sympathetic to Beijings expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea.

The Dastyari case prompted Australian intelligence services to map the flow of Chinese money and businessmen into Australia, augmenting demands for an end to foreign donations to political parties. There are also calls to ban Confucius Institutes from Australian universities. The Chinese government-funded cultural-promotion bodies have been accused of espionage and brazenly advancing Beijings political agenda.

The China soft-power thing is taken very seriously by Australian security agencies, says Carlyle Thayer, emeritus professor at the Australian Defence Force Academy. And the realists in defense are very concerned about the South China Sea.

The ideological gulf is good news for Washington. Speaking in Singapore earlier this month, Australian Minister Julie Bishop said that the United States must play an even greater role as the indispensable strategic power in the Indo-Pacific ... While nondemocracies such as China can thrive when participating in the present system an essential pillar of our preferred order is democratic community. (Those comments earned Bishop a fierce rebuke from Chinas state media.)

Still, deep economic ties between Australia and the U.S aggrandize the bedrock of shared values. Although China ranks top in Australia for trade, American investment dwarfs all competitors, standing at $660 billion in 2015. Unease at Chinas underhand tactics is partly responsible. In April, the Australian government blocked the $283 million sale of the Kidman beef ranch - the worlds largest, roughly the size of Ireland - to Chinese investors as it was deemed contrary to the national interest. The same reason was given for preventing a Chinese firm from buying a controlling stake in Australias largest electricity network in August.

Its hard to overstate how strong and deeply rooted the [U.S.-Australia] relationship is on both sides of the Pacific, says Bisley. With China, he adds, its a high-value but not a deep relationship.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
London (AFP) - From sharing intelligence after terror attacks to pursuing cross-border criminals, security is a potential bargaining chip for Britain in the Brexit negotiations -- but one that must be played carefully, analysts say.

Prime Minister Theresa May warned the European Union on Wednesday that failing to reach a new trade deal once Britain leaves the bloc could damage cooperation against crime and terrorism.

The government denied it was a threat, saying it was simply fact that unless Britain agreed to continue its security cooperation projects, including with law enforcement agency Europol, then it would leave them after Brexit.

Charles Grant, director of the Centre for European Reform, said that in the tough talks ahead with the EU, "Britain's strongest card is its contribution to European security".

Malcolm Chalmers, of the RUSI military think tank, made a similar point -- although he warned against playing it too strongly.

"The temptation to use the UK's 'security surplus' -- its role as the leading West European military and intelligence power -- as a bargaining chip should be resisted," he said in a January briefing paper.

"The UK's contributions to European security can, however, help to remind other EU states of the strong interests and values that they will continue to have in common."

Anand Menon, professor of European studies at King's College London, said on Thursday that May's tone suggested she was trying to play to the eurosceptic press.

"There was a positive way of doing this... of saying exactly the same thing in a way that makes us sound like we're all pointing in the same direction," he said.

British opposition politicians seized on the suggestion that May was playing politics with security -- just one week after an attack on parliament that left four people dead.

"National security too important to use as bargaining chip in Brexit trade negotiations. PM's threat is dangerous," tweeted Yvette Cooper, the Labour chairwoman of the House of Commons' home affairs committee.

Story continues

Her warning was echoed by the European Parliament's chief Brexit negotiator, Guy Verhofstadt, who said that "citizens' security was far too serious a subject".

- 'Make Britain less safe' -

May stressed she wanted to negotiate continued access to information sharing schemes in the EU -- and she herself has previously warned that reducing cooperation would make Britain less safe.

As well as Europol, Britain makes use of the European Arrest Warrant (EAW), which speeds up extradition requests, and the Passenger Name Directive, which allows potential criminals to be tracked on flights across the continent.

In 2015, Britain also joined the Schengen Information System (SIS II), an EU-wide database of real-time alerts which is particularly useful in tracking suspected foreign fighters returning from Syria and Iraq.

"These are practical measures that promote effective cooperation between different European law enforcement organisations, and if we were not part of them Britain would be less safe," May said last year, when she was still interior minister.

London received 48,766 requests through the EAW between 2010 and 2015, according to the National Crime Agency, while it was used 1,424 times by Britain.

One of those was Hussain Osman, who was arrested in Italy in 2005 after trying to stage a repeat of the London suicide bombings in July that year, which left 52 people dead.

Britain's current interior minister, Amber Rudd, said Britain was the top contributor to Europol and "if we left Europol, then we would take our information... with us".

But the agency's British director, Rob Wainwright, warned last year that if it left, Britain would become a "second-tier member" without direct access to data.

- 'NATO capability' -

Brexit will not affect the way Britain shares intelligence in the "Five Eyes" partnership -- the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand -- nor its leading role in the US-led NATO military alliance.

But Professor Iain Begg, research fellow at the London School of Economics, said that NATO membership in particular could be used as leverage with some of the smaller EU states.

"Security is also the hard security of NATO, where one of the bargaining chips UK does have to play is its NATO capability," he told AFP.

Britain is in the process of deploying 800 troops to Estonia, and also has 150 in Poland to reassure them in the face of Russian aggression.

"That's where Britain can say to a country like Estonia, you back us on some of the things we're demanding in the (EU) exit negotiations and we'll be much more accommodating to you about pushing NATO to locate troops on the Estonian-Russian border," Begg said.
(WASHINGTON) - Pledging cooperation, the top Republican and Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee said Wednesday they would steer clear of politics in their panels probe of Russian interference in last years election. They made a point of putting themselves at arms length from the House investigation marked by partisanship and disputes.

Richard Burr of North Carolina, the GOP chairman of the Senate committee, told reporters on Capitol Hill he would not even answer questions about the House probe. Were not asking the House to play any role in our investigation. We dont plan to play any role in their investigation, Burr said ahead of his panels open hearing Thursday.

Standing alongside his committee ranking Democrat, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, Burr said: Mark and I work hand in hand on this. ... Were partners to see that this is completed and that we have a product at the end of the day that we can, in bipartisanship, support.

The senators comments came the same day an attorney for former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn said the retired U.S. Army lieutenant general has not been interviewed by the Senate intelligence committee. One of Flynns lawyers, Robert K. Kelner, said they have had discussions with committee staff members, but Flynn has not been contacted directly.

So far, the committee has requested 20 individuals to be interviewed. Five have been scheduled, and the remaining 15 are likely to be scheduled within the next 10 days. Additional witnesses could also be interviewed.

During a news conference, Burr identified just one of the witnesses: President Donald Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The White House has said Kushner, a senior adviser to Trump, has volunteered to answer questions about arranging meetings with the Russian ambassador and other officials.

Asked whether the committee had spoken to Flynn or his representatives, Burr told reporters, Its safe to say that we have had conversations with a lot of people, and you would think less of us if General Flynn wasnt in that list.

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Trump asked Flynn, a former director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, to step down last month from his post as national security adviser. The president said he made the decision because Flynn had misled Vice President Mike Pence and other White House officials about his conversations with Russias ambassador to the U.S.

Flynns ties to Russia have been scrutinized by the FBI. They also are part of the House and Senate committee investigations into contacts between Trump campaign officials and Russians.

On the House side, Democrats have called for intelligence committee Chairman Devin Nunes to recuse himself because of his previous ties with Donald Trumps team before Trump took office.

Nunes, R-Calif., met with a secret source on the White House grounds last week to review classified material, which he says indicates that Trump associates communications were captured in incidental surveillance of foreigners. Trump has used Nunes revelations to defend his claim that former President Barack Obama tapped phones at Trump Tower in New York, though Nunes and his committees top Democrat, Adam Schiff of California, say there is no such evidence.

In response to a reporters question, Burr said he had not personally coordinated with the White House in shaping the scope of the Senate committees investigation.

Asked if he could promise to oversee an impartial probe, Burr responded: Absolutely. Ill do something Ive never done. Ill admit I voted for him (Trump). ... But Ive got a job in the U.S. Senate and ... it overrides any personal beliefs that I have or loyalties that I might have.

Warner said he had seen no evidence the White House was interfering and would complain publicly if he did.

Ahead of Thursdays Senate hearing, Warner pledged to keep the investigation focused on the reason it was started.

An outside foreign adversary effectively sought to hijack our most critical democratic process-the election of the president-and in the process decided to favor one candidate over another, Warner said. I can assure you, they didnt do it because it was in the vested interest of the American people.

Russias goal, Vladimir Putins goal, is a weaker United States-weaker economically, weaker globally-and that should be a concern to all Americans, regardless of party affiliation.

Burr said the investigations mission is to look at all activities Russia might have undertaken to alter or influence the election and to examine contacts any campaign had with Russian government officials that could have influenced the process.

He said committee staff members have been provided with an unprecedented amount of documents, including some that, up until now, have been shared only with the so-called Gang of Eight - the Republican and Democratic leaders of both the House and Senate and the four leaders of the intelligence committees, plus their staff directors.

Warner said some intelligence agencies have not been as cooperative as others in providing materials, and he declared, We cannot tell the American people our conclusions unless we have access to all the pertinent information.

Burr said the committee was in constant negotiations with intelligence officials about access to additional documents.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Republican chairman of the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday promised a thorough investigation into any direct links between Russia and Republican Donald Trump during his successful 2016 run for the White House. Committee Chairman Richard Burr and Mark Warner, its top Democrat, pledged at a joint news conference that they would work together, in contrast with the partisan discord roiling a similar probe by the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee. Burr was asked if the Senate panel wanted to determine if there was anything suggesting a direct link to Trump, and responded: "We know that our challenge is to answer that question for the American people." Trump's young presidency has been clouded by allegations from U.S. intelligence agencies that Russia sought to help him win, while connections between his campaign personnel and Russia also are under scrutiny. Trump dismisses such assertions and Russia denies the allegations. The Senate committee intends to begin interviewing as many as 20 people, including Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and one of his closest advisers, beginning as early as Monday. Burr served as a security adviser to Trump's campaign but said he had not coordinated with him on the scope of the committee's investigation. He insisted he could remain objective. Burr declined to go along with the White House's denial of collusion between the campaign and Russian hackers, who U.S. intelligence officials believe favored Trump in last year's campaign at the expense of Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton. "We would be crazy to try to draw conclusions from where we are in the investigation," Burr said. "Let us go a little deeper into this before you ask us to write the conclusions. That's clearly something we intend to do down the road." Burr and Warner would not comment on the investigation in the House, where the chairman of the intelligence committee, Trump ally Devin Nunes, has been under fire over his handling of the matter. Many Democrats, including Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House intelligence panel, called for Nunes to recuse himself from the investigation after he met last week with an unidentified source at the White House complex, accusing him of colluding with the White House. Before telling his committee colleagues, Nunes met with House Speaker Paul Ryan, and then Trump, and told reporters the source provided him with evidence that information on Trump's transition team had been collected during legal surveillance of other targets. Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have said the discord surrounding the House committee has made the Senate investigation more important than ever. "Clearly in the Senate, it appears that both Democrats and Republicans are acting like adults and taking this matter seriously," Democratic Representative Jim McGovern told Reuters. 'PAID INTERNET TROLLS' Warner and Burr both stressed the importance of exposing the activity of Russian hackers, which Warner said included reports of "upwards of 1,000 paid Internet trolls" who spread false negative stories about Clinton. Warner and Burr did disagree slightly, with Warner alluding to some difficulties getting particular documents from intelligence agencies, and Burr defending them. The two senators also indicated they had communicated with Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security adviser, who was fired last month after misrepresenting meetings with the Russian ambassador. "It would be safe to say we have had conversations with a lot of people and it would be safe to say General Flynn is a part of that list," Burr said. Neither Burr nor Warner gave a timeline for finishing the investigation. "This is one of the biggest investigations the Hill has seen in my time here," said Burr, who has been in Congress since 1995. The senators said they also wanted to call attention to what they described as Russia's attempts to influence upcoming elections in France and Germany. (Additional reporting by David Alexander; Editing by Bill Trott and Peter Cooney)
(WASHINGTON) - Pledging cooperation, the top Republican and Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee said Wednesday they would steer clear of politics in their panels probe of Russian interference in last years election. They made a point of putting themselves at arms length from the House investigation marked by partisanship and disputes.

Richard Burr of North Carolina, the GOP chairman of the Senate committee, told reporters on Capitol Hill he would not even answer questions about the House probe. Were not asking the House to play any role in our investigation. We dont plan to play any role in their investigation, Burr said ahead of his panels open hearing Thursday.

Standing alongside his committee ranking Democrat, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, Burr said: Mark and I work hand in hand on this. ... Were partners to see that this is completed and that we have a product at the end of the day that we can, in bipartisanship, support.

So far, the committee has requested 20 individuals to be interviewed. Five have been scheduled, and the remaining 15 are likely to be scheduled within the next 10 days. Additional witnesses could be interviewed.

Burr declined to identify any of them, except for Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The White House has said that Kushner, a senior adviser to Trump, has volunteered to answer questions about arranging meetings with the Russian ambassador and other officials.

On the House side, Democrats have called for intelligence committee Chairman Devin Nunes to recuse himself because of his previous ties with Donald Trumps team before Trump took office. The investigation includes looking at contacts the Russians may have had with Trump associates.

Nunes, R-Calif., also met with a secret source on the White House grounds last week to review classified material, which he says indicates that Trump associates communications were captured in incidental surveillance of foreigners. Trump has used Nunes revelations to defend his claim that former President Barack Obama tapped phones at Trump Tower in New York, though Nunes and his committees top Democrat, Adam Schiff of California, say there is no such evidence.

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Ahead of Thursdays Senate hearing, Warner pledged to keep the investigation focused on the reason it was started.

An outside foreign adversary effectively sought to hijack our most critical democratic process - the election of the president - and in the process decided to favor one candidate over another, Warner said. I can assure you, they didnt do it because it was in the vested interest of the American people.

Russias goal, Vladimir Putins goal, is a weaker United States - weaker economically, weaker globally - and that should be a concern to all Americans, regardless of party affiliation.

Burr said the investigations mission is to look at all activities Russia might have undertaken to alter or influence the election and to examine contacts any campaign had with Russian government officials that could have influenced the process.

He said committee staff members have been provided with an unprecedented amount of documents, including some that, up until now, have been shared only with the so-called Gang of Eight - the Republican and Democratic leaders of both the House and Senate and the four leaders of the intelligence committees plus their staff directors.

Warner said some intelligence agencies have not been as cooperative as others in providing materials, and he declared, We cannot tell the American people our conclusions unless we have access to all the pertinent information.

Burr said the committee was in constant negotiations with intelligence officials about access to additional documents.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A high-profile British Islamist preacher who was sentenced to prison last year for inviting support for the Islamic State militancy was added to the U.S. global counter-terrorism list, the U.S. Treasury said on Thursday. Anjem Choudary, 50, who was imprisoned in Britain in September for five and a half years for encouraging support for Islamic State, was added to a list of specially designated global terrorists by the Treasury's Office of Foreign Asset Control and the U.S. State Department. Choudary was one of seven people added to the list, which blocks their assets in the United States and prohibits U.S. citizens from dealing with them, the Treasury said. Also placed on the list were Sami Bashur Bouras, a Swedish citizen; Shane Dominic Crawford of Trinidad and Tobago; El Shafee Elsheikh, a British citizen; Muhammad Wanndy bin Mohamed Jedi, of Malaysia; Muhammad Bahrun Naim Anggih Tamtomo of Indonesia; and John Mark Taylor of New Zealand. Naim is suspected of organizing the Jakarta attacks in January 2016 that killed four civilians and wounded 23 with explosions and gunfire, the Treasury said. Wanndy claimed responsibility on behalf of Islamic State last year for a grenade attack on a Malaysian nightclub that wounded eight, it said. Elsheikh is suspected of being one of four Britons who acted as Islamic State jailers in Syria. The group, dubbed the "Beatles" because of their accents, are suspected of beheading more than 27 hostages and torturing many more, the State Department said in a statement. John Mark Taylor reportedly is a former New Zealand infantryman who joined Islamic State in Syria. Media reports in Britain and New Zealand said he picked up the nickname "bumbling jihadi" after he failed to turn off the geotagging function on his Twitter account, broadcasting his location to the world. (Reporting by David Alexander; Editing by Andrea Ricci)
With Adam Rawnsley

The blueprint. The Trump administration looks ready to shed previous concerns over human rights violations and will go ahead with a $2.8 billion sale of 19 F-16 fighters to Bahrain, several reports indicate. The sale would be a major policy change from the Obama administration, which previously held up the deal.

The White House informed Congress of the decision on Wednesday, kicking off a period of debate on the Hill, where the Republican majority is expected to greenlight the deal. The move is another indication that the Trump administration is placing a priority on supporting Sunni-led states in the Gulf region as a bulwark against Iran, which the administration is looking to confront in the region.

Long a critical ally in the region, Bahrain is home to the U.S. Navys 5th Fleet and a British naval base currently under construction. The predominantly Shiite state is ruled by a Sunni monarchy which crushed a 2011 uprising by Shiites seeking more political power. President Obama yanked approval for the F-16 deal because it said the country hadnt taken promised steps to improve human rights.

A new agenda. The New York Times David E. Sanger and Michael Schmitt note that the decision to drop the human rights assurances as a condition of the sale is bound to be read by Saudi Arabia and other states in the region as a sign that the new administration plans to ease its demands to protect and respect political dissidents and protesters. Earlier this month, the State Department approved the sale of $300 million worth of precision-guided munitions to Saudi Arabia the Obama administration had held up due to concerns over the Saudi bombing campaign in Yemen.

Military backing. Hours before reports over the deal emerged, head of the U.S. Central Command, Gen. Joseph Votel, told the House Armed Services Committee that the slow progress on selling military equipment to the kingdom, specifically additional F-16 aircraft and upgrades to Bahrains existing F-16 fleet, due to concerns of potential human rights abuses in the country, continues to strain our relationship.

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Overall, the moves can be seen as part of the White Houses recalibration of alliances in the Middle East, where more support is offered to friendly states  and fewer questions asked about internal politics  FPs Dan De Luce and Paul McLeary wrote recently.

Bomb, repeat. In an update to a blog post from earlier this month, the Council on Foreign Relations Micah Zenko (also an FP contributor) notes that President Trump is looking far more interventionist than President Obama was, even though Trump promised the opposite during the campaign. During President Obamas two terms in office, he approved 542 targeted drone strikes over the course of 2,920 days, equalling one every 5.4 days. From his inauguration through today, President Trump had approved at least 37 drone strikes or Special Operations Forces raids in 68 days, or one every 1.8 days.

Embassy Warning. Yemens government is apparently anxious about its image in Washington. The Yemeni embassy has written to Senate offices seeking to discredit a scheduled event today on Capitol Hill featuring two Yemeni civil society activists, FPs Dan De Luce reports. The unusual step comes at a pivotal moment for Sanaa as it seeks more U.S. assistance for the Saudi-led military campaign in the country. Stay tuned for more on this story later today. While youre waiting, read more from De Luce and Paul McLeary on the coming escalation of U.S. involvement in that war.

More strikes, more civilian casualties. The close-quarter fighting between Iraqi forces and Islamic State militants using human shields and booby-trapped houses to slow their advance in Mosul is making it harder to avoid endangering more civilians, a top U.S. military commander said Wednesday. I believe that as we move into these urban environments, it is going to become more and more difficult to apply an extraordinarily high standard for preventing civilian casualties, but we will try, Gen. Joseph Votel, told members of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee.

Human rights groups are increasingly alarmed by reports of civilian casualties in the Mosul fight, FPs Paul McLeary writes, even as the U.S. launches multiple investigations into claims their aircraft killed dozens, if not hundreds, of civilians in recent weeks across Iraq and Syria.

So, what happens the day after Mosul falls? The Trump administration has given some hints that it plans to largely abdicate a U.S. role in Iraqs political future, U.S. News Paul D. Shinkman reports. Most indications are that ISIS will be driven out of Mosul within weeks, an event that starts the clock on a dangerous new era for a country on the verge of fracturing along rival warring factions.

Mission critical. Facing about $1 billion in cuts to U.S. funding for peacekeeping operations, diplomats from the United Nations are underlining the organizations work on counterterrorism, hoping to convince the White House theyre a key player on an issue at the top of Trumps agenda. FPs Colum Lynch and Ty McCormick write that U.S. planners have so far left Mali off the chopping block, however.

U.N.-based officials say its too early to know whether the new administration will embrace the U.N. peacekeeping role in Mali or whether it just hasnt begun internal deliberations on the missions fate. But an official familiar with U.S. thinking said the Trump administration is most forward-leaning on the U.N.s role in counterterrorism environments.

Mali is not in their sights right now, added a senior U.N.-based official.

Russia investigation. With the House Intelligence Committees investigation into Russian meddling in the U.S. election collapsing amid partisan sniping, the leaders of the Senate Intelligence panel appeared shoulder-to-shoulder on Wednesday to pledge that their probe will avoid partisan infighting and focus on the evidence, including evaluating reports of ties between the Trump campaign and Russian operatives, FPs ELias Groll reports from Capitol Hill.

The investigations scope will always go where the intelligence leads, Sen. Richard Burr (R.-N.C.), the panels chairman. It is absolutely crucial that every day we spend trying to separate fact from fiction. Just over two months into the Trump administration, Burr and Sen. Mark Warner (D.-Va.), the ranking member, provided the first public update on the progress of their investigation, saying that it is proceeding apace. That stands in stark contrast to the House committees investigation, which now appears frozen in its tracks after cancelling planned hearings this week.

Welcome to SitRep. Send any tips, thoughts or national security events to paul.mcleary@foreignpolicy.com or via Twitter: @paulmcleary or @arawnsley.

Homegrown. Gulf countries are some of the worlds biggest weapons buyers but now two of them are hoping they can start making at least some of that gear at home. The Wall Street Journal reports that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are starting to demand that international arms suppliers offer technology transfers as a condition of sale. Saudi Arabia in particular has stated that it wants to spend half its defense budget on Saudi companies by 2030. That move may hurt American technologies subject to export restrictions and favor other international suppliers more willing to share sensitive technologies.

Buzzfeed reports that the Defense Department Inspector General is investigating the U.S. Special Operations Commands (SOCOM) contract with Purple Shovel, a novice contractor, to procure arms from Eastern Europe for Syrian rebels backed by the Pentagon. Purple Shovel subcontracted some of its work to two other firms, SkyBridge Tactical and Regulus Global, both of whom are currently being sued by the families of contractors who were killed when an allegedly faulty rocket propelled grenade procured by the firms exploded in Bulgaria. Regulus Global allegedly purchased anti-tank guided missiles from heavily-sanctioned Belarus  a move which SOCOM denies having known about in advance.

Drones. Reporter Jenan Moussa dug up documents on the Islamic States apparent drone master, Tunisian Fadhel Mensi. The group has been using small commercial drones to drop tiny munitions on targets below. But Moussa found that Mensi had been planning to pack a larger drone capable with explosives and crash it into a target, effectively using it as a homebrew missile. Its unclear what status his kamikaze drone plane is at, nor is it clear whether Mensi is still alive.

Do you like drugs? The State Department has fired half a dozen employees for dealing drugs at the U.S. embassy in Afghanistan, according to the Wall Street Journal. The fired personnel were a mix of Afghans and Americans, some of whom were working for a security contractor, but its not yet known what kind of drugs they were selling. The drug ring reportedly came to light after one employee was found wandering about Kabul while stoned.

Charges. Prosecutors unveiled charges against a career State Department diplomat whom they accuse of failing to report foreign contacts with two people working for Chinas intelligence services, USA Today reports. Prosecutors say Candace Claiborne traded on her knowledge of sensitive diplomatic data in order to receive cash and favors from the Chinese government. Court documents claim that Chinese agents helped one of Claibornes family members study fashion design at a university in Shanghai, paying her a stipend and shielding her from a police investigation following the students involvement in an undisclosed serious crime. Claiborne plead not guilty to the charges on Wednesday.

War of words. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) is involved in an escalating war of words with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, whom he recently labeled a crazy fat kid. North Koreas propaganda apparatus took umbrage at the statement, calling the statement a grave provocation, and threatening war in response. McCain responded to the statement on Twitter, asking What, did they want me to call him a crazy skinny kid? North Korea is currently on the verge of its sixth nuclear test, according to satellite imagery of the countrys nuclear test site.

Photo Credit VINCENT JANNINK/AFP/Getty Images
By Cynthia Kim and Ju-min Park SEOUL (Reuters) - A South Korean court on Friday approved a warrant to arrest ousted president Park Geun-hye, the country's first democratically elected leader to be thrown out of office, on accusations of bribery and abuse of power. Park can be held in a cell for up to 20 days while she is investigated over allegations that she colluded with a friend, Choi Soon-sil, to pressure big businesses to contribute to now-defunct foundations set up to back her policy initiatives. A judge at the Seoul Central District Court said in a statement that "the cause and the need for the warrant are recognised as the main charges against her have been verified and as evidence could be destroyed." About two hours after the ruling, Park was driven to the Seoul Detention Centre located just outside of the city in a black sedan, with two female investigators escorting her, televised news showed. Her supporters shouted her name and waved South Korean flags as she arrived at the detention centre just before 5 a.m. local time, behind a cordon formed by the police to prevent the crowd from following her in and mixing with any Park opponents, who were also at the scene. Park gave about eight hours of testimony at the same court on Thursday and was held at the prosecutors' office next door while the judge studied the evidence and arguments to decide on whether to issue the arrest warrant. On Thursday, Park, 65, arrived expressionless at the court to plead her case that she should not be arrested or held while prosecutors investigate the scandal. Park argues that she does not pose a flight risk and will not try to tamper with evidence. She and Choi have both denied any wrongdoing. Park's removal from office capped months of paralysis and turmoil over the corruption scandal that also landed the head of the Samsung conglomerate in detention and on trial. Her impeachment this month has left a political vacuum, with only an interim president pending a May 9 election, at a time of rising tensions with North Korea over its weapons programme and with China, which is angry over South Korea's decision to host a U.S. anti-missile system. Prosecutors said on Monday that Park was accused of soliciting companies for money and infringing upon the freedom of corporate management by using her power as the president. Park was questioned for 14 hours by prosecutors last week. She could face more than 10 years in jail if convicted of receiving bribes from bosses of big conglomerates, including Samsung Group [SAGR.UL] chief Jay Y. Lee, in return for favours. Lee, who denies charges that he provided bribes in return for favours for Samsung, and Choi are both in detention and on trial separately. Lee's trial, for which so far only preliminary hearings have been held, will begin on April 7 when he is expected to appear, court records showed. Park may be given a bigger cell than other inmates in a Seoul detention facility, but she would be subject to the same rules on everything from meals to room inspections, former prosecution and correctional officials have said. She was removed from office when a constitutional court upheld her impeachment by parliament. The ruling sparked protests by hundreds of her supporters, two of whom were killed in clashes with police outside the court, and a festive rally by those who had demanded she be removed from office. (Additional reporting by Christine Kim; Editing by Jack Kim and Nick Macfie)
U.S. satellites may be vulnerable to attacks that could make our whole way of fighting war riskier, according to experts.

"Every major space-faring nation that can track a satellite and launch into outer space has the means to mess up a satellite," said Michael Krepon, a space security expert and co-founder of the Stimson Center think tank in Washington, D.C.

A space arms race of sorts is underway with weapons under development or in the arsenals of China, Russia and the U.S. Space weapons include satellite jammers, lasers and high-power microwave gun systems.

"My guess is that our capabilities to carry out a war in space are a lot better than the Chinese and Russians," said Krepon.

According to analysts, space weapons could be used to compromise navigation, surveillance, communications and other functions in a wartime scenario or national emergency.

"Our military space systems are critical to the way we fight war today," said Todd Harrison, director of the aerospace security project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a Washington-based think tank.

The U.S. uses satellite technology in advanced weapons systems aboard aircraft and warships to carry out precision-strike capabilities. At the same time, infrared satellites provide key intelligence systems used as part of the early warning system to track and detect nuclear warheads and other threats to the homeland.

"Not surprisingly, nations are now actively testing methods to deny us continued use of space services during conflict," said retired Air Force Gen. William Shelton, the former commander of the U.S. Air Force Space Command, in testimony Wednesday to the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces. The subcommittee heard about the role space-based capabilities play in emergencies and the threats to U.S. space systems.

Experts say the biggest threats seen today are non-kinetic threats such as jamming of satellite-based capabilities such as GPS and communications. And the threat isn't limited to space-faring countries since the satellite jamming technology is relatively inexpensive.

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North Korea has previously used ground jammers, impacting both military and civilian aircraft and ships. Harrison said there's evidence that insurgents in Afghanistan and Iraq also have used jamming.

As for lasers, they can blind imagery satellites and high-power microwave guns could knock out circuitry on targeted satellites.

Some have speculated the U.S. Air Force might be using the Boeing (BA)-built X-37B unmanned military space plane to test space weapons. The military has always denied the small robotic craft is a kind of space weapon.

Boeing declined comment for this story and referred questions to the Air Force.

"The primary objectives of the X-37B are twofold: reusable spacecraft technologies for America's future in space, and operating experiments, which can be returned to, and examined on Earth," said an Air Force spokesperson.

Last week, Navy Vice Admiral Charles Richard, deputy commander of U.S. Strategic Command, warned in a speech at a CSIS space security conference about offensive space capabilities and weapons being developed by China and Russia.



"While we're not at war in space, I don't think we can say we are exactly at peace either," the admiral said. "With rapidly growing threats to our space systems, as well as the threat of a degraded space environment, we must prepare for a conflict that extends into space."

Analysts say after the Soviet Union crumbled and a weakened Russia emerged there was a view that the U.S. didn't have to worry about an adversary knocking out satellites.

"We took it for granted and kind of ignored the vulnerabilities," said Harrison. Through the 2000s, we started to realize that this might be an issue."



Russia has sent micro-satellites into space and covertly maneuvered a small spacecraft close to commercial satellites. Experts believe the small satellites could be used for a kamikaze-type mission to ram another satellite or to snoop on it for data collection or jamming to interfere with its capabilities.

As for China, a decade ago the communist nation tested an anti-satellite missile and destroyed one of their weather satellites, a move criticized because of the debris field created in space. China also is moving ahead into manned-spacecraft technologies as well as lunar and Mars exploration missions.

"China has shown the whole world that they can do something about our space capabilities," said Harrison. "The Russians have pretty advanced space capabilities as well."

Some of the U.S. military's newer satellites are designed to overcome enemy jamming and withstand other potential offensive actions.

Even so, some of the technology that allows micro-satellites to attach to other satellites is still believed to be capable of rendering targets useless.

"Threats to our use of military, civil and commercial space systems will increase in the next few years as Russia and China progress in developing counterspace weapon systems to deny, degrade, or disrupt U.S. space systems," according the Worldwide Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community report released last February by then-Director of National Intelligence James Clapper.

Clapper said in the 2016 report that "Russian defense officials acknowledge they have deployed radar-imagery jammers and are developing laser weapons designed to blind U.S. intelligence and ballistic missile defense satellites. Russia and China continue to pursue weapons systems capable of destroying satellites on orbit, placing U.S. satellites at greater risk in the next few years."

One way Harrison suggests the U.S. can reduce vulnerability of some sensitive satellite systems is to build more of them "to make the system more resilient and less vulnerable to attack." For example, he said the military could put up six large satellites to sit in geosynchronous orbit as a missile warning system or go to a system with "dozens of smaller satellites that in aggregate provide the same level of capability [and] would be much harder for someone to attack."

He believes there's been "institutional resistance" within the military to go to smaller satellites and stick with the larger satellite technology. The small number of big, expensive and complex satellites  that's what they like to build."

Countering the argument, Krepon said the U.S. government is diversifying through information sharing by reaching out to utilize "this tremendous surge of commercial capability." So instead of having a handful of satellites he said there's now the potential for many more by teaming up with commercial observation satellite companies.

Actually, the admiral spoke about the information-sharing strategy last week indicating that the U.S. Strategic Command  the unified command that deters military attacks on the U.S. and allies  now has agreements with 58 international companies as well as a dozen nations.

" We share a number of common interests with out partners and allies ," said Richard, the deputy commander of the U.S. Strategic Command. "We are not the only people who have assets. And I think there is great opportunity for us to collaborate for mutual benefit in this area."





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Photo credit: SpaceX

From Popular Mechanics

Photo credit: SpaceX

The long-awaited day is finally upon us. SpaceX is going to relaunch a rocket.

The company will launch a satellite into orbit with a used Falcon 9 rocket on Thursday, March 30, targeting a 6:27 p.m. EDT liftoff time with a launch window that extends to 8:57 p.m. The used Falcon 9 will carry the SES-10 communications satellite from Launch Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center near Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Florida's Space Coast. Then it will attempt to land again. Expect a live stream of the event on SpaceX's YouTube page.

The Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, better known as SpaceX, first announced its reusable launch system program in 2011. From 2012 to 2014, the private spaceflight company collected data from 12 flight tests and landings of the 106-foot Grasshopper rocket and a larger Falcon 9 Reusable Development Vehicle (F9R Dev). In 2015, Elon Musk and company started going for the real deal: landing the first stage of a full-scale Falcon 9 rocket.

They crashed a few.

Then, on the night of December 21, 2015, SpaceX landed its first Falcon 9 first stage on a landing pad. Four months later, after a couple more fails, Musk's space startup stuck the landing on an autonomous drone ship out at sea. Now SpaceX has landed and recovered eight rockets, three on ground pads and five on drone ships. It's time to relaunch one.

Photo credit: SpaceX

The rocket that will fly for the second time is the first one SpaceX landed on a drone ship, the second one overall to land successfully. On April 8, 2016, this Falcon 9 lofted almost 7,000 pounds of supplies-including a new inflatable habitat-in one of SpaceX's Dragon capsules bound for the International Space Station. After flying more than 4,000 mph and descending from about 460,000 feet, the first stage of the Falcon 9 used small thrusters to align itself for landing and then fired its main engines to decelerate as it reentered the atmosphere, landing on the autonomous drone ship Of Course I Still Love You in the Atlantic Ocean.

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Photo credit: SpaceX

The common thinking is that reusing rockets, rather than discarding them after every launch as we do now, could revolutionize spaceflight and significantly drive down costs. More companies could afford to invest in space, more satellites could be launched, and human advancement into the final frontier would accelerate accordingly. SpaceX calls reusability "the key to making human life multi-planetary."

They have the chance to prove that thinking today. A Falcon 9 launch starts at $62 million, and how much money can actually be saved depends on the cost of refurbishing a used rocket and how many times a single launch vehicle can be reused. It's not the entire rocket that gets reused, but the most expensive components, including the engines and the fuel tanks, are preserved in a successful first stage landing.

SpaceX hasn't released the exact amount of money they spent preparing the used Falcon 9 for today's launch, but in March 2016, SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell said refurbishment of a Falcon 9 would cost about $3 million with an additional $1 million for refueling. The cost of a launch could then be driven down to about $40 million, representing more than 30 percent in savings. The company is planning to lease and possibly build additional facilities for rocket refurbishing that could dive that cost down even further.

Photo credit: SES

Elon Musk is optimistic about rocket reusability, saying that most components could be used more than 100 times, and the parts that take the brunt of the damage on reentry, such as heat shields, could be used for around 10 to 15 launches. We'll see if the Falcon 9 can stand up to that kind of workload.

For their part, Luxembourg-based SES is looking forward to being part of the first orbital launch with a used rocket. "Having been the first commercial satellite operator to launch with SpaceX back in 2013, we are excited to once again be the first customer to launch on SpaceX's first ever mission using a flight-proven rocket," SES CTO Martin Halliwell said in a statement back in August. "We believe reusable rockets will open up a new era of spaceflight, and make access to space more efficient in terms of cost and manifest management."

If Elon Musk is really going to set us on the path to colonizing other planets, first he needs to prove he can launch multiple payloads into space with the same rocket. Tune in later today to see if SpaceX pulls it off.

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Each year, usually in October, the staff of the Central European University Press meet with its advisory board, of which Im a member, in an elegant circular room just off the rectors office at the universitys headquarters in Budapest. The press is small, staffed by a young Hungarian team. Most of the titles that they publish sell in the hundreds or low thousands of copies, like many academic publishers lists. The meeting is orderly, respectful. It is a far from radical or revolutionary endeavor.

Yet this modest press and the university that houses it are under direct attack by Hungarys right-wing prime minister, Viktor Orban, whose government has added an amendment to anti-immigration legislation that would regulate the movement of international staff and students for unspecified national security reasons. The Central European University (CEU) operates in the English language; its 1,440 students come from 108 nations; more than half the faculty and the large majority of the administrative staff are Hungarian; and the rector is the distinguished intellectual and former Liberal Party politician Michael Ignatieff, who is Canadian and married to a Hungarian. The effect of the proposed law would be to make it impossible for the university to continue its operations, according to the CEU.

But the real reason that the CEU has been targeted is the identity of its founder  the financier and Open Society Foundations activist George Soros. The billionaire philanthropist funded the creation of the university in 1991. Since then, it has become one of the highest-ranked in Central Europe. But the universitys pedigree is not, apparently, enough to save it from association with the era after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the former Soviet Union. Even though Orban personally benefited from a scholarship from Soros to study at Oxford University, he leads a fiercely nationalistic government. The CEU has become a soft, handy political target. Soros, a liberal internationalist, is the antithesis of Vladimir Putin, a nationalist authoritarian who happens to be Orbans political role model.

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And thats why the CEU matters. It is not a relatively small institution caught up in a local political spat; it is part of the larger test of Western liberal values. It is also a university, committed to learning, to actual facts, to rigorous scientific method, and to a wide and diverse student body. Its press is not a rival to the Oxford University Press or Harvards, but it publishes with integrity and supports scholarly expertise. Yet it is under existential threat.

Viktor Orban has spoken of his determination to pursue an illiberal democracy in Hungary, modeled on the Russian example. Clearly, it starts with the shuttering of free speech and inquiry. One of the special focuses of the CEU Press is Cold War studies. The lessons of that period are suddenly very necessary. Americans, who know how to defend First Amendment rights, need their government to fight for the CEUs right to speak, publish, and exist in an environment free from political harassment or legal peril. In other times, we could protest the kind of bullying intolerance shown by Orban through the U.S. ambassador, but the Trump administration has yet to appoint one in Hungary. So, we must shout all the louder.

Photo credit: ATTILA KISBENEDEK/AFP/Getty Images
Candace Claiborne, a 60-year-old employee of the State Department, was arrested Tuesday and charged with concealing extensive contacts with foreign agents, the Justice Department said in a press release. She is accused of failing to report contacts with Chinese foreign intelligence agents from whom she amassed thousands of dollars worth of gifts and other personal benefits.

Claiborne used her position and her access to sensitive diplomatic data for personal profit. Pursuing those who imperil our national security for personal gain will remain a key priority of the National Security Division, Acting Assistant Attorney General Mary B. McCord said in a statement.

Claiborne of Washington, D.C., had been with the department for nearly two decades. She started her work with the State Department in 1999 as an office management specialist. During her yearslong tenure, she has worked in several countries and held a number of positions, including in embassies and consulates in Baghdad, Khartoum in Sudan, Beijing and Shanghai in China.

Read: China Attacks US Human Rights, Cites 2016 'Election Fraud'

She maintains a Top Secret security clearance as a condition of her employment, which means that she is also expected to report any contacts with those suspected of being affiliated with a foreign intelligence agency.

As a State Department employee with a Top Secret clearance, she received training and briefing about the need for caution and transparency. This case demonstrates that U.S. government employees will be held accountable for failing to honor the trust placed in them when they take on such sensitive assignments, Attorney Channing D. Phillips of the District of Columbia said in the Justice Department release.

Over five years, Claiborne received gifts and benefits that included iPhone, laptop, cash, Chinese New Years gifts, international travel and vacation, tuition at a fashion school in China, a fully furnished apartment and a monthly stipend, the affidavit in support of the complaint and arrest warrant claimed. It added that some gifts were handed out to her directly while she received some through a co-conspirator, who was not identified in the complaint.

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In one instance, one of the two Chinese agents Claiborne allegedly had contact with asked her to reveal internal U.S. government analysis on a U.S.-China Strategic Economic Dialogue, federal prosecutors said. For this task, $2,480 was allegedly wired to her bank account.

"When a public servant is suspected of potential misconduct or federal crimes that violate the public trust, we vigorously investigate such claims," Acting State Department Spokesman Mark Toner told reporters. "The Department of State is firmly committed to investigating and working with the Department of Justice and our other law enforcement partners to investigate any allegations of criminal activity and bring those who commit crimes to justice."

At her court appearance Wednesday, Claiborne pleaded not guilty. A preliminary hearing is scheduled to take place on April 18.

Read: US Navy, Chinese Military Planes Nearly Crash Over South China Sea

The charges for obstructing an official proceeding and making false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation carries a maximum penalty of 20 and 5 years, respectively. The investigation into the matter is being led by the FBIs Washington Field Office.

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A State Department official with a top secret clearance and deployments to sensitive postings abroad was charged concealing contact with Chinese intelligence agents, the Department of Justice announced Wednesday evening.

Candace Marie Claiborne, a State Department employee for nearly two decades, allegedly failed to report her contacts with Chinese foreign intelligence agents who provided her with thousands of dollars of gifts and benefits, said Acting Assistant Attorney General Mary B. McCord in a statement released Wednesday. Claiborne used her position and her access to sensitive diplomatic data for personal profit. The FBI arrested her Tuesday.

According to the Department of Justice, Chinese intelligence officials showered Claiborne, her family, and an unnamed co-conspirator with tens of thousands of dollars in gifts in the last five years. The gifts included international travel, a fully-furnished apartment, tuition at a Chinese fashion school worth $50,000, an iPhone and computer, and cash wired to her bank accounts.

The Department of Justice said the Chinese government asked her to provide internal U.S. government analyses on a U.S.-Sino strategic dialogue, but didnt offer further specifics on other sensitive government intelligence she provided to China.

Claibornes arrest comes days before a highly-anticipated meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump at Trumps resort in Florida. Experts say Claiborne is not senior enough for her arrest to seriously color the bilateral meeting, but it still illustrates Chinas espionage offensive against the United States.

The details of the case also shed light on how much power Chinas spies wield over other arms of the government. According to a 58-page complaint against Claiborne unsealed Wednesday, intelligence agents blocked local police officials from investigating one of Claibornes family members for an undisclosed serious crime.

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Such an extraordinary step, in a country like China, makes plain the influence that (the Chinese intelligence agents) had within the PRC government, U.S. prosecutors said in the complaint.

Sixty-year old Claiborne began working as an office management specialist for the State Department in 1999 and holds a Top Secret clearance, one of the highest levels of clearance in the federal government. She served at numerous embassies and consulates abroad during the course of her career, including Baghdad, Iraq; Khartoum, Sudan; and Beijing and Shanghai, China.

In addition to misleading investigators on her contact with the Chinese agents, she also reportedly made the mistake of recording what she was doing in a personal journal and confiding to a co-conspirator she knew the Chinese agents were spies. Claiborne wrote in her journal she could generate 20k in 1 year by working with the Chinese agents, according to the affidavit.

Acting State Department Spokesman Mark Toner called Claibornes suspected actions a breach of trust and said the State Department is firmly committed to investigating the allegations with law enforcement partners.

The Chinese government has not yet acknowledged or released any official statement on Claibornes arrest.

Claiborne pleaded not guilty during her first appearance in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Wednesday. A full preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 18. If found guilty, she could face up 20 years in prison for obstructing a federal investigation and 5 years for lying to FBI investigators.

Photo credit: PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images
AUBURN  Local police officers arrested several people from March 20 through Sunday, according to DeKalb County Jail records.

Kenneth Brinkman, 54, of the 3300 block of West Loon Lake Road, Angola, was arrested March 21 at 11:54 a.m. by the Indiana State Police on a warrant charging him with battery a Class B misdemeanor.

Richard Whitenack, 34, of the 600 block of Peterson Street, Auburn, was arrested March 21 at 6:20 p.m. by the DeKalb County Sheriffs Department on a charge of possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony.

Trafton Jimenez, 34, of the 1100 block of Dowling Street, Kendallville, was arrested March 22 at 1:45 a.m. by the Garrett Police Department on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated at the Class A and Class C misdemeanor levels.

Stanley Bloom, 58, of the 1000 block of Brittany Place, Fort Wayne, was arrested March 22 at 1:41 p.m. by the DeKalb County Sheriffs Department on a warrant charging him with battery, a Class B misdemeanor.

Sarah Goestschius, 36, of the 100 block of East Fifteenth Street, Auburn, was arrested March 22 by the Auburn Police Department on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated at the Level 6 felony and Class C misdemeanor levels.

Kelsey Parks, 26, of the 600 block of Laramie Trace, Kendallville, was arrested March 22 at 1:50 p.m. by the Auburn Police Department pm a charge of possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony.

Jessica Vittonel, 37, of the 1100 block of Cristen Avenue, Auburn, was arrested March 22 at 3:27 p.m. by the Auburn Police Department on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated at the Level 6 felony and Class A misdemeanor levels.

Bruce Compton, 51, of the 200 block of South Street, Corunna, was arrested March 22 at 6:43 p.m. by the DeKalb County Sheriffs Department on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated at the Class A and Class C misdemeanor levels.

Thomas Daley, 22, of the 600 block of North Van Buren Street, Auburn, was arrested March 22 at 7:43 p.m. by the Auburn Police Department on a warrant charging him with aggravated assault, a Level 3 felony.

Tammy Childers, 56, of the 7200 block of East C.R. 200S, LaGrange, was arrested March 22 at 9:49 p.m. on a warrant from the DeKalb County Prosecuting Attorneys office on charges of possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony, and possession of a controlled substance, a Class A misdemeanor.

Boni Coffelt, 30, of the 400 block of South 7th Street, Albion, was arrested March 22 at 8:50 p.m. on a warrant from the DeKalb County Prosecuting Attorneys office on a charge of forgery, a Level 6 felony.

Neil Dove, 45, of Northcrest Trailer Park, Butler, was arrested March 23 at 2:39 a.m. by theDeKalb County Sheriffs Department on a warrant from the DeKalb County Prosecuting Attorneys office on charges possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony.

Autumn Bowser, 26, of the 600 block of West King Street, Garrett, was arrested March 23 at 5:36 a.m. by the Garrett Police Department on a charge of domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor.

Martin Douglas, 28, of the 00 block of South Randolph Street, Garrett, was arrested March 23 at 6:24 a.m. by the Garrett Police Department on a warrant from the LaGrange County Prosecuting Attorney for an unspecified charge.

Scarlett Murray, 43, of the 100 block of Harrison Street, St. Joe, was arrested March 23 at 2:18 p.m. by the Auburn Police Department on charges of unlawful sale of a precursor, a Level 6 felony, and visiting a common nuisance, a Class B misdemeanor.

Skyler Davidson, 32, of the 100 block of Harrison Street, St. Joe, was arrested March 23 at 3:20 p.m. by the Auburn Police Department on charges of dealing methamphetamine, a Level 5 felony; and possession of meth, possession of a legend drug injection device and visiting a common nuisance, Level 6 felonies.

Joshua Patton, 33, of the 100 block of South Cleveland Street, Auburn, was arrested March 23 at 3:20 p.m. by the Auburn Police Department on charges of dealing methamphetamine, a Level 5 felony; visiting common nuisance, a Level 6 felony; and possession of a legend drug injection device, a Level 6 felony.

Theodore Spencer, 41, of Auburn, was arrested March 23 at 4:18 p.m. by the Auburn Police Department on charges of burglary, a Level 5 felony; and theft, a Level 6 felony.

Kaleb Reynolds, 23, of the 2700 block of C.R. 38, Auburn, was arrested March 23 at 7:32 p.m. by the Garrett Police Department on a charge of driving while suspended, a Class A misdemeanor.

Candace Smith, 24, of the 2300 block of North Indiana Avenue, Auburn, was arrested Friday at 12:24 a.m. by the Auburn Police Department on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a prior conviction, a Level 6 felony, and operating a vehicle while intoxicated, a Class A misdemeanor.

Trinity Hunter, 39, of the 7200 block of East C.R. 200S, LaGrange, was arrested Friday at 3:30 p.m. on a warrant from the DeKalb County Prosecuting Attorney for charges of possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony; possession of marijuana, a Class A misdemeanor; and possession of paraphernalia, a Class C misdemeanor.

Donald Isham, 32, of the 400 block of South Peters Street, Garrett, was arrested Friday at 4:19 p.m. by the DeKalb County Sheriffs Department on a warrant from the DeKalb County Prosecuting Attorney for alleged contempt of court.

Elaine Hunt, 40, of the 1200 block of North Wells Street, Fort Wayne, was arrested Friday at 4:24 p.m. by the Auburn Police Department on charges of possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony; possession of paraphernalia, a Class A misdemeanor; possession of paraphernalia with a prior conviction, a Level 6 felony; and possession of a controlled substance, a Class A misdemeanor.

Matthew McNutt, 31, of the 1000 block of C.R. 54, Garrett, was arrested Friday at 5:05 p.m. by the DeKalb County Sheriffs Department on a warrant from the DeKalb County Prosecuting Attorney for alleged contempt of court.

Susan Shewman, 37, of the 100 block of North Orange Street, Albion, was arrested Friday at 7:58 p.m. on a warrant from the DeKalb County Prosecuting Attorney charging her with theft, a Class A misdemeanor.

Jeffery Shaffer, 55, of the 100 block of West College Street, Butler, was arrested Friday at 11:40 p.m. by the DeKalb County Sheriffs Department on charges of domestic battery and battery, Class A misdemeanors.

Mel Smuts, 42, of the 600 block of Greenbriar Boulevard, Auburn, was arrested Saturday at 3:03 a.m. by the Garrett Police Department on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated at the Class A and Class C misdemeanor levels.

Mark Wainwright, 27, of the 700 block of South Walsh Street, Garrett, was arrested Saturday at 10:28 p.m. by the Garrett Police Department on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated at the Class A and Class C misdemeanor levels.

James McCoy, 18, of the 1400 block of Logan Street, Auburn, was arrested Sunday at 1:30 a.m. by the DeKalb County Sheriffs Department on charges of possession of marijuana, Class B misdemeanor; and illegal consumption and possession of paraphernalia, Class C misdemeanors.
The Department of Education recently advised companies that collect debt on billions of dollars in outstanding federal student loans that they can once again charge a large penalty fee to defaulted borrowers. However, the collectorseven one that is currently suing the government for the right to charge this feenow say they will not automatically add thousands of dollars in additional debt to loans in default.

Bloomberg reports that all 26 loan companies that collect for the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program have said they will not automatically charge borrowers a higher default fee, even though they totally could.

Last week, the Department of Education advised [PDF] federal student loan debt collectors that they were now allowed to automatically charge borrowers a default fee that is equivalent to 16% of the loan balance.

The guarantors were told to ignore a July 2015 Obama administration guidance [PDF] that restricted fees on the public-private FFEL Program loans. That 2015 directive barred guarantors from charging default penalty fees on borrowers who met the following conditions: They responded to the notice of default within 60 days, entered into a repayment and rehabilitation program, and then abided by that program.

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With about 7 million borrowers still owing $162 billion in debt for outstanding FFEL loans, the guarantors would likely see a nice windfall from the higher fees.

However, Bloomberg reports that might not be the case, as all of the guaranty agencies have announced in the last week that they wont be charging higher fees.

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Many student loan borrowers already have a difficult time managing their loan obligations, James Patterson, chief executive officer of the Texas guaranty agency, tells Bloomberg. Adding more fees does not help their situation.

The decision not to charge higher fees comes as a bit of a surprise, as one guaranty agencyUSA Fundswaged a rather public battle against the 2015 directive capping the fees.

In fact, USA Funds sued the Department [PDF], alleging that the guidance was inconsistent with the law, and that then Secretary of Education Arne Duncan sidestepped the required rulemaking process by issuing this rule without seeking public comment.

As we reported last week, that lawsuit is still pending in federal court, but recent filings indicate that the government is actively looking to walk away from the dispute.

USA Funds also faced additional scrutiny because of a family connection to the Department of Education. Taylor Hansen, son of USA Funds CEO Bill Hansen, was a high-ranking adviser to Ed. Secy. Betsy DeVos at the time this new guidance was issued. However, amid concerns about improper influence, Hansen quietly stepped down from government gig after only a few weeks on the job.





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Authorities have seized "a significant quantity of suspected cocaine" concealed in an unauthorized aircraft after it landed at Gordon K. Bush Ohio University Airport in Albany on Wednesday. The drug was located after an investigation was conducted by the Ohio University Police Department (OUPD), the Athens County Sheriff's Office, Customs and Border Protection, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), according to local reports.

Read: Cocaine And Caffeinated Alcoholic Beverages Have Same Effects On Adolescent Brains, Reveals New Study

There were two occupants in the international flight when it landed around 2:30 p.m. EDT Wednesday and both were detained until Customs and Border Protection arrived at the scene. Both the suspects were taken into custody by Homeland Security and transported to Columbus. The contraband was also sent to Ohios capital, according to local reports.

The pilot had said that he was traveling through U.S. airspace and a mechanical defect forced him to land at the airport, according to a press release on the OUPD's Twitter page.

Since Gordon K. Bush Airport is not a port of entry, and international flights do not regularly land there, the DHS warned OUPD of the planes arrival, and Customs and Border Protection requested OUPD detain the planes two occupants. A Homeland Security plane with special radar and communications equipment landed at the Ohio University airport to investigate the matter, according to the Columbus Dispatch.

The plane is a privately owned Canadian airplane based in Lachute, Quebec, according to information from the Canadian Civil Aircraft Register database. Aviation records for the tail number on the plane show that it has recently made flights over U.S. airspace while traveling between Canada and the Bahamas, according to the Post, a student-run newspaper in Athens, Ohio, which covers Ohio University.

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The two suspects have not been identified and no further information was made available. Homeland Security is leading the investigation, Ohio University said, according to the Columbus Dispatch.

Homeland Security is leading the investigation, Ohio University said.

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Beirut (AFP) - More than five million Syrians are now refugees, the UN said Thursday, as aid groups urged the international community to end the country's six-year war and provide more assistance.

The new figures mean around a quarter of Syria's population has fled since the March 2011 start of a conflict that has killed over 320,000 people.

The UN refugee agency urged more international assistance, with spokeswoman Cecile Pouilly calling the figure an "important milestone".

"As the number of men, women and children fleeing six years of war in Syria passes the five million mark, the international community needs to do more to help them," said the UNHCR.

Aid groups helping Syrian refugees have regularly sounded the alarm about the crisis, appealing for more funds and international action to end Syria's war.

"It's clear that the international community has completely failed to end the conflict in Syria," said Alun McDonald of Save the Children.

"The situation inside the country is still not remotely safe for people to go home, we see more people being uprooted every day."

McDonald said much of the international community was also failing refugees, increasingly closing borders and turning them away.

Most Syrian refugees are hosted regionally, by neighbours Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, with more in Iraq and Egypt.

- Largest group in Turkey -

Hundreds of thousands of Syrians have also fled to Europe, often risking exploitation by smugglers and even death on arduous journeys by land and sea.

Smaller numbers have been resettled officially in Europe, Canada and the United States, though President Donald Trump's administration has sought to temporarily halt all Syrian refugee entries.

The largest group is in Turkey, with over 2.9 million registered Syrian refugees, according to the UN.

Less than a tenth reside in camps, with most living in Turkish cities, including more than half a million in Istanbul alone.

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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, an early backer of the Syrian uprising who repeatedly urged President Bashar al-Assad to step down, has even floated the possibility of granting some refugees citizenship.

In Jordan, some 657,000 Syrian refugees are registered with the UN, but the government says the true figure is 1.3 million.

Tens of thousands of Syrians live in two large camps, Zaatari and Azraq, but the majority live in homes and apartments, able to access the job market but competing for scarce employment.

The situation is more complicated in Lebanon, where the government refused the establishment of formal camps.

The UN says around one million Syrians are in the country, though the government says the figure is higher, with many living in dismal conditions in informal camps.

- Impact on children -

Lebanon has just four million citizens and was already struggling with limited resources, unemployment and overstretched infrastructure before the refugee influx.

In a joint statement with Syrian organisations, charity Oxfam urged more support for host countries.

"Oxfam calls on rich countries to show their support for Syria's neighbours that have welcomed these refugees and to resettle at least the most vulnerable 10 percent most of Syrian refugees by the end of 2017," said Oxfam international executive director Winnie Byanyima.

"It's a protracted crisis and the funding is not catching up with the needs," added Oxfam spokeswoman Joelle Bassoul.

Tom Garofalo, a regional director of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) which responds to humanitarian crises around the world, urged the EU-UN conference on Syria being held next week in Brussels to focus on efforts to bring the conflict to an end.

"It is vital they remember that this war isnt over yet; the intensity of the conflict is still forcing 6,000 people to flee their homes every day," he said.

"Now is not the time to talk about post-conflict reconstruction or returning refugees. Until the fighting ends, Syrians have no reason to hope for a better future for their country."

Aid groups and the UN have also regularly warned about the long-term impact of the crisis, particularly on children.

"A million Syrian refugee children are out of school and missing out on education, and they are the ones who will have to contribute to rebuilding Syria for the next generation," said Save The Children's McDonald.

burs-sah/hc/dv
Geneva (AFP) - The tally of refugees who have fled the war in Syria now exceeds five million, the United Nations said Thursday.

"As the number of men, women and children fleeing six years of war in Syria passes the five million mark, the international community needs to do more to help them," the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said in a statement.

The total of Syrian refugees abroad stood at 4.6 million at the end of 2015 and rose to 4.85 million by the end of last year, according to the agency's data.

The first three months of 2017 saw more than 250,000 additional Syrians register as refugees, UNHCR said on its website, without providing an explanation for the apparent surge.

Turkey continues to host the highest number of Syrians displaced by the conflict -- nearly three million.

Lebanon has over a million Syrian refugees, while Jordan has 657,000, with others spread across Iraq, Egypt and other North African countries.

Hundreds of thousands of Syrians have also fled to Europe, but not all of them have been granted refugee status.
The Tennessee teacher who has not been seen since allegedly running off with one of his students more than two weeks ago may have fled south of the border.

Brent Cooper, the district attorney for Maury County, Tennessee, called teacher Tad Cummins a "religious man," telling ABC News that the 50-year-old may have fled to Mexico with student Elizabeth Thomas, 15.

Read: Teacher Accused of Kidnapping Teen May Have Bought Women's Hair Dye Days Before Disappearing

"It's possible that's where they are," said Cooper, who explained that Cummins is "familiar with missionary work... He could easily blend into that kind of culture."

According to authorities, Cummins invented a past for himself to make him appear more fascinating to his students.

"He was kind of brainwashing all the kids into thinking he was something he wasn't," Cooper said, including a former FBI and CIA agent. "I'm sure all that played into Elizabeth's feelings toward him. It was a complete deception."

Cummins and Thomas vanished together on March 13. Despite hundreds of tips and leads, there have been no credible sightings of the pair and an Amber Alert remains in effect for Elizabeth.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) said: The lack of confirmed sightings, however, continues to lead TBI to believe Cummins could have Thomas hidden from view of the general public or far away from Tennessee."

Thomas had last been seen wearing an oversized flannel shirt, black leggings and sneakers.

Though Cummins was spotted in a local Walmart days before the alleged abduction shopping for hair dye, investigators said they have been able to determine that purchase was not connected to any plan to change his or Thomas' appearance.

A warrant has been issued for Cummins arrest on charges of aggravated kidnapping and sexual contact with a minor, the TBI said.

Cummins is believed to be armed with two handguns and could be driving a silver Nissan Rogue with Tennessee tag 976-ZPT.

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Last week, he was added to the states Top 10 Most Wanted list. There is a $1,000 reward for information connected to his capture.

Officials asked property owners, especially in rural areas, to search their grounds for the pair, the vehicle or any other signs of suspicious activity.

Read: Brother of Teen Allegedly Kidnapped by Teacher: 'I Do Believe He Has Some Control Over Her'

"The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation remains hopeful and committed to its efforts to reunite the young girl with her family, friends, and community, as the search for her and her alleged kidnapper continues," the TBI said.

Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-TBI-FIND, or to call 911 immediately if Cummins vehicle is spotted.

Watch: Woman Who Escaped Kidnapper Reveals How Facebook Helped Her

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Elizabeth Thomas and her alleged abductor Tad Cummins may have fled the country to Mexico, Tennessee officials announced a press conference on Tuesday.

[He] planned this in such a way that he had a 24-hour head start, easily enough time for him to make it to Mexico, Maury County District Attorney Brent Cooper said.

Cummins, 50, and 15-year-old Thomas have been missing since March 13. The high school freshman is believed to be with her former health sciences teacher after Cummins alleged groomed Thomas for months and the two allegedly exchanged emails officials described as romantic in nature.

A warrant has been issued for Cummins arrest on charges of aggravated kidnapping and sexual contact with a minor. The latter stems from reports that the pair were caught kissing in Cummins classroom on Jan. 23.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter.

Some have characterized this relationship as a romance, Director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Mark Gwyn said at the press conference. But this morning I want to caution the public to avoid anything that might look or sound like victim blaming.

This is not a fairy tale, he continued. This is a case of kidnapping.

Cummins has described himself as a religious man who has worked with children in the past, according to his resume, which was obtained by PEOPLE.

Cooper said Cummins could be using his background in Mexico or South America. Its possible that hes playing the role of a missionary in that area,  Cooper told ABC News.

Pick up PEOPLEs special edition True Crime Stories: Cases That Shocked America, on sale now, for the latest on Casey Anthony, JonBenet Ramsey and more.

On Wednesday, the TBI released a copy of their AMBER Alet poster in Spanish. Officials say they have received more than 1,000 tips and unconfirmed sightings of the pair in 49 states.

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We39;ve translated our #TNAMBERAlert information into Spanish in an effort to reach even more people. Feel free to pass this along! pic.twitter.com/Wvf6sfsAm9

- Josh DeVine (@TBIJoshDeVine) March 29, 2017

Authorities believe Cummins is likely keeping Elizabeth off the grid and theyve urged the public to search their properties, local campgrounds, rural areas and parking garages.

Elizabeth was last placed in Alabama and was last seen wearing a flannel shirt and black leggings. She is 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 120 lbs., with blonde hair and hazel eyes.

Cummins was seen driving a Silver Nissan Rogue with Tennessee license plate 976ZPT, according to the TBI. He is 6 feet tall and weighs 200 lbs., with brown hair and eyes.

Anyone with information on Cummins or Elizabeth should call the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

This article was originally published on PEOPLE.com
Ford was around for 100 years before Tesla came on the auto scene, and Ford was being publicly traded for 54 years before Tesla went public, yet the two companies are worth almost the same, reports BuzzFeed.

Wednesday afternoon Ford was sitting at $46.6 billion and Tesla was close behind at $45.2 billion. Both companies are chasing General Motors, the highest valued auto company in the United States.

Read: SpaceX, Tesla CEO Elon Musks Wants To Implant AI Devices To Human Brain

While Tesla vehicles are expensive they feature some of the most advanced renewable energy technology in the world and represent the future of electric cars, while Ford offers more affordable and traditional vehicles. Offering the traditional will work in Fords favor as long as gas prices stay low and they can continue to sell their larger vehicles that are more rugged and versatile than what Tesla has to offer.

Ford has faced some challenges though with stock falling over the last year. Decreasing confidence in the company from investors coupled with Tesla gaining investors could pose a threat to Ford as the number two company.

Tesla recently received funding from the Chinese company Tencent, a tech and gaming company that is worth more than $250 billion. But thats not to say Tesla hasnt also faced bumps in the road. The company acquired SolarCity in November in a merge that was supposed to help alleviate SolarCitys more than $3 billion in debt, a risk for Tesla to take on but Teslas CEO Elon Musk is SolarCity CEO, Lyndon Rives cousin.

While both companies have their challenges Ford may need to step up its electric game in the future if it hopes to compete with Teslas innovation.

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BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand's prosecutor's office on Thursday again postponed a hit-and-run indictment against an heir to a founder of the Red Bull energy drink over a 2012 incident in which a policeman died. For the eighth time in the past year, Vorayuth Yoovidhya missed a scheduled appointment to be formally charged and taken to court by Thai prosecutors. This time because he was "away for business in England," a spokesman for the office told a news conference. Vorayuth's lawyer declined to comment. The case is being closely followed in Thailand, where there is a widespread belief that the rich and famous are treated more leniently by the legal system. Prayut Bejraguna, deputy spokesman of the Office of the Attorney-General, said Vorayuth's appointment had been postponed to April 27. "We are aware of the urgency to deliver justice," Prayut said. "In principle, we will certainly carry the case through before charges expire." Police accuse Vorayuth of running his Ferrari over a motorcycle policeman and leaving him in the road. Vorayuth initially faced four charges for the incident, but two have been dropped. Vorayuth faces possible indictments for hit-and-run and for reckless driving causing death. He could be jailed for more than 10 years if found guilty of both. No arrest warrant has been issued. The hit-and-run charge would expire in September if there is no prosecution by then. The reckless driving charge will not expire until 2027. (Reporting by Aukkarapon Niyomyat and Patpicha Tanakasempipat; Writing by Patpicha Tanakasempipat; Editing by Matthew Tostevin and Randy Fabi)
By Alex Bregman

Sanctuary cities have become a major battleground in the immigration debate in the U.S. But what are they, and why does President Trump want to get rid of them?

On the campaign trail, Trump said things like We will end the sanctuary cities that ended in so many needless deaths.

In a nutshell, so-called sanctuary cities are cities, counties and even states that protect undocumented immigrants from federal authorities in a variety of ways. That includes barring law enforcement from asking about their legal status or refusing to detain them, even if the federal government wants them to.

So why were these special protections of undocumented immigrants put into place?

There are more than 11 million undocumented immigrants in America, and these cities, counties and states dont agree with deportation as a solution for people who have been building new lives here. To that end, local law enforcement agencies dont want them to stay in the shadows or be afraid to report crimes theyve witnessed or been victims of. Supporters say sanctuary cities help keep communities safer.

Critics, however, argue that these policies get in the way of enforcing federal immigration laws, tap community resources that could be used by legal citizens and protect alleged criminals. That includes 45-year-old Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, who is accused of murdering 32-year-old Kate Steinle when she was walking with her father on Pier 14 in San Francisco a year and a half ago.

Lopez-Sanchez had committed several felonies and had been deported five times. Steinles death became a lightning rod for the national immigration debate.

While theyre known as sanctuary cities, that really just means safe places for undocumented immigrants to be.

The Southside Presbyterian Church in Tucson, Ariz., really started the trend in the 1980s when it opened its doors for people fleeing civil wars in Central America. Now, according to the Center for Immigration Studies, there are more than 200 sanctuaries. That includes cities like New York, Chicago, Seattle and San Francisco and entire states like California, Connecticut, New Mexico and Colorado.

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The Trump administration is putting these states and cities on notice by publishing weekly lists of jurisdictions it deems in violation of immigration law.

The Department of Justice is also ready to cut billions for those localities they determine are not complying with federal immigration laws. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said on Monday, Such policies make their cities and states less safe  public safety, as well as national security, are at stake  and put them at risk of losing federal dollars.

However, cities and states are not going down without a fight. The mayor of Seattle announced this week that the city is suing the Trump administration over its latest threat to pull funding.

As the debate continues surrounding sanctuary cities, when it comes to what they are, at least you can say, Now I get it.

Read more from Yahoo News:
Ankara (AFP) - US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Thursday the fate of President Bashar al-Assad was up to the people of Syria, in the clearest indication yet of the new administration's policy in the war-torn country.

He also insisted during a visit to Turkey there was no difference between Ankara and Washington over the fight against the Islamic State group, even as his Turkish counterpart reiterated a key point of discord.

"I think the... longer term status of president Assad will be decided by the Syrian people," Tillerson told a news conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

Under Barack Obama's administration, the US made Assad's departure a key policy goal, but new US President Donald Trump has put the accent firmly on defeating IS in Syria and Iraq.

US-backed forces are battling IS as they advance on the jihadists' Syrian stronghold of Raqa, laying the groundwork for an assault on their so-called "caliphate".

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android.

Tillerson's trip comes the day after Turkey announced the end of "Euphrates Shield", its own military offensive in northern Syria launched in August, but did not say if its troops had been withdrawn.

Ties between the NATO allies were strained under Obama, particularly over US cooperation with the Syrian Kurdish militia fighting against IS, and the issue of a US-based Turkish preacher blamed by Ankara for orchestrating the attempted coup last year.

- 'Difficult choices' -

Ankara views the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) as a "terror group" linked to Kurdish separatists waging an insurgency inside Turkey since 1984, but Washington regards them as the best force fighting IS.

Turkey has suggested it wants to join any operation to capture Raqa, but without the Kurdish militia.

Tillerson hailed Turkey as a "key partner" in the fight against IS jihadists.

"There's no space between Turkey and the US and our commitment to defeat Daesh, to defeat ISIS," he added, using other names for IS.

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He said options to defeat IS "anywhere Daesh shows its face" were difficult.

"What we discussed today were options that are available to us... These are not easy decisions. There are difficult choices that have to be made," Tillerson said, without elaborating.

"In terms of the future of Raqa we look forward to the liberation of Raqa and return of its control to local citizens authorities putting it under local control for security... so that all of the Syrians who had to flee that area can return."

However, Cavusoglu said Ankara expected "better cooperation" with the Trump administration regarding the YPG.

"It is not good or realistic to work with a terror group while fighting another terror group," he said.

Numerous diplomatic efforts have failed to end the Syrian conflict, which has killed more than 320,000 people and displaced millions since it erupted in March 2011 with protests against Assad's regime.

A fifth round of UN-sponsored peace talks is taking place in Geneva but no breakthrough has been reported and they are scheduled to end on Friday.

Mark Toner, acting State Department spokesman, had said earlier this month that Washington saw Assad as "a brutal man who has led his country into this morass" who could not be "an acceptable leader to all of the Syrian people".

"That said, it's up for the Syrian people -- that means opposition, moderate opposition  working with... some representation on the part of the regime to try to forge a political transition."

- 'Completely political' -

Tillerson also met President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for over two hours and held talks with Prime Minister Binali Yildirim.

Another bone of contention between Ankara and Washington is Turkey's call for the extradition of Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen.

Turkey accuses Gulen, an erstwhile Erdogan ally who lives in self-imposed in Pennsylvania, of ordering the July military coup bid, charges he strongly denies.

Yildirim's office said he and Tillerson discussed the next steps that should be taken for Gulen's return to Turkey.

The US detention of a senior Turkish state bank executive this week has also raised tensions, with Cavusoglu describing it as "completely political".

Halkbank's Mehmet Hakan Atilla is accused of helping to process millions of dollars of illegal transactions through US banks for Iran's government and other Iranian institutions.
Bowing to outside pressure, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is set to attend his first meeting with NATOs foreign ministers on Friday. But that was not his initial plan. Scheduling problems originally gave the secretary of state two bad options: go to NATO and miss Chinese President Xi Jinpings visit to the United States (not good, given criticism that he is already turning into a no-show secretary) or stay home and send acting Deputy Secretary of State Thomas Shannon (sending the signal, I see enough of you guys and NATO is a second tier priority).

These scheduling conflicts happen all the time and usually get worked out. But heres the kicker  NATO offered new dates and the State Department initially said no thanks. That message from Tillerson  essentially, Ill see you after my trip to Moscow  got everyone riled up. The Swamp rose up as one in protest and sent Tillerson a strong counter message: You dont see allies only after youve seen the Russians!

A few hours later State backed down. And so Tillerson will be in Brussels this Friday, no doubt miffed and with hat in hand. The lesson here is that leadership means showing up. While other ministers can opt out, that is not an option for the United States.

But Tillerson must do more than just show up. Now that he will attend the NATO Ministerial  NATOs last big meeting before its summit on May 25  the question is whether he will lead the alliance or just go through the motions, doing crossword puzzles as allies drone on? If he plans to lead, he will need to arrive armed with new ideas and fresh energy to take the alliance forward, and away from supposed obsolescence. But if he arrives just to fill the seat, that would be the worst of all  it would be better if he had not shown up at all.

At a minimum, Tillerson should lay the intellectual and policy foundation for President Donald Trumps attendance at the NATO summit in May. Tillerson could provide the strategic underpinnings for the administrations worldview  especially the role of the United States in Europe. Weve heard the criticism, but whats the positive outlook from the transatlantic leader? That could set up Trump to announce in May the specific plans he has in regard for NATO and in tackling burden sharing. Tillerson could also lift the veil a bit on the U.S. relationship with Russia, especially as it relates to deterrence in Europe. He has to say something about Russia, given his upcoming trip there. And its probably easier for Tillerson to talk with allies about Russia than for Trump to do so.

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In addition to talking about Russia, foreign ministers will talk about ongoing NATO missions, such as NATO troops in the Baltics and Poland, NATO trainers in Iraq helping fight the Islamic State, NATO naval forces dealing with the worsening migrant tragedy in the Mediterranean, and NATO experts helping to establish governance in Libya. These missions show that NATO is not obsolete  but yes, NATO could certainly do more.

This is the area for a new push led by the United States. For instance, NATO could convene and host the counter-Islamic State coalition meetings currently being managed by the United States  there is no reason that the Defense Department and State Department have to run those meetings out of their back pockets. But NATO could especially do more in the post-conflict stage both in Iraq and in Syria. The rebuilding of those two nations will be a huge undertaking that cannot be done by the U.N. or any nation or coalition alone. NATO could take the initiative to work with the U.N. and the EU to begin sketching out how to help Iraq and Syria deal with the humanitarian needs born of years at war.

But most importantly, Tillerson can help Trumps first NATO summit be a success by taking off the table any lingering doubt or suspicion about U.S. leadership of the transatlantic community. This is a leadership role important for the United States and a priority for presidents going back to Harry Truman. The United States leads the transatlantic community because America derives important benefits from its partnership with Europe. Perhaps the most important benefit for the United States is that Europe and America see the world in a similar way and share an understanding that  at a time when these common values are increasingly threatened  we need a strong and cooperative community to see our way through. The United States does not have to face these challenges by itself; unless it willfully drives partners away, or allows the transatlantic community to atrophy through benign neglect.

Photo credit: OLIVER BERG/AFP/Getty Images
Torrential rain hampered relief efforts Thursday after a powerful cyclone wreaked havoc in northeast Australia, with floods sparking emergency rescues as fed-up tourists began evacuating from resort islands.

Cyclone Debbie has pummelled Queensland state since crashing ashore as a category four storm on Tuesday between Bowen and Airlie Beach, ripping up trees, washing boats onto land and causing widespread damage.

It has been downgraded to a tropical low as it tracks southeast, but continues to pack damaging gusts and dump huge amounts of rain all the way down the eastern coast to Sydney.

Meteorologists said Queensland's capital Brisbane was soaked by a month's worth of rain in a single day, with the popular Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast areas also drenched.

Theme parks and beaches in the area were closed.

"We have a very, very large state here and this is a very, very big weather system that's going to wreak havoc all the way down the coast," Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

Emergency service crews, who took more than 3,000 calls for help, rescued dozens of people from floodwaters, with some plucked from roofs and tops of cars.

To reinforce the message that people should steer clear of floods, Queensland Fire and Emergency tweeted a picture of a shark washed up on a road near the town of Ayr.

"Think it's safe to go back in the water? Think again! A bull shark washed up in Ayr. Stay out of floodwater," they said.

Despite the ferocity of the storm, no deaths have been reported with only one significant injury -- a man crushed by a collapsing wall. Before the cyclone hit, thousands of people moved to higher ground, out of the area or to safe refuges.

The wild weather has made the clean-up difficult as crews battle horrendous conditions to reach isolated communities and restore power.

Many roads remain flooded and towns cut off with hundreds of schools closed and authorities keeping a close eye on dams as water levels rise.

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Tens of thousands of people were ordered to evacuate in parts of northern New South Wales state, which neighbours Queensland, with floodwaters rising as the ex-tropical cyclone tracked south before it is expected to move offshore on Friday.

- A significant experience -

Great Barrier Reef islands were among the worst hit.

Tourists and residents had been stranded for days on devastated Hamilton and Daydream islands, battered by terrifying winds of more than 260 kph (160 mph) at the height of the tempest.

Hundreds were evacuated Thursday after struggling with no power and toilets not flushing as water ran low.

Jacqui McCullagh, who was staying on Hamilton Island, said the once-lush area was in a bad way.

"Boats washed ashore, houses without roofs, windows smashed in, trees snapped in half, gum trees torn out of the ground and those that do remain standing, are bare and lifeless," she told the local Whitsunday Times.

The military has mobilised 1,300 soldiers to help assess the full extent of damage and aid the clean-up, with helicopters and planes deploying to restore infrastructure and supply emergency food, water and fuel.

Debbie has officially been declared a catastrophe by the Insurance Council of Australia, allowing claims from the disaster to be prioritised.

The economic cost to a region that relies heavily on tourism and farming is expected to be huge, with sugarcane crops hit hard and the cattle industry also impacted, officials said.

"Producers in the Whitsunday area were planting winter vegetables and they're expected to suffer heavy crop losses as well as infrastructure, crop and irrigation equipment damage," said Queensland's Rural Economic Development Minister Bill Byrne.

"In the Mackay district, it's understood that the cane fields at Proserpine, Mackay and Sarina have been flattened."
By Makiko Yamazaki Chiba, JAPAN (Reuters) - Toshiba Corp shareholders agreed to split off its prized NAND flash memory unit on Thursday, paving the way for a sale to raise at least $9 billion to cover U.S. nuclear unit charges that threaten the conglomerate's future. Coming a day after Westinghouse filed for bankruptcy, the extraordinary general meeting saw angry shareholders vent at CEO Satoshi Tsunakawa, with one noting that managers had only last year described the chip and nuclear businesses as core units at the conglomerate. "How can something that was supposed to be a pillar turn into a hole," said the shareholder, asking Tsunakawa about the company's nuclear business. "Toshiba has become a laughingstock around the world. You have no clue what's going on," shouted another. Toshiba, which expects to book an annual net loss of 1 trillion yen ($9 billion) for this business year on a writedown at Westinghouse, has said it is selling most or even all of a unit that is the world's second-biggest producer of NAND chips. Initial bids for the sale closed on Wednesday. A source with knowledge of the planned sale said that about 10 potential bidders are interested. Those suitors include Western Digital Corp which operates a chip plant with Toshiba in Japan, Micron Technology Inc, South Korean chipmaker SK Hynix Inc and financial investors. The government-backed Innovation Network Corporation of Japan, and Development Bank of Japan are expected to enter later bidding rounds as part of a consortium, sources have said, declining to be identified as they were not authorised to speak on the matter publicly. A separate source said that Foxconn, the world's largest contract electronics manufacturer, is expected to place an offer which is likely to be the highest bid. Other sources have said the Japanese government is likely to block a sale to Foxconn due to its deep ties with China. While the vote, which won the backing of more than two-thirds of shareholders, and the bankruptcy filing by Westinghouse are steps forward in Toshiba's struggle to stay in business, it woes are far from over. Toshiba, which bought Westinghouse in 2006 for $5.4 billion now faces months of complex negotiations over the fate of its U.S. nuclear business, a discussion that could embroil the U.S. and Japanese governments. The U.S. government has guaranteed loans of $8.3 billion loan to help finance some the construction of four reactors in the United States. Putting American taxpayers on the hook for any losses related to Westinghouse's failure would be an embarrassment for Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, particularly if the debacle sparks criticism from President Donald Trump of Japanese corporations in the United States. During talks in Washington this month Japan's Trade Minister Hiroshige Seko agreed to share information on developments with his U.S. counterparts Energy Secretary Rick Perry and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. Senior officials from both countries will get a chance to discuss Toshiba further in April when Vice President Mike Pence visit for bilateral economic talks. Ross will travel with Pence, according to a Japanese government official with direct knowledge of preparations. ($1 = 111.1300 yen) (Reporting by Makiko Yamazaki; Writing by Tim Kelly; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - At least 25 people were injured on Thursday when eight carriages of a passenger train derailed in northern India, a railway ministry spokesman said, the latest in a series of incidents involving the world's fourth-largest rail network. The Mahakoshal Express was traveling from Jabalpur city in central India's Madhya Pradesh to the capital, New Delhi, when it derailed at about 2 a.m. in Uttar Pradesh state. "Rescue operations are underway. We have rushed a disaster management team to the incident spot," railways ministry spokesman Anil Saxena said in New Delhi. The cause of the derailment has not been determined yet and police would investigate whether it was an accident or a planned attack, he said. India's state railways, built during British colonial rule, have an appalling safety record after decades of underinvestment and a priority on keeping fares low for the 23 million passengers who use the network every day. In the previous serious accident, 150 people were killed when a train derailed in Uttar Pradesh late last year. India recorded 27,581 railway deaths in 2014, the most recent year for which figures are available, with most victims falling from, or being struck by, moving trains. (Reporting by Rupam Jain; Editing by Paul Tait)
MIAMI (AP)  President Donald Trump's senior adviser Steve Bannon will not face charges related to his registration to vote in Miami despite spending most of his time elsewhere, Florida prosecutors announced Thursday.

The Miami-Dade County State Attorney's Office concluded in a memo that there was not enough evidence to prove any crime. Bannon registered to vote in the county on April 2, 2014 after leasing the first of two houses in Miami's Coconut Grove neighborhood, then switched his registration to the Sarasota area last year.

Bannon never voted in Miami-Dade County, the prosecutors said. They also said there was insufficient evidence to prove Bannon falsely claimed to reside in Florida on a voter registration form, which is a felony.

The memo says the amount of time a person spends at a given address is not proof alone of residence. Bannon spent much time while registered to vote in Florida in other states, most notably California and New York.

"Especially in our increasingly mobile society, a person may spend the majority of his or her nights at one (or multiple) locations, but legally reside at another under Florida law," the memo says. "The old adage of 'where you lay your head is home' is only part of the residency analysis."

Lawyers for Bannon didn't immediately respond to emails seeking comment. But in the memo, attorneys Thomas Scott and Ed Pozzuoli were quoted as telling investigators they had reviewed the matter and found "no actionable conduct" by Bannon.

The investigation by the prosecutor's Public Corruption Unit found that Bannon first leased a home in Coconut Grove in April 2014 along with his ex-wife, Diane Clohesy. Clohesy told prosecutors that Bannon did stay in the house from time to time between 2014 and 2016.

Bannon's office paid the rent and records also showed his name was on the lease and on another lease for a separate home in the same area, which he rented in January 2015. Bannon also took out accounts with utilities in his name for those residences.

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Miami political consultant A.J. Delgado told investigators she met with Bannon at the first home and saw "boxes, papers and effects in the house that indicated to her that (he) was living at the house." Delgado also said Bannon referred to the place as "my house."

Bannon also had an active California driver's license, the investigation revealed, but the address had not been updated since March 2013. Bannon also was linked to several other properties in New York and California but none were listed as his main residence for tax reasons, the memo says.

To prove a violation, prosecutors concluded they would have to prove Bannon did not intend to live in Miami-Dade County when he originally registered to vote in 2014.

"The investigation did not uncover sufficient evidence to do so," they wrote.

_____

Follow Curt Anderson on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Miamicurt
Despite offering to testify before the House and Senate intelligence committees and fully cooperate in their probes of Russian interference in the 2016 election, Roger Stone today put sharp limits on what hes prepared to say: He wont identify a mysterious intermediary who gave him advance notice about WikiLeaks document dumps, and he wont respond to any questions about his continuing communications with President Trump.

In a combative interview Thursday with Yahoo News, Stone  a longtime adviser to Trump  pulled back from an initial promise to answer every question when he testifies before the panels.

[Thats] probably the one question I would decline to answer, Stone said in the interview, when pressed on the identity of a source who gave him information from WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange last summer, tipping him off to the imminent release of materials damaging to Hillary Clinton that had been hacked by Russian intelligence. He added, Im just as much a journalist as you are, my friend.  I have no intention of burning a source.

When you go up there and testify under oath, you will refuse to answer questions about your intermediary? Stone was asked.

I would not give up a source any more than you would, he responded. Stone later added another issue that he will consider off-limits to the committees. After acknowledging that he remains in touch with President Trump and has heard from him recently, Stone said that he wont testify about what they talk about, but insisted their communications are not about the Russia probes. Im not going to disclose individual conversations with the president or communications with him, he said.

Stones role in the Russia probes has attracted increasing attention in recent weeks, amid disclosures that he had a series of private direct message communications with Guccifer 2.0  an online persona that U.S. officials concluded was a front for Russian intelligence. In addition, Stones tweets last summer indicating that he had advance information about WikiLeaks releases raised suspicions that he was communicating with another key actor in the Russia probe  and the possibility that this may constitute evidence of collusion between the Kremlin and the Trump camp.

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It will soon [be] Podestas time in the barrel, Stone tweeted on Aug. 21. Then: Wednesdy @HillaryClinton is done. #Wikileaks, Stone tweeted on Oct. 2, five days before the first release by WikiLeaks of Clinton campaign chairman John Podestas emails.

An individual associated with the Trump campaign accurately predicted the release of hacked emails weeks before it happened, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the ranking Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee, said Thursday during a committee hearing, in an obvious reference to Stone, and citing it as evidence of possible collusion. This same individual also admits to being in contact with Guccifer 2.0, the Russian intelligence persona responsible for these cyber operations.

But Stone repeatedly insisted that these contacts and tweets were entirely innocent, and can be easily explained. He rejected the conclusions of U.S. intelligence agencies that Guccifer 2.0 and WikiLeaks had any connections to the Russians  or even that the hacking of the Democratic National Committee and the Podesta emails was carried out by the Russians.

Stone said he had had dinner in New York with his WikiLeaks source, whom he described as a journalist, and a friend both of his and of Assange.

At some points, I call him a back channel  a little showmanship there, Stone said. Other places, I refer to him as an intermediary, and thirdly I call him what he is, a friend of Assange and a friend of mine.

This friend told me  quite simply, really  two things: that Assange had a cache of material on Hillary, that it was complete, which I took to mean that it included some of the emails that were allegedly erased at the State Department, and that it would be dropped in October.

Stone was asked why, if the friend was really a journalist, he didnt report on the coming document dump.

Uh, not his beat? I dont know, Stone replied.

The idea that Stone had a personal back channel to Assange took on new significance  at least to Democrats  in recent weeks, with the news, first reported by the Smoking Gun website, that he was exchanging private messages with Guccifer 2.0.

Stone had told the New York Times two weeks ago that he only had one exchange with Guccifer last summer. Today, he said they exchanged 17 public Tweets and private direct messages (including some within the same exchange). But even as he rejected the conclusion of U.S. intelligence that Guccifer 2.0 was a front for the Russians, Stone acknowledged that he had no idea who Guccifer really was. In all honesty, on Twitter, you never really know who youre talking to, Stone said. How do I even know he is who he says he is? As for the assessments by U.S. agencies that Guccifer was a Russian agent, Stone responded: How believable are they, given their track record?

Stone was also adamant that the Russia investigations will implode. Asked if anybody at the White House has anything to be concerned about from the probes, Certainly not as far as Im concerned. A full and fair investigation of the so-called Russian collusion, as far as Im concerned, there is no danger or vulnerability for either me or for the president.

Read more from Yahoo News:
The White House has signed off on a Pentagon proposal to allow the head of the U.S. Africa Command to launch an offensive campaign against the al-Shabab militant group in Somalia, clearing the way for more airstrikes and a more active presence of U.S. Special Operations Forces on the ground.

The order clears the way for a stepped-up military campaign in the country where American aircraft and ground forces have for years launched intermittent strikes against the group, claiming they were in self-defense of U.S. advisors or their Somali counterparts. Two defense officials confirmed to Foreign Policy that parts of Somalia are now considered what the Pentagon calls an Area of Active Hostility, which allows commanders more leeway to strike targets they believe are affiliated with the group.

It remains to be seen how active American forces will be in Somalia, where dozens of U.S. commandos already operate. But the order, first reported Thursday by the New York Times, gels with an increasingly forward-leaning posture in Yemen, where President Donald Trump also recently signed an order allowing for more U.S. military action.

The new authorities will allow U.S. forces to work in support of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Somali security forces fighting al-Shabab in Somalia, said Pentagon spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis. Somali and AMISOM forces have already achieved significant success in recapturing territory from al-Shabab, and additional U.S. support will help them increase pressure on the group.

American forces have been increasingly active in Somalia in recent years. The Obama administration never abandoned its signature strike bombing program in either Somalia or Yemen, which allowed for U.S. drones and manned aircraft to target groups of men who merely showed signs and behaviors of belonging to terrorist groups. The largest of those strikes came in March 2016, when U.S. warplanes bombed an al-Shabab training camp north of Mogadishu, killing what the Pentagon estimated were about 150 militants.

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Late last year, the Obama team declared Shabab an associated force of al Qaeda, putting the group under the same tenuous legal umbrella that allows the U.S. government to wage war in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and Yemen.

U.S. commandos on the ground in Somalia accompany government forces on patrol, and have the authority to shoot back or call in airstrikes if threatened, under rules set down by the Obama administration.

Last week, Africa Command head Gen. Thomas Waldhauser told reporters that he would like to see the authority to conduct strikes in Somalia reside in his headquarters in Germany, and not the White House, as it had under the Obama administration.

I think the combatant commanders, myself included, are more than capable of making judgments and determinations on some of these targets, he said. Giving his commanders the ability to launch offensive strikes would allow his to prosecute targets in a more rapid fashion.

We are not, however, going to turn Somalia into a free-fire zone, he said.

Photo Credit: John Moore/Getty Images
The Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame (IMVHOF) is calling for nominations for its fourth class of veteran honorees. The not-for-profit organization honors Hoosier veterans for service during and after active duty. To date, the IMVHOF has recognized 46 men and women for their outstanding military and civilian service.

Up to fifteen veterans will be honored for military service achievements and/or community contributions. To be eligible, a nominee must meet any one of these criteria:

 Born in Indiana

 Entered military service in Indiana

 Lived in Indiana for a minimum of eight years

All branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, all ages, living or deceased, and males and females will be considered equally. The induction ceremony will take place on November 3, 2017 at the Garrison at Ft. Benjamin Harrison in Lawrence, Indiana.

The complete nomination packet and criteria can be found at imvhof.com/nominate/. Nominations will be accepted through end of day, Aug. 1, 2017.

The Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame (IMVHOF) broke ground on a permanent building on Sept. 11, 2016, on ground near the American Legions Department of Indiana Headquarters in Lawrence. The building will pay tribute to all five branches of the military services and recognize veterans who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. The IMVHOF has partnered with Indiana Credit Unions to raise funds for construction and plans to begin building this spring.

Tax deductible donations can be made via check or money order made payable to IMVHOF and sent to IMVHOF, P.O. Box 269098, Indianapolis, IN 46226. Online donations can also be made at www.imvhof.com.

About the IMHOF: The Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 organization that was founded in 2014. Formed by representatives from government, business, and retired military, the organization strives to publically emphasize the honor brought to the state of Indiana and the nation by the sacrifice of Indiana military veterans and their families. Indiana follows only a handful of other states who have established similar organizations.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House has granted the U.S. military broader authority to carry out strikes in Somalia against al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militants, the Pentagon said on Thursday, the latest sign President Donald Trump is increasing U.S. military engagement in the region. Last Friday, the head of U.S. forces in Africa said that greater ability to fight the militants would lead to more flexibility and quicker targeting. Al Shabaab has been able to carry out deadly bombings despite losing most of its territory to African Union peacekeepers supporting the Somali government. The group's insurgency aims to drive out the peacekeepers, topple Somalia's western-backed government and impose its strict version of Islam on the Horn of Africa state. The United States has a small presence in Somalia and is allowed to carry out strikes in defence of partnered forces. Two U.S. defence officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said parts of Somalia had been declared an "area of active hostilities" for at least 180 days by the White House on Wednesday night. The capital of Mogadishu was not included. This broader authority would allow the United States to carry out offensive strikes against al Shabaab militants even if the militants were not attacking partnered forces, the officials said. They said rules to avoid civilian casualties would not be loosened. In a statement, the Pentagon said Trump had approved a request for "additional precision fired in support of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Somali security forces." "The additional support provided by this authority will help deny al-Shabaab safe havens from which it could attack U.S. citizens or U.S. interests in the region," Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis said in the statement. The decision mirrors one the White House made in January when it declared parts of three provinces in Yemen an "area of active hostilities," allowing the military greater flexibility to target al Qaeda militants there. In recent months, the United States has carried out more than 40 strikes against al Qaeda militants in Yemen, which lies just across the Gulf of Aden from Somalia. As many as 12 civilians, some of them women and children, were killed along with a U.S. commando in a January raid in southern Yemen. The United States has said that raid gathered valuable intelligence. (Reporting by Idrees Ali; editing by Grant McCool)
Washington (AFP) - The US State Department is removing human rights conditions on a large sale of F-16 fighter jets to Bahrain, as the Trump administration moves to shore up ties with the Gulf ally, reports said Thursday.

President Donald Trump's predecessor Barack Obama had imposed the conditions on the sale to Bahrain of the 19 single-engine supersonic fighters worth $2.7 billion over the Sunni monarchy's crackdown on dissent by the Shiite majority.

Bloomberg, citing two persons familiar with the plans, said Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Wednesday asked Congress to support the sale, starting a clock for its approval.

The notice came on the same day that the head of US forces in the region, General Joseph Votel, told lawmakers that imposing preconditions linked to human rights on arms sales to foreign allies hurts relationships between the militaries.

"While we have historically enjoyed a strong mil-to-mil relationship with our Bahraini counterparts, the slow progress on key FMS cases, specifically additional F-16 aircraft and upgrades to Bahrain's existing F-16 fleet, due to concerns of potential human rights abuses in the country, continues to strain our relationship," he told the House Armed Services Committee.

Senator Bob Corker, who chairs the Foreign Relations Committee, said "there are more effective ways to seek changes in partner policies than publicly conditioning weapons transfers in this manner."

He called the Obama-era arms sales conditions "unprecedented and counterproductive to maintaining security cooperation and ultimately addressing human rights issues."

Bahrain, which is home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, is a key US ally along with other Sunni Arab states in confronting Iran.
Donald Trump is not concerned about the flak he has received for the cost of trips to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said Wednesday. Florida Democrats have said security and travel costs associated with the presidents visits to the exclusive resort have become a financial burden on the local government.

Since he assumed office on Jan. 20, Trump has traveled to Mar-a-Lago five times. However, he spent the last weekend in Washington, D.C.

When a reporter asked, during Wednesdays press briefing, whether the presidents decision to stay back in the capital was in response to the criticism he received over the expenditure, Spicer said: The president wanted to be here last weekend. He wants to be here this weekend. Hell be here, and then I will have updates on where hell be going forward.

When followed up by asking whether Trump is concerned about that pushback, the press secretary said: No, he feels great.

On Tuesday, congressional Democrats announced that the Government Accountability Office will review Trumps travel costs associated with his Mar-a-Lago trips. The office will also examine the security and handling of classified information related with his stays in Palm Beach.

Earlier this month, a CNN report said officials in Palm Beach County were planning to increase taxes if the federal government or the president does not help the county cover costs associated with the trips.

CNN, citing estimates provided by the Palm Beach County sheriffs department, reported that about $60,000 is spent on overtime every day when Trump visits Mar-a-Lago.

"It means the local taxpayers will have to bear the added burden of being part of the security for the president of the United States," Paulette Burdick, the Democratic mayor of Palm Beach County, told CNN. "It will either be cuts or increase in taxes."

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U.S. President Donald Trumps choice of two International Monetary Fund skeptics for top jobs at the Treasury Department could spell trouble for the European Unions effort to keep Greeces bailout on track.

Trump has chosen David Malpass as Treasurys under secretary for international affairs and Adam Lerrick as the assistant secretary for international finance. Malpass, who served in a senior Treasury post under George W. Bush, and Lerrick, a former congressional economic adviser, have been openly skeptical, both in public comments and in their writings, of the role of international financial institutions.

Since the Greek debt crisis erupted in 2010, they have been vocal critics of the repeated rescues by the IMF and Europe, without them being tied to Athens follow through on the adoption of reforms to significantly slash spending. In 2015, Lerrick, who would report to Malpass if confirmed, has called for a parallel currency until Greece can get its fiscal house in order. The idea never got traction.

Now, Greece is barreling down the path to default again and many experts believe U.S. support would be helpful to break an impasse between Germany and the IMF over its bailout terms, just as it was in 2015. But from the looks of these Treasury appointments, it doesnt seem likely the Trump administration will oblige. The Treasury Department did not respond for request for comment.

Without access to the latest tranche of bailout funds, Athens is on course to miss a July bond payment of $2.2 billion. Greece defaulted on its debt in 2015, and then its voters rejected a referendum on whether to accept austerity demanded by Europe. Months later, as financial pressure mounted across Greece, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras eventually agreed to spending cuts that were more harsh that what the EU had originally proposed.

Tsipras has yet to follow through on these promises. Now, Germany, the largest contributor to the $92 billion bailout, says it will not continue to fund the rescue if the IMF does not give money to it. The IMF argues Greeces debt is unpayable, and wants Europe to forgive some of it. Berlin has refused, leaving both sides at an impasse. In February, European leaders were unable to come up with a plan to give Athens more cash. Without new funds, another summer default could be in the works, said Jacob Kirkegaard, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

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In 2015, U.S. President Barack Obama and then-Treasury Secretary Jack Lew implored the IMF and the EU to work together to save Greece. Robert Kahn, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and an expert on international financial institutions, said he does not expect the same spirit of cooperation from the Trump administration. Look at the appointments at Treasury, and particularly on Greece, you can see a pretty firm line in terms of no IMF bailouts or lending programs, Kahn said.

This anti-IMF sentiment extends beyond Trumps appointees. In March, Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.) introduced legislation that calls for the United States to oppose the funds cofinancing of a third Greek bailout. So far, the bill hasnt moved out of committee, but it does reflect a wider belief among some Republicans: the United States, the largest contributor to the IMF, should have a louder voice on the banks board.

The extreme manifestation of Trumpism is diametrically opposed to the founding principles of the IMF, James Boughton, the IMFs official historian for two decades until 2012, told Bloomberg earlier this year. The Fund is going to have to play a very delicate game.

Trumps appointments show that the new administration is unlikely to play the activist role its predecessor did when it comes to international sovereign debt crises, argued Desmond Lachman, a former chief emerging market economic strategist at Salomon Smith Barney who is now a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. This extends not just to Greece, both other places like Ukraine, which is the recipient of an IMF bailout.

This is an America-first kind of policy, Lachman said. Trump believes Greece is Europes problem, not Americas problem.

Photo credit: MARTIN BERNETTI/Getty Images
In an ongoing class action lawsuit against President Donald Trump over his Trump University real estate investment seminars, a judge will hear arguments Thursday over whether to grant the final approval to a $25 million settlement of fraud lawsuits. However, one student, Sherri Simpson of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, wants to opt out of the settlement and sue the president individually. If her appeal gets approved, it is likely to cause more trouble for Trump, reports said.

In 2010, Simpson paid $1,495 for a three-day seminar, in which she reportedly said that instructors pushed her to sign up for a $35,000 Gold Elite program saying that Simpson would have access to the resources of Mr. Trump and his real estate organization." Finally, Simpson paid about $19,000 in total, after splitting the fee with another student.

Read: Ivanka Trump's Clothing And Accessories Brand Sued Over Unfair Competition

Simpson filed court papers earlier this month asking the federal judge to reject the settlement until the former students are given an opportunity to be excluded from the deal so they could sue Trump on their own, Reuters reported.

Days before Trump was sworn in as president, he had agreed to pay over $25 million to settle the long-running fraud lawsuits over his Trump University seminar program. Overall, the settlement offer has won support among many former Trump University students, who will get about $1,200 to $30,000, about 80 percent of what they had paid for their program. However, Simpson is adamant in not going ahead with the settlement deal.

She wants to hold Donald Trump accountable for this fraudthis racketeering activity is really what it is, Simpsons attorney, Gary Friedman, told Politico. Our position is we just dont like seeing this swept under the rug and it shouldnt be. This is the most base kind of fraud."

Rachel Jensen, a class action lawyer for the students, said in a court filing that about 3,730 students submitted claim forms. Two filed objections, however, only Simpson's lawyers are expected at the hearing Thursday. In court papers, both Jensen and Daniel Petrocelli, a lawyer for Trump, suggested Simpson's objection might be politically motivated. They also said that she appeared in an anti-Trump political advertisement in February 2016. But Friedman denied allegations of any political motive behind Simpson's allegations and said that he would appeal if the judge overruled the objection, Reuters reported.

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Ankara called time on Turkeys military campaign in northern Syria on Wednesday, with the countrys national security council declaring the offensive had concluded successfully.

However, it is unclear whether that conclusion entails a complete end to military operations or a withdrawal of Turkish troops from the country, AFP reports.

Speaking on Turkeys private NTV television, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim did not rule out further offensives: Euphrates Shield is over. A potential operation from now if needed will take another name, Yildirim said, using the name accorded to the year and a half long military campaign.

From now on if there is anything that threatens our security, either Daesh or any other [group] and if we take another action, that will be a new operation, he added. Daesh is an alternative name for the Islamic State (ISIS).

Turkeys operation Euphrates Shield targeted both ISIS militants and Syrian Kurdish militia fighters that Ankara deems terrorists.

The operation has resulted in the expunging of militants from Syrian towns including Jarabulus, Al-Rai, Dabiq - which is of symbolic importance to ISIS - and the strategic town of Al-Bab, where Turkey endured heavy casualties.

[AFP]

This article was originally published on TIME.com
By Ercan Gurses and Humeyra Pamuk ANKARA/ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Less than three weeks before Turkey votes on sweeping new powers sought by President Tayyip Erdogan, opinion polls suggest a tight race in a referendum that could bring the biggest change to the system of governance in the country's modern history. Two senior officials from the ruling AK Party told Reuters that research it commissioned had put support for "yes" at 52 percent in early March, down from 55-56 percent a month earlier, though they expected a row with Europe in recent weeks to have fired up nationalists and bolstered their camp. Turks will vote on April 16 on constitutional changes which would replace their parliamentary system with an executive presidency, a change Erdogan says is needed to avoid the fragile coalition governments of the past and to give Turkey stability as it faces numerous security challenges. Publicly-available polls paint a mixed picture in a race that has sharply divided the country, with Erdogan's faithful seeing a chance to cement his place as modern Turkey's most important leader, and his opponents fearing one-man rule. A survey on Wednesday by pollster ORC, seen as close to the government, put "yes" on 55.4 percent in research carried out between March 24-27 across almost half of Turkey's 81 provinces. By contrast, Murat Gezici, whose Gezici polling company tends to show stronger support for the opposition, told Reuters none of the 16 polls his firm had carried out over the past eight months had put the "yes" vote ahead. He expected a "no" victory of between 51-53 percent, based on his latest numbers. None of the polls suggest the 60 percent level of support which officials in Ankara say Erdogan wants. "Right now we have not seen a result in our polls that did not show the 'yes' vote ahead. But we want the constitutional reform to be approved with a high percentage for wider social consensus," said AKP spokesman Yasin Aktay. The wide disparity of the poll results is partly due to the political sympathies of Turkey's polling companies. But it also reflects a sense that a section of the public remains undecided, including some AKP loyalists uncomfortable with too much power being concentrated in Erdogan's hands. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim held a meeting last week with former AKP ministers and officials, seeking to shore up wider support for the "Yes" campaign. But former prime minister Ahmet Davutoglu and former president Abdullah Gul, both high-profile members of the AKP who fell out with Erdogan, did not show up and were also absent from the AKP's campaign launch in late February. "NO EARLY ELECTION" Erdogan assumed the presidency, currently a largely ceremonial position, in 2014 after more than a decade as prime minister with the AKP, which he co-founded. Since then, pushing his powers to the limit, he has continued to dominate politics by dint of his personal popularity and forceful personality. Critics accuse him of increasing authoritarianism with the arrests and dismissal of tens of thousands of judges, police, military officers, journalists and academics since a failed military coup in July. With the constitutional overhaul, the president would be able to retain ties to a political party, potentially allowing Erdogan to resume his leadership of the AKP, a move that opposition parties say would wreck any chance of impartiality. Abdulkadir Selvi, a pro-government columnist in the Hurriyet newspaper, said the latest numbers presented to the AKP headquarters showed the lead for the "yes" campaign widening, boosted partly by Erdogan's row with Europe. Bans on some campaign rallies by Turkish officials in Germany and the Netherlands have prompted Erdogan to accuse European leaders of "Nazi methods". "The stance of the Netherlands and Germany is expected to motivate nationalist voters at home and abroad and add 1-1.5 percentage points to the 'yes' vote," Selvi wrote on Thursday. The constitutional changes envisage presidential and parliamentary elections being held together in 2019, with a president eligible to then serve a maximum of two five-year terms. Those elections could be called early if Erdogan wins the referendum, enabling him to assume full executive powers sooner. But AKP officials said such a move was unlikely, citing concern that a slowing economy could weaken their parliamentary majority and pointing to voter fatigue after four elections in the past three years. "Whether there is a 'Yes' or 'No' vote in the referendum, leaving this parliamentary majority to have another election does not make sense for us," a senior AKP official said. (Additional reporting by Orhan Coskun in Ankara, Daren Butler in Istanbul; Writing by Nick Tattersall; Editing by Gareth Jones)
By Dan Levine

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department on Thursday appealed a ruling by a federal judge in Hawaii extending a suspension of President Donald Trump's revised restrictions on travel from some Muslim-majority countries.

The appeal will be considered by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, which last month upheld a suspension of Trump's first travel order.

Trump signed the revised ban earlier this month in a bid to overcome legal problems with a January executive order that caused chaos at airports and sparked mass protests before a Washington judge stopped its enforcement in February.

Trump has said the travel ban is needed for national security.

U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson on Wednesday turned an earlier temporary restraining order into a preliminary injunction in a lawsuit brought by the state of Hawaii.

The case challenged Trump's travel directive as unconstitutional religious discrimination. Hawaii and other opponents of the ban claim it is based on Trump's election campaign promise of "a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States."

"The court will not crawl into a corner, pull the shutters closed, and pretend it has not seen what it has," Watson wrote on Wednesday.

The Justice Department on Thursday also asked a Seattle federal judge to suspend separate litigation filed by Washington state against Trump's travel restrictions until after the 9th Circuit rules on the Hawaii appeal.

In addition, the Justice Department earlier this month appealed a ruling from a Maryland judge against Trump's revised executive order. That case will be heard by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Virginia.

(Reporting by Dan Levine; Editing by Richard Chang)

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By Dan Levine

(Reuters) - A Mexican immigrant with a work permit who was arrested by U.S. authorities was released from federal custody on Wednesday while legal proceedings over his immigration status continue, according to a U.S. immigration official.

Daniel Ramirez Medina, 24, was arrested near Seattle last month by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers who subsequently alleged Ramirez had gang ties and should be deported. Ramirez's lawyers have denied their client has any gang involvement or criminal record, and called his arrest unconstitutional.

Ramirez, known as a "Dreamer," came to the United States with his parents when he was about 10 years old. The term Dreamers refers to some 750,000 immigrants brought to the country illegally as children, who have been afforded some protection from deportation under an Obama-era program called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

The Ramirez case is being closely watched by other Dreamers who worry that they could be swept up in more aggressive immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump.

An immigration judge granted Ramirez's release this week on a $15,000 bond while proceedings over his legal status in the country continue, his lawyers said. An ICE official on Wednesday confirmed his release.

In a statement, Ramirez's lawyer Mark Rosenbaum said "this is an important first step toward justice."

Under U.S. law, deportation cases must be heard by immigration courts, which are administered by the Department of Justice. But Ramirez's attorneys say he is entitled to challenge the circumstances of his arrest in federal court.

Earlier this month, a Seattle magistrate judge recommended that his court hear Ramirez's legal claims around his arrest. The Justice Department has challenged that recommendation.

(Reporting by Dan Levine in San Francisco; Editing by Richard Chang)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Commerce made a final finding that seven foreign producers dumped certain carbon and alloy steel cut-to-length plate in the U.S. market, allowing it to impose duties ranging from 3.62 percent to 148 percent, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said on Thursday.

The determinations of dumping, or selling a product below its fair price, apply to imports of CTL plate from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, Ross said.

In addition, there was a final finding that South Korean imports were subsidized, leading to a countervailing duty of 4.31 percent being slapped on those products, he said at a department event.

"A healthy steel industry is critical to our economy and manufacturing base, yet our steel industry today is under assault from foreign producers that dump and subsidize their exports," Ross told the audience.

In 2015, imports of CTL plate from the seven producers totaled $732 million, with those from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea and Taiwan valued at an estimated $14.2 million, $19.8 million, $179 million, $196.2 million, $37 million, $54.9 million, $210 million and $21 million, respectively, department figures show. (http://bit.ly/2mSZM1Z)

Cut-to-length steel is used in a wide range of applications, including buildings and bridgework; agricultural, construction and mining equipment; machine parts and tooling; ships, rail cars, tankers and barges; and large-diameter pipe.

The finding followed an investigation prompted by a petition from Nucor Corp and U.S. subsidiaries of ArcelorMittal SA and SSAB AB.

For Austrian producers and exporters, dumping duties on the Voestalpine group and all others were set at 53.72 percent.

They were 5.4 percent for Industeel Belgium, 51.78 percent for the NLMK Belgium group and 5.4 percent for all other Belgium producers and exporters.

Among French manufacturers and exporters, duty rates were set at 148.02 percent for Industeel France and 8.62 percent for Dillinger France and all others.

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In Germany, duties were set at 5.38 percent for AG der Dillinger Huttenwerke, 22.90 percent for the Salzgitter group and 21.03 percent for all other exporters and producers.

A spokesman for Salzgitter confirmed the company was facing duties, saying the decision to impose the duties and the level of them were incomprehensible.

In Italy, the department set anti-dumping duty rates of 6.08 percent for Officine Tecnosider, 22.19 percent for Marcegaglia SpA and NLMK Verona SpA and 6.08 percent for all other producers and exporters.

Among Japanese producers and exporters, Tokyo Steel Manufacturing Co Ltd was hit with a duty rate of 14.79 percent. A rate of 48.67 percent was imposed on JFE Steel Corp and Shimabun Corp, and for all others it was set at 14.79 percent.

Taiwanese companies Shang Chen Steel Co Ltd and China Steel Corp had anti-dumping duties of 3.62 percent and 6.95 percent, respectively, imposed on them. The rate for other producers and exporters was set at 5.29 percent.

For South Korea, the department imposed an anti-dumping duty of 7.39 percent on POSCO, as well as a countervailing duty of 4.31 percent to account for subsidies. The same rates apply to all other producers and exporters.

The findings allow the department to ask U.S. Customs authorities to collect cash deposits from exporters based on those rates.

On March 3, in a decision stemming from the same investigation, the U.S. International Trade Commission said it had made a final finding that U.S. industry was being harmed by the dumping and subsidization of imports of carbon and alloy steel CTL plate from China. That allows for the final imposition of duties by the Commerce Department on China's producers and exporters of the plate.

(Reporting by Eric Walsh; Additional reporting by Georgina Prodhan; Editing by Dan Grebler and Peter Cooney)
Its not too often that students get to travel to another country as part of their class. However, for a couple of Trine University students and their professor, they were able to travel to Jamaica for spring break and an experience of a lifetime.

Jenny Serrano, Michelle Thrasher and Emily Wilson all joined their professor, Brandy DePriest, in traveling to Jamaica for a class called The Cultural Perspectives Honors Seminar. This trip also included Luke Martin, Trine University business administration major, and intern for the Art Eberhardt Environmental and Community Outreach Center at Trine. The group all stayed at Zimbali Retreats on the Cannan Mountain outside Negril.

At first glance, one may think that this class would be easy as you get to go to Jamaica for homework. However, it is far from that, as all the students had to do an extensive amount of research about the Jamaican culture before heading for paradise.

We did research on different aspects of Jamaica such as traditions and customs before leaving for Jamaica, said Thrasher, a communications major.

When the group of five returned back home, the trip did not end in terms of classwork.

We have to each write reflections about the trip, and we are also making a video with all the pictures and smaller videos we each took, said Serrano, an exercise science major.

A video that the group is creating will be shown at SPEAK for the Earths Earth Fest event that will be taking place on April 22 at the Briali Vineyards and Winery, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The reflections by the students will be completed throughout the later part of spring semester.

When the students were asked what they did in Jamaica, a common response was the Rasta Tour that they were able to partake in. In fact, Emily Wilson, biology major, said that the Rasta Tour was her favorite part of the trip.

My favorite experience was taking the Rasta Tour, which consisted of a Rastafarian man named Fire leading our group up the mountain, telling us about the land and traditions, and when we finally reached the shack at the top of the mountain, he made lunch for us, Rastafarian style, Wilson said.

Martin added his favorite part of the trip in that, Zimbali has 7 acres on Canaan Mountain, where they have very fertile soil and grow an assortment of fresh veggies and fruits with no pesticides. This allowed us the opportunity to have farm-to-fork breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day.

Ben Vigliarolo is a digital media intern for the Art Eberhardt Environmental and Community Outreach Center, housed at Trine University.
By Tom Miles GENEVA (Reuters) - Nineteen U.S. states have introduced bills that would curb freedom of expression and the right to protest since Donald Trump's election as president, an "alarming and undemocratic" trend, U.N. human rights investigators said on Thursday. Concerns for free speech in the United States have risen in part because of the Republican Trump's antagonistic relations with prominent U.S. media, which he has branded "the enemy of the American people" as it has reported on policy missteps and dysfunction in his administration. The push for stricter laws on expression has come as Trump's liberal foes have pursued public protest against his policies on issues ranging from immigration to abortion and climate change. Maina Kiai and David Kaye, independent U.N. experts on freedom of peaceful assembly and expression respectively, said in a statement that the state bills were incompatible with international human rights law. "The trend also threatens to jeopardize one of the United States constitutional pillars: free speech," they said in a statement, calling for action to reverse such legislation. From the Black Lives Matter movement, to the environmental and Native American movements in opposition to the Dakota Access oil pipeline, and the Womens Marches, individuals and organizations across (American) society have mobilized in peaceful protests, Kiai and Kaye said. They said it was their fundamental right to do so, but that bills in Republican-governed states like Indiana, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Missouri sought to stop them exercising that right. The civil rights movement known as Black Lives Matter has been fueled by a series of shootings of unarmed black men by white U.S. police officers that triggered national protests. The U.N. experts' statement came a day after they criticized Russia's treatment of peaceful protesters who took to the streets following allegations of corruption against Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. The U.S. State Department had also criticized Russia's handling of those protests, calling them an affront to democratic values. Supporters of the U.S. state legislative action say it sums up the frustration some people feel about protests that get in the way of daily lives, and reflects a wish to maintain public safety. Free speech advocates say the bills are worrying, seeing them as opening the way to criminalizing peaceful protests. The U.N. experts said several bills proposed in Colorado, North Dakota and Oklahoma targeted opponents of the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota and would have "a chilling effect on environmental protesters". Last month dozens of armed U.S. law enforcement officers swept through a protest camp near the site of the pipeline, clearing the gathering that for months served as a base of opposition to the multi-billion-dollar project. In Missouri a bill proposed a seven-year prison term for "unlawful obstruction of traffic", while the Minnesota bill would criminalize peaceful protesters for participating in demonstrations that subsequently turned violent. The U.N. experts said there was no such thing as a violent protest, only violent protesters. "One persons decision to resort to violence does not strip other protesters of their right to freedom of peaceful assembly," Kaye and Kiai said. (Reporting by Tom Miles; editing by Mark Heinrich)
By Andrew M. Seaman (Reuters Health) - The likelihood that U.S. women with early-stage cancer in one breast will have both breasts removed varies depending on where they live, a new study shows. For example, between 2010 and 2012, among women ages 20 to 44 with cancer in one breast, about 15 percent had both breasts removed in the District of Columbia, compared to about 49 percent in South Dakota. "The variation is very striking," said senior author Ahmedin Jemal, of the American Cancer Society in Atlanta. When women have breast cancer in one breast, having both breasts removed usually isn't helpful, experts say. Last year the American Society of Breast Surgeons issued a statement to discourage women with one-sided, or unilateral, breast cancer who don't have a genetic or family risk for the disease from undergoing a double, or contralateral, mastectomy. Still, Jemal and his colleagues point out in JAMA Surgery, past research has found an increase in contralateral mastectomies among women with early stage cancer in one breast. For women at average risk and cancer in one breast, "taking off the other breast doesnt significantly reduce the risk of a cancer on the other side, because their risk wasnt that high to begin with," said Dr. Laurie Kirstein, a breast surgical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City who wasn't involved in the new study. To examine trends across states, the researchers analyzed data collected between 2004 and 2012 from more than 1.2 million women with early stage cancer in one breast. Across the country, the proportion of such women ages 20 to 44 who opted for contralateral mastectomy rose from about 11 percent to about 33 percent. Over the same period, the proportion of similar women age 45 and older who had both breasts removed rose from about 4 percent to about 10 percent. Rates of contralateral mastectomy varied by state but were consistently highest in women ages 20 to 44. During the last two years of the study, more than 40 percent of women in that age range who lived in South Dakota, Iowa, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Tennessee, Maine and Montana chose to have both breasts removed. That was true for less than 25 percent of such women who lived in New Hampshire, Delaware, New Jersey, Louisiana, Idaho, Alaska, South Carolina, Nevada, Massachusetts, Wyoming, Hawaii and the District of Columbia. The researchers also looked at the proportion of women undergoing reconstructive surgery after having both breasts removed. They found that while the highest rates of double breast removals were generally clustered in the Midwest, the highest rates of breast reconstruction afterward were generally clustered in the Northeast. Jemal told Reuters Health that the study can't explain why so many women are opting for contralateral mastectomies, but the rate in the U.S. is higher than in other countries. For example, only 2 percent to 3 percent of women in the UK with cancer in one breast have the other breast removed, too, compared to 13.5 percent in the U.S. The researchers didn't have information on how many of the women in the study were at higher risk for breast cancer because it runs in their family or because they had been treated in the past with radiation therapy to the chest. Kirstein told Reuters Health that for women with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer, "the bilateral mastectomy is seen as a risk reducing procedure." She said some women who aren't at higher risk still choose to have the cancer-free breast removed even after learning about the risks and benefits. The variation in rates by state may be explained by healthcare access, income and what women suggest to each other about treatments, she told Reuters Health. Doctors need to have detailed conversations with women about their treatment options, said Jemal. "First, the surgeons have to have this discussion with the patient," he said. "Second, patients have to take time to make a decision. They dont want to make the decision right away, because anxiety is very high right after diagnosis." Kirstein said she asks patients to think of how they'll feel about their decision in 10 years. "We support whatever the patients want to do, but we want them to understand what theyre doing," she said. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2nE8hg7 and http://bit.ly/2nE7cEV JAMA Surgery, online March 29, 2017.
By Mark Hosenball and Yeganeh Torbati

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. State Department employee with access to sensitive information was accused of failing to report contacts with Chinese foreign intelligence agents who provided her with gifts in exchange for diplomatic and economic information, federal prosecutors said on Wednesday.

Candace Claiborne, 60, was charged in a Washington federal court with obstruction of justice and making false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Claiborne appeared before a magistrate judge with her lawyer, David Bos, but both declined to speak to reporters. Claiborne will remain confined to house arrest until an April 18 preliminary hearing.

A complaint says Claiborne was given tens of thousands of dollars in gifts and wire transfers by Chinese agents beginning in 2011 in exchange for information about U.S. economic policy in relation to China and other diplomatic matters.

Claiborne and a co-conspirator not identified in court papers received such items as beads, a sewing machine, slippers cash, tuition payments to a fashion school in China and an all-expenses paid vacation to Thailand, prosecutors allege.

"When a public servant is suspected of potential misconduct or federal crimes that violate the public trust, we vigorously investigate such claims," said State Department spokesman Mark Toner.

The charges against Claiborne were announced just ahead of an April 6-7 meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at a time of heightened tensions between the worlds two largest economies over North Korea, the South China Sea, Taiwan and trade. Trump was critical of China during the 2016 presidential campaign.

U.S. officials have accused China of cyber hacking of U.S. government agencies and American companies in recent years.

Asked about the case at a regular news briefing on Thursday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said he was unfamiliar with the situation. He did not elaborate.

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Claiborne, 60, "allegedly failed to report her contacts with Chinese foreign intelligence agents who provided her with thousands of dollars of gifts and benefits, said U.S. Acting Assistant Attorney General Mary McCord.

Claiborne has worked at the State Department since 1999, during which she served in a number of overseas post including embassies and consulates in Iraq, Sudan and China.

Claiborne was monitored under a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court warrant, or FISA warrant, prosecutors said.

The charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for obstruction of justice and five years in prison for making false statements to the FBI.

(Reporting by Mark Hosenball, Eric Beech, Arshad Mohammed, Yeganeh Torbati and Matt Spetalnick; Writing by Julia Edwards Ainsley; Editing by Howard Goller and Clarence Fernandez)
KAMPALA, Uganda (AP)  A key aide to warlord Joseph Kony has surrendered to Ugandan forces, the military said Thursday, shortly after the U.S. indicated it was pulling out of the international manhunt for one of Africa's most notorious fugitives.

Michael Omona's surrender to Ugandan forces in Central African Republic "shows the degraded capacity" of the Lord's Resistance Army rebel group, said Maj. Kiconco Tabaro, the Ugandan military's deputy spokesman. Omona was in charge of communications for Kony.

The United States on Wednesday cited the weakening of the LRA for its decision to remove its military forces, which have included dozens of special forces, from the operation.

The U.S. will "transition to broader-scope security and stability activities that continue the success of our African partners," the U.S. Africa Command said.

Kony, a former Catholic altar boy whose rebel movement aspired to rule Uganda according to the biblical Ten Commandments, is wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity. One of his former commanders, Dominic Ongwen, is currently on trial at The Hague-based court.

The LRA began in the 1980s and at the peak of its powers was internationally known for its cruelty against civilians in Uganda, Congo, Central African Republic and what is now South Sudan. In 2012, the U.S.-based advocacy group Invisible Children made a highly successful online video highlighting the LRA's alleged crimes, including the abduction of children for use as sex slaves or fighters.

But the LRA's active membership has shrunk under pressure and is now under 100, according to the U.S. Africa Command.

Last week the U.S. Africa Command commander, Marine Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, declared the hunt for Kony largely over. Most of Kony's top lieutenants are now off the battlefield, leaving the leader "irrelevant" and in survival mode, he said.

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The latest to surrender, Omona, had been abducted by the LRA in 1994 and later became a high-ranking rebel and served as "chief signaler" for Kony.

It was not clear when the U.S. withdrawal would take effect, and the U.S. Africa Command did not respond immediately to questions Thursday.

The U.S. first deployed about 100 U.S. special forces as military advisers in 2011, and in 2014 sent 150 Air Force special operations members and airmen to assist African forces. At the time, their equipment included four CV-22 Osprey aircraft, two C-130 transport planes and two KC-135 refueling aircraft.

The U.S. withdrawal leaves Uganda's military alone in the mission to shut down the LRA. Uganda currently has about 1,500 troops deployed under an African Union military mission to defeat the rebel group.

Ugandan military spokesman Brig. Richard Karemire said Thursday that Uganda is thankful for U.S. support over the years in efforts to defeat the LRA. Ugandan troops will not immediately pull out of the mission against the rebel group, he said.

Karemire insisted that Kony will be a cause for concern as long as he is still alive.

Counter-LRA efforts should draw support from U.N.'s existing peacekeeping missions in Congo, Central African Republic and South Sudan, A.U. commissioner for peace and security Smail Chergui told a meeting of A.U. defense chiefs Thursday.

"It is critical that Uganda and the African Union forces stay engaged and find Joseph Kony,"said Sasha Lezhnev of The Enough Project, which monitors LRA activities. "If the pressure on the LRA is released, Kony will regroup the rebels once again, and tens of thousands of lives will be at stake in this fragile region."
United Nations (United States) (AFP) - The United Nations Security Council will vote Friday to cut the number of troops in its peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

US ambassador Nikki Haley said the force's authorized strength of 19,815 would be cut by 3,600 -- but that 3,100 of these places are already unfilled.

The central African giant is under pressure to hold key elections this year, despite ongoing fighting between armed factions, political chaos and widespread corruption.

But UN member states, in particular President Donald Trump's new US administration, want to scale back UN spending on its missions around the globe.

And Haley said it was more important to pressure President Joseph Kabila's government to honor political agreements than to bolster the UN force.

According to a draft council resolution seen by AFP, which diplomats are expected to pass unanimously, the Blue Helmet military force will be reduced to 16,215.

In practice, this will mean 500 fewer troops on the ground, since the mission, known as MONUSCO, was already not at full strength. UN police numbers are unchanged.

"You have to look at the political side of the peacekeeping mission," Haley said.

"We're trying to get aid to the people on the ground, and the government is not letting us. Adding more troops will not change that problem."

"All we're doing is reducing 500 troops," she said, promising the whole strategy of the mission would be reviewed and the Congolese government held accountable.

- 'Good agreement' -

France had warned against too dramatic a cut in the size of the forces, warning that it might endanger what little progress has been made towards stabilizing the DRC.

But France's UN ambassador pronounced himself satisfied with the draft resolution.

"You know it is the outcome of an important negotiation. And so if things go well we will go for a vote tomorrow at noon," Francois Delattre told reporters.

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"And I think it is important for DRC, for MONUSCO and for peacekeeping in general. This is a good agreement."

On Wednesday, Haley said she would use her presidency of the Security Council next month to launch a review of peacekeeping.

"We will go back to first principles and ask hard questions," she told the Council of Foreign Relations, a New York think tank.

"What was the original intent of the mission? Is the mission achieving its objective? Do we have an exit plan and is there accountability?"

Meanwhile, the situation on the ground in the DRC is tense.

On the last day of 2016, Kabila signed a deal to share power with the opposition as officials work to set up national elections later this year.

The agreement was never fully implemented -- despite international pressure -- and an opposition umbrella group has called for a general strike from Monday in protest.

Kabila first took power in 2001 to replace his assassinated father as war ravaged the country.

His unwillingness to step down at the end of his constitutional mandate last year led to protests in which at least 17 people were killed.

Under a deal brokered by the country's influential Roman Catholic bishops, Kabila was allowed to stay in office in tandem with a transitional body and a new premier.

But talks on implementing the accord appear to have broken down, and violence has flared.

- Mass graves -

Last week, 39 police were killed in an ambush by rebels in the remote central region of Kasai.

In a separate incident, two foreign UN experts, an American and a Swede, were killed in the same region.

Diplomats at the UN told AFP that the murdered pair had been investigating reports of mass graves.

On Tuesday, the UN, the European Union and the African Union called for an opposition figure to be named premier as had been agreed under the December 31 deal.

"A step forward of this kind will help the country's stabilization process, the restoration of public order... and the holding of elections as scheduled," they said.

Haley told reporters that more pressure must be brought to bear.

"We can't work in spite of the government. We need to hold the government accountable," she said.

"And whether that's us moving forward with an arms embargo, whether its sanctions, we've got to do something to let them know that this is not OK."

The opposition coalition was formed around Etienne Tshisekedi, a veteran foe of successive Kinshasa regimes who died in Brussels in February, aged 84.
BAGHDAD (AP)  The U.N. chief offered support for Iraq's fight against the Islamic State group during a visit to Baghdad on Thursday, even as the country faces a growing humanitarian crisis following the months-long battle for Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city.

At a joint press conference with Antonio Guterres, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said Iraqi forces were doing their "utmost" to protect civilians in the fight against IS and accused the extremists of intentionally putting civilians in harm's way while also "intensifying their propaganda machine to spread rumors."

Guterres expressed support for Iraq's fight, condemned IS crimes against civilians and pledged continued aid for the some 3 million Iraqis displaced by the fighting.

Hours earlier, as the secretary-general arrived in the Iraqi capital, the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a suicide truck bombing in Baghdad the previous night that killed 15 people and wounded 45.

The fight to take back Mosul began in October, backed by the U.S.-led international coalition. After routing IS from the eastern part of the city, Iraqi forces in February launched a push to drive the militants from the western half. The Tigris River separates Mosul into its eastern and western sector.

Shortly after landing at Baghdad International Airport, Guterres said on Twitter that his visit is to "focus on the dire humanitarian situation on the ground." Amid reports of dozens of civilians killed by airstrikes in Mosul, he added that "protection of civilians must be the absolute priority."

Guterres met with Iraq's president and parliament speaker as well as the prime minister. The U.N. chief also plans to meet leaders in Iraq's northern semi-autonomous Kurdish region.

Since the start of the Mosul military operation, more than 350,000 people have fled the fighting, according to U.N. figures.

On Thursday, Iraq's militarized federal police inched deeper into Mosul's old city  a dense urban core in the city's western half  where they met with stiff resistance from IS militants.

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First Lt. Walid Khalid of the 3rd brigade Federal Police said his troops advanced about 100 meters (yards) in the last two days.

"The distance between IS and us is 50 meters, yesterday, we killed four IS fighters and right now their bodies are in the street." Khalid told The Associated Press. "The situation is very good and the Iraqi air force is doing well."

He said the troops were about 100 meters from a symbolic mosque where the IS leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, declared the extremists' self-styled caliphate in the summer of 2014.

Also Thursday, the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors extremist groups, reported the IS claim of responsibility for the bombing late Wednesday in Baghdad.

In the claim, IS warns Iraqi Shiites that the "flame of the battle" in Mosul will come to them in the cities of Baghdad, Karbala, and Najaf.

In the attack, a suicide truck bomb targeted a police checkpoint on the Iraqi capital's main southern entrance. Three policemen were among the 15 dead while the rest were civilians, police and health officials, speaking on condition of anonymity under regulations.

The militants have suffered a string of defeats over the past two years in the lead-up to the Mosul operation, but have continued to regularly launch attacks in and around Baghdad. A series of large-scale bombings claimed by IS has also struck Baghdad since the operation to retake Mosul began.

Iraqi and coalition officials have repeatedly warned that after Mosul, IS will likely return to its insurgent roots as it loses more territory in both Iraq and neighboring Syria.

____

Associated Press video journalist Yesica Fisch in Mosul contributed to this report.
Universal's presentation at CinemaCon Wednesday proved an emotional rollercoaster, with laughter provided by "The Mummy" and "Despicable Me 3" -- and heartfelt tributes paid to "Fast and Furious" star Paul Walker.

Universal was the fifth of ten Hollywood studios presenting their slate of upcoming movies to theater operators at the annual convention in Las Vegas.

The studio kicked off with a first look at "Despicable Me 3," with star Steve Carell provoking gales of laughter at Casar's Palace as he mercilessly made fun of Chris Melandandri, the founder of Universal's animation division.

Carell described the franchise's villain-turned-softy Gru "as the best character ever in the history of cinema" but lamented to the entirely bald Melandandri that "men without hair are outcasts."

Clips of the movie showed Gru meeting his long-lost twin Dru after he and girlfriend Lucy (Kristen Wiig) are fired from their jobs.

The audience was also treated to scenes of the film's iconic Minions in jail and in a chase on Hollywood Boulevard.

The laughter continued as the cast of horror blockbuster "The Mummy" revealed how its star Tom Cruise cajoled them into emulating his famous discipline of performing his own stunts.

- 'Terrifying' -

Annabelle Wallis, 32, said Cruise convinced her to join him in a zero gravity plane crash stunt that could easily have been faked by computer wizardry.

And Jake Johnson ("Jurassic World"), who plays Cruise's sidekick, said working with the star was a "terrifying" experience.

"We jump off buildings and towns explode, and Tom really does it all, and he insists his cast do it too," said Johnson, 38, joking that he "almost died."

"I'm like, 'I think something went wrong because it hurt' and he'd go 'Well yeah -- we jumped off a building, dummy.'"

"The Mummy" opens on June 9 with Sofia Boutella ("Kingsmen," "Star Trek Beyond") in the role of the monster -- a female for the first time in cinema history.

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The 34-year-old actress was also part of the panel of castmembers brought onstage for Cold War spy thriller "Atomic Blonde," starring Charlize Theron.

"She's a bitch," Theron said about her character, a hard-as-nails kicking, punching undercover agent.

Based on unpublished graphic novel "The Coldest City," the movie was another actioner to test its cast physically, and Theron revealed she was going for a fourth session of root canal work for cracked teeth.

Set for a July 28 release, "Atomic Blonde" also stars James McAvoy, John Goodman and Toby Jones, who were not part of the panel.

"We worked our balls off. I have no more balls. I'm a full girl now," the 41-year-old South African revealed.

- Legacy -

There was more laughter from the cast of comedy "Girls Trip," starring Queen Latifah and Jada Pinkett Smith and due for release on July 21 before the presentation ended with an emotional panel for "The Fate of the Furious."

Vin Diesel choked back tears as he paid tribute to his friend and franchise co-star Paul Walker, who died in an auto crash at the age of 40, making 2015's "Furious 7" his last appearance.

The 49-year-old revealed it was Walker who insisted there should be an eighth instalment in the $3.9 billion franchise, as he introduced "The Fate of the Furious" at the gathering in Las Vegas.

"Part of Paul's legacy lives through every frame that we shoot," Diesel said, fighting his emotions.

Walker died in a fiery single-vehicle crash in California in 2013, before the seventh film was released.

"I always feel like he's looking down on us, so we didn't want to let him down," Diesel added.

In "The Fate of the Furious," due to hit theaters on April 14, a mysterious woman seduces Diesel's Dominic Toretto into the criminal underworld.

Diesel, now a producer as well as star, confirmed a previous announcement that the series would extend to at least a tenth movie.

Diesel and Gibson were joined onstage by Ludacris and newcomers Kurt Russell and Charlize Theron, before Universal delighted the CinemaCon audience by premiering the movie.
Artist Deb Yellick Manley lives in Grinnell, Iowa, but she grew up and graduated from high school in West Salem and still often makes the four-hour drive east to visit with family.

This month, Manleys Marked by Inspiration exhibit at the Heider Center Art Gallery gives her another reason to return to the area. A retired art teacher, Manley has won numerous awards during her careerincluding an Iowa Secondary School Educator of the Year award in 2008.

But Manley is also an accomplished artist whos exhibited in dozens of galleries and museums throughout the Midwest. The title of the Heider show reflects her interest in using letterforms and other marks as a jumping off point for creativity.

Words or favorite quotes often serve as a springboard for Manleys art. Its usually words, but I like letter forms and I use many different mediums, both abstract and non-traditional, she said.

As stated in her mission statement, the resulting stylized representations reflect her fascination with the interplay of line, shape, color, movement and pattern.

Manley will be bringing quite a few of her artworks to the Heider show. I think Ill have maybe 45 to 50 pieces in a variety of sizes, she said.

Some of the pieces exhibit extreme attention to detail, while others use subtle calligraphic strokes to tell the story.

One of her favorite techniques is to establish a base layer of color using watercolor pencils and then layer over that with colored pencils, inks and opaque watercolor accents (gouache).

Manley said shes looking forward to the show and the reception thats part of it. I think it will be a lot of fun, plus its a great place to display your art, she said.

While Manleys works will be hung on the walls, the glass cases will feature jewelry made by Barre Mills artisan Lori DuMars.

I work with sterling silver, copper and gold, DuMars said. I hand stamp the jewelry and customize it with names and dates.

DuMars exhibit is titled Stamp Your Story and DuMars said shell bring about 30 piecesbracelets, necklaces and earringsto the show. All will be for sale. The reception for Manley and DuMars will be held on Thursday, April 13.
Miami (AFP) - Lawmakers and scientists called names, lamented Soviet-era tactics and accused each other of wrongdoing at a nearly three-hour hearing on climate science in the US capital on Wednesday.

Similar hearings have been held in years past, notable for the often combative comments by conservative lawmakers who doubt the impact of humans on global warming -- and who outnumber Democrats 22 to 16 on the House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space and Technology.

Wednesday's hearing took place one day after President Donald Trump ordered a massive rollback of rules that limited carbon emissions, and just weeks after he released a budget proposal that would slash funding and jobs at key federal science and health agencies.

Michael Mann -- a Penn State University professor of atmospheric science who has received death threats in the past for his work on climate change -- was the only mainstream climate scientist on the four-member panel, which also included three noted deniers of the scientific consensus on global warming.

Some colleagues had urged Mann to boycott the hearing, titled "Climate Science: Assumptions, Policy Implications, and the Scientific Method."

"In the past, the science community has participated in these hearings, even though questioning the basics of climate change is akin to holding a hearing to examine whether the Earth orbits the sun," wrote David Titley, a professor in the department of meteorology at Pennsylvania State University, in the Washington Post on Tuesday, the eve of the hearing.

"Enough!"

But Mann went ahead, undaunted.

"I was more than willing to endure the food-fight I knew would be coming, so that I could inject some science into a hearing that is ostensibly supposed to be about science," Mann told AFP in an email afterward.

- 'Wrongfully reported as fact' -

Accusations and name-calling began flying immediately.

The chairman of the committee, Republican Lamar Smith of Texas, opened by alleging that climate scientists often issue "alarmist findings that are wrongfully reported as facts."

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Ninety-seven percent of scientists agree that human activity and the burning of fossil fuels is driving global warming.

But Smith insisted the "science is not settled."

"Much of climate science today appears to be based more on exaggerations, personal agendas, and questionable predictions than on the scientific method," Smith said.

Judith Curry, a former professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology, said "sausage-making and even bullying" went into building the consensus on climate change in the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which found that greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels were the dominant cause of global warming.

She also pointed to "substantial uncertainties in our understanding of how the climate system works."

Echoing the central slogan of the Trump presidential campaign, Curry proclaimed: "Let's make scientific debate about climate change great again."

- Stalinist? -

Republicans sparred with Mann repeatedly.

At one point, when Mann described an article that had been published in Science magazine, Smith responded that "is not known as an objective magazine."

Speaking in a prosecutorial monotone, Louisiana Republican Clay Higgins asked if Mann was associated with the left-leaning Union of Concerned Scientists or the Climate Accountability Institute.

Mann said no, clearly surprised by the questions.

California Republican Dana Rohrabacher likened the tactics of climate scientists to the tactics of the late Soviet leader Joseph Stalin and lamented their "personal attacks."

"For scientists to call names, to beat someone into submission, that's a Stalinist tactic," he said.

Georgia Republican Barry Loudermilk pressed the issue of natural variability in climate change, and said of Mann: "We could say you're a denier of natural change."

Democrats countered that three of the four scientists on the panel -- which also included John Christy of the University of Alabama and Roger Pielke of the University of Colorado -- represented the "fringe" of climate science research.

"For a balanced panel we would need 96 more Dr. Manns," said Democrat Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon.

- Little common ground -

Mann stood his ground and accused Republican lawmakers of being unduly swayed by special interests such as the fossil fuel industry, which fund their campaigns.

A few Democrats on the committee sought points of agreement among the panelists.

At one point, asked if funding cuts for science are wrong, all four nodded in agreement.

Rush Holt, chief executive officer of the American Association for the Advancement of Science -- which publishes the journal Science -- urged Congress to speak to a broader array of climate scientists.

"There is much our nation can do to address the risks that climate change poses to human health and safety, but disregarding scientific evidence puts our communities in danger," he said in a statement emailed to AFP.

By the end of the hearing, Mann was deluged on Twitter with offers of beer, wine and chocolate from fellow scientists who praised him for his efforts.

Asked if he felt any progress was made at the hearing, Mann told AFP: "I hope it was clear to objective observers where there real debate lies.

"It's not in whether we have a problem," he added.

"It's what we choose to do about that problem."
WASHINGTON (AP)  The United States imposed sanctions Thursday on seven people for allegedly supporting the Islamic State group or al-Qaida, including a member of the IS cell dubbed "The Beatles." The sanctions also targeted a diverse array of individuals from Asia, Europe and New Zealand that the U.S. accuses of being terrorists.

The State Department declared El Shafee Elsheikh, one of the notorious British-sounding captors accused of executing hostages, to be a global terrorist. The U.S. said Elsheikh traveled to Syria in 2012 and first joined al-Qaida's branch there, and then later joined IS, beheading more than 27 hostages and torturing others.

The designations freeze any assets that Elsheikh and others targeted may have in the U.S. and bars Americans from doing business with them.

The U.S. also targeted Anjem Choudary, one of Britain's best-known radical Islamic preachers, who was sentenced last year to 5 years in prison for encouraging IS. For years, he ran groups in the U.K. under the names al-Muhajiroun, Islam4UK and Muslims Against Crusades. Several people who attended his rallies or events have been convicted of violent attacks. The State Department said Choudary has vowed to continue recruiting extremists while in prison.

The latest round of targets indicated the U.S. is attempting to pursue IS followers who have sought to spread the extremist ideology in Southeast Asia and other areas far from Iraq and Syria.

Muhammad Bahrun Naim Anggih Tamtomo, an Indonesian national, was targeted for allegedly helping associates in Indonesia plan attacks. And the U.S. said Muhammad Wanndy Bin Mohamed Jedi, of Malaysia, had ordered an IS cell in Malaysia to carry out multiple attacks there. The U.S. said Wanndy is based in Syria and Iraq, and Naim in Syria.

The sanctions also target a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago believed to be fighting for IS in Syria, in a sign of growing U.S. concern that the Caribbean island nation has unexpectedly emerged as a source of foreign fighters and money for IS. The U.S. said that Shane Dominic Crawford had served as an interpreter for IS, translating the group's propaganda into English.

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A New Zealand native, Mark John Taylor, was targeted for fighting for IS in Syria for the last several years. The U.S. said he'd appeared in an IS propaganda video intended to inspire terror attacks in New Zealand and Australia.

A Swedish member of al-Qaida, Sami Bouras, was an unusual addition to the list. The U.S. said Bouras, who is of Tunisian descent, had helped plan suicide attacks.

___

Reach Josh Lederman on Twitter at http://twitter.com/joshledermanAP
Washington (AFP) - The US State Department named British radical Islamic cleric Anjem Choudary and the Islamic State group's "Beatles" execution squad member El Shafee Elsheikh to its "designated terrorist" lists on Thursday.

The two were among seven backers and foreign fighters of jihadist groups added to the State and Treasury Department blacklists of "specially designated global terrorists," which place them under global financial sanctions.

Others added to the lists include Mark John Taylor of New Zealand, who joined the Islamic State in 2014; Trinidadian Shane Dominic Crawford, another IS foreign fighter; and Tunisian-born Swede Sami Bouras, whom the State Department called a member of Al-Qaeda involved in planning suicide attacks.

Also included were Muhammad Bahrun Naim Anggih Tamtomo of Indonesia and Muhammad Wanndy Bin Mohamed Jedi of Malaysia.

Naim is a Syria-based planner and financier for Islamic State, while Jedi works with IS in Syria and Iraq to recruit new fighters from abroad.

Choudary is the only one of the seven not at liberty. The former lawyer of Pakistani descent was jailed in September 2016 for encouraging support for IS jihadists.

Elsheikh, also British, is a member of an Islamic State "execution cell" dubbed "The Beatles", which is accused of multiple beheadings of captives, according to the State Department.

"Elsheikh was said to have earned a reputation for waterboarding, mock executions, and crucifixions while serving as an ISIS jailer," said the State Department, using another acronym for the Islamic State.

Listing the seven on the Treasury's sanctions list aims to deny them access to global business and banking networks by banning any American entities from doing business with them.

That ban can extend to foreign entities like banks with US operations, widening the impact of the sanctions.
Ankara (AFP) - US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson met Turkish leaders Thursday for talks clouded by differences over Syria, a day after Ankara announced the end of its military offensive there.

Tillerson, the most senior US official to visit Turkey since President Donald Trump took office in January, is seeking to turn around recently rocky relations between the NATO allies.

He met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for over two hours, after talks with Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

The trip comes after Turkey announced "Euphrates Shield", its operation in northern Syria, had ended but did not say if troops had been withdrawn from the war-torn country.

Ties between Ankara and Washington were strained during Barack Obama's administration, particularly over US cooperation with Syrian Kurdish militia fighting against the Islamic State group.

Ankara views the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) as a "terror group" linked to Kurdish separatists waging an insurgency inside Turkey since 1984, but Washington regards them as the best force fighting IS.

Turkey has suggested it wants to join any operation to capture the IS bastion of Raqa but without involvement of Kurdish militia.

Speaking to NTV television on the eve of Tillerson's visit, Yildirim said the US had not yet informed Turkey if Ankara would take part in a planned Raqa campaign.

"The developments give an impression that the (Trump administration) is following the path of the past administration," he said, referring to the same tensions of the Obama years over the Syrian Kurdish militia role.

"This issue will be told to the US Secretary of State without any buts and the United States will be asked to clarify its position."

Tillerson and Yildirim "discussed working to enhance our critical security and economic ties in the region," a State Department official said after the meeting.

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In a statement, Yildirim's office said the ministers discussed Syria, now in the seventh year of a war, and spoke about efforts to clear IS from Syria and Iraq.

Presidential sources said Erdogan told Tillerson that it was important for the fight against terror to be conducted with "right and legitimate actors".

Sinan Ulgen, chairman of the Center for Economics and Foreign Policy and visiting scholar at Carnegie Europe, suggested Turkey declared its Syria operation was over before Tillerson's visit to stave off claims the decision was made under US pressure.

"Turkish troops are not leaving. But it also means that the Turkish military will not, in all likelihood, take part in further operations other than defending the current territory of Euphrates Shield," he told AFP, of the Turkish announcement.

"It also means that Turkey will not take part in the Raqa operation" which he said was slated to take place with Kurdish militia.

- Arrest of bank executive -

There were also tensions with Obama over Ankara's calls for the extradition of US-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen, a matter that remains unresolved.

The premier's office also said Yildirim and Tillerson discussed the next steps that should be taken for Gulen's return to Turkey.

Turkey accuses the Muslim cleric living in self-exile of ordering last year's failed coup against Erdogan. Gulen denies the charges but Ankara has repeatedly called for his extradition from the United States.

Turkish officials hope relations will improve under Trump but there has not been any public indication of a change in policy so far.

The US detention of a senior Turkish state bank executive also added to tensions Wednesday.

Halkbank's Mehmet Hakan Atilla is accused of helping to process millions of dollars of illegal transactions through US banks for Iran's government and other Iranian institutions.

Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said Atilla's arrest in the US was "completely a political operation," in an interview with A Haber television.
Caracas (AFP) - International powers voiced alarm at the Venezuelan Supreme Court's move to seize power from the opposition-led legislature, in what several officials and analysts branded a "coup."

The court's move tightened socialist President Nicolas Maduro's grip on power after more than a year locked in a political struggle with the center-right opposition.

Critics said it was an authoritarian turn for the South American oil giant, where an economic crisis has caused food shortages, riots and an epidemic of violent crime.

The crisis has raised concerns about stability in Venezuela, which has undergone three attempted military coups since 1992.

The US State Department called the court's move "a serious setback for democracy."

Regional powers Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Chile and others also warned it was a threat to democracy in Venezuela.

Brazil's foreign ministry said it was "a clear break with constitutional order."

But the hardest line came from the secretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro, who in a statement echoed Maduro's opponents' claims of an internal "coup d'etat."

Maduro had yet to comment publicly about the outcry late Thursday.

Protesting lawmakers scuffled with riot police outside the court. Opposition groups called for wider street protests on Saturday.

- Lawmakers passed over -

The judges' move strips Maduro's opponents in the National Assembly legislature of what little grip they had over a key pillar of government.

The high court (TSJ) has consistently backed the leftist president in his power struggle with the legislature.

It had on Tuesday also stripped parliamentary immunity from lawmakers in the assembly.

"The unconstitutional decisions by the TSJ to strip parliamentary immunity from the members of the National Assembly and assume the legislative function are the latest actions taken by the authoritarian regime to subvert the constitutional order in Venezuela and eliminate all semblance of democracy," Almagro's statement said.

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He said he "denounces the self-inflicted coup d'etat perpetrated by the Venezuelan regime against the National Assembly, the last branch of government to be legitimized by the will of the people of Venezuela," the OAS statement said.

- Army urged to act -

The court based its latest decision on an earlier ruling that the opposition majority was in contempt of court.

"As long as the National Assembly's contempt of court and invalidity persist, parliamentary powers shall be exercised directly by (the Supreme Court's) constitutional chamber or by the body it designates to safeguard the rule of law," it said late Wednesday night.

The speaker of the National Assembly, Julio Borges, urged the army, which has thus far supported Maduro, to take a stand.

"The Venezuelan armed forces cannot remain silent as the constitution is breached," he said, appealing to soldiers who are also suffering through what he called the "chaos" of the economic crisis.

With the public support of the military and control of most state institutions, Maduro has been resisting opposition calls for early elections.

A European Union spokesman in a statement urged Venezuela "to establish a clear electoral calendar and to respect the National Assembly and all its members, as foreseen in the Constitution."

- Contempt of court -

The court said the National Assembly leadership was in contempt for swearing in three lawmakers who were banned over alleged electoral fraud.

The opposition Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) condemns the fraud charges as a trumped-up bid to curb its power after it won a landslide in legislative elections in December 2015 with a promise to oust Maduro.

The court has overturned every law passed by the opposition-led legislature.

"To legally overtake the functions of a branch of government is a coup," said Latin America specialist Christopher Sabatini of Columbia University in New York.

- Oil deals at stake -

The court's expansion of its own powers came as part of a ruling on an oil law. It enables the government to launch joint ventures with private oil companies without legislative approval.

Venezuela has the world's biggest oil reserves but the collapse in prices has sapped its revenues, prompting shortages of food, medicine and basic goods like toilet paper.
Late Wednesday evening, Venezuelas Supreme Court effectively took over its Congress.

The court contends that legislators are operating extrajudicially and says it will assume all of Congresss functions. But the court is widely seen as being controlled by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, while Congress is viewed by many as the last stronghold of the opposition.

Some opposition members are vowing to continue carrying out their legislative duties. And members of opposition Voluntad Popular party are decrying the move as a clear coup against our constitution and the National Assembly, which was elected by more than 15 million Venezuelans.

The international community is registering its disapproval. Peru cut ties with Venezuela on Thursday.

That comes after the United States signalled recently it would be taking a harder line on Venezuela. In February of this year, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Venezuelas vice president for drug trafficking while President Donald Trump called for the immediate release of political prisoner Leopoldo Lopez.

On Tuesday, Michael Fitzpatrick, deputy assistant secretary for the U.S. State Departments Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, at a special meeting of a council of the Organization of American States permanent council, referenced a decision the supreme court made to limit the immunity of National Assembly members.

That ruling was made while Venezuelas foreign minister was at the OAS meeting, and so, Fitzpatrick said, the timing and content are a clear signal that attempts by OAS to discuss Venezuela may carry local repercussions for opposition lawmakers.

Wednesdays late ruling only makes that clearer.

Photo credit: John Moore/Getty Images
By Diego Ore and Andrew Cawthorne CARACAS (Reuters) - Opposition leaders branded Venezuela's socialist President Nicolas Maduro a "dictator" on Thursday after the Supreme Court took over the functions of Congress and pushed a lengthy political standoff to new heights. There was swift and widespread international condemnation of the de facto annulment of the National Assembly, where the opposition won a majority in late 2015 amid an unprecedented economic crisis that has seen Maduro's popularity plummet. The head of the 34-nation Organisation of International States (OAS), Luis Almagro, said the Venezuelan court had dealt the final blows to democracy and accused Maduro's "regime" of carrying out a "coup." Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Guatemala and Panama expressed strong concerns while Peru withdrew its envoy after what it termed a rupture of democracy. The United States described the move as a "serious setback for democracy in Venezuela" while the European Union called for a "clear electoral calendar" going forward. Venezuela's top court had already overturned most National Assembly decisions since the opposition win. Then late on Wednesday, it explicitly stated it was assuming Congress' role in a ruling authorizing Maduro to create oil joint ventures without the previously mandated congressional approval. "As long as the situation of contempt in the National Assembly continues, this constitutional chamber guarantees congressional functions will be exercised by this chamber or another chosen organ," the court said in its ruling. The contempt charge stems from vote-buying accusations against three lawmakers from southern Amazonas state. Even though they no longer sit in Congress, the court said parliamentary leaders had not handled their case legally. Critics of Maduro say it is an excuse for him to consolidate power and muzzle the opposition amid a severe recession, soaring inflation and acute shortages of food and medicine. Maduro, a 54-year-old former bus driver and foreign minister, was narrowly elected in 2013 to replace late leftist President Hugo Chavez. He has accused Washington of leading a push to topple him as part of a wider offensive against leftist governments. Stung by the rebukes around Latin America, Maduro's government condemned what it described as a "right-wing regional pact" against it on Thursday. "We reject the Peruvian government's rude support for the violent and extremist sectors in Venezuela," Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez said in a series of tweets. Leaders of Venezuela's Democratic Unity opposition coalition renewed their demand for early presidential elections and accused Maduro of duplicating Peruvian leader Alberto Fujimori's notorious 1992 closure of Congress. "Nicolas Maduro has carried out a 'coup d'etat' ... this is a dictatorship," said National Assembly President Julio Borges, before tearing up a copy of the Supreme Court ruling at a news conference in the gardens of the legislature. "This is trash from people who have kidnapped the constitution, rights and freedom of Venezuelans ... The National Assembly does not recognise the Supreme Court." PROTESTS The opposition promised new street protests starting from Saturday - but that tactic has failed in the past despite marches that have drawn hundreds of thousands of protesters. Last year, the opposition pushed for a referendum to recall Maduro and force a new presidential election, but authorities thwarted them and also postponed local electoral races that were supposed to have been held in 2016. Maduro's term in office ends in January 2019. Around a dozen opposition lawmakers trying to march to the Supreme Court on Thursday clashed with National Guard soldiers and pro-government supporters lined up to stop them. Pockets of youths took to the streets in parts of Caracas and attempted to block a major highway. They held flags and banners saying, "No to dictatorship." However, numbers were small and they quickly dispersed. In 2014, a wave of unrest swept the country, leaving more than 40 dead, though now many opposed to the government say they feel protesting is pointless. "If the international community stays firm, demanding elections, we are sure the government will have to turn back," another opposition leader and two-time presidential candidate Henrique Capriles said. Spooked by the opposition's warning that investment deals bypassing Congress would not be valid, foreign oil companies were closely following the political showdown. As Venezuela tries to raise funds for bond payments and a reeling economy, it has sought to sell stakes in oil fields. State oil company PDVSA [PDVSA.UL] recently offered Russia's Rosneft a stake in the Petropiar oil joint venture, sources with knowledge of the proposal told Reuters. "We want to make perfectly clear to all the oil companies that any strategic alliance (that did not go through Congress) is null," Borges said on Thursday. While some investors could see the Supreme Court sentence as giving them the green light to invest, others are increasingly worried about Venezuela's murky legal framework. "There is reasonable doubt about the legality of all this," said a source at a foreign oil company. (Additional reporting by Corina Pons, Eyanir Chinea, Andreina Aponte, Girish Gupta in Caracas, Mitra Taj in Lima, Rosalba O'Brien in Santiago and Enrique Pretel in San Jose; Writing by Andrew Cawthorne and Alexandra Ulmer; Editing by Tom Brown and Andrew Hay)
HANOI (Reuters) - Vietnam on Thursday denounced Taiwan's military drills on and around a disputed South China Sea island, labelling them a serious violation of its sovereignty and a threat to maritime security. China claims most of the energy-rich waters through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. Neighbours Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims. Taiwan's claim to Itu Aba is complicated by the fact that China considers Taiwan sovereign territory. Taiwan and China both claim the South China Sea using old maps that date back to the late 1940s when the Nationalists ruled China. The defeated Nationalists fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing to Mao Zedongs Communists. Taiwan has been self-ruled ever since. Taiwan's coast guard said that the live-fire drills around Itu Aba were routine. The scheduled drills began on Wednesday and end on Friday. Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesman Le Hai Binh said the drills were "a serious violation of Vietnam's sovereignty over the (Spratly) archipelago, threatening peace, stability, and maritime safety and security, stressing and complicating the situation in the East Sea (South China Sea)." "Vietnam resolutely opposes (the drills) and asks Taiwan to not repeat similar actions," Binh said in a statement posted on the ministry website. (Reporting by Mai Nguyen in Hanoi and J.R. Wu in Taipei; Editing by Nick Macfie)
In the 80s, the Italian journalist and author Tiziano Terzani, after many years of reporting across Asia, holed himself up in a cabin in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. For a month I had no one to talk to except my dog Baoli, he wrote in his travelogue A Fortune Teller Told Me. Terzani passed the time with books, observing nature, listening to the winds in the trees, watching butterflies, enjoying silence. For the first time in a long while he felt free from the incessant anxieties of daily life: At last I had time to have time.

But Terzanis embrace of seclusion was relatively unusual: Humans have long stigmatized solitude. It has been considered an inconvenience, something to avoid, a punishment, a realm of loners. Science has often aligned it with negative outcomes. Freud, who linked solitude with anxiety, noted that, in children the first phobias relating to situations are those of darkness and solitude. John Cacioppo, a modern social neuroscientist who has extensively studied lonelinesswhat he calls chronic perceived isolationcontends that, beyond damaging our thinking powers, isolation can even harm our physical health. But increasingly scientists are approaching solitude as something that, when pursued by choice, can prove therapeutic.

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This is especially true in times of personal turbulence, when the instinct is often for people to reach outside of themselves for support. When people are experiencing crisis its not always just about you: Its about how you are in society, explains Jack Fong, a sociologist at California State Polytechnic University who has studied solitude. When people take these moments to explore their solitude, not only will they be forced to confront who they are, they just might learn a little bit about how to out-maneuver some of the toxicity that surrounds them in a social setting.

In other words, when people remove themselves from the social context of their lives, they are better able to see how theyre shaped by that context. Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk and writer who spent years alone, held a similar notion. We cannot see things in perspective until we cease to hug them to our bosom, he writes in Thoughts in Solitude.

Some people can go for a walk or listen to music and feel that they are deeply in touch with themselves. Others cannot.

Much of this self-reconfiguring happens through what Fong calls existentializing moments, mental flickers of clarity which can occur during inward-focused solitude. Fong developed this idea from the late German-American sociologist Kurt Wolffs surrender and catch theory of personal epiphany. When you have these moments, don't fight it. Accept it for what it is. Let it emerge calmly and truthfully and don't resist it, Fong says. Your alone time should not be something that you're afraid of.

Yet, at the same time, it is not only about being alone. Its a deeper internal process, notes Matthew Bowker, a psychoanalytic political theorist at Medaille College who has researched solitude. Productive solitude requires internal exploration, a kind of labor which can be uncomfortable, even excruciating. It might take a little bit of work before it turns into a pleasant experience. But once it does it becomes maybe the most important relationship anybody ever has, the relationship you have with yourself.

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Yet today, in our hyper-connected society, Bowker believes that solitude is more devalued than it has been in a long time. He points to a recent study at the University of Virginia in which several participantsa quarter of the women and two-thirds of the menchose to subject themselves to electric shock rather than be alone with their thoughts. Bowker sees this heightened distaste for solitude playing out in pop culture as well. For example, vampires used to be portrayed in stories as secluded hermits, whereas now youre more likely to see them on camera as sexy socialites, he notes.

And even though many great thinkers have championed the intellectual and spiritual benefits of solitudeLao Tzu, Moses, Nietzsche, Emerson, Woolf (How much better is silence; the coffee cup, the table) many modern humans seem hell-bent on avoiding it. Every time we have a chance to go running we plug in our headphones. Every time we sit in the car we listen to NPR, laments Bowker. I mean, my students today tell me they cant go to the bathroom without their phone on.

This is not to say that true solitude necessarily requires an absence of stimuli. Rather, the value of solitude depends on whether an individual can find an interior solitude within themselves, says Bowker. Everyone is different in that regard: Some people can go for a walk or listen to music and feel that they are deeply in touch with themselves. Others cannot.

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Generally, Bowker contends that our mistrust of solitude has consequences. For one, weve become a more groupish society, he says. In Ideologies of Experience, an upcoming book Bowker co-authored with David Levine, a psychoanalyst at the University of Denver, the authors trace a line between the devaluing of solitude and the ongoing ideological conflicts afflicting college campuses. Were drawn to identity-markers and to groups that help us define [ourselves]. In the simplest terms, this means using others to fill out our identities, rather than relying on something internal, something that comes from within, Bowker says. Separating from the group, I would argue, is one thing that universities should be facilitating more.

It really lifts you out of problems.

That is where solitude comes in. Such a separation requires what psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott called the capacity to be alone. This is key to Bowkers idea of solitude as self-strengthening. You have to have that capacity: the ability to know that youre gonna survive, that youre gonna be okay if youre not supported by this group, Bowker says. Put another way, a person who can find a rich self-experience in a solitary state is far less likely to feel lonely when alone.

There is a catch to all of this: For solitude to be beneficial, certain preconditions must be met. Kenneth Rubin, a developmental psychologist at the University of Maryland, calls them the ifs. Solitude can be productive only: if it is voluntary, if one can regulate ones emotions effectively, if one can join a social group when desired, and if one can maintain positive relationships outside of it. When such conditions arent met, yes, solitude can be harmful. Consider the hikikomori phenomenon in Japan, where hundreds of thousands of depressed or troubled young people quarter themselves away, sometimes for years, often requiring extensive reintegration therapy to move on. The difference between solitude as rejuvenation and solitude as suffering is the quality of self-reflection that one can generate while in it, and the ability to come back to social groups when one wants to.

When preconditions are met, solitude can be restorative. For Fong, who meditates 15 minutes a day and takes monthly solo camping trips, it is at least as essential as exercise or healthy eating. Possibly, he says, it is necessary for a truly healthy mind. It really lifts you out of problems. It really, really has a powerful function for making you understand your predicament in this universe, he says.

Yet, because the study of solitude as a positive force is new, its hard to speak in precise scientific terms about it: We dont know what the ideal amount is, for instance, or even if there is one. Most likely, such measures are different for everybody. But researchers recommended taking it where you can get it, by meditating, taking solo walks or going on camping trips alone. Bowker makes a point of driving in silence. The point is to be away from social interaction and looking inward, however this may be achieved for you. Solitude does not have form, says Fong. It is amorphous.

After his month-long seclusion in Japan, during which he put [himself] back together, Terzani, already a well-known reporter in Italy, went on to build a successful career as an author. Though he was an atheist, Terzani gained an almost religious following for his later writings, much of which interweaved reportage with personal experience and philosophical musings. After his death in 2004 from stomach cancer, the adoption of him as a guru-like figure was something which some intellectuals bemoaned, calling it a disservice to his message. The only real teacher is not in a forest, or a hut or an ice cave in the Himalayas, he once remarked. It is within us. One imagines him reaching the conclusion alone.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Volkswagen AG said on Thursday it has agreed to pay $157.45 million to settle environmental claims from 10 U.S. states over its excess diesel emissions, as the world's largest automaker looks to move past the scandal. The settlement covers states including New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Washington, as well as some consumer claims. In 2016, the German automaker reached a $603 million agreement with 44 U.S. states, but that settlement did not cover claims in Thursday's announcement. The settlement also requires Volkswagen to offer at least three new electric vehicles in the 10 states by 2020, including two SUVs. VW agreed in December to offer the vehicles in California in the same time frame. In total, VW has agreed to spend up to $25 billion in the United States to address claims from owners, environmental regulators, states and dealers and to make buy-back offers. New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said the state's $32.5 million share of the settlement is the state's largest- ever air pollution fine and "makes clear that no company  however large or powerful  is above the law." Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said the state's $20 million share is the largest-ever state environmental civil penalty. The settlement is significantly less than what the states had sought when they sued VW last year. Washington state had said in 2016 it planned to impose $176 million in penalties related to state environmental claims, while other states said they sought penalties totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. States can use settlement funds for any purpose. Volkswagen said the deal with 10 state attorneys general "avoids further prolonged and costly litigation as Volkswagen continues to work to earn back the trust of its customers, regulators and the public." Earlier this month, Volkswagen pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Detroit to fraud, obstruction of justice and falsifying statements as part of a $4.3 billion settlement reached with the U.S. Justice Department over the diesel scandal. Under the plea agreement, VW agreed to sweeping reforms, new audits and oversight by an independent monitor for three years after admitting to installing secret software in 580,000 U.S. vehicles. The software enabled it to beat emissions tests over a six-year period and emit up to 40 times the legally allowable level of pollution. The September 2015 disclosure that VW intentionally cheated on emissions tests led to the ouster of its chief executive, damaged the company's reputation and prompted massive bills in what has become the costliest automotive industry scandal in history. VW still faces an ongoing criminal investigation in Germany. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Dan Grebler)
Construction is set to begin next month on the La Crosse County leg of a controversial high-voltage power line to Dane County in spite of permit delays and a pending legal challenge.

American Transmission Co., which is spearheading construction of the $548 million project, notified Wisconsin utility regulators this week that it began work in the county on March 17, though ATC spokeswoman Kaya Freiman said right-of-way clearing would likely start in early April.

A joint venture of ATC and several regional utility companies, including La Crosse-based Dairyland Power Cooperative, the 180-mile line will run between the Madison suburbs and Holmen, where it will connect to another high-voltage line, CapX2020, that runs across Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

The project has yet to receive the necessary wetland permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, though work has begun in upland areas. Line has been strung on towers along Interstate 90 near Wisconsin Dells, and crews in January began clearing land in Monroe County.

Rebecca Graser, the Corps regulatory branch program manager for Wisconsin, said the agency is almost done reviewing ATCs applications for work in segments 2-4 and should have a decision early next month. The Corps is awaiting feedback from Native American tribes on the western segments, and Graser couldnt give a timeline for review of those permits.

The notification that work has begun triggers distribution of nearly a million dollars of environmental impact fees to the county and three affected municipalities. La Crosse County is slated to receive just over $447,000. Monroe County will receive $1.3 million and Jackson County $1.9 million.

The funds must be used on parks, conservancy or environmental projects, although the Public Service Commission can approve alternative uses.

The La Crosse County board has approved spending $197,000 on park and campground improvements, $150,000 on the new Holmen community center, and $100,000 on a yet to be determined energy efficiency project.

In addition to a one-time payment of about $366,000, the town of Holland will receive about $44,000 per year for the life of the project.

Clerk Marilyn Pedretti said the town board has yet to decide how to use the funds as the town has filed a court challenge to the PSCs approval of the line and its routing, which will follow the Hwy. 53 corridor parallel to the recently-built CapX2020 transmission line  though on separate poles.

La Crosse County Judge Todd Bjerke is expected to rule this spring on whether the case can proceed to trial.

Obviously we were hopeful the lawsuit would take, she said.

The town used about $54,000 of the environmental impact fee from the CapX project to install solar panels on the town hall, which now generate more electricity than the municipal building uses. Pedretti said the project is expected to save taxpayers more than $86,000 during the next 25 years.
By Andreas Cremer and Jorn Poltz BERLIN (Reuters) - Volkswagen has filed a legal complaint with a Munich court, seeking to prevent German prosecutors from using information seized during searches of the law firm it hired to investigate its emissions scandal. The decision follows a meeting of VW's supervisory board on Tuesday, when officials discussed what legal recourse the carmaker has to prevent prosecutors from retaining and assessing the seized material, two sources close to the matter told Reuters on Wednesday. Some members of VW's 20-strong supervisory board had misgivings about contesting the prosecutors' actions because they fear this could undermine the company's pledge to cooperate fully with authorities in clearing up the scandal, one of the sources said. VW, the world's largest carmaker, would not specify exactly when the complaint was lodged and gave no further details about its argument. A spokesman for Munich prosecutors confirmed that VW's complaint has been received. The local and district courts of Munich are unlikely to take a decision on the complaint this week, a legal source told Reuters, allowing prosecutors to continue investigate their case. VW had already condemned the search of offices of U.S. law firm Jones Day on March 15 and said it would use every legal step to defend itself. Jones Day could not be reached immediately for comment. The U.S. law firm was mandated by the supervisory boards of VW and luxury division Audi in late 2015 to lead an open-ended investigation into the emissions fraud. VW has never published the full Jones Day report, though a summary of its findings was compiled in the form of a "statement of facts" for the U.S. Department of Justice. The supervisory board recommended on Tuesday that shareholders should ratify the actions in 2016 of VW group's nine top executives, including Audi CEO Rupert Stadler, when they hold their annual general meeting on May 10, VW said. On Wednesday Audi's supervisory board followed suit with a proposal to shareholders to exonerate Stadler, fellow top executives and all members of the controlling panel at a meeting on May 18, the carmaker said. Such shareholder votes are common at German companies, but it is far from certain that shareholders will be persuaded to sign off on Stadler's decisions. Audi admitted in November 2015 that its 3 litre V6 diesel engines were fitted with an auxiliary control device deemed illegal in the United States because it enabled vehicles to evade U.S. emission limits. There has been speculation in the German media over when Stadler, who has run Audi since 2007, found out about the emissions cheating.
Is Brad Pitt's Afghanistan War satire War Machine:

A) hilarious, because it's right on point and uses Brad Pitt to perfection;

B) depressing, because it's a reminder of how little we've learned from that whole experience; or

C) kinda both?

We're going with C, personally, but your mileage may vary.

SEE ALSO: With this hire, Netflix is basically a Hollywood studio now

Netflix's new feature is based on the real-life rise and fall of Stanley McChrystal, whom you may remember as that U.S. General who was taken down by a Rolling Stone expose.

It features Pitt in character-actor mode as McChrystal, with Tilda Swinton, Ben Kingsley, Lakeith Stanfield, Emory Cohen, and RJ Cyler in the supporting cast.

So while it remains to be seen whether War Machine will be more cringe-inducing, laugh-inducing, or rage-inducing, we can definitely expect it'll be well-acted.

War Machine hits Netflix on May 26.
Las Vegas - Wonder Woman is more than just an action movie. It also has heart.

Actor Chris Pine was on hand to discuss the upcoming DC Universe film at CinemaCon Wednesday night during Warner Bros. presentation and shared some insight into the summer film.

Pine, who plays opposite Gal Gadots Wonder Woman/Diana Prince as Steve Trevor, said he was struck by the deep rich colors of director Patty Jenkins masterpiece and the intertwined stories on film.

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According to Pine, Wonder Woman contains insane action and a winning love story at its core. Movie buffs will be happy to learn Pine compared the upcoming feature to that of the 1942 classic Casablanca.

Jenkins added to Pines comments by stating she had an awesome time making Wonder Woman and considered it a wonderful situation to be able to bring the story to life on the big screen.

chris pine wonder woman clips

Photo: Getty Images

While Gadot did not attend the event, Jenkins did share a few scenes from the movie which she considers to be her favorites.

In the extended clips, Diana and Steve are seen traveling on a boat. When he sets up a bed for Diana but doesnt join her, she question him and he informs her about sharing a bed only after marriage. Diana wins the argument and he decides to sleep next to her. There, they talk about her father, or lack thereof.

Next, the two are shown fighting crime in the streets. The final scene previewed shows Wonder Woman in her famous costume fighting a group of men solo before sending one individual crashing through a window.

Wonder Woman hits theaters June 2. Gadot can also be seen in Justice League in theaters on Nov. 17.

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Photo credit: Scott Olson / Getty

From Delish

If you're used to guzzling a bottle or more of Sprite and Fanta, you may want to slow down. Especially after a high court just deemed the drinks as poisonous.

According to the BBC, a Lagos High Court in Nigeria ruled that labels should be applied to both Coca-Cola products because they pose a health risk to consumers. Here's exactly where the issue arises: The sodas contain high levels of benzoic acid and yellow "sunset" coloring additives that may be harmful when mixed with vitamin C, CNN reports. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration confirms this, noting that the two can form a carcinogen called benzene when combined.

The two drinks were first found problematic nine years ago, when a local businessman, Dr. Emmanuel Fijabi Adebo, and his company tried to export the drinks to the United Kingdom. Health authorities in the U.K. would not let him sell the products because they exceeded the limit for benzoic acid. Coca-Cola and soda water, however, were not denied.

The Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), which packages the drinks Adebo tried to export, said in their defense that the products were meant for local distribution and consumption, not for export. This spurred anger in many Nigerians as they questioned why food and drink standards were lower in Nigeria than in the U.K.

Photo credit: Getty

In last month's ruling, National Agency For Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) was fined two million naira ($6,350) for failing to protect Nigerians against harmful consumption of the sodas, and Justice Oyebanji said the following:

"The court is in absolute agreement with the learned counsel for the claimants that soft drinks manufactured by Nigeria bottling company ought to be fit for human consumption irrespective of color or creed."

In an interview with the BBC, Adebo agreed, saying, "We shouldn't have a product that is considered substandard in Europe."

NBC is appealing the court ruling, so no labels have been placed on soda cans or bottles yet. According to the BBC, the NBC said levels of benzoic acid in its Sprite and Fanta are "well within the levels approved" by the national regulator and the international food standards body.

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In a statement to CNN, Coca-Cola's VP for Public Affairs and Communications, Eurasia and Africa, Hamish Banks, said there is no issue with the safety of either drinks. "The levels of all ingredients in these products, including benzoates and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), are well within the conservative guidelines of the Codex Alimentarius and the Nigeria Industrial Standards."

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BEIRUT (Reuters) - Warplanes pounded rebel-held areas north of the Syrian city of Hama on Thursday in an escalation of air strikes, a rebel official and a monitor said, as government forces fought to reverse the insurgents' biggest assault in months. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and a doctor said air strikes near the town of Latamneh, northwest of Hama, had led several people to choke, saying it was a sign of a gas attack. A Syrian military source denied the army had used any such weapons, branding the reports as rebel propaganda. Rebel groups, spearheaded by jihadist insurgents from the former al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front but also including Free Syrian Army (FSA) groups, launched their attack on government-held areas near Hama last week. The area is of vital importance to President Bashar al-Assad, who with the support of Russia and Iran has the military upper hand there. The observatory, a Britain-based war monitoring group, said jets had hit several rebel towns on Thursday, including Soran and Khattab, both captured by insurgents at the start of the offensive. The Syrian military source said the army was conducting attack operations in the area and had seized the initiative back from the rebels. CHEMICAL ATTACK? Speaking to Reuters from Turkey, Abdallah Darwish, head of the health authority for rebel-held parts of Hama province, said air strikes in the south of Latamneh on Thursday morning had injured many people. "The bombardment had a substance that caused intense irritation, heavy foaming from the mouth, and constricting pupils," said Darwish, citing his medical staff on the ground. A chemical attack hit the same area on Saturday, killing an orthopedic doctor, Darwish added. The Syrian military source said the allegations that government forces were using chemical weapons were "devoid of truth". "The army has not, will not, and does not need to use these weapons," the source said. A joint inquiry for the United Nations and the global chemical weapons watchdog has previously accused government forces of toxic gas attacks. Damascus has repeatedly denied using such weapons during the six-year-old war. Mohammed Rasheed, a spokesman for the Jaish al-Nasr rebel group fighting in Hama under the FSA banner, said government and Russian "air strikes have been ramped up terribly". "The Russian warplanes have not stopped since last night," he said. While the rebels have been on the back foot in recent months, their latest attack has shown the challenges facing the army and allied militia in fighting on numerous fronts at once. Rebel groups also clashed with government forces along several front lines in rural Hama on Thursday. (Reporting by Ellen Francis and Tom Perry; Editing by Gareth Jones)
LONDON (AP)  Slaven Bilic was assured on Thursday that he will remain in charge of West Ham. The English Premier League club's ownership blames a "tough season" on factors out of the manager's control.

West Ham has dropped to 12th place after losing its last three games, adding to uncertainty about Bilic's future during a troubled first season for the club since leaving Upton Park for London's Olympic Stadium.

"There is no issue between me and the board and Slaven ... and in the board (meetings) there have been no discussions over Slaven's future," co-owner David Gold said after a meeting of Premier League team executives in London.

"He's our manager, we all like him, he's a great guy. I like him very much. He's very passionate and I love the passion.

"Would I like to be two or three places higher than we currently are? Of course I would. Tell me a club apart from Chelsea who wouldn't. There are no issues. There never has been a new contract on the table. He still has the rest of this season and next season."

Bilic raised expectations by steering West Ham to seventh place in his first season in charge, securing European qualification. But after losing only eight of its 38 games in the 2015-16 campaign, the east London club has already been beaten 14 times this season with nine games to go. West Ham also exited the Europa League before the group stage.

West Ham has grappled with the disruption caused by fan trouble at the Olympic Stadium and star player Dimitri Payet forcing his way out of the club in January to return to Marseille.

"He's had a tough season, we accept that," Gold said of Bilic. "He's had stadium issues outside of his control. He's had Payet issues which he dealt with to the best of his ability. He's had injury issues. At one time we were second in the league for days lost and it wouldn't surprise me if we were still in top three or four for clubs affected.

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"We had a fantastic season last year where players over-performed. Payet was much better than we assumed he would be, (and Manuel) Lanzini turned out to be a better player than we thought."

And Gold insists the club will continue to make cash available to strengthen the squad.

"This business about West Ham being cheapskates because all we are doing is buying loans and so-called freebies is not right," he said. "Taking a player on loan with a view to buy is more expensive. You pay more but you are taking out insurance against the down side."

Gold pointed to the signing of Simone Zaza. The striker joined on a season-long loan from Juventus but failed to score in 11 games. West Ham in January sent Zaza back to the Italian champions who sent him to Valencia.

"Everyone was saying this is a player you have got to get," Gold said. "We have been very wise  and brought him in on a loan with a view to buy which saved us a lot of embarrassment."

___

Rob Harris at www.twitter.com/RobHarris and www.facebook.com/RobHarrisReports
President Trump shakes hands with Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad. (Photo: Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)

WASHINGTON  When President Trump welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping to his private Mar-a-Lago resort next week for their high-stakes first summit, he will do so without his pick to be ambassador to Beijing, Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad. Branstads confirmation is being held up by an obscure diplomatic ritual, sources tell Yahoo News.

Knowledgeable congressional sources from both parties say the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hasnt yet received basic paperwork from the Trump administration  including Branstads biography and his answers to the panels regular questionnaire. Branstads paperwork from the Office of Government Ethics landed at the committee only on Tuesday. And the State Department has yet to post his certificate of competency, a mostly run-of-the-mill document that is part biographical sketch, part list of attributes that show why a nominee is qualified.

Branstads confirmation hearing cannot be scheduled until the committee has his complete file, and some have blamed the turbulent inner workings of the Trump administration for the delay. But a White House national security source told Yahoo News on Thursday that the issue actually rests with the Chinese.

His paperwork is complete, but we still need agrement from the Chinese before sending the paperwork to the Senate, the official said.

No, not agreement, but agrement, though they broadly mean the same thing. Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, protocol requires the destination country to sign off on the sending countrys choice of ambassador. In this case, China needs to sign off on Branstad, but hasnt yet, effectively freezing the confirmation process.

The State Department declined to comment on the situation. The Chinese government, asked by Yahoo News whether it had provided agrement, noted that Branstad had not yet been confirmed.

When it comes to the Senate vote, Branstad is a near lock for confirmation. The robust economic relationship between Iowa and China  the third-biggest buyer of exports from the Hawkeye State, including much of its soybeans and pork  means the governor has worked with Chinese officials for decades. Xi himself visited Iowa in 1985, and personally welcomed Branstad to Beijing in 2011.

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In a recent interview, Branstad suggested he might get confirmed in late April, maybe early May, at which point he would resign to take the diplomatic post. (It doesnt help that the Senate is scheduled to be gone April 10-21.)

A screen shows Chinese President Xi Jinping during the second plenary session of the National Peoples Congress. (Photo: Jason Lee/Reuters)

The vacancy is hardly a four-alarm diplomatic fire. The United States is represented in Beijing by Deputy Chief of Mission David Rank, a decorated 27-year State Department veteran who has held other challenging posts, including one in Afghanistan. And Secretary of State Rex Tillerson recently visited China, in part to lock in the summit with Xi.

The delay is not without precedent, either. In 2009, then-President Barack Obama formally nominated former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman to be ambassador to Beijing in mid-May, and he did not get there until mid-August. Theres no evidence that China is slow-walking Branstads nomination, which it praised back in December when Trump first announced his plans.

But Republicans and Democrats in Congress have privately expressed increasing concern about the slow pace of Trump nominations to posts requiring Senate confirmation, especially in the national security and foreign policy spheres.

Trump has announced other ambassadorial picks. He chose billionaire New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, a major GOP donor, to be his envoy to Britain (but has not formally nominated him). Just this week, he nominated Tennessee businessman Bill Hagerty to be ambassador to Japan. Concert pianist/industrialist/Sound of Music fanatic Patrick Park said in February that he received a handwritten note from Trump suggesting that hell get the nod for ambassador to Austria (no formal nomination yet). News outlets have reported that Trump wants Huntsman to be the top diplomat in Moscow, though there has been no official confirmation of that, either, nor of reports that the president has settled on Richard Grenell, a former spokesman for the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, to be ambassador to NATO. Asked about those potential picks, aides to both sides on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said theyd only seen news accounts and not official action from the White House.

Trumps ambassador to Israel, bankruptcy lawyer David Friedman, took the oath on Wednesday. And the new U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, was sworn in on Jan. 25.

While Trump has let people without official government titles attend major diplomatic meetings  his daughter Ivanka was on hand when German Chancellor Angela Merkel came to the White House  Branstad wont be at Mar-a-Lago, according to the Iowans communications director, Ben Hammes. Branstad has provided all of the required documentation to the administration, Hammes said, but hes still the governor.

Hours after the White House announced the summit, Trump predicted on Twitter that the meeting would be very difficult and repeated past complaints about Beijings trade policies.

and job losses. American companies must be prepared to look at other alternatives.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 30, 2017

Read more from Yahoo News:
The state of health care talks may be uncertain, but one thing is not: The knives are out for the House Freedom Caucus.

The White House and congressional leadership clearly want to put the right-wing group of 30 or so House lawmakers on the defensive by blaming it for last weeks climactic demise of a bill to repeal and replace Obamacare.

That may be a way for House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., to make another attempt at passing a health care bill through the House, or simply to try to change a dynamic that could make it harder for President Trump to accomplish anything significant.

At the moment, there is plenty of talk about salvaging the repeal effort, with some reports suggesting that Ryan might make a second attempt in a few days.

They want to run the bill next week, one Republican source outside Congress  but well connected to leadership  told Yahoo News. A spokesman for a lawmaker involved in discussions with the White House confirmed that there are hopes for a second attempt next week, contingent on whether an agreement can be reached.

Ryan spokeswoman AshLee Strong said there was no schedule update at this point.

The speaker has encouraged members to continue talking so we can get to a place of yes and fulfill our promise to repeal and replace Obamacare, she said.

President Trump makes remarks at the White House on Tuesday. (Photo: Ron Sachs  Pool/Getty Images)

But even if there is no second vote on Obamacare repeal, the White House and congressional leadership are now laying groundwork for future action by putting pressure on the Freedom Caucus.

Both Trump and Ryan had embraced the health care legislation, only to see moderate and conservative Republicans break party ranks and refuse to back it. After Ryan abruptly canceled a planned vote last Friday, Trump said he was moving on to other matters, and White House officials said over the weekend that they would look to work with Democrats moving forward.

Trump himself set the blame on the Freedom Caucus in a Sunday tweet.

Democrats are smiling in D.C. that the Freedom Caucus, with the help of Club For Growth and Heritage, have saved Planned Parenthood & Ocare!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 26, 2017

A senior Republican source told Yahoo News that the White House sees the Freedom Caucus as irrelevant and will work with Democrats in the future before it does anything with them, though its unclear if thats a negotiating tactic with the hardline conservative group. A senior White House official tempered that assessment somewhat, and did not rule out working with caucus in the future.

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The GOP leaderships public and private messaging has been intended to make Freedom Caucus members think very hard about whether they want to be held responsible for the failure to repeal Obamacare, even as Trump adviser Steve Bannon and White House chief of staff Reince Priebus are talking with members of Congress this week to probe for ways forward.

Trump is doing a good job of dangling a new process in front of [the House Freedom Caucus], but also scaring them by saying hes going to walk away, said a source close to both the White House and to House leadership. I think the president saying he is going to walk away from this is very intended to spook them.

Rep. Jim Jordan, a Freedom Caucus leader, walks into the speakers office on Capitol Hill last week. (Photo: Yuri Gripas/Reuters)

And certainly, Freedom Caucus lawmakers have reacted to the repeal failure last week by clamoring for a second try, as if trying to call back a train leaving the station.

Quit blaming everyone, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, a Freedom Caucus leader, told CNN on Wednesday morning. Lets just get back to work, do the responsible thing, and put together a piece of legislation that we can all be proud of.

Trump himself signaled shortly after Fridays scrapped vote that he was ready to move onto tax reform. And on Tuesday, White House press secretary Sean Spicer downplayed the state of health care negotiations.

I dont know how detailed you want it, Spicer said, according to the White House transcript. Have we had some discussions and listened to ideas? Yes. Are we actively planning an immediate strategy? Not at this time.

Even if a health care bill cant be resurrected at the moment, Congress must fund the government before April 29, when the current temporary budget agreement expires. If Ryan cannot pass a continuing resolution through the House in time, it would shut down the government. That would be a terrible follow up to the health care debacle.

Then there is tax reform, an issue just as thorny as health care and one that already appears to be imperiled.

House Speaker Paul Ryan addresses the press after the health care bill collapsed. (Photo: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

And so the plan is to bring the Freedom Caucus to heel. Some dont think this will really happen until some of the groups members lose their seats next year in primary fights.

Unless they feel some pain they will never change, said one aide to a senior Republican senator. Those guys are not honest brokers in these types of dealings. Ive seen it too many times. You give them something and then they move the goal posts.

This is certainly House leaderships view. But the Freedom Caucus and its outside allies insist that they were not consulted before the repeal legislation was unveiled, and that they did not move the goal posts. Rather, they say they focused their negotiation demands on one item: removal of what is known as Title 1 regulations in Obamacare that conservatives believe constrain insurance companies from offering coverage at lower costs.

Ryan said that he did not think Senate rules would allow those measures to be included in the narrow process  known as reconciliation  through which the Senate can pass one piece of legislation each budget year that requires only a simple majority. Republicans have 52 seats, not enough to overcome a Democrat filibuster.

But Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, said the Senate parliamentarian had told him that changing Obamacare regulations might be OK under the reconciliation process.

The ask was always the same: repeal the regs, said the Senate Republican aide.

Additional reporting by Hunter Walker.

Read more from Yahoo News:
A $1,233 donation made by the West Salem fourth- and fifth-grade Council of Kids will help build bunk beds for impoverished Guatemalan children later this year.

The donation will provide five bunk beds, a single bed, sheets, blankets and pillows for each, as well as a community meal for more than 70 in a village near Antiqua, Guatemala.

The fundraiser, led by elementary school teacher Mary Czajka, started with a modest goal of raising enough money to purchase a single bunk bed.

She said she hadnt expected the students to raise much. The annual fundraiser typically raised around $200, not $1,200.

The idea for the fundraiser came after a presentation by a young man named Alexander Chisholm Guilbault of Guatemala, whod grown up on the streets.

He told the West Salem Elementary School students about his life growing up in poverty. His earliest memories were of life on the streets with nothing more than a pair of underwear and a piece of cardboard.

After years of waiting, Guilbault was adopted by a woman named Leceta at age 19 who took him in despite his age.

Guilbaults story inspired the West Salem children. After the presentation, Czajkas students were excited to help improve the lives of orphans living in Guatemala.

Czajka worked with West Salem woman Megan Schniepp-Duffy, the adopted mother of two Guatemalan boys, who had organized Alexanders visit to the school. She told Czajka about her experience with the project and how her two sons had raised money to purchase a bunk bed for one of the orphanages there.

Schniepp-Duffy said many of children who end up in the orphanage have never slept in a bed before.

I think the kids were really inspired to help, she said. I thought that we would be able to raise enough for one bed.

The beds themselves are built by kids living in the orphanage.

Schniepp-Duffy said it is an opportunity for them to learn life skills.

The fundraiser soon became a source of controversy when the fundraiser took off and quickly exceeded the limits necessary to get school board approval.

Czajka said students normally brought in what change they had around the house, maybe a few dollars.

She said a few parents quickly caught on and sent checks for $100 or more.

Thats the way West Salem parents are, Czajka said.

The parents shared the students excitement at the chance to make a different for children in Central America.

The West Salem students will have the opportunity to see the bunk beds installed later this year during a Skype call to the orphanage.
A professional wrestler in New York, who goes by the name "Rude Boy Riley" in the ring, has been arrested for having a stockpile of child pornography that include images of infants, officials said.

Cops on Wednesday nabbed James Riley, 25, of Staten Island, after finding photos on his iPhone depicting children under the age of 16 engaging in sexual acts, according to a criminal complaint filed by the Richmond County District Attorneys Office.

Its on my phone, Riley allegedly told authorities, the complaint said.

Riley "promoted performances which include sexual conduct by a child less than sixteen years of age," prosecutors said, after he uploaded at least nine pictures showing children engaging in sexual acts to his Google account in 2014, prosecutors said.

In 2016, Riley again uploaded a photo of a child less than 16 years old engaging in sexual acts to his Tumblr account, the complaint said.

Twenty photos of children, "some of which were infants," were recovered from Rileys iPhone, Assistant District Attorney Josh Freeman said in court Wednesday, according to the New York Post.

Read: Two Disney Employees, First Grade Teacher Among 9 Arrested For Child Porn: Cops

Riley was charged with promoting a sexual performance by a child and possessing a sexual performance by a child.

"I dont believe he is a threat to the community," Rileys attorney reportedly told the judge at his clients arraignment in Staten Island Criminal Court.

His bail was set at $3,500, which he was able to make.

The 6-foot-1, 208-pound Riley wrestled for Five Borough Wrestling and Warriors of Wrestling, according to a fan site dedicated to "Rude Boy Riley."

"With his high energy, platinum-blonde bun and tattoos honoring his mom and grandfather, James Riley is the local favorite," the site said of the WWE hopeful.

Read: A TV Weatherman Arrested On Child Pornography Charges After Cops Raid His Home

Everyone who doubted me as a kid is now watching me in the crowd, he was quoted as saying.

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But by Thursday, Riley was pulled from numerous wrestling events, as organizations quickly took to social media to distance themselves from the one-time "fan favorite."

Due to circumstances James Rude Boy Riley is being pulled from this weeks events. This is [the] only statement we have concerning it, Punk Pro Wrestling tweeted.

Rude Boy Riley will no longer be appearing at May The Villain Reign a replacement will be decided soon, X Battle Club Pro announced on social media.

XWA has officially severed all ties with James "Rude Boy" Riley, the New England-based independent wrestling organization tweeted.

Riley has no prior arrests. When reached by InsideEdition.com, his attorney's office declined to comment on the case.

Watch: Couple Arrested for Selling 5-Month-Old on Craigslist for $3,000: Cops

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The Yemeni embassy in Washington has written to Senate staffers blasting a planned event on Capitol Hill featuring two Yemeni civil society activists, an unusual step betraying Sanaas acute sensitivity to criticism as it seeks more U.S. assistance for the Saudi-led military campaign in the country.

The extraordinary email to lawmakers offices, obtained by Foreign Policy, appeared aimed at discouraging congressional aides from attending the briefing at the Dirksen Senate office building on Thursday afternoon with two established local advocates. The note warned Senate aides that participants in the event had a political agenda tied to Iran-backed Houthi rebels battling the government of President Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi.

The speakers at the event are covertly supporting the Houthis and former President Ali Abdullah Saleh in advancing a campaign to malign the reputation of the legitimate, internationally recognized and U.S. supported government of President Hadi, the embassy letter said.

Does the U.S. Senate really want to host an event with figures with ties or political sympathies to factions that harbor such sentiments? it added.

The Yemen Peace Project, a small non-profit group that helped organize the event, categorically rejected the allegations, saying the participants had no ties to the Houthi rebels or former president Saleh, and that the organization has documented rights abuses carried out by both sides in the conflict.

The Yemen Peace Project is very disappointed that the Yemeni embassy would try to dissuade Senate staffers from attending a briefing to learn more about Yemen, especially when there are thousands of Yemenis on the brink of famine, said Kate Kizer, director of policy and advocacy for the group. Our focus is to bring awareness of the U.S. role in the conflict.

The event features Radhya Almutawakel, who leads a human rights organization focused on Yemen and who regularly reports to United Nations organizations on human rights in Yemen, and Samaa al-Hamdani, an analyst writing about Yemeni politics and womens issues who has been published in Al Monitor and other websites.

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Congressional staffers said it was unusual for an embassy to go to such lengths to undercut a public event, though Egypts embassy has been aggressive in recent years in trying to discredit groups or analysts deemed critical of Cairo.

While it is the prerogative of the U.S. Senate to host events with speakers with opposing views to any particular issue, the Embassy wishes to inform the U.S. Senate of its view concerning this event to be undertaken at the Senate, the letter said.

Indeed, the U.S. Senate is not the right venue to host a group of speakers who are furtively backing ex-President Saleh and the Houthis, it said.

But the letter from the Yemeni embassy could well backfire, as senators and their aides tend to resent attempts to stifle open debate and discussion on foreign policy.

In general, staff have not taken kindly to this sort of engagement and have pushed back that in a democracy, as long as groups are not advocating violence, they are entitled to express their views, one staffer told Foreign Policy.

When contacted by FP, the Yemeni embassy confirmed having sent the letter but declined to comment further.

The impetus for the letter was unclear but it was possible the Hadi government felt emboldened by the Trump administrations tough rhetoric on Irans backing of Houthi rebels in Yemen and by Washingtons willingness to consider expanding U.S. military support for the Saudi-led coalition, staffers and experts said.

Even as the White House weighs providing more intelligence and other military help for Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states fighting against Houthi forces in Yemen, international concern is mounting over the plight of civilians in Yemen, who have been subjected to indiscriminate bombing and shelling. They now face the prospect of a fully-fledged famine.

U.N. aid officials say Yemens civil war has produced the largest humanitarian crisis in the world, with the threat of starvation now hanging over the country. As the conflict enters its third year, 18.8 million people are in need of assistance, more than seven million do not know where their next meal is coming from, and the collapse of the countrys health system has allowed diseases such as measles and pneumonia to spread rapidly.

The civilian death toll from the Saudi-led, U.S.-supported air war in Yemen has prompted condemnation from human rights groups and alarmed some lawmakers from both parties. Saudi arms sales tend to sail through Congress, but 27 senators voted against a proposed deal for tanks and other hardware last year, citing bombing raids that have hit hospitals, schools and other civilian targets.

After Trump took office, the State Department approved a proposed sale of precision-guided munitions for the Riyadh and the White House is expected to endorse the deal soon.

Dismayed at repeated cases of civilian deaths from airstrikes, the Obama administration sought to limit U.S. assistance for the Saudis and even sent an administration official to Riyadh to try to help the Gulf coalition improve the accuracy of its bombing operations. Officials in the Obama administration also debated at one point whether the United States could be considered a party to the conflict in Yemen under international law, as some rights groups have argued. In the end, lawyers in the administration concluded that the U.S. was not liable for mistakes or alleged war crimes committed by Saudi-led coalition military operations, even though Washington provides intelligence and refueling for coalition aircraft.

The Trump administration has notified Congress it plans to scrap human rights conditions that had prevented the sale of weapons to another Middle East ally, Bahrain, officials said Thursday. The Obama administration had imposed the restrictions due to concerns about the Sunni monarchys repression of the Shiite majority population in the tiny Persian Gulf state, which hosts the U.S. Navys Fifth Fleet.

Photo credit: A Yemeni man watches a vehicle burn after a reported suicide car bombing in Huta, the capital of Yemens southern province of Lahj, on March 27, 2017. SALEH AL-OBEIDI/AFP/Getty Images
Jordan says her breasts have been a constant source of pain  and she wants them both removed!

She first noticed pain and a sensation of pressure when she began developing at age 12. I just thought that was normal, she says.

At 17 she discovered a lump in her breast. Doctors found and removed six fibroadenomas  benign breast tumors. However, the surgery has not relieved her pain.

Jordan is a track athlete and says The running and jumping motions will make the pain worse. She is in so much pain that she is considering having a bilateral mastectomy. My breasts kind of feel like a foreign object, she explains. Theyre just like a parasite. I dont want that anymore  I want the pain to be gone.

Watch: Ibuprofen Better for Chronic Pain?

The Doctors send Jordan to oncologist Dr. Kristine Slam. She has a few suggestions  Jordan is on hormonal birth control, and she suggests stopping that, as well as keeping a pain journal and testing Jordans thyroid function and Vitamin D level.

I love that you went through all the possible explanations, ER Physician Dr. Travis Stork tells Dr. Slam.

Breast Surgeon Dr. Kristi Funk says that most breast pain is caused by benign hormonal fluctuations, The good news is that the vast majority of breast pain is not as extreme as Jordans. Or it may result from easily treated breast cysts. However, she warns viewers not to ignore breast pain, because it can also be a sign of breast cancer.

Watch: Balance Hormones Naturally

For women with mild breast pain, Dr. Funk recommends trying her cocktail  a combination of evening primrose oil, vitamin E, and vitamin D. And her tests show that Jordan is deficient in vitamin D, so shell be receiving supplements to bring her level up.

But that is not where we stop! says Dr. Funk. Acupuncture, aqueous iodine supplements, or herbal teas might all help.

For any woman out there watching, if you suffer from breast pain get a consultation from someone you know and trust, concludes Dr. Stork. Living with chronic pain is not something you have to do.
This group is working together to save the people of Somalia from famine

Somalia, a country in northeastern Africa, is no stranger to famine. Six years ago, the United Nations declared that what had been labelled a food crisis was actually a famine, one affecting millions of people in the country. It unfortunately seems that history is now repeating itself, based on how the areas current famine is unraveling. Even if you can get food, there is no water, Sangabo Moalin, a Somalian mother, told The New York Times. Thats right  famine is about more than just food, especially since a lack of water affects disease control, which in turn affects mortality. TIME reports that, already, 26 lives have been lost at the hand of the drought.

This time around, its not just one famine that has organizations reaching out for help. Between Somalia, South Sudan, Nigeria, and Yemen, four famines may be occurring at the same time. This puts over 20 million lives in danger.

With such an overwhelming number of people in mind, its important that ordinary individuals step forward to make extraordinary efforts. This is exactly what inspired Love Army for Somalia, a movement that started with a seemingly impossible idea: To convince Turkish Airlines to fill one of their planes with food for the people of Somalia.

If you have 2 minutes and 20 seconds check this out. #TurkishAirlinesHelpSomalia pic.twitter.com/r0u3xh5spG  Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) March 15, 2017

Together, actor Ben Stiller; athlete Colin Kaepernick; and social media stars Casey Neistat, Jerome Jarre, Chakabars Clarke, Juanpa Zurita, and Amanda Cerny worked to meet this remarkable goal. And they did it. Turkish Airlines agreed to work with the group  donating a full cargo plane so they can fly 60 tons of food to Somalia. Going one step further, the airline also offered to let Love Army ship food containers on their commercial planes until the end of the famine.

Moreover, in the span of 12 days, over 85,000 people contributed over $2.4 million to the cause. These funds are being managed by Ben Stillers charity The Stiller Foundation.

In the future, those working on this mission hope to buy food directly from local businesses in Somalia, so they can support the countrys economy during this trying time. However, for their first flight, all food is being purchased in Istanbul, as a thank you to the Turkish individuals who are supporting the cause.

Its also important to note that clean water has not been forgotten. Love Army has teamed up with the non-profit, on-the-ground American Refugee Committee. This organization promoted the fact that getting water trucks delivered to the Somalian people is a top priority. As of yesterday, the team updated those following along to say that they were on their way to Somalia, where the delivery of 90,000 liters of water has arrived. It may seem like a lot of water but we can assure you it is a tiny tiny drop compared to the needs there, Love Army wrote on their GoFundMe page.

WATER IS HERE 12 DAYS AGO 85,000 PEOPLE DONATED FOR SOMALIA! TODAY 90,000 LITERS WERE DISTRIBUTED! THIS LOVE ARMY IS JUST GETTING STARTED! pic.twitter.com/HJPo44rkST  JEROME JARRE (@jeromejarre) March 28, 2017

A cargo flight full of PlumpyNut, emergency food for malnourished children, is also set to arrive in a few days. While waiting for the plane, 60 tons of local food will be distributed.

Navyn Salem, the Founder of Edesia, which produces Plumpynut, told HelloGiggles,

The Love Army is shining a much-needed light on the humanitarian crisis in Somalia. We love Jerome Jarre, Chaka, and all the others involved for proving, in 10 days, that our shared humanity is far more powerful than our politics. With 85,000 donors from 125 countries raising $2.4 million  we can also see how the heart of the world is still fundamentally beating for hope, love, and change. With over 20 million people around the world at risk of dying from starvation due to a lack of food, the Love Armys influence through social media is coming at just the right time. Edesia is incredibly grateful to partner with them to provide a fortified peanut paste called PlumpyNut, which has been proven to treat malnutrition in children.

HERE IS 60 TONES OF FOOD THANKS TO THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA THIS 1ST SHIPMENT WILL BE IN SOMALIA NEXT WEEK! THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING!!! pic.twitter.com/LRvyklNC73  JEROME JARRE (@jeromejarre) March 23, 2017

It is easy to shut off to the hardships and suffering that is not in our immediate experience, to become anesthetized to the constant news of those in need, Ben Stiller stated, according to TIME. But Jerome and his compatriots understand that beneath this, human beings have a real desire to help each other. And he is all about activating that desire and turning it into action.

To follow along with and to donate to this meaningful movement, you can visit the groups GoFundMe page.
Hannah Simone of New Girl. (Photo: Getty Images)

In a grand finale of a hookup that shocked fans, Hannah Simone, 36, married her onscreen love Schmidt (Max Greenfield) on the two-part Season 5 finale of New Girl. Now shes wrapping up the sixth season of the show after trekking to Fiji to host a survival series for Fox in her spare time. Funny turn of events for someone who never even set out to be an actress but joined drama clubs in high school for fun.

Confidence? Shes got it in spades.

Thats to do with how youre raised. My parents, from the start, said it was their job to give me something that couldnt be taken from me: an education. That way I could always work and could always provide for myself, she tells Yahoo Style. I had my own back. Theres something about being an educated woman that gives you an inherent confidence. Everything is by choice. Its by want, not by need. Social pressures, relationship pressures  youre not happy, you can leave.

Hannah Simone and Max Greenfield on New Girl. (Photo: Getty Images)

Here are three more things you need to know about Simone:

1. Shes best known as Cece Parekh on New Girl, but shes now also hosting Kicking & Screaming, the Fox travel adventure series that pairs survivalists with nature novices. In real life, says Simone, shes more of the latter. On a scale of 1 to 10, Im a 2. Its the bugs, its the creepy things at night that can pop out at you. Not feeling really clean would irk me. Not having any privacy would be really hard. I give a lot of credit to our contestants. It was a huge shock for them.

2. As a woman of color, she feels having a lead role on a network sitcom is still major. When she was growing up in Saudi Arabia, Canada, and Cyprus, Simone doesnt recall seeing a single major, recurring character of color on any mainstream show. I remember when they cast me in this role  six years ago  and now its more commonplace. At the time, I had such an emotional reaction to it. Im a weird mix of Indian and Greek. Brown was not represented at all, in any way, when I was watching American TV growing up. Its important. Every little bit matters in the conversation about representation.

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3. She has degrees from the University of British Columbia and Ryerson University in Toronto, and never planned on being a working actress. Instead, she worked at the United Nations and did theater on the side. I love to act. I love to create a character. In no world did I think it was possible, especially in mainstream American TV and film, that there would be a place for me. I wasnt pursuing the profession or the money and lifestyle that goes along with it.

Read more from Yahoo Beauty + Style:

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyle and @YahooBeauty.
Its funny how you can know just about everything there is to know about a new flagship smartphone thanks to rumors and leaks, and yet still be blown away when the phone is finally announced. Weve seen it time and time again with Apples iPhone lineup since all the details always leak months in advance, and now were seeing it with Samsungs hot new Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+. Android fans lost count of all the leaks as they flooded the web in the weeks ahead of Samsungs big Unpacked press conference on Wednesday, and weve seen photos and videos leak time and time again. Once people actually saw the full Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ picture come together on stage yesterday, however, they knew they were watching something special.

We already gave you an extensive hands-on preview of the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+, and we also ran through a number of the duos most exciting new features. In this post, were going to focus on the five new Galaxy S8 features people just cant stop taking about, and well also cover two fantastic new Galaxy S8 features that most people dont even realize were added to the new phones.

Don't Miss: 10 new Galaxy S8 features you wont find on any iPhone

Design

This is obviously the big one, and for good reason. After spending just a couple of hours with Samsungs new Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+, we can already state conclusively that these new flagship smartphones are the sleekest, most elegant, best-designed handsets the world has ever known.

Just a few short years ago, Samsung was still releasing flagship phones made out of thin plastic that felt flimsy and cheap. Fast-forward to 2017 and the companys new Galaxy S8 and S8+ are unmatched. Apples iPhones have always been considered the gold standard of design  they are the most copied handsets on the market, after all  but Samsung has bested Apple in nearly every way.

First and foremost, Samsungs new Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ have narrow bezels and a screen-to-body ratio of 83%. As a result, Samsung has fit a monstrous 6.2-inch Super AMOLED display into a phone the same size as Apples 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus. In fact, at 5.8 inches, even the smaller Galaxy S8 has a bigger screen than the iPhone 7 Plus.

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Then youve got the rounded edges on the front and back of the phones, which makes them fit perfectly in the hand. It also makes Samsungs new phones feel incredibly thin despite actually being a tiny bit thicker than Apples iPhones.

Photos will never do the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ justice. When you finally get the chance to check these hot new handsets out in stores, youre going to be blown away.

Bixby

The second most talked-about Galaxy S8 feature has to be Bixby. This is Samsungs attempt to combat the rise of digital assistant products like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and the one that started it all, Apples Siri. This is one of the hottest spaces in consumer tech right now, so its no mystery why Samsung would want in on the action.

Its obviously far too soon to compare Bixby to any other virtual personal assistant products out there, though a number of gadget blogs out there have inexplicably already tried to do so. Early impressions generally seem positive though, and were looking forward to putting Bixby through the paces when we review Samsungs new phones.

Bixby Vision

Bixby Vision is an extension of Bixby that brings the physical world around you into the picture. Literally. Using the camera on the Galaxy S8 or S8+, Bixby Vision allows the phones to look at their surroundings and offer useful information to users. Bixby Vision can also see printed text and instantly translate more than 50 different languages.

Samsung DeX

Samsung isnt the first company to bake a desktop experience into a smartphone, but it is the first company to bake a desktop experience into a smartphone that people actually want. Microsoft and its partners like HP have offered a similar feature on Windows phones, but they were, well, Windows phones. Whats more, Samsungs implementation with DeX is shockingly fast. It looks and feels a bit like Chrome OS, but the idea of having one device with all of your data, logins and more is compelling. Unless you need specialized software thats only available for Windows or macOS, Samsungs DeX solution can easily replace the need for a desktop PC for many people.

Heres a video that shows Samsung DeX in action:

Processors

To be honest, its a bit odd that theres so much chatter out there surrounding the processors in Samsungs new Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+. Specs are important, of course, but they hardly tell the whole story. In the case of the Galaxy S8 and S8+, however, the processors are more important than normal because these are the first new smartphones to sport next-generation 10nm chipsets.

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 and Samsung Exynos 8895 use a process that is more compact than any other mass-market processors. Theyre also more energy-efficient and more powerful than any other processors on the market. In terms of multi-core performance, they absolutely crush everything else on the market and people are excited to check them out.

Two features almost no one is talking about

Most people were so enamored with Samsungs new design that they apparently didnt bother to really dig into the details. We cant blame them, to be honest  these new smartphones are just so gorgeous. There are two features involving the Galaxy S8s wireless connectivity that users should be very excited about, and well quickly cover them here.

First up, the Galaxy S8 will be the first widely available smartphone with Bluetooth 5.0. This next-generation wireless technology is better than current versions of Bluetooth in literally every way. Its more power efficient, it has four times the range, and it supports two simultaneous independent streams. That means you can play a video and stream to two separate pairs of Bluetooth headphones at the same time.

Last but certainly not least, the Galaxy S8 will be the first phone to support gigabit LTE speeds. Thats right, 1Gbps data transfers on your phone. Good luck holding onto your tiered data plans in the future

Heres a video from T-Mobile that shows off some crazy speed tests:

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The U.S. House of Representatives voted Tuesday to kill broadband privacy rules that would have required internet service providers to get permission before collecting sensitive data from users. The internet privacy killing bill is expected to be signed into law by President Donald Trump.

The United States House of Representatives voted Tuesday to approve House Vote 202, a congressional disapproval vote of broadband privacy rules that would have prevented internet service providers from collecting sensitive data from subscribers without permission.

The vote against the Broadband Consumer Privacy Rules was approved by a vote of 215-205 that fell primarily on party lines, with the Republican majoritysave for 15 representativessupporting the motion and the Democratic minority in opposition. Nine representativesthree Democrats and seven Republicanschose not to vote.

Read: How To Protect Your Browsing History: Internet Service Providers Argue Against Your Privacy

The vote by Congress follows a similar party-line vote last week by the U.S. Senate. The bill will be sent to the desk of President Donald Trump, who is expected to sign it into law. A White House spokesperson said prior to the vote in Congress that the President supported the bill.

Once signed by President Trump, the Broadband Consumer Privacy Rulespassed last October by the Federal Communications Commission and designed to grant consumers more control over their datawill be rolled back.

Had the rules been allowed to go into effect, they would have required internet service providers ask for permission before collecting sensitive information from customers.

The policy defined sensitive information as any data related to a users finances, health, information from children, precise geolocation data, web browsing history and app usage history. It also included prohibited extracting any content from unencrypted messages accessible to ISPs.

Carriers could collect information not considered to be sensitive could by default, but would have been required to offer customers the ability to opt out of the collection practices.

Read: Senate Planning To Kill Consumer Privacy Rules For Good

The Broadband Consumer Privacy Rules also would have installed new mandates for ISPs to report data breaches that may have harmed customers or put their data at risk. The rules required ISPs inform customers of a data breach within 30 days of identifying it, and required the breached companies to alert the FBI of within seven days.

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The protections for user data would not have been implemented until December 2017. The stricter rules for data breaches were set to go into effect in March, but the FCC under Trump appointee Ajit Pai chose to place a stay on the rules.

ISPs are the only ones with full access to everything you do online, every site you visit, every path and choice as you move between sites, and the full array of apps and services you use, Dane Jasper, the CEO of Bay Area internet service provider Sonic, told International Business Times.

Even with encryption, the URLs and endpoint information can be used to determine a lot about customer behavior. Service providers are the one entity that knows where all the traffic came from and went to. Its a disturbing amount of information and gives companies a lot of info about the consumer.

Michael Capuano, a Democratic Congressman from Massachusetts, blasted the bill on the House floor. I have a simple question, the Congressman said, what the heck are you thinking? What is in your mind? Why would you want to give out any of your personal information to a faceless corporation for the sole purpose of them selling it?

Congress today voted to sell off your privacy and your security online, Nathan White, senior legislative manager at Access Now, told IBT in a statement. Your internet service provider (ISP) can see almost everything you do online -- from many of the websites you visit, to apps you use, and even some of your private communications. ISPs want to sell off that treasure trove to increase corporate profits, and apparently Congress is fine with that.

If President Trump was serious about his campaign promises to stand up for the rights of the individual over the powerful special interests in Washington D.C., then he would veto this bill, White said.

The Internet and Television Association spoke positively of the vote. In a statement, the organization called the FFC rules "misguided" and said the repeal marks an important step toward restoring consumer privacy protections that apply consistently to all internet companies," arguing ISPs have a "proven record of safeguarding consumer privacy."

Internet privacy groups have vowed to fight the repeal of the rules. Virtual Private Network (VPN) provider Private Internet Access took out a full page ad in the New York Times Sunday to name all 50 Senators who voted in favor of the bill. Internet activist organization Fight for the Future vowed to put up billboards in districts of those who voted for the repeal of the privacy rules.

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Mobile devices can be hacked to allow an attacker to listen via the phone's microphone, access its camera, monitor geolocation or even take over the handset remotely (AFP Photo/Mary Schwalm)

Washington (AFP) - President Donald Trump has a new phone. An iPhone.

That would not ordinarily be news, but given the security concerns about the risk of hack attacks on the prolific White House tweeter, the shift is significant.

Cybersecurity specialists say Trump's decision to transition from his Android device -- details of which were never disclosed but which was believed to be an unsecured, older-model Samsung -- is positive for security, but doesn't eliminate risks from hackers.

"I can guarantee the Russians and Chinese will try to figure out an attack," said John Dickson, a former air force cybersecurity officer who now works for the Texas-based Denim Group consulting firm.

White House social media chief Dan Scavino confirmed the smartphone shift this week, tweeting that Trump "has been using his new iPhone for the past couple of weeks here on Twitter. Yes, it is #POTUS45 reading & tweeting!"

Dickson said security will depend on how the president is using the device -- whether it is exclusively for tweeting -- and if it is plugged into an enterprise management system that can "wall off" vulnerabilities.

"If it's a single-purpose device, the risk is minimal," he said. "But as soon as you start clicking on things, downloading apps, granting access, that's when things matter tremendously."

Mobile devices can be hacked to allow an attacker to listen via the phone's microphone, access its camera, monitor geolocation or even take over the handset remotely.

Former president Barack Obama carried a BlackBerry, and later a different smartphone, with security modifications that limited its functions.

Trump's switch comes despite his call for a boycott a year ago of the iPhone maker for refusing FBI requests to help hack a device for a probe into a deadly California attack.

- More secure? -

Some analysts say Apple devices may offer more security because the company controls the hardware and software and frequently updates its operating system. Apple did not respond to an AFP query on Trump's decision.

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Betsy Cooper, executive director of the University of California's Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity said that despite Apple's reputation, recent research has shown "that both iPhones and Android can be abused by hackers."

Cooper said it remains unclear how the president's social media is managed -- what devices are used and who has access to his personal @realDonaldTrump and official @POTUS handles on Twitter.

From a security standpoint, "it would be better to eliminate the personal accounts and use only government devices and government-protected social media accounts," Cooper said.

Concerns of hacking come following Trump's unverified allegation that his phones were tapped during last year's election campaign, and after leaked documents from former contractor Edward Snowden showed US tapping of German leader Angela Merkel's personal phone.

Some phones are marketed as "hardened" or secure devices for people in power, but it wasn't clear if these are used at the White House.

- Phone as 'honeypot'? -

Nicholas Weaver, a researcher at the California-based International Computer Science Institute, said Trump's phone swap "massively reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the security risks."

But while he agreed foreign governments are likely to try to hack the phone, Weaver said US intelligence services may have modified it to be "a nice honeypot to trap attempted attacks."

A honeypot is a technique used to lure hackers and attackers to identify them and find ways to neutralize or punish them.

Weaver said in a blog post earlier this year that Trump's use of an older Android device opened massive security risks and that "the working assumption should be that Trump's phone is compromised by at least one -- probably multiple -- hostile foreign intelligence services."

At the time, it was not clear what type of handset Trump was using, but a New York Times report after the inauguration said he was using "his old, unsecured Android phone."

Last month, Representative Ted Lieu of California called for an investigation, saying Trump's phone use may be "jeopardizing national security."

Dickson said that even with strong security, the president could fall victim to an attack if he uses his phone for email and web browsing.

This could be in the form of "spearphishing," or a message disguised to look as if it's from a trusted aide or family member, but which contains malware.

"This is what sophisticated attackers do," Dickson said, and because the president's activities are widely known, "he would be an easier target for spearphishing."
The West Salem High Schools visual arts team is state bound after another success at the regional meet March 3 where they earned first place in the group critical thinking and quiz bowl competitions.

Advisor and high school art teacher Quenten Brown said each year West Salem sends 12 art students to compete in the Visual Arts regional at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

There the teams face a number of challenges and are judged on the long-term project they started months earlier.

Students faced off against teams from La Crosse Central, Logan, Viroqua, Cashton, Tomah and Onalaska, in two group categories and two projects.

Its far from the first time the West Salem visual arts team has made it to state. Since Brown started teaching in West Salem 18 years ago, the team has gone 17 times  each year its participated.

He said the team didnt compete last year due to scheduling conflicts.

Everyone in the group has to participate, Brown said. Its a four-pronged approach to promoting art in Wisconsin.

The teams chances of moving on to the state competition are based on more than the teams group scores.

Each students individual project adds points to the teams overall score.

Whoever gets the highest score moves on to state, Brown said.

West Salem senior and three-year veteran of the visual arts team Brigitte Baker said she enjoys the visual arts team because she gets to be around like-minded people.

The most challenging part is studying the artists, she said.

Bakers favorite part of the competition is the short-term project, during which she has three hours to herself to create a piece of art that answers the prompt.

Its three hours to sit down and make art, she said.

Students must also submit a long-term project in response to a prompt. Students have from November to March to complete the project.

Brown said all 12 students received first place on at least one of their projects at this years regional meet.

The state meet at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Friday, April 7, is similar to the regional meet but much harder and much more rewarding.

Its the best of the best, he said.

At the state meet the students will have the opportunity to have their work judged by UW art professors.

Brown said its an opportunity for students to get one-on-one feedback.

The most valuable part is they get their work critiqued by a college professor, he said.

Members of the West Salem visual arts team include: Brigitte Baker, Courtney Koepp, Lauren Ostrem, Ben Sharp, Abby Tower, Peyton Freng, Anna Johnson, Emma Deal, Alyssa Szewczyk, Abby Sharp, Riana Herbold and Abby Johnson.
Yes, Congress did sell you out earlier this week, by passing a bill that will let internet service providers (ISPs) collect your browsing data and use it for their financial gain. But that doesnt mean that all hell will break loose, or that there arent ways to still try to protect that precious personal data now that the FCC protections have been repealed.

Don't Miss: iPhone 8 and iPhone 7s specs and features listed in new report

First of all, what ISPs will be able to do isnt something unseen. Google, Facebook, and many others already collect and sell your data  that is, they target you with ads based on their knowledge of your preferences. But ISPs will be in a position where theyll be able to identify users even better. Unlike online companies whose ad-based revenue is based on what they can learn about you, the ISPs will have all your data and your browsing history across devices, which could be a valuable piece of information for online companies whose primary business represents selling ads to third-parties.

So what you need to do is find out if your ISP is currently collecting, or planning to collect, any personal data, and determine whether theres a way to opt out. While youre at it, check whether any competing ISPs do have opt-out options, and consider switching  again, this might not be an option available to all US internet users. You might have to pay extra to protect your privacy.

If youre really worried about targeted ads, you should consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to hide your traffic, and you should reset ad identifiers whenever possible. Google offers the feature, just head on to the settings page of your Google Account. The same is possible on the iPhone, where Apple lets you reset the ad id, so companies have a harder time tracking you online.

Aside from targeting you with ads, or selling your data to others, the ISPs almost-obtained freedom to deal with your data brings up a second reason to worry. Hackers and state-sponsored attackers may go after personal data that ISPs would collect and store. That would open the door to even worse problems than seeing targeted ads.

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Hackers could steal your identity from data dumps, or use information about you to try to break into online properties. And lets not forget about intelligence agencies of all kinds which could certainly appreciate the extra data that ISPs might collect, data that could turn out to be useful in the future, whether obtained legally or illegally by said organizations.

What data will ISPs collect aside from your browsing history? They could have access to your location data, financial and health information, social security numbers, children information, and even the content of your internet dealings, assuming youre using non-encrypted services.

Thats why you should use encryption whenever possible while hanging out online  that means using HTTPS sites over HTTP for all your browsing. To protect even better your browsing history, you could use a VPN by default on all your devices. VPNs come free of charge, but better get yourself a paid subscription after you do some research on the matter. Again, you may have to pay extra each month just so you feel safer about your privacy.

If your browsing is really hardcore and you want it completely hidden, you might consider installing Tor, a browser that further anonymizes your internet habits. However, dont expect it to offer the same goodies as Google Chrome or all the other modern brothers out there.

Going offline for good is the only option that will fix this problem for good, and thats probably not an option. Until Donald Trump actually signs the bill, you have plenty of time to learn more about your ISPs policy on customer data collection and teach yourself to be a better internet user. That means learning what HTTPS/SSL encryption, VPN, Tor, Do Not Track, and ad identifiers are, and using them accordingly.

If on the other hand, you dont care about who tracks you online, and what happens to your data, then youre not going to be affected by this annoying bill, at least not when it comes to online advertising. But if hackers do get their hands on your personal browsing habits and use that data to crack into your online accounts, then you know what youll have to do in the future to protect your privacy.

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Samsungs hot new Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ were finally made official on Wednesday, following months of leaks and rumors that left precious little to the imagination. We saw dozens if not hundreds of leaked photos and videos, and all of the specs leaked well in advance as well. Android fans were still blown away when the Galaxy S8 and S8+ were unveiled though, because they truly are the two most stunning smartphones the world has ever seen at this point.

The South Korean smartphone giant is certainly in need of a win following last years Galaxy Note 7 debacle. As readers will undoubtedly remember, Samsung was forced to discontinue the phone after recalling it not once but twice due to battery fires caused by a poor design. With the Galaxy S8 and S8+, it appears as though Samsung may be poised for its biggest win yet.

Don't Miss: 5 Galaxy S8 features people cant stop talking about, and 2 features no one knows about

According to Reuters, which cites a Yonhap News Agency report that the site couldnt be bothered to link, Samsung expects combined lifetime sales of its new Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ to surpass combined lifetime sales of its previous-generation Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. Why is that such big news? The Galaxy S7 and S7 edge happen to be Samsungs best-selling smartphones of all time.

Samsung confirmed last week that the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge duo set a new record for first-year sales at the company, and both phones are still being sold in many markets around the world. Now, the companys mobile boss Koh Dong-jin has said that Samsung expects the S8 and S8+ to outsell the previous-generation models.

While the executive declined to offer a firm sales target, a report earlier this year from South Korean news site The Investor stated that Samsung expects to ship 60 million combined Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ units.

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By Makiko Yamazaki Chiba, JAPAN (Reuters) - Toshiba Corp shareholders agreed to split off its prized NAND flash memory unit on Thursday, paving the way for a sale to raise at least $9 billion to cover U.S. nuclear unit charges that threaten the conglomerate's future. Coming a day after Westinghouse filed for bankruptcy, the extraordinary general meeting saw angry shareholders vent at CEO Satoshi Tsunakawa, with one noting that managers had only last year described the chip and nuclear businesses as core units at the conglomerate. "How can something that was supposed to be a pillar turn into a hole," said the shareholder, asking Tsunakawa about the company's nuclear business. "Toshiba has become a laughingstock around the world. You have no clue what's going on," shouted another. Toshiba, which expects to book an annual net loss of 1 trillion yen ($9 billion) for this business year on a writedown at Westinghouse, has said it is selling most or even all of a unit that is the world's second-biggest producer of NAND chips. Initial bids for the sale closed on Wednesday. A source with knowledge of the planned sale said that about 10 potential bidders are interested. Those suitors include Western Digital Corp which operates a chip plant with Toshiba in Japan, Micron Technology Inc, South Korean chipmaker SK Hynix Inc and financial investors. The government-backed Innovation Network Corporation of Japan, and Development Bank of Japan are expected to enter later bidding rounds as part of a consortium, sources have said, declining to be identified as they were not authorized to speak on the matter publicly. A separate source said that Foxconn, the world's largest contract electronics manufacturer, is expected to place an offer which is likely to be the highest bid. Other sources have said the Japanese government is likely to block a sale to Foxconn due to its deep ties with China. While the vote, which won the backing of more than two-thirds of shareholders, and the bankruptcy filing by Westinghouse are steps forward in Toshiba's struggle to stay in business, it woes are far from over. Toshiba, which bought Westinghouse in 2006 for $5.4 billion now faces months of complex negotiations over the fate of its U.S. nuclear business, a discussion that could embroil the U.S. and Japanese governments. The U.S. government has guaranteed loans of $8.3 billion loan to help finance some the construction of four reactors in the United States. Putting American taxpayers on the hook for any losses related to Westinghouse's failure would be an embarrassment for Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, particularly if the debacle sparks criticism from President Donald Trump of Japanese corporations in the United States. During talks in Washington this month Japan's Trade Minister Hiroshige Seko agreed to share information on developments with his U.S. counterparts Energy Secretary Rick Perry and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. Senior officials from both countries will get a chance to discuss Toshiba further in April when Vice President Mike Pence visit for bilateral economic talks. Ross will travel with Pence, according to a Japanese government official with direct knowledge of preparations. (Reporting by Makiko Yamazaki; Writing by Tim Kelly; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said the government would spend $30 million on a new artificial intelligence research center in Toronto, Ontario (AFP Photo/Kay Nietfeld) (DPA/AFP/File)

Montreal (AFP) - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his hopes Thursday of making Canada a "world leader" in artificial intelligence and so-called "deep learning" research and development.

The government, he said, would spend Can$40 million (US$30 million) on a new artificial intelligence research center in Toronto, Ontario.

The Ontario provincial government will also contribute Can$50 million to the new Vector Institute, which will be led by Geoffrey Hinton -- a British-born Canadian cognitive psychologist and computer scientist at the University of Toronto, who also works for Google.

In its recent budget, Ottawa had also earmarked Can$125 million over five years to bolster clusters of scientists in Edmonton, Montreal and Toronto devoted to the "futuristic-sounding" research that hopes to create machines that learn like humans.

It is hoped these will lead to collaborations and breakthroughs in artificial neural networks and algorithms that seek to mimic human brain functions.

As well, the government aimed to broaden education in the field and create new AI research chairs at universities across the country.

"In the same way that electricity revolutionized manufacturing and the microprocessor reinvented how we gather, analyze and communicate information, artificial intelligence will cut across nearly every industry," Trudeau said.

"It will shape the world that our kids and our grandkids grow up in," he said.

The field of artificial intelligence dates back to the mid-20th century when a group of scientists held the first conference devoted to the subject at Dartmouth College in the US state of New Hampshire.

Interest and investment in AI accelerated in the last decade alongside advancements in robotics and automation.

A 2013 University of Oxford study concluded that of the 700 trades in the United States, 47 percent of them were likely to become automated.

"In the years to come, we will see this leadership pay dividends in everything from manufacturing improvements to health-care breakthroughs, to stronger and more sustained economic and job growth," Trudeau said.
An AT&T sign is seen outside a branch in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, U.S., October 24, 2016. REUTERS/Jim Young (Reuters)

(Reuters) - The United States on Thursday awarded a contract to AT&T Inc to build a nationwide wireless broadband network to better equip first responders, years after a federal commission recommended setting up such a system following the 9/11 attacks.

FirstNet, an independent arm of the Department of Commerce, will provide No. 2 U.S. wireless carrier AT&T with telecom spectrum and success-based payments of $6.5 billion over the next five years.

The effort to set up a public safety network was triggered by communications failures during the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, when first responders were unable to effectively communicate as they used different technologies and networks.

The FirstNet network will help emergency medical personnel, firefighters and police officers communicate vital information on one single network in real time, as opposed to using thousands of separate, incompatible systems.

The 9/11 Commission, set up by Congress to look into the attacks and propose ways to prevent such actions in the future, in 2004 recommended the setting up of a dedicated public safety broadband network.

The rollout of the network, which will cover will cover all states, five U.S. territories and the District of Columbia, will begin later this year, AT&T said on Thursday.

AT&T will spend about $40 billion over the period of the 25-year agreement to build, operate and maintain the network.

Among the bidders for the contract was a consortium formed by wireless network operator Rivada Networks, which has former Florida Governor Jeb Bush on its board. The consortium - Rivada Mercury - includes Intel Corp, Fujitsu Ltd, Ericsson, Nokia and Harris Corp.

FirstNet, which stands for First Responder Network Authority, was formed under the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, which had earmarked $7 billion for building a broadband network.

(Reporting by Laharee Chatterjee and Narottam Medhora in Bengaluru; Editing by Sai Sachin Ravikumar)
By Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) - Uber Technologies Inc has reached a settlement with Pennsylvania's taxi regulator to end the ride-sharing company's appeal of a record $11.4 million fine for operating illegally. A notice posted on Tuesday with the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania said Uber and the state's Public Utility Commission had reported an agreement in principle to settle the case, which involved the largest fine imposed by that regulator. The appeal was put on hold so a formal agreement between Uber and the PUC could be worked out. Uber spokesman Craig Ewer confirmed the substance of the notice, but declined to provide details about the accord. PUC spokesman Nils Hagen-Frederiksen said: "The matter is under review by the commission." The PUC fined Uber last April after finding that the San Francisco-based company had from February to August 2014 provided 122,998 rides in Pennsylvania without prior approval, and obstructed a state probe into its operations. Though the $11.4 million fine was six times larger than any prior fine imposed by the PUC, it had been reduced from the $49.9 million ordered earlier by two administrative law judges. The PUC rejected Uber's bid to reconsider the fine on Sept. 1. Uber appealed that decision to the commonwealth court four weeks later. On March 8, Uber said it would stop using its so-called "Greyball" technology, which helped identify and avoid regulators seeking evidence that drivers were evading local laws governing taxi services. It is unclear whether that decision was a factor in resolving the Pennsylvania case. The case is Uber Technologies Inc et al v Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, No. 1617 CD 2016. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Additional reporting by Heather Somerville in San Francisco; Editing by David Gregorio)
The Verizon logo is seen on the side of a truck in New York City, U.S., October 13, 2016. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid (Reuters)

By Jessica Toonkel

(Reuters) - The No. 1 U.S. wireless carrier Verizon Communications Inc has been buying streaming rights from television network owners ahead of a nationwide launch of an online TV service, according to people familiar with the matter.

Verizon plans to sell a package with dozens of channels this year, the sources told Reuters.

The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The telecom giants's move will be aimed at tackling the trend of "cord-cutting"  where customers move away from traditional cable TV to streaming services such as Netflix Inc and Amazon's Prime Video.

Verizon's rival AT&T Inc has an online streaming television service called DirecTV Now, while U.S. satellite TV provider Dish Network Corp in 2015 launched Sling TV, a streaming service.

The news was first reported by Bloomberg.

(Additional reporting by Aishwarya Venugopal in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta)
Breaking out of a Moroccan prison can be a dangerous business  even if youre just pretending to be an inmate. Prison Break star Dominic Purcell found this out the hard way last summer while shooting an episode for the Fox revival of the long-running series. I was running into a prison, and this explosion just occurred, says Purcell of the stunt gone wrong. I hit the ground, and there was blood just pouring onto the ground. Though the actor wasnt knocked unconscious, his skull was slashed open in three places by a falling iron bar. You can still see the scars:

Dominic Purcell shows us his Prison Break scars.

It was a really surreal feeling, says Purcell. Like, Really? This is how its gonna end? Im gonna die in Morocco?' Fortunately, it didnt come to that, because miraculously Purcell was able to get up after a few minutes and head straight to the hospital to get sewn up. Production on Prison Break wasnt even affected  though the actors nose, broken during the accident, did cause a bit of a continuity issue as shooting went on. The audience will notice that in some scenes my nose is bigger than in other weeks, says Purcell with a laugh. Its kind of embarrassing, actually.

Purcell posted a photo of his injury on Instagram last June:

Prison Break premieres on April 4 at 9 p.m. on Fox.

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A hospital bill arrived in the mail last weekend  a long awaited accounting for a hip surgery nearly five months ago. So long awaited, in fact, that Gretchen had already paid the bill by calling to learn the total and sending a check.

The bill, which was welcome nonetheless for its breakout of the costs, came just as the Republican effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act collapsed, a reminder, as if we needed it, of how crucial our health care insurance is to our financial and physical well being.

The issue may be off the legislative table for the time being, but that has only increased the uncertainty of what lies ahead for us, our families and for the millions of Americans whose health care hangs in the balance on decisions yet to be made in Congress.

The latest congressional fiasco has made it all the more apparent that decisions about our health care are not necessarily based on whats best for our health or our pocket books. Case in point: the Republican bill was so focused on generating savings to finance a major tax cut for corporate America that it overlooked some 24 million Americans who would lose their health insurance over time. That was pointed out by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

We would have expected a similar heads up for the impact on Wisconsin by some unit of our government familiar with these issues. Instead, Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary Linda Seemeyer, the top health official in the state, said that estimating the number of people who would lose insurance in Wisconsin under the Republican plan was not my bailiwick. Reading that, one was left wondering whether she has read her agencys mission statement to support economic prosperity and quality of life ... This is followed by a long list of we must and we wills that would be impossible to achieve without a detailed understanding of how health care works in the state. In fact, the department has just completed a exquisitely detailed assessment of access to health care under Medicaid  the health care system that supplies care to a million Wisconsin residents and would have been hit hard by the Republican proposal. If she didnt have an estimate of the impact on Wisconsin, she should have. The liberal Center for American Progress estimated that more than 894,000 people in Wisconsin would have lost insurance by 2026 under the bill.

Unfortunately, Seemeyers response appears like others in our states top government echelons who dodge and weave when a straightforward answer to a question might risk deviating from the preferred political stance that favors corporate rather than individual interests  the open for business approach weve heard so much about. Examples include a Department of Natural Resources that downplays climate change, which is denied by President Trump as a job killing hoax but is an existential threat to the natural resoures of the state, the nation and the world.

In his new book titled Captured: The Corporate Infiltration of American Democracy, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Islalnd) lays our national dilemma on health care, climate change response, pollution control, financial regulation and other issues at the feet of the Supreme Court in its 2010 Citizens United decision. The decision vastly increased the flow of secret corporate money in our politics, saying that corporations had the same right as individuals and that political speech by corporations was covered by the First Amendment. So pervasive is the influence of billionaires who have since then been pouring millions of dollars into elections, lobbying and sophisticated molding of public opinion that the interests of individuals  our health care bills, our concerns about safe water, our fnancial well being  are being buried, suffocated by the weight of the onslaught, according to Whitehouse.

Corporate money is calling the tune in Congress ... and a massive propaganda effort is churning full steam to deny the facts of major policy issues wherever those facts are contrary to corporate interests, Whitehouse said. He urges Americans to wake up and engage.

Its a good read and I recommend it. Also good reads are Trumps Money Man; How Robert Mercer, a reclusive hedge-fund tycoon, exploited Americas populist insurgency, in the March 27 New Yorker magazine, the state report on Medicaid: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p01565.pdf and whatever medical bills you might have if you need a reminder of whats at stake in decisions made in Washington and the state capital.
La Crosse County is proud to be the seventh-lowest taxing county per capita out of all 72 counties in Wisconsin, in part because our County Board and staff are always looking for ways to control costs and maximize outside revenues. We strive to minimize borrowing and ask that users pay for the full cost of services instead of property taxpayers whenever possible.

While the state of Wisconsin allows counties to issue bonds up to 5 percent of the total taxable value in the county, we are currently at less than 1 percent. Our 2017 debt tax rate is only 3 cents higher than when I started in 2003 and is far below its highest point in 1996. Our total indebtedness will decline in absolute dollars during the next several years.

Just as people have a credit score, so do governments. Moodys Investor Service has reaffirmed our Aa1 bond rating, stating management has a demonstrated history of conservative budgeting practice. Only five Wisconsin Counties have a higher rating.

For a very long time, the state has shortchanged local governments on transportation funding. La Crosse County, like many local governments, has had to rely on borrowing for roads  $2.7 million in our current budget. But we dont like putting roads on a credit card. By comparison, the state spent 11 percent of its transportation budget on interest in 2010 and now spends 22 percent. That means that one dollar in every five that you pay in state transportation taxes goes for interest and doesnt build or repair a single road. Something has to change.

La Crosse County has identified $87 million of unmet road needs. That means that there are roads with major potholes, shoulders that are giving way and bridges that are becoming structurally deficient. These are not simply inconveniences; they are serious safety concerns. Our current borrowing isnt sufficient to catch up. But if we follow the state trend and increase borrowing, we increase our interest payments and increase property taxes.

Some people have suggested that we shift other revenues in our county budget to pay for roads instead. Unfortunately, the vast majority of revenue comes with strings attached. For example, we cant use Medicaid dollars or landfill tipping fees for anything but what they are earmarked for. Of our $161 million budget, only $33 million is from property taxes and more than 70 percent is already committed to state-mandated human services, courts, jail, law enforcement, highways and current debt service. The current one-half percent sales tax produces $12 million and is applied across the board to reduce property taxes for county services.

On April 4, the County Board is asking you to consider the idea of a Premier Resort Area Tax. The idea is to eliminate all borrowing for our roads by adding a one-half percent sales tax applied to products and services by businesses that the state has determined relate to tourism.

The Department of Revenue estimates the county would raise approximately $6.6 million per year from this tax. This revenue would be strictly limited to roads and bridges. Because we recognize that our local cities, villages and towns are also struggling with road funding costs, we propose that the law specify that they receive 25 percent of the PRAT revenue. That leaves about $5 million for county roads and bridges. Weve estimated that 11 percent will be paid by tourists and 25 percent by visitors from outside the county coming here to shop. That means that over one-third of the tax revenue will come from people outside of our county who presently drive on our roads for free.

The question on the ballot on April 4 is just the first step. If voters approve the advisory referendum, a bill must be passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor. That bill would include the restriction that the new revenue could be used only for roads and bridges and nothing else. If that bill is approved, the next step is for the County Board to approve by a two-thirds vote, followed by a binding referendum vote. So the final decision will be yours.

Our County Board has been frugal, but continued delay of road repairs will only cost more in the long run. Without new funding, the County Board will have no choice but to continue borrowing. The referendum offers an alternative that will lower property taxes and shift part of the cost to people traveling through and shopping in our county.

The choice is yours. On April 4, please take time to give your direction to the County Board and vote.
Part of the fun of traveling is not knowing what or who you will encounter. Sometimes one gets lucky with timing and one gets to experience the unexpected. It happened to us on our recent trip to the island country of Malta. When lists are drawn up of foreign places one would like to visit most, Malta would probably not be on many peoples lists. For the American tourist it does not have the same attraction of London or Paris. And yet there we were for an international conference, prepared to get a strong dose of history, a taste of the local culture, and a brush with current political realities.

Malta has fascinated me primarily because of the Knights of Malta, a chivalric order of laypersons with origins from the 11th century Crusades. Taking on the role of protectors of pilgrims, it evolved into a provider of hospital care, hence its previous nameKnights of St. John, Hospitaliers. I am intrigued by their history. As a military order, it was at the forefront of the Muslim-Christian conflict, a conflict that carries on today. It was an elitist club whose members were drawn from the sons of European nobles. Even today, a noble lineage no matter how tenuous, is expected of the highest rung of members. It took part in many epic battles none more epic than the Great Siege of Malta in 1565 launched by the Ottoman Turks. The fortifications of Malta held though at a great loss of life on both sides. Today, the main waterfront avenue of its capital, Valetta, is called the Great Siege road. It was also fascinating to me that an island could just be given away to an order of knights. It is said that the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, gave the Knights of Malta dominion over the islands in exchange for an annual tribute of one Maltese Falcon. So it was also a colonial powerforeigners dominating the local population thereby creating resentments and other problems. It took Napoleons power to finally expel the Knights of Malta from the islands in 1798.

Today, there are reminders of the dominating presence of the Knights exemplified by the vast fortifications along the harbor and the magnificent co-Cathedral of St. John, decorated in the ornate style that is Baroque. But Malta is more than just the history of knights. It has become a destination of choice particularly for Eastern Europeans. Expensive yachts dot its harbor. It is surrounded by the beauty of the Mediterranean whose color turns into stunning blue around the numerous coves. And once inside the cove you are treated to a vibrant display of purple corals. But before getting on one of the small fishing boats to take you to the coves, consider the strong waves you will encounter.

Our timing was fortunate as well because we arrived at the height of Carnavala major celebration or fiesta complete with richly decorated floats and a cacophony of music. It is like Mardi Gras without the bawdiness. It is like Rio de Janeiro minus the scantily clad samba queens. Instead, it is a wholesome event for families to enjoy the parades and when daughters are dressed as princesses and sons as Spiderman or some such superhero. Malta is also a place of myths  this is the island where Odysseus supposedly spent 7 years with the bewitching Calypso before finally going home to his wife.

We were fortunate to be in Malta while it held the rotating presidency of the European Union. Members of the European Parliament were in Malta at the time we were there, many staying at the same hotel we were at. It was somewhat of an irony for peripatetic travelers like us that we were around when a committee of parliament voted to require Americans to have visas before entering Europe. Aside from the damage to the tourism industry this can cause, I hope it is never implemented because it merely plays into the hands of those who would restrict the movement of people. But the vote served as a dire reminder of the damaging tit-for-tat that international relations is devolving into. We were reminded as well of the fragility of our earth. A geological formation that looked like a gigantic window to the azure waters of the Mediterranean, just suddenly disappeared a few days after we left, a casualty of wind and water erosion. And as another sign of our troubled times, we heard concerns about the effects of refugees from various parts of Africa using Malta as a stepping stone to the larger and richer countries of Europe. This is a concern we have repeatedly heard during our travels in Europe, a concern that has found a voice in nativist movements. I do wonder what the old Knights of Malta, themselves a multinational force, would have thought of these developments.
An exhibit of Hmong art at Christ Episcopal Church in La Crosse serves a dual purpose: rekindling memories of the parishs role as the La Crosse funnel to welcome Hmong people to the United States and celebrating their colorful, detailed artworks.

Church members embraced the role as thousands of Hmong who had supported U.S. troops during the Vietnam War began immigrating from Laos and refugee camps in Thailand, parishioner Cherryl Frye recalled during an interview in the churchs Undercroft Gallery, where the artwork is being displayed.

The primary migration spot was California, said Frye, one of the parishioners involved in the initial efforts to help settle the refugees in La Crosse, beginning in 1983.

It was significant that many came here because they chose to come here instead of the Golden State, she said.

This was a teaching center. The initial problem was that the preschoolers were not ready for school, said Frye, who had preschool children of her own and took some in to help them learn.

The adults said to us they wanted a program not in a classroom, but one-to-one, Frye said.

Assuming responsibility for that, as well as much of the entire resettlement process, was the late Betty Weeth.

She was a saint. She really helped the Hmong become established in our community, Frye said.

She was the reason this started, said Sylvia Weathers, a parishioner who also was involved with the earliest settlers. People from the church would go to the airport to welcome new families. Some came with no shoes.

Shoes werent the only things they didnt have, church member Jake Delwiche said, adding, A family came one January day  maybe the coldest day of the winter  and got off the plane in T-shirts, shorts and flip-flops.

Delwiche, who with his wife, Ann, owns many of the banners, pictures and other showpieces of the Hmong talent for needlework, said some pieces were gifts, while he bought others.

Many came from refugee camps in Thailand, he said. Relatives would send them over here to be sold because it was the only way they could earn cash.

The artwork originally was mostly headbands and personal articles. But they realized they could sell bigger items, he said, so they started producing wall hangings and furniture throws.

Many needlework items feature scenes from home  some, reflecting their agricultural backgrounds, and others, depicting their escapes from Laos into Thailand, he said.

Asked whether there was any resistance to the influx of Hmong people, who now tally more than 2,200 in the county, Frye said, It was a bit overwhelming for our church  having all these people come from a foreign land was a real paradigm shift.

But volunteers from throughout the city played important volunteer roles, she said, especially singling out assistance from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Viterbo University, RSVP, Our Saviors Lutheran Church, and the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, in addition to the YMCA.

The Y was pretty white then, Fry said, with Weathers adding, The whole city was.

Mayor John Medinger was especially welcoming, and the St. Clare Health Mission that FSPA Sister Leclare Beres founded initially was known as the Indochinese Clinic, Frye said.

Hmong children themselves were key players in the assimilation, serving as interpreters between parishioners and their parents, Frye said.

Frye recalled one in particular, Chay Vue, who became close to her family when he was about 10 or 12. Her children were especially impressed when they saw him receive his degree during graduation ceremonies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Weathers counts the Hmong refugees desire to learn English among the most satisfying aspects of the resettlement.

They also wanted to learn to sew, she said. We thought why would they want to learn to sew when they could create such beautiful needlework? But they wanted to sew clothes.

They also wanted to cook  not Hmong food, but American. They wanted to make Rice Krispie bars, Weathers said, laughing.

The refugees returned kindness for kindness, the parishioners said.

I once had three young children who all had chicken pox, Frye said. We were quarantined for a month.

Frye called a Hmong friend, and he dropped his son off within 10 minutes to help her, she said.

The Hmong population evolved from dependence to independence, said the Rev. Patrick Augustine, himself an immigrant from Pakistan who came to La Crosse in 2003 to become the churchs rector.

Thirty years ago, the community was raising money to put them in rental houses, Augustine said. Now, they are buying homes for their parents.

The art exhibit, expected to be open to the public for about six weeks, is a tribute to them and the parish, he said. One end of the gallery features the needlework of nonagenarian Dr. Sig Gundersen, a retired surgeon of the Gundersen Health System heritage.

It is a tribute and to remember the history. This is what the church did, and these people are flourishing, Augustine said.

The openness of the parish and La Crosse to welcoming the refugees is founded on biblical beliefs, he said, quoting Matthew 25 and Christs admonition that tending to the needs of the least in society is like caring for him.

At one point, Christ Church counted about 150 Hmong among its members, he said, although most now worship in churches of other denominations or at their own house of worship, the Hmong Faith Alliance Church.

This parish has no colored biases. It is a unique parish  we welcome all of Gods children, whether they are Christian or non-Christian, atheist or Muslim. This place is open as long as you tolerate, he said with a hearty laugh.
With many candidates facing uncontested races in next weeks primary, voters in both Onalaska and Holmen school districts will see contested school board races.

In the state superintendent race, incumbent Tony Evers will face opposition from Lowell E. Holtz.

Holmen Village President Nancy Proctor wont face opposition in her run for re-election this year.

Incumbent trustees Douglas Jorstad, Dawn Kulcinski and Rich Anderson, however, will face competition from Rodney Stanek.

On the Holmen School Board, incumbents Tom Kruse, Gary Dunlap and Cheryl Hancock are unopposed.

In Onalaska, school board incumbents Tim Smaby and Jim Driscoll will face competition from Jon Reavis and Tom Smith for three open positions on the board. The top two vote-getters will serve three-year terms and the third-place vote-getter will serve the remaining year of Alana Havenstrites term after Havenstrite resigned last June. Smaby was appointed to the vacancy.

Incumbent Deanna Verdon will not seek re-election.

In the city of Onalaska, two incumbent council members, Jim Bialecki and Barry Blomquist, will not seek re-election.

Gerald Every and Joseph Davis will vie for Bialeckis position, while Ron Gjertsen will run an uncontested race for Blomquists former position on the council.

Incumbent council member Jim Binash will not face opposition in his race.

There are be no contested races in the town of Holland April 4.

The town of Holland Board of Trustees will do some restructuring. Chair Katherine Warzynski has decided to step down and will continue to serve the board from a supervisory position.

Steve Michaels, a former town of Onalaska supervisor, will seek Warzynskis position on the board.

Supervisor Jerome Pedretti will seek a second term, but Steve Hueners will not.

Warzynski will fill Hueners position.

In the town of Onalaska, Chairman Rolly Bogert and Supervisors Jerry Monti and Stanley Hauser will be on the ballot in April. Paula Przywojski is running as a write-in challenger.
The Premier Resort Area Tax is an innovative, proactive approach to address La Crosse Countys $87 million in unmet road needs.

The April 4 countywide advisory referendum question asks voters to weigh in on how best to pay for those deteriorating local roads and bridges. Even in the current partisan-charged environment, Democrats and Republicans agree the state has failed miserably in providing a sustainable long-term transportation funding plan. While costs for material and road building expenses have risen, the states commitment to road funding has plummeted from 28 percent to 17 percent in recent years.

Whats more, the state has imposed levy caps on counties, school districts and municipalities restricting local control over basic budget decisions. These conditions have created a perfect storm for La Crosse County and has led to paying for local transportation infrastructure on our collective credit card.

A favorite notion of those opposed to the PRAT is to accuse the county of needing to realign priorities and they claim that reprioritizing roads would simply and easily solve our transportation funding problems. What the naysayers ignore is that for years, La Crosse County has wisely prioritized generating more revenue through every means possible short of raising our local taxes. Since the vast majority of our annual budget is earmarked for mandated services, we cannot simply find millions of dollars somewhere else in the budget. It is not possible to use federal funding that is targeted for child protective services on roads. Nor can we redirect law enforcement dollars to roads or public health grants for roads.

The PRAT provides an opportunity to collect some of the desperately needed revenue for roads from tourists and visitors to our community, not solely county property taxpayers. Communities such as Wisconsin Dells, Rhinelander and Lake Delton have used PRAT to their great advantage.

PRAT opponents suggestion that the county has emphasized spending on county offices over road repairs could not be further from the truth. How quickly they forget! La Crosse County has invested significantly in downtown La Crosse for very good reasons. The spending on recent downtown developments has created more than $10 million for the Stizo housing complex in the old administrative center and nearly $68 million of new construction on Belle Square to say nothing of the hundreds of jobs headed there. It is also important to remember that the countys exceptional bond rating (Moodys Aa1) has been maintained through all of these projects.

We are keenly aware of the debt load many local municipalities are also shouldering for their streets and bridges. For example, as of 2015, the city of La Crosse debt includes more than $11 million for transportation infrastructurea heavy debt load that falls exclusively to property taxpayers in that municipality. When added to the amount the state of Wisconsin is borrowing for transportation, property taxpayers in the city are over-burdened for roads and bridges that they drive on, but so do thousands of visitors and tourists. In solidarity with our colleagues, the county made the decision to share 25 percent of the PRAT revenue (estimated at $6.6 million annually) with local cities, villages and towns. This offer extends to the city of La Crosse, should it choose to accept it, for needed road repairs as well.

We placed the PRAT referendum question on the ballot because something needs to change. The PRAT is a viable revenue-generating option for the county that will ultimately lead to property tax relief because future borrowing for roads can be eliminated. And, local roads and bridges will be repaired and made safer. Without additional revenue from the PRAT, La Crosse County will need to continue to borrow ($2.7 million in 2017) and that amount is insufficient to make a dent in the needed work on our 285 miles of county roads and 69 bridges. We are being responsible and trying to avoid the unsustainable borrowing path that the state and others have chosen.

If the referendum fails, the problems will not go away. We are proud to be the seventh-lowest per capita taxing county in the state, but without the PRAT option, our only choice is more borrowing  an expense that falls solely upon the property taxpayer. We encourage you to consider the PRAT opportunity for our community and take time to vote on April 4.
A steep reduction in financial penalties for polluters is the result of a more proactive approach from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the agency's head told members of the state's budget committee on Thursday.

"I promise you, we are not turning a blind eye to any of that," said DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp. "I think it's good news that the numbers are going down."

The agency works with producers to help move them into compliance when it hears of potential violations, emphasizing a "stepped enforcement process," Stepp said. That approach is more effective than the "long, drawn out process" of referring polluters to the state Department of Justice, she said.

Fines for violations of state environmental laws fell 78 percent from 2014 to 2015, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported last year. At $306,834, it was the lowest amount since 2006.

Rep. Katrina Shankland, D-Stevens Point, agreed with Stepp that fewer violations should be a goal, but questioned whether the agency was letting violations go unpunished.

"I find it hard to believe that suddenly everyone in the state is protecting our environment equally," Shankland said.

But Joint Finance Committee co-chairman Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, likened the DNR approach to community policing, with its focus on building relationships and providing education on regulations as a means of reducing citations.

If arrests decreased under a community policing model, it would be seen as a positive, Nygren said, drawing a parallel to the decrease in environmental violation fines.

"Were always going to drop the anvil when we need to," Stepp said. "But I will never apologize for working with producers to help them comply, because that protects the environment for all of us."

Stepp fielded questions for more than two hours on Thursday as the Joint Finance Committee held its third day of agency briefings on Gov. Scott Walker's $76.1 budget proposal.

Walker's two-year spending plan allocates about $1.1 billion for the DNR over the biennium, a 2.5 percent decrease from the 2016-17 base budget, and calls for a reorganization of the agency.

It would also eliminate a 100-year-old subscription-supported natural resources magazine, a move Stepp said would allow staff to spend more time focusing on their core duties.

The majority the magazine's subscribers receive it by purchasing a conservation patron license, Stepp said.

She acknowledged it has a "loyal following," but argued the agency could better reach people with digital efforts and social media.

The magazine had 82,369 subscribers as of March 10, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. The magazine has seen an increase in subscriptions since the budget proposal was introduced.

Rep. Mike Rohrkaste, R-Neenah, suggested the magazine could be phased out to cause less of a disruption to its readers who enjoy the printed publication.

Stepp dismissed suggestions that the magazine was put on the chopping block as part of an effort to tamp down discussions about climate change, arguing it was a business decision.

She and Shankland sparred over a decision by the DNR to remove language from its website that listed humans and greenhouse gases as the primary causes of climate change.

The job of the DNR is to regulate and enforce laws that are in place, not to issue definitive statements about climate change, Stepp said.

"I will leave the academics to continue the discussion about the cause of climate change," she said.
School districts would no longer be able to ask voters to raise their taxes permanently and districts would lose some state funding if they exceed their state-imposed limits on raising property taxes through referendums under a package of bills Republican lawmakers are releasing this week.

Legislators proposing the bills say the moves are designed to lower property taxes, keep voters from being worn down by multiple referendum campaigns and prevent special elections when turnout is low.

But critics say the measures make it harder for public schools to keep up with the rising costs of educating students and could hurt school boards ability to ensure adequate cash flow.

The legislation  six bills in all  comes at a time when voters are approving record numbers of referendums, and just days before voters are set to decide whether to fund more than half a billion dollars worth of school projects statewide.

That amount of debt and property tax increases on the April 4 spring election ballot spurred the effort, said bill author Sen. Duey Stroebel.

I believe there is more harm being done to our tax climate via school referendum than anyone realizes, said Stroebel, R-Saukville. If everything passed, next year property taxes in Wisconsin would be $63 million higher just from operating (referendums) this election and voters would have approved a total of over $2 billion in school debt in the past thirteen months.

But the state school boards organization said the package of bills takes away local school boards ability to make decisions about how to provide the best education and educational environment for students.

Our local voters and our local communities know whats best for their local school districts, said Dan Rossmiller, lobbyist for the Wisconsin Association of School Boards. To the extent that these bills interfere with that relationship and interfere with local control, we feel thats a negative.

State Superintendent Tony Evers, who oversees the Department of Public Instruction, said the proposals fly in the face of consistent support from voters to increase taxes to fund schools.

Through tight budgets and changing political winds, Wisconsinites have consistently voted to raise their own taxes to support their local public schools. Instead of restricting local funding options for schools, our focus should be on how we can work together to increase state support to take some of the pressure off, Evers said.

Heather DuBois Bourenane, executive director for the public schools advocacy group Wisconsin Public Education Network, said she had yet to fully analyze the proposals but expected parents to oppose them.

It sounds like another effort to restrict local control and try to control the line on taxes by not allowing people to fund their local public schools, she said.

Sponsor: State efforts

being undone

But supporters of the proposals say public dollars spent on schools need to be scrutinized further, especially as Gov. Scott Walker is proposing a record increase in school funding and referendums are being passed at historic rates.

If the Governor is proposing more than $600 million in increased school aid, we must crack down on referenda as a necessary component of our education policy, Stroebel said in a statement. I am tired of being a high tax state, and Im especially tired of pushing for lower taxes and limited spending only to have the efforts undone in school referenda.

A separate bill authored by Rep. Janel Brandtjen, R-Menomonee Falls, and Stroebel would eliminate what are known as recurring referendums  ballot questions that raise property taxes permanently  and cap any referendum for operating costs at five years.

For school districts that have already successfully asked voters to approve recurring referendums, like the Madison School District did in 2016, the school board would have to return to voters in five years from the passage of the bill to seek another referendum.

Forever is a really, really long time, Brandtjen said, adding that new generations of parents and taxpayers should have the opportunity to have a say over the taxes they pay. Its really about transparency, its really about accountability and it really puts that back into the hands of the taxpayers.

Another bill authored by Stroebel and Rep. Tom Weatherston, R-Caledonia, would reduce state aid for districts that exceed their revenue limits through a referendum. The reduction in aid would be equal to 20 percent of the amount the district raises property taxes above their revenue limits. That state aid would then be redistributed to the rest of the states school districts through the state funding formula.

If you as a local community think you have a need and an ability to spend more on education, then we need to re-prioritize to other districts who havent done that, Stroebel said. Under the bill, school boards also would be able to rescind, by a simple board vote, a past decision to exceed revenue limits by referendum.

Critic: Bills hurt former

low spenders

Rossmiller said the bills especially hurt school districts that were low spenders in the mid-1990s, when revenue limits were imposed. At the time, lawmakers told districts they could always go to referendum if they felt more revenue was needed.

Now theyre changing the rules and saying, essentially, we dont trust our local voters, perhaps, and we should step in here and take certain discretion away from local voters, Rossmiller said. All this set of proposals will do is make it harder for any district to escape from the position (when) revenue limits went in and its going to lock in inequality in district spending.

When school boards could ask voters to approve spending and building projects would be limited to spring and fall general elections under a bill authored by Stroebel and Rep. Michael Schraa, R-Oshkosh  a proposal similar to an unsuccessful bill the two lawmakers pushed last legislative session.

School boards also would be required to vote on seeking a referendum at their regular meetings, and boards could only vote on referendums that issue debt at their annual meetings, under a bill authored by Stroebel and Rep. Dave Murphy, R-Greenville.

Districts also would be required to include the cost of debt and interest payments in the total referendum amount presented to voters, which is currently not required, under a bill from Sen. Chris Kapenga, R-Delafield, and Rep. John Macco, R-Ledgeview.

And a bill authored by Stroebel and Rep. Joe Sanfelippo, R-New Berlin, would provide 50 percent matching state funds for school districts that set aside money they receive under their revenue limits in a fund for maintenance and construction projects. If the district seeks a referendum within 10 years of using the matching funds from the state, the money is reimbursed to the state through a reduction in the districts state aid.

The proposal aims to encourage cash financing of building projects, according to a summary of the bill provided by Stroebels office, and the funding would not come from schools general state aid.

Kim Kaukl, executive director of the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance, said the proposals dont serve rural schools.

There is not a single author from rural Wisconsin, where these bills will have the most serious impact, Kaukl said. This is a case of how many of our legislators in the Fox Valley and southeastern Wisconsin are disconnected with the needs of the rest of the state. If they truly want to limit the number of referendums occurring, they need to take a look at the cuts that have occurred to public education since 2011 and provide adequate funding to meet present needs.
The accomplishments of women during a time when most women did not work outside the home is something to be acknowledged. This is Womens History Month and we are continuing our look back at notable women in Westby. This article will focus on Caroline Berthine Sylvester Hendrickson Hage.

Caroline was born in Sumner, Trempealeau County, Wis., on Oct. 9, 1872, the oldest daughter of Norwegian immigrants, Seaver and Guri (Julia) Sylvester. Caroline was 21 years old when she married Hans Hendrickson, age 28, on June 17, 1874 at the Fish Creek church in Ettrick, Wis. They had two children, Joel, born March 7,1895, and Grace, born February 11, 1897. Sometime between 1900 and 1910, Hans and Caroline were divorced.

After Carolines divorce from her first husband, she supported herself and her children by working as a dressmaker while living in a rented home. She was a determined woman who knew how to take care of herself.

She married Julius T. Hage on Sept. 26, 1911. Caroline would remain in Trempealeau County with her children until the following spring, when she, along with her children, Joel and Grace Hendrickson, would move to Westby to live with Julius. When and how Caroline and Julius met is not known at this time. But with their marriage a great partnership was born. They had no children of their own but together raised Carolines two children.

Julius Hage came to Westby in 1911 and purchased the Westby Times. While the federal census for 1920 and 1930 show that Caroline had no occupation, perhaps that was just modesty on her part or she didnt consider working with her husband as associate editor of the Westby Times a job. But from 1912 until her death in 1957, she worked with her husband at the Westby Times. Her name is in each issue as associate editor, right below his as editor. She worked hand in hand with her husband, often going to report on events in the Westby area and bringing the news back to her husband who ran the stories in the Westby Times.

Apparently not a woman to sit around in her spare time, she and 16 other women were among the founding members of the Daughters of Norway Solvang Lodge #58 in Westby in 1916. Caroline Hage and Caroline Brendum Lindvig were both elected to serve as vice presidents in 1916.

One would think she was a very busy woman and couldnt possibly take on any other ventures. Not Caroline. For 18 years, she owned and operated the Times Hotel, which she had purchased from Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ender. The Enders had previously operated the hotel under the name Hotel Ender.

All of this and at the same time she was working as associate editor of the Westby Times, was a mother, grandmother, wife and housekeeper for her family and was involved in many things in the community, was a notary public and owned and operated a hotel. Quite an accomplishment in a time when women mainly stayed at home! This would all be quite an accomplishment today.

Caroline would eventually sell the Times Hotel in 1949 to her daughter, Grace, who was married to Dale McEachron. Carolines son, Joel lived in La Crosse by the 1930s and was an auditor for the Wisconsin Tax Commission, eventually becoming head of the income tax division for the Wisconsin State Tax Department.

When Caroline passed away, her husband was the one who had to write her obituary for the Westby Times. Caroline Berthine Hage passed away on July 24, 1957 from a heart attack at the age of 85. The beginning paragraph of her obituary must have been very difficult for Julius to write. Of the hundreds of death notices written and published by the Times, the saddest and most depressing is that of our dear wife, who so faithfully was our helpmate during our career the past 45 years, and it is needless to say that she is missed beyond adequate expression of words.

Julius acknowledges that Caroline was his right hand. He would continue to publish the Westby Times but without his dear wife to assist him.

Carolines funeral was held at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Westby. She was interred beside her parents and her only sister in Pine Cliff Cemetery in Galesville in Trempealeau County, Wisconsin.

A week after Carolines death, Julius Hage published an article regarding a sympathy card he had received from a 10-year-old Westby boy that contained a photo he had taken of Caroline. Caroline loved children and they liked her. The little boy was Rodney Villand, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Villand. The July 31, 1957 issue contains the story and the photo Rodney took of Caroline. When Rodney went to her home one day and knocked on the door and said he wanted to take her picture, she told him she had to change clothes, but Rodney replied, No, I want to take your picture just the way you are.

Also enclosed was a touching poem by James Whitcomb Riley that begins, I cannot say, and I will not say, that she is dead, she is just away At the end of this article, Julius writes, Thank you, Rodney. Your kind gesture in memory of the departed will long be remembered.

If you have a photo of Caroline Berthine Hage, we would love to see it. Any other information on the Hage family would also be helpful. Contact us at 608-634-4478 to leave a message or email us at westbywihistory@gmail.com

The next general meeting will be held at Thoreson Museum on Monday, April 3, at 1 p.m. Please join us. We always look forward to seeing new faces!

Next week we will tell you the story of Julius T. Hage, the other half of this amazing duo.
A light turnout is expected in the city of Tomah Tuesday for an election that features just one contested race.

Races for four Tomah City Council seats and three Tomah School Board openings are unopposed. The lack of competitive races will keep a lid on turnout, city of Tomah clerk Jo Cram said.

If we get turnout to 15 to 20 percent, that will be a good day, Cram said.

Polls are open statewide from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. City of Tomah voters will cast ballots at the Tomah Fire Department downtown station.

Cram said 110 people have requested absentee ballots, and 69 had been returned as of Wednesday afternoon. Only eight people have voted in-person absentee. The early absentee voting period ends 5 p.m. Friday.

Absentee ballots must arrive at the city clerks office by election day to be counted.

Photo ID is required to cast a ballot, and anyone who changed address or changed his or her name since last voting must re-register with the clerks office.

The only contested race is the statewide matchup for Superintendent of Public Instruction. Long-time public school administrator Lowell Holtz is challenging two-term incumbent Tony Evers. Holtz is supported by private-school voucher advocates and state Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point. Evers is supported by groups representing public school teachers and public school administrators.
Tomah High School FFA members succeeded at the district and sectional FFA speaking contests, said Nelda Bailey, THS FFA advisor.

Three students placed within the top three at districts, two placed in the top two at sectional and one will move on to the state competition in June.

Bailey is proud of all her students achievements.

I think their performances were outstanding, she said. At district ... we had students in several contests ... and only the top two get to move on (to sectional). So when you have eight other schools in your district and you narrow it down to two, that really slims it down pretty quickly. Then when they come to sectional  our section is 30 schools  youve now intensified or changed that, and there are only two from each district that move on and theres three districts in our section.

Jenna Stott placed third at the district competition, Kayla Stott placed second at both the district and sectional competitions and Mark Kortbein placed first at both competitions as well and will head to the state competition.

Kayla Stott said she decided to participate in the competition because she enjoys public speaking.

I was forced to do public speaking at a young age because I went to a private school ... and they forced you to do it there, they dont really force it as much in public schools, she said. So from a young age, I was exposed to it, and when I joined FFA and got more involved I thought, Well I really do like to publicly speak, so this is a great way for me to do something I enjoy and also learn more about agriculture.

Jenna Stott participated for a similar reason.

I really have liked public speaking as well, and I wanted to do something in FFA, and I liked how you could do it on your own time but then still be part of the group, she said. So I really liked that aspect of it and it was just a nice way to be with other people from other schools but at the same time compete with yourself is like the main goal, I guess.

Kortbein competed to gain experience.

I decided to do public speaking for this event because in everybodys career they always have to do public speaking a lot of times, he said. I think its a great way to develop those skills because not everybody has those skills. That way you can stand out among your peers when youre doing a job interview or something like that so you have a better chance of getting the job you want and doing well with that.

This was Jenna Stotts first year at the speaking contest. She participated in the job interview category in which she had to create a resume, cover letter, select a job she would like to do in the agriculture field and answer questions related to the field, why she wants that job and how to get there.

It was fun, Stott said.

I had some work experience, I ... work at Culvers, so I feel like that has helped me a lot, she said. I think overall it went pretty good, I mean for my first time. There are definitely things I would have changed, but it was a lot of fun just ... to research something and get it all compiled together, so then when I do have to get another job someday, Ill know what I need to do more.

Stott chose job interview to obtain practice for the future.

I chose it because I wanted to do something different, and Ive kind of been interested in the whole work aspect  I was like, Oh, that sounds like a lot of fun, I should do that. she said. It was cool because there were different layers to it. I got to do a cover letter and then I got to do a resume and I got to research what I wanted to do for my job, then just compile it all together.

She said it lets her see how can the questions that they ask me relate back.

Kayla Stott participated in the prepared category, in which she had to research a topic, write a manuscript/speech that was fully cited with a bibliography, her speech and answer further questions about her topic.

Stott chose food safety as her topic after working at Culvers Restaurant for three years.

Food safety is obviously a big topic there, and I kind of got interested in it, she said. Im going to school next year at Iowa State for food science, so I have become very interested in food, so I thought this was a good opportunity for me to learn more about something I was already interested in.

The speech went well, Stott said, but it was nerve-wracking speaking in front of the judges.

I was nervous, not as much about the memorization, but I was nervous about the questions they were going to ask me, she said. I was afraid they were going to ask me something I couldnt answer. But it all went really well, and I was really happy with how I did at both of the contests.

Kortbein participated in discussion, in which a topic is chosen from a hat by judges, and he and a group of other individuals conduct a 15-20 minute discussion on the topic.

I chose discussion I guess because getting other peoples input is always interesting for me, he said. Even just growing up at home, I would sit around the dinner table with my family and always be talking about different ag topics and everything. So it was just kind of something that was familiar to me, so it was very interesting to me.

Bailey said there was a lot of preparation involved even though the topic isnt chosen until the competition.

Discussion is not an easy one because you have to be up to date about all these topics that are out there, she said. Our world changes so quickly. To keep up on them, you have to be reading and looking online and keeping up.

The possible topics are posted online for students to research before hand, Kortbein said, along with talking points to consider.

At district the topic was how a community can come together to support its agriculture programs, and the sectional topic was about how to keep children safe on the farm.

Both competitions were fun, Kortbein said.

I thought I did very well  very interesting to hear everybody elses input on everything and always fun to talk with everybody else, he said. It was great to talk with everybody, so I thought I did very well with that. It was fun, very familiar for me.
Governor Scott Walker has made it a priority to take actions to control the cost of higher education. He froze tuition for four consecutive years at all UW System schools, resulting in an average savings of $6,311 per student over that time. He has increased grants to technical colleges, increased accessibility to internship programs for college students, and backed creation of a scholarship program for high school students who lead their classes in technical education courses. And in his recently announced budget, the governor wants to cut tuition for all UW System resident undergraduates by five percent, saving an average student $360 per year.

The governor also approved the creation of a college affordability/student debt specialist to be housed in the Office of Financial Literacy at the Department of Financial Institutions. As part of this effort, DFI last fall unveiled a new website, lookforwardwi.gov, to provide resources to students and parents who are seeking information about student debt and ways to make college more affordable.

There is no denying that this is a hot topic. Total student debt in the United States now stands at about $1.3 trillion. The vast majority  about 81 percent  is held by the U.S. Department of Education and other federal agencies. The remaining 19 percent is held by non-federal financial services providers such as banks, credit unions and other entities.

For a variety of reasons, in recent decades more students have had to resort to student loans to pay for their education. Nationally, 68 percent of college graduates in 2015 had student debt. The average debt load was $30,100, up four percent from 2014 (Wisconsin graduates averaged $29,460).

This rise in student debt has caused some people to adopt a sky is falling mentality that leads them to the conclusion there is only one possible remedy to the problem: More government. Here in Wisconsin, some people are insisting that state intervention is the only panacea that will address student debt. This proposal is very costly  and unnecessary.

The proposal would require Wisconsin to establish a new state authority to offer refinancing opportunities to student borrowers. This proposal would require building a significant bureaucracy and staffing it with lending experts and legal and investment advisory personnel to underwrite student loans and access securities markets to sell bonds to fund the program. This is a huge new government undertaking with many unknowns and risks.

Supporters of this concept point to a handful of other states  including Minnesota  that offer state-run student debt refinancing programs. What those supporters do not tell you is that not every student borrower automatically qualifies for refinancing. The borrowers must meet certain credit standards in order to qualify because funding for the program comes from private-sector investors who are seeking a return on their investment.

For example, Minnesota requires a FICO score of at least 720 and a debt-to-income ratio of no more than 45 percent for a borrower to qualify for refinancing. These credit standards are more stringent than what you would find at some private-sector financial institutions.

Instead of creating a new and expensive layer of state government, Wisconsin would be better served by leaving this matter in the hands of existing programs and our private-sector institutions, both of which have the resources and well-established expertise to address it.

For example, the federal government currently offers at least five types of student loan repayment plans and at least nine student loan forgiveness programs. More information about these plans can be found on the Look Forward website (lookforwardwi.gov/resources/).

In addition, a list of Wisconsin credit unions and banks that may offer refinancing options  some at terms more competitive than those offered by state-run refinancing agencies  can also be found on the Look Forward website (lookforwardwi.gov/wisconsin-loan-providers/).

Lon E. Roberts is Wisconsin secretary of the Department of Financial Institutions.
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Are extraterrestrials lured to California? Perhaps they're attracted to our picturesque beaches and agreeable weather? Maybe they're holing up at a writers' colony in Monterey to finish their long-in-progress memoirs?

Whatever the reason, they are (apparently) visiting us on a pretty regular basis. According to UFO Sightings Desk Reference: United States of America 2001-2015, a book released a couple weeks ago, California has had nearly 16,000 reported sightings of unidentified flying objects since 2001, reports SFGate. This means that the Golden State has the most reports of UFO sightings among all U.S. states. We're followed by Florida, Texas, Washington, Pennsylvania, and New York. Of course, our record likely has some correlation with our massive population. Still, we'd like to think that E.T. agrees that the West Coast is the Best Coast.

Looking at it from a more local perspective, Los Angeles County was home to a whopping 3,200 reported sightings since 2001. This puts the county above 40 U.S. states.

Cheryl Costa, the author of the 374-page reference book (and an UFO columnist for the Syracuse New Times), gathered her data from sightings that were reported to either the National UFO Reporting Center (NUFORC) or the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON).

According to the L.A. Times, the NUFORC says that the latest sightings in the Southern California region happened in Van Nuys and Miramar, which is down in San Diego County. In a written report, a witness in the Van Nuys sighting claimed to see "items flying in formation, moving very fast in the night sky." The person added, perhaps in a fit of paranoia, I am very familiar with the night sky and various normal items that one would see, this was not normal and too silent and too fast to be of terrestrial origin." I don't know, but it sounds like something an unhinged person would say! Also, a witness in the Miramar incident reported seeing rapid blinking light that appeared to grow in size, first just one light was visible then the formation became visible.

Exciting? Perhaps. Though we're wary, as L.A.'s last close encounter with space aliens was...not great:
British Prime Minister Teresa May has officially started the process for Britain to leave the European Union (EU).

May sent a letter to European Council President Donald Tusk on Wednesday. The move put Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon into effect.

The treaty is an international agreement on which the EU is based. Article 50 deals with how a member country can withdraw from the organization.

Mays letter noted the historic nationwide vote on EU membership last year. It said the British people had not voted to harm the European Union or any of the remaining member states.

The letter went on to say that Britain wanted the EU to succeed and explained that the election result was an effort to restore national self-determination.

By informing the EU of its decision, Britain now starts two years of negotiations between the two sides. Talks on security, business, defense, health, the environment and other issues are expected to be complex.

The process started on June 23, 2016, when Britons decided in a close referendum vote to leave the EU.

Then-prime minister David Cameron had promised to hold the referendum, but had campaigned for Britain to stay an EU member. Cameron resigned after the vote.

Some observers say the votes outcome resulted partly from feelings that the EU government was taking too much control away from British citizens.

People in London and Scotland voted to stay in the EU, while other areas supported a British exit, commonly called Brexit.

Little agreement on how long Brexit will take

Few Britons and political observers agree on what Brexit will mean for Britain and its partners.

Jo Murkens of the London School of Economics says most people do agree the process will be disorderly and take more than two years.

He said, The effect of European Union law is all pervasive from constitutional-level questions to the regulation of bananas and cucumbers. So, it is a mammoth task that will not be negotiated within two years. It will take a decade or decades to give full effect to EU withdrawal.

One day before May invoked Article 50, Londons Mayor Sadiq Khan called on European leaders not to punish Britain. He said that London would remain an important city, especially as a financial center, after Brexit.

He said, The truth is that London will always remain a key partner for Brussels and every European nation long after Brexit is resolved.

Khan warned against a bad Brexit deal. He said such an agreement would cut off the EU from its only truly international financial center and risk losing financial services companies to New York, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Londons mayor also said the perfect gesture of goodwill would be for the government to guarantee that EU citizens would remain in Britain.

Seliq Khan is the first Muslim mayor of a major western city. He has launched a campaign bringing attention to how London continues to welcome foreigners and businesses.

Im Jonathan Evans.

Luis Ramirez reported this story for VOA News. Mario Ritter adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

referendum  n. when the people of a country or state vote on a particular law or issue

pervasive  adj. existing in every part of something

mammoth  adj. very large

gesture  n. something said or done that shows a feeling or attitude

exit  n. the act of going away or leaving; a way out

outcome  n. result

restore  v. to re-establish

determination  n. the act of deciding something firmly
4 People sit in a mosque window during the funeral of Tauseef Ahmad Wagay, a suspected militant, who local media say was killed in a gun battle with the Indian army Tuesday in south Kashmirs Kulgam district.
American Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was in Ankara on Thursday for talks with Turkish leaders.

Tillerson met with Turkeys president and foreign minister. They talked about efforts to defeat the Islamic State (IS) group and how to reduce the number of refugees in the Middle East.

United States-led forces are increasing their offensive to retake the Syrian city of Raqqa from the militant group.

Anti-Islamic State coalition partners are looking for ways to return security to areas from which militants have fled. They also want to give refugees a chance to return home.

The talks in Ankara were held a day after Turkey declared an end to its seven-month-old military operation in northern Syria. The operation was aimed at clearing IS militants and Syrian Kurds from along the border between Syria and Turkey.

Turkish officials have described the operation as a success. They did not rule out the possibility of future raids.

It is not clear how the Turkish actions will change northern Syria, where the Syrian government, Islamic State, Kurdish forces and rebel groups are all competing for territory.

Turkish troops are still guarding security areas, where the government also hopes to keep Kurdish forces from creating a self-governing territory.

The government considers the Kurdish fighters an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK. The group has been fighting for 30 years against government forces in southeastern Turkey.

The Turkish operations in northern Syria are ending two weeks before Turkeys planned constitutional referendum. Turkish voters are being asked whether to give new powers to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Professor Jonathan Adelman is with the University of Denver in the United States. He told VOA there is a good chance that the Turks are ending their campaign, but will keep their soldiers right where they are.

What really matters in Turkey right now is the feeling that Erdogan wants to win the upcoming election, and this could be, and probably is, tied to that, to say, You see, I won. Its all over. No more Turks are dying

Adelman says Turkish announcement also takes attention away from the fact that many extremists entered Syria from Turkey.

It also helps take attention away from the fact that thousands of terrorists went through Turkey on their way into Syria because Erdogan has failed in his basic effort, which was to destroy the Bashar al-Assad government.

Relations between Turkey and the United States have been tested by U.S. support for the Kurdish militia force YPG, which is fighting in Syria. In addition, Turkey wants the U.S. government to expel Fethullah Gulen, a Muslim clergyman living in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. Turkish officials accuse him of plotting last years failed attempt to overthrow the government.

Im Caty Weaver.

This story was based on reports from VOANews.com. George Grow adapted the information for Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor.

______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story

basic  adj. of or relating to the main idea

affairs  n. work or activities done for a purpose

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.
United States first lady Melania Trump has recognized 13 women activists with the State Departments Women of Courage Award.

Trump said the women being honored had shown strength in the face of great danger.

"These honorees on the stage with me have fought for their rights and for the rights of others. Each battle forces, such as governments, the courts, gender bias, terrorism, war and corruption, and were willing, in each moment, to face harsh penalties including imprisonment and death."

The award is called the Secretary of States International Women of Courage Award. The winners have shown support of peace, justice, human rights, gender equality and empowerment of women at personal risk.

More than 100 women from 60 countries have received the awards since it was established in 2007.

An international group of women receive recognition

The women being honored come from countries around the world.

This years winners include Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh, known as Mother Mushroom, of Vietnam. The environmental activist and blogger has been in prison since October 2016.

The state department has called for Quynhs immediate release since her detention.

State Department spokesperson Grace Choi told VOA, We believe that international recognition for her courage and advocacy will help bring attention to her work to address corruption and promote human rights in Vietnam.

Natalie Ponce de Leon was attacked with acid in Colombia three years ago. She used the attack to help pass a law in January of 2016 increasing punishments for people who use chemical agents in attacks.

Major Aichatou Ousmane Issaka was one of the first women to join the army in Niger in 1996. She was honored for causing people to think about the issue of gender in conflict areas.

Veronica Simogun of Papua New Guinea was in the U.S. for the first time. She was honored for her campaign to protect women from violence related to their gender.

Simogun told VOA, I am fighting for equality, gender justice in my country. She added, Womens voices need to be heard, and there should be equality for women and children.

Other recipients include Bangladeshi activist Sharmin Akter who fights early and forced marriages. Two African rights activists are Malebogo Molefhe of Botswana and Rebecca Kabugho, a political and social activist from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The deputy director of the Organization for Womens Freedom in Iraq, Jannat Al Ghezi, was among those honored.

So was Cindy Arlette Contreras Bautista who started and directs the group Not One Woman Less in Peru.

Sister Carolin Tahhan Fachakh is a member of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (F.M.A) group in Syria.

From Turkey, Saadet Ozkan received recognition for her education and gender activism.

And human rights activists Sandya Eknelygoda of Sri Lanka and Fadia Najib Thabet of Yemen also received the award.

The award ceremony was held Wednesday.

Now the women will travel to several American cities for individual International Visitor Leadership Programs. Afterwards, they will again gather in Los Angeles, California, to discuss cooperation in improving the lives of women and girls everywhere.

The event was one of the rare public appearances by the wife of U.S. President Donald Trump who has been in office for a little more than two months.

Im Jill Robbins. And I'm Mario Ritter.

Nike Ching reported this story for VOA News. Mario Ritter adapted it for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

gender n. related to the state of being male or female

bias adj. favoring one side over the other
American Astronaut Peggy Whitson set the world record on Thursday for most spacewalks ever made by a woman.

She set the record while floating out of the International Space Station to set up a new parking spot for commercial crew capsules. SpaceX and Boeing are building the capsules.

It was the eighth spacewalk of Whitsons career.

A spacewalk is when an astronaut performs a task or mission while outside of their spacecraft in space.

Whitson and her spacewalking partner, station commander Shane Kimbrough, took the spacewalk in order to complete work on the space stations docking port. Kimbrough disconnected the port during a spacewalk last Friday and then flight controllers in Houston moved it to a new location Sunday.

For Thursdays spacewalk, the astronauts needed to hook up important heater cables to the docking port. They also needed to install shields to protect against strikes by micrometeorites.

The port will serve as the second of two docking ports for the future SpaceX and Boeing crew capsules.

An unexpected turn of events

The mission did not go completely as planned, however. During the spacewalk, the astronauts lost one of the important cloth shields needed for the space station.

NASA says it is not yet clear who let the shield go or how it floated away. The shield is to be attached to the station or astronauts at all times.

Each shield weighs about 8.2 kilograms. When unfolded, the shields are about 5 centimeters thick, NASA says.

The astronauts did report that the three remaining shields were successfully installed.

Breaking records

Midway through Thursday's spacewalk, Whitson was set to break another record. She beat the current time record for total spacewalking time by a woman. The record was 50 hours and 40 minutes. It was held by former space station resident Sunita Williams.

Williams will be one of four NASA astronauts who will make early test flights of the SpaceX Crew Dragon and Boeing Starliner capsules. The first flight of these capsules could take place as early as next year.

Whitson, who is 57, has been in orbit since November. She is the worlds oldest and most experienced spacewoman. This is her third stay at the space station. She has spent more than 500 days off the planet. That is more days than any other woman.

Whitson is set to return to Earth in June. But she may stay in space for an extra three months, until September. NASA is hoping she can return to Earth then on an extra seat in the Russian Soyuz spacecraft. It is expected to launch next month and return in September.

Im Phil Dierking

This story was originally written by Marcia Dunn for the Associated Press. Phil Dierking adapted this story for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor.

Have you ever set a record? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

_____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

astronaut  n. a person who travels in a spacecraft into outer space

capsule  n. a small part of a spacecraft that is separate from the rest of the spacecraft and that is where people live and work

commercial  adj. related to or used in the buying and selling of goods and services

micrometeorites  n. a small rock that has entered the earth's atmosphere.

spacewalk  n. a task or mission performed by an astronaut outside a spacecraft in space

spacecraft  n. a vehicle able to travel in space
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  -    - Corporate Tax Reform in the US: The Blueprint would throw the baby out with the bathwater and will rock not only the American, but the entire international tax landscape Few would refute that the US is in desperate need of significant tax reform. A good tax system includes relatively low corporate tax rates, progressive personal tax rates and a VAT-type tax. The US tax system has none of the above and has been out of sync with those of most developed economies for some time. Accordingly, one would think that proposals to significantly reform the US system would be welcomed. However, the Congressional Republican Blueprint as it is known, widely considered at present as the most likely format for tax reform, is generating a lot of uncertainty in the global tax community at present and would cause the US tax system to be even more out of sync with the rest of the developed world.The proposals seek to level the playing field for US companies by offsetting the perceived punitive effects of other country tax laws. The proposals would also end US taxation of repatriated foreign earnings for American-based global businesses. For the first time, US companies would be free to bring their foreign earnings home to invest in America or distribute to shareholders without tax penalty.Most controversial are the border tax proposals. These adjustments would create significant winners and losers and will mean other countries will likely have harsh reactions and take counter measures to re-establish the level playing field, potentially triggering tit-for-tat challenges under the rules of the World Trade Organisation. Disputes will develop over the application of the global system of double taxation agreements (the better view is that they likely would cease to apply, creating tremendous economic uncertainties and inefficiencies), trade agreements and other established rules, inevitably impacting the global economy.Not surprisingly, big US exporters like GE and Boeing are lining up in favour of these proposals while big US importers like Target and Best Buy are lining up against them.The current global system of taxation, for all its complexities and failings, is the result of some 60 years of development and is built upon principals that are generally accepted and applied by both OECD member states and many others. This system has flaws, which are of concern to taxpayers and governments alike, but at least all participants have a good idea of what they are dealing with.The same cannot be said for the Republican Blueprint, and this is significant cause for concern. The Blueprint would throw the baby out with the bathwater and will rock not only the American, but the entire international tax landscape. Rather than pursue a set of proposals, like the Blueprint, that are loosely built from questionable economic theories, it would be far better to see a US tax reform that is consistent with the international tax principles that have grown from the general consensus developed over the past six decades. Then everyone would know what they are dealing with.Tim Wach, Managing Director at Taxand, the global tax advisorThe article looks at how the Congressional Republican Blueprint for tax reform is causing significant concern worldwide, with a border adjusted tax threatening to change the face of the global taxation system as countries seek to level the playing field.As a global tax advisor, Taxand have offices in a number of countries across the globe. If you would be interesting in speaking to a tax advisor in your country on US tax reform and its potential impacts, please let me know.Robert Collett-Creedy ApprenticeMHP Communications 6 Agar Street, London, WC2N 4HN Tel: +44 (0)20 3128 8100 Direct Dial: +44(0)20 3128 8147 Mobile: +447736 464749www.mhpc.comMHP is a trading division of Engine Partners UK LLP, a limited liability partnership registered in England & Wales with registered number OC365812. Our registered office is at 60 Great Portland Street, London W1W 7RT, United Kingdom.
It is often asserted that the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 proved that HWA was right and he really did see the future.

This of course is nonsense. Herbert W. Armstrong said that Christ would return within twenty years in his book Mystery of the Ages. (PCG has since deleted those words so someone in there knows HWA spoke nonsense.) How convenient for them to forget this.

Also Herbert W. Armstrong never said the Soviet Union would collapse. He thought it would survive intact until a few years after Christ's return. It shows how biased some many in the COGs are that they never seem to notice this. This inconvenient truth is just tossed into the memory hole.

It is true that HWA said that some Eastern European states would break away from Moscow's orbit and join the European Empire he said would arise at any moment. But he never talked of the Soviet Union collapsing. He did not teach that. Also he portrayed the rise of the European Empire to be far quicker then what has actually happened. In Mystery of the Ages Christ was supposed to return by 2005 at the most.

So assertions that the fall of the Berlin Wall somehow prove that HWA was right is just complete nonsense spread by people who, for whatever reason, are still in denial that HWA was a false prophet who merely talked out of his own "human reasoning".
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PHOENIX  Attorney General Mark Brnovich is making a last-ditch effort to let Gov. Doug Ducey deny driver's licenses to dreamers.

Legal briefs filed Wednesday ask the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn rulings by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals which has concluded that those in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program are in this country legally. More to the point, the judges said Arizona has no right to unilaterally decide the issue for itself.

That is precisely what Jan Brewer did in 2012 when she issued an executive order declaring that DACA, instituted by the Obama administration, did not entitle those accepted into the program the right to drive.

Brewer is gone.

But Ducey, her successor, has refused to rescind the executive order. And that has left Brnovich, as the state's chief lawyer, to defend that.

Hanging in the balance is the question of whether the DACA program overrides the state's right to decide who can drive.

The 2012 federal policy allows those who arrived in this country illegally as children to remain if they meet certain other qualifications. They also are entitled to employment authorization documents entitling them to work here legally.

At last count, there were more than 27,000 Arizonans in the program.

But just days before the Department of Homeland Security began taking applications, Brewer issued an executive order directing the Arizona Department of Transportation to not issue licenses to DACA recipients.

Brewer cited a 1996 state law that says licenses are available only to those whose presence in this country is authorized by federal law.

She argued that the federal agency really had no legal authority to permit DACA recipients to remain or work. And what that meant, Brewer said, is they were not authorized to be here.

That argument failed to convince federal appellate judges who said Arizona cannot decide for itself who is legally entitled to be in the country.

In Wednesday's filings, Brnovich told the justices that neither Brewer in issuing the executive order nor Ducey in continuing to enforce it is doing anything wrong.

The DACA memo itself stressed that it 'confers no substantive right, immigration status or pathway to citizenship, Brnovich wrote. In fact, he said, the Office of Legal Counsel within the U.S. Department of Justice said in its own writings that DACA does not establish any enforceable legal right to remain in the United States  and it may be revoked by immigration authorities at their discretion.

Brnovich also said that what Obama did is not part of any federal law or even the result of Congress directing a federal agency to adopt a rule.

Rather, DACA purports to be mere prosecutorial discretion, he said. As such, it is not federal law.

What that means, Brnovich said, is those who want driver's licenses cannot rely on the employment authorization documents issued solely because of DACA to prove they are eligible to drive.

A discretionary, revocable program of nonenforcement, which was created by executive action

alone, cannot preempt state law regulating drivers licenses, Brnovich wrote. And he said even the federal appellate judges acknowledged that granting licenses is a traditional police power, something that can be preempted only when Congress clearly states it intends to preempt state law.

Inherent in the state's arguments is the contention that Obama exceeded his authority in establishing the DACA program in the first place.

No federal court has specifically addressed that issue. But Brnovich pointed out that the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has blocked a subsequent Obama program known as Deferred Action for Parents of Americans, essentially a bid to allow adults who are the parents of children born here to remain.

In that case, the judges said the Obama administration violated the federal Administrative Procedure Act because it acted unilaterally and did not go through the normal rule-making process when creating DAPA. The majority in that case also concluded that the president's actions may be contrary to federal law.

The issue remains ripe because President Trump, who has the authority to abolish DACA, has chosen not to do so. In fact the new president has indicated he believes there are reasons to allow those who arrived in this country as children to stay.

Not everything the 9th Circuit decided was based strictly on its interpretation of the authority of the president to defer deportation versus the Arizona law on who gets to drive.

Judge Harry Pregerson, writing for the three-judge panel that made the first ruling, said the policy instituted by Brewer was motivated by a dogged animus against dreamers.

The Supreme Court has made very clear that such animus cannot constitute a legitimate state interest and has cautioned against sowing the seeds of prejudice, Pregerson wrote. The Constitution's guarantee of equality must at the very least mean that a bare desire to harm a politically unpopular group cannot justify disparate treatment of that group.
After a noisy, windy night that saw near gale-force winds, Flagstaff residents woke up this morning to a dusting of snow and the prospect of cold, showery weather through Saturday.

The National Weather Service in Bellemont reported a wind gust of 66 mph Thursday night amid thunderstorms that rattled windows throughout the region.

Slick roadways west of Flagstaff may have contributed to two accidents that temporarily closed Interstate 40  one around 8:30 p.m. near Ash Fork and another earlier this morning near Williams that has left the westbound lanes partially closed.

The Weather Service is calling for winds to continue blustery with snow showers and thunder throughout Friday and into Saturday morning, with a total snow accumulation of up to three inches. The high today will be just 37 degrees, with an overnight low of 24.

Skies will clear by Saturday afternoon, and Sunday will be sunny with a high of 57 before another cold front moves into the region Monday.

Following is the detailed Weather Service forecast for Flagstaff through Thursday:

Today

Snow showers likely. Some thunder is also possible. Cloudy, with a high near 37. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Total daytime snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

Tonight

A 50 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. West southwest wind 5 to 9 mph becoming calm in the evening. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Saturday

A slight chance of snow showers before 11am, then a slight chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. Light north northeast wind becoming northeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 10%.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 27. North northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light north northwest in the evening.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 57. Light northwest wind becoming west 5 to 9 mph in the morning.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 33.

Monday

A 20 percent chance of showers after 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. Breezy.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. Breezy.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 54.

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 26.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 57.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 28.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 64.

5:15 p.m. Thursday: Wind, thunder, rain -- then up to three inches of snow

The National Weather Service in Bellemont says the first raindrops from the strong cold front that brought high winds to Flagstaff this afternoon are expected to fall soon.

By late tonight, the rain will turn to snow -- up to 8 inches on the Kaibab Plateau and up to 3 inches in Flagstaff before the storm is done Saturday morning. Snow levels could reach down to 4,500 feet.

Friday will be raw and blustery, with snow showers and winds gusting to 24 mph. The high in Flagstaff will be just 41 degrees.

Winds will die Friday night but the chance of snow showers will persist through Saturday morning. The rest of Saturday and all of Sunday will be sunny and warmer before more unsettled weather arrives in the region Monday and Tuesday.

10 a.m. Thursday: Strong winds today, then rain, light snow tonight

First the wind, then the snow.

Thats the word from the National Weather Service for Thursday in the Flagstaff region.

The Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for western Coconino County starting at noon through 8 p.m., with winds 25 to 35 mph, gusting to 50 to 60 mph. The rest of northern Arizona will see winds only slightly lighter: 20 to 30 mph, gusting to 50 mph.

By late Thursday night, scattered showers and thunderstorms will develop as a cold front moves across the region, then turn to snow overnight down to 4,500 to 5,500 feet.

The overnight low will be 30 degrees, with a high on Friday of just 41 degrees. Snow accumulations in Flagstaff are expected to be light, with snow showers lingering through Saturday morning.

Sunny skies return in full Sunday before another cold front brings strong winds and a chance of precipitation Monday and Tuesday.
The significant rise in the African middle class across the continent is giving more exposure to the hotel industry and creating rising demand for employment in the sector.

Mali.  Thomas Dutour via 123RF

At the recent Meetings Africa Conference, Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom said in his opening address that arrivals to South Africa from other countries in Africa grew by 11% in 2016, while overseas arrivals increased by 18%.

Travel and tourism now contributes around 3.3% to Africas GDP, and supports over nine million jobs directly, or 3% of total employment. The World Travel and Tourism Council forecasts that the number of jobs in tourism will grow this year, said Hanekom.

This has led HVS Consulting, the global hospitality-consulting firm, to open a branch of HVS Executive Search Africa. Based in Cape Town, HVS ES focuses on corporate positions, general managers and heads of department in the hotel industry across the continent.

One of the challenges of running hotels in Africa is finding good quality staff. Then once youve found them, youve got to retain them because with the huge number of hotels opening up across the continent, they can always be poached for better conditions, or slightly higher salaries. So you can spend a lot of time and money training staff, but the minute another hotel opens, theyre looking to poach the good staff, said Tim Smith, managing partner at HVS in Cape Town.

Smith says the huge amount of churn and lack of staff loyalty in the industry is mostly due to the fact that a lot of staff are not properly looked after. Taking care of staff builds staff loyalty, which reduces the cost of recruitment and promotes rising service levels. This impacts positively on the guest experience, making it a long-term driver of revenue, he says.

Executive matchmaking

Looking after staff, training them, understanding their needs and getting the right people in the right positions to start with can reduce the level of churn, Smith says.

The advantage that HVS offers the hotel industry is that the companys sole focus is on hotels and hospitality. We do nothing but hotels. Were hotel operators ourselves and we understand what people want and need from a management and a corporate perspective as well as an individual perspective, says Smith.

Smith emphasises that theyre not offering recruitment, but rather an executive matchmaking service.

HVS has an extensive database of senior management and we do the search and then talk to the people that we believe are right for the position and the organisation. And then we match the individual and the position. Because we know both the individuals and the hotels very well, were able to come from an in-depth understanding of whats required from both parties, he explains.

We spend a large amount of time understanding the role and the company and the ethos of exactly what they are looking for. We spend an equally large amount of time understanding the candidates and what theyre looking for in terms of their career structure, he adds.

HVS Executive Search has already met with substantial success in the Asian, European and North American markets and is now looking to replicate that success in the Middle East and African markets.

Smith defines that success by the number of positions filled, the longevity of people staying in those positions and the degree to which those individuals influence the industry.

HVS has access to global reach to find the right people for the positions, but at the same time our priority is to get African people into senior positions.

Upskilling

At the moment, there are only a staggeringly small number of African GMs across the market. So were looking to promote from within and to work with companies to give them internal training platforms to upskill their staff to senior and executive management level, he says.

Smith says its crucial that executive management have a cultural understanding of the local communities needs, how to work with the local communities and what benefits they can bring to those communities and vice versa.

At the moment, the problem is that people from European hotel schools are coming to work in Africa with the mind-set to stay here for two years as a stepping stone on their way to Dubai, or somewhere in Europe, says Smith.

Were not looking for people who are counting down the days until they can leave Africa for somewhere else. Were looking for people who want to be in a position for at least five years and then move to another position on the continent, he says.

Smith has also been appointed as a guest lecturer at one of the top hotel schools in South Africa. He says his role is to help to ensure that students graduate with skills that will help them to make a notable difference in the industry.
Global hospitality company Dusit International today announced the formation of Dusit Colours Co., Ltd., a joint venture company launched in partnership with Colours International Co., Ltd., operator of the E-Hotel chain, in Japan.

Marking Dusit International's debut in Japan, Dusit Colours aims to develop and operate Dusit-branded hotels and hotel management related education. As part of the agreement, both companies will work closely together to develop a distinctive hotel franchise model informed by the best of Thai and Japanese hospitality cultures and traditions.

Dusit International owns 49 per cent of the company, while Colours International owns 51 per cent. The joint venture company will explore opportunities in several major Japanese cities, including Kyoto, as candidate sites for hotels under Dusit International's five-star Dusit Thani brand, and is also considering projects under other Dusit hotel brands, including dusitD2, DusitPrincess, and Dusit Devarana.

Japan is among the top ten destinations for travelers worldwide and draws ever increasing numbers of visitors each year. Visitor numbers grew by an average of 33% per annum between 2011-2015, and in 2017 the country recorded its most successful January yet by welcoming almost 2.3 million international visitors. With Japan preparing to host the Olympics in 2020, Dusit International is confident this upward trend will only continue and is delighted to be exploring options in this lucrative market.

"Two core areas for Dusit's profitable and sustainable growth include balance and expansion," said Ms Suphajee Suthumpun, Group Chief Executive Officer of Dusit International and Director of Dusit Colours. "In the next three years we aim to broaden our portfolio to have more than 50 per cent of our operations outside of Thailand, and entering key markets such as Japan will be essential to reaching this goal. We are delighted to partner with Colours International for this joint venture. Their local expertise and knowledge will prove invaluable as we explore projects designed to delight visitors and residents alike in Kyoto."

Mr Yoshihiro Matsumoto, President of Colours International, said, "Both Dusit International and Colours International are known for delivering distinctive hospitality inspired by the cultures of their native countries, so there's a real synergy between our operations. We look forward to making this joint venture a resounding success."

About Colours International

Colours International operates E-Hotels, a business hotel chain in Japan. It embraces "Cheerfulness, Fun and Warmth" as its core hospitality principles and offers its guests places, times, and services that are personal and comfortable.

Colours also plans to develop a higher-end business hotel franchise, the "E-Hotel Premium," which will be equipped chic decor and cutting-edge technology in great locations. The company aspires to make hotels that help invigorate Japan and create the next cultural foundations for the country while working in harmony with local communities.

For more information, please visit www.colours-international.jp

About Dusit International

Established in 1948, Dusit International or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: hotels and resorts, hospitality education, food, property development, and hospitality-related services.

The group's portfolio of hotels, resorts and luxury villas includes more than 300 properties operating under a total of six brands (Dusit Thani, Dusit Devarana, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 16 countries worldwide. The group also operates culinary schools and hospitality colleges in Thailand, plus catering companies for the education sector in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Dusit International's diversified investments in real estate development, hospitality-related services, and the food sector are part of its long-term strategy for sustainable growth, which focuses on three key areas: balance, expansion and diversification.

For more information, please visit dusit-international.com.
China promised yesterday to stick to its climate commitments after President Donald Trump eased U.S. curbs on coal and oil use, opening the way for Beijing to assert itself as a leader in environmental policy.

China is the No. 1 emitter of climate-changing greenhouse gases but also the top investor in solar, wind and other renewable energy. It has promised to cap coal use and rein in growth of carbon dioxide emissions.

As a responsible developing country, Chinas plan, determination and policy to tackle climate change is resolute, foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said.

Beijings collaboration on climate with Trumps predecessor, Barack Obama, had been seen as a bright spot in a bilateral relationship with numerous strains.

Trump has called climate change a hoax created by China and promised to unwind Obamas measures to curb global warming. Trumps order rescinded nearly a dozen measures enacted by Obama. Trump said he wanted to create more coal mining jobs, though industry analysts say demand is likely to decline as the price of solar, wind and other alternatives falls.

Asked about Trumps order at a regular news briefing, Lu didnt mention the United States or the American president but said Beijing was committed to carrying out its pledges under the Paris climate agreement negotiated in 2015.

Signed by 170 countries, the agreement calls for holding global temperature increases to no more than 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) in hopes of preventing sea level rise and environmental damage.

All signers should fulfill their pledges and implement the agreement with positive actions, Lu said.

We are willing to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with the international community to advance the global process of climate governance and promote the green, low-carbon and sustainable development so as to build a better future for next generations, he said.

China long resisted binding emissions limits, citing its economic development needs. Its about-face began in 2014 when President Xi Jinping, in a joint declaration with Obama, set a 2030 deadline for emissions to stop rising.

Despite the lack of a formal commitment, China already is making faster progress than most countries due to official efforts to reduce reliance on steel production and other heavy industry and to promote technology and consumer spending.

China has spent heavily on solar, wind and hydro power to clean up smog-choked cities and curb surging reliance on imported oil and gas. Researchers say that means carbon dioxide emissions are likely to peak before 2025, well ahead of the official target.

Chinas 2015 spending of USD103 billion was more than double the U.S. level of $44 billion, according to the U.N. Environment Program. China leads the world in wind and hydro generating capacity and is No. 2 behind Germany in solar.

Last year, Chinese coal consumption fell 4.7 percent, its third annual decline, according to official data. Coals share of total energy consumption fell to 62 percent from 2015s 64 percent.

In a report last week, the environmental groups CoalSwarm, the Sierra Club and Greenpeace said an unexpectedly sharp decline in the number of new coal-fired power plants being built in China and India improved chances that climate targets could be met. The two countries have suspended construction of more than 100 power plants, though dozens more still are due to come online by 2020.

Beijing also sees renewable energy as a commercial opportunity. Its leading solar panel producers are among their global industrys biggest competitors and Chinese state-owned utilities are building or buying wind and solar farms in Europe and Latin America.

A plan released in January by the Cabinets planning agency calls for spending another 2.5 trillion yuan ($360 billion) on renewable energy by 2020 in an effort to clean up smog-choked Chinese cities.

Still, the Cabinet says it expects at least 62 percent of Chinas power to come from coal in coming decades.

The development plan calls for doubling the share of Chinas energy from non-fossil fuels to 20 percent by 2030. But that will only bring China into line with todays global average.

Trumps order initiates a review of the Clean Power Plan, which restricts greenhouse gas emissions at coal-fired power plants.

The order also lifts a 14-month-old moratorium on new coal leases on federal lands. The Obama administration had argued the program must be modernized to ensure a fair financial return to taxpayers and address climate change.

The order covers a range of other Obama-era rules, including repeal of measures to consider the social cost of carbon emissions in all regulatory actions and crack down on methane emissions at oil and gas wells. It also eliminates a rule restricting fracking on public lands and another that requires energy companies to provide data on methane emissions at oil and gas operations. Joe McDonald, Beijing, AP
The Macau Museum of Art (MAM) will host its annual Spring Art Courses from early April until the end of June this year. The first admission list of selected candidates has been announced on MAMs webpage, with limited seats still available on some courses. The Spring Art Courses feature 22 classes for which nearly 700 applications have been received. Seats are still available in several art workshops, including Crazy Art: Childrens Creative Workshop, Creativity and Fact Recording in History Paintings, and Travelling the Inner Harbor with Drawings: Scenery Sketching which takes an overview of the coastal view along the Inner Harbor to tell the story of Macaus transformation.

Chief Executive to attend AL meeting on April 21

The Chief Executive, Chui Sai On, will attend a plenary session of the Legislative Assembly (AL) on April 21 where he will answer legislators questions on government policy and social issues. The session will start at 3 p.m. and will be broadcast live on television and radio channels of public broadcaster TDM. In addition to attending plenary sessions of the Assembly every year to deliver the Policy Address regarding the following fiscal year, the Chief Executive also attends two AL plenary meetings.

Live jazz on LMA

Live jazz music is about to get a permanent venue in Macau. Starting on April 2, the Live Music Association (LMA), located on avenue Do Coronel Mesquita, will host live sessions from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. The event is promoted by the Jazz Club. Local veteran band The Bridge will inaugurate the sessions.
During yesterdays Annual General Meeting of Companhia de Electricidade de Macau (CEM), the companys board of directors pledged to adopt more low-carbon emission approaches in power generation during this year.

It was noted that the natural gas supply for Coloane Power Station B resumed in March 2017, which is projected to lead to an increase in the proportion of power generated locally.

CEM will focus on three main areas for business development including the continued discussion with MSAR authorities over building new combined cycle gas turbine generator units, infrastructure improvement on the smart metering pilot project, the construction of the LEED-certified new Dispatching Centre, the expansion of the electric vehicle charging network in different districts, and increased and better communication between customers and the community.

The Annual General Meeting also approved the content of the 2016 Financial Statements and Annual Report. As previously reported by the Times, last year, power consumption in the MSAR increased by 5.8 percent year-on-year to a record high of 5,255 GWh, while peak demand climbed by 5.6 percent year-on-year to 932 MW. CEM reported a final net profit of MOP746 million for 2016.

The increase of overall power consumption in Macau, prompted an increase in local power generation by 4.6 percent to 787 GWh from 2015, accounting for 15 percent of the total power consumption of Macau. In addition, energy imported from mainland China in 2016 also went up 6.2 percent to 4,306 GWh compared with 2015, which provided 81.9 percent of the total power consumption.
Chinas government confirmed yesterday it is holding a Taiwanese pro-democracy activist and is investigating him on suspicion of pursuing activities harmful to national security, the latest detention in an ongoing crackdown on civil society.

Lee Ming-che, 42, cleared immigration in Macau on March 19 and never showed up for a planned meeting later that day with a friend in Zhuhai.

Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office said Lee was in good health but gave no information about where he was being held or other terms of his detention. Regarding Lee Ming-ches case, because he is suspected of pursing activities harmful to national security, the investigation into him is being handled in line with legal procedures, spokesman Ma Xiaoguang told reporters at a news briefing.

Amnesty International said Lees detention raises fears China is broadening its crackdown on legitimate activism, and urged the authorities to provide further details on his detention.

Lees detention on vague national security grounds will alarm all those that work with NGOs in China. If his detention is solely connected to his legitimate activism he must be immediately and unconditionally released, Nicholas Bequelin, the groups east Asia director, said by email.

Responding to Mas comments, Taiwans Cabinet-level Mainland Affairs Council said repeated requests have been made to China through both official and private channels for information about Lee, but none has been forthcoming.

It said he suffered from high blood pressure and other health problems, and asked that China please provide the appropriate medical care and ensure his physical health.

A colleague of Lees said he may have attracted the attention of Chinas security services after he used the social media platform WeChat to discuss China-Taiwan relations.

Cheng Hsiu-chuan, president of Taipeis Wenshan Community College where Lee has worked for the past year as a program director, said Lee used WeChat to teach an unknown number of people about China-Taiwan relations under the government of Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen.

For China, the material he was teaching would be seen as sensitive, Cheng said. WeChat has hundreds of millions of active users and is hugely popular in China, where other social media tools such as Twitter are blocked by the authorities.

Lee had traveled annually to China for the past decade to see friends, Cheng said. He would discuss human rights in private but had never held any public events there, Cheng said.

However, in mid-2016 Chinese authorities shut down Lees WeChat account and confiscated a box of books published in Taiwan on political and cultural issues, Cheng said.

On his most recent trip, Lee planned to see friends and obtain Chinese medicine for his mother-

in-law in Taiwan, his wife, Lee Ching-yu, said. He was expected to stay in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou through March 26, she said.

I want the government of China to act like a civilized country and tell me what theyre doing with my husband on what legal grounds and, like a civilized country, what they plan to do with him, Lee Ching-yu said.

China claims sovereignty over Taiwan, a free-wheeling democracy with personal and political freedoms largely unknown on the authoritarian, Communist-ruled mainland. China insists that the two sides must eventually unify and has raised pressure on Taiwan since the election last year of President Tsai, whose Democratic Progressive Party advocates for Taiwans formal independence. China and Taiwan split amid civil war in 1949.

While China has rarely been forthcoming with information about alleged national security crimes, Lees case could be further complicated by the fact that China cut off its already limited contacts with Tsais government last June.

National security crimes in China are broadly defined and have a range of penalties. Authorities usually release little or no information on the specific allegations, citing the need to protect state secrets.

Powers of the security services in dealing with foreign groups and their Chinese partners were strongly enhanced under a law that took effect in January, leading to concerns about further prosecutions and restrictions on civil society.

Under President Xi Jinping, China has widely suppressed independent organizations and dissenters, as well as lawyers defending people caught up in its crackdown. Rights groups say activists are increasingly being accused of subversion or other crimes against state security.

Dozens of lawyers have been questioned or detained in an ongoing campaign against dissident lawyers launched in July 2015.

Christopher Bodeen & Ralph Jennings, Beijing, AP
The former public prosecutor general, Ho Chio Meng called yesterday for the help of the court and journalists present at the latest session of the trial in which he is defendant.

As has become the pattern over the course of proceedings, just before the lunch break of yesterdays session, the defendant stood to comment on facts previously discussed during the hearing of an investigator from the Commission Against Corruption (CCAC) who had investigated Hos case.

However, this time Ho requested the courts assistance to obtain important information from the three witnesses who were listed to be heard during last weeks court sessions but did not attend.

They could testify. They could prove many important things like the use of the Teachers Resting Room and of the Cheoc Van villa and also the trip to Denmark, Ho said anxiously.

During the statement, Ho partially revealed the identity of these witnesses, noting that they were the director of the Public Prosecutions Office of Guangdong province, the head of the Public Prosecutions Office of the city of Zhuhai and the most important one, a high ranked official from Chinas Supreme Court.

Regarding the Supreme Court official, Ho remarked that he knew they could not come to Macau to testify due to the one country, two systems constitutional principle, but he requested the help of the Court of Final Appeal (TUI) to find ways to hear their testimony regardless.

Previously (on at least two instances during the first sessions of the case), Ho had requested help from the Liaison Office which had refused to help him, saying that people he believed to be friends had turned their backs on him.

Exiting the courtroom yesterday, Ho addressed a similar call for help to the journalists, saying Help me, please.

During the morning session, the court proceeded with the hearing of a CCAC investigator reviewed the findings from the department related to contracts awarded for cleaning and security, plague prevention, copying machines maintenance and air conditioning, rental and plant maintenance.

The witness, with the help of the prosecution, sought to establish a link between the contracts, proposals, and minutes found within the Public Prosecutions Office (MP) archives with the support of electronic documents found on MP computers and other electronic devices, primarily from Lam Hou Un and Wang Xiandi. Both Lam and Wang are also accused of taking part in the scheme to benefit from the profits of an alleged criminal organization led by Ho.

The investigator tried to prove that the accused would take commissions greater than usual, for these contracts, in addition to the fact that several measures were taken within the MP to evade the law in different ways to directly award contracts instead of going through the mandatory public tender process.

On the other hand, the defendants lawyer, Oriana Pun, sought to refute questioning on the position Ho held in relation to those cases.

The investigator replied that the former prosecutor general, in the cases prior to 2011, had signed the final proposal that led to the contracts being awarded.

Pun also remarked that two people who were not defendants in any of the cases have also spoken on the matter, calling for the presentation of concrete evidence that Ho knew of the issue, and moreover, actually directed the contracts to be awarded.

The investigator then commented on the creation of the so-called general management group, which was created by Ho, and was allegedly responsible for the processes that led to the criminal acts.

Pun once again asked for proof that Ho was directly involved, but the investigator failed to provide it, claiming, they are in some small things.

Also in his remarks before the lunch break, Ho expressed his repulsion over the prospect that the general management group had sought to commit crimes, explaining that the group was created to do many works that no department wanted to take. Small and diverse things that were important.

Polytec owner involved in Hos trial

Or Wai Sheun, real estate tycoon and owner of Polytec Group, was unexpectedly involved in Ho Chio Mengs trial yesterday.

Or was suggested to be involved in Hos acquisition of an apartment in the Villa del Mer building, a development of Polytec Group in the Areia Preta area.

The accusation is that the residential unit was acquired for a discount of about 25 percent from market value (around HKD 2 million) by Mak Im Tai, one of the alleged leaders of one of the shelf companies, who is being trialed separately in the Court of First Instance (TJB).

Mak was allegedly a friend and a partner of Or in other businesses, and was afforded special benefits in acquisitions, benefits that he eventually passed to Chao Sio Fu, Hos wife, with the consent of Or.

The information came during the hearing of three witnesses who were all managers in different departments within Polytec Group.

The last of the three was a member of the finance department named Ip, and she admitted to have been the person who provided extensive information to the TUI on the case.

However, she did not fully explain at the time the unaccounted figure of HDK2 million, despite the presence of receipts for the sum. During yesterdays trial, she explained that this was because it covered the discount offered by Or to Mak, as the sum was eventually paid back into Polytec Group accounts with money allegedly from the owner of the company who had given orders to use an account from another company owned by Or  Hongs Trading company  to repay the missing money. Polytec is listed on the Hong Kong stock market and could not risk being penalized for these actions.

Ip sought to explain why Or and Polytec Group took so many risks and performed several illegal financial tasks to benefit the former public prosecutor.

She said that such activities were not exceptional within the company, although she failed to give concrete figures on how many times similar acts were done in the past.

Before the closing of the session, Ho made a statement, saying, I have no knowledge of any benefit or discount given to me, stating once again that the house was bought in his wifes name.

Ho also said that he paid the price in full believing that was the family [brothers and sisters] that had paid that first part.
The Electoral Affairs Commission for the Legislative Assembly Election (CAEAL) plans to set limits on the level of noise that can be produced in public places during the campaigning period in a bid to mitigate noise pollution.

The chairman of the Commission, Tong Hio Fong, said yesterday that the Commission hopes to achieve a balance between the promotion efforts of campaign teams and the variety of lifestyles in the community, given that a number of people work shifts as part of round-the-clock services, according to a statement issued by the Government Information Bureau.

Tong briefed the press yesterday after a meeting with representatives of the Environmental Protection Bureau to discuss issues associated with the election which will be held on September 17.

CAEAL claims that regulating the noise level generated by campaigning events will be relatively difficult so it plans instead take into consideration the scheduled time of any proposed event to check if its occurrence is prohibited by existing regulations. However, the Commission noted that campaign promotion via broadcasting vans or use of other equipment was within the rights of campaign teams.

Tong also mentioned a meeting held on Tuesday between a member of the Commission and representatives from the Macau People with Visually Impaired Right Promotion Association. The meeting was held to discuss issues relating to the design of ballots and of voting procedures for the visually impaired, after the association voiced their concern about the initial arrangements.

According to CAEAL, the idea of designing a ballot specially for the visually impaired is to allow such people an alternate method of voting. They can, if they prefer  and as in previous elections  ask for assistance in casting their vote from someone they trust.

Regarding the allocation of polling stations, Mr Tong said the Commission would choose schools and facilities of public entities as ballot stations. CAEAL is still looking for appropriate venues given that some venues used in previous elections will be undergoing construction work at the time of the upcoming election. CAEAL plans to operate around 33 polling stations.
An armed militant group fighting Myanmars government on behalf of the countrys Muslim Rohingya minority has issued a statement asserting its right to self-defense and denying links to any terrorist group.

The statement, dated March 29 but released Tuesday through overseas sympathizers, is the first public announcement issued in the name of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, which previously called itself the Faith Movement, or Harakah al-Yaqin. Analysts including the Brussel-based International Crisis Group say it has been carrying out armed resistance.

The statement says the group came forward to defend, salvage and protect Rohingya community in Arakan with our best capacities as we have the legitimate right under international law to defend ourselves in line with the principle of self-defense. Arakan is another term for Rakhine, the western state of Myanmar where most of the countrys 1 million Rohingya live.

The Rohingya face severe discrimination in Buddhist-majority Myanmar and were the targets of inter-communal violence in 2012 that killed hundreds and drove about 140,000 people  predominantly Rohingya  from their homes to camps for the internally displaced, where most remain. Most are denied citizenship because they are looked on as having migrated illegally from Bangladesh.

The statement issued 20 demands to the government for ensuring Rohingya rights.

In October last year, armed men killed nine Myanmar border guards, triggering a savage counterinsurgency sweep by the army in the Rohingya area of Rakhine. Alleged human rights abuses by the army, including rape and killing of civilians and the burning of more than 1,000 homes, caused international criticism and led to a U.N. Human Rights Council call last week for an independent international investigation.

Harakah al-Yaqin has taken credit for the killings of the border guards, according to the International Crisis Group, and the government has accused them of being terrorists.

We do not associate with any terrorist group across the world, the Arakan groups statement said. We do not commit any form of terrorism against any civilian regardless of their religious and ethnic origin as we do not subscribe to the notion of committing terrorism for our legitimate cause. 

It said the group assures the safety and wellbeing of all ethnic communities, their places of worship and properties in Rakhine state. Grant Peck, Bangkok, AP
Macau billionaire Ng Lap Sengs assistant, Jeff Yin, who is standing trial in New York over several charges including bribery, is now in plea talks with the prosecution, his lawyer said yesterday [Macau time].

A plea bargain is an agreement in a criminal case between the prosecution and the defendant whereby the latter agrees to plead guilty in exchange for some sort of concession from the prosecutor, typically a more lenient sentence.

The information was published in a letter filed in a Manhattan federal court by Yins lawyer, which noted that prosecutors had agreed to negotiate a plea bargain.

His lawyer, Sabrina Shroff, is seeking to have the court deadlines extended so that Yin can consider the offer. According to Reuters, Shroff said in the letter that the offer is complex and involves civil tax assessment and liabilities.

She would not comment directly to Reuters on the plea bargain, nor would Ngs lawyer or the U.S. Attorneys Office in Manhattan.

Yin, who is a U.S. citizen based in California, is standing trial alongside his employer, Ng Lap Seng. Both are accused of committing a number crimes, ranging from bribery, money laundering and tax evasion charges, and could face prison time if convicted.

It is not clear at this stage which of the charges Yin would plead guilty to under the terms of the plea bargain.

Ng and Yin are accused paying USD500,000 in bribes to former United Nations General Assembly President John Ashe, who died in June under mysterious circumstances while awaiting trial.

The objective was to secure Ashes support for a U.N.-backed conference center in Macau, which would be constructed by Ngs real estate company and would allegedly serve as his legacy in the MSAR.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said yesterday he has asked the U.S. ambassador why America did not deploy an armada of warships to pressure China to stop constructing man-made islands that are now at the heart of regional concerns in the disputed South China Sea.

Duterte said in a speech that U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim was unable to reply to the question when they met Monday in southern Davao city, where the president had a separate meeting with the Chinese ambassador. While criticizing the U.S., Duterte did not berate Chinas behavior in his speech.

Duterte said he told Kim that he was surprised by what he described as U.S. inaction when newspapers were publishing pictures of Chinas construction of runways and other structures on the newly built islands in the disputed waters.

Had America really wanted to avoid trouble, early on [] why did you not send the armada of the 7th Fleet which is stationed there in the Pacific, you just make a U-turn and go there and tell them right on their face, stop it? Duterte said he asked Kim, referring to the U.S. naval fleet based in Japan.

Kim, who arrived in Manila last year as American ambassador, replied that he was assigned elsewhere at the time and could not give an answer, Duterte said.

Duterte spoke in a visit to Oriental Mindoro province a day after concerns were raised over a report by a U.S. think tank that China has nearly completed construction work on three man-made islands that will allow it to deploy combat aircraft and surface-to-air missiles.

The Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies analyzed recent satellite photos and concluded that runways, aircraft hangers, radar sites and hardened surface-to-air missile shelters have either been finished or are nearing completion.

One of the islands mentioned in the report, Philippine-claimed Mischief Reef, was seized by China in 1995, drawing protests from Manila then. Another island, Subi, is very close to a Philippine-occupied island in the Spratly chain, which is claimed in whole or in part by China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei.

Duterte repeated that he would not go to war with militarily superior China over the territorial conflict.

The first thing that will be blasted away from this planet Earth will be Palawan, Duterte said, referring to the western Philippine island province facing the disputed waters. All of the deposits of armaments of the Americans, including ours, are there.

When Duterte took office in June, he reached out to China to mend relations strained under his predecessor, Benigno Aquino III, over the territorial dispute. While taking a friendly stance toward Beijing, he lashed out at the United States for criticizing his brutal campaign against illegal drugs.

Duterte thanked President Xi Jinping over the renewed friendship and return of normal trade relations, praising the Chinese leader as very kind.

Duterte, however, said he will invoke an international arbitration ruling that declared China has no historic title to the disputed waters if Beijing drills for oil or gas in a shoal contested by China and the Philippines. AP
* Ho Chio Meng trial | Polytec owner accused of collusion with Ho

* Its over: Britain files for divorce from the European Union

* Expansion beyond borders

* Marcel Khalife in Macau

* Detention of Taiwanese activist confirmed

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Thursday, March 30, 2017  edition no. 2774
COEUR D'ALENE (AP)  Officials said a northern Idaho man arrested for unlawfully possessing firearms was handed over to the U.S. Marshal's Service.

The U.S. Marshal Service's took custody of Eric Corbett, 45, on Tuesday, the Bonner County Daily Bee reported. Corbett had been living in Elmira for 17 years under the alias Jubal Burke. Police said he was arrested for the firearms and partly for evading the authorities for so long.

Officials said he faces 15 to 21 months in prison if convicted of the weapons possession charge.

In 2016, he was indicted for possession of a shotgun and three hunting rifles, which he is barred from having for a prior witness tampering conviction in Florida in 1996. Court records state that Corbett had been a well-known drug addict and a petty thief.

In 2000, Corbett changed his name and moved to Idaho. Corbett worked in the state as a farmer and wood craftsman.

"After serving 41 months, losing his farm, his life's savings, and his wife, Mr. Corbett was released. But local police officers threatened to find a reason  any reason  to re-incarcerate him. So, he fled," said Corbett's Attorney Colin Prince in a motion requesting that he be released to the custody of his wife, Stacy White, a regional supervisor with the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare.

Corbett's friends and family wrote letters to the court to show their support for him and two testified on his behalf on Tuesday.

"We need more people on this planet like Eric Corbett. Then the world would be a better place," friend Holly Foderaro wrote.
Virginia Tech Professor Marc Edwards released to CNN the unpublished results of a study that show the Flint water crisis most likely caused the deadly outbreak of Legionnaires disease that killed at least 12 people since 2014.

Edwards is the independent Virginia Tech researcher who found lead in Flint's drinking water back in 2015, when state officials still denied it was leeching into the water supply.

The engineering professor says he recreated the crisis in his lab this winter and found that the corrosive water created an environment where bacteria could flourish.

"What we discovered was that when the Flint River water went into the system it released a lot of iron, and removed the disinfectant from the water," Edwards said. "And in combination, those two factors, the iron as a nutrient and the disinfectant disappearing, allowed legionella to thrive in buildings where it could not do so previously."

Flint's water crisis happened because state officials made a temporary switch in the water supply and did not properly treat the water with an anti-corrosive agent. That decision caused the harsh water to eat away at the pipes as it traveled to homes. Lead pipes leeched lead into the water, poisoning hundreds. Iron pipes leeched iron, Edwards said - and created the conditions for the Legionnaires outbreak.

"The triggering event was very clearly the use of Flint River water without any corrosion control," Edwards said.

"Had the corrosion control been in the water, disinfectant would have been higher, iron would have been lower, probably the outbreak would not have occurred."

Investigations into the outbreak

Edwards' experiment compared bacteria levels of corrosive Flint water in his lab to levels in properly treated water in Detroit. He has been studying what happened in Flint since before the crisis was even acknowledged by the state of Michigan. Edwards predicted during the water crisis that a lack of corrosion control could lead to a Legionnaires outbreak.

"It was only later that we realized that one was, it just wasn't public knowledge," Edwards told CNN.

Legionnaires' disease is a respiratory bacterial infection usually spread through mist that comes from a water source; it isn't spread person-to-person. Symptoms include fever, chills and a cough.

The Flint outbreak was one of the largest in U.S. history, and Edwards said it's likely the first to originate in a drinking water system. Twelve people died, and almost 90 were sickened during two waves of the outbreak in 2015.

There has never before been a scientific link to the cause of the Flint outbreak, because, as a CNN investigation revealed last spring, state officials allegedly stopped the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from coming to Flint to determine the cause during the first wave of the outbreak.

Even though the CDC said it wanted to investigate, the CDC said the state insisted on handling it. Michigan did provide assistance, but never found the cause of the outbreak.

According to CDC protocol, a state must "invite" the CDC to investigate an outbreak, and the county said Michigan did not do that.

Michigan officials said they believed they had the expertise to do a proper investigation, saying "we were able to meet the epidemiological case investigation need in the county. CDC was a part of these conversations as they were involved in many aspects of the investigations."

Edwards said of the CDC, "not having the world's foremost experts on legionella come to Flint and diagnose the cause of this outbreak was really unfortunate, not just from the perspective of samples not being collected, but probably the CDC could have forced action earlier that could have prevented further outbreaks and deaths that actually occurred in 2015."

'Every piece of this is important'

So, as prosecutors move forward with a criminal investigation into the deaths in Flint, they don't have hard proof that the water crisis caused the outbreak of Legionnaires.

"Every piece of this is important," said Bill Schuette, Michigan's attorney general, who has been leading the criminal investigation into what happened in Flint. Already he's charged people in connection with the outbreak. Emails obtained show that in late 2014, state officials were questioning whether the epidemic was related to the water source.

But the state has maintained that Flint's McLaren hospital was the culprit, since many of the patients contracted the disease after being treated there.

In February, the CDC found a genetic link -- a matching strain of legionella -- between the city's water system and three patients who were diagnosed. It found that at least one patient who fell ill was never in contact with the hospital.

But that just led to more questions. The state is saying the hospital caused the outbreak, and the hospital is saying the state caused it.

"And the reality is, they both did," Edwards said, adding that the ultimate responsibility for preventing the spread of disease at the hospital falls to the hospital.

In a statement, to CNN, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said it will "carefully consider" Edwards' findings.

"We have great respect for Dr. Edwards and his work. But we are not aware of water samples from the city of Flint water system that genetically link to any cases, as would be necessary to make a causal determination."

The hospital said it also welcomes the research.

"We have not seen the same level of concern or scientific diligence from officials with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, so we welcome the researchers' ongoing efforts and hope they are able to increase the volume on this important discussion," McLaren Hospital said in a statement.

The state's "continued attacks" on McLaren and the "lack of action" from the state has been "staggering," the statement said.

Edwards said he has legionella samples from Flint's water during the outbreak and he is trying to match them to the samples from patients. But 100% scientific certainty may never be known.

"It's difficult to do that -- because you're trying to go back in time. whether anyone does that or not, remains to be seen," Edwards said. "What our experiment is going to do is show why the Flint river water was growing more legionella. This is the only way you can do that testing becuase that water doesn't exist anymore, we had to recreate it," he said.

Schuette told CNN that part of his investigation will look at the potential that there were more deaths caused by Legionnaires that were misdiagnosed or improperly diagnosed as hospital officials tried to contain the crisis.

"Whether it's 12 or 15 or whatever the number is, people died from the water in Flint, and accountability has to be delivered," Schuette said.

Already, the Michigan Attorney General's office has brought charges against 13 people, including some accused of covering up the outbreak.

"There are some people who altered figures. There are some people who monkeyed with the figures," Schuette said. "I think there was too much of an attitude of balance sheets and figures instead of safety and making sure the water system worked right. And that attitude I think was corrosive, as well, and I think far too prevalent."

In his office, Schuette said he keeps a reminder of the victims -- a nametag of the daughter of a man who died.

She approached Schuette at an event and thanked him.

"Feeling that, being around that, really underscored the significance of what this investigation was about," he said.
MURTAUGH  Its a tradition with little fanfare. All it takes is a push of a button  or five.

On Wednesday, March 29, five giant gates at Murtaugh Lake swung open, releasing irrigation water into the 120-mile Twin Falls canal system.

Its an annual ceremony that started in 1905 and has been re-enacted 112 times. Its a crucial part of what puts the magic in the Magic Valley, bringing life to 203,000 acres of desert land.

A plentiful snowpack promises a good start  and finish  to a growing season that will produce $200 million worth of crops.

Were optimistic, said Jay Barlogi, field supervisor with Twin Falls Canal Co. The water supply looks good.

The snowpack that feeds the Snake River is 130 percent of normal; reservoirs above Milner are filled to only 63 percent to leave room for possible floodwaters as snow continues to melt in the mountains of eastern Idaho and western Wyoming.

While this winter was hard on many, the Twin Falls Canal Co. fared well, Barlogi said. Floodwaters filled hundreds of sediment basins throughout the canal system, but did little damage.

Flooding prevented the canal company from its usual winter tasks however, Watermaster Troy Jones said, leaving workers scrambling now to burn laterals and ditches ahead of the irrigation water.

The system will take nearly two weeks to charge, Barlogi said. The company will begin charging laterals April 10 and water will be available for irrigation around April 17.

Water first pours from the Snake River into the Shoestring Canal at Milner Dam, then travels to Murtaugh Lake, which holds 6,000 acre-feet or about two days worth of irrigation water.

The lake has remained full for the past three winters as part of the states managed aquifer recharge, said Doug Stanger, dam tender.

Water enters the Main Line Canal from the lake, then travels roughly 20 miles to The Forks south of Hansen where the canal splits. The High Line Canal crosses some 50 miles of farmland to Castleford. The Low Line Canal stays to the north and parallels the High Line to Buhl.

Fifty gauge sites throughout the system measure canal flows to ensure a continuous, but prudent flow from the automated gates at the lake.
Drivers  The American Cancer Society is looking for volunteer drivers for its Road to Recovery program. Volunteers are needed to drive cancer patients to and from medical treatment facilities, especially for appointments in Twin Falls. The Cancer Society trains volunteer drivers and schedules rides for patients for free. Drivers must have a current and valid drivers license, a good driving record, a safe and reliable car, and proof of car insurance. The program is flexible for volunteers to provide as many rides as they want. Information: 1-800-227-2345.

Volunteers  Twin Falls County Board of Community Guardians is seeking volunteer guardians. Anyone interested in volunteering to serve the community is invited to attend an open house from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, at Twin Falls County West Planning and Zoning Conference Room, 630 Addison Ave. W., Suite 1100, Twin Falls. Refreshments will be provided. Information: Sarah Heck, 208-736-5048, ext. 2222.

Volunteers  Explore Volunteer Opportunities Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 6, at Twin Falls Senior Center, 530 Shoshone St. W. The event will include volunteer opportunities and information. Representatives will be available from local nonprofits, including Idaho Hospice Visions, CASA, Interlink Volunteer Caregivers, Idaho Youth Ranch, The Crisis Center, La Posada Ministries, Mustard Seed, Rising Stars Therapeutic Riding Center, Office on Agings Senior Companion Program and the Twin Falls Senior Center to discuss their services. Information: Twin Falls Senior Center, 208-734-5084, or Nora Wells at Hospice Visions, 208-735-0121.

Volunteers  Idaho Home Health and Hospice needs volunteers who will bring compassion, support and dignity to those facing a serious, life-limiting illness and their families. Volunteers can choose between offering respite to family caregivers or provide support with administrative tasks. Information: Heidi Walker, 208-734-4064 or Heidi.Walker@LHCgroup.com.

Volunteers  The Senior Companion Program at the CSI Office on Aging needs volunteers, age 55 and older, to assist homebound seniors by providing friendly visits, transportation or other assistance as needed. Senior Companions can make positive impacts by helping to improve the mental and emotional status of their clients. Senior Companions receive a stipend per hour of service (to income eligible seniors) and can work between 15 to 40 hours a week. They receive reimbursement for mileage, and training on age-related problems. Information: Dandre, 208-736-2122, or toll free, 800-574-8656.

Volunteers  Horizon Home Health and Hospice is looking for volunteers to join their team to provide quality compassionate care to patients through the following activities: companionship, socialization, respite, and support for patients and families and much more. Information: Cynthia Nixon, 208-800-8085 or cnixon@horizonhh.com.

Volunteers  St Lukes Home Health and Hospice is looking for new volunteers to join its team to share compassion and care and increase the quality of life for patients and their families. This program is designed to offer companionship and socialization to the patients as well as respite and support for the caregivers. Information: Marie Sharp, 208-814-7603 or sharpm@slhs.org.

Volunteers  St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center has several volunteer positions with opportunities to serve others and meet new people. You may get to congratulate someone on the birth of a new baby; smile and take someones mind off their problems; make a patients day by delivering flowers to them in their hospital room; and offer a kind word, give a hug, or listen to someone who needs to talk. For an application packet or information: Kim Patterson, 208-814-0861.

Volunteers  Community volunteers are needed to become CASA volunteer advocates to represent the best interest of abused children during the court process. Volunteer candidates must pass a background check and receive training and continued support as they speak up and make the difference in the lives of abused children. The program covers all eight counties in south-central Idaho. Information: Tahna Barton, 208-735-1177.

Volunteers  Interlink Volunteer Caregivers, a nonprofit organization, provides volunteers to elderly, disabled and chronically ill people, assisting with routine tasks so they can remain independent at home. Volunteers are needed in all eight counties of the Magic Valley to help with light housekeeping and also in the Wendell and Gooding area with transportation. Volunteers are reimbursed for mileage monthly and covered with excess auto liability insurance. Commitment is flexible with no minimum hours required. Information: Edie, 208-733-6333 or email ivcofmv@gmail.com.

Drivers  The Twin Falls Senior Center needs drivers to deliver meals to homebound seniors in Twin Falls Monday through Friday. The routes take an hour or less to complete. Commitment is based on your availability. Volunteers must be 18 years of age with their own car, and have proof of liability insurance and a background check. Drivers receive 53.5 cents a mile fuel reimbursement. Information: 208-734-5084.
TWIN FALLS  A man in a drunken rage tried to crush a teenager between two pickups, then turned his attention to trashing the teens truck before he was eventually subdued with a stun gun, police say.

Eduardo Ortega-Cabrera, 23, of Twin Falls was charged Thursday in Twin Falls County Magistrate Court on a felony count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and misdemeanor counts of battery, driving under the influence, malicious injury to property and resisting arrest.

Police say the incident at Ortega-Cabreras ex-girlfriends house about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday first turned destructive when he kicked out the front windshield of a truck belonging to his ex-girlfriends juvenile male friend. The teen went out to confront Ortega-Cabrera, sparking a fist fight that ended when Ortega-Cabrera got in his Toyota pickup and tried hitting the teen.

(He) put it into reverse and gunned the throttle, backing directly toward (the teen) who had to move out of the way or be crushed between the two vehicles, Twin Falls County Sheriffs Cpl. Chris Bratt wrote in a sworn affidavit.

Ortega-Cabrera then repeatedly slammed into the teens truck, court documents said, each time pushing the truck deeper and deeper into the yard and eventually through a barbed-wire fence.

The teen was distraught over the destruction of his yellow Chevrolet pickup, which he explained to police had sentimental value because his grandfather gave it to him before he died, court documents said. The teen left the scene, but Ortega-Cabrera wasnt done.

Ortega gathered hand and power tools from his vehicle and began to destroy the interior of (the teens) truck, Bratt wrote. He broke all windows in the vehicle, all exterior lights, front and rear, tore the dashboard off, cut the stereo wires, attempted to cut the steering column and pulled all plastic fascia off the dash. It also appeared he may have cut the seat in several places.

The teen returned with his sister and brother-in-law, and the three of them fought with Ortega-Cabrera until police arrived, court documents said. Ortega-Cabrera then struggled and resisted as deputies from Twin Falls County and police officers from Twin Falls and Kimberly tried pulling him from his truck.

Kimberly Police Cpl. Alex Arrington used a stun gun to finally subdue Ortega-Cabrera enough to be placed in handcuffs, court documents said. He was taken to the emergency room at St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center for his injuries, and then booked into jail.

Ortega-Cabrera is in custody at the Twin Falls County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bond and is set for a preliminary hearing April 7.
BURLEY  A special prosecutor assigned to handle a case against a Burley man charged after schoolgirls said he tried to lure them from the playground dismissed the remaining charges Wednesday.

The Jerome County Prosecutors Office filed a motion to dismiss misdemeanor battery and enticing of children charges against 51-year-old Vadian Dougal.

The court issued an order of dismissal Wednesday.

Dougal was originally charged with felony second-degree kidnapping along with the misdemeanor charges. The felony charge was dismissed earlier this month.

Dougal was arrested along with another man at his home near White Pine Elementary School, where the girls said the incident occurred. Charges were later dropped against the second man.

The girls said the two men tried to grab them and lure them off school grounds with the promise of candy and money.

One child said Dougal was loitering near a light pole on school grounds after she got off the bus. When she walked away, she told police, Dougal ran up to her and grabbed her by the arm. She said he let go when she hit his arm.

The Jerome prosecutor took the case in November when Cassia County Prosecutor Doug Abenroth said he had a conflict of interest with a witness.

Other prosecutors turned the case down.

The Jerome County prosecutor has a policy of not speaking with reporters.
KETCHUM  A lack of interest may put a cramp in a plan to offer Ketchum students a middle school option in their hometown.

In late February, Blaine County school trustees voted 3-2 on a three-year expansion of Ernest Hemingway Elementary School in Ketchum to include middle school. It would start with adding sixth-grade next school year.

Trustees also decided to make the whole schools focus revolve around STEAM  science, technology, engineering, arts and math.

Blaine County only has two middle schools: in Carey and Wood River Middle School in Hailey. It means middle schoolers who live in Ketchum must travel at least 12 miles each way to get to school.

Earlier this school year, 45 fifth-graders expressed interest in attending middle school in Ketchum next year. But since then, numbers have dropped to 35  not enough to meet school trustees criteria.

Thats not enough to sustain two classrooms, school district spokeswoman Heather Crocker said.

And that means the plan could be in danger.

Parents: If youre interested in having your child attend Hemingway for sixth grade next year, contact the school district office. The number of interested students must be finalized within the next week, Crocker said.

The school board will likely hear an update from the superintendent during its April 11 meeting.

Hemingway Elementary principal Don Haisley wasnt available comment Tuesday.

Parent Caroline Hobbs, a nurse practitioner who has three children, said shed like to see Hemingway Elementary include middle school.

I am a huge supporter of this and am trying to make it happen in any way I can, she said.

Hobbs and her family moved to the Wood River Valley three years ago, and toured all of the schools in the valley. Hemingway is an excellent public school, she said, with outstanding teachers and staff.

Her son is in fifth grade and she has twins in second grade.

She said shes attracted to the STEAM focus and its project-based learning model. Her son loves math and science.

Hobbs said research also shows kindergarten through eighth-grade schools foster a safe environment for middle schoolers, and allows them to be leaders in the school.

Plus, having a middle school option in Ketchum is a big selling factor for Hobbs and her husband. They both work full-time in Ketchum.

During a Feb. 21 meeting, school trustees heard a presentation about two options for Hemingway as a STEAM school: keeping the current grade levels or expanding to include middle school.

Trustees opted to add middle school, but the vote came with conditions such as keeping middle school enrollment up so the offering would be cost-neutral for the school district.

Trustees Shawn Bennion and Cami Bustos opposed the motion.

A video of the meeting is posted to the school districts YouTube channel.

Bennion said during the meeting the STEAM focus for kindergarten through fifth grade would be a unique draw for Hemingway. Personally, Im more comfortable moving forward with that idea.

But he said hes hesitant about adding sixth through eighth grades  especially, since its based on interest from only this years fifth graders.

I have my concerns about the longevity of the program, where it stands right now, he said. And with Haisley retiring and a new principal coming in next school year, its a lot to take on, he added.

Trustee Kevin Garrison said during the meeting hes concerned about the number of moving parts  the STEAM initiative, adding middle school and a new principal at Hemingway Elementary next year.

Instead of just one baby, that feels like three babies, he said.

Garrison said hes also concerned about test scores among Hispanic students and addressing that should be a focus.

Ketchum parent Andrew Johnston, who has a son in fifth-grade at Hemingway Elementary, told the Times-News on Tuesday hell be disappointed if the plan to offer middle school in Ketchum doesnt go through.

The school board voting on a three-year expansion to include middle school is a big approval, he said, and an unbelievable opportunity.

Johnston said he thinks some people are focused just on adding sixth-grade next year and not looking at it from a long-term perspective.

The topic of middle school in Ketchum arose after Superintendent GwenCarol Holmes began in her job position and conducted listening tours across the Wood River Valley.

Ketchum parents, business and government officials all expressed interest in exploring a local secondary school option, Crocker said.

Then the school district did extensive surveying and responses indicated interest in offering middle school in Ketchum.

School officials formed task forces, and held community meetings in English and Spanish to present the options for Hemingway Elementary.
March 25, 1946  March 23, 2017

On Sunday, March 19, 2017 Billy J. Dillard left the St Lukes Hospital to make his last trip home to the Camas Prairie to enter into hospice care. He had chosen to leave this life on his terms not dictated by cancer or chemotherapy. Mother Nature decided at the same time to test his warrior team by releasing the flood waters in the mountains and sending them to fill the surrounding fields. Bill arrived as the water was about to go over our bridge over troubled waters, and he was helped up the plank into the house. Bill settled in, the water continued to rise and the team prepared to deal now with Father Time.

Marilyn, team leader and wife of 35 years was supported and made strong by sons Ricky Dillard, Joey Dillard, Jerry Dillard, Eric Stewart, daughter Shawna Stewart, first wife and friend Dona VanGorder, grandson Daniel Dillard and sister-in-law Jodie Ivie. The time passed, the water continued to flow as his home was filled with memories, laughter, tears, comforting, strength and determination. On Thursday, March 23rd our hero left this life as quiet and unassuming as he had lived. He and the water found its channel and silently flowed away leaving the prairie together.

Billy J. Dillard was born March 25, 1946 in Oklahoma to Fred Arnel and Becky Letha Mae Dillard. The family moved to Eastern Idaho settling in the Arco area. Bill graduated from High School in Arco in 1964 and entered the Air Force that summer. He met and married Dona Carter in 1965. After leaving the military they lived and worked around the Buhl area before moving to Corral to farm.

Bill and Marilyn were married in 1985 and Bill went to work for the Idaho Transportation Department until he retired. He farmed for two special families and cherished their friendships. Doug Hallowell, Dirk Hallowell, Clay France, Vic Martin were great friends and support.

Bill drove school bus and had many little friends on his route. He was always coming home with a note from one of them and the little girls loved him. The notes were precious and heartwarming and covered with big red hearts.

Bill had a midlife crisis and purchased a motorcycle which he loved and rode whenever possible...he and his easy rider friend Elwyn Stiles enjoyed many hours of riding or plotting the next adventure.

Bill is survived by his wife Marilyn, sons Ricky, Joey (Maria), Shawna (Mike), Jerry, Eric (Eileen) , brothers Johnny, Jim (Connie) sisters, Dorothy (Wayne), Mary (Roger). First wife and friend Dona ( Van), Eight grandchildren, one great grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents, eight brothers, one sister and one grandson Michael Levi Stewart.

We would like to thank everyone for the calls, thoughts, prayers and concerns. Alliance and Sandee Haynes for allowing us to bring Bill home under hospice care. All of the great people of Camas County Sheriff Department, EMTs and Wes Walker...next to Bill he gives the best hugs!

Bill was cremated and we will have a celebration of his life later in the summer...we invite everyone to join us as we share stories and memories. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Camas County Senior Center, Box 217 Fairfield, Idaho.
February 8, 1923 

March 26, 2017

ST. GEORGE, UtahBurley, Idaho  Joan Anthony, Virginia Affleck, Susan Rignell, and Vicky Howell announce the passing of their father, Clarence Wesley Fuzz Vallette on March 26, 2017, in St. George, Utah, at the age of 94.

Fuzz was preceded in death by his first wife, Pearl Rasmussen Vallette, who passed away on January 2, 1988. Fuzz is survived by his four daughters; his second wife, Maida Rasmussen Vallette, who kept constant vigil at his bedside until his passing having succumbed to illness brought on by a weakened heart; his brother, Lee Vallette; sister, Marjorie McLaws; 17 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and two step-children and their families.

Born February 8, 1923 to Claude and Wilma Vallette in Declo, Idaho. Fuzz, through hard work and perseverance, became a journeyman electrician as well as a craftsman carpenter. He plied his trade at Minidoka Dam in Idaho, Grand Coulee Dam in the state of Washington, and Hoover Dam in Nevada, retiring when he was 51 to Springdale, Idaho, where he personally built his own home.

Dad was very proud of his service in the United States Army during World War II. Leaving behind an expectant wife and an 18-month old baby daughter, he was in the European theater in Germany. He proudly served his country as one of Americas Greatest Generation.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he held many and varied callings in the church. Dad and Maida were called to be full-time missionaries for the church and served in the Missouri area as Service Missionaries on two different occasions.

Funeral services will be held in St. George, Utah on Friday, March 31, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Metcalf Mortuary Chapel located at 288 West St. George Blvd. A visitation will be held prior to services from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the mortuary.

Funeral service will also be held in Burley, Idaho on Tuesday, April 4th at 11:00 a.m. at the Rasmussen Funeral Home located at 1350 East 16th Street. Visitation will be held Monday, April 3rd from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and prior to services, April 4th, from 10:00-10:45 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Declo City Cemetery in Declo, Idaho, with military rites performed by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Organization.

Yes, he truly served his family, his friends, and his nation. We will miss you, Dad. God speed.
January 13, 1932  March 24, 2017

Lowell John E. Sternes passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, March 24, 2017 at the age of 85. John was born on January 13, 1932 in Woodland, California to Vivian (Rogers) and Arthur Sternes. During his childhood, Vivian and his step-father Joe Cosmero (Azores immigrant) raised their family in Dunnigan, Oroville, the Challenge Mine (Siskiyou Mountains), and Woodland, California.

While living at Challenge, he and his brother Bob contracted Tuberculosis from their school teacher. Over the course of a year, their mother nursed them to health. John enjoyed living in the mountains and would tell stories of bears and being tracked by animals. When he was 8 years old, he reported seeing unexplained formations of lights in the night sky.

After returning to school, John struggled to keep up but eventually dropped out. To keep him out of trouble, he was sent to stay with his older sister, Thada and brother-in-law Mick in Woodland. Under their guidance, John learned how to drive cat tractors and farm. In 1949, Mick taught John how to drive trucks for his company. He worked for several years hauling rice to San Francisco with low horsepower 270 Jimmies. He loved telling stories, which often started with a description of the truck and its engine. He had a good sense of humor and was light hearted.

During World War II, little Johnny followed the Pacific Campaign and helped with war drives. In 1950, when the Korean war broke out, John tried to enlist in the Marine Corps but a hand injury forbid him from serving.

Several years later, John married Vivian Morse and they had a son Lowell (Jr.) and two daughters, Vicky and Tammy, but later divorced. Johns first son, Joey was born with severe disabilities and died at the age of 18.

In 1952, John started an owner-operator trucking business. Since he could only afford old trucks, he had no choice but to learn diesel mechanics. While driving a tomato truck, a blown tire caused his truck to veer into a canyon  miraculously, he survived. In 1961 John married Laura Mickey McDonald of Esparto, California and they had two boys, Roy and Reggy.

After eight years of driving and mechanic-ing, he started a Jipo truck repair business, wherein he repaired trucks out of his yellow Studebaker utility service truck. After a few years, he and Mickey moved their family to Mount Angel and Tygart, Oregon. He worked as a diesel mechanic. To help with the move, Mickeys parents Ben and Chrystal spent a few months with the family.

While they lived in Tygart, they watched the Apollo 13 lunar landing on television, snow sledded, and ate Mickey spaghetti, his favorite.

Johns brother, Bob, opened a trucking company in Yuma, Arizona and he was recruited to manage and mechanic for the new venture. John, Mickey, and the boys lived there until moving to Billings, Montana in 1974after a year in Woodland.

In 1976, they moved to Jerome, Idaho and settled on an acre of land, on the outskirts of town. The family often vacationed and hunted in the Sawtooth Mountains. In the 1980s John worked as a mechanic and truck driver. Later he re-started his trucking company. He and his good friend Bryce Backerstaff laughed and often ran the same routes together. Johns hobbies included fishing, hunting, and engineering. He was a life-long Christian. In 1989, he designed and built a 48 ft. hydraulic self-unloader trailer that he used until his retirement.

After the boys moved on to their careers, John worked until 1997. Nine years later, his wonderful wife, Mickey, passed on. Three years later, John was introduced to Bonnie McMullen, whom he traveled with and enjoyed life together. During the last years of his life, Bonnie and cousin Terry helped Reggy take care of John until his death.

John is survived by his brother Robert and sister-in-law, Susan (Wagenbach) Sternes; sister, Cliffine (Sternes) Newton; son and daughter-in-law, Roy and Stephanie (Rodgers) Sternes (grandchildren, Gavin and Loren); son, Commander (USN) Reggy Sternes; daughter, Vicky Hansma (grandson Brandon); nieces and nephew, Arthada Kim, Karen, and Christopher Sternes; cousins, Terry and Troy Meyers; and son-in-law, Richard Caldindrini.

Preceded in death were his parents and wife; daughter, Tammy (Sternes) Caldindrini; sister, Arthada (Sternes) and brother-in-law Roy Hotchkiss; parents-in-law, Benjamin and Crystal (Denwitty) McDonald; and brother-in-law, James Newton.

A graveside service for John will be held Saturday, April 1, 2017, 1:00pm at Jerome Cemetery, Jerome, Idaho.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Johns memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.
Strong Pacific storm systems will arrive in southern Idaho Thursday. This will bring strong, potentially damaging winds to the Magic Valley, heavy to moderate rain and possible thunderstorms. Above 5,000 to 7,000 feet, several inches of snow are possible for mountain areas in the Wood River Valley as well as southern Twin Falls County. It is going to be a messy day Thursday.

A cold front will work across the Magic Valley Thursday morning between 9 a.m. and noon. We could see our strongest wind gusts with the front and those gusts could be 55 to 65 mph with isolated 70 mph. My concern will be our bridges, as I looked at the forecast I have flashbacks of the St. Patricks Day wind storm three year ago that tipped over semis and other high-profile vehicles. You will want to make sure anything that could be blown away is tied down or secure from the winds. Sustained winds, when not gusting over 55 mph, will be out of the west-southwest between 35 to 45 mph.

Most of the region will see rain, especially in the morning with possible thunderstorms, but some winter weather is possible for southern Twin Falls County behind the front from noon to Friday morning. Potential snow amounts of 3 to 6 inches of snow is likely with isolated 8 inches possible for locations like Rogerson, Hollister and Jackpot. To the north, in the Wood River Valley, elevations above 7,000 feet could see 8 to 10 inches while Ketchum and Hailey see a coating to maybe an inch.

The rain ends Friday morning, we will see more sunshine but it will remain breezy. It will also remain cool with highs only in the 50s. Saturday is nice but the next system brings a chance of rain for the region on Sunday.
Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah, the longest serving Republican senator and a Senate traditionalist, told CNN Monday he will vote for the "nuclear option" if it's needed to break a Democratic filibuster of Judge Neil Gorsuch's nomination to the Supreme Court.

Hatch said the controversial procedural move, which would be instituted by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, would be "a very bad thing" for the Senate -- but would be acceptable if it gets Gorsuch installed on the high court.

The nuclear option would change Senate rules to lower the threshold for breaking a filibuster of Supreme Court nominees from 60 votes to 51, meaning Republicans could advance Gorsuch without the support of any Democrats. Republicans would take the rare and contentious step over the objections of Democrats, who themselves changed the rules on Republicans in 2013 when they lowered the filibuster threshold for all other presidential appointments besides the Supreme Court.

Many Senate institutionalists worry that changing the filibuster rules would diminish the chamber's role of finding bipartisan solutions to the nation's problems and acting as the "cooling saucer" to the sometimes emotionally-charged actions of the House, where rules allow the majority to dominate the minority.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced Thursday that Democrats would filibuster Gorsuch, meaning Republicans, who hold a 52-48 advantage, would have to pick up the support of eight Democrats to overcome the blocking procedure.

"I can't believe that the Democrats would do that," said Hatch, a former chairman of the Judiciary Committee. "I know there are a few radicals that might do that but I would think the vast majority would say this is a very good man."

Only two Democrats -- Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota -- have signaled they might vote against a filibuster. Democratic leadership aides have said they expect most Democrats to support a filibuster, and many have already expressed their plans to do so. Meanwhile, some Democrats have said they oppose Gorsuch but haven't spoken directly to whether they will filibuster him.

"I will vote no on cloture," said Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a Democrat from the blue state of Rhode Island and a vocal Gorsuch critic, speaking of the procedural motion involved.

But for senators from red and purple states, the calculus on Gorsuch is trickier.

"I'm not going to talk about Gorsuch," said Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri as she blew past reporters on the way to vote.

McCaskill is under intense pressure by Republicans to vote to break a Gorsuch filibuster, and she's up for re-election in a state won by President Donald Trump.

Sen. Joe Donnelly of Indiana declined to answer reporters' questions Monday on Gorsuch, directing them to call his office instead.

Sen. Jon Tester of Montana, who is also up for re-election, was less guarded.

"Probably (we'll) have an announcement sometime either later this week or next week," he said calmly. "Filibuster and the vote on him are the same in my book. It's always been that way since I've been here."

One senior Democratic senator, Patrick Leahy of Vermont, tweeted that he is not supporting Gorsuch's confirmation, but at the same time he's "never inclined" to filibuster a Supreme Court nominee.

"I need to see how Judge Gorsuch answers my written Qs, under oath, before deciding," Leahy said on whether he'll filibuster.

The second-ranking Senate Republican, John Cornyn of Texas, alled Leahy's comments "hopeful" and said Republicans were trying to talk to some Democrats about preventing a filibuster.

"There are a number of conversations taking place. I don't think we're where we hope to be but they, I think, are putting off decisions until they know they have to vote," Cornyn said.

Hatch's comments came the same day Republicans began a major push to get Gorsuch confirmed. The Senate was supposed to be focused on passing the repeal and replace bill for the Affordable Care Act, but after it was surprisingly defeated in the House Friday, senators turned in earnest to Gorsuch a week earlier than anticipated.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to clear Gorsuch next Monday, and GOP leaders have vowed to have him confirmed by the end of that week, before leaving town for a two-week recess.

"Look, we know that our Democratic friends are under an enormous amount of pressure from some on the far left who want them to resist. It's clear that many radical special interest groups simply refuse to accept the results of the election and would like nothing more than to obstruct the serious work before the Senate," McConnell said on the floor. "This much is clear: If our Democratic colleagues choose to hold up this nominee, then they're acknowledging that they'll go to any length to block any Supreme Court nominee of a Republican president. This isn't about the nominee at all."

Sen. Lindsey Graham, who has negotiated resolutions during past Senate eruptions over judicial nominations, said he is prepared to vote for the nuclear option even though he would prefer not to.

"I think it would be bad for the Senate," he acknowledged.

But asked if he would try to head off the crisis as he has done before, Graham said: "I don't think so."

Another long-serving Republican senator, Richard Shelby of Alabama, defended the use of the nuclear option.

"We have an outstanding nominee," Shelby said. "If the Democrats want to filibuster I think we ought to make sure that he's confirmed. Period."

Asked if he was worried the changes to the filibuster rules would alter the Senate's DNA, Shelby said no and blamed Democrats for using the nuclear option first.

"If you asked me that 10 years ago, I might have had a different opinion. But majorities rule. Majorities traditionally always rule. And remember the filibuster is not in the Constitution. It's not in any statute. It's not the law. It's a rule," he said. "Democrats have already broken the rule."

Headed to votes Monday evening, Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tennessee, another veteran senator with a reputation for working across the aisle, was not interested in talking about the nuclear option after reporters peppered him with questions about the failed health care bill.

"Let's do one thing at a time," a slightly flustered Alexander said, before he walked away from reporters.
The Senate intelligence committee opened its first public hearing on Russian meddling in the US election Thursday with calls for nonpartisanship, a clear reference to the infighting that has stalled the House probe.

"The vice chairman and I realize that if we politicize this process, our efforts will likely fail," Committee Chairman Richard Burr, a North Carolina Republican, said in his opening remarks. "The public deserves to hear the truth about possible Russian involvement in our elections, how they came to be involved, how we may have failed to prevent that involvement, what actions were taken in response, if any, and what we plan to do to ensure the integrity of future free elections at the heart of our democracy."

There's little chance that Thursday's hearing will be as explosive as the House intelligence committee's first public hearing last week, which started off with FBI Director James Comey confirming the FBI is investigating possible coordination between Trump campaign aides and Russian officials and included Trump himself fighting back during the hearing on Twitter.

The differences between chambers was on full display as the Senate -- which gives the top Democrat on committees the title of vice chairman, unlike House's "ranking member" equivalent -- stressed bipartisan cooperation, the same day the leaders of the House committee were planning to meet and discuss the state of their troubled investigation.

Senate investigators are hearing from experts on disinformation tactics -- tools used by Russian operatives in the US elections and elsewhere to disrupt elections.

"We are seeking to determine if there is an actual fire, but so far, there is a great, great deal of smoke," Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat and vice chairman of the committee, said in his opening remarks.

One finding from the hearing so far: Russian operatives have even been active in US politics through this week, driving a wedge between Republicans after the fallout from the health care bill failure, said Clinton Watts, a senior fellow at the Center for Cyber and Homeland Security at George Washington University.

"This past week we observed social media campaigns targeting Speaker of the House Paul Ryan hoping to foment further unrest amongst US democratic institutions," Watts told senators.

There is a brighter spotlight on the Senate committee to investigate Russian meddling in the election as its House counterpart has shattered along partisan lines, and even some Republicans calling on the Senate panel to lead Congress' probe.

Senate lawmakers also plan to interview former National Security Agency Director Keith Alexander and FireEye chief executive Kevin Mandia, a pair of cybersecurity experts, who are expected to answer questions about how Russian agents and an army of trolls utilized "fake news" throughout the 2016 election.

"There were upwards of 1,000 paid Internet trolls working out of a facility in Russia, in effect, taking over series of computers, which is then called a 'botnet,'" Warner, a Virginia Democrat, said Wednesday. "If you Googled 'election hacking' leading up to the election and immediately afterwards, you wouldn't get Fox or ABC, The New York Times, what you got is four out of the first five news stories that popped up were Russian propaganda."

Burr, meanwhile, said that he is keenly interested in Russia's attempts to influence European elections and whether Russian efforts in the US offer insights into their efforts to disrupt elections in Western democracies like France and Germany.

"We feel part of our responsibility is to educate the rest of the world about what's going on because it's now into character assassination of candidates," Burr said Wednesday.

Since that hearing, the House investigation has descended into chaos, but Senate investigators have stuck to a steady pace, largely ignoring their House colleagues.

Warner and Burr both said Wednesday they are taking a deliberative approach -- trying to learn as much as possible before calling in high-profile witnesses like former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, former Trump foreign policy adviser Carter Page and former Trump adviser Roger Stone.

Seven professional staff from their committee have been given special security clearances to review the documents and now have access to the same materials usually limited to Congress' "Gang of Eight" -- the Republican and Democratic leaders of the House and Senate and their respective intelligence committees.

And even though Manafort and Jared Kushner -- one of Trump's closest advisers who served as an intermediary for foreign policy and met with top Russian officials during the transition -- have offered to testify before Senate investigators, no date has been scheduled yet for them to come in.

Instead, Warner and Burr said that they have a list of 20 witnesses they plan to call in and have scheduled meetings with five of those witnesses so far. Both men declined to name those witnesses, but Burr implied it would be smart to expect Flynn to be on that list.

This story has been updated and will update to reflect breaking news.

CNN's Ted Barrett contributed to this report.
Have you ever taken the time to really delve into the history of your city? As much as I love traveling, I think I enjoy getting to know the places that I see every single day even more. Since moving to the Bay Area almost five years ago, Ive slowly been working my way through neighborhoods with library books as my guide to get to know all there is about the place that I live.

This weekend, I had a special treat. Thanks to my friends at Toyota, Terrence and I had the opportunity to have a really up close and personal experience with Black history in Oakland and San Francisco. Instead of stumbling our way through the streets with a book in our hand trying to figure out if this is the building theyre talking about, we were led by John William Templeton, an expert in African-American history. His tour was out of this world! I have read dozens of books about the history of San Francisco and Oakland, and much of what Mr. Templeton shared wasnt to be found in any of them!

We started the day off by meeting up with a group of other urban explorers in San Francisco on Leidesdorff Alley. Before we arrived, we had no idea the significance of that location, but we were quickly educated on the many ways William Leidesdorff contributed to the history of San Francisco. A prominent Black businessman, Leidesdorff was a key player in the development of San Francisco in the mid-1800s. In addition to opening the first hotel in the city, and playing a part in opening the first public school in California, he also built the first commercial shipping warehouse. My husband went to elementary school in San Francisco and had never even heard of him!

After being blown away by the information we learned about Leidesdorff, our group set off on a caravan of Toyota vehicles, connected our phones to Bluetooth for hands-free driving, and called into a conference number to hear more of Mr. Templetons amazing history lessons as we drove through the city. I loved being a passenger in the Toyota Camry Hybrid that Terrence was driving. Its extra quiet, and the factory sound system is so crisp that we didnt have any trouble following along with our tour guide at all. The Blind Spot Monitor and backup camera (which is incredibly clear, by the way!) certainly came in handy on curvy San Francisco streets. I should mention that after our tour of San Francisco and Oakland, we kept the car for another week to test it out. We drove nearly 600 miles during the week and still had enough gas left for at least another 100 miles or so. The Eco Mode on this ride is no joke!

During our ride from Leidesdorff Alley to the National Maritime Museum, we passed by quite a few important landmarks including the Grace Cathedral, the Mark Hopkins Hotel, and Mary Ellen Pleasants house and Memorial Grove. Ms. Pleasant has been called Californias Mother of Civil Rights. An entrepreneur and abolitionist, she owned dozens of property in San Francisco, and was a financial supporter of radical abolitionist John Brown. I was shocked to learn that she, not Madame CJ Walker, was actually the first Black woman millionaire in the United States!

After leaving the Mary Ellen Pleasant Memorial Grove, where we had a chance to see the trees planted in front of the space that used to be Ms. Pleasants mansion, we passed by the Third Baptist Church, the first African-American Baptist church west of the Rocky Mountains, and the home that Langston Hughes lived and worked in. From there we headed down to North Beach and the marina to the National Maritime Museum.

At the National Maritime Museum, we heard about Sargent Claude Johnson, an African-American artist who oversaw the construction of the building. His artwork is featured all throughout the museum, and truly sets the tone for the spirit of the entire facility. We met another artist, Silver Man, at the Maritime Museum, who is creating his own San Francisco legacy as he works and performs throughout the city.

Our last stop in San Francisco was the African-American Art & Culture Complex where we took in some gorgeous murals and other art, and met Karen Johnson, the owner of Marcus Books in San Francisco and Oakland. The complex is more than a gallery, but also has performance space, a recording studio, and will soon house another Marcus Books location.

After we left the city, we headed over the Bay Bridge and back to Oakland to Pican for a delicious lunch. I opted for the traditional low-country meal of Shrimp and Grits to appease my southern soul, and Terrence had Chicken and Waffles. Even though we were full after the delicious meal and engaging conversation, we hopped back in the Toyota Camry Hybrid, picked up our daughter, and went back downtown to get a closer look at the Remember Them monument park that Mr. Templeton had pointed out to us earlier in the day.

It was really an incredible day, and one that we arent going to forget. Both Terrence and I have been digging to find more information about all of the sites and people that John Williams Templeton told us about on our #SteepedInCulture tour, and were excited to do more exploring of our region as a family. When Toyota says #LetsGoPlaces, it doesnt mean that you have to go far. Sometimes adventure is right in your own backyard!
By Shelley Goldberg

Both cheap and abundant, coal is perhaps the least sexy of commoditiesunless you live in a coal-producing state like Wyoming or West Virginia, where the industry is a big employer. From a global perspective, it would be practically impossible to live without coal, which generates about 40 percent of the worlds heat and power.

By now, the drawbacks to coal are well-known. Burning the fuel emits about twice the amount of carbon dioxide as natural gas and 28 percent more pollutants than heating oil. As the worlds biggest source of carbon emissions and a major contributor to global warming, many nations are reducing coal consumption. Growth in global consumption stalled in 2014 for the first time since the 1990s before falling 15 percent in 2015. Last year, US production fell 18 percent from 2015 to the lowest level since 1978, according to the US Energy Information Agency.

The Stream Protection Rule designed during the Obama administration would phase out coal. The US is in a better position than practically any nation to do so due to its vast reserves of crude oil and natural gas, and its increasingly more efficient renewable energy. In this transition, the government could provide funding for career training and jobs in alternative energy industries and their ancillary services, including a growing clean tech industry, for out-of-work coal miners seeking employment.

But now all of this has changed. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday reversing the Obama administrations efforts to cut emissions as well as reversing a rule that the nations national security had to account for climate change. In February, the Senate followed the House in voting for a measure to reverse Obamas regulatory legacy aimed at protecting streams from the effects of coal mining. Trump has vowed to withdraw from the Paris climate pact reached last year by almost 200 countries. If successful, US coal-fired electricity use would increase by an estimated 61 percent, according to the EIA.

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Trump attempts to legitimize the regulatory rollback by promoting clean coal innovations of which the industry claims could remove as much as 90 percent of the carbon associated with burning coal. But clean coal is not yet proven effective, and the process is expensive.

If Trump really wants to revise coal production in the US, maybe he should look to North Korea. As tensions between that country and the world over its nuclear arsenalstrong enough to threaten not only to its neighbors but the USthe time may be right for the US to persuade other countries to stop buying coal from the so-called Hermit Kingdom.

North Korea borders China, South Korea and Russia by land and Japan by sea. North Koreas exports increased at an annualized rate of 8.6 percent between 2010 and 2015, from $1.83 billion to $2.83 billion. Coal briquettes are by far North Koreas top export, accounting for 34 percent to 40 percent in recent years, with almost all of it shipped to China. North Koreas top import origins are China, India and Russia. Sanctions on North Korean coal exports and on its top import, refined petroleum, would wreak havoc on the nations economy.

What all this means for global coal prices is that they should drop as US production rises and global demand weakens. In the US coal competes with cheap and bountiful shale gas. And even if China aggressively enforces sanctions, less North Korean coal is unlikely to generate a global shortage. China has clamped down on new coal projects and now has the worlds greatest installed wind and solar PV capacity. Furthermore, Pakistan could become the next big producer to replace North Korea, as it has begun to dig up one of the worlds largest deposits of low-grade coal.

Surely, some US coal companies will see an initial boost to their balance sheets, but lower prices will eventually diminish enthusiasm on the equity side as well. Theres also the fact that almost all coal produced in the US is used to generate electricity, but US annual retail sales of electricity have remained stagnant for the last five years while the number of coal fired plants halved. It was not the Obama administration that eliminated coal mining jobs but rather market forces, which Trump cannot change by producing more of an undesired product.

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Cuban president Raul Castro is preparing to step down next year, Venezuela has cut millions of dollars in aid and Donald Trumps election has cast a shadow over the nascent US-Cuba detente. Unnerved by the changes, Havana has allowed its domestic reform drive to grind to a halt as the Communist party battens down the hatches. Marino Murillo, the senior official leading Cubas reforms, has not been heard in public for almost a year.

And:

The slowdown in domestic reforms suggests the orthodox wing of the Communist party is strengthening, says Carmelo Mesa-Lago, professor emeritus of economics at Pittsburgh University and a long-time Cuba watcher.

And:

Some US businesses have scaled back their initial euphoria about opportunities in Cuba. Although 615,000 Cuban-Americans and US tourists visited the country last year  of a total 4m foreign visitors  Frontier Airlines and Silver Airways cancelled scheduled US flights on March 13, citing lack of demand and market saturation. American Airlines and JetBlue have also reduced their schedules.

Here is the full FT piece by Marc Frank and John Paul Rathbone. Here is my earlier Bloomberg column on Cuba.
A sinner saved by the grace of God given to those with faith in the crucified and risen Jesus Christ. Period.
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The Arab Summit held in Jordan ended with the Arab States reaffirming their support to the Arab Peace Initiative while renewing their call for a two-state solution to the more than 50-year old Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has taken the dimension of a dispute between the Jewish State and the Arab World.

There can be no peace or stability in the region without a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian Cause, the core issue of the Middle East, based on the two-state solution, King Abdullah of Jordan said in his remarks before the Summit.

The summit sends a message of peace, according to Jordan while the joint communique outlined that peace is a strategic option for Arab states.

The Summit seems to send a message to the U.S. following President Donald Trumps arrival in the White House. During his campaign, he promised to move the American Embassy from Tel Aviv to the disputed city of Jerusalem.

President Trumps international envoy, Jason Greenblatt, who was at the summit, believes that reaching an agreement to end the conflict is not only possible, but would reverberate positively throughout the region and the world.

The Jordanian king, President al-Sisi of Egypt and the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are to meet President Trump separately, in Washington. The three men met on the sidelines of the Summit to probably consolidate their position on the issues of common interest to be discussed with Trump.

Tel Aviv was closely monitoring the Summit proceedings and Cabinet minister Israel Katz said they are interested in advancing initiatives to improve the conditions of the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza as well as neutralizing shared security threats because a positive change in the regional climate could lead in the future to peace.

Observers have noted that reaching an agreement or holding talks with Palestine has not been a priority in Israel since President Trumps election.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is in Iraq to focus on the dire humanitarian situation on the ground as the war against the extremist Islamic State group intensifies in Mosul. He said that the protection of civilians should be the absolute priority in the battles amid reports of heavy civilian casualties. Since the launching of the assault on western Mosul last month, Iraqi authorities have stated that more than 200,000 civilians have fled their homes.

Guterress arrival came a day after General Joseph Votel told the US House of Representatives Armed Services Committee that it is difficult for the US and its allies to avoid hitting civilians as the combat zone shifts into urban environments. Less than two weeks ago, around 240 people were killed when an airstrike struck the al-Jadida district causing a building to collapse, burying families under the rubble. The U.S.-led coalition acknowledged that their warplanes probably had a role in the building destruction. Votel told the Committee that it will be a more formalized approach to really look into the details of this as much as we can to establish what happened, establish what the facts are, identify accountability and then certainly identify the lessons learned out of that.

General Votel said at the hearing that it is going to become more and more difficult to apply extraordinarily high standards for the things that were doing, although we will try. His opinions are apparently different from those of Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, U.S. commander in Iraq.

Townsend questioned the intention of the media. Speaking from Pentagon, he wondered why in an environment where Daesh kills civilians, its marveling to see the press to be so interested in civilians who died in U.S. attacks. He is of the opinion that ISIS must be held to account for its inhumane actions and extrajudicial killings of civilians.
Turkeys National Security Council has officially announced the end of its Euphrates Shield military operation into Syria and deemed it successfully completed in accomplishing the mission of preventing the threat from Daesh and (enabling the) return of Syrian refugees to their homes.

Buttressing on the same matter, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim hinted that the end of the operation does not mean that Ankara would not be involved militarily in Syria if the need arises but any operation following this one will have a different name.

Euphrates Shield Operation was launched in August last year after Turkey felt that the presence of the Islamic State militants near its border threatened its national security. There were also concerns about the Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG) in the area considering that Ankara is battling with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) near its border with Iraq.

Yildirim said everything is under control after the operation cleared around 100km of the border including stopping the YPG from crossing the Euphrates westwards and linking up three mainly Kurdish cantons it holds in northern Syria.

The Kurds are aspiring to establish an independent state in the region but Turkey is not supportive of the idea because it could lead to territorial loss since it has its own large Kurdish minority within its borders and close to the affected areas.

The Syrian war has led to strategic evaluations in Ankara. Analysts believe that the increasing role of the YPG and its coordination with the U.S. has forced Turkish authorities to lower their call for the ousting of President Assad from power.
The Food and Agriculture Organization has warned that food security and nutrition levels in the Near East and North Africa have sharply deteriorated over the last five years, undermining the steady improvement achieved before 2010 when the prevalence of undernourishment, stunting, anemia and poverty were decreasing.

In its Regional Overview of Food Insecurity in the Near East and North Africa released earlier this week, the FAO noted that the deterioration is largely driven by the spreading and intensity of conflicts and protracted crises.

The assessment made by FAO using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) shows that the prevalence of severe food insecurity in the adult population of the Near East and North Africa was close to 9.5 percent in 2014-2015, representing approximately 30 million people.

The Syria crisis in particular has deepened during the period 2015-2016, leaving more than half of the population in need of food assistance and 4.8 million refugees, mostly in neighboring countries. The numbers of food insecure and the internally displaced are also rising in Iraq and Yemen, the new FAO report said.

Beyond conflicts and crises, the report argues that water scarcity and climate change are the most fundamental challenges to ending hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture by 2030. Water scarcity is the binding factor to agricultural production in the Near East and North Africa region and the driver of the regions dependency on food imports.

Another UN agency, the UNICEF, on its part warned that around 22 million children are on the brink of starvation in the worst humanitarian crisis in decades.

The UNICEF launched an urgent call for nearly $255 million to respond to immediate needs in northeast Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen.

Time is running out, UNICEF said in a press release, noting that some 22 million children are hungry, sick, displaced and out of school in the four countries, and that nearly 1.4 million are at imminent risk of death this year from severe malnutrition.

Famine was declared a month ago in South Sudan, and will likely be declared soon in Nigeria, Somalia and Yemen where fighting has pushed people off their farmland and droughts have destroyed their animals and what is left of crops, the UNICEF said.

The $255 million needed will provide 22 million children with food, water, health, education and protection services for just the next few months, according to a new funding update by UNICEF.

This request is part of a broader appeal for all of 2017 totaling $712 million, up 50 per cent from what was requested for these four countries at the same time last year.
Chicken will be the best-positioned protein due to its low price position in times of pressure on consumer spending power but rises in production costs and the long-term impact of COVID-19 threaten to disrupt the sector, according to Rabobank.
Ivory Coasts former first lady Simone Gbagbo has been acquitted by the Abidjan Assize Court on Tuesday for her role in 2010 and 2011 post-election violence.

The majority jury declares Simone Gbagbo not guilty of the crimes charged, pronounces her acquittal and orders her to be released immediately if she is not detained for other causes, said Judge Kouadjo Boiqui, President of the Assize Court.

The iron lady is already serving a 20 years prison sentence since 2015 for attacking the safety of the State. She and her husband, Laurent Gbagbo, disputed the 2010 presidential election won by Gbagbos challenger, Alassane Ouattara.

The Attorney General of the Abidjan court, Aly Yeo, had imposed a life sentence on Simone Gbagbo, seeing it as an act to seal national reconciliation after the bloody post-election crisis.

Reconciliation is above all a matter of justice () without justice reconciliation is only an illusion, Aly Yeo said.

The Ivory Coast government refused an order from the ICC in 2015 to hand over Simone Gbagbo, saying it would bring to justice to her victims in a domestic court.

Supporters of the Gbagbos said the former first ladys trial was politically motivated.

As a reminder, Gbagbos refusal to accept the 2010 election outcome was followed by violence and eventually a resumption of armed conflict.

Between December 2010 and May 2011, at least 3,000 civilians were killed and more than 150 women were raped, with serious human rights violations committed by both sides.
Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair on Tuesday pledged to help Ghana governments ambitious development projects launched by the new president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

The former UK Premier visited the West-African nation as a guest of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) to share his experience with government officials on how to boost the socio-economic development.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Blair said he will put his ideas gleaned from his years as Premier at the disposal of government to realize its intentions.

He congratulated the new President on his election and for the vision he has for the development of the country.

You come up at a time of great expectationyouve assumed great responsibility, he said, adding anyone who meets the President will realise he has the interest of the nation at heart.

Akufo-Addo who took office in January, pledged to spend the equivalent of $1 million a year on development in each of Ghanas 275 parliamentary constituencies, building a dam in every village.

He promised to cut taxes and boost the private sector to accelerate growth in an economy thats recording its slowest expansion in two decades.

Ghanas GDP growth in 2016 was estimated at 3.6 percent considered as the lowest in some 23 years.
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Australia about to ban unvaccinated children from preschools and daycare

Will unvaccinated children soon be banned from daycare centers and preschools in the land down under? Australias Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has taken it upon himself to call upon state and territory leaders to move towards nationally consistent laws regarding vaccination. According to The Guardian, Turnbull intends on taking his sweeping jab initiative to the next Council of Australian Governments.

Turnbull has not beaten around the bush when it comes to the intent of the proposed law, which is disturbingly called No Jab, No Play. Under this new proposal, the vaccination rates of all preschools and daycare centers would be made available to the public and parents  and the right to make a formal objection would end.

At our next Coag meeting I propose we agree that all jurisdictions implement legislation that excludes children who are not vaccinated from attending childcare or preschool, unless they have a medical exemption, Turnbull writes in his letter to state and territory officials. He also proclaims that vaccine objection is not a valid reason to keep children from getting vaccinated. In other words, Turnbull believes that Australian parents should not have the right to medical freedom and the ability to choose what kind of so-called medical care is administered to their children.

Australia has been inching closer to total vaccine tyranny over the last several years, with outlandish bills that increasingly strip parents of their rights to care for their children in the way they see as the best fit. In 2015, the government took away welfare and tax benefits from parents with unvaccinated children. Their action led to an additional 200,000 child vaccinations, but it seems that this increase was just not enough.

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In their insatiable quest for more power over their constituents, Turnbull and the Australian Medical Association are seeking to make laws that restrict unvaccinated children from attending schools a national endeavor. Laws prohibiting unvaccinated kids from attending schools already exist in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.

Michael Gannon, the president of the Australian Medical Association, reportedly told Fairfax Media, If you, as a parent, expect the community to support you by either welfare payments or access to care, then you need to do your bit to contribute to that community by protecting other children. Apparently, paying taxes doesnt count as your community contribution in Australia.

Mandatory vaccination bills are not just a concern for Australians; the United States has also seen a massive flood of similar bills introduced across the country. In March, the National Vaccine Information Center reported that 134 bills regarding vaccination had been introduced in 34 states. While there a few bills that were aiming to actually increase parental rights and medical freedom, the overwhelming majority sought to restrict access to vaccine exemptions, publicize school vaccination rights and other such drivel. And in 2015, the state of California made headlines with the passing of Senate Bill 277, which eliminated personal and religious beliefs as reasons for vaccine exemption.

While these bills are often introduced under the guise of public health, the fact remains that such legislation does little more than to create a witch-hunt against people who dare to dissent from the norm. These governments are not trying to protect anyone; theyre just trying to impose their will upon their constituents. Take the state of New York, for example, one bill recently introduced there calls for the forced detention and treatment on suspicion of vaccine-preventable disease. Since when is the forced detention of free and innocent citizens permissible in the so-called land of the free  and at what point does this suspicion arise?

This kind of legislation treads on very thin ice, and we the people need to stop this kind of absurd action from being taken in our countries.

Sources:

TheGuardian.com

BigThink.com

NaturalNews.com
NGO airs report on violence against women

By Messenger Staff

Georgias Young Lawyers Association (GYLA) has revealed a report entitled Domestic Violence, Domestic Crimes and Violence against Women, wherein the results of the GYLAs monitoring of criminal cases in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi, Gori and Telavi City Courts and Tbilisi and Kutaisi courts were presented.The monitoring was conducted by the GYLA with financial support of USAID through the Promoting Rule of Law in Georgia (PROLoG) Activity implemented by the East-West Management Institute (EWMI).The project aimed at increasing the transparency of criminal proceedings in Georgian courts and improving the standards of protection of human rights by monitoring the proceedings at court hearings and analysing collected information.The monitoring revealed the following findings:In most cases, judges fail to adequately assess existing threats in cases of domestic violence, domestic crimes and violence against women, and they impose unreasonably lenient preventive measures on defendants. This poses a potential threat to the life and health of victims of domestic violence. In comparison to the previous reporting period, the percentage of inappropriately applied preventive measures in such cases significantly increased.The adequacy of punishment with respect to such crimes remains a problem. Despite the judgments of conviction and the gravity of the crimes, judges are reluctant to impose imprisonment on the perpetrators of domestic violence.The investigation and assessment of gender motivated crimes is still a significant challenge for the prosecution and the judicial authorities. In none of the cases related to violence against women that were identified as a result of the monitoring were the crimes classified as committed on discrimination grounds of the Criminal Code of Georgia. Despite circumstances indicating a gender-based discrimination motive, the prosecution and judges do not address such motives in the consideration of cases.There are cases of violence against women and domestic violence that were given incomplete and lenient classification, indicating ineffective and neglectful activities by the prosecution.Such reports are essential, as violating womens rights is still a serious problem in Georgia.It is very important that the relevant state bodies, the Prosecutors Office and law enforcement agencies pay more attention to the problem and act more effectively against domestic violence.It is highly regrettable that the state still fails to support women who have children but no job or accommodation to leave the men who physically and psychologically abuse them.There are also cases when families refrain from taking back women who are the victims of domestic violence, with the motivation that people may negatively speak about the families and those women who leave their abusers.There remains much to be done in terms of raising the peoples awareness about the domestic violence and its possible threats; the government must understand that the problem is cultural, not legal.
The News in Brief

Runoff Parliamentary Vote in Breakaway Abkhazia



At least 30 seats in breakaway Abkhazias 35-member Parliament will go to independent candidates - those nominated by initiative groups and not by political parties, as a result of two rounds of elections held on March 12 and March 26, local media sources reported on Monday.



More than half of the seats in Abkhazias 35-member National Assembly went into a second round of voting on March 26.



Repeat elections will be held in one single-mandate constituency in Gudauta on May 14.



Only eight out of 28 incumbent lawmakers running in the elections managed to retain their parliamentary seats.



There are 31 ethnic Abkhaz and 3 ethnic Armenians among the elected lawmakers. Only one woman managed to secure victory in elections.



Out of 22 seats contested in the second round, only one party managed to win seats: the pro-governmental Forum for the National Unity of Abkhazia (FNUA) will have three members in the legislative body. One candidate of the opposition Ainar party won a parliamentary seat in the first round.



Total of 137 candidates were running for seats in the National Assembly, including eight women and 28 incumbent lawmakers. Only 24 of them were nominated by political parties and others were nominated by initiative groups.



Abkhaz lawmakers are elected for a five-year term through a majoritarian system in single-mandate constituencies.



There were about 131,523 voters eligible to cast ballot in the election, according to the regions election administration. The figure is less than it was in 2011 presidential and 2012 parliamentary elections as thousands of ethnic Georgians, residing in Gali district, were removed from the voters list.



According to the breakaway regions 1999 constitution, Abkhazia is a presidential republic; its 35-member parliament can initiate legislation and submit it to the president for approval, and the executive can submit his own legislation. Parliamentary approval requires 18 votes.



Elections in the region are denounced as illegitimate by Tbilisi and the international community, except of Russia and three other countries (Nicaragua, Venezuela and Nauru), which have recognized the region as an independent state. (civil.ge)







39th round of the Geneva International Discussions will be held on 28 and 29 March



The participants from Georgia will raise the issue of Russias recent provocative actions in Georgias occupied territories with focus on the illegitimacy of holding a referendum on renaming the Tskhinvali region as the Republic of South Ossetia, as well as on the integration of local military groupings with the Russian army and on the continuation of the militarization in both regions, Georgias Foreign Ministry reports.



The grave consequences of the closure of the so-called checkpoints along the occupation line in Abkhazia and the safe return of refugees and internally displaced persons to the places of their origin.



The Geneva International Discussions provides the only format for resolving the security and humanitarian problems in the Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions, as well as across the occupation line, in full compliance with the Ceasefire Agreement of 12 August 2008. Russias non-use of force pledge and the creation of international security mechanisms on the ground are essential prerequisites for the successful peace process.



The Georgian side expresses the hope that the Russian Federation will approach responsibly to the process of negotiations and will participate in both working groups.



For its part, the Georgian delegation reaffirms its readiness for constructive cooperation, the ministry says. (IPN)







Georgian authors book earns recognition at Leipzig Book Fair



Georgian author Naira Gelashvili and her book I Am The One were at the center of attention at the Leipzig Book Fair in Germany. The renowned Georgian writer was invited as the main and honorable guest at the festival. It is noteworthy that this year, for the first time, a contemporary Georgian author was hosted by a prestigious literary platform Blue Sofa (Das Blaue Sofa) within the framework of which, famous writers introduce their books and discuss them in front of the public. Naira Gelashvili presented her successful book and spoke to the public. Her book was translated into German by a famous printing house, Verbrecher Verlag Jorg Sundermeier, in 2016. (Georgianjournal.ge)




THE TRUE COST OF ALL THAT 'CHEAP' LABOR THAT DESTROYED AMERICA THE BIG SECRET DEMOCRATS DO NOT WANT YOU TO KNOW: Heather Mac Donald of the Manhattan Institute has testified before a Congressional committee that in 2004, 95% of all outstanding warrants for murder in Los Angeles were for illegal aliens; in 2000, 23% of all Los Angeles County jail inmates were illegal aliens and that in 1995, 60% of Los Angeless largest street gang, the 18th Street gang, were illegal aliens.


@PatriciaMazzei

David Rivera wants to run for the Florida House of Representatives again, after having lost a narrow race in a recount last year.

Rivera, a former state legislator and congressman turned perennial candidate, submitted candidacy paperwork to the Florida Division of Elections on Wednesday. The Republican intends to run for House District 105, currently represented by term-limited Rep. Carlos Trujillo -- who, as it happens, holds the position that once made Rivera so powerful in Tallahassee: budget chief.

Trujillo is still holding out hope he might be named as an ambassador to Panama or Argentina under President Donald Trump -- something he has said would force him to vacate his two-year term after one year.

Another Republican, Ana Maria Rodriguez, has also filed to seek the seat.

A recount last November determined that Rivera had lost the House District 118 seat to a first-time candidate, Democrat Robert Asencio.

Rivera told the Miami Herald in a text message Thursday that he's running again "to continue serving my community." He later telephoned to add, "And I was asked to run by many constituents."

What he's been doing professionally since being ousted from Congress in 2012 is unclear. He says he's a business development consultant.

By the time the 2018 election rolls around, Rivera may no longer be dogged by a federal criminal investigation into the 2012 congressional election. He is suspected of orchestrating an illegal campaign finance scheme against one of his rivals in the Democratic primary. The statute of limitations for prosecutors to charge Rivera will expire later this year; the U.S. attorney's office in Miami has shown no signs of an upcoming indictment.

Still pending against Rivera is a state ethics fine of nearly $58,000 that has yet to be imposed by House Speaker Richard Corcoran. Rivera had preemptively challenged the legality of the penalty to the Florida Supreme Court, but the justices rejected his appeal in December, because Corcoran hadn't actually fined Rivera.

The Florida Commission on Ethics recommended the fine after finding that Rivera, as a state legislator, failed to properly disclose his income and double-billed taxpayers when improperly seeking a travel reimbursement paid for by his campaign account. Rivera has denied any impropriety.

The ethics investigation began in 2010, after the Miami Herald found problems in Rivera's financial disclosure reports. The review was put on hold until after the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Miami-Dade state attorney's office probed for criminal wrongdoing in Rivera's finances. Prosecutors found Rivera appeared to live off his campaign account but never charged him citing an ambiguous law.

Rivera's latest candidacy filing will allow him to open a new campaign account. As treasurer, Rivera listed himself.

--with Mary Ellen Klas

This post has been updated.

Photo credit: Roberto Koltun, el Nuevo Herald
@ByKristenMClark

The only lawmaker on record still opposing state-required daily recess in Floridas elementary schools wields a lot of power over education policy this session.

But Miami Republican and House education chairman Michael Bileca wont say whether he intervened to water down this years recess bill to eliminate the daily requirement and cut off guaranteed recess from more than 430,000 fourth- and fifth-graders in Florida.

I think Ive made the thoughts that Ive had on recess clear, so how they chose to change it is how they chose to change it to move things through, Bileca told the Herald/Times.

More here.

Photo credit: Scott Keeler / Tampa Bay Times


via @DavidOvalle305

White House chief strategist Steve Bannon won't face any criminal charges related to his mysterious voter registration in Miami-Dade County.

Prosecutors announced Thursday that they could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Bannon, President Donald Trump's special assistant, broke the law when he signed up to vote in Miami-Dade County after leasing homes in Coconut Grove  even though he seemed to spend most of his time outside of the state.

To reside at a location is a nebulous concept that depends on a persons actions and their subjective state of mind, according to a final memo released by the Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office. The Florida case law interpreting [voter residency] is both sparse and antique.

Investigators were looking at a narrow question: whether Bannon lied to the elections department about his residency when he twice filed to be a voter in Miami-Dade.

Prosecutors ultimately concluded that the evidence tends to indicate that Bannon did not intend to or actually reside in Miami-Dade County between 2014 and 2016. But there was enough contradictory evidence  including Bannon calling the Grove property my house in an email to a fellow political operative  to create reasonable doubt before a jury.

The Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office had been investigating the matter since August, when The Guardian, a British newspaper, reported that Trumps newly minted campaign chief could have violated the law by registering to vote in Miami. Bannon never actually voted in Miami-Dade County.

More here.

Photo credit: Evan Vucci, Associated Press


@PatriciaMazzei

President Donald Trump will host his second head of state at Mar-a-Lago next week, the White House confirmed Thursday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Trump's Palm Beach estate April 6-7. It will be the two men's first meeting in person.

Trump hosted Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at Mar-a-Lago last month -- and faced controversy when the men appeared to be discussing national security matters out in the open over dinner.

As part of next week's trip, Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, will have dinner with Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on April 6.

Xi, however, is not expected to be an overnight guest at Mar-a-Lago. Though the White House didn't outline Xi's accommodations, the Lantana police chief told town council members earlier this week Xi plans to stay at the Eau Palm Beach Resort and Spa in Manalapan, the Palm Beach Post reported.

Photo credit: Charles Trainor Jr., Miami Herald staff
@MichaelAuslen

Outside the Florida Capitol, more than 100 people bussed in from around the state gathered Thursday to show support for State Attorney Aramis Ayala.

Ayala, elected the top prosecutor in Orange and Osceola counties last November, is playing the starring role in the latest controversy over Florida's death penalty. On March 16, she said she would not seek the death penalty while in office.

That prompted a firestorm of criticism: Gov. Rick Scott reassigned a high-profile case to another state attorney; House Speaker Richard Corcoran called for Ayala to be suspended from office; House and Senate budget proposals call for more than $1 million to be cut from her budget.

But her supporters at Thursday's rally say she was acting within her rights.

"She wasn't afraid to speak the truth about how broken the death penalty is," said Christine Henderson, national organizer for Equal Justice USA. "And what does she get in return, y'all? Florida's governor overstepping his authority, trying to put her in her place, trying to take away the power that the people gave to her to fulfill."

Justice reform organizations including Equal Justice USA and Color Of Change bussed people to the capital from all over the state, including Tampa Bay and South Florida. They delivered petitions to the governor's office, as well.

Other speakers called out Scott and state lawmakers for attacking Ayala, the first black prosecutor elected in Florida, but not taking similar stands in cases of injustice, including the deaths of boys at the Dozier reform school.

"How is the governor so pissed off over charges against this one accused murderer, but this governor and phony Legislature refuse to open a real investigation into the murders and suspicious deaths of scores of boys buried in the state of Florida's death camp called Dozier School for Boys owned, run and operated by the Legislature of Florida?" said Leon County Commissioner Bill Proctor.

One lawmaker who has been critical of Ayala made an appearance: Rep. Scott Plakon, R-Longwood, who led the push to defund parts of her office. He said he figured he should see what her supporters were saying.

He also said a proposal to cut 21 positions from Ayala's office would have no impact because there are currently 60 unfunded and unfilled jobs in her office.

Photo: Supporters of State Attorney Aramis Ayala gather at the state Capitol on Thursday. (Michael Auslen | Times/Herald)


@PatriciaMazzei

Sen. Marco Rubio revealed Thursday that unknown Russian hackers tried unsuccessfully to access the email accounts of some of the top aides to his 2016 presidential campaign.

Rubio acknowledged the attempted breach in Senate Intelligence Committee meeting, after an expert in Russian influence operations testified that Rubio "anecdotally suffered" from Russian efforts to discredit him during the Republican primary. A similar campaign was under way on social media over the past week against House Speaker Paul Ryan, added Clint Watts of the Foreign Policy Research Institute.

Witness tells Rubio that he was a victim of Russian meddling https://t.co/1z6MJiY459  Daniella Diaz (@DaniellaMicaela) March 30, 2017

Watts later said Jeb Bush and Lindsey Graham were also Russian targets.

Later in the hearing, Rubio said his aides' emails were targeted by Russian IP addresses in July 2016, shortly after he announced he'd seek reelection to the Senate.

"Within the last 24 hours -- at 10:45 a.m. yesterday -- a second attempt was made again against former members of my presidential campaign team who had access to our internal campaign information," Rubio said. "That effort was also unsuccessful."

Photo credit: Susan Walsh, Associated Press
@amysherman1

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, who is expected to face a major reelection battle in 2018, will hold his first major Miami fundraiser Friday.

Ira and Cynthia Leesfield, major donors to Hillary Clinton and other Democrats, are hosting the event at their Miami home Friday evening. About 100 people are expected to attend the fundraiser where the minimum donation is $1,000.

"There were some reservations that it would be hard to raise money after the presidential election but the fact of the matter is that's not so," Ira Leesfield said. "People are very motivated out of fear or whatever you name it."

Nelson will attend a smaller fundraiser later in the evening at the home of Roger Thomson and Jim Tyrell in Miami Beach. That fundraiser is expected to draw members of the LGBT community and beach residents.

Nelson is likely to face Republican Gov. Rick Scott who is considering a bid. Nationally, Republicans are targeting Nelson as a Democrat in a swing state where President Donald Trump won. Nelson is Florida's only Democratic statewide office holder.

Nelson has easily won elections multiple times, but the millionaire Scott would be a far more formidable opponent. In 2012, Nelson was reelected to his third term when he beat Connie Mack IV, a Fort Myers Congressman.

Early polls have shown Nelson leading Scott.
In French playwright Jean Giraudoux's poetic fantasy, "The Madwoman of Chaillot," the Countess Aurelia, also known as the madwoman of the title, learns that corporate leaders have plans to extract oil from her beloved district of Paris.

She rallies the colorful characters of her neighborhood in a plan to save Chaillot. Giraudoux wrote the play in the early 1940s during the Nazi occupation of France, and so he was careful to couch his social comment with fantastic language and elements of magic realism.

"It was his especially guarded and careful response to what the Nazis were doing to the social structure and the economic structure of France with their corporate greed," said director Randy Bolton.

The University of Montana School of Theatre & Dance sees plenty of relevance today.

"It pits this madwoman against all of the corporate ills  political, economic and social  of our culture, every culture, not just the Parisian culture. It actually becomes a wonderful metaphor for all the inequalities that are going on right now in our culture," he said.

The longtime professor wanted to direct "Madwoman" for years, and the opportunity arose to include it in the current season.

"Madwoman," which has remained little-known, fits into the school's studio series, in which scripts have to be adapted with minimal costumes and sets in the Masquer Theatre.

Without the benefit of an expensive set, the script still provides 12 "meaty roles" along with another 15 smaller ones, he said. They're divided into the countess and her fellow "madwomen" and street denizens like the ragpicker, the street juggler, the shoelace peddler, and their opponents, the president, the baron and the prospector.

After the madwoman learns of plans that put her home at risk, she invites them to a tea party that descends into a fantastical mock-trial.

***

Zach French, a senior, plays the ragpicker, an "instigating force" in the plot who has some "powerful speeches," he said.

"He brings to light what the corporate powers-that-be are trying to do to the district of Chaillot and Paris as a whole," he said.

The play has been "a hell of a ride for him," as it's filled with highly detailed but fantastical language.

Natasha Conti, a master's student, plays the madwoman. Conti, who taught literature in Arizona before returning to school, has the right grasp on the language for the role, Bolton said. It's "highly poetic" and has to roll off the tongue, he said.

Conti said it's written in "heightened language." While it's not in verse, "it's definitely poetic in nature and not realistic in any way, even for the time period."

"My character in particular is very poetic and very musical in the way that she speaks and she has enormous speeches that Randy has likened to an aria essentially. It takes an understanding of that. She speaks in metaphor a lot," she said. The role, Conti's first lead in a UM production, has an "enormous amount" of lines.

For the studio series, the cast had to find their own costumes. For the countess, Conti needed to corral "enormous amounts" of jewelry, hats, veils, parasols, even a whistle and a necklace.

Assistant director Henry Maher, a senior, worked with the cast on finding a specific object, called a "gorgeous nothing," to help develop their characters.

Maher picked up the method from a studio series production of "Translations," directed by UM's Bernadette Sweeney.

He sought her advice on some techniques and with some adaptations drew heavily on Polish playwright Jerzy Grotowski.

After reading the script, Maher realized "Madwoman" is in some ways "all about the objects." Many of the characters don't have names, and "they are what they do." Considering the minimal set, he thought it would be a complementary approach.

Conti found a necklace that has a perfume bottle that looks like a watch. She said the process helped her tap into the element of magic in her character.

They worked on technique for about 45 minutes to an hour in the early part of rehearsals.

Maher said they would begin with broad, exaggerated gestures. A pencil could be used as a drum-stick or a dart. Then they'd minimize the gesture, say, putting it in their hair, or just holding it. Then they'd find a medium between the two: If they're writing, perhaps they'd just "do a little tap between" writing.

With time, the actor can "create a natural movement that has connection" and "a repetitive nature to it that is something they do all the time."

The method helps the cast create movements and gestures that are second nature and physically ingrained, he said. Some are so small that viewers might not consciously notice: a favored brand of cigar, or a habit of touching a coat button with emotional attachment. Even the smaller ones help create the illusion in the audience's mind.

"There's no question they're that character and not an actor anymore," he said.
Missoulas environmental community gathered Tuesday to honor Amy Cilimburg as Woman Conservationist of the Year.

Amys dedicated the last 10 years of her life to a science-based view of the world, said Tom France of the National Wildlife Federation, which co-sponsored the award with the Montana Conservation Voters. Now shes heading up Climate Smart Missoula. Thats Amys vision and Amys creation.

Ross Prosperi of Montana Conservation Voters added that Cilimburg had taught him much about grassroots organizing and the value of basic door-to-door networking.

I found myself asking Amy for things constantly, Prosperi said. Shes a master at bringing people together to support conservation issues.

Cilimburg spent several years in leadership roles at the Montana Audubon Society before helping start Missoula Climate Smart two years ago. In that role, shes been developing a campaign to display Missoulas carbon footprint of energy use and needs, as a way to focus attention on how to reduce pollution and conserve resources.
A Billings legislator is proposing a study of the governance structure of the Montana University System.

In a draft joint resolution, Rep. Kathy Kelker, D-Billings, asks that an interim committee evaluate the state higher education system since its reorganization by the Montana Legislature.

A world class system of education is a priority for the state, but much has changed since 1993, the bill draft stated.

"In the nearly 25 years since this reorganization, technological advances, demographic changes, cost increases, workforce needs, and other factors have been greatly impacting higher education," reads the draft.

Kelker could not be reached Monday or Tuesday for comment.

However, the draft bill requests an interim committee work in collaboration with the Montana Board of Regents, Commissioner of Higher Education, governor, and staff from campuses to review system goals, including impacts on four-year and two-year campuses.

***

This year, Gov. Steve Bullock rattled nerves when he suggested the regents might need to consider closing a college given the proposed cuts to higher education  $23 million at the time. A spokesman said the governor was only illustrating the depth of the proposed reduction.

However, colleges have closed in other states, and another Billings legislator has suggested cutting state funding for Dawson Community College in Glendive, one of three community colleges separate from the Montana University System.

Across all of Montanas campuses, the states higher education spending amounts to roughly $7,000 per student.

But Dawson spent $12,514 per student in 2016, in part because resident enrollment plummeted; Montana State University Northern, which is part of the system, spent some $10,000 per student in recent years.

At the University of Montana, enrollment has fallen some 24 percent since 2010, and some faculty members have been critical that funds are tied to the student population, albeit on a three-year average.

***

The draft resolution calls for a look at how the system structure has affected enrollment, course and program offerings, and serving workforce needs.

"The study (should) determine whether modifications to the current governance structure would improve the university system, increase efficiency, and benefit the people of the state of Montana," the draft stated.

Kevin McRae, spokesman for the Montana University System, said state higher education officials were not aware of the draft bill until Monday. But he said legislators have in the past called for studying specific aspects of the university system, and the Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education would be cooperative.
A Montana credit union is leading a class action lawsuit against the parent company of fast food chain Arbys, saying the company did not do enough to protect customers from and notify them of a 2016 data breach.

Valley Federal Credit Union of Montana  which has branches in Billings, Columbus and Roundup  filed the lawsuit in late February in U.S. District Court in Georgia where Arbys Restaurant Group Inc. is headquartered.

According to the credit unions complaint, computer hackers were able to use software to break into point-of-sale systems at Arbys locations around the country sometime around October.

The data breach allegedly included the debit and credit card numbers of customers being stolen.

The credit union said Arbys was unaware of the breach until Brian Krebs, a prominent computer security writer, reached out to the company after being told about the breach by several financial institutions in early February.

Later in February, Arbys issued a statement to Krebs acknowledging that the security breach had occurred. Arbys did not comment on how many locations were affected, exactly how long the malware was on their systems or how many cards were stolen.

Valley Federal Credit Union said they and other banks were forced to cancel and reissue cards involved in the breach, and that they had to reimburse customers for fraudulent purchases made on cards that were stolen.

This information was compromised because of Arbys acts and omissions and its overall failure to properly protect the payment card data of its customers, the credit union says in its lawsuit. Despite the well-publicized and ever-growing threat of cyber breaches involving payment card networks and systems, Arbys failed to ensure that it maintained adequate data security measures which likely would have prevented the data breach or led to its earlier discovery.

The Montana credit union also alleges that Arbys had not transitioned its stores over to using EMV chip technology by the October 2015 deadline, and that they are liable for damages from data breaches using the older magnetic stripe technology.

The lawsuit is asking a federal judge to certify it as a class action case, with Valley Federal Credit Union saying any financial institution that issued cards used to make purchases at Arbys while the malware was on its system should be able to join the suit.

Neither Arbys, the credit union or its attorney Kenneth Canfield returned a request for comment.
President Trumps revised executive order, banning most people from six Muslim-majority countries, suffered a blow this month when a judge in Hawaii temporarily blocked the ban hours before it was to take effect. Later, a Maryland court delivered a similar ruling. The human rights risks posed by Trumps ban have been averted  for now.

But Trump has vowed to appeal. These court battles will continue, and the futures of thousands who have waited  some for years  to relocate to the U.S. will remain uncertain. We need real leadership to protect human rights in Montana and around the country.

Congress must act to block this order for good, sending a message that Trumps hatred can never be written into law. And U.S. Sen. Jon Tester must help lead the way.

Tester spoke against the last order, saying that it would have harmful consequences on children and brave allies who are helping us fight terrorism.

These concerns were echoed by over 130 former government officials in a letter after the revised order was announced. They warned that the order will weaken security, by giving the impression that the U.S is at war with Islam  playing into the hands of those Trump claims he wants to fight.

This order is a reflection of Trumps campaign promises to ban Muslims outright. This was evidenced when the court in Hawaii turned Trumps own words against him, using his racist statements as proof that this order was motivated by anti-Muslim animus.

Real threats to U.S security exist, but this order is not the answer. It is predicated on an unwarranted belief that refugees and anyone from the six countries are dangerous. They are used as boogeymen to justify reprehensible policies that have a devastating impact on people here and around the country.

No amount of repackaging can change that this ban is an attempt to discriminate based on religion. Its the same bigotry that Tester spoke out against last time  so why has he been silent now? Why hasnt Congress held a hearing on the flawed policy?

Its not just refugees who would suffer. In the U.S., we welcome international students and staff to live, study and teach here. In turn, they have enriched our economy, culture and standing on the worlds stage as a leader in further education.

Trumps travel ban could end that.

It would also have an impact here in Montana. Immigrants make up 2 percent of Montanas population, and almost half of them are naturalized citizens who can vote. They are working families that contribute to the economy. They support local businesses and pay taxes. Now they face the possibility of harassment, discrimination and violence. Trump may have emboldened people to commit attacks by sanctioning bigotry, with American Muslims especially at risk.

If Congress blocks this ban, it will send the message that such discrimination has no place here.

We have hundreds of thousands of foreign-born citizens in Montana, whose contributions are vital. Immigrant families deserve to feel safe knowing their human rights are protected, and we must not allow xenophobia to put them at risk.

Trump will never accept defeat in the courts, which is why we need Congress to take action to nullify this ban. We need senators who will stand up and prove that they wont cave to fear-mongering. Now is the time for Tester to act, and prove that he cares about the human rights of all Montanas citizens.
Students of the Bitterroot College Environmental Studies class read with interest the recent article about the meeting of area fishing guides with Alec Underwood, climate change outreach coordinator of the National Wildlife Federation, and Chris Clancy, biologist with the Fish, Wildlife and Parks, discussing the effects of increased river temperatures, reduced low-flow discharge, and invasion of brown trout on the Bitterroot River (Missoulian Business section and Ravalli Republic, March 26).

At that meeting, concerns were expressed about the impact these issues have on the $907 million angling industry in Montana. The need for public discourse on this non-partisan issue was emphasized.

Although not associated with this meeting, but certainly paralleling their efforts, the Environmental Studies class invites the public to its second annual Bitterroot Water Symposium, April 28, at the Bitterroot College in Hamilton to continue this dialog.

This conference features an all-day series of invited experts from across the state covering the following topics: demographic trends, the interaction of groundwater with surface water, river health, the benefits of a freely migrating river to fish habitat, and new specialty farming methods; vital for public health and the $6 billion recreation industry in Montana.

For more information call 406-375-0100. Register online at umt.edu/bc, $10, lunch included.

George Furniss, professor,

Environmental Studies class,

Bitterroot College UM,

Hamilton
I turned on the TV last night and witnessed a debate on allowing legislators to "conceal carry" guns in the People's House. A vote was taken; it passed.

Thankfully, taxpayers wouldn't have to pay for holsters, six shooters and bullets. Its not clear if a shooting range will be on site to maintain accuracy. We don't want an unwary tourist gunned down mistakenly.

No doubt the "no weapons allowed" notices near the doorways will disappear. If so, its only fair that constituents, tourists, foreign dignitaries and venders be warned via appropriate signage of the new law or, perhaps require legislators to wear hunter orange name tags.

Perchance handheld scanners will be available so we can "wand" legislators so as to stay clear of those who seem a bit out of sorts.

It is interesting that such bills are only introduced by men. Female legislators must be more confident when dealing with constituents and are not as prone to being abrasive.

Not sure why the law is needed as I've heard that some legislators already "conceal carry." Perhaps reporters could look into that.

I hope Gov. Steve Bullock will veto these bills or institute cautionary measures such as recommended above.

John Ilgenfritz,

Helena
HELENA  Following a move that killed  at least for Wednesday  a bill that would allow counties to choose a money-saving mail vote for the May special election to fill Montana's empty seat in Congress, some Democrats are claiming the legislation was doomed to fail because of "partisan hijinks."

On Wednesday Rep. Virginia Court, a Democrat from Billings, tried to force a legislative committee to vote to advance Senate Bill 305, carried by Sen. Steve Fitzpatrick, R-Great Falls. The bill would allow counties to choose to conduct the May 25 election to replace former U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, who resigned to become Secretary of the Interior, by mail.

The bill had not been scheduled for a vote by House Judiciary Committee Chair Alan Doane, R-Bloomfield.

In response to Court's motion, Rep. Theresa Manzella, a Republican from Hamilton, brought a substitute motion to table the bill. That motion passed 11-8, on party lines.

Democrats on the committee said action was needed quickly because county clerks and recorders around the state need to prepare for the election and can't do so without knowing the fate of the bill.

Later they said they would bring a motion to "blast" the bill onto the House floor, but that will not happen until Friday. Blast motions require 67 of 100 House members to vote to revive a bill that has been killed or stalled in committee.

After the vote, Rep. Ellie Hill Smith, D-Missoula, said the bill was sent to the House Judiciary Committee incorrectly in an effort to kill it.

I think the partisan hijinks around this are sad and a shame and Ive never seen it in my experience here. What has been done to this bill by sending it to this committee, in eight years Ive never heard of a voting bill in this committee. Its partisan hijinks and its not what we do in this Capitol.

Rep. Barry Usher, R-Billings, said he voted to table the bill because of the actions by Democrats.

Because of partisan railroading that just happened Im proud to vote to table it because that was wrong. What you all tried to do to this committee and our chair was wrong.

Countries around the state want an answer one way or the other by the end of the week, said Regina Plettenberg, clerk and recorder and elections administer in Ravalli County and state director of the Montana Clerk and Recorders Association.

Whatevers going to happen really needs to happen by the end of the week, she said. I think by the first of April weve got to have a direction one way or the other.

Counties need time to secure polling places and election judges, which is proving difficult in some parts of the state given the unexpected election and off day of the week it will be held, a Thursday. In Ravalli County, Plettenberg said she needs to move a polling place if the election is not done by mail and she needs time to notify voters.

She said she was disappointed with Wednesday mornings vote.

It just seemed like, with all the support we had and all of the advice they were given from elections administers, it was very disappointing for us.

Last week a hearing on the bill went off the rails as committee chairman Doane attempted to enforce a cutoff on time allowed for testimony, with people testifying after being allowed only to state their name, affiliation and position on the bill. One woman refused to shorten her testimony and the hearing room was eventually cleared for about 10 minutes before the meeting could continue.

Hill Smith and Doane clashed over time allowed for testimony then and did again Wednesday, with Hill Smith saying Doane actively tried to delay the bill.

Doane said he was focused on moving House bills through the committee because of a deadline Wednesday to act on those bills. After the hearing he said he would have scheduled SB305 for a vote sometime this week.

"This whole process is about deadlines and you make priorities based on deadlines," Doane said.

The bill has already cleared the Senate and needed approval by the House Judiciary Committee to advance on to a full vote in the House, where if passed it would be signed by Bullock.

The committee has voted on several other bills heard after Fitzpatricks. If not voted on in enough time for election officials to prepare for a vote-by-mail election, the bill is essentially dead.

Under Senate Bill 305, counties could automatically send absentee ballots to all registered voters. Ballots could still be cast at the county courthouse in the 29 days leading up to the election as well as on Election Day. Satellite offices on reservations would remain open.

How Montana conducts the special election has come under the national spotlight. Montana Republican Party chairman and state Rep. Jeff Essmann, R-Billings, sent a letter to party members last month saying a mail-in election would "give the Democrats an inherent advantage." Essmann's letter caught the attention of the national press and ended up featured on the Rachel Maddow Show.
An attempted remote-control boat launch at the edge of the Berkeley Pit was scrubbed Wednesday afternoon.

Montana Resources and Atlantic Richfield Co. donated $50,000 to Montana Tech last year to sponsor the building of a remote control boat to sample Berkeley Pit water. Ever since sloughing on the southeast wall of the pit made manned boating on the water dangerous in 2013, MR and ARCO have been unable to sample the water, laden with heavy metals and sulfuric acid.

Montana Tech graduate student Abdullah Alangari, working toward a master of science degree in electrical engineering, devised the boat.

The Environmental Protection Agency requires MR and ARCO to sample the pit's water twice a year under the legal agreement reached between the agencies and the responsible parties in the early 2000s over the Berkeley Pit cleanup. That cleanup includes the Horseshoe Bend Water Treatment Plant, which by 2023 must be ready to pump and treat Berkeley Pit water in perpetuity.

Montana Tech students and electrical engineer professor Bryce Hill took the boat out for test runs at Silver Lake, about 40 miles west of Butte, a couple of times last year. This was their first time to try it on the shores of the Berkeley Pit.

While Tech students stood at the spot MR calls the bird house  the place where the company hazes birds from the water  along the upper rim of the Berkeley Pit, a second team of specialists readied to launch the boat at the waters edge.

But during a preliminary check, not all of the remote control devices on the boat worked. The Montana Tech team will regroup to figure out how to rectify the problem. The timetable for a second launch attempt is unknown.

Putting the boat out onto the water has greater urgency than it previously did. Late last year at least 10,000 snow geese landed on the Berkeley Pit's water due to unusual weather conditions and a later-than-normal migration. As many as 4,000 birds died as a result.
BILLINGS - The Montana Supreme Court declined to step into the criminal case of a Montana medical marijuana patient who is challenging the possession limit statute.

The case of 65-year-old Wayne Steven Penning, who faces a felony count of criminal possession of dangerous drugs with intent to distribute, is still pending in Yellowstone County District Court.

In January, Penning had asked the Supreme Court to take over the case to consider his request to dismiss the charge. He argued that the medical marijuana statute, which limits cardholders to possession of one ounce of "usable" marijuana, is too vague.

Penning was arrested for exceeding that limit in 2015 when a Montana Highway Patrol trooper stopped him with harvested marijuana from four of his plants.

Penning argued that the marijuana was not fully dry and therefore not "usable."

Yellowstone County District Court Judge Rod Souza has declined to dismiss the case, saying that the determination of usable marijuana should be left to a jury.

In declining to take over Penning's case while it's still ongoing in the District Court, the Supreme Court justices wrote that Penning's argument of usable marijuana is a "question of fact, not a question of law."

The case would still be open to appeal to the Supreme Court after final judgment in Yellowstone County.

A future ruling on the case could set precedent for interpretation of the word "usable" in the medical marijuana law. However, one bill in the Montana Legislature that outlines regulations for the medical marijuana industry would change the possession statute altogether.

A trial date is currently set in District Court for May 8, though other motions could be filed before then.
Butte Central High Schools newly formed health education club has already performed well in the big leagues.

Well, at the state Health Occupations Students of America Conference in Missoula, anyway.

Katy Prendergast and Connor Ford won a gold medal for their innovative oral health lesson plan titled Sweet Smiles. They qualified for the National HOSA conference in Orlando, Florida, in June.

Butte High students Caitlyn Carmody and Maddi Hoff also did well, grabbing gold in the CPR-First Aid event.

The Maroons team taught their lesson to Carmie Dunbars third-grade class at Butte Central Grade School. The younger students applied math skills to properly measure dental floss; they also learned how to floss correctly.

The kids loved the activity and the high school kids really did a nice job, said Susie Hogart, Butte Central Grade School principal. They were very well prepared.

Emily Vincent of Butte High was elected student State Vice President in Charge of Marketing.

Other Butte High students who medaled were:

Alyssa Cook and Emma Field  Silver, Certification Skills

Alex Anderson  Silver, Pharmacology

Maddi Hoff  Bronze, Pharmacology

Caitlin Carmody, Joby Rosenleaf, Caitlyn Sheehan and Tyra Rodrigues  Bronze, Creative Problem Solving

Alexandria Anderson, Emily Vincent, Bronze, Certification Skills

In other news, Butte High HOSA advisor Amber Walter said her team received a "chapter of distinction" designation.

Montana HOSA: Future Health Professionals is one of seven Montana Career and Technical Student Organizations partially funded via House Bill 86, said Director Martha Robertson. It provides real-world, hands-on training to prepare students for college and the workforce, offers leadership and career opportunities, and involves students in community service. It works to help fill the acute shortage of qualified workers in Montana's healthcare industry.

Montana HOSA has 550 members.
Anaconda residents who have accepted offers of $1,000 from Atlantic Richfield Co. in the last few weeks in exchange for relinquishing the right to sue will get a chance to reconsider, according to Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Chief Executive Bill Everett.

Houston-based ARCO spokesperson Brett Clanton confirmed, via email, that the company is in the process of securing agreements with individual property owners to access their properties to perform lead cleanup work, but he declined to comment on specific discussions with landowners.

Everett said about 250 residents had received the letters, and about 100 had already accepted the offer.

He said ARCO will void the agreements for any residents who wish to withdraw their acceptance. Everett was concerned that many who signed were confused about what they were agreeing to, and may have thought they had to sign in order to get their property cleaned.

Signing the document means that the document will follow the property into the future, said Everett. If a property owner sells, the covenant preventing a lawsuit against ARCO will remain with the home.

Everett spoke at a standing-room-only meeting Wednesday evening at the Community Service Center in downtown Anaconda. The meeting was organized by Bozeman-based law firm Beck, Amsden and Staples. Attorneys from Great Falls-based law firm Lewis, Slovak, Kovacich and Snipes also appeared.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the residents' rights regarding the cleanup and how the offer from ARCO would affect them.

Everett told The Montana Standard outside the meeting that he and other county officials who are in frequent contact with ARCO did not know the letters were being sent. Everett said he was disappointed by ARCOs actions.

That trust (we had established with ARCO) was tarnished through this process, said Everett.

Both law firms represent close to 100 Opportunity and Crackerville residents in a lawsuit seeking a more extensive cleanup of their properties than EPA has demanded of ARCO.

After the lawsuit has been fought out in the court system over the last nine years, a hearing is scheduled before the Montana Supreme Court at 9 a.m. at the George Dennison Theater at the University of Montana campus April 7.

The lawyers spoke about the Opportunity lawsuit to the approximately 80 residents who squeezed into the tiny conference room Wednesday. The lawyers gave a presentation on property rights under Montana state law, saying that residents have the right to have contamination removed from their soils through the Montana Constitution.

The meeting turned emotional when the floor opened to residents who began, one after the other, to tell stories about how their yards werent cleaned up in manner they believed to be adequate. Many spoke about soil that wont grow grass, trees that died, and animals that have been sickened.

One man spoke up to say his children had been contaminated with lead.

Another resident, Leo La Salle, said he was digging in his yard when he stumbled on old tailings that had been buried only about five to six inches deep.

I found the spot by accident, he said to The Standard after the meeting. It looks like yellow concrete.

Many questioned why their yards need to be cleaned up again when the soils were tested and cleaned decades ago.

EPA Superfund project manager for Anaconda Charlie Coleman said, via email, that the original Anaconda risk assessment, done in the 1990s, only identified arsenic as a contaminant of concern based on what was then the available data.

It was only later (during the cleanup of arsenic) that higher levels of lead were identified, said Coleman.

ARCOs letters went out to Anaconda residents as part of the cleanup process to get access to remove soil for lead contamination. Clanton said the new cleanup for lead was a plan selected by EPA and the state.

Coleman estimated that around 1,000 homes in Anaconda need to be redone due to potential for lead contamination. Exposure to lead can cause developmental delays in children.

Coleman said the work could continue until 2021.

Clanton said ARCO is committed to trying to minimize the disruption to the community while the work is underway.
Police reports

DIDN'T GET FAR

A man and woman from Butte were arrested early Thursday after a shoplifting incident at the Town Pump in Rocker.

An employee called police shortly after midnight to report that someone had taken items without paying and sped away in a blue and silver Buick. Officers were responding when they spotted the car and got it to stop near the intersection of Excelsior and Centennial.

Police say Chad Eugene McDaniel, 43, of Butte jumped out of the car and ran into a field, but officers caught up with him. He had a stolen wallet on him and was booked on misdemeanor complaints of possessing stolen property, having drug paraphernalia, and obstructing an officer.

Police say Bernadette Lynn Gwen, 41, stayed with the vehicle but had taken the wallet at the store along with an LED light and two USB cables. She was booked on a misdemeanor shoplifting complaint.

Both were jailed as of Thursday morning with bond set at $1,085 for Gwen and $2,005 for McDaniel.

HEY, THAT'S MINE

A man being held at the Butte-Silver Bow Detention Center got in more trouble Wednesday afternoon for allegedly punching another prisoner.

Police say Jeremiah Burton Marry, 31, of Anaconda accused another prisoner of using or touching his toothbrush, so he hit him. Officers added a simple assault complaint to those he was arrested for on March 19, which included felony drug possession, obstructing an officer, and resisting arrest.

He has been in jail since then with bond set at $6,000.
After a failed attempt to buy a building in Uptown Butte from Action Inc. earlier in the year the Butte Rescue Mission had settled on the Madison School. The school has been vacant for years and the Mission, as part of the purchase, sought a special use permit from the Zoning Board. This permit would have been the same permit that a church would request in order to conduct services. Naturally, as was the case in the other location, and as would be the case in any location, the Mission received significant push back from the neighbors, which is unfortunate, to say the least, and here is why.

The arguments that the residents made were hollow. As a matter of fact they are nothing more than opinions, and poor ones at that. But before I address the opinions let me say this, the school has been vacant for years and as was the case with the Greeley School the demand for a building such as this is pretty much nonexistent. Any, and I mean any proposal to occupy and use a building such as this should be strongly considered. Any occupant is better than long-term vacancy and deterioration. Especially since the B-SB Planning Department was diligent in its requirements for approval. This brings me to the opinions.

The opinion about having our property values reduced is ridiculous. To begin with property values are determined by square footage, use, and general maintenance based on comparable properties in the market area. They are not reduced because a faith-based organization occupies an old school in the neighborhood. Ive heard this line for forty years and its false. People who say this are unwilling to admit that they are incapable of accepting change and have allowed fear to overtake logic. This line is so shop-worn its become a cliche for those who are incapable of making an argument at all.

Now to the issue of panhandling and loitering, this was in the news earlier in the year thanks to some Uptown merchants with a flair for the dramatic. To be clear, the panhandlers were not homeless, were not residents of the Mission, and most importantly, the merchants who made the most noise were the least receptive to the agreed upon strategies to address the problem.

Whats really at work with those in opposition is plain old fear, and in copious amounts. We live in a culture riddled with it, the media stokes it, many make a living off of it, and it permeates everything, and now the Zoning Board reinforces it. Fear is the proverbial social wedge, and to give into it is to lose. The idea that because someones appearance or behavior makes us experience some discomfort is just that, discomfort. It isnt fear.

The Mission is a Christian solution that teaches responsibility and growth. The opportunity that presented itself is one of lifes challenges and its unfortunate that the Zoning Board missed the point. Apparently they felt that push back is going to be absent from the next site. Or maybe they thought that to give credence to the ridiculous testimony from small minded residents somehow made the Board sensitive to public opinion. But after watching the Zoning Board in action last night it became clear that the real issue is the Boards inability to think at all.

The best line of the night however, goes to the Commissioner who asked Lori Casey from the Planning Department whether there would be inspections on the proposed construction work as part of the approval requirements. Apparently this Commissioner is unaware that we have building inspectors who are trained professionals, which raises an interesting point. Namely, what is someone doing serving on the Zoning Board who isnt aware of how local government works in practice. Its apparent by the inquiry, and the ultimate decision, that the Zoning Board needs some time for reflection.
MISSOULA  A Montana credit union is leading a class action lawsuit against the parent company of fast food chain Arbys, saying the company did not do enough to protect customers from and notify them of a 2016 data breach.

Valley Federal Credit Union of Montana  which has branches in Billings, Columbus and Roundup  filed the lawsuit in late February in U.S. District Court in Georgia where Arbys Restaurant Group Inc. is headquartered.

According to the credit unions complaint, computer hackers were able to use software to break into point-of-sale systems at Arbys locations around the country sometime around October.

The data breach allegedly included the debit and credit card numbers of customers being stolen.

The credit union said Arbys was unaware of the breach until Brian Krebs, a prominent computer security writer, reached out to the company after being told about the breach by several financial institutions in early February.

Later in February, Arbys issued a statement to Krebs acknowledging that the security breach had occurred. Arbys did not comment on how many locations were affected, exactly how long the malware was on their systems or how many cards were stolen.

Valley Federal Credit Union said they and other banks were forced to cancel and reissue cards involved in the breach, and that they had to reimburse customers for fraudulent purchases made on cards that were stolen.

This information was compromised because of Arbys acts and omissions and its overall failure to properly protect the payment card data of its customers, the credit union says in its lawsuit. Despite the well-publicized and ever-growing threat of cyber breaches involving payment card networks and systems, Arbys failed to ensure that it maintained adequate data security measures which likely would have prevented the data breach or led to its earlier discovery.

The Montana credit union also alleges that Arbys had not transitioned its stores over to using EMV chip technology by the October 2015 deadline, and that they are liable for damages from data breaches using the older magnetic stripe technology.

The lawsuit is asking a federal judge to certify it as a class action case, with Valley Federal Credit Union saying any financial institution that issued cards used to make purchases at Arbys while the malware was on its system should be able to join the suit.

Neither Arbys, the credit union or its attorney Kenneth Canfield returned a request for comment.
MUSCATINE  A West Liberty man is facing felony charges in the death of a Muscatine woman last year.

According to Iowa State Patrol, Ryan McKillip, 29, of West Liberty, was driving a vehicle and struck a bicyclist last June while both were southbound on Davis Avenue south of 121st Street.

McKillip has been charged with homicide by vehicle-reckless driving, a class C felony, and leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in death, a class D felony.

Lisa Kuhn, 40, of Muscatine, was riding in the third annual "pEDaling for Pancreatic Cancer" bicycle fundraiser when she was struck and killed June 25, 2016.

McKillip, according to the criminal complaint filed in Muscatine County District Court by Iowa State Patrol, was driving a 2000 Pontiac Bonneville at 65 mph when his vehicle struck Kuhn from behind. The posted speed limit is 55 mph.

He did not stop immediately following the collision but returned to the scene later, authorities said. The complaint states McKillip "unintentionally caused the death of Kuhn by operating his vehicle in a reckless manner."

He was arrested March 28.

 Emily Wenger
Les emplois a Rennes sont abondants et varies. Il y a quelque chose pour tout le monde. Que vous soyez a la recherche dun emploi []
Les blattes ou cafards (Blatta orientalis) sont des insectes qui appartiennent a la famille des Blattoptera. Ils se caracterisent par leur forme allongee, leurs ailes []
A handwritten letter penned by one of the men killed in a road accident involving musician Jaguars Range Rover has emerged.

The deceased, Sinforian Mugo Mwangi, wrote the emotional letter addressed to God seeking forgiveness and blessings in February.

In the letter, Mugo,25, who was a boda boda operator asked God to provide him with KSh 200,000 so that he could build a house and buy a motorcycle.

The letter reads in part, I hereby come to your throne asking for your forgiveness for I have sinned against you.

Lord I beg you to help me get KSh 200,000 to build a house and buy a motorbike. Also make me remember to give you tithe and offering from this amount.

The accident which occurred on March 26 is still being investigated following conflicting reports on who was behind the wheel.

According to eyewitnesses, a lady was driving the vehicle but switched positions with a man immediately after the accident that took place along Sagana-Makutano highway.

Jaguar later claimed he was behind the wheel during the incident that left two men dead.

Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko through his deputy has written to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations boss asking him to investigate the accident and allegations of a cover-up.
Raila Odingas younger sister, Ruth Odinga, has opened up about the relationship between her family and the Kenyattas.

Speaking to SDE, Ruth recalls the relationship stretching back to their childhood days.

When they came to Kisumu with their father (Uhurus father, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta) we used to play together. Uhuru is a good friend of mine, a very personal friend. Its only our political paths that were different, she says.

I was born into a political family and politics is what we have grown up in. I met Uhuru through politics. If my father was not in politics, I would not have known Uhuru, she adds.

The rosy relationship the two political families enjoyed turned sour when the relationship between the older Kenyatta and Jaramogi took a nosedive.

According to Ruth, the entire family paid a heavy price when the founding father placed Jaramogi under house arrest.

When my father was under house arrest and I was then a pupil at Victoria Primary School in Kisumu, I used to be taken to Central Police Station for inspection. I was forced to undress before being inspected, then I would be asked to dress again after which I would get clearance to go to school, recounts Ruth.

 At lunch time, I would be taken to Central Police Station again for screening and clearance, she says.

As the relationship between the two families went from bad to worse, the Odingas fortunes dipped, reports SDE.

When my father was in detention, I was hawking mangoes to get money for ice cream, she said.

Ruth and Uhurus paths would cross again when they were both in high school.

I was in Kenya High while the President was at St Marys. I even knew his college sweethearts, she says.

Later, Uhuru left for the US for his undergraduate studies.

Ruth noted thast different members of her family have different memories of the Kenyattas.
SACRAMENTO  Californias governor and legislative leaders on Wednesday proposed raising $52 billion to fix the states roads through a big increase in the gasoline tax along with higher car registration fees and a $100 charge on emission-free vehicles.

The 10-year plan would boost gasoline excise taxes by 12 cents a gallon  a 43 percent increase.

The plan also includes a sliding fee on vehicles, with owners of cheaper vehicles paying less.

For the first time, owners of zero emission vehicles would pay a $100 annual fee, since they use public roads but dont pay gasoline taxes.

The gas tax increase would be the largest in state history and would increase over time, Assembly and Senate Republicans said in opposing the plan.

Yes, it costs money. And if the roof in your house is leaking, you better fix it, because it gets worse all the time, Gov. Jerry Brown said at a Capitol news conference. This is mostly about fixing what we already have. If for some reason people try to fight this, and God help us if they were successful, they wont defeat this, theyll just delay it and make the expenses go up.

The proposal includes a constitutional amendment requiring that the money be spent only on transportation projects, and it would create an inspector general to make sure money isnt misspent.

Critics have long complained that money raised by transportation taxes has been siphoned off for other uses, something the constitutional amendment is designed to prevent.

Republican lawmakers renewed that objection, arguing that California already collects enough money with some of the highest gas taxes in the country but spends it on the wrong projects.

Californians deserve better, Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes of Yucca Valley told reporters after the Democrats unveiled their plan. The state government has mismanaged our transportation system now for decades and the only answer, the only response to that, is that the Democrats  the ruling party here in California  want to raise taxes.

The Democratic governor has said California has $59 billion in deferred maintenance on state highways and $78 billion on local streets and roads.

He has set an April 6 goal for the Legislature to pass a transportation funding package before lawmakers leave for a spring recess.

Its the third time Brown has attempted to address the multibillion-dollar backlog in transportation repairs and upgrades through tax increases. Browns previous plans and others calling for tax increases have repeatedly stalled in the Legislature, with Republicans and moderate Democrats reluctant to back the higher taxes.

In the new proposal:

 The gasoline tax would raise $24.4 billion over 10 years.

 The states current 16-cent-a-gallon diesel excise tax would climb by 20 cents  a 125 percent increase. It would raise $7.3 billion over 10 years.

 An increase in the diesel sales tax would raise $3.5 billion over 10 years.

 The sliding vehicle fee is similar to what owners already pay annually to the state Department of Motor Vehicles. It is projected to raise $16.3 billion.

 The $100 annual fee on zero emission vehicles would start in 2020 and raise $200 million.
A group of concerned residents gained reassurance after meeting with Napa County Sheriff John Robertson, Supervisor Belia Ramos and California Highway Patrol Area Commander Capt. Chris Childs on Wednesday to discuss immigration enforcement in Napa County.

The local group took the initiative to contact Robertson after signing onto People Power, a member-mobilization project recently introduced by the American Civil Liberties Union. The projects purpose is to engage volunteers to take action when Trump or his administration attempt to enact unconstitutional policies or trample on peoples constitutional rights, according to an online post by Ronald Newman, ACLU Director of Strategic Initiatives.

Susan M. Veresh, one of the groups members, said that the wanted to meet with Robertson to find out where local law enforcement officials stood on the issue of immigration and how they would respond to the administrations call to increase deportations.

Robertson, who has spoken on the topic at numerous community meetings, reiterated what hes said in the past: In enforcement, (immigration status) is not a question that comes up.

Deputies will not be doing Immigration and Customs Enforcements (ICE) job for them  theyve worked too long and too hard to build trust in the community, he said.

That doesnt mean that the Sheriffs Office wont comply with ICE agents who have a federal warrant nor does it mean undocumented individuals will be getting away with any crimes.

If youre a suspect in a domestic violence, it doesnt matter where you came from. Youre gonna go to jail, Robertson said.

There is fear given the current administration in Washington (D.C.) that law enforcement agencies will be coerced into participating in raids and sweeps, said one person.

I dont see it happening in California. I dont see it happening locally, Robertson said.

Local law enforcement agencies have been working to improve their communication with ICE so that when agents are in the area, Napa County dispatchers are notified, Robertson said.

We had a difficult time when we first started, he said. In one instance, it took the agency three weeks to respond to the Sheriffs inquiry about a man who may have been detained. Now ICE is expected to notify local dispatchers when they are doing enforcement in the area, when they leave and how many people they took with them, he said.

This isnt something thats new, said Melissa Patrino, executive director of Puertas Abiertas. Detainments and deportations have happened in Napa County before, especially during Secure Communities, an immigration enforcement program administered by ICE during former President Obamas first term.

During 2012, she said, about 100 people were deported from Napa County. Whats different now, she said, is the rhetoric coming from the White House.

So far this year, there have been five deportations. Robertson said that of the five deportations, only two were detained from residences and that each person was specifically targeted.

You have to realize these are targeted removals, Robertson said. Each person had already been removed from the country and returned illegally in addition to committing crimes, he said. The days of light green vans heading into vineyards during harvest are over, he said.

I want to be comforted, but Im not, said one woman, noting that President Donald Trump has called for 10,000 additional ICE agents.

I dont think those are things that we have to worry about in this community, Robertson said.

As a concerned citizen, what can I do? asked another woman.

Help spread the message, Ramos said. Ramos said that individuals can work to educate people about what the community is doing, be a resource for those who may need to know which organizations are out there to help them, and distribute Know your rights cards.

California is pretty much leading the way in this regard, Robertson said. Youre kind of knocking on the wrong door.

Theres really no fight here, said Gwyneth McKay Baron of Napa after the meeting. It was very reassuring.

I was very relieved to hear all the speakers assuage my fears, Veresh said. I didnt really learn anything new at the meeting, but was reassured that what I hoped was the case, was in fact, the case.

Although the group of individuals were inspired by the ACLU to take action, they are not representatives of the ACLU of Northern California.
Citing safety violations that lead to a workers death in August, Trinchero Family Estates has been fined $44,575 by the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

On Aug. 31, Jose Alberto Avina, a 43-year-old cellar worker, was crushed while unloading barrel racks from a truck at Joel Gott Wines, 2055 Hoffman Lane in Napa. Trinchero Family Estates owns and operates Joel Gott Wines.

According to his obituary, Avina was married and had four children. He was laid to rest in Mexico.

Trinchero Family Estates did not return requests for a comment this week.

The incident happened as Avina was working with two others to unload 12 stacks of metal barrel racks from a 40-foot container using a forklift. Each stack contained 17 barrel racks nestled together and weighed 1,445 pounds. There was not an unloading dock at the winery at that time, said the OSHA report.

Because the forklift couldnt reach into the container, a chain and nylon straps were linked between the forklift and the racks to help pull the stacks out of the container.

Avina and another man served as guides inside the container as the racks were pulled out of the truck by the forklift.

When the accident occurred we were guiding the rack back, said cellar worker Francisco Javier Medina in a Cal/OSHA statement. We would guide the rack back to within one foot of the edge, then tell the fork truck operator to stop.

Medina said he saw the racks were unstable and then they just started falling. He said he jumped to get out of the way.

Jose Antonio Rubio-Castro, cellar master for Trinchero, said he saw the racks fall, and then he saw Avina.

Avina was unable to jump out of the path of the falling stack of racks and was struck and pinned under the racks on the asphalt parking surface, said the OSHA report.

I got off the fork truck to help free Avina from under the racks, said Rubio-Castro.

But it was too late. Avinas torso was crushed when the racks fell on him, the OSHA report stated.

Avina was pronounced dead at the scene at 11 a.m., the Napa County Sheriffs Office reported said at the time.

Cal/OSHA investigated the incident and noted a series of violations.

Trichero failed to identify and evaluate workplace hazards, the report stated. The company failed to inspect and maintain its forklift. The employer failed to provide training and instruction on using the forklift in this manner.

Trinchero also allowed the use of nylon winch cargo straps that were worn and damaged. The strap was used to pull loads contrary to the manufacturers intended use. Trinchero failed to prevent the barrel racks from tipping and falling, which lead to the death of Avina, Cal/OSHA said.

In his statement to Cal-OSHA, Medina said he hadnt been given instructions about what to do or not do while working around this hazard, only just to be careful.

According to Trinchero Famly Estates Production Manager Julio Ramirez, We did not have a written procedure for unloading the trucks with barrel racks. We did not have any training on how to unload the barrel racks from the trucks.

Avina was an employee of Trinchero Family Estates, and had worked at the Hoffman Lane facility for two harvests, company spokeswoman Elizabeth Hooker previously reported.

This is a terrible tragedy that is felt throughout our organization, CEO and Chairman Roger Trinchero said in August. As a family-run operation, every employee is part of our extended family and the loss is very painful for all of us.

The case was closed on Feb. 28, the OSHA report stated.
The French Laundrys wine thief will finally be serving some time in prison more than two years after stealing thousands of dollars in fine wine from the three-star Michelin restaurant in Yountville.

Davis Kiryakoz, 45, of Modesto was sentenced by a federal judge on Tuesday to 15 months in prison following his conspiracy conviction in the theft of more than $500,000 worth of wine from the famed Napa Valley restaurant, prosecutors said. U.S. District Court Judge Beth Labson Freeman also ordered Kiryakoz to pay nearly $600,000 in restitution, U.S. Attorneys Office spokesman Abraham Simmons said.

Kiryakoz pleaded guilty in December to one count of conspiracy to transport stolen goods. Prosecutors said he acknowledged stealing 110 bottles of high-end wine from The French Laundry in December 2014 and later selling some of it to a buyer in North Carolina.

Federal authorities arrested Kiryakoz in The French Laundry case last spring, along with then 53-year-old Alfred Georgis of Mountain View, charging both men with one count each of conspiracy to transport stolen goods and two counts of transportation of stolen goods.

The theft at chef Thomas Kellers restaurant occurred on Christmas Day while the restaurant was closed for renovations. An employee reported the theft at 7:45 a.m. the following day. The Sheriffs Office said that someone had pried the front-door open and forced the cellar open. The cellars alarm system had not been activated.

Following Kiryakozs plea, investigators from the Napa County Sheriffs Office said that there is no evidence in the case to suggest the culprits had any inside knowledge of or connection to the restaurant.

The stolen wine included coveted Screaming Eagle and Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, both brands that retail for thousands of dollars per bottle. At least one of the stolen bottles of wine can cost up to $10,000.

Kiryakoz later shipped 63 bottles of The French Laundrys wine to a buyer in North Carolina. Most of the wine bottles stolen from The French Laundry were recovered in Greensboro, North Carolina by Napa County law enforcement and returned to the restaurant in January 2015 after the Napa County Sheriffs Office was contacted by an attorney in the state whose client had purchased them.

The unidentified buyer alerted the attorney when he realized the wines were stolen. Specialized serial numbers on the bottles confirmed the wines authenticity as those stolen from the French Laundry. Authorities eventually returned the wine to the restaurant, save for four bottles that were never recovered.

According to the indictment filed last spring, the thefts began as early as March 2013 when 142 bottles were stolen from a San Francisco wine merchant. The indictment described the alleged theft and transportation of additional wines including the November 2014 burglary of 39 bottles of wine from Alexanders Steakhouse and the December 2014 burglary of more than 70 bottles of valuable wines from The French Laundry.

Prosecutors said that Kiryakoz acknowledged stealing another $320,000 worth of wine from a steak house and a wine store.

The widely publicized theft was one of two 2014 burglaries of high-end wine in Yountville, the prior occurring at Redd restaurant in January of that year. The incidents were similar in nature, as both restaurants were broken into during their annual holiday closures. Redds losses totaled 24 bottles worth about $30,000.

Sheriffs investigators previously told the Register that they believed the cases were connected and further confirmed that Redds wine has not been recovered.

The U.S. Attorneys Office sought a two-year sentence while Kiryakoz asked for probation. An email to his attorney, Jay Rorty, was not returned.

Georgis is scheduled to change his plea in May.

Register reporter Maria Sestito contributed to this article.
Opera Naples, one of Read more [...]
The NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the Moldovan Prime Minister Pavel Filip to NATO headquarters on Thursday (30 March 2017) and discussed with him the partnership between the Alliance and the Republic of Moldova. The Secretary General thanked Prime Minister Filip for his countrys contribution to NATOs KFOR mission in Kosovo. He also welcomed Moldovas commitment to uphold the values shared by all European democracies. The Secretary General highlighted that NATO and Moldova have jointly agreed a framework for working together and stressed that all cooperation activities with NATO have been requested by the government of Moldova.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg previewed the agenda of this weeks meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers in a press conference on Thursday (30 March 2017). On Friday, ministers will address topics including defence spending and the fight against terrorism, and pave the way for the Brussels meeting of NATO leaders on 25 May. The Secretary General also gave a read-out of discussions in the NATO-Russia Council. The Secretary General noted that Allies and Russia had a substantial meeting on topics of common concern, including the situation in and around Ukraine, the security situation in Afghanistan and risk reduction and transparency. When tensions run high, it is even more important to keep talking with each other, he added.
Ambassador Marriet Schuurman steps down as the NATO Secretary Generals Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security on Thursday (30 March 2017) after two and a half years in post. She will return to a position with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In her farewell address to NATO Ambassadors in the North Atlantic Council, Mrs Schuurman stressed the importance of including more women in decision-making and operations. This is not only the right thing to do but also the smart thing to do, as mixed teams are smarter and perform better. She added that improvements in gender balance would make the alliance more effective, because we simply cannot leave any potential untapped.

Ambassador Schuurman stressed that NATO needs to do more to ensure equal participation by women in policy-making and senior appointments, but pointed to progress being made. She welcomed that NATO now has its first female Deputy Secretary General, Rose Gottemoeller, and its first female commander of a major military command  US Admiral Michelle Howard at Joint Force Command Naples.

Ambassador Schuurman is a career diplomat and previously served in a variety of posts in the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She took up her post as the NATO Secretary Generals Special Representative in October 2014.
Good afternoon.

Allied Foreign Ministers will meet tomorrow to address NATOs adaptation to a changing security environment. We will reaffirm the vital bond between Europe and North America, on which our security relies, and pave the way for the Brussels meeting of NATO Heads of State and Government on the 25th of May.

During tomorrows first working session, we will look at how to further strengthen the transatlantic bond, with more and better defence spending and fairer burden-sharing across the Alliance.

NATOs role in fighting terrorism and projecting stability will also be on the agenda. We will take stock of our work with partners, including our efforts in Iraq, where our training will help the Iraqi forces fight ISIL and our counter-IED courses will help save lives.

We will also hold a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission. A strong sign of our continued commitment to Ukraine in the face of Russias actions. We will review the security situation,

Ukraines reform progress and NATOs political and practical support for Kiev. Just this week, our Science for Peace Program is responding to Ukraines request for assistance. Following the explosion at the Balaklia arms depot, we are providing personal protection and demining equipment, as well as radio systems.

Tomorrow we will also assess the implications of Russias military build-up in Europe and beyond with key partners  the EU High Representative, Finland and Sweden.

NATO has a united position on Russia: strong defence and deterrence combined with dialogue. We are delivering on both.

Then some words about the NATO-Russia Council which I just chaired. It was a long meeting, it was a frank meeting and the meeting was constructive. This is the first meeting of the NATO-Russia Council this year. Allies and Russia continue to have clear disagreements on the crisis in and around Ukraine. This was the first topic we addressed and the security situation remains of deep concern. Ceasefire violations in eastern Ukraine have reached record levels, intense fighting continues and heavy weapons have not been withdrawn.

Earlier this week, the OSCE reported that prohibited weapons were being used almost twice per minute and OSCE monitors are not being allowed to do their job. They face restrictions on where they can go, and sometimes they even become targets themselves. The Minsk Agreements provide a plan for the settlement of the conflict in eastern Ukraine but most of their provisions are not being implemented. We call on all signatories to fully comply with their commitments. Today, Allies urged Russia to use its significant influence on the militants to meet their obligations in full. And raised serious concerns about Russias recognition of identity documents issued by the separatists, imposing the ruble, and seizure of companies. And all Allies reiterated their strong support for Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity. We do not, and will not, recognise Russias illegal annexation of Crimea.

We also discussed the challenging security situation in Afghanistan. It is in all our interests to continue helping the Afghan forces to provide for their own security. That is what NATO and our partners are doing, with training and with funding and it is important that all actors support Afghan owned reconciliation efforts.

Finally, we turned to address military activities, and improving transparency and risk reduction. At the NATO-Russia Council in December, we made progress. NATO provided a briefing on Exercise Trident Juncture 2016, and Russia provided a briefing on Exercise Kavkaz 2016. Today, we took another step, through an exchange on our respective military postures. Russia gave a briefing on the three new divisions in its Western Military District. And NATO provided a briefing on the four battlegroups we are deploying to Poland and the Baltic countries. I look forward to future briefings in the same spirit of transparency.

This was a substantial meeting on topics of common concern. It is not an easy dialogue, but it is a dialogue we are committed to. And when tensions run high, it is even more important to keep talking with each other. To increase predictability and reduce risks.

And with that, Im ready to take your questions.

Oana Lungescu (Moderator): Wall Street Journal, third row.

Q: The NATO Russia Council meetings are becoming more regular; do you think that that will continue and what in the exchange you're having about military forces do you believe that there is a path forward to more transparency or do the hurdles remain in terms of modernizing the Vienna Document and other initiatives you've talked about in the past to boost Russian transparency?

Jens Stoltenberg: In 2014 NATO suspended all practical cooperation with Russia as reaction to Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea. But we decided to keep the channels for political dialogue open and keep military lines of communications open. And that's exactly what we do now. So, it has always been clear that the NATO Russia Council has never been suspended. We were not able to convene any meetings from the summer 2014 to the summer 2016, but it was never suspended.

Now we have been able to convene three meetings in 2016 and the first meeting now in March 2017 this year. We want a more periodic dialogue more periodic meetings in the NATO Russia Council focused, meaningful dialogue and that's what we are working for with the NATO Russia Council. The idea is to use the Council as a platform for political dialogue for transparency and enabling more transparency and predictability in the relationship between Russia and NATO and we have made some progress. Partly by just the fact that we briefed on exercises last year, partly by the fact that in the meeting today Russia briefed on the three new divisions in the east in the western military district and NATO briefed NATO on the four new battle groups.

That in itself contributes to predictability and transparency so I think I welcome that as a step in the right direction. But we would like to see more, for instance more briefings and more transparency related to upcoming military exercises and of course these briefings in the NATO Russia Council do not substitute the mandatory transparency in, as part of the OC or the Vienna Document in Vienna. And we are still working for modernization of the Vienna Document, but there is no, not either modernizing the Vienna Document or using the NATO Russia Council we need both tools to improve transparency and predictability between NATO and Russia.

Oana Lungescu: Latvian Broadcaster, lady with glasses in the middle.

Q: Thank you very much. Ina (inaudible), Radio Latvia. I presume Secretary General that you spoke about Zapad exercises with Russian Ambassador and did you get also possibility to talk about invitation to see the exercises and from the information you got what can you tell to the Baltic States as it is quite a big matter of concern knowing that the exercises will be very close to the borders? Thank you.

Jens Stoltenberg: Several allies raised the issue of the upcoming Zapad exercise and they argued in favour of an advanced briefing on the exercise in the NATO Russia Council. At the same time, several allies also underlined the importance of compliance with the Vienna Document which requires transparency, international observations of exercises. Its too early to say whether we will agree on advanced briefings on exercises. For instance, on Zapad 2017 but at least that's an issue we agreed to look we will look into and see whether its possible to find a way to brief in advance on that exercise. So yeah.

Oana Lungescu: Okay, we had Ria Novosti here in the middle.

Q: Vladimir (inaudible) Russian News Agency Ria Novosti. Secretary General as the meetings are becoming more and more frequent and the discussions are entering the working mode as Russian colleague said, do you think that its time to go to the Ministerial level are you considering to have Ministerial meeting maybe between the Foreign Minister or Ministers of Defense between NATO and Russia in the future? Thank you.

Jens Stoltenberg: When we decided to suspend practical cooperation in 2014 we as I said decided also to keep channels for political dialogue open including the NATO Russia Council. And then we decided to maintain a political dialogue at Ambassadorial level and above. So, meaning that we have in a way the possibility also of convening meetings at levels above the Ambassadorial level, that has taken place many times before. I have participated in that kind of meetings myself as Prime Minister of Norway when we had NATO Russia Council meetings at both the Ministerial level but also at the level of Heads of State and government. But it has not been in any discussions so far about doing that now. So, its not possible to speculate when that may happen.

Oana Lungescu: ITAR TASS. Second row.

Q: Thank you very much. Denis Dubrovin, ITAR TASS News Agency. Mr. Secretary General the NATO has changed the date of the Ministerial meeting from 5th and 6th of April to 31st of March. My question is that if it was done specifically to let United States Foreign Secretary to attend this meeting and wasn't it enough that his Deputy Tom Shannon would represent the United States in the schedule to meet him? Thank you.

Jens Stoltenberg: You are right that we changed the date. The original plan was to have a Foreign Minister meeting on the 5th and 6th of April then it became obvious that that didn't work for Secretary Tillerson and then I think its a sign of the strong Trans-Atlantic unity and the flexibility of our Alliance that we were able to find a new date which fits all the 28 Foreign Ministers of the Alliance. They are all very busy but they agreed that we changed the date because to have Secretary Tillerson here as a new Secretary of State in United States to participate in a NATO meeting in Brussels sends a clear signal about Trans-Atlantic unity and also the importance that the United States attaches to the security guarantees for Europe and to NATO.

So, I'm looking forward to the meeting tomorrow and I'm absolutely certain that the message from that meeting will be the same message that we have received from Vice President Pence when he visited Brussels some weeks ago, from Secretary Mattis and also from other, from Secretary Kellogg and others who have visited Brussels, Europe and expressed very strong support to NATO and to the Trans-Atlantic bond and I'm looking forward to welcoming Secretary Tillerson here tomorrow.

Oana Lungescu: Lady in the front row.

Q: Andrea Mitchell, from NBC News. Good to see you. Thank you very much. To follow up on that and then ask you a question about Turkeys involvement in the fight on ISIS. Would you expect having gone to such lengths the other 27 countries to make this convenient for the scheduling of the U.S. Secretary of State so that he could attend the Chinese Summit next week, would you expect that he would not be criticizing NATO members for their contributions and not making the case that they have been making that there needs to be a bigger contribution, they need to move faster to the 2 percent GDP? And in terms of his meetings today with President Erdogan focused on ISIS, how important is it for Turkey to remove its objections to the Kurdish fighters especially with the battle plan for Raqqa?

Jens Stoltenberg: On the meeting itself, I expect that Secretary Tillerson to say exactly the same as he would have said to the 5th and the 6th of April. And of course I think its easier to tell you exactly what he said after we have the meeting tomorrow, but it has been a very consistent message from President Trump. I've spoken with him twice on the phone and the meeting with Mattis, with Vice President Pence and many others it has been a very consistent message. And also, a message from Secretary Tillerson when I met him last week in Washington and that is the message about strong Trans-Atlantic unity, strong support for NATO but at the same expecting that all allies make good on the pledge we made together in 2014 and that was to stop the cuts in defense spending, gradual increase defense spending and a move towards spending 2 percent of GDP on defense within a decade.

So, that's the U.S. position but actually that's also the NATO position and I have been working very hard since I became Secretary General in 2014 to make sure that we implement the decision we made to stop the cuts, gradual increase and then move towards spending 2 percent of GDP on defense. So, that's the message from all U.S. officials, senior officials from the President, from the Secretary's and that's totally in line with my message since that's what we agreed in 2014. When it comes to the situation in Syria and Raqqa, NATO is not present on the ground in Northern Syria. NATO allies are in different ways contributing to the fight against ISIL or daesh, but NATO as an Alliance is not present.

What we do is that we provide support for the international coalition, we train Iraqi officers in Iraq, we are stepping up our efforts there and we also providing support with our surveillance planes AWACS surveillance planes, helping to improve the air picture of the, for the Alliance. I will not go into much as I say the operational aspects of the campaign which now takes place in Northern Syria. I just welcome that two allies the United States and Turkey sits together and discuss how to in the best possible way fight ISIL and make sure that they work together in the best possible way in Northern Syria.

Q: [inaudible away from microphone] Do you have any clarity on what happened in [inaudible]

Jens Stoltenberg: No and then again NATO is not present there on the ground. We supported the U.S. led coalition so I think we now have to wait and see what will be the outcome of the different reports and assessments that are ongoing and then wait to the outcome of those assessments.

Oana Lungescu: Rustavi TV, Georgia.

Q: Georgian TV Rustavi. Secretary General today in Moscow was signed agreement between Russian and occupied South Ossetia about integration. So South Ossetia armed forces in the armed forces of Russia. Also, last time we see militarization in this region, so how do you estimate this action? Thank you.

Jens Stoltenberg: NATO fully supports the territorial integrity and the sovereignty of Georgia and South Ossetia is part of Georgia and therefore we will never recognize South Ossetia as anything else than a part of Georgia. And we have strongly conveyed this support to Georgia several times. We will continue to provide strong political support to Georgia but also practical support to Georgia. And we also think very much that what Russia now does is just undermining the efforts to try to find a peaceful and negotiated solution and a process which is going on in Geneva.

Oana Lungescu: Kabul Times.

Q: Thank you very much. (inaudible) from Kabul Times. Secretary General you mention that you are talking in the Council about Afghanistan could you please give more details about that and also because Russia lead, taken the lead for the peace negotiation with the Taliban and also with the five (sic) other countries they are not invited officially U.S. and the U.S. is a strong member of NATO what's your view about that? Thank you.

Jens Stoltenberg: First of all, NATO continues to support the National Unity government. We continue to train, assist and advise the Afghan national forces and I think that of course there are still many problems and many challenges. There is violence, there are casualties in Afghanistan but at least we have been able to train and to support the Afghan national forces so they are now fully in charge of the security situation in their own country and we will continue to do that. We will continue to train, assist and advise them and we will also continue to fund them, provide financial support for the Afghan national army and security forces. We also support and we are in favour of a peace process a reconciliation process but it has to be Afghan led and Afghan owned but as long as this is an Afghan led and Afghan owned process we support initiatives to try to find a peaceful end and solution to the conflict in Afghanistan and to the violence in Afghanistan, but it has to be led by the Afghans themselves, that's the key message from NATO.

Oana Lungescu: Okay. Washington Post. Second row.

Q: Hi, Michael Burnbaum from the Washington Post. I just wanted to ask in the context of the NATO Russia Council today whether the INF Treaty came up and if Russia was in violation of the INF Treaty and if so where and how? Thank you.

Jens Stoltenberg: That was not an issue in the NATO Russia Council today so I have nothing to report from the Council. But what I can say is that the United States has informed allies that they have come to the conclusion that Russia is in violation of the INF Treaty and the Treaty's important because it has abolished a whole category of nuclear weapons, intermediate nuclear missiles in Europe and I think that everyone that remembers back to the 1980s understands the importance of abolishing this category of nuclear weapons which really increased tensions in Europe in the 1980s until we got an INF Treaty in 1987. So, NATO is favour of arms control, NATO is in favour of reducing the level or the numbers of nuclear weapons and of course we also support the INF Treaty but this was not an issue in the NATO Russia Council today.

Oana Lungescu: El Pais.

Q: Regarding the Ministerial what do you foresee on the issue of strengthening the role of NATO in the fight against terrorism? Do you maybe envisage making a bigger contribution to the coalition against ISIL different to the aspects you just mentioned?

Jens Stoltenberg: We will discuss NATOs role in fighting terrorism and we will do that with a view to the meeting of Heads of State and Government on the 25th of May. So, I think its important to understand this Foreign Ministerial meeting as a building block preparation for the meeting the 25th of May when President Trump will come to Brussels, meet all the other NATO leaders and then on that meeting of Heads of State and Government in Brussels in May, NATOs role in fighting terrorism will be a key issue. So, we will discuss it tomorrow with a view to try to prepare more for what NATO can do when we meet in May.

I also look forward to meet President Trump in Washington in the White House the 12th of April myself. I am going there to also then prepare for the meeting of Heads of State and Government in May in Brussels and I'm certain that the fight against terrorism and NATOs contribution to the fight against terrorism will be one of the key issues we will discuss. We are looking into what more we can do. W

e have trained Iraqi officers in Jordan for some time, we have now started to do the same inside Iraq. We provide support with our AWACS planes and we also of course what we do in Afghanistan is also about fighting terrorism. The reason why we are in Afghanistan is to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for international terrorists again and we work with many partners in the whole region. We will discuss it tomorrow and then we will see to what extent we are able to announce any outcomes tomorrow but the view is to then prepare a meeting in May.

Oana Lungescu: Financial Times, third row.

Q: Thank you very much, Arthur Beasley. Secretary General is there a specific plan under discussion at this point in which the member States would agree to intensify military expenditure as sought by the new American administration? Thank you.

Jens Stoltenberg: We are now looking into how we can keep up the momentum because actually we are seeing a very positive development when it comes to defense spending across Europe and Canada, meaning that after many years of cuts in defense spending we stopped the cuts in 2015 the first year after we made the pledge in 2014. And then in 2016 we saw a significant increase in defense spending across Europe and Canada by 3.8 percent in real terms or $10 billion U.S. dollars. So, if we keep up that momentum then we are on track to reach the 2 percent within a decade.

But of course this is this is only the first step so we need to make sure that we continue and we are discussing how can we maximize what should I say the probability of that we are able to continue to keep up that pace. And one of the tools we are looking into is is national plans. That all allies have to develop national plans which they then in which they outline how they can reach the pledge we made or how they can implement the pledge we made in 2014 on in defense investment. Meaning that the plans need to address how to increase defense spending but also how to address the other elements of the decision made in 2014.

How to use those additional, how to use these additional fund or funds or international assets or funding for more capabilities and also how to contribute to NATO missions and operations. So, this is not only about defense spending it is also about capabilities, delivering of military capabilities and contributions to NATO operations and missions, and yes develop national plans so all nations describe how they can deliver.

Oana Lungescu: Okay, Politico last question in the back. No, its the gentleman behind with the glasses. Thank you.

Q: Thanks very much. David Herzinger (sic) with Politico. Two questions if you will. One is not to belabour the point but you've worked very hard to reach out to Washington but if we look at what the Trump Administration is doing rather than what they're saying the fact that there's still no one nominated as an Ambassador to NATO, that Secretary Tillerson was quite willing to skip this Ministerial, is there reason to doubt those professions of support for this Alliance, what do you think the Foreign Ministers coming here need to hear from Secretary Tillerson other than a demand for increased spending which you've already addressed?

And if you will on Ukraine, citing as you did the statistics, prohibited weapons being used twice a minute, at what point are you willing to declare that there really is no ceasefire or is there do the sides have to say you know they've abandoned it or what point do you say this is actually just a conflict in motion, a hot conflict and no longer a ceasefire at all?

Jens Stoltenberg: The ceasefire is not respected so therefore it is important to do everything we can to make sure that the ceasefire again is respected. So, we have a ceasefire on paper but it doesn't function in reality. For me that's not an argument against having a ceasefire but its an argument in favour of making sure that we do our utmost to make sure that the ceasefire is respected on the ground. And the best way to do that is to make sure that international observers have full access to the area partly to inspect the ceasefire but also partly to inspect that we that heavy weapons are withdrawn from the contact line.

So, its not easy and there have been many disappointments but at the same time I can't see any other way to a peaceful solution of the conflict in Eastern Ukraine than the full implementation of the Minsk Agreement. But you are right the ceasefire is not functioning and that's the reason why we have to support all efforts to try to make sure that it is respected and implemented not least by giving full access for the international observers. Then on the United States, so we, the message from the U.S. Administration, from the President; has been very consistent.

In the phone calls I had with the President, from Secretary Mattis, from Secretary Tillerson, from Vice President Pence they, it has been very consistent that they are strongly committed to NATO, to the Trans-Atlantic bond because they see of course the importance of NATO for Europe, but they also see the importance of NATO for the United States. Two World Wars and the Cold War have taught us all that stability in Europe is of course important for Europe, but its also important for the United States and the only time we have invoked Article 5 was after the attack on the United States and hundreds of thousands of European soldiers and other partner nations have served in Afghanistan alongside U.S. soldiers and more than a thousand have lost their lives in Afghanistan in an operation which was a direct response to an attack on the United States.

So, I'm absolutely convinced that the President, the U.S. Administration, they understand the importance of NATO for European security but also for the United States. Their commitment to NATO is not only in words but also in deeds. We have had the Vice President already here, the Secretary of Defense has already been in Brussels in NATO and the President will come in May, I will meet the President in April and not only meetings but also on the ground, meaning that they don't only express in words strong support to NATO but actually what we see on the ground in Europe is increased U.S. military presence for the first time in many years.

We have seen the deployment of a new armoured brigade, this is the first time in many years we see an increase not a decrease in U.S. military presence in Europe and the first time in many years we see an armoured brigade, U.S. armoured brigade in Europe. On top of that the U.S. has now increasing their investments in pre-positioned equipment, more exercises, more storage of fuels and ammunition. So, there's a strong U.S. commitment to the Trans-Atlantic bond not only words but also in deeds and we see that in Europe today with increased U.S. presence which is taking place as we speak.

Oana Lungescu: Thank you very much that's all we have time for today but hopefully well see you all tomorrow morning.

Jens Stoltenberg: Thank you see you tomorrow.
The vessel is quite uniquely fitted with two stern ramps, not for RHIBs but to easily launch and recover two 9 meters LCUs (Landing Craft Utility). In addition, two 7 meters RHIBs may be deployed via davits.



Systems and equipment depend on customers' requirements, but based on the image, the LSPV 90 is fitted with a Leonardo Marlins 30mm remote weapon station located forward and acting as main gun. It is also fitted with two manned 12.7mm stations. The vessel comes with a CIC as well as with a dedicated joint forces command and control room. SATCOM, tactical datalink, R-ESM and C-ESM suites and DCNS' POLARIS shipborne system for maritime surveillance may all be fitted as optional equipment.

There is a 400m hangar easily accessible via a roll on / roll off ramp. The vessel also comes with a NATO Role 2 hospital with 1 operation room, 4 berth for heavy injury and 4 berth for light injury. The flight deck may accommodate a 13 tons-class helicopter as well as a VTOL UAV.
Propose a University Course The Center for Faculty Development and Excellence is now accepting proposals for University Courses. Proposals to teach a course in Spring 2018 are due April 5, 2017. View current and past University Courses and learn how to propose a course.

As an active duty infantry officer in the U.S. Army, Emory MBA student Will Mergl knows first-hand the challenges of addressing global security on an international stage fraught with shifting complexities.

Past assignments have found him engaged with cultural and humanitarian issues in both Iraq and Afghanistan, working alongside a myriad of organizations, from the U.S. State Department to an assortment of coalition agencies.

More and more, the Department of Defense is doing a lot of things beyond directly defending the country, including humanitarian aid work and helping fledgling governments, he notes.

So when Mergl had a chance to enroll in Global Security and Leadership in a Complex World, a University Course offered at Emory this spring that promised a deep, interdisciplinary exploration of key global security issues, he was intrigued.

Coordinated through the Center for Faculty Development and Excellence, the University Course program was first launched in 2011 to bring Emory's faculty and students together to study important topics from multiple intellectual perspectives. Each University Course focuses on a specific subject and is open to all students: undergraduate, graduate and professional.

Once a week for three hours, Mergl and other students from across the university gather to examine global security issues.

Their disciplines are diverse. Some are from the Emory School of Law, Goizueta Business School and the Rollins School of Public Health. Others are studying developmental practice through Laney Graduate School. Several are military veterans; one is a first-year Emory College student.

Under the leadership of an interdisciplinary team of four Emory professors, the students are taking a sweeping look at issues straight from the days headlines: cybersecurity, intelligence, immigration, nation-building and humanitarian intervention, international law, global economics and development.

For Mergl, it couldnt be more timely. Ive been dealing with global security for over a decade, but these issues are in the news more than ever these days, in part because of the recent presidential transition," he says.

Case in point: The day before President Donald Trump issued his Jan. 27 executive order banning immigration and travel from seven Muslim majority countries, University Course students were participating in a conversation steeped in issues of sovereignty, borders and immigration.

Guest lecturers that afternoon included Emory Law professor Polly Price, an expert in citizenship and immigration law, and Carey Davis, director of field operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Atlanta  a lynchpin for Homeland Security operations throughout the Southeast.

Readings, speakers cover current topics

As questions surrounding Russias possible role in influencing U.S. elections began to swirl throughout international media reports, the class was hosting intelligence and cybersecurity experts from the Office of the Director for National Intelligence and the staff judge advocate for the U.S. Cyber Command.

Students joke that weekly reading assignments dont rise from research papers and news articles published months or years ago so much as developments breaking within the past 24 hours.

That kind of real-world relevancy is exactly what faculty members were hoping for, says Laurie Blank, clinical professor of law at Emory Law School, and one of the four co-conveners who devised the course.

Week after week were bringing in really interesting people straight from the trenches to talk about this work, says Blank. Our goal is not only to give students access to those issues, but to hear about the challenges firsthand.

Its the difference between sitting in a classroom hearing how its supposed to work and understanding what it means to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty, she says.

For students who may come from their own specific perspective or discipline, its a chance to see the real world as a complicated place, to understand how things fit together, and see how what happens here can affect what happens over there, she adds.

Although the class syllabus has been set for months, Blank says it highlights a tour-de-force of topics that have proven especially relevant for both students and faculty. As far as our own academic interests, I think were geeking out every week, she laughs.

Fellow co-conveners for the course this semester include:

Dabney Evans, assistant professor of global health, Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, and director of the Center for Humanitarian Emergencies

Ken Keen, associate dean for leadership development, Goizueta Business School

Edward Queen, director, Ethics and Servant Leadership Program, Emory Center for Ethics

National and international perspectives

Call it interdisciplinarity with a real-world perspective.

With disparate backgrounds and scholarship, faculty expertise has been supplemented with a lineup of guest speakers who bring key national and international experience.

A class discussion on democratization and rule of law promotion featured a speaker from the U.S. Institute of Peace. A session on humanitarian intervention and nation-building included remarks from the associate director of conflict resolution for The Carter Center.

And a special public panel discussion last week exploring military and civilian perspectives on Managing and Responding to Humanitarian Emergencies featured four-star Gen. Charles Wilhelm, former commander of the U.S. Southern Command, and Liesel Talley, team lead on humanitarian health at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The program was moderated by Keen, a retired lieutenant general who has told the class about his own role coordinating U.S. response efforts to the 2010 Haiti earthquake as commander of the Joint Task Force-Haiti.

Our speakers are really making it current for our students, Keen says. But I honestly think Ive learned as much as they have.

Students apply to be selected for the classes, which heightens the classroom experience, notes Queen. The students themselves come with a tremendous variety of experiences, knowledge and interests, he says. What they bring to the conversation with each speaker illuminates new facets of the topic each week.

Queen recalls one speaker from the U.S. Army War College discussing the role his battalion had played building schools and infrastructure in Iraq. A class member confessed that he had no idea thats what soldiers did.

The value of the course is giving students a very real glimpse into the complexity, the realities, the struggle and the challenges of addressing these issues, Queen says. Because the issues are so meaty and complex, you get very thoughtful engagement.

Access to real-world experiences

Evans notes that students also benefit from learning how to interact with people from different disciplines and starting places, modeling skills theyll need to do this kind of work out in the real world.

With plans to major in international studies and human health, first-year Emory College student Johnna Gadomski says the experience has been amazing.

It aligns directly with what Im interested in pursuing in a career, she says. Im learning things in class that Im directly applying to what Im reading in the news and talking about with my friends  weve been able to pull in so many current events.

Another bonus: Being able to interact with students outside her major, as well as international students whove provided their own unique perspectives. As much as Ive learned inside the classroom, Ive learned at least that much from my peers, she says.

For Elizabeth Baiyeshea, an Emory Law student from Nigeria, thats been a two-way street. As an international student, if you want to gain anything in this country before you return home, you have to get to know the people, she says.

I saw in this course a lot of guest speakers and an opportunity to learn from people I probably never would have had the chance to meet in my regular course of study, she says. All told, Ive gained a lot from the class. Every piece of this experience has moved me forward.
As a player and writer on NBCs Saturday Night Live, as well as a seasoned stand-up comedian and improv actor, Sasheer Zamata knows how to make an audience laugh by pressing the limits of comedy.

For her, part of that formula involves talking about race and racism, even when it may make her audience  or even friends and family  uncomfortable.

Zamata considers it part of a larger, important conversation. To simply ignore racism would never advance dialogue, she says. Nor would it diminish the problem.

I talk about racism in my set and with my friends all the time because its on my mind and something I dont feel uncomfortable talking about, Zamata explains. Its not that I can just ignore it; its still there.

The comic actor shared her thoughts and experiences Friday night, March 24, as the State of Race speaker for Emory's Social Justice Week, drawing an appreciative crowd to the WHSCAB Auditorium.

During the week, Emory students  and others in the campus community  were invited to engage with activities that explored issues ranging from religious diversity and activism through art to sexual assault prevention, gender identity, mental health and racial justice.

Zamata opened the evening by praising Emory students for embracing the topic.

I think its so cool that you as college students are learning and being culturally aware and evolved, she said. I think its great you are talking about this stuff now in college so that when you go out into the world you can spread your knowledge.

Racism: Opening the conversation

It was while she was an undergraduate student that Zamata first recalled being awakened to blatant acts of racism, from hearing people called the n-word to insulting graffiti and violence.

It was confusing, because I was naive and thought, Oh, only old people are racists and then when they die it will be great, because everyone young is progressive and then well be fine, she said. But no, no, they pass that down to their kids and then their kids put that energy out into the world and it just continues in a cycle.

In fact, Zamata was so stressed that she weighed leaving. She went so far as to discuss it with an adviser, a black woman who acknowledged that Zamata could, in fact, try to find a school where overt acts of racism didnt happen.

But she also suggested that Zamata might stay and learn how to handle those kinds of situations, preparation in how to deal with racist acts in a post-college world.

I did stay and Im so thankful, Zamata said, observing that at times it felt as if I was taking another class in social studies, learning about people and how to deal with certain situations.

Now, I love talking about racism with my white friends, she said. I want them to ask questions, I want them to be informed.

I think its unfortunate that there are people who dont think white people have the right to talk about race because they may not have experienced the same issues others do. But we need everyone to be a part of the conversation if we want these messages to be heard.

After graduating with a degree in drama, Zamata moved to New York City, where she began performing improvisation and sketch comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. She would go on to perform standup at colleges and festivals across the country.

Zamata joined the cast of Saturday Night Live (SNL) mid-way through the 2013-2014 season, following public criticism over the shows lack of black female actors. Now in her fourth season, shes made her mark with impressions of Michelle Obama, Rihanna and Solange Knowles, among others.

Following public remarks, Zamata took questions from the audience. Here are some highlights:

It was a big deal when you were cast on SNL. How did it feel being one of the only women of color?

Its great to be a part of the cast and its great to be a part of history  unfortunately, theres such a small number of black females who were part of the entirety of that show. I get really excited and happy  when people come up to me outside of the show and say, Its nice to see someone who looks like me on the screen. And it is. Its nice to be represented. And Im glad to provide that, (to be) someone people can see. Im glad my voice is being used in that way. Its getting better, so thats good.

As a player, are you able to help shape SNL content?

We all write. Not everyones stuff gets on air. There are so many different checkpoints it has to go through before it gets to air  we write it, then we read it out loud, and then the producers, the head writer, the host all get in a room and decide what is best for the show that week. Sometimes things are picked because they are the most topical or sometimes they get picked because it makes the host look really good. But I do write every week and just hope that stuff gets on. If it does, great. If not, theres always a whole new week to try again.

You talk about race and hard topics. What is the role of comedy as a force for justice?

I feel like you can make a joke about anything. But if the butt of the joke is a group of people who cant help their lot in life, I think thats unfair. I like talking about issues that are in my life because its real to me  I wouldnt know how to do otherwise. This is how I talk in real time. I talk about race and gender and things that are going on that bother me, so I do put that into my material because I can and I want to. If people want to learn from it, thats awesome. If they dont, thats also okay.

SNL was a huge part of the 2016 presidential race and is continuing to focus on the new administration. Do you see that role evolving?

SNL has always been political  its a political show. But we are digging more into the administration than I have ever seen. I cant remember a time when SNL made fun of the head of (the Department of) Education. I like it. I feel there is more bite to the stuff were putting out. I hope it sticks.

Ill run into strangers who are excited about our take on something that happened that week. Its nice that we get to be in a position where we can talk about it with immediacy and actually analyze whats going on. I think thats cathartic for a lot people.

Youre in an industry historically dominated by white men. What challenges have you overcome?

Comedy and the TV industry are predominantly white and male. All the people who make decisions at SNL are white and mostly male. So its still going on. Im so glad to be a part of change, to have my face present. But it really wont change until stuff behind the scenes changes  We definitely need people who are creating content who are not all the same type of person.
10:00

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s emphatic electoral victory in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand has weakened the resolve of some of the opposition parties to take on the government.





The starkest of the turnarounds has been that of the Trinamool Congress. The Trinamool Members of Parliament, who during the winter session were all fire and brimstone against Narendra Modi government's demonetisation decision, have turned a new leaf.





The aggression against the government has been replaced by a "issue based' approach and an effort to convey to the government that Trinamool was no longer with the Congress and Left parties in opposing the government.





It is also trying to convey to the Congress party that the latter cannot expect support in Parliament if it continues with its alliance with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in West Bengal.





The Congress and the Left parties had seat adjustment for the 2016 assembly polls in Bengal. Several of Trinamool leaders, including its Members of Parliament, are being investigated for their alleged roles in a financial scam and a sting operation on another party MP has put Mamata Banerjee-led Bengal government under pressure.





Recently, the Congress joined the Left parties in a joint protest against Trinamool in Kolkata. The evidence of Trinamool's altered approach came on Wednesday in the Rajya Sabha. Trinamool Congress members broke ranks with rest of the opposition to stage a strategic walkout in the Upper House just before other opposition parties prepared to vote on the Finance Bill.





The opposition scored a symbolic victory as it voted to have Rajya Sabha adopt five amendments to the Finance Bill. But Trinamool's action was seen as an attempt to help the government. The Trinamool had moved amendments to the Finance Bill similar to those moved by Congress and Communist Party of India (Marxist) leaders, but didn't vote.



"The Congress cannot expect us to be with it in Parliament, while it joins hands with the CPI (M) against our government in West Bengal,' a Trinamool leader said. The Trinamool hopes it can drive a wedge between the Congress and CPI (M) in Bengal, where it is facing heat on corruption scandals. CPI (M) chief Sitaram Yechury today criticised the Trinamool approach. He chided the party for providing back door support to the Modi government by walking out of the Rajya Sabha, and said Trinamool by adopting this approach was reducing its bargaining power with the government.



-- Archis Mohan/Business Standard



File pic of TMC MPs with President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan.






Lecture focuses on sexual assaults in the military

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill.  The SIU School of Law will host a former officer with the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps to discuss the implications of sexual assaults in the military and how they should be handled.

Victor Hansen, who is a professor at New England Law in Boston, will present Recent and Current Reform Efforts to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The lecture is at 5 p.m., April 6, in SIU Carbondales Hiram H. Lesar Law Building courtroom.

Admission is free, and the lecture is open to the public. A reception, with an opportunity for Q&A, will follow the lecture.



Media Advisory

Reporters, photographers and news crews are welcome to cover the lecture. To arrange for interviews or for more information on the event, contact Alicia Ruiz, the law schools director of communication and outreach, at 618/453-8700 or aruiz@law.siu.edu

George Mocsary, assistant law professor, said the focus of Hansens presentation will be on sexual assaults that occur within the military. He noted there are debates in Congress and among the media on how these cases should be handled, along with concerns on maintaining order within the military.

There is always discussion about what is the right thing to do, Mocsary said, adding that Hansen is a serious scholar.

This will be a fantastic primer on the topic that doesnt have a sensationalist media version, Mocsary said. It will be a very matter-of-fact law-based analysis.

Hansen joined the New England Law faculty in 2005 and teaches criminal law, criminal procedure, evidence, national security law and prosecutorial ethics. Prior to that, he served 20 years in the U.S. Army, with most of that time as a Judge Advocate General Corps officer. In his last assignment, he was a regional defense counsel for the Armys Trial Defense Service. He has also spent time as a military prosecutor and supervising prosecutor, and was involved in military capital litigation cases as both a prosecutor and defense attorney.

Hansen is the author of several articles on criminal and military law, evidence, and national security issues, including Whats Good for the Goose is Good for the Gander, Lessons from Abu Ghraib: Time for the United States to Adopt a Standard of Command Responsibility Towards its Own.

Hansen is a frequent media commentator on military legal topics and has appeared before congressionally appointed commissions and other government agencies regarding military justice reform.

The Gene and Katy Simonds Lectureship in Democracy series was established through a gift from Emma K. (Katy) Simonds, a longtime supporter of SIU Carbondale and the region. Funding supports a lecture, symposium or debate each year on a topic of current or recurring public interest, which explores common sense solutions to issues related to the common good by applying the principles of limited government, popular sovereignty, personal liberty, responsibility and federalism.
Vietnam is experiencing a rapid economic growth as customers' purchasing abilities have increased that leads to opening up of supermarkets. The surge in demand has given a boom to processed food industry. Located in Dong Nai Province in South East Vietnam, a factory that manufactures daily processed food and meat has opened with the latest automation system. Japanese consular and officials from Dong Nai Province also attended the grand completion ceremony. This factory is facilitated with a logistics center that can be adjusted to four temperature zones: room temperature, fixed temperature, refrigerating, and freezing. By storing food till its delivery to the shops, modern cold chain logistic service with consistent temperature control has become available. As a processed food seller, AEON has collaborated with manufacturing companies and trading firms that are intended to provide delicatessen of Japanese quality. Teamed up with AEON Vietnam, Ministop and Citimart of AEON Group and discussed the development in the Japanese and Vietnamese style products and have pushed the project forward together. Hisashi Hasegawa, General Director, AEON Citimart, said, "In Vietnam, there are many families where both parents are working, and the needs for delicatessen are high. It's safe to say that for the consumers of Vietnam, it is the first time to see delicatessen delivered to the store directly and lined up on the shelves in a temperature-controlled condition." He added, "This was because the factory and logistic process are combined together to make the very first cold chain in Vietnam and products provided with safety and reliability. At AEON, we can achieve the Japanese standards and make useful delicatessen retail spaces with products delivered to customers promptly in a temperature-controlled, safe and secure condition." He further said, "It has been one of AEON's strengths to provide the right products at the right timing in a safe and secured condition, such as bentos (Japanese lunches), sandwiches, or onigiri (rice balls wrapped in seaweed). Including products development, we look forward to sell the delicatessen to the customers in Vietnam in a form that is more advanced and cannot be copied by others." Not only food preservation, Japanese companies are making a mark in wrist watch manufacturing. The G-SHOCK wristwatch was released in 1993 by Japanese company Casio Computer Co., Ltd. Adding to the new value of toughness that withstands strong impact to the wristwatch as a precision machine, G-SHOCK was born when the developer, Mr. IBE accidentally broke his watch by dropping it on the floor, he decided to make a watch that wouldn't break when dropped. Kikuo Ibe of the Hamura R and D Center, Casio Computer Co. Ltd., said, "Since a wrist watch is a very precise machine, it has become common knowledge that watches will break when being dropped on the floor. After a one-line proposal of developing a watch that doesn't break after dropping, the company gave a go-ahead and we started the development process. However, when conducting the fundamental experiments, we thought that a metal case wrapped with rubber would be okay, however, it fell apart." The development process of G-SHOCK was continued with difficulties. The rubber ball inside which keeps the metal case from breaking eventually became as big as a softball. G-SHOCK was finally completed by absorbing the shock in five levels, and making the heart portion float inside the tiny area of the wristwatch. The G-SHOCK's robustness is indicated in their slogan "Triple 10": a drop strength of 10 m, a water resistance of 10 m, and 10 years of battery life, which is supported by many tests. Atsushi Oyama of the Quality Assurance Department, Timepiece Division, Casio Computer Co. Ltd., said, "For G-SHOCK, there is a total number of 176 different sections of evalution. When it comes to a new machine, the item will be manufactured after passing 100 evaluations. Although various tests exist, I believe we are doing harder tests than other makers, especially, the drop test for G-SHOCK. It's not an ordinary drop test. We drop the watch with strength to have an impact. Also, for the water resistance test, each G-SHOCK was tested before it was shipped out." It is a natural thing for a product to be used. Casio would like to add surprises and additional value to achieve great quality. They not only enhance the trust towards the toughness due to the requirement to the quality, but it also elevates the brand power in general. Ibe said, "My final dream is to have aliens say "Mr. IBE, G-SHOCK is a wonderful watch." It seems that the space will be the next stage for G-SHOCK. (ANI)
The Indian information technology (IT) companies operating in the US are generating jobs and not stealing jobs of the Americans, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Thursday. "We are not just talking with the US authorities (on H-1B visas), we are talking with logic and concrete statistics," Swaraj told the Rajya Sabha during the Question Hour. "We have told them that it is not true that Indians are stealing their jobs. On the contrary, Indian companies in US are generating employment for the Americans. So far, Indian companies have given direct employment to 1.56 lakh Americans and supportive jobs to 4.11 lakh Americans," she said. She added that between 2011 and 2015, the Indian companies have made an investment of $2 billion, paid taxes worth $20 billion and Indian workers have contributed $7 billion in social security scheme. --IANS mak/vgu/vt ( 155 Words) 2017-03-30-14:28:07 (IANS)
Expressing his frustration after his movie on the recent demonetisation was refused a certificate from the Censor Board, Bengali director Suvendu Ghosh asserted that his film has no hint of politics. Expressing his anger over the development, Ghosh told ANI here, "The film was supposed to release on March 31 and the Censor Board reviewed the movie on March 27. The jury members could not decide as to which category the picture will fall into and thus they said the Chairman will decide that. I told them if there's any cut that needs to be done and if I am refusing to do that then send it to the Chairman." "I tried to explain it to them that a huge amount of money has been spent prior to the release and if it does not release on March 31, we'll have to incur huge losses but they didn't pay heed," he added. The director further said his picture has no hint of politics and only portrays a circumstance that was a result of the announcement of demonetization of notes. When asked if there is a possibility of Censor Board being fearful of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee or Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue, the director replied, "I have no clue about that. I myself want didi and the PM to watch this picture and I am sure they'll like it." "What I feel is, demonetisation, like various other issues, is an important part of history and every filmmaker wants to make a picture related to history. I had the same thing in mind. I did not want to give it a political colour." On a related note, this is the first film to be produced anywhere in the country on the vexed topic. The 42-year-old started shooting the film on November 26, a mere 18 days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the move. For the unversed, Prime Minister Modi, in a televised address to the nation, declared the ban on Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 notes from November 8 as part of the government's efforts to crackdown on black money following which crowds queued up outside banks and at ATM kiosks for a long period of time to get hold of the new currency. (ANI)
The accused group used to sell the fake bank accounts for Rs. 25-30,000.

The two Nigerians used to con people through these fake accounts.

30 passbooks, 40 pan cards, 50 cheque books, ATM-debit cards, Voter cards and Laptops were recovered from them.

This gang that used to cheat people for more than a year is now under police custody.

28-year-old leader of the gang, Ishant, used to provide his members with fake ID proofs and after opening bank accounts through those IDs he used to sell those accounts to the accused Nigerians.

The two Nigerian nationals who were caught by the police, used those fake accounts to cheat people by luring them in the name of lottery and loan.

Ishant used to spend around two and a half to three thousand rupees for opening an account, and in return earned Rs. 25 to 30,000.

Police officials are hopeful to uncover many such cases through this arrest. (ANI)
Earlier on March 14, the TVF had formed a committee to look into the allegations of sexual harassment against Kumar.

The TVF had formed an internal committee comprising people from its Human Resource department and administration team.

In its official statement, TVF said, "We will leave no stone unturned to find the author of the article and bring them to serve justice for making such false allegations."

However, a few TVF employees rubbished the allegations of sexual harassment against Kumar.

Meanwhile, many have come forward criticising TVF team for refusing to probe the allegations.

AIB team members Rohan and Tanmay Bhatt also took to Twitter, suggesting the organisation to probe the matter.

Earlier this month around 50 women had come forward on social media and complained against Kumar. However, none of them filed a complaint with the cops.

Due to no victim coming forward to speak about the same, the police was earlier considering dropping the case. (ANI)
The Thane Police on Wednesday arrested the accused who had attacked two doctors of the Thane Civil Hospital. Dr. Javed Shaikh and Dr. Dibanaz Ansari was attacked by a local goon who had come to the hospital for his treatment along with two-three other men accompanying him. The hospital doctors had gone on strike earlier, demanding the arrest of the accused. After six days of wide protests, Maharashtra resident doctors earlier on Saturday called off their strike and re-joined their duties with immediate effect in the wee hours on Saturday. The announcement was made after meeting Medical Education Minister Girish Mahajan, who accepted all the demands put forward by the doctors, assuring the same in writing. The strike by Maharashtra's doctors, who were protesting a spate of assaults on colleagues by patients' relatives, lasted for six days. Earlier on Friday, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) called off its strike after the Bombay High Court issued an order that punitive action can be taken against them by the Maharashtra Government and the Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) if the doctors do not return to work by tomorrow. Following the warning, the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) earlier in the day assured that they would return to work by 8 a.m. the next day. Disassociating itself from the strike, the MARD had through an affidavit told the High Court that they don't have any objection if action is taken against the agitating doctors. The agitators said patients were usually accompanied by a large number of relatives, which put pressure on them. They had demanded adequate security measures and a pass system, where not more than two relatives would be allowed to remain with a patient inside the ward. In the intervening time, thousands of patients were left to suffer and bear inconvenience at public hospitals due to the protest. (ANI)
A police party which was deployed to handle the locals who were stone pelting, were fired upon by terrorists in Kulgam's Madibugh Yaripora in Jammu and Kashmir today. This fresh provocation comes as an audition to the recent spree of attacks on Kulgam cops by terrorists. Yesterday, terrorists opened fire outside the residence of a senior police officer in Khudwani area of Kulgam and prior to that, terrorists had also barged into the houses of cops and threatened their families. Militants also ransacked the senior cops' house in a third such incident in the last seven days in the Kashmir Valley. A day earlier, militants had ransacked an assistant sub-inspector's house in Dairoo village of Shopian district. Earlier, they looted the house and torched the car of a Jammu and Kashmir Prisons Department officer in Budgam district. Stone pelting, which has become a major point of debate, is the core issue of discussion both by the state and Central governments. In the wake of the civilian casualties and injuries during the stone pelting that occurred on the sidelines of the Budgam encounter in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) made a fervent appeal to the locals of the Valley to not pose as an obstruction in the path of security forces while they are combating terrorists. "I believe that the people of Kashmir should let law take its own course and not obstruct the operation as the operations are against militants. They should let us do our duty. We appeal to the people of Kashmir to stay away from the area of operations," CRPF Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Dr. Sanjay Kumar told ANI. Three stone pelters were killed in retaliatory firing by security forces near the site of the Budgam encounter in Jammu and Kashmir. The stone pelters could be seen attacking the forces while a gunbattle was underway with terrorists, during which they were killed. At least 17 stone pelters, 40 CRPF and 20 police personnel were injured in the stone pelting. (ANI)
Expressing unhappiness over the government's 'immoral' Finance Bill which was passed today, Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, however, expressed satisfaction that the Centre had been defeated by the Rajya Sabha on four of the amendments. Yechury said that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi gives political lectures on eliminating political corruption during elections, what they are doing to the laws is exactly opposite. "That is why we moved the amendment, the Rajya Sabha approved it and now the government will have to take it back to Lok Sabha and their misusing the tyranny of democracy that they have. They are likely to pass it, but nevertheless they had to suffer this humiliation in the Rajya Sabha," he told ANI. Yechury further said that as a mark of protest against the government amending 40 acts in the Finance Bill, they moved the amendments which were approved by the Rajya Sabha. "The government has done an unprecedented thing, which I think is immoral, by bringing in a lot of non-tax proposals and changes in finance bill...As mark of protest against it and against the wrong things they were doing, we moved the amendments and today, the Rajya Sabha defeated the government on four of these amendments," he told ANI. Speaking particularly about the amendment in the Companies' Act moved by him, Yechury said removing the ceiling on donation shows their efforts to convert black money into white. "The amendment that I had moved was particularly for the changes they brought in the Companies' Act whereby they removed the ceiling that any company can donate to political parties. Earlier, it used to be 7.5 percent of net profits of the last three years. Now they have removed this ceiling. Companies can donate unlimited which means benaami companies can be floated by politicians and all the kickbacks they get through contact can go to back to the party and therefore, black money can be converted into white," he said. The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the Finance Bill after various amendments presented by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. "As far as benefits are concerned, you can produce Aadhar. If you don't have one, you can produce other ID and simultaneously apply for it," said Arun Jaitley. He further said that the Government will issue electoral bonds. "There are lot of wild information going around over the authority of assessment officers over search and seizure," added Jaitley. "Let me clarify this under section 132, a satisfaction note must be submitted before search and entering premise and that has to be submitted in the court," he added while notifying that the Finance Bill protects the source of information for tax evasion. Earlier, Jaitley moved four Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bills for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha, which then took them up for discussion. The Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Bill, 2017, along with three other GST Bills were moved for consideration in the lower house. (ANI)
The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday attached over Rs. 17 Lakhs that was allegedly received by certain residents of Jammu and Kashmir from the Hizbul Mujahideen outfit to transfer to other terrorists. ED attached Rs.17,73,914 in the form of cash and bank balance allegedly received by Irshad Ahmad Qureshi, Irshad Ahmad Hajjam and Firdous Ahmad Wani of Baramula and other areas of Jammu and Kashmir, from Hizbul Mujahideen for utilizing it for terrorist activities. According to the FIR filed in the case by P.S. Karan Nagar, Srinagar two persons namely P.Z. Irshad Ahmad Qureshi and Irshad Ahmad Hajjam were apprehended from Karan Nagar, Srinagar, and as a result of their personal search, total amount of Rs. 1.25 lakhs was recovered and seized from their possession (Rs. 40,000 from P.Z. Irshad Ahmad Qureshi and Rs. 85,000 from Irshad Ahmad Hajjam). Further cash amount of Rs. 7.00 lakhs along with incriminating documents were seized from the residential house of Irshad and Rs. 3.00 lakh was recovered from the residence of one Firdous Ahmad Wani on his disclosure. Disclosure of another accused Irshad Ahmad Hajjam led to the seizure of Rs. 2.15 lakhs in cash along with three letter pads of Hizbul Mujahideen militant outfit from his residence. Similarly, an amount of Rs. 4, 34,414 in the account of Irshad Ahmad Qureshi in J&K Bank, Branch Qamarwari, Srinagar was also frozen by local Police during the investigation. Thus, total amount of Rs.17, 74,414 was seized/frozen by the police, having link with the crime, out of which one piece of Rs.500 note was found counterfeit during FSL examination. During PMLA investigation, Irshad stated that he works as Principal in a private school and that in November 2007 he came in contact with one militant Bashir Ahmad Aijaz, while travelling in a bus from Baramulla to Srinagar, who offered him a proposal for distribution of money against 5% commission. He further stated that he accepted the said proposal and accordingly, as per the arrangements, he used to get money into his bank account existing in J&K Bank, Qamarwari Branch, Srinagar, which was subsequently distributed among the people as per the instruction of the above named Bashir Ahmad Aijaz. He further stated that subsequently he associated Irshad Ahmad Hajjam with him and utilized his services for distribution of the money against a commission of two percent (2%). Irshad Ahmad Hajjam admitted his involvement in the crime. Both the accused stated that the money seized from the residence of Irshad Ahmad Hajjam was provided to them by one Firdous Ahmad Wani, the third accused. Firdous tried to mislead the investigation and stated that the seized money was the share of sale of ancestral house, which was meant for his brother settled in Pakistan. However, he could not justify the recovered amount as sale proceeds. (ANI)
Hailing the Delhi High Court's order to re-open five cases pertaining to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday dubbed the tragic incident it as a 'state-sponsored terror' unleashed by the Congress party and their goons on the innocent Sikhs of Delhi. BJP spokesperson GVL Narsimha Rao said re-opening of cases shows the lack of apathy and concern that the Congress had for the riots victims ensuring that the justice is not meted out to them. "The Delhi High Court found serious lapses in the manner in which neither the complainants nor the eye-witnesses were properly examined in these cases. Several Congress leaders in Delhi are accused in these five cases. It clearly shows the kind of apathy, lack of concern for the victims of the 1984 riots and successive regimes of the Congress at the national level have ensured that justice is not meted out to the victims of the 19814 riots," he told ANI. Quoting the recent Supreme Court's observation to re-open 199 files pertaining to the same, Rao said it holds out a ray of hope for the victims. "1984 riots were a state-sponsored terror unleashed by the Congress party and their goons on the innocent Sikhs of Delhi. So, certainly justice must be meted out to them. The Delhi High Court's intervention will certainly ensure justice to victims in these cases," he said. Meanwhile, the Congress remained adamant on its stand, stating that it is nothing but an attempt to score brownie points. "I think there is no great achievement in repeatedly, for political antagonism and vendetta reasons, on a collective basis declare that we have re-opened the 1984 cases...This is probably the fifth or sixth time and there have been innumerable commissions, innumerable courts. Collectively, I think it is doing nothing but scoring brownie political points," Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi told ANI. The Delhi High Court today reopened five cases in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots that were closed in 1986. CBI had filed appeals against the acquittal of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar and light sentence to ex-councillor Balwan Khokar. High Court has taken suo Motu cognizance as during course of the arguments Sajjan Kumar's lawyers mentioned these matters as precedents since co accused Mahender yadav and Balwan Khokar and Kishan Khokar had been acquitted in them. The court noted that eyewitnesses had not been examined in those cases and there was a "travesty" since investigation was not done properly. Court took suo Motu cognizance of the "errors" in the 1986 trial judgment, adding that key eyewitnesses were not examined and cases were closed "very rapidly" seemingly without proper investigation and trial. The bench passed this order after taking note of the trial court judgments passed in 1986 in the five cases. Earlier, the apex court directed the Centre to deposit more than 190 files in connection with this case. Expressing serious concern over the closure of more than 190 cases, out of a total of the 293 cases referred to SIT on 1984 anti-Sikh riot cases, the court asked the Union of India to produce on record on April 25 all the files related to closure of these cases by SIT. Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi told the apex court that the SIT in as many as 263 cases had no case files and there was no trace of any victim or witness. On February 20, the Centre filed a status report in the top court on the investigation conducted by the SIT into anti-Sikh riots cases. The court had asked the government to brief it within four weeks on the steps taken in the matter, after the Centre had said that the SIT's work was "in progress". Earlier, the apex court directed petitioner Gurlad Singh Kahlon to file his suggestions in connection with the riot cases. Kahlon had sought the court's direction for setting up of the SIT to ensure speedy justice to the riot victims. Anti-Sikh riots that broke out after the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi had claimed 2,433 lives in Delhi alone. (ANI)
After the recent violence in Budgam that witnessed incidents of stone pelting, in which three civilians were killed and 60 security personnel were injured, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Wednesday said that the grand old party never politicises any issue related to national security. "When the Congress was in power, it never politicised any issue related to national security or put the lives of others in danger. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who have come to power in Jammu and Kashmir has only been creating a row in the country," Singh told ANI. Resonating similar views, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Indresh Kumar said the Budgam encounter was instigated with the power of ISIS and this needs to be tackled first. "All that took place yesterday was instigated with the power of ISIS. Kashmir is not a developed state so, that is one of the reasons we should take extra care about it, especially of its women and children," Kumar told ANI. According to sources, Pakistan was responsible for the violence in Budgam yesterday, which witnessed an encounter as well as a major incident of stone-pelting in which three civilians were killed and 60 security personnel sustained injuries. The Kashmiri locals are being tormented and brain washed by the separatist leaders of Pakistan and Kashmir and it is the Army and the Paramilitary Force that are protecting and safeguarding the people there, while the Centre and state government are monitoring the situation, the sources added. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah took to Twitter to express his grief over the death of the civilians, but made no mention of the injured soldiers. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) also stated that yesterday's encounter was particularly a different one, as they had to fight it on two different levels- against militants and stone pelting locals as well. (ANI)
The Indian Navy on Wednesday gave a befitting farewell to TU142M aircraft in a special ceremony that was organised at INS Rajali, Naval Air Station. The ceremony was attended by Admiral Sunil Lanba, Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), ADC Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral HCS Bisht, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, serving and retired officers and men, who have served in the INAS 312 and other senior officials from the Navy as well as from civil administration. Speaking on the occasion, Admiral Sunil Lanba lauded the stellar role played by TU142M aircraft in the defence of the country as a Maritime Reconnaissance and Airborne ASW aircraft. He recollected the crucial role played by the Squadron in Operation Cactus in Maldives, where fleeing mercenaries were detected and tracked till they were apprehended by Indian warships. The Admiral also mentioned the maiden participation by TU's as the first Indian Naval Aircraft in the Republic Day fly past at New Delhi on Jan 26, 1999. He also acknowledged the professionalism of the pilots, the maintainers and all those personnel associated with flying and maintaining the aircraft in peak efficiency during their service. "The rich legacy of the Squadron would continue as the baton is being passed on to the proud crew of the worthy successors viz. the P-8 I Squadron," said the Admiral. With the imposing looks and a lethal punch to match, the TU14M aircraft which have been nothing short of a 'Flying Destroyer', were given an impressive farewell as they flew for one last time today along with three Chetak helicopters, two Dorniers, one each IL-38 and the Boeing P-8I. In appreciation of the stellar service of the TU142M aircraft, a TU Static Display was also inaugurated by the Chief of Naval Staff at lNS Rajali. INAS 312 was commissioned on 18 Nov 1976 at INS Hansa, Goa with five Lockheed L1049G Super Constellation aircraft acquired from No. 6 Squadron of the IAF. After de-induction of Super Constellation from the squadron in 1983, TU-142M LRMR ASW aircraft was inducted into INAS 312 on 16 Apr 88 by the then Defence Minister, Mr KC Pant at INS Hansa. The squadron later shifted its base to the East Coast of India in Apr,92, and has since then been based at INS Rajali, Arakkonam. In fact, the first TU142M landed at Rajali on 07 Mar 92 and from here started a glorious chapter of Long Range Maritime Air Operations of the Indian Navy. The TU142M truly brought in the era of dominant Maritime Reconnaissance and Airborne ASW for the Indian Navy and has always been counted as amongst the best and the most feared LRMR platforms in the world. INAS 312 has the unique distinction of operating the heaviest, fastest and highest flying turbo prop in the world namely the TU-142M which has been the mainstay of LRMR and ASW operations of the Indian Navy for close to three decades. Over the years, the TU-142M has rendered yeomen service to the nation and has taken part in all major exercises and operations including Operation Cactus in Maldives, Op Vijay in 1998, Op Parakram in 2002 and Anti-piracy Operations from 2011 till date. The Squadron was awarded Unit Citation by the Chief of Naval Staff in the year 2002 for outstanding professionalism and momentous contribution to the Service and adjudged the Best Frontline Squadron on numerous occasions over the years. After 29 years of dedicated service, the TU-142M LRMR ASW aircraft was drawn down today (29 Mar 17). Commander Yogender Mair, the last Commanding officer of the squadron with TU142M aircraft handed over the reins to Commander V Ranganathan, who will be the first Commanding Officer of the Squadron with the Boeing P-8I aircraft. The Boeing P-8I aircraft dedicated to the nation by the erstwhile Defence Minister, Mr Manohar Parrikar on 13 Nov 15, is the third type of aircraft, after the Lockheed L1049G Super Constellation and the TU-142M aircraft, to be operated by INAS 312. The P-8I aircraft has proven all its systems and has been fully integrated into the operational grid of the Indian Navy. The other event of milestone proportion was the celebration of Silver Jubilee of INS Rajali the air station which was synonymous with the TU's, and its home for the last 29 years. A special cover was also released by the Postal department to mark the occasion. (ANI)
Brazilian President Michel Temer said today that Iran had lifted a ban on the import of Brazilian meat imposed following police allegations of corruption in the sector. REUTERS JW0305 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0364-1208919.Xml
The SSC examination question paper leakage continued to rock the Assembly as the Opposition YSRCP MLAs, for the first time, climbed the podium of speaker, which is six feet height, holding placards, raised slogans and demanded a discussion on the issue. As soon as the house assembled for the day, the Oppostion embers demanded the speaker to allow theiradjournment motion on the question paper leak at the Narayana Educational Institute, owned by Municipal Administration Minister P Narayana. However, the Speaker disallowed the motion. The decision of the Chair angered the YSRCP legislators, who reached the Speaker's podium. Bedlam prevailed in the house for about fifteen minutes, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House for 10 minutes. The speaker also said he wanted to complete the Question Hour first for which the Opposition YSRCP members disagreed. Government Whip Kaluva Srinivasulu took strong exception to the Opposition members for stalling the proceedings almost daily. Later talking to reporters at Media Point, YSRCP MLA Shiva Prasad Reddy, G Eeshwari demanded a CBI inquiry on the SSC question paper leak and removal of Minister P Narayana and Ganta Srinivasa Rao. They alleged that the government was showing leniency on the issue.UNI DP CS 1135 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1209075.Xml
The Union Government has accorded 'in-principle' approval for strategic disinvestment of the public sector Salem Steel Plant (SSP) and two other units of the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) as they have been consistently making losses. The other two units for which the government gave the disinvestment nod were SAIL's Visveswaraya Iron and Steel Plant (VISP), Bhadravati and Alloy Steel Plant (ASP), Durgapur. An official release here said all these three units of SAIL have been consistently making losses. The entire process of the strategic disinvestment would be carried out with the help of a Transaction Adviser (TA), a Legal Adviser (LA) and an Asset Valuer (AV). The Request for Proposal (RFP) for appointment of TA, LA and AV have been uploaded on SAIL website, the release said. ''Despite investment of around Rs 2,200 crore under modernisation and expansion, SSP is making losses for the last five years'', it said. The SSP losses which stood at (minus) Rs -155 crore in 2011-12, went up to Rs -420 crore, Rs-376 crore, Rs -355 crore in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15 respectively, before touching a high of Rs -466 crore in 2015-16. The release said a major modernisation and expansion programme has been carried out simultaneously at all the five major plants--Bhilai, Bokaro, Rourkela, Durgapur and Burnpur and Special Steel Plant at Salem. The expansion plan, besides capacity enhancement from 12.8 Mtpa to 21.4 Mtpa of crude steel, adequately addresses the need of SAIL plants towards eliminating technological obsolescence leading to improvement in operational efficiency. MORE UNI GV1315 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1209193.Xml
More than four lakh lorries in South Indiastayed off the roads as the indefinite strike called by South India Motor Transport Association (SIMTA) to press their charter of demands, commenced today. Lorry movements across all the five southern States of TamilNadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana, Karnataka and Kerala along with the Union Territory of Puducherry were crippled, with thousands of lorries, transporting goods to these states, werepiled up on the inter-state borders. The strike was expected to result in revenue loss to the tune of several crores, besides leading to a chain of reactions, includingincrease in prices of essential commodities and vegetables. As the indefinite strike commenced, State Transport Minister M R Vijayabhaskar held a meeting with the representatives ofvarious lorry owners associations, who were demanding rollbackof the hike in VAT on diesel. The threat of vegetable prices going up loomed large as thearrival of vegetables and fruits from the neighbouring states have almost come down by nearly 50 per cent in view of the strike. Already prices of some of the vegetables had gone up by more than 20 per cent today due to shortfall in arrivals. As against the arrival of 450 to 500 lorries that transport vegetables to the city, about 200 lorries arrived at Koyambedubefore the strike began at 0000 hrs. The strike was announced by the SIMTA on March 11 in Chennai after the Central Government increased the premium of the third party insurance and asked to phase out trucks which were more than 15 years. Their main demand was cut in third party premium that has been increased by 50 per cent by insurance firms and the hikewas expected to come into force from April one. Some of their other demands included rationalising fee collection at toll plazas on National Highways, doing away with toll in plazas where the capital amount had been recovered, revoking the increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel in Tamil Nadu, bringing down the steep hike in fee structures in RTO offices, and doing away withthe order on installation of speed governors. The indefinite strike by lorry owners owing allegiance to SIMTA was being held in the backdrop of the national levelbody, the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), having already called for a similar agitation from April 20.UNI GV CS 1540 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1209430.Xml
''The land of glorious history and rich in brilliant culture and heroes, my wishes to the people of Rajasthan on its Foundation day,'' he said in a message on the microblogging site twitter.

In another tweet, the PM wrote ''Remembering the great Shyamji Krishna Varma on his Punya Tithi. India will never forget his rich contribution towards freeing our nation.''UNI SD RSA/AE 1515

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The issue was raised by RJD Member Jayprakash Narayan Yadav during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, strongly protesting against inclusion for benefit of reservation to any other caste in the Commission other than identified by the Mandal Commission.

He said a conspiracy was being hatched to exclude the backward castes from the benefit of quota, which would be strongly resisted.

''We will launch a massive movement involving students and the youth across the country,'' Mr Yadav said.

The Cabinet last week approved a proposal for creation of of NCEBC, which would examine requests for inclusion of any class of citizens as backward class in the lists and hear complaint of over-inclusion or under-inclusion of any backward class in such lists and advise the government accordingly.

The new Commission will replace the existing National Commission for Backward Classes.UNI NAZ RSA/AE 1622

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Heated arguments took place in the Assembly between the ruling Telugu Desam party and Opposition YSRCP members over the leakage of question paper of SSC examination even as Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu suspected string operation while the Opposition demanded for a CBI probe. Making a statement on the question paper leak in the house today, Mr Naidu said that the DEO submitted a report on the issue stating that water supply boy took the photo of question paper with his mobile and sent the same on Whatsapp. He said that the invigilator and water boy were terminated from the service. He made it clear it was not a question paper leak but a "malpractice". The Chief Minister alleged that the Sakshi newspaper reporter, who sent the photo of question paper to the official, was not cooperating with investigating officials. "I suspect that you (opposition) conspired the question paper leak. If it is found to be your string operation, we will not spare you" Mr Naidu said amid interruptions from Opposition benches. Angered over the intermittent interruption by the YSRCP members, the Chief Minister made it clear that he was chandasashanudu (very strict person).... if the question paper leak is found to be a string operation of Sakshi media house.... he would not spare them. "I am answering you since you are opposition leader. Otherwise you are economic terrorist (Aardhika Ugravadhi) and financial offender" the Chief Minister told the Opposition leader Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy.MORE UNI DP CS 1631 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1209527.Xml
Nagaland Chief Minister Shurhozelie, in his reply on the Budget Discussion thanked all the members for the valuable remarks, suggestions and extended their support to the Budget and also said the suggestion and concern raised by the member will be duly noted.In his reply to the Discussions on the Budget of 2017-18 by the members of the House, Dr Shurhozelie said it was for all to understand the dynamic of state finances and the reality under which we all have to function. He added in the current financial year the state managed to access about Rs 1900 crore in CSS programme which is the highest so far. He urged all the legislators to take time and closely work with the Department under their charge to maximize the benefit for the public. He stated that 50 per cent of the funding for the smart city has been taken up by the government and necessary clearance will be taken up from the Government of India. Regarding the random appointment of employees and fictitious pensioners he said the matters will be taken up into consideration. He also said the 7th Central Pay recommendation for the state government employees will increase the financial burden of the state. Therefore he added that the respective Departments will need to join hand to reduce unnecessary manpower and focus on substantive issues of development. He also stated that online payment was welcomed as eventually everything has to go online as we are all living in the age of advanced technology. The chief minister also mentioned about the government employees who are under the old GPF scheme which will eventually become zero and gradually all employees will come under New Pension Scheme (NPS), funds of which are maintained by an external agency. This is an inevitable reality, which government has no control over it. The government also had to provide additional funds to the state PSUs and Departments for expenditures that were unavoidable. The government despite its adverse circumstances has helped to offset deficits that have incurred in the state. Dr Shurhozelie also mentioned about the IFAD funding for fostering Highland Farming in Nagaland which is focused on mitigating the present jhum cultivation in the state. This project is essentially also a livelihood programme with the ultimate aim of addressing climate adaptation, environment protection and enhancing climate resilience. This project will start during the month of April 2018 and will continue for 6 years. The funds pattern is 90 per cent outright grant and 10 per cent will be loan component. In the education sector, he said the salary bill of the school teachers have been increasing every year mainly due to the enhanced dearness allowances as well as normal increments and not on accounts of new appointment. He also added that the Department has not chosen to fill up 660 vacant posts of teachers that have fallen vacant as a result of the freezing of fresh appointments of teachers since 2013. In conclusion, the chief minister extended his appreciation to all the members who have participated in the discussion for their inputs and suggestions. The suggestions made have been noted and he assured the house that the matters shall be looked into it. He also thanked the Chief Secretary and his team officers, in particular the Finance Department for their outstanding efforts in assisting him during this budget session. UNI AS RN 1647 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0311-1209571.Xml
Police said the victim Veerabhadra Swamy was working insugarcane field when the leopard pounced on him suddenly.

He was first admitted to General Hospital in H D Kote and latershifted to K R Hospital here and his condition is stated to bestable. UNI BSP MSP CS 1736 / 1740

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The Telangana Government will provide broadband internet connection to 10 million households in rural areas in the middle of 2018, IT and Industry Minister K T Rama Rao said. Replying to a question at a programme organised by ACT Fibernet to lauch 1Gbps (Giga Speeds) wired broadband service here today, Mr Rama Rao said that the state government has launched the very largest and an ambitious programme called "Telangana Fiber" project. So far 47,000 kms of Fiber aptic network was laid. This was a step ahead for Digital India programme. He said that the state government has launched Mission Bhagirath project to provide safe drinking water to every households in rural areas. When started laying water pipelines, fiber cable also laid along with the pipeline. This Fiber aptic network ensure to provide broadband internet connection for all the households in the state. Telangana was the first state in the country to provide safe drinking water though tap and broadband connection to every household in the state. It also enable to access TV channels, he said.UNI VV CS 1752 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1209742.Xml
The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC), drawing attention to the deficit amounting to Rs1437.84 for the year 2017-18 in the Budget presented by Chief Minister Shurhozelie on Tuesday, said the government showed an empty plate to the people. Reacting on the Naga Peoples Front led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland Budget, in a statement NPCC president K Therie said the deficit of Rs 1437.84 which will be added with civil deposit (as the government does not have the cash) the figure might cross more than Rs 2500 crore to 2600 crore.He maintained that Rs 16,365.17 crore budgeted for 2017-18 was meant for 60 MLAs and chief bureaucrats and that not a single paisa will reach the villagers. Mr Therie slammed the state government for failing to control the illegal appointments which would rather increase spending under non plan expenditure by more than 80 per cent, which was supposed to be 40 per cent for salaries in other states. Mr Therie also criticized ministers, parliamentary secretaries for hiking up their salaries and perks and this showed they were no longer legislators or lawmakers any more. Mr Therie also pointed out that there were too many retired officers re-employed as consultants and this has only pushed the Nagaland government financially from bad to worse. He also added that according to the current financial situation, there were no possibilities of implementing 7th RoP since government does not have money. He also took a dig at the delegations of state legislators meeting every central leader with Naga shawls and flowers but that the state government did not get a single penny as special plan assistance or for non plan. Instead, Mr Therie said government has run short of central share of taxes. He said Nagas must no longer remain silent but must speak else generation future will be finished. UNI AS RN 1750 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0311-1209740.Xml
Stressing the need to step up investment in the infrastructural sector, including the Railways, Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu today said that the NDA Government has been trying to find new ways of finance for the sector beyond the traditional sources. Replying to a debate on the Appropriation (Railways) Bill 2017 and the Appropriation (no 2) Bill, 2017 in the Rajya Sabha, Mr Prabhu said over the years, rail expenditure to GDP ratio has been reducing over the years compared to expenditure on road projects.He also said over the years, money allocated for the Railways had been spent on starting new trains disregarding the fact that most rail lines in the country are saturated. "Many rail lines are saturated and are not able to handle present traffic. So we are investing Rs 12,700 crore in doubling and tripling of tracks. We have decided to spend more money on track replacement,'' he said.Mr Prabhu said in the past two and a half years, the total capital expenditure of the Rail Budget had been Rs 3,50,000 crore. He said that to invest more on Railways, the Government had been looking for other sources of investment beyond the Budget.In this context, he said that the Central Government had reached an agreement with many state governments to jointly invest in the Railways infrastructural development."For the first time, we are sharing ownership with the States - 50:50 with Centre. A total 16 states have agreed in principle, including Kerala."He said that he had a meeting with the World Bank and others and that they were willing to invest in the Railways. He said the entire commercial decision making process would not be handled by the ministers.''The entire commercial decision making process shouldn't be handled by the ministers. So I delegated this to the General Managers. This is a key performance change," the Minister said.More UNI AR RSA 1755 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0427-1209734.Xml
Government has been regularly infusing Equity in Air India as laid down in the Turnaround Plan (TAP) approved by it, the Lok Sabha was informed today. As per the TAP, the Government has to infuse a total amount of Rs 30,231 crore upto 2021, as against which it has released Rs 24,745.21 crore till date.Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha said in a written reply that Air India had sought a total amount of Rs 3,901.49 crore as Equity Infusion from the Government during FY 2016-17 as per TAP recommendations and other related adjustments. As against this, a total amount of Rs 2,465.21crore has been approved as Equity Infusion as a part of TAP to Air India for the FY 2016-17. This included Rs 1,713 crore allocated in the Budget of FY 2016-17 and an additional amount of Rs 752.21 crore allocated in the Supplementary Grants for FY 2016-17, the Minister said.UNI ADP RSA 1801 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0429-1209669.Xml
Malaysian Prime Minister MohammadNajib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak arrived here today on a five-dayofficial visit to India. On his arrival at the airport here, he was received by the officials of the Protocol department. Soon after his arrival, he met Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao and Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami at the Raj Bhavan.this evening. Mr Razak would also be awarded an honorary doctorate by the Governor at a function to be organised by the Tamil University (Thanjavur). Though reports were doing the rounds in the social media thatthe visiting dignitary was expected to meet actor Rajinikanth, therewas no official confirmation about it. Razak's visit to Chennai comes ahead of general elections in Malaysia, where the Tamil diaspora has a considerable presence and Rajinikanth, a large fan base. Mr Razak would be leaving for New Delhi tomorrow where he would meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 'I'll be travelling to India for a 5-day visit. A country that's been our friend since 1957. Looking forward to meeting PM @narendramodi again,' he had tweeted. Mr Modi responded and tweeted,''India is delighted to welcome you,Prime Minister. Your visit will further boost India-Malaysia ties.''. During his visit, the Malaysian Prime Minister will meet industrialistsin an effort to attract investments to his country. Apart from Chennai, he was also expected to visit Hyderabad. Several banners welcoming the Malaysian Prime Minister were seen erected near a star hotel in the city where Mr Razak will be staying. Elaborate security arrangements have been made both at thehotel and at the airport in view of Malaysian Prime Minister'svisit to the city. UNI GV 1825 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1209833.Xml
A long term vision holds key for India-Japan Partnership towards economic development in North Eastern Region and the success of Act East Policy, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said while delivering the key note address at a workshop on India-Japan Partnership for Economic Development in North Eastern Region of India at Kaziranga last evening. Mr Sonowal said the Assam Government is taking a series of initiatives ranging from discussion with Japanese Ambassador to interaction between the top officials of Assam and Japan to understand the mutual requirements of both the entities and accordingly taking steps to bolster economic development of the State. He said Assam and Japan share core strengths of partnership in tourism, culture, education, trade and organic farm products. Referring to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of making North East as an organic hub of the country, Mr Sonowal said, "Beauty of Assam exists in nature and I profess to bring in economic development of the State in sync with the nature and seeks Assam-Japan cooperation towards helping North East go organic." Mr Sonowal said, "If we closely look at North Eastern Region in its entirety ranging from anthropological, geographical, economic and cultural setting vis-a-vis Japan, we will realise that partnership of India and Japan would find a sound platform with this region as a springboard." He informed that Assam became the first state in the country to ratify the GST constitutional Amendment Bill. The present government also passed the Assam Ease of Doing Business Bill-2016 in the very session of the Assembly. He informed the gathering that his government would set up a World Class Global Business Centre in Guwahati which would act as a business hub of the entire north East as well as neighbouring countries. Drawing a parallel between Act East Policy, South East Asian Nations and North Eastern Region, Mr Sonowal said North East is not just a window for ASEAN in the context of Act East Policy. "We need to see NER as teeming thoroughfare between mainland of India and ASEAN countries," he added. To bring this point home, State Government has announced a separate department on Act East Policy matters. Drawing Japanese policy makers' attention, Sonowal said the State Government would hold the first ever Global Business Summit in the last part of 2017 to showcase immense opportunities to invest in Assam. Minister Political, Embassy of Japan in India, Hideki Asari while speaking at the workshop, said Assam is important for Japan as the country draws a synergy between Japna's policy towards ASEAN and India's Act East Policy and Assam. He underlined the importance of exploiting constant people to people exchange between India and Japan for strengthening partnership between the two countries. Organised by India Foundation in association with Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) the inaugural programme was also attended among others by Water Resources Minister Keshab Mahanta, Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, Chief Minister's Media Advisor Hrishikesh Goswami, Director Nehru Memorial Museum and Library Shakti Sinha and several delegates from both India and Japan. UNI SG BM -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0214-1209980.Xml
Andhra Pradesh government has announced Rs 25 lakh compensation to each of the families of five workers, who had died due to asphyxiation and closure of Anand Aqua Food Processing unit at Mogalturu in West Godavari district. District Collector K Bhaskar said that the unit would pay Rs.15 lakh while the government would pay Rs.10 lakh to each of the bereaved family as compensation. The government ordered the closure of Anand Food Processing unit for their negligence in taking precautions. Meanwhile, the irate villagers pelted stones on the Food Processing Unit, damaging glass doors and furniture. The irate villagers also prevented when Ministers P Sujata, M Manikyala Rao and Ch Ayyanapatrudu came to the village to console the bereaved families. Leader of the Opposition Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy went to Mogalturu village and consoled the bereaved family members.UNI DP CS 1920 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1209988.Xml
Dr MCR HRD Institute of Telangana signed an MoU today with Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA. Ms Anitha Balakrishna, Joint Director General of the Institute and Ms Imke Baumann, Director of Program Development, McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University exchanged signed copies of the MoU in the presence of senior functionaries from their respective institutions. Speaking on the occasion, Telangana Special Chief Secretary for Planning and Director General, Dr MCR HRD Institute B P Acharya, said that the MoU would be an effective vehicle to expose Government employees to global best practices in different domains of governance, develop a global perspective among them, and improve their overall effectiveness and efficiency. "Georgetown University, as a part of the MoU, could deliver, as and when required, foreign component of Executive Development Programs on Public Policy and General Management for senior officers in the rank of deputy secretaries and above from Telangana and from across India either on the campus of MCR HRD Institute and/or on its Washington and Doha Qatar campus", said Ms Imke Baumann. "The faculty of Georgetown University could provide inputs in terms of best practices, case studies, research and among others for the training programs for middle and senior level officers of various wings of Municipal Administration & Urban Development Department aimed at successful implementation of AMRUT and Smart Cities projects", she added. Mr Acharya said that building on the successful implementation of different provisions of the MoU, Dr MCR HRD Institute and Georgetown University could jointly offer a twinning Master's Program in Urban and Regional Planning for the benefit of Government officials both from Telangana and from across the country. "The MoU also provides for exploring the possibilities of executing international immersion/study abroad/internship programs, exchanging faculty, sharing training resources, using video conferencing for faculty lectures, jointly organizing international conferences, taking up research projects, publishing proceedings of the conferences/research reports,", said Mr. Vijay Velamoor, Special Advisor, Executive Education, McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University.UNI VV CS 1945 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1210052.Xml
India and Afghanistan today held discussions on issues pertaining to bilateral trade and economic relations and also agreed for further cooperation in different sectors that include renewable energy, power, standards, agriculture, transportation and public health, and discussed opportunities for investments."The 2nd meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Trade, Commerce and Investment between India and Afghanistan, at the level of Commerce Secretary, which was instituted under the Strategic Partnership Agreement between the two countries, was held in a cordial atmosphere on 29-30 March, 2017 in New Delhi," the Commerce and Industry Ministry said in a statement. The Indian delegation was led by Rita Teaotia, Commerce Secretary while the Afghan delegation was headed by Mohammad Qurban Haqjo, Deputy Minister for Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industries, Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The two sides had extensive discussions on a variety of issues concerning bilateral trade and economic relations, including transit of goods, business visas, trade in pharmaceutical products and rough gemstones, air freight corridor, customs cooperation.It was also agreed that the next meeting of the JWG will be held in Kabul at a mutually convenient date. UNI ASH BL1908 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0388-1209889.Xml
The Loan Agreement for New Development Bank (NDB) financing of 350 million dollar for Development and Upgradation of Major District Roads Project in Madhya Pradesh was signed between Government of India and the New Development Bank (NDB) here today. This is the First Loan Agreement for NDB assisted project in India.The Loan Agreement was signed by Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) on behalf of the Government of India and Xian Zhu, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer on behalf of the New Development Bank. The Project Agreement was signed by Pramod Agrawal, Principal Secretary, Public Works Department and Manish Rastogi, Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC), on behalf of Government of Madhya Pradesh. The objective of the Project is upgradation of major district roads in the state of Madhya Pradesh to improve connectivity of the interior areas of the state with the national and state highway networks. The Project would include upgradation, rehabilitation or reconstruction of approx. 1,500 (One thousand Five Hundred Only) km of district roads to intermediate lane, all-weather standards, with road safety features and improved road asset maintenance & management. The project outcome is to improve transport connectivity to the interior regions and resultant boost to economic activity in the rural hinterland.The project implementation is 5 years. Government of Madhya Pradesh and the MPRDC are the implementing agencies. UNI ADP ADG BL1910 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0429-1209886.Xml
India today reassured African students who had been attacked in the neighbouring Uttar Pradesh district of Gautambuddh Nagar on Sunday that such criminal acts were unacceptable and the law was taking its course. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Gopal Baglay said here that the investigation was on and the law of the land will prevail, adding that district authorities had made arrests and a large number of people were under watch. ''Such acts represent the action of uninformed and misguided few. They do not detract from the deep belief of the Government and the people of India of Vasudeva Kutumbakam. We will continue to welcome African people including students and youth as valuable partners,'' he said to query on the incidents at the weekly media briefing here. Mr Baglay pointed out that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had spoken to Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath, and Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar to the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria. He said the MEA was in touch with the District Administration of Gautam Buddha Nagar which had enhanced the security in the area immediately and made it 24 by 7 for the time being. On March 28, DM of the district held a meeting of the residents, Foreign students' associations in presence of the representatives from the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi. The students who were hurt during the incident have been treated in a local hospital and have already been released. The MEA was in touch with the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi, the Spokesperson said. Meanwhile, he said, a meeting was held earlier today with Kenyan diplomats on the issue of alleged attack on a Kenyan woman. ''It has been conveyed to us that the understanding of Kenyan authorities is that the reported incident of attack on the Kenyan woman in question does not correspond to reality,'' Mr Baglay said. The district police is reported to have said that there were several lose ends in the story of assault narrated by the woman,who is said to be suffering from depression.UNI NAZ ADG 2043 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0091-1210100.Xml
The hotel owner and a management staff were later arrested for alleged negligence, city police Joint Police Commissioner (headquarters) Suprotim Sarkar told the media.

"The fire broke out at Central Kolkata's Golden Park Hotel around 2.55 a.m. on Thursday. Hotel guests Anup Agarwal and Chamar Kishan, both employees of Tata Steel, succumbed to the injuries caused by the blaze," Sarkar said.

Agarwal, 53, was a resident of Gujarat and Kishan, 52, hailed from Odisha.

"We managed to rescue 31 people from the hotel. Six of them, including a hotel security guard, who suffered from burn injuries or fell ill due to smoke inhalation, were taken to the SSKM Hospital," said Sarkar.

Two of them, both Tata Steel employees, were later shifted to Woodlands Hospital and the others discharged from SSKM after preliminary treatment.

As many as 10 fire tenders were pressed into service and controlled the blaze after two hours, fire brigade officials said.

Police later picked up the hotel owner B.S. Gujral and manager Gautam Majumdar. They were arrested after sustained interrogation, said Sarkar.

City mayor Sovan Chatterjee alleged lack of proper fire prevention protocols at the hotel and said the fire fighting equipment in the building also did not work properly.

"Proper fire fighting protocol in the hotel was lacking. The air conditioning ducts were not properly sealed. As a result the fire quickly travelled to the top floor of the five-storied hotel building," Chatterjee alleged.

"The entire hotel was covered by smoke. The fire fighting equipment at the hotel also did not work properly during the emergency," he added.

Forensic department personnel went to the hospital in the afternoon and collected samples.

--IANS mgr/ssp/pgh/bg

( 316 Words)

2017-03-30-21:26:08 (IANS)
Academic collaboration can be a potential bridge for strengthening relations between two countries, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said here on Thursday. Speaking at a two-day seminar organised by the Jindal Global University and the Tel Aviv University of Israel, Tharoor talked of the deep historical relationship between the two countries. "Tharoor, a Member of Parliament and former External Affairs Minister, pointed out that academic institutions have immense power of strengthening bonds between the two countries," a statement issued by the Jindal Global University said. "The relationship between the two countries should not be seen just in terms of counter terrorism and intelligence sharing. It needs to have public involvement and a much larger manifestation. Tourism and trade between the two countries should be encouraged and incentivised. Academic exchange and collaborations should be strengthened," it read. The 'dialogue' between the two universities was an initiative of the Israel Studies Center of Jindal University, where both institutions deliberated on the political and cultural specificities of the two nations to explore a wider collaboration in other fields as well. "India and Israel share similarities in values and challenges. Both have to deal with the fact that they are multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious, and make this a strong basis for collaboration in academics," Raanan Rein, Elias Sourasky Professor of Latin American and Spanish History, Tel Aviv University, said addressing the seminar. -- IANS vn/nir/bg ( 242 Words) 2017-03-30-21:30:08 (IANS)
Warning the people of Delhi against voting for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) or the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the MCD elections, Punjab Chief Minister and PPCC chief Captain Amarinder Singh today said the results of Punjab Assembly polls should be an eye-opener for them. Addressing a gathering of thousands of people at a grand civic reception organised by the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) at Subhash Nagar, in west Delhi, Captain Amarinder expressed his gratitude to the people for their overwhelming welcome and their massive support to the Congress during the Punjab elections. He said his visit to Delhi was a fulfilment of his promise to DPCC president Ajay Maken to visit the national capital for a civic reception on winning the Punjab election.Captain Amarinder exhorted the people of Delhi to defeat AAP in the MCD polls, pointing out that the AAP leader had failed to deliver on any of his promises here. He went on to say that the CAG report had proven that Mr Kejriwal had been spending the money of Delhi's citizens to further his ambitions in Punjab. ''The people of Punjab have defeated Kejriwal's nefarious designs and it is now the turn of the people of Delhi to finish off whatever is left of the AAP leader in the coming MCD election,'' Captain Amarinder said.The Punjab Chief Minister also warned the people of Delhi against trusting the BJP with their votes, pointing out that the BJP was an ally of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in Punjab and together they had looted the small state, leaving it with a huge debt of Rs. 182,000 crore.He called upon the people to defeat both Mr Kejriwal and Manjinder Singh Sirsa (BJP candidate from Subhash Nagar) in the MCD polls to save Delhi from their 'dangerous rule.' The MCD victory would be another celebration for the Congress, which had to be restored to its pristine glory, said Captain Amarinder, adding that he was happy to have fulfilled his promise to Congress president Sonia Gandhi to ensure that the party flag flies high in Punjab. Captain Amarinder expressed the confidence that the Congress would also sweep the MCD elections under the leadership of Ajay Maken. Earlier, welcoming the PPCC president, Mr Maken described him as the hero of Punjab as well as the Congress party. Coming down on AAP, Mr Maken said Delhi's people who had experienced Kejriwal's misgovernance were overjoyed by the Punjab poll results. Kejriwal had spent crores of rupees of money belonging to the citizens of Delhi to mislead the people of the national capital, as well as Punjab and other states, the DPCC president added.Mr Maken promised to take forward in Delhi the fight that Captain Amarinder had started in Punjab, and vowed to free the national capital from the 'misrule' that had become its bane under AAP and BJP.UNI AR ADG 2107 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0092-1210142.Xml
Gujarat High Court today stayed summons issued against Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan in a case related to death of a person at Vadodara Railway station during promotion of his film 'Raees'.Justice J B Pardiwala stayed the summons that asked actor to be present before the Railway Police to record his statement in the case.A resident of Vadodara, Fahreed Khan Pathan, suffered a heart attack at the Vadodara Railway Station on January 23, when he was caught in the crowd that had gathered in large numbers to get a glimpse of the superstar who was en route from Mumbai to New Delhi by the August Kranti Express to promote his movie "Raees". Pathan subsequently died in the hospital.Some activists moved a magistrate's court seeking a criminal case against Khan. The court later asked Railway Police to submit its report within a stipulated time, following which Railway Police summoned Khan in person. Khan challenged the summons in the High Court.The lawyer representing Khan, Salil Thakore, argued that the summons under CrPC could not be issued to a person not residing within the jurisdiction limits of the police station. The court stayed the summons and adjourned the hearing to August 4, 2017. UNI ND PS RK2305 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0421-1210316.Xml
A special program was organized at Shital Niwas, Nepal President's official residence, for the event.

There is a tradition between India and Nepal of honoring the Chief of Army Staff of both neighbouring countries with the title of honorary General.

Earlier, the Nepal Army received a gift of seven horses from the Indian Army.

Organising a special function, General Rawat, handed over a stallion light breed, two brood mares, two gelds and two donkey stallions to his Nepali Counterpart General Rajendra Chhetri.

General Rawat also called on Defence Minister Bal Krishna Khand and General Rajendra Chhetri.

General Rawat will be visiting the Nepal Army High Altitude Warfare School Jomsom and Pension Paying Office Pokhra tomorrow.

He will also call on Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', Prime Minister on Thursday. (ANI)
The UK government has kick started the Brexit process for Britain to formally leave the European Union (EU) in two years time by triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. Britain's EU ambassador Tim Barrow handed over the Brexit notification letter (Article 50) to Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, beginning the legal process. Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty allows a member state to notify the EU of its withdrawal and obliges the EU to try to negotiate a 'withdrawal agreement' with that state. It involves five points: 1. Any Member State may decide to withdraw from the Union in accordance with its own constitutional requirements. 2.A Member State which decides to withdraw shall notify the European Council of its intention. In the light of the guidelines provided by the European Council, the Union shall negotiate and conclude an agreement with that State, setting out the arrangements for its withdrawal, taking account of the framework for its future relationship with the Union. That agreement shall be negotiated in accordance with Article 218(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. It shall be concluded on behalf of the Union by the Council, acting by a qualified majority, after obtaining the consent of the European Parliament. 3.The Treaties shall cease to apply to the State in question from the date of entry into force of the withdrawal agreement or, failing that, two years after the notification referred to in paragraph 2, unless the European Council, in agreement with the Member State concerned, unanimously decides to extend this period. 4.For the purposes of paragraphs 2 and 3, the member of the European Council or of the Council representing the withdrawing Member State shall not participate in the discussions of the European Council or Council or in decisions concerning it. A qualified majority shall be defined in accordance with Article 238(3)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. 5.If a State which has withdrawn from the Union asks to rejoin, its request shall be subject to the procedure referred to in Article 49. Agreements or any extension to Article 50 will have to be approved by all 27 member states and will likely require ratification by national parliaments. Addressing the House of Commons, British Prime Minister Theresa May said that leaving the EU presents the UK with a unique opportunity, adding that it is this generation's chance to build a better future. "The Article 50 process is now underway, and in accordance with the wishes of the British people, the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union. This is an historic moment from which there can be no turning back. Britain is leaving the European Union. We are going to make our own decisions and our own laws," she said. The Guardian quoted May as saying that she wants a "new, special and deep partnership with the European Union". She confirmed that the rights of EU nationals will be an early priority of her administration. May said that in the months ahead she will represent every person in the United Kingdom, including EU nationals. May said she wants to deliver a smooth and orderly Brexit, adding that it is in the interests of both the UK and the EU that there is as little disruption as possible. However, May said she wants the UK to continue trading with the EU. Reacting to Britain's triggering of Article 50, Tusk said he has received a six-page letter to start the negotiations on Britain leaving the EU and there is no reason to pretend this as a happy day in Brussels or in London. "We regret that the United Kingdom will leave the European Union, but we are ready for the process that we now will have to follow.For the European Union, the first step will now be the adoption of guidelines for the negotiations by the European council. These guidelines will set out the overall positions and principles in light of which the union, represented by the European commission, will negotiate with the United Kingdom," said a statement issued by European Council. (ANI)
The Centre has informed that India has taken up the U.S. visa fee hike matter in the Dispute Settlement Body of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). This was informed by Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in a written reply to Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. She further said that the Indian Government continues to engage with the U.S. Administration for better access of its professionals in the country. "H-1B & L-1 visa issues, including increase in visa processing fees, high rejection rates and other difficulties faced by the Indian services companies, have been raised with the US Government at various levels," Sitharaman said. The Government of India has already conveyed its concerns to the U.S. administration on the move to curb H1B visa processing. "Concerns have been conveyed to USA. Indian IT companies have been servicing 75 percent of Forbes companies. Indian IT companies giving opening to American companies. Whole IT movement is based on sharing and reciprocity," said Communications and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. Indian Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar, who visited U.S early this month, had conveyed to Trump administration that Indian partnership is important for the growing American economy to stay competitive. Jaishankar said that the H1B visa issue was discussed in a number of meetings with administration officials as well as the Congress. During the meetings, the Indian side conveyed that the HIB was a category of trade and services which actually helps the American economy. "If the trump administration's intention is to bring back American companies to America and attract more foreign investment in America therefore there will be more growth then it is important that growing America remains competitive. So, there actually will be a growing need for this partnership," Jaishankar said. U.S. had earlier said that it will temporarily suspend premium processing of H-1B visas from April 3, eliminating the option of shorter waiting period for the programme that helps highly skilled foreigners to work at American firms. The companies, under the current system have been submitting applications for H-1B visas for potential employees who can pay an additional sum for expedited service, which is known as premium processing. The temporary suspension could last up to six months according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). H-1B visas are widely used by Indian IT companies working in US. (ANI)
Exiled former Maldives leader Mohamed Nasheed called today for commissions on an independent judiciary and free elections to be set up to help ensure a fair presidential vote next year in the Indian Ocean island nation.The Maldives has suffered from political unrest since Nasheed, its first democratically elected leader, was ousted in disputed circumstances in 2012.He lost the 2013 election to President Abdulla Yameen by a narrow margin and was later convicted of terrorism and sentenced to 13 years in jail, but allowed to go abroad for medical treatment early last year and now lives in exile in London."Selecting a candidate is not a concern, but (endowing) the system with independent judiciary and election commissions is the most important task before the election," Nasheed told Reuters in an interview with Reuters in Colombo."We at least need some kind of proper system for free and fair elections. There is a view in the Maldives that any candidate can beat Yameen if we have a free and fair election."Nasheed said he has been seeking international support to pressure Yameen to establish the independent commissions.The next presidential vote is expected in the second half of 2018, but Nasheed needs a presidential pardon to contest it as has been convicted of terrorism charges, which he denied.The Maldives judiciary drew international criticism after a number of opposition leaders including Nasheed were sentenced for alleged terrorism offences. International rights groups have said the judicial process was flawed and politically motivated.Nasheed spoke two days after the opposition coalition failed in a bid to impeach the parliament speaker and take control of the assembly.Most of Yameen's opponents who might challenge him in 2018 have been arrested for alleged security offences. The opposition alleges his administration is trying to cover up corruption including money laundering. The government denies this and says it does not influence law enforcement.The largely Muslim island chain with a population of 400,000 has other problems marring its reputation as a tourist paradise. Significant numbers of radicalised Maldives youths have enlisted to fight for Islamic State militants in the Middle East.REUTERS JW0310 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0364-1208921.Xml
Climate change is stirring life in the Arctic Ocean as thinning sea ice lets in more sunlight, allowing microscopic algae to bloom in the inhospitable region around the North Pole, scientists said today.The micro-algae may now be able to grow under the ice across almost 30 percent of the Arctic Ocean at the peak of the brief summer in July, up from about five percent 30 years ago, they wrote. Blooms may become even more widespread."Recent climate change may have markedly altered the ecology of the Arctic Ocean," wrote scientists in the United States and Britain led by Christopher Horvat of Harvard University.The first massive under-ice bloom of algae was seen in 2011 in the Chukchi Sea north of the Bering Strait separating Alaska and Russia, a region until then thought too dark for photosynthesis.The scientists, writing in the open-access journal Science Advances, based their estimates on mathematical models of the thinning ice and ponds of melt water on the ice surface that help ever more sunlight penetrate into the frigid waters below.The average thickness of Arctic sea ice fell to 1.89 metres (6.2 ft) in 2008 from 3.64 meters in 1980, according to another study. Sub-ice algae seem to become dormant in winter, when the sun disappears for months, and are revived in spring.Horvat told Reuters it was unclear how the growth might have knock-on effects on the Arctic food chain, perhaps drawing more fish northwards. "Very few of these blooms have been observed," he wrote in an e-mail.The new light adds to uncertainties about the economic future of the region that is warming at about double the average rate for the Earth as a whole. Almost all governments blame this trend mainly on a build-up of man-made greenhouse gases.U.S. President Donald Trump, however, has sometimes called man-made warming a hoax and signed an order on Tuesday to undo climate change regulations issued by former President Barack Obama.Governments of nations around the Arctic Ocean, including the United States, have been working on rules for managing potential future fish stocks in the central Arctic Ocean as the ice shrinks and thins. They last met in mid-March in Iceland.REUTERS PS RAI2343 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0421-1208905.Xml
A local district court in western Japan today denied granting an injunction against Shikoku Electric Power Co's Ikata No. 3 nuclear reactor, the operator said today, a move that backs the continued operations of the reactor that's been generating power since last August.The ruling by the Hiroshima District Court, which is similar to the Osaka High Court decision on Tuesday, is a relief for Japan's nuclear operators at a time when they face the risk of further delays in firing up mostly idled atomic generators if judges side with local residents worried about safety. REUTERS PY PM1159 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0298-1209096.Xml
Chinese President Xi Jinping will travel to the United States to meet President Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago retreat in Florida on April 6-7, China's Foreign Ministry said today, its first official confirmation of the highly anticipated summit.It will be Xi's first meeting with Trump, whose presidency began on January 20, and comes as the two sides face pressing issues, ranging from North Korea and the South China Sea to trade disputes.Ministry spokesman Lu Kang made the announcement at a daily news briefing.Beijing had previously said that preparatory work for the meeting was underway. But it had not yet confirmed the trip, despite western media reports on a scheduled meeting and an announcement by the Finnish government that Xi would make a brief stop in Finland on April 5.The summit will follow a string of other recent US-China meetings and conversations aimed at mending ties after strong criticism of China by Trump during his election campaign.US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson ended a trip to Asia this month in Beijing, agreeing to work together with China on North Korea and stressing Trump's desire to enhance understanding.China has been irritated at being repeatedly told by Washington to rein in North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes and by the US decision to base an advanced missile defence system in South Korea.Beijing is also deeply suspicious of US intentions towards self-ruled Taiwan, which China claims as its own.During his election campaign, Trump accused China of unfair trade policies, criticised its island-building in the strategic South China Sea, and accused it of doing too little to constrain North Korea.Trump also incensed Beijing in December by taking a phone call from Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and later saying the United States did not have to stick to the so-called "one China" policy.He later agreed in a phone call with Xi to honor the long-standing policy and has also written to Xi since seeking "constructive ties."REUTERS PY PM1344 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0298-1209222.Xml
Tillerson will met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and Foreign Minister Mevlt Cavusoglu in Ankara, Efe news reported.

The officials will discuss potential cooperative defence operations in the bid to oust the IS from their final Syrian bastion of Raqqa city.

On Tuesday, Yildirim announced that a Turkish military operation backing Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebels against the IS and Kurdish militias in northern Syria -- dubbed Operation Euphrates Shield -- had successfully ended, but did not rule out future military manoeuvres.

Ankara has proposed a joint operation with the US against Raqqa, using branches of the FSA as it had done in Aleppo province since August 2016.

Washington is yet to confirm whether or not it would collaborate with Turkey in the Raqqa offensive.

After Turkey, Tillerson will leave for Brussels for a meeting of NATO foreign ministers.

--IANS ksk/dg

( 179 Words)

2017-03-30-15:00:08 (IANS)
China said today that it blocked an Australia-based Chinese academic from taking a flight to Sydney this week to "safeguard national security" as fellow professors called for Beijing to allow him to return home.Feng Chongyi, a long-service associate professor of China studies at the University of Technology Sydney, was blocked from going home after a trip to China on Sunday, according to the Australian government.Feng was held for questioning last week in Kunming, the provincial capital of southwestern Yunnan, then barred from boarding a flight to Sydney from Guangzhou on Friday, sources familiar with the situation told Reuters.The news of his being blocked from leaving came as Chinese Premier Li Keqiang finished up a five-day official visit to Canberra and Sydney espousing free trade and closer economic ties between Australia and China."In order to safeguard China's national security, the relevant departments took measures in accordance with law against Chinese citizen Feng Chongyi to prevent him from leaving the country," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at a regular press briefing in Beijing."Feng Chongyi is a Chinese citizen... If this was an Australian citizen, and Australian authorities wanted to open an investigation, then (the citizen) would also be obliged to comply."Feng, an Australian permanent resident who retains his Chinese passport, entered China three weeks ago and had been travelling with his wife, an Australian national.Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said today that the government was "monitoring developments closely and has raised this case with senior Chinese officials".When reached by Reuters today, Feng directed questions to his lawyer, Chen Jinxue, due to the sensitivity of his situation.Chen told Reuters that police had previously suggested Feng was being prevented from leaving China on national security grounds but had not elaborated.He said Feng remained at his hotel in Guangzhou and state security officers were interrogating him daily for two to three hours at a time. He said state security had instructed Feng not to reveal details over what he was being questioned about."The definition of national security is extremely broad," Chen said. "What exactly did he do? If he can't leave the country, they should at least give him something in writing."Feng had been meeting with fellow academics and intellectuals while in China, as well as human rights lawyers as part of his academic research.An open letter addressed to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li signed by dozens of internationally respected China Studies scholars from Australia, the United States, Britain and Hong Kong was also circulated today "respectfully requesting" Feng's release.The letter said they were "disturbed" that a fellow researcher was "prevented from returning to his home and workplace for no reason other than his conscientious work" as a China Studies scholar."Such actions make it difficult for the rest of us to be confident in the research environment in China today," it said. REUTERS SDR BL1525 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-1209403.Xml
China's plans to reduce troop levels are on track, the Defence Ministry said today, after a 2015 announcement by President Xi Jinping that the People's Liberation Army would cut 300,000 troops, with most of the cuts due by the end of 2017.China, which hopes the measures will leave it more money to spend on high-tech weapons for its navy and air force, and result in a leaner and more strategic military, has struggled to resolve the grievances of those previously laid off, however.Ministry spokesman Wu Qian said there were "detailed arrangements" in place for the reductions and things were proceeding smoothly."This year it will achieve its set aims on schedule," Wu told a regular monthly news briefing, without elaborating.In February, military veterans demonstrated in central Beijing for two days, demanding unpaid retirement benefits in a new wave of protests highlighting the difficulty of managing demobilised troops.Previous protests have been sparked by pension problems suffered by some demobilised soldiers who fought against Vietnam in 1979.REUTERS SDR BL1645 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-1209543.Xml
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said today his talks during a visit to NATO ally Turkey had focused on the creation of stabilization zones in Syria and that a number of options on how to secure such areas were being explored.Tillerson told a joint news conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu that Turkey was a key partner in the fight against Islamic State. He also said the two nations shared a goal of reducing Iran's potential to disrupt the region.REUTERS SDR RK1831 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-1209808.Xml
Britain will tell Google , Facebook, Twitter, and Microsoft today to do more to stop extremists posting content on their platforms and using encrypted messaging services to plan attacks.Home Secretary Amber Rudd said on Sunday tech companies should stop offering a "secret place for terrorists to communicate", after British parliament attacker Khalid Masood was widely reported to have sent encrypted messages moments before he killed four people last week.Rudd has summoned the internet companies to a meeting to urge them to do more to block extremist content from platforms like Facebook and Google's YouTube, but a government spokesman said encryption was also on the agenda."The message is the government thinks there is more they can do in relation to taking down extremist and hate material and that is what they are going to be talking about this afternoon," the prime minister's spokesman said today."I'd expect encryption to come up but when these talks were agreed it was in relation to extremist material."Some smaller tech firms will be at the meeting, another spokesman said, but the list does not include Apple.Facebook and Google declined to comment ahead of the meeting. Microsoft and Twitter did not immediately respond to requests for comment.The US internet giants have all raced over the past year to show they are doing more to remove extremist material from their sites, but argue that there is no technical silver bullet that can fix the issue.In December, they agreed with the European Union to create a shared database to help each other speed this process once any one of the companies identifies clearly illegal or inflammatory content. Rudd said she was "calling time on terrorists using social media as their platform" on Sunday, and she appealed for help from the owners of encrypted messaging apps such as Facebook's WhatsApp.Britain is already implementing sweeping new powers for police and security services under the Investigative Powers Act enacted last year."This may be just a way to impress on industry that the government means business here," said James Blessing, chairman of the UK Internet Services Providers' Association, which represents more than 200 internet access and hosting firms.The new law has provisions to force tech firms to help law enforcement agencies bypass encryption, where possible, and keep records of sites their customers visit, updating decades-old surveillance laws.The government has said it supports the use of encryption in many business and consumer services, but it has also effectively demanded that law enforcement be given privileged access to decode encrypted extremist chatter.Technical experts are in nearly universal agreement that such back doors into encrypted systems will weaken security for all web users as the openings used by police will eventually be exploited by cybercriminals or foreign spies.The European Union is also increasing pressure on the US major tech companies.On Tuesday, EU Justice Minister Vera Jourova said the commission will propose new policies in June to force Facebook, Google, Microsoft and Twitter to make it easier for police to access data.REUTERS SDR BL1856 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-1209929.Xml
The Muslim and Jewish communities in Flanders have criticised a proposal by the Belgian region to ban the unstunned slaughter of small animals, which they say would contravene their rules for ritual killing.Under the draft law, animals like Sheep and poultry will have to be stunned electrically before being killed, which most animal rights campaigners say is more humane than the Islamic halal and Jewish kosher rituals. Both require that butchers swiftly slaughter the animal by slitting its throat and draining the blood."Unstunned slaughter is outdated," Ben Weyts, regional minister of animal welfare, said in a statement. "In a civilised society, it is our damn duty to avoid animal suffering where possible."The bill has broad support in the predominantly Catholic region, and the opposition from Flanders' religious minorities illustrates the difficulties facing some European countries as they struggle to integrate immigrant populations.The issue could play with a wider audience, including right wing politicians and animal rights campaigners, who generally support the legislation.As stunning larger animals is not possible without also fatally wounding them, the proposed law requires animals such as cattle be stunned immediately after their throats are cut if slaughtered in a ritual manner.Belgium's Muslim community said its religious council has previously expressed its opposition to stunned slaughter and there had been no change in its stance since then."Muslims are worried about whether they can eat halal food ... in conformity with their religious rites and beliefs," the Belgian Muslim Executive said.The Flemish Jewish community said it was studying the proposal and that stunned slaughter was not in line with Jewish religious laws.While the proposed law would only apply to the Dutch-speaking region of Flanders in the north of Belgium, other Belgian regions are planning similar moves.Countries including Denmark, Switzerland and New Zealand already prohibit unstunned slaughter. REUTERS PS RK2024 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0421-1210146.Xml
Two Syrian migrants who came to Germany as part of an influx of refugees in the summer of 2015 went on trial in Munich today accused of fighting in Syria as part of a militant group.More than 1 million migrants have arrived in Germany over the past two years and concerns about security and integration are widespread.Barbara Stockinger, a judge and spokeswoman for Munich's higher regional court, said 22-year-old Azad R. and 24-year-old Kamel T.H.J. were accused of fighting near Aleppo as part of the Islamist rebel group Ahrar al-Sham between August 2013 and April 2014."They armed themselves with kalashnikovs and fought against other rebel groups and the Syrian military government," she said.Stockinger said one of the men was injured during combat and headed to Turkey for medical treatment along with the other defendant. They then travelled to Germany, where they arrived in around June 2015 before being taken into custody in April 2016.If convicted, the men could face up to 10 years in prison.REUTERS PS RK2024 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0421-1210150.Xml
As many as eight militants have blown themselves up with a grenade north of the Bangladeshi capital rather than surrender to officers who had cornered them in their hideout, police said today.Police urged the militants in Nasirpur, northeast of the capital Dhaka, to give themselves up on Wednesday, but instead they detonated the grenade."Up to eight militants, including a female, were killed," Monirul Islam, the chief of police for counter-terrorism and transnational crime, told reporters.On Monday, Bangladesh army commandos killed four Islamist militants in the northeastern city of Sylhet during a raid on a building where they were holed up.On Saturday, six people, including two police, were killed and more than 40 wounded in two bomb blasts near the militant hideout in the Sylhet building.Islamic State claimed responsibility "for a bombing on Bangladeshi forces in Sylhet", the SITE monitoring service said, citing a report on the militant group's news agency Amaq that appeared to refer to that incident.Islamic State and al Qaeda have made competing claims over killings of foreigners, liberals and members of religious minorities in Bangladesh, a mostly Muslim country of 160 million people.The government has consistently ruled out the presence of such groups, blaming domestic militants instead.Marcia Bernicat, the United States ambassador in Bangladesh, said in a radio interview the police had done "such an excellent job" in identifying hideouts and seizing militants' explosives and money."But the other part of the battle is the harder one," she the Radio Today station. "Our real challenge is in helping to prevent people from becoming radicalised and violent in the first place."She said vulnerable youths needed to be helped, including being given "a proper understanding of religion", so that "they can work to make the world better rather than turning to such violent alternatives."REUTERS PS RK2151 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0421-1210253.Xml
Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra today lauded the role of Indian Air Force during floods and winter season in the state. Air Commodore S K Mishra, Air Officer Commanding, Jammu, today called on Mr Vohra at the Raj Bhavan, here and briefed him about various important matters relating to activities of the Jammu Air Force Station. The Governor lauded IAF's prompt and valuable support on all occasions and particularly appreciated IAF's missions for airlifting civilians who are stranded during floods and winters in the inaccessible parts of the State.UNI VBH PS RK2225 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0421-1210295.Xml
An EU flag is seen outside the the Houses of Parliament in London, Britain on March 29, 2017. Britain on Wednesday officially started the historic process to leave the European Union (EU) as the letter signed by Prime Minister Theresa May was sent to leaders of the 28-member bloc. (Xinhua/Tim Ireland)

by Martin Banks

BRUSSELS, March 29 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Mnister Theresa May's historic Article 50 letter was handed to European Council President Donald Tusk here on Wednesday, triggering the two-year countdown to Britain's exit of the bloc after 44 years of membership.

Now the question is: will the EU give Britain an easy ride in upcoming Brexit talks?

Britain's withdrawal leaves a substantial hole in the EU, which now loses the world's fifth-largest economy, a nuclear power, and a member of the UN Security Council.

However, a European Council statement gives a useful insight into how tortuous and possibly acrimonious the upcoming Brexit negotiations could be.

The statement, which is expected to form the basis of the EU's guidelines for its chief negotiator Michel Barnier, states that EU member states "regret" that the UK is leaving the Union, but "are ready for the process."

The guidelines "will set out the overall positions and principles in light of which the Union, represented by the European Commission, will negotiate with the United Kingdom," the statement underlined.

The guidelines for Barnier will limit the scope of the upcoming talks to the divorce terms and won't include the future trade relationship with the UK, according to sources.

Barnier, a former EU commissioner, warned last week of "serious repercussions" for both Britain and the EU if the divorce talks fail without a deal being reached.

The French-born official said that more than four million EU citizens in the UK, and British expats in the bloc, would face uncertainty over their futures.

Barnier is not expected to actually start talks with London until mid to late May and any withdrawal agreement cannot enter into force without the consent of the European Parliament. In the coming weeks Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are expected to adopt a resolution setting out its own red lines.

Ashley Fox, leader of Conservative MEPs in the European Parliament, said: "I sense the overriding mood in Brussels is one of determination to strike a deal as quickly as possible that is fair to both sides and recognises we will continue to be close trading partners and allies after Brexit."

Fellow British Conservative MEP Amjad Bashir, a Brexit sympathizer, said: "Now we can concentrate on the important work, which is to secure the best deal possible for Britain as we leave the EU, as well as work on prospective trade deals with countries around the globe."

Former UK Liberal MEP Andrew Duff, a respected EU constitutional expert, suggested how Britain and EU institutions should go about the negotiations.

The joint objective, he said, is to ensure that Brexit happens in a "legal, orderly, and democratic way," and that the way is prepared for a new form of durable association.

Duff recommended the setting-up of a special joint transition authority to oversee over a longer period the full completion of the Brexit process and the preparation of the next phase of Britain's European partnership.

Duff, now with the Brussels-based European Policy Centre think tank, said, "Brexit will happen; negotiations will be challenging; but that does not mean both sides should make the parting more difficult than it already is."

Further comment comes from BusinessEurope, which comprises 40 member federations in 34 European countries. Its spokesman said: "The decision of the UK to leave the EU opens up factors of uncertainty. It is, therefore, essential to organize the exit of the UK from the EU in an orderly and constructive manner," the spokesman stressed.

The two sides now have to meet a two-year deadline to strike a deal. The trade agreement will be the critical centerpiece.

If no new deal is agreed before the two sides, trading terms will default to the World Trade Organization (WTO) standards, which are significantly less beneficial for both sides.

The key topics of Brexit talks are the exit bill Britain is required to pay to the EU for the price of leaving, rights for EU citizens to remain within the UK following Brexit and vice-versa, the future freedom of movement for people and goods, and the complicated political situation between Northern Ireland and Ireland.

Should Britain successfully exit the EU within the designated two years from the triggering of Article 50, the process should be completed by April 2019.
STOCKHOLM, March 29 (Xinhua) -- Bob Dylan, the American songwriter who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016, is slated to receive the prize in a low-key meeting with the Swedish Academy in Stockholm this weekend, local media reported Wednesday.

But it is still unclear whether Dylan will give a lecture, required by laureates to collect the almost 900,000 U.S. dollars in prize money, Swedish Television reported on Wednesday.

Dylan did not attend the prize ceremony on Dec. 10 last year. Instead, he sent his friend and fellow artist Patti Smith.

There has been a lot of speculation as to whether Dylan will hold the lecture this weekend, as he is giving two concerts in Stockholm. But Sara Danius, permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy, wrote on her blog Wednesday that no lecture is scheduled for this weekend. "The Academy has reason to believe that a taped version will be sent at a later point," she wrote.

The last Nobel Laureate to give a taped lecture was Nobel Laureate Alice Munro in 2013.

The Swedish Academy is the institution that awards the Nobel Prize in literature. During the meeting the Nobel Prize Certificate and the Nobel Prize medal will be handed over.

"The Meeting will be small, intimate and there won't be any media present," Danius wrote in her blog.

Laureates are required to hold a lecture within six months from Dec. 10 to receive the prize money. After June 10, the money is forfeited, Swedish Television news reported.
LISBON, March 29 (Xinhua) -- Portugal's Quorum Ballet dance company has performed in over 40 cities around the world and later this year will be creating and presenting a new piece in Beijing, China, in collaboration with Chinese entities.

"We increasingly have more projects abroad," Quorum Ballet's choreographer artistic director Daniel Cardoso told Xinhua on Wednesday. "I think internationalization makes sense because dance is a universal language," Cardoso said. "It is intuitive to me that dance is something global and not local."

He says a highlight for Quorum this year will be going to Beijing where his company will be working on a co-production with Chinese entities.

The piece, called "The Rite of Spring: Made in China" will be starring seven dancers from Quorum Ballet and seven of China's most renowned Chinese dancers, with guest choreographer Xie Xin.

This year Quorum has performed in Germany, Switzerland and will soon be embarking to the United States before flying to China in December.

Cardoso studied at the National Conservatory of Dance in Lisbon, and took scholarships at the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance and at the Joffrey Ballet School in New York.

He has worked with a number of international choreographers throughout his career including Martha Graham, Robert Wilson, Maurice Bejart, Itzik Galili, and Milton Meyers.

He formed the Quorum Ballet dance company in the summer of 2005, as well as the Quorum Academy.

Cardoso is not only internationalizing the country's dance scene, but also pushing the boundaries of classical and contemporary dance, as reflected in his latest piece "From Classic to Contemporary which he took to Lisbon's Cineteatro D. Joao V last weekend.

The piece, which started off with excerpts of Swan Lake interpreted by renowned ballet dancers Carlos Pinillos and Filipa Castro from the Portuguese Companhia Nacional do Bailado, had guest ballet dancers Maria Selestskaja and Teun Van Roosmalen from the Royal Ballet of Flanders perform too. This was followed by a powerful performance by contemporary Quorum dancers in "A modern perspective" about complex relationships.

"There is a struggle in Portugal for public interest in dance," Cardoso said. "So this kind of piece (mixing contemporary and classical) attracts a broad spectrum of individuals. It was about creating a balance and also attracting people to a relatively new theatre."
Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang addresses the opening ceremony of the 4th International Arctic Forum (IAF) in Russia's far northwestern city of Arkhangelsk on March 29, 2017. China will actively participate in environmental preservation and push for environmental cooperation in the Arctic, Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang said here on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Lu Jinbo)

ARKHANGELSK, Russia, March 29 (Xinhua) -- China will actively participate in environmental preservation and push for environmental cooperation in the Arctic, Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang said here on Wednesday.

He made the remarks when addressing the opening ceremony of the 4th International Arctic Forum (IAF) in Russia's far northwestern city of Arkhangelsk.

Wang said that ecological protection should be strengthened and prioritized.

China will support the formation of advanced scientific research platforms to enhance Arctic scientific research capability, said the vice premier, urging the international community to deepen scientific exploration.

Calling for proper development and utilization of resources in the Arctic in line with law, Wang said the Chinese government encourages enterprises to take part in the construction of the Arctic shipping route and step up clean energy cooperation with Arctic countries.

The vice premier said Arctic governance should be improved, noting that China is willing to establish working mechanisms with Arctic and non-Arctic countries, and strengthen policy communications, and actively support the work of the Arctic Council.

China calls for joint efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Arctic, and this region should be utilized in a peaceful manner, he said.

Wang said disputes should be settled in accordance with the international law, adding that challenges, including navigation safety and environmental disasters, should be properly addressed through international cooperation.

Upholding the spirit of respect, cooperation and sustainability, China is a participant, builder and contributor in Arctic affairs, said Wang.

The two-day IAF, themed "Arctic: Territory of Dialogue," gathered about 2,300 participants from more than 30 countries this year, including senior government officials, organization leaders and experts.
European Parliament President Antonio Tajani speaks during a joint press conference on the first assessment of the consequences of the British government's triggering of Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, at the EU Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, March 29, 2017. The Britain on Wednesday officially started the historic process to leave the European Union (EU) as the letter signed by Prime Minister Theresa May is sent to leaders of the bloc. (Xinhua/Ye Pingfan)

BRUSSELS, March 29 (Xinhua) -- The most anticipated mail in recent political history was successfully delivered on Wednesday, as European Council President Donald Tusk received a letter from British Prime Minister Theresa May notifying him that Britain was triggering Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, formally launching divorce negotiations between Britain and the EU.

The six-page letter notified Tusk that the British government was following the "democratic decision of the people of the United Kingdom" made clear in the Brexit referendum on June 23 last year, and that while it was a choice to "restore, as we see it, our national self-determination," it was not a rejection of shared values with the 27 other members of the EU.

SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP

Stressing several times the "deep and special partnership" that Britain hoped to have with the EU in the future, May's letter went on to propose guiding principles for the pending negotiations, to affirm a wish for close cooperation on a wide variety of international concerns, including the fight against crime and terrorism.

"Together, I know we are capable of reaching an agreement about the UK's rights and obligations as a departing member state, while establishing a deep and special partnership that contributes towards the prosperity, security and global power of our continent," the prime minister wrote.

As the news broke, European leaders shared their dissatisfaction with the situation, lamenting the first time that a member state has sought to leave the European Union in the 60 years since the creation of its predecessor, the European Economic Community (EEC).

Tusk, in a statement released after receipt of the letter, said, "There is no reason to pretend that this is a happy day, neither in Brussels, nor in London. After all, most Europeans, including almost half the British voters wish that we could stay together, not drift apart. As for me, I will not pretend that I am happy today."

"Although we accept the democratic will of the people, today is not a good day for Europe," said President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani during a press conference on Wednesday.

Guy Verhofstadt, European Parliament's chief Brexit negotiator, at the same press conference, called the pending departure of Britain "unprecedented and regrettable."

Tusk too said: "We miss you already."

UNITED EU FRONT

EU leaders showed unity in advance of the negotiations, which, by law, must be concluded within two years, a daunting feat even for the most willing participants.

"In these negotiations, the Union will act as one and preserve its interests," the European Council's official statement read. "Our first priority will be to minimize the uncertainty caused by the decision of the United Kingdom for our citizen, businesses and member states. Therefore, we will start by focusing on all key arrangements for an orderly withdrawal," it said.

Tusk argued in his statement: "Brexit has made us, the community of 27, more determined and more united than before. This means that both I and the Commission have a strong mandate to protect the interests of the 27. There is nothing to win in this process, and I am talking about both sides. In essence, this is about damage control."

It is no surprise, however, that the strongest position was taken by the European Parliament.

"An orderly exit is an essential precondition for any future European Union-United Kingdom partnership. This is not negotiable," Tajani said following a meeting with the European Parliament conference of presidents.

"For us, it is an absolute priority to settle citizens' rights as soon as possible. It needs to be the first issue to be tackled in negotiations. Citizens should not become bargaining chips," said Verhofstadt.

The text stresses the need for Britain to continue adhering to treaty obligations until its full withdrawal from the Union, including financial commitments.

"The UK will not be asked to pay for anything that they have not previously agreed to," Tajani clarified, while asserting the need for the British government to pay its share.

Members of European Parliament (MEPs) made it clear that the status of being outside the EU cannot be more attractive than those of being inside it.

DRAFT RESOLUTION

However, a draft resolution outlines possibilities for future association agreements, predicated on the continued respect by Britain of EU standards in the areas of the environment, climate change, fighting tax evasion and avoidance, fair competition, trade and social policy.

President Tajani reiterated the "four freedoms" of the free movement of goods, services capital and people were "indivisible" and "non-negotiable."

The European Parliament will also propose a transitional period of a maximum of three years for the development of a new relationship between the two sides, but the draft resolution argues that such an agreement cannot be made for the future partnership until Britain has left the Union.

This runs counter to May's proposal, as set forth in her Wednesday letter, to conduct withdrawal negotiations simultaneously with talks for a "bold and ambitious free trade agreement" of "a scope and ambition greater than any such agreement before it," so as to reduce uncertainty and foster future prosperity.

The European Parliament's draft resolution, which takes into account the requirement for the European Parliament to approve the final Brexit agreement for a deal to take effect, will be voted on next week during the body's plenary session in Strasbourg.

Wednesday's press conference was backed by four of the major political groups represented at the Parliament: the European People's Party, the Socialists, the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, and the European Greens.
Chilean President Michelle Bachelet delivers a speech in a special session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, Switzerland, March 29, 2017. Chilean President Michelle Bachelet told UN Human Rights Council (HRC) members convened in a special session Wednesday that the myriad issues the world is currently facing must be resolved through dialogue and cooperation, not by divisive rhetoric or policy. (Xinhua/Xu Jinquan)

GENEVA, March 29 (Xinhua) -- Chilean President Michelle Bachelet told UN Human Rights Council (HRC) members convened in a special session Wednesday that the myriad issues the world is currently facing must be resolved through dialogue and cooperation, not by divisive rhetoric or policy.

"To summarize, we are facing a series of considerable tasks that we must address as soon as possible," Bachelet told the HRC, while reminding that Chile has led an initiative against torture bringing together countries from every continent.

"No country, regardless of powerful it is, is immune to these problems, and they cannot be resolved by building walls, either real or metaphorical," she added.

Bachelet highlighted that the response to global issues including conflicts, the refugee crisis, protracted inequalities and rights violations, must be collective, coordinated and cooperative.

The Chilean president also said that the international community's answer to such challenges must be underpinned by multilateralism, which in turn will pave the way to peace and security.

"Those who do not understand this simple yet crucial principle will be forced to retrace the costly steps taken by humanity through history," she warned.

Bachelet noted that the HRC has a "moral imperative" to stand by these ideals, and to speak out against human rights violations irrespective of gender, ethnicity or political regime in place in each nation.

Bachelet also addressed the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Wednesday to talk about multilateralism, free trade and the WTO's role in international trade.
VIENNA, March 29 (Xinhua) -- The Austrian National Council on Wednesday gave finalized approval for establishing a parliamentary investigation committee to probe the controversial Eurofighter jet purchase, local media reported.

The investigation had already been given the green light on Tuesday evening, with debate on further procedure as a remaining technicality completed today.

All parties to the cabinet have thus given their approval to the investigation that is to look into the Austrian government's purchase of Eurofighter interceptor jets, on a timeline from 2000 to the end of 2016.

Allegations center around the alleged "willful deception" of manufacturer Airbus in its sale of the aircraft, which resulted in massive cost to the Austrian government. The Airbus group said the allegations were "unfounded."
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (C) and Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat (R) attend a public dialogue on the future of Europe in Valletta, Malta on March 29, 2017. Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker shared their views on Brexit in a public dialogue on the future of Europe held in Valletta on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Yun Yuan)

VALLETTA, March 29 (Xinhua) -- Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker shared their views on Brexit in a public dialogue on the future of Europe held in Valletta on Wednesday.

Muscat said there was nothing sweet about Britain leaving, but what will emerge in the next weeks and months is that Europe is resilient.

Muscat added that he believes Europe will surprise everyone with its degree of unity and resilience, wanting to go ahead regardless of Brexit.

He further expressed faith in the EU commission, convinced they will do an excellent job in preparing for negotiations with Britain.

The Brexit negotiations would be tough, Muscat said, but there was a willingness to reach a fair solution to everyone, not just one side. However any deal with Britain would have to be inferior to the benefits of full EU membership, he added.

Asked about the possibility of associated citizenship for British citizens, Juncker said this will depend on the negotiations that are established. However, he warned that if this were happen, it might be an answer for British citizens but would not take away the dangers of Brexit.

Juncker was quite unequivocal in his remarks. He stated that when the British went for referendum they did not care about their future and that they would come to regret this decision.

On Brexit negotiations and possible investment from British companies, Muscat said negotiations had to be approached fairly and there was healthy competition among all member states in this respect.

Juncker ended the evening affirming that despite all the EU's weaknesses and failures, Europe is the best place on earth to live and he was positive about the future.
LONDON, March 29 (Xinhua) -- UK coastguard said Wednesday that they are searching for a helicopter which has gone missing over the Irish Sea with five people on board.
Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang (L) shakes hands with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin before they co-chair a session of the committee for the regular meeting of Chinese and Russian heads of government in Arkhangelsk, Russia on March 29, 2017. Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang said here Wednesday that China and Russia should work together to expand and improve bilateral economic and trade cooperation. (Xinhua/Lu Jinbo)

ARKHANGELSK, Russia, March 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang said here Wednesday that China and Russia should work together to expand and improve bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

Wang made the remarks when he co-chaired with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin a session of the committee for the regular meeting of Chinese and Russian heads of government.

Promoted personally by the Chinese and Russian presidents, the two countries have witnessed frequent high-level exchanges and fruitful cooperation in various fields in recent years, said Wang.

According to Wang, China and Russia achieved growth in bilateral trade in 2016 despite the global economic downturn and the two countries have maintained sound momentum of growth this year.

The Chinese vice premier called on the countries to cement this trend in bilateral trade, expand investment and advance cooperation in major projects with strategic significance.

Wang said China and Russia should expand and improve bilateral economic and trade cooperation to fully demonstrate the high level of the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination between the two countries.

Rogozin said that Russia spoke highly of the development of this partnership and prioritizes enhancing Russia-China relations when making foreign policies.

The Chinese and Russian top leaders met five times in 2016 and there will be a string of important high-level exchanges soon, according to Rogozin.

Russia is ready to work jointly with China to expand pragmatic cooperation in various areas and ensure fruitful outcomes of the high-level exchanges, Rogozin said.

During the meeting, Wang and Rogozin shared views on the Arctic, nuclear power, agriculture and civil aviation among other issues.
Ankara launched Operation Euphrates Shield in north of Syria with Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army forces on Aug. 24, 2016. (AFP photo)

ANKARA, March 29 (Xinhua) -- Euphrates Shield operation launched by Turkish military in north of Syria has come to an end, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim announced on late Wednesday.

"From now on, if we take action against Islamic State (IS) or anything else that threatens our security, there will be a new operation," Yildirim said during an interview with private broadcaster NTV.

Asked about a possible Raqqa operation against the IS terrorist group and the stance of the new U.S. administration, Yildirim said Turkey had not been officially informed of the upcoming plans yet.

"However, we had the impression from the recent developments that they (the Trump administration) have been following the previous administration," Yildirim added.

The prime minister said the issue would be brought up during the talks with the U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson who will pay his first visit to Ankara after he took his office.

It was not appropriate for an ally of Turkey, the United States, to provide weapons to terrorist organizations, Yildirim stressed.

Ankara launched Operation Euphrates Shield in north of Syria with Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army forces on Aug. 24, 2016, aiming at clearing its border with Syria of terrorists, including IS and the Syrian Kurdish militants.
MINSK, March 29 (Xinhua) -- Members of the Trilateral Contact Group for the settlement of the situation in Ukraine issued a statement Wednesday on the complete ceasefire from midnight on April 1, 2017.

The special representative of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in the Trilateral Contact Group Martin Sajdik told local media on Wednesday.

After the meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk, Sajdik told reporters the parties agreed to cease fire from midnight on April 1 and withdraw the heavy weapons from the conflict region.

The Trilateral Contact Group said in a statement that the contact group and representatives of certain districts of Ukraine's Donetsk Oblast and Lugansk Oblast welcome the determination of all the participants of the Minsk process.

The parties also stressed the importance of full compliance with Minsk Agreements. They confirmed that the Minsk Agreements have no alternative.

The next meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group will be held on April 12.
Photo taken on March 24, 2017 shows the Kimberley Farms in Des Moines, Iowa, the United States. (Xinhua/Wang Ping)

by Xu Xingtang, Xu Jing

CHICAGO, March 29 (Xinhua) -- Maintaining a good and normal trade relationship between China and the United States will benefit both countries, Iowa officials have told Xinhua in separate, exclusive interviews.

Kirk Leeds, chief executive officer of Iowa Soybean Association, speaks in an exclusive interview with Xinhua in Des Moines, Iowa, the United States, on March 23, 2017. (Xinhua/Wang Ping)

"It's clearly a two-way trade. From an agriculture perspective, China is important to us," said Kirk Leeds, chief executive officer of Iowa Soybean Association.

Iowa, a major agricultural state located in the U.S. Midwest, is the second largest soybean producer among U.S. states in 2016, and exports 60 percent of its soybean production; while China buys about 50 to 60 percent of the world's soybean export, undoubtedly the largest customer on the world's soybean market.

Iowa knotted sister state relationship with China's Hebei Province in 1983. Since then, the state has interacted extensively with China in the fields of trade, education, culture and visiting.

"China buys a lot U.S. soybean," Kirk told Xinhua. If China does not buy soybean...and more soybean stations will have to pull down the prices, "there will be excessive soybeans in the market, and that will affect our farmers," Kirk said.

"Soybean industry in Iowa recognizes that China is a major customer. Any disruptions in trade relationship have serious consequences for American agriculture and soybean industry specifically," Kirk said.

Vice Versa, "China needs U.S. soybeans," said Kirk, as the quality and the delivery are better here. "Any (trade) disruptions will be unfortunate, neither of us wins in trade war."

Kenneth Quinn, president of the World Food Prize Foundation, speaks in an exclusive interview with Xinhua in Des Moines, Iowa, the United States, on March 24, 2017. (Xinhua/Wang Ping)

Kenneth Quinn, president of the World Food Prize Foundation, holds similar view, saying "trade is absolutely critical, particularly agriculture and food trade."

Two soybean contracts have been signed between China and the U.S. in the last five years in the building of the World Food Prize Foundation headquartered in Des Moines, capital of Iowa, one for 4 billion U.S. dollars and another for 2 billion U.S. dollars.

Kenneth reminded people of the Smoot-Hawley tariff in the 1930s. The tariff was originally meant to promote jobs and counter the effects of the depression by imposing big taxes on imports into the U.S., but it depressed global trade and made the depression worse. "Anything that would impact trade will only backfire and have a net effect depressing the American economy," Kenneth said.

Rick Kimberley, president of Kimberley Farms Inc., speaks in an exclusive interview with Xinhua in Des Moines, Iowa, the United States, on March 24, 2017. (Xinhua/Wang Ping)

Rick Kimberley, president of Kimberley Farms Inc., believed that President Trump knows how important agriculture is to both U.S. and China. "That would much hurt Iowa and the United States without trade of agricultural products," Kimberley said in an interview with Xinhua.

"I think (if) there's a little give and take on both sides..., we might even have better trade together," Kimberley said.

"Iowa as a state, we benefit from trade because of our agricultural products, we understand how important it is, even more than some other states that maybe don't sell as much to China," Dan Stein, vice president of CBI Bank and Trust, said.

Dewayne Hopkins, former mayor of Muscatine, said that China is a big player in world trade and "I don't think that our President Trump will do anything to disrupt that."
TEXAS, March 29 (Xinhua) -- Twelve people were killed and three others injured in a van-truck collision in Texas on Wednesday, local media reported.

Local authorities said that the incident occurred when a van carrying 14 church members and a pickup truck collided on a two-lane Texas highway.
CANBERRA, March 30 (Xinhua) -- South Australian researchers have thrown into doubt reported benefits of giving preterm babies omega-3 supplements, after studies found no noticeable difference in the health of premature infants after being given the fatty acids.

The project was undertaken by the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), and was designed to shed light on whether supplementing premature babies with high-dose omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which has anti-inflammatory activity, would reduce the risk of developing chronic lung disease.

According to researchers, most babies born preterm need extra oxygen and help with their breathing, otherwise there is heightened risk of developing chronic lung disease.

In order to determine the tangible benefits of omega-3 DHA, researchers gave preterm infants either a supplement providing extra omega-3, or a control supplement without DHA, from birth until the time they were allowed to leave the hospital.

The results of the study surprised researchers. Dr Carmel Collins from SAHMRI said supplementing omega-3 fats for premature babies was widely "unnecessary."

"Our results suggest that additional supplementation of DHA is unnecessary and reinforces the need to thoroughly test all nutritional interventions designed for babies," Collins said in a statement on Thursday.

Meanwhile Dr Andrew McPhee from Neonatal Services South Australia said the results could help pediatricians better inform new parents about how to care for their premature children.

"We have learned a lot and now have definitive information to help guide health professionals in their nutritional management of very premature infants," McPhee said.

"The results reinforce that we need to be careful about the amounts of all nutrients, including DHA. More is not necessarily better."
HOUSTON, March 29 (Xinhua) -- Twelve people were killed and three others injured in a traffic accident when a church bus and a pickup truck collided in the U.S. state of Texas on Wednesday.

The accident occurred around 12:20 p.m. local time (1620 GMT) on Wednesday outside a state park, about 120 km west of San Antonio, a city in central Texas, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The church bus, which was carrying 14 passengers from First Baptist Church of New Braunfels, was travelling south on Highway 83 in central Texas when it had a head-on collision with a pickup truck, in which there was only a driver.

A spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety said the injured were rushed to a hospital for treatment. But it was not clear if the driver of the pickup truck was among the dead.

Texas Governor Greg Abbot said he and his wife, Cecilia, extended their "deepest condolences to the victims and the families of those involved in today's tragic event." He said they were "saddened by the loss of life and our hearts go out to all those affected."

The Texas Department of Public Safety has begun its investigation into the crash. The exact cause of the accident is not clear yet.
Former South Korean President Park Geun-hye (C) gets into a car to leave her private residence for a court hearing in Seoul March 30, 2017. Park Geun-hye on Thursday appeared in a Seoul court to stand before a judge who would decide whether to issue a warrant for her arrest. (Xinhua/Lee Sang-ho)

SEOUL, March 30 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's former President Park Geun-hye on Thursday appeared in a court that will decide whether to issue an arrest warrant for her over a corruption scandal that led to her impeachment.

Park, dressed in a dark blue coat, got into a black sedan at her private residence in an upscale southern district of Seoul at about 10:09 a.m. local time (0109 GMT), TV footage showed.

Scores of supporters, mostly elderly voters, waved national flags outside Park's home, chanting their opposition to her arrest. Some lawmakers of the former ruling party and former presidential secretaries saw her off.

Park reportedly said sorry to the visiting former secretaries and pro-Park legislators, while waving her hand inside the limousine to her supporters. Park's brother and sister-in-law visited her home before she left for the court.

The limousine arrived at the Seoul Central District Court around 11 minutes later. The motorcade was escorted by security cars and police motorcycles.

The grim-faced Park left no remarks, passing through a sea of journalists waiting for the first South Korean former president who attends the court hearing to decide the issuance of an arrest warrant.

Former military presidents Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo had been arrested for treason and corruption charges, but their arrests were decided directly by prosecutors. Since 1997, a court judge began to issue the warrant to arrest.

If the warrant is approved, Park would become the third South Korean former president to be taken into custody. The decision is forecast to be made late Thursday or early Friday.

Park appeared on TV just nine days after being grilled in the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office next to the Seoul court.

During the grilling, Park denied most of her criminal charges including bribery, abuse of authority, extortion and the disclosure of confidential documents. A total of 13 charges were levied by prosecutors against her.

Park is accused of colluding with her decades-long friend Choi Soon-sil, who is now in custody, to receive tens of millions of U.S. dollars in bribes from Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong who is also arrested.

The bribes were offered in return for getting assistance in the transfer of management control of Samsung Group to Vice Chairman Lee from his ailing father Chairman Lee Kun-hee.

The younger Lee, an heir apparent of the country's biggest family-controlled conglomerate, has effectively taken the helm of Samsung since Chairman Lee was hospitalized for heart attack about three years ago.

Choi is charged with extorting tens of millions of dollars from scores of conglomerates to establish two nonprofit foundations she used for personal gains. Prosecutors already branded Park and Choi as criminal accomplices.

Choi, at the center of the influence-peddling scandal, is also suspected of receiving secret government documents from one of Park's former secretaries on a regular basis to meddle in state affairs from the shadows.
PHNOM PENH, March 30 (Xinhua) -- A Cambodian court on Thursday sentenced, in absentia, former opposition leader Sam Rainsy to 20 months in prison for alleging that Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen was behind the assassination of political analyst Kem Ley.

Rainsy, former president of the main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, was charged with defamation and incitement to cause turmoil for social security after he wrote on his Facebook page in August last year that Kem Ley's shooting was "another act of state terrorism."

"After examining documents and evidence, the court decides to sentence Sam Rainsy, 68, to one year and eight months in prison and to fine him 10 million riel (2,500 U.S. dollars)," said the verdict read by Phnom Penh Municipal Court presiding judge Y Thavrak.

The court also ordered Rainsy to pay 100 riel (2.5 U.S. cents) in compensation to Hun Sen upon his request.

Rainsy has been living in self-exile in France since November 2015 to avoid a seven-year imprisonment for defamation and incitement cases.

Kem Ley, 46, was shot dead at a Star Mart store in Phnom Penh on July 10 last year when he was drinking a morning coffee.

On March 23, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court sentenced a 39-year-old man, Chuob Samlab, to life in prison for murdering Kem Ley. The man confessed to the crime during a hearing on March 1, claiming that he got furious with Kem Ley, who owed him 3,000 U.S. dollars but did not pay him back.
BRASILIA, March 29 (Xinhua) -- The European Union will take stricter measures on the import of meat from Brazil, an EU official said in Brasilia on Wednesday.

After a meeting with Brazilian Agriculture Minister Blairo Maggi, EU Health and Food Safety Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis said the measures might include more credentials for meat imports.

"We need an official and independent control system. We must have full confidence and create an immediate response scheme if there is a new crisis," said Andriukaitis. "We suggest the (EU) member countries check every product entering their territory."

He added that an upcoming EU agricultural meeting may impose new measures as well.

The EU is the third-largest consumer of Brazilian meat exports.

Andriukaitis also called for an independent control system to be established in Brazil "not under the influence of politicians and other actors."

This concern came after the federal police carried out the broadest operation on March 17. Operation Carne Debil (Weak Meat) was the culmination of a two-year investigation that found a number of shocking practices, including bribing government officials to allow rotten produce to be exported and meat being chemically altered to mask bad smells.

Following this scandal, several countries have announced a temporary suspension of Brazilian meat imports. Among the countries are South Korea, Japan, Chile, Egypt, Panama and Mexico.
UNITED NATIONS, March 29 (Xinhua) -- UN Security Council on Wednesday condemned the killing of two UN experts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

"Members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the killing of two UN experts from the Group of Experts who were monitoring the sanctions regime in the Kasai Central region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and expressed concern over the unknown status of the four Congolese nationals accompanying them," the UN Security Council said in a statement.

They "expressed their deepest sympathy" to the families of the victims, the governments of the United States, Chile and Sweden, as well as to the Group of Experts on the DRC and the UN Secretariat, it added.

They also urged the Congolese authorities to "continue the search for the four missing Congolese nationals" and called upon the government of the DRC to swiftly and fully investigate these crimes and bring the still unidentified perpetrators to justice.

The security council said they encouraged a UN inquiry into the matter, as per the statement by the secretary-general on Tuesday, and encouraged cooperation from the DRC government in this regard.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement on Tuesday that the world body would do everything possible to ensure that justice is done.

The bodies of two members of a UN group of experts who went missing since March 12 were discovered by peacekeepers from the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) on Monday outside the city of Kananga, the United Nations announced.
Former South Korean President Park Geun-hye (C) gets into a car to leave her private residence for a court hearing in Seoul March 30, 2017. Park Geun-hye on Thursday appeared in a Seoul court to stand before a judge who would decide whether to issue a warrant for her arrest. (Xinhua/Lee Sang-ho)

SEOUL, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Former South Korean President Park Geun-hye on Thursday appeared in a court that will decide whether to issue an arrest warrant for her over a corruption scandal that led to her impeachment.

Park, dressed in a dark blue coat, got into a black sedan at her private residence in an upscale southern district of Seoul at about 10:09 a.m. local time (0109GMT), TV footage showed.

Scores of supporters, mostly elderly voters, waved national flags outside Park's home, chanting their opposition to her arrest. Some lawmakers of the former ruling party and former presidential secretaries saw her off.

Park reportedly said sorry to the visiting former secretaries and pro-Park legislators, while waving her hand inside the limousine to her supporters. Park's brother and sister-in-law visited her home before she left for the court.

The limousine arrived at the Seoul Central District Court around 11 minutes later. The motorcade was escorted by security cars and police motorcycles.

The grim-faced Park left no remarks, passing through a sea of journalists waiting for the first South Korean former president who attends the court hearing to decide the issuance of an arrest warrant.

Former military presidents Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo were arrested for treason and corruption charges in 1995, but their arrest warrants were directly issued by prosecutors. Since 1997, a court judge has issued an arrest warrant.

If the warrant is approved, Park would become the third South Korean former president to be taken into custody. The decision is forecast to be made late Thursday or early Friday.

Park appeared on TV just nine days after being grilled in the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office next to the Seoul court. The warrant to arrest Park was sought by prosecutors earlier this week.

In the warrant, prosecutors said there was a possibility of her destroying evidence as she denied most of charges levied at her. Before the grilling, Park said she would sincerely face a criminal scrutiny, apologizing to the public.

The special investigation headquarters, tasked with the probe into the corruption scandal embroiling Park, said in the warrant that there was also a possibility for Park to flee.

A total of 13 charges were levied by prosecutors against Park, including bribery, abuse of authority, extortion and the disclosure of confidential documents.

If convicted of bribery, Park would be sentenced to at least 10 years in prison. Prosecutors usually see the danger of fleeing when the expected prison sentence surpasses 10 years.

Park is accused of colluding with her decades-long friend Choi Soon-sil, who is now in custody, to receive tens of millions of U.S. dollars in bribes from Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong who is also arrested.

The bribes were offered in return for getting assistance in the transfer of management control of Samsung Group to Vice Chairman Lee from his ailing father Chairman Lee Kun-hee.

The younger Lee, an heir apparent of the country's biggest family-controlled conglomerate, has effectively taken the helm of Samsung since Chairman Lee was hospitalized for heart attack about three years ago.

Choi is charged with extorting tens of millions of dollars from scores of conglomerates to establish two nonprofit foundations she used for personal gains. Prosecutors already branded Park and Choi as criminal accomplices.

Choi, at the center of the influence-peddling scandal, is also suspected of receiving secret government documents from one of Park's former secretaries on a regular basis to meddle in state affairs from the shadows.

Some expected Park's arrest to have an influence on the upcoming presidential election to succeed her. Park was removed from office on March 10 as the constitutional court upheld a motion to impeach her, which was passed in the parliament in December last year.

As the country's president was formally unseated, the presidential election was scheduled for May 9. Primaries of major political parties are underway.

Support for former ruling party, which recently changed its name into the Liberty Korea Party, fell with a downfall of Park over the influence-peddling scandal, bolstering popularity for major presidential contenders of opposition parties.

However, if Park appears on TV dressed in prison uniform and handcuffed after the court's approval to arrest her, conservative voters may be united to support conservative presidential candidates out of a pity for the disgraced leader.

According to a recent survey, over 70 percent of South Koreans favored Park's arrest, indicating no effect on the upcoming presidential election despite the court's decision to take Park into custody.
SYDNEY, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull visited the worst struck areas of cyclone Debbie on Thursday, and pledged support for the rebuilding efforts after the disaster.

Cyclone Debbie struck the state of Queensland on Tuesday afternoon, causing immense damage, with the brunt of the cyclone hitting the tourism hot-spot islands, Daydream and Hayman.

Turnbull assured those affected that efforts were currently underway to clean up the carnage, including utilising Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel.

Brigadier Christopher Field, head of the ADF's recovery efforts said rapid deployment to the islands to provide support will occur if needed.

This call to arms came as further flash flooding threatens to hamper the recovery effort, and weather conditions kept around 300,000 children from attending school, and employees told to go home.

Turnbull urged Australians to take every necessary precaution to ensure their own safety, warning that although the worst has passed, risk still remains.

"If it's flooded, forget it. Don't walk in, swim in, drive in floodwaters... There is still plenty of risk out there," Turnbull said.

The leader of Australia's opposition, Bill Shorten also addressed reporters, and sent a clear message that the vibrant tourism industry that was hit by the cyclone, is still open for business.

"If you want to help in the medium to longer term, the Whitsunday region is a great place to holiday," Shorten said.

"They will tidy this up, they will be back on their feet."

However, tourism was not the only sector on the agenda, as Turnbull highlighted the fact that the Bowen region in Queensland that he was visiting, heavily dependent on farming, would likely suffer due to the cyclone, and flooding.

The Australian government will provide assistance to cyclone victims via the National Disaster Recovery Assistance fund, which is 75 percent federally funded.
Former South Korean President Park Geun-hye (C) gets into a car to leave her private residence for a court hearing in Seoul March 30, 2017. (Xinhua/Lee Sang-ho)

SEOUL, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Former South Korean President Park Geun-hye on Thursday appeared in a court that will decide whether to issue an arrest warrant for her over a corruption scandal that led to her impeachment.

Park, dressed in a dark blue coat, got into a black sedan at her private residence in an upscale southern district of Seoul at about 10:09 a.m. local time (0109GMT), TV footage showed.

Scores of supporters, mostly elderly voters, waved national flags outside Park's home, chanting their opposition to her arrest. Some lawmakers of the former ruling party and former presidential secretaries saw her off.

Park reportedly said sorry to the visiting former secretaries and pro-Park legislators, while waving her hand inside the limousine to her supporters. Park's brother and sister-in-law visited her home before she left for the court.

The limousine arrived at the Seoul Central District Court around 11 minutes later. The motorcade was escorted by security cars and police motorcycles.

The grim-faced Park left no remarks, passing through a sea of journalists waiting for the first South Korean former president who attends the court hearing to decide the issuance of an arrest warrant.

Former military presidents Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo were arrested for treason and corruption charges in 1995, but their arrest warrants were directly issued by prosecutors. Since 1997, a court judge has issued an arrest warrant.

If the warrant is approved, Park would become the third South Korean former president to be taken into custody. The decision is forecast to be made late Thursday or early Friday.

Park appeared on TV just nine days after being grilled in the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office next to the Seoul court. The warrant to arrest Park was sought by prosecutors earlier this week.

In the warrant, prosecutors said there was a possibility of her destroying evidence as she denied most of charges levied at her. Before the grilling, Park said she would sincerely face a criminal scrutiny, apologizing to the public.

The special investigation headquarters, tasked with the probe into the corruption scandal embroiling Park, said in the warrant that there was also a possibility for Park to flee.

A total of 13 charges were levied by prosecutors against Park, including bribery, abuse of authority, extortion and the disclosure of confidential documents.

If convicted of bribery, Park would be sentenced to at least 10 years in prison. Prosecutors usually see the danger of fleeing when the expected prison sentence surpasses 10 years.

Park is accused of colluding with her decades-long friend Choi Soon-sil, who is now in custody, to receive tens of millions of U.S. dollars in bribes from Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong who is also arrested.

The bribes were offered in return for getting assistance in the transfer of management control of Samsung Group to Vice Chairman Lee from his ailing father Chairman Lee Kun-hee.

The younger Lee, an heir apparent of the country's biggest family-controlled conglomerate, has effectively taken the helm of Samsung since Chairman Lee was hospitalized for heart attack about three years ago.

Choi is charged with extorting tens of millions of dollars from scores of conglomerates to establish two nonprofit foundations she used for personal gains. Prosecutors already branded Park and Choi as criminal accomplices.

Choi, at the center of the influence-peddling scandal, is also suspected of receiving secret government documents from one of Park's former secretaries on a regular basis to meddle in state affairs from the shadows.

Some expected Park's arrest to have an influence on the upcoming presidential election to succeed her. Park was removed from office on March 10 as the constitutional court upheld a motion to impeach her, which was passed in the parliament in December last year.

As the country's president was formally unseated, the presidential election was scheduled for May 9. Primaries of major political parties are underway.

Support for former ruling party, which recently changed its name into the Liberty Korea Party, fell with a downfall of Park over the influence-peddling scandal, bolstering popularity for major presidential contenders of opposition parties.

However, if Park appears on TV dressed in prison uniform and handcuffed after the court's approval to arrest her, conservative voters may be united to support conservative presidential candidates out of a pity for the disgraced leader.

According to a recent survey, over 70 percent of South Koreans favored Park's arrest, indicating no effect on the upcoming presidential election despite the court's decision to take Park into custody.
WELLINGTON, March 30 (Xinhua) -- A New Zealand former defense minister on Thursday called for an investigation into claims that New Zealand special forces led a raid that killed six civilians in Afghanistan in 2010.

Wayne Mapp, who was defense minister when the operation was carried out in August 2010, stopped short of urging for a full inquiry, but said it would honor both New Zealand soldiers and the Afghans to find out what really happened.

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) had previously denied civilians were killed during "Operation Burnham," but allegations in a book by two investigative journalists this month resulted in Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Tim Keating conceding this week that civilians might have died.

Mapp wrote in a blog Thursday that he had been in Afghanistan at the time of the raid, which was led by New Zealand's Special Air Service (SAS) and involved Afghan forces and U.S. air support.

The raid was targeting insurgents in Baghlan province, who were believed to be responsible for attacking New Zealand troops and killing an officer.

"I had been fully briefed on the plan on the morning before it took place. Based on the briefing, and on the advice of the military professionals, I recommended that it proceed," wrote Mapp.

He said he had no doubt that New Zealand soldiers acted to the highest ethical standards, but he knew that "the operation had not achieved its stated aims of arresting or otherwise dealing with the people who had been identified as leading and organizing Taliban operations."

"I knew this because I was formally briefed on that fact at the time. I also knew that other people had been killed," wrote Mapp.

"But it became clear later that it was also possible there were other casualties. In particular, the death of a 3-year-old girl."

While the law of armed conflict accepted that civilian casualties might occur in military operations, Mapp asked, "but for New Zealand, is that the end of the matter? Do we hold ourselves to a higher standard?"

"For me, it is not enough to say there might have been civilian casualties. As a nation we owe it to ourselves to find out, to the extent reasonably possible, if civilian causalities did occur, and if they did, to properly acknowledge that."

Since the NZDF attempted to rebut the allegations in the book "Hit and Run" this week, authors Nicky Hager and Jon Stephenson have said they stood by the assertions that six civilians, including a 3-year-old girl, were killed and 15 others injured.

New Zealand lawmakers have called for an independent probe into the claims, but Prime Minister Bill English told Radio New Zealand Monday that allegations of war crimes appeared to be unfounded and there was unlikely to be an inquiry into that.
JOHANNESBURG, March 30 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) is making great efforts to establish uniform standards among African countries in the fields of electricity, electronics and related technologies to ensure fast and universal access to energy.

A continental electricity standard is on the way, Paul Johnson, executive secretary of African Electrotechnical Standardization Commission (AFSEC) of the AU, told Xinhua on Wednesday.

Johnson said AFSEC will facilitate universal access to energy across the continent and the realization of Africa's Agenda 2063 -- a development framework that aims to achieve a continent that is integrated, peaceful, prosperous and people-centered.

"Uniform standards enable a country to borrow machineries with uniform standards from neighboring nations for use without hurdles," he said.

AFSEC currently have 13 members and it is trying to mobilize another 55 African countries to join the standardization. It has approved 140 standards which are applicable in the continent and are monitoring how these standards work.

"Even though African countries function as sovereign states, we need efficient and sustainable standards in technical matters. The standardization will enable the continent to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that aim at achieving affordable access to clean energy, education and healthcare by 2030 for countries around the world."

He said some African countries are not familiar with SDG standards and guidelines, like what standards are necessary when a country intends to embark on rural electrification.

Johnson suggested that African countries pursuing better access to energy should avoid relying too much on old technology, and instead should use smart technology such as mini-grid, smart meters and renewable energy.

AFSEC is undertaking technical training on the set of standards, consulting stakeholders, regulators and power utilities about the required standards and intends to found more technical committees and improve existing ones.
SYDNEY, March 30 (Xinhua) -- The New South Wales state government committed 8 million Australian dollars (6.132 million U.S. dollars) on Thursday to improve social housing and community facilities for disadvantaged Australians.

The Social Housing Community Improvement Fund (SHCIF) works with local organizations to build and refurbish facilities in government-funded housing areas.

New South Wales Minister for Social Housing Pru Goward believes the one-off grants between 2,000-50,000 Australian dollars will promote better integration between social housing properties and the local community.

"This fund is about providing social housing tenants with improved community and open spaces that will reduce the isolation between social housing properties and the wider community and assist us in breaking the cycle of disadvantage," Goward said.

"The previous SHCIF rounds have already made a real difference in people's lives and I encourage all local organizations with a passion for strengthening the community to apply for the round three grants."

The latest boost is part of a larger 20-million-Australian-dollar plan promised by the government to improve social living standards.

The fund has already developed around 300 projects across New South Wales since 2015. (1 Australian dollar = 0.7665 U.S. dollar)
A bus drives past the Bank of England after the British government triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, in London, Britain on March 29, 2017. The Britain on Wednesday officially started the historic process to leave the European Union (EU) as the letter signed by Prime Minister Theresa May is sent to leaders of the bloc. (Xinhua/Tim Ireland)

LONDON, March 29 (Xinhua) -- Wednesday will be remembered as the starting point for Brexit, when the decision by more than 17 million British people to leave the European Union (EU) became a reality.

London and Brussels became the focal points in a day of high political drama on the English Channel of both sides.

NO TURNING BACK

On Wednesday afternoon, in the Brussels headquarters of the European Union, British Ambassador to the EU Tim Barrow handed a letter to Donald Tusk, president of the European Council.

The 6-page letter, signed by British Prime Minister Theresa May, officially kick-started a two-year period of negotiations for a new working relationship between London and Brussels.

"That decision was no rejection of the values we share as fellow Europeans," the letter reads. "The UK wants the EU to succeed and prosper."

Minutes later, 320-km away in the British Houses of Parliament, May stood up in a packed House of Commons to announce that Brexit had been triggered.

It is "an historic moment from which there can be no turning back," May, in a black suit, said in a resolute voice. "We will be after a bold and ambitious free trade agreement with the EU."

The historic move came 44 years after Britain first joined the EU, and just nine months after a national referendum in Britain in which 52 percent of voters chose Brexit.

May told the MPs that Britain aims to deliver a smooth and orderly Brexit. Aware of the way the country has been left divided by Brexit, May made a plea to the British people to unite.

One commentator remarked: "If the result of the referendum was an earthquake, the triggering of article 50 was an aftershock."

Scotland voted remain, with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon of the Scottish Nationalist Party demanding a new independence referendum. On Tuesday, the Scottish parliament voted for a second independence referendum for Scotland.

Northern Ireland also wanted to remain in the EU and the result has left a question mark over the future border with the Irish Republic.

Londoners voted remain along with a number of major English cities, but the majority of voters in England backed leaving.

May in her speech vowed to represent "every person in the whole United Kingdom."

JOY, SADNESS

It is a day of celebration for some and disappointment for others.

President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker has said he is "deeply sad" at Britain beginning the process of its departure from the EU.

Tusk, who received May's letter, said in Brussels: "We already miss the UK."

He said his goal is an ordinary withdrawal and that he will circulate draft guidelines for the EU's negotiating stance on Friday.

Former UK Independent Party leader Nigel Farage tweeted: "The impossible dream is happening. Today we pass the point of no return."

The dust will take a while to settle as the Brexit debate continues, with little sign that May's plea for unity had been heeded.

Pro-remain organizations and individuals continued to fight their corner. Outside the British Parliament, dozens of protesters against Breixt were waving signs, shouting slogans and singing "Ode to Joy," the anthem of both the Council of Europe and the European Union.

In London, where nearly 300 international banks have branches, a sense of uncertainty could be easily felt.

Cremeut Labit, a French national working in the financial quartet of London, told Xinhua he felt regretful about Brexit. "There is going to be a period of uncertainty," he said. "We need to be cautious before taking every step."

Jonathan Warburton, a London-based banker working for a French bank who takes the Eurostar every other week, thinks Brexit will not affect his travel unduly. "The bank might shift about 5 percent of its staff over, but London is the hub, and where the talent is," he told Xinhua.

Musician Lewis Fieldhouse, 28, born in the year the Berlin Wall fell, said: "I have never feared boots on the ground like earlier generations, so I regret us leaving."

LENGTHY, TOUGH TALKS

A new UK-Europe relationship is expected to emerge after the Brexit negotiations which are doomed to be lengthy and tough.

Observers have predicted that Britain and Europe will differ on a wide range of issues, including immigration control, free-trade agreement and a multi-billion-pound exit fee.

The full effects of Brexit on Britain's trade relations may not be resolved in a further two decades, British economist and writer Martin Wolf told Xinhua.

In an assessment of the complex road ahead for Britain as it creates new economic and trade ties, Wolf warned that exit from the EU was merely the first step on the journey.

"We will be making up a new trade policy which will probably take us 20 years," said Wolf, who is the associate editor of the London-based daily newspaper the Financial Times and also its chief economics commentator.

Matthew Elliott, one of the leading forces behind the successful Brexit campaign told Xinhua in a recent interview: "Brexit means leaving the single market and leaving the customs union," which he described as "a full one."
TALUQAN, Afghanistan, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Five civilians were killed and three others wounded Wednesday night as a result of Taliban militants' shelling in Afghanistan's northern province of Takhar, police said on Thursday.
JAKARTA, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian Tourism Minister Arief Yahya has declared resort island of Bali as the nation's pilot project to ensure a comfortable holiday trip for Chinese visitors, particularly on security and safety.

As for the safety aspect, the minister said new improved security standards would be applied in Bali, involving Indonesian and Chinese related authorities.

"We would set up a team constituting our ministry, Bali tourism office, Chinese embassy and Chinese consulate general office plus National Search and Rescue Agency of Basarnas to monitor Bali destinations favored by Chinese tourists," the minister said when meeting with Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng on Wednesday.

Indonesia would intensify the operation of Tourism Police in Bali to provide rapid responses should unexpected events occur against Chinese visitors, he added.

"Besides those aspects, the Bali Tourism Board would open Mandarin-speaking facility to convey information related to tourism. The board would also provide Mandarin-speaking hotline for Chinese visitors. The ambassador would assist these tasks," the minister said.

On information aspect, the Bali regional government would speed up the provision of Chinese signs in public spaces in Bali, along with English, French and Arabic languages.

The pilot project in Bali for Chinese visitors was aimed to address concerns conveyed by the ambassador over several mishaps and problems encountered by the Chinese tourists in Bali.

Chinese topped foreign tourists visiting Bali in January this year. The Bali government witnessed Chinese visitors grow more than 92 percent in January from a month earlier, thanks to expanding direct flights from China.

The resort island is Indonesia's award-winning destination, visited by millions of tourists from across the world each year. The island was recently tipped as world's best destination this year by influential travel reviewer website TripAdvisor.

Bali was also selected as the Asian Best Island for 12 consecutive years by DestinAsian website.

During his meeting with the minister, Ambassador Xie said Indonesia and China have huge potentialities that can be tapped on in tourism with China a major market for Indonesia.

The ambassador said Indonesia has more opportunities in the region to grab China's outbound tourists which are estimated to reach 140 million this year.

"So that's why I propose to further improve our cooperation," he added.

Ambassador Xie also extended invitations for President Joko Widodo and Tourism Minister Arief to attend a Belt and Road Forum for international cooperation slated for May 15-16 in Beijing.

The Indonesian government is striving to develop tourism as the nation's core industry, replacing oil and gas, coal and palm oil sectors.

The Southeast Asia's largest economy expects to welcome 20 million foreign visitors and earn more than 24 billion U.S. dollars from tourism by 2019.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses the opening meeting of the 61st session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women at the UN headquarters in New York March 13, 2017. AntonioGuterres said on Monday that women's empowerment must be a key priority in a male dominated world. (Xinhua Photo)

BAGHDAD, March 30 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived here Thursday on an official visit to hold talks with Iraqi officials, an Iraqi foreign minister official told Xinhua.

Guterres is expected to meet with the Iraqi top officials including Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and President Fuad Masoum to discuss the war against terrorism and the humanitarian situation of hundreds of thousands of displaced people from the war zones in and around Mosul, the official said on condition of anonymity.

The UN chief's visit came as the Iraqi security forces are fighting to dislodge the extremist Islamic State (IS) militants from their last major stronghold in Mosul.

The troops have been fighting street by street and house by house to recapture the Mosul's old city center, but they were slowed by the heavy resistance of IS militants and the presence of some 500,000 people living in the old houses with narrow alleys.

The fierce battles in the western side of Mosul caused heavy casualties among civilians who were either caught by cross-fire or by airstrikes and shelling.

Mosul, 400 km north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, has been under IS control since June 2014, when government forces abandoned their posts and fled, enabling IS militants to take control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions.
GUANGZHOU, March 30 (Xinhua) -- China's large amphibious aircraft AG600 will embark on its maiden flight in May from the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai, according to the Aviation Industry Corp. of China (AVIC) Thursday.

The AG600, designed to be the world's largest amphibious aircraft, will conduct a full resonance test before its maiden flight over land in late May and on water in the second half of 2017, said AVIC.

The 37-meter AG600, with a wingspan of 38.8 meters, has a maximum take-off weight of 53.5 tonnes. It can collect 12 tonnes of water in 20 seconds, and transport up to 370 tonnes of water on a single tank of fuel.

With excellent maneuverability and a relatively wide search scope range, the AG600 will be very useful for marine resource exploitation, marine environmental monitoring, resource detection and transportation.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-03-30 16:59:18|Editor: Lu Hui

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BEIJING, March 30 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Finland before he heads to Florida, the United States, for a China-US presidents' meeting next week, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang announced Thursday.

"At the invitation of President Sauli Niinisto of the Republic of Finland and President Donald Trump of the United States of America, President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Finland from April 4 to 6, and he will meet with President Trump at Mar-a-lago, Florida, the United States from April 6 to 7," Lu announced at a daily press briefing.

Xi's visit to Finland will be his first trip to a European Union member state this year, and also Xi's first visit to northern Europe as president, Lu said.

"This shows the importance China attaches to a future-oriented new type of partnership with Finland, and support for the EU," the spokesperson added.

When commenting on a question regarding China-U.S. trade links, Lu said the two countries' trade and economies were highly complementary. "China hopes to make joint efforts with the United States to expand trade cooperation, properly settle trade frictions through dialogues, and maintain healthy and stable growth of trade and economic ties."

China-US trade in goods amounted to 519.6 billion US dollars in 2016, an increase of 207 times compared with that of 1979 when the two countries set up diplomatic ties, according to Lu.

This will be the first meeting between Xi and Trump since Trump assumed office in January.
PHNOM PENH, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia-China relations have achieved significant progress since the two countries forged a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation in 2010, said a prominent Cambodian scholar.

Chheang Vannarith, chairman of the Cambodian Institute for Strategic Studies, made the remarks in an article published in the Khmer Times newspaper on Thursday.

He said Cambodia-China relationship "is dynamically evolving and mutually adjusted, based on trust and consultation."

Strategic convergence, common economic and security interests, and historical and cultural affinity are the main driving forces for the development of the bilateral ties, he added.

According to Vannarith, the attendance of Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen at the upcoming Belt and Road Forum for international cooperation in May in Beijing will highlight this year's bilateral ties.

In the article, Vannarith noted that Cambodia is diversifying its economic structure by moving towards a skill-driven industrialization and knowledge-based economy.

He called for enhanced cooperation between Cambodia and China in areas of technological innovations, vocational training and skills development.

While noting that Cambodia hopes to strengthen its transport infrastructure and connectivity, the scholar pointed out that the Sihanoukville special economic zone is one of the key ongoing projects under the China-proposed Belt and Road initiative.

Vannarith also said that with increased cultural and people-to-people exchanges, Cambodia expects that by 2020 the number of Chinese tourist arrivals will hit 2 million.
SINGAPORE, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) need to develop strong digital capabilities and raise employees' skills in order to stay competitive, a Singaporean official said on Thursday.

At the Human Capital (Singapore) Thought Leadership Masterclass Series, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Education Low Yen Ling said SMEs, which make up 99 percent of the enterprises in Singapore and contribute to nearly half of the GDP, while employing 70 percent of the workforce, play a pivotal role in Singapore's development.

Low remarked that SMEs need to continually innovate and scale up to be able to adapt to global disruption. "Our people have to be on a learning track constantly so as to develop new, deep and relevant skills," she added.

Singapore's government is making concerted effort to encourage SMEs to take their first steps towards digitalization.

Under the SMEs Go Digital program, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) will work closely with SPRING Singapore's SME Centers to help SMEs build stronger digital capabilities.

Data analytics is another area of great potential for SMEs. Low said SMEs can discover new opportunities and also make informed decisions through mining available information.

She also stressed the importance of human capital development and lifelong learning for SMEs to achieve limitless potential and seize opportunities of the digital economy.
SYDNEY, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Sydney's population has reached 5 million, with a surge in people moving to high density, inner-city suburbs, a population report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed Thursday.

Data collected up to June 2016 showed a significant increase, considering the figure was 4 million in the year 2000.

In the state of New South Wales, 78 percent of the population's increase was absorbed by Sydney.

There is some concern, however, that the rise has come at the expense of rural Australia, but chief executive officer of the Regional Australia Institute, Jack Archer, explained that the increased population in Sydney has come predominantly from overseas migrants.

"Regional areas in Australia are still growing, just not as fast as our big cities," he said.

"Younger people tend to go into the city to find work and then older people tend to migrate out, so it has a way of balancing itself out."

It's predicted that the number of people living in Sydney will surpass 6 million by the year 2028.

However, on current trends, Melbourne is on track to take over Sydney as the most populated city in Australia some time around 2050.

At the moment, around 40 percent of all Australians live in either Sydney or Melbourne, with that percentage expected to increase further.

But Archer believes Australia should find new ways of connecting migrants with rural Australia to revitalise regional communities.

"There's a huge opportunity to encourage migrants to move to some of these regional communities, because there are jobs available in the area," Archer said.
ADDIS ABABA, March 30 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) is extremely appalled by the attacks against African students in Noida and other cities in India.

The pan-African bloc has deplored the violence unleashed during the riot that started on Monday targeting Africans of various nationalities, particularly Nigerians, which resulted in loss of innocent lives and serious injuries, the AU said in a statement.

The attacks have also resulted in the displacement of many Africans from their normal places of residence, thereby putting their lives in serious danger, it said.

AU has expressed heartfelt condolence to the families of the deceased; and it wished speedy recovery to all those who have sustained injuries.

AU has called on the Indian authorities to provide all necessary support to the injured.

Welcoming the assurances by the Indian authorities to conduct a "fair and impartial" probe, it has urged the authorities to expedite the investigations in order to bring to justice the perpetrators of the attacks.

Underlining the long standing bonds of solidarity and cooperation that exist between Africa and India, AU also calls on the Indian authorities to take all necessary steps, in order to ensure the safety and security of all African citizens currently living in India.

The AU is deeply concerned by the increasing incidents of hate crime and xenophobia in some parts of the world and urges the concerned Governments to take necessary steps to prevent these crimes, according to the statement released on Wednesday.
PYONGYANG, March 30 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) said Thursday it will hold the United States responsible if a war breaks out on the Korean Peninsula, in the latest development of an exchange of accusations between Pyongyang and Washington.

Speaking at a meeting gathering foreign diplomats and journalists based here, DPRK Vice Foreign Minister Sin Hong Chol said the Korean Peninsula is on the brink of war, as the ongoing U.S.-South Korea joint military games involve a special drill designed to ultimately behead the DPRK leadership and destroy the country's nuclear and missile bases.

The DPRK military warned last week it would "launch preemptive strike at a time of its own choice and its own style" as the DPRK has been openly threatened with "special operations" by U.S. troops to behead its leadership and destroy the country's nuclear facilities.

A spokesman for the U.S. State Department on Monday described the warning by the DPRK military as provocative and inflammatory.

In response, the DPRK vice foreign minister said the scale and strength of the on-going joint military exercises by the United States and South Korean forces are unprecedented and some notorious "mystery forces" special for beheading operations are joining the exercise.

He also said that Washington has worked hard to justify the war rehearsals, talking about their transparency, but it is no more than nonsense.

"As the strategic depth of the DPRK is not big, the only way to defend itself from the sudden preemptive attack from the U.S. modern strategic assets and special warfare units is just to mount a resolute preemptive attack," he said.

"In case a war breaks out on the Korean Peninsula, the U.S. will be held wholly accountable for it, no matter who will launch a preemptive attack," he added.
Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn (R) meets with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on March 30, 2017. Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov on Thursday, discussing ways to further promote bilateral relations and cooperation, a Cambodian spokesman said. (Xinhua/Sovannara)

PHNOM PENH, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov on Thursday, discussing ways to further promote bilateral relations and cooperation, a Cambodian spokesman said.

"Both sides exchanged views on how to strengthen and expand bilateral ties and cooperation in all fields, especially in economics and trade," Foreign Ministry spokesman Chum Sounry told reporters after the meeting.

Through Morgulov, Sokhonn renewed his invitation to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to visit Cambodia, saying that such a visit would be an important symbol to enhance friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries, Sounry said.

For his part, Morgulov said that Russia saw Cambodia as one of its good friends and is pleased to see good cooperation between the two countries on international arenas, according to the spokesman.
MADRID, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy announced Thursday he would host a meeting here with leaders from France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Cyprus, and Malta on April 10 to discuss the effects of Britain's forthcoming exit from the European Union (EU).

The news of the meeting was reported in the Spanish press the day after British Prime Minister Theresa May officially triggered Article 50, setting in motion the two-year negotiation process which will end in Britain leaving the EU.

The meeting will be the third meeting of southern European counties following those held on Athens in September 2016 and in Lisbon on Jan. 28 this year.

It also follows French President Francois Hollande's recent visit to Malaga for the Spain-France bilateral summit on Feb. 20, during which he and Rajoy discussed plans for increased European cooperation and unity issues such as fiscal policy.

At the Madrid meeting, the leaders will give their opinions on the negotiation process that will eventually culminate in Brexit, and discuss the future of the EU without Britain and the possible effects on their respective economies.

A recently-leaked Spanish government report published in El Pais newspaper highlighted that Brexit could have important effects on the Spanish tourism industry and also on the agrarian sector, which exports a high percentage of produce to Britain.

Meanwhile, several peripheral Spanish regions such as the Canary Islands and the Region of Murcia could find EU funding reduced due to Brexit.
Ousted South Korean President Park Geun-hye leaves the prosecutors' office in Seoul, South Korea, March 22, 2017. (Xinhua/Lee Sang-ho/File photo)

SEOUL, March 30 (Xinhua) -- A South Korean court on Thursday ended the longest-ever hearing here on a warrant to arrest former President Park Geun-hye, who was impeached earlier this month.

For security reason, Park rode to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' office, a building next to the Seoul Central District Court where she appealed to a judge for her innocence for almost nine hours from 10:30 a.m. local time.

The 65-year-old looked tired for the long-running hearing, TV footage showed, as she was flanked by two female investigators to get into a black sedan offered by prosecutors.

The special investigation headquarters of the Seoul prosecutors' office, in charge with the probe into a corruption scandal embroiling Park, said via text message that Park will wait for the court's decision at a temporary detention unit in the 10th floor of the office.

The decision is widely forecast to be made in the early morning hours Friday as a number of charges were levied at Park.

Prosecutors already identified Park as an accomplice to her longtime friend Choi Soon-sil, who is now in custody, for multiple charges including bribery, abuse of authority, coercion and the leakage of confidential documents.

Park was grilled by prosecutors nine days ago as she lost immunity from criminal prosecution while in office. She was permanently removed from office on March 10 in a historic ruling to uphold the impeachment motion on her.

Prosecutors sought to arrest Park earlier this week. If issued, Park would be the third South Korean former leader to be taken into custody.
DHAKA, March 30 (Xinhua) -- At least seven suspected militants were killed in Bangladesh Thursday, police said.

Police stormed a house where they said members of the Neo-JMB were holed up, Dhaka's counter-terrorism police unit chief Monirul Islam said.

The Neo-JMB, an offshoot of the banned militant outfit Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh, was blamed for the deadly July 1, 2016 attack on a Spanish cafe.
ACCRA, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Governor of Ghana's central bank, Abdul-Nashiru Issahaku has resigned, sources who asked to be anonymous have revealed.

According to sources within the central bank, the governor who officially started his four-year term around September last year tendered his resignation on Wednesday citing personal reasons.

Although the governors of the central bank have been insulated against political risk through an amended Bank of Ghana Act which assures them the security of tenure, speculations have been rife immediately after the December election that the current government would like the governor to leave office so they could appoint a replacement.

Issahaku was first appointed by former president John Dramani Mahama in April 2016 in an acting position when Henry Kofi Wampah tendered his resignation six months before the end of his tenure.

Mahama was defeated at the polls by current president, Nana Akufo-Addo who won the election by 53 percent.

Sources within the central bank also named former head of the research department at the bank, Ernest Addison now with the African Development Bank (AfDB) as one of the front-runners to occupy the BoG chair.

The outgoing governor held his last Monetary Policy Committee press briefing on Monday, where he announced a 200 basis point reduction in the bank's benchmark policy rate from 25.5 percent to 23.5 percent.
SOFIA, March 30 (Xinhua) -- The GERB party won Sunday's snap elections in Bulgaria, with four more parties passing the four-percent threshold to gain seats in the National Assembly, official results showed on Thursday.

Ivilina Alexieva, chairperson of the Central Election Commission, told reporters that the number of eligible voters was 6.8 million, while the number of votes was 3.5 million.

According to the final election results, the GERB party received 32 percent of votes, followed by the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) with 27 percent, the United Patriots and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms neck-and-neck with 9.07 percent and 8.99 percent respectively, and Volya with four percent, Alexieva said.

This secured 95 seats for GERB in the 240-seat parliament, 80 seats for BSP, 27 for the Patriots, 26 for the MRF, and 12 seats for Volya, Alexieva said.

On Sunday evening, when the first exit polls were announced, GERB's leader Boyko Borissov said his party would make a huge effort to quickly form a government that would meet the expectations of the people.

The elections on March 26 were the third early parliamentary elections held in Bulgaria in a row, after May 2013 and October 2014.
DHAKA, March 30 (Xinhua) -- At least seven suspected militants were killed on Thursday after Bangladeshi police stormed a house where members of the Neo-JMB were holed up, police said.

Bangladesh's Couner-Terrorism Police Unit Chief Monirul Islam declared the "Operation Hit Back" was over.

"Seven to eight bodies were found scattered at the militant den in Moulvibazar's Nasirnagar," he told reporters.

The senior police officer said the militants were most likely killed in "suicide explosions."

The Neo-JMB, an offshoot of the banned militant outfit Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh, was blamed for the deadly July 1, 2016 attack on a Spanish cafe in Dhaka, which killed 22 people mostly foreigners.

Security forces surrounded two buildings in two separate places in Moulvibazar district since early Wednesday.

Islam said law enforcers will begin operation in the second militant hideout in the northeastern district after wrapping up the Nasirpur part.
COLOMBO, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka immigration authorities granted dual citizenship to 1750 of its expatriates on Thursday, a minister said.

Internal Affairs Minister S.B. Navinna told Xinhua there were as many as 23,000 expatriates who applied for dual citizenship, but only 1750 could secure the chance this time.

He said the government, formed after the 2015 Presidential Election, decided to give this right to Sri Lankans domiciled abroad so that they could stake a claim to their motherland. The minister said these expatriates were forced to flee the country at different points in the past due to the conflict.

"Now the conflict is over. They can come and live here if they choose to. They are given all the rights as citizens of this country," he said.

A function was held in Colombo by the department of immigration and emigration on Thursday to mark the distribution of dual citizenship certificates. There were many others who received on earlier occasions.
PYONGYANG, March 30 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Thursday accused some South Korean officials of trying to make inter-Korean relations "irreversible" by seeking "strengthened cooperation over the nuclear issue" with the United States against the DPRK.

The official daily Rodong Sinmun (Labor Daily) said the chief of the South Korean presidential security office and U.S. White House security advisers recently met in Washington "to stage the anti-DPRK confab."

The chairmen of joint chiefs of staff of the two countries also recently discussed "counteraction" against the DPRK over the phone. Besides, South Korea is launching a diplomatic offensive in some Asian countries to seek support over the DPRK nuclear issue, the newspaper said.

"The sinister intention of the puppet group of traitors is aimed to make the inter-Korean relations that they deteriorated irrecoverable after the regime change in South Korea," it said.

The DPRK has intensified warnings against the United States and South Korea over a possible outbreak of war because of the ongoing large-scale joint military exercises by Washington and Seoul.
ISLAMABAD, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan on Thursday hanged a "hardcore terrorist" who was involved in committing heinous offenses relating to terrorism, the Pakistani military said.

Tahir, an active member of the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, was involved in a jail break in the northwestern Bannu district in April in 2012, and attacks on security forces.

Heavily armed Taliban militants had attacked the prison and released over 350 prisoners and mostly of them were militants.

An army statement by its media wing the Inter-Services Public Relation said that Tahir was convicted by a military court and was sent to gallows in District Jail Kohat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.

The statement said the militant had admitted his offenses before the magistrate and the trial court.

This is the third execution this month in terrorism-related cases.

Three hardcore terrorists were executed on March 15 while five were hanged in Kohar jail on March 8.

The latest execution came just days after both houses of the parliament approved revival of the military courts for two more years.

The two-year period of the courts expired in January this year and the government succeeded to win the support of the major opposition parties to amend the constitution for the revival of the courts.

The military courts were established for speedy trials of terrorists after the deadliest attack on an army public school in Peshawar in December 2014. Nearly 150 people, mostly students, were killed in the Taliban claimed attack.

The army said this month that the military courts have so far awarded death sentence to a total of 161 terrorists and 21 of them have been executed.
HANOI, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Since the first day of the ongoing International Trade Fair for Laboratory Technology, Analysis, Biotechnology and Diagnostics (Analytica Vietnam 2017), China's national pavilion has been drawing a great deal of attention from both local and foreign visitors.

Captivating her audience with an eye-catching red liquid, Anna Cui, a salesperson from the Baoding Lead Fluid Technology Company Ltd., explained how her company's latest equipment works to a group of Vietnamese visitors.

"Our equipment has a mode to pump by hour and by volume. It is an effective assistant for teachers in their school's laboratories as it can set up the liquid flow and pumping time in an easy way," said Cui, surrounded by a crowd listening to her explanation with enthusiasm.

"The most outstanding features of the equipment are its high accuracy, cleanliness and, more importantly, it will cause no pollution," Cui stressed, adding that the product made by her company would beat competitors, thanks to its reasonable price and guaranteed quality.

Speaking to a local university professor at her company's pavilion, Cui went on to explain that the equipment has been widely used in laboratories in environmental protection department in colleges and universities.

"This is the first time that Lead Fluid has showcased its products at Analytica Vietnam, however the company had participated in numerous similar events held in Germany, the United States and Thailand, among other countries," Cui told Xinhua.

"In Vietnam, we see a great potential to promote our products. I've just received a visitor, who said he is a professor at a college in the capital city of Hanoi. He said that he has used an equivalent equipment by a different maker from Europe or the United States. After reviewing our equipment, he was very surprised at its simple operations and preferential price," Cui said, proudly.

Similarly, Chris Li, from Huanghua Faithful Instrument Company Ltd., a company specializing in providing laboratory fridges and freezers, told Xinhua that Vietnam is a market with great potential.

"We have our own distributor in Vietnam with many potential customers," said Li, adding that this is the second time her company participated in this kind of exhibition in Vietnam, after the first one was held in the country's southern Ho Chi Minh City.

"In spite of its humble appearance, the equipment can work efficiently to maintain a stable temperature inside, from five to 65 degrees Celsius," Li explained to her visitors, with reference to a white and furnished incubator sitting silently on a counter at the booth.

"This is our latest product and the functions have been very much improved. It's mostly used in laboratories and has had external and internal improvements made to it," Li said.

"Externally, it is installed with a hand-pull part and an LCD hour display screen, which helps customers use it more conveniently. Internally, a sterilizing lamp and fan are set up to perfect the product's abilities," the general manager of the company told Xinhua.

Addressing customers' inquiries over its cost, Li said in comparison with its European or U.S. counterparts attending the fair, her company offers much better prices.

The Analytica Vietnam 2017, the fifth installation of which is showcasing new equipment, solutions and services in analytical technology, measurement and quality control, laboratory technology, life sciences and biotechnology, has been attracting plenty of industry professionals.

Duong The Ha, from Vietnam's National Hospital of Traditional Medicine, told Xinhua that his hospital is preparing to open a bid for purchasing equipment, so he visited the fair to find some suppliers and was not let down. Ha could not take his eyes off the microscopes made by Beijing ShuGuang-Ming.

"Chinese products are well-known for their high quality and diversification. I have been using some Chinese brands in the laboratory in my hospital. The products have proven their good quality and durability in terms of time. Also they are sold at competitive prices," said Ha.

"The only problem is the company has no outlet in Vietnam," said the customer, adding that if the company could establish an outlet in Vietnam, he would come and seek cooperation opportunities.

The biennial fair, held in Hanoi from Wednesday to Friday, is regarded as an ideal venue for leading names in the analysis, laboratory technology and biotechnology sectors. The expo lured participants from Britain, China, France, Japan, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Singapore and the United States, among other countries.
A fireman walks past burning ivory in Nairobi, Kenya, on April 30, 2016. Kenya on Saturday torched at least 105 tons of ivory and 1.3 tons of rhino horn to reinforce Kenya's commitment to eradicate the menace of poaching. (Xinhua/Pan Siwei)

NAIROBI, March 30 (Xinhua) -- The historic ban on processing and sale of ivory products announced by China on December 31 2016 could herald demise of elephant poaching in Africa, says a new report by a conservation lobby released in Nairobi on Wednesday.

Save the Elephants' report titled Decline in the Legal Ivory Trade in China in Anticipation of a Ban, says the price of elephant tusks dropped by two thirds in the last three years thanks to negligible demand in affluent societies in the Far-East.

Two researchers from Save the Elephants visited six Chinese cities in late 2015 to gauge the dynamics of ivory trade in the Asian giant ahead of the ban announced late last year.

According to the researchers, the wholesale price of tusks valued at 2,100 U.S. dollars per kilogram in 2014 dropped to 730 dollars in February 2017; two months after China announced a ban on ivory trade.

"This is a critical period for elephants. With the end of legal ivory trade in China, the survival chances for elephants have distinctly improved. We must give China credit for doing the right thing by closing the ivory trade," Iain Douglas Hamiliton, the President and Founder of Save the Elephants, told journalists.

China's bold decision to phase out legal ivory trade injected fresh impetus on efforts to save African elephants from slaughter by criminal syndicates.

Lucy Vigne, a researcher at Save the Elephants noted that licensed ivory retail outlets in China were on the verge of closing their businesses thanks to shrinking demand.

She hailed unrelenting law enforcement by Chinese authorities and public awareness for a slump in ivory trade.

"Law enforcement is key to success. This is already improving in China-we have seen a decline in the number of illegal ivory items on display for sale since 2013," said Vigne.

She warned against complacency that could reverse gains made in the war against poaching of African elephants due to their tusks.

Sub-Saharan African countries lost an estimated 30,000 elephants annually when poaching was at its peak between 2008 to 2013.

Experts hailed China's global stewardship that has contributed to a drop in elephant poaching in the recent past.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-03-30 21:15:03|Editor: Liangyu

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BEIJING, March 30 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Finland before he heads to Florida in the United States for a China-U.S. presidents' meeting next week, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang announced Thursday.

"At the invitation of President Sauli Niinisto of the Republic of Finland and President Donald Trump of the United States of America, President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Finland from April 4 to 6, and he will meet with President Trump at Mar-a-lago, Florida in the United States from April 6 to 7," Lu announced at a daily press briefing.

Xi's visit to Finland will be his first trip to a European Union member state this year, and also his first visit to northern Europe as president, Lu said.

"This shows the importance China attaches to a future-oriented new type of partnership with Finland, and support for the EU," the spokesperson said.

Finland was one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic ties with China, and the first Western nation to sign an inter-governmental trade agreement with China, Lu said.

"We expect the visit will achieve remarkable results, further strengthen political trust and substantial cooperation in various areas to inject new vitality to China-Finland relations," he said.

Commenting on a question about China-U.S. trade links, Lu said the two countries' trade and economies are highly complementary.

"China hopes to make joint efforts with the United States to expand trade cooperation, properly settle trade frictions through dialogue, and maintain healthy and stable growth of trade and economic ties," said Lu.

China-U.S. trade in goods amounted to 519.6 billion U.S. dollars in 2016, an increase of 207 times compared with that of 1979, when the two countries set up diplomatic ties, according to Lu.

Lu hailed the growth of China-U.S. trade and economic ties since the forging of diplomatic ties 38 years ago, adding it had brought concrete benefits to the two countries' business sectors and consumers.

Currently, China is the fastest-growing export market of the United States besides north America, he said.

Considering the trade imbalances between both countries, Lu said 40 percent of China's trade surplus with the United States came from U.S. companies in China.

According to statistics from the U.S.-China Business Council, two-way trade and mutual investment in 2015 had created 2.6 million jobs for the United States. U.S.-China trade ties could save 850 U.S. dollars for each American family every year, he said.

China has also benefited a lot from its trade cooperation with the United States, Lu said, adding China's great achievements profited from its cooperation with countries around the world, including the United States.

The efficient way to benefit both peoples is to make a larger "cake" of shared interests, rather than a "more for you, less for me" distribution pattern, Lu said.

The meeting between Xi and Trump will be the first since Trump assumed office in January.

"Xi's visit is of great historical significance to the development of China-U.S. ties, as the two heads of state will chart the direction of the relationship from the top level, sending a positive signal to the world," said Su Ge, head of the China Institute of International Studies.

"Cooperation is the only way forward, and the two countries' common interests far outweigh their differences," Su added.

Trump sent a letter to President Xi on Feb. 8 ahead of China's Lantern Festival, saying that he looked forward to working with China to develop a constructive relationship.

Two days later, in the Xi-Trump phone conversation on Feb. 10, Trump said the U.S. government adheres to the one-China policy.

"Despite Trump's earlier remarks challenging the one-China policy, he has now realized the importance of sticking to this policy, which is the cornerstone of China-U.S. ties," Su said.

Top diplomats of the two countries, including Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, exchanged visits in late February and earlier in March, paving the way for the meeting between the two presidents.
TOKYO, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Japan and Russia agreed to work cooperatively towards future economic activities in talks held Thursday in preparation for a planned meeting between the leaders of the two countries to be held in late April.

Japan's Vice Foreign Minister Shinsuke Sugiyama and Russian First Deputy Foreign Minister Vladimir Titov both said at the outset of their meeting that recent high-level exchanges between both countries had been welcomed.

Earlier this month, Japan's Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and Defense Minister Tomomi Inada, and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, agreed to continue bilateral cooperation in a number of areas including defense, with both sides eyeing future economic collaborations.

The two sides also confirmed the meeting to be held between the two country's leaders late next month and attention was given to bilateral negotiations to conclude a post-World War II peace treaty.

Japan and Russia both claim a group of islands off Japan's northern prefecture of Hokkaido, called the Northern Territories in Japan and the Southern Kurils in Russia.

The decades-old territorial spat has prevented the two countries from signing a post-World War II peace treaty and hindered diplomatic and trade relations between the two countries.
BEIJING, March 30 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese military is opposed to the deployment of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system in the Republic of Korea, and it is "absolutely not just saying it," said Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense on Thursday.

The deployment of THAAD will definitely not make the Republic of Korea any safer, Wu said at a press conference.
JUBA, March 30 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan said on Thursday that it was reviewing the recently hiked work permit fees for foreign workers after humanitarian agencies helping those affected by famine decried the increment.

The spokesman for ministry of foreign affairs, Mawien Makol, told Xinhua in Juba that they were reviewing the work permit fees under an ad-hoc committee set up by government.

"The government is looking into it," Makol told Xinhua. "We are still working on it, but there are no concrete details I can give to you now."

The Ministry of Labor and Public Service issued a circular on March 2, raising foreign work permit fees from about 300 U.S. dollars to 10,000 dollars, prompting harsh criticism that it would disrupt aid delivery to parts of the war-torn country facing famine.

The United Nations in late February declared famine in Mayendit and Leer counties in the northern Unity state, saying 100,000 people are starving and that a further 1 million people on the brink.
SAN SEBASTIAN, Spain, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Spain's northern city of San Sebastian is trying to reverse its brain drain by introducing a program that offers funding to those who want to return to the city.

"We thought it was important to try and have this talent back," Ernesto Gasco of San Sebastian city council told Xinhua.

"People who have been abroad for 10, 15, 20 years and have acquired so much knowledge, skills and new contacts have the opportunity to come back," said Gasco, who is the city's councillor of economic development, commerce, hospitality and tourism.

Over the past five years, a total of 420 people from San Sebastian went abroad on scholarships to develop their career. However, the city wants to recover this talent which contributes to make San Sebastian a hub of technology and innovation in Spain.

"We studied all these young people who left over the last five years and close to 80 percent of the 1,000 who are abroad now want to come back," Gasco explained.

As many as 60 percent of those people are working, 25 percent have scholarships, and the rest are looking for a job abroad, Gasco explained. The city has a large number of high-level graduates: one in 37 people from San Sebastian is a researcher.

Three researchers came back thanks to the returning program. Thirty-four-year-old Jon Maiz is one of them. Returning from Bordeaux and now working at Polymat, the Basque Center for Macromolecular Design and Engineering, he is involved in a project on how to recover electric energy from the sea.

"People who leave always have the idea of coming back and, in the end, you need funding if you want to come back. The returning talent program gives you that, so you can come back home and do what you love, which in my case is researching," he explained to Xinhua.

The brain drain in Spain has been an especially harsh reality since the economic crisis hit the country. In addition to this, the city of San Sebastian was seriously affected by terrorism with separative group ETA killing close to 100 people there.

However, the current climate of peace is helping boost several economic sectors such as tourism and, since 2000, the number of research centers have significantly increased.

The city has an unemployment rate of nine percent, down from 12 percent in the last two years, and well below the Spanish average, which stood at 18.6 percent in 2016.
KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia will release the body of Kim Jong Nam to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and allow its nationals to leave, after the nine stranded Malaysian citizens in DPRK were freed, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said in a statement on Thursday.

Najib said the coroner's approval to release the body came after the completion of the autopsy and receipt of a letter from Kim's family requesting the remains to be returned to the DPRK.

For the nine Malaysian citizens, all diplomats and their family members, Najib said their plane took off from Pyongyang at 7:45 p.m. on Thursday and will land in Kuala Lumpur at around 5 a.m. Friday morning.
Zhang Dejiang (R, front), chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, meets with Cuban Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces Leopoldo Cintra Frias (L, front) in Beijing, capital of China, March 30, 2017. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

BEIJING, March 30 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to work with Cuba to advance military ties so as to further enrich bilateral relations, said top legislator Zhang Dejiang on Thursday.

Zhang, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Cuban Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces Leopoldo Cintra Frias at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Hailing the sound development of bilateral ties forged more than 50 years ago, Zhang called on both countries to implement the consensus reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Cuban President Raul Castro during Xi's Cuba visit in 2014.

Both countries need to enhance exchanges between the two militaries and parliaments to push bilateral ties forward, said Zhang.

Cintra said Cuba treasures its friendship with China and appreciates China's help and support over the years. He expects to deepen bilateral military cooperation.
NAIROBI, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's First Lady, Margaret Kenyatta, on Thursday called on teachers to adequately equip students to enable them engage with the pressing environmental issues of the 21st century.

The first lady, who joined heads of the prestigious G-20 League of Schools for a conference in Nairobi, said young people should develop skills to enable them tackle environmental challenges.

"As a global community, we need young people to develop the skills they need and access the necessary resources to support conservation efforts and further engage in the environmental policy making process," she said.

The first lady said there is need for young people, irrespective of what career paths they choose to pursue, to begin thinking about how they are going to drive development and how they will implement their innovations in a way that is environmentally sustainable.

She said the world is witnessing the emergence of a more bold and visionary young generation that is ready to build a better world through progressive experimentation with new ideas, questioning the status quo and defying dogma.

"We are seeing a generation that is willing to take chances and chart their own paths," she said, adding that educators need to direct this passion, support their interests and empower them to be catalysts of change.

The conference brought together delegates from across the world to discuss key issues facing global educators and their roles as leaders in the sector.

The G-20 Group of Schools is a global organization that brings together heads of the world's leading institutions for an annual conference. It is the first time the conference is taking place in East Africa.

The association includes schools from 20 countries.

Kenya, Ghana and South Africa are the only countries from Africa that are represented in the G-20 group. Kenya's Brookhouse School is the youngest member.
VALLETTA, March 30 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and European Council President Donald Tusk attended the European People's Party (EPP) Congress in Malta on Thursday, where they touched on the issues of migration and Brexit in their speeches, local media reported.

Merkel said while free movement is important, it is important not to ignore European borders. "We don't want to isolate ourselves while looking at possible answers for territorial integrity, a principle we have guarded since the Second World War," she said.

She also mentioned there was need for a joint police force if the European Union (EU) is to protect its borders. "Syria is not part of Europe, but this does not mean that we don't have to act."

Tusk said that only unity in Europe can guarantee sovereignty. Speaking about the outcome of Brexit he said it had "made us more determined and more united than before."

He also stated that the main enemy of unity is populism and it must be challenged as this was "the opposite of modern unity."

Juncker said never has Europe seen the need for so much unity. He said that the continent which was tortured managed to get a 60-year period of peace through this union. "Now we have Brexit, a couple of days after the commemoration of the 60th anniversary."

He did however appear to be optimistic about the future. "This is a new beginning of something stronger and better. It is not the end, although people on other continents would want that, like Trump," the Malta Independent Online quoted Junker as saying.
Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang addresses the opening ceremony of the 4th International Arctic Forum (IAF) in Arkhangelsk, Russia on March 29, 2017. (Xinhua/Lu Jinbo)

ARKHANGELSK, Russia, March 30 (Xinhua) -- China is willing and able to play a bigger role in Arctic development and cooperation, said Vice Premier Wang Yang during the 4th International Arctic Forum (IAF) that ended here Thursday.

China is an important stakeholder in Arctic affairs and it has been participating in these affairs for a long time in accordance with the law, said Wang, adding that China upholds the spirit of respect, cooperation and sustainability.

At the two-day event, Wang called on the international community to strengthen environmental protection in the Arctic and continuously deepen scientific exploration about the North Pole.

The vice premier also urged relevant countries to exploit Arctic resources in a lawful and proper manner, improve Arctic governance, and jointly preserve peace and stability in the region.

China is ready to share insights with other countries and expand cooperation to create a bright, new future for the Arctic region, Wang added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto and Icelandic President Gudni Johannesson attended and addressed the plenary session of the IAF on Thursday.

The IAF, held in Russia's far northwestern city of Arkhangelsk, gathered more than 2,000 government officials, business leaders and senior experts from nearly 30 countries, including the United States, Canada, Finland, Denmark, Norway and Iceland.

On Wednesday, Wang and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin co-chaired a session of the committee for the regular meeting of Chinese and Russian heads of government.

Both sides spoke highly of the outcome of the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination between China and Russia.

Wang and Rogozin shared views on strengthening pragmatic cooperation on the Arctic, nuclear power, agriculture, civil aviation and other areas.
Credit: Tim CadienteA Perfect Circle is currently working on their first album in over a decade, and now they have a record label to release it.

Maynard James Keenan and company have signed a new deal with BMG, home of Blink-182 and Nickelback.

"We just signed a new record deal with BMG!" says APC guitarist Billy Howerdel in a statement. "Looking forward to sharing new music with you soon. New APC-2017!"

The currently untitled album will be A Perfect Circle's fourth studio effort, and their first since 2004's eMOTIVe.

A Perfect Circle will be previewing new material during their upcoming U.S. headlining tour, which begins April 6 in Las Vegas.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-03-30 22:45:20|Editor: An

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WELLINGTON, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's just-concluded visit to New Zealand has charted the future of the two countries' "special" relations, and one man will be guiding them towards an even stronger friendship.

Three decades after he died, the spirit of Rewi Alley is still felt in the halls of power whenever Chinese and New Zealand leaders get together.

While much of the news coverage is focused on the burgeoning economic and trade links between China and New Zealand, Alley will serve as a reminder that the ties run much deeper.

Honoring the memory of the New Zealander who helped to pioneer China's industrial cooperative movement during the war against the Japanese was high on Li's agenda during his four-day visit to the Oceanian country, which ended Wednesday.

Alley's influence will be heightened as three key anniversaries are marked: 120 years since his birth, 90 years since his arrival in China, and 30 years since his death.

The New Zealander is remembered in China for his efforts in building China's industrial base in wartime, and for educating hundreds of young Chinese students before and after the founding of the New China in 1949.

Alley is also accredited with helping New Zealand and China build ties, such as the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972.

GROWING IMPORTANCE

"I remember when (Chinese President) Xi Jinping came to New Zealand in 2014, he spent several minutes remembering the contribution that Rewi Alley made to the relationship and that continues today," said Dave Bromwich, president of the New Zealand China Friendship Society.

The society, formed by Alley's followers in 1952 to maintain links with China, helped to organize some of the commemorative events during Li's visit, including an exhibition of photos of Alley's life in China.

Bromwich told Xinhua by phone that next month he will accompany a delegation of 20 of Alley's relatives and their associates to visit China, culminating in an event in Beijing's Great Hall of the People.

"In China, if anything, his importance is increasing," said Bromwich. "In the last decade there's been an increasing amount of commemorative acknowledgement of Rewi Alley's contribution to China."

Trade Minister Todd McClay, a key player in talks during Li's visit, also paid tribute to Alley.

"The fact the relationship between our two countries is moving from strength to strength shows just how significant and relevant his contribution remains today," McClay said in an e-mail to Xinhua.

"Rewi Alley's proud legacy also underlines the importance both China and New Zealand place on old friends. The fact he is regarded by the Chinese people as one of the most influential foreigners in China in the 20th Century speaks volumes about the affection with which he is still held."

HUMANITY'S STRUGGLE

Alley, born in 1897 in the small town of Springfield in Canterbury, New Zealand, was a great internationalist fighter and a famous socialist.

As one of seven siblings in a socially active family, Alley left home to fight in France in the First World War.

He was twice wounded in battle. After a few years, Alley bought a ticket to Shanghai, China, where he arrived in 1927.

As a factory inspector, Alley witnessed the poverty of Chinese workers and peasants first-hand, and started to work with progressive organizations and sometimes secretly with the Red Army.

During the Japanese invasion, he became one of the founders of the Gong He (Gung Ho) movement of industrial cooperatives on unoccupied Chinese territories.

In 1942, he set up a cooperative Bailie School in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. The school, which was moved later to Shandan, Gansu Province, had trained engineers for the reconstruction of post-war China.

As a friend of writers such as Edgar Snow and Agnes Smedley, Alley became renowned for his work as an educator, a humanitarian and a peace activist, living the rest of his life in China.

Alley died in Beijing on Dec. 27, 1987. Late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping wrote an inscription in his memory: "Eternal Glory to the Great Internationalist Fighter."

In 2009, Alley won a posthumous award as one of "China's Top Ten International Friends."

While he always loved his home New Zealand, Alley described China as family.

"This place (China) is a great case study of humanity; one of the biggest examples of humanity's struggle," he reportedly told a fellow New Zealander.

"If you can't feel for these people, you can't feel anything for the world."
JOHANNESBURG, March 30 (Xinhua) -- The South African opposition political party, Democratic Alliance (DA) wrote to the speaker of Parliament on Thursday informing her of their intention to table a motion of no confidence on President Jacob Zuma.

President Zuma recalled Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan, his deputy Mcebisi Jonas and Treasury staff who were doing international investment roadshow in the United States and Britain on Monday to return home.

The DA leader, Maimane said they have been informed that Zuma intends to fire Gordhan and Jonas, which is one of the reasons why they have no confidence in him.

Maimane said the President's actions are destroying the country's economy and the hope to create jobs and reduce unemployment. He said recalling the Treasury team from their international investment promotion is removing the gains that had been made after Gordhan became Finance Minister.

Maimane said, "This is a call to remove Zuma before he destroys our economy and our shared future. Parliament hired Jacob Zuma, and Parliament must now fire Jacob Zuma."

He said that it is therefore vital that a Motion of No Confidence be tabled against the Zuma presidency.

Maimane said firing Gordhan will bring problems the country faced when Zuma replaced Nhlanhla Nene as Finance Minister in 2015. The country lost over R500 billion as a result of the shock in the markets.

"Such a crisis was seen previously during the Nene crisis of December 2015. That President Zuma has indicated his intention to go down the same destructive path shows that he has lost all sense of rationality and sound judgment. These actions will result directly in job losses and will thus be most profoundly felt by the poor and most vulnerable citizens in South Africa. There can be no confidence in such a President," he added.

The DA invited other political parties to support his party in debating and voting the President out of office.

Another opposition, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) also approached the Constitutional Court seeking an order to force the speaker of Parliament to institute an impeachment against the President.

The African National Congress (ANC) treasurer general Zweli Mkhize refused to comment on the issue. He said he has no knowledge on the impeding Cabinet reshuffle.

"I cannot speculate on those reshuffle issue. I am not able to deal with speculation. We will wait for the government and if there is a reshuffle ANC will respond after that. I do not have much to say on that issue," Mkhize said while responding to the media question in Johannesburg on Thursday.

The South African Communist Party who in tripartite alliance with ANC confirmed that the party was informed that Gordhan and his deputy will be replaced and they rejected it.
MOGADISHU, March 30 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Thursday expressed concern about the rising number of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and cholera or acute watery diarrhoea (AWD) -- a combination that killed many children in the famine of 2011.

UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa Leila Pakkala said over 18,400 cases of cholera/AWD had been reported since the beginning of the year, far surpassing the 15,600 cases reported in all of 2016.

The majority of the cases are among young children. "These numbers are a wake-up call," Pakkala said in a statement issued in Mogadishu after speaking with displaced families and patients at a cholera treatment center in Baidoa.

"Children are dying from malnutrition, hunger, thirst and disease. During the 2011 famine, around 130,000 young children died, about half of them before famine was declared. We are working with partners around the clock to make sure that doesn't happen again," she said.

According to UNICEF, more than 35,400 children suffering from SAM were treated with life-saving therapeutic food at hundreds of nutrition centers across Somalia in January and February, a 58 percent increase over the same period in 2016.

UNICEF Somalia has raised its 2017 funding requirement from 66 million U.S. dollars to 147 million dollars, with a funding gap of 54 percent as of mid-March.

"In 2011, funding poured in after the official declaration of famine in July. This year, many donors have come forward early. But the worst may still be ahead of us. We have a small window to prevent a massive loss of life," Pakkala said.

She said there are no precise figures currently available for the number of children who have died due to hunger or malnutrition, in part because many succumb to disease and infection.

But the official said children suffering from SAM are nine times more likely to die of disease than a well-nourished child. During the 2011 famine, the biggest killers were diarrhea and measles.

Six years since famine was declared in parts of south-central Somalia, the country is on the brink of catastrophe due to widespread of drought , affecting Somaliland, Puntland and pastoral areas of Somalia, in addition to the central and southern parts of the country.
Architectural reconstruction of Ptolemy tomb and Doric Temple in Paphos, western Cyprus. (Handout photo)

NICOSIA, March 30 (Xinhua) -- The tomb of a Ptolemy king has been discovered in the complex of a necropolis at Paphos, western Cyprus, a professor of classical history at the University of Cyprus said Wednesday.

"There is no doubt that this is a royal tomb belonging to one of the kings of the Ptolemaic dynasty who succeeded Alexander the Great...This is important because no other burial sites of the Ptolemy kings were found, even in Egypt," Theodoros Mavroyiannis told state radio.

He said an official announcement would be made later in the day at an international conference on Cypriot history at Paphos.

Mavroyiannis said that final evidence which proved the tomb was a royal one was provided by Michalis Lefatzis, an archaeological architect at the Greek ministry of culture who helped in the excavation of the famed Vergina, Greece burial site of King Philippos, father of Alexander the Great.

Mavroyiannis said Lefatzis established that over the tomb there was a temple in the Doric style, a sign of the Ptolemy Dynasty and an honor reserved for kings who were named gods.

He said the tomb was the burial site of boy-king Ptolemy Efpator, who was made a co-king with authority to rule over Cyprus by his father Ptolemy sixth Philomitor.

The young king ruled from 152 to 150 B.C. and died at the age of 12.

Mavroyiannis said he traced an inscription of two Greek letters that are the first letters of the word Theos, or god. He believes that the words which preceded it were the full name of the king.

The royal tomb is one of hundreds of tombs carved out in the rock which cover about 1.5 sq km, collectively known as the "Tombs of the Kings," an impressive site visited by tens of thousands of tourists each year.

However, the name was a misnomer as up to now it was believed that no kings were buried there, because the royal institution had been abolished in Cyprus in 312 BC. But the impressive character of the underground tombs supported by Doric columns, which was reserved for distinguished Ptolemaic personalities and members of their families, led to the place getting its royal name.

Lefatzis said he determined there were signs that indicated the base of Doric columns as well as other cuttings in the rock, which, along with fragments of findings strewn nearby, led him to the conclusion that a temple had stood over the place.

Mavroyiannis said that other signs that led him to his conviction of the site being a royal tomb were two damaged sculpted eagles which were found when the area was excavated in 1977.

He explained that the eagle was the symbol of the Ptolemy kings and the twin eagles was the symbol of two kings ruling at the same time.

The Ptolemy Dynasty in Egypt ended in 30 BC with the death of the last royal member, Queen Cleopatra, after the conquest of the Ptolemaic kingdom by Rome.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-03-30 23:10:24|Editor: ZD

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Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) holds a welcome ceremony for visiting Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic in Beijing, capital of China, March 30, 2017. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

BEIJING, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with visiting Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic on Thursday, agreeing to enhance cooperation within the Belt and Road Initiative and the "16+1" cooperation mechanism.

The "16+1" refers to China and the 16 Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC).

The two leaders also agreed to boost progress of their comprehensive strategic partnership. Serbia was the first CEE country to forge a strategic partnership with China

China is willing to work with Serbia to deepen the all-weather friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation, said Xi.

He urged the two sides to maintain high-level exchanges, as well as exchanges between governments, legislatures, political parties, and local governments.

China hopes to strengthen the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative and Serbia's strategy of reindustrialization, and advance big cooperative projects, such as the Serbia-Hungary railway, said Xi.

He suggested the two sides discuss cooperation in building industrial parks to mutually promote infrastructure construction, production capacity cooperation and industry development.

He also called on the two sides to beef up cooperation in agriculture, biomedicine and renewable energy, and expand exchanges in tourism and culture to reinforce friendship between people of the two countries.

China expects Serbia to continue its role in promoting China-CEEC cooperation to better serve the interests of people of the two sides, said Xi.

Nikolic said Serbian people admire the development achievements of China and hope that China will play a bigger role in international and regional affairs.

Serbia appreciates China's adherence to mutual respect and equal treatment in developing relations with other countries, he said, noting that Serbia will always stick to the one-China policy.

Serbia is ready to enhance pragmatic cooperation with China in infrastructure, production capacity, mining and agriculture, said Nikolic.

He said Serbia will actively participate in the Belt and Road construction, deepen people-to-people exchanges and boost cooperation between CEE countries and China.

After the talks, Xi attended a ceremony awarding the title of "honorary citizen of Beijing" to the Serbian President.

Prior to the talks, Xi held a red-carpet welcoming ceremony for Nikolic.

Nikolic is paying a state visit to China from March 28 to April 1 at the invitation of Xi.
BRUSSELS, March 30 (Xinhua) -- NATO allies and Russia on Thursday had a "substantial meeting on topics of common concern," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said at a press conference.

"It was a long meeting. It was a frank meeting, and the meeting was constructive," he told media after this year's first NATO-Russia Council meeting at the ambassadorial level which he chaired.

Ukraine crisis was the first topic the two sides addressed. Stoltenberg noted, "NATO Allies and Russia continue to have clear disagreements on the crisis in and around Ukraine."

He voiced deep concern over the security situation in eastern Ukraine, saying that "ceasefire violations in eastern Ukraine have reached record levels."

According to him, during the meeting, NATO Allies urged Russia to "use its significant influence" to ensure all signatories fully implement the Minsk Agreements.

Regarding military transparency and risk reduction, Stoltenberg said both sides exchanged the information about their respective military postures.

"Russia gave a briefing on the three new divisions in its Western Military District. And NATO provided a briefing on the four battlegroups we are deploying to Poland and the Baltic countries," he added.

NATO and Russia also discussed the challenging security situation in Afghanistan.

NATO suspended practical cooperation with Russia in April 2014 in response to the Ukraine crisis, and the NATO-Russia Council was the only channel left open.

The Council, which was established in 2002, was conceived as a mechanism for consultation, consensus-building, cooperation, joint decision and joint action.
File photo shows a Somali refugee mother with her children pose for photos at Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya, May 8, 2015. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo)

MOGADISHU, March 30 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Thursday expressed concern about the rising number of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and cholera or acute watery diarrhoea (AWD) -- a combination that killed many children in the famine of 2011.

UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa Leila Pakkala said over 18,400 cases of cholera/AWD had been reported since the beginning of the year, far surpassing the 15,600 cases reported in all of 2016.

The majority of the cases are among young children. "These numbers are a wake-up call," Pakkala said in a statement issued in Mogadishu after speaking with displaced families and patients at a cholera treatment center in Baidoa.

"Children are dying from malnutrition, hunger, thirst and disease. During the 2011 famine, around 130,000 young children died, about half of them before famine was declared. We are working with partners around the clock to make sure that doesn't happen again," she said.

According to UNICEF, more than 35,400 children suffering from SAM were treated with life-saving therapeutic food at hundreds of nutrition centers across Somalia in January and February, a 58 percent increase over the same period in 2016.

UNICEF Somalia has raised its 2017 funding requirement from 66 million U.S. dollars to 147 million dollars, with a funding gap of 54 percent as of mid-March.

"In 2011, funding poured in after the official declaration of famine in July. This year, many donors have come forward early. But the worst may still be ahead of us. We have a small window to prevent a massive loss of life," Pakkala said.

She said there are no precise figures currently available for the number of children who have died due to hunger or malnutrition, in part because many succumb to disease and infection.

But the official said children suffering from SAM are nine times more likely to die of disease than a well-nourished child. During the 2011 famine, the biggest killers were diarrhea and measles.

Six years since famine was declared in parts of south-central Somalia, the country is on the brink of catastrophe due to widespread of drought , affecting Somaliland, Puntland and pastoral areas of Somalia, in addition to the central and southern parts of the country.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-03-30 23:50:32|Editor: An

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ARKHANGELSK, Russia, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang attended the 4th International Arctic Forum (IAF) here on Wednesday and Thursday, saying China is willing to play a bigger role in Arctic development.

China is an important stakeholder in Arctic affairs, Wang said when delivering a speech at the opening ceremony of the two-day event.

He called for stronger protection of the Arctic environment, deeper scientific exploration, legal and reasonable utilization of Artic resources, and joint maintenance of peace and stability in the region.

China is willing to discuss with other countries over joint efforts in exploration in a bid to usher in a bright future for the Arctic region, Wang added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto and Icelandic President Gudni Johannesson addressed the plenary session of the IAF on Thursday.

The IAF gathered more than 2,000 government officials, business leaders and senior experts from nearly 30 countries, including the United States, Canada, Denmark and Norway.

On Wednesday, Wang and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin co-chaired a session of the committee for the regular meeting of Chinese and Russian heads of government.

Both sides spoke highly of the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination between both countries.

Wang and Rogozin exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in the Arctic, nuclear energy, agriculture, civil aviation and other areas.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-03-31 00:10:36|Editor: Zhou Xin

Stranded Malaysian citizens in DPRK arrive at an airport in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on March 31, 2017. DPRK said late Thursday it has reached an agreement with Malaysia on the dispute over the death of a DPRK national in Kuala Lumpur last month. (Xinhua/Chong Voon Chung)

PYONGYANG, March 30 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) said late Thursday it has reached an agreement with Malaysia on the dispute over the death of a DPRK national in Kuala Lumpur last month.

In a joint communique issued by the Malaysian and DPRK negotiating parties, Malaysia has agreed to transfer the body of the deceased to his family after the latter produced all the required documentation.

"Both countries also agreed to lift the ban imposed on citizens of the other country and guarantee safety and security within their respective territory," said the communique carried by the Korean Central News Agency.

"This would allow the nine Malaysians presently in Pyongyang to return to Malaysia and DPRK citizens in Kuala Lumpur to depart Malaysia," it said.

The DPRK and Malaysia were plunged into a dispute over the death of a DPRK national in Kuala Lumpur on Feb. 13 at the city's airport.

The DPRK said Malaysia tried to hide the truth of the incident while Malaysia accused the DPRK of being behind in the mysterious death.

Both countries banned the citizens of the other side from leaving their country after Malaysia expelled the DPRK ambassador late February. The DPRK then declared the Malaysian ambassador in Pyongyang persona non granta.

In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said in a statement: "Following the completion of the autopsy on the deceased and receipt of a letter from his family requesting the remains be returned to North Korea (DPRK), the coroner has approved the release of the body."

Najib also wrote later on Twitter that the "diplomatic crisis (with Pyongyang) is over".

Malaysian media reported the body of the deceased DPRK national was put on board a Malaysian Airlines plane Thursday which left Kuala Lumpur.
KIEV, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine will deepen military ties with Georgia to learn from its experience in preparing troops for military action in mountainous areas, Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak said Thursday.

"Georgia has vast experience and it will be useful for us during the preparation of our units," Poltorak told reporters during a joint briefing with visiting Georgian Defense Minister Levan Izoria.

Apart from sharing experience in military training, Ukraine and Georgia will exchange best practices in reforming their defense institutions, Poltorak said.

The Ukrainian army has been boosting its defence capabilities since April 2014, when it started a military operation against pro-independence insurgents in eastern Ukraine.

Izoria arrived in Kiev earlier in the day for an official visit.
by Chris Mgidu

NAIROBI, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan police said on Thursday that they have arrested three wanted terrorists during joint security operations conducted in the coastal town of Malindi.

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett said Ali Hussein Ali, alias "trusted one", and his accomplices Ibrahim Abasheikh Mukhtar and Abdi Mohamed Yusuf, alias Dader, were arrested during operation carried out by security agencies on Tuesday in Malindi.

"Ali is involved in human smuggling and terrorism financing. The suspects have links with ISIS and Al-Shabaab terror groups and the Magafe Human smuggling network in Libya," Boinett said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

He said Ali and Mukhtar house recruits and illegal immigrants in lodges within Eastleigh in Nairobi, Malindi and other areas before facilitating their travel to Libya through Kampala via Busia border and thereafter to Juba and finally into Libya.

According to Boinett, Yusuf, a long distance driver and a personal driver to Ali, is involved in ferrying the recruits from one destination to another. He also has links with ISIS and Al-Shabaab agents in Libya and Somalia.

"On arrival to Libya, the recruits and illegal immigrants are detained by criminal gangs (Magafe) and would only be released upon payment of ransom between 2,500 U.S. dollars to 7,000 dollars," he said.

Boinett said the money is transferred through hawalas (money transfer service) in Kenya to Mogadishu. The ransom is channeled into financing ISIS in Libya.

"Recruits and illegal immigrants captured in Libya have been requesting for assurance from their family members back in Kenya. The funds sent to Magafe are meant to secure their release," he said.

Boinett said ISIS recruits would take advantage of the situation to extort their family members by making false claims of capture in order to finance their extremist activities.

The police chief said security agents have established that about 10 families in Kenya are currently being extorted to raise money to pay ransom.

Some of the recruits, whose parents paid ransom, perished in the Mediterranean Sea while trying to cross over to Europe.

"This current multiagency security operation is part of sustained efforts to ensure the safety and security of all Kenyans," he assured.

Kenya faces insecurity as bomb attacks using improvised explosive devices and grenades have been carried out in the capital Nairobi, the coastal city of Mombasa and northern eastern region since soldiers entered Somalia in 2011 to secure the shared border with the lawless country.

Nairobi has also warned that attacks as threatened by the Somali-based terrorist group Al-Shabaab could affect the country's risk profile limiting the number of new investments being made, especially by foreign investors as well as affect the number of tourists.
File photo shows an elephant at the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. (Xinhua/Meng Tao)

MOMBASA, Kenya, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan police on Thursday seized 88 pieces of elephant tusks with a street value of 20,000 U.S. dollars in the coastal county of Kwale.

Msambweni police commander Joseph Chebusit said the ivory that weighed 41.91 kg was found in a house during an operation led by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers.

Chebusit said they are holding a woman suspect who is assisting the police with investigation.

"KWS officers and regularly police raided the house after members of the public tipped them off and managed to seize the ivory stashed in two sacks.

"We have taken the suspect to court on the offence of being in possession of tusks," he said, adding investigations were ongoing.

Chebusit said the state of the trophies indicated that they had been in storage for long and were being prepared for transportation to a buyer in another location.

He said the investigations were on a large number of people including dealers, transporters, recipients and brokers.

The police commander said the suspect is linked to local ivory traffickers in the country.

He said the police have intensified war on poaching at main national parks where several poachers have been killed and assorted weapons recovered recently.

In 2016, Kenya set ablaze more than 100 tonnes of ivory in a move aimed at showing its commitment to saving Africa's population of elephants.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-03-31 01:15:46|Editor: Liangyu

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U.S. President Donald Trump talks to journalist at the Oval Office of the White House after the AHCA health care bill was pulled before a vote, accompanied by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price (L) and Vice President Mike Pence, in Washington, U.S., March 24, 2017. (Xinhua/REUTERS)

by Matthew Rusling

WASHINGTON, March 30 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump may not tackle the nation's healthcare system for some time to come, after the GOP failed to pass legislation last week.

Trump said in recent days he was disappointed that the House Freedom Caucus - a group of conservative Republicans - blocked healthcare legislation that the New York businessman-turned-president had wanted to pass through Congress.

Repealing and replacing former President Barack Obama's health care reforms, known as Obamacare, was one of Trump's main platforms during his campaign, as the law is unpopular with millions of his supporters for numerous reasons, including high costs to policy holders, as well as fines for not purchasing healthcare.

But now, with this legislative setback, some experts said the issue might not be back up for debate for some time.

"For the foreseeable future, Trump's agenda will now focus on the goals of tax reform and infrastructure investments as well as avoiding the remote risk of a government shutdown in April," Dan Mahaffee, senior vice president and director of policy at the Center for the Study of Congress and the Presidency, told Xinhua.

"Since there is no path for a repeal plan that would satisfy moderate Republicans or highly conservative House Freedom Caucus, health care will likely be tabled until after 2018, or even later," Mahaffee said.

The issue with that is that neither the GOP or Democrats will have the appetite to make any small fixes that the law might need before then, Mahaffee said.

With this change in plans, many Americans will face the status quo. There will be less of a concern about loss of coverage, but affordability will be an issue at both the micro- and macro-levels, he said.

Still, some experts said the GOP still needs to pass a new law because money for Trump's planned tax reform was supposed to come in part from tax savings after the repeal of Obamacare, which has levied a number of taxes on the country. So he can't pass tax reform without repealing Obamacare, some argue.

Experts also noted that the GOP had 7 years to come up with a bill to replace Obamacare, and the party's failure to do so is damaging their image and could eventually cause the party to lose credibility.

Others said if lawmakers continue to fail to pass new healthcare legislation, it could put members of Congress in hot water with their constituents, and voters could ultimately boot them out of office in the midterm elections.

Absent replacing Obamacare entirely, Trump does have some options.

"Trump can scale back Obamacare through executive orders and lax enforcement. He can grant waivers to states that exempt them from particular provisions. Those activities could undermine the policy and make it difficult for the program to be effective," Darrell West, vice president and director of governance of the Brookings Institution, told Xinhua.

"He already has stopped advertisements for Obamacare, which will reduce sign up rates," West said.

Some observers said the GOP was good at pointing out what was wrong with Washington when a Democrat was at the helm, and that the party needs to learn to govern better.

Republicans are having problems governing because they are not united on basic principles. This was a problem on healthcare and will be a challenge on tax reform and infrastructure development as well, West said.

Obamacare is controversial. Many Americans said it has helped them get insurance, as the law made it illegal for any insurance company to deny coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Other Americans, however, said they have been harmed by Obamacare, as it requires people to purchase insurance - which is often expensive, despite promises of cheap healthcare - or pay a fine.
by Bosun Awoniyi

LAGOS, March 30 (Xinhua) -- For several weeks, the Nigerian federal government has been leading a multi-agency Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) Outbreak Control Team (OOT) to coordinate the response, given the size of the outbreak and the number of states affected.

The Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), through Chikwe Ihekweazu, the center Chief Executive Officer, said it has recorded 1,966 suspected cases of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) between November 2016 and March 28.

The outbreak reached epidemic proportions in five states with 282 deaths. The Center listed the states as Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina and Niger.

The OOT included representatives from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), World Health Organization, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Medecins Sans Frontieres and EHealth Africa.

The team is focusing on communicating prevention messages, strengthening surveillance, case detection, verification and management as well as communication and coordination across the affected states.

Ihekweazu said 1,966 suspected cases have been recorded while 109 have been confirmed since the outbreak of the disease in February in the country.

He said the center had deployed a response team to the affected states to vaccinate the residents and control further spread of CSM.

According to him, Zamfara has the highest number of confirmed cases of 44, followed by Katsina with 32, Sokoto 19, Kebbi 10 and Niger 4 confirmed cases.

He added that there is an inter-agency response supporting the states to contain the outbreak through the primary mode of vaccination.

However, Ihekweazu said a new strand of meningitis called "stereotype C" has emerged in place of the previous known type "stereotype A", which has disappeared.

He regretted that there was not yet commercially available vaccine for this new stereotype "C" meningitis.

The chief executive officer assured that the center would work with state governments in the North West and North Central, where most cases were recorded, to ensure better preparation and avert similar outbreak next year.

Ihekweazu said prevention and early detection was key to combating the disease, if detected early, it could be treated with antibiotics.

He said the center was working with the states by supporting and ensuring they have the supplies to combat the disease.

Lawal Bakare, the spokesperson for NCDC in Lagos, Nigeria's economic hub, said NPHCDA is working closely with WHO to ensure that we get access to vaccines needed to respond to the outbreak and prevent further cases.

CSM outbreaks are caused mostly by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A (NmA).

These outbreaks occur in the dry season due to its low humidity and dusty conditions and usually ends with the onset of the rainy season.

Humphrey Okoroukwu, a public health expert, advised Nigerians to live in ventilated environment during hot seasons to prevent Cerebro Spinal Meningitis (CSM).

Okoroukwu identified meningitis as one of the diseases that is associated with hot weather and normally occurred between November and March or April annually.

He said there is an ongoing mass vaccination against the disease in the territory.

He added that other non-communicable diseases associated with the weather are measles, heatstroke (collapse) and burns which normally affect albinos, among others.

Okoroukwu said the disease has incubation period of three to four days or rather two to 10 days as the case may be.

The director identified the signs and symptoms as similar to malaria, saying such signs include fever, headache, nausea and vomiting.

According to him, meningitis signs are high irritability, reacting to light, stiffness of the neck at the latter stage.

Okoroukwu told reporters that though research has proven that everybody is at risk of the disease considering their environment, however emphasized that age one to 29 are mostly at risk of the disease.

He however urged the public to report to the nearest hospital on noticing any health challenge during this period.
MANDERA, Kenya, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Suspected Al-Shabaab militants on Thursday hijacked a Kenyan government vehicle in the border town of Elwak in Mandera country.

Mandera County Commissioner Fredrick Shisia said the militants later drove the Kenya Power vehicle toward Somalia border with driver who they later dumped on the way unharmed.

"The unknown two men armed with two pistols ambushed the driver before taking control of the vehicle," Shisia said.

He said the police are still pursing the attackers who are believed to have crossed into Somalia with the vehicle. "The police responded immediately after the ambush," Shisia said.

Security in Mandera region which borders Somalia remains volatile with the militia who crossed over from their neighboring country responsible for the numerous attacks that have rocked the area.

Al-Shabaab, whose operations have sown terror across Somalia and Kenya in recent years, have carried out several attacks in Elwak area in the past two years.

Shisia said more border patrol will be intensified along the Kenya-Somalia border to prevent the Al-Qaida-linked insurgents who are fleeing Somalia from entering into the country.
Saudi Arabia's King Salman meets with Egypt's President Sisi on the sideline of the 28th Arab Summit at the Dead Sea, Jordan on March 29, 2017. (Reuters photo)

CAIRO, March 30 (Xinhua) -- The recently-held Arab summit in Jordan represents a chance for warmer ties between Egypt and Saudi Arabia that have gone through ups and downs due to their different visions on various issues including the Syrian crisis, the war in Yemen and others, said political experts.

A lot of efforts have been made by Jordan and other states to prepare for the summit as a meeting point for Arab leaders with different positions on various key issues.

The summit successfully provided a chance for them to convene and attempt to reach a common ground and overcome their difference, as in the case of Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and King of Saudi of Arabia, Salman bin Abdulazia Al Saud.

MEETING POINT

"The Arab summit itself is a chance for meetings among Arab leaders, but it is not the basic factor for changing their political positions or policies or resolving the big crises in the Arab world," said Motaz Salama, researcher and head of the Gulf Studies Unit at Cairo-based Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies.

He explained that the meeting between Sisi and King Salman has been preceded by a lot of efforts made by Jordanian King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein as well as efforts from Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates to bridge the gap between Cairo and Riyadh.

Following Sisi-Salman talks in Jordan, the Egyptian presidency said in a statement on Wednesday that both leaders exchanged visit invitations that were accepted by both.

Later on Thursday, Saudi Ambassador to Cairo Ahmed Qattan welcomed President Sisi's coming visit to the kingdom in April at the invitation of the Saudi monarch, saying "it is going to be a successful visit."

Omar al-Hassan, head of the Cairo-based Gulf Center for Strategic Studies, described the summit in Jordan as "the summit of agreement and accord," expecting Sisi's coming visit to Riyadh "to remove many of the obstacles facing the Egyptian-Saudi relations."

SYRIA, YEMEN CRISES

The first sign of unharmonious ties between Cairo and Riyadh appeared after Egypt voted in October 2016 for two rival draft resolutions at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for a relief in Syria, including one proposed by Russia, whose military is currently assisting Bashar al-Assad's forces in Syria.

Although Egypt later explained that its support for both the Russian and the French-Spanish draft resolutions were based on their contents in favor of calm in Syria, and despite the fact that the UNSC disapproved both, the Egyptian position was criticized by Saudi representative to the UN as "painful."

The vote issue came several months after the Saudi king's visit to Egypt in April 2016, after which Sisi announced a demarcation agreement to deliver two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia as their rightful owner, a decision that has been met by a large debate in Egypt that ended up with protests and a court disapproval.

"I believe that Syria and Yemen are not the core of Saudi-Egyptian differences, but there have poor communication between the institutions of both countries after Salman's visit to Cairo last year. Besides, there may have been other parties involved to drive a wedge between the two states," Salama told Xinhua.

Salama explained that when the Saudi representative at the UN criticized Egypt's position, "it was only meant to announce the disagreement between the two countries that has already been there."

After disagreement on Syria is crystallized, the oil shipments of a Saudi national company, Aramco, to Egypt has been halted for six months until the Egyptian side announced in mid-March that the company will resume its oil shipments soon.

For his part, Hassan of the Gulf Center said that there is no disagreement between Egypt and Saudi Arabia on a political solution for the Syrian crisis, but the main disagreement is about the future of Assad in the political settlement.

"While Egypt calls for a political solution in Syria with or without Assad, Saudi Arabia sees that a political solution with Assad remaining in Syria is not a settlement," Hassan told Xinhua, adding "I personally agree with the Egyptian vision because the priority is to end the suffering of the Syrian people not to remove the head of the regime."

The expert believes that there is no disagreement between Cairo and Riyadh on the Yemeni issue as Egypt's naval forces are still carrying out their duties of protecting the Red Sea's Bab al-Mandab Strait.

In the final communique of the Arab summit in Jordan, the Arab leaders stressed that they will intensify efforts to reach a political solution for the Syrian crisis and reiterated support for the Saudi-led alliance to support the legitimate leadership of Yemen against the Houthi rebels, calling for ending the crisis via dialogue.

FUTURE TIES

Some experts believe that strategic partnership between Egypt and Saudi Arabia has not been translated into a reality on the ground through political, economic and security cooperation.

"In reality, there are no clear practical indicators of such strategic relations in terms of political agreement, economic partnership or close visions on national security issues," said Salama.

He argued that Saudi relations with fellow Gulf States or even with Western states, like the United States and Britain, are much stronger than those with Egypt.

"It is so necessary for both countries to get closer because the Middle East is heading toward big changes that may reshape regional alliances and restructure regional system, as they may involve non-Arab players such as Turkey, Iran and Israel," Salama told Xinhua.

Saudi Arabia led Gulf states, excluding Qatar, in supporting the Egyptian administration with billions of U.S. dollars and tons of oil supplies following the military removal of former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in July 2013 and the consequent crackdown on his now-blacklisted Muslim Brotherhood group.

Hassan expects that the Sisi-Salman meeting in Jordan and the Egyptian president's coming visit to Saudi Arabia will greatly help warm the ties between the two key regional players.

"I believe differences will be properly and adequately resolved through the meeting and the joint committees that have already started to work on finding the core differences and settling them. I believe Egypt-Saudi ties are going in the right direction," Hassan told Xinhua.
LISBON, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Chilean President Michelle Bachelet started her two-day state visit to Portugal in Evora, around 150 km east of Lisbon, on Thursday.

Bachelet was received by Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on Thursday and awarded a Doctor honoris-causa title at the University of Evora, where she was given full military honors.

At a press conference, Bachelet praised the development of bilateral economic ties of the two countries.

"We have observed a growing interest on behalf of the Portuguese to invest in our country, in sectors so diverse as energy, services and agribusiness," said the Chilean president.

She said Chile hopes to increase trade with Portugal.

"Chilean companies are also willing to invest not only in the service sector, but also in the agribusiness," said Bachelet.

The Chilean president also mentioned the "common challenges" facing both Chile and Portugal in political, economical, cultural and cooperation fronts, and said both countries shared visions in different areas including democracy, human rights and trade liberalization.

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa highlighted Chile and Portugal's excellent bilateral relations and noted that Chile was Portugal's third economic partner in Latin America.

According to the Portuguese president, Bachelet's visit was an opportunity to reinforce these relations.

He said both countries had collaboration in areas including civil protection, technology, science, education and defence, and pointed out that all big Portuguese companies were in Chile.

On Friday, Bachelet will meet Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa, visit the parliament, and preside a bilateral trade conference in Lisbon.
LISBON, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Portugal's state-owned Caixa Geral de Depositos, one of the largest banks in the country, received an injection of 2.5 billion euros in state funds in the second phase of the country's recapitalization plan, the Portuguese ministry of finance revealed on Thursday in an official statement.

In the first phase of the plan, a capital increase of 1.445 billion euros was carried out, according to the statement.

Portugal agreed on the recapitalization with the European Commission last year, after two bank rescues in 2014 and 2016.

After months of negotiation with Brussels, which aims to exclude the bank recapitalization from state aid, the European Commission said earlier this month that it had cleared a 3.9 billion-euro rescue, which would not be counted as state aid.

The Portuguese authorities have recently said that the country will exit the European Union's excessive deficit procedure, although the authorities have yet to assess the impact of the recapitalization of bank Caixa Geral de Depositos.

According to the country's statistics institute, Portuguese government deficit for 2016 was 2.1 percent of GDP, below the 2.5 percent target defined by Brussels.
ATHENS, March 30 (Xinhua) -- A Syrian refugee set himself on fire on the Greek island of Chios on Thursday, protesting living conditions at hotspots and delays in the assessment of asylum bids, Greek national news agency AMNA reported.

The man has suffered extensive burns and will be air transferred from the local hospital to Athens.

A policeman who tried to extinguish the fire was also hospitalized, with less serious burns, according to hospital sources.

Earlier this week, a 25-year-old Syrian committed suicide by hanging himself at Piraeus port. Inside his pocket police found his asylum application, according to AMNA.

A year after the closure of the borders along the Balkan route to central Europe and the launch of the EU-Turkey deal to stem the refugee-migrant flow, about 63,000 people have been stranded in Greece, according to official estimates.

Despite progress made, Greek government officials and international NGOs acknowledge that the living conditions, in particular, in overcrowded reception centers on the Aegean Sea islands remain difficult.

Delays in the assessment of asylum bids for several months add to the frustration of the refugees. According to NGOs, many residents of such camps suffer from depression and other psychological disorders.
ALGIERS, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Algerian counterterrorism forces have killed a dangerous armed terrorist in northern Algeria, Defense Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

The terrorist, nicknamed Okba, was killed in the woods of Tipaza province on Wednesday overnight, 50 km west of Algiers.

The counterterrorism unit stormed his hiding place near the locality of Gouraya, in the west of Tipaza, said the source.

The troops retrieved a Kalashnikov submachine gun, a loaded magazine, a homemade grenade, a pair of binoculars and four mobile phones, noted the source, adding that this operation is still underway.

The killed terrorist is a senior official at the Islamic State (IS) affiliated group Jund al-Khilafa, according to Ennahar TV.

Earlier on Tuesday, counterterrorism troops deployed in the southeast border captured alive a terrorist near the border with Libya.

Earlier this week, an IS chief in Algeria and his assistant were killed in the eastern province of Constantine in an ambush.

Located in a region plagued by unprecedented security and political instability, Algeria faces ongoing terrorist threats, experts said.

A few militants affiliated to al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and recently established IS affiliate groups are still taking refuge in the dense woods in the north, and remote desert areas near the troubled Libya and Mali.
U.S. President Donald Trump talks to journalist at the Oval Office of the White House after the AHCA health care bill was pulled before a vote, accompanied by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price (L) and Vice President Mike Pence, in Washington, U.S., March 24, 2017. (Xinhua/REUTERS)

by Matthew Rusling

WASHINGTON, March 30 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump may not tackle the nation's healthcare system for some time to come, after the GOP failed to pass legislation last week.

Trump said in recent days he was disappointed that the House Freedom Caucus - a group of conservative Republicans - blocked healthcare legislation that the New York businessman-turned-president had wanted to pass through Congress.

Repealing and replacing former President Barack Obama's health care reforms, known as Obamacare, was one of Trump's main platforms during his campaign, as the law is unpopular with millions of his supporters for numerous reasons, including high costs to policy holders, as well as fines for not purchasing healthcare.

But now, with this legislative setback, some experts said the issue might not be back up for debate for some time.

"For the foreseeable future, Trump's agenda will now focus on the goals of tax reform and infrastructure investments as well as avoiding the remote risk of a government shutdown in April," Dan Mahaffee, senior vice president and director of policy at the Center for the Study of Congress and the Presidency, told Xinhua.

"Since there is no path for a repeal plan that would satisfy moderate Republicans or highly conservative House Freedom Caucus, health care will likely be tabled until after 2018, or even later," Mahaffee said.

The issue with that is that neither the GOP or Democrats will have the appetite to make any small fixes that the law might need before then, Mahaffee said.

With this change in plans, many Americans will face the status quo. There will be less of a concern about loss of coverage, but affordability will be an issue at both the micro- and macro-levels, he said.

Still, some experts said the GOP still needs to pass a new law because money for Trump's planned tax reform was supposed to come in part from tax savings after the repeal of Obamacare, which has levied a number of taxes on the country. So he can't pass tax reform without repealing Obamacare, some argue.

Experts also noted that the GOP had 7 years to come up with a bill to replace Obamacare, and the party's failure to do so is damaging their image and could eventually cause the party to lose credibility.

Others said if lawmakers continue to fail to pass new healthcare legislation, it could put members of Congress in hot water with their constituents, and voters could ultimately boot them out of office in the midterm elections.

Absent replacing Obamacare entirely, Trump does have some options.

"Trump can scale back Obamacare through executive orders and lax enforcement. He can grant waivers to states that exempt them from particular provisions. Those activities could undermine the policy and make it difficult for the program to be effective," Darrell West, vice president and director of governance of the Brookings Institution, told Xinhua.

"He already has stopped advertisements for Obamacare, which will reduce sign up rates," West said.

Some observers said the GOP was good at pointing out what was wrong with Washington when a Democrat was at the helm, and that the party needs to learn to govern better.

Republicans are having problems governing because they are not united on basic principles. This was a problem on healthcare and will be a challenge on tax reform and infrastructure development as well, West said.

Obamacare is controversial. Many Americans said it has helped them get insurance, as the law made it illegal for any insurance company to deny coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Other Americans, however, said they have been harmed by Obamacare, as it requires people to purchase insurance - which is often expensive, despite promises of cheap healthcare - or pay a fine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow. (AFP photo)

TEHRAN, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Governor of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) Valiollah Seif said that Tehran and Moscow will use their currencies in trade exchanges between the two countries, semi-official Fars news agency reported on Thursday.

"Talks have been held with the Central Bank of Russia over linking Mir payment system of Russia and Iran's Shetab (Interbank Information Transfer Network) so that tourists can easily use ATM devises while visiting each countries," Seif was quoted as saying.

Two major banks of Russia and Iran are pursuing replacement of dollar with national currencies so that the traders will settle transactions in rial and ruble, Seif said.

"Gazprombank of Russia and Iran's Bank Melli have agreed to open a joint account for using national currencies which will boost trade turnover and increase the volume of imports and exports," he said.

Talks are in final stages and the agreement will be inked in near future and the connection will take place in one month, he added.

Russia and Iran signed Tuesday a string of cooperation agreements in various fields including the energy sector as President Vladimir Putin hosted his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani for his official visit to Moscow.

The two leaders discussed during the meeting prospects for expanding bilateral trade, economic and investment ties and agreed to deepen Russian-Iranian cooperation in various areas, primarily the economy.
CAPE TOWN, March 30 (Xinhua) -- The South African Communist Party (SACP) said on Thursday it has recorded its objection to the intended cabinet reshuffle by President Jacob Zuma.

"The SACP wishes to state that as the norm, the President informed us of his intention to effect a Cabinet reshuffle, replacing both the Minister and Deputy Minister of Finance," the party said in a statement.

This came amid reports that Zuma has summoned the rest of the top six of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) on Thursday evening to an urgent meeting in Pretoria, probably to discuss a cabinet reshuffle.

It's widely speculated that nine ministers and six deputy ministers, including Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and his deputy Mcebisi Jonas, would be affected by the reshuffle.

"The constitution of the country accords the President of the country a responsibility to appoint Cabinet," the SACP said.

The President of the country, however, is a deployee of the ANC and has to implement ANC mandate, said the SACP.

The ANC is in alliance with the SACP, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and SANCO (South African National Civic Organisation) and therefore has an obligation to consult its alliance partners in exercising political power collectively struggled for, the SACP said.

"The SACP rejects this emerging paradigm on presidential prerogative devoid of political collective oversight. The collective oversight demand of us to be frank with each other since we required to discharge our responsibilities not merely as friends and acquaintances, but as revolutionaries with a purpose to serve and change the lives of our people for the better," the party said.

On Monday, Zuma recalled Gordhan and Jonas from a trip to the United Kingdom and the United States, giving rise to speculations that a cabinent reshuffle was imminent.

The SACP confirmed on Thursday that Zuma had told the party that he intended to fire Gordhan and Jonas based on an "intelligence report".

The report contains claims that Gordhan and Jonas were going to use the trip to the UK and U.S. to push for a change in government.

According to the report, Gordhan, Jonas and Treasury Director General Lungisa Fuzile had set up "secret meetings" to start "operation Check Mate" and to tell investors they stood together against Zuma and the corruption of the Indian Gupta family which allegedly exerts undue influence on Zuma.

Apparently referring to the report, the SACP lambasted the abuse of state security organs.

"The SACP is gravely concerned by the growing abuse of state security organs and their meddling in daily political life of the country," the party said.

It said it is aware of a rogue intelligence unit that gathers data illegally, produces false reports and feeds them into the political and public domain to smear comrades.

The SACP has laid a complaint with the Inspector General of Intelligence Setlomamari Isaac Dintwe and the Minister of State Security David Mahlobo, but the two men thus far have treated the complaint flippantly, according to SACP acting spokesperson Malesela Maleka.

"In this regard we have noted a rising apartheid era style intimidation and harassment of activists, SACP members and other ANC members," the SACP said.

"We have a responsibility not to allow ourselves to be run by gangsters nor degenerate into a gangster state wherein public office bearers and officials cannot discharge their responsibilities without fear or favour," the SACP added.
Aerial photo taken on March 29, 2017 shows a boat competition to celebrate the upcoming Sanyuesan Festival at Xizha scenic spot in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province. The Sanyuesan Festival is celebrated on the third day of the third lunar month. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)
CWU vs TDC in Industrial Court

Agreement on the date emerged after a case management hearing on Tuesday between the parties at the court. The unions secretary general Joseph Remy said that following the hearing, there is an expectation the company would not continue to fire workers.

However, the union will file an injunction within the next few days, seeking to prevent the TDC from terminating contracts until conclusion of the substantive matter.

Remy said there is an issue regarding the dissolution and the right of shareholders. He said once the company intends to interfere with workers contracts it is obligated to dialogue with the union. The union, Remy said, indicated to both the Industrial Court and TDC management that the latter has violated the Industrial Relations Act (IRA) and such a violation must be resolved via the courts.

He reminded that the union has told Government it wants to submit an alternative plan for the TDC and the tourism thrust of Trinidad and Tobago. He said the union already has a preliminary draft of that plan and two Tuesdays ago, asked government for two weeks to present its plan outlining the way forward, For a restructured, re-engineered and properly governed tourism development structure that will ensure our tourism policy and tourism thrust really gains traction. Remy revealed that the company has asked for time to consult with its shareholders and Corporation Sole relative to applying principles under the IRA as regards the TDCs dissolution.
Judge rules Williams treated policeman unfairly

Justice Ricky Rahim found that Ashram Pariagsingh, a retired corporal with over 37 years service, was entitled to reasons after his leave was suddenly reclassified as nopay leave after almost three years.

Rahim said Williams conduct was an affront to the principles of natural justice.

Pariagsingh was assigned to the La Brea Police Station when, on May 8, 2012, he slipped and fell on the wet floor at the back of the station.

His lawsuit claimed the area was slippery because of a leaking PVC pipe. He said he suffered serious injuries to his back.

According to his lawsuit, the Human Resources Department of the Police Service classified his sick leave as injury leave with pay.

Three years later, however, Williams reversed that and classified Pariagsinghs leave as extended sick leave with no pay.

He also told Pariagsingh he would have to repay all the salaries and benefits paid to him from May 2012 to March 2016.

Pariagsingh said he is unable to work and was shocked and disappointed as he did not have any money to make such a massive retroactive payment. He said Williams was threatening to deduct these sums from his gratuity and retirement benefits which meant he would have no financial cushion in his later years.

Faced with mounting medical bills and this bleak prospect, Pariagsinghs attorney Anand Ramlogan, SC, wrote to Williams asking him to reconsider his decision on the ground that it was harsh, oppressive and unfair.

Ramlogan demanded that Williams provide a statement of reasons to justify his action, but he refused to do so and a claim for judicial review was filed.

Rahim found that Williams had a duty to perform his function in accordance with the principles of natural justice and was under an obligation to provide reasons, especially as Pariagsingh was now suddenly faced with having to repay a large sum of money.

Pariagsingh was also represented by Kent Samlal and Douglas Bayley, while Williams was represented by Niquelle Granville and Laura Persad.
Gun,ammo found in Claxton Bay, man held

Once charged, the man will appear before a San Fernando magistrate.

PC Nagessar of the St Margarets Police Station is investigating.
Cops say soldiers shooting death was suicide

Samaroo, of St Helena Village, Piarco, served as a soldier for 27 years and was a Special Forces officer until last October, when he was suddenly transferred to Camp Cumuto as a Warrant Officer Clerk II. Sources said Samaroo became depressed after his transfer. The depression intensified two weeks ago and Samaroo kept to himself and began behaving in unusual ways.

At about 9.40 am on Tuesday, colleagues found him with the gunshot wound and administered emergency medical treatment.

His service weapon, a Sig Saur was retrieved. He was taken to the Arima Hospital but was transferred to Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex. He was unconscious and already brain-dead.

Yesterday, Northern Division police said they were treating the matter as a suicide and had no reason to believe it was a murder.

An autopsy confirmed death was due to a single gunshot wound.

Sources said his colleagues are receiving counselling and other officers of the Welfare Department of the Regiment have been assigned to assist his relatives.

Chief of Defence Staff Rodney Smart and Commanding Officer Colonel Dexter Francis extended condolences to Samaroos relatives including his wife and three children. Sgt Denoon is investigating.
Woman who gave birth on pavement, killed on PBR

According to reports, at 9.30 pm, PC Morang of the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) was driving a Land Cruiser west along the PBR, when Dennis ran across the road, was knocked down and died on the spot.

Morang was interviewed at the St Joseph Police Station and police are continuing enquiries.

On June 2, 2015, at 4 am, Dennis gave birth to a baby girl on the pavement in Curepe and became an unwitting video sensation. At the time, she had set out with her common-law husband, 53-yearold Anthony Abraham, to get transport to hospital.

The birth was captured with a camera phone by a passer-by and posted on social media, where it went viral. Mother and baby were subsequently taken to the Womens Hospital and later transferred to the nearby Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EW MSC) after nurses reported she had been behaving aggressively and cursing them.
Insulting and disrespectful

Divine intervention must now come into play, Gibbs-De Peza said yesterday at a news conference at Baptist Boulevard, Maloney.

We are upset about this. We think it is insulting and disrespectful because it is not just one group or one church but a combination of churches that will be celebrating tomorrow (today). Gibbs-De Peza said the committee, which was formed last year to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1917 Shouter Prohibition Ordinance, had requested $1 million from the Government to host this years festivities.

We wrote to the Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts (Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly) and the Prime Minister (Dr Keith Rowley) since September last year giving them a run down or our plans from November (2016) because it is a year of activities, she said.

Gibbs-De Peza said members of the committee were told subsequently to focus on activities strictly for Liberation month and not the entire year.

Then the minister told us to pick out the major events and apply individually for funding.

They said they will see what could happen. She said she was surprised when, on Tuesday, they received just $20,000. We have never received such a little bit of money. Gibbs- De Peza said the committee had invited Baptist delegations from Barbados, St Vincent and Grenada.

She said this years celebration would mark the first time that a number of Baptist organisations have come together under the umbrella of the National Congress and National Evangelical Spiritual Baptist Faith.

Shouter Baptist celebrations, led by Episkopus Archbishop Barbara Gray-Burke, will also be held today at the Empowerment Hall in Maloney - a stones throw away from the Centenary committees event.

This year also commemorates the 66th anniversary of the repeal of the Shouter Prohibition Ordinance as well as the 21st anniversary of Liberation Day being declared a public holiday in Trinidad and Tobago.
President: Were drowning in inhumanity

He said, I do recall as every young man would, growing up in rural TT, the Shouter Baptists preaching the word of God and His beneficence and Hells damnation.

Those admonitions, as the bells they rang, resonate today, relevant and timely. Reflecting on the state of affairs today, Carmona said, It is therefore timely and relevant that we celebrate today the perseverance and the human resilience of the Spiritual Baptist community. He appealed to citizens to, Not lose hope, as a nation, in our capacity to get things right and put things right. The Spiritual Baptist movement has demonstrated that hope lives eternal. Reflecting on the struggles of the Spiritual Shouter Baptists, Carmona said today celebrates a defining victory in our burgeoning democracy. He said the Spiritual Shouter Baptist faith had further demonstrated that a belief in the supremacy of God can progressively propel any nation. Against this background, Carmona said, We must therefore stand proud as a nation, that we had the strength of character and foresight to correct a wrong of the past.
Man unable to attend brothers funeral

He did not get to come to the funeral because I heard police had him at (Sangre) Grande.

He could have lost his life. It could have been him in that box (coffin), said the siblings 70-year-old father Andrew.

Smith, also known as Shaka, of Piparo Road, Tabaquite, was shot and killed by officers of the Eastern Division on Thursday night in Rio Claro. Smith had gone to rescue the now detained brother from gunmen in a forested area in Rio Claro. Instead, on arrival, he was shot and killed by police and died en-route to the Rio Claro Health Facility.

He was buried at the Tabaquite Public Cemetery following a funeral service at his home.

It was because of him Shaka went to assist, but God is love and everything will work out, the father added.

Police arrested the 34-year-old brother on Sunday afternoon at the familys home.

Relatives said that while at his home, the younger brother telephoned Smith saying he was hiding in a forested area from gunmen who ambushed him. As such, Smith went in search of his brother when tragedy struck. Police however said that they were responding to a robbery and on reaching Tabaquite Road, Rio Claro, the occupant (Smith) of a vehicle fired at police who returned fire killing him.

Investigations are continuing and up to yesterday, the brother remained in custody.
Odour in Pt Fortin forces closure of bank, school

Also affected was the administration office of the Point Fortin Borough Corporation, which sent workers home early.

In a media release, state-owned oil company Petrotrin said the company was investigating reports of strong hydrocarbon odours in the Techier Village and Mahaica communities neighbouring its Point Fortin operations.

Upon receiving initial reports earlier today, the companys emergency responders visited the identified areas and commenced investigations, Petrotrin said, adding that under the National Oil Spills Contingency Plan, it had also established an Incident Command Centre to manage its emergency response.

Petrotrin stated that arrangements have been made for residents affected by the odours to obtain treatment at Petrotrins Medical Centre in Point Fortin.

However, residents of Tenth Street Extension, Teschier village said they had not been told about any medical arrangements by the company, but were only told not to cook using open flames or use their microwaves.

One resident, Reea Williams, who was among a group who had assembled on a bridge overlooking a dark and oily river , said they began smelling the fumes on Tuesday evening.

We dont know what going on here, nobody coming and saying anything, all we are seeing is oil floating in the water, she said, adding some residents had complained about vomiting and nausea associated with the fumes.

It have two fan in the house and we cant even sleep, we eyes burning, she said. Somebody have to come and tell us what is happening. Another resident said they may have to resort to blocking the roads should their cries for help go unanswered.

Meanwhile, Petrotrin said the Ministry of Energy, the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and all other relevant regulatory agencies had been notified.
Sharon Rowley: Work ethics begin at school

They will look at your name.

They will find out about you. All that you say online can be documented, shared and judged, she said.

Addressing the opening yesterday of Bishop Anstey High Schools career fair at the school in Port-of- Spain, Rowley, a past student and deputy head prefect, said, Watch how you conduct yourself on social media. Watch what you say online.

Watch the pictures you post on Facebook. Telling the pupils to watch their language too, she said, We can say many things without using curse words. Some think it is cool to do that. They feel boys will look at them if they use curse words because they are cool, But think again, she said, because when they come to choose their wives they will look elsewhere.

In seeking admission to universities, said Rowley, an attorney, many universities were looking for allround students.

They look for evidence of community service. Volunteering is important. Sport is important. Extra- curricular activities are important.

Some universities will actually overlook you if you have none of these on your CV (curriculum vitae), she said.

Now is not too early for students, she said, to start building their CVs In terms of career choice, she said, You need to think seriously about what you love. Follow your dreams  but you have to dream realistically. Using her own experiences and those of her family members, she said what a student may want to become might change several times before they make that choice. Initially, she said, she wanted to become an archaeologist, then a doctor and finally she had to make the choice of studying either economics or law. She chose law.

He husbands initials choice, she said, was to become a journalist, but instead he became a geologist before becoming a politician.

While dreams are always a good starting point, she said, Be guided by your natural abilities. If you dont like to cook you cant be a chef. If you dont like to read, you cant do law, because that is all you do. While parents can help students to make choices, she said, They should not actually make those choices for you. Some parents would want students to do what they wanted because they did not have the opportunity to do it.

They may see themselves in you. Dont get vex with them. They mean well. They are just trying to help you along the way to make the right choices. Once students chose what they liked, she said, they will not say Boring when someone asked them how school was, or when they went to university they would not change from one major to another, thereby incurring more costs and prolonged studies.

And of course you will not drop out of university if you choose something you like, she said.

But whatever subjects or career they chose, she said, You must always have proper work ethics. That starts from school. Asking the students to remember Mahatma Gandhis quote, The future depends on what you do today, she said, With hard work, dedication and faith in God, your
Rowley celebrates resilience of Shouter Baptists

In a statement issued by his office yesterday, Rowley said our nation recognises and celebrates, each year on this day, the triumph of the faithful to openly and freely practice their religion.

We remember the oppression, struggle and humiliation of a group of people whose only crime was a desire to praise God in their own way, as was afforded to other segments in the country, Rowley said.

Today the practitioners of the religion, described as indigenous to Trinidad and Tobago, may sing, pray, read the Bible, clap and shout without fear of punishment.

Each act of violence against you, each arrest, each incarceration meant to break your spirit only fuelled your determination to have the Shouters Prohibition Ordinance repealed.

Today as a nation, we too face many hurdles. We continue to adjust to a new economic reality. As a Government we continue to do all in our power to reduce the crime and murder rate and we share your concern about the level of inhumanity which we are witnessing in our communities. Rowley said our situation, at times, may seem reminiscent of other violent periods in our countrys history but called on citizens to live by the example of the Spiritual Shouter Baptists and all those who walked the path of hardship, brutality and injustice in our nations history. He said in their journey to freedom is the constant refrain of strength and hope, of never giving up and of never buckling under the pressure.

On this special day, together with our Spiritual Baptist sisters and brothers, we clap and raise our hands in celebration, we lift our voices in praise and we dance because although the memories are painful, our sisters and brothers were never broken and the taste of freedom is always sweet.
UNC: Emulate Baptists struggle

Lee, who is UNC chairman, said, Like the dark times when Baptists were not allowed to enjoy their faith, today we see citizens have now become imprisoned in their own homes as they are not able to freely walk the streets or carry out their daily activities due to the current crime situation.

He said Spiritual Baptist Liberation Day 2017, presents us with an opportunity to learn the qualities of determination from a strong dynamic community which has added tremendous value to the framework of TT and use them to liberate our nation as we fight for a TT where each citizen is able to enjoy prosperity, safety, individual growth and contribute to the sustainable development of their nation.

Charles said the Baptists teach the population that, good, while it may have its ups and downs and at times seem on the threshold of defeat, will ultimately succeed. He stated, Overcoming trials and tribulations is a very important aspect of success and ultimate victory. Padarath lamented that the Peoples Partnership coalition went out of office before they could have built the secondary school for the Spiritual Baptist community.
Garcia outlines plans to deal with indiscipline in schools

In an address to the nation last night, Garcia focused on the incidence of bullying and violence which have been highlighted in the media and on social media.

These include a school girl beaten unconscious by three schoolmates at the Mayaro Secondary School and an 11-yearold boy who was diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) at the Santa Rita RC School in Rio Claro. The boys alleged bad behaviour sparked protests by parents of other children attending the school.

Garcia said the schools which are being closely looked at are Mayaro Secondary, Rio Claro East Secondary, Mayaro Government Primary, Santa Rita RC Primary and Carapichaima ASJA.

He claimed the ministrys plans have worked although the situation continues to worsen.

The plan for addressing school indiscipline, inclusive of bullying, was a school-based, data-driven approach, Garcia said. Each school was mandated to have a discipline committee which consisted of representatives from the administration, guidance officers, social workers, students, heads of department, a dean and school safety officer. He said reports on school indiscipline, bullying and misconduct were disheartening to most.

The ministrys aim is for citizens to recognise the importance of and place value on learning, healthy lifestyles, national pride and a sense of right from wrong. Garcia said his ministry has implemented several initiatives to deal with indiscipline and violence.

These include schoolbased management and curriculum reform which addressed under-performance in language and maths at the primary and secondary school levels.

The ministry engaged key stakeholders to sensitise them to the plans, objectives and anticipated outcomes of the programmes.

He said the Morvant/Laventille Project, launched in October 2016, was designed specifically for the community to enhance numeracy and literacy in government schools, reverse the current trend of poor mathematics grades and provide remediation solutions for teachers.

Former education minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh said there were 23 areas where there were programmes that may have had enormous success and if continued, would have resulted in a significant reduction in school violence.

Gopeesingh said the Students Support Service Division has been depleted and the officers who were social workers have not been paid for the year. He said all teachers should know who the students with discipline problems are, and should be able to give a figure on the statistics.

He said teachers should be trained in identifying students with behavioural tendencies.
Gopeesingh hits Govt over CT scanners

He said the fact that the population is being served by a single CT scanner at Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EW MSC) in Mt Hope, highlights the Health Ministers lack of management skills and lack of accountability to the population.

Gopeesingh was responding to reports that CT scanners at Port-of-Spain General Hospital, Sangre Grande Hospital and San Fernando General Hospital were non-functioning. Patients needing this service are being referred to the EW MSC. Gopeesingh said this would have a significant negative impact on patient care since CT scans are vital in diagnostic medical tests.

He said the breakdown has led to the denial of medical care for patients, some of whom have had to spend as much as $5,000 to receive service at private institutions. This despite the fact that the Couva Childrens Hospital is fully equipped with modern CT facilities which Government has refused to utilise.

Contacted for comment, chief executive officer at PoS General Sheldon Cyrus said one of the scanners went down last week Friday, but should be back up next week. He added that the second machine should be operational soon. CEO at San Fernando General Anil Gosine, said one of their scanners went down last week while another has been non-operational for over two months. He said they do not want new machines since the two can be repaired.

Gosine said the cost of one CT scanner is $4.2 million.

The one that went down two and half months ago has a warranty on it, but its just that the supplier hasnt fulfilled their obligation. By next weekend we should have one up, Gosine said.

Sangre Grande CEO Dr Rameshwar Maharaj said the scanner, has not provided any appreciable level of service since November. He said that despite multiple attempts of field service engineers to resolve various issues, there have been continued performance failures of the unit with scanner age being cited as the major contributing factor to downtime.

Maharaj said an average of five patients are referred to the EW MSC daily to access CT scans.
Panday: Implement laws to tackle crime

Panday said this as he addressed reporters at his Gordon Street, San Fernando law office on Tuesday. He also agrees with former Attorney General Ramesh Lawrence Maharajs assertion that any good plan to reduce crime, is only as good as its implementation. In order to urgently deal with crime, it is necessary to implement laws which are on the books, Panday said, citing the existing DNA legislation which he added, should be upgraded while the Forensic Science Centre should be well resourced for increased efficiency.

He said the Interception of Communication Act should also be implemented and which would give the police the power to monitor the conversations of the criminal element.

Panday said the complete removal of Preliminary Inquiries would shift the backlog from the Magistrates Court to the High Court where the resultant backlog would result in complete chaos. He said legislation appears to have omitted the police service from the process as no time-table had been placed on the police, to effectively and efficiently conduct and complete investigations.

Therefore, I support Mr Maharajs suggestion that various measures including resourcing of the police service be improved immediately so they could speed up investigations, Panday said.
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European Intelligence agencies have warned Moroccan authorities to be on alert, pointing out that the countrys citizens fighting in the ranks of the Islamic State group (IS) in Syria and Iraq are set to come back home to commit terrorist attacks.



The security of the North African country could be in jeopardy as hundreds of Moroccan citizens fighting in Iraq and Syria for the global terrorist group are on the verge of returning home.

Around 650 of the 1,600 Moroccan IS fighters are set to come back to Morocco according to the European counterterrorism research center, Moroccan Al Ahdath paper reported, adding that 50 per cent of the returnees may stage attacks at home. The German intelligence agency on Monday also warned that Moroccan and Tunisian IS fighters are mulling plans to get back home in view of staging attacks.

Around 550 Moroccan Jihadists have been reportedly killed in Syria and Iraq.

In October the Interpol informed Moroccan security authorities to keep eyes opened at airports as the agency feared that up to 6,000 people fighting under IS have been moving across borders with fake passports.
Sound Energy confirmed significant gas potential upon completing the drilling of its third gas well TE8 in the Tendrara license area in eastern Morocco, the company said.

The well, drilled to a target depth of 3,120 meters, showed that the proven hydrocarbon system in Algeria spreads into Morocco, the company said in a statement.

Sound energy confirmed to investors the availability of gas in two sequences: Westphalian sands (from a depth of 2,762 meters) and the TAGI reservoir sands (from 2,642 meters).

The news comes after the company announced recent success at the companys first two Tendrara wells (TE-6 and TE-7). The UK-based company said that gas has been discovered at a depth of 2,643 meter in the TE-8 well, which lies 12 km away from the second well TE-7.

These gas discoveries put Morocco on track to become a player in the gas market. The wells discovered by Sound Energy are expected to be pumping gas by 2019.

Earlier in August, Sound Energy, which is a member of Londons junior market, said in a statement that the TE-6 discovery took place in a 2,665 meter well. The second well, lying only 1.6km was also found to have abundant gas.

Last December, Sound Energy PLC won regulatory approval from Moroccan authorities to take control of 75% interest in the Sidi Mokhtar onshore licenses.

Sounds partners on Tendrara include the American oilfield services giant Schlumberger and Moroccos Oil & Gas Investment Fund. The explorer also has assets in Italy.
The landmark speech given by King Mohammed VI at the 28th African Union Summit set the tone of a pivot in Moroccos foreign policy in favor of Africa and echoed a frustration with the paralysis plaguing the Maghreb Union.

The momentum characterizing Moroccos African action stands in a stark contrast to its stands regarding the Arab league. The fact that the Moroccan Monarch has been shunning Arab Leagues summit since 2005 is indicative of deep disappointment with joint Arab action.

King Mohammed VI has yet again canceled his visit to Amman where the Arab Summit was held, a move that reflects frustration with the Arab League. In 2016, Morocco decided not to host the Arab Summit to avoid holding another ceremonial event that gives a false impression of Arab Unity.

The Foreign Ministry had then issued a statement mentioning the lack of concrete initiatives and decrying that the Arab League has become a venue for Arab leaders to analyze the bitter situation of divergences and divisions without giving decisive responses.

Indeed, the political conditions marked by Arab disunity and rivalry continue to persist in 2017. The Middle East continues to be plagued by sectarian strife and civil wars along with the surge of terrorism in the Levant and Iraq, while Libya is mired in an endless bloody civil war, at a moment when Arab countries are as disunited as ever.

The impotence of the Arab league and its incapacity to rise up to the challenges facing north Africa and the Middle East have not dissuaded Morocco from reinforcing diplomatic and economic ties with Arab countries at the bilateral level and sub-regional level.

Morocco is bound by a strategic partnership with the Gulf Cooperation Council. The Arab sub-region has also offered Morocco and Jordan membership. Last April, the two parties held their first summit, which was attended by King Mohammed VI and the Monarchs of the GCC countries. The Summit ended with a firm support for Moroccos territorial integrity and sovereignty over the Sahara, a position the Arab league never expressed.

The excellent political ties with Gulf countries are mirrored at the economic level. The GCC countries are key sources of FDIs in Morocco. At the security level, Morocco participates in the Arab coalition to restore legitimacy in Yemen.

Moroccos pragmatism within the Arab league is advocating concrete cooperation projects instead of the empty rhetoric marking the Arab league summits.

Moroccos engagement in favor of Arab causes, on top of which the situation in Palestine, is steadfast. Morocco continues to gather support at the international level and to alert as to the need to safeguard the city of Al Quds through the Al Quds Committee, chaired by King Mohammed VI. Morocco has also been an ardent defender of the two-state solution and an independent Palestine within 1967 borders.

Concerning the chaos in Libya, Morocco hosted the Skhirate talks, which ended with a breakthrough agreement between the warring parties. The agreement sought to establish a caretaker unity government to resolve the dispute between the House of Representatives (HoR), based in the eastern city of Tobruk, and the General National Congress (GNC) and its government in Tripoli.

Yet the status quo at the Arab level with the upsurge of internal strives, lack of economic integration prospects and disunity, pushed Morocco to throw its weight in order to reinforce ties with its immediate neighborhood: Africa.

In an increasingly globalized world where sub-regional integration is a driver of growth, Morocco can no longer wait for a paralyzed Maghreb union where Algeria wants to create a satellite state to the detriment of the Kingdoms territorial integrity. Morocco opted for Africa and has been fostering, for decades, ties with African countries at all levels. Meanwhile, it continues to reinforce its economic ties with Arab countries and to make a case for concrete joint Arab action.
PRNewsFoto/Rolls-RoyceIn December, Rolls-Royce announced that The Who's Roger Daltrey was one of several U.K. musicians who were helping to design collectors-edition versions of the luxury car company's Wraith model that will raise money for select charities. Now, the first four vehicles in the "Inspired by British Music" series have been unveiled, including two by Daltrey, one by Kinks frontman Ray Davies and one by Giles Martin, son of late Beatles producer George Martin.

As previously reported, one car that Daltrey helped design features The Who's famous bulls-eye logo, as well as a laser-etched design depicting Roger's trademark swinging microphone on its doors, while the second incorporates a graphic inspired by the cover of the band's 1969 rock opera, Tommy.

The Davies-inspired auto features lyrics to select Kinks songs penned by Ray etched into its doors and an embroidered version of the band's logo in its cabin.

The car Giles Martin helped design pays tribute to his late father, and includes the titles of the 30 #1 singles he produced embroidered into the cabin, as well as an engraving depicting George's handwritten arrangement for The Beatles' "Yesterday."

Other well-known U.K. music stars who also are designing Rolls-Royce Wraiths in conjunction with the series include The Rolling Stones' Ronnie Wood, Status Quo frontman Francis Rossi, and Shirley Bassey.

The vehicles are expected to be sold this year, and a portion of the money from the sales will go toward charities chosen by the artists. Not surprisingly, Daltrey has chosen the Teenage Cancer Trust as the beneficiary of the cars he helped design.

For more information, visit Rolls-RoyceMotorCars.com.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Assuring Americans that their deeply partisan, often dysfunctional government is capable of investigating Russias alleged attempt to sow partisan discord and undermine U.S. institutions was always going to be difficult. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes managed to make the task even harder in recent days when he secretly visited the White House then attempted to vindicate President Trumps unfounded claims that he was wiretapped by his predecessor.

On Wednesday, FBI Director James Comey and the leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee attempted to boost peoples confidence in the governments probes into Russias election meddling  or at least distance themselves from the mess created by Nunes.

During the election, Comey criticized Hillary Clinton for her private email server and commented on the FBIs investigation numerous times. Yet he only confirmed last week that the agency has been investigating the Trump campaigns possible ties to Russia since July. Comey has been accused of attempting to sway the election himself, or at least displaying terrible judgement. But at the Intelligence and National Security Alliance Leadership dinner on Wednesday, Comey claimed the criticism is proof that the FBI is doing its job.

When asked to comment on the last year, Comey said hes never been prouder of the FBI, though its been painful to see the public so confused about the agencys activities. He insisted, Were never on anybodys side, ever, and suggested the misperception stems from the publics inability to understand that the FBI does not view the world through a partisan lens.



Comey recalled his delight when his daughter showed him a tweet that read, That Comey is such a political hack. I just cant figure out which party. That is the greatest compliment, he said. We confuse people because a lot of people cant imagine people who arent considering sides.

Now were not fools, he added. I know that when I make a hard decision a storms going to follow, but honestly, I dont care. If I have thought about it carefully, and am doing the right thing, making the right judgement, it doesnt matter whats going to follow, because its not about that.

More Comey: His kid showed him a tweet that said "Comey is such a political hack" and he loved it. pic.twitter.com/j58koSancq  Steve Kopack (@SteveKopack) March 30, 2017

For those unable to see how revealing potentially damaging information about Clinton, but not Trump, is proof of the FBIs lack of partisanship, an alternate explanation was offered. Earlier on Wednesday, two sources told Newsweek that Comey wanted to tell the public about the Russia campaign last summer, and asked for permission to pen a New York Times op-ed.

He had a draft of it or an outline. He held up a piece of paper in a meeting and said, I want to go forward, what do people think of this? said a source.

This pitch was reportedly made during a meeting in the White Houses situation room in June or July, with Secretary of State John Kerry, Attorney General Loretta Lynch, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, and National Security Adviser Susan Rice in attendance. The White House shut it down, the source said. They did their usual  nothing.

Its unclear who could have leaked this flattering story about Comey, but they arent the only ones trying to prove that some officials can put country above party. During a press conference on Wednesday, Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr and the committees ranking Democrat, Mark Warner, emphasized that regardless of whats happening in the House, their Russia investigation is being handled by competent, cooperative adults.

I have confidence in Richard Burr that we, together with the members of our committee, are going to get to the bottom of this, Warner said.

The Senate Intelligence Committees Russia probe has always been the most robust, but it hasnt been immune to partisan bickering. Following a report in February that Burr complied with a White House request to knock down stories about the Trump campaigns contacts with Russian operatives, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer declared that the Republican chairman was officially on notice.

On Wednesday, Burr acknowledged that he voted for Trump and advised his campaign, but he said his role as Intelligence chairman overrides any personal beliefs that I have or loyalties that I might have.

Burr said he hadnt coordinated with the White House about the scope of the investigation and intended to test some Trump appointees who promised to cooperate with the investigation during confirmation hearings, such as CIA Director Mike Pompeo. The senators said there are seven full-time staffers working on the probe, and private witness interviews may begin as early as next week.

This investigations scope will go wherever the intelligence leads it, Burr said. Mark and I work hand in hand on this, and contrary to maybe popular belief, were partners to see that this is completed and that weve got a product at the end of the day that we can have bipartisanship in supporting.
Cash me outside, GOP. Photo: Sandy Huffaker/AFP/Getty Images

A lot of commentary on the dangers that President Trump poses to the American republic have focused on everything that makes him an extraordinary figure in our politics  his fondness for conspiracy theories, unapologetic contempt for the Fourth Estate, singular incompetence, and unprecedented flouting of norms against leveraging public office for personal profit (to name just a few).

But for all his ignominious idiosyncrasies, its quite possible that Trumps most dangerous quality is one that he shares with virtually every elected Republican  a depraved indifference to the reality of climate change.

This week, Trump offered a potent reminder that his most damaging legacy may be his most conventionally Republican, when he signed an executive order reversing a large swath of the Obama administrations climate agenda.

And, as he did, his deputies in the Department of Energy began implementing the Grand Old Partys tried-and-true strategy for regulating the emission of inconvenient scientific facts:

A supervisor at the Energy Departments international climate office told staff this week not to use the phrases climate change, emissions reduction or Paris Agreement in written memos, briefings or other written communication, sources have told POLITICO At the meeting, senior officials told staff the words would cause a visceral reaction with Energy Secretary Rick Perry, his immediate staff, and the cadre of White House advisers at the top of the department.

A DOE spokeswoman denied this report, telling Politico that No words or phrases have been banned for this office or anyone in the department. Notably, this statement does not rule out the possibility that workers were discouraged from using certain words or phrases. Regardless, employees at the Office of International Climate and Clean Energy  the only DOE office with the word climate in its name  are understandably anxious that Trumps deconstruction of the administrative state will begin with their corner of it.

As already indicated, if the Trump administration did formally ban the use of the phrase climate change by its civil servants, it wouldnt be acting in an unprecedented fashion. Republican governor Rick Scott reportedly instituted such a policy in Florida. The states truly are laboratories of kakistocracy!

Shortly after last falls election, Noam Chomsky offered this reflection on the significance of Trumps triumph:

On Nov. 8, the most powerful country in world history, which will set its stamp on what comes next, had an election. The outcome placed total control of the governmentexecutive, Congress, the Supreme Courtin the hands of the Republican Party, which has become the most dangerous organization in world historyThe last phrase may seem outlandish, even outrageous. But is it? The facts suggest otherwise. The party is dedicated to racing as rapidly as possible to destruction of organized human life. There is no historical precedent for such a stand.

Donald Trumps presence in the Oval Office is a profound threat to the American republic and global community. But so is the party that put him there.
Candidate Trump at a rally on Election Day eve. Photo: Scott Eisen/Getty Images

On Tuesday, the New York Times published what might prove to be the definitive statistical account of why Donald Trump won, and why Hillary Clinton lost, in November. The analysis concluded that fully a quarter of the white, working-class voters who cast a ballot for Barack Obama in 2012 defected to Trump four years later  and that this was the factor that ultimately swung the election.



This was not a shock. For months now, a wide range of commentators have been drawing a closely related political lesson from the 2016 election: In appealing to an increasingly diverse electorate, Democrats failed to empathize with white, working-class voters, and that nudged millions of them toward casting their ballots for the Republican.

To be persuasive, as a politician, you have to be persuadable  you have to put yourself in your audiences shoes and demonstrate that, to paraphrase one gifted politician, you feel their pain. This is how a speaker meets people where they are, gains credibility, and, hopefully, builds support for his or her agenda. Even before November, there had been a growing interest in feeling the pain of folks in the quaintly named Heartland and Rust Belt, from sociologist Arlie Russell Hochschild embedding herself in a Louisiana community for five years, to J.D. Vances best-selling Hillbilly Elegy about growing up in Kentucky.

But there is a more fundamental, discomfiting, question in all this: Does demonstrating empathy even work anymore for politicians? Or, to put a finer point on it, if you show empathy for everybody in your audience, does each person only hear that you care about someone else?

As one of President Obamas speechwriters, I had the privilege of working for one of the most authentically compassionate leaders in recent history. He possesses a natural ability  and desire  to understand just about anyone. And as his speechwriters, we knew he didnt just appreciate all sides of a story  he wanted to acknowledge those perspectives and reassure his audiences that he heard where they were coming from.

Yet, try as he did, message intended wasnt always message received.

Because [Trump] speaks almost exclusively to his most fervent supporters while ignoring just about everybody else, at long last they feel heard.

For example, whenever Obama addressed tensions between law enforcement and the communities they served, some critics would insist that he never had a nice thing to say about cops. After the horrific murder of two New York City cops, Rudy Giuliani was quick to blame Obama, saying, The president has shown absolutely no respect for the police  All the president has done is see one side of this dispute.

This couldnt have been further from the truth, of course. As the fact-checking site Politifact detailed, Obama had on numerous occasions expressed support for police, praised their outstanding work, and strongly condemned violence against them. But it seemed as though a concurrent acknowledgement of communities that felt mistreated by cops, or of the Black Lives Matter movement, erased any trace of empathy detected by some in law enforcement. This happened on issue after issue, from gun violence to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Yale psychologist Paul Bloom has written that, When it comes to policy decisions  we are better off putting aside empathy and employing a combination of rational deliberation and a more distanced compassion. I asked him what this means for political communication. He said that empathy, effectively, is a zero-sum game. Anyone who has to speak to multiple audiences at once faces a trade-off: A politician might tell you he cares about you  but if he also tells you that he cares about someone else, you no longer trust him. We demand of our leaders an unfair and impossible monogamy.

Trump implicitly understands this  which is why his us-versus-them rhetoric, while so appalling to much of the country, appeals to the small group of people he has identified as us. Theyre not interested in hearing that he also cares about others. They want him all to themselves.

And the sad truth is, it works. For all the noise about his low approval ratings, hes actually doing fine among Republicans, including those who once balked at his ascendance. They now sheepishly applaud as he translates that us-versus-them rhetoric into the policy equivalent: Rather than call Mexicans drug dealers and rapists, for instance, he calmly weaponizes the bureaucracy and announces a new office to prosecute crimes committed by undocumented immigrants, an almost nonexistent problem. His supporters are satisfied with his plan. His opponents are impressed with his restraint. Thus does a con artist slither over the lowest of bars.

Throughout history, our greatest leaders  Washington, Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt  took the opposite approach. They were not naive about the darker impulses that infect the human condition. But they deliberately chose to transcend our baser instincts and, instead, appeal to our shared humanity. Of course, before the internet age, they could tell one audience what they wanted to hear, turn around and tell another audience something else. The great trick of analog presidential communication was the ability to hedge.

A master of signaling to his base, Trump doesnt face the same empathy trade-offs as ordinary politicians. Because he speaks almost exclusively to his most fervent supporters while ignoring just about everybody else, at long last they feel heard.

As they should. Communities that, for decades, have watched their jobs disappear across the ocean or, more likely, into a robot, deserve a government that addresses their concerns. Instead, theyve been duped by a huckster who will only enrich himself off their continuing misery.

Which brings us back to the Democrats, still wondering how to listen to those who feel ignored. Should the party take a page out of the Trump playbook and focus on one group to the exclusion of others? Not only would doing so be impossible in a practical sense, it would also be an affront to everything this enormously diverse party stands for. Perhaps the lesson for Democrats is that empathy is not an electoral strategy. Now, its just a matter of convincing voters of that.

Sarada Peri was special assistant to president Obama and a senior presidential speechwriter. Follow her on Twitter at @saradaperi.
I cant believe its not poison. Photo: STR/AFP/Getty Images

In 2015, scientists at the Environmental Protection Agency advised the Obama administration to ban one of the nations most popular pesticides, chlorpyrifos, after concluding that the chemical impaired fetal brain and nervous-system development. Specifically, the children of farm workers exposed to heavy doses of the product appeared to suffer aberrantly high rates of learning, memory, and behavioral problems. The chemical had already been banned for indoor use, in 2001, due to similar concerns.

But Dow Chemical, which makes chlorpyrifos, wasnt convinced. Nor were many farm groups that rely on the pesticide. And they began lobbying the Obama administration to reject the environmentalists supposed alarmism.

Last July, an EPA scientific-review panel scrutinized the agencys research on chlorpyrifos, and identified some causes for skepticism about the conclusiveness of its findings. This led to revisions in the researchers report. Still, as of late last year, EPA staff maintained that the chemical should be prohibited.

But the agencys new leader, Scott Pruitt, who built his national profile by suing the EPA on behalf of industrial interests, decided to err on the side of birth defects Wednesday night.

We need to provide regulatory certainty to the thousands of American farms that rely on chlorpyrifos, while still protecting human health and the environment, Pruitt said in a written statement. By reversing the previous administrations steps to ban one of the most widely used pesticides in the world, we are returning to using sound science in decision-making  rather than predetermined results.

In rejecting the ban, Pruitt took final agency action on the question of chlorpyrifoss safety, a move that suggests the EPA will not revisit the matter until 2022.

Its worth noting that the Obama administration seems to have dragged its feet on this ban, and that there were some quibbles with the initial, underlying research within the EPA. But it is rather difficult to give Pruitt the benefit of the doubt, given the Trump administrations broader contempt for scientific inquiry.

The day before Pruitts announcement, Trump issued a series of executive orders reversing Barack Obamas Clean Power Plan, and other climate-change policies. He did this without soliciting any advice or guidance from scientists and engineers inside the White House, according to the New York Times. That same day, according to Politico, staffers at the Department of Energys climate office were told not to use the words climate change or Paris Agreement in any written memos  or else the DOEs new chief, Rick Perry, would have a visceral reaction.

Meanwhile, Trump has failed to appoint anyone to the White Houses top advisory positions on technology or science. The administrations Office of Science and Technology Policy is becoming a ghost town.
Neil Gorsuch and Donald Trump. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Neil Gorsuch will be the next Supreme Court justice. Hell be on the floor of the Senate next week and confirmed on Friday, promised Mitch McConnell, and there is no reason to doubt him. Either Democrats will filibuster, and Republicans will change Senate rules to prevent filibusters of Supreme Court nominees, resulting in Gorsuch being confirmed, or Democrats will fail to filibuster, resulting in Gorsuch being confirmed. The only question at issue is in what fashion Gorsuch takes his seat. Republicans are fervently working to persuade Democrats to let Gorsuch take his seat without a change in the filibuster rule. Why do you think they care so much?

If Republicans are telling Democrats that any attempt to filibuster the Republican nominee will lead to the Republicans abolishing the filibuster, it stands to reason that the filibuster is not worth keeping around. What value is there in a weapon ones adversary can disarm at any time?

Republicans have devised a somewhat complicated response to this objection. Yes, they concede, the filibuster is useless right now, in this instance. But that is only because the merits of this particular nomination so obviously and clearly lie on their own side. If Neil Gorsuch isnt good enough, theres never going to be a nominee good enough, and so I dont see any advantage to rewarding bad behavior, says Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn. Republican senators appetite is entirely a function of circumstance, argues Liam Donovan, a Republican lobbyist. Only seeing such a model jurist held hostage to cynical political whims would be enough to compel the righteous indignation necessary to go nuclear. (Going nuclear means changing Senate rules to limit the filibuster.) If Democrats drop the filibuster, Republicans will leave it in place, and maybe Democrats will get to use it next time. Maybe!

One flaw in this argument is that it utterly ignores the circumstances by which Gorsuch came to his nomination. Yes, he is well qualified and respected by liberal peers. On the other hand, he only has the opportunity to claim a Supreme Court seat because Republicans violated a long-standing norm that allows presidents to nominate somebody  the exact parameters of who that somebody is being the subject of regular dispute  to fill a vacant seat.

The Republican incredulity that Democrats would have the gall to object to fine, upstanding Neil Gorsuch is quite special. (How can you complain about me picking up some money I found lying there on the sidewalk? Never mind whether it got there because I ripped the wallet out of your pocket.)

The notion that Republicans would somehow not be willing to abolish the filibuster for Trumps next nominee, after being willing to do so to complete the wake of the judicial heist of the century, defies plausibility. Every Supreme Court vacancy counts for one vote. The next vacancy will matter just as much as this one. Sure, if Trump decides to nominate Michael Cohen or Scott Baio to the Court, some Senate Republicans might object. But Trump has clearly indicated that he defers on this subject to regular Republicans. The next judicial vacancy will seem at least as crucial as this one, and the pressure on Senate Republicans to confirm their partys choice will be overwhelming.

We already live in a world where a Republican president has a 50-vote standard to confirm a nominee to the Court. The only question is whether Democratic presidents have the same standard. The worst possible outcome for Democrats would be to allow Republicans to fill a vacancy with 50 votes while forcing their party to muster 60. And there is a lot of reason to believe this is the case right now. Barack Obamas last Supreme Court nominee, the highly respected and moderate jurist Elena Kagan, got the support of just five Republican senators, of which two were driven into retirement by actual or threatened primary challengers in part because of those votes. Once Democrats lost their supermajority, their ability to seat a justice probably disappeared with it.

In 2014, Ruth Bader Ginsburg told Elle that she did not want to retire in part because she believed Senate Republicans would filibuster any left-of-center nominee to replace her:

Who do you think President Obama could appoint at this very day, given the boundaries that we have? If I resign any time this year, he could not successfully appoint anyone I would like to see in the court. [The Senate Democrats] took off the filibuster for lower federal court appointments, but it remains for this court. So anybody who thinks that if I step down, Obama could appoint someone like me, theyre misguided.

Mitch McConnell wants to preserve an ambiguous situation where the norms say one thing and the rules say another. This is to his advantage, because he is a serial violator of norms. This isnt a moral question  hes a brilliant tactician and hes very good at identifying political strategies that are legal but which have not been used due to social convention. If McConnell can use the threat of the nuclear option to make the filibuster of a Supreme Court nominee a useless weapon for the opposing party, he can preserve it as a potential useful one for himself. If Democrats dont make McConnell abolish the Supreme Court filibuster, he may use it to blockade their next nominee, and they will have only themselves to blame.
Assad. Photo: Joseph Eid/AFP/Getty Images

This month marked the sixth anniversary of the Syrian civil war, which began as peaceful protests against President Bashar al-Assad. Former President Barack Obama said, in the late summer of 2011, Assad must go. Though the United States gave some support to moderate Syrian rebels, Obama never intervened to help take down Assad. Meanwhile, the Syrian leader gained the full backing of the Russian military, which has helped him keep his grip on power. Now, the Trump administration is conceding to the reality that Assad will stay.

United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley told reporters that our priority is no longer to sit there and focus on getting Assad out. Our priority is to really look at how do we get things done, who do we need to work with to really make a difference for the people in Syria. She added, We cant necessarily focus on Assad the way that the previous administration did.

The U.S. outwardly acknowledging that ousting Assad isnt on the to-do list is a blow to the moderate rebels, and something of a win for Russia, which took the risk and went all-in on Assad  which, given everything Russia-related right now, feels huge. But this is more a confirmation of an inevitable shift in U.S. policy than a complete reversal. The Obama administration had pushed for peace talks between the Assad government and the Syrian rebels (though the U.S. did reportedly scuttle an early deal because it wasnt tough enough on Assad), but ousting him completely became extremely difficult the deeper Russia got involved on Assads behalf. The calculus also changed after the Aleppo cease-fire this December, which effectively put the once-divided Syrian city back under Assads control. The United States was pretty much frozen out of that process, with Turkey negotiating with Russia on behalf of the rebels to establish the truce.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson also signaled a policy shift during a meeting in Turkey on Thursday, saying vaguely, The status and the longer-term status of President Assad will be decided by the Syrian people.
Photo: Terry Ashe/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images

A U.S. government employee has been charged with having improper contact with foreign intelligence agents  and in a surprising twist, the case has nothing to do with Russia. Longtime State Department employee Candace Claiborne, 60, was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly receiving tens of thousands of dollars worth of gifts from two Chinese intelligence agents who were seeking inside information about U.S. economic policy. Claiborne pleaded not guilty to two felony charges: obstructing an official proceeding and making false statements to the FBI.

Claiborne, an office management specialist, has served in various foreign missions over the past 18 years, including posts in China, Iraq, and Sudan. She has top-secret security clearance and is required to report any contacts with persons suspected of affiliation with a foreign intelligence agency, according to the Justice Department.

Court documents allege that Claiborne failed to report repeated contacts over the past five years with two Chinese businessmen believed to be gathering information for the Chinese government. In 2011, one of the men wired $2,500 to Claibornes bank account, then he asked for information about the U.S. governments internal analysis of economic negotiations with Beijing. When she offered publicly available information, one of the agents responded, What they are looking for is what they cannot find on the Internet, the L.A. Times reports.

The affidavit says that Claiborne wrote in her journal that she could generate 20k in one year by working with the agents. She allegedly received other cash payments, but most of the gifts went to a young male relative identified only as Conspirator A. The agents arranged to pay for the mans tuition at a fashion school in Shanghai, and he was provided with a fully furnished apartment and a monthly stipend. When the student committed an unspecified serious crime, the agents allegedly blocked police from investigating and arranged for his return to the U.S.

Authorities say Claiborne expressed concerns about the relationship, telling the student to cut ties with the agents. I really dont want my neck or your neck in a noose regarding another party/person that has made this possible for you, she wrote to him.

Two months ago, an undercover FBI agent posing as a Chinese intelligence agent approached Claiborne, and she invited him into her home. She refused to help him, but allegedly acknowledged her relationship with the two Chinese agents.

Officials say Claiborne was arrested on Tuesday after admitting to providing the Chinese with internal U.S. government perspectives on U.S.-China relations, as well as information about a dissident being secretly housed at the U.S. embassy in Beijing in April and May 2012. That person was not identified, but thats when dissident Chen Guangcheng was staying at the embassy, and Politico notes that Claiborne was in China at the time. Claiborne reportedly said she knew the men were seeking information on behalf of the Chinese government, but she only provided them with unclassified information.

If convicted, Claiborne faces up to 25 years in prison.
Donald Trump is going to cut the hell out of taxes. Photo: Jim Lo Scalzo/Getty Images

Now that repealing and replacing Obamacare has failed, Republicans in Congress say they are moving on to something different: tax reform. They are actually moving on to the same thing all over again. The American Health Care Act was a plan to give high-income Americans a big tax cut that would be financed with cuts to health-care subsidies for low- and middle-income people. Tax reform, at least as Paul Ryan and his allies envision it, is a plan to give high-income Americans an even bigger tax cut, financed by tax increases on lower- and middle-income Americans. Both plans are deeply unpopular (a poll found Americans opposing tax cuts for the wealthy by a three-to-one margin) and also have drawn opposition from powerful lobbies (in the case of tax reform, retailers violently oppose the border-adjustment tax that would offset much of the lost revenue).

Republican debates about tax policy are shrouded in a mist of obfuscation, since the partys central goal, reducing taxes for the rich, is too unpopular to be described frankly. Instead, the intra-party strategy has been hashed out euphemistically, which has made the media coverage difficult to decipher. The terms tax reform and tax cuts have been thrown around almost interchangeably to describe the Republican plans. Theyre very different. Tax reform is what Ryan and many of his allies say theyll do, and possibly want to do. Tax cuts are what they will do.

Tax reform means a revenue-neutral adjustment of the tax code, which cleans out tax deductions and other preferences, and uses the revenue gained by this to reduce tax rates. The attraction of tax reform is that it avoids a drawback in Senate rules. The only kind of legislation that can pass the Senate by a majority vote, without being filibustered, is a budget-reconciliation bill. But these budget-reconciliation bills cant increase the budget deficit after ten years. That requirement forced the Bush tax cuts to phase out after a decade. Republicans hope to avoid this fate by writing a bill that does not increase the long-run deficit. Hence their stated desire to pass tax reform rather than tax cuts.

If youre trying to finance your rate cuts by closing tax deductions, though, youre in a zero-sum exercise where every winner is offset by a loser. That is the dynamic that has forced Ryan and his allies to support the border-adjustment tax. The lure of this proposal is that it would, in theory, raise a trillion dollars over a decade, and the cost would be borne by the poor and middle class, who would pay more for imported goods. That would free up a trillion dollars in revenue that Ryan could use to cut taxes for the rich  the project that is the cause of his life and the central policy objective of the modern GOP.

The Republican Party is currently split over whether it is worth trying to make their plan revenue-neutral, by including the border-adjustment tax, or to give up on tax reform and simply cut taxes for the rich. Ryan has been forcefully going for tax reform, which would allow his tax cuts not to have the ten-year expiration. Were planning revenue-neutral tax reform, he told Judy Woodruff, which means you have to take away loopholes and special-interest deductions if youre going to lower tax rates. Trump has taken both sides. At times he has expressed his desire to cut the hell out of taxes. He is typically unconcerned about the long run or about deficits, having called himself the king of debt, as the New York Times recently noted. Yet Trump has also at times endorsed the border-adjustment tax. Im the king of that, he told the Times. (Its good to be the king.)

Advocates of Ryans strategy keep talking about the 1986 tax reform. That is an episode in legislative history that has attained a hallowed place in Washington lore, like the 1969 Mets. Success was improbable, yet miraculously occurred, and the miracle has been pointed to many times since. But that law was the result of completely different political parties with completely different objectives. The 1986 tax reform was progressive. Despite lowering the top rate, it shifted a greater share of the tax burden onto the rich, because it reduced so many tax preferences they enjoy  in particular, it wiped out the tax preference for income from capital gains.

Why was a deal like that possible? Because in 1986, moderates still had influence in the Republican Party. Key advisers in the Reagan administration felt embarrassment that Reagans 1981 tax cuts had enabled rich people to pay extremely little in taxes and were eager, or at least willing, to change that. The 1986 Tax Reform Act drew conservative opposition because it raised the effective tax burden on the rich (even while lowering nominal rates). Conservatives may continue to genuflect at the altar of Reagan, but they abandoned the substance of that bill. The Tax Reform Act was a major setback for conservatives, wrote National Reviews Ramesh Ponnuru in 2005. For most of the subsequent two decades, conservatives have been trying to undo the policy damages.

The Republican Party that struck the 1986 Tax Reform Act is long gone. The party that has replaced it is singularly motivated by the goal of reducing taxes paid by the rich. And its goal of rejiggering the tax code in a way that shifts the burden from the rich to the non-rich is politically radioactive.

Why would Ryan attempt to shepherd into law a bill so dangerous, creating many times more losers than winners? Because Ryan does not want to settle for ten years of lower taxes that will expire automatically when he could have a permanent decrease. (Leave aside the fact that a permanent tax reform could be rewritten the next time Democrats win full control of government.) Ryan has repeatedly described the current government as a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Remember, the 1986 Tax Reform Act passed with bipartisan support. If Ryan wanted a 1986-type bill, the current all-Republican government wouldnt be such a unique chance. Opportunities to pass bipartisan legislation arise all the time. In 2014, Dave Camp, the retiring chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, produced a plan that reformed the tax code without lessening the burden on rich people. The Republican Party pretended it never happened. Thats because tax reform is not their goal. Tax redistribution is.

But just as throwing millions of people off their insurance proved too difficult, the pain threshold to pass a plan that raises taxes on Middle America will be far too high for Republicans to pass. One can already see Republicans who wanted to give Ryans grandiose strategy a chance nervously eyeing the exits, and looking instead at a tax cut that would expire. For ten glorious years, we could actually pass a tax bill with what we want in it, says Grover Norquist. I want to make them permanent. But if my choice became, ten-year-temporary or nothing? Ill take ten-year temporary, says Representative Chris Collins.

Tax cuts for the rich financed by borrowing are not popular, but theyre much less explosively unpopular than tax cuts for the rich financed by tax hikes on Walmart shoppers. Cutting taxes for the rich enjoys near-unanimous institutional support within the conservative movement, the Republican Party, and its lobbyists and donors. Ten glorious years of low, low taxes for the rich will be the fruit of Republican control of government.
In an awkward phase. Photo: Andy Kropa/Getty Images

In the months after former Fox News chairman Roger Ailes resigned last summer, it appeared that the sexual-harassment scandal that brought down the powerful Fox chief would be short-lived. Ailess abrupt exit didnt immediately create the chaos at the network that many  including myself  predicted. In fact, boosted by the drama of the election, Fox News registered new highs in ratings and profits in the second half of last year, and the network seemed to be finding firm new footing with unrivaled access to Trump and the success of Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kellys replacement, in the key 9 p.m. slot.

But now, the predicted post-Ailes turmoil seems to be roiling the network, if a few months later than expected. Since Donald Trumps inauguration, Fox News is confronting an array of crises  from on-air controversies and civil lawsuits to a federal investigation  that trace back to the culture Ailes presided over at Fox for 20 years. While Fox News co-presidents Bill Shine and Jack Abernethy have attempted to get ahead of the scandals by firing some employees and instituting sensitivity training, more problems seem to be on the way for the network.

Next week, according to sources, a grand jury in Manhattan will be hearing new testimony in a federal investigation of Fox News that had been led by former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, until he was fired by Trump earlier this month. The case continues without Bharara, and people familiar with the investigation say the government is looking into a number of potential crimes, including Fox News alleged surveillance of journalists, and whether network executives misled investors by hiding Ailess sexual-harassment settlements. (A contender to replace Bharara is Ailess personal attorney Marc Mukasey  a choice that could have consequences for the investigation.)

Earlier this week, the Financial Times reported that former Fox News CFO Mark Kranz has been offered immunity to cooperate with prosecutors. Kranz was forced out of the company last summer in the wake of Ailess departure. One former Kranz colleague told me that Kranz knows everything about the Fox News budget, and would be key to an investigation into whether Ailes had hidden payouts.

Fox News continues to make multi-million-dollar settlements with employees suing the network for bad behavior that took place on Ailess watch. (Ailes, through his lawyers, has repeatedly denied any harassment.) The latest lawsuit, filed this week by two black female employees in Foxs payroll department, alleges shocking acts of racial discrimination  their lawyers describe it as reminiscent of the Jim Crow era  by Foxs longtime comptroller Judy Slater. (Last month, Fox fired Slater after the networks new HR chief conducted an internal investigation of the charges.) Sources say more women are likely to file harassment and discrimination suits in the weeks ahead.

Foxs off-air problems are being compounded by on-air ones. Last weekend, Judge Jeanine Pirro appeared to be carrying out a predetermined political attack on Paul Ryan when Trump tweeted for viewers to tune into her show, several hours before she called on the House Speaker to resign in the wake of the health-care debacle. (The White House denied that Trump knew what she would say.) Yesterday, Fox judicial analyst Andrew Napolitano returned to the air after a suspension and doubled down on his unsupported claim that Barack Obama utilized the British spy agency GCHQ to spy on Trump. Then there was Bill OReillys widely condemned comment that described Representative Maxine Waterss hair as a James Brown wig.

At least for now, Fox News executive chairman Rupert Murdoch seems to be leaving it to Shine and Abernethy to try to gain control of the situation. This week, hes been away in London.
Learn to deal. Photo: Ron Sachs - Pool/Getty Images

On the campaign trail, Donald Trump vowed to rip up the North American Free Trade Agreement. Now, he appears content to make a few tears around its edges.

A draft proposal of the White Houses goals for renegotiating the agreement, obtained by The Wall Street Journal, would leave many of its most controversial elements in place. While Trump as a candidate decried the threat that international bankers pose to American sovereignty, his proposal would retain NAFTAs Investor State Dispute Settlement process  an arbitration system that allows international investors to sue countries (often, for passing laws that disadvantage their business interests) before private tribunals whose rulings cannot be appealed.

The proposal would also do nothing to address currency manipulation by Americas trade partners, another concern that figured prominently in Trumps stump speeches.

Ironically, many of the drafts proposed changes would make NAFTA more closely resemble the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the 12-nation trade agreement among Pacific Rim countries that Trump withdrew the United States from, shortly after taking office. Such reforms include heightened enforcement of intellectual property rights, protections of digital trade, and requirements that state-owned firms operate in a commercial fashion.

That said, the administrations plan is not devoid of protectionist measures in keeping with Trumps America First ethos. But its difficult to assess how much of an impact such provisions would have, as the drafts language is decidedly vague. Here are three of its most potentially significant proposals:

(1) Empower NAFTA nations to reinstate tariffs in the event that they are being flooded with imports that cause serious injury or threat of serious injury to their domestic industries. According to the Journal, the Clinton administration sought a similar provision 24 years ago, which was shot down by Mexico.

(2) Revise the rules of origin  requirements that a certain percentage of a product must be made from materials produced in NAFTA countries  in a manner that supports production and jobs in the United States.

(3) Establish rules that require government procurement to be conducted in a manner that is consistent with U.S. law and the administrations policy on domestic procurement preferences. Right now, NAFTA requires the U.S. government to consider bids from Mexican and Canadian companies on infrastructure products. The Trump administration seems to be asking to flout this rule and give its contracts exclusively to American companies. This would, ostensibly, cost U.S. contractors some business in Mexico and Canada.

If one posits the most extreme interpretation of these proposals, they could signify a major shift in American trade policy. But it also seems reasonable to interpret their conspicuous lack of detail as a sign that the administration is looking to maximize its wiggle room in negotiations.
Nunes. Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post/Getty Images

On Monday of last week, James Comey confirmed that the FBI was investigating possible ties between the Trump campaign and Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Two days later, the Republican tasked with leading the Houses investigation into Russian hacking made an announcement: Members of Donald Trumps transition team had been legally, incidentally surveilled during the final months of the Obama administration.

Devin Nunes revealed this to the public before revealing it to his fellow members of the House Intelligence Committee. He then went to personally brief the president  an ostensible subject of his House investigation  on the intelligence reports that he had just discovered.

This momentarily shifted media attention away from Comeys revelation and toward the question of whether Trumps paranoid conviction that hed been improperly monitored by Barack Obama had some (loose) basis in reality.

It also raised suspicions that Nuness announcement was coordinated by the White House to produce this very distraction.

In the days since, those suspicions have largely been confirmed. As The New Yorkers Ryan Lizza reported this week:

Last Monday morning, shortly before the start of the hearing [where Comey made his revelation], a senior White House official told me, Youll see the setting of the predicate. Thats the thing to watch today. He suggested that I read a piece in The Hill about incidental collection.



 The White House clearly indicated to me that it knew Nunes would highlight this issue. Its backdoor surveillance where its not just incidental, its systematic, the White House official said. Watch Nunes today.



Sure enough, at last Mondays hearing, Nunes asked in his opening statement, Were the communications of officials or associates of any campaign subject to any kind of improper surveillance?

A little over 24 hours after Nunes posed that question, he was spotted on White House grounds. The next day, he suggested that the answer to his query was yes.

Nunes indicated that Trump transition officials had contacted foreign agents who were subjected to legal surveillance, and, thus, had their communications intercepted. By itself, thats kosher. But when American citizens are swept up by such incidental surveillance, their identities are normally masked in intelligence reports, to protect their privacy, unless there is a compelling government interest in unmasking them.

Nunes claimed that he had seen intelligence reports in which Trump team members were unmasked, for no discernible intelligence purpose.

The House Intelligence Committee chair proceeded to further educate consumers of right-wing media on the dire threat posed by gratuitous unmasking. Meanwhile, Nunes canceled a hearing scheduled for Tuesday, at which former acting attorney general Sally Yates was scheduled to testify about the firing of Michael Flynn  much to the dismay of Trumps Justice Department. These actions spurred so much partisan rancor within the Intelligence Committee, its investigation ground to halt.

All this made it look an awful lot like Nunes was helping the White House quash an investigation that was headed in a direction that the president didnt like.

And on Thursday, the New York Times lent further credence to that view:

A pair of White House officials played a role in providing Representative Devin Nunes of California, a Republican and the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, with the intelligence reports that showed that President Trump and his associates were incidentally swept up in foreign surveillance by American spy agencies



 Several current American officials identified the White House officials as Ezra Cohen-Watnick, the senior director for intelligence at the National Security Council, and Michael Ellis, a lawyer who works on national security issues at the White House Counsels Office and formerly worked on the staff of the House Intelligence Committee.

The fact that White House officials leaked the reports to Nunes is less than surprising, given everything we already knew. The more remarkable piece of the Times report may be this:

Officials said the reports consisted primarily of ambassadors and other foreign officials talking about how they were trying to develop contacts within Mr. Trumps family and inner circle in advance of his inauguration.

Apparently, Nuness bombshell revelation may not even be that Trump officials had their communications intercepted  but merely that intelligence reports did not disguise their names, when they were invoked by foreign agents. It is difficult to understand why this is supposed to be outrageous. Wouldnt there be intelligence value in conversations about a foreign governments strategy for currying favor with the incoming administration? And wouldnt revealing the names of the Trump associates mentioned in those conversations be necessary for comprehending them?

Even if the names were unmasked unnecessarily, its hard to understand why such a bureaucratic impropriety should take precedence over an investigation into an authoritarian regimes attempt to undermine American democracy.

Anyhow, the latter investigation appears to be moving forward. The Senate Intelligence Committee held its first public hearing on Russian interference Thursday. And ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, Adam Schiff, told CNN that he and Nunes have agreed to go forward with a previously scheduled closed hearing with Comey and National Security Agency Director Mike Rogers.

Schiff has also asked Nunes to reschedule an open hearing with Sally Yates. The chairman has not committed to doing so.
Photo: Marcus McDonald

Mattresses are a tough purchase  even if you get to try them out (thanks to 100-night return policies from many companies) or read reviews (like our very thorough tests). When you find yourself with one thats just a little too firm or too soft, or that makes you sweat through your sheets, a mattress topper can close the gap between the almost there and the just right.

According to Bill Fish, a sleep-science coach and co-founder of the sleep-products site Tuck, buying a mattress topper is a rather inexpensive method to fix an uncomfortable mattress without going through the process of purchasing a new mattress entirely. Joe Auer, founder of the review site Mattress Clarity, agrees: Some purchase one to revitalize an old bed that has lost its cushioning over time, or sometimes couples will disagree on the proper firmness of a bed and buy a mattress topper to place on one half of the bed. Whatever your reasons for buying a mattress topper, youll want one that offers the exact feel youre seeking  whether thats firm and supportive or soft and plush. We asked 13 sleep-product pros to guide us through the various options on the market and point out the best of each type. Use the links below to jump to the type of topper youre looking for, or read on to learn more about what to look for when youre shopping for one.

Note: All prices are for a queen-size topper unless otherwise noted.

Best overall | Best (less expensive) overall | Best fiber-filled | Best latex | Best cooling | Best hybrid | Best multi-zone | Best (less expensive) multi-zone | Best down| Best down-alternative | Best micro-coil | Best firm | Best soft

What to look for

Material: While there is some variety in firmness within mattress toppers made of the same material, the material is generally what determines a toppers feel. Firmness can affect not only ones comfort but also back health, explains Alex Savy, a sleep-science coach and founder of the sleep-product-review site SleepingOcean. In general, according to Savy, side sleepers should go with softer toppers, back sleepers with medium ones, and stomach sleepers with firm toppers. Since side sleeping is the most common sleeping position, its not surprising that most people purchase a mattress topper to make their bed softer, says Auer.

Memory foam, one of the most popular materials for mattress toppers, usually feels soft but can also sometimes run hot, so if you like the feel of foam, you may want to look for a cooling gel-infused variety or a topper with a fabric cover designed to react to your body temperature. Down-feather mattress toppers are soft and plush but can be more expensive and possibly trigger allergies, while down-alternative toppers offer the same softness in a hypoallergenic package. Fiber-filled mattress toppers (usually made from synthetic or polyester materials) are soft and often cheaper than down. Latex has a firmer feel and may be a good choice if your current mattress is too soft.

Thickness and density: The thickness, or height, of your mattress topper will also help determine how it feels. Typically ranging from one to five inches in height, thicker mattress toppers tend to feel plusher and offer a more noticeable difference compared to your bare mattress. Thinner mattress toppers can still feel comfortable but will make less of an impact. For memory foam fans, the density of your mattress topper is another important feature to note. The density refers to the weight per cubic foot and basically translates to how solid the foam is. Imagine a plastic bag filled with 100 packing peanuts, versus the same size bag filled with 50 packing peanuts. The bag of 100 will have a firmer and more dense feel, while the bag of 50 will still feel cushioned but not as supportive. Higher-density memory foam weighs about five pounds or more per cubic foot, while more moderate-density foam weighs around three to four pounds per cubic foot. Below, weve listed the thickness of each mattress topper, and the density when available, as not all brands provide that detail.

Cleaning: A mattress topper doesnt need to be washed as frequently as your sheets and pillow cases, but its still a good idea to clean it every couple of months. Some mattress toppers are entirely machine washable, though whether you can do that at home or have to drag it to the laundromat depends on the size of your machine (if you have one at all). Others have removable covers that are more manageable for cleaning.

Trial period and warranty: It might take a few nights to decide if you picked the right mattress topper. Sometimes what feels great on the first night can feel saggy or too firm after a week, so lots of companies offer extended trial periods (usually up to 100 nights) to give you some time to determine whether the topper is right for you. Some brands offer warranties that cover your topper from defects for additional months or years. Just be sure to read the fine print: Companies that offer 100-night trials on mattresses dont always offer the same terms on toppers, and return policies may vary depending on whether you buy the topper directly from the brand or from a third-party retailer like Amazon.

Best overall mattress topper

Tempur-Adapt Topper From $419 Memory foam | 3-inch thickness | Removable, machine-washable cover | Ten-year warranty Tempur-Pedic is a leader in the sleep industry, known for its responsive memory-foam mattresses and pillows. As of August 2022, the brand has upgraded and replaced our previous pick for the best overall mattress topper, the Tempur-Supreme, with the renamed Tempur-Adapt. Similar to its predecessor (which was recommended to us by Sleepopolis writer Sarah Ricco because it is exceptionally moldable and offers full-body pressure relief for sleepers of all styles), the Tempur-Adapt topper is made of Tempur-Pedics proprietary foam and designed to offer consistent pressure relief and support. At 3 inches thick, the Tempur-Adapt topper will add noticeable plushness to any mattress. (Meanwhile, if you are looking for one thats a bit more low profile, Tempur-Pedic also sells a 2-inch-thick memory-foam topper called the Tempur-Cloud.) Zoe Ettinger, a sleep-science coach and the editor of Sleepopolis, says that the foam Tempur-Pedic uses in its mattress toppers contours around your body almost as if its hugging you, noting that because it is denser than others on the market, it is also more durable. While the price of the renamed Tempur-Adapt is the same as the Tempur-Supreme topper, for an extra $80, you can now upgrade to a cooling cover. Both versions of the cover are removable and machine washable. From $419 at Tempur-Pedic Buy $300 at Amazon Buy

Best (less expensive) overall mattress topper

ViscoSoft 3 Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper From $200 Memory foam | 3-inch thickness, 3.5-pound density | Removable, machine-washable bamboo-rayon cover | 60-day trial, five-year warranty Like our best overall pick, this ViscoSoft mattress topper is made from high-density memory foam that experts say strikes the right balance between softness and support. Memory-foam mattress toppers are the most popular due to the fact that they add comfort and relieve pressure, according to Nick Robinson, the editor and publisher of the sleep-product review site Sleep Like the Dead. Robinson recommends this model with its three inches of plush memory foam. Its also a favorite of Keith Cushner, co-founder and general manager of Tuck. Its really solid in terms of durability, the quality of the foam, and the experience all of our testers have had with it, Cushner says. Even at the lower price point, it has premium features like a machine-washable bamboo-rayon cover and straps that hold the topper in place on your mattress. To help with cooling, the mattress is infused with pockets of gel that absorb and disperse body heat. From $200 at ViscoSoft Buy From $170 at Amazon Buy

Best fiber-filled mattress topper

Slumber Cloud Core Mattress Pad $244 $244 Fiber-filled | Thickness not listed | Machine washable | 60-night trial, 180-night warranty If you want a topper thats a bit firmer than memory foam  and without its tendency to retain heat  consider a fiber-filled mattress topper. Instead of being made from a solid block of foam, these are filled with synthetic or natural fibers that allow for more ventilation. The one downside of fiber toppers is they require more upkeep. If you dont maintain them by shaking and fluffing them, they might get compressed or lumpy in some areas, says Robinson. This fiber style from Slumber Cloud, recommended by two of our experts, stands out for its comfort and cooling properties. The topper is made from a proprietary viscose-based material called Outlast that was developed by NASA to regulate astronauts body temperatures in space. Outlast works by absorbing body heat and releasing it if your temperature drops. Heather Turgeon, a psychotherapist and co-author of The Happy Sleeper, often suggests the Slumber Cloud to her patients who have trouble with temperature regulation at night. Logan Block, former director of content at Sleepopolis, adds that its very durable. $244 at Slumber Cloud Buy

Best latex mattress topper

PlushBeds Natural Latex Topper From $288 Latex | 2-inch and 3-inch thickness | Spot clean | Nonreturnable, 5-year warranty Savy describes latex as more resilient than memory foam, meaning it will bounce back to its original shape quickly after you get up. Latex is firmer and more supportive rather than soft and mushy. Savvy, Fish, and Cushner like this all-natural latex topper from PlushBeds. Its available in two heights (two inches for those who want to feel their mattress underneath and three inches for those who prefer more cushioning) and four different firmness levels. The brand recommends Soft for back and side sleepers who like a plush feel, Medium for side sleepers looking for softness and support, the slightly denser Medium-Firm for back and stomach sleepers, and Extra-Firm for people who weigh over 250 pounds or prefer maximum support. The latex can soften a firm mattress but still give you some bounce, and the aerated feature allows for consistent airflow to keep the sleeper cool throughout the night, says Fish. Latex is naturally cooler than memory foam, but small ventilation holes in the PlushBeds topper are a nice touch for those who sleep especially hot on any material. Since its made from 100 percent natural latex, this topper is on the more expensive end, but Savy says its durability makes it worth the investment. From $288 at Plushbeds Buy

Best cooling mattress topper

ViscoSoft 4-Inch Active Cooling Memory-Foam Mattress Topper $300 $300 Memory foam | 4-inch thickness | Removable, machine-washable cover | 60-night trial, five-year warranty This ViscoSoft mattress topper has all the benefits of our best (less expensive) overall pick, and it comes with some added frills youll appreciate if staying cool is your top priority. Annie Schlecht, an occupational therapist and sleep consultant, explains that the toppers copper-infused foam draws heat away from the body and dissipates it into the environment. It has a sweat-wicking (and machine-washable) cover thats designed to keep you dry, and it feels cool to the touch. Riccio adds that this ViscoSoft model offers a classic memory-foam feel, but the copper infusion serves to dissipate body heat and prevent the foam from warming up. $300 at Amazon Buy $300 at Amazon Buy

Best hybrid mattress topper

Birch Living Plush Pillow Topper From $300 From $300 Wool-latex hybrid | 3-inch thickness | Spot clean |100-night trial, ten-year warranty A pillow-top mattress topper made from all organic materials, this model from Birch Living blends wool and latex for a plush yet supportive feel. Since this topper contains latex (like the PlushBeds one above), Auer says it shouldnt sag the way memory foam is known to do. The high-density wool offers similarly lasting firmness. And though you might associate wool with warmth, it actually excels at temperature regulation (one reason its a popular material for activewear), so this topper wont leave you sweaty. Cushner says wool wont trap heat, adding, If anything, it can wick away heat. The top layer is made from cool-to-the-touch organic cotton, but just a heads-up: Its not removable or machine washable, so youll have to spot-clean this topper. From $300 at Birch Buy

Best multi-zone mattress topper

GhostBed Memory-Foam Topper $429 Gel memory foam | 3-inch thickness | Machine washable cover and spot clean topper | Nonreturnable, 5-year warranty If youre waking up with back pain or achy joints, a multi-zone topper, composed of different densities of foam, may provide relief. This type of topper is designed to provide targeted support to the parts of the body that need it most no matter what position you sleep in; Savvy explains that each zone responds differently to the sections of ones body. Heavier parts sink in, while the rest is supported in a relatively straight line. As chiropractors told us when we researched the best pillows for neck pain, maintaining proper alignment while sleeping is key to minimizing aches and pains. Plus the GhostBed topper boasts some classic memory-foam cooling features like gel-infused foam and increased ventilation to promote airflow. $429 at GhostBed Buy

Best (less expensive) multi-zone mattress topper

Lucid 5-Zone Lavender Memory-Foam Mattress Topper From $85 Memory foam | 3-inch thickness, 1.9-pound density | Spot-clean with a damp cloth | 30-day return policy on Amazon, three-year warranty At under $100, this topper isnt just the cheapest option on our list, its also a surprisingly good dupe for the pricier GhostBed one above. At the lower price point, you sacrifice the gel infusion for cooling and the machine-washable cover, but youll still get a solid memory-foam topper with different density zones to support your whole body. This topper has five body zones that provide extra pressure relief in certain areas to help level you out across the mattress and maximize comfort, says Ben Trapskin, founder of the Sleep Sherpa. Trapskin likes the lavender-infused fragrance of this topper, which offsets the chemical smell that sometimes accompanies memory foam. It provides a fresh-smelling mattress for many months to come, he says. From $85 at Amazon Buy From $89 at Bed Bath & Beyond Buy

Best down mattress topper

Parachute Down Mattress Topper From $289 Down | 3-inch thickness | Dry-clean only | Free returns within 60 days, three-year warranty For that traditional hotel-bed feel, Logan Foley, the managing editor at Sleep Foundation, says you have to go with down, and he specifically recommends this topper from Parachute. Natural down is known for being ultraplush and lightweight, lending a luxurious softness to any bed. Robert Pagano, a co-founder of sleep-product review site Sleepline, also likes Parachutes version, which he says envelops sleepers without any of the heat-retaining properties of memory foam. Down toppers will need regular fluffing to keep the filling in place, but this one has the added benefit of sewn baffle-box construction to prevent filling from shifting around as you sleep. The downsides of down include the potential for irritating allergies and the occasional feather poke-through. Additionally, this mattress topper is dry-clean only, which makes cleaning a little more difficult. From $289 at Parachute Buy

Best down-alternative mattress topper

Parachute Down-Alternative Mattress Topper From $249 Down-alternative microfiber | 3-inch thickness | Dry-clean only | Free returns within 60 days, three-year warranty Designed to feel like down, down-alternative toppers (which are typically made from microfiber) are a good alternative to the real thing if you have allergies or want to save some money. Experts love this topper from Parachute for many of the reasons they recommend the brands down style: marshmallow softness, baffle-box construction, and a 100 percent cotton shell. Savy says its likely one of the best-selling toppers on the market right now because its hypoallergenic, durable, and generously stuffed. Strategist contributing writer Lauren Levy got a chance to try this mattress topper firsthand and reported that she felt herself gently melting and folding into it when falling asleep, and she woke up feeling lightly sandwiched between layers of plushness. Like its down counterpart, this Parachute topper is dry-clean only. From $249 at Parachute Buy

Best micro-coil mattress topper

Charles P. Rogers Real Bed Mattress Topper From $620 Micro-coils and latex | 2.5-inch thickness | Spot-clean | Nonreturnable, no warranty details If youre new to sleeping on memory foam or another type of all-foam mattress and missing the bounciness of your old innerspring mattress, Cushner suggests this topper. It combines supportive latex with a layer of tiny nano-springs and feels a little cooler than straight memory foam does. While Cushner admits it wont transform a foam mattress into a spring one, its an option if you prefer that bouncier feel. From $620 at Charles P. Rogers Buy

Best firm mattress topper

Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper From $549 Wool-latex hybrid | 2-inch thickness | Spot-clean | One-year trial (with a 30-day minimum), 10-year warranty Firm mattress toppers are ideal for people who are managing body pains and aches or just need some extra support. This organic latex mattress topper by Avocado is rated as medium-firm and designed to gently cradle your body. Similar to the Birch Living Plush Topper above, it is layered with moisture-wicking organic wool, organic latex, and cotton to create a buoyant sleeping surface that allows your body heat to dissipate. From $549 at Avocado Mattress Buy

Best soft mattress topper

Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper $250 Open-cell foam | 2-inch thickness | Machine washable cover and spot clean cover | 100-night sleep trial, 3-year limited warranty If your mattress is too firm for your liking or has become less comfortable over time, adding the two-inch Tuft and Needle mattress topper can give it a boost. This topper is made of cushiony, bouncy open-cell foam that is designed to respond to your bodys movement and offer pressure relief while allowing air to circulate. Unlike some memory foam options, this topper is less likely to trap your body heat, and the removable and machine washable poly-blend cover adds an extra soft and cooling layer. $250 at Target Buy $250 at Tuft & Needle Buy

Our experts

 Joe Auer, founder of Mattress Clarity

 Logan Block, former director of content at Sleepopolis

 Keith Cushner, co-founder and general manager of Tuck

 Zoe Ettinger, sleep-science coach and editor of Sleepopolis

 Bill Fish, sleep-science coach and co-founder of Tuck

 Logan Foley, managing editor at Sleep Foundation

 Robert Pagano, co-founder of Sleepline

 Sarah Riccio, senior writer at Sleepopolis

 Nick Robinson, editor and publisher of Sleep Like the Dead

 Alex Savy, sleep-science coach and founder of SleepingOcean

 Annie Schlecht, occupational therapist and sleep consultant

 Ben Trapskin, founder of the Sleep Sherpa

 Heather Turgeon, psychotherapist and co-author of The Happy Sleeper

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Angela Rye called Joe Walsh a bigot on air Wednesday night.

Angela Rye  the political commentator who famously rolled her eyes into the back of her head during an on-air discussion of Donald Trumps accomplishments  went well beyond facial expressions to criticize conservative radio host Joe Walsh last night. During a debate on CNN, Rye repeatedly called Walsh a bigot for saying the bar had been lowered for President Obama because hes black.

Did you or did you not say that the standard was lower because he was black? Rye asked. When Walsh replied that he absolutely had, Rye said, Thats what makes you a bigot, Joe.

Then host Brooke Baldwin asked Walsh to explain himself, and Ryes reactions got even more pointed. Are you going to say something while your mouth is moving? she asked him. Then, when Walsh said Obama hadnt been vetted or criticized like all of our other presidents, Rye let out an oh my god, are you kidding me?

I am tired of people telling me that black people are beneath a standard when we have to be twice as good all the time, she added. Im not interested in having a dialogue with someone like Joe, who has demonstrated a propensity towards bigotry, and he did that on Twitter yesterday, in 140 characters or less.

Its worth watching the whole exchange, which ends with Baldwin saying she had no idea it would go this way.
Dascha Polanco. Photo: David Ralph

Dascha Polanco does not have the luxury to waste time. Between filming for Orange Is the New Black, trying her hand at theater again in Tell Hector I Miss Him, showing designers what theyre missing out on when they pass her over (remember the time she showed up at NYFW in nothing but a custom-made bodysuit by the Blonds and a embellished duster coat in homage to Selena Quintanilla?), and raising two kids, its easy to see why. The Dominican Republicborn actress moved to New York at the age of 2, and hustling comes naturally. Being an immigrant, coming to America when I was so young, being able to work and to set my own goals to succeed, I find myself to be very proud to be doing what I love in New York while inspiring and influencing brown and black women.

Polanco never considered herself a working actress before OITNB; in fact, she spent most of her 20s balancing three jobs and attending nursing school part time. I went to acting studios in my free time and I got the opportunity to book a couple of small roles prior to OITNB, she recalls. After I got the part in Orange Is the New Black, I remember asking some of my co-stars, What do you do? Because I worked after auditions. And they would say, What do you mean what I do? This is what I do. That was a moment of self-realization for me. I never thought that was possible; and from that moment I knew I could be a professional actress for the rest of my life.

Photo: David Ralph

Milly Slit Dress, $485 at Milly, Giuseppe Zanotti Heels, $795 at Giuseppe Zanotti

And of course when she found out she got the part of Dayanara Diaz, she cried. My manager called me while I was working a desk job at a hospital. I remember I was in my lab coat, it was freezing, she recalls. Once I got the call, I wasnt cold anymore. Honestly, I didnt tell anyone that I was actually in a show. And when I did mention it to some people, it was like, Oh, its just a Netflix thing. They didnt take it seriously. But for me it was, like crying nonstop because I didnt know what was going to happen. For me to be excited is one thing but for a manager to be excited is different. So I was thinking to myself, this has to be bigger than what I thought.

We laugh at how much her life has changed since then, as Polanco relays stories of receiving DMs on Instagram from people she went to high school with and getting stopped on the street. And things really changed for her when OITNB started garnering critical acclaim, receiving multiple Emmy, Golden Globe, American Film Institute, Peabody, and SAG nominations and awards, and, later, becoming Netflixs most-watched original series. Our show is a phenomenon, she says. To have such raw talent on such a big platform was something that never existed before. It was a show for all women  some experienced, some not  and gave me the opportunity to show that I am equally as talented as anyone else out there.

Photo: David Ralph

Christian Siriano Dress, $98 at Christian Siriano, Giuseppe Zanotti Heels, $650 at Giuseppe Zanotti

Season five, which premieres on June 9, is sure to be yet another binge-worthy weekend for fans. Polanco tells me its going to be one of the most powerful seasons ever. As a cast, were exhausted emotionally, mentally, because of whats going on in the show. Its going to be very interesting to see the audience reaction. Her character on OITNB, Dayanara, came in as the shy member of the Spanish Harlem crew, dealt with having C.O. John Bennetts baby (played by Matt McGorry) and is responsible for one of my favorite lines to the day, Fuck diamonds  I got spinach!

To see Dayanara develop as a human being has been amazing, Polanco says. At the beginning she was just this hopeless romantic. Now Im seeing layers and layers to this character. Shes a product of a lot of things young adults experience across ethnicities. And for the most part shes become a woman. Youve seen her as a teenager, artistic in her own little world to becoming a woman and to deal with these real-life issues that shes brought upon herself, but also she has been kind of brought into them without wanting to. They dynamic with her mother is positive at times, but also manipulative and not supportive at times. Im very lucky that Im still part of the show and that Im able to see her trajectory in prison but also how shes grown up incarcerated.

Photo: David Ralph

Christian Siriano Top, $750 at Farfetch, Milly Pants, $375 at Milly

And while on break from OITNB, Polanco was able to get back to her first love: theater. In high school and college she was only interested in stage acting, making her part in Tell Hector I Miss Him an even sweeter full-circle moment. The play centers around a neighborhood in Puerto Rico struggling with colonialism and poverty, while her character Malena navigates various love and relationship conflicts in an urban community. Polanco did a grueling eight shows a week. Theater is different than TV because you get one chance to display your emotions through the character, she says. Its a short run but I had a lot of fun because its a totally different experience with the live audience. I had to be so aware of everything  where I would cry, what my next move would be. The more I did it, the more I learned about myself. It felt like when you go to the Caribbean for the first time and you get hit with all this culture. And then you go home and its like, Wow, did that just happen?

Despite Polancos notoriety, (she has 2.2 million followers on Instagram alone) the fashion world has been slower to embrace her and other women who have had successful careers but dont fit the traditional aesthetic of blonde, thin, and tall. Publications love to interview Polanco, asking her about attending fashion shows and wearing custom pieces on the red carpet, but styled editorials have yet to come to fruition. Its been hard for me to work with beauty and fashion brands because they dont think I can sell a product or be a face, she says. But people will connect with me because Im giving you what it is; this is honest. Ive seen so many people physically alter themselves to be the face and get jobs. And its so hypocritical.

Photo: David Ralph

Roland Mouret Dress, $1,079 at The Outnet

No matter the uphill battle, Polanco says she really does enjoy fashion. Shes taken sartorial risks that worked in her favor, like wearing a vintage Jean Paul Gaultier tuxedo to this years SAG awards, and a long-sleeved, backless Michael Costello creation two years prior.

My mom used to make me skirts. Fashion is something thats within me and I love it. I dont want a designer to make me feel like Im a weird person, like Im not capable of rocking something and making it look beautiful because of my size. I want to have the freedom to say, Today I feel like wearing Dolce and Gabbana. Tomorrow I feel like wearing Versace. The day after that I feel like wearing Tracy Reese. It would be nice not to feel restricted in my choices just because the designer doesnt like my size.

Though its still disheartening to know that someone as talented as Polanco doesnt get the respect she deserves from the fashion industry, she tells me it doesnt irritate her anymore because its so predictable. I can see the steps of when theyre going towards rejection. You can tell when theyre dodging your phone calls, and you know when theyre not going to email you back. Before, I used to personalize it but now I can see right through them, and its better for me mentally to just realize that they havent gotten with the program and start to think of ways to create my own things and capitalize on these rejections. But we have to see more inclusion in magazines, ads, everything. It was cool to see what Lane Bryant did with Gabourey Sidibe but what about other brands? Its about having equal opportunities for everyone. Its not to discourage their Kate Moss; its to have a Kate Moss, a Tyra Banks, and curvy models included and not separate.

Photos by David Ralph Studio, Styling by Lindsay Peoples, Hair by Cynthia Alvarez, Makeup by Keita Moore.
Jared Kushner is shedding friends like dead skin cells. Photo: Pool/Getty Images

When Jared Kushner became one of his father-in-laws closest advisers, many who knew him believed hed be a moderating presence in a West Wing full of social conservatives  he is, after all, an Orthodox Jew who grew up in New Jersey. But according to an account in Business Insider, Kushner began to shed liberal friends like dead skin cells when it became clear he wasnt about to oppose Trumps policies.

Apparently, this has happened so often that Kushner has a name for it: exfoliating. He told one former friend and business partner that campaigning with Trump allowed him to exfoliate people. I am seeing which friendships break in the wind, he added.

He used the same term in an interview with Forbes after his father-in-law had been elected:

I call it an exfoliation. Anyone who was willing to change a friendship or not do business because of who somebody supports in politics is not somebody who has a lot of character.



People are very fickle, he adds. You have to find what you believe in, challenge your truths. And if you believe in something, even if its unpopular, you have to push with it.



Just watch out for those micro-tears, my dude.
Photo: Yuri Arcurs/Getty Images

Pamela Moss Blais, 55

Hospice Admissions Nurse

Norfolk, Virginia

As a hospice admissions nurse my job is to explain the process to new patients. Im the very first face they see as they embark on their journey. Thats what I call it, a journey. Since I admit patients I dont carry a caseload. I meet them once and then they float out of my life.

I was an ER nurse for 18 years. I saw patients who were resuscitated whether or not it was ethically correct. I saw families get hope when there was clearly none.

I found the resuscitation of terminal or very frail and old people very hard. If patients havent made a plan about what they want they will get resuscitated, including a 98-year-old woman who weighs 88 pounds and is clearly not going to survive. That came to really bother me. I use that experience handling peoples emotions to help me when Im talking to patients as a hospice admissions nurse.

In hospice, the family is your patient. Theyre truly living their darkest days. For many of them, this admissions meeting is an overwhelming process. Every emotion that they have inside of them that maybe even hasnt ever surfaced might come to the top. But I dont want families to cry.

During that first meeting I dont say: So this is what we do for people who are dying. I say: Hospice is not about dying. It is about living the remainder of your life how you want to. Not how I want you to, not how your husband, wife, daughters, or sons want you to, and not how the doctor wants you to, but how you want to.

If you think about the last time you went to the doctor, he probably said, Okay, this is what I think. These are the tests I want to run. Nobody asks you, What do you think? Does this sound reasonable? Do you want to do it? Nobody tells patients how their quality of life is going to go down the toilet when they get chemo. So its sometimes hard for patients to wrap their head around the idea that everything is their choice now, theyre driving the ship. Thats the mission of hospice.

I encourage my patients to live because I want them to know: This is not about assuming the sick role. This is about getting up every day, taking a shower, getting dressed  if you can do that  eating, going out with your family  whatever it is you want to do. I recently met with a patient who was a plane enthusiast. He wanted to go to some Top Gun show in Delaware. I encouraged him to go 

I believe that the people who are most successful at hospice are good observers. They can read vibes and figure out the situation before they say a word. Sometimes I meet with patients in the hospital. Sometimes theyre in a nursing home. Often they are in their home. Before I even begin to discuss hospice, I try to figure out the patients faith. Do they even have a faith? I dont ask directly  I do some detective work. If Im at their house I look for crosses or iconography. Ive seen people from all walks of life: Jewish, Buddhist, Jehovah Witness, Wiccan.

I think hard about my physical presentation. I dont want anything too flashy or festive. Today I have on blush and lipstick and a little bit of eyeliner, but its very conservative. So is my dress. I make sure theres no cleavage exposed or anything that would offend. Im Jewish, but I dont wear any religious jewelry. When I see someone dressed in scrubs that have Froot Loops on them or something, I say to myself, Really? You look like you are in pajamas.

My dad a pediatric allergist/immunologist in Norfolk. I used to go with him to the childrens hospital to watch. But the pivotal moment came the summer just before I graduated college, this was during the Carter administration. I was sitting by the local pool and overheard some women talking about all the cuts to education and how they might lose their jobs. I had studied special education and taught art at camp for mentally challenged kids, and I loved it. But would I have a job?

Then my brother who is a year older than me broke his neck when he was body surfing in the sea. He was 25 and home for the weekend from college. He suggested that I become a nurse, I spent so much time caring for him.

The other night I admitted a woman who has metastatic bladder cancer. I was instructing the family to give medicine, but I could tell they were nervous. They said they knew how to do it, but the mother was refusing. You could sense the stiffness and the fear in the room. And once I showed them how to do it, it was like an immediate Aha! Immediate relief. Because they realized, I can do that. I did that. These little tiny steps are big.

Theres so much information that has to be explained, I have to use my words very carefully. I want them to know there is a light. I want them to see that and feel it when I do my mission.

Sometimes the family members will ask, Well, what do I say to my mom? I cant say, Hey how was your day? I cant ask questions about the future. I say, Talk about the past. Talk about stories, trips you went on together. Ask them to tell you stories you have never heard. Talk about fun times. Thats how you comfort your loved ones when you dont know what to say.

There was a patient I admitted who had two daughters who work in the health-care field. They said something like, I checked her blood pressure. I said, Why did you do that? I dont want you to feel you have to assume the role of a nurse. I want you to be the daughter.

I want to know when I leave the house or the hospital or the nursing home that the family and the facility staff feels okay. Not great. Because theyre not going to feel great. But that they feel okay with the situation and that if anything happens, theyre going to reach out to us and were going to be there. If you sense a problem, even if its tiny, even if youre not sure its a problem, call us. We would rather you call us 20 times a day with a little tiny problem than let it escalate.

I spend a lot of my time alone in my car, traveling to see patients. Sometimes Im putting in over 100 miles a day, driving all over Virginia. On an eight-hour shift, I usually process two admissions. On a 12-hour shift, I can do three.

Ive been in the trenches. Ive worked in labor and delivery, Ive worked in the pediatric ICU, Ive worked in Medserv, Ive worked in home health, Ive worked for a cardiologist in an office setting. I worked in the ER. You cant be a nurse unless you care about people. Its exhausting in every way. Spiritually, psychologically, emotionally. Nursing has been my life. This is the unfortunate thing about nursing. I love nursing, but its extremely hard to find a work-life balance.

Ive been a nurse for 25 years and I dont even make $40 an hour. Youre on your feet for 12 to 14 hours a day, and rarely do you get a lunch or even a bathroom break. Most nurses work their entire career and never get a break. When people say,Theres such a nursing shortage, this is why. Its a struggle for the nursing profession as a whole and they still havent figured it out.

My hospice-admissions job is the first Ive ever had where I actually can say, Yknow, Im hungry. Im going to go to a WaWa and get a cheese stick. But still, the only thing that gets me through the work week is that Im off Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

I work Monday through Thursday, 40 hours  on paper. When I come home at night, I start in on the homework. Each admission is two to three hours of paperwork. Thats the killer. I spend the night buried in paperwork.

The company I work for is trying to rethink the flow of the documentation, but some of this stuff is based on federal requirements, the Medicare/Medicaid requirements, and all the insurance companies follow federal guidelines. Theyre not going to rework the wheel. These things have to be done right if we want to get reimbursed. Theres no shortcut.

But I cannot work 12 hour shifts anymore. I have a daughter in college and a 15 year old who I rarely see during the week. I told my boss, I need to be home at dinner time so I can get organized, so I can talk to my daughter. Shes a teenager. She needs her mother.

We struggled to be parents. I had seven pregnancies but I only have two children. Being a mother is still my dream. I dont want other people doing my job. Our other daughter was very sick a couple years ago. That was actually why I left the ER. And I told my husband, You might put your job before us. But Im never going to do it. Ill be working at McDonalds before I put my job before my family. Luckily right now, my boss understands the struggle.

A lot of nurses feel like they dont have value. I will admit its hard when you feel worthless. Ive tried to make an impact with every job Ive ever done but rarely got accolades. A couple of weeks ago, I really thought about leaving hospice. Im tired. Im fed up.

And then all of a sudden, people are telling me I do a good job. People have started copying the way I put my notes in. I got a little promotion and was asked to be a mentor. Its been hard for me to accept it. Its just so odd after so many years trying to climb the ranks in health care. I called my husband and said, Something suspicious is going on. People are complimenting me. Why all of a sudden now? I took it as a sign that, for now, I will stay in hospice. Maybe Im truly having an impact.

Sometimes, Im taking care of people who are my age or younger. Imagine being robbed of your life during your 50s. You have every right to be the angriest person in the world. Youre going to die, you see it. The end of the tunnel  you can see it. I cant see the end of my tunnel. Im not dying. These people know its coming. It might not be next month, but its going to be in the next six months. If you were told today you had six months to live, just think how differently you would look at your life  That gives me perspective. I regularly think, Is my life really that bad? Im having a bad day, but is it that bad? Am I this person? Am I dying?
bummer. She can definitely do better though

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Can she though? It's not like she's an Olympic gold medalist.

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shut up u don't even have eyebrows

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She can still least find someone who doesn't have receding hairline.



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Looks wise maybe, but damn if this dude ain't incredibly accomplished in his life lol.

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Really? I was looking at that picture and thinking that she looked like the Asian version of him

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mte

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Awww. That sucks.

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https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/07/fashion/weddings/on-the-campaign-trail-love-doesnt-always-win.html?_r=0 tbh, I'd guess they went through something similar to the "campaign goggles" mentioned here:

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She was my absolute favorite growing up. I cried when I saw her on one of those tours after the Olympics.



And I'm going to start a gay rumor with that "new direction in her life" part of his comment. Hit me up Michelle. I'd be a great wife.

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This is my assumption now that you've said it

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Lmao, yessss! I want her to be gay...I've always had a thing for her. Hit me up, Michelle. ;)

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saaaame to all this and I love your theory!

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Can't win at the Olympics, can't win at love. SAD! Pobrecita.

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michelle kwan is/was/will always be my figure skating queen

idk what she's doing now that she's off the clinton campaign but from her instagram it seems mostly like a lot of yoga

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i thought this was about michelle phan and was so confused

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I always see cute minority women with basic white guys lol



He seems accomplished though and put together so at least he has that.



Also Michelle was my kween growing up! I literally idolized her.



Edited at 2017-03-30 12:26 am (UTC)

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omg, i know.

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One night I was out in a gay club and the place was legit filled with white guys and their ethnic boyfriends. I couldn't help but stand there and judge the ones who were clearly with the guy solely because he's white.

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http://www.whosdatedwho.com/dating/michelle-kwan She loves rich guys with a certain face:

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Lol I mean she gave me those only dates whites vibe but lmao at it being confirmed

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i wouldn't say i'm cute but i'm a minority and i love my mayo face husband <3 he knows that white people ain't shit tho.

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Ikr? I always feel a bit bad for them because they can do so much better (looks wise) than these boring white boys and then i immediately feel bad for thinking that because I don't know them lmao

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i thank his grandpa for my pell grants. that is all.

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that photo is fucking creepy. he kinda looks like a ventriloquist doll imo.

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The photo just screams "Cory, have you been reading Couples Magazine?"

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pell grants are a gift from god i will thank this guy on his behalf and weep a bit at the loss of love for the two of them.

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"The couple's Prius was the center of a mini-controversy in Rhode Island in 2014. Kwan had reported her Prius stolen in February. It was found five weeks later. It wasn't the first time the car had gone missing: Pell had reported the car stolen in December 2013. He found it a day later, where he'd left it, outside a CVS."



http://www.providencejournal.com/news/20170329/clay-pell-files-for-divorce-from-michelle-kwan This comment is rather interesting:"The couple's Prius was the center of a mini-controversy in Rhode Island in 2014. Kwan had reported her Prius stolen in February. It was found five weeks later. It wasn't the first time the car had gone missing: Pell had reported the car stolen in December 2013. He found it a day later, where he'd left it, outside a CVS."

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lol sis i have some political tea via work that you would probably enjoy but lemme dm you cause i dont wanna share it in public like this

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maybe it's like that time Dick Button got mugged in Central Park...

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this gif lmao

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lmao

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wat

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????



Lol what

i will refrain from coming up with crazy theories bc of my love for her.

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lol did he forget where he parked or something?

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is cvs the new target? do ppl lose all track of time when entering and leaving them?

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He found it a day later, where he'd left it, outside a CVS.



omg I'm yelling and if finding this hilarious makes me a bad person then so be it. XD

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I was obsessed with her growing up.

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Michelle Kwan was one of my faves when I was little.

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Omg! This is shocking tbqh. But then again, they always struck me as an odd couple. Whatever, Michelle for president!

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this sounds like that new show from melissa mccarthy

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that show looks so bad. i wish she'd stop working with her husband.

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Man whatever I find his laugh endearing.

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I love his laugh

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A thing of nightmares.

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They are probs better writers than Seth anyway

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This reminds me of that one screenwriter who worked on Felicity who said she was 19 when she was really like 31.

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I think about that story once in a great while.

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does she now write for Younger?

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I cant tell if your making a joke or asking a real question.

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lmao

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lol

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OMG, I remember that

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Riley something

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damnn i totally forgot about that

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An icon!



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I really, really wanted this job recently so I read a book about Design Thinking because the manager was all about it, interviewed a friend who works in the department about the job, and spent two days perfecting my entry into their "challenge" they said to maybe spend an hour on. Still didn't get the job or even an explanation why. Kind of sucks because I know my friend gave me a good recommendation too.



I probably won't try so hard next time so I won't be so disappointed.

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It probably went to someone's friend's kid.

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lol lbr this is probably true

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I'm sorry :( Do you have a link to the book?

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that's a fun pun tho

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this. like somebody else said, these guys are probably better writers, anyway. lol

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Yep

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alright, how many of you gave the suck to get hired?

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lmao

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I could see this whole scenario being the basis of a Seth Rogen buddy comedy tho.

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the script title is pretty good tho

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Seth just might write a movie about these two

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lol and what, they thought the script was so ~brilliant whoever was interested in it wouldn't mind it actually isn't by seth rogen after all? stupid plan

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it's probably a good thing to have on the top of a Google search tho

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I have poetry on a dead website that I submitted when I was an emo 14 year old that comes up first page when you google my very weird unique name.

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i've never been desperate for a job tbh

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About a year ago, I printed a stack of resumes 2 inches thick, parked on one end of downtown Houston and walked into almost every floor of every building handing them out.



Edited at 2017-03-30 02:55 am (UTC)

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Did it work

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ditto on this question

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Yes and no. A passing lawyer recognized what I was doing (and heard me ranting and raving on the phone to a relative after a full morning of being looked down the nose by one snotty secretary after another) and after taking me to both his office and lunch to get to know me, told me about a few openings at his firm I'd be perfect for. The pay was amazing and would have been the end of all my problems.



He said it was up to their new, by the books HR girl to actually make the offer and despite my having one informal phone interview with her and him constantly prodding her to give me a call/the job, she wouldn't give me the time of day after that. I ended up having to move back in with my grandmother in a tiny town just north of Fort Worth.



I had an apartment lined up and everything. I miss Houston.

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Can this be a book post?

I love book clubs in theory, but I suck at participating in them :(



What is everyone reading? I'm reading Perspective in Action because I'm trying to get back into drawing, and also Generation Kill and The Elon Musk Blog Series: Wait But Why.



Is anyone here going to participate in the 24 hour readathon? Sign ups are open now :)

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Yeah I can't even do goodreads, I'd be terrible at book clubs too.



I'm re-reading Yes Minister atm, it's an old fave and really suits my current mood over shit parliamentary democracies do.

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I just ordered my copy of The Handmaid's Tale.

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I'm reading The Yellow Wallpaper and Other Writings by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and The Copywriter's Handbook by Bob Bly. I'm trying to find a book for April's theme for the reading challenge.

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i just finished lincoln in the bardo which took me longer than i wanted it to



i'm now reading exit west and loving it

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Just finished Hard to be a God which I recommend to everyone. It's a scifi book about a guy from earth who is sent to monitor the progress on an alien planet where the alien life force is exactly like humans in every way except they're stuck in the middle ages and haven't had an enlightenment.



It's pretty good!

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Wasn't there a movie a couple years ago based on that? It looked pretty interesting

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That sounds amazing, ty

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same, i feel like i suck at bookclubs bc i never care for the choice or have a hard time choosing a book if it's a theme. i'm currently reading reviving ophelia & the underground railroad.

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i would really love a book club where you all read whatever you want, but at the end of the month have wine and cheese and discuss your own personal experience with the book you read. maybe themes like "romance" or "dystopian future", but you decide what you read within that theme.

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I'm reading The Boys in the Boat...for my book club, lol. I run it (fancy~), but I try to keep it super-casual; I feel like no one wants to feel pressured into finishing something or showing up for the discussion if they're not in the mood. People are always sending me messages like "I'm SO SORRY, I can't make it tonight!!" and I'm like "...lol do whatever you want, it's not an MFA program!"

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I'm terrible at participating, too.



I'm reading Bel Canto, and I wish I liked it more than I do. I'm reading it steadily, but it's not too hard to put down. I'm really reading it because Ken Watanabe will be in the movie and I wanted to check out his character. It's not showing me he'll have much to work with so far.



Other than that I'm waiting in line for a copy of a book about Princess Diana because of that Feud post about their divorce. It's been tied up for weeks.

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I just finished The Summer That Melted Everything by Tiffany McDaniel. I highly recommend.

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currently reading The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. it's gorgeously written, but the treatment of women is distracting.

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im trying to get back into reading too, so reading a lot of easy/fluffy things right now. Just finished Garden Spells, which was really cute, and about to start The Rosie Project

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I just finished a conjuring of light by v.e. schwab. It was. disappointing. trying to pick what i'll read next

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Are they ever gonna announce Scream Queens cancellation

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They should bring back Chad from the first season.

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He was killed at their wedding

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My co-worker asked me to be in an on-line book club but I don't get it

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Ew be wary, this guy at my work asked me that too but then just expected me to read all his erotic friend fiction starring me

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if I could I would wear a different pair of glasses every day tbh. have at least 5 to change it up during the month lol I dont recognize myself without glasses lol its weird.



glasses may be cool now but for a while when I was a teen and had braces and glasses, life was not easy lol

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I can relate. I've been wearing glasses since I was 10 y/o. My time at middle school was a nightmare.



Edited at 2017-03-30 11:45 am (UTC)

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Yeah lol when I got them in grade 4, it was not a good time for me :( and then braces in grade 7

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I would love that. I've had the same pair for 2 years and I have to get my butt to the eyedoctors and get checked again and get a new pair

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Same here.

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im finally going to get new glasses this weekend- mine are basically unwearable at this point

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is it hard on your eyes? I feel like my eyes need time to adjust to different glasses

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I do need some time. but not that much. I imagine if I had a lot of glasses I would keep using the same one.

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I just got glasses for the first time in my life (in my 30s) and I fucking hate having to wear them. I hope I can get contacts soon before I forget what I look like without them.

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Only 5? Lol I currently have 17ish glasses right now. But I'm also an optician so like it's kinda my job lol. Also I need some one to id Lenny's glasses on legion. I need them in my life ASAP

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Book post damnit! I'm always late to book posts .__.



ONTD, please help me out! I'm desperate for fantasy (and horror) novels with female protagonists, but with little to no romance and with no/very few rape scenes, if that's even possible. I'm starting to think I'm looking for a f-cking unicorn here...

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A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay has a female protagonist and there's no romance because the majority of the book takes place whens she's about 8 or so. Stephen King's Carrie from what I remember had no rape, no romance, just a lot of mean teenagers and a batshit mother.

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Thanks, I'll check out A Head Full of Ghosts! I've read Carrie and I think is one of King's better novels.

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Fantasy - equal rites by terry pratchett

Horror - the girl with all the gifts (for god's sake stay away from the movie)

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His Dark Materials fits the bill if you're looking for fantasy (protagonist is 11 when the story starts so no romance just then)

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do you read YA fantasy at all? a lot of it has romance (but not all!), but there's generally not ott violence against women

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Anything by Shirley Jackson tbh and White is For Witching by Helen Oyeyemi is super creepy with multiple female protagonists.

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Seraphina has a tiny bit of romance but it's subdued and secondary. It's a cute book about dragons.

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This is kind of late, but I really enjoyed Swerve by Vicki Pettersson. Definitely not all about love.

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I easily could wear a different pair of fake glasses everyday for 3 months before I start repeating pairs. They look nice on me. Most of the pairs I have now do serve purposes that help protect eyes from the sun and from computer strain. Like they have the blue light blocking coating. I had one hipster dude at work look upset when I told them my glasses werent real. Like sorry bruh. Sorry my eyes work just perfectly. Just like you dress like an Amish person for fashion,I wear fake glasses.

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does hipster dude wear prescription glasses?

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He doesn't! He wears no glasses or contacts. And hus style is a weird mix of Amish and instagram girl. Like homeboy wears dutch braids and his white self has a native american woman tattoo. Plus he's moving to China in 3 months to 'find himself amongst the zen and ancient teachings'<---- that is a direct quote. Like bruh you better look at your own life before you ever try to come at me for my fake glasses.

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Has she learned to keep her hands to herself?



Anyways I finished Jamie Attenberg's newest release over the weekend, All Grown Up. What a terribad book. Awful, self-centered, pathetic main character and the book had no actual ending. I still don't know what I'm reading for April for the book challenge. I'm thinking about Midnight Cowboy but I'm still looking.

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ooo i almost got all grown up so now i'm glad i didn't

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i really don't get the praise for this book. the blurb, the jacket, and the little quotes about how forward and modern this book is? literally the opposite. it's ridiculous.

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So many people in Japan told me I'd look better without glasses and if I took them off I'd get a boyfriend for sure but??? Glasses are in style now! Even in Japan. But not if you actually need them I guess.

Contacts freak me out and I don't wanna get laser. I'm fine with glasses, they are part of my image at this point.



Anyway I don't even care about her but I picked a book she recommended for the March ONTD reading challenge.

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Which book is that?

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Station Eleven :)

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Are they in style in general or is it only specific frames?

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I;m always impressed by people who have jobs and lives and still read a ton. Obviously it's possible but clearly I'm doing something wrong. It took me 3 months to read "It". :/







I want to read Birdsong since it is supposedly a modern classic but you know, I've got to think twice about where I'm gonna sink my next two-ish months of reading time (lol).

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Wasn't "It" about 6,000 pages??? (judging by the edition they have my library). Maybe audiobooks or ebooks are more your style. I enjoy the tactile part of physical books but carrying them around on the train is a hassle. Ebooks are a great way to always have something to do.

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LOL close, I think it was 1050.



I love the idea of audio books in theory but when I tried a few I found it harder to keep my mind from drifting than with a traditional book. And I really like physical books too.

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i don't drive so i do a tonne of reading on public transit, but i think it's just hard for people to commit to a whole book when there are [no shade or sarcasm intended] so many interesting articles to read online. i read ontd, etc. in the morning w breakfast, and read physical books at night. also: the beach, the park, slow work day, etc. reading is so important!

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Ok I've looked through her insta and I don't really buy that she reads all that. More likely she gets paid to promote the books (lots of celebs are) and is trying to ~brand herself as a reader (like Reese W did)

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my ideal life would be getting paid to promote books

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Get your #bookstagram in order!

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OMG i'm reading bellefleur by joyce carol oats and i'm so into it. i read american appetites by her earlier this year (tho i took a brief margaret attwood break in the middle.) i previously had only read her short stories but i was a huge fan. soooo ya female authors rule and it's annoying af when ppl front like there are none out there writing trippy ass dark ass shit

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Read Foxfire! I love her short stories, have you read Beasts?

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nope, i'll add it to the list!

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dude her short story "Martyrdom" done fucked me right up (it's in the "Haunted" collection), I was 16 when I read it :/

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omggggg Bellefleur is my shit, what chapter are you on? I've reread it 2 1/2 times, lol. "Blonde" also by JCO is very good as well. But yes, I loved Bellefleur, I got to do a paper on it in college and I was over the moon haha

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I had two pairs of glasses, but I somehow lost one of them a couple of weeks ago :/ I've got plenty of contacts though so I'm not worried, just annoyed bc they weren't cheap.



as for reading, I'm slow af these days so it can take me weeks or months to read books. I used to like reading for a bit before bed but I seem to be so tired by the time I get there that I just don't bother.

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Yess Joan Didion I need to pick that up

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When I was 14 I started noticing things were slightly blurry far away so I went to the eye doctor bc I thought I would look good with glasses. I ended up having a slight astigmatism and they prescribed me the lowest prescription glasses you could get.



Also, I just started The Girl Before

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OR YOU COULD HAVE JUST DONE THE SNOW QUEEN

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Yeah why didn't they?

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Because it's been done like 10 times.

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I love the Bridget Fonda version of that story, so much.

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Ah, what could have been.

I'm surprised that not even the first draft seems to have had any semblance of being a Snow Queen adaptation.

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exactly



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For feckin real

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since we're on the topic of disney movies, why is Mulan the only live-action movie that is getting so many changes? like beauty and the beast kept the same story and had songs, Mulan will not have Shang nor any songs ?!?!?!!?!?!?! is it because its a movie that will be filled with POC and they feel like they have more leeway or they are afraid China will get mad?

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isn't Mulan super campy though? Maybe they thought making it serious would tone it down \_()_/

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i still want ma songs and SHANG

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all disney movies are super campy

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No Shang!!!!????

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i can go behind the no songs thing, BUT NO LI SHANG. DISHONOR ON YOUR COW.

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NO SHANG?????? MY ICON CAN'T CONVEY MY IRRITATION WITH THIS NEWS

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No Shang?!

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Mulan is gonna suck. I had built animated Mulan up to mythic proportions and now I'm mad Disney is not honoring it! They need to get that BatB is blowing up at the box because it is a true LA remake of the original.

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justice for the Snow Queen

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This movie would have been better if they had spent a little more time on it. I still don't understand why we got that whole scene of Kristoff seeing Anna being healed by the trolls at the beginning of the movie, only for him to not recognize her later? I thought there was going to be a whole realization moment. Idk. I only saw it once so maybe I'm forgetting something.

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Yeah, they were rewriting it up until the last minute and it shows in both the story and the animation.

"Eternal Winter!" Anna, it has been a DAY.

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the story really wasn't very good and you can tell it was rushed.

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i still don't get kristof's backstory.



like, in the beginning we saw him and the baby reindeer with the ice-cutters - how did he lose his family and wind up with the trolls???

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I thought he got left behind when they all sledded away at the end of the song?

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That bothers me every time I have to watch it(I have two kids so it's either that or Finding Dory. Thankfully Dory has been more popular lately lol) they never discuss his family or why he's been living with trolls for most of his life.

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I just assumed he had already been orphaned at some point and the ice guys let him come and work with them so he would at least grow up knowing a trade



then that troll said "cuties, I'm gonna keep you" so I guess he started living with the trolls but still kept working for Big Ice

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I mean she's still a character people have no emotional connection to besides "I too can run away from my problems and responsibilities and sing about it"

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The American dream tbh

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You're right tbh. She doesn't actually do a whole lot.

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I give her credit for acting like a responsible guardian and refusing to let her sister marry a guy she's known for all of one evening.

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Y'all really wanted that basic Dreamworks straight to DVD Snow Queen plot? k

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It sounds like they were ultimately trying to create a version of the Snow Queen little boys could relate to, which resulted in Frozen.

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Really? I thought Frozen was girl power through and through.

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This is the most ridiculous argument yet

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There's a reason why "The Snow Queen" turned into "Frozen", and "Rapunzel" turned into "Tangled". js

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Reading about the "sisters summit" made my day when I read the article yesterday tbh

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https://www.amazon.com/Duck-283420-Disney-Licensed-Frozen-featuring/dp/B00KKV182I Why is there Frozen branded duct tape?

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"It is duck tape and my 2 year old loved it. We put it on her marshmallow gun."



Well, there you have it.

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What doesn't exist as frozen branded ... I'm pretty sure you could have a whole frozen-themed house. (I mean, there HAS to be a refrigerator.)

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Yo the last time I went to target I was looking for duct tape and it was honestly harder to find normal silver duct tape than it was to find One Direction duct tape.

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https://www.amazon.com/Duck-281972-Direction-Printed-Inches/dp/B00BDNJ1RQ I have the One Direction duct tape. It's quite handy.

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This overrated KARAOKE whore movie ....

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I'm glad they changed it. I like the fear thing and that they are sisters. I just dont like the trolls. their song is boring.

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such a bad movie

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thank god they did (the scorned woman is old as fuck and sexist), i liked the version we had, it was a cute story about 2 sisters

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same, plus it's much more believable that they're that way because they're sisters who can't quite get each other.

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rme @ the ~scorned woman thing; I adore female villains, but that's just about my least favorite reason for having them be evil. (Rape backstory is similarly not cute. Looking @ you, 300: Rise of an Empire.)



I've seen this movie beginning-to-end exactly once, but I do remember being pleased that the "true love" was actually between the sisters and not about some flop man.

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I would give my firstborn for a female villain who

a) hasn't been jilted

b) hasn't been socially outcast

c) hasn't suffered abuse or assault

d) doesn't want to stay young forever

e) doesn't want to bang the hero

f) has more skills than just seducing the good guys

g) isn't an evil matriarch

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"I don't wanna be remembered as th worst early 21st century president" whispered George W Bush as the last finger closed on the monkey's paw  Kathleen Jacques (@kathmachine) February 10, 2017



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This

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Ellen has really been stepping on my last nerve now for a while.

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this is the narrative ppl have been spinning since he started painting dogs and it's fucking wild

i see a lot of it on tumblr especially and i think it's probably b/c the youths r too youth-y 2 remember him in office

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I mean a lot of people think Reagan and Bush Sr were great presidents too.

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THIS. Thank you.

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Totally agree. GWB belongs in jail.

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Watching Jedidiah talk about how much humility and likability he had made me gag. As if it forgives his disgusting policies.

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pure truth

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MTE, I've seen that shit on tumblr and even here, people saying that Bush wasn't actually that bad and that he is a ~cute grampa, like son, fucking Iraq war, and that wasn't even the only thing he did, I can't with some people tbh.

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thank you. Seeing liberals express nostalgia and affection towards this man makes me want to vomit

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I came in here to say the exact same thing!!!



First and foremost George W. Bush is a WAR CRIMINAL so this shit of him being a loveable Painter and Michael's BFF needs to end full stop!!



The way the media and liberals are welcoming him back is disturbing as fuck!!



Will people welcome the orange fucker the same way in 10yrs time?! Will he be on Ellen laughing at cutesy memes of himself?!

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I frequently remind myself that Bill Clinton is a rapist.

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Having lived in Pakistan under the Bush era can confirm that he was legit worse than all the others combined for Pakistan and Afghanistan.



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People were getting all sappy about Nixon again shortly before he died, too. I guess once another president dips lower than one worst one before it makes the second most horrible person seem okay...It's sad.

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also don't forget how he let thousands of people die in Katrina without sending help

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here's jeff corwin (blast from the past!) discussing the border-wall's possible effects on wildlife



Frank talk w/ @CBSNews on Trump's butchering of EPA, climate change denial & border-wall is a wildlife catastrophe! https://t.co/czXOBwq6G2  Jeff Corwin (@jeffcorwinlive) March 29, 2017







Edited at 2017-03-30 04:22 pm (UTC) 'cuz this is a politics posthere's jeff corwin (blast from the past!) discussing the border-wall's possible effects on wildlife

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I used to be very attracted to Jeff Corwin for some reason. Glad he has his head on straight.

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he was a pretty good looking guy (for a nature conservationist) when he was younger! no one's crushing on jack hanna or that long haired marine biologist whose name escapes me atm.

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He was hot when he was younger.

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I had a huge crush on him when I was in high school lol. He's decent looking, funny, and cares about animals. How could you not love him?

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When he'd go shirtless when he would be in the water *wet*

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I can't wait until Texan's turn on the administration and sues them for trying to pull imminent domain on all the land they need for this dumb fucking wall.

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And the energy department banned the words "climate change," "emissions reduction" & "Paris Agreement." smfh

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his show was (is?) always so fun

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On top of the ecological disaster of this bullshit wall, there are a number of important Native American archeological resources that would be fucked over. Because we aren't doing that enough.

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Ryan won't commit to holding another vote on healthcare bill https://t.co/umIaPyPOQZ pic.twitter.com/YAT1cODfN5  The Hill (@thehill) March 30, 2017





I get to breathe easy for like 5 minutes before I worry again.



Edited at 2017-03-30 04:26 pm (UTC) I get to breathe easy for like 5 minutes before I worry again.

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I serious think that's why I've been so ill. The constant worrying about what hell this administration will rain down on us.

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I saw the tweet where The Tuesday Group (committee) won't even answer the phone if the House Freedom Caucus calls and Justin Amash is furious at Trump. And Paul lied about only being short 1 or 2 votes for the healthcare bill AND he doesn't want 45 working with the Dems. There's no way lmao

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Painter George, lol.

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Aw, it looks like he's improving- it's not bad. Anyway, I'd rather see him use his retirement to paint instead of getting into lobbying or something.

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there's a minute sense of pity here, because he very likely wanted nothing to do with politics or any of the family business as a kid and was basically molded to take on his father's legacy.



but he's still a complicit, piece of shit war criminal.

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Those are very frightening.

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a rancid fucking war criminal enjoying his retirement... whoohoo.





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he's def improved from his early days

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I thought OP was just paraphrasing a speech Bush made about the inauguration lmao. I need video of that now.

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I need a video of it too, fam! But I think it was out of range of cameras.

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I would give anything for even an audio clip.

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Seriously what's the appropriate reason for a married person to go out for a meal alone with a member of the other sex (outside of family)?  Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) March 30, 2017 The responses to this fucking idiotic tweet are amazing:

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What the fuck is this question? WHAT BROUGHT THIS UP?!

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http://people.com/politics/mike-pence-doesnt-dine-alone-with-women-who-arent-his-wife/ Apparently Mike Pence won't eat a meal alone with a woman, or go to an event where alcohol is served without his wife.

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Mike Pence won't eat meals with other women who aren't his wife.

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lots of great tweets about how this leaves women behind in the business world since a lot of deals are made after business hours.

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@EWErickson @MattWalshBlog This explains so much about why both of you are how you are.  Jason Bailey (@jasondashbailey) March 30, 2017



It really does. I saw so many people who were like "YAS PENCE, RESPECT YOUR WIFE!!!", but like, nah, that's totally weird. You really can't have a friend that happens to be a woman? You just immediately want to fuck her? It really does. I saw so many people who were like "YAS PENCE, RESPECT YOUR WIFE!!!", but like, nah, that's totally weird. You really can't have a friend that happens to be a woman? You just immediately want to fuck her?

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@MattWalshBlog writhing naked bodies covered in scalloped potatoes and ravioli? Do you find the image of a woman eating intensely arousing?  Magdalene Visaggio (@MagsVisaggs) March 30, 2017

omg I'm dying

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the billy graham rule is well known in evangelical circles. men are so weak.

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"Uh, uh, uh, what if we, uh, only have meals with women when we're on fire? I've never wanted to fuck while I'm on fire!" pic.twitter.com/JeJ1H3OMZy  Mike Drucker (@MikeDrucker) March 30, 2017



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This guy is 100 years too late with this tweet. Also he sounds like someone who if he hasn't cheated on his wife, has probably thought about it.

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I got into it on reddit months ago with some guy who was convinced it was acceptable to deem mundane things like eating food together as "romantic relationship only" activities for his girlfriend. There was literally no getting through to him that he was being controlling and creepy. I am not even remotely surprised that so many people co-sign Pence. There are still so many people that believe once you're in a relationship, your life outside that person needs to end. It's sad.



Edited at 2017-03-30 04:36 pm (UTC)

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Wish I cld talk to women friends w/o others around. Can't. They might grab my butt! That's what they do! Can't risk. So, never talk to them. https://t.co/dtzRGGM1ZJ  Ken Tremendous (@KenTremendous) March 30, 2017



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someone, i can't remember who, said how a religious freedom bill could not only affect lgbtq/muslims but also women, because people like Mike Pence can refuse to hire women because of his "beliefs"



and these people fear sharia law while being refusing to be same room with a woman alone, gtfo.

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I have a bad feeling we'll be stuck with 45 as president for at least a year

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Did you all see this fuckery? Senate voted on a resolution eliminating an Obama-era regulation that allows states to create retirement accounts for low-income workers. California JUST passed their "Secure Choice" program in Sept 2016 to create retirement savings accounts for 7.5 million workers; it's not even off the ground yet and now congress is pulling this shit. "State's Rights" though HUH?

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It seems their entire policy is "everything Obama did and supports is automatically bad"



They can't keep shaping their entire party around what democrats/liberals don't want bc... well, they're already there with the unchecked freedom caucus steamrolling them

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So he passed a regulation that allows states to create retirement accounts, which sounds like the state can do it, but doesn't HAVE to. And this administration is eliminating that regulation and basically saying that states can't do this?



I agree with you. Thought this was the party of "states rights".

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lmao, exactly. What the GOP is claiming is that private 401k & IRA institutions (think Charles Schwab, JP Morgan, and similar economy ruining criminals) are already providing these services and states would be infringing on their income----- it's bullshit. Obviously they've never had to be a low income person with no/bad credit trying to open an account with these places

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He did throw Paul Ryan, fam. I will find tweet.

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Watch @JudgeJeanine on @FoxNews tonight at 9:00 P.M.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 25, 2017



This segment was basically blaming Paul Ryan for the failed healthcare bill. This segment was basically blaming Paul Ryan for the failed healthcare bill.

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This guy seriously has dementia. Does he forget he's a GOP puppet?

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Go for it, bro. Get rid of the tea partiers (who are your fucking base). Kill your own, I don't care.

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I hope he does start an intra-war between himself and the rest of the republicans. Good luck getting that tax reform of which you speak.

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I hope so too. Let them be so busy tearing each other apart that they can't get any of the evil shit they plan done

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god yes

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this pleases me. TEAR EACH OTHER APART, REPUBLICANS.

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Senate Intelligence Committee Hearing is happening now!





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Watts has been great so far

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I just tuned in now. I was busy eating and making lunch.

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The media rebranding and embracing this dumb as nails war criminal is fucking shameful. Thanks Obama for not prosecuting these pieces of shit while letting activists and journalists die in prison.

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then I guess I would've settled for a president who didn't expand on his predecessors terrifying domestic and foreign policies (permanent tax cuts for the rich, patriot act, drones, Afghanistan....)

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WHERE ARE MY NEPOTISM LAWS?

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From my understanding she would not get paid for this position, thus getting past those laws.



It's still sketchy though as she still gets a title/office.

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Unpaid "advisor" positions are exempt apparently.

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From a quick little blurb on my Economist app: blah blah blah, ethical concerns, blah blah blah Trump makes appointment legitimate blah blah blah "The Justice Department has already ruled the White House is exempt from federal anti-nepotism laws."



Thought I don't know why the white house is exempt or when this happened.

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Voldemort and Jare Jare Binks holding official positions. Kill me now.

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Holy shit!



BURR > 

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DAMN I LOVE IT!

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it should be the offical gif of any trump post

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I want to live in this reality

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In a film for our times, writer-director David Michod (Animal Kingdom) recreates a U.S. Generals roller-coaster rise and fall as part reality, part savage parody  raising the specter of just where the line between them lies today. His is an anti-establishment, pro-soldier exploration in the form of an absurdist war story of a born leaders ultra-confident march right into the dark heart of folly. At the storys core is Brad Pitts sly take on a successful, charismatic four-star general who leapt in like a rock star to command NATO forces in Afghanistan, only to be taken down by his own hubris and a journalists no-holds-barred expose. War Machine addresses the debt we owe to soldiers to question the purposes to which they are being directed.The Netflix original film is inspired by the book The Operators: The Wild & Terrifying Inside Story of Americas War in Afghanistan by the late journalist Michael Hastings. Joining Pitt in War Machine is a highly decorated cast including Emory Cohen, RJ Cyler, Topher Grace, Anthony Michael Hall, Anthony Hayes, John Magaro, Scoot McNairy, Will Poulter, Alan Ruck, Lakeith Stanfield, Josh Stewart, Meg Tilly, Tilda Swinton and Sir Ben Kingsley. Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Ted Sarandos and Ian Bryce serve as producers. James W. Skotchdopole, Pauline Fischer, Sarah Bowen and Sarah Esberg serve as executive producers. The film will be released on Netflix on May 26, 2017.
no, to answer your question. no, i am not ready. like, even a little. before 409 i was ready to leave this desolate hellscape of a show but 409 gave me so much life that now im like PLEASE, PLEASE DONT LEAVE ME

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btw if they don't properly do sth with that dangling thomas thread i'll burn down starz hq myself. they're consistently trolling us abt every thomas mention rn, and if this goes nowhere, not even a proper negative answer within the show, it'd be stringing ppl along so bad. and this show can do better, so i hope they will.

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Seriously. Thomas or bust.

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i think that's the thing i'm most nervous about (everything else seems clear cut to me), but at the same time i have a ridiculous amount of faith in them not fucking that up for some weird reason.

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yeah, it feels like even as they troll us and stuff, they seem v attuned to the narrative weight even a mention of thomas' name has. i don't want to believe that a show as thought-out (generally, obvsly there are flaws too) as black sails does it so casually, and they're perfectly aware what it does to the fandom when they say it.



plus the show never seemed particularly fanservice-y to me, aside from the network-mandated t&a. so i don't feel like they'd mention thomas just to make the fans scream for 2min, you know?

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i have lowered my expectations to the point where i'll be okay if thomas turns out to be dead but flint goes looking for him anyway, but i'm not okay with them not bringing it up at all. don't let me down writers

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agreed! the show has come too far with the hints and the foreshadowing of Thomas that not following through would be cruel and frankly super shitty



and i know of all shows, this one knows better than to bait people like that

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Sunday? Only ten episodes? 

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well, except for s1 (8 eps) every season has had only 10. but the finale will be 71min, at least. #STILLNOTENOUGH

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I'm not ready

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that bts shot of izzy is positively poetic lol



and now that the end is here, i honestly can't really believe it. i feel like recording a shanty and shedding a tear. is that silly?

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don't play

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Flint's hair was the true star of S1, Luke's sword fighting trivia is awesome, justice for background king Joji, Madi-Rogers scene was amazing, Luke step away from Twitter/Tumblr for your own sanity, before they eat you alive.

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I actually am ready for it to be over, tbh.

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is maybe the greatest thing i've ever read "Cut from the first episode: Rackham was a WWII fighter pilot who sailed through the Bermuda Triangle and crashed in the 1700's #BlackSails is maybe the greatest thing i've ever read

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it'll make sense why his hair is so clean and fluffy - he actually has some shampoo

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i feel like there are so many obvious accompaniments to his character that only work if he's from at least the 1920s. clearly daddy jack is a jazz man.

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suddenly everything makes sense

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fibu have you seen the newton's law finale yet? thoughts???



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lmaooooooooooooooo great minds...

i'm in the middle, will keep you posted

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i hate them so fucking much

where's second season

can i marry claire





toby saying his mhmms twice during the episode annihilated me tho



Edited at 2017-03-30 09:51 pm (UTC)

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yasssss i was going to say the same re: claire, WHAT AN ICON

i ship johnny/skye properly now

THAT HAND KISS WAS NOT ENOUGH WTF



and yeeeah i caught the mhmmm and i cracked the fuck up



i rly need s2 rn

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Toby saying "mmhmm" on Black Sails and Newton's Law the same week is friggin hilarious.

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fuck batver



how do they get tom's eyes look so pink?



op, i'm in the middle of newton's law s1 finale, screaming my head off, how are you?

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lol don't do it luke, stay away from tumblr!



i need it to be sunday and at the same time i don't want this show to ever end. i'm so nervous about the finale

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i fully expect that luke has an incognito tumblr utterly indistinguishable from any other black sails' fan's tumblr (and a burner lj acccount so he can keep up with ontd_bs posts, just in my humble opinion!)

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lmao i long for the days when the fourth wall still existed, but luke is definitely a good sport about it.



i hope he's enjoying our witty comments during the rewatches!

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i'm so nervous, i'm so scared for the ending to be shit yet i've never trusted a team of tv writers this much, bc despite their fuck-ups they've also delivered so so so much.



sooo... it's schrodinger's disastrous ending in my head rn.

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i wonder how many of that extra 15-20 mins is just bts stuff and not actually indicative of a longer than usual episode i'm glad it's confirmed that max is definitely in the finale (and anne too i'm assuming) i wonder how many of that extra 15-20 mins is just bts stuff and not actually indicative of a longer than usual episode

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wait, does that happen? like, do they include the bts stuff in the runtime on there? bc it'd be spitting mad if that's why it's so long.

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yep, about 3 minutes is usually allotted for the next ep promo and creators bts featurette



i have a feeling we're getting a ginormous bts thingy at the end, which i can't exactly be mad at

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I don't think they do. But the average episode runs 55-60 mins because the recap + credits are included so they finale won't have more than 10-15 mins extra unless they cut every fat.

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Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in Hello! Your entry got to top-25 of the most popular entries in LiveJournal!Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in FAQ

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There's no way I'll be caught up by the time the finale airs but I'm thinking of just watching it anyways.



I'm so nervous. I think that's why I've put off catching up for a while tbh. Flint is one of my favorite television characters EVER and I just want the narrative to do right by him.

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Its been a rollercoaster ride for Libyas oil sector the last few months. With production from this important OPEC player swinging wildly with unstable politics in the country.



And news this week suggests things just got worse for Libyas oil industry  in a major way.

Unnamed sources in the country told Bloomberg Wednesday that Libyas largest oil field, Sharara, has been suddenly shut in. With the pipeline carrying crude from this massive operation having been completely idled.

As a result, sources said Libyas overall oil production has now fallen to 560,000 barrels per day. Coming just days after Libyas National Oil Corp. had publicly pegged the countrys production at 700,000 b/d.

That suggests the stoppage at Sharara has lowered production by 140,000 b/d  representing a 20% decline. With the shortfall happening virtually overnight, and with no apparent warning to oil traders.

Heres the most important point: sources in Libya didnt give any reason for the outage. Making it difficult to tell if the drop in production will be a prolonged event.

The most likely candidate is political instability. With numerous oil facilities across Libya having seen shutdowns in recent months due to fighting between the countrys national army and various rebel factions. Related: OPEC Compliance Nears 100% On Libyan, Nigerian Outages

In fact, the countrys Es Sider oil export terminal had just reopened for shipments this week  after a three-week stoppage, during which the rebel Benghazi Defense Brigades briefly took control of the facility.

Sources commenting on this latest outage did note that crude exports have now been halted at two other Libya oil terminals: Zawiya and Mellitah. Although it wasnt clear if the problem is at these facilities themselves, or due to problems with the pipelines feeding the terminals.

Whatever the case, this disruption is an important event for crude prices. With Brent jumping $1.12 per barrel on the news, putting it solidly above $50. Watch for more news from Libya on whether production from Sharara can be restored soon  if not, we could see more upward momentum for oil.

Heres to on-again, off-again.

By Dave Forest

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
As Venezuelas foreign currency reserves have shrunk to $10.4 billion USD, so have the countrys goods in stock, against the background of gas, energy and medicine shortages, crime rates spiraling out of the governments control and popular dissatisfaction building up across all sectors of society. The scarcity of the Maduro era is reflected in Venezuelas oil output volumes, which since 2011 have fallen by almost 500 000 barrels per day to 2 mbpd and will sink to an even greater degree with Caracass obligation to reach 1.972 mbpd within the framework of the OPEC/non-OPEC Vienna Agreements. While Maduro have managed to avoid any major political destabilization by tightening control on the nations natural resources and is intent to see his 5-year tenure run out peacefully in 2018, his chances of retaining the post of Venezuelas President beyond 2018 are close to naught.

The latest moves signal that on a mid-term horizon the Venezuelan military might be on the verge of taking over the oil sector. After President Nicolas Maduro created CAMIMPEG (Military Company of the Mining, Oil and Gas Industries) in February 2016, PDVSA was compelled to conclude several servicing contracts with the newly-created entity. It should be stated that the physical security at Venezuelas oil sites has worsened palpably throughout the last few years (reflecting the general trend in the country), with paramilitary gangs raging even in oil-producing states such as Zulia, however, the merging of Venezuelas military with the state-owned oil sector goes beyond this. Leading members of the Venezuelan army have been nominated to high-ranking posts within PDVSA, replacing oil-sector savvy for a military mindset. Related: Asias Top LNG Players Forming Buyers Club

Admiral Mirabel Parra, a close associate of the late Hugo Chavez, formerly in charge of the Armys transportation company, was named in February 2017 as the vice-president of PDVSA to support the head of PDVSA, Eulogio del Pino. Guillermo Blanco Acosta, Chavezs long-time army companion, was declared Head of PDVSA Refining by the same decree, which postulated one of its aims as cleansing the company of all corruption. Not all state-designated newcomers in PDVSA are former military commanders and officers, some are (allegedly) confidants of Tareck el-Aissami, Venezuelas Vice President who has already been introduced to the U.S. Sanctions list. One of such is Ismel Serrano, the new Head of Commerce, a man of whom very little is known apart from the fact that he worked with el-Aissami. Venezuelas Vice President is alleged to have developed a well-working web of contacts whilst working as Minister of Interior and Justice between 2008 and 2012, therefore his rise to prominence is not inconsistent with the consolidation of the militarys clout.

By itself, the establishment of a military-controlled oil services company and the nomination of several military commanders into oil managerial positions is by no means a game-changer for Venezuela, yet against the background of this oil-rich nations fraught social fabric they might be indicative of a future military-led development course. For instance, the establishment of CAMIMPEG happened on the back of leading service companies (e.g.: Schlumberger) leaving Venezuela because of PDVSAs chronic liquidity problems. Therefore, the new entity is functioning in a less competitive environment, from which many rival companies were squeezed out or decided to leave due to lack of prospects. It has also been rumoured that in case a long-mooted debt default cripples the governments powers (Caracas is expected to pay a total of $9.2 billion of maturing debt throughout 2017, with the largest payment scheduled for April), CAMIMPEG might shield oil assets from seizure.

While defaulting on its debt is by no means imminent, the awkward financial situation for Venezuela will continue as oil prices  more than 95 percent of the countrys export income  are very unlikely to reach the 110 USD/bbl level Venezuela needs to balance its budget. If Maduro is no longer capable to govern Venezuela (e.g.: PDVSAs debt default entails the disintegration of state power), the military could step in and take advantage of Chavezs army legacy, which Maduro could not, promising strict enforcement of rule of law and order. Venezuelas people would most likely not revolt if physical security conditions are demonstrably improved across the country and access to basic products is reformed. Related: OPEC Weighs Extension As Oil Markets Start To Lose Their Nerve

Yet external conditions might give a further twist to Venezuelas fate, as it still remains unclear whether State Secretary Rex Tillerson will render U.S. policy vis-a-vis Venezuela more aggressive. This is by no means an implausible presumption, since it was under Tillersons ExxonMobil tenure that Hugo Chavez nationalized all of the companys assets. Although the World Bank Arbitration tribunal in 2014 ordered Venezuela to pay $1.6 billion as compensation, much less than the $10 billion ExxonMobil sought, it ruled that the seizure of assets was not illegal (implying PDVSA did not have to pay any prejudice). Thus, a decade-long grudge might have a certain amplifying effect on Tillersons treatment of Venezuela, Chavez at the time probably did not know that he would be calling the future State Secretary a bandit and an imperialist white-collar thief. Of the many unknowns  the opposition between Chavista hard-liners and the liberal opposition, Venezuelas financial viability etc. - one thing is certain,

Venezuelas next few years will be very eventful.

By Viktor Katona for Oilprice.com

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Russia has cut crude oil production by 200,000 barrels daily, Energy Minister Alexander Novak said. Thats two-thirds of the amount it agreed to cut under the OPEC-non-OPEC agreement closed at the end of last year.

The 300,000-bpd reduction that Russia agreed to represents 2.7 percent of its October output, which exceeded 11 million bpd. This went up to 11.23 million bpd in November  the month that was taken as the basis, from which individual cut quotas were assigned.

The country, which was the largest non-OPEC producer that signed up for the cut agreement, said it would reduce production gradually, raising suspicions about whether it will try to find a way around it. Still, the amount is small compared to its total daily output, and the cut will be helped by the start of maintenance season.

Together, OPEC and the 11 non-OPEC producers that signed up for the cut were supposed to take off 1.8 million barrels from the global daily average supply. Despite high compliance rates, especially among OPEC members, the cuts have failed to raise prices in any substantial way, and now some OPEC members are talking about an extension of the agreement beyond the June 30 deadline. Related: Maduros Last Stand: Military Takes Over Struggling Oil Sector

The main reason for the extension is rising U.S. shale production, which last week hit 9.13 million barrels daily. The Energy Information Administration expects this to climb further to 9.73 million bpd in 2018.

Considering U.S. production and current inventories of crude, even a compliance rate of 100 percent among OPEC members will not drive prices high enough, with or without an extension. Not everyone is on board with such a move. Saudi Arabia, for one, said it will only agree to an extension if global inventories continue to exceed the five-year average. Russia said it needed more production and inventory data before it considered signing up for another six months of cuts.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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With only one in four Nigerian households having even sporadic electricity, the Nigerian state oil company has announced plans to shift focus from strictly oil and gas to power generation and transmission.

The National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said this week that it would transform itself into an integrated energy company in order to tackle the countrys dire power problems.

By comparison, Brazil and Pakistanboth with similar population sizeseach generate 24 times more power than Nigeria.

Only one in four Nigerian households have access to the grid, and only for a few hours a day. Nigerians who can afford generators spend an estimated $0.40/kWh, one of the main expenses of the average household.

The NNPCs decision to diversify into the power sector was hinged on the need to bridge the huge energy gap in the Nigerian market, NNPC managing director Maikanti Baru was quoted by local media as saying.

There were no indications from the NNPC as to a timeline or size of planned investment for this transition.

Earlier this month, NNPC announced a $15-billion investment to build thermal power plants with a capacity of 4,000 megawatts (MW) across the country over the next 10 years. According to the plan, three of the power plants would be built in Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano

The poor condition of the power grid is the result of many years without investments in infrastructure, a poor maintenance record for the existing facilities, and rampant corruption.

The lucrative nature of oil, however, rendered electricity unattractive for the state-owned company, though experts argue that reliable grid power could boost Nigerias GDP by 14 percent.



Related: The Wealthiest Oil & Gas Billionaires In The U.S.

NNPC said it was already working on a project to generate four Megawatts (4MW) of electricity, but that low transmission capacity was throwing a wrench in the works.

According to NNPC, there is enough gas to generate eight gigawatts (8GW) of electricity, but the transmission grid could not support this volume.

In 2013, according to Nigerian media, the country privatized the bulk of the power sector, while maintaining control over the grid operator, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).



By Damir Kaletovic for Oilprice.com

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While Nigeria has been struggling with restoring its crude oil production and exports that have been hit by militant attacks, rising U.S. crude oil exports have cut into the markets that Nigeria once held dear, such as China and Japan.

According to a crude destinations report by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for 2016, updated through November, Japan did not buy Nigerian crude last year at all, and China did not receive shipments from Nigeria after April.

According to Nigerian media, the U.S. was winning markets in Europe last year, including The Netherlands, the UK, and Italy, which are also export destinations for Nigerian crude. Nigeria may find it difficult to win new markets amid the glut in the oil market, Nigerias outlet The Guardian argues.

Last year, U.S. crude oil exports averaged 520,000 barrels per day, up by 55,000 bpd, or 12 percent, compared to 2015, the EIA said earlier this week.

Following the removal of restrictions on U.S. crude oil exports in December 2015, the U.S. exported crude oil to 26 different countries in 2016, compared with 10 countries the previous year. In 2015, 92 percent of U.S. crude oil exports went to Canada, which was exempt from the restrictions. After restrictions were lifted, Canada remained the top destination, but received only 58 percent of 2016 U.S. crude exports.

Aside from Canada, European destinations such as the Netherlands, Italy, United Kingdom, and France rank high on the list of U.S. crude oil export destinations. The second-largest regional destination is Asia, including China, Korea, Singapore, and Japan, the EIA said.



Related: The 5 Biggest Strategic Petroleum Reserves In The World

However, this year with the start of the OPEC cuts, West African oil producers  led by Nigeria and Angolawere said to be loading to ship as many as 2.19 million bpd to Asia in Februarythe highest level in at least five and a half years, with China and India the largest buyers of African crude.



Nigerias crude exports are expected to rise to 1.66 million in May from 1.61 million bpd planned for shipping in April, according to a loading program compiled by Reuters.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Bahrain to benefit from CPEC: Nawaz Sharif

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday said the government of Bahrain as well as its business community could benefit immensely from the opportunities and prospects of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).



Talking to a high-level delegation consisting of prominent businessmen and investors from Bahrain that called on him at the PM's Office, Nawaz said the CPEC was a corridor of energy, roads, motorways, pipelines, rail networks and optic fibre with an investment outlay of more than $51 billion.



Kingdom of Bahrain's Minister for Industries, Commerce and Tourism Zayed R Alzayani was also present on the occasion. The Bahraini business delegation was led by Khalid Almoayed, chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BCCI).



Talking to the delegates, the premier said that the CPEC was not only a framework of regional connectivity but also a game changer for the region.



He said the economic outlook of Pakistan had altogether changed in the last three years, which was being acknowledged by independent financial rating institutions. "My government after coming into power started making best of its efforts to put the economy on a path of sustained long-term economic growth. In this context, focus remained on public-private partnership in the development process, improved productivity in the agriculture sector, removal of energy shortage, enhanced industrial competitiveness, better service delivery system and upgraded human capital formation", a press release quoting the prime minister read.



He said Pakistan was open for business and there were over 1,000 multinational companies profitably operating in Pakistan.



He said that the companies enjoyed a level playing field with the domestic investors and did not face any barriers to entry or exit. They could expand capital and infrastructure without hindrance, he added. "I am confident that investors from Bahrain will benefit from opportunities arising from the economic growth of Pakistan leading to further growth of our trade relations," he added.



The prime minister said the foreign direct investment (FDI) was protected under law through the acts of parliament and the law of special economic zones had been made to meet the global challenges of competitiveness to attract FDI. "The law allows creating industrial cluster with liberal incentives, infrastructure, investor facilitation services to enhance productivity and reduce cost of doing business for economic development and poverty reduction," he added. The PM assured the delegation that Pakistan was a land of unlimited opportunities and offered investment opportunities in various sectors such as the energy, agriculture, food processing, infrastructure, information and communication technology, textiles, apparel, surgical instruments and leather products.



He said that Pakistan welcomed the initiative of establishing the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Holding Company by Bahraini businessmen. "We are confident that it will be successful in increasing bilateral trade and investment," he added.



Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Commerce Minister Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan, Pakistan's Ambassador to Bahrain Javed Malik and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.



The Bahraini businessmen appreciated the prime minister's policy of welcoming foreign investment and said that they were keen to play an active role in expanding the volume of trade between the two countries. The Bahraini delegates expressed their keen interest to take part in Pakistan's emerging economy and highlighted their interest in further expanding exports from Pakistan to Gulf counties.
This website is intended for U.S. visitors only.
Years ago, while still a pre-med major in college, I worked as a lab technician at Planned Parenthood in Lancaster, PA. I saw first-hand the quality medical care women received, including annual exams, screenings and regular check-ups. Without Planned Parenthood these young women would not have known about an early cancer developing. They would not have gotten valuable information about sexually transmitted diseases and how to protect their bodies. They would not have learned about reproductive choices or received important counseling when considering critical life choices.

Our nation's earlier history is littered with the dreadful tales of unwanted pregnancies, backroom brutal abortions and women with no access to reproductive information or access to various types and methods of birth control.

With Planned Parenthood, women have access to such information and support.

Nonetheless, today, the U.S. Senate voted, by a thin margin, to let states deny federal family planning money to Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers.

According to the Associated Press, the legislative vote was headed toward failure when all Democrats and two Republicans voted "no," tying the vote. But in a last ditch effort to pull the tied tally of votes out of trouble, Vice President Mike Pence and and a senator still recovering from back surgery and walking with a walker hurried to the Capitol to cast the tie-breaking "yes" votes. And now the measure is waiting for the president's signature, which he is expected to sign.

Still, New York women may get a reprieve. In a late Thursday evening press release Governor Andrew Cuomo said the U.S. Senate turned its back on the health and safety of women, keeping them from the "health services they are entitled to by law."

"With this repugnant vote, the Vice President and the U.S. Senate rolled back the progress weve achieved to safeguard womens health and protect the rights of all New Yorkers," Cuomo said. "New York will not let the federal governments backward mentality stand in the way of women receiving the critical health services they are entitled to by law. New York will continue to be a champion for women and ensure that their rights are protected from ignorant and reckless decisions in Washington."
Criminal arrests listed on the State Police public information website between March 25 and 29. All charges are misdemeanors unless otherwise noted.

* John A. Gates, 50, of Moreau, charged with assault and criminal possession of a controlled substance and non-criminal unlawful possession of marijuana March 28 in Moreau.

* Robert J. Rogers, 49, of Schuylerville, charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, endangering the welfare of a child and non-criminal harassment March 28 in Schuylerville.

* Carry M. Valastro, 31, of Granville, charged with criminal mischief, endangering the welfare of a child and non-criminal harassment March 29.

* Dylan J. Saville, 22, of Olmstedville, charged with unlawfully dealing with a child March 26 on county Route 29 in Minerva.

* Andrew J. Smith, 26, of South Glens Falls, charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance March 27 on Quaker Road in Queensbury.

* David J. Varnum, 25, of Schuylerville, charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance March 28 on Broad Street in Schuylerville.

* Penni E. Bawdon, 52, of Poultney, Vermont, charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle March 27 on Route 149 in Fort Ann.

* Daniel E. Zehle, 23, of Lake George, charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal use of drug paraphernalia and non-criminal unlawful possession of marijuana March 24 on Route 9 in Lake George.

* Charles J. Cleveland, 23, of Greenwich, charged with driving while intoxicated March 22 on Plant Road in Halfmoon.

* Vincent Monks, 29, of Greenwich, charged with DWI March 25 on Route 50 in Wilton.

* John M. Owens, 54, of South Glens Falls, charged with DWI March 24 on Route 32 in Moreau.

* Shay D. Collins, 39, of Glens Falls, charged with aggravated DWI March 25 on Route 149 in Queensbury.

* Joseph R. Yarter, 20, of Salem, charged with DWI March 6 on North Main Street in Salem.

* Alvin J. Millington, 26, of Riparius, charged with criminal mischief and petit larceny March 25 in Warrensburg.

* Andrew W. Millington, 26, of Horicon, charged with criminal mischief and petit larceny March 25 in Warrensburg.

* Nicholas E. Petty, 28, of Granville, charged with criminal mischief March 25 on county Route 25 in Granville.

* Kenneth Carter, 33, of Albany, charged with petit larceny March 26 at the Million Dollar Half-Mile outlets in Queensbury.

* Hope Ferguson, 33, of Greenwich, charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and non-criminal unlawful possession of marijuana March 26 on Hill Street in Greenwich.

* Kevin J. Loomis, 52, of Granville, charged with issuing a bad check March 28 in Granville.

* Kelly A. McCullen, 39, of Fort Ann, charged with issuing a bad check March 27 in Granville.
FORT EDWARD  Cutting administrators, teachers and support staff are all options on the table as Fort Edward school officials struggle to close a huge revenue gap in their budget because of the loss of tax revenue from General Electric Co.s dewatering plant.

Weve looked at all levels  starting with myself, said Superintendent of Schools Daniel Ward at a financial presentation on Wednesday in the school auditorium.

Everything has to be on the table. You cant talk about this kind of money and say were not going to touch X  whatever X might be, he added.

About 75 people attended the 90-minute presentation on the budget followed by questions and answers.

Even despite the cuts, the Board of Education is eyeing a 35 percent to 40 percent increase in the tax rate  going from $20 per $1,000 of assessed value to something in the range of $27-$28 per $1,000 of assessed value. That would mean a homeowner assessed at $100,000 would pay $700 to $800 more in taxes.

The conclusion of the dredging project by GE is putting a major tax revenue hole in the budget. The company has dismantled the facilities, which are located at two separate parcels and had a combined assessment of about $72.6 million. The company paid roughly $1.5 million taxes to the district  a little less than half of all the tax revenues collected.

Ward said he is not sure what the new assessment is going to be, but it will be less. The tentative assessment rolls will not be released until May 1 and become final on July 1.

However, school officials have to put together their budget and schedule public hearings for the May 16 budget vote.

Plugging that entire revenue hole would require a tax rate of about $35 per $1,000.

We all know that that is not something that can be done. Nobody can withstand that, Ward said.

Ward presented a historical overview of how the district got to this point.

When GE came to town, residents were paying a tax rate of roughly $24 per $1,000. The following year that dropped to $19 per $1,000 because of the additional revenue. The rate has crept up slightly.

The preliminary 2017-2018 budget reduces spending by about $46,000 to $11,072,044.

Were still working our way down trying to go out with a lesser budget, he said.

The district is reviewing possible staff reductions including not replacing a couple of retirements and layoffs.

Because of language in the contract, he has to give reduction-in-force notices to people who may be laid off, even if their job is ultimately not eliminated.

I dont want to give anybody that letter, but its one of the jobs I have, he said.

Ward explained that the district is planning to tap $345,000 from fund balance, which will leave about $400,000 in surplus.

Ward is also exploring other ways to generate revenue such as leasing space to an outside preschool program. He has a potential tenant that has expressed serious interest but nothing he could announce at this time.

He hoped that leasing space could generate $50,000 or more in revenue. It is nowhere near the amount lost from GE but it is a start.

Every penny counts, he said.

Fort Edward is also reaching out to other districts. Ward has met with the superintendents from Hudson Falls, Fort Ann and Hartford about sharing services.

The intent is to have the least impact on students and programs by finding a cheaper way to do things by sharing, he said.

Ward said this is going to be a long-term project.

Ward was hopeful that a Chinese rail car company would win a contract to make subway cars at the industrial park. However, he said even if that did come to fruition, the assessment would not be as high as it was when GE had it.

Another issue is GE has challenged its assessment on the dewatering plant every single year it has been there and no claims have been settled. When that matter is resolved, the district could be on the hook for a lot of money.

The district has $1.9 million in a fund to use for tax challenges. Ward said he has explored whether it can use that money to plug this current shortfall. An attorney advised him that it needs to remain in the fund for future liabilities.

Another wrinkle is the district has a negative tax cap for the second consecutive year. The cap is calculated based upon a formula that takes into account tax base growth, payments in lieu of taxes and exemptions for capital debt.

Ward said the district is not planning to exceed the negative 2.4 percent cap, which means the tax levy has to be about $86,000 lower than the current year.

Fort Edwards enrollment has stayed relatively stable compared to other districts. It was 562 in 1993 and is around 500 in 2016.

A drop of that size does not allow for a large reduction in staff, according to Ward.

Ward said he has made about 10 trips to Albany to lobby for school funding  six in his capacity as Fort Edwards superintendent and four in his role as the representative for the local BOCES.

The district is getting about $90,000 more in aid from the governors proposal.

Fort Edward is classified as an average needs district. The formula takes tax base into account and there is a four-year lag to catch up to any changes, according to Ward.

About 63 percent of Fort Edwards students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. Because of the makeup of the district, it qualified for a grant that allowed it to offer free breakfast and lunch to all districts.

Ward also has inquired about legislation that could carve out an exception for districts that face the situation that Fort Edward is in, where their tax base is increased temporarily because of an environmental cleanup project.

Frank Burkhardt, the parent of two children who graduated from Fort Edward, said the district should tap the money from the GE fund.

Let GE sue us. Use the money, he said, adding that he does not think GE would want the publicity of going after the school district after it already has closed the GE plant in Fort Edward to move to Florida and was forced to clean up the Hudson River.

Some people asked the district of why they did not prepare for the eventual loss of the GE money.

Ward said school officials were setting aside about one-quarter of the revenue received from GE into a fund for tax challenge.

Former school board member Dan Boucher questioned some personnel decisions.

We know that this year was coming and I know that you werent the superintendent, but why did we add things over the last year or two? Why did we add administration? Why did we add a principal?

The district hired Karen Jones as elementary principal over the summer. Former Superintendent Jeffery Ziegler had those responsibilities from 2012 to 2016. Ward began July 1.

Board member Thomas Roche defended the decision to add staff. He said there have been new state mandates in the last few years such as teacher evaluations, which made it difficult for a superintendent to try to wear the hat of a building principal. The former superintendent did not have as much time to analyze student data and look at the overall picture. The board brought in these administrators because it wants to have a school worth having.

We can cut a million things and get the tax rate down to $22 bucks but how does that help the kids, he said.

Burkhardt asked if consolidation is being explored.

Thats something I would look at to prove that its not feasible or it is feasible, he said.

Ward said there have not been any conversations among the board. He believes there has not been any full merger study done like there had been in Hudson Falls and Fort Ann. Both communities voted that down.

School officials encouraged the community to write and call legislators to advocate for the district.

I just feel it would become more of a reality if they hear form other people, said board member Michael Glass.

Ward encouraged people to participate in this budget process and reach out with ideas and suggestions.

Were really trying to do it the right way. And even doing it the right way can be very painful, he said.
The $50 bills say on them Not Legal Tender and For Motion Picture Use Only, and President Ulysses Grant is frowning.

Somehow, merchants and others in the region, and around the country for that matter, are accepting the somewhat realistic fake cash for payment, with Glens Falls Police asking the public this week to watch out for it after a rash of complaints.

Glens Falls Police have arrested one person for passing the fake cash, and they are expecting additional arrests as they continue to investigate.

But because the bills clearly say they are not legal tender, the people passing them have been hit with misdemeanor charges instead of felonies that are typically filed for possessing fake cash.

Glens Falls Police Detective Lt. Peter Casertino said the bills arent considered fake bills because they clearly indicate they are not money.

His department has had at least five complaints from merchants about the funny money so far this year. In one case, a pizza delivery person was given one at night, while another person who was selling video game equipment also received one at night, he said.

People need to understand if they attempt to use this, its a crime, Casertino said. We are picking up information that a lot of it is affiliated with the drug trade.

State Police in Greenwich investigated several complaints of $100 bills being passed at McDonalds restaurant in Greenwich last summer, and police charged Keisha Wilbur of Greenwich with misdemeanor petit larceny and criminal simulation for one of them.

State Police Investigator Joseph Bearor said she told police she had gotten the money at a concert.

Police agencies around the country have also dealt with the issue over the past year or so, as online retailers on websites such as eBay and Amazon peddle it. A pack of a hundred $100 bills was selling for $24.99 on Amazon as of Thursday.

Looks so real! This is something you can have a lot of fun with and then some! LOL, wrote one purchaser in one of 64 online reviews of the bills on the website.
CORINTH  A search is currently underway for a missing 13-year-old girl and 15-year-old boy.

The Saratoga County Sheriff's Office is looking near Angel Road for 13-year-old Grace Breheny, of Corinth, and 15-year-old Phillip Reynolds, of Watervliet, who have reportedly been missing since Wednesday morning, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office.

Readers shared a photo of the two teens with the The Post-Star. If anyone sees the missing teens, they are urged to call the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office at 885-6761.

Helicopters were spotted flying over Corinth Wednesday evening.

The search was halted late Wednesday, and is expected to resume early Thursday.

Check back to The Post-Star for more details.
CORINTH  Officers believe two teens who were the subject of a massive search late Wednesday are no longer in a wooded area off Angel Road, and police are classifying them as runaways.

Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo said early Thursday that police believe the two had been in the woods but have since left the area. They are not believed to be lost, or the victims of foul play.

We developed quite a bit of information overnight (Wednesday) and we believe they are runaways at this point, he said.

Police tracked them to Angel Road based on the location of one of the teens cellphones, and concluded they had been there but were not believed to still be in that area as of Thursday morning.

State forest rangers, Corinth firefighters, a State Police helicopter, police officers and search dogs checked for hours, ending at around midnight Wednesday.

Zurlo said sheriffs officers and rangers were meeting early Thursday, and additional searching may take place in the area to try to locate evidence indicating where they may have gone.

The teens  Grace Breheny, 13, of Corinth, and Phillip Reynolds, 15, of Watervliet  were last seen Wednesday morning. Reynolds is believed to have taken a taxi to Corinth on Wednesday to meet Breheny before they left the area together.

Breheny was described as 5-foot-5 and 140 pounds with blonde hair, while Reynolds is 5-foot-8 and 125 pounds with brown hair.

Anyone with information as to their whereabouts is being asked to call the Sheriffs Office at 885-6761.
The stretch of the West Branch of the Ausable River downstream of Wilmington Dam in Essex County is renowned as good trout water, annually yielding healthy brown trout and the occasional wild brook trout.

For weeks at a time last summer, large stretches of the river were far from good trout habitat, however.

A stream temperature gauge put in place by fisheries advocacy organization Trout Unlimited found that water temperatures soared to the mid-80s. Trout Unlimited members who visited the area to check on the gauge spotted dead brown trout floating in the river.

Coldwater-loving trout cant survive water above 77 degrees, and the groups temperature monitor found that threshold was hit or crossed on 44 days last summer.

The summer of 2016 was the third hot, dry summer in a row in upstate New York, with water levels dropping to record lows in some areas as a drought hit much of the Northeast. The efforts of Trout Unlimiteds local Adirondack and Clearwater chapters provided irrefutable data that trout in our region endured devastating conditions last summer.

That means anglers will likely have a tougher time finding wild or holdover trout in area streams as trout season starts in the state Saturday, particularly with multiple bad summers compounding the damage. (The state does annually stock millions of trout to supplement wild populations, although they are just as susceptible, if not more so, to problems from heat.)

Trout Unlimited members kept tabs on 12 monitoring stations last summer on four local streams  the Mettawee River in Granville, Batten Kill in Jackson and East Greenwich, West Branch of the Ausable in Wilmington and the East Branch of the Ausable in Keene Valley.

Trout become stressed when water hits 73 degrees, and cant survive over 77. Temperatures on all four rivers, in stretches of water generally considered good trout habitat, soared to at least 77 degrees in places. One area on the Mettawee, downstream of the village of Granville, topped 77 degrees on 38 days, rising to 80.5 degrees one day.

Only the stretch of the Batten Kill off Route 313 didnt hit the fatal 77-degree mark, but it still rose to 74. An area of the Batten Kill off Skellie Road in East Greenwich did hit 77 degrees, and routinely topped 74.

I was really dismayed by what I saw, said Dr. John Braico, a former Trout Unlimited Adirondack Chapter president who helped organize the data collection.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation did not do any stream sampling of trout populations in the rivers the group monitored, so the impact of the heat remains unclear. But DEC regional fisheries biologist James Pinhiero said it is a good possibility trout populations on some streams were hurt.

Anecdotally, angler observations were that some tributaries got hit hard, he said.

Trout populations are indicative of water quality, as they need cool, clean water of 65 degrees or lower to thrive. Brown trout are the most tolerant of warm water, brook trout the least.

The region has a number of blue-ribbon streams that draw tens of thousands of anglers every spring and summer, with the Batten Kill and West Branch of the Ausable among the most notable.

Trout seek out cold water refuge in tributaries and spring holes to ride out the hottest, driest weather of summer. But the drought that hit the region the last two years dropped water levels to the point that tributaries didnt have much flow to cool bigger rivers or provide places for trout to wait for the weather to change.

The amount of water flowing from the tributaries wasnt enough to change the main stem at all, said Braico.

Braico is a retired local pediatrician who sits on the Trout Unlimited national board of trustees and is a nationally recognized expert on geomorphic issues and how trout streams function.

The data that was collected will be used as TU chapters work to determine where they should put money and sweat equity into stream rebuilding projects. It will also help determine what impact completed projects have had, said Michael Hoffman, a TU Adirondack Chapter member who has helped oversee the monitoring project.

A 2012 stream reconstruction project on the East Branch of the Ausable seemed to have helped that stretch of river, as it experienced just 5 days above the 77-degree mark, Hoffman said.

On the Batten Kill, Braico said researchers were also looking at temperatures of tributaries, and have found that some  such as Steele Brook in Salem  were warmer than expected. That means they may need attention, such as plantings for more shade.

The main ways Trout Unlimited members, working with agencies like U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services and state Department of Environmental Conservation, try to counteract water temperature problems is by narrowing river channels, allowing them to become deeper, and planting trees and placing wood debris in streams to carve out pools and provide fish cover. Dozens of such projects have been completed on local streams and rivers, and they have been shown to help increase trout populations.

Flooding widens streams and makes them more shallow, so theyre more susceptible to warming and less likely to be shaded.

With global temperatures rising, local volunteers wonder whether they can do enough to keep trout populations viable until an answer is found for climate change.

The question is, how long can you succeed with adaptive measures in a warming world? Braico asked.
Courtesy of Island RecordsShawn Mendes has just added a bunch of new dates to his Illuminate world tour.

First of all, he's scheduled a New York City date: he'll perform at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on August 16. American Express card members can buy tickets starting Monday, April 3, while the general public can get them starting April 8. VIP upgrades also will be available on May 16. Visit IlluminateWorldTour.com for more details.

In addition, Shawn has announced a string of dates in Asia, Australia and New Zealand, which means that when all is said and done, the Illuminate world tour will encompass 60 shows over four continents. The tour -- Shawn's first as an arena headliner -- starts April 27 in Europe, and then arrives in North America in July 6. That leg, which wraps August 23, will feature Charlie Puth as the opening act.

In September, Shawn will play Brazil and Mexico, and starting November 25, he'll go Down Under for shows in New Zealand and Australia. He'll move on to Asia starting December 9, and finish up in Tokyo on December 18.

Shawn's album Illuminate has been on the Billboard album chart for more than 100 weeks.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.




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On Thursday, the Doha, Qatar-based airline announced that business-class passengers aboard its flights to the US would have access to loaner laptops beginning next week.

"By providing this laptop loan service we can ensure that our passengers on flights to the US can continue to work whilst on-board," Qatar Airways Group's CEO, Akbar Al Baker, said in a statement.

"This unique ability to offer 'business as usual,' above and beyond the competition, is yet another example of Qatar Airways justification for being the 'World's Best Business Class.'"

In addition, business-class passengers will have access to complimentary Wi-Fi.

Qatar Airways has not announced which type of laptops will be available.

The loaner program will not be available to economy-class passengers. At the same time, Qatar Airways has moved toward a two-cabin class configuration, which means the airline's flights to the US operate without a first-class cabin.

The laptop program is the latest reaction by one of the nine airlines affected by the US laptop ban. The policy, which took effect Saturday, prohibits passengers flying to the US from some airports in the Middle East and North Africa from carrying-on electronics bigger than a smartphone. The US government has said it introduced the policy in response to fears that terrorists could hide explosives within electronics, though it has not mentioned any imminent plots.

On Wednesday, the Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates-based Etihad Airways announced that it would offer first- and business-class passengers free Wi-Fi and loaner iPads on US-bound flights beginning Saturday.

Earlier this week, Turkish Airlines announced on Twitter that passengers who turned in their laptops and tablets at boarding would receive free Wi-Fi on board. Last week, Emirates implemented a laptop handling program allowing passengers getting on US-bound flights to have access to their laptop until boarding. The Dubai, UAE-based carrier has also hinted that it may offer loaner laptops.
Some have found it a constant struggle to balance their reputations and their newfound access to power.

Perhaps no one knows this better than Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

Kushner, 36, has been described as the most powerful aide to the president of the United States. He and his wife, Trump's oldest daughter, Ivanka, moved to Washington, DC, from New York so Kushner could take an unpaid role as one of Trump's senior advisers. On Monday, Trump appointed Kushner as the head of the new White House Office of American Innovation, whose aim is to overhaul government operations using ideas from the business world.

But so far, Kushner has found himself caught between two worlds, both inside the White House and out.

Within its walls, he is considered a mediator between warring factions  the "Republican populists" like chief strategist Steve Bannon, and the "Democrats," the more left-leaning members of Trump's inner circle. Kushner is considered one of the Democrats.

But outside, liberals who knew Kushner before his administration role have grown concerned. They are no longer sure where he stands  for Trump's America or theirs  and the uncertainty has fractured relationships.

Business Insider spoke with numerous people who knew Kushner before and during Trump's campaign, as well as people who are close to him now. Their feelings toward Trump's apparent protege mirror the polarization of the country.

Trump, they seem to feel, is a black-and-white issue: You can be for or against his policies.

But Kushner is an uncomfortable swirl of gray.

"The hope was that with Jared, there at least was someone who was smart and thoughtful and potentially doing the right things behind the scenes," one person who previously worked with Kushner told Business Insider.

But people "hate him right now," the person continued. "Not just him as a person so much but what he stands for and the fact that he hasn't been able to use his position to do anything meaningful for what we stand for."

Another person, who attended Kushner's wedding in 2009, agreed that former acquaintances were "seething."

"Im not planning on being friends," this person said. "I don't think I'm going to be over it ... I feel really, really upset about what they're doing. I think it's so terrible and so disruptive that I can't get over that. I can't endorse that."

Kushner has seen enough relationships break that he now has a word for it: exfoliation.

He is shedding dead relationships like skin cells being scrubbed from a body.

And one particularly bad breakup last July may have inspired it.

In September 2015, Jared Kushner met startup founder Wiley Cerilli. Kushner approached him about a business he was launching in the hope that Cerilli might agree to run it.

Cerilli declined the offer but told Kushner he wanted to find a way to work with him. He felt Kushner was sharp and had a healthy outlook on life.

That way would be a food-delivery startup Cerilli launched that winter. In January 2016, Kushner invested in Cerilli's seed round, the first money a founder raises from outside investors. Sources familiar with the deal say Kushner's investment was a relatively small amount for a venture capitalist, no more than a few hundred thousand dollars.

Over the next few months, the pair didn't talk much. But Cerilli watched as Trump took to the campaign trail and delivered increasingly divisive speeches. He often noticed Kushner photographed by the candidate's side, but he never heard Kushner speak out against what was said.

Cerilli, a lifelong liberal, grew increasingly concerned. In June, Trump went on an 11-minute rant about a federal judge, Gonzalo Curiel, who was overseeing lawsuits against Trump University, the defunct program of real-estate classes. Trump attacked Curiel over his Mexican heritage and said the judge could not fairly preside over a case involving Trump University because of Trump's vows to crack down on illegal immigration and build a wall along the Mexican border.

That's when Cerilli, who said he viewed the comments as racist, cracked.

Cerilli consulted a group of CEOs and investors for advice. They encouraged him to rid himself of his Kushner association, if only because it had become a distraction to his business. Also during that time, Trump had become the Republican presidential nominee.

In late July, Cerilli scheduled a phone call. Kushner thought he was getting an ordinary business update.

Instead, he was getting dumped.

It's not easy to get rid of an investor.

Once early-stage investors like Kushner give money to a startup, they own a piece of the company. There are written terms that can make it easier for a founder to divorce a spouse than to part with a venture capitalist.

To remove Kushner from his startup financially, Cerilli had to inform his board and other investors of the decision. Then he had to persuade Kushner to sign paperwork that would give away his rights.

Cerilli was nervous to address his concerns with Kushner. He wrote down a script and took notes of Kushner's reaction. Cerilli later sent those notes to his investors so he could give them an accurate update. Business Insider obtained a copy and confirmed the document's authenticity.

"If you can hear me out for a few minutes," Cerilli said, according to the notes, "then I would be happy to listen to you."

He continued: "A lot has changed in this country since you invested ... I am personally and now professionally overwhelmed and concerned with the rhetoric and public discourse on a number of fronts with regard to Trump."

Cerilli said that even if Kushner didn't agree with offensive comments Trump had made, he found his silence unacceptable.

"Your involvement is something that is not incredibly clear to me, but what is is your unwillingness to speak out against it," Cerilli said. "This is not a conversation about what he or you believe or what he and you do and feel behind closed doors. This is about what he says and does publicly and what is not said and done publicly by you."

Cerilli said that while he once felt his and Kushner's values were aligned, that no longer seemed to be the case.

"You seem like a good person," he said. "A smart person. I am not saying that you are a bad person or that the way you act is wrong. I am saying that I don't agree with it, and me, [my cofounder], our team, and our investors ... would like to give you your money back."

Kushner listened until Cerilli was finished. He told him that the call came as a shock  and that it was "cowardly."

Then, according to Cerilli's notes of the call, Kushner unleashed.

He conveyed that the process of campaigning with Trump had "allowed him to exfoliate" people he once considered friends. "I am seeing which friendships break in the wind," he said, according to the document.

"We live in a world and time that are interesting," he added. "There are a lot of issues that need to be discussed."

He told Cerilli that he was doing what he thought was right, with "complicated facets," and that he was "navigating it appropriately."

Cerilli's decision to distance himself, Kushner said, was a "childish thing." He questioned Cerilli's character, describing his messaging as "somewhere between incredibly immature and incredibly intolerant." The decision to oust Kushner seemed emotional, not based on facts. He questioned whether Cerilli knew about his actual involvement in Trump's campaign or where he stood on key issues.

"You clearly don't have the depth to take on a big challenge when something like this bothers you," Kushner said, "and so clearly your team doesn't either."

After a few minutes, Kushner concluded: "I don't give a shit. Send me the paperwork. I'll sign."

Those who know Kushner say he never intended to go into politics. His heavy involvement, these sources told Business Insider, spiraled from the fact that Trump ran a nontraditional campaign with few experienced advisers, often relying on people close to him like Kushner for guidance.

But now that Kushner is involved, former friends wonder who has changed more: Trump or Kushner?

Kushner and Ivanka have stayed relatively quiet during some of Trump's most controversial moments, which has fed critics' frustration. A recent "Saturday Night Live" skit summed up the sentiment. It was a spoof ad for a perfume called "Complicit," starring actress Scarlett Johansson as Ivanka Trump. The tagline?

"The fragrance for the woman who could stop all of this but won't. Also available in a cologne for Jared."

Kushner's allies have two responses to those who fear he's making a Faustian bargain in exchange for power: He isn't the president. And look harder.

A source familiar with Kushner's White House role says he did not go to Washington to focus on some of the more controversial Trump policies, like healthcare or the ban on immigration from several majority-Muslim countries. Instead, he is focused on issues like creating peace in the Middle East. But that doesn't mean Kushner hasn't inserted himself when he feels it's necessary.

Kushner, this person said, was instrumental in killing an executive order that would have affected the LGBT community. The person also said Kushner was the force that pushed the administration to remove Iraq from the second iteration of the travel ban, which is making its way through the courts.

Other Trump associates have faced tremendous criticism, too. Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX and Tesla, who is a member of Trump's economic advisory council, acknowledged on Twitter that the blowback had been difficult to deal with. Travis Kalanick, the CEO of Uber, couldn't take the heat and resigned from Trump's council.

"Activists should be pushing for more moderates to advise the President, not fewer," Musk tweeted. "How could having only extremists advise him possibly be good?"

But once you've associated yourself with Trump, the only way to win might be to lose.
The images from the flight will serve to orient him on the action to take on the ground; check the irrigation, or find anomalies related to sanitary treatment differences. "Understanding my pineapple is deciding if I want to achieve my goals of growth", he says. "Precision in agriculture is essential today to minimize risks and maximize returns."

Drones flying across agricultural fields can observe through a specific sensor, generate more accurate pictures than satellite images, and raise a higher amount of data.

It can help in the detection of weeds and diseases on crops in remote areas, finding damage disaster, and even in estimating the amount of fertilizer required for the farmland.

Though the drones are being increasingly used for crop management in Europe and the United States (in France, the market leader Airinov provides services to about 8000 farmers), they are yet to take a hold in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA), an international development organization started in 1983 by 79 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries and member states of the European Union, rose to the occasion. "An important part of our work focuses on innovative ICT, says Giacomo Rambaldi, Programme Coordinator at CTA. Talking about the use of drones in African agriculture, he speaks of a "huge potential.

The center has used a French start-up, Airinov, the leader in agricultural drone services with 40 employees and 2.5 million in revenue in 2015 to help seven African entrepreneurs.

Specialists in UAVs, developers or researchers, have been selected by CTA for their knowledge of the realities in the field. They will help to put increase precision agriculture in Africa by setting up drones in farming in their country of origin. This is just "a first step", according to Mr. Rambaldi. The demonstration in October in Ghana with the equipment was an opportunity for different stakeholders to meet.

With a grant from CTA, agricultural entrepreneurs from Ghana, Tanzania, from Uganda, from Benin and DRC travelled in March 2017 to the premises of Airinov in Paris for a week of training.

"They will be able to take ownership of our technology and deploy next-friendly services at home," says Hamza Rkha Chaham, Head of International Affairs at Airinov, ahead of the event. Each of farmers were given a four-rotor drone.

"Our applications in Europe are aimed at optimization. In Africa it is the opposite: we must guide the development", summarizes Hamza Rkha Chaham. Our drones will help to map or identify a problem. The goal is to give the user more flexibility farmer to invest. "

Entrepreneurs trained in Paris will offer their services to farmers, cooperatives, communities or government and will solicit Airinov for analyzation of specific data, including the use of fertilizers.

To reduce costs for farmers, flights will involve clusters of small producers of the same product. Giacomo Rambaldi of the CTA plans to fly over thousands of hectares of paddy fields in Ghana or oil palm trees in Uganda, where each farmer owns an average of 1.5 hectares. CTA and Airinov both believe that the charges borne by farmers should decrease through better knowledge of the terrain.
Even people that say they love wearing heels can't claim they're actually comfortable.

That's what inspired Dolly Singh, a former Oculus and SpaceX executive, to reinvent the high heel.

But all of those complaints made me even more excited to test out the Olympus One shoes. They're billed as having an entirely new internal technology that helps balance your weight across the entire foot, not just on your toes, and they're intended to minimize the impact shock that occurs every time your foot strikes the ground.

To do this, Thesis had to start with the internal technology of the shoe. The company says it uses ballistic-grade polymers on the inside  so, plastic. For reference, the inside of typical high heels has a long metal rod called a shank. Thesis replaced that with a plastic version that interlocks with the high heel and the place where your toes sit, called the toe box.

The company says that in most heels, 80% of your weight sits on your toe bones  the design of the Thesis shoes is meant to help redistribute the weight more evenly.

Comfortable heels  for a price

I noticed the design change as soon as I put them on my feet. The Olympus One shoes have much more arch support than typical high heels, and I immediately felt like my weight was being supported by my heel and midfoot rather than the ball of my foot.

Walking in them felt much like typical high heels, although they stayed on my foot much better. That could be attributed more to the design of the exterior than anything else, though  the shoes lace up your foot much like a sneaker and then tie around your ankle.

Unfortunately, I never got the chance to wear them dancing or even for several hours at a time. Most of my tests consisted of walking short distances and I never wore them for an entire day. But in my short time with them, I was very impressed. Usually when I put on heels, they hurt the ball of my left foot instantaneously, thanks to some scar tissue there from when I was younger. The Olympus One shoes put so little pressure on that part of my foot, I felt comfortable in heels for maybe the first time ever.

Plus, the shoes are stylish. When I showed them to a colleague, her immediate response was, "They are REALLY cute."

But they'll cost you: $900, to be exact.
The National Coordinator, Mr Joe Anokye, made this call at a three-day International Workshop on Criminal Justice Statistics on Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence in Accra.

Mr Joe Anokye, who is also the acting Director General of the NCA said with Ghanas total mobile data subscriptions at 20,064,110 and with a penetration rate of 70.90% at the end of January 2017, Cybercrime cases are expected to escalate.

READ ALSO: Ghana hosts International Civil Aviation meeting

He went on further to say that as new technologies and strategies are being developed daily to advance network security, they sometimes have the effect of preventing Law Enforcement and Justice Agencies from securing the much needed electronic evidence.

He, therefore, called for the development of a shared system which would enable all relevant institutions to upload cases and share information to avoid duplication of efforts and ensure data and statistics integrity.

Giving the keynote address, the Minister for Communications Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, also agreed to the call of a concerted effort by all users of the cyberspace.

READ ALSO: Kufuor calls for investigation into huge salary at COCOBOD

She also spoke of Governments strategic plans to combat e-crime; these include the establishment of a National Cyber Security Council and a Cybersecurity Centre to oversee Cyber Security Incident Reporting and the establishment of a Forensic Laboratory in place to support investigations and prosecutions.

The National Coordinator for the GLACY+ project in Ghana, is responsible for coordinating the efforts of the various law enforcement agencies and judiciary to protect Ghanaians from the threat of cybercrime on the platform of the Budapest Convention. He was also recently appointed a member of the National Security Council, to support Governments efforts in protecting the countrys critical national infrastructures.

The workshop which is being organised by the Council of Europe as part of the GLACY+ project is expected to interrogate the current systems available in each member country with regards to reporting, collating and interpreting statistics on Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence and build capacity to develop measures in this regard. It brought together several local and international law enforcement and justice professionals involved in collecting, collating and interpreting statistics for offences of cybercrime from countries including Mauritius, Philippines, Tonga, Sri Lanka and Morocco.
Iyanya real name Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk explained that Like our first day in bed. She was like Oh Yeah baby, I really love it and her late night and early morning messages and calls. I miss everything about her.

READ ALSO: 11 really cute celebrity babies you should check out right now

The 30-year-old added they broke up because he didnt get time for the Ghanaian actress and was always focused on his music career.

Iyanya disclosed that he regrets things didnt work out between them.

...we broke up because we hardly had time for each other. I was hustling and I would do four shows in a day and I will make two million. So, I wont say because I was in love with a woman Im going to see money and Im going to lay back."

He said that he was yet to get over the actress, but had done his best to move on.

Its not easy losing a great and beautiful woman like Yvonne. She was everything I have at that moment until I lose her... Life was miserable for me after the breakup but life goes on.

READ ALSO: Seven celebrity marriages that broke down and broke our hearts
The 33-year-old sent one of the cars, black V8 Toyota Land Cruiser with registration number GE 8118-16 to a workshop in Abelempke, Accra for total rebranding when National Security Operatives pounced on it.

READ MORE: Social media trolls John Dumelo after government cars are collected from him

But the Supervisor of the Task Force said Dumelo will be arraigned before court for attempting to rebrand the state vehicle.

Mr Kwame Baffoe in an interview on Accra-based Joy FM said "the officers involved, we have the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) [and] the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), they are building a docket on that and at the appropriate time, he will be arraigned before court. He should be charged for theft because this is a criminal offence."

READ ALSO: John Dumelo allegedly gave out government car to his girlfriend

The vehicle is said to be one of the 200 vehicles the presidency said are missing.

According to reports, one of the vehicles is a Toyota Land Cruiser V8.

After the state officials cross-checked the chassis number (VIN number), the car was state-owned.
In an interaction with media, Mr Amir Hassoun said the brand is 100% organic without any chemicals and they are happy to be in Ghana. According to him, Ghana is the first African country they are operating in, "we produce more than one thousand tonnes of bioproducts mainly skin and hair care. We own more than 1487 points in the world. Khan Al Saboun is a family business and we are known for producing organic products for centuries," he added.

Mrs Dunia Hamoui, the Master Fanchise of khan Al Saboun in Ghana mentioned Angelina Jollie as one of the many Hollywood superstars that use their products and the company also supply to John Hopkins Research Institute, Movenpick Hotels and many other renowned companies around the world.

She expressed interest in signing some of the Ghanaian celebrities as brand ambassadors to work with and help spread the companys image across the country since it is a luxurious brand which seeks to make a positive impact in the long term.

The various products from the company will be available at all shopping centres across Accra with advance plans to move to other regions as well.
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On Wednesday, March 29, 2017, the Police disclosed that the part-time taxi driver is suspected of taking the baby from her mother not long after she was born on Saturday, March 25, 2017.

ALSO READ: Woman recounts how she was sentenced to rape

AFP reports that the little girl was saved by local villagers who spotted her feet sticking out of a shallow sand pit on a farmland.

The Police in the Jajpur district of the eastern state of Odisha, India, were the shocking incident took place, reportedly the suspect, Ramesh Chandra, for attempted manslaughter.

They were unable to explain the whereabouts of the child after we scanned the locality for expectant mothers, Investigating officer Jyoti Prakash Pande told AFP.

The investigating officer revealed that confessed to burying the baby during questioning by the police, claiming that he was too poor to raise a daughter.

AFP reports that the couple already shares two daughters and a son, after aborting two earlier pregnancies.

The life of the baby who has been named Dharitri by staff at the hospital where she is under observation hangs in the balance as her fate remains unsure.

A video shows a villager gently removing sand with his bare hands before pulling out the infant wrapped in a blue piece of cloth.

The baby suddenly lets out a wail which leaves the crowd that had gathered at the scene, jubilant as they try to arrange for an ambulance.

ALSO READ: Woman ends 16 yrs hunger strike

According to reports, most Indian parents are known to avoid having too many daughters in a bid to avoid the burden of huge dowries frequently required from them while their sons are only expected to support and care for them at old age.
Charlotte Nana Yaa Nikoi, who is a director at the United Nations Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was last seen on Cape Towns Table Mountains.

According to the South African news website News24, a comprehensive search has been conducted over the area on the ground and from the air.

According to Johan Marais, spokesperson for the South African Wilderness Search and Rescue team, there is very little chance that Nikoi is still in the area.

We are 95% sure that she is not in the area we went to search for her. Which means she came off the mountain and was either taken away, or went away from that area.
READ ALSO: Political party colours banned at Aboakyir Festival

According to the girls father, Solomon Nana Kwame Boakye Ansah, the child was born on Saturday March 25 but on Wednesday when the family wanted to see the baby, they were told the child had died.

According to him, the hospital says someone who claims to be a family member then signed for the baby taken to the mortuary. Repeated attempts by the family since then to see the body of the baby has proven futile.

On Monday, the baby was healthy but on Wednesday I was told that the baby had died and a relative had signed for the baby to be taken to the mortuary, but it is my name that has been with the officials when we went to the hospital. I want them to produce that relative, Nana Kwame said in an interview with Kumasi-based Adehye FM.

A relative accused nurses at the hospital of trying to sell the baby.

It is not true. The nurses are telling lies in order to sell the baby. I will not agree to this, that someone who is not a relative of the couple has come to sign. Have you heard this before?

According to Accra-based Class FM, the family have now identified the body and burial arrangements are underway.

In 2014, two midwives were suspended following a similar incident at the hospital. The media extensively reported the matter but Suwaiba Mumuni has still not found her baby which was said to have been still born.

Analysis

While it will not be entirely strange for a baby to die days after it was deemed healthy, the risk is compounded in a hospital such as the Komfo Anokye Hospital.

The maternity section of the hospital is infamous for overcrowding and the hospital lacks mechanisms to cope adequately with the numbers.

A hospital block that was designed 40 years ago with the aim of decongesting the maternity department remains unfinished despite promises to have it completed by successive governments.
The letter titled, Notice to commence series of industrial actions, said: This is to serve notice, having failed to resolve the dispute between the management of TV3 Company Limited and the Public Services Workers Union of TUC Ghana on the unfair summary dismissal of 32 employees of TV3 who are members of our union.

It said, Tuesday, 4th April, 2017, there would be picketing around the premises of TV3 Company by members of the PSWU of TUC Ghana, Tuesday, 11th April, 2017, wearing of red bands by all members of the PSWU of TUC Ghana and Monday, 24th April, 2017, solidarity strike by all division of the PSWU Ghana.

The letter was signed by Richard Ampabeng, General Secretary PSWU of TUC Ghana and copied to the Regional Commander, Ghana Police Service, Accra, the Local Union Secretary, PSWU TV3 Network Company Limited, Accra and the IGP.

A letter from management of the station announcing the dismissal of the workers said, "wearing red shirts on Wednesday 22 February, 2017, tying doors of offices with red fabric, writing of graffiti on the premises threatening management and hoisting of a red flag on the campanys transmission on Wednesday 22 February 2017 without authority from management.

READ ALSO: Group wants Nana Addo to make homosexuals indefensible

"Management wishes to bring to your attention that these acts that you participated in constituted industrial action which is a form of illegal strike and was aimed at intimidating and coercing management.
Our festival is purely a traditional customary event and we will humbly appeal to all those who wear political colours to stay out of it. We are crying for peace and development not selfish individuals who would want to use the festival to amass wealth and leave the town in an impoverished state, Neenyi Bonzie Asiedu, the Abusuapanin of the Otuano royal family said at a press briefing.

Clashes between supporters of two of Ghanas major political parties  the governing New Patriotic Party and the opposition National Democratic Congress- are fairly common at large outdoor events such as festivals.

What is the Aboakyir Festival?

The Aboakyir Festival is an annual celebration of the Effutu people whose major town is Winneba. Aboakyir translates as animal catch. Groups of youth in the community go into the forest and stay there until they catch a live deer. The deer is used to appease the local deity Penkye Otu.

The festival is a major tourist attraction to the Central Region each year.
Bamba, 37, an auto mechanic led a group of men from the governing New Patriotic Partys Delta Force on Friday and stormed the office of the recently appointed Ashanti regional security coordinator to stop him from performing his functions.

The group said it cannot work with the regional security coordinator, Mr Adjei since he is not a native of the region.

According to the members, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, has already been petitioned about the appointment of Mr Adjei but he is yet to act on it.

Mr Adjei was said to have been maltreated by the well-built men on Friday when they stormed his office and dragged him out.

Police, however, arrived at the scene to save the situation.

The suspect, Bamba, has since been granted bail.
Cadman revealed this in an extensive interview on Accra-based Starr FM on Thursday night.

According to him, the December 2012 elections were on the horizon and the party did not think "politically it was not right" for the public to know.

My brother got very sick and was in South Africa in 2005 and he had treatment in South Africa and part of the effect of the treatment that he had was that progressively it affected his vision and affected his hearing a little bit. Otherwise, the treatment was extremely successful and he was getting progressively better.

The only problem he had was [with] his vision and even that was getting better with time. We were very conscious of the sickness he had in 2005, and, therefore, he regularly had medical check-ups to confirm that everything was ok.

Hes not somebody who will hide things, but for some strange reason, they decided that politically it was not allowable for people to know that he was sick. Before that I went to China and when I came back I couldnt recognise my brother, he was not even coherent. He was very visibly sick and Id never seen him like that before and I said we had to evacuate him immediately. We had to go to the U.S and that is when they started telling me that elections are going to be soon and politically it was not right. That was the first time I was very disrespectful of the presidency.

READ ALSO: Political party colours banned at Aboakyir Festival

Although he fell short of disclosing what caused the death of the former president, he said the president was getting better after a trip to the United States but got furious after the president did vigorous exercise at the airport upon arrival to show that he was healthy.

we went to the US and lucky enough they detected very quickly whats causing it and he got much better. I was very angry with him when he came back and he wanted to show everybody that he was well. I confronted him on a lot of things including that.

Analysis

Ahead of the December 2012 elections, the health of John Atta-Mills was becoming a major campaign issues ready to be exploited by the opposition New Patriotic Party. Atta-Mills died on July 24, 2012. He was the first sitting head of state to die in office in Ghana.

Many African leaders do not openly admit their health failings and usually resort to hospitals outside their own countries.
He said the vigilante groups defended the party when the Police and the government were against the NPP when they were in opposition.

One Kwadwo Bamba, 37, an auto mechanic led a group of men from the governing New Patriotic Partys Delta Force on Friday, March 24 stormed the office of the recently appointed Ashanti regional security coordinator to stop him from performing his functions.

The group said it cannot work with the regional security coordinator, Mr Adjei since he is not a native of the region.

Commenting on the attack carried out in the Ashanti region, he said he would have clapped for them [the boys] and urged them to slap the man.

"Anyone should dare and put any of the Delta Force guys on trial, I would personally lead demonstration against the NPP and Kan DapaahNana Addo didnt win easily, we fought and these boys were at the war front when they were fighting," he said.

READ ALSO:Ashanti region NPP condemns Delta Force attack

Speaking on Adom TV, Ken Agyapong said "I would have clapped for them and urged them to slap the man When I was charged with treason, who came to intervene? It was Ursula who was slapped at Odododiodioowhere was Kan-Dapaah? We win power and they all join the bandwagon."

Meanwhile, the Ashanti Regional Police have arrested nine more suspects in connection with the attack.

READ MORE: Nana Addo summons Chairman Wontumi

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has summoned the Ashanti Regional chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Bernard Antwi Bosiako to the Flagstaff House to explain the circumstances leading to the attack.
If ex-President Mahama has political experience, with the in-fighting in the NDC that is going to worsen in the period ahead, its a taking a horse for racing and after losing, the same horse which is sick is used for another racing contest. If he comes back as the Flagbearer, hes going to go into election 2020 with a weakened and disunited party. Should he decide to stage a comeback to lead the party Ill be very surprised. Its very unlikely hell come back, he said on Accra-based Kasapa FM.

Some members of the NDC have in recent times been pointing accusing fingers at each other following the partys defeat to the New Patriotic Party in the 2016 elections.

In spite of the Prof. Kwesi Botchway Committee investigating what led to the party's defeat, some members already feel that the former president, Mr Mahama should be blamed.

For instance, the NDC Member of Parliament for Yunyoo in the Northern Region, Joseph Bipoba Naabu, recently argued that the former President surrounded himself with inexperienced people who only misled him.
According to Billy House and Sahil Kapur of Bloomberg, House GOP leaders could bring back the American Health Care Act as early as next week for a vote on the House floor.

Citing two Republican lawmakers, Bloomberg reported a deal is being ironed out between the hardline conservatives in the House Freedom Caucus and more moderate GOP members to make the AHCA more palatable for both sides.

It is unclear whether the move would come in the form of a new bill or an amended version of the AHCA.

AshLee Strong, a spokesperson for House Speaker Paul Ryan, told Business Insider there was "no schedule update" on any Obamacare replacement bill, throwing cold water on the possibility of a vote in the coming days.

"

The AHCA, which would repeal and replace Obamacare, was pulled from the House floor minutes before a vote was set to be held Friday. Members of the Freedom Caucus felt the bill did not go far enough in its repeal of Obamacare, while moderates expressed concern about the large coverage losses forecast under the AHCA.
Priebus told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt that it "just isn't the case" that he and Bannon don't get along.

"I mean, and if anyone's worked here, they know that Steve and I are very close, and it's actually the opposite," Priebus said. "And it's something that is extremely normal, and nothing like what you would read in some of these articles. So I would just say I think we've got a great team."

Soon after President Donald Trump took office, reports surfaced that Priebus and Bannon were locked in a power struggle, with Priebus representing the Republican establishment and Bannon representing more right-wing aspects of Trump's base.

Breitbart News, the right-wing media organization of which Bannon was executive chair, even reported that Priebus was on thin ice. Bannon was reportedly "livid" with Breitbart over the report.

The day after the Breitbart story was published, Bannon and Priebus talked to The Hill in a joint phone call, insisting that they're a "united team" and there's no tension between them.

"Reince is doing an amazing job," Bannon told The Hill. "We are executing on President Trump's agenda in record time. That's because Reince is getting the job done."

Priebus echoed this message of unity in his interview with Hewitt.

"I think the president's put around him a lot of smart people that have accomplished a lot of big things in their life," he said. "And everyone works together to get to consensus, and at the end of the day, it's about advancing the president's agenda."

Priebus also said the "sort of palace intrigue stuff isn't anything unusual" with White House staff.
But recent comments from Trump's interior secretary, Ryan Zinke, cast doubt on just how imposing parts of that wall will be, if they get built at all.

"I don't know how that would work," Sen. John Cornyn, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate, and who opposes a full-length border wall, told The Dallas Morning News. "When I hear the president talk about a wall, to me I think he's speaking metaphorically."

Building a wall is the most expensive and least effective way to secure the border, Texas Republican Congressman Will Hurd said in late January. "Each section of the border faces unique geographical, cultural, and technological challenges that would be best addressed with a flexible, sector-by-sector approach that empowers the agents on the ground with the resources they need."

Texans on the border whose land could be in the path of a wall have also praised electronic measures, as well as personnel on the ground, as the better way to go.

Zinke's comments also raised the complicated rights issues concerning the Rio Grande, which provides water to people and industry on both sides of the border.

Some have interpreted his remarks as a hint that some or all of the wall could be constructed on Mexican territory, but given Mexicans' strong rebuke of Trump's insistence they pay for the wall, such a proposal is almost certainly a nonstarter.

Trump's administration, however, appears to be gearing up to solve one of the land-use issues confronting it.
1. GroupM is partnering with video analytics firm OpenSlate to help clients buy brand safe ads on YouTube. The partnership gives WPP's media-buying agency access to reports for where ads actually ran when they paid extra for Google's Preferred service.

2. Paris banned "sexist and discriminatory" outdoor ads. The French capital awarded its outdoor advertising contract to JCDecaux.

3. Buzzfeed and Snap will work with NBC to provide ad packages around the Olympics. The broadcaster will work with Buzzfeed to create content for Snapchat's Discover section and ad sales packages that include Snap ad inventory, according to Variety.

4. Carl's Jr. is leaving its racy ads behind. The company will focus on food, not girls.

5. HTC will be able to tell brands when someone has looked at an ad in virtual reality. The company is making use of eye-tracking technology to allow developers to monetize their content.

6. NBC is predicting ad sales for the 2018 Winter Olympics will surpass those from 2014. The broadcaster's sales for the Pyeongchang Olympics, which NBC will air nationwide in primetime, are on track to exceed those from the Sochi Olympics, AdAge reported.

7. Accenture Interactive and Fjord are moving into Karmarama's London offices. The three companies will be separated in the same building so that they can maintain their individual creative cultures, according to The Drum.

8. Ad network The Deck is shutting down, TechCrunch reports. The network powered many independent blogs including Daring Fireball, Kottke, and Waxy, as reported by TechCrunch.

9. Pinterest will power visual search in the new Samsung Galaxy S8. The feature, which allows people to take photos and find similar items on Pinterest, is an attempt to take ad dollars away from Google, according to Ad Age.
That's because there's a fear that internet providers could sell that data to insurance companies and influence the patient's insurance rates, says David Gorodyansky, CEO and founder of AnchorFree.

Many might be tempted to think these fears can be brushed off as urban legend. The big internet advertising companies like Google, Facebook, and Yahoo say they don't sell personally identifiable data to companies, although they do track a mind-blowing amount of data on you to serve ads. ISPs have also been able to do such a thing, but, up until yesterday, it would've been harder for them to get their hands on your data without you first giving them the go-ahead.

On Tuesday, however, House Republicans voted to give ISPs the green light to sell your data without your consent, gutting FCC privacy rules scheduled to go into effect by the Obama administration. President Donald Trump has already indicated he plans to sign the legislation into law.

Indeed, ever since Trump won the presidential election, internet-savvy people in the US have been racing to hide themselves and their data from online corporations and government snooping.

"Right after the election, we saw people being concerned and we could say that maybe they were over reacting. I think this FCC issue just proved that people are not over reacting," Gorodyansky says.

While the rise in secret messaging apps like Signal in the wake of the presidential election has been well documented, Gorodyansky says that AnchorFree has seen unprecedented downloads of its flagship app, Hotspot Shield, in the US as well. Hotspot Shield encrypts your online activity to keep it private from snoops and hackers.

For instance, before the election, Hotspot Shield was typically installed on about 200,000 new iPhones a month. But since November, that has spiked to over "700,000 installs per month, and thats not our total global number, just iPhones in the US," he says. That's an increase of over 240%.

That spike in downloads has been enough to keep the app on the Apple App Store's Top 100 list since November, almost unheard of for a privacy app, he says.

When adding in Android, PC and Mac users, the app is being installed "by over 1.5 million new users per month since November in the US alone," Gorodyansky says.

Globally, the app is being installed about 6 million times per months, he says. "The US was always like 20% of that and now it's like 40%," he says, adding, that AnchorFree currently has about 500 million users but, at this pace, expects to hit a billion by the end of 2018.

The increase by US users has been so insane, AnchorFree surveyed them to ask what's going on. Nearly two-thirds (64%) said they were concerned about online privacy because of the Trump administration. About 36% said the recent alleged Russian cybersecurity hacks in the U.S. was a concern.

To be fair, not all of their concerns were due to politics. Half of them were also worried about large-scale email hacks. In December, Yahoo announced that 1 billion email accounts were stolen in a breach.

Still, Gorodyansky says there's no question that the current political environment is causing some of this increased privacy activity.
The comedian's wife is a year older today, March 30, 2017, and he took to his Instagram page to celebrate her.

He wrote a heartwarming message to her wishing her the very best and stating how much she means to him.

He wrote,

"My holding on to the camera to personally capture this moment is only a reminder of my days as a photographer on the same campus where I first met you.

I just cant forget your ability of finding something interesting in an ordinary place. A place that was transformed by the heartwarming charm of a beautiful woman sent down to me from heaven.

On this special day, I want you to know that the day you were born was a lucky day for me and so many people who have enjoyed the beauty of your invaluable presence.

You enrich my life and I love you more than what words can ever express. Thank you for being my soulmate, my partner and most trusted friend. Happy birthday to my lovely wife @midas_interiors #mysunshine."
The event celebrated with the 9th Annual Bola Tinubu Colloquium took place on 28th March 2017, at the Eko Hotels and Suites.

The colloquium themed 'Use What We Make, Make What You Use' featured numerous speakers from various works of life both from the private and public sector as they deliberate on the issues that stand in the way of our national greatness and profer solutions.

A national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Bola Tinubu, says the duo of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo have shown themselves as a selfless leaders, exemplifying teamwork and unity of purpose.

Speakers at the colloquium include: Chief of Air Staff of the Nigerian Airforce, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar; Honourable Minister for Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun; Honourable Minister for Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah; CEO of Innoson Motors, Chief Innocent Chukwuma.

Others are Co-Founder of Wilsons Juice Company, Seun Abolaji; CEO at Chocolate City, Jude Abaga; and the founder of an agric-tech value chain company, Nasir Yammama.

Speaking on the theme of the colloquium `Use What We Make, Make What You Use`, Tinubu urged the Federal Government to create a national industrial policy with national infrastructural plan to reform the nation`s economy.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu said; There is wide spread poverty, gross inequity, and high unemployment. I dont see why this nation should continue to be poor with all its human capital and resources, Our challenges as a nation are manifold, but so are our capabilities, talent and resources, therefore we need to revolve the political economy in a manner that will put our huge population into productive use" .

If we do nothing to reform our economy, we are doomed as a nation. I know this administration has begun the process of salvaging the economy through reforms, but we need to create that enabling environment and make credit facilities accessible for creative individuals, Not only must we use what we make and make what we use, we must make what the world values, he said.
Unlike the Igbos banga stew, called Ofe Akwu (Ofe means Soup / Stew and Akwu means palm fruit) which is mainly used as stew for boiled white Rice, the deltas banga soup is best served with starch or eba.

Today's recipe entails how to make banga soup. Although prepared with similar ingredients, the additional spices used in preparing banga soup makes the difference.

ALSO READ: Enjoy a much more delicious Egusi with this trick

Ingredients

1. Meat (1kg)

2. Medium sized dry fish / smoked fish (1)

3. Crayfish (Ground)

4. Periwinkles

5. Red scotch bonnet pepper Ata rodo (8)

6. Fresh prawn [oporo](one cup)

7. Fresh Palm Fruits (Banga) (8 cups)

8. Ataiko (1 tbsp)

9. Iru (1 teaspoon)

10. Oburunbebe Stick (Banga stick) (1)

11. Dried Beletientien leaves or bitter leaves

12. Salt to taste

13. Seasoning cubes

Banga seeds are the major ingredients for making this soup.

Direction

1. Cook the meat until it becomes soft and easy to chew. Also, wash and precook the prawn. Then set them aside.

2. Grind and blend the spices to powder (ataiko, Iru and a cup of crayfish). Also blend the pepper.

3. Wash the dry fish and remove the centre bone.

4. Boil the palm fruit for 20 minutes, pound with a mortar and pestle, transfer into a bowl, add water and extract the juice using a sieve.

5. Boil the juice for about 15 minutes till it becomes thick.

6. Add the dried fish, grounded crayfish mix, oburunbebe stick, precooked meat, ground pepper and salt and seasonings to taste. Then boil for another 10 minutes.

7. Add dried beletientien leaves or thinly sliced bitter leaves, precooked prawn, periwinkles and some more seasonings (if necessary). Simmer for about 2 minutes.
The accused are facing four count charges of publishing defamatory and malicious story against the General Overseer of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie.

Chief Magistrate, Alatuwo Elkanah Fubara, in his ruling granted the two accused bail in the sum of two hundred thousand Naira with credible sureties who reside in Port Harcourt.

The court also struck out one of the charges on cyber crime against Ms. Olunloyo for lack of jurisdiction to try the matter.

The controversial outspoken blogger posted a letter that was written by a member of Pastor Ibiyeomies church in which the religious leader was accused of a number of misconducts that included infidelities.

She was arrested by the police in Ibadan on March 5 after Pastor Ibiyeomie registered a formal complaint where he accused her of defaming his character.

Ms. Olunloyo, the daughter of former Oyo State Governor Victor Omololu Olunloyo, was driven to Port Harcourt after her arrest and has been remanded in custody ever since.

According to her, her fellow defendant, Samuel Walson was arrested because he syndicated her story.
And in Zamfara, where the death toll was as high as 80, residents of Gusau, have appealed for government help to prevent the disease.

The appeal was made by a cross section of residents interviewed by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Earlier this March, the Commissioner of Health in the state, Alhaji Suleiman Gummi said over 80 people had died as a result of the disease while another 500 were undergoing treatment at various health facilities across the 14 Local Government Areas of the state.

The people interviewed were of the view that the situation has worsened, although they could not cite figures.

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control said, about 269 people have been killed in recent weeks by meningitis.

As of Monday, 1,828 suspected cases of meningitis were reported with 269 deaths in 15 of the countrys 36 states, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said on Twitter late on Tuesday.

Mallam Bello Aliyu, a civil servant said that the rate at which meningitis has been killing both young and adult in Zamfara state was worrisome.

Aliyu said that his neighbor, a 35-year-old man recently died of meningitis and some of his family members had been infected as well.

Hajiya Salamatu Isa, a school teacher also complained about how her four year-old daughter died of meningitis, which she said was due to lack of vaccine.

She said that the disease became rampant in February and that she tried her best to immunize all the members of her family, but due to non-availability of the vaccine, she could not. The inadequacy of vaccines, she said killed several people, including her daughter.

Dr Oyaromade Abidemi, a consultant obstetrician, Head of Clinical Services, Ahmad Sani, Yerima Bakura specialist hospital, Gusau, said the disease was under control.

Dr Abidemi said that the state government and Medicin San Frontieres MSF nongovernmental organization donated some drugs to the hospital, for the treatment of patients suffering from meningitis.

He said that 80 percent of meningitis patients that were taken to the hospital at early stage had been treated and discharged, while those that were seriously affected before being taken to the hospital have 50 percent chances of survival.

The Doctor however said that the hospital had not gotten any vaccine to give the public to prevent meningitis.

Some medical personnel from Federal Medical Center Gusau, who pleaded anonymity told NAN that the disease had affected many children and adults to the extent that 80 percent of the patients in the ward were suffering from meningitis.

NAN also gathered that both the state government and nongovernmental organization had been distributing antibiotics to hospitals in the state, for the treatment of the affected people, but vaccines are scarce.

At the two major hospitals in Gusau, Ahmad Sani Yerima Bakura specialist hospital and Federal Medical Center Gusau, there were hundreds of patients suffering from the disease, awaiting treatment.
The Executive Secretary of the board, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, told NAN in an interview in Abuja that another death from the disease occurred in Dakwa, a border village of Bwari Area Council and Niger state on Wednesday.

The four suspected cases we have were all in Durumi I and II in AMAC while one confirmed case of a child that just happened yesterday (Wednesday) in Dakwa of Bwari area council.

The four that died in Durumi showed all signs of meningitis but there was an autopsy carried out in the one at Dakwa and was confirmed to be meningitis at the University of Abuja Teaching hospital, Gwagwalada.

We have so far immunised all residents of Durumi that are within the ages of 1 years and 29 years and we are going to condone off Dakwa area today (Thursday) for a similar vaccination, he said.

According to him, the board had so far immunised 65,000 residents as against 70,000 targeted for vaccination against meningitis in FCT.

He said that since the disease broke out in Zamfara, Sokoto and Niger states, the board intensified effort to curtail its spread in the territory.
Eyewitnesses to a spate of recent raids attributed to Islamist fighters loyal to Abu Musab Al-Barnawi in northeast Nigeria have said they repeatedly told villagers they would not be harmed.

Others say mass violence has been reduced in parts of the northern Borno state around Lake Chad now controlled by Barnawi and Mamman Nur, his right-hand man who is seen by some as the real leader.

But experts tracking the eight-year conflict said it might be a calculated tactic purely to win support.

Herdsman Jabbi Sambo said jihadists loyal to the elusive Boko Haram chief, Abubakar Shekau, repeatedly stole or killed their prized cattle, abducted women and children, and razed their homes.

"Things changed dramatically" when Nur took over control of the Lake Chad area, Sambo, from the town of Shuwaram, he told AFP.

"The raids and the killings stopped and we were free to move with our herds for grazing."

Nur, the alleged mastermind behind the 2011 bombing of a UN building in Abuja that killed 24, told them in person that he "wanted to build trust and confidence between his group and people in the area".

The only proviso was that they did not cooperate with the military, he added.

Developing networks

Balaraba Abdullahi was abducted from Baga in January 2014 and was held for three years by the group, whose insurgency has killed at least 20,000 people and made more than 2.6 million homeless.

She said conditions were "extreme" in the bush, with a lack of food and widespread disease, while "executions and amputations" for crimes such as adultery, spying or theft were commonplace.

"A little offence would attract death. All of these happened under Shekau but things changed under Mamman Nur," said the 20-year-old, who was eventually released.

Shekau pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group in March 2015, but in August last year it announced that Barnawi was in charge of its "West Africa province".

Barnawi, whose father Mohammed Yusuf founded Boko Haram in 2002 with Shekau as his deputy, has criticised the latter's indiscriminate targeting of civilians and fellow Muslims.

Instead of suicide bombings causing mass casualties, his faction has vowed to concentrate on fighting "Christian crusaders" in Africa, as well as the government and military.

Yan St-Pierre, from the Modern Security Consulting Group in Berlin, said the Barnawi faction was "keeping a low profile and is looking for support in local communities".

"It's patiently developing networks around Lake Chad to set itself up for the long term, a bit like Daesh is doing in Iraq and Syria," he added, using an Arabic acronym for IS.

Omar Mahmood, a researcher with the Institute for Security Studies in Pretoria, said Barnawi's men were seeking to gain ground and build up their capacity to attack.

The idea was to create a "sustainable safe haven" after being forced out of captured towns and villages by a regional military counter-offensive that began in early 2015.

'Skin-deep'

Despite the reassurances of Barnawi fighters, recent events demonstrate the group is still willing to kill civilians.

Last week, three men from Kalari Abdiye in the Konduga area were killed after being accused of providing information to the military. A fourth was mutilated.

Abubakar Gamandi, the head of the Borno fishermen's union, said his members had warned people that the apparently conciliatory approach was only "skin-deep".

"They may not be as vicious as Shekau and his men but the Mamman Nur faction cannot be trusted. They are only projecting a humane face because it suits their agenda," he said.

"If they have to kill to achieve their goal they will be as bad as Shekau or worse. It is all about interest."

Gamandi said Barnawi's men slaughtered a cattle driver's 100 cows "as punishment for selling herds to 'infidels'" and whipped a fisherman who wanted to sell his catch back home rather than to the group.

jpegMpeg4-1280x720Food is looted from civilians who rely on hand-outs from aid agencies, he said.

In effect they were "killing slowly through hunger", Gamandi said.

Marc-Antoine Perouse de Montclos, from the French Institute of Geopolitics in Paris, said the tactics showed how both factions of Boko Haram were still locally focused.
Buhari made the comment on Thursday, March 30, during a meeting with the outgoing Ambassador of Saudi Arabia, Fahad Bin Abdullah Sefyan in Abuja.

According to a statement by his media aide, Femi Adesina, Buhari said that the two countries would have more areas to collaborate in future.

The president also said that the relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia is a mutually beneficial one, which should grow stronger in the years to come.

I quite appreciate the relationship between the two countries, Buhari said.

ALSO READ: President Buhari returns to Nigeria after 49 days in London
The three nominees are Lucky Orimiso from Ondo, Chukwa Anwawa from Imo and Nwogu Nwogu from Abia state.

The names were contained in a letter from the Presidency which was read by Senate President, Bukola Saraki during the plenary session on Thursday, March 30.

The letter reads:

In the accordance with section 228 of the NDDC Act 2000, I hereby present the following nominees to the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for confirmation of the senate of the federal republic of Nigeria.

The distinguished senate is invited to note that these nominees are replacement of those that were rejected for not representing the oil producing areas of their respective states.

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In a report by Punch Newspaper, the apex bank denied the allegation after an enquiry was made on the alleged arrest.

The acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, CBN, Isaac Okoroafor, reportedly said no director of the apex bank had been arrested by the EFCC.

This is not true. No director of the bank (CBN) has been arrested by the EFCC. The current activities of the CBN in the forex market is a result of months of study, monitoring and planning to tackle the activities of black marketers," he was quoted as saying.

Continuing, Okoroafor said: We are succeeding and Nigerians are happy with us. No amount of false rumours and concoctions to ridicule and sabotage the success we have achieved will make us lose our focus at this time.
The speaker said this when he inaugurated an Ad-hoc committee mandated to investigate the planned relocation of the company.

Represented by the Deputy Majority Whip of the House, Pally Iriase (Edo-APC), Dogara said that improved relationship between the Federal Government and the Niger Delta region was crucial in addressing some economic challenges confronting the country.

This is because the Niger Delta region sits atop oil wells where much of our revenue as a nation is derived from.

Relocation by the SPDC is said to be based on security concerns today. This has generated outcry and agitation by the people and if we as a House do not address it, it may escalate and result to violence and insecurity, Dogara said.

The Speaker added that the onus lied on the Federal Government and the house to ensure that justice on Niger Delta region was not denied.

He, therefore, urged the committee to come up with a report that will be fair and forestall any crisis in the Niger Delta region.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Rep Ishiaka Ibrahim, (Ogun-APC) said that the committee would meet with all the relevant stakeholders to address the matter.

He said the committee would be fair to all sides.

We shall engage all relevant stakeholders in order to come up with report and recommendation that would stand the test of time.

We shall also consider all factors surrounding the conception of the decision of the SPDCs planned relocation from Port Harcourt, Ibrahim said.

It would be recalled that the House on January 26, adopted a motion sponsored by Rep. Kingsley Chinda (Rivers-PDP), to set up an ad-hoc committee to prevail on Shells planned relocation from Port Harcourt.

Chinda expressed concern that several youths were already protesting the planned relocation which will further escalate militant activities in the region.

The youth restiveness, Chinda said, would affect the Nigerian economy that was already experiencing recession due to low crude oil output.
The Speaker said this when he received a delegation from the Nigeria Good Governance Group, led by former military governor of Bauchi State, Gen Chris Abutu Garba (rtd), in his office.

He maintained that there are beneficiaries of the present arrangement who will do everything possible to ensure that the proposed Constitution Amendment to wrest control of the resources of local governments from state governors does not scale through.

While calling on "civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, community based organisations, to stand up and be counted," Dogara, also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to give support to the clamour for local government autonomy, as promised in his inaugural address on May 29, 2015.

The Speaker recalled that the President had pledged that actualising financial autonomy for local governments will be in line with his resolved not to allow people under him to betray the trust Nigerians have placed on them as leaders.

He said "This is a betrayal of trust given to some elected officials by the people who now abuse this trust," he said, referring to some governors who divert funds meant for the development of local government areas.

"It will take more than the will of the legislature at the federal level to ensure that these radical changes are achieved. We all know that in the last assembly, when we passed it to the states, most of the states voted it down that they don't want the autonomy for local government councils. And in the process of amending the Constitution, the state legislators must be engaged, and we will have to have a return of 2/3rd approval from the state assemblies. So if we put forward these proposals and we fail to gather 2/3rd support it means that automatically it has failed and there is nothing that we can do about it.

"That is why we will start by lobbying you, even if I call it lobby, to make sure that we stand up as a people. Whenever things are not working, we should be able to close ranks, come together and say we are opposed to this system that is not delivering the goods, we want it completely excised from the body polity so that we can make progress. But if we keep quiet, nothing will happen."

"If the state assemblies are not pressured by stakeholders, I can assure you that we will not get that 2/3rd support. I am not a prophet, but we will not get it, except we have people like you who are ready to stand up and be counted by bringing pressure to the state governors and bringing pressure to the state assemblies and making sure that what this revolutionary amendment seeks to achieve in our Constitution is achieved," he added.

ALSO READ:
Bamiduro gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

NAN recalls that the last census in Nigeria was conducted in 2006.

The census should form the basis of activities and should be conducted every ten years. The changes between 10 years could be so drastic.

The Federal Government should invest in conducting census and it should not depend on external donors to finance census.

The donor agencies have their own concern or objective which may not coincide with Nigeria objectives.

For example, when we did Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (MICS III) 2005 to 2007, it was sponsored by UNICEF.

UNICEF had its own demand and requirement from the survey, he said.

Bamiduro, however, urged the Federal Government to pay more attention to statistical production in the country.

He also advised the government to increase budgetary allocation for the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

I was surprised when I heard that N10 million was the annual budget for maintenance for NBS, which is very ridiculous; A National Bureau with N10 million?"

A single project in NBS should cost more than that, the outcome of is that all the National surveys they do in this country whether MICS or National demographic and Health Survey will be financed by donors."

Government should be more serious about statistics, he said.

The don, however, emphasised on the role on statistics in the nations building, adding that the country needed to develop all the sectors of the economy through adequate data."

We have to develop all the sectors; to do all these, you need data, you need information, not information but right information, do right analysis and right interpretation."

These should lead to policies, planning and to programmes."

Let me tell you, in Britain, the Chief Statistician is a member of British Cabinet and our Statistician General in Nigeria is an observer."

They call him when they need figures; he is supposed to be a permanent member of the cabinet because there is nothing you can do without statistics."
The NDLEA state Commandant, Alhaji Hamza Umar disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Thursday.

Umar said that the drugs which were confiscated during the operations include Cannabis sativa, cough syrup and cocaine, among other illicit substances.

He said that the command had also arrested and arraigned 159 suspects before the Federal High Court in Kano within the period under review.

He said out of the 159 arrested suspects, the command was able to secure conviction of 88 persons who were currently serving various jail terms.

In January, we arrested 66 suspects and secured conviction of 25 out of them.

Also in February, 47 suspects were arrested and 30 were convicted, while in March 46 arrest was made and 33 were convicted, he said.

According to him, the command had also counselled and rehabilitated over 144 drug users within the period under review.

He attributed the success recorded by the command to the cooperation received from the members of the public.

Umar commended the state government and other stakeholders for the support they had been giving to the agency in the fight against the menace of drug abuse in the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, ASP William Aya, told newsmen in Lokoja that the officers died while warding off the armed robbers that stormed a branch of UBA at Odo Ere in Yagba East Local Government Area of the state.

Aya said that the incident occurred on March 28, saying that the two slain officers were sergeants.

He said the Commissioner of Police, Mr Wilson Inalegwu, had set up a committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operation to investigate the incident.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olushola Enikanolaiye, made the call in Abuja at a meeting on the issue with the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. Nagabushana Reddy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that four Nigerian students were attacked by a mob during a candle-light march for a 17-year-old Indian boy, who died of suspected drug overdose.

It was alleged that Nigerians masterminded the death of the boy.

Enikanolaiye said the call for the prosecution of culprits was necessary to serve as a deterrent to others and to forestall future occurrences.

He said that the High Commissioner was invited to register the Federal Governments concern over the incident.

Enikanolaye said that contrary to the report that Nigerians masterminded the boys death, the boy who was said to be on drugs and must have had an overdose of it which might have led to his death in a hospital.

It is therefore, a concern to us that Nigerian students in that place were harassed, beaten up and many of them were seriously injured.

We think this should not have happened considering the excellent relationship between two of us  the two countries have things in common and have been great friends.

According to him, the concern of the ministry is that such a matter should not be allowed to affect the relationship between the two countries.

He expressed concern that the incident was not the first of its kind as Nigerians had been attacked in the past by Indians.

This is not the first time this would happened; Nigerians have suffered similar attack in the past; so, what we will like to see on this occasion is that the perpetrator should be arrested.

And we want to see diligent prosecution so that it would serve as a deterrent to those who think they can take laws into their hands and harass students who are going about their studies.

That is why we felt we should register our concern to you on this occasion, and to please ask your government to take effective measures that this does not occur again.

In his response, the High Commissioner described the incident as deplorable.

Reddy said that the Indian Minister of External Affairs had already issued a statement condemning the incident.

He said that security operatives had been deployed to the area where the incident occurred, to ensure peace and safety of Nigerians and other foreigners.

The envoy said that five of the seven accused persons had been arrested while security operatives were on the trail of the remaining two.

He, therefore, appealed to foreigners in the country to be calm with an assurance that the government was committed to their safety.

The government is determined to see that justice is done, the High Commissioner said.

Meanwhile, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, has advised Nigerians in India to remain calm and be watchful of their surroundings.

Dabiri-Erewa, in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, condemned the renewed attacks on some Nigerian students in India, describing it as deplorable and unwarranted.

She urged the Indian government to ensure that any suspect was promptly arrested and prosecuted.
We did it! 50,000 amazing SUBSCRIBERS! Thank you! Let's start the countdown to 100k! I remember dreaming about going on Vacation abroad, while that is still pending, a Staycation in the Diplomatic Suite of Sheraton Hotel Lagos helped us completely relax. Thank you Sheraton Hotel Lagos! I saw my husband in a totally new light...!
According to the judge, there isn't enough evidence to sustain the previously acquired injunction by Raconteur Productions.

The court lifted the injunction stating that the copyright claim suit is yet to be determined by a competent court of law.

"Okafor's Law" will now make its debut in cinemas on March 31, 2017.

On March 24, 2017, the premiere of "Okafor's Law" which was scheduled to hold at IMAX Cinema, Lekki Phase 1, was halted after Omoni Oboli, Dioni Visions and Filmone Distribution were served an injunction to stop the premiere and nationwide release of the movie.

The complaint was filed by Raconteur Productions following the copyright infringement accusations leveled against Oboli in September 2016 by Canada-based writer, Jude Idada.
Oluwatomi Adeoye, who represented Dioni Visions and Omoni Oboli at the ruling, had a brief chat with Pulse Nigeria, discussing the court's verdict.

"We are still in court obviously. The only thing that happened today was pretty much the injunction to stop showing the movie was lifted," she said.

"We are being very careful to not release a statement that may cause bias, even though the other party has released their own statement to the media."

"But, from the side that we are coming from as Omoni Oboli being a celebrity - when celebrities talk, they tend to get the public on their side.

"We don't want to make it look like we are swaying the public, so, that's why Omoni has been quiet about this matter.

"We have our side to the story which will come out very very soon. I'm glad the injunction has been lifted. The court has not seen enough reason for the injunction to stay

On the money they lost as a result of the cancelled premiere, Adeoye said, "we experienced a loss from the premiere last week, but, we believe that God is still on the throne and every loss will be recovered back.

I just urge people to go out to watch the movie tomorrow. Whichever side you're on, go out and watch the movie. Either way, if we win, you know because the court has granted us the right, and if we lose, we have to pay money for damges.

So, whether you're supporting the other side or our side, money needs to be made from this film. "

Justice N Buba of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, lifted an injunction that was served Oboli, Dioni Visions and Filmone Distribution on March 24, 2017, to halt the premiere of "Okafor's Law" and a nationwide release of the movie on March 31, 2017. The complaint was filed by the plaintiff, Raconteur Productions.

However, the case is still in court and a hearing has been scheduled for April 3 or April 4, 2017.
APC spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi made this known in a statement made available to on Thursday, March 30, 2017.

Abdullahi while reacting to comments by PDP factional spokesman, Dayo Adeneye, noted that the APC has been fixing the 'mess' created by the opposition party.

The statement reads:

"As a Party that was formerly in the opposition, the APC is aware of the role a thriving opposition can play in sustaining democracy. However, it appears that the marginal group that Adeyeye belongs believe that it is only by attacking the APC that it can find its relevance or gain the upper hand in the PDPs internecine war.

ALSO READ: APC to intervene in Senate face-off with Customs boss

"We need to remind Adeyeyes group however that although Nigerians may have forgiven the PDP, two years after the Party left the country in ruins, but we have not forgotten.

"Nigerians have not forgotten that it was under the PDP-led administration that the terrorist group, Boko Haram seized a sizable portion of Nigerias territory, created a Caliphate and hoisted its own flags. It took the APC-led government of President Muhammadu Buhari to reclaim our territory and pride. Today, Boko Haram insurgents are virtually defeated and are on the run, and no millimetre of Nigerian territory is currently held by the insurgents. We have forgiven, but we have not forgotten.

"Under the PDP, a Party that does not consider corruption to be stealing, corruption enjoyed an unprecedented prosperity. Nigeria recorded some of the most unimaginable, shocking and astounding cases of corruption ever experienced in our history, or in the history of any country.

"Funds meant for the procurement of arms and ammunition required to fight the Boko Haram insurgency were stolen by agents of government and shared among themselves. It was a classic case of kleptocracy.

"The PDP-led administration was sending soldiers to battle without weapons and sharing the money. Worse still, when soldiers protested the lack of weaponry, the PDP-led administration added wickedness to weakness and court-martialled them, sentencing some of them to death, and others to long terms of imprisonment. If Nigerians have the graciousness to forgive the PDP for the wanton corruption, we will not forget.

"Nigerians also remember that it was under the nose and watchful eyes of the PDP that over 250 Nigerian girls were abducted. It took the Party more than a month to even make a statement! PDP went about bandying conspiracy theories while innocent Nigerian girls were being held in captivity.

"Again, it took the APC-led administration to rescue some of the girls, while efforts are ongoing to free the rest. Yet, PDP had the audacity to counter the globally acclaimed hashtag, #BringBackOurGirls with their terribly insensitive #BringBackJonathan. We are willing to forgive even this, but we cannot forget.

"Nigerians will not forget that under the PDP, over 20 Nigerian youths died and thousands were seriously injured while looking for jobs. the PDP-led administration organised a fraudulent Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) recruitment exercise and lured young people desperate for jobs to various stadiums across the country after extorting them. In the end, the exercise ended in tears, sorrows and blood. None of those who survived got the job and, worse still; the officials responsible for the calamity were protected by the PDP. We cannot forget.

"Nigerians remember that under the PDP, whistle-blowing was a crime. When a former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor exposed the stealing of $20 billion from the national treasury, he was suspended and hounded out of the government. We have not forgotten.

"If we have not been talking about this plethora of PDP iniquities, it is not because we have forgotten. Instead, we have chosen to pick up the pieces of the PDP wreckage and move the country forward.
Otubanjo, who works with the National Open University of Nigeria, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday.

According to him, APC, being the ruling party has a role to play in ensuring that the process of governance in the country is not thwarted by the face-off.

The don was reacting to decision of the Senate to suspend legislative approval for 27 Resident Electoral Commissioners forwarded to it by President Muhammadu Buhari.

However, the Senate at its sitting presided by Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, suspend consideration of the request by two weeks pending when the President removes Ibrahim Magu, as Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Otubanjo said that the APC should not allow the face-off to adversely affect governance.

There is a ruling political party and fortunately, the majority of the people in the National Assembly are APC members including the President, and the Federal Government is APC government too.

There ought to be a platform for discussing and reconciling whatever proposal or nomination the executive is bringing to the legislature for approval.

We saw President Trump when he was trying to repeal the Obamacare, he called his party members in the parliament to a breakfast table to discuss his proposal, though, it did not work, but that is how things are done.

The party leaders have a role to play to ensure smooth working relationship between the Senate and the Presidency.

The party leaders should initiate mediation by calling their members in the Senate and the Presidency to a round table to talk and settle their disagreement.
The Ekiti PDP also said that Fayemi would not even win his partys governorship ticket in 2018 if he tried to contest.

The party made the comments after Fayemi said that his loss of the 2014 governorship elections in Ekiti is unfinished business.

Credible information at our disposal this time around is that they are boasting that some judges of the apex court have now agreed to do their bidding and that they are only left with the Chief Justice of Nigeria to blackmail into their corner, Ekiti PDP Chairman, Gboyega Oguntuase said.

It is a shame that these are the same people that the Supreme Court justices being tried by the EFCC had alleged approached them with offers to pervert the course of justice in the Ekiti 2014 election.

Fayemi and his co-travellers are ceaselessly and shamelessly plotting to subvert the sovereign will of the people of Ekiti freely expressed in an election adjudged free and fair by both local and international observers, including the United States Government. He was roundly defeated in all the 16 local governments, including his own.

He did the right thing initially by conceding defeat but the taunts of his party people and the realization that the 2014 election accurately depicts him as a paper-weight politician with no electoral value have returned to haunt him.

And knowing full well that he has never won any election in Ekiti, and will fail if he contests the 2018 governorship election, he has devised scheme after scheme and plotted one device after another to use the federal might to compromise the Judiciary and the security forces to subvert democracy in Ekiti.

They went to court after the 2014 election and lost all the way from the tribunal, through the Appeal Court to the Supreme Court. Fayemi is now boasting that he will cause the Supreme Court to reverse itself on its judgment on the Ekiti election, but he will fail.

It is obvious he cannot even win the APC ticket but he must continue to sell the dummy to the Presidency about his touted relevance in Ekiti so he does not lose his seat in any cabinet reshuffle, Oguntuase added.

ALSO READ: Fayemi condemns Ekiti Assembly over N40B fraud allegation
Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, Yakubus Chief Press Secretary, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Oyekanmi said the INEC chairman polled 10 votes to defeat his Guinean counterpart, who received four votes.

He said that Republic of Benin and Guinea Bissau candidates emerged First and Second Vice Presidents respectively, while Burkina Faso clinched the position of Treasurer.

Oyekanmi stated that Yakubus election followed two days of deliberations on how to deepen the conduct of free, transparent and credible elections as well as strengthen democracy in the sub-region.

He stated that the three-day meeting, organised by ECONEC, began on March 27 in Cotonou.

It focused on constitutional and legal frameworks, civic and voter registration, register of voters, electoral logistics, results collation and transmission and technological innovations among others.

According to the chief press secretary, participants of the meeting discussed the need for member-states to prioritise the production of credible register of voters.

Oyekanmi stated that participants also considered the application of technological innovations in the electoral process as a facilitator rather than a remedy for achieving credible elections.

The meeting implored member states to boost the capacity and training of electoral officials with the overall goal of engendering efficiency in the conduct of free, fair and credible elections across the sub-region.

Besides, the meeting called on security agencies across the member countries to always remain neutral and respect the rights of citizens in the discharge of their sacred duty of safeguarding electoral processes.

The participants also called on member states to recognise the contributions of key stakeholders and continually engage them to deepen confidence and trust in the electoral processes.

He stated that stakeholders at the meeting included Civil Society Organisations, Peace Councils, Community Based Organisations, traditional and religious leaders, as well as the media.

Others were Chairpersons, Vice Chairpersons and Members of Electoral Management Bodies, representatives of ECOWAS, and National Parliaments and ministries in charge of elections in member-states.

ECOWAS was established in 1975 to foster economic integration among member states.

The regional body has since 1990 expanded its focus to include the pursuit of political integration in the sub-region.

Following the review of electoral processes, the Electoral Assistance Division (EAD) was set up within the ECOWAS Commission in 2006 to organise and coordinate the organisations electoral support to member states.
When you think about 3800, what comes to mind? Your data plan? Or a weekend hangout? Or maybe even a date?

Oh well, what if I tell you 3800 will cover the whole date? Well, as long as this date is not in Lagos, or in a Buka, this is definitely possible.

Someone took a babe out to go eat. A day after, he tweeted this.

But the girl he was talking about was also on Twitter, and she tweeted this.

But wait, the film is just starting. She added this tweet to finish him.

Then Twitter did the rest of the job for her.

Twitter dragged Dino Melaye into the matter.

But people started asking how she got his account number. This tweet came up.

Another theory said she got his account number when he first asked her for money to buy chicken.

But secretly, the biggest winner, is Wema Bank.

Others followed. Tightly. From First Bank,
More than 200,000 people have fled west Mosul since the operation to oust the Islamic State group began last month, and officials and witnesses say that air strikes have taken a devastating toll on civilians who remained in the city.

"Just arrived in Iraq to focus on the dire humanitarian situation on the ground. Protection of civilians must be the absolute priority," the UN chief said on his official Twitter account.

After his arrival in Baghdad, Guterres met President Fuad Masum, parliament speaker Salim al-Juburi and Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari.

He was also due to hold talks with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi before flying to Arbil, the capital of Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region.

Guterres's visit comes at a critical time for Iraq, which is fighting to retake Mosul in a battle that has sparked myriad humanitarian concerns.

Jaafari highlighted the issue of reconstruction in talks with Guterres -- a major challenge in areas that have been devastated by heavy fighting to retake them from IS.

"Iraq needs a plan similar to the Marshall Plan... to present assistance to Iraqis and support development and overcome the effect of war against (IS) terrorist gangs," Jaafari said, according to his office.

The Marshall Plan was a major US effort to help Western Europe recover from the devastation it suffered in World War II.

Widespread displacement is another issue, with Iraqi authorities saying that more than 200,000 people have fled west Mosul since February.

Camps have been set up around the city to provide shelter for the displaced, while others are staying with relatives, renting accommodation or residing in makeshift shelters or unfinished buildings.

Displacement from Mosul has not reached the worst-case scenario of a million or more people that had been feared, but that has come at the cost of huge numbers of civilians being trapped in the middle of the battle.

Civilians killed in Mosul

The UN said earlier this month that some 600,000 civilians were still in west Mosul, 400,000 of them trapped in siege-like conditions in the Old City.

Remaining in the city has posed deadly danger to residents -- the UN human rights office said that more than 300 civilians were killed in west Mosul in a little over a month.

Gunfire, shelling, bombs and air strikes have all taken their toll.

The US-led coalition carrying out strikes against IS said it had "probably" played a role in civilian deaths in west Mosul, while the Iraqi government has sought to blame the casualties on the jihadists.

Both the UN and Amnesty International have called on Iraqi forces and the coalition to do more to protect civilians in Mosul.

Amnesty's Donatella Rovera said field research in east Mosul -- which was recaptured from IS in January -- showed "an alarming pattern of US-led coalition air strikes which have destroyed whole houses with entire families inside".

"The high civilian toll suggests that coalition forces... have failed to take adequate precautions to prevent civilian deaths, in flagrant violation of international humanitarian law," she said.

IS overran large areas north and west of Baghdad in 2014, but Iraqi forces backed by US-led air strikes have since regained much of the territory they lost.

The jihadists still pose a threat, however, even in the capital, where a suicide truck bombing claimed by IS killed at least 14 people at the main southern entrance to the city on Wednesday evening.

Iraqi forces launched a major operation to retake Mosul in October, retaking its eastern side before setting their sites on the smaller but more densely populated west.

The fighting has inflicted heavy casualties on the Iraqi security forces, according to the head of US Central Command, General Joseph Votel.
The desk will provide information on issues such as changes to university fees, residence permit rules, access to healthcare and taxation once Britain leaves the European Union, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

The office opened as the British government set in motion the process to quit the EU over the next two years, following a referendum in June 2016 in which a slim majority of Britons voted to leave the bloc.

The Spanish government has said its priority is to quickly achieve a deal that protects the rights of Spaniards who live in Britain as well as those of Britons who live in Spain.

"We want to maintain in the most broad and generous way possible the rights that they actually enjoy," Spanish Foreign Minister Alfonso Dastis told a parliamentary commission on Wednesday when asked about Brexit.

There are some 130,000 Spaniards registered as living in Britain. Thousands more are thought to live legally in the country without having registered as permanent residents.

Spain is the number one destination for British nationals living outside Britain. The country is home to just over 300,000 Britons, around a third of them aged over 65. The figure rises to around one million if Britons who live only part of the year in Spain are included.
A court in Istanbul on Monday ordered provisional detention for Deniz Yucel, 43, a correspondent of the German newspaper Die Welt who holds dual German and Turkish nationality.

Yucel has been in custody since February 18 over reports on an attack by hackers on the email account of Turkey's energy minister Berat Albayrak, who also is President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's son-in-law.

His employer said a month ago he had been charged with spreading terrorist propaganda and inciting hatred.

Die Welt said his lawyers had Monday demanded his release while stressing "his right to a fair trial," as well as "respect for presumption of innocence."

The newspaper said the constitutional court is the "last national instance" Yucel can take his case and conceded that his chances of success were "uncertain."

It said that since the abortive July 15 coup, which was followed by a huge crackdown against tens of thousands of government opponents, the court "has not pronounced on a single demand for the lifting of provisional detention" against those arrested.

The Yucel case has sparked an outcry in Germany, with Chancellor Angela Merkel calling the Istanbul court's decision "bitter and disappointing".

Erdogan has labelled the reporter a Kurdish separatist and "German agent," comments which the German foreign ministry said it abhorred as the affair deepened a growing rift between the two countries in the wake of the post-coup crackdown.

Die Welt says Yucel, who presented himself at the Istanbul police headquarters for questioning on February 14, reported on emails the leftist Turkish hacker collective RedHack had acquired from the private email account of Berat Albayrak, Erdogan's son-in-law.

The paper said the mails concerned control of Turkish media groups and influencing the public with fake tweets.
A group of mothers with sick children burst into tearful applause in the Senate as lawmakers voted 58-0 to pass the bill.

"This is a dream fulfilled, an immense happiness because it will bring solace to patients," said Maria Laura Alasi, whose four-year-old daughter Josefina suffers from West syndrome, a form of epilepsy that causes her to have dozens of seizures a day.

The new law lifts a ban on importing cannabis oil and allows Argentines to buy it with a prescription.

It stops short of allowing home-grown marijuana, something young patients' families had demanded.

"I have faith the senators will find a way around that," said Alasi. "A lot of mothers are already growing their own."

Latin America has seen a major political shift on pot in recent years.

In 2013, Argentina's neighbor Uruguay became the first country in the world to fully legalize marijuana at every stage of production, sale and consumption -- though users must be registered.
Between January and March 25, Ghana recorded 2,890 road crashes in 2017 as against 2,830 recorded over the same period in 2016, state-run Ghana News Agency (GNA) said on Wednesday quoting the Police.

It said the number of vehicles involved in these crashes rose from 4,088 to 4,802, with 510 people deaths as against 485 deaths recorded in 2016.

It attributed 70 per cent of these crashes to lack of maintenance of vehicles and irresponsible driving such as speeding and wrongful overtaking.

DSP Alex Obeng, Director in-charge of Education and Training, the Ghana Police Service, confirmed this at the launch of Street Sense Organisation (SSO), a Non-Profit Organization, which champions road safety education.

He said that 2,971 people were injured within the period under review as against 2,576 in 2016, adding:the statistics is scary and we need to come together to partner the government to address it.

Obeng commended the SSO for its foresight and pledged the polices preparedness in achieving the set targets.

Oswald Lavoe, Executive Chairman of the SSO, said in spite of some progress over the years, road safety still remained a great national concern that required collaborative and concerted efforts to promote.
According to a report by Daily Mail, the Chinese government has urged France to protect its citizens in Paris after police killed the 56-years-old father of four.

It was further reported that fighting broke out between officers and approximately 150 demonstrators in the 19th arrondissement.

Furious at the death of Shaoyo Liu, who was shot dead on Sunday night after police were called to his flat to deal with a domestic dispute, protesters have taken to the streets to show their anger.

It was further reported that on Monday, members of Paris's sizable Asian community hurled bricks at riot police, who responded with baton charges.

Three officers were reportedly injured in the confrontation and one police vehicle was damaged by an incendiary device.

At least one car was set on fire, as emergency services struggled to put out the blaze out while being bombarded.

Riots broke out a day after Liu was killed by a police officer.

A police source said that Liu attacked the responding officer with a knife 'as soon as the door opened' on Sunday, injuring him.

A police colleague then opened fire, killing the Chinese man, authorities say.

Lui was brandishing a pair of scissors at the time, but his children say he was using them to cut fish, and that he had not meant to threaten the police.

Lawyer Calvin Job said the family of the dead man 'totally disputes this version of events.'

'He didn't injure anyone,' Job said, adding that the man had been 'trimming fish with a pair of scissors' when the police came to the door.

A police watchdog was to interview the family on Tuesday, Job said.

The Chinese government issued a statement on Tuesday calling on the Paris authorities to 'guarantee the safety and legal rights and interests of Chinese citizens in France and to treat the reaction of Chinese people to this incident in a rational way'.

After learning of Mr Liu's death, China 'immediately ordered its embassy in France to activate an emergency response mechanism' which meant investigating the killing.

The statement adds: 'Meanwhile, we hope that our citizens in France can voice their wishes and demands in a lawful and reasonable manner'.

France is currently under a state of emergency following a series of terrorist attacks carried out by Islamist extremists.

Despite this, public demonstrations regularly descend into violence, with police the principal target of rioters.

A spokesman for the Paris force said the circumstances of Mr Liu's death were the subject of an investigation.

He confirmed that 35 people were arrested during the protest on Monday night and 'all faced being charged with a variety of public order offences'.

Estimates put the size of the Chinese community in Paris at between 200,000 and 300,000.

Many of the first-generation Chinese nationals who live in the French capital came here in the 1980s and many work in the textile industry.

French police have come under fire for suspected violence in recent months following the highly publicised case of a black youth worker allegedly sodomised with a police baton.
Kim Jong-Nam was poisoned with the lethal nerve agent VX in a brazen Cold War-style assassination on February 13 in Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

The murder triggered a diplomatic dispute between Malaysia and North Korea, which expelled each other's ambassadors and barred their citizens from leaving.

But a deal announced by Prime Minister Razak Najib and confirmed by North Korean state media said the two countries would lift their respective travel bans, and Kuala Lumpur would send the body to North Korea.

"... following the completion of the autopsy on the deceased and receipt of a letter from his family requesting the remains be returned to North Korea, the coroner has approved the release of the body," Najib said in a statement.

The nine Malaysians prevented from leaving North Korea "have now been allowed to return to Malaysia", he said, declaring later on Twitter that the "diplomatic crisis is over".

"They took off from Pyongyang today at 7:45 pm (1145 GMT) Malaysian time, and will land in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow around 5:00 am," he said in the statement that referred to Kim as "the deceased" rather than by name.

South Korea has blamed Pyongyang for the killing, citing what they say was a standing order from the North's leader Kim Jong-Un to kill his exiled and estranged half-brother.

But the North denies this and denounced Malaysia's investigation as an attempt to smear the secretive regime.

It had insisted that the man died of a heart attack and his body should be handed over to Pyongyang.

N. Koreans in Malaysia freed

North Korean citizens in Kuala Lumpur will also be allowed to return home under the agreement, Najib said.

The statement came as a van believed to be carrying the body of Kim left a hospital morgue in Kuala Lumpur, where it had been kept for more than six weeks, and headed for the airport's cargo centre.

Chinese and Malaysian media reported it was put on board a Malaysian Airlines plane bound for Beijing that left Kuala Lumpur at 7:39 pm.

Two women -- one Vietnamese and one Indonesian -- have been arrested and charged with the murder. Airport CCTV footage shows them approaching the 45-year-old victim and apparently smearing his face with a piece of cloth.

Pyongyang has refused to confirm the identity of the victim, who was carrying a North Korean passport bearing the name of Kim Chol when he was killed.

Malaysia however has officially confirmed his identity using DNA evidence and had said it had been waiting for his next of kin to claim the body.

Malaysian investigators are seeking seven North Korean suspects, four of whom left Malaysia on the day of the murder.
Major Michael Omona returned to his hometown of Gulu in northern Uganda on Monday, 23 years after he was kidnapped by the feared LRA.

He handed himself over to US troops in the Central African Republic last month, said army spokesman Richard Karemire.

"Having him weakens the command and control of the LRA because communication is a major component in command and control of the military even if it is a ragtag force like the LRA," Karemire told AFP.

"This surrender is an indication that our psychological operation of dropping leaflets calling on the rebels to renounce banditry and come out of hiding is effective. It shows we (the military) are winning".

Omona, 35, was kidnapped by the LRA at age 12, rising through the ranks to become the rebel group's top radio operator, personally in charge of Kony's communication.

A self-styled mystic and prophet, Kony launched a bloody rebellion three decades ago seeking to impose his own version of the Ten Commandments on northern Uganda.

The UN says the LRA has slaughtered more than 100,000 people and abducted 60,000 children since it was set up in 1987.

Over 12,000 ex-LRA fighters -- mainly footsoldiers who were themselves abducted by the gunmen -- have been pardoned under a government amnesty designed to encourage those still in the bush to surrender.

The US military said last week they were wrapping up operations against Kony, estimating that only about 100 members of the once-dreaded rebel group remained.

Kony is wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity.
Speaking at an international forum on the Arctic organised by Russia in the northern city of Arkhangelsk, Putin once again denied any Kremlin involvement in the US election last year, slamming the recent accusations as "absurd" and "irresponsible."

"We are just waiting for when the situation improves," Putin said in televised comments. "When it's over, I hope we decide on holding a meeting" with Trump.

Putin said he would be keen for their first face-to-face talks to happen at the G20 summit in July or earlier, for example at a summit Finland may host after becoming chair of the Arctic Council intergovernmental forum in May.

"Such events should be prepared by both sides. If it happens, then we would be glad, I would be glad, to take part in this event," Putin said at the forum, which Finnish President Sauli Niinisto is also attending.

"If not, then such a meeting could take place within the framework of the usual meetings, at the G20," Putin added.

The G20 summit of world powers is set to convene in the northern German city of Hamburg in early July and both US and Russian leaders are expected to attend.

"We see the US as a great country with which we want to have a good partnership. Everything else is lies, inventions and provocations" used by "some political forces in the US... to strengthen their position," said Putin.

He slammed the scrutiny of the Russian ambassador to the US, Sergey Kislyak, whose meetings with Trump's associates figure in several congressional investigations into possible election meddling by Moscow.

"I can see the US ambassador (to Russia John Tefft) is sitting here... He is communicating with everyone," Putin told the audience at the forum.

"Meanwhile the contacts of our envoy are being limited, his every meeting is met with hostility as some kind of spy stunt," Putin said, insisting that Kislyak is simply doing his job.

"What else is he there for?"

'What do we want?'

US intelligence has accused Moscow of waging a broad-ranging campaign to help Trump win the election. This has led to investigations in the Senate and House of Representatives as well as an FBI probe into the Trump campaign's ties with Russia.

Trump's son-in-law and top aide Jared Kushner is to face a congressional panel over his contacts with Russian state bank executives last year that Moscow has dismissed as "normal business" for the banks.

Putin on Thursday said the Russia allegations are used as a way to prevent Trump from implementing his policies and accused the forces behind them as irresponsible.

"We can see what is happening, the president is being prevented from carrying out his policies," Putin said of Trump.

"It's not in the interests of the majority of American people to take US-Russian relations to the point of absurdity," Putin said.

"What do we want? To completely end all relations? They are already almost at zero."

"What do we want? To completely break off diplomatic relations? To take the situation to the 1960s, to the Cuban missile crisis?" Putin questioned.
jamesdvdsn/iStock/Thinkstock(DEATH VALLEY, Valif.) -- Death Valley National Park, with its hot, forbidding desert climate and barren terrain seems like an unlikely target for robbers. But, apparently they found some of the park's historic riches hard to leave behind.



Ancient fossil footprints were removed from part of Death Valley's park territory, which covers more than 3 million acres in California and Nevada, according to a statement published by the National Park Service (NPS).



NPS said they believe the missing fossils were formed about three to five million years ago by the tracks of mammals and birds near what used to be a lakeshore.



Scientists visit the area of Death Valley regularly, photographing and recording the exact location of each footprint, NPS said in the statement, and noticed the fossils were missing during a recent trip.



The scientists then alerted park rangers about their discovery.



"Its illegal to collect fossils, rocks, or anything else in National Parks," Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds says in the statement. "The purpose of National Parks is to conserve the landscape and everything it contains for the next generation. I ask that visitors come and enjoy all there is to see, and to leave it unimpaired for others to enjoy."



NPS has an Investigative Services Branch, and park officials are asking for anyone with information about the fossils to come forward with information.



Investigators believe that a group of men who were photographed near the site may have information about the fossils. They are offering up to $1,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
"I think the... longer term status of president Assad will be decided by the Syrian people," Tillerson told a news conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

Under Barack Obama's administration, the US made Assad's departure a key policy goal, but new US President Donald Trump has put the accent firmly on defeating IS in Syria and Iraq.

US-backed forces are battling IS as they advance on the jihadists' Syrian stronghold of Raqa, laying the groundwork for an assault on their so-called "caliphate".

Tillerson's trip comes the day after Turkey announced the end of "Euphrates Shield", its own military offensive in northern Syria launched in August, but did not say if its troops had been withdrawn.

Ties between the NATO allies were strained under Obama, particularly over US cooperation with the Syrian Kurdish militia fighting against IS, and the issue of a US-based Turkish preacher blamed by Ankara for orchestrating the attempted coup last year.

'Difficult choices'

Ankara views the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) as a "terror group" linked to Kurdish separatists waging an insurgency inside Turkey since 1984, but Washington regards them as the best force fighting IS.

Turkey has suggested it wants to join any operation to capture Raqa, but without the Kurdish militia.

Tillerson hailed Turkey as a "key partner" in the fight against IS jihadists.

"There's no space between Turkey and the US and our commitment to defeat Daesh, to defeat ISIS," he added, using other names for IS.

He said options to defeat IS "anywhere Daesh shows its face" were difficult.

"What we discussed today were options that are available to us... These are not easy decisions. There are difficult choices that have to be made," Tillerson said, without elaborating.

"In terms of the future of Raqa we look forward to the liberation of Raqa and return of its control to local citizens authorities putting it under local control for security... so that all of the Syrians who had to flee that area can return."

However, Cavusoglu said Ankara expected "better cooperation" with the Trump administration regarding the YPG.

"It is not good or realistic to work with a terror group while fighting another terror group," he said.

Numerous diplomatic efforts have failed to end the Syrian conflict, which has killed more than 320,000 people and displaced millions since it erupted in March 2011 with protests against Assad's regime.

A fifth round of UN-sponsored peace talks is taking place in Geneva but no breakthrough has been reported and they are scheduled to end on Friday.

Mark Toner, acting State Department spokesman, had said earlier this month that Washington saw Assad as "a brutal man who has led his country into this morass" who could not be "an acceptable leader to all of the Syrian people".

"That said, it's up for the Syrian people -- that means opposition, moderate opposition  working with... some representation on the part of the regime to try to forge a political transition."

'Completely political'

Tillerson also met President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for over two hours and held talks with Prime Minister Binali Yildirim.

Another bone of contention between Ankara and Washington is Turkey's call for the extradition of Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen.

Turkey accuses Gulen, an erstwhile Erdogan ally who lives in self-imposed in Pennsylvania, of ordering the July military coup bid, charges he strongly denies.

Yildirim's office said he and Tillerson discussed the next steps that should be taken for Gulen's return to Turkey.

The US detention of a senior Turkish state bank executive this week has also raised tensions, with Cavusoglu describing it as "completely political".
EU laws covering everything from workers rights to consumer and environmental issues would be scrapped or replaced with British equivalents, with the government saying workers rights would be improved under British law.

According to Davis, the repeal bill will allow businesses in Britain to continue operating on the day after UK leaves the EU, knowing that the rules have not changed overnight.

The move came just 24 hours after Prime Minister Theresa May triggered article 50 to start the process of Britain leaving the EU.

The government document, known as a White Paper, has set out how the Great Repeal Bill would ensure a functioning statute book once Britain has left the EU.

It has also paved the way for the repeal of the European Communities Act of 1972 which originally took Britain into membership of the EU.

The White Paper lays out the approach to converting EU law into British law on the day Britain leaves the EU around March 2019, Davis said.

He said a significant proportion of existing EU law would cease to work properly without changes being made.

To enable these laws to function properly on exit the government needs to undertake a program of legislation to correct the statute book while Article 50 negotiations take place, Davis said.

Davis also said the government will use the opportunity to make sure more decisions are devolved to parliaments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

He told MPs that they have been cleared that they wanted a smooth and orderly exit, and the Great Repeal Bill was integral to that approach.

It will mean that as we exit the EU and seek a new, deep and special partnership with the EU, we will be doing so from a position where we have the same standards and rules.

It will also ensure we deliver on our promise to end the supremacy of European Union law in the UK as we exit.

Our laws will then be made in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast and interpreted not by judges in Luxembourg, but by judges across the UK.

Davis said there would be a series of government bills to debate and vote on, both before and after Britain has left the EU.

Stressing the importance of the Great Repeal Bill, he said it would be vital to ensuring a smooth and orderly Brexit.
The oil rebound is just around the corner!

At least, that's what some folks have been saying for years as the weak energy market continues to drag along, oil companies slash dividends, and stock prices tumble. But recently, there have been some encouraging signs, with oil prices stabilizing above $50/barrel. And even if further recovery is still a ways off, several larger, established energy companies now have the resources to withstand continued market volatility.

Let's look at two of them -- ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP), the largest independent U.S. oil producer, and BP (NYSE: BP), the third-largest publicly traded oil company in the world by revenue,-- to see which one looks like a better buy.

Dividend yield

Particularly when a beleaguered industry is waiting for a turnaround, a dividend rewards patient investors until growth begins in earnest. And in the energy industry these days, a strong dividend can represent the difference between making and losing money.

BP's current dividend yield is a best-in-class 7.2%, destroying ConocoPhillips' 2.2% yield. But a high yield doesn't mean much if the company can't sustain it. ConocoPhillips, for example, slashed its dividend by nearly two-thirds, from $0.74/share to $0.25/share in early 2016.

Luckily, BP does have the resources to maintain its generous yield: It's sitting on an immense cash hoard of $23.5 billion, which it built up gradually over the several years since its Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010. That's massive compared to ConocoPhillips' $3.6 billion.

Winner: BP

Poised for growth

Rewarding patient investors is good in the short term, but a company still needs to position itself to succeed over the long term.

For BP, that means expanding its natural gas operations to provide growth even during a weak oil market. The company has staked its plans on three big gas projects: one in Oman, one offshore in Egypt, and one in the Caspian Sea. This isn't just a flash in the pan, either: BP projects that natural gas will make up 60% of its portfolio by 2025.

Unlike BP, ConocoPhillips hasn't made investments in natural gas. It's taking the opposite tactic and selling off between $5 billion and $8 billion of its substantial North American natural gas assets, and using the money to reduce its debt load. While that's good for the company's balance sheet in the short term, it may have consequences down the road.

Winner: BP

Breaking even

With oil prices hovering just north of $50/barrel, and expected to remain in that range for the foreseeable future, it's important for a company to be able to make a profit -- or at least, to have clear plans for making a profit -- if prices remain in that range.

ConocoPhillips is getting out of the risky and expensive business of deepwater exploration in order to free up capital and reduce expenses. So far, the company has sold its stake in three exploration blocks off of the coast of Senegal. It's also cutting costs, and has promised to trim its capital budget by 4% this year. These efforts have helped reduce the company's breakeven point by one-third, from $75 per barrel to $50 per barrel.

Now, that's likely to be a temporary low: If oil prices rise, some of the costs of doing business (particularly contracts with third-party oil services companies) are bound to rise as well. But for now, with Brent crude sitting just above $51 a barrel, the company can deploy the cash from its divestitures toward shoring up its balance sheet and rewarding shareholders with buybacks and higher dividends. It raised its quarterly dividend by 6% in January.

BP's breakeven point, on the other hand, has increased to $60/barrel, meaning it's currently losing money on every barrel of oil it pumps. The company has targeted a $50/barrel-$55/barrel breakeven point and admits that it expects a floor of $50/barrel to continue into the foreseeable future. Luckily for BP, it has extensive midstream and downstream operations to help prop up its currently unprofitable production arm; ConocoPhillips sold off its similar operations in 2012. Still, ConocoPhillips is now able to make money by pumping oil, and BP isn't.

Winner: ConocoPhillips

And the winner is...

BP's higher dividend yield, better dividend coverage, and plans for growth make it the clear winner, even despite ConocoPhillips' (currently) lower breakeven point.

10 stocks we like better than BP

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A stunning perspective of creating beauty in the midst of the worst ugliness imagined, the documentary Defiant Requiem is a true story of courage.

The film highlights the courageous artists in the Theresienstadt (Terezin) Concentration Camp during World War II. Its also the incredible story of Rafael Schachter, the Czech conductor who eventually was arrested and sent to Terezin in 1941. Schachter put together a chorus of 150 prisoners and taught them the challenging Verdis Requiem using only one score and a single piano. Eventually, the work was performed 16 different times.

What makes this all the more amazing is that the inmates were suffering at the time. Typhus ravaged the overcrowded camp. Starving, sick laborers died from the hellish conditions of forced labor. And still the choir members gathered to practice for hours and find a kind of freedom in music.

The groups final performance was part of a propaganda campaign directed by Nazi Otto Adolf Eichmann, one of the major organizers of the Holocaust. That concert was June 23, 1944, in the presence of SS officers from Berlin along with members of the International Red Cross. Eichmann and his team planned down to the last detail how to make Terezin appear to be a beautiful city where prisoners were treated wonderfully.

Even more incredible than the story itself, you get to hear testimony from some of the members of Schachters choir.

Along with footage of a Verdi concert held in the same cold, confined space, the Schachter story is told in parallel with the story of conductor Murry Sidlin who returned to Terezin to perform "Requiem" again, this time with some Terezin survivors in the audience.

The film, directed by Doug Shultz, focuses on the underground arts community Terezin, where inmates performed productions of all kinds. The posters themselves are a tribute to the human spirit and the importance of creativity and art to survival.

Throughout, snippets of the Verdi masterpiece are featured, which makes the film even more poignant. Especially stirring are scenes from the performance of Sidlin and his group, from the set-up to the concert itself.

Every year, it seems, this marvelous series reveals yet another facet of the Holocaust that renews the viewers faith and hope for humanity. This is one of the most powerful films that ever has been shown as part of this series. I had never heard of this profoundly moving story of Terezin, but you can be assured that I never will forget it.
Q. Some convenience stores refuse to accept the return of containers. How is it legal for these stores to do this if they sell the container, such as pop cans, pop bottles, etc.?  Reader

A. We contacted the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to find out. Spokesperson Alex Murphy responded:

"Unless it has a so-called 'approved' redemption center as certified by the Department of Natural Resources, any store's refusal to redeem empties of the kinds, sizes and brands it sells is a simple misdemeanor under Iowa Code sections 455C.2, 455C.3, and 455C.12; minimum $65 fine according to Iowa Code section 903.1(1)(a). Citations for simple misdemeanors are issued by the local police &/or sheriff's department when a person files a complaint with them.

"The Iowa DNR has no enforcement powers in these matters.

"Attached is the Iowa Code and Admin Rules."

To view the Iowa Code and Administrative Rules provided by the Iowa DNR, visit qctimes.com/askthetimes.

Q. On Monday, March 6, in the Quad-City Times, I read the Blue Grass City Council minutes, and they mentioned in there that the newly elected Sheriff Tim Lane's deputies will not respond to non-emergency calls in rural communities such as Blue Grass, Buffalo, Walcott, LeClaire, Princeton, etc. So, there are no officers on duty. Why won't they respond? What happened to the former Scott County Sheriff Chief Deputy, Thomas Gibbs, when he (Sheriff Lane) appointed two new chief deputies?  Don, Clinton, Iowa

A. The item you referenced was a legal notice that appeared on Monday, March 6, 2017, on pages B5 and B6 in the Quad-City Times. It appeared in the comments and future agenda section of the Blue Grass City Council minutes. To view the full minutes, visit qctimes.com/askthetimes.

We contacted Scott County Sheriff Tim Lane for a response to your questions. Lane responded:

"I am not sure how this information was passed on to the Blue Grass City Council. I have not made any changes as to handling calls in rural towns. On the second topic, Tom Gibbs returned to his previous civil service rank of sergeant."

Follow-up file:

Q. What was the cost to taxpayers to hold the two recent special elections in Scott County?  Lynne

A. Richard Bauer, Scott County election supervisor, responded to her question on Jan. 31, 2017. At that time, all receipts for both elections had not come in. We contacted the Scott County Auditor's Office again on March 14, 2017. Roxanna Moritz, county auditor and elections commissioner, responded:

"Here are the figures for the last two elections:

"Senate District #45 $28,258.28

"House District #89 $12,308.38"
Kelly Thompson

AGE: 34

CITY: The Quad-Cities!  more specifically, Rock Island

FAMILY: I live with my guy, Matt Collier, and my cat, Anya. My parents live in the Chicago suburbs, where I grew up, and my two sisters and my brothers-in-law live in Austin, Texas.

EDUCATION: I earned my bachelor's degree in sociology from Augustana College and my master's in social work from the University of Iowa.

OCCUPATION: I am the vice president of grant-making and community initiatives for the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend.

WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF YOUR CURRENT JOB? The Community Foundation of the Great River Bend helps community members leave a philanthropic legacy so they can transform our region for decades to come. We also provide funding to nonprofits through a number of grant-making efforts. I ensure that our grants and scholarships benefit the community, and I get to work with other Quad-Citizens on important community issues that no single person or organization can solve on their own. I love creating connections that make the Quad-Cities an even better place to live for all of our residents.

If YOU COULD DO ANYTHING ELSE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? If money were no object, I would be a perpetual student. I love learning from books, research and the people around me. I appreciate that my career path requires that I continue to do so throughout my life. Our community is always changing, and I need to keep learning so I can serve it in the best way possible.

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH YOUR FREE TIME? I love to spend a lot of my free time on involvement in community theater. I was at Quad-City Music Guild every night after work, preparing to be onstage in "Little Shop of Horrors" which ended in March. One of my favorite things about the Quad-Cities is that there are so many opportunities not only to see great live music and theater, but also to create it. I think that involvement in creating and contributing to our local culture gives peoples lives meaning, and connects them more closely to our great community. I know it has done that for me.
A Davenport mans trial on charges associated with him beating a woman with a crowbar in October ended Tuesday when the judge declared a mistrial after the man threatened to harm his defense attorney.

Scott County District Judge Mark Lawson also ordered Anthony Brian Nicholson, 36, held in the Scott County Jail on a $100,000 cash-only bond, according to Scott County District Court records. Unless Nicholson can post the bail, he will remain in jail while awaiting a new trial.

According to Lawson order of incarceration, Nicholson is not allowed to have any phone conversations with any person except the attorney who will be appointed to his case.

Nicholson, who has a lengthy criminal history that includes felony burglary and theft convictions, was on trial Monday and Tuesday on charges of first-degree robbery, willful injury causing serious injury, and going armed with intent.

It was during a break in the trial that he threatened his attorney and Lawson called a mistrial.

The charge of first-degree robbery is a Class B felony under Iowa Law that carries an automatic prison sentence of 25 years, 17 of which must be served before parole can be granted. The other two charges are Class D felonies that carry prison sentences of up to five years.

According to the arrest affidavits filed by Davenport police officers Joseph Dorton and Richard Voy, at 3:06 p.m. on Oct 18, Davenport officers were sent to Starrs Two Wheel Tap at 1836 Rockingham Road regarding a man assaulting a woman.

Armed with a crowbar, Nicholson confronted a woman about her owing him $600. He then repeatedly struck the woman with the crowbar and was yelling You stole my money, according to the arrest affidavits.

Nichcolson fled the scene, but officers found him at his home at 1104 S. Michigan Ave. They also located the car he was driving and seized the crowbar that was in plain sight in the passenger seat, according to the arrest affidavits.

Nicholson has been trying to claim as a defense that he was collecting a debt and should not be charged with robbery.
The Davenport Police Department is asking the publics help in identifying a man who they say is a person of interest in a robbery at Vibrant Credit Union.

Officers responded to the credit union branch at 3801 Brady St. at 11:44 a.m. Tuesday.

Police say a white man entered the credit union, demanded money and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. The man had covered his face and wore a light-colored hooded sweatshirt, according to police.

No weapon was displayed, and no one was injured.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Davenport Police Department at 563-326-6125 or submit an anonymous tip via the department's mobile app, CityConnect Davenport, IA."

-- Tara Becker
A recent downgrade of Wells Fargo's Community Reinvestment Act, or CRA, rating might force the city of Davenport to move its main checking and savings accounts to another bank.

On Tuesday, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency downgraded the financial institution's national reinvestment act rating to "needs to improve," which sits under the threshold of the city's investment and depository policy of "satisfactory."

While the local metropolitan statistical area rating was graded as "outstanding," Finance Director Brandon Wright informed city officials through an email Wednesday that both national and local ratings must meet the requirement and recommended starting the process for moving accounts.

"Based on the change in Wells Fargo's institutional CRA rating and the intent of the City Council's policy, I must recommend that the city initiate the process of releasing an RFP (request for proposals) for banking services to find a new depository," Wright wrote. "This change will require significant staff resources and time as the network of automated and long-term systems for Davenport is vast."

The CRA rating, established in 1977, "requires financial institutions to meet the credit needs of their entire communities, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods."

In its report, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency cited "an extensive and pervasive pattern and practice of violations across multiple lines of business with the bank, resulting in significant harm to large numbers of consumers" despite "outstanding" ratings in lending and investment tests.

Wells Fargo has been embroiled in a number of scandals over the past few years, including the unauthorized opening of up to 2.1 million accounts which customers may have been unaware of. Wells Fargo settled with consumers for $110 million.

Five years ago, Wells Fargo also settled with African-American and Hispanic homebuyers as a result of steering them into subprime mortgage loans, which caused them to pay higher fees and rates.

But, as Wright explained to city officials, the rating is not an indicator of financial performance and security of funds.

"There are no indications that the underlying security of the bank is at risk, thus there is no reason to believe that our deposits and investments with Wells Fargo are at any risk," Wright wrote.

Beyond holding the city's main checking account, Wells Fargo also carries several of the city's certificate of deposit investments.

"The City currently has $52.3 million in our main bank account with Wells Fargo," Wright said. "In addition to that, the City has another $52 million in short-term investments of which $7 million is with Wells Fargo Securities."

Steve Carlson, Wells Fargo vice president of corporate communications for the Great Lakes and Great Plains regions, issued a statement in response to the downgraded CRA rating.

"While we are disappointed with this overall national rating, we are very pleased that the OCC gave Iowa the state-level rating of 'outstanding,' which reflects our strong track record of lending to, investing in and providing service to low- and moderate-income communities, both in Iowa and nationwide," Carlson said. "Although we do not disclose how much we hold in municipal deposits, I can tell you we are a leading provider of government banking nationwide, with 5,500 government relationships. We value our relationships and are proud of our community lending and investment record."

The state ranking was resultant of factors such as Wells Fargo being among the leaders in loans to low- to moderate-income borrowers and communities, as well as its investment in affordable housing.

In February, the City Council had approved Wells Fargo as one of eight qualified financial institutions for investment business.

The resolution set a maximum deposit amount of $25 million for Quad-City Bank & Trust, U.S. Bank, CBI Bank & Trust, Piper Jaffray, DUTRAC Community Credit Union and IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union. Wells Fargo's limit was set at $100 million because it held the majority of city checking and saving accounts.

Wright said that if the city elects to transfer all of its funds, it could to take six to eight months because of the complexity of the process.

"Many financial transactions (payments and receipts) are automated and tied directly into the city's main financial software," Wright said. "The movement of money itself is not difficult. However, all of the city's as well as many vendors' internal procedures related to monitoring, balancing, verifying, directing, and receiving payments will need to change."

Wright ended his email by calling for questions and saying the issue will be discussed at next week's Management Update and Mayor/Council Discussion Meeting.
Its no mystery Tom Charlton is an avid hunter, angler and all-around outdoorsman.

The guest columnist for the Quad-City Times compared the night before deer season last November to Christmas Eve in a column titled, Why do we hunt?, published in this papers weekly Outdoors section.

But Charlton, a retired tire salesman who lives in Davenport, once took a five-year hiatus from the sport, following a near-death experience while participating in a deer drive with a group of hunters in Muscatine.

The 66-year-old did not want to disclose any details on the record, saying he has relived the situation too many times in his sleep.

Id wake up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat, he said.

Those memories and others, however, fueled ideas for his new murder mystery book, The Hunters Become the Hunted.

Charlton, who self-published his first book in 2004, began the research and writing process for his second book a couple years ago.

He thought up the plot after his break from hunting while "sitting on a stump in the woods."

The native Long Islander, who studied music in college at State University of New York at Fredonia, said he attended a three-day Midwest Writers Workshop, which gave him "a lot of good insight and advice."

Other than that, Charlton did not seek much professional editing assistance.

The fictional story takes place in "River Bend," a small pseudo town in Iowa that bears a resemblance to Muscatine, where Charlton used to live.

And a popular bar in the book, "Muddy River Suds Company," is based on Muscatine's Missipi Brewing Company.

It helped me as I was writing to envision actual places, Charlton said. The details came easily.

Autumn Phillips, executive editor of the Quad-City Times, commended the author for the level of "expertise" he "brings to the page as an outdoorsman and proud Midwesterner."

Although copies of his 254-page paperback have landed on shelves in the Quad-Cities, Charlton said he needed to craft several drafts before completing his final product.

Maintaining flow throughout the story, Charlton said, proved to be the toughest challenge. He scrapped entire "extraneous" sections to try to keep the reader engaged.

In addition to the crime theme, the book features a bit of romance, but nothing terribly tawdry, Charlton said.

Then there's the whodunit ending, which hit him during a brainstorming session in the woods.

While taking notes, Charlton said he "heard something and looked up, and about 20 yards away, there was a big buck staring at me.

"I was busted."

By the time Charlton swapped his notepad for his gun, the buck was gone.

These days, the self-proclaimed "country boy" said losing a big buck does not bother him as much as it would have in the past.

"I think every outdoorsman evolves to the point where, 'I don't care if I get one, I don't care if I see one,' being out there is what's important," he said.
If you want to be a good leader, spend more time listening than talking, build a strong team around you and don't be afraid to ask others for help.

Those are bits of advice from Nancy Renkes, development director of the River Bend Foodbank, Davenport, who was selected Thursday as the 2017 recipient of the Athena Award.

The presentation of the award established in the Quad-Cities in 2006 to recognize women leaders was made at a luncheon attended by several hundred people at the Rhythm City Casino Resort, Davenport.

Other Athena honorees were Dee Bruemmer, retired Scott County administrator; Beth Darnell, founder of DWM Design, Davenport; Dr. Ann O'Donnell, medical director of Genesis Post-Acute Care; and Donna Young, co-owner and sculptor at Isabel Bloom LLC, Davenport.

The award is sponsored by Iowa Women Lead Change-The Women's Connection. This is a statewide women's leadership organization formed earlier this year with the merger of the Quad-City-based Women's Connection and the Cedar Rapids-based Iowa Women Lead Change.

For three years, Renkes, 56, was co-director of The Women's Connection. Other jobs have included advertising sales for both the Quad-City Times and the Muscatine Journal and operating The Grape Life with her husband, Jim.

In an essay she wrote for her nomination, Renkes said that during her 35-year career, she worked for a wide range of people and personalities and, in some cases, learned from them what not to do.

But overall, she said, the key to success is to ask for mentoring.

"And it can't be just those who tell you what you want to hear," she said. "It has to be those you tell you what you need to hear. Those are the mentors you need."

Renkes did not attend college because when she graduated from Davenport West, she found "so many opportunities, I just kept going," she said. "Back then you could do that. I knew some day it could stop me, but it hasn't yet."

The Quad-City Athena program is part of Athena International, established in 1982 and found in more than 500 communities in the United States, Canada, Russia, China, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.
The topic of sanctuary school status may not be on any of the Quad-Cities school districts' agendas, but many of the data protection safeguards school districts across the country are reinforcing already exist locally.

In February, Des Moines Public Schools approved two resolutions that not only voiced support for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), but also established the protocol of running requests for information about students and responses to Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials through its superintendent's office.

While the Bettendorf Community School District has not discussed sanctuary status, Superintendent Mike Raso said sensitive information about students is already protected.

Thats something we keep confidential no matter what, Raso said. There is only certain information we can give out. If you take the example of sports, we would only give out things like name, height and weight.

The effect of the term "sanctuary" sometimes can be symbolic, but it does carry some weight if districts haven't enacted policies about student information or aren't aware of the legal protections afforded to students.

In the Quad-Cities, these policies exist and are in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.

Davenport and Bettendorf school officials could not even estimate how many undocumented students they serve because that information isn't tracked or available.

"We offer public education to all students who live within our district," said Davenport Community School District spokeswoman Dawn Saul. "We do not ask for proof of citizenship, just proof of residence. We do not know if the DACA data applies to any students in our district at this time."

As Saul said, the only information required by the school district is proof of residence, which can be fulfilled through items such as a lease or rental document or a phone or utility bill.

Moline-Coal Valley School District Board President Justin Anderson said students' protections and rights are written directly into district policy.

"School student records are confidential," Moline-Coal Valley policy states. "Information from them shall not be released other than as provided by law."

Information can be shared, but only at the consent of a parent or guardian.

Raso said that requests in Bettendorf run through Communications Director Celeste Miller and if there is any question about sensitive information, the district's attorney will review and redact anything that would compromise confidential information.

Depending on what it is, we run it through our attorneys to make sure it is appropriate, Raso said.

North Scott Community Schools Superintendent Joe Stutting said his student record policy is clear. In almost no instances can someone seek sensitive information about a student, such as birthday, address and citizenship status.

If government officials come calling, Stutting said a subpoena, warrant or proper legal documents need to be supplied before any conversation continues.

"Just because you are a government agency, it doesn't give you free reign to request or have access to this kind of information," Stutting said.

To all the other districts, the same policy of having the proper legal documents applies before any cooperation.

Saul said if police or government officials requested removal of a student believed to be undocumented, the district would contact legal counsel for direction.

Rock Island/Milan School District #41 Communications Director Holly Sparkman said her district is currently researching how it would respond to a request from ICE, but said because there is no defined guideline, it may apply the same privacy standards as it would to the public.

"Our first response is 'Sorry, you can't have any information because student information is private,'" Sparkman said.

The point educators want to emphasize is their commitment to quality education and safety for all students, regardless of their status.

It doesnt matter where they come from, Raso said. We, of course, want to know about the kids so we can help meet their needs. The biggest thing for us is that they live in our boundaries, but if they don't and go through the proper channels to transfer, we treat them like any other student.
DES MOINES  Legal fireworks and tougher penalties for distracted drivers involved in fatalities were approved by Iowa House committees ahead of a Friday deadline for legislation to win support in both chambers of the Legislature.

Both bills had been approved in other committees, as well as in the Senate, but had to win passage in the House Ways and Means Committee because of fees and taxes involved.

Senate File 489 legalizing fireworks went off but not without several committee members trying to douse the bill that would allow the sale and display of pyrotechnics around the Fourth of July and during the Christmas-New Years day holiday period. It was approved 14-10 with bipartisan support and opposition.

Impaired driving

Senate File 444, which would establish programs to require drivers arrested for or convicted of impaired driving to participate in twice-daily sobriety monitoring, as well as require some drivers to install ignition interlocks, passed 23-1. Under the bill, a distracted driver who struck and killed someone could be convicted of a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

That was problematic for Rep. Mary Wolfe, D-Clinton, the lone no vote. She pointed out that another bill, Senate File 234, specifically allows drivers to talk on their phones.

SF 444, which was approved 48-0 in the Senate, would provide that cellphone use while driving would be evidence of reckless driving with willful or wanton disregard for public safety.

I know you have good intentions, but I dont think this bill does that, she told bill manager Rep. Zach Nunn, R-Bondurant.

Nunn said the stiffer criminal penalty for vehicular homicide would apply to any distracted driving behavior  eating a cheeseburger, for example  not just using a cellphone.

The bill mentions phones, not cheeseburgers, Wolfe countered.

In addition to tougher penalties for vehicular homicide, the bill creates a 24/7 monitoring program for people convicted of alcohol-related crimes. As written, Wolfe said, it would apply to thousands convicted of public intoxication.

Nunn said the cost of the twice-daily alcohol test would be about $4 per day and the initial cost of the ignition interlock device would range from $200 to $500.

The recommendations for the legislation came out of a task force Gov. Terry Branstad formed to study ways to keep drunken, drugged and distracted drivers off Iowa highways following a year when traffic deaths spiked to 403, the most since 2008.

Fireworks

The fireworks legislation was all about giving Iowans more freedom, bill manager Rep. Matt Windschitl, R-Missouri Valley, said.

However, Rep. Dave Jacoby, D-Coralville, a former city council member, said the bill would give local governments less freedom. It would not allow cities to ban the sale of fireworks  only their display.

So its just half local control, he said.

Jacoby also noted that many legislators, including House Speaker Linda Upmeyer, R-Clear Lake, oppose emergency rule-making as is the case here because it does not allow for public input into the process.

Emergency rule-making is necessary in this case, Windschitl said, because the fire marshal needs to prepare for the first fireworks season.

I assume the fire marshal has already started, Jacoby said.

SF 489 would allow licensed retailers or community groups to sell consumer-grade fireworks to adults in permanent structures between June 1 and July 8 and between Dec. 10 and Jan. 3. A similar provision would apply to conforming temporary structures, such as tents, from June 13 through July 8 each year. It also places time restrictions for the display of fireworks.

The measure sets a fee structure for various license levels; allows counties or cities that do not want to legalize fireworks to opt out of the use but not the sale; and bars the sale or purchase involving anyone younger than 18. A violation would be punishable by a fine of between $250 and $625.

Iowa law currently classifies the possession, sale or use of consumer fireworks without a permit  other than sparklers, caps and snakes  as a simple misdemeanor.

Gambling addicts

The House State Government Committee voted 18-3 to approve Senate File 442 allowing Iowans to sign a voluntary exclusion prohibiting them from entering an Iowa-licensed casino.

Under current law, a voluntary exclusion is for life. The bill would allow a person to choose either a lifetime ban or a five-year exclusion, Rep. Kevin Koester, R-Ankeny, said. A five-year exclusion could be renewed for another five years or for life.

The bill also would allow someone who banned him or herself to attend functions at a casino but not be on the gaming floor.

Rep. Mary Mascher, D-Iowa City, opposed the bill, saying the changes would not help gambling addicts. She also noted that problem gamblers can go across the state line to gamble or visit one of Iowas five Native American casinos that are not covered by the voluntary exclusion law.
DES MOINES  A day after proposing what opponents labeled the most extreme restrictions in the nation, Iowa House Republicans dropped a proposal to ban abortions once a heartbeat is detected.

Choosing the less restrictive ban on abortions after the 20th week of pregnancy was a response to constituents as well as concerns within the GOP caucus, Human Resources Committee Chairman Joel Fry, R-Osceola, said Wednesday.

Fry and the bill manager, Rep. Shannon Lundgren, R-Peosta, rejected the idea it was a political setback, emphasizing their version of Senate File 471 represents whats possible this legislative session.

The bill is written in a way Lundgren thinks will stand up in court, and we would be protecting about 51 babies a year by going this route. We are going to make an impact immediately.

The bill, as amended, will have to win the support of the full House before returning to the Senate where a similar, but not identical, 20-week abortion ban was approved 32-17.

After nearly two hours of discussion, the House committee adopted the 20-week abortion ban amendment on a voice vote and approved the bill 11-8 with one Republican joining all of the Democrats in opposing it.

With the amendment, the bill was better than when it contained the ban on abortions after a heartbeat could be detected, Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, D-Ames. She called that language an embarrassment for Iowans.

Its still a bad bill, Wessel-Kroeschell said. She and other Democrats raised numerous questions about the amendment and were critical that its supporters had not thoroughly discussed it with medical professionals in drafting it and did not use their preferred medical terminology.

The most egregious part of the bill, she said, was the lack of exemptions for anything other than for the life and health of the mother.

But for rape and incest? For fetal anomalies? Wessel-Kroeschell asked.

Democrats did not offer amendments at the committee meeting, but Wessel-Kroeschell didnt rule out attempts to improve the bill on the House floor.

I think we have to save birth control in the state, she said. This does not save birth control. I think we have to save infertility treatments. This does not do that. I think we have to get exceptions for fetal anomaly, for the life of the mother, rape and incest. Those are things that will make this bill better. It may not be acceptable to me yet, but it would make the bill better.

She wasnt alone in her disappointment with the bill. It wasnt what Rep. Steve Holt, R-Denison, hoped to vote on, but not for the same reasons as Wessel-Kroeschell.

Rep. Wessel-Kroeschell, I could not disagree more with your conclusions, he said. I find embarrassment and shame being in the fact we abort 11 unborn children a day in Iowa.

Holt had hoped to vote on a life at conception bill or the heartbeat language rather than the 20-week abortion ban.

Prolife organizations would have liked more restrictive measures. However, some agreed winning approval of a 20-week ban would be a legislative victory likely to withstand legal challenge.

We certainly support the concept and idea that life begins at conception, but I dont think were there in the court system yet, said Tom Chapman of the Iowa Catholic Conference. Our interest is really in getting something that works and can stand up in courts and can be Iowas first abortion restriction in many years. I think thats a good place for Iowa to start.

A 20-week ban is a terrible bill, and we are still talking about women who have tragic situations, often with wanted pregnancies, being forced to carry a child to term, countered Erin Davison-Rippey of Planned Parenthood Voters of Iowa, who characterized the new draft as extreme measures.

Yet again, (lawmakers) are dealing with divisive social issues from extreme members who are pushing their ideology instead of dealing with the real issues that matter to Iowans, such as the budget crisis, Rippey said.

In addition to prohibiting an abortion after 20 weeks, the House GOP amendment states intent language that life begins at fertilization, allows an exemption for the life and health of the mother and would subject physicians who violate the law to medical board discipline.

It also includes reporting requirements for physicians who perform abortions and allows a woman who has an abortion after 20 weeks to seek damages from the physician if the abortion was performed intentionally or recklessly. The amendment also allows the parents of a minor woman, a county attorney or the state attorney general to seek injunctive relief to prevent a physician from performing an abortion in violation of the law.

One person disappointed by the House decision to drop the heartbeat language is Sen. Jason Schultz, R-Schleswig. He called the introduction of the ban on abortions once a heartbeat is found  often around six weeks  a good turn of events.

He thought the heartbeat language might attract the support of a few senators who werent on board as well as some disappointed that a so-called personhood bill  which would have established in code that life begins at conception and could have effectively banned abortions  did not attract enough supporters to be debated in the Senate. A 20-week abortion ban was approved in that chamber 32-17.

The real easy logic is that we define somebody as having passed when their heart stops, he said. Although he believes life begins at conception, Schultz said, Its very easy to go to the other end to say life starts when we a heartbeat starts.
PIERRE | South Dakota officials are trying to stop the spread of a strain of bovine tuberculosis discovered in a Harding County cattle herd.

It's the first case of bovine tuberculosis in the state in six years. So far 41 infected animals have been identified, the Capital Journal reported.

Thirteen neighboring ranches were quarantined, six of which have since been released. State agriculture officials said the remaining seven still have testing to complete.

Wildlife officials also are testing deer, pronghorn, possums, raccoons, coyotes and badgers in the area.

The National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Iowa identified the strain of bovine tuberculosis as nearly identical to one previously only seen in dairy cattle in central Mexico.

Officials aren't sure how it entered South Dakota, but state veterinarian Dustin Oedekoven thinks there are at least two possibilities.

"One, it came with cattle. A million to a million-and-a-half cattle are imported from Mexico to here. They're all tested and inspected for animal health issues," he said. "We also have additional test requirements if they enter from Mexico into South Dakota. We don't know if these cattle are of Mexican origin. It's a possibility, but it's a long shot."

Oedekoven said the second possibility is that the tuberculosis was brought in by people, which can be possible due to the fact that it can infect humans.

All animals that tested positive on the initial herd test were removed from the herd. Oedekoven recommended that herds with infected animals be depopulated or moved to slaughter. He said the cattle ranchers would be paid by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the loss of their animals.
WASHINGTON | President Donald Trump's nominee for Air Force secretary came under scrutiny Thursday as Democrats questioned her work as a defense industry consultant and a conversation she had a decade ago with a federal prosecutor during a corruption probe.

During her confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Heather Wilson defended her performance, telling the panel she did nothing improper. To avoid any potential conflicts of interest, Wilson has committed to selling stocks she holds in more than a dozen companies that have Defense Department contracts.

Wilson, president of the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology in Rapid City, is the first service secretary selected by Trump to appear before the committee. The president's nominee to lead the Army, Vincent Viola, withdrew in early February because of financial entanglements, and about three weeks later Philip B. Bilden, the Navy secretary nominee, withdrew for similar reasons.

Wilson, who graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1982, also said she would resign her current position at School of Mines.

After serving five terms in Congress from New Mexico, Wilson collected nearly half a million dollars in questionable payments from federally funded nuclear labs, the Energy Department's inspector general said in a 2013 report. Wilson failed to provide documentation for the consulting work she did to earn $20,000 a month from the Los Alamos and Sandia national labs in New Mexico from January 2009 to March 2011, the report said.

Contractors, including Lockheed Martin and Bechtel, reimbursed the government for most of the $464,203 paid to Wilson, the report said.

Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the committee's top Democrat, pressed Wilson on her arrangement with Sandia, asking her if she could provide proof she performed the work required under the arrangement. Reed said the question is relevant because Wilson, if she's confirmed, will be responsible for holding contractors accountable when they don't submit the required paperwork yet still want to be paid.

"I did the work. I complied with the contract. The review found no fault with me," Wilson said. She said auditors from the Energy Department never contacted her.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., cited instances where invoices Wilson submitted for work at the labs lacked sufficient detail to know exactly what she had done.

"It was difficult to discern what service you provided to whom and when," Blumenthal. "Shouldn't there be better oversight of contractor billing and documentation? And isn't this a bad example ... of how billing and invoice submission should be conducted?"

Wilson repeated the answer she gave Reed.

Reed also focused on an October 2006 telephone call Wilson made while still a member of Congress to David Iglesias, a U.S. attorney in New Mexico. Iglesias was one of seven federal prosecutors fired a few months later by the Bush administration.

At the time, Iglesias was handling a number of politically charged public corruption cases. "I have concerns about this action in terms of House ethics rules, and the possibility a federal prosecutor may have felt pressured by Congress in an ongoing investigation," Reed said.

Wilson said she placed the call after being told by "an individual or constituent with knowledge of ongoing investigations" that Iglesias was intentionally delaying prosecution of the cases.

Reed wanted to know the name of the individual because knowing that might shed light on Wilson's motivation for making the call. But she refused.

"I didn't betray them then and I'm not going to betray them now," Wilson said.

Wilson informed the Defense Department's general counsel last week that she would divest of stocks she holds in companies that do work for the department, including Intel, IBM, Honeywell and Raytheon.
A Rapid City nonprofit will receive a $1 million grant toward the construction of a new Head Start facility for Native American children.

Rural America Initiatives announced the grant Thursday from the Rapid City-based John T. Vucurevich Foundation.

RAI Executive Director Bruce Long Fox called the grant a vote of confidence. We could not realize this vision without their support, and we are deeply thankful, Long Fox said in a release.

The grant brings RAI to within about $2 million of the $6.9 million total it needs for the project. Previously announced donations include $2 million from Rapid City governments Vision Fund, $1.4 million from various individuals and companies, and $250,000 from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community in Minnesota.

RAIs existing Head Start and Early Head Start programs are housed in modular structures that are more than 20 years old and are spread among several locations in North Rapid and the Sioux San Hospital campus. The new facility will consolidate those programs, along with RAIs administrative offices, which are currently downtown.

RAIs Deborah Gangloff said that the site of the new facility has been identified, but she declined to speak about it because the site has not yet been formally acquired. RAI hopes to begin construction later this year.

Head Start is a federally funded program that promotes school readiness for children ages birth to 5 from low-income families. RAIs Head Start and Early Head Start programs work exclusively with Native American children and have a total enrollment of about 130.

RAIs other activities include Ateyapi, a role-modeling mentorship program for Native American students that is incorporated into Rapid City elementary, middle and high schools.

What we try to do is have children imagine the future they want and give them the tools and a set of goals to get there, Gangloff said.

Donations to the fundraising campaign for the new RAI facility can be made online at ruralamericainitiatives.org or by mail to Rural America Initiatives, 628-1/2 Sixth St., Suite 201, Rapid City, S.D., 57701.
A Rapid City-based unit of the South Dakota Army National Guard will deploy to Kuwait in October.

More than 90 soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 189th Aviation Regiment have received a mobilization order for a yearlong deployment.

The mission of the 1-189th is to provide aerial medical evacuation support with its Black Hawk helicopters. The company is made up of pilots, crew chiefs, medics, aviation operations specialists and other support personnel.

The unit will report to Fort Hood, Texas, for several weeks of training before going overseas.

This is the third mobilization for the unit. The unit was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn from 2011 to 2012 and supported peacekeeping operations in Kosovo from 2008 to 2009.
When President Donald Trump's son-in-law and aide Jared Kushner voluntarily appears before the Senate intelligence committee, he will describe his interactions with Russians during the transition as a point man "looking for the right person to engage with on Russia," and nothing more, according to a source familiar with what transpired.
UVALDE, Texas (AP)  Twelve people were killed and three others were injured Wednesday when a van carrying 14 church members and a pickup truck collided on a two-lane Texas highway, authorities said.

The group of senior adults from First Baptist Church of New Braunfels, Texas, was returning from a retreat when the crash occurred, a church statement said. The vehicles collided about 12:30 p.m. on U.S. 83 outside Garner State Park in northern Uvalde County, said Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Conrad Hein. The area is about 75 miles (120.7 km) west of San Antonio.

It wasn't immediately clear if the lone person in the pickup truck was among the victims killed or how many of the church members are among the dead, Hein said. The cause of the crash also hasn't been determined, he said.

Photos and video of the scene showed heavy damage to the front drivers' sides of the small white church van and the pickup truck. The vehicles appeared to have collided on those sides of the vehicles.

The back of the van was up on a guardrail and debris was scattered onto the grass below.

Church officials said in a statement on the First Baptist website that the members were returning from a three-day retreat at the Alto Frio Baptist Encampment in Leakey, about 9 miles (14.5 km) north of where the crash happened.

The church officials were "ministering to family members to help them deal with this tragedy," according to the statement. Counselors also were scheduled to be available at the church on Thursday.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and his wife, Cecilia, offered their condolences in the hours after the crash.

"We are saddened by the loss of life and our hearts go out to all those affected," their statement said. "We thank the first responders working on the scene in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy, and ask that all Texans join us in offering their thoughts and prayers."
To avoid the perception of a conflict of interest, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology President Heather Wilson has pledged to sell off stocks from 16 U.S. Department of Defense contractors within 90 days of her confirmation as secretary of the Air Force.

Wilson disclosed her financial ties to the defense industry in a letter dated March 22 to a federal ethics official ahead of her confirmation hearing before the Senate. The hearing is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. today.

When contacted Wednesday, a spokesperson for Wilson said she had no comment ahead of the hearing.

Some of the contractors in which Wilson owns stocks include Comcast, Honeywell International and weapons technology manufacturer Raytheon.

Wilson is the first of President Donald Trumps military service nominees to move forward in the process. His picks for secretaries of the Army and Navy both withdrew their candidacies when their prior financial involvements proved too difficult to distance themselves from.

Wilson may find herself in a similar position if her own financial interests in the private defense industry become the subject of prolonged questioning.

Wilson has been the subject of scrutiny over her work at Sandia Corp., a former subsidiary of Lockheed Martin that is currently owned by Honeywell International, one of the defense contractors that Wilson owns stock in.

Wilsons involvement with Sandia toed the line between consulting and lobbying, the latter of which is an illegal practice for members of Congress in the two years after they leave office.

While she worked as U.S. representative for the 1st congressional district of New Mexico, Wilson, a Republican, served on both the House Armed Services Committee and the Intelligence Committee. When she left Congress in 2009, she immediately went to work as a paid consultant for Sandia, one of the largest private manufacturers of nuclear weapons in the U.S.

According to the Center for Public Integrity, Wilson used her insider knowledge of the Washington defense landscape to help Sandia craft a strategy to renew a lucrative government contract

Wilson has maintained that she did not work as a lobbyist for Sandia, but her contract with the company attracted public scandal following the publication of a 2013 Inspector General report. Though the report did not fault Wilson, it did refer to the circumstances surrounding the award and execution of (Wilsons contracts) as unusual and in some instances, highly irregular.

In an interview with the Center for Public Integrity, Gordon Adams, a professor emeritus at American University and former associate director for national security at the Office of Management and Budget, said that Wilson "has what I call the appearance of a conflict of interest, and appearances matter."

As Air Force secretary, Wilson would deal directly and often with private defense contractors she has either worked for or invested in, such as Sandia, Honeywell and Lockheed, a prospect that is alarming to Nuclear Watch New Mexico Executive Director Jay Coghlan.

I anticipate shes going to be asked some tough questions during her confirmation hearing, Coghlan told the Center for Public Integrity in February.

As part of her disclosure, Wilson also pledged to divest and resign from the board of directors of Raven Industries, a South Dakota-based defense contractor that received $17.5 million from the Air Force between 1981 and October 2016.

If confirmed as secretary of the Air Force, she would also resign as president of the School of Mines and step down from the positions she holds at various agencies and organizations, including the Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce.
Victim files $154,000 lawsuit against FSB officers in bribery case

Context Investigators seek to extend detention of former and current FSB officers in bribery case

MOSCOW, March 30 (RAPSI)  Investigative authorities have registered ten million rubles ($154,000) lawsuit filed by Esta Construction company against former and current officers of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), who stand charged with bribery, attorney Dagir Khasavov told RAPSI on Thursday.

The company, acknowledged as a victim in this case, seeks five million rubles ($77,000) as compensation for property damage and five million in moral damages.

Earlier, the Moscow Garrison Military Court has extended detention of Vlad Novikov, a former officer of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), and Karen Krayukhin, an officer still in FSB service, until April 6.

As it has been reported, Novikov and Krayukhin have been arrested on suspicion of taking a bribe from the Turkish construction firm Esta Construction.

Investigators claim that Esta Construction has been fined over 37 million rubles ($570,000) for violation of migration legislation. The companys lawyer in order to avoid payment of the fine asked the defendants for help in the termination of the case for 5 million rubles ($77,000).

In September, a military prosecutor told RAPSI that criminal proceedings may be instituted against Esta Construction lawyer Valerian Kochergin, who has been initially recognized as victim in the case.

Esta Construction is a contracting company established by Bahattin Demirbilek in Moscow in 2006 and operating as a general contractor and project designer in international construction market, the firms website says.
Moscow court upholds Navalnys administrative detention

MOSCOW, March 30 (RAPSI)  The Moscow City Court has upheld administrative detention of Russian opposition politician Alexey Navalny issued for resisting police officers during March 26 rally, RAPSI learnt in the court on Thursday.

The court has dismissed an appeal against the Tverskoy District Courts ruling finding Navalny guilty of resisting demands of police officers and putting him in detention for fifteen days. Navalny was also fined 20,000 rubles (about $350) for organizing an unauthorized rally in central Moscow.

Navalny will file a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) over his administrative detention, his attorney Olga Mikhailova told journalists.

Navalny did not admit his guilt during the hearings. According to the politician, Moscow authorities refused to greenlight the rally in the citys center and proposed alternative areas only a day before it was to take place. Navalny said that in this case Russian legislation allows organizers to hold an event at the area, which was listed first.

Navalnys lawyer Olga Mikhailova claimed that the administrative violation report against her clients arrest was forged by police officers. The court dismissed Navalnys motion to hear testimony of witnesses in the case.

Head of Moscows Department for regional security and combating corruption Vladimir Chernikov told RIA Novosti news agency that the mayors office proposed to held the rally in two districts of Moscow back in March 22.

According to the numbers reported by the Main Directorate of the Interior Ministry for Moscow, about 500 people were arrested on March 26 during the unauthorized rally. Overall number of people present in the area at the time was estimated at as high as 8,000 people. One of the police officers received injuries, a criminal case was launched over this incident.
Russian citizens arrested in South Korea on suspicion of medicine trafficking

MOSCOW, March 30 (RAPSI) - The consulate-general in Busan confirmed that three Russian nationals had been arrested in South Korea on suspicion of trafficking medicines from North Korea, RIA Novosti reported Thursday.

Earlier, South Korean media reported citing Busans police that 205 packages of 6 types of medicinal products for a total amount of about KRW 9 million ($8.000) had been seized from Russians. Medicines and biologically active supplements produced by Pugang Pharmaceutic Co have been reportedly bought in North Korea and later sent from Russia to South Korea by airmail.

According to the South Korean law, import of medicines and other goods from North Korea is permitted only with the express agreement of the South Korean Ministry of Unification.

Russias consulate is providing the arrested individuals needed assistance. Russian citizens are suspected of trafficking and illegal distribution of medicines as well as violation of a ban on import of North Korean goods.

The date of a court hearing has not been scheduled yet.
A.E. Thorson & Sons Manufacturing passed the torch to MSF Farm this week closing an era in Montana and continuing another in Missouri.

The A.E. Thorson & Sons Manufacturing Company began in 1948 in Wise River when A.E. built his first cattle chute. He patented it, relocated the company to just north of Corvallis and grew the livestock equipment manufacturing business.

Worlds finest quality livestock handling equipment became the motto for the outstanding company with the highest standards of providing safety to operator and animal. They made livestock chutes, head gates, body clamps, sliding gates, tilt tables, runway-alleys, loading chutes, palpation cages, squeeze chutes able to handle buffalo and many more custom items.

Sons Don and Bob Thorson added four helpers and worked hard.

There was a demand for it, Don said. Sometimes we were 30 and 60 days out trying to fill orders.

Sometimes more, Bob added.

We sold to multiple colleges, universities, zoos and research facilities. We had customers all over the world, Don said. Often times some of these things took a whole lot more time because people called with specific problems.

Custom design projects included stainless steel squeeze chute for a Level Four research laboratory in Ames, Iowa; a 25-foot radius sweep corral for a company studying animal genetics and embryo implants in Idaho; and specialty calf tables for a research facility in Logan, Utah.

Purchasers included many cattle operations in the Bitterroot Valley, the River Ranch in Idaho, Upjohn Laboratories, Rocky Mountain Laboratory, a lab in Florida, USDA facilities, the national zoo in Bangkok, Thailand and stanchions for Louisiana, which had to be galvanized.

Don said the most interesting experience was the sale to Thailand where their product was presented to the king.

Probably the best dealers we ever had was Quality Supply and before them, Les Davies - John Deer, Don said.

The A.E. Thorson & Sons Manufacturing Company closed in 2006, but the brothers retained the designs and tools for some hobbyist tinkering.

This week Mike and Sharon Fries, owners of MSF Farm, came from Linneus, Missouri, to purchase the designs and take notes on the manufacture of livestock handling equipment.

We also came to pick up some more knowledge of Bob and Don and speed up the process of knowing the product and building it and putting it together, Mike Fries said. It will be a good challenge and we will have a good chute in Linneus, Missouri. We decided to call it the MSF T Series. It is a Thorson chute with a new name and a few new updates down the line.

Most of the details were locked in the minds of the Thorson brothers who were recalling the calculations, designing and manufacturing of a lifetime.

I didnt work from plans on stuff I did every day, Bob said. That plus having not done it for over 10 years has been a little challenging at times. I have a great memory but it isnt perfect. We havent had glitches and we havent made mistakes.

A lot of it was maintained up here, Don said as he pointed to his head. We were dealing with numbers. A lot of what we did was strictly in our minds.

Mike Fries said Don and Bob were just being humble.

The brothers were eager to share their knowledge with the purchasers.

MSF Farm is continuing the tradition of the quality workmanship their farm has been known for since 1862. The seventh generation company builds and installs fence and fence products. Their son, Jeff, does the majority of the welding plus hired staff.

Its a family run small business, Mike Fries said. We got a hold of Bob and he introduced us to Don and one thing led to another and here we are. The MSF Farm is expanding to include chutes.

We entered in to an agreement and they bought some of the treasures weve been sitting on, Don said. We hoped somebody some day would purchase these treasures. When we sold the business in 2006 there was no one interested in these kinds of things, to them it looked like scrap iron. These were jigs and various forms that we had used to build the equipment.

It takes a trained eye to see that the pieces of scrap iron are actually tools.

Its been an interesting adventure, Don said. We didnt really want to see it die.

Were bringing it back to life again, Sharon Fries said.

Were passing the torch, Don said. Its neat that heres another family that would like to do what we spent 40-50 years doing. Our dad started it and we grew up doing it. Its nice to have someone to pass it on to. It gives it to a new generation of people.
HELENA  A Montana Senate committee on Tuesday added money to the state budget for nursing homes, special education and other government programs, relenting somewhat on the hard line that Republican legislative leaders had been taking to close a shortfall in the 2018-2019 spending plan.

But to keep the budget balanced, the Senate Finance and Claims Committee looked to cut funding in other areas, and the panel denied many other requests that were made.

"I feel like the Grinch who steals Christmas," said committee chairman Llew Jones, R-Conrad, after rejecting a proposal to reinstate a scholarship program. "I believe we must take care of the base programs we have before expanding into new areas."

Some of the funding additions made on Tuesday were previously rejected by the House earlier this month over concerns of balancing the budget and leaving enough cash in reserve to absorb unexpected changes in spending and revenue before the Legislature meets again in 2019.

The Republican-led Legislature had been seeking to close a budget shortfall caused by the downturn in energy production by spending cuts alone. However, a new revenue estimate forecasts the state will take in about $100 million more than previously expected by 2019.

Also, bills to hike taxes on tobacco products and increase the state's fuel tax appear to be gaining traction, which would further boost state revenue, though Republicans said they would resist all new taxes.

The Senate panel inserted $10 million for nursing home programs in the state, $1.2 million for special education programs and $1 million for a youth suicide prevention grant program. Money was also added to start a psychiatry residency program, to fund the Montana Digital Academy's online classes for rural students, for high school vocational education programs and to increase state payments for community colleges.

The panel also partially restored some of the cuts proposed for some agencies, such as the Montana National Guard, the Public Service Commission and even the small state Division of Architecture and Engineering. Other agencies, such as the state Department of Public Health and Human Services, will be allowed to fill some of the open positions that had previously been slated to remain vacant to save money.

To pay for the additions in education programs, the committee voted to temporarily eliminate funding for school district block grants. The effect would be a $40 million decrease in state money going to school districts' general funds over the next two years.

Many funding requests were also denied. They included proposals to give child protection workers a raise, to cut down the waiting list for residential services for the elderly and disabled, and $12 million for a new statewide preschool program.

A request to add $20 million to the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education's budget over the next two years was also rejected. Republican majority lawmakers said they would not go above the $11 million that had been restored to the commissioner's budget in the House.

Commissioner Clayton Christian previously told the Senate panel that the cuts proposed could mean catastrophic tuition hikes for some colleges and universities, even with the $11 million restored.

"The Legislature still has opportunity to help fund affordable education for the people and employers of Montana," commissioner spokesman Kevin McRae said after the hearing. "We look forward to working with legislators in the days ahead to explore all possibilities."

The Senate committee advanced the budget bill Tuesday afternoon. It next goes to the Senate floor for more potential amendments and a vote.

The differences between the House and Senate versions will be worked out in a conference committee.
Last summers Roaring Lion Fire was still smoking when Judy Anderson began to knock on the doors of her Canyon Creek neighbors.

Living just on the other side of the mountain from the fire that cost 16 families their homes, the neighbors on Canyon Creek agreed that something needed to be done to help protect their properties from the same fate.

Anderson collected signatures from 90 landowners interested in seeing the Bitterroot National Forest commit to a fuel reduction project on national forest lands southwest of their homes near the Canyon Creek drainage.

What was really telling for me last year was the Forest Service map that I picked up after the Roaring Lion Fire, Anderson said. There all these little dots on it that represented homes. There were a lot more dots in this area than I imagined.

Due to the topography, Anderson said that if a fire started up on national forest lands, it would literally come right down the mountain in the area where there are so many homes.

That what were getting all fired up about, Anderson said. We want to know if the Forest Service can do anything about that.

On Thursday, April 6, Bitterroot Forest officials will join with the Bitter Root Research Conservation and Developments (RC&D) community forester Byron Bonney to offer reports on what can happen on both public and private lands in the area. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the Marcus Daly Hospitals Blodgett Canyon meeting room.

Bonney said the area that people are concerned about is between Wyant Lane and Blodgett Camp Road.

Theres a parcel of national forest land south of that area that is between areas burned in the 2000 Blodgett Canyon Fire and the 2012 Downing Mountain Fire.

Its the wick, Bonney said. That area hasnt seen fire for a long time.

Below that, Bonney said there is a large area of residential property at the base of the mountain where there hasnt been a lot of fuel reduction work.

At the upcoming meeting, Bonney will explain a grant program administered by the local RC&D that provides up to a 75 percent cost-share to pay for fuel reduction work on private lands.

Since 2001, the program has helped landowners treat fuels on 5,400 acres of private land on 665 different properties in Ravalli County. The program has spent $3.2 million in that time period in the county.

The employment aspect of this is huge, he said. It helps keep a lot of people in the woods and, indirectly, it helps keep Montana mills operating when theres merchantable timber.

More important for people in Canyon Creek, its a program that can make the difference in saving homes when a wildfire strikes.

Its not a matter of if someplace is going to burn here in the Bitterroot, Bonney said. Its a matter of when.

To make his point that thinning works, Bonney will bring photographic evidence from last summers Roaring Lion fire.

On Wednesday, he revisited one of his photo points.

From atop a small rocky ridge, the thick forest is charred black from top to bottom from a fire that raced through the crowns.

Just downhill, in an area that had been thinned, all of the trees are filled with brown needles scorched from intense heat that radiated from the crown fire. In that location, one side of the tree is charred and the other side is unmarked.

You can see what happened, Bonney said. Once the fire hit the area that was thinned, it dropped to the ground almost immediately.

Thinning around a home isnt enough to guarantee it wont be lost to a wildfire like the one that occurred in the Roaring Lion drainage.

Bonney will also talk to homeowners about what they can do to protect their homes from the shower of embers that rain down on the downwind side of large wildfires.

Under a new program, Bonney said landowners can ask for an assessment of their homes for information on improving their ability to survive a wildfire.

There are a lot of simple things people can do that can make a big difference, Bonney said. Keeping gutters clean and clearing off pine needles from the roof. Moving the stack of firewood off the porch. Getting rid of the flammable plants next their homes.

Most of the homes that were lost in the Roaring Lion Fire were from the ember shower or a ground fire burning into something next to the home.

Now is good time of the year to start making those types of preparations.

People are always more interested in this kind of work when there is smoke in the air, Bonney said. By then, it can be too late.

Bitterroot National Forest Darby District Ranger Eric Winthers said the Forest Service has been meeting with Canyon Creek landowners to talk about a potential fuels reduction project.

We have done some initial planning to determine what opportunities we have there, he said.

The 500- to 600-acre area of concern is located in steep terrain designated as roadless.

Its filled with pretty thick timber, he said. There is some Douglas fire coming up under the Ponderosa pine. The old growth is decaying. It definitely needs to be treated.

Since the area is classified roadless, Winthers said Bitterroot Forest officials may determine that a non-commercial thinning would be the be appropriate action.

If thats the decision, Winthers said work could get underway as soon as next summer. A commercial logging project would be more complex and take more time to develop.

We would have to balance that with other forest priorities, he said. If it had been in an easy place to access, they would probably have built a road there back in the 1970s. All the easy stuff is gone.
A Stevensville man pleaded guilty Wednesday to his fifth charge of partner or family member assault.

Thomas Nathaniel Owens, 35, offered the plea to Ravalli County District Judge Jeff Langton.

Deputy County Attorney Angela Wetzsteon said she will seek a five-year commitment to the Montana Department of Corrections, which is the maximum penalty available.

Owens was arrested last November after deputies responded to a report of a disturbance at a Stevensville home. Upon arrival, the deputy spoke to a woman who said Owens had hit her across the left side of her face and spit in her eye.

The woman said she had pushed Owens when he attempted to keep her from leaving the camper the two were staying in.

When the deputy spoke to Owens, he denied assaulting her. Instead, Owens claimed that the woman had hit herself in the face.

The womans father told the deputy that the woman had awakened him to say Owens had hit her. He told the officer that Owens had strangled the woman in a previous incident.

Owens had prior convictions for partner or family assault dating back to 2004.

Owens remains in the Ravalli County Detention Center under a $50,000 bond. He will be sentenced June 7.
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America must return to conservative principles of less government,reduced taxes, less spending and a balanced budget! Cut,cap and balance!
Guwahati: A local court of Assam on Wednesday sent Irrigation department Secretary Kujendra Doley to five days police custody, who was arrested by the sleuths of Vigilance and Anti Corruption (V&AC) from his office in Dispur Janata Bhawan after taking bribe from a contractor on Tuesday.

The Special court had sent the government official to five days police custody after V&AC team producing him before the court.

Kujendra Doley, Secretary of Irrigation department who also earlier served as the Chief Engineer of the department was arrested red handed by the V&AC team from his office in Janata Bhawan after taking a bribe of Rs 15,000 from a contractor named Palash Ranjan Baruah for clearing his bill amounting Rs 27 lakh.

Meanwhile, the V&AC team had recovered cash amount of Rs 54.45 lakh including Rs 43.20 lakh from his office and Rs 11.25 lakh from his apartment.

The investigating team also seized six numbers bank passbook, several insurance policies after raiding his apartment situated at Borbari near VIP road in Guwahati.

On the other hand, Assam Irrigation minister Ranjit Dutta said that, the department has already suspended Kujendra Doley and departmental probe to be initiated.

In past eight months, the V&AC had arrested at least 29 government officials in graft cases.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Guwahati : At least four women were killed and seven others injured while a vehicle they were travelling skidded off from the road and fell into a roadside gorge in Lower Assam's Dhubri district on Thursday morning.

Dhubri district police said that, the driver of the vehicle heading to Mahamaya temple from Guwahati had lost his control over the vehicle and skidded off from the road and fell into a roadside gorge.

In the road mishap three women were killed on spot and another woman succumbed her injuries in hospital.

The deceased persons were identified as Majoni Kalita, Anjali Kalita, Charuprava Deka and Latika Das.

The injured persons had rushed to Bongaigaon hospital.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Kuala Lumpur (AFP) - The body of the assassinated half-brother of North Korea's leader will be sent to Pyongyang and nine Malaysians freed, Malaysia's prime minister said Thursday, ending a bitter feud between the two countries.

Kim Jong-Nam was poisoned with the lethal nerve agent VX in a brazen Cold War-style assassination on February 13 in Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

The murder triggered a diplomatic dispute between Malaysia and North Korea, which expelled each other's ambassadors and barred their citizens from leaving.

But a deal announced by Prime Minister Razak Najib and confirmed by North Korean state media said the two countries would lift their respective travel bans, and Kuala Lumpur would send the body to North Korea.

"... following the completion of the autopsy on the deceased and receipt of a letter from his family requesting the remains be returned to North Korea, the coroner has approved the release of the body," Najib said in a statement.

The nine Malaysians prevented from leaving North Korea "have now been allowed to return to Malaysia", he said, declaring later on Twitter that the "diplomatic crisis is over".

"They took off from Pyongyang today at 7:45 pm (1145 GMT) Malaysian time, and will land in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow around 5:00 am," he said in the statement that referred to Kim as "the deceased" rather than by name.

South Korea has blamed Pyongyang for the killing, citing what they say was a standing order from the North's leader Kim Jong-Un to kill his exiled and estranged half-brother.

But the North denies this and denounced Malaysia's investigation as an attempt to smear the secretive regime.

It had insisted that the man died of a heart attack and his body should be handed over to Pyongyang.

- N. Koreans in Malaysia freed -

North Korean citizens in Kuala Lumpur will also be allowed to return home under the agreement, Najib said.

The statement came as a van believed to be carrying the body of Kim left a hospital morgue in Kuala Lumpur, where it had been kept for more than six weeks, and headed for the airport's cargo centre.

Chinese and Malaysian media reported it was put on board a Malaysian Airlines plane bound for Beijing that left Kuala Lumpur at 7:39 pm.

Two women -- one Vietnamese and one Indonesian -- have been arrested and charged with the murder. Airport CCTV footage shows them approaching the 45-year-old victim and apparently smearing his face with a piece of cloth.

Pyongyang has refused to confirm the identity of the victim, who was carrying a North Korean passport bearing the name of Kim Chol when he was killed.

Malaysia however has officially confirmed his identity using DNA evidence and had said it had been waiting for his next of kin to claim the body.

Malaysian investigators are seeking seven North Korean suspects, four of whom left Malaysia on the day of the murder.

Malaysia's police chief has said he believes they fled to Pyongyang while the other three are hiding in North Korea's embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
Guwahati, March 30 : A long term vision holds key for India-Japan Partnership towards economic development in North Eastern Region and the success of Act East Policy, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said while delivering the key note address in the workshop on India-Japan Partnership for Economic Development in North Eastern Region of India at Kaziranga on Wednesday evening.

The Assam CM said that the Assam Government is taking a series of initiatives ranging from discussion with Japanese Ambassador to interaction between the top officials of Assam and Japan to understand the mutual requirements of both the entities and accordingly taking steps to bolster economic development of the State.

He also said that Assam and Japan share core strengths of partnership in tourism, culture, education, trade and organic farm products.

Referring to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Mod's vision of making North East as an organic hub of the country, Sonowal said that beauty of Assam exists in nature and I profess to bring in economic development of the State in sync with the nature and seeks Assam-Japan cooperation towards helping North East go organic.

'If we closely look at North Eastern Region in its entirety ranging from anthropological, geographical, economic and cultural setting vis-a-vis Japan, we will realise that partnership of India and Japan would find a sound platform with this region as a springboard,' Sonowal said.

He also said that the relationship between north eastern region and Japan is very deep rooted except in the area of current level of economic development of Japan and North East.

However, Sonowal said that the present State Government after taking over the power has taken several pro-active steps to bring back business confidence and revive the investment cycle in the State.

Sonowal informed that Assam became the first state in the country to ratify the GST constitutional Amendment Bill. The present government also passed the Assam Ease of Doing Business Bill-2016 in the very session of the Assembly. He also informed the gathering that his government would set up a World Class Global Business Centre in Guwahati which would act as a business hub of the entire north East as well as neighbouring countries.

Drawing a parallel between Act East Policy, South East Asian Nations and North Eastern Region, Sonowal said that North East is not just a window for ASEAN in the context of Act East Policy.

'We need to see NER as teeming thoroughfare between mainland of India and ASEAN countries. To bring this point home, State Government has announced a separate department on Act East Policy matters,'A Sonowal said.

Citing a plethora of initiatives to the Japanese delegates, Sonowal said that State Government's decision to create 'State Capital Region' encompassing Guwahati and its peripheral areas, short listing Guwahati as one of the first 20 cities where Smart City Project has been launched, creation of Skill, Employment and Entrepreneurship Development Department and launching of Ahief Minister's Samagra Gramya Unnayan Yojana with an outlay or Rs. 30,000 crore envisaging all round development of all villages in the State are some of his government's important schemes to bring in

economic development of the State.

Embellishing his vision for Assam and North East, Sonowal said that his government with the help of the Centre would turn Assam and North East into the epicentre of Act East Policy with three C's as three pillar namely communication, commerce and culture.

Drawing Japanese policy makers' attention, Sonowal said that the State Government would hold the first ever Global Business Summit in the last part of 2017 to showcase immense opportunities to invest in Assam.

He also said that the workshop would unveil the inherent potentiality, prosperity and possibility of Assam to Japan and the discussion in the workshop would hamper out a road map for bolstering economic partnership between North East and Japan.

Minister Political, Embassy of Japan in India Hideki Asari while speaking at the workshop said that Assam is important for Japan as the country draws a synergy between Japna's policy towards ASEAN and India's Act East Policy and Assam.

He also underlined the importance of exploiting constant people to people exchange between India and Japan for strengthening partnership between the two countries.

Organised by India Foundation in association with Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) the inaugural programme was also attended among others by Water Resources Minister Keshab Mahanta, Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, Chief Minister's Media Advisor Hrishikesh Goswami, Director Nehru Memorial Museum and Library Shakti Sinha and several delegates from both India and Japan.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Guwahati, March 30 : Security forces gunned down two hardcore militants of NDFB (S) in Assam's Chirang district on Thursday morning, officials said.

According to the reports, a joint team of army and Assam police had launched operation at Simaluguri area in the BTAD district following intelligence input about presence of a militant group in the area.

"When the troops reached the remote area, the militant group had started fire and heavy rounds of bullet were exchanged and two militants of the group killed on spot," a top army official said.

The army official said that, three other militants of the group had managed to escape from the area.

The slain militants were identified as Lanhar alias Lukas and David Ishlari.

Security personnel had recovered an Insas rifle, one 7.65 mm pistol, a hand grenade and several rounds ammunition in possession from them.

Meanwhile, security forces has cordoned the area and launched massive operation to nab the fled militants.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Kathmandu, Nepal: Expressing serious dissatisfactions over the performance of the government, the Madheshi People's Right Forum-Nepal (Democratic) led by Bijayakumar Gachchhadar has decided to withdraw the support to the incumbent government.

The party has made the decision to withdraw the support to the government from its Central Working Committee meeting that has ended on Wednesday.

Though the party has accused the government for ignoring the demands related to the Tharuhat-Madhesh issues, the main reason behind the decision is guessed that delay to induct chairman Gachchhadar in the government would have led to the party to take the decision.

The government had been preparing to induct Gachchhadar with the Deputy Prime Minister portfolio. However, almost all the leaders have opposed the idea to join in the government.

Gachchhadar had wanted to be inducted in the government before the central committee meeting as he had a fear that the central working committee meeting would opposed the idea to join in the government.
The newly appointed Indian Ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri pays a courtesy call on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal in Baluwatar, Kathmandu on Thursday, March 30, 2016. Photo: RSS

Newly appointed Indian Ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri paid a courtesy call to the Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal at latters official residence in Baluwatar on Thursday.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Dahal wished him for successful term. Likewise, Prime Minister Dahal also expressed his hopes to strengthen bilateral relationship between the two neighboring countries.

Responding to the concerns of the Prime Minister Dahal, Ambassador Puri also expressed his happiness to be in Nepal as the ambassador.

I would do my best to fulfill my duty in maintaining the cordial relationship between the two neighboring countries, Ambassador Puri said in the meeting.
Chief Commissioner of Election Commission Dr. Ayodhi Prasad Yadav along with other commissioners briefs PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal about the upcoming local level elections at the PMas official residence in Baluwatar, Kathmandu, on Thursday, March 30, 2017. Photo: RSS

Kathmandu, Nepal: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has on Thursday directed the Chief Election Commission (CEC) and Commissioners at the Election Commission (EC) to expedite preparations for the May 14 local level elections in all 744 local units.

During a meeting with commissioners including the CEC Dr. Ayodhi Prasad Yadav at latters official residence, Baluwatar, Prime Minister assured every support on behalf of the Nepal government to hold the local elections on the scheduled date.

The government is working to create an environment conducive to hold the election in a peaceful manner, Prime Minister Dahal said as government is in point of no return in conducting the elections the EC should also work to that effect.

As commissioners expressed concerns about the possible security threat in the Terai districts particularly in the Province No. 2, seeking commitment from the government side to tighten the security situation in the province, Prime Minister Dahal said there is no point to backtrack from holding elections in all 744 local units.

People were already excited for the polls and all authorities and stakeholders should be united to make the elections a success, Prime Minister Dahal said expressing his optimism that the agitating United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) would participate in the local level elections.
Statement Addressed to the African Media and Civil Society Information Networks

Press Release

30 March 2017

We, representing concerned citizens of India, are extremely disturbed by the assault on 4 Nigerian students in Greater Noida in the state of Uttar Pradesh, adjoining Delhi. We condemn in the strongest possible terms these attacks carried out by a mob which chose to take law into its own hands on mere suspicion which has also since turned out, as confirmed by the local police, to have been without foundation. That these assaults were made on foreigners who have come to India in friendship and goodwill makes these even more reprehensible.

We are relieved that the four African students who were injured in these attacks are now reportedly safe and out of danger.

The incident nevertheless requires deep introspection on the part of the authorities and our polity and society as a whole. We find that a number of troubling tendencies that have recently come to the fore in our country appear to have converged in the Greater Noida incidents. First, discriminatory, restrictive and narrow-minded attitudes towards many of those who are seen by some of us as being different from ourselves whether in terms of colour, origin, opinions, mannerisms, lifestyle or in the degree of power, resources and influence they may or may not command, have strengthened over the years.

Second, not only some foreigners but also some of our own people have in recent times been targeted as a consequence of the growth of a mob mentality among sections of our people in recent years.

Third, there is an increasing tendency on the part of a section of our people to arrive at conclusions on the basis of unverified assumptions and, under cover of these, to take law into their own hands.

It is urgently necessary to call a halt to such brutality and to bring the miscreants responsible for such criminal conduct to book.

As concerned citizens we express our profound regret and deep sympathies to the families of victims of such fiendish behaviour which is shameful enough even without its racial overtone and compounded several times because of that reprehensible aspect. We would like to stress that mobs consisting of our fellow citizens which act in the way they did in Greater Noida are a disgrace to our society and do not represent our country or people. Our governments have made umpteen assurances in similar cases in the past but we earnestly expect that they will ensure exemplary punishment to the perpetrators. We expect our government also to meet all costs of treatment of victims and to provide protection to students and visitors from abroad and, more especially, those who come to our land from African countries. We are cognizant of the close interaction of the peoples of Africa and India in their struggle against colonial rule. We recall also the many historical connections that Indian and African peoples have had over the centuries both over land and sea. Our country has been host to many persons of African origin over the centuries who have become a living part of us. Likewise, we are cognizant of the many Indians who have found their home in Africa and have become a part of that great continentas life and struggles. We are truly ashamed of what has happened and will strive to change the mindset that appears to lead to such acts.

Released via Peopleas Alliance for Democracy and Secularism (PADS)

Battini Rao, Convenor PADS (95339 75195, battini.rao[at]gmail.com

(The above release is available at: http://sacw.net/article13177.html )

[SEE ALSO:

An appeal to citizens of India regarding growing menace of attacks on our brothers and sisters from Africa http://sacw.net/article13178.html ]
Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace (CNDP)

PRESS STATEMENT | March 30, 2017

This week marks the commencement of negotiations at the United Nations Headquarters in New York wherein most member states of the UN General Assembly are discussing on a comprehensive legal prohibition on the use, possession, production, stockpiling and deployment of nuclear weapons. The treaty, if adopted, would mark a significant step towards the eventual goal of the complete elimination of these weapons of mass destruction.

For all its avowed commitment to the pursuit of universal global nuclear disarmament, it is shocking that the Indian government, to our utter dismay, has stayed away from these negotiations. So much for its avowed commitment to the pursuit of universal global nuclear disarmament, which is what this treaty is about.

The importance of such a treaty is that it would establish, for the first time, a universal and global, legal and moral principle highlighting the criminality of producing and possessing, let alone using nuclear weapons. The pursuit of the complete abolition of slavery worldwide was accelerated by the prior establishment of its immorality and illegality. This treaty would do the same with regard to the evil of nuclear weapons.

The P-5 nuclear powers have betrayed their legal commitment under the NPT to anegotiate nuclear disarmament in good faitha. India, while staying out of the NPT, has always made much of its public commitment to universal nuclear disarmament. It is now being put to the test of matching its deeds to its words. Its refusal to participate in the negotiations shows that it has failed this test. While Pakistan in South Asia has also refused to participate in these negotiations, three other South Asian countries, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal, are participating.

We, as citizens of India, strongly condemn the Indian government and consider it our duty to oppose such abject surrender of our once held values. Now that India has joined the club of existing nuclear weapons states it is behaving no differently from them.

For CNDP,

Achin Vanaik,

Lalita Ramdas

Anil Chaudhary

Abey George

Kumar Sundaram (Contact: 9868153296)
A look at some of the obstacles Trump's border wall might face
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Matt Zeller: Making sure no one is left behind
Death is a grisly business. It comes to all of us. Even if you happen to be the King of France, who's been reigning for 72 years.

All the documented evidence indicates Louis XIV died of gangrene on his leg caused by diabetes. The year was 1715, without modern medicine; he died a painful, horrible death surrounded by physicians who were perplexed by his condition.

Catalan filmmaker Albert Serra has been tackling literary/historical figures in his films -- Don Quixote in Honor of the Knights, the story of Magi in Birdsong, Casanova and Dracula in The Story of My Death -- approaching them in a minimalist, aggressively formalist fashion. Armed with extensive court medical documents and the writings of Duke Saint-Simon, and starring French New Wave icon Jean-Pierre Leaud as the king, Serra sets out to make a straightforward account of the last days of Louis XIV.

Except for the first few minutes of the film, where we see the king on a carriage outside, coming back from a hunting trip, the entire film takes place in the stuffy ornate interior bedroom of the Versailles. Gangrene has set in on the king's left leg and physicians are rubbing it with herbs, hoping it will go away.

The old king mumbles and shouts in pain while eating grapes and sweets administered by the same physicians who argue endlessly among themselves what to do about the situation. People try to entertain and laugh at everything his Highness says, priests are called in to give the last lights but then sent back because he feels better, and so on. Even the learned physicians of the Sorbonne have no idea about the king's illness. His leg starts to stink and turns completely black. Everyone's waiting on the inevitable.

There are some funny bits with a snake oil salesman played by the great Catalan poet and art critic Vicenc Altaio (whose turn as Casanova in The Story of My Death was hilarious). His 'cure all' tonic is made out of bull's sperm and other animal parts. The king's health improves after taking the tonic, but then his condition worsens and the phony physician's arrest is ordered.

Leaud, 72, has been keeping his restless, adventurous New Wave spirit alive by working with many daring contemporary filmmakers (Tsai Ming-liang, Bertrand Bonello, Olivier Assayas just to name a few) over the years. Here, he accepts the physically confounding role and fully collaborates with Serra, whose filmmaking charts new territories in cinema.

Perhaps the most poignant moment of the film is the forever bedridden Louis XIV receiving his 5-year old great-grandson (the future Louis XV) and giving him advice. Having seen countless wars and the suffering of people in his time, he recommends the young kid to relieve his peoples suffering and avoid war as far as possible.

Even though Louis XIVs health deteriorated quite rapidly in a month, the film feels like an eternity. But Serra never waivers in his aesthetics and keeps a straight face until the end.

The irony of the king's death is heightened by its straightforward presentation and procedural approach. The Death of Louis XIV is a very singular formalist filmmaking in its highest order.

Review originally published during the New York Film Festival in October 2016. The film will open in the U.S. on Friday, March 31, via Cinema Guild. Please check their website for more details.

Dustin Chang is a freelance writer. His musings and opinions on everything cinema and beyond can be found at www.dustinchang.com
Social realism has always been the cornerstone of British cinema; the lives of the working classes have been a mainstay for UK filmmakers for decades. In recent years, both the creators of these films, and the subjects, are increasingly women; directors such as Lynne Ramsay and Andrea Arnold have been adapting how we look at the lives of the British working classes. With her debut feature The Levelling, Hope Dickson Leach can confidently join those ranks with her quietly moving and sensitive, yet unsentimental portrait of grief, tragedy, and family conflict.

Clover (Ellie Kendrick), just about to qualify as a veterinarian, returns to the family dairy farm after the sudden death of her brother James. Her father, whom she refers to by his first name Aubrey (David Troughton), seems to be unwilling or unable to accept James' death. The family's house has become unocuppied since recent major floods, and it seems the farm is on the verge of bankruptcy. As the truth behind James' death comes to light, tension grows between Clover and Aubrey, whose already strained relationship is brought to the brink.

Working-class Britain is usually shown in more urban settings, or among the now-defunct coal mines; farming life tends to be more glorified and portrayed as happy. Instead, Dickson Leach focuses on the hard labour of it. Setting the story in Somerset, where real-life floods a few years ago devastated much of the local farming community, Dickson Leach takes advantage of this by showing this labour and how, as vulnerable to the natural elements as capitalism, a living and a home can be gone in an instant.

Beginning the film with flashes of a party that seems to decend into bacchinalian madness, the human animal is shown at its most primal, even in this space where animals are the source of income. Clover has dedicated her life to such animals, and she is 'a born farmer' (suggested as not common in a woman), and the strain between her and Aubrey is as much because she was the one who should have stayed home, as oppose to her brother.

This combination of the real and something of surreal expressionism is aided in no small part by cinematographer Nanu Segal's work, photographing the bleak, damp, yet beautiful landscape and the humans who work on it, and the score by Hutch Demouilpied, which seeks to both draw out and reflectede the tension, anger, and love between father and daughter.

But it's also the emotional labour, particularly the emotional labour done by women, that the film spotlights. Clover may have worshipped her brother, but she is at least willing to accept the reality of the manner of his death, and her anger at being kept in the dark regarding the family's dire financial situation forces her to confront Aubrey in how the family dynamic has been twisted.

Kendrick (likely known to North American audiences through her role on Game of the Thrones) is mesmerizing as Clover. Her emotions are clearly on the knife's edge; her obvious relaxation and joy at the farm work is countered both by her rage at her brother's death and her father's denial of the truth, as well as the slow reveal of the secrets both Aubrey and James had been keeping. Clover's emotions are at the breaking point, and Kendrick draws the audience in with her intensity, with the samllest catch in the throat or her forceful defense of those she loves.

Combining social realism with haunting dreams images, Dickson Leach moves the story through the barely contained emotions of the main characters, both heightened by the recent tragedy and at times necessarily contained by the working life that must continue. A remarkable and confident debut, The Levelling is haunting look at how grief can tear people apart and bring them together.

The Levelling opens in select theatres in the United States on Friday, March 31st, via Monterey Media.
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 Notable review of recent ups and downs in federal prosecutions | Main | White House adviser Jared Kushner and Senate Judiciary Chair Charles Grassley meet on federal criminal justice reform 

As reported in this local article, headlined "Suit over Arkansas execution drug gets dismissal; Griffen: Justices stole mens rights," a trial judge in Arkansas is none-too-pleased he felt compelled to dismiss a challenge to lethal injection brought by state prisoners in the wake of a state Supreme Court ruling on the matter. Here are the basics of a notable ruling in a state seemingly poised now to conduct eight executions in the coming weeks:

The Arkansas Supreme Court's decision to lift a ban on the death penalty stole the rights of the nine convicted killers who filed suit to challenge the state's execution procedures, and it forces all state courts to continue that theft, Pulaski County Circuit Judge Wendell Griffen said in a ruling Tuesday.

"It amounts to theft of the rights guaranteed by the Constitution of this state and the Constitution of the United States to a trial," the judge wrote.

The ruling issued Tuesday by Griffen, a former Court of Appeals judge known for his outspokenness, formally ends 21 months of state-court litigation over the legality of the state's execution protocols. Griffen's dismissal of the inmates' Circuit Court lawsuit comes as eight of those inmates face lethal injection next month in four two-per-day execution sessions.

The prisoners have filed two federal lawsuits this week attempting to halt the process. On Tuesday, they sued to stop the ongoing clemency hearings, arguing that the state is moving forward with their executions so quickly that their clemency petitions are not getting the consideration required by law. A federal lawsuit that they filed Monday disputes that the anesthetic midazolam will give them the painless death they are entitled to under constitutional protections that bar the infliction of cruel and unusual punishment.

The inmates had disputed the effectiveness of midazolam at preventing suffering as part of their 2015 state-court lawsuit before Griffen. But they were not allowed to present their evidence in court because the Supreme Court ignored "decades" of case law to dismiss their entire lawsuit even before all of the issues the inmates had raised had been decided, Griffen wrote in Tuesday's order and memorandum.

"To think that the highest court in Arkansas would compel every other court in Arkansas to steal the last right condemned persons have to challenge the constitutionality of their execution illustrates the travesty of justice, and the damnable unfairness, this court is powerless to prevent," Griffen wrote.

State lawyers asked Griffen on March 16 to dismiss the killers' lawsuit based on the Supreme Court's June 2016 findings, a 4-3 decision written by Justice Courtney Goodson that reinstated the death penalty after a 10-year hiatus. Arkansas has not carried out an execution since 2005 because of litigation by inmates who have disputed the legality of changes the Legislature has made to the state's execution procedures over the past several years.

On March 17, the inmates' attorneys asked Griffen to rule in their favor on issues in the lawsuit that they stated the Supreme Court holding did not address. But the judge wrote that the Supreme Court decision required him to dismiss the lawsuit.

His 10-page ruling also states that the high court ignored decades of case law to deliberately deny the inmates their rights, and it suggests that the justices violated the oath all attorneys take to uphold the law to reach their conclusions. "It is an affront to, and dereliction of, the very oath every lawyer and judge swore before being admitted by the Supreme Court of this state. As such, it is more than troubling and more than shameful," Griffen wrote.
 Arkansas trial judge finds it "more than shameful" that state Supreme Court ruling required dismissal of condemned inmates suit over lethal injection | Main | Perspectives on some changing prosecutorial perspectives 

March 30, 2017

White House adviser Jared Kushner and Senate Judiciary Chair Charles Grassley meet on federal criminal justice reform

This new AP article reports that "Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley met with White House adviser Jared Kushner about criminal justice reform Thursday, giving supporters a small sign of encouragement that the issue could be revived under President Donald Trump." Here is more context (but not much of substance) about the meeting:

[A reform] bill died in the Senate last year over conservative opposition, and its future has seemed unclear under Trump. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, then a senator from Alabama, was a fierce opponent. Former President Barack Obama was an enthusiastic backer of the effort, and supporters were skeptical that Trump would be as well, since he had dubbed himself "law-and-order candidate" and talked about a country in crisis, with terrorism in big cities and attacks on police. Grassley, R-Iowa, confirmed the meeting with Kushner, Trump's adviser and son-in-law, which was first reported by BuzzFeed News, but would not comment on its substance. The White House did not have immediate comment. On whether the bill could be revived, Grassley said, "We're trying to reach some accommodation, if there needs to be any adjustment to the bill we had last year." An unusual coalition  including the American Civil Liberties Union and the conservative Koch Industries  says the system is broken and supports changes. Grassley and Texas Sen. John Cornyn, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate, and Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Senate Democrat, were sponsors of the bill. House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., has also been a strong supporter of the effort. Advocates were encouraged by the meeting. Holly Harris of the Justice Action Network said she is hopeful that lawmakers in Congress are paying attention to several successful state efforts to make similar changes. And given the bipartisan support, she said, it's legislation that has a real chance of passing. "Congress needs to prove it can accomplish something, and this is the perfect issue," she said.

I am disinclined to call this one meeting a sign that federal statutory sentencing reform is in the works again, but it is an encouraging developments nonetheless for those eager to see Congress do some more reform work in this space.

March 30, 2017 at 02:54 PM | Permalink

Comments

Harvard indoctrinated scum, Kushner.

Dirtbag, leftist Grassley. Iowa has no indigenous crime. That is a place where the neighbors do come around, and will stop criminality. Grassley has no knowledge of crime.

When Harvard scum and left wing dirt bag go on a date, we know the result. The crime victim will be fucked.

You lawyers will do very well.

Posted by: David Behar | Mar 30, 2017 8:26:14 PM

You know what gets aggravating, reading your comments that lack any substance or rational though.

Posted by: Atomicfrog | Mar 31, 2017 8:51:43 AM

SC, you missed your last medication cycle. Time to pop a few, I think.

Posted by: MidWestGuy | Mar 31, 2017 5:12:58 PM

I only have a question, rather than a comment. Q: How would you like to have a love one sentenced to 30 years and they did not kill, molest children, rape, assault anyoneor steal BILLIONS? Drug Conspiracy and failure to cooperate (refuse to tell on others) is a prerequisite for mandatory sentencing.

Jared Kushner's dad was convicted and sentenced to federal prison. I would think, he would have first hand knowledge of both sides of the argument; criminal Dad & Jared as a victim. Reform is desperately needed. People are serving too much time. Just a thought.

Posted by: Carole | Jun 1, 2017 6:45:16 PM

Post a comment
Marijuana clouds are on the horizon: 4/20 approaches in less than a month, and this year, for the first time in San Francisco, the city will be permitting the annual smoke-in at Hippie Hill in Golden Gate Park. CBS 5 confirms that news, which not coincidentally follows recreational pot legalization in California. And as Hoodline hinted yesterday, a permitted event will pave the way for sponsors like local Haight Street merchants who can help shoulder costs.

An estimated 8,000 people partook of 4/20 in the park last year, an event whose growing numbers have made it harder and harder for city departments to turn their usual blind eye. To clean up 11 tons of garbage stoned people left in the park last year cost the city $25,000.

Yearly talk about banning the event has gone nowhere: Weve had discussions about how to end this event," Mayor Lee tells CBS 5, "but the reality is that it would break into four or five different events and then we couldnt control any of it.

Sarah Madland, the Recreation and Parks Department's public affairs and policy director, tells the news station that formalizing the event could benefit all parties involved. This has been a rogue kind of spontaneous thing... People come in and do everything they can to make a mess. This year, she says, "Things like porta potties, trash cans, making sure there is a traffic plan, making sure there is an ambulance on site," will add to safety and cut down on costs that the event would likely incur anyway.

Alex Aquino, owner of Haight Streets Black Scale clothing, is one sponsor going in on the event this year. Basically we are trying to help the city and the park bring some infrastructure to make it safe and clean," he told CBS 5. Speaking to Hoodline, Aquino said Black Scale may provide fencing, security, and toilets.

One thing it might not be bringing to the park: Pot paraphernalia for sale at a vendor's table. Questions like that one are still being weighed by the city.

But at least Stanley Roberts won't have any excuse to wander around filming people doing illegal things, because it's all legal now.

Related: 4/20's Enormous Mess, By The Numbers
A 65-year old Asian woman killed in a shooting in Oceanview neighborhood. 2 construction workers also shot.#ABC7now pic.twitter.com/UAZTfvtEdG  Lyanne Melendez (@LyanneMelendez) March 29, 2017

A 65-year-old woman was shot and killed on an oft-violent San Francisco street corner Wednesday, the victim of a triple shooting that left two other men injured.

The slaying occurred at 10:40 a.m. Wednesday, the San Francisco Police Department says, at the corner of Plymouth Avenue and Broad Street.

It's a corner familiar to those who follow crime in the city, plagued by violence and death for years. There was a fatal shooting during a 2015 robbery, for example, a double shooting that killed one and injured another in October of 2016, and another fatal shooting this January that claimed the life of 18-year-old Josiah Lightfoot.

In Wednesday's incident, which an SFPD spokesperson confirms is the city's 15th homicide for 2017, police say that gunfire from a handgun struck a 40-year-old man, a 51-year-old man, and a 65-year-old woman. All three were transported to San Francisco General Hospital, where the female victim, who was identified by the San Francisco Medical's Examiner as SF resident Lian Xiu Wu, was pronounced dead on arrival. The male victims' injuries were not life-threatening, police say.

ABC 7 reports that at the time of the shooting, Wu was walking on the street, near the other two victims: A contractor who worked for Muni, and a 50-year-old computer repairman who was walking home from the store.

Based on shell casings collected at the scene, at least 11 rounds were fired at the victims, according to ABC 7. The Ex reports that witnesses "saw or heard a car drive by before hearing multiple shots and saw bloodied bodies on the ground."

San Francisco Supervisor Ahsha Safai tells NBC Bay Area that he believes that the shooting is the latest salvo in an area turf battle, but emphasized to the Ex that All we know is that one innocent bystander was killed and two innocent bystanders were shot."

According to the Chron, Wu was "a well-known figure in the neighborhood" and "lived just steps from where she was shot."

The lady, she was just going home, Gwen Brown, executive director of a nearby nonprofit group called Inner City Youth told the Chron.

She lived right there. Her sister came out and she didnt know what was happening, and then she walked up and saw it was her sister and started screaming.

According to a Go Fund Me page set up to help with funeral arrangements for Wu, she "emigrated from China 16 years ago without her daughter" and "worked very hard to bring her daughter to America and it took 14 years before she was finally successful 2 years ago."

I feel violated, Brown told the Chron Ten-forty in the morning? What were you trying to prove? And that poor lady. She was one house away from her front door. She literally died looking at her apartment building.

Addressing the media, Taraval Station Captain Denise Flaherty said that they were conscious of the issues on that corner, and that it "continues to be a concern for us as a Police Department and, more importantly, the community."

We are doing all we can to work in partnership with the community...to act as guardians for this community and not just to be here as a sign of enforcement.

Safai tells the Ex that new SFPD Chief Bill Scott "recently visited the neighborhood" and "has given his assurance that foot patrols will be assigned to the area and security cameras will be installed." That uptick in security can't come too soon for residents like Adam Charles, who told ABC 7 that "It's frustrating not being able to go to my house...there are dead bodies on the street, people being shot."

Related: Brazen Afternoon Shooting In San Francisco Claims Life Of Teen
I love eating in West Allis. Missed Part one? Read it here.

6832 W. Becher St.

Though the location in the Milwaukee Public Market is more well known, the original location in West Allis (shocker, I know) has been around for a long time. This location has a dedicated eating area and less hustle and bustle than the Market, which is a big plus if you want to enjoy a casual meal. The menu is surprisingly long, with substantial sandwiches like a clubhouse with Nueske's bacon or grilled roast beef with blue cheese, poutine, hot dogs and an all-day breakfast. Though it doesn't include cheese, French toast made with Simma's Bakery morning buns are definitely welcome at lunchtime.

6200 W. Burnham St.

I'm a sucker for meat dishes garnished with pineapple, so naturally tacos al pastor are one of my favorite things. At Al Pastor, a tiny Mexican food joint, their namesake pork taco comes with pineapple, as it should. The pineapple doesn't stop there, though. The alambre, an entree that's a pile of various meats, peppers and cheese, also includes some grilled pineapple for good measure. Both are great topped with a hefty squirt of salsa verde from the squeeze bottle and maybe a spoon of pico de gallo. Enchiladas are topped traditionally with raw onion slices, crumbly cheese and crema, a big plus in my book.

5823 W. Burnham St.

The first time I visited Antigua many years ago, my group got complimentary shots at the end of our meal, and a girl doesn't forget free booze. The cuisine at Antigua spans Latin America, the Caribbean and South America in a slightly upscale setting. While you probably won't get any free alcohol, you will get a snack of bread and aioli spread in lieu of the standard chips and salsa people are used to getting at Mexican restaurants. From there you can get Salvadorian papusas, empanadas, Cuban sandwiches, cochinita pibil, lomo saltado and even a pan of seafood paella.

1427 S. 108th St.

Fusion Cafe is in a pretty nondescript strip mall on busy Highway 100, so it often gets overlooked, even though it's got some of the best Asian noodle dishes and bakery around. They recently added sushi to the menu, but I'd stick with the noodle soups and stir friesthere are better places to get sushi. Soups take on a kind of create-your-own-adventure style, where you choose the type of noodle (get homemade noodle) and soup base, like a spicy version or with curry. Spicy beef shank or chicken cutlet soups are good choices. There's also some unusual dishes you can get here: spicy sliced pig ear, marinated pork stomach, and curry fish balls, to name a few.

6807 W. Becher St.

Don't be fooled by the name, this isn't a Middle Eastern restaurant, though they do serve kabobs. It's a little hard to pin down exactly what the focus is, because it's a little bit bar food, a little bit upscale entree and plenty of things topped with cheese, so it gets the catch all category of New American. Pork express fries are a good starter with mango fire cheese, pork and citrus BBQ in a poutine-like creation. Namesake kabobs come in chicken satay, Cajun shrimp and steak varieties, among others. Prime rib and steak specials are popular on Saturday nights, as are the loaded bloody marys during Sunday brunch.

6821 W. Lincoln Ave.

If Chilango Express had been around when I still lived within walking distance of the gas station it's in, I would have been there every day. It's nothing pretty to look at, being inside a gas station and all, but you know that when a place makes tortillas by hand it's going to be good. Take advantage of that and try a gordita or huraches, both of which use a thick corn masa cake that's griddled before being topped (huraches) or cut open and filled (gordita). You can get your tacos topped with nopales, or squash blossoms, in season. On weekends, look for specials like tamales, barbacoa with goat or lamb, and menudo.

6202 W. Lincoln Ave.

Housed in what used to be a Dairy Queen (oh the memories of Nerds Blizzards), Fratelli's is a pizza joint with subs, sandwiches, and Chicago-style Italian beef and sausages. The pizza style is a cross between NY and Milwaukee styles: The crust is thicker and more chewy than cracker crust, but with an even thickness throughout. Some pizzas are square cut like Milwaukee style and some are pie cut. Their version of a traditional margherita pizza uses a thick tomato sauce and sparse application of fresh mozzarella. Pizzas like the classic deluxe don't skimp on toppings, though. If you can't decide between Italian sausage and pizza, then get the B52 bomber pizza, topped with white sauce, sausage and hot giardiniera.

2362 S. 108th St.

We used to come here for custard a lot when I was a kid, and the place is still busy, especially on weekends in summer. Nothing about the building has changed much, including the yellow booths and the front sunroom area. Grasshopper pie and Oscar's delight are some of my favorite flavors, but any of them are great when you get them in the fresh waffle cones you can see the employees press and roll behind the counter. Burgers are still pretty tasty, and cheaper than other custard spots. There are two other Oscars locations as well, in Waukesha and Franklin, but it's only this one that will ever feel right to me.

Lucky Bakery & BBQ

11078 W. National Ave.

Again, a strip mall in West Allis holds a dining gem. It's pretty much take-out only, with one side of the counter holding hot items and the other side a refrigerated case holding bakery. The menu is brief, but the space is small, so they do just a few things, really well. Roast duck is probably the main attraction, with a deep red skin that you buy whole or by the half. Roast pork belly comes with crispy, crackling skin. Chickens are also available. On the bakery side are savory and sweet pastries and buns, like ones filled with ham and eggs, winter melon or sweet bean paste. On top of the case you'll find dumpling-like translucent crepes with various fillings in takeout containers, complete with dipping sauce.

5132 W. Lincoln Ave.

Grebe's has been around since 1937, and in its current location on Lincoln since 1957. They're best known for their donuts, including apple fritters, cheese pockets, crullers, and of course, paczki. As is Milwaukee tradition, you can get hot ham and fresh rolls on Sundays, when the line snakes around the shop. Most people don't realize, though, that besides making you a deli sandwich, Grebe's also has hot breakfast and lunch specials every weekday. You can get things like grilled ham and cheese, broasted chicken, meatball subs and even tacos on various days of the week. It's just another reason you should stop at Grebe's if you haven't been in lately.
HAVANA  Fidel Castro's government sent the Rev. Juan Francisco Naranjo to two years of work camp in the 1960s for preaching the Gospel in a Cuba where atheism was law and the faithful were viewed as suspect. For years, Naranjo's church was almost abandoned, with just a handful of people daring to attend services.

Naranjo died in 2000 but on a recent Sunday, his William Carey Baptist Church was packed and noisy. Government doctors treated disabled children at a clinic inside. A Bible study group discussed Scripture in one corner of the building before a service attended by 200 of the faithful.

"In the 1960s, the few brothers and sisters who came here had to hide their Bibles in brown-paper covers," said Esther Zulueta, a 57-year-old doctor. "It's night and day."

Trump administration officials have repeatedly said religious freedom is one of the key demands they will make of Cuba when they finish reviewing former President Barack Obama's opening with the island. The administration has never been more specific, but outside groups have accused Cuba of systematically repressing the island's growing ranks of evangelicals and other Protestants with acts including the seizure of hundreds of churches across the island, followed by the demolition of many.

An Associated Press examination has found a more complicated picture. Pastors and worshippers say Cuba is in the middle of a boom in evangelical worship, with tens of thousands of Cubans worshipping unmolested across the island each week.

While the government now recognizes freedom of religion, it doesn't grant the right to build churches or other religious structures. It has demolished a handful of churches in recent years, but allowed their members to continue meeting in makeshift home sanctuaries. And like the Roman Catholic Church, the island's dominant denomination, evangelical churches have begun providing social services once monopolized by the Communist government.

"There's a revival of these churches, of the most diverse denominations in the country, and all of them are growing, not just in the number of members, but in their capacity to lead and act in society," said Presbyterian pastor Joel Ortega Dopica, president of Council of Churches of Cuba, an officially recognized association of 32 Protestant denominations. "There is religious freedom in Cuba."

Clergy and academics say Cuba's 11 million people include some 40,000 Methodists, 100,000 Baptists and 120,000 members of the Assemblies of God, which had roughly 10,000 members in the early 1990s, when Cuba began easing restrictions on public expressions of religious faith. The church council estimates there are about 25,000 evangelical and other Protestant houses of worship across the country. About 60 percent of the population is baptized Catholic, with many also following Afro-Cuban syncretic traditions such as Santeria.

Naranjo was part of that opening. After the work camp, he returned to a church whose worshippers were barred from many state jobs. A thaw began in 1984 when visiting American civil rights activist Jesse Jackson stunned Cuba by taking Fidel Castro to a Protestant church service. In 1990, Naranjo was among a group of pastors who met with Castro to push for a greater freedom, and his own church worked on building ties between religious groups and the Communist Party.

The opening culminated in the 1998 visit of Pope John Paul II, which led to new liberties for both Catholic and Protestant worshippers.

The Cuban constitution now recognizes freedom of religion, but the law is silent on the issue of church construction. In a system where the government has long monopolized public life, virtually all activities are presumed illegal unless the law says otherwise. Authorities in some areas have prohibited new churches, even as they allow worship in religious buildings erected before Cuba's 1959 revolution.

The London-based advocacy group Christian Solidarity Worldwide issued a report alleging the Cuban government committed 2,380 violations of religious liberty in 2016, most linked to the declaration of 2,000 Assemblies of God churches as illegal, with 1,400 in process of confiscation. The group says it based that information on a source inside Cuba whom it would not name.

Juan Whitaker, the Assemblies of God's treasurer in Cuba, told The Associated Press this month that none of its churches had been declared illegal or were at risk of confiscation.

David Ellis, regional director for Latin America and Caribbean for world missions of the Missouri-based General Council of the Assemblies of God, told the AP, "We are in ongoing contact with the Cuba Assemblies of God leadership and they have not reported any churches being confiscated. Neither have they reported that churches have been threatened with confiscation."

Kiri Kankhwende, a spokeswoman for Christian Solidarity Worldwide, said its assessment hadn't changed and any statement to the contrary could be explained by official pressure on churches in Cuba.

Christian Solidarity has also cited the case of Juan Carlos Nunez, a minister in the Apostolic Movement in the eastern city of Las Tunas, while other religious freedom advocates have cited the case of Bernardo de Quesada, in the eastern city of Camaguey, as examples of religious persecution.

Both men told the AP that churches they built in the yards of their homes were demolished by the government because they were constructed without permits. Both continue leading services inside their homes, where hundreds of worshippers gather each week.

"They tolerate me, but they don't accept me," said de Quesada. "I'm not shutting up or leaving. We have passion and no one will stop us."

Nunez said he was sentenced to a year of house arrest after neighbors complained about speakers he set up to boost the sound of services in his home. He blamed the situation on the vague status of new churches in Cuban law.

"If there were a law on church activities, none of this would happen and everything would be clear," he said.

Even so, churches are working on projects that once would have been forbidden to them, including efforts on AIDS prevention, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, medicine distribution, training of farm workers and disaster relief.

"The Cuban authorities have understood the necessity of our presence and dialogue with the government, which still continues, even if we don't always agree," said the Rev. Dorilin Tito, a 38-year-old pastor at William Carey Baptist Church.
SIOUX CITY | Having watched an extended debate on where to build a new Bryant Elementary School and several homes demolished to make room for it, parents and neighborhood residents are lamenting the latest delay in the opening of the northside school.

Last summer, the district demolished the aging building at 821 30th St. and started work on a modern school on the same footprint. But plans to start classes there in the fall of 2019 recently unraveled after the low bid for the final phase of the project came in nearly $3 million higher than the district's estimate. Rising concrete costs were described as the main reason why bids came in so high.

Rather than pay that much more, the school board accepted the school administration's recommendation to revisit the architectural plans in an attempt to find cost savings.

The move pushes the Bryant opening back by as much as a year, to August 2020, superintendent Paul Gausman said.

Parents and neighborhood residents lamented the unexpected bad news.

"We'd like a building in here sooner than later," said Erik Peterson, who lives in the 2900 block of Jones Street, not far from the school site.

Peterson described the annoyance of dirt blowing over from the construction site, where some preliminary work has been completed.

While waiting for the new building, students will continue to take classes at the former Crescent Park Elementary at 1114 W. 27th St.

More than five years ago, school officials began planning a replacement for the old Bryant school, portions of which dated to 1890. The project grew controversial after school officials explored building in a portion of Leif Erickson Park, an idea that was later dropped due to a neighborhood uproar.

Officials eventually settled on a three-story school on a 10-acre spot between Jones and Jennings streets and south of 31st Street. To get enough land for the expanded footprint, the district purchased eight adjoining homes.

The first two phases of the project included demolition, site preparation, street work and utilities, for a cost of nearly $4 million. The final segment, which would cover the school construction, was estimated at $16 million, bringing the total expense in excess of $20 million.

Phase I covered demolition, site work, street work and utilities. The contract for Phase I was awarded to Sioux City Engineering Company for $3.3 million. Phase II, awarded to Thorpe Water Development Co. for $594,339, was for installment of geothermal wells.

At its March 14 meeting, the school board rejected all Phase III bids, after the lowest, from L&L Buildings of Sioux City, came in at $18.83 million.

The low bid for Bryant breaks down to $176 per square foot of space, above the $140 per square foot the district paid for its most recent elementary school, Perry Creek, said Brian Fahrendholz, the district's operations and maintenance director.

Looking to attract lower Bryant bids for the next go-round, the district's architect, Cannon Moss Brygger of Sioux City, is now developing new plans, a process officials say will likely stretch into the summer.

At the March 14 meeting, school board member John Meyers said he expects the next bids to be lower, but expressed doubts they would come in around the original $16 million estimate.

School leaders stress said they won't accept a new layout with smaller classrooms than the current design.

"I hope they don't cut corners and sacrifice the school," said Chuck Parmalee, who lives in the 3000 block of Jennings Street.

Parmalee said his children are enrolled in the Sergeant Bluff-Luton School District, so he is less concerned about the delayed completion date for Bryant. Parmalee said the project inconvenienced him the most in 2016, when new sidewalks and other work along Jennings Street took place.
SOUTH SIOUX CITY  No one really had much to say when the City of South Sioux Citys Health Board met Wednesday to discuss a lingering noxious odor issue in the community.

Residents in almost 60 homes in town were forced to leave due to a noxious odor that first began in October. The affected homes are in a five-block area of Red Bird Lane and Lemasa Drive, along 39th Street, and the odors were present both inside and outside of homes.

The residents have blamed Big Ox Energy  which operates a renewable energy plant in the citys Roth Industrial Park  for causing the odors linked to hydrogen sulfide. The city and Big Ox have said the smell is instead connected to plumbing issues in the homes.

Mayor Rod Koch opened the odor discussion up by saying the board had only received three complaints that were unrelated to the odor issue since its March 15 meeting. He went on to ask for public comment from the crowd, which included a number of displaced residents; however, only one person addressed the board.

You will have more, said David Domina, in reference to the complaints. Domina is a prominent Omaha trial attorney who is working in conjunction with Sioux City attorney Brian Buckmeier in pending litigation against the city on behalf of 13 displaced families.

Following Dominas statement, city attorney Wayne Boyd suggested the health board delay action on the odor item and reschedule the meeting once all of the complaints have been received. Domina estimated within 30 days the board should have them all.

As the health board took a recess, Koch discussed the latest from the citys perspective on the lingering odor issue. The mayor expressed hope that the citys actions at Mondays city council meeting could help resolve some of the current issues and prevent similar instances from occurring in the future.

Monday, the city approved a $1.29 million bid from McClure Engineering of Sioux City for a forced main project that will ship industrial waste directly from Big Ox to the Sioux City Wastewater Treatment Plant so that it will avoid residential areas entirely.

Construction should be completed in the next 100 working days.

Additionally, the city made changes to a sewage ordinance that's been in place since the 1970s to enhance enforcement and to better monitor the pH levels of sewage from major industrial manufacturers that contract with Big Ox for waste disposal.

The biggest thing Im looking forward to is getting everyone back in their homes, get everyone back to where they were  get everybody home again  and to make sure nothing like this ever happens again, Koch said.

And to make sure that everyone learns something about sewers and how they work and how to handle a crisis and to really take care of our citizens. I think all of us could have done a better job on all accounts, including myself."
Maas assaulted his mother on May 12 at her Sioux City home after she refused to go with him to pick up another person. After she offered him money for a cab, he hit her repeatedly in the face and tried to strangle her.
The 911 caller tells an operator that he just shot two people that broke into his house.

One of them is still talking, but he cannot understand what he is saying, the caller tells 911 in recordings that were released Wednesday. "I believe one of them is shot bad" and needs an ambulance, the caller says.

The man speaks calmly but in a soft voice as the operator assesses the situation. The scene unfolded Monday afternoon near Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, after three teens, police said, tried to break into a Wagoner County home. The resident fatally shot all three, authorities said.

The burglars broke in through a back door, and the man on the phone says he shot them with an AR-15. One is in the kitchen, and the other crawled into a bedroom.

A third person fled through the door and ran. "I didn't shoot him," the caller says, though later another suspect is found dead in the driveway.

The shooter says he is in a back bedroom with his gun. The door is locked.

The 911 operator tells him when a deputy gets to the house to put the gun away.

He tells her the gun will be on the bed.

Alleged getaway driver arrested

The nearly eight-minute 911 call begins about 12:44 p.m. on Monday.

"I've just been broken into. Three men, two I've shot in my house," the caller says. "One's down, one's still talking. You need to get here now."

The caller doesn't sound panicked, and waits for the operator to ask him questions.

Wagoner County Chief Deputy Les Young said a deputy arrived two minutes after the 911 call was initiated. The operator keeps the caller -- a 23-year-old who lives at the home -- on the phone until you hear the deputy talking to him.

A probable cause affidavit alleges Elizabeth Marie Rodriguez, 21, planned the burglary and waited in the car while the masked intruders broke into the home.

In a news release Wednesday, the sheriff's department said Rodriguez waived her right to an attorney and told them she determined the residents "had money and expensive belongings, and that was why she selected his home to 'hit a lick' - a term some criminals use to describe getting a significant amount of money in a short period of time."

Authorities said the suspect "became aware" of the homeowner, but did not know him or his son, the shooter.

Rodriguez and the three slain intruders burglarized a spare apartment at the residence earlier in the day and returned to rob the main house, the news release said. The three teens, dressed in black and covering their faces, kicked in the door, encountered the resident and were shot inside the house.

"One of the injured suspects exited the home and tried to get back in to Rodriguez's vehicle, but she told investigators she drove away and left him in the driveway," the release said.

Rodriguez allegedly fled and later went to the Broken Arrow Police Department.

Does 'Stand your ground' law apply?

Young said she was arrested and was being held on suspicion of three counts of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree burglary and one count of second-degree burglary.

Assistant District Attorney Jack Thorp said Tuesday that Rodriguez could be formally charged with murder if the suspects were killed while she was involved in a felony. But formal charges won't come until later in the week, at the earliest.

It is unclear whether Rodriguez has an attorney.

The deceased suspects were Jaycob Woodruff, 16; Jacob Redfern, 17; and Maxwell Cook, 19, the sheriff's office said. One suspect had a knife, and another carried brass knuckles, authorities have said.

Thorp told reporters that investigators will help his office determine whether Oklahoma's "Stand Your Ground" law applies in the case of the triple shooting.

The law says: "A person or a owner, manager or employee of a business is presumed to have held a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another when using defensive force that is intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm to another."

CNN's Jamiel Lynch, Samira Said, Phil Gast and Eric Levenson contributed to this report.
For several years the 4th Districts Steve King has defended two big generalizations about them. In the past, Europe was led by those Christian citizens committed to the values of Western civilization. They migrated to found the United States, based on the same values. Today, different them threatens American civilization. They are the illegal Mexican migrants smuggling marijuana across our southern border. They are the crazy liberal left whose multicultural ideology menaces Americas Judeo-Christian free-market civilization with the politically-correct nanny state. They are the anti-American, Sharia-law-loving Muslims already here.

This last year Rep. King has expressed solidarity with far-right politicians in Germany and the Netherlands just as incapable of distinguishing anyone among the Muslim them. They defend policies beyond reasonable concerns about Europes refugee crisis. Representative King expresses deeper sympathy with those politicians than with many of his own constituents. Requests for him to address his public statements go unanswered. Ill let other people protest Rep. King as a xenophobe. Im more worried that he cant make the kinds of careful distinctions critical for an official elected to shape policy in a district as diverse as ours.

Representative King champions American liberty, but seems to imagine it just for the people who agree entirely with him. How can he legislate when he cant imagine the diversity of them he believes are so different from him? How can he represent them he imagines to be enemies? - Mike Kugler Orange City, Iowa
iStock/Thinkstock(FORT WORTH, Texas)  Two children died in Texas on Wednesday after they were electrocuted by power lines downed in a severe overnight storm.



The boys, ages 11 and 12, were brothers, ABC affiliate WFAA reported, citing a first responder on the scene.



The incident happened in a heavily wooded area in East Fort Worth, Texas, according to the report. The area was still recovering from a powerful overnight storm that knocked out power and damaged multiple properties.

CAUTION is the word for downed power lines. Tragic reminder of that, up next live at 10 @wfaachannel8 #wfaaweather pic.twitter.com/DEJPP55eJn  Todd Unger (@ToddWFAA8) March 30, 2017

"This is never something we want to have to respond to. We can never talk about it enough, the need for safety around downed power lines. We're just starting storm season," Fort Worth Fire Department's Lt. Kyle Falkner told WFAA on Wednesday.



A grass fire had also been ignited as a result of the fallen lines, which were still energized when fire officials arrived on the scene.



Oncor, the local electricity provider in the area, said it was working with authorities to determine the cause of the accident.



"Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers go out to the family," a spokesperson for the company said in a statement Wednesday. "We urge all our customers to treat every power line as if its energized."



Severe thunderstorms and damaging winds hit parts of Texas overnight, leaving as many as 200,000 people in the Dallas/Fort Worth area without power at one point.



The poor weather shifted east on Wednesday with severe weather warnings spanning from the area surrounding Kansas City, Missouri, to the Gulf Coast.



Worse storms are expected in parts of Mississippi and Tennessee on Thursday.



Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
ONAWA  A 50-year-old South Dakota man was killed in fatal crash on Interstate 29 early Tuesday morning near Onawa in Monona County.

According to a release from the Iowa State Patrol, around 6:30 a.m. Darwin Knutson of Webster was traveling southbound on I29 in a Dodge Ram 350 pickup truck in the same vicinity where a tow truck was partially occupying the left hand lane as it attempted to remove a semi that had earlier crashed into the median near mile marker 106.35

The tow truck had its flasher lights on; however, for unknown reasons, Knutson did not move over to the right hand lane or make any defensive actions and he struck the rear of the tow truck. The collision caused Knutsons truck to go off the roadway to the right where it came to rest in a farm field.

Knutson was wearing a seatbelt and was taken to Burgess Health Center in Onawa where he later died from his injuries.
I scream you scream, we all scream FOR A TRAIN COMING!

Le MARS, Iowa | A train creamed a semi-trailer carrying ice cream and left a "dairy" big mess in Le Mars.

The accident took place on March 22 at a crossing near the intersection of Business Highway 75 and 18th Street in Le Mars. Frozen dairy treat containers were scattered on the ground around the twisted semi-trailer and the tracks.

Fire Chief David Schipper said the Canadian National Railway train was traveling southbound and the semi was headed west with its connected trailer parked on the railroad tracks. The male driver thought he had pulled up far enough to be out of the way of the train, he said.

The driver was "shook up" and was taken to the hospital for an evaluation and was released the same day.

The semi truck was owned by Schuster Company. The trailer was decorated with a photo of Wells' signature treat, the Bomb Pop. The treats inside and scattered on the ground were labeled for dairy products for Jamba Juice and Jolly Rancher.

"We actually saw some kids pick some up on the other side and run off with them," Schipper said.

Damages are estimated around $100,000.

The Canadian National train had two employees on board. They were uninjured. The driver of the truck was cited for blocking a railway with a commercial vehicle.

Thanks, Facebook

SIOUX CENTER, Iowa | Ask, and thou shall receive.

The Sioux County's Sheriff Office located a wanted man on March 21 after it sought help on its Facebook page in just two hours.

Authorities arrested Peter Bacaam, 22, of Sioux Center, shortly after 5 p.m. after receiving an anonymous tip on his whereabouts at a residence in Sioux Center, a news release said. The post went up at 3 p.m. that day.

The deputy relayed that tip to the Sioux Center Police Department, who then located Bacaam at the residence.

Bacaam was wanted after failing to turn himself in March 13 to be transported to the Iowa Department of Corrections in Oakdale to serve a two-year prison sentence after being convicted of domestic assault causing bodily injury.

Bacaam is currently being held in the Sioux County Jail.
Bancolombia S.A. provides banking products and services in Colombia, Panama, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. The company operates through nine segments: Banking Colombia, Banking Panama, Banking El Salvador, Banking Guatemala, Trust, Investment Banking, Brokerage, International Banking, and All Other. It offers checking and savings accounts, fixed term deposits, and investment products; trade financing, loans funded by domestic development banks, working capital loans, credit cards, personal and vehicle loans, payroll loans, and overdrafts; financial support to real estate developers and mortgages for individuals and companies; factoring; and financial and operating leasing services. The company also provides hedging instruments, including futures, forwards, options, and swaps; and brokerage, investment advisory, and private banking services, including selling and distributing equities, futures, foreign currencies, fixed income securities, mutual funds, and structured products. In addition, it offers cash management services; foreign currency transaction services; life, auto, commercial, and homeowner's insurance products; and online and computer banking services. Further, the company provides project and acquisition finance, debt and equity capital markets, principal investments, M&A, hedging strategies, restructurings, and structured financing; money market accounts, mutual and pension funds, private equity funds, payment and corporate trust, and custody; internet-based trading platform; inter-bank lending and repurchase agreements; managing escrow accounts, and investment and real estate funds; and transportation, securities brokerage, maintenance and remodeling, and outsourcing services. As of December 31, 2021, it operated 1,015 branches; 28,676 banking correspondents; 529 PAMs; 210 kiosks in El Salvador and 187 in Colombia; and 6,094 ATMs. Bancolombia S.A. was incorporated in 1945 and is headquartered in Medellin, Colombia.
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, a pharmaceutical company, develops, manufactures, markets, and distributes generic medicines, specialty medicines, and biopharmaceutical products in North America, Europe, and internationally. The company offers sterile products, hormones, high-potency drugs, and cytotoxic substances in various dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, injectables, inhalants, liquids, transdermal patches, ointments, and creams. It also develops, manufactures, and sells active pharmaceutical ingredients. In addition, it focuses on the central nervous system, pain, respiratory, and oncology areas. Its products in the central nervous system include Copaxone for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis; AJOVY for the preventive treatment of migraine; and AUSTEDO for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia and chorea associated with Huntington disease. The company's products in the respiratory market comprise ProAir, QVAR, ProAir Digihaler, AirDuo Digihaler, and ArmonAir Digihaler, BRALTUS, CINQAIR/CINQAERO, DuoResp Spiromax, and AirDuo RespiClick/ArmonAir RespiClick for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Its products in the oncology market include Bendeka, Treanda, Granix, Trisenox, Lonquex, and Tevagrastim/Ratiograstim. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited has a collaboration MedinCell for the development and commercialization of multiple long-acting injectable products, a risperidone suspension for the treatment of patients with schizophrenia. The company was founded in 1901 and is headquartered in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.
The gravity of the existential threat we face from Islamic Jihad is truly of epic proportions. It is essentially a battle pitting free-civilized man against a totalitarian barbarian. What is at stake is the struggle for our very soul - namely who we are and what we represent. The lives that were sacrificed for individual rights and freedoms that we've come to cherish are being chiseled away from right under our noses by the stealth jihadists. And many of us are in denial and totally clueless.



The left's appeasement and pandering to evil is nothing new. What makes their utopian delusions so infuriating and unpardonable is that it is not only they who will have to pay the consequences, and deservedly, so, they are thwarting and undermining our best efforts at resistance and are thus dragging us down in the process as well.







By Peter Lancz,, the head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign Against Racism.
WASHINGTON

(March 30, 2017)The U.S. Department of Defense recently announced the following contract awards that pertain to local Navy activities., is being awardedfor modification P00037 to a previously awarded fixed-price-incentive, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00019-13-C-9999) to exercise an option for software support activity and product support efforts for the full-rate production Lot 5 E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Florida (65.9 percent); Syracuse, New York (12.8 percent); Norfolk, Virginia (5.4 percent); St. Augustine, Florida (5.4 percent); Indianapolis, Indiana (3.7 percent); Owego, New York (2.2 percent); Greenlawn, New York (2.2 percent); Bethpage, New York (1.6 percent); Woodland Hills, California (0.5 percent); and Marlborough, Massachusetts (0.3 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2018. Fiscal 2017 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $32,766,375 are being obligated on this award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., is being awarded adelivery order (N00019-17-F-0150) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-14-G-0004) for aircraft spares and manufacturing labor for the Marine Corps CH-53K system demonstration test article. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut, and is expected to be completed in May 2019. Fiscal 2017 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $32,263,949 are being obligated on this award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., is being awardedfor delivery order 0011 against a previously awarded basic ordering agreement (N00019-14-G-0020) to complete a Selective Precision Effects At Range Capability 3 risk reduction and integration study of the F-35 air system for the government of the United Kingdom. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (75 percent); Orlando, Florida (10 percent); Lancashire, United Kingdom (10 percent); and Redondo Beach, California (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2020. International partner funds in the amount of $10,470,663 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., is being awarded anfirm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 28 Lot 20 and 21 full-rate production F414-GE-400 install engines and associated devices for the F/A-18E/F and the EA-18 G aircraft. Work will be performed in Lynn, Massachusetts (59 percent); Hooksett, New Hampshire (18 percent); Rutland, Vermont (12 percent); and Madisonville, Kentucky (11 percent), and is expected to be completed in February 2019. Fiscal 2016 aircraft procurement (Navy); and fiscal 2017 overseas contingency operations aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $114,885,988 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. The, is the contracting activity (N00019-17-C-0047)., is being awardedfor modification P00008 under a previously awarded, firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-reimbursement, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-14-D-0022) to exercise an option for depot maintenance services in support of 44 Navy and Marine Corps Reserve F-5N/F aircraft. The services to be provided include depot level maintenance, aircraft inspections, repairs, overhauls, emergency repairs, modifications, engineering support, and procurement of structural components required to sustain the F-5N/F aircraft. Work will be performed in St. Augustine, Florida (96 percent); Springville, Utah (3 percent); and Emmen, Switzerland (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2018. No funds will be obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual delivery orders as they are issued. The, is the contracting activity., is being awardedfor delivery order 0032 against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-15-G-0026) to upgrade three E-2C aircraft cockpit navigation systems and displays in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization regulations for the government of France. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Florida (81 percent); Cuers, France (11 percent); Rolling Meadows, Illinois (4 percent); Millersville, Maryland (2 percent); and Herndon, Virginia (2 percent), and is expected to be completed in July 2019. Foreign military sales funds in the amount of $8,637,900 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity.
This week SFGN recognizes our communitys Out 50. However, even as we honor todays LGBT heroes, we should also look back and remember those individuals who made our community what it is today. Unlike today, when leading an LGBT community organization is often a profession, the heroes of the 1960s and 1970s were volunteer leaders of a movement. And while being out is now a given, the individuals of the sixties and seventies were openly lesbian or gay, bisexual or transgender, at a time when most of us were still in our closets. What would our community be without the likes of Harry Hay, Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, Frank Kameny, Barbara Gittings, Jack Nichols or Harvey Milk? Even in South Florida we owe much to the likes of Frank Arango, Staci Aker, Bob Basker, Edda Cimino, Rev. Joseph Gilbert, Jay Freier and Tom Bradshaw. Milk is still remembered, thanks to the movie of the same name and his nephews work. How will we remember the others?

Two of our leading LGBT icons made a joint appearance in Miami in 1981, as Grand Marshals for that years Gay Pride Parade. One of the Marshals, Cleve Jones, is well-known as Milks protege and the creator of the AIDS Quilt. The other Marshal, Barbara Grier, though not as famous, is perhaps the most important person in the herstory of lesbian literature. Though Grier did not write any major works of fiction or non-fiction, she promoted lesbian as a lesbian book collector, critic, bibliographer (The Lesbian in Literature) and publisher (Naiad Press). I was an active member of Pride at the time, and I got to meet both Jones and Grier. However, I established a greater rapport with Grier, if only because I was one of the few male book critics who reviewed lesbian books. Grier added me to her list of reviewers who received copies of Naiad books and I tried to return the compliment by writing about most of the books she sent me.

Cleve Jones, who is a year younger than me, needs no help on my part to get the recognition that he deserves. Jones, after all, is the main character of When We Rise, an ABC TV miniseries about the LGBT movement in San Francisco. Jones is also the author of When We Rise: My Life in the Movement (Hachette Books), a memoir of his eventful life that is as interesting as the series that he appears in. But Barbara Grier (1933-2011), though no longer with us, is finally getting her due. Indomitable: The Life of Barbara Grier (Bella Books) is a long-overdue biography by Joanne Passet, author of Sex Variant Woman: The Life of Jeanette Howard Foster. (Fosters 1956 classic, Sex Variant Women in Literature was an inspiration for Grier and everyone else who came after them.) Here we read about Griers early days as a lesbian in the Midwest; her relationships with Helen Bennett and Donna McBride; her work with the pioneer lesbian journal The Ladder; and her years she spent encouraging and browbeating lesbian authors as head of the Naiad Press. Grier was not an easy person to work with, as many disgruntled former Naiad writers and workers told Passet. However, even Griers greatest critics recognize her contributions to lesbian lit and to the LGBT community as a whole. Like all of us, Grier and Jones have or had their share of faults, but these are outweighed by their virtues, talents and contributions.

Though I do not read as many LGBT books today as I did when I wrote The Book Nook, I still keep an eye out for good books; especially non-fiction titles that educate and inspire our community and our movement. Both When We Rise (the book and the series) and Indomitable make major contributions to LGBT studies and to the history of our community through the lives of a man and a woman who gave us much. They inspire us at a time when our progress is endangered, both from above and from below.
Wilton Manors will acknowledge the T, as Vice Mayor Justin Flippen has become fond of saying, by flying the transgender flag.

On Tuesday, commissioners voted unanimously to fly the transgender flag on International Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31), Transgender Flag Day (Aug. 19), Transgender Day of Remembrance (Nov. 20), and the week of the citys Stonewall Festival in June. It will be flown at Jaycee Park on the same pole used for the citys Pride Flag. The flag will be raised for the first time Thursday, March 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Jaycee Park, NE 21st Court.

Transgender ally Michael Rajner brought the issue to the commission in February with a transgender flag that had been donated Antonio Dumas, owner of To The Moon. Rajner said the transgender community was still struggling with basic issues they were 10 years ago, such as bathroom use. That issue of bathroom use caused him to bring the issue to the city after the Trump administration reversed an Obama administration guideline that asked public schools to let transgender students use the bathroom that corresponds to their gender identity. Trump officials decided it should be left up to the states.

In his renewed call for the city to raise the flag, Rajner cited Boston Mayor Marty Walsh who raised the flag in May of 2016 in his city and vowed to keep it up until Massachusetts legislators passed equal protections for transgender individuals.

Transgender author Dr. Kelley Winters told commissioners that raising the flag was about raising visibility for the transgender community. Its time for the Island City to live up to its promise, she said. Jen Laws said it would be deeply meaningful for him and other transgender individuals to see the flag raised because members of his community dont always feel included or accepted by some, including the federal government.

Although he supports flying the flag on the dates chosen and he respects the transgender community, Commissioner Scott Newton said he doesnt want to see the flag flown permanently. Previously, he said he considers the transgender community represented by the Pride Flag. They are in the LBGTQ ... it seems like we keep separating out [all these different groups].

Commissioner Tom Green said no other groups have come forward asking for their flag to be flown but that the transgender community represents something unique because its the most marginalized in the country right now. This is way beyond bathrooms, said Green, referring to the level of violence and discrimination faced by transgender individuals.

According to the Human Rights Council, there were at least 21 transgender individuals who were murdered in 2015 because of who they were. In 2016, it was 22.

Other groups, said Mayor Resnick, could also come forward and suggest the city fly their flag if they feel marginalized.
Ina Brown University

While orbiting the Moon in 1971, the crew of Apollo 15 photographed a strange geological feature  a bumpy, D-shaped depression about two miles long and a mile wide  that has fascinated planetary scientists ever since.

Some have suggested that the feature, known as Ina, is evidence of a volcanic eruption Moon within the past 100 million years  a billion years or so after most volcanic activity on the Moon is thought to have ceased.

But new research led by Brown University geologists suggests that Ina is not so young after all. The analysis, published in the journal Geology, concludes that the feature was actually formed by an eruption around 3.5 billion years ago, around the same age as the dark volcanic deposits we see on the Moons nearside. Its the peculiar type of lava that erupted from Ina that helps hide its age, the researchers say.

As interesting as it would be for Ina to have formed in the recent geologic past, we just dont think thats the case, said Jim Head, co-author of the paper and professor in Browns Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences. The model weve developed for Inas formation puts it firmly within the period of peak volcanic activity on the Moon several billion years ago.

Youthful Appearance

Ina sits near the summit of a gently sloped mound of basaltic rock, leading many scientists to conclude that it was likely the caldera of an ancient lunar volcano. But just how ancient wasnt clear. While the flanks of the volcano look billions of years old, the Ina caldera itself looks much younger. One sign of youth is its bright appearance relative to its surroundings. The brightness suggests Ina hasnt had time to accumulate as much regolith, the layer of loose rock and dust that builds up on the surface over time.

Then there are Inas distinctive mounds  80 or so smooth hills of rock, some standing as tall as 100 feet, which dominate the landscape within the caldera. The mounds appear to have far fewer impact craters on them compared to the surrounding area, another sign of relative youth. Over time, its expected that a surface should accumulate craters of various sizes at fairly constant rates. So scientists use the number and size of craters to estimate the relative age of a surface. In 2014, a team of researchers did a careful crater-count on Inas mounds and concluded that they must have been formed by lava that erupted to the surface within the last 50 to 100 million years.

That was a really puzzling finding, Head said. I think most people agree that the volcano Ina sits on was formed billions of years ago, which means there would have been a pause in volcanic activity for a billion years or more before the activity that formed Ina. We wanted to see if there might be something about geologic structure within Ina that throws off our estimation of its age.

Not So Young?

The researchers looked at well-studied volcanoes on Earth that might be similar to Ina. Ina appears to be a pit crater on a shield volcano, a gently sloping mountain similar to the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii. Kilauea has a pit crater similar to Ina known as the Kilauea Iki crater, which erupted in 1959.

As lava from that eruption solidified, it created a highly porous rock layer inside the pit, with underground vesicles as large as three feet in diameter and surface void space as deep as two feet. That porous surface, Head and his colleagues say, is created by the nature of the lava erupted in the late stages of events like this one. As the subsurface lava supply starts to diminish, it erupts as magmatic foam  a bubbly mixture of lava and gas. When that foam cools and solidifies, it forms the highly porous surface.

The researchers suggest that an Ina eruption would have also produced magmatic foam. And because of the Moons decreased gravity and nearly absent atmosphere, the lunar foam would have been even fluffier than on Earth, so its expected that the structures within Ina are even more porous than on Earth.

Its the high porosity of those surfaces that throws off date estimates for Ina, both by hiding the buildup of regolith and by throwing off crater counts.

A highly porous surface, the researchers say, would allow loose rock and dust to filter into surface void space, making it appear as though less regolith has built up. That process would be perpetuated by seismic shaking in the region, much of which is caused by ongoing meteor impacts. Its like banging on the side of a sieve to make the flour go through, Head said. Regolith is jostled into holes rather than sitting on the surface, which makes Ina look a lot younger.

Porosity could also skew crater counts. Laboratory experiments using a high-speed projectile cannon have shown that impacts into porous targets make much smaller craters. Because of Inas extreme porosity, the researchers say, its craters are much smaller than they would normally be, and many craters might not be visible at all. That could drastically alter the age estimate derived from crater counts.

The researchers estimate that the porous surface would reduce by a factor of three the size of craters on Inas mounds. In other words, an impactor that would make a 100-foot-diameter crater in lunar basalt bedrock would make a crater of a little over 30 feet in a foam deposit. Taking that scaling relationship into account, the team gets a revised age for the Ina mounds of about 3.5 billion year old. Thats similar to the surface age of the volcanic shield that surrounds Ina, and places the Ina activity within the timeframe of common volcanism on the Moon.

The researchers believe this work offers a plausible explanation for Inas formation without having to invoke the puzzling billion-year pause in volcanic activity.

We think the young-looking features in Ina are the natural consequence of magmatic foam eruptions on the Moon, Head said. These landforms created by these foams simply look a lot younger than they are.

Reference:

Ina Pit Crater on the Moon: Extrusion of Waning-Stage Lava Lake Magmatic Foam Results in Extremely Young Crater Retention Ages, Le Qiao et al., 2016 Mar. 28, Geology [http://geology.gsapubs.org/content/early/2017/03/15/G38594.1.abstract].

Le Qiao, a graduate student visiting Brown from the Chinese University of Geosciences, is the lead author of the research. Other co-authors were Lionel Wilson, Long Xiao, Mikhail Kreslavsky and Josef Dufek. The research was supported by NASAs Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) experiment (NNX09AM54G and NNX11AK29G), a NASA Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute grant (NNA14AB01A). Le Qiao was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41373066) and the State Scholarship Fund (201406410040).

Text & Images: https://news.brown.edu/articles/2017/03/ina
In the first entry in this series, author Michaele Weissman explored the promise and problems associated with Direct Trade, the ethical sourcing model for specialty coffee in which producers and roasting work as partners. In her researchfor this series and for her book, God In A Cupmore questions were raised than answered. The exploration continues.

If you want to see Direct Trade in action look no further than your local Whole Foods or specialty grocery, says Matt Lounsbury, Stumptowns former veteran vice president. Everyone in the industry is promoting coffee farmers and putting reference to farms and farmers on their packages. And if they are not, they had better start. (Lounsbury recently left Stumptown; his departure was amicable.)

Its hard to dispute that customers find stories about coffee farmers uplifting. But is the uplift justified? Is the wealth generated by Direct Trade shared and are lives being changed at origin? These questions have dogged Direct Trade since its inception. Today, as the high-end coffee industry grows and consolidates, new questions emerge.

When we refer to Direct Trade, are we still talking about small roasting companies partnering with small farmers? What about large roasters? Is it Direct Trade when a behemoth specialty roaster negotiates with a coffee smallholder?

Answering these questions requires a nitty gritty examination at how Direct Trade operates, not in theory but in practice. Thats the task I set for myself in this, the second installment of my series, Is Direct Trade Fair? for Sprudge Media Network.

The Microlots

First, a definition. Direct Trade coffees are NOT beans with high cupping scores from outstanding regions such as Yirgacheffe in Ethiopia or Guatemalas Huehuetenango. A coffee company with cool branding is not automatically Direct Trade. Skyping with the farmer doesnt make your coffee DT.

Direct Trade is a sales practice related to the growing, selling, and buying of microlotssmall amounts of coffee grown with an unusual attention to detail on pinpricks of land. Microlots grow on terroir that is comparable to a neighborhood, not a zip code. A microlot might come from, for example, one half hectare of land on a south-facing hillside, at 1817 meters elevation, protected from extreme winds and weather by a canopy of tall trees or a rocky outcropping.

Beans from microlots are strictly segregatedthe technical term is disaggregatedwhen picked, processed, bagged, and shipped. Microlots are small, maybe 5 or 10 bags of coffee, with the most prized of these lots clocking in with cupping scores of 88 and above. And they are expensive. Four to five dollars a pound is more or less standard for the best lots, and prices often rise higher than that.

The Direct Trade label can also apply to single-origin coffees. Single-origin refers to disaggregated beans grown in somewhat larger areas of a single farm or possibly several farms. A single-origin may produce as much as 50 or even 100 bags of unusually high-quality coffee. These beans, too, are often the product of Direct Trade or quasi-Direct Trade relationships and may also earn impressive quality premiums when cupped.

Tim Hill, Counter Culture Coffees quality director and head buyer, says the practice of designating and segregating microlots was a game changer for the specialty industry when it emerged a dozen years ago. Sellers and buyers working in partnership pushed specialty into a realm that no one had imagined possible in terms of scarcity, flavor, quality, and value.

Hill credits early collaboration among the industrys most influential buyersincluding Counter Cultures Peter Giuliano, now with SCA; Intelligentsias Geoff Watts; and Stumptown founder Duane Sorenson, now a restaurateurwith nurturing this revolution into existence. They rewrote the rules of the specialty game, says Hill. I dont think any one of our companies alone could have brought about this new system.

What Hill describes is a win for roasters, and for coffee lovers, but it is not automatically a win for producers. The extra costs associated with growing a few bags or a few dozen bags of super high-quality coffee do not always pay off. This is the finding of Hannah Popish of Catholic Relief Services, whose case study for Counter Culture titled The Social Impact of Microlots explores what it takes to make Direct Trade profitable for growers. The decision to pursue microlots has to be made independently by smallholder farmers and their organizations on a case-by-case basis, Popish wrote in her report. In order to do so, farmers need to undertake what she describes as an inventory of assets, determining if they have what it takes to be conducive to successful microlot production and marketing.

Among the assets Popish lists: well-situated land, water, labor, access to financing, hardware up to and including the farmers own wet mill, software such as communications, transportation, and roads. As a takeaway Popish suggests that roasters interested in developing direct relationships with farmers help them determine ahead of time if they have the necessary assets.

The Sellers

So why bother? If you are a grower, why make the expensive effort to develop relationships with specialty buyers and jump through all their hoops? Your coffee might not make the grade. And if it does win the jackpot one year, it may not perform so well the next (this story is sadly common among Cup of Excellence winners). Isnt there a better way?

The question presumes that farmers have choices. Direct Trade is the worst system for buying (or selling) green coffeeexcept for all the others, says Michael Sheridan. Today hes the Director of Sourcing at Intelligentsia, but in a previous role he oversaw Catholic Relief Services path-breaking Borderlands research project, studying the impact of Direct Trade on farmers in Colombia.

Sheridans quote doesnt pull any punchesnothing about this process is easy. Yet despite the uncertainty and added labor associated with Direct Trade, many coffee producers have embraced the challenge. Take Maria Elena de Botto, co-owner of Finca Nombre de Dios in the northwest Alotepec-Metapan region of El Salvador (she wears a second hat as presidente of El Salvadors Alianza de Mujeres en Cafe). Botto has no doubts about this interactive way of selling coffee.

Direct Trade, she believes, is a lot more than a sales modelits a top to bottom reorientation that opened her eyes to coffees potential. It taught me what coffee was and what I could do with it, Botto recalls. If you just hand your cherry over to someone else for wet milling and drying and sellingthats how the C-market operates. If you make the additional effort to wet mill and dry mill the way your buyers want, thats Direct Trade. Without the innovations promoted by Direct Trade coffee farming in my region would not be sustainable, she says.

Her enthusiasm is only secondarily about the promise of greater earnings. In her view, the most important issue is price stability. Direct Trade frees farmers from the commodities market where coffee prices peaked in 2012 at $3.00 a pound and then fell to around $1.40 a pound in early 2017a baffling free fall that coincides with the fast rising global demand for specialty coffee on the consumer end of the supply chain.

Direct Trade has transformed Botto and those like her: Previously they were resource extractors in a commodities chain. Now they are entrepreneurs and artisans.

Botto first encountered ideas about selling and buying direct at El Salvadors Cup of Excellence competition in 2003. Drawn by the countrys abundance of washed Bourbons, Pacamaras and other high-quality Arabicas, COE chose El Salvador as the site of one of its first Central American competitions. Following the competition, Geoff Watts and Peter Giuliano remained in El Salvador to conduct a series of introductory lectures familiarizing Salvadoran growers with the basics of cupping and roasting. That was the first of many visits by roasters from around the world.

Until then even educated growersBotto has a degree in marketing from Universidad Jose Simeon Canasknew little about their crop and less about the taste preferences of buyers. This is not unusual. Coffee growers in many parts of the world traditionally do not drink coffeetea, for example, is the preferred drink in much of Kenya, a holdover from its colonial history. If they do drink coffee, oftentimes its the low-quality stuff international buyers reject, hence their unfamiliarity with coffees potential. (This generality is fast changing, with many producing countries developing their domestic coffee sectors and cities like San Salvador, Nairobi, Bogota, and others hosting lively coffee scenes.)

Botto believes Direct Trades focus on building relationships and its principle of, as she says, incentivizing quality, saved the day in 2012 when catastrophe struck. A devastating outbreak of coffee leaf rust exacerbated by hotter, wetter weather wrought by climate change swept through her region, cutting production in half.

The dual promise of a stable marketplace and high prices for high-quality beans gave farmers a reason to rebuild, she says. As part of a program funded by the US Department of Agriculture, they ripped out diseased trees, planted new disease resistant varieties and adopted agricultural practices that help coffee plants withstand extreme weather. Other improvements were made as well. Botto, for example, bought a wet mill and she now does the milling for her own farm and for some of her neighbors. Then she applied for and was granted a license to export, and this, too, benefited her and her neighbors.

Quality is profitable even with greater costs, Botto insists, noting that the promise of Direct Trade has encouraged many young people, including two of her sons, to study agronomy with the intention of returning to their families farms to grow coffee. Other forward-looking growers interviewed for this article also described making improvements and adopting strategies benefitting themselves and their communities.

Growers in other parts of South and Central America share Bottos enthusiasm for Direct Trade. Among them: Felipe Croce, whose family farm, Fazenda Ambiental Fortaleza, in the Mococca region of Brazil produces highly ranked organic coffees, many of them naturally processed that it sells via Direct Trade to several thousand buyers worldwide. On its website, Fazenda Ambiental Fortaleza describes itself as a farm, a network of farmers, a center of coffee studies, and an export company that mills and ships coffee worldwide. Croce credits Direct Trade with making his familys farm profitable enough to sustain a vertically integrated operation in which nearly 100 nearby farms now participate, with more eager to join. His goal in Brazil is the same as Maria Bottos in El Salvador: growth that expands outward to benefit an entire regions agricultural sector.

Direct Trade programs, at their best, have a multiplier effect. Improving incomes and outlooks encourages farmers to take pride in what they do. That, in turn, encourages a new generation to reconsider coffee farming as a lifes work. Most of the farmers I work with are my age, 29, Croce says. Their children are proud of their parents. I think a lot of farmers were embarrassed, but now roasters from around the world are coming to visit them.

Meanwhile in Panama, Wilford Lamastuswhose family owns the famed Elida Estate in Boquetetells a similar story. Panama is an unusual case study in Direct Trade, due to its small size, advanced infrastructure, and international fame brought about by the Geisha/Gesha cultivar, first pioneered by the Peterson family at Hacienda Esmeralda. And yet, the Boquete region is home to the Ngobe-Bugle indigenous peoples, who live in the remote highlands and work as pickers, and are among the poorest farm laborers in the world. Lamastus says the prosperity generated by Direct Trade is rewriting the story of laborers on his farm and throughout the Boquete region. (I spoke at length about the Ngobe-Bugle peoples with third-generation Boquete coffee farmer Maria Ruiz of Boquete, in researching the Panama chapters of God In A Cup). Lamastus and his neighbors are now able to pay better wages and provide better housing, they are building schools and clinics, hiring teachers, and providing a raft of services not provided by the government that address intergenerational poverty.

Because of Direct Trade, some of the Ngobe-Bugle are learning to cup, says Lamastus. Some are learning to roast, to operate dryers, and now they have health insurance and a permanent job. They live in Boquete and their kids are going to school. Some study English and learn how to work computers. Direct Trade has changed the future of these people.

Beyond Latin America

Outside the Western Hemisphere, upbeat stories about Direct Trade are harder to find, and more nuanced. Where infrastructure and transportation systems are wanting, maintaining high standards is difficult.

Rwanda is somewhat anomalous because the specialty sector there goes back more than a dozen years. In 2004, a US AID-funded project helped hundreds of thousands of Rwanda farmers owning as few as 200 coffee trees upgrade their agronomic practices and processing protocols. Mitigating extreme poverty in rural areas, it was hoped, would have a positive impact on political stability. The experiment was an apparent success: stability in Rwanda has prevailed and the quality of Rwandan coffee soared. Specialty buyers from the US, Europe, and Asia were induced to travel to Rwanda in search of growers with whom to partner. There was, however, a disconnect, as virtually all farmers in Rwanda are members of growers groups and cooperatives. Small roasters found these entities a challenge.

Enter Gilbert Gatali, a Rwandan-born coffee professional whose family fled to Toronto following the genocide in the 1990s. Gatali, a Sprudgie Award winner in 2012 for Notable Producer, is today the CEO of Roots Imizi Ltd, operating a chain of coffee shops across this small country. Direct Trade is a positive development that has improved the outlook for Rwandan farmers in several different ways, he tells me.

As with farmers in Central America, Direct Trade benefits in Rwanda began with education. Gatali, who worked for more than 10 years with the exporter KZ Noir and the influential Rwandan producers group Rwashoscco, describes coffee farmers in Rwanda as hungry for knowledge, from the field to the mill to the cupping lab. Given their poverty, one of the central tenets of Direct Tradethat roasters were willing to pay whatever price was warranted for better coffeewas almost beyond their ken. But beyond financials, engagement with buyers has another benefit for farmers in Rwanda. The sense of self-respect farmers felt when they realized that buyers in the US, Europe, and Asia were telling a positive story about coffee in Rwanda cannot be understated, says Gatali.

Still, Direct Trades positives were sometimes more apparent than real. Some buyers simply didnt get the challenges farmers faced. He cites the example of the roaster who spent four or five days touring farms with him and then ordered five bags of coffee. Or the roaster who worked with a farm group to produce 100 bags of coffee for Direct Trade who at harvest time bought 30 bags, representing the cream of the crop. That left the coop with 70 bags to sell that were rejected by other buyers who might have taken all 100 bags.

With larger roasters there are problems too. There is a lot of demand for excellence, but the rejection rate is much higher, Gatali says. A Direct Trade coffee may leave the warehouse in Kigali in tiptop shape but a lot can happen in transit that is beyond the producers control, he explains. A guy in Mombasa can ruin a shipment of coffee packed in hermetically sealed Grainpro bags with just a slip of the loading hook. If the coffee is damaged or degraded when it arrives in Oakland, depending on the nature of the contract, the seller, not the buyer eats the cost.

But Gatali doesnt see all this as an indictment of Direct Trade. The takeaway for him is the gap between the worldview of growers and buyers and the understanding that problems outside farmers controlinfrastructure especiallycan undermine efforts to use Direct Trade to hoist their communities out of poverty.

The Buyers

Recognizing the difficulty of cultivating Direct Trade relationships in Africa and Asia, many specialty buyers stay away. Others go in with unreasonable expectations that lead them to give up. Counter Cultures Tim Hill, working in Kenya, is trying to short circuit that cycle of defeat. For the past two and a half years, he has been working intensively with farmers in the Kamavindi region of Kenya to upgrade their agricultural practices, improve quality, and regularize the supply chain in hopes of avoiding some of the problems that Gilbert Gatali described in Rwanda. Most hopeful, he says, is the desire of farmers to learn from other farmers.

Jeff Taylor of PTs Coffee in Topeka, Kansas and San Diego, California, takes a more classical approach. He sells nearly 400,000 pounds of coffee a year, 80 percent of which is labeled Direct Trade. Up to now, Taylor, whose company bought San Diegos Bird Rock Coffee in early 2017, has exemplified DT as it was originally conceived.

Our standards are pretty much what Geoff Watts spelled out a dozen years ago, says Taylor. I buy from producers who are passionate about coffee. I consider most of them to be my friends. Weve worked together for years, he says. None of the farmers he works with are desperately poor, according to Taylor. He considers this uniformity a shortcoming, but understands having stability ensures consistency and makes doing business easier. He negotiates price face to face, paying at a minimum 25 percent above Fair Trade or the C-market, although we generally pay twice that. For Taylor and his partner Fred Polzin, coffee has been a calling first and a business second. It was more important to both of us to succeed on our terms. This was a labor of love, not money.

Its an admirable position, but as the number of high-quality specialty coffee roasters increases, attitudes like theirs are less common. Many younger roasters cannot afford to preference their passion for coffee over an awareness of the bottom line.

Back in 2009 when Wille Yli-Luoma, the straight-talking co-owner of Heart Coffee in Portland, Oregon, was getting started, he recalls being slightly jealous of big companies that had pictures of farms on their bags and Direct Trade stories to tell. After buying his first Direct Trade coffee, he realized what hed done, to a large extent, was buy himself a sales pitch because, in fact, equally great coffees were available from traditional channels.

Yli-Luoma hasnt given up on Direct Trade. He likes building relationships with farmersthats the biggest benefit, he tells meand he enjoys buying nice lots that a lot of energy is being put into.

Problem is, the way he sees it, Direct Trade as it now plays out often favors larger roasters. Though growing, Heart bought some 250,000 pounds of coffee in 2016, a tiny fraction compared to larger specialty brands. He explains: Say we find some new coffee and we work with the farmer to develop it, a process that may entail being in near daily contact with the grower. If the coffee cups well and everyone wants it, larger roasters who can absorb more volume may scoop up the entire supply, cutting off Hearts access to the very microlot Yli-Luoma helped nurture into existence. He doesnt blame the farmer when this happensthe farmer knows he isnt going to make all his money on mebut the power of pragmatism to console is limited. It must be enormously frustrating to invest time and money into a project, only to see your best efforts swooped up by monied interlopers.

Yli-Luomo hasnt given up on Direct Trade, but feels that the system is getting trickier and trickier. Its possible, he concedes, for farmers to earn $4 maybe $5 a pound for their most spectacular microlots. But ironically, the very success of specialty and Direct Tradesuccess that has led to the industrys growth and consolidationis threatening the higher prices farmers earn. Thats because, according to Yli-Luomo, when large specialty roasters show up at a farm able to buy a huge amount of coffee including the best lotsthe roaster holds the quantity card, and can force growers prices down.

This is still Direct Trade, he notes ruefully. Call it Direct Trade in the Shadows , perhapsthe shaded details of how deals get done, long before the coffee touches your lips. And then Yli-Luoma told me something really surprising: Honestly, I think buying through importers may be the way to go for this industry.

The Importers

Back in the first splash of Third Wave coffeearound a decade ago, when I was researching God In A Cupinfluential buyers, only half in jest, spoke of importers as blood-sucking middlemen. In their view, the fees middlemen charged robbed farmers of their hard-won earnings. Such posturing was disingenuous. In the specialty coffee business then and now, no legitimate buyer goes it alone. Unless you as a roaster are smuggling green coffee from the farm out of the country in your backpack, your Direct Trade program is not, in fact, entirely direct.

Standing in the middle between farmers and roasters are the importers, who, when doing their job well, absorb some of the pressures crushing both sides. In tandem with carefully chosen exporters, importers create the supply chain ensuring that microlots are properly separated, processed, labeled, shipped, stored in warehouses, and shipped to roasters, sometimes in bulk, but more often, a few bags at a time. At origin, roasters rely on importers knowledge of coffee, their webs of global relationships, and their financial, technical, and bureaucratic know-how.

All this explains why Dan Streetman, the Relationship Buyer at Irving Farm Coffee Roasters, says his first act after being hired was to reach out to his importer. That was in 2011. My directive was to travel to origin and buy coffees that would change how we tell our story, Streetman says. To develop relationships with farmers, I realized I would have to work backwards. I called our importer and said I am looking for coffees with these characteristics. I am going to buy this amount. I am going to travel, and I want to cup coffees and meet producers. His importer made the introductions and six years later, Streetman, whose company sells half a million pounds of coffee a year is still buying from some of these producers.

On the grower side of the equation, the single most important service provided by importers is financial. Importers do what small and medium-sized boutique roasters can rarely do: provide farmers with pre-financing to buy seed and fertilizer, pay pickers, and underwrite other expenses incurred prior to harvest. Most coffee farmers are poor, says Cafe Imports VP of Sales Noah Namowicz, who spoke to me at length for this feature series. Believe me, we had to fight our bank to do this, he explains. Borrowing money to give to a coffee farmer in Colombia whose whole crop can get wiped out in a hailstorm is not something money people want you to do.

A new generation of importers has emerged to serve the thousands of small and medium-sized specialty roasters making their mark today. These importers look, dress, and think like their customers. Among them, Minneapolis-based Cafe Imports; Seattles Atlas Coffee; Oaklands Red Fox Coffee Merchants, co-founded by former Stumptown green buyer Aleco Chigounis (who declined to be interviewed for this series); Genuine Origin, the boutique division of the global trading company Volcafe; Coffee Shrub, the influential small-format green coffee purveyor owned by Thompson Owen of Sweet Marias; and Royal Coffee, whose newly launched Crown Jewels program separates out high-rated microlots for customers looking to buy small lots of green coffee.

There is another, often overlooked dimension to the importers role. By absorbing large amounts of coffee, these quality-focused importers ensure the financial viability of the specialty market and Direct Trade. Microlots are expensive to grow, but when volume increases, costs are amortized. Cafe Imports bought 19 million pounds of specialty coffee in 2015, enough to tip the scale in favor of specialty. As Namowicz explained, When we work with a farm, we feel an obligation to buy everything that we can find a home for. Only the largest (consolidated) roasters can approach this.

You might say Cafe Imports and other importers help level the playing field by absorbing risk while enabling small and medium-sized roasters to push quality coffee into all corners of the world. I pour a ton of time and money into developing infrastructure to benefit farmers, Namowicz continues. When a roaster buys thirty bags from me, the purchase is part of a larger structure benefiting the producer. When looked at closely this importer-funded structure, plus the quality premium Cafe Imports and others pay for the highest-rated microlots, lines start to blur, and the importers work begins to resemble Direct Trade.

If it looks like Direct Trade, and cups like Direct Trade, wellperhaps Wille Yli-Luoma is right, and the role these importers play will be integral to the future of the Direct Trade business model. If that role has been overshadowed, well, perhaps its time we bring it out of the shadows and into the light.

To get there we need transparency, which is one focus of my third and final installment of this series. Join us again in late April for the conclusion.

Michaele Weissman is a special correspondent to Sprudge Media Network. Weissman is the author of God In A Cup: The Obsessive Quest for the Perfect Coffee, published in 2008 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and a freelance journalist writing for The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and many more. Read more Michaele Weissman on Sprudge.
London, 27 March 2017 (SPS) - Last Thursday, 23 March, a group of unemployed individuals demonstrated pacifically in El Aaiun, in the Occupied Territories in Western Sahara. In view of the brutal repression with which the Moroccan forces responded to the demonstrators, Adala UK demands that the Moroccan authorities carry a complete, impartial and independent investigation of the human rights abuses committed and that all liable individuals are brought to justice.

The protests started in the early afternoon when a group of 200 people gathered to protest against the marginalisation and denial of the right to a decent job by the Moroccan authorities.

The work situation in the Occupied Territories is particularly hard for the Sahrawi citizens, as workstations created by the Moroccan government are always allocated to Moroccan citizens, both settlers and individuals who come from the Moroccan cities.

Demonstrators also protested against the empty promises the Moroccan government has made: over two years ago the Government promised to assign them the new 1000 workstations set up in the occupied territories, but they were eventually granted to Moroccan settlers and citizens. (SPS)

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The P.E.I. Standardbred Horse Owners Association (PEISHOA) has announced the schedule for its Awards Weekend, April 8 and 9, featuring Hall of Famer and OBrien Award winner Bob McIntosh.

The best of Prince Edward Island racing, both human and equine, will be honoured at the PEISHOA Awards Banquet on Saturday, April 8, which will be held at Murphys Community Centre in Charlottetown. A reception will be held starting at 6:30 p.m. with dinner and awards following at 7 p.m.

We are very honoured that Mr. McIntosh has agreed to be our guest speaker, which is generating a great response from our racing community, said PEISHOA Chair Dr. Colleen Dickie. There are only a limited number of tickets remaining, and our deadline for sales is this coming Monday.

Tickets are available from PEISHOA Directors or at the Charlottetown Vet Clinic.

On Sunday, April 9, the PEISHOA will be hosting a Breeders Information Seminar at Red Shores with McIntosh. He will discuss his philosophy of raising yearlings and developing young horses. There will also be a question and answer session.

Sunday's seminar starts at 1:30 p.m. in the Red Shores at Charlottetown Driving Park Grandstand. Reservations have also been made for a limited number of attendees for the Sunday Brunch Buffet at the Top of the Park for 12 noon.

Pre-registration is required for the brunch, and is encouraged for the seminar to facilitate arrangements. Please contact PEI Standardbred Horse Owners Association via Facebook, or Dr. Colleen Dickie at 902-940-5247 or [email protected].

The PEISHOA would like to thank the PEI Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for their support of this seminar through the Growing Forward 2 Federal/Provincial funding agreement.

(With files from PEISHOA)
Coptic Solidarity Reports Oppression of Copts and Assault on Civil Society Intensify Under El-Sisi Rule

Contact: Lindsay Griffin, Coptic Solidarity , 801-512-1713, coptadvocacy@copticsolidarity.org WASHINGTON, March 30, 2017 / Standard Newswire / -- Coptic Solidarity calls on President Trump to include human rights in all levels of discussion with President El-Sisi during his visit to Washington, DC. The U.S. needs to partner with Egypt to combat terrorism, and advance national security while simultaneously promoting religious freedom and equal civil rights for the oppressed religious minorities.Copts in Egypt have experienced a rise in attacks against their persons and property in the past two years. Coptic Solidarity has compiled a list of over 30 significant cases of violence, which have occurred in just the last six months. It provides a sampling of the brutal attacks inflicted on Copts.Mr. El-Sisi will likely present a whitewashed image of Egypt during his visit. Yet, he has overseen a large-scale crackdown on civil liberties. Copts and other religious minorities, the media, and human rights advocates are experiencing oppression unseen even under the Mubarak dictatorship.While the Egyptian government may blame foreign terrorism for the bombing of St. Peter and St. Paul Church , attacks on Coptic churches have occurred numerous times in recent years by Egyptian fanatic Muslims. This violence is not perpetrated by foreign terrorists, but is homegrown, one created by a culture of hate and impunity within Egypt.Islamic fundamentalist ideologies are reinforced by state-backed media and compulsory educational curricula that instill hate of all non-Muslim religious minorities. President El-Sisi has empowered Salafists to freely spread their fundamentalist teachings. The hate culture and religious bigotry are also expressed in the application of the "anti-blasphemy" law, which uses religion to suppress freedom of speech.Security forces rarely intervene to protect Coptic victims of violence. Perpetrators of violence go unpunished creating a culture of impunity. The so-called " reconciliation meetings ", are used to force Coptic victims under threats and intimidation to drop charges against their attackers. Kidnapping, or luring, and forced conversion of Coptic underage girls has been an ongoing problem for years , and is reinforced by the collusion of the authorities.To build or repair church requires a special permit. The new 2016 church construction law is replete with restrictions and loopholes that effectively prevent building churches. Many churches remain closed by the security apparatus.All this comes in addition to the institutionalized marginalization of the Copts in virtually every state institution.To improve its image, Egypt reportedly spends millions on U.S. lobbying firms. The administration and federal legislators need to be aware of these efforts that run contrary to the reality on the ground.Also, the Coptic Church has been co-opted by the Egyptian government and is under severe pressure to deny that serious problems exist and even to state that its current situation has improved.Coptic Solidarity supports Egypt's stability; however, it urges President Trump to make combating terrorism and economic aid to Egypt conditional with making concrete measurable progress in civil society, human rights, and religious freedom for the Copts and all Egyptians.Coptic Solidarity is an organization seeking to help minorities, particularly the Copts, of Egypt and we support those in Egypt working for democracy, freedom, and the protection of the fundamental rights of all Egyptian citizens. It advocates in cooperation with the affiliated organizations in Canada and in Europe (Solidarite Copte). For more information, contact Lindsay Griffin at 801-512-1713 or coptadvocacy@copticsolidarity.org
Daleiden Charged with 15 Felonies

Contact: Alexandra Snyder, Life Legal Defense Foundation , 202-717-7371NAPA, Calif., March 30, 2017 / Standard Newswire / -- David Daleiden has been charged with 15 felonies in connection with a series of videos exposing Planned Parenthood's grisly trade in baby body parts. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra charged Daleiden and his Center for Medical Progress colleague Sandra Merritt with 14 counts of eavesdropping and 1 count of conspiracy to eavesdrop. Each of the 14 counts is related to conversations Daleiden and Merritt had with Planned Parenthood and its abortion allies in which the profiteers negotiated the sale of fetal body parts in violation of state and federal law. All the conversations were recorded legally, in restaurants or at a conference with hundreds of attendees."This is nothing short of a witch hunt," said Life Legal Executive Director Alexandra Snyder. "David Daleiden's investigative journalism provided an indispensable public service by shedding light on Planned Parenthood's criminal activities and its callous disregard for human life. As a direct result of Daleiden's efforts, federal and state prosecutors are investigating the nation's largest abortion giant and its taxpayer funding is threatened. Now Planned Parenthood is calling in favors from its political cronies in retaliation."Becerra, a former Member of Congress, is a lifelong politician who enjoys a 100% rating with Planned Parenthood. Last year, he called on House Speaker Paul Ryan to disband the Select Congressional Panel tasked with investigating Planned Parenthood's fetal tissue trafficking.Calling the charges "bogus," Daleiden says he looks forward "to showing the entire world what is on our yet-unreleased video tapes of Planned Parenthood's criminal baby body parts enterprise, in vindication of the First Amendment rights of all."Daleiden and his Center for Medical Progress released a new video today in which Dr. DeShawn Taylor, Medical Director for Planned Parenthood Arizona, discusses the effort involved in performing late term abortions. Typically, Dr. Taylor likes to use digoxin to stop the heartbeat before ripping a baby's limbs off: "My biceps appreciate when the dig[oxin] works," because it "takes more force" to dismember live babies. The video is available here: youtu.be/aeINzcwb3qU Life Legal is defending Daleiden in two lawsuits filed against him by the National Abortion Federation and Planned Parenthood.About Life Legal Defense FoundationLife Legal Defense Foundation was established in 1989, and is a nonprofit organization composed of attorneys and other concerned citizens committed to giving helpless and innocent human beings of any age, and their advocates, a trained and committed voice in the courtrooms of our nation. For more information about the Life Legal Defense Foundation, visit www.lldf.org
More than 60 businesses have benefitted from the program, which was extended through May 1 while a permanent program is in the works.
Three environmental groups will have a seat at the table in a lawsuit over whether Millennium can get state clearance to build a dock for its $680 million Longview coal terminal.

Cowlitz County Superior Court Judge Stephen Warning approved of the groups request to formally join the lawsuit as intervenors in support of the state Department of Natural Resources.

Warnings decision Wednesday means that Columbia Riverkeeper, the Washington Environmental Council and the Sierra Club will now be listed as parties in the case who can file briefs, motions, appeals and other actions.

Depending on your point of view, the ruling gives the conservation groups another means to delay the project or gives them an important role in influencing the outcome of what could be a decisive legal dispute.

Warning on Wednesday did not rule on the substance of the case: Did DNR act legally when it denied Millennium Bulk Terminals request to sublease state aquatic lands from Northwest Alloys?

Millennium wants to build a second dock at the Columbia River site, the former location of the Reynolds Metals Co. aluminum plant.

Former state Lands Commissioner Peter Goldmark rejected the sublease shortly before leaving office in January. Goldmark argued that Northwest Alloys and Millennium failed to provide enough information about Millenniums finances and he questioned Millenniums financial viability in light of declining coal markets and coal company bankruptcies. DNR contends that it can consider those matters under its lease with Northwest Alloys.

Millennium and Northwest Alloys argued that they have provided the department with ample information about the companies finances, and they challenged DNRs decision in a lawsuit filed Feb.2.

Attorneys for the companies framed the lawsuit as a contract dispute involving just them and the DNR.

They argued that Columbia Riverkeeper shouldnt be listed a party in the court case because it isnt a party in the lease. And because Goldmarks decision did not deal with environmental issues, they argued that the environmental groups did not have a relevant reason to be involved.

This is a very narrow dispute that is solely about the right of the contract land. At the end of the day Riverkeeper is not a party in that contract, said Tim Hobbs, attorney for Millennium.

But Kristen Boyles, an attorney from Earthjustice who represented the environmental groups, said the case was broader than a contract dispute because it has to do with DNRs role as a government agency managing public lands.

In a legal brief, Earthjustice argued that DNR is a state agency with broad goals and cannot exclusively prioritize protection of the Columbia River from fossil transportation projects. The agency therefore cannot represent Riverkeepers specific interests in the project, the brief said.

In approving their intervenor status, Judge Warning agreed that DNR couldnt adequately represent the environmental groups interests.

Goldmarks letter denying the sublease only really mentions the environment in passing, Warning said, but obviously the intervenors interest is to bring those environmental issues front and center.

However, Warning added an asterisk to his decision.

He said hes not sure he will consider any issues other than those Goldmark cited in his letter denying the sublease.

After the Wednesdays hearings, Millennium president and CEO Bill Chapman seemed unfazed.

This doesnt affect the rights of Northwest Alloys and Millennium. Now that we decided who gets to be in the room, we can proceed to the merits of the case, Chapman said.

The coal dock, which would employ about 135 permanent workers and 1,000 construction workers, has been hotly debated on environmental grounds. Millennium started the permit process five years ago, and the lengthy review period has prompted complaints that decisions about industrial proposals should be made more quickly. A final state/county environmental study of the proposal is due out at the end of April.
IANS

India has become a net exporter of electricity for the first time during the eleven months (April-February) of the current fiscal, the government said on Wednesday. "As per Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the designated authority of government of India for cross border trade of electricity, first time India has turned around from a net importer of electricity to net exporter of electricity," a Power Ministry statement said here.

"During the current year 2016-17 (April to February 2017), India has exported around 5,798 million units (MU) to Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar, which is 213 MU more than the import of around 5,585 MU from Bhutan," it said. "Export to Nepal and Bangladesh increased 2.5 and 2.8 times respectively in the last three years," it added.

According to the statement, ever since the cross border trade of electricity started in the mid-1980s, India has been importing power from Bhutan and marginally exporting to Nepal. On an average, Bhutan has been supplying around 5,000-5,500 MU to India, it said. India had also been exporting around 190 MW power to Nepal over 12 cross border interconnections.

The export of power to Nepal further increased by around 145 MW with the commissioning of Muzaffarpur (India)-Dhalkhebar (Nepal) 400kV line, the statement added. India expects the export of power to Nepal to increase by around 145 MW shortly over the 132 kV Katiya (Bihar)-Kusaha (Nepal) and 132 kV Raxaul (Bihar)-Parwanipur (Nepal) links.

The ministry said that at present, around 600 MW power is being exported to Bangladesh. A few more cross border links with neighbouring countries are in the pipeline which would further increase export of power, it added.
IANS

Chinese smart phone maker Oppo on Wednesday said it has sacked an employee who is accused of tearing up an Indian national flag and throwing it into the dustbin at a company office in Noida, a day after the incident kicked up a furore.

In a statement, Oppo India said: "Based on the recent incident and after thorough investigation with the concerned authorities, we have found that a worker discarded the Indian Flag from the table during regular external material check. OPPO India regrets this unfortunate incident and reaffirms that this is an individual's behavior that in no way represents our company's position. We have ZERO tolerance for such matters and have taken strict action in terminating the individual and continue working very closely with the authorities on the matter."

It said that Oppo has deep respect for India and its culture and the company continues to obey the applicable laws and regulations in India and will not tolerate any misconduct. The company saw massive protests over the action by Chinese official Suhahu, who is a production manager in the company's Noida Sector 63 office. Protests started outside the company's office on Monday evening after Suhahu allegedly tore a poster with a picture of the Indian national flag which was pasted on a wall of the company's Noida Sector 63 office.

The flag was put up on the wall on January 26, when the company celebrated Republic Day. Hundreds of workers on Tuesday assembled and protested outside the company office against the company management for disrespecting the national flag, demanded suspension and strict police action against Suhahu. The area was cleared after senior officers of the district administration intervened.

Police registered a case for showing disrespect to the national flag, based on a complaint filed by the company employees against Suhahu. Superintendent of Police (City) Dinesh Yadav told IANS that the employees were already sore over their grievances not being addressed by the executives, such as defaulting on overtime payment, violation of labour laws, security and other issues. He said the police on Wednesday examined the CCTV of the production house and company on the incident.

Senior officials, including Yadav, District Magistrate N.P. Singh as well as the Labour Commissioner held a meeting with the Oppo executives. Earlier, China said it expected that the rights of the Chinese companies as well as the employees would be protected in India. Talking to reporters in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang said the Chinese government expects Chinese firms to follow local laws and respect local practices and customs.

Lu also said the Chinese company was in touch with the police. He said the Chinese government hoped the issue would be resolved.
Standard Chartered inaugurates flagship branch in Ctg

Abrar A. Anwar, CEO, Standard Chartered Bangladesh, formally inaugurated Standard Chartered East Nasirabad Branch by cutting ribbon yesterday.

Chittagong Bureau :

Standard Chartered Bank has inaugurated its new Chittagong flagship branch at 1 Shahid Abdul Halim Road, East Nasirabad,Chittagong recently.

Abrar A. Anwar, CEO, Standard Chartered Bangladehsh, formally Inaugurated the Branch by cutting ribbon and said, "Chittagong, our historic base and an important part of our heritage, has always been a vital element of our presence in Bangladesh. It has been an honour for us to be a part of the growth story of the port-city, and watch it flourish into a power-house in regional trade.

This investment and inauguration of the state of art Branch is yet another testimony of the Bank's unstinting commitment to the clients and customers of Bangladesh and continued confidence in the growth prospects of this exciting country."

"Since the establishment of our first branch at Sadarghat, Chittagong 112 years ago, it has been a privilege for Standard Chartered Bank to be a partner in progress to the nation, serving generations of our customers and clients," he added.

The ceremony was attended by valued clients, regulatory stakeholders, and members of the civil society. Among those in attendance were Alhaj Sufi Mizanur Rahman, Chairman, PHP Family; Wahid Malek, Managing Editor, Dainik Azadi; Jasim U Ahmed, Managing Editor, Dainik Purbokone, Meah Mohammad Abdur Rahim, Chairman, Chittagong Club Ltd, Mirza Salman Ispahani, Managing Director, M M Ispahani Ltd; Abul Bashar Chowdhury, Chairman, BSM Group; Mr. Alihussein Akbarali, Chairman BSRM Group; Mr. A.Q.I. Chowdhury, Managing Director, JF Bangladesh, Adil Husain and Mr. Mufakhharul Islam Khasru.

Senior officials from Standard Chartered Bangladesh, including Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Country Head of Global Banking, and Aditya Mandloi, Head of Retail Banking, also attended the ceremony.
Independence Day celebration at academia

Campus Report :



DIU



The students of Daffodil International University (DIU) celebrated 47th Independence and National Day 2017 with great enthusiasm at its campus. A discussion meeting titled "Attainment of Independence through Liberation War" was held on Auditorium 71 of the university at main campus.

Hamidul Haque Khan, Treasurer, DIU was the chief guest at the discussion meeting. Presided over by Prof Dr AMM Hamidur Rahman, Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, the discussion meeting was addressed by Mohsin Reza, Associate Professor and Head, Department of English, Sheikh Mohammad Shafiul Islam, Associate Professor, Dr Toufiq E Elahi, Assistant Professor of Department of Journalism and Mass Communication and Mohaimen Faruq, Adjunct Faculty of DIU.



ULAB



University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) celebrated Independence Day on Tuesday at its own campus in the city. ULAB celebrated this day with a discussion and cultural program.

Dr MA Hasan, Researcher, Liberation War and Genocide, was the chief guest. The program started with songs by ULAB Shangskriti Sangsad. ULAB students also recited poetry in the ceremony. Dr Hasan and ULAB Acting Vice Chancellor Prof Imran Rahman handed over crests to the winners of a Wall Magazine Competition which was held in the ULAB campus on 21-23 March where fourteen clubs participated. Winning first, second and third clubs are respectively ULAB Film Club, ULAB Literary Society and ULAB Electronics club.

Dr Hasan define genocide as how many were killed- exact time and place, who were they and how they were killed also there has to have some scientific clarifications like forensic information regarding the killing.



EU



Eastern University (EU) celebrated Independence Day on Tuesday in the EU Seminar Hall. Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, Media Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister was present in the program as chief guest.

The program was chaired by Prof Dr Abdur Rab, Vice Chancellor of EU. At the event Prof Dr Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Pro Vice Chancellor; Deans; Chairs; faculty members and officials along with a large number of students were present.

Pro Vice Chancellor of EU in his welcoming speech, shared memories from his childhood during the liberation war.

Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury expressed the significance of the liberation war for Bangladeshis as a matter of pride. He said except few Bangladeshis the rest of country's people were freedom fighters during our liberation war in 1971.

The formal session of the program ended with a closing note from Prof Dr Abdur Rab, Vice chancellor of EU. He shared some of the true events of the liberation war and advised EU students' to be good citizens in order to uphold the image of the nation.



SEU



Southeast University (SEU) organized a discussion program on "98th Birth Anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Independence Day-2017" on Tuesday at University Seminar Hall.

Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, Bir Bikrom, Adviser to the Prime Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Affairs was the chief guest.

Major General Kazi Fakhruddin Ahmed, SPP, psc (Retd), Registrar delivered the welcome speech while Prof Dr ANM Meshquat Uddin, Vice Chancellor of SEU presided over the ceremony.





ITHS



International Turkish Hope School (ITHP) has commemorated the Genocide Day and celebrated the Independence Day with a colorful program on Monday. The program was honored by the presence of 9 valiant freedom fighters and among them; seven were the gallantry award holders. The following were the guests of honor in the said program: Mashrurul Haq Siddique, Bir Uttom, Shahjahan Siddique, Bir Bikrom, Dr Abul Kashem Mahbubul Alam, Bir Protik, Zahurul Haq Munshi, Bir Protik (Bar), Md. Mahbub Elahi Ranju, Bir Protik, Abdus Sobhan, Bir Protik, Ghulam Mustafa, Freedom Fighter, Maj Qamrul Hassan Bhuiyan (Retd.), Freedom Fighter. The students, parents and the faculty of ITHS received the guests of honor with a warm reception and applauses upon their entrance to the auditorium; this was truly a memorable and historic moment for ITHS. The students of ITHS have performed songs, dances, poem recitations and documentary in order to show their respects to the country and especially to the freedom fighters, prior to the session held by the guests of honor.


BUET Alumni to accord reception to Prof Jamilur



Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Alumni (BUETA) will accord a reception today to its president Prof. Dr. Jamilur Reza Choudhury for getting 'Ekushey Padak-2017'.

A prominent educationist, researcher and civil engineer, Dr. Jamilur Reza got the prestigious award for his outstanding contribution to country's science and technology.

The reception will be held at BUET Central Auditorium in the city in the afternoon. BUET Vice-Chancellor and BUETA Chief Patron Professor Dr. Saiful Islam will deliver the welcome speech at the function.

Mahfuz Anam, Advocate Shahdeen Malik, Professor Iqbal Mahmud and Engineer Khondoker Mosharraf Hossain will address the function, among others.

A documentary on Jamilur Raze's life and works made by Shakur Majid will be screened in the function.

Later, there will be a cultural function on this occasion.
Save river embankments in city edge from land grabbers

THE New Nation reported on Thursday that powerful land grabbers have occupied the embankment of Buriganga River from Hazaribagh to Babubazar in the Southwestern edge of the city raising new structures and narrowing roads for movement of pedestrians and vehicles. It is true that concerned government agencies conduct eviction drives time to time, but grabbers put in place new structures again with the help of muggers under the shelter of local political leaders. We are appalled by the fact that these people are repeatedly occupying public land and holding the occupation on the nose of the law enforcers who are mysteriously accepting such illegal acts. There is no secret that they are misusing power and allowing breach of law.



The High Court in 2009 directed the government to take appropriate steps to stop encroachment, earth-filling and construction of illegal structures on the embankments of Buriganga River and three other rivers around Dhaka City. But land grabbing has not stopped in absence of proper enforcement of law and punishment of the offenders.



The Dhaka South City Corporation has vowed to evict the pathways from illegal land grabbers but pressure from local political goons is reportedly mounting to suspend the plan. The embankment on the bank of River Buriganga from Hazaribagh to Gabtoli was built in the 1990s to protect the capital from river erosion. But it is in big danger now. In 2002, Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) built a road on the embankment and later in 2008 it was handed over to the Roads and Highways Department. But encroachers have built houses, even hospitals and CNG stations in the area using public land.



They built saw-mills, brick kilns, business establishments and auto-mobile workshops. The riverside road works as easy connection with other local roads but illegal occupants have made the road unusable for commuters and walkers. At least 20 feet free space was supposed to be left on both sides of the embankment. But influential people with support from powerful local leaders and corrupt officials allowed massive land grabbing even occupying water bodies. It is a surprise how a powerful business house has set up a modern hospital occupying land in the riverbank blocking the water flow



The BIWTA, which is the concerned agency of the government to protect rivers had demolished during the past interim government over 3,200 illegal structures along the embankment of Buriganga and 800 others on the bank of Shitalakkhya. The interim government also reclaimed four city canals but structures returned again and canals not traceable.



In our view as land is precious in and around the city and only effective enforcement of law can save public properties. It must be enforced at any cost without being swayed by influence of vested interest quarters.
Relocate tanneries to Savar by April 6

Court Correspondent :

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court yesterday (Thursday) ordered the tannery owners to relocate their tanneries from Hazaribagh to Savar by April 6.

A three-member Bench of the Appellate Division, headed by Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha, passed the order after hearing on a petition filed by the tannery owners seeking a stay on the High Court order.

Besides, the apex court fixed April 9 for hearing petition on the fines which the tannery owners did not pay.

The High Court Division on Wednesday rejected a petition of the tannery owners seeking permission to continue their activities at Hazaribagh in the capital till Eid-ul-Azha.

On March 2, a Bench of High Court directed 154 tannery owners to pay Tk 30.65 crore fine for not relocating their factories to the Tannery Estate in Savar within the stipulated time.

On March 1, the Industries Secretary submitted a list of 154 errant tannery owners who did not pay Tk 10,000 fine per day despite the court's previous directives.

Earlier, on February 7, the Industries Secretary appeared in the court to explain his failure to collect Tk 10,000 per day from the tannery owners. On that day, the HC directed him to submit the list of the errant tannery owners.

On July 18 last year, the High Court ordered each of the 154 tannery owners of Hazaribagh to pay the Government Tk 10,000 per day as fine for not relocating their factories to the Tannery Estate in Savar. The court also ordered the government to donate 50 percent of the fine to the National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh.

On January 10 last year, the Industries Secretary submitted a report before the court mentioning that 150 companies paid Tk 10,000 each in August last while four paid the fine for September while three others for October last.

As the Secretary failed to do his duties for collecting the fine, lawyer Manzill Murshid filed a petition seeking a summon order against the Secretary to give the explanation.

In 2001, the High Court passed an order for relocating the tannery industries from Hazaribagh of the capital. The Government extended the relocation deadline several times, in response to requests from the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), the implementing agency of the tannery estate project.
3 killed, 2 missing as trawler capsizes

Staff Reporter :

Three people died and about two others went missing after their boat capsized in the River Meghna near Sonargaon upazila in Narayanganj district on Thursday afternoon.

The name of the victims could not be identified immediately.

A Motlob upazila bound passenger trawler was upset by a wave in the Char Kishoreganj area. The trawler passengers were going to attend 'Urs' at Beltoli in Motlob of Chandpur district.

However, most of the passengers were rescued with the help of local people. Shah Alam, In-Charge of Narayanganj Port Police said, the trawler was rescued in the evening.

He said police along with Fire Service and Coast Guard were searching for the missing passengers in the river.
BNP`s Sakku reelected Comilla City Mayor

Staff Reporter :

Monirul Haque Sakku, a BNP-led 20-party alliance supported mayoral candidate won the Comilla City Corporation polls for the second straight term on Thursday defeating his rival Awami League's Anjuman Sultana Sima with a margin of 11,085 votes, according to unofficial results announced by the returning officer (RO).



Of the 101 polling stations out of total 103, Sakku bagged 68,948 votes while his rival Sima polled 57,863 in the second election to Comilla City Corporation.



Returning officer Rakibuddin Mandal declared the unofficial results of 101 polling stations at night on the day as the voting at two polling stations was postponed.



However, the re-polling will not be required anymore in the two polling stations as the margin between the two mayoral candidates is much higher than the number of voters under the two centres. The total number of voters in the two polling stations is 5,255.



Rakibuddin said they will declare Sakku unofficially elected on Friday at 11am at his office.



He called upon the winning mayoral and councillor candidates and their supporters not to bring out any victory rally in the city as it goes against the election code of conduct.



The voting in Comilla City was held from 8am to 4pm amid a festive mood with the huge voter turnout at almost all the polling stations barring a few stray incidents.



Sima cast her ballot at Comilla Modern School Polling Station at 8:50am while Sakku at Hochcha Mia High School polling station around 9:30am.



The maiden election to Comilla City Corporation was held in a non-partisan manner on January 5, 2012 when BNP-backed Sakku was elected the first city mayor defeating AL-supported mayoral candidate Afzal Khan, also Sima's father, with a margin of some 30,000 votes.



Sakku polled 65,577 votes while his rival Afzal bagged 36,471 votes in the 2012 election.



This year two other mayoral candidates-Md Mamunur Rashid with 'Table Clock' symbol (independent) and Shirin Akter with 'Star' symbol (JSD)- were also there in the race as the election to the mayoral post held along the political party line unlikely the ones of councillors' and reserved seats.



A total of 114 candidates were there in the race for 27 general councillor posts, while 41 women were contesting the election for nine reserved seats.



Rejecting BNP's allegations of rigging, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), KM Nurul Huda on Thursday claimed that his commission was '100 percent successful' in earning public trust by holding fair elections to the Comilla City Corporation.



The CEC said the election was held in a peaceful atmosphere except one or two stray incidents on the day.



However, in his reaction last night, Sakku thanked the city people for electing him for another five years.



"People irrespective of their political affiliation elected me. I will work taking everybody on board."



BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged that, "After midday voting, the Awami League activists took control of polling stations and went on a rigging frenzy."
`Operation Hit Back` ends

7-8 bodies found at Nasirpur den: Fresh assaults on militant at Borohat and Comilla today

Staff Reporter :

Around seven to eight suspected militants, including women and children, have reportedly been killed themselves by blasting bombs during the two-day 'Operation Hit Back', carried out by Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit at Nasirpur hideout in Moulvibazar Sadar upazila.



A similar operation will be conducted today (Friday) morning in another militant den which was cordoned off by law enforcers at Borohat of Moulvibazar Municipality area on Wednesday, said our Moulvibazar correspondent quoting police sources.



"Seven to eight bodies scattered by explosions were found inside Nasirpur militant hideout," Chief of Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) Chief Monirul Islam said this while briefing journalists at Khalilpur union Complex Bhaban adjacent to the spot after ending of the two-day 'Operation Hit Back' on Thursday afternoon.



Monirul added: "We entered the building and found limbs of bodies scattered. It seemed to us that there may be seven to eight bodies. There were limbs of bodies of man, woman and teenage." "When the militants anticipate that there was no scope to flee away, they killed themselves by blasting bombs," he said. Monirul also said another militant den at Borohat of Moulvibazar Municipality area was also cordoned off. After completing the preparation, the operation would be launched there Friday morning, he added.



"We're primarily sure the slain militants are the members of Neo JMB and they had communication with the militants who were killed at Atia Mahal in Sylhet," the CTTC Chief added.



Replying to a query, Monirul said they found the militant den while investigating the double blast incident that took place near Atia Mahal in Sylhet, another militant den.



The briefing was arranged after the conclusion of the "Operation Hit Back" carried out by Special Weapon and Tactic Team (SWAT) and CTTC members there since Wednesday afternoon. "Several drones were used for identifying grenades and explosive in the den before conducting raid," the CTTC Chief said. Earlier in the afternoon, a bomb disposal team entered the den around 4:00pm and found the bodies. They entered the hideout after disposing grenades and bombs.



Monirul Islam said that it was difficult to ascertain the exact number of dead as many of the bodies have been torn to pieces.



Moulvibazar Assistant Superintendent of Police Roshunuzzaman Siddiqqui said that both the raids have been code-named as 'Operation Hit Back'.



Sylhet Range DIG Kamrul Ahsan said that the Nasirpur hideout has been brought under control of the SWAT team.



SWAT will also begin operations at the Borohat den today (Friday) morning, as they were impeded by low visibility. The area is still cordoned off.



Meanwhile, Police have collected DNA samples from the mother of militant Musa, a New JMB leader who is suspected to have been killed in 'Operation Twilight' in Sylhet, said Kotwali Police OC Sohel Ahmed.



He said they collected the samples on Thursday afternoon at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital.

In Comilla, SWAT team will launch attach in a den today (Friday) which was besieged by law enforcers at Gondhomoti in Kotbari of South Comilla on Wednesday afternoon, said Superintendent of Police of Comilla Shah Abid Hossain.
Trader shot dead in city

UNB, Dhaka :

A trader was gunned down by a group of miscreants at Gandaria in the city on Thursday noon.

Witnesses said a group of three-four masked miscreants shot M Jakir Hossain, 30, son of Enadul Haque of Munshiganj district, in front of his shop at

Gandaria around 1pm, leaving him injured.

Later, he was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital when doctors declared him dead around 1:55 pm, said sub-inspector Bacchu Miah, in-charge of Dhaka Medical College Hospital police camp.

However, the motive behind the murder is yet to be known.
MP Rana denied bail

UNB, Dhaka :

The High Court on Thursday turned down a bail petition of Awami League MP Amanur Rahman Khan Rana in freedom fighter Faruk Ahmed murder case.

A two-member HC bench comprising Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice Razik-Al-Jalil rejected the petition considering that it was not properly palced. Rana is a charge-sheeted accused in the case.

When Rana appeared before Tangail Additional District and Session's Judge court ending his 22-month fugitive run on September 18 last, the court sent him to jail.

Faruk Ahmed, a senior AL leader and a freedom fighter, was shot dead in the district town on January 18, 2013.

In February 2016, detectives pressed charges against 14 people, including the ruling party MP and his three brothers, in the Faruk murder case.




Voters are in long queue to cast their votes in Comilla City Corporation election. This photo was taken from Comilla Government City College Centre on Thursday.
Japan to provide emergency aid for Rohingyas in BD

UNB, Dhaka :

The government of Japan has decided to extend emergency grant aid of $ 2 million to newly arrived displaced persons in Bangladesh who were affected by "destabilized" situation in northern Rakhine State, Myanmar.

This emergency grant, as decided on March 28, is to provide humanitarian assistances such as provision of shelter, non-food items, health services, water and sanitation, and protection,

Japanese Embassy in Dhaka said on Thursday.

These assistances will be provided through the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in order to support the newly arrived displaced persons.




Ershad`s graft case hearing on April 3

BSS, Dhaka :

The High Court yesterday set April 3 for holding hearing on three appeals in a 26-year-old graft case against Jatiya Party Chairman Hussain Muhammad Ershad.

A High Court division bench comprising Justice Md Ruhul Quddus and Justice Bhishmadev Chakrabortty set the date after accepting a petition of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to become party in two appeals of the state.

Of the three appeals, one was filed by the former president, challenging 1992 order of Dhaka Special Judge Court, sentencing him to three-year imprisonment.

The other two appeals were filed by the state to increase his jail term from three-year.

"The three separate appeals were filed following a single order. So we need to hear the three appeals concurrently," the High Court had said earlier. The now-defunct Anti-Corruption Bureau on January 8, 1991, filed the case against the former president for not depositing to state exchequer the gifts he had received as the head of state.

The graft body had accused him of embezzling more than Taka 1.90 crore.




Banks have to know they are not just loan givers

Editorial Desk :

The total amount of default loans with our public banks now reportedly stands at Tk 63,300 crore till the end of June last year and it is even getting bigger. In spite of repeated rescheduling of many unrecovered big loans, chances are slim that much of it can't be recovered. In the face of such frightening financial scenario when the media is abuzz with alleged banking scams - the burning question often arises how do the bad loans got so easily sanctioned? And why the banking mechanism to recover them is not working?

Indisputably true, loan seekers most of the time misuses or abuses the loan money either by spending on keeping them in different saving schemes or by laundering abroad unlawfully but then again halting the industrial sector by shutting industrial enterprises necessarily doesn't ensure the recovery of bad loan either. Taking full advantage of the situation, a number of private companies now have called for more new loans on top of previous unpaid ones. They have even indirectly threatened to close their business if the new loan requests were not realized. We are missing the close integration of banks with our businesses too.

However, besides failing to recover bad loans, rescheduling of loans on political consideration and inefficient and corrupt bank management as we are witnessing now has made the sector a victim of utmost lawlessness.

It is right in here, where we observe the unholy nexus of organized crime by both lender and the loan takers. Not only the numerable directors, managers and politically appointed post holders undetectably help dubious loan applicants to apply and get the loans sanctioned, they also deliberately show them the banking loopholes how to get away with it. Unquestionably, the defaulters' accomplices in banks don't do it for free. The root cause of the massive financial corruption as far within the inner circles of state-owned banks, the need of the minute is to address it right away.

In recent times, Hallmark and Bismillah Group's financial scams, which started mainly at state-owned commercial banks, have demonstrated cracks in the management of these banks. From the Board of Directors to the management down to lower level officials, these banks have not shown any sign of good governance, transparency and accountability.

More pointedly, far way back in 2012, the virtually unknown Hallmark Group at that time was granted more than 3.5 thousand crore loan from Sonali Bank. The disbursement raised questions about its legality. It was soon found that the company didn't deserve the loan, had no adequate collateral while the owner had little credibility, yet the company obtained massive loans that the bank can't legally lend. It was later found that not only the bank manager, but also the board of management were involved which later resulted in the biggest loan scam in banking history.

So on the topic of bad loans - besides defaulters we also see how the lending authorities are also closely involved directly or indirectly in financial crimes.

Also, a relatively less reported phenomenon is the relaxed approach to recovery of loans at times bordering on an over-zealous approach to write off loans of public banks by powerful quarters. That said - quite often it has been alleged how the top-brass or Board of Directors of public banks have often been involved in arranging loans for dubious applicants despite knowing that chances of recovery are slim.

It thus becomes a scenario where the savior becomes the predator. In this regard, high powered monitoring officer to oversee violation of the Legal Advisor's advice and resolution of the Board and vigilance of Bangladesh Bank authorities can actually ensure that defaulters would not get their way. We have so far witnessed no such preventable measure adopted in this regard.

Banking sector is one among the most corrupt sectors. But nobody is interested in saving the banking sector for honest financing of economic development.


Art exhibition on `Herstory` ends

Couple artistes Nasim Ahmed and Naima Haque taking part in the discussion and Dr Prof Mehtab Khanom, moderated the programme (top) at the closing ceremony of a painting exhibition held at Midas Centre in the city\'s Dhanmondi area on Thursday under the ba

Staff Reporter :

The 20-day long art exhibition titled "HERSTORY: Women Trailblazers" organised by Enegis Power Corporation Limited ended in the city on Thursday evening with a call for ensuring women's participation in all development activities of the country.

The exhibition was dedicated to female leadership in Bangladesh over the past century, held at MIDAS centre in city's Dhanmondi area.

Professor Dr. Mehtab Khanam moderated the closing ceremony titled 'Married to the job: Artist couples' yesterday.

Artist Naima Hoque and Nasim Ahmed Nadvi took part in the discussion on the lives of couple and their professional experience.

Zareen Mahmud Hosein, Director of Energis Power Corporation Limited and producer of the exhibition conducted the closing ceremony.

Architect Shamsul Wares and artist Maleka Pervin expressed their view on the achievement of the country's women artists in different sectors.

Talking with The New Nation, the exhibition curator Keterina Don said that the exhibition HERSTORY is based on the lives and teachings of the outstanding women who in their own unique capability had contributed to the building of an egalitarian society and the development of women's rights in the independent Bangladesh.

HERSTORY brings together 19 artists across three living generation to reflect the lives of these female icons who had left the world, but continue to inspire and live on, she said.

Energis Limited is the sister concern of Shasha Denims Limited is a listed company with the country's Stock Exchange.

Energis as part of its social responsibility has long been working for uplift capability of the country's industry, culture, education and infrastructure.




U.S. District Judge Patricia Mindaldi, who was yanked from the trial of Iberia Parish Sheriff Louis Ackal, has been away on an extended leave of absence since late January.

U.S. District Judge Patricia Rinaldi



A suit citing mental incapacity was filed in mid-March seeking to prevent U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi from managing her financial affairs, according to report today in The (Lake Charles) American Press. Filed by U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Kay, who works under Minaldi in the Western District of Louisiana, the so-called notice of interdiction would assign to Minaldi a curator to manage her estate and other finances. The Lake Charles daily reports that a judge on Friday granted Minaldi an exception because she wasnt served with the suit in a timely manner.

Minaldis potential mental-health issues surfaced last October when she was abruptly removed from presiding over the federal trial of Iberia Parish Sheriff Louis Ackal. Chief Judge Dee Drell of the Western District of Louisiana yanked Minaldi from the case without explanation; Ackals legal team filed suit to have her reinstated, but a panel of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Drells decision. Drell later transferred nearly 30 trials from Minaldi to other judges, and in late January the clerk of court for the Western District announced that Minaldi was surrendering a slew of cases and would take a medical leave of absence for unspecified reasons.

The American Press was unable to obtain much information from whats on file with the district court where the suit was filed because most of it was sealed. The paper vows in todays report to file a motion seeking to have the suit unsealed.

Read more here.
Louisiana's governor and top public schools leader are at odds over how to redesign state education policies, in areas like school grading and standardized testing, to comply with a federal education law.

The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has been placed in the middle of that dispute between Gov. John Bel Edwards and Superintendent of Education John White. On Wednesday, the board known as BESE considers whether to submit White's plan to the federal government five months earlier and in a different form than Edwards wants.

At issue is a proposal required by the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, which is reviving old feuds between Edwards and the state education superintendent he once hoped to force out of the job. The 2015 law requires states to spell out how they'll address school ratings, student report cards and other ways to spot and help troubled schools.

White's plan would change the way student performance is measured in Louisiana, along with the method for calculating public school letter grades. Standardized testing requirements would be reworked, and the measuring stick for school academics would get tougher.

Edwards called it an "incomplete vision for Louisiana."

The governor said the plan needs more debate with teachers, principals, superintendents, school boards, parents and others before submitting to the federal government. He said it includes too much required testing and too little detail about how school performance will be judged. He also raised concerns about financing changes.

"The future of Louisiana's education system cannot be rushed. If there is even one educator or parent who believes their voice has not been heard, should we not take more time to ensure they will be?" Edwards asked in a letter to White outlining his concerns.

White wants BESE to send the outline to federal officials next month, saying that would set up rollout of the changes starting in the 2017-18 school year. Edwards wants the education board to delay submission until mid-September, saying that will give Louisiana more time to work on the plan and put it in line with 34 other states.

The education superintendent rejected suggestions there's been too little input, saying the education department has held 136 meetings on the plan over the last nine months. He said submission to the federal government doesn't end the conversation, because the rules won't be final until the summer.

"There is a great deal of time for further dialogue," White said in a statement.

He suggested that Edwards was trying to stall the setting of higher expectations for Louisiana's 700,000 public school students.

"Political processes have impeded raising the bar in evaluating the performance of Louisiana's schools. This must come to an end. We cannot delay any longer," White said.

The Louisiana School Boards Association and local superintendents support Edwards' push for the five-month delay.
Media organization seeks access to 2004, 2005 and 2006 lawsuits filed against the Third Circuit Court of Appeal candidate by her former fiance, John W. Houghtaling II.

This week The Independent filed a public records lawsuit in New Orleans, seeking access to three sealed cases  from 2004, 2005 and 2006  in which Third Circuit Court of Appeal candidate Candyce Gagnard Perret was sued by her former fiance, high-profile New Orleans plaintiffs attorney John W. Houghtaling II.

The INDs suit, sent by FedEx on March 29, names a sole defendant, Orleans Parish Civil District Court Dale N. Atkins.

The papers attempts to access the three lawsuits last week via a separate motion to unseal the pleadings was met with opposition from both Houghtaling (pronounced hO - tail - ling) and Perret, hers outlined in this nine-page document. Perret is now married to Lafayette businessman Hunter Perret, whose company, Louisiana Specialty Institute, is under federal investigation, multiple attorneys interviewed by the FBI tell The IND.

Perret faces Susan Theall in the April 29 runoff for the Division B seat encompassing Acadia, Allen, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin and Vermilion parishes. Both Republican women are vying to replace Jimmy Genovese, who was elected to the Louisiana Supreme Court in November.

New Orleans attorneys James Williams (Houghtalings former law partner) and Keith Doley appeared in court March 23 on behalf of both Houghtaling and Perret. That initial legal action had followed IND attorney Gary McGoffins March 17 request for the three case files from the Orleans Parish Civil District Courts clerk, which denied the request saying that the entirety of each case had been sealed by order of the three different judges who heard them.

However, after researching the exceptions filed by Houghtaling and Perret  on March 23, two of the judges appeared to agree with Houghtaling and Perret that this news organization should intervene as a party in those cases, which would be impossible since the cases are closed  The IND concluded that the issue is a public records matter, hence the change of legal strategy. The IND is seeking the entire case files, including the petitions, answers, exceptions, motions, oppositions and the orders or judgments granted.

Atkins, as clerk, is the legal custodian of the three suits and by law has the burden of proving that the documents and evidence this news organization is seeking are not public records. The constitution is clear that all courts should be open. ... No person shall be denied the right to observe the deliberations of public bodies and examine public documents, except in cases established by law.

The INDs suit cites case law from Copeland v Copeland, in which The Times-Picayune prevailed in its effort to unseal the divorce proceedings of the late Al Copeland:

Considering the strong constitutional bias in favor of open access by the public to court proceedings, we find the trial courts blanket order sealing the entire record in this case to be overbroad. Although there may be some justification for sealing certain sensitive evidence in a proceeding, the parties have the burden of making a specific showing that their privacy interests outweigh the publics constitutional right of access to the record. The trial court, should it grant such relief, must ensure that its order is narrowly tailored to cause the least interference possible with the right of public access.

The IND believes there is important information about this controversial candidate in these lawsuits; voters have a constitutional right to access that information before deciding who should represent them on the appellate court.

We base our assumption in large part on what we already know about the 2005 suit, in which we  and experts we have consulted  can find no legal privacy protections that outweigh the publics right to know.

In 2005 attorney John Houghtaling asked the court for a TRO against Candyce Gagnard Perret, claiming she was stalking, harassing, intimidating and defaming him and his new girlfriend.

Within hours of McGoffin making his March 17 in-person request to the clerks office for the lawsuits, The IND received from a source the July 2005 petition Houghtaling filed against Perret. In it, he asks the court for a restraining order, spelling out in detail numerous instances of Perret stalking, harassing, intimidating and defaming him and his new girlfriend after he and Perret split up. That breakup came only a few months after Perrets 2004 arrest for indecent exposure on a beach in Seaside, Fla., in which she falsely claimed, according to court documents, that she was an assistant district attorney.

Perret and her campaign declined to respond to The INDs questions about the 2005 lawsuit, choosing instead to let Houghtaling do the talking. [It] was sealed because it was filed in the heat of the romantic moment and shortly after its filing, I deemed the filing inappropriate, he responded to us in a written statement. His response begs the question: Why then did he file suit against her on two other occasions?

The IND has filed a public records lawsuit against Orleans Parish Clerk of Civil District Court Dale Atkins, seeking to unseal three cases involving Third Circuit Court of Appeal candidate Candyce Gagnard Perret. (Click image to read suit.)

It was their decision to air their differences in a public forum and in doing so rendered the documentation of that conflict to be public records, The IND writes in its petition.

The IND is requesting a preferential hearing at the earliest date possible, offering that an in camera inspection by the court will protect any legitimate privacy interests.
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CARBONDALE  Proposed legislation to end cannabis prohibition throughout the state is in keeping with the publics changing attitudes toward the drug, but its unlikely that downstate lawmakers will support legalization anytime soon, according to a public policy expert.

The latest poll from Southern Illinois University Carbondales Paul Simon Public Policy Institute revealed that the vast majority of Illinois voters support marijuana decriminalization and legalization for recreational use.

The poll was released Monday, just days after State Rep. Kelly Cassidy and State Senator Heather Steans introduced identical pieces of marijuana legalization legislation into both chambers of the General Assembly.

Compared to a poll conducted on the same subject in March 2016, the new findings reflect a shift in public sentiment, said Paul Simon Public Policy Institute Interim Director Jak Tichenor.

This years poll shows a 21 percent increase in the number of people who approve of recreational use, Tichenor said.

The 2017 poll, conducted March 4-11, added language about regulating and taxing recreational marijuana like alcohol and tobacco products.

Interestingly, that qualification seems to make the prospect of marijuana legalization more palatable to the public, Tichenor said.

When people look at it like taxing alcohol and cigarettes, the so-called sin taxes, yeah, its probably a pretty easy mark. But its certainly an issue thats tougher, though, than alcohol and tobacco products, because of the moral implications that have been attached to that issue for so long, he said.

Sixty-six percent of voters said they support or strongly support legalization of recreational marijuana if it is taxed and regulated like alcohol; just 31 percent of voters oppose or strongly oppose, and 3 percent answered otherwise.

The polls findings, based on a sample of 1,000 randomly selected registered voters, are roughly in line with national trends reported by Gallup, the Pew Research Center and Quinnipiac University. The ongoing budget impasse might have played a role in changing in-state voters minds.

Some of the estimates weve seen show roughly $350 million to just under $700 million a year could be added to the states coffers if you taxed it like that. I think thats part of it, Tichenor said.

Seventy-four percent of voters support or strongly support decriminalizing marijuana where people in possession of small amounts for personal consumption would not be prosecuted but may be fined, the poll also found.

Gov. Bruce Rauner signed a law decriminalizing up to 10 grams of marijuana in 2016. Under the new law, people caught with up to 10 grams can face fines of $100 to $200 and potential municipal penalties rather than a Class B misdemeanor and potentially six months in jail and $1,500 in fines under previous law.

So on the decriminalization of it for small amounts or personal use, (public opinion is) pretty much mirroring what the laws are, or the laws are now mirroring what public opinion is, Tichenor said.

That doesnt mean the bills are going to move forward in this legislative session. Stearns said the bills were intended to jump start conversations about legalizing recreational marijuana with legislators, interest groups and the public, according to the Associated Press.

For legalization advocates, theres likely a long road ahead, Tichenor said.

In the case of something as controversial as recreational marijuana legalization, I wouldnt be surprised if it took longer for the legislature to come around to that opinion than members of the public at large, because once you get out of, say, the Chicago metropolitan area and the suburban area, theres still a lot of very conservative attitudes about marijuana and drug use, Tichenor said.

State Senator Paul Schimpf, R-Waterloo, said he was currently undecided on the issue.

"I am carefully considering both sides of the argument," Schimpf said in an emailed statement.

State Senator Dale Fowler, R-Harrisburg, said he had not yet seen the bill but was curious to receive input from local law enforcement and states attorneys before forming an opinion.

I am in support of the Medical Cannabis Pilot Program, State Rep. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, said in an SMS. I have been a longtime supporter of research in regard to medical uses. I would also support great use of hemp and hemp products. However, I do not support the use of cannabis as a recreational drug.

I think that its clearly something that more and more people are getting comfortable with, but there may be a lag on that in terms of how quickly that translates to acceptance by members of the legislature, Tichenor said.
We did a lousy job.

Doubtless, there are journalists who would disagree with that assessment of how news media performed during the 2016 campaign, but I've never met one. The consensus among those I know is that coverage of that campaign represents journalism's biggest fail since the run-up to the Iraq War.

The culprit, of course, is our handling of the unconventional candidate who became president. Among our sins: failure to take him seriously enough early enough; relying too heavily on flawed polling; spending more time covering personality than policy, providing him untold hours of free advertising on certain cable news networks, and not even requiring him to show up in person to collect it.

Perhaps most critically, we embraced a false equivalence. We behaved as if Hillary Clinton's shifting explanations for the use of a private email server  troubling though they were  were somehow as ominous and potentially consequential as Donald Trump's mendacity, crudeness, incompetence, and overall unfitness.

In our defense, though, we had never seen anything like him and had no idea how to cover him.

Going on three months into his presidency, we are still figuring it out. But there is reason to be encouraged. Or does it not seem that news media are more willing to frankly confront Trump's constant lying now than they were just a few short months ago? The whopper about Barack Obama bugging Trump Tower seems to have been the proverbial bridge too far.

Suddenly, Time magazine is out with a cover asking "Is Truth Dead?"

And when Trump's White House cites Andrew Napolitano of Fox News as a source for his ludicrous contention that the British helped Obama wiretap him, Fox admits it cannot substantiate Napolitano's claim and he is summarily disappeared from the air. Given how often in the past Fox pundits have blithely asserted the reckless and bizarre without a twitch of response from the network, this feels seismic.

That's also a good word for last week's Wall Street Journal editorial that describes Trump as clinging to the wiretap assertion "like a drunk to an empty gin bottle." That visceral image of the president of the United States would be noteworthy from any newspaper. It is especially so from a conservative paper whose editor made news just a few months ago in defending the paper's refusal to label Trump's falsehoods as "lies."

While it did not cross that self-imposed barrier, the Journal certainly left no doubt what it thinks of Trump's credibility.

If there is to be a silver lining in the historical dark cloud that is Donald Trump, it's that we might someday look back and say that he forced journalism to re-invent itself or, perhaps more accurately, to re-embrace itself, to remember what it is supposed to stand for. Maybe we'll someday say that he forced us to abandon the fantasy that there is no moral component, no human judgment, involved in reporting the news.

That's the kind of thinking under which Clinton's email troubles are treated as equivalent to Trump's grab-them-by-the-pudenda video or any of his many other epic transgressions of taste and truth. Trump has dragged journalism into a back-alley brawl, and we've been trying to fight it by the Marquess of Queensberry rules.

This era, though, will not allow us the luxury of such delusional niceties. It will require of us the guts to remember that truth matters. You see, our job is not to be anti-Trump, but, rather, anti-bovine excreta. Yes, you might say that has become a distinction without a difference.

But that is neither our fault nor our problem. It's his.
The same question should be asked of state Rep. Terri Bryant about her unnoticeable support of one of her largest constituents: Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Bryant has remained surprisingly silent on the financial chaos inflicted on SIUC and public higher education during the two-year-long-and-counting budget impasse.

To her credit, she voted for the stopgap budget that provided some relief, although by then the fiscal crisis in higher education was so bad that it was impossible to vote no. At a debate with Marsha Griffin, Bryant noted that SIU needs more state funding. But what has she done in this regard? A search on The Southerns website for Terri Bryant and Southern Illinois University yielded 26 results, none of which portrayed her as a vocal advocate for SIU to any satisfactory degree. A review of her 28 (to date) e-newsletters revealed only 7 mentioning SIU or higher education, with only 4 having to do with funding. She was also noticeably absent at a February 2016 higher education funding press event at the Stone Center.
vchal/iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) -- A Russian opposition activist who has been hospitalized twice in the last year in alleged poisonings by the Putin regime testified on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, in a Senate hearing aimed at establishing counter-Russia funding.



Vladimir Kara-Murza was active in working for a U.S. law passed in 2012 that bans visas and freezes assets of Russian officials involved in repression and corruption. He splits his time between Moscow and Washington as Vice Chairman for Open Russia, an organization that advocates democracy and human rights inside Russia.



In his testimony before the Senate committee on Wednesday, Kara-Murza said the U.S. needs to take a harsher stance against Russia and Vladimir Putin's regime.



Wednesday's hearing of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs was to make the case for a counter-Russia financial account that would help states and organizations fighting back against the Putin regime.



Kara-Murza opened his testimony by listing current issues of oppression in Russia including lack of free and fair elections, silencing independent media outlets and designating some non-profits doing work there as foreign agents or spies.



He said there are currently 100 political prisoners in Russia and, after tens of thousands of people marched through the streets in different cities across Russia over the weekend, more than 1,500 people were arrested.



Kara-Murza said he thinks the U.S. should be honest about whats happening in Russia and not "enable corrupt or abusive behavior" and "continue to engage with Russias civil society."



He said he believes Western democracies have given Putin a pass to interfere in elections because they "have not taken a principled, firm stand against Russia's actions."



The size of protests in Russia last week show that young people the country no longer trust Putin's regime, he said, calling his regime "a dead end for Russia."



Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is scheduled to visit Russia in a few weeks and Kara-Murza noted that it will be interesting to see if Tillerson meets with opposition activists, saying it is vital to maintain lines of communication outside the Kremlin and that the U.S. has to play a role in countering propaganda.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
The second decade of the First Ladys Hats and Gloves Scholarship Tea began on March 21 in Tullis Arena at the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center on the Claflin University camps.

The venue assumed a new identity as it was transformed and decorated with black and white stripes, soft white drapery and custom-made hatboxes galore. The evening was a tribute to unsung "sheroes," the traditional presentation of scholarships to deserving visionary students, tea tasting and a celebration of sisterhood.

We have come a long way from when this event began 11 years ago, said Alice Carson Tisdale, Claflin first lady, at the 11th Annual First Ladys Hats and Gloves Scholarship Tea. Tisdale is the wife of Claflin President Henry N. Tisdale. The theme of this years tea was Celebrating Sisterhood: A Shared Legacy of Public Service.

We started with 30 people who attended our first event. Now we have 550, Mrs. Tisdale said as she looked out at the mostly female audience amid the array of stylish hats of practically every size, dimension and color.

The First Ladys Hats and Glove Tea is held annually in March as part of Claflins celebration of National Womens History Month. Proceeds from the event benefit the Alice Carson Tisdale Scholarship.

Specialty teas of assorted flavors and blends, door prizes that included elegant fur pieces, flamboyant hats with eye-catching, ornate designs, and vendors with affordable luxury accessories were among the special features of the tea.

Three Claflin students were awarded $2,000 scholarships and laptop computers for winning an essay contest and for their impressive academic achievements. Pennshelia L. Griffin (Yemassee), a freshman human performance and recreation major; Melody K. Rivers (Sumter), a junior early childhood education major; and Brandi C. Taylor (Columbia), a junior biology major, were this year's recipients. The topic of the essay matched the theme for 2017 National Womens History Month: Honoring Trailblazing Women in Labor and Business.

The three laptops were donated by Emma Harvin, vice president of ASTI and president and founder of One Source Office Products, an office and technology supply company in Rockledge, Florida. She is also the wife of Moses Harvin, a member of Claflin's Board of Trustees.

Although the tea was a festive and fun-filled event, the loudest applause of the evening was heard when a check for $10,000 was presented to Dr. Iris Bomar, associate vice president for institutional advancement, on behalf of the events planning committee to support the Hats and Gloves Tea Endowed Scholarship Fund. More than $50,000 has been raised for scholarships for female scholars at Claflin.

"Claflin University recognizes that providing access to a first-rate higher education is essential to the continued progress of equity and equality for women globally," said Dr. Peggy S. Ratliff, chair of the First Lady's Hats and Gloves Scholarship Tea planning committee.

"The current student population at Claflin is 65 percent female, and several of these students are first-generation college students. Therefore, in our celebration of women, the committee decided to invest in the education of deserving young women with promise by providing scholarships to assist with their tuition at Claflin University," Ratliff said.

The First Lady's Visionary Award was established to recognize outstanding women in leadership positions who are making an influential and significant impact throughout the community and state. This year, the Orangeburg graduate chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (Beta Zeta Omega Chapter); Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. (Orangeburg Alumnae Chapter); Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. (Delta Chi Sigma Graduate Chapter); and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. (Alpha Omicron Zeta Chapter) received the award.

It is very fitting that we honor these powerful and influential sororities tonight," Mrs. Tisdale said. "These groups of women continue to light the torch for excellence in all that they do. They carry out their sorority platforms with dedication, determination, dignity, perseverance and always ... a determination to see it through ... to the very end. They are civically engaged, sponsor educational programs and provide scholarships, mentor, provide leadership forums and serve as positive role models for our youths today. They truly are visionary leaders."

Actor/songwriter Joseff McKenneth Goodwin, a 2007 Claflin graduate, performed a high-energy and soulful mixture of R&B and gospel songs. Goodwin, who was accompanied by members of Claflins Concert Choir, studied music at Claflin before moving to New York City to study music and theater training at New York University. He started his career as an opening performer for R&B/Soul sensation Dave Hollister and gospel recording artists William Murphy and Byron Cage. He also was a finalist on MTVs fourth season of P. Diddys Making the Band.
Calhoun County is seeking Community Development Block Grant funds to expand its water system.

Council approved a resolution Monday committing itself to paying 10 percent in matching funds, or about $41,000, for the grant.

The maximum you can request from CDBG grants is $10,000 per household, Assistant County Administrator Ted Felder said.

The county is seeking more than $413,000 to install waterlines for approximately 35 homes on Lady Ashley Drive off of Calhoun Road.

This is just an application process, County Administrator Lee Prickett said. We dont know if well get it or not.

Part of the process will include the county taking a survey of the area's residents to ensure they meet income guidelines and that the homes are in close proximity to existing waterlines.

Felder said the survey could take several weeks to complete.

Also in the meeting:

 Council authorized Finance Director Denise Christmas to complete the purchase of 150,000 gallons per day in wastewater capacity from the city of Cayce.

In 2013, the county agreed to purchase up to 300,000 gallons per day in sewage treatment capacity from Cayce. Mondays decision brings the county up to the full 300,000 gallons per day.

The countys contract expires on June 30, so it is looking to acquire the remaining 150,000 gpd at $5.23 per gallon per day for a total cost of $784,500.

It is already in the budget for the year.

 Dr. Bill Molnar of the Lower Savannah Council of Governments updated council on current projects and said they would begin developing a full comprehensive strategy for the area.

 Reta Westbury reported on Calhoun County Cares, an organization that collects donations of clothing, household items and furniture. The donated items are sold at the John Ford Community Center.

We give so much back to Calhoun County, Westbury said.

Last year, Calhoun County Cares raised $58,015.25 and received another $4,200 in donations.

Councilman Ken Westbury said, Were putting all that money back in the county.

Calhoun County Cares donates the money it earns to local citizens in need of assistance.

This past Thanksgiving, it served more than 300 people at the John Ford Community Center, helped 230 people in paying $150 toward their utility bills and purchased Christmas gifts for 25 children.

Reta Westbury said the children gave them a wish list and Calhoun County Cares purchased every item they wanted.

Weve done a lot and it just takes a little bit of effort for people just to clean out their closets and bring us stuff because it sells, Westbury said. It is amazing how much the little things that we throw away can mean so much to not only the county but to those people who receive it.

 Felder reported that the county will have a litter cleanup day on Saturday, May 13, from 8 to 11 a.m.

There are four meeting locations: the St. Johns Community Center, John Ford Community Center, Sandy Run Government Center and the Fort Motte/Lone Star Community Center.

All litter pick up supplies will be provided and a free t-shirt will be given out to volunteers.

Councilman Westbury suggested re-branding the countys dump sites by calling them manned convenience centers in an effort to get more people to use the sites. He also suggested placing signs by the road with hours of operation.

 Council authorized Prickett seek bids for the painting of a Sandy Run water tank. Prickett expects the project to cost roughly $30,000 to $35,000.

 Prickett suggested that council take a look at making changes in the building permit costs. He said the current cost does not match the surrounding counties.

 Council scheduled a budget workshop for April 10.

 Council is holding off on third reading of an ordinance until a public hearing can be held. The ordinance would adopt a wastewater pre-treatment program.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala.  A top administrator at Alabama A&M University is resigning in a plea deal with prosecutors. He is a former South Carolina State University official.

Court documents show that A&M's chief operating officer, Kevin Rolle, submitted his resignation as part of a plea agreement on Thursday.

Rolle pleaded guilty to forgery less than a week before he was scheduled to go on trial on two felony charges.

Rolle was indicted in 2015 with prosecutors claiming he wrongly collected about $6,500 in moving expenses when he relocated to Alabama from South Carolina to work at Alabama A&M in 2009.

He has since repaid the university but was still charged with crimes.

Rolle pleaded guilty to possession of a forged instrument, a misdemeanor. He will serve a year in the Madison County Jail under the plea deal. He may argue for a suspended sentence, according to AL.com.

Rolle previously served as vice president of student services at South Carolina State.

He has been on administrative leave since he was indicted in October 2015, collecting more than $260,000 in salary, according to AL.com.

Dr. Andrew Hugine is the president of Alabama A&M. He was president of S.C. State during much of Rolles time there.
Master magician John Tudor will present his show in Denmark on Friday, March 31.

He is the featured act along with the South Carolina State University Jazz Band for the first 5th Friday Lawn Chair Leisure Series. The events include:

 4:30 p.m. -- Community Childrens Corner crafting

 5:15 p.m. -- S.C. State Jazz Band

 6 p.m.  The Magic of John Tudor

 7 p.m.  S.C. State Jazz Band

The series is sponsored by the Community Rural Arts Work League of Bamberg County, a committee under the umbrella of the S.C. Arts Commissions Rural Promise Zone efforts funded by USDA-RD. The event will be held at 927 Hagood Ave., Denmark.

It is free and open to the public. All persons attending are invited to bring lawn chairs. Seating provided by CRAWL is limited.

Sponsors include the Regional Medical Center, Phoenix Specialty Manufacturing Co., Ultramacs Music Group, Christ Episcopal Church and Denmark Technical College.
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Jaxport CEO Eric Green said the $23.5 million grant marks a milestone in our initiatives to build the port of the future and move cargo in the most efficient and eco-friendly way possible.
By Azertac

A conference entitled "Multiculturalism and intercultural dialogue: Swiss and Azerbaijani models" has been held Bern. It was co-organized by the Azerbaijani Embassy in Switzerland and the House of Religions - Dialogue between Cultures association.

An Azerbaijani delegation led by First Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijan State Committee for Religious Organizations Sayyad Salahli attended the conference.

In his opening remarks, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Switzerland Akram Zeynalli described Azerbaijan as the crossroads of various religions and cultures, where representatives of various nationalities and confessions live in peace, tranquility, mutual understanding and dialogue.

Providing an insight into the Azerbaijani government's policy towards various religious communities, First Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Religious Organizations Sayyad Salahli highlighted the historical national and spiritual values cherished in Azerbaijan.

President of the House of Religions - Dialogue between Cultures association Gerda Hauck drew the audience`s attention to multiculturalism and inter-faith relations in Switzerland.

Chief of the Analytical Department of the Baku International Multiculturalism Center Rashad Ilyasov spoke of the activity of the center.

Chairman of the Religious Community of Mountain Jews in Baku Milikh Yevdayev highlighted the formation of the Jewish community and their current lifestyle in Azerbaijan. He hailed the Azerbaijani government`s attention to the Jewish community.

Representative of the Caucasus Muslims Office Simran Hasanov hailed the role of the Muslim community in Azerbaijan in protecting mutual respect and co-existence model enjoyed by members of different religions.

Bulgarian Ambassador to Switzerland Meglena Plugtschieva-Alexandrova noted that she eye-witnessed tolerance environment in Azerbaijan. She hailed First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva's special attention to multicultural and inter-faith dialogue, saying she is closely involved in the implementation of several large projects even beyond the country's borders.

The conference also featured a documentary titled "Azerbaijan - land of tolerance."

The conference was followed by the launch of "Features of state-religion relations in Azerbaijan" exhibition.
By Azernews

By Rashid Shirinov

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that there is no information about the Moscow meeting of the Azerbaijani and Armenian Foreign Ministers yet.

We dont have information that such a meeting is planned to be held soon, Zakharova said at a briefing on March 30.

The OSCE Minsk Groups co-chairmen visited Azerbaijan on March 10-11 and met with the countrys leadership. The MG visited Yerevan on March 27.

Armenia and Azerbaijan fought a lengthy war that ended with the signing of a fragile ceasefire in 1994. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities. Since the war, Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions.

The OSCE Minsk Group, established in 1994 and co-chaired by Moscow, Washington and Paris, could not arrange for a meaningful pathway forward to end the conflict and start moving toward the end of the occupation.
US planemaker Boeing has announced it has officially launched its global network of Boeing Training Providers to support its Pilot Development Programme.



The flight schools  Avion Training, part of Avion Group in the Netherlands, International Airline Training Academy (Iata) in Napa, CA, and SAA International (SAA), a subsidiary of Velocity Education, in San Diego, CA  were subject to a rigorous review process before receiving final acceptance to be part of the Boeing Pilot Development Programme network.



With these three top-tier schools, we are removing the burden of identifying and vetting potential schools for our customers, said David Wright, Boeing Pilot Development Programme director. Customers can trust that Boeing has done the leg work so they can focus on what they do best  flying people and cargo around the world.



In order to be considered for the training network, schools must prove a good safety culture, have a good industry reputation and have airline and crew-focused training.



Boeings Pilot Development Programme is built to provide customers with qualified first officers that seamlessly integrate into airline operations, Wright said. These three schools each bring unique characteristics to the industry to help fill the future pilot demand of Boeings diverse customer base.



Boeing will provide routine checks to ensure cadets are receiving Boeings high level of training.



The Boeing Pilot Development Programme is a fully integrated solution that takes cadet pilots through initial screening, English training, ab initio (basic classroom and flight instruction), jet bridge and type rating training at Boeing Training Providers and Boeing training campuses around the world to ensure an efficient, consistent and effective pipeline for airlines to secure qualified first officers.



The 2016 Pilot and Technician Outlook projects a need for 617,000 new pilots in the next 20 years. That equates to a need for nearly 31,000 new commercial airline pilots and more than 33,000 new maintenance technicians globally each year.



In its seventh year, the Pilot and Technician Outlook is a respected industry study which forecasts the 20 year demand for crews to support the worlds growing commercial airplane fleet.  TradeArabia News Service
Germany-based Lanxess, a specialty chemicals group, is expanding the capacity of its global production network to safeguard customer supply in the long term.



In Krefeld-Uerdingen, site of the worlds largest synthetic iron oxide pigment plant, production capacities for red and black pigments will be gradually increased by around 23,000 metric tonnes, from the current 280,000 metric tonnes, by 2019, said a statement from the company.



Furthermore, by means of modernisation, Lanxess is also expanding capacities for yellow pigments by another 2,000 metric tonnes per year at its site in Porto Feliz, Brazil, it said.



Lanxess already expanded its global production network recently by starting up operation of its site in Ningbo, China, it added.



The synthesis production facility there, which commenced operation in the first quarter of 2016, is designed for an annual capacity of 25,000 metric tons of red pigment. By taking these measures, LANXESS will be increasing its global production capacities from 375,000 to 400,000 metric tons of iron oxide pigments by 2019.



The purpose of these investments is to support the growth of our customers, says Jorg Hellwig, head of the Inorganic Pigments business unit (IPG).



As the world market leader in iron oxide pigments and a leading supplier of chrome oxide pigments, Lanxess continuously evaluates the development of the global pigment market. The company expects global demand for iron oxide pigments to grow by an average of 3 per cent per year beyond 2018.



Demand for iron oxide pigments will rise significantly due to strong growth in countries like India and the continued recovery of the building industry in North America and parts of Europe. China will also contribute to this development with growth rates remaining at a high level.



Paints and coatings are the second-largest field of application for synthetic iron oxide pigments, making up one quarter of total global consumption  and the trend is on the rise.



Hellwig added: By 2025, we expect global annual growth in the demand for iron oxide to reach an average of 4 per cent. We believe in particular that the demand for high-quality pigments with uniform global standards will increase.



Although China is by far the largest producer of synthetic iron oxides, with over 50 per cent of total global supply, the number of production locations for synthetic iron oxide pigments has been decreasing steadily for several years.



This is a result of the consistent implementation of environmental regulations by both pigment manufacturers and the pigment processing industry. The number of production locations has dropped by half since 2008, resulting in a reduction in supply, particularly in the segment for red pigments. According to LANXESS, this consolidation process is likely to continue.



Uniform global production standards are an integral part of Lanxess image. Its production processes have always been designed to be safe, to conserve resources and to preserve the environment, and they are subject to ongoing improvement. The companys consistent focus on sustainable production processes is paying off in China.



To ensure a reliable and sustainable supply of iron oxide red pigments to customers, Lanxess recently invested in the construction of a new production site in Ningbo, China. It uses the Ningbo Process, which is based on patented technology.



The development and start-up of this technology, which for the first time enables the eco-friendly production of yellow-cast red pigments and fulfills the very high Chinese environmental standards, went through a very intense development phase.



Hellwig said: In light of our high quality expectations and in accordance with our own high demands on sustainable production, we have conducted extensive test runs since 2016. This trial phase has now largely been concluded.



Interested customers will have an opportunity to discuss both these new products and Lanxess entire portfolio with a team of global experts at ECS.



The company will be showcasing its extensive product portfolio there for the production of paints and coatings, including colorants, biocides and benzyl products, it stated.  TradeArabia News Service
Halal food company Saahtain shipped its millionth 'Tayyib'- brand Halal Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) during March to Mersin port, Turkey on their way to feed the desperate refugees in Aleppo, Syria.



This comes in support of a major food aid initiative by an alliance of Australian, Turkish, Malaysian and Singapore based Muslim charities.



At the same time, emergency Tayyib Halal Ration Packs landed in a depot of the International Organization of Migration (IOM) in Bujumbura, Burundi and just a few days before Saahtain supported the United Nation High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) with Halal meals boxes in Dakar, Senegal.



Saahtain is a proud UAE pioneer in the GCC and has supported Muslim charities and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives globally since 2014.



"We see ourselves as a growing member of the UAE's Islamic Economy, said CEO Adeel Khan, "Our business solves many pain points in the Halal Food sector. From feeding Muslim travellers to Halal Humanitarian Food Relief, we are at the forefront delivering innovative solutions.



Saahtain is the only producer of Halal Ready-to-Eat Meals in the Gulf region and provides over 90 International recipes, many of them with three years shelf life. Its unique and proprietary methods of preserving natural food was used in 2015 to support a leading NGO in Abu Dhabi in preserving excess food from hospitality sector. Such technology has sizable potential to support food bank initiatives in the region.  TradeArabia News Service
Insurance companies in Saudi Arabia are required to provide no-claim policyholders with a discount when pricing individual mandatory motor insurance policies as per Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (Sama) instructions, a statement said.

Such a discount is applied on the base rate, said the statement from the Insurance Executive Committee.

Based on Sama circular issued last December to all local insurance companies and posted at Sama official website, the new instructions are to be applied starting from April 1, it said.

This discount is calculated based on the number of years a policyholder has not made a claim. Further, the discount could go up to 15 per cent to be applied to the rates in force for insurance policies extending to one year with no claim being made, and it increases according to the number of years without a claim, going up to 30 per cent for three years where no claim has been made.

According to the instructions, insurance companies may also offer a no-claims discount for individuals comprehensive motor insurance. Additionally, insurance companies may provide a further loyalty discount of up to 10 per cent to their existing customers on the new price for mandatory motor insurance and individuals comprehensive motor insurance, the statement said.

However, this loyalty discount should only be provided upon renewal of a motor insurance policy with the same company upon its expiry provided that no gap in coverage exists, it said.

Basem Odeh, chairman of the Insurance Executive Committee, stated that the insurance sector is looking forward to following these important instructions, which support the principle of fair pricing.

Adel Al-Issa, the official spokesperson for insurance companies, said that insurance companies will be ready to follow Samas instructions in a timely manner, since they are developing automated systems to meet the new pricing requirements.  TradeArabia News Service


Qatar Airways welcomed Orbis Flying Eye Hospital to Doha last week with an official reception at Doha International Airport (DIA) attended by Ajay Sharma, British Ambassador to Qatar, Ashud Ahmed, Bangladeshi Ambassador to Qatar and executive director of Qatar Fund for Development Misfir Hamad Al-Shahwani, alongside other dignitaries and special guests.



A welcome speech was delivered by Hamad International Airport vice president commercial and marketing, Abdulaziz Al Mass.



The aircraft, a medical training facility housed within a MD-10 aircraft, will be on display until March 29 as part of a tour to raise awareness about preventable blindness and its impact on developing countries. The plane, which touched down in London and Ireland over the last few weeks, will offer students, medical professionals and partners a unique experience - the opportunity to explore the hospital with wings. While in Doha, the Flying Eye Hospital will be promoting Qatar Creating Vision, an eye health initiative that brings together three charities and 19 hospitals with the aim of providing 5.5 million child eye tests and treatments to children in India and Bangladesh before 2020.



Qatar Airways group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: Qatar Airways strongly believes in giving back to the global community. When you have the power to contribute towards making a difference, it is your obligation to do so. As an airline that connects communities and people around the world, we are delighted to have supported Orbis since 2012. We are proud to host the Flying Eye Hospital, and its arrival is a great way to draw attention to the work of Qatar Creating Vision. The initiative is highly commendable, helping give visually impaired children the chance to see again by providing them access to much-needed eye care.



Khalifa bin Jassim Al Kuwari, director general, Qatar Fund for Development, said: Qatar has a longstanding commitment to driving a wide range of initiatives to strengthen healthcare provision both in Qatar and throughout the world. Many people take vision for granted and dont realise how significant eye problems can be, particularly for children in the developing world. Half of childhood vision loss can be prevented or cured, so there is much that we can do to improve access to eye care, which everyone deserves.



We are delighted that Qatar Creating Vision is proving to be a platform for NGOs, corporates and the community at large to get involved and help us provide children with a future not constricted or disrupted by a preventable blinding condition.



Dr. Robert Walters, Orbis Special Envoy to the Middle East, said: Through partnerships, we can change lives, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Akbar Al Baker for his generosity through the years and the State of Qatar - in particular, the Qatar Fund for Development - for enabling us to provide a clearer and brighter future for children by bringing eye care closer to home.



As a charity, Orbis trains eye care teams across the world by providing medical professionals with enhanced skills enabling them to treat people struggling with treatable blindness within their community. Orbis places a great deal of emphasis on the benefits of working as part of a team to bring about change. - TradeArabia News Service
Port and container loading equipment was delivered to Puerto Rico, Mexico and the Bahamas this month, including the largest operated crane in the Caribbean.



Liebherr Maritime said it delivered new equipment units to Caribbean and Mexican ports in March.

Three new ship-to-shore container cranes were delivered to Crowley Maritimes Isla Grande Terminal in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The cranes have an outreach of over 39 meters, a span of more than 30 meters and a back reach exceeding 15 meters. The cranes also feature a lift height over rail of 35 meters and a safe working load of 65 metric tons under twin lift spreader. The delivery to Puerto Rico marks the first for Liebherr Container Cranes.

In Jamaica, Liebherr delivered a new mobile harbor crane (MHC) type LHM 600 in high-rise version for Kingston Wharves Limiteds multipurpose terminal. As the largest crane-operated machine in the Caribbean, a 12-meter tower extension and a higher tower cabin at 37 meters increases safety, Liebherr said. Dubbed the King of the Caribbean, the unit has a maximum outreach of 58 meters and can handle fully loaded containers in the 19th container row across the ship. The unit is now one of two high-rise version LHM units at the Kingston terminal, the first of which is only a 550 high-rise version.

Liebherr is currently assembling two new MHCs in Altamira, Mexico. The LHM 420 units feature a 48-meter boom and maximum lifting capacity of up to 124 metric tons. They will be equipped with a special pipe handling attachment for a camera system to improve sight when loading. The cranes are being built for Bredero Shaw International B.V.

After Hurricane Matthew hit the Caribbean last fall, Freeport Container Port suffered damage to port and yard machinery, including two ship-to-shore cranes, which toppled backwards.

While waiting for new ship-to-shore cranes to be ready for operation, Freeport was able to temporary receive LHM 550 and LHM 600 units from Liebherr in only four weeks. Engineers were able to install them in one week, and business at Freeport was able to continue shortly thereafter.

Based out of Germany, Liebherr constructs port equipment from Rostock, as well as in Ireland, Austria and Great Britain.
International tourist arrivals to the European Union increased by 4 per cent in 2016, reaching almost 500 million or 40 per cent of the worlds total.



This preliminary result is included in the first release of the European Union Short-Term Tourism Trends, a regular monitoring of EU tourism by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in the framework of the cooperation with the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROWTH) of the European Commission (EC).



Despite many challenges facing Europe in 2016, tourism has once again shown extraordinary strength and resilience, reinforcing its contribution to economic growth, job creation and social wellbeing in the European Union (EU-28).



The 28 countries of the EU boasted a solid growth in international tourist arrivals of above 4 per cent in 2016, exceeding the worlds average growth rate, and increasing by 21 million to 499 million.



The year 2016 was the seventh consecutive year of sustained growth for the EU-28 following the 2009 global economic and financial crisis, with 107 million more tourists than the pre-crisis level of 2008.



Tourism is today one of the key pillars of the EU strategy for jobs and inclusive growth. UNWTO is very pleased to be working alongside the European Commission in monitoring international tourism trends, advance product development and sustainable tourism in Europe, said UNWTO secretary-general, Taleb Rifai. - TradeArabia News Service


A US federal judge in Hawaii has indefinitely extended the suspension of President Trump's new travel ban targeting six mostly Muslim nations.

Judge Derrick Watson's ruling means Trump will be barred from enforcing the ban while it is contested in court, a BBC report said.

In a lawsuit, the US state of Hawaii says the ban would harm tourism and the ability to recruit foreign students and workers. President Trump says his revised travel ban seeks to prevent terrorists from entering the US, the report said.

Judge Watson made the ruling late on Wednesday after hearing arguments from attorneys for the state of Hawaii and the US Department of Justice.

The judge turned his earlier temporary restraining order into a preliminary injunction that would have a more lasting effect.

President Trump's executive order on March 6 would have placed a 90-day ban on people from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen and a 120-day ban on refugees.
The aerospace industry expects to see market demand for aircraft continue to grow on an annual basis with industry experts predicting a need for around 30,000 aircraft in the next 20 years.



This was revealed at the the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS), where aerospace leaders discussed the future of an industry that supports 10 million people globally through direct employment, with an additional 63.5 million supported indirectly.



The panel was composed of Jan Pie, secretary general, Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD), and Chairman Elect, International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations (ICCAIA); Michel Peters, CEO, NLR (Netherlands Aerospace Centre); Robert S. Harward, vice admiral USN (Ret) Seal and chief executive  UAE, Lockheed Martin International, and Tetsuro Hisano, vice president and general manager of Commercial Airplane Programs Management Office, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Axel Threlfall, Editor-at-Large, Reuters, moderated the conversation.



As a major contributor to global Gross Domestic Product (GDP)  international air transport alone contributes $2.7 trillion.



While the outlook is rosy, there are still a number of challenges in the aerospace industry that need to be addressed  such as market demand growing at 4 to 5 per cent on an annual basis. There are around 17,000 aircraft currently flying with a capacity of at least 100 passengers or capable of carrying 10 tonnes of goods or more. Moreover, around 30,000 aircraft will be needed in 20 years - and, according to Jan Pie, a number of the existing aircraft will no longer be in operation in 20 years, even with upgrades.



If we look backwards over the past few decades, or even the last century, this has been an industry that has seen a remarkable growth, said Pie. As we speak the order books are full for the two largest aircraft manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus, for the coming 10 years. We can talk about the markets next upturn, but we dont yet know when the downturn will come.



Michel Peters, speaking about the capacity requirements on original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), said: To meet the demand of 30,000 aircraft in the next 20 years, the big OEMs, such as Boeing and Airbus, have to turn out approximately 60 aircraft a month. Thats nothing special for an automotive manufacturer, but 60 aircraft a month is really something. That means that a lot of technology will be used, adapted from car manufacturers. Phasing manufacturing automation together with the design of the aircraft itself can cut some corners, whilst keeping up with the safety and quality standards.



Other key issues the industry faces include safety, even though air travel today is safer than ever; connectivity, in terms of connecting all aspects of air travel  including aircraft, passengers, ground services and more; the introduction of pilotless drones to the market, and the total integration of drones into the environment without compromising on safety. Fuel, too, is a matter that the industry is looking at, given fluctuating prices of oil and further research into green alternatives.



There are people looking at green fuel substitutes, according to Tetsuro Hisano. We have lots of very innovative companies that are looking at, for example, using sunshine to create fuel from forms of bacteria, and harnessing the energy produced to create oil. It is not yet commercially feasible. When oil prices are at $100 per barrel, then these ideas become more feasible, but in these days, when fuel goes down below $50 per barrel, it is less feasible  so oil price drives innovation in this field.



In our profession, the military drives technology, said Robert S. Harward, speaking on the influence of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies on aerospace, and referencing the push of the US Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. John Richardson, to transform Navy fleets to be completely driven by biofuels. Thats what forced industry to respond. I think those sorts of requirements then help drive the change quicker than industry would do it on its own. On the matter of 4IR and the potential for job loss, Harward said that technology puts people first; people stay ahead of the artificial intelligence curve.



The inaugural Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit is being held at the Paris-Sorbonne Abu Dhabi University, UAE, until March 30. A joint initiative by the UAE Ministry of Economy and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and co-hosted with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, the Summit is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.



The Summit is the worlds first global gathering for the manufacturing community, bringing together decision-making leaders from governments, businesses and civil society organisations to shape a vision for the sectors future.



Leaders from the public and private sectors, along with representatives from civil society organisations, will gather to discuss global challenges within the manufacturing sector, looking specifically at six themes: technology and innovation; global value chains; skills, employment and education; sustainability and environment; infrastructure; standards, and stakeholder alignment. - TradeArabia News Service
At the heart of the Turkish Riviera, stunning Bodrum is an alluring seaside escape for Arabian Gulf-based travellers, according to a hotelier.



Spectacular azure bays, rolling hills dotted with windmills and citrus groves, impressive archaeological heritage including the remains of the Mausoleum of Mausolus - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, all complemented by pulsating and vibrant nightlife, Bodrum offers significantly more than just brilliant sun, sand, and sea.



On average, Turkey has received more than 500,000 visitors annually from Gulf countries, according to industry reports, with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE accounting for the highest number of Gulf visitors to Turkey.



Caresse, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Bodrum, part of The Luxury Collection exclusive group of hotels, welcomes many high net worth Gulf guests traveling with families from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain, in order of guest visitors.



Bodrum is a high demand destination for Gulf travelers, just a few hours away by flight from the Arabian Gulf, said Makis Antonatos, General Manager of Caresse, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Bodrum. Residing on a private cove on the Aegean Sea, and a few minutes drive from the port city, Caresse is a bespoke escape that offers the perfect combination of luxury, serenity, and nightlife for Gulf-based guests.



Designed to offer guests Aegean energy and an exceptional lifestyle, the stunning resort provides uncompromising accommodation, Luxury Collections signature concierge service, an indigenous cultural experience, an extensive spa, and exceptional dining venues.



Each of the 67-guestsrooms, 9 suites, and the opulent Caresse King Villa are spacious with sleek interiors, modern technology, tasteful en-suite bathrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, sea-facing private balconies or terraces, The Luxury Collection signature bed, and select amenities.



The resort is home to a 17,000-square foot Spa Caresse, offering an immersive range of treatments delivered by highly trained therapists using locally sourced essentials and ESPA skincare products. Welcoming guests to a tranquil oasis of serenity, the spa facilities encompass a couples treatment suite, traditional Turkish Hammam, an open-air Jacuzzi sauna, a steam room, an indoor pool, and an ultra-modern fitness center. An alluring infinity-edge pool is perched above the shoreline, providing sweeping views of the bay and blissful seclusion.



World-class cuisines complement the alluring destination with two distinct dining venues offering Turkish, Mediterranean, and Asian flavors. Indulge in sumptuous culinary experiences on the outdoor terrace of The Glass Restaurant & Lounge Bar, the perfect vantage point to watch the moon rise over the peninsula, serving international cuisine with a South Aegean twist, while the stunning decor and seductive ambience of the all-day dining venue, La Plage Restaurant & Bar, offers South Aegean and Mediterranean flavors and a dedicated sushi counter.



Guided by the resorts knowledgeable concierge, guests can explore the citys rich cultural heritage and discover local attractions, from snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, chartering a luxury yacht, and sailing around neighboring islands to journeying through enchanting whitewashed villages and relishing the local tangerine orchards. - TradeArabia News Service


Assuring passengers of its highest level of service, Etihad Airways will be offering some guests free wi-fi and iPads on its flights from Abu Dhabi from April 2, the airline said in a statement.



The new service comes as an alternative to the electronics ban imposed by the US on nonstop flights from Muslim-majority countries.



Under the ban, flyers are barred from carrying any electronic device larger than a mobile phone, including laptops, cameras and tablets, onboard.



This new service will enable busy customers to do some work mid-flight or communicate with friends and family despite the electronics ban.



Premium Class guests on Etihad Airways flights to the US will receive wi-fi vouchers from our cabin crew with the onboard welcome drink. These vouchers will provide free Wi-Fi for the duration of the flight, the airline said.



"In addition to free wi-fi, well have iPads available on all US-bound flights for those that need them. Power and USB sockets at every seat will keep devices charged throughout the journey. - TradeArabia News Service
When the United States was embroiled in the Cold War with the former Soviet Union, seven Wyoming missile sites were on high alert.

More than half a century later, the sites that the federal government built to hold missiles to protect the nation pose a serious environmental threat to Wyomingites, said Sen. John Barrasso on Wednesday before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works in D.C. And its the responsibility of the federal government to ensure that those missile sites are cleaned up.

There are 38 defense sites in Wyoming, but those that have left behind the most difficulty for state regulators are the Atlas Missile sites, said Kevin Frederick, administrator of the water quality division at the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality in a written statement read before the committee.

Atlas Missiles were designed in the 50s and 60s to carry nuclear warheads. When servicemen scrubbed the rockets, they used trichloroethylene, a dangerous chemical mixture and known carcinogen that created a legacy of groundwater contamination at potentially seven Atlas sites near the states capital.

TCE is a sticky substance that sinks to the bottom of aquifers. It poses a costly challenge to clean up, and even a small amount can have a devastating impact.

Two teaspoons of the substance can contaminate an Olympic-sized swimming pool, he said. Between hundreds and thousands of gallons drained into the Wyoming soil, he added.

The largest TCE plume in Wyoming, and perhaps the country, is located 18 miles west of Cheyenne. Atlas Site 4 is 12 miles long and as many as 3 miles wide in places.

Cheyenne has already experienced contamination in its municipal systems due to TCE and received help from the Army Corps of Engineers to address the problem. The Corps built a water treatment plant for the city, and systems for use by landowners in the region who rely on well water, said Barrasso. But the Corps needed arm-bending to assist Wyomings capital, he said.

Each time communities and impacted stakeholders try and engage with the Corps on these issues, they have historically been met with an unhelpful attitude, Barrasso said. Communities want to have the proper testing done to know the size and extent of these plumes, and where the plumes are expanding.  They want adequate funding to ensure their safety.

To clean up Wyomings former defense sites would cost $285 million, according to a 2015 estimate by the Department of Defense. So far remediation at the missile sites has cost $45 million, according to Frederick. Cleanup is ongoing.

Just speaking for my home state of Wyoming, we are very proud of the role our state has played in deterring the threat that the former Soviet Union posed, Barrasso said. The Department of Defense, though, has an obligation to leave states like Wyoming whole. To not only provide for our nations safety, but also to restore the environment of our communities.
The rollback of Obama-era climate policies continued in Washington on Wednesday, when Rep. Liz Cheney introduced a bill to hinge future coal moratoriums on joint approval by Congress.

Cheneys legislation continues national controversy regarding coal regulations. An executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Tuesday mandates a review of the controversial Clean Power Plan. The president also lifted the Obama-era stay on new coal leases.

Coal development had been effectively put on hold by the former administration to give the Department of the Interior time to assess its coal royalties policy.

After Trumps order, a number of environmental groups filed lawsuits to protect both the moratorium and the royalty review.

Newly minted Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke said in a news conference Wednesday that his agency would review royalties via a committee instead of a programwide assessment. Comprised of about 20 people, the group will report directly to the secretary on how best to value federal coal.

Despite the political fervor, most experts agree that the coal moratorium had little impact on the coal industry. The industry has been grappling with reduced demand and increasing competition with cheap natural gas. New investments have been few and far between.

Zinke admitted that coal faces market challenges, particularly as a result of fracking for natural gas. However, government should not be in the position to create losers and winners in the market, he said Wednesday.

Coal still provides significant amounts of energy to the U.S. as our stable load, he said. I dont see that changing in great volumes.

In a statement Thursday, Cheney called Wyoming coal a national treasure and praised Zinke and the president for their work.

(Trumps executive order) was an important first step in repairing the damage done to Wyoming during the last eight years, the congresswoman said. Obama-era energy policies focused on destroying our fossil fuel industry, killing jobs and devastating communities across Wyoming.
BILLINGS  A jury ruled Wednesday that a Billings officer was justified in shooting and killing an armed Wyoming man in 2016.

The decision was announced after more than six hours of testimony at a coroners inquest. Big Horn County Coroner Terry Bullis presided over the hearing at the Yellowstone County Courthouse.

The Yellowstone County Sheriffs Office investigated the death. The jurys ruling means that the homicide was non-criminal.

On Oct. 27, 2016, Billings police officer David Raschkow shot Kyle Killough, a 32-year-old man from Gillette, at the end of a standoff at the Billings Days Inn hotel. He died later in a hospital from the three gunshot wounds.

The standoff lasted roughly 25 minutes but escalated in moments. Testimony from officers at the scene and investigators who reviewed the case said that Killough was rambling, rarely responsive and paranoid. A toxicology report indicated that he used methamphetamine before taking over the hotels front desk area.

The desk clerk working that night left to a managers office and called the police at around 4 a.m. after seeing a guns magazine in Killoughs hand. Three officers arrived at first, trying to figure out what Killough wanted. One of the officers reached for the door to the desk area.

He raises his left hand, and hes holding a Glock pistol, said officer Moses Richardson, who was first on the scene.

After seeing Killoughs gun, the officers called for more help. They spent most of the roughly 25 minutes trying to separate Killough from the weapon, according to audio released at Wednesdays hearing.

Killough sat at the clerks computer for most of the time, his back turned to the officers. He talked about oilfield work. He said that he felt he was under surveillance. He described his gun to the officers and told them to get back. He was described as nonsensical at times.

Very agitated, said officer Tony Jensen, who was also at the scene. Comments about us  officers that were there  not being real police officers.

Then at one point, Killough stood up and turned toward the officers. His gun remained in his hand. Officer Raschkow, who responded to cover with a rifle, fired three shots from a vantage point he took on the nearby stairway.

I see him come to the desk and his left hand starts to come up, Raschkow said on Wednesday. And I felt my rifle shudder. And I heard it.

Deputy Yellowstone County Attorneys Ed Zink and Julie Patten, who led the hearing, called multiple officers, Police Chief Rich St. John and Montana Law Enforcement Academy instructor Mike McCarthy to testify on the decisions made by Raschkow.

All of them indicated that the Billings officer responded to a potentially deadly threat. Killoughs handgun was later found to be loaded.

I think if he waited, it could have been a worse outcome, McCarthy said.

Killoughs family traveled to the hearing from New Mexico. His mother, Jan Urioste, said that they knew Killough to be much more loving and intelligent than the person the Billings officers met.

But the three family members at the hearing said that the Billings officers acted reasonably and did the best they could in the situation.

My son made a terrible mistake, said Killoughs father, Gordon Killough, and paid for it with his life.
The Taiwanese ocean carrier reported a loss of 14.91 billion Taiwan new dollars (U.S. $492.1 million) for the full year in 2016 compared with TWD 6.46 billion the previous year, according to the companys latest filing with the Taiwan Stock Exchange.



Source: Philip Pilosian / Shutterstock.com

Taipei-listed ocean carrier Yang Ming saw its losses more than double to 14.91 billion Taiwan new dollars (U.S. $492.1 million) in 2016.

Troubled ocean carrier Yang Ming Marine Transport saw its losses more than double during a tumultuous 2016, according to the companys latest filing with the Taiwan Stock Exchange.

The Taipei-listed firm reported a loss of 14.91 billion Taiwan new dollars (U.S. $492.1 million) for the full year in 2016 compared with TWD 6.46 billion the previous year.

Yang Mings loss per diluted share (EPS) widened from TWD 2.24 in 2015 to TWD 9.22 per share as revenues dropped 9.5 percent year-over-year to TWD 115.4 billion in 2016.

Although the company does not comment publicly on its financial results, 2016 was a brutal year for the ocean shipping industry in general. Overcapacity on the major global trade lanes led to a bottoming out of freight rates, culminating in heavy losses and consolidation via mergers, acquisitions and the largest bankruptcy in industry history.

Despite analyst speculation, however, Yang Ming has remained steadfast in its position that a merger or acquisition by a larger firm is not on the table.

A report issued in January by the investment research arm of consulting firm Drewry, for example, expressed concern about the companys high level of debt, leading some analysts to compare its situation to that of now defunct South Korean ocean carrier Hanjin Shipping, which has been liquidated after filing for court receivership back in August 2016. The report noted that Yang Ming has accumulated distributable losses of TWD 38.4 billion since 2009.

Yang Ming responded by saying that although the company has not been immune to the ongoing challenges the entire shipping industry has experienced this past year, it has proactively reorganized internally to effectively reduce its operating costs.

According to the company, comparing Yang Ming to its competitors would be misleading due to its unique ownership structure and the unwavering support of the Taiwanese government. Yang Ming is majority owned by the Taiwan Ministry of Transport and Communication (MOTC) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and, as such, has access to a massive $1.9 billion aid package announced in November 2016.

We do not think Yang Ming is in a similar situation [to Hanjin], but we are worried about the companys debt metrics, Drewry said in the report, adding that since Hanjins collapse, Yang Ming now has the most leveraged balance sheet in the ocean shipping industry.

We believe the company will continue to be supported from the government should its financial conditions worsen and do not see a solvency event for the company, Drewry said. YMM will however have to raise cash through a combination of asset sales, sale-leasebacks, fresh equity and bring the debt levels down.
A University of Wyoming employee who was fired and then rehired says the termination was an act of retaliation.

Mandy Davis has filed a lawsuit claiming the elimination of her position as human resources manager for the foundation was an unlawful ploy.

In July 2015, Davis filed a complaint against two higher-ranking officials with the UW Office of Diversity and Employment Practices, claiming they had made comments about an employee with a physical disability. She expressed fear she would lose her job for reporting their comments.

On Dec. 1, 2015, Davis was told her position, along with three others, was being eliminated through a reorganization. She was re-hired in March 2016.

The UW Foundation did not respond to requests for comment.
It made for colorful news this week  President Donald Trump announcing a halt to the Obama administrations massive Clean Power Plan.

Pundits immediately leaped to criticize the president, saying that canceling the CPP would mean more costs and more pollution for Americas consumers.

Such fear-mongering is simply incorrect, though, and demonstrates that critics fundamentally misunderstand the science and logistics involved. The pollutant being regulated under the CPP is carbon dioxide (CO2), the inert gas that all humans and animals expel every day. And while the climate debate is still raging over CO2s potential contribution to a warmer climate, its simply wrong to argue that it is pollution. Thankfully, however, canceling the plan will save money  billions and billions of dollars that would have been earmarked for a vast overhaul of the nations power sector.

The CPPs proposed switchover to an entirely new power grid would have cost $51 billion in annual GDP, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, along with the loss of 224,000 jobs each year. Among other things, the CPP would have prematurely forced 25 percent of Americas low-cost, reliable coal generation capacity off the electric grid, enough to power 24 million homes.

Under the CPP, the wholesale price of electricity for a typical household in 2020 would have been more than a third higher than in 2012 (for an average annual increase of $680), with 45 states facing double-digit increases in the wholesale cost of their electricity. All in all, according to Energy Ventures Analysis, Americans would have faced $214 billion in higher energy costs by 2030. And they would have had to come up with $64 billion to construct the new power lines and power plants needed to produce all of this power.

To Obama, these costs were worthwhile, since they would have meant the rapid phase-out of coal  even though it currently generates 32 percent of the nations power supply. All in the quest to pursue higher priced and less reliable wind and solar power

What would the public have gained for such huge sacrifices? A fully implemented CPP would have yielded only a theoretical 0.018 degrees Celsius reduction in global temperatures by 2100. And it would have reduced industrial CO2 emissions by less than 1 percent. These are very insignificant achievements for such a staggering price tag. And so, when one considers the real-world costs, it becomes more and more apparent that Trump just helped the nation to dodge a major bullet.

Unfortunately, misinformation plagues every aspect of this heated debate. Not only is carbon dioxide not a pollutant, but wind and solar power have yet to prove as reliable as coal in terms of scalability for electricity generation. Thats because wind and solar are intermittent  the sun doesnt always shine, the wind doesnt always blow  and they still require back-up generation from coal and gas plants.

All of this helps to explain why 27 states sued the EPA to halt such a costly transformation of their energy grid. In fact, many of these states continue to depend on coal-fired power. Its not just reliability and affordability at issue, however. Americas utility companies have spent many billions of dollars over the past decade to equip their power plants with advanced emissions-scrubbing technologies that make new coal plants 90 percent cleaner than ones they replaced 30 years ago  a worthwhile trade-off for the low-cost electricity they provide.

If America were luxuriating in budget surpluses and awash in high-wage jobs, there might be reasons to risk experimenting with our electricity grid. But in the current economic environment, its sensible for the president to maintain the energy diversity that coal provides by rejecting the CPP as an expensive gamble  and one with little practical or environmental benefit.
The Tucson Symphony Orchestra on Wednesday named an insider as its new president/CEO.

Thomas J. McKinney, the orchestras vice president of development, replaces outgoing TSO President/CEO Mark Blakeman, who is leaving April 12 after three years to head up the new McKnight Center for the Performing Arts at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.

McKinney joined the orchestra in September 2015 after a 30-year career working with nonprofit organizations, including the YMCA and Make A Wish Foundation in Minnesota, where he lived for more than 10 years.

Im really excited, McKinney said of his new role, which he called the most unique job that Ive had.

TSO Board Chairman Cecile Follansbee, in a written release, praised McKinney as a driving force in the orchestras three-year strategic community engagement program to educate and transform our community with music.

Toms experience in development and management makes him a perfect fit for the TSO, Follansbee said in the release. His love of this community, his belief in the power of music and strong leadership skills are exactly right for the Tucson Symphony at this time.

McKinney, a New England native, worked closely with Blakeman on the orchestras strategic plan that focuses on community engagement and outreach.

One of my primary things is to truly follow through with that plan, he said. Its extremely insightful.

McKinney was part of a team that interviewed community members to gauge how to make the orchestra more relevant in the community. Ideas included working with border communities, holding an annual free concert, commissioning new works and working with young musicians and artists.

McKinney has deep Tucson ties going back to the 1980s, when he was a teenager working with then-Tucson-based Up with People. He spent several years with the organization in a variety of positions.

His wife Dee Dee Connel has even deeper ties; she graduated from Canyon del Oro High School and played bassoon with the Tucson Philharmonia Youth Orchestra as a teen.

The couple has four children between them. McKinney will assume the CEO post on April 3.
We've collected a few front pages from newspapers.com to give you a look at some March 30 papers in history. With a subscription to newspapers.com you can search the Arizona Daily Star and many other newspapers using keywords or dates, and download articles or pages.
PHOENIX  Spurred by a newly released undercover video, lawmakers sent legislation to Gov. Doug Ducey requiring doctors to do everything possible to save the life of a baby born alive after an abortion, even telling them what that entails.

The 18-11 vote in the Senate came just hours after the House gave its approval 34-22.

Ducey has signed every abortion restriction that has reached his desk since taking office more than two years ago. But press aide Daniel Scarpinato would not comment on what fate the latest bill will meet, saying his boss wants to review the final language.

Officially, Arizona law already requires doctors to take actions in such situations. But SB 1367 spells out what are considered signs of life, including breathing, a heartbeat, umbilical cord pulsation or definite movement of voluntary muscles.

Potentially more significant, it directs the Department of Health Services to come up with rules of exactly what medical professionals have to do in cases of live births, including the possibility of resuscitation. And it would require clinics that do abortions after 20 weeks of gestation to have staff on hand qualified to deal with premature births.

Wednesdays votes came over the objections of some lawmakers who said medical evidence shows that a fetus at 21 weeks cannot survive outside the womb.

They cited testimony from doctors during the hearing who said that life-saving procedures on these premature babies, including inserting breathing tubes into them, is cruel given that they will die anyway.

Rep. Eddie Farnsworth, R-Gilbert, added language that he said spells out that a doctor need not do everything possible if it is determined before the abortion and confirmed after delivery and some preliminary care that the baby has a lethal fetal condition and will not survive beyond three months.

Farnsworth said that is a major concession as he believes existing law already requires medical care for all babies, including those, when they are born alive. He said this change codifies what doctors already are doing by deciding not to perform life-saving measures and instead allowing the baby to die naturally.

That was enough to bring in the support of some Republicans who had been hesitant to support a blanket mandate for full-blown life-saving actions in all situations.

But Rep. Kirsten Engel, D-Tucson, said she does not believe this exception deals with all the situations where its clear from the start that the fetus will not survive for long outside the womb.

We end up depriving families of the last minutes of what they hoped would be a bright future but its not, she said.

And Rep. Ken Clark, D-Phoenix, said that means doctors will still need to go through this horrendous process of doing medical procedures on the premature baby.

But Rep. Paul Boyer, R-Phoenix, recited a litany of names of babies he said were all born prior to 24 weeks  the current cutoff in Arizona for legal abortions  and are still alive. He said its wrong to simply assume these preemies wont survive and should be allowed to die.

The fact of the matter is health care providers dont always know the chances of survival until they give a baby a chance to survive, Boyer said.

Rep. John Allen, R-Scottsdale, said he sees the issue in simpler terms.

He said an unborn fetus has no legal rights, a decision he does not necessarily agree with but recognizes as the law. That is the basis of the right of women to terminate a pregnancy.

All that changes, he said, once a baby is born alive.

The choice is no longer available to them because that individual is there in the room with them, Allen said. This person has rights, individual rights.

Wednesdays debate at times focused on a newly released undercover video from the Center for Medical Progress taken at a conference of abortion providers 2 years ago in Los Angeles.

Two members of the anti-abortion group posed as buyers of fetal tissue to get Dr. DeShawn Taylor, the medical director of Desert Start Family Planning in Phoenix, to discuss abortion procedures.

Most of what is in the nearly 28 minute video is irrelevant to SB 1367. But there is a point where Taylor mentions existing law, saying that if the fetus comes out with any signs of life were supposed to transport it to the hospital.

Rep. Maria Syms, R-Paradise Valley, cited another quote from Taylor.

You need to pitch whos in the room, right? the video shows Taylor saying. Because the thing is the law states youre not supposed to do any maneuvers after the fact to try to cause demise, so its really tricky.

Whos in the room? Syms repeated during the debate, adding, Why does it matter who is in the room if you are following the law?

Clark, in response, read a statement from Planned Parenthood Arizona that said while that organization is not affected  it does not do abortions beyond 20 weeks  this is cruel legislation that attempts to stigmatize, shame, and interfere with personal medical decisions.

Planned Parenthood spokeswoman Tayler Tucker also said it is no coincidence that the video emerged just ahead of the effort to round up votes for the measure.
Thousands of University of Arizona employees could receive a coveted Christmas gift this year: time off with pay during the UAs annual holiday shutdown.

Around 8,500 personnel  roughly two-thirds of the UA workforce  would get extra days off between Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 under a proposed new compensation policy now under internal review.

The change, if adopted, would benefit administrators, classified staff and postdoctoral scholars by keeping their full paychecks coming while the university is closed.

It would not affect faculty members, who have a different pay system and typically dont work during the holiday break.

The proposal is in the draft stage and its potential financial impact was not immediately available Wednesday.

If the change is approved, I think people will be ecstatic, said Christina Rocha, who chairs the UAs Classified Staff Council.

For years, Rocha said, many UA employees had to figure out on their own how to keep getting their full pay over the holidays. Some took vacation time, others worked extra hours in advance to take compensatory time off.

But the workarounds didnt work for everyone. New hires, for example, often lost pay since they hadnt yet banked enough vacation time or compensatory time to cover the gap.

The current setup does not make for happy holidays, said Allison Vaillancourt, vice president in charge of human resources at the UA, which is Southern Arizonas largest employer.

Over the years a large number of employees have expressed frustration with the university closure because they are concerned about their new colleagues and also dislike having to use vacation days during a time they wouldnt willingly take vacation, she said.

Vaillancourt said its a pretty common practice in higher education to provide paid time off during the holiday break.

Rocha said UA President Ann Weaver Hart issued a special directive last holiday season that provided paid time off on a one-time basis. The proposed policy change would enshrine the practice in future years.
Pima County residents wanting to get a heads-up about nearby disasters or public safety incidents now have a new tool at their disposal.

MyAlerts.Pima.gov, which is also the website where those interested can sign up, can send out messages to a number of electronic devices, and limit them to specific areas based on ZIP codes, blocks or streets.

While the signup process does ask for address information, the website states that your personal information is private and will be kept strictly confidential. In fact, we wont even have access to it, and it will not be used for any other purpose.

The signup takes a few minutes.

The service uses the Glendale, California-based company Everbridges platform.

The Office of Emergency Managements initial one-year contract with Everbridge has a not-to-exceed value of $175,000, and includes up to four one-year renewals, according to county documents available online.
A federal judge in Arizona has ruled the federal government must reconsider endangered species protection for the cactus ferruginous pygmy owl.

Wednesday's decision came in response to a lawsuit brought by the Center for Biological Diversity and Defenders of Wildlife over a 2011 decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that denied endangered species protection for the reddish-brown owl that burrows in Sonoran Desert cactuses and trees.

There reportedly are fewer than 50 of the small birds in Arizona, including some in Southern Arizona.

Environmentalists say the owl is threatened by urban sprawl, invasive species, fire, drought and other factors across the Sonoran Desert.

The species was listed as endangered from 1997 to 2006 before that protection was removed following a lawsuit by developers.

Wildlife groups again petitioned in 2007 to protect the owl.
Almost five months after a federal report substantiated a whistleblowers allegations about wait-time fraud at the Tucson veterans hospital, local VA officials wont say if any hospital employees have been disciplined or fired related to the misconduct.

An internal investigative board is still looking into the allegations of wait-time manipulation, said Tom Antonaccio, spokesman for the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System on South Sixth Avenue.

Once the investigation is concluded, we can certainly discuss the appropriate release of information related to this investigation, he said in an email.

For the Tucson whistleblower who brought the allegations to light, thats unacceptable.

The internal board at the VA should have been able to take care of this in this amount of time, said Diane Suter, 62, who worked in the Tucson VAs Ocotillo Primary Care Clinic until August 2014. Its ridiculous. Theyre not going to do anything.

The Nov. 9 Office of Inspector General report validated Suters claims about falsified wait times in the Tucson VAs electronic scheduling system to make waits appear shorter. Wait times under 14 days were tied to doctors bonuses at the time.

The report recommended disciplinary action for workers who encouraged wait-time manipulation.

Suter said her nurse manager told her to falsely input a patients desired appointment date as the same day that the appointment was ultimately scheduled, making it appear that there was no wait time.

Suter, who worked for 17 years as a registered nurse in the VA system, said she suffered retaliation after pushing back against the dishonest scheduling practices. The nurse manager who ordered Suter to falsify wait times still works at the Tucson VA, she said.

Antonaccio said he could not share any details about the administrative investigative board, including how many members it has and who they are, nor could he estimate when the board is expected to finish its inquiry.

We have to respect that process until its complete, he said.

Firing VA employees for misconduct is an uphill battle, said Matt Dobson, Arizona state director for Concerned Veterans for America. The group supports the VA Accountability First Act, which Dobson said would protect whistleblowers as well as reduce lengthy appeals that can keep bad employees on staff for years.

Theres tons of people that are great that work at the VA, and they get surrounded by these people that dont care and they cant be touched, he said.

The legislation is opposed by the American Federation of Government Employees, a union that represents 230,000 VA employees. The union argues the bill weakens protections for VA workers, including 120,000 who are veterans themselves, and could undermine recruitment efforts to address staffing shortages.

Instead of hiring the more than 45,000 frontline caregivers our veterans desperately need, theyd rather spend their time sticking it to the people who serve veterans every day, the unions national president, J. David Cox Sr., said in a March news release.

WAIT TIMES IMPROVED

Local VA officials have touted improvements in wait times for patients over the past couple of years.

In February, wait times for primary-care appointments averaged just over four days; specialty care wait times averaged just over seven days; and mental health appointment wait times averaged under three days, Antonaccio said.

That month, the VA completed almost 96 percent of 36,000 appointments in under 30 days, but the remainder do need improvement, he said.

We remain focused on improving access with a goal of seeing all our veterans within 30 days of the preferred or clinically-indicated date, he said in an email.

The hospital has hired 100 new staff members over the past couple of years and recently increased compensation for primary-care providers, psychiatrists, hospitalists, emergency-room doctors and surgeons, he said.

Three years after a wait-time scandal broke out at the Phoenix VA, veterans across the country too often still face delays in care, and VA executives have not been held accountable, Dobson said.

Earlier this month, Phoenix military veteran Steve Cooper, 46, was awarded $2.5 million in a lawsuit against the Phoenix VA for its failure to diagnose his prostate cancer before it became terminal, the Arizona Republic reported.

The judge ruled a nurse practitioner breached the standard of care by failing to order follow-up testing after finding abnormalities in Coopers prostate in 2011. When he was finally diagnosed 11 months later, his cancer was Stage 4.

WEAKNESSES NOTED

On March 13, the Office of Inspector General issued a separate report highlighting areas needing improvement at the Tucson VA. The routine quality-of-care evaluation, based on an October 2016 review, found weaknesses in areas including general safety, community nursing home program oversight and training related to management of violent behavior. Identified weaknesses include:

In some patient care areas, biohazardous waste was not stored in a secure location.

In a review of random patients electronic health records, three of 17 patients did not undergo required lab tests before receiving blood-thinning medication.

When patients were transferred to another VA or non-VA facility, providers did not consistently document that they forwarded medical history, preliminary diagnoses and results of diagnostic tests to the receiving facility.

U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Tucson, said the report reflects the consequences of a chronically underfunded Veterans Affairs Department. Until the VA receives the support it urgently needs, more instances of unacceptable care are sure to arise around the country, he said in a written statement.

Antonaccio emphasized the routine report is unrelated to the issue of wait times at the VA, and it mentions some accomplishments at the VA. That includes the 2015 creation of a clinical surveillance team devoted to expediting follow-up with patients whose radiological results contain unexpected findings.

As an organization we appreciate having an independent body take a look and offer recommendations to us so we can improve our practices, he said.
The modern cities of Uzbekistan, a country steeped in history, sparkle under the bright sun like pearls scattered along the Silk Road thousands of years ago.

Braving the blistering sun and sand-laden winds, Chinese traders began arriving in the city of Bukhara during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220). Some stayed, while others carried on along the Silk Road to explore new markets.

Known as the "Shining Pearl of the Silk Road", Uzbekistan's fifth-largest city is more than 2,500 years old. Back when the ancient trading route was a well-trodden path, long caravans traveled to the city from across the globe, lured by the legend of a magical oasis hidden between two deserts.

According to some records, the first caravans appeared on the Silk Road in 138 BC, when ancient China opened its borders for trade. One of the first Chinese to cross what later became Uzbek territory from north to south was Zhang Qian, an envoy of Emperor Wu (156-87 BC). Zhang and his companions wrote about three prosperous kingdoms: Bukhara, Fergana and Samarkand. All three are now territories of Uzbekistan.

Zhang may not have envisioned that China's links with Bukhara would still be strong more than 2,000 years later.

In June, President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, took a tour of the city, accompanied by Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who was Uzbekistan's prime minister at the time and is now president.

Bukhara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the first stop on Xi's state visit. During his stay, he visited the Ark Fortress, once the residence of ancient rulers, but now a cultural museum housing a wealth of antiques - including an ancient manuscript of the Quran - handicrafts, ancient coins and weaponry.

Xi said the tour would help China and Uzbekistan to carry forward the spirit of the ancient Silk Road, boost the friendship between the peoples of the two nations and promote the Belt and Road Initiative.

Despite the city's modern appearance, Bukhara's merchants still welcome guests in exactly the same places their forefathers did; under the ancient trading domes and in the surrounding streets.

"A guest is like our father, as it was in ancient times and will always be," said Bukhara resident Doston Rajabov. "We receive guests as we would our own father."

Mubashira Bahshilova, a local tour guide, said: "You can still sense Bukhara's atmosphere, and the colors of the bricks mean the old towers and buildings have not been rebuilt since ancient times. The colors you see now are the same as in the days when the ancient city was a major trading center on the Silk Road. Even today, under those trading domes, people still sell the same items that were sold hundreds of years ago, as well as typical handmade goods."

Culture and commerce

Bukhara has long been a center of not only trade, but also scholarship, culture and religion. During the golden age of the Samanid Empire (819-999), it was a prestigious intellectual center for Islamic scholars, second only to Baghdad.

One of the many highlights in the city's historic center, which features many mosques and madrassas, is the mausoleum of Ismail Samani, a powerful Samanid emir. The structure is one of the best-known pieces of Central Asian architecture, unique for its style, which combines Zoroastrian and Islamic motifs.

The mausoleum's facade is covered by intricately decorated brickwork, with circular patterns reminiscent of the sun, a common feature of Zoroastrian art, which usually represents the god Ahura Mazda as fire and light. Moreover, the building is shaped like a cube - similar to the Kaaba, a structure in Islam's most sacred mosque in Mecca - and has a domed roof.

Built in the ninth century, the mausoleum appears to change color with the weather, which experts say is a feature of its unique brickwork.

"The architect who created the mausoleum had 18 ways of laying the bricks," Bahshilova explained. "If you take a closer look, you'll see that each surface has 10 windows. Each has its own decorative pattern, so the windows on each face of the building are different."

Xi, who visited the mausoleum during his visit, said the tour of Bukhara had given him a more profound understanding of the deep-rooted historical connections between China and Uzbekistan.

Abdumalik Bektemirov, an Uzbek economist, said Sino-Uzbek cooperation dates back to ancient times, when China was the starting point of the Silk Road, and the area that is now Uzbekistan was one of the most important trading posts along the route.

"There are more than 130 ethnic groups in Uzbekistan, and most of them traded with China thousands of years ago," he said. "Bukhara played such an important role in the Silk Road, I think both countries are looking forward to maintaining those ancient ties under the Belt and Road Initiative."

(China Daily 03/30/2017 page6)
An asteroid caught in the orbit of Jupiter is bucking the tide, traveling in a direction opposite to the million or so objects that orbit our sun.

Christian Veillet, director of the Large Binocular Telescope on Mount Graham in the Pinaleno Mountains near Safford, and colleagues reported Wednesday in the journal Nature that the tiny, unnamed object has survived in its seemingly perilous orbit for a million years.

I compare it to a new species found somewhere in the bottom of the ocean or some weird place on Earth, Veillet said. It is an interesting animal.

The object, about three kilometers in diameter, uses the gravitational nudge of giant Jupiter to alternately pass safely inside and outside of the planets orbital plane every six years, never coming closer than 109 million miles.

Of the 726,261 known asteroids, only 82 orbit in a clockwise, or retrograde motion, Veillet, and Canadian colleagues Paul Wiegert of Western University in London, Ontario, and Martin Connors of Athabasca University in Alberta, reported in Nature.

What makes this asteroid unique, according to the most recent research, is that it is the only one known to co-orbit with a planet in the opposite direction.

The object, known provisionally as BZ509, was discovered in 2015 by the University of Hawaiis asteroid-hunting Pan-STARRS telescope.

At the time, its orbit was not sufficiently well-known to determine its behavior, according to the paper. But it appeared to be suspiciously close to Jupiters co-orbital zone, so the authors of this paper tracked it down and obtained further observational data using the Large Binocular Telescope Observatory in Arizona.

Weigert, Connors and Veillet used archived data and additional observations to plot the arc of the object over 300 days  long enough to provide a reliable simulation to determine that it does share Jupiters orbital space.

Final confirmation of its retrograde orbit was made with 16 observations by Veillet at the LBT, whose twin 8.4-meter mirrors represent a bit of overkill for solar system observations.

The LBT, an international collaboration led by the University of Arizona, can operate as the largest telescope on Earth when light from its two mirrors is combined.

It was just a bit too faint for the smaller telescopes dedicated to our solar system, but for LBT, its an easy target, which is nice because we didnt spend much time using the telescope, Veillet said.

Even though we try to use it for things no one else can do, it also does these kinds of basic observations which produce interesting science, he said.

Veillet said he, Weigert and Connors first began collaborating on interesting objects in the solar system when he was director of the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope.

In 2011, the team confirmed the co-orbital status of the first, and only, known Earth Trojan. Trojans are asteroids that co-orbit with planets at stable points where the gravitational pull of the planet and the sun cancel each other.

The collaboration has continued in a long-distance arrangement, he said. We regularly look at the weird objects in the solar system.

This asteroid could be a comet, according to the Nature article. It hasnt brightened during the observations, which would indicate a tail of vaporizing ice, but it hasnt been observed in a close approach to the sun.
Meet Timea Post.

She's the Tucson High School 17-year-old whose senior photos went viral after BuzzFeed picked them up yesterday.

But these aren't your typical senior photos with poses in front of roses and ponds (although she did take a few "nice ones" at Reid Park).

No, Timea's photos are witty with a dash of sass.

There she is in Bookmans, at Eegee's and our personal favorite  in front of a Mattress Firm.

senior pictures inspired by the beauty of Tucson pic.twitter.com/aK7FjHYZxf  in(timi)dation (@TimiPost) March 25, 2017

Since the tweet on March 25, BuzzFeed and Teen Vogue have picked up the photos, and local TV stations have caught up with the high school senior.

"It's crazy. I just have no words," Timea said Tuesday night. "I'm just completely shocked. It hasn't set in yet. Me and my friend Hannah were just driving around Tucson and didn't know what to do for senior photos."

Timea and her friend/photographer Hannah Gill (a fellow Tucson High senior) were inspired by the number of Mattress Firms and construction zones around town and the idea grew from there.

Outside of the media love Timea has received, the businesses she spotlighted tweeted their thanks.

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Tucson Unified School District also jumped in.

Very cool! What a fun way to celebrate your senior year and Tucson! https://t.co/dgcybcRvnW  Tucson Unified (@tucsonunified) March 29, 2017

"I have loved high school," Timea says. "I have definitely changed in a lot of very good ways. I'm very involved in choir in my school and that has been a stable place that is a family now, and I'm grateful for what has come out of that."

Timea says theater has been part of her life since she was 10, both in school and through Christian Youth Theater Tucson.

After graduation in May, she's headed to Pima Community College to get some general education classes out of the way and save money. She grew up in Tucson and isn't itching to get out of town. She dreams of getting into film acting some day.

"I just love being on stage," she says. "I don't know, it's hard to put into words. The stage is my happy place."

And right now, Tucson is her audience and Twitter is her stage.

Take a bow, Timea. 
Help India!

Lucknow, (IANS): Whats in a name? Well, if you are Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, referred to as Maharaj-ji by his disciples and followers, it means a lot. Or so it seems, as the way the name of the new Chief Minister is written has been changed three times since he took oath on March 19.

On the day he took over as the 21st Chief Minister of the most populous state of the country, the nameplate of the firebrand BJP leader read Adityanath Yogi.

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This was in line with the official name taken by the Gorakhpur MP, who read out his name as Adityanath Yogi while taking the oath in front of thousands of supporters and a bevy of politicians led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah.

A few days later, when purification of the sprawling Chief Ministers official house was being done by priests, specially called from Gorakhnath Mutt in Gorakhpur, the name on the plate was changed to Aditya Nath Yogi. This sent the media and also the officials into a tizzy wondering what the reasons were for the change.

All official communiques emanating from the Chief Ministers Office subsequently used this changed name.

Now, for the third time his name has been changed to Yogi Adityanath, the name initially used by many, especially in the media.

While stumped officials told IANS that they were unaware of the reason behind this latest change, a senior official confirmed that this is the new and final nomenclature of the Chief Minister.

In a communique regarding distribution of departments to new ministers, the Raj Bhavan also referred to the Chief Minister as Yogi Adityanath.

Ok then, till the next change.
Help India!

By Dr. Syed Zafar Mahmood, President, ZakatIndia.org

To conduct polling for the parliamentary election and those for the provincial assemblies, the election commission of India (ECI) procures EVMs from two public sector undertakings, namely Bharat Electronics Ltd, Bangalore and Electronics Corporation of India Ltd, Hyderabad. Both of these public sector undertakings are controlled by the central government and neither by the ECI nor through a multi-party control mechanism.

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2. Procuring the EVMs for elections of municipal corporations and other local bodies is the discretion of the state election commissioners. Its a subject matter of investigation as to from where they buy these machines. Also, the voters need to know up to what extent the prescribed mechanism of the upkeep and handling of the EVMs are tamper-proof.

EVM components

3. In India, the voting machines have two parts. On the balloting unit, the voters press the button and the control unit gives the command to the polling officer who sits in the polling booth. These components of the EVM are inter-connected and also, through a fifteen feet long cable, the control units button rests with the polling officer. One EVM can record maximum 3,840 votes.

4. Before the EVMs came into vogue, a ballot paper was given to each voter after which nobody other than the voter had any control on the casting of the votes. The manual ballot has, in the recent past, been replaced by a system where the polling officer presses the ballot button and only then the balloting unit is open for casting the vote. After a voter presses a button on this unit, the red LED indicator should light up and a whistle sound should come from the machine. But if that doesnt happen then millions of the illiterate and rural voters would not realize that the vote has not been cast.

Polling Officers discretion

5. Simultaneously, after the button is pressed, the EVM is again locked automatically for any further voting. Pressing any button again will not be counted as a vote. This system has originally been devised to ensure that no registered voter can cast multiple votes. Yet, avoidable discretion does now lie with the polling officer who has the EVM control trigger in hand. This surely casts aspersions on high values of total democratic transparency.

6. As the EVM unit can accommodate only a given maximum number of votes, it enables a candidate to easily know about the number of persons who have voted for him through that particular EVM. That is susceptible to vitiating the winners mind towards those areas where he was not the voters choice.

No multi-party technical pre-election check of EVMs

7. In response to a query the Election Commission of India has recently clarified that during the production of EVMs in the factory, functional testing is done by the production group as per the laid down quality plan and performance test procedures. Samples of EVMs from production batches are periodically checked for functionality by a Quality Assurance Group, which is an independent unit within the manufacturing firms.

8. However, nowhere it is mentioned in the ECIs response that technical representatives of various political parties are ever able to check the EVMs in any manner.

RTI queries

9. Against this backdrop and in the context of the upcoming elections for the three Municipal Corporations Delhi due in April 2017 the ZFI has raised the following RTI queries with the Delhi state election commissioner: (i) The name & address of the suppliers from whom the Delhi State Election Commission has bought the electronic voting machines (EVMs) which will be used for conducting the MCD Election 2017. (ii) The number of such machines. (iii) The date on which such machines were bought and brought to Delhi. (iv) The mode of transportation of such machines. (v) The location of safe custody of these machines. (vi) The arrangements for safe custody of such machines. (vii) How many security personnel are deployed every 24 hours to guard these machines. (viii) After arrival in the custody of Delhi State Election Commission on which dates these machines were subjected to technical checking and verification of their authenticity and by whom. (ix) If yes, then please provide copies of these reports. (x) What is the professional expertise of the persons who did such checking? (xi) From where did they receive the required training and when. And, (xii) on which date the upcoming MCD election candidates and their technically equipped representatives will be offered to inspect these machines.

EVM tampering possible

10. The possibility of the EVMs being tampered with cannot be denied. Their safe custody under the EC guards does give a sense of satisfaction. Yet there are so many slips between the cup and the lip.

11. It is satisfying to some extent that the operating program of EVMs control unit is engraved permanently in silicon by the manufacturers. This program supposedly cannot be changed once the unit is manufactured, even by the manufacturer. But, from beginning to the end, the manufacturers too are voters, and, effectively at the beck and call of the political party in power.

Technically equip ECIs internal checking team

12. So the questions arise as to what is the internal mechanism available with the election commission to check and satisfy itself that the EVMs bought by it are not pre-rigged? From where does the commissions staff deployed for this purpose get training to carry out such checking? In the polling booths if the polling officer does not press the button after a person has voted, how do the millions of illiterate rural voters make sure that their vote has been cast?

EVMs pitfalls noted in the USA

13. In a news item Voting Machines Put U.S. Democracy at Risk the CNN News Anchor Lou Dobbs reported that during the 2004 presidential election, one voting machine in a suburb of Columbus, Ohio reportedly added nearly 3,900 additional votes to George Bushs total. Officials caught the machines error because only 638 voters had cast ballots at that precinct.

14. A report from the US Election Science Institute found that in Cuyahoga County the electronic voting machines four sources of vote totals  individual ballots, paper trail summary, election archives and memory cards  didnt match up with each other. The totals were all different, and the report concluded that relying on the current system for Cuyahoga Countys more than 1.3 million people should be viewed as a calculated risk. Lou Dobbs asked, are we really willing to risk our democracy?

Michigan scientists hacking of Indian EVM

15. Julian Siddle of BBC had reported that scientists at the University of Michigan developed a technique to hack into Indian electronic voting machines. After connecting a home-made device to a machine, the researchers were able to change results by sending text messages from a mobile phone, as confirmed by Professor J Alex Halderman, who led the project. Our lookalike display board intercepts the vote totals that the machine is trying to display and replaces them with dishonest totals  basically whatever the bad guy wants to show up at the end of the election, said the US professor. In addition, they added a small microprocessor which they say can change the votes stored in the machine between the election and the vote-counting session. The researchers added that the paper and wax seals put on the EVMs could be easily faked.

Princeton findings

16. In the US, there are four main manufacturers of electronic voting systems, none of which has been demonstrated to be more secure than the others. A Princeton University study found that hackers can easily tamper with electronic voting machines by installing a virus to disable machines and change the vote totals.

17. Princeton researchers also found that malicious software running on a single voting machine can steal votes with little risk of detection and that anyone with access can install the software. The study also suggests these machines are susceptible to viruses.

Government Accountability Office finding

18. A 2005 Government Accountability Office report on electronic voting confirmed the worst fears of watchdog groups and election officials. The report said, There is evidence that some of these concerns have been realized and have caused problems with recent elections, resulting in the loss and miscount of votes.

Newsweek report

19. Newsweek also reported that it requires only a few minutes of pre-election access to a Diebold EVM to open the machine and insert a PC card that, if it contained malicious code, could reprogram the machine to give control to the violator. The machine could go dead on Election Day or throw votes to the wrong candidate. Worse, its even possible for such ballot-tampering software to trick authorized technicians into thinking that everything is working fine, an illusion you couldnt pull off with pre-electronic systems. Consequently, many US states have taken action to implement paper trails.

Introduce multi-party EVM control

20. Section 61A of the Indian Representation of People Act states the giving and recording of votes by voting machines in such manner as may be prescribed, may be adopted.. The manner so prescribed needs to be examined by technical representatives of the political parties with a view to strengthen the system and make it foolproof as well as fully transparent. The companies manufacturing EVM machines and the checking and upkeep of these machines should be controlled jointly through a multi-party mechanism.
With poaching becoming a real issue, in the Czech Republic a zoo is having to take evasive action to save the lives of its 21 rhinos. The horns of all 21 rhinos resident in the zoo are being cut off for the rhinos own protection. The horn is of high medicinal and financial value in the far east so poachers are a danger to rhinos in the wild and Zoos now. The horn is made out of keratin which is the same material as our hair and nails and according to scientists of no medicinal value at all. The rewards are enormous as they sell them on to practitioners in Chinese medicine for example.

Dvur Kralove Zoo

The action at the Czech zoo happened because of what happened at a zoo in Paris when a rhino was killed by poachers. The removal causes no pain and the rhinos can live their lives as they would do with it. Zoos were once seen as havens for endangered species it would appear this is not the case anymore.

Zoos and safari parks especially where there are endangered species will have to beef up their security which is sad. Zoos are the last bastions for endangered species like rhinos and the fact they are no longer safe in these establishments is a sad reflection of our troubled world.

Poaching in zoos: A new phenomenon?

Sadly yes this does appear to be a new phenomenon and the culture of zoos will have to change.

Will zoos now become like airports where security understandably is paramount? This may seem like an extreme suggestion but this is what we could expect when we visit our zoos. It would be for the protection of visitors, staff and most importantly the animals.

Let's face it there are good zoos and bad zoos and some question the purpose of zoos.

However, the good zoos like Chester zoo in England do a sterling job in breeding and protecting their stock of endangered species. If you wish to catch up with the staff and animals at Chester zoo you can tune in on Tuesday night on Channel 4 at 8pm. Poaching in zoos once unheard of is something zoos and safari parks will have to deal with in the future.

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A Le Pen victory may not be the only problem the EU needs to worry about. Her possible election may lead to a French withdrawal from the Euro, which would speed up an end to the superbloc's existence, but there are other likely contenders. Economics may not have led to a Remain victory in Britain last year, but the economy still ultimately determines if these trading blocs will survive, not just politics.

A ticking time-bomb

The Euro, let alone the EU, is a ticking time-bomb of economic and political disasters waiting to happen. Wilders may have failed to win in Holland this month, but the anti-EU spirit could still triumph in other countries.

The political implications of last year's Italian referendum are still unclear. Fresh elections could enable a victory for the Five Star Movement, which wants to end their country's Euro membership.

Merkel may survive this year, but the AfK could easily reduce the number of seats she currently retains in the Bundestag and will gradually strengthen anti-establishment feeling there.

Economic uncertainty

But it is not just impeding elections that will help cause the superbloc to collapse. The economies of Greece, Italy and now Spain are facing a crisis. The Euro was never likely to survive without full integration between all the EU states. It is likely Germany may have to bail out these countries again and if that is the case, the single currency's collapse will only be delayed, not saved.

Not to mention that these countries are also facing the strain of the refugee crisis.

So the bets are on which country will cause the collapse of the EU, either politically or economically, before Brexit is due to be completed.
The government are producing details of the Great Repeal Bill, which is the bill to choose what EU legislation and regulations to fully incorporate into British law. However, with issues such as energy, environment and climate change, there is concern over what vital regulations that are long-term ideals and plans will be kept and developed. This is the second part looking at the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) and Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).

Both, CAP, and CFP, were cited throughout the original referendum debate as policies that inhibit our industries, even resulting in the weirdest moment of the debate when a flotilla battle started on the Thames involving Nigel Farage and Bob Geldof.

Common Agriculture Policy (CAP)

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is cited by Europhiles as an inhibitor on British farms, forgetting the importance of this policy. It has been a force in maintaining production across Europe and there is a high chance that the government will keep it. This policy has helped maintain the low-input high-nature value farms, whilst creating pressures on the environment from advanced production and input.

Since 1990 CAP has gone through a series of reforms to try and improve its environmental orientation, sharply reduce subsidies and their harmful impacts. Despite the reforms there is a way to go before they create a truly green policy.

There is uncertainty whether a Brexit would do serious harm or not.

The UK will have to create a new set of national agriculture policies, where there would be major variations between England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. It is unfortunate that current UK policy, strongly supported by the Treasury, is to cut the expenditure of agriculture.

There are question marks over whether future governments would also apply the same agriculture policy, and experts expect major cuts.

This could see the incentives for greener farming decline. This also would raise question marks over an imposed environmental obligation, due to more subsidised competition from EU states. There is a great deal of uncertainty with the CAP and it is perceived that a Brexit would pose more of a risk to the environment than not.

Common Fisheries Policy (CFP)

Critics cite CFP significantly more than other EU policy, and this was the reason for the naval battle on the Thames during the referendum. This policy has had its issues since it was introduced, and has been mostly unsatisfactory in environmental terms. However, other transnational fisheries management regimes have suffered similar weaknesses, it is difficult to manage marine life as there are no clear boundaries. Recently the CFP was reformed and is now heading in the right direction to tackle the environmental burden of industrial scale fishing.

Regardless of what deal the UK strikes with the EU, one thing is for certain is that CFP will cease to apply. The difficulties this will impose are that we would have to negotiate fishing agreements with EU member states.

There are also the politically sensitive discussions between devolved British jurisdictions, as most stocks migrate to and from British waters. British fishers also work in other states waters.

There is no evidence to suggest that there would be closer alignment to total allowable catch in the UK, and no evidence that this will allow for further greening amongst fisheries. Overall there is a significant risk to marine life if we were to leave the EU. CFP allows the protection of stocks, and helps sustainability.

Any agreement that is made with the UK and the EU, we would have to use the framework of CFP as this has far too many benefits to stock sustainability. There would be too many unwanted risks and international marine law does not provide the means to ensure compliance, this is a significant weakness.
Brexit may not be fully completed until 2022, European politicians have warned Britain.

It is likely that the European Court Of Justice will have full jurisdiction over Britain's divorce from the European Union, something Vote Leave campaigned against last year.

Members of the European Parliament have warned the British Government there can be no 'trade-off' between defence and security cooperation and a future trade deal.

MEPs have issued a response to the Prime Minister's letter formally triggering Article 50 the Lisbon Treaty that enables countries to leave the EU should they choose to.

Brexit delayed

It is the first response from the superbloc to Theresa May's letter, which was delivered by hand to the President of the European Council Donald Tusk yesterday.

The European Parliament hopes to approve of the final deal between Britain and the EU by October 2018, but these complications could mean MEPs will not get a final say on Britain's future relationship with the superbloc until 2022.

The implications this could have on re-electing British MEPs is still unclear.

British and European officials have been discussing the contents of the letter for weeks which is why the motion was drafted before Mrs May sent off her letter.

The letter stated Britain intends to leave the EU, the Single Market and the Customs Union.

However, if Brexit is delayed until 2022, this could mean Britain may have to retain membership of the European Economic Area.

EEA membership

The European Economic Area consists of all EU countries and Iceland, Norway and Lichtenstein.

These countries are not EU members, but EEA membership allows them the same privileges to the Single Market as other European countries.

The motion says transitional arrangements in place for Britain's EU exit should not exceed more than three years, which could witness the UK leaving the superbloc by 2022 at the latest.

The motion also says both parties have legal obligations to secure legal continuity and certainty.

However, it also says the European Court of Justice should settle any legal disputes.

Yet transitional arrangements cannot exceed more than three years.

Mrs May has been warned by EU politicians that the superbloc has a strong self-interest in preserving the organisation's existence and the UK will fail to enjoy the same Single Market privileges it currently has.

72 per cent of the EU's current member states will need to vote on Britain's financial obligations, citizens' rights and the Irish border as part of the superbloc's Qualified Majority Voting rules.

No new trade agreements yet

The UK will not be allowed to pursue new trade agreements whilst it remains an EU member.

MEPs want to prevent a similar attempt by Cameron in the buildup to last year's referendum to reform Britain's membership conditions.

EU laws governing the environment and climate change will remain in place for the time being.

London will be prevented from having exclusive access to the Single Market and the Customs Union.
David Davis MP, the minister for the Department for Exiting the European Union (DExEU), has laid out the governments plans in regards to the Great Repeal Bill. Which will allow the UK to replace any EU law enshrined in UK law upon the exiting the EU. Labour raised concerns that it was being done without proper parliamentary scrutiny.

This is the biggest legislative overhaul the UK has ever undertaken but What does this mean for lawmakers?

What will the bill do?

Firstly, Davis said that it would allow the UK parliament along with Scottish, Welsh and Norther Irish administrations to scrap or amend any EU law.

But it would also mean the end the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice. The bill would also repeal the European Communities Act, that states that EU law is supreme to UK law, transpose current EU laws into UK law and come into force the day the UK leaves the EU. A Lords committee stated that this represents a unique challenge for the UK lawmakers.

The only issue is that 1000s of laws could be changed without parliamentary scrutiny, the clause dubbed the Henry Viii powers by those against it, was placed with the idea that the government can change/remove laws swiftly to create a smooth exit. However, this also represents a will to avoid a democratic process of parliament. Davis has previously stated that there would be a time limit on this clause and that major laws would be put to parliament.

But this requires the government to decide what laws are major or not.

The task ahead

The government has a difficult task within the next 2 years when negotiating with the EU and deciding what laws they will keep, replace or scrap. They should aim to ensure workers across the country are secure, EU nationals rights should be guaranteed and make sure climate and environmental models are follow.

They need to make sure that the laws they do decide to keep or replace are balanced enough to make trade deals easier with the EU.

Of course, with the Henry VIII clause there is significant danger that it could lead to ill-thought decisions on what laws should be removed or replaced. Davis also rejected claims that the UK were blackmailing the EU of security after it was revealed that Theresa Mays letter suggested that the UK and EUs cooperation in fighting crime and terror were at risk, if there was no deal after 2 years.

These remarks also come not long after the London attack, that saw a police officer and 4 others subsequently killed.

A long winding road

There is a long road ahead for the UK and this will no doubt put a lot of aspects in doubt, with concerns over worker rights, climate change and environmental measures particularly the main areas of concern with a lot of the public.

The government needs to go through parliamentary scrutiny as much as possible, if not all the time otherwise they fall risk of contradicting themselves over campaigns that claimed Britain will get its sovereignty back. But there is significant concern over Mays actions already, after she has tried to bypass parliament once, and the serious election fraud hanging over the Conservatives head.
In recent weeks, an alarming number of anti-Semitic hate crimes have been reported. In response to the news, President Donald Trump reportedly gave a controversial answer.

Trump on hate crimes

Ever since Donald Trump announced his campaign for president, he's been forced to deal with the label of being a "racist." Whether it's his comments on illegal immigrants from Mexico, or his "Muslim ban" execute order, the former host of "The Apprentice" has been hit with growing backlash against him. In the weeks since his inauguration, Trump has continued to feel the heat, both from his political opponents, and from the American people.

After meeting with a group of attorney generals on Tuesday, one claimed that the president addressed the increase in anti-Semitic hate crimes by blaming the Jewish people, as reported by The New York Daily News on February 28.

One of the attorney generals who met with Donald Trump on Tuesday morning was Josh Shapiro, who is the Democratic AG from Pennsylvania. According to Shapiro, Trump said that the recent attacks against Jewish Community Centers could have come from "the reverse" in an attempt "to make others look bad."

Pennsylvania AG: When asked about anti-Semitic attacks, Trump allegedly said that sometimes its the reverse. https://t.co/pcZ76JNkwo pic.twitter.com/7quOFiJeTB  The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast) February 28, 2017

"He used the word 'reverse' I would say two or three times in his comments" Shapiro pointed out, before adding, "It didnt make a whole lot of sense to me." Anti-Semitism is an issue that appears to be growing in the United States, as the election of Donald Trump has caused a spike in overall hate crimes.

In addition to hate crimes directed at minorities, a report in the Washington Examiner confirmed that over 2,000 reported crimes against white students were also ignored by the ACLU, only furthering the divide in the United States.

Next up

Following the remarks allegedly made by Donald Trump, the president is now set to address a joint session of Congress for his first major speech since being sworn into office on Tuesday night. While it's unknown what Trump will actually say, all eyes will be on the commander in chief as American politics continues to be turned upside down.
In recent weeks, the feud between the Donald Trump administration and the mainstream media has gone to the next level. While the president is usually the one doing the talking, his top advisors are also quick to engage in a war of words with the press.

MSNBC vs White House

Over the course of the 2016 presidential election, Donald Trump made it clear that he wasn't a fan of most journalists and reporters. Only a select few across cable news seemed to be in the good graces of the former host of "The Apprentice," which included the hosts of MSNBC's "Morning Joe," Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski.

In recent months, the MSNBC duo went from being friendly to the president, to one of his biggest critics. In response, Trump has lashed out at the show, poking fun at their low ratings, as the relationship between both side appears beyond repair. During dueling statement to Bloomberg, Scarborough and Chief Strategist Steve Bannon had a few words for each other, as reported by Mediaite on February 28.

Steve Bannon and MSNBCs Joe Scarborough Exchange Insults in Statements https://t.co/fe1DJ3vezU pic.twitter.com/mWh8xBDUDx  Mediaite (@Mediaite) February 28, 2017

In a special profile on Stephen Miller, an advisor to Donald Trump who came under fire for his controversial TV appearances earlier this month, Steve Bannon was critical of the news media, with special attention paid to Joe Scarborough.

"I'm very sorry that the mainstream media does not like President Trumps agenda, Bannon noted, while adding that the press will "have to embrace the fact that they, as the opposition party, who tried to destroy Donald Trump as a candidate, lost."

Steve Bannon didn't stop there, calling out the MSNBC host by name in his defense of Stephen Miller.

"When Joe Scarborough and the mainstream media attack Stephen Miller, it's just like any opposition party," Bannon said, before accusing the press of attempting to "take out" the "best young people" in the White House.

Does Stephen Miller speak for Trump? Or vice versa? https://t.co/nQqWqwUX7F pic.twitter.com/rSbYsUDWbb  Businessweek (@BW) February 28, 2017

Joe fires back

In response to Steve Bannon, Joe Scarborough released a rebuttal to Bloomberg and didn't hold back his thoughts.

Referring to Bannon and Stephen Miller as "hacks," Scarborough said they both "humiliate themselves by being so ignorant of American history" before mocking them for trying to speak in "big-boy voices" in a failed defense of Donald Trump and the current administration. As Scarborough and other mainstream media names continue to fight back against the White House, it doesn't appear like common ground will be found at any point in the near future.
New Jersey Governor, Chris Christie will take on an advisory role to help figure out ways the trump administration can fight American's dependence on opioids. According to CNN, President Trump made the announcement at a meeting at the White House on Wednesday.

Is Christie the right man for the job?

Trump introduced Chris as a "very effective guy" and said he'd work with the local and state government, law enforcement, and medical professionals to "help develop policies" that could combat Opioid Addiction.

Christie is a politician that has a no-nonsense demeanor which would serve him well in this role.

For him, the battle on opioid addiction is something much more personal.

In 2015, the governor said that his close friend died alone in a motel as a result of an addiction to Percocet. He recalled feeling shocked about his friend's addiction, because, by all accounts, he seemed to have everything.

Chris Christie will lead a commission to address opioid addiction. The commission is largely an extension of Obama-era efforts pic.twitter.com/fEK3y0oIee  Sherman (@Shermanbot) March 30, 2017

Christie said he was a good looking person, well educated, career, and a beautiful family. Even so, he was addicted to opioids and he didn't get help. And, it could happen to anyone.

Opioid epidemic is alarming

For the past 18 years, the number of overdose opioid deaths have quadrupled.

In the past 15 years, more than 500,000 people have died from drug overdoses. Research claims that opioid addiction accounts for most of the drug-related overdoses.

It is estimated that 90 people die every day as a result of addiction. For every person who dies, 30 more people are admitted to the ER for treatment. It is a big problem in America.

Many people are praising Trump's effort to find policies to end addiction to the pain killers.

Trump's plan could make a difference

During Trump's 2016 campaign trail, he stated drug addiction was a priority for his administration. He has not changed his stance. Donald wants to overhaul the drug court system to give addicts an effective treatment plan to overcome dependence on drugs and alcohol.

The proposed Trump plan would give $500 million more to expand opioid addiction prevention and drug treatment. If his proposal is accepted, it could greatly reduce opioid addiction in the next few years.

The greatest part of his plan is he wants to make drug treatment available to more people, particularly those who cannot usually afford it. Trump said that it's sad that those who can't afford treatment often keep using because they don't know how to stop on their own.

Opioid addiction can lead to other drugs

One of the main issues, other than the health risk, with opioid addiction, is it can lead to using other illegal drugs such as cocaine and heroin.

Christie believes there should be restrictions on how many pills a doctor can prescribe. For example, he recommended doctors only handing out up to a five-day prescription so their patient won't develop a dependency on the drug.

Donald Trump and Chris Christie have work to do to combat opioid addiction in America, but it sounds like, they are off to a great start.

Do you think Chris Christie is the right man to head the opioid addiction panel?
While some in the United States harbor a conspiracy theory that suggests that Russia swung the results of the recent presidential election and made Donald Trump, in effect, a real-life Manchurian Candidate, the head of the European Union, Jean-Claude Juncker, has one of his own about Brexit. He blames Britain leaving the EU on Donald Trump and the Americans and, according to CNN, has a plan for revenge. He is threatening to campaign for Austin, Texas, and Ohio to leave the United States and form their own countries.

His choice of targets is a bit strange, considering that the biggest secession movement currently in the United States is in California, called Calexit.

Austin becoming a city state would be an interesting albeit doomed idea. The capital of Texas is an island of leftwing nuttery in an ocean of deep red conservatism. The city is notorious for the things it tries to ban such as ride sharing, short term rentals, and even barbecue. If Austin were to leave Texas and thus the checks imposed on it by the Texas state legislature, it would become like East Berlin during the Cold War?

But, Ohio? To be sure a group of pranksters did offer a petition on the White House website in 2012 calling for a Republic of Ohio, but it garnered only a few thousand signatures.

In the meantime, a number of other countries in the EU are seething with the desire to liberate themselves from the tyranny of Brussels.

In the upcoming French elections, Marine Le Pen is suggesting that she might lead France out of the EU. Other countries such as Italy and Greece have developed a leave sentiment. On the other hand, some in Scotland want to leave the United Kingdom and rejoin the EU.

Juncker may want to consider what is causing secession feeling in Europe and desist from making silly threats against the United States.

Americans, even those who are itching to repeat the folly of the Confederates, are hardly going to be inspired by an irate gentleman from Luxembourg who is mad at Donald Trump. Their ancestors immigrated to America to get away from people like Juncker, after all.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker is not a fan of Donald Trump. On Thursday, while speaking at a European Peoples Party conference in Malta, Juncker blasted President Trump over his support for the United Kingdom's decision to withdraw from the European Union (EU) and threatened to promote secession throughout the United States.

If he goes on like that, said Juncker, I am going to promote the independence of Ohio and Austin, Texas.

Juncker then attempted to rally support for the EU, urging the 27 remaining member nations to strengthen defense policies.

Speaking in German, Juncker -- who is in favor of a European common military force -- claimed that the EU's common defense is as effective as a "chicken coop."

Farage calls Juncker a fool

Nigel Farage, one of the most outspoken leaders of the Brexit movement, had some harsh words for the European Commission president after he threatened to support the independence of Ohio and Austin, Texas.

Juncker has made a complete fool of himself, said Farage in a press release, as reported by Breitbart News. He clearly does not understand the difference between the EU and the United States of America. One was formed by consent while the other is being imposed.

Comparing the United States to the EU would be like comparing apples to oranges.

In his press statement, Farage pointed out that America shares a common language and a common culture, while the differences in culture and language throughout Europe are immense.

Is Juncker drunk on his own power?

Prior to becoming the head of the European Commission, Jean-Paul Juncker was the prime minister of Luxembourg, a nation with a total population slighter larger than that of the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and a military force of less than a thousand.

The European Commission is perhaps the most powerful entity within the EU, with the ability to overrule the domestic laws of the EU's 27 member states.

According to some within the Trump administration, the responsibility of helming the powerful European Commission is beyond Juncker's ability. Ted Malloch, who is reported to be President Trump's top choice for the position of ambassador to the EU, told the BBC during a recent interview that Juncker needs to go back to being "an adequate mayor" of his tiny city-state.
On the same day that Bridgegate news was making headlines, the POTUS shifted the story and selected Chris Christie, the Governor of New Jersey, to head a new commission devoted to battling growing opioid addiction throughout the United States.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 183,000 people have died in the U.S.due to prescription opioid overdose (covering the years from 1999 to 2015). In addition, it is prescription opioids that are the cause of almost 50% of all opioid overdose deaths in America.

This drug challenge has reached new heights, clearly requiring new solutions in order to curb and/or eradicate a comprehensive, complex, and perplexing problem.

Enter the new Office of American Innovation charged with overseeing the work of this commission (as well as other related duties).

Why have the Office of American Innovation work on opioid prevention

The POTUS's placement of a commission whose focus is on opioid addiction prevention within the new Office of American Innovation (OAI) initially had brows furrowed. Trump's presidential memo identified the purpose of the the OAI to bring together the best and brightest ideas available throughout the country and utilize a business-model approach to make scalable models that solve problems, create jobs, spur innovation, and improve the quality of American life.

OAI will be led by Jared Kuchner, Senior Advisor to the President, and include more than ten additional high-ranking members of the President's team.

The office's role of improving the quality of American life has direct ties to the work that the commission can do.

Why now

According to the CDC, emergency rooms throughout the nation treat nearly 1,000 individuals a day who have abused prescription opioids. That's 7,000 people a week or 364,000 people a year - which is nearly the same as the entire estimated 2015 population of Tampa, FL, Honolulu, HI, or Anaheim, CA.

Opioid Abuse has clearly hit an unfathomable level. A commission to address the issue - housed in the Office of American Innovation or any other location - is an urgent necessity.
#Barack Obama in his eight years at the President of the United State's of America made pioneering inroads into climate change and the #green energy sectors. He rallied the nation to support climate action with purpose and he went beyond the obligations of the country's energy standards to deliver an inspiring and meaningful change to global warming issues.

Obama said, in June 2015, that America would continue to support and encourage American leadership in #clean energy expertise and technology and that America would look to using green technologies, such as renewables, efficient natural gas, nuclear, and clean coal.

In 2014, President Obama created and signed an agreement between the US and #China to restrict and curb both nation's #harmful emissions, and it was greeted with applause from the rest of the world. This pact, one signed by the two biggest contributors to pollution, helped create momentum for the creation and execution of the 2015 Paris climate accord, a meaningful step toward global cooling.
The first two months of the Donald Trump administration have been tough for the new president. Despite this, Trump attempted to lighten the mood during a Tuesday night bipartisan dinner at the White House.

Trump talks

After just over 60 days in the White House, Donald Trump has faced the almost daily challenge of new scandals, and push back from Democrats as well as Republicans. From his failed "Muslim ban" executive order and recent attempt at health care from, to the ongoing issue of Russian interference during the 2016 election, the former host of "The Apprentice" has not had a smooth transition into his new role as commander in chief.

While this might be the case, Trump did his best to put a positive spin on his current situation on Tuesday night, as reported by Fox News on March 28.

"Nobody ever told me that politics was going to be so much fun." @POTUS spoke at a bipartisan @WhiteHouse reception for Senators & spouses. pic.twitter.com/2dEr2XZbHg  Fox News (@FoxNews) March 28, 2017

Appearing at a White House reception for senators and their spouses on Tuesday night, President Donald Trump addressed those in attendance, while mocking how "fun" it was to be the president. "Nobody ever told me that politics was going to be so much fun," Trump said, while adding, "but it's going well." The billionaire real estate mogul then went on to claim that per his conversation with Defense Secretary James Mattis, "we are doing very well in Iraq."

Trump: "No doubt" we'll make a future deal on healthcare https://t.co/fVtB5TiM6C pic.twitter.com/JbUrG1pfJZ  The Hill (@thehill) March 29, 2017

"I have some very special friends in the room," Donald Trump continued, before jokingly stating, "Here we are and, shockingly, it's bipartisan." "I know that we will all make a deal on health care, that's such an easy one," he continued, stating, "I have no doubt that will happen very quickly." Trump's comments on health care come at an odd time, as it was just last weekend that he was forced to pull the Republican health care bill before a vote could even take place due to the lack of even GOP support in the House of Representatives.

Next up

Donald Trump's comments at the White House on Tuesday night took some by surprise, as he put a smiling face on issues that have only become more tense in recent days. While the president appeared like he was in a joking mood with Democrats, just hours prior he was promoting the questionable conspiracy theory that the Hillary Clinton campaign was linked to Russia. As of press time, it's unknown how the rest of his presidency will play out,, but it's expected that it won't be getting easier anytime soon.
Keeping another campaign pledge, President Donald Trump signed the Energy Independence executive order today that rescinds, reviews, or freezes nearly half a dozen Obama-era rules. The order's primary goal is to boost domestic energy production related to oil, natural gas, and coal while removing massive regulatory roadblocks. That, Trump remarked, will grow our economy, bring back jobs, and create an energy revolution.

In various interviews, the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt said President Trump was setting a new course that was both pro-jobs and pro-environment.

Pruitt noted for far too long, the EPA has been picking certain industries to win while placing other sectors into the crosshairs of the agencys regulatory guns. He said that was no longer going to happen.

One rule thats getting scrutiny is the EPAs Clean Power Plan, which placed strict limits on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power plants. The Executive Order (EO) initiates a review of the Clean Power Plan (CPP), which has been under ongoing legal challenges from both states and industry. Trump had campaigned the rules were killing American manufacturing jobs by giving other countries an unfair advantage.

Trumps Order Undoing Clean Power Plan Isnt Anti-Environment: Its Pro #Jobs and Pro African/Hispanic-American - ... pic.twitter.com/ALkEvsCCqz  Constitutional Drunk (@USSANews) March 28, 2017

War on coal over

A White House spokesperson reiterated Trumps commitment to clean air, land, and water, stating the CPP was created to unfairly place coal-fired power plants at a disadvantage.

Indeed, since the CPPs rollout, energy-producing companies pre-emptively began shutting down coal-fired plants under the assumption that the EPA would prevail. But the Clean Air Act already regulates this industry, making the CPP a biased tool to shutter coal plants.

The new EO also lifts a 14-month freeze on new coal leases on federal lands.

The Obama administration said the suspension was in response to making the program fiscally beneficial to taxpayers and fighting climate change. After eight years of regulations, entire swathes of America have been devastated by lost jobs and opportunities. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said, "Coal jobs were the best jobs" at the signing ceremony.

The new EO also scraps language about the social cost of carbon and initiates further reviews on efforts to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas extraction, and hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. Other Obama-era orders and memos overturned by the new order included some addressing global warmings effect on national security and preparing the country for the impacts of climate change.

The Trump EPA: A Dramatic Shift From the Obama Era https://t.co/fLmgOZNsFg via @ClimateDepot  Climate Dispatch (@ccdeditor) March 28, 2017

A dramatic shift

Scott Pruitts predecessor, Gina McCarthy, condemned the Trump administration of sending us back to when smokestacks damaged our health and polluted our air. She said in a statement it was embarrassing to us on a global scale. Contrary to those statements, the U.S.

has relied on the Clean Air Act and is a global leader when it comes to curbing pollution. And it had nothing to do with the EPAs deluge of new regulations but rather new technologies.

Prior to Obamas election, air, land, and water quality was the same as it is today. A White House spokesperson said the president believes in global warming and none of Obamas efforts would have made a measurable difference on the climate. Its still unclear if the Trump administration will formally withdraw from the U.N.-backed Paris Climate Agreement. Those most affected by Obama's regulations were in attendance, including coal miners.
President Trump's long awaited executive order on #climate change was signed on Tuesday. The order effectively extinguishes and mitigates most of President Barack Obamas promising climate change efforts and also points to a revival of the coal industry whilst also relinquishing American support of international efforts to curb global warming.

Under Trump's new move, the United States has no objective to meet the commitments Obama made to reduce and manage noxious greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. Instead China, with its city perimter forests and solar powered cities, will inherit the Obama-era mantle as green energy leader.

Trashing the Clean Power Plan

#President Trump on Tuesday embarked on the lengthy process of nullifying and rewriting the Obama-era #Clean Power Plan through the EPA. The new Trump executive order also gravely illustrates the Trump administration's #drastic denial of climate change and turns this denial into a searing national policy, one that many disagree with.

And now, in a drastic role reversal from just five years ago, the Chinese are replacing the US as the leaders in environmental global stewardship. Subsequently, many are criticizing Trump for missing out on potential jobs in this new #green energy industry that could become a blossoming growth sector in the next ten years.

All through his ambitious and astonishing campaign for presidency, Trump repeated that Obama's emphasis on American leadership in the global climate change battle would be relinquished, as American jobs in the energy industry  meaning mostly coal  would take center stage.

Obama's much-admired Clean Power Plan aimed to close a large swathe of coal-fired power plants throughout the US, replacing them with new sources of green energy such as wind farms and other state of the art technology, and that was meant to create a lot of jobs.

But Trump's commitment to his version of #energy industry jobs has been touted as something that would benefit America's work force and make America great again.

Of course, many wonder if a country can be 'great' whilst the environment is causing chaos and havoc with food shortages and floods.

With his ordering to move forward with the #Clean Power Plan rollback, many climate specialists and scientists uttered in amazement. This, as green businesses and energy diplomats sought to make moves to fill the stark vacuum left by the exit of the globes second-biggest climate polluter, the United States.

it's yet another sign that the US is shifting its strategies and alliances in the international and policy world.

Pulling America away from the #global fight against climate change  one that many Republicans have been criticized for denying  has been the one move that Trump has successfully accomplished in his wishy washy tenure. His travel ban has been fought, his healthcare bill was a wash and some of his cabinet has had to give up their positions for suspected roiling with Russia.

The vacuum left by the US on global climate standards is the issue that really has critics talking. There are countless countries ready to step up and deliver on their climate promises and take advantages of Mr.

Trumps short-termism to reap the benefits of the transition to the low-carbon economy, Laurence Tubiana, one of the main negotiators of the #Paris agreement in 2015 said.

The Paris Agreement

The main goal of the Paris accord is to keep global temperatures from rising beyond #3.6 degrees, after which scientists write that the earth will be irretrievably stalled in a frightening series of harsh droughts, debilitating floods, rising sea levels and crisis food shortages that could mess with world economies and start wars. The epoch changing 2015 accord committed nearly every country to lower their planet-warming emissions. Obama pledged that the United States would absolutely slash its noxious atmospheric emissions in the range of 26 percent between 2005 and 2025. Living and working by the Clean Power Plan was necessary to meeting that promising target.
With his executive order dismantling Obama's groundbreaking Clean Power Plan, President Trump on Tuesday delivered a blow to environmentalists worldwide. He also managed to transform the Republican Party's climate skepticism into a national policy  and many people are worried about his next step.

Trump signs off climate deal

Trump, on Wednesday, hadn't yet decided whether to officially withdraw the United States from the landmark 2016 Paris agreement accord, that saw many countries making global commitments to defeat climate change. However, in destroying the policies that Obama engendered, Trump has essentially announced that it the US isn't falling into line and complying with the accord, even though it is still officially a signatory on the agreement.

Experts are worried what other counties will do now that the United States has renigged on its agreement. China, Infdai and Brazil could be influenced by Trump's disparagement of the agreement, and may want to similarly revoke their commitments. These countries are the world's largest carbon dioxide polluters  and it would be a travesty to see them leaving the landmark Paris accord.
With his recent bizarre behaviour Devin Nunes, The Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, is putting at risk his committees investigations into the allegations of collusion of members of the Trump team with Russian agents during the presidential campaign and the transition period.

White House

Nunes announcement last week that he had briefed President Donald Trump that he may have been accidentally monitored during surveillance activities surprised many, most of all his own Committee.

This action angered the Democrat members of the Committee including Deputy Chairman Adam Schiff who Nunes refused to advise of the sources of his information.

Since Nunes was a member of the Trump transition team his behaviour puts at risks the impartiality of the Committees investigation.

Adding fuel to the fire was the decision by Nunes to cancel a sitting of the Committee when former acting Attorney General Sally Yates was due to testify. She had been fired by the Trump Administration for refusing to defend the Moslem ban that was blocked by the courts but three weeks previously she had advised the White House of the contacts between National Security Advisor Michael Flynn with Sergey Kislyak, Russias Ambassador to Washington. This would then be the cause of Flynns resignation from the Administration.

Senate Committee

In a show of bipartisan collaboration yesterday the Senate Intelligence Committee declared that it would follow the investigations to wherever the allegations may lead.

Committee Chairman Republican Senator Richard Burr and Deputy Chairman Democrat Mark Warner told reporters that it was their duty to properly carry out their duties on these matters in an independent and transparent manner.

Yet Devin Nunes refuses to recuse himself from his role on the House Committee thus putting at risk the independence and transparency that his Senate counterparts had defended in their activities.

Seriousness

The stakes at play are not the reputations of single politicians but the legitimacy of the 2016 presidential election and therefore the reputation of the country as a whole.

Without predicting the outcome of the investigations by the Senate and the House committees or by the intelligence community, the results of these investigations will have worldwide effects for the country.

In fact, such were the worries of Americas allies the intelligence service of Great Britain and the Netherlands had both warned the Obama Administration of the activities of Russian agents in the United States.

Devin Nunes behaviour does nothing to dispel the worries of many citizens regarding the possibility that Russia interfered in the recent election campaign in favour of the winning candidate Donald Trump.

It can only be hoped that members of the GOP can persuade Nunes that his behaviour does not reflect well on their activities and that the country deserves full and complete answers to the questions raised by the allegations. These answers can only come from proper investigation and not by behaviour that may put in doubt the legitimacy of the House Intelligence Committees activities.

The only way for this to happen is for Nunes to recuse himself. The ball is now in his court.
The New York City police department estimates that it costs up to $146,000 a day for them to shadow Melania and Baron Trump in Trump Towers. Another $26 million was spent between the election and Inauguration day to protect the Trump family. Politicians and American citizens are troubled by this waste of money and want it to stop. A petition is being signed that calls for the first lady to get the heck out of dodge.

Americans want Melania Trump to move to Washington, or pay for her security. How ironic that the president of the United States wants to cut meals for the elderly, but expects U.S.

citizens to spend millions to provide protection for his family.

Melania Trump is not stepping up to the plate

Melania Trump has been a different First Lady from her predecessors. Her husband is not a career politician. Therefore Mrs. Trump is not schooled in the ways of a politician's wife. The position of wife of the President is not an elected position and therefore comes with no rules and regulations. Previous First Ladies have graciously stepped into the role and been by their husband's sides. Mrs. Trump, however, is not stepping up to the plate.

She made it clear that she would not move to Washington D.C., until after her son Baron completed his school year in June. She has mostly been MIA from functions where other president's wives, have been front and center.

Mrs. Trump's choices are bankrupting the American people, while her husband is a billionaire.

Winter White House needs to be off limits until Trump is out of office

Donald Trump refers to his Mar-a lago resort in Palm Beach FL., as his "Winter White House." The First Lady spends time there with her husband, even though she will not live on Pennsylvania Ave.

It's being reported the Trump family's many trips to Palm Beach, are expensive, utilize extra security, and wrecking havoc on the local economy. Palm Beach official are as exhausted as those in New York, because of the manpower and money that is being utilized because of the Trump family.

The First Family could save taxpayers millions of dollars if they made a few simple adjustments.

They should utilize Camp David for vacations, as did other presidential families.The winter white house should be off limits until President Trump is out of office. Melania Trump needs to immediately move to D.C., and embrace her role as the First Lady. This is the proper thing to do, and will keep the country from going bankrupt.
Maxim Senakh, a 41-year-old hacker of Velikii Novgorod, Russia, gambled on getting rich quick by pushing malicious malware onto computer servers and systems and through E-mail spam schemes. Crime didnt pan out or pay well enough to prevent Senakh from pleading guilty in a Minnesota federal court yesterday. He violated the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) and committed wire fraud.

From Russia with rhetoric to Minnesota through Finland

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) indicted Russian Hacker Senakh January 2015, Finland detained him and then extradited him to the U.S.

in 2016. Russia objected, claiming his extradition was legal abuse and saying his detention was both an illegal practice and a witchhunt. Missing from Russias equation was that Senakh would confess in open court before Patrick J. Schlitz, a U.S. District Judge in Minnesota.

Senakh said he conspired and violated the CFAA, along with admitting to wire fraud charges. He also said that he is responsible for creating domains through registrar companies, which established the foundation to redirect traffic on the Internet needed to bolster E-mail scam schemes and commit check fraud.

No small feat for the DOJ

Rarely does the DOJ witness a Russian hacker own up to misdeeds  misappropriating information and finances by misdirecting internet traffic for millions in profit.

Russian hackers are mostly elusive, slipping through the DOJs grasp. Not this time and not in this case of global fraud.

Senakh has, now, said that he is behind the Ebury infections and he personally profited. Point blank and stay tuned for the period on the sentence, Russia. Senakhs sentencing is on the calendar for August 3, 2017.

Hes looking at the possibility of a 10-year prison term.

Russia missing a pawn in its organized crime neighborhood

Senakh, working with co-conspirators for a criminal organization, infected computer servers with a botnet called Ebury, a backdoor trojan, according to prosecutors. The effect of the infectious malware was millions of dollars was collected fraudulently from computer systems that were compromised.

Craig Lisher, FBI spokesman (Minneapolis, MN) said FBI cyber investigators found that citizens in Minnesota were being victimized from the threat the Senakh and cohorts launched. That is why the Minnesota federal court is adjudicating the case.
Chinese actor Lu Yi plays a leading role as an anti-graft official in the TV drama In the Name of the People, built around a fictional corruption case. [Photo/China Daily]

Novelist and scriptwriter Zhou Meisen, 61, has been keeping a close watch in the past few years on news of China's intensified anti-graft drive.

A 56-episode TV series adapted from his latest novel, In the Name of the People, began airing Tuesday on the satellite channel of Hunan TV and video-streaming sites. It is to continue nightly, at least until May 1.

The drama, with an ensemble cast led by veteran actors Lu Yi and Zhang Fengyi, is built around a complex corruption case brought to light by conflicts at a factory in a fictional province.

The novel has been called groundbreaking for depicting a high-level functionary, a deputy State-level official, as a villain.

"As a writer, you should dare to delve into rarely touched sides (of anti-corruption campaigns). Otherwise, you lose the trust of your readers and audience," Zhou said.

The author has some familiarity with officialdom. He was a deputy secretary-general in the city government of Xuzhou, Jiangsu province, in the mid-1990s. He said friends still in that world have helped him write about it.

"I've never considered corrupt officials as demons. They are human. I try to explore their inner conflicts after they fall from high positions," Zhou told Beijing News.

He gained initial fame with his 1983 novella The Sinking Land, and became one of the best-known Chinese writers on the political ecosystem.

But dramatic productions dealing with corruption dropped off the screen starting in 2004 with a change in government policies, dissuading Zhou.

Now, the genre has been revived with the intensified determination of China's central leadership to crack down on corruption, starting with the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012.

Fan Ziwen, deputy director of the Supreme People's Procuratorate's Film and Television Center, repeatedly visited Zhou, persuading him to pick up his pen again in the genre in early 2015.

Zhou visited a prison in Nanjing to interview inmates and also talked to police and procurators who dealt with corruption cases.

Li Lu, an award-winning director, worked on the series with Zhou, who wrote the script. Li convinced investors to agree to a budget of up to 120 million yuan ($17.4 million), double the typical cost of modern dramas.
President Xi Jinping and his Serbian counterpart President Tomislav Nikolic agreed on Thursday to advance the development of the China-Serbia comprehensive strategic partnership to benefit the people of both countries.

The two countries should keep the current momentum of high-level communication, enhance government, legislature, political party and local-level exchanges, Xi told the Serbian president, who is visiting China from Tuesday to Saturday.

Mentioning that his state visit to Serbia in June last year was successful, Xi said China is willing to strengthen the already solid friendship with Serbia. He called for close interconnection regarding the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and Serbia's national strategy of re-industrialization.

The two sides should make progress in cooperation on major projects like the Budapest-Belgrade railway, explore joint construction of an industrial park and work together in areas including infrastructure, agriculture, biology and pharmacy, and renewable resources, Xi said.

During Xi's state visit to Serbia, the two countries signed a joint declaration to lift the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the first one of its kind in the Central and Eastern European region.

Both sides also signed more than 20 cooperative documents covering areas that include investment, economic and trade, people-to-people exchanges and cultural communications during Xi's visit.

Nikolic said the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative is of great significance to the future and destiny of the people from all nations of the world.

Serbia appreciates China's principle of mutual trust and equal treatment in developing diplomatic ties, according to Nikolic, stressing that Serbia will forever uphold the One-China policy.

After the meeting, Nikolic attended a ceremony to receive Beijing municipal honorary citizenship.
Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin talks to the media at the US District Court Ninth Circuit after seeking an extension after filing an amended lawsuit against President Donald Trump's new travel ban in Honolulu, Hawaii, March 29, 2017.[Photo/Agencies]

HONOLULU - A federal judge in Hawaii indefinitely extended on Wednesday an order blocking enforcement of President Donald Trump's revised ban on travel to the United States from six predominantly Muslim countries.

US District Judge Derrick Watson turned an earlier temporary restraining order into a preliminary injunction in a lawsuit brought by the state of Hawaii challenging Trump's travel directive as unconstitutional religious discrimination.

Trump signed the new ban on March 6 in a bid to overcome legal problems with a January executive order that caused chaos at airports and sparked mass protests before a Washington judge stopped its enforcement in February. Trump has said the travel ban is needed for national security.

In its challenge to the travel ban, Hawaii claims its state universities would be harmed by the order because they would have trouble recruiting students and faculty.

It also says the island state's economy would be hit by a decline in tourism. The court papers cite reports that travel to the United States "took a nosedive" after Trump's actions.

The state was joined by a new plaintiff named Ismail Elshikh, an American citizen from Egypt who is an imam at the Muslim Association of Hawaii and whose mother-in-law lives in Syria, according to the lawsuit.

Hawaii and other opponents of the ban claim that the motivation behind it is based on religion and Trump's election campaign promise of "a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States."

"The court will not crawl into a corner, pull the shutters closed, and pretend it has not seen what it has," Watson wrote on Wednesday.

Watson wrote that his decision to grant the preliminary injunction was based on the likelihood that the state would succeed in proving that the travel ban violated the US Constitution's religious freedom protection.

Trump has vowed to take the case to the US Supreme Court, which is currently split 4-4 between liberals and conservatives with the president's pick - appeals court judge Neil Gorsuch - still awaiting confirmation.

Reuters
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Inside Fred Armisens Life  Ethnicity, Romantic Relationships and Gay Rumors Fred Armisen is an award-winning American comedian, he is also a writer, an actor as well as a musician. He was a cast member of the legendary comedy show, Saturday Night Live for 13 years and also one of the brains behind the successful satirical show Portlandia. Find out more about this incredibly talented guy ...

Ed and Lorraine Warren Biography: Cases, Kids, and Family Life Have you ever woken up with fear you could not explain, or felt a strange presence that made the hair at your nape rise or even experienced strange occurrences around you? Well, these were some of the promptings that made the well-known paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren delve into trying to explain the ideas ...

Truth About Tony Romos Wife, Kids and Life Since His NFL Retirement Tony Romo grew from the field as a quarterback to the screens as an American Football Analyst. He was a quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys in the richest football league in the world (NFL) before retiring. As a junior, he was honored as an All-Ohio Conference Member, an Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year and ...

Who is Brittany Venti, The Controversial Game Streamer and YouTuber? In recent times, many people live stream themselves playing video games. This has become a popular pastime on the internet and many highly skilled gamers have become internet celebrities through this means. However, some of them rather than becoming renowned for their gaming skills and great commentary, have become controversial and infamous. A good example ...

Rob Dyrdeks Family: His Kids And Relationship With Wife Bryiana Noelle Flores A multi-talented star and an elite pro skateboarder, Rob Dyrdeks success story began at a remarkably young age. Yet another proof that schooling doesnt always correlate with success, Rob has established himself not just as a phenomenal sportsman but also as a successful entrepreneur. Besides perfecting his skill as a natural talent on the board, ...

xChocobars  Biography and Everything You Should Know About Her Having distinguished herself and recorded massive successes in an industry notably dominated by men, it is very safe to say that Xchocobars deserves all the attention and cash she makes from her career. A household name on Twitch (a smart live streaming video platform), the online-gamer is popularly known for streaming classic games such as Stardew ...

Everything To Know About Mary Padian, Her Boyfriend and Net Worth Mary Padian is a famous American television reality personality best known for her involvements on the Reality show Storage Wars. She also has her own shop called Mary finds where she displays her antique collections. Since her childhood, Padian has been a creative learner. At the time, she used to create new items out of reusable ones and ...

Betsy Woodruffs Family Life: Is She Married or Related To Bob Woodruff? An old name in the world of journalism, Betsy Woodruff has warmed her way into the hearts of many with her impressive talents. Through hard work, Woodruff has carved a niche for herself in a very competitive field. Betsy has strong family and work values and is also an advocate for equal opportunities for everyone ...

Matpat (Matthew Patrick)  Wife, Height & Net Worth As far as internet business is concerned, Matpat remains one of the most dynamic and seasoned figures. He boasts a wealth of experience that has helped him in growing his business from one level of greatness to another. Like most successful people, MatPat started out small but today, he makes millions of dollars from his ...

Facts About Ricegum  His Girlfriend, Real Name & Net Worth Ricegum is an online gamer and YouTube sensation who ditched college; took advantage of the digital era, and made a name for himself on the internet. Though he began as a gaming YouTuber, Ricegum soon gained recognition as a controversial internet star following his many diss tracks. Here is everything you need to know about the youngster ...

Joy Taylor Once Married MLBs Richard Giannotti  Inside Look At Her Love Life and Family The erosion of the sexist idea that women have no business in sports broadcasting created a host of women celebrities who attained fame outside of modeling and acting. One of them, Joy Taylor, a radio personality and TV host for Fox Sports 1, has been in the industry since 2009, becoming one of the most ...

What To Know About Conan OBriens Wife, Kids & Family Today The name Conan OBrien is one that jumps right at you almost immediately you start talking about the most popular television hosts in the USA and this is no surprise because the man behind that name has risen to become one of the most admired men in the business. Known for hosting the late-night talk ...

David Letterman  Net Worth, Wife & Son In all of American, one man whose face has been seen frequently by late night TV talk show lovers is none but David Letterman. The comedian and TV show veteran has been hosting late night talk shows for more than three decades. His Late Night with David Letterman show began on February 1st, 1982 aired ...

Demystifying Sssniperwolfs Family Background And The Boyfriends Shes Had Since she launched her eponymously named channel in 2013, Sssniperwolf has been on the rise when it comes to video game influencers. She is one of the biggest names in the online gaming subgenre of YouTube videos. Real name Lia Shelesh, she started with Call of Duty: Black Ops II but has diversified with other ...

Lester Holt  Wife, Family & Net Worth Lester Holt is a multiple award-winning journalist, newscaster, reporter, and actor who has worked for notable media houses like WCBS TV, CBS, MSNBC and among others. His remarkable feat in journalism has endeared him to the hearts of many and earned him some awards and recognitions. Read on to get acquainted with his biography, ethnicity, ...

What Is Louis C.K. Doing Now, Where Are His Family And How Much Is His Net Worth? It is not easy to make it in comedy. It takes more than a funny bone and the ability to elicit a few giggles from a listening audience. For all the complexities that go into making a successful career in comedy, Louis C.K, the Washington D.C-born comedian, did it. For years, he was at the ...

The Progression of Hoda Kotbs Career, Her Ancestry and Family Life Hoda Kotb gained fame as a television host and news anchor for NBC. She anchors the shows signature show Today, and it has been an excellent vehicle for her skills in front of a camera. Kotb has won several awards, including Daytime Emmys and Peabody Awards. Simply put, she is one of the most successful ...

Jerry Seinfelds Family: All About The Amazing Comedians Wife and Kids Apparently one of the highly important entertainers in America, Jerry Seinfeld is a man of many talents. A very funny man, he is considered to be one of the most successful comedians in the USA who has been in the business as a professional rib-cracker for more than 40 years. As an actor, he has ...

The Rigors Of Sarah Silvermans Rise To Prominence And Rundown Of The Men She Has Dated A comedian, writer, and actress, Sarah Silvermans art and craft is as unique as you would ever find. Her poignant use of comedy to discuss social issues such as race, sexism, politics, and religion has gained her an impressive following. As unorthodox as her style is, so is her life experiences. She previously suffered from epiglottitis ...

Who Is Hannibal Buress, Does He Have A Wife or Girlfriend & Why Was He Arrested? Making people laugh when they are tense or not in the mood is a tough order and to ply the trade, it must indeed take some guts and expertise, this is what the humor maker, Hannibal Buress has been able to achieve and sustain after his inital teething process. The African-American is a screen writer, stand-up ...

The Success of John Mulaneys Career Efforts Since His Work On Saturday Night Live and Facts About His Wife John Mulaney had been working as a professional comedian for years before Saturday Night Live changed his status for life and like many who are now his fans, you probably did not know of him then. However, that changed when he joined the sketch comedy show in 2008. Since then, he has been one of ...

Jeff Dunham  Wife, Children and Net Worth Ventriloquism is a very subtle method of making an inanimate object (like a puppet, doll or dummy) appear to be saying words which are actually coming from the person (holding the inanimate object). In effect, the individual throws his/her voice to the puppet and can even appear to be having a conversation with it. Not ...

Ellen DeGeneres  Net Worth, Wife  Portia de Rossi & Parents Ellen DeGeneres is an American female standup comedian who has proven that whatever a man can do, a woman can also do. Since her journey as a standup comedian started in 1981, she has held swirl as one of the finest comedians America and the world at large has seen. She is often referred to ...

Revisiting Joan Rivers Death  The Daughter, Husband & Net Worth She Left Behind Joan Rivers was a renowned American comedian, TV host, writer, and actress. Her brand of comedy consisted of scathing one-liners and no individual or topic is spared. She hosted her own talk shows in the 80s and 90s and was a pioneer for women in stand up comedy. She was the first woman to host a late night ...

The Struggles of Margaret Chos Childhood, How It Influenced Her Career Growth and Love Life Margaret Cho is best described as a comic star who knows how to maneuver everything related to life into a rib-cracking joke. She is also known to criticize every social and political problem, especially those involving race and sexuality. Apart from her talents as a comic actress, she does amazingly well as a singer and ...

Where Is Eric Bolling Today? Who Is His Son & What Is His Net Worth? Eric Bolling who was once a notable figure on Fox News, is an American TV personality, an author, and versatile Journalist. As a political and financial analyst/commentator, he anchored discussions bothering on finance for Fox Business Channel. Here is everything there is to know about his career, family, and allegations that led to his exit ...

Who Is Chelsea Handler and Does She Have A Husband or Boyfriend? Chelsea Handler is one of Americas top female comedians. She is also an actress, writer, television host, producer, and activist. She is known to be very outspoken even with things that are very personal. In separate interviews with The New York Times, Handler revealed that she had an abortion twice when she was 16. She has authored five books ...

How Did Laura Lee Achieve Fame, How Much is She Worth and Who is Her Husband? Laura Lee is a popular American YouTuber, make-up artist and beauty blogger. From posting videos of her makeup routines on Instagram, Lee has transformed into a beauty influencer and a YouTube sensation. Today, her YouTube Channel has over 630 million views and 4.5 million subscribers. Asides having millions of followers across all social media platforms, ...

Madison Gesiotto Bio  Ethnicity, Parents & Measurements Madison Gesiotto is no ordinary woman; although she excelled in quite a number of pageants and competitions while she was in school, it is her views on politics and issues in America that has made her name known to most people. She possesses beauty and intelligence in a seemingly equal measure and has been able ...

Who Is Lil Tay? Parents, Brother, Sister, Age, Net Worth, Ethnicity Child stardom is nothing new in the entertainment world. With the advent of social media, we have seen more stars made from the internet than ever before, and Lil Tay is one of them. Her uploaded rap videos trademark is cursing, swearing, cash-throwing, and use of obscene languages. Her fame went wild after she dropped ...

What To Know About Tig Notaros Wife, Kids and Family Today Tig Notaro is an American stand-up comic star, writer, actress, and radio analyst. Since she started her career in 2001, she has become one of Americas best comedians, particularly when it comes to observational comedy. One prominent aspect of her routine involves her family, which includes a wife and two children. Interestingly, Tig Notaro is part ...

Who Is Chantel Jeffries? What To Know About Her Age, Ethnicity & Net Worth Chantel Jeffries is a lady of many talents. Beyond being celebrated as a DJ, she has fared well as a model, an actress, musician, and as an artist. She first rose to fame on Instagram where she has a large following. However, in recent times, she has hit the spotlight for her rumored relationships with some ...

Is Ellen DeGeneres Married, Who Is The Brother  Vance DeGeneres and Family Members? Ellen DeGeneres is one of a kind celebrity in todays world as she has used her wealth for the greater good for many people. She has served a host of famous awards shows like the Grammy, Primetime Emmy and Academy Awards. Moreso, she is probably one of the most decorated entertainment personalities around the world and ...

Carli Bybel Bio  Height, Boyfriend & Net Worth Video blogging is now on the rise and YouTube is the place where most of it happens. If you are a lady who cares about her looks or a guy who likes to help his woman out with her looks, then one person whose name rings a bell when it comes to giving beauty tips ...

Who Is Lexy Panterra? What To Know About Her Ethnicity, Boyfriend & Net Worth Lexy Panterra is one of the YouTube personalities whose breakout came through the Twerk dance videos she posted on her social media handles and YouTube which has so far generated over 13 million views for her. From there on, she created her LexTwerkOut workout program in 2014. She is sure very talented as she as moved ...

Who Is AnneMunition? What Is Her Ethnicity & Does She Have A Girlfriend or Boyfriend? AnneMunition is a professional gamer and content creator of American origin. She is one of the most sought-after streamers on Twitch  a popular online platform for watching and streaming videos, especially video games. AnneMunition has almost half a million followers on Twitch and her channel has accumulated at least 13 million views. Her favorite games ...

Norm MacDonald  Former Wife, Son & Net Worth Recently, 59-year-old former Saturday Night Live stand-up comic Norm MacDonald caused a not-so-funny stir when he expressed his personal opinion about the #MeToo movement speaking in defense of Louis CK and Roseanne Barr. Following the backlash of his actions, he is diligently doing damage control for his questionable opinion by posting a public apology on ...

Inside Iliza Shlesingers Life With Husband and How Much She is Worth Now Witty, spontaneous, and truly humorous, Iliza Shlesinger is an American comedian who is clearly proving that the stereotypical claim that women are not really funny is not only incredibly wrong but completely outrageous. Having been in the game for more than 10 years, Shlesinger has grown bigger with each step, stunning fans with her incredible ...

Who Is Nessa Diab? Details of her Parents, Ethnicity & Relationship With Colin Kaepernick Nessa Diab has gained more fame as the girlfriend of different footballers than in her career. She is currently with the popular National Football League (NFL) player, Colin Kaepernick, and has stood by his side during his most trying times. Also known for her mononym, Nessa, she recently engaged in a tweet battle with the ...

Samantha Bee  Inside the Life of Full Frontal Comedian and Presenter We have over the decades seen various brands of humor and personalities who have walked the ropes. One of the formidable forces in the world of comedy is no other than the iconic Samantha Bee of the Daily Show who now runs her own television show on TBS channel. She is a Canadian-American political commentator, ...

What Happened To Jessica Williamss Boyfriend And Which Are Her Best Works? Jessica Williams is a woman who has a lot of feathers in her cap  and keeps acquiring more. The former senior political correspondent of the comic Daily Show, who is also a comedian and actress whose recent movie appearance include starring as a playwright just recovering from a recent split with her boyfriend, Damon, and ...

Who is Nicole Byer? Here are 5 Facts You Need To Know About The Comedian Nicole Byer, an American comedian, actress, and writer, made a name for herself after she played supporting roles on MTVs prank show Ladylike and the reality show Girl Code. The latter was a series that featured comedians who analyzed in minute details, all the issues that young women deal with daily, from period to dating, to weird friendship dynamics and questions about sex. Currently, ...

A Closer Look At Bart Kwans Ethnicity, Height & Personal Life Bart Kwan is one of few Asians who is known for being successful in the comic industry at an international level. His fame broke out after the YouTube channel which he created with his close pal Joe Jo garnered up massive followings. The talented duo has been running the channel since 2007 and their success ...

Heres How VanossGaming Achieved Fame Online, His Worth and Other Facts About The Gamer For many years, the decision to drop out of college to pursue an online career was considered to be foolish and self-destructive by conventional wisdom. It was no different when Evan Fong, popularly known as VanossGaming, dropped out of college to pursue a YouTube career. However, that radical move paid off, and he stands shoulder to ...

Desi Perkins  Ethnicity, Net Worth & Husband YouTube is littered with videos of makeup tutorials by different people but if you are interested in learning how to do your makeup like a pro, there is just one person on that platform who you must follow. She is none other than Desi Perkins! She is a popular make-up artist, Instagram star, and vlogger. Desi, ...

The Phases of Casey Neistats Pursuits and His Love Story With Candice Pool YouTuber, vlogger, filmmaker, and creator extraordinaire; these are just a few hats that Casey Neistat wears and the story of how he got here is incredible. A native of Connecticut, Neistat started out by making refreshingly-authentic short films and videos that featured content that was based on everyday life and called attention to serious issues. He ...

Connor Franta  Inside The Life of American YouTuber YouTube has produced a lot of young celebrities in modern times and Connor Franta happens to be one of them. Apart from being a YouTuber, the young American is also an entrepreneur, entertainer, and writer. His journey to fame began almost a decade ago when he started a self-named YouTube channel where he uploads content ranging ...

Rhett and Link  Bio, Who are Their Wives, Net Worth and Family Facts Rhett and Link refer to an American comedy duo who are very popular on YouTube. They are known for their comic songs, viral commercials, skits and the daily show, Good Mythical Morning. Good Mythical Morning is the most watched daily show online, averaging 100 million views in a month. The show has featured guests such ...

A Walk Through The Maze of Ryan Higas Career Pursuits And Relationship With Arden Cho Ryan Higa is not only celebrated as a YouTube star, but he is also famed for appearing on television screens as an actor and comedian. Nigahiga, his Youtube channel, has gathered over 20 million subscribers and billions of views with his different comic acts, short films, and music videos uploads. With the rise in his career, ...

What to Know About The Shows That Made Craig Ferguson a Star and His Family Ties Rising to the top of your profession can sometimes be a hard and difficult process. It requires days and nights of working consistently hard to be better than what you were yesterday. It requires not giving up when all of your experiences seem to be pushing you to quit. It is because of these challenges ...

David Dobrik Married Liza Koshy for One Month  Inside His Family and Relationships David Dobrik is a YouTube sensation who has garnered fame not just for his vlogs but his love life too. Given his career as a YouTuber, his channel is one place where he shares his romantic escapades. With a cute boyish look like his, this Slovakian young man is definitely a good catch, and not ...

Merrell Twins Bio  Ethnicity, Parents & Boyfriend One of the beautiful things about modern life is social media. As rudimentary as it might seem, it could turn out to be the greatest thing that would be invented in the next 50 years because of its impact on human life. Very few tools have revolutionized human behavior and culture as much as social ...

Who Is Bunny Meyer, Is She Married & What Is Her Net Worth? Bunny Meyer is a YouTube celebrity who has amassed over 8.8 million subscribers with 1.5 million viewers on her channel. She is popularly known as Grav3yardgirl and is one of the highest-paid YouTubers in the world. She initially started out as a fashion designer and later chose the path of a YouTuber. Grav3yardgirl has used her knowledge on fashion, makeup, ...

Ninja  Inside The Life of The American YouTuber and Internet Personality Ninja is a talented video game player known for his mastery of Fortnite and other seemingly difficult games he plays with ease. The video gamer made a career out of what is ordinarily the hobby of many people and has since then amassed a huge online following. Find out about him here, including the controversies that ...

What Is Eva Gutowskis True Sexuality and How Did She Rise So Fast As an Influencer? Ever since Eva Gutowski joined YouTube in 2011, it has been an interesting journey for her, moving from one milestone to the other. Backed by an army of young women and teenage girl fans known as Evanators, she has risen to become one of the most-talked-about personalities in the digital stratosphere. She has also leveraged ...

Emma Chamberlain Biography  Age, Height & Net Worth Before now, people in the entertainment industry could only achieve popularity after many years of dedication and hard work but since social media came into the scene, massive success and overnight popularity became possible. That is the story of Emma Chamberlain who encountered fame as a fifteen-year-old. Emma is one of the many young people who became ...

Anna Akana  Ethnicity, Boyfriend & Net Worth There is a new crop of YouTubers known by their different contents with a very strong uniqueness that stands every one of them out, some upload video games, some fashion while some others have comedy video contents to showcase on their channels. Anna Akana has used her platform to showcase her comedy contents to the ...

Revealing Truths About Lilly Singhs Ethnic Background, Family and Her Relationship With Yousef Erakat Lilly Singh is an Indian-Canadian YouTube personality, actress, and comedian also known as Superwoman. She kicked off her YouTube career in 2010 with the launch of her channel IISuperwomanII and followed it up with a vlog channel in 2011. This paved the way for her fame and success which led to a world tour. The ...

Who Is Andrea Constand, Is She Married and What Is Her Connection With Bill Cosby? Many people got sexually molested but could not voice out due to the stigma victims suffer and what will become of them thereafter. Very few of the victims danm every consequence to seek justice and bring the perpetrator to the book, like Andrea Constand. She never got any media buzz, not until her friend cum molester; ...

Who Is Lazarbeam (Lannan Eacott)? Here Are Facts You Need To Know Lannan Eacott became a person of interest after his YouTube channel, LazarBeam pulled him to the limelight. Initially, he started with uploads of Madden Challenge videos before deciding to build his own channel in January 2015. Within the space of three years, his YouTube channel had gathered over 7 million loyal subscribers. Today, he has not ...

Puzzling Facts About Wengies YouTube Success and More About Her Fiance Among the many YouTubers who have succeeded in winning the hearts of millions of people is Wengie. She is a Chinese-Australian YouTube personality, vlogger, singer, and voice actress. Wengie is famous for a lot of things, from her simple life hacks, DIYs, craft ideas to fun experiments, tricks and pranks. Her content portfolio also includes hair tutorials, diet & fitness tips, lookbooks, ...

Is Jeffree Star A Billionaire and How Much Does He Make On YouTube? If looks can be deceptive then theres no other person who proves this maxim better than Jeffree Star. A quick look at Stars pictures would likely leave you wondering whether or not to tag him a male or female. But who says being controversial has to be a curse? For Star, his looks have caught ...

The Place of Rosanna Pansinos Career Hats In Her Rise To Fame and Facts About Her Personal Life There are a few phrases that could summarize Rosanna Pansinos rise to fame. None of them can do it better than the famous axiom, no knowledge is lost. Her popularity YouTube comes out of her foray into other professions, specifically acting. Although acting now occupies one of the major professional hats in Rosannas resume, it was ...

Muselk (Elliott Watkins) Biography  Age, Girlfriend and Net Worth The new and best in-thing in terms of career is video gaming and we have over time seen young men and women make massive income from an activity that was purportedly designed to serve as a hobby or a relaxation activity. One of such individuals is the Australian-born YouTube Celebrity and Twitch streamer, Muselk, whose ...

PopularMMOs Biography: 5 Interesting Facts You Need To Know We have over the years seen social media millionaires, especially on the YouTube social platform. These celebrities cum millionaires have made names for themselves after carving out niches on the internet, and a typical example of one of such exciting media personality on the YouTube is American Minecraft gamer and YouTube star, PopularMMOs whose channel ...

Jason Nash Once Married Marney Hochman  What To Know About His Ex-Wife and Kids The now-defunct video-sharing app Vine was the path that led Jason Nash to fame. With it, he built an audience of over two million followers, which he parlayed into a significant YouTube career. That move has seen him become one of the most popular personalities on the internet, with the cash income to go with ...

Where Does Dantdm Live? What Do We Know About His Net Worth, Wife and Brother? Most parents buy video games for their kids to occupy their time leisure, while other parents frown at their kids when they play video games. Despite the disparity, every parent would be proud of their child if he/she eventually turns a celebrity or millionaire through playing video games like Dantdm. Biography of Dantdm Dantdm was born Daniel ...

LaurDIY  Biography: 5 Facts You Need To Know About The YouTuber LaurDIY is the YouTube channel of Lauren Riihimaki which she created on December 1, 2011, when she was still a college undergrad with the sole aim of giving Do It Yourself (DIY) as well as practical fashion and beauty tips to her followers. She has used the channel to establish herself as a YouTube personality ...

Lachlan Ross Power  Bio And Family Life Of Australian The YouTube Star It is amazing the varied sources of income that the internet has made possible in this day and age. Internet fame can get its holder a whole lot of monetary and social benefits, but it must be noted that it does not come easy or cheap. For those who desire fame, content is the sacrifice ...

Alfie Deyes  Bio and Net Worth: Everything You Need To Know Alfie Deyes is one internet personality you definitely would like to know about. He boasts of over 10 million subscribers on three of his YouTube channels and has three bestseller books to his name. He is probably the most renowned young personality on YouTube today and his vlogging empire continues to grow by the day. ...

Colleen Ballingers Love Story With Husband Erik Stocklin and How Much She Is Worth Now Colleen Ballinger is an American comedian and YouTuber who is a very funny, adventurous, and highly talented woman. She is also an actress, singer, and writer. Collen is widely known for her work on YouTube where she posts content on her channel, Miranda Sings. The comedian has gained many subscribers over the years and has ...

Who Are The Dude Perfect Members and How Much Are They Worth? Entertainment in the 21st century can be digested in many forms and with platforms like YouTube, the creators and purveyors of entertainment have been democratized. Today, one of the most popular platforms to exhibit ones creative talents is YouTube, even though there are other platforms like Twitter, Facebook, who suffer in comparison to YouTube because ...

Who Is Rudy Mancuso, What Is His Earning Power and What Do We Know About His Girlfriend? Rudy Mancuso started his internet journey on Vine. He would later transition to YouTube where he solidified his place among the internets most beloved comedic creators. He is now regarded as one of the renowned internet personalities in the world, with a presence in mainstream TV and film projects like Comedy Centrals Drunk History and ...

Vsauce (Michael Stevens) Biography and Net Worth: All You Need To Know The advent of YouTube and the internet as a whole revolutionized how human beings consume information. With each passing year, the percentage of learning that is done in a traditional classroom decrease as a seismic shift to internet-based learning happens in our education industry. From open courses online to YouTube classes and videos, there are ...

How did Jake Paul Make His YouTube Big Break and Who is His Wife? One of the most interesting Social Media personalities of the 21st century is the young and popular Jake Paul whose elder brother is the famed Vine star, Logan Paul. Jake has utilized the power of the internet to bring himself to the limelight with a channel named JakePaulProductions that has amassed up to six billion ...

5 Facts You Need To Know About Reaction Time (Tal Fishman)  The American YouTuber Before 2015, the leading meaning of reaction time was the amount of time it takes to respond to a stimulus, until Tal Fishman started his channel, Reaction Time on YouTube and the dominant meaning changed. Today, a google search of Reaction Time would deliver Tal Fishmans videos and YouTube channel link with a few physics ...

Grace Helbig  Net Worth, Boyfriend and Family Life of The YouTuber Grace Helbig is an American internet personality, comedian, actress, and writer. She became popular due to her daily vlog series, DailyGrace, which ran on My Damn Channel from 2008 to 2013. Helbig is also popular for her own indie series on YouTube, ItsGrace, which she launched in 2014. Her vlogs which feature random stuff such as ...

Mark Wiens Bio  Ethnicity, Wife and Parents Food is a great way to connect with people. We all love to eat, if not for the pleasure of food, the satisfaction of quenching hunger, and the very process of providing and sharing that food is part of the strongest bonds that bind humanity together. Maybe it is our historical connection to food, where ...

Is Filthy Frank Dead, What Happened To Him and How Much Is He Worth? As George Kusunoki Miller, he was a nobody. However, as Filthy Frank, George was one of the most famous internet personalities on the planet. The Filthy Frank Show, a sketch series on his YouTube channel, TVFilthyFrank, was one of the platforms most influential creations. He is the reason a crazy dance song, Harlem Shake, made it ...

CaptainSparklez Bio  Net Worth, House and Cars of The Famous YouTuber Sometimes, what society wants from its citizens is quite different from what the citizens want for themselves. This is evident in the life and career of video blogger and American YouTube personality, Jordan Maron famous for his YouTube channel CaptainSparklez. He dropped out of school after discovering his talent in playing an online game called Minecraft. ...

Who is Simply Nailogical (Cristine Rotenberg)? Here are Facts You Must Know Canadian Youtube personality, Simply Nailogical (Cristine Rotenberg) originally started out polishing and designing nails even before it became a trendy culture in the social media. Simply Nailogica started out her showbiz career in her early days as a child actress, acting in commercials for game and toy companies. Aside from acting, she is blogger, vlogger, specializing ...

5 Interesting Facts You Need To Know About Huda Beauty In the world of entrepreneurship, it is interesting when an individual has a mentor who he/she looks up to, this yield more productivity on the part of the individual. The iconic and rich American beautician and makeup artist Huda Kattan nicknamed Heida is the founder of the Huda Beauty blog which is number one Instagram beauty blog ...

Is Dino MasterChef Gay? Details About His Ethnicity, Girlfriend, Where He Is Now Food, for the better part of the early years of human life, was nothing more than what we needed for survival. There was no artistry or curation to the method of cooking. The scarcity of food left no room for artistic expression until we figured out agriculture and we could make as much as we ...

Who Is Gabbie Hanna And How Did She Become Famous? As the world shifts to digital media and depends more and more on streaming services for its news and entertainment content, YouTubers have become one of the leading creators in the new media world. Their understanding of the online audience: how to create, maintain, and increase followers, are all handy skills that have primed them ...

Jacksepticeye  Height, Girlfriend & Net Worth Jacksepticeye is a YouTuber and actor who gained popularity with a series of gaming videos he uploads on his channel to the delight of millions of his subscribers. He is Known primarily for his comic video game series titled Lets Play and his vlogs. His channel was formerly ranked 46th in the list of most subscribed ...

Chris Heria Personal Details: About His Wife, Height & Ethnicity Background In this generation, keeping fit has become one of the major criteria for being hale and hearty. In fact, most occupations these days are majorly concerned with ones body mass, weight and looks. Unlike the past where most people have to register in a gym to keep fit, social media has made it quite easy ...

Everything You Need To Know About Game Grumps Gaming is becoming incredibly popular on YouTube these days with game vloggers make millions of dollars out of them yearly. One of the most popular up-coming gaming YouTube channels is Game Grumps. The Lets Play series was created in 2012 and celebrated its fifth anniversary on July 18th, 2017. In six years of its existence, the ...

Daithi De Nogla Biography, Girlfriend and Net Worth YouTube has created an avenue for many to make wealth and become famous from the comfort of their homes while having fun. Many have built a career out of the platform, uploading numerous videos that have earned them the admiration of viewers across the globe. For Daithi De Nogla, he is loved for his humorous commentary on ...

Does Phoebe Robinson Have A Boyfriend or Husband and What Do We Know About Her Family? Phoebe Robinson is a New York-based comedian, writer, and actress. She is best known as the co-creator and co-host of the WNYC Studios podcast 2 Dope Queens. Just like some other female comedians, she never had any original plans of becoming a stand-up comedian even though, according to her, she took a class on a whim at Carolines on Broadway. After ...

Who Are Lex and Alana from Listed Sisters? What Is Their Ethnicity & Is the Show Cancelled? America is a country built on diversity. Everywhere you look all over the country, a countless number of immigrants or children of immigrants have become an integral part of the fabric of the country. From entertainment to business, immigrants are creating a niche for themselves and climbing to the summit of their respective professions. One ...

Riveting Facts About Danielle Lombard And What She Is Best Known For The American entertainment industry is one that provides many avenues for aspiring hopefuls to express their talents and become famous. From films to television shows and game shows, there is no shortage of ways for men and women who desire fame to pursue and earn it in the United States of America. Another tested medium ...

Unearthing New Details About The YouTube Success And Personal Life of Alex Burriss of Wassabi Productions Wildly hilarious and truly audacious, Alex Wassabi is an American YouTuber who has become a very popular face on the video-sharing platform after having garnered millions of subscribers over the years by keeping people glued to his channel with his witty parody video releases. If you have always loved parody videos, there is every chance ...

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Following Charissa Thompsons Rise Through The Ranks Of Sports Casting and All About Her Boyfriend Superstar TV host and sportscaster, Charissa Thompson, has been hailed as one of the highest-profile women journalists in America, and the reason is there for all to see. She has worked for popular establishments such as Versus, Yahoo! Sports, ESPN, GSN, and Big Ten Network. She currently hosts the popular pre-game show, Fox NFL Kickoff, ...

Is Chris Kattan Gay or Does He Have A Wife? What Is His Net Worth? Chris Kattan is a popular American comedian and actor. He has appeared in several comic movies and TV series such as The Middle, A Night at the Roxbury and Bunnicula. Kattan is, however, most popular for his six-year stint as a cast member of Saturday Night Live. During his time on the legendary show, he ...

Everything You Should Know About the Rise of Insta Star Claire Abbott and Why She Gave It All Up A lot of young Americans have shot into the limelight for uploading different kinds of videos on YouTube. Some of these young stars include Connor Franta, Desi Perkins, Emma Chamberlain, the Dolan Twins (Ethan and Grayson), and Claire Abbott. The latter became a social media celebrity for uploading sexy bikini pictures of herself on social media. Apart from ...

5 Facts You Need To Know About The YouTube Channel  h3h3Productions H3h3Productions is a YouTube channel that specializes on Comic responses or reactions of other contents or trendy stories. The celebrity couple that created the channel has over time racked up sizable views for their commentaries and contents. Even though they had their own fair share of copyright cases, thankfully they scored an unprecedented victory in all ...

Lilypichu Bio  Height, Brother and Love Story With Albert SleightlyMusical Chang Like most popular internet celebrities, Lilypichu is one of those Twitch streamers who spend their lives on camera. From daydreaming about the possibility of becoming a full-time professional streamer, she grew to live out her dreams on the popular live streaming platform where people play games, make crafts, and showcase their day-to-day activities. Given the rise of ...

KSI  What To Know About His Girlfriend, Brother  Deji Olatunji & Net Worth Assuredly, when Internet inventors Vint Cerf and Bob Khan created the technological masterpiece, they probably did not know how massive the creation will be harnessed by many for different purposes including as a platform for earning money through content creation. One of such person who smiles to the bank regularly today for spending time creating ...

The Interesting Progression and Highlights of Carrie Keagans Career as a Host and Actress Carrie Keagan has garnered huge fame through her various stints on television. She is not just your regular TV host but one with a difference. Keagan has hosted several high profile events and TV shows, including VH1s Big Morning Buzz Live and Fox News Channels Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld. However, not many know she ...

The Gist On Elise Jordans Marriages And Her Rise To Prominence Political commentaries tend to be boring when it is handled by someone who does not have a knack for it. However, when you see the likes of Elise Jordan run the same commentary, you will have a lot of reasons to look forward to watching her again as the journalist is well-versed in the field ...

What Is Timmy Thick Best Known For and How Successful Is The Star? Thanks to the internet, many people whose talents would have ordinarily gone unnoticed have become famous. A very good example of this modern-day internet celebrity is Timmy Thick, an American social media star. He became popular on Instagram due to his penchant for posting raunchy pictures of himself. He also often posted videos of himself ...

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Matt Carriker Biography  Net Worth, Wife & Height Unlike your regular veterinary doctor next door, Matt Carriker chose to spice up his noble profession with the unusual. Though he is known to many as a medical practitioner, Carriker is better renowned as a YouTube star and an animal lover. Having recorded huge successes on his various YouTube channels, the vet doctors name and ...

Jillian Mele of Fox News Career Achievements, Husband & Measurements There are quite a good number of presenters on radio and television who listeners and viewers may never wish to miss any of their shows because of their sensational golden voice, beauty or the special way or artistry they anchor their shows. Jillian Mele is one of such. She has been at the top of ...

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Michael Fishmans Interesting Start as an Actor and Why He Divorced His Wife of Many Years When one door closes, another one opens. As silly as that axiom may seem, it is the story of the resurgence of Michael Fishman, who plays D.J Conner on the popular show, Roseanne. Having played the character for several years as a child actor into his teenage years; when the show originally ended, Michael did ...

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The Progression of Gianna Tobonis Journalism Career and Details About Her Marriage to Kyle Buckley Gianna Toboni may not be your ideal newscaster but her unusual reporting is what made her a household name. The American journalist is renowned for her hard-hitting and authentic reportage. A motivator and activist for total press freedom, Gianna loves to explore pervasive cultural issues. Not only does this unique and ambitious journalist call for all ...

Dog The Bounty Hunters Family Including Details of His Late Wife and Kids Popularly known as Dog, a name which he got from the television series, Dog The Bounty Hunter, Duane Chapman, an American bounty hunter, and one-time bail bondsman, went from being convicted for a felony to being a reality TV star. He was brought to the limelight following the capture of the convicted criminal, Andrew Luster in 2003 and this eventually made ...

Vicky Karayiannis, Chris Cornells Wifes Bio, Children and Family The world of showbiz is made up of different people who serve different roles, and function in a variety of capacities, and one of the most important people are those in the background. Publicists are undoubtedly one of these background people yet they are vital to the life and fame of most of our favorite ...

Joe Rogan Has A Step-Daughter and 2 Other Kids With Wife Jessica Ditzel  Meet His Family Joe Rogan is a popular American stand-up comedian and TV host. His journey to stardom began in the late 80s and has seen him host several shows, the most popular is the game show titled Fear Factor. The exciting show dares contestants to face some of their greatest fears and embark on challenging stunts. The ...

Josh Gates and Wife Hallie Gnatovich Have 2 Kids But Who Has the Higher Net Worth? Best known for his explorations and adventures, Josh Gates, is a television presenter with a voracious appetite for seeing the world and the beauties in it. Some of that beauty, however, is in his home, in the form of two children he shares with his wife, Hallie Gnatovich. Not excluded is their marriage which has lasted ...

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Nadeska Alexis Bio  Age, Boyfriend & Net Worth Journalism is one diverse profession that allows the practitioners to choose their area of specialty, build a career on it by reporting the truth and facts which in the long run will distinguish them as deserving commendation and recognition among their peers. Some choose to specialize in political journalism, while to others it is sports ...

Media Platforms Charlamagne Tha God Has Explored and All The Controversies He Has Courted Charlamagne Tha God is an American on-air personality, radio presenter, and more recently, author. He is popularly known as a co-host on New York radios nationally syndicated show, The Breakfast Club, a program he has been hosting alongside DJ Envy and Angela Yee since 2010. However, his early years had no connection to his current career ...

A Look At Jimmy Fallons Net Worth and Family Including His Wife & Kids Sometimes, a childs passion for something is a pointer to what he/she would become in the future. As a child, Jimmy Fallon was literally obsessed with watching the late-night comedy program, Saturday Night Live (SNL). Then, his parents would tape the clean parts for him to watch and later, he and his sister would re-enact sketches from the ...

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Ben Shapiros Family  Meet His Wife, Kids and Sister Who is Popular for the Wrong Reasons A multi-talented man, Ben Shapiro is a man of controversial nature, an attribute that has made him an unusual public figure. An intellectual whose career path was clearly defined even before he became a man, the Jewish conservative commentator has always had his way with words. He became popular by sharing his critical and often ...

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Liv Lo  Dissecting the Ethnicity, Parents and Personal Life of Henry Goldings Wife While many are aware that Liv Lo is the better half to Crazy Rich Asians star Henry Golding, only a few understand why his beautiful wife appears increasingly endearing to fans. A former model turned TV personality, and fitness star, Liv has an impressive resume which when combined with that of her statuesque spouse is considered a perfect ...

Stpeach Age, Husband and Other Facts About The Twitch Streamer Lisa Vannatta, famously known by her online alias, STPeach is a Canadian video game streamer cum vlogger who has garnered fame through her appearances on different video-sharing/social networking platforms such as Youtube, Instagram, Twitch, Reddit, and Twitter. The beautiful lady got her career to a start in August 2015 when she joined the live streaming video platform, Twitch. She rose to ...

Insights into Seth Meyers Wife, Family and What His Net Worth Is Celebrities are mostly remembered and known for the work they do. For Seth Meyers, his career as a comedian, writer, actor, TV host, and producer is his biggest identifier. He was on Saturday Night Live SNL show as a head writer and cast member for more than ten years during which he built a reputation ...

Who Is Jessica Gadsden  Age, Net Worth & All About Charlamagne tha Gods Wife Jessica Gadsden is an American fitness coach as well as a personal trainer. She is better known as the spouse of popular American media personality, Charlamagne Tha God. Charlamange Tha God is a well-known TV and radio personality in the U.S. He has featured in several shows (both on the radio and TV) and is ...

Who Is Collins Tuohy  Michael Ohers sister ? Her Wedding, Husband & Net Worth Collins Tuohy is an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, blogger, and social media personality. She is also better known as the adoptive sister of NFL player, Michael Oher, whose life story inspired the Hollywood blockbuster The Blind Side. The Blind Side tells the true life story of Oher who grew up in an impoverished background consisting of a ...

Eye-Popping Facts About The Personal Life And Career Success Of Sportscaster Heidi Watney Heidi Watney is a media personality who has created a niche for herself as a sportscaster. Starting out as a radio presenter, the brilliant young lady has gone on to work for several prominent sports networks, and currently, she is with the MLB. The sportscaster is also known to have been an avid sports lady right ...

Marty Lagina Bio  Siblings (Martina and Rick Lagina), Net Worth and Wife Marty Lagina is an American engineer and businessman who has risen to fame as a reality TV star. This is thanks to his involvement in the adventure TV series, The Curse of Oak Island. The Curse of Oak Island is a long-running TV series which airs on the history channel. The show aims to solve ...

Is Jordan Schlansky Just A Character or a Real Life Person and What Does He Do? The world of late-night television is an interesting one. Shows during that time are geared towards giving viewers comedic relief from a long day at work through interviews and comedy sketches. The often charismatic host of this show requires the balancing talent of a producer whose primary job is to deliver great episodes. It is ...

Heres How Wealthy Jimmy Kimmel Is From All The Phases of His Career, Marriages and Sons Health Jimmy Kimmel is a renowned late-night talk show host known for his charm, wit, and the A-list guests he features on his show. As the host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! On ABC, Jimmy has been serving comedy to television viewers for years which played a pivotal role in launching him into mainstream fame and enabled ...

Natasha Bertrand Biography  Is She Married? Who Is the Husband & What Is Her Age? Natasha Bertrand is not just a young prominent journalist but a first-rate investigative reporter. With her natural beauty and smile, Natashas sharp, insightful political commentary also makes her a thorough reporter. Her sound political perspective and coverage in the country have made her a force to be reckoned with in the profession. Renowned for her ...

What Happened to Shane Kilcher? His Injury Update, Net Worth and More Shane Kilcher is well-known thanks to the Discovery Channel series Alaska: The Last Frontier. It is a show that documents the daily lives of the extended Kilcher family, people who live without plumbing or modern heating. The episodes follow their routines as they rely on hunting and farming for their nutritional needs as well as ...

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5 Interesting Things You Need To Know About Kelly Nash Ever heard of the lady who gained national prominence for taking a selfie with a dangerous ball just a few inches away from hitting her? Its no other person than Kelly Nash, an American sports broadcaster currently working as host of The Rundown show which airs on MLB Network every weekday at 2 pm ET. ...

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Why Did Big Chief Leave Street Outlaws, Where Is He Now And Why Did He Divorce His Wife? Justin Shearer, otherwise known by his professional name Big Chief is a famous street racer and television personality. He is famously known for being one of the main characters on the racing reality television series, Street Outlaws. Justin, who had been a significant part of the show since its premiere in 2013, appeared in a ...

Who is Josina Anderson of ESPN? Her Husband and Family Facts There has been a gradual paradigm shift in the world of sports which has today produced the likes of Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, and other female athletes that are pulling great feats in different sporting fields. Their achievements have also been followed by the emergence of female sports journalists such as Jillian Mele, Eboni Williams, ...

Is Brittany Wagner Married, Who Is The Husband, How Old Is She? Brittany Wagner has been an inspiration to a lot of sports youngster. She has won the hearts of many athletic students with her role as a life coach and an academic counselor. She is well groomed in her career and has worked over a decade for The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and The National ...

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The Progression of Howard Sterns Career As A Media Personality And Why He Divorced His First Wife Howard Stern is a legendary American radio host, who has also done some notable work as an actor, producer, author, as well as photographer. The radio personality achieved worldwide fame as a result of his self-titled radio program, The Howard Stern Show. As a professional radio personality, he has worked in different radio stations. Since 2006, ...

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Amanda Balionis Rise Through the Ranks of Sportscasting and the Identity of Her Boyfriend Amanda Balionis is an American sportscaster currently working as a golf broadcaster for CBS Sports. Among so many of her works in the field of sports reporting, Amandas PGA Tour coverage seems to be the most popular so far. She covered the Super Bowl working with CBS Sports social media team in Atlanta, where she ...

Dissecting Charles Paynes Sexual Allegations, Its After Effects and More About His Wife Charles Payne had a respectable career as an analyst on Wall Street before he made the transition to television and became a contributor and later a host on Fox. In that time, his expertise has come under scrutiny, and he has been at the center of at least one major controversy. The major controversy in question ...

Erik Asla And Tryra Banks Split: Everything You Need To Know Tyra Banks and Erik Asla have called it quits! The couple, who began dating in 2013 and have a son named York Banks Asla, has decided to end what everybody taught was the perfect relationship. Neither person has come out to give a reason for the breakup, but what is obvious right now is that ...

What to Note About Dr Terry Dubrows Qualifications, TV Works and Marriage to Heather Kent In the realm of people that we expect to see regularly on our screens, medical doctors are closer to the bottom of the list. Aside from the fact that their work has little correlation with TV, they are presumably too busy to pursue life as TV personalities. Yet, a few of them have usurped this ...

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Is Simon Cowell Gay? Does He Have A Wife or Girlfriend and Why is He Famous? Simon Cowell is a well-known talent show judge, TV producer, entrepreneur and one of the most popular TV personalities that Britain has ever produced. In conjunction with his company, Syco, Cowell is the brain behind hugely successful talent hunt shows such as The X-Factor UK, The X-Factor US, Britains Got Talent, Americas Got Talent and ...

Everything To Know About Joanna Gaines Life With Chip Gaines, Their Business Pursuits and Kids Joanna Gaines and her husband Chip Gaines became celebrities after their television show Fixer Upper began airing back in 2013. The show which was about home renovation and decoration ran for about 6 seasons with a total of 79 episodes before the couple bade farewell to it in April 2018. Apart from their appearances on ...

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Who Is Patrick Starr, What Is His Net Worth and Gender? The make-up industry over the years has grown to become a billion dollar industry not just because there are probably more women wearing make-up but because a whole lot of men, especially the young ones, have become bold enough to wear it unlike before. A few of these men, like Patrick Starr, have even gone ...

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How Brendan Greene Became a Game Designer to Look Out For and Facts About His Failed Marriage The name Brendan Greene may not easily ring a bell in the larger society but for gaming enthusiasts, he is considered a god and this is because of his invention of the video game, Player Unknowns Battlegrounds, also called PUBG. Based on the popular last-man-standing/battle royale concept, Greenes creation has taken the gaming world by ...

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This Is Everything You Should Know About Caroline Heldman, Her Career Portfolio and Other Facts Love it or hate it, there is no escaping the fact that feminism has come to stay in our world. The movement has continued to garner momentum over the years and this is due to the sustained push by several women, and even men, including the likes of Caroline Heldman. A Professor of Politics at ...

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Beijing has promised to stick to its climate commitments and is urging other stakeholders to do so, while environmental officials from the European Union to the United Nations have called for bolder global action on the climate.

"We believe that the Paris Agreement did not come easily," China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said on Wednesday, hours after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at reversing his predecessor Barack Obama's climate policies.

"We still believe that relevant sides should follow the trend of the times, seize the opportunity, honor their commitments and take active measures to promote the implementation of this agreement," Lu told a regular news briefing in Beijing.

Lu noted that members of the international community, including China and the US, have made major contributions to reach this high-level consensus.

According to earlier reports, the US intended to cut its carbon emissions by 26-28 percent below their 2005 level in 2025, and China vowed to achieve peak CO2 emissions around 2030.

"That is what this is all about: bringing back our jobs, bringing back our dreams and making America wealthy again," Trump said during a signing ceremony at the Environmental Protection Agency headquarters, where he was joined by more than a dozen coal miners.

"No matter how the climate policies of other countries may evolve, China, as a responsible, major developing country, will not change its determination, targets or policy measures in tackling climate change," Lu said.

China's coal consumption dropped by 2 percentage points to 62 percent of total energy consumption last year, and Premier Li Keqiang said early this month that the government would suspend or postpone construction on or eliminate no less than 50 million kilowatts of coal-fired power generation capacity this year, in part to optimize the energy mix and make room for clean energy to develop.

Miguel Arias Canete, the European Union commissioner for climate action, said in

a statement on Tuesday, "We regret the US is rolling back the main pillar of its climate policy, the clean power plan."

Ahead of his visit to China from Wednesday to Sunday, Arias Canete said, "The EU and China are joining forces to forge ahead on the implementation of the Paris Agreement and accelerate the global transition to clean energy."

He said Europe and China's collaborations on emissions trading and clean technologies are bearing fruit.

"Now is the time to further strengthen these ties to keep the wheels turning for ambitious global climate action," he said, according to a statement posted on the European Commission's website.

Arias Canete was scheduled to meet Xie Zhenhua, China's special representative for climate change, on Wednesday.

Erik Solheim, executive director of United Nations Environment Programme, told Xinhua on Tuesday that it was not time to change course on the approach to climate change.

"The science tells us that we need bolder, more ambitious action," he said.

The UNEP said on its Twitter account, "Is global economic growth possible while honoring the #ParisAgreement? New study says yes."

The study, titled Perspectives for the Energy Transition: Investment Needs for a Low-Carbon Energy Transition, said the deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency can achieve the emissions reductions needed to prevent global temperatures from rising more than 2 degrees while permitting the global economy to grow.

huanxinzhao@chinadailyusa.com
After months of dealing with fallout from its Galaxy Note7 that burst into flames and harmed users, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S8 on Wednesday in New York to enthusiasm from analysts.

Samsung's Sweet Galaxy S8 Will Make You Forget All About the Note 7, was the headline on a review by WIRED. "Samsung needs the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus phones unveiled today to make you forget all about the Note 7 debacle. And there's a good chance they will, because these phones are pretty dope," the review said.

Galaxy S8, starting at $720, comes in two sizes at 5.8 inches and 6.2inches. Samsung will start taking orders in the US on Thursday, with shipments scheduled for April 21.

The S8 has Bixby, Samsung's new artificially intelligent digital assistant, which responds to spoken commands, allowing users to control their phones with their voices alone. It will go up against Apple's Siri and Google Assistant. However, Samsung claims that Bixby offers a "deeper experience" than other voice agents or assistants in the market.

The phone also comes with a Gear 360 VR headset and AKG Harman Kardon headphones. It is thin and bezel-free.

"There's a design language that's coming out that's very distinctively Samsung," said Wayne Lam, principal analyst of technology and telecom at IHS Markit. "In the years passed, you can argue that the industry always followed whatever Apple did. There's a part of that now that Samsung can stake for their own."

The Galaxy S8 also contains technology that can scan a user's retina and iris, eliminating the need for passwords or passcodes.

"People are tired of entering information and complain about having too many passwords to remember," said William Stofega, program director of mobile phones at International Data Corp. "I think this is a great feature."

The launch of the Samsung Galaxy S8 had been highly anticipated in the industry after Samsung's incidents in October with Note 7, which had a faulty battery and would spontaneously burst into flame on airplanes and while charging. For months, airlines have restricted use of the phone during flights and stories of the phones catching on fire often went viral on the web. There is no increase in battery capacity for the S8, according to WIRED.

"We're in the process of earning back that trust," said Drew Blackard, a senior director of product marketing for Samsung, told The Los Angeles Times.

Products aside, the Seoul-based company founded in 1938 has also been in the spotlight for the arrest of the company's chief and heir Lee Jae-yong in a bribery probe connecting him to the South Korean president, who was impeached for connections to a bribery scandal.

"Assuming there are no fires or other issues with this phone, I think it should do a lot to restore confidence in Samsung's devices among anyone who was put off by the Note 7 problems, and it should provide a nice positive news cycle for Samsung for the first time in ages," said Jan Dawson, chief analyst at Jackdaw Research.

Neil Mawston, director of the global wireless practice at Strategy Analytics in the UK, called the launch the company's "most important smartphone in years - perhaps of all time".

Paul Welitzkin contributed to this story.

amyhe@chinadailyusa.com
The recipients of the 2016 Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self-Financed Students Abroad are joined by their supervisors and members of the Chinese Consulate General in Toronto after the awards ceremony on March 25. NA LI / CHINA DAILY

Chinese PhD students in Canada, who were recently honored by the Chinese government, are a humble group, singularly focused on their fields.

Geoffrey Ozin, the Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in materials chemistry at the University of Toronto (U of T), considered by many to be the father of nanochemistry, said Chinese PhD students "can change the world in the future".

Ozin spoke at the 2016 Chinese Government Awards for Outstanding Self-Financed Students Abroad ceremony hosted by the Chinese Consulate General in Toronto on March 25.

Qian Chenxi, one of Ozin's students, who originally came from Nanjing University, received a US$6,000 scholarship recognizing his outstanding achievements during his PhD studies. He and his senior fellow apprentice, Sun Wei, who received the same award last year, are the pride of their professor.

"When the two students joined my group five years ago with top scholarships at U of T, I decided to change my field into carbon dioxide, where I was looking for an engineering and chemistry solution to utilize CO2," said Ozin, who has worked with Chinese scholars and students since the 1970s.

"This is a field that has grown rapidly, as this is a global problem, and China needs to fix this. In fact, China is one of the most active countries in the world in this field."

Qian and Sun have published articles in top journals such as Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, American Chemical Society and Nature Communications.

"I feel honored to be awarded this scholarship for overseas Chinese students. Most importantly, this recognition is from our mother country," Qian said. "I could feel that I'm connected to home, in every sense, closer than ever."

Qin was one of 19 students honored by the Chinese government in Ontario and Manitoba, accounting for nearly 4 percent of the 500 global winners this year. The award recognizes the academic excellence of Chinese overseas students, encourages them to return to China to work or make contributions in various ways.

Yang Fan, another PhD student who studies genetics and molecular biology under her supervisor Frederick Roth, an inaugural Canada Excellence Research Chair in integrative biology, also has had articles published in prominent journals such as Cell, Genome Research and PIOS Computational Biology.

"It is a great honor for me to receive this award, but my greatest reward has always been in doing scientific research on human diseases," Yang said. "I also promise to only get better at my work, to make more progress in my career and more contributions to the whole community in the future."

Yan Wang, a recent PhD graduate of U of T who did research in genomics and ecology, hopes to collaborate with researchers in Canada, the US and China to promote cooperation in the field.

"The PhD study is just the beginning of creating the knowledge; it is still the learning phase," said Jean-Marc Moncalvo, a professor at Royal Ontario Museum, who was Yan Wang's supervisor.

Sun Yu, Canada Research Chair in micro and nano engineering systems at U of T, also encouraged his student Cao Changhong, one of the recipients of the award, to work hard and dedicate himself to science and technology.

"You will feel fulfilled in the process of pursuing the academic research," Sun said.

According to Xu Weiya, the Chinese consul for education in Toronto, there are more than 75,000 Chinese students in Ontario and Manitoba, covering almost all academic disciplines, including arts, sciences, engineering and medicine.

"They are highly recognized for their industriousness in learning, perseverance in scientific research and diligence in seeking innovation," Xu said.

"We fully support all the Chinese students to strive to study hard, to actively engage in innovation and entrepreneurship, to accomplish both safeness and success out of their learning experiences here, and to better promote the China-Canada relationship and civil communication in between," said Xu Wei, acting consul general in Toronto.

renali@chinadailyusa.com
The recipients of 2017 Chinese Canadian Entrepreneur Awards pose at the awards gala on March 25 in Toronto. From left: Best Start-up Award winner Erwin Lee of Hubnest Inc; Best International Business Award winner David Khazanski of INKAS Armored Vehicle Manufacturing; Entrepreneur of the Year winner Sylvester Chuang of HSC Holdings Inc; Peter Lawler of BDC, a co-chair of the awards event; Lifetime Achievement Award winner Robert H. Lee of Prospero Group; Most Progressive Award winner Daniel Cheng of Process Fusion Inc; Award of Merit winner Jackey Jan of CN Global Distributor Inc; Best Asia Pacific Business Award winner Jeff W.N. Leung of JET; and Most Innovative Award winner Jianhua Zhu of BioNeutra Global Corp. NA LI / CHINA DAILY

Eight outstanding Chinese Canadian entrepreneurs from across Canada were honoured recently in Toronto.

The award event was hosted by the Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs (ACCE), along with the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), the Center of Entrepreneurship, Centennial College, PwC, the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Growth and the Ontario Ministry of Research, Innovation and Science.

"It is exciting to note that 20 years have passed since the ACCE founded these prestigious awards to recognize both individuals and companies for their excellence in entrepreneurship in the Chinese Canadian business community," said Peter Lawler, senior VP at BDC and a co-chair of this year's event. "Nominations for the 2017 awards were accepted from across Canada."

Eight award winners were honored in categories including Best International Business, Best Asia Pacific Business, Best Start-up, Most Innovative, Most Progressive, Best Community Service, Award of Merit, and Entrepreneur of the Year. Robert H. Lee from Vancouver was the recipient of the 2017 ACCE Lifetime Achievement Award.

Michael Denham, president and CEO of BDC, delivered a keynote speech about the entrepreneurial spirit of ambition, purpose and resilience.

As a part of the ACCE's tradition of giving back to the community, the association presented donation cheques to the Hong Fook Mental Health Foundation and the ALS Double Play. In addition, eight local college and university students were selected as this year's recipients of the ACCE Scholarship, sponsored by KPMG.

"Our mission is to encourage entrepreneurship and to strengthen the competitiveness of Chinese-Canadian businesses in the global market," said Irwin Li, president of ACCE. "We also seek to assist Chinese Canadians in developing new businesses by providing quality training in the form of seminars, workshops, conferences and special programs, as well as a network where members can share resources and provide mutual support."

More than 1,000 guests attended the 21th annual ACCE Chinese Canadian Entrepreneur Awards. Those in attendance included successful entrepreneurs, business and community leaders, government officials, as well as members of associations and professional groups from both the Chinese community and the community at large.
I don't know how many young women come to this blog or how many are parents of teenage or young adult women, but here are some safety tips from Kelsey's Army:

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1. Trust your instincts - If something feels wrong then something probably is wrong.2. Know your surroundings - know who and what is around you.3. Always have a plan for where you would go and what you would do if a situation arises.4. Be willing to make a scene in order to be noticed.5. Let someone know where you are going and when you will be back.Remember the acronym TIPS:ake Chargenform others of your whereaboutsrepare for any situationurvival Mentality (role play situations so you will respond should they happen)For more information, go to Kelsey's Army
Russias foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova says she doesnt have information regarding the possible meeting of the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers in Moscow.

March 30, 2017, 14:50 Russian foreign ministry spox says no information on Armenian and Azerbaijani FMs meeting in Moscow

STEPANAKERT, MARCH 30, ARTSAKHPRESS-ARMENPRESS: Currently I dont have information regarding the meeting of the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Moscow. I will report to you in case such information comes up, Zakharova told a briefing.

Commenting on the reporters request to assess the one year process of settlement of the NK conflict after the 2016 April events, Zakharova said she will present the assessment of the Russian side on the NK conflict settlement process on the ministrys website or during the next briefing.
Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian on March 30 held a meeting with Vice-President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Kent Harstedt who arrived in Armenia with the OSCE PA observation missions delegation, press service of the MFA told.

March 30, 2017, 17:43 Edward Nalbandian hosts Vice-President of OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

STEPANAKERT, MARCH 30, ARTSAKHPRESS: During the meeting they exchanged views on the preparation works of Armenias upcoming parliamentary election that will be held on April 2.

The sides discussed issued related to the OSCE agenda and the OSCE PA activity.
But prime minister Peter O'Neill says he is "reasonably confident" about prevailing at the polls despite the headwinds.

Economic growth has slowed from the breakneck 13.3% pace of 2014 to less than 3% last year and is expected to remain around that level in 2017.

IT MAY not be the best time for Papua New Guinea's ruling party to face the voters as the nation dependent on commodity exports feels the pinch of low prices.

"Nobody can predict the outcome of the election" scheduled for 24 June to 8 July, O'Neill told the Nikkei Asian Review on Tuesday during a brief stay in Hong Kong. Already, 2,821 candidates have signed up to vie for 111 seats in the unicameral legislature.

The People's National Congress headed by O'Neill now holds 54 seats and leads the coalition government. The prime minister predicts that the PNC will not win a majority but "will be the largest party" once again to form another coalition.

He based his confidence on the "delivery of policies and progresses" and his government having kept "every commitment that we have made."

In the keynote address at a Credit Suisse-sponsored investment conference, O'Neill emphasised that his government has "passed the highest number of laws" and achieved political stability on his watch since August 2011 and after the last general election in 2012.

But questions are being raised about the state of the South Pacific country.

One is on peace and order. Just a few days ago, rioting was reported in the capital city of Port Moresby. O'Neill dismissed the recent fire and looting as an "isolated case."

While acknowledging the incident, he said the looting "wasn't a planned" event and that the fire was caused by cooking rather than arson by looters. The widely reported case has been "blown out of proportion," the prime minister said.

Another worry surrounds corruption. O'Neill pushed back harder on this front, arguing that the perception of his country as corrupt is "overstated."

He asked critics to produce "tangible evidence to substantiate their claims" and said that if there are any cases of corruption, the victims "should report to the authority," where he is confident in the anti-corruption apparatus enhanced during his tenure.

O'Neill also pointed to other countries in the region, where corrupt individuals have "acquired enormous wealth at the expense of their people," while emphasising that no one in Papua New Guinea has attained that level of wealth through corrupt means since the country became independent in 1975.

Papua New Guinea ranked 136th out of 176 countries in the 2016 Corruption Perceptions Index of Transparency International. It scored 28 on a 100-point scale, with zero as the most corrupt.

While the country improved slightly from the previous year's 25, it still ranked on a par with Myanmar and Kyrgyzstan and just under Iran, Nepal and Kazakhstan.

O'Neill blamed the gap in perceptions on media reports that "unjustly judge a country." He urged reporters and commentators in the international media to go to Papua New Guinea and see the facts on the ground.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo endorsed legislation Thursday that would increase New York's federal Medicaid assistance by $2.3 billion  enough to cover the counties' share of the health insurance program's costs.

The bill, named the Empire State Equity Act, is a response to an amendment introduced by U.S. Reps. Chris Collins and John Faso, two upstate New York Republicans. The Collins-Faso amendment to the American Health Care Act would require the state to pick up the local share of Medicaid costs or risk losing federal aid.

Currently, the federal government's share is 50 percent. The state and local governments each pay 25 percent. But Cuomo has repeatedly said that the state picked up the growth in Medicaid costs in recent years, which has lowered the counties' share to about 13 percent.

The local government share, in terms of dollars, is $2.3 billion.

Under the Empire State Equity Act, the federal government would increase New York's Federal Medical Assistance Percentage by 4 percent  $2.3 billion, according to Cuomo's office.

With the increase in federal aid, Cuomo said the state could eliminate the local governments' share of Medicaid which could lower property taxes.

The bill proposes to increase New Yorks FMAP by 4 percent, or $2.3 billion. This increase in federal funds will allow New York to reduce the amount counties may be required to contribute toward the Medicaid program.

On a conference call with reporters Thursday, Cuomo utilized a talking point made famous by the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan  that New York is a "donor state," which means it gives more to the federal government in taxes than it receives back in aid.

Cuomo estimated that the state pays $30 billion more in taxes than it receives in return from the federal government.

"I'm excited because this is a bill that can actually get things done," Cuomo said. "Washington has seen a lot of false starts. But I think this could put it back on the right track because this is about fairness. It's about fulfilling promises that have been made."

It's also a counter to the Collins-Faso amendment.

Cuomo spent most of last week railing against the measure. He again labeled it a "scam" on Thursday. Before House GOP leaders decided to withdraw the health care bill, the governor said he was seriously considering a lawsuit challenging the Collins-Faso amendment.

In multiple statements since the amendment's introduction, Collins and Faso have said the goal was to provide property tax relief, especially for residents of upstate counties.

But Cuomo said there was no guarantee that any county would provide property tax relief if the Collins-Faso was adopted. He believes the Empire State Equity Act, unlike the amendment, would actually achieve that goal.

"This says lets give New York additional (federal aid) because they are a donor state," he said. "Let's reduce the inequality and New York will then give the money in property tax relief."

Engel added that the Collins-Faso amendment is "robbing Peter to pay Paul." He said the measure, unlike the Empire State Equity Act, wouldn't have benefited New York.

He likened the GOP amendment to a "shell game."

"Should New York be faced with a budget hit like this, our citizens will be made whole," Engel said of the Democrats' proposal.

U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, whose district encompasses parts of the Capital Region and Mohawk Valley, agreed.

"Bringing a fairer share of our federal tax money back home to New York would help our counties, certainly, and our taxpayers," he said.

However, the bill faces an uphill battle in Congress.

The New York Democrats acknowledged on Thursday's call that the path to passage won't be easy. They're in the minority and Republicans likely won't be receptive to such a significant increase in funding for New York, which may come at the expense of other states.

Cuomo, though, believes New York Republicans should support the proposal.

"It does what the Faso-Collins amendment purported to do," he said.
As President Donald Trump seeks to slash funding for the Environmental Protection Agency's Brownfields program, U.S. Rep. John Katko wants to preserve the initiative  and fund it at higher levels than it receives now.

Katko, R-Camillus, and U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty, a Connecticut Democrat, unveiled legislation Thursday that reauthorizes the Brownfields program, which technically expired in 2006, through fiscal year 2022. The members of Congress also want $250 million a year to fund the program and increase the cleanup grant amounts from $200,000 to $600,000.

The bill would also expand eligibility to include community development organizations, limited liability corporations and nonprofits.

The grant program was initially established in 2002 and assists local and state governments with the clean up of contaminated commercial and industrial sites.

President Trump's budget blueprint released in March calls for cuts to the Brownfields program. Reuters reported that funding for the initiative would be reduced to $14.7 million  a 42 percent cut.

Members of Congress have pushed back against the proposed cuts to Brownfields grants. Katko said communities throughout his district, including Auburn, have benefited from the program.

"Redevelopment of Brownfields sites helps to revitalize neighborhoods, spur economic development and create jobs," he said in a statement.

Auburn Mayor Michael Quill lauded Katko's push to reauthorize the Brownfields program and touted its benefits for the city.

Quill said Auburn has utilized support from the Brownfields program to conduct environmental site assessments on properties near downtown and along the Owasco River.

One notable project that's sought Brownfields assistance in the past is the Auburn Schine Theater. The theater was denied a $200,000 grant because it didn't conduct the required site study.

Ed Onori, a member of the Cayuga County Arts Council, told The Citizen in January that the site study issue has been resolved and the organization is planning to pursue a Brownfields grant again this year.

While Auburn has benefited from the program, Quill said there are still challenges posed by contaminated sites.

"It is essential for our community as well as others plagued by brownfields to have the assistance necessary for assessment and cleanup of these sites," he said.

Auburn isn't alone. According to Katko's office, there are more than 450,000 brownfield sites in the U.S. There's at least one brownfield site in each congressional district.

So far, only a fraction of the sites  roughly 59,000  have been remediated.

Proponents of the Brownfields program say the grants help spur economic development. Studies have found that every $1 dollar spent by the EPA leverages nearly $18 in outside investment and every acre of brownfields that's redevelopment creates an estimated 10 jobs.

The bill introduced by Katko and Esty has been referred to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for consideration. Both representatives are members of the panel.
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AUBURN  An Auburn man who served nearly two years in prison for downloading child pornography has been deemed a level 3 sex offender with a high risk to re-offend.

Shane Cardinale, of 254 State St., pleaded guilty in April 2015 to one felony count of promoting an obscene sexual performance by a child. At the time, he admitted to downloading child pornography from a file-sharing program in December 2014.

Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann said the video depicted an adult male raping a child younger than 10. In addition, Budelmann said a New York State Police investigation revealed that Cardinale had exchanged child pornography with other sex offenders "on and off" for around three years and had more than 3,000 images depicting child pornography and erotica on his computer.

In exchange for his plea of guilty, Cardinale avoided federal prosecution and was sentenced to one to three years in prison.

On Thursday, Cardinale appeared in Cayuga County Court for a risk level assessment as the 28-year-old is scheduled to be released from prison in May.

Initially, Judge Thomas Leone said Cardinale qualified as a level 2 sex offender based on the fact that the victim was a stranger under 10 years of age. However, Leone felt Cardinale's case warranted departure and raised the risk assessment to a level 3, saying the defendant's history indicated he was a high risk to re-offend.

Cardinale said he plans to appeal Leone's decision. His earliest release date is May 31.

Also in court:

 Another Auburn man was deemed a level 1 sex offender Thursday in a separate risk level assessment.

Brett Wells, of 7870 Centerport Road, pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal sex act in 2013 for having sex with a 12-year-old girl. He was sentenced to five years in prison.

Now 37, Wells appeared in court Thursday where Leone ruled that Wells would have to register as a level 1, low-risk sexually violent offender.

Wells is scheduled to be released from prison May 20.

 A Port Byron man was remanded to Cayuga County Jail Thursday for violating the terms and conditions of probation.

Scottie Warn, 31, of 7188 Fosterville Road, was scheduled to be sentenced to five years probation Thursday for first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a felony, and driving while ability impaired by drugs. However, Leone decided to adjourn his sentencing after learning that Warn had been kicked out of two in-patient substance abuse treatment programs since his plea.

Warn's defense attorney Jarrod Smith said his client suffers from a "significant drug addiction" and explained he was discharged from the two facilities for using suboxone and tobacco products. In court, Smith argued that Warn was not aware he could not use those products pending probation.

Meanwhile, Budelmann addressed Warn's lengthy criminal history, which includes two convictions for driving while intoxicated and nine convictions for driving without a license.

"He's demonstrated a risk of getting behind the wheel of a car," Budelmann said. "While I am concerned about Mr. Warn, I have to be concerned about the safety of the community, as well."

Leone agreed, adjourning Warn's sentencing to April 4 and remanding him to the local jail.

"This is just getting old," Leone said, citing Warn's 18 prior arrests. "You're going to sit in prison or you're going to get cleaned up."
Harriet might not be coming home after all.

An album containing a newly discovered photo of Harriet Tubman was sold at a New York City auction Thursday morning for a total of $161,000, the Associated Press reported.

The winning bidder was Lion Heart Autographs, of Manhattan. It bid a hammer price of $130,000 for the photo; a $31,000 fee for auctioneer Swann Galleries was added.

The album was expected to fetch between $20,000 and $30,000.

However, Lion Heart didn't buy the photo for itself  it did so on behalf of a client, Senior Associate Heather Wightman said Thursday. Though she declined to identify the client, she said "it's an American institution."

Wightman said Lion Heart will hand the photo over to the client, whom she expects will identify itself with a public announcement in the next few days.

Out of contention due to the price increase was the Harriet Tubman Home in Auburn, which raised more than $27,000 to bid on the photo through a crowdfunding campaign.

New photo of Harriet Tubman surfaces, biographer calls it 'remarkable' For decades, there have been few photographic images of Harriet Tubman depicting how the abo

According to the website for the campaign, #BringHarrietHome, donors now have the option of having their donations returned or leaving them with the Tubman home to support its work preserving its namesake's legacy.

The photo depicts Tubman in the late 1860s, earlier than most images of the abolitionist and Civil War spy. According to writing on the back of the photo, it was taken at "Powelson Photography, 77 Genesee St., Auburn." The album was the property of Tubman friend and fellow abolitionist Emily Howland, of Sherwood.

Tubman biographer Kate Clifford Larson, who authenticated the photo after its discovery, said: "What's remarkable about this photograph is that she's so proud and dignified and beautiful. She looks so young. ... This is the vibrant young Tubman just coming off her work during the Civil War. She's building her life with her family in Auburn."

Harriet Tubman Home President/CEO Karen Hill told The Citizen at the launch of the #BringHarrietHome campaign that if the home won the photo, it would interpret the image as part of the forthcoming Harriet Tubman National Historical Park.

"This is a campaign for Auburn to lift Harriet Tubman's profile as an Auburn citizen and for people to really get to see her," Hill said, "to see how she dressed and looked when she was interfacing with William H. Seward and other abolitionists."
Dharmendra N. Choudhary [1]

Processing frozen shrimps for export at Cuu Long Aquatic Product JSC (Tra Vinh province)__Photo: Vu Sinh/VNA



[1] The author is a Washington D.C. based international trade attorney with GDLSK LLP, the largest US law firm focused on customs and international trade issues. He has been a longstanding counsel to several Vietnamese fish fillets exporters including CASEAMEX

, ,

Vietnamese leading aquatic producer and exporter CASEAMEX (Can Tho Import-Export Joint Stock Company) in January won a significant victory at the US Court of International Trade (CIT), in an appeal filed against the US Department of Commerce (DOC or Commerce) in the anti-dumping (AD) proceeding on fish fillet exports from Vietnam.Under US dumping law a company is conferred separate rates status if it can prove it is free from government control (legal or factual control). The Separate Rate is a duty rate calculated as the average of the participating mandatory exporters in a dumping review and it is usually much lower than the country-wide rate, which is reserved for government-controlled exporters.Based on a presumption that it is controlled by the Vietnamese government, the DOC denied CASEAMEX a separate rate status and imposed a very high rate of AD duty - technically called the Vietnam-wide rate. The CIT rejected the DOCs decision and sent the case back for reconsidering CASEAMEXs separate rate status. This article provides a background of DOCs separate rate policy practiced in the context of AD proceedings against Vietnam and explains the large significance of the CIT opinion for CASEAMEX as well as other government-controlled Vietnamese exporters.In US AD proceedings, the DOC applies very different methodologies for determining the rate of AD duties on goods exported from Market Economy (ME) countries (such as, Germany) and Non Market Economy (NME) countries (such as, China and Vietnam). In case of ME countries, Commerce assigns individual AD duties to mandatory respondents (typically, the top two leading exporters), after a detailed examination of the exporters (and associated producers) production and sales data. Thereafter, all other ME exporters are assigned a common AD duty, which is a weighted average of the AD duties assigned to the mandatory respondents.However, in the case of AD proceedings against NME countries like Vietnam, Commerce follows a markedly different policy. In Vietnamese AD proceedings, entitlement to either an individually investigated AD rate or a weighted average all others AD rate to non-investigated exporters is not a matter of right. Only such exporters are assigned either an individually investigated AD rate or a weighted average all others AD rate, who are able to demonstrate their independence from the Vietnamese government. All other Vietnamese exporters that fail to rebut the presumption of government control are assigned a punitive Vietnam wide AD duty.As such, demonstrating independence from Vietnamese government control and thereby, entitlement to a separate AD rate is a threshold and most critical issue for all Vietnamese exporters, especially those that are partly or wholly owned or controlled by the Vietnamese government.In AD proceedings involving NME countries like Vietnam, Commerce has a rebuttable presumption that the export activities of all firms within the country are subject to government control and influence. This presumption is not grounded in a belief that the Vietnamese economy comprises entirely of the government (e.g., a firm is nothing more than a government work unit), but rather from the Vietnamese governments supposed use of a variety of legal and administrative levers to exert influence and control (both direct and indirect) over the various economic actors across the economy, with regard to control of prices, output decisions, and the allocation of resources. As such, this presumption is fundamentally different from a presumption that all firms are one-and-the same as the government, such that they comprise a monolithic economic entity. The burden to rebut the presumption of state control is placed on the exporters, by demonstrating an absence of government control. As noted above, firms that are unable to rebut the presumption are assessed a single antidumping duty rate, i.e., the Vietnam-wide rate.However, in recognition that parts of Vietnams economy are transitioning away from the state-controlled economy, Commerce developed a separate rates test. In an economy comprised of a single, monolithic state entity, it would be impossible to identify separate firms, let alone rebut government control. Rather, Commerce recognizes that Vietnams economy today is neither command-and-control nor market-based; government control and/or influence is omnipresent (which gives rise to the presumption) but not omnipotent (and hence, the presumption is rebuttable).Commerces policy is to assign all exporters of subject merchandise from Vietnam a single country-wide rate unless an exporter can affirmatively demonstrate an absence of government control, both in law (de jure) and in fact (de facto), with respect to exports and thereby demonstrate its eligibility for a separate rate. Commerce considers the following factors under its de jure and de facto tests:De jure1. Absence of restrictive stipulations on the business license.2. Legislative enactments decentralizing control over companies.3. Other decentralizing legislation.De facto1. Ability to set own export prices without government oversight.2. Authority to negotiate and sign contracts/agreements.3. Autonomy from the government in selection of management.4. Ability to retain proceeds from sales/decide disposition of profits.The above factors are not statutorily mandated, but have developed over time, based on agency and Court decisions.Since the inception of the separate rates test and from 1991 through 2012, Commerce applied it in a manner so that most of the government-controlled state-owned enterprises (SOE) qualified for a separate rate status, provided they fulfilled all of the de jure and de facto criteria.However, this status quo was disturbed in 2013, when in a Chinese AD case, Advanced Technology & Materials v. U.S., the CIT questioned Commerces traditional analysis of management and ownership issues related to SOEs. Following the Courts decision, Commerce adopted a new test for SOEs, which essentially makes it impossible for an SOE to qualify for separate rate status. Pursuant to this test, where a government entity holds a majority share, either directly or indirectly, in the respondent exporter, Commerce deems the majority ownership holding, in and of itself, to imply that the government exercises, or has the potential to exercise, control over the companys operations generally, for example, in the selection of management, a key factor in determining whether a company has sufficient independence in its export activities, rendering the company ineligible for a separate rate. In 2015, Commerces new policy was endorsed by CIT in Jiangsu Jiasheng Photovoltaic Tech. Co. v. United States.In 2016, Commerce ratcheted up the Advanced Tech. test further, when the agency denied separate rate to a Chinese tire exporter even though the Chinese governments shareholding in the exporting entity was only about 25 percent. As such, it appeared that with regard to government ownership in an exporter, Commerce was applying a per se rule and denying separate rate status to an exporter even with a minimal exposure to government shareholding.Predictably, following its recent policy, Commerce denied CASEAMEX a separate rate status even though the shareholding of Vietnamese government was significantly below 50 percent and even below 20 percent. Commerce simply presumed that Vietnamese government had a potential to appoint management and thereby exercise control over CASEAMEXs export activities, even though in each prior review with the same residual government interest, CASEAMEX had been granted a separate rate. Therefore, CASEAMEX challenged this decision before CIT.CASEAMEX, represented by one of the largest US law firms specializing in trade law, GDLSK LLP, led by senior Counsel Andrew Schroth, presented convincing facts and arguments before the Court, showing that there was no record evidence that the Vietnamese government had any influence or control over CASEAMEX, particularly with respect to the appointment of senior level management at CASEAMEX. As such, Commerces decision to deny a separate rate status was based on a presumption of potential control rather than an actual control exercised by the minority-shareholder government over CASEAMEXs management. CIT has sent the issue back to Commerce to reexamine the level of government control, based on actual conduct instead of potential conduct of Vietnamese government in relation to CASEAMEX.As such, the CASEAMEX ruling sets a very important precedent given that the CIT has for the very first time pushed back Commerce on a threshold issue that has become a scourge for several Vietnamese exporters. A favorable decision in this case will have a precedential value for all those cases where a Vietnamese exporter has a small or residual government interest or shareholding.With regard to Vietnamese exporters who are not majority controlled by the government, Commerce must recognize that residual government shareholding in a company does not automatically translate into day-to-day government control, either in the selection of management or in the setting of export prices. In a highly competitive international market, these prices are determined rather by market forces, i.e., by considerations of profit and loss. Therefore, Commerce and the Courts should revisit the current separate rate policy being applied to such exporters. There is no objective rationale to discriminate against such exporters. At a minimum, a per se rule to deny separate rate status must not be applied to such exporters.-
The state's highest court has upheld the sentence for an Auburn man serving 54 years to life in prison for murdering the mother of his child after breaking into her home.

The state Court of Appeals on Thursday issued a decision upholding the sentence of Ryan Brahney, who was convicted in 2012 during a bench trial in connection with the murder of Bridget Bell in her Auburn home on Nov. 21, 2011.

Brahney was arguing on appeal that his sentence should be shorter because the court should not have imposed consecutive sentences in connection with his actions the night of the murder. Brahney broke into Bell's home, dragged her from an upstairs bedroom downstairs and killed her. He was convicted of second-degree murder and first-degree burglary, among other charges, and those sentences were imposed consecutively instead of concurrently because the trial court judge determined they were separate acts.

Man who murdered Bridget Bell in Auburn in 2011 loses appeals The Auburn man who stabbed the mother of his child to death in 2011 will potentially remain 

An Appellate Division ruling in 2015 upheld that determination, although two justices on that panel dissented. The Court of Appeals ruling on Thursday was unanimous.

We are gratified that the Courts (Appellate Division and Court of Appeals) upheld this violent murderers lengthy sentence," Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann said in a press release. "This outcome ensures that the sentence will remain in place to protect the victims family and society from this monstrous killer. I commend Chief Assistant DA Chris Valdina for his excellent work in writing the Peoples brief and arguing the case before the Court in Albany.

Brahney is currently incarcerated at Elmira Correction Facility with his earliest parole hearing date set for April 2062.
SYDNEY  National carrier Vietnam Airlines (VNA) officially launched its non-stop route between Ha Noi and Sydney on Wednesday, making this the airlines third route to Australia.

The nine hours and 35 minutes flight from Ha Noi will take off at 11.55pm every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. The flight from Sydney will depart at 3.15pm in the summer and 2.15pm in the winter every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

The carrier will operate new-generation Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft on the route.

Speaking at the launch of the route in Sydney, Viet Nams General Consul in Sydney Hoang Minh Son said the route would help further boost trade and travel between the two countries.

He noted that the Australian Government had allowed the import of fruits from Viet Nam, which should be transported by air to ensure freshness.

Kerrie Mather, management and operation director at the Sydney International Airport, emphasised that the new route would help cement the bilateral relationship and meet the increasing travel demand from Sydney to Viet Nam.

Vietnam Airlines already operates daily flights from HCM City to Sydney and Melbourne. The new route has brought the carriers flights to a total of 17 flights per week.  VNS
HA NOI  The State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC) yesterday introduced two publications on corporate governance for the benefit of its representatives in State-owned companies.

The two publications, Voting instruction manual and Corporate governance code, were released at a workshop that aimed to improve the quality of corporate governance in companies invested in by the State. The SCIC represents the State in managing capital investments.

SCIC deputy general director Nguyen Hong Hien said at the workshop that they wanted to improve transparency and the logic of decision making processes in companies that are in SCICs investment portfolio.

The voting manual will help the SCIC representatives in those companies understand the firms reports better and improve the quality of their decision making, he said.

The corporate governance code will help SCIC and its representatives in the businesses participate in the business governance activities on more advance standards, Hien said.

Deeper participation of SCIC in the companies will improve their operation efficiency, raise the business values in the market and increase the value of the State capital in those businesses, he added.

In an attempt to link governance of the State-invested companies with international practices, the SCIC has worked with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and global audit group PriceswaterHouse (PwC) to develop the Corporate Governance Code.

Some salient features of the new code include shareholders rights and equal treatment of shareholders.

Phan uc Hieu, Deputy director of the Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM), said the release of the manual and code shows SCICs determination to improve corporate governance, for itself and for the companies in its investment portfolio.

Hieu said that the two publications reflect good international practices on corporate governance based on the latest recommendations from OECD and G20 and they will be very useful if they are included in the legal policies.

Le Thi Hoai Thu, general director of the ACS Vietnam Joint Stock Company, said that the publications would be very helpful in improving the quality of corporate governance in Viet Nam.

They can improve business transparency and raise the confidence of shareholders, investors and the community in the companies operations, she said.

SCIC also introduced at the workshop some international practices on the corporate governance, including a financial monitoring mechanism via an internal auditing sub-unit in the business.  VNS
HA NOI  The United States and Viet Nam met on March 27 and 28 under their Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) to discuss deepening trade ties and address outstanding bilateral trade issues.

The United States also used the meeting  the first since 2011  as an opportunity to reaffirm the Trump Administrations commitment to expanding ties with the Asia-Pacific region, including with Viet Nam.

The United States urged Viet Nam to promptly address bilateral issues, including those related to agriculture and food safety, intellectual property, digital trade, financial services, customs, industrial goods, transparency and good governance, and illegal wildlife trafficking.

Viet Nam also updated the US team on its plans to implement labour reforms.

The two sides agreed to continue their dialogue on these issues and to launch working groups focused on resolving bilateral issues, starting with groups on agricultural and food safety issues, industrial goods, intellectual property matters, and digital trade.

They reviewed Viet Nams implementation of the WTO trade facilitation agreement, as well as Viet Nams participation in the WTO Information Technology Agreement expansion. In addition, the US and Vietnamese teams discussed how they could work together to advance their common interests in building US-ASEAN ties.

Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh welcomed the resumption of talks and efforts to further deepen bilateral trade ties.  VNS
ONG NAI  ong Nai Province has suspended all dredging and sand mining projects in the ong Nai River.

Speaking at a meeting on sand mining management on Tuesday, Tu Nam Thanh, deputy director of the provinces Department of Transport, said all ongoing dredging and mining works have to cease.

A police spokesman said since late 2015 officers busted 80 illegal sand mining operations, including some large ones, and seized 37 boats and mining equipment.

Though the incidence of illegal sand exploitation in the ong Nai River had reduced, it had not gone away, he said.

Huge profits and the lack of severe consequences - illegal sand miners do not face criminal charges - were the reason behind the rampant mining, he said.

Illegal sand collection sites also operated along riverbanks. A recent investigation found 49 of 60 such sites to be illegal, including 35 which purchased sand from illegal miners, according to the police.

To effectively stop the illegal mining in the ong Nai River, all these illegal sites must be eliminated, it said.

Officials from Tan Phu and inh Quan districts said licensed miners in the upper ong Nai do not scrupulously stick to their licence terms.

Many of the licences were issued in neighbouring Lam ong Province, they said.

Nguyen Van Nghi, deputy chairman of the Tan Phu District Peoples Committee, urged provincial authorities to join hands with their Lam ong counterparts to stop the sand mining in stretches of the river between the two provinces.

The 15 mining licences issued by Lam ong would surely worsen land erosion along the riverbanks in Tan Phu, he lamented.

A ong Nai transport official said all dredging and mining projects licensed by both ong Nai Province and the Ministry of Transport have been suspended.

These include work to dredge the Thai Thien stream between the Thi Vai River and Kim Nhat inland wharf (in Phuoc Thai Commune, Long Thanh District), the Ong Trung channel (in Bien Hoa city), the Buong and Ben Go Rivers (Bien Hoa), and a waterway in the ong Kho River (in Phuoc An Commune, Nhon Trach District).

The department, on orders from the Peoples Committee, has urged all the miners to clear their machinery, equipment and workers from the work spots.  VNS
HA NOI South Korea should share its experiences and assist Viet Nam in perfecting its legal framework on environmental issues, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Vo Tuan Nhan said yesterday.

Addressing the 13th Viet Nam  South Korea Environment Ministerial Meeting in Ha Noi, he said South Korean laws on the environment are said to be very effective.

Therefore, Viet Nam can learn valuable lessons from South Korea in legally protecting its environment. The nation looks forward to applying such lessons as soon as possible, he said.

Viet Nam now suffers a lack of national standards on emission, waste water and solid waste, Nhan said, requesting South Koreas environment ministry to send a team of experts later this year to help formulate such standards.

South Korean Minister of Environment, Cho Kyeung Kyu, said he agreed with Nhan on the need for an effective legal framework and stringent national standards.

More detailed discussions to take place on these issues so that South Korea can provide proper assistance, Cho said.

He said South Korea had a major law on environment and 63 sub-laws. Since the English-version of the major law was available now, his ministry would send it to Viet Nam first.

Vietnamese Minister of Environment Tran Hong Ha said Viet Nam was re-structuring its economy towards green growth and low carbon emissions.

Ha suggested South Korea provides assistance in perfecting policies, co-operates in biodiversity conservation and provides training in environmental management during 2017-20.

Ha said he highly appreciated the co-operation forged by the two countries on environmental issues in the last decade. He hoped this would be broadened in the coming years with greater liaisons at the Government level.

Cho said he also expected the two ministries to strengthen co-operation in biodiversity conservation and human resource development. VNS
THAI BINH  Polluted river water is the main reason behind the recent mass fish deaths in Vinh Tra River in Thai Binh Province, its department of natural resources and environment has said.

The report that the department sent to the provincial Peoples Committee on Thursday morning states that the department and the local environmental police jointly inspected and collected samples of river water and the dead fish for tests.

Initial inspection revealed that most of the fish deaths have occurred on the stretch between Mua Bridge and Phuc Khanh Bridge on Bach River and the dead fish then drifted to Vinh Tra River, the report said.

Analysis showed that it is polluted water, not disease and illness, that killed the fishes. Specifically, the concentration of dissolved oxygen in wastewater discharged into the river by May Nien Hsing Co Ltd and Sheng Fang Co Ltd was found to be between 1.18 and 1.42 times lower than permissible level.

Also, wastewater from the Nguyen uc Canh Industrial Zone was found to have chemical oxygen levels 2.47 to 2.6 times higher and coliform bacteria 2.8 to 2.93 times higher than allowed.

Following these results, the provincial agencies said that the river accepted a large amount of industrial wastewater and untreated wastewater from households living along the riverbank. All this polluted the water, and that along with changes in temperature, caused mass fish deaths.

To reduce the pollution in the citys water source, the department has asked the provincial Peoples Committee to re-examine wastewater treatment in industrial as well as residential areas.

It has asked the management boards of industrial zones to clarify the responsibilities of organisations and individuals in infrastructure management in the industrial zones, conduct sudden inspections on wastewater discharges of businesses in Phuc Khanh and uc Canh industrial zones and Phong Phu industrial complex.

The department has also requested local residents to not dump garbage into the river and to clear the rubbish that is already in it.

On March 21 and 22, a large number of fish in Thai Binh Citys Vinh Tra River were spotted dead. Besides, polluting the water and the surroundings, it resulted in a terrible stench emanating from the river.

Nguyen Hong Dien, chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee, had inspected the site and ordered concerned agencies to quickly determine the cause of the deaths.  VNS
HA NOI  Vietnam Television Film Centre (VFC) held a press conference yesterday to annouce the debut of the centres latest TV series Silence of the Abyss.

The 32-episode series portrays the stunning landscapes of the countrys mountainous northwestern region and the life of Mong people  dwellers of the mountains.

Adapted from a novel by writer o Bich Thuy, who also scripted the TV series, Silence of the Abyss tell a tale of love and tragedy evolved around mountain peoples ancient practice of bride stealing.

Thuy, a native of Ha Giang, has written several highly acclaimed works about the life of Mong people including Paos story and Harmonica behind the stony cliff.

The custom was originally designed to help poor grooms, who were unable to offer the often extravagant amount of dowry demanded by the brides family, to be able to marry their lovers.

Contrary to many outsiders beliefs, the stealing of the bride almost always received her parents implicit blessing. On a set date, they would turn a blind eye and allow the groom to steal their daughter as a way to overcome the hurdle of the ancient dowry rules.

Stealing the bride custom can be found among many of the mountainous regions ethnicities as well as other parts of the world.

Unfortunately, once in a while people may decide to take advantage of the custom and forcefully steal the bride against her will such as the case of Sua, a young Mong girl, who was stolen by the villages rich boy and separated from her lover. The exploitation of the noble ancient custom led to tragedies for all parties involved with three broken hearts and an unhappy marriage.

The film crew stayed in Ha Giang for four months during production phase with temperature dropping to sub-zero level at times while facing a shortage of water due to the dry season in the mountain. In order to play their characters, the series actors and actresses learned how the Mong people talk, work and play.

The series will be aired starting from April 1 on VTV3.  VNS
HA NOI  A solemn meeting to celebrate the 100th of the birth anniversary of former Deputy Minister of Health Dr Hoang inh Cau (1917-2005) was held in Ha Noi on Thursday to honour his great contributions to human well-being.

Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien said at the event that Professor Cau was among the countrys most prestigious and respectable scholars. His career and cause laid a strong foundation for the progression and breakthrough of the countrys healthcare system, he added.

Cau was born in 1917 in central Nghe An province in an intellectual family and began work as a doctor after his university graduation in 1944. He founded the first-ever surgeon branch in North Viet Nam (at the Saint Paul Hospital in Ha Noi) as well as the first pulmonary surgeon branch of the country. During his career, he successfully operated on 2,000 patients with pulmonary diseases.

He also compiled a French-Vietnamese dictionary of medical terminology and Russia-Vietnamese medical terminology. He also compiled other medical encyclopedias in Vietnamese language.

Apart from a long and distinguished career as a pulmonary surgeon and researcher, Professor Cau was also recognised by his peers as a leader: he was president of the Viet Nam Medical Association for 17 years. Yet his best-known work in the country remains his chairmanship of the 10-80 Committee, which was set up to investigate the after-effects of the use of chemicals, such as Agent Orange, during the war. During his career, Professor Cau showed an unending passion for his patients and his mission.  VNS




by Phuoc Buu

THUA THIEN- HUE  What started out as a gesture of good will has become Richard Hughes passion and destiny as he knocks on doors and crosses oceans in search of justice for Vietnamese victims of Agent Orange.

Richard "Dick" Hughes is an American actor who gained worldwide fame for forming a gang of Sai Gon street boys during the Viet Nam-US war and living with them.

Wartime Viet Nam first impacted on the consciousness of the Pittsburgh-born actor when he was working at the Theatre Company of Boston, a year after his graduation from Boston University Graduate School of Drama in 1967.

As a conscientious objector, Hughes borrowed money from friends and travelled to Sai Gon under a press visa. While there, he helped to found the Dispatch News Service, which later became known for distributing the exclusive story on the My Lai massacre.

In 1968, Hughes set up Shoeshine Boys hostels after being touched by a conversation with a bui oi (street) boy. The project sheltered and fed 1,500 youngsters in Sai Gon and a Nang, mainly boys but also some girls, some of them handicapped.

I arrived in Sai Gon expecting to do something meaningful for people here, but I didnt do enough, " he says in an interview with Viet Nam News.

In 1976, Hughes was forced to leave Viet Nam, returning to the US, where he attempted to restart his interrupted acting career.

But Viet Nam was always on his mind. In 2001, he paid his first revisit to Viet Nam after 25 years and has since been back four times.

On his flights back to the US, he always feels he has left with an unfinished debt. I felt guilty for the impact of the war. Of course I didnt came with a gun, I came with helping hands, but insomnia appears every time I think of what the Vietnamese people endured during the war, he said.

A few years ago he received a photo book on the war by his friend, Welsh war photojournalist Philip Jones Griffiths, and the obssession with the AO victims returned.

In October 2016, he flew back to Viet Nam to compile data about the lives of the victims Agent Orange in order to fill out applications demanding equality for Vietnamese AO victims.

In the United States Hughes has been working with Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, who used to drop in to visit his street children on Pham Ngu Lao Street in Sai Gon in the early 1970s. We are hoping to get a Republican senator to help as well, [perhaps] something like senators John Kerry and John McCain did for normalizing diplomatic relations, Hughes said.

Hughes feels a sense of urgency to help the victims of the deadly and corrosive American chemical defoliant, and not only because of possible changes in US policy under a new president. The war ended a long time ago, but what we have done for them is too little," he says.

Hughes has sent materials to television shows like CBS and others, and prepared an article for The New York Times about AO and on his October trip, during which he went in depth in investigating the lives of AO victims in HCM City, Thua Thien-Hue, Quang Tri, a Nang, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, and Ha Noi.

Although he looks somewhat like Clint Eastwood, thats not the reason he is welcomed everywhere, nor is due to his Vietnamese language skill. Its the sense of humour, simplicity and, most important, the warm sentiment he produces in every single person he meets.

At 74, Hughes is far from done. My destiny is linked to that of Viet Nam," he says.  VNS
HA NOI  National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan said yesterday that she hopes Switzerland will continue encouraging its businesses to invest in several key industries and sectors in Viet Nam.

Speaking at a reception held in the honour of visiting President of the Council of States of Switzerland, Ivo Bischofberger, she said Viet Nam awaited further Swiss investment in finance, banking, insurance, hi-tech industries, manufacturing, pharmaceutical industry, agricultural production, tourism and hospitality.

Ivo Bischofberger is on a week-long (March 28-31) official visit to Viet Nam.

Ngan affirmed that Viet Nam supports all foreign invested businesses in the country, including Swiss investors and businesspeople.

She hailed the development of bilateral ties in politics and diplomacy as well as trade and investment co-operation, and proposed that exchange visits by delegations of both countries be stepped up and co-ordination at multilateral forums strengthened.

Switzerland is one of Viet Nams crucial European economic partners, she said.

The NA Chairwoman thanked the Swiss Government for providing US$90 million in Official Development Assistance (ODA) for the 2017-2020 period. The two sides should co-operate closely to use the ODA effectively, he said.

Ivo Bischofberger confirmed that his visit aimed to strengthen legislative links between the two countries and promoting multifaceted relations.

Switzerland is a constant advocate of the Free Trade Agreement between Viet Nam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which will provide a legal framework and generate investment and trade opportunities for business communities from all sides, he said.

The two sides shared experiences in establishing laws to protect the environment, establishing a high quality education and training system, and providing more scholarships for Vietnamese students to study law, banking, tourism and advanced technologies in Switzerland, as also organising vocational training for Vietnamese students.

Ngan requested Switzerland to assist Overseas Vietnamese stabilise their lives in the country.

The two sides agreed that parliamentary co-operation was an effective aspect of bilateral relations. They also agreed to step up delegation exchanges in the future.

Ivo Bischofberger invited the NA Chairwoman to pay an official visit to Switzerland.  VNS




Leaders of six provinces on Tuesday sat down with relevant ministers to talk about the construction of a coastal highway route, the detailed plan for which was approved back in 2010.  Photo vnexpress.net

HA NOI  Leaders of six provinces on Tuesday sat down with relevant ministers to talk about the construction of a coastal highway route, the detailed plan for which was approved back in 2010.

The 550-kilometre highway will traverse the northern port city of Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Thai Binh, Nam inh, Ninh Binh and Thanh Hoa provinces.

Minister of Planning and Investment, Nguyen Chi Dung, said that without such a route, the six cities wont be able to connect, wasting potential development opportunities.

Dung said the ministry had received investment plans from all six provinces, but each differs on the scale, direction, mechanism and resources for the route. Meanwhile, it was necessary to unify the direction, scale and importance of connecting with each other to promote effectiveness, he said.

While Nam inh wanted to prioritise building a highway, other provinces prefer the coastal plan.

It has been suggested that for some sections we can build highways, and for others we could build coastal roads. But the important thing is that there must be a way to connect these routes, Dung said.

We cant just base the design of the traffic network on current needs, but we have to think about the bigger picture for the development of the whole region, the whole country. We have learned our lessons: due to short-term visions we have faced the need to upgrade and expand traffic projects, and to make connecting routes. We have paid the price, thats why we should avoid such mistakes this time, he said, adding that provinces should be united in the development of the whole region rather than just for their locality.

Specifically, Quang Ninh Province will deploy the 88-kilometer-long Ha Long-Van on route, of which approximately 55 km is planned to be adjacent to the sea in accordance with coastal road planning. The Van on-Mong Cai expressway has been proposed by the province to be a public-private partnership project (PPP) and the province has proposed that the central budget support VN1.8 billion (US$80 million) for site clearance.

Nam inh and Ninh Binh provinces have proposed that the Prime Minister approve the policy of investing in coastal highways through Ninh Binh and Nam Dinh in the form of PPP.

Thanh Hoa Province also asked the Government to approve its route section in the form of PPP with a length of 61 km, and total investment of VN7.5 trillion ($330 million).

Along with coastal road planning, in March 2016, the Prime Minister approved the development plan for Viet Nams expressway network to 2020 with a vision to 2030.

After these two plans, localities began to propose their own ideas for the construction of the sections in their areas.

"Hopefully in the next 3-4 years, we will build this road and create a breakthrough for the Red River Delta provinces," said Minister of Planning and Investment, Nguyen Chi Dung.

The project is scheduled to be completed by 2020, except for some sections that will pass through Thai Binh and Nam Dinh provinces, which will be completed after 2020.

The detailed plan was approved in January 2010.

Once the route is completed, the burden and pressure on the capital city of Ha Noi will be eased, while we will realise the potential of these areas, said Truong Quang Nghia, Minister of Transport.-VNS
President Tran ai Quang receives President of the Council of States of Switzerland Ivo Bischofberger in Ha Noi yesterday.  VNA/VNS Photo Nhan Sang

HA NOI  Viet Nam always attaches great importance to reinforcing and promoting its sound relationship with Switzerland, President Tran ai Quang said yesterday.

In talks held with visiting President of the Swiss Council of States, Ivo Bischofberger, he expressed his happiness at the strong growth of Viet Nam-Switzerland ties, especially in politics, diplomacy, trade, investment and development cooperation.

He also hailed many meaningful activities held to mark the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2016, including the Viet Nam Day in Switzerland.

Quang proposed that both sides maintain the exchange of delegations at all levels to further strengthen bilateral co-operation.

He said the visit of the President of the Swiss Council of States has helped strengthen co-operation between the legislative bodies of both countries, contributing to growth in bilateral ties as well.

The nation highly values the 2012 recognition of Viet Nam as a market economy by Switzerland and the European Free Trade Area (EFTA), he said.

He hoped that Switzerland will support negotiations for a balanced free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the EFTA that takes into account mutual benefit and the development gap between the two sides.

President Quang said he believes that the deal will open up new co-operation opportunities for business communities in both countries.

He called for more Swiss investment in finance, banking, insurance, hi-tech sector, manufacturing technology, pharmaceuticals, farm produce processing, and tourism.

Switzerland is currently an important trade and investment partner and the third largest European investor in Viet Nam, the President noted.

Viet Nam hopes to learn from Switzerlands experience in developing a high quality education system closely associated with scientific research, he said.

He suggested that Switzerland provides more scholarships to Vietnamese students to study law, banking, advanced technology and tourism, and that it creates favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community to stabilise their lives in Switzerland.

He also asked for Switzerlands backing of Viet Nams candidacy for a seat in the UN Security Council in the 2020-2021 tenure.

President Quang also conveyed an invitation to his Swiss counterpart to visit Viet Nam.

Ivo Bischofberger said he believed in a bright future of friendship and partnership between the two countries, especially in economy, trade, investment, education and training.

Swiss firms are interested in expanding business in Viet Nam, and stood ready to support the training of local workers, he said.

The vocational training model of Switzerland will help Vietnamese youth qualify for good jobs, he added.

Switzerland is also paying much attention to the signing of a free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the EFTA, he said.

He affirmed that the Swiss Governments keenness in providing development assistance has been reflected in various support programmes and projects in Viet Nam.

The Swiss Council of States is also engaged in building and carrying out co-operation projects with Viet Nam during the 2017-2020 period, he said.

Bischofberger said Switzerland supports Viet Nams candidature for a seat at the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure. He requested Viet Nams backing of Switzerlands candidacy for a seat at the council for the 2023-2024 period. VNS
The HCM City Department of Taxation is set to open an office dedicated to serving household businesses and newly established companies in the first week of April.  Photo thoibaokinhdoanh.vn

HCM CITY  The HCM City Department of Taxation is set to open an office dedicated to serving household businesses and newly established companies in the first week of April.

Tran Ngoc Tam, the departments director, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, The office will be located on the second floor of the tax department.

It will have several TVs with tutorial clips running about things like completing the tax formalities needed to set up new businesses.

Newly registered companies will be offered free assistance for one year in areas like accounting, tax declaration and business management.

The department will set up a new website with links to websites of business groups for enterprises to send queries related to business policies.

District-level tax offices will set up teams to answer queries from new companies, Tam said.

The aim is that every household business  will get assistance from tax agencies.

The city has 245,000 household businesses.

At a meeting with department officials earlier this month, many household businesses complained about facing difficulties in filing tax returns.  VNS
There is a growing demand for safe and organic foods among Vietnamese consumers.  Photo danviet.vn

CA MAU  There is great potential for organic food production in Viet Nam, but the industry faces a number of challenges, experts said.

International customers expect a very high quality of Vietnamese shrimp and other products, and prioritise organic products, Christian Henckes, programme director of the Integrated Coastal Management Programme implemented by the German Development Agency (GIZ) on behalf of the German and Australian governments, told a two-day workshop titled Organic Viet Nam: Development Trends, which ended in Ca Mau City on Tuesday.

The Government, private companies and farmers all have to work together to meet these standards  without harming the environment.

Since it began in 1999, mainly in the form of Vietnamese-European projects and initiatives, organic farming has expanded significantly in Viet Nam.

An important driver has been the increasing demand for organic seafood from European retailers.

But there is a growing demand for safe and organic foods among Vietnamese consumers, too.

Stabilisation of the organic food industry all along the value chain is essential to foster future growth.

Agriculture and aquaculture are among the key production sectors, and they have been growing quite rapidly in the last two decades. However, a key challenge they face is meeting the demands of export markets for high-quality, safe, clean and, especially, organic products.

International support from GIZ, the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV) and other organisations is really important for the sustainable development of the sector, Le Van Su, deputy chairman of the Ca Mau Peoples Committee, said.

Green growth is a very high priority for the development in Ca Mau since the province has an advantage in the form of natural mangroves.

Ca Maus policy is to nudge the private sector and farmers towards sustainable production, with organic production being among the key measures.

Large areas of Ca Mau shrimp farms have been certified by Naturland, an EU organic certification agency, which helps increase value for producers and foster economic development in general.

Several organic food production projects in the Mekong Delta are supported by international organisations.

The Scaling up Mangrove Ecosystem Based Adaptation in the Mekong Delta (MAM2) in Ca Mau got a grant under SNVs International Climate Initiative.

The programme assists farmers in growing mangrove trees in their shrimp ponds to serve as food, and farmers do not use industrial feed.

There are 2,000 small farmers and four processing companies involved in the project, with the companies paying 15 per cent higher than the market price for organic shrimp.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) runs the programme in Tra Vinh and Ben Tre provinces.

Nguyen Van Hung, a farmer living in Nhung Mien Protective Forest in Ca Maus Ngoc Hien District, said: With farm training and on-the-job training under the project, we are able to monitor the water quality of our shrimp ponds by ourselves. I can measure the salinity, pH, and turbidity to prepare for stocking. My output increased by 15 per cent compared to before.

In the protective forest, 550 farmers have been certified by Naturland.

To support organic production, Saigon Co.op, one of the biggest retailers in Viet Nam, is committed to supporting the organic food industry and foster growth through a series of inter-connected activities at all levels of the supply chain.

The workshop was hosted by the Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, GIZ, SNV, Naturland - Association for Organic Farming, and Saigon Co.op.

More than 80 representatives of government agencies, the private sector and international organisations and farmers took part in the workshop.

All of them agreed that organic production would add value to Vietnamese products such as organic tiger shrimp and help protect the Mekong Delta coast.  VNS
HA NOI  Last Friday, the principal of a public kindergarten in Lao Cai Province was suspended on charges of mistreating a four-year-old boy enrolled at the school.

In a video clip recorded by the boys father, the principal was seen holding the student upside down over a chicken plucking machine. With the help of another teacher, the principal threatened to put the child in the machine, in an attempt to stop him from crying.

The incident was just one in a series of recent child abuse scandals at kindergartens that have caused public uproar across the country. These included a teacher using slippers to slap a child, and another case in which a teacher held up a child and threatened to throw him out of a window.

They highlight the perennial problem of substandard education at kindergartens, the grade that should receive the most attention from professionals, according to experts.

The lack of qualified teachers is a major reason behind the spate of scandals, said Dr Ho Lam Hong from the Education Research Institute at Ha Noi National University of Education.

The period when children are under six years old is the most crucial in the development of personality and thus it is very important that children have very good teachers, Hong said.

However, the role of a childcare worker has not received due respect in society and thus kindergarten teachers are both underestimated and underpaid, she said.

A recent policy among some localities is to transfer redundant teachers from high schools and junior high schools to work as kindergarten teachers. This is a clear example of such underestimation, Hong said.

Nguyen Thi Nghia, deputy minister of education, agreed that the quality of the teacher is the decisive factor to ensure quality of education.

Kindergarten is a specific grade of education. Kindergarten teachers need to have specialised knowledge and skills to provide children with the best teaching and care, she said.

Despite the important role played by kindergarten teachers, the salary they receive is often meager.

A newly graduated teacher who works for a public kindergarten receives about VN2 million (US$88) a month. Even those with 6-10 years of experience receive just VN5 million.

The strenuous work with low financial reward has been attributed to the severe shortage of teachers nationwide.

According to an estimate released in January by the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), public kindergartens nationwide lack more than 32,500 teachers. Figures for the private sector are not available, but the situation there seems little better.

Nguyen Mai T, a mother in Hoang Mai District, Ha Noi, said she had to send her child to a private facility as there was no space for her child at a public school.

There were two teachers looking after my sons class in the beginning. But after several months, teachers were changing constantly. Some even looked more like domestic helpers than qualified teachers, she said.

An owner of a private kindergarten in Tay Son Street, Ha Noi, said it was a huge burden for the school to maintain a consistent number of employees.

A teacher can work today and quit tomorrow without any notice. Many teachers regard the job as temporary while they are looking for other work. Once they find a better opportunity, they leave.

A representative of Ha Nois Department of Education admitted that the situation is common to private kindergartens.

In many cases, when inspection teams from the ward or district authorities visit the facilities, the lists of teachers are different from those the schools have sent to the authorities, as a number of teachers have already quit.

Insufficient attention

Unlike elementary and junior high school, kindergarten schooling for children under 5 is not regulated as compulsory education under the Constitution.

This is a disadvantage for pre-school education, said Professor ao Trong Thi, former chairman of the National Assemblys Committee of Culture, Education, Youth and Children.

The number of kindergartens, both public and private, currently only meet 25 per cent of social demand, according to Prof Thi.

A recent report by the MoET shows State spending for kindergarten education accounts on average 11-12 per cent of overall education spending.

The average State spending for a child at kindergarten level is about VN5.5 million per year, of which 83 per cent is spent on teachers salaries. Only 17 per cent goes to facilities, educational programmes and other investments.

The figures are said to be too low compared to the important role played by kindergartens, experts say.

Le Minh Ha, former head of the Pre-school Education Department of MoET, said even the National Assembly and Governments target of making pre-schooling mandatory for 5-year-old children has not been realised due to budget constraints.

In many rural areas, solidly-built kindergarten classrooms for children are severely lacking. For example, in Kon Tum Province, only 0.7 per cent of classrooms are solidly built, she said.

Ha also pointed out the absence of investment priority to pre-school education. There is only one progamme of pre-school education that receives loans from official development assistance (ODA), while many programmes of elementary education do.

Another problem is the unfair policy towards public and private kindergartens, Ha said.

While the number of public kindergartens is far from enough, private kindergartens receive no financial support from the State, and neither do the children enrolled in these establishments.

Prof Thi agreed, saying that it is very unfair that children in private kindergartens dont get any State support.

The different policy can be accepted at higher grades of education, but it should not be the case for pre-school. It should receive much more attention, Thi said.

Thi said the State should boost support for the private sector with favourable policies in terms of land, bank loans, and teacher training.

Ha suggested applying the model used in many other countries, where investment in pre-schooling is paid per child, regardless of public or private concerns.  VNS
Minister of Information and Communications Truong Minh Tuan delivers speech at a meeting with FPT Japan staffs in Tokyo.  Photo infonet.vn

TOKYO  Viet Nam is willing to co-ordinate with Japan in ensuring information security, Minister of Information and Communications Truong Minh Tuan told Japanese Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Sanae Takaichi.

During talks with the Japanese official in Tokyo yesterday, Minister Tuan, who is on a working visit to Japan, suggested the Japanese side makes information security-related projects a priority when providing official development assistance (ODA) for Viet Nam, and assists Viet Nam in building a pilot smart city project.

He explained that the Vietnamese Government always considers the information-communication technology (ICT) industry as a spearhead economic sector, which greatly contributes to the countrys socio-economic development.

The minister hailed the effective ICT co-operation and the implementation of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the two ministers in the past.

He expressed his hope that the two ministries will continue supporting and facilitating co-operation between the two countries ICT enterprises in the future.

For his part, Sanae Takaichi affirmed Japan will share its experience with and support Viet Nam in developing its ICT sector.

Following the talks, the two ministers signed an agreement on establishing a joint working group, aiming to foster collaboration between the two ministries.

They also witnessed the signing of a principle agreement between the Viet Nam Post Corporation (Viet Nam Post), the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and the Hitachi Group of Japan; and a framework service contract between Viet Nam Post and the Hitachi Asia (Vietnam) Co., Ltd. - VNS
Representatives of the Viet Nam Embassy in Malaysia made a consular visit to oan Thi Huong, a suspect in the death of Democratic Peoples Republic of Korean citizen Kim Chol, at the Kajang prison yesterday.  Photo AFP

KUALA LUMPUR  Representatives of the Viet Nam Embassy in Malaysia made a consular visit to oan Thi Huong, a suspect in the death of Democratic Peoples Republic of Korean citizen Kim Chol, at the Kajang prison yesterday.

One of the two lawyers arranged for Huong, lawyer Hisyam Teh Toh Teik was also present during the visit.

With the agreement of Huong and her family and assistance from the Viet Nam Embassy and the Viet Nam Bar Federation, lawyers Hisyam Teh Toh Teik and Naran Singh have been arranged to defend the suspect in court.

Hisyam Teh Toh Teik is said to be one of the best Malaysian lawyers on the penal code, while Naran Singh is also an experienced practitioner in the field.

Both lawyers said they attach great importance to the case and would make serious efforts to ensure Huong receives legal aid.

During the consular visit, Huong said she was in good health and affirmed her willingness to cooperate with the lawyers.

The murder of Kim Chol took place at Kuala Lumpur airport on February 13.-VNS
HAI DUONG  Market watch forces of the northern province of Hai Duong on Wednesday seized a truck illegally transporting some 2,500 ducks for breeding purposes from China.

The truck was stopped on provincial highway 331 while transporting the ducks via Quang Yen Commune.

The truck driver, Vu Van Hai, from Hai Duong, failed to present legal documents proving the origin of the ducks, valued at VN17 million (US$755), according to local market watch forces.

Hai admitted he was transporting the ducks from China for consumption in the domestic market.

Market watch forces fined Hai VN8 million ($355) and decided to cull all the ducks following regulations.

On the same day, police of the Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang stopped a car which was being used to smuggle 10,000 packs of cigarettes in Long Phu District.

Smugglers ran away leaving the car behind when they realised the local police were coming.

The case is under investigation.  VNS
Local authorities and residents at the scene search for the bodies of the four students who drowned in Gia Lai Province.  Photo dantri.com.vn

Local authorities and residents at the scene search for the bodies of the four students who drowned in Gia Lai Province.  Photo dantri.com.vn

GIA LAI  Four children drowned on Wednesday while swimming in a river in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai.

The victims have been identified as Hoang Thi Hoa, Vo Ngoc My, Le Thi Quynh Huong and Le Thi Minh Thu.

The incident took place around 2.30pm when five girls from Chu Van An Secondary School went to Ia O Communes Se San River for a swim, said Duong Tuan Anh, deputy head of police office in Ia Grai District.

Nguyen Thi Thu Phuong, one of the five students who did not swim, said she saw her friends drowning and tried to help them by using a large branch nearby. But she was not successful, Anh said.

The girl then ran to call local residents for help, but it was too late. Many locals joined in the search and finally pulled out the bodies from the river.

The case is under investigation.  VNS
HAI PHONG  The Viet Nam Farmers Association hosted the head for the open sea festival in coastal Hai Phong City on Thursday, calling people to join hands in protecting the marine environment and securing sovereignty over the sea and its islands.

The festival, the first of its kind in Viet Nam, included activities like an incense offering ceremony to memorise those who died at sea, a whale worshipping ceremony and the release of baby shrimp/ fish into sea in the citys Cat Ba Island District.

The farmers association and Hai Phong City Peoples Committee teamed up to give local fishermen national flags to fly on their sea trips.

A fleet of fishing boats steamed off to the high seas, traveling around Cat Ba Bay and representing the hope of bumper catches.

President of Viet Nam Farmers Association Lai Xuan Mon told Nong thon ngay nay (Countryside today) newspaper that the festival aimed to honour fishing activities, fishermen and their contributions to the countrys economy and national defence.

To fishermen, Head for the open sea celebrates their life and their pride. During smooth or rough seas, they keep going, not only seeking economic benefits but also affirming Viet Nams sovereignty over sea and islands, Mon said.

The festival is also expected to call on further co-operation among relevant parties including sea guards, navy, marine police and enterprises to support fishermen head for open sea and bring home bumper catch, he said.

Mon added that the festival will be held annually.  VNS




News Media Alliance, a trade organization that advocates for the digital and print news industry, kicked off a powerful consumer education campaign this week aimed at fighting fake news.

"The News Media Alliance believes the dissemination of information to the public to promote discourse and awareness is the lynchpin of any democracy," the organization wrote on its website.

"Help show your support for the journalists  in local communities and across the country  who are working tirelessly to bring you real news: Subscribe to your local newspaper and donate to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists today."

It's a laudable campaign, and I encourage readers to check out the details at newsmediaalliance.org/supportrealnews.

The biggest reason I hope this site gets lots of visitors is not so newspaper subscriptions can increase. Don't get me wrong  financial support in the form of paying customers is an essential component of the business model that allows all of us to report the news.

What I hope the Support Real News campaign is even more effective at is educating the public about how to distinguish between "real" and "fake" news.

What I saw on social media Wednesday in response to the Support Real News campaign showed that there's still plenty of people out there who don't get it. These are folks who'd like to simplify it down to whether a story is something they like or don't, and that's most commonly influenced by their political beliefs.

Consider this simplified example. Some people say Fox News is fake. Some people say CNN is fake. The truth is both organizations are real. They both have journalists in the field every day gathering facts, conducting interviews and producing stories. They also have plenty of pundits on their programs giving their opinions, which is not the same thing as news.

Unfortunately, the term "fake news" has largely been usurped by many people, including President Donald Trump, as a way to describe and try to undermine something they don't think should have been reported  even though it's fact-based.

That misuse of the "fake news" label allows what is actual fake news to spread and grow. There are people out there going to great lengths to create fabricated articles and have them get spread on social media by other people who are willing to believe them because it support their opinions.

The News Media Alliance has come up with some important recommendations for people to arm themselves against getting duped by these scam artists. They call it the "Three S's of Fake News."

The first is "Stop," which means every reader should refrain from immediately sharing or taking as gospel something they come across on social media or via email or just browsing the internet. Take a second to think about whether the story could be real or not.

The next S is "Search," which means digging into the article's headline, publication and author to see what else is out there on this topic, produced by this company and written by this author. Be skeptical if you're struggling to find how the article traces back to a legitimate news organization with qualities like websites that show an active track record of publishing original stories and transparency about who they are, where they work and how they can be reached.

The final S is "Subscribe," which means making the decision pay for and consume news media from organizations that are accountable for what they do and have a credible track record. For some that could mean a newspaper like the New York Times; for others it may be something like the Wall Street Journal. For information about the Cayuga County area, of course, I hope that's The Citizen and auburnpub.com.

More than anything, though, I hope this and other efforts can result in a public that's more savvy about how they get their news.
SEOUL  South Korea s ousted president Park Geun-hye arrived at court on Thursday for a hearing to decide whether she should be arrested over the corruption and abuse of power scandal that brought her down.

Looking grim-faced and pale, Park ignored a barrage of flashbulbs and did not speak when she arrived at the Seoul Central District Court.

Her formal detention and transfer to custody would be a key step in the disgrace of South Korea s first woman president, who secured the largest vote share of any candidate in the democratic era when she was elected in 2012.

Park had her removal from office confirmed by the countrys top court earlier this month, ending her executive immunity, and her prosecution has been a key demand of the millions of people who took to the streets to protest against her.

The former president is accused of multiple offences including bribery, leaking government information, and abuse of power in the scandal. Park has denied all charges.

Choi Soon-sil, Parks secret confidante at the heart of the scandal, is already on trial for forcing top local firms including tech giant Samsung to "donate" nearly US$70 million to non-profit foundations which she allegedly used for personal gain.

Prosecutors have submitted around 120,000 pages of documents to the Seoul Central District Court in relation to the charges against Park, and said it would be "counter to the principle of fairness" if she was not arrested.

The 65-year-old was driven away from her home in southern Seoul past hundreds of flag-waving, screaming supporters lining the narrow street.

Some tried to break through police barricades in an effort to block her four-car convoy, and its journey was broadcast live on television.

Thursdays hearing was expected to last for several hours, with Park sitting in the centre facing judge Kang Bu-young, 43, with lawyers and prosecutors to either side.

Afterwards Park was to be removed to a detention centre to await Kangs decision, which was not expected until late into the night -- although he has to make it within 24 hours.

Samsung Electronics vice chairman Lee Jae-yong, who was arrested last month in connection to the scandal, was in court for over seven hours for his hearing, and his detention was approved early the following day.
SAN JOSE  Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said on Wednesday he is working on "a new relationship" with the US and thanked Latin American neighbours for support as Mexico faces "big challenges" with its vital trading partner.

His comments were made at a one-day summit in Costa Rica s capital San Jose that gathered leaders from Mexico , Central America and Colombia .

US President Donald Trump, who took office in late January, has vowed to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between the United States , Mexico and Canada .

Trump has also stepped up anti-immigration policies affecting Latin Americans, and is moving forward with a commitment to build a wall along the US-Mexico border.

Pena Nieto thanked his counterparts for "the displays of solidarity and trust they have shown Mexico in these recent months as Mexico faces very big challenges in building a new relationship with the United States government."

The Mexican president did not go into details about the state of play between his country and the US .

But relations are at their lowest point in years.

US-Mexico trade

Mexico sends 80 per cent of its exports to the United States , with which it has a $60 billion trade surplus.

Trump has asserted that NAFTA is costing US manufacturing jobs and he is promoting protectionist policies, including consideration of a border adjustment tax on imports.

Mexico is said to be weighing cuts in the $2.3 billion in corn it imports from the United States if NAFTA negotiations go sour.

Pena Nieto told the summit "We are sure that we are going to be able to reach an understanding that will be positive for both our nations".

He said he would keep the countries represented at the summit informed of aspects of its talks with the US that would affect them.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos also expressed concern at Trumps announcement on Tuesday that the US would scrap rules designed to curb America s global-warming emissions. The United Nations has said Colombia is at high risk from climate change.

"Here we have a new world more dangerous, of greater risk," he said.

Ominous shift

The summit, begun in the Mexican town of Tuxtla 26 years ago, is a regular event taking place every couple of years. It is aimed at bolstering cooperation on regional infrastructure, energy, health and environmental issues.

But this year the main topic weaving through speeches and discussions was US policies under Trump.

Belize s foreign minister, Wilfred Elrington, highlighted a perceived "ominous shift" in North America and parts of Europe toward more protectionist stances.

In a closing joint statement, the leaders expressed "preoccupation over increased actions discriminating against migrant persons" and rejected the "criminalisation of migrants."

Host President Luis Guillermo Solis of Costa Rica later told reporters those passages directly applied to Trumps plans for the border wall.

"Walls that exist between nations of the world should disappear because what they do is separate the human family," Solis said.

The closing statement also noted regional agreement on fighting drug trafficking and organised crime, and the need to respect measures to fight climate change.  AFP
Locals queue at a supermarket seeking to replenish supplies after the store opens for the first time since Cyclone Debbie swept through Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia, on Thursday. Cyclone Debbie has hit Queenslands far north coast on Tuesday, as a category 4 cyclone, causing wide spread damage, torrential rain and power cuts.  EPA/VNA Photo

Locals queue at a supermarket seeking to replenish supplies after the store opens for the first time since Cyclone Debbie swept through Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia, on Thursday. Cyclone Debbie has hit Queenslands far north coast on Tuesday, as a category 4 cyclone, causing wide spread damage, torrential rain and power cuts.  EPA/VNA Photo

AYR, Australia  Torrential rain hampered relief efforts on Thursday after a powerful cyclone wreaked havoc in northeast Australia, with floods sparking emergency rescues as fed-up tourists wait to be evacuated from resort islands.

Cyclone Debbie has pummelled Queensland state since crashing ashore as category four storm on Tuesday between Bowen and Airlie Beach , ripping up trees, washing boats onto land and causing widespread damage.

It has been downgraded to a tropical low as it tracks southeast, but continues to pack damaging wind gusts and dump huge amounts of rain, with

Brisbane now in the firing line.

Meteorologists forecast the city would be soaked by a months worth of rain in a single day, with the popular Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast areas also in for a drenching before the system moves offshore on Friday.

"We have a very, very large state here and this is a very, very big weather system thats going to wreak havoc all the way down the coast," Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

Emergency service crews rescued dozens of people overnight and early on Thursday from floodwaters west of Mackay, with some plucked from roofs and tops of cars.

"Significant rainfall in Mackay -- sudden increase in calls for service. A number of rescues undertaken and still being undertaken," Queensland police tweeted.

Despite this, no deaths have been reported with only one significant injury - a man crushed by a collapsing wall. Before the cyclone hit, thousands of people moved to higher ground, out of the area or to safe refuges.

The wild weather has made the clean-up difficult as crews battle horrendous conditions to reach isolated communities and restore power. Many roads remain flooded and towns cut off with hundreds of schools closed.

A significant experience

Great Barrier Reef islands were among the worst hit.

Tourists and residents have been stranded for days on devastated Hamilton and Daydream islands, battered by terrifying winds of more than 260kmh at the height of the tempest.

They were due to be evacuated on Thursday by plane or ferry after struggling with no power and toilets not flushing as water ran low.

"Theyve been through a significant experience, but they are safe. Thats the main thing," Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Deputy Commissioner Mark Roche told reporters.

Jacqui McCullagh, who was staying on Hamilton Island , said the once-lush area was in a bad way.

"Boats washed ashore, houses without roofs, windows smashed in, trees snapped in half, gum trees torn out of the ground and those that do remain standing, are bare and lifeless," she told the local Whitsunday Times.

The military has mobilised 1,300 soldiers to help assess the full extent of damage and help the clean-up, with helicopters and planes deploying to restore infrastructure and supply emergency food, water and fuel.

Debbie has officially been declared a catastrophe by the Insurance Council of Australia, allowing claims from the disaster to be prioritised.

The economic cost to a region that relies heavily on farming is expected to be huge, with sugarcane crops hit hard and the cattle industry also impacted, officials said.

"Producers in the Whitsunday area were planting winter vegetables and theyre expected to suffer heavy crop losses as well as infrastructure, crop and irrigation equipment damage," said Queensland s Rural Economic Development Minister Bill Byrne.

"In the Mackay district, its understood that the cane fields at Proserpine, Mackay and Sarina have been flattened."  AFP
ISTANBUL  Turkey has announced its military campaign inside northern Syria is over, without specifying whether it will pull its troops out from the neighbouring country.

Turkey s top advisory national security council chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday the half-year long offensive in Syria has been "concluded successfully," in a statement.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim also said the operation has been completed but did not rule out new military campaigns inside Syria under a different name.

"Euphrates Shield is over. A potential operation from now if needed will take another name," Yildirim told the private NTV television.

It was not immediately clear if that signified a plan to withdraw Turkish troops, or if operations would continue elsewhere under another name.

In August, Turkey launched an ambitious military campaign inside Syria , dubbed Euphrates Shield, targeting Islamic State (IS) jihadists and Syrian Kurdish militia fighters that Ankara says are "terrorists".

"From now on if there is anything that threatens our security, either Daesh or any other (group) and if we take another action, that will be a new operation," the prime minister said, using an alternative name for IS group.

"Operation Euphrates Shield aimed at ensuring our countrys border security and thwarting Daesh terror groups threat and attacks targeting our country ... has been concluded successfully," the National Security Council (MGK) said in a statement after a meeting in Ankara at Erdogans presidential palace.

Since the onset of the unprecedented operation, Turkey-backed Syrian rebels have captured from jihadists several towns including Jarabulus, Al-Rai, Dabiq and finally Al-Bab, where the Turkish army sustained heavy casualties.

The strategic town of Al-Bab , just 25km south of the Turkish border, had been the jihadists last stronghold in the northern Syrian province of Aleppo .

Unethical

Erdogan has repeatedly said Turkey wants to work with its allies to capture IS bastion of Raqa in Syria , but without the involvement of Syrian Kurdish militia.

The latest announcement comes on the eve of a key visit by US Secretary of State Rex Tillersons visit who is due on Thursday to meet with Erdogan and the Turkish foreign minister in Ankara .

NATO allies US and Turkey disagree over the Syrian Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG) militia which is seen by Ankara as a "terror group" linked to Kurdish separatists waging an insurgency inside Turkey since 1984.

Washington however sees the YPG as an effective force in the fight against IS jihadists.

Yildirim on Wednesday said it was "unethical" that the US was working with Syrian Kurdish fighters.

"It doesnt suit the United States to work with a terror organisation," he said.
CHARLES CITY  A proposal by Floyd County Supervisor Mark Kuhn to change parts of the countys ordinance on concentrated animal feeding operations was opposed by the countys two other supervisors Tuesday.

State law limits local control of the operations. Kuhn said his proposal does not regulate livestock operations but offers options for protecting operators.

After Kuhn presented his proposal, Supervisor Chairman Doug Kamm told him, Its a total waste of time. If you want to fix this, you need to go back to the Legislature.

Supervisor Linda Tjaden agreed. Most of this is already done. Why are we putting on another layer of legislation? I dont disagree that this is important but we need to push it more at the state level.

Kuhn proposed anyone who wants to build a CAFO in the county must include at least three of four proposed measures in its workers and safety protection plan.

Doing so would be required to receive points on that part of the master matrix, a state scoring system that determines if an application should be approved.

The measures applicants would be asked to include in their plan are:

Verifying workers will be provided with workers compensation insurance, if qualified under Iowa law.

Posting signs warning about the dangers of hydrogen sulfide and other gases while manure is agitated and pumped, and a sign warning workers to stay out of the pump-out area during manure pumping.

Cordoning off manure pit openings and access areas.

Providing employees with hydrogen sulfide gas monitors to be worn while manure is agitated and pumped.

Kuhn said the county is allowed to set standards as long as the standards do not conflict with existing state law.

I know what the legislative intent was because I was one of 12 legislators who created the master matrix, he said.

Kamm said he consulted with Assistant County Attorney Randy Tilton, who told him Kuhns plan would not hold up in court. He said a similar plan in Worth County was found to be illegal.

In other action, the board agreed to refer a complaint to the Iowa DNR concerning two shallow wells located in close proximity to manure operations.
Eagles holding fish fry Friday

CEDAR FALLS  The Cedar Falls Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary 4074, 2125 W. Lone Tree Road, is having a fish fry from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday.

Along with fish, there will be coleslaw, cheesy hash brown potatoes, roll and dessert. Cost is $9 per person for adults and children ages 13 and above; $4.50 for children ages 6 through 12; and free for children 5 and under.

Ritterchor sets spring concert

WAVERLY  Wartburg Colleges Ritterchor is going back to its roots for its spring concert Sunday.

The mens choir, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, will feature music from its first concert during the 4 p.m. performance in Wartburg Chapel. The concert will be live-streamed at www.wartburg.edu/knightvision.

Festeburg, a nine-member, student-led ensemble, will perform alone and with Ritterchor.

Pancake feed set in Tripoli

TRIPOLI  Tripoli Nursing and Rehab will host an annual pancake breakfast from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday at Tripoli City Hall.

Donations will be accepted, and raffle tickets will be available for $1 a ticket or $5 for 6.

Proceeds will go toward the purchase of new wardrobes for resident rooms.

Meatloaf dinner served Sunday

WATERLOO  Christian Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, 930 W. Fourth St., will serve a meatloaf dinner at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, sponsored by the church anniversary committee.

The meal will also include macaroni and cheese, cabbage and greens, potato salad, roll and dessert.

Cost is $7 for adults and $3.50 or children under 12.

Sunday brunch set in Ackley

ACKLEY  Ackley Volunteer Ambulance Service will have a brunch from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at Ackley-Geneva-Wellsburg-Steamboat Rock High School Commons.

Pancakes, cooked by the Ackley-Geneva Lions, along with sausage, scrambled eggs, fruit cup, coffee, milk and juice will be served. Cost is a free-will donation.

Proceeds go to equipment updates and the new ambulance fund.

Hearst exhibits C.F. student art

CEDAR FALLS  The Hearst Center for the Arts will host Developing Expressions: Student Art from Cedar Falls Schools, an exhibit of mixed media, through May 7.

There will be an artist reception from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday with juice and refreshments. The reception is sponsored by Friends of the Hearst and is free and open to the public.

This exhibition features works by students from the elementary and secondary schools in Cedar Falls.

Embroiderers

meet Monday

WATERLOO  The Prairie Rose Chapter of the Embroiderers Guild of America will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at Zion Center for Faith at Kimball Avenue and Fourth Street to work on a stitching accessory, other projects and staging for an exhibit at the Waterloo Public Library.

Members will share a variety of needlework in the showcase on the first floor of the library in April.

All levels of needleworkers are welcome to join.

Blood drive set

at Gilbertville

GILBERTVILLE  There will be an American Red Cross blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Don Bosco School gym.

To make an appointment, go to redcrossblood.org or call (800) 733-2767.

AMVETS plans Friday fish fries

CEDAR FALLS  The Cedar Falls AMVETS Riders fish fries are planned for Friday and April 14 at Post 49, 20th and Irving streets.

The meal, set for 5:30 to 8 p.m., also will include potato, coleslaw, roll and dessert. Cost is $9 for all you can eat.

Proceeds will go to veterans projects.
WATERLOO  A Waterloo man wanted for breaking into a Raymond tavern and a rural Cedar Falls meat shop has been detained in California.

Stephen Michael Hollingsworth, 24, was arrested March 24 in San Diego on a warrant out of Black Hawk County for second- and third-degree burglary and second-degree theft. He was also arrested on a bench warrant for allegedly missing court dates for an operating while intoxicated charge.

Hollingsworth was at the San Diego Central Jails as of Thursday.

According to court records, Hollingsworth is accused of taking an ATM machine, food and liquor from Tipsyz Bar and Grill in Raymond on Jan. 18. He is also charged with stealing a .22-caliber rifle, laptop computer, drill and other items from Steeges Meat Market in rural Cedar Falls on Jan. 25.

Hollingsworth is also charged with possessing a TV, liquor, tools and other property totaling $1,437 that had been taken from the O-Zone bar in Urbana. Black Hawk County deputies investigating the local break-ins found the O-Zone property while searching a Lafayette Street home on Jan. 26.

Hollingsworth is the second person to be arrested in connection with the Raymond and Cedar Falls break-ins. In February, Gavin Dale James Eastman of Denver was arrested for burglary and theft.
WATERLOO  Police have arrested a Cedar Falls man for allegedly breaking into a Waterloo sandwich shop on Wednesday.

Authorities said the suspect was discovered inside the Jimmy Johns at 703 Progress Ave., but he fled and eluded officers.

Hours later, a resident reported a suspicious person in the area, and investigators were able to link him to the restaurant burglary with the help of the businesss security camera.

Scott Ryan Jameson, 31, of 4410 University Ave., was arrested for two counts of third-degree burglary, burglary to a vehicle, interference and providing false identification information. His bond was set at $13,000.

According to police, the Jimmy Johns manager noticed someone carrying a duffle bag inside the restaurant after arriving for work at about 5:40 a.m. The burglar left through a back door, and police unsuccessfully tried to track him.

Then at 8:48 a.m., a resident reported seeing a man in an unlocked garage at 1245 S. Hackett Road where a coat and pool cue had been taken and the electrical breaker had been turned off. Police found Jameson in the area of Huntington Road and Luke Street, and he was detained following a short foot pursuit. Officers said he also gave a fake name, court records state.

In addition to the sandwich shop and garage burglaries, police tied Jameson to a burglary to an unlocked vehicle parked in the 1300 block of Ingersol Road. He was allegedly carrying a backpack that had been taken from the vehicle, records state.
CEDAR FALLS  Snowflake. Crazy. Reclusive.

Those, and some less-polite words, are ways people with post-traumatic stress disorder said their condition is viewed by others.

They are subjected to personal questions about their trauma. They can be triggered by something like a professor repeatedly asking a question or the sound of a persons laugh. They feel judged for their behaviors.

For veterans, there are assumptions about how veterans with PTSD behaves.

You get a lot of weird looks when you tell somebody, Im a veteran with PTSD, said Jay Harward, a University of Northern Iowa public administration major and U.S. Army veteran.

Harward was one of three people on the panel Wednesday at UNIs inaugural post-traumatic disorder stress disorder awareness conference. He was joined by fellow UNI student Kelsey Kearns and staff member Colice Sanders.

The small conference was sold out weeks before the event. The panel discussed what it is like to live with PTSD and how others can better understand the condition.

Chris Kennedy, president of the UNI Veterans Association, helped organize the conference and moderated the forum.

Panelists offered praise for the compassion and understanding among many on campus. But they said theres work to be done.

Harward and Kennedy said theres often a sense in higher education institutions people dealing with PTSD are there for a limited amount of time.

Theres a lack of acknowledgement. If we ignore this problem, it doesnt go away, Kennedy said. That is probably the worst thing Ive seen at a community college and university level is the mindset that 

Theyll be gone in a couple years, Harward concluded.

Kearns said more buildings should be equipped with a quiet room for when the stimulus gets to be too much. Sanders said there should be more support groups and awareness for educators to help those who may be suffering.

Harward  who leads a class that teaches students, faculty and staff how to work with military members and their families  said training should be mandatory. Kennedy also explained the university is working with Iowas community colleges to expand training.

Students also have concerns beyond campus walls.

Kearns would like more recognition for people with PTSD who are not veterans. For example, she has encountered difficulties training and getting acceptance for a service dog.

Sanders would like to see legislation to address mental health issues for people in foster care and adoptive homes.

Harward wants improvements to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, particularly measuring how well VA employees are doing their jobs.

Im sure you all heard the horror stories about how bad the VA is. Those are true, Harward said.

Organizers of this years event, buoyed by its success, are planning an awareness event next spring in a larger space and broader topics of discussion.
WATERLOO  The Black Hawk County Judicial Magistrate Appointing Commission will meet at 8:30 a.m. April 28 at the Black Hawk County Courthouse for the purpose of appointing five magistrates for Black Hawk County.

The term is Aug. 1 to July 31, 2021. All applicants are to be present for interviews that day in Courtroom 410.

Magistrate candidates must be a resident of Black Hawk County or a resident of a county contiguous to Black Hawk County during the term of office and does not qualify for appointment if at the time of appointment he or she has reached age 72. A magistrate is an attorney licensed to practice law in the state.

To qualify for appointment, one must file a certified application in the form approved by the Supreme Court. The application form may be obtained from the office of the Clerk of District Court. The completed application form, with letter of interest and resume of qualifications attached,is to be returned to the Clerk of District Court by 4:30 p.m. April 24.
DES MOINES  A day after proposing what opponents labeled the most extreme abortion restrictions in the nation, Iowa House Republicans dropped a proposal Wednesday to ban the procedure once a heartbeat is detected.

Dropping that in favor of prohibiting abortions after the 20th week of pregnancy was a response to constituents as well as concerns within the GOP caucus, Human Resources Committee Chairman Joel Fry, R-Osceola, said.

Fry and bill manager Rep. Shannon Lundgren, R-Peosta, rejected the idea the change was a political setback, emphasizing their version of Senate File 471 represents whats possible this session.

The bill is written in a way she believes will stand up in court, Lundgren said, and we would be protecting about 51 babies a year by going this route. We are going to make an impact immediately.

The bill, as amended, will have to win the support of the full House before returning to the Senate where a similar, but not identical, 20-week abortion ban was approved 32-17.

After nearly two hours of discussion, the House committee adopted the 20-week abortion ban amendment on a voice vote and approved the bill 11-8 with one Republican joining all of the Democrats in opposing it.

Although it would like more restrictive measures, the Iowa Catholic Conference agreed winning approval of a 20-week ban would be a victory likely to withstand legal challenge.

We certainly support the concept and idea that life begins at conception, but I dont think were there in the court system yet, said Tom Chapman, who represents the conference. Our interest is really in getting something that works and can stand up in courts and can be Iowas first abortion restriction in many years. I think thats a good place for Iowa to start.

Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, D-Ames, welcomed the change but not for the same reason.

Yesterdays bill was probably the most extreme bill Ive ever seen, said Wessel-Kroeschell, who has been fighting anti-abortion legislation for six years. Its still a bad bill, but this isnt as bad as yesterdays.

Democrats, Wessel-Kroeschell said, were trying to decide if they could have an impact on SF 471.

I think we have to save birth control in the state, she said. This does not save birth control. I think we have to save infertility treatments. This does not do that. I think we have to get exceptions for fetal anomaly, for the life of the mother, rape and incest. Those are things that will make this bill better. It may not be acceptable to me yet, but it would make the bill better.

A 20-week ban is a terrible bill and we are still talking about women who have tragic situations, often with wanted pregnancies, being forced to carry a child to term, said Erin Davison-Rippey of Planned Parenthood Voters of Iowa, who characterized the new draft as extreme measures.

Yet again, (lawmakers) are dealing with divisive social issues from extreme members who are pushing their ideology instead of dealing with the real issues that matter to Iowans such as the budget crisis, Rippey said.

In addition to prohibiting an abortion after 20 weeks, the House GOP amendment states life begins at fertilization, allows an exemption for the life and health of the mother and would subject physicians who violate the law to medical board discipline.

It also includes reporting requirements for physicians who perform abortions and the Department of Public Health and allows a woman who has an abortion after 20 weeks to seek damages from the physician if the abortion was performed intentionally or recklessly. The amendment also allows the parents of a minor woman, a county attorney or the state attorney general to seek injunctive relief to prevent a physician from performing an abortion in violation of the law.

One person disappointed by the House decision to drop the heartbeat language that could prohibit an abortion after just six weeks is Sen. Jason Schultz, R-Schleswig. He called the introduction of the ban on abortions once a heartbeat is found a good turn of events.

He thought the heartbeat language might attract the support of a few senators who werent on board as well as some disappointed a personhood bill  which would have established that life begins at conception and could have effectively banned abortions  did not attract enough supporters to be debated in the Senate. A 20-week abortion ban was approved in that chamber 32-17.

The real easy logic is that we define somebody as having passed when their heart stops, he said. Although he believes life begins at conception, Schultz said, Its very easy to go to the other end to say life starts when we a heartbeat starts.
WATERLOO  Authorities continue to investigate an explosion that destroyed a familys house Wednesday night.

Lt. Ben Petersen with Waterloo Fire Rescue said everything points to a natural gas leak. But exactly what happened hasnt been determined, and the city has contacted the State Fire Marshal Division to assist.

While the exterior walls of 1102 South St. remain intact, firefighters and investigators are hesitant to step onto the single-story homes main floor because its in danger of collapsing, Petersen said. He said the floor joists were damaged, and firefighters noticed this when they initially entered the house Wednesday night while fighting the fire.

The floor is sagging up to a foot in places, Petersen said. The floor hadnt collapsed, as had been reported earlier.

A mother, 39-year-old Linda Bokmij, and her daughter, Elizabeth, 9, were at the gas stove cooking when the blast erupted about 9:30 p.m.

Based on what she told us, she was cooking at the time, and the explosion came from the lower level, the basement, Petersen said. Firefighters were able to get to the fire in the basement after entering the home through the attached garage.

Family members said they had noticed an odor similar to natural gas a day earlier, Petersen said. The occupants had attempted to track the smell but were unsuccessful, he said.

The explosion broke windows, moved the wall to the garage about a foot and blew insulation across West Ninth Street.

The mother and daughter suffered burns and cuts but were able to flee the house on their own. Two sons had been outside taking out the garbage at the time. They were taken to Covenant Medical Center for treatment.

The American Red Cross is assisting the family with emergency shelter.
Across the nation  and certainly in Iowa  the beverage alcohol industry is changing. The local movement in our state is robust, with a steady increase of new breweries, distilleries and native wineries in virtually every corner. Such growth is driven, in part, by customers seeking unique products and experiences as well as by a Midwestern spirit of entrepreneurship.

With the growth of new quality products and unique destinations, this industry is clearly adding to Iowas appeal to tourists. Unfortunately for most of these entrepreneurs, our states liquor laws can be a hindrance.

At the request of the Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, we convened a 15-member working group in September to study Iowas alcohol laws to determine what changes could be suggested for legislative consideration. The study group consisted of representatives from every sector of the alcohol beverage industry.

We entered into this process with a commitment to not disrupt Iowas three-tier structure of alcohol regulation. This system establishes three distinct industry sectors: manufacturing, wholesaling and retailing. By design, no individual can dwell in multiple tiers. A manufacturer cannot be a retailer. A retailer cannot be a wholesaler. And so on.

Over time, however, Iowa policymakers have carved exceptions to this system. Such patchwork solutions have created confusion and inequity in the alcoholic beverages industry.

House File 521, which has passed out of the House Ways and Means Committee and is headed toward a House of Representatives vote, corrects many inequities while opening opportunities for growth and success.

But there is much more to do. The next phase is addressing licensing reform and working to strengthen ties between local authorities and the state. We will be working with another group of stakeholders, this time representing local governments, law enforcement, public health experts, retailers and representatives from the prevention community to take an in-depth look at Iowas policies and existing barriers.

One barrier to modernizing Iowas alcohol beverages industry is known by some as the tied house rule.

A tied house is a situation where the manufacturer of alcohol is also the direct seller to consumers. Before Prohibition, tied houses were a scourge on society and a major factor in the movement to ban alcohol. Our current three-tier system of regulation is designed to prevent this vertical integration from reappearing.

But Iowas tied house law is out of sync with todays marketplace. It prevents an individual from having simultaneous ownership interest in a brewpub and a brewery (one is a retailer and the other a manufacturer). It prevents an owner of a winery in California from selling any type of alcohol in a convenience store he owns in Iowa, even though the store would not be selling the California wine.

We understand the danger of vertical integration. But todays alcohol industry is driven by consumers.

The public has shown it wants greater choice and convenience. One walk through the liquor department of any grocery store should confirm the diversity and selection of products rules out the possibility of any product or manufacturer dominating a market. We need policies that are a more accurate reflection of the industry today, not 1934.

We are not promoting increased consumption of alcohol. Nor are we claiming the industry does not need regulation. Rather, we are stating that in order to have laws that can be understood and enforced, policy makers must roll up their sleeves to make these laws practical and effective.

The alcohol industry in Iowa has changed, and we believe these changes are for the better. Our hope is our laws can allow for progressive and positive change that promotes opportunity for business while ensuring that our communities continue to be safe and healthy.
Next time youre at the grocery store, take a minute to study the options. How many brands of soup? Of cereal? Of soda pop?

Then, walk down the alcohol aisles. Beer, wine and spirits of national, regional and local origin abound. Alcohol selections enjoyed by your grandfather, your mother and your friends are easy to find. In fact, Iowa consumers have access to thousands of different labels.

This selection is brought to you by Iowas brand of alcohol market regulation, primarily known as the three-tier distribution system, and its cornerstone anti-corruption and anti-monopoly component, tied house protection.

A key contributor to the buy-local movement, Iowas alcohol policy encourages locally owned alcohol operations. Its no accident there are nearly 1,600 Iowans employed in beer distribution alone.

The law provides protections for each tier  retailers, distributors and manufacturers  from undue influence by any other tier. Distributors buy only what can be reasonably sold and have market-based incentives to merchandise whats popular. Bars and restaurants that sell only one manufacturers soft drinks can offer hundreds of beers, wines and spirits without fear of targeted price hikes or lackluster service.

Tied-house protections also contain exceptions for manufacturers to establish brands with taprooms or cocktail rooms at the manufacturing site to promote their products and provide a consumer experience. The net result is Iowans are hard-pressed to find a deficiency in choice and availability.

During Iowas recent alcohol policy review, we heard from nearly every segment of the industry that Iowas laws are generally good for commerce. A chain retailer operating in several states said Iowas laws are retailer-friendly. Some of Iowas biggest liquor suppliers submitted Iowa is a forward-thinking place to do business, while some brewers said aspects of Iowa law are too liberal.

Iowas chief alcohol regulator paid lip service supporting the three-tier system but recently advocated publicly to weaken tied-house protections. Logically, a robust three-tier system and a weak tied-house law are mutually exclusive. Its impossible to have both.

With more consumer choice than ever, more retail space dedicated to alcohol than ever and more Iowa manufacturers than ever, who are the victims of Iowas tied-house protections? Specifics are light.

Rather than advocating seismic shifts in an orderly marketplace that is clearly working for Iowa industry, consumers and the public interest, alcohol regulators should focus on enforcing laws that ensure a level playing field and industry-wide compliance with regard to excise taxes, fair trade practices and safe, responsible and legal sales.

So what if Iowa abandoned tied-house protections?

Consumers would be the first losers. Favorite beers, wines and spirits  big and small  could be excluded from aisles, tap lines, refrigerated spaces or entire stores altogether.

Increasingly, money would undermine merit-based shelf and tap access. Exclusive agreements and inducements would give retailers incentives to hit volume targets, nudging up consumption. Absentee manufacturers calling shots at the retail level become more likely to disregard contemporary community standards and norms. Precisely the practice tied-house protections are designed to prevent.

Wide market access and consumer choice in this industry is because of Iowas three-tier system and its tied-house protections, not despite them. Lets maintain Iowas free houses and keep the tied house a pre-Prohibition relic.
Letters to the Editor





Legislative forums

MAUREEN WHITE

CEDAR FALLS  As a member of three of the 31 organizations that sponsor the Legislative Public Forum, Im dismayed by Rep. Walt Rogers announcement he will not attend future LPFs. The organizations to which I belong are nonpartisan, as are many of the other sponsoring organizations. Groups sponsor the LPFs because they believe all members of the public, regardless of political affiliation, should have the opportunity to hear from their elected representatives, to communicate concerns and to ask questions about legislative items.

Republicans, Democrats and no-party folks attend each forum. Traditionally, Republican and Democratic legislators have participated. Sadly, Republican legislators appear to be attending mostly partisan events. They forget they are elected to listen to and to represent all of their constituents, not just those who share their ideology or who are members of their political party. In a democracy they have a duty to do so, even when the going gets tough.

Legislative forum

STEPHANIE SCHWINN

WAVERLY  On Saturday I attended the legislative forum in Allison. I expressed my concern about how ALEC, which represents the interests of the 1 percent, is unduly influencing our elections and legislation in states. ALEC develops model policies that are then distributed to the member legislatures, of which, in the Iowa Legislature most Republicans are members, and rewards them with campaign contributions.

Rep. Pat Grassley compared ALEC to the NCSL (National Council of State Legislatures) and CSG (Council of State Governments). Such a comparison is improper. Both assist legislators in networking across state lines to brainstorm, share ideas and problem solve. Neither organization develops or distributes model policy like ALEC does. Neither represents the interests of the 1 percent. Many state legislatures have worked with these organizations. In making this comparison, Grassley was attempting to imply Democrats engage in the same legislative bill development process as Republicans. Then by extension, blame Democrats when the negative effects of ALEC-driven legislation sponsored by Republicans in the Legislature is felt by the citizens of Iowa.

Republicans are in charge of the House, the Senate and the governors office. They break it. They own it.

Service dog scams

CRAIG HUNDLEY

WATERLOO  While the internet is great, it offers scam artists a great opportunity. Several months back I wrote about fake service dogs. This is exploding. Just go to Google and type in service dog. Youll find the scammers in full force, selling documents from psychiatrists to licensed therapists. Youll find the three big packages. Theyll explain you must buy the service dog package to get your pet anywhere-you-go access, protected by the ADA. You can buy the therapy dog vest and the emotional support dog vest, but they point out the limits of the cheaper package.

I have no problem with the real deal  seeing-eye dogs and dogs that assists people in wheelchairs, etc. These animals are trained by professionals. I can see it coming: Some kid in a store is going to try and pet someones pet and be bitten. The lawyers are lining up. I just spoke with the manager of the Cedar Falls Wal-Mart and was told they are not allowed to question a person that brings a dog in wearing a vest due to lawsuits. If some kid gets bit in there, change the name, theyll own it.
WATERLOO  A sandwich shop employee scared of a burglar when arriving for work Wednesday.

According to police, the worker entered Jimmy Johns at 703 Progress Ave. at about 5:40 a.m. and noticed a man already inside the business.

The intruder fled through a back door.

Officers attempted to track his path using a police dog but eventually lost his scent.

No arrests have been made, and it wasnt clear if anything was taken from the business.

The burglar is described as a white male in his 20s or 30s, about 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing about 160 pounds.

Woman allegedly

trashed KFC

CEDAR FALLS  A Waterloo woman was arrested after she allegedly trashed a chain restaurant after she had been fired.

Anshonique Cheante Burks, 25, was arrested Sunday for second-degree criminal mischief and disorderly conduct. She was later released from jail.

The charges stem from a March 19 incident at the KFC at 6104 University Ave. where Burks allegedly caused $8,250 damage after learning she had been fired through a phone call, according to court records.

She allegedly threw the business phone and then dumped a bucket of water on a cash register, damaging it, court records state. She then threw items from shelves in the office and broke a digital recording system, records state.

Theft from mom

brings probation

OSAGE  An Osage woman accused of stealing money from her dependent mother has been sentenced to probation.

Marilyn Jo Spartz, 58, also received a suspended 30-day jail sentence and fine when she was sentenced last week for one count of third-degree theft.

Prosecutors reduced the charge from a felony to a misdemeanor in exchange for her guilty plea.

She was accused of using $2,316 of her mothers money for personal expenses, including gambling and paying for her boyfriend to come to Iowa, instead of for her mothers care.

The theft was discovered when her mothers health insurance company declined to pay medical bills, citing cancellation of her policy due to nonpayment.

She also was sentenced to a suspended fine of $625.

Students face

terrorism charges

CHARLES CITY  Two teens face criminal charges in connection to a Charles City police investigation of messages posted on social media.

Police say a boy and a girl, both 14, were referred to Juvenile Court Services for one count each of felony threat of terrorism.

Its part of the same investigation that resulted last week in the removal of a 15-year-old boy from Charles City Middle School.

That boy also was referred to Juvenile Court Services for threat of terrorism.

Charles City Police Chief Hugh Anderson wouldnt say what the message contained, how many messages were posted or if they threatened staff or students.

He also would not say what social media platform was used to spread the information.

A parent reportedly contacted school officials after seeing a message.
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Flagstaff police have arrested a Flagstaff man in connection with a wildfire Wednesday in upper Switzer Canyon.

Sgt. Cory Runge of the Flagstaff Police Department said officers responded to the wooded area across North San Francisco Street from FMCs Emergency Department after receiving reports a wildfire had been started at around 1 p.m. The fire was within approximately 1,000 feet of the hospital south of the Summit Medical Center.

A man was identified leaving the Flagstaff Medical Center, crossing the street and entering the wooded area. He was observed leaving the wooded area and returning to Flagstaff Medical Center. A few minutes later smoke was seen coming from the wooded area where the man was seen.

Officers spoke with witnesses and identified Shawn Farnham, 50, of Flagstaff. They verified Farnham was on federal probation and on supervised release for previous incidents of arson.

Farnham initially denied being in the wooded area. He later admitted to being at the location in the woods and stated he may have inadvertently started the fire while disposing of a cigarette. Investigators with the Flagstaff Fire Department indicated that a cigarette was not likely the cause of the fire due to humidity and temperature conditions.

Farnham, 50, was arrested for burning of wildlands. He was booked into Coconino County Jail after he was released from Flagstaff Medical Center.
By The Associated Press Mar. 28, 2017 | 05:19 AM | VIENNA, IL

A southern Illinois prison has started a program to provide inmates who are being released with new clothes.

The idea is to help inmates blend in once they're released, instead of being easily identifiable in prison-issued clothing.

Darius Saddler will be released from Vienna Correctional Center April 7 after a five-year prison sentence related to drugs. He tells The Southern Illinoisan he has a polo shirt and khaki pants picked out. He says it'll make him feel part of society and give him a self-esteem boost, which he'll need to transition back into society.

Roughly 20 men are released from the prison each week.

Dylan Luce is an associate warden. He started the program a few weeks ago. It's called Vienna's Clothing Closet with over 500 donated clothing items.

___

Information from: Southern Illinoisan, http://www.southernillinoisan.com
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WASHINGTON  House Republicans renewed their call Tuesday for an immigration crackdown, this time focusing on sanctuary cities that they say threaten public safety by harboring criminal immigrants.

The remarks at the House Judiciary subcommittee hearing on Restoring Enforcement of our Nations Immigration Laws came one day after Attorney General Jeff Sessions said sanctuary cities would lose federal funds if they continued to ignore immigration laws.

Democrats on the panel criticized the talk about cracking down on sanctuary cities, saying strong-arming cities into cooperating with federal immigration agencies is unconstitutional and would reduce public safety by making undocumented immigrants afraid to report crimes.

But Republican members of the Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee said something has to be done to strengthen U.S. immigration enforcement that was systematically dismantled under President Barack Obama.

The Trump administration inherited a shell of immigration enforcement that it must now rebuild, said Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wisconsin, the subcommittee chairman. The time is long overdue to ensure that our immigration laws are enforced and the rule of law is truly restored.

Many Republicans were like Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Gilbert, who pointed to the 2015 murder of Grant Ronnebeck, 21, a convenience store clerk shot by an undocumented immigrant over a pack of cigarettes.

Biggs told the committee that loose immigration enforcement resulted in the release of 3,600 convicted immigrants in Maricopa County over a 15-month period.

We know they were criminally violent because they had been in the system charged and convicted of crimes, Biggs said. And yet they were released without being deported.

An angry Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Illinois, said that arguments against sanctuary cities focus on demonization of immigrant communities. Those calling for the federal government to punish sanctuary cities look to gain political points, Gutierrez said, rather than really solving the immigration issue.

Other immigration advocates testified that a crackdown on immigration will not make cities safer, as Republicans claim, but has had the opposite effect.

Archi Pyati, the chief of policy and programs for the Tahirih Justice Center, testified that President Donald Trumps January executive order on immigration has had a devastating chilling effect on immigrants reporting crimes.

That order calls for local police to cooperate with federal agencies, sharing intelligence on undocumented immigrants in their communities and holding immigrants arrested on other charge until they can be picked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The order is supposed to decrease crime by giving ICE better access to the on-the-ground intelligence on criminal immigrants that local jurisdictions have. Instead, Pyati said, it has created a barrier between local police and undocumented immigrants who now hesitate to report crimes for fear of deportation.

She said that without that trust, police will not get accurate information about crime in their jurisdictions and will hear less frequently about crimes that are going on.

But other witnesses, like Jessica Vaughan, said that for the sake of public safety, the government should increase its use of expedited removal, utilize local detention more often  and take action against sanctuary cities that refuse to cooperate with these measures.

That may require more than just withholding federal funds, said Vaughan, who is director of policy studies at the Center for Immigration Studies.

In some cases, there are going to be die-hard sanctuary jurisdictions that want to keep their policies anyway, despite the lack of funding, Vaughan said. I think that for the sake of public safety the Department of Justice is going to have to take legal actions against those jurisdictions  potentially seeking an injunction.

But Pyati said that aggressive enforcement will only continue to chip away at the community trust policies needed to make communities safe. Without that trust, she said, police will not get accurate information about crime in their jurisdictions and will hear less frequently about crimes that are going on.

Pyati called it a tragedy when any U.S. citizen is killed by undocumented immigrants, but said that sanctuary policies are not to blame.

Its much easier to pick out the one or two crimes we have seen across America and really shine the light on those than it is to really weigh the benefit of these community trust policies, she said.

She added that local law enforcers have limited resources.

Immigration laws should be enforced by the federal government, Pyati said. Not by our local police.
Northern Arizona University President Rita Cheng told a packed crowd Wednesday that the university has been successful in a number of its goals to make NAU a prime pick for new students and staff over the last semester and year.

The universitys one-year retention rate for freshmen students is currently at 75.5 percent, close to NAUs 2025 goal of 80 percent. The six-year graduation rate is 51.9 percent.

But NAU still needs to work on creating degrees in "high demand fields" she said, without defining the term. The university awarded 3,303 degrees in high demand fields this academic year, and has a goal to award 4,500 degrees a year by 2025.

The university is making its way steadily to its 2025 total enrollment goal of 34,909 students. For the 2016 school year, the university had a total enrollment of 29,989, and 22,134 students were on the Mountain Campus in Flagstaff this fall.

NAU also saw an increase in international students coming to the university and students studying abroad, Cheng said. In 2015, NAU had 1,239 students from countries across the world come to the university. In 2016, that number increased to 1,291 students. The number of students studying abroad increased from 717 in 2015 to 863 in 2016.

The university has made it easier for university and community college transfer students to access services online. It has changed to a credit-hour fee schedule for online classes, like the fee schedules at other Arizona universities.

However, a chart on a projection screen behind Cheng showed a dip in the number of transfer students between the 2015 and 2016 school years. According to the chart, NAU had 3,029 students transfer into the university in 2015 and 2,894 in 2016.

The university also plans to change its honors program into an honors college in the fall. Students will pay an extra fee in their tuition to support the new college. Cheng said NAU also plans to hire additional professors, investing new infrastructure and provide more services to students and staff in the new year.

NAU also made an investment in its staff, Cheng said. The university spent $5.9 million to increase staff salaries in the middle of the 2017 fiscal year. It also absorbed a $1.7 million increase in health insurance costs for staff.

NAU expects a net increase in state operating funds next year of $800,000. State budget cuts over the last several years have cost the university about $55 million, Cheng said.

Because of the loss in state revenues, incoming NAU freshman will have a nearly 3 percent increase in the cost of tuition, she said. Students in the NAU Pledge program, which freezes tuition at the rate that was set during the year a student entered the university will remain the same. This will be the 10th year that NAU has offered the Pledge Program.

NAU is also planning a second capital fundraising campaign starting in July. The first campaign netted nearly $100 million for various projects including the School of Music, the Social and Behavioral Sciences, Native American student success, the Center for Science Teaching and Learning, the Honors College and support for first-generation students.

The future is bright. Together we will create our future, Cheng said.
Mar 30, 2017 | By David

An unusually high number of 3D printers have been launched in the last week or two, especially through crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter. There's also been lots happening elsewhere in the 3D printing world, with Stratasys, AM Ventures, and FATHOM all carrying out important additive manufacturing projects. Here are a few of the shorter stories from the last week or so that we didn't cover in full:

AM Ventures enters investment agreement with Exmet AB to develop technology for 3D printing amorphous metals

Strategic technology investment firm AM Ventures is hoping to provide funds that will help accelerate the development of Exmet AB's newest additive manufacturing technology. They are developing processes which allow for the 3D printing of relatively rare amorphous metal alloys. This funding will see their new functional products hitting the market much faster than previously possible. Amorphous metal alloys are also known as Bulk Metallic Glasses (BMGs) or glassy alloys, and they differ greatly in structure from ordinary alloys like steel. This gives them unique properties that can be incredibly useful for various functions, but also means that manufacturing with the materials can be tricky.

Exmet's new 3D printing technology will greatly expand possibilities for engineers and designers alike, with the potential for parts and components to be manufactured that are lightweight to an unprecedented degree. ''We are looking forward to support Exmet on their way to amorphous metal parts with completely new and unique properties'', said Johann Oberhofer, Executive Vice President of Technology at AM Ventures. "Our aim is not only to support through funding and technology, but also through our market access and management competencies which will be of significant help for Exmet.

Massivit 3D to show off wide-format 3D printing capabilities at FESPA 2017

Massivit will demonstrate its capabilities at this year's FESPA event in Hamburg. All kinds of imaginative and innovative projects undertaken using its flagship Massivit 1800 3D printer will be on display for all to see. Prominent amongst them will be a giant (3.2 m) sculpture made to evoke ancient Greek mythology. Also taking pride of place will be a replica of the work done by 3D print provider OMUS for luxury fashion brand Louis Vuitton. In collaboration with Sydney-based Composite Images, OMUS used a Massivit 1800 to create the world's first 3D printed pop-up store, promoting Louis Vuitton's latest clothing line. The visually striking store is over 9 meters wide, 10 meters long and 2.7 meters high, and was a huge hit with Louis Vuitton's design agency. FESPA 2017 takes place from May 8-12, and will be the largest international wide format event yet.

Stratasys partners with MTC to deliver advanced 3D printing technology

3D printing company Stratasys has entered into a partnership with the UKs Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), which is part of the state-funded Innovate UK initiative to take advantage of new technology in order to grow the economy. 3D printing will be the central focus of this new agreement. Stratasys is a particularly useful partner for the MTC, having recently released the groundbreaking Stratasys J750 full color, multi-material 3D Printer, which is an industry leader in color printing. According to Ross Trepleton, Group Technology Manager of component technology at MTC, "Additive manufacturing has been recognized as a key disruptive technology, and it continues to play an increasing role in realizing digital manufacturing and Industry 4.0. Right now, the MTC is developing the means to ensure that additive manufacturing is suitable for the end user, de-risking the technology for UK industry."

FATHOM to provide specialized on-site services to improve use of 3D printing technology

FATHOM is an advanced manufacturing company that has particular expertise in the field of 3D printing, and will soon be sharing its wealth of knowledge with other manufacturers. A new service it is offering will provide guidance to allow companies to take full advantage of what 3D printing technology has to offer. The potential services include order intake and management, inventory and production management, pre- to post-processing operations, preventive maintenance, basic 3D CAD support, and operation of other basic shop tools/equipment.

A bespoke service will be provided depending on the particular needs of businesses. We aim to anticipate and surpass customer needs as often as possible, and it became clear that this is a program whose value to clients is increasing, said Rich Spott, Director of Support Operations at FATHOM in Oakland. The support team at FATHOM is highly rated by its customers and we are proud to further expand the unique combination of products and services we offer to some of the most innovative companies in the world.

Funeral home in Beijing uses 3D printed face masks to reconstruct bodies

The important process of restoring a corpse whose skull has been disfigured or damaged, ready for it to be displayed at a funeral, has been made a lot easier thanks to 3D printing. The Babaoshan Funeral Home in Beijing uses photographs to make a 3D model of what the face originally looked like, and then is able to quickly and cheaply print this out with a remarkably high degree of accuracy. This will replace the time-consuming process of restoring a face with wax or plaster, which sometimes took up to seven days and often left grieving friends of family members disappointed. According to the Beijing Youth Daily, partial repairs only take three hours with 3D printing methods, and an entire facial mask can be produced in just 10 hours.

Posted in 3D Printing Technology

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Mar 30, 2017 | By Tess

A team of Australian surgeons has successfully implanted a 3D printed maxilla jaw bone into a patient. The patient in question, Susie Robinson, suffered severe injuries to her face after a car accident, and only now, after many years of operations and treatments, can she smile again as she once did.

At the young age of 20, Robinson was driving her friends vehicle when it went off the road and crashed into a tree. Fortunately, she survived the accident, though she did suffer some serious injuries, including breaking her jaw in three places, breaking her hand, losing several teeth, as well as several cuts and lacerations.

After being rushed to the hospital, Robinson was made to undergo many treatment processes, such as implanting a bridge to help her jaw heal. Eventually, however, doctors saw that this fix was ineffective, as her jaw bone was continuing to disintegrate, and decided that an implant would have to be put in place.

As Robinson explains, the doctors took a bone graft from her hip and implanted it into her jaw, and used her own plasma and pegs to keep it in place. This implantation process turned out to be arduous and it reportedly took Robinson almost a year to properly recover from it (not to mention, she was without many teeth for months).

Ultimately, this bone implant failed also, as it cracked and had to be removed during a follow-up procedure last year. It was at this point that Robinson was put in contact with Dr. George Dimitroulis from Epworth Healthcare, the state of Victorias largest not-for-profit private health care group. It was he who suggested that a 3D printed implant might be the best solution.

As Robinson told Australian press, When he said to me 'We are going to 3D print you a new maxilla and then add some implants, I'm not actually sure what I thought. I probably just walked out in a daze.

According to Dr. Dimitroulis, a 3D printed maxilla would offer Robinson a simple one-step process that would avoid many of the complications and much of the discomfort of her previous operations. "You basically come in, we'll do the surgery which takes under an hour and then you'll be home on the same day with a new set of teeth, he explained.

(Images: ABC news)

The surgery itself involved only a few steps: first, making an incision in the patients gum to expose her jawbone, then inserting the custom-fit 3D printed titanium implant, and then sewing her gums back over the implant (while leaving two open points where the dentures could be screwed in).

All in all, the 3D printed implant surgery took about an hour, and the patient was already smiling and responsive within a hour of its completion. And she had lots to smile about: not only was her jaw restored, but the whole operation only cost about $8,000 (which isnt much compared to the estimated $100,000 she had already spent on her various treatments and surgical procedures).

"It's amazing," she said. "I'm just an everyday person, I'm not particularly special, so for that technology to be available for people like me, well, that's fantastic for everyday people.

Susie Robinson is one of several patients who have seen the benefits of bespoke 3D printed implants in recent years, and she surely wont be the last.

Posted in 3D Printing Application

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Mar 30, 2017 | By David

Not a day goes by without an innovative startup or passionate hobbyist embarking on a new project that makes use of the latest 3D printing technology. Here are a selection of some of the most interesting Kickstarter campaigns that have been launched recently.

3D printing projects on Kickstarter #1: HexBay X-Wing miniatures storage solution

This project presents a practical and aesthetically pleasing storage solution for strategy gaming enthusiasts. Specifically designed for miniature X-Wing models, these 3D printed lightweight plastic containers have a unique shape that allows them to be stacked and interlocked, saving space vertically and horizontally.

According to maker Jean-Noel Seneque, his hexagonal design means that any case can connect with any other, regardless of size. This makes it an extremely flexible storage solution that will be indispensable for full-time strategy gamers who regularly travel to battle it out with a variety of different ships at their disposal.

Pledgers will receive rewards based on a points system that Seneque has devised. The more money is pledged, the more points are received, and the more figurine cases you can buy.There are 19 days left to go of the campaign, and $10,159 has already been pledged. This is well in excess of the $3,600 target, so we should be seeing this project on the market sometime in the near future.

Time left: 19 days

3D printing projects on Kickstarter #2: Worlds first 3D printed castle

This project will make use of the latest in 3D printed concrete technology to build a replica of the castle belonging to everyones favourite fictional vampire, Dracula. The castle is based on one located in Romania that tourists and fans of the novel and films flock to, and this Minnesota-based construction company intend for the 3D printed building to be used as a hotel.

According to its pitch, the company recently devised an entirely new method of 3D printing concrete, that will now allow it to implement all kinds of elaborate designs. This faithful reconstruction of an ancient castle is something that just a few years ago would have been far too ambitious to be realized.

Pledges of $40 or more will receive a miniature 3D printed model of the full-size castle. Those giving $100 or more will be designated as a Medieval Founder and see their name engraved on the castle walls. If you pledge at least $500, one nights free stay in the hotel can be yours, along with the title of "Royal Founder." Over $1000 gets you the title of "Castle Knight" and two free nights in the hotel.

Time left: 30 days

3D printing projects on Kickstarter #3: The Titan Pen

This is a 3D printed ball-point pen, with a unique internally concealed bolt mechanism. Available in titanium or nylon, the pen has a sleek, ergonomic design that is sure to turn heads. It measures 125 mm by 10 mm.

According to founder Mike Smoothy, discreetly hiding the bolt mechanism insde the pen is more aesthetically pleasing and offers the writing hand a higher level of comfort than with traditional bolt mechanisms. The bolt has a dual function, as it can allow the refill to be extended and also to be changed when empty.

Pledge 24: First 10 backers receive nylon pen with D1 refill, in a personalized gift box. Economy P&P is completely free of charge. Next 25 backers will receive second batch of pen.

Pledge 149: First 10 backers receive titanium pen with D1 refill, in a personalized gift box. Worldwide premium shipping is free of charge. Next 25 backers will receive second batch.

Time left: 27 hours

3D printing projects on Kickstarter #4: Lula Mobile Tripod System

An abbreviation for the Lunar Lander that it resembles, the Lula is an ingenious 3D printed tripod support to hold all kinds of mobile device at home or in the office. It has a solid but lightweight frame made of aluminum and stainless steel, and is available in six different colors.

Founder Shane Poindexter says 'Lula is the perfect platform for the maker community. The interchangeable parts and multiple threaded holes makes customizing with 3D printed or machined parts extremely easy.'' So the already huge range of uses that the Lula offers can be expanded indefinitely, depending on what users want to do with the tripod. The tightness of its grip is easily adjustable, and the legs can be altered to balance on any surface

Pledge $25 or more: Receive a Lula T-shirt

Pledge $45 or more: Receive a Lula tripod kit, ready to be assembled. Pledging $180 will get you 2 of these, and $450 gets you 5.

Time left: 11 days

3D printing projects on Kickstarter #5: Zimpure Filtering system for 3D printers

This is an affordable plug-and-play filtering solution for 3D printers. Getting rid of any noxious gases that might be produced during the FDM 3D printing process, this device is easy to use and compatible with a wide range of different machines.

According to Zimple, Zimpure has been certified to filter 99% of particles and over 90% of gases that issue from 3D printers, after being tested in a specialized air pollution laboratory. It makes use of two different filters. The fan is powerful but quiet, and all the user needs to do is find the right suction head to suit their particular model of 3D printer.

Pledge $99 or more: receive 1 Zimpure, Super early bird offer. Depending on how early the pledge is made, you can receive 1 or more Zimpures for $119 and up.

Pledge $990 or more: Special Resellers offer. Receive 10 Zimpures

3D printing projects on Kickstarter #6: LittleArm Big miniature robotic arm

This 3D printed robotic arm is desktop sized and can be used for a variety of purposes by technology hobbyists or for education. Its a bigger version of Slant Robotics successful Little Arm robot, which can be hooked up to a computer and easily programmed for a number of mechanical functions. It also comes with a speech facility.

According to Slant Robotics, 'The LittleArm Big is a large-sized Arduino robot arm. It has been designed to be a desktop robot arm that is fun and even practical but also reliable as an educational tool in higher level robotics education.'' Software has been designed specifically to work with the arm, and its interface is so simple that children as young as seven years old can get to grips with it and start learning about robotics in a fun and accessible way.

Pledge $12 or more: Receive a Gripper Kit, ready to assemble

Pledge $95 or more: Receive a Maker Kit

Pledge $119 or more: Receive a full assembly kit, with all the 3D printed parts and the Bluetooth module.

Pledge $159 or more: Receive a pre-assembled Little Arm Big, ready to be used

Pledge $215 or more: Receive Maker Kit and Full Kit

Pledge $550 or more: Receive a classroom set, with 5 Little Arm Big kits.

Time left: 19 hours

Posted in Fun with 3D Printing

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Norman Rush in the New York Review of Books:

Teju Cole is a kind of realm. He has written three bookstwo exceptional novels and the volume of essays to be considered hereas well as many uncollected essays, interviews, newspaper columns, and a vast online oeuvre made up of skeins of tweets on fixed themes, faits divers, e-mail arguments, captioned Instagrams, mixed media exercises, and rants. At the moment he is credited with more than 13,000 tweets, 263,000 Twitter followers, 1,035 photos, and around 22,000 fans who officially like his Facebook page. Even in a time when many writers are enlarging their literary footprints by means of the Internet, he is a prodigy.

There is a strong interconnectedness between the different parts of his work. Coles personal story, sometimes given straight, sometimes fictionalized, pervades. The bicultural Teju Cole was born in the US in 1975, raised in Nigeria until his seventeenth year, brought back to America where he first studied art and attended medical school, and then went abroad to study African art history; he later studied Northern Renaissance art at Columbia. His initial novels brought him a storm of prizes and attention. He is currently a writer in residence at Bard College and the photography critic for The New York Times Magazine and is himself an exhibiting photographer. Cole has said in an interview that the essays on photography in this collection, which also collects many of his writings on literature, travel, politics, and art, are the most important of his writings.

Cole is very conscious of the difference between what one might think of as books aimed at a presumed posterity and his online works, aimed at a real-time and frequently interactive fandom.

More here.
Richard King reviews three books on populism in the Sydney Review of Books:

So, its happened. Donald J. Trump, the guy hardly anyone thought could win the Republican nomination, and, having won the Republican nomination, hardly anyone thought could become US President, is US President. It still doesnt feel entirely real, and the sense that were living in an alternative present, a counterfactual come to life  more Back to the Future Part II, at the moment, than It Cant Happen Here or The Plot Against America  has yet to fully dissipate. But dissipate it will, must. The Cheeto Jesus is in da House. Hair Force One has landed.

Trumps supporters are ecstatic, his opponents appalled: not since the war in Vietnam has the US looked so deeply divided. In his much-shared piece published the day after the election, New Yorkereditor David Remnick warned against the media normalisation that was sure to follow the result. But if anything positions have hardened in the two months since the inauguration, with Trumps people renewing their attacks on the media, and his political detractors  no, enemies  oscillating between denial and anger: denial that a man who lost the popular vote and possibly conspired with the Russians to undermine Clinton could ever be deemed legitimate; and anger that someone so remote from the standards of liberal decency now sits in the Oval Office. Thus do the first two stages of grief define the liberal and progressive reaction: not morning in America but America in mourning.

More here.
A group of angry students holding signs and chanting "Not for profit" and "Student lives matter" waited for NAU President Rita Cheng outside of the High Country Conference Center after her once-a-semester campus forum Wednesday afternoon.

The first student to the microphone after Chengs speech about the state of the university asked what Cheng was doing to fill the recently vacated chief diversity officer position.

Carmen Phelps was hired in August 2016 as the universitys first chief diversity officer. The office was part of a list of 22 demands made by NAU students in December 2015 to increase the schools diversity awareness and to make students of diverse backgrounds, races and from LGBTQ community feel more welcome. Phelps position was part of Chengs cabinet and was supposed to bring student concerns directly to Cheng.

According to an email sent out by Phelps to some NAU administrators and friends, she resigned March 10.

I have decided to pursue an opportunity that allows me to deepen my investment in diversity, inclusion, equity, access, advocacy and social justice ideals within higher education and beyond, she wrote.

NAU spokesperson Kim Ott confirmed that Phelps was no longer the chief diversity officer for NAU. She declined to say why Phelps had left, saying it was a personnel issue. Calls to Phelps were not returned.

But I can say that NAU is exploring various options related to the Diversity Officer position and until a decision is made Priscilla Mills, Assistant Vice President NAU Equity and Access, will facilitate the coordination of the Diversity Strategic Planning efforts, Ott wrote in an email.

Cheng told the packed ballroom at the High Country Conference Center that she was committed to diversity and was working with staff, faculty and students to fill the position before the end of the semester. She, too, declined to say why Phelps had left.

That didnt put a stop to the questions about what the university was doing to promote diversity or protect minority students.

At least three students who identified themselves as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients asked what Cheng was doing to make sure that DACA students still got in-state tuition and about making NAU a sanctuary campus.

A petition to make NAU a sanctuary campus circulated in December. The term sanctuary campus has different meanings at different universities, but loosely means that the university will not share documents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials and would not allow immigration authorities on campus unless a serious crime has been committed.

The Arizona Board of Regents sent a letter to President Donald Trump in December asking him to protect DACA students but rejecting the idea of designating Arizona universities sanctuary campuses. In a letter to ABOR, Cheng supported DACA students but declined to make NAU a sanctuary campus.

At Wednesdays forum, Cheng said that she and NAU will continue to advocate for state and national policies that support international and DACA students. The university would continue to honor the Regents commitment to in-state tuition and scholarships for DACA students.

Students also asked about creating safe spaces for minority students, LGBTQ students and staff who were the target of harassment because of their beliefs, sexuality or race.

Free speech is a complex issue and a fundamental right, Cheng said.

But she did not support safe spaces, which are seen by some as exclusionary. NAU has a responsibility as an academic institution to make sure that a respectful and civil discussion could be had on such topics. A discussion that was anchored to academics rather than emotion. Part of NAUs responsibility was to also provide opportunities for students to grow by learning from others.

There are codes of conduct for both staff and students, she said. We need to hold onto our values and relationships and not let this tear us apart.

Minimum wage also made the list of student concerns voiced at the forum. A student asked if there were any specific plans for NAU to increase student wages to the local or state minimum wage. Arizona voters approved an increase in the state minimum wage in November. The law took effect in January and increased the state minimum wage from $8.05 to $10 an hour. At the same time, Flagstaff voters approved a local minimum wage increase to $15 an hour by 2021. The Flagstaff law is due to go into effect in July and will increase the local wage to $10.50. State institutions, including universities like NAU, are exempt from state or local wage laws.

Cheng said there were no specific plans to do so. The university did not have the funding to increase student wages. Most student positions were already making more than minimum wage, she said. However, she had created a committee that was looking into student wage policies, including pay, with a possible recommendation coming in the fall.
Phone lines to Brown County offices down, 911 still works

The telephone lines to Brown County offices are down. Emergencies can still be reported to 911.
PHOENIX  Spurred by a newly released undercover video, state sent legislation to Gov. Doug Ducey requiring doctors to do everything possible to save the life of a baby born alive after an abortion, even telling them what that entails.

The 18-11 vote in the Senate came just hours after the House gave its approval on a 34-22 margin.

Ducey has signed every abortion restriction that has reached his desk since taking office more than two years ago. But press aide Daniel Scarpinato would not comment on what fate this will meet, saying his boss wants to review the final language.

Officially, Arizona law already requires doctors to take actions in such situations. But SB 1367 spells out what are considered signs of life, including breathing, a heartbeat, umbilical cord pulsation or definite movement of voluntary muscles.

Potentially more significant, it directs the Department of Health Services to come up with rules of exactly what medical professionals have to do in cases of live births, including the possibility of resuscitation. And it would require clinics that do abortions after 20 weeks of gestation to have staff on hand qualified to deal with premature births.

Wednesday's votes came over objections of some lawmakers who said medical evidence shows that a fetus at 21 weeks cannot survive outside the womb.

They cited testimony from doctors during hearing who said that life-saving procedures on these premature babies, including inserting breathing tubes into them, is cruel given that they will die anyway. The doctors said the better course is to give the baby to the mother  if she wants it  to let the family hold it and grieve as the baby dies naturally.

Rep. Eddie Farnsworth, R-Gilbert, added language he said spells out that a doctor need not do everything possible if it is determined before the abortion and confirmed after delivery and some preliminary care that the baby has a lethal fetal condition and will not survive beyond three months.

Farnsworth said that is a major concession as he believes existing law already requires medical care for all babies, including those with such fetal conditions, when they are born alive. He said this change codifies what doctors already are doing by deciding not to do life-saving measures and instead allowing the baby to die naturally.

That was enough to bring in the support of some Republicans who had been hesitant to support a blanket mandate for full-blown life-saving actions in all situations.

But Rep. Kirsten Engel, D-Tucson, said she does not believe this exception deals with all the situations where it's clear from the start that the fetus will not survive for long outside the womb.

We end up depriving families of the last minutes of what they hoped would be a bright future but it's not, she said.

And Rep. Ken Clark, D-Phoenix, said that means doctors will still need to go through this horrendous process of doing medical procedures on the premature baby.

But Rep. Paul Boyer, R-Phoenix, recited a litany of names of babies he said were all born prior to 24 weeks  the current cutoff in Arizona for legal abortions  and are still alive. He said it's wrong to simply assume these preemies won't survive and should be allowed to die.

The fact of the matter is health care providers don't always know the chances of survival until they give a baby a chance to survive, Boyer said.

Rep. John Allen, R-Scottsdale, said he sees the issue in simpler terms.

He said an unborn fetus has no legal rights, a decision he does not necessarily agree with but recognizes as the law. That is the basis of the right of women to terminate a pregnancy.

All that changes, he said, once a baby is born alive.

The choice is no longer available to them because that individual is there in the room with them, Allen said. This person has rights, individual rights.

Wednesday's debate at times focused on a newly released undercover video from the Center for Medical Progress taken at a conference of abortion providers 2 1/2 years ago in Los Angeles.

Two members of the anti-abortion group posed as buyers of fetal tissue to get DeShawn Taylor, the medical director of Desert Start Family Planning in Phoenix, to discuss abortion procedures.

Most of what is in the nearly 28 minute video is irrelevant to SB 1367.

But there is a point where Taylor mentions existing law, saying that if the fetus comes out with any signs of life we're supposed to transport it to the hospital.

Rep. Maria Syms, R-Paradise Valley, cited another quote from Taylor.

You need to pay attention to who's in the room, right? the video shows Taylor saying. Because the thing is the law states you're not supposed to do any maneuvers after the fact to try to cause demise so it's really tricky.

Who's in the room? Syms repeated during the debate, adding, Why does it matter who is in the room if you are following the law?

Multiple calls to Taylor at Desert Star seeking comment to the video were not immediately returned.

Clark, in response, read a statement from Planned Parenthood Arizona which said while that organization is not affected  it does not do abortions beyond 20 weeks  this cruel legislation that attempts to stigmatize, shame and interfere with personal medical decisions. And Planned Parenthood spokeswoman Tayler Tucker also said it is no coincidence that the video emerged just ahead of the effort to round up votes for the measure.

The vote and the video release come a day after David Daleiden and Sandra Merritt, two members of Center for Medical Progress, were indicted in California for making such undercover videos.

The 15-count indictment charges them with creating a phony corporation that was supposedly interested in the purchase of fetal tissue, allowing them to attend conferences with abortion providers. It was there they surreptitiously recorded conversations with others, something that violates California law.

The video released Wednesday was not part of the indictment. But a spokeswoman for Center for Medical Progress confirmed that Daleiden was one of the two people involved in that taping of Taylor.

In a prepared statement, Daleiden claimed a First Amendment right to making such videos, saying he has other yet-to-be-released tapes which he said show Planned Parenthood's criminal baby body parts enterprise.

Bryan Howard, president of Planned Parenthood Arizona, said his organization has never harvested fetal parts. Planned Parenthood nationally had accepted reimbursement for fetal tissue for research but stopped that practice in 2015.
Metals X Limited ( ASX:MLX) ( OTCMKTS:MTXXY) is a Diversified Resource Company. Australia's largest tin and one of Australia's top 10 gold producers. Considerable cashflow is generated from its two operating gold mines at South Kalgoorlie and Higginsville in WA and from its 50% owned high grade tin mine in Tasmania which is also one of the largest hard rock tin mines in the world. The company boasts resources of over 14 Moz of gold, 140,000 tonnes of contained tin and over 2 million tonnes of contained nickel. The company also has a considerable portfolio of growth assets, including one production ready and one development ready gold project and one of the world's largest undeveloped nickel and cobalt projects.

The Central Murchison Gold Project consists of a fully refurbished 2.0Mtpa gold plant and resource containing over 8.6 Mozs of gold in a combination of high grade underground mines and lower grade open pits, expected to be in production in early 2015. The Company's Rover 1 iron-oxide-copper-gold discovery contains 1.2Moz of gold equivalence which is targeted for production in 2016.

The 100% owned world class Wingellina Nickel and Cobalt Project hosts a global resource of over 180Mt at 1% nickel that includes 167Mt as a probable reserve. Metals X has joined with one of the World's largest companies, Samsung C and T, to work together to finance and develop the Wingellina project.


Test work Produces High Quality 6% Spodumene Concentrate

Adelaide, Mar 30, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Core Exploration Ltd ( ASX:CXO ) ("Core" or the "Company") is pleased to announce outstanding results from its initial metallurgical test work for the Grant's Pegmatite at the Finniss Lithium Project (the Finniss Project) near Darwin in the Northern Territory.



HIGHLIGHTS



- Initial metallurgical test work demonstrates the Grants Prospect at the Finniss Lithium Project can produce a high quality 6% spodumene concentrate



- Concentrate specification appears suitable to supply a chemical grade concentrate to the growing lithium battery market



- Several potential processing routes identified to produce a spodumene concentrate product of 6% Li2O at recoveries of 80% or higher



o Whole-of-Ore Flotation achieved excellent results with a concentrate grade of 6.2% Li2O achieved at very high lithium stage recovery (from flotation head) of 93%



o HLS (Heavy Liquid Separation) results give calculated concentrate grade of 5.9% Li2O at a high stage recovery (from HLS head) of 80%



o Various configurations of DMS and Flotation combined are interpolated to produce 6.0% Li2O concentrate at 80% recovery or better



- Simple spodumene mineralogy of Core's pegmatites responds well to a range of industry standard concentration techniques



- A Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) pricing model has been developed with estimated operating margins presenting a strong case to progress further economic studies on an early DSO development option



- It has also been identified that a lower capex single stage, Dense Media Separation (DMS) process may produce a 4.5% Li2O concentrate product at acceptable recoveries as an alternative early development option



The test results are very encouraging, with a number of potential processing routes identified to produce a spodumene concentrate product of 6% Li2O at recoveries of 80% or better.



The test work indicates a 6% spodumene concentrate can be produced at coarse 6.3mm crush size with a high overall recovery utilising standard whole-of-ore Flotation or several variations of combined Dense Media Separation (DMS) and Flotation.



The concentrate specification produced from Core's spodumene pegmatite appears suitable to supply a chemical grade concentrate to the growing lithium battery market.



Como Engineers Pty Ltd (Como) managed the metallurgical test work program at Nagrom Laboratories. Wave International Pty Ltd (Wave) have also been engaged to undertake an initial commercial assessment of the potential products from the Finniss Project.



In addition with these positive metallurgical results, a DSO pricing model, and a Lithium Carbonate (LIC) production cost model have been developed based on current 6% Li2O concentrate pricing input costs. It is estimated that operating costs to produce a DSO product presents a strong economic case to progress further scoping level studies on fast-start DSO options at Grants.



Discussions with potential DSO and concentrate customers is ongoing.



A review of the metallurgical testwork has also confirmed that sufficient data exists to be used as the basis for a scoping study, encompassing preliminary flowsheet design and financial modelling (including first-pass capital and operating cost estimates) to examine the optimum flowsheet configuration for a large scale concentration plant at Finniss based on the bulk sample from Grants.



Calculations from test work data indicate a high overall Li2O recovery of >80% may be obtained from one variation of a combined DMS, fines flotation flowsheet as follows (refer Table in the link below).



Several similarly-configured flowsheets, differing from the above in the proportion of coarse (DMS) and fine (flotation) material produced, are calculated to give similar results; these circuits will be assessed on a cost/benefit basis for incremental Li production.



Summary of Key Results



A summary of the key metallurgical test work results from the program follows.



Flotation



Flotation testwork on whole of ore samples crushed to minus 1mm and deslimed at 25micronm achieved excellent results with a concentrate grade of 6.2% Li2O being achieved at 93.2% stage recovery, (i.e. recovery based on flotation head).



Heavy Liquid Separation (HLS)



HLS test results on spodumene pegmatite core crushed to minus 6.3mm (and screened at 0.5mm to remove fines) indicated 5.9% Li2O concentrate at a high stage recovery (i.e. based on HLS head) of 80% at a cut of SG 2.9. Higher concentrate grade of 6.3% was achieved at a cut of SG 2.95 at 64% stage recovery.



HLS results combined with Flotation of fines is calculated to produce 6.0% Li2O concentrate at high 82% overall recovery, subject to confirmatory test work.



Dense Media Separation (DMS)



Initial small scale continuous DMS cyclone testing data of spodumene pegmatite core crushed to minus 6.3mm (and screened at 0.5 mm to remove fines) gave 6.3% Li2O concentrate grade at 41% stage recovery at 2.95sg, and 4.5% Li2O concentrate grade at 94% stage recovery at 2.70sg cut point. Interpolation of these results gave 48% stage recovery for a 6.0% Li2O concentrate (41% overall recovery).



Comminution



A composite sample was prepared from 141m of half HQ drill core from holes identified at FRCD001, FRCD002 and FRCD003 from Grants Prospect at the Finniss Lithium Project. The composite sample weighed 341kg and assayed 1.70% Li2O and 0.85% Fe2O3.



Comminution test work was conducted on the sample to enable comminution circuit sizing estimates to be undertaken at scoping study level. The ore characteristics are considered similar to most other lithium pegmatite ores; being fairly abrasive and hard.



Mineralogical investigations indicated that the crush size required to produce adequate liberation for a 6% Li2O concentrate at acceptable recoveries is approximately 6.3mm.



The comminution results and liberation characteristics indicate a simple Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Crushing circuit consisting of jaw and cone crushers should suffice to prepare the feed to minus 6mm prior to DMS.



Magnetic Separation



The Fe2O3 grade of the DMS concentrate was lowered to approximately 0.6% by dry High Intensity Magnetic Separation (Rapid Disc Magnetic Separator) at 7000G, classifying the concentrate as chemical grade specification.



The Fe2O3 grade of the flotation concentrate was lowered to 0.55% by WHGMS (Wet High Gradient Magnetic Separation) at 3000G, but at unacceptable Li loss. However, it is thought that LIMS (Low Intensity Magnetic Separation) may result in similar Fe2O3 reduction with lower Li2O rejection.



QEMSCAN



A comparison between the assayed lithium grade and the calculated lithium grade indicates that the spodumene is likely to account for most of the lithium in the composite for most size fractions.



Spodumene, Quartz, Albite, K-feldspar and Muscovite are the dominant minerals with the relative abundances of these minerals being fairly consistent across the size fractions.



To view tables and figures, please visit:

http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/7QFJVQ1U





About Core Lithium Ltd





Core Lithium Ltd (ASX:CXO) is an emerging lithium producer focused on development of its Finniss Project near Darwin in the Northern Territory. Core owns 100% of Finniss, a major developing project that lies close to existing infrastructure such as the Darwin Port, grid power, gas and rail infrastructure.

The Finniss Project covers a 500km2 tenement holding and 25 historic pegmatite mines. The project area is about 80km from Darwin Port. Exploration work has generated a near term development timeline, with feasibility studies to be completed over the course of 2018 ahead of receipt of approvals in early 2019 and planned first production during 2019.

An aggressive exploration program is under way, which has confirmed the high quality prospectivity across much of the Finniss Project area. Core's stated ambition is to upgrade Finniss' resource base to fast-track commercialisation options.
Canberra, Mar 30, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Alt Resources Ltd ( ASX:ARS ) is pleased to provide the following exploration update for the Paupong Project, southern NSW. Diamond drilling at the Windy Hill prospect was completed on the 28th March, 2017. The drilling program tested greenfields intrusion-related gold targets, newly defined by Alt Resources in May 2016[1].

Key Points

- The Company has completed 4 diamond drill holes for 1,629 metres at Paupong as part of the NSW Government New Frontiers Drilling Initiative

- New Frontiers Drill Funding Initiative covers 75% of Alt's direct drilling costs

- The 4 drillholes tested magnetic, IP, geochemical and geological targets at Windy Hill

- PDD015 drill core accepted for Hylogger analysis by the NSW Geological Survey to define alteration zoning

- Whole system geological analysis progressing

- Petrographic analysis and whole rock geochemistry underway

The Company is a recipient of the maximum funding amount from the NSW Government's New Frontiers Drilling Initiative for 2016-2017, based on target generation at the Windy Hill prospect[2]. Alt has completed 1,629m of drilling under the co-funded exploration program, in which 75% of per metre drilling costs were funded under the New Frontiers Initiative. Furthermore, the NSW Geological Survey has accepted drillhole PDD015 from Windy Hill into the Londonderry Core Library where it will be analysed using the Hylogger tool to define changes in mineralogy associated with alteration zonation.

The Paupong Project covers an area of approximately 80 km2 and includes multiple granitoid and porphyritic intrusives, massive quartz vein systems and significant anomalous polymetallic mineralization[3]. In-depth multi-disciplinary research at Windy Hill in 2016 identified a series of magnetic, IP, soil geochemical and geological anomalies interpreted to represent various components of a large-scale intrusion-related gold system[4]. A number of these targets have now been tested. Logging, sampling and interpretation of the resulting drill core is ongoing.

Scientific advances in the understanding of intrusion-related gold systems is ongoing in both academic and industry circles, however the processes leading to metal enrichment in particular intrusive bodies remains poorly understood and is the subject of continuing research. Alt Resources aims to contribute to this understanding through its multi-disciplinary research programs at the greenfields Paupong IRG project. Samples from the drilling program at Windy Hill will be subject to detailed isotopic, trace element and fluid inclusion analysis in collaboration with researchers from The Australian National University. Samples will also be analysed for an extensive suite of elements through whole rock geochemical assays, and will be subject to detailed scrutiny through expert petrographic analysis.

The Company will provide a detailed whole system analysis at the completion of the multi-disciplinary research now being undertaken.

NOTES:

[1] See ARS announcement: 'Major New Gold Targets, 24 May 2016'

[2] See ARS announcement: '200k Drill Finding Grant'

[3] E.g. see ARS announcements: 'High Grade Silver Gold Bismuth Lone Range'; 'High Grade Cu Intercept'



[4] See ARS announcement: 'Major New Gold Targets 24 May 2016'

About Aurenne Alt Resources Pty Ltd

Aurenne Alt Resources Pty Ltd is an Australian based mineral exploration company that aims to become a gold producer by exploiting historical and new gold prospects across quality assets and to build value for shareholders.
In the wake of the election of Donald Trump, who campaigned promising a wall at the United States border with Mexico, as well as increased crackdowns against illegal immigration, some residents in Flagstaff have taken steps to show solidarity with undocumented people.

Keep Flagstaff Together, a group that was created earlier this year based on groups called Keep Tucson Together and Keep Phoenix Together, has started handing out signs and letters to show support for undocumented immigrants.

Robert Neustadt, one of the leaders of Keep Flagstaff Together, said the group has already begun handing out signs that read All law enforcement officials do not enter without a lawful search warrant.

Both citizens and undocumented people are encouraged to post the signs to remind people of their rights, as well as to show solidarity, Neustadt said. The group also plans to hand out stickers that say Keep Flagstaff Together, and I support the Fourth Amendment.

We are not defending criminals, Neustadt said. If there is probable cause, law enforcement can and should get a search warrant.

Neustadt said he has heard of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials coming to a home in the middle of the night, and residents might say something self-incriminating without consulting with a lawyer. With the signs, people will not have to remember their rights if ICE were to come at night without a warrant, Neustadt said.

The group is not trying to insult local law enforcement, when the Flagstaff Police Department and Coconino county Sheriffs Office have already indicated they do not intend to be immigration enforcement, Neustadt said. However, the signs include all law enforcement agencies because Trump the Trump administration has indicated possibly expanding immigration enforcement to local law enforcement, he said.

Keep Flagstaff Together is working with attorney Margo Cowan, who has advised other groups supporting undocumented people throughout the state.

In addition to the signs, Keep Flagstaff Together has also handed out G-28 forms, which is a document that states that Cowan will be their attorney, as well as a letter stating Cowan has instructed the person not to speak with law enforcement until she has advised them. The group also plans to offer legal advice regarding immigration in the future.
According to the most recent Airbus Global Market Forecast presented by Rafael Alonso, President of Airbus Latin America and Caribbean, at the International Brazil Air Show, Latin America's passenger and freighter fleet will surpass 3,000 in the next 20 years, more than double the fleet in-service today.





Fueling this aircraft demand is Latin Americas passenger traffic growth, which is forecast to grow on par with the world average by 4.5% annually until 2035. This growth rate takes into account the 3.8% increase traffic between Latin America and other continents as well as the 4.9% increase in Latin Americas domestic and intra-regional traffic in the next 20 years. Latin Americas middle classes will also play a role in prompting growth, reaching half a billion people by 2035, more than double the number in 2006.



Rafael Alonso said: Theres no doubt that solid long-term growth is in store for Latin America, and we see single-aisle aircraft leading the demand. We believe the A320neo Family, already flying with Latin Americas top carriers, remains perfectly suited to deliver on future growth and efficiency demands in the region, given its superior performance and comfort.



Alonso added: In the next 20 years Latin America will also be impacted by the rise of low-cost carriers in key markets such as Colombia, Chile, and Peru. This business model will impact market dynamics in the years to come, especially in domestic and intra-regional travel. Looking ahead, we also see a good opportunity for the regions carriers to be more bullish on developing intra-regional routes, a space in which Latin America is less developed than other regions.



In Brazil, where the aviation industry contributes over US$32 billion to the countrys GDP, fleets serving the country will require over 1,400 aircraft by 2035 to meet market demand. This will be driven by an increase in Brazilians propensity to travel, predicted to double the amount of trips per capita, and the acceleration of traffic growth which is forecasted to increase by 4.8% annually in the next 20 years, above the regions and worlds rates.



With over 1,000 aircraft sold and a backlog of nearly 450, almost 650 Airbus aircraft are in operation throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, representing a 53% market share of in-service fleet. Since 1990, Airbus has secured more than 60% of net orders in the region and in the past 10 years, Airbus has tripled its in-service fleet in Latin America.
Wing inspection teams inspect QA programs

Two wing inspection teams from Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, and Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina, visited to assess the 23rd Maintenance Groups quality assurance program March 20 to 24.



While QA is responsible for guaranteeing the integrity of each aircraft maintainer by ensuring they are performing all maintenance correctly, the WITs are in charge of guaranteeing the integrity and accuracy of the QA inspectors.



If you have one section at the top of the chain and inspecting everyone, but no one is inspecting them to make sure theyre doing their job properly, then youre going to have holes in the system, said Master Sgt. Dwight Willke Jr., the 23rd Wing Inspector General superintendent. The WIT is there to hold them accountable.



During their visit, the WIT inspected nearly 30 different QA programs including product improvement, the function check flight program and the aircraft maintenance qualification program.



The focus of this inspection encompasses all of the programs managed by quality assurance, and how well day-to-day business is conducted in fulfillment of the commanders inspection program, said Master Sgt. Robert Sosa, a WIT quality assurance inspector. Quality assurance is far more than just verifying technical data compliance. This office is called upon to be the eyes and ears of the group commander.



In addition to the several QA programs being inspected, the WIT also had a consolidated focus on corrosion control. As part of an initiative by Air Combat Command, the WIT examined the wings corrosion control facilities in order to identify deficiencies so they can be tracked at the Commanders Inspection Management Board.



This inspection is way more than just an examination of continuity books and bumping them against (Air Force Instructions) and regulations, Sosa said. It will not only help identify potential areas of improvement and help mitigate long term solutions solidifying the changes, but also provide us with an abundance of data to take home and bounce against our own programs and procedures.



Inviting outside teams allows each wing to gain a new perspective and revamp their processes based on other bases systems. This gives them the opportunity to compare their programs and procedures and share the wealth, according to Willke, in order to ensure effectiveness within similar maintenance groups across the Air Force.



We are very grateful for the opportunity to come here and be able to provide fresh eyes to the day-to-day grind, assuring quality of the 23rd maintenance machine, Sosa said. Through these efforts, we can reach our goals safely, efficiently, and ensure this wing's ability to attack, rescue and prevail.
Marking Change: Capt. Kim Burford

She saw her. The scared little girl was only five or six years old. The girl needed her help, having possibly never sought dental care before. The tiny patient was in pain. Her mother tried to calm her, but she did not understand. The young dentist tried to sooth her fears, but did not prevail. Her tiny face is now engrained in the dentists mind forever, the little girl from Jamaica.



For Capt. (Dr.) Kim Burford, 60th Dental Squadron general dentist and acting 60th Medical Group executive officer, participating in humanitarian efforts reinforces why she wanted to join the dentistry field.



In high school, Burford took a career development course where she had to job shadow a professional individual, said Burford. She decided to shadow one of her friends orthodontists.



Its funny how you can remember the exact day that you realized what career field you wanted to go into, said Burford.



From that day, Burfords efforts were placed in accomplishing her career goals. However, professional success was a mere side effect of her compassion and service to others.



She has an interpersonal leadership style, said Capt. (Dr.) Kara Dern, 60th Dental Squadron general dentist. She was the person that every Airman in this clinic went to, if anything was going on or they needed help. I think it speaks to hear ability to get to know people and have that trust level.



I love my patients, especially the ones that are ongoing, said Burford. Its bad that they have a lot work to do, but its fun to interact and talk.



The passion to care for others pushed Burford to find further service in the Jamaican Outreach Program.



The people the team saw and seeing how grateful they were to receive the dental treatment they needed was awesome, said Burford.



We had some hygienists go, because some of these people had never had a cleaning in their entire life, said Burford.



Burford took heart in teaching individuals how to care for their own oral hygiene, especially young children. She believes that starting individuals young in understanding dental care is the best way to diminish future pain and suffering.



We did a lot of hygiene education, said Burford. There was a little, tiny school thats right next to the clinic. A group of us would go over there and give fluoride treatments and emphasize the importance of hygiene.



She really enjoyed teaching and mentoring people with hands-on experience during her humanitarian mission, said Dern.



During the three-day humanitarian trip, the team cared for 431 patients.



The Jamaican Outreach Program strengthened Burfords love of dentistry and service. She is now working to bring that experience to her peers. Burford is planning an upcoming humanitarian mission scheduled for May.



Burford is an example of perseverance and leadership to her fellow Airmen.



She has overcome a lot of personal and medical struggles and still not have it affect her ability to do her job, which is amazing to watch, said Dern. She still does everything she is capable of doing and manages the emotional side of everything else in her personal life.



Burford continually works to better herself for her patients, Airmen and the mission. She strives to be and do more for the benefit of those she impacts.


Physician serves to honor past, present

Capt. (Dr.) Thanh Thao Le, a 66th Medical Squadron physician, learned from her father the importance of honoring those who serve in the military.



Her father, Minh Le, was a 1st lieutenant in South Vietnams Political Warfare Branch in the 1970s during the Vietnam War.



When Saigon fell on April 30, 1975, my father was sent to communist prison along with other military officers, government workers and supporters of the South Vietnamese government that opposed North Vietnam, said Thanh Thao Le, whose parents were married the day before her father went to prison.



After his release six years later, her father and her mother, Thach Le, started a family in a small Vietnamese village. Her father raised pigs and her mother taught language arts in a local elementary school to support their growing family.



My parents always worked really hard to provide a better life for their children, said Thanh Thao Le, the oldest of four children.



She said it was through their example that she learned about service before self.



My parents always put their childrens needs first, she said.



While her father did not discuss his prison experiences with his children, she said, he did often say how grateful he was to the service members who traveled halfway around the world to fight in a country they knew little about.



He often spoke about the sacrifices of those who laid down their life during that war, she said. Hed always tell us that we needed to find a way to pay them back.



When Thanh Thao Le was 12 years old, in 1994, her family moved to the U.S. via a program for former South Vietnamese.

Government officials who went to prison for more than three years were able to move here with their family, Le said.



They lived in a crowded one-bedroom apartment for the first six months and then a three-bedroom apartment in the projects in Houston.



Despite the financial hardships we faced, my father always reminded us that we would not be here today if it were not for the sacrifices of those who served in Vietnam, both South Vietnamese and from the United States, she said.

After graduating from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in biology, Thanh Thao Le attended medical school at St. Matthew's University School of Medicine.

While in-residence, two classmates who were pursuing an Air Force commissioning program invited Le to do the same. She commissioned in 2011 at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, with her father by her side.

She had found her opportunity to give back to those who served in her homeland more than 40 years earlier, and those who continue to serve.

Some of my most memorable rotations as a medical student were treating veterans, she said. In the case of those who served in Vietnam, Im especially grateful for what they did so many years ago.

Her parents still live in Houston. Her two sisters are civilian physicians, and her younger brother is in his second year of medical school at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine.

Thanh Thao Le, who will pin on major in July 2017, treats members on active duty, as well as retirees and their families.

In family medicine we take care of a wide spectrum of patients, she said. I love the challenge and helping those who have served, and continue to serve, this nation bravely.

Le said when she meets with Vietnam-era patients, and the opportunity presents itself, she thanks them for their service and lets them know how much she appreciates their sacrifice.



If they didnt do what they did, my siblings and I wouldnt be practicing medicine and helping those in need of care, she said. They inspire me to give back to those who came before us, and those who continue to serve this nation.


SecAF nominee testifies before Congress

Heather Wilson testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee during her confirmation hearing for secretary of the Air Force in Washington, D.C., March 30, 2017.



The Air Force veteran and former New Mexico representative was introduced by Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds of South Dakota.



If confirmed, she will become the first Air Force Academy graduate in history to serve as the secretary of the Air Force, Thune said.



She has served on the National Security staff for President George W. Bush and is currently the president of the South Dakota School for Mines and Technology.



People who worked with her in South Dakota described her as a great manager and inspiring leader, Rounds said. South Dakotas loss will be our nations gain.



As secretary of the Air Force, Wilson said she will modernize fighters, tankers, bombers, intelligence platforms, the nuclear deterrent force, munitions, space capabilities and more.



If confirmed, I will work with the secretary of defense and the United States Congress to restore the readiness of the force, she said. I will also work with Congress to address constraints imposed by the Budget Control Act so that the Air Force can be cost-effectively modernized.



Wilson, the first female veteran to serve in Congress, addressed several topics, including the pilot shortage across the total force.



We are short fighter pilots, she said. The Air Force is not currently ready to fight against a near-peer competitor, and that should concern all of us.



Wilson said if confirmed as secretary of the Air Force, she will focus on innovation that supports readiness.



The pace of change is going to accelerate, Wilson said. Were either going to have to rapidly accelerate ourselves and be able to spin-on innovation to the service, or were going to be left behind.



The nominee for secretary of the Air Force concluded her confirmation hearing stating senior leaders need to think about the full range of potential conflicts.



From low-intensity warfare through a near-peer adversary and nuclear deterrents, she said. There are new techniques, and cyber is one of them, that can be used by both nation states and by terrorists or insurgents to achieve their political objectives  we need to be able to play both offense and defense in all of those realms.
Our government doesnt react when someone is raped or murdered; they react only when someone eats beef. We have such an absurd laws in our country. We need laws like Saudi Arabia as all rapists and murderers would either be castrated or hanged.

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
After the Supreme Court referred the hearing on various petitions on the Constitutional legitimacy of Triple Talaq and polygamy in the Muslim community to a five-judge constitution bench, many Muslims raised their concern over the issue. The Muslim bodies have claimed that, any order against Triple Talaq would be an infringement on their right to follow their or any religion. However, several women have filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking the quashing of the Triple Talaq practice.

The Supreme Court had made it clear that it is not debating the important issue of Uniform Civil Code (UCC). However, the petitioners had told the apex court that the matter is a serious and sensitive issue and the court should hear it.

After apex court referred it and next hearing will come up on May 11, we asked Muslim bodies, victims and learned person about the issue and their concerned over it.

Recently, a woman from Uttar Pradesh Shagufta Shah sent a letter to the PM Narendra Modi with a copy to state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other authorities, pleading for help and abolition of such anti-women Islamic traditions.

When AV contacted her over the phone, she said I am thankful to media for helping me. I hope my dilemma will now reach the Prime Minister and also to the Chief Minister and they will help us (Muslim women) on this (Triple Talaq) evil.

She further said, I was left to die on road, to end Triple Talaq, I voted for BJP.

When AV asked Zoya Bano Shaikh, a political science student about her concerned over it, she said, These problems would have been solved in 1985, after the Supreme Court of India pronounced its judgement in the Shah Bano case; though it had to do with alimony/maintenance of the divorced wife, this judgement would have set the trend towards upliftment of the suppressed Muslim women.

In 1986, the Parliament of India, passed an act titled The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, that nullified the Supreme Courts judgement in the Shah Bano judgement. It gave a fillip to the fanatical Maulvis, and we can see the aftermath, now, she added.

Imtiyaz Sayyed, whose sister went through the same agony, is in favour of abolishing the cruel Rules which have no mention in Quran and Holy Prophets hadiths. Sayyed, a founder and Chief Photographer of Shutter Juice Photography said, Divorcing wife shouldnt be as easy as cutting a cake. If Triple Talaq is abolished then divorcing her for Muslim man will not be easy. So, they will be forced to be in the marriage with her and go for settlement. If you are interested in writing on the misuse of such privileges then you will get a story from my family itself. My elder sister has gone through this pain, plead Imtiyaz. This is mean level of propaganda by the so-called victim. When you have legal remedy then why you need to approach CM or PM? If you are assaulted then go to police station and complain against the husband and in-laws. If you are deserted then file case under Domestic Violence Act. There are other remedies too like Section 498A of IPC and Dowry Act etc, said Javed Biswas, an executive at the construction firm. Shamina Shaikh a student said, There is no provision to nullify the utterance of talaq and `further no provision to hold the talaq as null and void. Muslim woman hardly go to court over such issues because religious custodians play vital role in such matters. Muslim community is more of male dominating, and here women hardly have any say or right to protect her stand. Islam has given the right to men for triple talaq but insisted to avoid until the last resort and if understanding (in anyway) between husband and wife is not established then men use this right. It is not man-made decision and it is according to the Islamic law, she added.

While common people were have their own opinion, senior lawyer Bilal Nazki refuses to comment on the issue because the case is sub-judice. He said, Sorry, I dont want to comment on merits of a matter as the petition is pending before the Honourable Supreme Court.

Yes, I heard about the Shagufta Shah and feel sorry as a Muslim man that she went through such trauma. However, I feel that she could have approached her family members and seeks help of Islamic scholars first. If they had refused to help her then she should fight for her rights legally. No matter she approached through letters to the people heading the state and country but she should have avoided to become a political tool in some politicians hand, said Mohammad Lal. There is nothing like triple talaq in Islam. If anyone says talaq, talaq, talaq and he thinks, he divorced his wife. This is completely wrong. When there is an issue between a wife and husband, then according to Islamic law, they should visit an Islamic scholar and explain him the whole issue. The scholar will give them 6 months time to mutually solve their issue, if that fails, then they can divorce each other, said Ali Zaidi. However, some who have knowledge of Islamic Shariah Laws explains it comfortably and terming Triple Talaq as financial corruption by the men. In Islam marriage is contract with several term and conditions, which has to be obeyed and fulfilled by both husband and wife. Due to some circumstances if anyone is not willing to carry their marital relationship, Islamic Sharia Law have given both of them the right to call off this contract. Without any Sharia reason, Talaq is not allowed in Islam, explains Naiyar Imam Siddiqui, Lecturer at National Institute of Technology. Islam has given equal right to both men and women. Talaq is for men and Khula is for women. Talaq is not as bad as provoked in todays media. Triple talaq in one sitting is prohibited and haraam in Islam. Talaq is considered bad, when men neglect the financial aid to women. Once a man gave talaq to his woman, their kids are the responsibility of the male member and they have right on his property. However, woman is free to marry again, exaggerated Siddiqui.

Here, man gave talaq and abandoned his wife and kids and she has to take care of her children with him without maintenance is the financial corruption done by man, which is bad. Islam gives talaq as an option to call off marriage as per Sharia but didnt allow triple talaq in one sitting. I repeat, didnt allow triple talaq in one sitting, said the lecturer.

However, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has defended the practice, saying it is better to divorce a woman than kill her. The rights bestowed by religion cant be questioned in a court of law, it said.
The bully pulpit sits empty and unused most of the time at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. But lately its been over-used.

When Teddy Roosevelt first used the term, he meant it in the most positive and complimentary way. He was referring to the power of the presidency of the United States to command public attention and positively inspire noble outcomes throughout the nation and the world.

Today, the bully pulpit of the American presidency commands more attention than ever before in a wide, wide wireless world. But it is not always the sort of attention audiences consider positive, and certainly not noble. It isnt really a pulpit at all; it can be anything from a lectern to a tweeting smartphone. But ever since it has been connected to President Donald Trump, it is very much recognized the world over for its bullying. And certainly not in a sense that Teddy Roosevelt would recognize or respect.

In his campaign for president, Trump used his bullying playground ways to demean the face of a female opponent, the stature of a male opponent, and the father and also the wife of another opponent. And most shamefully  in perhaps the most soulless act ever committed by anyone who became president  Trump mimicked at length the physical disability of a reporter who said he could not confirm one of Trumps lies (a fake claim that hed seen thousands of Muslims in New Jersey cheering the collapse of the World Trade Towers on 9/11). Just imagine being a parent watching that video with your child who is a victim of, say, cerebral palsy; Trump has never apologized for that most reprehensible moment.

Now this: The bully pulpit of the Trump presidency has been extended, week after week, to the lectern of the White House news media briefing room. There, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer holds forth and often seems to be coming untethered and sometimes unglued  as he turns his briefings into debates, frequently picking fights with journalists who ask questions he does not like. At times Spicer seems to mimic Trumps bullying ways. It has made Spicer famous  comic actress Melissa McCarthy best capturing his worst in Saturday Night Live portrayals that are over-the-top and yet sometimes seem to be underplaying his real intent. As when she transforms the lectern into a moving battering ram and attacks journalists with it.

On Tuesday, Spicer was somehow moved into a bullying mode (mercifully his lectern remained unmoved) when he was asked an acceptable question by journalist April Ryan, who has covered presidents for two decades for the American Urban Radio Networks. She asked about how Trumps White House hoped to accomplish its goals while coping with its other problems: Youve got other things going on. Youve got Russia. Youve got wiretapping.

Spicer interrupted repeatedly. No, we dont have that.  Youve got Russia. If the president puts Russian salad dressing on his salad tonight, somehow thats a Russia connection.  I appreciate your agenda here.

When she responded to his goading by shaking her head no, just once, he attacked again: Youre shaking your head. And he repeated that several times more, goading her, (Y)oure hell-bent on trying to make sure that whatever image you want to tell about this White House stays, then telling her to please stop shaking your head again.

(It may be totally irrelevant to Spicers bullying conduct, but it may also be worth noting that the journalist he chose to attack is an African-American woman who works for a news organization that is not one of Americas most famous and powerful ones.)

Trump is known to often monitor Spicers briefings from his Oval Office  and reportedly has criticized his press secretary for all things, from wearing an ill-fitting gray suit (he only wears tailored dark ones now) to not being tough enough on some reporters.

The best presidential press secretaries were adept at mastering the art of firmly articulating a presidents positions while also respecting questioning journalists and never starting to debate them. Lyndon Johnsons George Christian, Ronald Reagan and George Bushs Marlin Fitzwater, and Bill Clintons Mike McCurry were outstanding at that.

If Spicer is to survive in his job, hed be smart to remember that a press secretary helps his boss the most when he realizes there are just two ways to respond to a hard question from a reporter: 1) josh with the journalist to deflect tension; 2) be earnest. Perhaps Spicer can even get a few pointers from NBC/MSNBCs newest hire, commentator and former Barack Obama press secretary Josh Earnest.
At the same time Robert Kennedy, Jr. is out warning us about the dangers of injecting mercury into babies and pregnant women, and the movie Vaxxed is crisscrossing the county educating viewers about the governments cover-up of research findings of a link between the MMR vaccine and autism, the mainstream media is telling us just the opposite. Were supposed to believe that having a child on the autism spectrum is just something that happens. Doctors cant explain why; its just the way some people are. If we can all just accept AUTISM as a fact of life, we could move on from the blame game and stop talking about vaccines.

Ive written a lot lately about Julia, the new character on Sesame Street whos getting a lot of media attention because she has autism. Shes cute, friendly, and shows us the milder side of autism. Julia is part of a bigger issue here. Its the push now to NORMALIZE AUTISM.

NOTE: It's interesting how many media outlets have picked up the Sesame Street story just in time for April. Surely the launch of a cute Muppet with autism weeks before Autism Awareness month begins was carefully planned. Many of us struggle with the celebratory tone of the month. At AofA we look at the month as a chance to commemorate the very real struggles people with autism of all ages face, along with their families. I hope the program will educate parents at least a bit. Me? I'm 22 years, and still counting.... Kim By Anne Dachel Time to normalize autism. the message is everywhere.

No one is at all worried about the rate of autism. The numbers are meaningless. No one asks why autism isnt an issue for middle aged and elderly people. Weve given up on finding the cause, and were happy to leave autism as a mystery we have all the time in the world to figure out, happy that the link to vaccinations has been debunked.

April helps. We have a whole month once a year where we pretend to care about the disability with lots scenes of smiling autistic children interacting with speech therapists or climbing on playground equipment. Well hear about walks for autism awareness and all the famous places lit up in blue. You can't miss the idea of normalizing autism being talked about all over, all that's the whole idea behind the Julia character.

This first piece from Indiana is a perfect example of everything Ive said here.

March 22, 2017, (Terre Haute) Indiana Statesman: Sesame Street character better late than never

By Zack Davis

The show has decided to add a new character named Julia, a four year-old girl who is on the autism spectrum. She has her quirks, like repeating things she just heard and not responding immediately. She notices things that many of us wouldnt think about. They wanted to accurately portray a child with autism to help normalize the abnormality  something that should be done.

However, people have praised Sesame Street too much for this new addition. The issue isnt that the character is badly portrayed or written; in fact, the writers worked with child psychologists and autism awareness groups to make sure the character accurately represented autistic children. The problem is that the reactions prove how abnormally we, as a whole, treat the disorder.

Autism has become relatively common in human populations in the past few decades, affecting more than twice as many children in 2012 than in 2000, according to the Center for Disease Control. So it isnt recent news for anybody that autism exists.

Most of us have probably met someone with autism, so many of us should be used to it by now. However, we havent embraced it as such.

If we had embraced autism better, or even sooner, Julia wouldnt be such a huge deal. Unfortunately, we, as a population, have let it get to the point that we need a kids show to normalize it and remove the stigma. 

March 20, 2017, (Mechanicsburg, PA) PennLive: New Sesame Street character will have autism

By David Wenner

The character will mark another milestone for show that has worked to teach children about subjects ranging from the alphabet to race to physical disabilities to death. The show chose to include a character with autism because of the realization that most young children will be around one or more children with autism. The goal is to normalize autism so children recognize and understand it when they encounter an affected child.

March 21, 2017, Los Angeles Times: Sesame Street to introduce Julia, a muppet with autism

By Yvonne Villarreal

The creative team behind Sesame Street's newest addition worked with autism organisations to decide which characteristics Julia should have and how best to normalise autism for all children. Puppet designer Rollie Krewson told Stahl about the various details that went into creating the look of Julia, including a set of arms that can flap uncontrollably when Julia's overwhelmed.

March 20, 2017, MassLive: 'Sesame Street' introduces new muppet character 'Julia,' 4-year-old girl with autism

By Ellanje Ferguson

..The goal of both the initiative and Julia's character is to promote awareness and normalize Autism for children and adults.

March 20, 2017, TIME: Sesame Street's New Muppet Has Autism, and 3 Other Times the Show Taught Kids about Diversity

By Katie Reilly

The addition of Julia is, in part, an effort to normalize the different ways children with the disorder interact with their peers. And the puppeteer behind Julia has a personal connection to the role because her son has autism.

March 20, 2017, PIX11 New York: Sesame Street to introduce Julia, new Muppet with autism

By Katherine Lam

 The writers and organizations talked about which characteristics to give Julia that would best normalize autism for all children.

March 19, 2017, CBS News: Newest "Sesame Street" Muppet has autism: Meet Julia http://www.cbsnews.com/news/julia-sesame-street-new-muppet-autism/

By Leslie Stahl

Sesame Street has always based its characters and content on extensive research. They regularly bring in educators and child psychologists. In the case of Julia, they also worked with autism organizations to decide which characteristics she should have and how best to normalize autism for all children.

March 20, 2017, Mom.Me: Big News for Julia, the 'Sesame Street' Muppet With Autism!

By Angelica Lai

During a time when the rate of autism diagnoses has multiplied, it is increasingly important to normalize autism.

It seems were moving on from appeals for just awareness and acceptance for autism. Today its all about normalizing autism. Considering the worldwide promotion that International Autism Awareness Day gets every April 2, I can see it happening. Say good bye to what we've always considered a normal child. Theyre now a thing of the past.



Anne Dachel is Media Editor for Age of Autism.








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Date: 02 March, 2017.

Place: Surface of the Moon.

On 02 March, British online newspaper The Express released a shocking article about one of the most mysterious events of the 20th century: the arrival of the first man on the Moon, in 1969.

The article published by researcher Jon Austin and titled Is this the real reason why we never return to the Moon? Shocking claim over what stops us states that, according to a recent theory, the Moon is occupied by advanced aliens that have banned humans from returning.

The theory links in with others that claim there are alien bases on the dark side of the Moon, wrote Mr Austin.

About this issue, famous conspiracy theory website Ancient Code affirmed: according to many researchers and Ufologists, the American space agency is hiding a sinister secret from society, and we are not familiar with everything that has occurredand is still occurringon the surface of the moon.

Rumours, declassified documents, and whistle-blowers have come forward saying that agencies around the globe simply cannot afford to let society know whats really on the moon, stated the website.

Some unidentified sources suggest that astronauts could have met with extraterrestrial beings during their landing on the Moon in 1969. Ancient Code added: The idea that there are alien bases on the moon would explain why we stopped so abruptly going to the moon.

Also, with our current technology, why havent we created a permanent manned outpost on the lunar surface? Wouldnt it be easier to build a permanent structure on the surface of the moon, than to have a floating space station orbiting around Earth? expressed Ancient Code.

In the opinion of some researchers, the surface of the Earths natural satellite is actually being mined by alien civilisations. These civilisations could also be responsible for UFO sightings and alien encounters in our planet, the researchers affirm.

For example, a few decades ago, Dr Harold Urey, a prominent American scientist, studied some rocks collected by astronauts and discovered high concentrations of Titanium on them. The winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1934 said he was terribly puzzled by this fact.

What is going on the surface of the Moon?

Draw your own conclusions

For further information: http://www.express.co.uk/news/weird/773196/Moon-Cannot-go-aliens-NASA?utm_source=traffic.outbrain&utm_medium=traffic.outbrain&utm_term=traffic.outbrain&utm_content=traffic.outbrain&utm_campaign=traffic.outbrain

Is this the real reason why we never return to the Moon? Shocking claim over what stops us

SPACE agencies never fly to the Moon anymore... because it is too dangerous for us to go there, it has shockingly been claimed.

A growing conspiracy theory suggests the Moon is occupied by advanced aliens that have banned humans from returning.

The theory links in with others that claim there are alien bases on the dark side of the Moon.

In a feature devoted to the theory, conspiracy theory website Ancient Code said: "Have you ever asked yourself why mankind has not returned to the moon in recent years?

"According to many researchers and Ufologists, the American space agency is hiding a sinister secret from society, and we are not familiar with everything that has occurredand is still occurringon the surface of the moon.

"Many people claim there is enough evidence to suggest there are alien bases on the moon.

"Rumours, declassified documents, and whistleblowers have come forward saying that agencies around the globe simply cannot afford to let society know whats really on the moon."

The theory suggests that NASA astronauts during the moon landings met with aliens, who eventually warned them not to return.

The website added: "The idea that there are alien bases on the moon would explain why we stopped so abruptly going to the moon.

"Also, with our current technology, why havent we created a permanent manned outpost on the lunar surface?

"Wouldnt it be easier to build a permanent structure on the surface of the moon, than to have a floating space station orbiting around Earth?"

The far-fetched theory goes onto suggest aliens are mining the moon of its resources, and UFOs, that allegedly visit Earth, are stationed on the moon.

The late Dr Harold Urey investigated lunar science from the 1950s.

He claimed to be terribly puzzled" by the rocks astronauts found on the moon and their Titanium content.

The samples contained Titanium, which no one could account for the presence of.

Scott C Waring, editor of ufiosightingsdaily.com, is a believer.

He said even claims to have found evidence of structures on the Moon in US Navy Archives.

In a blog today, he said: "I found these structures today.

"The structure above was the most fascinating to me. Its a long straight structure along what looks like a crater but is actually not.

"It's actually all one structure. No crater there, just structure.

"Hard to understand I know."

Ancient Code added: "But, is there really an alien base there? Well, I guess you cant know that but, is it a coincidence that there are some lunar rocks that have been found to contain PROCESSED METALS such as Brass, Uranium 236 and Neptunium 237?

"These elements have NEVER been found to occur naturally.

"Uranium 236 is a radioactive nuclear waste which is found in spent nuclear and reprocessed Uranium.

"More interestingly, Neptunium 237 is a radioactive metallic element and a by-product of nuclear reactors and the production of Plutonium."

However, the theory will be weakened if news from Elon Musk's SpaceX project bears fruit.

The billionaire's private firm has been approached by two citizens who have paid a significant deposit to take part on a week-long space flight around the Moon.








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President Trump said late Monday that the House Intelligence Committee is looking into the wrong 2016 presidential candidate's Russia connections.

While he didn't call for her to be locked up, Trump accused Hillary Clinton  and former president Bill Clinton  of allowing "big Uranium to go to Russia." He made the comments in a series of tweets. Trump appeared to imply that money Bill Clinton received for a speech in Russia and "the Hillary Russian 'reset'" were somehow connected to the uranium deal.

It's not the first time Trump has leveled these charges at the Clintons. During a campaign speech in Waukesha, Wis., last September he said Hillary Clinton "gave up 20% of America's uranium supply to Russia." He repeated the same charge during a confrontational White House news conference on Feb. 16.

The "reset" refers to an attempt in 2009, widely viewed as failed, by then-secretary of State Clinton to usher in a new era of improved U.S.-Russia relations.

The charges stem from Peter Schweizer's book Clinton Cash and an April, 2015 New York Times article. The Times reported the Russians directed $2.35 million  which the Clintons failed to disclose  to the Clinton Foundation at a time when the Russian atomic energy agency was seeking approval for a deal to buy a company that controlled one-fifth of America's uranium production capacity. During this same period, a Russian investment bank tied to the Kremlin paid Bill Clinton $500,000 for a speech in Moscow.

There was no evidence the money influenced then-secretary of State Clinton or the approval of the uranium deal. Hillary Clinton was only one of nine voting members on the committee that reviewed the deal and only former President Obama had the power to veto its approval. The fact-checking website Politifact has dubbed the allegations of impropriety against Clinton in the this matter "mostly false."

Trump wasn't quite done firing off tweets after making the allegations against the Clintons. In his next message, he slammed the Freedom Caucus, repeating his opinion that the group was largely responsible for the failure of the effort in the House of Representatives to "repeal and replace" the Affordable Care Act.

The Freedom Caucus is a group of conservative Republican members of the House.

"The Republican House Freedom Caucus was able to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory," the president tweeted.

In Trump's final tweet of the night, he repeated his willingness to make a deal on health care with the Democrats "as soon as ObamaCare folds."

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For a mere 25 euros, I'll create a bespoke recipe for any day of the year you like. As well as the recipe, there's a few hundred words of text describing the beer and its historical context and an image of the original brewing record.

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Beijing has confirmed that President Xi Jinping will meet with his United States counterpart Donald Trump next week in Florida, marking their first meeting since Trump took office earlier this year.

Xi will pay a state visit to Finland from April 4-6, and meet with Trump in Florida on April 6-7, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang announced on Thursday at a daily news conference in Beijing.

Xi and Trump have spoken to each other twice on the phone and exchanged three letters.

Their first meeting was announced amid intense media attention on trade relations between the world's two largest economies. China and the US are each other's largest trading partner.

On China-US trade issues, Lu said Beijing is ready to "expand pragmatic cooperation in economic and trade areas, properly tackle economic and trade frictions through dialogue and communication, and ensure the healthy, stable development of China-US economic and trade ties".

Lu referred to the fact that the bilateral commodity trade volume reached $519.6 billion last year, 207 times the figure for the year when the two countries forged diplomatic ties.

The economic and trade ties between China and the US are of a mutual benefit and win-win nature, the ties are "greatly complimentary", and their interests are highly integrated, Lu said.

On Xi's state visit Finland, Lu said the visit will be the first paid by Xi this year to a European Union country, and it will also be Xi's first visit to northern Europe as China's top leader.

This demonstrates the great importance attached by China to building a future-oriented new-type cooperative partnership with Finland, and shows China's support to the European Union as well, Lu said.

Finland was among the first Western countries to establish diplomatic ties with China, and was the first Western country to sign intergovernmental trade deals with China, Lu noted.

In recent years, the China-Finland relationship has demonstrated a good momentum of development, and both countries have kept close high-level exchanges, and their political mutual trust has been increasingly strengthened, Lu said.
The Latin American aircraft fleet is set to more than double during the next 20 years, according to the latest Airbus Global Market Forecast.

The Toulouse-headquartered plane-maker sees demand for 2,570 new passenger and freighter aircraft in 2016-35, including 2,030 single-aisle and 540 widebody aircraft, worth an estimated US$350bn.

President of Airbus Latin America and Caribbean, Rafael Alonso, told at the International Brazil Air Show that the regions passenger and freighter planes will break the 3,000 mark within the next 20 years, more than double the fleet in service today.

Much of this demand will be fuelled by passenger growth, and Alonso sees single-aisle aircraft leading the demand. He said: We believe the A320neo family, already flying with Latin Americas top carriers, remains perfectly suited to deliver on future growth and efficiency demands in the region, given its superior performance.

He also predicted that Latin America will also see a rise in low-cost carriers in key markets such as Colombia, Chile, and Peru along with growth of intra-regional routes which are less developed in Latin America than other regions.

Brazil alone will require over 1,400 aircraft by 2035 to meet market demand, driven by an expected doubling in the amount of trips per head.

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ALE has completed the first phase of a project to move 11 generators from Mauritius to Madagascar in East Africa.

The UK-based heavy transportation and lifting expert flew the machines, totalling 57.2 tonnes, on an Antonov An-124 freighter from Mauritius Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport to Ivato International in Antananarivo.

ALE used bespoke systems to offload the engines from the aircraft. Despite challenges, such as two cyclones which caused delays, ALE is now poised to move the load 36km by road to a power station.

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Forwarders Militzer & Munch and Andreas Schmid Logistik have founded a joint venture, MMAS Eurasia Logistic, to offer regular services to Iran and the Maghreb region of North Africa.

The new company plans to offer several departures per week from its base at Gersthofen near Munich to Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Iran.

In Iran, Militzer & Munch offers nationwide distribution through its local sister company, the PTB Group, with access to 15 depots and extensive warehousing space.

The new company will offer door-to-door transport solutions to Iran and the Maghreb including customs clearance and warehousing.

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Former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is one of the most unique players on Iran's political stage  an unpredictable figure who is no stranger to political U-turns. On Feb. 11, he officially announced that he would not back any candidate in the May 19 presidential elections. Yet, Ahmadinejad, who was president from 2005 until 2013, has become one of the most active campaigners  even more so than some of the candidates actually running in the race  and he is vigorously supporting his former deputy Hamid Baghaei, who announced his candidacy just days after Ahmadinejad's announcement.

Indeed, the conservative former president's activities have not been what could be called stable.

On Feb. 26, Ahmadinejad wrote a 13-page letter to US President Donald Trump, offering advice in his unique style. A week or so later, on March 5, which is National Tree Planting Day in Iran, Ahmadinejad attended a private ceremony with Baghaei as well as his former chief of staff Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei. The event marked the first time that Ahmadinejad and Baghaei were caught on camera together since the latter announced his candidacy. Although there was no talk of the elections at the ceremony or any declaration of political support for Baghaei, Iranian media and social media networks broadly covered their appearance together. Many described the videos of Mashaei, Baghaei and Ahmadinejad speaking with each other as fake and ridiculed the trio.

Ahmadinejads presence on the Iranian political stage has grown in recent weeks. In a statement issued March 4, he attacked the administration of incumbent President Hassan Rouhani. The following day, he officially joined Twitter  even posting a tweet in English along with an video in which he calls on people  in English  to follow his account.

The pinnacle of the former president's recent political activities, however, was his declaration of support for Baghaei in a video released March 19. In the video, Ahmadinejad also referred to the "recommendation" of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who in September publicly "advised" Ahmadinejad against running in the upcoming presidential elections. Ahmadinejad said, "Baghaeis candidacy is in no way against the [supreme] leader's advice that I not run for the presidency. [This is] not to mention that Baghaei's decision to take part in the race was completely independent [of me]. Many have asked that I participate in the elections. We have to help so that the mistake that happened four years ago, when righteous people were prevented from taking part in the polls, is not repeated and that the country can return to its path of progress, from which it has been falling behind for [the past] four years."

In another video message March 20, Ahmadinejad is seen sitting next to Baghaei while congratulating Iranians and all those who celebrate Nowruz, the Iranian New Year. The four-minute clip ends with Baghaei also speaking for a few seconds and congratulating the people's Nowruz.

The former president has also resumed his provincial trips, traveling to the southwestern province of Khuzestan on March 2. The province has been grappling with dust storms and pollution in recent months, prompting a public outcry over the Rouhani administration's handling of the situation. While in Ahvaz, the provincial capital, Ahmadinejad continued his monthslong criticism of Rouhani's performance  not only in regard to the environmental crisis, but also for restricting payments of monthly cash handouts, even going as far as accusing Rouhani of being a dictator.

There was another part of his Khuzestan speech that stirred controversy and has been widely circulated on social media. In his speech, Ahmadinejad said that "97% of [the Iranian] people want something, but someone sitting up there says 'no.' This is a bad thing. Who are you to decide for all these people? Where did you get all this power from? Are these people not the ones who gave you this power? The Iranian nation had a revolution so they would not see such people."

While some interpreted Ahmadinejad's words to be a direct criticism of the supreme leader, others believe Ahmadinejad was really addressing Rouhani. A thorough review of his speech indeed points to Rouhani as the target of his words; the remark about "97% of the [Iranian] people" was in reference to the public's desire to receive monthly cash payments. The Rouhani administration has notably cut the number of cash subsidy recipients while also trying to forge a mentality among the public that the policy is damaging to the country's economy. Of note, the monthly payments were instituted by Ahmadinejad as part of major subsidy reforms.

Headlines aside, what impact will Ahmadinejad's activities have on the outcome of the presidential elections? Although the former president insists on being independent, and his many statements portray him as not being attached to any political movements, his background  as well as that of his former Cabinet members during his two terms in office  indicate that he entered Iran's political stage with a Principlist record. This is not to mention that he was only able to climb the ladder of power through the backing of the Principlists. For this reason, Ahmadinejad  or any person or movement that may enter the election race on his behalf  will have commonalities with the Principlists.

Sadegh Zibakalam, a prominent professor of political science at Tehran University, told Al-Monitor, "The probability of Mr. Baghaei being approved [by the Guardian Council] is very low, because he has the history of a judicial [corruption-related] case against him. But even if he is approved, I doubt Baghaei will be able to split the vote of the Principlists, because even supporters of Ahmadinejad are not willing to vote for him."

Although Baghaei lacks Ahmadinejad's charisma, he can be damaging to the Principlist camp if he gets the green light from the Guardian Council and actually runs for office.

Having seen Mashaei disqualified as a candidate in the 2013 elections, this time Ahmadinejad has threatened to not allow "righteous individuals" to be barred from running for office. While he did not publicly declare serious objections to Mashaei's disqualification in 2013, it is not clear what his reaction would be if Baghaei iswill, as anticipated by most political analysts, be disqualified too.

Although Ahmadinejad has been proven to be an unpredictable person who will do a lot to remain in power, one thing is clearly different in the current equation: Khamenei's public "advice" that he not take part in the elections. Whether Ahmadinejad will continue to see this "advice" as only being addressed to him and not his allies remains to be seen.
March 29, 2017

A key provision in the bipartisan Iran sanctions bill that the Senate introduced last week is causing widespread confusion and debate about its potential impact.

Advocates of the Iran nuclear deal argue that the bill from Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Corker, R-Tenn., would label the 100,000-strong Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a terrorist group and trigger a showdown between the United States and Iran. Others, however, say it wouldn't add any new sanctions on Iran.

In a testament to the complexities of US sanctions law, both sides could be right. In fact, what people think the law does  not its actual substance  may well decide both its fate in Congress and the reaction in Iran.

At issue is a provision in Corker's bill that calls for extending terrorism sanctions to the IRGC. Those sanctions are codified under an executive order signed by President George W. Bush in October 2001 that blocks the property of designated terrorists and prohibits transactions with them; Bush expanded the order to cover the IRGC's Quds Force in 2007, and Corker's bill would treat the entire IRGC the same way.

"We apply terrorism sanctions against them, we just don't designate them as a terrorist entity," said Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., a bill co-sponsor who helped craft the provision.

It's not clear, however, that the Donald Trump administration could in fact sanction the IRGC without labeling it a "specially designated global terrorist" as it does the Quds Force, said Katherine Bauer, a 10-year veteran of the Treasury Department now with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

Advocates of the nuclear deal agree. The National Iranian American Council warned in a Huffington Post op-ed that the deal would be in danger if the United States designates the IRGC as a terror group.

"Designating a foreign military branch as a terrorist organization is an extremely dangerous provocation that Pentagon leaders in multiple administrations have advised against," National Iranian American Council Policy Director Jamal Abdi wrote. "If this legislation is passed the US can expect a negative response from Tehran that will undermine moderates in Irans upcoming May elections and empower anti-US hardliners. The ranking member of Irans parliament, Alaeddin Boroujerdi, has already signaled that Iranian lawmakers will consider designating the US Army as a terrorist organization in retaliation."

Such a designation has been a priority of the pro-Israel American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) for years. An AIPAC memo released last month and shared with members' offices calls for designating the group under the Bush order.

"The IRGC, both directly and through its proxies, supports terrorist activities throughout the world," the Feb. 21 memo states. "This designation would clear up an anomaly in current US policy: Although there is no practical difference between the IRGC and its foreign activities branch known as Quds Force (IRGC-QF), the US government has only designated the latter."

AIPAC did not respond to a request for comment.

Ironically, experts point out that extending the terrorist designation to the IRGC would have little to no impact on US sanctions. The IRGC is already covered under ballistic missile and human rights sanctions authorities, making new terrorism sanctions largely duplicative.

"While there is no doubt that elements of the IRGC, such as the Quds Force, have engaged in support for terrorism, a designation would do little to strengthen sanctions against the IRGC, since it has already been designated under other authorities," Bauer said.

As a result, lawmakers such as House Homeland Security Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, have introduced legislation to instead designate the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organization. Such a designation notably carries with it criminal penalties, including long prison sentences not just for American citizens but for foreigners as well.

"We should expand sanctions on Iran's army of terror  the [Islamic] Revolutionary Guard Corps," House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said at AIPAC's annual conference March 27. "I think we need to consider designating them as a foreign terrorist organization, if you ask me."

A number of experts, however, have warned against using the foreign terrorist organization designation, which was designed to combat nonstate actors, to a government entity such as the IRGC.

"Im wary about sort of picking good guys and bad guys within the Iranian regime," Michael Singh, a former senior director for Middle East affairs in Bush's National Security Council now with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said at a Senate hearing March 28. "The real problem here is state policy, and I think we need to remain focused on that.
March 30, 2017

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers is demanding that President Donald Trump seek the approval of Congress before escalating US involvement in Yemen's civil war.

Four House members are collecting signatures on a letter to the president amid growing signs that the White House and the Pentagon want to more directly take on the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The United States has been selling bombs and weapons to the Saudi-led coalition since its March 2015 intervention, but the Trump administration is reportedly considering helping Saudi and Emirati forces capture the Red Sea port of Hodeida.

"Engaging our military against Yemens Houthis when no direct threat to the United States exists and without prior congressional authorization would violate the separation of powers clearly delineated in the constitution," reads a draft letter to Trump obtained by Al-Monitor. "For this reason, we write to request that the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) provide, without delay, any legal justification that it would cite if the administration intends to engage in direct hostilities against Yemens Houthis without seeking congressional authorization."

Attorney General Jeff Sessions is copied on the letter.

The letter is being circulated by Reps. Mark Pocan, D-Wis.; Justin Amash, R-Mich.; Ted Lieu, D-Calif.; and Walter Jones, R-N.C. Peace groups including the Friends Committee on National Legislation are lobbying for it.

The effort comes as the Trump administration has increasingly framed the Houthis as a threat to US interests.

When the administration announced new sanctions on Iran last month, then-National Security Adviser Michael Flynn declared that "Houthi forces that Iran has trained and armed have struck Emirati and Saudi vessels and threatened the United States and allied vessels transiting the Red Sea." And just this week, Central Command chief Joseph Votel told Congress that there are "vital interests at stake" for the United States in the Gulf alliance's fight against the Houthis.

Testifying before the House Armed Services Committee on March 29, Votel accused the Houthis of threatening freedom of navigation between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean through the deployment of mines, missiles and other defenses along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. "I am extraordinarily concerned about another contested maritime chokepoint in the region," Votel said.

Such statements have alarmed lawmakers who fear the administration is laying the groundwork for greater US involvement in another sectarian conflict between Saudi and Iran-backed proxies. Lieu told Al-Monitor that he expects the recent decision to send 400 more troops to Syria and the uptick in civilian deaths from US airstrikes will also create momentum for the letter.

"This is just a continuing pattern where the administration goes off, spends money and uses military force in different parts of the world without explaining to the American people what it is we are doing," Lieu told Al-Monitor. "The normal way it would operate is if the president wants to be involved in a military conflict halfway around the world, [administration officials] would engage with Congress and explain what they're doing. The administration has done very little to none of that."

While peace advocates are focused on the House for now, a number of senators have also weighed in on the issue.

In a Hartford Courant op-ed last month, Senate Foreign Relations member Chris Murphy, D-Conn., ripped into Flynn over his comments.

"Flynn brought the Houthis into the statement in order to warn the Iranians that if the Houthis continued to attack Saudi Arabia, we would consider it a threat to us commensurate to the firing of the ballistic missiles," Murphy wrote. "This is an absurd equivalence argument, and it could lead us into a war that no American is looking for."

Last year, Murphy banded together with Sens. Rand Paul, R-Ky., Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Al Franken, D-Minn., in an effort to withhold arms sales to Saudi Arabia amid accusations that the Gulf coalition was carelessly or deliberately bombing civilian targets in Yemen. Together they convinced more than a quarter of the Senate.

Even lawmakers who support the Gulf coalition are wary of unchecked US escalation.

Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Corker, R-Tenn., made it clear he doesn't believe the Authorization for the Use of Military Force that Congress passed in 2001 to counter al-Qaeda would apply to the Houthis.

"Certainly engaging in a war against a group outside of ISIS [the Islamic State] is a step beyond the current authorization," Corker told Al-Monitor.

Other powerful actors, however, argue that Trump has all the authorization he needs to take on the Houthis, either under the 2001 authorization or under his constitutional powers as commander in chief.

"I think it has significantly to do with al-Qaeda, and I believe we cannot allow Iran to dominate that country," Senate Armed Services Chairman John McCain, R-Ariz., told Al-Monitor. "I think it's a direct threat to the United States' national security and would help the rise of al-Qaeda and other extremist elements. I don't have a problem with that."
March 27, 2017

As a recently discovered pharaonic statue was being pulled out of groundwater in the Cairo slum of Matariya, children gathered around, chanting, There is nobody like Ramses II! Egyptians have always been proud of their ancient heritage, but such heritage is neither being handled correctly nor being put to good use to attract much-needed tourists.

In between the announcement of the discovery and the housing of the massive statue at the Egyptian museum is a process replete with flaws.

On March 10, authorities were quick to shout about one of the most important recent discoveries: a 9-meter, 7-ton quartzite statue believed to depict King Ramses II. Not only was its grand significance brushed off, but the rush to attract international attention led to false information: The statue turned out to be that of King Psamtek I.

Discoveries are being made in Egypt every day; I think that labeling it as 'one of the more important recent discoveries' may be a bit of hype, said Amy Wilson, archaeologist and adjunct professor of history at the State University of New York at Cobleskill. A monumental building complex was discovered by a German-Egyptian expedition in Qantir in February. Two other discoveries followed the week after the statue was unearthed: the first an unopened 4,000-year-old tomb in Aswan, and the second an alabaster statue of Tutankhamuns grandmother in Luxor.

Agreeing that the discovery was the most sensational among many, archaeologist and founder of Egypt's Heritage Task Force Monica Hanna spoke about how the 3,000-year-old statue was unearthed with a heavy construction crane.

There is no set of best practices or manual of handling objects, so different individuals depend on their own experience, no matter how little it is, Hanna said.

Former Minister of Antiquities Mamdouh al-Damaty told Al-Monitor that the ministry does not own the appropriate excavation equipment; thus, they had to borrow it from the military. The lifting was conducted incorrectly, he added.

The water should have been pumped or frozen. There should have been enough documentation and stratigraphy when the water dried out, and then the statue ought to have been extracted with pulleys while being tied with ropes. Generally, the process needed to be slow, Hanna explained.

The first part of the statue to see light was the head, which was left outside for days without precautions against tampering by passersby. Photos of residents leaning on it sparked public anger.

Anyone visiting an archaeological site should take great care not to touch reliefs or monuments because the oils in one's hands will eventually cause it to deteriorate, Wilson stated.

But Hanna approved of the children posing and snapping photos at the site where they used to play. This is their only access to cultural heritage. How many kids in Matariya have been to the museum? How many kids have been taken onto a site and had a proper explanation of the excavation? she said.

More public outreach is needed in local communities where archaeological finds occur. This way people will learn more about their amazing heritage and not feel so polarized by the foreign archaeological missions that do the fieldwork, said Wilson, who also suggested that at the end of every field season, archaeological missions could have a community presentation, telling the community about the work that was completed, what they accomplished, what they found and why the discoveries are important.

Former Ministry of Antiquities Minister Zahi Hawass, who had also asserted that the newly discovered statue belonged to the third pharaoh of the 19th dynasty, King Ramses II, since it was found at the entrance to his sun temple, had previously stripped the area of historical significance. Under Hawass' term, the land was ceded to the Ministry of Endowments, and Al-Khamis, a local market, was built on it  an act of mismanagement" to say the least, said Hanna.

The temple was destroyed in Greco-Roman times. Many of its stones were looted and its obelisks were moved to Alexandria or Europe, according to The Independent. Its size was almost double Luxor's Karnak temple, making it one of the largest in Egypt. Against popular will and even amid the potential to enrich local museums, Damaty believes that "attempting to retrieve these Egyptian artifacts from abroad is not in Egypts favor," as they are good representations of Egypt to the rest of the world.

Meanwhile, an Egyptian TV channel turned the heat up a notch: A poll asked Egyptians if they would agree to sell monuments in order to solve the current economic crises, over which Hanna commented, The question in itself is a crime.

Egypt's heritage needs a long-term strategy for the next 10 years, and a new minister would be the executive to this plan instead of reinventing the wheel with every Cabinet shuffle, Hanna said. Damaty also stressed the need to raise awareness via education in schools, families and media campaigns, all of which reach society most effectively.

Meanwhile, the mishandling of Egyptian heritage bleeds into the tourism sector.

People come to Egypt not just to see antiquities; they come to see heritage. This is a completely different thing, Hanna said. Although foreign tourists enjoy experiencing the complex of the people living within the heritage, Egyptian authorities want to clear archaeological sites of people so that they become open-air museums. Cutting out the people cuts out a very large part of the tourism asset. Visitors want to see how modern Egyptians are creating a new, historical layer, she added.

Egypt needs to change its tourism philosophy, Hanna said.

This philosophy should also change the distribution of the tourism economy, which was previously monopolized by big companies, shops and hotels. Tourism should be a means for community development in areas of very high poverty, said Hanna.

Among reforms needed is continuous linguistic and historical training for tour guides, even after they obtain licenses, Hanna stated. Their information should be proven accurate, she added, because sometimes what one guide says clashes with what another says. Also, the sound and light shows need updating, because the present information is from the 1990s.

I think most foreigners who have never been to Egypt before are [hesitant] to come because they do not think the country is safe, Wilson said. They must first be reassured that Egypt is a safe place to visit, which it is. After that, spur their interest with news of recent discoveries.
March 29, 2017

CAIRO  The Egyptian government is boosting its wheat reserves, in the first two weeks of March alone purchasing some 1 million tons, about 20% of the total it procured last year. There are several possible explanations for the move, but the unexpected purchase cannot be separated from the angry protests that erupted in several governorates March 6-7 after a Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade order cut the subsidized bread allocations to bakeries, supposedly to curb corruption and waste.

In Alexandria governorate during the unrest, police drove around distributing free bread in an attempt to calm the situation. They also promised to convey protesters' demands to officials. The effort appeared to persuade the demonstrators to stand down.

The Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade had immediately responded to the protests, with Minister Ali Moselhy apologizing at a March 7 press conference. Moselhy, newly installed in a Cabinet shuffle in February, explained that the distribution system would again be adjusted and that everyone would get their allotted amount. He said it takes about 10 million tons of wheat each year to cover demand through the bread subsidy system.

Egypt is one of the worlds top wheat consumers, with annual consumption as high as 16 million tons, Moselhy said. According to a March 16 Reuters report, Egypt's General Authority for Supply Commodities regularly imports 5 million to 6 million tons of wheat each year, while the private sector imports almost as much.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade told Reuters that the monthly consumption of state-bought wheat had increased in the past three months to 800,000 tons, after fluctuating between 700,000-750,000 tons in 2016 through November. Increasing wheat imports is part of a strategy to raise reserve levels, the ministry said, estimating that the strategic wheat reserve stands at more than 3 million tons, enough to meet demand for the next four months.

In a March 11 interview with CNN Arabic, Moselhy claimed that bakery owners had manufactured the crisis. I issued an order to cut 500 loaves of flatbread from the shares of some bakeries, he said. Then, some bakery owners spread rumors that the state had reduced the subsidy on bread and, as a result, citizens took to the streets.

Abdallah Ghorab, head of the General Division of Bakeries, disagreed with Moselhy's version of events. The recent protests were brought about by the hasty decision by the [Supply Ministry], he told Al-Monitor. When citizens head to bakeries to buy subsidized bread, crises arise when citizens dont find it. Therefore, the mistake should be admitted. The minister had the courage to apologize right away.

Ghorab further stated, Bakery owners cannot be accused of being behind the crisis. We cannot simply allege it was designed by them. If the situation hadn't been addressed immediately, it would have worsened. Therefore, any decision related to subsidized bread should be thoroughly studied, along with its potential consequences on citizens."

Amr el-Gohary, undersecretary of parliaments Economic Affairs Committee, confirmed that the large purchase of wheat earlier this month had been aimed at building reserves to head off more protests, especially with Ramadan approaching. Bread tops most people's list of necessary commodities, he noted. Therefore, the proactive import of such quantities is extremely positive.

According to Gohary, the recent protests are a very dangerous indicator. Fortunately, he said, the problem was tackled quickly. Now, parliament can summon Moselhy to discuss what steps are needed to address the situation and the supply system as a whole.

Ibraheem al-Ghitani, an independent economic analyst and researcher, observed that the recent protests reminded people of the 1977 bread riots, when the government lifted subsidies to obtain loans from international financial institutions and some 80 people died in the ensuing unrest. He also told Al-Monitor that the rising cost of wheat undoubtedly had an influence on the decision to buy so much wheat earlier this month.

The increase in the global price per ton of wheat in the next few months is one of the major reasons behind resorting to importing about 1 million tons in only two weeks, Ghitani asserted. The global price increased from $160 per ton in January to $166 in February. It is expected to continue increasing until mid-2017. This is according to the Chamber of Food Industries report issued in early March. The report he cited projects a price of $170 per ton by May.
March 20, 2017

CAIRO  Some high-powered makeover experts are helping Egypt prepare for its close-up next week with US President Donald Trump. Egypt hired two units of Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.  New York public relations firm Weber Shandwick and Washington-based lobbyists Cassidy & Associates, Inc.  to boost the regimes image and promote Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's White House visit April 3.

The deals, signed in January, have caused a stir in political circles: They were commissioned not by Egypt's tourism or trade officials, who have signed similar contracts in the past, but by its General Intelligence Service. The unusual arrangement with the spy agency is disclosed in Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) documents on the US Justice Department website.

According to the documents, the agreements with both firms total $1.8 million a year and went into effect Jan. 18  two days before Trump took office. The companies are to provide public affairs services" by "promoting clients' strategic partnership with the United States, highlighting client's economic development, showcasing key attributes of client's civil society, and publicizing client's leading role in managing regional risks."

On March 5, the Associated Press reported that the agreements are the first such engagements by the country's powerful security apparatus to be made public and a rare move by a foreign intelligence body.

Hisham Qassem, the founder of a number of newspapers and marketing companies in Egypt and a respected authority there on the American media, spoke with Al-Monitor about the move.

Concluding a contract with a foreign company specialized in public relations and marketing is nothing new for the Egyptian government," he said. "But this time, Egypts General Intelligence [Service] has signed the contract in its name for the first time. This is either because the directorate was unaware of the United States' FARA binding companies to disclose contracts with foreign agents, or it is a clear statement that the directorate is an influential part of the states administration.

Qassem doesn't think the public relations firms' efforts are likely to change American opinions of Egypt. Egypt would do better to actually fix problems such as human and civil rights violations, rather than trying to dress up the country's image, he told Al-Monitor.

The political circles and ruling parties are exaggerating how much the US companies can do to fix Egypts image in the United States. The two companies will offer media services like facilitating contact with Congress members, US correspondents and newspapers, but they will not change Egypts image completely. They cannot address the issues of human rights and democracy in Egypt, because those are deep-seated problems that the state has mishandled.

He continued, The Egyptian regime wants the United States to increase its financial aid and contributions to development projects based on improved ties between the White House under Trumps rule and the Egyptian regime. But this wont be easy, because it is not up to the White House alone. The United States is a state of institutions and balances of power. There are strict laws that cannot be violated. Therefore, Egypt must act with the United States based on the latters own rules so that the two US companies can succeed in their task. However, the current Egyptian regimes strategies do not seem to be very successful.

Osama Kamal, a journalist known for his support for Sisi, offered a different view. Commenting during a March 7 radio program, he said, The Egyptian state has done well by taking this step to address Egypts image in the United States, because the true image of Egypt has been inaccurately portrayed. The contract ensures that someone will handle showing the real image of the Egyptian state on all audiovisual media and through innovative ideas. These two companies  are renowned and prominent companies in the field of marketing and advertising. The contract also shows that the state is taking action.

Amr Hashem Rabih, deputy head of Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies, said the intelligence agency must have believed its action was warranted.

The State Information Service, which is the states official media and public relations institution affiliated with the presidency, is responsible for improving Egypts image abroad and dealing with the foreign media. But that directorate has failed to restore Egypts strong image abroad and clarify terrorism-related issues. Perhaps for that reason, Egypts General Intelligence [Service] had to interfere," he said in March 7 statements to Anadolu Agency.

However, Rabih criticized the high cost of the contracts with the US companies, which he believes are overcharging for their services.

Like Kamal, he also said the plan is unlikely to pay off.

Egypt already is the beneficiary of a contract  paid for by the United Arab Emirates  with US lobbying firm Glover Park Group. The $3 million annual contract dates back to 2013, when the UAE sought to support the Egyptian regime following the overthrow of the Muslim Brotherhood.
March 29, 2017

RAMALLAH, West Bank  The Palestinian police said that it seized different types of drugs worth 60 million Israeli shekels ($16.5 million) in the various provinces between the beginning of January and mid-March.

Speaking to Al-Monitor, Palestinian police spokesman Lt. Col. Luay Irzikat said that drug cultivation and trafficking has increased in the West Bank in the first quarter of 2017 compared to previous years.

He said, The confiscated drugs in 2016 are worth 5 million shekels [roughly $1.40 million], which is a small amount compared to the first quarter of 2017. This indicates that investments increased in this field.

On Feb. 27, the Palestinian police conducted the largest anti-drugs crackdown in its history, in Dura, south of Hebron in the southern West Bank. Police discovered a drugs farm and nursery, and a four-story factory that is fully equipped to produce illegal drugs. According to Irzikat, seeds were grown using advanced techniques such as the appropriate lighting, fertilizers and chemicals for the production of drugs.

He noted, The factory in Dura belongs to a Palestinian drug trafficker hailing from the city of Beersheba, inside the Green Line, who funds and provides the factory with equipment. Those arrested during the crackdown are from the West Bank. The general prosecution is currently investigating them, but the drug lord is still a fugitive inside the Green Line.

The police statement raised concerns over the presence of organized gangs operating in this field. Irzikat said, Organized gangs inside the Green Line tend to organize the cultivation of narcotics in the West Bank by seducing citizens with money. Individuals from inside [the Green Line]  especially from Beersheba  are connected to most of the confiscated narcotics.

Drug traffickers and gangs from inside the Green Line are investing in the narcotics business in the West Bank, which may explain the increase in confiscated products. Irzikat said in this regard, In light of the tight control over illegal drug cultivation in Israel and tightened security measures on the border with the Sinai Peninsula and Lebanon  which has reduced the smuggling [of drugs]  traffickers seem to believe that the West Bank, especially Area C, is a safe haven.

Area C, which consists of nearly 60% of the West Bank territory, is under full Israeli control. Traffickers are attracted to this area, especially to the Hebron governorate, north of Beersheba city, which is located on the Green Line. This makes it easy for traffickers to move, smuggle drugs, hide forensic evidence and escape inside the Green Line, making it hard for them to be prosecuted, according Irzikat.

In answer to the question of the Palestinian Authority's (PA) ability to arrest individuals inside the Green Line, Irzikat replied, We try to arrest them before they cross the Green Line. Yet once they escape, a security dossier proving their involvement in drug trafficking will be prepared. The dossier is then handed over to the military liaison to contact the Israeli side, which in turn takes the necessary measures to either arrest them and hand them over to the Palestinian police or keep them in Israeli jails.

He added, Israel hands over suspects who have escaped to Israel from the West Bank to the Palestinian police.

There are also concerns that drug traffickers in the West Bank and inside the Green Line introduce new and more dangerous types of drugs to the Palestinian market. Irzikat said, Hash and hybrid cannabis are the most common types of drugs seized. The most dangerous crackdown was carried out in Anata town on the outskirts of Jerusalem on Jan. 14, where nearly 3,000 heroin pills [roughly 3 pounds] were confiscated. The largest amount of heroin seized in the past did not exceed 500 grams [1 pound].

Commenting on the profits, he said, There are huge profits to be made, which explains the use of villas and luxury buildings to manufacture drugs. These profits go to the drug lords who fund the nurseries.

The PA seeks to fight drug trafficking, not only by prosecuting drug users and dealers but also by tightening legal sanctions. Based on this, PA President Mahmoud Abbas approved the Anti-Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law on Nov. 4, 2015.

Article 21 of the law states, Whoever produces, manufactures, imports, exports, transports or stores any psychotropic substances or narcotics, or whoever grows any plant to produce any psychotropic substances or narcotics, or imports, exports or deals with such plants, shall be sanctioned hard labor in prison for a period not less than 10 years and a fine of not less than 10,000 Jordanian dinars [$14,000] and not more than 20,000 Jordanian dinars.

Commenting on the large quantity seized despite the enactment of the deterrent law, Irzikat said, The law will serve as a deterrent to drug traffickers once enforced in all Palestinian courts. Unfortunately the law is being enforced only in some of the courts, while all courts need to speed up its implementation. Once all courts abide by it, deterrent judicial rulings will start to be issued. This means that the judicial authority is required to conduct training classes for judges on the newly enacted laws.

The enactment of anti-narcotics law in Palestine seems to be insufficient in countering this scourge, in the absence of any national strategy by all institutions concerned with combating drugs and the lack of PA control over Area C, which traffickers are taking advantage of.
March 29, 2017

Anyone who follows international politics knows that the rivalry between Iran and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is bitter and has exacerbated the various conflicts raging across the Middle East. Relations between the two Persian Gulf power centers took a turn for the worse after the Arab Spring, as power vacuums emerged throughout the region, and further deteriorated when the nuclear negotiations between Iran and the six world powers successfully concluded in 2015. In recent months, however, there have been signs of progress toward reconciliation between Iran and the GCC.

Iran had made repeated attempts to reach out since President Hassan Rouhanis inauguration in August 2013, but they largely met with unreceptive ears. That changed in January, with the Kuwaiti foreign minister, Sabah Khalid Al Sabah, making a landmark visit to Tehran, where he reportedly delivered a message to Rouhani concerning the basis of dialogue between Iran and the GCC states. Rouhani reciprocated by visiting Kuwait and Oman in February and sending a letter to Kuwaiti Emir Sabah al-Ahmad Al Sabah on March 13.

It is now being reported that GCC foreign ministers will gather on March 30 to discuss the possibility of a strategic dialogue with Iran. For the first time in years, an Iran-GCC detente seems imaginable, and with it, the prospect of easing crises from Syria to Yemen.

In discussions on the state of the region, the consistent theme frequently heard centers on Irans behavior. Alleged Iranian actions in the region are often presented as the reason why the GCC cannot trust Tehran and diplomatically engage it.

The reality, however, is that the trust deficit between Iran and some of the GCC member states predates Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution, going back to the days when the shah's government and Saudi Arabia quarreled over oil production and prices. After the revolution, and the Iraqi invasion of Iran in 1980, some GCC member states moved to support the aggressor. Back then, there was no Iranian presence in Syria, Iraq or Yemen, no Hezbollah or nuclear issue. As such, to refer to supposed malignant Iranian actions in the region as a reason to abandon diplomacy today is a poor excuse and does nothing to foster trust.

At the moment, the GCC has three options for dealing with Iran. A review of them reveals that only one is truly tenable and can ensure the long-term security of the GCC states, Iran and the region.

The first option is for the GCC states to maintain their traditional approach toward Iran, which has been one of confronting and attempting to isolate it. During the last several years, Saudi Arabia and its allies have severed or reduced diplomatic relations with Iran, employed hostile language about Tehran, its allies and its regional presence, and convinced the Arab League to designate Hezbollah a terrorist organization and make supporting it a crime in the GCC states. Saudi Arabia has embarked on a ruinous war in Yemen to push back against perceived Iranian influence there. Before the nuclear deal, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates prodded the United States toward abandoning diplomacy and advocated military strikes against Irans nuclear facilities.

The second option is to believe that GCC actions taken against Iran over the past 38 years have not been sufficient and that they therefore need to ratchet up further. There is now talk of a potential GCC alliance with Israel, which is seen as an effort to increase pressure on Iran in the region.

Needless to say, these two options harbor immense costs and risks and no reasonable benefits. The GCCs approach has thus far led to a regional balance of power that it perceives as disproportionately in Irans favor. As such, it has evidently been a failed and counterproductive approach. The potential for it leading to a destructive war is also likely. To ally with Israel would in addition be the epitome of a foolhardy endeavor. For the GCC states to abandon the Palestinians at this time, when the Israeli government makes no secret of its expansionist agenda and its stringent opposition to a two-state solution, would be seen as the ultimate betrayal of the Arab and Muslim street. The consequences for the GCC states in this case would be far greater than that of their current actions.

The final and only real feasible option is for the GCC states to be creative and carefully leverage their mutual interests with Iran. Each side has a laundry list of grievances and complaints. Rather than relying on external powers, borrowing their security or choosing to directly confront Tehran, the GCC states can diplomatically engage Iran and pursue avenues for confidence building and cooperation.

For a new era to dawn in Iranian-GCC relations, the two sides have to be able to express their concerns to each other in a constructive way and translate dialogue into tangible diplomatic gains. They can look to Europe for examples on how to resolve historic rivalries and how the Peace of Westphalia or systems such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the European Union came to be.

A basis for immediate talks on regional cooperation can be UN Security Council Resolution 598 (on ending the Iran-Iraq War), paragraph 8 of which envisions collective regional security efforts to boost stability. These talks can be held within the framework of the Persian Gulf states (Iran, Iraq and the GCC) or the Persian Gulf states plus the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (P5 + 8), since they would be predicated on Resolution 598.

Direct and sustained engagement between the GCC and Iran will allow both sides to move toward a relationship that solidifies their commitment to non-interference in each others internal affairs and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Over time, they can then move toward an order that bolsters security, economic, cultural, military and political cooperation, and eliminates the risk of nuclear proliferation and the spread of weapons of mass destruction in the Persian Gulf region.
March 29, 2017

Iran's relatively large number of holidays have long been a point of contention in the country, although many Iranians dont hesitate to seize every chance to pack their bags and leave urban sprawls for nature. But now, clerics and a number of politicians are increasingly speaking out against what they deem excessive breaks, saying that the holidays harm the country. Added to the mix is the asymmetry of the Iranian week compared with the rest of the world. While Western states and most Eastern countries count Saturday and Sunday as the weekend, in Iran, only Friday is a day off, with many offices semi-operational on Thursday. As such, the Iranian economy is disconnected from the world for at least three days of the week.

Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi, a powerful cleric based in the holy city of Qom, is among the prominent figures who have repeatedly urged the government and parliament to decrease the number of holidays.

The developed countries dont have [an excessive number of] holidays, and this is one of the problems of the country, said Makarem Shirazi on March 29, in reference to the ongoing 13-day holiday marking the Iranian New Year, or Nowruz, which began March 21.

Noting the extensive Nowruz holiday, the senior cleric added, The New Year is named as Resistance Economy: Production and Employment, but is it possible to create jobs and to produce by only three or four months of work [a year]?

Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gives each year a name to set the establishments broader priorities and goals. In keeping with this tradition, the supreme leader named the current Iranian year Resistance Economy: Production and Employment.

Demanding that scholars conduct thorough research on the impact of Iranian holidays on the country, Makarem Shirazi said, If your life span is 70 years, your useful lifetime should be 20 years. [Thus] should you not think about how you have used your lifetime?

During his term as president (2005-2013), Mahmoud Ahmadinejad advocated an increase in the number of holidays and emphasized the necessity of absorbing Thursday into the weekend. This wish didnt come true, as experts argued that it would further distance the Iranian economy from the world.

However, in keeping with Ahmadinejad's populist strategy, his government frequently proclaimed the days that fell between two consecutive holidays as days off, which often prompted a backlash among scholars and experts.

Iran, which celebrates ancient Persian, Islamic and national holidays, officially has over two dozen holidays. However, according to a report published on conservative news site Tabnak, which is close to former presidential candidate Mohsen Rezai, if weekends are taken into account, Iranians have some 150 days off per year.

At present, the moderate administration of President Hassan Rouhani is rumored to be considering Saturday as a new day off, along with Friday. However, this idea has met with opposition from figures such as Ali Motahari, the outspoken deputy speaker of parliament.

In other news, Hossein Sheikhol-Islam, an adviser to Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, has spoken about the potential Russian use of an Iranian base to conduct airstrikes in Syria.

Russias use of the [Shahid] Nojeh base [last year] was a logical major decision, as the Syrian air force is not [sufficiently] equipped, and we needed a strong and more effective air force in order to decrease the casualties in the field, Sheikhol-Islam said on March 28, adding that Moscow's use of the air base was conditional upon there being consensus on the targets.

Editor's note: This article has been updated since its initial publication.
March 29, 2017

According to prevailing Israeli assessments, there is no expectation that the Assad regime will fall in the foreseeable future. In addition, Israeli experts believe that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has completed the task of securing the survival of the Syrian heartland, that is, having a government-controlled corridor based in the capital of Damascus that climbs north to Alawistan (the Alawi enclave in Latakia) to the port city of Latakia, with the cities of Aleppo and Homs also in his hands. Now he is attempting to spread his reach to Deir ez-Zor.

Over the last year, there has been a clear evolution in the map of shattered Syria. The Syrian heartland under Assad's control has been growing and expanding at a steady pace, while those areas under rebel control have been shrinking consistently. Even those territories under Islamic State control have been gnawed away quickly. Israeli experts estimate that the war in Syria will continue into the foreseeable future, but that the balance of power at this point clearly favors Assad.

In Israel, those territories under Assad's control are now known as Assadistan. This is a new, narrower, shrunken Syria. It may be much smaller than the historic Syria, but nonetheless, it is here to stay. There is, however, one caveat: "Without [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, there is no Assad," as one senior Israeli expert told Al-Monitor, on condition of anonymity. "The one prerequisite for Assad's survival in power is Putin's goodwill."

A senior Israeli source told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, "The way that Putin pushed the United States out of the Middle East and became the dominant power in the region will be studied one day in schools of strategy." Putin's adventurism in dealing with the Obama administration has already been covered here. The fact that, in the end, President Barack Obama never attacked the chemical weapons systems in Syria contributed significantly to Russia's transformation into the dominant power in the region and to Assad's survival. Putin had recognized the time corridor connecting the Obama and Trump administrations as a weak link where he could drive a wedge and establish facts on the ground before the new administration could develop a new position and approach.

"Pay close attention to what is happening here," one Israeli expert told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. "President Donald Trump was inaugurated on Jan. 20, on a Friday. No one works in Washington on Saturday or Sunday. On Monday, Jan. 23, Trump woke up in the morning with the International Conference on Resolving the Conflict in Syria well underway in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan."

That conference was initiated by Putin. The guests of honor, apart from Russia, were the Iranians and the Turks. Putin has long been building closer ties with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, while just this week, he offered President Hassan Rouhani of Iran a warm welcome to Moscow.

From his very first day on the job, Trump has discovered that he is in no way relevant to anything involving Syria. "As of now," a senior Israeli source told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, "the Americans are doing Putin and Assad's work in the north, facing off against the Islamic State, and they are also helping the Kurds. This lifts an enormous headache from Assad, allowing him to focus on what is happening in those specific regions that really are important to him. That is where his fate will be determined, and the person to determine that fate is Putin, with the help of the Iranians and Hezbollah."

Israel is maneuvering with extreme caution in this tangled situation. It is attempting to show determination, but also serious concerns. An earlier article here covered the Russian response (summoning the Israeli ambassador in Moscow to the Kremlin for a clarification talk) to an attack by Israel recently in Syrian territory, during which Israel was forced to deploy its Arrow 2 missile defense system to shoot down a barrage of anti-aircraft missiles that the Syrians fired at Israeli aircraft.

Israel claims that the Israeli air force's freedom of action over Syrian airspace has been maintained and is not at risk. The assessment is that the Russians felt pressured and acted for two reasons. First, the location of the target attacked by Israel in the Tadmor region was close to the position of a Russian force. While that Russian force was in no imminent danger, it could see and hear the Israeli attack, which became a source of some sensitivity. The second reason is that unlike previous instances, this time Israel assumed responsibility for the assault by virtue of its deploying a battery of Arrow missiles. That Israel has come out of the closet (about attacking targets in Syria) has put the pressure on Putin. Everyone in the region had their eyes on Putin: the Iranians, Hezbollah, Assad, the rebel groups, the Turks, and just about everyone else. Everyone asked themselves how the local sheriff would respond. Some of these players also pressured the Russians to put an end to Israel's unrestrained activity in the air.

The Russian reaction is seen around the world as a minimal response, to "fulfill its obligation." At the same time, Israel does not know what Putin is thinking and how he will respond the next time. What will happen if he suddenly changes his spots and informs Israel unequivocally that his air force will shoot down any Israeli jet that penetrates Syrian airspace? No one in Israel, from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on down, knows the answer to that question.

On the one hand, Israel is determined to maintain its red lines on Hezbollah with the utmost meticulousness. It will do whatever it takes to prevent the transfer of any weapons to Hezbollah that could upset the balance of power (including advanced anti-aircraft missiles, Yakhont P-800 Onyx missiles, heavy surface-to-surface precision missiles and chemical weapons). On the other hand, it is quite obvious that Israel has no interest in getting into a clash with the Russians, even if it remains local.

Whenever the issue is raised before some Israeli general or other, the response usually ends with the following humorous riddle. "Where does an 800 kilo gorilla sit?" The answer is, "Wherever it wants" (with the source of the metaphor being the Russian superpower acting any way it likes). This is precisely the reason why Israel needs the US administration more than ever now. Jerusalem hopes that Trump will not allow Putin to continue roaming through Syria with stoic tranquility as the final referee and judge. The involvement of elite US forces, who have landed in northern Syria and are now helping the rebels and the Kurds, is very encouraging to Netanyahu.

In February, at their Washington meeting, Netanyahu hoped that Trump would not touch the Palestinian issue, preferring instead to charge ahead (for Israel's benefit) on the Syrian-Iranian issue. So far, the situation has been the exact opposite. Trump's surprising activity on the Palestinian front is disconcerting, while he remains rather lethargic on other issues. Netanyahu will try to do whatever he can to spur Trump into action in Syria, while pushing for a more lethargic attitude toward Ramallah. As of now, the chances of this succeeding are so low that Netanyahu prefers to push for early elections.
March 30, 2017

Israels Supreme Court should register an international patent in its name. It is the only institution in the world that serves simultaneously as a national punching bag and flak jacket.

For several years now, Israeli right-wing politicians have been attacking the court, trying to delegitimize it. More so, several weeks ago, center-left politicians dumped the controversial Regularization Law, which legalizes Israeli settlements built on private Palestinian land, at the door of the nations much-maligned top court, leaving it to the justices to deal with this hot potato. They hope the court will succeed where the Knesset failed and block it, declaring it unconstitutional. Now the countrys top court is being asked to douse a smoldering fire that right-wing politicos trying to hasten the Messiahs appearance are threatening to reignite.

On March 28, Likud Knesset member Yehuda Glick petitioned the court to compel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to rescind a police order banning elected officials from the Temple Mount compound, or Haram al-Sharif, to Muslims. The site is home to the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque and is believed to have been the location of the first and second Jewish temples in ancient times.

Glick pulled the petition out of his sleeve the day after Netanyahu decided to keep in place for the time being his October 2015 order preventing government ministers and Knesset members from entering the tinderbox. Having consulted with the heads of the countrys security forces, Netanyahu also said he would revisit the issue at the end of June, and, security considerations permitting, allow visits by politicians in accordance with police instructions. The delay is designed to get through the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, the Passover holiday and Jerusalem Day, all occasions of which Jewish and Muslim zealots are particularly fond.

It is hard to envision a change in the coming three months that alters the assessment currently in place determining that visits to the sacred site endanger security in Jerusalem and relations with Jordan, the custodian of the citys Muslim holy sites. Right-wing Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel is a frequent visitor to the Temple Mount, and as far as anyone knows, he has not given up on his plan to take over the site. Four years ago he wrote, With Gods help, within a decade we will be summing up the next decade from the heights of our Temple. Unfortunately, one can assume that the elements and tensions that led to violent clashes between Arabs and Jews on the Temple Mount in September 2015 will still exist in June 2017.

There is also no hint whatsoever that in three months, or three years for that matter, Jordanian King Abdullah II will let Netanyahu wiggle out of his commitment made to the United States 18 months ago to enforce the status quo on the volatile plateau. At the start of a Cabinet meeting in October 2015, Netanyahu told reporters present, In my conversations with Secretary of State John Kerry, I made clear that there is no change in the status quo, nor will there be a change.  The Temple Mount will continue to be run the way it is now. The visiting arrangements for Jews to the Temple Mount are being maintained [allowing them to visit but not to pray there]. There will be no change in them and in the prayer arrangements for Muslims.

The Israeli right was forced to swallow what it considered a surrender to the Arabs. Although Kerry is now out of their way, that President Donald Trump has not made good on his campaign promise to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem could indicate that he is none too keen to play with fire on the Temple Mount either. It is also far from certain that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is interested in filling Kerrys shoes, running back and forth between Jerusalem and Amman every time some Jewish Israeli zealot is overcome by the desire to worship his god in the shadow of Al-Aqsa Mosque of all places.

Delaying the decision on politicians visits will help police control the plethora of parades, rallies and protests planned in Jerusalem for May 24 to mark the 50th anniversary of the citys reunification, or depending on one's point of view, Israels occupation of it. What will change in three months? The mountain is not expected to move, and it is hard to believe that Glick will move from his position either.

On the one hand, the prime minister does not want to shake up Israel's delicate relationship with Jordan. In fall 2015, Netanyahu himself had confirmed to the Knessets Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that there was a period of tension and disconnect with Jordan concerning the abovementioned clashes. He complained at the time that due to the confrontations, Opportunities for cooperation with Arab states were halted. That was because, he said, the Arab street reacts first and foremost to the religious issue of Al-Aqsa Mosque, and only after that to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

On the other hand, the police are unlikely to hand Netanyahu more rope to extend the ban on visits by Glick and his friends to the place that Netanyahu described in November 2014 as the most sensitive kilometer on earth. At the time, the prime minister asked his colleagues to show restraint and moderation, asserting, This is always the case, but it is especially so now when the entire Middle East is awash in Islamic extremism. Just as important countries around us, important Arab countries, see eye to eye with Israel on the danger that extremist Islam poses to all of us. These remarks will undoubtedly be just as relevant in three months.

At the start of a statement Netanyahu made Nov. 2, 2014, he wished a speedy recovery to Glick, who was fighting for his life after being badly wounded by a Palestinian gunman. Ironically, Glick is now the one threatening to return Netanyahu to the unhealthy Temple Mount morass, and there is no one around to save him. Shortly after Netanyahus decision to extend the Temple Mount ban became public, Glick wrote on Facebook, Israel Police and the minister of public security have long since removed their objections to Knesset members visiting the Temple Mount.

If Glick is right  and given his reputation as an honest politician, there is no reason to doubt his word  the Supreme Court may not be able to extricate Netanyahu from his dilemma. Former Chief Justice Aharon Barak, presiding over a 1993 panel debating the ban on Jewish prayer on the Temple Mount, ruled that the police must enforce Jews freedom of worship on the Temple Mount unless they determine themselves unable to protect the public interest in such an instance.

The Temple Mount is no longer a legal or a security issue. Resolving conflict over it, just like determining the fate of East Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, requires first and foremost a political solution.
March 30, 2017

Jordans King Abdullah II was not the only one who paraded proudly among the heads of state who gathered on March 29 for the Arab League Summit on the Jordanian shores of the Dead Sea. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also mingled with the guests as though he owned the place and was a quasi-official host. For him and for the senior Palestinian leadership, there could be no better place to gather the heads of the Arab world than Jordan, very close to the borders of the future Palestinian state  the issue that unites them all.

With their expectations turned toward Palestine, and the fact that both major powers  the United States and Russia  sent their envoys as observers, it was clear that none of the speakers at the conference would ignore the Palestinian-Israeli issue. For all of them it was a fitting opportunity and occasion: for the Palestinians, frustrated that their needs are being shoved to the margins, and for the Arab leaders who, as usual at such gatherings, prefer to underplay the significant issues dividing the Arab world and to coalesce around the Palestinian issue.

In 2016, Moroccan King Mohammed VI announced that he was canceling the summit, scheduled to take place in his country, so as not to portray false unity. This year, Abdullah wished to host the meeting for two reasons: to manifest the strong Arab backing in the face of threats by the Islamic State to undermine his kingdom and to bring up the issue of Jordans economic crisis (also linked to the Syrian war) to the Arab agenda. The crisis in Syria has almost brought about Jordans economic collapse  some 1.4 million Syrian refugees who fled the deadly fighting and found shelter in the neighboring kingdom.

Jordan is mired in one of the worst economic downturns it has ever known. Its public domestic and foreign debt has climbed to 93% of the gross domestic product, and its budget deficit last year reached $3 billion. This, even after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) provided it with a generous $723 million loan to avert its economic collapse. Unemployment in the kingdom has also reached alarming levels: some 29% (in 2014-15) in a country with limited assets and resources.

For the monarch, it was important to host leaders with deep pockets, such as Saudi Arabias King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud and the heads of the wealthy Gulf states. Kuwait provides Jordan with aid but not on a continuous basis, while Qatar, the richest emirate in the region, is in no hurry to funnel funds to a kingdom that does not pander to the Muslim Brotherhood.

Did Abdullah get pledges of financial support during the summit? No details have emerged on this score. But a source in the Fatah movement who spoke to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity admitted that behind the scenes of the debates and speeches, a fierce competition was taking place between Jordan and the Palestinian Authority (PA) to see which would mobilize more aid from the rich countries and emirates. There is no doubt that the warm and personal reception prepared for Salman, and the lavish private event held in his honor and attended by all the leaders, were intended to warm the heart of the moneyed monarch and get him to open his pockets and extricate the Jordanian kingdom from its difficulties.

Abdullah is not the only one in need of immediate economic aid. The Palestinians, too, were counting on this summit, on the borders of a future Palestine, to give them an advantage. On the shores of the Dead Sea, close to [the Jordanian Red Sea port of] Aqaba but also to Jericho [under the jurisdiction of the PA in the West Bank] one can sense Palestine better than one can in Doha or Riyadh, said the Palestinian source, whether seriously or half in jest. Between all the talks about the importance of pushing forward the peace process with Israel and the two states for two people solution, he said, one could also talk about practical matters vital for the continued survival of the PA.

The economic aid to the PA by member states of the European Union has dropped over the past year, and the Palestinians know they have to immediately find other sources of support to cover their burgeoning deficits.

Saudi Arabia, by the way, suspended its $20 million monthly assistance to the PA in 2016 for several months. Although the aid was recently renewed, Abbas is convinced that with additional effort and improved relations, new understandings could be reached with the Saudi monarch enabling broader aid to the PA. Our mission is to ensure that the [Saudi] king doesnt decide once again  for whatever reason  to stop the payments as he did last year, the Palestinian source said. He does not know whether Abbas raised the economic issue directly with the Saudi king, but there is no doubt that some members of the Saudi delegation who accompanied the king to the summit received the message that the Palestinians wanted to convey  that the Saudis have a moral responsibility and pan-Arab diplomatic interest in keeping the PA intact and ensuing it can function in the face of tremendous difficulties.

The very fact that all the Arab leaders raised the Palestinian issue as an acute and important matter proves that they know that keeping its institutions running is an Arab-wide interest, the Palestinian source said.

According to the source, each time the issue of the PAs financial difficulties and fear of its collapse arises, the Palestinians explain to the donor states that the PA is required to operate on the financial front in accordance with interim economic agreements signed with Israel, and these have de facto turned into permanent agreements even though they are no longer relevant.

In their final communique, all the Arab leaders expressed support for advancing the diplomatic process with Israel in accordance with a single principle  two states for two people within the 1967 borders. A subsidiary clause was appended to the statement at the request of the Palestinians, saying deadlines must be set for achieving an end to the conflict with Israel and for the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. It was clear to all the summits participants that the PA in its current framework cannot survive for long.
March 29, 2017

When Iraqi soldiers entered the Mosul Museum on March 13, they were greeted by scenes of enormous damage caused by the Islamic State (IS). Some items had been destroyed or burned, while others had been stolen by IS militants and sold to antiquities traders.

Iraqis and the rest of the world celebrated when the museum was freed from IS' grip, but their joy was bittersweet. UNESCO spokesperson Irina Bokova praised the liberation of the museum on March 9 and described the Feb. 26, 2015, attack on it as a cultural tragedy. The Mosul Museum, established in 1952 and considered the second most important museum after the Iraqi Museum in Baghdad, is now charred rubble. The sculptures of winged bulls symbolizing the Assyrian Empire that guarded its gates were both destroyed.

Jalila al-Obeidi, a member of Nineveh's provincial council, told Al-Monitor, The losses are grave and priceless. They have ruined the facade and the artifacts of the museum. Everything has been stolen and smuggled away.

The museum's artifacts dated back to the Sumerian and Akkadian eras as well as the Hellenistic era that came three centuries before Christianity. The museum also contained artifacts from Nimrods historical city dating back to the 9th century B.C. in the southeast of Mosul, destroyed by IS in 2014. In Iraq, more than 200,000 ancient artifacts have been stolen since 2003.

Faleh al-Shammari, director of antiquities in Nineveh, told Al-Monitor over the phone, The museum was divided into three sections organized by chronological order. The first section included antiquities  dating back to 3000 B.C. The most important section displayed Assyrian antiquities dating back to over 900 BC, including those found in Nineveh.  They are rare artifacts, unparalleled in the world. He added, The museum devoted a section to the Hatra era that dates back to 100 B.C.

Shammari went on, The museum also dedicated a corner to the Islamic era, starting with the rise of Islam in the 7th century B.C. until the fall of the Islamic caliphate in 1924. This corner contained valuable Islamic documents, scriptures, symbols and artifacts. He admitted sadly, We are currently processing our shock. There is no museum left. It is a haunted place, and its walls have become black facades covered with dust and smoke.

Today, there is nothing left. IS militants stole all the small antiquities, taking what they could carry. They did not spare the heavier items, which they destroyed with axes or set on fire.

Former Ninevah Gov. Atheel al-Nujaifi told reporters on Feb. 26, 2015, that IS members stole the more valuable originals and destroyed the imitations.

The story of the Mosul Museum is just one in a series of tragedies during the bitter wars that shook Iraq since the 1980s, leaving it with a legacy of looting, destruction and robbery. The National Museum in Baghdad was looted in 2003, and many of its contents were destroyed, while many historical sites suffered illegal excavations, their antiquities stolen and sold.

Former Minister of Tourism Adil Fahed al-Sharshab told Al-Monitor, The Mosul Museum had shut its doors from 2003 until 2012 due to the war. In 2012, it reopened to visitors. He said that the first step in restoring the museum is to remove the rubble and assess the losses. He reported that the General Commission of Antiquities is working to find the resources including funding and technical support needed to restore the museum.

Sharshab said that ways to restore the museum and offer it financial support were explored during the UNESCO meeting in February. The management has already requested funding from the federal and local governments to start the work.

Sharshab added, UNESCO has listed a museum visit on its agenda. A group of international and Iraqi experts will visit Mosul Museum, as they all agree on the importance of restoring it to preserve international cultural heritage. He called on world countries to work together to find and return the smuggled pieces.
March 28, 2017

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said recently that any group taking up arms in Iraq outside the state's official framework will be considered outlaws. However, it seems at least some of the factions fighting under the banner of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) in Iraq would not obey Abadi's order.

On March 22, Abadi spoke at a meeting of the Global Coalition to Counter ISIS (Islamic State, or IS) in Washington. Also during his trip, he told the media that IS will be eliminated from Iraq's cities "within weeks."

What will happen then? Hashim al-Musawi, the spokesman for Iran-controlled, Shiite Iraq militia known as the Islamic Resistance Movement in Iraq (al-Nojaba), announced earlier in the month the formation of the Golan Liberation Brigade. But the announcement appeared to be more a declaration that Iran-affiliated Iraqi militias will be ready to take on a greater role in the region once IS is gone. (In addition, Musawi threatened to take military action against Turkish forces stationed near Mosul if they refuse to leave Iraq.)

The brigade announcement carried great symbolism, as the press conference was held in the office of the Iranian news agency Tasnim, which supports the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Tehran.

Musawi also criticized the United States and Saudi Arabia, stressing that al-Nojaba will not drop its weapons as long as the region is still threatened." Al-Nojaba will continue its endeavor to reclaim the Golan Heights in Syria from Israel, he added.

Three days after this announcement, a leader of al-Nojaba had something to say on the subject. The militia's secretary-general, Sheikh Akram al-Kaabi, said March 11, The Golan Liberation Brigade's formation is not propaganda, but one of the Islamic resistances true objectives. He added, The resistance is capable of beating the 'axis of evil' and the Zionist entity," referring to Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United States.

This isn't the first time Iran-affiliated Iraqi parties have talked about taking action outside Iraq, in line with Irans foreign policy in the region.

For instance, in October, former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who considers himself a PMU founder, said the operation to retake Mosul and Ninevah province from IS  known as We Are Coming, Ninevah  "also means We Are Coming, Raqqa; We Are Coming, Aleppo; and We Are Coming, Yemen.

These statements seem to be a response to the US escalation against Iran, which began after US President Donald Trump was elected in November and is echoed in Turkey, Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, some Iran-influenced Shiite factions fighting under the PMU umbrella have full loyalty to the Iranian regime and its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iraqi militias loyal to Iran, such as al-Nojaba, Asaib Ahl al-Haq, Saraya al-Kharasani and Kataib Hezbollah, play a dual role in Iraq and the region. On one hand, they operate under the PMU, which is part of the Iraqi armed forces. On the other hand, the militias are involved in the Syrian war, following direct orders from Iranian leadership.

The secretary-general of Saraya al-Kharasani, Ali al-Yasiri, said in a Feb. 24 TV interview, We have brigades fighting under the banner of the PMU, but we also have three other brigades outside of the PMU." He added, Wherever we are needed, we will be. We operate based on the resistances best interest.

And it is clear that Irans supreme leader is the one who determines the resistances best interest."

A report published March 10 by The Independent confirms the presence of the IRGC and allied Shiite armed groups in the part of the Golan Heights controlled by the Syrian regime. Commenting on Iranian action near the 1967 armistice line of the Golan Heights, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a March 9 meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, We do not want Islamic terrorism led by Iran to replace Sunni Islamist terrorism [IS].

Israel appears to be taking the threats made by Iran and its Shiite armed groups quite seriously. In response, it carried out airstrikes Jan. 8 against Hezbollah positions in the Golan Heights, killing a number of Lebanese and Iranians there.

Michael Knights, a prominent military and security expert and a fellow at the Washington Institute, told Al-Monitor, Israel has proven its military capability to confront the Lebanese Hezbollah in the Golan Heights." He added, "Israel is expected to confront other Shiite forces there just as strongly, which will lead to an armed struggle between Iraqi citizens and Israel for the first time since 1991.

Raising the banner of resistance, especially in terms of eliminating Israel, provides Irans Shiite militias with a "legitimate" cover, giving them wider freedom of movement in the region.

The goal of liberating the Golan Heights "provides justification for the expansion of these militias outside of the Baghdad governments control, in light of its great propaganda potential," Knights said. "This paves the way [for Shiite militias] to achieve their mission and adopt a foreign policy, independently of the Iraqi state."

These militias are aware of the movement restrictions inside Iraq in the post-IS phase. They are further restricted by the PMU law, and authorities in Najaf have repeatedly called for weapons to be confined to state forces. However, this does not mean the factions strictly abide by the Iraqi states orders. In the event of any existential threat against Iran, these factions will follow Irans lead and attack the United States and its allies in Iraq to keep anything from harming Iran, as they did during the US occupation of Iraq.

The wars raging in Syria and Yemen provide a suitable environment for these forces to expand and play an important role in preserving the Islamic regime in Iran in the future. Based on their ideology, these forces are ready to play any military role the Iranian leadership assigns to them. This may include moving toward Yemen, confronting Saudi forces or Israelis in the Golan Heights, or even attacking Turkish forces in Iraq.

Editor's note: This article has been updated since its initial publication.
March 30, 2017

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson completed his first official trip to Turkey since taking office, apparently without resolving any of the fundamental differences that have sunk relations between the two NATO allies to their weakest since the 2003 occupation of Iraq.

There are multiple sources of friction: Washington has so far refused to extradite Fethullah Gulen, the Muslim cleric Ankara accuses of engineering the failed July 15 coup. On Monday, a senior executive of one of Turkeys largest state-owned banks was arrested in the United States on charges of conspiring to evade trade sanctions on Iran. Halkbank executive Mehmet Hakan Atilla is accused of plotting with Reza Zarrab, an Iranian-Turkish gold trader with close ties to the Turkish government who was arrested in Miami a year ago for similar offenses. Turkey called the arrests politically motivated.

But nothing incenses Turkey as much as the US support for Syrias Kurds.

In meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, Tillerson is believed to have confirmed the administrations decision to press ahead with plans to capture Raqqa, the Islamic States last remaining stronghold in Syria, with the help of the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Tillersons meeting with Erdogan lasted over two hours.

"What we discussed today are options that are available to us. They are difficult options. Let me be very frank, it's not easy, they are difficult choices that have to be made," Tillerson told a joint news conference with Cavusoglu.

In a highly unusual move, Erdogan excluded the US Ambassador to Ankara John Bass from his meeting with Tillerson and Cavusoglu, officials familiar with the participants confirmed on condition that their names be withheld. Bass, a highly regarded career diplomat, is counted as one of Turkeys few passionate advocates in Washington. Brett McGurk, the US special envoy to the anti-IS coalition widely perceived in Ankara as a friend of the SDF, was also excluded from the meeting.

Turkey is deeply opposed to the Pentagons deepening alliance with the group that has grown into Syrias sharpest paramilitary force since it was founded two years ago.

The number of its ethnic Arab members is growing rapidly, but the SDFs muscle comes from the Peoples Protection Units (YPG), a Syrian Kurdish militia whose top leadership is drawn from the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). The PKK is fighting for self rule inside Turkey and is labeled a terror group by the Turkish government, the European Union and the United States alike. But while Turkey classifies the YPG as terrorists as well, the EU and the United States do not.

The ongoing squabbles about whether the YPG and the PKK are the same entity are poisoning ties and feeding anti-US feelings within the Turkish military and beyond. They are also further undermining Turkeys frail democracy, which has been rapidly unraveling since the attempted coup.

In an apparent bid to appease Turkey over its partnership with the YPG, the United States has remained largely silent about worsening rights abuses in the country, including the brutal treatment of the Turkish Kurds. Behind closed doors, US officials offer blithe assurances that the alliance with the YPG is purely tactical and that they will continue to help Turkey target PKK assets in Kurdish-controlled Iraqi Kurdistan.

Tillerson met with no members of the opposition during his trip. In his joint news conference with Cavusoglu, Tillerson did not mention the more than a hundred Turkish journalists who are currently in prison, let alone the tens of thousands of other political prisoners.

Selahattin Demirtas, the co-chair of the Peoples Democratic Party, the countrys largest pro-Kurdish bloc, announced today that he was joining a hunger strike to protest prison conditions for thousands of fellow detainees. Demirtas has been behind bars since November on a slew of vague terror charges.
Jodie Ray Stanfield has come a long way since January 25, 1999.

That was the night Furnace Masters restaurant at Tannehill State Park burned. More than 30 employees were left without work, and Stanfield, the owner, was devastated.

"It was hard," he said. "It took a long time to get over that."

Now, 18 years later, Stanfield has been named 2017 Alabama Small Business Person of the Year and will represent the state in Washington, D.C. next month at National Small Business Week.

Stanfield, an old regular in the Birmingham restaurant scene, owns Local Joe's Trading Post, a small chain of businesses that began in Rainbow City's Canoe Creek area off U.S. 411 in 2010. Local Joe's is a country store with a bakery and offers six different varieties of smoked meats. It's about five miles from the center of Rainbow City in a largely residential area.

But Stanfield said his father noticed the traffic count at that particular intersection, and the family soon realized it was an opportunity in the making. They converted an old gas station and house into an all-purpose business with takeout and sit down accommodations. Local Joe's also caters.

"We do a lot of business in bulk meats," he said. "We are very interested in pushing out products from local farmers, local wineries. We've added to our menu every year. And we know we're on the Food Network's radar."

The concept soon spread to a location on the Coosa River, Alexandria, and Cave Springs, Ga. But each stop has its own spin. Alexandria, for example, is a 120-seat restaurant with no grocery. Each location has a trained chef, and the catering business can accommodate tastes such as Italian or French food. Stanfield said he's currently mulling over expanding into other locations in northeast Alabama and elsewhere.

Stanfield, 51, has been in the restaurant business since he was 18. Many of the lessons he learned as a master bartender at TGI Fridays on U.S. 280 decades ago led to ideas he still carries.

"I'm in the people business," he said. "Food is what I do. I never try to run my restaurants by tying myself to the kitchen. I like to talk to the customers, meet them at the door, see them on their way out. And I try to let the market dictate what we're going to do."

By being methodical and disciplined, he said, the customer will "root for you."
Publix will expand its North Alabama presence at The Shoppes at Redstone Square, a planned multi-phase project in Huntsville.

Jim Gendreau of Huntsville SJ and Tailwinds Development confirmed Thursday they have signed a lease with Publix to open a 45,600-square-foot location at the northwest corner of Zierdt and Martin roads in Huntsville. The grocery store will open in August 2018.

Approximately 15,400 square feet of retail space, a junior anchor and six outparcels are available at the property, Gendreau said.

"This center will not only serve the Redstone Arsenal but the communities surrounding it," he told AL.com. "We have begun leasing the center and want to welcome any interested parties to call our leasing team."

The Huntsville City Council approved a development agreement with Fuquay Commons and Huntsville SJ in February. The city is spending $400,000 on sewer service and an access drive off Zierdt Road at the development.

Construction will begin no later than Aug. 1, 2017. The developer must reimburse the city if the project is not complete and open for business by Dec. 15, 2018 or if permitted construction of at least 59,000 square feet does not begin within three years of the effective date.

Colliers International is serving as the broker for The Shoppes at Redstone Square, which has more than 55,000 daytime employees within a five-mile radius. The daily traffic count along Martin and Zierdt roads is more than 27,500.

Gendreau said the city has been amicable during the early process of launching the shopping center.

"We look forward to a continued relationship with the city as we move forward with site work and the ultimate development of the shopping center we have called The Shoppes at Redstone Square," he said.

Publix is opening another store at the new Pinnacle at Providence, a planned $12 million project near the Madison County 911 Center and the North Alabama Dance Center at the intersection of Oakwood and Johns/Old Monrovia roads. The 45,000-square-foot store will join 14,000 square feet of local shop space and one outparcel by early next year.

The Florida chain is also building a store at the new Point Mallard Centre at Alabama 67 and Indian Hills Road Southeast in Decatur, near Priceville.

Shane Davis, Huntsville's director of urban development, said site work should begin in the next couple of months at The Shoppes at Redstone Square.

"The location is perfectly situated to provide convenient shopping options to the surrounding neighborhoods," he said. "Once completed, The Shoppes at Redstone Square will also provide easy access to additional lunch and dinner options for those working on Redstone Arsenal."
Looking to get out and enjoy the spring weather while learning more about the history of Alabama's cities and towns?



Beginning April 1, 28 towns across the state will offer free walking tours every Saturday morning as part of the Alabama Tourism Department's April Walking Tours. These hour-long tours, which will begin at 10 a.m., will be led by community leaders and offer insight into each town's times gone by and more.



"Alabama is the only state in the nation to hold statewide, simultaneous walking tours. These walking tours are a great way to get out and enjoy the spring weather and find out about the history of our state. More than 32,000 people have participated in the walking tours since the beginning of the program 14 years ago and they keep increasing in popularity every year," Brian Jones, of the Alabama State Tourism department, said.



Want to know more? Here's a look at what towns and cities will take part in the April walking tours.

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Alabama Tourism Department

Athens

Meeting place: Athens Visitor Center

Address: 100 North Beaty Street

Click here for more information.

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Attalla

Meeting place: City gazebo

Address: Intersection of 4th Street and 5th Avenue

Click here for more information.

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Bayou La Batre

Meeting place: Mariner Park

Address: 13766 South Wintzell Avenue

Click here for more information.

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Birmingham

Meeting place: Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Address: 520 16th Street North

Click here for more information.

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Courtland

Meeting place: Courtland Heritage Museum

Address: 262 College Street

Click here for more information.

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Cullman

Meeting place: Cullman County Museum

Address: 211 2nd Avenue NE

Click here for more information.

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Daleville

Meeting place: Chamber of Commerce

Address: 750 Daleville Avenue

Click here for more information.

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Decatur

Meeting place: Old State Bank Building

Address: 925 Bank Street NE

Click here for more information.

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VICTOR CALHOUN

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Meeting place: Chamber of Commerce

Address: 329 Putnam Street

Click here for more information.

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Enterprise

Meeting place: The Rawls Hotel

Address: 116 South Main Street

Click here for more information. http://www.enterpriseal.gov/

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Eutaw

Meeting place: Prairie Avenue

Click here for more information.

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Meeting place: Fairhope Welcome Center

Address: 20 North Section Street

Click here for more information.

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Florence will offer different walking tours each week that will begin at various locations.

To find out more information about tours on a specific date, click here.

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Foley

Meeting place: Welcome Center

Address: 104 North McKenzie Street

Click here for more information.

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Huntsville

Meeting place: Confectionery Shop at Constitution Village

Address: 109 Gates Avenue SE

Click here for more information.

*Huntsville tours will be on offered on April 1 and April 8 only.

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Livingston

Meeting place: McConnell Field on University of West Alabama campus

Address: Across from Bibb Graves Auditorium on Chapman Street

Click here for more information.

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Madison

Meeting place: Madison Roundhouse

Address: Front Street

Click here for more information.



*Madison will be offering walking tours on April 15 and April 22 only.

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Mobile

Meeting place: Welcome Center at The History Museum of Mobile

Address: 111 South Royal Street

Click here for more information.

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Montgomery

Meeting place: Montgomery Area Visitor Center

Address: 300 Water Street

Click here for more information.

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Mooresville

Meeting place: Post Office

Address: 24995 Lauderdale Street

Click here for more information.

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Moulton

Meeting place: Lawrence County Archives

Address: 24995 698 Main Street

Click here for more information.

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Pell City

Meeting place: City Hall

Address: 1905 1st Avenue North

Click here for more information.

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Prattville

Meeting place: Prattaugan Museum

Address: 102 East Main Street

Click here for more information. http://www.prattvilleal.gov/

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Selma

Meeting place: Selma-Dallas County Library

Address: 1103 Selma Avenue

Click here for more information.

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Sheffield

Meeting place: Sheffield Municipal Building

Address: 600 North Montgomery Avenue

Click here for more information.

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Shelby

Meeting place: Iron Works Park

Address: 10268 County Road 4

Click here for more information.

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N2

Meeting place: Pike County Chamber of Commerce

Address: 101 East Church Street

Click here for more information.

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Tuscumbia

Meeting place: ColdWater Bookstore

Address: 101 West 6th Sreet

Click here for more information.
Swampers

David Hood and Jimmy Johnson - founding members of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section a.k.a. the Swampers at the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield, Ala. (Bob Gathany/bgathany@AL.com)

(Bob Gathany)

A new chapter of Alabama music history has begun, as Muscle Shoals Studios reopens its doors. Along with new faces, several musicians that helped cement the studio's legacy have returned to cut its first new record.

The list of Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section alumni that are coming home includes David Hood, Jimmy Johnson and Spooner Oldham, the Times Daily reports. The trio joins an all-star cast of veteran Southern musicians, such as Gene Chrisman of Memphis' American Recording Studios and Nashville guitarist Billy Sanford. Dan Auerbach, guitarist and vocalist for The Black Keys, recruited the ensemble for an upcoming project to be released this summer on his own imprint, Easy Eye Records.

Auerbach and The Black Keys recorded their 2010 album, "Brothers", at Muscle Shoals Studios.

The building, located at 3614 Jackson Highway in Sheffield was built in 1945. It operated as a studio from 1969 to 1979. The studio has been revitalized following a donation from Beats By Dre, a company that specializes in electronic music hardware, such as speakers and headphones. The donation was made up of a portion of the company's proceeds during November and December of 2013.

The restoration process, originally slated for a six to nine month project in 2014, is finally complete after Apple's acquisition of Beats Electronics in May of that year.

"They've done a wonderful job on the equipment, and the (control) board has done a magnificent job. It seems to be as good as the one we had," Johnson tells The Times Daily.

To read the full article, visit The Time's Daily's coverage of Auerbach's recording sessions and the Swampers' homecoming.
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Bryce and Catherine Maine following the promposal. (Sarah Catherine)

(Picasa)

When Eufaula High School senior Bryce Maine decided to ask his grandmother to prom, he thought it would be a sweet gesture and a chance for his 'nanny' to have a new experience.





Catherine Maine (Sarah Catherine)

Eufaula High School Principal Steve Hawkins, however, felt otherwise. While many in the community supported Maine's idea to take his grandmother to prom, Hawkins denied Catherine Maine permission to attend the event on April 8.



The decision has since sparked controversy as many were left wondering why Maine and his grandmother were not allowed to attend the prom. Sarah Catherine, Maine's Cousin, shared her anger on Facebook in a post that has now been shared nearly 2,000 times and inspired the #letnannygotoprom hashtag.



"My blood is boiling right now," Catherine said in the post. "My little cousin Bryce wanted to take our Grandma to his senior Prom since she has never been. Well after she done bought her dress and made plans, the principal decided that they cannot do that anymore... Like really?! Eufaula High School let my Grandma go to Prom!"



Following the popularity of the post, Catherine said the Eufaula City Schools Board of Education reached out to Maine to further explain the decision. Their reasoning was that if Maine was allowed to take his grandmother to prom, it could open the door for other students to bring similar dates as a joke and turn the school into a mockery.



In a statement released by the Eufaula City Schools Board of Education, WVTM reports Principal Steve Hawkins made the following comment:



"Safety of students and staff is the first and most important of the many tasks of a school administrator. For the 10 years I have been high school principal, we have denied requests each year from students asking to bring older dates to prom. We do not chance leaving any stone unturned when it comes to safety. Most high schools have an age limit for prom attendees."
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Laura Bialis, director and producer of the documentary 'Rock in the Red Zone,' will be showing the film and speaking in Alabama from April 4-6.

(Courtesy of Laura Bialis)

Filmmaker Laura Bialis will be in Alabama from April 4-6 for showings of her acclaimed documentary, "Rock in the Red Zone," about an Israeli city that has been a focal point for rocket attacks and also for its music scene.

"I went there to document this community that was under fire, that had a large musician population," said Bialis, the director and producer. Sderot, in southern Israel, has been the target of more than 7,000 Kassam missiles by Palestinian militants from nearby Gaza since 2001. Dozens of people have been killed and more than 1,900 injured.

Bialis, a Stanford University and USC Film School graduate, first visited Sderot in July 2007.

A focal point of her documentary was Israeli musician Avi Vaknin, who ran a music program called "Sderock" for teenagers in a bomb shelter that became a music studio.

"I thought that was a very interesting take on the situation," Bialis said. "I decided I had to keep coming back."

She also became very close to Vaknin. "We ended up falling in love," Bialis said. "I never expected to make a personal film."

Bialis moved to Sderot in December 2007 and married Vaknin about a year later.

"I was now living through the same situation I was trying to show others living through," Bialis said. "I was there all of 2008. We got like a thousand rockets. It was near-constant. We had one fall across the street from our house. I heard children screaming. They were on their way to school at 8 a.m. on a weekday morning. It was scary. There was a weekend where we got 160 rockets. You go to sleep for a half an hour. We didn't have a bomb shelter you can sleep in."

Eventually the couple moved to Tel Aviv, but continued to visit Sderot a few times a week.

The film was released in the United States in December 2015. "I filmed for years," Bialis said. "I followed the story from 2007 to 2014."

Early on, bomb shelters were rare. Now they are commonplace. "Nothing has really changed that much," Bialis said. "It's very quiet now. They still have an occasional rocket."

People learned to live with the attacks, she said.

"More and more bomb shelters started getting erected, little tiny things that would replace bus stops," Bialis said. "What people get killed by is the shrapnel. They put all sorts of shrapnel, nails, pieces and ball bearings. The pieces become like bullets. It's almost like a random machine gun going off."

The "Red Zone" in the title of the film refers to the "Red Alerts," 15-second warnings that go off when a rocket is incoming. People drop what they are doing and rush into bomb shelters.

"It's a kind of crazy way to live," Bialis said. "It's scary. People can go on with their lives and try to forget about the rockets, but it can happen any second. A loud noise or anything that sounds similar to an alert can send people into a panic. Dogs hear the alerts first and sometimes you see them run into a bomb shelter."

Many people might wonder why anyone stays in Sderot, a city founded as a resettlement and refugee campus in the 1950s for Jews leaving Arab countries such as Morocco and Tunisia to live in Israel.

"A lot of people don't have a choice from an economic standpoint," Bialis said. "Your family is there. You've bought your house, paid your mortgage, and your house is worth less than you paid for it. There's a lot of pride of place. They feel like they built this city."

Bialis and Vaknin now have two children, 7 and 1, the older one born in Tel Aviv, Israel, and the younger one born in Santa Barbara, California, where Bialis is from. They have been living there and her parents have helped watch the children as Bialis and Vaknin travel to promote the film.

Sderot has helped create an Israeli music that blends western rock music with Middle Eastern music. Focusing on music has helped the people of Sderot deal with the trauma of being under attack.

"There's a Sderot Sound," Bialis said. "It's a fusion of western rock and Middle Eastern music, with north African sounds, featuring a north African drum."

Bialis will introduce her film and lead a question-and-answer session after each showing in Alabama. It will be shown Tuesday, April 4, at 7 p.m. at the Bloom Hillel Student Center on the University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa.

On Wednesday, April 5, the UAB Institute for Human Rights will sponsor a showing at 6 p.m. in Campbell Hall, Room 405.

On Thursday, April 6, Temple Emanu-El in Birmingham will host a showing at 7 p.m.
Mike Rogers

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Saks, is sponsoring a bill that would help fund the wall along the Mexican border. (Joe Songer/jsonger@al.com)

An Alabama congressman has introduced a bill that would tax illegal immigrants, providing funds to help build the wall along the Mexican border.

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Saks, unveiled his bill Thursday, calling it the Border Wall Funding Act of 2017.

In announcing the bill, Rogers said illegal immigrants would be targeted by imposing a 2 percent fee on all wire transfers to move money from the U.S. to the home country of the illegal immigrants.

Rogers said that in 2014, $24 billion was wired to Mexico while other countries in Central America and South America received more than 15 percent of their gross domestic products from those transfers.

#BREAKING: I've just introduced a bill to tax illegal immigrants, which would help fund the border wall. Read more: https://t.co/LYz5HQyLsm  Mike Rogers (@RepMikeRogersAL) March 30, 2017

"President Trump has made it very clear that he intends to complete a wall along our Southern border," Rogers said in a statement. "As a senior member of the Homeland Security committee, I have long supported the border wall, which will protect Americans.

"In order to jumpstart the funding of the wall, I have introduced a bill to impose a 2 percent fee on remittances sent south of the border. This bill is simple - anyone who sends their money to countries that benefit from our porous borders and illegal immigration should be responsible for providing some of the funds needed to complete the wall. This bill keeps money in the American economy, and most importantly, it creates a funding stream to build the wall."

Building a wall along the Mexican border was a hallmark of Trump's campaign for the presidency. At rallies, he would often talk about the wall and ask supporters who would pay for it - getting a rousing "Mexico" in response.

Rogers' Alabama colleague, Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Huntsville, immediately voiced his support for the bill and said he would be a co-sponsor.

Brooks said he fully supported Trump's plan to build the wall and have Mexico pay for it and he thanked Rogers for sponsoring the bill.
Board member Long says center leans too far left; officials say their work furthers university's mission



The UNC Center for Civil Rights is under fire for providing legal representation to Moral Monday protesters, like these pictured at the General Assembly in 2014. Rev. William Barber, president of the N.C. NAACP, is second from left. (CJ file photo)

"These kinds of decisions shouldn't be micromanaged by politicians who decide what the law school should or should not be doing. In many ways, this is a matter [that should] be handled by academics with the expertise to decide whether or not this center is important to their academic mission and their research mission."

"To me, I think it's just bizarre to argue that litigation is contrary to the purpose of law school. Law school is all about litigation."

"This situation is like telling an agricultural school not to let anybody farm."

"I don't have any illusion that [the center's staff] are going to stop doing what they're doing. But they should not be doing that as part of the university, which has an educational mission. Their activities are inconsistent with the university's mission."

CHAPEL HILL - The University of North Carolina law school has no business participating in one-sided political advocacy or entering lawsuits representing only left-leaning clients, several members of the UNC Board of Governors say.The staff of the law school's Center for Civil Rights counters that it offers a voice for progressive causes not provided by the General Assembly. Limiting the center's ability to litigate would damage its ability to fulfill its mission.The dispute has resulted in a proposal, introduced by board member Steve Long, that would block the CCR from filing lawsuits and taking other legal actions.The proposal would forbid the center to "employ or engage, directly or indirectly, any individual to serve as legal counsel or represent ative to any party in any complaint, motion, lawsuit, or other legal claim against any individual, entity, or government, or to act as legal counsel to any third party.""Is it within the university's mission to represent ' Moral Monday ' protesters, as they have done? I don't think so," Long told Carolina Journal. "[Another] problem I see with that center is their exclusion of different points of view on issues such as voter ID, school vouchers, etc. They have a clear bias at that center, which I don't think promotes educational inquiry and discussion."As part of the UNC School of Law, Long said, the center's activities leave the impression its left-leaning views have the endorsement of the entire law school and its faculty, students, and alumni. Board member Joe Knott also expressed skepticism about the center's role. Since its founding in 2001 , the center has "pursued an aggressive social justice agenda combining litigation, scholarly research, and grassroots activism," according to its history statement.the center's managing attorney Mark Dorosin told CJ.he said.Law schools typically sponsor clinics to allow students to work with licensed attorneys and gain courtroom experience before taking bar exams. But the CCR is different because its primary focus is academic advocacy rather than litigating, Long said.Dorosin said the CCR's activities aren't that unusual, citing the University of Wisconsin Law School's Economic Justice Institute , Albany Law School's Law Clinic and Justice Center , and CUNY School of Law's Economic Justice Project All three centers identify as legal clinics with a focus on advocacy and social justice.Like clinics, CCR provides student internships , external field placements, and a legal fellowship for newly graduated law students, he said.The CCR staffs two attorneys and an attorney fellow. One staff member focuses on academic research and administrative tasks, he said.Long countered that education should be the sole focus of the CCR.he said.The center's staff is made up of state employees, and so it's considered part of the UNC system, Long said.The CCR raises between $350,00 and $450,000 from grants, foundations, and private donations each year. That money covers staff salaries, benefits, litigation costs, and other operating fees.No state funding is used, and the center rents private office space in Meadowmont Village, just off UNC's campus, said Ted Shaw , the Julius L. Chambers Distinguished Professor of Law at UNC and director of the CCR. All of the center's clients are served pro bono.The CCR's staff are employees of the state, Shaw said, since some serve in faculty roles at the UNC law school. State paid faculty salaries are separate from any pay the staff receives for work done at the center.Long's proposal is shrouded in controversy. Some supporters say hands-on learning is a clear component of the center's academic structure. Others say the center has delivered invaluable victories for the cause of social justice.John Wilson, editor of Illinois Academe , a publication of the American Association of University Educators, told CJ political disagreements between the two entities make the board's opposition to the center problematic.Wilson told CJ.Last year, the UNC board shut down the UNC Center on Poverty, Work, and Opportunity, a decision that Wilson publicly opposed. The board said the center - which The New York Times described as a "shadow political apparatus" for former Democratic U.S. Sen. John Edwards' presidential campaign - was neither productive nor financially sustainable.The decision to open or close an academic center should be left to the university, not to the UNC board, Wilson said.The board was never part of the approval process to open the CCR, Long said. University administrators make those kinds of decisions.After UNC's poverty center closed, board members asked law school officials to study the CCR and offer a recommendation as to whether it should remain open.But the school's final report was full of holes and ignored the question of whether academic centers should be allowed to practice law, Long said.That's when the board decided to get involved.Long said.The university isn't a public interest law firm, Long said.But legal service and litigation should be the entire purpose for a law school and affiliated entities like the CCR, Wilson said.If the center isn't willing to give up its legal practices it should operate independently of the UNC system, Long said.Dorosin disagreed, stating that dozens of centers across the university system are engaged in advocacy programs.he said. The UNC system's mission statement says the university should "discover, create, transmit, and apply knowledge to address the needs of individuals and society.the statement continues.If forced to abandon litigation, the functions of the center would be severely undermined, Shaw told CJ.he said.The university will consider all points of view before making a decision about the center's future, said UNC President Margaret Spellings.she said.At a March 2 meeting, Anna Nelson, who chairs the board's educational planning, policies, and programs committee, said the board will continue reviewing the proposal, and will revisit the issue in May.
Donald Trumps presidency has been clouded by allegations that Russia sought to help him win the 2016 election while connections between his associates and Moscow also are under scrutiny.

US intelligence agencies have stated unequivocally that Russian hackers meddled in the election. Whether that meddling helped Trump win the presidency is still unclear.

Russia and the White House have denied any wrongdoing.

To help you avoid getting lost in the latest twists and turns, here is an overview of some key developments.

1. There are three separate investigations taking place: an FBI investigation, a Senate investigation and a House of Representatives investigation. The most important is the FBIs probe into Russian involvement in the 2016 US presidential election which includes, as Director James Comey recently confirmed on Capitol Hill, looking into possible ties between the Trump campaign and the Russian government.

2. The Senate Intelligence Committee and the White House have confirmed that Jared Kushner, who serves as a senior adviser to Trump, will testify. The date has not been announced yet. This is important because Kushner is the commander-in-chiefs son-in-law and the closest so far to the president himself testifying. Kushner served as the Trump campaigns representative to foreign governments and met with Sergey Gorkov, the head of a state-owned Russian bank, as well as the Russian ambassador to the US, Sergey Kislyak. Gorkov has close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and is a graduate of the Russian intelligence service.

READ MORE: Russias booming Trumpomania

3. All three Russia investigations have become entangled in discussions around unproven accusations by Trump that he was wiretapped by former president Barack Obama. In the early morning hours of March 4, Trump tweeted that he had information Obama wiretapped his Trump Tower phones in New York City. The heads of the FBI, the National Security Agency and the former director of National Intelligence have all said theres no proof that happened. The reason this has come up during the Russia investigations is because there has been speculation intelligence agencies may have collected information on Trump associates and campaign officials while investigating overall Russian meddling in the election. This is what is referred to as incidental collection.





4. The House investigation has been tainted in recent days because of a decision by its chairman, Republican Congressman Devin Nunes, to rush over to the White House on March 22 and brief administration officials on classified information that Trump and his advisers may have been swept up in surveillance of foreign nationals by the previous administration. He did not inform Democrats on the committee before speaking to White House officials, leading his colleagues to call for his recusal from the investigation. Its not clear where the source of the information came from. Nunes has, so far, refused to step down. Nunes served on the Trump transition team.

5. A lot of names have come up in the investigation but there have been two Trump administration officials who have faced direct consequences of their association with Russia. In February, General Michael Flynn, Trumps national security adviser, resigned following revelations he spoke with Ambassador Kislyak during the transition to the White House. Reports have indicated Flynn may have been warning Kislyak about potential sanctions against Russia by the Obama administration. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has also recused himself from any Russian investigation after he failed to inform Congress he also had meetings and conversations with Kislyak while serving as an adviser to the Trump campaign.

Follow Chris Sheridan on Twitter: @ChrisSheridan34
Im writing this sitting in a Yangon hotel that Ive been to many times. The first, was the most memorable because I was chased through the lobby by the Special Branch of Myanmars police who had followed me from the headquarters of the National League for Democracy where I had interviewed Aung San Suu Kyi just after her release from house arrest.

It was late 2010, and back then, it wasnt even safe to mention her name in public because she was the enemy of the military state that had been running Myanmar for almost 50 years, and in the process, had shut the country off from the outside world.

The reason Ive shared this slice of nostalgia is that, on one hand, its remarkable how much has changed in this country, and on the other, how things have stayed the same.





Six and a half years after I was comically pursued around the streets of Yangon for being a journalist in a place I wasnt welcome, Suu Kyis National League for Democracy party is in government and shes the state counsellor. Big developments.

Heres another: It seems to have become fashionable to criticise Suu Kyi.

There was a time, not long ago, when it seemed the whole world was in love with her, and was full of hope and optimism about what she was going to do for the country. Leading the charge at times were journalists, some of whom seemed determined to cut her as much slack as they could, for as long as they could.

To a certain extent that attitude was fair enough given what she had been through under military rule, and the sheer magnitude of her task ahead in trying to reconnect Myanmar with the international community and fix the problems that military rule and the resulting economic sanctions had brought.

Tireless campaigner

But my attitude has always been to wait and see what she does and how she performs. I remember saying when she was released from house arrest that she could turn out to be a terrible leader or politician because we simply didnt know at that time.

Just because she was a tireless campaigner for democracy and human rights, didnt mean she would become a great anything, let alone a great leader of her country.





Im not saying that shes terrible at anything, and I certainly dont envy the position shes in  which is at times made more difficult because of the actions of some in the military and their allies in government ministries who work to undermine her power.

What I am saying is that there are worrying signs. Ive talked to many people recently who say theyre beginning to lose faith in her leadership, which, within the NLD, has always been carried out in a top down style.

There are even some who are involved in government quietly saying they enjoy dealing with military generals more than the state counsellor because theyre treated with more respect.

Its clear that the generals are still in control in Myanmar and that means that Suu Kyi is going to struggle to push through the reforms that she wants to in the timeframe that the country desperately needs.

The army has played a clever game, stepping back from the spotlight, while still enjoying the benefits of power and leaving the NLD leader to be centre-stage, taking much of the blame for some of the countrys problems.

But she still has a voice that she could use to send the message to people at home and overseas, to prove she cares and that shes still fighting for the same things shes always fought for: freedom and human rights.

Those are things that she and others had taken away from them for many years and of which many people in Myanmar are still being robbed. But Suu Kyi has lost her voice and if she doesnt find it soon, more people may start to lose faith.
Khitam Ismail didnt like it when Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) came to town.

She felt scared when the men with their big beards and dark clothes walked towards her on the street. She wondered what she did wrong. And she felt relieved as they walked past.





She remembers when her face veil slipped in the street and the crack across her back came as one of the women from ISIL issued an immediate punishment.

She covered up and raced home.

Khitam heard the talk of the coming assault on her hometown of Raqqa. Since ISIL, also known as ISIS, made it the de facto capital of its so-called caliphate, she thought it would only be a matter of time before a big battle was fought there. She wondered if she would be safe.

Then she was told ISIL would be coming soon to recruit her teenage son, and that fighters were taking the prettiest girls and forcing them into marriage.

As the mother of young daughters, this was a step too far. She borrowed some money, packed up what she could, and decided to leave town.

For 10 days, she zigzagged the country, stopping in safe places, catching lifts where she could, walking until the young children could walk no more.

READ MORE  Six years on: The price of saying no to Assad

And then with the snow-capped hills, which mark the border between Syria and Lebanon, in the rear-view mirror, Khitam, her husband and her children crossed the border and made for the Debo Refugee camp.

There they were given shelter. They call it a tent in the camp, but its little more than discarded vinyl posters nailed to some wood. The first night, there was nothing on the floor, so they all slept in the dirt, huddled together for some warmth.





Three weeks later, things arent much better. They found some plastic to throw on the ground. At least it keeps the snakes and scorpions out. The rats still find a way in. They have some blankets. Some were donated. Others in the camp gave what they could from the little they had for the family who had nothing.

Khitam cries every day remembering what she left behind. Ive been married for the past 25 years, she tells me as we huddle in her shelter, the raindrops falling from holes in the roof.

Everything I bought and owned is now gone. I had everything in my house in Raqqa. Everything you can imagine, now I have nothing. We barely have blankets to cover ourselves with the freezing nights.

Last night, in the camp in the Bekaa Valley, the temperatures dropped below freezing. It brings a bone-aching chill that is hard to shake off, particularly when there is nowhere to warm up. Its an extra weight to be carried through the long miserable days.

Khitam borrowed money to make the journey. About $1,500 in total. Not a massive amount, but a fortune to her. She worries about paying it back.

Her 13-year-old son and nine-year-old daughter have found work in the local fields planting seeds for the year ahead. They make $4 a day. She feels guilty to place such a burden on ones so young, but with her own withered hand and a deaf husband who struggles to make himself understood, there is no other option if the family is to survive.

Five million

As the UNHCR announced the number of refugees leaving Syria has now topped five million, more arrived in Deba, looking for shelter, looking for peace.

In this small area close to the border there are 170 shelters. Its thought there are about six people per shelter, and thats a conservative estimate. Thats more than 1,000 people in this small space, a place where they can shelter, where they are safe, but its not a place anyone would call home.

One refugee told me: People think we had a choice. The choice was die where we were, live with the fear, the shortages, the hunger, or escape and try to find safety. We left behind the lives we knew for this.

But still almost everyone we spoke to wants to return to Syria. Khitam too.

Ill surely go back. Theres nothing as beautiful as ones country. Id die for the country that holds all my beautiful memories.

She just doesnt know what she will be going back to, or when.
The Faculty Senate at Wake Forest University made headlines last week when it demanded that the university reject a $3.69 million grant from the Charles Koch Foundation. Such a stance is not unusual. Many liberal faculty members and student groups are now trying to "UnKoch" their campuses.But Wake Forest's Faculty Senate resolution goes further. In addition to demanding that the university reject the grant, Wake Forest faculty demanded that professor James Otteson and his Eudaimonia Institute be silenced.The Eudaimonia Institute started at Wake Forest last summer through a planning grant from the Wake Forest Office of the Provost. Eudaimonia is a Greek word commonly translated as "happiness" or "welfare"; however, "human flourishing" has been proposed as a more accurate translation. Professor James Otteson is the Institute's executive director.Its programs are purely academic. The Institute's mission is toTo fulfill that mission, the Institute supports faculty and student research and hosts conferences and events.In September 2016, Wake Forest announced that the Koch Foundation had committed nearly $4 million in funding for the Institute over the next five years.After the Koch Foundation's involvement with the Institute became public, 189 "Concerned Faculty" members signed a petition requesting a Faculty Senate review of the agreement between Wake Forest and the Koch Foundation. The Faculty Petition outlined four objections to the Koch Foundation as a funding source.It asserts that Koch funding is a threat to academic freedom and transparency, faculty governance, and the academic reputation of the university. Faculty are also concerned about the "intellectual foundations" of the Koch Foundation. Partly in response to the petition, the Faculty Senate formed an Ad Hoc Senate Committee to review the creation of the Institute.That committee moved to severely restrict the academic freedom of Institute scholars. Specifically, the Faculty Senate recommended freezing current hiring, canceling internal and external presentations, and even restricting the publication of any material to do with the Institute. Going forward, the Faculty Senate wants all of the Eudaimonia Institute's academic decisions to be reviewed by an external committee-presumably so the committee can apply some sort of progressive litmus test to the Institute's work.The stated reason for such an unprecedented attack on the academic freedom of a university colleague is that financial conflicts of interest may be affecting the Institute's direction and focus. They are concerned, in other words, that the Koch Foundation's grant to the Institute would interfere with the "proper exercise of judgment" of Professor Otteson and others involved with the Institute.Last year, Ralph Wilson of UnKoch My Campus explained his concerns about Koch Foundation-funded campus projects in a Martin Center article . He said thatBut an examination of several other centers on Wake Forest's campus proves that this sort of protest and suggested oversight is unusual. Faculty scrutiny is reserved only for donors who do not subscribe to progressive politics. The Center for Energy, Environment, and Sustainability, for example, has an expressly political and commercial policy agenda and has faced no restrictions on its operations. In fact, it does not even disclose the names of its donors.A student magazine, the Wake Forest Review, recently named two other centers on campus that have not been subject to faculty scrutiny despite non-disclosure of donors: the Anna Julia Cooper Center (led by Melissa Harris-Perry) and the Pro Humanitate Institute (which focuses on social justice outcomes). The Review says that itTellingly, these centers both have progressive missions.Given this double-standard, it's clear that of the four objections made by "Concerned Faculty," it is the intellectual foundation of the Institute that spurred the petition. A center to study human flourishing funded by the Ford Foundation, for example, would not have been greeted with such hostility and suspicion.While this kind of hypocrisy is neither new nor surprising, faculty efforts to restrict the academic freedom of a colleague go beyond the protests we've seen at other campuses. In the past, faculty have insisted on transparency of donations (at George Mason) and review of university gifts that have potential curricular impact (at Western Carolina). But these tactics have targeted the administration and the donor agreements-not the faculty recipients of the grants.Academic freedom is essential to the search for truth and the mission of higher education. Heterodox and dissenting views among the faculty help strengthen inquiry and fuel learning. Wake Forest University faculty should embrace the Eudaimonia Institute as an opportunity for discovery and discussion.Upon the founding of the Institute, Professor Otteson argued thatIt is a pursuit of which Wake Forest University should be proud.
Arab American activists are not only organising across faith and colour lines in the US, but beyond its borders.

Before Linda Sarsour was an organiser of the Womens March, which the day after Donald Trumps inauguration mounted the largest protest in US history, she was an Arab and Muslim American community organiser in New York City, building bonds with New Yorkers of many other ethnicities and faiths.

Sarsour is a prominent example of the many Arab American community leaders across the country joining forces with others across faith and colour lines to form a united front against what many consider to be the aggressive and bigoted policies of the Trump administration.

The sheer breadth of American communities  people of colour, women, the working class, disabled persons  threatened by the Trump administration has inspired Arab American community leaders to hurriedly build on long-standing collaborations with non-Arab compatriots, community leaders say.

Together, they are organising for besieged American civil liberties  strategising over how to protect and bolster each other amid growing turbulence in the United States and beyond.

And theyre drawing from a tradition of Arab resistance to more than a century of colonial subjugation. Imperial administrations have traditionally aimed to divide and conquer, they stress. Communities were divided along socioeconomic, religious and cultural lines  the conquerors exacerbated in-fighting among the conquered and unevenly applied policies of oppression.

READ MORE: Racism in America  Life as an Arab-American

All in the same boat

Arab American community leaders see that same philosophy driving the presidency of Donald Trump, as certain communities are  objectively, per the nations own court rulings on proposed travel restrictions for people from Muslim-majority nations  targeted for discrimination.

Intersectionality is central to the work of these Arab American community leaders.

Most of our work is done in coalitions. This is intentional, explains Lara Kiswani, director of the Arab Resource and Organizing Center (AROC) advocacy group in San Francisco, California. We come from a tradition of Third World liberation movements in solidarity with one another. We understand that we are more powerful and more effective when we shape our work according to the value of joint struggle.

For many, intersectional organising is about human empathy and strength in numbers.

We have always understood that social justice for Arabs and all people cannot be won without real, principled unity with other oppressed communities and working people, says Hatem Abudayyeh, director of the Arab American Action Network in Chicago.

Rashad al-Dabbagh is the founding director of the Arab American Civic Council. Like Kiswani and Abudayyeh, they were at the airports, organising with non-Arab Americans to call for the release of travellers from Muslim-majority nations trapped in holding centres following Trumps travel ban.

Theres no way wed be able to survive without unity. Thats why its important to work together with all of our communities  Latinos, Asians, LGBT groups, African Americans, Indigenous peoples. Our struggles are linked, he says.

Right now, were at a point in history where we cannot afford to work alone, Dabbagh adds.

READ MORE: Arab-American comedy  Making America laugh again

Carried through generations

These community leaders are not the first generation of Arabs to feel this way. In one prominent example, at the onset of the Algerian war for independence from French colonial rule, for instance, the National Liberation Front famously wrote a series of letters to Algerian communities, across cultural, religious and economic lines. The letters message was clear: Join forces with your nation against second-class citizenship; together, the last shall become the first.

For many, Trumps presidency has further highlighted the reasons for intercommunal activism.

When our president and other officials want to use us as a scapegoat and blame us for everything going on, the only way to react is to resist. Thats why we see more and more people taking the lead, Dabbagh says of Arab American activists.

Dabbagh spoke to Al Jazeera a few days before attending an event where members of interethnic and interfaith groups present each others members with letters on a variety of topics relating to civil liberties. The letters are addressed to elected officials in Washington. The campaign has the dual objective of pressuring legislators to act on their constituents behalf and also allowing previously distant communities to familiarise each other with their problems and find common ground.

Trumps administration has forced us to deepen our work around community self-defence. It has unmasked US imperialism, racism and xenophobia. It has also unmasked a history of resistance, cross movement building and solidarity, says Kiswani.





AROC in recent years has mounted  together with a host of California Bay Area communities  a protest against Urban Shield, a police training and weapons expo in the California Bay Area. The police tactics  and often artillery  used in the US polices extrajudicial killings American people of colour are often the same kinds of tactics and artillery used by Israeli forces in the extrajudicial killings of Palestinians, Kiswani  who is Palestinian, like the other community leaders who spoke to Al Jazeera for this article  recalls.

Just after the Trump administrations second attempt at a Muslim ban, Kiswanis AROC was able to mobilise 500 to the San Francisco Federal building to make a pledge of resistance that we will not only fight for those unable to enter the US. We will also fight for the rightful owners of this land, the indigenous people of the Americas, to stay. We will fight for the working class and poor communities to stay despite displacement and gentrification. We will fight for all migrants suffering from the devastation of US foreign policy to be able to move freely. And we will fight for all people, all refugees, to have the freedom to return to their homelands, she says.

Racial profiling

Abudayyehs AAAN is working on activism against rampant racial profiling affecting people of colour across ethnic backgrounds in Chicago.

We are closely connected to a number of campaigns, including one with the Chicago Teachers Union to make all Chicago schools real sanctuaries, and this includes protections for undocumented immigrant students and black students, he says.

Abudayyeh is not only drawing on the past to inform the present; he also sees his communitys struggles in the US in concert with struggles around the world.

We always connect local issues in the US with issues abroad. It is a cruel irony that the hundreds of thousands of Mexicans and Central Americans, who have been coming here nonstop since the 90s, are doing so because economic policies of NAFTA and CAFTA forced them from their homes. The same is happening with the six countries affected by the Muslim ban. All have been bombed, occupied, droned, or threatened with war by the US. Again, we force them off their lands, and then we say to them, You cant come here!' he says.

We have said for decades that to justify war, occupation, and foreign policy in general, the US government needs to criminalise Arabs, Muslims, and immigrants here  put a local face on the enemy abroad. More and more people are understanding this, and are beginning not only to reject the anti-Arab, anti-Muslim sentiments, but to realise that our wars in the Middle East are not humanitarian ones, but only fought to expand empire.

Kiswani agrees that people in the US must see their organising in concert with the world beyond its borders.

It is a responsibility for us not to shy away from saying we will not normalise occupation, apartheid, colonialism, war here or anywhere. And it is a responsibility on our parts to fight alongside all oppressed communities, including the indigenous people of this land, to expose how the US-Israeli partnership strengthens US imperialism, makes wars possible, and furthers the devastation of Third World people globally, she says.

These community leaders  beyond US borders  are governed by the philosophy of experiencing solidarity in the struggles of others. They are governed by a long-standing revolutionary ethos  born semantically in America, with roots in so many other traditions  of united we stand, divided we fall. Or perhaps its the Chilean revolutionary ethic of: The united people will never be defeated. Or perhaps the Arabic revolutionary slogan: The people demand the end of the regime.
One hundred days after the arrest of Mahmoud Hussein, Egyptian authorities continue to crackdown on the media.

It has been 100 days since Al Jazeera journalist Mahmoud Hussein was arrested and detained by the Egyptian authorities.

Hussein was arrested upon his arrival at Cairos airport on December 20 on a family visit from Qatar, where he is based. He was later accused of incitement against state institutions and broadcasting false news with the aim of spreading chaos.

Since then, Egypt continues to witness a further crackdown on the media.

On December 27, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi signed a new media law that will see the creation of Supreme Council for the Administration of the Media. A council with the authority to revoke press licences from foreign media and fine or suspend media organisations. The law, according to analysts, is considered a blow to pluralism and press freedom in the country.

Hussein is one of at least 26 journalists currently imprisoned for their work in Egypt.

Earlier this month, a local court postponed the final verdict for former Press Syndicate head, Yehia Qallash, who was arrested along with his colleagues, Gamal Abdel Reheem, and Khaled El-Balshy, in November. The three were accused of harbouring two fugitives in their office.

After their office was ransacked, they were slapped with a two-year sentence with a bail of EGP 10,000 each. The press syndicate is the equivalent of a journalists union, and it was the first time in Egyptian history that the head of the union was prosecuted.

READ MORE: Egypt renews detention of Al Jazeeras Mahmoud Hussein

On March 1, the speaker of parliament, Ali Abdel-Aal, along with Egyptian politicians, filed a criminal complaint against Ibrahim Eissa, the editor of local paper Al-Maqal. The charge claimed that Eissa insulted the parliament, referring to satirical headlines printed by the paper.

Middle East and North Africa programme coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists Sherif Mansour said: Instead of pursuing charges against journalists for criticising their performance, Egyptian lawmakers should uphold constitutional guarantees of freedom of the press by striking laws criminalising insulting the parliament from the books.

Also as Hussein continues to be detained, Cairos criminal court postponed journalist Mahmoud Abou Zeids trial again.The March 21 sit-down was adjourned until April 8.

Abou Zeid, whos widely known as Shawkan, was arrested in 2013. He is a part of the Rabaa Dispersal case, which also includes leaders of the Muslim brotherhood. Abou Zeid was covering the Rabaa sit-in during August 2013, when he was swept along with those arrested. Hes the sole journalist included in the trial. He has been in prison ever since and suffers from Hepatitis C.

Egypt currently ranks 159 out of 180 countries on Reporters without Borders World Press Freedom index.

The country is considered by the organisation as one of the biggest prisons for journalists.
Can the countrys new president persuade its youth to stop risking their lives to reach foreign soil?

Janjanbureh, The Gambia  The air is hot and dry, and the main road that dissects this riverside town is devoid of any sign of life. Janjanbureh was once the second largest town in The Gambia. Now, it is nowhere near that  its old colonial buildings are barely standing and most of its residents have left for other parts of the country, or for Europe in search of greener pastures.

Alieu Bah sits under a tree in the courtyard of his two-bedroom house off the main thoroughfare, taking shelter from the afternoon heat.

Three weeks ago the father-of-12 received the news that any parent dreads the most: his son, Sailu Bah, had been killed by human traffickers in Libya as he attempted to embark upon the final leg of a perilous journey to Italy.

A young man from this town who was with him called us and told us Sailu was beaten to death by the smugglers, Bah says as his eyes fill with tears.

Desperate to get to Italy





There are fewer than two million Gambians, and by percentage of population, more Gambians have headed to Europe than any other nation, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

In 2016, almost 12,000 Gambians landed on the shores of Italy and Greece. Entire villages have been emptied of their young men and women.

This island town, some 300km north of the capital, Banjul, has had some of the highest rates of youth migration in the country. It used to be home to as many as 50,000 people. Now the government estimates that only 3,600 are left.

Everyone in this rice-farming town knows someone who has attempted the dangerous journey to Europe.

I have lost count of how many young people have left. Every time you hear the son or daughter of so-and-so has left the town. Many times they die trying to get to Italy, says Bah, his voice cracking with emotion.

A new road to nowhere

The fortunes of the town have long been tied to the countrys once-thriving river transport system. At a time when the countrys roads were not Tarmacked and boats were the favoured form of transportation, Janjanbureh was a vital stop for goods and people.

But when, in the early 1980s, the government began to build new roads and to Tarmac existing ones, Janjanburehs fortunes shifted. Gambians started to travel by road instead of boat and without a bridge to connect the island town to the rest of the country, it was overlooked and neglected. People and goods no longer passed through it.

A ten-minute walk from Bahs house, beside the shore of the River Gambia, a group of men sit idly beneath some mango trees. A single skiff floats on the still brown waters nearby. It is almost two in the afternoon and they have spent the day sitting here, watching the water, in the hope that some tourists will arrive by boat.

Tourists sometimes stop by on their way to other towns, explains one of them, Modou Sane. They want to see crocodiles and hippos. We take them around on our boat and they take pictures. That is the only way we make a living.

There is no other work for us here, the 35-year-old father of four continues. This job doesnt provide us with enough money to live on. Life is tough and we are tired.

The situation isnt much better for the younger generation. Nineteen-year-old Mohamed Lamine has just finished high school and is meant to go to university. But his family is poor and they cant afford the fees.

Many of his classmates have already left Janjanbureh and now he is considering following in their footsteps.

My dream was to go to university and become a businessman when I finish my studies, he says. But we have no money for fees and I have nothing to do. I dont see things improving and Im almost certain I will try my luck abroad.

READ MORE: Exiled Gambians ponder return to troubled homeland

A beggar in a foreign country

But not everyone in Janjanbureh is in a rush to leave. Madou Toure has tried his luck abroad twice and says the grass isnt always greener elsewhere.

I left Janjanbureh twice and went abroad to see if life is better outside, he explains. One time I went as far as Mauritania. It was soon after I finished high school.

The 38-year-old father-of-six says he will not try a third time.

Life was hard abroad. People treat you like a beggar. And I found no jobs. It is better to be a poor farmer here than to be a beggar in a foreign country, adds Toure, who now has a small rice farm.

The country has a new government, for the first time in more than two decades, and it says that addressing the issue of migration will be one of its top priorities.

We have started to provide our youth with the training they need in order for them to be self-employed, explains Lamin Darboe, the executive director of The Gambia National Youth Council. There are not enough jobs in the market, so we are giving them the right training so they can be self-employed.

We are also conducting [a] sensitisation programme where we tell our youth about the dangers involved in migration. We provide them with alternative information to what the smugglers are providing them with.

But for many parents in Janjanbureh this has come too late.

The new government cannot bring back my son, says Bah. But I hope they can prevent the rest of our youth from dying the same way as my son.

Follow Hamza Mohamed on Twitter: @Hamza_Africa
Systemic hatred and violence have worked their way into the very marrow of the Israeli state.

Collective fear stimulates herd instinct, and tends to produce ferocity toward those who are not regarded as members of the herd  Bertrand Russell, Unpopular Essays

I remember as a young boy sitting and watching my fathers blank stare as he watched a documentary about World War II and concentration camps. He seemed to travel to distant places, as if he was all alone and not seated there right next to me. Only once did he share with me what he had seen as a soldier when part of a group that had liberated camps.

On that occasion he described carrying the skeletal remains of a still living man from the darkened catacombs far below the ground to the light of day, as they both cried  the survivor because he expected to die and my dad, I am convinced, because at that moment he wanted to.

Even then, years later, my father cried as he struggled to tell his story, barely audible  as soft as a broken whisper. Although I was distressed by his pain, there was simply no way for me, at that time, to understand what had happened, let alone why.

Years later, as a young college student, I threw myself into the study of that period of world history with an emphasis on the Germany of the 1930s through the Nuremberg Trials that followed the end of the war.

I can still recall passages of the judicial decisions from the war crimes tribunal almost word for word, powerful, passionate calls for humanity and accountability. Try as I did, I could never quite deduce what there was about a place and time that enabled a population to close their eyes and hearts and simply surrender to the sheer evil that consumed millions of Jews, Catholics, gypsies, communists, the disabled, gay women and men, and artists.

The hallmarks of systemic hatred and violence

The cause of such unmitigated hate, indifference or, at least, feigned ignorance, by so many for so long, escaped me for decades only to crystallise and become absolutely clear to me, all these years later, through Israel  the house of hate.

Although psychiatrists and seasoned criminal defence attorneys could surely craft a creative defence to explain away, indeed, justify the recent rash of young Jews apparently calling in bomb threats or drawing swastikas on college dorm doors, on the sides of synagogues in the United States, and elsewhere, its really a challenge without a dare.

Israel, after all, is a society  some would say a culture  born and nurtured from group hate from long before the very first day of the Nakba. Its only grown worse, with the passage of time, as one generation of apologists has given way to a second and a third and on and on, leaving the entire state very accomplished at communal denial or numbed to the occasional, but rare, burst of truth  painful as it might otherwise be.

In psychoanalytical circles its called herd or mob mentality.

There arent many places in the world today where picnickers would cheer to the blast of each phosphorous bomb as it rained its chemical death down upon hundreds of thousands of defenceless civilians.

Israel is one.

Indeed, the parallels between Jews as victims of German hatred in the 30s and 40s and as instigators of that same odium today against Palestinians is as dramatic as it is eerie.

Nor, do I know of many fighting forces guided by religious fiat that justify rape as an almost incidental benefit of warfare. Boko Haram, ISIS and Israel come to mind. And how many armies invite children to autograph bombs with words of greeting before they are loaded on to planes to level schools, hospitals and shelters? Lebanon got that special Israeli message.

Starvation as a weapon of war, not possible, you say. Israel perfected the practice of measured collective punishment, slow torture through controlling calorific intake, access to water, medicines and electricity to millions in Gaza whose only crime is to exist.

How often have we heard the ritual scream Death to Arabs from settlers as they parade through Jerusalem looking for their next Palestinian victim to trample to death under the watchful protection of the Israeli army? Want to become a national hero overnight? Simple. In Israel the road to a successful political career is surely paved with the cold-blooded execution of an injured, unconscious Palestinian prisoner.

These are but a few of the more recent examples, indeed, hallmarks of the kind of systemic hatred and violence that has worked its way into the very marrow of the Israeli state; one which never runs short of hollow excuses for each new outrage always, of course, for the understandable, if not right, reason.

READ MORE: Elor Azaria verdict  No justice for Palestinians

Propaganda and the sieg e mentality

Neither a man nor a crowd nor a nation can be trusted to act humanely or to think sanely under the influence of a great fear  Bertrand Russell, Unpopular Essays

Propaganda knows no unique time, place or ideas. Its systematic. Purposeful, an almost artful manipulation of emotions and attitudes for ideological ends echoed over and over again through one-sided messages which inform the life of a given societys members.

Germanys Hitler excelled at it. He learned early on in his grab for power that, to be effective, propaganda must not only be simple but appeal solely to the masses, not to the scientifically trained intelligentsia. Above all else, he understood well that, to be successful, propaganda must target base emotions  and not the intellect  and be repeated constantly much like a never-ending drumbeat.

Tyrants have long since learned that the most effective propaganda is that which breeds and reinforces a siege mentality among a people, a world that is neatly compartmentalised into a theology of us and them, those that are with us, those that are against, those that are allies, those that are enemies.

Ultimately, its goal is fear.





Once the point of black or white devotion to a state or theology is reached, anything and everything becomes possible, no matter how extreme or offensive, so long as its connected, even marginally, to illusions of threats, real or imagined.

Israel has stage-managed, to perfection, that mechanical message of rumour and fear for years. Its exploited it as well as any state in recent history. Its elevated it to nothing less than blind, obedient faith among Jews, in particular, both in and out of Israel.

Not a day passes without the propaganda machinery of the state preaching that Israeli Jews face imminent extinction, not just from Palestinians but from wholly hostile Arab neighbours that surround them.

That Israel enjoys well-established bilateral treaties and security agreements with its immediate and powerful Arab neighbours Jordan and Egypt is, of course, conveniently suppressed  as to do otherwise would be to weaken Israels shrill and disingenuous appeal.

This at risk message is further manipulated by a narrative that would have Israelis believe they are largely alone, cast adrift in a world very much hostile to them and, thus, an ever-present evil and malevolent threat.

While this papered-over vulnerability fits snugly within the us against them narrative, here, too, reality once again gets swallowed by propaganda.

Parallels between victims and instigators

Israel, after all, receives billions in yearly military aid and assistance from countries throughout the world and has benefited from decades of carte blanche Security Council protection at the United Nations.

When a siege theme, with its companion drive for social conformity, becomes central to a societys core beliefs, hate and violence are as predictable as they are essential to the maintenance of political power.

Indeed, the parallels between Jews as victims of German hatred in the 1930s and 1940s and as instigators of that same odium today against Palestinians is as dramatic as it is eerie.

A difference in volume, but not at all sound, there is scant separation between Jewish businesses and synagogues burned to the ground during the Kristallnacht of 1933 in Germany and repeated incidents in which Palestinian mosques, churches, homes and olive groves have for years been torched by rampaging settlers in the West Bank.

Propaganda drives signposts of hatred, whether anti-Jewish banners hung throughout Germany under the Nazis or those that Zionists display with pride today at demonstrations in Israel or spray paint on the sides of Palestinian buildings. And, of course, the forced segregation of Palestinian and Jewish schoolchildren in Israel today is no different from the days when Jews were forcibly separated from German students before World War II.

History bears repeated witness to mans inhumanity to man. Nowhere is it more painfully and palpably clear than in those times and places where racial or religious supremacy whips the crowd into mass frenzy while its targets pay a constant and often deadly price for state propaganda.

Today, in Israel, some Jews struggle to find meaning and purpose in a state that slaughters defenceless women and children by the thousands in the name of peace, that imprisons ten times as many in the name of liberty, and silences opposition  Jew and Palestinian alike in the name of speech.

Ultimately, that contradiction is best summed, perhaps, by a very simple but powerful rhetorical question etched on a wall in the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC: What is there about the process that leads some to help and show compassion while others comply with persecutions willingly?

In the darkest of days, the worst of times, in the midst of the hatred that was Germany long ago, a white rose grew. One can only pray that today, from the River to the Sea, another one will yet flower.
In a five-part series we explore the stories of the Mexicans and Americans living along the border.

Throughout his 2016 election campaign, President Donald Trump called for the construction of a bigger, more impenetrable border wall along the US border with Mexico.

He also announced plans to stop illegal immigration and make Mexico pay for this proposed wall.

A nation without borders is not a nation. Starting today, the US gets back control of its borders, he said. This will help dismantle cartels, keeping illegal weapons and cash from flowing out of America and into Mexico.

Condemning the move, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said his country would not pay for the wall: Mexico does not believe in walls. I have said it time and again: Mexico will not pay for any wall.

In a five-part series we explore the stories and the lives of people who live along both sides of the border, and set out to answer the main questions on this issue.

1. How long is the border wall?

The US and Mexico share a 1,954-mile (3,142km) border. One thousand and one hundred kilometres of this border already has walls, wired fences or metal fences separating the two countries.

There is also a virtual wall, monitored by cameras, thermal sensors, X-rays and more than 20,000 border agents. On one end of the border, the countries are divided by rivers and the deserts of Sonora and Chihuaha, creating a natural border fence where temperatures can reach up to 50 degrees Celcius.

President Trump has said his wall will cover 1,000 miles (1,600km), and he estimates the cost to be $10-12bn, while homeland security has calculated it to be around $21.6bn.

2. How is Trumps wall affecting those at the border?

There have been more migrants and more migrant shelters opening in Tijuana, a border town in Mexico, since Trump launched his campaign to keep Mexicans and other immigrants out of the US, activists say.

PART ONE: How it affects the borders

The shelters are struggling to cope with the huge wave of migrants and deportees currently crossing back into Mexico.

And businesses have been feeling the economic impact. Mexican shops that would previously have been crowded with tourists are often empty, while vendors in the US city of San Diego say they too are suffering as fewer Mexicans, who would in the past cross the border to buy goods, do so.

3. What are the potential ecological implications of the wall?

Trumps proposed border wall would be devastating for people and animals that have migrated for centuries across the USs southern border with Mexico, said Monica Embrey, senior energy and climate campaigner at international environmentalist organisation Greenpeace.

The violence of the wall includes severing a wildlife corridor for endangered species and seizing poor peoples land by eminent domain. Border walls also often act as hazardous dams. Rainfall washes plants and trash against the metal pillars and the water pours downslope into poor communities that are already without drainage infrastructure, she added.

PART THREE: Who is really paying for it?

Rebekah Hinojosa is a Tejana  a Mexican American from Texas  community organiser whose family has lived at the border between the US and Mexico for generations. She cites past precedent with the existing border walls when discussing the potential ramifications of Trumps wall.

In 2008, the section of wall that bisects the Arizona/Sonora border backed water up to over six feet deep; two people drowned and residents suffered millions of dollars of damage.

Border communities, from Tijuana to Rio Grande Valley of Texas, experience generational poverty and yet the Trump administration is fixated on spending billions of dollars for walls that do nothing but act as monuments to racism, she added.

4. Does Mexico have walls along any of its other borders?

Mexico borders the US in the north and Guatemala in the south.

It has increased the number of checkpoints and border patrols on its southern border with Guatemala.

Many migrants from countries such as Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala attempt to cross that border into Mexico. Most are going in search of the American dream and are hoping to reach the US.

In 2014, under a programme called Programa Frontera Sur, Mexico doubled the number of migrants it deported. Those that are caught by the authorities often end up in what is the largest migrant detention centre in Latin America, located in Tapachula.

5. What has been the cost of Trumps wall for migrants?

There are 3,000 to 3,500 Haitians just in the city of Tijuana in Mexico, and another 1,000 to 1,500 in Mexicali, another border town 200km east. Some came after the hurricane in September and October 2016, but most came in April and May 2016, during Trumps election campaign.

Its no coincidence it happened as Trumps chances increased, said Hugo Castro, the director of Border Angels, an organisation that delivers resources to migrants attempting to reach, or who have been deported from, the US. Its the Trump effect.

PART TWO: The cost for migrants

Nearly 700 undocumented people have been detained in nationwide sweeps in the US.

The wall will bring more death. Is it going to be safer? It depends on your perspective. The wall may keep some migrants out, but only time will tell how many more will die taking desperate measures to find workarounds, one source told Al Jazeera.

6. The existing wall in photos

Construction of the Trumps wall has not started, but below are photos of the existing barriers along the border with Mexico.
Todays commemoration of Land Day is an emblematic reminder of the countless human rights violations that have characterised half a century of Palestinian land confiscation and dispossession.

During the first Land Day in 1976 Palestinian citizens of Israel protested against the Israeli governments expropriation of 2,000 hectares of land surrounding Palestinian villages in the Galilee. Six Palestinians were killed and more than 100 were injured when Israeli forces crushed the protests.

Every year since, Palestinian communities in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) have gathered on March 30 to commemorate these events to highlight Israels ongoing seizure of Palestinian land, and to reaffirm their connection to the land.

This years Land Day will be marked with a march between Deir Hana and Sakhnin in northern Israel, as well as demonstrations and events across central Israel and the Negev/Naqab region, and in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. The protests are often met with brutal and excessive use of force by Israel.

In Umm al-Hiran, one of the unrecognised Bedouin villages in the Negev/Naqab region, protesters are planning to plant trees and rehabilitate some of the structures demolished earlier this year by the Israeli authorities, after residents lost a long legal battle against eviction orders to enable government construction of a new community for Jewish residents.

In the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip, concerts, marches and olive tree planting events are planned in acts of protest against Israels continuous occupation and aggressive land-grab policies. The first few months of 2017 alone have seen an alarming surge in illegal settlement activity and home demolitions in the occupied West Bank.

Surge in illegal settlement activity





Since January the Israeli government, emboldened by President Donald Trumps inauguration, has authorised the construction of more than 6,219 illegal settlement homes in the occupied West Bank, including 719 in East Jerusalem. These announcements not only mark a shift from the Israeli governments more cautious approach under the Obama administration but also fly in the face of UN Security Council resolution 2334 (pdf), passed in December last year, which calls on Israel to immediately cease all settlement activities in the OPT.

In recent weeks a number of Israeli Knesset members have proposed a law to annex the West Bank settlement of Maale Adumim to Jerusalem, along with other settlements in close proximity to the city.

Although the bill has been temporarily blocked by Prime Minister Netanyahu, the proposal is alarming. In addition to flagrantly violating international law, such a move would have potentially catastrophic consequences. Maale Adumim and Jerusalem are connected by the contentious E1 area, a 12sq km piece of land that provides a vital passage between the northern and southern West Bank. Should Israeli construction take place on this land, a continuous Israeli settler presence will be established from occupied East Jerusalem to the Jordan Valley, effectively cutting the West Bank in half and severing East Jerusalem from the remainder of the occupied West Bank.

OPINION: What did the UN apartheid report expose in reality?

Recent months have also seen a marked increase in demolitions of Palestinian homes. At least 24 Bedouin homes and other structures around the Maale Adumim settlement were demolished in the first two months of 2017, compared with an average of 32 total demolitions per year between 2013 and 2015.

As long as the world continues to turn a blind eye to Israel's relentless land grab and settlement expansion, both serious violations of international humanitarian law, the human rights of Palestinians will continue to be trampled on with impunity. by

In another push to consolidate their land confiscation, on February 6, the Israeli Knesset also passed a law that retroactively legalises the seizure of private Palestinian land on which settlements have already been established. The law prevents Palestinian landowners from laying claim to their land if Israeli settlers are living on it, despite the fact that the settlers presence in occupied territory is illegal under international law.

It has been estimated that the law will retroactively legalise 53 settlements and outposts  allowing for the expropriation of about 8,000 dunams (80 hectares) of private Palestinian land. The law also risks galvanising the confiscation of yet more private Palestinian land by providing a basis for further retroactive legalisation of land grabs.

Fifty years of indifference

The recent acceleration in home demolitions, combined with the push to expand settlements and moves to legalise prior land grabs, gives a damning indication of the Israeli governments intention to continue and accelerate its land-grab policies 50 years on from its initial capture and occupation of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip.

Fifty years of indifference from the international community has only served to spur on the Israeli government in its expropriation of Palestinian land and expansion of illegal settlements. In a speech last Friday UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Nikolay Mladenov confirmed that no steps have yet been taken to cease settlement activities in the OPT in order to comply with UN resolution 2334. The fact that Mladenovs update was not delivered in a written report by the UN secretary general himself has been interpreted by some as a lack of commitment by the UN to implement the resolution.

OPINION: Portrait of an occupation  Human rights of the settler

As long as the world continues to turn a blind eye to Israels relentless land grab and settlement expansion, both serious violations of international humanitarian law, the human rights of Palestinians will continue to be trampled on with impunity and UN resolutions such as resolution 2334 or the resolution passed by the UN Human Rights Council last week calling on states to regulate trade with illegal settlements, will remain little more than empty gestures. The international community must take a clear stand and show that it will no longer tolerate Israels illegal policies of annexation and settlement. Otherwise, Palestinians will continue to have plenty to protest about at annual Land Day demonstrations.

Rachel Borrell is Amnesty Internationals research and campaigns assistant on Israel/Palestine. Rachel previously worked for the Palestinian human rights organisation Al-Haq and at Anti-Slavery International in London. Rachel studied International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at the University of Essex.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
After enjoying a rapprochement with the European Union over the past three years, Belarus  a country with a fluctuating political and human rights record  diverted from this path and returned to its habit of brutal crackdowns on protests.

Since late 2014 Minsk has been demonstrating a political will for liberalisation: It was praised for its role as a mediator in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, for releasing its political prisoners, and for creating a less aggressive space for political disagreement.





Joining a political rally became mostly safe and a certain level of cooperation between the authorities and the civil society organisations became possible. For instance, local authorities complied with a demand of a political organisation called Our House to publish most local budgets in 2015 and 2016 for the first time in the recent political history of the country.

In return for these positive steps, the EU lifted its sanctions against Belarusian officials, offered a variety of initiatives for co-operation and development of the countrys economy, and gave state bodies access to some EU money in the area of civil society building.

This all came to an end in March 2017, particularly March 25, when almost a thousand people were detained, fined, and beaten for publicly expressing their dissatisfaction with how the country is managed economically and politically. The story of these protests started few weeks earlier with the spirit of hope and positivity.

Social parasites

The first protest under the banner March of the Outraged Belarusians took place on February 17 in Minsk and attracted between 2,000 and 3,000 protesters. The target of the protest was Presidential Decree #3 (2015), dubbed the decree against social parasites, which introduced an unemployment tax for those who officially work fewer than 183 days per year and hence do not participate in the financing of the state. Such individuals have to pay the state the equivalent of $250.

Although the decree was released in 2015, the controversy around it did not peak until mid-January 2017, when two major developments happened simultaneously. One, a number of changes to the decree were introduced, including a suggestion to consider housewives with children under the age of seven to be the subject of this tax, if the children attend a nursery.





Two, about 470,000 unemployment tax notices were sent across the country, including to individuals who lived and worked abroad for years. Those who did not pay the tax until February 20 could expect a fine, an arrest, forced labour or withdrawal of permission to go abroad or to drive their personal vehicle. Only 11.5 percent of those who received the notification paid the tax by the deadline.

Following the first march, a number of similar protests and gatherings against the unemployment tax took place on February 19 in all five regional centres of Belarus: Brest, Gomel, Grodno, Vitebsk, Mogilev. A week later, February 26, Baranovichi and Bobruisk joined in and Brest and Vitebsk held more protests. All the gatherings were peaceful.

There were several astonishing things about these protests. First, the gatherings were varied in numbers and in the issues that brought people out  ranging from general dissatisfaction with life to acute social and political problems. Second, they were not disrupted by police. Third, they demonstrated an unprecedented level of social solidarity: despite the main protest slogan being I am not a social parasite, many of the protesters, especially older women, would say they joined because they were concerned for others even if the decree did not affect them personally.

The first official reaction did not come until February 28 when President Alexander Lukashenko implied in his comments that social parasites are being used by certain foreign powers to their selfish ends. On March 9, the president announced that the law would be temporarily suspended and that protesters should have a safe public space in which to voice their concerns, where instigators should be picked out like raisins from a bun.

The announcement of the temporary suspension did not stop the protests. On the contrary, the presidential speech was taken by many as an invitation to engage. Between March 5 and 19 at least 14 towns hosted protests, some large, some small.

The crackdown

Belarus law enforcement interpreted the presidential statements quite differently. Between March 5 and 13 a number of preventive arrests were made. First they took politicians and social group leaders who had said they would hold major protests scheduled for later in the month. Most of them were imprisoned just long enough for them to miss the rallies. Then they took the bloggers and journalists covering the events; then the activists spreading the information about the protests. Finally, they started arresting protesters: more than 50 in Minsk on March 15; about 30 more in other cities.

The most brutal crackdown took place on March 25, an unofficial holiday known as Freedom Day (Dzen Voli). The images and live streaming of the crackdown were shocking: old people, barely able to walk, and young women being carried away; young men beaten without apparent reason, protesters taken to hospitals with injuries. Some of the detained people were not even protesters, but unlucky passers-by who were taken by the police during their mop-up operations.

To be fair, some police officers seemed to be equally unhappy about the situation: Some helped people get up from the ground or stopped their colleagues from beating protesters. A number of protesters reported that they were released without reports being filed against them; others reported that they were tortured. All in all, some 700 protesters were detained in Minsk on that day alone.

When Western politicians and human rights bodies finally reacted with condemnations weeks after the repressions started, the Belarusian authorities responded that in the context of a growing terrorist threat globally, one has to be particularly cautious. Apparently the lessons learned in Belarus from the terrorist acts in London, Berlin, Paris, Brussels, and Nice are that peaceful protests should be brutally suppressed.

And, of course, there were more detentions on the next day, when a significantly smaller group went out on the streets to express their solidarity with the arrested. Their detention, broadcast live on the independent media, was saddening: There was a sense of doom about them, mixed with stubborn defiance and a lot of emotion, too. As one female protestor from Polotsk noted: To join [the protests] is frightening, not to join is shameful.

Evgenia Ivanova is a researcher and an activist from Belarus. She is a Board member and an associate researcher at the Centre for Gender Studies at European Humanities University and a co-chair of the Centre for Gender Initiatives Adliga: Women for full Citizenship. Evgenia is an elected Board member of the WIDE+ network. She is also an editor of a Russian speaking almanac, Women in Politics: New Approaches to the Political.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Do other people feel the days passing by as we do? Oh, Dad! We are counting every hour, minute and second. One hundred days have passed since you were taken away from us, handcuffed and exhausted. No matter how hard you had worked and how little you had slept, you called us every single day to check on us. We no longer receive those calls.

Millions of Egyptians live abroad to earn their living and secure a decent life for their families. One of them is my father, Mahmoud Hussein. He never got used to staying away from his country and family for a long time. Still, he put up with living abroad and was satisfied with his frequent visits to check on the big family he takes care of.

READ MORE: Egypt arrests Al Jazeera news producer during vacation

However, his last visit to Egypt was different. This time, he was welcomed with handcuffs on his hands instead of his familys embrace, and he stayed in dark detention cells instead of his warm bed among his caring family. He has always been described as the soul of the family, as he brings life to it when everyone, old and young, gathers around him.

Mahmoud Hussein is an Egyptian journalist who has been working in the field of media and journalism for more than 29 years. During those years, he conveyed the voices of Egyptians, their happy and sad moments, their needs and creative projects. And when the crowds revolted, he rushed to convey the voice of his homeland to the entire world.

Hussein started his career working with the Egyptian Al-Ahram newspaper, then at the radio station, and later in the Egyptian TV news sector. He later joined a number of Arab TV channels until he eventually joined Al Jazeera.

Everybody knows he works there, and his work proves how professional his performance is. If the people who detained him tried to Google his name, they would find what an honourable and professional man he is. They would realise that my father has never said a single word that harms the interests of his homeland.

If they go through the history of his life, they would find nothing but good deeds and virtues. Your message is your manners and principles, and the evidence to that is your work  a sentence that my father was always repeating to us to strengthen the foundation of our thinking.

He took us to visit old cafes to get to know the ancient and eternal roots of the Egyptian spirit. by

Mahmoud Hussein is a good father and friend. He encouraged us to study the holy Quran, and at the same time took us to the theatre and made us listen to music to nourish our souls with art and melodies.

He explained to us the different kinds of art and music until we developed excellent skills to distinguish the exquisite genres of art.

He introduced us to all kinds of books, poetry, literature, philosophy, history and languages to enable us to absorb as much information as possible.

He took us to visit old cafes to get to know the ancient and eternal roots of the Egyptian spirit. He also got us deeply involved in all the developments under way in our country so we would never fall behind.

My father has taught us how to face challenges and keep going. We are still inspired by him to keep going. But what we cannot understand is why my father has been in detention for 100 days on false charges. There is no case or reason for this that I can explain to my little siblings.

Why do we have to spend our days off standing in long queues in extremely cold weather or under the burning sun waiting to visit him in jail? Why do we need permits to meet him or wait to just hear his voice while being transported in a tiny vehicle? That is what he never prepared us for!

Zahra is the daughter of detained Al Jazeera journalist, Mahmoud Hussein. She studies mass communication and journalism.
Report says more than half of the 118 dead are from Myanmar, the source for thousands of refugees coming to Malaysia.

More than 100 foreigners have died from various diseases and unknown causes in the past two years in Malaysias immigration detention centres, according to documents reviewed by the Reuters news agency.

The reported toll, which has not been previously disclosed, is based on Malaysian immigration department data provided to the National Human Rights Commission, which is known by its Malay acronym Suhakam.

Reuters reported on Thursday that documents from the government-funded commission detailed 83 deaths in 2015 and at least 35 in 2016 up to December 20.

More than half of the 118 dead were reportedly from Myanmar, the source for tens of thousands of refugees coming to Malaysia, including Rohingya Muslims escaping persecution by Myanmars authorities and its majority Buddhist population.

In Pictures: Malaysias unwanted immigrants

It is unclear whether the death rate is higher than in neighbouring countries. Government officials in Indonesia and Thailand told Reuters they do not disclose such numbers.

The rate is higher than in countries such as the United States, which in the last financial year recorded 10 deaths in its much larger immigration detention system.

Appalling

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been a harsh critic of the Myanmar government and its de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi after a crackdown in October by Myanmars security forces led many Rohingya to flee across its borders amid multiple allegations of mass killings and gang rapes by troops.

He has called for foreign intervention to stop the genocide in Myanmar.

Najibs office did not return calls seeking comment.





The numbers are too many and are shocking and it calls for the overhaul of the system, said Jerald Joseph, one of eight commissioners at Suhakam, which is due to publicly announce the numbers next week in its annual report on human rights issues in Malaysia.

Joseph described conditions at the centres, some of which he had visited, as appalling and said the deaths should be investigated as a criminal matter.

The illnesses that led to some of the deaths may have been caused or exacerbated by poor sanitation and food, physical abuse and a lack of medical attention, said Joseph, who was speaking on behalf of the commission.

Malaysias home ministry, which oversees the immigration department, said it was trying to improve the conditions in the centres but that its budget was constrained.

I agree there is some overcrowding and the conditions are not ideal. We are always trying to improve the procedures, health conditions and management of these sites. The problem is we hit a budget brick wall, deputy home minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed told Reuters.
Qatar-based network calls for release of Mahmoud Hussein, who is being held in conditions that violate his human rights.

Thursday marks 100 days since Al Jazeera journalist Mahmoud Hussein was arrested by Egyptian authorities after returning to his home country for a holiday.

Hussein is being held in conditions that violate his human rights. Recent footage of him outside an Egyptian court appeared to show he had lost weight owing to the harsh conditions of his detention.

Husseins daughter Zahra said earlier this month that the inhumane conditions he is being kept in have left her father suffering from shortness of breath and under severe psychological stress.

An Egyptian who lives in Qatar, he was stopped, questioned and arrested by authorities on December 20 after arriving in Cairo.

The Al Jazeera Media Network has demanded that Egypt unconditionally release Hussein and condemned the continued renewal of his detention, which has been extended five times, with the last renewal order issued on March 18.

Several leading human rights and media organisations have also criticised his detention.

The International Press Institute (IPI) today renewed its call on Egypt to immediately free Hussein.

.@AlJazeera journalist Mahmoud Hussein to mark 100 days in detention in #Egypt. We call again for his release. https://t.co/pJ1zVtoKB0 pic.twitter.com/NKbLsL61h0  IPI  The Global Network for Press Freedom (@globalfreemedia) March 28, 2017

Mr Husseins detention on dubious, apparently politically motivated charges is the latest in Egypts long history of jailing journalists, which severely impacts upon the Egyptian publics right to hold its leaders and institutions accountable, Scott Griffen, IPI Director of Press Freedom Programmes, said.

As Egypt has put forward no compelling evidence for the alleged crimes, Mr Hussein must be released immediately and all charges against him dropped.

INTERVIEW: Mahmoud Hussein  Freedom of expression is valuable

Griffen added: Reports of poor treatment in detention are troubling and add to our concern for Mr Husseins wellbeing and for his right to a fair trial.

Made-up allegations

Hussein faces a fabricated allegation of disseminating false news and receiving monetary funds from foreign authorities in order to defame the states reputation.

Al Jazeera has rejected all the allegations against him and condemned those who forced him into false confessions made on video.

Hussein was held in solitary confinement for more than two months, during which time he was denied visits, including by his lawyers.

The Al Jazeera Media Network has said it holds the Egyptian authorities responsible for his safety and wellbeing.

It has also been heavily critical of a smear campaign against Hussein, which is being carried through local media outlets  a practice that violates international law.
It's never fun to be ignored.True, longtime Raleigh News & Observer political columnist Rob Christensen might have written his latest piece before reading last week's Carolina Journal Daily Journal on recent progressive changes to North Carolina's personal income tax.But the N&O published Christensen's column three days after the Daily Journal. Since the two columns reach very different conclusions, Christensen's take on the income tax comes across as a rebuttal to Carolina Journal. As such, it deserves a response.First, a note about the legislation that inspired Christensen's column. Without opposing it outright, Christensen clearly offers concerns about Senate Bill 75. It would set a referendum on the ballot asking voters whether they want to lower North Carolina's existing state constitutional cap on the personal income tax rate from 10 percent to 5.5 percent.With a current rate of 5.499 percent, the change would have no immediate impact for state taxpayers. It would stop future legislatures from raising income tax rates, unless they submit their tax hike to voters with another constitutional amendment.The Senate approved the idea earlier this month. Two Democrats joined all but one Republican senator in a 36-13 vote. The idea sits now in the N.C. House Finance Committee.The John Locke Foundation has taken no formal position on S.B. 75. This column should not be mistaken as an endorsement of the proposed constitutional amendment.But it does take aim at one of Christensen's key arguments.The problem starts with the N&O print edition headline: "N.C. may lock in regressive tax code."A tax is regressive if the tax rate decreases as the amount of money subject to taxation increases. As the recent Daily Journal explains, North Carolina's income tax system does not do that.Christensen makes a passing reference to the "standard deduction," noting that raising that deduction can benefit "lower-income taxpayers." He admits that a Republican-led General Assembly has taken that step, then follows that admission with a line about the elimination of the state earned-income tax credit. Whether implied or not, a reader might infer that the latter action negates the benefits of the former.By failing to explore the impact of major changes in the standard deduction, Christensen misses a critical point: As lawmakers adopted one flat tax rate, they made such large-scale increases in the standard deduction that effective tax rates have become much more progressive than a flat tax would suggest.An example might help. Christensen references a "simple principle" that served as a motivating principle behind N.C. tax policy for most of the 20th century:There's no source for this claim. It's also unclear whether the "simple" principle actually suggests that the higher-paid bank president should pay a higher tax rate, or that his tax bill should be proportionately larger than the teller's. In other words, if the bank president made 10 times as much income as the teller, would 10 times as large of a tax bill be sufficient? If not, how much larger should the president's tax bill be?Christensen does not answer these important questions. But we can address his argument without them.Federal data suggest that the average bank teller makes about $25,000 in annual income, and the average bank president makes about $120,000. That means the president earns 4.8 times more income than the teller.It is clear that North Carolina's old progressive-rate income tax would have generated higher rates for the bank president. Both the president and the teller would pay a 6 percent rate on the first $17,000 of taxable income and a 7 percent rate on additional dollars earned beyond that threshold. A 7.75 percent rate would have kicked in for the bank president for any taxable income above $80,000.Under a flat tax with no standard deduction, the difference in rates would disappear. Under the current rate of 5.499 percent, the teller would pay $1,374.75. The president would pay $6,598.80. Both would face an effective tax rate of 5.499 percent, and the president's tax bill would be 4.8 times as large as the teller's.(Yes, we are omitting all other deductions and credits for this example. If such credits and deductions reduce the bank president's tax bill to a larger extent than the teller's, that's a problem with the credits and deductions - not with the flat tax.)The computation above does not represent the end of the story. Under the original tax reform that instituted the flat tax, lawmakers more than doubled the standard deduction, also known as the "zero tax bracket." For a single taxpayer, the deduction originally jumped from $3,000 to $7,500.Lawmakers didn't stop there. In the past few years, that deduction has grown to $8,750. A current Senate proposal would raise that deduction again to $10,000 for a single taxpayer.How would these changes affect tax bills for our hypothetical bank employees? First, let's look at bills assuming a 5.499 percent flat tax rate and the pre-reform standard deduction of $3,000. The teller would pay $1,209.78, while the president would pay $6,433.83. The effective tax rate for the teller drops to 4.8 percent. The effective tax rate for the president drops below 5.4 percent. The president's tax bill is 5.3 times as large.Note that even without an increase in the standard deduction, the pre-reform deduction level leads the bank president to pay a higher rate and a larger bill. That's progressive taxation.Now, let's apply the $7,500 standard deduction incorporated in the original 2013 tax reform package. The teller pays $962.33 (3.8 percent effective tax rate), while the president pays $6,186.37 (5.2 percent). The president's tax bill is 6.4 times as large as the teller's. Boosting the standard deduction increased the flat tax's progressivity.At the current standard deduction of $8,750, the teller's tax bill drops again to $893.58 (3.6 percent). The president's bill drops to $6,117.63 (5.1 percent). The president's tax bill is 6.8 times as large as the teller's. Once again, the tax is more progressive.What if lawmakers go along with the current Senate plan to raise the standard deduction to $10,000? The teller would pay $824.85 (less than 3.3 percent). The president would pay $6,048.90 (slightly above 5 percent). The bank president, earning 4.8 times as much income as the teller, would face a tax bill 7.3 times as large as the teller's. The N.C. income tax would become even more progressive than it is today.Is that disparity large enough to meet Christensen's definition of the bank president paying more than the bank teller? If not, it's entirely possible to create an even more progressive tax system simply by continuing to raise the standard deduction.Plus addressing progressivity in this way avoids the economic problems created by an increase in the marginal tax rate. Once North Carolina's flat income tax rate kicks in, each additional dollar is taxed at the same rate. We don't have to worry that a higher tax rate at a given income threshold will discourage additional income-producing activity beyond that threshold.One additional caveat: Christensen notes that as lawmakers have lowered and flattened the income tax rate, they also have expanded the number of services subject to the sales tax. The sales tax is considered regressive. (It's a point Republican lawmakers made when fighting former Democratic Gov. Beverly Perdue in 2011 over her plans to preserve a temporary state sales tax.)Yet the mix between income and sales tax revenue, and its impact on progressive versus regressive taxation, is a topic for another day. Christensen specifically labels the current income tax system as regressive.It's one thing to argue against changing the existing constitutional cap on income tax rates. It's another to argue that such a change would lock in a "regressive tax code."The first argument has some merit. The second has none.
London to outline immediate plans towards leaving the European Union as EU reacts to the triggering of Article 50.

The British government will on Thursday introduce legislation known as the Great Repeal Bill  a crucial part of its next steps towards leaving the European Union.

The move comes the day after UK Prime Minister Theresa May set the wheels of Brexit in motion by invoking Article 50 of the EUs Lisbon Treaty, officially triggering talks to leave the bloc.

Thursdays bill repeals the European Communities Act 1972 and effectively ends the supremacy of European law in Britain, transferring all EU laws currently in force into the UK statute book.

It will ensure the UK leaves the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice.

The bill will come into force on the day the UK leaves the EU. On the current two-year timetable that will be in March 2019.

MPs will get a chance to debate and vote on the bill before it is passed into law. Brexit Secretary David Davis has said this is an important step in giving certainty to businesses, workers and consumers.

READ MORE: Article 50  What will be negotiated

May published columns in seven European papers on Thursday to stress that a Brexit deal was in all our interests, striking a relatively conciliatory tone before negotiations begin.

We will continue to play our part in ensuring that Europe remains strong and prosperous and able to lead in the world, May wrote in the Irish Times.

She said Brexit was not an attempt to do harm to the European Union or any of the remaining member states.

But she also reiterated her warning that failure to reach a trade deal would hamper security ties.

It would be to the detriment of us all if unnecessary barriers to trade were erected, she said.

A sombre mood

Theresa Villiers, an MP with the ruling Conservative Party, told Al Jazeera: I feel a sense of optimism and anticipation. I very much welcome the fact that the UK is going to become an independent, self-governing democracy again.

But Tim Farron, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: Its a blow to Europe, its a much bigger blow to Britain, and as a patriot I want whats best for my country. I want us to stay in the EU, so Im in no mood to give up.

The mood was sombre in Brussels as the letter invoking Article 50 was handed over.

There is no reason to pretend that this is a happy day  neither in Brussels nor in London. After all, most Europeans, including almost half the British voters, wish that we would stay together, not drift apart, Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, said in a statement.

OPINION: Is Brexit Britain suffering from an imperial hangover?

Germanys Chancellor Angela Merkel has spoken of her desire for the UK and the EU to remain close partners, but said that there cannot be parallel talks about trade deals alongside those concerning the terms of Brexit.

The old EU, the so-called intergovernmental EU, is dead. It doesnt work any more. Its not equipped for the 21st century, so we need to move into a political union that is equipped to respond adequately, flexibly, quickly, Sophie int Veld, a member of the European Parliament from the Netherlands, told Al Jazeera.

Requiem for a dream





Tony Nash, chief economist and managing partner at Complete Intelligence, told Al Jazeera that the UK was fortunate not to have to deal with leaving the Euro and that, while the pound has lost value recently, the devaluation could compensate for having to pay tariffs to access the EU market.

Nash said that financial services were the biggest immediate issue for the UK and that there were questions over whether another European city could claim Londons crown as the continents financial centre.

If you look at places like Frankfurt or Paris, they just cant compete with London as a financial centre, Nash said. I dont think the impact on services is going to be as bad as many people have said because you just dont have the skills and capabilities on the continent that you do in London.

A recent survey, though, suggested growing pessimism in the UK over the economic impact of Brexit.

Just 29 percent of British households surveyed in March believed it would be good for Britains economy over the next 10 years, according to IHS Markit  down from 39 percent in July 2016.

Outside parliament in London on Thursday, a choir of protesters sang the adopted anthem of the EU.

Its called an Ode to Joy, reported Al Jazeeras Barnaby Phillips. But for those who lost the referendum, [it is] a requiem for a dream that died.
Opposition parties complain that the emergency is being used to clamp down on their members and activities.

The Ethiopian parliament has extended by four months a state of emergency it declared six months ago after almost a year of often violent anti-government demonstrations.

The widely expected extension comes amid reports of continued violence and anti-government activities in some rural areas.

At least 500 people were killed by security forces during the year of protests, according to New York-based Human Rights Watch group  a figure the government later echoed.

We still have some anti-peace elements that are active and want to capitalise on disputes that arise among regional states in the country, Ethiopias defence minister, Siraj Fegessa, told MPs when he called on them to approve the extension on Thursday.

In addition, some leaders of the violent acts that we witnessed before are still at large and are disseminating wrong information to incite violence.

Opposition parties complain that the emergency powers are being used to clamp down on their members and activities, especially in rural regions far from the capital, Addis Ababa.

The state of emergency, declared on October 9, was a reaction to protests that were especially persistent in the Oromia region. Many members of the Oromo ethnic group say they are marginalised and that they do not have access to political power, something the government denies.

OPINION: The Oromo protests have changed Ethiopia

A wave of anger was triggered by a development scheme for Addis Ababa, which would have seen its boundaries extended into Oromia. Demonstrators saw it as a land grab that would force farmers off their land.

The protests soon spread to the Amhara region in the north, where locals argued that decades-old federal boundaries had cut off many ethnic Amharas from the region.

Crushed to death

The Oromo and Amhara ethnic groups together make up about 60 percent of Ethiopias population.

The countrys ruling coalition, which has been in power for a quarter of a century, is controlled primarily by the Tigray ethnic group, who make up six percent of the population.

Tensions reached an all-time high after a stampede in which at least 52 people were crushed to death fleeing security forces at a protest that grew out of a religious festival in the town of Bishoftu on October 2nd.

In the following days, rioters torched several mostly foreign-owned factories and other buildings that they claimed were built on seized land.

The government, though, blamed rebel groups and foreign-based dissidents for stoking the violence.

The state of emergency initially included curfews, social media blocks, restrictions on opposition party activity and a ban on diplomats traveling more than 40 kilometres outside the capital without approval.

Authorities arrested over 11,000 people during its first month.

Some provisions of the state of emergency were relaxed on March 15th, two weeks prior to Thursdays announced extension. Arrests and searches without court orders were stopped, and restrictions on radio, television and theatre were dropped.
Bills introduced in 19 US states are threatening freedom of speech and the right to protest, UN experts say.

Nineteen US states have introduced bills that would curb freedom of expression and the right to protest since Donald Trumps election as president, an alarming and undemocratic trend, UN human rights investigators say.

Maina Kiai and David Kaye, independent UN experts on freedom of peaceful assembly and expression, said on Thursday the moves were incompatible with international human rights law.





The trend also threatens to jeopardise one of the United States constitutional pillars: free speech, they said in a statement, calling for action to reverse such legislation.

From the Black Lives Matter movement, to the environmental and Native American movements in opposition to the Dakota Access oil pipeline, and the Womens Marches, individuals and organisations across [American] society have mobilised in peaceful protests, Kiai and Kaye said.

The UN experts said it was Americans fundamental right to protest, but the bills in Republican-governed states such as Indiana, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Missouri sought to stop them exercising that right.

Several bills proposed in Colorado, North Dakota, and Oklahoma targeted opponents of the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota and would have a chilling effect on environmental protesters, the experts said.

Last month, dozens of armed US law enforcement officers swept through a protest camp near the site of the pipeline, clearing the gathering that for months served as a base of opposition to the multi-billion-dollar project.

In Missouri, a bill proposed a seven-year prison term for unlawful obstruction of traffic, while the Minnesota bill would criminalise peaceful protesters for participating in demonstrations that subsequently turned violent.

The UN experts said there was no such thing as a violent protest, only violent protesters.

One persons decision to resort to violence does not strip other protesters of their right to freedom of peaceful assembly, Kaye and Kiai said.

Supporters of the US state legislative action say it sums up the frustration some people feel about protests that get in the way of daily lives, and reflects a wish to maintain public safety.

Free speech advocates say the bills are worrying, seeing them as opening the way to criminalising peaceful protests.
Police come under grenade attack during a raid near the capital as violence continues to hit the South Asian nation.

As many as eight fighters blew themselves up with a grenade in Bangladesh rather than surrender, police said on Thursday, the latest clash in the South Asian country that has seen a rise in violence.

Police urged the group, holed up in their hideout in Nasirpur, northeast of the capital Dhaka, to give themselves up on Wednesday, but instead they detonated the explosive.

Police officers came under attack during the operation with at least eight grenades tossed at them as they cordoned off two houses, both owned by a Bangladesh-origin British citizen.

Counter-terrorism officers and the elite SWAT unit then stormed one of the hideouts and found body parts scattered across two rooms.





Up to eight militants, including a female, were killed, Monirul Islam, the chief of police counter-terrorism and transnational crime, told reporters.

He added there could also be children among the dead.

There was an explosion late yesterday afternoon when the operation began. They died due to that explosion, Islam said.

On Monday, Bangladesh army commandos killed four fighters in the northeastern city of Sylhet during a raid on a building where they were holed up.

On Saturday, six people, including two police, were killed and more than 40 wounded in two bomb blasts near the hideout in the Sylhet building.

Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) claimed responsibility for a bombing on Bangladeshi forces in Sylhet, the SITE monitoring service said, citing a report on the groups website Amaq, which appeared to refer to that incident.

The government rejected the claim and instead blamed the banned homegrown organisation Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB).

Bangladesh anti-terror raids: Civilians killed in blast

ISIL and al-Qaeda have made competing claims over killings of foreigners, liberals, and members of religious minorities in Bangladesh, a mostly Muslim country of 160 million people.

The government has consistently ruled out the presence of such groups, blaming domestic attackers instead.

Analysts say they pose a growing danger in conservative Bangladesh, which has been roiled by political turmoil and instability for years.
The activists charged for their role in the Umbrella Movement have criticised the case as an attack on free speech.

Nine pro-democracy Hong Kong activists appeared in court on Thursday for their role in the 2014 Umbrella Movement mass protests. Theyve criticised the case as a form of political persecution.

The group of campaigners, including students and lawmakers, were charged the day after pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam was selected as city leader by a committee skewed towards the mainland camp.

The case comes as fears grow that semi-autonomous Hong Kongs freedoms are increasingly under threat from Chinese authorities.

It also precedes an expected visit by Chinas President Xi Jinping in July to mark the 20th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong to China by Britain in 1997.

READ MORE: China confirms arrest of Taiwan activist Lee Ming-che

The nine activists, ranging from 22 to 73-years-old, were charged with either conspiring to cause public nuisance or inciting others to do so in relation to the 2014 protests, which called for fully free leadership elections.

The case was adjourned to May 25 after a brief hearing in magistrates court, during which the defence requested a High Court jury trial so that the public could participate in the decision.

The defendants could face up to seven years in prison. They have yet to enter a plea.

Dozens of Beijing supporters and pro-democracy protestors faced off outside the court, yelling profanities at each other, before the nine defendants were due to emerge.

Some pro-China supporters slapped a picture of activist Benny Tai Yiu-ting with a pink plastic slipper, mimicking a local custom practised by some residents where a shoe is used to beat an image of an enemy.

The 2014 uprising saw hundreds of thousands of people take to the streets to protest against Beijings insistence that Hong Kongs leader  the chief executive  must be vetted by a 1,200-person committee before facing a public vote.

Speaking outside court, movement leader Benny Tai Yiu-ting told reporters the activists would not give up on the fight for democracy in Hong Kong.

I believe our society is steeped with the spirit of civil disobedience, said Tai, co-founder of Occupy Central, one of the groups behind the 2014 Umbrella Movement rallies.

OPINION: Hong Kongs election  A vote without voters

We wont give up until Hong Kong has real democracy and real universal suffrage, he added.

Rights group Amnesty International condemned the charges, saying the case showed Hong Kongs freedom of expression and right to peaceful assembly was under a sustained attack.

New leader Lam has promised to try to unify divided Hong Kong, but opponents said the court case immediately undermined that pledge.
Security cabinet approves for the first time in 20 years the building of a new settlement in the occupied West Bank.

Israels government has approved the building of the first new settlement in 20 years in the occupied West Bank  a move swiftly condemned as an obstacle to peace based on a two-state solution.

The move late on Thursday  considered illegal under international law  was adopted less than a week after the United Nations criticised Israel for not taking any steps to halt settlement building on occupied Palestinian territory, as demanded by the Security Council in a resolution it passed in December.

It also came as thousands of Palestinians gathered on Thursday for annual demonstrations marking Land Day, which commemorate the 1976 killing of six peacefully protesting Palestinians by Israeli forces.

AL JAZEERAS IMRAN KHAN IN OCCUPIED EAST JERUSALEM: The cabinets vote wasnt a surprise. We were expecting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to say something because earlier this year he had to clear the settlement of Amona. Amona is one of the Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank that was built on private Palestinian land. An Israeli high court said that this was illegal, so Netanyahu had to get rid of the people who lived there and move them on to somewhere else. At that stage, he said by March 31 I will announce a new settlement for where these people can live, and hes done his part of the deal. Whether this settlement actually gets built or not is a whole other discussion to be had within the Israeli society. Its also something to do with the fact that today is Land Day. Netanyahu is under a lot of pressure from the coalition that helps him govern to build more of these settlements. Hes avoided so far by announcing extensions to settlements, but the fact hes announced a new one is going to anger many people within the international community, however, it remains to be seen what the Americans think about this. Trump, at the beginning of the year, had said its OK, you can build more settlements, however, he rode that back around March.

The unanimous vote in favour of construction of the new settlement in an area called Emek Shilo, which was announced in an Israeli government statement, drew instant criticism from Palestinian leaders.

Todays announcement once again proves that Israel is more committed to appeasing its illegal settler population than to abiding by the requirements for stability and a just peace, said Hanan Ashrawi, an executive committee member of the Palestine Liberation Organization.

Ashrawi also said it was ironic that on the same day that Palestinians sombrely marked the killing of six Palestinians and the wounding of more than 1,000 others that Israels government announced the establishment of a new illegal settlement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu first promised the new settlement at Emek Shilo in February, shortly before dozens of Israeli families were evicted from another West Bank settlement called Amona. The eviction came after Israels Supreme Court said the houses were built illegally on privately owned Palestinian land.

Israel has approved thousands of new homes since Donald Trump was elected US president, but they all have been additions to existing settlements.

There was no immediate reaction from Trumps administration, but the Israeli cabinets decision came a day after the heads of Arab League states  attending a one-day summit in Jordan  stressed their own continued backing for an independent Palestinian state, demanding a two-state solution to the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Netanyahu effectively dares ICC to come and get him as he is set to approve first new settlement in two decades. https://t.co/K32eVdjfp0 pic.twitter.com/MjaLbj2FO7  Kenneth Roth (@KenRoth) March 30, 2017

Ghassan Khatib, a political scientist at Birzeit University, called the Israeli cabinets decision a very dangerous development and a major step on behalf of Israel towards closing the historic opportunity of a two-state solution.

Israel is trying to test the seriousness of yesterdays resolution by the Arab summit, and would not have drawn that step without making sure that new US administration would be tolerant with it, he told Al Jazeera.





Its a challenge not only to the Palestinians, but also to the international community represented by the Security Council that passed a resolution only three months ago against settlement expansion.

The UNSC Resolution 2334, which reaffirmed long-standing positions of the international community, was adopted with 14 votes after the United States abstained in the vote.

The abstention defied pressure from then President-elect Trump, Israel and some US politicians who urged Washington to wield its veto.

The resolution condemned Israels settlements on Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, saying they had no legal validity.

It also demanded a halt to all Israeli settlement activities, saying this is essential for salvaging the two-state solution.

Ben Jamal, the director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, a UK-based pro-Palestinian group, said Israels announcement was further indication of its determination to ignore world opinion and international law.

Since the UN Security Council passed Resolution 2334 condemning settlement building as illegal and an obstacle to peace, Israel has passed laws to retroactively legalise the theft of private Palestinian land, he said.

We are calling on the government to review all of their financial dealings with settlements, and make sure products from illegal settlements are banned from the UK.

Israeli settlements are seen as a major stumbling block to peace efforts as they are built on land the Palestinians see as part of their future state.
Palestinian ambassador says anti-BDS efforts will fail as Israel also cuts it funding to UN to protest resolutions.

Israel has hosted a summit at the United Nations in protest at the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divest and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

The BDS movement, launched in 2005 as a non-violent campaign to press Israel to obey international law and end its illegal occupation of Palestinian territory, has gathered momentum in recent years.

BDS supporters object to Israels continued building of illegal settlements on Palestinian land.

They also accuse Israeli forces of killing and mistreating Palestinians under the pretext of maintaining security. They say neither US universities nor businesses should have any links to their Israeli counterparts.

READ MORE: Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions  What is BDS?

US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley told attendees that the BDS mission was misguided.

How tragic is it, that of all countries in the world to condemn for human rights violations, these voices choose to single out Israel? We should boycott North Korea. We should sanction Iran. We should divest from Syria, not Israel, she said.





Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian ambassador to the UN, watched the summit and told Al Jazeera the anti-BDS campaign would not succeed.

Why do you bring your supporters and followers to the UN to abuse the facilities and to threaten injecting this issue on the agenda of the UN  If you want to go and combat BDS, go to campuses and universities and conduct your business there, Mansour said.

Hundreds of university students were invited to the summit at the UN to learn how to counter BDSs campaign.

OPINION: What did the UN apartheid report expose in reality?

The anti-BDS summit was a call to arms in a very visible location, Al Jazeeras Rosiland Jordan, reporting from UN headquarters in New York, said. But there is no way to predict whether it will ultimately succeed.

Israel also announced on Wednesday it was cutting its already reduced required annual payment to the UN by $2m to protest against resolutions taken against it in various UN forums.

The General Assembly requires all 193 UN member states to pay a percentage of its regular budget, based on their GDP. According to the UN Secretariat, Israel is expected to pay about $11m this year, or 0.43 percent of the regular budget.

Israels refusal to pay $2m of its dues will put the country in arrears, but it wont immediately lose its vote.

Under Article 19 of the UN Charter, any country in arrears of its dues payments in an amount that equals or exceeds the contributions due for two preceding years can lose its vote in the General Assembly.

READ MORE: Palestinians honour Rima Khalaf for apartheid report

Nahshon said the money it was holding back would be used for development projects in countries that support Israel in international organisations.

A UN report this month accused Israel of practising apartheid in the occupied West Bank. That report was withdrawn and Rima Khalaf, the senior UN official with responsibility for it, resigned in protest.

A few weeks ago  together with our American friends, we made clear that Rima Khalaf, an anti-Semite, a promoter of BDS, will not be tolerated in the halls of the UN, Israels ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, told attendees at the BDS summit.

Khalaf has dismissed previous Israeli allegations of anti-Semitism and has stood by the report.

Separately, David Friedman was sworn in as the US Ambassador to Israel on Wednesday.

Friedman has no diplomatic experience but is a longtime friend of US President Donald Trump and worked for him as an lawyer. Friedman is a supporter of the expansion of Israeli settlements on land belonging to Palestinians.

He also favours moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The relocation is opposed by many US allies because both Israel and the Palestinians claim the city as their capital.
Indian police have so far arrested five in connection with mob attacks on Nigerians in a satellite city of New Delhi

Nigeria summoned the Indian ambassador to Abuja on Wednesday following violent mob attacks on Nigerian students in India, the countrys state news agency reported.

Hundreds of residents of Greater Noida, a satellite city of New Delhi, went on a violent rampage on Monday, attacking Africans following the death of a teenage boy from a suspected drug overdose.





India should ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of those behind the attacks, permanent secretary at the ministry of foreign affairs, Olushola Enikanolaiye, said after meeting Nagabushana Reddy  the Indian ambassador.

This is not the first time this would happen, Nigerians have suffered similar attacks in the past, Enikanolaiye was quoted by News Agency of Nigeria.

So, what we will like to see on this occasion is that the perpetrator should be arrested. And we want to see diligent prosecution so that it would serve as a deterrent to those who think they can take laws into their hands and harass students who are going about their studies, Enikanolaiye said.

READ MORE: Crowds attack Africans in India after teens death

A female Nigerian student was attacked on Wednesday, while another five Nigerian students were assaulted on Monday by a mob in a mall. A Kenyan woman was dragged out of a taxi and beaten by a mob in the satellite city on Wednesday, the Hindustan Times newspaper reported on Wednesday.

Police said they have arrested five people and booked more than 1,000 suspects in connection with the attacks. They also said several people involved in the incident had been identified from video clips of the attacks.

The countrys foreign affairs minister Sushma Swaraj also ordered an impartial inquiry into the attacks on Nigerian students, urging the newly appointed Uttar Pradesh state Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, to ensure the safety of Africans in Greater Noida.
Malaysia releases body of Kim Jong-nam and allows North Koreans to depart, as Pyongyang frees Malaysians in return.

The body of Kim Jong-nam, half brother of North Koreas leader, has been released to the communist country, ending a drawn-out diplomatic drama over his murder with VX nerve agent at a Malaysian airport.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said in a statement on Thursday the coroner approved the move following the completion of the autopsy on the deceased and receipt of a letter from his family requesting the remains be returned to North Korea.

Kim was assassinated at Kuala Lumpurs airport on February 13 after the chemical weapon was smeared on his face by two women, according to Malaysian authorities.

An Indonesian woman and Vietnamese woman have been charged with murder.

The attack outraged Malaysia and sparked the diplomatic row with North Korea, resulting in travel bans on both sides and a collapse in long-standing friendly ties.

READ MORE: Kim Jong-nam  N Korea accuses US and S Korea of murder





Najib also said nine Malaysians barred from leaving North Korea because of the row had been allowed to board a plane to leave Pyongyang, adding on Twitter that it was expected to reach Kuala Lumpur at 5am Malaysian time (2100 GMT).

North Korean citizens in Kuala Lumpur will also be allowed to return home, he said.

I had a deep personal concern about this matter, and we worked intensively behind the scenes to achieve this successful outcome, Najib said.

Many challenges were overcome to ensure the return of our fellow Malaysians. The safety and security of our citizens will always be my first priority.

OPINION: Kim Jong-nam attack reveals true nature of North Korea

Sufian Jusoh, a senior fellow at the Institute of Malaysia and International Studies, told Al Jazeera from Kuala Lumpur that it was the end of the diplomatic spat, but it would not bring the previously strong relationship back to normal.

The fact that Malaysian diplomats have left North Korea means thats the end of diplomatic representation, he said. Therefore this will cause a huge delay in Malaysias effort to penetrate the North Korean trade market.

VX nerve agent

A joint statement by the North Korean government released simultaneously said both countries managed to resolve issues arising from the death at a meeting in Kuala Lumpur.





The importance of bilateral relations was reaffirmed. In this connection, both countries agreed to positively discuss the re-introduction of the visa-free system and work towards bringing the relations to a higher level, said the statement from North Korea.

Malaysia imposed a travel ban on North Koreans leaving the Southeast Asian country in a tit-for-tat move after Pyongyang barred Malaysians from leaving its borders.

North Korea was angered by Malaysian authorities, who identified North Korean suspects and wanted to question others, including a diplomat at its embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

Pyongyang has maintained that the body was that of Kim Chol as stated in his passport, and not Kim Jong-nam. It also denied any responsibility in the killing.

Kim, the eldest son of the late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, had spoken out publicly against his familys dynastic control of the isolated, nuclear-armed nation  now ruled by his younger brother Kim Jong-un.

He lived in exile in Macau.
UN report says Turkey now hosts nearly three million Syrians, with 47,000 more coming since February alone.

The number of refugees who have fled the war in Syria now exceeds five million with millions more displaced internally, according to the UN.

Syrians have poured across their borders since anti-government protests in 2011 spiralled into a full-blown conflict between rebels, government troops, and foreign backers.

The first three months of 2017 saw more than 250,000 additional Syrians register as refugees bringing the total to 5.1 million, the UNs refugee agency UNHCR said on its website, without providing an explanation for the apparent surge.

Its not about the number, its about the people, said UNHCR spokesman Babar Baloch, noting the conflict had now lasted longer than World War II. Were trying to look for understanding, solidarity and humanity.

Turkey continues to host the highest number of Syrians displaced by the conflict  nearly three million people. It saw an increase of 47,000 more refugees since February, Baloch said.

READ MORE: The harrowing evacuation of east Aleppo

The five-million milestone came a year to the day after UNHCR asked other countries to start resettling at least 10 percent of the most vulnerable Syrian refugees. So far only 250,000 places have been offered.

Were asking for more legal pathways for Syrians to travel to other countries so that they dont end up dying in the seas like in the Mediterranean, said Baloch.

Al Jazeeras Andrew Simmons, reporting from Geneva, said the enormity and colossal suffering of the refugees is evident from the UNHCR report.

The total number of Syrian refugees abroad stood at 4.6 million at the end of 2015 and rose to 4.85 million by the end of last year, according to the agencys data.

The agency estimated another 6.3 million people have been internally displaced.

Financial aid falling short

Lebanon has more than one million Syrian refugees, while Jordan has 657,000, with others spread across Iraq, Egypt and other North African countries.

Al Jazeeras Alan Fisher, reporting from Lebanons Bekaa Valley, said the actual number of Syrian refugees in Lebanon is much higher than the official figure, with more people streaming into the country in the last few weeks.





He said most of the new arrivals have not yet registered with the UN, and shortages of food and water is common.

War-torn Iraq also hosts 233,224 Syrian refugees in the Kurdish north.

Iraq itself has an estimated 3.5 million people internally displaced, according to Al Jazeeras Hoda Abdel Hamid, reporting from east of Mosul.

Hundreds of thousands of Syrians have also fled to Europe, but not all have been granted refugee status.

Syrians have also fled to Europe in large numbers, making 884,461 asylum claims between April 2011 and October 2016. Almost two-thirds of the claims were in Germany and Sweden.

Hundreds of thousands more live in Gulf countries that are not party to the 1951 Refugee Convention, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, so they are not recorded as refugees.

A UN-led humanitarian appeal to help Syrian refugees and support host communities has received only six percent of the money needed this year  $298mn out of $4.6bn target.
With the Midterm Elections less than one week away: What do you consider the top issues that you will be voting on to be corrected by your better representation?

Education Crime Big Government getting Bigger Biden /Democrat controlled Spike in Energy Cost Inflation created by Legislation of Majority in Power Gender Reassignment Corrupted Bureaucratic /Service (DOJ, FBI, etc.) Institutions Abortion Discredited Legacy Media Ending the Corruption of Dishonest Politicians Corruptive Influence of Social Media Wide Open Southern Border
Republican chairman and top Democrat pledge to stay clear of politics in probe of Russian interference in election.

The Senate Intelligence Committee has requested 20 individuals to be interviewed for the panels probe of alleged Russian interference in last years US election.

Richard Burr, the Republican chairman of the committee, declined to identify any of them, except for President Donald Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

Burr and the top Democrat on the panel, Senator Mark Warner, said on Wednesday they would steer clear of politics in their probe.

Burr said: Mark and I work hand in hand on this.  Were partners to see that this is completed and that we have a product at the end of the day that we can, in bipartisanship, support.

The White House has said that Kushner, a senior adviser to Trump, has volunteered to answer questions about arranging meetings with the Russian ambassador and other officials.

Trumps Russia mess: Five things to know

Burr served as a security adviser to Trumps campaign but said he has not coordinated with him on the scope of the committees investigation.

Asked if he could promise to oversee an impartial probe, Burr responded: Absolutely. Ill do something Ive never done. Ill admit I voted for him [Trump].  But Ive got a job in the US Senate and  it overrides any personal beliefs that I have or loyalties that I might have.

Warner said he had seen no evidence the White House was interfering and would complain publicly if he did.





Burr and Warner would not comment on a separate investigation by the House of Representatives, where the chairman of the intelligence committee, Trump ally Devin Nunes, has been under fire over his handling of the matter.

Many Democrats called for Nunes to recuse himself from the investigation after he met last week with an unidentified source at the White House complex to review classified material, which he says indicates that Trump associates communications were captured in incidental surveillance of foreigners..

Before telling his committee colleagues, Nunes met with House Speaker Paul Ryan, and then Trump.

Trump has used Nunes revelations to defend his claim that former president Barack Obama tapped phones at Trump Tower in New York, though Nunes and his committees top Democrat, Adam Schiff of California, say there is no such evidence.

Ahead of Thursdays Senate hearing, Warner pledged to keep the investigation focused on the reason it was started.

An outside foreign adversary effectively sought to hijack our most critical democratic process  the election of the president  and in the process decided to favor one candidate over another, Warner said.

I can assure you, they didnt do it because it was in the vested interest of the American people.

Russias goal, Vladimir Putins goal, is a weaker United States  weaker economically, weaker globally  and that should be a concern to all Americans, regardless of party affiliation.

Burr said the investigations mission is to look at all activities Russia might have undertaken to alter or influence the election and to examine contacts any campaign had with Russian government officials that could have influenced the process.
Democrat politician says Moscow directed massive disinformation campaign designed to poison US election conversation.

An American senator has alleged that Russia attempted to undermine the 2016 US presidential election with a propaganda campaign on steroids.

Virginia Senator Mark Warner made the accusations on Thursday during a US Senate Intelligence Committee hearing.

Warner, who was a technology executive before entering politics, described a sweeping Russian campaign using trolls and botnets, or networks of hacked or infected devices, to disseminate large amounts of disinformation.

This Russian propaganda on steroids was designed to poison the national conversation in America, Warner said.

Warner, a Democrat, also alleged Russian news organisations such as RT and Sputnik produced and peddled disinformation to American audiences in hopes of damaging former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, who was seen as the frontrunner in the 2016 presidential vote.

Russian President Vladimir Putin denied the accusations on Thursday, calling them lies. When asked if Russia interfered in the US vote Putin said, Read my lips: No.

WATCH: Wiretaps, hacks and spin in Donald Trumps America

President Donald Trump should uncover Russian activities during the election, Warner said, even as he criticised the US leader for what he called wild and uncorroborated accusations that his campaign was wiretapped.

Warners fellow Democrat Senator Ron Wyden also urged the Senate to follow the money on Russia, adding that real estate deals and money-laundering might mean the Russian government may be only a step or two away from American institutions.

In the same hearing, cyber-security expert Clint Watts said Moscow-directed disinformation campaigns were strategically leaked to damage the presidential prospects of candidates from both political sides.

Watts of the Foreign Policy Research Institute told Senator Marco Rubio that his presidential campaign was targeted by Russia.

Trolling networks

Rubio was one of the rivals of then-candidate Donald Trump in the Republican presidential nomination.

Rubio on Thursday confirmed that his former campaign advisers were unsuccessfully targeted by cyber-attacks in July 2016, and again within the past 24 hours.

Watts also said that in the past week social media campaigns have targeted House Speaker Paul Ryan.

He did not offer details but alleged the recent activities show Russia is continuing to seek further unrest among US democratic institutions, leaders, and their constituents.





Later Watts told reporters the trolling networks, which his research institute monitors, were disseminating propaganda about dissension in the ranks of the Republican Party over the vote for Ryan as Speaker of the House.

There was no immediate comment from Ryans office.

Al Jazeeras James Bays, reporting from Washington DC, said the storm is just growing in the US capital with different investigations looking into Russian spying and alleged links to the Trump campaign.

Putin dismissed what he called endless and groundless accusations of Russian meddling in the election. He described the allegations as part of a domestic political struggle in the United States.

Trump has also dismissed suggestions of links with Russia as Democratic Party sour grapes after his surprise November defeat of the partys candidate, Clinton.
A number of options for Raqqa military operation in Syria, but no agreement reached between Turks and Americans.

The United States and Turkey struggled on Thursday to resolve a deep dispute over the Kurdish role in the fight against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), as US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson wrapped up his first trip to Turkey.

As the US prepares an operation to retake the de facto ISIL capital of Raqqa in Syria, the Turks and Americans are deadlocked over who should do the fighting.

Turkey wants the US to partner with its military and Turkish-backed forces in Syria. But Washington has been backing Syrian Kurdish fighters who have proven the most effective ground force against ISIL.

Let me be very frank: These are not easy decisions, Tillerson said in Ankara. They are difficult decisions that have to be made.

OPINION: Rex Tillersons Turkey visit: A critical juncture





Turkey considers the Kurdish force, known as the YPG, to be a terrorist group that threatens Turkeys security.

The US hasnt formally announced a decision on who will be part of the Raqqa operation. But all signs point to Washington continuing to bet on the Kurds. In recent days, the US military airlifted hundreds of Syrian Kurdish forces along with US military advisers and artillery behind enemy lines in preparation for the Raqqa offensive.

Tillerson said he and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu had explored a number of options and alternatives for the operation, but signaled theyd reached no agreement.

Cavusoglu, standing alongside Tillerson, warned past US support for Syrian Kurdish forces had already damaged Americas relations with Turkey. He accused the US of using one terrorist organisation to fight another.

It has negatively affected the Turkish peoples sentiments toward the United States, Cavusoglu said in Turkish.

John McCain warns of tough decisions on Syrian Kurds

Cavusoglu claimed the Trump administration and the US military have accepted that the YPG  the dominant force in the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces  is intrinsically linked to the PKK, or Kurdistan Workers Party.

The PKK has led a three-decade long insurgency in southeast Turkey and is considered a terrorist group by the US. But the US has not extended that designation to the Kurds in Syria, and American military officials have said theres no evidence the YPG has posed a threat to Turkey in recent years.

The US military accepts that there is no distinction between the PKK, which is a terrorist organisation, and the YPG. However, the previous administration failed to acknowledge that, said Cavusoglu, referring to Barack Obamas government.

We have repeatedly expressed that it is a mistake to consider cooperation with a terrorist organisation in the guise of the YPG, and in the long term that would be a mistake in Syria.

Erdogan: Syrian Kurd forces used to take Raqqa naive

Though the US and Turkey share a goal of defeating ISIL in Iraq and Syria, the US has been concerned that Turkeys Operation Euphrates Shield is more focused on preventing Syrian Kurds from forming an autonomous region in northern Syria, along Turkeys border, that could embolden Turkeys own Kurdish minority.

On Wednesday, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim announced the operation had ended after its troops and allied rebels secured territory along the border between Turkey and Syria.

Life is back to normal. Everything is under control, Yildirim said on Turkeys NTV news channel.

Euphrates Shield has ended. If there is a need, a new operation will have a new name.
Man, 29, sustains burns to 85 percent of his body after incident inside the Vial centre on the Greek island of Chios.

A Syrian refugee is in critical condition after what appeared to be a self-immolation attempt on the Greek island of Chios, according to medical sources.

The incident happened around 2pm local time (11:00 GMT) on Thursday inside the Vial detention centre.

Videos posted on social media showed the 29-year-old man  who was holding what looked like a fuel container and a lighter  being engulfed by flames, just moments after a tussle with a police officer who had grabbed him from behind in an apparent bid to stop him from setting himself on fire.

READ MORE: Spurned, hopeless and attacked, refugees drama goes on

The refugee, who reportedly arrived on Chios last week, sustained burns to 85 percent of his body. He was initially admitted to the islands Skilitseion Hospital and was expected to be air lifted to the capital, Athens, for further treatment.

His condition is particularly serious, and that is why all procedures have been followed to transfer him to Athens with the first available means, Eleni Voutierou, the hospitals acting manager, told Al Jazeera.

The police officer was also injured in the incident, suffering burns on seven percent of his hands and three percent of his face. He was also expected to be transported to an Athens hospital.

Delays and despair

The incident comes three days after the apparent suicide of another Syrian refugee in the Greek port of Piraeus, near Athens.

The Greek coastguard on Thursday confirmed to Al Jazeera that the man who had been found hanged on Monday close to a passenger ferry terminal at Greeces biggest port had been identified as a 25-year-old Syrian.

An estimated 62,000 refugees and migrants are currently stranded in mainland Greece and its islands following a wave of European border closures and a controversial deal between the European Union and Turkey in March last year.

READ MORE: Number of Syrian refugees surges in 2017

Under the agreement, migrants and refugees arriving in Greece after March 20, 2016, were to be held in centres on five islands, including Chios, and deported to Turkey if their asylum applications are rejected.





Since then, tensions across Greece have often boiled over as the relocation process moves slowly, is applied inconsistently, and is fraught with particular difficulties, including refugees having to navigate a complex legal asylum system in foreign languages.

Amid the difficult living conditions, the delays and the despair, some attempt to kill themselves and many self-harm, according to rights groups.

Many asylum seekers and migrants stranded in Greece, and trapped on the islands, have seen their mental health deteriorate due to the conditions in which they live in, and the climate of insecurity about what will happen to them in the future, Eva Cosse, Greece specialist at Human Rights Watch, told Al Jazeera.

READ MORE: Refugees attempt suicide by hanging from tree in Greece

Rights groups are also warning that despite large amounts of funds being made available, refugees are still lacking access to much-needed mental healthcare and psychosocial support.

The authorities should transfer people as fast as possible to decent accommodation on the mainland, and improve provisions for much-needed mental health services and psychosocial support. The European Commission should also ensure that the allocated aid benefits all refugees without discrimination, including people with psychosocial disabilities, Cosse said.

Aid agencies and humanitarian workers have long warned of a worrying level of mental health issues, including self harm and depression, among uprooted asylum seekers, particularly in unaccompanied ones, who have risked everything to find a better future.

Many refugees come from Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, and have survived human rights abuses, torture or witnessed war crimes which can be traumatising, Roland Schoenbauer, spokesman for the United Nations refugee agency in Greece, told Al Jazeera.

READ MORE: Greece charges cleric with child refugees sexual abuse

Many, including some of the economic migrants, arrived in Greece with a dream which has been disrupted in the meantime. Long waiting periods for clarity, for reunion with painfully missed relatives in other European countries, or for relocation have made many people desperate, particularly in those government-run camps that could not be brought up to standard.

His comments were also echoed by Kuriakos Katsadoros, a psychiatrist with Klimaka, a suicide prevention non-governmental organisation that runs a helpline in Greece.

Under these conditions, tense situations could lead to such unfortunate incidents [including attempted suicides], said Katsadoros, the scientific director of Klimakas Greek Suicide Prevention Centre.

And amid such large numbers, there are people who are vulnerable and in need of help  which they often cant find, unfortunately, in Greece, he told Al Jazeera. They need support, not only from the strained Greek authorities but also from Europe.
Critics accuse President Maduro of dictatorship after top courts decision to take over powers assigned to Congress.

Venezuelas Supreme Court has ruled that it will take over the opposition-led Congress legislative powers, in a move condemned by opposition parties as an attempt to install a dictatorship.

The court, which has consistently sided with President Nicolas Maduros administration, said late on Wednesday that as long as the Congress remains in contempt of past court rulings congressional functions will be exercised by this chamber or another chosen organ.





The dispute centres on three legislators banned over vote fraud accusations.

Maduro critics say it is an excuse for the government to muzzle opposition during a mounting economic crisis in the oil-rich country.

The Democratic Unity organisation, an opposition bloc, criticised the Supreme Courts decision on Thursday, with several legislators accusing Maduro of acting like a dictator.

This unconstitutional sentence that we reject  cements another step in the dismantling of Venezuelas democracy, the opposition said in a statement.

This government is dying, and thats why its turning to these desperate measures.

Nicolas Maduro has staged a coup in Venezuela, Congress Speaker Julio Borges said in a fiery speech outside the National Assembly. This is a dictatorship.

International condemnation

The head of the Organisation of American States (OAS), a bloc of 34 independent countries including Venezuela, also accused Maduros government of carrying out a self-coup.

The sentences from the Supreme Court  are the final blows with which the regime subverts the constitutional order of the country and finishes with democracy, said OAS Secretary-General Luis Almagro in a statement.

The United States described the move as a serious setback for democracy in Venezuela while the European Union called for a clear electoral calendar going forward.

The opposition promised new street protests starting from Saturday.

Around a dozen opposition lawmakers trying to march to the Supreme Court on Thursday clashed with National Guard soldiers and pro-government supporters lined up to stop them.

Pockets of youths took to the streets in parts of Caracas and attempted to block a major highway. However, numbers were small and they quickly dispersed.

Maduro, a 54-year-old former bus driver and foreign minister, was narrowly elected in 2013 to replace late leftist president Hugo Chavez.

Under his rule, the country has slipped into severe recession, with soaring inflation and acute shortages of food and medicine.
Egypt has extended Mahmoud Husseins detention 10 times in one year, and he has still not been formally charged.
EU President Donald Tusk is expected to present his draft Brexit negotiating guidelines on Friday.

After more than 10 months of posturing and speculation from both sides, Britain has formally invoked Article 50 of the EU treaty  triggering at least two years of talks and, ultimately, its departure from the union.

This puts both sides into uncharted territory: no member state has ever left the European Union before.

EU leaders gathered in Malta on Thursday to flesh out their strategy for the talks ahead.

EU President Donald Tusk is expected to present his draft Brexit negotiating guidelines on Friday.

British Prime Minister Theresa May says she wants the initial negotiations to include both the United Kingdoms exit from the bloc and its future trading relationship.

But some within the EU disagree, saying the future Britain-EU relationship cannot be discussed until the terms of the exit are settled.

And all of this has to happen in a two-year timeframe that looks increasingly difficult to accomplish.

So can Brexit actually be negotiated in just two years? What happens if it cant?

Presenter: Folly Bah Thibault

Guests:

Steven Peers  Law Professor, University of Essex

Maria Demertzis  Deputy Director, Bruegel, a Brussels-based think-tank

Steve Keen  Head of the School of Economics, History & Politics, Kingston University London
Hundreds of womens police stations have been set up across India to combat domestic abuse and sexual violence, following the Delhi rape case in December 2012.

Parmila Dalal is second-in-command at the womens police station in Sonipat, in the northern state of Haryana. Every day she has to deal with the cases the public bring to her.

Some days she works as a typical police officer, investigating crimes or managing matters of public order. But much of Parmilas time is spent mediating in family disputes, in which she acts more as a counsellor or social worker.

She encounters family members at war over such contentious matters as caste, dowry payment and relations with abusive in-laws. Indias Ladycops reveals how womens lives are changing in India today, and how they often struggle to reconcile the conflicting demands made upon them.

FILMMAKERS VIEW

By Ruhi Hamid

Like everyone else I was shocked by the 2012 Delhi rape case in which a young woman was beaten, gang-raped and tortured on a bus as she made her way home with a friend after an evening out. She was so badly injured that she died in hospital two days later. In a country that reveres goddesses, and talks about the mata, or mother, as in Mother India, I wondered what its really like to be a woman in India.

The incident was widely condemned, both in India and abroad. Public protests followed, with shows of anger against the state, government and the police in particular for failing to provide adequate security for women. The governments response was to set up hundreds of police stations across India, led by female officers. Their aim was to encourage women to report their grievances and crimes against them there.

This presented an ideal opportunity for me as a filmmaker to get a unique perspective on how India treats its women. I set off on a reconnaissance mission in the states of Rajasthan and Haryana to find a suitable womens police station.

Young women's hopes and expectations have changed. They want more independence and more freedom by Ruhi Hamid, Filmmaker

In two weeks I travelled hundreds of miles along dusty roads visiting numerous stations and meeting countless female officers. Finally, at a police station in Sonipat, some 50 miles north of Delhi, I came across Parmila Dalal.

Within five minutes of meeting Parmila I knew Id found my main character. She was open, straight-talking and feisty, but also kind  and above all a natural on camera. I filmed with her for a few days, returned to London to make a taster tape, and secured a commission. I was all set to go back to India but it took us almost two years to secure filming permissions and visas before I could start filming in September 2016.

One reason I chose a small town station such as Sonipat was that I wanted to get beyond the sensational headlines of serious crimes against women. I preferred to look at what women face on a day-to-day basis, and I quickly came to see that their main problems were of a domestic nature. Most concerned marital issues: they often involved a young woman struggling to adjust to married life within her new husbands extended family.

Despite India being a so-called economic superpower, womens lives outside the big cities are generally conservative and traditional. However, with the continuing push for girls education, young womens hopes and expectations have changed. Educated girls get a taste for freedom and independence while they are in college. They meet boys and often have relationships. They are then often forced into marrying someone of their parents choosing so they enter the marriage disappointed. Theyre not satisfied with their traditional role of subservient housewife.

On the other hand, economic constraints within the extended family mean that boys are often forced to leave education early to find work. Husbands who are not educated dont understand their wives sense of independence and confidence. They get jealous of their former liaisons and can become antagonistic and controlling. Clashes between husband and wife arise and divorce rates are on the increase.

It was fascinating to see how Parmila handled the stream of cases at her women police station. Many women complained about getting treated badly by their mother-in-law or brother-in-law. There were a few cases about dowry demands, which can happen when the in-laws are not happy with the woman and begin complaining that she is not worth having as she didnt bring enough dowry.

Parmilas ethos is to keep peace and cohesion within her community wherever possible, so she was often acting more as a social worker than a police officer. Rather than choosing punitive measures, she would try for reconciliation between people. Shes a strong believer in the joint family system and works hard to keep families together.

After the time I spent with Parmila at her workplace, witnessing the turmoil of peoples lives, it was a relief to see her at home with her own extended family, managing her personal life with such grace and humour.

During the shoot, I came to see the police station as a microcosm of the fault lines in Indian society. Caste discrimination and dowry have been outlawed, yet cultural attitudes have been slower to change; and despite stricter laws against rape, the number of cases has not decreased. But at least women are now more confident about reporting cases of sexual violence, since they know there will be a female officer to listen.

If Parmila and the other female officers continue to build on their success in tackling crimes against women, attitudes in India will change and womens lives will improve. Theres still a long way to go, but I have no doubt the initiative of setting up women police stations is a progressive idea and other countries could follow this model.
Come Fall, UF students enrolled in online-based programs will be offered a wider selection of majors, inching them closer to parity with on-campus students.

Students in Pathway to Campus Enrollment, a program in which they take 60 credits on- line before transitioning to on-campus classes, will be able to pursue a bachelors in fine arts degree in Fall, said Evangeline Cummings, the assistant provost and director of UF Online.

Additionally, three new majors will be added to the UF Online program. A bachelors degree for fire and emergency services, microbiology and cell science, and communication sciences and disorders will be available to fully online students.

An accounting minor will also be added.

Online courses require a lot of engaging content, she said. So we only take on and bring in the ones that we deem of the highest quality.

While on-campus students are offered about 150 majors, PaCE students and UF Online students are offered 52 and 18 majors, respectively.

Cummings said the communication science major is one of the most popular majors, so UF hopes to accommodate more students and draw them into science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.

There will be a bachelors degree for business administration with eight possible specializations. The program has been available this Spring, but Cummings said UF didnt publicize it, so more students are expected to enroll in Fall.

I think the additional offering, in particular with business with the specialization, will open up a ton of opportunities for students, Cummings said.

She said the business degree will be good for interdisciplinary studies and students coming in with credits from state colleges.

The fine arts majors were added for PaCE students, because faculty in the department requested it.

Our college of arts really wanted to welcome additional PaCE students, and their faculty were really happy to learn the students could come to campus for their art studios, Cummings said.

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Because art majors are based around studio time, Cummings said an exception will be made for PaCE students in these programs so they can complete studio time on campus. Seven majors fall under this degree.

Cummings said when determining which majors to place online, she considers which are easiest to adapt to that format and the cost of developing the program. UFs student advisory council also inputs their opinions.

We take their feedback real- ly seriously, and we work to see what we can deliver in subsequent semesters, she said.

Ethan Cassidy, a 19-year-old UF history sophomore, was a PaCE student who transitioned into full-campus enrollment. Cassidy said he has friends who didnt want to enroll as PaCE students because their desired major wasnt available.

I just truly never understood why all the majors werent offered by PaCE, to be honest, Cassidy said. Im just glad theyre doing that or thinking about doing that.

NEW MAJORS OFFERED:  Fire and emergency services  Microbiology and cell science  Communication sciences and disorders  Fine Arts (Only PaCE addition)

Contact Romy Ellenbogen at rellenbogen@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter at @romyellenbogen
After announcing his candidacy for governor at the beginning of the month, democrat Andrew Gillum has garnered support in Gainesville.

UF students and Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe are among those endorsing the former Tallahassee mayor and his candidacy.

Poe said hes always been aware of Gillums presence, as they were both student government leaders and graduates of Gainesville High School. The local leaders relationship strengthened after they both were elected as mayors of prominent Florida cities, Poe said, speaking after he publicly endorsed the candidate March 22.

I just really respect him, for not only his policies but for his character and background, Poe said. He has all of the elements that will make a great governor.

Gillum, 37, gave a speech at the 2016 Demo-Convention. At 23 years old, he was the youngest to be elected as a Tallahassee city commissioner, a position he filled for more than 10 years, according to the Gainesville Sun.

Poe said the similarities between Gainesville and Tallahassee led him to use Gillum as a sounding board for ideas, and vice versa. Poe said he believes Gillums successful record in Tallahassee can be applied to the entire state.

In addition to standing against gun lobbyists to keep guns out of public parks, Poe said Gillum is an outspoken advocate for equality, civil rights and public safety.

Coming from very modest means, he understands the struggles that many Floridians face every day, Poe said. Hes also shown that he understands a path to help those people out with those struggles.

Support for Gillum has also emerged from UFs community.

After going to Gillums campaign kickoff rally earlier this month in Tallahassee, Ben Lima decided to organize Gators for Gillum.

The UF political science freshman said hes been looking forward to the 2018 governors race for a long time since Florida governors, including current Gov. Rick Scott, have steadily been republicans.

Lima, 19, said he was ecstatic when he heard Gillum, whose inspirational nature reminds him of former President Barack Obama, would be running.

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He has a record of standing up against special interest groups and speaking on behalf of progressive, democratic values, Lima said. We believe he will stand up for everyone.

Contact Molly Vossler at mvossler@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter at @molly_vossler

Andrew Gillum
Tom Campbell

Too many North Carolinians lack confidence in our courts, according to a recently concluded 15-month study initiated by Mark Martin, Chief Justice of our state Supreme Court. 53 percent of the public believe court outcomes are "fair only some of the time or not at all." 63 percent say court cases are handled in a timely manner, but only 42 percent believe our courts are sensitive to the needs of the average person. Court reform is needed in North Carolina.Said Martin,A number of recommendations resulted from the study, the most notable being that North Carolina needs to change how judges and justices are selected and retained. Unfortunately, the commission failed to recommend how to improve our current system of electing judges, a system fraught with problems.Judicial elections usually fall at the bottom of a lengthy ballot and many voters are fatigued by the time they get to these elections. The larger problem is that even well informed voters admit they don't know the candidates or their qualifications. The conundrum is further complicated because voters overwhelmingly say they don't want to lose the right to vote on judges.There are three primary systems across the country for judicial selection and retention. Many states hold judicial elections, some designating the party affiliation of the candidates, others using non-partisan elections. A straightforward gubernatorial selection of judges is employed by some states, but in recent years there has been a growing movement toward what is termed "merit selection" or assisted appointments, also known as the Missouri Plan. This process employs a nominating commission to review the qualifications of judicial candidates, submitting a short list of names to the governor, who appoints a judge from that list. After serving the initial term that judge must stand for a "yes-no" retention vote to continue on the bench.The website Ballotpedia reports that partisan judicial elections are favored most often by Southern states, non-partisan elections by Northwestern states. Northeastern states tend to favor gubernatorial appointments, while Central states prefer assisted appointmentsOver the years our General Assembly has attempted to resolve the perceived problems. When Democrats controlled the legislature they made all judicial elections non-partisan. Recently, the Republican-controlled legislature attempted to insert a retention process for Justices on our Supreme Court, a law ruled in violation of Article IV, Section 16 of our Constitution, which clearly calls for judges at all levels to be elected. The latest change, coming just weeks ago, requires partisan elections for all judges. Our lawmakers have identified the right problem but come up with the wrong solutions.I don't want Republican judges. I don't want Democratic judges. I also don't want to go to the ballot box forced to choose from a list of people I don't know. I want jurists qualified to read our Constitution and our laws and judge impartially.Despite what voters say, judicial elections aren't serving us well and reform is needed. Let's amend our Constitution with some system of merit selection and retention of judges. It is time this long-standing debate was decided. Call the next case.
The sixth annual UF MusicFest, hosted by the Asian American Student Union, the Hispanic Student Association, Student Government and Health Educated Asian Leaders, will be on Flavet Field on Sunday.

MusicFest was created with the slogan, Good Vibes for a Good Cause, and its evident from the organizations passion to support local musicians from throughout the Florida and Asian American community, as well as their drive to benefit Gainesville philanthropies, theyve lived up to their motto.

Nikki Nguyen, a 22-year-old UF sociology senior and first-time director of this years MusicFest, said she intends to use her leadership skills within both the university and the AASU to create an event that will encourage others to give a helping hand to those in need.

Through the position of director, I would not only use my leadership skills to encourage others to become more involved, both on an extracurricular and philanthropic level, but I would also elevate an event in a way that would set it apart from others on campus, Nguyen said.

MusicFest was originally created in 2012 by prominent AASU members Hai Huynh and Christina Chan-Pong with the intention of giving back to the Gainesville community by bringing attention to both local talent and charity organizations, Nguyen said.

They both had a passion for music and saw that there was so much local talent in Gainesville and wanted to find a way to give artists an outlet to showcase their talents, Nguyen said.

Nguyen was initially exposed to the event because of a friendship with co-founder Chan-Pong, and seeing firsthand the true purpose of the concert influenced her to get more involved with the organization and ultimately get the opportunity to direct the festival.

My end goal is to execute a high-quality show that will undoubtedly bring out an ever-increasing turnout from previous years and set the foundation for a show that will continue to grow even more in years to come, Nguyen said.

MusicFest, which hosts a variety of talent ranging from solo artists, musical groups and dance teams, generally has an average of 500 attendees, and its turnout has gradually increased every year, Nguyen said.

She said she believes her passion to give back to the Gainesville community will ascertain a successful event that will most definitely emanate Good Vibes for a Good Cause.

MusicFest sticks to its humanitarian roots by hosting a clothing drive to support the St. Francis House, an organization that provides the basic necessities to help the homeless and less fortunate in the Gainesville community.

For each article of clothing that is brought, participants will be entered into a drawing for prizes such as MusicFest tank tops and Beque Holic gift cards, Nguyen said. Last year, MusicFest collected over 600 articles of clothing, and this year, I only hope to donate more.

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By providing a platform in which students can showcase their talent in an accepting environment, MusicFest brings more attention to UFs abundant music scene, which Nguyen argues could use more awareness.

She said the university could create this awareness by creating more opportunities for people to express their gift with others, whether through programming more open-mic nights or even highlighting student musicians through UFs social media.

The art and music scene is so diverse here at UF, with the presence of organizations such as Hip Hop Collective to various different cappella groups, and this richness in the students experience with music is something that the university should take pride in, Nguyen said.

Nguyen said she intends to use her director position to create an event that will not only bring this exposure, but also continue the organizations remarkable trajectory into the future, where they can continue to support local acts and causes.

I want everyone who goes to MusicFest to have a relaxing evening before finals start taking over and that everyone is there for the same purpose: to give back to the Gainesville community that has given all of us so much, Nguyen said.

The free festival will be from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Flavet Field and will include interactive booths, prize raffles and free food.
Foodies and wine connoisseurs alike will appreciate the second annual Embers Wood Grill Food and Wine Festival on Sunday.

The three-hour event, located at the high-end chophouse off Archer Road and 34th Street at 3545 SW 34th St., starts at 2 p.m.

The tasting will feature more than 200 wines, champagnes and liquors selected by the certified in-house sommeliers, the restaurant co-owner June Allen said. Swamp Head Brewery, a Gainesville establishment, brewed two specialty beers for the event.

Food options include artisan cheeses, specialty desserts, an outdoor grill station and a seafood and raw bar station, all prepared by the restaurants culinary team.

It can actually educate and elevate our diners and our guests in North Florida and Alachua County for their taste, their experience with wine, Allen said.

Allen said Embers is the only Florida restaurant north of Orlando to have two in-house sommeliers. She said she hopes this event puts their high-end restaurant on the map.

People dont think when you come to Gainesville or you live in Gainesville that you can have that type of dining experience, she said.

The festival is a way for new and regular guests to attend a rare culinary event, Allen said.

Theres a lot of unique things that you get to see and try that you might not see anywhere else at any of the other restaurants in Gainesville, she said.

The event will support scholarship programs in the Eastside High Schools Institute of Culinary Arts Program in Gainesville. Briton Dumas, the executive chef at Embers, is a graduate of the program, Allen said. They plan to award the scholarship during the event.

Embers worked for years to build relationships with distributors and wine makers to put on this event, Allen said.

It takes a lot to build those relationships, and so people were very, very surprised last year that came  that Gainesville, a business and a restaurant in Gainesville, could pull something off that was that quality, she said.

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Tickets for Sundays event are $100 and are available online to those 21 and older at emberswineandfoodfestival.com.
A new exhibit at the University Galleries is showcasing top ceramic art picked by acclaimed artists.

Currents 2017  Perception: Color and Content is being shown in the Gary R. Libby Gallery located on UFs campus from now until April 19.

An opening reception will be held tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Currents is an annual national juried exhibition, meaning the pieces are selected.

Currents addresses contemporary themes in ceramic art. This years theme, Perception: Color and Content, is thematically focused on the idea of how perception of color can change the way the content is perceived.

The pieces shown in the gallery were selected by Linda Lopez and Katie Parker, acclaimed artists in their fields of ceramics and mixed media art.

This year, about 250 different pieces were sent in for selection, and only 19 were chosen for the exhibit, said Carin Sankus, a UF second-year ceramics graduate student and curator of Currents.

Participants do not have to be students to send artwork in to be juried and possibly selected for the exhibit.

Its always a national call, Sankus said. This year we have an international team of artists from Israel, also.

Although the exhibit is focused on ceramic art, only 10 percent of the artwork in any given piece is required to be made with clay this year, Sankus said.

Every year the jurors get to choose how much clay (is required), Sankus said. This year they decided on 10 percent, because the jurors work is a lot of mixed material and mixed media.

H.O.T. (Handbuilt or Thrown) Clay, the UF ceramics student organization, has sponsored the exhibit annually for the last five years. This exhibit is a chance to expand the educational experience for students within the School of Art + Art History, according to a press release issued by the University Galleries.

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A goal of the exhibit is also to engage the public with color and content within contemporary ceramic art.

One of the 19 pieces in the exhibit was created by fellow Gator G.V. Kelley.

I am interested in the performative nature of gender conveyed through figurative sculpture, Kelley said. My use of color and material in the surfacing of my figures speaks to a history of performance as well as draws from subcultures such as that of drag, club kids and the club culture of the goth/industrial/electronic music scenes.

The Libby Gallery presents art exhibitions that are organized by graduate student curators, which provides the opportunity for students to learn through experience about curation, exhibition design and presentation.

The gallery is located on the first floor of Fine Arts Building C. The reception will be held tonight at 5:30 p.m., but the operating hours of the gallery are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.










English News Air Djibouti pilot becomes first african to fly solo around the world

- 30 Mars 2017



Pilot completes final leg of his journey to make history

Washington DC, 29 March 2017: A pilot for Air Djibouti has become the first African pilot in history to fly solo around the world.



Ademilola "Lola" Odujinrin completed the final leg of his historic journey this afternoon, landing safely at Washington Dulles International Airport.



The pilot has completed the entire circumnavigation in a Cirrus SR22, stopping in more than 15 countries on five continents, returning to Washington DC, where his journey began back in September.



The flight is part of Project Transcend, a foundation which aims to inspire young people to achieve their goals regardless of their personal circumstances.



Lola says: Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of one day flying around the world. We have a responsibility to lead by example and follow our dreams. I want African children to think: 'I can do this too!'."



I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Air Djiboutis Chairman, Aboubaker Omar Hadi, and Cardiff Aviations Chairman, Bruce Dickinson, who have supported me throughout this journey. Without them this would not have been possible.



Both formed part of a high-level delegation to welcome the historic aviator on the tarmac at Dulles Airport, including: His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Siad Doualeh', Ambassador of Djibouti to the United States, Mr. Dawit Michael Gebre-ab, Senior Director of Strategic Planning for Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority (DPFZA), and Mr. Moussa Houssein and COO of Air Djibouti. Other distinguished guests included the CEO Africa World Press, which plans to publish a book on the journey.



Lola has logged over 4,000 hours as a commercial Boeing 737 pilot, since earning his pilot licence six years ago.



Aboubaker Omar Hadi, Chairman of Air Djibouti, says: By supporting initiatives like Lolas flight around the world, Air Djibouti hopes to inspire a new generation of pilots in Africa and help to pave the way for the aviation industry to thrive in the region.



The benefits will be felt within the region, as this will encourage more intra-African trade and sustainable economic development. With the commencement of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) set for June 2017, air travel in the continent is positioned to grow rapidly and become a key contributor to the regions economic and social development.



Globally, the aviation industry represents a massive opportunity for African economies to play a larger role/ It is estimated that 2017 alone will see approximately 4 billion airline passengers worldwide as well as over 50 million tonnes of cargo being transported by air.



Dans la meme rubrique : < > China's Beidou reaches world-leading level: white paper Silk Road e-commerce promotes trade among Belt and Road countries Irrigation project in Jiangsu gets world heritage designation Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
Allows the NOAA Administrator to declare severe marine debris events and authorize funds to assist with cleanup and response. The Governor of the affected state may request the NOAA Administrator make this declaration.

Reauthorizes NOAA's Marine Debris Program through FY2022. Its mission is to conduct research on the source of marine debris and take action to prevent and clean up marine debris.

Encourages the Executive Branch - led by the U.S. State Department - to engage with the leaders of nations responsible for the majority of marine debris, examining the causes of ocean debris, effective prevention and mitigation strategies, and the economic benefits for treaty nations in addressing the crisis.

Contact: Daniel Keylin

Daniel Keylin daniel_keylin@tillis.senate.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) joined Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Gary Peters (D-MI) to introduce the bipartisan Save our Seas (SOS) Act to help address the marine debris epidemic affecting America's ocean shorelines and inland waterways, as well as other coasts across the globe.Intact marine debris from foreign countries travel great distances and pose problems for nations who are not responsible for the mismanagement of the source country's solid waste.The Save our Seas (SOS) Act works to address three critical areas:said Senator Tillis.
To Iran's mullahs, it's a pity that their party with the former United States administration did not last longer. The Obama administration was regarded as a symbol of friendship and brotherhood in the eyes of the Ayatollahs. But, those days are gone and the inhabitants of the earth now no longer witness the deep-rooted, umm, friendship, between the Obama Administration and His Excellency Javad Zarif.

But let's take a look at how this appears from inside Iran. Iranians themselves say they had hoped that the next proper place for officials of the two states to continue their lengthy negotiations would be in the middle of Irans Karoon River, or rather, the middle of Iran's former Karoon River, the longest river in the country, which discharged its water into the Persian Gulf, and is now dried out.

Perhaps that serves as a microcosm for the entire sentiment engulfing Iran in so many ways even as many in the West continue to delude themselves that a cordial entente with the mullahs is possible. A detailed look at just that is well worth examination.

The destruction of this once-vast river is a feat that only Irans Ayatollahs, in fact, could achieve. The problem is overuse. Not only have state-favored industries done their share, the mullahs themselves have gulped down Irans natural resources - and all for themselves. State entities, including Ayatollah Khameneis IRGC  the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps  have already built several dams on most of Irans rivers, literally thieving water for their private plantations. These are the same Ayatollahs, favored by the former U.S. administration and some other Westerners, who are such experts at devastation over production. Americans and some Europeans, in their zeal for deals, shook hands with what can only be described to sane Iranians as the devils.

Iranians frankly could not believe their eyes when the mighty Karoon River which irrigated the Iranian south and provided jobs for thousands of Iranians just dried out. This came after wastewater from agriculture and industry made the river quite filthy. The river had been known earlier for its vast volume and naturally pure water.

There were protests when the desecration of this environmental bounty was desecrated and then disappeared entirely. Many Iranians were beaten up or arrested when they protested the governments incompetence. That wasn't the only environmental crime, either. It was hard for Iranians to believe their eyes when they saw that Lake Oroomieh, in the northwest of Iran, which is the largest salt lake in the Middle East, all dried out for the same reason the river Karoon was. The same argument goes for a number of other dried out lakes and rivers in different parts of Iran.

Iranians know very well what happened to destroy these critical river systems, but the mullahs chose to insult their intelligence when questions were raised. Take the example of one of the Obama administration's best Iranian friends, Ayatollah Alamolhoda, who is one of the most powerful mullahs close to the Supreme Leader. He claimed that the Karoon was dried out because Iranian women walked along it while dressing themselves like European women. The Ayatollah did not elucidate why none of the European rivers have dried out as well, but for him it wasn't a problem.

How amazing that many businessmen now walking along European rivers are trying to dress like Iranian mullahs! The world, however, does not cling to the old days. Once upon a time, some greedy politicians claimed they had found vestiges of reformists in Irans ruling elite. Their searches in history, however, did not locate the many powerless Iranians executed or blatantly tortured for demanding their democratic rights.

And Iranians know this, too.

Despite what some Westerners prescribe to Ayatollahs for Iran, no one in recent history has been the subject of more loathing from the Iranian public than the mullahs in the present regime. Not a single day goes by without a few antigovernment protests taking place here and there inside Iran. One way of suppressing these people is to play God and send people to the gallows every day. But it doesn't stop the protests. Any move against the dictatorship of mullahs puts a smile on Iranian peoples faces. That is the reality inside the oppressive disaster the mullahs have made of Iran.

Some officials in the West have suggested that Irans largest suppressive force, IRGC Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps  be listed as a terrorist organization. In the past four decades, this military force has tortured and murdered many Iranians, as well as provided support for the terrorists in neighboring states.

In a grand gathering on the occasion of the Persian New Year, the Iranian Resistance's President-elect Maryam Rajavi said:

Today, Khamenei faces three major predicaments in determining the fate of the regime's election sham: First, fearing the Iranian people's Resistance and uprising; second, the US policy in the region which has seriously alarmed the regime; and third, the dilemma over Khamenei's succession which has led to a deep crisis within the regime. The people of Iran do not heed the regime's sham elections and will boycott it as they always have. Based on the acknowledgments made by the regime's officials, various strata of the people of Iran staged some 7 to 11 thousand protests last year against the regime's policies. Beyond any protest, this is a daily drill for uprooting the regime's injustice and oppression. Therefore, Western governments must not fall for the regime's hoaxes and farcical elections and victimize the people of Iran. The policy of overlooking the Iranian people's human rights, freedom and Resistance can no longer be continued.

The current administration does seem to have taken note. Speaking at a press conference, on Feb. 16, President Donald Trump called Iran "another mess I inherited. We have imposed new sanctions on the nation of Iran, who has totally taken advantage of our previous administration. And they are the world's top sponsor of terrorism.

John Bolton, the former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. in his address for Nowruz (the Iranian New Year) in Tirana, Albania said: I have a few words to mullahs in Tehran. The golden era of relations with the United States is over. It is vitally important that the whole world understands that American policy on mullahs regime in support of international terrorism and nuclear power program, is fundamentally changed."

Lets hope this is the start of a new era, in which, the terrorists and their godfather, the Tehran regime, can no longer wither and ruin any more innocent lives.

Hassan Mahmoudi is a human rights advocate and social media journalist seeking democracy for Iran and peace for the region.
One of the oft-repeated laments from many world leaders when speaking about the long-festering Arab-Israeli conflict is regarding sacrifices.

How many times did former U.S. secretary of state John Kerry, former president Obama, or other leaders talk about the need for both sides to make sacrifices for peace? We've heard it repeatedly. Yet the truth of the matter is that only one side has made sacrifices, while the other side has not made any. One side has continuously demonstrated its desire for peace, while the other side has continuously demonstrated it wants the other destroyed.

The Arab population makes up over 98% of the Middle East, while geographically covers more than 99% of the land compared to the size of Israel. These facts are merely to provide some perspective. Yet despite of the overwhelming advantage the Arab world enjoys, the tiny Jewish nation of Israel is considered intolerable by many.

List of Jewish Sacrifices

1. In June 1967, Israel was forced to defend itself against Syria, Jordan, and Egypt in the Six-Day War. During this decisive Israeli victory the Holy Old City of Jerusalem was captured from the Jordanians, who had been in control of it since the Independence war ended in 1949. The victory reunited the Jewish people with Temple Mount and the Western Wall of the Second Temple compound. Israeli flags flew over their holiest site for the first time in modern history.

Yet, at the conclusion of the war, Defense Minister Moshe Dayan made a huge sacrifice in the interest of peace by awarding administrative control of Temple Mount to the Jordanian Waqf (Islamic Trust). He ordered Israeli flags removed and he banned Jews from praying on Temple Mount. This remains in effect today. In spite of Israels sacrifice Temple Mount remains a flashpoint issue and numerous riots have taken place at Al Aqsa mosque.

In the same war Israel captured the Gaza Strip and virtually all of the Sinai Desert.

2. On Yom Kippur 1973, the holiest day of the Jewish year, Israel was attacked on two fronts from Egypt and Syria. Caught by surprise, many Israeli lives were lost before they were able to turn the tide. After Israel successfully crossed the Suez Canal and had tanks in route to Cairo, Egypt summoned the U.S. to broker a ceasefire. Six years later in an historic agreement, Israel signed its first formal peace treaty with a sovereign Arab nation. The Camp David Accord was brokered by President Jimmy Carter and signed by Anwar Sadat and Menachim Begin on the White House Lawn in March 1979.

In the interest of peace, Israel gave up the entire Sinai. Later that year Israel also turned over control of the Alma oil field, which had an estimated $100 billion in untapped reserves. Anwar Sadat later lamented poor Menahcim, I got back the Sinai and the Alma oil fields, and what has Menachim got? A piece of paper.

3. Since Israels independence in 1948, repeated terror attacks had taken hundreds of Israeli lives. In an effort to secure peace with the Palestinians in 1993 Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin and Yasser Arafat, founder of the PLO terrorist group signed the Oslo Accords. Once again the U.S. played the key role and the formal signing took place at the White House. Just under 1,600 Israelis had been murdered between 48 and 93, an average of one murder every other week for this 53-year period.

The accords were designed to provide self-rule for the Palestinians. Israel was willing to give up control over specified areas on the condition the Palestinians stopped terror attacks against Israeli civilians. This was an effort to build trust between the two sides. The longer the Palestinians refrained from terror, the more land Israel would turn over to them. All they were asked to do is stop murdering Jews. This agreement led to Yitzchak Rabin, Shimon Peres, and Yasser Arafat being awarded the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize. Yet the murders did not stop. In 1994 Palestinian terrorists murdered 65 Israelis and another 29 in 1995.

Then tragedy struck in 1995 when Yitzchak Rabin was assassinated.

The terror continued. Between 1996 and 2000 Palestinians murdered another 165 Israelis. The Oslo Accords all but collapsed because the Palestinians refused to honor their commitment to stop murdering Jews.

The Israeli government had to come up with something to protect Jewish civilians from being murdered. A highly controversial decision was made to construct a security barrier. The Palestinians and Israels critics called it a land grab. However, this reluctant decision had to be made for one simple reason -- to protect Jewish civilians from being murdered.

Throughout the first phase of the barriers construction the Palestinians not only did not stop the terror, they increased it significantly. During that four-year period they murdered 984 Israelis -- an average of just under five a week.

The sacrifice Israel made by turning over land to the Palestinians was a total bust. Responsibility for its failure rests with the Palestinians.

4. Now we come to one of the most gut-wrenching sacrifices Israel made in their desire for peace. In 2005, after a 38-year presence in the Gaza Strip, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon decided to pull all 8,000 Jews out of the coastal enclave. Heartbreaking images of Israeli soldiers physically dragging screaming families from their homes brought the country to its knees. The tiny Jewish nation came to the brink of civil war. Yet the task was completed and the Gaza Strip was turned over to the Palestinians to establish self-rule.

After Israel vacated the strip the Palestinian held elections in 2006. They voted the terrorist group Hamas into power. Since then Hamas has fired over 15,000 rockets and mortar rounds and Israel has been forced into three wars with them. To this day, Hamas has been relentless in its effort to deny Israel peace. It constructs underground terror tunnels made from supplies designed for humanitarian purposes while continuing a hateful campaign of Israels destruction.

Once again Israels huge sacrifice for peace backfired.

Another Sacrifice?

Then there is Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian Authority. Most world leaders consider Abbas a moderate. Since October 2015 the so-called knife intifada has been going on. This has been a series of stabbings and vehicle rammings by Palestinians against Israeli soldiers and civilians. At least 44 Israelis have been brutally murdered. Abbas reacts by praising the murderers, saying we bless every drop of blood. In addition he demonstrates his disdain for Jewish lives by meeting with the families of Palestinian terrorists.

He also has said on numerous occasions he will never accept the existence of Israel as a Jewish state. Abbas says Israel is the obstacle to peace because of its settlement construction. But if anyone is responsible for lack of progress on the peace front it is Mahmoud Abbas.

Once again, world leaders and organizations are pressuring Israel to consider yet another sacrifice for peace by giving up land the Palestinians demand for a state, which Abbas says must be 100% Jew-free. They offer nothing in return, not altering their charters calling for Israels destruction, not renouncing terror, not even recognition.

Let There Be No Doubt

It should be clear by now who has made the sacrifices for peace -- Israel. Both land and lives have been sacrificed. What has been asked of the Palestinians? Stop the murder of civilians and accept Israel as a Jewish state. They offer neither. Yet, despite not making a single compromise for peace, the Palestinians are not penalized and keep receiving hundreds of millions in aid. Plus, they continue to pay salaries to terrorist who murder Jews.

When the Palestinian people hear and see their political and religious leaders glorify murderers by naming schools and summer camps after them, these become their role models. This makes peace impossible. Its not to say there arent Palestinians who want peace. There are. However, they are in the minority and afraid to speak out because due to threats by the fundamentalists. I am still waiting to see the first peace demonstration in the streets of any Palestinian city. When the response to terror is viewed as less acceptable than terror itself, something is terribly wrong.

List of Palestinian sacrifices: Zero

That says it all.

More of Dan Calics articles are on his Facebook Page.
Nobody had to tell Corrina Mehiel about the white privilege that killed her. It was a major focus of her life as a white Social Justice Warrior disguised as an artist.

Earlier this month, that work took her to George Washington University in the nations capital. There she was part of a project drawing attention to one feature of white privilege or another.

This time, lead paint in old houses occupied predominantly by black people.

Just a few days after she was photographed with Nancy Pelosi grinning in approval, friends found Mehiel tied up, stabbed, tortured, and ultimately dead at the hands of El Hadji Alpha Madiou Toure, a black man arrested driving her car and using her debit card.

He said he didnt do it.

Even the newest practitioner of Critical Race Theory learns that the expectation of safety is a white thing: Black people dont have it. So why should white people think they deserve it?

That is what activists by the score told Tracey Halvorsen, in response to her article titled Baltimore, You Are Breaking My Heart, detailing the day to day black on white harassment, threats, violence and murder in her gentrified Baltimore neighborhood. All detailed in that scintillating best seller Dont Make the Black Kids Angry.

None of that mattered to Mehiel or the reporters who praised her racial activism even as they ignored the bitter irony of her death.

Mehiel was white and down with the cause, so Mehiel thought the cause was down with her. So did her friends. A fatal mistake:

Awful, said Rafer Hoxsworth. I wonder if the suspect would have spared her had he known how hard she fought for social justice during her life.

She is hardly the first preacher of the gospel of relentless black victimization to die at the hands of black people whom they sought to protect from relentless white racist violence.

In Oakland, David Ruenzel, a white writer for the Southern Poverty Law Center who was among the first to write about that thing called White Privilege, met a similar fate in an Oakland park -- documented on these pages.

Then there was the Baltimore t-shirt vendor for Black Lives Matter, robbed, beaten, but still alive. And the old white dude who was trying to convince a group of Black Lives Protesters in Berkeley not to loot the Radio Shack. They hit him on the head with a hammer for his trouble. He lived too.

This is a long list.

Most white allies know enough to do their virtue display a safe distance from the black predators they seek to shelter and exonerate.

But not Mehiel.

Her Facebook page and blog are full of anger toward the white racism that she was convinced was causing so much violence towards innocent black people:

This year has been exciting and terrifying. So many tragedies inflicted on the full spectrum of non-white males in my country. I have spent many days trying to understand this moment in our history. Feeling so proud of what we have all accomplished. Sobbing with the country at the death of the young, beautiful people in Orlando. Crying to my father after watching Philando Castile pass in real time in front of the whole world. His strong and beautiful girlfriend having the strength to show that story to an already grieving country. And through it all watching the women in my life spend the year in worried apprehension. Trying to be excited for the future, and all the while listening as others rallied around chants of hate and fear toward people of color, people of other religions, people of the lesser sex, people who dont check one gender box.

Her Facebook page is bursting with the gospel of black victimization, from the death of Biggie Smalls to the white racism of Donald Trump to the white racism destroying schools in Detroit and everything in between.

Her belief in black victimization came, she said, at an early age when her mother read to her the book that would change her life: It Takes a Village, by Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Hillarys book may have neglected to mention that black on white murder is wildly out of proportion: And how a black person is 27 times (at least) more likely to murder a white person than vice versa.

In the few days before and after Mehiels murder, that trend continued around the country.

Down in Jacksonville, Florida, a white music teacher told a black man that she did not want to hire him to clean her yard. He killed her. For the music teacher and mother of four, it was her second time around the block: 23 years ago, another black intruder broke into the same house and almost killed her.

For the killer, it was his 33rd arrest.

A Jacksonville news station found her testimony at that trial and broadcast it.

In Tulsa, a 19-year-old white girl came home early for lunch and found a black person burglarizing her apartment. He killed her. Cops said the man they arrested for her murder was the chief suspect in two other murders, but they could not prove it.

That is cop talk for this is his third murder, at least.

In Milwaukee, a group of black people carjacked a white city inspector and killed him. The same mayor who has appointed himself one of the nations top preachers of the gospel of black victimization and white racism appeared before the TV cameras to wonder how this could have happened.

Not one reporter suggested the obvious: Violence and murder and denial is part of a pattern in Milwaukee and around the rest of the country. And he is part of the problem.

In Spring Lake, North Carolina, a white mother of two was found murdered outside her home. Her black boyfriend is under arrest.

In Cincinnati, a white man named Jamie Urton was driving through a black neighborhood when a black child darted in front of his car, striking it. The child was shaken, but okay. Urton died after three black people pulled him from the car, beat him, then shot him.

Neighbors say it happens all the time.

Colin Flaherty is the author of the #1 Amazon Bestseller Dont Make the Black Kids Angry. Many of the episodes in this article can be found by clicking here for a link to his YouTube channel.
Draining a swamp is a great challenge, especially when others are trying to fill it back up, including your supposed allies. For decades, the American people have increasingly suffered under a growing horde of mosquitoes, leeches, chiggers, and other blood-sucking organisms that have arranged a wonderful home for themselves in Washington D.C. These organisms often disguise themselves as decent human beings, proclaiming they want to 'help the small guy' or 'defend our freedoms'. Republican or Democrat, they talk the talk they need to get elected, proclaiming their beliefs in bettering the country, but in the end, they vote for their own betterment. Disillusioned with the lot of them, the American people voted for President Trump to drain the swamp, but seemingly unbeknownst to Trump, there are saboteurs in his midst.

The drama surrounding the attempted fix of ObamaCare serves as an excellent example. The first and greatest clue came on February 23, 2017, when former speaker John Boehner proclaimed that "[Republicans will] fix ObamaCare." Rather than repeal the disastrous legislation that is chasing insurers out of the market and driving up costs, establishment Republicans sought to tweak it. They never intended to repeal or repeal-and-replace. The establishment aimed to undo some of its most egregious portions, while keeping the powers enacted by ObamaCare to impose their own vision of national health insurance, which looks rather similar to ObamaCare. Essentially, establishment Republicans were rebranding ObamaCare, to delay the collapse of the health insurance industry and to steal credit from the Democrats for "giving" people health care.

Don't gloat so fast, Democratic sheep, because your elected Democrats never cared about your health care either. Such gargantuan and imposing legislation was rammed through Congress without any real debate, discussion or open amendment. They wanted the glory and credit for passing it, without caring that they had to "pass the bill [to] find out what is in it." The Democrats who truly cared were the ones who honestly believed in destroying the American health care industry, to replace it with government-provided health care, which is why ObamaCare is a disaster: it was maliciously designed that way. In 2018, (tens of) millions could lose their insurance, because none will be available at any price.

Republicans or Democrats, politicians were patting their backs for allowing you to buy health insurance, while they forgot that nearly all Americans could buy less-expensive and better (for them) health insurance without the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or the American Health Care Act (AHCA). The American people have no need for Washington D.C. to allow us to buy something or create something for us to buy. Washington D.C. operates on the belief that to have power, government must give people stuff, but government can only give out from what it takes, while keeping some for itself: a process that requires the elimination of freedom and liberty. Politicians who speak of liberty while promising to impose new policies or spending are speaking from both sides of their mouths, and may not even realize it. These are far from the brightest bulbs in the box.

For those in doubt, consider the primary cause for the failure of ObamaCare: dictates on insurance disguised as regulations. Rather than eliminating these dictates, the AHCA left them in place. "Phase II" of the establishment plan involved changing the "regulations", to make them less imposing than what Obama had implemented. Considering that the next Democratic president could reimplement the Obama regulations, why change them when you can repeal them? Because the establishment Republicans needed that power to impose their own view of health insurance upon the American people. But you heard that the AHCA was amended and the Freedom Caucus was moving the goal post? Consider that these "regulations" were integral to the establishment plan; Ryan alleged their repeal meant that the AHCA could not pass through reconciliation; and the Freedom Caucus was complaining about them until the bitter end. Was the AHCA truly amended?

If you still doubt the intentions of the establishment, then consider: who broke their promises and ruined the deals? Did Senate Democrats filibuster the AHCA? Did the Senate determine that the AHCA must go through regular order rather than reconciliation? No, it never got there. Did the Senate indicate that the AHCA was ineligible for reconciliation with the conservative amendments? No, a nearly full repeal had already gone through reconciliation. As Trump negotiated with the conservative caucus, did any of his promises make it into the AHCA? No, the establishment plan relied on what the Freedom Caucus wanted repealed. It was the establishment's way or the highway, and regardless of what Trump negotiated with conservatives, the establishment chose the highway. The AHCA was rushed out to prevent debate or amendment, and the establishment dropped it rather than attempt the conservative ideas. The establishment made many (weak) excuses to ignore those who wanted a repeal, all to force through an ObamaCare fix. As radio talk show host and former congressman Joe Walsh has often reminded his listeners, based on his first-hand experiences, Paul Ryan is no conservative, nor are most Republicans.

Trump must have realized that the establishment was crossing him, right? Not necessarily. Trump is used to questioning the veracity of what comes from the party across the table, but he likely has little experience with deception and backstabbing from his own team. Petty power squabbles, deceptions, and lies are the norm in Washington D.C. It is all about making someone else look bad so that you look good, for a vampire. Considering that Trump might abandon conservatives to work with moderate Democrats to fix ObamaCare, thus turning on his only true allies, one must wonder if Trump has been poisoned by the establishment's lies. Moreover, the AHCA was an ObamaCare fix that half of Democrats should have easily supported, but they rejected it for no pettier reasons than Republicans and Trump would get the credit upon its success and look bad upon its failure.

Almost every congressman is deceiving his constituents while voting for numero uno. Only a scant 30 out of 435 are there because they care about you or the country or believe in your freedom and liberty. The Republican establishment will spend more money and effort to defend an establishment incumbent from a conservative upstart than to help a conservative defeat a Democrat. Despite all the public divisiveness and arguments, these politicians often smile, shake hands and work together, whenever they need to suck more blood. If Trump works with Democrats and establishment Republicans, then one day he will wake to a pile of elephant and donkey manure, which he is told smells like roses because it is made from roses, and he will look out upon a barren landscape with nary a leaf or flower, flooded with water and brimming with bloodsuckers. Be it a swamp or a zoo, the animals like it just the way it is, but maybe with more frequent feedings. Who supplies the food?
Back in the days of Bush 43, Michael Moore made a movie blaming President Bush for everything under the sun.

I recall watching it and coming to two conclusions. It was Bush Derangement Syndrome for the world to see and a lousy film as well.

I remember that even Christopher Hitchens went after Moore:

To describe this film as dishonest and demagogic would almost be to promote those terms to the level of respectability. To describe this film as a piece of crap would be to run the risk of a discourse that would never again rise above the excremental. To describe it as an exercise in facile crowd-pleasing would be too obvious. Fahrenheit 9/11 is a sinister exercise in moral frivolity, crudely disguised as an exercise in seriousness. It is also a spectacle of abject political cowardice masking itself as a demonstration of "dissenting" bravery.

As I recall, the movie did not talk about Saddam's murder machine or the way women and gays were treated over there. I guess Moore did not know or chose to forget that part of the story. He also failed to mention that Saddam had used chemical weapons against Iran and the Kurds.

Not surprisingly, Bush 43 ranks higher than Moore's movie these days.

Moore is back. He has not a new film, but another silly statement.

According to news reports and tweets, Moore wants the world to remember March 28, 2017:

Historians in the near future will mark today, March 28, 2017, as the day the extinction of human life on earth began, thanks 2 Donald Trump

Trump has signed orders killing all of Obama's climate change regulations. The EPA is prohibited henceforth from focusing on climate change.

Time will tell whether March 28, 2017 will be remembered as the day Trump triggered human extinction or the moment Moore lost whatever credibility he has left.

Let me put my money on the second option. In other words, Moore is crazy and needs help from that fellow who sits you on a sofa for an hour or so.

P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter.
Mexico's self-righteous victim stance, wielded so often since the election of President Trump, may have to be put back in storage, at least for a while. Reuters reports:

The attorney general of Mexico's Pacific coast state of Nayarit, hard hit by drug cartel violence in recent years, has been arrested in San Diego on U.S. narcotics trafficking conspiracy charges, federal officials said on Wednesday. Edgar Veytia, 45, who has served as the top law enforcement officer of Nayarit since 2013, was charged in a seven-page, three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury on Monday in the New York borough of Brooklyn and unsealed on Tuesday. He was taken into custody on Monday in San Diego by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations, acting on an arrest warrant, an FBI spokeswoman in San Diego said. The arrest is another blow for Mexico President Enrique Pena Nieto's Institutional Revolutionary Party, which governs Nayarit and is reeling from corruption scandals that have led a number of former governors to flee criminal charges.

This news is, in Trumpian parlance, yuuuge. Nayarit is a coastal state and is part of the region that has sent many immigrants, legal and illegal, to California.

To have the top law enforcement officer of a state in a federal republic allegedly in league with a drug cartel means that criminals are running a part of Mexico that is sending us drugs and corruption.

Parts of the first presidential conversation between President Trump and President Pena-Nieto were leaked to the media. I imagine that the next conversation between the two men may be rather different, and the malign forces that provided the first leak will not be interested in letting the public know what is happening now.

Depending on what results the investigation uncovers, and what pressure is brought to bear on General Vetiya, President Trump could have some real bargaining leverage. If the corruption of the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party is as pervasive as some suspect, President Trump potentially has the fate of Pena-Nieto in his hands.

This major arrest has gotten scant attention. That could be read as a sign that really important matters are taking place backstage.
A very old joke defines the Yiddish word "chutzpah" by example: a child who confesses to killing his parents and asks the court for mercy as an orphan. Former Democratic National Committee chair Donna Brazile has provided a real-life example that tops the old joke. For some reason, the admitted liar and cheat is regarded as someone worthy of national media attention, even though she has proven that she will lie and conceal lies for months, even after exposure.

So the irony could not be greater when she attacks "false media narratives" and then provides her own false media narrative.

Jack Heretik of the Free Beacon explains:

Former Democratic National Committee Chairperson Donna Brazile lectured the media on "fake narratives" two weeks after she admitted to leaking debate questions to Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential primaries. Brazile took part in a panel discussion on SiriusXM where she discussed the Russian hacking of Clinton associates," Mediaite reported on Wednesday. "This was a massive campaign," Brazile said, before she agreed with former vice president Dick Cheney's statement that Russia's actions were an act of war. "If they can take down a woman of stature like Hillary Clinton with bogus stuff and then you have to disprove the negative to make it somehow truthful, you cannot," Brazile said.

"Bogus narratives," Donna? None of the emails released by WikiLeaks has been disputed as fake. They were, as far as anyone knows, real emails. As for the narrative that Russia was the hacker, that is a notion widely touted as factual but for which no evidence whatsoever has been provided  merely anonymous sources in the intelligence community asserting that it was the Russians. I am sorry, but until there is proof and individuals standing up to offer it, I will consider the source unknown.

Via Grabien, here is the video of her assertion:
The latest indication of the vast left-wing conspiracy against President Trump appeared in an article in The New York Times, March 29, on the emergence of Vice President Mike Pence as a significant figure in the Trump administration. The article appeared on the front page of the Times and was continued on page A16. On that page, in the eleventh paragraph of the article, was this sentence: "Democrats and Never-Trump Republicans still view [Vice President Pence] as a president-in-waiting, in hopes that Mr. Trump will somehow be brought down by scandal."

What the article did not report was whom these conspiring "Democrats and Never-Trump Republicans" wanted to see installed as Vice President Pence's successor.

The Twenty-Fifth Amendment to the Constitution, ratified on February 10, 1967, provides in Section 2: "Whenever there is a vacancy in the officer of the Vice President, the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress." (This amendment was, of course, in effect as the Watergate Episode unfolded, and it brought the country Rep. Gerald Ford to replace disgraced, and ousted, Vice President Spiro Agnew  whose tenure as vice president was, this observer believes, President Richard M. Nixon's last hope of remaining in office. Mr. Nixon should have realized that his days as president were numbered once Mr. Ford replaced Mr. Agnew as vice president.)

The chances of success of the vast left-wing conspiracy against President Trump will be vastly improved should the Democrats gain a majority of the House of Representatives in the 2018 elections. With a Democrat majority, President Trump would likely be impeached for eating a ham sandwich (yes, a play on the old saw about how easy it is to get an indictment). And at that point, isn't it more likely that President Trump would go the way of Nixon rather than of President Bill Clinton?

With President Trump an ex-president, and with the House, at least, in Democrat hands, who would be named to succeed Vice President Pence? It is not difficult to imagine that the vast left-wing conspiracy would demand that President Pence name someone the left would regard as a symbol of political reconciliation. Clearly, the views of the Democrats would be dispositive on the matter, as vice presidential succession in this context requires majorities in House and Senate. If, in 2019, the House were controlled by the Democrats while Republicans held a Senate majority, serious negotiating would have to take place as to Mr. Pence's successor as vice president.

Whom would those negotiations settle on? Does the name "Judge Merrick Garland" ring a bell?

Should the Democrats gain majorities in both houses of Congress in January 2019, and President Trump is impeached and convicted, the Democrats will, of course, be free to name anyone they choose as vice president, won't they?

By the way, Hamilton, in Federalist No. 69, pointed out that in the event that a president is "impeached, tried, and, upon conviction of treason, bribery, or other high crimes or misdemeanors, removed from office [he] would afterwards be liable to prosecution and punishment in the ordinary course of law." Does anyone doubt that the vast left-wing conspiracy against President Trump is salivating at the chance to shout, the instant President Trump is removed from office, "Lock him up, lock him up"?

Suggestion to the president  hold on to that House majority in the 2018 elections.
Dare I Confess it? I Rather Liked Him

The world has had it with North Korea. The free world is really mad at them. A Diplomatic Big Word Assault has already begun.



To show how serious we are we are going to use the full resources of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary to tell them what we really think about their dastardly behavior and really put them into their place (whatever that means)!



The World Wide Word Assault has already begun as demonstrated by the listing below of the Slings and Arrows (Big Words) already launched from peace loving diplomats...



 "sting of global scorn"

 "clear violations"

 "new sanctions needed"

 "pushed for strong action"

 "galvanize support for a strong and united response"

 "reckless violation of international law that compels action in response"

 "vowed to seek and support a strong United Nations Security Council resolution with concrete measures to curtail"

 "reckless act that threatens peace and stability"

 "grave challenge"

 "serious blow"



I bet those North Koreans are quaking in their hobnail boots.

------------------------- The world community needs to get out its history books and go back and read what world leaders were saying about Nazi Germany in the 1930's.



By golly, if we hit those North Koreans with a Diplomatic Tweet full of 1930's Condemnations (really vacillations) about what they were going to do about Herr Hitler and what they demanded that Herr Hitler do, that would turn the tide!



It worked back then! ... Or did it?

------------------------

Please allow one last Wise Guy Comment from the Smartfella? ... Where did the Subject Line for this Foolishness come from? My Dear Readers, those were the words of Sir Anthony Eden, a Future Prime Minister of Great Britain, after he returned from a 1934 visit and meeting with Adolph Hitler ... "Dare I confess it? I rather liked him."



Would I kid u?

Smartfella


Very often, liberals present arguments that make conservatives laugh out loud  but there is a danger in just laughing and moving on. Quite often, there are sophisticated sophistries underlying the silliest liberal memes. If those arguments aren't answered, they can persuade the casual observer.

Here is typical example. Damon Linker writes in the The Week about "How the Conservatives' choice fetish doomed Paul Ryan's plan to dismantle ObamaCare." It should come as no surprise that Linker wants to free us of our fetish by moving to single-payer health care. He explicitly advocates something like "Medicare, an enormously popular government program," for all people of all ages.

To justify a universal health care system, Linker is not shy about directly attacking freedom. Choices are expensive and cause us psychological stress. I will quote him extensively, because no one would believe that any paraphrase fairly captures his inability to understand that some words have multiple and subtly shaded meanings.

[I]n Tokyo many things Americans assume will be freely available in a city  places to sit down, parks, water fountains  are either off-limits to the public or available only at cost. This creates the need for numerous additional market transactions  and many more choices  than an American is accustomed to. Does this proliferation of choice produce an improvement in quality of life? The answer is clearly no, because each choice involves a transaction cost  not just a monetary one, but a psychological one as well. In many cases, the costs are small, but they add up. Each choice (Should I pay to enter this park or look for another place to sit? Should I purchase a drink here or hope I find something cheaper before my thirst becomes intolerable?) requires that preferences be ranked, a decision made, and consequences lived with  all of which increases anxiety, and the potential for regrets if the decision proves not to have been a wise one. This is a phenomenon to which social psychologists have devoted increasing attention in recent years, showing that the proliferation of choices in our lives may well contribute to an increase in unhappiness.

That's hilarious, but let's make sure we understand why it's so funny. The word "choice" is being used in multiple ways. If we have many options, we often say we have many choices. If we have many decisions we also often say we face many choices. We casually call both options and decisions choices, but they are very different things. The story about Tokyo presents a situation with a limited number of options, which necessarily forces hard decisions. Linker presents the necessity of decisions, some of which might be taxing, as a proliferation of options. In his example, the exact opposite is true.

To eliminate any possible confusion, Linker is saying the lack of options (choices) is bad because it forces to many decisions (choices). To be fair, but perhaps uncharitable, later in the article, he cites a study that concludes the opposite: having too many options is bad because that's confusing and makes decisions harder. Without any sign of awareness of the contradiction, Linker argues that too few options are bad and so are too many. In either case, people are forced to exercise their freedom and make decisions. It is autonomous decisions that Linker opposes.

When making decisions, most people like having multiple options. For Linker, it is much better to limit our options by turning over decision-making to people like him.

There are many problems with giving up our power to decide for ourselves. When it comes to mandatory government health care, there is an obvious problem. The people who run government systems also need to make decisions, and they are unable to do so. For example, Medicare is universally understood to be going bankrupt. No one seriously disagrees. With the exception of Paul Ryan and a few other hardy souls in the Republican Party, no politician is willing to even discuss the decisions (choices) that need to be made to save it. If these decisions aren't made soon, our options (choices) become increasingly painful. Sensible people are prudently examining their options for the possible day when Medicare is no longer viable.

I admit to laughing at people who want at implement a single-payer system without explaining how that would help Medicare survive, and how it would cover everyone else without collapsing under crushing cost burdens. But laughing is not enough. We have to convince them of the error of their ways. We can start by showing them that playing with the meaning of words is not devilishly clever. It is quite foolish. At a certain point in our lives, we cannot decide to be more intelligent. But we always have the option of being less foolish.
The Daily Caller, citing a report in Newsweek, reports that FBI director James Comey pleaded with the Obama national security team to allow him to publish an editorial he wrote about the potential for Russian meddling in the U.S. election back in 2013. He was dismissed as a pipsqueak with nothing of importance to say by the Obama bigshots.

According to the report:

"The White House shut it down," one source told the magazine of Comey's op-ed offer. "They did their usual  nothing."

If so, it sounds like the Obama team we know  Secretary of State John Kerry, Attorney General Loretta Lynch, national security adviser Susan Rice, and Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson. Most of them in one way or another treated their stewardship over the national interest as subordinate to their Democratic Party's fortunes. An editorial on Russian meddling? What could the political gain be in that? Particularly since at the time, they were all in for a foreign policy of appeasement of Russia and thought Vladimir Putin was in their tree. Even though Comey already had the whole thing written, they told him to beat it.

After all, less than a year earlier, President Obama had mocked then-presidential candidate Mitt Romney for his Russian meddling concerns, quipping the one-liner: "The eighties called. They want their foreign policy back."

It just goes to show that up until Hillary Clinton lost the 2016 election, Democrats cared very little for any potential Russian meddling, let alone securing America's secrets. Clinton kept the top-secret communications of the State Department on an illegal private server in some guy's bathroom, while Ben Rhodes functioned as a deputy national security adviser but apparently couldn't get a security clearance. In both cases, the reasons were political: Clinton was willing to endanger national security for the sake of keeping her communications secret from the prying eyes of Republicans. Rhodes was a hipsterly political operative with a creative writing degree and a well connected brother leading CBS, who wormed his way into the national security establishment because of his "mind meld" with President Obama. Russians and American secrets be damned.

Now that Clinton's lost, they have changed their tune and are sudden converts, with feigned hypersensitivity to Russian meddling and guarding America's secrets. Don't believe them. They're still just mad that Clinton lost the election and still want to blame everyone but themselves.
A new word-ban for college students comes from Northern Arizona University. Shanna Nelson of Campus Reform chronicles the threat to the mental stability of our snowflake generation that a brave professor has vanquished (with a lower grade):

A Northern Arizona University student lost credit on an English paper for using the word "mankind" instead of a gender-neutral alternative.

Cailin Jeffers, an English major at NAU, told Campus Reform that she received an email from one of her professors, Dr. Anne Scott, informing her that she had been docked one point out of a possible 50 on a recent paper for "problems with diction (word choice)" related to her use of the word "mankind" as a synonym for "humanity."

"The words we use matter very much, or else teachers would not be making an issue of this at all."

"I would be negligent, as a professor who is running a class about the human condition and the assumptions we make about being 'human,' if I did not also raise this issue of gendered language and ask my students to respect the need for gender-neutral language," Scott explained. "The words we use matter very much, or else teachers would not be making an issue of this at all, and the MLA would not be making recommendations for gender-neutral language at the national level."

Scott then offered to let Jeffers revise the paper to earn additional points in five categories, including diction, but noted that she is under no obligation to do so.

"I will respect your choice to leave your diction choices 'as is' and to make whatever political and linguistic statement you want to make by doing so," the professor wrote. "By the same token, I will still need to subtract a point because your choice will not be made in the letter or spirit of this particular class, which is all about having you and other students looking beneath your assumptions and understanding that 'mankind' does not mean 'all people' to all people. It positively does not."
The decision by the Trump administration to spend $120 million to restart the process to use Nevada's Yucca Mountain to safely and permanently store radioactive waste is great news. If Congress agrees, and it must, President Trump's plan will implement a law enacted by a bipartisan Congress and signed by President Reagan and will create high-paying jobs  3,650 during construction (as $228 million is added annually to Nevada's economy) and over 2,000 during operations (as $127 million annually goes into the economy)  while saving taxpayers billions of dollars. It will also prevent the use of these materials in acts of terrorism.

The Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, which President Ronald Reagan signed into law, ordered the safe storage and disposal of radioactive waste. In 1987, Nevada's Yucca Mountain was selected as the best site after decades of Intensive Site Characterization Studies. Then, from 1987 to 2002, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) spent $3.8 billion on further scientific and technical studies of Yucca Mountain. The Act required the DOE to begin moving spent fuel to a repository no later than 1998, but in 2002, Nevada vetoed the site, an action that was overridden that year by Congress.

Two years into Barack Obama's presidency, however, at the behest of Senator Harry Reid (D-Nev.), the Obama administration proposed eliminating funds for the Yucca Mountain project and, ignoring the decades of scientific study, created a Blue Ribbon Commission to consider anew ways to handle America's nuclear waste. Worse yet, the DOE tried to kill the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)'s Yucca Mountain licensing proceeding but was stopped by an August of 2013 federal appeals court ruling that the DOE was flouting the law.

Meanwhile, Senator Reid's man at the NRC, Chairman Gregory Jaczko, directed staff to begin the orderly closure of Yucca Mountain activities, including ending work on the Safety Evaluation Report (SER) that contains staff's conclusions about the Yucca Mountain site's suitability. Nonetheless, in October of 2014, the NRC released SER's Volume III, which found that THE DOE's license application for Yucca Mountain meets long-term nuclear waste repository regulatory and safety requirements, and that Yucca Mountain disposal would remain safe for one million years! Unfortunately, any national security pressure on the Obama administration to press forward with Yucca Mountain died when, with a gun to its head, Sandia National Laboratories concluded that the risk that terrorists would access and utilize nuclear waste was inconclusive. Experts familiar with the issue were stunned at the assertion.

All the while  that is, since 1982  the DOE has collected $40 billion from electricity consumers to build and operate Yucca Mountain, even after it killed the Nevada site and has no planned and viable alternative. In 2013, a federal court ordered the DOE to stop collecting the fees; however, the government still has the money. That is not all; energy companies forced to stow the waste Congress told the DOE to put in Nevada sued the DOE and so far have won over two billion dollars. The Congressional Research Service estimates that these court awards will exceed $20 billion by 2020 and then will cost taxpayers $500 million annually. Small wonder that, in December of 2015, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners told Congress to do what even Obama officials could not prevent its Blue Ribbon Commission from demanding: prompt efforts to develop one or more geologic disposal facilities.

Today, 160,000 spent fuel assemblies, containing 45,000 tons of spent fuel from nuclear power plants, are in storage across the country; 156,500 are at power plants, like the waste from the shuttered San Onofre plant in southern California. There, a handful of armed guards, still awaiting NRC policy on when they may fire their weapons, have orders only to deter, detect, and flee when they encounter threats. Fleeing a terrorist attack involving nuclear waste may work for them, but it won't work for the 13 million men, women, and children in Los Angeles less than 50 miles away.

Faster, please!

William Perry Pendley, an attorney, is president of Mountain States Legal Foundation in Denver and author of Sagebrush Rebel: Reagan's Battle with Environmental Extremists and Why It Matters Today (Regnery, 2013).
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Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Glenn Frankel said he could smell the land that Gary Cooper grew up on near Helena.

Frankel came to Montana in 2015 to research his latest book, High Noon: The Hollywood Blacklist and the Making of an American Classic. The book explores the making of the 1952 film High Noon, which is considered one of the best Westerns in cinema. But back in 1951 when it was shot in just 37 days on a shoestring budget, "High Noon" almost didnt get released. Then, a Montana cowboy stepped in  Gary Cooper.

Cooper was already a star when he was cast as the marshal who stands alone to face of gang of killers in High Noon. The town refused to back him up in this fight for justice.

The plot of the film, written by screenwriter Carl Foreman, was viewed as an allegory of McCarthyism. Before filming, Foreman was called before a House Committee on Un-American Activities for being involved with the Communist Party. Even though Foreman said it had been a decade since he was a member of the Communist Party, he was given an ultimatum: Produce names of Communists or be blacklisted. Foreman chose the latter and moved to Europe where he continued to write screenplays. He returned to the U.S. shortly before he died in 1984.

During this tumultuous time, Foreman was almost kicked off the film, but Cooper and others intervened. It is Cooper's involvement and his Montana roots that fascinated Frankel and brought him to Montana for extensive research.

'Smell the land'

"It was more than 100 years later, but I could see some places, the outside of his birthplace and his fathers ranch that helped me understand Cooper," Frankel said. "Even 120 years later, in Montana, you can smell the land.

Frankel said he went to the state Capitol in Helena to stare at the C.M. Russell mural, Lewis and Clark Meeting the Flatheads in Ross Hole," the same one that impacted Cooper in a dramatic way when he looked at it as a young man.

He (Cooper) wanted to be an artist he was so struck with the mythology of the West, Frankel said. He describes that in an interview.

Frankel said he enjoyed the research for the book because he admired the film so much, and was curious about the era in which it was made.

I had done a book about John Waynes The Searchers, the novel that John Ford turned into film. That story was told and retold over and over. I had a great experience marrying a great movie and a tragic event in history. I was more than happy to do it again.

His book, "The Searchers," was named one of the Top Ten Books of 2013 by the Library Journal.

His newest book, High Noon, turned into a three-year project for Frankel, who was teaching full time at the University of Texas in Austin when he started it.

The research and the reporting is always the most fun part. I found the writing always painful, but I got better at it. With this book, I enjoyed it more. I decided to will myself to enjoy it. If writing were easy, everybody would do it.

Frankel said he chose to open the book with Cooper because he comes first in all this.

Politics and Hollywood

I keep going back and forth between the movie and the politics, he said.

The book has been praised by critics, including a Kirkus Reviews article that called it a comprehensive guide to both a classic film and the era that created it.

Frankel spent 30 years working for newspapers, and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1989 for "sensitive and balanced reporting from Israel and the Middle East."

Writing non-fiction is a natural extension of his journalism career. The process is just longer.

Frankel came across as a humble, articulate man with a quick laugh. He acknowledged that the book is somewhat of a cautionary tale about our democracy, and Frankel noted that we have a tendency to blame outsiders when we are concerned about whats happening in our country.

It was Jews, Communists, liberals. Now, its immigrants, Muslims, other titles.

Wayne, who was head of the Screen Actors Guild at the time the film High Noon was released, called the film Un-American. It seems to me it's the most American of films, highlighting the efforts by an individual to stand up for justice.
HELENA  A tax that would increase the price of a package of cigarettes by $1.50 got approval from the Senate on Tuesday.

The tax would to help pay for raises for direct health care workers who care for the elderly and disabled in their homes. It would also for the first time charge a tax on e-cigarettes and vaping products.

Senate Bill 354 is carried by Sen. Mary Caferro, D-Helena. It passed the Senate on a 27-22 vote and is now under consideration in the House.

Lawmakers who supported the tax said it would reduce the number of people who smoke and lower health care costs caused by tobacco-related diseases. Those who voted against it said it would harm the poorest Montanans, who tend to smoke more than people who earn more.

The tax is estimated to bring in an additional $70 million a year over the current tax.

Increased wages for direct care workers will cost about $34 million a year, and the hourly wage would increase by $5.60 for those working in nursing homes and $6.26 for those in other settings. Direct care wages start around $9 an hour. The rest of the cigarette tax revenues goes to smoking cessation and prevention efforts, as well as a Medicaid account, maintaining state-owned buildings and the state's general funds.

A pack of Marlboro Reds would jump from about $6.63 to $8.13 under the tax, which would go from $1.70 to $3.20. Montanans buy 43.4 million packs of cigarettes a year.

An ounce of snuff sells for about $3.20, and between the increased tax and expected price increases, that amount is projected to double if the bill goes into effect. About 12.3 million ounces of snuff are sold in the state each year.

Montana last raised its tobacco tax 12 years ago. The number of children who smoke has dropped by half since then.

Caferro said the money will go to people who "do the important work in our community taking care of our elderly and people who have disabilities" and that less people starting smoking in their youth would lower health care costs down the road.

The state spends $441 million a year to care for people who have tobacco-related diseases, Caferro said. That works out to $770 a household. An estimated 1,600 Montanans die each year from tobacco-related diseases.

This tax hits where it does the most good with kids and hopefully it brings down the cost of health care and saves money and saves lives. This saves money by preventing people from starting in the first place and also targets the money to give raises to direct care workers who do very important work."

Those who voted against the tax called it regressive and targeted at poor people.

"It is on other blue-collar people, on my people," said Sen. Eric Moore, R-Miles City. "You try running a baler for 16 hours and try to stay awake without snuff."

Senate Majority Leader Fred Thomas, of Stevensville, said the bill would take the cost of smoking for an individual from $1,233 to $1,781 a year. "Talk about regressive."

Senate President Scott Sales, R-Bozeman, offered strong opposition to the bill. He said people will find ways to buy cigarettes from other states and the revenue won't be enough to support the wage increases.

"You always get less of what you tax more. This isn't a panacea. This is bad tax policy, and we're going to come to regret it on so many fronts."

Sales said if the Legislature really cared about health it should not raise taxes on snuff and smokeless tobacco, which he said is healthier than smoking cigarettes because it isn't nicotine that's bad, but the inhaling of smoke.

"It's much healthier, it really is. I'm not saying it is a healthy thing to chew, but compared to smoking it is much healthier. It's less harmful to you than smoking cigarettes."

Sales told the Senate that his son, who smokes, called him in a panic the day before the vote to say that the price of cigarettes will jump to $8-$9 a pack. "The first thing out of my mouth was, 'You need to quit smoking,'" Sales said, adding he has family members who have died of lung cancer.

But he also said that smokers who die earlier can save the government money, not cost more.

"The dirty little secret is that if we were going to be honest, smokers would probably save us money in the long run. The dirty little truth is smokers really have a reduced life expectancy. They die in their 60s and 70s. They don't end up in a Medicaid-funded old folks home until they're 105 at taxpayers' expense."

Sales said he wasn't advocating smoking but called for an "honest discussion about the whole subject matter." He also said the extra money isn't needed because the recent revenue forecasts show the state can expect an extra $105 million coming in over what was expected at the start of the session.
MISSOULA  American coal production supports energy independence, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said in justifying removal of a federal moratorium on public land coal leases.

It is better to produce energy domestically and export it with reasonable regulation than it is to be dependent on a lot of other countries, Zinke said in a conference call with reporters on Wednesday. If you want to see environmental policies gone bad, take a look at energy production in the Middle East or Africa.

Zinke announced two departmental orders following President Donald Trumps executive order rolling back the Clean Power Plan. One overturns a 2016 moratorium by President Obama on new coal leases until new environmental impact statements could be completed. The second starts a review of past Interior agency actions to balance climate-change policies with job creation, especially regarding oil and natural gas development.

Zinke also chartered a new Royalty Policy Committee looking at the revenue and rent coming to the federal government from energy developers. The committee may also recommend changes to regulations on royalty payments.

All of us as taxpayers and citizens have a stake to make sure we get value from our resources, Zinke said. The ultimate goal is to make sure the royalties are transparent in how we collect them, so industry can price them accordingly.

Undervalued coal sales have cost Montana taxpayers at least $1 billion annually over the past three decades, according to former state revenue director Dan Bucks.

The moves drew mixed reactions from industry and environmental advocates, and within Indian Country. Zinke quoted former Crow Tribal Chairman Darrin Old Coyotes wish to increase coal jobs on the Crow Indian Reservation, which covers a large expanse of Montanas coal reserves.

But at the adjacent Northern Cheyenne Reservation, Tribal Chairman Jace Killsback criticized Zinke for failing to respond to a tribal request for consultation on lifting the coal lease moratorium. The Northern Cheyenne Tribe launched one of two lawsuits on Wednesday challenging the Interior moratorium removal.

Its alarming and unacceptable for the United States, which has a solemn obligation as the Northern Cheyennes trustee, to sign up for many decades of harmful coal mining near and around our homeland without first consulting with our nation or evaluating the impacts to our reservation or our residents, Killsback wrote in an email.

The nation is concerned that coal mining near the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation will impact our pristine air and water quality, will adversely affect our sacred cultural properties and traditional spiritual practices and will ultimately destroy the traditional way of life that the nation has fought to preserve for centuries.

A coalition of environmental groups including Citizens for Clean Energy, Montana Environmental Information Center, Center for Biological Diversity, Sierra Club, Wildearth Guardians and Defenders of Wildlife also sued the Interior Department on Wednesday, noting that coal production was already dropping out of favor compared to cheaper and less-polluting natural gas.

While repeal supporters praised the move, some did so for reasons that undercut the coal industry. The Catos Center for the Study of Science Patrick Michaels said Trumps rollback of Obamas Clean Power Plan (CPP) would make a more efficient national electrical grid.

Absent governmental interferences like the CPP, market forces will continue to drive utilities to switch from coal to natural gas for power generation, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by over 50 percent, compared to coal-fired generation, for each unit of electricity production, Michaels wrote in an email. Eliminating the CPP will show that free markets and environmental protection go hand-in-hand.

On the press call, Zinke said it wasnt the job of the federal government to be picking winners and losers in the market.

Coal still provides a significant amount of energy to us, and I dont see that changing, Zinke said. Overseas, China is moving from nuclear and building more coal-fired plants. It is better for our allies to leasing cleaner, low-sulfur-grade coal than it is to burn dirtier coal products from China and the Asian basin.
A jury ruled Wednesday that a Billings officer was justified in shooting and killing an armed man in 2016.

The decision was announced after more than six hours of testimony at a coroner's inquest. Big Horn County Coroner Terry Bullis presided over the hearing at the Yellowstone County Courthouse.

The Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office investigated the death. The jury's ruling means that the homicide was non-criminal.

On Oct. 27, 2016, Billings police officer David Raschkow shot Kyle Killough, a 32-year-old man from Gillette, Wyoming, at the end of a standoff at the Billings Days Inn hotel. He died later in a hospital from the three gunshot wounds.

The standoff lasted roughly 25 minutes but escalated in moments. Testimony from officers at the scene and investigators who reviewed the case said that Killough was rambling, rarely responsive and paranoid. A toxicology report indicated that he used methamphetamine before taking over the hotel's front desk area.

The desk clerk working that night left to a manager's office and called the police at around 4 a.m. after seeing a gun's magazine in Killough's hand. Three officers arrived at first, trying to figure out what Killough wanted. One of the officers reached for the door to the desk area.

"He raises his left hand, and he's holding a Glock pistol," said officer Moses Richardson, who was first on the scene.

After seeing Killough's gun, the officers called for more help. They spent most of the roughly 25 minutes trying to separate Killough from the weapon, according to audio released at Wednesday's hearing.

Killough sat at the clerk's computer for most of the time, his back turned to the officers. He talked about oilfield work. He said that he felt he was under surveillance. He described his gun to the officers and told them to get back. He was described as nonsensical at times.

"Very agitated," said officer Tony Jensen, who was also at the scene. "Comments about us  officers that were there  not being real police officers."

Then at one point, Killough stood up and turned toward the officers. His gun remained in his hand. Officer Raschkow, who responded to cover with a rifle, fired three shots from a vantage point he took on the nearby stairway.

"I see him come to the desk and his left hand starts to come up," Raschkow said on Wednesday. "And I felt my rifle shudder. And I heard it."

Deputy Yellowstone County Attorneys Ed Zink and Julie Patten, who led the hearing, called multiple officers, Police Chief Rich St. John and Montana Law Enforcement Academy instructor Mike McCarthy to testify on the decisions made by Raschkow.

All of them indicated that the Billings officer responded to a potentially deadly threat. Killough's handgun was later found to be loaded.

"I think if he waited, it could have been a worse outcome," McCarthy said.

Killough's family traveled to the hearing from New Mexico. His mother, Jan Urioste, said that they knew Killough to be much more loving and intelligent than the person the Billings officers met.

But the three family members at the hearing said that the Billings officers acted reasonably and did the best they could in the situation.

"My son made a terrible mistake," said Killough's father, Gordon Killough, "and paid for it with his life."
The Montana Supreme Court declined to step into the criminal case of a Montana medical marijuana patient who is challenging the possession limit statute.

The case of 65-year-old Wayne Steven Penning, who faces a felony count of criminal possession of dangerous drugs with intent to distribute, is still pending in Yellowstone County District Court.

In January, Penning had asked the Supreme Court to take over the case to consider his request to dismiss the charge. He argued that the medical marijuana statute, which limits cardholders to possession of one ounce of "usable" marijuana, is too vague.

Penning was arrested for exceeding that limit in 2015 when a Montana Highway Patrol trooper stopped him with harvested marijuana from four of his plants.

Penning argued that the marijuana was not fully dry and therefore not "usable."

Yellowstone County District Court Judge Rod Souza has declined to dismiss the case, saying that the determination of usable marijuana should be left to a jury.

In declining to take over Penning's case while it's still ongoing in the District Court, the Supreme Court justices wrote that Penning's argument of usable marijuana is a "question of fact, not a question of law."

The case would still be open to appeal to the Supreme Court after final judgment in Yellowstone County.

A future ruling on the case could set precedent for interpretation of the word "usable" in the medical marijuana law. However, one bill in the Montana Legislature that outlines regulations for the medical marijuana industry would change the possession statute altogether.
A fee waiver for high school students taking dual credit classes will continue at Montana State University Billings next year.

The waiver, which excused students from a $51.50 per-credit fee, coincided with a spike in interest in dual credit classes, which are college-level courses taught in high schools by high school teachers with advanced certifications.

Credit-hours taken by students in classes overseen by MSUB and City College more than tripled this school year, despite a last-second announcement for the fee waiver. Enrollment increased in previous years, but not nearly so steeply.

MSUB dual enrollment coordinator Harold Olson said that he's sure the fee waiver "had some degree of influence; how much, theres no way to tell.

In the 2015-16 school year, students took 563 credit hours through MSUB; this school year, that figure jumped to 1,774.

Schools also amped up recruiting for the classes and increased offerings after the fee waiver was announced in late May. Many, but not all of the classes offered by Billings-area high schools are offered by MSUB; classes through other colleges didn't offer the fee waiver.

Credits that students earn in the program transfer across Montana colleges, and even with the $50 per-credit fee, the classes cost a fraction of usual tuition costs. However, the fee can be a barrier to some students, school officials have said.

A hurdle for schools looking to add dual credit classes is finding qualified staff. High school teachers who teach dual credit courses need to have at least a masters degree and nine graduate-level credits in their subject area, and some colleges have tougher requirements.

A dual-credit focused graduate program at MSUB will help 35 teachers from eastern Montana high schools meet certifications. The university targeted 16 rural districts that have teachers with education-related master's degrees.

Dual credit classes help high school students get a leg up on specific career paths, knock out general education classes or just sample college-level rigor.

"I think this is a way of encouraging some kids to go on and pursue college once they graduate, Olson said.

For MSUB, it's also chipped in to partially offset lagging traditional enrollment. The university saw a 9 percent increase in total part-time students in 2016, which was largely driven by increases in dual credit programs. Since part-time students have smaller class loads than full-time students, they carry less weight for enrollment-based funding.
The annual Al Bedoo Shrine Circus kicked off on Wednesday in Billings with a special early showing for an audience largely composed of senior citizens, children and their caretakers and families.

Book-ended by trained tigers jumping through burning hoops and elephants performing partial headstands to the song Cotton Eye Joe, the show featured a wide variety of acts, including aerial acrobats, jugglers, a clown and a marksman shooting arrows.

At least one of the students in Washington Elementarys Life Skills Program for special education children cited the elephants as a favorite from the show. Teacher Samantha Bushman guessed tigers and elephants would be the topic of much conversation among her students, ranging in age from kindergarten through fifth grade.

The trip to the Shrine Auditorium was part of the programs weekly community outing that allows students to explore what Billings has to offer and see things theyve never seen before, Bushman said.

Despite the delight the animals afforded to some attendees, others in Billings are determined to see the end of animal involvement in the Shrine Circus.

Jeff Blatnick, a volunteer with Montanans Against Animal Circuses, has said his group plans to protest the circus on Saturday and Sunday in an effort to get the Al Bedoo Shrine to phase out the use of animals in their annual circus. Last year Blatnick said the protest included only himself and one other person but he and other like-minded people have since formed MAAC.

Blatnick said his primary concerns are that animals are not being properly cared for and that performances are too physically demanding on the animals.

"I just want to be clear, I don't accuse the Shriners of any wrongdoing," Blatnick said. "We want to open up some kind of conversation after this protest."

The function of the annual circus is to pay for electrical, heating and maintenance expenses on the Shrine Auditorium and the rest of the facility, Shrine circus manager Bart Hensley said.

If we dont have a clubhouse, we dont exist.

Hensley said that his organization has come to expect some degree of public outcry every year over the circus inclusion of animals. They have the right. Its a free country, man, Hensley said.

The animals are provided by the circus group, Jordan World Circus, that Hensleys organization contracts with, he said.

Shriners do value the well-being of animals and that has been something of a mission statement as they worked to organize the circus this year, Hensley said. We love these animals like we love our children, and if they were mistreated in any way we would never have them here, contract or not, he said.

Hensley said its a good opportunity for children and others to see animals they might not otherwise have a chance to see in person.

We look forward to this every year, said Mike Kirschenmann, of the early Wednesday showing. His fellow Shriner, P.C. Moran, who was dressed as a clown named Diesel, agreed. With some of the audience consisting of people with disabilities, Moran said he relished the happiness the circus brings them and the opportunity it provides him to connect with those people, some of whom seek him out every year.

If you go interact with them, their eyes light up, Moran said.
(ANSA) - Rome, March 30 - Rome prosecutors on Thursday requested the indictment of five managers of the Parma-based oil and gas infrastructure firm Bonatti in the deaths in Libya March 2 of kidnapped engineers Salvatore Failla and Fausto Piano, as they were being moved by their Libyan captors along with two fellow technicians who survived. Bonatti should be tried because of a failure to provide adequate security, the prosecutors said. The indictment requests were made Bonatti President Paolo Ghirelli, three directors, the firm's Libya chief Dennis Morson, and the company itself. The four Bonatti workers were abducted in July 2015. Prosecutors said after winding up their probe that the kidnapping could have been averted if "adequate" security measures had been adopted by the firm. The five have been charged with culpable cooperation in a crime, judicial sources said. In October it was learned that the Bonatti managers were under investigation in relation to the killing last March of Failla and Piano. Among the five is Morson, Bonatti's logistics chief for Libya, who has been probed for suspected culpable homicide and breaching regulations on safe working conditions.

Failla and Piano were killed on March 2, apparently in a firefight between the kidnappers and militia loyal to the Tripoli national unity government, although the circumstances are still not entirely clear.

They were taken captive along with two other Italian hostages, Filippo Calcagno and Gino Pollicardo, in July 2015.

Calcagno and Pollicardo broke out of the house they were being held in in the city of Sabratha a day after Failla and Piano were killed.


(ANSA) - Montfalcone, March 30 - Premier Paolo Gentiloni said Thursday that Italy's qualities mean that it does not have to be aggressive to be competitive at the ceremony for the handover of Fincantieri's Majestic Princess ship, which is headed to the Chinese market. "We have what it takes to compete on this market without being aggressive towards anyone because Italy is an open country in terms of quality and trade," he said. "In this way it is able to express the essence of its manufacturing, its skill". "The world has great difficulties - globalization is not just roses, but this world of great journeys, of openness, makes us say welcome to the Chinese".

Gentiloni described Fincantieri as a "champion" at the ceremony at the Monfalcone shipyard. "Soon Fincantieri will have made a third of the big cruise ships that sail on the world's seas and transport 11 million passengers," he said. "We are talking of an Italian story of skill, quality and passion that made this group an Italian champion, a European champion, capable of growing and expanding into other countries". Gentiloni stressed that "quality does not have borders: duties, protectionism, closures can't be barriers that put a brake, a wall on quality". He said "quality (means) growth and wellbeing for all". Talking of Fincantieri, he said "there is Italian quality, we should be thankful because it involves hundreds and thousands of small and medium-sized Italian companies".


(ANSA) - Monfalcone, March 30 - Italy is "finally seeing important signs of economic recovery, and also of confidence," Premier Paolo Gentiloni said at the delivery ceremony for cruise ship Majestic Princess, in the Fincantieri shipyard here.

Gentiloni stressed that he had "seen yesterday very interesting statistics on a recovery in confidence among businesses and Italians. The government's task is to encourage these signs, also via the measures we will take in the next few days". The premier was referring to extra measures to be added to the 2017 budget in an adjustment requested by the EU; which he has repeatedly said will not dampen but instead stoke growth.


Hadid's film on Berber comunity wins Milan festival Moroccan life and traditions in 'House in the Fields'

(ANSAmed) - NAPLES, MARCH 30 - A film detailing the life, traditions and silences of a Berber community isolated from the world in Atlas Mountains of Morocco has won the top prize in Milan's Festival del Cinema Africano d'Asia e America Latina.



'House in the Fields', by Tala Hadid, was awarded the 'Windows onto the World' section prize, worth 8,000 euros. The Moroccan-Qatari narrates the story of the community, the inhabitants of which tell of the story of two adolescent sisters: one who has to leave school to get married, and the other who dreams of becoming a judge. ''Jean Rouche said that the presence of a video camera stimulates and catalyzes reality, making people rebel. This is what I saw, living for four years as the guest of members of an isolated agricultural community in the Atlas Mountains,'' the director said. Hadid's mother is Moroccan and father is Iraqi. The 27th edition of the Milan festival gave the Best African Short award to 'Un Enfant Perdu' (Senegal 2016) by Ndiaye Abdou Khadir, while the Extr'A - Razzismo Brutta Storia award went to 'Moo Ya' (Italia/Uganda 2016) by Filippo Ticozzi.(ANSAmed).




County commissioners and election administrators in 54 of Montanas 56 counties have asked for state permission to conduct the May 25 special U.S. House election in the most secure, most cost-effective manner possible. The Montana Senate overwhelmingly agreed. But this week, 11 House Republicans on one committee voted to kill Senate Bill 305, which would give counties the option of mailing ballots to all voters for the May 25 election.

Despite what some GOP legislators have said, there is no evidence of partisan advantage in an all-mail-ballot election. SB305 isnt a one size-fits-all proposal, it allows each county to choose whether to open all the polls as now required for federal elections or to mail ballots to all voters.

Mail ballot elections have been conducted securely and successfully in Montana for 30 years. Yellowstone County alone has held 24 all-mail-ballot elections in the past 10 years. All our city and school elections are conducted with all-mail ballots. Only elections for federal office still require opening polls.

SB305 would create a one-time exception for the May 25 election, which presents special challenges that the Association of Montana Clerk and Recorders and Election Administrators addressed in a letter to legislators Tuesday. A mail-ballot election would provide county elections officials five more days to prepare ballots than they have with the present law on polling-place elections.

Testimony to House and Senate committees from county commissioners and clerks indicates that conducting a traditional polling place election will cost county taxpayers statewide about $700,000 more than using all mail ballots. In many Montana counties, a majority of voters have already requested mail ballots, so they wont go to the polls even if they are open. SB305 also allows counties that want a May 25 poll election to have a poll election.

All the same protections and processes one experiences at a polling place election are in place for mail ballot elections, the clerks association said.

After hearing Secretary of State Corey Stapleton oppose SB305 last week, saying that mail ballots are a convenience for the young generation that wants to pay for nothing, the clerks did some research and found that:

Among 339,000-plus absentee voters in Montana last November, the average age was 54.

69 percent of Montana legislators received a mail ballot.

Stapleton, Attorney General Tim Fox, State Auditor Matt Rosendale, and Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen all cast their November ballots absentee.

This shows how much these elected officials trust the process, the clerks wrote. Mail ballot elections are handled by the elections administrators, permanent and seasonal staff, election judges, county support staff and more. Security is not compromised and the process is available for public inspection.

Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have demonstrated that they understand what the clerks have said. Unfortunately, those 11 Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee didnt understand when they voted Wednesday to force county taxpayers to spend extra money on an election, rather than giving counties a mail-ballot choice.

The 100-member House must approve SB305 this week. The committees opposition means that 67 representatives must support the effort to blast the bill to the House floor. We call on all House members to vote for their constituents, for local control and fiscal responsibility. Vote to blast and approve SB305.
Turkey announces end to Euphrates Shield operation in Syria Started in August, 'another operation if needed'

(ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, MARCH 30 - The Turkish military operation in northern Syria called ''Euphrates Shield'' has ended, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim announced on Wednesday following a meeting of the National Security Council (MGK).



''Operation Euphrates Shield has been successful and is finished. Any operation following this one will have a different name,'' Yildirim said in an interview with broadcaster NTV. The intervention began on August 24 to secure the country's border area against the threat of the Islamic State (ISIS) and to stop the Kurdish YPG militia - which Turkey considers a part the PKK, listed as a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the EU and US - from crossing the Euphrates westwards and linking up three mainly Kurdish cantons it holds in northern Syria.



Some 70 Turkish soldiers lost their lives in the operation. Yildirim's announcement was made following a meeting chaired by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.



''It was noted that Operation 'Euphrates Shield' which was started with the goal of ensuring national security, preventing the threat from Daesh (alternative name for ISIS, Ed.) and return of Syrian refugees to their homes has successfully completed,'' a statement released said. (ANSAmed).




TEL AVIV - Israel said Wednesday it would cut two million dollars from its already reduced contribution this year to the United Nations.

It will instead allocate the money to programs for developing countries that support it in international organizations, the foreign ministry announced in Jerusalem.

He added that the decision had been made by Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu in protest at the latest resolutions against the country approved last week by the UN Human Rights Council. It is the second such cut this year after Israel said in January it was reducing its contribution by six million after the passing of Resolution 2334 by the Security Council against Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Israel will thus be contributing 3.7 million dollars to the UN this year. The foreign ministry said that the decision was part of an ongoing Israeli campaign being conducted alongside its allies including the US to change the ''obsessive anti-Israel bias'' of the UN and its agencies.


After three years on the job, Laurel High School Principal Ed Norman has dozens of supporters who packed a Monday night school board meeting and at least 100 students who marched through town on Tuesday morning to demand that he be hired for a fourth year.

Yet the Laurel school board voted 5-2 to let Normans work contract end with this school year. Laurel trustees made that decision in public  without telling the public why they are letting the popular principal go.

The lack of transparency is frustrating for community members, including Normans staff and students. Actions of public governmental bodies, such as the school board, are subject to open meetings and open records law in Montana.

However, there is an exception for matters in which personal privacy clearly outweighs the public information interest. In Normans case, the board cited a state law that forbids them from commenting on why the principals contract isnt being renewed. According to what Chairman Doug LeBrun said at Mondays meeting, state law that allowed the board to end Normans employment without cause forbids the trustees from commenting on why they didnt renew his contract.

So the community can only speculate: Do trustees have a valid reason for the majority decision  or not? Is the reason  or reasons  something so bad that trustees chose to incur the wrath their silence is drawing from Normans supporters? Are the reasons so petty they wouldnt stand up to public scrutiny?

Norman lasted longer in the LHS principal post than his two immediate predecessors. Is the rapid turnover related to the job itself? Should changes be made in the principals duties?

The community doesnt know and may never know. Thats a shame because public schools need to be honest and open to maintain community support. Communication with the public is integral to the job of leading a public school.

Montana public school trustees have a tough job that requires many hours of community service. They are unpaid and often unappreciated, even when their decisions are popular.

Ultimately, the community is supposed to pass judgment on trustee performance at the ballot box. But in Laurel, as in Billings, so few people volunteer to serve that there is no choice in trustee elections.

Such is the case this year. Trustees Roy Voss, Mike Longbottom and Dale Ahrens filed for re-election. They are the only candidates, so they will automatically be re-elected to three-year terms without any balloting. Ahrens and Voss were the two votes to retain Norman Monday night.

If Laurel community members believe that the nonrenewal of Normans contract is the wrong decision, their recourse is to change the board. That change will have to wait until at least next year.

Meanwhile, folks who decided to speak out Monday and Tuesday will do well to get involved with the board. Attend meetings regularly, ask questions, and consider running in the 2018 trustee election.

The people who put in that kind of time and effort make the big decisions  such as who will be hired as LHS principal.
The flight schools  Avion Training, part of Avion Group in the Netherlands, International Airline Training Academy (IATA) in Napa, CA, and SAA International (SAA), a subsidiary of Velocity Education, in San Diego, CA  were subject to a rigorous review process before receiving final acceptance to be part of the Boeing Pilot Development Program network.

With these three top-tier schools, we are removing the burden of identifying and vetting potential schools for our customers, said David Wright, Boeing Pilot Development Program director. Customers can trust that Boeing has done the leg work so they can focus on what they do best  flying people and cargo around the world.

In order to be considered for the training network, schools must prove a good safety culture, have a good industry reputation and have airline and crew-focused training.

Boeings Pilot Development Program is built to provide customers with qualified first officers that seamlessly integrate into airline operations, Wright said. These three schools each bring unique characteristics to the industry to help fill the future pilot demand of Boeings diverse customer base.

Boeing will provide routine checks to ensure cadets are receiving Boeings high level of training.

The Boeing Pilot Development Program is a fully integrated solution that takes cadet pilots through initial screening, English training, ab initio (basic classroom and flight instruction), jet bridge and type rating training at Boeing Training Providers and Boeing training campuses around the world to ensure an efficient, consistent and effective pipeline for airlines to secure qualified first officers.

The 2016 Pilot and Technician Outlook projects a need for 617,000 new pilots in the next 20 years. That equates to a need for nearly 31,000 new commercial airline pilots and more than 33,000 new maintenance technicians globally each year.
The forum will feature an exhibition to showcase the capacities and capabilities of the companies and the conference will host over 150 delegates.

Over 20 senior decision makers representing civil aviation ministries and authorities, airport development and management companies, airport operators and consultants will do the presentations on their respective airports development projects master plan, investment opportunities and their procurement needs at the forum.

Emerging Airports Forum will be an ideal business networking event to all the airport fraternity members those are involved in design & consult, construction, terminal & hangar construction, airport operations & management, ATC / ATM, ground handling, safety & security, equipment manufacturers and suppliers and service providers to win their market business share, primarily from the highly lucrative Saudi Arabian market and from the emerging markets.
Aqaba is Jordans gateway to the Red Sea, where tourists can swim and dive in its beautiful warm, clear waters while taking in colourful coral and marine life  including turtles and dolphins.

The port city is also an integral part of Jordans golden triangle, which takes in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) site of Petra, Wadi Rum, and the famous Dead Sea, where you can cover yourself with rich minerals as you float in the salty water.

People have visited Aqaba for many years but, as the town slowly developed into a popular destination, with luxury beach resorts and hotels, visitor numbers increased significantly and its local airport needed to keep up with demand.

Located north of Aqaba, and about a 20-minute drive from the centre,

King Hussein International (KHIA) borders Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Israel.

It first swung open its doors in 1972 with a single terminal building, one departure gate, and one baggage carousel.

Over the years, the facilities have been upgraded, including major renovation/refurbishment of the whole passenger terminal building in 2002.

Then the airport operator, Aqaba Airports Company, looked for outside help in expansion and a new land use development masterplan was adopted for KHIA by internationally renowned Changi Airport Consultants (CAC).

The masterplan aims at enabling the facility to be developed in a sustainable and cost-effective manner, while boosting competitiveness of the airport in the region to serve the economic, tourism and investment sectors by improving the efficiency of procedures for passengers, said Talhouni. The expansion was completed in 2016 and it will serve the airport until 2028.

Aqaba Airports Company research revealed that, based on a passenger and cargo volume forecast, the recommended land use plan encompasses all the important functional areas of the airport.

The masterplan facilitates efficient airport operations, provides the flexibility to adjust to unforeseen changes, allows for forecast growth until 2028, and provides safety and security for aircraft operations, added Talhouni.

The total airport site is 24.5 million square metres, where a quarter of the area is reserved for further development.

Development of new facilities or upgrading/expanding of existing facilities is being undertaken in a series of phases to match the actual growth of air traffic and to maintain a required level of service.

The airport currently handles two million passengers yearly, with airlines coming in from all over the world  mainly European carriers and Jordans flagship Jordanian Airlines.

KHIA is a 24/7 operational airport capable of accommodating all aircraft from small up to a B747 aircraft, said Talhouni.

The functional areas being developed in phase one include those designated for commercial use. This includes an aerospace industrial park, which includes assembly of aircraft parts; warehousing and distribution; production, repair and testing of aircraft avionics components; and research and development of aerospace technology.

Theres also a logistics park including freight offices and warehouse distribution, as well as car rental offices and travel agents.

Other aviation-related businesses and non-aviation businesses which prefer to be located near the airport will include educational establishments, such as training schools for aspiring pilots, as well as for experienced pilots, and training schools for airport engineers and technical personnel, said Talhouni.

There will also be a hotels and recreational zone, and a real estate development zone, where developers are welcome to invest in all the above-mentioned investment opportunities.

The open sky airport also accommodates the ever-increasing demand for private aviation.

We have great VIP companies and FBO facilities at KHIA, including Ayla Aviation Academy, the Royal Jordanian Academy, the Aero Wings for Industrys assembly plant for light planes, the Jordan Private Jets Services private jet terminal, and the Al Baddad International Groups maintenance centre, said Talhouni. Aqaba is the place to be, either for tourists or business people, and KHIA is proud to serve all visitors.


The new facility will manufacture two of the most complex work packages - the Horizontal Tail Plane) for the Airbus A320 and the Vertical Fin for Boeings B787 airliners  which will be fully equipped, tested and delivered directly to the final assembly lines of both Airbus and Boeing.



Ismail Ali Abdulla, Stratas Deputy CEO (pictured right) said the new Strata 2.0 factory would align achievements with future opportunities and would be centered around the 4th industrial revolution.

We have identified key guiding pillars for the new factory; smart building, smart manufacturing and a smart workforce, he said.

The new facility will more than double Stratas existing capacity assisting Abu Dhabis long-term goal of achieving economic diversification and driving global competitiveness for the UAEs manufacturing sector. The new 60,000 square metre factory will be right next door to Stratas existing Nibras facility. Factory construction is expected to start next year.

The Strata CEO says the new factory will deliver on innovative solutions that will seek to revolutionise traditional aerospace production methods by introducing Smart technologies and additive manufacturing. The result, he says will be a unique and seamless flow, combining real time visibility on operations with cognitive decision making, to drive efficiencies, eliminate waste, elevate quality and unlock greater value for the shareholder, customers and employees.

Strata has developed an ecosystem of its own in Al Ain, and it has been built on the trust and confidence of our global partners. We are proud to have fostered an Emirati manufacturing talent base, now employing hundreds of highly-skilled male and female UAE nationals in a very dynamic setting, and they themselves will lead the introduction of Smart technologies in Strata 2.0, said Abdulla.
The Case for Alternative Measures

The current measures are not an acceptable long-term solution to whatever threat they are trying to mitigate. Even in the short term it is difficult to understand their effectiveness. And the commercial distortions they create are severe. We call on governments to work with the industry to find a way to keep flying secure without separating passengers from their personal electronics, said Alexandre de Juniac, IATAs Director General and CEO.

De Juniac made this demand in a speech to the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations in which he highlighted the need to maintain public confidence in the security of the global aviation industry which safely and security operates an average 100,000 flights a day.

With the measures now in place, our passengers and member airlines are asking valid questions. Why dont the US and the UK have a common list of airports? How can laptops be secure in the cabin on some flights and not others, including flights departing from the same airport? And surely there must be a way to screen electronic equipment effectively? The current situation is not acceptable and will not maintain the all-important confidence of the industry or of travelers. We must find a better way. And Governments must act quickly, said de Juniac.

ATA Calls for Better Coordination and Information Sharing

IATA also expressed frustration at the process used by governments to put in place the security measures which was woefully lacking. The industry came together quickly to implement the new requirements. That was a challenge because there was no prior consultation and little coordination by governments, said de Juniac.

IATA has long called for better information sharing and coordination on security measures among governments and with the industry.

While governments have the primary responsibility for security, we share the priority of keeping passengers, crew and aircraft secure. To do that effectively intelligence is king. And it needs to be shared amongst governments and with the industry. Its the only way to stop terrorists before they get near an airport, let alone aircraft, de Juniac.

Moreover, cooperation between industry and governments yields a better result. Airlines dont want access to state secrets. But if airlines understand the outcome governments want, they can help with the operational experience to deliver that result effectively and efficiently, said de Juniac.

International Cooperation

UN Security Council Resolution 2309 recognized the need for coordinated international efforts to fortify aviation security and supported the development by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) of a Global Aviation Security Plan (GASeP). At the 39th ICAO Assembly states asked ICAO to fast track the development of GASeP. The need for such a plan has been made very clear by wide gaps in the measures taken by governments in recent days. States need to lend their full support to ICAO in developing GASeP quickly. And even before that can be achieved, there is an early opportunity to make a real improvement to international cooperation on security. In May ICAO member states will consider amendments to Annex 17 of the Chicago convention that would require information sharing. The security experience of recent years should compel States to support this, said de Juniac.
A Billings man admitted on Thursday that he trafficked methamphetamine for distribution from Mexico suppliers to the Bakken oil fields in North Dakota and Montana.

Thomas Gene Edwards, 55, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Billings to conspiracy to possess meth with intent to distribute. A plea agreement calls for other charges to be dismissed at sentencing. The plea deal also recommends a sentence of between eight and 12 years.

Edwards faces a minimum five years to 40 years and a $5 million fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus said evidence would show that in May 2016, a confidential source told investigators that Edwards was supplying pound quantities of meth in the Bakken area.

A second source told law enforcement that Edwards had distributed meth to the source, Baucus said. The person also had witnessed Edwards wiring money to people in Mexico to get his meth.

During a controlled buy on June 2, 2016, in Sidney, Edwards sold 8 grams of meth and said he had about two pounds of meth in his possession, Baucus said.

The next day, an officer from the McKenzie County Sheriffs Office made a traffic stop involving Edwards, who was driving, and a person identified as A.G. After getting consent to search the vehicle, officers found about $10,000, 10 ounces of meth and multiple baggies, the prosecutor said.

A.G. told investigators that Edward had multiple pounds of meth in his possession earlier in the day, Baucus said.

Edwards told law enforcement that he had been contacted by persons in Mexico in December 2015 to distribute meth and that he had agreed to distribute the drug in Montana and North Dakota. He also said he had received multiple shipments and had wired back money.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy Cavan said he would recommend Edwards plea be accepted by U.S. District Judge Susan Watters. Watters will set a sentencing date. Edwards remains in custody.
LARAMIE, Wyo.  A 20-year-old former school bus driver in Wyoming has pleaded not guilty to 10 felony charges that he sexually assaulted two underage teens.

Matthew Allyn Strom entered his plea Tuesday in District Court to five counts of sexual assault in the first degree, four counts of sexual assault in the second degree and one count of kidnapping.

The Laramie Boomerang reports (http://bit.ly/2nM0qO6 ) that a trial was scheduled for Aug. 28-29. Strom was being held in the Albany County Detention Center on a $100,000 bond.

Strom was previously employed as a bus driver for Albany County School District No. 1 in Laramie and worked as an on-and-off bus aide before being terminated following his arrest in February.

___

Information from: Laramie Boomerang, http://www.laramieboomerang.com
YEREVAN, MARCH 30, ARMENPRESS. Changes will be made in the Labor Code of Armenia which will exempt small business from certain functions.

The draft over expected changes in the Labor Code is already ready and has been submitted to the Governments discussion. The Governments 2017 program served a base for the development of the draft.

Tadevos Avetisyan  Chief Adviser to Minister of Labor and Social Affairs on Labor and Employment, told Armenpress the draft was discussed in the Republican trilateral commission which includes organizations presenting employers interests, as well as trade unions confederation. The draft was discussed with all concerned sides.

Avetisyan said the Government planed a number of steps as a result of which small business will be free of some functions. The first change relates to problems revealed from legal practice.

For instance, there were a number of applications from small enterprises that said it is quite difficult for them to fully apply the provisions set under the Labor Code. Moreover, in many cases such regulations are unnecessary for them. For example, a company having one or two employees, must have an internal regulatory rules, must adopt internal legal acts. And in order to be able to ensure this documentary, administrative part, they have to hire accountants and lawyers. In these circumstances they make additional expenses from their scarce resources, he said.

Tadevos Avetisyan said the international experience shows that in separate countries the Labor Code contains flexible approaches for small enterprises. For example, this is typical of Russia, Kazakhstan, changes are expected to be made also in Ukraine, Lithuania.

The next important issue concerns allowances that are designed for night, overtime, holiday work.

50% supplement is set under the Law for overtime work, and working during the holidays the employee must be paid double. Such restrictions sometimes hinder small companies since they are working in the conditions of greater risk and competition. Such companies are closed for at least 5-6 times more and new ones are established, he said.

Another expected change is to define an exemplary sample of labor contract for small enterprises which will include the minimum requirements. This will be useful for the employer, the already ready contract will be amended, and there will be no need to hire additional specialists, make payments for preparing contracts.

All these changes will concern only small enterprises. After the draft is discussed in and approved by the Government, it will be submitted to the Parliament.
Delhi-Washington flight will be operated thrice a week with a Boeing 777-200 LR plane.

New Delhi: National carrier Air India today announced the launch of its non-stop flight service to Washington from here, beginning July 7. The Delhi-Washington flight will be operated thrice a week with a Boeing 777-200 LR plane, the Air India said in a statement.

The bookings for the new flight commenced on March 27, the airline said, adding more than one-fourth of the seats has already been reserved.

"80 seats have been booked," the statement said. The 238-seater B777-200 LR has eight seats in First Class, 35 in Business Class and rest 195 are Economy Class, the AI added.

Washington becomes the AI's fifth non-stop destination in the US after San Francisco, New York, Newark and Chicago.
Company says ruling will have a material impact on entire automotive industry, OEMs' and dealer networks.

Mumbai: The country's largest automaker Tata Motors today said the Supreme Court's ban on selling BS-III models was "unexpected and unprecedented penalty" on the entire industry.

"The Supreme Court order banning sale of all BS-III vehicles from April 1 is an unexpected and unprecedented move that will have a material impact on the entire automotive industry, OEMs' and dealer networks and is a penalty to the

entire automotive industry," Tata Motors said in a statement.

The largest commercial vehicles maker noted that the industry planned the current transition into BS-IV in line with the accepted practice of stopping production of earlier emission standard vehicles effective from the transition date and is also under the prevailing laws.

Before the court verdict, Tata Motors managing director Guenter Butschek had told reporters that if the verdict went against the industry, he would have to explore export opportunities to clear the unsold inventory to markets like like Africa, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

He also categorically said "there is no technology available to upgrade a BS-III vehicle into a BS-IV one." On its passenger vehicles business, he said it has

been producing BS-IV compliant vehicles across our entire product range and are fully BS-IV ready.

Without quantifying the losses or the volume of banned units, the company said it is assessing the impact of the order that are lying unsold on April 1, at both company and dealerships.

In a statement, the second largest commercial vehicles makers Ashok Leyland's managing director Vinod K Dasari said he has only minimal BS-III inventory.

"We have been making BS-IV vehicles since 2010 and has sufficient capability and capacity to make these vehicles. However, since BS-IV commercial vehicles cannot run properly on BS-III fuel, and such fuel is not available nationwide, our customers continued to buy BS III vehicles," Dasari said.

On the BS-III inventory, he said most of the unsold units will be sold in the next couple of days.

"Of the little inventory that we expect to remain beyond this, we will export them to other markets, where we have significant presence and still operate on BS III norms. For any other vehicles still leftover, the company confirms that it will be able to easily upgrade them to BS IV at minimal cost."
Government to accelerate implementation of the key legislations towards achieving a positive investment climate in India.

Business leaders at the forum also highlighted potential opportunities in the conversion of the Indian economy into a digital less-cash economy.

Singapore: Investors should look to India optimistically for business where growth opportunities are "quite compelling", a leading Singaporean banker has said here. "I think India's time is nigh.

People have been talking about a change in the last 2 or 3 years. I think in many ways a lot of what is going on in India has long-lasting consequence and is sometimes underappreciated," Piyush Gupta, CEO & Director of Development Bank of Singapore (DBS) Group, said at the Emerging India Forum 2017.

"I believe that in the medium-term, business opportunities and growth opportunities are going to be quite compelling," he said.

"And therefore, for people whether it is FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) or even Indian money wanting to return home, this might be a good opportunity to look optimistically at the country," he said.

Among other speakers, Tata Steel Special Economic Zone managing director Arun Misra said India is on the threshold of a digital revolution.

Business leaders at the forum also highlighted potential opportunities in the conversion of the Indian economy into a digital less-cash economy.

They called on the Government to accelerate implementation of the key legislations towards achieving a positive investment climate in India, including Make in India, Skill India and initiation of Land and Labour Reform. The forum was organised on March 27.
Personal income tax has been slashed to five per cent from 10 per cent on income of Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.

The list of positive developments is quite small. April 1 will bring in the reduction in income-tax rate.

April 1 is set to bring in both sweet and sour developments for citizens. And this is not an April fool's story.

The sour bits, first.

Starting April 1, you will have to shell out more for higher premiums on all non-life insurance policies providing health, auto, and accident coverage. You will be paying more because insurance regulator IRDAI has decided to let insurers revise commissions for insurance agents.

Also, from tomorrow, a junior assessing officer with the income-tax department can take a call on conducting a 'survey' or a 'search' at your premises. His senior, one level up, can provisionally attach the property without waiting for a court order. And now, income-tax officers will be able reopen tax cases from 10 years ago if search operations reveal undisclosed income and assets of over Rs 50 lakh.

If you are dealing in large amounts of cash, it would be better to switch over to digital payments. The Central government's ban on paying any amount in excess of Rs 2 lakh in cash is coming into play from April 1. You also should no take filing of income-tax returns easy anymore as any form of delay will attract a penalty  anywhere between Rs 1,000 and Rs 10,000.

And from April, the SBI will start charging its customers more for various services or situations  including non-maintenance of minimum balance and cash deposits and withdrawals beyond a specified number of transactions per month. The bank has also increased the minimum average balance requirement. A savings account in a metro needs to maintain a balance of Rs 5,000, urban areas Rs 3,000, semi-urban Rs 2,000 and Rs 1,000 in rural areas. Any shortfall in average balances will attract a penalty between Rs 50 and Rs 100.

Enquiries relating to old records beyond 12 months per item will attract a charge of Rs 200 while Rs 100 would be charged for ATM card or Welcome Kits returned by courier due to wrong address.

The hike in service charges is also likely to dampen the cheer of SBI associate bank customer, who are celebrating access to the suite of products that their bank's merger with SBI on April 1 could bring in. One among those banks, which will be merged with the SBI on Saturday, is the State Bank of Hyderabad, which served the role of central bank during the Nizams rule and which was taken over by the government as an SBI associate bank after Hyderabad's accession to India in 1948.

The Good

The list of positive developments is quite small. April 1 will bring in the reduction in income-tax rate. Personal income tax has been slashed to five per cent from 10 per cent on income of Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.

In a relief, there will now be no scrutiny of assessees filing I-T returns for the first time. Individuals having taxable income up to Rs 5 lakh can now just fill up a simple one-page form for filing their tax returns.

Meanwhile, air travellers can expect to breeze through airports because the CISF has decided to scrap the stamping and tagging of hand baggage at seven airports  Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Kochi and Ahmedabad.

Speaking of a breeze, the country can also expect better quality air thanks to the Supreme Courts ban on the sale of all vehicles that are not compatible with the BS-IV emission norms.
Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., will cross party lines, voting in favor of 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Neil Gorsuch for the vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Heitkamp pointed to Gorsuch's balanced record and understanding of the rule of law as factors in her decision, as well as his experience with tribal sovereignty, public lands issues and the endorsement he received from numerous tribes and Native American organizations.

During our meeting and at his hearing, he reinforced the importance of a judiciary that remains independent of the executive and legislative branches of government  and that acts as a proper check and balance on the other two branches of government. I expect him to follow through on that critical tenet, she said.

Heitkamp said she made the decision to support Gorsuch despite Senate Republicans blocking of Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit Chief Judge Merrick Garlands nomination to the high court during the Obama Administration.

This vote does not diminish how disturbed I am by what Republicans did to Judge Garland. Senate Republicans played politics at its worst with an honorable, deeply qualified jurist, she said in a statement. But I was taught that two wrongs dont make a right. There isnt a perfect judge. Regardless of which party is in the White House, the U.S. Supreme Court should be above politics.
Its a real-life role of an Indian judge who presided at the Tokyo War Crimes Trial.

Tokyo Trial, a four-part series by Netflix, features Irrfan Khan in a very unusual role. It is a historical drama that focuses on a decade-long investigation into events in the Pacific during and after WWII.

Irrfan plays a judge at a trial in the film. Shedding light on his role he says, Its a character that I knew nothing about. Its a real-life role of an Indian judge who presided at the Tokyo War Crimes Trial. This judge did not believe that putting individuals on trial for war crimes was a solution to eradicate war crimes. He wanted to go to the root of the crimes.

The actor is admittedly fascinated by the part. I read up a lot on him but I havent modelled my performance on the guy. When Van Kilmer played Jim Morrison in The Doors, he played the real man exactly the way he was. But Ben Kingsley played Gandhiji in his own way. Even my Paan Singh Tomar was not a replica of the real man.
After celebrating with a bash before they set off to London, the team celebrated after the wrap of the London schedule.

The team did have an enjoyable time at the bash.

Mumbai: After the success of 'Welcome Back,' Anees Bazmee is all set to direct another multi-starrer comedy, 'Mubarakan.'

After a schedule in Amritsar, the team of the wedding comedy had set off for the next schedule of the film in London.

After celebrating with a bash before they set off to London, the team celebrated again, this time after the wrap of the schedule in London.

Several pictures from the bash were shared on social media by some members of the team where we see the actors Arjun Kapoor, Ileana D'Cruz, Neha Sharma, and Athiya Shetty, Anees Bazmee among others.

Anil Kapoor was not spotted in the pictures, but the actor and his family, daughters Sonam and Rhea and other relatives had recently celebrated his wife Sunita Kapoor's birthday in the city.

Arjun Kapoor and Anil Kapoor, play Sardars in the film and replicate their real life relationship of uncle and nephew, with the former playing a double role.

Mubarakan is slated to release on 28 July this year.
Her upcoming projects include a role in Sanjay Leela Bhansalis magnum opus, Padmavati and Sanjay Dutts comeback project, Bhoomi.

Aditi Rao Hydari is slowly but surely making a mark without a godfather in the industry. Her upcoming projects include a role in Sanjay Leela Bhansalis magnum opus, Padmavati and Sanjay Dutts comeback project, Bhoomi. In an interview, the actress talks about finally getting her due, Padmavati, nepotism in the industry and more...

You will next be seen in Padmavati

Its been my dream to work with Sanjay in a period film. Everything on the sets, right from the costume to jewellery is beautiful. Working opposite Ranveer Singh has been fun.

You are also playing Sanjay Dutts daughter in Bhoomi. Did you ever expect a role of this sort to come your way?

I never expected I would get to work with Sanjay Dutt. It isnt every day that you come across a father-daughter story. So when you get an opportunity like this, it was a surprise. Sanjay is an effortless actor. He is protective and generous.

How was it working with Mani Ratnam in Kaatru Veliyidai?

Mani sir is constantly challenging you, and giving you the freedom to explore. Its a blessing to do a film with Mani Ratnam sir. There is no stress when I am working with him because I know he is always there to mentor me.

Looking back, how would you describe your early days in the film industry? How has the struggle been for you?

I have worked for seven years in Mumbai without any help or support from the industry. I dont look at it as a bitter experience but as a fact. I feel blessed; I rather count my blessing than thinking about what I dont have. I know that I have a long way to go; hence Im constantly pushing myself.

Do you feel nepotism exists in Bollywood?

I dont know why we single out Bollywood  its everywhere. Its only natural. The film industry shouldnt be singled out. I also think that theres no point cribbing about it. I hope we all can be equal and only be dependent on our talent. If thats not the case, I will only work harder.

Are you also trying your luck in Hollywood?

Cinema and art is not about geography and language. For me, what matters is a good director. The language doesnt matter as long as it is the right director. If I get an opportunity in Hollywood, I will do it.
The film features Taapsee Pannu, Manoj Bajpayee, Prithviraj in the lead roles and Akshay Kumar in an extended cameo.

Rating:

Director: Shivam Nair

Cast: Taapsee Pannu, Manoj Bajpayee, Prithviraj, Akshay Kumar (guest appearance)

Director Shivam Nair, who last tried the thriller genre in his 2015 disastrous outing, Bhaag Johnny, has explored another not so edgy thriller film Naam Shabana. Whoever goes in expecting a film to be on lines of the Taapsee Pannu starrer Pink or Baby, will be let down. Producer-writer Neeraj Pandey pens down a film which highlights the issue of self-defence and women safety.

Shabana (Taapsee Pannu) lives with her mother Farida (Natasha Rastogi) in the heart of Mumbai city. Her college friend Jai (Tahir Shabbir) secretly admires Shabana but never really expresses it. Shabanas life changes when a bunch of local vagabonds kill Jai in the wee hours. An undercover agent Manoj Bajpayee contacts Shabana to help her in seeking revenge from the murderers of Jai. Shabana kills the ruler Karan of the brat gang. In return, Manoj Bajpayee asks Shabana to train for their most important mission.

The secret mission is to expose and kill Tony (Prithviraj), who deals with human trafficking and money laundering across the globe. Akshay Kumar and Anupam Kher help Shabana in planting her around Tony. Will Shabana repay Manoj Bajpayee by killing Tony?

Known for making content driven films like A Wednesday and Baby, Naam Shabana is surely a disappointment from producer-writer Neeraj Pandey. However, the flak also goes to director Shivam Nair for a poor execution. First half is flat but raises high hopes in the second half but by then it is too late to even like it.

Neeraj Pandey must have thought that Taapsee Pannus current status in the industry might work for the film but fails to impress in every possible way. In the recent past, we saw films like Akira and Pink, which deal with the plot better than Naam Shabana. However, one must say, films like Kahaani and Queen have opened doors for female centric films in Bollywood. However, Naam Shabana doesnt stand out in its pace and thrilling element.

Taapsee Pannu is the knight in shining armour of the film. It is so good to see her breaking bones and kicking butts so effortlessly. Her power packed performance in the film is an answer to those who considered her a lesser talent early on. (Pink is an exception). She debuted with Chashme Baddoor in 2013 and post that she changed her image entirely with films like Baby and Pink.

Manoj Bajpayee stands out in his strict undercover agent act. Prithiviraj is good in his negative role but he is unintentionally funny in a few scenes. Akshay Kumar is a comic relief in his cameo. Natasha Rastogi has a small yet striking role of a caring and emotional mother. The rest of the cast, which includes Anupam Kher, Tahir Shabbir, Manav Vij, Zakir Hussain do a fair job. Elli Avram and Shibani Dandekar have nothing to do in the film other than seducing the men dancing around them in a night club. Madhurima Tuli is literally in one scene (no harm since its a Taapsee Pannu film).

Although the music composed by Rochak Kohli and Meet Bros is average, Zubi Zubi and Besharam are ear scorching. For me, a no song film is always a preference and Naam Shabana had no scope for any music because of its plot but this wasnt the case with it. The film could have been better paced, all thanks to the under-cooked narrative. Naam Shabana is a throw away effort from director Shivam Nair and producer Neeraj Pandey, where the only saving grace is Taapsees act.
Lucknow: Yogi Adityanath, who was appointed as the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister on March 19, was informed about it only a day before the swearing-in ceremony by BJP chief Amit Shah, he said.

"Amit Shah told me that tomorrow is the oath-taking ceremony. But, I had only two robes. If I had said no, then it would mean that I am looking for an escape route. I then went to Lucknow to attend the meeting of the BJP legislature party," Mr Adityanath said.

He was addressing a gathering on the inaugural day of the three-day UP Yoga Mahotsava in Lucknow today.

Adityanath, a five-time MP and head priest of Gorakhnath Mutt, said he was a "fakir" (hermit) who lived on alms, but the people of the state had given him the whole state.

Referring to demonetisation, the Chief Minister said his government will not hesitate to take any major decision for the benefit of the people of the state.

"If needed, we will not hesitate in taking any big decision for the benefit of the 22 crore people of the state," the UP Chief Minister said, and hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "bold" decision to ban high denomination currency notes.
The Ulfa chairman also questioned the Dalai Lamas visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

Guwahati: In what has confirmed the growing nexus of the outlawed Ulfa(I) in China, the banned outfit has warned the Dalai Lama to refrain from uttering anything against China during his visit to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

In an open letter to the Dalai Lama sent to local media houses on email, Ulfa(I) chairman Mukul Hazarika alias Abhizeet Asom Barman, who is said to have been a physician based in London, said, Nothing against China will be uttered by you (the Dalai Lama) in private or public because China has always been a friendly neighbour of ours and the relationship between China and Assam is truly very deep. We wont tolerate Indias view to be propagated from Assams soil.

The Ulfa chairman also questioned the Dalai Lamas visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

The Dalai Lamas plan to visit Tawang, despite China objecting is unwise and a cause of great concern to us. Should a war break out between China and India, Tibet and Assam would stand to suffer, he said.

The Dalai Lama is going to start his north-east tour from Assam on April 1. He is expected to visit Tawang, a Buddhist majority town in Arunachal Pradesh, some time after April 4. Union minister Kiren Rijiju is expected to accompany him.

China had earlier warned of severe damage to Indo-Chinese bilateral ties when the Dalai Lama had announced his visit to Tawang, which China claims to be a part of its territory and calls Southern Tibet.

Security agencies have alerted the police and asked to intensify security measures in the wake of the Dalai Lamas visit.

Fearing that Ulfa(I) may try to create trouble, security sources said that all districts have been asked to be on high alert during the Tibetan leaders stay in the region.

It is significant that security agencies have reports that elusive Ulfa(I) chief Paresh Baruah has frequently been shuttling between China and Myanmar.

Security sources said that the Ulfa(I) chief was found to have been taking shelter at Ruili town in Dehong Prefecture region of Yunan province in southern China.
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the government cannot accept the amendments of the Upper House.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley speaks in the Lok Sabha in New Delhi on Thursday. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: The Parliament passed Finance Bill 2017 on Thursday with the Lok Sabha negating all the five amendments made by the Rajya Sabha.

Replying to a debate on the amendments of the Rajya Sabha, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the government cannot accept the amendments of the Upper House.

Initiating a discussion on it, Dipendra Hooda of Congress supported the amendments made by the Rajya Sabha.

He questioned the government for proposing 40 amendments in different laws through the Finance Bill.

He demanded a separate law for political funding. BJD leader Bhartruhari Mahtab demanded transparency in funding to the political parties.

Saugata Roy of TMC also supported the amendments. Badaruddoza Khan of CPI (M) and A. P. Jithender Reddy of TRS demanded complete ban on corporate funding to the political parties.

Yesterday, the Rajya Sabha had returned the Finance Bill 2017 to the Lok Sabha with five amendments moved by the Opposition.

Of the five amendments, three were moved by Digvijay Singh of Congress and two by Sitaram Yechury of CPI-M.

The bill gives effect to the financial proposals of the central government for the financial year 2017-18.
This vision of imperial China envisages a Chinese empire comprising China Proper, Outer China and the tributary territories.

The received wisdom regarding Sino-Indian relations over Taiwan is one of cautious fear. The new political class in New Delhi has been warned in no uncertain terms against flashing a Taiwan card against China or veering away from Indias long-standing commitment to a One-China policy as a bargaining chip against Beijing. China recently lodged a diplomatic protest against India for hosting a Taiwanese parliamentary delegation with Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang in Bejing asking New Delhi to deal prudently with Taiwan-related issues to maintain sound Sino-India ties.

Off and on, we get to hear tropes about the pitfalls of India playing the Balochistan card, against Pakistan playing the Kashmir card, or India flashing a Taiwan card against Chinas deeply adversarial stand on a range of issues. Recently, China warned India against allowing the Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh in the coming weeks, holding on to its contention that the Tibetan spiritual leader is a separatist, followed by the countrys former chief negotiator on the border issue and one of the foremost and highest-ranking figures of Chinese foreign policy in the Hu Jintao administration, Dai Bingguo, arguing there should be some give and take to settle the dragging boundary dispute. Geng Shuang issued a veiled warning that the Dalai Lamas visit will cause serious damage to China-India ties and even threatened by reminding us that China is strongly opposed to Dalai Lama visiting disputed areas.

China considers the One-China policy as the political bedrock for the development of US-China relations and warns that if it is compromised, the sound and steady growth of its bilateral relationship as well as bilateral cooperation in major fields with the US would be off the rocker. US President Donald Trump is already betraying signs to drag its feet over his threat that he might use the One-China policy as a bargaining chip to pressurise Beijing to change its behaviour. I dont know why we have to be bound by a one China policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade, Mr Trump said in a December interview with Fox News on Sunday. But the strident rhetoric melted into thin air after President Trump spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping in a late-night phone call in February. The morning after, effects of Chinese diplomacy was evident the way Trump swore by Americas long-standing One-China policy.

What explains Chinese behaviour? Ever since the nationalist government of Chiang Kai-shek lost the civil war to the Chinese communists and fled to the island of Taiwan, Beijing is insistent  as expressed by a PRC writer, that only when the Taiwan problem is resolved will the complete unification of the ancestral land be realised. China is not hesitant to reunite with its rebel province, even by force, if necessary. This putative reunification is held to be an integral part of Chinese irredentism, erupting off and on into the surface, as evidenced last year by Beijings sabre-ratting over the South China Sea, that it considers to be Chinese sovereign territory.

This vision of imperial China envisages a Chinese empire comprising China Proper, Outer China and the tributary territories. The Qing dynasty (1644-1912) became one of the most enduring dynasties to rule the essential territory that comprises todays China proper that is the cultural heart of China and the core of Han Chinese settlement. Outer China is comprised of buffer territories ruled directly from China Proper but inhabited almost entirely by non-Chinese peoples that historically included all or parts of Xinjiang, Inner and Outer Mongolia, Manchuria, Tibet and, at times, northern Korea and northern Vietnam.

The real danger lies in Chinese perception that borders of contemporary China must be seen as a continuity and succession from historic borders of the country, the obsessive level of which is such that it now passes for a de-facto public policy. Its historic arc of territory included all of Korea, Central Asia, Ukraine, Iraq, Iran, Burma and Vietnam as part of the Outer China during the Yuan dynasty (1206-1367). A vast sweep of land encompassing Russian Far East, Sakhalin Island, the western half of the Sea of Japan, the Korean peninsula, the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea, the Ryukyu Islands, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the South China Sea, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Burma, Malaysia, the Andaman Sea and Island, Nepal, Bhutan, Kirghizstan, the eastern half of Kazakhstan, Russias Altay and Sayan Mountains, and Mongolia was once part the Qing dynasty during its heyday.

Even if we are warned against ruffling Chinese feathers too much, Chinas irredentism might have deeper ramifications for Asia and the Pacific in view of its resolve to reclaim some of its lost territories, especially Taiwan, Diaoyutai and the South China Sea, that might seriously hobble the security of Americas allies and friends, including Japan, the Philippines and Thailand, with whom the US has bilateral security treaties besides a congressional act on Taiwan.

The ideological core of Chinas One-China policy harks back to an imperial China, and is rooted somewhat akin to the desire for a pan-Islamic caliphate. The basic point that must be made is that while China is deeply territorial over its core areas of strategic interest and issues of sovereignty, it is deeply disdainful about India staking the same claims. Both China and Pakistan had given a short shrift to Indias protests  it is yet unclear whether Indian foreign secretary S. Jaishankars visit to Beijing recently for the China-India Strategic Dialogue yielded any results  for instance, over the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor passing through sovereign Indian territory; for instance, the Gilgit-Baltistan region, bordering disputed PoK, to be Pakistans fifth province. While to declare that CPEC is a sham because it is blatantly violative of Indias territorial integrity would be the most daring diplomatic policy move by India to make in 2017, India must learn to come to terms with the irredentist nationalism of China with both diplomatic moves and military prowess as China is no short of a hegemon.

The writer is a social commentator based in Kolkata
Thousands of mourners attended multiple funerals of the slain youth in the central district of Budgam.

A Kashmiri villager shouts freedom slogans during the funeral of a local suspected rebel commander Tauseef Ahmed Wagay at Yaripora, Srinagar. (Photo: AP)

Srinagar: Amid simmering anger fuelled by the killing of three local youth in security forces firing a day ago, a complete shutdown was observed in most parts of Kashmir valley on Wednesday.

Thousands of mourners attended multiple funerals of the slain youth in the central district of Budgam and took a pledge to fight till the last man for the cause of freedom.

Separately, a large crowd turned up at the funeral of Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Tauseef Ahmed Wagay in Yaripora village of southern Kulgam district. The chants of we want freedom and were with you, holy fighters filled the air, said witnesses. Soon after the funeral, massive clashes erupted between protesters and the security forces, reports said.

Wagay was killed in a 10-hour-long gunbattle with security forces after he was trapped inside a house at Durbug in Budgams Chadoora area during a cordon-and-search operation on Monday night.

CRPF deputy inspector general Sanjay Kumar said that obstruction by locals made their operation against the holed-up militant even more difficult as they were forced to divert their attention from him. He said 43 CRPF personnel and 20 from Kashmir police were injured in stone-pelting.

The mainstream opposition parties and separatists, however, questioned his claim and accused the security forces of using disproportionate force against unarmed protesters.

On Wednesday, shops and other businesses and educational institutions remained closed across the Valley while traffic was off the roads.

Kashmir University, Islamic University of Science and Technology and Central University of Kashmir had postponed all examinations scheduled on Wednesday.
The department has issued a warning of heat wave in parts of north Maharashtra for next 48 hours.

Bhira in Maharashtra tops the list of hottest cities in India with a maximum temperature of 46.5C. (Photo: Representational Image)

Mumbai: Five people have died of heat stroke in Maharashtra so far and temperatures exceeding 40 degrees have led the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue warnings of a heat wave in parts of the state.

The department has issued a warning of heat wave in parts of north Maharashtra for next 48 hours, said ANI.

Districts in central and north Maharashtra are the worst affected, said an NDTV report.

Bhira in Maharashtra tops the list of hottest cities in India with a maximum temperature of 46.5C. However, IMD is skeptical of the claim and has sent a team to examine the temperature there.

Akola recorded 44.1 degrees Celsius and Wardha, Nagpur and Chandrapur have recorded 43 degrees.

Many other parts of India are suffering record temperatures at the start of summer.

Barmer in Rajasthan recorded a high of 43.4 degrees Celsius while Narnaul in Haryana sizzled at 42 degrees, nine degrees above normal.

The temperature in Ludhiana in Punjab is 7 degrees above normal.

In Uttar Pradesh, the maximum temperature crossed 40 degrees in Varanasi, Allahabad, Hamirpur and Agra.

The temperature in Uttarakhand's capital, Dehradun as well as Srinagar has been recorded much above normal for this part of the year, the NDTV report said.

In Rajasthan, Barmer was the hottest with mercury touching 43.4 degrees, followed by 43 degrees Celsius in Churu.

Heat wave conditions will prevail at isolated regions in Gujarat before temperatures across the state return to normal in 2-3 days, according to the IMD.

Ahmedabad touched 42.8 degrees on Monday, breaking a seven-year record for the month of March.

IMD on Wednesday said Delhi has been witnessing an unusual temperature of 23 degree in the wee hours, which is already six degree more than normal.

IMD scientist Charan Singh told ANI, "Delhi has been witnessing temperature of 23 degree in the wee hours which is very unusual in the month of March."

He further said that the maximum temperature is expected to reach 38 degrees which is recorded to be higher compared to last five to six years.

The department forecasted that Delhi has not witnessed heat-wave condition but the temperature in the national capital might increase till the month of May. The temperature is currently at 37 degrees, five degrees more than normal for this time of the year.

Singh further said that heat wave condition is likely to continue in states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, west Madhya Pradesh for next three to four days.

"We can witness heat wave in Rajasthan Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh for next two to three days and it has already spread in South Haryana and South Uttar Pradesh, he added.

Most parts of India will come under heat wave temperature by mid of May," Singh added.

Mercury has been settling in at higher than 40C at almost every place.
Despite fears it might create a negative image of North Dakota's acceptance of refugees, a study was approved by state senators that would attempt to quantify the impact of refugee resettlement.

It is impossible to reduce this issue to a cost-benefit analysis, said bill carrier Sen. Judy Lee, R-West Fargo, who argued unsuccessfully that such an effort isnt needed and much of the data requested for the study is already available.

House Bill 1427 was given a thumbs-up by a 27-19 vote and heads to the governors desk.

Following a lengthy House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee hearing earlier this session filled with hours of emotional testimony, the House converted the bill into an optional interim study. It passed the House by an 86-5 vote.

Study topics include the impact of refugees on salaries and working conditions for the local workforce. It also would study the impact on law enforcement, government services and programs and public education.

Data on the total refugee population by gender, age, number in school and those receiving service in school for learning English would be collected. Stakeholders including government and law enforcement would be involved in providing information for the study.

Lee said the benefits of the 611 refugees settled in the state last year are impossible to measure.

Why are they being separated out? Lee said. These new residents in our largest cities are eager to work and their children are eager to learn.

Sen. Ray Holmberg, R-Grand Forks, said the results might make the public uncomfortable, but that it was no reason not to go through the process.

Sen. Tim Mathern, D-Fargo, said refugees have had a positive impact on his community in various areas of employment.

Mathern said hes been able to get to know some refugees and their views of America inspire him.

There are people who see the bill as an indication that we do not want these people, said Mathern, expressing concern that such a study would provide a negative image of North Dakota.
All of the seven corporators who refused to attend the meeting were from a minority community.

The corporators returned to the meeting after a brief while but Ahluwalia refused to let them in. (Photo: ANI)

Meerut: The Meerut Municipal Corporation has prohibited its members from attending a meeting after they refused to sing 'Vande Mataram' on Tuesday.

The resolution was proposed by Mayor Harikant Ahluwalia after some councilors belonging to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Opposition parties clashed over the national song.

All of the seven corporators who refused to attend the meeting belonged to a minority community.

They left the session soon after rest of the members started singing Vande Mataram.

There is also a proposal to terminate the membership of those councilors who do not sing the national song and instead walk out of the meeting.

The meeting earlier on Tuesday started with Ahluwalia asking all the members to stand up and sing the national song.

It was then that some members belonging to Opposition parties walked out after which BJP councilors started raising the slogans, "Hindustan me rehna hai to Vande Mataram kehna hoga".

The corporators returned to the meeting after a brief while but Ahluwalia refused to let them in.
Rohatgi said the court cannot prosecute anybody for such comments as a politicians may genuinely hold these views.

New Delhi: A politician cannot be prosecuted for airing his personal views as there cannot be a moral code of conduct that can be enforced, attorney general Mukul Rohatgi told the Supreme Court on Wednesday on behalf of the Centre.

He made the assertion before a bench of Justices Dipak Misra and A.M. Kanwilkar in the context of former UP minister Azam Khans statement that that the Bulandshar rapes did not happen even before an FIR had been filed, or the case had been probed. Such a comment can be made, Mr Rohatgi said You cant have a moral code of conduct to govern this, he added.

The court had earlier issued notice to Mr Khan on a petition against his remarks to explain his conduct on the ground that it interfered with the course of justice. Mr Khan has since apologised to the court.

What about the victims rights? Her dignity has been assaulted. And right to fair trial? Justice Misra said. Liberty is not absolute. Can a public figure or person holding a public office make a comment like this on an investigation into a case involving third parties?

Mr Rohatgi said the court cannot prosecute anybody for such comments as a politicians may genuinely hold these views.

Amicus curiae, or friend of the court, Fali S. Nariman also backed Mr Rohatgis views on the ground of free speech over everything else. You cant limit the freedom of speech of a politician.
Ahmedabad: BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday indicated that contrary to the speculations, the Gujarat assembly elections will be held only towards the year-end and not earlier.

"Be ready to welcome the 'Vijay Rath' of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November," he told BJP workers here.

"After travelling to various parts of the country, the BJP's Vijay Rath (victory chariot) under the leadership of Modi is set to come to Gujarat in November," he said.

"Let us all resolve to achieve a thumping victory and take Modi's victory chariot further to Odisha from Gujarat," said Shah.

Congress leaders Bharatsinh Solanki and Shankersinh Vaghela had recently claimed on many occasions that the state assembly polls would be held in April or May, though they are due in December 2017.

Taking a dig at the Congress' slogan that "Congress is coming," Shah said, "... but the people are saying the Congress is going."

Reminding the opposition of BJP's track record of winning elections in the Prime Minister's home state, Shah said, "The BJP has never lost a single assembly or Lok Sabha election in Gujarat since 1990.

"The Congress, however, starts daydreaming as soon as the election approaches, and their dreams always get shattered on the day of counting," he said.

"After the poll results of five states their dream has been shattered even before the counting day here. The Congress says it is coming, but people are saying 'Congress is going'," the BJP chief said.

The gathering had been organised by the state BJP to felicitate Shah on his first visit to his home state after the election results in Uttar Pradesh and elsewhere.

He urged the workers to aim for 150-plus seats in Gujarat (out of the total 182). "...we are making a resolution here to get 150-plus seats," he said.

Shah termed the Aam Aadmi Party, which is trying to make inroads in Gujarat, as a "mushroom".

"This party pops up like a mushroom only during polls and then vanishes. They fielded 432 candidates in Lok Sabha polls and won four seats," he recalled.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel and state BJP chief Jitubhai Vaghani were among those present.
New Delhi: The Shiv Sena on Thursday said airline companies were behaving like "goons" by letting terrorists take flights but imposing restrictions on the common man as it remained defiant on domestic airlines' blanket ban on its MP Ravindra Gaikwad.

The Shiv Sena MPs, ahead of their meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on the fly ban issue, said that dictatorship has not yet started in the country and asked whether Air India will first tender an apology to the MP as they had started misbehaving first.

"What has he (Gaikwad) done? The behaviour of the airline companies is like mafia and goons. In your companies, what is happening under your chair, you should see that. I would not say much as we are now going to meet the Lok Sabha speaker.

"But an FIR has been lodged against the MP. The MP has also lodged an FIR. The investigation is going on," party leader Sanjay Raut told reporters outside the Parliament.

Asked whether there should be a fly ban on Gaikwad, he said, "There should not be a fly ban on him. Is he a terrorist? Terrorists, underworld dons, corrupt people can fly in your airlines, but an MP, who is a common man, he would not fly.

"And moreover, the FIR has been lodged and the investigation is not yet complete. Who has done what, it will only be clear after the completion of the investigation. In this country, till now, dictatorship has not yet started. If they are doing it under pressure from someone, this pressure will also not work for long," he said.

State carrier Air India had recently barred Gaikwad, who had allegedly assaulted its staffer, from its flights and even cancelled his return ticket to Pune from Delhi.

Raut said that during the meeting, the MPs will tell the Speaker that democracy is still there in this country and if such dictatorship continues, "there will be one day, when these airlines will ground the Prime Minister as well as the Lok Sabha speaker."

"I will not speak much now. I will open up facts about the misdeeds (kala chitta kholunga) of these airline company owners. Who has relationship with whom in Dubai, Pakistan, whose money is travelling from one destination to the other, I will come out with it," he said.

Asked whether Gaikwad should apologise, Raut said, "Will Air India apologise? Let them start. Who started misbehaviour first. The airline company started it," he said.

Another party MP Shivaji Patil said that the inquiry should be conducted "freely and fairly" to determine who is at fault, whether Air India staff or the MP. "We do not want to shield anybody," he said before going into the meeting.

Asked about his meeting with Jayant Sinha earlier, the MP said, "He (Sinha) has assured that he will try his best to lift the ban particularly for the member to attend the Parliament proceedings.

"He told us that efforts were on to find out a way out of the situation. The party has not asked Gaikwad to stay away from Parliament."

Another MP Shrirang Barne said that the statements of both the sides should be heard as a case has been lodged on the issue.

"I will not support the mistake which Gaikwad did, but being an MP, he too has some right," he said.
The new law makes it mandatory for every establishment with 50 or more employees to have a creche within a prescribed distance.

New Delhi: Women employees will now be able to get paid maternity leave of 26 weeks, up from 12 weeks, as per a new law.

President Pranab Mukherjee has given assent to the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 that has few changes in some of the provisions of over 55-year-old law entitling certain benefits to women employees.

The new law makes it mandatory for every establishment with fifty or more employees to have the facility of creche within a prescribed distance.

The employer is also bound to allow four visits a day to the creche by a woman.

Every establishment will intimate in writing and electronically to every woman at the time of her initial appointment regarding every benefit available under the new law, the statute says.

An employer can also permit a woman to work from home after she has availed maternity leave.

In case where the nature of work assigned to a woman is of such nature that she may work from home, the employer may allow her to do so after availing of the maternity benefit for such period and on such conditions as the employer and the woman may mutually agree, it says.

The law also allows maternity leave of 12 weeks for a woman who adopts a child below the age of three months, and for commissioning mother (a biological mother who uses her egg to create an embryo implanted in any other woman).

The entitlement of 26 weeks paid leave under the law is only for first two children. A woman with two or more children will be entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave, says the law which will apply to all establishments employing 10 or more people.

The statute that will help approximate 1.8 million women workforce in organised sector, has amended Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 that regulates grant of maternity benefit to women employees in certain establishments.

The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on March 9 and Rajya Sabha on March 20.

India is at third position globally in terms of the number of weeks of maternity leave after Canada (50 weeks) and Norway (44 weeks).
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath moved into 5-Kalidas Marg, his official residence here on Wednesday, on the first day of the nine-day long 'Navaratra' festival.

After taking oath as the Chief Minister on March 19, he had been staying at VVIP Guest House close by and was operating from there.

Adityanath wanted to enter the official residence on an auspicious day and chose the first day of Navaratra to move in.

The Chief Minister invited the newly-elected MLAs for 'Falaahaar' (fruit meal) at his official residence and honoured them with a shawl and memento, an official spokesman said.

Both the deputy chief ministers Keshav Maurya and Dinesh Sharma were present besides several ministers.
The DGP said the inimical elements were misusing social media to instigate the youths to hurl stones at armed forces to help militants flee.

A group of youth pelting stones on security forces during an anti-militant operation at village Durbugh in Chadoora area of central Kashmir's Budgam district. (Photo: File)

Srinagar: Youths who storm the encounter sites in the Valley to hurl stones at security personnel are committing suicide, Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday said and appealed to them to refrain from such activity.

"In the encounter, even security forces and police take cover of a bulletproof vehicle or a house. Youths coming to the encounter sites are committing suicide," Director General of Police SP Vaid told reporters in Srinagar.

He appealed to the youngsters not to rush to the encounter sites, saying they were being misled and misused by elements inimical to peace in the Valley for their short-term political gains.

"A bullet does not whom it will hit. My appeal to all the young boys is that they should remain in their homes and not come to encounter sites. The youth must understand that they are being used by people for their short-term political gains," he said.

The DGP said the inimical elements were misusing social media to instigate the youths to hurl stones at security forces to help militants flee.

"I would say this is misuse of social media by elements inimical to peace in the valley and to our country.

"The moment an encounter starts, they activate around 300 WhatsApp groups, each having more than 250 members, and other social networking websites like Facebook, instigating young boys to reach the encounter site and throw stones so that the terrorists escape from the spot," he said.

The J&K top cop said these WhatsApp groups and other social media accounts were being monitored and action will be taken against people operating them.

"Some of these accounts have been traced across (the border). It is an attempt by the enemies of India to create problems. All these numbers are being monitored and we will take action against those operating them from here," he said.

The DGP urged the people to think about the families of those who lost their lives during the incidents of stone-pelting recently.

"Think of the mother, father, sister or brother of those who died two days ago. People will forget those who died after 10 days. Their family suffer the most. We all would be doing our jobs," he said.
Gote argued that the members of the Legislative Assembly, who are directly elected by people, make laws, are stalled by the Council.

Mumbai: BJP MLA Anil Gote on Thursday demanded scrapping of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, stating that the Upper House did not have "constitutional rights".

Gote argued that while the members of the Legislative Assembly, who are directly elected by people, make laws, they are stalled by the Council.

"We discuss and make laws, which are stalled by the Upper House, which has no constitutional right. Hence, the council needs to be scrapped," he said.

Gote made the remarks in the Legislative Assembly after the Question Hour.

The BJP MLA said that although he had made a similar demand on Wednesday, his statement was expunged. "This is violation of my right as MLA," he said.

"216 of the 219 MLAs had given a notice on December 14, 1953 in the Lower House that the Legislative Council be scrapped. Late (BJP leader) Rambhau Mhalgi, on July 25, 1961 had described the Legislative Council as a historic accident and not a political philosophy," Gote told the house.

Gote said Mhalgi had cited constitutional rules to argue that in a democracy, those elected from a direct election are given priority.

He said that each MLA is elected directly from three and half lakh voters from an Assembly constituency.

"We discuss and make laws, which are stalled by the Upper House, which has no constitutional right. Hence, the Council needs to be scrapped," he said.

Speaking to reporters on the Vidhan Bhavan premises on Wednesday, Gote had said, "There are only six states where Council is in existence. People who are rejected by voters in the assembly elections, come to the Upper House."

"The Legislative Council has no constitutional powers and it exists only to please some people politically," he had said.
BJP MLA Niraj Kumar Singh Bablu rained blows on party MLC Lal Babu Prasad in the Legislative Council premises on Wednesday.

Patna: Opposition NDA on Thursday faced a major embarrassment when ruling Grand Alliance MLCs raised in the Legislative Council the issue of a BJP MLA reportedly thrashing a party MLC for "sexually harassing" the former's wife who is an LJP MLC.

BJP MLA Niraj Kumar Singh Bablu rained blows on party MLC Lal Babu Prasad in the Legislative Council premises on Wednesday after Bablu's wife Nutan Singh complained to him about Prasad sexually harassing her, media reports on Thursday said.

Both BJP and LJP are constituents of the NDA.

The media reports said that some BJP members of the Council present there separated the two lawmakers.

No formal complaint, however, was lodged by any side. JD(U) member Reena Yadav raised the issue in the Council and RJD's Rabri Devi sought action against BJP MLC Lal Babu Prasad.

Neeraj Kumar and Sanjay Singh of JD(U) and Dilip Chaudhary of Congress followed Rabri Devi and sought action against Prasad.

Nutan Singh was not present in the House at that time but Prasad was there, though he remained quiet.

Council Chairperson Awdesh Narayan Singh said that he did not receive any written complaint in this regard.

He, however, said, "I will not allow any blot on the House during my tenure."

Later he told reporters that he would take cognisance of it when someone would lodge a written complaint to him.

Nutan Singh's husband Bablu, BJP MLA from Chhatapur, also did not attend the Assembly in the pre-lunch session.

Leaders of Grand Alliance - JD(U), RJD and Congress - used the issue to attack BJP and NDA, but BJP leaders tried to avoid the issue.

Leader of Opposition in Council, Sushil Kumar Modi, said that he did not receive any complaint in this regard from any side.

While talking to reporters, Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Prasad Yadav condemned the incident and demanded registration of a case against Lal Babu Prasad.

Yadav, son of Lalu Prasad and RJD legislature party leader in the Assembly, described BJP as a "party of goondas".

JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar said, "BJP has formed anti-Romeo forces in Uttar Pradesh. It needs to have such a force for its party leaders in Bihar too."
Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Siddharth Nath Singh had asserted that the state government will only act against illegal slaughterhouses.

Lucknow: After meeting Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the meat traders on Thursday extended their support to the state government's view in the matter and seconded the move of banning illegal slaughterhouses.

Cabinet minister Siddharth Nath Singh informed that the meat traders echoing similar sentiments said it was their duty to assure that nothing illegal flourished in the state.

"All delegates (meat traders) supported the Chief Minister and said as citizens of India it is their duty to see that nothing illegal is allowed," Singh told the media in Lucknow.

While appealing to the protesters to return to work, meat exporter Sirajuddin Qureshi said that their meeting with the Chief Minister was very successful.

"Our meeting with the UP Chief Minister was very successful. He assured us that licensed slaughterhouses will not be troubled," Qureshi said.

"I appeal to the protesters to return to work and start working with a proper licence, UP Government will help you procure one," he added.

Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Siddharth Nath Singh on Monday had asserted that the state government will only act against slaughterhouses that are illegal.

"We have assembled here to give a clarification that it is an investigation only against the illegal slaughterhouses. Those who have licenses have nothing to fear. They should continue following regulations," Singh told media in Lucknow.

Singh further said it was also a message to the officers not to overstep their jurisdiction and the mandate given by the state government.

After coming to power, the Yogi Adityanath-led government has ordered the closure of illegal slaughterhouses and strict enforcement of the ban on cow smuggling to fulfill a key electoral promise.

Adityanath last week said abattoirs operating legally will not be touched but action will be taken against those being run illegally.
The vaccine which is given as a preventive measure does not harm the unborn child

More than 72 million women and girls worldwide have received HPV vaccines, which are designed to protect against cervical and other cancers. (Photo: Pixabay)

New evidence from a Danish nationwide study suggests that Sanofi Pasteur's quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV), marketed as Gardasil, is not dangerous in the unusual case when it is inadvertently given during early pregnancy.

Among 1,665 women exposed to the Gardasil vaccine while pregnant, there was no increased risk of having a child with a major birth defect compared to 6,660 women not exposed during pregnancy. The analysis also showed no elevated risk for spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, low birthweight, stillbirth or having a child who is small for gestational age.

"Before our study, very little was known about the safety of HPV vaccination in pregnancy," coauthor Dr. Anders Hviid told Reuters Health in an email. "The lesson is that for young women who are inadvertently vaccinated early in pregnancy there is no need to worry; our results do not support that this exposure has an adverse effect on the unborn baby."

And for now, "HPV vaccines should still not be administered in pregnancy," said Hviid, a senior investigator in the department of epidemiology research at the Statens Serum Institute in Copenhagen.

"The study doesn't cover all bases, but what it generally says is very positive news," Dr. Robert Burk of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York told Reuters Health in a telephone interview. "As far as they can measure in a large population, there seems not to be a major detectable detrimental effect of the HPV vaccine. It's kind of what we anticipated, but the news is as good as you're going to get about a vaccine."Merck manufactures the vaccine in the United States.

The study did not look at the safety of the bivalent version of the vaccine that covers fewer strains of HPV.More than 72 million women and girls worldwide have received HPV vaccines, which are designed to protect against cervical and other cancers. The vaccine is recommended for women aged 9 to 26 but not during pregnancy.However, women who are pregnant but don't yet realize it are sometimes vaccinated.

"It's not that uncommon," said Burk, a professor of microbiology, immunology, epidemiology and population health who was not involved in the study. "You're immunizing women in their reproductive window when a good chunk of women are getting pregnant."One previous analysis that pooled data from two studies reported an elevated spontaneous abortion rate among women who got pregnant within 90 days of vaccination with the bivalent HPV vaccine, but other research has called that finding into question.

The new study, reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, looked at all pregnant women in Denmark using several national registries. The data included the years 2006 to 2013. Instances of spontaneous abortion within the first six weeks of pregnancy were not included, the authors write, because many cases of spontaneous abortion during the first weeks of gestation may go unrecognized.

Although the raw data did suggest higher rates of low birth weight, preterm birth and major birth defects, vaccinated women were also more likely to be smokers, unmarried and have both lower incomes and lower levels of education, putting them at higher risk for those outcomes in the first place.Once the research team adjusted for those factors, they found no significant difference in risk for women who got the vaccine while pregnant.
Five-star restaurant Courtyard Marriott took up the initiative for Earth hour recently

Climate change is a serious issue and while talks help, actions speak louder and what better way than to use chocolate. A restaurant in Mumbai has gone a step further than the hospitality industry to tell people to take care of the earth because it is in our hands and they did it with a chocolate ball.

Recently, five-star restaurant Courtyard By Marriott Mumbai International Airport created The Chocolate Earth, a large spherical chocolate ball shaped like a globe. The restaurant asked guests to try their gooey desserts that were all made after scraping the globe and with every order, the earth starting coming apart. The twist was that all the guests had to post a picture on Instagram or tweet using #ReviveTheSweetEarth to stop the destruction of the chocolate earth. Every time a post came up they would recreate the destroyed part of the chocolate ball.

Sadly, the numbers of social posts were lesser than the desserts eaten by the guests and that left a gaping hole in the chocolate Earth. The video has gone viral and has been circulating since last evening and has got over 49,000 views and over 1,000 shares and clearly has a hard-hitting message.

Watch the video here:
Sexual destiny beliefs are defined as "indicate that natural compatibility between partners is a key factor to maintain sexual satisfaction.

Washington: It may be time to stop searching for your 'sexual soulmate' as a recent study has suggested that believing in 'the one' can sour your sex life.

The pleasure and satisfaction people get from sex is "largely influenced by the attitudes they hold about how it should play out with their partner(s)," reported Psychology Today. It all comes down to whether you hold 'destiny beliefs' or 'growth beliefs.'

The University of Toronto and Dalhousie University study defined sexual growth beliefs as "beliefs that indicate that sexual satisfaction requires effort and work to maintain over the course of time in relationships. Individuals high in sexual growth beliefs believe that challenges in their sex life and sexual incompatibilities with their partner can be overcome with hard work."

On the other hand, sexual destiny beliefs were defined as "indicate that natural compatibility between sexual partners is the key factor that allows couples to maintain sexual satisfaction, and that struggles in a sexual relationship suggest the relationship is destined to fail. Individuals high in sexual destiny beliefs think that the quality of their sex life will predict their relationship success, meaning they use their sexual relationship as a barometer for how their overall relationship is functioning."

The study revealed that people who hold sexual growth beliefs reported higher sexual satisfaction, stronger connections during sex and better relationship quality overall than those who maintain that two people are either sexually compatible or not.

The findings also suggested that those who believe in sexual destiny and compatibility might benefit from challenging their own views.

The study is published in APA PsycNet.
The children were swinging on the gate when it fell on them in Krishna Park area on Wednesday afternoon.

New Delhi: A 13-year-old boy died while another child was injured after an iron gate installed by the Resident Welfare Association (RWA) in south Delhi's Neb Sarai fell on them on Wednesday, police said.

The children were swinging on the gate when it fell on them in Krishna Park area on Wednesday afternoon, they said.

Ajay and Vivek were rushed to the hospital, police said, adding that Ajay was declared brought dead by the doctors.

The boys were residents of JJ camp, Tigri in Neb Sarai, police said.

A case for causing death due to negligence has been registered against unknown persons, they said.

Police are, at present, questioning the RWA members. Meanwhile, the residents of JJ cluster staged a protest against the RWA. They alleged that the members of the body knew about the deplorable condition of the gate and still did not replace or mend it.
A case has been registered under the relevant sections of the Dowry Act on the complaint of Ghazala Sheen, said a senior police officer.

New Delhi: A woman has filed a police complaint alleging that the bridegroom's family demanded Rs 5 lakh and called off the marriage in southeast Delhi's Sangam Vihar area, police said on Wednesday.

A case has been registered under the relevant sections of the Dowry Act on the complaint of Ghazala Sheen, said a senior police officer.

She said her marriage had been fixed with Noida-based Rasheed Ahmad Ansari for March 25, he said.

"She said that her family had made arrangements for marriage and fixed venue and purchased everything. A day before the marriage, the bridegroom and his father demanded a dowry of Rs 5 lakh and called off the marriage," he added.

Police will be questioning the bridegroom and his family in connection with the case.
The woman used to live with the victim but left him after he started to molest her daughter.

New Delhi: A woman and her live-in partner have been sentenced to life imprisonment by a Delhi court for murdering a man, with whom she was in a relation previously.

Additional Sessions Judge V K Bansal awarded jail term to the two convicts Madhu and Virender, both Delhi residents, saying they had a "strong motive" to eliminate the man.

"There is proximity of place and time from the circumstance of last seen coupled with the testimony of prosecution witness, who is none else but the daughter of the accused person (woman) and the fact that there was animosity between Madhu and deceased Satinder as he was having an evil eye on her daughter and hence she and Virender had a strong motive to eliminate him," the court said.

According to the prosecution, police had found 35-year-old Satinder's body in a box in a house in north-west's Delhi Bawana in September 2008.

During investigation, it was found that the house belonged to 42-year-old Madhu and 38-year-old Virender.

Satinder had come to their place the previous night and they strangulated him after a quarrel.

Madhu, who was previously married to someone else, started living with Satinder along with her daughter but left him when he attempted to molest the child, police said.

The woman, thereafter, moved in with Virender but Satinder used to visit them. On the intervening night of September 10-11, 2008 Satinder again tried to molest the girl after which both the accused killed him, police said.

During the trial, both the accused claimed innocence and denied the allegations leveled against them.
The woman studies in New Delhi and had come to Greater Noida to see her friend.

The Kenyan student, who was thrashed by some men, receives treatment at a hospital in Greater Noida. (Photo: PTI)

Greater Noida: A young Kenyan woman was attacked by a group of men in Greater Noida on Wednesday, in a third such attack on Africans in three days in the Uttar Pradesh town near Delhi.

The woman, identified by the police as Maria Burendi, alleged that she was dragged out of a cab, slapped and punched in the abdomen without any provocation by a group of locals near Alstonia Apartments in Sector Pi 1&2.

The woman, said to be in her 20s, was taken to a hospital for a medical examination where doctors confirmed the possibility of an assault, with abrasions on her hands.

There are no visible injuries on her body. She was discharged after the first-aid, said a doctor at Kailash Hospital.

On Monday, four Nigerian students were beaten up by a group of residents following the death of a local teenager from a suspected drug overdose. Violence escalated the next day when two Nigerian brothers were attacked by a mob inside a shopping mall.

In connection with the Wednesdays case, an FIR under IPC Sections 147, 148, 504, 506 and 323 was registered.

On the basis of the compliant, we have registered a case of rioting and attack on the woman. Four police teams have been formed to arrest those involved in the crime, said SSP Dharmendra Singh.

In her statement to the police, the woman said that four-five people came in front of her cab and stopped it. They dragged her out of the car and assaulted her, she said, adding, the driver fled the spot during the scuffle.

The driver has said he dropped the woman safely. We will make him confront the woman, said a police official.

The woman studies in New Delhi and had come to Greater Noida to see her friend.

SP (rural) Sujata Singh, said, The victim is in deep trauma. The police has assured a swift action into the matter.

Alstonia Society is mostly occupied by Africans, and miscreants must have targeted vehicles going towards the area, said a senior police official.

We have shared contacts of police officials with African students and asked them to call for any kind of assistance, she added.

After the spate of such incidents, more cops have been moved to Greater Noida, an additional rapid action force and quick-response teams are also being sent there, she said.

The African Students Association has released an advisory on their Facebook page asking students to stay indoors. Officials from the Nigerian high commission went to meet the injured students, while the police and residents associations held meetings with the representatives of African students.
Sen went to the Kolkata Police Headquarters at Lalbazar and lodged an FIR with the Cyber crime section of the police.

Kolkata: A case was registered on Wednesday against unknown persons for threatening eminent Bengali poet Mandakranta Sen with gangrape for expressing solidarity with fellow poet Srijato Bandopadhyay who recently was embroiled in a controversy after writing a poem that allegedly hurt Hindu sentiments.

"I have been threatened with gangrape," Sen wrote on Facebook alongside the obscene threat message by one Raja Das.

Soon after Sen uploaded the message on her Facebook wall, there was a huge protest by intellectuals and her fans.

Sen went to the Kolkata Police Headquarters at Lalbazar in the evening and lodged an FIR with the cyber crime section of the police.

"I am not worried about myself. The only way to fight fundamentalism is to go on writing more and hold more rallies," the poet told reporters.

Sen not only stood by Srijato after a controversy broke out over the latter's poem on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, she also participated in a rally to protest against the attack on him.

A Hindutva group had lodged a police complaint against Srijato for allegedly hurting "Hindu sentiments and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath" in a Facebook post. Srijato had posted a 12-line poem on his Facebook page on March 19, the day Adityanath was sworn in as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

Srijato on Wednesday expressed disgust and condemned the rape threat against Sen.

A senior officer of Kolkata Police said they were checking the authenticity of the profile from which the threat was made to Sen.

"Our officers are checking whether the profile from which the threat was made to Sen is real or a fake one. Then we will proceed with the requisite investigation to spot him," the officer said.

Incidentally, Sen in 2015 had returned her Sahitya Akademi Young Writers Special Award to protest against communal attacks in the country.

The BJP on Wednesday presented conflicting opinions on the rape threat. While its national secretary Rahul Sinha criticised it, state BJP president Dilip Ghosh accused Sen of indulging in "cheap publicity" stunts.

"We condemn such threats to a woman even if she professes an ideology which is opposite to ours. We are against such threats to a woman. This cannot be tolerated in a civilised society," Sinha said.

"These are nothing but publicity stunts by Left intellectuals to remain in news. The police will do their job. But we feel this is nothing but cheap publicity business," Ghosh said.
The judge then turned to the counsel for Mumbai civic body's S.S. Pakale and asked him if there was any dress code for journalists.

Mumbai: The Chief Justice of Bombay high court on Wednesday rapped journalists for not maintaining the decorum of the court, after a journalist was spotted wearing a T-shirt and jeans. Referring to the journalist clad in question, Chief Justice Dr Manjula Chellur asked whether it is a part of Bombay culture to wear such clothes while covering court proceedings.

The judge then turned to the counsel for Mumbai civic body's S.S. Pakale and asked him if there was any dress code for journalists. After Mr Pakale responded in the negative, Justice Chellur wanted to know if wearing such attire to court was appreciated. The lawyer again responded with a No. The court, however, did not pass any direction or guidelines on dress journalists should wear while covering court proceedings.

As per court rules, a common man visiting the court is expected to be dressed properly as per existing social norms and not wear any obscene clothes. The top judge also chided the journalists for their coverage of the recent resident doctors agitation wherein media organisations had cited oral observations that were made in court rather than just reporting the final court order.

The division bench of Dr Chellur and Justice G.S. Kulkarni was hearing the case of doctors protest wherein the counsel pointed out that media reports had ascribed a quote to Dr Chellur wherein she had compared doctors to factory workers. Dr Chellur berated the journalists present for misreporting the doctors agitation and not maintaining any uniformity in their reporting of the issue.

The oral observations did not require to be reported. Journalists are expected to be judicious while reporting rather than sensationalising the news, said a lawyer present in the court.
It was also said Bombay High Court has directed installation of CCTVs in schools and it will be implemented soon.

Mumbai: Expressing concern over increasing cases of sexual harassment in educational institutions across Maharashtra, State Education Minister Vinod Tawde on Thursday said his department was contemplating creating a separate website to address the issue and encourage people to come forward and report such incidents.

Replying to a debate during the Question Hour on a sexual harassment case in a Zilla Parishad school in Ahmednagar district, Tawde said many people are not aware about the helpline number 103.

"Parents, teachers and citizens can use the proposed new website to inform the government about any cases of sexual harassment in educational institutions," Tawde told the State Legislative Assembly in Mumbai.

He said the complainant need not worry about facing backlash.

"Unless the complaint is verified and proved, the name of the educational institution and the accused is not made public. Out of 100 cases, two complaints may be false...that does not mean 98 complainants should not come forward to file cases," he said.

The minister said Bombay High Court has directed installation of CCTVs in schools and it will be implemented soon.

"But CCTV is not the only option. We need to sensitise teachers to keep a check on behavioural changes of girl students and report to concerned authorities of educational institutions," he added.

Bharti Lavhekar (BJP) demanded that the 'Bal Sudhar Committee' which probes such cases be re-structured. While Devyani Farande (BJP) said CCTVs be made mandatory in government and private schools.
Opposition leaders reiterated their demand, seeking a complete loan waiver for farmers.

Mumbai: The Opposition parties launched the Sangharsh Yatra in Chandrapur district of Vidarbha region on Wednesday, demanding complete loan waiver for farmers in the state. Leaders of all Opposition parties, including the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), participated in the yatra. Though, the yatra received good public response, many leaders left in a couple of hours.

State Congress President Ashok Chavan, NCP leaders Jayant Patil, Ajit Pawar, kicked off the week-long Sangharsh Yatra from Sindevaahi in Chandrapur. The Opposition leaders visited the family of Bandu Karkade, a farmer who committed suicide, as he was unable to repay the loan. On the first day, the yatra reached Yavatmal district, where Opposition leaders held rallies.

Opposition leaders reiterated their demand, seeking a complete loan waiver for farmers. Mr Chavan said, The state government is insensitive towards farmers. It is not even allowing us to raise the demand of waiving off loans in the House.

NCP leader Ajit Pawar also slammed the state government. When Devendra Fadnavis was in Opposition, he said Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (murder charges) should be invoked against ruling party leaders over the issue of farmers suicides. But now he has forgotten all his speeches, he asked.

The yatra started from Chandrapur with almost 50 members of the Legislative Assembly and several senior leaders participating in it. But when it reached Yavatmal, half of the MLAs had left.
The MIDC police has registered a case under section 354(A) (sexual harassment) and 509 (outraging modesty) under Indian Penal Code.

Mumbai: The Mumbai police registered a case of sexual harassment against The Viral Fever (TVF) CEO Anurabh Kumar on Wednesday after a victim approached the MIDC police station, Andheri (east) and lodged a formal complaint.

The police said that they have registered a case against Kumar and further action would be taken accordingly. It may be mentioned that this development comes after the police had hinted at shutting down the case this week due to the abscence of an FIR and evidence against Anurabh. The MIDC police has registered a case under section 354(A) (sexual harassment) and 509 (outraging modesty) under Indian Penal Code.

Even though the TVF case went viral over social media on March 13, no FIRs were filed. A police official said that a detailed statement of the victim was being recorded.

The allegations of sexual harassment against Kumar surfaced on March 13 after a woman wrote an anonymous blog narrating her ordeal online. The blog, allegedly written by a former TVF employee, was written under the pseudonym The Indian Fowler. Subsequently, a lawyer, Rizwan Siddique, had also submitted a complaint seeking legal action against Kumar.

However, a case was not registered then, as the victims version was absent. The police summoned Kumar to record his statement and was subsequently trying to find the victim for taking legal course.
Party distances itself from sainiks who were shutting down meat shops in Gurgaon.

Mumbai: The Shiv Sena has made it clear that it is against bans on the sale of meat. The party is baffled as some people claiming to be sainiks tried to shut down meat shops in Gurgaon. The party had officially opposed a meat ban in Mumbai. In Mumbai, there is only one abattoir at Deonar. People associated with the butchery trade claim that Mumbai doesnt have illegal slaughterhouses. Also, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials denied claims of illegal slaughterhouses in Mumbai. According to the Butchers Association, there are around 638 legal retail shops selling cattle meat, and there might be an equal number of illegal retail shops.

Vinay Shukla, a Mumbai-based Shiv Sena leader, said, We havent called for meat ban in Gurgaon. We dont even know whether those who shut meat shop are from Sena. We arent active in Haryana.

Immediately after taking over, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath initiated a crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses in the state. There have been reports of other BJP-ruled states also implementing similar policy. A senior leader of the Shiv Sena said, We are not against anyones eating habits, even when there was an uproar in Mumbai about meat ban we didnt support it.

According to Mohammed Qureshi, president of Mumbai Suburban Beef Dealers Association, theres only one legal slaughterhouse in Mumbai, and that is Deonar, from where cattle meat is supplied to the city. There are some 638 legal retail shops that sell the meat bought from the slaughterhouse, there are no illegal slaughterhouses in Mumbai, but illegal retail shops, on technical grounds, may exist in the city, he said.

Echoing similar claims, a BMC official said that in Mumbai theres only one legal slaughterhouse and that is Deonar. According to Qureshi, even the butchers dont want to take the risk, and hence, they dont run any illegal slaughterhouses. During the Paryushan festival, there has been demand for closure of slaughterhouses in the city, but the Shiv Sena had opposed it.
The LMO has registered 17 cases in the raids conducted as part of a special month-long campaign.

In addition to the seven dispensing units seized, another 252 units were stopped by slapping notice for erratic delivery. (Representational Image)

Mumbai: Legal Metrology Organization (LMO) officials in March conducted searches at 1,638 petrol pumps in the state, where 11,418 diesel/petrol dispensing units were checked for suspected unfair practices. During these raids, seven dispensing units belonging to six petrol pumps were seized by officials. Of the six petrol pumps in question, two are located at Charkop, Kandivali.

The LMO has registered 17 cases in the raids conducted as part of a special month-long campaign. Amitabh Gupta, controller, LMO, said, There were several complaints of lesser quantities of fuel being dispensed at several places in Mumbai and elsewhere. These complaints came to us via social media and also at our offices. As per rules, for every five litres of fuel, an error of only up to 25 ml is allowed.

In addition to the seven dispensing units seized, another 252 units were stopped by slapping notice for erratic delivery. These units will be released only after re-verification and stamping by LMO authorities.

In the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), 1,734 dispensing units were checked at 145 outlets out of which, two were seized. The seized units belong to Charkop Petroleum, Mahavir Nagar, Charkop, Kandivali. Apart from the two units seized in MMR, 41 other dispensing units were sealed for erratic delivery.

In the extended suburbs, 1202 dispensing units across 160 outlets were checked out of which, one unit was seized from Bhiwandis Padgha area for delivering less than the amount of fuel clocked in the meter. At least 30 other units were stopped and notices were served owing to erratic delivery.

Similar raids were conducted in Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad, Amravati and Nagpur, and two dispensing units were seized and notices were served for erratic delivery to 181 other units in these regions.

Mr Gupta said, It is mandatory to keep a 5 litre capacity measure at petrol pumps for customers to check and clear their apprehensions. Any complaints can be lodged on 022-22886666.
The Thane police has deployed 12 officers in the hospital, who operate in two shifts, for the doctors security.

Mumbai: Around 50 doctors from Thane Civil Hospital on Thursday took part in a four-hour protest and demanded additional security and the arrest of the people who assaulted three of their colleagues on Wednesday. The Thane police has deployed 12 officers in the hospital, who operate in two shifts, for the doctors security.

Earlier, 20 relatives of a male patient at the hospital attacked three junior doctors and broke the glass of the main entrance before fleeing. On Thursday, the OPD was closed for four hours, and only emergency services were made available. The doctors were allegedly shouting slogans.

Civil surgeon of Thane Civil Hospital Kempi Patil said,  All doctors including interns protested against the incident that happened yesterday. The protesters were demanding better security and the police assured us it would be provided in 24 hours. After this decision, all doctors stopped their protest.

DCP A. Trimukhe said, We have deployed 12 officers; six will work in morning shift and rest will work in the night. Our officers will not allow more than two relatives of patients inside the hospital or treatment room. These officers have been deployed especially for doctors security. We will arrest all culprits in the yesterdays incident soon.

On Wednesday, the patient, Mushtkil Memon (35), and his relatives attacked the doctors who were insisting on complying with medico-legal requirements as Memon (35) sustained cuts on his hands after a fight with his cousins. Memon and his relatives were unwilling to give the details of the incident to doctors.

Govt issues gr to ensure safety

Mumbai: The state government on Thursday issued a Government Resolution (GR) for ensuring security of doctors in civic- and state-run hospitals. The civic-run hospitals will have 321 security guards from the BMC's security force. The GR says 16 state-run hospitals in the state need 1,231 security guards. The total cost of this exercise is Rs 33.77 crore. The GR further says BMC medical colleges such as KEM, Sion, Nair and Cooper Hospital will have 321 security guards from BMC's security force from April 1.

MARD president Yashowardhan Kabra said, " As promised by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and medical education minister Girish Mahajan, all colleges will get the additional security and Armed force from April 1, 2017."

"We are happy about this GR, now implementation is must," he said.
The award is for women who have shown courage and leadership while advocating for peace, justice and human rights.

First lady Melania Trump presents the 2017 Secretary's of State's International Women of Courage (IWOC) Award to Natalia Ponce de Leon, from Colombia. (Photo: AP)

Washington: Melania Trump helped present State Department awards on Wednesday to 13 women from around the globe who were recognized for demonstrating courage and leadership in the face of adversity, a group she praised as "true heroes."

The first lady, on her first visit to a Cabinet department, joined Thomas Shannon, undersecretary of state for political affairs, to present the Secretary of State's International Women of Courage Award. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was travelling to Turkey.

The award is given to women around the world who have shown courage and leadership while advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality and women's empowerment - often at personal risk.

One of the honourees, Natalia Ponce de Leon, of Colombia, started a foundation to defend and protect the human rights of victims of acid attacks after a stalker doused her face and body with sulfuric acid in March 2014.

Another woman, Malebogo Molefhe, of Botswana, became an advocate for female victims of gender-based violence after she was attacked, including being shot eight times, by an ex-boyfriend in 2009. She uses a wheelchair due to injuries suffered during the assault.

During brief remarks, Mrs. Trump asked the audience to imagine being any of the 13 women on stage with her.

"Ask yourself if you would have the fortitude of spirit, the courage of your convictions and the enormous inner strength required to stand up and fight against such overwhelming odds," she said. "Amazingly, each of our honourees has courageously answered 'Yes' to those questions."

"These honourees, who have fought on the front lines against injustice, are true heroes," she continued, adding that their bravery is a reminder that "there is always hope whenever the human spirit is brought to bear in the service of others."

Wednesday's honourees hail from Bangladesh, Botswana, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Niger, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Sri Lanka, Syria, Turkey, Vietnam and Yemen. In April, the women will take part in a State Department-sponsored exchange program in several US cities.

More than 100 women from more than 60 countries have been recognized with courage awards since 2007, the department said. Mrs. Trump's participation in the award ceremony amounted to a rare public appearance for her in Washington, outside of the White House. She hosted a White House luncheon for International Women's Day earlier this month.

Wednesday's appearance also fell in the middle of a busy week in the nation's capital for the first lady. She and President Donald Trump hosted a White House reception Tuesday night for all 100 US senators and their spouses.

Mrs. Trump also planned a third appearance on Thursday in Washington, but the White House has not released any details.

After joining Shannon at the State Department, the first lady later appeared at a White House panel discussion on women's empowerment, where Trump introduced his wife, a former model, as a "very highly accomplished woman."

He mentioned that her poll numbers are higher than his, and also said she "feels so strongly about" empowering women.

Since her husband's January 20 inauguration, the first lady has lived mostly at the family's Trump Tower penthouse in midtown Manhattan with the couple's son, Barron, 11.

She often meets the president in Palm Beach, Florida, when he spends weekends at his waterfront estate there. Trump has said his wife and son will move to the White House after Barron's school year ends.
West Bengals reputation as a sanctuary for underground political activity and terrorists has a long and chequered history.

Conspicuous piety is like the shifting dunes of sand. Enter Ramnavami, under the stewardship of the Sangh Parivar, on a grand scale in West Bengal. If not everywhere, then at least in those pockets where the devout can be collected for the chanting and extravagant demonstrations of faith, altering the conventions of secular worship that have converted Durga Puja and Kali Puja more into festivals than religious observance.

The organised celebration of Ramnavami seems sufficiently alarming to have provoked senior CPI(M) leader Surya Kanta Mishra to issue instructions to the remaining cadres of his once-mighty organisation to stay watchful and block efforts at stirring and shaking the communal politics cauldron. Angst rooted in religious identity has not so far gone viral in West Bengal, but it seems that efforts have been initiated to collect the tinder and keep it dry in case of need.

Additions to the narrative of angst are a continuous process on the two sides of the religious divide  that is, between Hindu and Muslim. Therefore reports, such as the Bangladeshi assessment that parts of India  including West Bengal, with its 2,200-km porous international border, as well as Assam and Tripura  have emerged as sanctuaries for terror operatives from the Harkat-ul-Jihadi al-Islami and the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh on the run has worked to make the collection of tinder more urgent and easier than ever before.

West Bengals reputation as a sanctuary for underground political activity and terrorists has a long and chequered history. At different periods, militants from the Northeast and later Punjab, and now fundamentalist Islamic groups, have found havens in the state. The reputation is not baseless, because there have been occasional instances of the police raiding and nabbing operatives of varied allegiance.

Terrorism, particularly of the fundamentalist sort, through imports of proselytisers and their mix of trouble, were not welcomed to meddle in the state, where politics of representation was conducted on clearly drawn ideological lines that separated activists and loyalists of one party from another. The bipolar politics of West Bengal  the Congress and later the Trinamul Congress versus the Communists  helped to keep the peace by being a remarkably stable division up till now.

What probably worked as a very effective restriction on such terror operatives with loyalties rooted outside India was the painstakingly built and politically guaranteed communal harmony of West Bengal after Partition. There were moments when some cracks appeared in the insulation and weakened the communal stability in the state. Withdrawing the sanctuary given to controversial Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen in 2007 was one, because communal rioting threatened the compact of peace. There were other signs that West Bengal was not nearly as immune from the spreading malaise of fundamentalism, more significantly Islamic and less evidently Hindu, as many imagined. Concern over the changing situation had compelled former chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee to warn then home minister Lal Krishna Advani that the mushroom growth of madrasas after 2000 was a signal of the entry of imported Islamic fundamentalism that came with money and trained manpower to build bases in West Bengal.

The connect between madrasas, West Bengals rural hinterland and terror modules that could blend and hide was dramatically exposed in 2014 when the Khagragarh bomb-making unit exploded, revealing the presence of Bangladeshi fundamentalist operatives. The initial disclaimers by the Trinamul Congress government on the nature of the blast and those involved, its efforts at denying the existence of madrasas with sinister links in remote rural locations, strengthened the perception that there was a political advantage hidden in there somewhere.

Communal angst had already established a presence in West Bengal before Mamata Banerjee had stormed to power in 2011, ending 34 uninterrupted years of Left rule. The bipolar politics of West Bengal has now been challenged by a multipolar competition with the BJP pushing hard to make room for itself. The tropes of Islamic fundamentalism and Hindutva nationalism can only be expected to expand. There will be, like Ramnavami, more and more conspicuous consumption of religious observation, be it the louder and louder calls to prayer from bigger and shinier mosques, and changing dress codes, with the tilak and thread on the one hand and caps and suits on the other advertising the allegiance of the wearer.

The Congress and the CPI(M)-led Left Front have blamed Mamata Banerjee for hand-holding the BJP and enabling its political entry into West Bengal. It is true that she did join the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance as a minister, not once but twice. It is also true that she joined the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance and was invited to do so. Her flexibility helped her politically in West Bengal. In an earlier age, her aggressive pursuit of the Muslim vote, to the point that the Muslim clergy became part of her election campaign, may not have counted for much. It does now, because the political dynamics have changed with the BJP staking claim as a challenger to the Trinamul Congress.

The triumph of the BJP in 2014 and now its extraordinary victory in Uttar Pradesh, its spread to the Northeast and the general aura of success and dynamism that surrounds Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stoked the hunger for more territorial gains. The narrative of the majority being overtaken by the minority, the fears that nowhere is safe unless the Muslim tide is stalled, has spread from Mumbai to Uttar Pradesh and Assam. West Bengal is somewhere in between.

Do the signs of an end to the era of insular politics mean the beginning of a more connected and communally divided competition for votes? Will the Trinamul Congress government have the political skills to deal with the situation? It will be a tough call for Mamata Banerjee, at a time when the BJP is pushing hard to make itself the only reliable defender of the vulnerable Hindu and the faith. If this turns into her weak spot, the relative communal stability of West Bengal, at least till now, could become volatile.
Over 30 million Pathans are in Pakistan while another 14 million are on the other side of the Durand Line in Afghanistan.

Festering wounds on both sides of the 2,640-km-long Durand Line, demarcating the contentious border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, have flared up again. AfPak relationships have hit a new low in recent times with each side accusing the other of insincerity in fighting terrorism. While Afghan President Ashraf Ghani is a relatively new believer in Pakistani duplicitousness, after having given Islamabad the initial long rope in the failed hope that the Pakistani state-within-the-state, the ISI, would rein in the anti-Kabul terror groups like the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani Network  the recent attack on the Sufi shrine in Sehwan, Sindh, has led to counter-accusations by the Pakistanis on Afghans to be soft-peddling on anti-Pakistan terror groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban, based out of the Afghan hinterland. Each time tempers rise, the unsettled legacy of the Durand Line is invoked by the Afghans to chafe and remind Islamabad of the historical consequences of fingering the irascible Pathans or Pashtuns. Recently, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai stated: We remind the Government of Pakistan that Afghanistan hasnt and will not recognise the Durand Line, and that Pakistan has, no legal authority to dictate terms on the Durand Line. This outburst was fuelled by the Pakistani move to close the AfPak border posts indefinitely and restrict the free flow of people and trade ostensibly to check and control the spiralling terror attacks in Pakistan. The border was later reopened.

The great game of the 19th century between the competing imperial powers of Russia and Britain led to a cartographical truce, illogically knifing the lands of Pasthunistan or Pakhtunistan (land of the Pasthuns) into two parts  between modern day Pakistan and Afghanistan. British colonial civil servant Sir Henry Mortimer Durand, along with the then emir of Afghanistan, Abdur Rahman Khan, agreed upon a territorial demarcation (Durand Line) for administrative purposes, splicing the restive Pashtun or Pathan-dominated area. Today, over 30 million Pathans are in Pakistan while another 14 million are on the other side of the Durand Line in Afghanistan. The tribal-feudal nature of this society and its bloody past that has seen the blood-letting of marauding conquerors like Darius I, Alexander the Great, Mahmud of Ghazni, Muhammad of Ghor, Genghis Khan, Timur, Babur to the later-day imperial powers of the British empire and to the more recent history of the Soviets first, and now the Western forces  violent lawlessness and a constant fight for its unique independent identity is a way of life here. The only thing that has survived the test of time in the region is the grit of the inviolable Pasthunwali code that emphasises death to dishonour, as the old Afghan saying goes, A man with the power to fight doesnt need to bargain.

What recently riled the Pathans even further were the unprecedented accusations of Pathan profiling in Pakistan with the implied logic of labelling them as terror suspects by default or design. Official circulars and notifications seeking the reporting of anyone with Pasthun attire and having Pasthun looks willy-nilly perpetuates the negative stereotypes of the Pathans to be barbaric and lawless terrorists. Chief minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Pervez Khattak, himself a Pathan, had to intervene and ask: Is Punjab chief minister Shehbaz Sharif more Pakistani than us? He then presciently warned, We should not be pushed against the wall, or we become rebels.

Compounding the sense of Pathan suspicion is the ill-timed plan to merge the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with the province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. This step can be potentially volatile if it is contextualised locally as yet another attempt by the Punjabis in Islamabad to tinker with the Pasthtun narrative. It potentially repeals the time-honoured tenets of the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR), that loosely applies as governing laws to the seven tribal agencies (districts) and six frontier regions of the FATA and subsumes the same to come under the standard Pakistani laws that are applicable in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The increasing firepower of the Pakistani military (earlier through Operation Zarb-e-Azb) in the region, more recently with the questionable counter-neutralising of over 100 terrorists in the aftermath of the terror attack in Sehwan, and the frequent cross-border firing and attack, across and into the Afghanistan border, has upped the ante of the co-Pathans on both sides of the invisible Durand Line.

While it is still early days for the immediate spectre of a return to the ghosts of a Pathan nation or Pasthunistan  but with the Afghan Taliban on the ascendancy in Afghanistan (they too reject the Durand Line) and with a irritable Pathan populace on the other side in Pakistan, apparently suffering a second-class treatment, allusions to the war of independence in 1919 (also known as the Third Anglo-Afghan War), when Pathans on both sides of the Durand Line meshed and fought for a common cause, always lurks menacingly in the shadows. Hypothetical dissolution of the Durand Line tantamount to questioning Pakistani sovereignty on 60 per cent of its controlled land mass  this after the blow of Bangladesh in 1971 could be disastrous for the integrity of Pakistan, specially with other areas like Balochistan smarting under Pakistani ham-handedness. Islamabad would do anything to curb opening yet another frontier of friction for its severely overstretched resources, therefore it would continue playing its dangerously patented, divide and rule policy of pandering to certain specific elements/groups of terrorists in the region, who would act as proxies of the Pakistan state and continue checkmating notional threats from Afghanistan and India, as indeed keep the restive and temperamental Pashtuns divided amongst themselves.

The Afghans know that the Durand Line issue is a weak spot for Islamabad and an emotionally uniting issue amongst Pathans on both sides, which could tie the Pakistani state into intractable knots. No technical legality of the principle of uti possidetis juris (honouring borders signed during/with colonial powers) will cut ice with the Pathans on either side. Similarly, Pakistanis disagree on a 100-year shelf life for the Durand Line treaty, as that makes its legality untenable  the Pathans are always prone to invoking their uncompromisable izzat, codes and the feudal camaraderie to make a common cause. With a disgruntled and traditionally armed Pasthun population, not just on the Durand Line but also spread out across other Pakistani provinces (Karachi itself has over seven million), the vulnerability of the Pakistani state to control the growing Pathan angst and ire, should it escalate even further, will be severely tested.
The police found the accused hidden in the attic where his mother had kept him to avoid police detection.

Pennsylvania: A 20-year-old man has been charged for raping and murdering his girlfriends four-year-old son on March 21.

According to a report in Daily Mail, Keith Jordan Lambing of Butler, Pennsylvania was aided by his own mother, Kristen Herold, 43, who helped him hide in the attic of an abandoned home in Butler. She has been charged with child endangerment and hindering apprehension. Both are now in Butler County Prison.

The minor victim, Bentley Miller was first raped and then killed by Lambing, who is not the victims biological father. He died of excessive blood loss resulting from sodomy, a severe burn to his left hand, and bruises to the head, trunk and extremities, along with some previous injuries.

The victims mother and the Lambings girlfriend, Mackenzie Peters, was at work when the incident occurred and Lambing was alone with the boy. The police said that Peters could also be charged in future, but did not reveal the charges.

The police found Bentley in a car on Renaissance Drive in Butler, with Herold, who claimed she had picked him up from a motel where Lambing stayed with Peters and was taking him to his biological father. She was aware that he was bleeding but only pulled over when he lost consciousness. He did not regain consciousness after being rushed to Butler Memorial Hospital and died after an hour.

The police found the accused hidden in the attic where his mother had hidden him to avoid police detection. In 2013, Herold was arrested for retail theft. She had bench warrant out for required payments as restitution.

Only a day before the murder, Lambing had failed to show up in court after being charged with burglary, criminal trespass, and conspiracy as well as terroristic threats and harassment.

Attorney Goldinger was quoted as saying that he might seek a death penalty for Lambing and that he had never seen such a crime before. It's horrific. It's unimaginable that somebody could actually do this to any human being let alone a 4-year-old, he said.

On Monday, Lambing denied the murder in court and officials could not find any evidence of abuse when the prosecutor said that the accused had broken the childs arm two years ago. Peters and Lambing have a baby who has been placed in protective custody.
Judge noted that Cruz touched the minor and, at the same time, did not intend to reach a vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse.

Cruz, who belongs to a wealthy family, fled to Spain after this incident was subsequently extradited to Mexico.

Veracruz: In a bizarre verdict, a 21-year-old man accused of abducting and raping a schoolgirl was freed by Mexican judge on the grounds that he didnt enjoy himself.

In an incident which happened on the New Years Eve in 2015, the accused, Diego Cruz, along with four others had abducted the 17-year-old victim and sexually assaulted her, reports Washington Post.

The judge in his verdict mentioned that although Cruz had touched the victims breasts and penetrated her with his fingers, he had done so without carnal intent  and so was not guilty of assault.

Adding to it, judge noted that Cruz touched the minor and, at the same time, did not intend to reach a vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse.

In his verdict, judge noted Touching or incidental rubbing, be it in a public or private place, would not be considered a sexual act, if the element of intent to satisfy a sexual desire at the expense of the passive subject is absent.

Shattered by the verdict, the victims father, Javier Fernandez, said that with this legal protection anybody would be able to touch a young girl without penal consequences, as reported by local media.

Shocked and angry, the father said, they got away with the arrest order and now they are giving him legal protection two years later. This is a joke, its absurd.

Meanwhile, speaking out her heart the victim wrote in Facebook post that Im not hiding. Im not saying anything but the truth. I have nothing to repent.

Ive gone drinking. Ive gone to parties. Ive worn short skirts like many girls my age... and for that Im going to be judged? For that I deserved what happened? she wrote.

Cruz, who belongs to a wealthy family, fled to Spain after this incident was subsequently extradited to Mexico.
So the Old Man went out with a bang. Rest assured, his sarcasm and use of four letter words will be truly missed. Clyde Howe, age 60, passed away on Dec. 14, 2016.

A celebration of his life will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, March 31, at the Eagles Club, 313 N 26th St, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held one hour prior at the Eagles Club.

Clyde was born in Minot, on July 26, 1956, to his parents, Warren and Cecilia Howe. He graduated from Red River High School in Grand Forks. He attended the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, and graduated with Associate degrees in Applied Science in Electronic Technology and Electrical Technology in May 1980. Clyde served in the United States Navy as a radio man 3rd class who was stationed at Adak, Alaska  active duty until November 1976, then Naval Reserve with honorable discharge in Aug. 1980.

Clyde then married Julie Hallan (divorced) and raised three strong, independent children. He worked as an Instrumentation and Control Technician at Minnkota Power Cooperative for more than 36 years. In 2012, Clyde married Elizabeth Wolff, whom further taught him patience and kindness.

Clyde loved to ride his motorcycle, go cruising around in his slingshot, go kayaking and canoeing, cheer on the Bismarck Bobcats, and was well known for his home butchering and sausage making. Clyde was very social and loved to visit his friends and family often.

Clyde is survived by his mother, Cecilia Howe; children, Eric (Nichole) Howe, Tyler Howe, Caitlin (Kristopher) Kanski; brothers, Dwight (Sharon) Howe and Kevin (Mary Jo) Howe, and grandchildren Brekken and Rayne Kanski.

Go to www.eastgatefuneral.com to share memories of Clyde and sign the online guestbook.
New York: US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has claimed her mother, who had studied to be a lawyer in India, was not allowed to sit on the bench as a judge because of the situation with women in the country during that time.

"I am a big fan of women. I think there's nothing they can't do. And I think any democracy that has allowed themselves to really lift up women has benefited from it," Haley said when asked about the role of women following her speech to the Council on Foreign Relations here on Wednesday.

She went on to briefly narrate the story of her mother's life in India where she was among the first female judges but was not allowed to sit on the bench as she was a woman.

"And so I think, this is near and dear to my heart because my mother you know, when you didn't have a lot of education in India, my mother actually was able to go to law school. And she was actually put up to be one of the first female judges

in India, but because of the situation with women she wasn't allowed to sit on the bench. But how amazing for her to watch her daughter become governor of South Carolina and US ambassador to the United Nations," Haley said.

Haley was born Nimrata Randhawa to Ajit Singh Randhawa and mother Raj Kaur Randhawa, who had emigrated from India to Canada and then to the US in the 1960s.

However, Justice Anna Chandy was the first female judge in India and also the first woman in India to become a high court judge. She was was appointed as a munsif in Travancore in 1937.

Haley added that nations' goal should always be to empower women and show how they can be fantastic leaders, "and to help them get there and when they are successful, support them on it and encourage them on that."

Underscoring that legal immigration is the fabric of America, Haley added that she is the "proud daughter" of Indian immigrants and stressed that people should not be banned from countries due to their religion.

"I'm the proud daughter of Indian immigrants who reminded my brothers, my sister and me everyday how blessed we were to be in this country," Haley said responding to questions.

She said she believes that the fabric of America is "legal immigration. So from that standpoint that is something that is near and dear to my heart and I very much support."

Haley was asked if Trump's immigration policies and vetting people coming in from Muslim majority nations carry the risk of alienating the three million Muslim-Americans already in the country.

"We should never ban based on religion. Period. I don't think that's what this is," she said adding that there are another dozen Muslim countries that could have been on the list of the seven countries on Trump's executive order but are

not.

"We will never close our doors in the US but what we did do is take a pause and say how are we going to keep our people safe," she said adding that she hopes the vetting process gets better and the administration moves forward with it.

She said Trump's travel ban aimed to make sure that no danger comes into the country. "This is not about not wanting people in. This is about keeping the terrorists out," she said.

Haley referred to the recent terror attack in London, saying "when you look at situations like what happened in London, not just the president but everyone is trying to make sure we are keeping our people safe."

The attack on the UK Parliament, however, was perpetrated by a man identified as Khalid Masood who, according to media reports, was not an immigrant but born in the county of Kent in southeast England.
The family found their apartment ransacked with the words '(expletive) Muslims' scrawled on a wall, they told police.

Mahrukh and Shoaib, who were born in Pakistan, told NBC Washington that their home was burgled and their Quran was torn. (Photo: Screengrab)

Washington: A Pakistani-origin familys home in the US has been ransacked by burglars who scrawled hate graffiti on a wall and stole their green cards along with $25,000 worth of gold in an apparent bias-related incident.

The family, residents of an apartment in Fairfax County, Virginia, returned home from a weekend away and found their apartment ransacked with the words (expletive) Muslims scrawled on a wall, they told police.

Mahrukh and Shoaib, who were born in Pakistan, told NBC Washington that their home was burgled and their Quran was torn. Fairfax County police are investigating the crime as a burglary and bias incident.

I was crying. It was bad. It was bad, Mahrukh was quoted as saying.

Family members green cards were taken, along with more than $25,000 worth of gold they received as a wedding gift. The drawers and cupboards had been emptied, the beds were stripped, and the mattresses were overturned.

But the discovery of the torn-up Quran was the most painful discovery, the family said.

Shoaib said the crime had stunned him. He had felt safe in the neighbourhood, where his family moved just last month from Dubai. Mahrukh and Shoaib said they believe who ever damaged their home meant to burgle it and then vandalised it once they realised they were in a Muslim home.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has called for a hate crime investigation. What may have begun as a break-in clearly ended as a possible hate crime, CAIR spokesman Ibrahim Hooper said in a statement.

The message of hate left at the scene and the damage done to religious texts indicate the need to investigate a bias-motive for this crime, he said. Friends of Mahrukh and Shoaibs family started a GoFundMe page to help them rebuild.
This is not the first time the ISIS has indulged in carrying out such executions in the name of Islam.

the militants had kept rocks on the street with which the crowd could stone the victim the moment he fell down. (Photo: Representational/AP)

Mosul: In yet another horrifying incident, the Islamic State (IS) group militants executed a prisoner by throwing him off the roof of a high-rise building in Iraq's Mosul after discovering his sexuality.

According to a report in Daily Mail, ISIS militants carried out the brutal act after they came to know that the victim was gay.

The execution was carried out in a public place amid jeering crowd who had gathered to watch the victim being stoned to death before being thrown off the roof.

Images released by the terror group show the victim being blindfolded and pushed, face first, off the roof. Moreover, the militants had kept rocks on the street with which the crowd could stone the victim the moment he fell down.

This is not the first time Islamic State has awarded its prisoners with inhumane punishments. In a similar incident in December 2016, a man was blindfolded and thrown the top of a building in Maslamah City in Aleppo, Syria, then pelted with stones by a fanatic mob for being gay.
A number of bans on select extremist behaviours had previously been introduced in some places in Xinjiang.

While China officially guarantees freedom of religion, authorities have issued a series of measures in the past few years to tackle what it sees as a rise in religious extremism. (Photo: AP)

Beijing: China will step up a campaign against religious extremism in the far western region of Xinjiang on Saturday by implementing a range of measures, including prohibiting abnormal beards, the wearing of veils in public places and the refusal to watch state television.

Hundreds of people have died in recent years in Xinjiang, home to the Muslim Uighur people in unrest blamed by Beijing on Islamist militants and separatists, though rights groups say the violence is more a reaction to repressive Chinese policies.

The government strongly denies committing any abuses in Xinjiang and insists the legal, cultural and religious rights of Uighurs, a Turkic ethnic group, are fully protected.

While China officially guarantees freedom of religion, authorities have issued a series of measures in the past few years to tackle what it sees as a rise in religious extremism.

New legislation, passed by Xinjiang lawmakers on Wednesday and published on the regions official news website, widens existing rules and will come into effect on April 1.

Workers in public spaces like stations and airports will be required to dissuade those who fully cover their bodies, including veiling their faces, from entering, and to report them to the police, the rules state.

It will be banned to reject or refuse radio, television and other public facilities and services, marrying using religious rather than legal procedures and using the name of Halal to meddle in the secular life of others.

Parents should use good moral conduct to influence their children, educate them to revere science, pursue culture, uphold ethnic unity and refuse and oppose extremism, the rules say.

The document also bans not allowing children to attend regular school, not abiding by family planning policies, deliberately damaging legal documents and abnormal growing of beards and naming of children to exaggerate religious fervour.

A number of bans on select extremist behaviours had previously been introduced in some places in Xinjiang, including stopping people with head scarves, veils and long beards from boarding buses in at least one city.

The new rules expand the list and apply them to the whole region.

While Uighurs have traditionally practised a more relaxed form of Islam, the popularity of veils for women in particular has grown in recent years in what experts say is an expression of opposition to Chinese controls.

After a period of relative calm, there has been a rise in violence in recent months in the Xinjiangs southern Uighur heartland and a large increase in security.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a great wall of iron to safeguard Xinjiang during the annual meeting of Chinas parliament earlier this month.
Many activists have expressed acute concern about a spike in the number of online defamation prosecutions since the NLD came to power.

Yangon: One year after Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party was sworn in as Myanmar's first elected government in half a century, opinions are mixed on its performance.

Many have a saint-like adoration for "The Lady", who championed a decades-long democracy struggle against the country's former military oppressors.

But after 12 months with dubious progress on economic reform and repressive legislation still on the books, some supporters are starting to lose patience.

Here are some views from Myanmar:

'Penis poet' Maung Saungkha

"I was imprisoned for six months for a poem," said the young writer who was arrested in 2015 for penning a satirical verse about having a tattoo of former junta-installed president Thein Sein on his penis.

"We understood that the previous (military-backed) government was a new form of junta... so when we attacked them, people supported us.

"But since the new government led by Aung San Suu Kyi took power, we can't say what we like. We can't point out issues or criticise Aung San Suu Kyi. If we did, people who support her online or outside would attack us."

Many activists have expressed acute concern about a spike in the number of online defamation prosecutions since the NLD came to power, with some cases filed by party members.

"The law can keep people silent," said Maung Saungkha. "This situation should not be acceptable in a democratic country. There is no democracy without freedom of expression and certainly we don't have that today."

Nay Phone Latt, NLD lawmaker in Yangon

The former free speech blogger, who spent years in jail for criticising the junta before being elected as an NLD lamaker in 2015, said the government needed to improve its communication with the public.

"Some problems and mismanagement happened because of the eagerness to change the country quickly," he said, pointing to the chaos caused by an ill-planned overhaul of Yangon's bus service and the uproar that greeted the government's decision to cut the 10-day Thingyan holiday in April.

"Misunderstandings have arisen between the government and those people because decisions were made without proper explanation," he said. "I would like the government to take this lesson from their first year.... Some people have had real problems."

Farmer and activist, Htet Htet Wai

Farmer Htet Htet Wai said the NLD has let down the rural voters who propelled them to power by failing to return land confiscated under the former junta.

"When the government won power, farmers were optimistic and hoped to get land back that had been taken from them," she said.

"But in reality, farmers have the same problems and difficulties as under the old government."

Rural workers turned out in droves to elect the NLD, which promised to return thousands of acres seized by the military and their cronies during the 1990s and 2000s.

But little has been done to help them over the past year and hundreds of farmers are now facing court in cases relating to land-grabbing.

"To make it worse, some NLD members are only furthering their own interests... We can see that they are working with the cronies," said Htet Htet Wai.

"No one stands up for the farmers, who know little about the world, so the farmers have lost their rights."

Ye Myat Min, CEO of tech firm 'nex'

"Generally I am quite happy with how things are progressing," said Ye Myat Min, who founded his technology firm in 2013.

"I understand that they (the NLD) need time. We can't reverse everything that went wrong in the last 20-30 years in five years, so we need to give them time."

Myanmar has one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia, with reforms under the previous army-backed government thrusting open a market that had withered under junta mismanagement and Western sanctions.

However its stellar run has slowed under Suu Kyi's administration while foreign investment is tipped to fall for the first time in four years.

"I think we're hopeful the NLD government will instill the right mindset and the right foundations for the next government... so the next government can really build on top of this solid, good foundation."
Nafees Zakaria said the arrest of alleged Indian 'spy' Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan was proof of New Delhi's support to militancy.

Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday, accused India of interfering in its internal affairs and funding terrorism on its soil.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Nafees Zakaria, at his weekly briefing, said the arrest of alleged Indian "spy" Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan was proof of New Delhi's support to militancy.

"The whole world is aware of India's interference in Pakistan and the fact that they are involved in funding terrorism in the country," he said.

Zakaria also expressed concern over the safety of 'Jinnah House', the residence of Pakistan's founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah in south Mumbai, after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha demanded that the building be demolished and a cultural centre built in its place.

Zakaria said that the Indian government should realise the importance of the building and show respect towards it.

"We have clarified our position on the Jinnah House matter to the Indian government," he said.

Zakaria said that the United Nations and the international community should take notice of "grave human rights violations" by Indian forces in Kashmir.

"We are deeply saddened, shocked and strongly condemn the continued bloodshed of innocent and defenceless Kashmiris", he said.

Talking about the killing of three civilians and a militant in Kashmir on Tuesday, Zakaria said the incident happened when the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation's

Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) was visiting PoK to "gather personal account of those Kashmiris who suffered from Indian brutalities".

"Members of IPHRC have taken note of the grave situation of human rights violations" in Kashmir, he said.
The states new chief minister Yogi Adityanath promised to close illegal slaughterhouses in the recent election. Sellers complain that the authorities have also shut down legal ones. Sacred in Hinduism, cows are a major source of revenue for minorities. Indias meat exports are worth US $ 4 billion a year, employing 2.5 million people in Uttar Pradesh alone.

Lucknow (AsiaNews)  The first consequences of the stunning victory by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the election of a Yogi Adityanath as chief minister of Uttar Pradesh in the state elections of 11 March have been the closure of abattoirs and butchers shop, the lack of meat in restaurants, universities and canteens across the state, putting at risk the lives of Muslims and Christian breeders who raise and butcher livestock (cows, buffaloes, sheep and goats) for their meat.

During the election campaign, the new chief minister, a Mahant or head priest of the Gorakhnath Math, a Hindu temple in Gorakhpur, with numerous allegations against him, promised to shut down illegal slaughterhouses to protect cows, considered sacred in Hinduism. In fact, the authorities are closing down legal abattoirs slaughtering sheep and goats, in theory exempt from the ban.

Those working in the meat processing industry complain that this will particularly affect the states Muslim population, 18 per cent out of more than 200 million people. This is fuelling growing resentment in the meat industry with some calling for a general strike.

The state legislature has backed the governments decision. With 325 seats out of 403 won in the recent election, the ruling coalition passed the measure as soon Yogi Adityanath was sworn in as chief minister.

Its impact has been immediate leading traders and butchers to complain that they are unable to earn a living and feed their families. "I have no money since my shop shut two weeks ago, said Shakeel Ahmad, 52, the sole breadwinner for a family of ten. I don't know how to feed my children and aging parents. Is it because I am a Muslim, or a meat trader?"

The ban on unauthorised slaughterhouses was one of Adityanaths electoral promises. Cows are sacred in Hinduism. Many Indian states have restrictions on selling and consuming beef.

However, the mere suspicion of illegally slaughtering a cow can trigger acts of extreme violence, such as the murder of a Muslim man two years ago, who was lynched in Uttar Pradesh by an angry mob of Hindu extremists who had accused him of eating beef. After an investigation that lasted several months, it was discovered that he had eaten buffalo meat, not beef.

Given such a background and after the arson of five butcher shops last week, many meat sellers now fear other episodes of violence. "Meat sellers are worried over the crackdown on slaughterhouses and this is creating a shortage. Butchers are afraid of slaughtering buffaloes and this has adversely hit their livelihood," lamented Mr Mubeen Qureshi of the Lucknow Bakra Gosht Vypar Mandal or Goat Meat Chamber of Commerce.

Many of butcher shops, despite having valid licenses, have been forced to close down after several police raids. Shopkeepers also note that the shutdown has also been detrimental to Hindus who like sheep meat.

If Hinduism bans the eating of cows, for many non-Hindus, cows are crucial for their livelihood, starting with Christians employed in tanneries. Millions of poor people eat buffalo meat, which costs much less (120 rupees or US$ 1.84 per kg) than goat meat (450 rupees or US$ 7 per kg).

India is the worlds largest exporter of beef and buffalo meat, a business worth close to US$ 4 billion, half in Uttar Pradesh where about 2.5 million people work in the meat industry.
In a letter to Beijings candidate, the bishop of Hong Kong promises a frank and honest relationship with the new government from "a friend who will give forthright admonition" to people in power.

Hong Kong (AsiaNews)  In his letter of congratulations to Chief Executive-elect Carrie lam, Card John Tong expressed hope that Hong Kong will achieve the goal of universal suffrage for its highest office. He also said that he hopes to see support for full religious freedom and pluralism, especially in education and in matters related to the family and marriage, as well as a frank and honest relationship between the Church and the government as "a friend who will give forthright admonition" to those in power.

Carrie Lam, a Catholic educated by Canossian Sisters in Hong Kong, has had a long career in government during which she has sided with the establishment (and mainland China). In fact, she was seen as Beijings candidate in the 26 February election. During the campaign she even proposed a Chinese-styled Religious Affairs Office in Hong Kong, a proposal that was later withdrawn following sharp criticism from civil society groups.

Here is cardinals letter to Carrie Lam Tong.

Mrs Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor

The Chief Executive-elect of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Dear Mrs Lam,

May the Lords peace and joy be with you.

Congratulations on winning the Chief Executive Election of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). I would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to you. Also, I was delighted that the other candidates have expressed their continuous care and participation for the Community of Hong Kong.

As the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong, I would like to express the expectation of our Diocese for you and for your Government, as follows:

1. The Catholic Church, in following the social teachings of successive Popes, attaches great importance to the significance of democratic elections in dealing with political matters. The Diocese has observed that the base of voters of the current Chief Executive Election is far from being able to achieve a degree of universal participation, given the limitations incurred by historical reasons. However, I hope that in your term, you can promote the democratic process in Hong Kong in order that the Special Administrative Region will eventually achieve the goal of universal suffrage.

2. Our Diocese is committed to serving the needy in society, with particular emphasis on the principle of preferential option for the poor. So far, we have always been willing to collaborate with the Hong Kong Government to maintain a positive and fruitful partnership, for the goodwill of the people of Hong Kong. Also, when called upon to be critical of certain social policies, we will continue to be a friend who will give forthright admonition to the local Government.

3. In upholding the Catholic Social Teaching, our Diocese has been paying heed to communication with the various sectors of the Community, with a hope to continue to develop an effective dialogue with the new HKSAR Government. We also hope that the new Government can encourage a free airing of views, listen to voices from all sides, and promote the unity and progress of our society.

4. Our Diocese hopes that the new HKSAR Government, as has been the case in the past, will continue to protect the local peoples freedom of religious belief, freedom of expression and a pluralism in running schools, as well as respect the Churchs marriage and family values.

Once again, may we extend our hearty congratulations to you. May God bless you, your family, friends and co-workers!

 John Cardinal Tong

28th March 2017
by Kamran Chaudhry

The accused are asked to change religion in exchange for their release. The latest case sparks protest among Christians. Girls are converted by force to marry Muslims whilst Christians men who marry Muslim are beaten and their homes torched. Even Asia Bibi was offered to convert to Islam.

Lahore (AsiaNews)  Religious leaders and Christian activists are calling for action against a prosecutor who confessed to pushing Christian prisoners to give up their faith to embrace Islam.

This comes after Pakistani media reported that Deputy District Public Prosecutor Syed Anees Shah told 42 Christian prisoners before an anti-terrorism court in Lahore, Punjab, that he could guarantee their acquittal if they converted to Islam.

Contacted by a British newspaper, Shah first denied the allegation then conceded that he had offered them a choice.

The Christians involved in the case are all from Youhanabad, Lahore. They were arrested in connection with the lynching of two suspected Muslim terrorists shortly after the Taliban attacked two churches on 15 March 2015.

It is really bad to lead people astray, said Rev Arshad Ashknaz of Christ Church, from one of the churches attacked in Youhanabad, speaking to AsiaNews. This, he added, will give a bad image to the court and the whole legal fraternity.

In his view, The public prosecutor can be sued for this prejudiced action. We plan to meet him soon. The government should reject this. Fear of death can force anyone to change religion.

This has not happened in isolation. Forced conversions are a hot topic in the country. Pakistani human rights organisations note that each year about a thousand Hindu and Christian women are forced to convert to marry Muslim men.

According to the latest Report on religious minorities in Pakistan by the National Commission for Justice and Peace of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Pakistan, five Christians converted to Islam in 2014, including three teenager girls who were abducted and forced into marriage.

Against the backdrop, Sindh last year became the first Pakistani province to pass a law against forced religious conversions. However, the provincial government was forced to go back on its decision to protect minorities after opposition from some religious scholars.

For Rev Ashknaz, There is no religious freedom. The whole system supports Christian women who marry their Muslim spouses, but it is a torment for Christian men who do the same. Their families suffer and their houses are burnt.

According to Nadeem Anthony, a Christian lawyer, Asia Bibi, the Christian mother on death row for the past seven years charged with blaspheming the Prophet Mohammad, was made a similar offer.

However, My faith is alive and I will never convert, she told him when they met at the Sheikhupura District Jail in 2010.

This is a common practice. Even my Muslim friends asked me to do the same. Such impositions are expected in cases of religious persecution, said the lawyer, who is also a human rights activist.
Vatican City (AsiaNews) - The family continues to be "good news for the world of today" and Christian families are "places of mercy compassion and witnesses" writes Pope Francis in his letter to Cardinal Kevin Farrell, prefect of the Congregation for the laity, family and life, in preparation for the IX World Meeting of Families, to be held August 21 to 26, 2018 Dublin on The Gospel of Family: joy to the world.



In the document Francis, giving some indications, expresses his wish for families to have a way of deepening their reflection and their sharing of the content of the post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia. One might ask: does the Gospel continue to be a joy for the world? And also: does the family continue to be good news for todays world? I am sure the answer is yes! And this yes is firmly based on Gods plan. The love of God is His yes to all creation and at the heart of this latter is man. It is Gods yes to the union between man and woman, in openness and service to life in all its phases; it is Gods yes and His commitment to a humanity that is often wounded, mistreated and dominated by a lack of love. The family, therefore, is the yes of God as Love. Only starting from love can the family manifest, spread and regenerate Gods love in the world. Without love, we cannot live as children of God, as couples, parents and brothers.

The Pope underlines how important it is for families to ask themselves often if they live based on love, for love and in love. In practice, this means giving oneself, forgiving, not losing patience, anticipating the other, respecting. How much better family life would be if every day we lived according to the words, please, thank you and Im sorry. Every day we have the experience of fragility and weakness, and therefore we all, families and pastors, are in need of renewed humility that forms the desire to form ourselves, to educate and be educated, to help and be helped, to accompany, discern and integrate all men of good will. I dream of an outbound Church, not a self-referential one, a Church that does not pass by far from mans wounds, a merciful Church that proclaims the heart of the revelation of God as Love, which is Mercy. It is this very mercy that makes us new in love; and we know how much Christian families are a place of mercy and witnesses of mercy, and even more so after the extraordinary Jubilee. The Dublin meeting will be able to offer concrete signs of this.

He concludes : I therefore invite all the Church to keep these indications in mind in the pastoral preparation for the next World Meeting. You, dear Brother, along with your collaborators, have the task of translating in a special way the teaching of Amoris Laetitia, with which the Church wishes families always to be in step, in that inner pilgrimage that is the manifestation of authentic life.
The House made a wise decision when it rejected a resolution on establishing a study of more casinos in North Dakota. The Tribune believes the state doesnt need more casinos and it has enough gambling.

North Dakota allows for a multi-state lottery and charitable gaming. There are tribal-run casinos on the reservations and most North Dakotans dont have to travel too far to reach one. If a North Dakotan wants to wager money its not difficult to do.

The amended resolution would have allowed no more than six private casinos at least 40 miles from the reservations. The resolution would have created a state commission to regulate the industry. Under the resolution, voters would have been asked in 2018 to amend the state Constitution to allow the casinos. The vote wasnt close, as legislators voted 28-63 to reject House Concurrent Resolution 3033. The primary sponsor was House Majority Leader Al Carlson, R-Fargo.

Rep. Dan Ruby, R-Minot, told the House that he hadnt noticed a public demand for more casinos. The Tribune concurs. If there were casinos established they would bring revenue to the state. Its questionable how much. They would dilute the revenue earned by tribal casinos, but how much new revenue they would generate remains unknown. The more casinos the less money they will likely each get. Who knows how many would survive.

Carlson said the resolution wasnt intended as payback to the tribes for the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. Well take him at his word, but casinos in the state would no doubt hurt reservation casinos.

Supporters of the resolution also argued that if the Legislature didnt approve the vote someone would launch an initiative effort. Thats possible, but the Legislature shouldnt be second-guessing what action the public might take. If they did the ballot could be cluttered with measures intended to circumvent the public.

Theres an obvious desire for gambling in the state and the Tribune isnt opposed to it. We do feel it should be regulated and any expansion should be closely monitored. There seems to be ample opportunities to gamble at present. Gambling, like alcohol and other items, can be abused. It can become addictive. So theres a social and monetary toll that comes with gaming.

North Dakota has a good balance of gambling opportunities at the moment. We shouldnt tinker with that balance.
by Yaung Ni Oo

A teacher traces the life story of the priest, who died in March 2007, ten years after his death. He fulfilled his vocation "until the last day". He shared everything, the food and movements and lives of the faithful. His dedication to the people and to the emerging mission "began with these simple gestures."

Yangon (AsiaNews) - A missionary who has fulfilled his vocation until "the last day." Who refused to use the car to move into inaccessible areas,  I will not let my parishioners walk while I travel in the car." A witness of Christ, who shared in every aspect of the lives of the faithful their food, language and customs. His simplicity, his dedication to the people and to his mission, were visible in these simple gestures, according to a Catholic Burmese, remembering Fr. Paolo Noe, priest of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME), on the tenth anniversary of his death.

A protagonist of evangelization in Myanmar, he was considered "the last patriarch" of Myanmar. He was also the last remaining missionary in the country after the government closed its borders to foreign missionaries in 1966, expelling all those who had arrived before independence in Myanmar. The commitment Fr. Noah and PIME missionaries has generated many Christian communities and a new dynamic for development.

Fr. Paul was an epic heroic witness of many missionaries of the first evangelization which, in utter poverty, faced immense distances traveled on horseback or on foot for decades to meet villages, catechumens and Christians. Since 1867 PIME founded six dioceses in Myanmar. The commitment of PIME towards Myanmar continues with development aid and support in the education and training of local priests.

Here, below, the testimony of a teacher who has lived with the missionary in a hostel and has worked extensively in schools  of which she is now dean  given to AsiaNews:

The last missionary to have remained in Myanmar from the PIME missionaries among the few who remained from returns home from their mission under the dictatorship era, begin in 1962.

A father who brought his mission faithful till to the end of the life. Just one time, I met him alive at the ordination in 1997 at Le Htun village in Pekhon Diocese at that time under Taunggyi Arch diocese. His health was not very good anymore. Yet he came on foot for 3 hours from the hilly region where he lived, parish of Hwarikhu though Bishop of Taunggyi sent car to pick up him, he refused saying that "I can't leave my parishioners walking while I go with a car". He always refused to leave his parish and parishioners behind and cared for them like a father always.

He refused to eat special meals prepared for him and took the traditional porridge soup saying that's our food. His simplicity, dedication to the people and mission were visible from these very simple gestures.

He wrote to a young teacher, in Myanmar language, to come back to the village, while the teacher went to Taunggyi for her university studies. His words are so humble and touchy, saying "teacher, we miss you. The children are at the gate every evening waiting for your return. Without you how can they learn things etc".

Personally, for me, living there under fighting, travelling where there was no roads and no lights in the most remote area. It was unimaginable yet the only courage and testimony was the life of Fr. Noe's dedication. When I was travelling there, it was not my region, I didn't know the place and I couldn't speak the language, I had fear, yet I tried to ask Fr. Noe to pray for me, I told "if there were some danger happened to me, I would never return to his mission and the children, he asked to continue to support through our work.

All the years I were working in South Shan, I have heard of fighting against government and ethnic rebels, shots in the middle of town I went just an hour before I arrived, the shooting over town I were for rice and distributions for children support at all night. It was always happened a night before or after I left. I have never had a single problem all my travels and visit to the children in Pekhon, Loikaw and Taunggyi Diocese. I am sure that I have been accompanied and protected by his prayers. His mission still alive in us, by his life testimony.
by Vladimir Rozanskij

The Duma set to discuss a regulation on the matter. The Moscow Patriarchate says it "offends human dignity" and should be banned both on a commercial and voluntary basis. Children of "surrogates" will be baptized only after the period of parental penance. The proposed adoption by infertile couples. Russia passes from atheism to religion, while the West goes in the opposite direction.

Moscow (AsiaNews) - For the Church, headed by the Moscow Patriarchate surrogacy whether it is commercial or voluntary is unacceptable. This method of generating children "offends human dignity according to Vakhtang Kipshidze, vice-chairman of the Synodal Department of the Patriarchate for relations between the Church, society and the media, in a statement released to the agency RIA-Novosti.

The draft law on banning surrogate motherhood in Russia is now being examined by the State Duma (Russian Parliament). In the presentation of the text on March 27, it is emphasized that the proposed ban would be temporary, in anticipation of a new overall draft regulation of surrogacy, which at the same time defend the rights and interests of newborn babies, surrogate mothers and prospective parents.

"The use of techniques surrogate motherhood is a choice of the child's parents. The Church cannot support this decision, as it considers that this constitutes an offense to human dignity and is in itself a reproductive technology of dubious morality" - said Kipshidze.



Immoral and unnatural



The position of the Russian Orthodox Church on surrogacy is clearly expressed in the "Foundations of the Social Conception", initially approved by the Jubilee Synod of 2000 and subsequently updated several times, in reference to the moral and bioethical issues that have arisen in recent years. It is the document that most of all expresses the Orthodox consciousness of being the "soul" of the Russian society, and was wanted and prepared by the then Metropolitan Kirill, now Patriarch of the Russian Church. It is somehow the guiding text of the same President Putin's policy, first elected in 2000.

The document states that "the pregnancy of a artificially fertilized woman, who after the birth returns the child to the 'clients', is unnatural and morally unacceptable even if is built on non-commercial basis. This method assumes the negation of emotional and spiritual t intimacy hat is established between mother and child already during pregnancy. " Moreover, this means of fertilization causes trauma in the mother carrying the fetus, whose "maternal feelings are trampled on."



In his speech to the State Duma in 2015, the Patriarch of Moscow Kirill illustrated the Church's position about the dubious reproductive techniques. "Our moral conscience cannot resign itself to allow a law on so-called surrogate motherhood, which transforms children and women in commercial and non-commercial objects of trade", stated the Patriarch on the occasion.



Limitations for christening of surrogate babies



In the words of Kipshidze, children born through the use of surrogate motherhood techniques have nothing less or more than the other children. However, the church can baptize them only after proper penance to be imposed on those who have made the decision to use such non-traditional methods of generating children. "This position expresses the importance that parents wishing to baptize the child are in harmony with the moral doctrine of the Church, which considers that reproductive technique inadequate," explained the representative of the Russian Church, recalling that in case of threat to health child, he would be baptized without delay and without preconditions.



Dealing with infertile couples?



The" Foundations of the Social Conception" , Church outlines the behavioral criteria for parents who have lost hope of having a child with traditional methods. "If the husband or wife does not have the ability to have a child, and therapeutic and surgical methods of infertility treatment have not yielded results, they should humbly accept childlessness as a special calling in life," reads the document. In such situations it is advisable for parents to think about adoption of a child.



The only permissible means of medical aid to fertility, according to the Russian Church, is artificial insemination with the cells of ones spouse, as it "does not violate the integrity of the marital union, nor does it differ fundamentally from natural conception which occurs within marital relations. "



In this way the Russian Orthodox Church continues to propose topics of critical importance to the society, which still bears the marks of the long domination of an atheist regime that had systematically destroyed many principles of traditional Christian moral doctrine (unilateral divorce was introduced a few weeks after the 1917 revolution). While Western societies have followed a progressive secularization, the Russian is trying to go the opposite route. The Moscow Patriarchate believes that it is the defense of "non-negotiable" moral principles together with works of charity and the defense of persecuted Christians in the world, is the privileged field of ecumenical relations with the Catholic Church and other confessions and religions. It would be a way to create a true "covenant in the faith", without bending to illusory unions or dangerous syncretism.
by Purushottam Nayak

The Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue issued a message for the Jain festival of Mahavir Jayanti, which marks the 2,615th anniversary of the birth of the Tirthankar Mahavira. In India Jains number 4,5 million or 0.4 per cent of the population.

New Delhi (AsiaNews)  The Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue yesterday released a message for the Jain festival of Mahavir Jayanti titled Christians and Jains: Together to foster practice of non-violence in families, signed by Pontifical Council President Card Jean-Louis Tauran and Secretary Mgr Miguel Angel Ayuso Guixot.

The Council sent its warmest felicitations to the Jains as they celebrate the 2,615th anniversary of the birth of their Tirthankara (spiritual leader) on 9 April. May this festive event bring happiness and peace in your hearts, families and communities, said the message.

This religion is based on the principle of non-violence. The Mahavir Jayanti festival is its most important religious festival. Celebrations will take place across India and include processions, hymns, prayers and sharing meals.

The day commemorates the birth of Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana, the 24th Tirthankara, philosopher and Indian ascetic who lived in the 6th century BC, and gave the faith its present form.

Unlike Brahmanic Hinduism, Jainism is egalitarian in terms of caste. Its highest aim is to attain liberation from the cycle of existence through a series of austere practices. According to Indias last census, Jains represent 0.4 per cent or about 4.5 million out of a population of 1.2 billion.

Violence, with its many and varied forms, has become a major concern in most parts of the world, reads the Councils statement. So, we wish to share with you on this occasion a reflection on how we, both Christians and Jains, can foster non-violence in families to nurture peace in society.

[V]iolence stems from unhealthy upbringings and dangerous indoctrinations. Today, in the face of growing violence in society, it is necessary that families become effective schools of civilization and make every effort to nurture the value of non-violence.

Non-violence is the concrete application in ones life of the golden rule: Do to others as you would like others do unto you. It entails that we respect and treat the other, including the different other, as a person endowed with inherent human dignity and inalienable rights.

Unfortunately, refusal by some to accept the other in general and the different other in particular, mostly due to fear, ignorance, mistrust or sense of superiority, has generated an atmosphere of widespread intolerance and violence. This situation can be overcome by countering it with more love, with more goodness (Pope Benedict XVI, Angelus, 18 February, 2008).

Family is a prime place where a counter culture of peace and nonviolence can find a fertile soil. It is here the children, led by the example of parents and elders, according to Pope Francis (in Amoris Laetitia), learn to communicate and to show concern for one another, and in which frictions and even conflicts have to be resolved not by force but by dialogue, respect, concern for the good of the other, mercy and forgiveness.

In concluding, the Pontifical Council stresses that As believers rooted in our own religious convictions and as persons with shared values and with the sense of co-responsibility for the human family, may we, joining other believers and people of good will, do all that we can, individually and collectively, to shape families into nurseries of non-violence to build a humanity that cares for our common home and all its inhabitants!
Missing Mans Whole Body Found Inside Snake

Trending News: Contrary To Popular Belief, Snakes Can Definitely Eat People

Long Story Short

Indonesian police have confirmed that a villager on the island of Sulawesi came to a grizzly end, being eaten whole by a vast reticulated python.

Long Story

If you suffer from ophiophobia (a fear of snakes) or youre planning a trip to Indonesia any time soon, you may want to stop reading here.

In a story that will have you checking under the bed before you put the light out, the BBC reports that a missing Indonesian man was found whole inside the body of a giant snake.

The poor soul, known as Akbar, went missing on the island of Sulawesi, east of Borneo, last Sunday, prompting a manhunt from villagers who feared the worst. When police found a massive bloated snake, said to be a terrifying 23 feet long, they decided to aggressively interrogate the suspect, cutting it open.

What they found was a sight straight from a horror movie  25-year-old Akbars whole body was inside the snakes belly, and he even had his boots on.

Grim video footage has been released showing Akbars body being removed from the snake, and it is strictly for the strong of stomach.

A representative of the village, Salubiro Junaidi, is quoted in the The Jakarta Post saying: People had heard cries from the palm grove the night before Akbar was found in the snakes stomach. When the snake was captured, the boots Akbar was wearing were clearly visible in the stomach of the snake.

The reticulated python rarely attacks humans unless threatened, and it is very uncommon for it to take on a grown man (conventional wisdom says that our shoulders are too wide to be consumed). Its modus operandi is suffocating its victim and then eating it whole.

And we thought the snake that bit a Thai mans penis while he was on the toilet was bad. Snakes are going to need to do some serious PR soon.

Own The Conversation

Ask The Big Question

Is this the nastiest way to die?

Drop This Fact

A reticulated python can be as long as 32 feet and is found across Africa, Southeast Asia and Australia.
Several firms acted on the Federal Court of Australia battle that pit Telstra against an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and respondents including Optus Network, TPG Telecom, Macquarie Telecom, Telcoinabox, Symbio Wholesale.The Federal Court of Australia sided with the ACCCs final access determination (FAD) ruling that Telstra needs to lower by 9.4% the access price paid by rival companies to access its copper network. Telstra argued against the cut, saying that it prevents the telco from recovering infrastructure investments on its copper network, which is being overstretched by the national broadband network.Telstra was advised by Gilbert + Tobin. The ACCC was advised by DLA Piper . Optus and TPG, which joined the ACCCs case in late 2015, were advised by Maddocks and Thomson Geer , respectively. The Competitive Carriers Coalition (CCC), a group of Australia's non-dominant telcos which joined the case, was advised by Baker McKenzie . The group includes Macquarie Telecom, Telcoinabox, and Symbio Wholesale.Telstra argued that the unit costs for maintaining the network would increase as less people would be using its network as they migrated to the NBN. This meant that Telstra lost the opportunity to exploit certain economies of scale, said Brendan Coady, Maddocks partner. The ACCC determined  and the Federal Court confirmed  that Telstra had the opportunity to be compensated for these costs during its commercial negotiations with NBN Co. and that these costs should not be passed on to other telcos and, ultimately, consumers.Coady co-led the Maddocks team with partner Norman Lucas.Justice Lindsay Foster said that Telstra failed to show that the ACCC committed any reviewable error in the course which it took.At best, the grounds of review advanced by Telstra rise no higher than impermissible review of the merits of the ACCC's decision and impermissible attacks on methodologies employed by the ACCC which were plainly open to it, Foster said.Telstra has been ordered to pay ACCCs costs in the proceedings. It will also pay costs for other respondents, including Optus and TPG, if they make applications by 4 April.
Multidisciplinary teams of students from University of Technology Sydney will work with King & Wood Mallesons lawyers this Friday to Sunday to code solutions for real-life legal problems in the 2017 #breakinglaw Hackathon.The three-day event, the product of a collaboration between KWM and UTS, will see the teams formulating and pitching ideas that solve complex legal problems to a panel of judges, for a chance to win cash prizes totalling $15,000 for the top three teams.The Hackathon is not just about ideation, it is a practical opportunity for both students and lawyers to build on their innovation skills through collaboration and problem solving, said Michelle Mahoney, KWM executive director of innovation.She said that the event will see the teams tackle problems in areas such as remote working, online personal data, drones, and regulatory compliance.Professor Lesley Hitchens, UTS law dean, said that the event trains students to think of various ways to approach and solve problems related to the legal field.Being able to think laterally about a range of problems is an essential requirement for lawyers of the future, she said. The #breakinglaw Hackathon is another way we are preparing students to take up the opportunities offered by the changing nature of the legal profession.Hackathons are becoming a regular event in Australias legal industry. In February 2016, Gilbert+Tobin partnered with Westpac and LegalVision to host a hackathon . Last August, KWM hosted a hackathon with the University of Melbourne . The Queensland University of Technology Starters and The Legal Forecast not-for-profit also hosted a hackathon the same month . Last October, Lander & Rogers also hosted a similar event
Lander & Rogers has formalised its partnership with Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention & Legal Service Victoria (FVPLS Victoria) after years of collaboration.Aboriginal women are 34 times more likely to suffer family violence than non-Aboriginal women and 10 times more likely to die at the hands of their partners, said Antoinette Braybrook, CEO of FVPLS Victoria.The organisation provides vital support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their children who are experiencing or at risk of family violence, she said. The organisation provides culturally safe and holistic legal services, as well as early intervention and prevention programs that build resilience and cultural strength to reduce vulnerability to violence.FVPLS services provide essential legal and non-legal supports to ensure that our women are safe and that they have voice, Braybrook said. However, regrettably, our services are substantially under-funded.The partnership makes a substantial contribution to assisting the organisation provide services, she said. Lander & Rogers has been assisting the organisation in projects such as the Koori Womens Meeting Place.The partnership recognises the firms desire to contribute to building sustainable responses to unmet legal need in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, and particularly to enhance access to justice for women experiencing family violence, said Joanna Renkin, Landers & Rogers pro bono and community support partner.We recognise FVPLS Victoria as the expert in the field, Renkin said.Lander & Rogers Chief Executive Partner Andrew Willder said that FVPLS Victoria has a proven track record in successfully tackling the occurrence and underlying causes of family violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.(L-R: Nick Toonen - General Manager, FVPLS Victoria; Joanna Renkin - Pro Bono & Community Support Partner, Lander & Rogers; Antoinette Braybrook - CEO, FVPLS Victoria; Andrew Willder - Chief Executive Partner, Lander & Rogers)
Legions of lawyers in India vow to go on strike Friday to protest against a proposed bill that bars them from going on strike.Indias Law Commission is recommending changes to the countrys Advocates Act that are being opposed by the Bar Council of India. BCI chairman Manan Kumar Mishra said the proposed changes are draconian, anti-lawyer, unconstitutional, undemocratic and anti-people, reported NDTV.According to the Times of India, the Law Commission recommended a ban on strikes because of the large number of working days lost in courts because of lawyer strikes. The commission said that lawyers will be allowed to strike for a day under the change, but will need bar council approval and a compelling reason to strike.From 2012 to 2016, 455 and 515 days were lost because of lawyer strikes in the Dehradun and Haridwar district courts, respectively, the Law Commission said in a submission to the government. From 2011 to 2016, strikes cost 791 and 687 days to be lost in Muzaffarnagar and Kancheepuram, it said.Mishra said, however, that the recommendations are against the legal profession and that the proposed bill endangers legal education in India.The regulation and control of legal profession and legal education is proposed to be handed over to non-lawyers and the advocates will have to face the disciplinary proceedings before people not connected with the legal profession, Mishra said.The BCI, which said the Law Commission hastily formulated the recommendations without considering its recommendations, urged the government to reject the proposed amendments.[The proposed bill] has defined the misconduct in such a provocative manner that any judge, judicial official or a client can easily say that the behaviour of the lawyer was unlawful, disgraceful or dishonourable, the BCI said. In a nutshell, the Council is of the unanimous opinion that the autonomy, democracy and the mandate of the Constitution of the country are proposed to be throttled by the said bill.
Paul Shillington has joined MinterEllison as the newest partner in the firms M&A practice in Perth.Shillington, an energy expert with more than 20 years' experience in legal, commercial and executive leadership roles, will focus on the energy and infrastructure sectors, especially in oil, gas, and construction.He began his career at Freehills, now Herbert Smith Freehills , in 1992 as a solicitor, before moving on to become a senior associate at Phillips Fox, now DLA Piper , in 1995. He then began his career in the energy industry in 1999, joining Coflexip Stena Offshore, now Technip-FMC, as regional counsel for the Asia Pacific region.From 2004 to 2015, Shillington was at eQua, where he developed a patented an e-commerce engine for local purchasing. In 2005, he became an external legal advisor to ExxonMobil, dedicated to its Greater Gorgon LNG development project. In 2008, Shillington established an energy-focused legal consulting company in Paris. He joined Oryx Petroleum in 2011 as chief legal officer, and stayed with the exploration and production company until 2016.Shillingtons broad transactional and management experience covers all facets of business internationally, including strategy, risk management, operations, joint ventures, M&A, equity and debt capital financing, dispute management and resolution, and regulatory and compliance matters.There are important synergies between his background and experience, our practice in Western Australia and the firm's advisory services to the energy and resources sector, said Adam Handley, MinterEllison Western Australia managing partner. He will lead the on-going development of our oil and gas strategy in Western Australia and work closely with our Energy & Resources group across Australia and Asia. Paul will also play an active role in the development of the oil and gas stream of MinterEllison's China Foreign Direct Investment practice.Shillingtons appointment comes after a raft of new partners for the firm in Western Australia.In the past year alone, we added three additional new partners in Perth  in human resources/industrial relations and insurance & corporate risk, Handley said. Paul's admission takes us to 15 partners in Western Australia, now making us one of the largest full service commercial firms operating in the state.Paul Shillington
By Tanya Hill, Honorary Fellow of the University of Melbourne and Senior Curator (Astronomy), Museum Victoria

Alex Cherney, CC BY-NC-ND

The ABC is encouraging us all to get out and observe the sky with their exciting Stargazing Live series to air April 4-6 with Professor Brian Cox and involving many astronomers across Australia. Heres some tips from our own stargazer who will be taking part in the ABC Stargazing Live event at Melbournes Federation Square, April 6.

Look to the skies this April and by following the Moon we can catch sight of a number of interesting stars and planets. In particular, its a great time to see the planet Jupiter which reaches opposition on April 8.

If you have never explored the sky before, following the Moon is a perfect way to begin. Or perhaps you are already an accomplished stargazer, if so the Moon can be a great reminder to keep looking up.

The Moon passed its New Moon phase back on March 28, which is when the Moon and Sun come together in the daytime sky.

Now, the Moon is drifting away from the Sun and beginning its own journey across the early evening sky. Heres how we can use it as an easy guide to the stars above.

Close but not too close

Lets begin on Saturday April 1, when the Moon will appear just below the red giant star Aldebaran, a star that is older than our Sun and has already begun to enter old age.

The thin crescent Moon sits right between the eyes of Taurus the bull, with Aldebaran being the bulls fiery red eye.









Museums Victoria/stellarium





From Australia, well see the Moon and Aldebaran quite close to each other, but across Asia people will see the Moon occult Aldebaran. The star will disappear behind the Moon for about an hour or so before reappearing.

The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) provides details of what will be seen from several Japanese cities, but the event will also be visible from China, India and other Asian countries.

Its interesting to note, that we will never see an occultation of Aldebaran from Australia. The star is too far south of the ecliptic (the path the Sun appears to follow across the sky) for the Moon and Aldebaran to ever cross paths from our point of view.

The next phase

By Tuesday April 4, the Moon will have grown to its First Quarter Phase, with first quarter referring to the Moon being a quarter of the way around its orbit of the Earth. During this phase the Moon straddles day and night - rising at midday and setting at midnight.

Below the First Quarter Moon are a pair of bright stars. To the ancient Greeks, these are Castor and Pollux, the twin stars of Gemini.









Museums Victoria/stellarium





But from Australia, the Boorong clan of Lake Tyrell in north-west Victoria saw these stars as a pair of hunters - Yurree is a fan-tailed cuckoo and Wanjel the long-necked tortoise and together they are chasing Purra, the kangaroo. Although at this time of year Purra (denoted by the star Capella) has got away and has already set in the north-west.

Rise of the king

The fat gibbous Moon can be found to the right of Regulus on Friday April 7. Regulus is the little king star of Leo, the lion, another zodiac constellation. However, unlike Aldebaran, Regulus aligns almost perfectly with the ecliptic, so it is possible for both hemispheres to see the Moon occult Regulus.









Museums Victoria/stellarium





There was a lunar occultation of Regulus back in February. Most people across Australia were clouded out that night, but amateur astronomer Ian Musgrave managed to snap some great shots of the event despite the poor weather.

There will be another chance to see Regulus disappear behind the Moon from Australia on May 4.

Planet in the east

There is one bright planet in the evening sky this month and it is striking. Look towards the east after sunset and you cant miss Jupiter. It reaches opposition on the morning of April 8, which means it lies in the opposite part of the sky to the Sun.

This also brings Jupiter closest to us, so now is a great time to see the planet at its best.













NASAs Juno spacecraft is doing some close-up exploring of Jupiter and delivering superb images and a wealth of data. The spacecraft recently completed its fifth fly-by of the planet, when it dived to just 4,400 km above the cloud tops.









NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS/Roman Tkachenko





A problem with the spacecrafts fuel system has meant that it remains in a 53-day orbit of Jupiter, rather than dropping to a 14-day orbit as originally planned. The same great science will be done, just at a slower pace.

Here on Earth, well see the Moon partner with Jupiter on the night of April 10 and again the following night, April 11. The Moon will fall into line with Jupiter and the star Spica, the brightest in the constellation of Virgo, on April 10.

The following evening, the Full Moon will be below Jupiter and Spica and the trio will form a little triangle in the east after sunset.









Museums Victoria/stellariums





We have now followed the Moon on half its journey around the Earth, from New Moon to Full Moon, and seen it drift from the daytime to the nighttime sky. Keen Moon watchers can keep following the Moon into the pre-dawn sky, where it will pass Saturn during the early hours of April 17 and Venus on April 24, just before sunrise.

Often in astronomy we rue the Moon for its bright light but the Moon can have its purpose too by encouraging all us stargazers to look up and explore.

Originally published in The Conversation.
By Paul Oliver, Postdoctoral Researcher in Biodiversity and Evolution, Australian National University

At night, the mountain forests of New Guinea come alive with weird buzzing and beeping calls made by tiny frogs, some no bigger than your little fingernail.

These little amphibians  in the genus Choerophryne  would shrivel and dry up in mere minutes in the hot sun, so they are most common in the rainy, cooler mountains.

Yet many isolated peaks, especially along northern New Guinea, have their own local species of these frogs.

So how did localised and distinctive species of these tiny frogs come to be on these isolated peaks, separated from each other by hotter, drier and rather inhospitable lowlands?

Our new study of their DNA, published this week in the open access journal PeerJ, reveals how they achieved this feat. It reveals a dynamic past, and more worryingly it highlights the future vulnerability of tropical mountain forests and their rich biodiversity.

A hotspot of frog diversity

New Guinea has an astounding diversity of frogs: more than 450 known species and counting. This is nearly double the diversity in Australia, a landmass ten times larger.

Remarkably, a majority of these species are in a single species-rich, ecologically diverse group that have dispensed with the tadpole stage.

Instead they hatch out of their eggs as tiny little replicas of the adults. Because they do not depend on still pools of water to breed, they do really well in the incredibly wet, but steep mountains of New Guinea.

One of our group (Stephen Richards) has been collecting DNA from frogs across New Guinea for the past 20 years. This work is at times arduous and painful. Having a leech worm its way into the back of ones eye, and then stay there for more than a week, is not pleasant.

But these trips are also extremely rewarding. So far we have described more than 70 new species, and discovered many more that await description.

They also provide opportunities to explore some of worlds most wild places. Perhaps the best example is the first scientific expedition to the remote Foja Mountains.

This isolated mountain range in northern New Guinea was previously almost unexplored, but revealed a treasure trove of diversity, including a lost bird of paradise, a completely new species of another bird, and a bizarre treefrog with an erectile nose.

We also found several species of Choerophryne frog. DNA from these allowed our team to test two potential ways that miniature frogs could have come to occupy distant mountain peaks that are separated by inhospitable lowlands.

Across the Fojas by frog

The first way involves mountain-top frogs evolving separately on each isolated peak, potentially from larger frogs capable of surviving in the hotter and drier, nearby lowlands.

If this were the case, the frog on any given mountaintop would be most genetically similar to frogs from adjoining lowlands.

The other way involves exploiting climate change. During past phases of global cooling (glacial periods), the colder, wetter, mountainous habitats of New Guinea expanded downhill, a process termed elevational depression.

If depression was extensive enough, the frogs on one mountain might have been able to travel across tracts of cool, wet lowlands to colonise other mountains.

Later, a warming climate would wipe out the lowland populations, leaving two isolated mountain populations, which might eventually become new species.

If this were the case, we would expect the frogs in different mountains to be genetically related, since they almost literally hopped from one peak to the other.

Our new study of the DNA of the little Choerophryne frogs indicates they used both routes to conquer the peaks of New Guinea.

In the remote Foja mountains, for example, there are three species of Choerophryne. One species has evolved in situ in northern New Guinea from nearby lowland frogs.

The other two are related to frogs from distant mountains of central New Guinea, and presumably moved across the intervening lowlands during cooler glacial periods.

The little frogs and the future

Why does it matter how the tiny frogs moved to their mountain habitats? Because it could be a warning to their future survival.

Tropical mountains have some of the most biodiverse assemblages of plants and animals in the world. Their ecosystems are also far more dynamic than is popularly recognised.

Just like glaciers, the movements of frogs (and other organisms) up and down mountains has tracked global temperatures. As weve shown, the global cooling in past glacial periods allowed the mountain-dwelling frogs to move down across the lowlands to find new mountain peaks.

But today, as global temperatures soar to levels not seen for millions of years, their habitable cool zones are heading in the other direction: shrinking uphill.

We have no idea how quickly these frogs will respond to these changes, but recent research elsewhere in New Guinea has found birds are already shifting upslope rapidly.

We dont yet know what could happen to these cute little amphibians should temperatures continue to climb, and they in turn run out of mountainside to climb.

Its more than ten years since the first expeditions to the Foja Mountains, and this study provides a great demonstration of the ongoing value of the scientific data collected on these trips.

We now have a snapshot of the distinctive frogs (and many other animals) that live at the tops of these remote mountains, and a window into their past.

This provides an incredibly important resource to help us understand the dynamic history of these mountain forests, and reminds us that despite their inaccessibility, they face an uncertain future.

Stephen John Richards, a research associate in systematics, biogeography and conservation of amphibians, at The South Australian Museum, was a co-author on this article.

Paul Oliver is currently funded by a grant from the Australian Research Council and Australian National University. His work in New Guinea has been supported by Conservation International, National Geographic and the Australia & Pacific Science Foundation.

Mike Lee has received funding for New Guinea frog research from the Australia & Pacific Science Foundation.

Originally published in The Conversation.
Australia's student visa programme is proving popular with the latest official data showing that a record half a million plus international students were studying in Australia in 2016.In the first half of the financial year the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBO) granted the highest number of student visa for the time period.Overall the number of student visas granted from 01 July to 31 December 2016 increased by 8.5% on the same period previous year to a total of 156,453 with a record of 554,179 international students studying in the country.Most students are coming from Asian countries with just over half, 50.3% from China, India, Nepal, Vietnam and South Korea. Of those in Australia at the end of 2016, some 19.9% were from China and 14.7% in India.Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Alex Hawke, said that the student visa programme is important in Australia and they make vital contributions to academia, the communities in which they live and the Australian economy,.'I am pleased that Australia's high quality education providers continue to attract top talent from overseas. Growth in our student visa programme is consistent with the Government's commitment to enhance Australia's education sector, now our third largest export industry,' he pointed out.'Last year international education exports reached $21.8 billion, generating far-reaching economic benefits for everyday Australians. It is fantastic to see our visa framework supporting consistent growth to this important sector of Australia's economy,' he added.To be eligible for a student visa, applicants must be accepted for full time study in a course listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Applicants must also meet financial, health insurance, English language proficiency and health and character requirements.There is no limit on the number of student visas issued each year. If applicants meet requirements, they will be granted a student visa and student visas are generally issued for the entire period of study in Australia.Overseas students must have health insurance for the duration of their stay in Australia. The OSHC assists international students to meet the costs of medical and hospital care that they may need while in Australia.A decision to refuse a student visa application is made when there is reason to believe that the applicant does not meet the legal criteria for a visa. When refusing a visa application, the department provides an applicant, or their agent, with a written decision record that sets out the reason for the decision.
(l. to r.) Pam Sederholm, executive director of AALA; Nikith Rajendran; and Mike Antich, editor of Automotive Fleet. Photo by Jim Park.

The organizers of the sixth annual Fleet Safety Conference are now accepting nominations for the 2017 Fleet Safety Award.

The award will honor a fleet or risk manager whose leadership and innovation have enhanced the safety of fleet drivers and the general public. Nominations should include measurable results. The winner will be presented with the award at the conference.

To access a nomination form, click here.

Candidates working with light- and medium-duty fleets are eligible. Nominations close April 24.

Previous winners include Nikith Rajendran, director of fleet operations for SolarCity; Chad Fay, vice president of Fleet & Supply Chain at Centuri Construction Group; Sandra Lee, director of worldwide fleet for Johnson & Johnson; Kristin ODriscoll, fleet manager for Baxter Healthcare.

The American Automotive Leasing Association (AALA) and Automotive Fleet magazine produce the Fleet Safety Conference, which will be held in Schaumburg, Ill., July 25-26.

A panel of industry leaders will evaluate the nominations to determine the winner. The award will be presented July 25 at the conference.

For more details about the conference, click here.
Chris Brown, executive editor of Auto Rental News, moderated the opening keynote panel on car rental and the future of mobility. Panelists included North Holbrook of Volvo Cars of North America; Mark Thomas of RideCell; and Dan Langford of the Nevada Center for Advanced Mobility.

The International Car Rental Show (ICRS) kicked off on Monday March 27 at Bally's Las Vegas.

Presented in conjunction with the American Car Rental Association (ACRA), the 22nd annual ICRS convention brings together car rental attendees worldwide to discuss and analyze the major issues facing the car rental industry today.

This year, a big topic has been mobility and technology and how these elements will affect the future of transportation. With app-based platforms such as carsharing, car hailing, and peer-to-peer rentals, the on-demand transportation model is gaining momentum. Additionally, the technology of driverless cars is in the near future.

On Tuesday morning, a keynote panel entitled "Car Rental and the Future of Mobility" addressed these fundamental shifts in transportation and how they could affect the business model of car rental.

Panelists included North Holbrook, director of commercial sales of Volvo Cars of North America; Mark Thomas, vice president of marketing for RideCell, a multinational provider of mobility services platforms; and Dan Langford, executive director for Nevada Center for Advanced Mobility, which brings together stakeholders to develop policy around autonomous vehicles and related infrastructure.

Bill Marmion presented during ACRA's general session. Photos by Amy Hercher.

Thomas discussed how on-demand, shared mobility and autonomous mobility are two trends that are driving disruption for traditional rental companies. To stay up with these trends, he recommended that car rental companies consider implementing counterless car rentals or free-floating car rentals where customers can return vehicles to any location.

"No one owns the market yet," said Thomas. "Rental companies can set up carsharing or counterless services by partnering with mobility and software companies. This way, they can start experimenting and learn what is to come."

During a seminar yesterday, Wesley Hurst of Polsinelli and Leslie Pujo of Plave Koch PLC looked at mobility from a legal perspective and analyzed the new concerns surrounding liability, contracts, insurance, and employment in new models such as automated rentals and carsharing to peer-to-peer systems and transportation network companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft.

This year's exhibit hall included a fun zone presented by PurCo Fleet Services. Attendees raced cars and a winner was named each hour.

ACRA's general session covered the importance of rental companies getting involved in politics. Bill Marmion, principal and partner of Purdue Marion & Associates, delivered the speech. As a strategic adviser for government affairs, Marion shared his advice and opinions on how ACRA can effectively communicate on a state and federal level.

"The rental industry should have a bigger voice in politics," said Marmion. "ACRA can help get the rental industry in front of legislators. Make a friend with government officials to help create an advocate for the industry."

Today's programming began with a session on Europcar's view of today's global car rental market and its vision for the future. Marcus Bernhardt, chief commercial officer for Europcar Group, revealed Europcar's recent initiatives, including carsharing, an all-electric car club, a corporate ride-hailing service, and a program that combines medium-term rental with a carsharing option using mobile technology.

"Europcar is testing solutions to figure out what to include in its new mobility platforms," said Bernhardt. "Rental companies need to understand their customers' needs to develop their business models."

During today's breakfast session, Marcus Bernhardt discussed Europcar's vision for the future, including its mobility initiatives.

Niche programming included the fourth annual Latin American Meeting designed for car rental operators serving Central America, South America, and the Caribbean as well as Auto Dealer Day, programming for auto dealers looking to strengthen their loaner programs.

The event has also offered several networking opportunities including a cocktail reception, as well as several meals in the expanded exhibit hall, which featured exhibitors offering various services and products for the car rental industry.
FARGO  At first, it was hard for the panel of media experts to agree to a definition of fake news.

Was it the purposeful manipulation of truth or version of truth, as Jack Zaleski, former Forum editorial-page editor, put it?

Or was it in the eye of the beholder, as Scott Hennen, a conservative radio talk-show host, put it?

But there was general agreement at a panel discussion Tuesday, March 29, at the alumni center at North Dakota State University that its bad news for American democracy if voters cant sort fact from fiction.

If you dont know where to go to find credible information, if you dont believe the media of any stripe is giving you credible information, thats really dangerous in a democracy. said Carrie Anne Platt, a communication professor at NDSU.

Fake news as a term that emerged out of the 2016 presidential election to describe made-up news created by websites, many of them in Eastern Europe, to attract readers and make money through advertising. One example was a conspiracy theory that Comet Ping Pong, a Washington, D.C., pizzeria, was a front for a child sex ring that was run by members of the Democratic Party. Conspiracy believers harassed Comet employees and a man shot at the restaurant.

But the fake news label has also been used by some to disparage coverage they disagree with, including President Donald Trump who used it to complain about ABC and NBC coverage of alleged Russian manipulation of the election.

The panel, convened by the Northern Plains Ethics Institute, was asked why people believe fake news, whether polarization of the news media has made people more vulnerable to fake news and what to do to curb the influence of fake news.

Mike McFeely, a Forum columnist and talk-show host on WDAY radio, said people feel a need to reinforce their biases and they have so many more options today than in the past when a few TV stations, radio stations and newspapers were all that was available to most.

Robert Mejia, a communication professor at NDSU, said biases are reinforced by social media where people are able to unfollow or unfriend people they disagree with to create an echo chamber made up only friends and acquaintances they do agree with.

Hennen blamed a liberal slant in the mainstream media that has driven more conservative people into the arms of websites that make up news, citing what he considered bias reporting of protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation and Russian manipulation of the election. He wondered aloud how many media organizations reported that consumer confidence is at a 16-year high under the Trump administration.

Zaleski said that line of argument is part of the playbook of Trump supporters and he suggested it was false. He said he learned about the consumer confidence story because he read it in The Forum and saw it on NBC, so the good news was not buried.

Platt said one way to battle fake news is preparing young people to distinguish it from real news. She cited a story about a fifth-grade teacher who had turned fact-checking into a game for his students and they enjoyed it so much they fact-check him.

She and Mejia suggested strategies such as checking other sources of news when you read a piece of news that too perfectly reflects your bias. If something sounds too good to be true, it very well might be.

Zaleski said discussions like the one on Tuesday is valuable, but he suspects the group was preaching to the choir. He encouraged those attending to talk to their friends and families about the danger of fake news.
Photo of the Nissan New Mobility Concept courtesy of Nissan.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and the City of Yokohama introduced a round-trip car sharing service featuring the Nissan New Mobility Concept, an ultra-compact electric vehicle.

The service, Choimobi Yokohama, enables users who register online to pick up and return cars in 14 locations around Yokohama Station. Cars can be reserved 30 minutes in advance and can be driven within the city, according to Nissan.

The service costs 250 yen per 15 minutes plus a 200 yen basic charge, with a maximum daily charge of 3,000 yen. Users need a Japanese drivers license, a smartphone, and a Japan-issued credit card.

Nissan and the City of Yokohama previously conducted a two-year trial of Japans first one-way car sharing service using ultra-compact electric vehicles, starting in October 2013. The goal was to encourage low-emission transport options, improve the quality of transportation and promote tourism. In October 2015, the partnership began renting cars to local tour operators and businesses.

The new round-trip service is meant to further promote ultra-compact mobility and build a sustainable business model through public-private cooperation. The service will also include guided tours around central Yokohama and long-term car rentals for businesses.

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet
CNN reported late Wednesday that a first officer aboard an American Airlines Boeing 737-800 became incapacitated while the aircraft was on a two-mile final and later died after the captain landed the aircraft in Albuquerque. The network reported that American identified William Mike Grubbs as the dead pilot on Flight 1353 from Dallas. We are taking care of First Officer Grubbs family and colleagues, and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time, American said in a statement. He was 56 and his medical was renewed within the last month according to FAA records. The nature of the medical issue reported by the captain as he flew to final was not reported.

Inflight incapacitation is an extremely rare occurrence and its even more unlikely to be caused by a medical condition (hypoxia is number one) and this might be even more rare because it happened in a critical flight phase. In this case, the landing was routine but paramedics met the aircraft and performed CPR on the FO for 35-40 minutes before he was pronounced dead.
Senator James Inhofe, R-Okla., introduced S.755 (the Fairness for Pilots Act) on Wednesday, which, if signed into law, would offer an additional level of appeals for pilots facing enforcement actions. Under existing law, pilots facing loss or suspension of their certificates due to significantly unsafe violations of FAA regulations may appeal to an NTSB administrative law judge and, if unsatisfied, appeal again to the NTSBs full board. Further appeal to a federal judge is limited to legal error on the part of the NTSBthere is no new finding of fact. Historically, administrative appeals have been structured this way across the federal government out of deference to the subject matter expertise of the federal agencies. The Fairness for Pilots Act proposes to require federal courts to engage in a new round of fact-finding for such cases. This provision was included in Inhofes Pilots Bill of Rights 2 in 2015. Although portions of the Pilots Bill of Rights 2 were incorporated into the FAAs reauthorizing legislation in 2016most notably Third Class medical reformthe modified appeals process was not adopted.

General aviation groups were roundly supportive of the proposed law. Mark Baker, president of AOPA, in a statement shared by Sen. Inhofes office said, AOPA supports the Fairness for Pilots Act and urges the Senate to approve this important legislation which will expand on Sen. Inhofes original Pilots Bill of Rights and provide additional protections so we can continue to enjoy the freedom to fly.

Sen. Inhofe is reported to hold a commercial pilot certificate and has been in the news for a variety of aviation incidents. In October 2010, according to the FAA, Inhofe intentionally landed on a closed runway at Cameron County Airport in Port Isabel, Texas, while personnel were working on the runway. In July 2016, Inhofe, flying his experimental Harmon Rocket, had a runway excursion while landing at South Grand Lake Regional Airport in Ketchum, Oklahoma. Inhofes other incidents include loss of a propeller in flight and a ground loop. Sen. Inhofes son, Perry Inhofe, was killed in Mitsubishi MU-2 in November 2013 shortly after takeoff in his first flight without an instructor.
30 March 2017 15:52 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Investors from Azerbaijan will build a wholesale-food base and shops in Ingushetia, a federal subject of Russia located in the North Caucasus region.

These stores will offer customers products from a number of Middle Eastern countries under the brand of the republic. Here the prices will be 10-20 percent below the market prices.



The construction of the base for 1.500 tons of products with storage space of 2,000 square meters is expected to be launched in 2017. Here will be installed modern refrigerators with the ability to simultaneously maintain different temperature regimes.

In the coming days, the site will be determined where construction of the base will start.

During the meeting with the head of Ingushetia in Moscow, Azerbaijani investors expressed their readiness to invest in a project that will create about 70 new jobs, 150 million rubles ($2.66 million) of personal funds without attracting bank loans.



Azerbaijani investors enjoy huge experience in this direction. They have already opened wholesale and food bases in five large cities of Russia, including St. Petersburg, Moscow, Ivanovo, Novorossiysk and Pyatigorsk.



Products from Israel, Iran, Turkey and Egypt will be delivered to the republic through Gelendzhik port. To organize the supply of high-quality products and its distribution to shopping centers, which will be opened in all cities of Ingushetia and remote villages, investors will create a new company.

--

Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
30 March 2017 13:53 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Irans President Hassan Rouhani has announced that the country in collaboration with Azerbaijan will launch construction of the Rasht-Astara railway in northern Iran in the near future.

He made the remarks on March 29 upon arrival in the Rasht airport, as part of his provincial visit.

Describing the construction of the Rasht-Astara railway as "significant" issue, President Rouhani added that he had discussed the issue of International North-South Transportation Corridor with the Russian officials during his recent visit to Moscow, IRNA news agency reported.

The president added that the construction of the Qazvin-Rasht railway is also going through final phase and it is expected to be inaugurated over the current Iranian calendar year (started on March 20-21).

Explaining that Irans southern port-city of Bandarabbas will be connected to Moscow once the railway project is completed, he said that the corridor will facilitate carrying cargos from the Indian Subcontinent.

To complete the railway links of the transportation corridor, Iran had earlier agreed to construct inland railway segments in northern parts of the country in order to extend its railway network to the border area with the neighboring Azerbaijan through the two cities of Astara on both sides.

The initial plan included Qazvin-Rasht and Rasht-Astara railway segments.

In the meantime, Azerbaijan has launched a construction project to extend its railway into Irans territory which is going through the final tests and will be implemented soon.

Under the latest agreements between Iranian and Azerbaijani sides, the Islamic Republic has been obliged to purchase the lands where Rasht-Astara railway segment will run, while Azerbaijan will finance the construction of the $500-million railway.

The main goal of strategic cooperation between the railways of Iran and Azerbaijan is activating the International North-South Transportation Corridor which will eventually link Russia and Azerbaijan to High-Seas through the Islamic Republic.

The Iran-Azerbaijan-Russia corridor promises to cut down over 40 percent of logistics cost and halve travel time.

The North-South Corridor will connect the railways of Azerbaijan and Iran, which in turn will provide a wider transport connection between India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan.

Due to its location on the corridor and role as a transit country, Azerbaijan stands to gain substantially from the North-South project. Firstly, it will bring millions in foreign currency. Secondly, it will give an essential boost to the Azerbaijani non-oil sector. Thirdly, it should significantly improve the transport infrastructure of the region. And most importantly, it will open up access to the Arab Gulf countries for Azerbaijan in the future.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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30 March 2017 17:44 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijans Financial Market Supervisory Body (FMSB) developed a legal framework that allows introducing new instruments to support banks facing a capital shortage.

Chairman of FMSB Rufat Aslanli made the statement on March 30 addressing a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Economic Policy, Industry and Entrepreneurship ongoing for the second day in Baku.

Banks must meet a number of requirements in order to avoid risks that they may face, he underlined.

Today's legislation offers only two simple ways to support banks facing capital shortages -- an additional capital injection by shareholders, otherwise the bank closes. As for system banks, the legislation provides for their rehabilitation at the expense of public funds. However, last year showed that the recovery process does not have the necessary arsenal of tools and our experience at Bank Standard has shown that the current legal framework is insufficient to address this issue, he said.

Changes in banking legislation are a matter of time, according to Aslanli.

"The fact that the legal framework does not give us the proper tools to solve banking problems is natural, since the current legislation came into force in 2004. I myself participated in the process of its development, and I admit that at that time the legislation was mainly directed to maintain the stability of the current activity of banks. But the challenges we faced in 2015-2016 have increased the urgency of updating the legislation," the head of the Body said.

In general, the package of proposals includes changes in the civil, criminal codes and the code of administrative offenses, as well as in the laws on banks and bankruptcy.

In particular, the law "On Banks" proposes to introduce such concepts as "resolution", "transition bank", "system bank" and so on.

In addition, the law also added a new section explaining the process of resolution of banks that have lost their solvency.

Speaking of consumer lending portfolio of Azerbaijani banks during 2016, Aslanli said that the portfolio in real terms shrank by 2.35 billion manats ($1.37 billion).

The real decline in the volume of consumer loans significantly exceeds the nominal decline, according to Aslanli.

"Last year, the volume of consumer lending decreased by 20 percent, or about 1.2 billion manats ($0.7 billion). But this is a nominal reduction. In real terms, portfolio reduction was even higher, as it should also be taken into account that half of consumer loans were issued in foreign currency, he said.

After we restricted issuance of loans in foreign currency, lending volume decreased and, accordingly, the actual reduction amounted to 2.35 billion manats ($1.4 billion)," the chairman said.

The payment of uninsured deposits to customers of the liquidated Caucasian Development Bank will begin in April, noted Aslanli.

The volume of uninsured deposits in the Caucasian Development Bank is 9 million manat ($5.2 million).

The Central Bank revoked the licenses of the Caucasian Development Bank and Atrabank on January 27, 2016 due to the inconsistency of their total capital with the minimum requirement of the regulator [50 million manat ($29 million)] and default to the creditors.



As of March 13, 2017, the Azerbaijan Deposit Insurance Fund completed payment of compensation to customers of the Caucasian Development Bank for insured deposits by 94.4 percent, paying them almost 1.97 million manat.

FMSB will announce the issue of turning the liquidated Parabank, operating in the country since 1991, into a non-bank credit institution (NBFI) later today.

"Currently, the insured deposits of the bank's clients have almost been completely paid, and the balances on legal entities' accounts in the amount of 12 million manat ($7 million) have been repaid fully. The bank also returned uninsured deposits of 20 million manat ($11.68 million) to the clients. It has the right to function as an NBFI, he said.

The bank's license was withdrawn in July 2016 because its assets were not classified in accordance with the legislation, the bank did not create adequate reserves and its aggregate capital did not meet the minimum requirements [50 million manat ($29 million)].

On the first day of the meeting Aslanli informed about the process of liquidation of local banks, saying that to date, 11 banks are in process of liquidation.



He spoke of the frequently asked question of why this process is delayed.

Preparation of a plan to eliminate only Bank Standard requires a lot of legal work, he said. The bank had accounts of 262,000 physical and more than 47,000 legal entities. It is necessary to determine the list of all their requirements. There are controversial issues. For example, someone wants to get not 5 manat, but 5 manat 15 qepiks. These issues must be resolved. Then it is necessary to draw up a register of bank assets. Both property and legal requirements, as well as the register of expected rights must be prepared, evaluated and approved in court, he said.



Aslanli further added that under the changes proposed to the legislation, if the management and shareholders of the bank are responsible for the problems in this bank, they will have to pay for the damages.



We for the first time offer such a practice in Azerbaijan. This practice is widely used in the world. Often as a result of irresponsible management actions, the bank becomes bankrupt, and loses funds attracted from the population. In some cases, fraud is committed intentionally. Now the state through the Azerbaijan Deposit Insurance Fund returns the deposits of the population, but neither the shareholders nor the management of the bank are responsible. It is not right. The legislation for the first time introduces this practice. To ensure this, we have added the necessary articles to the civil and procedural legislation, the FMSB chairman explained.

The FMSB has already submitted a package of proposals to the government to change the legislation, where one of the most important items is the application of the process of voluntary restructuring of banking obligations.

This procedure is widely used throughout the world. This is one of the possible solutions for banks that have lost solvency and are facing problems. Banks will be able to apply for a restructuring of their obligations in court. The application will be considered within 10 days, after which they will receive the answer, he said.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



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30 March 2017 17:17 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Azerbaijan may export wine to St. Petersburg in the near future, Head of the Wine Exporters' and Producers' Association of Azerbaijan Elchin Madatov said.

The country established contact with the company from St. Petersburg, which is interested in Azerbaijani wine products, Trend reported citing Madatov.

The negotiations on export will begin in April.

Madatov further stressed that wine exports in the first quarter of 2017 will be higher than in the same period of the 2016.

"Since early 2017, the number of orders has increased as compared to the last year," he stated.

Currently, the main export markets for Azerbaijani wine are Russia and China, according to the association. The work is underway on expanding the map of wine export.

We supply wine to Belarus and Lithuania and plan to launch wine export to other European, African and North American markets as well, Madatov explained.

Azerbaijani wines are sold under Made in Azerbaijan brand.

Wine-making has switched to the new level of development in Azerbaijan due to programs implemented in the country aimed at expansion of non-oil sector.

Azerbaijan became a member of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine in June 2014. The country has focused since then on the development of vines and wineries as important contributors to the economy and agriculture.

Today, Azerbaijan produces 20 million bottles of wine per year, while the annual production capacity of the countrys wineries is 100 million bottles.

Recently, the country launched wine export to new markets such as China, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, the U.S. and some European countries.

Overall, the wine export of Azerbaijan hit $3.5 million in 2016.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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30 March 2017 10:12 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

The next edition of "Under the open sky-15" art event will be held at the Art Villa Gallery on April 2.

The open-air painting event will bring together both young and experienced artists, Trend Life reported.

The plein air, as a form of self-improvement for masters, aims at supporting young people and intellectuals.

The event is organized by public organization "Youth network", with the support of NGO Arts Council Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan's Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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30 March 2017 12:30 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

The name of one of the greatest cellists and conductors of the 20th century, Mstislav Rostropovich is known by many people. Baku is going to host the 9th International Mstislav Rostropovich Festival on April 23.

This festival follows an established tradition of excellence, presenting internationally renowned soloists and orchestras.

The festival, to be co-organized by Azerbaijan`s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mstislav Rostropovich Foundation and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, will offer premieres of new compositions, musical rarities, and works in different genres.

A grandiose performance by People`s Artist Murad Adigozalzade, as well as Azerbaijan State Symphonic Orchestra and Azerbaijan State Chapel Choir will amaze Baku audience.

The festival aims to promote the debuts of exceptionally gifted young musicians.

Rostropovich was born in Baku, Azerbaijan during the Soviet Union era in 1927. He was of mostly ethnic Russian ancestry, and his father was partly Polish.

This genius in music was the son of cellist Leopold Rostropovich, and the great-grandson of Hannibal Rostropovich - a Polish landowner from Skotniki.

Rostropovich was internationally recognized as a staunch advocate of human rights, and he was awarded the 1974 Award of the International League of Human Rights.

A five-time Grammy Award winner, he has become one of the West leading conductors. For 17 seasons, he was the permanent conductor and artistic director of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, which was included in the list of one of the best American orchestras. Rostropovich appeared regularly in the Berlin Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, as well as London Symphony Orchestra and the London Philharmonic.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



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30 March 2017 14:46 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, tasked in mediation of the peace talks over the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, reiterated their deep concern over recent incidents along the line of contact, and call on the sides to exercise restraint in their rhetoric and in their actions.

The OSCE Minsk Group visited recently the conflict region to get acquainted with the real situation on the ground.

During the visit, Ambassadors Igor Popov of Russia, Stephane Visconti of France and Richard Hoagland of the U.S., together with Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk, have traveled to Baku (March 11), Yerevan (March 27) and Nagorno-Karabakh (March 28).

The co-chairs met with the presidents and foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia and also visited territories around Nagorno-Karabakh.

"The presidents laid out their positions on the co-chairs proposals to strengthen the ceasefire and to avoid further escalation of hostilities, particularly in light of the Novruz and Easter holidays. They expressed their commitment to continuing the negotiation process toward a political solution," the co-chairs said in their statement issued on March 29 on the results of the visit.

However, the real negotiation process is impossible without face-to-face meetings of the presidents. Despite the proposals of the Minsk Group and the readiness of Azerbaijan to comprehensive negotiations, the Armenian side avoids meetings. Meanwhile the protracted Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict remains the hot spot of the region of South Caucasus.

At the meetings, the co-chairs emphasized that respect for ceasefire is of utmost importance for building an atmosphere of trust to enable further negotiations on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

However, the Armenian side constantly breaches the ceasefire and resorts to attempts of sabotage against Azerbaijan. Moreover, Armenia now and then conducts military exercises in the occupied lands of Azerbaijan, which is contrary to the agreements reached between the presidents in 2016.

The main purpose of their visits to the region was to receive the most current detailed political and military information on the line of contact and the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, to discuss the implementation of agreements reached at 2016 summits in Vienna and St. Petersburg and to address the next steps toward a settlement.

The OSCE Minsk Group also stressed in the statement the essential importance of continued support for Ambassador Kasprzyks mission and its expansion.

The co-chairs will soon travel to Vienna to brief the members of the Minsk Group on the situation.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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30 March 2017 13:29 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The stance of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan remains unchanged, the Iranian Embassy in Baku told APA on March 29.

Embassy spokesperson Mohammad Reza Najafi, commenting on reports that Iranian musicians gave a concert in Azerbaijans Nagorno-Karabakh region occupied by Armenia, said that no official musical group from Iran went on a trip to the occupied territories during the Novruz holiday.

Earlier, Azerbaijans Minister of Culture and Tourism Abulfas Garayev told reporters that Azerbaijan sent a letter of protest to the Iranian side over the issue.

Mohammad Reza Najafi said that unreliable, sometimes distorted reports that are released by a third countrys media are aimed at spoiling relations between Iran and Azerbaijan and direct the public opinion to negative directions.

Weve seen it many times, unfortunately. We condemn any attempt of this kind, the spokesperson said.

Azerbaijan pays special attention to the illegal activity in the occupied areas of the country. Unauthorized visits to Nagorno-Karabakh and other occupied regions of Azerbaijan are considered illegal and individuals who pay such visits are included in the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministrys black list.

Armenia captured Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions from Azerbaijan in a war that followed the Soviet breakup in 1991. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and nearly 1 million were displaced as a result of the war.

Large-scale hostilities ended with a ceasefire agreement in 1994 but Armenia continued the occupation in defiance of four UN Security Council resolutions calling for immediate and unconditional withdrawal. Peace talks mediated by Russia, France and the U.S. have produced no results so far.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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30 March 2017 14:41 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The genocide in Azerbaijan's occupied town Khojaly remains one of the most terrible massacres against innocent people in the history of mankind. This massacre can be considered the most horrible example of Armenian vandalism against Azerbaijani people.

Russian historian and political analyst Oleg Kuznetsov has prepared a petition addressed to the deputies of the State Duma of the Russian Federation on recognition of the Khojaly tragedy as genocide.

To date, almost 11,000 people have signed the document, but 15,000 signatures are needed for the State Duma to express its reaction.

The document reads that the order for committing the Khojaly Genocide was given by incumbent President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, who at that time was the Chairman of The Self-Defense Forces Committee and the chief of staff of all illegal armed groups of Armenian separatists in Nagorno-Karabakh.

When Thomas de Waal, a senior associate at Washington DC-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, interviewed Sargsyan back in 2000, the then-Armenian Defense Minister Sargsyan confessed that the Armenian army had indeed carried out some ethnic cleansing in the Nagorno-Karabakh region in order to achieve its goals.

The petition reads that the parliaments of Mexico, Turkey, Colombia, Guatemala, Peru, Jordan, Honduras and Djibouti recognized the crimes committed by Armenians in Khojaly as a genocide of the Azerbaijani people.

Moreover, the parliaments of Pakistan, Sudan, Israel, the Czech Republic, and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation recognized the events in Khojaly as a crime against humanity.

The petition calls upon the deputies of the State Duma to follow the example of their foreign colleagues and to recognize the crimes of Armenian terrorists in the Azerbaijani town of Khojaly on February 25-26, 1992, as a crime of genocide (crime against humanity).

The petition is accessible at http://bit.ly/2n0cOY3

Late into the night of February 25, 1992, Khojaly came under intensive fire from the towns of Khankendi and Askeran already occupied by Armenian armed forces. The Armenian forces, supported by the ex-Soviet 366th regiment, completed the surrounding of the town already isolated due to ethnic cleansing of the Azerbaijani population of the neighboring regions. The joint forces occupied the town, which was ruined by heavy artillery shelling.

Of 3,000 people who were in the town of Khojaly at the moment of the Armenian attack 613 were killed, including 106 women, 63 children and 70 elders. 487 people were severely wounded, including 76 children. 1,275 people were captured and subjected to unprecedented torture, the fate of 197 people still remains unknown. Eight families were totally annihilated, 130 children lost one and 25 lost both parents.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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30 March 2017 15:36 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that there is no information about the Moscow meeting of the Azerbaijani and Armenian Foreign Ministers yet.

We dont have information that such a meeting is planned to be held soon, Zakharova said at a briefing on March 30.

The OSCE Minsk Groups co-chairmen visited Azerbaijan on March 10-11 and met with the countrys leadership. The MG visited Yerevan on March 27.

Armenia and Azerbaijan fought a lengthy war that ended with the signing of a fragile ceasefire in 1994. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities. Since the war, Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions.

The OSCE Minsk Group, established in 1994 and co-chaired by Moscow, Washington and Paris, could not arrange for a meaningful pathway forward to end the conflict and start moving toward the end of the occupation.

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30 March 2017 17:40 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The situation on the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops remains dangerous and this is due to continuation of Armenias military and political provocations against Azerbaijan, said Bahar Muradova, Vice Speaker of Azerbaijans Parliament and head of the Azerbaijani delegation to the OSCE PA.

Muradova has voiced concerns over the tense situation on the frontline in her appeal addressed to OSCE PA President Christine Muttonen.

Pointing to Armenia's strengthening of positions in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan and Armenian presidents participation in the ongoing military exercises there, as well as his provocative statements against Azerbaijan, Muradova noted the importance of international organizations expression of a single unique solution in this regard.

Recently, Armenia has openly reinforced and expanded its military positions in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, as well as directed military equipment to those territories. This proofs Armenias illegal use of force against Azerbaijan, the appeal reads.

Moreover, the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan attended the last stage of the large-scale military exercises on March 25. Thus, he illegally visited occupied territories of Azerbaijan and "awarded soldiers, who distinguished themselves in carrying out combat tasks". Sargsyan's statement that "today, if necessary, the Supreme commander of Armenia will not hesitate to give the order to use Iskander missiles against Azerbaijan" is a clear indication of Armenias violation of the Bishkek Protocol, which is the basic document for the ceasefire, the appeal further reads.

Muradova stressed that Sargsyan's statement has revealed the true intentions of Armenia and showed that Armenia is not interested in resolving the conflict through negotiations.

While civilized politicians and parliamentarians are looking for ways of establishing peace and security in the world, the leadership of Armenia, through provocative and aggressive rhetoric, continues to breach its obligations, which are imposed on the country within international law and processes on settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict.

I think that the observers within the pre-election mission to Armenia, in particular the representatives of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, should reflect in their reports such cases that dont meet general standards of elections, Muradova said in her appeal.

Muradova further added that to prevent gross violations of basic principles of relations between the states, international organizations, including the OSCE PA, should demonstrate a unified position and express an unequivocal attitude to events, as reflected in the Helsinki Final Act.

Armenia broke out a lengthy war against Azerbaijan laying territorial claims on its South Caucasus neighbor. Since a war in the early 1990s, Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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31 March 2017 00:02 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

1918 went into history of Azerbaijan as one of the bloodiest pages. Ninety-nine years ago Armenian nationalists with the support of the Bolsheviks committed genocide of Azerbaijanis in Baku and its environs. Bloody events soon spread out covering the entire territory of Azerbaijan.

Bloody streets full of corpses opened a horrifying scene in the capital Baku... Armenians killed Azerbaijanis in every corner of the city just because they were Azerbaijanis.

Professor Ali Hasanov, Assistant of the Azerbaijani President for Public and Political Affairs, Doctor of Science in History in his book gives information about the settlement of Armenians in the territory of Azerbaijan.

Resettlement of the Armenians to Azerbaijani lands

The policy of ethnic cleansing, genocide and aggression deliberately carried out by Armenian nationalists against Azerbaijani people over the past two centuries represents extremely painful and tragic stages in the history of Azerbaijan, including bloody events.



The main objective of this nationalist and chauvinist policy was to oust the Azerbaijanis from their ancestral lands and to create a fictional state of "Great Armenia" on Azerbaijani territories. Historical facts indicate that the resettlement of numerous Armenians from Iran and Turkey to the mountainous part of Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, which represented tremendous importance in strategic terms, was carried out from the beginning of the 19th century. Over this period, the Imperial Russia, which sought to establish control over the region's vast natural resources, used the "Armenian factor" as a political tool in the war against Turkey and Iran in the late 19th and early 19th century, the historian writes.

A significant increase in the number of the Armenians in the mountainous part of Karabakh took place in the 1920s, especially after the Russian occupation of the South Caucasus. As a result of mass resettlement of the Armenians in the Russian-Iranian war of 1804-1813 and 1826-1828, the Russian-Turkish war of 1828-1829, and then from Iran, Turkey and South Azerbaijan to the South Caucasus, their numbers here started to increase with every year.

A total of 124,000 Armenians were initially resettled to the mountainous part of Karabakh officially, followed by a large number of those resettled unofficially. Overall, more than 200,000 Armenians were resettled to the mountainous part of Karabakh in 1828-1830s.

Armenian genocide against the Azerbaijanis in the early 20th century

The process of resettlement, which was an integral part of the colonial policy of czarist Russia, continued throughout the 19th century and eventually influenced the demographic situation in the region, according to Hasanov.

The artificial increase of the number of Armenians in the region contributed to the fact that starting from the beginning of the 20th century they began to put forward territorial claims and pursue an aggressive policy against Azerbaijan.

In the early 20th century, Armenian nationalists expanded their activities towards the idea of a "Great Armenia" put forward by the Dashnaktsutyun Party, systematically expelled Azerbaijanis from their historical lands and native homes and embarked on a policy of ethnic cleansing and genocide. For example, in 1905-1906 the Armenians committed massacres against Azerbaijani civilians in Baku, Ganja, Karabakh, Erivan, Nakhchivan, Ordubad, Sharur-Daralayaz, Tiflis, Zangezur, Gazakh and other places, perpetrated ruthless massacres against the local population, burned and destroyed cities and villages. Armenian armed forces destroyed more than 200 Azerbaijani villages in Shusha, Zangezur and Jabrayil district, Erivan and Ganja provinces, tens of thousands of our compatriots were expelled from their homes and became refugees and IDPs. After indiscriminately killing more than 200,000 Azerbaijanis (children, women and the elderly), the Armenians carried out ethnic cleansing to create an Armenian state on these territories promised to them by czarist Russia. Thus, the Armenians who also enjoyed the patronage of czarism during World War One, continued to inflict punishment on Azerbaijanis.

After the developments that occurred in Russia in February and October of 1917, the Dashnaktsutyun Party and the Armenian National Congress launched even wider activities.

In early 1918, i.e. on the eve of the March massacre, the number of Armenian armed forces that reported directly to the Shaumyan constituted nearly 20,000 people. With the support of the Bolsheviks, including Lenin, Shaumyan became the leader of the Baku Commune. On 30 March of that year, Armenian-Bolshevik units subjected Baku to volley fire from ships. Then armed Dashnaks attacked the homes of Azerbaijanis and staged merciless slaughter. On March 31 and in the first days of April, the carnage became even more ruthless. Thousands of Azerbaijani civilians were killed only because of their ethnicity. In those days, Armenian-Bolshevik units destroyed 12,000 Azerbaijani civilians in Baku. During those bloody events people were burned in their homes, killed and tortured with unparalleled cruelty.

As a result of an armed attack by the Armenians, more than 16,000 people were killed with utmost cruelty in Guba province in the first five months of 1918, a total of 167 villages were destroyed, of which 35 do not exist to this day. The facts of mass extermination of the Azerbaijanis of Guba district by Armenian-Dashnak gangs have been recently proven again. Thus, the discovery in 2007 of mass graves in Guba is a fact confirming Armenian vandalism. The study of the burial site has revealed that during an Armenian armed attack on Guba in 1918 people were subjected to unprecedented violence and killed with cruelty. The grave contains remains of mass burials of local residents. It should also be noted that Armenian armed forces under the command of Amazasp also slaughtered the local Jews along with the Turkic-Muslim population. The research has established that in 1918-1919 the Armenians massacred about 3,000 Jews in Guba.

In addition, hundreds of settlements were destroyed and burned in Azerbaijan, including more than 150 villages in Karabakh. A ruthless massacre of the Azerbaijanis was perpetrated in Shusha. In March-April 1918, Armenian Dashnaks tortured and killed about 50,000 people in Baku and other regions of Azerbaijan. More than 10,000 people were ruthlessly slaughtered in Zangezur district, 10,270 in Shamakhi district and 18,270 Azerbaijanis in the city of Shamakhi.

In 1918-1920, of the 575,000 Azerbaijanis living on the territory of the present-day Armenia, 565,000 people were killed and expelled from their native lands. Confirming this figure in a book called "Population of Soviet Armenia in 1831-1931", Z. Korkodyan writes that "in 1920 the Soviet government inherited a little more than 10,000 Turkic (Azerbaijani) population from the Dashnaks. In 1922, after the return of 60,000 Azerbaijanis refugees there were 72,596 people and 105,838 in 1931." In the last two months of 1919, a total of 96 villages were destroyed in Echmiadzin and Surmali districts, all villages in Erivan district and 132,000 Azerbaijanis in Erivan province.

Overall, as a result of the incessant and ruthless massacres unleashed by the Armenians in 1918-1920, tens of thousands of Azerbaijanis were killed and more than a million people were expelled from their native lands in Baku, Guba, Shamakhi, Lankaran, Kurdamir and Shusha, on the territory of Erivan province, Zangezur, Nakhchivan, Sharur, Ordubad, Kars and other regions. When committing these atrocities on historical Azerbaijani lands, the Armenians burned schools and mosques and destroyed samples of material culture.

Territorial claims and military aggression of Armenia against Azerbaijan in the late 20th century

In the late 1980s the Armenians with the help of their patrons in the near and far abroad and using the situation to implement the idea of "Great Armenia", made territorial claims to the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. Whenever territorial claims to Karabakh were brought forth from the outside under the influence of propaganda, incitement and pressure by the Armenian side, they did not occur immediately, but even before that were prudently prepared by supporters in Yerevan and in the West, also on the basis of a comprehensive plan.

In Soviet times, central authorities have launched a deliberate propaganda campaign against Azerbaijan, which formed a negative public opinion. Armenian ideologists and their inspirers brazenly manipulated information about the history and socio-economic development of Azerbaijan. When the events of 1988 just started, long rallies and demonstrations were organized, the work of enterprises was halted in Khankendi and Yerevan under a deliberate plan to annex the Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia under the pretext of economic backwardness of the region which was elaborated by Armenian politicians, who were trying to aggravate the situation and mislead the public opinion, and their patrons in the center.

However, subsequent events showed that a false thesis on the socio-economic plight of the Nagorno-Karabakh professed by Armenian politicians and their patrons in the center, was just a pretext, while the main goal was the territorial claims of Armenia against Azerbaijan. Armenian-Azerbaijani ethnic hostilities escalated in the second half of 1980, when the Azerbaijani community of the Nagorno-Karabakh was brutally attacked.

Unfortunately, nobody stopped the Armenian separatists at the beginning, and it just escalated the situation. As a result, receiving both Armenian and Russian material and military support, Armenians committed mass killings of Azerbaijani civilians and these bloody crimes against the Azerbaijanis led to a further widening of the conflict and its expansion into a full-fledged war.

In 1991 the tension in the mountainous part of Karabakh started to gradually worsen. Socio-political situation has already foreshadowed the approach of a major disaster.

In general, from 1988 to 1991, that is, from the beginning of the events until the collapse of the Soviet Union, patronized by the ruling circles of the USSR, Armenia pursued an aggressive policy against Azerbaijan. As a result of this policy, the Azerbaijani civilians were killed, their villages were destroyed, burned and looted. Aggressive state artificially instilled Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh region the idea of separation from Azerbaijan and unification with Armenia. To achieve this goal the Armenians subjected to genocide 50,000 Azerbaijanis of Nagorno-Karabakh and forced them to leave their homeland. During these years, Armenians committed 2,559 clashes, 315 armed attacks and 1,388 fires, killing 514 and injuring 1,318 people in the Nagorno-Karabakh.

At the same time during this period as a result of ethnic cleansing an estimated 250,000 civilians living in 185 Azerbaijani villages in Armenia were subjected to aggression and were forced to leave their homes. It was an action of ethnic cleansing, 216 Azerbaijanis were savagely killed, thousands of women, children and old people were injured and property was looted.

In the beginning of 1992, the Armenian army occupied the last Azerbaijani villages in the Nagorno-Karabakh.

Currently, more than 20 percent of Azerbaijani territory is under occupation of the Armenian armed forces.



The aggressive policy of the Armenian armed forces was accompanied by mass slaughters. Thus, in the years 1988-1993 as a result of a military aggression of Armenia more than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed, over 100,000 people were injured and 50,000 people became disabled. During the conflict 4,853 people went missing, 1,357 of them were released and 783 are still in captivity in Armenia. According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, 439 people were killed in captivity.

Genocide committed by Armenians in the late 20th century in Khojaly, is regarded as one of the most serious crimes against humanity and civilization. In the history of humanity, the Khojaly tragedy is comparable to tragedies in Khatyn, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, My Lai, Rwanda, Srebrenica, as well as the Holocaust, which will never be erased from historical memory. These massacres are considered the acts of genocide against the civilian population and caused a wide resonance in the world.

Azerbaijan's Ombudsman Elmira Suleymanova said that the genocide committed on March 31, 1918, has not received duly legal assessment on the international arena.

The purpose of the genocide policy, ethnic cleansing and deportation purposefully carried out by Armenian nationalists and their patrons against Azerbaijanis for more than two centuries, is to drive Azerbaijanis from their historical lands so that to create "Great Armenia in these territories," she said.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



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30 March 2017 09:47 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan` national idea in global transformation period book by Academician, head of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan, Ramiz Mehdiyev has been published in Moscow, Russia.

The book analyses the establishment of independent Azerbaijani state in the end of the 20th century, as well as formation of the national identity in modern period.

In his book, Ramiz Mehdiyev highlights role of youth in establishment of Azerbaijan`s future.

Academician Mehdiyev says that Azerbaijan has gained global influence thanks to President Ilham Aliyev's wise and consistent policy.

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30 March 2017 10:54 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

A conference entitled "Multiculturalism and intercultural dialogue: Swiss and Azerbaijani models" has been held Bern.

The event was co-organized by the Azerbaijani Embassy in Switzerland and the House of Religions - Dialogue between Cultures association.

An Azerbaijani delegation led by First Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijan State Committee for Religious Organizations Sayyad Salahli attended the conference.

Azerbaijani Ambassador to Switzerland Akram Zeynalli, in his opening remarks, described Azerbaijan as the crossroads of various religions and cultures, where representatives of various nationalities and confessions live in peace, tranquility, mutual understanding and dialogue.

Providing an insight into the Azerbaijani government's policy towards various religious communities, Salahli highlighted the historical national and spiritual values cherished in Azerbaijan.

President of the House of Religions - Dialogue between Cultures association Gerda Hauck drew the audience`s attention to multiculturalism and inter-faith relations in Switzerland.

Chief of the Analytical Department of the Baku International Multiculturalism Center Rashad Ilyasov spoke of the activity of the center.

Chairman of the Religious Community of Mountain Jews in Baku Milikh Yevdayev highlighted the formation of the Jewish community and their current lifestyle in Azerbaijan. He hailed the Azerbaijani government`s attention to the Jewish community.

Representative of the Caucasus Muslims Office Simran Hasanov hailed the role of the Muslim community in Azerbaijan in protecting mutual respect and co-existence model enjoyed by members of different religions.

Bulgarian Ambassador to Switzerland Meglena Plugtschieva-Alexandrova noted that she eye-witnessed tolerance environment in Azerbaijan.

She hailed First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva's special attention to multicultural and inter-faith dialogue, saying she is closely involved in the implementation of several large projects even beyond the country's borders.

The conference also featured a documentary titled "Azerbaijan - land of tolerance."

The conference was followed by the launch of "Features of state-religion relations in Azerbaijan" exhibition.

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30 March 2017 10:29 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Over the centuries, Azerbaijan has shown the possibility of peaceful coexistence among diverse faith groups, said Marcia Bronstein, regional director of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) in Philadelphia, in her article published by the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Bronstein has recently visited Azerbaijan as a participant in a Muslim/Jewish womens bridge-building trip.

Muslims and Jews, Shiites and Sunnis, all live together in peace, harmony, and dignity in Azerbaijan, says the article.

The author noted that multiculturalism leads to mutual collaboration and respect among the various components of the Azerbaijani society, provides a source of vitality to the public and civil life of the country and propels its citizens to work cooperatively for the common good.

According to Bronstein, the model of respecting differences and honoring diversity are strong practices and beliefs, held for generations, and the basis of forming deep friendships among Azerbaijani citizens.

Pope Francis, on an official visit to Azerbaijan last fall, praised the country's culture, harmony, and peaceful coexistence, says the article.

Coexistence is alive and well and thriving as a model for us in Azerbaijan, added the author.

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South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem described the U.S. border with Mexico as a war zone last year when she sent dozens of state National Guard troops there. Noem said theyd be on the front lines of stopping drug smugglers and human traffickers. But newly released records from the National Guard show that in their two-month deployment, the South Dakota troops didnt seize any drugs and sometimes went days without encountering any migrants at all. Noem justified the deployment and a widely criticized private donation to fund as a state emergency because of drugs making their way across the southern border to South Dakota. But the records cast doubt on whether the deployment was effective in addressing that.
30 March 2017 12:48 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

The CIS Foreign Ministers Council plans to consider 16 issues at the meeting in the Uzbek capital of Tashkent scheduled for April 7.

A draft statement by foreign ministers on the inadmissibility of discrimination and intolerance against Christians, Muslims and representatives of other faiths is among the most relevant issues, according to the website of the CIS Executive Committee.

The Russian side is the developer of the statement and the initiator of its adoption.

The document, in particular, notes the importance of establishing mutual tolerance and respect among citizens, who profess different religions and refuse to profess any, between religious organizations of different faiths, preventing religious fanaticism or extremism and actions aimed at opposing and aggravating relations, inciting hatred between various denominations.

Besides, the results of the multi-level inter-ministerial consultations in 2016 will be summed up and the plan for 2017 will be approved. This year, it is planned to hold traditional consultations on cooperation in international organizations, the information sphere, counteracting contemporary challenges and threats, disarmament issues and issues of economic cooperation.

Moreover, the Council of Ministers will decide on the implementation of the program "Cultural Capitals of the Commonwealth" in 2018 in Armenia (Goris), in 2019 in Belarus (Brest), and in 2020 in Kazakhstan (Shymkent).

The heads of the foreign affairs agencies will also consider the issue of giving the Nizhny Novgorod Academy of the Russian Interior Ministry the status of the basic organization responsible for the training of personnel for tax (financial) investigation on educational programs in higher education and additional professional programs.

The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was created in December 1991. The CIS united Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine.

However, in 2008 Georgia withdrew its membership.

The CIS has few supranational powers but aims to be more than a purely symbolic organization, nominally possessing coordinating powers in the realm of trade, finance, lawmaking, and security.

Integration of the countries in the framework of the CIS is executed through its coordinating institutions (charter bodies, executive bodies and the bodies of branch cooperation of the CIS).

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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30 March 2017 11:20 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has signed an order providing funding for the construction of Saatli-MusaliDeliler  Novruzlu highway in the Saatli region.

Under the presidential order, 3.8 million manats were allocated from the 2017 State Budget for the construction of the road, which links 6 residential areas with the total population of 12,000 people.

President Aliyev visited the region on March 28. Within the framework of the visit, President Aliyev attended a ceremony to launch water supply systems in the region, cotton plantation in Giragli village, attended the opening of newly renovated Saatli-Sarijalar-Gara Nuru-Shirinbayli-Fatalikand-Azadkand highway, inaugurated newly built Sarijalar substation, and attended the inauguration of an orphanage-kindergarten, whose construction was initiated by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

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30 March 2017 16:40 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Azerbaijan is not only a strategic partner of Israel, but also an example of interreligious and interethnic tolerance, said Avigdor Lieberman, Israels Defense Minister.

He made the remarks in his congratulatory speech on the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Israel, Trend reported.

Lieberman went on to say that friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Israel are becoming stronger, and this undoubtedly benefits both countries.

He noted that cooperation between the two countries is based on mutual interests.

I am very proud that I had the opportunity to contribute to positive development and strengthening of the relations between our countries, Lieberman said. I felt myself like at home during my frequent visits to Azerbaijan. I met a number of officials, and first of all, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. This allowed us to significantly strengthen cooperation in such areas as high technology, agriculture, energy, etc.

The minister stressed that the Jewish community living in Azerbaijan has always felt itself in a safe and friendly environment.

This community, as well as the people from Azerbaijan living in Israel, have played and continue to play the role of a strong bridge between the two countries, Lieberman said.

He expressed hope that bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Israel will continue to grow.

In this context, Lieberman mentioned the efforts of the Israel-Azerbaijan International Association (AZIZ), which plays a very important role in establishing and maintaining relations between the two countries.

Lieberman also expressed hope that Azerbaijan and Israel will closely and beneficially cooperate for many more years and wished peace and prosperity to the two countries.

Being a Muslim majority country, Azerbaijan is a home to a big Jewish community. The countrys north region of Guba is home to Azerbaijan's largest community of Mountain Jews, who live in Krasnaya Sloboda (Red Town).

The two countries cooperate not only in trade and economic sphere (Israel imports Azerbaijani oil through the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline), but also had broad interaction in military and military-technical spheres.

During the recent visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in mid-December, the two countries signed agreements on standardization, double taxation and agricultural cooperation. Israel is in the tenth place in terms of Azerbaijan's trade turnover with other countries.

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30 March 2017 13:06 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Russias Gazprom and Uzbekistan agreed to sign a medium-term contract for the purchase of Uzbek gas, Chairman of Gazprom Management Committee Alexey Miller said when summarizing the results of his recent meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The deal is expected to be a five-year contract on a price formula, while the volumes were not disclosed.

Russia bought 6.2 billion cubic meters of gas from Uzbekistan in 2016. Reportedly, it plans to buy five billion cubic meters of gas in 2017.

Mirziyoyev and Miller also considered promising projects for further expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation on the development of Uzbekistans oil and gas complex, including within the framework of the adopted program to increase hydrocarbon output for 2017-2021.

The press service of the Uzbek president reported that Mirziyoyev expressed satisfaction with the high level of long-term cooperation with Gazprom, and Miller expressed gratitude for the support to joint projects and the readiness to develop full-scale cooperation with Uzbekistan.

Meanwhile, Gazprom will continue work on existing projects, in particular, on the Shakhpakhty project in Ustyurt, where more than 3.5 billion cubic meters of gas have been produced to date. The current production sharing agreement (PSA) on this project will be extended for additional five years.

In August 2004, Gazprom started the natural gas production at the Shakhpakhty field in Ustyurt with design capacity of 500 million cubic meters based on a PSA with a 15-year term.

An agreement was also reached on the resumption of work on the gas condensate field Jel, discovered by Gazprom in 2009. It is planned to sign a PSA within this project that will be based on results of the projects feasibility study.

Moreover, Gazprom is taking part in the implementation of projects to study and develop the fields of Gissar region, on utilization of associated petroleum gas, as well as the development of activities of the countrys leading industrial design institute  UzLITIneftegaz.

Uzbekistan and Gazprom also intend to intensify the exchange of experience in the field of design work and personnel training for the gas industry.

Uzbekistan has vast resources of oil and natural gas. The country also ranks among the world's largest natural gas producers. The primary partner of Gazprom Group in Uzbekistan is National Holding Company (NHC) Uzbekneftegaz.

Gazprom launched implementation of projects in Uzbekistan in December 2002, following the agreement on strategic cooperation in the gas industry with Uzbekneftegaz. Joint development of the Shakhpakhty field, which was put into operation in April 1971, became a pioneer project.

Gazprom continues to look for potential oil and gas targets in different regions of Uzbekistan, as well as unallocated investment blocks offered to foreign companies, which may also be of interest to Gazprom.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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30 March 2017 12:15 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Fourteen different options have been evaluated for the landfall of Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) project in Italy, said the countrys Environment Minister Gian Luca Galletti, Italian media reported.



As for the protests held in Italys Puglia region due to the removal of olive trees as part of construction of the pipeline, the minister expressed confidence that common sense will prevail in the end.



The minister recalled that once the construction work is completed, these olive trees will be replanted.



Earlier, Italian Council of State gave green light to construction of TAP in the country, rejecting appeals from the Puglia regional government.



The Council of State ruled that the TAP project had provided sufficient details on the environmental impact of the project.



To avoid any impact on the San Foca beach in Italy, TAP is building a 1.5km micro-tunnel. This state-of-the-art engineering minimizes environmental impact and renders the pipeline invisible.



To start building the micro-tunnel  at a site approximately 800m inland from the beach  TAP, as a first step, needs to move and store 231 olive trees, which will later be replanted at the same location.



To enable building the micro-tunnel, TAP will move 211 olive trees as a first step. As a second step, TAP will then move and store an additional approximately 2,000 olive trees along the pipelines 8km route, from the micro-tunnel exit to the Pipeline Receiving Terminal (PRT).



Once the pipeline construction activities are completed in 2019, the olive trees will be brought back and planted in their original perimeter.



TAP is a part of the Southern Gas Corridor which is one of the priority energy projects for the European Union.



TAP project envisages transportation of gas from the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz gas and condensate field to the EU countries.



The pipeline will be connected to the Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) on the Turkish-Greek border, run through Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Italy's south.



TAP will be 878 kilometers in length (Greece 550 km, Albania 215 km, Adriatic Sea 105 km, and Italy 8 km). Its highest point will be 1,800 meters in Albanias mountains, while its lowest point will be 820 meters beneath the sea.

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30 March 2017 15:25 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Uzbekistan and Ukraine signed contracts totaling over $ 47.4 million following the Uzbek-Ukrainian business meeting in Kiev, the Uzbek Foreign Ministry reported.

The forum was attended by representatives of more than 50 enterprises of the textile, chemical, electrical and construction industries of the two countries.

The Ukrainian side was informed about socio-economic development of Uzbekistan, perspective directions of cooperation, favorable conditions for doing business and production of export-oriented products.

Following the results of the bilateral meetings, commercial contracts for the supply of motor vehicles, textiles, electrical appliances, building materials and tobacco products to Ukraine for a total of more than $ 47.4 million were signed.

A contract for the delivery of technological equipment of the Dnipropress enterprise to Uzbekistan for the structure of Uzpahtasanoat JSC worth $2 million and a memorandum between Uzhimprom and GFT Ltd on the organization of production facilities of liquid fertilizers and biopreparations in Uzbekistan were signed.

To implement systemic deliveries of dry, fresh and processed fruit and vegetable products to the Ukrainian market, an agreement was reached between Uzagroexport JSC and B.T.S.-import LLC on establishing a joint trading house in Kiev.

During the nine months of 2016, the volume of bilateral trade between Uzbekistan and Ukraine has decreased by 20 percent as compared to the same period of 2015, amounting to about $180 million.

The Uzbek import of Ukrainian products mainly consists of iron and steel, the products of the light and chemical industries, as well as agricultural products. Uzbekistan supplies to Ukraine various types of engineering products, chemical products, pharmaceuticals and agricultural products.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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A North Dakota Senate committee approved a bill Wednesday to pay Gov. Doug Burgum a handful of change for his work as the states chief executive.

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the governors office budget bill with a provision that sets the governors salary at $1. It is effective until the end of Burgums first term in December 2020 or until someone else takes the office, whichever comes first.

The bill comes after Burgum, a Republican and wealthy businessman from Fargo, said during last years campaign that he would give his salary back to taxpayers. It was unclear how the governor would follow through on that promise, and previously said he may donate his salary to charity if he wasnt legally able to refuse it.

Appropriations Committee Chairman Sen. Ray Holmberg, R-Grand Forks, said legal counsel informed lawmakers they couldnt let Burgum work for free.

Current law sets the governors salary at $132,964. Holmberg said the rest of Burgums salary would go to the states general fund at the end of the upcoming biennium if theres no change in office.

The Senate Appropriations Committee gave the governors office budget bill a unanimous do pass recommendation, Holmberg said. It still has to be considered by the full Senate, and the House would have to agree to the salary provision.

Burgum spokesman Mike Nowatzki said the Senate amendment was acceptable. He said the governor has accepted his salary since February and has been waiting to see what actions the Legislature might take.

He would pay back any money hes been paid so far from his salary if the amendment is included in the final bill, Nowatzki said.
The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation is seeking a greater share of oil tax revenue to offset impacts of energy development on the reservation.

Chairman Mark Fox said he continues to have concerns about changes North Dakota legislators made to the oil tax in 2015 and hes meeting with the governor and legislators to find a solution in the final weeks of the legislative session.

Were greatly concerned with these unilateral changes that the state is attempting to make to our oil and gas agreement, yet it says right in there that they have to be done together, mutually, Fox said in an interview this week.

The Three Affiliated Tribes have not signed a new tax sharing agreement with the state after legislators voted in 2015 to reduce the overall tax on oil production from 11 percent to 10 percent, a change tribal leaders opposed.

Now Fox is advocating that the tribe receive a greater share of tax revenue for oil produced on trust lands.

At a minimum, we should reformulate how revenue is shared so that revenue comes back to the tribes to deal with our problems, Fox said.

Fort Berthold, which accounts for about one-sixth of the states oil production, struggles to have enough resources to fix roads, deal with increases of crime and other issues related to the increase in oil development, Fox said.

Currently, the state and the tribe each receive 50 percent of tax revenue for oil produced on trust and fee lands within Fort Berthold.

Prior to 2015, the state received 80 percent of the oil tax revenue from fee lands on the reservation and the tribe received 20 percent, while the trust revenue was split 50-50, said Tax Commissioner Ryan Rauschenberger.

For 2017-19, oil tax revenue on Fort Berthold trust lands is projected to be $468 million, which the state and tribe would split equally under the current agreement, Rauschenberger said.

Tribal leaders are seeking a share greater than 50 percent for oil production on trust lands and plan to work with state leaders on the details, Fox said.

But giving the tribe a greater share would have a negative impact for North Dakotas budget, which legislators are already struggling to balance due to revenue shortfalls.

If the state and the tribe cant reach an agreement this legislative session, the Tribal Business Council would consider leaving the tax agreement and implementing its own tax on oil production, Fox said.

That would create a system of dual taxation at Fort Berthold, a situation the state and the tribe have wanted to avoid because it could deter oil development on the reservation.

Some members of the Senate voiced concerns this week about changes legislators proposed to the oil tax agreement, with Sen. Richard Marcellais, D-Belcourt, comparing it to broken treaties with the U.S. government.

But Sen. Kelly Armstrong, R-Dickinson, said the tribe likely would have left the tax sharing agreement if the Legislature hadnt acted in 2015 to remove tax breaks known as triggers that would have kicked in while oil prices were low.

It was abundantly clear that if the trigger hit, the tribe was going to violate the agreement as well, Armstrong said.

The North Dakota Petroleum Council estimates the oil industry has paid about $40 million more each month in taxes with those oil price-based tax breaks removed.

The tribe also believes its entitled to half of the 1 percent tax that wasnt collected on oil produced in 2016 due to the Legislatures action, Fox said. The Tribal Business Council adopted a resolution earlier this year to collect that tax from oil companies, but the tribe is still working to implement that policy, Fox said.

Were trying our best to stay in the agreement, Fox said. But if the state just refuses to change things to allow us to benefit more, then weve got to make hard choices to realize more revenue one way or another.
Baptist mission in Hungary

The European Baptist Federation (EBF) is partnering Baptists in Hungary to support several exciting church plants, Daniel Trusiewicz reports





A typical EBF Mission Partnerships church plant is located in Eastern Europe or the Middle East. But this time the focus is on the mission work in Central Europe. It is very good that the EBF can encompass diversity and provide opportunity for missional cooperation.

Baptists in Hungary

Hungary is inhabited by about 10 million citizens and nearly two thirds of the population confesses allegiance to a church, but only about 10% practice their faith.



There are also several ethnic minorities including the Germans, Jews, Mongols, Roma, Romanians, and Slovaks.



The Baptist faith arrived to Hungary thanks to Johann Gerhard Oncken who had influenced Janos Rottmayer while in Hamburg. Rottmayer and his mission team were sent back in May 1846 with the purpose of spreading the gospel which became a milestone in the history of the newly founded Hungarian Baptist Mission.



The Baptist mission work in Hungary has successfully continued until ever since. There are now about 12,000 Baptists in the country.



The EBF is partnering with the Baptist Union of Hungary to support several indigenous church planters who regularly deliver reports that include some fascinating stories. They organize exciting evangelistic activities, initiate a follow up

personal contacts with new people, perform baptisms of new believers etc. Here are some excerpts from their recent reports:



Zoltan, church planter in Torokbalint:

A number of new people have come and some have been attracted to stay. One of them is Adam who was baptized last autumn. He now enthusiastically influences many of his friends and invites them to church.



Last autumn together with the Hungarian Baptist Aid we organized an outreach event in the local sport arena that ended up with a concert by Christian musicians. Many people had an opportunity to hear the Good News which touched them very much. We are planning to do similar events in future.



I personally managed to initiate evangelistic contacts with at least 10 new people. I continue to meet with them regularly and we talk about our lives in the light of Bible teaching. There are plans to develop a follow up through one on one meetings and house groups which eventually results in mature commitment and increasing support to leadership team.



Our ministry is done in cooperation with the mother church from Budaors. Since the distance is not far so an increasing number of people attend the services and the network of contacts has been widening.



Atilla, church planter in Tatabanya:

In summer of 2016 we again had a baptismal service, as Nikoletta publically confirmed her faith and joined our fellowship. Another joyful event was the dedication service of a new born child. Even greater joy for us was that the mother of that child understood the essentials of faith and surrendered her life to the Lord. This happened in a meeting where we usually discuss the basic truths of the Bible.



The most committed core of the fellowship are 12 persons, and each of them prays for 10 other persons they would like to reach with the Gospel. Our team gained a new co-worker!



Livia does practical tasks with regard to new contacts and spiritual counselling of women. We also provide a practical training for one theological student who is currently doing his practicum with us. He sometimes preaches on Sundays, leads the midweek Bible studies and is involved in the social work.



This year we have been discussing the balance between evangelism and discipleship in order to improve our ministry. We consider the evangelism a matter of life style versus single events and emphasize the value of personal evangelism.



Our regular meetings happen three times a week: a Sunday Service, a midweek house group with Bible study and a leadership meeting for planning and evaluation of our performance. In addition there are also one on one meetings between leaders and members or inquirers. The fellowship is comprised of 9 baptized members and 10 other persons associated with the fellowship as well as 10 children.



Tsevel, church planter among Mongolian migrants:

The Mongolian speaking church in Budapest was started in 2006. It happens that I am the only ordained Mongolian pastor in Europe who can preach the gospel in that language.



There are about 20 thousand of Mongolians in Western Europe. Besides Budapest there are significant Mongolian Christian groups in Czech Republic (Prague, Ostrava), in Austria (Linz, Vienna), in England (London, Manchester), also in France, Switzerland and Sweden. They have developed a network and meet for annual conferences.



The free Christian activity in Mongolia has been developing since 1991 when Mongolia became independent from the former communist rule. There are now about 600 local congregations in Mongolia with the total of about 50 thousand members and the typical in Europe denominations are not existent there.



My family comes from the Buddhist background. In 2000 I went to a Christian church for the first time in my life and the contact person was a school mate of my daughter. Five years later I and my wife went to Mongolia after being absent there for about 15 years and visited a Christian church which had a tremendous influence on us. Eventually we both became Christians by submitting our lives to Christ. Until then we had not known any Christians in Mongolia.



After returning to Budapest we started a home group and one year later a Mongolian church was established. Soon after that we invited a Christian pastor from Mongolia who spent about one month in Hungary ministering among his kinsmen.



Thanks to that hundreds of them heard the gospel and many became Christians. My goal is to reach out to the Mongolian immigrants with the gospel and establish more churches that will be like refuge to our people who often feel perplexed and lonely.



Prayer Requests

Pray that the new church plants in Hungary will continue growing strong.

Pray that the Christians will reach out successfully to other people.

Pray that the mission work among Mongolian people will make progress.

Daniel Trusiewicz is the European Baptist Federation Mission Coordinator. This report first appeared on the website of the European Baptist Federation and is used with permission.

Baptist Times, 30/03/2017
The Florida Hospital in Tampa is the first in the nation to use a virtual technology called "Surgical Theater" to help surgeons remove tumors, which is the only cure for pancreatic cancer, according to Dr. Sharona Ross.

1st patient completed procedure from start to finish earlier this month

Patients can put on virtual headset, see 3D images of internal organs

Technology not new, but not used previously for pancreatic cancer

Florida Hospital Tampa

A St. Petersburg man, Gordon Somsel, 76, was the first pancreatic cancer patient to have the procedure done from start to finish earlier this month.



Somsels wife, Carol, said most surgeons wouldve treated her husbands tumor with chemotherapy because it was lodged against some major blood vessels.



We are thanking God for this experience, because she showed us how close one of the veins was, said Carol. Somebody else couldve very incidentally nicked it and killed Gordy.



Ross said she, too, wouldve avoided the surgery, if it werent for Surgical Theater. The technology allowed her to see exactly what angle to cut out the tumor to avoid nicking those blood vessels.



We were able to peel it off the blood vessels with minimal blood loss and with negative margins. That is incredible, said Ross. I wouldnt have done this robotically before without this technology, because I would think it might be too involved. Wouldnt take the risk.



Somsel said he experienced no pain from the surgery, and was released from the hospital a few days later.



The best thing is the care, well, from Dr. Ross team and the people here on the floor, he said. You can tell theres a lot of respect both ways.



Patients can also put on the virtual headset and see a detailed 3D image of their internal organs. Ross said Surgical Theater has been around for a while for neurosurgery, but this is the first time its being used to treat pancreatic cancer.



Gordon was the first one, she said. The first one from the perspective that we were able to utilize this technology in a holistic way.



Somsel said hes cancer free and looking forward to spending another month in St. Petersburg before moving back to Michigan for the summer.
The case of a 20-year-old medical assistant reportedly secretly recording an elderly couple having sex, now has the attention of a United States senator.

Republican Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa said he heard the news and he wants answers.

This week, Senator Grassley sent a letter to the to the Bristol Court Assisted Living Facility in Saint Petersburg where this happened.

According to investigators 20-year-old Alexis Williams recorded an 81-year-old woman and a 59-year-old man having consensual sex. Reports show she did it without their knowledge and then posted the video on Snapchat. She reportedly told detectives she did it for her amusement. Williams is charged with two counts of video voyeurism.

Now Sen. Grassley wants to hear from Bristol Court Assisted Living facility. This reported behavior, perpetrated against one of the most vulnerable populations in our country, is absolutely abhorrent, he said.

In his letter, he has a list of questions he wants the facility to ask regarding their preventive policies. He asks for:

A description of all social media policies

How such social media policies are currently enforced

A description of all screening before the hiring of new employees

He also asks for a description of all supervisory guidelines that govern employee conduct and how current policies address the violations, which resulted in $6,500 in fines in 2015.

Officials from the facility said those $6,500 in fines were related to the previous ownership. They said new ownership didnt take over until July 2015.

According to the Agency for Health Care Administration, the new company has been cited three times since July 2015. Some of those citations include not properly training staff and failing to give patients proper assistance with medication. AHCA also shows the company corrected those actions after cited.

A Bristol Court Assisted Living Facility official said they dont have any comment on this case involving their two clients and former employee. But they did say Williams was fired as soon as someone reported the video to them back in August. We asked if they plan to respond to the senators letter and they had no comment on that either.

According to the letter, the facility has until April 11 to respond to the senators questions.
April Oregon Coast Highlights: Science, Music Fests, Star Trek/Seinfeld Actress

Published 03/30/2017 at 5:43 AM PDT - Updated 03/30/2017 at 5:33 PM PDT

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff





(Oregon Coast)  When it comes to event highlights, April is one big shimmering calendar along the Oregon coast. There's a bundle of outdoorsy special events, a couple of major music festivals (one which involves lots of birds - hint, hint), an appearance by one of Oregon's most esteemed band directors, and a couple of towns will drop some amazing science on you. There's even an appearance by a famed actress who worked on Seinfeld and two Star Trek series.

April 9 the North Coast Symphonic Band performs in Astoria with the program Muy Caliente. Local players will heat things up with an afternoon of spicy Latin-influenced music. The show is directed by Dr. Dave Becker. He retired from his director position at Lewis & Clark College a few years back, and then moved to Oregon coast part time. He continues to adjudicate or guest conduct music festivals throughout the U.S. and Canada and serves on the Executive Board of the Oregon Music Education Association. In 2017, Becker and his wife Kathy will lead their twelfth Oregon Ambassadors of Music European Concert Tour with over 300 band and choir students and staff from more than 100 Oregon high schools. Call or visit website for ticket info. 2 p.m. Liberty Theater, 1203 Commercial St. Astoria, Oregon. 503-325-5922. liberty-theater.org.

On April 8 it's Marine Science Day. The Hatfield Marine Science Center will open its doors for a behind-the-scenes peek at the cutting-edge research, education and outreach in marine sciences that makes this marine laboratory unique. Meet researchers from Oregon State University and five government agency partners. Explore with interactive science displays presented by marine scientists and special family-friendly activities by Oregon Sea Grant and the Oregon Coast Aquarium. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Hatfield Marine Science Center. 2030 SE Marine Science Drive. Newport, Oregon. 541-867-0100. http://hmsc.oregonstate.edu/.

April 22  23 brings the Crab Feed & Wooden Boat Show to Depoe Bay. Feast on fresh Dungeness and get a gander at an array of handcrafted vessels. Raffles, boat building, and a Ducky Derby will be part of the festivities. Depoe Bay Community Hall. 220 SE Bay St. Depoe Bay, Oregon. 541-270-3944.

April 12 brings another The World of Haystack Rock lecture. This time, it's Tom Horning of Horning Geosciences, who will speak on the subject of Haystack Rocks curious geology. There are some stunning surprises regarding what this rock formation really is. Free. 7 p.m. Cannon Beach Library. 131 N. Hemlock St, Cannon Beach, Oregon.

Above: Liz Cole on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine in the '90s.

On April 5, fans of Seinfeld and Star Trek will be in for a treat with Storytime for Grownups with Liz Cole. In Youll Understand When Youre Older, Famed actress Liz Cole shares stories from our childhood that continue to resonate well into adulthood. Cole played a few roles on Star Trek: the Next Generation and Deep Space Nine. In the latter, she made a strong appearance as a Romulan military commander. Also in the '90s, she was a periodic guest on Seinfeld, best known for being Elaine's judgemental coworker in the Suzy arcs. Hoffman Center. 594 Laneda Ave. Manzanita, Oregon. 503-368-3846. hoffmanblog.org.

On April 1, 2, 29 and 20, get ready to be amazed about Oregon coast tide pools. That's when a pair of local beach experts will be leading Lincoln City's Tide Pool Clinics, a guided search for fascinating finds in the rocky areas close to the tideline. When the tide gradually recedes along the beach, exposed rocks reveal small pools of water where colorful, exotic creatures reside. Sea stars live side by side with sea anemones, sea urchins and a wide array of creatures stuffed into a small space, creating a cornucopia of colors that surrounds the rocky shores. April 1 at 10:30 a.m., April 2 at 11:30 a.m., April 29 at 9 a.m. and April 30 at 10 a.m. Clinics are held at the NW 15th Street beach access in Lincoln City, one of the most accessible locations for tide pooling on the Oregon coast. For more information on the Tide Pool Clinics, call 800-452-2151 or visit OregonCoast.org.

April 6 is Surfrider Foundations Surf n Stewardship Film Series. The Oregon coast has now reached the 50-year anniversary of Oregons Beach Bill and to mark the occasion the Surfrider Foundation presents A Plastic Ocean, a movie about scientific efforts to rid the oceans of plastic. 6:30 p.m. Rogue Brewers on the Bay. 2320 SE Marine Science Drive. Newport, Oregon.

April 22 to 23 brings the 13th Annual Pacific City Birding and Blues Festival. Spend the weekend or just a day at the 13th Annual Pacific City Birding and Blues Festival. Attend nature presentations, guided birding field trips, a live blues concert, and more. On Friday, free events that include a children's art activity, live birds of prey presentation, and albatross presentation. Keynote speaker is Paul Bannick who will speak about his new book Owl: A Year in the Lives of North American Owls on Saturday. Later in the evening the Eugene-based Joanne Broh Band will bring out your inner funk during their live concert. Pacific City, Oregon. www.birdingandblues.org/

April 28  30. Rainspout: Yachats Music Festival. For three days this cozy coastal town will play host to an assortment of musical ensembles, ranging from jazz to hootenanny. Friday features The Barbara Dzuro Quartet and the Biondi-Russel Band (featuring a tribute to Etta James.) Saturday hots a jam at 11 a.m., The New Folksters, a one-man band, and Mike and Carleen McCornack. On Sunday you'll find a performance by Fiddling Big Sue. Call or visit website for ticket info. Yachats Commons, at 441 N. Coast Hwy 101 (between 4th and 5th on Hwy 101) Yachats, Oregon. 541-265-2514. rainspout.org

On April 22, the Surf & Earth Party in Lincoln City asks: Can we welcome back the good weather yet? Plan to attend this first-ever citywide celebration marking the kickoff of ocean-sports season. Food, live music, a surf movie, and vendors will be on hand to keep spirits high. Free. 6 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center. Highway 101. Lincoln City, Oregon. 541-994-9994.

On April 28 to 30, it's the Astoria Warrenton Crab, Seafood, & Wine Festival. For three whole days anyone with a taste for coastal cuisine and valley vino is welcome to sample some premium delicacies. Throw in music and cunning craftwork and youve got a full afternoon of fun. Friday 4-9 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 92937 Walluski Loop. Astoria, Oregon. Oregon Coast Hotels for these events - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours











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Seven months passed between a Kountze woman's confession that she stole nearly $80,000 from a church and her arrest, according to a Texas Rangers' investigation.

Gerralyn "Gerry" Michelle Coplen, who was a secretary at Kountze First United Methodist Church, is charged with felony theft, according to documents released by the state agency to The Enterprise on Thursday. She is accused of writing herself personal checks from the church's bank account over a two-year period.
Experts predict health savings account will likely remain a key part of the Republicans' healthcare reform plan, according to MedPage Today. HSAs allow patients to save money for healthcare expenses through these tax-free accounts.

Employers often pair HSAs with high-deductible health plans, which Gerard Anderson, PhD, of Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, noted may draw criticism.

Dr. Anderson told MedPage Today, "I think there will ultimately be a backlash against them, because people want coverage when they get sick, and with very high deductibles of $10,000 people are going to say, 'But I didn't get health insurance coverage, because it didn't kick in until [I spent] $5,000 or $8,000.'"

The GOP's American Health Care Act would have made a series of amendments to the ACA, including reversing a provision that increased the tax on Americans using HSAs for non-healthcare pursuits. The AHCA would also have paired over-the-counter medications with other qualified medical expenses that Americans could have paid via their HSAs. Despite the GOP withdrawing the AHCA due to a predicted lack of support, experts say HSAs will not fade away with the law.

Michael Chernew, MD, of Boston-based Harvard University, told MedPage Today, HSAs are likely to take hold in the industry due to the drive for consumer cost-sharing and controlling healthcare spending.

While many Republicans support the HSAs, there are critics including Sara Collins, PhD, of the Commonwealth Fund. Dr. Collins said in an email these accounts benefit wealthier people based on the account's tax layout. Also, Americans with better health can grow their accounts more readily, and therefore would reap the opportunities in HSAs compared to less healthy patients.

MedPage Today reports there is still bipartisan interest in making HSAs work for Americans. One such improvement would be HSAs helping cover preventive services. Representatives Diane Black, R-Tenn., and Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., introduced the "Access to Better Care Act of 2016" which would cover chronic disease management treatment and medications "prior to depletion of an HSA."
The World Health Organization implemented a global initiative, the Global Patient Safety Challenge on Medication Safe, aimed at reducing avoidable medication-associated harm by 50 percent over the next five years, according to News-Medical.

Here are four things to note:

1. The initiative will identify health systems' inefficiencies that result in medication errors.

2. WHO's Global Patient Safety Challenge on Medication Safety will provide ways to improve how providers prescribe medication as well as how patients consume medications.

3. The plan also seeks to bolster patient awareness on improper medication use risks.

4. News-Medical reports that Dr. Margaret Chan, WHO director-general, said, "We all expect to be helped, not harmed, when we take medication," said. "Apart from the human cost, medication errors place an enormous and unnecessary strain on health budgets. Preventing errors saves money and saves lives."
The following hospitals announced or completed plans in the last week to expand, upgrade or renovate their facilities.

1. New $253M St. Elizabeth's Hospital to open in November

A $253 million hospital that will replace the current St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Bellville, Ill., is under construction in O'Fallon, Ill., reports the Belleville News-Democrat.

2. Arkansas hospital to open after-hours clinic

Magnolia (Ark.) Regional Medical Center plans to open an after-hours clinic where patients can be seen for conditions that do not require emergency treatment, according to a report on magnoliareporter.com.

3. Seton Healthcare Family to construct new medical campus

Austin, Texas-based Seton Healthcare Family, part of St. Louis-based Ascension, plans to build a new medical campus in Bastrop, Texas.

4. Despite MD Anderson's financial woes, construction of first freestanding clinic continues

Construction continues on Houston-based MD Anderson Cancer Center's first freestanding clinic, despite its unprecedented financial troubles and the recent resignation of President Ronald DePinho, MD, according to the Houston Chronicle.

5. NYU Langone to repurpose closed job center

NYU Langone Health System in New York City plans to convert a former job center into medical offices, according to a report on brooklyndaily.com.

6. UPMC plans for new hospital move forward

Pittsburgh-based UPMC is one step closer to building a new hospital in Pennsylvania's South Fayette Township, according to a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report.

7. Broadlawns Medical Center to open $22M addition

Des Moines, Iowa-based Broadlawns Medical Center opened its $22 million Broadlawns Medical Plaza on March 27, The Des Moines Register reports.

8. UPMC Altoona opens medical group complex

UPMC Altoona (Pa.) will open its 90,000-square-foot Logan Medical Building in Blair County, WTAJ reports.

9. Florida college lobbies hospital district for funds to build health science center

College of Central Florida in Ocala is asking the Marion County Hospital District to help it fund construction of a health science center, according to a Star-Banner report.

10. Kaiser releases plans for California medical school

Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente revealed plans to replace a former office building and parking lot in Pasadena, Calif., with an 80,000-square-foot medical school, according to the Pasadena Star-News.
Key West, Fla., commissioners are concerned about the high prices patients face at Lower Keys Medical Center in Key West, which is part of Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems. However, hospital officials say improving patient care is the top priority, not lowering prices, according to Konk Life.

LKMC and Key West officials have had a contentious relationship since last year when city commissioners voted to explore reverting the hospital back to public ownership after hundreds of patients complained of aggressive billing practices and poor care quality at the hospital.

In December, Lower Florida Keys Hospital District board chairman John Padget sent a letter to CHS CEO Wayne Smith, asking if the hospital operator would consider breaking its lease of LKMC early, as CHS' 30-year lease of LKMC doesn't expire until 2030. CHS responded in January, saying it has no intentions to terminate the lease early.

Although the issue over the lease has been settled, Key West commissioners' concerns over the hospital's prices have not abated.

At a March 21 commission meeting, LKMC's former CEO Steve Pennington said the hospital hired an outside consultant to examine the hospital's prices. Mr. Pennington said the consultant determined LKMC's inpatient charges are "in the middle of the pack compared with South Florida hospitals," according to Konk Life. The consultant found LKMC's emergency room charges were lower than its peers and its imaging charges were higher. Although Mr. Pennington said the hospital was working to reduce its imaging charges, Key West Commissioner Richard Payne said the hospital needs to do more to lower costs, pointing out that CHS recorded a 32 percent profit margin on LKMC in 2015.

"Your hospital has a monopoly. You're 50 miles away from your nearest competitor," Mr. Payne said, according to the report. "A 32 percent profit [margin] when the national average is 7 percent is obscene and unconscionable."

Other commissioners agreed with Mr. Payne, saying lowering charges is critical. However, Mr. Pennington said the hospital is more concerned with patient care.

"We think if we provide high patient satisfaction and invest in the hospital properly, the profit margins will be where they will. That's not something we should be penalized for or [praised] for either way," said Mr. Pennington, according to the report.

CHS did not immediately respond to Becker's request for comment.

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In healthcare, data is king. Clinicians rely on data to make informed decisions at the point-of-care and ultimately propel patients' health forward. However, the wealth of unstructured data captured by IT systems in hospitals may prove fruitless if physicians can't use it to inform care decisions in real time. Analytics must be straightforward, easily digestible and accessible to help physicians personalize and improve patient care planning.

Unfiltered data in the clinical space has given rise to a condition known as "alert fatigue." When a physician's exposure to frequent or excessive information thwarts his or her clinical productivity, that clinician is suffering from alert fatigue.

Physicians battle excessive alerts from EHRs daily. Primary care physicians received 79.6 notifications and spent more than one hour responding to EHR alerts on average per day, according to a 2016 Medscape study. While some alerts are time-sensitive and necessary, physicians consider most notices unwarranted.Clinicians reported ignoring safety notifications between 49 percent and 96 percent of the time, according to a Harvard Medical School study.

These study findings indicate the greater number of notifications a physician receives, the greater difficulty he or she may have prioritizing tasks and making clear clinical decisions. Healthcare experts designing clinical analytics programs are challenged to create initiatives that cut through the noise and deliver data when and where physicians need it most.

What makes analytics actionable for physicians

Data is crucial for delivering high-quality clinical care. But few physicians get the right type of data at the right time. Instead, they get too much data to process it meaningfully.

The most effective and actionable analytics programs share certain characteristics. Discussions with clinical information executives and leaders at hospitals across the U.S. revealed five necessities for analytics to support clinical decision-making and improve patient quality outcomes.

1. Real-time or near-time analytics.

For physicians to incorporate analytics meaningfully into their decision-making processes, analytics must be delivered to caregivers in real-time when they are at the patient's bedside.

"Doctors don't want to get a report on what they could have done days or even hours after treatment," says Darin Vercillo, MD, a hospitalist at DavisHospital and MedicalCenter.

Retrospective analytics is valuable in helping providers understand past cases. Evaluating past performance enables physicians to see what care tactics were most effective, or areas in which they have room to improve. But retrospective analytics are less useful in helping a physician craft a patient care plan in the moment, before the patient is discharged from the hospital.

"If I get information three to four weeks after the fact, then the window of opportunity has come and gone," says Dr. Vercillo. Improved visibility into the patient's condition helps physicians make proactive decisions to ward off potential issues at the point of care. "We need more real-time capability ... because managing patients is what we are being graded on more and more, notreactingto issues."

2. Complete and airtight information.

Analytics engines fed poor quality or incomplete information are challenged to produce meaningful or accurate insights for caregivers. In essence, "If you put bad data in, you're going to get bad data out," says Sunil Budhrani, MD, CMO and CMIO at Innovation Health, a joint venture insurance company created by Aetna and Inova Health System in Falls Church, Va.

Many large systems moving to implement big-data analytics programs face technological hurdles, including incomplete data residing in multiple electronic health records that often cannot communicate with one another. Before hospital systems can even implement analytics tools, they often spend months or years purging their insurance claims and medical record databases of incomplete, incorrect and redundant data  a costly and labor-intensive undertaking.

Hospitals and health systems looking to implement clinical decision support systems can save themselves serious time and money by addressing the issue of incomplete data on the front end during clinical documentation. Many healthcare organizations have deployed clinical documentation improvement specialists to help clinicians improve data entry through manual overview. Other progressive institutions are leveraging analytics technology to ensure physicians' documentation accurately represents patients' medical acuity.

"In the health community, we've got to focus on collecting good, accurate information to be sure that the conclusions we make are the right ones that we act upon," Dr. Budhrani says.

Moreover, clinicians are more likely to incorporate analytics into their care planning when they trust the data is valid, without second thought.

"We found physicians are much more apt to take action and change practice patterns when they are able to view the entire data picture, which is best accomplished using multiple data tools simultaneously, like graphs paired with written text," Dr. Teplitz says.

3. Visual or graphic data representation.

Physicians are accustomed to using multiple forms of information to solve problems due to their medical training. Students are trained to analyze visual data, such as X-rays and scans, listen for auditory information, such as wheezing or coughing, feel for kinesthetic information, like swollen lymph nodes, and comprehend statistics and writing, like lab results and clinical studies.

Clinicians digest information through all types of sensory modes, and physicians often digest and glean insights faster from data that is represented visually than in its raw or statistical form. Clinical analytics programs that use visual dashboards can help relieve physician's cognitive burden and drive new insights through visual formats.

"A combination of multiple forms of data  tables, graphs, bar charts  combined with written descriptions of opportunities for improvement works best [in our clinical analytics programs]," says Donald Teplitz, MD, senior vice president of medical affairs and CMO at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip, N.Y.

For example, Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center uses an analytics program that displays data on hospital acquired infections and sepsis as tables and control charts, featured alongside best practice recommendations. The dashboard presents individualized data to each physician illustrating his or her compliance with each component in the hospital's sepsis bundle. Performance information is represented visually to show physicians how they compare to hospital, regional and national benchmarks. Written recommendations to improve individual performance metrics are included.

Since implementing the program, Good Samaritan has seen a 50 percent increase in usage order sets for sepsis by physicians in the ED, Dr. Teplitz said. This shows physicians with a more in-depth, multifaceted understanding of performance patterns are better motivated to make real changes in their behavior and treatment patterns.

Physicians are comfortable with, and may prefer using, multiple forms of information to make care decisions. But some data modes are more valuable to physicians when medical acuity or time constraints force them to make immediate decisions. Visual data is oftentimes an easier way to represent and understand information quickly than lines of black and white statistics. This rings particularly true when data is complex, rare or novel to the physician.

"Analytics becometruly valuablewhen they correctly and consistently identify problems that need to be addressed without you having to pick through mounds of information," Dr. Vercillo says.

4. Evidence-based care recommendations.

Digesting patient information through multiple data modes gives physicians better insight into the patient's condition. When using that data to build a patient care plan, physicians can benefit from clinical support tools that also offer best-practice recommendations based on evidence in the medical chart.

Analytics that predict the risk or likelihood of certain events are undeniably valuable. But knowing the likelihood of a certain event doesn't necessarily help a physician make an appropriate or effective change in their treatment plan.

For example, an analytics system may inform a rounding physician the patient before him has a 60 percent chance of readmission. Recognizing the elevated readmission risk is valuable, but it does not help the physician determine the most effective treatment response, like whether to send the patient to a short-term rehabilitation facility or whether to discharge him at all.

Analytics tools that are truly effective can support physician decision making by also providing recommendations for action based on behavior patterns and best practices, Dr. Vercillo says.

"When the results of good analytics can be coupled with evidenced or compliance-based recommendations, or even standardized order sets, then value goes to the next level," Dr. Vercillo says.

5. Include physician input.

Getting physicians to engage with new IT tools or clinical improvement programs can be challenging if they don't find it valuable. Asking physicians to guide analytics development programs is one way organizations can ensure the final product is meaningful and actionable for the caregivers who will use them the most.

MemorialCare Health System provides its physicians with analytics tools allowing them to drive their own clinical improvement initiatives. MemorialCare Physician Society consists of more than 2,000 physicians and more than a dozen physician-led Best Practice Teams who work to drive clinical outcome and performance improvement. The hospital system gives Best Practice Teams high-performance analytics solutions  data marts, dashboards, report and processing capabilities in data exploration workspaces  to support their research and development.

"Involving clinicians in meaningful ways from the beginning of the development process through to the deployment phase ensures the final product is trusted by the clinicians who will use it," says Daniel Exley, vice president of information services at MemorialCare Health System in Fountain Valley, Calif. "Putting timely, trusted analytics into the hands of physicians and their care team partners enables fact-based decision making to improve quality, reduce waste and improve the patient experience."
Here are nine recent news updates on health IT companies.

Epic joined forces with Nuance Communications, a voice and language solutions provider, to embed computer-assisted physician documentation services into its EHRs.

North Kansas City, Mo.-based Cerner is collaborating with the town of Nevada, Mo., the seat of Vernon County, to establish a prescription drug monitoring program.

GE Healthcare plans to hire 5,000 software engineers and invest $500 million in its software development over the next few years.

WebMD and La Jolla, Calif.-based Scripps Translational Science Institute are conducting a study with Apple's ResearchKit to investigate what factors lead to a healthy pregnancy.

Oracle Health Sciences unveiled its cloud-based Data Management Workbench for pharmaceutical companies and research organizations.

Owosso, Mich.-based Memorial Healthcare launched a 24/7 ICU monitoring program through a partnership with Advanced ICU Care.

Health Catalyst, a data analytics and decision support company, released a web-based decision support tool for healthcare executives.

Health First, a Rockledge, Fla.-based health system, integrated First Databank's patient medication instructions into all four of its hospitals' Allscripts Sunrise EHR workflows.

Spok Holdings, a global healthcare communications firm, appointed Michael Wallace CFO.
Mecklenburg County, N.C., officials accidentally sent HIPAA-protected information to two media outlets on March 27, impacting at least 1,200 patients, WSOC-TV reports. WSOC-TV was one of the media outlets that received patient information.

The Mecklenburg County Health Department intended to respond to a public records request over the department's alleged failure to notify patients who received abnormal Pap smear test results at Mecklenburg County clinics, according to another WSOC-TV report. Upon receiving the confidential patient information WSOC-TV notified county officials.

"The County has contacted the outlets to recall the information and is confident that no protected information has been released to the public," the health department said in a statement, reported by WSOC-TV.

Mecklenburg County officials are in the process of contacting impacted patients. Dena Diorio, Mecklenburg County manager, said the county is establishing new processes for sharing patient information, including no longer sending private information in emailed spreadsheets.

"Mecklenburg County takes protecting private information very seriously and has multiple levels of security to keep this from occurring," according to the health department statement. "That system failed in this instance, and the County will closely review the policy and procedures used to release information and to make sure this type of information is not released in the future."

Mecklenburg County Health Department told Becker's Hospital Review it had no additional comment as of March 30.
Gastonia, N.C.-based CaroMont Health President and CEO Doug Luckett has resigned unexpectedly, according to a Gaston Gazette report. He has served at the helm of the hospital since April 2013.

Mr. Luckett is leaving due to "personal commitments" that take up a "significant amount of his time," a CaroMont Health statement notes, according to the report. He announced his decision to depart on March 29, 2017, and representatives of the hospital board accepted his decision.

Mr. Luckett came to CaroMont in 2010 as executive vice president and COO. He was named to his current roles in 2013, following the departure of Randy Kelley. Mr. Kelley was fired in the wake of CaroMont's "Cheat Death" campaign, which faced heavy opposition and was ultimately recalled.

During Mr. Luckett's tenure, the health system completed a number of capital projects, including the construction of the $24 million CaroMont Regional Medical Center-Mount Holly, N.C.

The board has not yet selected an interim leader or clarified its timetable to identify a permanent replacement, according to the report.
New Brunswick, N.J.-based Saint Peter's Healthcare CEO Ronald Rak is leaving his post. The health system named Leslie Hirsch to take over as CEO on an interim basis.

The hospital has not indicated a reason for Mr. Rak's departure.

"On behalf of the Board of Governors and the Bishop of Metuchen, I want to thank Ron for his service to Saint Peters, the Catholic mission and his role in creating our system. Ron has asked that I share his appreciation of the dedicated staff who worked with him these past nine years," said Vincent J. Dicks, chairman of the Saint Peter's Healthcare System's board of governors, in a hospital statement. "We wish Ron the best of luck in his future and please join me and the Board in supporting Les as he takes on this additional responsibility."

Mr. Hirsch is currently president of the health system, a role he will continue in addition to his new interim CEO position. He is the immediate past president of the New Jersey Hospital Association and has previously served as CEO of Denville, N.J.-based Saint Clare's Health System, according to a NJ Biz report.
To create thoughtful, patient-centered solutions to the growing number of health issues facing U.S. residents, physicians must be able to share their knowledge and take an active role in developing the technology that will help shape the practice in the future.

In an essay for VentureBeat, Christine Stock, MD, a professor of anesthesiology at Evanston, Ill.-based Northwestern University, urged technology companies and startups focused on improving the healthcare landscape to utilize physicians and their knowledge of the industry throughout the development process. To have physicians test products after they have already been built only leads to more frustration and confusion.

"Physicians across America feel that we were either left off the guest list or have been invited late to the party, too late to change things. We'd like to receive an invitation from you  the developers of digital healthcare tools  early in the development process. We want to help you help us help people.  My 70-member practice did [an] experiment  [where] we paid 50 percent of one physician's compensation for a year so that he could spend that time working with (and occasionally bullying) IT developers to create an EMR for our practice that would make sense in our clinical environment. It was expensive, but it worked. We have a tool that has become a prototype for our sort of practice and which the proprietor has cultivated across its larger user base  The story of transformative IT healthcare applications is in its early chapters. In fact, we are likely at the brink of significant technological breakthroughs. Think what artificial intelligence and machine learning can enable. Please ensure that the narrative of that story captures the physician's perspective. The tech community must be willing to engage early and to listen. And we physicians must be willing to meet the developmental challenges and share."

Click here to view the full article.

If you would like to contribute a quote for this series, please email Alyssa Rege at arege@beckershealthcare.com to be featured in "Word from the C-suite."
The former CEO of the 99-bed Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County in Rock Springs, Wyo., claims the hospital board never officially terminated his contract and he is owed at least $595,518.15 in compensation, according to a report from SweetwaterNow.com.

Former CEO Jerry Klein claims the hospital board was operating without the state-required five members when it processed his termination and he never received notice, according to the report. He alleges the Sweetwater County Board of County Commissioners voted to reduce the board from seven to two members and appointed a third member, but never officially swore her in, according to the report.

Due to these circumstances, Mr. Klein claims the board's subsequent actions are not valid. These actions included accepting a conditional offer of resignation from Mr. Klein without the conditions attached to it and voting twice to end his contract, according to the report.

Mr. Klein filed a notice of claim March 3 against the hospital and three board members. The notice of claim is required before filing a lawsuit against a governmental organization, according to the report.

Read the full story here.

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Hearings to revoke tenure for the first of five Detroit-based Wayne State University medical school professors commenced Wednesday. Officials said the possible loss of tenure is based on the grounds that the professors are "grossly underperforming" and "not doing anything," according to The Detroit News.

Here are six things to know about the issue.

1. A WSU spokesperson declined to reveal to The Detroit News the identities of the five professors, citing concerns about due process in upcoming hearings, according to the report. Charles Parrish, president of the American Association of University Professors-American Federation of Teachers at WSU, confirmed four of the professors are men and one is a woman. They reportedly belong to various departments, including biochemistry and molecular biology, molecular medicine and genetics, obstetrics and gynecology and pharmacology.

2. WSU President Roy Wilson told The Detroit News the professors represent "blatant examples of taking advantage of a tenure system, which is a privilege.  When it's abused so blatantly, it makes it very difficult for other people who are doing what they are supposed to do to come to work and do their jobs because they see another person getting the same amount of money or more and not coming into work and not being accountable at all. You just can't build a first-class university that way."

3. The hearings for the first professor will be held this week and hearings for two other professors are set to occur in May and June. The hearings for the remaining two have not yet been scheduled. All five individuals are facing hearings because of their "failure to perform in their academic assignments," per the recommendation of Jack Sobel, MD, dean of the School of Medicine at WSU, according to the report.

4. The professors will lose their positions if their tenure is revoked, according to the report. For tenure to be revoked, each professor will go before a seven-member panel, which will then issue a recommendation to Mr. Wilson. If Mr. Wilson recommends the individual lose their tenure, the university's board of governors or a committee appointed by the board will conduct a second hearing. The board will make the final decision on each individual.

5. In August, the university stated 37 medical school faculty members may lose their positions due to retirement or termination. Two dozen faculty members have reportedly left the institution since the announcement, according to the report.

6. Officials said an additional five professors, including some outside of the medical school, may also face termination, according to the report.
Nearly 1,200 registered nurses at Boston-based Tufts Medical Center voted Wednesday for a potential one-day strike after approximately a year of contract negotiations.

The nurses, who are represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association, voted with a 95 percent majority for strike authorization, the union said in a news release. The vote allows the union to call a strike, but it does not necessarily mean nurses will walk off the job. The union said it plans to call a strike "should hospital management continue to refuse to address several urgent contract issues."

"None of us want to go on strike," Barbara Tiller, co-chair of the MNA bargaining unit at Tufts and a hospital nurse, said in the release. "But after hundreds upon hundreds of hours sitting with management trying to discuss these urgent issues, it has become apparent that our concerns are not being heard. For the health and safety of our patients, for the futures of our newest nurses and for the security of Tufts RNs, overall we needed to take this next step."

The hospital expressed disappointment about the strike authorization vote in an emailed statement to Becker's Hospital Review. Tufts said contract negotiations with the union began in April 2016, and the hospital "continue[s] to make progress toward a new collective bargaining agreement for our nurses." In fact, the hospital said it "reached tentative agreements on several components of the contract" earlier in March.

"It is unfortunate that the union is asking our nurses to consider a strike when we are committed to working with them to resolve any remaining differences," the hospital said in the statement. "We believe that our patients and this community benefit when we have a productive, respectful relationship, with each side focused on promoting excellence in nursing and safe, quality patient care."

The union said more than 20 bargaining sessions have taken place since last April. The MNA said key issues that still need to be addressed include staffing, wages and benefits and nurses' pensions. The union said the next bargaining sessions are scheduled for April 3 and April 13.

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A federal mediator is being brought in to help with negotiations between Pittsfield, Mass.-based Berkshire Medical Center and the union representing its nurses, according to a MassLive report.

In a letter sent to employees dated March 24, Arthur Milano, vice president of human resources at BMC's parent company, Berkshire Health Systems, said the hospital has held 19 ineffective bargaining sessions with the Massachusetts Nurses Association. He said BMC suggested on March 14 a federal mediator help out, and the MNA agreed to allow Commissioner Cynthia Jeffries from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to sit in on the next bargaining session, scheduled for April 6. "Her role will be to help the parties to reach a fair settlement and move forward," Mr. Milano told employees.

Both sides have proposals they want to see in a final labor deal. Mr. Milano told employees the MNA has proposed an increase in staffing, as well as a 9 percent wage adjustment over three years. That would be added onto annual 2 percent step increases. He said the union has also proposed upping employer contributions for health insurance for part-time employees, among a number of other proposals.

According to the report, the MNA said hundreds of unsafe staffing forms were filed by BMC nurses within a year's time. In response to the MNA's claims regarding unsafe staffing forms, hospital officials stated: "Those forms were filed with the union headquarters in Canton, Mass., and not the hospital leadership." But MNA contends nurses provided those forms to hospital management on multiple occasions.

Nurses at Berkshire Medical Center are dedicated to the safety and well-being of our patients. Our first priority, as registered nurses, is to ensure our patients receive high-quality care any time they are in the hospital. We work with an excellent team of healthcare professionals to reach that goal. But in recent years, it has become more difficult to consistently provide safe patient care. Our patients are sicker than ever, with more medical complications. Since North Adams Regional Hospital closed in 2014, sending more patients to BMC, we have experienced frequent short-staffing," the BMC RN bargaining committee said in an emailed statement to Becker's Hospital Review.

They added: We have frequently made BMC management aware of staffing shortages that jeopardize safe patient care, documenting when the problems occur, how many staff are available at the time, how sick patients are and how many patients are being assigned to nurses. We have spoken to hospital supervisors about these problems during our monthly labor-management meetings and have filed more than 320 unsafe staffing reports since October 2015. Those reports were provided to management at the time of the incidents and also handed across the bargaining table during our ongoing contract negotiations. Our top priority  to secure contract language that includes the necessary levels of nurses and support staff  is based on feedback from front-line nurses who are providing patient care. Our proposals simply aim to hold management accountable to staffing grids that they created in 2015. Evidence-based studies prove that the best patient outcomes happen when nurses have a safe limit on their patient assignment and the ability to provide the care patients need and deserve.

Mr. Milano said BMC has offered to establish a "Staffing Committee" that would gather twice annually "to review workload, trends, census, absence rates, vacancies and any other pertinent factors" and then make recommendations.

Additionally, BMC has proposed increasing pay by 1 percent the first two years of the agreement and 2 percent in the third year. That would also be added onto the 2 percent annual step increases. BMC also seeks to increase employee contribution for individual health plans from 10 percent to 20 percent "to be consistent with all BMC employees."

Overall, Mr. Milano estimates all of the union's proposals "would cost more than $21 million over three years and would be financially damaging to BMC and to the healthcare system that cares for our community." He added: "We are hopeful that talks with the federal mediator involved will result in meaningful progress toward a final settlement that is fair for our nurses and our hospital."

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Ernelle Oliver, RN, robbed the same Jewel-Osco pharmacy in Chicago's South Loop neighborhood twice before being arrested Monday on her third attempt, according to a report from the Chicago Sun-Times.

Ms. Oliver  a 58-year-old resident of Richton Park, Ill.  admitted to robbing the pharmacy Jan. 27 and March 17 prior her third attempt Monday, according to the report. During each robbery, Ms. Oliver stole hundreds of tablets of alprazolam, a medication used to treat anxiety disorders and most commonly referred to by the brand name Xanax.

During the Jan. 27 incident, Ms. Oliver reportedly approached the pharmacy counter carrying an unidentified object and said, "give me your Xanax and don't push any buttons, or I will shoot you," according to a police report cited by the Sun-Times. Ms. Oliver left the pharmacy with 262 Xanax tablets in two containers.

On March 17, Ms. Oliver returned to the pharmacy and demanded the same medication, this time while brandishing a "claw-like" object. She walked away with more than 500 pills of Xanax, according to the report.

On Monday, Ms. Oliver entered the pharmacy and was spotted and held by store security until police arrived. Ms. Oliver was arrested carrying a knife and an action figure. She reportedly confessed to the robberies, stating she suffers from mental health issues, according the report.

Ms. Oliver has held a valid nursing license in the state of Illinois since 2001. She was released from police custody and placed on electronic monitoring.
An Amish woman in Kentucky developed obstetric tetanus after a home birth in 2016, according to a recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly report from the CDC. The disease is so rare that the CDC did not identify any cases of the illness from 1972 to 2008.

Here are eight things to know about obstetric tetanus and this case in particular.

1. Obstetric tetanus occurs during pregnancy or within 6 weeks of the birth and occurs when wounds are contaminated with Clostridium tetani spores or using contaminated tools during nonsterile deliveries or abortions.

2. Tetanus in general is rare in the U.S., with only about 30 cases reported annually. Nearly all tetanus cases in the U.S. occur in people who never received a tetanus vaccine or in people who do not get their booster shots.

3. In the 2016 case, the woman was not vaccinated for tetanus.

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4. She delivered a baby at home with the assistance of an unlicensed community childbirth assistant.

5. Nine days after giving birth, she experienced facial numbness and neck pain which eventually progressed to stiff neck and jaw and difficulty swallowing and breathing.

6. She was admitted to a hospital where she was diagnosed and treated for tetanus, requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. She was discharged after roughly a month in the hospital.

7. Because of this case, the local health department conducted door-to-door home visits to encourage Amish community members to get vaccinated. It resulted in 47 people (12 percent) getting vaccinated for either diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis or just tetanus and diphtheria.

8. "This case highlights the importance of tetanus vaccination for all persons as recommended by ACIP [Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices]," the CDC report reads. "Trust between the Amish community, local health department, and a familiar healthcare provider, as well as working within community members' homes, and providing culturally appropriate education and recommendations through community leaders, facilitated vaccinations of some persons."
Greenville (S.C.) Memorial Hospital, part of Greenville Health System, will lose its Medicare contract next month unless it corrects deficiencies identified in a CMS survey that was conducted after a patient who was strapped to a gurney died of traumatic asphyxiation.

The patient, 48-year-old Donald Smith, died March 6 after a fight with a hospital security officer. Mr. Smith, who was admitted to the hospital with a gunshot wound to the arm, reportedly became combative while in the hospital, hitting a hospital security guard. After a struggle, hospital security personnel secured him face down on a gurney. Greenville County Coroner Parks Evans concluded Mr. Smith's manner of death was homicide  one person being killed by another.

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Mr. Smith's death led to a CMS investigation of Greenville Memorial Hospital. The agency determined the hospital was not in compliance with Medicare rules related to nursing services, patient rights and governing body. CMS will not make payment to the hospital for services provided to patients who are admitted after April 16 unless the problems are corrected.

In a statement on Greenville Memorial Hospital's website, Scott M. Sasser, MD, chair of emergency medicine at Greenville Health System, said, "Nearly all action plan items have already been initiated, and we feel confident that CMS will find our plan  and its implementation  satisfactory."

The hospital said its action plan for its emergency department includes increasing staffing, providing more intensive training and improving clinical documentation processes around patient care.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating Mr. Smith's death, and the security officers who were on duty at the hospital at the time of the incident no longer work at the hospital.

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After analyzing The Leapfrog Group's Hospital Safety Grade system, researchers from Ann Arbor-based University of Michigan determined hospitals may receive higher grades if they don't self-report certain scores to the patient safety watchdog group.

The Leapfrog Group assigns patient safety grades to every hospital in the nation. The grades are made up of 30 metrics, including some that hospitals self-report on the voluntary Leapfrog Hospital Survey. If a hospital does not participate in the free, optional survey, its grade is determined solely by other publicly reported outcomes and process data. (Find more information here.)

Part of the Leapfrog Hospital Survey that factors into the Hospital Safety Grade is the hospital's performance on National Quality Forum-endorsed Safe Practices.

"The Safe Practices part of the Hospital Safety Grade is based on whether a hospital self-reports that it has adopted certain protocols, and not whether those protocols are actually followed," Jennifer Meddings, MD, the study's senior author, said in a University of Michigan blog covering the study.

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Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group, says the organization includes Safe Practices in its safety grade as a way to give recognition to hospitals for committing to patient safety. "We want to give hospitals credit when they embark on the path forward on patient safety," she tells Becker's in an interview. "Not every hospital has embarked on that path. Those that do deserve recognition."

Higher grades for lower transparency?

As part of the analysis, Dr. Meddings and the other researchers ran simulations to see how safety grades would change for hospitals that didn't participate in Leapfrog's survey if they instead reported perfect or less-than-perfect performance on the Safe Practices portion. Researchers found hospitals would likely receive lower safety grades if they self-reported low adherence to the Safe Practices as opposed to not reporting anything at all.

"Hospitals that have less-than-perfect performance on Leapfrog's list of protocols get a big hit to their grade, but those with most or all protocols in place are rewarded very little," Shawna Smith, PhD, the study's lead author, explained. "Our simulations show that some hospitals would have had better grades when they didn't report than when they reported imperfect compliance."

Leapfrog's response

Ms. Binder was "flabbergasted" when the study came out and questions why researchers would spend time trying to "strategize how hospitals can 'game' the safety grade," she tells Becker's.

"Lots of hospitals are trying to figure out how they numerically look better," Ms. Binder says. "It just doesn't work. It's too complicated a composite," she says of the grade.

Two aspects of the safety grade make it difficult to manipulate, according to a statement from Leapfrog: it's composed of 30 measures, so there are thousands of potential statistical outcomes that cannot be accurately predicted, and it's graded on a curve.

While the Michigan study, which was published this month in the journal Medical Care, suggests hospitals are disincentivized to be completely transparent with Leapfrog, Ms. Binder says it's just the opposite.

"Hospitals that provide Leapfrog with as much data as possible tend to do better over time," she says. "By giving us as much information [as possible], they minimize the impact of any one particular measure that doesn't look good.  As a general rule, it's a good idea to give us as much information as possible."

As for leaders who may now be questioning if they should complete the Leapfrog survey, Ms. Binder first urges them to "do the right thing."

"Whether you participate in the survey or not, do the right thing," she says. "Focus on your safety, make it a priority, put your patients first. Whether or not you can manipulate this particular grade is irrelevant to your patients. What matters to your patients is that you treat them with respect and put their safety first."
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According to reports, Foreign Affairs Ministry has turned down the proposal to rename West Bengal to 'Bangla', citing strategic confusion over similarities with the bordering country Bangladesh. Notably, the West Bengal Assembly had passed a resolution last year declaring that the name of the state would be changed to 'Bangla' in Bengali, 'Bengal' in English and 'Bangal' in Hindi.
Around 40 jobs are set to go as a Londonderry manufacturer shuts its doors today, it has emerged.

Engineering company Schivo NI, formerly Maydown Precision Engineering, was sold off in a pre-pack administration to Waterford-based Schivo for 1.6m last year.

At the time, around 41 members of staff were let go, and the firm was taken over by administrators Duff & Phelps.

But now it has said that despite a thorough marketing process and getting backing from key customers, it failed to attract a suitable buyer, and will now close.

Schivo NI employed 83 people making precision components for aerospace giants such as Airbus and Boeing.

Following its administration, more than 40 jobs were lost. Its understood the majority of the remaining workforce will now also go.

A spokesperson for Duff & Phelps, administrators of Schivo NI, said: Regrettably, despite a thorough marketing process and having secured the support of key customers, the administrators have not received any acceptable offers for the business and assets as a going concern.

As a result, the business will cease trading as of Friday March 31 and of the remaining employees, eight will be retained to support the winding down of operations.

At this difficult time, we will work with all employees who will be affected by redundancy to ensure they receive the information and guidance they need to claim monies owed from the Redundancy Payments Office and to support all employees in seeking new opportunities.

Stephen Kelly, chief executive of Manufacturing NI, said the decision to shut the firm is bitterly disappointing.

Its disappointing that these jobs have been lost from this firm. There was a lot of hope than when Schivo purchased a company running for more than 40 years that they would be able to secure new work, and with it, the jobs.

What is left now is dozens of highly skilled and experienced precision engineers and we would hope someone would see an opportunity in them, either to create a new business or offer them employment.
PORTLAND, Oregon -- A Portland, Ore., judge has ordered that Thomas Elliot Stafford -- charged with capital murder in the death of a Latimer man -- be extradited to Jackson County to stand trial, Jackson County Sheriff Mike Ezell said.

After waiving an extradition hearing earlier this week, Stafford was back in court in Portland Thursday morning on a drug probation violation. The judge, however, did not sentence Stafford to addition jail time on the drug charges and he faces no other charges in Portland.

Stafford, 40, is charged with the March 3 murder of 65-year-old Jerry Floyd Kirkendall and stuffing his body in a freezer in the Latimer rental home Stafford and Kirkendall had once shared.

Stafford additionally stole Kirkendall's 2001 Cadillac, leading to the the capital murder charge -- which is levied when a murder is committed in the course of another crime. Stafford sold the car to a cousin in Alabama in exchange for cash and a handgun.

U.S. Marshals, who assisted the Jackson County Sheriff's Office with the case, arrested Stafford in Portland March 25.

Ezell says travel arrangements to bring Stafford back to Jackson County are being made, but it's uncertain when Stafford will be returned.
Forestside Shopping Centre will be home to a digital Argos store, similar to one in Leeds (above)

Argos is to open new stores, with another two relocating, as owner Sainsbury's gets to grip with its latest acquisition, the Belfast Telegraph can reveal. But the company, which has 700 employees here, is shutting its Portadown branch in July and relocating staff to shops in Craigavon and Armagh.

It is also opening new locations in Forestside Shopping Centre, in south Belfast, and Carrickfergus Sainsbury's, and relocating in Bangor and Ballymena.

Sainsbury's acquired Home Retail Group, which owned Argos, in a 1.4bn deal last year.

The roll-out of the new branches will include the launch of Argos concessions inside Sainsbury's supermarkets.

The firm described the opening of the Forestside location, set for the former Sainsbury's off-licence, as its first "digital store" here. The move is part of a 2.5m investment in the shopping centre by Sainsbury's.

Stephen Kelly, regional manager for Sainsbury's Argos, said: "It's optimised for the way people are shopping with us today, with many starting online and coming in to pick up. The store layout makes that very easy." He added that the business would be moving away from the use of its familiar laminated catalogues in stores, instead switching to tablet computers.

A new Argos concession is opening in Sainsbury's in Carrickfergus on April 5, while the Ballymena shop will relocate a week later to Braidwater Retail Park. The Argos in Bangor, meanwhile, is relocating from the Bloomfield Shopping Centre to the Sainsbury's in Balloo.

There are a total of 27 Argos stores here, and Mr Kelly said the Portadown branch was the only location which had been identified for closure.

"We're continuing to look through the rest of the stores and, where possible, to relocate if it's better for customers or there's a business reason," he explained.

The future of stores would be considered if leases come up for renewal, but there is no definite plan," Mr Kelly stressed.

He added that the Forestside shop would contain 10,000 different lines for immediate pick-up, with another 20,000 lines that can be delivered to the store or to a customer's home on the same day. "Every store has a very sophisticated warehouse system that allows you to really pack it in," he said.

Mr Kelly, who has worked for the company for 21 years, added: "The acquisition by Sainsbury's is exciting and is bringing loads of exciting opportunities."
Promoters behind the new Paisley and McGuinness film, The Journey have released a new trailer.

The film tells the story of the unlikely friendship between firebrand preacher Ian Paisley and the former IRA man Martin McGuinness.

Staring Timothy Spall as First Minister Paisley and Colm Meaney as his counterpart, the film tells the story of how the one-time enemies came together to herald the beginning of a new power-sharing agreement between the DUP and Sinn Fein in Northern Ireland.

Set before the 2006 St Andrews Agreement the two are forced to take a short journey together in which they will take the biggest leap of faith and change the course of history.

The film has earned acclaim at film festivals across the world and a screening organised by MPs was held at Westminster.

It has been written by Co Down author Colin Bateman, who also revealed the film will be in cinemas in May.

Meaney, who plays the late Martin McGuinness and who has been nominated in the best actor category for this month's Irish Film and Television Awards, referred to the senior Sinn Fein figure as an "extraordinary statesman".

"I supported him in his candidacy for President of Ireland at the last election because I thought he was the most qualified person to do it," he said in a statement last year.

"He's proved himself over the last 10 years to be a very astute politician and a remarkably competent statesman, which surprises a lot of people."

Meaney - best known for his roles in the movie Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa and on television in Star Trek: The Next Generation - also brushed off controversy surrounding Mr McGuinness, and argued: "Anyone who is involved in politics in Ireland is controversial.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Martin McGuinness, Sinn Fein, pictured leaving court in Belfast after charges against him involving IRA membership were dropped 1976. President of Sinn Fein Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness at the funeral of Patrick Kelly . 1987 An injured man being aided by mourners, including Sinn Fein vice president Martin McGuinness (left), at Milltown Cemetery, Belfast, after a gun and bomb attack killed three and left four seriously injured, at the funerals of three IRA members killed in Gibraltar. David Jones/PA Wire PA Martin McGuinness handcuffed to a policeman after being remanded at Special Criminal Court in Dublin, January 1973. Martin McGuinness pictured in Derry with Rossville Flats in background and other street scenes. 11/11/85. 1148/85/bwc PACEMAKER BELFAST Martin McGuinness (left) follows the coffin of IRA man Charles English in Derry 1984 Martin McGuinness in Derry's Bogside at a press conference. 1971 File photo dated 26/02/96 of Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness speaking to the media after a meeting with Government officials at Castle Buildings, Stormont. PA PA Rory McIlroy welcomed back home following his success at the Open Championship Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness First and Deputy First Minister Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness at Stormont at the first British Irish Council meeting 2007. 1988 Anniversary of Internment rally 31/08/95 of Martin McGuinness, leading Sinn Fein negotiator in the peace process, attending a news conference in the House of Commons. PA PA Funeral in West Belfast of the Gibraltar bombers; Mairead Farrell, Sean Savage and Danny McCann. Martin McGuinness with Michael Stone's gloves and bullets after the loyalist attacked the funeral 22/6/88 19/7/2011. PACEMAKER PRESS INTL. BELFAST. Darren Clarke returns home to Royal Portrush golf club with the Open trophy he won at the weekend., met by Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness. Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker. PACEMAKER BELFAST 27/6/12 Queen Elizabeth II shakes hands with Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness watched by First minister Peter Robinson (centre) at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast. POOL PICTURE PA/PACEMAKER PRESS PA PACEMAKER BELFAST AUGUST 1985 MARTIN McGUINNESS LEAVING CRUMLIN ROAD JAIL AFTER SERVING SENTENCE FOR FAILURE TO PAY FINES. 1042/85/BW Pacemaker Press Belfast: 09 May 2013: The first and deputy first ministers have announced how they intend to progress building a shared future in Northern Ireland. First Minister Peter Robinson said the proposals are the most ambitious ever brought forward on the issue. Among them is the target of bringing down all of Northern Ireland's peace walls by 2023. Mr Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said this could only happen in tandem with the communities affected. Picture By: Arthur Allison. PACEMAKER BELFAST AUGUST 1985 MARTIN McGUINNESS SINN FEIN LEADER IN DERRY 1006/85/BW PACEMAKER BELFAST. Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness at Connally House addressing the media about the IRA ceasefire. 31/8/94. 684/94/c Pacemaker Press 3/11/2016 The President of the Republic of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos Caldern, is greeted by First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First minister Martin McGuinness at Stormont Castle on Thursday during a visit to Northern Ireland as part of his State visit to the UK. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press Belfast 07-12-2012: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has arrived in Belfast as part of a four-day trip to Europe. US SOS Hillary Clinton pictured at Stormont Castle with Northern Ireland's First and Deputy First Minister, Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness. Picture By: Arthur Allison. PACEMAKER BELFAST On the first day of the ulster Peace Talks Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness locked out of the stormont talks. PHOTO MARTIN WRIGHT PACEMAKER BELFAST 19/11/99 Sinn Fein vice President Martin McGuinness pictured with masked IRA men at the funeral of Brendan Burns 5/3/88 File photo dated 19/10/98 of Martin McGuinness leaving 10 Downing St after a meeting with Prime Minister Tony Blair. PA PA Pacemaker Press 19/5/2016 First Minister Arlene Foster and and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness speak to the media at Storming Castle on Thursday. The various parties have been meeting at Stormont Castle in a series of talks that could decide the fate of the next Northern Ireland Executive. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Martin McGuinness with Ian Paisley after being sworn in as First and Deputy First Ministers of the Assembly PA Pacemaker Press Belfast 21-06-2013: The British-Irish Council meeting was held in Magee College, Derry~Londonderry. Peter Robinson MLA First Minister and Martin McGuinness MP MLA deputy First Minister host the event. The British-Irish Council was established as part of the multi-party agreement reached in Belfast on 10 April 1998. Its membership comprises representatives from the Irish Government; UK Government; Scottish Government; Northern Ireland Executive; Welsh Government; Isle of Man Government; Government of Jersey and Government of Guernsey. Picture By: Arthur Allison. PACEMAKER BELFAST 20/11/2012 Prime Minister David Cameron meets First Minister Peter Robinson , Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Theresa Villiers at Stormont Castle in Belfast during his visit to Northern Ireland , During his visit The Prime minister announced that The main venue for the annual G8 event is to be at Lough Erne golf resort near Enniskillen, County Fermanagh next year Photo Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 13/09/2015 Chairperson of Sinn Feins Six County Cuige, Bobby Storey, speaks to the media today, Sunday 13th September, at 11am in the Roddy McCorley Social Club, Glen Road, Andersonstown, Belfast, County Antrim BT11 8BU, Belfast. He was be joined by Gerry Adams TD, Martin McGuinness MLA. Mary Lou McDonald TD, and Jennifer McCann MLA. Martin McGuinness speaks at the press conference Photo Mark Marlow/Pacemaker Press Pacemaker Press 20/3/2015 Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness as Sinn Fein launch the programme of events to mark 100th Anniversary of the Easter Rising 1916-2016 on Friday at Clifton House Pacemaker Press 3/11/2016 The President of the Republic of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos Caldern, is greeted by First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First minister Martin McGuinness at Stormont Castle on Thursday during a visit to Northern Ireland as part of his State visit to the UK. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker press 1//5/14 Deputy first minister Martin McGuinness speaks to the media regarding the detention of the Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams. Mr Adams is being questioned by the PSNI regarding the murder of Jean McConville in 1972. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press PACEMAKER BELFAST 8/5/2007. Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness pictured before he entered Stormont Parliment on the first day of the Northern Ireland Assembly. Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press Belfast 11-10-2013: Prime Minister David Cameron has said Northern Ireland is second only to London in the UK as the top destination for inward investment. Mr Cameron is pictured with Northern Irelands First minister Peter Robinson & Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at Stormont Castle after attending major investment conference in Belfast. Picture By: Arthur Allison. PACEMAKER BELFAST 4/6/2008. Bridge to the Future... First Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness pictured with Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond and Dan Sten Olsson, Chairman of Stena Line, Conor Murphy Minister for Regional Development and Len O'Hagan, Chairman of Belfast Harbour Commissioners on the bridge of the Stena HSS at the official opening of the new 37million Stena Line Terminal at Belfast Port today. Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker. Pacemaker Press 4/7/2013 First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at Belfast City Hall to announce details of the 2013 World Police and Fire games that will begin on 1st August with an opening ceremony at the King's Hall Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker 20/5/2010. PACEMAKER BELFAST. PRIME MINISTER DAVID CAMERON AND NORTHERN IRELAND SECRETARY OF STATE MEET WITH FIRST MINISTER PETER ROBINSON AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER MARTIN MCGUINNESS AT STORMONT CASTLE THIS AFTERNOON. PICTURE CHARLES MCQUILLAN/PACEMAKER. 5/2.10 PACEMAKER PRESS INTL. GORDON BROWN, PETER ROBINSON, MARTIN MCGUINNESS AND BRIAN COWAN TALK TO THE PRESS THIS MORNING AT HILLSBOROUGH AS THE DEAL FOR DEVOLVING POLICING AND JUSTICE WAS FINALLY DONE LATE LAST NIGHT. PICTURE CHARLES MCQUILLAN/PACEMAKER. Pacemaker Press 19/5/2016 First Minister Arlene Foster and and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness speak to the media at Storming Castle on Thursday. The various parties have been meeting at Stormont Castle in a series of talks that could decide the fate of the next Northern Ireland Executive. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker 27/1/2010. PACEMAKER BELFAST. GERRY ADAMS AND MARTIN MCGUINNESS HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE INSIDE HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE. PICTURE CHARLES MCQUILLAN/PACEMAKER. PACEMAKER PRESS INTL. 6/2/11 : First Minister Peter Robinson and Dep. First Minister Martin McGuinness pictured at a special Good Samaritans Service in St. Anne's Cathedral, Belfast. Donations from the Black Santa Christmas Sit out were presented to representatives of 180 charities and community groups. PHOTO: Kirth Ferris/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 14/12/10 Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at Stormont yesterday after a draft budget was agreed on cuts, after intensive discussions over the course of the last three to four months Chancellor George Osbourne ordered Stormont to cut spending by 4bn over the next four years as part of the Spending Review Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker 29/9/2010. Former President of the United States Bill Clinton departs Magee College to cheers from students eager to catch a glimpse of the world statesman as he posed with First Minister and Deputy First Minister Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness alongside John Hume. Picture: Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker. Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness with Loyalist Jackie McDonald on the Falls Road at the Bobby Sands Mural. Loyaltist and Republican leaders came together to give an insight into the troubles. William 'Plum' Smith joined Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness on Stage with Brian Rowan as part as an Exhibition to his archives Photo; Colm O'Reilly Pacemaker Press 30/1/2010. PACEMAKER PRESS INTL BELFAST. DRESS DOWN SATURDAY. DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER MARTIN MCGUINNESS ARRIVES AT HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE. PICTURE CHARLES MCQUILLAN/PACEMAKER. Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness Loyalist Jackie McDonald and Peter Sheridan former head of Special Branch in the Falls Road Library, Loyaltist and Republican leaders came together to give an insight into the troubles. William 'Plum' Smith joined Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness on Stage with Brian Rowan. Photo; Colm O'Reilly Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 14/7/2010 PSNI Chief Constble Matt Baggott meets with First and deputy First ministers Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness this afternoon to discuss the on going security situation in North Belfast after the 12th July. Pacemaker Press Belfast. 8-06-09 An Unhappy Jim Allister with Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness at the Counting of ballots cast in the European elections in Northern Ireland where the DUP may be facing its worst ever result in a European parliamentary election due, in part, to a split in the unionist vote. Photo; Colm O'Reilly Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 11/5/09 Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams takes a plunge at the partys photocall in the Water Works in North Belfast. As the partys European Election candidate Barbrie de Bruin (centre) posed for the cameras with party colleagues, Mr Adams was saved by his deputy Martin McGuinness, doing his David Hasselhoff impersonation. Photo Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 10-03-2009: The First Minister Peter Robinson was joined by the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde at a press conference at Belfast Stormont Castle. They condemned the murdered policeman Constable Stephen Paul Carroll, 48, a married man with children from the Banbridge area of County Down Northern Ireland . PICTURE BY: ARTHUR ALLISON. PACEMAKER PRESS INTL BELFAST 11/11/2009. First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness greet Irish Foreign Secretary Micheal Martin at Stormont castle this morning. Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker. PACEMAKER PRESS INTL BELFAST 11/11/2009. First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness wait to greet Irish Foreign Secretary Micheal Martin at Stormont castle this morning. Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker. Pacemaker Press 12/10/09 Secretary Of State of the US Hilary Clinton after a meeting with Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at Stormont Castle during her visit Belfast Pic Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 12/10/09 Secretary Of State of the US Hilary Clinton after a meeting with First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at Stormont Castle during her visit Belfast Pic Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker File photo dated 05/11/03 of Martin McGuinness walking past a Bloody Sunday mural in the Bogside in Derry. PA PA PACEMAKER PRESS 24-04-2009. Martin McGuinness arrives at Free Derry corner for his press conference this afternoon concerning the death threats made against him by dissident republicans. Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker. PACEMAKER, BELFAST, 29/9/2010: The former US President Bill Clinton , with Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness,after speaking at the University of Ulster,Magee campus, in Londonderry,Wednesday 29th September 2010,Mr Clinton arrived in Northern Ireland on a visit designed to support the peace process and promote economic growth.Mr Clinton is visiting Londonderry where 25,000 people turned out to see him on his first visit in 1995. He is expected to make a speech at the University of Ulster campus at Magee on how to build economic prosperity.PA:Paul Faith POOL PICTURE PA PACEMAKER BELFAST 4/4/2007 Sinn Fein today announced their Ministerial team in the forthcoming Executive on 8th May. Making the announcement Chief negotiator and deputy first Minister Martin McGuinness was joined on the Stormont Steps by Francie Molloy, Connor Murphy, Catriona Ruane, Michelle Gildernew and Gerry Kelly. PHOTO MARK PEARCE/PACEMAKER PRESS PACEMAKER BELFAST 4/4/2007 Sinn Fein today announced their Ministerial team in the forthcoming Executive on 8th May. Making the announcement Chief negotiator and deputy first Minister martin McGuinness was joined on the Stormont Steps by Francie Molloy, Connor Murphy, Catriona Ruane, Michelle Gildernew and Gerry Kelly. PHOTO MARK PEARCE/PACEMAKER PRESS Pacemaker Press International Belfast 16/7/2007. First and Deputy First Minister Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness pictured today at Stormont at the British Irish Council meeting 2007 . Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker. Pacemaker Press International Belfast 12/7/2007. HOWZAT!? First and Deputy First Ministers Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness pictured this evening with Ireland's cricket captain Trent Johnston and spin bowler Kyle McCallen. The Irish cricket side were at Parliment Buildings in honour of their heroic exploits at the Cricket World Cup. Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker. PACEMAKER BELFAST 8/5/2007. Prime Minister Tony Blair poses on the steps as he leaves Stormont Parliment on the first day of the Northern Ireland Assembly with Bertie Ahern watched by First Minister and Deputy First Minister Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness. Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker PACEMAKER, BELFAST, 8/3/2007: Francie Molloy, Michelle O'Neill and Martin McGuinness of Sinn Fein celebrate being elected in the first count in the Mid Ulster constituency in the Assembly election count in Ballymena today. PICTURE BY STEPHEN DAVISON PACEMAKER PRESS INTL 1-05-2007:President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso pictured meeting Northern Irelands First and Deputy First Ministers the Rev Ian Paisley,MP,MLA and Mr Martin McGuinness MP, MLA at the steps of Parliament Buildings in Belfast. PICTURE BY: ARTHUR ALLISON. Pacemaker Press 19/5/2016 First Minister Arlene Foster and and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness speak to the media at Storming Castle on Thursday. The various parties have been meeting at Stormont Castle in a series of talks that could decide the fate of the next Northern Ireland Executive. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 16/5/2016 Deputy First Minister Martin Martin McGuinness speaks to the media at Storming Castle on Wednesday, as he confirmed the ministers would be appointed next week. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker PACEMAKER BELFAST 17/11/2015 First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at Stormont Castle, A deal has been reached between the British and Irish governments and the Northern Ireland parties to resolve the current political crisis. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press 27/1/2010. PACEMAKER BELFAST. GERRY ADAMS AND MARTIN MCGUINNESS HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE INSIDE HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE. PICTURE CHARLES MCQUILLAN/PACEMAKER. File photo dated 31/08/95 of Martin McGuinness, leading Sinn Fein negotiator in the peace process, attending a news conference in the House of Commons.John Stillwell/PA Wire PA File photo dated 08/03/07 of Martin McGuinness of Sinn Fein standing beside a table where his votes are being counted after the Northern Ireland Assembly election in Ballymena, Co Antrim. Julien Behal/PA Wire PA File photo dated 31/12/07 of Northern Ireland First Minister Ian Paisley (right) and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at the opening of Ireland's first IKEA store in Belfast. Paul Faith/PA Wire PA File photo dated 15/03/2000 of Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams (left) and Martin McGuinness embracing at Dublin Airport. Chris Bacon/PA Wire PA File photo dated 07/05/10 of Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness (second right) of Sinn Fein celebrating after being returned as MP for Mid Ulster, at The Seven Towers Leisure Centre in Ballymena. Paul Faith/PA Wire PA File photo dated 09/08/85 of Noraid leader Martin Galvin (right), banned from Northern Ireland by the Home Secretary, standing alongside Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness, as the two men acted as pall-bearers at the Londonderry funeral of IRA man Charles English. PA Wire PA File photo dated 04/08/05 of Prime Minister Tony Blair (left) meeting Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams (right) and chief negotiator Martin McGuinness in 10 Downing Street. Richard Pohle/PA Wire PA File photo dated 11/12/97 of Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams and his deputy Martin McGuinness (left) with party aides outside No10 Downing Street before meeting Prime Minister Tony Blair for peace talks. Adam Butler/PA Wire PA File photo dated 19/10/98 of Martin McGuinness leaving 10 Downing St after a meeting with Prime Minister Tony Blair. Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire PA File photo dated 10/11/03 of Martin McGuinness of Sinn Fein speaking at an election press conference in Belfast. Paul Faith/PA Wire PA File photo dated 23/06/09 of Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness looking at a smashed window at the City Church in the University area of Belfast. PA PA File photo dated 24/05/08 of Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams (right) and Martin McGuinness carrying the coffin of former senior IRA commander Brian Keenan in west Belfast. Paul Faith/PA Wire PA File photo dated 09/08/96 of Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness addressing Nationalists outside the Guildhall in Serry after a march. PA PA File photo dated 13/09/83 of Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness. PA Wire PA File photo dated 11/05/87 of Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams and West Belfast MP Martin McGuinness (right) at the funeral of Patrick Kelly, 30, the reputed IRA commander in East Tyrone. PA Wire PA File photo dated 15/03/2000 of Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams (left) and Martin McGuinness embracing at Dublin Airport. PA PA File photo dated 04/11/03 of Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness outside the Guildhall in Derry after giving evidence to the Saville Inquiry, into the Bloody Sunday tribunal. PA PA File photo dated 29/09/10 of former US President Bill Clinton (right)arriving at University of Ulster Magee Campus in Derry to meet First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness (centre). Julien Behal/PA Wire PA File photo dated 16/06/8 of Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness (left) and First Minister Peter Robinson (centre) with US President George Bush at Stormont Castle in Belfast. PA Wire PA File photo dated 27/08/95 of Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness addressing a Republican rally in Pomeroy, Co Tyrone. PA Wire PA File photo dated 05/11/03 of Martin McGuinness walking past a Bloody Sunday mural in the Bogside in Londonderry. Paul Faith/PA Wire PA Pacemaker Press Belfast 19-09-2016: Martin McGuinness to call on British government to fund legacy inquests. Sinn Fein MLA Martin McGuinness pictured speaking to the media ahead of this afternoon's meeting with British Secretary of State James Brokenshire on the need for the British government to live up to its responsibilities on addressing the legacy of the past. Mr McGuinness will call on the British government to release funding for legacy inquests, including the Ballymurphy massacre cases. Picture By: Arthur Allison. File photo dated 18/01/01 of Martin McGuinness of Sinn Fein standing beside a sentry box outside Hillsborough Castle before a meeting with Prime Minister Tony Blair. PA PA PACEMAKER BELFAST 8/5/2007. Well done Tony! Prime Minister Tony Blair leaves Stormont Parliment on the first day of the Northern Ireland Assembly with Bertie Ahern watched by First Minister and Deputy First Minister Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness. Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker File photo dated 06/06/08 of Prime Minister Gordon Brown (left) with Northern Ireland's First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuiness (right) in the garden at 10 Downing Street, London. PA PA Pacemaker Press 5/3/08 "Business as usual" First Minister Ian Paisley with his Deputy Martin McGuinness at Stormont after a committee meeting. Yesterday Dr Paisleys announcement that he will be stepping down in May from his role as Minister and DUP Leader. Pic Colm Lenaghan/PACEMAKER File photo dated 23/06/09 of Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness looking at a smashed window at the City Church in the University area of Belfast. Paul Faith/PA Wire PA Pacemaker Press International Belfast 16/7/2007. First and Deputy First Mnister Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness pictured today at Stormont at the British Irish Council meeting 2007 . Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker. PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 10-03-2009: The First Minister Peter Robinson was joined by the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde at a press conference at Belfast Stormont Castle. They condemned the murdered policeman Constable Stephen Paul Carroll, 48, a married man with children from the Banbridge area of County Down Northren Ireland . PICTURE BY: ARTHUR ALLISON. PACEMAKER BELFAST 20/11/08 First Minister Peter Robinson (front right) and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness (front left),at the Northern Ireland Executive meeting in Stormont Castle ,20th November 2008,The Northern Ireland Executive will met today for the first time since June after the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Fein agreed an end to their stand-off.An economic aid package is expected to top the agenda at today's meeting after a delegation yesterday met Prime Minister Gordon Brown to appeal for financial support. PA PACEMAKER BELFAST 20/11/08 First Minister Rt Hon Peter D Robinson MP MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP MLA officially opened a new 9million production plant in Belfast, The investment by Larsen Manufacturing, a market leader in the manufacture and supply of chemicals for the construction industry in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, will boost the companyis production capability, creating up to 30 new jobs Pic Colm Lenaghan / Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 18.11/08 The First and Deputy First Ministers Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness's at their joint press conference at Stormont today. The DUP and Sinn Fein have come to an agreement on the devolution of policing and justice which will bring a 152-day deadlock at Stormont to an end. The executive will meet on Thursday 20 November and on a weekly basis until business is up to date, the first and deputy first ministers said. Pic Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 17/7/2007 Taioseach Bertie Ahern speaks to the press while First Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness look on from behind at the first meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council since the assembly which took place in Armagh City. The meeting, in Armagh, includes members of the executive and Taioseach Bertie Ahern and other Irish ministers. Picture Mark Pearce/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 4/6/2008. First Minister Ian Paisley, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, as they officially opened the new 37million Stena Line Terminal at Belfast Port today. Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker. File photo dated 29/09/10 of former US President Bill Clinton with Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at the University of Ulster Magee campus in Derry. PA PA Pacemaker Press 12/10/09 Secretary Of State of the US Hilary Clinton is greeted by First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness as she arrives at Stormont Castle during her visit Belfast Pic Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 9/9/2011 Martin McGuinness addresses Sinn Fein's Ard Fheis at Belfast's Waterfront Conference Centre for a two day event. The Presbyterian minister from Derry, was invited to speak at the conference by Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness.. It was the first time a Presbyterian minister will have addressed the ard fheis Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press Belfast 9-05-2011: Martin McGuinness and Gerry Adams of Sinn Fein pictured during a Press Conference in Belfast this afternoon, where the pair spoke of the parties success in last wekends election. Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press 3/7/2012 First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness during the opening of the New Visitors centre at the Giants Causeway in Co Antrim Yesterday, The 18.5m building has taken 18 months to complete and includes exhibition spaces, a cafe and shops. Walks and trails around the site have also been upgraded, with the addition of a new accessible cliff-top walk for families and people with disabilities .PIcture Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker PACEMAKER BELFAST 27/6/12 Queen Elizabeth II shakes hands with Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness watched by First minister Peter Robinson (centre) at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast. POOL PICTURE PA/PACEMAKER PRESS PA Pacemaker Press 9/9/2011 The Reverend David Latimer is welcomed by Martin McGuinness for Sinn Feins Ard Fheis at Belfasts Waterfront Conference Centre for a two day event. The Presbyterian minister from Derry, was invited to speak at the conference by Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness.. It was the first time a Presbyterian minister will have addressed the ard fheis Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 3/7/2012 First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness wave to the visitors during the opening of the New Visitors centre at the Giants Causeway in Co Antrim Yesterday, The 18.5m building has taken 18 months to complete and includes exhibition spaces, a cafe and shops. Walks and trails around the site have also been upgraded, with the addition of a new accessible cliff-top walk for families and people with disabilities .PIcture Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker PACEMAKER BELFAST 28/01/2012 - Power NI Dr McKenna Cup Final, Tyrone v Derry, at Armagh. Peter Robinson, accompanied by Martin McGuinness, attended the McKenna Cup final. Picture: Cliff Donaldson File photo dated 30/05/06 of Sinn Fein MP Martin McGuinness with party colleagues during a press conference at Stormont. PA PA Martin McGuinness signs resignation letter. Martin McGuinness at the Bishop's Gate Hotel in Derry, as the former Deputy First Minister announced that he is quitting elected politics to concentrate on recovering from serious health issues: Niall Carson/PA Wire PA Martin McGuinness at the Bishop's Gate Hotel in Londonderry, as the former Deputy First Minister announced that he is quitting elected politics to concentrate on recovering from serious health issues. Niall Carson/PA Wire PA Sinn Fein former Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness pictured leaving Stormont Castle in east Belfast after he resigned. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com Martin McGuinness during an interview with the Press Association at the Bishop's Gate Hotel in Derry, as the former Deputy First Minister announced that he is quitting elected politics to concentrate on recovering from serious health issues. PA PA / Facebook

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Whatsapp Martin McGuinness, Sinn Fein, pictured leaving court in Belfast after charges against him involving IRA membership were dropped 1976.

"I think what Martin McGuinness and Gerry Adams and Sinn Fein have achieved in Ireland in the last 10 years is tremendous," he said.

"They're the only all-Ireland party. They're moving towards bringing the island of Ireland together, which I think is a laudable goal."

Mr Paisley, the former DUP leader who died in 2014, is portrayed in The Journey by Timothy Spall.

Director Hamm said: "We were looking to present a balanced argument where both sides would be equally comfortable and equally uncomfortable."
Fashion reporter Rachel Dean checks out all the latest styles in Victoria Square, Belfast.

Cara Gormley (26), assistant optician, Omagh

Wore what? Jumpsuit, 80, Zara; shoes, 13, Primark; bag, 75, House of Fraser.

Why? I would say my fashion sense is very different and fun. I like to stand out.

Who? I really like Fearne Cottons rock chick styled looks. I think shes so trendy.

Ruth Shields (25), assistant psychologist, Lisburn

Wore what? Dress, 40, Zara; jacket, 99, Jigsaw; boots, 20, H&M; bag, 25, Topshop.

Why? I would say my style matches the smart casual look. Its minimalistic with softer colours.

Who? I think Blake Livelys style is extremely chic and it looks so effortless.

Stephanie Geddis (23), digital marketing, Belfast

Wore what? Jumpsuit, 30, Silk Fred; shoes, 55, bag, 15, both River Island.

Why? My style is dressy casual  its very minimal with just one bold, statement colour.

Who? Millie Mackintoshs more formal looks are to die for. They are tailored perfectly to her figure.

Debra McGavigin (46), hairdresser, Strabane

Wore what? Dress, 60, shoes, 58, both Topshop; bag, gift, Chanel.

Why? My style is very classy and feminine, and I love floral prints.

Who? Pippa OConnors looks are always stunning, but still so affordable.

Lauren Foley (23), legal secretary, Belfast

Wore what? Top, 12, Topshop; blazer, 30, trousers, 30, both Zara; shoes, 8, Primark; bag, 240, Vivienne Westwood.

Why? I would describe my style as very girly. I prefer a bit of energy to my look  I like wearing patterns rather than anything too plain.

Who? Olivia Palermos style is the epitome of class.

Eimear Whitcroft (27), product development manager, Magherafelt

Wore what? Top, 25, Missguided; trousers, 35, ASOS; shoes, 25, New Look; bag, 20, River Island.

Why? Im very relaxed when it comes to fashion. I like items that are comfy, frilly and just a little bit out there.

Who? Fashion blogger Ashlee Coburn (Oh So Femme) has her own unique look. Its individualistic and inspiring.

Leanne Murty (29), dietitian, Belfast

Wore what? Top, 30, trousers, 40, both Missguided; shoes, 60, Solo Shoes (boutique in Dungannon); bag, gift, Yves Saint Laurent.

Why? My style is plain and simple. I prefer lighter colours as I think they are more feminine.

Who? I love how Millie Mackintoshs style is flirty and bohemian.

Nicole Erwin (24), buyer for DV8, Ballymena

Wore what? Top, 20, Guess; jacket, 25, Levis; jeans, 7, H&M; shoes, 29.99, DV8.

Why? My look is chic and edgy. I follow fashion trends so I would definitely say my style is very fresh.

Who? Alexa Chung is my ultimate style icon. Her look is cool and individual.
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has called on the Irish government to publish its negotiating position for Brexit.

Mr Adams was addressing a Brexit conference in the Carrickdale Hotel in Dundalk.

The public meeting included MEPs from across Europe.

In a speech on Thursday evening the Louth TD said: said: "It is now crucial that the Irish Government act on the Dail motion passed in February which calls for the north to be afforded special designated status within the EU.

"It must realise, and quickly, that it has a responsibility to stand up for the national interests of the whole island of Ireland and people have an expectation that they will do this.

"The Irish Government must up its game considerably when it comes to meeting the threat posed by Brexit.

"Taoiseach Enda Kenny has a responsibility to articulate and uphold the rights of citizens in north.

"The Irish Government should also publish as a matter of urgency its own negotiating position so that it can be debated in the Dail."
Theresa May has said her government will never be neutral on the future of Northern Ireland as talk of a referendum on a united Ireland grows.

Theresa May has said her government will never be neutral on the future of Northern Ireland as talk of a referendum on a united Ireland grows.

Her comments during Prime Ministers Questions yesterday come as Sinn Fein increases pressure for a border poll following the Brexit vote.

UUP MP Danny Kinahan pressed the government to campaign for Northern Ireland to remain part of the UK.

Addressing Mrs May, he said: Could I ask the Prime Minister to confirm that in the extremely improbable event that a border poll should take place regarding the future of Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom during her premiership, that the government will fully support any official remain campaign?

Just as the government has done both in regard of the EU and indeed Scotland.

Mrs May said: You are absolutely right, today of course we do give effect to the democratic decision of the people of the United Kingdom who voted for us to leave the European Union.

And it was a call to make the United Kingdom a country that works for everyone, not just the privileged few.

We are of course, within that, fully committed to ensuring that the unique interests of Northern Ireland are protected and advanced as we establish our negotiating position and our position has always been clear that we strongly support the Belfast Agreement, including the principle of consent that Northern Irelands constitutional position is a matter for the people of Northern Ireland to determine. But as our manifesto made clear, we have a preference that Northern Ireland should remain part of the United Kingdom, and we will never be neutral in expressing our support for that.

And thats because I believe fundamentally in the strength of our union.

Later, Jeremy Corbyn said there should be a referendum on Irish reunification, if the Assembly wants one.

The Labour leader told the BBCs Andrew Neil: If the Northern Ireland Assembly wants to have one they should be allowed to.

Mr Corbyn said the people of Ireland must carry on being able to pass freely across the border, a status that could be imperilled when Northern Ireland is no longer part of the European Union.

Mrs May is facing resistance from German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the European Parliament to her goal of conducting negotiations on Britains future trade relations with Europe at the same time as talks on arrangements for Brexit.

Simultaneous divorce and trade talks are a key demand in the Prime Ministers letter to European Council President Donald Tusk, triggering the two-year process of negotiating Brexit.

Mrs May told MPs that the delivery of Article 50 letter was an historic moment from which there can be no turning back.

It would implement the democratic will expressed by voters in last years referendum by taking Britain out of the EU in one of the great turning points in our national story, she said.

But Mrs May was accused of trying to make a trade-off between security and commerce, as the letter warned that failure to reach agreement on trade would mean our co-operation in the fight against crime and terrorism would be weakened.

The European Parliaments Brexit co-ordinator, Guy Verhofstadt, said: Security is far too important to start to bargain it against an economic agreement. What we will never accept is that there is a trade-off between one and the other.

In her letter to Mr Tusk, Mrs May said it was necessary to agree the terms of our future partnership alongside those of our withdrawal from the EU.

But Mrs Merkel gave a frosty reception to the PMs plea, saying that talks must first clarify how to unravel the commitments, rights and duties which the UK has entered into over its 44-year membership.

It is only if we have sorted that out that we can next  and I hope soon  talk about our future relationship, said the German Chancellor.
Some 800,000 has been raised in Northern Ireland in just two weeks for people facing starvation in east Africa

Some 800,000 has been raised in Northern Ireland in just two weeks for people facing starvation in east Africa.

The local branch of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) said it was "completely overwhelmed" by the response to its crisis appeal.

The campaign, for people in urgent need of food, water and medical treatment in parts of Somalia, South Sudan, Kenya and Ethiopia launched on March 15.

Some 19.5 million people across the region do not have access to a regular supply of safe drinking water, putting them at risk of life-threatening water-borne diseases, and food is increasingly scarce.

DEC member Sharon Sinclair, from the British Red Cross, said: "We cannot thank the Northern Ireland public enough for their generous support, which is helping us provide food, water and medical care to those in terrible need across the parts of east Africa. Every donation makes a huge difference."
Theresa May speaking in parliament after triggering Article 50 and the start of Brexit negotiations

It is farcical that Northern Ireland wont be able to take up a raft of new powers being transferred to devolved administrations across the UK after Brexit because the Stormont institutions are in deadlock, TUV leader Jim Allister has said.

And SDLP MLA Claire Hanna said it was ridiculous that while politicians in Scotland, England and Wales were preparing to wield the new powers, our MLAs were squabbling and actively avoiding taking responsibility.

In her Article 50 letter triggering Brexit yesterday, Prime Minister Theresa May said that some of the powers returning from the EU would reside in Westminster  but others would be devolved to the regions.

It is the expectation of the government that the outcome of this process will be a significant increase in the decision-making power of each devolved administration, she said.

Responding to Mrs Mays announcement, Mr Allister said: The responsibility for devising agriculture, environmental and probably fisheries policies will now most likely fall to devolved governments.

Until now we have only been able to rubber-stamp and implement Brussels decisions.

But it is ironic that we are now getting these powers when we are in no position to take them up with neither a functioning Executive or Assembly.

Mr Allister said that our politicians hadnt proved themselves capable of taking on any additional responsibilities.

Given the record of Stormont and its inability to cope with the limited powers it had, I shudder to think how theyd handle extra duties.

Claire Hanna said the fast-changing situation with Brexit showed the need for functioning political institutions at Stormont.

As new powers are up for grabs with the triggering of Article 50, it is insanity that Northern Ireland currently doesnt have an Executive, she said.

Given the chaos that Brexit is bringing, it is ridiculous that we have no devolved administration in place.

While politicians in Scotland, England and Wales are preparing to wield new powers, our MLAs are spending their time squabbling and actively avoiding taking responsibility for anything.

Sinn Feins Stormont leader, Michelle ONeill, said that the campaign to secure special designated status for Northern Ireland post-Brexit was building momentum across Europe and she urged the Irish government to step up its efforts.

She dismissed claims that such a concession would be unachievable in the forthcoming negotiations.

Brexit would be a disaster for Ireland, socially, politically and economically. It is unacceptable that Tories, who have no mandate in Ireland, can impose Brexit and a border against our will, she said.

The people of the north voted against Brexit in a democratic poll. Clearly we need special status  we are building momentum and that argument is resonating across Europe.

DUP MP Nigel Dodds said the triggering of Article 50 represented a historic day for the UK. It is a good day for the Union and importantly our democracy, as the rights of those who voted on June 23 have been upheld, he said.

Theresa May continues to rightly emphasis her determination to deliver for all the constituent parts of the UK, despite the moans from others who have sought to undermine the EU referendum result and reverse Brexit.

We joined the European Union as a nation and we will leave together.

The reality is Brexit has indeed meant Brexit and now our duty is to ensure delivery.

Mr Dodds said that it was important that strong arguments were made at the talks table to secure the best deal for the devolved regions.

Northern Ireland with its team at Westminster has that influence which will be needed in Brexit negotiations.

However, that influence is only bolstered by a functioning Executive which is able to protect the best interests of Northern Ireland, he added.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood described the triggering of Article 50 against the wishes of people in Northern Ireland and at a time when there is no power-sharing executive as an act of savagery against our democracy.

He urged all the local parties to unite around a common position on Brexit.

He said: Brexit is the single greatest threat to prosperity and stability facing this island since partition. The British Governments Brexit juggernaut is about to smash through the fragile complexities of Irish politics.

Dragging us out of Europe against the will of our people and while we have no executive isnt just an affront to the principles of devolution, its an act of democratic savagery.

However, Ulster Unionist MP Tom Elliott welcomed the triggering of Article 50.

He said it was vital that Northern Ireland interests were considered by the government in coming negotiations.

Unfortunately at this crucial time, we have no Northern Ireland executive in place to lobby the government as negotiations progress, Mr Elliott said.

But in the Prime Ministers statement, she reaffirmed her commitment to ensure there will be no hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and that the Common Travel Area should be maintained.

A successful resolution to this issue is crucial, particularly for those who live along the border, who often cross it on a daily basis for work or leisure.

We must ensure that the border does not become subject to increased illegal activity after Brexit.
The big lick faction of the Tennessee Walking horse industry continue to knowingly injure horses as a customary practice in order to induce an exaggerated gait for the purpose of winning prizes  a practice known as soring. The PAST Act contains the reforms that are so urgently needed to crack down on this cruel practice. Photo by The HSUS

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Today, in a show of legislative horsepower, U.S. Reps. Ted Yoho, R-Fla., and Kurt Schrader, D-Ore., introduced the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, HR 1847, with nearly half the lawmakers in the U.S. House joining them in a quest to close loopholes in the almost 50-year-old Horse Protection Act that have enabled the cruelty of horse soring to persist. They were joined by a strong leadership team of Reps. Tom Marino, R-Pa., Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., Chris Collins, R-N.Y., and Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., and a whopping combined 209 original cosponsors  a level of support for bill introduction that is very rare in Congress.

Identical to the bill of the same name introduced two years ago, the PAST Act contains the reforms that are so urgently needed to crack down on soring  the intentional infliction of pain on the legs and hooves of Tennessee walking horses and related breeds to create the exaggerated gait known as the big lick. It will end the corrupt and failed system of industry self-policing and ban the devices used in, and integral to, the soring process. Reps. Yoho and Schrader are both veterinarians with experience treating horses, and they spoke compellingly about soring at a recent briefing on Capitol Hill.

The nationwide campaign to end the cruel practice of horse soring came so close within the last year, and were still reeling from the failure of Federal Register personnel to properly publish a U.S. Department of Agriculture rule to crack down on the activity. Last July, the USDA announced a proposed rule that was years in the making, to ban the use of stacks and chains on the horses feet and legs and to eliminate the industry self-regulation program that has enabled corrupt practices to persist on such a widespread basis.

Although Congress passed and President Nixon signed the Horse Protection Act in 1970 to stop soring, the practice has continued to infect shows for Tennessee walking horses in Tennessee and other states where these exhibitions occur, due to weak regulations and underenforcement. The agencys proposed rule received more than 100,000 supportive public comments and was endorsed by numerous equine industry groups, key veterinary organizations, and 224 Representatives and Senators who called on the USDA to finalize it swiftly. But in a tragic one-two punch, the Obama administration fell literally one day short of publishing the final rule before leaving office, and it then got caught up in the Trump administrations blanket regulation freeze. Thankfully for the horses, the bill introduced today provides a potential source of relief.

The PAST Act goes beyond the pending USDA regulations in that it will create stronger penalties for violators, to more effectively deter this criminal activity. PAST has overwhelming support, with endorsements by the American Horse Council, the United States Equestrian Federation, more than 60 other national and state horse groups, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Equine Practitioners, all 50 state veterinary medical associations, the National Sheriffs Association, the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, and major newspapers in Kentucky and Tennessee (the hotbeds of soring), among hundreds of groups and key individuals.

The pro-soring coalition has its own bill that masquerades as reform. Rep. Scott DesJarlais Horse Protection Amendments Act is nothing more than a smokescreen for big lick torturers, and shamefully, 10 Representatives (from Tennessee, Kentucky, and one from Mississippi) have cosponsored this sham bill. These legislators represent the very region where the horses need the reforms of PAST the most. Rep. Cohen of Tennessee, on the other hand, has been an unwavering champion for animal welfare and continues to help lead the PAST Act, while Rep. John Yarmuth, DKy., is a PAST Act cosponsor again.

While the provisions in the USDA rule thats on hold are critical, we also knew that wed have to go to Congress to increase penalties. So now we have two pathways for reform  unfreezing the rule and getting the PAST Act over the finish line. With more than 200 lawmakers joining together to introduce this legislation, we welcome a vote on the issue and call on House leaders to take up the PAST Act within a reasonable time frame. Our nation should no longer tolerate trainers and owners intentionally and maliciously injuring horses in order for them to win ribbons at shows. The ribbons mean nothing to the horses, and this human blend of vanity and cruelty should be stamped out by national lawmakers and by President Trump.
A campaign to have a direct bus service to a Belfast school has been stepped up after two students were knocked down on a busy road in less than a week.

A 12-year-old girl was injured on Tuesday morning as she made her way to Hazelwood College.

Days earlier, 11-year-old schoolboy Jay Eppleston suffered three broken bones in a hit-and-run.

The worrying incidents follow a dispute between parents and Translink, which has refused to provide up to 50 schoolchildren with a direct bus from Rathcoole to the college site.

The school's deputy principal, Maurice Fitzsimons, has requested an urgent meeting with Translink officials in a bid to secure the service.

Julie Caldwell said her daughter, Katie, a first-year pupil, was taken to hospital after the crash.

The mother from Rathcoole added that she feared for her daughter's future safety.

"If this continues the way it is someone will be seriously hurt," she stressed.

"I think that if the kids were getting a bus straight to school, then they would be safe and we wouldn't have to worry.

"Katie needs to get that bus, so my nerves are going to be wrecked every day."

Mrs Caldwell's daughter was left with bruising and scrapes along the side of her left leg.

"The school rang my husband and I and he rushed to the school and took her to the Mater Hospital to make sure she was okay and no internal damage was caused," said Julie.

"Katie was left very shaken up, and this morning her hips and legs are very sore.

"I am now very worried about her getting to school in the mornings and on her way home too."

Katie and Jay, who was injured in last week's hit-and-run, are two of 50 students from the Rathcoole area who are forced to walk almost a mile from a public bus stop to Hazelwood College every morning and evening.

Parents are having to fork out 28 a month for the current service, which they say is putting children's lives at risk.

A campaign was launched last September to have a dedicated bus service to take students directly from the area to the college.

Julie said: "Thankfully, Katie was not hit on the head or it could have been a lot worse.

"It's not a nice phone call to get that your child has been injured on the way to school when it could easily have been prevented.

"I'm right behind this campaign. How many other accidents are going to happen before something is done about it? The kids are all shocked by this too."

A Translink spokeswoman said pupils travelling from Rathcoole to Hazelwood College currently used scheduled Metro services.

In a statement, Translink added: "Pupil safety is always our top priority and we are concerned at these recent incidents.

"We have been working with Hazelwood College and the Education Authority to ensure pupils have a safe journey to and from the school.

"We would urge all Hazelwood College pupils to use the Grays Lane bus stop on the Shore Road where there is a pelican crossing providing access to the pedestrian entrance onto school grounds.

"We have offered to revisit the school with our dedicated safety bus to help promote safety messages and are committed to working with all concerned, including the school, community and other stakeholders to help improve road safety awareness."
Jeremy Corbyn has said there should be a border poll, if there is a desire for one.

Jeremy Corbyn has said there should be a referendum on Irish reunification if the Northern Irish Assembly wants one.

Asked specifically about the issue of a referendum in Northern Ireland, in an interview with the BBCs Andrew Neil, Mr Corbyn said: "If the Northern Ireland Assembly wants to have one they should be allowed to."

Mr Corbyn said the people of Ireland must carry on being able to "pass freely" across the border, a status that could be imperilled when Northern Ireland is no longer part of the European Union.

Earlier this month, Sinn Fein won 27 seats in the Northern Irish Assembly, just one seat short of the DUP's 28.

Under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement a border poll can be polled by the Secretary of State "if at any time it appears likely to him that a majority of those voting would express a wish that Northern Ireland should cease to be part of the United Kingdom and form part of a united Ireland".

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Mr Corbyn also said the UK should give up its membership of the single market, saying "We cant be members of the single market without being members of the European Union."

Mr Corbyn appeared to confuse the EUs customs union, of which Turkey is a member, with the single market, saying Norway was a member of the customs union, which it is not. It is a member of the single market, but not a member of the EU.

He also said that if the Scottish parliament wanted to have a second independence referendum then it should take place "until after the Brexit negotiations".
The family fun day at Belfast City Council's Inverary playing fields in east Belfast on the day that Martin McGuinness was laid to rest.

The family fun day at Belfast City Council's Inverary playing fields in east Belfast on the day that Martin McGuinness was laid to rest.

The family fun day at Belfast City Council's Inverary playing fields in east Belfast on the day that Martin McGuinness was laid to rest.

The family fun day at Belfast City Council's Inverary playing fields in east Belfast on the day that Martin McGuinness was laid to rest.

The family fun day at Belfast City Council's Inverary playing fields in east Belfast on the day that Martin McGuinness was laid to rest.

The family fun day at Belfast City Council's Inverary playing fields in east Belfast on the day that Martin McGuinness was laid to rest.

Belfast City Council has launched an investigation into a 'celebration' event that coincided with the funeral of Martin McGuinness last Thursday in the east of the city.

As the former Deputy First Minister's hometown came to a standstill, loyalists in east Belfast were hosting a day of celebration which included face-painting, bouncy castles, burgers and games.

Union flags lined the perimeter of the council-owned Inverary playing fields in Sydenham where the "culture celebration family fun day" kicked off at 4pm.

A post advertising the festivities on social media read: "On the day of Martin McGuinness's funeral we remember our patriots that defended this country from terrorism and those that served in our armed forces."

A council spokesperson has confirmed that no application was made by any group or individual to hold the event.

"This event was organised without permission from the council and our staff were not aware of the event until they carried out a routine site visit at approximately 5pm on Thursday, March 23. At this stage, the event was underway," they said.

"We are currently investigating the circumstances around this event and intend on speaking to our stakeholders about it."

The community event was hosted by the Sydenham Bonfire group who explained that the event was to provide a venue for victims to meet in memory of their loved ones, and to "provide a counter-balance to those lauding Martin McGuinness as a peacemaker".

The group hailed the provision of a "safe space" as the "key to diffusing tensions by providing a release valve" which would prevent young people congregating at nearby interfaces.

Local residents who attended the fun day flocked to social media afterwards to applaud all those who helped make the day a great success.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams (R) and Northern Sinn Fein leader Michelle O'Neill (L) lay the Irish flag on the coffin of former Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness before it is processed through the Bogside neighbourhood of Derry to his family home on March 21, 2017. AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images The coffin of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness is carried to his home in Londonderry by Gerry Adams and Michelle O'Neill after he died aged 66. Pic: Niall Carson/PA Wire PA The coffin of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness is carried to his home in Londonderry after he died aged 66. Niall Carson/PA Wire PA Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams and Michelle O'Neill, stand over the coffin of former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness as it is carried to his home in Londonderry after he died aged 66. Niall Carson/PA Wire PA The coffin of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness is placed on a stand as it is carried to his home in Londonderry after he died aged 66. Niall Carson/PA Wire PA Message placed on the wall of Connolly House, Andersonstown, Belfast, from Gerry Adams after the death of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness aged 66. Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA The wife of former Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, Bernie (R), helps to carry the coffin of her late husband in procession through the Bogside neighbourhood of Derry to his family home on March 21, 2017. AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams (R) and Northern Ire;and Leader, Michelle O'Neill (L) adjusts an Irish flag on the coffin of the late Martin McGuinness watched by his wife Bernadette McGuinness (C) on March 21, 2017 in Derry (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Getty Images Sinn Fein President, Gerry Adams (R) and Sinn Fein Northern Leader, Michelle O'Neill (L) comfort a mourner as they await the coffin of the late Martin McGuinness on March 21, 2017 in Derry (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Getty Images Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams (R) and Sinn Fein Northern Ireland leader, Michelle O'Neill (L) carry the coffin of the late Martin McGuinness past Free Derry corner on March 21, 2017 in Derry, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Getty Images An Irish Flag flys at half mast in the Bogside neighbourhood of Derry on March 21, 2017 as a mark of respect after the death of former Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness. AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Bernadette McGuinness (R) carries the coffin of her late husband Martin McGuinness on March 21, 2017 in Derry, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Getty Images Well wishers carry the coffin of the late Martin McGuinness past the murals at Free Derry corner on March 21, 2017 in Derry, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Getty Images Well wishers carry the coffin of the late Martin McGuinness past the murals at Free Derry corner on March 21, 2017 in Derry, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Getty Images Well wishers carry the coffin of the late Martin McGuinness past the murals at Free Derry corner on March 21, 2017 in Derry, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Getty Images The sons of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness , Fiachra (left) and Emmet, carry his coffin to his home in Derry after he died aged 66. Pic: Niall Carson/PA Wire PA The coffin of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness is carried to his home in Londonderry after he died aged 66. Niall Carson/PA Wire PA Mourners pictured at the removal of Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness to his home in the Bog side. Photo by Stephen Hamilton / Press Eye. Mourners pictured at the removal of Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness to his home in the Bog side. Photo by Stephen Hamilton / Press Eye. Mourners pictured at the removal of Sinn Feins Martin McGuinness to his home in the Bog side. Photo by Stephen Hamilton / Press Eye. Mourners pictured at the removal of Sinn Feins Martin McGuinness to his home in the Bog side. Photo by Stephen Hamilton / Press Eye. Mourners pictured at the removal of Sinn Feins Martin McGuinness to his home in the Bog side. Martin's wife Bernie pictured during her husband's removal. Photo by Stephen Hamilton / Press Eye. Mourners pictured at the removal of Sinn Feins Martin McGuinness to his home in the Bog side. Martin's wife Bernie pictured during her husband's removal. Photo by Stephen Hamilton / Press Eye. Mourners pictured at the removal of Sinn Feins Martin McGuinness to his home in the Bog side. Photo by Stephen Hamilton / Press Eye. Mourners pictured at the removal of Sinn Feins Martin McGuinness to his home in the Bog side. Martin's wife Bernie pictured during her husband's removal. Photo by Stephen Hamilton / Press Eye. Mourners pictured at the removal of Sinn Feins Martin McGuinness to his home in the Bog side. Presseye Stephen Hamilton Mourners pictured at the removal of Sinn Feins Martin McGuinness to his home in the Bog side. Sinn Feins president Gerry Adams Presseye Mourners pictured at the removal of Sinn Feins Martin McGuinness to his home in the Bog side. Sinn Feins president Gerry Adams The sons of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness , Fiachra (left) and Emmet, carry his coffin to his home in Londonderry after he died aged 66. Niall Carson/PA Wire PA The coffin of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness is carried to his home in Londonderry after he died aged 66. Niall Carson/PA Wire PA The coffin of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness is carried to his home in Londonderry by his wife Bernie McGuinness (front right) after he died aged 66. Niall Carson/PA Wire PA The coffin of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness is carried to his home in Londonderry after he died aged 66. Niall Carson/PA Wire PA Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams and Michelle O'Neill, stand over the coffin of former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness as it is carried to his home in Londonderry after he died aged 66. Niall Carson/PA Wire PA The coffin of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness is placed on a stand as it is carried to his home in Londonderry after he died aged 66. Niall Carson/PA Wire PA The coffin of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness is carried to his home in Londonderry after he died aged 66. Niall Carson/PA Wire PA The coffin of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness is carried to his home in Londonderry after he died aged 66. Niall Carson/PA Wire PA A flag flies at half mast in the bogside area of Londonderry after the death of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness aged 66. Pic: Niall Carson/PA Wire PA A flag flies at half mast in the bogside area of Londonderry after the death of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness aged 66. Niall Carson/PA Wire PA A Derry Country GAA flag flies at half mast in the bogside area of Londonderry after the death of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness aged 66. Niall Carson/PA Wire PA A passerby stops at the gates of Connolly House, Andersonstown, Belfast to read a message from Gerry Adams after the death of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness aged 66. Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA Constituency staff of Belfast West MLA Alex Maskey tie lilies to the gates of Connolly House, Andersonstown, Belfast, after the death of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness aged 66. Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA Constituency staff of Belfast West MLA Alex Maskey tie lilies to the gates of Connolly House, Andersonstown, Belfast, after the death of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness aged 66. Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA Constituency staff of Belfast West MLA Alex Maskey placing a message from Gerry Adams to the gates of Connolly House, Andersonstown, Belfast, after the death of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness aged 66. Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA Constituency staff of Belfast West MLA Alex Maskey tie lilies to the gates of Connolly House, Andersonstown, Belfast, after the death of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness aged 66. Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA Lilies left in remembrance to Martin McGuinness at the gates of Connolly House, Andersonstown, Belfast, after the death of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander aged 66. Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA A passer by stops at the gates of Connolly House, Andersonstown, Belfast to read a message from Gerry Adams after the death of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness aged 66. Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA William Cosgrove signs the book of condolence in remembrance to Martin McGuinness at Connolly House, Andersonstown, Belfast, after the death of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander aged 66. Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA A floral tribute left at the gates of Connolly House, Andersonstown, Belfast following the death of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness aged 66. Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA A woman carries a child past a Republican mural in the Bogside neighbourhood of Derry in Northern Ireland on March 21, 2017 near the home of former deputy first minister Martin McGuinness, whose death was announced this morning. Martin McGuinness, a one-time Irish Republican Army commander who later helped negotiate an end to the conflict in Northern Ireland, has died aged 66. His Sinn Fein party, which opposes British rule in Northern Ireland and was long considered the political arm of the IRA, announced the death in a statement on March 21, 2017, expressing "deep regret". / AFP PHOTO / Paul FAITHPAUL FAITH/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Murals in the bogside area of Londonderry after the death of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness aged 66. Niall Carson/PA Wire PA A general view of the bogside area of Londonderry after the death of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness aged 66. Niall Carson/PA Wire PA A black flag and the national flag of Ireland referred to as the Irish tricolour, fly at half mast at Connolly House, Andersonstown, Belfast following the death of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness aged 66. Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA A black flag and the national flag of Ireland referred to as the Irish tricolour, fly at half mast at Connolly House, Andersonstown, Belfast following the death of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness aged 66. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday March 21, 2017. Mr McGuinness stood down in January in protest at the DUP's handling of the 'cash for ash' energy scandal, triggering a snap election. See PA story DEATH McGuinness. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA Floral tributes left at the gates of Connolly House, Andersonstown, Belfast following the death of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness aged 66. Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA A woman leaves flowers at the gates of Connolly House, Andersonstown, Belfast after the death of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness aged 66. Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA Sinn Fein for Belfast City Council Emma Groves signs the book of condolence at Connolly House, Andersonstown, Belfast, following the death of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness aged 66. Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA / Facebook

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Whatsapp Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams (R) and Northern Sinn Fein leader Michelle O'Neill (L) lay the Irish flag on the coffin of former Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness before it is processed through the Bogside neighbourhood of Derry to his family home on March 21, 2017. AFP/Getty Images
The DUP has said it was right to ask the Electoral Commission to delay publication of its spending on the EU referendum campaign because - as the party feared - its rivals "misrepresented facts" during the Assembly election campaign.

The party tried to block publication of its expenditure, it was revealed by investigative website The Detail.

The DUP campaigned to leave and took out an expensive wrap-around advertisement with London's Metro free sheet newspaper. It spent over 400,000.

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It asked the Electoral Commission to delay publication until a week after the March 2 snap Assembly election. It has said the party never sought to prevent the figures being released and actually itself went further when it revealed who its donor was.

"This voluntary step was beyond the details published by the Electoral Commission and is one that has not been repeated by any of the other major political parties in Northern Ireland," the party said.

"Given attempts by some other political parties to misrepresent the facts following publication it was right to highlight to the Commission that it could distract from key issues in the Assembly election campaign.

While the DUP has provided a greater level of transparency... donations to other parties are ignored. DUP

"The DUP has gone further than any other major party in voluntarily disclosing donor information."

In February the Belfast Telegraph revealed that the Constitutional Research Council (CRC) provided the party with over 400,000. Very little is known about CRC, the size and make-up of its membership, or its previous links to the DUP or Northern Ireland politics. Searches online produce nothing of substance. It is chaired by Richard Cook, a former vice-chairman of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. Mr Cook is a prominent figure in Scottish Conservative circles, having stood as a parliamentary candidate in several elections.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson described their campaign as a success.

On Thursday, The Detail reports on email's obtained through Freedom of information that show the DUP tried to delay the publication of the information until a week after the March 2 Assembly election. The information was subsequently published a week before polling day.

The DUP email stated: Weve noticed in the press various stories to the effect of, the EU Spending returns are soon to be published by the Electoral Commission. Our friends in the media frequently get things wrong, not least when it comes to their coverage of hard-pressed regulators. But wed obviously like clarity on this point please.

Therefore wed be grateful if you could please confirm that the Electoral Commission, in accordance with both best practice and past precedent, will obviously not be publishing the returns during the Northern Ireland Assembly election campaign?

The commission which said it considered the timing of the publication in light of the Assembly poll, responded saying the timing of the poll was not a "practical impediment to publication" and that it was acting in the interest of transparency".

Four days before the release of the information the DUP's Sir Jeffrey Donaldson again emailed to ask that publication be delayed for a week to avoid interfering with the Northern Ireland Assembly elections.

This was again rejected.

The DUP did not comment to The Detail.

There was no precedent to publish such politically contentious material during an election campaign. DUP

In a statement to the Belfast Telegraph, it said: "The Democratic Unionist Party voluntarily published details of the donor who helped fund the DUPs participation in the European Referendum campaign. This voluntary step was beyond the details published by the Electoral Commission and is one that has not been repeated by any of the other major political parties in Northern Ireland.

"In our correspondence with the Electoral Commission we did not query the principle of publishing spending returns for the Referendum campaign, but discussed the timing of when this might happen. Given attempts by some other political parties to misrepresent the facts following publication it was right to highlight to the Commission that it could distract from key issues in the Assembly election campaign."

The statement continued: "There is no precedent the Electoral Commission can point to when it before published such politically contentious material during an election campaign.

No one needs reminding why we had security provisions in place for donors in Northern Ireland. DUP

"The EU Referendum, spending returns were published published by the Electoral Commission on Friday February 24. It should be noted that the Commission itself confidently briefed to journalists that its own worst-case internal scenario was that spending returns would be collated by last Christmas at the very latest. By publishing two months later even than anticipated, this meant that publication inevitably impacted upon on the Assembly Election campaign.

"There has been a deliberate attempt to confuse the correspondence with the Commission, which touched on the timing of its publication of the spending returns, and, the statements by Edwin Poots and others about the party's efforts to secure the voluntary disclosure of the details of the donor.

"At no point would the Electoral Commission have been publishing these. To repeat, all that the Electoral Commission published were the returns; we took the decision to additionally publish the donor's details, with their consent. No one needs reminding why we have had security provisions in place for donors in Northern Ireland.

"While the DUP has provided a greater level of transparency than any other major political party, there is once again an attack on the DUP, while donations to other parties are continually ignored. We await any questioning of others about their donors. Why is this not being pursued when the DUP has gone further than any other major party in voluntarily disclosing donor information?

In revealing the group behind the donation, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said the DUP shown its commitment to transparency and had not sought to hide its participation or enthusiasm for Brexit. "On every single piece of media we produced for our Leave campaign, my name was on them as national campaign director," he added.

Donations to political parties in Northern Ireland are kept confidential for security reasons.
The DUP tried to block publication of its expenditure on the EU referendum campaign before this month's snap Assembly election, it has been revealed.

The DUP campaigned to leave and took out an expensive wrap-around advertisement with London's Metro free sheet newspaper.

In February the Belfast Telegraph revealed that the Constitutional Research Council (CRC) provided the party with over 400,000. Very little is known about CRC, the size and make-up of its membership, or its previous links to the DUP or Northern Ireland politics. Searches online produce nothing of substance. It is chaired by Richard Cook, a former vice-chairman of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. Mr Cook is a prominent figure in Scottish Conservative circles, having stood as a parliamentary candidate in several elections.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson described their campaign as a success.

On Thursday, The Detail reports on email's obtained through Freedom of information that show the DUP tried to delay the publication of the information until a week after the March 2 Assembly election. The information was subsequently published a week before polling day.

The DUP email stated: Weve noticed in the press various stories to the effect of, the EU Spending returns are soon to be published by the Electoral Commission. Our friends in the media frequently get things wrong, not least when it comes to their coverage of hard-pressed regulators. But wed obviously like clarity on this point please.

Therefore wed be grateful if you could please confirm that the Electoral Commission, in accordance with both best practice and past precedent, will obviously not be publishing the returns during the Northern Ireland Assembly election campaign?

While the DUP has provided a greater level of transparency... donations to other parties are ignored. DUP

The commission which said it considered the timing of the publication in light of the Assembly poll, responded saying the timing of the poll was not a "practical impediment to publication" and that it was acting in the interest of transparency".

Four days before the release of the information the DUP's Sir Jeffrey Donaldson again emailed to ask that publication be delayed for a week to avoid interfering with the Northern Ireland Assembly elections.

This was again rejected.

The DUP did not comment to The Detail.

In a statement to the Belfast Telegraph, it said: "The Democratic Unionist Party voluntarily published details of the donor who helped fund the DUPs participation in the European Referendum campaign. This voluntary step was beyond the details published by the Electoral Commission and is one that has not been repeated by any of the other major political parties in Northern Ireland.

"In our correspondence with the Electoral Commission we did not query the principle of publishing spending returns for the Referendum campaign, but discussed the timing of when this might happen. Given attempts by some other political parties to misrepresent the facts following publication it was right to highlight to the Commission that it could distract from key issues in the Assembly election campaign."

The statement continued: "There is no precedent the Electoral Commission can point to when it before published such politically contentious material during an election campaign.

"The EU Referendum, spending returns were published published by the Electoral Commission on Friday February 24. It should be noted that the Commission itself confidently briefed to journalists that its own worst-case internal scenario was that spending returns would be collated by last Christmas at the very latest. By publishing two months later even than anticipated, this meant that publication inevitably impacted upon on the Assembly Election campaign.

"There has been a deliberate attempt to confuse the correspondence with the Commission, which touched on the timing of its publication of the spending returns, and, the statements by Edwin Poots and others about the party's efforts to secure the voluntary disclosure of the details of the donor.

"At no point would the Electoral Commission have been publishing these. To repeat, all that the Electoral Commission published were the returns; we took the decision to additionally publish the donor's details, with their consent. No one needs reminding why we have had security provisions in place for donors in Northern Ireland.

"While the DUP has provided a greater level of transparency than any other major political party, there is once again an attack on the DUP, while donations to other parties are continually ignored. We await any questioning of others about their donors. Why is this not being pursued when the DUP has gone further than any other major party in voluntarily disclosing donor information?

In revealing the group behind the donation, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said the DUP shown its commitment to transparency and had not sought to hide its participation or enthusiasm for Brexit. "On every single piece of media we produced for our Leave campaign, my name was on them as national campaign director," he added.

Donations to political parties in Northern Ireland are kept confidential for security reasons.
Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has launched a scathing attack on the DUP and Sinn Fein, claiming years have been lost due to political "inaction and crisis" at Stormont.

Mr Martin said "deep problems" had been allowed to escalate alongside the stalemate, including "the highest poverty rates on these islands".

His comments come in a platform piece for this newspaper, summarising key points from an outspoken speech on Northern Ireland in the Dail yesterday.

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There has been speculation about Fianna Fail launching a concerted effort to enter politics in Northern Ireland.

Mr Martin said the two main Stormont parties had "consistently failed to show respect" for the core principles of the Belfast Agreement "and in particular the requirement that the Executive operates in an open and inclusive manner".

"And while this has been going, on deep problems have been allowed to escalate," he added.

"Northern Ireland has the highest poverty rates on these islands and a health crisis that gets worse each year.

"Enough time has been wasted. Not days or weeks - but years have been wasted.

"It's time to stop the manoeuvres and start delivering for the people of Northern Ireland."

The Fianna Fail leader said Brexit issue critical and that the interests of Northern Ireland had become "marginalised".

He added: "Northern Ireland and the whole of this island needs the northern parties to agree a Brexit agenda which seeks special status where this is possible and achieves recognition in London and Brussels for the fact that every permanent resident of Northern Ireland will retain the right to EU citizenship after Brexit is complete through their right to Irish citizenship."

In his Dail speech Mr Martin also claimed the RHI scandal was "never the real cause" of the collapse of power-sharing in January.

He said Sinn Fein withdrew from the Executive "because of a refusal to establish an inquiry which has actually been established".

He also said addressing the controversy "is not difficult", adding: "Given how fast the inquiry is likely to be completed and how the Sinn Fein Minister for Finance established it and set its terms of reference, calls for an independent investigation have obviously been met.

"If some extra guarantees are required to demonstrate that the DUP leader cannot interfere with the inquiry, these should be relatively easy to put in place."
Police investigating the murder of George Gilmore have arrested a 34-year-old man in the Carrickfergus area.

He is currently in Musgrave station assisting detectives with their enquiries.

Known as Geordie the prominent loyalist was driving when he was shot in the neck on Pinewood Avenue in Carrickfergus on March 13. The 44-year-old died in hospital the following day.

Detectives continue to appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time of the shooting and who witnessed the attack to contact them in the incident room on 02890 259542, phone police on 101 quoting serial 605 15/03 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you would prefer to remain anonymous.

Two men charged with the murder have already appeared at Belfast Magistrates' Court.
The heartbroken mother of a young man shot dead outside a west Belfast pizza outlet has appealed for anyone with any information about his killers to give it to police.

Marking the fourth anniversary of Kieran McManuss death, Sally McManus said: It is four years since Kierans murder and the pain of it is still with me, more so because his killers have not yet been brought to court.

I know there are people who know who killed Kieran and I urge them to please pass this information any way they can to police so that those responsible can be brought to justice.

The father-of-one, from west Belfast, was shot outside Dominos at the DC Enterprise Centre on March 30 2013.

Detectives from the PSNIs Serious Crime Branch, who are investigating the murder of the young delivery driver, have released new CCTV footage showing the car his attackers used shortly before he was killed.

Anyone with information can contact detectives on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Gerry Adams called former Secretary of State Owen Paterson a "complete tube" after being asked about his comments on halting MLAs' salaries.

Mr Paterson suggested Stormont politicians should have their pay stopped if a deal could not be reached to end the devolution stalemate.

When asked about it in an RTE interview, the Sinn Fein president replied: "First of all, let me say that Owen Paterson is a complete tube."

Mr Adams also claimed that when Mr Paterson was Secretary of State, he introduced him to relatives of people killed in the Ballymurphy massacre. He also said the cost of the RHI scheme was 5billion, which the party has since admitted was an error.

"He was moved almost to tears by their account," he said. "(But) when he became Secretary of State a few months later, he completely changed and did nothing about the issues which they want dealt with."

Mr Adams also said it was "fair enough" if the Government wanted to stop MLA salaries.

The Belfast Telegraph yesterday revealed that Assembly members would get a 500 pay rise this Saturday - April Fools' Day.

The increase will take their annual salaries to 49,500 and comes despite the Assembly being effectively mothballed by the power-sharing crisis and not having had a full day's sitting for a number of months.

The rise takes effect automatically under rules laid down by the IFRP, an independent panel set up to determine MLA pay and expenses.

Mr Paterson made his comments in the House of Commons earlier this week.

He asked current Secretary of State James Brokenshire: "Would you agree that there is one measure that would put pressure on the parties to come back to the talks and might crystallise minds, and that would be to make it clear that should the elected members not form the Executive after a lengthy period of negotiation ,their salaries and expenses will not be paid from the public purse?"

Mr Brokenshire pledged to keep "all options under consideration" in his efforts to form a new Executive.

Meanwhile, senior Sinn Fein figures joined around 300 anti-Brexit protesters who marched on Stormont yesterday.

Campaigners set up a mock customs checkpoint to highlight concerns about a hardening of the Irish border.

The protest was dismissed by DUP MLA Christopher Stalford, who wrote on Twitter: "SF mobile am dram troupe won't hold back the tide.

"We went in as one country, we leave as one country."
Police probing the murder of George Gilmore have made an arrest

Police investigating the murder of a prominent loyalist in Northern Ireland have arrested a man.

The 34-year-old was detained in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim, following the killing of George Gilmore in March.

Detectives from the PSNI's Serious Crime Branch are quizzing the suspect at Belfast's Musgrave station.

Two men charged with the murder have already appeared at Belfast Magistrates' Court.

Mr Gilmore, 44, was driving his car when he was shot in the neck in Carrickfergus.

He died later in hospital.
The shooting is believed to have happened in the Glenowen Park area of Derry quite close to the Creggan estate, where the previous attack occurred

A man has been taken to hospital in Londonderry after a paramilitary attack  the second such shooting in three days in the city.

The shooting of the 48-year-old happened in the Glenowen Park area of Derry at 9pm quite close to the Creggan estate, where the previous attack occurred.

Police have appealed for information.

It is the second such incident in the city within days.

On Monday night a 23-year-old man was attacked in a bookmakers shop in the Central Drive area of Creggan.

He was pushed to the ground and shot in one leg by masked men.

A 31-year-old man was arrested on Thursday in connection with Monday night's attack.

Meanwhile, police and Army bomb disposal officers attended a security situation last night in the Carrickfergus estate where prominent loyalist Geordie Gilmore was killed on March 13.

No further details were available last night.
James Reid was last seen in St Mary's Street in Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday but has now been found safe and well

Northern Ireland man James Reid, who went missing in Scotland on Wednesday, has been found safe and well.

The 27-year-old was last seen in Edinburgh's St Mary's Street at around 3pm on March 29 and did not return to his hotel or contact his family since.

Police in Scotland appealed for help to track him down and on Thursday morning they said he had been found safe and well.
James Reid was last seen in St Mary's Street in Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday but has now been found safe and well

A Northern Irish man who went missing in Edinburgh has been found safe and well.

Police launched a search for James Reid, 27, after he failed to catch his flight from the city back to Belfast.

He was in Edinburgh for work and was supposed to leave on Wednesday evening but did not return to his hotel or board his plane.

Police said he was traced safe and well in the city on Thursday.
Lower Garfield Street is one of the areas that would be affected by the proposed development

Belfast traders have said a proposed regeneration of the Cathedral Quarter could "rip the heart out" of the area and its nearby commercial district.

The businesspeople were voicing their objections to the Royal Exchange project, which could see the creation of a 12-acre mixed-use development north east of City Hall incorporating retail, leisure, residential and office space.

The part of the city affected includes part of Royal Avenue, Donegall Street, North Street, Lower Garfield Street and High Street.

A group of independent businesses, arts organisations and members of the community formed the #SaveCQ campaign and called on developers Castlebrooke Investments to "develop, not demolish" the district.

Chair of the #SaveCQ campaign Rebekah McCabe said the development could "potentially be quite harmful" for the Cathedral Quarter.

"Our two biggest objections are to the demolition of so many buildings in a conservation area, and the fact that the development doesn't leave any space for arts and cultural activities that the Cathedral Quarter has been supporting for the last 10 to 15 years," the campaigner explained.

"I also think that this could be detrimental to the character of the Cathedral Quarter, which comes from the small businesses, graffiti and arts organisations.

"This is risking the corporate sanitisation of the city centre and could effectively privatise parts of the Cathedral Quarter."

Jenn Rea, the co-owner of North Street art supply business Ink Monkey, said small independent traders would be forced out of the district if the development went ahead.

"This has always been an independent business area and one of the main places of culture in the city centre," she stressed.

"It's hard enough to be a start up a business, many of which can't afford the higher rates.

"It's not the case that you can move the community, the businesses and the organisations to anywhere else and it will be the same.

"It would rip out the heart of the Cathedral Quarter."

However, Richard Mackey, the director of Mackey Opticians, said he backed the proposal.

"I think the area needs to be redeveloped to get rid of the graffiti, clean it up and improve occupancy and footfall," he explained.

"I'm all for keeping independence and community, but you're still allowed to be quirky in new buildings."

A spokesperson for Castlebrooke Developments said people were welcome to submit their views to a consultation.

They added: "The pre-application consultation process remains open. We welcome the opportunity to discuss the plans further."
A methodist minister whose father was murdered by the IRA wrote to Martin McGuinness before he died, asking him to apologise to victims.

Rev Dr David Clements, whose RUC Reservist father Billy was murdered more than 30 years ago in an RUC station ambush, wrote to the former Deputy First Minister in January. "I want you to know how important that would be to so many who have suffered terribly at the hands of the republican movement," he wrote.

Billy Clements died alongside a colleague after an attack on Ballygawley Police Station by members of the East Tyrone Brigade of the IRA in December 1985. His gun was taken from his body and was used in a number of other murders.

In his letter, Rev Clements told Mr McGuinness that he continued to pray for him during his illness.

"The present crisis notwithstanding, we owe you much gratitude for the part you have played in recent decades," he added. But he went on to say that the refusal of Mr McGuinness to express regret for his time in the IRA or for what the IRA did "grieves me deeply".

While Rev Clements acknowledged the political and personal difficulties there would be for Mr McGuinness to "speak the words" he asked him to, he asked him to "consider writing them down to be released at some time in the future perhaps after you and others concerned have gone into the presence of God".

Rev Clements does not know if Mr McGuinness ever read the letter, which closed with "I wish you well and will pray for you and your family in the days ahead".

Rev Clements has worked for over 20 years with the WAVE Trauma Centre in support of victims of the Troubles - including the Disappeared and the campaign for a pension for the severely injured, yet to be delivered.

Speaking after talks to restore Stormont ended in stalemate, Rev Clements said victims and survivors face an uncertain future.

He added: "After so much suffering over so many years, it's simply not good enough for victims and survivors to be told once again that they will have to wait for promises and commitments to be fulfilled."
Forensics officers at the scene where a teenage boy was found with serious injuries in east Belfast

A teenager is fighting for his life in hospital after being found with serious injuries in an alleyway in east Belfast.

The 17-year-old was discovered at around 1.30am yesterday morning between Castlereagh Parade and Glenvarlock Street.

It is believed he may have fallen from a balcony.

The emergency services attended the scene after receiving a report of a male with head injuries.

An A&E crew assessed the injured teenager and gave emergency treatment.

He was then taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital, where his condition is described as critical.

It is believed the youth fell from a second floor balcony in the Castlereagh Parade/Glenvarlock Street area.

Police launched an investigation into the incident and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Forensic experts spent yesterday examining the scene and were also observed searching a second floor apartment for any evidence to help with their inquiries.

They were later seen leaving the apartment block with a number of evidence bags.

Shocked neighbours said they had no idea anything was wrong until told by authorities.

A woman who lives opposite the scene of the incident said: "I didn't have a clue that anything had happened until I went to leave the house this morning and saw the police tape cordoning off the alleyway. The CID knocked on my door first thing and took photos from my living room to see my views of the apartment.

"It just makes you think, things are happening right outside your own front door and you have no idea."

Another neighbour who lives on Castlereagh Parade said local people were at a loss as to what had transpired.

"Nobody seems to know what happened," the man added.

"It's awful something like this just happening right here on your doorstep."

UUP councillor Sonia Copeland offered her best wishes to the injured teenager and his family.

"This is shocking news and it is important that the facts around what happened can be established as soon as possible," she added.

"The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, so I would appeal to anyone who has any information that could help them to come forward immediately."

Detectives also appealed for information.

A spokesman said: "Police are investigating an incident in the Castlereagh Road area of east Belfast in the early hours of Wednesday.

"A 17-year-old male was found in an alleyway between Castlereagh Parade and Glenvarlock Street with a number of serious injuries at around 1.30am.

"He was taken to hospital, where his condition is described as critical."

Anyone with relevant information can contact police by calling the non-emergency 101 number, quoting reference number 56 29/03/17.
The UK Government has put no serious thought into resolving the challenges of a hard Brexit for Northern Ireland, the SDLP said.

Brexit Secretary David Davis has written to the Stormont parties to give details of his priorities for the negotiations with Europe.

On the land border with the Irish Republic his letter said the Government wanted to avoid creating any new burdens that put Northern Ireland's businesses at a competitive disadvantage.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said: "The tunnel vision of Theresa May's Cabinet, pressing for a hard Brexit against the wishes of people in Northern Ireland and at a time when we have no functioning executive, is a matter of grave concern.

"The repetition of meaningless mantras about 'borders of the past' won't assuage the very real sense that this Government hasn't recognised the scale of the threat posed to Northern Ireland's stability by Brexit and, worse, that they don't really care.

"The issues outlined by David Davis in his letter are the issues we have been flagging with the British Government for months now.

"And while recognition is a first step, there seems to have been no serious thought put into how those challenges are resolved."

Businesses and local communities have voiced concern that Brexit could mean bureaucracy and checks at the border.

Mr Davis said: "We recognise the vital importance to Northern Ireland's economy of maintaining the open border for people and goods, both across the island of Ireland and within the UK.

"We wish to avoid creating any new burdens that put Northern Ireland's businesses at a competitive disadvantage.

"We know that, for the people of Northern Ireland, the ability to move freely across the border is an essential part of daily life."

He said the open border had an important and unique economic, social, political and psychological significance.

"We are determined that our future relationship with the EU recognises the importance of this and avoids the border becoming an impediment to movement and trade.

"We will prioritise, within our negotiations with the EU and in preparations for post-exit, an outcome that means the land border between the UK and Ireland is as seamless and frictionless as possible.

"We want to have the greatest possible tariff-free and barrier-free trade with our European neighbours, as well as to negotiate our own trade agreements around the world."

He recognised in particular the challenges faced by those industries with complex cross-border supply chains, physically separate from the rest of the UK, like agrifood, with its distinct animal and plant health regimes on the island of Ireland.

"We will continue to work closely with the new executive to establish a clear understanding of the key issues and to minimise the impact of non-tariff barriers on Northern Ireland business."
The connections between Londonderry and Donegal are as long and deep as the lough they share.

Many families living in Derry have their roots in Donegal, and the city has long been considered the natural capital of the north west for those on the far side of the border.

It is to Derry that people living in border villages such as Bridgend and Muff flock to for work, shopping and leisure.

The traffic flow, however, isn't just one way.

Huge swathes of people from Derry travel across the border at least once a week to take advantage of the cheaper fuel, and if the weather is in their favour many spend time on the beaches and shorefront walks in towns such as Buncrana and Moville.

On the day that Prime Minister Theresa May triggered Article 50, marking the beginning of the UK's withdrawal from the European Union, people in the village of Muff in Co Donegal were concerned about what the future held for them.

A stranger driving from Derry into Donegal through the village would struggle to see where Northern Ireland ends and the Republic begins.

Even looking at the registration plates on the cars parked up along the main street sheds little light on which side of the border you are in, such is the mix.

The steady flow of cars, all with Northern Irish registrations, at any of the four petrol stations in this area make up at least 60% of the custom.

But if fears over border controls are realised, it could be the death knell for a number of companies.

McColgan's Butchers is a family-owned business that opened in 1994, long after the 'hard' border that used to exist between Muff and Derry was removed.

Conor McColgan thought any kind of border control impacting on the traffic flow into and out of the village would be disastrous.

He said: "I would say about 40% of our custom is people from Derry. We used to get people from as far away as Limavady who came because they got a good rate on the euro, but we still get people from Derry every week.

"A lot of our customers are from Culmore which is two minutes away, so we are worried about Brexit, especially if it means introducing a border. If it means people will have to sit in a long queue of traffic, they just won't bother - they will stay in Derry.

"The traffic flow is bad enough in the mornings and evenings as it is. The tailbacks can be 200 cars or more of people leaving Muff to go to work or take their children to school.

"People won't put up with checkpoints - they will just up sticks, leave and go and live in Derry where they work."

Gerard Noone, who owns a poultry farm business and trades in both Donegal and Derry, was no more optimistic.

He said: "The UK leaving European Union will definitely impact on people like me who do business in the North. At the least, there will be an increase in paperwork.

"I suppose we just have to wait and see, but it is a worry that is in the back of my mind.

"When you are doing deliveries, every half hour counts, so the idea that you could be held up at a border is going to make a big difference."

Elaine Hillen is one of the hundreds of people who live in Derry but visit Donegal regularly. She said: "I come down here at least once a week for petrol, but also we would come for a day out. In fact, that is what we are doing today. There is no way I would be bothered sitting at in a queue if there was a border, and I can't imagine many other people would either."

In Derry city, on the day that he announced his plans for a new hotel, Brendan Duddy Jnr said he was also extremely worried about the uncertainty around the impact on border towns from Brexit.

"In the short term, the weakness of sterling against the euro has been beneficial to the traders in Derry, but this is not a new phenomenon," Mr Duddy stressed.

"Fluctuations between sterling and the euro, and before that sterling and the punt, were something we have been working with for the past 40 years.

"What is damaging to business is uncertainly, and this period of uncertainty triggered by Theresa May signing a bit of paper will not help businesses here in the longer term."
An air and sea search has been launched for the missing helicopter

Rescue workers may have to halt the recovery of the bodies of five passengers, who died when their helicopter crashed in Snowdonia, due to adverse weather.

North Wales Police said it may have to suspend the rescue effort overnight due to "worsening weather conditions and the difficult and treacherous terrain in the area".

Five bodies were found along with the wreckage of the helicopter in the Rhinog mountains near Trawsfynydd on Thursday.

A major search of the area was launched on Wednesday afternoon when the privately-owned Twin Squirrel aircraft failed to arrive in Dublin.

An investigation led by the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) is also under way.

Superintendent Gareth Evans, of North Wales Police, said: "Owing to the nature and remoteness of the terrain, the poor weather conditions and the absolute need to carry out this delicate task with sensitivity and dignity this may take some time."

He went on: "This is a very difficult, challenging and hazardous operation but I'd like to reassure the families of the deceased and local communities that, together with the AAIB and our mountain rescue teams, and weather permitting, we will continue to work as long as it takes until they are all recovered and to this end I'd like to repeat my thanks to all those personnel involved for their professionalism and commitment."

The five victims are all adult and part of the same extended family from the Milton Keynes area, the force said.

They have not yet been formally identified but their families are being supported by specialist officers from Thames Valley Police.

Feared to be among the dead are Kevin and Ruth Burke, a couple from Hulcote near Milton Keynes, close to where the helicopter took off, who are directors of Staske Construction - the registered owner of a Twin Squirrel.

Neighbour Elizabeth Thornley, who said the couple "keep to themselves", told the Press Association she saw a lot of cars near the house on Thursday morning.

The 24-year-old said: "Then one of the neighbours said, 'Have you heard about the crash, the helicopter crash?' I thought it had crashed into a horse's paddock, but they said no Kevin's had crashed."

On what is thought to be her Facebook profile Mrs Burke states she is originally from Dublin, the city which should have been the final destination of the helicopter.

One Hulcote resident, who did not give his name, said Mr Burke was originally from Manchester, a pilot himself, and had a 14-year-old son and 19-year-old daughter.

Another neighbour, Richard Mann, said he and Mr Burke had both previously been Hulcote and Salford parish councillors.

He said: "Kevin, I think, is a very astute businessman, outgoing, hail-fellow- well-met, always seemed very cheery."

Mr Evans said the exact location of the crash site was not being revealed to allow recovery of the bodies.

A temporary exclusion zone over the crash site with a height of 5,500 ft above sea level and a five nautical mile radius is currently in place.

An Airbus Helicopters spokesman told the Press Association: "Airbus Helicopters regrets to inform that it has received reports of a fatal AS355 accident in North Wales.

"As an Airbus Helicopter aircraft commonly known as a Twin Squirrel, the company is standing by to provide support as required and our thoughts are with the victims of the accident and their families."
Vehicles parked outside the Llanberis Mountain Rescue station in the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales where the search is now focusing for a Twin Squirrel helicopter which went missing Wednesday while flying to Dublin from the south of England. Peter Byrne/PA Wire

A vehicle parked outside the Llanberis Mountain Rescue station in the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales where the search is now focusing for a Twin Squirrel helicopter which went missing Wednesday while flying to Dublin from the south of England. Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Vehicles parked outside the Llanberis Mountain Rescue station in the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales where the search is now focusing for a Twin Squirrel helicopter which went missing Wednesday while flying to Dublin from the south of England.Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Vehicles parked outside the Llanberis Mountain Rescue station in the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales where the search is now focusing for a Twin Squirrel helicopter which went missing Wednesday while flying to Dublin from the south of England. Peter Byrne/PA Wire

A footpath leading up the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales where the search is now focusing for a Twin Squirrel helicopter which went missing Wednesday while flying to Dublin from the south of England. Peter Byrne/PA Wire

An RAF mountain rescue service vehicle on a road near Trawsfynydd in the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales near where the wreckage has been discovered of a Twin Squirrel helicopter which went missing Wednesday while flying to Dublin from the south of England. PA

A couple who run a construction company are feared to be among the victims of a helicopter crash in Snowdonia.

North Wales Police said five bodies were found along with the wreckage of the helicopter in the Rhinog mountains near Trawsfynydd on Thursday.

A major search of the area was launched on Wednesday afternoon when the privately-owned Twin Squirrel aircraft failed to arrive in Dublin.

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Kevin and Ruth Burke, from Hulcote near Milton Keynes, close to where the helicopter took off, are directors of Staske Construction - the registered owner of a Twin Squirrel.

When contacted, a woman who answered the phone for the company said: "We are not going to talk to you, we are not going to talk to anybody regarding the crash."

Neighbour Elizabeth Thornley said the couple had not lived at their home long and had been "doing up the house for about a year and a half".

The 24-year-old, who said the couple "keep to themselves", told the Press Association she saw a lot of cars near the house on Thursday morning.

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Expand Close RAF mountain rescue service vehicles on a road near Trawsfynydd in the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales where the wreckage has been discovered of a Twin Squirrel helicopter which went missing Wednesday while flying to Dublin from the south of England. PA PA / Facebook

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Whatsapp RAF mountain rescue service vehicles on a road near Trawsfynydd in the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales where the wreckage has been discovered of a Twin Squirrel helicopter which went missing Wednesday while flying to Dublin from the south of England. PA

She said: "Then one of the neighbours said 'have you heard about the crash, the helicopter crash?' I thought it had crashed into a horse's paddock, but they said no Kevin's had crashed."

On what is thought to be her Facebook profile Mrs Burke states she is originally from Dublin, the city which should have been the final destination of the helicopter.

One Hulcote resident, who did not give his name, said Mr Burke was originally from Manchester, a pilot himself, and had a 14-year-old son and 19-year-old daughter.

Another neighbour, Richard Mann, said he and Mr Burke had both previously been Hulcote and Salford parish councillors.

He said: "Kevin, I think, is a very astute businessman, outgoing, hail fellow well met, always seemed very cheery."

Superintendent Gareth Evans, of North Wales Police, said the crash victims had not yet been formally identified but their families were being supported by specialist officers from Thames Valley Police.

He added: "I'm sure you'll appreciate this is an agonising time for the families and friends of all involved.

"Our thoughts are very much with them at this time."

Mr Evans said the exact location of the crash site was not being revealed to allow recovery of the bodies from the "very difficult and challenging terrain".

A full investigation into the cause of the crash will be led by the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) and a team of inspectors has been sent to the site.

An extensive search of the Irish Sea and Snowdonia was launched at about 4.15pm on Wednesday after the distress and diversion system lost radar contact with the aircraft.

Mr Evans said: "Initially, it's last known position was believed 'over sea' in the Caernarfon Bay area but this was then narrowed to a land-based search coordinated by North Wales Police in Snowdonia involving all local and RAF mountain rescue teams.

"Local conditions were described as atrocious with visibility down to less than 10 metres in places.

"My thanks go out to the professionalism and commitment of all those personnel involved in this operation."
Disposable coffee cups create approximately 25,000 tonnes of waste in the UK each year, figures show

Charging coffee lovers for a disposable cup could cut their use by up to 300 million a year, new research suggests.

An estimated 2.5 billion disposable coffee cups are used in the UK each year, creating approximately 25,000 tonnes of waste.

Academics at Cardiff University tested a series of measures to encourage the use of re-usable cups.

The research found that financial incentives, re-usable alternatives, and clear messaging reminding customers of the environmental impact of single use coffee cups all had a direct impact on consumer behaviour.

Charging for disposable cups increased the use of re-usable coffee cups by 3.4% and environmental messages in coffee shops and cafes saw a rise of 2.3%.

There was another 2.5% hike with the availability of re-usable cups and the distribution of free re-usable cups led to a further boost of 4.3%.

The study found the provision of free re-usable alternatives combined with clear environmental messaging and a charge on disposable cups increased the use of re-usable cups in one cafe from 5.1% to 17.4%.

Report author Professor Wouter Poortinga said: "While the increases for individual measures were modest, the greatest behavioural change was when the measures were combined.

"Our results show that, on average, the use of reusable coffee cups could be increased by up to 12.5% with a combination of measures.

"With this in mind, the UK's usage of an estimated 2.5 billion disposable coffee cups each year could be cut by up to 300 million coffee cups."

He said the most notable finding was that, while a charge on disposable cups increased the use of re-usable coffee cups, a discount on re-usable coffee cups had no impact on their usage.

"There is an important nuance when it comes to financial incentives," he said.

"People are far more sensitive to losses than to gains when making decisions, so if we really want to change a customer's behaviour then a charge on a disposable cup is more likely to be effective."

Cardiff University worked with coffee roaster Bewley's to produce the findings, which will be submitted to the Government's inquiry into coffee cup waste.

Louise Whitaker, from Bewley's UK, said while it may be difficult to persuade customers to change their ways, companies had a responsibility to play their part in solving the coffee cup waste problem.

"There is a huge amount of waste being sent to landfill each year and promoting re-usable cups is part of the solution," she said.

"As a company we are committed to working with our cup providers and customers to provide a solution to the problem.

"The research is a really useful step forward in knowing how best to steer people towards bringing their own cups."

:: The research was carried out between September and December last year and involved 12 business and university cafe sites.

Andrew Pendleton, from campaign group Friends of the Earth, said: "Any measures that reduce the appalling waste in our modern life are hugely welcome.

"Preferably, non-recyclable paper cups should just be banned outright so that consumers can go into a cafe and simply be served with a cup that can be recycled.

"We have seen the great environmental benefits that a small charge on carrier bags has made, so we know measures like this are proven to work, and are therefore a progressive step in the right direction."
This morning Pershing Square Holdings Ltd.'s head, "Bill Ackman "deeply and profoundly" apologized for his investment in Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc., a "huge mistake" that cost his firm $4 billion," in a letter to investors.

Valeant stock is off by 95% from its peak in August 2015.

"Valeant acquired Salix for $11.1 billion and got what has become a key franchise of gastrointestinal drugs. Yet the products haven't sold as well as expected, and Ackman said that it now looked like Valeant "substantially overpayed for Salix, and it has not yet achieved the results anticipated by prior management."" Doesn't that sound like every telecom acquisition since 1999?

"In the letter, Ackman said he had learned lessons, including that "a management team with a superb long-term investment record is still capable of making significant mistakes"." The leadership that got you to one point may not be able to get you to the next point. We see it all the time. CEOs are blind to their own shortcomings and when they should look for advice.

"The highly acquisitive nature of Valeant's business required flawless capital allocation and operational execution, and therefore, a larger than normal degree of reliance on management," Ackman said in his letter. "In retrospect, we misjudged the prior management team and this contributed to our loss."

Frontier has bought territories from AT&T and Verizon in the last 3 years. Yet they are losing subscribers and morale is at an all time low. Bankers want Frontier to spend (millions) on network upgrades. Other RLECs have learned that without investment in network to compete with cable broadband, revenues steadily decline. Here's what the LECs spent in CAPEX. Comcast and Charter together spent $16B on network Bell Canada is spending $637M. You have to still work the acquisition. You still have to compete and sell and market.

INCOMPAS argues CenturyLink/Level 3 combo won't promote competition. I think it will be a complete flop. C-Link's HQ is in Monroe, LA. The telecom hub of talent is in Denver. Will the talent needed move to Monroe?
A police badge topped with a white rose is placed during a vigil on Westminster Bridge in London

PC Keith Palmer who was killed during the terrorist attack on the Houses of Parliament

People hold flowers as they attend a vigil to remember the victims of last weeks Westminster terrorist attack

A tribute is laid at Westminster to PC Keith Palmer, who was killed during the terrorist attack on the Houses of Parliament last week

The Westminster attack must be a "wake-up call" for technology giants over their efforts to tackle terrorist content online, the acting head of Scotland Yard has warned.

Craig Mackey delivered a stark message to platforms which have come under fire for hosting extremist material, calling on them to grasp what it means to "put your own house in order".

It came as thousands of people linked hands on Westminster Bridge to mark seven days since Khalid Masood's 82-second murderous rampage.

Romanian tourist Andrei Burnaz, who suffered a broken foot in the attack, was pushed in a wheelchair as he placed a single rose on the bridge during the vigil.

His girlfriend, Andreea Cristea, was knocked from the bridge into the River Thames and remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition.

Facebook, Google and Twitter are among firms that have repeatedly faced calls to do more to detect and remove jihadist and other extreme videos and web pages.

Appearing at the London Assembly's Police and Crime Committee, Mr Mackey, the acting commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, said: "I think these sorts of incidents and the others we've seen in Europe are probably a bit of a wake-up call for the industry in terms of trying to understand what it means to put your own house in order.

"If you are going to have ethical statements and talk about operating in an ethical way, it actually has to mean something."

The debate flared up last week after it emerged that information on how to mount an attack was easily accessible online.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson attacked firms over a "disgusting" failure to remove extremist material, while Home Secretary Amber Rudd will raise the matter at a meeting with technology bosses today.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close A woman holds a placard up during a candlelit vigil at Trafalgar Square on March 23, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 23: A letter is left amongst candles during a candlelit vigil at Trafalgar Square on March 23, 2017 in London, England. Four People were killed in Westminster, London, yesterday in a terrorist attack by "lone wolf" killer Khalid Masood,52. Three of the victims have been named as PC Keith Palmer, US tourist Kurt Cochran from Utah and Mother of two Aysha Frade. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 23: Members of the public light candles during a candlelit vigil at Trafalgar Square on March 23, 2017 in London, England. Four People were killed in Westminster, London, yesterday in a terrorist attack by "lone wolf" killer Khalid Masood,52. Three of the victims have been named as PC Keith Palmer, US tourist Kurt Cochran from Utah and Mother of two Aysha Frade. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 23: People gather during a candlelit vigil at Trafalgar Square on March 23, 2017 in London, England. Four People were killed in Westminster, London, yesterday in a terrorist attack by "lone wolf" killer Khalid Masood,52. Three of the victims have been named as PC Keith Palmer, US tourist Kurt Cochran from Utah and Mother of two Aysha Frade. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 23: Mayor of London Sadiq Khan looks on during a candlelit vigil at Trafalgar Square on March 23, 2017 in London, England. Four People were killed in Westminster, London, yesterday in a terrorist attack by "lone wolf" killer Khalid Masood,52. Three of the victims have been named as PC Keith Palmer, US tourist Kurt Cochran from Utah and Mother of two Aysha Frade. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 23: A man looks on during a candlelit vigil at Trafalgar Square on March 23, 2017 in London, England. Four People were killed in Westminster, London, yesterday in a terrorist attack by "lone wolf" killer Khalid Masood,52. Three of the victims have been named as PC Keith Palmer, US tourist Kurt Cochran from Utah and Mother of two Aysha Frade. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 23: People write messages of support on the ground during a candlelit vigil at Trafalgar Square on March 23, 2017 in London, England. Four People were killed in Westminster, London, yesterday in a terrorist attack by "lone wolf" killer Khalid Masood,52. Three of the victims have been named as PC Keith Palmer, US tourist Kurt Cochran from Utah and Mother of two Aysha Frade. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Getty Images A policeman points a gun at a man on the floor at the top of the frame as emergency services attend the scene outside the Palace of Westminster, London, after a policeman was stabbed and his apparent attacker shot by officers in a major security incident at the Houses of Parliament. PA PA British police officers work on Westminster Bridge, adjacent to the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, central London on March 22, 2017, in the aftermath of a terror incident. AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Handout photo issued by Metropolitan Police of PC Keith Palmer who was killed during the terrorist attack on the Houses of Parliament, London. PA PA British Police officers guard the entrance the The Mall, as the roads leading to Parliament Square in central London on March 22, 2017, remain cordonned off in the aftermath of a terror incident at the Houses of Parliament. AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images A picture obtained from the Twitter account of James West, shows a car stopped on the sidewalk in front of the Palace of Westminster which houses the Houses of Parliament in central London on March 22, 2017 during an incident. James West/Getty AFP/Getty Images People leave after being evacuated from around the Houses of Parliament and Parliament Square in Westminster, central London on March 22, 2017 during an emergency incident. Three people were killed and 20 injured in a "terrorist" attack outside the British parliament Wednesday when a man mowed down pedestrians, then stabbed a police officer before being shot dead. The car struck pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, a popular spot with tourists because of its views of Big Ben, before crashing into the railings outside the heavily guarded parliament building in the heart of the British capital. / AFP PHOTO / DANIEL LEAL-OLIVASDANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images A Metropolitan Police superintendent addresses the crowd from the pulpit at Westminster Abbey to some of the hundreds of people that were evacuated from Parliament during the terrorist attack. PA PA Police forensic officers close to the Palace of Westminster, London, after policeman has been stabbed and his apparent attacker shot by officers in a major security incident at the Houses of Parliament. PA PA LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 22: A member of the public is treated by emergency services near Westminster Bridge and the Houses of Parliament on March 22, 2017 in London, England. A police officer has been stabbed near to the British Parliament and the alleged assailant shot by armed police. Scotland Yard report they have been called to an incident on Westminster Bridge where several people have been injured by a car. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) Getty Images Armed officers attend to the scene outside Westminster Bridge and the Houses of Parliament on March 22, 2017 in London, England. A police officer has been stabbed near to the British Parliament and the alleged assailant shot by armed police. Scotland Yard report they have been called to an incident on Westminster Bridge where several people have been injured by a car. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 22: Police and forensic officers at the scene of a terrorist attack in which a number of pedestrians were mowed down on Westminster Bridge on March 22, 2017 in London, England. Four people including a police officer and his attacker have been killed in two related incidents outside the Houses of Parliament and on Westminster Bridge in what Scotland Yard are treating as a terrorist incident. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 22: An armed police officer stands guard outside the Ministry of Defence on March 22, 2017 in London, England. A police officer has been stabbed near to the British Parliament and the alleged assailant shot by armed police. Scotland Yard report they have been called to an incident on Westminster Bridge where several people have been injured by a car.(Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 22: Police officers block access to the southern entrace of Westminster Bridge on March 22, 2017 in London, England. Four people including a police officer and his attacker have been killed in two related incidents outside the Houses of Parliament and on Westminster Bridge in what Scotland Yard are treating as a terrorist incident. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) Getty Images Emergency services' vehicles are pictured on Westminster Bridge, adjacent to the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, central London on March 22, 2017, in the aftermath of a terror incident. A police officer was among three killed Wednesday in a suspected terrorist attack outside Britain's parliament by an assailant who was then shot dead by armed police, Britain's top anti-terror officer said. Mark Rowley said the two other victims died on Westminster Bridge in London after the attacker mowed down pedestrians in a car, leaving at least 20 people injured in total. / AFP PHOTO / Niklas HALLE'NNIKLAS HALLE'N/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Ambulances are pictured outside St Thomas' Hospital in central London on March 22, 2017, in the aftermath of a terror incident at Parliament. A police officer was among three killed Wednesday in a suspected terrorist attack outside Britain's parliament by an assailant who was then shot dead by armed police, Britain's top anti-terror officer said. Mark Rowley said the two other victims died on Westminster Bridge in London after the attacker mowed down pedestrians in a car, leaving at least 20 people injured in total. / AFP PHOTO / Niklas HALLE'NNIKLAS HALLE'N/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 22: A Police boat patrols the river Thames by St Thomas' hospital and Westminster Bridge on March 22, 2017 in London, England. A police officer has been stabbed near to the British Parliament and the alleged assailant shot by armed police. Scotland Yard report they have been called to an incident on Westminster Bridge where several people have been injured by a car. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Getty Images British Police officers stand betwen the pods of the London Eye, during the evacuation of passengers, in central London on March 22, 2017, in the aftermath of a terror incident at the Houses of Parliament. At least three people were killed and 20 injured in a "terrorist" attack in the heart of London Wednesday when a man mowed down pedestrians on a bridge, then stabbed a police officer outside parliament before being shot dead. Police guarding the iconic House of Commons building shot the man but several people were left with "catastrophic" injuries on Westminster Bridge, a busy traffic junction popular with tourists with views of Big Ben. / AFP PHOTO / Joel FordJOEL FORD/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images The Elizabeth Tower at the Houses of Parliament, are pictured in Westminster, central London on March 22, 2017, in the aftermath of a terror incident. At least three people were killed and 20 injured in a "terrorist" attack in the heart of London Wednesday when a man mowed down pedestrians on a bridge, then stabbed a police officer outside parliament before being shot dead. Police guarding the iconic House of Commons building shot the man but several people were left with "catastrophic" injuries on Westminster Bridge, a busy traffic junction popular with tourists with views of Big Ben. / AFP PHOTO / DANIEL LEAL-OLIVASDANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Ambulances are pictured outside St Thomas' Hospital in central London on March 22, 2017, in the aftermath of a terror incident at Parliament. A police officer was among three killed Wednesday in a suspected terrorist attack outside Britain's parliament by an assailant who was then shot dead by armed police, Britain's top anti-terror officer said. Mark Rowley said the two other victims died on Westminster Bridge in London after the attacker mowed down pedestrians in a car, leaving at least 20 people injured in total. / AFP PHOTO / Niklas HALLE'NNIKLAS HALLE'N/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 22: Ambulances, police vehicles and emergency services seen on Westminster Bridge on March 22, 2017 in London, England. A police officer was stabbed near to the British Parliament and the alleged assailant shot by armed police. Scotland Yard also reported an incident on Westminster Bridge where one woman has been killed and several people seriously injured by a car. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 22: Ambulances, police vehicles and emergency services seen on Westminster Bridge on March 22, 2017 in London, England. A police officer was stabbed near to the British Parliament and the alleged assailant shot by armed police. Scotland Yard also reported an incident on Westminster Bridge where one woman has been killed and several people seriously injured by a car. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 22: Police officers seen on Westminster Bridge on March 22, 2017 in London, England. A police officer was stabbed near to the British Parliament and the alleged assailant shot by armed police. Scotland Yard also reported an incident on Westminster Bridge where one woman has been killed and several people seriously injured by a car. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) Getty Images Emergency personnel on Westminster Bridge, close to the Palace of Westminster, London, after policeman has been stabbed and his apparent attacker shot by officers in a major security incident at the Houses of Parliament. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday March 22, 2017. See PA story POLICE Westminster. Photo credit should read: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire PA LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 22: Commander BJ Harrington of the Metropolitan Police makes a statement outside of New Scotland Yard on March 22, 2017 in London, England. A police officer has been stabbed near to the British Parliament and the alleged assailant shot by armed police. Scotland Yard report they have been called to an incident on Westminster Bridge where several people have been injured by a car. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Getty Images Police close to the Palace of Westminster, London, after sounds similar to gunfire have been heard close to the Palace of Westminster. A man with a knife has been seen within the confines of the Palace, eyewitnesses said. Victoria Jones/PA Wire PA A member of the public is treated by emergency services near Westminster Bridge and the Houses of Parliament on March 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) Getty Images Police outside the Palace of Westminster, London, after sounds similar to gunfire have been heard close to the Palace of Westminster. A man with a knife has been seen within the confines of the Palace, eyewitnesses said. Victoria Jones/PA Wire PA An armed police officer stands guard near Westminster Bridge and the Houses of Parliament on March 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Getty Images An Air Ambulance outside the Palace of Westminster, London, after sounds similar to gunfire have been heard close to the Palace of Westminster. A man with a knife has been seen within the confines of the Palace, eyewitnesses said. Victoria Jones/PA Wire PA An Air Ambulance outside the Palace of Westminster, London, after sounds similar to gunfire have been heard close to the Palace of Westminster. A man with a knife has been seen within the confines of the Palace, eyewitnesses said. Victoria Jones/PA Wire PA Police outside the Palace of Westminster, London, after sounds similar to gunfire have been heard close to the Palace of Westminster. A man with a knife has been seen within the confines of the Palace, eyewitnesses said. Victoria Jones/PA Wire PA Police close to the Palace of Westminster, London, after sounds similar to gunfire have been heard close to the Palace of Westminster. A man with a knife has been seen within the confines of the Palace, eyewitnesses said. Victoria Jones/PA Wire PA An Air Ambulance outside the Palace of Westminster, London, after sounds similar to gunfire have been heard close to the Palace of Westminster. A man with a knife has been seen within the confines of the Palace, eyewitnesses said. Victoria Jones/PA Wire PA Police outside the Palace of Westminster, London, after sounds similar to gunfire have been heard close to the Palace of Westminster. A man with a knife has been seen within the confines of the Palace, eyewitnesses said. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday March 22, 2017. See PA story POLICE Westminster. Photo credit should read: Victoria Jones/PA Wire PA Police outside Westminster Abbey, London, after sounds similar to gunfire have been heard close to the Palace of Westminster. A man with a knife has been seen within the confines of the Palace, eyewitnesses said. Victoria Jones/PA Wire PA MP's in House of Commons, London after a major security alert at the Palace of Westminster after a man apparently carrying a knife charged through the gates into the front yard of the parliamentary compound. PA Wire PA David Lidington, the Leader of the House of Commons speaking in the House of Commons, London after a major security alert at the Palace of Westminster after a man apparently carrying a knife charged through the gates into the front yard of the parliamentary compound. Photo credit should read: PA Wire PA Police outside the Palace of Westminster, London, after sounds similar to gunfire have been heard close to the Palace of Westminster. A man with a knife has been seen within the confines of the Palace, eyewitnesses said. Victoria Jones/PA Wire PA An Air Ambulance outside the Palace of Westminster, London, after sounds similar to gunfire have been heard close to the Palace of Westminster. A man with a knife has been seen within the confines of the Palace, eyewitnesses said. Victoria Jones/PA Wire PA Police outside the Palace of Westminster, London, after sounds similar to gunfire have been heard close to the Palace of Westminster. A man with a knife has been seen within the confines of the Palace, eyewitnesses said. Jonathan Brady/PA Wire PA Police outside the Palace of Westminster, London, after sounds similar to gunfire have been heard close to the Palace of Westminster. A man with a knife has been seen within the confines of the Palace, eyewitnesses said. Jonathan Brady/PA Wire PA Police close to the Palace of Westminster, London, after policeman has been stabbed and his apparent attacker shot by officers in a major security incident at the Houses of Parliament. Yui Mok/PA Wire PA Police outside the Palace of Westminster, London, after sounds similar to gunfire have been heard close to the Palace of Westminster. A man with a knife has been seen within the confines of the Palace, eyewitnesses said. Jonathan Brady/PA Wire PA Police close to the Palace of Westminster, London, after policeman has been stabbed and his apparent attacker shot by officers in a major security incident at the Houses of Parliament. Jonathan Brady/PA Wire PA Police close to the Palace of Westminster, London, after policeman has been stabbed and his apparent attacker shot by officers in a major security incident at the Houses of Parliament. Jonathan Brady/PA Wire PA Police outside the Palace of Westminster, London, after sounds similar to gunfire have been heard close to the Palace of Westminster. A man with a knife has been seen within the confines of the Palace, eyewitnesses said. Victoria Jones/PA Wire PA Police outside Westminster Abbey, London, after sounds similar to gunfire have been heard close to the Palace of Westminster. A man with a knife has been seen within the confines of the Palace, eyewitnesses said. Victoria Jones/PA Wire PA Police outside the Palace of Westminster, London, after sounds similar to gunfire have been heard close to the Palace of Westminster. A man with a knife has been seen within the confines of the Palace, eyewitnesses said. Victoria Jones/PA Wire PA / Facebook

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Whatsapp A woman holds a placard up during a candlelit vigil at Trafalgar Square on March 23, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)

A furore over security services' access to terrorists' communications erupted following reports that Masood's phone connected with encrypted messaging service WhatsApp just before the attack.

Mr Mackey said investigators were examining an "enormous" volume of digital information, including some in "secure applications".

He added: "We work hard with the industry to highlight some of the challenges of these very secure applications.

"It's a challenge when you are dealing with companies that are global by their very nature because they don't always operate under the same legal framework as us."

WhatsApp said it was "co-operating with law enforcement as they continue their investigations".

Meanwhile, the family of Aysha Frade, one of four people killed, said she would be remembered as "our guardian angel who never shied away from facing up to bullies".

They described the 44-year-old as a "caring daughter, loving sister, amazing wife" and "the best and coolest of mummies".

"You were ripped away from our lives in the cruellest and most cowardly of ways," they added in a statement.

"We now pray that you guide and protect not only us, but all of London, from further evil. You will always be remembered as our guardian angel who never shied away from facing up to bullies.

"There are no words to even begin to describe the crushing pain and eternal void left in our hearts."

Police are continuing to question a 30-year-old man in connection with the incident, but 10 people have now been released without charge.

Detectives believe Masood acted alone in executing the attack, but are continuing to investigate whether anyone else was involved in any way.

Kurt Cochran (54), Leslie Rhodes (75), and Aysha Frade died after Muslim convert Masood drove at pedestrians on Westminster Bridge.

The 52-year-old terrorist was shot dead by armed police after fatally knifing Pc Palmer (48) in the Palace of Westminster's cobbled forecourt.

In other developments a week on from the atrocity:

Mr Mackey revealed that the Met registered a "slight uplift" in Islamophobic incidents on the day after the outrage, but the rise was "far smaller than we've seen in previous events".

An inquest for the four victims was opened and adjourned at Westminster Coroner's Court.
A helicopter similar to the that went missing

Vehicles parked outside the Llanberis Mountain Rescue station in the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales where the search is now focusing for a Twin Squirrel helicopter which went missing Wednesday while flying to Dublin from the south of England. Peter Byrne/PA Wire

A vehicle parked outside the Llanberis Mountain Rescue station in the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales where the search is now focusing for a Twin Squirrel helicopter which went missing Wednesday while flying to Dublin from the south of England. Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Vehicles parked outside the Llanberis Mountain Rescue station in the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales where the search is now focusing for a Twin Squirrel helicopter which went missing Wednesday while flying to Dublin from the south of England.Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Vehicles parked outside the Llanberis Mountain Rescue station in the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales where the search is now focusing for a Twin Squirrel helicopter which went missing Wednesday while flying to Dublin from the south of England. Peter Byrne/PA Wire

A footpath leading up the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales where the search is now focusing for a Twin Squirrel helicopter which went missing Wednesday while flying to Dublin from the south of England. Peter Byrne/PA Wire

An RAF mountain rescue service vehicle on a road near Trawsfynydd in the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales near where the wreckage has been discovered of a Twin Squirrel helicopter which went missing Wednesday while flying to Dublin from the south of England. PA

Five members of a UK-based family with strong Irish links died when the helicopter they were using to attend a confirmation service in Dublin crashed into Rhinog mountain in the Snowdonia national park in north Wales.

The five, three men and two women, were killed instantly when the private helicopter they were using to fly from Luton, north of London, to Dublin's Weston Aerodrome crashed.

The Burke family has appealed for privacy after the tragedy.

"Six children have lost their parents in this tragedy," a family spokesman said.

"At this stage the family wants to be left alone to be able to deal with their grief over this terrible loss and concentrate upon looking after the children."

It is believed the pilot of the Airbus/EuroCopter Twin Squirrel light helicopter was attempting to descend to avoid inclement weather when the tragedy occurred.

It is understood Milton Keynes-based construction millionaire, Kevin Burke (57), his wife, Ruth, his brother as well as his brother-in-law and sister-in-law are among the deceased.

Mr Burke, who is from Manchester but has strong Irish links, ran the successful Milton Keynes based construction firm, Staske Ltd., and the helicopter which crashed was owned by the firm.

The couple have a 19 year old daughter and a 14 year old son.

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Expand Close RAF mountain rescue service vehicles on a road near Trawsfynydd in the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales where the wreckage has been discovered of a Twin Squirrel helicopter which went missing Wednesday while flying to Dublin from the south of England. PA PA / Facebook

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Whatsapp RAF mountain rescue service vehicles on a road near Trawsfynydd in the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales where the wreckage has been discovered of a Twin Squirrel helicopter which went missing Wednesday while flying to Dublin from the south of England. PA

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It is understood Milton Keynes-based construction millionaire, Kevin Burke (57), his Dublin-born wife, Ruth, his brother as well as his brother-in-law and sister-in-law are among the deceased.

Mr Burke, who is from Manchester but has strong Irish links, ran the successful Milton Keynes based construction firm, Staske Ltd., and the helicopter which crashed was owned by the firm.

The couple have a 19 year old daughter and a 14 year old son.

It is understood all five were travelling on Wednesday to attend a christening in Ireland.

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Local newspaper, 'The Milton Keynes Citizen', said the area was shocked by the deaths of the wealthy businessman and his wife.

Neighbour Elizabeth Thornley (24), who lives near the Burke's home, said they had not lived at the property long and had been "doing up the house for about a year and a half".

Mr Burke was a former student at Lord Grey School and was also deputy chairman of Hulcote and Salford Parish Council, the latter in his native Manchester.

A vastly experienced pilot, he used the firm's helicopter to commute between the various development projects his firm undertook around the UK.

Mr Burke was also a director of Bletchley-based construction firm, Tubular Erectors Ltd.

His firms have worked on such high-profile UK developments as Milton Keynes Hospital, MK Dons Stadium and the Shenly Brook School.

His wife, Ruth, served as the company secretary.

All five bodies were recovered shortly before lunchtime when the UK Coastguard and North Wales Police switched the focus of their search from Caernarfon Bay to the Snowdonia mountains.

It had initially been feared the red-coloured helicopter had been lost over the Irish Sea.

However, the search switched inland after it emerged that a special beacon which activates when exposed to salt water never triggered.

North Wales Police also used mobile phone triangulation data to focus their search effort on a remote mountainous area between Rhinog and Trawsfynydd.

Seven mountain rescue teams, as well as specialist dog search teams, examined the Rhinog area before the Twin Squirrel wreckage was found.

All five bodies were located by or within the wreckage.

Weather conditions were so bad that search teams operated with visibility of less than 10 metres

North Wales Police stressed that weather conditions were so bad that helicopters could not be used to access the remote area.

Supt Gareth Evans confirmed that the families involved have been informed and specialist police liaison teams are now assisting them.

"I can sadly confirm that a crash site has been located and that five people have lost their lives due to this incident," he said.

"This is an agonising time for the family and friends of all involved."

"Our thoughts are very much with them at this time."

The crash site has been preserved pending a full investigation into the tragedy by the UK Air Accident Investigation Branch.

No mayday was received from the twin-engined helicopter which vanished off radar and from radio contact shortly after 4pm on Wednesday.

The helicopter had left Luton and was bound for Weston Aerodrome in Lucan.

It vanished shortly after approaching the Snowdonia-Caernarfon Bay area.

The Twin Squirrel, one of the most popular light helicopters in private use, has an excellent safety record though it has been involved in a number of fatal accidents.

It is the same helicopter type as used by the Garda Air Support Unit.

The Department of Foreign affairs confirmed it has not received any request for consular assistance, but stands ready to provide assistance if requested.

Welsh MP Alun Cairns said the entire community was stunned by the scale of the tragedy.

"My thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the families of the victims of the helicopter crash in Snowdonia," he said.

The emergency services and the mountain rescue involved in the search, rescue and recovery operation have carried out their work in incredibly difficult conditions.

I am grateful to them for their determination and dedication, and to those providing support to the families during what is a very difficult time.

The recovery operation will be challenging. I ask that the investigating authorities be given the time and space necessary to undertake this important work.

Details

Superintendent Gareth Evans, of North Wales Police, said the details of the victims were not being released by police but specialist officers were supporting their families.

In a statement released following a press briefing police said:

"The exact location is not being revealed at this time to allow a dignified and unhindered recovery of the bodies in what is described as very difficult and challenging terrain."

The aircraft, a red Twin Squirrel helicopter had failed to arrive in Dublin from Luton yesterday afternoon instigating a full sea and then land search and rescue operation," Supt Evans said.

"Initially, its last known position was believed over sea in the Caernarfon Bay area but this was then narrowed to a land based search co-ordinated by North Wales Police in Snowdonia involving all local and RAF Mountain Rescue Teams.

"Local conditions were described as atrocious with visibility down to less than 10 metres in places. My thanks go out to the professionalism and commitment of all those personnel involved in this operation.

Formal identification has not taken place so details of the passengers are not being revealed at this time. Families of those on board the aircraft are being supported by specialist Police Family Liaison Officers.

"Our thoughts are very much with them and on their behalf I ask you respect their privacy at this very difficult time. HM Coroner for north west Wales Mr Dewi Pritchard-Jones has been informed and he has opened an investigation.

The terrain where the aircraft has been located is remote and in places hazardous. Id also like to thank the local community for their support and assistance but Id also ask people to refrain from visiting the area as it is now subject of a full investigation led by the Air Accident Investigation Branch to establish what led up to and caused this tragic event.

We are also appealing for help from the public and local communities and so Id ask if anyone sighted the aircraft flying over Snowdonia yesterday to contact North Wales Police via the live web chat or by phoning 101.

Investigation

Police in Wales have asked members of the public to refrain from the area as it's now the subject of an investigation.

Local MP Alun Cairns also released a statement to the media expressing his sympathies.

"My thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the families of the victims of the helicopter crash in Snowdonia," he said.

The emergency services and the mountain rescue involved in the search, rescue and recovery operation have carried out their work in incredibly difficult conditions.

I am grateful to them for their determination and dedication, and to those providing support to the families during what is a very difficult time.

The recovery operation will be challenging. I ask that the investigating authorities be given the time and space necessary to undertake this important work.
Brexit could slow down or even put a halt to any hopes of economic prosperity in Northern Ireland and the Republic

Early one sunny Sunday morning in the 1980s, while driving from Dublin to Belfast, I encountered a number of elephants, horses and llamas standing at the side of the main road at the Killeen customs post. They were part of a travelling circus having its documentation checked as it crossed the border.

However, in 1994, the European Economic Area came into force, enabling the free movement of people, goods, services and capital within the European Single Market.

The disappearance of the border in all but constitutional terms brought an end to traditional customs controls and facilitated unimpeded commercial traffic between the two parts of Ireland and the British mainland. It also opened up large chunks of the European mainland to local businesses.

Just as significantly, it brought an end to lucrative smuggling by crime gangs that had long exploited the complex revenue rules to enrich themselves.

But, thanks to the Brexit referendum last year and Britain's decision to leave the EU, the sleeping land border has once again become a major issue.

As the full implications of the vote began to sink in, the Irish Government and pro-EU parties in Northern Ireland, where a clear majority of electors voted to remain in the EU, realised that the structures of trading cooperation and the peace process, carefully crafted over the last 20 years, were now in real peril.

From the outset of this accelerating crisis, the British insisted there would be no return to the hard borders of the past and that it was their aim to maintain a frictionless regime allowing open cross-border activity to prevail.

The Common Travel Area, dating from the 1920s, entitling Irish citizens to settle and travel between the two islands without restriction, would also be maintained, the Government stated.

But these fine words are now being interpreted in Dublin as no more than well-intentioned rhetoric, and have not prevented the government there from ordering each ministry to prepare impact papers about the practical consequences of Brexit in every social, political and economic context.

Officials have even been despatched to the border to scout possible locations for customs checkpoints in the event that the EU imposes customs controls on what will become a land frontier with Britain.

On the eve of the recent Assembly election, James Brokenshire went to Brussels, the powerhouse of the EU, with a shopping-list, as he sees it, in the absence of detailed demands from the local parties, which were pre-occupied with electioneering, rather than policy-making. His intervention was, therefore, little more than a stunt, as Theresa May's triggering of Article 50 yesterday initiated what will be at least two years of grinding exit negotiations.

While in Brussels, Brokenshire purred that he wanted to see Britain's future relationship with the EU redefined, especially with Ireland, which intends to remain within the unique 27-nation, economic, social and political alliance.

He said he approached the coming negotiations from a unique position: we have the same rules, regulations and standards as the rest of the EU.

Which begs the very fundamental question, what, then, is the point of Brexit, when we already fully enjoy all the benefits he set out as desirable outcomes from the looming Brexit process?

The origins of Brexit actually go back to January 1973, when Britain and Ireland first joined the European Common Market. Within a short time, some British MPs, mainly right-wing Conservatives, opposed to it began a campaign of voluble opposition, earning for themselves the designation 'Eurosceptic'.

Their opposition to EU membership was sustained and never wavered over the years. In a bid to finally silence them, David Cameron conceded a referendum last year, a decision that backfired with fundamentally unintended consequences as England and Wales voted to leave and Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain.

The DUP, which has always opposed membership, but soaked up every possible subsidy in full, campaigned to leave. It now insists that, as the referendum was a UK-wide one, the clear Remain vote here must be treated as part of the national decision, with a majority voting to leave.

The British Government agrees and is keeping the DUP sweet, so that its MPs will support any tight Brexit votes at Westminster. They have also opposed any demands for special status for Northern Ireland, as suggested by Remainers here and the Dublin government, being included in the final deal.

However, Sinn Fein and the SDLP, both vigorously opposed to Brexit, insist the vote here must be respected. The Dublin government agrees and will ensure that the future status of Northern Ireland is favourably defined during the coming negotiations. So, the DUP will come under pressure to justify opposing EU membership.

Nelson McCausland, who lost his seat, declared he didn't care what the outcome was as long as he was out of Europe.

Others simply welcome the return of the border and see their anti-EU stance as proving their Britishness.

But, as the pro-EU parties and influential business bodies recognise, there are ever more ominous signs that Brexit will have a seriously damaging impact on our already-fragile economy.

A recent survey concluded that nine out of 10 farms, especially dairy farms, which export one-third of their milk over the border, would not be viable without the EU subsidies that currently sustain them.

On the back of that, one of the big banks is already reviewing the status of each of its agricultural borrowers.

In another development, an internationally successful Northern Ireland pharmaceutical manufacturer has established a contingency bridgehead in Dundalk as a hedge against Britain not getting favourable terms to exit the EU.

The doubts and the questions are piling up. It's high time the parties here got to grips with the many implications and what they are going to do to protect our vital economic interests and underpin our future peace and prosperity.

Chris Ryder is a retired Sunday Times journalist
PUP and UVF boss Winkie Irvine has been branded two-faced over his criticism of a senior PUP member who was forced to quit the party after sending sympathy to Martin McGuinnesss comrades.

Queens University lecturer Sophie Long resigned after receiving a barrage of online abuse including a reprimand from the B Company commander.

Writing on Twitter, Irvine described her comments in wake of Mr McGuinnesss death as very insensitive and offensive to a large section of the community. Not standing by it for a second.

But what the loyalist is not so quick to mention is that he was part of a group that welcomed a convicted IRA bomber into the Rex Bar on the Shankill Road.

The image of Derry man Tony Millar  who is proud to call himself a comrade and close friend of Martin McGuinness  was taken in 2011.

Back then Irvine had no issue cosying up to the republican, who leapt over the counter and pulled a pint, because they were both involved in the From Prison to Peace group that received 4 million of government funding.

Furious UVF members say the photo proves Irvines two-faced.

Expand Close Tweet storm: Irvine described Ms Long's tweet as "very insensitive and offensive". / Facebook

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Whatsapp Tweet storm: Irvine described Ms Long's tweet as "very insensitive and offensive".

One ex-prisoner told us: Any loyalist, including Winkie, who criticises Sophie Long for sending sympathy to Martin McGuinnesss family and friends should take a look at the photo of Tony Millar in the Rex Bar.

Here is a convicted IRA bomber, a proud comrade of McGuinness, pulling a pint in a pub which is a shrine to the UVF.

Tony Millar (61) was jailed for 23 years for taking part in a Provo bombing campaign in Derry city. He had a close friendship with Martin McGuinness who was his commander in Derry during the 1970s.

Since getting out of prison Millar has been involved in a number of cross-community peace projects, one of which led to him being welcomed into the Rex Bar by UVF members.

However, Winkie Irvine seemed to have forgotten about this when he launched his Twitter broadside against Sophie Long, who was the PUPs Director of Communications. The close friendship between party leader Billy Hutchinson and the late IRA hunger striker Pat McGeown  whose wake the ex-UVF prisoner attended  also apparently slipped his memory.

So to, it appears, has Irvines own tight working relationship with convicted Provo bomber Sean Spike Murray, who is facing claims he smuggled guns into Belfast after the IRA ceasefire commenced.

Expand Close A loyalist source said Ms Long (above) was marginalised because of her no-nonsense approach to politics. / Facebook

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Whatsapp A loyalist source said Ms Long (above) was marginalised because of her no-nonsense approach to politics.

Loyalist sources told Sunday Life that Ms Long was becoming increasingly marginalised by a clique of PUP members because of her no-nonsense approach to politics.

Sophie was easily the most competent performer in the PUP, whether at private meetings or in front of a TV camera.

Unlike others she didnt talk community-speak psycho-babble, explained an insider.

cbarnes@sundaylife.co.uk
Bangladesh counter-terrorist police unit Monirul Islam (front row, third from left) speaks to reporters in Khalilpur Union Parishad, in Moulvibazar district, following Operation Hitback, March 30, 2017.

Updated at 10:49 a.m. ET on 2017-03-31

Children were among as many as eight people who died when extremists set off explosives inside a house in Northeastern Bangladesh to avoid being arrested or killed in a shootout as officers raided their suspected hideout, police said Thursday.

Monirul Islam, the chief of Bangladeshs counter-terrorist police unit, told reporters there were women and children inside the house in the Khalilpur area of Moulvibazar district as police raided the suspected militant den, and that seven to eight bodies were found. Police said they were almost certain that members of the Neo-JMB militant faction were inside as well.

However, police said they had not yet determined how many militants and how many children were among the dead. At least 17 people have been killed during a series of counter-terrorist raids launched by police in northeastern Bangladesh since Saturday.

We have seen horrific scenes inside the house  human body parts were strewn inside two rooms of the house. The number of body parts gives us the impression that there were seven to eight persons, Islam told reporters at the Khalilpur Union Parishad building in the district.

There was a stench and bad odor coming out of the decomposed body parts. They committed suicide much earlier by detonating explosives when they saw there was no way to escape, Islam said.

Operation Hitback was the 14th raid launched against militant groups since Neo-JMB members carried out an attack at a cafe in Dhaka that left 20 hostages dead, mostly foreigners on July 1 and 2, 2016. Since then, at least 53 militants have been killed in raids, gunfights with security forces and suicide attacks.

Thursdays raid followed a 72-hour-long raid in Sylhet, another district in the northeast, that ended on Tuesday and during which 10 people were killed, including four suspected Neo-JMB members.

Two other militant dens

At a late afternoon press conference that followed the end of the raid in Khalilpur, which began on Wednesday evening, Islam said police were preparing to launch a similar raid on a nearby house. On Wednesday, officers had surrounded the suspected militant den in the Borohat area of Moulvibazar, about 20 km (12 miles) away, from which extremists allegedly attacked police with grenades.

A counter-terrorism unit official who requested anonymity told BenarNews that police planned to launch a raid at this location on Friday.

Authorities that day also plan to raid another potential militant hideout in the Kotbaru area of Comilla, another northeastern district.

We will carry out operation against the militants on Friday, Shah Abid Hossain, the superintendent of police in Comilla, told reporters on Thursday.

The ongoing police action did not slow Comilla voters from reelecting Monirul Haque Sakku mayor.

There was a polling station near the suspected militant den. People walked past the house. There was huge rush of voters at the center. So, the voters were not intimidated by the militants, a journalist who covered the Comilla city corporation polls told BenarNews on Thursday.

Group did not mix with neighbors

Islam said the slain militants were not local and neighbors did not know much about them.

Ujjal, a rickshaw puller who lived near the house, told BenarNews the residents did not mix with anyone.

They immediately entered the house when they saw us. We could not see anything as the windows had been curtained at all times, he said.

Ujjal said he saw two men  one about 45 to 50 and the other in his early 30s.

I supposed that they were father-in-law and son-in-law in relations. At times, three girls were seen playing. The girls ages were between 2 and 7, but they wore dresses like veils, he said.

Islam said the militants planted IEDs (improvised explosive devices) within the one-story house, and those devices were similar to ones used in previous attacks.

The three hideouts that were surrounded on Wednesday were detected less than a day after army commandoes announced they had finished Operation Twilight, a raid on a five-story apartment building in Sylhet that began Saturday. Officials identified suspected Neo-JMB leader Mainul Islam (alias Musa) as one of four suspected extremists killed in the raid.

On Saturday night while the Sylhet raid was in progress, two police officers and four other people were killed when two bombs exploded among onlookers.

An earlier version contained different information about the number of people killed during raids in northeastern Bangladesh since March 25.
The U.S. government has designated Muhammad Wanndy Mohamad Jedi, joined by wife Nor Mahmudah Ahmad and an unidentified child in this undated photo taken in Syria, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.

The United States on Thursday declared Indonesian Bahrun Naim and Malaysian Muhammad Wanndy Mohamed Jedi, suspected Islamic State fighters based in Iraq and Syria who are wanted for IS-linked attacks, as Specially Designated Global Terrorists.

The two men provide financial and operational support for IS recruitment and for attack plots in Indonesia, Malaysia, and elsewhere in Southeast Asia, the U.S. Treasury Department stated. The designation targets IS recruitment and financial support of terrorist attacks in Southeast Asia and sustains the departments efforts against IS operations across the globe, treasury officials said.

In announcing the designation, the department said all property and interests in property of these individuals subject to U.S. jurisdiction are blocked.

It also declared that American citizens are generally prohibited from conducting financial transactions with the two men.

Designating Muhammad Bahrun Naim Anggih Tamtomo and Muhammad Wanndy Mohamed Jedi sends a powerful signal to individuals that provide support to ISIS and demonstrates the U.S. governments resolve to combat terrorism and terrorism financing in the region, John E. Smith, the treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control director, said in a statement in which he used another acronym for IS.

A lesson for everyone

Bahrun declared his allegiance to IS in August 2014 and had recruited more than 100 of his countrymen by January 2016, according to the declaration.

The U.S. alleges he organized and funded a terrorist attack that killed four civilians and four extremists in central Jakarta on Jan. 14, 2016, transferring nearly U.S. $72,000 to an Indonesian associate. The attack was the first terrorist act claimed by IS in Indonesia.

More recently, Bahrun allegedly began an effort to recruit women as suicide bombers, because they are less likely to attract suspicion, according to a report by the Jakarta-based Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict. Among those recruited was Dian Yulia Novi, who failed to detonate a rice-cooker bomb during a changing-of-the-guard ceremony outside the presidential palace in Jakarta in December.

Wanndy, a Syria- and Iraq-based Malaysian IS operative, coordinates planning for attacks and facilitates travel for recruits to Syria to join IS, treasury officials said.

In a Facebook post, Wanndy declared responsibility for a grenade attack that injured eight people at a nightclub in the Kuala Lumpur area in June 2016  the first attack claimed by IS on Malaysian soil. Malaysian police have accused Wanndy of orchestrating the attack.

On Wednesday, two men, Wahyudin Karjono and Jonius Indie (alias Jahali), were each sentenced to 25 years in prison for tossing the grenade at the crowd at the Movida nightclub in Puchong.

Wanndy, who conducted a Facebook interview with BenarNews in September 2015, then expressed no regrets about leaving home to join Islamic State.

I must say that I do harbor the hope of returning to Malaysia, but it is not my priority as my focus now is to stay here and fight, to achieve my dream of defending the IS, he told BenarNews.

He allegedly had participated in the beheading of a Syrian man that was videotaped and posted to Facebook in February 2015.

The video version of this punishment is for those who betrayed Islam. Its a lesson for everyone, he allegedly said in the video.
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Legislation introduced by the top Democrat in the House of Representatives on education would direct $5.5 billion in competitive and formula grants to provide more educational and career opportunities for young people who are not in school and not working.

Virginia Rep. Bobby Scotts bill, the Opening Doors for Youth Act , would authorize $2 billion in competitive federal money for local community partnerships in which school districts, local governments, and others would support alternative pathways for young people to obtain a high school diploma, as well as dropout-prevention programs. These grants would also support workforce training, employment counseling services, apprenticeships, and other programs focused on individuals age 14 to 24.

Partnerships would have to use at least 50 percent of their grants for youth to obtain a diploma. They would also have to take advantage of existing data systems to help identify those who could benefit from these services.

In addition, the Opening Doors legislation would authorize $1.5 billion in formula money to provide subsidies for summer jobs for young people age 14-24, as well as $2 billion in formula money for year-round jobs for youth age 16-24.

As justification for his legislation, Scott cited a 2015 report that found these disconnected teenagers and adults incur $26.8 billion in public costs because of expenses related to incarceration, health, and public assistance.

Disconnected young people are also commonly referred to as opportunity youth because of the tremendous potential they possess. Young people from high-poverty, low-opportunity communities may need a range of supports to overcome barriers to reengaging in school or training and stay on the path to a good job, a fact sheet distributed by Scotts office said regarding the bill.

Scotts bill has 52 cosponsors in the House.

The chances for this bill to become law could be relatively small. President Donald Trump has given clear indications that he wants less and not more spending on education, and on non-defense domestic programs in general. Trumps proposed cuts to the U.S. Department of Education total $9 billion, or about 13 percent of the departments total discretionary budget.

View key provisions of the bill below:

Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 .
By guest blogger Lisa Stark

Indiana has one of the largest school voucher programs in the country, with more than 34,000 students this year using public tax dollars to attend private schools. Now a bill that critics say would reduce accountability for voucher schools has passed a Senate panel and is on its way to the full Senate. The bill has already passed the Indiana House.

Under current state law, private schools that accept vouchers are graded by the stateusing an A through F scale. If a voucher school received a failing gradea D or Ffor two years in a row, it is banned from accepting new voucher students until it raises academic performance. The bill, sponsored by Republican state Representative Robert Behning, would allow those schools to ask the state school board for a reprieve if most of their students show improvement. The bill also allows private schools to immediately begin accepting voucher students, rather than waiting a year.

Those who support vouchers say this isnt a way to avoid accountability, but allows flexibility for promising schools. But Keith Gambill, the vice president of the Indiana State Teachers Association, told the Associated Press, When the idea of vouchers was sold to Indiana, it was a way for students to get away from failing schools. This provision allows for those failing schools to continue without the same expectations or accountability.

Vouchers are high on the wish list for the Trump administration, supported by the president and U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. Education Weeks Lisa Stark recently took a look at the Indiana voucher program to see how its working.
Bowling Green State University has joined a collaboration to support technology start-up companies in northwest Ohio.

NextTech, a collaborative organization comprised of BGSU, Mercy Health, ProMedica, and the University of Toledo, was awarded a $8.7 million grant as the Entrepreneurial Service Provider (ESP) for Northwest Ohio by the Ohio Third Frontier Board. The grant includes the calendar years 2017 and 2018.

The ESP program available through Ohio Third Frontier offers a network of entrepreneurial services and capital to help accelerate the growth of early stage Ohio technology companies. Ohio Third Frontier is part of Ohio Development Agencies. The Northwest Ohio ESP will serve an 18-county region.

Having an ESP is essential to the northwest Ohio economy, and is significant for the Ohio economy overall. With this in mind, the leadership and boards of BGSU, Mercy Health, ProMedica and UT committed to working together as the regions ESP.

As anchor institutions in our communities, we are wholly committed to investing in, growing, generating jobs, creating investment capital and strengthening our region and Ohio by fostering inclusive technology entrepreneurship, said Randy Oostra, president and CEO of ProMedica, which is the lead applicant for the ESP.

High tech companies in northwest Ohio have lagged significantly in capital raised and jobs created over the last several years. NextTech will be focused on helping enhance connections to assets in the region as well as access to capital and talent in an inclusive environment including women, minority and rural populations. One key initial area of focus for NextTech is to help ensure resources are focused on high potential companies that have critical business needs not currently being sufficiently addressed.

Each of the participating organizations brings an area of expertise to the ESP, and will have active roles in the delivery of technology commercialization services.

In addition to its new Collab-Lab, BGSU will engage with a wider, broader and deeper range of potential entrepreneurs.

This is an outstanding collaboration for northwest Ohio that will help to build a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region, said BGSU President Mary Ellen Mazey. We look forward to leveraging our strengths in education, arts and sciences, digital arts, computer science and data sciences to launch new businesses.

UT will continue to help researchers launch start-up companies by providing space to work and access to potential investors, as well as connecting them with business advice and patent protection.

Mercy Health will have broad responsibilities, including helping manage the assessment of a portfolio of innovations and to help identify opportunities with commercial potential.

ProMedica will continue to support biomedical innovators and entrepreneurs from across the region, and will work to ensure that there will be greater visibility for commercialization activities as well as the breadth of opportunities.

As part of the collaborative effort between the partnering organizations, a governance structure has been developed to ensure that conflicts of interests will be eliminated.

This is a tremendous opportunity that we are very thankful to have, said Oostra. The ESP will help to continue to build on the revitalization and economic development momentum we have already established. Our four organizations have the experience, expertise and resources to be successful in this venture.
The College Board is backing legislation in Washington state that goes farther than similar laws and policies in other states to require public college and university systems to award credit for Advanced Placement scores of 3 or higher.

The bill says that the legislature wants to establish a policy for granting as many undergraduate course credits as possible to students who have earned a minimum score of three on their AP exams. The goal of the policy is to award course credit in all appropriate instances and maximize the number of college students given college credit for AP exam scores of three or higher, it says.

The measure, House Bill 1333 , has passed the house and is now pending before the state senate.

According to the Education Commission of the States, which tracks state policies, 20 states currently have laws requiring their higher education systems to award credit for Advanced Placement courses (and, often, for other kinds of college-level courses, too). Details of the laws vary; Some allow individual campuses to decide what AP scores theyll accept in exchange for credit. Others establish systemwide policies. There are similar variations in states where the question of college credit is addressed in policy, but not law.

The varying policies on AP credit acceptance can create a maze of confusion for students as they try to figure out howand whethercolleges will receive their AP credits. (Students find a similar mix of policies about accepting dual-enrollment credits .)

The proposed Washington law goes farther than most states AP-credit-acceptance laws, according to Jennifer Zinth, who analyzes high school policy for the ECS. She pointed to language in the bill that urges colleges to grant as many ... credits ... as possible and appropriate for AP exams with scores of 3 or higher. Among state laws on the granting of AP credit, that language is unusual, Zinth said.

For teachers in International Baccalaureate programs, however, it doesnt go far enough. Theyre dismayed that the bill pertains only to AP credits, not to college credits earned through the IB program.

Washington states Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction supports teachers and parents who want to see IB credits included in the legislation.

In our view, students who undertake the rigorous IB coursework and take the exams deserve the same level of consideration being offered to AP students, Robert Butts, the OSPIs senior advisor for governmental relations, wrote to the two lead co-sponsors of the measure in the House and Senate.

His note acknowledged that the request to include IB in the legislation might have come too late in the legislative session, and said he still hopes the issue can be addressed before the legislation is finalized.

Julie Garver, the director of policy and academic affairs for the Council of Presidents, which represents the states six public four-year colleges and universities, said the bill was introduced by the College Board, not by our sector. Thats how it was introduced, with that singular focus on AP, she said.

If the bill becomes law, it wouldnt change what those public institutions already do, Garver said, since they believe in a broadly defined concept of awarding college credit, one that includes credit from AP, IB, and dual-enrollment programs. The six institutions already have a policy to award credit for AP exam scores of 3 or higher, she said, so if the bill becomes law, it would only codify current practice.

A similar bill pending in Oregon , also supported by the College Board, would require public institutions to award credit for successful grades on AP exams, but offers only a suggested definition of what successful would mean (a 3 or higher).
For Immediate Release, March 30, 2017 Contact: Aruna Prabhala, (510) 844-7100 x 322, aprabhala@biologicaldiversity.org California Supreme Court Overturns Approval of Controversial Coastal Project Unanimous Banning Ranch Decision Strengthens Protections for Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Across State SAN FRANCISCO The California Supreme Court today unanimously rejected the city of Newport's approval of the controversial Banning Ranch project, finding it didn't properly analyze impacts to environmentally sensitive habitat areas. The decision overturns a Court of Appeals ruling that had sided with the city and developers in a lawsuit filed by the Banning Ranch Conservancy. The Center for Biological Diversity and the California Native Plant Society, which filed an amicus criticizing the city's approval, hailed today's ruling as an important victory for California gnatcatchers, San Diego fairy shrimp, burrowing owls and state laws that require protecting the habitat of imperiled wildlife. This significant victory puts agencies and developers on notice that the Coastal Act's vital habitat protections can't be ignored, said Aruna Prabhala, a Center staff attorney. The Supreme Court affirmed the importance of rare and sensitive coastal habitat while rejecting the city's attempt to weaken environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act. In a separate administrative process, the California Coastal Commission rejected the 895-home Banning Ranch project in September 2016 because of its impacts to sensitive coastal habitat and burrowing owls. The proposal would have brought homes, hotels and shops to one of the largest remaining private parcels of land on the Southern California coast. Today's Supreme Court decision strengthens previous court rulings that the California Environmental Quality Act and California Coastal Act require developers and cities to take into account critical coastal habitat when considering new development projects. . This ruling ensures that any future proposed development on this vital piece of California's shoreline will have to undergo a thorough environmental review that fully analyzes threats to vulnerable wildlife and adequately protects this biologically rich habitat, Prabhala said. Today's Supreme Court decision preserves an important piece of California's coastal habitat and reaffirms the laws meant to protect our state's plants and wildlife, said California Native Plant Society Conservation program director Greg Suba. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.2 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.



The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) is a non-profit environmental organization with nearly 10,000 members. CNPS' mission is to protect California's native plant heritage and preserve it for future generations through application of science, research, education, and conservation.
For Immediate Release, March 30, 2017 Contact: Noah Greenwald, (503) 484-7495, ngreenwald@biologicaldiversity.org

Craig Miller, (520) 404-9836, cmiller@defenders.org Court Overturns Denial of Endangered Species Protection for Fierce Little Owl Pygmy Owl Decision Tosses Policy Limiting Species Qualifying for Protection TUCSON, Ariz. In response to a lawsuit brought by the Center for Biological Diversity and Defenders of Wildlife, a federal judge in Arizona late yesterday overturned a 2011 decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service denying endangered species protection for the cactus ferruginous pygmy owl. The court also overturned a policy that made it far more difficult for species at risk of extinction in important portions of their range to gain federal protection. The pygmy owl faces serious threats to its survival in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona and northern Mexico, but the agency denied protection anyway, arguing it was secure elsewhere. This landmark decision is a lifesaver for this fierce little owl, and for many other species across the country, said Noah Greenwald, the Center's endangered species director. Without endangered species protection, the cactus ferruginous pygmy owl is at real risk of disappearing from the Sonoran Desert. I'm so glad it's back on track for protection. Under the Endangered Species Act, an endangered species is defined as any species that is in danger of extinction in all or a significant of portion of its range, meaning that a species need not be at risk everywhere it occurs to qualify for protection. The policy just overturned by the court, however, set a higher bar by requiring not only that a species be endangered in a portion of its range, but also that the loss of that portion threaten the survival of the species as a whole. In the case of pygmy owls, this meant that even though there is no disagreement that the species is at risk of being lost in the Sonoran Desert, it was denied protection because it may survive elsewhere. If this policy had been around in the 1970s, the bald eagle, grizzly bear and gray wolf would never have been protected because they were doing well in Canada and Alaska, said Craig Miller, with Defenders. The court was right to overturn this policy and force the government to reconsider protection for pygmy owls. The population of pygmy owls in Arizona is perilously small, likely numbering fewer than 50 birds. Likewise, in northern Sonora, surveys demonstrate that pygmy owls have been declining. Across the Sonoran Desert, the owl is threatened by urban sprawl, invasive species, fire, drought and other factors. The Sonoran Desert's pygmy owls are unique and deserve our care, said Greenwald. And the protection of pygmy owls has proven to be a benefit to southern Arizona's people  it's helping to preserve native Sonoran Desert habitats that are a source of solace and joy for many. The groups were represented by Eric Glitzenstein of Meyer Glitzenstein & Eubanks, a public-interest law firm in Washington, D.C. Background

In response to a 1992 petition from the Center for Biological Diversity, the pygmy owl was protected as an endangered species in Arizona from 1997 to 2006. Following a 2001 suit brought by developers, however, protections were removed in 2006 based on a technicality. The Center and Defenders filed a new petition in 2007, leading to the denial of protection in 2011 and finally to today's decision.
For Immediate Release, March 30, 2017 Contact: Lauren Goldberg, Columbia Riverkeeper, (541) 965-0985, lauren@columbiariverkeeper.org

Maura Fahey, Crag Law Center, (503) 525-2722, maura@crag.org

Brian Posewitz, WaterWatch of Oregon, (503) 295-4039 x 2, brian@waterwatch.org

Hannah Connor, Center for Biological Diversity, (202) 681-1676, hconnor@biologicaldiversity.org Water Rights Challenged for Proposed Oregon Mega-dairy Controversial Proposal to Build One of Nation's Largest Factory Farms Near Boardman Faces New Hurdle: Securing Water for 30,000 Cows SALEM, Ore. A coalition of water-protection, public-health and animal-welfare organizations today filed a legal challenge over the water rights for a proposed 30,000-head mega-dairy near the Columbia River. The facility would be one of the nation's largest dairy confined animal-feeding operations and poses a major threat to ground and surface water, air quality and public health in the region. Last month the Oregon Water Resources Department proposed approving key water rights required for Lost Valley Farm, a business venture of California dairyman Gregory te Velde. Columbia Riverkeeper, the Center for Biological Diversity, Center for Food Safety, Food and Water Watch, Humane Oregon and WaterWatch of Oregon challenged the Department's approval decision. The coalition is represented by the Crag Law Center, a nonprofit environmental law group. People are working hard to restore stream flows for salmon and protect groundwater aquifers, said Brian Posewitz, staff attorney for WaterWatch of Oregon. Adding 30,000 cows to an overtaxed system undermines hard work to protect limited water resources. Lost Valley Farm needs rights to pump groundwater in the Umatilla Basin from a Critical Groundwater Area  an area designated by the state because demand for water exceeds natural recharge rates. According to public records, Lost Valley Farm secured water rights from the Columbia River when it purchased the former tree farm where the mega-dairy is proposed to be built. But it needs groundwater rights to operate as a dairy, and the company proposed a so-called water rights transfer to swap Columbia River water rights for groundwater rights. The coalition argues that the transfer should not be allowed because it would increase the amount of water pumped from an over-allocated groundwater area and harm other water users. Meanwhile, to secure a water supply for the short term, Lost Valley Farm has applied to the state for two limited licenses that would allow it to take about 1 million gallons of water per day for five years from two different aquifers. The groups filing the protest were among groups that filed comments opposing those applications. The scale of this project is stunning. Lost Valley Farm would produce more biological waste than most Oregon cities and consume more water than most factories, said Lauren Goldberg, a staff attorney for Columbia Riverkeeper. Oregonians value clean water and strong salmon runs. Factory farms like Lost Valley fly in the face of those values. The latest challenge comes on the heels of more than 6,000 public comments filed with the state's environmental and agriculture agencies urging denial of the facility's proposed water pollution permit. Lost Valley Farm would produce roughly 187 million gallons of manure each year and use over 320 million gallons of water annually, raising questions about the risk of manure pollution and long-term impacts to the Umatilla Basin and Columbia River as water becomes scarcer due to drought and climate change. The department's failure ignores risks to public health as well as wildlife and biodiversity, said Nathan Donley, a senior scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity. It must reconsider this action to protect the long-term health of the region's irreplaceable water supplies. In addition to concerns about depletion of water resources and harm to water quality, the facility would be a significant new source of air pollution in a region already polluted by emissions from several nearby large confined animal feeding operations and industrial sources. In 2008 the Oregon Dairy Air Quality Task Force found that dairies and other animal-feeding operations emit a wide range of pollutants, including ammonia, nitrogen oxides, methane, volatile organic compounds, hydrogen sulfide and particulate matter, all of which pose public-health risks in a region with declining air quality. Despite those findings the state has no plan to regulate, or even monitor, air emissions from the facility. The Oregon Legislature is currently considering a bill, S.B. 197, to close this loophole. Resources:

Appeal of Lost Valley Farm Water Rights Transfer

Coalition Comments on First Lost Valley Farm Limited License Water Right

Coalition Comments on Second Lost Valley Farm Limited License Water Right

Fact Sheet on Dairy Air Pollution Loophole in Oregon

White Paper on Air Pollution from Dairies in Oregon


For Immediate Release, March 30, 2017 Contact: Jaclyn Lopez, (727) 490-9190, jlopez@biologicaldiversity.org Fish and Wildlife Service Moves Florida Manatee Status From 'Endangered' to 'Threatened' Endangered Species Protection Dramatically Improved Numbers, But Threats Persist ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today it is downlisting the Florida manatee from endangered to threatened  despite hundreds of manatees still dying each year from boat strikes, habitat loss and other causes. In fact, 2016 was the deadliest year to date. Thanks to the safety net of the Endangered Species Act, broad public support and conservation efforts by the state, manatee numbers have improved over the past few decades, said Jaclyn Lopez, Florida director at the Center for Biological Diversity. But manatees are still in danger. With ongoing threats posed by boat strikes and habitat loss, we don't support reducing protections through downlisting yet. Florida manatees have been protected under the Endangered Species Act since 1973. By 1979, the Fish and Wildlife Service estimated, there were only 800 to 1,000 individuals. Through careful management of the manatee and its habitat, the Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have helped increase the animals' population, and there are now more than 6,000 manatees in Florida. Despite this positive trend, the threats that landed the manatee on the endangered species list  principally boat strikes and habitat loss  persist today at virtually the same rates. Indeed manatee mortality from all sources has increased since 1973, and threats restrict the animals' ability to truly recover from being threatened with extinction. A 2014 Center for Biological Diversity report found at least 668 manatees died from collisions with boats in Florida between 2008 and 2014. Despite this both the Service and Army Corps of Engineers continue to authorize construction of thousands of projects that facilitate increased watercraft access to Florida waters.
For Immediate Release, March 30, 2017 Contact: Patrick Donnelly, (702) 483-0449, pdonnelly@biologicaldiversity.org Center for Biological Diversity Opens New Nevada Office Conservationist Patrick Donnelly Focuses on Protecting State's Unique Wildlife, Places LAS VEGAS The Center for Biological Diversity has opened a new regional office in Nevada to ensure the Silver State's wildlife and critical habitats have a strong voice speaking in their defense. The Center has had a long-term presence in Nevada. Its new office will be headed by policy analyst and biologist Patrick Donnelly. I'm thrilled to be working to protect Nevada's wildlife and wild places, said Donnelly. One of the wildest states in the union, Nevada is blessed with a relatively intact set of habitats and creatures  many of which are under threat from development, inappropriate management and climate change. The Center has had many previous successes advocating for the wild places and animals of Nevada.Some of the state's rarest and most vulnerable species, such as the Mt. Charleston Blue Butterfly, were protected under the Endangered Species Act thanks to the Center's work. In 2013 the Center successfully appealed the allocation of groundwater resources for the now-infamous proposed pipeline from White Pine County, dealing the destructive and needless project a potentially fatal blow from which it has not recovered. And just three days before the Nevada office's opening, the Nevada Department of Wildlife announced a confirmed wolf sighting in the northwest corner of the state, the first such observation in 95 years. I'm delighted that a wolf has made it to Nevada for the first time in nearly a century, Donnelly said. The ongoing recovery of gray wolves, including one making it to Nevada, is a testament to the Endangered Species Act's success. I look forward to working with the state to develop a wolf management plan that will help wolves recover in their historic Nevada habitat. The protection and recovery of carnivores such as wolves will be a key focus of the Center's Nevada program in coming years. Bobcats, mountain lions, badgers and other carnivores form the backbone of healthy ecosystems, said Donnelly. We know Nevadans treasure these animals and want to see them protected and valued. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.2 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.


A new agreement between the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and ZEISS has named the Core Facilities at IGB as an official ZEISS labs@location Partner. The model facility will allow researchers from around the U.S. to test-drive new instruments in the IGB's Core Facilities Microscopy Suite. This partnership represents the first North American location of the ZEISS labs@location partner program, already in use across Europe.

"With this special partnership with IGB Core Facilities, we transfer a successful labs@location program from Europe to the U.S.," said Jim Sharp, President Carl Zeiss Microscopy LLC. "labs@location is a community of our ZEISS customers and partners providing in depth knowledge and dedicated services. We are very excited that the IGB becomes our first American ZEISS labs@location."

The agreement will allow IGB and Illinois researchers access to select cutting edge technologies immediately following--or in some cases before--their broad release. New instruments, on loan from ZEISS, will cycle through the Core and be available to all users during that time.

In addition, the agreement provides for training and classes taught by ZEISS personnel at the IGB that will better position Core staff and researchers to best utilize new equipment. ZEISS instrument specialists will provide instruction and instrument demos to Illinois and visiting scientists, as well as assist in training the IGB Core staff to provide similar instruction themselves.

"ZEISS training is really valuable," said Core Facilities Director Glenn Fried, "but until now, you've had to send your people to the ZEISS Microscopy Customer Center in New York twice a year to see that benefit. Now all of my staff, as well as graduate students, postdocs, and faculty, can come to those classes at the IGB."

Fried anticipates that one of the first new instruments under the agreement will be a ZEISS Celldiscoverer 7, a new automated microscopy platform for high throughput live cell imaging. Though the IGB has equipment for that purpose, Fried says that the ZEISS Celldiscoverer 7 offers improved clarity and visibility, allowing for sharper and more accurate images.

"This is a really exciting thing for the Core, and for everyone who uses our instruments," said Fried. "Researchers will have access to the newest technology--like ZEISS Celldiscoverer--long before they would if we had to write a grant or even just went out and bought it."

In all, the ZEISS partnership promises to establish itself as a regional center of excellence in biological imaging by attracting researchers from around the country to demo new instruments and attend trainings.

"We are thrilled to partner with ZEISS in this way, because it will enhance the research capabilities of scientists studying many different types of questions, thus enabling the IGB to provide an important new benefit to the campus. Being selected by ZEISS to be the first labs@location in North America is a great honor, and a recognition of the excellence of our Core Facilities and especially the entire Core Facilities staff," said IGB Director Gene Robinson.
Lagos has the most valuable startup ecosystem in Africa, with the local entrepreneurship scene worth US$2 billion, according to a new report.

 Andriy Popov via 123RF

The recently released Global Startup Ecosystem Report and Ranking 2017, produced by Startup Genome in collaboration with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), was based on conversations with entrepreneurs and data on startups.

No African country made the top 20, but Lagos, Cape Town and Johannesburg warranted mention in the report. At US$2 billion, the Lagos startup ecosystem is the most valuable in Africa, but only second after Cape Town in terms of the number of startups.

The Lagos ecosystem has the ninth highest rate of founders with an undergraduate degree at 59%, while 93% of them have a technical background, the third highest rate in the world.

However, Lagos startups have one of the lowest rates of foreign customers, suggesting challenges to going global. Only 11% of startups plan to go global.

While Nigeria is busy adding six million new internet users every year, the feverish entrepreneurial energy of Lagos and its estimated 400-700 active startups stayed consistent by providing them with useful new technologies, the report said.

At the same time as the business models of local startups become more robust and innovative over time, we also see more of them also make headlines by receiving big checks from top Silicon Valley VCs including Greycroft, Khosla Impact, Green Visor, Social Capital Partnership, and many others.

Cape Town

Cape Town is the largest startup ecosystem on the African continent, with between 700 and 1,200 active tech startups in the city. The whole ecosystem, however, is valued at US$172 million, well below both Lagos and Johannesburg.

The Lagos startup ecosystem is the most valuable in Africa, but only second after Cape Town in terms of the number of startups.

One-third of Cape Town startup founders have gained at least two years of prior experience in a fast-growing startup, making them five percent more experienced than the global average. Yet Cape Town startups have one of the lowest utilisation rates of startup advisors in the world, with only 0.85 advisors with equity per startup.

Much of Cape Towns talent comes to the Silicon Cape for its solid academic institutions and stays for its moderate living expenses and friendly people, the report said.

Cape Town is an emerging city that is not yet plugged into the global ecosystem and its fluid exchange of resources. However, above average startup experience, low cost of engineering talent and relatively solid funding factor in the regional comparison are bright spots to build upon during the next years to come.

Johannesburg

The ecosystem with the highest global connectedness was Johannesburg, which also has an ecosystem value of US$1.36 billion. The city has the third highest percentage of startups globally that experienced positive corporate interest and involvement, at 67%. The global average is at 51%.

Meanwhile, 27% of startups reported they are offering a product that is the first of its kind globally. Only 10% of startups immediately target the US or UK markets, far below the global average of 36%. Johannesburg startups have 0.9 advisors with equity, indicating a lack of support systems for founders.

Johannesburg is already home to an estimated 200-500 currently active tech startups. Johannesburgs rapidly growing tech scene had over 180 startup events last year, while the citys combined financial resources infused funding of nearly US$252 million for its most promising companies. The high concentration of talented people in the area helps new startups move quickly, the report said.

Johannesburg is facing challenges around its relative lack of startup experience, funding, and global connectedness. The average valuations of local startups are currently outperforming considering those handicapping factors.

Globally, Silicon Valley ranked first, for everything other than talent, with New York second and London third. Beijing and Boston completed the top five.

Such research increases the global exposure of smaller ecosystems and the innovative new recipes that can now be invented anywhere. In doing so, it puts third-party objective analysis and credible input into hands of many more entrepreneurship champions in a mission to capture their cities fair share and standing in this new economy, said GEN president Jonathan Ortmans.
Diversity dialogue with FCB Global CEO Carter Murray

FCB's leaders from across the globe were recently in Cape Town for their Global Leadership Conference, held at the Belmond Mount Nelson at the end of February. Key among these was FCB Global CEO Carter Murray.

I caught up with Murray post-conference for a quick chat on key outtakes, what he most enjoyed during his time on our shores a few weeks ago and the importance of truly embracing diversity across the industry How many FCB offices from how many countries were represented at the conference? How many FCB offices from how many countries were represented at the conference?

We had leaders from more than 40 offices and 22 countries, spanning all continents but Antarctica (watch out for the opening of FCB South Pole!).

What was the focus of this creative mind-meld? What was the focus of this creative mind-meld?

This was a great opportunity for our offices from around the world to get together and share their experiences and successes in a peer-to-peer format, where each office could learn from the experiences of the others. We covered a range of critically important topics including new business, culture and engagement, talent, brand strategy, creative excellence, production solutions, branded content, media and more. Our objective in every office is to continuously be a work in progress. However good we get, our belief is that we are never finished learning and improving.

 Words to live by from the #FCBGlobalmeeting  ( animation by @now.it ) A post shared by FCB (@fcbglobal) on Mar 1, 2017 at 1:27pm PST

Thats an excellent motivator to keep pushing harder. What were the specific highlights for you? Thats an excellent motivator to keep pushing harder. What were the specific highlights for you?

Seeing the awesome talent and expertise we have in our offices across the network and watching our very best inspire and learn from each other. I feel so lucky to be a part of a group that genuinely likes spending time together and the few times, like this meeting, where we all get to be in the same room, reminds me of that.

Beyond our meeting, I must say my Cape Town highlight was visiting Robben Island. It was a truly humbling experience being able to stand in the cell in which Nelson Mandela spent 18 years. His being able to come out of that cell nearly two decades after going in and having such grace, purpose, dignity and still having a relentless determination to drive change it was a true inspiration.

Were there any surprises or unexpected moments in the presentations? Were there any surprises or unexpected moments in the presentations?

Its always a bit surprising when your chief of staff finds a very creative way to make fun of you to get the crowd warmed up! This time she turned me into a puppet that starred in some pretty hilarious episodes, built on FCB inside jokes. I must say, aside from his poorly manicured eyebrows and his wandering eye, hes devilishly handsome!

Murray in puppet form.

How will the conference guide FCB's business in the year ahead? How will the conference guide FCB's business in the year ahead?

The shared learnings, takeaways and strengthening of relationships that resulted from the conference will enable our offices around the world to bring new learnings and strategies to how they work at home throughout the year and will also provide new opportunities for collaboration and diverse thinking, to make us a better and stronger global network for our clients.

How important is overall diversity for creative work, and why is it so important to FCB in particular? How important is overall diversity for creative work, and why is it so important to FCB in particular?

At FCB, diversity of all kinds is, in my passionate opinion, critical to our success moving forward. There are, of course, the usual answers for the importance of diversity, like being able to connect with the diverse range of consumers and it being smart business. But honestly, the reason its so important to us is because its simply the right thing to do, and we still have not got it right and are working hard to get it right.

What can other agencies do to better diversify their workforce? What can other agencies do to better diversify their workforce?

Each agency is different, but there are a number of things that I think are working for us; our mandatory implicit bias training has proven to be invaluable to the leaders of our teams. Making workshops like this mandatory really helped because lets face it, if people have a free hour theyre probably not going to do a workshop thats optional. It also helps to practice what you preach. Our leadership team is more than 50% female and Im still not satisfied. The talent you have has to have someone they can look up to and relate to, and with a diverse leadership team thats far more likely to happen.

Lastly, the older I get and the more I listen, the more I find out about myself. Theres still a lot to understand and learn out there. If an agencys leadership is able to get the mindset of being open, and continuously learning, I think it will accelerate the change.

Heres to that much-needed change. Click through to the FCB Africa press office for more, here for more from Murray on the importance of agency culture and here for a reminder of my interview with Susan Credle at the time. You can also follow FCB Global on Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates.
With the vision of enabling better futures, the campaign draws attention to how Hollard is touching and improving South African lives...

South African insurance company Hollard has become synonymous with its original and light-hearted advertising, and its latest campaign, Enabling Better Futures, is poised to delight audiences with an optimistic and brightly packaged message. By illustrating how the very small and sometimes simple things can immediately improve lives - and simultaneously improve the country as a whole - the Hollard campaign underscores the importance of meaningful social investment.

Watch the commercial here: http://www.mcsaatchiabel.co.za/work/enabling_better_futures.

We wanted this campaign to show people how Hollard thinks about the world and its role within communities, beyond simply delivering insurance, explains Gordon Ray, Founding Partner and Executive Creative Director, M&C Saatchi Abel. The central message is that creating better futures comes through change, which can come in the form of the little things as well as the bigger things...

The key campaign element is a 45" television commercial developed in partnership with Egg Films, with three 15 stings that will flight around the TVC. The short and punchy stings each reveal specific details around three of the numerous social initiatives that Hollard is involved in as part of its corporate social capital work. The social initiatives seek to boost youth education, entrepreneurship and small enterprises, with the vision of laying the groundwork for better futures.

The Better Futures campaign will be supported by a number of different elements such as print, out of home media, bus shelter ads, street pole ads, township wall murals and social media. Each of these elements will carry the proudly local tone and style of the Hollard brand, while incorporating some of the familiar faces and characters from previous campaigns.

This campaign is a beautiful illustration of the Hollard worldview, which is deeply rooted in and committed to South African culture, explains Heidi Brauer, Chief Marketing Officer at Hollard. Through our various social initiatives, we are reaffirming our commitment to insuring people, and to ensuring better futures for all.

According to Brauer, the campaign will run for two years, with the aim of showcasing as many Hollard social initiatives as possible over the campaign period.

The main concept of the TVC (and the campaign itself) is about improvement, and lives becoming incrementally better through small changes to things that already exist, adds Ray from M&C Saatchi Abel JHB. And thats what Hollard does - it makes peoples lives better, thereby creating a better future for all.




The Florida House of Representatives is set to consider a bill that would almost certainly lead to decertification of teachers unions across the Sunshine State.

The bill is already drawing comparisons with Wisconsin Governor Scott Walkers Act 10, which has led to the demise of over 100 public sector labor unions in that state.

But while the Miami New Times reports that Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran has made the bill a priority this session, it faces tough odds in Democrat-controlled Senate committees.

So far, two House committees have passed the bill, which would require public service unions, with the exception of those representing police, corrections officers, and firefighters, to get 50 percent of eligible workers to sign up as dues-paying members in order to be recertified as a collective bargaining unit. Currently just 10 percent of state workers belong to unions, reports the Tallahassee Democrat . Florida is a Right to Work state, which means that lawmakers have already established that employees cant be compelled to join a union or pay dues as a condition of their employment.

The bills sponsor, Rep. Scott Plakon, a Republican, says that he knows of one public sector union that has just 3 percent of eligible workers as members.

The question is should these 3 percent with a few leaders represent 100 percent in the bargaining unit, the Republican asked, reports the Democrat. The answer is clearly no. The people in that bargaining unit should be empowered on their own to reach out and try to do the best thing for their family.

Plakon calls the 50 percent thresholds, simple measurements of democracy. Thats a higher bar than the Wisconsin law, which requires a majority of members to vote to recertify the union, because it requires employees who are under no obligation to pay dues to essentially donate a portion of their paychecks to unions. Rich Templin, the legislative and political director for the Florida AFL-CIO, says the bill holds unions to a higher standard than politicians.

I would challenge each of you to go back to your own districts, Templin testified to legislators, reports the Miami Herald . Can you guarantee me right now that you have contributions from over 50 percent of the voters that you are here representingwhich is what the labor organizations are being asked to do?

Democratic lawmakers bristled at the exclusion of public safety unions, which are often much more aligned with Republican causes than, say, teachers unions.

I think its very clear that this bill is about politics, not about policy, said Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, a Democrat from Orlando, according to the Herald. This bill is about union-busting, plain and simple.

The Miami New Times reports the United Teachers of Dade, Miamis teachers union, has around 14,000 members out of a pool of 30,000 eligible employees, which would mean, unless they could recruit more members, the union would not be recertified if the bill passes.

This is part of a strategy they have to attack the unions: Divide and conquer, Karla Hernandez Mats, the president of the union, told the New Times. This is something the state has been wanting to do for a while. But with the current political climate, the stars have aligned, and theyre trying to make good on their intention of taking away public-sector workers benefits and health care.
According to the City of Cape Town, its water remains safe to drink. Water quality is closely monitored via a large number of water samples analysed according to South African National Standards (SANS 241:2015) requirements.

High levels of geosmin are currently being experienced in the water drawn from the Theewaterskloof Dam. Geosmin is a naturally occurring organic compound which has an earthy flavour and aroma and which is sometimes present in water. In an attempt to deal with geosmin, the city is currently increasing powdered activated carbon dosing during the water treatment process. It may take some time for the taste and smell of the water to normalise over a large area of the central and southern suburbs of Cape Town.

No threat to human health

"It must be emphasised that geosmin poses no threat to human health. Even minute concentrations can be detected by the incredibly sensitive human palate.

"We also warn residents against falling victim to the many water-related hoaxes that are out there and which are causing unnecessary panic. Those driving these hoaxes clearly have nothing better to do with their time.

"One hoax, which is being repeated every so often, warns that water will be cut off across the whole metro on specified dates. Such blanket cut-offs are not done. Residents must not fall for this type of panic-mongering.

"Customers should note that water pressure may be reduced to limit water leaks and that slight changes in water taste and clarity may occur due to low dam levels, but this does not affect quality," said the citys mayoral committee member for Informal Settlements, Water and Waste Services and Energy, councillor Xanthea Limberg.

Residents can contact the city via email to az.vog.nwotepac@snoitcirtser.retaw for queries or to report contraventions (evidence should be provided to assist the citys enforcement efforts) or they can send an SMS to 31373.

For further information, go to www.capetown.gov.za/thinkwater.
Rajahs four designs were linked to his collections theme of Love. The bottles of each design were available to guests at the show and were echoed in his couture collection for 2017/18.

This season we take our inspiration from our past prints and graphics, all inspired by love and hope, says Rajah. The prints for Rajahs collection bring together the iconic looks from the past decade with graphic designers, Room 13. The overarching theme of love and escapism is prevalent in this collection. Flowers, hearts, butterflies and stars all play a huge symbolic part.

It has been exciting to work with Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages (CCPB) on the designs for the iconic contour bottle. Symbols of love across various cultures are included on the designs. In times of despondency, we look to constants in our lives. These constants can be people, things or experiences that offer us comfort. Coca-Cola is one brand that has been around through all our experiences, from love to everything else in between. With the bottle designs, we wanted to create keepsakes that represented beautiful, iconic imagery of love and hope, concludes Rajah.

Priscilla Urquhart, public affairs and communication manager at CCPB says, We were thrilled to partner with Gavin Rajah at this years Fashion Week. Coca-Cola Limited edition designer bottles have previously been created for Paris and New York Fashion Weeks and it was the time for Africa to show off our design excellence through the iconic Coca-Cola contour bottle.
The Competition Tribunal has approved the Public Investment Corporation's (PIC) acquisition of Anheuser-Busch InBev's 26.5% stake in Distell but no details of the price have been made public.

PDPhotos via Pixabay

In mid-December, the PIC emerged as the unexpected buyer of the Distell stake. Remgro, which had a pre-emptive right to take up the shares, is thought to have walked away from the deal rather than get into a bidding war with the PIC. The tribunal said on Wednesday the confidential conditions were part of the conditions that were agreed to when AB InBev acquired SABMiller.

The tribunal  and not the Competition Commission  imposed the condition that ABInBev sell off the 26.4% stake SABMiller held in Distell. Although Remgro had a preemptive right to take up the stake, in terms of the tribunal's condition, if Remgro did not acquire it, a BEE party was the preferred bidder.

"As there were no BEE bidders, [the Government Employees Pension Fund, through the PIC] purchased the share and will now sell a portion to a BEE company," the tribunal said.

The stake had been held by SABMiller since Distell was established through a market-sharing agreement set up in the late '70s. Remgro and KWV were the other major shareholders with the three entities holding just under 90% of Distell. In terms of that agreement, SAB undertook to limit its involvement in the wine and spirits market and Remgro undertook to stay out of the beer market. Due to restructurings over the years, Remgro has emerged as the single-largest shareholder with an effective controlling stake of 52%.

In September 2016, when Remgro announced plans for a R9.3bn rights issue, investors assumed it was preparing to exercise its pre-emptive rights over Distell at the then ruling share price of about R150.

When PIC emerged as the buyer, investors speculated the government-aligned investor had been prepared to pay a steep premium on the ruling share price. One source suggested it was as high as R180.

To date, the PIC and AB InBev have not disclosed details of the price but sources close to the deal say it was closer to R170 a share. This compares with the current price of R141 and is around the level at which the share was trading in October 2016 when Remgro was tipped as the most likely buyer.

Paying a premium for a noncontrolling minority stake is unusual and indicates the PIC was keen to get a share of the drinks company. The 26.4% holding does allow the PIC to block any special resolutions.

The removal of SABMiller from the ownership structure may open up opportunities for Distell to play a more aggressive role in the extremely competitive drinks market. Even Distell's dominance of the cider market has recently waned as better-funded competitors moved in on its territory. Heineken, through its Strongbow brand, has made significant inroads in the local market and AB InBev is also expected to become more aggressive with its Stella Artois Cidre.

To grow its market share in SA and internationally, Distell will need shareholders who are willing to support the necessary rights issues.

Neither the PIC nor Distell would comment on Wednesday on the tribunal's confirmation of the transaction.

Source: Business Day
Comments on the proposed South African law to legalise domestic rhino horn trade closed this week, with both sides arguing about the effectiveness of the idea.

The proposed law has angered animal rights groups, but proponents of the legislation say flooding the market with horns at a lower cost will lower demand for poached rhinos. Critics say this argument is moot, claiming there is no domestic demand and all poached rhino horns are smuggled into Asia.

Controlled by Department of Environmental Affairs

Under the law, the government would allow domestic trade of rhino horns and the exporting of two horns at a time. Exporting would be for personal use only and under strict regulations.

The Department of Environmental Affairs says all sales of rhino horns would be carefully documented to include the buyer's and seller's names as well as a permit and the genetic profile of the rhino. The permit would be acquired through CITIES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). Exports of horns would only be permitted through OR Tambo International Airport.

Those in favour of the bill say domestic trade would allow rhino breeders to sell horns from existing stockpiles without injuring live animals. They also argue that there is no proof an international ban on horn trade has done much to protect rhinos. Legal trade, some argue, would actually help fund protection efforts. Some reserves have sold their rhino populations due to high security costs. Legal horn sales may mitigate some of these costs, supporters speculate.

Loopholes could appear

Animal rights groups argue that even limited legalisation could open loopholes that would allow for criminals to export and import rhino horns.

South Africa has an estimated 20,000 rhinos (2,000 black and 18,000 white), or about 80% of Africa's rhino population. Asia is also home to several rhino species, with two being critically endangered. Rhino poaching is a serious problem in South Africa, where more than 1,000 rhinos are killed each year.

Horns are in high demand in Asia, where they are used in traditional medicine, although there is no evidence that the horn has any medicinal value. Demand has driven up cost on the black market where horns can sell for tens of thousands of dollars.

Law still challenged

International trade in rhino horns has been banned since 1977. The South African government banned the domestic trade of rhino horns in 2009, but the law has been challenged on and off in court for years. Courts have sided with rhino breeders in some cases. Two independent rhino breeders won a case in 2015. The government has appealed the decision, but the application was dismissed.

Those opposed to legislation say the risks to the rhino population are far too great. Opening up trade and poaching may lead to Africa having no wild rhinos, they say. Conservationists also argue that the government does not have the resources to enforce the law and regulate trade alongside the illegal horn trade industry.
This year's Budget Speech prioritised both national and provincial economic infrastructure requirements, which includes the reprioritisation of R600m to the Social Housing Regulatory Authority for investment in rental housing units. In addition, when talking to the persisting challenge of spatial transformation, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan acknowledged the need for collaboration between government and the private sector.

These sentiments are echoed by Debbie Newton, senior executive in the Impact Funds business unit of Old Mutual Alternative Investments. OMAI manages the Housing Impact Fund South Africa (HIFSA) which finances the acquisition and construction of homes for sale and rent that are affordable to the lower and middle markets, as well as providing housing loans and rental accommodation for families and students.

We welcome the renewed focus on social housing. While government is responsible for providing housing to those who cannot afford it, the private sector is able to provide a spectrum of products that people in the lower to middle income market are able to afford, either through rental or purchase. The private sector can and should also partner with government to create vibrant, economically integrated developments, and social housing is an excellent option in an integrated development.

Savanna City

Newton refers to the HIFSA development located in the Midvaal Municipality, Savanna City, as a prime example of how the private sector is successfully partnering with the government. As one of the countrys largest privately initiated urban lifestyle developments, the Savanna City Project aims to be an integrated, mixed-use development which will include social amenities, municipal infrastructure and commercial opportunities, and cater for various levels of affordability. Currently there is only provision for private ownership. Government finances fully subsidised houses for qualifying beneficiaries and the private sector finances houses for sale to the open market. In future rental options will be developed. The addition of social housing  subsidised rental accommodation for lower income levels  together with privately financed rental units for the middle income market will give completes a product offering that caters for both buyers and tenants at different income levels.

Already, this development has doubled the size of the municipality, becoming a destination in itself and assisting Midvaal in dramatically reducing the housing backlog. Savanna City provides roughly 5000 fully-subsidised RDP houses, 6800 finance-linked houses (where government subsidises a certain portion of the bond), and 5700 houses that are fully bonded and made available to the open market," she says.

While Savanna City provides housing on a big enough scale to warrant the development of these onsite amenities, Newton says that this isnt usually the case. Generally, a successful residential project is developed quite close to existing amenities, especially public transport, and ideally employment opportunities. Having good schools, business opportunities and shopping centres close by also enhances a development as residents wont have to spend a big portion of their income on transport.

She adds that successful examples of these projects include HIFSAs Buh-Rein Estate in Kraaifontein and Crystal Park in Benoni.

Obtaining land at the right price

Ian Mason, senior executive of Old Mutual's HIFSA, says that obtaining land at the right price continues to be one of the biggest challenges for affordable housing developers. The land must be purchased at a price which enables us to develop it at a rate that is affordable for the target market, which is those whose monthly income is around R22,000 or less. This becomes particularly challenging when developing within closer proximity to the cities  something that is crucial in rectifying the historical apartheid spatial pattern of placing poorer people further away from amenities and opportunities.

This, Mason says, is where government can play a vital role in the public-private affordable housing partnership. If government were to make well-located land readily available to the private sector, the private sector is able to provide bridging finance, which is often a challenge for government, and can usually execute the project a lot quicker than government is able to.

Another element which Mason says the private sector requires from the government with regards to big parcels of land is certainty on timing. Government is usually responsible for providing the bulk services, and getting the decisions and approval around these services made timeously can be a major challenge. This delay is problematic because it is the opportunity cost and interest that builds up on land holdings that ultimately makes a development unaffordable for the target market.

VAT relief

Tax relief for the development of affordable housing could also further strengthen the collaboration between government and the private sector. In terms of the 2017 National Budget, if you buy an existing house, anything under R900,000 is exempt from transfer duty. However, when a new house is developed  even if it is developed for the purpose of affordable housing  VAT is imposed on the buyer, which makes a new house 14% more expensive than an equivalent existing house. This would obviously be a deterring factor for private sector affordable housing developers, which could be avoided through the implementation of VAT relief for these projects, says Mason.

Newton concludes that HIFSA remains committed to working towards a sustainable solution to South Africas housing backlog. We still have a way to go, particularly with the challenge of spatial transformation. However, if the obstacles which currently face the private sector continue to be addressed and government remains committed to a collaborative effort, the opportunities that exist in the space of affordable housing are bountiful.
Companies are increasingly encouraging employees to provide their professional services to non-profit organisations (NPOs) at no cost. These unstructured volunteer programmes enable staff to strengthen and diversify their skill sets, which makes them more valuable to their bosses and more engaged with the brand they represent.

A skilled and experienced workforce is any companys most valuable asset. It doesnt matter whether an employee has gained his or her skills on a paid-for or pro bono basis, says Andy Hadfield, CEO of forgood, a platform that connects corporate employees to reputable causes, NPOs, and community organisations across South Africa.

Online volunteering ecosystems

Since launching its business product in 2015, forgood has designed and assisted in managing online volunteering ecosystems for some of South Africas biggest corporates, including Vodacom, Discovery, and Telesure Investment Holdings. Each companys individually branded platform is populated with real-time volunteering and donation requests from non-profits.

For these NPOs, corporate volunteerism creates greater capacity by providing access to services that are needed but typically expensive. Professionals can, for example, offer to streamline bookkeeping processes, provide legal and contractual consulting services, boost an organisations computer literacy skills or develop a fundraising strategy.

Balanced human resource strategy

Volunteering programmes are seen as a key part of a balanced human resource strategy because of their role in boosting employee engagement. Seeing your favourite NPO grow, receive more donations and make an even greater impact as a result of your professional involvement leads to a great sense of achievement. Having purpose alongside the standard business profit motive drives self-confidence, professional self-worth, and happiness. In turn, this results in greater productivity and satisfaction at work, says Hadfield.

Companies can incorporate all activities in their corporate social investment reporting, and they also stand to gain from the positive brand association that a good volunteering programme can promote. A growing body of research has found that social responsibility is a major drawcard for young graduates entering the workforce; they want to feel that their work has purpose and value.

Employee volunteering should entail much more than an annual teambuilding trip to paint a creche. Effective programmes support staff in rendering a range of services; bosses may even discover an unknown talent or interest amongst their staff, says Hadfield.
The Evolve Group, which recently relaunched in the country as Evolve Executive Search South Africa - an executive talent and scarce-skills search firm - contributes 20% of its profits to its CSR programmes.

Evolve South Africa does not want to be a BBBEE legislation box ticker, instead we want to be a significant contributor to the social transformation of South Africa, thus as a company we provide considerably more than what is required from BBBEE legislation. We have launched Evolve South Africa so we can escalate our focus on BBBEEE by contributing more to the children of South Africa via our various developmental programmes, says Evolve SAs MD Adam Ginster.

CSR programmes in Soweto

Through its corporate social investment programme, Kotula (which means to harvest in seTswana) responds to the urgent and specific needs of the Soweto community by delivering a feeding, relief and a dance academy project. All these programmes support and empower orphaned and vulnerable children as well as women and elderly residents in the community.

On Friday, 24 March 2017, Evolve Executive Search South Africa alongside its partners, which includes the Department of Agriculture, Kotulas patron Moyikwa Sisulu, NGOs and the community of Soweto, hosted a thanksgiving ceremony for farm managers who plough and tend to the 11 farms that provide sustenance for their community.

Kotula sources volunteers in the community and facilitates training through the Department of Agriculture. After the first ploughing and sewing of each farm, volunteers are employed as managers and their monthly salaries are funded by Evolve. This ensures the farms are professionally run, and that children are fed with nutritional and balanced meals each week. The project also provides employment opportunities and social upliftment.

Kotula Dance Academy

Evolve SAs Kotula Programme gives orphaned and vulnerable children in Jabavu, Soweto an opportunity to excel in the arts through its dance academy.

During the thanksgiving ceremony, Evolve will announce its ambitious initiative to take the Kotula Dance Academy to a global stage with a touring production comprising children from the community. Currently the Kotula Dance Academy consists of 30 dance bursaries with Katz Dance studio in Sandton. The children are tutored every weekend by certified dance instructors. The children have performed the Mini Lion King at The Wits Theatre and have also participated in a flash-mob events at Southgate Mall and Maponya Mall.

Our core business is bringing together the worlds brightest minds with top-performing private and public organisations. We are exposed to many talented human beings, and it is this greatness we easily recognise in children. Hunger and lack of spaces to play and express themselves can rob a child of their childhood and jeopardise their future. Through our various initiatives, we want to make sure some basic human rights of children are met so they can grow into healthy and smart adults, comments Evolves senior manager: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Mpho Mugivhi.
A new project, supported by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), Africa Union Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and Blue Ventures, has been launched to map octopus fishing in the Western Indian Ocean.

The project will use the MSC Fisheries Standard to benchmark the sustainability of octopus fishing in the region. It will then identify opportunities to support stakeholder efforts to improve the sustainability of these fisheries in Madagascar, Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Mozambique, Rodrigues and Comoros, among others. Government representatives, fisheries managers, private sector representatives and octopus fishers operating in the south western Indian Ocean (SWIO) have committed to collaborate in the new project.

This will be first time that the sustainability of octopus fishing has been comprehensively mapped across multiple African countries and offers conservation and market opportunities.

The importance of octopus in the Western Indian Ocean

Artisanal fishing for octopus, mainly Octopus cyanea, has been practiced for centuries in the SWIO. Octopus are an important resource for many coastal communities, especially in Tanzania, Madagascar, Rodrigues and Mozambique, and are both consumed locally and sold for export to Europe.

With the first octopus fishery achieving MSC certification in early 2016 (Western Asturias trap octopus fishery, Spain), interest in sustainably sourced octopus is growing. Supporting fisheries in the SWIO region to enter fisheries improvement projects (FIPs), targeting eventual MSC certification, therefore provides an opportunity to capitalise on this rising demand.

Collaboration is key

On 15 and 16 March 2017, stakeholders met in Zanzibar to mark the start of the project. Implementation will involve close collaboration with AU-IBAR and Blue Ventures. AU-IBAR is working to implement the new Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa, of which a key objective is to achieve responsible and equitable markets for seafood. Blue Ventures will share expertise gained from another project to improve the sustainability of octopus fishing in Madagascar.

Commenting on the launch, Obinna Anozie representing the director and head of mission of AU-IBAR congratulated the countries on their commitment to the project: We are very pleased to be involved in a project of this magnitude, greatly supported by regional leadership and aimed at ensuring food security and the livelihoods of western Indian Ocean communities.

Dr Oluyemisi Oloruntuyi of the MSC added, Its encouraging to see the uptake of the MSC Fisheries Standard as a tool for benchmarking and facilitating change in global fisheries. The MSC Standard is widely accepted as the most rigorous and scientifically based certification scheme for wild-caught fisheries and, increasingly, is being seen as a tool for guiding fishery improvements.
In the global age, organisations are increasingly focused on the big picture. But, with the means to connect with anyone anywhere, the value of the individual is diluted. This can affect how people perceive their organisational worth, affecting their productivity and your ROI.

Greg Morris

Several studies indicate that the world of work will change radically in the next two to five years. Health and safety concepts that focus on the individual, like lean manufacturing, organisational excellence and the learning organisation, will become fundamental to the sustainability of organisations of the future. But what does this mean for businesses on the ground?

The importance of health and safety

Organisational health and safety is a multidisciplinary field concerned with the safety, health, and welfare of people at work. Important national and international laws, standards and guidelines exist to govern this arena, with the potential to reduce costs to your organisation, the employees themselves, and the communities in which theyre a part.

The basic regulations, however, are not enough to instil tangible wellbeing; most companies offer that. Real engagement requires an authentic, pervasive investment in the individual. Lean manufacturing and learning endeavours that strive for corporate excellence, for instance, are about minimising waste, maximising efficiency and embracing an integrated community culture.

In the future, all organisations, irrespective of industry, will have to focus on creating an engaged and positive workforce if they are to remain competitive. After all, studies indicate that personally invested employees are 15-18% more productive than those who arent.

In your companys best interests

You might assume that the kind of people investments referred to here would knock your bottom line, but evidence suggests the opposite; theyre surprisingly profitable. In fact, workforce health and wellness programmes are positively associated with companies financial performance  due, among other things, to:

Reduced risks



Fewer accidents



Lower absenteeism and turnover



Improved supplier and partner relationships



Strengthened reputation



Increased productivity

Corporate wellness programmes

A common approach to organisational health and safety is implementing a corporate wellness programme. Evidence suggests that organisations using these initiatives reduce absenteeism by as much as 2.6 days per employee per year, with a return of R4 on every Rand invested.

The focus of these wellness programmes on physical wellness, however, isnt necessarily enough. Dr Deonie Botha, strategic manager at Sebata, says, The scope and organisational reach of occupational health and safety should be broadened to include aspects relating to the psychosocial wellness of employees. The divide between physical health and safety and psychosocial wellness are superfluous, since more organisations are starting to realise that the two aspects cannot be separated.

Studies show that mental illness contributes to high levels of absenteeism, poor work quality and impaired productivity. The social cost of mental illness is also severe, as these issues fuel a cycle of consequences that include substance abuse, crime, violence and marital and family breakdowns... all factors that chip away at employee engagement and performance.

Analysing successful initiatives

Its understandable, and it has been proven by countless studies, that employees feel physically and psychologically secure when they are engaged and fulfilled. To achieve this, it makes sense for companies to adopt an operational excellence framework that addresses business strategy, leadership development, and cultural transformation.

Specifically, the most engaged employees work in environments that are comfortable, uncrowded, quiet when necessary, and positively stimulating, with plenty of fresh air. Further, good environments also offer psychological support, a fair and honest company culture, respect, growth, recognition, influence and a manageable workload.

Such workplaces, however, cannot be achieved through the efforts of a single department; they require a tangible investment on a corporate level. In other words: real, sustainable employee wellness is a leadership-driven initiative, not an HR-driven one.

The future of health and safety

According to Dr Botha, some of the international trends in workplace health and safety include:

Pervasive technologies and increased levels of automation



The rise of big data and the Internet of Things



Predictive and prescriptive analytics



A focus on health, safety and environment and its effect on productivity



Experiential workplaces, and training that is increasingly virtual and visual



Wearable technologies serving as personal protective equipment



Auditing beyond commonalities to extremities



Effectively managing an ageing workforce



Nanomaterials and their effect on workers

Dr Botha also notes that theres been a recent shift to applying neuropsychological principles to safety management. She says, By using neuroimaging techniques, neuroscientists can now make precise inferences on what is going on inside the brain, and how it relates to observable behaviour. By understanding this, businesses could find smart ways to influence behaviour, and create lower-risk work environments.

Whats the final analysis?

The evidence is mounting in favour of investing in the people in your organisation. Employees want to feel noticed, special - like they make a difference. With happy, engaged staff, positive financial returns, and a competitive edge, theres no surprise that some of the worlds most successful organisations are adopting these strategies. As for the South African market, the comparatively slow uptake has created a notable gap that could yield some exceptional returns.
Getting your passport has become quicker and easier with the eHomeAffairs system which Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba launched a year ago. eHomeAffairs enables South Africans to submit their application and pay online, or if they live in Cape Town, Johannesburg or Pretoria, they can step into their local bank.

Online applicants have to have their biometrics (fingerprints, a photograph, and signature) captured at their nearest Home Affairs office before their application is sent to Pretoria for processing. Residents of Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town can also have their biometrics captured at their nearest supported Absa, FNB, Standard Bank or Nedbank branch.

It should be noted, however, that only applicants with access to internet banking can apply online, says Andrew Stark, managing director of Flight Centre Travel Group

He points out that while Johannesburg and Pretoria residents will be provided with the list of supported banks after they make their payment, currently the only bank branch that supports this service in Cape Town is Standard Bank Canal Walk.

Those outside of Johannesburg, Cape Town and Pretoria have to go to their nearest Home Affairs office to have their fingerprints, photographs and signature captured. While online applicants who apply via a bank can make an appointment, those who have to have their biometrics captured at Home Affairs need to queue like other applicants, says Stark.

Applicants who apply through a bank can also collect their passport at the same branch.

No restrictions on who can apply online

Stark  who recently applied through a bank for his childs passport  says there are no restrictions on who can apply online for a passport or for a renewal.

When the system was launched, only applicants aged 30 - 35 could apply online, but that age restriction has now been waived and anyone can apply online. Those applying for a childs passport need to remember that both parents and the child need to be present when applying. They also have to take along the childs birth certificate, says Stark.

He points out, however, that eHomeaffairs is only for those applying for a first passport or for a routine renewal. For replacements of passports that have been lost or stolen or for travel documents reflecting name changes or other more complicated applications, applicants should contact the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain whether they can apply online.

Cutting down time spent in queues

Many people remember the nightmare that is Home Affairs from years ago, but things have changed. eHomeaffairs has made it so much easier for everyone to apply for a passport though the residents of Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town are obviously the most fortunate in that they can apply at their local bank. We applaud this initiative by Minister Gigaba and the Department of Home Affairs. It is a great initiative and we urge them to roll out supported banks across the country so everyone can apply for a passport at their local bank. In any event, eHomeaffairs already cuts down the time people have to spend in queues, waiting to apply for or renew their passport, he says.

Stark advised that only South Africans resident in the country can use the eHomeAffairs website.

South Africans applying for a new passport or who are renewing a passport need to take along their ID. A regular passport costs R400 while a maxi one costs R600. To apply online, go to eHomeAffairs.
Throwing Rocks at Armed Israeli Soldiers Deemed a Terrorist Act

A Palestinian man lost his petition to immigrate to the United States because he threw rocks at Israel soldiers when he was 13 years old, a federal appeals court said.

The U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals said the man's childhood act was "admittedly minor, when compared with the worst terrorists acts," but also said its hands were effectively tied. The appellate panel said that it had limited authority to review the consular's discretionary decision in Hazama v. Tillerson.

"This was a discretionary call, and it would not have been outside the consular officer's discretion to consider this as an act of juvenile rebellion rather than an act of terrorism," Judge Diane Wood wrote for the court.

Hands Tied

Ahmed Abdel Hafiz Ghneim had filed an application for a U.S. permanent resident's visa so that he could join his wife Samira Hazama, a U.S. citizen, in Illinois.

The Department of Homeland Security approved Hazama's petition, but a consular officer in Jerusalem denied her husband's application for the rock-throwing incident and other reasons. Ghneim had been illegally in the U.S. and removed in the past.

Although sympathetic to the couple, the appeals court said it could not get around the consular's characterization of the "terrorist act." The petitioner's lawyer argued that the U.S. consulate in Jerusalem regularly prolongs visa applications and denies those coming from Palestine, but the court said that was not in the record.

"All we can do is to look at the face of the decision, see if the officer cited a proper ground under the statute, and ensure that no other applicable constitutional limitations are violated," Judge Wood said. "Once that is done, if the undisputed record includes facts that would support that ground, our task is over."

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NEW YORK, US: Samsung on Wednesday unveiled its new Galaxy S8 smartphones, incorporating the virtual assistant Bixby, as it seeks to rebound from a chaotic handset recall and a corruption scandal.

The South Korean giant's mobile chief, DJ Koh, told a New York event the Galaxy S8 and S8+ handsets marked "a new era of smartphone design."

The Galaxy S8 release comes after Samsung was forced to recall its Note 7 phones for catching fire due to overheating batteries.

Hammered global reputation

The debacle cost the South Korean company billions of dollars in lost profit and hammered its global reputation and credibility, during a torrid period that has also seen it embroiled in a corruption scandal.

Its vice-chairman Lee Jae-Yong, heir to the parent Samsung group, has been arrested and indicted for bribery, along with four other senior executives, in connection with a graft scandal that saw ex-president Park Geun-Hye impeached.

Samsung apologized to consumers for the recall and was forced to postpone the S8 launch. Its investigation blamed the problems on faulty batteries.

The firm later embarked on a campaign to restore its battered reputation, placing full-page advertisements in US newspapers that admitted it "fell short" on its promises.

The tech giant says it has also come up with elaborate step-by-step safety verification procedures for future products to prevent similar disasters.

S8 with upgraded digital assistant, Bixby

Fitted with screens of 5.8 and 6.2 inches, the two handsets include Samsung's upgraded digital assistant Bixby, competing in a crowded field that includes Apple's Siri, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

The most striking feature of the new phones is what Samsung dubs an "infinity display" - an expanded glass screen that covers the entire front of the device and appears to curve seamlessly around its edges.

Bixby marks a further step into services for the smartphone vendor, allowing users to shop, search for images and get details about nearby places with image recognition technology and geolocation.

"We've built intelligence into the camera," said Samsung's services chief Sriram Thodla. "If you see something you want to buy, just point the camera at it and Bixby will find it from one of our partners."

The digital assistant will also enhance the phone's capabilities as a remote control for connected home devices, Thodla said.

Challenging the latest Apple iPhones

The South Korean electronics giant late last year bought Viv, an artificial intelligence startup with co-founders who were part of the team that built virtual assistant Siri, which Apple bought some seven years ago.

As Samsung's top-line handsets, the Galaxy S8 models will challenge the latest Apple iPhones.The new phones will be available from 21 April 2017, Samsung said.

In the US market, they will be sold through major carriers and retailers, with unlocked devices priced from $725.

Gear virtual reality headset

As part of its launch, Samsung will be including its Gear virtual reality headset to customers pre-ordering the handsets.

Analysts offered generally positive reviews while expressing caution over the high price tag.

"The price of the new phones is up to $100 higher than their predecessors and almost all of the premium smartphones they'll be competing with, which feels like a big risk," said Jan Dawson of Jackdaw Research.

Dawson said Samsung is betting "that its phones will justify a higher price, whereas it could have used these new phones as a way to drive higher sales after a couple of years of stagnation."

Bob O'Donnell of Technalysis Research tweeted that "The phone as a true pocket computer is starting to get more real."

Source: AFP
Commenting on unaudited month-end fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund, the AA has said that fuel prices for April will be lower than in March, even accounting for the 39 cents a litre rise in fuel taxes which take effect at the end of March.

 scyther5 via 123RF

"International petroleum prices continued to ease during March on the back of increased global oil stocks which have mostly blunted OPEC's recent production restrictions," the AA said.

"Over the same period, the rand performed strongly against the US dollar, notwithstanding recent events."

The Association said, even with the fuel tax hikes, petrol was expected to drop by around 24 cents a litre, diesel by nine cents, and illuminating paraffin by ten cents.

Uncertainty persists

"However, the last day's developments have shown that uncertainty persists around key political figures in the Ministry of Finance," the AA commented.

"In our view, the Presidency was ill-advised to call off the Treasury's international roadshow at such short notice with so little detail given. The resultant sharp weakening of the rand again demonstrates the importance of political and fiscal stability to investors."

The AA said that any further political shocks which weakened the rand would directly result in increased transport costs, as well as higher domestic costs for those who use paraffin for heating, cooking and lighting.

"Lower-income citizens are disproportionately affected by fuel price hikes arising from rand weakness. The government's lack of sensitivity towards investor risk appetite is directly contributing to increased hardship for the poor, the Association concluded.

[Note: On 1 April, an additional 30 cents will be added to the general fuel levy, bringing it up to R3.15 a litre, and an additional nine cents will be added to the Road Accident Fund levy, bringing it up to R1.63 a litre.
Scarlett Johansson plays a cyber-enhanced killing machine devoted to stopping the world's most dangerous criminals in Ghost in the Shell. Three college friends stumble upon the horrific origins of The Bye Bye Man, a chilling horror-thriller that exposes the evil behind the most unspeakable acts committed by man. Jessica Chastain plays a real-life working wife and mother who became a hero to hundreds during WWII in The Zookeeper's Wife. The Smurfs discover the biggest secret in Smurf history in The Smurfs: The Lost Village. Lastly, the acclaimed National Theatre production of Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen's classic Hedda Gabler is screened from 1 April.

Ghost in the Shell

In the near future, Major (Scarlett Johansson) is the first of her kind: a human saved from a terrible crash, who is cyber-enhanced to be a perfect soldier devoted to stopping the worlds most dangerous criminals. When terrorism reaches a new level that includes the ability to hack into peoples minds and control them, Major is uniquely qualified to stop it. As she prepares to face a new enemy, Major discovers that she has been lied to: her life was not saved, it was stolen. She will stop at nothing to recover her past, find out who did this to her and stop them before they do it to others. Based on the internationally acclaimed Japanese Kodansha Comics manga series The Ghost in the Shell written and illustrated by Shirow Masamune. Screenplay by Jamie Moss and William Wheeler and Ehren Kruger. Directed by Rupert Sanders (Snow White and the Huntsman).

Ultimately, Ghost in the Shell is a story about how people may have to change to survive in the future, according to producer Ari Arad. Technology is already penetrating our lives in different ways. Here we are literally mixing man and machine together. But however little of Majors original physical self is left, she is still profoundly human. Rather than a story about fearing the future, it is a film about finding a way through a complicated future.

Sanders saw an even broader message in the idea that as hard as they try, the Hanka Corporation scientists cant destroy Majors humanity. Technology cant just override the soul. Our self will still exist in some form. Majors character goes through a subtle metamorphosis, a process of understanding and coming to terms with whatevers happened to her, the good and the bad. Theres a really strong message in that and I wanted to put it out there: whoever we are and whatevers happened to us, that is what has forged us. That is our strength and that is our power.

The Bye Bye Man

From the producer of Oculus and The Strangers comes this chilling horror-thriller that exposes the evil behind the most unspeakable acts committed by man. When three college friends stumble upon the horrific origins of The Bye Bye Man, they discover that there is only one way to avoid his curse: dont think it, dont say it. But once the Bye Bye Man gets inside your head, he takes control. Is there a way to survive his possession? Inspired by actual events, it is about Elliot, Sasha and John, three friends on the cusp of what should be the most exciting time of their lives. The brilliant but insecure Elliot (Douglas Smith) has always been driven by a desire for family and community  ever since he was orphaned as a child and raised by his older brother Virgil (Michael Trucco). Now, Elliot, his beautiful and empathetic girlfriend Sasha (Cressida Bonas), and their hard-partying but good-natured friend John (Lucien Laviscount) are moving in together and sharing their first house. But they soon discover that the house leads to the remnants of the Bye Bye Man, a supernatural force that terrorised unsuspecting victims decades earlier. As the Bye Bye Man preys on their minds and souls, he drags friends, family, and the community into his web of horror. For Elliot and the people he loves, life and death soon hinge on knowing what is real and what is not.

The Bye Bye Man is directed by Stacy Title (The Last Supper, Let the Devil Wear Black) from a screenplay by Jonathan Penner (Let the Devil Wear Black), based on the The Bridge to Body Island by Robert Damon Schneck.

To me, most scary movies arent really scary. Theyre going to make you jump, but theyre not actually dealing with whats scary in the world, reveals Penner, who spent three years developing the screenplay alongside Title, his wife of nearly 25 years. Drawing on his expertise and love of the genre, Penner set out to ground the films supernatural evil in something real. The Bye Bye Man is like any debilitating entity, whether its an addiction or a bad lover, or an illness. It weakens you and plays on your worst self, he says. You become your worst self.

The Zookeeper's Wife

Two-time Academy Award nominee Jessica Chastain stars in the title role of Antonina Zabinska, a real-life working wife and mother who became a hero to hundreds during WWII. Niki Caro (Whale Rider, North Country) directs the movie from a screenplay by Angela Workman, adapted from Diane Ackermans non-fiction book of the same name which was based on Antoninas diaries.

The Zookeepers Wife is a film written and directed by women, about an unheralded female heroine. The project made it to the big screen after a decade as all concerned took inspiration from the real-life woman whose story they would be telling.

Producer Diane Levin comments, This story celebrates life in all forms. Diane Ackerman showed us a world where humans, animals, the spirit of all living things, are valued. Specifically, its about the heroism of a woman living in a time of unmitigated fear and destruction. Antoninas instincts were both scientific and spiritual, truly a rare combination. She knew how to spot a predator and how to defuse their aggression, but she also knew how to tend to a wounded animal and how to heal them. Overcoming her natural shyness, she applied her innate understanding of animal psychology to humans, and so was able to help even the most damaged escapees to heal and feel hope for the future.

The Smurfs: The Lost Village

Best friends Smurfette (Demi Lovato), Brainy (Danny Pudi), Clumsy (Jack McBrayer) and Hefty (Joe Manganiello) use a special map that guides them through the Forbidden Forest, an enchanted wonderland that's filled with magical creatures. Their adventure leads them on a course to discover the biggest secret in Smurf history as they race against time and the evil wizard Gargamel (Rainn Wilson) to find a mysterious village. It is based on The Smurfs comic book series created by the Belgian comics artist Peyo and is a reboot film, unrelated to Sony's previous live-action/animated films. Written by Stacey Harman and Pamela Ribon, and directed by Kelly Asbury.

Hedda Gabler

Tony Award-winning director Ivo van Hove (A View from the Bridge, The Crucible on Broadway) returns to NT Live cinema screens with a modern production of Ibsens masterpiece in a new version by Patrick Marber (Notes on a Scandal, Closer). In the play, new bride Hedda (Ruth Wilson) and her husband, Tesman (Kyle Soller), return from their honeymoon to find their relationship already in trouble. Trapped but determined, Hedda tries to control those around her, only to see her own world unravel. It stars Olivier and Golden Globe winner Ruth Wilson (Luther, The Affair, Jane Eyre) in the title role, and also features Prometheuss Rafe Spall and Poldarks Kyle Soller, with Nigerian-born actor Chukwudi Iwuji in the role of Lovborg.

Read more about the latest releases: www.writingstudio.co.za
In partnership with the uYilo e-Mobility programme, Nissan is set to demonstrate its bi-directional charger technology which allows power stored in electric vehicles to be used in a range of home and commercial applications.

The Nissan LEAF electric vehicle  described as the only commercial electric vehicle used for bi-directional energy transfer capability - is being used in a uYilo field test programme to demonstrate and develop Nissans charger technology in South Africa.

Once implemented, it will allow LEAF owners to utilise the vehicles battery capacity in a variety of ways, in addition to driving.

Multiple energy uses and applications

Comprising vehicle-to-grid (V2G), vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-load (V2L) systems, the technology allows use of the Nissan LEAFs battery not only for mobility, but for multiple energy storage uses and applications.

The technology is part of Nissans global Intelligent Mobility vision, demonstrating how we can integrate zero emissions driving with efficient renewable energy systems for domestic and commercial use, said Nissan South Africas managing director, Mike Whitfield.

Power for household needs

The system transfers the energy stored in the LEAFs battery to a dedicated V2H station, providing power for household needs.

The technology has been further developed to deliver V2G, allowing energy in the battery to be traded with municipal and energy utilities to increase capacity, while also providing the opportunity to stabilise the grid during peak electricity usage.

Heading the technology localisation programme is Hiten Parmar, director of the uYilo e-Mobility Programme.

uYilo  bringing together government entities and industries, alongside car manufacturing stakeholders  is tasked with fast-tracking the development and commercialisation of key technologies that will support the electric vehicle (EV) industry. Since the establishment of uYilo as the national e-Mobility programme in 2013 by the Technology Innovation Agency, the Nissan LEAF has been used in various field tests.

A 2015 study, for example, found that running an all-electric LEAF for a year costs R18,000 less than a petrol car, based on the average South African annual mileage of 30,000 kilometres.

uYilo is aiming to unveil an initial demonstration and testing within the next six months.
Cushman & Wakefield Excellerate is to strengthen its presence in sub-Saharan Africa with a new office in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

Marna van der Walt, CEO of Excellerate Property Services, an affiliate of Cushman & Wakefield sub-Saharan Africa

Tanzania is an attractive and well-established African market with great growth potential, strong institutions and many of our global clients are already in the market or wish to enter it within the next few years, says Marna van der Walt, CEO of Excellerate Property Services, an affiliate of Cushman & Wakefield sub-Saharan Africa.

She adds: With our established Kenyan office, our presence on the ground in Tanzania bolsters Cushman & Wakefield Excellerates offering in East Africa. We see this as a natural expansion. On a pan-African level, Tanzania is a critical market and our new office enables us to provide a more comprehensive service to our local and global corporate clients operating in the region.

The Cushman & Wakefield Excellerate Tanzania team will offer services including strategic consulting, property management, project and workplace management, development management, specialised retail services, office and industrial leasing, broking, valuations, advisory and due diligence, transaction management, estate management, research, procurement and supply chain management, facilities management and risk management.

Property stalwart Simon Taylor will head the new Cushman & Wakefield Excellerate Tanzanian office. Taylor's most recent role was head of Real Estate East Africa for US oil and gas Company Halliburton, based in Tanzania overseeing a portfolio of 72 properties in South Sudan, Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique and South Africa.

Simon Taylor will head the new Cushman & Wakefield Excellerate Tanzanian office

Local market dynamics

Considering local real estate market dynamics, Taylor points out that while Dar Es Salaam is not the official capital of Tanzania, it is undoubtedly the economic capital. Its rents and capital values have traditionally been high by regional standards, and greater than either Nairobi or Kampala.

Like many rapidly developing African cities, Dar Es Salaam is undergoing a great change in all its property sectors in terms of location, design, availability and pricing, reports Taylor.

While its CBD is congested and ageing, it still retains most businesses and commerce. Recent developments increased space supply in the CBD, but this has not softened rental levels because of the demand for quality office space here. In the CBD, the highest achievable rents are in the order of $21/m a month.
NAIROBI, Kenya  Design thinking and technology were applied to solve one of Africa's most pressing medical problems. In no other sector does technology hold such potential to save and improve the lives of African citizens than healthcare.

(L-R): Magnus von Knebel Doeberitz, Medical Director, Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology,Heidelberg University Hospital; Elkanah Omenge Orang'o of Moi University, Nairobi; and Hermann Bussmann, Research Associate, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

And when world-leading medical research combined with expert local insights meet the latest in cloud-based technology, an opportunity beckons to solve one of the leading killers of African women.

"We have all the tools available to prevent cervical cancer, which is essentially a disease of disparity," explained Prof Magnus Knebel von Doeberitz, medical director, Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital.

"Cervical cancer is six times more prevalent in poor or developing countries as it is in the more developed regions of the world. There is a strong humanitarian imperative to address the issue of cervical cancer prevalence among African women, particularly in light of the vital social role women play in African communities."

Cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and is one of the leading causes of death among African women. The World Health Organisation (WHO) conservatively estimates that HPV infections cause 68 000 cases of cervical cancer in African women every year, although the lack of available data means this figure is likely much higher.

"Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among Kenyan women, and the most lethal. Our immediate priority with this solution was to reduce the mortality rate resulting from what is an entirely preventable cause of cancer by making effective screening widely available, and improving patient tracking," explained Von Knebel Doeberitz.

The current screening method, called Emerging Technologies in Cervical Cancer Screening (ETiCCS), was developed by the Heidelberg University Hospital. The SAP Design and Co-Innovation Center partnered with Von Knebel Doeberitz to supply the technology platform required to implement it at scale. In addition, Dr Omenge Orango'o of Moi University in Nairobi provided on-the-ground insights and support.

"It is critical to have an accurate and realistic view of actual on-the-ground conditions to ensure any solutions developed in a laboratory are effective when implemented in the field. Dr Omenge's insights into challenges relating to infrastructure and culture were invaluable during our test implementation," explained Von Knebel Doeberitz.

Mobile solution

In many lower-income countries, cancer screening is virtually non-existent, mainly due to logistical reasons.

"While testing can be conducted in a centralised laboratory, the challenge is to ensure effective tracking and longer-term care of women who return a positive diagnosis. We developed a biomarker that we used in our cervical cancer diagnosis, but the key missing element was an information transmission system that could provide access to accurate patient records no matter the location.

Our partners at SAP then provided an offline mobile solution which can be connected twice per day to the SAP Cloud Platform as the backbone for our information handling system."

The SAP Cloud Platform enables seamless communication between all parties, combined with the mobile app even in very remote areas and environments with unstable internet connectivity. The technology makes data entry simple and access to patient data and test results are immediately available to medical professionals.

"The data information handling system is critical to the success of the ETiCCS solution. Effective diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer requires the availability of patient information at any time to ensure at-risk women can receive the services and support they need. These linkages of care are often missing from developing countries, so using SAP's Cloud is an opportunity to integrate all information real-time in one place and overcoming local infrastructure limitations."

Design thinking

The ETiCCS solution has been successfully tested in a pilot study in Kenya. The model will now be replicated in other countries. "The solution is built on design thinking principles, and can be replicated in other countries fairly easily. There are two key elements to this: one is a keen understanding of the actual on-the-ground conditions in each country or region, which we gain by partnering with local experts.

Secondly, data handling is crucial. Our partner SAP has tools that can revolutionise healthcare provision in developing and developed nations. With these elements in place, we can make a huge impact not only on preventing cervical cancer, but addressing other illnesses and diseases affecting the world's vulnerable populations," said Von Knebel Doeberitz.

SAP Africa's managing director: East Africa, Dr Gilbert Saggia, is equally excited about the impact of ETiCCS. "The potential for cloud-based technology solutions such as SAP Cloud Platform to transform the healthcare profession is unprecedented. It is hugely inspiring to see how the combination of expert research, local knowledge and modern technology can make an immediate and invaluable impact on the welfare of our citizens.

We are excited to support the rollout of the ETiCCS solution to other countries by providing the technology backbone to this game-changing medical innovation."
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Hitwise researchers looked into how airline travelers are looking for flights in the digital space, and they found that airlines that service a larger area are performing better in the digital space than airlines that are more limited in where or how often they fly. Southwest, for example, led in digital traffic throughout the Midwest, West, and Southwest while Delta led in northern states like North and South Dakota, Michigan, and Montana.

Who is looking for flights online? Researchers note, Most of the top 10 airline visitors are married, which has an impact on their income level breakouts. Household income of $50K-$100K ranks top, and the second largest income breaks are split evenly between below $50K and over $150K.

Overall, traffic to online airline sights increased, with Southwest Airlines leading in traffic share; American, however, showed the highest increase in traffic. Meanwhile, speaking to gender, women make more visits to airline sites than men.

Researchers studied Hitwise Audience View data from Q1 2016, and studied share data from 2014 through 2017 to come to their conclusions.
This blog is looking for wisdom, to have and to share. It is also looking for other rare character traits like good humor, courage, and honor. It is not an easy road, because all of us fall short. But God is love, forgiveness and grace. Those who believe in Him and repent of their sins have the promise of His Holy Spirit to guide us and show us the Way.
Watch this inspiring summary of Rob Pyers' journey from laid-off grocery bagger to major player in following the money in California politics.

Despite being the home state of Silicon Valley, California's online resources often seem designed by a Kafka fan. That's where Rob comes in:

After joining the Target Book, Pyers taught himself how to code, mostly by watching YouTube videos. Two years later, the 41-year-old has built its systems from the ground up, and now runs the website from his cramped West Hollywood one-bedroom. He is often the first to publicize major donations and new candidates, making his Twitter feed invaluable to campaign consultants and journalists alike. Pyers, who describes himself as "95 lbs of concentrated tech geek," has become an expert on pulling data from hundreds of voter databases, election filings, and campaign finance disclosures. He's done all this despite the fact that the state's main resource for campaign information is an inaccessible hodgepodge of ZIP archives and tables that even the current Secretary of State has called a "Frankenstein monster of outdated code."

It's so great when someone finds a calling that helps everyone else (except secretive political donors).

 This Self-Taught Programmer Is Bringing Transparency to California Politics (YouTube / ReasonTV)
Reciba en su email: noticias de ultima hora, analisis tecnicos o el cierre de mercado

Email no valido Nombre requerido Recibira las informaciones mas relevantes del dia en tiempo real Que informacion desea recibir? Noticias de Ultima hora Boletin Cierre de Mercado Boletin analisis tecnico Boletin Fundsnews Debe seleccionar un tipo de boletin Acepto la Politica de privacidad Debe aceptar la politica de privacidad Responsable EMPRESAS DEL GRUPO WEB FINANCIAL GROUP Finalidad La remision de informacion, novedades y promociones Establecimiento o mantenimiento de Relaciones Comerciales. Legitimacion Consentimiento del interesado. Interes legitimo en el desarrollo de la relacion comercial Destinatario Empresas del Grupo WEB FINANCIAL GROUP Derechos Acceso, rectificacion, supresion, limitacion, oposicion y portabilidad Informacion adicional Politica de Privacidad de nuestra pagina Web + INFORMACION
A new Transparency International report ranks the world's most superheated urban property markets to find the most corrupt and finds that Australia is a playground for offshore criminals looking to launder their money, because "real estate agents are not subject to the provisions of the Anti-Money Laundering and CounterTerrorism Financing Act 2006," thus, "70 per cent of Chinese buyers pay in cash and they represent the largest proportion of foreign purchases in the country."



Australia, like many developed nations, is gripped by urban housing crises created by the need to exfiltrate criminal proceeds from autocratic regimes; often this money is taken in with the tacit approval of the state, but any funds left within the nation's borders is liable to seizure at the whim of some local tyrant, so smart crooks get their money out as soon as they can.





Normally, property is highly illiquid, making it a less-than-ideal way to store your ill-gotten booty: no one wants to wait for months of listings, showings, and escrow to convert their safe-deposit box in the sky to cash when the shit hits the fan. But the incredible competition among money-laundering millionaires has created such titanic bubbles in their favored cities that homes can be converted to cash in days (it helps that they're not really being used as homes, being left largely empty in cities where normal working people are struggling to put roofs over their heads).

Don't get smug if you're not Australian!

Canadians! "Canada's legal framework has severe deficiencies

under four of the 10 identified areas. In the other six,

there are either significant loopholes that increase risks

of money laundering through the real estate sector or

severe problems in implementation and enforcement of

the law."

Britons! "Transparency International UK found the London

property market highly vulnerable to corrupt wealth.

Analysis of open source material found that individuals

or companies representing a high money laundering

risk own over 4.2 billion worth of property in London.7

The UK government has committed to introducing

greater transparency on the purchase of properties by

foreign companies and will introduce a public register of

beneficial ownership for foreign companies with property

or wishing to buy property in the UK. Legislation is

anticipated in 2018."

Americans! "Within this framework, cash purchases in the US pose

particular risks. A 2015 report by the US National

Association of Realtors found that 59 per cent of

purchases by international clients are made in cash.

In New York, 62 per cent of purchases made by

international clients costing more than US$2million are

made in cash."



In Australia, the AML/CTF Act does not require due diligence or the

identification of beneficial owners of customers in real estate closings. In Canada, the law and guidelines do not require non-financial professionals

involved in real estate closings to identify beneficial owners when conducting

due diligence on customers. Transparency International Canada's analysis of

land title records found that nearly a half of the 100 most valuable residential

properties in Greater Vancouver are held through structures that hide their

beneficial owners. Nearly one-third of the properties are owned through shell

companies, while at least 11 per cent have a nominee listed on title.40 In the UK, real estate agents and other professionals involved in real estate

closings are required to identify the beneficial owner of customers as part of

their due diligence process. The failure to identify a beneficial owner should,

according to the law, impede the transaction and be reason to submit a

suspicious transaction report (STR),41 if there is also suspicion of money

laundering. As described above, this requirement does not apply to real

estate agents when dealing with the purchaser. In the US, real estate agents, lawyers and accountants involved in real estate

closings are not required to identify the beneficial owner of customers. Since

March 2016, title insurance companies are required to identify the beneficial

owner in real estate transactions that are made in cash and are above a

certain threshold in some places in the US (see box). This requirement only

applies to transactions when the purchaser is a legal person and buys the

property with title insurance. Other professionals involved in the transaction,

such as real estate agents, accountants and lawyers are still neither obliged

to identify the beneficial ownership of customers nor to conduct any other

due diligence.

DOORS WIDE OPEN: CORRUPTION AND REAL ESTATE IN FOUR KEY MARKETS

[Transparency International]

Report: Australia world's worst money laundering property market

[Leith van Onselen/Macro Business] [works intermittently, see below for cache]

Report: Australia world's worst money laundering property market

[Leith van Onselen/Macro Business] [Google cache/text-only view]


The Navy's Chetak helicopters fly past a Tupolev during its decomissioning on March 29, 2017. A Navy photo/Twitter

ARAKKONAM, TAMIL NADU (PTI): The Indian Navy's workhorse long-range maritime patrol aircraft TU 142M, which played a key role in operations including the IPKF mission in Sri Lanka, was on Wednesday de-inducted after 29 years of accident-free service.



The Russian-made aircraft was bid adieu by the Navy including its Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba at a ceremony at INS Rajali in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu, about 90 km from Chennai.



The de-induction marked the end of Tupolev 142M's illustrious career with the Navy.



Tupolev-142M fleet is being replaced by 12 P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft of Boeing which are equipped with Harpoon anti-ship missiles, lightweight torpedoes, rockets and new generation sensors and radars.



The TU 142M was inducted in Indian Navy at Dabolim, Goa in 1998 from Russia. It shifted base to INS Rajali in 1992 and took part in several naval exercises and operations.



Praising the services of the TU 142M, Admiral Lanba said the aircraft played a key role in several operations involving the Indian Navy, including the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) operations in Sri Lanka in the late 1980s.



"TU 142M stands as a proud symbol of pride and might," he said, adding the de-induction ceremony was an emotional moment for the personnel involved with it.



He said the P-8I with its modern technology including sensors and radars will be a "force multiplier."



The Navy Chief said the outgoing TU142M "has always inspired respect and admiration."



Tracing its journey, he recalled that it was inducted in the Indian Navy in the late 80s and had empowered the force with "unprecedented long range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare capability."



"At the time of their induction, their speed and endurance were among the best in the world. These qualities gave them considerable tactical advantage in the air. Till date they have served with distinction," Admiral Lanba said.



Besides the IPKF operations, it also played a "crucial role" in Operation Cactus in Maldives in 1988 where fleeing mercenaries were detected and tracked by the aircraft before they were apprehended by Navy ships, he recalled.



Even in this month's TROPEX 2017 exercise, the ageing squadron had "performed admirably" where they had put in 53 hours of flight, Lanba said.



On the new fleet of P8-I Boeing, the Navy Chief said eight of the total 12 "state-of-the-art" aircraft have already been inducted while the rest will join the force in coming years.



"P8-I Boeing is a long range anti-submarine warfare aircraft. It is a modern aircraft, but more importantly it has modern sensors and systems in it in the form of radars, electronics and weapons. There is quantum change in the technology" (compared to TU142M), he said.



"It is best in the world at the moment. We are the (one of the) first two navies to induct it simultaneously with the US. We have been operating it for three years. It is a force multiplier and a great capability enhancement in the Navy," Lanba added.



The aircraft has been "fully integrated into Navy's operations and was the "most potent anti-submarine platforms that the Indian Navy possesses today," he added.



INS Rajali also celebrated its silver jubilee on Wednesday.



A special Postal Cover was released to mark the occasion while a plaque, containing the names of all the Commanding Officers of the station and various aircraft stationed at the naval base, was unveiled by Lanba.






KATHMANDU (PTI): The army chiefs of India and Nepal have discussed issues of mutual concern and ways to step up military-to-military cooperation.



Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat, who is on a four-day visit to Nepal, called on his counterpart Rajendra Chhetri at the Army headquarters in Kathmandu on Wednesday.



Issues of mutual concern and bilateral relations were discussed in the meeting, according to a statement issued by the Directorate of Public Relations.



During a special function, India gifted seven horses to Nepal. Rawat handed over a stallion light breed, two brood mares, two gelds and two donkey stallions to Chhetri.



The Indian Army Chief is in Nepal currently to receive the honorary general title of Nepal Army, Himalayan Times reported.



Rawat had also held a meeting with other senior officials of the Nepal Army. He also laid a wreath at the Bir Memorial at the Army Pavilion.



The Indian Army Chief was conferred with the honorary general of Nepal Army by president Bidya Devi Bhandari at a special function at the Rastrapati Bhawan held later.



The visiting Indian Army Chief will also call on Prime Minister Prachanda.



Rawat's trip to Nepal comes days after Chinese Defence Minister Gen Chang Wanquan visited the country.


A carnival of colour celebrated the life of murdered Irish backpacker Danielle McLaughlin as she was laid to rest in her hometown of Buncrana.

At the request of her family and friends, mourners dressed in colourful clothes, many with garlands of flowers in their hair, in tribute to the "vibrant" 28-year-old who was killed in Goa on March 14.

A large crowd gathered for the funeral at Saint Mary's Church, Cockhill, in County Donegal, during which Ms McLaughlin was described as a "beautiful daughter, a cherished granddaughter, a thoughtful sister, a loyal friend, a free spirit, a remarkable classmate, a gentle neighbour; the little girl who became the lovely woman".

Pupils from her old school in the town formed a guard of honour outside the church as the funeral procession arrived from her family home, followed by her grieving mother Andrea and four sisters.

Friends travelled from Australia, New Zealand, Scotland and England to attend her funeral

Father Francis Bradley, who conducted the requiem mass, told mourners that the sudden and callous nature of Ms McLaughlin's death had left all who knew her "speechless".

He said he prays that amid the young woman's struggle, "peace and calm came her way too".

Fr Bradley said Ms McLaughlin made "a huge impression on people's lives".

"She was disarmingly kind and forgiving. Her warm nature and open heart drew people into her ever-widening, extensive and international circle of friends.

"A brief glance at the vast array of tender messages for Danielle's mother Andrea, her family and friends, shows the immense esteem in which she was held.

"She had a gentle but powerful way with her - for it seems that just one encounter with her was enough to change someone's life," he added.

"A gifted student in dance and drama, Danielle became a colourful character, like a gem which caught the light and reflected it in all its beauty around her."

He urged mourners not to allow the "malice which cut (her life) short to spoil her memory or impair her beauty".

"There have been so many good things which have happened since Danielle took her leave of this world.

"So very many people, many of them here this morning anonymously, have offered their time, their help, their facilities and their talents to comfort the bereaved, to bring solace to broken hearts.

"It is clear that good always overcomes evil," he added.

Her last Facebook post was read out to mourners.

It said: "Thank you to all my friends and family for making home so special and always looking after me.

"I am grateful and the luckiest person I know... Off on another adventure."

Ms McLaughlin was buried beside her grandparents in the church graveyard.

She had been travelling in Goa when she was found dead in a field close to tourist resorts.

A post-mortem examination concluded that brain damage and constriction of the neck caused her death in Canacona.

The former Liverpool John Moores University student had been staying in a beach hut in Goa with an Australian female friend.

The pair had been celebrating Holi, a Hindu spring festival, in a nearby village.

She left the village late at night and her body was found the next day, unclothed, with injuries to her head and face, police said.

A 24-year-old man, whose name has been reported as Vikat Bhagat, appeared in court two weeks ago charged with murder, and will also face rape charges.
The High Court today found in favour of a blind man, Robbie Sinnott, who was seeking to vindicate his right to vote by secret ballot.

To date, people with sight loss in Ireland have had to get help from a "trusted friend"' or the presiding officer when casting their ballot.
Update 5pm: A couple who run a construction company are feared to be among the victims of a Dublin-bound helicopter crash in Snowdonia.

Kevin and Ruth Burke, from Hulcote near Milton Keynes, close to where the helicopter took off, are directors of Staske Construction - the registered owner of a Twin Squirrel.

On what is thought to be her Facebook profile, Mrs Burke states she is originally from Dublin.

Superintendent Gareth Evans, of North Wales Police, said the crash victims had not yet been formally identified but their families were being supported by specialist officers from Thames Valley Police.

He added: "I'm sure you'll appreciate this is an agonising time for the families and friends of all involved.

"Our thoughts are very much with them at this time."

Police said five bodies were found along with the wreckage of the helicopter in the Rhinog mountains near Trawsfynydd today.

A major search of the area was launched on Wednesday afternoon when the privately-owned Twin Squirrel aircraft failed to arrive in Dublin.

Neighbour Elizabeth Thornley said the couple had not lived at their home long and had been "doing up the house for about a year and a half".

The 24-year-old, who said the couple "keep to themselves", told the Press Association she saw a lot of cars near the house on Thursday morning.

She said: "Then one of the neighbours said 'have you heard about the crash, the helicopter crash?' I thought it had crashed into a horse's paddock, but they said no Kevin's had crashed."

One Hulcote resident, who did not give his name, said Mr Burke was originally from Manchester, a pilot himself, and had a 14-year-old son and 19-year-old daughter.

Another neighbour, Richard Mann, said he and Mr Burke had both previously been Hulcote and Salford parish councillors.

He said: "Kevin, I think, is a very astute businessman, outgoing, hail fellow well met, always seemed very cheery."

Update 1.50pm:The bodies of five people have been found with the wreckage of a missing helicopter in Snowdonia.

Police and mountain rescue teams had launched a major search after the helicopter failed to arrive in Dublin on Wednesday afternoon after leaving the Luton area.

Superintendent Gareth Evans, of North Wales Police, said the details of the victims were not being released by police but specialist officers were supporting their families.

He said the exact location of the crash site was not being revealed to allow recovery of the bodies from the "very difficult and challenging terrain".

A full investigation will now be led by the Air Accident Investigation Branch.

An extensive search of the Irish Sea and Snowdonia was launched at about 4.15pm on Wednesday after the distress and diversion system lost radar contact with the privately-owned Twin Squirrel aircraft.

Mr Evans said: "Initially, it's last known position was believed 'over sea' in the Caernarfon Bay area but this was then narrowed to a land-based search coordinated by North Wales Police in Snowdonia involving all local and RAF mountain rescue teams.

"Local conditions were described as atrocious with visibility down to less than 10 metres in places.

"My thanks go out to the professionalism and commitment of all those personnel involved in this operation."

He added: "I'm sure you'll appreciate this is an agonising time for the families and friends of all involved.

"Our thoughts are very much with them at this time."

He said the bodies had not yet been formally identified.

Update 12.30pm: The bodies of five people have been found with the wreckage of a missing helicopter in Snowdonia.

Police and mountain rescue teams had launched a major search after the helicopter failed to arrive in Dublin on Wednesday afternoon after leaving the Luton area.

Superintendent Gareth Evans, of North Wales Police, said the details of the victims were not being released by police but specialist officers were supporting their families.

Update 10.15am: The search for a helicopter missing with five people on board is now focusing on the Snowdonia National Park.

The privately-owned Twin Squirrel aircraft is believed to have left Milton Keynes to fly to Dublin, via Caernarfon Bay, before disappearing on Wednesday afternoon.

An extensive search of the Irish Sea and Snowdonia was launched at around 4.15pm on Wednesday after the Distress and Diversion system lost radar contact with the helicopter.

The search was scaled back overnight due to poor weather conditions but North Wales Police and mountain rescue teams are continuing to search on the ground.

Coastguard commander Mark Rodaway told BBC Breakfast the focus for the search had shifted inland.

He said seven mountain rescue teams and a dog search team were involved in trying to find the missing helicopter.

He said: "There's a whole range of inquiries that we will engage with; first of all we're working very closely with air traffic control and we're looking at a review of radar information and, secondly, obviously we will look for mobile phone data.

"All of that combined has given us a new focus, in and around the Snowdonia National Park."

Two UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopters based at Caernarfon and St Athan were scrambled to scan the area between Caernarfon Bay and the Dublin shore on Wednesday, with all vessels on the Irish Sea route at the time also asked to report sightings.

On Thursday a Coastguard spokeswoman said "air assets" would not be able to resume the search until weather conditions improved.

She said: "We've had some reports of less than 10 metres visibility in areas so the search teams really are being hampered by poor weather conditions.

"No air assets have been sent out by the Coastguard.

"That said, we are still looking to support North Wales Police in any way we can.

"We will do that when the weather provides us with that opportunity."

A police spokesman said: "North Wales Police are co-ordinating ground searches with mountain rescue teams and working with the Coastguard and the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre (ARCC)."

The Eurocopter AS55 Ecureuil 2 (Twin Squirrel), now made by Airbus, is a widely used twin-engine light utility helicopter which has a reputation for durability and requiring low maintenance.

First introduced in the mid-1970s, the all-weather aircraft has evolved through several variants and is used by both civil and military applications.

With a cruising speed of 140mph and a range of nearly 440 miles, the model is used for extended low-level flights involved in filming and surveying.

Champion rally driver Colin McCrae was at the controls of a Twin Squirrel with his five-year-old son Johnny and his friend Ben Porcelli, six, on board in 2007 when it crashed in the grounds of his Lanarkshire home, killing all three.

Update 7.05am:The search for a helicopter that has gone missing over the Irish Sea has been partially suspended.

Mountain rescue teams are searching in the Snowdonia area of Wales for a helicopter that went missing with five people on board.

Radar contact was lost with the helicopter that was en route to Dublin from Milton Keynes at around 4pm yesterday.

An extensive air and sea search was launched in the Irish Sea - however this has now been called off due to low lying cloud and poor visibility.

There are no plans to continue to the aerial search unless weather improves significantly.

Earlier: A search is continuing this morning for a helicopter missing over the Irish Sea.

Five people were on board the privately-owned aircraft, which left Milton Keynes en route to Dublin.

Radar contact was lost and a search operation was launched shortly after 4pm yesterday.

The UK Coastguard is coordinating search efforts off north Wales, while the Irish Coastguard is assisting with a communications search.

But operations are being hampered by bad weather, with visibility low.

A spokesperson said last night: "There is quite poor visibility which is hampering the search efforts. There is a lot of low cloud coverage.

But, she said the search was still ongoing.

Dan Welsh from BBC Radio Wales is following developments.

The aircraft, a privately owned twin squirrel red helicopter, was thought to be on its way to Dublin after leaving Milton Keynes.

Two Coast Guard helicopters have been searching the route its thought the aircraft had been taking. A Mayday has been issued to all vessels on the Irish Sea.
Members of the European Parliament are due to arrive in Ireland later to examine the full impact of Brexit.

Sinn Fein has organised the trip just 24 hours after the British Prime Minister invoked Article 50 - marking the UK's exit from the EU.
The Taoiseach has appealed directly to European leaders to include Ireland's "unique circumstances" in the "ground rules" of Brexit talks, writes Elaine Loughlin in Malta.

Enda Kenny has today asked European Union leaders for their support for the Northern Ireland peace process when Brexit talks begin.

Speaking at an EPP event in Malta attended by a number of EU heads including Angela Merkel, Mariano Rajoy and European Council President Donald Tusk, Mr Kenny pointed to the the "unique circumstances that apply in Ireland's case."

He said that up until now Europe's "support has been critical in maintaining the fragile peace process through difficult times.

"Ireland again will ask for your support in continuing that peace process."

The Taoiseach pointed out that Ireland would remain in the EU but Northern Ireland will not and "therefore we need your support and the language of the Good Friday Agreement included in the ground rules in negotiations as Britain exits the European Union."

Taoiseach @EndaKennyTD tells @EPP conference Good Friday Agreement must be in the "ground rules" of Brexit talks #iestaff pic.twitter.com/gN7g2Nt06w  Elaine Loughlin (@Elaine_Loughlin) March 30, 2017

Mr Kenny said we are now in a "time of unprecedented challenge and unprecedented opportunity".

He said that when the European Union was created it was "never contemplated" that any country would leave.

"That is precisely what the United Kingdom decided democratically to do.

"We must therefore deal with the consequences of that decision."
Two boys have been electrocuted by power lines downed during violent weather in Texas, officials said.

Fire officials in Fort Worth said the boys, aged 11 and 12, were killed in a heavily wooded area near Oakland Lake Park.

Severe thunderstorms, some including tornadoes, hit north Texas and Oklahoma on Tuesday.

Oncor, the local electric utility in Fort Worth, reported damage to its system after the storms went through, including in the Oakland Lake Park area.

In Oklahoma, a truck driver was killed on Tuesday night after strong winds pushed his rig off the interstate in El Reno, outside Oklahoma City, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Forecasters confirmed a 95mph wind gust in the area when the crash occurred.

Three storm chasers also died on Tuesday in a collision as they raced toward a storm in west Texas, authorities said.

Two were contractors for The Weather Channel. They were killed in a collision at a remote intersection near the town of Spur, about 55 miles south-east of Lubbock.

The channel said in a statement that Kelley Williamson and Randy Yarnall were "beloved members of the weather community" who had worked as contractors for the channel.

The Texas Department of Public Safety said the two died with 25-year-old Corbin Lee Jaeger of Peoria, Arizona.

Mr Williamson and Mr Yarnall were both from Cassville, Missouri.

Department of Public Safety Sergeant John Gonzalez said a car driven by Mr Williamson went through a stop sign and hit another vehicle driven by Mr Jaeger. Mr Yarnall was a passenger in the first car. All three were killed instantly.

Tornadoes had been reported nearby at the time of the crash and heavy rain had been reported.

The severe weather threat shifted east on Wednesday, covering an area from near Kansas City, Missouri, to the Gulf Coast.

Stronger storms are expected on Thursday in parts of Mississippi and Tennessee.

- AP
Bowalley Road Rules



The blogosphere tends to be a very noisy, and all-too-often a very abusive, place. I intend Bowalley Road to be a much quieter, and certainly a more respectful, place.

So, if you wish your comments to survive the moderation process, you will have to follow the Bowalley Road Rules.

These are based on two very simple principles:

Courtesy and Respect.

Comments which are defamatory, vituperative, snide or hurtful will be removed, and the commentators responsible permanently banned.

Anonymous comments will not be published. Real names are preferred. If this is not possible, however, commentators are asked to use a consistent pseudonym.

Comments which are thoughtful, witty, creative and stimulating will be most welcome, becoming a permanent part of the Bowalley Road discourse.

However, I do add this warning. If the blog seems in danger of being over-run by the usual far-Right suspects, I reserve the right to simply disable the Comments function, and will keep it that way until the perpetrators find somewhere more appropriate to vent their collective spleen.


A "truly selfless" motor neurone disease sufferer has vowed to fight to continue his battle against the law on assisted dying.

On Thursday retired college lecturer Noel Conway was refused permission to bring a judicial review.

Mr Conway, 67, from Shrewsbury, was diagnosed in November 2014 and is not expected to live beyond the next 12 months.

His lawyers told the High Court that when he had less than six months to live, and while he retained the mental capacity to make the decision, "he would wish to be able to enlist assistance to bring about a peaceful and dignified death".

At present there is a blanket prohibition on providing a person with assistance to die.

Mr Conway was seeking a declaration that the Suicide Act 1961 is incompatible with Article 8, which relates to respect for private and family life, and Article 14, which protects from discrimination.

But two out of three judges hearing his case in London ruled that it was not arguable.

Mr Conway, who was not in court, said later: "Though this is a setback in my fight for rights at the end of my life, I will not be deterred and will be appealing this decision.

"I am fighting for choice and control over my death, because the current ban on assisted dying denies me these rights and forces me to face an unacceptable set of options that most people would balk at in disbelief.

"I am going to die, and I have come to terms with this fact. But what I do not accept is being denied the ability to decide the timing and manner of my death.

"I am not prepared to suffer right to the end, nor do I want to endure a long, drawn out death in a haze of morphine.

"The only alternative is to spend thousands of pounds, travel hundreds of miles and risk incriminating my loved ones in asking them to accompany me to Dignitas.

"This would also force me to die earlier than I would want.

"The option of an assisted death should be available to me, here in this country, in my final six months of life - this is what I am fighting for.

"It would bring immense peace of mind and allow me to live my life to the fullest, enjoying my final months with my loved ones until I decide the time is right for me to go."

Lord Justice Burnett who, with Mr Justice Jay, refused permission - while Mr Justice Charles dissented - described Mr Conway's stance as "truly selfless".

The proceedings came in the wake of an action brought by Tony Nicklinson, who suffered from paralysis after a stroke.

That was ultimately dismissed in 2014 by the Supreme Court, which said it was important that Parliament debated the issues before any decision was made by the courts.

Lord Justice Burnett said it remained "institutionally inappropriate" for a court to make a declaration of incompatibility, whatever its personal views of how the underlying policy issues should be resolved.

Had Parliament done nothing after the Nicklinson case, Mr Conway's case for permission would be "unanswerable", however it might fare on further investigation.

But, both the House of Commons and the House of Lords had debated the matter, with the result that Parliament had decided, at least for the moment, not to provide for legislative exceptions to the 1961 Act.

He added: "My conclusion does nothing to diminish the deep sympathy I feel for Mr Conway, his family and others who are confronted with the reality of living and dying with incurable degenerative conditions such as motor neurone disease.

"Mr Conway's position in these proceedings is truly selfless because, as (his counsel) Mr Gordon recognises, even if the Supreme Court were to make - or uphold - a declaration of incompatibility assuming the swiftest progress of the litigation imaginable, the settled position of both Government and official opposition is that any change in the law must await a Private Member's Bill which commands support in both Houses.

"All current indications are that such a Bill would struggle to pass.

"Whatever the position in the courts, any change in the law seems unlikely in the foreseeable future."

Sarah Wootton, chief executive of Dignity in Dying, which supports Mr Conway's case, said: "Parliament has so far ignored the pleas of dying people like Noel and the overwhelming majority of the public who also support a change in the law on assisted dying for terminally ill, mentally competent adults in their final six months of life.

"And that is precisely why we will continue to fight for it."

Yogi Amin, of law firm Irwin Mitchell, said: "The world has changed phenomenally in the past few decades with many medical advances, but the law on assisted dying for those who are terminally ill hasn't changed for more than 50 years."

He added: "This situation is clearly traumatic for the individuals involved and their families who are often torn between not wanting to see their loved one suffer and also not wanting to lose them, and we commend Noel for his bravery in bringing this important legal case."

ends
The Trump administration has told Congress it plans to approve a multibillion-dollar sale of F-16 fighter jets to Bahrain without the human rights conditions imposed by the Obama government.

If finalised, the approval would allow the Gulf nation to purchase 19 jets from Maryland-based Lockheed Martin, plus improvements to other jets in Bahrain's fleet.

Though Congress has opportunities to block the sale, it is unlikely it will do so, given the Republican majority's strong support for the sale.

The decision is the latest signal that the Trump administration is prioritising support for Sunni-led countries seen as critical to opposing Iran's influence in the region, over human rights issues Barack Obama had elevated.

Under Mr Obama, the US withdrew approval before the deal was finalised because it said Bahrain had not taken steps it had promised to improve human rights.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Bob Corker's office said the committee was told on Wednesday by the State Department that it planned to proceed with the sale.

The notice triggers a 40-day "consultation" period in which committee staff can review a draft of the Bahrain approval, ask questions about the sale and raise any concerns.

Then the State Department will send a formal notification to Congress, setting off a final 30-day review period, during which Congress could pass a joint resolution or take other steps to stop the sale.

Lockheed had lobbied strenuously for the sale's approval, even as rights groups and pro-democracy activists urged the administration not to jettison human rights conditions.

Brian Dooley of Washington-based group Human Rights First said decoupling the sale from such conditions would "encourage further repression" and fuel instability during a tense period for Bahrain.

"The sale will send exactly the wrong signal to the dictatorship: that the White House thinks the political crackdown is not just morally acceptable but also not dangerous, when in fact it's what's fuelling the country's instability," Mr Dooley said.

But Mr Corker praised the move and said the caveats would have been "unprecedented and counter-productive" for security and human rights.

"There are more effective ways to seek changes in partner policies than publicly conditioning weapons transfers in this manner," he said in a statement.

Bahrain, home to the US Navy's 5th Fleet and an under-construction British naval base, is a predominantly Shiite island off the coast of Saudi Arabia ruled by a Sunni monarchy.

Government forces, with help from US allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, crushed a 2011 uprising by Shiites and others who sought more political power.

AP
No gun owners will be forced to surrender their firearms despite further shotgun restrictions being introduced in the ACT.

The ACT is leading Australia in restricting the access of rapid fire lever action shotguns, with legislation to reclassify the firearms introduced into the ACT Legislative Assembly on Thursday.

Policing minister Mick Gentleman said they had proceeded with the bill despite concerns expressed by the ACT Firearms Consultative Committee. Credit:Rohan Thomson

Police minister Mick Gentleman said the ACT was the first jurisdiction in Australia to move on the changes agreed to by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in December.

The changes would mean only farmers and professional shooters would be able to access certain shotguns.
Accused killer David Eastman has lost his last-ditch bid in the country's highest court to stave off a planned retrial for the shooting death of police chief Colin Winchester.

Eastman, 71, failed in an attempt to block a second trial for the alleged murder of Mr Winchester, 55, who was Australian Federal Police assistant commissioner when he was gunned down in his Canberra driveway in January 1989.

David Eastman spent almost 19 years behind bars before having his conviction for the murder of ACT police chief Colin Stanley Winchester quashed. Credit:Graham Tidy

An ACT Court of Appeal decision in December had already cleared the path for Eastman, a former public servant, to face a mammoth second trial after a protracted series of legal fights spanning more than two decades.
Australia's big banks will have to go it alone in their wrangle with tech giant Apple over the introduction of iPhone payments in this country.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on Friday denied an application by the Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, National Australia Bank, and Bendigo and Adelaide Bank to bargain as a group against Apple and collectively boycott its payment system, Apple Pay.

Apple Pay allows customers to use their phones like tap-and-go bank cards. While ANZ has already done a deal with Apple, the other three banks have been resisting over the commercial arrangements that would underpin such an arrangement.

"The ACCC is not satisfied, on balance, that the likely benefits from the proposed conduct outweigh the likely detriments. We are concerned that the proposed conduct is likely to reduce or distort competition in a number of markets," ACCC chairman Rod Sims said.
Only a matter of months after Jan Cameron took control of Bellamy's Australia, the company has run into roadblocks in the key China market, warning that it faces a loss of sales which will result in earnings taking a hit from the start of 2018.

China is forcing suppliers of infant formula products to register with the authorities and obtain authorisation before they can sell within the country. The change has come as part of moves to limit each supplier to selling just three formula milk brands with each product to undergo testing and licensing.

The news comes months after Kathmandu co-founder Jan Cameron took control of Bellamy's Australia. Credit:Erin Jonasson

The move is aimed at limiting the number of infant formula product being sold in China as well as ensuring the quality of the products hitting shop shelves.

Following its purchase of Vegemite from Kraft Foods for $486 million earlier this year, Bega Cheese decided to sell its Derrimut plant to Mead Johnson, the giant US formula business. The Derrimut plant used to supply Bellamy's but its new owners have decided not to continue with the arrangement.
Tourism operators in cyclone-hit coastal Queensland towns are bracing for a multimillion-dollar clean-up, but fear overblown reporting that frightens off visitors could inflict more damage than the cyclone itself.

Tropical Cyclone Debbie on Tuesday night smashed into the tourist town of Airlie Beach, the departure point to the Whitsunday Islands, damaging buildings and washing a number of boats ashore.

But Keith Roberts, owner of tour operator of Whitsunday Catamarans, said the damage to tourist infrastructure was limited and he was planning on resuming boat tours as soon as Monday.

Mr Roberts, who employs 40 staff and has turnover of about $10 million a year, said bookings had been cancelled for coming weeks and he expected forward bookings to take a hit as well.
Fair Work inspectors have raided more than 80 businesses in NSW in response to complaints of rampant underpayment of young workers.

The Fair Work Ombudsman launched a series of raids in Wollongong in response to concerns young workers in the town were being exploited.

Fair Work inspectors visited more than 80 businesses unannounced in the city's central business district across three days this week.

The raids are in the wake of Fairfax Media's exposure of widespread underpayment and in cases non-payment of university students by cafes, restaurants, retail and take-away food outlets.
Human societies and a multitude of species are going to be tested by climate change in ways that are barely understood, a wide-ranging study involving researchers from 44 institutions around the world has found.

Species in every ecosystem are being affected by rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns, with marine animals moving poleward at the average pace of 72 kilometres and land-based ones 17 kilometres a decade, according to the paper published on Friday in the journal Science.

Malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases are spreading as temperatures warm. Credit:AP

"Movement of mosquitoes in response to global warming is a threat to health in many countries through predicted increases in the number of known, and potentially new, diseases," the paper found, noting malaria is already a risk for about half of humanity, with more than 200 million cases recorded in 2014 alone.

Food security is also at risk from the spread of plant pathogens and other pests.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten have put aside their differences on a joint tour of North Queensland in the wake of Cyclone Debbie, which has deprived 63,000 properties of electricity and left a trail of destruction across the coastal region.

The two leaders flew north following a series of notably toxic dose of Canberra politics on Wednesday, in which question time was consumed by personal attacks. Mr Turnbull had labelled Mr Shorten a "phoney" and a "coward".

In the Whitsundays town of Bowen on Thursday, the rivals came together to praise local communities and emergency services - aided by the Defence Force - for their resilience and work since the natural disaster hit on Tuesday.

"Our Defence Forces - as I said, working with the police, the emergency services - we met them, congratulated them, thanked them for their work. The resilience of the community is backed up by the whole nation," the Prime Minister said.
A lot of free speech is being exercised around our nation right now, and if there were a law against insulting and offending the political class, a lot of my mates and acquaintances would be in strife.

An electrician fixing a fried circuit at my house last weekend was in despair at what he considered was a political system that couldn't make a serious decision about anything at a time when the future felt perilous.

"This country needs to know where it's going, and all we get are these buggers arguing the toss," he said. "I don't reckon we've ever seen it this bad. Don't any of them know how stupid they look to the rest of us?"

He was getting so worked up I became concerned he'd stick a screwdriver into the wrong socket and set his hair on fire, but he knew what he was doing, which is more than he'd say for Canberra's alleged decision-makers.
You're bored of that little dress from last summer, and that sweater has pilled. Did that shirt shrink or have you put on weight? And oh God, those shorts! Note to self: never again drink and shop. Slightly embarrassed that they've still got the tags on, you bundle them up with the other stuff and hide it in the boot of your car. Marie Kondo was right, this stuff does not spark joy, and it's better off out of your life. Not in the bin though, obvs. No landfill for you! You are responsible citizen. You will do the right thing: you will take these fashion fails down to the opshop.

Problem is, that sweater may well end up in landfill even so. Those shorts should make it to the shop floor, since they've never been worn, but when their next owner realises they make her look a Battenberg cake, they might be off to landfill too. Where they will stay. For up to 200 years, being polyester, which is essentially plastic and non-biodegradable.
The fight against terrorism and organised crime as well as bolstering community policing will be key areas for incoming NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller, who has labelled the sought-after appointment his proudest career moment.

Hours after receiving the phone call informing him he would take the top job, news that nearly caused his wife to "pass out", Mr Fuller outlined his vision alongside Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Police Minister Troy Grant.

The 49-year-old flagged a different leadership style to that of his predecessor, Andrew Scipione, which will change a policing model that has existed for 20 years.

"I think I have a different brief to him in fairness and my brief is about moving NSW Police into the future," he said at Parliament House on Thursday.
South-east Queensland is shutting down, workers are going home and more than 2000 schools are closed as the region braces for flash flooding from up to half a metre of rain expected to fall in the next 24 hours.

Ex-tropical cyclone Debbie is drenching the south-east, with flooding already closing some roads in the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane areas.

The Queensland government has ordered every school in the region to shut, from Agnes Waters in the north, the NSW border in the south and west to Nanango.

This includes 763 state schools, 1286 Catholic and private schools and 546 child care centres.
News / Africa

by Staff reporter

The director of transport in Manica Province of Mozambique, Ms Maria Da-Imaculada Gabriel, has hailed the Zimbabwean Government and Zimbabwe National Army for their swift response in retrieving bodies of the six people who died in a plane crash in Vumba on Monday.In an interview after meeting Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs Mandi Chimene yesterday where the repatriation process of the late five Mozambican nationals was discussed, she said Mozambique was grateful to the people of Zimbabwe."The crash happened on the Zimbabwean side and we want to hail the swiftness of the Air Force of Zimbabwe and other security agents in attending to the scene," she said."I managed to get to the scene and it was not easy to reach the place. We do not know how we would have managed to retrieve the bodies without the assistance of the Air Force of Zimbabwe."This crash was least expected and as we speak, our civil aviation experts are on their way to Zimbabwe to assist their counterparts in investigating the causes of the crash."Three of the bodies were repatriated to Beira by road after Minister Chimene signed the repatriation orders.The three bodies were of the directors of Beira-headquartered Green Motor Services, which is a sister company of Cornelder de Mozambique - Mr Adelino DeJesus Fortes Mesquita (managing director), Mr Isac Noor (finance director) and Mr Antonio Jeorge Ucucho (legal advisor).The bodies of the pilot, Mr Lopes Luis Dos Santos and his son, Mr Rui Fonseca Pereira Dos Santos, were taken to Harare enroute to Maputo.The sixth victim's body, Mr Banele Sibanda, a Zimbabwean who was Cornelder's finance and administration manager, was taken to Harare and is expected to be buried at Glen Forest Memorial Park today.A memorial service for the victims was done at Doves Funeral Parlour in Mutare and was presided over by Roman Catholic priest Father Tapiwa Abraham Muchenagumbo.Doves Holdings chief executive Dr Talent Maziwisa said: "We are the funeral home which carried out the job of making sure the deceased persons were properly prepared and reconstructed back to their original self."Three of the air crash victims are already on their way back home and the remaining two will be repatriated back to Maputo by air on Friday morning. It has been a great honour working with the families and the Government of Mozambique."Speaking at the memorial service, Chimene said the crash was a shocker."We are joining our Mozambican counterparts in mourning their brothers who perished in this air disaster," she said. "This crash reminds us on the importance of always saying goodbye to our loved ones each time we go out. We do not know the destiny of our lives. We should try to do good things every time."A family representative, Mr Jan de Vries, who is also Cornelder's commercial manager, expressed appreciation for the assistance they received from Zimbabwe.
Police have dropped charges against a Perth man previously accused of a one-punch attack in an incident at Crown Perth that left a young father fighting for his life.

Damien Stanley, 23, had been charged with grievous bodily harm in July 2016 for allegedly punching Greg Dowell at the venue's food court while the father was celebrating a friend's bucks party on July 2.

Police have dropped their charge against a Perth man in relation to an incident at Perth Crown. Credit:Louie Douvis

The pair were not known to each other.

A spokeswoman for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions WA said the charge was discontinued on Wednesday because there was no reasonable prospects of conviction.
Anne Aly will never forget the day she broke down in tears outside a Centrelink office.

The then 25-year-old had just left her violent husband and had two sons, aged one and three, to take care of.

Labor MP Anne Aly at Parliament House. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

"I had absolutely nothing; not a cent to my name," the Labor MP told parliament.

She was desperate, and felt ashamed and humiliated, only to be told she would have to wait a week for her first parenting payment.
Washington: A pair of White House officials played a role in providing Representative Devin Nunes of California, the Republican chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, with the intelligence reports that showed President Donald Trump and his associates were incidentally swept up in foreign surveillance by US spy agencies.

The revelation that White House officials assisted in the disclosure of the intelligence reports - which Nunes then discussed with Trump - is likely to fuel criticism that the intelligence chairman has been too eager to do the bidding of the Trump administration while his committee is supposed to be conducting an independent investigation of Russia's meddling in the last presidential election.

Nunes has also been faulted by his congressional colleagues for sharing the information with Trump before consulting with other members of the intelligence committee.

The congressman has refused to identify his sources, saying he needed to protect them so others would feel safe coming to the committee with sensitive information. He first disclosed the existence of the intelligence reports on March 22, and in his public comments he has described his sources as whistle-blowers trying to expose wrongdoing at great risk to themselves.
Beijing: Chinese authorities would use "other options", such as persuading fugitives to return by pressuring family members, if an extradition treaty with Australia is not ratified, analysts said.

The director of Peking University's anti-corruption study centre, Zhuang Deshui, said the extradition treaty was only one way for China to return fugitives and recover stolen funds as part of its anti-corruption drive.

"If the treaty can't be signed in the near future, there are other options, like return by persuasion, illegal immigration and other judicial cooperation ... When this gate is not open, we can try the window, and if windows are not open, we can try digging holes," he said.

Professor Zhuang said cooperation with Australian authorities in investigating the visa status or tax payments of Chinese fugitives were other avenues.
The FBI has arrested a veteran State Department employee who concealed her extensive contacts with Chinese intelligence agents, who for years lavished her with thousands of dollars in gifts, prosecutors announced on Wednesday.

Candace Marie Claiborne, 60, of Washington was charged with felony obstruction and lying to the FBI after her ties to the Chinese were uncovered, the authorities said. Prosecutors did not disclose where or when the Chinese first approached Claiborne, but did reveal she had once served in Beijing and Shanghai.

According to a criminal complaint, Claiborne, who had a top secret security clearance and was required to report foreign contacts, repeatedly interacted with Chinese intelligence agents for five years.

"She purposefully misled federal investigators about her significant and repeated interactions with foreign contacts," said Andrew W. Vale, the assistant director in charge of the FBI's Washington field office.
A team from Bristol Poverty Institute, a new specialist research institute at the University of Bristol set up to tackle global poverty, have been working with UNICEF to provide technical advice and assistance to the Ugandan Bureau of Statistics (UBoS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) to help integrate multidimensional child poverty measures into Ugandan National Statistics.

World governments have signed up to the UNs Sustainable Development Goals of ending poverty in all its forms everywhere. Including the aim of reducing by half (by 2030) the multidimensional poverty of adults and children in every country, however, most countries have no official measure of multidimensional child poverty. The need to improve the measurement of poverty is therefore urgent as politicians and the public need reliable information to see how effectively and efficiently anti-poverty policies are working (or not working).

The Consensual Approach for measuring poverty is the only method available which can produce accurate and comparable policy relevant information in low, medium and high-income countries. It has been developed over 30 years, based on Bristols internationally acclaimed research on poverty in the Faculty of Social Science and Law.

The method takes into consideration the opinions of the general public about what items and activities they consider to be necessary for an acceptable standard of living, from which no one should be excluded due to a lack of resources. Importantly, the approach introduces a democratic element into the definition and measurement of poverty enabling the public, rather than just academics or politicians, to determine what constitutes poverty.

Dr Eldin Fahmy, who recently returned from Uganda, said: Over half the population of Uganda is under the age of 18 so the need to develop robust and culturally appropriate official measures of child poverty is increasingly urgent. What we're trying to do is to measure poverty not just in terms of whether people have enough food and clothes but also whether they can participate fully in the social life of their community and meet their social obligations.

We ask members of the Ugandan public to identify what they believe are the necessities of life for children and adults in their society, using tried and tested focus group and social survey methods, which we have developed over many years of research. This produces a socially realistic measurement of poverty and something that's easy to understand for both the public and politicians.

Members of Bristols new Specialist Research Institute on Poverty have a long history of providing scientific help and support to our colleagues in African countries. For example, the EdQual programme helped Ghanaian academics to develop evidence which persuaded their government to fund national professional development programmes for primary school leaders throughout Ghana. Our work helped head teachers to implement a range of successful initiatives: community support for school meals, remedial classes to boys who were going out to work; and a programme to reduce sexual risk and pregnancy for young girls. Simpler projects influenced parents to make sure children ate breakfast and came to school with pen and exercise books. Access to education and literacy, especially for girls, is often used as a measure of poverty. Education enables improvements in life chances for girls. Improving this access is one way the EdQual programme helped to reduce multidimensional poverty in Ghana.

Professor David Gordon, Director of the Bristol Poverty Specialist Research Institute, said: The University of Bristol is proud to be in partnership with the Universities of Ghana, Nairobi and Cape Town through the World Wide Universities network, we will work with our academic colleagues, UNICEF and other international organisations to reduce and eventually eliminate poverty during the 21st Century. Providing policy makers and the public with high quality scientific information about the extent and nature of child poverty is a necessary step towards ending the blight of poverty.

Many African countries have long and proud academic traditions, for example 500-years ago the University of Sankore, Timbuku had 25,000 students from all over Africa and the Middle East  we still have much we can learn from each other.
Latest News Why are property buyers taking so long to purchase? Here are five factors at play

Industrial property growing stronger New report reveals market trends

The Finance Brokers Association of Australia ( FBAA ) will hold a nationwide series of classes on commercial and equipment lending.Peter White, director of the FBAA, told Australian Broker he was working with Glenn Mitchell, Vow Financials head of commercial & leasing, to develop the associations upcoming Commercial & Business Lending Master Class series.[Glenns] brought together a group of lenders including CBA ANZ , ING, Macquarie, Thinktank and a few others as a part of this collaborative effort to put a masterclass together into the commercial space, White said.St George will also be involved in a very big way writing content for the training, he added.Lenders want to see a higher level of skillsets in brokers, White said, while broker market penetration is significantly lower in small business lending than in the home loan sector.A lot of this is because [brokers] dont take time to research or understand the industry sector. Part of this masterclass series will be understanding what that means.I believe quite strongly that theres no reason why, in the small business sector, that brokers couldnt be writing 50% or more of all lending in that area. Brokers have such a strong professional value proposition for the marketplace.The FBAAs course will be held in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, although the official dates havent been locked in as yet.The training will also be bank agnostic, White said, and will focus on putting together a professional submission for a commercial transaction.It wont be about how they do things at St George or CBA. It will be about how you do it as an industry professional. Its got no badge attached to it so the assessments are not badge-related.The classes will be designed in two spheres: one for people who want to become specialists in the commercial area and another for those already in the sector who wish to upskill themselves.This is something that we bring to the total marketplace that members and non-members will come to. Its not going to be steered in any direction. Same from a banking point of view  its not about brand. Its about best practice in commercial and small business lending, he said.
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Good golly, its Mali music!

Malian guitarist and rock musician Vieux Farka Toure will launch his seventh album Samba with a concert in Fort Greene on April 6. The show is the first stop on his world tour, and the African artist says he is elated to return to Brooklyn  the site of his very first concert in the United States.

It has been a long time since I have played at a club in Brooklyn, said Toure. I think the last time was at [now-closed venue] Zebulon in 2007, which was my first concert ever in the United States so I am very happy to return to Brooklyn. It is like playing in a hometown for me, and since it has been so many years, I am excited for this.

Toure, the son of Grammy-winning artist Ali Farka Toure, plays traditional Malian music as well as Malian blues and rock, but said that he is also inspired by reggae, hip-hop, and jazz. He hopes to create a new sound for his country, just as his father and artists like B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, and James Brown carved new paths.

These guys are all very strong musical leaders who were not just masters in their styles but paved the path for entire new styles on their own, he said. What I am trying to do with my music is to further the path of Malian music to go into new areas while also staying authentic to me and to my culture.

But his experimental sound will still sound familiar to American ears, he said.

I want people to know that the style of music that I play  it might seem strange or foreign to some people but it is based on all the same things as your favorite American rock group, said Toure. You will be able to feel the rhythm and sing along with the pentatonic scale that I use. I will sing in a language you do not understand, but the melody and even the sound of the words, you can sing them with me.

The concert will be a joyful occasion, and the rhythms will have people dancing, regardless of any language barriers.

If you like to see good live music, dance and have fun, then you should come to the concert  its really quite simple, he said. I play music because it brings me joy and I like to spread that joy to all who will listen.
News / International

by Florian Eder and Cynthia Kroet

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said Thursday he would promote the independence of U.S. states if Donald Trump continues to encourage EU countries to follow the U.K.'s example and leave the bloc, the Politico reported.At a meeting of leaders of the center-right European People's Party in Malta, Juncker said Brexit would not be the end of the European Union  even if some people, such as Trump, would like that outcome.In response to White House claims that Trump was "a leader on Brexit," Juncker declared: "If that continues, I'll call for Ohio to be independent and Texas to leave the United States."Juncker's remarks came a day after Britain formally notified the EU that it intended to depart."Brexit should be the beginning of something new, something better," Juncker said. "We need to continue."Juncker added that there was much for the 27 remaining EU members to do, including strengthening security and defense policy. "A chicken coop is a close combat formation compared to Europe's common defense," he said, speaking in German.Also at the meeting, European Council President Donald Tusk shook off the Brexit blues he had expressed on Wednesday to declare: "Brexit has made us more determined and more united than ever before. I am fully confident of this."German Chancellor Angela Merkel called for unity when it comes to securing external borders, fighting root causes of migration and staying firm on Russia. Among other things, that meant defending Ukraine's territorial integrity and leading Western Balkan countries "step by step" into the EU.Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic urged the EU to "extend a helping hand" towards Serbia, Macedonia and Montenegro. "If we are slow, others will not be hesitant, others will be present, and they will drift away from us," he said.Merkel defended last year's migration deal with Turkey and talks with African countries aiming at a similar approach  a rebuttal of Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who had harshly criticized the EU's refugee policy earlier in the day."We Central Europeans expect that  if things continue like this  there will be a dominant Muslim presence in Western Europe," Orban said. "Migration turned out to be the Trojan Horse of terrorism."
Where to find non-partisan ballot information Thank you for your non-biased bullet points explaining the three state ballot proposals in "A look at the three state...

Kautman-Jones endorses Davis Please support Meredith Davis in her re-election to the Genesee County Board of Commissioners - 8th District. I have had...
State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) presented a check to Yardley Borough Police Chief Joseph Kelly for $68,600 for the purchase of a new police vehicle and motorcycle during a visit to the station. Our police put themselves on the line every day to keep our community safe, said Sen. Santarsiero. Dating back to when I was a Lower Makefield Township Supervisor more than...
Jewson has partnered with Henry Boot Construction as part of the Better Barnsley project.

The regeneration scheme includes the construction of retail and leisure space, with areas for food and drink. A new library and landscaped public open space, including a market square, will also be created following the demolition of existing buildings.

Henry Boot Construction is responsible for delivering phase one of the 120m town centre redevelopment, and the local Jewson branch will supply building materials for the development of the town centre over a three-year period.

As well as improvements to the town, the project is also investing in the local community. Jewson has worked with Henry Boot Construction to promote and contribute to a Skills Village, which will help local people to get a foothold in construction industry. Jewson donated cement, air bricks, sand and a number of other materials to the recently-completed project.

Jewson Barnsley will also offer work experience placements to local school children and apprenticeships as part of the project. One apprenticeship placement will be made available each year, with the opportunity to be employed as a permanent member of staff when completed.

Shaun Flint, sales manager at Jewson, said: Were always looking for ways to support the communities we work in, so when Henry Boot Construction asked for our help to build a better Barnsley, we didnt think twice. Theres an exciting three years ahead so were looking forward to working with Henry Boot Construction and cant wait to see the finished result.
Election Day in New Jersey: Who's running for the House, how to vote

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As the apex court on Wednesday banned the sale and registration of non-BS IV compliant vehicles, auto manufacturers are now said to be toying with the idea of exporting their unsold warehouse stocks -- about nine lakh.

Vinod K Dasari, Ashok Leyland CEO and Society of Indian Automobile Manufactures (SIAM) President, reacted to the Supreme Court's decision saying that the inventory they would be left with would be exported to other markets.

"Majority of the vehicles in the pipeline have already been sold. Some more will be sold in next couple of days... Of the little inventory that we expect to remain beyond this, we will export them to other markets, where we have a significant presence and still operate on BS III norms," Dasari said.

He added that the other vehicles would be upgraded to BS IV at minimal cost.

In a major boost to the clean air and anti-pollution crusade, the Supreme Court on Wednesday banned the sale of non-BS IV compliant vehicles from April 1 onwards.

The decision comes as a setback to several auto manufacturers, who despite several warnings from authorised environment agencies, held a huge stock of the old technology, BS III-compliant vehicles.

In its reaction, the SIAM said that the industry would abide with the orders passed by the apex court. The industry, however, added that the sudden order was "unfortunate".

"While no one pushed for BS IV fuel availability for seven years to change over faster, this sudden decision -- just a few days before the changeover -- is rather unfortunate as it causes undue stress on the entire industry and causes loss of jobs," the SIAM president added.

However, according to the apex court-appointed Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority (EPCA), despite several warnings, the automobile industry kept producing the BS III-compliant vehicles and Wednesday's decision would set an example for the polluters.

"The EPCA had given them six-month notice to stop manufacturing the old technology... Had they listened to us, then they would have had much less in their stock by the deadline," Sunita Narain, director general of Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and an EPCA member, told IANS.

The SIAM had earlier informed the EPCA that there would be as many as 20,000 passenger vehicles, 75,000 commercial vehicles, 47,000 three-wheelers and about 7,50,000 two-wheelers yet to be sold as of April 1.

According to some experts from the EPCA, the automobile industry may target markets in South America and neighbouring countries to sell the huge stock of four and two-wheelers.

Hailing the Supreme Court decision as a "landmark", Narain also expressed agreement with Dasari's claim that BS IV vehicles cannot run properly on BS III fuels.

"Ashok Leyland has sufficient capacity to make BS IV vehicles. However, since BS IV commercial vehicles cannot run properly on BS III fuel and such fuel is not available nationwide, our customers continued to buy BS III vehicles," said Dasari.

In 2016, the EPCA had observed that switching to BS IV fuel will help reduce air pollution by 80 per cent through reduction in particulate matter (PM) emissions -- the major effluent in the air.

Earlier, the EPCA and Union ministries of road transport and petroleum had decided that from April 1, 2017, onwards, BS IV oil shall be made available throughout the nation and mulled over stopping registration of BS III vehicles.

BS (Bharat Stage) IV and III are the fuel types based on vehicular emission standards fixed by the Indian government to regulate air pollution.
To gain its foothold in the worlds fastest growing smartphone market, Inc is ready to start assembling iPhones in India.

 Inc is ready to start assembling high-end iPhones in less than a month. This will boost its chances of gaining a foothold in the fast growing Indian market, said Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge on Thurday.

"In less than a month, we will have something out - will start assembling and making its high-end iPhones at its plant in the city. Taiwanese contract manufacturer company, Wistron Corp will help Apple in in the process," Kharge added.

Recently, Apple has been in talks with Indian government seeking concessions on import of key components. However, the Indian government has rejected most of the demands of the Cupertino based company.

Kharge said if the Centre is keen on taking on China, it should not give special treatment to Apple alone, but to other players as well such as Samsung and Lenovo.

Open the entire eco-system for high-end manufacturing of electronics if you really want to compete with China and Taiwan," Kharge said.

Kharge also said that the government should give certain timelines, subsidies and incentives to create a level-playing field for them.

"The government should give a timeline, say in 10 years they should be able to manufacture 100 per cent of phones and its components by procuring them from the local market. Such a timeline should be given because we don't have that environment now," he said.

"The government should also give subsidies and incentives to create a level-playing field for them to strengthen the Indian eco-system," Kharge said.
The Supreme Court's decision to disallow the sale and registration of BS-III vehicles from April 1 will not only impact auto makers but also other stakeholders, according to Vinod K Dasari, managing director of Ashok Leyland and president of Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).
Score one for the machines. The largest fund company in the world, BlackRock, has faced a thorny challenge since it acquired the exchange-traded-fund business from Barclays in 2009.
As Reliance Jio moves to open up its prime membership from April 1, Bharti Airtel is seen to be the most aggressive rival to match its prices, a research report has said.

Citi Research, a part of the Institutional Group, which also comprises the Citibank, says that all the incumbent telecom operators have moved to meet the Jio challenge, in various degrees, though Idea Cellular and Vodafone India have been behind Airtel in aggressiveness.

"We visited exclusive outlets of Bharti, Vodafone and Idea in Mumbai to compare price plans with Jio's Prime offer. While all have responded, their plans don't appear to be marketed as aggressively and currently appear more as a tool to reduce churn," the report said.

"Further, their reluctance to fully match Jio is likely due to the latter's intention to remain aggressive, combined with their concerns on revenue protection. Bharti, as market leader, is not only taking the lead to counter Jio but appears to be the most aggressive. It is followed by Idea and lastly Vodafone. Further tariff action would be contingent upon Jio's user traction," it added.

As part of Jio's Prime Offer unlimited voice (off-net/on-net) and 2GB per month is given at Rs 149 and unlimited voice (off-net/on-net) and 1 GB data per day is available at Rs 303. In addition, the company is also giving freebies -- cashback and additional data on earlier payment for prime offer.

Bharti Airtel is offering unlimited on-net voice and 300 MB per month for Rs 146 and unlimited off-net/on-net calls and 1 GB data per day for Rs 349.

"Data was initially split equally between day and night time but now these limits have been removed. This plan, across incumbents, comes closest to Jio's Rs 303 offer," the report said.

Idea Cellular is offering unlimited on-net voice and 300 MB per month for Rs 148 and unlimited off-net/on-net calls and 1 GB per day for Rs 348. Data is split equally between day and night time (11pm-6am).

While Vodafone India is offering unlimited on-net voice and 300 MB per month for Rs 146 and unlimited off-net/on-net calls and 20 GB per month for Rs 345 but only 10GB of each month's allowance can be used in the same month. Therefore, from second month onwards, subscribers can use 20GB -- 10GB of the previous month and 10GB of the ongoing month.

"Apart from the prime offers, Jio has also stated that it would offer 20 per cent more data allowance compared to incumbents' highest selling tariff plans," the report said.

"The incumbents appear to be trying to stave off further rounds of price cuts and while we expect Idea and Vodafone would match Bharti in near future, our conversation with incumbents' highlight they are now in wait-and-watch mode; further reaction would depend upon Jio's user traction," it added.
The decision leaves automobile makers, primarily Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland and Hero, saddled with a large inventory of BS-III vehicles estimated to be worth Rs 6,000-7,000 crore at the end of the month. Companies were seeking time beyond April 1 to dispose of the existing stock. They now will have to offer steep discounts, ship products to BS-III export markets or invest to upgrade their products to BS-IV.
Another major challenge has reared its head for the automobile sector, with the Supreme Court on Wednesday banning the sale and registration of all Bharat Stage-III (BS-III) vehicles from April 1.

The industry previously believed that only the manufacturing of BS-III-compliant vehicles would stop from this date. It argued that such a ruling would severely hit the finances of carmakers, which were sitting on large inventories of BS-III-compliant vehicles.

Hero MotoCorp, the largest two-wheeler maker in the country, told the court that it could face a loss of Rs 1,600 crore if sale was stopped. The government, which had notified the decision of shifting to BS-IV emission norms, also told the Court that sale of older inventory should be allowed.

But the court said sale and registration would also not be allowed after March 31. The health of the people is far, far more important than the commercial interests of manufacturers or the loss that they are likely to suffer, the court said.

This is the second major legal hurdle faced by the sector in a little more than a year.

The first blow had come in December of 2015 when the court imposed a complete ban on sales and registration of diesel-run passenger vehicles (cars and SUVs) with an engine capacity of 2,000 cc and above in the National Capital Region.

The eight-month-long ban crippled the luxury vehicle demand in the top market for such cars. It left a severe impact on luxury carmakers such as Mercedes, JLR, Audi and BMW. Others impacted included Toyota and M&M. Relief came only after companies agreed to pay 1% of the price of such vehicles as cess.

To convince the apex court diesel cars were not the main culprit for Delhis worsening air pollution levels. Industry body Society of Indian Automobile Manufactures (Siam) cited a draft report of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Kanpur claiming diesel cars accounted for two% of particulate matter (PM) 2.5, an air pollutant.

The IIT-Kanpur report states the contribution of road dust to PM 2.5 in Delhi is the largest at 38%, followed by vehicles (20%), domestic fuel (12%) and industry (11%). The rest comes from diesel generator sets, construction, etc. Of the 20% contribution from vehicles, trucks account for 46%, two-wheelers 33% and passenger cars 10%.

The sword on diesel cars continues to hang as some agencies are seeking a tax on that offsets the benefit from lower running cost of such vehicles. Also, the country is heading for implementation of higher safety and crash norms. In 2020, the industry is supposed to migrate to BS-VI.
isnt first in the Indian automotive industry to sign a wage agreement with factory workers that is performance linked  it is a common practice in the two-wheeler industry  however, with the recent wage settlement at Pune, the company has definitely set a precedent for others. Experts feel this paves way for better industrial relations, and a younger workforce is likely to feel more aligned to such an approach.

On Tuesday, and the Pune Workers' Union, which covers around 6,400 employees, signed a wage settlement for three years effective September 1, 2015. It will be valid through August 31, 2018.

In this, the total wage package has been bifurcated-- a fixed rise of Rs 8,600 (in the ratio of 72 per cent, 15 per cent and 13 per cent for a period of three years) and Rs 8,700 non-actual, that is a total of Rs 17,300.

Sources indicated after the proposed hike following the bifurcated structure, around 10-15 per cent of the workers' salaries would be directly linked to their performance.

Industrial relations experts said this could be linked to volume of output, quality parameters, attendance or rejection rates. A senior executive in a leading four-wheeler major based in Delhi said it was easier to quantify performance objectives and achievements in case of blue-collar workers on the shop floor.

As such, Tata Motors, which is undergoing a major restructuring exercise for its human resources, has plans to replicate this in its plants across India, including Sanand, Lucknow, Jamshedpur and Pantnagar, in the months to come.

In fact, the company has already started talks with the workers' union at the Lucknow plant, which makes light commercial vehicles and medium and heavy commercial vehicles, for negotiating a new wage agreement as the existing one expires at the end of this month. Discussions on a wage settlement are already on with workers at Sanand. The Sanand union had even approached the state labour department to mediate in the matter.

Interestingly, the Dharwad plant does not have a workers' union. The site had witnessed incidents of labour unrest in 2015-16. At Dharwad, however, there is a works council, which has representation from workers and management.

Around 98 per cent of the operative employees at the Sanand, Pantnagar, Lucknow, Pune and Jamshedpur plants are members of employee unions, and together they represent around 53 per cent of the total permanent employees at these five plants.

An industrial relations expert working with a two-wheeler major said, "This has been a common practice among two-wheeler manufacturers and workmen are usually happy with such settlements. There is an 'earnability' component in such arrangements and this works as a deep motivator for workmen to go the extra mile."



He feels this also acts as a deterrent for trouble makers, as any attempts to bring down production affects pay.

Usually, in the two-wheeler space, such variable components are paid on a monthly basis, and are also linked to attendance.

Rituparna Chakraborty, co-founder and executive vice-president, TeamLease Services, said aligning employees growth directly with that of the organisation was a win-win situation for both parties. "India is young, and young workers are increasingly prioritising growth over security of job or pay. This kind of structure is a welcome move in the manufacturing industry," she added.

Globally, this has been the norm for quite some time now. For example, in countries like Japan, performance bonus is usually linked to quality parameters as are not comfortable with volume-related matrices, according to an expert. The automotive industry in India employs around 7.6 million people directly.
Two-wheeler majors Hero MotoCorp and Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India are offering discounts of up to Rs 12,500 on BS-III models to liquidate stocks, a day after the Supreme Court banned sale and registration of such vehicles from April 1.

With 6.71 lakh two-wheelers affected out of the total of over 8 lakh BS-III vehicles impacted by the ban, dealers said the immediate effort is to sell as many units as possible before the deadline by offering "unheard of discounts" in the industry.

Market leader Hero MotoCorp is offering discounts of up to Rs 12,500 on its BS-III two-wheelers.

According to dealers, the company is offering rebate of Rs 12,500 on its scooters, Rs 7,500 on premium bikes and Rs 5,000 on entry level mass market motorcycles.

On the other hand, the number two player Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) is offering a straight discount of Rs 10,000 on its BS-III scooters and motorcycles.

Both the said the offer will be valid till stocks last or up to March 31.

"These are unheard of discounts ever in the two-wheeler industry," Federation of Automobile Dealers (FADA) Director-International Affairs Nikunj Sanghi told PTI.

When asked about what actions were dealers taking following the apex court verdict, he said: "Our energy is focused on selling as much stock as possible before the deadline. Our people are calling up potential customers informing them about the offers."



He said the dealership community was hoping for some relief from the court in the form of more time to sell their stocks but with that not happening, the focus has shifted to liquidating the stocks.

Afterwards, it will have to be discussed with the manufacturers what to do with the unsold inventories, if at all any are left, he added.

Observing that health of the people is "far, far more important" than the commercial interests of the manufacturers, the apex court observed yesterday that automobile firms have declined to take "sufficient pro-active steps" despite being fully aware that they would be required to manufacture only BS-IV compliant vehicles from April 1, 2017.
China's is struggling to meet India's fast growing demand for smartphones even as its second local manufacturing facility set up in partnership with Foxconn will go online in the next few months.

While Xiaomi's new manufacturing plant will help it boost local production to 95 per cent of all smartphones it sells in India, it says the demand for its affordable devices will still outstrip supply in the near term.
In order to prevent any threat from the skies, the banned the use of drones and paragliders in the metropolis for a month, PTI reported.
As the Uttar Pradesh government went into a crackdown mode after Chief minister Yogi Adityanath sought an action plan for closure of slaughter houses and a 'blanket ban' on illegal meat shops across the state, Mamata Banerjee's government in West Bengal is all set to get non-vegetarian delicacies to people's doorsteps through Meat on Wheelz, according to a report published by The Indian Express.
Nigeria has summoned the Indian envoy in Abuja to express displeasure over the attacks on Nigerian students in India, the country's Foreign Office said.

Sola Enikanolaiye, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nigeria, summoned Indian High Commissioner B N Reddy in Abuja.

"I have just finished a meeting with the Indian High Commissioner where I expressed Nigeria's displeasure with the attacks on Nigerians," Enikanolaiye tweeted.

He said the Indian High Commissioner "informed of concrete steps taken" by the Indian government to address the incident and also promised justice.

Amnesty International in Nigeria said: "On March 27, four Nigerian men were beaten up by locals. Why would people face such terror because of the colour of their skin?."

It demanded that authorities in India's Uttar Pradesh state "must bring to justice those responsible of racist attacks on Black African Students".

"Living in India must not become a life-threatening issue for black people," it said.

The attacks on Nigerian student took place on Monday night in Greater Noida, some 40 km from the Indian capital, following protests over the death of a Class 12 student of a residential colony there due to drug overdose. Some people who were holding a candle-light vigil for the student attacked the Nigerians suspecting them of drug running.

Five people were arrested for the attacks.

India's External Affairs Ministry has condemned the attacks and said India is committed to the safety of foreigners in the country.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj too spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Aditya Nath Yogi on the issue.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the Karnataka Police to probe two former Chief Ministers - H D Kumaraswamy and N Dharam Singh - in connection with large scale illegal iron ore mining in the state between 1999 and 2004.
Yesterday, the opposition scored a minor, even if temporary victory, in the Rajya Sabha, when it recommended five amendments to be made to the Finance Bill 2017 passed by the Lok Sabha last week. The victory was shortlived as all the amendments were rejected by the Lok Sabha today and the Finance Bill 2017 was passed by the parliament thus completing the budgetary exercise for 2017-18. The Finance Bill was a and the Upper House (Rajya Sabha) could not amend or reject this bill.
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The country could be looking at an initial investment of more than $10 billion (Rs 65,000 crore), if the government gives a final nod to desired changes in foreign direct investment (FDI) in retailing.

The changes in question would allow global retailers to sell a percentage of non-food items, said Union food processing minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal.

"It would be at least $10 bn initial investment if 'food plus' gets the final nod. Not just for India; we have the UAE and Japan planning on making in India and taking it to their country. Before (the) 'World Food India' (event, scheduled for September), a lot of things might just get tied up," she hopes.

The ministry of food processing industries (MoFPI) hopes some of these decisions would be taken by the year-end. Badal stresses the 'food plus' component in the policy on in retailing suggested by her ministry would not be a backdoor entry for multinational entities such as Walmart, Tesco or Auchan. She said global retailers would only be allowed to set up shop if they put investment in the back-end, at the 'farm gate' level which would directly benefit cultivators.

"I put in a request that if besides their investment in retail, if they put some extra investment at the farmgate level, then the government might think of allowing them some small percentage of other home care products. I have made it clear that whatever investment they do at the farmgate level, some percentage of that they may be allowed to keep on other things, which also must be manufactured in India," she said.

Food accounts for about 70 per cent of India's $600-bn retail market. The government is looking at tripling this over the next five years, Badal said.

Major retailers had said they have an existing model which would cover items beside food, the minister explained.

Only food does not manage to meet their costs. While the definition of 'food plus or non-food' and what all would be allowed in food plus has not been decided, Badal said it would mainly have home care and fast moving consumer goods, fully made in India.

"First of all, we have to see whether we allow it or not. I have sent suggestions and a note to the prime minister's office. Once the PM says yes to the suggestions, further details of the plan would be charged," she said.

On the percentage of non-food items to be allowed, MoFPI is playing it safe. "I have suggested that whatever investments they make in the back-end infrastructure, it should be around 20 per cent of that," added Badal.

According to the ministry, not only Walmart but other global entities such as Tesco, Auchan, Harrods, Partridges and Marks & Spencer had all shown interest in setting up shop in India if 'food plus' was allowed.

"I am pushing the policy (change). We have got a company like Auchan which has said that they would like to work with farmers. Our aim is that major companies tie-up with farmers," she said.
In 2013, during the Uttarakhand floods, an embattled army and the air force conducted relentless rescue operations for two weeks with 22 Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH), flying more than 1,000 sorties to save thousands of lives.
In what is possibly the biggest financial frauds in recent years, National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) on Thursday said Rs 25 crore has been moved out of (BoM) accounts due to a bug in its Unified Payment Interface (UPI) application.

All the corrective steps have been initiated and the process of recovering the money from 19 where it was transferred to, is on, it said.

"Total amount of loss, as reported by BoM, is about Rs 25 crore. They've recovered some amount and some amount is still pending. They've filed a police complaint also and the investigation is on," NPCI Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer A P Hota told reporters in Mumbai.

Explaining the fraud, Hota said BoM had procured a UPI solution from a vendor (reported to be city-based InfrasoftTech) which had a bug that resulted in the fund moving out of the accounts without the sender's account having the necessary funds.

"Even if the core banking has declined a transaction, the UPI at the bank-level used to send a success message to NPCI. At NPCI, even if the CBS said no, based on UPI of the bank, we used to do the clearing and settlement," Hota said, adding the fraud was first reported to it on February 22.

He said about 50-60 people in Aurangabad discovered this loophole possibly through trial and error method. "They have collected a good deal of money. They've accounts in 19 other . They're trying to recover money now," he said.

There were three other banks, including Bank of India, which had bought a similar solution from the same vendor but they've not reported any mishap, Hota said, adding thorough checks have been carried out.

The fraud was first reported in the media last week after a few arrests in Maharashtra, but the total amount transferred was under Rs 2 crore.

It can be noted that breach of card details due to a compromise at Hitachi's end last year, which led to a replacement of 3.2 million debit cards, had a financial loss of under Rs 2 crore.

Maintaining that it is up to BoM to take action on its vendor, Hota said NPCI has learnt a lot from this episode.

"The learning from this is that we're not allowing any bank to join UPI unless they've a thorough reconciliation process and audited their package by the best of auditors."



"As many as 44 are on UPI and getting the 45th bank will be a tougher job because we will be very circumspect," he said.

Till now, individual banks used to give a declaration that it's application meets all the necessary security norms but now they will be audited by professionals enlisted by the CERT-IN (Computer Emergency Response Team), Hota said.

A working group has been set up to create a CERT exclusively for the financial sector. NPCI is a part of the deliberations, he added.
Iowa Bans Abortions After 20 Weeks. Which State Will Be Next?

Today, after nearly two hours of discussion, the Iowa House Republicans adopted a 20-week abortion ban amendment, approving the bill 11-8.

Along with cutting off access to an abortion after 20 weeks, the amendment states that life begins at fertilization, allows an exemption for the life and health of the mother, and would subject physicians who violate the law to medical board discipline. While this is a set-back to reproductive rights, it could have been worse. Not even 24 hours ago, the Iowa Republicans originally backed new legislation that would have banned abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, reported the New York Times.

If it had been left the way it was originally proposed, the bill would have prohibited women from abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, which can be as early as six weeks  sometimes, women dont even know that theyre pregnant at that point.

The proposal came with provisions that could be best described as ridiculous:

-A pregnant woman will need to wait three days before she can get an abortion.

-A woman seeking an abortion would be given material that encourages adoption; she would also need to sign documentation acknowledging she was told a heartbeat was detected and the statistical probability of bringing the pregnancy to term.

-A woman or her spouse could sue a doctor for performing an abortion, and parents could sue the physician if the woman was a minor or unmarried.

According to the Washington Post, House GOP lawmakers removed the part of the bill that called for a ban on abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, and removed a few of the provisions, including the 72-hour-waiting period and possible lawsuits against doctors who perform abortions. In the most updated form (which passed), the bill focused on banning abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Iowa was not the first to propose a heartbeat bill'; other states, including Ohio, Kansas, Arkansas and North Dakota, among others, have tried in the past.

While it could have been much worse for the women of Iowa, this is bad enough, and the fact still remains that we are in a period of time where our reproductive rights, regardless of what state we live in, are under attack. Although Neil Gorsuch, President Trump's pick for Supreme Court (who will most likely receive confirmation), has said that he and Trump have not spoken about overturning Roe v. Wade, Gorsuch is socially conservative and has been supported by anti-abortion voters in the past. Stay angry, keep protesting, and don't give up without a fight.

Top Photo via Flickr/Lorie Shaull



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Elissa Sanci is a twenty-something writer who's now a grad student studying journalism in New York because she was reluctant to start the real world. Besides drinking too much coffee and daydreaming about traveling the world, she spends most her time writing, reading and complaining about the weather. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @elissasanci.

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Board Bureau chairman said that the government is keen on bank consolidation, but not before building strong balance sheet by addressing the bad debt problem, and in that case merger may happen first between two large .

was speaking at the Credit Suisse annual investors conference, of which the foreign brokerage made a note to clients. Business Standard has a copy of the report.

The government is waiting for the resolution of the NPL (non-performing loans) issue and wants improvement in balance sheet strength before going ahead with the consolidation process. The strength of balance sheet is a hurdle as there are not too many large strong PSUs that can be merged. Therefore, initially the government may look to merge two large banks, the report said.

It would be preferable to create strong regional entities, but the biggest challenge in any merger would continue to be how to reduce the redundancies in terms of branches and employees.

To address this, various options are being considered such as branch swapping, early VRS (voluntary retirement schemes) and going slow on fresh hiring, Credit Suisse wrote, attributing to Rai.

The government has already started the bank consolidation process by merging five associate with parent State Bank of India, effective April 1. The associate banks have also rolled out VRS schemes for their employees.

Rais comments at the summit is contrary to the general expectations in the market that smaller banks would be merged with larger banks. The plan, eventually, is to create a few global banks through consolidation.

However, big bank consolidation talks are not new. In early 2000s, there were some indications that Union Bank could be merged with Bank of India, both Mumbai based, but no concrete steps were taken by the government in this regard.

According to Credit Suisse, government is looking at industry-wide restructuring package, instead of company-wise.

The government is also focusing on an industry-wide restructuring package instead of company-wise, given that stress is concentrated in a few sectors like infra and steel, the report said.

The aim of the new restructuring move would be to improve decision making process, Rai said.

For the resolution of problem loans, the government is looking at various structures including an increase in the number of oversights committees and allowing larger flexibility in the existing mechanisms, as decision-making continues to be the biggest obstacle to resolution, the report said.

said the government would be looking for rights issue in fiscal 2017-18 as the budgeted capital allocation is low and can be supplemented by minority shareholders. The budget provisioned for Rs 10,000 crore in the next fiscal, against Rs 25,000 crore in fiscal 2017. The governments Indradhanush plan envisages infusion of up to Rs 70,000 crore in public sector banks in phases till fiscal 2019. The government, however, had indicated there would be more capital if there was a need.

Our interaction with Mr Rai highlights that the resolution of stressed accounts will involve deep haircuts and with NPL coverage for banks low at 40%, this means higher provisioning and capital requirement for banks. Remain cautious on corporate lenders, Credit Suisse said.




has succeeded on its second attempt to raise capital, as friendlier conditions in financial markets allowed the Indian lender to put last years failed share offering behind it.
The 2nd meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Trade, Commerce and Investment between India and Afghanistan, at the level of Commerce Secretary, which was instituted under the Strategic Partnership Agreement between the two countries, was held in a cordial atmosphere on 29-30 March, 2017 in New Delhi. The Indian delegation was led by Ms. Rita Teaotia, Commerce Secretary and the Afghan delegation was headed by Mr Mohammad Qurban Haqjo, Deputy Minister for Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industries, Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. .

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The two sides had extensive discussions on a variety of issues concerning bilateral trade and economic relations, including transit of goods,business visas, trade in pharmaceutical products and rough gemstones, air freight corridor, customs cooperation etc. Both sides also agreed for further cooperation in different sectors such as renewable energy, power, standards, agriculture, transportation and public health, and discussed opportunities for investments. .

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It was agreed that the next meeting of the JWG will be held in Kabul at a mutually convenient date. .

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Public response to embrace Digital Payments is on a roll giving a push to make India a less-cash economy and NITI Aayogs move to incentivize digital transactions by the people has paid dividends. 14 lakh people and 77,000 merchants have been rewarded since the launch of the two incentive schemes for Digital Payments Lucky Grahak Yojana and DigiDhan Vyapar Yojana on 25th December 2016. .

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A sum of Rs. 226,45,40,000 (Rs. 176,95,40,000 to consumers and Rs. 49,50,00,000 to merchants) has already been disbursed so far under the two incentive schemes. The winners have been from various walks of life cutting across the barriers of age, sex and economic status. .

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27 year old Devinder is a mechanic from Azamgarh village in Bihar who won Rs. 1 lakh under Lucky Grahak Yojana. Being the eldest among six siblings in a family of 12, he has to make a lot of transactions, which he now realizes is very simple if done digitally. Earlier he was using his brothers bank account for his funds, but will soon open his own account. .

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22 years old Sunil Vishwas Chauhan is a young farmer from Pachwad village in Maharashtra. He earns his living by selling milk and farm harvest in the local market. I am glad that digital payments have reached me. Earlier all the money was embezzled by the middleman but now all funds go directly into my account and I receive alerts too," says a relieved Sunil. .

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40 years old Nahid opened her store just a few months back and installed all provisions for paying digitally at her shop. She says, 80% of my transactions are through digital modes. This solves my chutta problems and I think is safer than using cash." She says that she and her 6 employees encourage customers to pay digitally as well. .

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As part of the Government initiative in popularizing Digital Payments, DigiDhan Melas are being organized in 100 cities over a period of 100 days. As on 30th March (90th day) the Melas have been held in 26 States and 7 Union Territories. Over 5000 financial institutions have reached 15 lakh citizens through the Melas and at least 16,000 government and private institutions have been declared cashless. The 100 days of the DigiDhan Melas will end with the Mega Draw on April 14th. Melas are planned for Gangtok, Imphal, Haridwar, Nellore among others for the remaining 10 days. .

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Since demonetization, there has been a phenomenal 584 per cent increase (0.3 to 4.5 million) in transactions made through the UPI. In this same period, payments using Adhaar have also seen an unprecedented jump of 1352 per cent (0.7 to 2.7 million). Also, the BHIM App, the UPI payment App launched by the Prime Minister on 30th December 2016, has been downloaded a record 18 million times since its launch. Besides there has been an increase of nearly 13 percent in the number of PoS machines sold since October 2016 indicating that more number of merchants across the country are willingly accepting digital payments. Today around 8 billion transactions take place annually through digital payment methods. The Government is planning to increase this to 25 billion transactions in the current year to bring an end to the shadow economy by reducing black money flowing into the system. .

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Background: .

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NITI Aayog launched two schemes on December 25, 2016 - Lucky Grahak Yojana (LGY) for consumers and Digi-DhanVyaparYojana (DVY) for merchants to incentivize them and promote digital payments. The two schemes shall remain open till April 14, 2017. There are 15,000 daily winners qualifying for total prize money of Rs. 1.5 crore every day. In addition to this there are over 14,000 weekly winners qualifying for total prize money of over Rs. 8.3 crore every week. Customers and merchants using RuPay Card, BHIM / UPI (Bharat Interface for Money / Unified Payments Interface), USSD based *99# service and Aadhaar Enabled Payment Service (AePS) are eligible for wining daily and weekly lucky draw prizes. .

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DG (Prisons) inaugurates Conference of Directors of Fingerprint Bureaux

DG (Prisons), Haryana Shri Yashpal Singhal inaugurated the Conference of Directors of Fingerprint Bureaux at Haryana Police Academy (HPA), Madhuban, Karnal, Haryana today. The two day conference is organsied jointly by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and Haryana Police.During the occasion, Shri Yashpal Singhal acknowledged that conference is a forum to learn new technology, innovations and to build bridges with other experts. He emphasized the need for Research and Development, to develop new technology, remote query processing, so that this great science takes a leap forward than DNA. He said that Aadhaar may be linked for detecting dead bodies through finger print and help jail and judiciary through fingerprint identification. Shri Singhal said that there is urgent need to amend Identification of Prisoners Act. He congratulated NCRB in implementing CCTNS project which will revolutionize police service to the nation.Director, NCRB, Dr.

Ish Kumar highlighted the importance of Fingerprints and said it was a foolproof, user friendly, cost effective identification tool. He said that Central Finger Print Bureau (CFPB) is a national repository having one million data but data from all States need to come for proper investigation. He also mentioned that Automatic Fingerprint Identity System (AFIS) is essential and requested all States to procure AFIS and get modernized. He said that Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) would link all organizations including Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs). He said that till Identification of Prisoners Act is not amended, States can follow example of West Bengal and amend State laws. In the Conference, representatives of 23 States/UTs, senior Police officers, research scholars and industry participated. Students from various Universities presented their research papers on latest developments in the field of Fingerprints and presentations on AFIS-CCTNS & Training, equipment and R&D, AMBIS and software named RUVIS were given by Maharashtra and Delhi Finger Print Bureau (FPB) and NCRB.
The Government of India has enacted comprehensive legislation i.e., the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, to handle child sexual abuse. This Act has come into force on 14th November 2012. Such cases are processed as per provisions of POCSO Act, 2012.

The Honble Minister, WCD (in the context of POCSO) had requested all States/UTs Education Minister/Administrator to circulate animated short film Komal that deals with the topic of child sexual abuse, in all the schools under State/UT Governments to sensitize the children on what constitutes an inappropriate touch. The Ministry has again requested Ministry of Human Resource Development for taking necessary action for compulsorily showing Komal video in all the schools all over India. Apart from above, the Department of School Education & Literacy had issued Guidelines/Advisory dated 9th October, 2014 to all the States/UTs to ensure the safety and security of children in schools. National Commission for Protection of Child Rights(NCPCR) and Childline India Foundation(CIF) have also organised seminars/workshops to sensitise all stakeholders.
Ministry of Tourism to Host Smart India Hackathon 2017" On 1-2 April, 2017 in Kochi

The Ministry of Tourism will host the Grand Finale of Smart India Hackathon" on 1-2 April 2017 in Kochi, Kerala featuring 53 teams comprising of 230 students from technology institution/engineering colleges across the country .The Smart India Hackathon is being held across 26 cities in the country including Kochi with the involvement and support of 29 Government Departments.

This Hackathon is an initiative of the Ministry of Human Resources Development organised in collaboration with All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and i4c and is aimed to help institutionalize the model of harnessing the creativity and technical expertise of youth in technical institutions. The Hackathon for Tourism sector, to be held at the Mar Baselios Institute of Technology and Science [MBITS], Kothmangalam, Cochin, will focus on the use of technology to solve problem statements pertaining to Tourism Sector posed by Ministry of Tourism such as Safety & Security of Tourist, Path breaking technological solutions that would catapult India as a leading tourist destination, Museum Commentary etc. The problem statements pertaining to tourism sector were given directly by the Ministry of Tourism based on the industry requirements which will be used to challenge the students for developing innovative digital solutions. The newly developed solutions/technical products will be evaluated by experts and prizes shall be distributed for winners, 1st runner up and 2nd runner up. After the event, the Ministry of Tourism will prepare a plan of action for integrating the products/software which has come out this hackathon into the Departmental functioning.
PM to dedicate Indias longest road tunnel to the nation

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, will dedicate to the nation, Indias longest road tunnel the 9 kilometre long Chenani Nashri Tunnel" on April 2nd, 2017. .

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The tunnel on NH-44 which connects Jammu with Srinagar, will reduce travel time between the two cities by upto two hours. It achieves a distance-reduction of 31 kilometres, bypassing snow-bound upper reaches. The estimated daily fuel savings are to the tune of Rs. 27 lakhs. .

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Besides avoiding large scale deforestation and tree-cutting, the tunnel will provide a safe, all-weather route to commuters travelling from Jammu and Udhampur, to Ramban, Banihal and Srinagar. .

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The tunnel is equipped with world-class security systems, and is expected to boost tourism and economic activities in the State of Jammu and Kashmir. .

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Key Features of the tunnel.

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It is a single-tube bi-directional tunnel, with a 9.35 metre carriageway, and a vertical clearance of 5 metres. .

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There is also a parallel escape tunnel, with Cross Passages" connecting to the main tunnel at intervals of 300 metres. .

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It also has smart features such as an Integrated Traffic Control System; Surveillance, Ventilation and Broadcast Systems; Fire Fighting System; and SOS call-boxes at every 150 metres. .

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The project has been completed at a cost of over Rs. 2500 crore.

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Shri Rajnath Singh to chair the 11th Standing Committee meeting of Inter-State Council on 9th April, 2017 .

The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh will chair the 11th Standing Committee meeting of the Inter-State Council on April 9, 2017. The meeting will discus the recommendations of the Punchhi Commission on Centre-State Relations.

The member of the Standing Committee include the Union Minister for External Affairs, Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation & Information and Broadcasting, Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways & Shipping and the Chief Ministers of the States of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tripura and Uttar Pradesh

The Punchhi Commission notified in 2005 submitted its report in 2010. The recommendations of the Punchhi Commission, which are contained in seven Volumes pertain to History of Centre-State Relations in India, Constitutional Governance and Management of Centre-State Relations, Centre-State Financial Relations and Planning, Local Self-Governments and Decentralized Governance, Internal Security, Criminal Justice and Centre State Co-operation, Environment, Natural Resources & Infrastructure and Socio-Economic Development, Public Policy and Good Governance.

The concerned Union Ministries and all the State Governments responded to the recommendations made in the report by providing detailed comments. The comments have been analysed and will be discussed at this high level forum.

The forthcoming meeting of the Standing Committee of Inter State Council will be examining the first three volumes of the Punchhi Commission's report. The subjects expected to be discussed at the meeting include significant issues concerning Centre-State relations, such as:

a) Role of Governors

b) Centrally sponsored schemes and financial transfers from the Centre to the States

c) Creation of a unified agricultural market for the nation

d) Measures to involve the States more closely in planning and delivery of services

e) Steps to be adopted to make Inter State Council more vibrant and

f) Measures directed towards better fiscal management by the Centre and the States.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) is a flagship programme of Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), Government of India to change the mindsets of society to value the girl child and empower her. The scheme mainly focuses on challenging mindsets and deep rooted patriarchy in the societal system, strict enforcement of PC&PNDT Act, advancing education of the girl child: focus is on issues of women empowerment on a life cycle continuum. BBBP scheme has no provision for individual cash incentive/cash transfer component by Government of India and thus is not a DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) scheme. The fraudulent activity of duping people by falsely promising fake cash benefits in the name of BBBP was brought to the notice of Ministry of Women and Child Development through complaints/ copies of fraudulent forms being filled by people and sent to Office of MWCD. The false promise was to provide Rs. 2 lakhs to a girl child between the age 8 and 32 years on filling the fake forms, which were eventually sent to Ministry of WCD. .

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Over 3 lakh fake/illegal forms have been received by this Ministry so far which were reported to have fraudulently sold in many cases and filled in the name of girls and sending to Ministry for providing cash disbursements under BBBP. The fraudulent activity started in some districts of Uttar Pradesh. The Ministry of Women and Child Development took immediate action and preventive measures to contain this problem by taking up the matter with concerned State Government Authorities where this illegal activity has taken place as reported namely Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Bihar and Delhi. FIRs have been filed in some districts. A disclaimer has been uploaded on website of the Ministry. Press releases were also issued which were carried out in leading newspapers in Hindi and English. This Ministry has also launched a media publicity campaign through Doordarshan/ AIR and other radio stations as well as through Newspapers alerting general public on the issue. The case has been handed over to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). .

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This information was given by Minister of State for Women & Child Development, Smt Krishna Raj in reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today. .

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How To Make Sure Your ISP Doesn't Sell Off Your Browsing History

Trending News: What You Can (And Should) Do To Protect Your Online Privacy

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.

Long Story Short

Considering Congress' shocking decision to allow Internet Service Providers to sell off your browsing data, we thought we'd tell you how you can easily protect yourself.

Long Story

The dust is still settling after Congress shocked, and quite frankly, betrayed, the American population for petty cash with its decision yesterday to allow ISPs to sell off your browsing data to the highest bidder.

The new rules, or lack thereof, allow AT&T, Comcast, Spring, Verizon or whoever provides you your internet to access your browsing data to ad companies. So, anytime you visit Netflix, Amazon, or yes, even that porn site, ad companies will have a profile on you that they can pitch ads to.

So what? A couple ads here and there based on what you like? That's not so bad, right?

The problem is that ad companies are really crappy at taking care of your data.

Here's how Matt Hogan, CEO of DataCoup, a New York company trying to help consumers sell their data, explained it to Forbes:

"It's likely that these datasets find their way into the ad-tech ecosystem, where the morals are a bit looser. "In ad-tech, there are so many players, so little oversight, so many leakage points, so much collation and file mapping. This is where I see immediate consumer risk. It's hard to know if the ISPs plan to play in that sandbox, but I imagine it's hard to operate in the ad network business without some incorporation of the ad-tech ecosystem."

In other words, you don't have to be a privacy nut to be worried that some malicious hacker is going to steal your data.

In the case of Facebook and Google, people have (rightfully) freaked out about the control of your data, but this is even worse since ISPs have control of your entire internet access.

So, what can you do? Thankfully, there are a couple of options  and they're pretty easy to implement.

The best option is to use Tor, the free browser that scrambles your IP to make it look like you're browsing from a different place every time. However, using Tor all the time isn't super practical if you want to do things like autosave your passwords.

Another option is to confuse the ad companies by jumbling up your search history so much that they have no idea what you're doing. Wired points out that a site called Internet Noise does that for you, by clicking on random sites. A plug-in called Adnauseam.io works in a similar way, but clicks on random ads instead, although Adnauseum is currently banned by Google.

A more reliable option is a virtual privacy network (VPN). These provide you with a sort of shield around your internet usage to keep creeps and ad companies out. That is, if they're any good.

Some VPNs aren't as good as others at protecting your privacy. A rule of thumb is, sadly, to stay away from free ones as they often don't have the resources to tackle the majority of security threats. For instance, a popular free one called Hola got ripped in 2015 for being doing some shady stuff.

Alternatively, there is a large list of solid paid VPN options including, but certainly not limited to IPVanish, NordVPN and Private Internet Access to Keep Solid and Tunnel Bear.

Whatever you choose, choose something  as you don't want to be part of the next major personal info leak.

Own The Conversation

Ask The Big Question

I thought Trump was supposed to "drain the swamp?" Isn't allowing companies to buy off the senate and congress for no benefit of the American population the exact definition of the swamp?

Drop This Fact

This ruling has nothing to do with national security, and everything to do with telecom profits.

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The phoney war phase of is brought to an end by the UK governments decision to formally submit its request to leave the European Union. After a protracted period of speculation, now begins the two-year formal countdown for Britain to depart from the EU.
By triggering Article 50 to start Britains process of exiting the European Union, Theresa May will launch the country into the unknown. History provides examples of Britain leaving Europe  and sometimes Europe leaving Britain  that help give some perspective on the events that are about to unfold. The clearest lesson of all is that the European mainland has been essential to Britains prosperity, and that when the relationship with Europe is poor, the lot of the ordinary Briton is poorer for it.
The European Union has stuck to its line of no notification, no negotiation since Britons voted to exit the bloc. It has not engaged in any formal discussions on Brexit. Now that Article 50 has been triggered, EU president Donald Tusk is calling a European Council meeting for April 29. This will bring together the leaders of the remaining 27 member states, who will adopt the EUs overall guidelines for the negotiations.
An attempted merger between the German and British stock exchanges was struck down by European regulators on Wednesday, formally ending a deal that unravelled in the wake of Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

"We could not approve this merger on the terms ... proposed," said European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, blocking the 29 billion-euro ($31 billion) deal to combine Deutsche Boerse and the London Stock Exchange.

A merger would have created Europe's biggest stock exchange. But the European Commission objected, saying the deal, which was the pair's fifth attempt to combine, would have resulted in a monopoly in the processing of bond trades.

Selling MTS, the LSE's Italian fixed income trading platform, would have removed the Commission's concerns but LSE declined to do so.

"How exactly these work and the products traded can seem like rocket science," said Vestager. "But actually our competition concerns with this merger are very simple."

"In some Deutsche Borse and London Stock Exchange both provide the same services. And in some of these they are essentially the only players and the merger would therefore have led to a de facto monopoly."

The rejection comes on the day the British government started proceedings for leaving the European Union, a move which industry sources have said undermined the merger plans.

The Brexit decision had prompted German politicians to demand that the headquarters of the exchange group move from London to Frankfurt, creating a conflict that caused the deal to unravel.

Further complicating the picture, German police and prosecutors had opened an investigation into possible insider trading by Deutsche Boerse Chief Executive Carsten Kengeter, the man who was set to lead the combined group.

"It is always the same," said one Deutsche Boerse manager, commenting on the long saga of the two exchanges trying to join together. "Attempt to merge. Fall on your face. Save up money. Next merger attempt. Fall on your face," he said.

While Wednesday's announcement marks the official end of the deal, there was already no hope left that it would go ahead after the LSE took the unusual step last month of saying it would not accede to demands that MTS had to be sold if the deal was to be approved.

Shares in the LSE were up 2 per cent at 3,085 pence by 11.30 GMT on Wednesday, after it announced a share buyback, while shares in Deutsche Boerse were up 1.7 per cent at 83.23 euros.

Power struggle

The proposed merger threw a spotlight on clearing, whereby stock, bond and derivatives trades are completed, even if one side of the deal goes bust.

The LSE's clearing arm, LCH, is one of the world's biggest, and the exchange had agreed to sell its LCH's Paris arm to French bourse Euronext if the merger went ahead. That sale will now not happen, the LSE said.

This presents a problem for Euronext, which had opposed the tie up of London and Frankfurt, because it uses LCH in Paris to clear its own share trades under a deal that expires next year.

Euronext Chief Executive Stephane Boujnah said on Wednesday that it was still willing to buy the business.

"But in the absence of obtaining an agreement, Euronext is fully committed to securing the best long-term solution for its post-trade activities," Boujnah said.

LCH in London dominates the clearing of euro-denominated derivatives, an activity some policymakers want shifted to the euro zone to come under the supervision of the European Central Bank because Britain is leaving the EU.

The bourse merger could have helped by shifting euro clearing to Deutsche Boerse's Eurex arm in Frankfurt. The collapse of the deal may now prompt the European Union to take action to engineer such a shift.
The Arctic is becoming an important testing ground for US-China relations. As the world tries to work out ways to deal with how climate change is altering the region, the Arctic has the potential to provide an example of how the two global powers can cultivate peaceful co-existence.
In 2013, Meng Dekai, a executive in China, signed a deal with the mayor of Hefei to build a $1.3 billion  cultural and industrial park.

It was one of several agreements with multiple cities in China that Meng apparently signed. The only problem: He was not allowed to do so.

The Walt Company said on Wednesday that it had parted ways with Meng  it did not say whether he resigned or was fired  after opening an investigation into allegations that he had signed deals with local governments for Disney-related projects.

The brazenness of the apparent duplicity highlights the risks for foreign operating in China, where counterfeiting and corruption are still rampant despite repeated government campaigns to crack down. Reports of Mengs deals across the country have also led to widespread confusion about Disneys future plans across China, the worlds second-largest economy.

The company said it started the investigation after The Paper, a Chinese news website, reported in February that Meng had signed deals for projects with several Chinese cities.

A Disney spokeswoman said the company was investigating, when asked whether it would push for a criminal inquiry. Meng could not be reached for comment.

This is the weirdest thing Ive ever heard of when it comes to fraud against a foreign business, said James McGregor, chairman of the greater China region for the consulting firm APCO Worldwide. I mean, its so big and its so public, its such a big name company. What was he thinking?

Along with the Hefei deal, Meng, who was employed by Disney as a director of special projects, signed agreements in the cities of Ningbo, on the eastern Chinese coast, and Zhengzhou, in the centre of the country.

The Henan Daily said on its public account on WeChat, an instant-messaging app in China, that Walt Disney Company (China) had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Henan government to build a site in Zhengzhou, which could include even the Disneyland parks that everyone knows so well.

Disney is here! Disney has really come to Zhengzhou! the paper said.

And the Hefei Network, a news website, said in 2013 that the Disney project that Meng signed with the citys mayor, Zhang Qingjun  who has since been dismissed for corruption  would stretch across 1,300 acres and be built over three years.

In January of this year, the state-run Jianghuai Morning News reported that a Disney project in the same province would consist of a theme park based around the mobile video game Angry Birds (which is not produced by Disney, but the Finnish company Rovio), film special effects production offices, and other offerings. It is unclear whether the 2013 deal announced in Hefei, in one of Chinas poorest provinces, is the same one.

In February, The Hangzhou Daily reported that a building in Ningbo was emblazoned with a Disney logo.

A search on Tianyancha, a corporate database in China, showed that Mengs name was linked to 21 in the country, with him listed either as the legal representative or executive director. Most of the companies names start with the same Chinese character for Disney, Dee Magic, and contain America in them. Meng had also registered two in Hong Kong, a search on the citys database found.

The Disney spokeswoman said that neither Dee Magic nor any of its affiliates had been authorised by Disney to promote projects or sign deals on behalf of the company, and that they had been told to immediately cease any unauthorised activity.



2017 The New York Times News Service
announced a $2-million cut in its contribution to the United Nations budget because of constant criticism by the UN Human Rights Council of its policies towards the Palestinians.

The foreign ministry, in a statement, condemned "obsessional discrimination against on the part of the United Nations and its agencies" to justify the cut in funding.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "decided to allocate the two million dollars to aid and to investment in developing countries which support in bodies", it said.

The Jewish state had already cut $6 million from its contribution of $11.7 million following a UN Security Council resolution passed in December condemning Israel's settlement building in the occupied Palestinian territories, a foreign ministry spokesman said.

Last week, a United Nations rights expert issued a blistering criticism of Israel's policies, deepening a row over alleged anti-Israel bias within the UN following US pressure.

In a report, the UN special rapporteur on the Palestinian territories, Michael Lynk, charged Israel with "the subjugation of (Palestinians') humanity" and intensifying a crackdown on human rights campaigners.

Lynk made the claims in a report presented to the UN rights council during the Geneva-based body's mandated session on Israel, known as Agenda Item Seven.

Israel is the only country targeted with a dedicated rights council agenda item.

The Jewish state and its supporters, notably in Washington, have repeatedly accused the council of disproportionately targeting Israel.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has publicly threatened to withdraw from the council over its "biased agenda item against Israel".
The mayors of Paris, London and Seoul on Thursday launched an initiative to rate the most polluting vehicles in a bid to keep them off the roads of their cities.

The aim of the "Air'volution" scheme is to help drivers avoid buying the most harmful diesel vans and cars.

Speaking at a press conference in Paris, London Mayor Sadiq Khan said respiratory problems caused by emissions led to 9,000 deaths a year in his city.

"It is imperative that we do something," Khan said.

He said the index of vehicles would be the "first of its type in the world".

Major car manufacturers have been invited to participate in the scheme, but Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo admitted that trust "needed to be rebuilt" after the scandal over emissions test cheating that embroiled Volkswagen and has also drawn in French giant Renault.

"This must be a co-production with car manufacturers and it is work that must be a win-win situation," Hidalgo said.

French automakers' association CCFA said it supported the initiative.

"The improvement of air quality remains a major challenge in the development of the car of tomorrow," CCFA said in a statement.

The mayor of the South Korean capital, Park Won-Soon, said his city had slashed harmful emissions by converting 7,500 buses to operate on gas rather than diesel.

On the day that Britain triggered the formal process to leave the European Union, Khan said the scheme was a reminder that big cities in Europe "simply must continue to work together".
The amount of money the UK pays into the European Union became a crucial point of debate during the EU referendum campaign, ahead of the countrys vote to leave. The defining image of the time was Vote Leaves campaign bus, emblazoned with the claim that the UK sends the EU 350 million a week. This was a figure which, in the words of the chair of the UK Statistics Authority, was misleading and undermines trust in official statistics.
US nuclear giant Westinghouse's bankruptcy filing is unlikely to have an impact on the commercial implementation of the Indo-US civil nuclear deal, but India needs to be extra cautious in its negotiations for setting up nuclear power plants, a top US expert said on Wednesday.

"Westinghouse, in its official press release, indicated that the bankruptcy filing will have no impact on its operations and businesses outside of the US," Dr Vijay Sazawal, a global civil nuclear trade consultant, said after filed chapter 11 bankruptcy in aNew York court.

Electric Company is a US unit of Japan's Toshiba Corporation.

The bankruptcy is unlikely to have an impact on civil nuclear deal, but India needs to be cautious in its negotiations with Westinghouse, said Sazawal who served as the subject matter expert on the US-India civil nuclear agreement for the US India Business Council.

The company has secured USD 800 million in financing to ensure that its current operations as well as its present construction projects will continue as before.

"That is the good news," he noted.

According to Sazawal, the bad news is mainly for the US utilities that own Westinghouse nuclear projects under construction in the US.

"Basically, Westinghouse has backed out of the contracts in place and will renegotiate contracts with those utilities which will have to bear previous cost overruns on their projects," he said.

"So both Westinghouse and a new potential customer like NPCIL in India will have to be very careful in their financial negotiations in order to ensure that Westinghouse does not back out of its legal and financial obligations if it hits a road bump as it has in its four nuclear power plants under construction in the US and China, with all four plants having exceeded their original cost and schedule commitments," Sazawal told PTI.

"There is also a possibility that Toshiba may put Westinghouse on sale. Chinese may be interested but it is doubtful that the US will allow that given that some of the Westinghouse operations are extremely strategic to US national security interests," he said in response to a question.

"Bottom line - Westinghouse will be around but for new clients it will be quite challenging," said Sazawal, who was re-appointed to the Civil Nuclear Trade Advisory Committee (CINTAC) of the US Department of Commerce in December.

Sazawal worked at Westinghouse Electric Corporation in the Advanced Reactors Division as part of the design and technology team working on the Clinch River Breeder Reactor Project.

His tenure at Westinghouse lasted 20 years during which time he rose through successive management positions with responsibility for fast reactors, advanced terrestrial and space reactors, nuclear defense programs, and US government programs to promote safety upgrades of Russian-built reactors in Central and Eastern Europe.
Sebi gets three complaints letters in January 2015, August 2015 and October 2015 highlighting flaws in the National Stock Exchanges (NSEs) algorithm trading systems. The letters also make allegations of unfair access to certain brokers at the exchange's collocation facility. The letter says between 2011 and 2014, the set up at allowed certain brokers (who connected first to the exchanges system) received data ahead of others and thus were able to react to information before anybody else.
A 55-carat Indian gem, a ruby-red spinel , will be auctioned at Sotheby's Arts of the Islamic sale in London on April 26 .

The interesting story behind the ruby-red spinel, which is the size of a walnut hanging on a golden chain with a tassel of seed pearls, is that in the 1920s, according to a cutting from a local paper in Pennsylvania, two children in Leicestershire used to played with this imperial Indian gemstone, reports the Guardian.

Engraved 400 years ago in minute Persian script with the names of three Indian emperors, the Indian gem will come up for auction at Sotheby's next month, estimated at up to 80,000.

The article Under the headline "$25,000 ruby, once pride of great Indian mogul, plaything for children", appeared in the Shamokin Dispatch, which ceased publication in the 1930s.

It said that Graham Pole was travelling to northern England when she lost the gem.

According to the story it was found by the track in Leicestershire by a railway worker, Joseph H Wade, who brought the pretty "piece of red glass" home as a toy for his twins.

He only realised the truth when he read a newspaper account of the loss a fortnight later. Wade found the stone in a corner where his children had thrown it, and handed it in.

Benedict Carter, an expert on Middle Eastern art at Sotheby's, who has spent months researching the gem, suspects the jewel came back from India with Pole's daughter Dorothy, who was married to Hugh Ruttledge, deputy high commissioner in Lucknow and Almora in the 1920s. Once recovered, it stayed in the family - until now.

The Mughal emperors were fond of spinels, gemstones ranging in colour from pink to wine, which they called rubies.

"Carving names into such stones was a highly skilled art which added to their value. These are engraved in a beautiful, flowing Persian script, which you can barely appreciate the details of under a jeweller's loupe. I've seen spinels with one name, occasionally two. I've never seen one before with three names, " said carter.

Britain holds a number of Indian gems and artifacts that were either 'gifts' to the empire or were acquired via force from their erstwhile colonial dominions and on the top of the all sits the much debated 'Kohinoor'.

India has repeatedly demanded that Britain return the 105-carat diamond, which some believe was presented to Queen Victoria in 1850 and today sits on display as part of the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London.

India lays claim to the gem, which it believes is a reflection of the exploitation, plunder and the perverse rule of the British Raj.

The Kohinoor is set in the crown worn by Queen Elizabeth, the mother of the reigning monarch, at the coronation of her husband George VI in 1937, and was placed on her coffin at her funeral in 2002.

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Supporting Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's statement on Surya Namaskar being similar as Namaz, Jamaat-E-Hind president Maulana Suhaib Qasmi on Thursday said every religion guides towards preaching peace and this statement will help the nation unite.

"Yogi Adityanath's statement is appreciable which will unite the nation. Every religion guides us to follow peace and love and therefore we will embrace our country as one," he told ANI.

He added that in every religion people worship in a similar manner as God is one.

"This belief followed by Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is highly appreciated," Qasmi said.

Meanwhile, another Muslim cleric Maulana Kable Sadiq said that Muslims should not get afraid of Adityanth's Government but with their own leaders.

"Muslim leadership is emotional about these issues as they do not have rational thinking. They should fear Owaisi and Dr. Mohammad Ayub," he said.

Adityanath yesterday said both Surya Namaskar practised by Hindus and Namaz practised by Muslims have similarities.

"All asanas (postures) in Surya Namaskar, Pranayama activities are similar with the way Namaz is done by our Muslim brothers, but nobody has ever tried to bring them together because few people are interested only in 'bhoga', not yoga," claimed Adityanath.

Adityanath further said, before 2014, even talking about yoga was also considered communal. But things changed after Prime Minister Narendra took steps to make yoga popular across the world.

The Chief Minister said he knew the problems of Uttar Pradesh and would solve them with time.

"Since I have stayed in UP, travelled from roads to Parliament, begged as a sadhu on the streets, I know what diseases are affecting UP and also their treatment," said Adityanath.

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Bhojpur district's one and only hospital certified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in Arrah is continuously in news these days for raking up controversies.

In an unfortunate incident, a mentally challenged woman was dragged around by her relatives in the Sadar Hospital's premises in search of a stretcher, here on Wednesday.

On being questioned about the matter, the hospital administration said 32-year-old Shakuntala Devi is mentally disturbed therefore every now and then she tries to escape the building.

The hospital has, however, denied having received any request for a stretcher, which it said was available.

The woman's husband Anil Shah said his wife had to be taken to the Out-Patient Department (OPD) for administering an injection.

His request to the paramedical staff for a stretcher was turned down saying the hospital did not have one available.

"I was left with no option therefore I requested a hospital staff and a female attendant of another patient to carry my wife back to the ward," said Shah.

"There is no reason why a patient admitted to a ward, will be taken to the OPD for administering an injection. The patient had wandered into the OPD. Her husband, with the help of some others, held her by her limbs and brought her back to the ward. We never received any request for a stretcher, which we have aplenty," Hospital deputy superintendent Dr. Satish Kumar Sinha said.

Devi was admitted to the medical ward of the Arrah Sadar Hospital four days back when she developed complications related to her mental illness.

However, this is not the first incident which has come into light. Earlier in the month, four pregnant women were carried on a single stretcher in a state government hospital in Karnataka's Hubli district.

When questioned to speak on the incident, Superintendent Dr. Shivappa Anur Shetty said, "There's no shortage of stretchers, it's only the inability of hospital staff to manage them accordingly."

Last year, in a shocking incident, a woman was forced to drag her ailing husband on the ramp of a government hospital in Andhra Pradeh's Anantapur district after hospital staff allegedly expressed their inability to provide her a stretcher.

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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday dubbed the 'sangharsh yatra', which is being led by Indian Congress (INC) and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra, as 'drama politics'.

BJP leader Shaina NC questioned that what type of 'sangharsh yatra' is it if they are travelling by super luxury AC buses.

"Isn't it ironical that the Indian Congress (INC) and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have started a 'sangharsh yatra' in Maharashtra and they are travelling by super luxury Air Conditioner buses with no kind of 'Sangharsh' at all," Shaina told ANI.

She said that these parties have to understand that this type of politics will not have working.

"I think they need to understand that this is the day and age of developmental politics. Come to the people with serious issues which can be resolved rather than playing all this 'Drama Politics," said Shaina.

NCP and Congress yesterday started a protest against the ruling party in Maharashtra over the demand of loan waiver for distressed farmers.

The yatra started from Chandrapur district and will conclude at Panvel near Mumbai on April 4.

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The Delhi Karnataka Sangha organization, represented by its president, Vasanth Shetty Bellare, and the Embassy of Kazakhstan in India, jointly hosted a concert here as part of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and India.

The event, which was held on Wednesday evening, featured artists from the Center of Indian Classical Dance in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

It is the first such a center in Kazakhstan and Central Asia as a whole.

Artists performed under the direction of Kazakhstan's well known cultural figure and member of the International Council of Dance of UNESCO Akmaral Kaynazarova. They performed both Indian classical dances and national dances and songs of the Kazakh people.

Among the guests at the event were well known public figures of India, representatives of business circles, Friendship Society of Kazakhstan and the Embassy of Kazakhstan in India, besides members of the media and the diplomatic corps.

Ambassador of Kazakhstan in India Bulat Sarsenbayev was the chief guest. The Managing Director of the Nayak Group, Arvind Nayak, was the honorary guest.

The highlight of the concert was the performance of Akmaral Kaynazarova and dancers of the center embodying the symbiosis of Kazakh national and Indian classical dances "Consonance of Kazakh-Indian rhythms".

In addition, each dance was accompanied by a short story about the history of the dance, as well as the contribution of dance to the cultural heritage of the people.

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A top U.S. general has said it's "fair to assume" that Russia is providing support to the Taliban in Afghanistan.

According to a report by Fox News Insider, four-star Gen. Joseph Votel, CENTCOM Commander, told the Congress on Wednesday, "I think it is fair to assume they may be providing some sort of support to [the Taliban], in terms of weapons or other things that may be there. I believe what Russia is ... attempting to be an influential party in this part of the ."

His comments to the House Armed Services Committee came after the top U.S. general in Europe expressed similar sentiments last week.

The allegations are being denied by Russia.

Earlier this month, refuting allegations that Kremlin supports the Taliban movement, Russia has said that such accusations are a staged campaign to discredit the country.

It said that it only has 'limited contacts' with the Taliban which is aimed at ensuring safety of Russian citizens in Afghanistan and encouraging the Taliban to join the national reconciliation process.

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Going against the party line, which expressed displeasure over the passage of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill, Congress leader Oscar Fernandes on Thursday supported the Centre's move and said that the country would be benefitted under the new tax regime.

"We have been very particular that we should pass the GST bill and it was UPA government under Dr. Manmohan Singh, Sonia ji, Chidambaram ji they had moved this bill. But the opposition was not willing cooperate with us. It would have revolutionized the whole regime, the business would have been picked up but unfortunately we could not do that. But the BJP having moved it, we have supported the move and I am sure the country will benefit out of this," Fernandes told ANI.

Meanwhile, Condemning the Finance Bill, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was acting headstrong in the matter and not heeding the Opposition, adding that the amendments are against the economy.

"Earlier the Income Tax Commissioner and the director had the authority to give the permission for search and seizure. Now in these two amendment, 132 A and 133, they have given the authority to the Assistant Commissioners to do the income tax raid without any search warrant. These amendments are against businessmen and economy at large," Singh told ANI.

The Congress has also expressed its disappointment calling the development as a violation of the Constitution.

"It is not at all convincing because the law should be made by the Parliament. First time this has been abrogated. This is absolutely in the violation of the provisions of the Constitution," Congress leader Veerappa Moily said.

Union Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh said even though the BJP has won in amendments, it will not make the system transparent neither will benefit the public.

All bills related to GST was on Wednesday passed in Lok Sabha with voice votes by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who tabled the bills on Monday, briefed the BJP MPs about GST's impact at the party's parliamentary board meeting on Tuesday.

"As far as benefits are concerned, you can produce Aadhar. If you don't have one, you can produce other ID and simultaneously apply for it," said Arun Jaitley.

He further said that the Government will issue electoral bonds.

"There are lot of wild information going around over the authority of assessment officers over search and seizure," added Jaitley.

"Let me clarify this under section 132, a satisfaction note must be submitted before search and entering premise and that has to be submitted in the court," he added while notifying that the Finance Bill protects the source of information for tax evasion.

Earlier, Jaitley moved four Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bills for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha, which then took them up for discussion. The Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Bill, 2017, along with three other GST Bills were moved for consideration in the Lower House.

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The Goods and Services Tax (GST) has received unprecedented support from all quarters as it is a simple system of taxation, under which various taxation rates will be merged into one with no cascading effect of taxation, said Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia on Thursday.

"The overall tax burden on the consumers will be much less, and they will gain because of a reduction in the prices," Adhia told ANI.

He further said that it is not necessary that after introduction of GST, services will become costly, but added that some services will have a lower rate of GST.

"There will be a marginal increase in the service tax rate, and that too in services such as financial services," he added.

"Most farming commodities will be put in the exemption list, so the farmers need not worry about anything," he said while adding that there is no question of farmers paying GST.

"The government has said that the GST will lead to revenue buoyancy, and the industry expects a simpler and more competitive tax regime where the common man will be benefitted with reduction in prices, once it is implemented," added Adhia.

The next Council meeting on the March 31 will see a framing of rules for the GST, and sometime in May, the Council will decide upon the agenda of the GST," he added.

Four Bills were passed yesterday after the Centre did not approve amendments moved by the opposition parties.

Among the Bills that were passed are The Central GST Bill, 2017; The Integrated GST Bill, 2017; The GST (Compensation to States) Bill, 2017; and The Union Territory GST Bill, 2017.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley yesterday said the passage of the Bill in the House was history is in the making, adding that the country will witness transforming into a new system of indirect taxation.

Jaitley further informed that the other subordinate legislations will also be considered by the GST Council on March 31 and once that is approved, the principal task would remain fixing of tariff against every commodity for which a formula has already been devised.

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Expressing displeasure over being ill-treated at the airport for sharing the same surname as that of Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad, Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) MP Sunil Gaikwad on Thursday dubbed it as harassment and questioned if it was a crime to have Gaikwad as his last name. Gaikwad represents the Latur Lok Sabha constituency.

"I was stopped at security points at the airport repeatedly because of my surname and because I am an MP," Sunil Gaikwad told ANI.

The BJP MP told the kind of checking which was done including pocket check and his wallet.

"I don't have problem with the enquiry, but with the behaviour due to me having Gaikwad as my surname is wrong. This is not a thing to complain about, but this is certainly harassment," he said.

Gaikwad further informed that he has apprised Minister of State (MoS) for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha, who responded by assuring that he would look into the matter.

The surname Gaikwad has come into limelight due to the recent incident of Shiv Sena MP assaulting an Air India staffer by beating him with his slipper.

Shiv Sena MP Anandrao Adsul on Wednesday moved a notice on his colleague Ravindra Gaikwad's issue in Lok Sabha, who was barred from travelling from any flight after he hit an Air India staffer with his slipper over an argument of sitting arrangement.

Sources said, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan has sought details from all stakeholders in the case.

Earlier Ravindra Gaikwad, submitted a complaint against Air India before the Delhi Police alleging that he was pushed and yelled on.

In his complaint, Gaikwad, who allegedly manhandled Air India staffer, said he was made to travel by Air India on economy class even as he had business class ticket.



Also Read: Barred from flying, Shiv Sena MP Gaikwad travels by car to Delhi

The Shiv Sena is also likely to bring a privilege motion in the Parliament over the issue of Gaikwad being put in 'no fly list' of all airlines.

Air India and six private airlines banned the 56-year-old MP from flying as he refused to apologise for the incident that triggered nationwide outrage.
U.S. President Donald Trump's elder daughter Ivanka Trump will become an official government employee, joining her husband Jared Kushner in serving as an unpaid advisor to her father in the White House.

According to the New York Times, Ivanka already has an office in the West Wing and she said last week that she would serve as an informal advisor to her father. But it plan prompted criticism from ethics experts, who said it would allow her to avoid some rules and disclosures.

"I have heard the concerns some have with my advising the president in my personal capacity while voluntarily complying with all ethics rules, and I will instead serve as an unpaid employee in the White House office, subject to all of the same rules as other federal employees," Ivanka said in a statement on Wednesday.

"Throughout this process I have been working closely and in good faith with the White House counsel and my personal counsel to address the unprecedented nature of my role," she added.

She will hold the title of assistant to the President. Her husband, Jared Kushner, has the title of senior advisor.

"We are pleased that Ivanka Trump has chosen to take this step in her unprecedented role as first daughter and in support of the president. Ivanka's service as an unpaid employee furthers our commitment to ethics, transparency, and compliance and affords her increased opportunities to lead initiatives driving real policy benefits for the American public that would not have been available to her previously," a spokeswoman for the president said in an email.

Ivanka's lawyer, Jamie S. Gorelick, said that her decision stemmed from "her commitment to compliance with federal ethics standards and her openness to opposing points of view."

"She will file the financial disclosure forms required of federal employees and be bound by the same ethics rules that she had planned to comply with voluntarily," Gorelick added.

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Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak who arrived yesterday in India, met Tamil Nadu Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao at Raj Bhavan here on Thursday.

Razak who is on a five-day visit to India will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow to boost bilateral relations between the two nations.

This will be his third visit to India as Prime Minister, the last one was in 2012.

His visit follows the highly successful visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Malaysia in November 2015.

"I'll be travelling to India for a 5-day visit. A country that's been our friend since 1957. Looking forward to meeting PM @narendramodi again," Razak tweeted.

Responding to this, Modi tweeted, "India is delighted to welcome you, Prime Minister. Your visit will further boost India-Malaysia ties."

Modi and Razak will sign a number of bilateral agreements which are expected to cover a range of issues.

Razak is accompanied by his spouse Datin Sri Rosmah Mansour and a large business delegation consisting of many of the top companies and businessmen of Malaysia.

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After meeting Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the meat traders on Thursday extended their support to the state government's view in the matter and seconded the move of banning illegal slaughterhouses.

Cabinet minister Siddharth Nath Singh informed that the meat traders echoing similar sentiments said it was their duty to assure that nothing illegal flourished in the state.

"All delegates (meat traders) supported the Chief Minister and said as citizens of India it is their duty to see that nothing illegal is allowed," Singh told the media here.

While appealing to the protesters to return to work, meat Exporter Sirajuddin Qureshi said that their meeting with the Chief Minister was very successful.

"Our meeting with the UP Chief Minister was very successful. He assured us that licensed slaughterhouses will not be troubled," Qureshi said.

"I appeal to the protesters to return to work and start working with a proper licence, UP Government will help you procure one," he added.

Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Siddharth Nath Singh on Monday had asserted that the state government will only act against slaughterhouses that are illegal.

"We have assembled here to give a clarification that it is an investigation only against the illegal slaughterhouses. Those who have licenses have nothing to fear. They should continue following regulations," Singh told media here.

Singh further said it was also a message to the officers not to overstep their jurisdiction and the mandate given by the state government.

After coming to power, the Yogi Adityanath-led government has ordered the closure of illegal slaughterhouses and strict enforcement of the ban on cow smuggling to fulfill a key electoral promise.

Adityanath last week said abattoirs operating legally will not be touched but action will be taken against those being run illegally.

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Mumbai Civil Hospital doctors on Thursday staged a protest in Thane against attacks two doctors yesterday.

Dr. Javed Shaikh and Dr. Dibanaz Ansari were attacked by a local goon who had come to the hospital for treatment.

The doctors demanded the arrest of the accused.

Maharashtra's resident doctors earlier on Saturday called off their strike and re-joined their duties with immediate effect in the wee hours on Saturday.

The announcement was made after meeting Medical Education Minister Girish Mahajan has accepted all the demands put forward by doctors.

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Fourteen-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal produced a rich vein of form as he stormed into the semi-finals of the Miami Open after registering straight sets victory over 13th seed Jack Sock in the men's singles event here on Thursday.

The Spanish maestro, who is seeking his first title in Miami after finishing runner-up here on four occasions, registered a comfortable 6-2, 6-3 victory over his American opponent Sock in a pivotal clash that lasted one hour and 23 minutes on the Crandon Park hardcourt.

Reflecting on the match, Nadal said, "I think I was under control during the whole first set. In the second set, it was so important to save that game at 0-2, 15/40, and then get the break back in the next game. It was two positive things in two straight games that probably created a lot of damage on him."

Nadal will now lock horns with Italy's Fabio Fognini for a place in the summit showdown. He currently leads his FedEx ATP Head-to-Head rivalry with the Italian 7-3, but the pair has split their past six matches.

In women's singles clash, 11th-seed Venus Williams also booked her place in the last-four after thumping top-seed Angelique Kerber 7-5, 6-3 in their quarter-final contest.

Venus will now play against Australia's Johanna Konta for a place in the finals.

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Kathmandu [Nepal], Mar.30 (ANI): Manjeev Singh Puri, newly appointed Ambassador of India to Nepal, called on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Thursday morning at his official Baluwatar residence and held talks on issues pertaining Indo-Nepal relations.

During the meeting Nepal Prime Minister Dahal wished the ambassador a successful tenure, the Prime Minister's secretariat said in a statement.

Puri also expressed his happiness over coming to Nepal and promised to play a pivotal role in improving relations between the two countries on the basis of mutual understanding.

Puri has succeeded Ranjit Rae as India's 24th Ambassador to Nepal. He arrived in Kathmandu on Saturday.

Prime Minister Dahal returned to Nepal on Wednesday after undertaking a weeklong visit to China.

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A prominent local leader of the Ahmadi community and a relative of Nobel laureate Abdus Salam was gunned down in Nankana Sahib on Thursday morning.

The Dawn quoted police, as saying that Advocate Malik Saleem Latif, a leader of the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiya, was on his way to a local court on a motorbike along with his son Advocate Farhan, when he was shot at by "unidentified attackers" from behind.

The murder sparked off outrage among the Ahmadi community.

Saleem Uddin, a spokesman for the Ahmadi community, was quoted by the Dawn, as saying that the incident showed that ongoing military operations Zarb-i-Azb and Raddul Fasad are not being implemented the way they should be.

He claimed that there is a caampaign of hate mongering against the Ahmadis.

The murder of Latif puts the spotlight back on Pakistan's problem of Ahmadi persecution. The issue is deep-rooted and dates back to pre-Partition India.

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Mr. Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Oman's Foreign Minister, will undertake an official visit to India on April 2-3, 2017 at the invitation of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

India's close and friendly relations with Oman are based on historical people to people contacts and are marked by regular exchange of high-level bilateral visits. Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah had earlier visited India in February and June 2014. Minister Swaraj had paid a return visit to Oman on February 17-18, 2015.

Oman is an important trading partner of India in the Gulf region with bilateral trade exceeding USD 3.86 billion in 2015-16. The contribution of over 688,000 strong Indian community in the progress and development of Oman is well acknowledged and appreciated.

During the forthcoming visit, the two sides would discuss bilateral, regional and other issues of mutual interest.

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Supporting the passage of Goods and Services tax (GST) supplementary bills in the Lower House, The Shiv Sena on Thursday called it a 'revolutionary bill'

Talking to ANI, Shiv Sena leader Arvind Sawant said, "The bill has been passed, it's a revolutionary bill. Let us experience and experiment it. There are some issues and some queries but unless you experience the implementation part of it, we will not be able to come to a conclusion."

"The most important part which I felt myself is the federal structure that all the states will have representation in the council.. Therefore it is a revolutionary bill," he added.

The Lok Sabha yesterday passed GST Bills rejecting amendments moved by the opposition. The Bills are related to Central GST, Integrated GST, UT GST and GST Compensation.

The Central GST deals with taxation related to Centre, integrated GST deals in taxation of inter-state movement of goods and services while the Union Territory GST Bill covers taxation in Union Territories.

The compensation law has been prepared to give a legislative backing to the Centre's promise to compensate the states for five years for any revenue loss arising out of GST implementation.

Replying to around eight hour long debate, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the GST will replace various indirect taxes with a new tax regime which will ensure free flow of goods and services across the country. He said the goods will become slightly cheaper after multiplicity of taxes is removed.

On criticism of making GST as money bill, the Finance Minister said it is taxation law and there has been no single legislation imposing taxes being passed as non- money bill since 1950.

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Telangana Police has confirmed the arrest of seven persons in connection with a dacoity.

Police said gems worth Rs 20 lakhs, Rs 45, 000 in cash and one country made pistol were seized from the accused.

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday called for unanimity between the ruling government and the opposition, adding that there would not be no discrimination against the latter.

"The government and the opposition should work together to live up to the expectations of the people. Keeping aside the grudges, we should think for 22 crore people who have voted us to power. We should work together to fulfil the promises of people," Adityanath said while addressing in Legislative Assembly.

He further assured that any kind of discrimination against the opposition leaders would not be endorsed in the Parliament.

"During the elections campaign the parties had hit out at each other, but I can assure that there will be no discrimination against the opposition parties in the House," he added.

Adityanath further appealed to the opposition to co-operate with the government to bring development in the state and added, "We hope that peace in the assembly will be maintained."

"The people of the state have given us the opportunity for the development of which we should take advantage. If we see the growth rate and development in the state then we can evaluate where we are standing today. So we need to work together to make this House a forum of discussion and an ideal of high democratic values," Adityanath said.

Adityanath was addressing his first speech in the Lower House after being appointed as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

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Prime Minister Theresa May has been accused of threatening to use the safety of British and European citizens as a bargaining chip in Brexit talks.

In the formal letter that notified the European Union of Britain's intention to leave, May warned that the failure to strike a deal on any future relationship would have consequences for security, reports the CNN.

"In security terms a failure to reach agreement would mean our cooperation in the fight against crime and terrorism would be weakened," she wrote in the letter.

In all, she mentioned security 11 times in the six-page letter.

Commenting on the issue, leader of the Liberal Democrats Tim Farron, who is anti- Brexit, said her link between trade and security was "shameful" and a "blatant threat."

"Security is too important to be used as a bargaining chip and this will backfire in any negotiations, which rather than building up alliances will leave Britain even more isolated," he said.

Speaking in the Commons, Stephen Kinnock of the opposition Labour Party read out an excerpt from the letter and asked, "Is she really saying the security of our country will be traded like a bargaining chip in these negotiations?"

May replied that it would be important to negotiate a future deal on security.

"We have a relationship with the European Union, there are certain elements of the European Union in justice and home affairs that we're currently members of that in leaving the European Union we would not be members of, and we need to negotiate what the future relationship will be. It's very simple, it's very pragmatic and the aim of this will be to ensure cooperation on these matters," she added.

The UK government on Wednesday kick started the Brexit process for Britain to formally leave the European Union (EU) in two years time by triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty.

The official start to the Brexit process came nine months after the UK voted in a hotly contested referendum that exposed deep divisions across the country.

In her letter, May said the UK wanted to pursue a "bold and ambitions" free-trade agreement with the EU in forthcoming talks.

May has made clear that the country will not remain in the bloc's single market or customs union, which essentially make the EU a free-trade zone. Staying in the market would likely have forced Britain to keep its borders open to all EU citizens, a key argument by the Leave campaign to exit the union.

In her letter, May tried to strike a conciliatory tone with the EU, reiterating her hopes for Britain and the union to remain the closest of allies and to seek a "deep and special partnership."

She also made clear that she wanted to avoid walking away with no deal, and proposed several principles to guide negotiations.

Meanwhile, May also accepted there would be downsides of Brexit.

"We know that we will lose influence over the rules that affect the European economy. We know that UK companies that trade with the EU will have to align with rules agreed by institutions of which we are no longer a part, just as we do in other overseas markets. We accept that," she told MPs.

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Making your bones stronger may be as easy as getting injections of peptide, according to a recent study.

Two University of Delaware researchers and their students have joined forces - applying the mathematical modeling expertise of one to the biological inquiry of the other - to point the way to a promising remedy.

The biologist, Anja Nohe, has shown that treating a mouse with a peptide known as CK2.3 increases bone mineral density. The mathematician/engineer, Prasad Dhurjati, has calculated estimated dosages for human beings.

According to their model, injections of CK2.3 can raise bone mineral density of bones badly degraded by osteoporosis back to healthy levels.

Bone mineral density is affected by two processes: bone formation and bone degradation. Current drug treatments, especially bisphosphonates, address the cells involved in bone degradation (osteoclasts). Only the approved drug PTH addresses the cells involved in bone formation (osteoblasts) but doctors must prescribe bisphosphonates with it to target bone degradation simultaneously.

The peptide used in this research, CK2.3, is the only one that decreases bone degradation while simultaneously increasing bone formation.

The study is published in Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology.

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Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim announced the end of Turkish-led Operation Euphrates Shield, which began in August last year to eliminate the Daesh presence in northern Syria.

"If something threatening our security happens in the future, regarding Daesh or something else, then this will be a new operation. Operation Euphrates Shield has ended, and any other future operations will be named differently," Anadolu news agency quoted Yildirim as saying on Wednesday in an interview with Turkish private broadcaster NTV.

Asked about a possible Raqqah operation against the Daesh terrorist group and the stance of the new U.S. administration, Yildirim said Turkey had not been officially informed about the upcoming plans yet adding, the issue would be brought up during the meeting with the U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

However, the Prime Minister did not mention anything about withdrawing troops from the controlled areas.

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Raheel Khursheed, head of news partnerships for Twitter India and South East Asia, has been named a 2017 Fellow.

He is one of only 16 people chosen for this prestigious global leadership development program at Yale University, one of the most elite universities in the United States. Khursheed joins a network of 309 Fellows representing 87 countries.

In an interview over phone with ANI, Khursheed said, "It is an honour to be included in what is an incredibly diverse and accomplished cohort. I look forward to my time at the Yale Fellows Program as a 2017 Fellow at Yale University."

"The 2017 World Fellows are extraordinary individuals who share a commitment to open society and a belief that what unites us is far greater than what divides us," said Emma Sky, director of the Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellows Program.

"They join our network of over 300 World Fellows, working to make our world a better place for all," she said.

World Fellows is Yale University's signature global leadership development initiative and a core element of Yale's ongoing commitment to internationalization. Each year, the University invites a group of exemplary mid-career professionals from a wide range of fields and countries for an intensive four-month period of academic enrichment and leadership training.

"I am honored and delighted to welcome these leaders and innovators to campus," said Yale President Peter Salovey. "World Fellows have improved people's lives, and their contributions have far reaching influence on society. They enrich our learning environment by sharing their expertise and experiences with our students and faculty. They have the opportunity to grow academically and personally as they interact with our community. This program is an example of Yale's commitment to developing globally engaged leaders."

When asked whether he identified with the mission of World Fellows to cultivate and empower a network of globally engaged leaders committed to making the world a better place, Khursheed told ANI, "The last ten years of my professional life have led to having an impact across news, politics, governance and civic technology. I am excited about the opportunity of being able to scale that impact."

The program is part of the Jackson Institute for Global Affairs, which prepares Yale students for global leadership and service through its master's program in global affairs, master of advanced study in global affairs and undergraduate major in global affairs.

World Fellows is committed to three main goals:

- Leadership: To strengthen the knowledge and skills essential for global leadership

- Service: To provide opportunity to serve others through sharing knowledge and experience, and collaborating on initiatives

- Network: To grow a global community of people with shared values connected to each other and to Yale.

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While condemning the recent incidents of violence in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister of State for Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Dr. Jitendra Singh on Thursday accused the separatists for instigating the youth in the Valley.

Singh said that separatists have kept their children in safe havens and are fueling local children to destabilize situation in Kashmir. He also reiterated the governments' view that Pakistan is equally responsible for the disturbance in Srinagar where it instigates the youth through the platform of social media.

"Certainly there are people who support Pakistan and Pakistan is also indulged in propagating such sort of agenda. We have also got information that whenever an encounter starts in the Valley, Pakistan starts propagating against us through the medium of social media, due to which the youth get instigated and put their lives at risk by reaching the site of encounter," Singh told the media here.

The Union Minister assured that they will successfully expose the real face of the separatists in front of the people of Kashmir.

"The government and the society will be successful in making these people understand. We will be able to make them understand that the people who are instigating them have kept their children in safe places. Many Kashmir leaders want their children to hold administrative posts and instigate the children of Kashmir to become stone-pelters," he said.

"Time has come for the Kashmir youth to demand that is this is real jehad, which is so important then the Kashmir leaders should set example by first making their children stone-pelters," he added.

Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) S. P. Vaid met Jitendra Singh yesterday and held a detailed discussion with him about the prevailing situation in Kashmir, in the aftermath of yesterday's violence in Budgam which resulted in the death of three civilians and injuries to other locals, as well as security personnel.

Singh said that it is the responsibility of both the administration as well as the civil society to make the youth of Kashmir understand the reality, instead of getting instigated by the false propaganda by a handful few.

Lauding the role of security forces including the Army, Para-military and Jammu & Kashmir Police, the Union Minister said that India stands among the best forces in the world and the nation is eternally indebted to them.

Fumed by the recent violence in Budgam, which witnessed and encounter and incidents of stone pelting, in which three civilians were killed and 60 security personnel were injured, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has slammed the separatist leaders for their hypocrisy, saying that they are pushing the youth of the Valley into this conflict while their own children are kept in safe places.

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Alkem Laboratories rose 1.28% to Rs 2,172.50 at 9:56 IST on BSE after the company said it has received Establishment Inspection Report from US drug regulator for its facility in Ankaleshwar.

The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 29 March 2017.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 85.40 points or 0.29% at 29,616.83.

On the BSE, 1,248 shares were traded on the counter so far as against the average daily volumes of 9,467 shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 2,195 and a low of Rs 2,165 so far during the day. It had hit a record high of Rs 2,225 on 28 March 2017 and a 52-week low of Rs 1,175 on 2 May 2016.

The large-cap company has equity capital of Rs 23.91 crore. Face value per share is Rs 2.

Alkem Laboratories said that the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has issued an Establishment Inspection Report (EIR) for the company's active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing facility located at Ankaleshwar, which was inspected in December 2016.

The inspection has now been closed by the USFDA. In response to the Form 483 issued by the USFDA, the company had submitted a detailed corrective and preventive action (CAPA) plan to the regulator within the stipulated timelines. The USFDA has reviewed the CAPA and has found them acceptable.

Alkem Laboratories' consolidated net profit rose 24.9% to Rs 233.40 crore on 15% growth in net sales to Rs 1462.23 crore in Q3 December 2016 over Q3 December 2015.

Alkem Laboratories is a pharmaceutical company with global operations, engaged in the development, manufacture and sale of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.

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Indian telcos plans to sell tower assets or stakes in tower subsidiaries should provide headroom to allow data-related capex with less strain on companies' credit metrics, Fitch Ratings says. Bharti Airtel Limited (BBB-/Stable) announced yesterday that it has sold a 10.3% stake in its tower subsidiary, Bharti Infratel for USD952 million to KKR and Canada Pension Investment Board. Bharti will retain a 61.7% stake in Infratel.

We expect Infratel's stake sale will benefit Bharti's March 2017 FFO-adjusted net leverage, which we forecast to be around 1.8x-2.0x (FY16: 1.8x; excluding USD5bn in deferred spectrum costs) - slightly below the threshold above which we may consider negative rating action. Bharti will use the proceeds to pay down some debt and to fund its USD235 million 2,300MHz spectrum acquisition from Tikona Digital in five Indian telecom coverage areas, or circles. Bharti had earlier acquired 43MHz of 1800MHz spectrum from Telenor India in seven circles to enhance its 4G spectrum portfolio.

Vodafone India and Idea Cellular, which are merging, also intend to sell Idea's 11% stake and Vodafone India's 42% stake in India's largest independent tower company, Indus Towers, which is a joint venture between Bharti, Vodafone India and Idea.

Such a sale would help reduce the debt at the Vodafone India-Idea combined entity.

With a sale - and assuming opex and capex synergies - we estimate the combined entity's net debt/EBITDA should improve to around 3.0x-3.2x (pro forma 4.4x) with net debt of USD16.1 billion. Idea and Vodafone India intend to contribute about USD7.9 billion and USD8.2 billion of debt, respectively, to the combined entity. For the 12 months ending December 2016, the combined entity, on a pro forma basis, generated revenue of USD12.2 billion or 40% revenue market share - and USD3.6 billion in EBITDA.

Reliance Communications Limited (Rcom, B+/Rating Watch Negative) is in the process of selling 51% of its tower business - Reliance Infratel Ltd (Infratel) - for USD1.6 billion, and intends to use the proceeds to pay down debt. However, the sale will not be sufficient to ease Rcom's financial stress, given its high indebtedness and plan to merge its wireless operations with Aircel Limited; we do not foresee FFO-adjusted net leverage reducing to below 4.5x for the foreseeable future.

We continue to have a negative outlook on the Indian telecom sector as competition will continue to remain high, and consolidation is not likely to return any pricing power to the operators in the near term. The entry of Reliance Jio, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL, BBB-/Stable), has accelerated industry consolidation. The ongoing consolidation is likely to leave four larger operators - Bharti, Jio, the combination of Vodafone India and Idea, and the combined Rcom and Aircel Limited.

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IndusInd Bank was up 0.84% to Rs 1,410.25 at 10:40 IST on BSE as the stock witnessed action from foreign funds via bulk deals on the stock exchanges yesterday, 29 March 2017.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 84.92 points or 0.29% at 29,616.35.

On the BSE, 5,422 shares were traded on the counter so far as against the average daily volumes of 1.49 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 1,414.95 and a low of Rs 1,399 so far during the day. It had hit a record high of Rs 1,425 on 28 March 2017 and a 52-week low of Rs 912 on 28 March 2016.

The large-cap bank has equity capital of Rs 598.15 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10.

Macquarie Bank sold 35.32 lakh shares of IndusInd Bank at Rs 1,409.50 in a bulk deal on the BSE on 29 March 2017. Tybourne Equity Master Fund bought 30.07 lakh shares. Goldman Sachs Investments Mauritius I sold 71.38 lakh shares at Rs 1,400.19 per share in a bulk deal on the NSE on 29 March 2017. Tybourne Equity Master Fund bought 42.38 lakh shares at Rs 1,400 a piece. Goldman Sachs Investments Mauritius I controlled 1.61% stake end December 2016.

Meanwhile, IndusInd Bank said it has extended its agreement with Lohia Industries by offering 3-wheeler financing in the e-rickshaw category. Lohia Auto Industries announced that IndusInd Bank would be its preferred financier for financing their electric three wheelers under the e-rickshaw category. This is in addition to the financing of diesel vehicles which the bank already provides.

Through this partnership IndusInd Bank will offer retail vehicle finance at attractive rates of interest to the customers of Lohia Auto, for all Lohia 3-wheeler electronic and diesel models. This partnership will simplify the process for customers to take up three-wheeler by providing loans which are hassle free and competitively priced. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 29 March 2017.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between IndusInd Bank and Lohia Auto Industries was signed in May 2016 for diesel vehicles and has now been extended to the electronic 3-wheeler segment. Since May 2016, IndusInd Bank has financed close to 7.10 lakh 3-wheeler vehicles as a part of this association.

IndusInd Bank's net profit rose 29.2% to Rs 750.64 crore on 22.9% growth in total income to Rs 4716.13 crore in Q3 December 2016 over Q3 December 2015.

IndusInd Bank is a leading private sector bank in India.

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The project will be supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Trade Facilitation Strategic Framework

A Memorandum of Intent (MOI) on India-Nepal Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) Pilot Run will soon be signed by the Governments of India and Nepal to facilitate movement of traffic-in-transit belonging to Nepal from the port of arrival in India to Nepal. The India-Nepal pilot aims to demonstrate the benefits, especially in terms of reduced costs, of the ECTS system.

The pilot project will be supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Trade Facilitation Strategic Framework, and its success will serve as the basis for its use in other SASEC corridors as well as in inland movement of cargo.

Currently clearance is done through physical inspection and it is time-consuming as well as costly for business. The MOI will include use of Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) to follow the cargo (containers and full-body trucks) as it moves from port of arrival through India, to the Nepal border. ECTS will lead to reduced cost and time as it speeds up cargo clearance at border crossings.

Electronic Cargo Tracking System uses technology such as satellite positioning systems, cellular communications, radio frequency (RF) identification, web-based software and others, to ensure the security of cargo and avoid any interference in transit.

ECTS pilots have already been done along the Kolkata-Jaigaon-Phuentsholing route between India and Bhutan, and for inland transshipment in India.

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Moody's Investors Service, ("Moody's") has assigned a Baa3 rating to State Bank of India's (SBI, Baa3 positive, ba1) proposed USD denominated senior unsecured notes, issued under its US$10 billion Medium-Term Note (MTN) program. The drawdown will be carried out from its London branch, and the bonds will be listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange.

The outlook on the ratings, where applicable, is positive.

The senior debt rating is subject to receipt of final documentation, the terms and conditions of which are not expected to change in any material way from the draft documents reviewed by Moody's.

RATINGS RATIONALE

The Baa3 foreign currency senior unsecured MTN debt rating is anchored on SBI's ba1 baseline credit assessment (BCA) and Moody's assessment of the likelihood of a very high level of support from the Indian government (Baa3 positive) in a stressed situation.

SBI's BCA of ba1 is underpinned by the bank's solid franchise as India's largest bank by assets and deposits, as well as its strong core earnings (pre-provisioning profits) profile and stable capital levels. While SBI's underlying asset quality has stabilized, the BCA also takes into consideration residual asset quality issues as a result of delayed recognition, and the associated impact of high credit costs on the bank's profits as it devotes resources to rebuilding its provisioning coverage.

The bank's final Baa3 rating incorporates a one-notch uplift due to Moody's assumption of the bank's very high level of support from the Indian government in a stressed situation.

The assumption of high support is based on a combination of its large size and critical role in India's payment system, representing around 16.3% of system loans and 17.6% of system deposits as of end-March 2016, its nationwide reach, and the government's 60.18% stake in SBI.

What Could Change the Rating - Up

SBI's senior unsecured debt and deposit ratings could be upgraded if the India sovereign rating (Baa3, positive) is upgraded.

What Could Change the Rating - Down

SBI's BCA could face downward pressure if: (1) its NPL ratio increases substantially from current levels; and/or (2) if its core earnings fall and impacts its ability to support an increase in credit costs. Additionally, any indications that support from the Government of India has diminished, or that additional capital requirements may arise beyond the government's budgeted amount, could put the bank's ratings under pressure. Any downward changes in the sovereign's ceilings could also affect the bank's ratings.

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Reliance Industries (RIL) will be in spotlight. Pursuant to the sale agreements signed by Reliance Exploration & Production DMCC (REPDMCC), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of RIL and TOTAL, for the sale of the entire 76% interest held by REPDMCC in the Mauritius-incorporated Gulf Africa Petroleum Corporation (GAPCO), REPDMCC, TOTAL and GAPCO have obtained requisite regulatory approvals, consents and successfully completed the sale transaction.

GAPCO is a holding company with operating subsidiaries in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda which are primarily engaged in petroleum product import, and trading, storage, distribution, marketing, supply and transportation of oil products in East Africa.

Since the acquisition of 76% equity interest in GAPCO by REPDMCC in 2007, GAPCO has significantly grown and is one of leading petroleum marketing company in East Africa owning retail outlets as well as onshore and offshore terminals.

REPDMCC's sale of its interest in GAPCO is pan of a joint transaction, wherein REPDMCC as well as the minority shareholder have sold their entire respective holdings in GAPCO for cash. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 29 March 2017.

Bharti Airtel announced that it has completed sale of 11.32% stake in its mobile tower arm Bharti Infratel to its wholly-owned subsidiary Nettle Infrastructure. Post the inter-se transfer, Bharti Airtel will hold 50.33% while Nettle will hold 11.32% in Bharti Infratel. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 29 March 2017.

Punjab National Bank (PNB) announced that it has raised Rs 250 crore through unsecured, subordinated, fully paid-up, non-convertible, Basel III compliant, perpetual debt instruments (series X) in the nature of debentures for inclusion in additional tier I capital. The coupon rate is 9.21% payable annually. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 29 March 2017.

Union Bank of India announced that it has issued 2,500 non-convertible, unsecured subordinated Basel III Compliant perpetual debt instruments aggregating to Rs 250 crore, eligible for inclusion in Additional Tier 1 (AT1) Capital. The bonds were issued on private placement basis. They carry a coupon rate of 9.1% per annum payable annually.

The AT1 bonds are rated 'BWR AA+/Stable' by Brickwork Rating India (Brickwork) and 'IND AA' by India Ratings and Research (India Ratings). The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 29 March 2017.

Alkem Laboratories said that the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has issued an Establishment Inspection Report (EIR) for the company's active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing facility located at Ankaleshwar, which was inspected in December 2016.

The inspection has now been closed by the USFDA. In response to the Form 483 issued by the USFDA, the company had submitted a detailed corrective and preventive action (CAPA) plan to the regulator within the stipulated timelines. The USFDA has reviewed the CAPA and has found them acceptable. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 29 March 2017.

Bharat Financial Inclusion said it has completed a securitization transaction for a pool amount of Rs 223.42 crore. With this, the company has completed four securitization transactions aggregating to Rs 1075.86 crore in FY17. The entire pool qualifies for Priority Sector treatment as per the Reserve Bank of India's Priority Sector lending guidelines.

The pool has been rated AA (SO) by a leading rating agency, signifying a 'high degree of safety regarding timely servicing of financial obligations'. Such instruments carry very low credit risk. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 29 March 2017.

Auto stocks will be watched after the Supreme Court yesterday, 29 March 2017, passed an order for ban on sale of vehicles that do not meet BS IV emission standards on and from 1 April 2017.

In this context, Hero MotoCorp, the leading two-wheeler manufacturer, said that, recognizing the need of the hour, it carefully planned a proactive move to switch from BS III to BS IV compliant products across all its range well in time and has been producing only BS IV compliant products since one month before the given deadline.

Hero MotoCorp said it has reduced its BS III inventory significantly in the past few months with the aim to minimize its stakeholder losses. However, environmental protection will take precedence over temporary financial benefits, it added. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 29 March 2017.

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To comply with Hon'ble Supreme Court directive

TVS Motor Company announced that the Company is fully geared up to meet the new emission guidelines and had already commenced manufacture and sale of BS IV compliant vehicles to the dealers. The Company has advised its dealers to strictly comply with the order of the Hon'ble Supreme Court and sell the BS III compliant stocks with them on or before 31 March 2017.

The Honourable Supreme Court has passed an order dated 29 March 2017 stating that only vehicles, which meet BS IV emission standards can be sold and registered with effect from 1 April 2017.

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At least seven suspected militants were killed in Bangladesh on Thursday, the police said.

Police stormed a house in Moulvibazar district where they said members of the Neo-JMB militant group were holed up, Xinhua news agency quoted Dhaka's counter- police unit chief Monirul Islam as saying.

The Neo-JMB, an offshoot of the banned militant outfit Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh, was blamed for the July 2016 attack on an upscale cafe in Dhaka that left 29 persons killed.

--IANS

ksk/vt

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A year after an under-construction flyover collapsed here snuffing out 27 lives and injuring over a hundred, despair and dread still stalk residents living within kissing distance of the remaining structure.

On March 31, 2016, around 12.30 pm the world came crashing down for hundreds of commuters and residents of Ganesh Talkies in north Kolkata where the partly-built flyover was winding its way through.

A 100-metre portion of the flyover, wedged between old buildings, sheared off and collapsed, flattening vehicles and trapping over a hundred people underneath it, triggering a political slugfest over corruption in the then assembly poll-bound West Bengal.

Over the past one year, the police have arrested engineers from Hyderabad-based construction company IVRCL -- responsible for constructing the Vivekananda flyover -- and two officials of the state-run Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) that had been tasked with monitoring the project.

One also saw a series of ongoing scientific inspections, but a decision on what to do with the remnant bridge is yet to be taken.

A senior official of the construction company had claimed the disaster was "an act of God" which was swiftly dismissed by engineering experts, who pointed to the lack of proper planning, delays, lacunae in design and bad tendering as the major reasons for the tragedy.

In the aftermath, citizens united under the "Flyover Hatao Abhiyaan" have repeatedly protested against letting the structure remain there in a precarious position. They have been demanding demolition of the "murder bridge".

"What change? There is no change. Nobody came to check on us," said the widow of a shopkeeper killed in the incident.

"People still fear that the rest of it may collapse any second. Children go to school and people are scared of a second mishap," said Sanjay Somkar, a resident.

Somkar and his neighbours were the first ones to rush to the spot when the incident occurred, alerted by the thundering sound of the collapsing flyover.

Blood-spattered faces in pain, crushed limbs, slippers peeping out from beneath the fallen steel girders and debris, made for a ghastly site, as locals made a mad dash to extricate those still alive.

The Indian Army was pressed into service in addition to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

Chaos reigned supreme as curious thousands poured into the narrow pocket of road, hampering rescue efforts.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, rushed to Kolkata after cancelling election rallies in West Midnapore district.

She announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the dead, Rs 2 lakh each for the critically injured and Rs 1 lakh for those who suffered minor injuries.

The long-delayed 2.5-km flyover was expected to tackle congestion in the Burra Bazar area -- the location of one of the largest wholesale markets in Asia -- up to Howrah station, the gateway to the city.

The flyover's foundation was laid in 2008 (during the Left Front regime) and work on the Rs 164-crore project began on February 24, 2009.

It was scheduled to be ready in 2012 but land acquisition issues delayed completion. The implementing agency too ran into financial troubles.

Over 50 families living in buildings near the accident site were asked to vacate temporarily for the safe removal of collapsed debris.

Eviction notices were sent out to at least 10 families to vacate buildings on K.K. Tagore Street -- right beneath the flyover. These buildings were earmarked as "vulnerable" and had to be demolished.

Most continue living under the flyover's shadow, hoping it will be brought down.

(Sahana Ghosh can be contacted at sahana.g@ians.in)

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A 34-year-old woman from Andhra Pradesh has entered the Limca Book of Records for giving birth to two children on the same day -- a year apart.

M. Rubeena Sultana of Kurnool town received the certificate of national record.

According to the certificate, Rubeena, wife of G.S. Mahaboob Naseer, delivered two children by caesarean section with an exact gap of one year.

"Our first child was a daughter, Ayesha Nousheen, while our son, Mahaboob Saabir, was born exactly a year later," Rubina told IANS from Kurnool.

According to the certificate, Ayesha Nousheen, was born at 6.48 a.m. on April 9, 2015 while Mahaboob Saabir was born at 6.33 a.m. on April 9, 2016.

"The deliveries were in the same hospital, Sree Ashwini Hospital, by the same doctor, G. Padmaja," it said.

A function is to be held at Kurnool on April 9 where the couple will be felicitated.

Rubeena said though the Limca Book of Records had invited them to Delhi to receive the certificate, they could not travel as their daughter was not well.

Rubina heads an organization for welfare of women and children and it runs a centre for teaching Urdu under the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language.

Mahaboob Naseer works with a medical transcription company.

--IANS

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The African Union (AU) on Thursday said it was extremely appalled by the attacks on Nigerian students and a Kenyan woman in India.

The attacks on a Nigerian student took place on Monday night in Greater Noida, some 40 km from the Indian capital, following protests over the death of a Class 12 student of a residential colony there due to drug overdose.

Some people who were holding a candle-light vigil for the student attacked the Nigerians suspecting them of drug running.

On Wednesday, a Kenyan student in her 20s was dragged out of a cab, also in Greater Noida, by a group of men, and punched and kicked in the abdomen.

The pan-African bloc deplored the violence unleashed during the riot, the AU said in a statement.

The attacks also resulted in the displacement of many Africans from their normal places of residence, thereby putting their lives in serious danger, Xinhua news agency reported.

The AU expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, and wished speedy recovery to all those who sustained injuries.

The bloc welcomed the assurances of the Indian government to conduct a "fair and impartial" probe and urged the authorities to expedite the investigations.

Underlining the long standing bonds of solidarity and cooperation that exist between Africa and India, the AU called on the Indian authorities to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of all African citizens currently living in India.

--IANS

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Actor Matt Damon says his friend and actor-filmmaker Ben Affleck is doing "fantastic" after he went to a rehabilitation centre for alcohol addiction earlier this year.

Damon says Affleck is busy looking after his three children - daughters Violet Anne and Sera and son Sam - as his estranged wife Jennifer Garner is tied up with work.

"He's fantastic? He's with the kids now, couldn't be happier. Jen's working for a couple weeks in Atlanta, so he's 'Mr Mom-ing' it right now. And that's what he wants to be doing," Damon told etonline.com.

Affleck revealed earlier this month on social media that he had undergone treatment for alcohol addiction so he can focus on being the "best father he can be" to his children.

--IANS

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A day after the opposition BJP was embarrassed by its MLA assaulting his own party's MLC in the Bihar Assembly premises here, the ruling Grand Alliance -- comprising JD-U, RJD and Congress -- leaders accused the BJP of shielding its leader.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Neeraj Singh Bablu reportedly beat up his party's Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) Lal Babu Prasad following a heated exchange of words over the latter's alleged misbehaviour with his wife Nutan Singh, who is also an MLC.

A number of members of both Houses, politicians and officials watched the incident with shock, according to an assembly official.

The unprecedented incident has forced the BJP leaders to go into defensive mode and downplay it, saying there was no formal complaint filed in connection with the fracas.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav on Thursday fired at the BJP by demanding action against Lal Babu for his bid to "molest a woman MLC in the assembly premises".

"In the history of Bihar assembly, Wednesday has been recorded as a black day when a BJP MLC tried to molest a woman MLC of the same party in broad daylight that was witnessed by all," he said.

Tejaswi Yadav said that senior BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi has been trying to save accused Lal Babu and putting pressure on the BJP MLC not to report the case.

"I demand Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah to take action against Sushil Modi for protecting accused Lal Babu."

Tejaswi Yadav said this latest incident has exposed the BJP's double standards on the safety of women. "Our stand has been vindicated that the BJP is anti-women and a party of goons."

His mother and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi also raised this issue in the Bihar Legislative Council and requested the Speaker to take notice and initiate action against accused Lal Babu. She is the leader of the RJD in the council.

"BJP's 'kathni' (words) and 'karni' (deeds) are different on women empowerment and demand of reservation for them. It has failed to protect a woman MLC, who was a victim of sexual harassment by an MLC of her own party," Rabri charged.

Bihar's ruling JD-U spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said that the BJP should act against its MLC Lal Babu instead of protecting him.

"BJP's double character has been exposed for all to see. The party with difference is behaving differently when its own MLC has misbehaved with own party's MLC."

Bihar Congress President and state Education Minister Ashok Choudhary dared the BJP to act against its MLC accused of a serious crime against the woman MLC.

So far, under pressure from the party, both Neeraj Singh and Lal Babu have said that nothing of this sort had happened, but they failed to explain why the Speaker of the Council had called them for a meeting in his official chamber on Wednesday.

Interestingly, Neeraj is known as "Dabang" for his muscle power and Lal Babu is one of the vocal BJP spokespersons on TV channels and is known for his proximity to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Unlike Neeraj, who was a JD-U legislator in the last assembly, Lal Babu is a champion of Hindutva .

--IANS

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The British government on Thursday published a White Paper on the "Great Repeal Bill", a proposed legislation to transfer the whole of EU laws on to Britain's statute books as the country gears up for Brexit.

The government will create sweeping temporary powers to allow ministers to tweak laws that would otherwise not "work appropriately" after Brexit, Brexit Secretary David Davis announced, reported the Telegraph.

He said that the "Great Repeal Bill" will provide "clarity and certainty" for businesses and citizens as Britain leaves the EU.

It would also end the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice.

The move comes a day after Prime Minister Theresa May triggered Article 50, starting the process which will officially take Britain out of the EU in March 2019.

In a statement to MPs, Davis said the repeal bill would allow businesses to continue operating on the day after Britain leaves the EU "knowing the rules have not changed overnight".

He said it would also mean that workers' rights, environmental protection and consumer rights currently enshrined in EU laws would continue as British laws, although Parliament would be free to change them later, reported BBC.

The repeal bill will also "end the supremacy" of EU laws in Britain, "delivering" on the result of last year's referendum, he added.

"Our laws will then be made in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast and interpreted not by judges in Luxembourg but by judges across the United Kingdom," he told MPs.

Davis said the repeal bill would not give the European Court of Justice a "future role" in the interpretation of British laws, and British courts will not be obliged to consider cases decided by the ECJ after Brexit.

But British courts will be allowed to refer to ECJ case law "as it exists on the day we leave the EU" and it would have the same status as Supreme Court decisions, which can be overturned by subsequent rulings.

The House of Commons library anticipated that it will be "one of the largest legislative projects ever undertaken in Britain, said the report.

A Lords committee described it as a "unique challenge", with EU laws having accumulated over decades.

--IANS

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United States Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit. SHLOMO LEIBOVITCH, et al., Plaintiffs-Appellants, v. ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN, et al., Defendants, BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI UFJ, LTD. and BNP PARIBAS, Appellees. No. 16-2504 Decided: March 29, 2017

Before POSNER, EASTERBROOK, and MANION, Circuit Judges.

In 2003, a 7-year-old Israeli girl was killed, her 3-year-old sister (an American citizen) permanently disabled, and six Israeli members of the children's family (two other siblings of the Israeli girl plus her parents and grandparents) were injured emotionally, when the minivan they all were riding in on a highway in Jerusalem was shot up by members of Palestine Islamic Jihad, a terrorist group supported by the government of Iran.

The surviving family members, plus the estate of the child who was killed, filed a damages suit against the Islamic Republic of Iran and its Ministry of Information and Security (we'll simplify by pretending that the only defendant is Iran) in the federal district court in Chicago, under both the Antiterrorism Act, 18 U.S.C.  2333, and the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, 28 U.S.C.  1605A. After protracted proceedings that included an appeal to this court, see Leibovitch v. Islamic Republic of Iran, 697 F.3d 561 (7th Cir. 2012), the district court entered a default judgment of $67 million against the Iranian defendants.

But how to collect? The plaintiffs began their search with two large foreign banks that had held Iranian assets in the past. Although both the Japanese bank, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Limited, and the French bank, BNP Paribas, have branches in Chicago, neither branch holds any Iranian government assets or has any information regarding such assets held by other branches of their parent banks, or by the parent banks themselves in their home offices (Tokyo and Paris, respectively). In an effort to obtain that information, the plaintiffs issued both federal subpoenas and Illinois citations (the equivalent of subpoenas) in the federal district court in Chicago, seeking an order directing the parent banks to reveal Iranian assets held in any of the far-flung, worldwide branches of the two banks. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 45. The Japanese bank has branches in more than 40 countries and the French bank has branches in 75 countries, and it is possible that branches in some of those countries, or perhaps the home offices of the two parent banks, hold Iranian assets that the plaintiffs might be able to seize by means of their default judgment.

The banks agreed to provide the information sought by the plaintiffs' citations and subpoenas, but only with respect to their 17 branches in the United Statesand it turns out that there are no Iranian assets in any of those branches. The total number of branches of the two banks worldwide exceeds 7,500, and plaintiffs insist that they are entitled, by virtue of their subpoenas and citations, to compel the parent banks to search all their branches for Iranian government assetsassets that once located the plaintiffs might be able to execute their default judgment against. The banks asked the district court to quash the subpoenas, arguing that the federal court does not have personal jurisdiction over them to force them to comply.

At the oral argument of the appeal, the plaintiff's counsel argued that personal jurisdiction is irrelevant for enforcing subpoenas under Rule 45. That can't be right, for a court that issues subpoenas is enforcing something rather than begging, and so far as we know no court has bought the argument. See, e.g., Gucci America, Inc. v. Weixing Li, 768 F.3d 122, 134, 13637 (2d Cir. 2014); 9A Charles A. Wright et al., Federal Practice & Procedure  2454, pp. 39899 (3d ed. 2008). So to be entitled to use the federal district court in Chicago to obtain from the parent banks the worldwide information that the plaintiffs seek, they had to be able to prove that the court has personal jurisdiction over the banks, that is, jurisdiction over the persons (the two banks) against which relief is soughthence jurisdiction to subpoena them.

It's not as if the foreign banks are incorporated or headquartered in the United States. If they were, they would be within the court's personal jurisdiction, and the district court could force them to comply with any discovery request that didn't present an undue burden. But a court may assert jurisdiction over a foreign corporation to hear any and all claims against [it] only when the corporation's affiliations with the State in which suit is brought are so constant and pervasive as to render [it] essentially at home in the forum State.  Daimler AG v. Bauman, 134 S. Ct. 746, 751 (2014). That is hardly the situation with regard to the two foreign banks.

It is true that a district court can have what is called specific jurisdiction over a corporation if the corporation's activities within the jurisdiction of the court are closely related to the lawsuit or, as in this case, to subpoenas (or state-court citations, which needn't be discussed separately) issued within that jurisdiction. See, e.g., Walden v. Fiore, 134 S. Ct. 1115, 112123 (2014); World-Wide Volkswagen Corp. v. Woodson, 444 U.S. 286, 29192 (1980); Application to Enforce Administrative Subpoenas of S.E.C. v. Knowles, 87 F.3d 413, 417 (10th Cir. 1996). But the subpoenas issued in this case are not tailored to the banks' presence or activities in the United States. If the subpoenas sought only to discover whether, and if so what, Iranian government assets were in either or both of the two Chicago branch banks, the district court would have jurisdiction to enforce the subpoenas (and citations) because the branches are in the court's district. But we now know that the Chicago branches neither are holding Iranian government assets nor know which if any of their sister branches elsewhere (either in or outside the United States), or the parent banks' home offices, are holding any such assets. That being so, there can be no personal jurisdiction over the parents. As there's no indication that any U.S. branch of either bank is holding Iranian assets, if the plaintiffs are determined to execute their default judgment against Iranian government assets they'll have to look abroad.

We're puzzled that none of the plaintiffs who brought the suit against Iran that resulted in the default judgment are residents of Illinois. Why they are suing here rather than in the districts in which they live or work is unexplained. What is worse than merely unexplained is that they've presented no evidence to suggest that the two Chicago branch banks are either holding Iranian government assets or have any knowledge of where those assets might be held. In short, what are they doing here?

The briefs filed in this case sum to 140 pages and include numerous issues that we haven't touched onhaving no need to do so. It should be apparent from what we've said so far that the plaintiffs have no legal right to the information that they have demanded from the respondent Tokyo and Paris banks.

AFFIRMED

POSNER, Circuit Judge.
It is unseasonal raining of discounts for two wheeler buyers but restricted till March 31 or till stocks last, thanks to the apex court's order of banning sale of BS IV non compliant vehicles from April 1.

Honda Motorcycles & Scooter India Pvt Ltd announced cash back up to Rs 22,000 on its models till March 31.

On the other hand, industry leader Hero Motocorp announced discount up to Rs 12,500 plus free insurance on its BS III compliant vehicles.

Similarly, Bajaj Auto offered a discount of Rs 12,000 plus free insurance on two wheelers.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday banned the sale of BS IV non-complaint vehicles from April 1. As a result, the companies are trying to liquidate their stocks before the deadline.

--IANS

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China on Thursday expressed hope that India will take "effective measures" on the Dalai Lama's "activities" and cancel his proposed visit to Arunachal Pradesh next month.

"China has expressed strong opposition to the decision by the Indian government regarding the activities of the Dalai Lama. We believe this type of activity goes against the promise made by the Indian government. ..We hope the India government will take effective measures and cancel such kind of activities," Chinese Consul general in the city Ma Zhanwu said here.

The envoy, however, said China is working for more cooperation from its neighbouring countries including India and Bangladesh.

"We are ready to work with all our neighbouring countries to contribute to the development and mutual benefit. China announced One Belt, One Road initiative to build infrastructure and share such infrastructure," he said.

Meanwhile, he said a 22-member business delegation from Shandong province in China would visit West Bengal next week for a B2B meeting with their Indian counterparts.

China has voiced its displeasure over the proposed visit of the Tibetan leader to Tawang next month for a Buddhist festival, saying by allowing it, India was risking "serious damage" in the ties between the two nations.

China considers Arunachal Pradesh to be a part of southernmost Tibet.

India has maintained that the Dalai Lama is free to travel anywhere in the country and has visited the northeastern state in the past too.--IANS

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The Supreme Court on Thursday said that a constitution bench will hear the plea challenging the validity of the triple talaq, "nikah halala" and polygamy among the Muslims from May 11.

Saying that initially the hearing would take place on May 11 and 12, the bench of Chief Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud said that it would then continue from May 15 till 19.

Chief Justice Khehar said that the hearing could also take place on the weekends -- May 13 and 14 (Saturday and Sunday), as judges have consented to sit on weekends.

On the time to be taken in the hearing of triple talaq, the Chief Justice Khehar told the lawyers to draw a time frame for the arguments, saying that if such a time frame could be set during the hearing of the challenge to the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, why not in this matter.

"If time frame can be fixed in NJAC, then why not in this case," Chief Justice Khehar asked the lawyers.

The top court on February 16, while fixing the hearing on triple talaq for today (Thursday), had asked the lawyers representing the two sides to submit their issues backed by short reasons and judgments that they would be relying on to the Attorney General.

The court had also urged the lawyers of both sides to split the issues they wished to address among themselves, so that the hearing could be completed within the allotted time.

There were some rumblings amongst the lawyers after Chief Justice Khehar said that there would be three constitution benches that would hold hearing on three important matters -- triple talaq, Whatsapp and on Assam migrants.

Observing that if the judges were ready to work during the summer vacation, then why not the lawyers, Chief Justice Khehar said: "If we don't do it (the hearing) now, it will not happen for years. (Then) You don't blame us."

Finding that some lawyers were apparently reluctant, Chief Justice Khehar said: "There is no (summer) vacation (in which) I have not sat (in a bench to hear matters). You (lawyers) want to work together, fine. You don't want to work together, fine. We are happy to enjoy vacations."

Senior counsel Kapil Sibal made it clear that he was not comfortable with the simultaneous hearing by three constitution benches, suggesting that one bench could follow the other.

"I did not know three benches will sit together. It should be one after the other," Sibal told the court, adding that he was withdrawing his consent to the hearing of the Whatsapp case.

"You can withdraw from everything," the bench told him.

A hearing on a matter during summer vacation takes place only when lawyers appearing for it give their consent.

--IANS

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One of the major shortcomings in Indias educational system, according to a senior faculty member at Art of Living, is the shortage of well qualified teachers.

"The Indian education system is not so bad, it is the people who are teaching are failures. Unless there is the real passion for teaching and some sort of financial background, good teachers don't get into education," Khurshed Batliwala told IANS.

Batliwala, along with Dinesh Ghodke has written "Ready Study Go" (HarperCollins, Rs 149 pp 264) a easy-to-read book that provides students a roadmap to excel in academics and develop a sense of love for the subjects.

"Most of the people who score 100 per cent in schools and colleges basically know nothing. There is a reason behind any and every logic, but the teachers, themselves being less knowledgeable are unable to generate the passion for learning, rather pushes for securing good grades," Batliwala, who has been associated with the Art of Living for 25 years, shared.

Batliwala also suggested that teachers need to be more innovative when it comes to imparting school texts.

"A teacher should bring up some creativity while teaching the school text books. Simply reading out the texts will never develop the logics behind any syllabus. Innovation and practical approach will always help students to understand subjects in better way," the 47-year-old author suggested.

Talking about the race for good grades that rules the education society, Batliwala said that one needs to understand great grades do not suggest that one is educated.

"Grades cannot be a parameter to judge a student's capabilities. A certificate or a mark-sheet should not become the identity of a student. Though it is not easy to change this perception so quickly, yet the process has begun. Company like Google don't ask for mark-sheet rather they go for skill test," he quipped.

Batliwala also expressed his belief in the much-known belief that along with educational institutions, parents also play an influential role in guiding their children for right education.

"Parents have to ask one question -- what did you learn? From the very young age make sure that when they return from school don't erupt with questions like how much did you score and what is your rank. Rather ask what are the things they got to learn from school, and you will start noticing the change in approach towards education," he maintained.

The process may have been slow but the author agreed that the parents in India are gradually coming to terms with allowing their children to pursue careers of their preferences and have started accepting professions beyond "engineers, doctors and lawyers".

He too had to face academic failures but it couldn't deter his spirit for learning and found a positive side to it.

"One of the good things that happened to me after I failed was I got much more time to study. So I took three years to finish the two years course. I could go deeper in to the subjects. Over time I developed the system of how to actually study, how to enjoy your work," he recalled.

Batliwala pursued his M.Sc in Mathematics from IIT-Powai. After completing his education he decided to "teach meditation and make people happy rather than teach mathematics and make people's life miserable."

If asked to suggest a 'success mantra' in short, what would it be?

"Don't be scared of failures. Many people don't even try something new because they are scared of it. Learn to take risks and follow your heart," Batliwala concluded.

(Somrita Ghosh can be contacted at somrita.g@ians.in)

--IANS

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The European Union will take stricter measures on the import of meat from Brazil, an EU official has said here.

After a meeting on Wednesday with Brazilian Agriculture Minister Blairo Maggi, EU Health and Food Safety Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis said the measures might include more credentials for meat imports, Xinhua news agency reported.

"We need an official and independent control system. We must have full confidence and create an immediate response scheme if there is a new crisis," said Andriukaitis.

"We suggest the (EU) member countries check every product entering their territory," Andriukaitis added.

He said that an upcoming EU agricultural meeting may impose new measures as well.

The EU is the third-largest consumer of Brazilian meat exports.

Andriukaitis said the independent control system to be established in Brazil should not be "under the influence of politicians and other actors."

This concern came after the federal police carried out the broadest operation on March 17.

Operation Carne Debil (Weak Meat) was the culmination of a two-year investigation that found a number of shocking practices, including bribing government officials to allow rotten produce to be exported and meat being chemically altered to mask bad smells.

Following this scandal, several countries, including South Korea, Japan, Chile, Egypt, Panama and Mexico announced a temporary suspension of Brazilian meat imports.

--IANS

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England all-rounder Ben Stokes has asserted that the exposure available in the Big Bash League (BBL) and the Indian Premier League (IPL) is missing in his native country.

Stokes, who was bought by Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS) for a whopping Rs 14.50 crore during last month's auction, will be making his IPL league debut this year.

The 25-year-old, who has played for Melbourne Renegades in the BBL in Australia, said playing against and alongside some of the top players in the world has helped him to improve his game.

"The exposure you get in the competitions like these (BBL and IPL), you don't get in England. You get to play and share dressing room with the best players in the world, which is missing there," Stokes told media persons here on Thursday.

Stokes was welcomed by RPS team owner Sanjeev Goenka, who presented the England all-rounder with the official team jersey alongside skipper Steve Smith and Ajinkya Rahane.

RPS will open their campaign against Mumbai Indians at home on April 6.

--IANS

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International chess federation FIDE Deputy President Georgios Makropoulos said on Wednesday that FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov should blame himself for the recent media buzz regarding his alleged resignation.

On Monday, FIDE's official website posted a statement on Ilyumzhinov's supposed resignation. It stated that FIDE's president supposedly announced his decision to step down at a meeting of the organisation's council in Athens on March 26. However, Ilyumzhinov rejected this report while talking to Tass news agency.

In a letter posted on the FIDE official website and addressed personally to Ilyumzhinov, Makropoulos said: "I would like to kindly remind you that this situation is a result of your own actions."

"You were advised before and during the meeting, by several board members present that the discussion was wrong, and that the FIDE presidential Board should not serve for you to try to resolve personal issues," Makropoulos said.

Ilyumzhinov told a news conference in Moscow earlier in the day that FIDE Executive Director Nigel Freeman and Makropoulos attempted to stage a coup within the federation and conspired to oust the federation's president from the post.

--IANS

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Ghanas Minister of Business Development, Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, has appealed to Indian investors to follow the footsteps of their predecessors and help develop the country with more investment.

Speaking at the first-ever "Indian Business Day", jointly organised by the Indian High Commission and the World Trade Centre (WTC) in Accra, Awal said agri-business, information and communication technology as well as infrastructure are the areas where the government will welcome investments.

"We want India to help us in our drive to build one factory in every district under the government's 'One Factory One District' initiative, as this will help us create employment," he said.

Awal said that the government is creating the right business environment for investment and called on Indian investors to come to Ghana.

The minister said: "The government is offering tax cuts, free education to produce skilled labour and is creating the right atmosphere to turn Ghana into a preferred investment hub in the West Africa region."

Awal said Ghana has lot to learn from the development of the small and medium enterprises in India and that he would want to see more investors to help grow the country's economy in order to provide more employment to the country's youth.

Encouraging more investment from India, Awal said Indian investors who are ready to come to Ghana, have nothing to fear as the country is already home to several of their compatriots who pay taxes.

"We are doing all we can to find a way of increasing the current trade volume between the two countries from $2 billion to $6 billion," the minister said.

Ashok Mohinani, Chief Executive of the Mohinani Group and an Indian investor who has been in Ghana since many years, said that his firm is one of the several success stories of Indians who have turned Ghana as their home.

"Our company has been here for 50 years," he said.

Mohinani said that for Ghana to turn itself into the "preferred investment hub", there is a need to focus on neighbouring countries, especially Ivory Coast, and to learn from them ways to attract investors.

He also said that Ghana should find a way of aligning its political system with the country's economy, so that changes in the government does not affect economic programmes that have been put in place.

(Francis Kokutse can be contacted at fkokutse@ians.in)

--IANS

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Condemning the attacks on Nigerians in Greater Noida earlier this week, a senior official on Thursday said that the government is in touch with the Nigerian High Commission here in this connection.

"It is clear that such criminal acts are completely unacceptable and have been condemned," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said in his weekly media briefing here.

"We are engaged with the concerned authorities as well as the students," he said.

The spokesperson said that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has spoken to Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath about this while Minister of State for External Affairs M.J. Akbar spoke to the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria.

"Law enforcement authorities of the district have made arrests and a large number of people are under watch. The investigation is on and the law of the land will prevail," he stated.

The attack on Nigerian students took place on Monday night in Greater Noida, some 40 km from the Indian capital, following protests over the death of a Class 12 student of a residential colony there due to drug overdose. Some people who were holding a candle-light vigil for the student attacked the Nigerians suspecting them of drug running.

Five people were arrested for the attacks.

Baglay also said that the External Affairs Ministry was in touch with the district administration of Gautam Buddha Nagar which has enhanced the security in the area immediately and made it 24 by 7 for the time being.

He said that on March 28, the District Magistrate held a meeting of the residents and foreign students' associations in the presence of the representatives from the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi.

"We are in touch with the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi. The students who were hurt during the incident have been treated in a local hospital and have already been released."

The spokesperson said incidents like this "represent the action of uninformed and misguide few".

"They do not detract from the deep belief of the government and the people of India of Vasudeva Kutumbakam," he stated.

"We will continue to welcome African people including students and youth as valuable partners," Baglay said, adding that India's engagement with Africa would continue to grow.

--IANS

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Hailing the passage of four GST Bills in the Lok Sabha as a step closer to the implementation, industry stakeholders on Thursday said that the government needs to step up work on fitment of commodities in slabs to ensure a smooth roll-out by July 1.

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the much-awaited Central Goods and Services (GST) Bill, Integrated GST Bill, Compensation GST Bill and Union Territory GST Bill, 2017, after negating all the amendments put forward by the Opposition.

"The passage of key enabling laws by Parliament would bring the revolutionary Goods and Services (GST) closer to becoming a reality," said Sandeep Jajodia, President, Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham).

"It is up to the industry, Centre and the state governments to work on a tight deadline for a smooth roll-out of the GST," Jajodia added.

"The GST Council and the government administration must now step up work on the final details and fitments of different tax brackets," he said.

Pratik Jain, Partner and National Leader - Indirect Tax at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) India, said that in terms of next step, focus would now be shifting to finalisation of rules which are to be taken up in the GST Council meeting on March 31.

"Finalisation of these rules is necessary for the businesses to prepare for the transition, particularly in terms of IT and systems related changes," Jain said.

"It is likely that suggestions of the working groups constituted last week for a few sectors would be taken into account while finalising the rules," he added.

Also, the industry would be keenly awaiting finalisation of GST rates, an exercise which may entail intense debate within the GST Council over next one month or so.

PwC lauded the passage of GST Bills with extensive debating in the Lok Sabha, despite some bit of political resistance. Being a Money Bill, concurrence of the Rajya Sabha is not needed for the bills to become effective.

"However, government should perhaps note the concerns raised by opposition, particularly those relating to tax administration, impact of multiple rate structure and possible impact on sectors which are to be excluded from GST -- like agriculture and petroleum," Jain said.

The comments come in as the Lok Sabha on Thursday rejected amendments to the Finance Bill.

Rajeev Dimri, Leader, Indirect Tax, BMR and Associates LLP, said, "GST Bills as passed by Lok Sabha should provide enough material to India Inc to start implementing GST for the business."

"Now it is important that supporting rules are finalised by the GST Council in its next few meetings, and should be released at the earliest to enable the businesses to align their compliance and regulatory processes," Dimri said.

For the businesses to precisely assess the financial impact, it is also essential for the policy-makers to provide clarity on the applicable tax rates for various sectors, he said.

Rakesh Bhargava, Director, Taxmann.com, said that as the government has decided to bring these bills in the Lok Sabha as Money Bills, the Rajya Sabha can only suggest changes to them. However, the Lok Sabha is not bound to accept.

"Now, it will be merely a formality to get final nod of Parliament to make the GST Law. The government has emphasised in the Lok Sabha that it wants the consensus of all parties to pass GST bills," he said.

"Since, this session of Parliament will end on April 12, it has to be passed in this Budget Session in order to get it implemented from July 1, otherwise this deadline will not be achieved," Bhargava added.

Anshuman Magazine, Chairman, India and South East Asia of the commercial real estate services CBRE, said: "This is a significant moment in our country's economic history. With the passage of India's biggest tax reform in decades, we will become a unified market, with one tax for all goods and services."

"Once implemented, GST will significantly ease the ambiguity around our taxation system, promote ease of doing business, encourage more Foreign Direct Investment and stimulate overall growth of the economy," Magazine said.

Sachin Sandhir, Global Managing Director - Emerging Business, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, said: "We congratulate the government for clearing the path for the roll-out of the GST from July 1. While GST was not fundamentally designed with the real estate sector in mind, the sector will gain from it."
The Gujarat High Court on Thursday stayed the summons issued by the Gujarat railway police against Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan in connection with death of a youth at Vadodara railway station when the actor was promoting his film "Raees".

Shah Rukh was travelling by the August Kranti Express from Mumbai to Delhi to promote his film. When the train halted and he emerged to wave at the crowd outside, there was a stampede at the railway platform.

Between all this and a police lathicharge to disperse the crowd, a Vadodara resident, Farid Khan, suffered a heart attack and died. When the issue reached Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, he asked the state DGP of railway police to investigate the incident.

Following this, the railway police had issued summons on the actor. Khan moved the Gujarat High Court on Wednesday pleading innocence in the incident.

Justice J.B. Pardiwala stayed the summons on Thursday and issued notice on the railway police and the State government. However, the court wondered that if the actor could come to Gujarat to promote his film why not on a call by the police.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Central government has cleared a proposal worth Rs 8,000 crore for acquiring 32 advanced light helicopters (ALH) to boost maritime security capabilities of the Indian Navy (IN) and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

Of the 32 helicopters to be built by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), both the maritime services would get 16 each.

The performance based logistics (PBL) support for five years for 16 helicopters for the Coast Guard is the unique feature of this contract.

"The PBL is the purchase of logistics support as an integrated, affordable, performance package designed to optimise system readiness and meet performance goals for the product through long-term support arrangements with clear lines of authority and responsibility," HAL Chairman and Managing Director T. Suvarna Raju said in a statement on Thursday.

The contracts were signed by HAL General Manager (Helicopter Division) V. Natarajan and Defence Ministry Joint Secretary Jayant Sinha, who is also the Acquisition Manager, in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Senior executives from HAL, the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard were present on the occasion.

The PBL is emerging as a preferred acquisition strategy for defence acquisition and asset management. It ensures the availability of products to the customer while the responsibility gets transferred to the contractor.

The PBL envisages rewards or penalties based on the performance.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Nikki Haley, the US Permanent Representative to the UN, has claimed that her mother was not allowed to be a judge in India because she was a woman, while in fact women have been judges in the country since at least 1937.

Answering a question about the role of women at a meeting of the Council on Foreign Relations on Wednesday, she said, "When you didn't have a lot of education in India, my mother actually was able to go to law school. And she was actually put up to be one of the first female judges in India, but because of the situation with women she wasn't allowed to sit on the bench."

"But how amazing for her to watch her daughter become governor of South Carolina and US ambassador to the UN," she added.

Haley's parents, Ajit Singh and Raj Kaur Randhwa, reportedly emigrated from India in the 1960s. But more than two decades earlier a woman, Anna Chandy, had become a judge in Travancore in pre-Independence India.

Chandy was promoted to District Judge in 1948, the year after Independence, and became a High Court judge in 1959. Chandy was able to sit on the bench and function as a judge all through -- years before Haley's parents left India.

UN Ambassador is a cabinet-level position in the US and Haley is the first Indian-American to reach that position. A Republican, she was the elected Governor of South Carolina state in 2010.

Haley said that she is "proud" to be the daughter Indian immigrants who believe the family is "blessed" to be American.

Prefacing her answer to a question about President Donald Trump's attempts to temporarily restrict people from six Muslim-majority countries and refugees coming to the US, she said, "I am the proud daughter of Indian immigrants, who reminded my brothers, my sister and me every day how blessed we were to be in this country."

"I do believe that the fabric of America is legal immigration. That is what makes the US so fantastic," she said.

Haley's father is an agricultural scientist and a professor, while her mother is a businesswoman.

Haley denied that Trump's attempts to restrict people coming in from the six countries was based on religion and pointed out that several Muslim-majority countries were not covered by it.

"I don't think that's what this is," she said.

"If that were the case, there are another dozen, you know, Muslim countries that could have been on the list."

She said that nothing should be banned based on religion.

"We will never close our doors in the US. We won't. But what we did do was take a pause."

Because of the difficulty to properly vet people from those six countries and the refugees, Trump had wanted the temporary ban.

"This is not about not wanting people in," she said adding that it was about keeping the terrorists out.

She noted that her husband, Michael Haley, a captain in the Army National Guard who served in Afghanistan, helped two Afghan interpreters and their families immigrate to the US.

The difference was that they could be properly vetted, but it was not possible in all refugees cases and the administration was stopping them till the problem could be resolved.

A US court has stayed Trumps orders temporarily banning people from six countries coming to the US.

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in)

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Rajya Sabha on Thursday witnessed heated arguments between the opposition and treasury benches, with the Congress alleging that the BJP manipulated a majority in the Goa and Manipur assemblies.

The Congress also demanded a discussion on the issue under substantive motion that it has already submitted.

The matter was raised by Congress leader Digvijay Singh, who requested Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien to arrange a discussion.

"My substantive motion is pending for the past two weeks. I am asking (for discussion) in the interest of the people of Manipur and Goa," he said.

Kurien then asked Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi to pass on the information to the government. Naqvi agreed to let House Leader and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley know.

Digvijay Singh's demand for a discussion was supported by Tapan Kumar Sen of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M).

Sen said Digvijay Singh had submitted substantive motion "as per your advise" and there should be discussion on it.

Intervening, Opposition Leader in the House Ghulam Nabi Azad said: "The urgency of the subject is lost."

He said the BJP "manipulated a majority" in Goa and Manipur despite finishing second in both states after assembly elections.

"Manipur and Goa Chief Ministers are not duly elected," Azad charged.

Naqvi reacted sharply to this, saying the Congress did stake a claim to form the government in the two states for a long time.

Digvijay Singh has been raising the issue repeatedly in the Rajya Sabha.

He has been told by the Chair that the matter was being "examined" by the Rajya Sabha Chairman and he would be informed when a discussion could be held.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Tobacco Institute of India (TII) has urged the government to slap high taxation on the cigarette smuggling syndicates under the GST norms aimed at curbing the illegal industry.

The TII -- a representative organisation of manufacturers, farmers, exporters -- has also said that the step will provide relief to distressed tobacco farmers, the legal cigarette industry and also inject buoyancy in revenue collection from this sector.

India is the fourth largest illegal cigarette market in the world.

According to TII, since contraband products do not use locally grown tobaccos, illegal trade affects demand for domestic tobaccos, thereby impacting the earnings and livelihood of tobacco farmers in the country.

"The illegal trade in cigarettes in India, like the rest of the world, is controlled by criminal and terrorist organisations. Internationally, it has been determined that profits from cigarette smuggling have been used to fund criminal and terrorist activities posing a huge threat to national security," the TII said in a statement.

Legal cigarettes in India account for just 11 per cent of the overall tobacco consumption.

The rest 89 per cent is represented by traditional products like chewing tobacco and 'bidis'.

"The Goods and Services Tax bill presents a unique opportunity to the government to address the growing illegal trade in the country," said TII Director Syed Mahmood Ahmad.

He said that recent seizures of smuggled cigarettes by enforcement agencies are only "the tip of the iceberg of a much larger and threatening operation".

On March 17, Customs officials seized illegal cigarettes worth Rs 10.38 lakh in Coimbatore soon after seizing Rs 38.65 lakh on March 15.

On March 3, Directorate of Revenue (DRI) officials arrested three individuals for illegal possession of a large consignment of foreign brands worth Rs 15 crore in Noida.

On January 31, smuggled cigarettes valued at Rs 2.2 crore were seized in raids at Mumbai's Nhava Sheva port.

On January 3, a joint team of State Tobacco Control and the police intercepted cigarette packs being sold openly in a Chandigarh mall without the required pictorial warning.

Illegal trade in cigarettes in the last five years has seen a huge surge.

A report by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) estimates the overall market for illegal cigarettes in India at a significant 20.2 per cent, resulting in a huge revenue loss of Rs 9,139 crore to the national exchequer.

--IANS

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(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 Himachal Pradesh government on Thursday introduced an amendment bill in the assembly to ensure safety of doctors on duty in government hospitals and dispensaries by making the offence of assault non-bailable.

Health Minister Kaul Singh introduced the bill to amend section four of the Himachal Pradesh Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act of 2009.

He said the Himachal Pradesh Medical Officers Association demanded that the offence under the act should be cognizable and non-bailable.

In view of the increased incidences of violence against medical officers on duty, it has been decided to make the offence cognizable and non-bailable, punishable with imprisonment up to three years, he said.

The bill is likely to be listed for debate and passing in the assembly on March 31.

In January, patient care in over 700 government hospitals and dispensaries in the state was hit as more than 3,000 doctors went on strike for a day over their demands, including safety of doctors and pay parity.

However, emergency services worked in the state's major hospitals.

The doctors association had claimed that a doctor after facing humiliation from politically connected people in a hospital in Una suffered a heart attack.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
It may be easy to carry on a conversation with Siri on your iPhone or your Google assistant from your living room as they can help fill a void when you feel lonely.

But, according to a new study, these humanlike products keep people from seeking out normal human interaction -- which is typically how people try to recover from loneliness - thus negatively affecting their social needs.

"Generally, when people feel socially excluded, they seek out other ways of compensating, like exaggerating their number of Facebook friends or engaging in prosocial behaviours to seek out interaction with other people," said Jenny Olson, Assistant Professor at the University of Kansas in the US.

However, "when you introduce a human-like product, those compensatory behaviours stop", Olson rued.

The study, published the in the Journal of Consumer Research, showed evidence that people who felt socially excluded would exhibit these compensating behaviours unless they were given the opportunity to interact with an anthropomorphic product.

In the study, the participants were asked to play an online game of "catch" in which other participants who were computerised, unknown to them.

After engaging with a Roomba vacuum whose design made it seem like it was smiling or when asked to think about their cellphone in humanlike terms, participants would not feel the need to plan to spend time talking to family or friends, the researchers noted.

Nevertheless, the ability for these products to replace human contact has its limits because certain statements seemed to snap participants back to reality.

"As soon as we tell people we know that it looks like the Roomba is smiling, they seemed to realize it was a machine and not a person," Olson said.

"The effect goes away. This seems to be happening on a very subconscious level," he added.

The research could be important for consumers to realise how these types of products could thwart their motivation to interact with real people, especially because so many new products feature interactivity.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Veteran BJP leader Hridaya Narain Dixit was on Thursday elected unopposed as the speaker of Uttar Pradesh's 17th state assembly.

He had filed his nomination on Wednesday in the presence of Chief Minister Aditya Nath Yogi.

After a hiatus of more than a decade, Dixit returned to in 2016 shortly before the state assembly elections when he was named the chief spokesman of the state unit of the BJP.

He also contested the 2017 assembly elections from Bhagwant Nagar constituency in Unnao and won with a sizeable margin.

Earlier, Dixit was a parliamentary affairs minister. He first became an MLA in 1985 as an independent.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hundreds of expats with residency and labour violations thronged passport offices as the Kingdom's three-month amnesty period for visa violators began.

The 90-day amnesty began on Wednesday and during this period, the violators were allowed to leave the Kingdom without paying any fines or facing any penalties, Saudi Gazette reported.

Indian Embassy officials in Riyadh made elaborate arrangements to receive a large number of amnesty seekers. Ambassador Ahmad Javed interacted with the visitors and officials to ensure a hassle-free service to all.

Speaking to Saudi Gazette, Counsellor Anil Nautiyal said the embassy staff and volunteers were doing "a perfect job."

Nautiyal appealed to all undocumented Indians to utilise the amnesty. Over 350 applicants approached the Indian consulate for the help on the first day of the amnesty.

According to the report, violators can benefit from the amnesty by booking an appointment for processing exit visa formalities through the Ministry of Interior website (www.moi.gov.sa).

The move came as a big relief to thousands of expatriates who were in a dilemma till Tuesday.

The Mecca region, which had the largest number of visa violators in the Kingdom, was equipped to deal with the rush of applicants, according to reports.

"Everything is working as planned," Mohammed Al-Hussain, spokesperson of Makkah region Jawazat, told Saudi Gazette.

Taif, Qunfudah and Rabigh are other offices where applicants can approach besides Shumaisy, he said.

Foreign missions also made appropriate arrangements to assist their nationals.

The Philippine consulate in Jeddah and embassy in Riyadh were running camps to help applicants.

In Riyadh region, passport offices have been equipped in Malaz in the city, Al-Kharj, Wadi Dawassir, Al-Majmah, Dawadmi, Al-Zulfi, Afif, Shaqra and Al-Quyaita to receive applicants.

In the Eastern Province, arrangements have been made in Dammam, Al-Khafji, Al-Ahsa and Hafar Al-Batin, according to Talal Al-Sholhoub, spokesperson of Directorate General of Passports in Riyadh.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India moved swiftly to assure Nigeria of action over attacks on four Nigerian students as Abuja summoned the Indian envoy to express displeasure over the incident and reminded that it was not the first such occurrence.

In Abuja, Sola Enikanolaiye, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, summoned Indian High Commissioner Nagabushana Reddy on Wednesday to voice displeasure over the attack.

He said the Indian High Commissioner "informed of concrete steps taken" by the Indian government to address the incident and also promised justice.

The Indian High Commissioner also expressed his regret over the "deplorable attacks" and promised that they would do all to prevent reoccurrence, according to the Nigerian Foreign Office.

Not mincing his words, Enikanolaiye told Reddy: "We think this should not have happened considering the excellent relationship between two of us - the two countries have things in common and have been great friends."

He also said that the concern of the ministry is that such a matter should not be allowed to cloud the relationship between the two countries.

"This is not the first time this would happen; Nigerians have suffered similar attack in the past; so, what we will like to see on this occasion is that the perpetrator should be arrested.

"And we want to see diligent prosecution so that it would serve as a deterrent to those who think they can take laws into their hands and harass students who are going about their studies," the top Nigerian official said.

The development comes as the 55-nation African Union (AU) on Thursday said it was extremely appalled by the attacks.

The pan-African bloc deplored the violence unleashed during the attack and welcomed the assurances of the Indian government to conduct a "fair and impartial" probe and urged the authorities to expedite the investigations.

The attack on Nigerian students took place on Monday night in Greater Noida, some 40 km from the Indian capital, following protests over the death of a Class 12 student of a residential colony there due to drug overdose. Some people who were holding a candle-light vigil for the student attacked the Nigerians suspecting them of drug running.

Five people were arrested for the attacks.

In New Delhi, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday assured of an impartial probe and promised action against the guilty. Sushma Swaraj said she has spoken to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath Yogi, in whose state the incident occurred.

India's Ministry of External Affairs reiterated its condemnation of the attacks on Nigerians and said the government is in touch with the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi in this connection.

"It is clear that such criminal acts are completely unacceptable and have been condemned," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said in his weekly media briefing.

"The students who were hurt during the incident have been treated in a local hospital and have already been released."

The spokesperson said incidents like this "represent the action of uninformed and misguide few".

"They do not detract from the deep belief of the government and the people of India of Vasudeva Kutumbakam," he stated.

"We will continue to welcome African people including students and youth as valuable partners," Baglay said, adding that India's engagement with Africa would continue to grow.

"Law enforcement authorities of the district have made arrests and a large number of people are under watch. The investigation is on and the law of the land will prevail," he stated.

The MEA spokesperson also said that Kenyan authorities believe that a woman from their country who claimed to have been assaulted in Greater Noida on Wednesday may not actually have been.

He said during a meeting with Kenyan authorities it was "conveyed to us that the understanding of Kenyan authorities is that the reported incident of attack on the Kenyan woman in question does not correspond to reality".

Amnesty International in Nigeria, reacting to the attacks, said in a Twitter post "Why would people face such terror because of the colour of their skin?... Living in India must not become a life-threatening issue for black people".

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India and Nepal will soon sign a Memorandum of Intent (MoI) to facilitate a pilot run for the movement of traffic-in-transit.

"An MoI on India-Nepal Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) pilot run will soon be signed by India and Nepal to facilitate movement of traffic-in-transit belonging to Nepal from the port of arrival in India to Nepal. The pilot aims to demonstrate the benefits, especially in terms of reduced costs, of the ECTS system," the Finance Ministry said in a statement here on Thursday.

Currently clearance is done through physical inspection which is time consuming as well as costly.

The MoI will include the use of ECTS to follow the cargo (containers and full-body trucks) as it moves from the port of arrival through India, to the Nepal border.

The ECTS will lead to reduced cost and save time as it speeds up cargo clearance at border crossings.

The ECTS uses technology such as satellite positioning systems, cellular communications, radio frequency (RF) identification, web-based software and others, to ensure the security of the cargo and avoid any interference in transit.

The pilot project will be supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Trade Facilitation Strategic Framework, and its success will serve as the basis for its use in other SASEC corridors as well as in inland movement of cargo.

ECTS pilots have already been done along the Kolkata-Jaigaon-Phuentsholing route between India and Bhutan, and for inland trans-shipment in India.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The UN has denied that the Indian government was preventing the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan from making reports.

Asked by a reporter on Thursday if the UNMOGIP was not making periodic reports "because the Indian government does not allow them to," Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq denied that there were any constraints imposed by India.

He said the mission had different mandates and was not required to file reports like some of the other missions.

"Different peace-keeping missions have different mandates, and including different reporting mandates," Haq said.

"The earliest peacekeeping missions that include UN Monitoring Group India Pakistan (UNMOGIP) and the UN Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO), come from a different era where they have completely different reporting requirements."

Some of the recent UN operations submit periodic reports at three to six month intervals, in addition to others dealing with specific developments.

UNMOGIP, originally set up in 1948 as the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP), is tasked by the Security Council with monitoring the Line of Control.

Pakistan, though, has tried unsuccessfully to involve it in the internal matters of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.

While allowing the UNMOGIP to function, India has maintained that it no longer has any relevance because under the 1972 Simla Agreement New Delhi and Islamabad agreed to deal with their differences bilaterally.

UNMOGIP is headed by Swedish Major General Per Gustaf Lodin and has only 38 military personnel.

Haq said that Guterres was monitoring the situation in Kashmir and is concerned about the developments there, but has no plans for a visit.

Asked by a reporter in the context of the current visit by Guterres to Iraq to assess the situation there if he was concerned about the Kashmir situation, Haq said: "He can pay attention without necessarily visiting."

"Even when he does not visit countries, though, he is aware of the problems there and we have, as you know, many levels of officials, including country level officials who are there to deal with the various problems that arise."

"The basic point is we have concerns about the situation in Kashmir," Haq added.

"We do monitor the situation and we have different levels of contacts with governments of India and of Pakistan."

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in)

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral ties with the African nations of Zimbabwe and Zambia over the course of meetings held in the last couple of weeks, the External Affairs Ministry said on Thursday.

"The first round of Foreign Office consultations with Zimbabwe and the second round of Foreign Office consultations with Zambia were held on March 20 and March 24 respectively," the ministry said in a statement.

It said in each of the meetings, "the two sides discussed the entire gamut of issues, including high-level political exchanges, development cooperation programmes, projects under IAFS (India Africa Forum Summit) mechanism, discussion on international forums, cooperation in the multilateral forums and trade, economic and commercial matters".

"Both sides also exchanged views on issues of regional and global importance while acknowledging the commonality of positions on matters of reform of international institutions and cooperation in regional grouping," the statement said.

"The Foreign Office Consultations have also enabled to lay a roadmap for further enhanced cooperation in view of India's outreach to Africa post the IAFS-III Summit (held in New Delhi in 2015)."

External Affairs Ministry Joint Secretary Neena Malhotra, in charge of Eastern and Southern Africa, led the Indian side while the Zimbabwean side was led by Ambassador Jonathan Wutawunashe and the Zambian side was led by Chalwe Lombe, Permanent Secretary in the Zambian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
More and more countries joining China's Belt and Road initiative is proving embarrassing to India, which has opposed the route as it sees geopolitics in everything, a Chinese expert said on Thursday.

Lin Min Wang, Fellow with the Institute of International Studies of Fudan University, said India should stop opposing the Chinese-proposed Belt and Road initiative.

Writing in the Global Times, Lin said it was "high time to abandon the cliche mentality of associating everything with geopolitics. India will surely see a different world if it does".

A mega conference will be held in Beijing in May on the One Belt and One Road, a dream project of President Xi Jinping, which envisages linking Asia with Europe. Twenty heads of state and government will attend the summit.

New Delhi is yet to confirm its participation in the gathering.

India is opposed to the $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a key part of the Belt and Road that passes through Pakistan-controlled Kashmir which is claimed by New Delhi.

"India sees the Belt and Road initiative as a geopolitical competition. The official reason the Indian government rejected the offer to join the initiative is that it is designed to pass Kashmir, a disputed area between India and Pakistan.

"However, it is just an unfounded excuse as Beijing has been maintaining a consistent position on the Kashmir issue, which has never changed."

"New Delhi may also feel embarrassed as Moscow has actively responded to the Belt and Road initiative and will build an economic corridor with China and Mongolia.

"Since the beginning of this year, there have been reports on Russia and Iran seeking to join the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which (may) put India in a more awkward position."

"On the one hand, India hopes to deepen economic cooperation with China to promote its 'Made in India' campaign, while on the other, it is concerned about China's expanding influence over South Asia.

"Considering the Belt and Road initiative from a geopolitical perspective inevitably complicates the issue...

"Whether to continue to boycott or join the Belt and Road remains a conundrum for New Delhi."

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Indian Ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna, has met Senator Bernie Sanders and discussed bilateral ties between the two countries.

A tweet by the Indian Embassy in the US on Wednesday said: "Ambassador Navtej Sarna warmly received by Sen. Bernie Sanders; enjoyed discussing positive outlook for Indian economy, strong #IndiaUSbonds & shared regional perspectives."

According to the embassy, the Sarna-Sanders meeting was restricted to discussions on US-India relationship, Indian economy and a few other issues, The American Bazaar Online reported.

Sanders, who is the longest-serving independent in the US congressional history, had lost to his fellow Democrat Hillary Clinton during the 2016 Democratic primaries.

He is now serving his second term in the US Senate after winning re-election in 2012 with 71 per cent of the vote.

Sanders and US President Donald Trump are on opposite sides when it comes to some of the major decisions taken by the latter. Sanders had attacked Trump's position on climate change and called it "pathetic and an embarrassment to the world".

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Japan has evinced interest in investing in Punjab and partnering the state across key segments of growth and development.

A high-level Japanese delegation, which included the Japanese envoy to India, Kenji Hiramatsu, and Mitsubishi Managing Director Kazunori Konishi, met Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh here on Thursday to discuss a range of possible areas of investment and collaboration.

A spokesman for the state government described the discussions as preliminary but added that it will pave the way for more intensive discussions in future.

Mitsubishi officials made a presentation to the Chief Minister, listing several important areas for possible investment.

These included Power, Smart Cities, (Automated Guideway Transit), Industrial Parks and Captive Power Plants, besides strengthening of some existing projects.

The Chief Minister showed interest in having a rapid transportation alternative for easy commuting for people in congested cities like Ludhiana, Amritsar and Jalandhar.

Amarinder also discussed development of roads and highways as a key step towards improvement of Punjab's infrastructure.

"Another important area that came up for discussion during the meeting was improvement in agriculture and horticulture, with the Chief Minister noting that despite small land holdings, Japanese farmers were able to deliver high yields," the spokesman said.

The grave problem of stubble burning in Punjab was also discussed, with the Japanese team offering solutions, based on their own experience of destroying stubble in a safe and eco-friendly way.

Punjab has been witnessing exodus of industry from the state in the past over one decade owing to tax holiday offered in neighbouring states like Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Kenyan woman who claimed she was assaulted by a group of men in Greater Noida may have lied about the attack, police said on Thursday.

Police officers in Greater Noida IANS spoke to said "no such incident" occurred on Wednesday morning and the victim may have made a "wrong statement" because she appeared depressed.

Maria Burendi, a student, alleged she was pulled out of an Ola cab around 4.30 a.m. near Alstonia Apartments in Knowledge Park of the satellite town near Delhi when she was returning home after meeting a friend.

The woman, in her 20s, alleged that she was slapped and kicked in her abdomen by 10-12 men at Greater Noida in Gautam Budh Nagar district.

Superintendent of Police Sujata Singh told IANS that it was a "false case".

She said since the matter pertained to a foreigner and involved the foreign offices of India and Kenya, "we are waiting for a government order to expunge the FIR".

Sujata Singh said they were also informed by the President of the Association of African Students in India that the woman may be "lying because of depression".

Circle Officer Abhinandan Singh said the woman was depressed due to a family problem and had a fight with one of her friends on the night she reported the incident.

"She fabricated the story and tried to relate the matter with the recent attacks on Nigerians," Abhinandan Singh told IANS, referring to a series of shocking attacks on Nigerian students in Greater Noida on Monday.

"The driver of the Ola cab, in which the Kenyan woman travelled on Wednesday morning, confirmed it was a fabricated story and refuted her allegations."

The Circle Officer said the woman has been constantly giving contradictory statements since "we questioned the cab driver to know the reality".

"The woman had alleged that the driver fled from the spot without taking the payment when she was attacked. But he gave us a Rs 120 invoice paid by the woman.

"She reported that the incident occurred around 4.30 a.m. while the driver's statement and the (Global Positioning System) GPS location of the cab revealed that she travelled in the cab between 5.50 a.m. and 6 a.m."

Abhinandan Singh said a policeman -- in charge of a checkpost -- found the woman on the street on Monday although the situation was tense in the area after the assault on Nigerians.

"The officer dropped the woman at her apartment and gave her his number for any emergency. Why didn't the woman call the officer when she was attacked?" he asked.

Police registered a case of rioting, unlawful assembly, criminal intimidation and voluntarily causing hurt of the Indian Penal Code after the incident was reported by the Kenyan woman.

She also reported injuries and was then taken to Kailash Hospital in Greater Noida, which houses many colleges and universities where thousands of foreign nationals study. She was discharged after a first aid.

(Rajnish Singh can be contacted at rajnish.s@ians.in)

--IANS

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The Malaysian government on Thursday struck a deal with North Korea for the return of nine of its citizens previously barred from leaving Pyongyang, in exchange for the body of Kim Jong-nam, the slain half-brother of North Koreas leader.

Kim Jong-nam was assassinated at Kuala Lumpur Airport last month with a lethal nerve agent banned by the UN as a weapon of mass destruction.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said that nine Malaysians, three diplomats and their six family members, were expected to return on Friday, the Malay Mail Online reported.

"Many challenges were overcome to ensure the return of our fellow Malaysians. The safety and security of our citizens will always be my first priority," Najib, who is on a five-day working visit to India, said in a statement.

He said: "In addition, following the completion of the autopsy on the deceased and receipt of a letter from his family requesting the remains be returned to North Korea, the coroner has approved the release of the body."

The body will be returned to the family in North Korea, KCNA news agency said, adding that both countries would lift reciprocal bans on travel by citizens and guarantee their safety.

Kim's body was believed to be on Malaysia Airlines flight MH360 to Beijing, en route to North Korea.

The Malaysians left Pyongyang in a Royal Malaysian Air Force business jet, which headed immediately west out of North Korean airspace before turning south towards Malaysia, according to flight tracking website planefinder.net.

The agreement was reached after recent talks between the two countries in Kuala Lumpur, Najib's statement added.

A statement by the North Korean government released simultaneously said both countries managed to "resolve issues arising from the death of a North Korea national" in Malaysia at a meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

--IANS

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A Maoist camp was destroyed by the security personnel in Jharkhand's Giridih district and one of its commanders arrested in Khuti on Thursday, the state police said.

The arrested Maoist commander, Soma Munda, carried a reward of Rs 50,000 on his head. The police have seized Rs 48,000 from his possession collected as levy.

According to the police, the Maoist camp in Madhuban in Giridih was destroyed in a joint operation of the police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

The police had received information about the presence of Maoist guerrillas of Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand at the camp.

Police sources said a group of Maoists was holding a meeting, but they escaped when the camp was raided.

The police have seized Maoist literature and other incriminating documents.

Maoist guerrillas are active in 18 of the 24 districts of the state.

--IANS

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Microsoft Philanthropies, created a year ago, on Thursday said it has contributed a total of over $10 million towards community development in India last year.

This contribution includes both cash and technology investments to transform the way nonprofit organisations deliver impact in India, offer educational opportunities to newcomers, and extend support during humanitarian crises.

Microsoft Philanthropies was created to bring the benefits of technology to people in need.

"As India moves on the path of becoming a digitally empowered society, at Microsoft we believe technology is a powerful force for improving people's lives and solving India's key challenges," Microsoft India Associate General Counsel Madhu Khatri said in a statement.

"Cloud computing has emerged as a vital resource for addressing the world's problems, helping fuel breakthroughs across the full-range of economic and social challenges. These technologies will help serve the mission of Microsoft Philanthropies to drive digital inclusion and empowerment in India and across the world," Kahtri added.

--IANS

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A Philippine MP on Thursday filed a fresh impeachment complaint against President Rodrigo Duterte for his alleged "betrayal" of the country in a territorial dispute with China.

Congressman Gary Alejano appended it to the first impeachment complaint filed by him on March 16 to start impeachment proceedings against Duterte for his alleged involvement in murders and other crimes, Efe news reported.

The opposition lawmaker, in his fresh complaint, accused Duterte of failing to keep his promise on the Scarborough atoll issue and signing secret agreements with China, according to the document showed by Alejano after presenting it to the lower house of Parliament.

The complainant said Duterte "has permitted China to trample upon our country's rights and interest, and those of our people, apparently because he is afraid to offend his Chinese friends and/or because he has already made secret deals with them, to the grave and utter prejudice of our nation".

The complaint comes after Duterte, who has strengthened his relations with Beijing since taking power in June, admitted he cannot stop Beijing's activities in the South China Sea, disputed by six countries in the region.

Duterte was also criticised for refraining from claiming sovereignty over the Scarborough atoll, an area where Philippine fishermen have traditionally worked and which is now occupied by China, despite the Arbitration Court in the Hague ruling in Manila's favour last year.

The fresh motion is unlikely to garner much support as out of the 292 MPs, at least 267 are allies of Duterte.

In the original complaint, the opposition lawmaker sought Duterte's impeachment on the grounds of the alleged murders ordered by the President when he was the mayor of Davao as well as more than 7,000 killings as a part of his war on drugs.

--IANS

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Film: 'Naam Shabana'; Director: Shivum Nair; Starring: Tapsee Pannu, Manoj Bajpayee, Prithvi Raj, Akshay Kumar; Rating:****

For a superstar who gallantly steps back to let the female hero of this gripping-from-the-word- go thriller, take centrestage, it is rather unchivalrous of Akshay Kumar to be billed in the end-titles before the awesome Tapsee Pannu.

She rules the bustling intrigue-filled universe of this film.

After "Pink", Tapsee is again in startling form as Shabana Khan, an ordinary girl with extraordinary resilience who, when pushed into a corner, hits back. Hits back really hard.

The thing about Tapsee is, she is never caught acting. I could only see this steel-willed imperturbable spunky girl onscreen. Shabana is seen to live in a crowded Muslim locality of Delhi, shot by cameraman Sudhir Palsane with rigorous authenticity. As Shabana strides across the screen with a confidence that comes from a place opposite to emotional/economic security, we sometimes catch passersby staring at her. This could be gawkers looking at Tapsee. Or Shabana's neighbours watching her in admiration.

"Naam Shabana" takes the risk of exposing itself to crowds. A lot of the gripping narrative unfolds on crowded streets. Nair cuts the scenes in motions of anguished urgency where we at once sense the protagonist's need to avenge the wrongs done to her in the past and in the immediate here-and-now.

"Naam Shabana" constantly runs on two levels. The backstory to the espionage drama is bolstered by the heroine's constant wrestle with her conscience. Shabana wants to let us into her feelings. But the minute we accept her invitation, she clams up. Tapsee plays this introvert with a compelling combination of reticence and transparency.

It is a remarkable performance but then this is a remarkable film. The two halves of the narrative are almost like two different films, both equally irresistible. But constructed under differing circumstances. The first half is devoted to building a relationship for the loner heroine with a boy(Taher Mithaiwala) who won't take no for an answer, and then dismantling her hope for love. The second-half constructs a brisk bracing spy thriller with Malayalam star Prithvi Raj pitching in a gritty menacing turn as a nasty international villain.It is here that the action explodes on the screen with optimum impact.

It all comes together in ways that are both unexpected and satisfying with Manoj Bajpayee playing the mouthpiece of a faceless governmental organization that recruits spunky fearless youngsters to fight battles that cannot be fought legally. I wish the scenes featuring Manoj and Tapsee were fleshed out with more fury and less sardonicism.

In what could possibly be the most revealing dialogue on the Islamic identity in times of terrorism, Manoj's character explains to Shabana Khan how her Muslim identity can be helpful in infiltrating restricted areas of counter-constitutional activity.

The scenes are cleverly written and Akshay Kumar's extended cameo is a sure-shot crowdpleaser. The film also has some savagely funny moments. At one point when that very fine actor Zakir Hussain is spying on a bikini-clad woman while holding back his urge to pee, he exclaims his organ has grown "confused".

Providentially "Naam Shabana", for all its intricate twists and turns, remains almost entirely bereft of any confusion. It is a lucid and tightly-wound piece of cinema with a central performance that is pitch -perfect and freed of gimmicky shots at militant feminism. I wish director Nair who reveals such an explosive flair for fusing personal and political statements would have avoided the club songs that come on at points where we can almost hear the makers telling one another, 'Yahan pe thoda relief daal do'.

But there is no need. "Naam Shabana" is a film of rude awakening, reminding us how much maturity in vision treatment execution and the performances, a film can achieve provided it stops looking for reasons to make audiences happy. Watching this film is a joy, although nothing really happy happens to Shabana. We are just happy that she can fight her own battles even when the odds are stacked skyhigh against her.

--IANS

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British filmmaker Christopher Nolan says he tried to tell the story of the Dunkirk evacuation during World War II through his upcoming epic war thriller in the "most visceral" way possible.

Nolan showcased a footage of "Dunkirk" at the CinemaCon here on Wednesday, reports hollywoodreporter.com.

"Dunkirk and the legend of it is something that British people grow up with -- it's in our DNA," Nolan said.

"The idea of taking this paradoxical situation and putting it on the big screen -- it's something that's been close to my heart for some time, it's something I didn't think I was ready to do.

"I wanted to tell the story in the most visceral way possible, I wanted to take that audience and put them on that beach," Nolan added.

Featuring actors like Tom Hardy, Mark Rylance, Cillian Murphy, Kenneth Branagh and One Direction star Harry Styles, the film centers on the British military evacuation of the French city of Dunkirk in 1940, one of the biggest battles during the war. The film is told through the eyes of three soldiers.

"Dunkirk" is slated to release on July 21.

--IANS

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The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Reliance Retail announced launch of a new in-store payment solution that will enable customer payments through Unified Payments Interface (UPI) platforms, a statement said here on Thursday.

This integration will provide a convenient and seamless payment experience to Reliance Retail customers and will be an added avenue for digital transactions.

"Reliance Retail is the first organised retail chain in the country to offer its customers the option of mobile-based UPI app payments at its stores," the statement said.

"This new in-store UPI payment facility is currently live in more than 200 Reliance Retail stores in Mumbai across formats, including Reliance Fresh, Reliance Smart, Reliance Digital, Reliance Trends and Reliance Footprint, among others," it added.

"With the fast growing popularity of UPI-payment apps like NPCI's BHIM app, which has seen close to 20 million downloads, this initiative will increase UPI payment acceptance points in retail stores. It is expected to play a vital role in driving a more cashless future," said A.P. Hota, MD & CEO of NPCI.

"Progressively, the facility will be rolled out to other Reliance Retail stores across the country. This spirited initiative will further enhance the digital transaction ecosystem in the country," said V. Subramaniam, Director, Reliance Retail.

The platform is architectured by Bangalore-based Innoviti Payment Solutions, with process support from the Axis Bank.

--IANS

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At least 11,612 people have been killed in Syria in Russian raids, which began in September 2015, a UK-war monitor reported on Thursday.

According to data released by the Syrian Observatory Human Rights (SOHR), among those killed were at least 5,013 civilians, including 714 women and 1,201 children, Efe news reported.

The airstrikes also killed at least 3,284 Islamic State (IS) militants.

Additionally, at least 3,315 fighters from rebel and Islamist factions have lost their lives in these bombings, according to the SOHR, which pointed out that Russia has used cluster bombs.

--IANS

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Pakistan on Thursday accused India of interfering in the country's internal affairs and claimed that New Delhi was involved in financing terror activities in the region.

"The entire world knows that India is interfering in Pakistan's internal matters," said Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria during a media briefing and added that "the arrest of Indian spy Kulbhushan Yadav from Pakistan's soil is a proof of this".

Indian national Kulbhushan Yadav was arrested in March 2016 in Balochistan on charges of being a RAW agent, fuelling the Baloch separatist movement and attempting to sabotage the CPEC project, Geo TV reported.

Earlier this month, Sartaj Aziz, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, told a Senate session that the First Information Report (FIR) on Yadav was registered and a case was being prepared.

The Pakistan Foreign Office also came out in support of Muslims in Indian Kashmir who, it claimed, were victims of "atrocities" by the Indian government, the Geo TV report said.

"Indian troops are opening fire at funerals of Kashmiri martyrs," spokesperson Zakaria said.

He asked the international community to urge India to stop the "genocide of innocent Kashmiris", Geo TV reported.

--IANS

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"Happy Endings" actor Adam Pally was arrested here and hit with two drug possession charges, police said.

A source told variety.com that Pally was seen smoking marijuana with an e-cigarette in the neighbourhood of Hell's Kitchen in public view.

When police arrested him on Tuesday night, they found he had a small bag of cocaine and cited him with the second drug charge. He has since been released from custody.

He has been charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and marijuana. Pally has to appear before a judge within 30 days.

--IANS

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The Finance Bill 2017 was passed by Parliament on Thursday with the Lok Sabha rejecting the amendments proposed by the Rajya Sabha.

The Bill, being a Money Bill, will now go to the President for approval before becoming law.

Since the Lok Sabha did not accept any of the recommendations of the Rajya Sabha, the Money Bill is deemed passed by both houses in the form in which it was passed by the lower house.

Replying to a short debate on the amendments in the Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said: "I can't accept five amendments suggested by Rajya Sabha to the Finance bill."

As per the provisions of Article 109 of the Constitution, the Rajya Sabha has limited powers with respect to draft legislations that are tagged by the government as Money Bills. The Lok Sabha is free to either accept or reject all or any of its recommendations.

Embarrassing the government, the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday suggested five amendments to the Finance Bill 2017 and returned it to the Lok Sabha.

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government does not have a majority in the Rajya Sabha.

The upper house discussed the bill for over five hours spread across two days with the Congress and other opposition parties taking exception to several provisions of the Finance Bill, stating that the government had sought to amend 40 laws in one go.

During discussion on the Bill, the opposition accused the government of "smuggling in" provisions to bypass the Rajya Sabha as the upper house has limited powers on Money Bills.

Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda raised the issue of the amendment that gives Income Tax officers right to search a premise without citing a reason.

On the electoral funding reforms brought by the government, Hooda said electoral bonds will only increase opacity in funding.

He also said reducing limit for anonymous donation to Rs 2,000 will not make much difference, and only increase the work for chartered accountants.

Congress member Kabil Sibal said that some provisions in the Finance Bill 2017 tend to weaken the federal structure of the country, allowing the government to snoop on citizens and instilling fear among the business community.

CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury strongly objected to the provision in the bill about use of Aadhaar for filing Income Tax returns (ITR).

"Why are you saying today that Aadhaar is required for me to file my ITR? Why do I have my PAN card at all then?" he asked, adding that if the government wants to make Aadhaar compulsory, it should bring a straightforward bill saying as much.

Congress leader and former Finance Minister P. Chidmabaram said that if "Pentagon can be hacked, how will you (government) protect hacking of Income Tax and bank accounts through Aadhaar?"

The opposition members also expressed concern over the "removal of cap" on corporate funding of political parties in the name of electoral reforms.

Members also raised concerns over the winding up or merging of several tribunals and the government "single-handedly appointing chairpersons of tribunals deciding business disputes".

--IANS

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Actor-politician Pawan Kalyan on Thursday met the victims of a Rs 6,000 crore AgriGold scam and urged the government to provide justice to them.

The Jana Sena president spoke at a meeting of victims belonging to various states here. He said as the company owned more assets than the money it owes to the depositors, the government should take the initiative to recover the money.

AgriGold is the latest in a series of issues taken up by Pawan, who has already announced that the party will contest the 2019 assembly elections.

He said there was lack of transparency in the investigations and he couldn't understand the delay in ensuring justice to the victims, though the owners of the company have 20,000 acres of land and other properties.

AgriGold owes Rs 6,380 crore to over 32 lakh depositors in nine states. Andhra Pradesh alone has 19 lakh depositors, who had deposited Rs 4,000 crore with the company.

At the meeting, some of the victims broke down while narrating their tale of woes. Voicing concern over suicides by more than 100 victims, Pawan said there is a need to immediately come to the rescue of depositors.

He cited the example of the West Bengal government which provided Rs 5,000 assistance to every victim of the Saradha scam. Similar help was extended in Odisha, he said.

Pawan said there is a need to deal firmly with AgriGold as was being done by the Supreme Court in the Sahara case.

"The law is weak for powerful and powerful for weak," said Pawan while pointing out that the authorities failed to take action against the company when cheques issued to the depositors started to bounce.

The actor remarked that the politicians destroyed the bureaucracy and as a result, nobody questioned the misdeeds of such companies.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had told the state assembly last week that three companies AgriGold Farm Estates Pvt Ltd, AgriGold Constructions Pvt Ltd and Dream Land Ventures floated by prime accused A.V. Rama Rao and his brothers collected Rs 6,380 crore from depositors and diverted it to 'suitcase companies'.

The scam came to light in 2014. Seven out of 18 accused have so far been arrested by Andhra Pradesh police.

--IANS

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Astronaut Peggy Whitson is set to surpass Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams' record for the most spacewalks by a female astronaut when Whitson goes on her eighth spacewalk on Thursday, NASA said.

Williams has spent a total of 322 days in space on two missions. With 50 hours and 40 minutes, she also holds the record total cumulative spacewalk time by a female astronaut.

"Expedition 50 Flight Engineer Peggy Whitson is set to go on her eighth spacewalk Thursday morning and surpass astronaut Suni Williams' record for the most spacewalks by a female astronaut," NASA scientists wrote on a blog post on Wednesday.

Whitson's last spacewalk was on January 6 with Commander Shane Kimbrough when she hooked up new lithium-ion batteries and inspected the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer.

"Thursday's spacewalk will see Whitson and Kimbrough finish cable connections at the Pressurised Mating Adapter-3 (PMA-3) just recently attached to the Harmony module's space-facing port," the blog post said.

The PMA-3 relocation gets the station ready for the new International Docking Adapter-3 set to be delivered on a future SpaceX Dragon cargo mission.

European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet, who conducted last week's spacewalk with Kimbrough, will assist the duo in and out of their spacesuits and monitor the activities from inside the station.

--IANS

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An ambitious project to bring alive the memories and underline the contribution of some of Delhi's significant theatre groups, including the Delhi Art Theatre, is underway and glimpses of the process were seen at a two-day event at Sahitya Akademi here.

An effort by Natarang Pratishthan, a city-based archive and resource centre for Indian theatre, the archiving process is being aided by the Raza Foundation, also a city-based body set up by the late modern art painter S.H. Raza, who passed away last year.

Kickstarting the process was 'Rang Smaran', a two-day event that began at the Sahitya Akademi on Tuesday with members of the Delhi Art Theatre sharing anecdotes and talking about their involvement in the formation of the iconic theatre group.

"The idea is to record an oral history for posterity and undertake a documentation of the old theatre groups of Delhi. Post-independence was really an exciting period with many emerging theatre groups but unfortunately there is no physical record of it. Our aim is to capture those moments and memories for the younger generation," said theatre director, Kirti Jain.

Kirti is the daughter of the late poet and theatre person, Nemichand Jain, who founded 'Natrang', the oldest surviving theatre journal in the country. Previous editions of the journal, along with brochures, posters, books and media clippings from Jain's personal collection have now been digitally archived.

"Archiving is a mammoth exercise and while over 75 per cent of material like books, magazines and press clippings have been sourced from Nemichand's personal collection, we are also contacting different people to contribute. It is a big relief to have the assistance of the Raza Foundation in creating this valuable record," Kirti said.

Interestingly, after arriving in the capital from Lahore, Sheila Bhatia, a mathematics school teacher, started Delhi Art Theatre in 1951 and subsequently produced plays in Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi and Hindustani.

A short video clip that featured Bhatia narrating the origin of the theatre group and recounting various anecdotes relating to it was also screened during the event.

At the Sahitya Akademi, a small exhibition of photos, brochures and playlists, giving a glimpse of the journey theatre groups in Delhi have taken, is also on show.

--IANS

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The government on Thursday awarded contracts to five companies to operate flight services on 128 routes under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RSC) that aims to connect 70 airports.

During an event here, Civil Aviation Minister P. Ashok Gajapati Raju and Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, issued Letters of Award to five airline companies for their 27 proposals in the first phase of the scheme.

The airline companies will operate 19 to 78-seater aircraft on the allotted routes and 50 per cent of the seats on every flight will have a fare cap of Rs 2,500 per seat per hour.

The scheme is known as UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik), which is a key component of the National Civil Aviation Policy.

A total of 27 served airports, 12 underserved airports and 31 un-served airports would be connected in the first phase of the scheme.

The airline companies are Airline Allied Services Limited, Spicejet Limited, Turbo Megha Airways Private Limited, Air Deccan and Air Odisha Private Limited.

While the first flight under the scheme is going to take-off in April, all scheduled flights in the first phase would be operational by September.

--IANS

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The Rajya Sabha on Thursday was disrupted and briefly adjourned as women members raised the issue of "insensitive" remarks reportedly made by a Rajasthan Minister on the alleged rape of a minor.

Kahkashan Parveen of the JD-U raised the matter of Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria reportedly saying that it was unlikely that a girl who was raped by eight men would not inform her parents about it.

The Janata Dal-United member was supported by other women members, including Viplove Thakur, who displayed the newspaper reports about the minister's remarks about the 13-year-old girl in the state.

Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien, however, said the issue could not be discussed as a point of order and there has to a prior notice for it.

"Without notice I cannot allow (a discussion)," Kurien said. "No notice is received (on the subject)."

The agitated members then gathered in front of the Chair raising slogans against the "insensitive" remarks.

Amid chaos the house was adjourned for 10 minutes.

--IANS

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A rise in sales of home appliances like air conditioners and fans due to soaring summer temperatures across western and northern India has led to a sharp increase in the S&P BSE consumer durables and capital goods indices, which touched their 52-week high levels on Thursday.

The consumer durables touched a new 52-week high of 15,132.34 points, while the capital goods index surged to a new high level of 16,335.61 points.

"Next three months are expected to be some of the hottest in recent times, according to weather forecasters. Home appliances companies, especially those in refrigerators, air conditioners and fans are naturally to benefit from this," Vijay Singhania, founder and Director of brokerage firm Trade Smart Online, told IANS.

The India Meteorological Department has declared heatwave condition in almost nine states of the northwest, west and central India, including states of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

According to an India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) report, the consumer durables market is expected to reach US$ 20.6 billion by 2020.

"Demand for durables like refrigerators as well as consumer electronics goods are likely to witness growing demand in the coming years in the rural markets as the government plans to invest significantly in rural electrification," the report said.

Moreover, the increased demand for capital goods was attributed to the government's huge allocation of funds for the country's infrastructure development.

"Capital goods stocks are reflecting the increased order flow from government bodies. Government in its budget had already mentioned the increased allocation for infrastructure. Capital goods stocks are reflecting the changing dynamics on the ground," Singhania added.

At around 2.47 p.m., the consumer durables index was trading at 15,080.65 points -- up 188.40 points or 1.27 per cent.

Similarly, the capital goods index was up by 122.64 points or 0.76 per cent at 16,319.50 points.

Among individual stocks in the consumer durables segment, Whirpool India (up 3.16 per cent), Blue Star (up 2.25 per cent) and Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals (up 1.84 per cent) were trading with gains.

While Suzlon (up 5.75 per cent), Reliance Defence and Engineering (up 2.43 per cent) and Havells India (up 1.95 per cent) were among the leading stocks in the capital goods sector.

--IANS

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Sri Lanka's immigration authorities has granted dual citizenship to 1,750 expatriates, a minister said on Thursday.

Internal Affairs Minister S.B. Navinna told Xinhua news agency that there were as many as 23,000 expatriates who applied for dual citizenship, but only 1,750 could secure the chance this time.

He said the government, formed after the 2015 presidential election, decided to give this right to Sri Lankans domiciled abroad so that they could stake a claim to their motherland.

The minister said these expats were forced to flee the country at different points in the past due to the conflict.

"Now the conflict is over. They can come and live here if they choose to. They are given all the rights as citizens of this country," he said.

A function was held in Colombo by the department of immigration and emigration on Thursday to mark the distribution of dual citizenship certificates.

--IANS

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External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday assured an impartial probe into the alleged racial attack on some Nigerian students in Uttar Pradesh and promised action against the guilty.

"The moment I got information about the attack, I immediately sought a report from the Uttar Pradesh government. I also talked to Chief Minister Aditya Nath Yogi and asked him for a public assurance of an impartial probe into the matter," Swaraj informed the Rajya Sabha.

She said that Aditya Nath has assured of an impartial probe into the Monday night attack on four Nigerian students by a crowd in Greater Noida, some 40 km from the national capital.

The mob targeted the African nationals blaming them for drug running following the death of a teen due to suspected drug overdose.

"Unless the probe is complete, it will not be appropriate for me to say anything on the matter," added Swaraj, after Janata Dal-United member Sharad Yadav raised the matter in Rajya Sabha.

"The (UP) administration there is ensuring peace and security as well as treatment of the injured Nigerian students. I assure the Parliament, there will be an impartial probe and action will be taken against whoever found guilty," she said.

--IANS

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Venice, March 30 (IANS/AKI) Anti-terror police in the Italian city of Venice on Thursday arrested three Kosovan jihadist suspects who allegedly planned to blow up the lagoon city's iconic Rialto Bridge.

"Staging an attack in Venice will take you straight to paradise. There are so many unbelievers here that we need to put a bomb on the Rialto Bridge," one of the suspects said in a wiretapped conversation, prosecutor Adelchi D'Ippolito told reporters.

The "disturbing" remarks were overheard by investigators during intercepts of the four Kosvars which began last year, D'Ippolito added.

Police said they also detained a fourth suspect who is a minor and is also from Kosovo in the overnight raids on 12 apartments in Venice, in the nearby city of Mestre and the neighbouring province of Treviso.

All of the suspects arrested in the operation held Italian residence permits, police stated.

Thursday's operation was carried out the orders of prosecutors in Venice, police said.

The arrests followed a "complex" probe in which investigators from the the anti-terror squad, Digos, monitored the alleged jihadist cell members, who were involved in religious radicalisation before their arrests.

Italy has been on high alert since the Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris in January 2015 and has further ratcheted up security since last week's terrorist attack in London.

A total of 21 terror suspects have been deported since the beginning of this year and 153 since January 2015, according to the Interior Ministry.

--IANS/AKI

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US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Thursday arrived in Turkey where he will hold high-level discussions on how to tackle the Islamic State (IS) terror group, officials said.

Tillerson will met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Ankara, Efe news reported.

The officials will discuss potential cooperative defence operations in the bid to oust the IS from their final Syrian bastion of Raqqa city.

On Tuesday, Yildirim announced that a Turkish military operation backing Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebels against the IS and Kurdish militias in northern Syria -- dubbed Operation Euphrates Shield -- had successfully ended, but did not rule out future military manoeuvres.

Ankara has proposed a joint operation with the US against Raqqa, using branches of the FSA as it had done in Aleppo province since August 2016.

Washington is yet to confirm whether or not it would collaborate with Turkey in the Raqqa offensive.

After Turkey, Tillerson will leave for Brussels for a meeting of NATO foreign ministers.

--IANS

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Opposition parties in Tripura demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Manik Sarkar and a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in the recruitment process after the Supreme Court upheld the state High Court order terminating the jobs of 10,323 government teachers.

Trinamool Congress on Thursday announced launch of a statewide stir from Friday to highlight the state government's "irregularities in giving jobs to 10,323 people" and to press its demand for the resignation of Chief Minister Sarkar and Education and Law Minister Tapan Chakraborty.

"We also demand publication of a white paper detailing providing government jobs in Tripura since 2014. An all-party meeting must be called by the state government to discuss the issue and how to deal with the situation arising out of the Supreme Court judgment on Wednesday," Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sudip Roy Barman told reporters.

Accompanied by Tripura TMC President Ashish Kumar Saha and other leaders, Barman alleged that to "acquire political mileage the Left Front government provided the teachers' jobs illegally".

Demanding a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), opposition Bharatiya Janata Party state president Biplab Kumar Deb and observer (Prabhari) Sunil Deodhar in a joint media conference demanded the resignation of the Chief Minister and Education and Law Minister.

"It has now been proved that the Left Front government in Tripura gave the jobs to 10,323 teachers through corruption and irregularities," BJP leader Deb told reporters.

The ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), the dominant partner of the Left Front government, in a statement termed the Supreme Court's judgment as "inhuman".

"The Supreme Court's order would directly affect the lakhs of people and students in Tripura," the CPI-M statement said.

In a major setback to the Tripura government, the Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the Tripura High Court order terminating the jobs of 10,323 teachers but allowed them to continue in their jobs till December 31.

The Court also asked the Tripura government to initiate a fresh recruitment process by May 31 and complete it by December 31 in compliance with the obligatory qualifications as mandated by the NCERT (National Council for Educational Research and Training).

The Supreme Court order came on three special leave petitions filed before it separately by the Tripura government, aggrieved job seekers and terminated serving teachers.

Tripura Law and Education Minister Tapan Chakraborty said in Agartala that the state government would take its next course of action after receiving the certified copy of the Supreme Court judgment and after the return of Chief Minister from Chennai on Friday.

"The government will stand by the serving teachers. The court did not find any irregularities in giving jobs to these teachers. The Tripura High Court only challenged the state's three-and-a-half decade old employment policy," Chakraborty told IANS on Thursday.

"We have given some jobs according to need based and considering the economic conditions of the families of the serving teachers, but the court opposed these criteria," the Minister added.

A division bench of the Tripura High Court, comprising then Chief Justice Deepak Kumar Gupta (now elevated to the apex court) and then Justice Swapan Chandra Das (retired on March 16) had passed the order on May 7, 2014 and asked the state government to frame a new employment policy within two months.

Tripura's Left Front government recruited 1,100 post-graduate and 4,617 graduate teachers in 2010 and 4,606 under-graduate teachers in December 2013.

--IANS

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Two inter-state criminals wanted in a dozen cases of murder, attempt to murder, car-jacking and more have been arrested here, police said on Thursday.

Dharam Raj, 24, and Naveen, 23, were from Sonipat in Haryana. Dharam Raj carried a reward of Rs 50,000 on his head declared by Haryana Police.

"They were wanted in four cases of murder in Haryana and three cases of attempt to murder. They were arrested on Wednesday night when police got a tip that they will come to Rohini in Delhi," Deputy Commissioner of Police Rishi Pal said.

"The police laid a trap. Sensing trouble, they opened fire at the police and started to run. But they were caught," Pal said.

--IANS

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Two Indian engineers abducted in South Sudan by rebels earlier this month have been released, following intervention by the Indian government.

News of the release was tweeted on Thursday night by Ajay Raja, Production Operator at Dar Petroleum Operating Company, South Sudan, who thanked External Affairs Minister for the release of the two Indians.

"Thank you @SushmaSwaraj mam for your efforts to release the two Indians Midhun and Edward in South Sudan. My friends are back. Thank you," he tweeted.

On March 9, Raja had appealed to Sushma Swaraj for her intervention following the abduction.

"Our 2 Indians kidnapped by criminals @SouthSudan while in field work since March 8, 17. @K6270096Midhun @J1100553Edward @SushmaSwaraj. Help mam."

The two men, Midhun Ganesh, 25, and A. Edward, 40, were abducted by the Sudan People's Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) on March 8 when they were on field work.

They are employed in the Operations and Maintenance Department of Dar Petroleum Production Company, South Sudan and belong to Tamil Nadu.

In a related development, a Pakistani engineer who was also employed with Dar Petroleum and kidnapped in South Sudan was released on Thursday.

The news of the release of Ayaz Jamali, who was in the captivity of some group in South Sudan, was tweeted by Pakistani Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakariya.

Zakariya posted: "We are grateful to the governments of South Sudan, China and Sudan for their cooperation and support in the successful release of Ayaz Jamali."

--IANS

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Rome, March 30 (IANS/AKI) Police on Thursday arrested a 23-year-old woman for the suspected murder of her newborn baby daughter, whose lifeless body was found on a beach in Italy's Puglia region in February.

Local newspaper La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno named the woman as unemployed beautician Lidia Rubino from the town of Castellana Grotte in the province of Bari.

Rubino was quoted by the paper as telling police she "didn't know what to do" after giving birth to the child.

German tourists discovered the baby's corpse at Cala Monaci beach south of Bari on February 16 hidden beneath sand and rocks.

--IANS/AKI

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The producers who brought "Van Wilder" to the screen 15 years ago are now engaged in a legal fight over who owns the distribution rights to the film.

Myriad Pictures filed the suit on Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court, seeking a declaration that it will take full rights to the film on the 15th anniversary of its release on April 4, reports variety.com.

According to the lawsuit, Myriad contends that its partner in the project, Tapestry Films, engaged in secret negotiations with the distributor, Lionsgate, to extend the distribution agreement beyond the 15-year term.

Myriad asserts that under the agreement, Tapestry was receiving 80 per cent of the proceeds to just 20 per cent for Myriad, though Myriad put up the financing for the film.

"The participation split is extremely favourable to Tapestry," reads the lawsuit.

According to Myriad, Tapestry sought to extend the agreement in order to maintain the favourable split. However, Myriad insists that the full distribution rights should reply to Myriad next week under the distribution agreement.

Peter Abrams, a partner in Tapestry Films, said he had not received the complaint.

"I don't know anything," he told variety.com.

The lawsuit notes that "Van Wilder" stars Ryan Reynolds in a breakout role, and "has proven popular with movie audiences on an 'evergreen' basis long after its initial release".

--IANS

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Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the US next week for his first meeting with President Donald Trump, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang announced on Thursday.

Before arriving in the US, Xi will visit Finland at the invitation of President Sauli Niinisto from April 4 to 6, Xinhua news agency quoted Lu as saying.

Later, he will proceed to Florida from April 6 to 7.

Xi will meet Trump at the latter's private residence in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, where the two are expected to discuss bilateral commercial relations.

"China hopes to make joint efforts with the US to expand trade cooperation, properly settle trade frictions through dialogues, and maintain healthy and stable growth of trade and economic ties," Lu said.

The China-US trade in goods amounted to $519.6 billion in 2016, an increase of 207 times compared with that of 1979 when the two countries set up diplomatic ties, according to Lu.

Xi's visit to Finland will be his first trip to a European Union member state this year, and also his first visit to northern Europe as the President, Lu added.

--IANS

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Kerala Agriculture Minister V S Sunil Kumar was in Delhi to apprise the central government of the drought situation in Kerala. He thought it would be a good gesture to meet farmers from neighbouring Tamil Nadu, who were protesting at Jantar Mantar. After a brief interaction with the protesters and expressing solidarity with them, Sunil Kumar answered questions from the media. A googly came up, when someone asked of the states filing in the Supreme Court on Keralas plans to build check dams on rivers flowing into Tamil Nadu, which is a cause for worry for farmers in that state. A surprised Kumar deftly adjusted his shot, blaming the sand mafia and mining mafia for the ills of farmers.
With reference to the editorial, The judicial logjam (March 30), the tussle between the central government and the Supreme Court over Memorandum of Procedure seems to be predicated on the wrong premise.
Moderator: The Union Budget gave a significant push to crop by setting a target to increase the coverage from 20 per cent to 50 per cent in two years. Is it feasible?





G Srinivasan

The best thing about the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is that everyone is a winner. The farmer doesnt have to pay a very high premium, while insurers are able to get an actuarially-priced premium. The government picks up the balance in the form of subsidy. The general sector is growing at 25 per cent this year and a large part of it is driven by crop . If coverage will be increased to 50 per cent in two years, the industry will grow over 30 per cent.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)s emphatic electoral victory in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand has weakened the resolve of some of the opposition parties to take on the government. The starkest of the turnarounds has been that of the Trinamool Congress.
Bangladeshi authorities today said 13 persons still remain missing in a major boat tragedy that has claimed 12 lives in south-western Bagerhat district.

The incident took place on Tuesday when the boat, carrying over 70 passengers, sank in the Panguchi River in the district, which is 370 kilometers from Dhaka, while it was heading towards Purano thana ghat from Srombaria.

The bodies of 12 people, including women, have so far been recovered while 13 others still remain missing, said Rashedul Alam, officer-in-charge of Morelganj Police Station.

Of the deceased, four have been identified, the Daily Star reported.

A team of Fire Service recovered the seven bodies from different points of the river today, said assistant deputy director of Bagerhat Fire Service and Civil Defense Masud Sardar.

"Locals in Panguchi River's Baraikhali and Shanki Danga char areas spotted the bodies and informed police," officials said.

Local people rescued at least 30 people from the river on Tuesday.

Police, Fire Service Department, Navy and Coast Guard members are jointly conducting the rescue operation along with locals.

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The next EnVision Bus Read more [...]
Congress leader Jagdish Tytler, who has been given a clean chit by the CBI in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, today told a Delhi court that he is not ready to undergo lie detection test as it amounts to cruelty.

Tytler's counsel objected to the test, saying the CBI has not given any reason for conducting it and the agency's plea for the test was a "gross misuse of law" and it was filed with "malafide intention".

He also filed a list of events since the riots broke out till now to which the victims' counsel said they would a reply to it.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Shivali Sharma listed the matter for April 18 for further arguments on the CBI's plea for permission to conduct the test on Tytler and arms dealer Abhishek Verma for the purpose of further probe.

The move came in pursuance to the court's December 4, 2015 order in which it was mentioned that lie detection test may be conducted, if required.

Verma, a witness in the case, also told the court that he was ready for the polygraph test if he is provided with adequate security as he apprehends threat to his life as well as to his family.

He also said he was ready to record his statement before a magistrate.

The CBI prosecutor, however, did not agree with the proposal of recording Verma's statement and said the consent for polygraph test should be unconditional.

Advocate Prabhsahay Kaur, who represented the victims, questioned the CBI as to why it was refusing to record the statement when the witness was ready for it.

She also said that the witness should be given proper security if he apprehends threat to his life.

Meanwhile, the CBI filed a status report before the court in a sealed cover regarding its further probe in the case.

The case pertains to riots at Gurudwara Pulbangash in north Delhi where three people were killed on November 1, 1984, a day after the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Tytler, who has denied any role in the riots, has been given a clean chit by the CBI thrice in the case but the probe agency has been directed by the court to further investigate the matter.

Verma has made several statements to the CBI against Tytler that he allegedly pressured the witnesses in the case.

The court had in December 2015 directed the CBI to further investigate the matter and had said it would monitor the probe every two months so that no aspect is left uninvestigated.

The agency had reinvestigated the case of killing of Badal Singh, Thakur Singh and Gurcharan Singh near the gurudwara after a court in December 2007 refused to accept its closure report. The CBI has filed three closure reports in the case.

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Two persons died of sunstroke in Maharashtra today while the Met department warned of a "moderate heat wave" in some parts.

"The sudden rise in temperature has claimed lives of two persons.. Both were above 60 years. One is from Aurangabad while another is from Solapur district," Health Minister Deepak Sawant told PTI.

As per the India Meteorological Department, many districts in Maharashtra recorded maximum temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius or above in the last two days.

"The Health Ministry has issued instructions to all the state-run hospitals to open centres for sunstroke patients. Government-run hospitals, primary health centres and district health officers have been categorically asked to sensitise people about 'heat therapy' and avoiding exposure to the scorching sun," Sawant said.

Last summer nine persons had died in the state due to sunstroke, as per the government data.

IMD officials said this afternoon that North-Central Maharashtra will face "a moderate heat wave" for the next 48 hours. This area comprises Dhule, Nandurbar, Jalgaon, Nashik and some districts from Marathwada.

"We have issued an alert of moderate heat wave for this region. It means the temperature during the day would be higher by 2-3 degrees Celsius than normal," V K Rajeev, director, IMD, western region, told PTI.

Northerly winds were pushing up the temperatures in Maharashtra, said K S Hosalikar, deputy director, IMD Mumbai.

He added that "wind discontinuity" in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu could result in some showers in Marathwada on April 1 and 2.

(Reopens BES 23)



Meanwhile, IMD has sent an official to Bhira in the Raigad district of coastal Maharashtra to investigate the staggeringly high temperature recorded there two days ago.

The observatory at Bhira recorded maximum temperature of 46.5 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.

IMD, which expressed doubts about the finding yesterday, has sent an official to check whether the observatory at Bhira meets the set parameters.

"It is a part-time observatory and we are going to find out why it is reporting such a high temperature. We also need to check the condition of the equipment which is in use for several years," an IMD official said here.

The village is surrounded by a dense forest cover and Sahyadri hills, and a "part-time observatory" was set up there mainly for rain mapping but it also records temperatures, the official said.

IMD was sceptical about Tuesday's finding, as Bhira and neighbouring areas, being in the coastal region, have never reported such a high temperature.
Three NGO workers were injured today when unidentified gunmen fired at them in Pakistan's restive northwestern tribal region.

The gunmen opened firing at their vehicle in Ismaelzai area of central Orakzai agency.

The injured workers were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital. Their condition is said to be stable.

No Taliban group has claimed responsibility for the assault.

The security forces rushed to the incident site and started combing operation to nab the culprits.

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Five persons have been killed when a helicopter crashed amid "atrocious" conditions in a mountainous part in the UK's north Wales, police said today.

A massive air and land search was launched yesterday afternoon after the helicopter vanished en route from Luton, outside London, to Dublin, Ireland.

Superintendent Gareth Evans of North Wales Police said today the crash site has been located and the bodies of all five people on board have been found.

He said: "The aircraft, a red Twin Squirrel helicopter, had failed to arrive in Dublin from Luton yesterday afternoon instigating a full sea and then land search and rescue operation."



"Local conditions were described as atrocious with visibility down to less than 10 metres in places. The terrain where the aircraft has been located is remote and in places hazardous...I'd also ask people to refrain from visiting the area as it is now subject of a full investigation."



A mountain rescue team found the wreckage in the Rhinog mountains between Trawsfynydd and Harlech in Wales.

Formal identification of the bodies has not yet taken place and the coroner for north west Wales, Dewi Pritchard-Jones, has opened an investigation.

Family of those killed have been informed and an investigation into the crash is being led by the UK's Air Accident Investigation Branch.

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A total of 82,048 houses have been constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban (PMAY Urban) as on March 20, 2017 and of these 62,312 have been occupied, the government said today.

During the Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, several opposition members raised concerns that at the present pace the dream of 'Housing for All' may not be achieved by 2022.

According to the details provided by the government, under PMAY Urban, a total of 16,42,685 have been sanctioned as on March 2017. These include the subsumed projects under the Rajiv Awas Yojana, it said.

Minister for Planning Rao Inderjit Singh said Uttar Pradesh was one of the states relatively lagging behind in the implementation of the scheme.

According to the details provided by the government, of the 82,048 houses, 25,873 houses had come up in Gujarat, 10,447 in Karnataka, 10,805 in Rajasthan, 6,490 in Tamil Nadu and 5,506 in Maharashtra. In Uttar Pradesh, 3,822 houses had been constructed under the scheme.

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The AAP today accused the previous SAD-BJP and Congress governments of "turning a blind eye" to the government school education in Punjab and sought action against those responsible for it.

None of the governments in the past ever took initiatives to revive the education system and make it as good as the private education system, claimed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Reacting sharply to the report of CAG, AAP state convener Gurpreet Singh Ghuggi said the report shows that 1,170 government schools in the state are run by just one teacher.

"It is the mockery of education system in state and poor and underprivileged people are deprived of their right to education," he said.

He demanded that the government must take strict action against those responsible for ruining the generation by not giving them chance to get good education.

He claimed that the Rs 1362-crore fund received under Sarv Shiksha Abhayan were not released by the previous Badal government.

CAG also raised finger on the embezzlement in the fund released for purchasing school books and uniforms of students, he said, and demanded that a case must be registered against those responsible.

The AAP Convener suggested Chief Minister Amarinder Singh to revive the education system in the state like it was done in Delhi by the Arvind Kejriwal government.

He also demanded an increase in the education budget of the state.

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Alliance Air will connect Bhopal with Hyderabad via Jabalpur from April 1, while it will stop services to Raipur and Pune from the city, its parent Air India today said.

"Alliance Air will start operating a flight from Bhopal to Hyderabad via Jabalpur from April 1 on all weekdays except Thursdays," Air India area manager for MP and Chhattisgarh Vishrut Acharya said in a statement here.

Alliance Air is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the national carrier that operates on the regional routes.

According to the schedule released by AI, the flight will take off from Hyderabad at 7 am and reach Bhopal at 9.15 am. The flight will leave Bhopal at 9.45 am and reach Jabalpur at 10.50 am. The return flight will take off from Jabalpur at 11.20 am and land in Hyderabad at 1.25 pm.

Acharya said the current flight on the Bhopal-Jabalpur sector will be discontinued from April 1 till further notice.

Besides, the Alliance Air flights to Raipur and Pune from Bhopal will be withdrawn from April 1 till further notice.

"These schedule changes have been made due to the re- carpeting work of the runway/airstrip in Bhopal, Jabalpur and Raipur," Acharya said.

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Students of Delhi University will now get an opportunity to hear views of ambassadors and former diplomats from across the world.

The varsity in association with External Affairs Ministry has planned 'Ambassadorial Lecture' series. Deep Kumar Upadhyaya, Ambassador of Nepal, and former Indian envoy to the Himalayan country Shiv Shankar Mukherjee will be the speakers at the event tomorrow.

The lecture series is aimed at enhancing transnational exchange of ideas and intellectual resources in a mutually beneficial way, said a statement from DU.

The university will organise the lectures in association with Policy Planning and Research Division of Ministry of External Affairs.

The first lecture in the series is on 'India-Nepal relationship" and will be held at Conference Centre of DU's North Campus.

Jayant Prasad, Director General-IDSA, Professor SD Muni,and Rajya Sabha MP DP Tripathi (Rajya Sabha), will also participate in the programme.

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Three days after local meat sellers went on a strike, students at the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) have complained to the varsity authorities about the "bland" food being served in dining halls as the prices of chicken, vegetables etc have risen.

Faizul Hasan, President of the AMU Students' Union, has written to AMU Vice Chancellor Lt Gen (retd) Zameer Uddin Shah following which University administration has called for a meeting to resolve the issue.

In his letter, Hasan has said that an "acute shortage of meat supply" is leading to a broader food crisis since the supply and cost of alternate food items have also started being adversely affected.

He suggested that a centralised purchase system should be put in place to ensure that the entire meat supply is through a registered meat supplier.

Hasan told PTI that the vegetarian food presently being served at hostel dining halls catering to more than 20,000 students is "very bland" and students are facing hardship.

The prices of chicken meat and vegetables have risen beyond the budgetary provisions of different dining halls, he added.

We support any legal action against illegal slaughtering but it was the responsibility of the state administration and the Aligarh Municipal Corporation, to ensure that only legal slaughtering of animals take place.

Meat merchants in Allahabad are on an indefinite strike to express solidarity with the strike call given in other parts of the state, following the Yogi Adityanath government's crackdown on illegal and mechanised slaughterhouses.

The spokesman of AMU Omar Peerzada said that despite some hardships students including leaders of the union were cooperating in this matter and hoped that a solution would be found.

District Magistrate of Aligarh Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod, told PTI that he had held a meeting with representatives of all export based meat plants in a bid to channelise a small percentage of their buffalo meat supply to local meat suppliers.

He said the exporters had 'in principle' agreed to this proposal.

He said that the Municipal Corporation's slaughterhouse, which was closed for the past three years over objections by the pollution board would reopen within the next few weeks.

Asked about attempts by cow vigilantes are to disrupt buffalo meat supply, Bhaskar said the administration is trying to put in place a new system, where export units would officially communicate about the transport mechanism and sources of their suppliers.

Once such a system is in place we can assure that no disruption in the animal supply chain would be allowed to take place, he said.

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The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council today welcomed 14 new members, including Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's son Nara Lokesh, after they were sworn-in by Chairman A Chakrapani.

Of the 14, seven were elected to the Council under the MLAs quota, two from Local Authorities Constituencies, three from Graduates and two from Teachers constituencies in the biennial elections held this month.

While Lokesh took the oath in the Council's Business Advisory Committee meeting hall, the others completed the formality inside the Upper House.

Soon after taking oath, Lokesh was blessed by Vedic scholars who chanted hymns. He later went to his father and took his blessings.

The newly sworn-in Telugu Desam Party members were: Karanam Balarama Krishna Murthy, Dokka Manikya Varaprasad, Batchula Arjunudu and Pothula Sunitha (MLAs quota), G Deepak Reddy and M Ravindranatha Reddy (LACs).

BJP's P V N Madhav (Graduates), YSR Congress' Alla Kali Krishna Srinivas and Gangula Prabhakar Reddy (MLAs quota) and V Gopal Reddy (Graduates) also took oath.

Independents Y Srinivasulu Reddy (Graduates) and V Balasubrahmanyam (Teachers), who got re-elected, and another K Narasimha Reddy (Teachers) were also sworn-in by the Chairman.

The ruling TDP's strength has now gone up to 31 in the 58-member Council while the YSRC's number rose to eight.

The Congress is now left with just one member while the BJP's tally increased to two.

Seven others, who were also elected to the Council in this month's election, will take oath on May 1 when the term of the sitting members expires.

Meanwhile, TDP MLC from East Godavari district, Reddy Subrahmanyam, has been chosen for the Council Deputy Chairman's post. The post fell vacant upon the retirement of Satish Reddy yesterday.

The Telugu Desam Legislature Party met here this evening and chose Subrahmanyam for the post.

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Hollywood star Angelina Jolie had to take drug tests during filming on the first "Tomb Raider" movie, according to a new book.

According to an excerpt from movie mogul Sherry Lansing's biography, published in The Hollywood Reporter, the 24-year-old "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" star had to agree to testing and mental wellbeing checks throughout filming, because studio executives were concerned about her rumoured drug use and her relationship with Billy Bob Thornton.

According to director Simon West, Jolie has pretty "dark reputation" at that time, which included rumors that she dabbled in drugs.

"She definitely had some baggage and something of a dark reputation," said West.

"Funnily enough, that was one of my selling points: This troubled and dangerous aspect in her reputation actually helped the character," he added.

West later decided to meet up with Jolie on "Original Sin" filming set in Mexico. The director recalled that at that moment, Jolie said, "Look, I want to do it, but I know what my reputation is, and I'll do anything you want to prove that I'm worthy. I'll be reliable, and I'll turn up, and I'll work hard."



She went on saying, "I don't care if the studio wants to drug test me every day."



Later, Jolie was obliged to undergo drug tests which involved urine tests and blood tests. She passed on the tests and finally landed the role, which helped her obtain A-list status in film industry.

Jolie-starring "Tomb Raider" movies, which were released in 2001 and 2003 respectively, grossed USD 432 million worldwide.

The upcoming "Tomb Raider" reboot, which stars Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft, will be released on March 16, 2018.

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Days after Bawana MLA Ved Parkash quit the AAP, another party legislator aired his dissatisfaction today, cautioning Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal against "sycophants".

In a series of tweets, AAP's Janakpuri MLA Rajesh Rishi quoted couplets saying a regime nears its end if one relies on sycophants and tagged Kejriwal. Rishi later deleted the tweets.

The development left the ruling AAP embarrassed as it is in the middle of preparations to contest its first civic polls in Delhi on April 23 after the disappointing performance in Punjab and Goa.

The party tried to control the damage, claiming that everything is fine between the leadership and the MLA.

Despite repeated attempts, the Jankapuri MLA could not be contacted. His office said, Rishi has been away since morning.

Party sources indicated that ticket distribution in the MCD polls could be the reason behind Rishi's outburst.

AAP's Bawana MLA had quit the party early this week, launching on attack on the Delhi government. He was also learnt to have been upset with the party over ticket distribution. AAP has 65 MLAs in the 70-member Assembly.

Rishi was in after his brother was arrested for assaulting a women last month.

Interestingly, the party had fielded Rishi, along with other Poorvanchali MLAs, to take on Delhi BJP President Manoj Tiwari when note ban was announced.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Congress on Thursday expressed serious concern over the attacks on Africans in Greater Noida and alleged that the law and order was deteriorating fast in Uttar Pradesh under the new BJP dispensation.

The opposition party also accused the BJP of trying to "politicise" symbols and use them to "divide" people, referring to the barring of some councillors from attending Meerut Municipal Corporation meets over their refusal to sing 'Vande Mataram'.

Congress spokesperson Rajeev Gowda appealed to people to rise above suspicion and not yield to rumours about people indulging in illegal activities.

"The issue is very delicate. It is a very worrisome thing that the new government has come in and is unable to demonstrate its ability in terms of law and order.

"Its inability to show that Indians and our guests from abroad are not able to live in harmony without being attacked is a matter of great concern. Law and order is deteriorating so quickly under the new government," he said.

Four Nigerian students were attacked by a group of Greater Noida residents who took out a candle-light march after a 17-year-old boy Manish died last week in the NSG Black Cats Enclave due to suspected drug overdose.

He said if there is a racist element to these attacks, one would recall Jawaharlal Nehru's role during the freedom movement when such a movement was not just within India but in other parts of the world also.

"We were part of an anti-colonial movement across the world. We have seen a feeling of brotherhood and bonding with Africa and there has been a brotherhood bonding," he said, adding that this gives people of India and Africa a historical connection.

"Instead of that what we see is attacks on them on basis of skin colour. These are not positive measures...We appeal to people to rise above suspicion, to not yield to loose talks about people indulging in illegal activities," he said.

Asked about some corporators refusing to sing 'Vande Mataram' in the Meerut civic body, Gowda said, "'Vande Mataram' is a song that inspired the Congress Party in the freedom movement."



He said it is the song. In Parliament, it is an accepted practice for 'Vande Mataram' to be played at the end of session, that starts with the anthem.

The Congress leader noted that these are all customs and practices that should be the basis for consensus and this is something that should be celebrated.

"It is a matter of concern that symbols of the nation such as the National Anthem and the National Song are being politicised by the BJP. They are trying to use these in some ways to try and divide the people.

"We would trust everyone to believe that these are integral to what India is and to celebrate Indianness by honouring and respecting the National Song," he said.
Azure Power today said it has commissioned 7 MW of solar plant to supply electricity to defence establishments in Maharashtra.

The project was completed in collaboration with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), which is the designated nodal agency for implementation for Ministry of Defence and Para Military Forces, it said in statement.

According to the statement, Azure Power won this project under the National Solar Mission. The power generated is sold to Ministry of Defence establishments under a 25-year power purchase agreement at a blended tariff of Rs 5.36 (US 8 cents) per kWh.

In addition, SECI will provide viability gap funding of Rs 1.73 million for this project, it said.

Speaking on this occasion, Inderpreet Wadhwa, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Azure Power said, "We are pleased to be the first private company to supply solar power to the Defence Ministry in the country.

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Homegrown auto major Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) today said the Supreme Court order banning BS III vehicles from April 1 will have a one-time material impact on the company.

"This unexpected ruling has perplexed the industry and will have a one-time material impact even on the company," M&M said in a statement.

The Mumbai-based company said the law related to the implementation of BS IV emission standards for vehicles from April 1, provided for allowing the sale and registration of BS III vehicles manufactured prior to April 1, 2017 in the same manner as in such transitions over the last twelve years.

"But the Hon'ble Supreme Court has passed an order banning the sale of such BS III vehicle stock and thus overriding the law in place, on the basis of which the company had planned its operations. This unexpected ruling has perplexed the industry and will have a one-time material impact even on the company," M&M said.

The company respects the order of the Hon'ble Supreme Court and shall fully abide by it, it added.

The automaker is working to ensure sustainability in all its operations and has been ramping up its BSIV production for nationwide implementation from April 1, 2017, M&M said.

Besides, it is working on various options to work within the framework provided by the Court order, even trying to liquidate as much of the company's and its dealers' BS III inventory as possible by March 31, it added.

"The company will make every attempt to minimise the one time impact of this order on the company's financials," M&M said.

The Supreme Court yesterday banned sale and registration of vehicles with the older BS-III emission norms from April 1, in a blow to auto firms saddled with a stock of over 8 lakh such vehicles valued up to an estimated Rs 20,000 crore.

According to industry estimates, total value of vehicles impacted by ban is between Rs 15,000 crore and Rs 20,000 crore. Around 6.71 lakh two-wheelers, 97,000 commercial vehicles and over 40,000 three wheelers are affected by the ban.

Shares of M&M closed nearly 1 per cent higher at Rs 1,280.40 on BSE today.

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Eight militants blew themselves up when police stormed their hideout in an eastern Bangladeshi city today following a two-day stand-off, police said.

Eight bodies were found scattered at a militant den in Moulvibazar Sadar upazila, Nasirpur, they said.

The militants might have blown themselves up inside the hideout, Chief of Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit Monirul Islam said.

Earlier in the day, police launched 'Operation Hit Back' to flush out militants from their hideouts.

Police also raided a militant hideout in Comilla municipality where at least two militants are said to be hiding with huge explosives.

Today's operation was launched after the chief of neo-JMB, a terror outfit linked to the country's worst attack in Dhaka, was killed along with three terrorists in 'Operation Twilight' in Sylhet.

Cops fired tear gas shells at the house.

During the 70-minute raid yesterday at Nasirpur, more than 300 shots were fired but police could not confirm if any of the militants were killed.

The SWAT team will begin next operation at Borohat in Sadar headquarter after wrapping up the Nasirpur part, he added.

Authorities have enforced a cordon in the areas, barring onlookers in the vicinity.

The decision most likely was prompted after security lapses led to casualties during the Sylhet operation.

Six people, two of them police officers, were killed when militants hurled grenades on the onlookers during the raid.

The chief of Islamic State-inclined neo-JMB claimed responsibility for the deadly July 1, 2016, attack on an upmarket Dhaka cafe that left 22 people dead, including an Indian.

IS has claimed several attacks in Bangladesh, but the government rejects the presence of foreign terrorist groups in the moderate Muslim-majority country, blaming home-grown groups such as the neo-JMB for terrorist attacks.

Bangladesh has been witnessing a spate of attacks on secular activists, foreigners and religious minorities since 2013. The country launched a massive crackdown on militants specially after the Dhaka cafe attack.

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A family of eight, including children, blew themselves up after police stormed a hideout of Neo-Jamaat-ul Mujahideen Bangladesh in an eastern city following a two-day stand-off, authorities said today.

"The suicide explosion blew up all who were inside the hideout...We assume seven to eight including minor children were there when the militants exploded a powerful device as we laid the siege to the den," Monirul Islam, the chief of police's counter terrorism unit, told reporters.

He said the blast was so powerful that it tore the bodies into pieces, making it difficult for the police to ascertain exactly how many people were inside the militant den in Moulvibazar Sadar upazila, Nasirpur.

"The forensic examinations could confirm the casualty figure but we assume they are seven or eight in number," Islam added.

The militants in the hideout belonged to Neo-Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (Neo-JMB), inclined to Islamic State.

The neo-JMB was behind the July 1 terror attack on a Dhaka cafe that killed 22 people, including 17 foreigners.

The police today launched 'Operation Hit Back' to flush out militants from their hideouts after they failed to convince them to surrender.

Islam said the police entered the house after a drone was flown into the den to assess the situation and found out that "the entire family committed suicide, finding no way to flee the security siege".

A neighbour told newsmen that two couples having five children aged between one to seven years used to live in the house as tenants.

He said that the two couples led a secretive life and even barred the children from interacting with neighbours.

Islam said Special Weapons and Tactics unit, backed by elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) kept under siege another Islamist den in the northeastern town.

Today's operation was launched two days after the chief of neo-JMB, a terror outfit linked to the country's worst attack in Dhaka, was killed along with three terrorists in 'Operation Twilight' in Sylhet.

Meanwhile, a senior police official in Dhaka said that they preferred to wait until tomorrow to launch the assault on the militant's Comilla den as the district town was witnessing local elections today.

IS has claimed several attacks in Bangladesh, but the government rejects the presence of foreign terrorist groups in the moderate Muslim-majority country, blaming home-grown groups such as the neo-JMB for terrorist attacks.

Bangladesh has been witnessing a spate of attacks on secular activists, foreigners and religious minorities since 2013. The country launched a massive crackdown on militants specially after the Dhaka cafe attack.

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The Bihar Legislative Council today passed seven bills including the Bihar Private University (Amendment) Bill, 2017 which paved way for running private universities from rented premises in the state.

State Education minister Ashok Choudhary introduced the bill proposing to allow private universities to function from rented premises with a built up area of 5,000 sqm up to two years till construction of permanent infrastructure.

Countering BJP member Vinod Narayan Jha's assertion that not a single university has shown interest in opening its campus in Bihar, Choudhary said the state government has received 14 proposals for setting up universities.

Out of them, the government has set up a committee to look into the Detailed Project Report of 12 proposals.

Three universities would start running their courses soon and the government has decided to allow such universities to run their academic activities from rented accommodation for two years if they fulfil all requisite criteria, he said.

"Our aim is to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in universities. So, we opened the door for private institutions. At present, the state's GER is 13.9 per cent against the national average of 24 per cent. The government intends to push that up to 30 per cent by 2020," he said.

State Parliamentary Affairs minister Shrawan Kumar introduced the Bihar State Legislature (Members' salaries, allowances and pension) (amendment) Bill, 2017 which was passed by the legislative Assembly yesterday.

An amendment has been proposed in the preamble of the State Legislature (Members' salaries, allowances and pension) (Amendment) Act to incorporate provision of pension for retired members of the bicameral state legislature.

The House passed Bihar Farmers and Rural Areas Development Agency (Repeal) Bill, 2017, the Patna University (Amendment) Bill, 2017, the Bihar State University (Amendment) Bill, 2017 and the Bihar Appropriation Excess Expenditure Bill, 2017.

The Legislative Council also passed the Bihar Protection of Interest of Depositors (in financial establishments) (Amendment) Bill, 2017, which proposes to strengthen mechanism for protection of the interests of small investors who deposit with non-banking financial institutions.

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The Bank of England is considering using palm oil or coconut oil in the production of the new 20- pound note, following criticism of the use of animal fats in the plastic 5-pound notes from Hindus, Sikhs and vegetarians.

The new 20-pound note is due to be introduced by 2020, but the tender for production has been put on hold, the BBC reported today.

The Bank said it was now assessing whether palm oil or coconut oil should be used instead.

Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, vegetarians and others in the UK have objected to the tallow used in plastic notes. Tallow is a hard, fatty substance made from rendered animal fat. It is commonly used to make soap and candle.

The Hindu Council UK members had met BoE representatives last month to explain that as Hindus see the cow as a symbol of grace and veneration, the use of tallow made from beef fat in the notes went against their beliefs.

Meanwhile, the BoE's new announcement has been opposed by conservation groups, who warned that palm oil production can wreck rainforests and displace people living in them, the report said.

"It would depend on where the Bank of England source it," said Rachel Agnew of the Rainforest Foundation. "Whether it is sustainable is the issue."



Palm oil production was responsible for 8 per cent of the world's deforestation between 1990 and 2008. Palm oil has been blamed for deforestation in countries like Indonesia.

However, in its statement, the Bank of England says it is committed to using sustainable levels of palm oil, should that eventually be chosen for the new notes.

It says that the amounts of oil needed are so small that there would be no need for an increase in global production.

The BoE has also published an independent report on the separate environmental impacts of palm oil, coconut oil and tallow.

Nevertheless the Rainforest Foundation takes issue on how sustainability is certified.

Doug Maw, who started a petition about the use of animal fat in the fiver, said he was disappointed by the Bank's decision to consider palm oil.

He met the Bank's chief cashier, Victoria Cleland, in January to discuss the issue.

"In my meeting I highlighted palm oil as something they should avoid doing," he said.

"The destruction of habitat caused by over-production of palm oil is contributing to the near-extinction of the orangutan."



The existing 5-pound plastic note, and the new 10-pound note due for release in September, will continue to use trace amounts of animal fat, the report said.

The Bank has said it is not practical to change the way such notes are made.

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The Centre has accorded the top category 'Z+' VVIP armed security cover to newly-appointed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The cover will be provided by a special commando team of the CISF along with a small contingent of the Uttar Pradesh police.

Adityanath was till now enjoying the smallest category of 'Y' category VVIP cover by the CISF in his capacity as a BJP Member of Parliament from Gorakhpur but officials said with his taking charge as CM, a threat perception report of central security agencies required his security paraphernalia to be upgraded.

"The Chief Minister's security has been bolstered and he will now be secured by a strong team of CISF commandos everytime he moves across the country. A similar commando contingent will be deployed at his official residence," a senior officer said.

As part of the new and upgraded security paraphernalia, Adityanath will have about 25-28 commandos accompanying him with sophisticated weapons at all times he is mobile and his convoy will have pilot and escort vehicles armed with jammers.

Under the 'Y' cover, he was accompanied by about 2-3 commandos when he travelled, officials said.

A Central Industrial Security Force squad from its Special Security Group (SSG) has recently taken charge of his security in Lucknow, they said.

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Freshman and sophomore students from six counties in North Georgia and one in Alabama can now save thousands of dollars when they attend the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga through the advantage of UTCs regional tuition rate. Participating students pay in-state tuition plus 25 percent of the out-of-state tuition.The new regional tuition rate for freshmen and sophomores goes into effect for student entering fall . of this year.Students from Catoosa, Dade, Fannin, Murray, Walker, and Whitfield counties in North Georgia and Jackson County in Alabama who are admitted to UTC as undergraduates in good academic standing are eligible for the regional tuition discount.The rate is available to both full-time and part-time students.These students and their families who live just beyond the state lines are part of the greater Chattanooga area, they are part of our community. Many of them work and shop in Chattanooga, said UTC Chancellor Steve Angle. They definitely contribute to the economic growth and cultural vitality of this community. Expansion of our regional tuition rate allows us to better serve the educational needs of this entire area.The regional tuition rate has been in effect for juniors and seniors since June 2007 and was expanded to include graduate students in 2009. Since its inception, UTC has earned more than $3 million in tuition from participants enrolled with the regional rate.Expanding the regional tuition rate to freshmen and sophomores has been the most requested change in our enrollment for years, said Yancy Freeman, assistant provost for Enrollment Management. With this expansion, transfer students, new students, and graduate students from these areas will have equal access to the benefits of a UTC education.For more information, call the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 423-425-4662.
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah today held the Centre responsible for the Kashmir problem and demanded a beginning of dialogue with Pakistan and Kashmiris people for the "solution".

"If successive governments in New Delhi would not have betrayed the people of Kashmir by not keeping their promise, the situation would not have come to prevailing passe," he said addressing an election meeting at Budgam in central Kashmir.

Abdullah is contesting the upcoming bypolls from Srinagar parliamentary constituency.

Stressing on the need for dialogue to resolve Kashmir issue, he cautioned the Centre against "excessive use of force and repression" against the people, saying "unless Kashmir is recognised as a political problem peace will remain elusive."



"For lasting peace and stability, dialogue process needs to be initiated," he said, adding that Kashmir issue has been recognised at the international level and therefore, talks should be initiated with Pakistan and the people of Kashmir for judicious solution.

He called for involving all stakeholders to find out a way forward so that the current spell of bloodshed is stopped.

"Our heart bleeds when the blood of young man is spilled during broad daylight clash with the security forces.

Use of disproportionate force will take us nowhere.

There is need to understand that young people's urges and aspirations have to be met, who feel pushed to the wall," the NC leader said.

He said the government at the Centre, in "mistaken belief", prefers "force over compassion and understanding" towards the problems of youth.

"If New Delhi thinks that use of pellet guns would help restore peace, they are living in fools world," he said while holding New Delhi squarely responsible for the "current morass".

Abdullah expressed dismay over "political instability, economic disaster and above all fear" among the people.

Attacking Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, the National Conference President wondered over her "hypocrisy", saying "when out of power she used to shed crocodile tears while visiting the slain militants houses but now she underplays, and unfortunately mocks the peaceful protests by the people".

He said "Valley is passing through most difficult phase and unless immediate measures are not taken to assuage the political aspirations of the people, Kashmir will continue to bleed".

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A Sikh organization today said the situation in Kashmir was very tricky and the Centre should initiate a dialogue process with the stakeholders, while asserting that brute action against protesters would only alienate the youth from the mainstream.

The situation in Kashmir Valley is very tricky and we expect the central government to initiate a dialogue process with the concerned stakeholders so that the situation becomes normal.

Taking brute action against the protesters would not lead to any result and in fact would alienate the people especially youth from the mainstream, All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC), chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina told reporters here.

Referring to the upcoming bypolls to the two Lok Sabha seats of Srinagar and Anantnag in the Valley, Raina said the community members were free to vote or stay away from the polls and APSCC would not force them to change their decision.

Unlike the past, the APSCC does not want the members of the Sikh community to vote for a particular party or candidate during the bypolls.

Sikhs are free to vote for anybody and in case they deem it fit not to vote, the APSCC would not force them to change their decision, he said.

The APSCC chairman lashed out at the ruling PDP for not taking any steps in granting minority status to the community in Jammu and Kashmir and demanded that the National Commission for Minorities Act be extended to the state.

The PDP had in its election manifesto promised to grant minority status to the Sikh community of the state, but three years have passed and nothing has been done.

The state government opposed the granting of the minority status to Sikhs in the Supreme Court very recently.

This action of the people suggests that the people at the helm pursue different agenda while being in power or out of power, he said.

Raina threatened an agitation by the members of the community for their due rights.

Denial of due rights has already led to devastation in Haryana and the same cannot be ruled out in Jammu and Kashmir.

With appreciable number of Sikhs living in Jammu region, one cannot rule out an agitation by the members of the Sikh community.

The state government would be responsible for the consequences, he said.

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A case of cheating and forgery has been registered in connection with the fake UGC notice to JNU for closure of schemes for study of social exclusion on a complaint by the body, police said today.

Delhi Police will probe who sent the forged letter ordering closure of JNU's Centre for the Study of Discrimination and Exclusion, a senior police officer said.

After the letter surfaced, the University Grants Commission conducted an internal inquiry and it was found that the letter has forged signature and was faxed from somewhere in Mumbai, he said.

However, the Commission doesn't have any centre in Mumbai. It is being probed from which number the letter was faxed, said the officer.

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China is looking forward for more cooperation both with India and Bangladesh, its Consul General here Ma Zhanwu said today.

"We are working for more cooperation both with Bangladesh and India," he told reporters here when asked about China's stand on the Indo-Bangla Teesta water sharing issue.

"We have a lot of cooperation with Bangladesh and we are ready to work with both the countries for development and exchange of mutual benefits," he said.

The envoy said the development of one country could bring benefits to other countries.

"We are living in an age of mutual self reliance," he added.

While several countries were veering away from the idea of globalisation, India's view was that there is need to continue with it and China too believed in it, Zhanwu said.

"Globalisation is a natural trend," he said.

On the controversy relating to Oppo, the mobile handset maker from China, Zhanwu said the Chinese people living in India are always told to respect the local culture and the local laws.

One of the Chinese employees of the company had allegedly disrespected the Indian flag in the company's Noida plant. Shortly after the incident the employee was sacked.

"Even if they do something, that does not mean their intention is to offend Indian people. I hope this will not happen again," he said.

Asked to comment about the proposed visit of Dalai Lama to Arunachal Pradesh, he said China does not only have reservation, but is "strongly opposed" to this.

"Such activities by India go against the relations between India and China. We hope the Indian government will take effective measures to stop such activities," he said.

China is ready to cooperate with India on high-speed trains, he added.

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China will build a new observation station in Tibet to assist research and monitoring of the ecological system in the southeast of the autonomous region.

The station, which will cover 2,600 square meters, is expected to be constructed in October in Deshing village of Metok County, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) said today.

"Rich in bio-diversity, Metok plays a special role in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau ecosystem," said Zhu Liping, researcher with CAS's Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Research Institute.

According to Zhu, the Metok station will be mainly used for observing vegetation, glaciers, lakes and atmosphere on the plateau, researching and monitoring its bio-diversity and impacts on climate change.

So far, the CAS has set up permanent observation stations in lake Namtso, the Nyingchi area and Mount Everest known locally as Qomolangma, and formed a relatively complete observation network monitoring atmosphere and environment of the plateau, state-run Xinhua agency reported.

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A 22-member business delegation from Shandong province in China would visit West Bengal next week for a B2B meeting with their Indian counterparts, consul general of China in Kolkata Ma Zhanwu said.

Zhanwu said that the delegation, which would visit on April 5, would represent 15 companies of Shandong and would focus on areas like forming JVs and agriculture.

Some of the prominent companies of Shandong province are Haier Electronics, Hisense TV and Tsingdao Beer.

The two-day visit was triggered by the gradually improving market conditions of West Bengal and prospects of huge development under the BCIM Economic Corridor.

Zhanwu said West Bengal government was actively supporting the visit through its investment promotion agency West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation.

The Chinese delegation would be led by Junmin Wang, a senior vice-governor of the province.

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The Coast Guard Eastern Region has received two new Interceptor Boats, that would be utilised during the patrol and surveillance of coastal security.

The boats, C-431 and C-432, costing Rs 23 crore each, would be manned by 12-member crew, a Coast Guard press release said here today.

On completion of extensive trials, the boats would be formally inducted into service in May and based in Chennai and Karaikal.

The boats were part of the 36 Interceptor Boats project contract signed Defence Ministry and Larsen and Toubro Shipyard.

To be utilised for day and night coastal patrol and surveillance, anti-terrorist and anti-smuggling operations, the boats were fitted with ultra-modern technology including sophisticated navigational and latest communication system.

The boats have a life span of more than 15 years, the release said.

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Several Congress legislators today criticised Leader of Opposition Abdul Mannan for taking up various programmes of the legislature unit without informing the state unit president Adhir Chowdhury.

A Congress legislature party meeting was convened by Mannan for formulating a plan of action against the TMC government on Narada and Saradha scams. Out of 39 MLAs, only 25 MLAs were present in the meeting.

It was in the meeting that a section of Congress MLAs raised question over how Mannan could take up programmes and agitations without informing Chowdhury.

"Being the Leader of Opposition, he has every right to convene an agitation or announce a programme of legislature party. But he should do that after informing and taking permission from the state Congress president. But he doesn't bother to do that," a senior Congress MLA said.

A section of Congress MLAs, who had expressed their anger against Mannan, also didn't accompany him to the Governor's house where he went to submit a deputation against the government.

When asked about the incident, Mannan said, "Whatever I have to say I will say that in the party meeting."



Mannan, however, explained the absence of MLAs, including party chief whip Manoj Chakraborty and deputy party leader Nepal Mahato, by saying that "they had some work to do.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said today he had reached an agreement with his finance minister in a long-simmering dispute over a new public broadcast corporation that had raised the possibility of snap polls.

Netanyahu said in a statement after a series of meetings with Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon that he "believes that the crisis is over."



A compromise was said to have been reached between them that would allow the new corporation to move forward as planned, while including a series of changes sought by Netanyahu.

Despite initially backing it, Netanyahu has since opposed the creation of the new broadcaster, with his allies suggesting it would cede too much control from government.

Kahlon, whose Kulanu party forms a crucial part of Netanyahu's coalition with 10 seats in parliament, is committed to reforming Israel's public broadcasting.

Earlier this month, Netanyahu reportedly threatened to dissolve the government unless the new broadcasting corporation was derailed before its scheduled start on April 30.

Some media suggested Netanyahu had deliberately triggered the cabinet crisis as a way to deflect attention from a long-running investigation into alleged corruption that has seen him questioned several times by police in recent weeks.

Netanyahu's current coalition is seen as the most right-wing in Israel's history. His Likud party controls 30 seats in the 120-seat parliament, the Knesset, while the coalition holds a six-seat majority.

The new corporation is officially meant to revigorate Israeli public broadcasting in an age when private channels have an increasing share of viewers.

But it is also expected to lead to layoffs in Israel's existing public broadcasting service, something Netanyahu has used to attack the plan.

Culture Minister Miri Regev last year said it would be "inconceivable to establish a company that we wouldn't control.

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The Delhi BJP will launch its door-to-door campaign named 'Ghar Ghar Dastak' tomorrow in the run up to the MCD elections scheduled on April 23.

The meetings of the Parliamentary units of BJP were held today to take stock of the preparations of the poll campaign.

BJP national vice president Vinay Sahastrabuddhe and party's Delhi chief Manoj Tiwari attended such a meeting held at Bhajanpura in latter's north east constituency.

"In this elections, the party workers at booth levels will not only work for the victory of the BJP but also help people of Delhi who were misguided in 2015," Sahstrabuddhe said without naming the Aam Admi Party that came to power in Delhi routing both BJP and Congress.

The booth level workers will contact each household in their area paying special attention to unauthorised colonies and slums, Tiwari said.

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A Senate committee today approved legislation introduced by Senator Lamar Alexander to take the next step in including former President James K. Polks home in Columbia, Tn., in the National Park System. The committee also approved legislation to expand the boundaries of Shiloh National Military Park to include three Civil War battlefields in Tennessee and Mississippi and designate Parkers Crossroads as an affiliated area of the National Park System.

We talk a lot about the importance of science and math, but, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, most high school seniors in America score the worst in history. I can think of no better way to encourage the study of U.S. history than to protect and preserve sites like President Polks home and the Shiloh National Military Park so future generations can learn about our past and help us become better Americans in the future, Senator Alexander said. These pieces of legislation also provide an opportunity to attract more visitors to Tennessee and strengthen local economies.

With the approval by the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, the James K. Polk Presidential Study Act and the Shiloh National Military Park Boundary Adjustment and Parkers Crossroads Battlefield Designation Act can now be considered by the full Senate.

On Jan. 11, Senator Alexander introduced the James K. Polk Presidential Home Study Act. Identical legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) and Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04) on the same day. The legislation directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study and evaluate the suitability and feasibility of designating the site as a unit of the National Park System. Once the study is completed, the conclusions and recommendations will be submitted to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources and the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, of which Senator Alexander is a member. If the study recommends the Polk Home should be included in the National Park System, Congress would then need to pass legislation designating the Polk Home as a new unit of the National Park System.

Senator Alexander introduced the Shiloh National Military Park Boundary Adjustment and Parker's Crossroads Battlefield Designation Act on Jan. 11. On Jan. 3, Congressman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) introduced the Shiloh National Military Park Boundary Adjustment and Parker's Crossroads Battlefield Designation Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation passed the House on Feb. 27. The legislation would expand the boundary of Shiloh National Military Park to include three Civil War battlefields in Tennessee and Mississippi and designate Parkers Crossroads as an affiliated area of the National Park System.
Two-wheeler majors Hero MotoCorp, HMSI, Bajaj Auto and Suzuki Motorcycle are offering discounts of up to Rs 22,000 on BS-III models to liquidate stocks, a day after the Supreme Court banned sale and registration of such vehicles from April 1.

With 6.71 lakh two-wheelers, out of over 8 lakh BS-III vehicles impacted by the ban, dealers said the immediate effort is to sell as many units as possible before the deadline by offering "unheard of discounts" in the industry.

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI), which had initially offered a flat discount of Rs 10,000 on its BS-III scooters and motorcycles increased it to Rs 22,000 later in the day.

The company said it is offering cash back offer of Rs 22,000 on its BS-III scooters and motorcycles models Activa 3G (priced Rs 50,290), Dream Yuga (Rs 51,741), CB Shine (Rs 55,799 to Rs 61,283) and CD 110DX (Rs 47,202 to Rs 47,494).

Market leader Hero MotoCorp offered discounts of up to Rs 12,500 on its BS-III two-wheelers.

According to dealers, the company is offering rebate of Rs 12,500 on its scooters, Rs 7,500 on premium bikes and Rs 5,000 on entry level mass market motorcycles.

The models on which discounts are offered include scooters Duet (priced Rs 49,480) and Maestro Edge (Rs 51,030), motorcycles Glamour (Rs 59,755) and Splendor 125 (Rs 55,575).

Another two-wheeler maker Suzuki Motorcycle India also announced offers on its Let's scooter and Gixxer motorcycle.

On the scooter, Let's priced (Rs 47,272 to Rs 53,766), the company offered a discount of Rs 4,000 plus a free helmet, while on Gixxer (Rs 77,452 to Rs 90,421) the benefit is up to Rs 5,000 with exchange benefits of up to Rs 2,000. All prices are ex-showroom Delhi.

Bajaj Auto also offered discounts and free insurance on its different models, starting from the entry level Platina to Pulsar RS200 in the range of Rs 3,000 to Rs 12,000 along with free insurance.

"If there are any unsold inventory left, we have the possibility to export as we are a big exporter to around 70 countries across the world," Bajaj Auto President (Business Development & Assurance) S Ravikumar told PTI.

The companies said the offer will be valid till stocks last or up to March 31.

"These are unheard of discounts ever in the two-wheeler industry," Federation of Automobile Dealers (FADA) past president and Director-International Affairs Nikunj Sanghi said.

When asked about what actions were dealers taking following the apex court verdict, he said: "Our energy is focused on selling as much stock as possible before the deadline. Our people are calling up potential customers informing them about the offers."



He said the dealership community was hoping for some relief from the court in the form of more time to sell their stocks but with that not happening, the focus has shifted to liquidating the stocks.

Afterwards, it will have to be discussed with the manufacturers what to do with the unsold inventories, if at all any are left, he added.

On the commercial vehicles front, Ashok Leyland said it wasn't offering discounts on any of its vehicles.

"Our products are in good demand and we will not be offering any price discounts," a company spokesperson said.

Mahindra & Mahindra said it is working on various options to work within the framework provided by the court order.

It is "even trying to liquidate as much of the company's and its dealers' BS III inventory as possible by March 31, 2017 and will make every attempt to minimise the one time impact of this order on the company's financials", without sharing details of the steps.

Comments from Tata Motors could not be obtained.

Observing yesterday that health of the people is "far, far more important" than the commercial interests of the manufacturers, the Supreme Court said that automobile firms have declined to take "sufficient pro-active steps" despite being fully aware that they would be required to manufacture only BS-IV compliant vehicles from April 1, 2017.

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A group of farmers from Tamil Nadu stayed put at Jantar Mantar here for the seventeenth day in a row to demand drought relief package from the central government.

The farmers have taped their mouths shut as they continue their silent protest to draw the Centre's attention towards the apathy being meted out to their cause.

Notably, the National Human Rights Commission had in January issued a notice to Tamil Nadu government over reported death of 106 farmers during a period of one month in the state, and sought a detailed report from it in the matter.

The farmers belonging to Cauvery belt are protesting here demanding a drought relief package of Rs 40,000 crore from the Centre, farm loan waiver and setting up of Cauvery Management Board.

Lending support the protesting farmers, chief of Naam Tamilar Katchi, a regional political party in Tamil Nadu, Seeman said it is only the farmers who do not have the right to fix a suitable price for their produce in the market.

"Manufacturers of all goods fix a price for their product, but farmers are not able to do so. The governments should immediately act for redressing their grievances," Seeman said.

The founder of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, another regional political party, Thol Thirumavalavan is also expected make his presence in Jantar Mantar to offer his support to the farmers.

Meanwhile, students of Government College of Fine Arts in Chennai, who are on industrial visit to the national capital, too offered their support to the farmers and drew paintings depicting their hardship.

The NHRC had observed that there was a need for sincere implementation of the laws and policies made for the farming sector especially, the small farmers.

Reportedly, it has not rained and the level of the ground water has also shrunk at many places in the state. The water bodies are also drying. The poor farmers, who depend upon their crops, are the most vulnerable section of the society and they always become victims of various vagaries, the Commission had said.

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Fitch Ratings today said it has maintained the rating watch status on long term ratings of Tata Steel and its UK-based arm.

Fitch will resolve the Rating Watch upon further clarity on the status of discussions with Thyssenkrupp AG for joint venture and the final structure of the group and its debt, the rating agency said in a statement.

Tata Steel is in talks with Thyssenkrupp AG about a potential joint venture, which could lower its liabilities related to European operations and improve its leverage.

Fitch has assigned 'BB' long-term issuer default rating on Tata Steel Ltd and 'B' Long-term IDR on Tata Steel UK Holdings.

The steel producers' ratings were placed on rating watch evolving on 1 April 2016 after Tata Steel said it is exploring options for portfolio restructuring in Europe, including the potential divestment of its UK operations.

The company sold a key unprofitable asset in May 2016 and will close its defined benefit pension scheme in the UK to future accruals from March 31, 2017.

Overall profitability, including Europe, has also improved significantly in the nine months to end-2016 with consolidated EBITDA up 90 per cent Y-o-Y, aided by higher steel prices, Fitch Ratings said in a statement.

Tata Steel sold its unprofitable European business that produced long products on 31 May 2016 as part of its restructuring efforts.

Its operations in Europe, comprising steel plants in Port Talbot, UK, and IJmuiden, Netherlands, returned to profitability in the nine months to end-2016, helped by higher selling prices and performance improvement initiatives.

The company will close its defined benefit scheme in the UK that had obligations of over GBP12 billion at end-March 2016 to future accruals, and is engaging with the pension trustees, the pension regulator and other stakeholders to further reduce risks from potential liabilities.

Tata Steel UK Holdings Ltd (TSUKH) has high debt and relatively low profitability, leading to a weak standalone credit profile.

The business also faces weak local demand and high costs. However, TSUKH currently benefits from strategic ties with its parent, TSL. This provides its IDR with a two-notch uplift in line with Fitch's Parent and Subsidiary Linkage methodology. Fitch will review the ties once there is clarity about the outcome of the restructuring in Europe.

Tata Steel's ratings benefit from a one-notch uplift due to potential support from the Tata Group based on TSL's strategic importance to the group.

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Five workers died today after allegedly inhaling poisonous gas in an aqua food processing unit at Mogalturu town in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, police said.

According to a senior police official in Eluru here, the five persons, aged between 21 and 25, were cleaning a tank filled with chemicals, used for shrimp processing, when they inhaled the gas, and died.

The poisonous gas was suspected to be ammonia, police said.

The tank is located over 100 meters away from Anand Aqua Food Processing unit at Nallavari Cheruvu under Mogalturu.

The deceased belonged to villages in the vicinity of the plant, police said.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu spoke to West Godavari District Collector Katamaneni Bhaskar and enquired about the incident. He directed Bhaskar to immediately take up relief measures.

Also, Deputy Chief Minister (Home) N China Rajappa spoke to district Superintendent of Police Bhaskar Bhushan and directed senior police officials to rush to the spot and submit a report.

YSR Congress president Y S Jaganmohan Reddy expressed shock and grief over the incident. He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families.

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The Centre today extended till June the deadline on exemption given to traders for fumigating all imported agri-commodities including pulses at Indian ports instead of the country of origin.

The current exemption is valid till March 31.

"It has been extended till June for all farm commodities including pulses. Till we don't have an alternative to methyl bromide, we have decided to allow fumigation methyl bromide upon arrival in India," a senior Agriculture Ministry official told PTI.

Fumigation of consignments with methyl bromide, a restricted use pesticide, will be allowed in India from approved treatment providers at the ports of entry and on payment of penal fees, the official added.

The Agriculture Ministry has issued an order in this regard, the official added.

"The consignments of all imported agri-commodities, whose date of Bill of Lading in the country of export is 30th June, 2017 or before will be allowed without offshore Methyl Bromide fumigation from those countries, which certify discontinuance of this chemical for phytosanitary measure," the order said.

The move will benefit pulses traders from Canada the world's largest pulses exporter -- which has banned the use of the fumigant on environmental grounds.

Welcoming the move, India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA) Pravin Dongre said, "Seamless supply of imported pulses play a critical role in ensuring adequate supplies of key pulses required in the country and in stabilizing price."



"We are glad that a lentil like yellow peas, the cheapest pulses variety available to Indians and heavily import dependant, will now continue to reach the common man," he said.

IPGA is committed to extend its full cooperation to the government in finding an alternate fumigant that conforms to internationally accepted standards so that such issues are addressed on a long term basis, he added.

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Culture ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) industrialised countries gathered in Florence today for two days of talks aimed at "putting cultural diplomacy on the agenda."



The first meeting of its kind for the G7 grouping was the brainchild of Italian Culture Minister Dario Franceschini.

"Because of the importance of our own heritage, Italy has a leadership role in issues of culture," he said ahead of the talks.

"We want to translate this strength into action at the international level by putting the idea of cultural diplomacy onto countries' agenda."



He added that the recent damage inflicted on Roman-era monuments in the Syrian city of Palmyra had raised public awareness of the importance of the issue.

Specifically, Franceschini said the meeting would focus on the protection of cultural heritage, combatting trafficking of artistic and historic items and using culture as an instrument for dialogue.

It is part of the preparations for a summit of the leaders of G7 countries - Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States - in Sicily at the end of May.

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The government has cancelled approvals granted to eight SEZ projects, including those of Concord India and Bangalore International Airport, as no significant progress was made by developers to complete the projects.

The Board of Approval, headed by Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia, in its meeting on March 8 cancelled the approvals, according to the minutes of the meeting. The 19-member Board of Approval (BoA) deals with SEZ related matters.

"The board examined eight cases of cancellation of formal approval/notification and approved cancellation," the minutes of the BoA meeting said.

All the eight IT/ITeS zones were planned in Karnataka.

However, it said that the cancellation is subject to the development commissioner furnishing a certificate certifying that the developer has not availed any tax/duty benefits including service tax exemptions, if any, under SEZ Act/rules or has refunded any such benefits availed by it.

Since there was no significant progress made by the developer, the concerned development commissioner had proposed for cancellation of formal approval granted to the developer, an official said.

Developers of these SEZ projects include Concord India and Bangalore International Airport, Kinfotech Software, Salarpuria Properties, Gokaldas Images Infrastructure and San Engineering and Locomotive Company, among others.

Special economic zones (SEZ) have been planned to promote overseas shipments. SEZs and export oriented units (EOUs) contribute about 33 per cent to the country's total exports. Exports from these zones stood at Rs 2.36 lakh crore during April-September 2016.

Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and Maharashtra house most of the operational SEZs in the country.

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Swedish clothing giant Hennes and Mauritz (H&M) today announced the launch of its eighth fashion brand as tough market conditions in the US and Central Europe hurt profits.

H&M's pretax profit fell to 3.2 billion kronor (335 million euros, $360 million) in the December to February period, the first quarter of the company's financial year, from 3.3 billion kronor the previous year, it said.

"For fashion retail in general, market conditions were very tough in many of our large markets in central and southern Europe and in the US, and this was reflected in our sales," CEO Karl-Johan Persson said in a statement.

The new brand, ARKET, will be launched after the summer with the first store to open in London followed by Brussels, Copenhagen and Munich and online operations in 18 European markets in early autumn, the group said.

It offers clothes for men, women and children and household products, which will be more expensive than H&M.

Each store will also include a coffee shop inspired by the Nordic kitchen and cuisine.

"The overall direction and focus is quality in simple, timeless and functional designs," Persson said.

"There will be products in a broad price range, however in a slightly higher price segment than H&M with emphasis on materials, function and fit," he added.

The group also operates Swedish brands such as Cos, Other Stories, Monki, Weekday and Cheap Monday, whose sales continue to grow both online and in stores.

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The Haryana government today signed an MoU with Indian Oil Corporation which will undertake beautification of area under the 2.7 km-long elevated highway corridor in Panipat.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

Under the project, facilities like five toilet complexes, interlocking paver blocks and 140 LED lights would be provided under the 2.7 km of elevated highway corridor which would not only ensure the overall ambiance of the area, but also support the national mission of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, help to curb pollution and ensure smooth parking.

Notably, Khattar had made an announcement to give facelift to the area under the corridor.

Khattar and Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in a meeting held at Panipat Refinery on October 10, 2016, had decided that the expenditure for the project would be made by the IOCL under its CSR initiative.

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The Madras High Court has acquitted a woman sentenced for life by a Fast Track Mahila Court on the charges of killing her five-year-old daughter after giving her food mixed with pesticide.

A division bench comprising Justice S Nagamuthu and Justice N Authinathan, allowing an appeal by the woman V Shobana against the order of the trial court in Erode district, recently found fault with the trial court judge in awarding life imprisonment.

"We find there is no convincing evidence to hold that it was this accused that killed the girl", the bench said and acquitted her.

The trial court also gave the order without providing legal assistance to her, as the woman's counsel failed to be present in the court on various occasions when the case was taken up. Also when the Public Prosecutor requested time to argue the case, the judge refused to grant time, the judges said.

"This act of the judge in blindly rushing to finish the case is really unwarranted and unfortunate. The judge pronounced the judgement sentencing the poor woman to life imprisonment though absolutely there is no evidence against her," the judges said.

According to the prosecution, Shobana was living with her parents and child in Erode district due to frequent quarrels with her husband.

On August seven, 2015, she gave food mixed with pesticide to the child following which she fainted. Though the girl was taken to a hospital by neighbours, she was declared brought dead, the prosecution submitted.

Police registered cases against Shobana under various sections of the IPC including 302 (punishment for murder) and the Fast Track Mahila Court awarded life imprisonment to her besides imposing a fine of Rs 10,000 on May 6, 2016.

Challenging the order, Shobana filed an appeal in the high court.

Flaying the trial court judge for not providing the woman free legal aid when the counsel appointed by the accused failed to turn up, the bench observed that "the said counsel, it appears, did not have any concern for the ethics and best practises of the legal profession."



Such gross negligence and dereliction of duty on the part of the counsel cannot be allowed to deprive the right of the accused to have legal assistance and to have effective defence, the judges said.

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Senator David Perdue on Thursday applauded the Agriculture Committees vote of support for his first cousin, former Georgia Governor, George Ervin Sonny Perdue III, to be the next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.

As Ive said since the night of his nomination, Sonny is the most qualified person to be the Secretary of Agriculture," said Senator Perdue.

Given my relationship to the governor, please let the record show I was present but declined to participate, and I look forward to the Senate confirmation of Governor Perdue," said Senator Perdue during the committee meeting.

The Senate Agriculture Committee confirmed Governor Perdue on Thursday by voice vote. Governor Perdue now awaits a confirmation vote before the full Senate.
The Gujarat High Court today stayed the summons issued to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan by the Government Railway Police (GRP) over the death of a man at Vadodara railway station during the promotion of his film "Raees."



Justice J B Pardiwala stayed the summons, issued by the Vadodara GRP, which had asked the actor to come to its office and record his statement.

Khan has challenged the summons in the High Court.

Khan's lawyer Salil Thakore argued that such summons under CrPC cannot be issued to a person not staying within the limits of the police station.

After considering his argument, the court stayed the summons and adjourned the hearing to August 4.

Fahreed Khan Pathan, a local resident, had suffered a heart attack at the Vadodara Railway Station on January 23 when enthusiastic crowds surged for a glimpse of the superstar. Khan, who was promoting "Raees", had arrived at the station by August Kranti Express from Mumbai.

Pathan subsequently died in the hospital. Some activists had moved a magistrate's court, seeking a criminal case against Khan, and the court had asked GRP to submit a report. No FIR has been filed in the case yet.

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The heat wave conditions will continue in most parts of Madhya Pradesh for at least two to three days due to the hot air coming from Rajasthan, the Met Department said here.

"The hot and dry air coming from Rajasthan has resulted in heat wave conditions in Madhya Pradesh. This situation may continue to prevail for at least another two or three days. Dust storms are also likely in some areas," India Meteorological Department (IMD) Bhopal Centre's meteorologist Dr G D Mishra told PTI.

"Severe heat wave" was likely in several districts including Gwalior, Datia, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Ratlam, Khandwa, Khargone and Damoh for the next two or three days, Dr Mishra said.

At least six districts saw maximum temperatures of around 43 degrees Celsius yesterday.

"Yesterday, the highest temperature in the state was recorded at around 43 degrees Celsius at several places including Khargone, Khajuraho, Ratlam, Naugaon, Damoh and Hoshangabad, while the lowest temperature of 17 degrees Celsius was recorded in Rewa and Betul districts," Dr Mishra said.

(Reopens BES 17)



Meanwhile, in Bhopal and Indore, two major cities of the state, all schools, government as well as private, would close before 12 noon in view of the heat wave.

This will be effective from April 1. However, examinations would be held according to the previously declared schedules, the orders issued by Bhopal and Indore district collectors said.
India has become part of IEA Association that will allow the country play a more "visible and influential" role in the global energy landscape.

The "Activation of Association" is expected to serve as a bridge and platform for wider-ranging and deeper co-operation and collaboration between IEA member and Association countries in the future.

India's engagement with the International Energy Agency (IEA) has enhanced over the last two decades and the "Association" status would facilitate it to participate in meetings of the standing groups, committees and working groups that constitute the IEA governance structure.

"At a brief ceremony here, Power Minister Piyush Goyal handed over the formal letter in this regard to Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director, IEA, a Power Ministry statement said.

Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and senior officials from ministries of oil and power were also present on the occasion.

The IEA, which covers the entire spectrum of energy globally, will play an important role in India's energy security context, it said.

The Minister envisaged a greater partnership with IEA in taking forward the International Solar Alliance framework to other countries in the world.

Further, Goyal said, India pursues its key development objectives of energy access, energy security and environmental sustainability.

In this context, India has a vision of ensuring 24x7 affordable and environment friendly 'Power for All' and deeper engagement with IEA is a component of achieving this vision.

The minister said this does not cast any additional obligation on India, however, gives an opportunity for the country to become the voice of the developing countries.

Speaking on the occasion, Pradhan said India is world's 3rd largest consumer of energy, hence a very big market for catering the energy demands of a billion plus people.

He added that it is essential to realise mutual benefits for India and IEA in the global energy space.

About this development, Dr Birol said that today over 70 per cent of world's energy consumption is under the IEA umbrella which increases its relevance in global energy governance manifold.

He added that since India is moving fast to the centre-stage of Global Energy landscape, as pointed out by IEA's India Energy Outlook 2015, IEA would look forward to increasing engagement with India in the areas like renewable energy, energy efficiency, among others.

Today, IEA is an important part of global dialogue on energy, providing research, data/statistics, analysis and recommendations on the global energy sector.

India can also richly gain from IEA's data gathering processes, survey methodologies and range of energy data, which could enable India in the near future to set up its own robust integrated database agency.

India's participation will enrich the energy efficiency and renewable sectors of IEA member and other countries.

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India on Thursday refused to categorise the attacks of African nationals in Greater Noida as racial and said pending the probe it is not correct to draw a conclusion on "the nature and the reason" of these acts.

On the alleged attack on a Kenyan woman on Wednesday, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said Kenyan diplomats had a meeting with officials of the ministry concerned and it has been conveyed to the Indian side that the reported incident "does not correspond with reality".

Asserting that such attacks were "completely unacceptable and have been condemned", he said the government is engaged with the authorities concerned as well as the students.

Asked if these were racial attacks, Baglay said, "Pending the investigation it is not correct to go into the nature and the reason for these particular activities." There will be a better understanding after the outcome of the probe, he said.

Four Nigerian students were attacked by a group of Greater Noida residents who took out a candle-light march after a 17-year-old boy Manish died last week in the NSG Black Cats Enclave due to suspected drug overdose.

The protest march was taken out after the police released some Nigerians detained for questioning in connection with death of Manish due to "lack of evidence".

Terming these acts as "the action of the uninformed and misguide few", Baglay said they do not detract from the deep belief of the government and the people of India of 'vasudevakutumbakam' (the world is one family).

"We will continue to welcome African people including students and youth as valuable partners. Our engagement with Africa, embodied among others in the implementation of the historic IAFS - III, will continue to grow," he said.

Baglay said the external affairs minister has spoken to the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh and Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar has spoken to the acting high commissioner of Nigeria.

"We are in touch with the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi. The students who were hurt during the incident have been treated in a local hospital and have already been released," he said.

Law enforcement authorities of the district have made arrests and a large number of people are under watch, he said, adding, "The investigation is on and the law of the land will prevail."



The ministry is in touch with the district administration of Gautam Buddha Nagar, which has enhanced round-the-clock security in the area, he said.

He also noted that the district magistrate held a meeting of the residents, foreign students' associations in presence of the representatives from the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi.
India's new envoy to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri today called on Prime Minister Prachanda and discussed the "entire gamut" of relations between the two countries while promising to ensure cordial bilateral ties.

Puri met Prachanda at the Prime Minister's official residence Baluwatar in Kathmandu.

They discussed an "entire gamut of extensive bilateral ties between India and Nepal," an Indian embassy source said.

Prachanda congratulated the newly-appointed envoy and said his tenure would strengthen the ties between Nepal and India.

Puri said he would work to ensure cordial relationship is maintained and bilateral ties get a boost during his tenure.

Puri, a 1982 batch IFS officer, was on March 10 appointed as India's 24th ambassador to Nepal. His predecessor Ranjit Rae completed his three and a half year tenure on February 28.

Before being assigned to Kathmandu mission, Puri was India's ambassador to the European Union, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Puri arrived in Kathmandu on Saturday and presented his credentials to President Bidya Devi Bhandari at a ceremony the next day.

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A leader of persecuted Ahmadi Muslim community and relative of Pakistan's Nobel laureate Abdus Salam was today killed by the ISIS-linked Lashkar-e-Jhanghvi terror group which said it had sent another "infidel" to hell.

According to police, advocate Malik Saleem Latif and his son advocate Farhan were going to court in Nankana Sahib, some 80 kilometres from Lahore, when unidentified men opened fire on them, killing Saleem on the spot while injuring Farhan.

Farhan was taken to local hospital where his condition was stated to be critical.

Saleem was the cousin of Nobel laureate scientist Abdus Salam. He was president of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiya Nankana Sahib.

"A special squad of LeJ Riaz Basra Brigade today undertook the nobel cause of sending an infidel (Ahmadi) to hell. Saleem was spreading his sect's message in the area and he was wanted by Mujahideen of LeJ," Ali Bin Sufian, a spokesman of LeJ Al Alami, said on social media.

LeJ Al Alami, a faction of the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, has ties to the Taliban, al-Qaeda and most recently Islamic State militants. The group has been behind major terror attacks in Pakistan, including last month's suicide bombing of a Sufi shrine in Sindh province that killed more than 90 people.

LeJ was founded in 1996 as a militant offshoot of Sipah-i-Sahaba, a Sunni sectarian group that emerged in the mid-1980s. LeJ has claimed responsibility for the deaths of hundreds of civilians, mostly minority Shia Muslims.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiya spokesperson Saleemuddin said Saleem was killed for his faith.

"Advocate Saleem has been targeted purely for his faith and the government has failed to rein in those elements spreading hate openly against the Ahmadi community," he said and demanded immediate arrest of the culprits.

The killing of Saleem puts the spotlight back on Pakistan's problem of Ahmadi persecution. The issue is deep-rooted and dates back to pre-Partition of India.

In 2014, 11 Pakistani members of the Ahmadi community were reportedly murdered. At least six Ahmadis were killed in Pakistan in 2016 for their religious beliefs.

In 1984, Ahmadis were restricted from "misusing" the epithets, descriptions, titles reserved for certain holy personages or places of Islamic origins. They could not call themselves Muslim or propagate their faith.

In 1974, the then Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's regime amended the constitution to include the definition of a Muslim and listed groups that were consider non-Muslim.

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Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao today appointed Chairpersons for three Corporations.

TRS party's senior leader Taduri Srinivas has been appointed as the Chairman of the Most Backward Classes (MBC) Corporation. K Damoder Gupta has been made Chairman of the Telangana Police Housing Corporation, while Paryada Krishna Murthy has been appointed as Chairman of the Medical Infrastructure Corporation, according to an official release.

The Chief Minister has also decided to appoint former MLC Premsingh Rathod as Chairman of a Corporation, it said.

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Kerala Police has booked 5.3 lakh people under the Indian tobacco control law--COTPA-- in the last four years, bringing in a revenue of over Rs 10.6 crore to the state exchequer.

Records made available in the official website of the Kerala Police show that there has been a steady increase in the numbers of persons fined over a four year period from 2013-2016.

From 63,513 in 2013, the numbers have risen to 2.05 lakh in 2016, under various sections of COTPA. The highest number of persons have been fined for smoking in public places, which constitutes a violation of Section 4 of COTPA, 2003.

Action under this section alone has yielded Rs 4.17 crore in 2016, a press release said.

In 2014, Kerala was declared India's first tobacco advertisement free state.That this prized distinction is being sustained is reflected in the numbers of cases booked under Section 5 of the Act, it said.

From 3,860 cases in 2013, the numbers have fallen to a mere 37 in 2016, the release said.

Section 5 of COTPA prohibits all forms of tobacco advertisements, promotions and sponsorships.

The numbers, however, indicate a worrisome nearly 80 per cent growth in the sale of tobacco products to and by minors, which is prohibited under Section 6 (a) of COTPA, it said. From 358 cases in 2013, it has risen to 642 in 2016.

Section 6 (b) of the Act prohibits sale of tobacco products in an area within a radius of 100 yards of an educational institution.This section, again, has seen an increase ine number of cases from 1,258 in 2013 to 3,065 in 2016.

Kerala Police is vigilant in curbing any sale of tobacco products without the mandated 85 per cent pictorial warnings.

In 2016, 328 such cases were charged.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Jordan's King Abdullah will visit the White House next week for his second meeting with Donald Trump since the US president took office, a US official told AFP today.

Abdullah's visit comes amid burgeoning diplomatic efforts to get the Palestinian-Israeli peace process back on track.

Trump and Abdullah briefly met at a prayer breakfast in Washington last month.

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The Senates labor committee on Thursday favorably reported out the nomination of Alexander Acosta to become the next United States Secretary of Labor. Mr. Acostas nomination is now ready for consideration by the full Senate.

The Secretary of Labor should really be called the Secretary of the Workforce because the issue for workers today is not whether they belong to a union, it is whether they have the skills to adapt to the changing marketplace and to create, find, or keep good-paying jobs, said Chairman Lamar Alexander. We are fortunate to have a presidential nominee for Labor Secretary who understands how a good-paying job is critical to helping workers realize the American dream for themselves and for their families.

Mr. Acosta has served as a Republican member of the National Labor Relations Board, as an assistant attorney general for the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, and as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. He currently serves as dean of the Florida International Universitys law school.
Kosovo's President Hashim Thaci today gave up on his plans for a rapid transformation of the nation's defence force into an army, ceding to strong opposition from Western allies.

Thaci had submitted to the parliament in early March a draft bill to establish a regular army for Kosovo by changing the current law on the Kosovo Security Force (KSF).

It would have been done without amending the constitution and would therefore circumvent a likely veto by Kosovo's ethnic Serb minority, who are hostile to the move. The majority of Kosovo's population is ethnic Albanian.

Since Kosovo's 1998-1999 war with Serbia, NATO-led multinational troops have been deployed in the territory which is currently not allowed its own army.

But now Thaci is endorsing the process of a constitutional amendment.

"We agree fully that this process should happen through constitutional changes," Thaci told AFP today.

"We want to establish the army of Kosovo in order to be an integral part of NATO and not a Kosovo army that would be isolated," he added.

He was referring to strong opposition to his initiative from NATO, the United States and other leading international backers of Kosovo.

Belgrade also opposes the move saying that such an army would "jeopardise the survival of Serbs" in Kosovo.

According to the draft bill, the army was to have 5,000 lightly-armed soldiers, equipped with armoured vehicles and helicopters, and 3,000 reservists.

"We call on the government, the president, and others involved in this initiative, to withdraw the law until a consultative and coordinated process is carried out," US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Hoyt Brian Yee, told a local TV channel yesterday while visiting Pristina.

Kosovo Serb lawmakers on Monday ended a six-month boycott of both parliament and government, justifying the decision by the need to protect their minority's interests.

Kosovo unilaterally proclaimed independence from Serbia in 2008. The move has been recognised so far by more than 100 countries, but not Serbia nor its ally Russia.

However, since 2011 the two sides have been negotiating under European Union auspices to improve their ties.

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Uttar Pradesh government would soon come out with a concrete decision on the issue of farm loan waiver which would benefit two crore small and marginal farmers, Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi said here.

"The state government is seriously working on this front and a concrete decision would be taken soon. We are working to evolve the best possible solution," the Minister told PTI while replying to a query on loan waiver.

Farm loan waiver was one of the key promises of BJP which swept to power with two-thirds majority in the recent assembly polls.

At present, there are 1.83 crore marginal farmers in UP, while there are 30.6 lakh small farmers. "Overall more than two crore farmers in the state stand to benefit from this," Shahi said in an interview.

The minister also noted that there are many farmers, who do not avail loans from banks. "This factor will also be considered while working out the final modalities," he said.

The agriculture minister said that by April-end, as many as 100 mandis across the state would be linked to e-mandi-- the national online agriculture market.

"This will ensure transparency is sale and purchase of agricultural goods. In addition, the licence fee of traders (registered with the mandi) will be reduced from the existing Rs 1 lakh, so that more traders can be part of the mandi system and benefit," he said.

Shahi said the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana for crop insurance would be effectively implemented in 2017-18 across the state.

"By June 2017, as many as 75 lakh soil health cards will be issued to farmers. Efforts will be made to ensure availability of high-yielding seeds and make the process of subsidy on agricultural equipment transparent," he said.

Shahi said that in 2017-18, the Uttar Pradesh government would take up the task of digging 2,000 ponds in Bundelkhand.

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London terror attacker Khalid Masood died from a single gunshot wound to chest, an inquest into his death was told today.

No police officers are under criminal or misconduct investigation over the shooting, the UK's police watchdog said.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission's investigator Christopher Lovett told the court its inquiry into the shooting will look at "organisational learning" and will highlight good practice.

Masood drove his car into pedestrians, killing three people, before fatally stabbing a police officer on March 22.

"The incident lasted approximately 82 seconds - from the first time the vehicle mounted the pavement until the attacker was shot by police. CCTV and other images obtained from witnesses provide a clear visual chronology of how the events unfolded," Lovett told the coroner's court.

Masood, a British national born Adrian Russell Ajao, died at the scene after being shot by police.

The inquest into the 52-year-old's death was opened at Westminster Coroner's Court and adjourned until May.

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President Nicolas Maduro and his allies tightened their grip in Venezuela today as the Supreme Court seized legislative powers from the opposition-majority National Assembly, whose speaker declared a "coup."



The high court, whose judges have staunchly backed the leftist president in a power struggle with the legislature, based its decision on an earlier ruling that the opposition majority was in contempt of court.

"As long as the National Assembly's contempt of court and invalidity persist, parliamentary powers shall be exercised directly by (the Supreme Court's) constitutional chamber or by the body it designates to safeguard the rule of law," it said late last night.

Political analysts warned the ruling was a sharp authoritarian turn for the South American oil giant, where a crushing economic crisis has caused food shortages, riots and an epidemic of violent crime.

The speaker of the National Assembly, Julio Borges, called the decision "rubbish."



"Nicolas Maduro has staged a coup in Venezuela," he said in a fiery speech outside the National Assembly.

He urged the army, which has thus far supported Maduro, to take a stand.

"The Venezuelan armed forces cannot remain silent as the constitution is breached," he said, appealing to soldiers who are also suffering through what he called the "chaos" of the economic crisis.

The court's argument cited its own ruling in January 2016 that the National Assembly leadership was in contempt for swearing in three lawmakers who were banned over alleged electoral fraud.

The opposition Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) condemns the fraud charges as a trumped-up bid to curb its power after it won a landslide in legislative elections in December 2015 with a promise to oust Maduro.

The elections forced the president and his allies in the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) to share power for the first time since its founder, the late Hugo Chavez, launched Venezuela on the path of leftist "revolution" in 1999.

But the Supreme Court scuttled the opposition's powerful two-thirds majority when it suspended the three investigated lawmakers.

Since then, the court has overturned every law passed by the legislature.

Venezuelan political analyst Carlos Romero warned that "democracy is in danger" in the country.

"We're talking about an indiscriminate and illegal use of the Supreme Court's powers to do away with the legislative branch," he told AFP.

"To legally overtake the functions of a branch of government is a coup," said Latin America specialist Christopher Sabatini of Columbia University in New York.

The ruling came a day after the Organization of American States (OAS) held a special meeting where 20 countries voiced concern about the situation in Venezuela, drawing a furious reaction from Maduro.

The meeting was the international community's latest effort to get to grips with Venezuela's unraveling, which has the rest of Latin America worried.

Sabatini said the timing was no coincidence.

"It's a giant middle finger to the OAS," he told AFP. "They're like, 'You know what? Screw you, we're still going to do whatever we want.'"



On Tuesday, the Supreme Court stripped lawmakers of their legislative immunity, clearing the way for them to face prosecution.

Maduro has accused opposition lawmakers of treason for asking the OAS to consider suspending Venezuela for violating democratic norms.

Treason carries a sentence of up to 30 years in Venezuela.

The court's sweeping expansion of its own powers came midway through a ruling on the law governing Venezuela's state-run oil industry.

Under the law, the government needs legislative approval to launch joint ventures with private oil companies.

The court ruled that it had no choice but to take over congressional powers, having deemed the National Assembly unable to fulfill its duties.

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Hundreds of passengers on-board two planes had a miraculous escape when the wing of one aircraft came in contact with another while both were taxiing for take-off at the busy Changi airport here.

A flight by low-budget Scoot airlines which was scheduled to leave for Tianjin in China was returned to bay after its left wing came into contact with the Emirates aircraft.

Both Changi Airport and Scoot confirmed that an on-ground accident happened between Emirates EK405, which was bound for Dubai, and Scoot TZ188.

All 303 passengers and 11 crew members on board the Scoot aircraft are safe but the flight was re-timed to about 6 am on a replacement aircraft while the affected plane underwent repair, a representative with the Scoot airlines said.

There were no injuries and passengers aboard EK405 were re-booked on other Emirates flights scheduled to depart later today, a spokesperson for Changi Airport Group (CAG) said.

However, number of passengers onboard Emirates aircraft was not specified.

CAG said it is working with authorities to investigate the incident.

A Scoot spokesman said the left wing of the Scoot plane came into contact with the Emirates aircraft.

The damaged plane is undergoing repairs.

"We are working with the relevant authorities to investigate the cause of the incident," the spokesman said.

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Mizoram has issued birth certificates to 31 foreigners in betwwen 2012 and 2015, state Planning and Programme Implementation Minister Lalsawta today informed the state legislature.

Replying to a question from Lalruatkima of the Mizo National Front (MNF), Lalsawta said that the largest number of 17 birth certificates were issued in 2013.

Birth certificates issued to foreigners were mainly done in the international border areas where pregnant women from across Bangladesh and Myanmar came to the state to deliver in the hospitals.

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On a day a train derailed in Uttar Pradesh, members in the Rajya Sabha today voiced concern over the safety of the railways and raised questions over upgradation of its infrastructure.

Participating in a debate Appropriation (Railways) Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Vandana Chauhan of the NCP said India has had one of the worst years as far as railway safety is concerned as over 180 people have died in accidents, the highest since 2010.

India also saw derailment of 62 trains in 2016 as compared to 37 in 2015, she said, adding this showed a 70 per cent rise in a single year.

Chauhan said a lot of people say that most of these incidents could perhaps have been prevented if the railways had taken adequate precautions.

Interestingly, the debate took place on a day when Delhi-bound Mahakaushal Express derailed due to rail fracture near Mahoba in Uttar Pradesh, resulting in injuries to at least 10 people.

Chauhan sought to know about the plan to set up 35,000 CCTVs at 1,000 stations across the country.

Chauhan said that in 2016-17 revenue from passenger traffic decreased by 6 per cent of the budget estimate whereas revenue from freight traffic has also been decreasing over the years.

The NCP MP said the railways was facing a challenge from the Indian aviation sector as air prices are achieving real parity in terms of AC passenger fares.

Shiv Pratap Shukla (BJP) asked the Railways ministry to focus more on safety provisions in order to make the network better in terms of accidents.

Husain Dalwai (Congress), while giving example of bullet trains in China, asked the government to seek ways to increase speed of trains in India.

Alok Tiwari (SP) said the government was not focussing on safety initiatives.

Mukul Roy (AITC) attacked the government on safety provisions, saying that the current dispensation was not serious about the upgrading the safety infrastruture in the railways network.

Ripun Bora (Congress) asked the government to focus on safety measures. He said that all other steps were futile if there were chances of accidents due to fragile infrastructure.

K K Ragesh (CPI-M) said the government is trying to privatise the railways and by doing so, it was abdicating its responsibility of providing affordable mode of transport to the people of the country.

He said his party has objection to this move.

As he was speaking, opposition members drew the attention of the Chair towards the absence of even a single cabinet minister in the House.

They termed the absence of ministers as insult of the Rajya Sabha.

The opposition members then demanded that the House be adjourned till the minister came.

However, soon Steel Minister Birender Singh arrived in the House, because of which the commotion ended.

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With the new provision of maternity leave of 26 weeks after the birth of second child, people are being encouraged to have more children, BJD MP Tathagat Satpathy said today.

"A leave of 26 weeks is given after second child and third child. We are encouraging people to have more children and ensuring growth of population," he said while participating in a discussion on the third UN's Sustainable Development Goal relating to health.

He was referring to a recent passage of a bill under which the tenure of the maternity leave in the organised sector has been increased from 12 weeks to 26 weeks.

Satpathy said, after defeating former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1977, Raj Narain was made the Minister of Health and Family Planning. The name was later changed to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Swachh Bharat Mission, the BJD MP said despite his popularity, the cleanliness drive has not picked up.

He was also critical of the Swachh Bharat cess levied by the Union government for collecting funds for the mission.

Satpathy also expressed concern over attacks on dcotors.

Initiating the discussion, BJP MP Anurag Thakur underlined the need for raising public expenditure on health.

He regretted that India ranked low on various health parameters and its expenditure on health was just 1.3 per cent of the GDP as against 3.1 per cent in China.

Thakur also made a case for promoting growth so that more funds could be made available for dealing with public health issues and praised the Prime Minister's Swachch Bharat mission saying it should get support from all political parties.

Before the discussion, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan spoke at length asking members to have a constructive discussion on the issue and introspect on the ways to deal with the issues which affect common people.

She said her endeavour would be to discuss at least one of the 17 UN's sustainable development goals.

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The National Green Tribunal directed public sector oil companies today to immediately stop plying Bharat Stage-I and Bharat Stage-II vehicles in the National Capital Region for transporting petrol or petroleum products.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar ordered Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd and Hindustan Petroleum to immediately stop such vehicles from plying and directed the authorities not to renew their registration.

On the issue of BS-III vehicles, the green panel directed the managing directors of these companies and representatives of their contractors to hold a meeting and devise a plan to phase out BS-III vehicles.

The tribunal directed the Special Commissioner of Delhi Police (Traffic) to ensure compliance with this order without default and delay.

"We direct that all the vehicles of these companies which are working under different contracts in Delhi-NCR and the diesel vehicles which are admittedly more than 10 years' old and are BS-I and BS-II compliant shall be withdrawn forthwith from the road. They shall not be plied at all in NCR, Delhi.

"The Managing Directors of all these companies shall be personally liable for compliance with this order," it said.

"As far as BS-III compliant vehicles run by contractors under the tenders are concerned, within two weeks from today, the Managing Directors of all the three companies along with representatives of the contractors shall hold a meeting and submit to the Tribunal a complete programme with regard to phasing out of all the diesel vehicles which are more than 10 years' old and are BS-III compliant," the NGT said.

The Supreme Court had yesterday refused to relax the ban on sale and registration of vehicles, which are not BS-IV compliant, in India from April 1 when the new emission norms come into force.

During the hearing at the NGT, the counsel for Bharat Petroleum told the bench that the contractors working under the company own 93 diesel vehicles which are more than 10 years' old which are are BS-III compliant.

Hindustan Petroleum told the NGT that the contractors working under the company own 99 diesel vehicles out of which 30 vehicles are BS-II compliant and 69 vehicles are BS-III compliant.

The counsel appearing for the Indian Oil Corporation informed the green panel that the contractors working under the company own 640 diesel vehicles out of which two vehicles are BS-I compliant, 622 vehicles are BS-II compliant and 16 vehicles are BS-III compliant.

The direction came while hearing a batch of petitions filed by various contractors seeking registration of new BS-IV compliant diesel vehicles purchased for transport of petrol from company depots to identified petrol pumps in Delhi-NCR.

The auto emission norms are emission standards which are adopted by the government to check the air pollutants released from any internal combustion engine equipment, including motor vehicles.

These norms were introduced in India in 2000, when the Bharat Stage norms were adopted by the then government, based on the European emission norms. Each stage specifies a certain limit on the pollutants released, which is controlled by the type of fuel made by the oil companies and the upgradations and modifications made by the auto firms to their vehicles to control the pollutants released from the vehicle.

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US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said she is open to ideas on the reform of the United Nations Security Council but did not name countries such as India that could be permanent members in an expanded Council.

Haley, addressing a question on Security Council reform following her speech yesterday at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), said she is still in "learning mode" and knows there is conversations of reform of Security Council.

"I'm open to hearing anyone on what they have to say and looking at it and going further," she said.

CFR President Richard Haass asked her about the Security Council reform and said some of the previous US administrations have raised the issue of expanding the number of permanent members to include Germany, India and Japan to "better match" the realities of the world of 2017.

Haley, 45, was the fifth Indian-American to be appointed to a senior position in the Trump administration. She was serving her second term as the governor of South Carolina when President Donald Trump named her his nominee for the UN job this year.

Former US president Barack Obama had endorsed India's long-held demand for a permanent seat on the Security Council, saying in a speech to the Indian Parliament in 2010 that he looked forward to a "reformed United Nations Security Council that includes India as a permanent member."



India has for long been pushing for completing the reforms of the Security Council.

In a bid to get the reform process moving, India and other G4 nations earlier this month said they were willing to not exercise "veto" as permanent members of a reformed Security Council until a decision on it has been taken.

The other G4 nations are Brazil, Germany and Japan.

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11/7/2022

The "fun and nostalgia of outdoor ice skating" will return for another holiday season with the opening of Ice on the Landing in the gardens of the Chattanooga Choo Choo on Friday, Nov. 18. This ... more
Chinese mobile company Oppo, which faced worker's unrest at its Noida plant after the incidence of disrespect to the Indian flag, today said the factory will reopen soon.

"The factory will be re-opening soon and we do not expect any impact on the supplies because of the production of our overseas units," Oppo told PTI.

"We are assessing the situation and will update you on the developments at an appropriate time," Oppo said.

Protest had broken out earlier this week at the Noida plant of Oppo after workers alleged that one of their Chinese colleagues had thrown the Indian National Flag to a dustbin.

The company yesterday said that it has fired the employee who insulted the Indian flag.

"We have zero tolerance for such matters and have taken strict action in terminating the individual and continue working very closely with the authorities on the matter," Oppo India had said in a statement on Wednesday.

Oppo India had regretted the "unfortunate incident" and reaffirmed that this was an individual's behaviour that in no way represented the company's position.

The company had said that an investigation into the incidence found that a worker discarded the Indian Flag from the table during regular external material check.

"We at OPPO India would like to restate our deep respect for India and the people here. Since our establishment in India, OPPO has been committed to the development of the industry and local communities. Our priority is the well being of our employees and the community we service," it had said.

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Pakistan today accused India of interfering in its internal affairs and funding terrorism on its soil.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Nafees Zakaria, at his weekly briefing, said the arrest of alleged Indian "spy" Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan was proof of New Delhi's support to militancy.

"The whole world is aware of India's interference in Pakistan and the fact that they are involved in funding terrorism in the country," he said.

Zakaria also expressed concern over the safety of 'Jinnah House', the residence of Pakistan's founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah in south Mumbai, after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha demanded that the building be demolished and a cultural centre built in its place.

Zakaria said that the Indian government should realise the importance of the building and show respect towards it.

"We have clarified our position on the Jinnah House matter to the Indian government," he said.

Zakaria said that the United Nations and the international community should take notice of "grave human rights violations" by Indian forces in Kashmir.

"We are deeply saddened, shocked and strongly condemn the continued bloodshed of innocent and defenceless Kashmiris", he said.

Talking about the killing of three civilians and a militant in Kashmir on Tuesday, Zakaria said the incident happened when the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation's Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) was visiting PoK to "gather personal account of those Kashmiris who suffered from Indian brutalities".

"Members of IPHRC have taken note of the grave situation of human rights violations" in Kashmir, he said.

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A meeting between Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) and Indian Coast Guard will be held next month in New Delhi, the Foreign Office here announced today.

This would be the second meeting between officials of India and Pakistan after their interaction at the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) meet here last week amid the chill in ties following a series of terror attacks in India carried out by Pakistan-based terror groups.

"The meeting between the Indian Coast Guard and Pakistan maritime agency will be held from April 16-19, 2017, in New Delhi," Foreign Office Spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said.

Indian Coast Guard sources said the two sides will discuss maritime issues, including the fishermen issue, apart from cooperation in search and rescue operations.

The visit is part of the MoU signed between the two maritime security agencies in 2006.

Last July, a three-member delegation of the Indian Coast Guard, headed Director General Rajendra Singh, had visited Pakistan to discuss maritime issues between the two countries.

"This will be a reciprocal visit by a delegation of PMSA headed by their DG," a senior Coast Guard official said.

The announcement of the meeting between the two sides comes after the arrest of fishermen of the two countries by each other's maritime forces for inadvertently trespassing into each other's waters.

More than 100 Indian fishermen were arrested and 19 of their boats seized on Sunday by Pakistan for allegedly fishing in their territorial waters off Gujarat coast.

The PMSA arrested the fishermen and seized the boats off Jakhau coast in Kutch district.

The PMSA had earlier this month also apprehended 115 fishermen and seized 19 boats.

Also this month, the Indian Coast Guard captured nine Pakistani nationals along with a fishing boat off Jakhau coast.

Last month, the BSF had apprehended four abandoned Pakistani fishing boats near Sir Creek in Kutch district, while on January 27, the Pakistani maritime agency had arrested 60 Indian fishermen and seized 10 boats.

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The government has set up a committee to suggest measures to fast-track the ramping up of modernisation of the steel sector public sector firms -- SAIL and RINL.

The panel is being chaired by Steel Secretary and has CMDs of SAIL and RINL as its members, a source privy to the development said.

Boston Consulting Group (BCG), which is a leading global management consultancy, is also part of the panel, besides outside experts, the source added.

"The panel has been entrusted with the task to suggest ways for expediting the ramping up of modernisation of both the PSUs (SAIL and RINL) as a lot of money has been spent on modernisation," the source said.

Till February, Rs 64,986 crore has been incurred by SAIL towards modernisation and expansion, mines and related sustenance schemes.

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Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte today described two major media outlets as "sons of whores" and warned them of karmic repercussions for their critical coverage of his deadly drug war.

Duterte's verbal attacks on top television broadcaster ABS-CBN and the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper came in a pair of speeches in which he also lashed out at the European Union for criticising him over alleged human rights abuses.

"I'm not threatening them but someday their karma will catch up with them," Duterte said of the two media outlets.

"They're shameless, those sons of whore journalists."



Duterte named the Prieto and Lopez families that own the Inquirer and ABS-CBN respectively, calling them "oligarchs" who use the media to promote their chosen political candidates.

"That is what ails the Philippine society: it is the corrupt media, the face of Prieto and Lopez and their money and the church," he said.

He also threatened to use the government TV station to shame those two families.

"I will give you your due also. I will go through your lives and those of your children," on government television, he said.

Duterte easily won presidential elections last year after vowing to eradicate illegal drugs in society by killing tens of thousands of people.

Since taking office in June, police have reported killing at least 2,564 people in drug raids while more than 4,200 others have been killed in unexplained circumstances, according to official figures.

Rights groups have warned he may be overseeing a crime against humanity, while the European Parliament has been among other extremely critical foreign institutions.

Duterte frequently responds to criticism with foul-mouthed defiance. He also branded then US president Barack Obama a "son of a whore" last year.

Many Filipinos support Duterte's drug war, believing he is making society safer.

But rights groups say many people are also too afraid to speak out, citing his fiery rhetoric and various alleged intimidation tactics.

Last year, Duterte made comments widely interpreted as justifying the murders of some journalists.

"Just because you're a journalist you are not exempted from assassination, if you're a son of a bitch," he said.

He last year described Jun Pala, a journalist who was murdered in the southern city of Davao in 2003 when Duterte was mayor there, as a "rotten son of a bitch".

Pala's murder has never been solved but in recent weeks, a former police aide of Duterte said the then-mayor ordered the killing.

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The Jajpur district administration today started a probe into the alleged suicide by a farmer earlier this month.

50-year-old Panchanan Dalei of Daanarkul village of Jajpur block in the district had allegedly consumed poison on March 23 allegedly over crop loss. He was found by his family members in a critical condition and admitted to the district head quarters hospital.

He was shifted to the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack after his condition deteriorated on March 24. He died there on March 28 night.

Angry locals had refused to cremate Dalei's body and blockaded the Bari-Kuakhia road by keeping it there on Wednesday afternoon demanding compensation to the family and a job to the the farmer's widow. They relented when the district administration promised to help.

The district administration had given Rs 10,000 to the victim's family from Red Cross fund and Rs 2000 for funeral under Harishandra Yojana.

District collector Ranjan Kumar Das accompanied by Jajpur sub-collector Narayan Chandra Dhal, deputy director of agriculture Rajib Lochjan Das, Jajpur tehasildar Laxmidhar Mishra and local BDO Harish Chandra Jena visited the village during the day for the inquiry.

During investigation, the farmer's family and villagers told them that Panchanan had cultivated groundnut on three acres on share cropping basis and had taken around Rs 80,000 loan from three micro finance companies and a SHG. But, as his crops were damaged, he was unable to repay.

His family members claimed that the farmer was under severe stress following pressure from the moneylenders which led to his suicide.

The man was the sole breadwinner of his seven-member family, the collector said.

Das said the finding would be submitted to the government.

The collector said a pucca house under Pradhanmantri Awas Yojana and a widow pension would be provided to the farmer's family. Arrangement would also be made to provide free education to his three children.

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A Delhi court today pulled up the police for filing a "poorly drafted" action taken report on a plea for an FIR in the Ramjas College incident in which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised.

Metropolitan Magistrate Abhilash Malhotra directed the investigating officer (IO) to file the fresh action taken report (ATR) on merits of the allegations, including on sedition on April 27.

The petitioner had sought filing of an FIR on sedition and other charges in connection with the February 21 incident when the objectionable slogans were allegedly raised. However, in its report the IO skipped the matter and submitted that they have filed an FIR relating to the clashes on February 22 over the issue.

"You either give ATR on merits of the allegations or give it in writing if you will probe sedition allegation in the FIR already lodged. There is no third front," the magistrate said.

The court said it was giving more time to the IO in view the seriousness of allegations.

"Regarding the February 21 incident, the ATR is absolutely silent in respect of the allegations made in the complaint. It is clear that FIR (lodged on February 22 clashes) does not pertain to allegations of sedition," the court said.

During the hearing, Inspector Pankaj Singh of Delhi Police Crime Branch submitted that the case has been transferred to them and they have recently received the complaint and need time to file the detailed ATR on the merits of the allegations made in the plea.

Advocate and complainant Vivek Garg opposed the IO's plea for adjournment of hearing.

The IO's submission did not go down well with the court which said that administrative delay was not its problem.

"Don't make excuses before the court. I called for ATR on March 6 and if SHO of police station Maurice Nagar was sitting over the matter, it was not my problem. I want to know your stand," the magistrate said.

The court, however, granted the IO's plea for more time saying, "I am of the opinion that keeping in view the seriousness of allegations, a detailed ATR is necessary before reaching any conclusion.

"Accordingly, detailed ATR be filed on next date of hearing on April 27."



The court was hearing the complaint seeking lodging of an FIR in the incidents which took place on February 21 and 22 where anti-national slogans were allegedly raised at Ramjas College by members of students groups AISA and SFI.

The plea had said that a similar incident had taken place in JNU last year which had a massive impact on the nation.

It was alleged that "massive anti-national slogans/ activities were being carried out by leaders/ students of AISA/SFI in Ramjas College, shamelessly and openly which supported India's enemy i.E. Pakistan. The criminal acts of accused were also boosting morale of terrorists against our country."



During the proceeding, the IO said they have received several complaints pertaining to the incident and the Delhi Police Commissioner has constituted an enquiry commission and the enquiry is in progress.

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A prominent leader of minority Ahmadi community and relative of Pakistani Nobel laureate Abdus Salam was gunned down here today by Lashkar-e-Jhanghvi militant group which said it had sent another "infidel" to hell.

According to police, popular advocate Malik Saleem Latif and his son advocate Farhan were going to court in Nankana Sahib, some 80 kilometres from Lahore, when unidentified men opened fire on them, killing Saleem on the spot while seriously injuring Farhan.

He was taken to local hospital where his condition was stated to be critical.

Saleem was the cousin of Nobel laureate scientist Abdus Salam. He was president of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiya Nankana Sahib.

"A special squad of LeJ Riaz Basra Brigade today undertook the nobel cause of sending an infidel (Ahmadi) to hell. Saleem was spreading his sect's message in the area and he was wanted by Mujahideen of LeJ," Ali Bin Sufian, a spokesman of LeJ said on social media.

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiya spokesperson Saleemuddin said Saleem was killed for his faith.

"Advocate Saleem has been targeted purely for his faith and the government has failed to rein in those elements spreading hate openly against the Ahmadi community," he said and demanded immediate arrest of the culprits.

The killing of Saleem puts the spotlight back on Pakistan's problem of Ahmadi persecution. The issue is deep-rooted and dates back to pre-Partition of India.

In 2014, 11 Pakistani members of the Ahmadi community were reportedly murdered. At least six Ahmadis were killed in Pakistan in 2016 for their religious beliefs.

In 1984, Ahmadis were restricted from "misusing" the epithets, descriptions, titles reserved for certain holy personages or places of Islamic origins. They could not call themselves Muslim or propagate their faith.

In 1974, the then Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's regime amended the constitution to include the definition of a Muslim and listed groups that were consider non-Muslim.

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A high-level Russian military delegation today for the first time visited former strongholds of militants in restive tribal region along the Afghan border to get firsthand account of Pakistan's counter-terror gains.

The delegation visited Miranshah in North Waziristan Agency, and Wana in South Waziristan Agency, the army said.

"The delegation of the Russian army, the first ever to visit the conflict-stricken areas, was led by Deputy Chief of General Staff Col General Israkov Sergi Yuryevich," it said.

Commander Peshawar Corps Lt Gen Nazir Ahmed Butt accompanied the delegation which was briefed about Pakistan Army's efforts to clear FATA from terrorists, it said.

"The delegation acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan Army's achievements in the fight against terrorism and efforts to bring stability in the region," army said.

It said the delegation was also briefed about the Pakistan-Afghanistan border management and socio-economic development projects in the area for enduring stability.

The military delegation's visit came amid growing ties between Pakistan and Russia after decades of mistrust and animosity during the Cold War.

In September, Russia held its first-ever military exercises with Pakistan and has also started selling weapons to Islamabad.

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South Korea's ousted president Park Geun-Hye arrived at court today for a hearing to decide whether she should be arrested over the corruption and abuse of power scandal that brought her down.

Looking grim-faced and pale, Park ignored a barrage of flashbulbs and did not speak when she arrived at the Seoul Central District Court.

Her formal detention and transfer to custody would be a key step in the disgrace of South Korea's first woman president, who secured the largest vote share of any candidate in the democratic era when she was elected in 2012.

Park had her removal from office confirmed by the country's top court earlier this month, ending her executive immunity, and her prosecution has been a key demand of the millions of people who took to the streets to protest against her.

The former president is accused of multiple offences including bribery, leaking government information, and abuse of power in the scandal. Park has denied all charges.

Choi Soon-Sil, Park's secret confidante at the heart of the scandal, is already on trial for forcing top local firms including tech giant Samsung to "donate" nearly $70 million to non-profit foundations which she allegedly used for personal gain.

Prosecutors have submitted around 120,000 pages of documents to the Seoul Central District Court in relation to the charges against Park, and said it would be "counter to the principle of fairness" if she was not arrested.

The 65-year-old was driven away from her home in southern Seoul past hundreds of flag-waving, screaming supporters lining the narrow street.

Some tried to break through police barricades in an effort to block her four-car convoy, and its journey was broadcast live on television.

Today's hearing was expected to last for several hours, with Park sitting in the centre facing judge Kang Bu-young, 43, with lawyers and prosecutors to either side.

Afterwards Park was to be removed to a detention centre to await Kang's decision, which was not expected until late into the night  although he has to make it within 24 hours.

Samsung Electronics vice chairman Lee Jae-Yong, who was arrested last month in connection to the scandal, was in court for over seven hours for his hearing, and his detention was approved early the following day.

If Park's arrest warrant is granted, she will become the third former leader to be arrested over corruption in Asia's fourth-largest economy, where politics and big business have long been closely tied.
Comedian Radhika Vaz today said that the sexual harassment allegations against The Viral Fever (TVF) founder Arunabh Kumar were sad but not shocking.

"This is sad, but not surprising or shocking. The reason I say this is because what surrounds sexual harassment has not changed. The only thing that has changed is that now we have guys in skinny jeans that are harassing us.

"Personally, I don't know this guy, but I was told that this is an old story which everyone knew and no one talked about," Vaz said while addressing a session, which was held as part of the 'She Leads India' conference by UN Women in partnership with SheThePeople.TV.

The comedian drew laughs by comparing Arunabh with famous American entertainer Bill Cosby, who has been accused of sexual assault allegations by multiple women.

"He is our proud Bill Cosby, now no American should think that only they have one," she quipped.

Vaz, who calls herself a "feminist first" and a "comedian later", said things will remain the same unless "parents start teaching their children about how to behave with the other gender".

"Rarely do I see parents talking to their children about sex, or on how to behave with girls. And then they are sent to schools and colleges which further segregate boys and girls.

"The same continues till the time they go to work. Here, we suddenly expect them to change. How will they change when they are raised exactly the way the previous generations were?"



Having made comedy as a full-time career at the age of 38, Vaz joked that it is a good career option for girls who are not worried about "age, beauty or weight".

"This is one good thing for ladies aspiring to be a comedian. Comedy is not a young persons industry. So here you don't have to worry about your age, looking good or looking thin.

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A two-day seminar jointly hosted by a Russian think-tank and a city-based NGO was today inaugurated here seeking to explore avenues to broaden defence cooperations between India and Russia.

The first session of the event organised by Vivekananda International Foundation and Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) saw speakers, including, former C-in-C Eastern Naval Command, Vice Admiral Anup Singh and Vasilii Kashin of Institute of Far Eastern Studies, Moscow.

Andrey Kortunov, Director General of RIAC, moderated the session titled, 'India-Russia Defence Cooperation,' that discussed areas like joint ventures and 'Make in India' initiative, the Foundation said in a statement.

The second session was on scope for economic engagement.

Two more sessions on, 'India and Russia: the Geopolitical Dimension - Eurasia, Russia's Asia Pivot and Relations with China' and 'Toward a New Quality of Bilateral Ties in Science, Education, Culture and Media,' would be held tomorrow.

The seminar also marked the 70 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

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Pakistan today expressed concern over the safety of 'Jinnah House' located in Mumbai and said India should show respect towards it, days after a BJP MLA demanded that the building be demolished.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Nafees Zakaria, at his weekly briefing, said, "We have clarified our position on the Jinnah House matter to the Indian government."



He expressed concern over the safety of 'Jinnah House', the residence of Pakistan's founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah in south Mumbai, after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha last week demanded that the building be demolished and a cultural centre built in its place.

Zakaria said that the Indian government should realise the importance of the building and show respect towards it.

Lodha, speaking in Maharashtra's Legislative Assembly on the budgetary demands of the Public Works Department (PWD), said, "The Jinnah residence in south Mumbai was the place from where the conspiracy of partition was hatched."



"Jinnah House is a symbol of the partition. The structure should be demolished," he had said.

The grand house built by Jinnah is located in Malabar Hill area in south Mumbai.

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Singapore reported 1,00,000 cruise passengers from India in 2016, a rise of 29 per cent as compared to the previous year, an official said.

"In 2016, Singapore reported 1.2 million cruise passengers with a double digit growth of 16 per cent compared to 2015, of which 1,00,000 were from India, an increase of 29 per cent over 2015," Singapore Tourism Board Regional Director for South Asia, Middle East and Africa G B Srithar told PTI here.

He said, cruising from Singapore is steadily becoming one of the key activities Indian travellers consider when planning their holiday itinerary in the Lion City.

"Recognising the potential of this segment, we have organised the second edition of its India Cruise Forum in Mumbai. We have also organised an interactive workshop aimed at educating cruise sellers with the nuances of cruise and cruise holidays," he added.

According to a consumer survey conducted in Mumbai, 34 per cent of young Indian families are willing to spend Rs 1,00,000-2,00,000 on a cruise holiday and 98 per cent of the 500 travellers surveyed are open to a cruise from Singapore, he added.

"This presents huge opportunity and we will continue to partner with our travel trade and cruise partners to grow Singapore's cruise industry and promote its strong destination appeal," Srithar said.

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Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today called for a long term vision for a strong Indo-Japan partnership to ensure economic development in the North East and for the success of Act East Policy.

"Assam government is taking a series of initiatives, including interaction between senior officials from the state and Japan to understand the mutual requirements of both and accordingly take steps to bolster economic development of the state," Sonowal said in his key note address at a workshop India-Japan Partnership for Economic Development in North Eastern Region of India.

Assam and Japan shares core strengths of partnership in tourism, culture, education, trade and organic farm products, he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of making North East an organic hub of the country can bring in economic development of the state in sync with the nature, he said and sought Assam-Japan cooperation towards helping North East in this respect.

"If we closely look at the North Eastern region in its entirety ranging from anthropological, geographical, economic and cultural setting vis-a-vis Japan, we will realise that the partnership would find a sound platform with this region as a springboard," he added.

The government since taking over power has taken several pro-active steps to bring back business confidence and revive the investment cycle in the state, Sonowal said.

Minister Political, Embassy of Japan in India, Hideki Asari said Assam was important for Japan and constant people to people exchange between the two countries for strengthening partnership was very important.

The programme was organised by India Foundation in association with Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations.

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The Kerala government today ordered a probe by a special investigation team into the alleged sleaze talk incident involving former Transport Minister A K Saseendran.

According to sources in the Chief Minister's Office, the team would be headed by Inspector General of Police Dhirendra Kashyap.

The team was constituted by DGP Loknath Behra, the sources said.

The government has already ordered a judicial probe headed by former district judge P S Antony and the police investigation would run parallel to it, they said.

The government has asked the judicial commission to submit its report in three months.

Earlier, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had forwarded a complaint lodged by women journalists affiliated to 'Network of Women in Media, India' which said that they were facing "disgraceful" situation following allegations that one of them had a role to play in the incident.

A comprehensive probe into the issue was needed to bring out the truth behind the whole matter, the complaint signed by Geeta Nazeer and Jisha Surya for the outfit said.

The complaint was in the wake of allegations that it was a "honey trap".

Meanwhile, the private channel that aired the audio clip purportedly containing Saseendran's conversation tendered an unconditional apology. It also admitted that it was a sting operation carried out by its editorial team.

It said the woman was not a housewife as claimed by the channel at the time of telecasting the conversation.

In a related development, the police registered two FIRs on two different complaints on the same matter.

Meanwhile, Kerala Union of Working Journalists demanded a detailed police investigation along with a judicial probe to clear the "mystery" of the whole matter.

KUWJ General secretary C Narayanan, in a statement, said even isolated incidents of insulting and doubting women journalists were very unfortunate.

Saseendran, an NCP nominee in the LDF ministry, resigned on March 26 after a private television channel aired an audio clipping, purportedly of him having a telephonic conversation with a woman to whom he was speaking in sexual overtones.

The channel had claimed that the woman was a housewife who had called the minister forredressal of some of her grievances.

Meanwhile, Saseendran, who reached his home district Kozhikode, said, "People of the state are convinced about what had happened" but did not elaborate.

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Stamping of passengers' hand baggage at seven major airports, including Delhi and Mumbai, will be done away with from April 1, the CISF said today.

The other airports that will begin the new procedure from the morning of April 1 include the ones in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Cochin and Ahmedabad.

"The procedure of stamping and putting tags on the hand baggage of passengers will be dispensed with from April 1 at seven airports. We have put in place the required security systems that will help us in ushering in this passenger- friendly move," CISF Director General O P Singh told PTI.

The move, the CISF chief said, will enhance "passenger experience and provide hassle free security environment to them".

A senior officer involved with airport security said over 300 smart and high definition CCTV cameras have been deployed at these airports and the length of rollers at the baggage checking x-ray machines has been increased so that all the bags are thoroughly cleared and doubtful ones are segregated by security personnel.

They said at least 80 new CCTV cameras have been deployed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) alone.

Similarly, the Mumbai airport has got an equal number of smart cameras to keep an eye on "every nook and corner" of the security-hold areas of the airports, they said.

"A good number of these cameras are equipped with the PTZ facility. This means that these cameras can pan, tilt and zoom into a suspicious area and even a person," the officer said.

By having the stamped tags on the hand baggage, the security personnel used to be assured that no weapon or ammunition like material enters the aircraft with the passenger and now with the deployment of smart cameras and re-positioning of security paraphernalia, the same objective will be achieved, the officer said.

The CISF, which had earlier blocked the move that was announced unilaterally by aviation security regulator -- the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), has also been assured by the airport operators at these seven facilities that a good number of cameras will have power backup facility in case of an outage.

The DG said the force wants to initiate the same protocols of doing away with baggage stamping and tagging at all the 59 airports under its cover.

"We will do this at all the airports in due course of time. A trial and assessment at other airports will be undertaken and then it will be done," he said.

Singh said his personnel have been updated about the new protocols and that he himself had seen the preparations made at the Bengaluru and Hyderabad airports yesterday.

A committee comprising officials of the CISF, BCAS and airport operators has been recently constituted to smoothen the roll-out of this new protocol.

This was done after a recent high-level meeting chaired by Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju and his counterpart in the Civil Aviation Ministry Jayant Sinha, in which the earlier BCAS order was stayed.

The CISF said had sought modifications in airport security for doing away with hand baggage stamping and "to make sure that passengers could not access bags containing restricted items which are segregated by CISF personnel for checking (after X-ray scanning)".

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claimed the lives of two persons in Maharashtra while many states including UP, MP, Haryana, Gujarat, Odisha and Rajasthan in the country too reeled under the onslaught of an early heatwave.

In Maharashtra, where the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a 'moderate heat wave' alert, two person lost their lives to sunstroke, one in Solapur and another in Aurangabad district.

"The sudden rise in temperature has claimed two persons from Maharashtra, both were above 60 years. One person is from Aurangabad while another person is from Solapur district--both known for higher temperature areas," state Health Minister Deepak Sawant told PTI.

incidents may take place when temperature crosses 40 degree Celsius and districts across the country showed mercury crossing that mark.

Akola was the hottest place in India with a maximum temperature of 44 degree Celsius while Titlagarh in Odisha was a close second recording 43.8 degrees.

Wardha in Maharashtra and Banda in Uttar Pradesh were the third hottest places in the country recording a maximum of 43.6 degree Celsius.

Heatwave conditions continued for second day on Thursday in Rajasthan as several districts recorded maximum temperatures of 40 plus degrees. And there is unlikely to be any respite as the MeT department has predicted dry weather in the next 24 hours as well.

Churu was the hottest on Thursday touching 42.4 degrees Celsius, followed by 41.8 degrees in Bikaner, 41.6 degrees Celsius in Kota, 41.5 degrees in Barmer, 41.4 in Jaipur, 41.2 degrees Celsius in Jaisalmer and 39.4 degrees Celsius in Jodhpur.

Hot and dry air in Rajasthan had their impact in Madhya Pradesh as well where at least six districts saw maximum temperatures of around 43 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

"Yesterday, the highest temperature in the state was recorded at around 43 degrees Celsius at several places including Khargone, Khajuraho, Ratlam, Naugaon, Damoh and Hoshangabad, while the lowest temperature of 17 degrees Celsius was recorded in Rewa and Betul districts," an official said.

Heat wave conditions were witnessed at isolated place in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday where Banda recording 43.2 degree Celsius was the hottest place in the state.

In Gujarat too, temperatures have been hovering between 40-42 degrees in the last few days. "As per current forecast, heat wave conditions will stay in north Gujarat region for another 24 hours," in-charge director of IMD Centre at Ahmadabad, Manorama Mohanty said.

On Monday, mercury in Ahmedabad had touched 42.8 degrees breaking seven-year record for the month of March. Narnaul was again hottest in Haryana at 41.5 degree Celsius. Uttarakhand capital Dehradun registered 35.8 degree Celsius.

Among other cities in Haryana, Hisar experienced a hot



day at 39 degrees Celsius, six notches more than normal limits. Ambala recorded 36.3 degrees Celsius while Karnal's maximum was 35.6 degrees.

In Punjab, Patiala registered a maximum of 36.2 degrees, seven notches above normal while Ludhiana recorded six degrees above normal high at 35.7 deg Celsius. Amritsar's maximum settled at 34.7 deg Celsius, five notches above normal limits.

Chandigarh, the common capital of Punjab and Haryana, recorded a high of 34.5 deg Celsius, three notches more than normal.

Pleasant weather continued to prevail in Kashmir where the maximum temperature in the summer capital Srinagar today rose by three degrees to settle seven degrees above normal, MeT officials said.

The maximum temperature in Jammu dropped by a degree to settle at 33 degrees Celsius, still four degrees above normal.

In Himachal Pradesh, Shimla recorded a maximum temperature at 25.1 degrees Celsius, 7.5 degrees above normal. Dry conditions prevailed in several other states as well like parts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka.
The Nalanda International University today rusticated a student who was suspended on the charge of sexually harassing fellow students, while Sunaina Singh was appointed as the university's new vice-chancellor.

A complaint against two students was received a month back alleging that they sexually harassed fellow students and one of them was suspended yesterday, while the other one was transferred to another hostel.

The suspended student has been rusticated from the university, the university's Communication Director Smita Polite told PTI.

A group of students yesterday staged protest in front of vice-chancellor's office alleging that the authorities were not taking action against the two accused students though the complaint was lodged a month back.

Meanwhile, Sunaina Singh, currently VC of the English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, was appointed as new VC of Nalanda University, Polite said.

She said that the new VC was expected to take charge sometime in April.

Interim Vice Chancellor of the university Pankaj Mohan resigned last night taking "moral responsibility of the problems that the University experienced in the last three days".

Though he did not mention the sexual harassment issue, but his sudden resignation was apparently in that context.

Some employees of the university met Mohan and expressed resentment over his resignation following the alleged incident of sexual harassment.

Chanchal Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, also visited the University in the wake of the controversy and talked to students as well as the authorities, Polite said.

Chanchal Kumar is also a member of Governing board of the university.

She said normal academic activities was conducted today in the university.

Based on the vision of former President APJ Abdul Kalam, Nalanda International University came into existence on November 25, 2010 here in Bihar's Nalanda district. The first academic session of the University started on September 1, 2014.

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Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen today said she supports the poets who were vilified for their criticism of Yogi Adityanath, but questioned their silence when she was "bundled out" of West Bengal in 2007.

She said that she had always fought for freedom of speech, but at the same time one cannot be "selective" while exercising that freedom.

Her remarks came a day after a case was registered against unknown persons for threatening eminent Bengali poet Mandakranta Sen with gangrape for expressing solidarity with fellow poet Srijato who recently was embroiled in a controversy after writing a poem allegedly hurting "Hindu sentiments".

"Where were these two when I was forced out of West Bengal by 'fundamentalists' for my writing in 2007?" Nasreen told PTI in a telephonic interview.

She said, "I stand beside Srijato for his views... And Mandakranta too. I have been vocal for freedom of speech and that's why I support both of them. But one cannot be selective in asserting one's freedom of speech... Where were they when I was forced out of West Bengal in 2007?"



A Hindutva group had lodged a police complaint against Srijato for posting a 12-line poem on Facebook on March 19, the day Yogi Adityanath was sworn in as the chief minister of UP allegedly hurting "Hindu sentiments".

The author regretted that Srijato and Mandakranta were protesting because their freedom of speech came under threat, but pointed out that they wrote only when "Hindu fundamentalists attack".

"They do not write when Muslim fundamentalists or Christian fundamentalists attack and their partiality was manifest by their attitude," the writer of famous novels like "Lajja" lamented.

Referring to the recent killing of Tamil Nadu atheist and Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam activist H Farook, Nasreen said, "Where were they when Farooq was killed? I have not seen them spending a single word on that incident. Where were these people when so many persons, bloggers were hacked to death in Bangladesh?"



Farook, a 31-year-old daily wage labourer, was hacked to death in Coimbatore last week, a fortnight after he had posted a photo of one of his children holding a placard with the handwritten slogan 'Kadavul illai, Kadavul illai, Kadavul illai (No God, No God, No God)'.

Nasreen also wondered why Srijato's pen was silent after the Khagragarh blasts, Dhulagarh violence and incidents of gang-rape reported in West Bengal.

"But it's not the same thing with me unlike the pseudo-secular people.. I stand for everybody. I don't see whether someone is a Christian or a Hindu or a Muslim fundamentalist when I speak out," she said.

On Mandakranta Sen receiving rape threat because of standing beside Srijato, Nasreen said, "This is a very common matter in today's world. I have come across a thousand girls who get such threats everyday... Even I have got such threats several times. But people are making an issue out of it because it has happened to Mandakranta.

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Three men from Kosovo have been arrested on suspicion of plotting a terror attack in Venice, Italian police said today.

A fourth person, a minor, was also detained in overnight raids carried out after it was established that the suspects had undergone "religious radicalisation", a police statement said.

Searches were conducted at 12 locations in the historic centre of the city, which is a magnet for millions of visitors from around the world.

La Repubblica newspaper reported that the suspects were heard on wiretaps celebrating the attack outside Parliament in London last week, and had downloaded manuals on hand-to-hand fighting and the use of knives.

They were also recorded discussing the possibility of carrying out a similar attack in Venice, as well as their desire to join Islamist fighters in Syria, according to La Repubblica.

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US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was in Ankara today for talks on the Syria conflict, just a day after Turkey announced that its military offensive was over.

Tillerson, the most senior US official to visit Turkey since President Donald Trump took office in January, is seeking to turn around recently rocky relations between the NATO allies.

He met with Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and was also due to talk to Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

The trip comes after Turkey announced that "Euphrates Shield", its operation in northern Syria, had ended but did not say if troops had been withdrawn from the war-torn country.

Ties between Ankara and Washington were strained during Barack Obama's administration, particularly over US cooperation with Syrian Kurdish militia fighting against the Islamic State group.

Ankara views the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) as a "terror group" linked to Kurdish separatists waging an insurgency inside Turkey since 1984, but Washington regards them as the best force fighting IS.

Turkey has suggested it wants to join any operation to capture the IS bastion of Raqa but without involvement of Syrian Kurdish militia.

Speaking to NTV television on the eve of Tillerson's visit, Yildirim said Turkey was not yet officially informed if it would take part in a planned Raqa campaign.

"The developments give an impression that the (Trump administration) is following the path of the past administration," he said, referring to the same tensions of the Obama years over the Syrian Kurdish militia role.

"This issue will be told to the US Secretary of State without any buts and the United States will be asked to clarify its position."



Tillerson and Yildirim "discussed working to enhance our critical security and economic ties in the region," a State Department official said after the meeting.

And Tillerson "emphasized the important role of Turkey, a regional leader and longstanding NATO ally, to achieve these goals."



In a statement, Yildirim's office said the ministers discussed Syria, now in the seventh year of a war, and spoke about efforts to clear IS from Syria and Iraq.

There were also tensions with Obama over Ankara's calls for the extradition of US-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen, a matter that remains unresolved.

The premier's office also said Yildirim and Tillerson discussed the next steps that should be taken for Gulen's return to Turkey.

Turkey accuses the Muslim cleric living in self-exile of ordering last year's failed coup against Erdogan. Gulen denies the charges but Ankara has repeatedly called for his extradition from the United States.

Turkish officials hope relations will improve under Trump and have said Washington appears to be taking the Gulen issue "more seriously".

But there has not been any open indication of a change in policy under Trump.

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Trinamool Congress and rival Congress clashed at the Baharampur municipality in West Bengal's Murshidabad district today but none was seriously injured in it.

TMC workers also attacked the district Congress office in the town and vandalised it.

Police rushed in and controlled the situation at both places but noby was arrested.

Both parties blamed each other for the clash, which broke out when a Congress delegation went to the municipality to submit a memorandum. TMC workers stopped the Congress delegation outside the municipalty chairman Nilratan Adhya's chamber and the clash took place, police said.

The civic body, which was earlier considered a fiefdom of the party's West Bengal PCC president Adhir Chowdhury, was taken over by TMC following defections in September last year.

Congress district chairman Abu Taher Khan blaming TMC for the clash said it was "pre-planned". "TMC goondas were involved in the shameful act. They attacked and the Congress fought back."



TMC was doing one illegal work after another, he alleged and demanded the arrest of those involved in the clash.

He said all public amenities - water supply, roads and sanitation had been hit under TMC rule.

Adhya, also a TMC leader, said the Congress had "deliberately harassed" and had gone to the municipality to "attack" him.

The attack, he alleged was carried out by Chowdhury's people.

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A top police official says that Germany needs to remain vigilant against the threat of extremist attacks.

Holger Muench, the head of Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office, told reporters today that "attacks in Germany are possible anytime."



He said the loss of territory by the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria would lead the group to "increase its efforts to commit attacks, especially in Western countries."



Security authorities in Germany consider 616 extremists potentially dangerous enough to carry out an attack. Of those, about half are currently abroad and of the others who are in Germany, about 100 are in prison.

Since 2012, more than 920 jihadis have left Germany for Syria and Iraq, and about 300 of those have since returned to Germany.

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The Trump administration has told Congress it plans to approve a multibillion-dollar sale of F-16 fighter jets to Bahrain without the human rights conditions imposed by the State Department under President Barack Obama.

If finalized, the approval would allow the Gulf island to purchase 19 of the jets from Maryland-based Lockheed Martin Corp., plus improvements to other jets in Bahrain's fleet.

Though Congress has opportunities to block the sale, it is unlikely it will act to do so, given the Republican majority's strong support for the sale.

The decision is the latest signal that the Trump administration is prioritizing support for Sunni-led countries seen as critical to opposing Iran's influence in the Mideast over human rights issues that Obama had elevated.

Bahrain, home to the US Navy's 5th Fleet and an under-construction British naval base, is a predominantly Shiite island off the coast of Saudi Arabia ruled by a Sunni monarchy. Government forces, with help from US allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, crushed the 2011 uprising by Shiites and others who sought more political power.

Under Obama, the United States withdrew approval before the fighter jet deal was finalized because it said Bahrain hadn't taken steps it had promised to improve human rights.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker's office said the committee was told yesterday by the State Department that it plans to proceed with the sale. The State Department declined to comment.

The notice triggers a 40-day "consultation" period in which committee staff can review a draft of the Bahrain approval, ask questions about the sale and raise any concerns.

Then the State Department will send a formal notification to Congress, setting off a final, 30-day review period, during which Congress could pass a joint resolution or take other steps to stop the sale.

Lockheed had lobbied strenuously for the sale's approval, even as rights groups and pro-democracy activists urged the administration not to jettison human rights conditions.

Brian Dooley of the Washington-based group Human Rights First said decoupling the sale from such conditions would "encourage further repression" and fuel instability during a tense period for Bahrain.

"The sale will send exactly the wrong signal to the dictatorship: that the White House thinks the political crackdown is not just morally acceptable but also not dangerous, when in fact it's what's fueling the country's instability," Dooley said.

But Corker, a Republican from Tennessee, praised the move and said the caveats would have been "unprecedented and counterproductive" for security and human rights.

"There are more effective ways to seek changes in partner policies than publicly conditioning weapons transfers in this manner," Corker said in a statement.

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US President Donald Trump has said his administration will work to ensure America becomes a place where woman can work and thrive "like never before", as he praised his women colleagues, including Indian-Americans Nikki Haley and Seema Verma.

At a White House panel discussion on women empowerment, Trump said US ambassador to the United Nations Haley, 45, is a tough competitor and is doing her job "fantastically well".

The discussion was joined by Indian-American Seema Verma, who holds a key healthcare position in the administration, and First Lady Melania Trump made a rare appearance at the event.

"My Cabinet is full of really incredible women leaders. Administrator Linda McMahon, who has been a friend of mine for a long time. She's done an incredible job in business. Administrator Seema Verma, Secretary Betsy DeVos, and, of course, my good friend from South Carolina who is a very tough competitor - Nikki Haley," Trump said.

"My administration will work every day to ensure that our economy is a place where women can work, succeed, and thrive like never before. That includes fighting to make sure that all mothers and all families have access to affordable childcare," he said, adding "We want every daughter in America to grow up in a country where she can believe in herself, believe in her future, and follow her heart and realise her dreams."



US Vice President Mike Pence described Haley as "cool" and said she is a favourite of one of his two daughters.

"We are so honoured to have you in this administration," Pence said.

He also praised Verma - the new administrator for the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services. "The truth is, American women are making a difference in our administration, in our economy, and in our communities every single day."



White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters that the Trump administration is "committed to empowering women in the workplace."



Trump had made women empowerment a priority throughout his presidential campaign, when he spoke on affordable childcare and paid family leave, investing in women's health, and the barriers faced by female entrepreneurs and business owners, Spicer claimed.

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US President will host his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida next week, the first meeting between the two leaders amid serious differences over trade, North Korea and the South China Sea dispute.

"Xi will meet Trump at Mar-a-lago, Florida from April 6 to 7," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang announced at a daily press briefing in Beijing on Thursday.

This will be the first meeting between the top leaders of the world's two most powerful economies.

The two leaders had spoken by phone on February 9 during which Trump had told Xi that he would honour the 'One China' policy on Taiwan.

"China-US share trade and economic linkages which are highly complementary," Lu said.

"China hopes to make joint efforts with the United States to expand trade cooperation, properly settle trade frictions through dialogues and maintain healthy and stable growth of trade and economic ties," he said.

In Washington, the White House confirmed the dates of the meeting and said, "the two leaders will discuss global, regional, and bilateral issues of mutual concern."



In a statement, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said Trump and the First Lady will also host President Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan at a dinner on April 6.

A host of contentious issues in bilateral relations, including Trump's claims about China's unfair trade practices, currency manipulation, curbing North Korea's nuclear ambitions and American concerns about Chinese military manoeuvres in the disputed South China Sea are expected to be discussed between the two leaders.

China-US trade in goods amounted to $519.6 billion in 2016. China has large share in the bilateral trade with its exports to the US amounting to over $400 billion.

The meeting will follow a recent trip to China by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

Ahead of the summit with Trump, Xi will visit Finland and hold talks with his counterpart Sauli Niinisto, Lu said.
TVS Motor Company has asked its over 4,000 dealers to strictly comply with the Supreme Court order banning on BS III vehicles from April 1 and asked dealers to sell all the remaining stock of such vehicles before March 31.

"All our dealers have been advised to strictly comply with the order of the Hon'ble Supreme Court and sell the BS III compliant stocks with them on or before March 31, 2017," TVS Motor Company said in a regulatory filing.

The company is a responsible corporate citizen and is fully supportive of a better environment for its customers, and society at large, it added.

The Chennai-based company said it is fully geared up to meet the new emission guidelines and had already commenced manufacture and sale of BS IV compliant vehicles to the dealers.

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Two hardcore NDFB(Songbijit) insurgents were killed during an encounter with security forces in Chirang district today and arms and ammunition recovered, a police spokesman said.

Acting on a tip off, an operation was launched in Simlaguri under Amguri Police Station, Assam Police spokesman Rajib Saikia said.

The police team noticed a group of insurgents there at around 4.45 AM and on being challenged, they fired on the security team.

The policemen retaliated the fire, Saikia said.

Later, when the firing stopped, two persons were found injured. The two were taken to hospital where the doctors declared them brought dead, he said.

One Insas Rifle with 10 rounds of ammunition, one 7.65 revolver with three rounds of ammunition and one Chinese grenade were found from the spot.

The two deceased extremists identified as Lukash Narzary alias Langfa and David Islary were active cadres of NDFB(S) and involved in a number of crimes, including extortion, he said.

Operation was continuing to track other NDFB)(S) rebels, he added.

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Relatives of a woman patient, who died during treatment at a private hospital here, allegedly tried to assault a resident doctor yesterday, police said today.

Police today arrested Pandurang Khaladkar and Rahul Khaladkar, both relatives of the deceased, for allegedly trying to hit Dr Pawar with a chair at Bharti Hospital, while accusing him of administering a wrong injection to the patient.

Pandurang and Rahul were arrested under the relevant sections of Maharashtra Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage or Loss to Property) Act, 2010, said a a police official attached to the Bharti Vidyapeeth police station.

"A 58-year-old woman relative of the accused was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday after she complained of loose motions and stomach ache. However, she died in the wee hours of Wednesday, which angered the accused," the official said.

The duo allegedly engaged in a verbal spat with Dr Pawar, alleging that a wrong injection administered by him resulted into the death of the woman.

"During the verbal spat, Pandurang and Rahul allegedly hurled abuses at Dr Pawar and tried to assault him with a chair," the officer said, adding that further investigation is on.

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Two people, including a woman, were arrested in the British city of Birmingham on suspicion of preparing for terrorist acts.

Officers from the West Midlands Counter Terrorism command arrested the 21-year-old man and 23-year-old woman yesterday after five homes and a business were searched in the city as part of a pre-planned operation.

They have been detained under terrorism legislation, however the police said the arrests are not in any way connected to the Westminster attack in London, which claimed four lives and injured 50 others.

"The two were arrested on suspicion of preparing for terrorist acts and were detained under terrorism legislation. The arrests were pre-planned and intelligence-led and there is no risk to the public's safety. Today's arrests are not connected in any way to the Westminster attack," a West Midlands Police statement said.

The armed police officers nabbed the two terror suspects from the car they were travelling in on a street in Birmingham.

Eyewitnesses at the scene captured police on camera bringing a man down to the floor.

The footage seemed to show several armed officers swoop in on a Ford Fiesta, causing traffic to come to a standstill.

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The United Nations and human rights groups have accused Gaza's Hamas rulers of endangering their own people by closing the territory's main crossing with Israel.

Hamas imposed the lockdown in the wake of the mysterious killing of a senior commander last week. It has accused Israel of being behind the killing.

Movement in and out of Gaza is already tightly restricted by Israel and Egypt, which have maintained a blockade on the seaside territory since the Islamic militant Hamas took power a decade ago.

Now, Hamas has further tightened movement with its rare closure of the Erez crossing -- the main point for Gazans who need to enter Israel for medical care or to travel to the West Bank or Jordan.

Hamas has been on high alert since the body of Mazen Faqha, 38, was found with four gunshots at the entrance of his Gaza City home tonight. Faqha's killers, who used a silencer and fled the scene before the body was discovered, remain at large.

After the killing, Hamas set up military-style checkpoints throughout Gaza, prevented fishermen from going out to sea and barred all residents and foreign aid workers from leaving the coastal strip.

On Monday, it eased the closure to allow some patients and families of prisoners held by Israel to exit Gaza. But male patients between the ages of 15 and 45 are still barred.

The World Health Organization said today that 79 patients have missed medical appointments, meaning they will have to reapply for hard-to-get travel permits from Israel.

OCHA said international experts have been unable to enter Gaza, delaying much-needed aid projects, while local union officials say 4,000 fishermen have not set sail since Saturday.

Akram Attallah, a Gaza-based columnist, wrote that the closure of Gaza was "a collective punishment that the Palestinians should not be conducting."



The Independent Commission for Human Rights, a Palestinian watchdog, called on Hamas to end the closure, while Gisha, an Israeli human rights group that usually battles the Israeli closure, strongly condemned Hamas' restrictions.

"Security concerns do not give any actor free reign to violate human rights," Gisha said. "Freedom of movement is a fundamental human right."



Hamas' Interior Ministry says the restrictions will remain in place until further notice. It has imposed a gag order barring publication of details into the investigation.

COGAT, the Israeli defense body that coordinates movement through the crossing, said the number of people passing through each day has dropped from over 1,000 to 230. It said Kerem Shalom, the main cargo crossing for deliveries into Gaza, has been operating as normal.

The agency accused Hamas, which is sworn to Israel's destruction, of "causing a constant tension between the will to help the civilian Gaza residents and our duty to protect the citizens of Israel.

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The UN today denied that India was preventing the UN observer group, monitoring the ceasefire line between India and Pakistan, from presenting its reports on the ground situation.

It also rejected claims that the role of United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) was being constrained by India.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq was asked by a Pakistani reporter whether the reason, UNMOGIP does not present its reports, was because the Indian government does not allow them to, or role of UNMOGIP was being constrained by the Indian government.

"No, no. I am sure you are aware that different peacekeeping missions have different mandates and different reporting mandates. The earliest peacekeeping missions, which include UNMOGIP... Come from a different era where they have completely different reporting requirements," Haq said.

According to the Security Council mandate given in resolution 307 of 1971, UNMOGIP observes and reports on ceasefire violations along and across the Line of Control (LoC) and the working boundary between the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as reports developments that could lead to ceasefire violations.

India has maintained that UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Simla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the LoC. The observer group is headed by Major General Per Lodin of Sweden. It currently has 38 military observers and 73 civilian personnel.

The UN has concerns about the situation in Kashmir and continues to monitor the situation when pressed about Guterres not paying attention to the alleged human rights violation there and not talking to leaders from the two countries, Haq said.

"The basic point is we have concerns about the situation in Kashmir. We do monitor the situation, we have different levels of contacts with the governments of India and Pakistan. If there is anything further to say, we will let you know but at this stage this is one of the situations around the world that we do monitor with concern," he said.

Haq said that just because the Secretary General is not visiting the region, it does not mean he is not paying attention to the issues.

"He (Secretary General) can pay attention without necessarily visiting. Even when he does not visit countries though, he is aware of the problems there and we have many levels of officials including country-level officials who are there to deal with the various problems that arise," Haq added.

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Newly-appointed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister has been accorded the top category 'Z+' VVIP armed security cover.

The cover will be provided by a special commando team of the Uttar Pradesh police along with a small contingent of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) that was earlier providing him 'Y' category security cover with 2-3 commandos guarding him round-the-clock.

The UP police has communicated the decision to CISF and has asked it to make suitable logistical and operational arrangements in this regard.

The CISF cover by the Centre had been accorded to Adityanath in his capacity as a BJP Member of Parliament from Gorakhpur but officials said with his taking charge as CM, a threat perception report of central security agencies required his security paraphernalia to be upgraded.

The commandos will also be deployed at his official residence in Lucknow, they said.

As part of the new and upgraded security paraphernalia, Adityanath will have about 25-28 commandos accompanying him with sophisticated weapons at all times he is mobile and his convoy will have pilot and escort vehicles armed with jammers.
To curb copying in the ongoing UP Board examinations, action has been initiated not only against errant students but also invigilators and centre in-charges who have been found to be facilitating cheating.

So far, 1,500 students using unfair means in the board examination have been nabbed, while 327 exam centre in-charges and 600 invigilators have been replaced, Secretary, UP Board, Shail Yadav told PTI from Allahabad.

Cases have been lodged against 178 invigilators and 111 centre in charges and 70 students, Yadav said, adding as many as 54 centres have been cancelled and another 57 blacklisted.

Besides, FIR has been lodged against the management of four exam centres.

Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma, who is also the minister of the department concerned, has told the officials about the state government's resolve to check copying in the exams.

Besides issuing helplines to lodge complaints for checking mass copying, Sharma said he has issued instructions for eradicating "nakal mafia" from the state.

Sharma held a video conference with District Magistrates recently and directed them to ensure there was no copying in the ongoing board examinations.

He even paid surprise visits to some exam centres in the state capital and neighbouring Barabanki.

In a bid to stop cheating in the exams, the board has issued helpline numbers and any person finding any information related to the cheating should WhatsApp on 9454457241 or on landline number 0522-2236760.

The UP Board was set up in 1921 in Allahabad by the Act of United Provinces Legislative Council and affiliates most of the schools in the state.

At present there are 9,121 secondary schools recognised by the UP Board of High School and Intermediate Education, according to its website.

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Concerned over air pollution and other harmful effects of stubble burning, the Uttar Pradesh government is mulling a blanket ban on it in the state.

"Burning of stubble after the crops are harvested creates massive air pollution. This has an adverse impact on the health of the public.

"It also increases the temperature of farm land and kills a large number of friendly insects and soil bacteria," Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi.

The minister said that in the past few years, stubble burning has created serious problems in various parts of the country ranging from smog to untimely rains, which harmed the crops.

"We are monitoring the situation very closely and planning to put a blanket ban on stubble burning across the state," he told PTI in an interview.

Instead of burning the stubble, it would be wise if it is used as fodder for cattle, he said and added that state government would encourage farmers to cooperate in this direction.

He said reaper machines which harvest the crop by digging the soil must be utilised. "Farmers who do not have reaper machine must switch over to this machine within the next three months," he said.

In November last year, the national capital was reeling under intense smog for days which even forced closure of schools. The poor air quality was largely blamed on stubble burning in Haryana, Punjab and other surrounding states.

The Haryana government had initiated action against 406 violators, while cracking the whip on farmers who defied orders against burning paddy stubble.

Many farmers in Haryana and Punjab have continued with the practice, adversely affecting environment and soil health.

Burning of paddy residue causes air pollution, smog and also poses a serious health hazard as it leads to breathing problems, allergies and asthma attacks.

It causes emission of toxic gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane and nitrous oxide and leads to poor soil health by eliminating essential nutrients, agricultural experts said.

Citing noted agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan, Shahi said, "Apart from using the stubble to make cattle feed, it can be used for making cardboard, paper and other products."



A technology has been developed in Maharashtra for using paddy straw as animal feed.

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A US coffee shop is brewing controversy with its loyalty cards that are designed in a manner that when punched it looks like a shot in the head of conservatives, including President Donald Trump.

Black Forge Coffee house in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has issued the loyalty cards that have typical 10-count with its logo to punch, but on the back they have pictures of 10 people management does not like.

Those whose pictures have been printed on the cards are Trump, Rick Santorum, Ann Coulter, Mike Pence, Martin Shkreli, Pat Robertson, Bill O'Reilly, Rush Limbaugh, Mike Huckabee and Ted Cruz.

The coffee shop co-owner Nick Miller was quoted by Fox as saying that the cards are designed to look like a shot in the head when the card is punched.

Co-owner Ashley Corts said she has had the loyalty cards since 2015 and recently updated the cards to include President Trump. She said it was meant to poke fun at the president.

"We're not threatening the president. We don't want to physically hurt him, we do not condone any sort of hate. It's completely against who we are," Corts said.

Prior to the card's update, customers could find Glenn Beck, Creflo Dollar, Jerry Falwell and Billy Graham on the loyalty cards.

The cards have evoked extreme reactions and Black Forge was also getting threatening messages from all over the country, Corts said.

"It's no one from our state," she added.

People also took to social media to post negative comments about the coffee house.

A few tweeted about the lack of Democrats on the cards, suggesting some additions. Others were concerned about the President's safety.

Drake Bowan, a netizen commented, "I honestly think they ought to have the secret secretive called in on them. They are telling people that it's to (mimic) the idea of murder against the president."



Duquesne University College Republicans Vice President Nicholas Lacono expressed dismay, writing in a Facebook post that, "Seeing such violence and hate coming from the left because we are Republican/Conservative is despicable."



"I would like this country to unite on both sides of the aisle and this story is certainly not helping the cause," he said.

However, some said it was a good business strategy.

"They're practicing their freedom of expression. Their coffee shop's been packed, and I know how hard it is for a small business to get noticed," a client of the coffee shop said.

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A top American commander has said the Trump administration is in the process of reviewing its policy in Afghanistan.

"We are at a stalemate right now (in Afghanistan). Right now, it is in favor of the government but stalemates have a tendency to decline over time so I think we do have to continue to support this," General Joselg L Votel, Commander of US Central Command, told members of the House Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing yesterday.

He said with around 8,000 US troops on the ground in Afghanistan, the US has two missions in the country. "One is our counterterrorism mission, fully resourced, that is going pretty well. I feel very confident in that.

"The other one is the NATO mission, to train, advise, and assist. That is one where I think we ought to consider looking at our objectives here and how we continue to support that mission going forward and ensure that the government of Afghanistan has the time and the capabilities to accomplish what they need to," Votel said.

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The United States is looking to comprehensively review UN peacekeeping missions, its envoy to the UN has said, ruing that the focus of such operations too often is on troop contributions or funding countries, and not on protecting civilians or achieving a political solution.

Nikki Haley said UN peacekeeping operations is an area with great potential for reform and her approach in dealing with peacekeeping will be "different" when she assumes the rotating presidency of the 15-nation Security Council in April.

"The goal of any UN peacekeeping mission should be to ensure that political solutions to conflicts are actually realised. But too often the focus of our peacekeeping efforts is on the troop contributing countries or the funding countries or the bureaucracy of the UN itself and not on protecting civilians and on achieving a political solution," Haley said at the Council on Foreign Relations thinktank here yesterday.

The Indian-origin ambassador to the UN said members have too often been bogged down in "parochial questions", spending a lot of time worrying about which country or bureaucracy benefits from the peacekeeping missions.

"We have worried about donor countries, troop supplying countries. We have missed the forest for the trees in peacekeeping operations altogether. During the US presidency, I intend to do something different," she said.

Haley said the US "will lay out a comprehensive vision for how peacekeeping missions should be reviewed moving forward. We will ask hard questions."



India has traditionally been among the largest troop contributing countries to the UN peacekeeping operations, with nearly 180,000 troops having served in over 44 of the 69 peacekeeping operations so far. The country has repeatedly called for the Security Council to consult troop contributing countries before drawing up peacekeeping mandates given that troops now have to function in increasingly difficult and hostile conflict situations across the world's hotspots.

Haley voiced support for cutting US contribution to peacekeeping and capping it at 25 per cent from the current 28 per cent. "That is something that will happen."



The US is the biggest contributor to the UN, paying 22 per cent of the USD 5.4 billion core budget and 28.5 per cent of the USD 7.9 billion peacekeeping budget.

"We don't want to just cut for the sake of cutting. Everybody knows there is fat at the UN, there is fat in the peacekeeping missions," she said.

She said a lack of "basic evaluation" in UN missions was "shocking" and cited the example of the mission in Afghanistan that has been in place for more than 15 years but has never once been reviewed.

Calling this "unacceptable", Haley said "we are in the process of proposing a strategic review of this mission and other missions to get the facts on the ground."



With peacekeeping being the largest item in the UN budget, she said the review will identify the missions in need of structural reforms. "We will determine where we need to augment, re-structure and cut back," she said, emphasising that the US is supportive of "better and smarter" peacekeeping operations not the ones that are "cheaper."



"We have to have the political will to adjust the missions even if some countries are going to lose funding in the process," she said.

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A group of Muslim councillors left the Meerut Municipal Corporation House as soon as other members started singing Vande Mataram, following which a proposal to terminate their membership was passed.

The proposal put forth by Mayor Harikant Ahluwalia of the BJP also made it clear that any members opposing Vande Mataram will not be welcome in the House.

The Muslim members, however, said they will continue to boycott Vande Mataram "as the Sharia law does not allow them to sing it and that they will move court over the issue if necessary".

Ahluwalia said: "The seven Muslim councillors of the House had walked out of it on Tuesday when other members started singing the national song. They returned after some time, but I refused to let them in."



The proposal to terminate their membership was yesterday passed at a meeting of the municipal board, the Mayor said.

He said it is a serious issue and all members, barring Muslim councillors, were sincere about singing "Vande Mataram".

"We will not allow members, who are against the singing of Vande Mataram, to sit in the House, when it assembles next. We will even go to jail, if required, over it," he said.

Reacting to this, councillor Shaahid Abbasi said: "We are being looked at with suspicion even when we ready to lay down our lives for our country."



Councillors Diwanji Sharif and Arshad Ulla said: "Our religion... The Sharia law does not accept Vande Mataram. We are ready to tender resignation but would not sing it."



Terming the Mayor's proposal to terminate their membership as a "Tughlaqi diktat", they said they would move court against it.

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Former IL Congressman Aaron Schock Was Secretly Recorded By Staffer-Turned-FBI Informant

By Stephen Gossett in News on Mar 29, 2017 8:31PM



Aaron Schock in 2008 (Getty Images)

The strange saga of indicted ex-Congressman Aaron Schock was even juicier than we previously knew. Court documents show that the former Illinois rep was brought down in part by a staffer who was wired by the FBI, according to multiple reports. Schock's legal team claims that the informant acted illegally when he also took messages and attempted to take other information from the disgraced rep's files.

The staffer isn't named in the defense motion, but The Hill notes that then-aide Bryan Rudolph fits the bill for what is described: "a male, 'fairly junior staffer' who was working as the office manager in the Peoria, Ill., district office," according to the inside-politics blog.

Politico breaks down the claims made by Schock's defense, which seeks to have charges dismissed, in more detail:



"Schock's attorneys assert the FBI informant "stole" thousands of messages from a House email account, tried to obtain "physical Congressional Office records that were Mr. Schocks personal property," and attempted to "covertly record private conversations with and between Mr. Schock and his staff, including conversations where attorney-client privileged communications were discussed.

The defense claims that some of those procurements were made well after Schocks resignation, according to Salon. Court documents showed that the informant took travel receipts and credit card statements from the desk of then-chief-of-staff Dayne LaHood, according to The Hill and Salon.

while the House sergeant-at-arms was overseeing his vacated office, the defense motion alleges that the FBI informant went through the desk of Dayne LaHood, then chief of staff, at the direction of an FBI supervisor and removed fuel receipts, which included Schocks American Express card information.

Schock was indicted last year on two dozen counts of budget and campaign-fund mismanagement. He resigned from office as representative of the state's 11th district in March, 2015 amidst a wave of spending scandals. The most infamous spending red flag came when it was revealed that Schock reportedly had his offices redone to mimic Downton Abbey, which was the style at the time. Seriously. Schock insists that any misappropriation of money is on paper only.


Metals and mining conglomerate Vedanta Ltd today announced the appointment of K Venkataramanan as an independent non-executive director with effect from April 1.

The company's board has also considered and approved re-appointment of Thomas Albanese, Whole-Time Director and CEO, till August 31, 2017 subject to approval of shareholders in the next general meeting.

"The board of directors in their meeting on March 30, 2017 approved the appointment of K Venkataramanan as an Independent non-executive director with effect from April 1, 2017," Vedanta Ltd said in a statement.

Venkataramanan was CEO & Managing Director of Larsen & Toubro Ltd from April, 2012 and had also served on the L&T Board from May, 1999 until his retirement in September, 2015," the statement said.

"I am delighted to welcome KV to our Board. His unparalleled strength and global experience in our sector will support our delivery of the next phase of growth at Vedanta, and I look forward to his significant contributions to the board," company's Chairman Navin Agarwal said.

"I am excited to be joining the Board of Vedanta Ltd, a company which has excelled in the Indian natural resources sector. It will be my endeavour to effectively participate in Vedanta's journey of achieving excellence in the sector," Venkataramanan said.

Venkataramanan, in his four decades of experience at L&T, has spearheaded the company's foray in the world of E&C, strengthened every aspect of EPC value chain and transformed L&T to one of the respected names in the global EPC fraternity.

His induction will help broaden the diversity of the Vedanta board, and add considerable expertise particularly in the areas of hydrocarbons and large scale project management.

Vedanta Ltd is a diversified natural resources company, whose business primarily involves producing oil & gas, zinc-lead-silver, copper, iron ore, aluminium and commercial power. The company has a presence across India, South Africa, Namibia, Australia and Ireland.

The board has approved appointment of "K Venkataramanan as an Additional Director and Non-Executive Independent Director (Additional Director) on the Board of the Company for a period of 3 years w.E.F. April 1, 2017 to hold office till the ensuing Annual General Meeting of the company," it said.

The board also approved resignation of Anuradha Dutt, Non-Executive Independent Director from the Board of the Company w.E.F. March 31, 2017 due to other commitments.

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Wartsila India, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Wartsila, Finland, which is a key player in the engineering, procurement and construction, marine and services sector, was in "advanced stage of discussions" for setting up its first LNG terminal in the country, a top official said today.

Wartsila India president and managing director, Kimmo Kohtamaki told reporters here, "currently we are in discussions and they are at an advanced stage. We would like to finalise (the talks) this year (to set up the LNG terminal)."



On the future plans of the company, which entered the domestic market several years ago and is engaged in three verticals, Wartsila India chairman Kari Hietanen said the company was witnessing a "steady growth" in the services sector while it was a "little bit slower" in the energy sector.

"We will focus on the three legs we have here -- services, marine and renewables," he said, declining to elaborate.

On the Remote Monitoring Centre located in the city, he said the facility which employed about 60 personnel, provided real-time support to customers located in Bangladesh, Australia and Thailand.

The centre would receive advice and technical support from Wartsila Condition Based Maintenance centre in Finland, he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A 19-year-old youth who allegedly burgled houses in posh areas of the national capital has been arrested, police said today.

Manoj Kumar alias Mannu was held near Sultanpur Metro Station yesterday on a tip-off, said Ishwar Singh, deputy commissioner of police (South range).

Rs 30,370 of stolen cash, four mobile phones, a laptop, a Sony Camera, a binocular and two home theatres with speakers have been recovered from him, he said.

Police had constituted a special team in the wake of a series of similar cases burglaries in Saket, Mehrauli, Defence Colony, K M Pur, Safdarjung Enclave and Lodhi Colony area.

"The accused also accepted that they sneak inside houses through windows and use surgical hand gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints," said Singh.

The police officer said Manoj has admitted to using the money to fund his lavish lifestyle and buy drugs for himself.

During interrogation, Manoj disclosed the names of his other associates -- Manoj alias Kala alias Bullet, Bantu and Kunal-- and probe is on to nab them, the DCP said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Manoj Kumar and Rajesh Kumar Singh

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - The New Development Bank set up by the BRICS group of major emerging economies plans to raise up to $500 million via rupee-denominated masala bonds in the second half of the year, the bank's president, K.V. Kamath, said on Thursday.

The BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - agreed to create the infrastructure-focussed lender in July 2014 as an alternative to the World Bank. The bank was officially launched a year later.

The offering comes after the bank sold three billion in yuan-denominated green bonds ($435.5 million) on China's interbank market last year aiming to support clean and renewable energy use to reduce carbon emissions.

"We would be ready with the masala bond in local currency in the second half," Kamath told in an interview in New Delhi. "Thereafter, in sequence, we will look at the other markets as opportunities open up."

A masala bond is one issued outside India but denominated in Indian rupees.

Headquartered in Shanghai, the New Development Bank is seen as the first major achievement of the BRICS countries since they got together in 2009 to press for a bigger say in the global financial order created by Western powers after World War Two.

However, the establishment of the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has raised questions about the New Development Bank's relevance, with some commentators casting doubts about Beijing's commitment to the lender.

Kamath played down those concerns, saying the bank was growing as per its schedule.

"We feel most welcome in our host country. We have received the utmost support from China in getting where we are," he said.

"We are growing at the utmost speed that is possible .. We are not finding any constraint."

The creation of the New Development Bank was aimed at addressing a massive infrastructure funding gap in the member countries, which account for almost half the world's population and about one-fifth of global economic output.

The bank, which was founded with an initial authorised capital of $100 billion, started lending last year, funding seven projects worth $1.5 billion.

This year, it plans to fund 15 infrastructure projects in member countries worth up to $3 billion, said Kamath, who ran India's ICICI Bank Ltd from 1996 until 2009.

"We concentrated on building up foundations in the first two years. That task is now complete," said Kamath said.

"As we go along, we will scale up this year what we started last year."

($1 = 6.8880 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(Editing by Jeremy Gaunt)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
DUBAI (Reuters) - The chief executive and vice chairman of Dubai Holding, the investment vehicle of the emirate's ruler, have left the company, sources familiar with the matter told on Thursday.

The departures come a few days after Abdulla al-Habbai was chosen as chairman of the investment conglomerate by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum.

Dubai Holding chief executive Fadel al-Ali and vice chairman Ahmad Bin Byat had both left, the sources said.

The company was not immediately available to comment. Dubai Holding's previous chairman, Mohammed Abdullahal-Gergawi, resigned last month. He had headed the company sinceit was founded in 2004.

(Reporting By Hadeel Al Sayegh and Tom Arnold; Writing by Saeed Azhar; Editing by David Goodman)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Anjuli Davies and Huw Jones

LONDON (Reuters) - U.S. stock exchanges should not attempt to buy Deutsche Boerse, the German exchange whose bid to merge with its London counterpart has just collapsed, a senior German politician said on Thursday.

"Deutsche Boerse is not only a private company but it also has state responsibilities," Thomas Schaefer, finance minister for the German state of Hesse, told reporters.

"The stock exchange authorities of Germany have to guarantee that if there is a change of owner, it has to guarantee that business has to continue uninterrupted as normal and it doesn't matter who makes an offer," Schaefer said.

Asked what his response would be if a U.S. exchange like ICE stepped in to bid for Deutsche Boerse, Schaefer replied: "I would rather recommend colleagues in America not to attempt to do this."

Hesse regulates the financial centre in Frankfurt where Deutsche Boerse is based, and also has a veto over any merger involving the exchange.

The European Commission on Wednesday vetoed a planned tie up between Deutsche Boerse and the London Stock Exchange Group, saying it would have reduced competition in fixed income markets.

In 2012, Brussels also vetoed a merger between Deutsche Boerse and NYSE Euronext, the U.S. exchange which ICE later acquired.

The collapse of the latest merger effort has triggered speculation of fresh attempts at consolidation among exchanges, with Singapore Exchanges looking at tie-ups abroad, according to media reports on Thursday.

FRANKFURT TO GROW

Schaefer was in London to visit financial institutions and regulators as Frankfurt hopes to benefit from banks in London having to beef up their continental bases to continue serving clients after Brexit.

"We believe Frankfurt will grow," Schaefer said.

However, he expects that the Brexit "cake" will be divided among several financial centres in the EU.

Insurance market Lloyd's of London said on Thursday it has chosen Brussels for its European Union subsidiary because of its strong regulatory framework.

Schaefer said he believed banks would make decisions in principle over the next three to six months on where to set up new entities and relocate.

He also met with the European Banking Authority (EBA), which will have to relocate its headquarters from London, and noted that the European Commission has proposed that it is merged with the European Occupational and Pensions Authority, which is based in Frankfurt.

(Editing by Alexander Smith)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India has set up an expert panel to help revive its loss-making state maker after a government review found the company to be far less efficient than its rivals despite spending more than $10 billion in the past eight years.

A review document, containing previously undisclosed data and seen by Reuters, criticises Authority of India (SAIL) for everything from the use of low-quality raw materials to outdated technology, suggesting that its problems were not simply the result of cheap Chinese imports.

SAIL, which has been overtaken by JSW Steel as India's biggest producer, has posted seven straight quarterly losses, and Reuters reported last week that it was at risk of losing business from its biggest client.

SAIL's underperformance could derail the government's target to triple steel production in the country by 2030, and shows how Prime Minister Narendra Modi's big infrastructure dreams may have to rely heavily on the private sector and imports.

Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh, worried by what he called SAIL's "unsatisfactory" output performance, has asked the panel to recommend a timeline for ramping up capacity at a "quick pace", to find ways to lower production costs and to improve branding and marketing.

"The terms of the reference of the committee will include chalking out a revival plan for turning around loss-making (companies) of the Ministry of Steel to profit-making companies in 2017/18," Singh's office told the committee this week, in a memo seen by Reuters.

The panel, comprising top officials of various government ministries and SAIL, met for the first time this week and will be helped by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in coming up with a revival plan for the company.

They will set quarterly, six-monthly and yearly targets for SAIL, according to the memo. Two government sources said minister Singh wants a plan for SAIL and smaller state steel company RINL in 15 days.

A SAIL spokesman did not respond to requests for comment. A steel ministry spokesman declined comment.

Government officials earlier said SAIL had failed to take advantage of protectionist measures that have helped private companies out-price Chinese steel and lift their margins.

Failing to sail

SAIL fares poorly when compared to international efficiency standards and those of private Indian companies such as JSW and Tata Steel in blast furnace productivity, raw material consumption and energy usage, according to the review document.

For example, SAIL's average daily blast furnace productivity of 1.58 tonnes per cubic meter last fiscal year ended March was 40 per cent lower than that of JSW. SAIL said the metric improved 7 per cent between April and December last year.

Its use of coke - derived from high-quality coal, and thus costly - was also higher than private peers and global standards. April-December coke use came down 3 per cent from a year ago, SAIL said.

Its use of pulverized coal injection technology - a cheaper substitute to coke - was the lowest compared to JSW and Tata in 2015/16. During April-December, SAIL said the gauge improved 14 per cent.

The government said this week that three of SAIL's ailing units put up for strategic stake sales have made losses for the past five years despite the company pumping in more than $400 million for their modernisation.

The steel ministry told parliament on Wednesday that most SAIL plants were set up almost half a century ago and that the technologies and equipment had become "old and obsolete".

SAIL is chasing tie-ups with foreign majors such as ArcelorMittal and POSCO, companies known for their cutting-edge technology.

Analysts say higher employee costs, typical of government companies in India, were another factor holding SAIL back.

"Even when the market was good, SAIL was under-performing because of higher fixed costs," said Goutam Chakraborty, analyst at Emkay Global Financial Services in Mumbai, who expects SAIL to show improvement by end of this decade.
By Drazen Jorgic

KARACHI/LAHORE, Pakistan (Reuters) - Kamal Amjad Mian thought China's decision to invest $36 billion in the Pakistani power sector would benefit his electricity cable business, and, anticipating increased demand, his family spent nearly $30 million on a second plant to double output.

But Mian's Fast Cables and some other Pakistani manufacturers have yet to reap rewards from Beijing's huge "One Belt, One Road" (OBOR) project, a modern-day "Silk Road" network of trade routes across land and sea.

Power stations built as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $57 billion project involving energy, road and rail infrastructure, are being kitted out with Chinese cables exempt from import duty and sales tax.

Such exemptions, more generous for CPEC projects than others, threaten to undermine local industry, according to Mian, one of a growing number of executives now questioning an initiative long portrayed as the key to Pakistan's prosperity.

"The government, instead of giving us a level playing field, gave them an advantage," Mian said in the eastern city of Lahore.

A Water and Power Ministry official, who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak to the media, said "there were question marks about whether the local cable industry could fulfil the demands under CPEC and we worried it would slow down projects."

Beijing's CPEC splurge and a drop in Islamist militant violence have reinvigorated Pakistan's sluggish economy, driving growth to about 5 percent for the first time since 2008.

The public and political parties broadly support Chinese investment, while cement and steel companies who bagged early CPEC contracts are embarking on aggressive expansion.

Executives also say Chinese investors are poised for an acquisitions spree in Pakistan.

TROJAN HORSE OR SAVIOUR?

But not everyone is happy. Critics say CPEC projects are opaque and expensive, and question Pakistan's ability to repay the costs over time.

Some firms fear they will struggle to compete with Chinese companies with deeper pockets, economies of scale and vastly cheaper credit lines.

"We have to make sure (CPEC) doesn't become a Trojan Horse and start hurting existing industry," said Ehsan Malik, chief executive of the Pakistan Business Council.

There is plenty still up for grabs for local players. The next phase of CPEC involves the creation of Special Economic Zones where Chinese state-run enterprises would open factories and help develop Pakistan's industrial base.

But Fast Cables' Mian said that, while domestic producers have been benefiting from broad economic growth, he fears his business will end up "dying a slow and painful death" if Chinese rivals setting up in Pakistan receive preferential tax breaks.

Mian and other cables makers are reviving a defunct industry association in order to lobby Islamabad, amid concerns Beijing will use its leverage over Pakistan to obtain those sweeteners.

"Very soon, if we are not nimble enough to recognise the issues, we could be in trouble," said Fahd Chinoy, whose family runs Pakistan Cables.

China, for which CPEC is a key part of its Silk Road ambitions, sought to assuage such fears.

"The dividend, the well-being delivered by the corridor will benefit the people of both China and Pakistan, as well as of the region," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular briefing, when asked about concerns in Pakistan.

The government in Islamabad was also keen to reassure domestic producers.

"We are not (so foolish) as to not protect our local industry," said Miftah Ismail, a state minister charged with setting up CPEC Special Economic Zones.

"I want to assure people we will never give greater protection to our Chinese investing friends," Ismail added. "It will never be an uneven playing field."

The Pakistani government, citing local worries about being crowded out, said in January it would prioritise domestic companies over Chinese ones in the forthcoming sell-off of state-run companies.

WINNERS AND LOSERS?

Pakistan's struggling textiles sector, which account for 60 percent of the country's exports, is watching nervously.

China is offering vast incentives and ploughing billions of dollars into the Western region of Xinjiang to build a textile industry, which will rely on CPEC road and rail links to export goods via Pakistan's Arabian sea port of Gwadar.

The Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry and other organisations worry that Pakistan will become a dumping ground for Chinese goods once the Xinjiang-Gwadar transit route becomes operational and traffic volumes soar.

"If those products end up on the domestic market without duties, it will devastate the local industry," said Aamir Fayyaz, chairman of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA).

Wang Zihai, president of the Pakistan-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, compared Pakistan to China three decades ago, when its nascent industries faced competition from more advanced Japanese and American companies.

"Chinese companies did not die," Wang said. "Chinese are not here to take over everything, they want partners. They need a local party to work together."

And for early CPEC winners, optimism abounds.

Hussain Agha's family-run steel business has bagged several CPEC contracts and is planning an initial public offering (IPO) to raise cash to expand.

"Those who are geared for the economic renaissance of Pakistan will thrive, and those who are not will miss the bus," said Agha, an executive director at Agha Steel Industries.

"We are getting ready for the 'Roaring 20s'."

(Additional reporting by Mubasher Bukhari; Writing by Drazen Jorgic; Editing by Mike Collett-White)

(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.)
By Georgina Prodhan and Jens Hack

FRANKFURT/MUNICH (Reuters) - Linde labour representatives will vote against the German industrial gases group's planned $65 billion merger with U.S. rival Praxair, the head of the German works council told on Thursday, in a move that could scupper the deal.

The merger would entail significant job losses to achieve the promised $1 billion of synergies, with Linde bearing the brunt, while workers would lose their influence on strategy with the headquarters set to move from Germany, Gernot Hahl said.

Linde and Praxair are racing to finalise a deal by Linde's annual shareholder meeting on May 10, after agreeing a non-binding term sheet in December. It would then have to be approved by the boards of both companies.

"Our position in the supervisory board is: No, we will not approve the merger," Hahl said by phone.

Linde's supervisory board, half of which is made up of labour representatives, voted unanimously in favour of the intention to merge in December, in exchange for job guarantees through 2021 for Linde's 8,000 German workers.

Linde had until now characterised negotiations with its workers as constructive. "The negotiations with Praxair are proceeding as planned," a Linde spokesman said on Thursday. He declined to comment on labour relations.

After a meeting with Linde executives last week, the company's European works council sent a letter to staff saying it had become obvious the merger would lead to significant job losses in European countries outside Germany. The company employs several thousand people elsewhere on the continent.

"The European Works Council members and the workforce will therefore vigorously oppose the planned merger with Praxair," said the letter seen by on Wednesday.

Other labour representatives said on Thursday they had previously only agreed to an "examination with an open outcome".

"We are against it," said trade union IG Metall. "We think nothing of the merger."

Workers representatives also secured the backing of the number two official in Germany's economy ministry.

"Such a planned merger needs the acceptance of the labour side. This clearly does not currently exist. The economic rationale of such a project has also not been convincingly put forward, in my opinion," state secretary Matthias Machnig wrote.

One person close to the negotiations told it was unclear whether the companies could offer further concessions to appease workers and clinch the deal.

The merger is designed to create an industry leader with a combined market value of $65 billion and revenue of $29 billion that would overtake France's Air Liquide and reunite a global Linde group split by the First World War a century ago.

It is the second attempt by the two companies to agree a deal. Previous talks ran aground last September over where to locate key activities and who would run the business, resulting in the departure of Linde's two top executives.

CASTING VOTE

"The probability that the deal will still go through is still greater than 50 percent in our view, but has clearly decreased," wrote Equinet analyst Knud Hinkel, who has an "accumulate" recommendation on Linde stock.

"If the deal actually collapsed, the share would suffer in the short term. In the long term, Linde could be better off without the merger."

Linde shares were up 0.2 percent at 1308 GMT, broadly in line with the German blue-chip DAX.

The merger plan envisions a combined holding company being headquartered in Europe, but not Germany - probably Ireland, the Netherlands or Britain. These countries do not offer workers the same rights over strategy that Germany does.

Linde Chief Executive Aldo Belloni said earlier this month he would not push through a deal against the will of workers, but was confident of winning them over.

Linde's supervisory board will meet next Thursday, but will not yet vote on the matter.

If the eventual vote is tied, Chairman Wolfgang Reitzle, the driving force behind the merger, will have a casting vote.

"The works council feels it is being pushed into something," said an adviser to the labour side, who asked not to be named because his advice is confidential. "If the capital side wants it, then Reitzle will have to use his casting vote, if they're so convinced."

($1 = 0.9311 euros)

(Additional reporting by Gernot Heller in Berlin and Arno Schuetze and Alexander Huebner in Frankfurt; Editing by Mark Potter)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Two Samsung Galaxy S8 smartphones, left, the Gear 360 camera, center, and the Gear VR headset are on display after a news conference to announce new products, in New York (Photo: AP/ PTI)
Rep. Gutierrez Demands Civil Rights Investigation Into ICE Shooting

By Stephen Gossett in News on Mar 29, 2017 10:38PM



Getty Images / Photo: John Moore

Rep. Luis Gutierrez on Wednesday called for a broader, transparent investigation into the shooting of a 53-year-old legal resident at the hands of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Chicago earlier this week.

Gutierrez called for an investigation that includes the Department of Homeland Security's Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. On Monday, ICE said that a review would be undertaken by the agency's Office of Professional Responsibility. An ICE spokesman did not immediately return a request for comment on Wednesday afternoon.

Gutierrez said that ICE has not been forthcoming with details about the shooting thus far. It has been hard to get information on this case. Both ICE in Washington, DC and ICE in Chicago are not talking, Gutierrez said in a statement.

Gutierrez said his office helped the victim with his green card processing several years ago. He said it is unclear if ICE had the correct address given the man's apparent status as a legal resident. Family members perviously told reporters that no one in the family at the raided residence, in Belmont Central, is undocumented. The agency admitted earlier this week that the shooting victim was the intended target of the raid.

The investigation should be conducted with the cooperation of the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties to assess whether all rules of engagement were strictly followed and to determine if the shooting was an appropriate use of force. What we know is that the man who got shot had a green card because our office helped him with that process more than a decade ago. We also know that the Trump deportation force thinks it can raid someones home with weapons drawn at any hour of the day or night with very little oversight or accountability and that is just not right. That should not be the way ICE operates in the City of Chicago or anywhere else, the Congressman said.

ICE agents went to arrest a person in the 6100 block of West Grand Avenue on Monday morning, the agency said. An agent shot a second person after he pointed a weapon at them, according to ICE's account. Family disputes that the man, identified as Felix Torres Sr., was armed. Torres son, Felix Jr., a U.S. citizen, on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to gun charges stemming from an arrest in February. But ICE has not publicly stated who the target of the raid was.

Activists and aldermen on Tuesday evening called for transparency in the investigation of the shooting. Ald. Milly Santiago (Ward 31) said, We dont know exactly the details of the investigation. I know that there are more questions than answers.
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd unveiled its Galaxy S8 flagship smartphone as it battles to regain the market leadership it lost to Apple Inc after the embarrassing withdrawal of the fire-prone Note 7s.
If a political figure finds general acceptance as a firebrand leader in a country like India, it only reveals the flaws in our democratic system. Take the case of Adityanath, for instance. Either our legal and administrative system has intentionally ignored his track record of hate speeches that undercut the spirit of our constitution, or he is artful enough to evade the law despite his activities.
Chinese mobile company Oppo, which faced workers unrest at its Noida plant after the incidence of disrespect to the Indian flag, today said the factory will reopen soon.



"The factory will be re-opening soon and we do not expect any impact on the supplies because of the production of our overseas units," Oppo said.

"We are assessing the situation and will update you on the developments at an appropriate time," the Chinese firm said.

Oppo has fired its employee who insulted the Indian flag, the Chinese smartphone maker said on Wednesday. The incident happened on Monday at Oppo's plant in Noida where the Chinese employee had discarded the Indian flag from his table.

"Based on the recent incident and after thorough investigation with the concerned authorities, we have found that a worker discarded the Indian flag from the table during regular external material check", the company said.

The statement further added, "We have zero tolerance for such matters and have taken strict action in terminating the individual and continue working very closely with the authorities on the matter".

According to a report in the Economic Times, a case has been registered against the Chinese employee and the probe is underway.

In a media interaction in Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry's spokesperson Lu Kang said, "The Chinese government always asks its Chinese enterprises and staff overseas to abide by local law, regulations and respect local practices and customs".

Beijing also said it wanted India to protect the rights of its nationals and its firms.

ALSO READ: Reliance Jio may not extend its Prime Membership, here's why

"We have seen the report. As far as we know, the company is in touch with the local police. We hope this issue can be resolved properly," Lu Kang said.

Oppo also said that it regretted what happened and this incident did not represent the company's value.

After the incident came to light, hundreds of people along with the employees protested outside Oppo's Noida plant in sector-63. The protesters demanded the arrest of the Chinese official.








Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos has left Amancio Ortega and Warren Buffett behind in acquiring the spot for world's second richest man, stated Bloomberg's Billionaires Index.

A whopping amount of $1.5 billion got added to Bezos' wealth after Amazon Inc. stock skyrocketed to 50 per cent in the past 12 months after it announced its plan to buy Dubai's online retailer Souq.com.

According to a Bloomberg's Billionaires Index, Amazon CEO's new net worth is $75.6 billion, followed by Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffet ($75.5 billion) and Amancio Ortega, chairman of Inditex fashion group ($74.1 billion) respectively.

However, with a net-worth of $86 billion Bill Gates is still the richest man in the world.

Meanwhile in India, the global e-commerce giant Amazon said it would continue to focus on every geographic segment of India's online retail market just days after homegrown rival Flipkart earmarked the country's vast rural hinterland and smaller cities as its future growth markets.

Amazon India head Amit Agarwal was recently elevated to the post of senior vice president, Amazon.



ALSO READ: SC ban on BS-III vehicles: Hero, Honda offer discounts of up to Rs 12,500

Amazon, which has committed investments to the tune of $5 billion, remains one of the fastest growing for the US-based e-tailer. The company faces intense competition in India from local player, Flipkart. The competition is further heating up as Chinese e-tailer Alibaba gears up for a stronger play in India through Paytm.








The Congress today objected to the passage of four GST-related bills in Lok Sabha, claiming that it was in "contravention of Parliamentary sovereignty", while the BJP-ruled government termed it as a "giant leap towards economic transformation".

"We support (GST) but the nuances and manner in which it (GST supporting laws) is passed is in contravention of Parliamentary sovereignty," Congress senior leader M Veerappa Moily said.

Senior BJP leader and Union Information Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said the passage of GST bills was a success of 'Team India'.

"Our country has taken a giant leap towards economic transformation with the Lok Sabha today passing the GST bills.

Long awaited moment," he said in a tweet.

BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra termed the passage of the bills as a "historic moment".

"Historic moment in India. With the passage of GST bills, it will be one nation, one tax and it will give a big boost to GDP. It also ushers a new ear of federalism. It indeed marks PM Modi's 'newIndia'," he said.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the passage of GST supplementary bills in the Lower House.

"Congratulations to all the countrymen over passage of the GST bills. New Year, New Law, New Bharat," he said in a tweet in Hindi.

The Lok Sabha today approved four legislations-- The Central GST Bill, 2017; The Integrated GST Bill, 2017; The GST (Compensation to States) Bill, 2017; and The Union Territory GST Bill, 2017.

The Centre has set the target of July 1 to roll out the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
GST Bill was passed by Lok Sabha on Wednesday raising hopes of the new tax regime coming into force from 1 July, 2017. Here are the few contentious issues that may haunt the tax payers as well as consumers if they are not addressed properly.

Multiple tax rates: When the GST was conceived it was supposed to be a single uniform rate across all product categories, but the shape that the GST has taken is far removed from the actual concept of one country-one tax. What instead we have got is a multi-ties tax structure with 4 different tax rates --5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent. Besides, there would be exempted and zero-rated goods, which means there would be at least six different categories of products under GST.

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Fear of high tax rates: One of the earlier expectation from GST was moderate tax rates on goods and services. However, with a peak rate at 28 per cent (which can go up to 40 per cent) and a cess of 15 per cent over and above the peak rate for demerit goods have dashed all the hopes of a moderate tax regime at least in the near future. The 15 per cent cess would be levied at least for the first five years during which the central government would compensate the states for any revenue loss due to implementation of GST. The proposed higher rates have already made the industry a little jittery. "It is important for the Government to ensure that 18 per cent is a general rate and exceptions, particularly those falling under 28 per cent category are minimised," says Pratik Jain, Partner and National Leader - Indirect Tax at PwC India.



Anti-profiteering measures: The government is planning to set up an authority to see if any reduction in tax rates after GST is passed on to the consumer by companies or not. The industry and businesses are not taking this idea kindly and they see it as a backdoor entry of inspector raj. Experts say that prices should be market determined and no government authority has the business of deciding prices for goods and services.

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Taxation of free supplies between related parties: The GST law proposes to tax any free supplies between two related parties. The problem arises especially in case of related parties located in different states. Such transactions between related parties in different states mean each party would have to generate invoice, maintain documents, etc. There is no centralised registration under GST and therefore, this would create compliance issue for companies.

"The bigger issue in this is valuation. If stage one of a good is manufactured in Delhi, stage two in Noida and stage three in Faridabad, how would a company value the goods at different stages. The GST law does not give a formula for valuation and this could create dispute between manufacturer of goods and services and the tax department," says Rajat Mohan, director, indirect taxation, Nangia and Co.



Controls conundrum: To avoid dual control, the GST council has reached a compromised formula --90 per cent of tax assessees with an annual turnover of Rs 1.5 crore or less, will be assessed by states and the rest by the Centre. For those with turnover of over Rs 1.5 crore, the states and the Centre will share it equally.

However, this 'solution' has its own set of issues. For example, if an entity with a turnover of less than Rs 1.5 crore in one year, posts turnover of Rs 1.5 crore in the following financial year, who would be the new authority to take over the assessment? And, how will existing investigations, if any, against the entity be addressed, and by whom? "There are a lot of procedural issues, and if these issues are not addressed properly, they would lead to litigations

Issue of casual taxable person: If a person registered in one state moves to another state for a short period for some business transaction -- say to participate in an fair or exhibition, then that person would have to get himself registered in that state for that period.

The GST law says in case of casual taxable person, he/she would have to pay taxes in advance by making an estimate of the sales. This is another pain point because the sales can be lower than the estimate, and the person may be paying higher advance taxes. Though the higher taxes paid would be refunded, it would take time in many cases may create working capital issues for such businesses.
The Karnataka Assembly panel adviced the government to ask companies in Bengaluru to not put women on night shifts.

Chaired by Congress MLA, N A Haris from Bengaluru, the committee on women and child, tabled its report in the state legislature on Monday.

An Indian Express report quoted him saying, "We have recommended that companies must avoid having women working night shifts. A lot of women approached us and said working during the night is difficult for them and they are forced to work in the night".

He said, "We have to understand that women working on night shifts have children and families to take care of. They also have a bigger moral responsibility of grooming the future generation. Men too have a greater responsibility: To protect women at large."



However, some women legislators on the committee were of the view that the onus of women's safety must lie with the companies, not with the women employees themselves.

Haris said that his job is to give recommendations, making it mandatory would be the Government's job.

The panel which consisted of 18 members from various parties in the state, made recommendation particularly aimed at information technology and biotechnology companies in Bengaluru.




The Viral Fever's founder and CEO, Arunabh Kumar who has been booked under molestation charges as the victim filed a complaint in Mumbai on Wednesday, has been summoned by the police to record statement, reports DNA.



He has been booked under sections 354 (molestation) and 509 (threatening).

Earlier this month, in a blog on Medium.com titled 'The Indian Uber - That is TVF', a 'former employee' (it cannot be independently verified) of the company with the username 'Indian Fowler' blamed him for sexual harassment.

However, he had denied the charges after several women also accused him for the same behaviour.



Following is the series of events that took place:



The ex-employee, a Delhi University graduate, who chose to keep her identity hidden, alleged in the blog that just after 21 days of joining the company, Kumar started to harass her.



She also claimed that when she reported it to the higher authorities within the organisation, he shrugged off the complaint and said that these things happen.

After the blog surfaced, two more women reported similar harassment while working for the company. Aayushi Agarwal, a former employee, wrote in the comments section of the blog that she had had a similar experience at TVF.

ALSO READ: Indian flag insult row: Oppo fires Chinese employee, says it regrets what happened

"I felt exploited and cheated and I left my job under very bad circumstances. I hope things have worked out for you. It is, indeed, no place for a woman. I would never recommend anybody to work there," Agarwal wrote. However, it is not clear whether she is blaming Kumar as she has not named anyone in her comment.

Another woman, Reema Sengupta, published a post on Facebook on Monday, in which she said that Indian Fowler isn't the only girl he (Kumar) has been a sleaze to. She alleged that Kumar has sexually harassed her during a 5-hour shoot she was directing for TVF, but she refrained from formally complaining about it at the time because it would have affected the agency she was working with and the client.

TVF's initial response towards the whole controversy was a knee-jerk reaction. The digital firm had then said, "Yes, there have been allegations of misbehaviour against our founder, from several women. When the first blog appeared on March 12, it shocked all of us including our extended set of associates. The allegations were severe. We were confused and taken aback. The blog alleged that he/she was an employee with the organization and even indicated specific content production they were a part of. We immediately began checking the facts internally. We did send out an instant response, which may have been a bit too quick and emotional. We recognise that we should have handled that response better. However, it is a fact that we have found no records of any such person on our pay roll, in that given time period, as described in the blog."

TVF also issued a statement previously stating that it is investigating other allegations and has informed that it has in place an Internal Complaints Committee in each location to look into sexual harassment complaints by employees.TVF has about 240 employees and has offices in Delhi and Mumbai.

"Even as we were dealing with the first episode, several other allegations surfaced soon thereafter. Please know that we are sincerely looking into each one of them. We are committed to getting to the bottom of these allegations," TVF had said then.



When asked about the incident after the charges surfaced, Arunabh Kumar refuted the allegation, in one of his interview he said, "I am a heterosexual, single man and when I find a woman sexy, I tell her she's sexy. I compliment women. Is that wrong?".



Meanwhile, a Mumbai-based lawyer Rizwan Siddiqui also filed a third party FIR against Arunabh Kumar as the women who have alleged harassment did not do it before.

"In these kind of cases not a lot of women want to come forward and take any kind of action because they are so scared and worried about their name and reputation... So I also came forward," said Siddiqui after lodging the FIR.










The MeT department has predicted dry weather and an intense heat wave that is expected to hit India this week, putting millions of people at risk.

Reacting to this, stocks of air-conditioner makers surged to record highs in today's trade led by investors who turned towards these scrips.

"The kind of volume we have witnessed across space does indicate an aggressive buying. It's the start of season and as per predictions May - June can be worse so given that it is still an initial story which has much longer time to play going forward," said Mustafa Nadeem, CEO, Epic Research

Shares of AC manufacturers Blue Star (up 2.04 per cent), Whirlpool of India (up 2.87 per cent), and Voltas (up 0.70 per cent) have added gains to the BSE.

"Since the forecast is out, all AC stocks have been soaring to give return of more than 8% in just five days of the time frame. Shares of AC manufacturers Blue Star Ltd, Whirlpool of India, and Voltas hit a record high on Thursday. These stocks have risen 36.9 per cent, 33.5 per cent, and 25.8 per cent, respectively, for the year to date, while so far in March, they have rallied 20 per cent, 18 per cent and 13 per cent, respectively," said Abnish Kumar Sudhanshu, Director and Research Head, Amrapali Aadya Trading and Investments.

This early onset of summer coupled with the fact that AC penetration is low in India has provided the opportunity for AC manufacturers to serve demand and tap the market at the right time, added Abnish Kumar.

"Overall, we still foresee investors to look to buy into these stocks for investment on the back of future outlook. We feel Voltas still has the better opportunity than its peers," he further added.

Shares of Voltas hit nearly a 3 per cent intraday high on Thursday while Blue Star rose 4 per cent.

The stock of Hitachi rose to its 52-week high to Rs 1,830 on the back of positive business prospects this season.

"Voltas has seen a double top breakout as it has already seen somewhat 10 per cent appreciation in last few days so going forward we feel that this stock has potential towards 445 - 460 while Bajaj electricals is seen hitting higher trajectory with upside potential towards 360-370," added Nadeem.

The India Meteorological Department has forecasted heat waves in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, Haryana, Delhi, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, according to the weather forecaster's website.
The Supreme Court order on banning BS-III compliant vehicles from April 1, 2017 will leave auto makers with unsold stocks and an option to upgrade to the BS-IV compliant inventory.

The other option they have is considering export options to minimise the impact of the order.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday imposed ban on the sale and registration of BS-III vehicles from April 1, 2017.

The order is a big setback for the automakers who are estimated to have total inventory of 8.2 lakh as per SIAM data. The estimated worth of these BS-III vehicles is about Rs 12,000 crore. From April 1, only BS-IV compliant vehicles can be sold by auto companies. The bench was headed by Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta.

According to industry estimates, the total value of the impacted vehicles is between Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 crore. Around 6.71 lakh two-wheelers, 97,000 commercial vehicles and over 40,000 three wheelers are affected by the ban.

"Given the current demand, majority of the vehicles in the pipeline have already been sold. Some more will be sold in the next couple of days where we have customer orders," Ashok Leyland MD and CEO Vinod K Dasari said.

The little inventory that is left would be exported to other markets where the company has significant presence and which still operate on BS III norms, he added.

"Finally, for any other vehicles still leftover, the company confirms that it will be able to easily upgrade them to BS IV at minimal cost," Dasari said. Dasari, who is also the President of industry body SIAM, said the Supreme Court verdict banning BS III vehicles from April will have to be respected but it is "frustrating" that the existing law allowing sale of these vehicles was ignored.

He said commercial vehicle makers have been producing BS IV units since 2010 but they have been selling BS III for the last seven years because of lack of fuel.

Stating that as per government notification, sales of BS III vehicles were allowed after April 1, he said: "Now suddenly those BS III vehicles are banned. I find it quite frustrating that something like this happens." The main issue for the industry has been the availability of BS IV fuel across the country, he added.

On the impact of the verdict, Dasari said: "There will be utter chaos in the next few days for the dealers and the finance companies which have sold BS III."

Country's largest two-wheeler maker Hero MotoCorp said it carefully planned a proactive move to switch from BS III to BS IV compliant products across all its range well in time and have been producing only BS IV compliant products since one month before the given deadline.

"We have reduced our inventory significantly in the past few months with the aim to minimise our stakeholder losses. However, environmental protection will take precedence over temporary financial benefits," Hero MotoCorp Chairman , Managing Director and CEO Pawan Munjal said.

Supporting the Supreme Court order, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Managing Director and CEO Erich Nesselhauf said: "Today's decision of the Supreme Court reassures us in our belief that industry interests must go together with the interests of the society at large."

The BS-IV standard will bring much needed improvements in terms of air quality, to the benefit of the people and the environment, he added.

"At BharatBenz, we had made the strategic decision last year to only focus on BS-IV vehicles...consequently, we gradually phased out BS-III in our business system and have made the switch to produce only BS-IV vehicles in March, exactly according to plan," Nesselhauf said.

Bajaj Auto Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj said: "There are some things on which you can't put a price. This is for the future of our children. This is a matter of principle." Although the notification says "production, not sales from April 1", but "you have to read what is unwritten", he said.

Similarly, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Vice-Chairman Vikram Kirloskar said: "We have to go towards meeting global standards of emission and safety, and that is the only way forward."

Toyota Kirloskar stopped manufacturing of BS III vehicles more than a year ago and all its vehicles currently being sold in India are BS IV compliant. Two-wheeler maker Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India said: "We respect the honourable Supreme Court's decision and confirm that all our products comply with BSIV norms." Car market leader Maruti Suzuki is least affected by the order and has been making BS IV vehicles since 2010.

Hyundai Motor India said it respects the court's decision and confirmed that all its products complied with BS IV norms. Commenting on the implications of the order, EY Partner and automotive sector leader Rakesh Batra said: "The Supreme Court decision will result in difficulties for the entire automotive value chain, on top of cost increases to comply with BSIV vehicle production and GST implementation."

This industry works globally on 20 to 30 days inventory within the distribution channel and this should have considered as part of the transition plan when migrating from BS III to BS IV, he added.

"Unfortunately a last minute decision does not help any of the industry stakeholders or consumers, in the month of March when volumes are higher due to year-end purchases and deals," Batra said. Credit rating agency ICRA said that CV segment will be the most impacted on account of sizeable inventory levels and due to potential costs associated with inventory re-call from dealers and upgradation to BS-IV norms.

(With PTI inputs)


'Cards Against Humanity' Creator Threatens To Buy & Publish Congress Members' Internet Histories

By Stephen Gossett in News on Mar 30, 2017 3:41PM



Getty Images / Photo: Mark Wilson

The GOP renewed its semi-regular mission to kill the Internet on Tuesday, when the House of Representatives voted along party lines to severely roll back internet privacy restrictions. The measurewhich would allow internet service providers to sell users' browsing histories to advertisers and other parties without their permissionsparked a tsunami of backlash, even within the dark corners of pro-Trump trolldom. But anyone with a fondness for base-level privacy rights was alarmed, including Max Temkin, creator of the Cards Against Humanity card game. So Temkin made an intriguing, noble threat in light of the news: he vowed to give reps a taste of their own, by purchasing and publishing Congress members' browser histories.

If this shit passes I will buy the browser history of every congressman and congressional aide and publish it. cc @SpeakerRyan https://t.co/cOL3mx6JuG  Max Temkin (@MaxTemkin) March 27, 2017

Temkin's pledge garnered a flood of support on Twitter and Reddit, which, no surprise, given the galling overreach of the proposed measure. So on Wednesday evening amid so much attention, Temkin posted to clarify where things standand urge folks to take action now, and not wait around for the guerrilla campaign, however inspired. He also urged people to be "very skeptical" of fundraising projects that claim to be raising money to but Congress' data, which is a point well taken.

Temkin wrote on Reddit (emphasis his):



"The amount of attention this is getting is honestly starting to scare me. I know that voting this up is funny, and easy, and feels good. But even if we get this data, it's a symbolic victory at best. Our basic human rights, like the right to privacy, are being sold to the highest bidder while the best minds of our generation are here on Reddit asking pro gamers if they want to fight a horse-sized duck or whatever. Real, material change requires sacrifice. You probably can't do it on a computer. If you're frustrated with the way things are going, the incompetence and corruption of government, and the money in politics, we need to support institutions like the [Electronic Frontier Foundation] and we need to be heard by elected officials. I really like the tool 5Calls.org. If 100 Redditors called a congressman, it would freak them out and their staff would have to do something about it. It really doesn't take much."

Cards Against Humanity matched up to $10,000 in donations made to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a digital rights non-profit, on Wednesday. They also followed Chance's lead and matched donations to Chicago Public Schools.

Our matching funds are tapped, $50k raised for Chicago classrooms! You can still get your donation matched today at https://t.co/D7RRScO5Pv https://t.co/uYJoKqlV6r  Max Temkin (@MaxTemkin) March 30, 2017

Temkin's call is vintage Cards Against Humanity, equal parts clever pranksterism (see the company's Dada-ist Super Bowl potato ad, their campaign to dig a hole in the ground) and motivated political concern (sending gallons of lube to the Oregon militia, donating large sums toward open government). Here's hoping it spurs the intended poetic justiceand actual justice.
In a step that will make security check a little less taxing for fliers, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has decided to do away with "security check" stamp on cabin-bag tags which is presently mandatory for customers' hand luggage.

There will be no stamping on the cabin bag tags from April 1 at seven major airports - Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Cochin - for both domestic and international flyers.

The decision comes after the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on February 23 ordered the removal of the present system under which the hand luggage is cleared by the security officials with a stamp on the cabin-bag tags after it passes through an x-ray machine.

The CISF, however, was not able to implement the change right away as they wanted to ensure the security check was not compromised in the process. Now, CISF has said all measures have been taken and the new process can begin from April 1.

"Appropriate measures have been taken. The cycle of security check will speed up and our staff will get more time to check suspicious baggage," CISF DG OP Singh told the Hindustan Times.

CISF has said it will try and implement the same system in other airports in the country after trial runs.

"It may be possible we need to do trial runs at some of those airports," said Singh.

Globally, most developed nations, including the US and EU countries, do not require stamping hand bag tags or boarding cards.
The government on Thursday announced the list of airlines that will be connecting unserved airports in the country. In the first round of bidding, Air Odisha Aviation has won the bid to connect the maximum number of unserved airports in the country.



Other carriers which have won the bids to fly to unserved airports in tier-2 cities include Air India's subsidiary Alliance Air, Air Deccan, SpiceJet, Air Odisha and Turbo Megha.

50 per cent of seats on every flight will cost Rs 2,500 per seat under the UDAN scheme. This will be applicable for flights where the distance is less than 500 km or one-hour.

Over 45 unserved and under-served airports would be connected under the scheme - UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) that seeks to make flying more affordable.

"UDAN network will cover the whole country, giving a major economic boost to hinterland areas," Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju tweeted.

"This will have a positive effect on the economy, in terms of employment and investment," Raju added.

India's domestic air passenger traffic grew at a record breaking rate of 23 per cent in 2016 - amongst the highest in the world.

Unseating Japan, India became the third largest aviation market in domestic air traffic with 100 million passengers in 2016.

In a century of Civil Aviation in India, only 76 airports became operational with scheduled commercial flights. With UDAN, the government plans to connect 33 unserved airports.

Some of the cities that will be connected include Shimla, Kandla, Puducherry, Bhatinda, Cooch Behar, Ludhiana, Jaisalmer, Porbandar, Diu, Jamnagar, Jamshedpur, Hosur, Salem, etc.



Announcing the names of winning bidders and the routes, civil aviation secretary RN Choubey said 128 routes are being awarded to a total of five operators.

The operators are Air India subsidiary Airline Allied Services, SpiceJet, Air Deccan, Air Odisha and Turbo Megha. They would be operating 19-78 seater aircraft.

UDAN will stimulate the growth of regional aviation market in India, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha tweeted.

Indian civil aviation industry is all set to welcome a new era of transformation as UDAN connects many new destinations, Sinha added.

The airports that would be connected under UDAN include Bhatinda, Puducherry and Shimla.

On each flight, 50% of the seats would have a cap of Rs 2,500 per seat/hour, Choubey said.

Under UDAN, the operators would be extended viability gap funding.

The amount is estimated to be around Rs 205 crore per annum for the operators chosen in the first round of bidding, Choubey added.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha said the scheme provides for various benefits including no airport charges and three-year exclusivity on the routes.

UDAN is expected bring the Indian aviation sector to 31 new cities. Here are the new routes.

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S&P Global Ratings said its rating on telecom operator Bharti Airtel is unaffected by the company's plan to sell 10.3 per cent stake in its subsidiary Bharti Infratel, but added the deal will help improve its financial ratios.

The stake sale would help Bharti Airtel restore some "cushion" in financial leverage ratios that have been adversely affected due to spectrum acquisitions (including Telenor ASA's India operations and Tikona Digital Networks), it said.

"Bharti Airtel's plan to apply the $951.6 million (over Rs 6,100 crore) sale proceeds to reducing debt is in line with our expectation that the telecom operator will continue to take measures to lower its leverage," it said in a statement.

On Tuesday, telecom operator Bharti Airtel sold 10.3 per cent stake in its mobile tower arm Bharti Infratel to a consortium of KKR and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board for Rs 6,193.9 crore.

Bharti Airtel's operating performance for the fiscal year ending March 2017 has been weakening amid intense competition in the wireless market post the entry of Reliance Jio, which is offering free services until the end of the month, S&P noted.

"We still expect Bharti Airtel's ratio of funds from operations (FFO) to debt to remain at 21-22 per cent in the fiscal 2018, resulting in limited financial headroom for the rating," it added.

Stating that it believed that the competition in the Indian wireless market will remain "intense" over the next 12 months at least, S&P said that Bharti Airtel is well placed among incumbents to face competition.

"Nevertheless, there is uncertainty on the impact on Bharti's revenue market share and profitability, once Reliance Jio starts charging for its services starting April 1, 2017, and with the impending merger of Vodafone India and Idea Cellular that could create the largest Indian telco," it added.

Bharti Airtel can withstand a drop of about 5 per cent in revenues - due to a loss in subscribers or fall in average revenue per user - with lower EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) margins of 38-39 per cent for the India business and still maintain its ratio of FFO to debt at more than 20 per cent in fiscal 2018.

But significant loss in revenue market share, weaker profitability and higher capital expenditure (including spectrum) could put pressure on the rating in the absence of deleveraging measures, it added.


{{tncms-asset app=editorial id=4d168f68-1579-11e7-a5fa-57bb377e5a74}}

Jessica Cox, the first armless person in aviation history to be certified as a pilot, will speak Thursday evening from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Utah State University during the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences Spring Deans Seminar. Her presentation, entitled Disarm Your Limits, will focus on overcoming obstacles to achieve personal dreams. The address is free to the public and will take place in the Taggart Student Centers Sunburst Lounge.

Born without arms, Cox shares her inspiring story internationally. She comes to Logan by invitation of the Alpha Eta Rho college aviation fraternity, after several USU students heard her speak at a national conference with Women in Aviation International last year. Professor Baron Andreas Wesemann, an aviation instructor at Utah State, helped coordinate her local visit.

Here is an individual who really helps inspire young women to realize what is possible, and not what is impossible, Wesemann said. You know, she was born without arms, and even though she tried prosthetics, she just really decided to be who she was, and not somebody who shes not. I mean, she scuba dives, she snorkels, she rides horses, she surfs, she puts contacts in with her toes. And she flies an airplane. Its a phenomenal story.

An Arizona native, Cox earned a degree in psychology from the University of Arizona. She is the first armless person to earn a black-belt in the American Taekwondo Association and is also an accomplished dancer. While these achievements are remarkable, Wesemann said what impresses him most is her character.

She really cares about others, and that personal quality, everybody can learn from, he said. She is an inspiration to everyone. Her smile, her energy, her enthusiasm.When you see her in person and you talk to her and you get to do a foot five, which is kind of like a high five with your feet, you realize how genuine she is.

Prior to speaking tonight, Cox will participate from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in USUs first Aviation Career Conference, where she will attend workshops related to career development and networking. On Friday, she will join the Center for Women and Gender during its lunchtime Common Hour, from noon to 1:00 p.m. in room 154 of the Merrill-Cazier Library (not room 208, as has been previously published). The public is welcome to attend.

Were just excited to meet her, said Stephanie Bagnell, the centers program coordinator. We have women call us every day who feel trapped or think they dont have a voice, but shes an example that we can get past our limits to do great things.

More information about Jessica Cox is available at <a href=http://www.jessicacox.com/>www.jessicacox.com</a>.
Hes been gone for three months, but Republican Val Potter said it felt like home to meet with the Cache County Council on Tuesday evening. Potter left the Council at the end of December 2016, after he was elected to serve in the Utah State Legislature, representing Utah House District 3. Potter called his first legislative session a great experience and shared his belief that many of the 500-plus bills passed this year will really help the people of Utah.

Potter said he was pleased that near the end of the session, enough money was found to give public education a four percent increase. Even so, he acknowledged that some people thought it wasnt enough.

I think the Legislatures been very open about the fact that were opposed to the discussion thats out there from the Utah First (Education First Utah) and a few other people that want to see a tax increase of, I think 7/8 of a percent, which would amount to about $750 million for education, he said. We all know that education is important, but we feel that would be detrimental to the people of Utah.

Prior to serving in the Cache County Council, a position he held for six years, Potter served as mayor of North Logan City. He was replaced on the council by Gina Worthen, a former vice chair of the Cache County Republican Party.
'The Zookeeper's Wife' Plays It Too Safe & Sentimental For Its Tough Subject

By Joel Wicklund in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 30, 2017 4:27PM



Jessica Chastain in "The Zookeepers Wife." (Photo courtesy of Focus Features.)

The Zookeeper's Wife is firmly in the Schindler's List school of Holocaust dramas, telling a true and important story, but with enough of a "good cry" factor to make the horrors of war go down just a touch easier.

That sounds harsh, and I don't want to dismiss the movieor Schindler's List for that matteras pure sentimentality. There is value in sharing this story in a mass-appeal fashion. Ongoing and potential genocides around the globe and a new wave of aggressive nationalism at home and abroad make any reminder of how quickly fascism grew in the era of Nazi Germany welcome. As it has been said many times and bears repeating, we must never forget.

And The Zookeeper's Wife is not, by any means, a bad movie... just a very safe one. Its real-life protagonists, Antonina and Jan Zabinski, were true heroes. But the movie paints them in such broad strokes of nobility, and with so few personality traits beyond that nobility, that they seem more saintly than human. Aside from Jan showing a bit of understandable jealousy at one point, they seem virtually flawless.

Jessica Chastain plays Antonina, and per the film's title, the story is told mostly through her eyes. A Russian-born Pole with a tremendous knowledge about and empathy for animals, she works with her husband Jan, director of the Warsaw Zoo. It seems a blissful life until Germany's invasion of Poland in September of 1939.

The zoo is decimated during the invasion and the Zabinskis' hopes of rebuilding and restocking the animal population are dashed when German zoologist Lutz Heck (Daniel Bruhl of Rush and Inglourious Basterds), previously a mainly benevolent overlord, becomes a Nazi official and orders the zoo closed.

The Zabinskis strike a bargain with Heck that is actually their leap into the resistance. They agree to use the zoo grounds as a pig farm, providing meat for German troops, but the operation is really a cover for the hiding of Polish Jews in their home. Heck's amorous attention toward Antonina complicates the charade.

Director Niki Caro (Whale Rider) makes the zoo all but glow in its pre-invasion state. With Antonina riding her bike around the grounds while a young camel gallops behind her, the opening scenes teeter on fairytale imagery. Naturally, the look of the film becomes a lot less glamorous as Jewish citizens are confined to the Warsaw Ghetto, violated and killed, or shipped off to the doom of concentration camps.

The Zookeeper's Wife has some strong scenes in both its dark and sunny portions, but the clocklike-precision turning points of Angela Workman's screenplay play out in overly familiar beats. The story is true, but Workman's writing makes it feel formulaic.

Chastain is a terrific actress with a great track record, but she comes up a little short this time. I don't know how technically accurate her Russian-Polish accent is, but her delivery seems strained... or maybe it's simply hampered by Workman's generic dialogue. Belgian actor Johan Heldenbergh fares better as Jan, especially in the scenes in the ghetto where he expertly conveys both shock at the savagery around him and the extreme anxiety of his rescue missions.

Because the heroes are granted so little complexity, the villain steals the show. Bruhl makes Heck's vanity and cruelty obvious, but doesn't overplay those traits. You can see the humanity underneath the uniform.

You would have to be pretty coldhearted not to be moved by some scenes, including a stirring reunion between two of the Zabinskis' closest friends. The problem however is that even when The Zookeeper's Wife does prompt you to tear up, you start to fear it's at the cost of a real reckoning of the Holocaust.

Which brings us back to Schindler's List. For all its well-researched, disturbing depictions of wartime atrocities, the film's famous "I could have done more" speech finally provides a huge emotional release for the audience. Roman Polanski's The Pianist took a different path: a rough survivalist's tale with a touch of hardened irony. Both are movies of quality, but Polanski (whose mother died at Auschwitz) was less inclined to soothe his viewers after confronting them with a depiction of mankind at its worst.

The Zookeeper's Wife, like Schindler's List, is a story of non-Jews who rescued Jews at a time when they were being marked for extinction. Those stories should be celebrated. But moviemakers might better serve this vital subject matter with more focus on the Jewish people themselves and perhaps less determination to take it easy on the audience.

The Zookeeper's Wife. Directed by Niki Caro. Screenplay by Angela Workman, adapted from a book by Diane Ackerman. Starring Jessica Chastain, Johan Heldenbergh and Daniel Bruhl. 126 mins. Rated PG-13.

Opens Friday in theaters nationwide. Advance screenings Thursday at select theaters.
Premier Li Keqiang and New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English hold a joint news conference in Wellington, March 27, 2017. [english.gov.cn]

Some may be surprised to hear that New Zealand has signed on to China's Belt and Road Initiative . This development project is usually associated in the public mind with impoverished and developing countries in regions like Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East.

So, why would a country, an ocean apart from China, with a Western level of development sign on? This dramatic move, with likely impact for decades to come, cannot merely be dismissed as a friendly gesture between Pacific "neighbors." Things become a bit clearer when we examine the nature of the project itself.

The key word in understanding the Belt and Road Initiative is "Infrastructure." This is necessary for any economy to function, no matter what model or blueprint is being followed. In order for factories to produce, it is necessary to have functional roads and railways to deliver raw materials. Without sufficient power, even a country with vast natural resources will remain in darkness.

No matter how healthy or intelligent a population is, an educational system is still required for its youth, and medical facilities must be available for those who become ill or injured. Up until the Second World War, and even up into the 1960s, it was the basic consensus among almost all economists that the State had a duty to maintain a country's infrastructure, allowing the economy to flourish around it.

Since that time, less credible economic theories under the banner of "Neoliberalism" have spread widely. Figures like Milton Friedman and Ayn Rand argued for a kind of "Utopian Capitalism," in which the State has a "hands off" attitude. These ideas were promoted by the Ford Foundation, the International Monetary Fund, and other important global voices.

After the fall of the Soviet Union, policies based on excessive laissez-faire principles were enacted across Eastern Europe and Latin America, with painful results in many places.

Neoliberal principles also took their toll within Western countries. Britain has now ceased to provide free university education in many parts of the country, requiring students to pay tuition as government spending is cut.

In the United States, water treatment facilities and railroads suffer from lack of funding and maintenance, often endangering the public. Instead of "free market prosperity" promised by Neoliberal theoreticians, the results of these policies have largely been a significant drop in wages and living standards.

Yet, New Zealand, unlike many countries, has not embraced Neoliberal principles. While the New Zealand economy follows the Western capitalist model, it has maintained social-democratic and Keynesian mechanisms and continued to utilize them for the good of the public.

New Zealand has continued to guarantee healthcare as well as free tuition at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels of education. Furthermore, while many countries in the West are now talking about protectionism and the possibility of a "trade war" with China, New Zealand has expanded, not reduced, its ties to the world's second largest economy.

The result has been good for New Zealanders. According to the World Factbook, published by the American Central Intelligence Agency, the average life expectancy in New Zealand is now over 81 years of age, nearly two years higher than in the United States.

In his widely-circulated letter to the people of New Zealand, the Chinese Premier Li Keqiang quoted the country's beloved mountain climber, Sir Edmund Hilary, who once said, "It's not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves."

Li's use of the quote hinted at the obvious fact that building a more prosperous world means not only more high-speed trains, power plants, bridges, and hospitals, but also a process of inner evolution. Creating peace and development will require that human beings learn to cooperate with each other in a more egalitarian and collective way.

Despite vastly different historical trajectories, neither the leaders of New Zealand, nor the leaders of China have embraced what often appears to be the "prevailing wisdom" in Western countries.

The two populations have rejected the belief that economies and societies should be organized around the principle of "every man for himself." Both China's population and the people of New Zealand feel the State and society overall should be directly involved in the process of raising living standards.

Furthermore, the leaders of both countries recognize that development cannot be undertaken in isolation, and that cooperation between countries, on the basis of mutual respect and shared interests, is ideal for building a more prosperous world.

Caleb Maupin is a journalist and political analyst who resides in New York City focusing on U.S. foreign policy and the global system of monopoly capitalism and imperialism.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
Jean Ernest Massena W. Musa

The Minister of Secondary Education, Jean Ernest Massena Ngale Bibehe has extended registration deadline for the fourth time the General Certificate of Education Examinations, GCE to April 15, 2017.

The extension was made Thursday March 30, 2017in Yaounde and concerns only two centers; Bamenda and Buea. Students who have not registered will be giving another chance to either travel to these two towns to register on or before the deadline.

The Ministerial decision comes 10 days after the 3rd deadline expired on March 20, 2017.

Mr Ngale Bibehe also extended for two weeks time for the GCE examination, meaning they will only be written two weeks after the initial date. Consequently this years GCE would be written mid June 2017.

The Ministers decision also request that students should benefit from this two weeks Easter holiday and take part in holiday classes to catch up with time lost.

While the two weeks extension of date for examinations concerns on GCE examinations, the deadline registration concerns all secondary schools in both French and English sub system of educations.

According to the Minister, this new time table will go a long way to help students meet up with exigencies.

He has urged all teachers to be present in schools to take part in catch up classes especially on Easter holiday.

In an attempt to cajole students go to school, the Secondary Education Boss said best students in Mock examinations will be rewarded.

Schools have been paralyzed since November 21, 2016 when teachers in the English sub system of education embarked on a general strike action.

Though later called off on February 3, 2017 by same trade Union leaders, schools have remained deserted as some arrested leaders undergo trial in Yaounde.

By Wilson MUSA
Limbe fire incident (File) W. Musa

After Bamenda Food market, Fundong market, fire has gutted seven shops at the Limbe New market early Thursday, razing all its contents to ashes.

According to some Motor Bike riders who were the first to arrive the scene, the fire started around 4am.They recount how they saw chunks of smoke in the air accompanied by sudden light that pierced the darkness sending an unusual signal that all was not well.

The people of Church Street Limbe accompanied by Bikers struggled to put off the fire three hours after. They did so with local means due to the absence of fire fighters. Fire fighters from City Council and SONARA did not show up despite incessant calls.

Roofs of some of the shops got burst and fire struggled to find its way out of the shops, several goods especially Palm Oil, Clothes which were have disappeared in the flames.

The Divisional Officer for Limbe One, Epalle Seraphine together with some Gendarmes visited the site but refused to talk to the Press saying the SDO Zang III was in best place to talk.

The cause of the tragic incident has not been established yet but traders are suspecting a criminal act.

By Wilson MUSA
| BY Ricki Green |

Holden has partnered with SBS to launch its latest masterbrand campaign via Carat, focused on recognising and rewarding Australians driving positive social and cultural change in their communities.

The campaign, Supporting Drivers of Change, features six notable Australians from all walks of life, among them Auburn Giants AFLW team founder Amna K Hassan, journalist Patrick Abboud, Queen of Resilience Stacey Copas, hip hop artist L-FRESH The Lion, orthopaedic surgeon & activist Prof. Munjed Al Muderis, and blood cancer researcher assoc. prof. Louise Purton.

Each of the ambassadors has been selected based on the inspiring work theyre doing to advance the issues that matter most to modern Australians, including diversity, social responsibility, equality, and innovation. They are featured in a series of integrated TVCs currently being broadcast across the SBS network, sharing their stories and what drives them to do what they do.

To inspire others seeking to make a difference, Holden is running a competition in conjunction with the campaign, asking all Australians to share how they would drive change, for the chance to win a $50,000 grant to bring their initiative to life.

Says Mark Harland, executive marketing director, Holden:The Drivers of Change campaign is about seeking out those legends in our community who are driving meaningful change on topical issues that Australians are discussing. SBS and the Drivers of Change ambassadors are passionate about creating a better future for all Australians  were proud to be part of that and cant wait to tell those stories.

Holden and SBS worked closely with Carat to bring the campaign to life.

Natalie Kean, head of Carats partnerships and integration department, Connect, described the campaign as great example of a brand understanding societys role as a major stakeholder in their business.

This campaign is a marked departure from most automotive brand campaigns, most notably for the fact there isnt a single car visible anywhere; Holden were truly committed to focusing on the story-telling aspect. When connected with the right partner, in SBS, the results been really powerful from a content perspective.
| BY Ricki Green |

News Corp Australasia has today announced two senior executive appointments to further strengthen the companys publishing and digital businesses.

Damian Eales has been appointed chief operating officer, publishing and Nicole Sheffield has been promoted to chief digital officer for News Corp Australia.

In Eales role, he will be responsible for all aspects of the companys metro, regional and community publishing, incorporating eight metro daily and Sunday mastheads, 19 regional mastheads, and more than 100 community mastheads. As COO, he will drive the performance and strategic priorities for News Corps extensive publishing assets that reach 14 million Australians each month.

Sheffields appointment represents an expansion of her current role as managing director of News Digital Networks Australia (News DNA), meaning she will now take additional responsibility for digital revenue growth and strategy; audience and subscription growth; content optimisation and marketing; and digital product innovation. News Corp Australia is the countrys number one digital content publisher, with leading brands in news, real estate, sport, food, and fashion. She retains her oversight of the NewsLifeMedia magazine division.

Says Michael Miller, executive chairman, News Corp Australasia: These appointments will ensure we meet our strategic priorities to maximise revenue and audience opportunities. It is important we adapt our business to respond to changes in market conditions and with these Damian and Nicole at the helm, it will ensure we are structured for future growth and success.

Eales joined News Corp Australia in 2013 as strategic partnerships director before being promoted to chief marketing officer. Sheffield joined the company in 2012 as CEO of NewsLifeMedia. Prior to this she was general manager of Foxtels Lifestyle Channels group.

These changes complement other recent changes within News Corp Australia, including the appointment of Lou Barrett to executive general manager, network sales; and Dominic Hatfield, chief technology officer.
The final hours before Election Day

It's Election Day eve. Are you ready to cast your ballot in the midterms? It's Monday's news.
 Flash

An independent review of security at the Houses of Parliament following the London attack a week ago was announced Wednesday.

The review was revealed in a joint statement by the speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow and the speaker of the House of Lords, Lord Fowler.

Their announcement came as thousands of people gathered on Westminster Bridge to commemorate the four people killed last Wednesday by Khalid Masood. Masood was shot and killed by armed police on duty at the parliament building.

Bercow and Fowler said they are seeking to make sure that any lessons are learned about the attack, which left police constable Keith Palmer fatally injured at the Houses of Parliament.

They have commissioned an external independent review of how the perimeter of the parliamentary estate is secured and protected. A preliminary report will be produced by the end of April.

Clerks in both chambers are commissioning an externally-led lessons learned review of the operation last week of Parliament's Incident Management Framework, to report by the end of June, added the statement.

MPs in the House of Commons and peers in the unelected upper chamber, along with their staffs, are to be asked for their views and experiences as part of the review.

Members of the public were joined on Westminster Bridge by representatives of London's emergency services, medics and nurses at exactly the same time of last week's horrific attack.

Many of the policemen and policewomen who took part in the vigil clutched flowers.

The people crowded onto the bridge and held a minute's silence in memory of the victims.

As well as the police officer, Masood also killed American tourist Kurt Cochran, 54, retired window cleaner Leslie Rhodes, 75, and mother-of-two Aysha Frade, 44, after he drove a hired car at high speed into pedestrians. Dozens of pedestrians were injured.

An investigation by London's Metropolitan Police into the attack is continuing.
More than a trophy and bragging rights that will remain with the ACT for the next 12 months, Mr Mathisen said the annual competition celebrated the ongoing efforts of providers, sometimes in trying circumstances, to generate top quality drinking water for Australians.
"While the child is naked they are asked to turn away from the youth worker and squat as low as they can to the ground.
Most patients referred to the specialist gastroenterologist at the hospital needed a colonoscopy. The unit had increased its number of colonoscopies in the past financial year, but "has been unable to keep up with the increased demand, resulting in a number of patients waiting longer than clinically recommended for their procedure".
"We are about stimulating that [investment] and ensuring Australia is competitive for international capital. It is not at the moment. Without the change the government is proposing, it will remain uncompetitive and the economy will suffer  not just for a few years, but for decades to come."
 Flash

European Council President Donald Tusk announced on Wednesday that the European Union (EU) will unveil its Brexit guidelines on Friday.

European Council President Donald Tusk speaks during a press statement after receiving a letter signed by British Prime Minister Theresa May at European Council in Brussels, Belgium, March 29, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

"On Friday I will share a proposal of the negotiating guidelines with the member states, to be adopted by the European Council on April 29, " he said at a press conference after receiving the Brexit letter from British Ambassador to the EU Tim Barrow.

Underling that "most Europeans, including almost half the British voters wish that we would stay together, not drift apart," Tusk said "there's no reason to pretend that this is a happy day, neither in Brussels, nor in London."

However, he insisted that "Brexit has made us, the community of 27, more determined and more united than before."

Describing the forthcoming Brexit negotiations as "damage control," Tusk said the EU's goal is to minimize the costs for EU citizens, businesses and member states.

"We will do everything in our power - and we have all the tools - to achieve this goal. And what we should stress today is that, as for now, nothing has changed: until the United Kingdom leaves the European Union, EU law will continue to apply to - and within - the UK, " he said.

Coinciding with Tusk's statement to the press, the European Council issued a statement voicing its "regret" to the Britain's notification letter to leave the bloc,

"We regret that the United Kingdom will leave the European Union, but we are ready for the process that we now will have to follow," said the statement.

"For the European Union, the first step will now be the adoption of guidelines for the negotiations by the European Council," said the statement, adding that these guidelines will set out the overall positions and principles in light of which the European Commission will negotiate with Britain.

"We will approach these talks constructively and strive to find an agreement. In the future, we hope to have the United Kingdom as a close partner," the statement added.

British ambassador to the EU on Wednesday handed the Brexit notification letter to Donald Tusk, triggering the two-year countdown to Britain's exit of the bloc after 44 years of membership.

"After nine months the UK has delivered. #Brexit," Tusk tweeted, hard on the heels of receiving the Brexit letter.

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday signed the Article 50 notification letter, nine months after Britain voted to quit the EU by a narrow margin in a June referendum.

By triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, Britain and the EU is expected to have a two-year process in which the terms of exit will be negotiated. Unless both sides agree to extend the deadline for talks, Britain will leave on March 2019.

Article 50 refers to the formal procedure by which an EU member state notifies the European Council that it intends to leave the bloc.
 Flash

A daughter of a Chinese man shot dead by French police said at a press conference on Wednesday in Paris that her whole family is still in shock, sadness and confusion on why the cop opened fire on a loving father.

A man holds a Chinese flag during a protest in front of the police headquarters in the 19th arrondissement of Paris on March 28, 2017, following the death of a Chinese national during a police intervention on March 26. [Photo/VCG]

The adult daughter of 56-year-old Liu Shaoyao said they can never imagine something like this happening to them. "That day is a normal Sunday, and we, his children, are preparing for school the next day. I was preparing for my own graduate courses," she said at the press conference, while remaining anonymous.

"Our life was turned upside down on that night, and we can't go back to normal life anymore. We still don't know why the policemen had to kill my father. In our eyes, our father loved us very much and he was so loving. He cooked for us, tidied our rooms, but now we can never see him again," she remembered her father, trembling with tears.

She told reporters what happened that night from her own perspective. When the cops came at their door in the 19th arrondissement of Paris on Sunday night, her father was cooking dinner and she just heard a loud knocking.

"I was in my bedroom. Then I heard they began to bang on our door and then we heard someone we didn't know outside the door. By that time I was stricken with panic. My father was really trying to hold back the door and then the door opened all of a sudden. A shot was fired. All of this happened in just a few seconds. My father was already on the ground. It was just impossible for him to have any chance to attack the policemen," she said.

The daughter said she confronted the three policemen when she arrived at the scene, but they didn't talk to her and didn't reveal their police identities to her either. "There was a pair of scissors in my father's right hand, which was not intended for harming the cops. It was for cooking, and there was a cut-open fish in the kitchen."

But according to previous reports, police said Liu tried to attack an officer with the scissors and a member of the police team fired in response. They also said they were called to the building after receiving a call about a man armed with a knife, and burst into the home of Liu after hearing screams inside.

But the daughter denied there was screaming and didn't know who called the police, "Sometimes we speak loudly, someone may call the police because of the noise. But it should not be seen as a 'domestic dispute'."

Four of Liu's five children were in the apartment at the time, and the daughter said they were kept for two hours in the apartment for "protection" but away from their father's body.

Calvin Job, a lawyer for the family, said Liu "was not, as some media outlets suggested, someone undergoing psychiatric treatment, and he wasn't an alcoholic; there was no history of family violence."

"There was nothing to hide. He did throw a TV set out of the window because his children were obsessed with TV programs in 2012, that's why he got arrested for several days and had a record," the attorney explained, "But the police soon realized he was just a normal man with a temper. Nothing happened after 2012, he can't have psychiatric problems."

Francois Ormillien, another lawyer for the Liu family, said the investigation is underway. Now the incident triggers two investigations: one from the Paris prosecution of a supposed attempted homicide directed against a police officer, and the second from the General Inspectorate of the National Police (IGPN), on the use of a firearm by a police officer. IGPN has already had hearings with the deceased's family on Tuesday while a prosecutor will meet the family soon. An investigative report will come out in weeks.

The lawyer said the family will file lawsuits on their own based on their knowledge and evidence if the case ends up being defined as policemen's act of "self-defense." "Liu has no judicial record and no violent history, so it confused us that the policemen's behavior in the incident: They were not dealing with a violent habitual offender by just breaking down the door and firing a shot."

But Ormillien appealed for calm in the various parties on behalf of Liu's family, "We want the answer now but we are not spokesmen for Asian immigrants in France. The victims family should be protected, instead of being pushed forward in media controversy or political movements."

Hundreds of Chinese and Asian protesters gathered for three consecutive nights since Monday to demand justice from French authorities. But every night turned into riots at the end of the vigils as policemen and some protesters clashed.

Paris police Chief Michel Cadot said on Tuesday that the three policemen involved in the shooting had been suspended for further investigation and the local Chinese community will be allowed to hold legal memorial activities.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry called on the French government to ascertain the truth as quickly as possible and to effectively protect the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens residing in France.
Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact.

Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here.

Care2 Stands With: humanitarians, animal lovers, feminists, rabble-rousers, nature-buffs, creatives, the naturally curious, and people who really love to do the right thing.

You are our people. You Care. We Care2.
The Andhra University (AU), Visakhapatnam has released the official admission notification inviting interested candidates to apply for its six-year integrated dual degree programs offered in various disciplines and twinning programs offered at University Engineering College for the academic session 2017.

What are the courses offered in Andhra University?

The Andhra University offers six-year integrated dual degree Bachelor of Technology plus Master of Technology (BTech plus MTech) offered in various disciplines and twinning program such as Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Aircraft Engineering and BTech in Electro-Mechanical/ Chemical/ Electronics Engineering offered at University Engineering College for the academic session 2017.

Eligibility criteria

Educational requirements:



Those interested in applying to this program should have passed class 12 with mathematics, physics, and chemistry with minimum 50 per cent marks.

How is the selection procedure done?

The candidates will be selected on the basis of their performance in the Andhra University Engineering Entrance Test (AUEET 2017) conducted by the university.

How to apply in Andhra University?

Candidates are required to apply online at the official website.

Important dates to remember:

The last date for submission of online application form is April 15, 2017.

The last date for submission of online application with a late fee of Rs 1500 is April 25, 2017.

Hall tickets can be downloaded from April 29, 2017.

AUEET will be conducted from May 6, 2017, to 8, 2017.

Results will be declared on May 18, 2017.

Also read Lucknow University Admissions: Apply for Undergraduate Courses Now!
University College Dublin (UCD) and The Bar Council of India (BCI) signed a letter of intent on 28th March, 2017 at the headquarters of the Bar Council of India, Delhi.

The Letter of Intent was signed by UCD President, Professor Andrew J Deeks and by the Honourable Chairman, Bar Council of India, Manan Kumar Mishra. This letter formally acknowledges the accreditation of the UCD Sutherland School of Law undergraduate law programmes, by the Bar Council of India.

What UCD management has to say?

At the signing event, the impact of the accreditation was highlighted by University College Dublin President, Professor Andrew J Deeks. He said, "University College Dublin is honoured to receive this prestigious accreditation for UCD's undergraduate law programmes, and we look forward to working with the Bar Council, and to forging new relationships through this unique opportunity"

Professor Colin Scott, College Principal for the UCD College of Social Sciences and Law said, "the partnership with the Bar Council of India will provide international academic experiences to future generations of students, in the knowledge that their qualification will be regarded and accredited at the highest level by the Bar Council of India."

College Principal for the UCD College of Social Sciences and Law, Professor Colin Scott and UCD Director for International Affairs, Mr Douglas Proctor, also attended the signing ceremony.

About University College Dublin:

University College Dublin (UCD) is Ireland's Global University. Established in 1854 UCD is Ireland's largest and most international university. There are over 30,000 students including 6,000 international students from 127 countries studying in UCD. A public, government-funded institution UCD receives the highest levels of research funding in the country and is ranked within the top 1% of world universities. UCD Sutherland School of Law is ranked amongst the 100 leading law schools in the world and as the top law school in Ireland (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2017).

About The Bar Council of India:

The Bar Council of India is a statutory body created by parliament to regulate and represent the Indian bar. They perform the regulatory function by prescribing standards of professional conduct and etiquette and by exercising disciplinary jurisdiction over the bar. They set standards for legal education and grants recognition to Universities whose degree in law will serve as qualification for enrolment as an advocate.

In addition, they perform certain representative functions by protecting the rights, privileges and interests of advocates and through the creation of funds for providing financial assistance to organise welfare schemes for them. The Bar Council of India was established by Parliament under the Advocates Act, 1961.

Now, Ireland Becomes a Favourable Place for Study Abroad
KL Itech Solutions is offering paid internship for students in the field of social media marketing. The company is looking for interns who can stay with them preferably for up to three months and contribute their work. The interns will be paid a stipend of Rs 4000 every month.

What will you learn in the paid internship?

1.Design & promote software solutions on social media- LinkedIn, FB, twitter, any others

2.Design & promote e-mail campaigns

3.Inside sales ( to some extent)

Number of positions available:

One

When:

Joining date is open between 30 March 2017 and 29 April 2017

Last date to apply:

13 April 2017

What are the benefits of interning in KL Itech Solutions?

Certificate

Letter of recommendation

Flexible work hours

5 days a week working days

Eligibility:

The candidate will be eligible for the position only if he/she:

can start the internship between 30th Mar'17 and 29th Apr'17.

is available for duration of 3 months (preferred, not mandatory).

is pursuing any degree but have relevant skills and interest.

is currently in any year of study or are recent graduates

The candidates have an additional advantage of securing the post if they have the following required skills:

Social Media Marketing skills

English Proficiency (Spoken)

English Proficiency (Written)

About KL ITech Solutions (http://www.klitech.in/):

KL iTech specializes in providing software solutions for AEC (Architecture, Engineering & Construction), Energy and Infrastructure customers in the areas of Design & analysis - 3D modelling & performance based design | Project Management systems - Linear scheduling & collaboration platforms | Nextgen Cost estimation & Digital Construction Solutions | Automation solutions - Monitoring & controlling applications, M2M, Internet of Things.

KL iTech has in-house capabilities, experience & expertise to offer integrated solutions comprising software, hardware and services. It's services portfolio include Consulting, Maintenance & support, Training & Implementation management in the above-mentioned areas.

KL iTech is the authorized business partners in India for TRIMBLE, FND & NOMITECH to market and support SKETCHUP, TILOS & CostOS products respectively.It's services portfolio include consulting, maintenance & support, training & implementation management in the above-mentioned areas.

Learn HR Management Through Paid Internship: Rs 8000 Stipend Guaranteed
In the days since the American Health Care Act (AHCA) has been withdrawn from a vote, the media outlets are all proclaiming a devastating loss for the Republican party and a resounding win for the Democrats.

This is a polarizing and inaccurate representation of events, and only serves to further divide and antagonize us. Lets look at what really happened.

Republican members of Congress dug deeper and learned more about the health care system and the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), realizing that it is, in fact, extremely complicated. Citizens, too, became more informed, and many for the first time actually understood what the ACA was all about and how it benefited them. They contacted their legislators in record numbers to let them know the potential personal impact of changes to the law.

Based on this new understanding, many Congressional representatives realized that they could not support the AHCA, as it was not good for their constituents or for the country. For the first time in years, our legislators did not merely follow the party line, but were thoughtful and listened to the people. This is a success, for everyone.

This is how democracy should work. Let us not continue the polarized rhetoric currently dominating our headlines, but instead celebrate that for the first time in a long time, our House of Representatives worked for us, the people. I say well done to all, legislators and engaged citizens alike.

ALEXANDRA HALL, Menomonie
Top Gear has officially beaten The Grand Tour to the punch with Chris Harris having the opportunity to sample the Bugatti Chiron in the fourth episode of the current series.



We recently showed you a brief Instagram clip of Harris piloting an eye-catching gold Chiron on a runway and while we wont ruin the review for those that havent watched it yet, you wont be surprised to hear that our favorite automotive journalist loved his time in the French hypercar.

While speaking about the car for Top Gears YouTube channel, Harris reveals that he managed to hit 236 mph (379 km/h) in the Chiron, an extremely impressive speed yet apparently, up to 50 mph short of the cars claimed top speed, leaving us even more excited for Bugattis 2018 top speed record attempt.

Towards the conclusion of the video, Harris also reveals something interesting. He says that there are whisperings that a future, more powerful version of the Chiron may reach a top speed exceeding 300 mph (482 km/h).

VIDEO
Lexus has admitted that it lacks the allure of the big German three and that it aims to resolve that.



While speaking to Automotive News, Toyotas newly appointed chief branding officer Tokuo Fukuichi said that he wants to reinvent Lexus image.

When youre stuck in traffic, people look at the driver in the Mercedes as a person who has made it in society, and they will envy you. We havent fully achieved that compared with the German three, he said.

In his attempt to spice up Lexus, the company is tweaking its branding strategy and at the Japanese media launch of the LC, presented the Lexus Sport Yacht, shortly after the yachts debut in January. Additionally, the company revealed a rendering of a so-called Skyjet, a spaceship set to be featured in the film Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.

According to Fukuichi, the company needs to move away from its perception as simply being known as Toyotas luxury division. In the past, Lexus and Toyota have released almost-identical models that outwardly, could be considered as nothing more than rebadging jobs. He wants to change that.

Lets clearly define Lexus and wait and decide that some things can only be Lexus and not applied to Toyota. I would like to clarify that sort of distinction.

Lexus strengths such as quality and service cant be fully appreciated unless youre in the car driving. Better quality isnt that necessary. Better brand power is, he said.

PHOTO GALLERY
Results of the numerous school board races in Chippewa County in next Tuesdays election will lag behind other races, thanks to a ruling by the Wisconsin Elections Commission.

Deputy County Clerk Lisa Merrell said the clerks office received an email last week from the commission, which said counties needed to show the counts of each municipality.

So city, village and town races will not be affected and the totals will be posted on the election results portion of the county clerks website on Tuesday night.

However, the ruling will affect the tallies of the county vote for the state Department of Public Instruction and the school board races, since school districts overlap municipalities. While the votes will be tallied, results of those races may not be available on election night.

There are several contested school races in the county, including: Cadott: (elect three), Tony Riley, Cedric Boettcher, Alisha Woodford, Rodney Tegels, Mark Schley and Robert Panzer; Chippewa Falls (elect two): Amy Mason, Ross Spitz and Pete Lehmann; and New Auburn (elect one):, Louise Cody and Shannon Berg.

In the Lake Holcombe School District, only Corey Grape is on the ballot while there are two open positions.

Merrell said the elections commissions decision came in a March 17 meeting and was based on an interpretation of a 2015 state law.
After it moved under the Renault-Nissan Alliances umbrella last October, Mitsubishi could help increase the French brands sales in Southeast Asia.



Now, they have an interesting plan to do so, according to the Mitsubishi COO, Trevor Mann, who recently spoke to AutoNews on the subject, confirming that the Japanese company could actually sell re-badged Renaults in this market.

Renault is almost non-existent in Southeast Asia. If it made sense for Mitsubishi to cross badge a Renault product in Southeast Asia, that could be an interesting discussion, he said.

Trevor Mann, who used to be Nissans chief performance officer, but was appointed by CEO Carlos Ghosn to help turn around Mitsubishi after last years acquiring of a 34 percent controlling stake, for which Nissan paid $2.3 billion, confirmed that the two companies are looking into joint production of pickup trucks in Southeast Asia.

If you look at our cost performance in that region, we are the benchmark within the Alliance. Our cost-base on pickups is better than Nissans, Mann told Reuters earlier this month.

PHOTO GALLERY
Rolls Royce announced their latest bespoke series, with nine Wraith models taking inspiration from British music and more specifically some of the best British rock and vocal artists.



The first four of these bespoke Wraiths have been unveiled today by the artists who created them with Rolls Royce and include The Who frontman Roger Daltrey, Sir Ray Davies of the Kinks and world-renowned producer and songwriter Giles Martin.

Each one of the one-off Wraiths feature unique design touches that celebrate the career of the artist, with Rolls Royce saying that the cars now represent the ultimate collectors items for the biggest fans of each artist.

Thats why the cars will be sold later in the year and with Rolls Royce to donate a proportion of the value of each to the artists selected charity.

The enduring allure of Rolls-Royce has been encouraged over the years by some of the worlds most famous and important music icons, said Torsten Muller-Otvos, Rolls-Royce CEO. This collaboration  with some of Britains most celebrated musicians  promises to add to this legacy, creating truly unique collectors items which also support worthy charities.

PHOTO GALLERY
Ford and Ferrari have had something of a colorful relationship, to say the least.

Enzo Ferrari famously snubbed a proposed buyout from Henry Ford II in 1963, setting the American on a mission to beat the Italian at his own game. The GT40 was the result, and a classic rivalry ensued.



None of that seemed to have bothered the creator of the car you see here, though. Its a 1932 Ford three-window coupe  a longtime favorite of hot-rodders. But this one has a Ferrari engine and an identity crises to go with it.

The 3.0-liter V8 engine is ostensibly similar to the one youd have found in a Ferrari Mondial or 308 GTB in the late 1980s, fitted with twin turbochargers. The resulting 950 horsepower is channeled through a six-speed Tremec transmission with a competition-spec clutch.

Its also been equipped with an independent rear suspension, KW shocks, 18-inch alloys, 15-inch disc brakes with four-pot calipers, a full roll cage, five-point harnesses, and a suitably Maranello-esque scarlet paintjob  complete with Prancing Horse shields.

If this car were a person, itd need a lot of therapy to sort out its split personality. Fortunately its a machine  and one thats available for purchase. MP Classics out of West Hollywood, California, has it listed on JamesEdition for $250,000, which would be enough to put you in a new 488 GTB. But while that would likely handle better, this hot rod looks like itd be at least as much fun and a whole lot more original.

Photo Gallery
Photo: Penticton RCMP

"There is no question that property crime levels have risen in the past five years."

That's the finding of a new eight-page report to city boss Peter Weeber from RCMP crime analyst Rachel Linklater, which looked at trends of property crimes within Penticton city limits since 2011.

The report found a slight decrease in property crimes in 2016 over the year prior, at just over 2,500 incidents. That number, however, is well above the 2,000 mark the years previous hovered around.

Meanwhile, 2017 got off to a bad start in Penticton, with property crime rates in the first two months seeing an increase of over 25 per cent over each of the five years previous. While 2011 to 2016 saw less than 400 reports of property crime in January and February, this year was just shy of 500 files.

Still, Linklater is cautious not to infer too much from the first two months.

"It should be noted that an increase at the beginning of the year does not necessarily predict an increase for the entire year, as was the case in 2016," Linklater wrote in the report.

The report also looks at monthly trends for each year and show a typical increase during the summer months  particularly peaking in July and August. That makes this year's stats for the first two months particularly unusual.

"It is unusual to see a spike in property crime activity early in the year as February has previously been a low point for number of property crime files from 2011 to 2016," the report says.

Story continues below

Photo: Penticton RCMP



Looking specifically at break-and-enters, the report shows residential break-ins in the first two months have gone down since 2016, but that's still an increase of at least two-thirds over every other year.

Meanwhile, the city saw an increased incidence of business break-and-enters and "other" break-and-enters.

"Business break and enters have been driven by break-ins to common areas in apartment buildings such as parkades and lobbies," the report says. "A group of offenders that was targeting these common areas was identified and these individuals were arrested between February and March of 2017."

Those individuals are currently in custody, according to Linklater, who adds that the remaining break-and-enters were largely targeting sheds and workshops with tools and other equipment, which Linklater says can be of high value for thieves.

Finally, the report points to an uptick in thefts from vehicles, which had previously held steady between 40 and 60 incidents in January and February. But in 2016, that jumps up to just over 80, while this year there have been nearly 120.

The report points to a few causes for the increasing property crime, including drug addiction in the city, general duty and front-line staff shortages in the RCMP and more serious offences such as homicides taking up the time of officers normally on the drugs and property crime beat.

The report also makes note of the openness of targets for property crime and security measures taken by residents, as well as a potential increase of transients following January's opening of the Okanagan Correctional Centre in Oliver.
Photo: Contributed

When it comes to safe sex, a new study suggests middle-aged Canadians have something to learn from the younger generation.

Research from the University of Guelph indicates Canadians aged between 40 and 59 are less likely to use condoms than their younger counterparts.

The study found 65 per cent of men in that age bracket surveyed online reported not using a condom the last time they had sex, while the number jumped to 72 per cent for women.

The number included respondents who were married, divorced, single or widowed.

The research findings were released Thursday in the Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality

Study co-author Robin Milhausen says it's not unusual to see people exercise less caution as they age.

"The longer you are alive and sexually active and have no negative outcomes...eventually safer sex fatigue can set in where you just think 'it won't happen to me' and you stop using it," she said in a telephone interview.

Safe-sex education and outreach efforts can easily target high school and university students who congregate in common places, but have a harder time reaching older populations that are more widely dispersed, she said.

Fear of erectile dysfunction and performance anxiety can also play a role among older men, she said, adding many may choose to avoid condom use for fear it will exacerbate existing issues they may be contending with.

But relationship status plays a major role as well, she said.

Canadians re-entering the dating scene after a marriage or long-term relationship may feel reluctant to use condoms or have safe-sex-related conversations with prospective partners, she said.

For those who are not dating casually and are pursuing more committed relationships, the risk becomes even greater.

About 2,400 adults took part in the online survey. The polling industry's professional body, the Marketing Research and Intelligence Association, says online surveys cannot be assigned a margin of error because they do not randomly sample the population.
Photo: The Canadian Press

The Trump administration has taken an early step in renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement, sending the U.S. Congress a draft list of priorities for the negotiation that expresses hope for change in a broad range of areas.

Now Congress will be involved in revising that list.

Then the administration will issue a formal notice that it wants to renegotiate the deal and spend a minimum of 90 days consulting lawmakers and industry, meaning formal talks with Canada and Mexico could begin in the summer or fall.

This preliminary consultation is required under the so-called fast-track law that allows trade deals to pass Congress with a simple majority and an up-or-down vote, with no amendments.

The letter includes vague references to making changes in a number of areas, including agriculture, government procurement, tax policy, intellectual property, rules of origin for things like car parts, telecommunications and dispute resolution.

"The persistent U.S. deficit in goods trade with Canada and Mexico demands that this administration take swift action to revise the relationship and respond to 21st century challenges," said a copy of the draft letter, obtained by The Canadian Press.

"Most chapters are clearly outdated and do not reflect the most recent standards in U.S. trade agreements."

Some U.S. media interpreted the Trump team's draft as mild. A Wall Street Journal headline said: "Trump administration may seek only minor adjustments to NAFTA."

The letter does avoid the more strident language of Donald Trump's campaign rhetoric against NAFTA and actually refers to the importance of the trade bloc. Signed by the interim U.S. trade representative, it says: "Our shared borders also mean shared goals, shared histories and cultures, and shared challenges."

Yet it hints at important changes  seemingly greater than the minor tweaks the president referred to when he met Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Photo: The Canadian Press

A serial killer known as the "Angel of Death" after he admitted killing three dozen hospital patients in Ohio and Kentucky died Thursday, two days after investigators said he was attacked in prison, Ohio's prisons department said.

Donald Harvey, who was serving multiple life sentences, was found beaten in his cell Tuesday afternoon at the state's prison in Toledo, state officials said.

He died Thursday morning, said JoEllen Smith, spokeswoman for Ohio's prison system. He was 64.

While details about the attack weren't released, he was beaten when an unnamed person went into his cell, a patrol report said.

Harvey pleaded guilty in 1987 to killing 37 people, mostly while he worked as a nurse's aide at hospitals in Cincinnati and London, Kentucky. He later claimed he was responsible for killing 18 others while working at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Cincinnati.

He told his former attorney the killings began in 1970 when he was at Marymount Hospital in Kentucky.

Many of his victims were chronically ill patients and he claimed he was trying to end their suffering.

Harvey used arsenic and cyanide to poison most of his victims, often putting it in the hospital food he served them, prosecutors said. Some of the patients were suffocated when he let their oxygen tanks run out.

Twenty-one of the people Harvey killed were patients at the former Drake Memorial Hospital in Cincinnati, where he worked as a nurse's assistant.

He was caught after a medical examiner smelled cyanide while performing an autopsy on a victim.

Harvey told a newspaper after he pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty that he liked the control of determining who lived and died.

Former Hamilton County Prosecutor Arthur Ney Jr. who prosecuted the cases in Cincinnati said Harvey was not a mercy killer.

"He killed because he liked to kill," Ney said.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Kevin O'Leary says he will attend the Conservative party's final formal leadership debate in Toronto next month.

But the celebrity businessman-turned-leadership-front-runner tells The Canadian Press that it will remain largely a waste of time if the format isn't changed.

O'Leary skipped the most recent debate in Edmonton, saying that it would be impossible to have a substantive discussion with all 14 candidates on stage at once.

He says he hopes the party considers rebooting next month's event in Toronto, which he notes was scheduled without consulting those candidates who aren't sitting MPs.

O'Leary says he's been fined for failing to attend the last debate, and yet no one has been sanctioned for a breach of membership sales rules that his campaign exposed earlier this month.

The Conservative party has so far been unable to identify those who used prepaid credit cards to sign up new members, a violation of the party's rule that everyone must pay their own $15 fee.
WASHINGTON  This, Mr. Speaker, is what you get for embracing Donald Trump.

When Paul Ryan, after a long Hamlet routine, decided to get behind Trump last year, he took a calculated risk that the erratic presidential candidate could become a vessel for the conservative policies the House speaker long aspired to implement. Instead, Ryan has become an enabler of Trumps chaotic and ethically challenged governance.

Trump gave Ryan little help in the House GOPs effort to replace Obamacare, and when that project collapsed last week in the biggest legislative failure in more than a decade, Trump included Ryan in those he blamed. Trump tweeted a plug for a Fox News show hours before the host made an on-air call for Ryan to resign.

Ryan, meanwhile, finds himself shielding Trump from an investigation into Trumps and his top advisers ties to Russia. Ryan stands by the House Intelligence Committee chairman, Devin Nunes, who canceled a public hearing that could have embarrassed Trump after the White House stated its objection; went on a secret trip to White House grounds to gather what he considered exculpatory material and then released it publicly while keeping fellow committee members in the dark; and quarreled with the FBI for investigating Trumps Russia ties.

Ryan now finds himself tethered to a president with a 36 percent approval rating, while the Houses legislative and investigative functions have collapsed. And Trump is talking about bypassing House conservatives and working with Democrats.

I have talked about the need to go from being an opposition party to being a proposition party and a governing party, Ryan told reporters after the House GOP caucuss health-bill postmortem Tuesday morning. Chuckling, he added: It may take a little bit more time.

Ryan approached the microphones with exaggerated good cheer, voicing a hearty Hey, guys! and attempting to josh with photographers about the days of Polaroid cameras. Ryan assured everybody the GOP meeting was very, very good, and his deputies dutifully echoed him.

Caucus Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers pronounced herself very optimistic, Majority Whip Steve Scalise found matters very encouraging, and Kevin McCarthy, the perpetually tongue-tied majority leader, declared: We had a very good conference, a conference that from a microcosm, people on all sides.

But this, er, microcosm of confidence could not withstand scrutiny.

NBCs Kasie Hunt asked if Nunes should recuse himself and whether Ryan knows the source Nunes met at the White House.

No, and no, Ryan replied, without elaborating.

PBS Lisa Desjardins asked when Ryan expected to return to health care legislation.

Im not going to put a timeline on it, he answered.

And that was about all the exposure Ryans aides were willing for him to risk. Last question! one of them shouted from the back of the room.

You can see why Ryan would be inclined to go to ground. A self-styled policy wonk and anti-poverty conservative in the model of Jack Kemp, Ryan put his name behind a bill that would have denied 24 million people health insurance and given tax cuts to the rich.

GOP lawmakers emerging from the caucus meeting didnt quite share their leaders buoyancy. This was more of a listening session, shall we say, than a progress session, reported Greg Walden of Oregon, one of the authors of the failed bill.

Trent Franks of Arizona said the caucus faced a tremendous conundrum, stuck between what his colleagues want and what can get through the Senate.

And Floridas Brian Mast put things in perspective with a funereal reference: Another day over the dirt  thats how you do it.

Suddenly, there was a commotion in the Capitol basement. Here comes Nunes! And there he was: the Trump ally and member of Trumps transition leadership who is using his chairmanship of the intelligence panel, which had enjoyed a reputation for bipartisanship, to shield the president. He has even tried to justify Trumps groundless claim that President Barack Obama put a wiretap on Trump Tower.

Journalists pursued him through the Capitols bowels and then through the tunnel underneath Independence Avenue, pressing him on the canceled hearing and clandestine White House meeting. Nunes kept complaining:

You guys always interview me.

How many questions are you going to ask?

Theres like 20 questions every day.

Are you just going to keep asking the same question?

(Answer: Yes, until they get answers.)

And, while questions are being asked, heres one the speaker might pose to himself: If he knew back then what his embrace of Trump would get him  a legislative shipwreck, a caucus in disarray and congressional oversight reduced to farce  would he have made the same choice?
Photo: The Canadian Press

Police in Saskatoon are investigating the detonation of a suspected improvised explosive device at the provincial courthouse.

Emergency crews were called to the scene in the city's downtown just after 11 p.m. Wednesday.

Investigators said the blast damaged an entrance to the building which the courthouse shares, but no one was hurt.

Members of the police explosive disposal team were called in, along with a bomb-detection-trained dog unit.

Streets in the area were blocked for several hours while authorities investigated.

No arrests have been made.

Debris and a black smear on the sidewalk could be seen at the blast site, while a cover over the entrance was partially caved in.
Photo: Garth Lenz

Alberta's oilsands could be heading for a showdown over toxic tailings ponds following an independent assessment that found cleanup plans of six major producers don't meet new rules.

The province's energy regulator recently rejected Suncor's plans, saying they relied on unproven technology and didn't provide enough certainty on when the ponds would be cleaned up.

A clean-energy think tank says plans submitted for seven other projects also fail to meet the regulator's goals.

The Pembina Institute says that overall tailings volumes won't start dropping until 2037  17 years beyond the government's original projections.

The think tank points out most of the plans rely on capping the tailings ponds with fresh water  the same technology the regulator rejected from Suncor.

It also says most of the plans don't meet requirements for the ponds to be cleaned up within 10 years after a mine closes.
Photo: File photo

Greater Vernon Water has switched back to the Duteau Creek water source.

GVW switched water sources last week for maintenance work which is now complete the water authority has returned to normal operations with water provided to customers from the Mission Hill Water Treatment Plant supplied by Kalamalka Lake and the Duteau Creek Water Treatment Plant supplied by Duteau Creek.

With the return to normal operations, there are no health related affects to our customers.
Photo: Contributed

Residential taxpayers on Westbank First Nation land will shell out about $50 more this year.

The WFN band council has given final approval to its 2017-18 budget, which projects property tax revenue at $13.8 million, up from $13.3 million in 2016.

The average taxpayer will pay $1,797 in 2017, an increase of $52 or three per cent over 2016. An average homeowner grant of $402 would reduce that to $1,395.

The budget was also recommended by the WFN Advisory Council, which represents about 9,000 non-native residents on WFN lands.

Property taxes paid to WFN will be spent on the following:

General government (administration, governance, finance)  $4.5 million

Protective services (fire protection, law enforcement)  $1.9 million

Local services (transit, regional parks, community centres, library  $1.9 million

Financial reserves (capital project and contingency reserves)  $1.8 million

Homeowner grants  $1.7 million

Community development (engineering, planning, public works)  $1.5 million

Recreation and youth programs  $600,000

Data from BC Assessment showed new construction this past year of $21.2 million, or 1.4 per cent growth, while market value increased by 8.19 per cent. There were 4,226 residences on the assessment role, up from 4,179 last year and 4,095 in 2015.

These along with approximately 400 businesses add up to over $1.6 billion in total assessed taxable property.

By this measure, WFN ranks approximately 58th amongst 162 registered municipalities in B.C.

Property tax rates and bylaws are submitted for review to the First Nations Tax Commission, a federal body. The Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development must give final approval.

Tax notices will be mailed in late May. The deadline for payment without penalty is July 4.
Salman Khan has wrapped up shooting for the first schedule of Tiger Zinda Hai at Austria. The superstar has shot for a high octane action sequence at sub-zero temperature in Tyrol.

Apart from the action sequence, the team has also shot for a romantic song in the country featuring Salman and Katrina. The second schedule of the film will begin soon at YRF studios in Mumbai wherein the team will shoot for a few talkie sequences. Sources reveal that it would be a short 10 day shooting schedule following which Salman Khan will fly abroad for his concert.

The team will fly to five more countries starting from May and as promised, the film will explore virgin locations across the globe.

Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, Tiger Zinda Hai also stars Paresh Rawal in lead. The film hits the big screen on the Christmas day this year.
Pushing his endurance to the limits, Dr Naresh Swami has done what no one has ever achieved before. He has managed to photograph and study 100 rare alpine plants and record them all for his book Hidden Treasures: Rare Plants of the Alpine Himalayas. What Swami does is not for the fainthearted. He works alone, mostly in altitudes above 15,000 feet where the oxygen levels are very low and the winds very strong. Overcoming the lack of basic facilities and the ever-present fear of physical distress, he has spent years in the harshest of terrains in the upper reaches of Himalayas, documenting some of the rarest plant species in the Alpine Himalayas. Some so rare that they have never been photographed or studied before. His phenomenal collection of 100 plants, all published in his book, includes 14 new species of plants from India. All these species are found above 15,000 ft in the eastern Himalayas including Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh.

Magic in the details

Hidden Treasures: Rare Plants of the Alpine Himalayas has all the 100 species described in great details across 100 of the 114 pages along with photographs. Swami has mentioned the height of the plant, size of stems, leaves and flowers to help plant enthusiasts identify and study them in vivid detail.

His book is a great resource for all those interested in knowing more about these magnificent species that are found in abundance in that pristine and unexplored landscape.

Several of these images have been captured for the first time ever and the image quality is exceptional. What makes this book even more special is that it has photographs of species like Chinocharis hookeri (C.B.Clarke) I.M.Johnston  the rarest of all rare alpine plants, Rheum nobile Hook.f. & Thoms - the most striking plant of the Himalayas, and Trigonotis rotundata I.M.Johnston - a new report for India.

Trigonotis rotundata I.M.Johnston - a new report for India (Dr Naresh Swami)

Rheum nobile Hook.f. & Thoms - the most striking plant of the Himalayas (Dr Naresh Swami)

Chinocharis hookeri (C.B.Clarke) I.M.Johnston  the rarest of all rare alpine plants (Dr Naresh Swami)

This is Swami  s second book, his first was on the ground orchids of the eastern Himalayas, titled Terrestrial Orchids , which received a phenomenal response largely because it presented 108 rare to extremely rare species of ground orchids from the state of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.





The documentation was part of revisiting the monumental work of English botanists Sir George King and Robert Pantling, The Orchids of the Sikkim-Himalaya, published in the year 1898, in which they described and illustrated 449 species of orchids.

Interestingly, Swami went a step ahead and documented 564 species (81 new species) of orchids from the same region, with several new reports and interesting characteristics of each species.

Author details

Born into an aristocratic Brahmin family in 1980, Swami followed the family tradition of being a priest and was ordained as a temple priest at a very young age.

A bright student, he went on to attain two doctoral degrees in two diverse fields of study  first on butterflies (Lepidoptera) and the second on the plants and trees mentioned in the ancient Hindu scriptures. During his PhD on butterflies, Swamy made some wonderful findings on the winged creatures of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.

His stint as a priest made him familiar to the various species of plants mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures which helped him explore the history and significance of these species. The curiosity to know more about such plants and trees took him to the north-eastern region of India which finds special mention in these scriptures.

This is what drove Swami to undertake such an enduring task which he believes will serve as a repository for the future generations interested in his brand of field work.

Dedicating this book to the all the men in uniform who safeguard these high altitudes and borders, Swami said that it would have been impossible to conduct such study without their help.

If it wasn't for them, I would have never been able to even venture in these areas. I salute the men and dedicate the book to them, he said.

Swami takes pride in the fact that none of the plant species photographed in the book has ever been harmed and how imaging technology has made the collection of plants redundant. I have taken utmost care not to disturb the hallowed habitat of the studied specimens, he said.

Presently, Swami is camping in the Tawang region of Arunachal Pradesh on the hunt to discover newer plants.

I believe I was destined to do this. I was born for this. It could not be a sheer coincidence that I am the only one to see and photograph 184 plants. I am just an instrument to achieve something that is not even possible with huge finances. It is some sort of divine intervention, he said.


A public prosecutor in Lahore told 42 Christians, who are accused of murder, that they will be acquitted if they are ready to embrace Islam after renouncing Christianity.

A report in the Pakistani newspaper, The Express Tribune, said that the mentioned 42 people are accused of lynching two men after suicide blasts that targeted Sunday Mass in two churches in March 2015 in Youhanabad, Lahore.

The report further added that Deputy District Public Prosecutor Syed Anees Shah came up with the acquittal offer, said Joseph Franci, an activist who is legally assisting the accused.

"He asks them if they embrace Islam, he can guarantee them their acquittal in this case," The Express Tribune quoted Franci as saying. One of the accused, reportedly, chose being hanged instead of converting religion.

According to the report in the newspaper, Anees Shah initially denied offering acquittal but later hinted that he may have extended some offer.
home World Facebook allegedly removes 85 percent of 'blasphemous' content to comply with Pakistan's request

Pakistan's Interior Ministry has stated that Facebook has complied with the government's request to remove blasphemous content on its website.

Interior Secretary Arif Khan told the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday that Facebook has already removed 85 percent of the blasphemous content, and only 15 percent of such material remains on the website, The Express Tribune reported.

Earlier this month, the Pakistani government contacted Facebook to warn the company about the repercussions if it did not comply with their demand. The officials claimed that the social networking company has sent a delegation to Pakistan to address the government's concerns about "blasphemous and objectionable" content on the site.

The IHC ordered on Monday that the top officials of the country must be involved in the issue of raising a national "firewall" to enable the government to monitor the internet traffic and all the users in Pakistan.

Khan told the court that the issue of a national firewall would be discussed with the higher ups, but he maintained that banning the social networking website is not the solution to the problem.

A director of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) told the court that three suspects have been arrested for their alleged involvement in publishing blasphemous content on social media in the past few days. He said that mobile phones, laptops and computers seized from the suspects have been sent for forensic examination.

Syed Ismael, the chairman of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), told the high court that there is a 25-member team dedicated to searching blasphemous content online. He noted that the team has already removed 40 pages containing such material.

Ismael said that Facebook initially would not consider blasphemous material as a violation, but it has now complied with requests to remove such reported pages.

"Facebook's agreement with our demands is a big achievement. They have assured to comply with our demand," said Ismael.

Facebook has not confirmed nor denied the content removals. According to Russia Today, the social media company publishes the requests it receives from governments every six months. The latest data on the website goes up to June 2016. It said that it scrutinizes the government requests to determine if a specified content breaks any local laws.

"If we determine that it does, then we make it unavailable in the relevant country or territory. For example, Holocaust denial is illegal in Germany so if it is reported to us we will restrict this content for people in Germany," the company stated on its web page about the requests.
home World Imprisoned Iranian Christian convert in need of 'urgent' medical care

Iranian Christian convert Maryam Naghash Zargaran, who is currently incarcerated in the women's ward of Evin Detention Centre in Tehran, is in need of urgent medical care after suffering from severe weight loss.

Zargaran, who was sentenced to four years' imprisonment in connection with her work at an orphanage with pastor Saeed Abedini, is suffering from multiple health issues, including ASD hole-in-the-heart disease, "drastic" weight loss, weakness, depression, and trauma.

According to Mohabat News, Zargaran's health deteriorated last week and she is in urgent need of medical care by specialists.

Zargaran has engaged in several hunger strikes to protest the denial of her access to medical treatment. Last August, she was allowed to leave prison for a medical leave, but she was ordered to return before the completion of her treatment.

When she returned to prison in December, she was informed that her sentence had been extended by 42 days to make up for the time she went on medical leave.

Zargaran's case was highlighted in Amnesty International's July 2016 report titled "Iran: Health taken hostage: Cruel denial of medical care in Iran's prisons."

The report noted that Zargaran recounted an incident when "the prison doctor had harassed her and sworn at her the [first] time she was on a hunger strike and accused her of 'lying'" about it.

Amnesty International further noted that Zargaran's heart problem, known as atrial septal defect (ASD), required ongoing monitoring and follow-up checkups with a cardiologist, but she did not have regular access to such care since her imprisonment in 2013.

Zargaran's incarceration has also taken a toll on her mother, who is diagnosed with "brain illness" due to the stress caused by her frequent visits to government prosecutors to inquire about her daughter's case.

According to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom's report in April 2016, Zargaran is one of about 90 Christians who are "in prison, detained or awaiting trial because of their religious beliefs and activities."

Henriette Kats, an analyst from the advocacy group Open Doors, noted that the Iranian regime has "intensified its campaign to remove Farsi-speaking [Persian-speaking] Christians from the country."

"During past years, many churches have been shut down, confiscated or forced to cancel their church services in Farsi. Their leaders were also often arrested. Congregations who still gather in churches are not allowed to accept new members with a Muslim background and their current members are aging," she added.

Iran is currently ranked on the Open Doors World Watch List as the fifth most difficult country to live in as a Christian.
Pakistan: Gharibwal Cement to site new plant in Haripur

ICR Newsroom By 30 March 2017

In an announcement to the Pakistan Stock Exchange, Gharibwal Cement has said that has been awarded a licence to prospect for limestone in Haripur district with a view to establishing a new cement plant.

On 29 March Gharibwal was among 14 firms that were given permission by the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to establish a new cement plants in the province. Todays announcement indicates that Gharibwals new unit will be located in Haripur, just to the north of Pakistans capital, Islamabad.

Speaking to the Express Tribune newspaper, Sherman Securities analyst Sadiq Samin said that the announcement had put pressure on the stocks of cement companies.

The development is important, but it is not big enough to create problems for big cement players in the north of the country, he added.

Gharibwal Cement currently has around 2.1Mta of installed capacity in Pakistan, about five per cent of the countrys total.

Published under
For the past three years on Cigar Coop, we have given out Factory of the Year Awards. We have divided this up into Small/Single Operation and Large/Multi-Faceted Operation. For the past two years, 2015 and 2016, the award for Small/Single Operation has gone to Erik Espinosas La Zona Factory located in Esteli, Nicaragua. Last month, I paid a visit to La Zona and got to see the magic of what comes out of this factory in action.

In 2012, Erik Espinosa opened up his La Zona factory. The factory is located in downtown Esteli, Nicaragua. The three-story building that is the home to La Zona was once an old Colonial-style inn. I had been to many factories before, but La Zona was definitely the smallest one I had visited to-date. However, this was a case where size didnt matter as it is the culture and heart of this operation that is its strength.

The La Zona factory is the place where the majority of Espinosa Cigars are made. Over the past few years, the factory also has produced cigars for such companies such as MoyaRuiz, Cornelius & Anthony, Cubariqueno Cigar Company (makers of Protocol), Arandoza Cigars, La Sirena, and Catelli Cigar Company.

La Zona isnt a factory where tobacco is being cured. You arent going to walk in and find large pilons being rotated. There is tobacco at La Zona, but it has already been aged. Some is stored at La Zona and some is stored elsewhere. The factory does have an area where leaf preparation occurs. This includes leaf selection and stem removal.

Once the tobacco is ready to use, it is weighed out for the pairs (one person is a bunchero who handles bunching while the other person handles rolling the cigar by putting a wrapper on it). A fixed weight is allocated with the expectation that the pair will produce a fixed amount of cigars corresponding to that weight.

La Zona currently has a team of 13 pairs. They use a Cuban style to roll the cigars implementing entubado rolling and triple caps. The entubado (or entubar) technique involves each leaf being rolled into a small tubular shape. A group of tubes are is then placed together to form a bunch. This technique is preferred by many because it makes for a well-packed cigar with good airflow. The triple cap uses two small pieces of tobacco in addition to the tobacco on the head. Quality control is also an essential part of the La Zona operation.

La Zona currently has storage areas for cigars that are rolled to allow them to age. There are also areas to band cigars, box them up and pack them up for shipping.

One thing that gives La Zona factory its charm is the large outdoor terrace. It also provides a beautiful view of the city of Esteli.

With Espinosa Cigars growing as well as business from its clients, a decision was made by Erik Espinosa to move some production to A.J. Fernandezs new San Lotano factory located north of the city of Esteli. While this means that some products will no longer come out of La Zona, Espinosa is genuinely committed to remaining at La Zona, This place is home. I feel great here and I want to stay here.

A few years ago, I attempted to tackle the definition of Boutique in the cigar industry and I hit it from an angle of how a cigar operation scales. It was an article that fired up Jonathan Drew of Drew Estate. His point of view was that Boutique is in the Heart is engrained in the culture and not necessarily a point of scalability. It took me a while, but I do now subscribe to his point of view. As a result, I no longer get caught up in Boutique versus Non-Boutique. What I can say is that small or big, La Zona definitely is and always will be Boutique in the Heart. There is a passion in this factory that you can only see by visiting it first hand. Its why this small factory really is the little engine that could, and its why La Zona is producing some of the cigar industrys finest cigars.

Photo Credits: Cigar Coop

Acknowledgments: Special Thanks to Erik Espinosa, Erik Espinosa Jr, and their teams for making this visit possible. Also, special thanks to A.J. Fernandez and his team.
In secret, behind locked gates, our Nation's Oldest City dumped a landfill in a lake (Old City Reservoir), while emitting sewage in our rivers and salt marsh. Organized citizens exposed and defeated pollution, racism and cronyism. We elected a new Mayor. We're transforming our City -- advanced citizenship. Ask questions. Make disclosures. Demand answers. Be involved. Expect democracy. Report and expose corruption. Smile! Help enact a St. Augustine National Park and Seashore. We shall overcome!
This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact The Chanute Tribune office at 620-431-4100 if you have any questions
The 10 Best (and Worst) States for Taxpayers in 2018

Theres nothing like a quick overview of your pay stub to get you aggravated and disheartened. Its hard not to feel rebellious when you realize just how much of your hard-earned paycheck is given to the government for things that might not apply to you.

We fork over a sizeable chunk of our earnings hoping its used for something beneficial. But state tax rates are drastically different across the board. So where do taxpayers see the biggest bang for their buck?

WalletHub analyzed the total taxes paid per capita verses the efficiency of the state government services in each U.S. state. Categories, such as education, health, safety, economy, and infrastructure and pollution, were all considered. What resulted was a definitive list outlining the best and worst states for taxpayer return on investment.

Are you simply throwing tax dollars at an irresponsible state government? Lets take a closer look at the 10 best and 10 worst states for taxpayers. Did your state get a passing grade?

10. Iowa

We kick off our countdown in the Midwest. It seems as though taxpayer dollars are well spent on Iowas education. It ranks third overall in that category, according to WalletHub. And the Hawkeye State ranks fourth for its health, due in part to higher quality hospital systems and a lower than average health insurance premium.

Next: Life looks pretty good in this Western state.

9. Utah

Utah wins top prize for its stable economy, ranking first overall, according to WalletHub. In addition, its residents enjoy state tax rates below the median amount paid per capita. Most wont encounter any trouble finding work or living well, as Utahs unemployment rate is seventh best at 3.2%, as of February 2018. Plus, it has a decent median household income of $62,912. And Utah has some of the best hospital systems in the nation, second to only Nebraska.

Next: A proper school system in exchange for taxes

8. Texas

Head south to one of the largest U.S. states: Texas. Residents of the Lone Star State should be satisfied with the governments attention to both education and the economy. In fact, a separate WalletHub study credits Texas with the fourth lowest dropout rate in the nation.

A promising economy awards Texas residents with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, just slightly less than the national average of 4.1%, as of February 2018. But its crime rate is high. WalletHub ranked Texas 41st overall for safety.

Next: Low taxes mean average ROI in government services

7. Missouri

We head back to the Midwest to find our seventh best state for taxpayer return on investment. Missouri is credited with the fifth lowest taxes paid per capita, according to WalletHub.

However, Missouri is a state with rural, urban, and federal lands, so it falls toward the bottom of the list for government services, 35th, because a lot of tax dollars go toward supporting protected land and military bases. Its highest scores came in the education (26th) and economy (19th) categories.

Next: Hold on to your paychecks!

6. Alaska

WalletHub ranks Alaska as the best in taxes paid per capita, meaning residents get to keep most of their paychecks. However, Alaska is ranked near last (49th) for government services. Despite having the highest crime rate of all 50 states and a sky-high unemployment rate of 7.3%, Alaska still ends up as our fifth best state for taxpayers.

Next: Showing some love for the East Coast

5. Virginia

Residents of Virginia enjoy the ninth best government services of all 50 states and the 17th lowest in taxes paid per capita. Therefore, it ranks as the No. 5 state for taxpayer return on investment, according to WalletHub.

Its no wonder why Virginia is for lovers. It sees high scores in the safety and education categories. In fact, Virginia ranks in the top four for the lowest crime rates in the U.S.

Next: Taxes and services are a fair trade in this state

4. Colorado

Scoring just outside the top 10 in both taxes paid and government services, according to WalletHub, Colorado has done quite well supporting its health, economy, and infrastructure. And it scored in the middle of the pack for education and safety.

Next: No pollution here!

3. South Dakota

Lets travel through the rolling prairies to the Black Hills to find our second best state for taxpayers. South Dakota ranks the best in infrastructure and pollution metrics and second in health, according to WalletHub. Residents of this state enjoy low levels of pollution and clean water. Although its schools could use some attention, WalletHub ranks its hospitals fifth in the nation.

Next: A state attracting countless retirees

2. Florida

Besides the abundant sunshine, it remains a mystery as to why retirees flock to Florida to nest in retirement bliss. Florida actually scores quite low for government services  31st to be exact.

Delving deeper, we find the state also advertises some of the worst safety and economic conditions in the country. But it rounds out our top three best states likely because of its low taxes paid per capita.

Next: The best state for taxpayer ROI

1. New Hampshire

Coming in at No. 1, New Hampshire wears the biggest crown as the best state for taxpayer return on investment. It has the second lowest unemployment rate in the country at 2.6%, as of February 2018. It also places in the top 10 in all of WalletHubs categories, except for infrastructure and education, meaning the government knows how to manage a budget. New Hampshire residents pay the third-lowest taxes per capita and see the second-best in government services.

Next: These are the 10 worst states for taxpayer dollars.

That was the good news. But what about the worst states for taxpayers to live? Lets hope your state doesnt make the cut.

10. Maryland

Youd think a state that pays the 10th highest taxes per capita would see a higher return on investment. But that is not the case for residents of Maryland. It seems their government is most concerned with education and healthcare, but safety and infrastructure systems are suffering as a result.

Next: A tiny state with high taxes

9. Delaware

While Delaware scores in the top five for water quality, it shows poorly in other health-related metrics. Its also in the bottom ten in safety.

For such a tiny state, it sure does require a lot of tax dollars to fund Delawares government. Regardless, the states governmental services could use a bit of an overhaul.

Next: Education could use some work in this state.

8. Nevada

Way across the map on the western side of the U.S. we find our ninth worst state for taxpayers. Residents in the Silver State experience high amounts of violent crime and some of the worst hospital systems in the country.

WalletHub also ranks Nevada at No. 48 for education. To make matters worse, residents of Nevada have a median household income of about $52,43, which is lower than most states.

Next: Poor ROI has residents wondering where their money goes.

7. New Mexico

New Mexico is ranked 48th in government services because of its high infrastructure and pollution score. In other categories  education, safety, and the economy  New Mexico receives a failing grade. Therefore, its not surprising it has alarmingly high poverty rates, violent crime, and trouble in the school systems.

Whats worse is New Mexicos unemployment rate is at an astounding 5.8%, as of February 2018. So, why isnt it in the No. 1 slot for worst taxpayer return on investment? Well, it ranks pretty well  in comparison to its counterparts on this list  for the amount of taxes paid per capita in 20th place.

Next: Seriously high taxes in this tiny state

6. Vermont

Although Vermont residents see a big return on investment in government services, they pay through the nose for it. Vermont pays the third highest taxes per capita. As a result of its high tax rates, the state does well in WalletHubs safety and education categories.

Next: A disappointing reality for taxpayers

5. New York

Raise your hand if youre surprised New York comes in dead last for infrastructure and pollution, according to WalletHub. Its no shock, as one trip to the Big Apple will confirm any doubts.

New Yorks economy struggles compared to other states and it ranks 44th for its hospital systems. But when considering the high residential and tourist population, low rankings in such categories are to be expected.

Next: The highest taxes in the country

4. North Dakota

WalletHub lists this state as No. 1 in taxes paid per capita. And though it does see a good return through government services (ranked fifth), its still not enough.

North Dakota is lurking in the top 20 for every WalletHub category except for education, where it ranks 23rd. Unfortunately, those results in all five categories WalletHub analyzed wont land North Dakota on any best of lists anytime soon.

Next: A West Coast state that has yet to see any returns

3. California

With unsatisfactory categorical rankings throughout, California rests as the third worst state for taxpayers. Residents enjoy a decent health system but poor infrastructure and pollution. Just ask any Californian, and theyll be more than happy to vent frustrations over their miserable commute times and the constant bumper-to-bumper traffic on the freeway.

Next: This state could use a tax overhaul

2. Arkansas

Arkansas ranks as the second-worst state for taxpayers. WalletHub cities a high tax rate and dismal return on investment from the government as reasons for its place on this list. It has a high percentage of residents in poverty and scores dismally in health, safety, and the economy.

Next: The worst state for taxpayer ROI

1. Hawaii

The worst state for taxpayer return on investment is Hawaii. Although its surrounded by serene beaches and Pacific waves, WalletHub stamps Hawaii with poor roads and bridges. This is shocking because it pays a lot in state and local taxes.

Less-than-stellar performances across the board also help make its case for the top spot. Maybe its all that sunshine and vitamin D, but Hawaii does rank high in the health category at No. 6.

Follow Lauren on Twitter @la_hamer.
The business interests of President Donald Trump are a problem. More specifically, his refusal or reluctance to divest from those interests while in office is a problem. Trump hotels, his primary business line, are located all around the world. And thats one of the main issues that have people questioning the ethical boundaries of his decision not to divest while serving in the Oval Office. It basically boils down to this question: Is it OK for the sitting president to profit at the taxpayers expense or from payments made by foreign interests?

Its a question many are wrestling with. Although there are some legal and constitutional prohibitions to consider, Trump has, so far, been able to maintain his business interests while also serving as commander in chief.

And Trumps organizations arent sitting idly by. His sons are actively seeking new deals and arrangements worldwide, and there are even plans to expand the Trump hotels empire to new cities in the United States. A report from The Associated Press says these new hotels will be the first to operate without using the Trump moniker, instead using the name Scion. And the plan is to open as many as a hundred over the next several years.

But thats not all. New Trump hotels using the Trump name could also pop up all across the country, too. Trump Hotels CEO Eric Danziger said, according to Bloomberg, that Trump hotels could sprout up in more than 20 major cities across the country.

We dont know when these hotels would open or where precisely they would be. But some specific cities have been named by officials from Trumps organization. Here are 10 that could be among the first. Did your city make the list?

1. St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis has been targeted as a potential site for a Scion hotel. It might not come to fruition, though, because protesters started marching on the potential building site almost immediately after Trump won the presidency. The idea is still floating around, but well have to wait and see whether anything comes of it. A more likely outcome? Marriott uses the space, instead.

2. Denver, Colorado

Another city on the Trump wish list is Denver. Its a fairly blue city in a fairly purple state, and it doesnt seem Denvers residents are too receptive to the idea of a new Trump property. There have been many protests, but that hasnt taken Denver off of the Trump Organizations short list. Again, well have to wait and see whether shovels ever meet dirt.

3. Dallas, Texas

Among the first cities to be brought up by the Trump Organization is Dallas. The idea for the hotel is actually deep into the planning stages, with a specific site staked out and investors lined up. The proposed hotel would operate under the Scion brand and would cost roughly $50 million to build. The plan is to eventually have a six-story, 220-room hotel when all is said and done.

4. San Francisco, California

Its hard to imagine a new Trump hotel being welcomed in the liberal bastion of San Francisco, but the city is on Trumps wish list nonetheless. When San Franciscos name came up, there was an immediate backlash to the proposal among the citys residents and officials. Good luck with that, said San Francisco supervisor Mark Farrell, when discussing the idea on a local CBS affiliate.

5. Seattle, Washington

San Franciscos not the only deep blue West Coast liberal stronghold the Trump Organization has in its sights. Seattle was another that has been mentioned as a potential site for a new Trump property. And, like in San Francisco, the idea has been met with some hostility. Seattle has actually been on the Trumps radar for more than a decade, but nothing has come to fruition yet.

6. Cincinnati, Ohio

Swing state Ohio went to Trump in the 2016 presidential election. For that reason, a Trump property in Cincinnati sounds like a pretty good idea. Locations are being scouted, and it seems theres a fair amount of interest. Cincinnati would more than likely get a location operating under the Scion brand.

7. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Like Cincinnati, Milwaukee is in a Midwestern state that swung toward Trump during the 2016 election. This means theres a built-in fan base for the Trump brand, even if its mostly located outside of Milwaukee proper. Milwaukee would also get a Scion-branded hotel location, like Cincinnati. Its worth noting, though, Trump has had some trouble in Wisconsin as of late, which could affect the ultimate decision.

8. Louisville, Kentucky

Staying in the Midwest, Louisville is yet another city thats been thrown around by Trumps team as a potential site for a new hotel. Louisville is in the heart of Trump country  if you could call it that. The president has returned to Louisville, for example, for post-election rallies. Theres not a solid plan for a new hotel quite yet, but again, its a city thats been named by Trump officials.

9. Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville has been on the Trump teams mind for some time now. Donald Trump, himself, as far back as 2015, has singled Nashville out as a city that is absolutely ready for one of his luxury hotels. And as far as a new Scion location goes, Nashville seems primed and ready to go. There are investor and ownership agreements in place, and it looks like all systems are ready for the project.

10. Austin, Texas

Texas doesnt get any bluer than Austin. The states capital city and home to the University of Texas, Austin, seems like an odd place for a Trump hotel, in the same way that San Francisco or Seattle does. Thats why it might not actually happen. Although the Trump family has expressed interest, it looks like a potential project might already be dead  before it every really got started.

More from Culture Cheat Sheet:
From the halls of academia to the corridors of power, there is a growing list of universities, corporations, and government officials seeking out Yales expertise in creating and monitoring programs to mitigate climate change.

Earlier this month, officials from the Yale Carbon Charge participated in a strategy session at the Connecticut State Capitol with regional legislators interested in developing carbon-pricing policies. The National Caucus of Environmental Legislators organized the March 13 meeting with business leaders, sustainability advocates, legislators, and academics from six Northeastern states.

Yale also will take part in an upcoming symposium at Boston University with representatives from Microsoft. The event, Reducing Emissions by Pricing Carbon: How Microsoft and Yale are leading the charge, will look at how private companies and universities such as Yale have gone about creating, testing, and evaluating internal carbon taxes as a way to reduce CO 2 emissions.

Yale was the first institution of higher learning to experiment with an internal carbon charge. In 2014, President Peter Salovey outlined six sustainability initiatives , including the creation of a task force to look at the feasibility of an internal carbon charge program. The pilot program began in 2015, with 20 Yale buildings included in a quartet of experiments.

Climate change isnt the kind of problem we can rely on other people to solve. Theres a role for all of us to play, said Casey Pickett, director of the Yale program. Were focused on coming up with a useful solution to this problem, testing that solution, and providing the information to the world.

The world is taking notice. In recent months, Yale has given presentations, hosted visitors, and fielded carbon charge inquiries from dozens of other universities, including Duke, Cornell, Stanford, Penn State, Vassar, Dickinson, Villanova, Swarthmore, Tufts, and Haverford. Yale also is the first university member of the Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition (CPLC), a private-public partnership among the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, governments, nonprofits, and private sector companies to strengthen carbon-pricing policies by building a network for sharing best practices.

Through CPLC, Yale has led a series of carbon pricing webinars that feature prominent companies, including Microsoft, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Royal DSM.

Carbon charges are receiving renewed political attention, as well. In February, the Climate Leadership Council - a group of veteran Republican officials that includes James A. Baker, George P. Shultz, and Henry Paulson - proposed instituting a carbon tax in exchange for rolling back some current climate change regulations.

Carbon pricing is gaining national attention again, Pickett said. Yales experiment is increasingly relevant to companies, to other universities, and to governments.

Yales carbon charge program applies a $40 charge per ton of CO 2 . The Yale program uses a market-based, fee-and-dividend model, which experts say is most likely to be the approach used by governments in the United States.

Pickett noted that Yales experience with an internal carbon charge can be shared more easily than a private companys data, because there are no proprietary issues involved.

We can be a living laboratory, Pickett said. Our applied research can help clear the path for a major policy approach to climate change.
In an interview in Handelsblatt, Dr. Kurt Bock, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF, and President of the Verband der Chemischen Industrie (German Chemical Industry Association, VCI), Frankfurt, Germany, spoke about innovation and growth in Germany, the importance of the EU, and what we should learn from Asia and the US.

In Bocks opinion, politics in Germany are not thinking enough about how to create more growth and thus have more to distribute. With a view to the economic situation, Germany seems completely relaxed. This, in his opinion, is dangerous. In the current favorable situation of a low oil price, zero interest, soft currency, the German economy should grow much more. As it is not, shows that there are deficits, he says.

Bock still considers the tax incentives for research and development to be very important for strengthening the location of Germany. Growth-friendly and more innovative framework conditions are needed. This in his eyes also includes a new energy policy. Funding for renewable energy sources must be based on a more intelligent basis. In comparison, Chinese companies received around ten billion dollars of government research funding in 2015. Chinas government has an active and focused industrial policy.

In the US, the mood among companies is good. They fully rely on the planned tax reductions, deregulation, and the announced investments in infrastructure. Such an atmosphere of departure is not felt in Europe. Europe is putting its chemical industry at risk with unnecessary bureaucracy and overblown risk assessments. Europe needs to be aware of its strengths again. Europeans must come closer together again to maintain what the European unity has given them, and to counteract protectionist tendencies from the US at an early stage, for example.
If you want great ideas for digital design, start without your computer. Better yet, draw with your hands and work out in the open.

Martha Cotton , group design research director for Accenture Interactive's Fjord Design and Innovation agency in Chicago, leads research within a team of more than 1,000 designers worldwide  getting them to be more creative in understanding how people interact with digital services. Here are some of her other thoughts on creative work.

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Q: Between Fjord and your earlier work at innovation consultancy Gravitytank, what do you see as the biggest challenges to creativity in the workplace?

A: Creativity requires collaboration and learning from differing points of view. If I'm in marketing and someone works in engineering, the siloed nature of organizations is a problem for working creatively.

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At Gravitytank, we had an acronym for the cadence of how people work: EEEMP. Email, email, email, meetings, PowerPoint. You deal with emails, go to meetings, and your intellectual efforts are realized via PowerPoint. The first thing I do is blow that up. Let's not deliver a PowerPoint. Can we make posters, make a movie, or have a workshop? Trying not to EEEMP is a core to trying to get teams to be more creative.

Martha Cotton, right, works with a design team including team members from their Madrid office. (Kristan Lieb / Blue Sky)

Q: Do you have a particular approach to boost creativity?

A: I try to get people to make their work visual as much as possible. I co-teach a class at Northwestern to business students, and we don't let our students do anything digitally until week eight, and it's a 10-week class.

We use giant walls of sticky notes and hand-drawn affinity maps and sketched ideas. We brainstorm using Sharpies. We teach them how to draw stick figures. Nothing makes me more crazy than to see a group of smart people talking, but not writing anything down or putting notes on a white board or sketching. Let's capture it and make it visual. Let's push on it and keep working.

Q: Do you have a particular approach or process for creativity for your Fjord team?

A: When we set out to understand people, there's any number of ways to go about doing it. For a health care project, when we were studying people with a rather serious and debilitating condition, our researchers wanted people to share intimate details about this condition.

We set up an "emotions cube" with words like pride, guilt and stress on each side. We had participants roll the cube, and depending on what emotion it landed on, we asked them to tell a story about when they felt that way. It was a nice way to warm up people to share their lives.

Q: How do you steer your team through the creative process while keeping an eye on time, budget or staff constraints?

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A: You have to be comfortable with ambiguity, but you can't wallow in ambiguity. It really falls to project leadership on the team to say, "By tomorrow, this is where we should be," and to help the team if they're stuck.

Q: Some people say open-concept offices hinder their creativity. How do you see it?

A: Even though I'm quite senior, I don't have an office and don't want one. If I'm doing something and don't want to be disturbed, I put my ear buds in.

A big part of creativity as well is working iteratively and not waiting until something is perfect to share with the people you need to share it with. I might post up a deck or poster that I'm working on, and anyone can look at it and comment or shape it.

I feel like the open environment supports collaboration because there are places to collaborate. It also makes work slightly less precious.

Q-and-As are edited for clarity and length.

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Kate MacArthur is a freelance writer.

Twitter @katemacarthur
Delta Airlines passengers wait at the counter at Los Angeles International Airport in 2015. Delta is the most likely among major airlines to bump you from your flight, according to a MileCards.com analysis of U.S. Department of Transportation data. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Airline passengers are considerably less likely to get bumped off an overbooked flight today than they were a few years ago. But you're more likely to be bumped on some airlines than others.

Among major U.S. airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines were the most likely to ask passengers to volunteer for a later flight last year, shifting 10.1, 7.7 and 7.2 of every 10,000 passengers, respectively, according to a MileCards.com analysis of U.S. Department of Transportation data. That's a tiny share but still more than twice the rate at carriers like Frontier Airlines, JetBlue and Hawaiian Airlines.

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Collectively, smaller, regional carriers saw the most passengers bumped  15.9 per 10,000.

The good news: The rate at which passengers were bumped dropped more than 40 percent between 2010 and 2016, according to MileCards.com. And the overwhelming majority of passengers who didn't get on the flight they booked volunteered to switch.

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Across all airlines included in the study, only about 8.3 percent of 2016 passengers were involuntarily shunted to a later flight, according to MileCards.com, a travel website that analyzes airlines' reward credit cards and programs.

Those passengers receive compensation, but volunteers do as well  often a voucher for future travel, or, in some cases, a chance to swap their overbooked connecting flight for a later nonstop, said Brian Karimzad, director of MileCards.com.

Airlines may choose to sell more tickets than there are seats available on routes that historically see no-shows  particularly at larger airlines that see a lot of business travelers or make it easy to switch flights  to reduce the odds of flying with empty seats, Karimzad said  particularly when they have capacity to offer a later alternative.

"Boarding flights is a delicate balance of filling available seats and meeting the needs of customers on the rare occasion when we do not accommodate them as originally scheduled," said Delta spokesman Anthony Black.

The airlines where passengers were least likely to get bumped, such as JetBlue, Frontier and Hawaiian, often serve leisure travelers who are less likely to change their plans at the last minute or make it tougher to switch fee-free, he said.

"If you're flexible and like to take some chances, the big airlines give you more opportunities to volunteer for a voucher," he said. "If you really are someone who doesn't want any risk, flying a leisure carrier could reduce the chances you'll face a bump."

But United spokesman Charles Hobart said the bumps are "rarely" due to deliberate overbooking. In most cases, passengers get bumped when an airline has to switch to a smaller aircraft, such as when the plane that would typically fly a route is delayed due to bad weather, he said.

Chicago-based United has seen the number of passengers bumped  voluntarily or involuntarily  fall as it's worked to become more reliable, he said.

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lzumbach@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @laurenzumbach
Rep. Arthur Turner, D-Chicago, left, is sponsoring a groundbreaking bill to increase protection of personal information online. State Sen. Michael Hastings, D-Tinley Park, right, is sponsoring a similar bill moving through the Senate. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)

As the federal government rolls back internet privacy regulations under the Trump administration, Illinois is leading a pushback among states, with a groundbreaking bill to increase protection of personal information online under consideration in Springfield.

The proposed Right to Know Act, which is scheduled for a committee hearing Thursday in the Illinois House, would require online companies such as Google, Facebook and Amazon to disclose to consumers what data has been collected on them and shared with third parties.

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Paired with two other bills under consideration, the Right to Know Act shifts the internet privacy debate from the federal to the state level, with Springfield ground zero for an ongoing battle between internet commerce giants and privacy rights advocates.

States may increasingly be the last line of defense for internet privacy legislation. Congress voted Tuesday to repeal the Federal Communications Commission's broadband privacy rules, which were adopted last fall under the Obama administration and set to go into effect this year.

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The FCC protections would have required internet service providers, such as Comcast, Verizon and AT&T, to disclose what personal information they collect and share and would have required consent from consumers before sharing more sensitive information.

President Donald Trump is expected to sign the measure repealing the broadband privacy rules.

"Americans have just lost their only hope that the federal government will protect their internet privacy," said Jeffrey Chester, executive director of the Center for Digital Democracy, a Washington-based nonprofit focused on consumer protection and privacy issues. "We need to have strong state laws to fill in the gap that has been made by the administration's opposition to federal privacy laws."

The proposed Right to Know Act would require the operator of a commercial website or online service to make available "certain specified information" disclosed to a third party and to provide an email address or toll-free telephone number for customers to request that information.

The Illinois House bill is sponsored by state Rep. Arthur Turner, D-Chicago. State Sen. Michael Hastings, D-Tinley Park, is sponsoring a similar bill moving through the Senate.

This June 19, 2015, file photo, shows the Federal Communications Commission building in Washington. Republicans in the House have followed the Senate in overturning an Obama-era broadband privacy regulation that set tough restrictions on what companies like Comcast, Verizon and AT&T could do with customers' personal information. (Andrew Harnik / AP)

"When consumers get (the information), if they don't like something, they'll give that feedback to companies, and they'll rectify it," said John Donovan, special assistant and counsel to Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, who initially brought the legislation forward. "It allows greater input from consumers than what they can do now since they lack information on things."

The Illinois House cybersecurity committee is also expected to discuss two companion privacy bills Thursday: the Geolocation Privacy Protection Act and the Microphone-Enabled Devices Act. The geolocation restrictions would prevent companies from collecting or disclosing information from a location-based mobile application without consent from the consumer.

With everything from smartphones to smart TVs capable of capturing and sharing voice data, the Microphone-Enabled Devices Act would require consent before turning on the microphone and would provide the user the right to sue for damages and injunctive relief for privacy violations.

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Digital ad spending is projected to reach $83 billion in the U.S. this year, a 15.9 percent increase that catapults it past television as the largest advertising medium, according to research firm eMarketer. Google accounts for about 41 percent of the digital advertising pie  more than double Facebook, its nearest competitor.

The online advertising industry increasingly depends on tracking consumers to serve up lucrative and effective targeted ads. Data collection enables advertisers to learn everything from your search habits and recent purchases to where you travel, often in real time.

While the federal rollback affects internet service providers  not Google or Facebook  with the pendulum swinging away from online protection, state legislation could be an effective way to balance profits and privacy.

"What Trump has done has created a huge hole; there's no privacy protection," said Jay Edelson, founder and CEO of Edelson PC, a Chicago-based class-action law firm focused on electronic privacy issues that has brought suit against everyone from Facebook to Apple.

"A lot of different statehouses are now pushing for state privacy statutes," Edelson said. "We're seeing it in Michigan, Nevada, California. And I believe it's a reaction to what is happening at the federal level."

Online companies are already pushing back against the Illinois initiative. Hastings said Wednesday that he has been on the receiving end of lobbying efforts to derail the Illinois Senate privacy bill.

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"I anticipate a full lobbying effort against my bill," Hastings said. "I've met now with a handful of lobbyists and advocates from major corporations  Amazon, Microsoft, Apple are just three."

Online trade associations, including CompTIA, the Internet Association and NetChoice, have also met with Hastings to voice opposition to the measure.

CompTIA  the Computing Technology Industry Association  issued a statement Tuesday supporting the U.S. House vote to repeal the FCC broadband privacy rules. The Downers Grove-based trade organization filed formal opposition to the Illinois privacy bills as well.

"This bill doesn't do anything to increase privacy," Preston Grisham, a CompTIA spokesman, said Wednesday. "It just adds an extra burden onto the companies."

Hastings is unmoved by the lobbying efforts, and he said his south suburban constituency supports the proposed Right to Know Act.

"People think your information, if it's private, it should remain private," Hastings said. "You have the right to know whether or not you're going to sell my information off to some third party."

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rchannick@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @RobertChannick
Installers add photovoltaic panels to the roof of a Lake Zurich home on March 28, 2017. Solar jobs in Illinois increased 6.7 percent in 2016, according to a new report. Employment in the state's solar industry is expected to grow another 5 percent this year. (John Konstanteras / Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune)

The skies are clearing a bit for Illinois' solar industry, according to a new report, despite a stormy forecast out of the nation's capital.

The number of solar jobs in the state increased to 3,718 workers in 2016, up 6.7 percent from the year before, according to a report released this week by the nonprofit Solar Foundation. That ranks Illinois No. 17 in the country for solar jobs, and employment numbers are expected to grow 5 percent in 2017.

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But the clouds haven't completely dissipated. Though jobs are up, other states have overtaken Illinois, which held the No. 14 spot in 2015. Optimism is stronger nationally, where solar jobs increased 25 percent in 2016 to 260,077 workers. That's expected to increase 10 percent this year.

The report was released just hours before President Donald Trump signed an executive order to start reversing the Clean Power Plan. The policy, at the heart of former President Barack Obama's efforts to combat climate change, would have required utilities to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, increasing reliance on renewable energy sources like solar power.

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But the Illinois Future Energy Jobs Act, passed in December and set to take effect in June, brought some certainty to the future of solar in the state. With promised investments from Illinois' new law, many industry operators are bullish on the year ahead, looking to add jobs and catch up on projects that have been tabled in the past.

Wind and solar energy company Windfree Solar hired three staff members this week, President Doug Snower said.

The Chicago company, which installs solar panels on homes, small businesses, churches and schools, downsized to about six full-time employees for the slower winter months and is staffing up for spring, when installations ramp up. Now with nine employees, Snower plans to hire two or three more next month.

"The phones are ringing," he said. "We just don't have enough salespeople to handle all the stuff coming in."

The massive state law, passed in part to help subsidize two of Exelon's financially struggling downstate nuclear power plants, included provisions that could bolster solar. Among them: efforts to boost participation in community solar projects, a program that provides funding for solar in low-income areas, and a job training program.

"That's really the biggest signal that people think this is a market worth investing in," said Andrea Luecke, executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based Solar Foundation. "When you start putting resources into your workforce, it's a strong signal to solar companies that this is a place to go."

The report did not take into account how policies affected job numbers, Luecke said. She noted that data were gathered at the end of 2016, when the Illinois bill was working its way through the legislature and rhetoric out of Washington was not favorable for the industry.

The report defines solar workers as employees who spend at least 50 percent of their time on solar. This is the seventh year the foundation has released the report but the first year the U.S. Department of Energy paid for it.

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Illinois' solar industry likely will see more robust growth in 2018, when most of the programs outlined in the new law launch, said Anthony Star, director of the Illinois Power Agency.

The agency is revamping the way renewable energy credits are handled for small-scale projects in the state. A tracking system creates one credit for each megawatt-hour of energy a wind or solar project produces. Utilities then buy the credits through a program run by the agency, providing an additional revenue stream for the project.

Previously, solar projects bid to sell the credits, and the market determined the cost. Under the new law, the power agency will propose set prices for the credits, which means more price certainty for the industry.

Additionally, solar has become more mainstream. Technological advances have brought costs down, and the industry is breaking out of its nascent stages.

"We don't have to sell the sun as much," said Brandon Leavitt, president of Solar Service, a Niles -based solar installation company.

Illinois' budget crisis previously sent a wave of uncertainty over the state's solar program, Leavitt said, and put Solar Service in a holding pattern for a couple of years. The company has grown its employee base, but only slightly  it employs 14 people, three of whom have joined since 2015.

The investment promised in the Future Energy Jobs Act brings enough certainty to increase hiring, Leavitt said. He plans to hire two more people in the next month and more by the end of the year.

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"We've been surviving," he said, "but now we're on the verge of thriving."

amarotti@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @AllyMarotti
Charlie Bachtell, CEO and co-founder of Cresco Labs, holds up two bags of dried cannabis flower Dec. 19, 2016, at Cresco Labs' Joliet facility. Bachtell said in March 2017 that his company has not decided whether to contribute to candidates after a court ruling struck down a ban on political giving. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

Illinois' medical marijuana companies, operating in a nascent industry fraught with rules, now have one less regulation they must follow.

A federal judge ruled last week that a provision preventing cannabis companies from making campaign contributions in Illinois was unconstitutional. The ruling came in response a lawsuit filed in 2015 by two Libertarian Party candidates who sought contributions from the medical marijuana world.

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Cannabis companies, however, are accustomed to operating in a highly regulated industry and aren't rushing to make campaign donations. Many business owners agree that strict regulations are necessary to make Illinois' pilot program successful. They play by the rules and have found other ways to advocate.

"To us, a big part of advocacy is education," said Ben Kovler, CEO of Green Thumb Industries, or GTI, which operates two cultivation centers and two dispensaries in Illinois.

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The cannabis company, which also operates in other states, supports national organizations that work on marijuana awareness. It's a new industry, and there's a lot for the public to learn, Kovler said.

For Charlie Bachtell, CEO and co-founder of Cresco Labs, the provision preventing campaign contributions was just another regulation to abide by.

State lawmakers approved Illinois' pilot medical cannabis program in 2013, and dispensaries started opening two years later. The provision that prevented political contributions was part of the law that created the program.

"We had a road map of certain things we had to do, certain things we need to comply with, a couple things we were prevented from doing, and this was one of those," Bachtell said.

Although it is nice to have access to the same channels as businesses in other industries, he said, the company, which operates three cultivation facilities in Illinois, hasn't decided whether it will start contributing to candidates.

But that level playing field is exactly what the lawsuit was fighting for, said Jacob Huebert, a senior attorney at Liberty Justice Center, the Chicago-based nonprofit litigation center representing the plaintiffs in the case that sparked the ruling.

Companies paving the way for Illinois' year-old medical cannabis industry are experiencing some growing pains. (Ally Marotti / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

Typically, entities can only be barred from making campaign contributions to "prevent actual or apparent corruption," Huebert said. There was nothing that pointed to potential corruption in the case of businesses in the cannabis industry, he said.

"They have every right to speak out about politics and participate in it and try to influence the laws just like the rest of us do," he said.

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The plaintiffs in the case were Claire Ball and Scott Schluter, who in the 2016 election ran for comptroller and state representative, respectively. Neither was successful.

Defendants included Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and members of the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Madigan's office did not immediately return a request for comment. Ken Menzel, general counsel for the Board of Elections, said that the board's job is to enforce rules the General Assembly creates.

"It wasn't our idea to begin with," Menzel said.

Medical cannabis companies around the country made at least $3.6 million in political contributions in 2016, according to data from the Helena, Mont.-based National Institute on Money in State Politics.

"A lot of them have primarily been focusing on ballot measure committees to move to recreational use, but there are some to candidates," said J T Stepleton, a researcher at the institute.

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Companies in the industry have a lot at stake in those campaigns, he said, plus there aren't contribution limits like there are on donations to politicians or parties. The Illinois provision that was ruled unconstitutional covered contributions to political committees established to promote candidates for public office.

Chris Stone is CEO of HCI Alternatives, a company that runs two dispensaries downstate, and a veteran lobbyist. He said HCI Alternatives likely will start making contributions in the future.

He said he believes businesses should participate in the political process and support candidates who support their industries. But campaign contributions aren't the key to growing the young cannabis industry in Illinois, Stone said.

As of March 1, Illinois had 16,990 qualified patients. The program launched with 39 qualifying conditions and now just surpasses 40.

Lawmakers signed a bill last summer that pushed back the end of the pilot program to 2020, but it also changed the way qualifying conditions are approved. Originally, an advisory board composed of patients, medical experts and advocates vetted the conditions that people petitioned to be added, then the director of the Department of Public Health decided whether to approve them.

The legislation eliminated the board's role in the process, putting approvals solely in the hands of department Director Nirav Shah, who hasn't approved any additional qualifying conditions. Post-traumatic stress disorder and terminal illness were added to the original list of 39 conditions as part of last summer's bill.

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Earlier this week, the Department of Public Health rejected intractable pain and autism spectrum disorder as qualifying conditions that could be treated with medical cannabis.

Electing officials that support adding qualifying conditions could help grow the program, but educating doctors, patients and the public will help even more, Stone said.

"Once you start educating them, they're going to see cannabis can actually be a benefit to pain management and pain relief," he said.

amarotti@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @AllyMarotti
Journalist Carol Marin and her husband have bought a condo in this Lincoln Park building for $680,000. (VHT.com)

Chicago broadcast journalist Carol Marin and her husband, Jonathan Utley, have paid $680,000 for a two-bedroom condominium unit in a newer building in the Lincoln Park area.

In November, Marin, who among other roles is WMAQ-Ch. 5's political editor, and Utley sold their 127-year-old Lincoln Park-area mansion of 30 years for $1.3 million to a homebuilder.

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Through a land trust, the couple bought the two-bedroom condo, which is in the Lincoln Park community area's Wrightwood Neighbors neighborhood. It has two baths, white oak floors, custom light fixtures, built-in surround sound, custom shades, custom built-ins and a kitchen with a wine cooler, a Liebherr refrigerator, handcrafted ebony cabinets, a Bosch five-burner cooktop, a glass mosaic backsplash and ivory Silestone countertops. The sale price includes one parking space.

The unit had been listed for $695,000.

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Marin declined to comment about the purchase.

Bob Goldsborough is a freelance reporter.







Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 16 (VHT Studios)

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Billionaire Ken Griffin, Illinois richest man, paid $58.75 million in November for the top four floors in the Near North condominium building at 9 W. Walton St., known as No. 9 Walton. This photo shows a rendering of the lobby. (JDL Development / E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune (inset))
Chopping Block founder and owner Shelley Young, pictured Wednesday at the school's space in the Merchandise Mart, is celebrating the business's 20 years with bashes Saturday and April 8. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Though the Food Network was founded in 1993, America's love affair with food media really hit its stride closer to the new millennium, as names like Emeril Lagasse, Mario Batali and Bobby Flay began beaming into American households, encouraging home cooks back into their kitchens.

Meanwhile, on a quiet stretch of Webster Avenue in Lincoln Park, Shelley Young  a chef with 17 years' experience at the time  was inviting budding cooks into her antique cooking wares shop and kitchen, teaching them the same skills as the silver screen chefs.

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That was in 1997. Twenty years later, Young's Chopping Block is a pillar of the culinary community, thanks to its robust education programs.

"When (Chopping Block) started, you couldn't buy panko or mirin in a grocery store," recalls Young. "Within six months of opening the shop, I could not meet the demand for classes."

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In the intervening years, Chopping Block responded to the growing demand for culinary literacy by expanding. In 2003, a Lincoln Square outpost was built, and in 2005, Young and crew traded the original location for 8,000-square-foot digs in the Merchandise Mart.

"People's general knowledge of food is so much more these days," says Young, "but they're still as curious to learn the basics as they are to learn about, I don't know, kimchi."

Chopping Block locations also dabble in retail, but that's never been a focus, according to Young. "If Martha Stewart couldn't survive online, I don't know how I would," she says. "I never opened Chopping Block to hawk products  I have no interest." The only reason the shop continues to sell products, she says, is because customers seek out her tightly curated selection. "I want anything you purchase from us to be a real tool and asset."

As Chopping Block enters its next phase, Young remains passionate about education. "We're a training and development company," she says. "I'm interested in building a company where people can grow and thrive, and create new forms of food education for the next 20 years."

To that end, the company is building an innovation center in Michigan for both creating a video educational platform, and research and development for a proprietary line of products. "We see video as a supportive tool," says Young. "We have an ability to merge multiple educational avenues and really commit resources to this project."

In the meantime, Chopping Block will be celebrating its two decades in Chicago with a series of special events for customers, and current and former employees. "They helped build the business," says Young.

Held this Saturday at the Lincoln Square location and April 8 in the Merchandise Mart flagship, the celebrations invite back Chopping Block alumni chefs to do demos and teach hands-on classes. Guest chefs include Abraham Conlon (Fat Rice), Sari Zernich (mfk), Joaquin Soler (Smalls), Rick Ortiz (Antique Taco) and Sean Gartland (Feast Cooking School in Flint, Mich.). Young herself will teach classes both days, plus a special Chef's Dinner anniversary class April 4, featuring some of her favorite dishes taught over the years.

"I have to give the alumni chefs credit for being with us and helping us through the years," says Young. "They were all in the middle of their own entrepreneurship endeavors, so we were lucky to have them even for a short time."

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"We knew Abe wouldn't be with us long  he is an amazing person, good and gracious with customers, and he knew his stuff. When Sari came to us, it was like Christmas  she chose to come to us after working at Charlie Trotter's. She's savvy, spunky and hardworking. I wish we had her longer!"

During the celebration events, guests can expect a buffet of bites from Chopping Block's classes over the years. Truffled popcorn, bacon-wrapped dates and mushroom-thyme cheesecake are among the options being served alongside wine and cocktail samples.

Both Saturday celebrations run 10 a.m to 5 p.m. and are free and open to the public, with no registration required. (The Chef's Dinner, 6 to 9 p.m. on April 4, is $250 per person and requires registration.)

Chopping Block, in its way, has very much become an elder statesman in the Chicago food scene, and Young is excited to celebrate. "I'm very honored to be part of this culinary world  it's so supportive and just filled with lots of creative, talented people."

Merchandise Mart, 312-644-6360; Lincoln Square, 4747 N Lincoln Ave., 773-472-6700, www.thechoppingblock.com

jbhernandez@chicagotribune.com

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Twitter @joeybear






Streaming on Netflix beginning Friday, the three-part adaptation of Mark Harris' 2014 book "Five Came Back" intertwines the stories of five Hollywood filmmakers and their involvement in World War II. (Here's the Tribune review.) The directors plied their craft in the air, on the ground, on the sea, sometimes under fire, other times restaging battles for the cameras, creating propaganda for the war effort. Some of it was stirring and formidable; some of it traded in the most insidious racial stereotypes, such as Frank Capra's "Know Your Enemy  Japan."

John Huston's exploits (in "San Pietro," he filmed a fake battle and, for decades, passed it off as real) weren't the same as George Stevens'. The man who later directed "Shane" and "Giant" photographed the post-liberation days at the Dachau concentration camp, an experience that haunted Stevens the rest of his life. Capra wrangled with military brass and produced the "Why We Fight" series. William Wyler lost much of his hearing during B-17 bombing runs ("The Memphis Belle" was his best-regarded wartime effort), while John Ford, like Stevens, oversaw multiple-camera coverage of D-Day, though he never got as close to the carnage as he later claimed.

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Author Harris, one of the sharpest cultural historians and arts journalists in the nation, adapted his nonfiction book for the three-hour Netflix series. Its subject matter, he told me recently, ended up being a way of getting to know his own father a little better.

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"I was 14 when he died," Harris said. (His father, Lewis Harris, died in 1978.) "He served in Burma, which is one of the few places the documentary does not end up going. Most of the men of his generation clammed up about the war completely or reminisced about it a lot. He reminisced. Long after he died, when I was an adult, I realized how reflexively I'd tuned out his war stories, which were more funny anecdotes than stories of daring and combat."

Harris continued: "To me, a privileged kid growing up in the '70s, the idea that someone would leave their home at 17 to go overseas  I couldn't imagine myself doing it, and couldn't really connect the father I knew to the man who did what he did. He told stories that thrilled my younger brother. I was more interested in watching 'The Partridge Family.'"

A scene from "Five Came Back." (Netflix)

"Five Came Back" offers a wealth of footage shot by the five directors, along with newsreel snippets and brief scenes from the directors' Hollywood output before, during and after WWII.

"The first thing everyone agreed upon," Harris said, "was that we'd attempt to preserve the chronological telling from the book, with the five main characters, following them individually and then as they came together in various combinations." Some collaborators suggested devoting one segment per director, but Harris didn't love the idea of "seeing the same war five times, from five different perspectives. You lose the sense of interaction that way. And in terms of length, we discussed everything from a five-hour project to a single 90-minute sprint."

In its final, three-hour form, "Five Came Back" is a tale of heroism. It's also a tale of fudging, and dodging, and fabrications, starting with director Huston's faux-documentary battlefield re-creations in "San Pietro."

"That's part of the story," Harris said. "It wouldn't have been right to whitewash it  not if part of your documentary's subject is fraudulence in documentaries."

Harris' earlier nonfiction film book, "Pictures at a Revolution," likewise took on a five-pronged subject: the five best picture Academy Award nominees for 1967, and what "Bonnie and Clyde," "In the Heat of the Night," "The Graduate," "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" and "Doctor Dolittle" said about Hollywood and America at a time of intense cultural meltdown.

That, too, would make a good miniseries. "It's been optioned a few times, by different sets of very talented people," according to Harris, "but it's always crashed on several rocks." The rights issues are complex and expensive. With "Five Came Back," he said, it took "huge effort and a lot of money" to secure a bare minimum of clips; with "Revolution," it'd be far more extensive and difficult. Also, he said, "unlike 'Five Came Back,' with 'Pictures at a Revolution,' some people are alive, some people are not. So there are complicated questions about who you interview, and what you gain and what you lose by letting someone tell their own story."

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Next up for Harris: a biography of Mike Nichols, to be published in 2019 or 2020. "I'm happy to be working on it, to follow one fascinating person through his life," he said. "For me, that's a big departure."

Movies on the radio: Michael discusses the 75th anniversary of "Casablanca" with film professor Katherine Fusco and host Adam Kempenaar on "Filmspotting," midnight Friday and Saturday, WBEZ-FM 91.5. For the podcast edition, go to www.filmspotting.net.

mjphillips@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @phillipstribune

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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox)
The Holocaust film has become a genre unto itself, and sadly, there are more than enough stories from that era to continue the trend. Against ever-shifting, polarized political landscapes, the lessons gleaned from the horrors of this very recent past are never not relevant. But too often, many of these biopics fall prey to well-trod norms and conventions. In Niki Caro's "The Zookeeper's Wife," the backdrop of a Warsaw zoo offers a new angle, and features a show-stopping performance from Jessica Chastain as the real life Antonina Zabinski, but it otherwise follows a familiar path.

Caro, working from script by Angela Workman adapted from Diane Ackerman's book, smartly places the focus on Antonina. The rest of the plot may go a bit muddy, but when we're trained on our protagonist, it's all crystal clear. In an opening sequence, we witness her unique bond with the animals of the zoo, the power she holds over them with her simple approach of open-hearted love and empathy for all. With tenderness and bravery, she calms an elephant and rescues its baby, and those same qualities make her a hero for humans in the face of unspeakable evil.

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The story is one we know, of ordinary people choosing to do extraordinary things to preserve a shred of humanity in times of war and human destruction. Antonina and her husband, Jan (Johan Heldenbergh), decide to harbor Jews from the Warsaw ghetto in the basement of their home while their zoo is occupied by Nazi forces. They hide these "guests" in plain sight with a system of signals, transporting them from Jan's garbage collecting truck to underground tunnels.

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Caro never quite achieves the razor's edge suspense that such a scenario engenders, as their ruse is only one sneeze, one bad lie, one snitch away from discovery. That danger is never fully rendered on screen in the way that it could be. The truly powerful moments come from Chastain's soul-baring performance as a gentle woman who loves enormously, cares diligently, and always does the hard thing when the situation calls for it. She might be a bit too competent for the purposes of cinematic drama.

"The Zookeeper's Wife" delivers a singularly female experience of this war. The male characters are, of course, important, and Heldenbergh and Chastain express a strong chemistry as a couple that is both physically passionate as well as intellectually and ethically aligned. But the perspective is distinctly feminine, and Antonina is unquestionably the hero of the story.

The threat of sexual violence simmers throughout, underneath every interaction between Antonina and Lutz Heck (Daniel Bruhl), an overbearing and cruel Berlin zoologist turned military man, who imposes on their property in the form of supervision over an oxen breeding program he's installed. It's a stark reality that Antonina faces in her darkest times, as well as for Urszula, played by the formidable young Israeli actress Shira Haas, a girl who has experienced the worst crimes of the Nazi soldiers in the Warsaw ghetto. Caro explores this theme unflinchingly but doesn't exploit the material for salaciousness.

Jessica Chastain in "The Zookeeper's Wife." (Anne Marie Fox / Focus Features)

The film's flaws in pacing and suspense are easily overlooked in the shadow of Chastain's moving performance, as well as the performances of those around her. Caro unspools an evergreen tale about the clarifying power of empathy to diffuse fear and hatred.

"The Zookeeper's Wife"  3 stars

MPAA rating: PG-13 (for thematic elements, disturbing images, violence, brief sexuality, nudity and smoking)

Running time: 2:04

Opens: Friday

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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 126 Woody introduces the gang to a homemade spork toy with self-esteem issues in "Toy Story 4." Read the review. (Pixar / AP)
Later this month, my son will turn a year old.

We'll throw a party  grander than some but probably more laid-back than most  eat gyros and cupcakes, talk about how squirmy he is, how cute his four teeth are. It promises to be thoroughly normal. His start in life, though, was another matter.

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Seven years ago, my husband and I started trying to have a baby.

There were endocrinologists, needles, hormones, plane flights and procedures. It all finally, strangely, worked, and I wound up pregnant, only to be greeted at 5 weeks with a kind of bleeding that doesn't seem compatible with life.

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Somehow, though, that scrap of cells persisted, hanging on despite continued growth scans that showed he wasn't getting as big, as quickly, as the doctors expected.

Early on my husband bought a fetal monitor, the kind doctors tell you not to get because it'll drive you crazy. We listened to it as often as we could justify, usually once a day, to hold back our fears between appointments.

Like clockwork, I'd go to doctor visits and lie down on the paper cover, only exhaling at the tiniest of victories.

Heartbeat, breath. Amniotic fluid, breath. Spinal column, breath.

Eventually, the baby was diagnosed with intrauterine growth restriction, a phrase that conjured up images of my son trapped inside me in fetal solitary confinement. The high-risk obstetricians, coldly precise geniuses, were kind but mostly unrelenting in their pessimism, or neutralism at the very most. They occasionally used words like "fetal demise" and "stillbirth."

At one point, after my husband had asked with desperation if there was anything we could do, one specialist suggested we go home and pray, if we were "the praying types."

I thought about my older brother, who had died seven hours after he was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck. I knew there was a cosmic dice game afoot, one I couldn't anticipate, let alone control.

So, I talked to my grandmother, a fierce Greek peasant whose bones are interred in a family crypt at the top of a mountain.

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I could not imagine a more dreadful champion than Yia-Yia, black scarf tied around her head and fingers twisted from working in the fields.

She loved me terribly, once lopping the head off a rooster after it pecked me too many times. But she also yelled at me when I slipped on the rocks in the village in my pink patent-leather sandals, shaking my shoulder to tell me that those pretty shoes were dangerously stupid.

I decided it was her I wanted wherever my son's fate was being decided. I knew she wouldn't be above cheating, lying, stealing. She would know that anything that could be done should, but that one must have common sense, must accept any consequence, fair or foul.

At 22 weeks, the doctors told us to prepare for a delivery at any point.

Each day, which I began and ended with a quick chat with Yia-Yia, was a chip away at the time we were told to expect in the neonatal intensive care unit. When I felt him kick, a short stab of joy would lift my heart. He was still alive, still moving.

Finally, at 30 weeks, the doctor said no more work, even from home. I was allowed a couple of hours sitting down for my baby shower that Sunday. For some reason, I wore black.

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In the 33rd week, there was a drop in his heartbeat, and I was admitted to Evanston Hospital. I would have a C-section, because he was breech but also due to his size.

"How small will he be?" my husband asked the neonatologist. She motioned with her hands, creating a dainty cup.

"So, about the size of a squirrel," he said. "Without the tail."

The contractions began shortly thereafter, slight at first but building. Later that night, after a giant squeeze, I heard a pop and felt a gush of fluid. I felt him moving inside me, and it seemed wrong, as if he were inside a plastic bag, suffocating.

The contractions turned wrenching. The painkillers came, and for about 15 minutes, I felt a blissful loosening of the screws in my brain that had been overtightened for so long.

Too soon, the medication wore off.

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"I just want them to take him out," I said to my husband.

Finally, the obstetrician from my home practice walked into the room. She looked cheerful and confident. I held on to that, and to the knowledge that Yia-Yia was breaking kneecaps for me in heaven. I asked her for the strength to deal with whatever would come.

In the operating room, I was laid on the table and strapped down. I felt the doctors rummage around in my abdomen.

I was virtually swimming in a pool of fear.

Then, they pulled something out and I craned my neck to see a bawling red mass under a heating lamp. People were crowded around it, and I saw a stray foot, a tiny hand, through their busy limbs.

"He's fine," someone said.

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They walked him over and held him out to me. His eyes were huge, swollen and red-rimmed, as if he'd been awoken too early. The doctor said he was 3 pounds, 4 ounces  15 ounces more than expected.

I didn't cry. I didn't feel happiness or frustration or relief or sadness. I just wanted them to take him to the NICU, to check him, to do whatever he needed.

I touched the baby fleetingly, silently promising that I'd do better the next time I saw him.

There would be no pictures of grinning parents, no sublime breast-feeding moment, no cuddling him close.

But Yia-Yia's voice sounded in my head, telling me not to feel sorry for myself. She gave birth to my father, after all, on a straw floor in a one-room hovel. I had a son, and he was alive.

It was more than you should have hoped for, Yia-Yia might have said, and far more than many get.

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ggarvey@chicagotribune.com
COLUMBUS  The number of inmates housed at the Platte County Detention Facility fell during 2016 as the state continued to curtail a program to ease prison overcrowding by scattering lower-level prisoners among county jails.

The overall number of prisoners is down in large part because the state is pulling back on the practice of sending some offenders to county jails, Sheriff Ed Wemhoff said.

State lawmakers are currently bridging a revenue shortfall while hammering out a spending blueprint for the states upcoming two-year budget cycle that will likely address issues within the Department of Corrections.

The state's prisons are "way, way" overcrowded, Wemhoff said.

The trend of sinking out-of-county inmate numbers at the local jail has continued throughout the first three months of 2017. Its been common in recent weeks for the number of out-of-county inmates to barely climb into double digits, down from 15-20 daily in earlier months.

Its the lowest its been since I became sheriff in 2014, said Wemhoff, citing the sheriffs offices 2016 annual report released earlier this month.

The local jail housed 1,714 male inmates in 2016, down from 1,924 a year earlier. There were a total of 393 female prisoners, off from 450 in 2015.

Fewer prisoners means less inmate housing revenue for the county.

Out-of-county housing fees poured $741,950 into county coffers last year. Thats down from nearly $1.1 million during 2015.

State prisoners accounted for about 50 percent of the out-of-county housing revenues, Wemhoff said. Inmates from Colfax, Nance and Washington counties make up much of the rest of those revenues, he said.

Meanwhile, the sheriffs office dealt with a deputy shortage for much of 2016. The number of road patrol cases, including traffic stops, declined from 6,251 in 2015 to 5,819 throughout 2016.

The sheriffs office was down four deputies from the 10 who normally split time patrolling roads 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Wemhoff backfilled a couple of the deputy positions and hired two new deputies over the course of a year.

Deputies spent a good bit of time in 2016 responding to emergency protection calls.

A total of 19 people were placed in protective custody during the year, a procedure that can take a deputy off the road for a full work shift. That figure is more than double the nine protective custody cases in 2015.

The number of people passing through the county courthouse security checkpoint dipped from 135,274 in 2015 to 133,421 last year.
Courtney Cusentino, left, remembers getting off the CTA bus, texting her boyfriend and walking across the street toward the home on Chicagos Northwest Side where her mom, right, was waiting up. After that, its all a black hole. She doesn't recall being hit by a car. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune)

Courtney Cusentino remembers getting off the CTA bus late at night, texting her boyfriend and starting to walk across the street toward the home on Chicago's Northwest Side where her mom was waiting up.

After that, it's all a black hole. She has no recall of the car smashing into her, catapulting her airborne before she crashed onto the pavement on her head. Two paramedics in an ambulance who happened to be stopped at a stop sign at the corner rushed to her aid, possibly saving her life.

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Doctors at first didn't expect her to survive, but in the nearly two years since then, Cusentino, 23, has had to relearn just about everything it takes to function in daily life  talking, walking, swallowing food, you name it.

"You're looking at a miracle," Cusentino's mother, Kathy Kean, told a reporter outside a Cook County courtroom last week as her daughter beamed from a wheelchair. She is walking again, though she is limited in how far she can go.

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Judge Timothy Joyce had just denied a bid to suppress key evidence in the criminal case against the off-duty Chicago cop who was allegedly driving drunk and plowed into Cusentino. Officer Erin Mowry, 41, a 4 1/2-year veteran who was relieved of his police powers shortly after the July 2015 crash and has been on paid desk duty since, will likely stand trial later this year on six counts of aggravated DUI.

Mowry wasn't administered a Breathalyzer test until more than four hours after the 1:20 a.m. crash at Belmont and Olcott avenues, but his blood alcohol content still measured 0.092 percent, above the legal limit of 0.08, according to Cook County prosecutors.

Mowry's lawyer, William Fahy, argued in court that police didn't have legal grounds to take Mowry in custody or administer a Breathalyzer test after the first officer on the scene testified recently in court that the off-duty officer's speech wasn't slurred, his balance was normal and he didn't smell of alcohol.

The officer, Robert Young, testified he didn't ask Mowry if he had been drinking or to perform a field sobriety or Breathalyzer test. Mowry acknowledged he was an off-duty officer, Young testified.

Sgt. Ronald Pellonari testified he arrived at the scene by 1:45 a.m. but was called away to assist with an investigation into the sex abuse of a minor. He said he didn't return to the crash scene until 2:30 a.m.

Pellonari testified that Mowry acknowledged that he had been drinking, though Fahy said the sergeant never asked him how many drinks he had or when.

It was 5:42 a.m. before Mowry was administered a Breathalyzer test at the Jefferson Park District police station.

In the family's first extended interview, Kean, a Chicago paramedic and fire dispatcher, said this week that she and her husband, a fire lieutenant, remain incensed at the lengthy delay.

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"They didn't breathalyze this man for 4 1/2 hours. ... That's upsetting," Kean told a Tribune reporter in the family home in the Belmont Heights neighborhood. "Is that the norm to give any public official? Why are you different? Because if it had been Joe Schmo, you'd have been breathalyzed immediately, (given) a sobriety test in the field right then and there. They don't give you 4 1/2 hours to sober up.

"How loaded were you? That just pisses me off more than anything  that you're supposed to be upholding the law and here you are breaking it," she said.

Chicago police officer released with electronic monitoring on August 6, 2015. Erin Mowry is charged with aggravated DUI with great bodily harm after he critically injured a female pedestrian on July 18, 2015, in Belmont Heights. (WGN-TV) (Chicago Tribune)

But the family has taken solace in how Cusentino, after months of struggle and effort, went from near death to once again spending nights out with friends and dreaming of a family of her own, a career in special effects makeup and a trip to Italy.

"I'm happy that I'm walking now," said Cusentino, who can manage the 16 steps up to her second-floor bedroom without assistance.

Kean, alerted by her daughter's boyfriend that he hadn't heard from Cusentino and after her own text had gone unanswered, was out in her car looking for her daughter within a half-hour after the crash. After hearing from Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, she first drove to the crash scene, discovering her daughter's crushed cellphone.

At the hospital, Cusentino was still alive, but the prognosis wasn't good, doctors said.

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"They told me from the first night of the accident she's not going to make it and to prepare," Kean said. "They said her brain was like scrambled eggs."

After meetings with the hospital's ethics committee, Kean said she had long discussions with family members about pulling her daughter off life support. She had even signed papers for her organs to be donated  a wish expressed by Cusentino a few months earlier.

Cusentino was kept in a medically induced coma for about three weeks to relieve pressure on her brain. Shortly after that period, Kean was in the hospital showing her daughter cellphone video of Kodiak  the very vocal Siberian husky picked out by Cusentino at a shelter months earlier  "talking" to Kean. For the first time, Cusentino's eyes "locked" on something and tracked the phone as Kean moved it, her mother said.

"That spark of her life was still in there  that was my sign," Kean said. "Once that happened, I knew she was in there somewhere and maybe it's a sign she's not ready to go."

Kean spent days playing Cusentino's favorite Bruno Mars tracks for her and reading books to her. She showed her photos of her family, placed her daughter's favorite stuffed animals in her hands and massaged her arms and legs to keep them from stiffening.

During the month her daughter spent in Loyola's intensive care unit, Kean said her colleagues at the city's Office of Emergency Management and Communications showed up every day at 5 p.m. to buy dinner or bring a home-cooked meal.

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A friend set up a GoFundMe page that raised $20,000  a lifeline when Kean went on unpaid family leave to care for her daughter while her husband, Brian, took care of the house and the family's three dogs when he wasn't at the hospital himself.

After her transfer to RML Specialty Hospital in Hinsdale, she made a breakthrough one day by smiling at a joke her friends made. She started responding to commands as well  squeezing a little device that triggered a recording of Kean saying, "Monkey-monkey," her daughter's pet name.

She later was able to identify stuffed animals for a therapist.

After a month there, Cusentino was admitted to the brain injury unit of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, recently renamed the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. At first she was fearful, anxious and confused. But one day, she grabbed her then-boyfriend's phone, went on his Facebook page and tagged herself as "the most beautiful girl in the world."

She communicated by texts until she could talk, though her voice was only a whisper.

The first word she uttered was "meow"  the word Cusentino had long used in texts to let her mom know she was OK.

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And she began re-learning how to sit up, swallow food and stand  all hard-fought milestones, according to her physical therapist, Kaitlin Reilly.

Reilly remembered the first time Cusentino stood on her own as Kean and the therapist hugged and danced.

"It was so inspiring," Reilly said. "(Courtney) was crying and she was so nervous, but she did it. We'd had to fight every step of the way."

Kean, exhausted after two months of little sleep, broke down one day when a therapist asked for her help while she was trying to nap on a couch.

The therapist ordered Kean to a hospital herself to be treated for chronic headaches.

"I needed her to do that," she said. "... I didn't have an off button."

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Cusentino was finally allowed to go home after two months at the rehabilitation facility. By then, she had racked up more than $3 million in medical bills, most of it covered by insurance, Kean said. In a lawsuit against Mowry, the family settled for $100,000  the limit on the officer's car insurance.

Cusentino continued to make strides at home. With almost daily physical therapy and help from her parents, she began walking around the house late last year.

The only reminders of those days at the home are a pair of walkers, including one Cusentino uses in her bedroom to hang clothes on.

On Monday, Cusentino sat with her mother on a couch with a pillow embroidered with the words: "I smile because you're my daughter; I laugh because there's nothing you can do about it."

Cusentino still spends five days a week in extensive physical therapy, but on nights and weekends, she goes out with friends or slays zombies on "Call of Duty."

She's also planning that trip to Italy  a promise from her mom in the hospital.

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Cusentino, who graduated from cosmetology school just a month before the crash, hopes someday to do special effects makeup. She only recently was able to apply her own makeup.

"I don't remember much," Cusentino said about her lengthy hospital stays. "But I remember (mom) was always there, every day."

The family is looking forward to the end of the criminal case against Mowry. Kean, who doesn't expect the officer to be given prison time, said she'd like to see him do community service with the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists and work with people who have suffered a debilitating brain injury.

She'd also like to hear an apology to her daughter.

"I just want him to show some kind of remorse to Courtney," Kean said. "Maybe this will change his life for the better, because I got a feeling his life wasn't going the way it should've been."

sschmadeke@chicagotribune.com

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Evelyn Coleman, 13, Ellishia Coleman, 14, and their mother, Tamara McWilliams, talk about life in the Englewood neighborhood at their home on March 29, 2017, in Chicago. Evelyn was shot in the leg one block from their home in 2011. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune) (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

Evelyn Coleman was just 7 when an errant bullet struck her in the leg as she walked to buy candy near her home in Chicago's West Englewood neighborhood.

Six years later and now in eighth grade, the tall, skinny teenager wears designer jeans, listens to Beyonce and hopes to one day go to college to become a mortician  a profession she knows is lucrative because everyone is bound to die someday.

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The threat of again becoming a victim still lingers, though, for Evelyn. Over the years, she has lost a few friends to gun violence, and just last month, a onetime schoolmate, 12-year-old Kanari Gentry Bowers, was among three children fatally shot in Chicago over just four days.

"I don't go outside much. I just stay in the house and watch TV," Evelyn, a soft-spoken 13-year-old, said Wednesday evening as she sat on her living room couch while fidgeting at times with her cellphone. "It's too much violence, and I don't want to be into that stuff. I can have fun inside the house."

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Evelyn Coleman, 13, talks about being shot in the leg when she was 7 years old and walking near her home in Chicago's West Englewood neighborhood. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)

As the first quarter of 2017 draws to a close, Chicago police are encouraged by a slight drop in violence, particularly in recent weeks in the city's traditionally most violent pockets of the South and West sides long plagued by poverty, gang activity and drug-dealing.

While the numbers are down from a disastrous 2016 when in excess of 4,300 people were shot, more than 760 of them fatally, the first three months of 2017 still rank as one of the deadliest starts to a year in nearly two decades.

Through Wednesday, with two days still left in the first quarter, 124 people were slain in Chicago, 9.5 percent down from 137 a year earlier, according to the Police Department's official statistics. Over the same period, 685 people were shot, almost 13 percent down from 786 a year earlier, the department said.

A spate of shootings Thursday emphasized, however, just how volatile those numbers can be. Within four hours, five people were found fatally shot in the South Shore neighborhood, and four others were injured in shootings across the city by early evening.

In fact, with the exception of 2016, the 124 homicides police have officially logged through Wednesday still mark the most for the first three months of a year in at least 17 years.

To put it further in perspective, New York City and Los Angeles, both far more populous than Chicago, continue to experience far less violence. Through March 19, New York posted 55 homicides and 138 shooting victims, while Los Angeles reported 56 homicides and 226 shooting victims through March 18.

In a telephone interview Thursday, Chicago police Superintendent Eddie Johnson pointed to a sharp rise in gun arrests so far this year  937 through Sunday, a 47 percent increase over 637 a year earlier  as proof that officers are not sitting on the sidelines after the fallout over the release of video from the Laquan McDonald shooting was believed to have caused a pullback by officers.

"What we are doing is focusing on the right people," Johnson said. "... But at the end of the day, Chicago has a gun problem."

But Dean Angelo Sr., head of the union representing thousands of rank-and-file Chicago police officers, said he told Attorney General Jeff Sessions during a meeting earlier this week in Washington that officers remain "concerned about losing their job for doing their job."

In an interview, Angelo, president of the Fraternal Order of Police in Chicago, who also met Tuesday with President Donald Trump, said the level of violence on Chicago streets will persist until police obtain public and political support and the green light to "get those corners back."

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"We know these guys. We know what they're into. We know who they're affiliated with. And we know that they're out there doing illegal activity," said Angelo, who has blasted the more-involved paperwork officers must fill out for every street stop as a result of an agreement between the Police Department and the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois. "But now you've told us to leave them alone, and they know it. They take the corner, they get the block. They get the block, they get the community. It's a cancer."

Police brass, though, are touting improvements in particular in the city's historically two most violent districts  the West Side's Harrison District and the South Side's Englewood District, which together accounted for about one-fourth of all of Chicago's homicides last year.

Beginning in late January, those two were the first districts to use technology that, Johnson said, is designed to help officers better predict where shootings may occur, respond more quickly to violence and allow supervisors to analyze shooting data in real time to quickly determine where to best deploy manpower.

At these district nerve centers, called Strategic Decision Support Centers, officers analyze large TV screens that display crime maps and surveillance camera footage. They also keep a close watch on ShotSpotter technology that captures the sound of gunfire and helps pinpoint its location. Officers receive the shooting data in real time on their work cellphones.

The Police Department did not provide evidence showing that ShotSpotter reduced officers' response times to shootings, but Johnson said the technology on average "gets us there five to seven minutes before the 911 call would come through."

In addition, police have teamed up with agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration on targeted raids this year on the West Side, where the open-air drug markets pose problems distinct from the South Side.

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"Gangs fuel what they do by their narcotics sales," Johnson said in the interview. "We link those together, and we go after them. And we are going to be relentless about it. If they want to commit violence out there and sell dope, then they know we're coming at them."

The early results of the beefed-up efforts look promising, particularly in the Harrison District. But the new high-tech support centers have been operating for only a couple of months.

Through Sunday, homicides have dropped to 16 in the Harrison District, a 24 percent decline from 21 a year earlier. Over a recent four-week period, the drop was even more pronounced, to one homicide compared with nine a year earlier. Through Sunday, the number of shooting victims in Harrison had fallen sharply, declining to 80, a 40 percent drop from 133.

In the Englewood District, the contrast has been less dramatic, with homicides staying flat at 12 in each year. But the number of shooting victims has dropped to 55 through Sunday, down 25 percent from 73 a year earlier.

Criminologists, however, caution against making comparisons in crime statistics month to month or even year to year, arguing that long-term trends give a truer picture of how violence changes over time.

James Alan Fox, of Northeastern University in Boston, noted that major U.S. cities such as Chicago still saw more killings a quarter century ago than today.

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"The only silver lining to the soaring rates of homicides and shootings that Chicago has experienced is that at some point they'll go down," he said. "I mean they can't keep going up forever."

Police officials are often reluctant to blame the weather as a factor in street violence, but temperatures this winter, much like last year, were milder and snowfall was below normal, said Casey Sullivan, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service .

Johnson took note of that in the interview. "To be honest, we really didn't have a winter in Chicago," he said. "... We really haven't had a chance to catch our breath in terms of having us shut down because of blizzard conditions."

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Police say much of the violence stems from the flow of illegal firearms into the streets and gang disputes that erupt over social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.

Justin Bowers, father of Kanari Gentry Bowers, hangs his head during a news conference at Stroger Hospital on Feb. 15, 2017. Kanari was shot outside her elementary school and later died after she was taken off life support. (Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune)

"Let's not be mistaken about this. Narcotics is still the main fuel that drives the engine of violence for these gangs because that's how they support what they're going to do," Johnson said. "However, social media is the medium that kicks off a lot of these shootings because of what they perceive to be disrespect."

Johnson, who has been pushing since last summer for tougher sentences for repeat gun offenders, said he still intends to seek the legislation even though a bill he backed in Springfield earlier this month stalled at the Capitol.

But in the meantime, Chicago police have been working more with DEA agents in the Harrison District because of the widespread drug sales there. The teamwork has an added benefit, according to Johnson.

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"Now, as much as the drug dealers and gangbangers don't fear the Cook County judicial system, they are scared to death of going federally," he said.

jgorner@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @JeremyGorner
Georgia Jackson, 72, is overcome with emotion upon learning that her two grandsons, Raheem, 19, and Dillon Jackson, 20, were found fatally shot near Nadia Fish and Chicken, at 2704 E. 75th St., in the South Shore neighborhood on March 30, 2017. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)

When the shooting stopped, two young men lay dead inside the South Shore restaurant Thursday afternoon, another was dead outside and a fourth was found dead around the corner, slumped against a tree.

Paramedics draped a sheet over the man outside the Nadia Fish and Chicken restaurant at 75th Street and Coles Avenue as his mother grieved.

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"It is not OK. It is not OK when we lose a child like this," she said as officers guided her and others away from the body. "There's two dead  there's two other boys in there."

Still wearing a red apron from her job at the restaurant, the mother pounded her fists on the hood of a blue-and-white police SUV parked across Coles from her son's body.

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Georgia Jackson, 72, learns two of her grandchildren, Raheem, 19, and Dillon Jackson, 20, were among four people fatally shot in the South Shore neighborhood on March 30, 2017. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune) (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

Three ambulances arrived in minutes but left almost as quickly because the first three people they found were all pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers ran toward a commotion farther south and found the fourth victim behind an apartment building on Coles, slumped against a tree. It was the woman's other son.

Soon afterward, a man tried to walk along a barbed-wire fence that he had climbed to get behind the building, telling police the victim was his brother.

An exasperated look came over an officer's face as he looked to the ground while two other officers started pushing people back.

One child still carrying his backpack, the hood of his winter coat pulled over his head, looked at the body and turned away. A woman put her hand on his back and guided him back toward 75th.

The four were fatally shot about 3:50 p.m. A gunman approached the restaurant and fired. It was not immediately clear how many of the four victims were in the restaurant.

Dillon Jackson, 20, was found dead outside the restaurant. His brother, Raheem Jackson, 19, was found against the tree. Emmanuel Stokes, 28, was inside the restaurant with Edwin Davis, 32.

The mother of Raheem and Dillon Jackson walks away from the scene where four people, including her sons, were found fatally shot in Chicago's South Shore neighborhood on March 30, 2017. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)

The shooting may have been part of an internal gang conflict involving the Black P Stones gang, in retaliation for the killing of a 37-year-old man in the 7900 block of South Phillips Avenue about 11:15 p.m. Wednesday, police sources said.

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The Jacksons' grandmother, Georgia Jackson, 72, said at the scene that the two had gone to the restaurant to get food and see their mother.

After the shooting, their mother called Georgia Jackson to tell her that "They shot Dillon." By the time she arrived, Raheem Jackson had been found in a backyard.

"We got a call from their mama. She only said one at first, but when I got here they said they found the other.

"I just want them to pick him up ... when they get him off the ground I'll go with him," Jackson said. "I didn't have kids to lose 'em like this."

The crowd after the shooting dwindled as the night wore on. So too the number of police bosses who had for a time gathered at 75th and Coles.

Evidence technicians, detectives and beat cops remained behind, guarding a scene that extended half a block out in each direction from the restaurant.



But the Jackson brothers' mother remained. She blamed herself. She questioned her faith. She said she had nothing to live for, and that she planned to take her own life.



"I can't go on, my life is over. I'm about to goddamn kill myself. I was standing right here in the window, they killed 'em right in front of me."



Her family consoled her. They hugged her. When she ducked under the tape to try and see her sons, the officers guided her gently away from lines of sight but kept her inside the crime scene.



She paced through ankle-deep water in a nursing home parking lot to get to a black iron fence, peering into the yard where Raheem's body lay slumped against a tree. A relative nudged her away.



She settled in a space in the parking lot, inside the tape but near the officers, a space she called a "mutual zone" where she was about the same distance from each of her dead sons.



"I gotta stand with 'em both. I can't leave. I gotta stay with both my sons 'til they get 'em up," she said.

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As evidence technicians worked in the yard behind the apartment building and took photos of Raheem's body, his mother drifted toward the black iron fence. The officers and her relatives gave her space.



She stood alone in standing water, under a street lamp, and looked at her son.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, whose Main Quad is seen here on March 20, 2017, received 200 more applications from international students seeking admission for this fall compared with last year, a 2 percent increase. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)

As some U.S. universities report declines in international student applications, Illinois schools continue to see increased interest for spots in this fall's classes.

At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign  where nearly 1 in 10 freshmen come from China  almost 200 more foreign-born students applied for the upcoming school year compared with last year. And more than 5,500 international students applied to Northwestern University this year, up 10 percent from the prior year.

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The University of Illinois at Chicago, Western Illinois University, Loyola University and DePaul University also have received more applications, according to school leaders.

"We are still a huge destination for international students, and they bring a huge impact from an economic standpoint and a diversity standpoint," said Kevin M. Browne, vice provost of academic and enrollment services at UIC, where about 11 percent of students come from outside the United States.

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Colleges and universities across the country are closely monitoring how, or if, interest in their schools from overseas is changing under the new presidential administration. President Donald Trump has imposed controversial travel bans and introduced a budget that would invest billions to build a U.S.-Mexico border wall. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is suspending quicker processing for petitions for H-1B visas, which allow people from foreign countries to work in specialized jobs in the United States.

The policy changes during the past few months overlapped with peak college recruitment and admissions, and a recent report indicates there may have been an impact, according to a survey conducted in February by six higher education associations. Nearly 40 percent of the 250 colleges and universities that participated in the survey reported drops in international student applications for fall 2017.

Thirty-five percent of the schools said they received more international student applications this year, and 26 percent reported no change. A full report based on the survey is expected to be released next week.

Melanie Gottlieb, deputy director of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, which is publishing the report, said the number of international students at U.S. colleges has been increasing for years. The organization did not gather information about the overall number of international student applications received, but Gottlieb said it is noteworthy that applications have declined or stayed flat at some campuses.

"We see that as an early warning sign," Gottlieb said. "Any dip in application numbers gives us pause because it's an early indicator that enrollment numbers could dip as well."

Illinois ranks fifth for the number of international students, with more than 50,000 enrolled last year, according to the Institute of International Education. Public colleges and universities in particular have come to rely on the students' tuition dollars at a time of declining state support.

Admissions directors have been watching to see how the federal changes may impact enrollment, and they won't know for sure until later this year. Most international students accepted to Illinois schools won't decide where they're going until April or May, administrators said. More than 75 percent of the survey respondents said they were concerned with how many international students ultimately enroll this fall.

The steepest decline in applications came from prospective students in the Middle East, according to the survey.

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Trump signed two executive orders temporarily or indefinitely barring entry of citizens from several majority-Muslim countries: Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Libya, Sudan, Somalia and Syria. The more recent version removed Iraqi citizens from the list and specifically exempted visa holders from the heightened scrutiny.

Federal courts blocked both orders, though an appeal on the second one is pending. Recruitment officials in the survey reported that some prospective students and their families expressed concerns about the travel ban potentially being expanded, and about whether the United States was becoming less welcoming to foreigners.

About 25 percent of schools reported a decline in applications from China and India. The United States has been a popular destination for Chinese and Indian students, who comprise nearly half of all international students in the country. About half a million students from those countries are enrolled at U.S. universities, according to IIE data.

Southern Illinois University at Carbondale has received 37 percent fewer applications from international students  about 800  compared with the same time last year, spokeswoman Rae Morrow Goldsmith said. Interest from India remains high, but the number of applications from China and Saudi Arabia has declined, she said.

SIU enrolled 1,357 students from more than 100 countries last fall.

Goldsmith pointed to a change in domestic education policy in Saudi Arabia that may have had an impact. Last year, Saudi Arabia restricted eligibility for its government scholarship program that annually helps tens of thousands of Saudis go abroad for college. The scholarship now is available only to students going to one of the top 100 universities in the world or who are enrolled in one of the top 50 academic programs in their field.

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Illinois State University also reported a slight decrease, from 644 applications to 609.

At U. of I., where about 25 percent of students are from overseas, the university received about 200 more applications from international students seeking admission for this fall compared with last year, a 2 percent increase, said undergraduate admissions director Andrew Borst.

"I think we are doing well in international applications because we are simply following the trend line of increased international applications over the last decade," Borst said. "We've built up a strong reputation over time among international students who had a positive experience on campus and then return to their home country to share the story about Illinois."

Northwestern University spokesman Al Cubbage said U.S. political changes likely had little influence on Northwestern's numbers because application deadlines in November and January were before the election and inauguration. Cubbage added that Northwestern receives relatively few undergraduate applications from the Middle East.

Northwestern officials expect international students to make up about 10 percent of the incoming freshman class, which is consistent with recent years, Cubbage said. About 23 percent of Northwestern students are from foreign countries.

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At UIC, 1,591 foreign-born students applied for fall 2017, an 8 percent increase.

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Loyola University has 3.6 percent more undergraduate international applicants and 1.5 percent more graduate applicants this year, spokeswoman Kristin Trehearne Lane said. International students comprise about 6 percent of Loyola's student body.

DePaul University saw a big spike in undergraduate applicants from abroad  up 40 percent  but graduate applicants are down 19.5 percent, spokeswoman Kristin Mathews said. About 7 percent of DePaul's student body comes from abroad.

Browne, of UIC, said the next step will be ensuring that admitted students can secure visas in a timely way. He acknowledged, also, that certain perceptions about the country could ultimately affect enrollment.

"It's not even the reality but the impression of what the students are hearing  like people being stopped at O'Hare for seven or eight hours, that's hard to explain," Browne said. "They're used to bureaucracies, that's not the major issue. They're willing to accept that. But it's just, are they going to be welcomed? There's a sense of the Midwest of being a friendlier part of the United States. That's still true. We just have to get them here."

drhodes@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @rhodes_dawn
Surveillance photo of a man robbing a TCF Bank in a Jewel-Osco, 2940 N. Ashland Ave., just after noon on Thursday, March 30, 2017, according to the FBI. (Surveillance photo via the FBI)

A man who robbed a Lakeview neighborhood bank early Thursday afternoon also is suspected in a heist in the Buena Park neighborhood Friday night, according to the FBI.

The man robbed a TCF Bank in a Jewel-Osco, 2940 N. Ashland Ave., just after noon on Thursday, according to the FBI.

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The man demanded cash in large bills from an employee at the bank, then fled the bank and the store on foot, according to an FBI spokesman. He did not show a weapon.

The robbery did not involve what the FBI considers a takeover, in which a robber threatens someone with violence similar to a kidnapping.

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Chicago police do not currently release information on bank robberies.

The man also is believed to have robbed a TCF Bank at a Jewel at 4355 N. Sheridan Road in Buena Park just after 6:15 p.m. Friday, according to the FBI.

The man is described as white, about 6 feet tall and weighing 180 to 200 pounds. He has blonde facial hair. In Thursday's robbery, the man was wearing glasses, a blue zip-up sweater with a high collar and a white striped and cross-hatched pattern running around the middle, as well as a blue knit hat with a white pattern. In photographs from Friday, his beard appears well-trimmed; in Thursday's photos, it appears scruffier.

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the man's capture and conviction. Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI's Chicago office at 312-421-6700.
For years, urban planners have been redefining popular notions of city parks by converting unused, elevated rail lines from Paris to New York to, more recently, Chicago into oases that offer a respite from the bustle of the city.

Now, Chicago planners are looking down, to the often-disused land underneath elevated rail lines.

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Residents this week brainstormed ways to repurpose a stretch of land under the CTA's Brown Line train tracks from Southport Avenue to Paulina Street in Lakeview. Ideas included a staging area for food trucks, dog runs, pop-up shops, green space and public art murals.

The project, which is being called the Low-Line in a nod to New York's High Line, is in its early stages. It was spearheaded by the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce and aims to transform the space into a half-mile pedestrian walkway with amenities on the land owned by the CTA.

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In some segments, the area is a dead zone, overrun with weeds, gravel and garbage cans. In others, it is little more than shortcut for drivers or a parking lot. Elsewhere, homeowners use the space underneath the tracks as gated side yards.

But in 2013, a beachhead of sorts was established when a seasonal farmers market started operating in a section closer to Southport. Last year, to better accommodate the crowds, the area was turned into a plaza with brick pavers, planters and bistro seating.

The Low-Line idea, included in the Lakeview Area Master Plan in 2011, would help provide additional open public space in the neighborhood, connect commercial corridors and encourage residents to walk to shops, said Dillon Goodson, community development manager for the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce. It would become a destination in the community, he said.

"By activating a space that's underutilized, you can create a safer environment," he said. "Currently, the conditions underneath the train, there isn't amenities or activities to encourage people to wander onto the Low-Line path."

Chicago has shown an interest in repurposing space along abandoned train tracks, with the most notable example being the elevated 606 trail project that opened in 2015 connecting Bucktown, Wicker Park, Humboldt Park and Logan Square neighborhoods.

Other projects on the drawing board are the 4-mile at-grade Paseo trail in Pilsen and Little Village; the 2.7-mile Weber Spur Trail at and above street level on the Northwest Side; and an elevated 1.7-mile Englewood Line Trail.

In Uptown, community groups are pushing to use the space under the renovated Red Line Wilson station as a public plaza for pedestrians, with seating, landscaping, lighting, public art and food truck dining, in a proposal for the Wilson Underline.

In Lakeview, a path under the tracks could give residents a new outdoor option and route while funneling traffic to CTA stations and enlivening the areas around the stations, said Joseph Schwieterman, director of DePaul University's Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development.

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"Linear parks are a hot commodity right now," Schwieterman said. "Cities are searching long and hard for new corridors for nonmotorized vehicles, bikers and walkers."

And it could be done without needing to condemn land or demolish buildings, he said. The space also has minimal vehicular traffic and provides a path wide enough for multiple uses, he said.

But there are drawbacks, Schwieterman said, including noise from the trains and a disruption to users if the CTA needs to renovate the train tracks in the future.

At the community meeting Tuesday, some residents said they didn't think visitors would want to hang out underneath the tracks or would want dog runs next to their homes. Other residents were more welcoming, seeing it as an opportunity to improve the area and expressing the need for a clean walkway.

Resident Doug Havrilla supported the idea of having the Paulina stop double as an area for food trucks to give operators another staging area in the city and bringing mobile pop-up shops to the area, which have the potential to attract people to Lakeview.

"Any time that you can bring people to the neighborhood who otherwise wouldn't visit it to then partake in the other local businesses and bring awareness to what's in the area is a positive thing," said Havrilla, 36.

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Then there is the challenge of maintaining whatever is created, said Andrew Moddrell, partner at Port Urbanism, a design firm working to identify potential uses for the space near Ashland Avenue and Paulina.

"We don't want to implement anything that looks great on day one and one Chicago winter later doesn't wear well and no one maintains it," he said.

Add safety to the list, too, especially when it comes to improving lighting and crossing Ashland Avenue. "If you're going to invite people and encourage people to use the space, it needs to become a place that people feel safe," Moddrell said.

The project will be paid for by a special service area, in which property owners pay for supplemental neighborhood services, and by the nonprofit Friends of Lakeview, Goodson said.

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Debbie Menke, who this month purchased a home next to the train, voiced concerns about more noise and loitering next to her property.

"I am apprehensive about it being a thruway," said Menke, 37. "While we tolerate the train, I think there's a big X-factor in people going by at different hours of the night or things that affect your quality of life like noise, smoking and dogs barking late at night or early in the morning."

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She said she could see pop-up events like art shows a block away on the east side of Ashland on weekends, when train service frequency is reduced.

The success of the farmers market, in which the CTA allowed use of its property, showed a shift in public perception of how the land under the train tracks could be used, Goodson said.

"I think five years ago if you had asked someone if they wanted to spend time under the train, they maybe looked at you with bewilderment," he said.

lvivanco@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @lvivanco
Three tanker cars sit derailed on tracks at the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad train yard on March 30, 2017, at 142nd and Halsted streets in Riverdale. The tanker cars were carrying propylene; however, there were no leaks or danger to the area. (Chicago Tribune)

No one was injured when three rail tankers rolled over in the Indiana Harbor Belt train yard in south suburban Riverdale on Thursday morning, fire officials said.

The incident took place near 142nd and Halsted streets. Five tankers containing propylene were affected, three rolling on their sides and two leaning on the track, but there were no leaks or danger to the community, according to Riverdale Fire Chief Robert Scharnhorst.

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The accident happened between 9 and 10 a.m., but the cause was unclear, Scharnhorst said.

Crews were attempting to "re-rail" the cars, said Joel Cornfeld, general counsel for Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad Co. in Hammond.

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Two weeks ago, several cars of a freight train carrying hazardous material overturned on Union Pacific lines in north suburban Lake Forest.

No injuries or leaks were reported when the 11 tank cars  nine of them carrying molten sulfur  went off the tracks March 15, officials said.

Federal officials have found the type of tank car involved in the derailment to be unsafe, and by law they must be phased out in the coming years.

Check back for updates.

Freelance reporter Nick Swedberg contributed.
Craig A. Childress, 50, convicted of trying to sexually assault a woman he was staying with for the night in 1996 has been declared a sexually violent person and ordered held in state custody for treatment despite having been paroled in 2010, according to officials and court records. (Illinois State Police photo)

A man convicted of trying to sexually assault a Chicago woman he was staying with for the night in 1996 has been declared a sexually violent person and ordered held in state custody for treatment, according to officials and court records.

A jury last week found Craig A. Childress, 50, guilty of being a sexually violent person following a trial before Cook County Judge Steven G. Watkins, according to court records and a news release Wednesday from the Illinois attorney general's office.

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Childress, a registered sex offender originally from Kentucky, most recently had been found guilty of attempted criminal sexual assault and sentenced to 29 years in prison in a 1996 attack involving a woman who had offered to let Childress sleep at her apartment for a night after he had been staying with her brother and sister-in-law, according to court records. Childress was paroled in 2010 but taken back into custody and charged in 2011 with being a sexually violent person.

The woman's sister-in-law dropped Childress off at the Bucktown-area bar where the woman was working, and after she was done, they went to two others before Childress started falling asleep while drinking, according to court records. The woman brought Childress to her apartment, and when she tried to show him which room he was going to stay in, he attacked her, according to records.

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Childress hit the woman, choked her and told her he was going to rape and kill her, according to her testimony. After she tried to escape, Childress started ripping off the woman's clothes and took off his own shirt.

A downstairs neighbor heard the woman scream for help and yell, "I'm not going to let you rape me!" according to his testimony during Childress' trial.

When the neighbor came to the door, the woman was able to escape, but Childress was gone by the time police arrived. Childress was found in Texas two weeks later.

Childress' record of sexual violence dates to a 1987 rape conviction in Quebec, when he was in the U.S. Navy, according to the news release. After he was discharged from the Navy for that conviction, he pleaded guilty in 1989 to rape, attempted sodomy and other charges in an attack on a woman within three months of his leaving the Navy. He was released from prison in 1994 after serving time on those charges.

Childress originally was paroled in the 1996 case in 2010, and the Illinois attorney general's office first sought to have him declared a sexually violent person in 2011, according to records.

Someone declared a sexually violent person can be held for treatment even after his criminal sentence has ended, with their status periodically evaluated. Childress has been returned to the custody of the Illinois Department of Human Services' Sexually Violent Persons facility in Rushville, in western Illinois.
Chicago and its violence have been a frequent subject of President Donald Trumps attention. It was a common campaign thread Trump used to hammer Hillary Clinton, President Barack Obama and others.

Since becoming president Trump has returned the theme frequently bashing the city in Tweets and interviews. Its not all vinegar, though. In a 2016 interview with Foxs Sean Hannity Trump said: I love Chicago. I have big investments in Chicago, and I think its a great city.

Here are Trumps mentions of Chicago  and the state of Illinois  with annotations where appropriate.
Members of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska will commemorate their ancestors by literally following in their footsteps.

In the 1870s, the Ponca tribe, an offshoot of the Omaha, was forced to walk from its homeland in northern Nebraska to Oklahoma.

Tribal chairman Larry Wright Jr. said its hard to overstate the pain caused by the forced removal.

Were talking about a historical trauma, said Wright. Having to give up where our people are buried, where our medicine grew, our way of life.

Wright and Ponca tribe member Randy Teboe are organizing a remembrance event where they will walk the 273 miles their people walked from Niobrara in northeast Nebraska to Barneston along the state's southern border.

This means honoring my ancestors and to walk in their footsteps, said Teboe. To go over the suffering as they did.

A series of events came together this year that Wright said were deeply significant and prompted the trip.

The Nebraska Trails Foundation was transforming an old railroad line into a 20-mile biking and walking trail that runs from Beatrice to Barneston when they learned it was close to the same path taken by the Ponca. The foundation contacted the tribe and said they wanted to donate the land to them.

That was a good honor for them to think of us like that, said Wright.

The tribe was also approached about creating a historical marker between the Seward and Milford exits on Interstate 80, where Chief Standing Bears daughter died along the route to Oklahoma. She was one of nine people who died during the journey and is buried in a cemetery north of the interstate.

I thought it would take years, said Wright. They got an outpouring of support, and it was approved quickly. Well do a dedication this year.

In addition to those events, Wright felt the tribe needed to do something for Nebraskas 150th anniversary, which is also the 140th anniversary of the tribes removal.

I dont think you can talk about Nebraska without talking about the Ponca tribe, said Teboe. We were one of the first natives of Nebraska.

In 2008, a 94-year-old Ponca man from Oklahoma visited the Nebraska tribe. His father was a young boy when the tribe was removed.

He wanted to come up before he passed away, and we had the opportunity to talk to him, said Wright. He started singing some of those traditional songs, and as he was sitting he was able to point to the places in the songs based on the land.

It seems a long time ago, but its not that long, Wright added. Just in the last decade even we had that connection.

The tribe will make an overnight stop in Columbus, which is a historically significant place along the route.

Our relatives from the Omaha tribe came down to visit, to offer condolences and visit relatives because they didnt know if they would see them again, said Wright.

They gave us provisions because when we went we had nothing, said Teboe. We werent able to take our personal belongings.

Wright and Teboe said the tribe would like to have others involved in the walk, whether its by donating food, walking part of the route or joining them at Camp Pawnee.

What we would like to do is invite the community out in the evening to learn about the Ponca tribe, learn about the history of the Ponca tribe and to learn about our culture, said Teboe. We wanted to make sure all tribal members are involved and the non-native community, as well.

The group will arrive at Camp Pawnee on the evening of May 3 and is interested in organizing a breakfast for 7 a.m. May 4.

Food is very important to Native American people. To share that meal is something that is held onto tightly, said Teboe. Its very cultural, lets put it that way.

The walk is scheduled to begin April 29 and end May 11 with a deed signing in Barneston. Other stops will be in Verdigre, Neligh, Newman Grove, Genoa, David City, Seward/Milford, Crete, Wilber and Beatrice.

Wright said hes been deeply moved by the reception the walk is getting in communities along the route.

These communities have rolled out the red carpet for us. To see that kind of support has been kind of overwhelming, he said. And to do this for our tribe, its heartening.

For more information, contact Teboe at rteboe@poncatribe.ne.org or 402-860-9262.
Welcome to Clout Street: Morning Spin, our weekday feature to catch you up with what's going on in government and politics from Chicago to Springfield. Subscribe here.

Topspin

The Illinois Republican Party holds its annual "Governor's Dinner" fundraiser Thursday night to pay tribute to Gov. Bruce Rauner, the state GOP's leader and biggest donor.

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Tickets for the event at the Hilton Chicago range from $500 per person all the way up to a special $40,000 "gold" sponsorship. Included is a private reception and photo opportunity with dinner following afterward.

All of the top Illinois Republican officials are co-chairing the event, along with the GOP members of Illinois' congressional delegation and the party's Senate leader, Christine Radogno of Lemont, and House leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs.

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Since Rauner took over as governor in January 2015, the state Republican Party has raised nearly $30.9 million. Of that amount, 68 percent, or more than $21.1 million, has come directly from Rauner, his wife or his campaign fund.

The group Illinois Working Together, a coalition of unions and other organizations opposed to the governor, are planning a "Rauner Do Your Job" demonstration outside the event. (Rick Pearson)

What's on tap

*Mayor Rahm Emanuel will attend an afternoon small business program graduation at Harold Washington College.

*Gov. Rauner's public schedule wasn't available.

*The Illinois House and Senate meet.

From the notebook

*Emanuel pushes Rauner on Thompson Center sale: The verbal barbs lobbed between Gov. Rauner and Mayor Emanuel have become a regular part of the public discourse in the Land of Lincoln, with another installment of the tit for tat coming Wednesday.

This time, Emanuel took aim at Rauner when asked whether it was the fault of Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan or the Republican governor that efforts to sell the tattered Thompson Center were going nowhere. (See other verbal volley between Madigan and Rauner).

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"I know the speaker has said he's ready to work on this," Emanuel said. "We're ready to work on it. It shouldn't be this tough ... but like everything that's worked on in Springfield with the governor, it becomes too tough."

Emanuel then was asked to comment on Rauner's recent veto of a bill sought by the mayor in his ongoing effort to shore up underfunded city worker retirement accounts, as well as the governor's assertion that Emanuel was trying to push off further taxpayer pain until 2023 when he may no longer be mayor.

"I don't want to be dragged into the morass of Springfield that doesn't pay its bills," Emanuel said.

"I find it a little strange he's talking about what's going to happen in 2023 in the city of Chicago and he has yet to introduce a balanced budget for either 2015, '16 or '17," the mayor added in a reference to the state's historic budget impasse. "If he's taking advice, my view is don't worry about what's happening in the city in 2023 yet. First, worry about the fact that in 2015, 2016 and 2017 you have yet to introduce a balanced budget, or pass one." (Hal Dardick)

*Plan moves to save jobs of prison nurses: Senate lawmakers approved legislation Wednesday that aims to prevent Gov. Rauner from following through on his plan to lay off 124 nurses in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

The proposal would prohibit the department from dipping below the number of medical and mental health providers on the payroll as of January 2016. Both Democrats and some Republicans voted for it. It's a direct response to the Rauner administration's move to privatize the nursing positions in an effort to cut costs.

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Supporters contend the administration's decision could threaten patient safety and wouldn't save the state money. The Illinois Nurses Association also has filed four unfair labor practice charges alleging the state has refused to negotiate with the union over a contract.



"The idea that there is somehow going to be savings associated with the layoff of 124 nurses being replaced through the profit-making scheme of a private company is complete nonsense, and it should be rejected," said Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill.

Opponents questioned the wisdom of curbing the state's flexibility to make staffing changes as needed.

"You won't be able to do that unless you come back and you ask the leaders in the Senate and the leader in the House of Representatives, 'Please, can we manage? Can we manage a little bit?'" said Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon. (Haley BeMiller)

*Illinois reaches new high in voter registration: Illinois now has more than 90 percent of its eligible voters registered to cast ballots, based on a study from the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform.

The group also found that between last year's presidential primary in March and the November general election, 762,546 people registered to cast ballots  more than half of them in Cook and the collar counties and 20 percent alone from Chicago. Of those new registrations, 73 percent turned out in the election.

On Election Day last November, about 80,000 people registered to vote due to Illinois' same-day registration voting law. That represented about 11 percent of all new registrations between primary and general Election Day. All told more than 5.6 million people voted in Illinois in the November election, compared with 5.3 million in 2012 and 5.5 million in 2008, when Barack Obama was first elected president.

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Among all of the new registrants between primary and general Election Day, the group found the largest bloc by age, 30 percent, came from voters 18 to 24. Still, the group noted, only two-thirds of them turned out to vote in November.

That could represent some dissatisfaction among younger voters who were motivated by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders' primary challenge to the eventual Democratic nominee, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. (Rick Pearson)

What we're writing (Busy News Day edition)

*Two years into stalemate, Democrats counter Rauner with "Illinois comeback agenda."

*Emanuel mum on potential lobbying violations in his personal emails.

*Emanuel introduces ID plan for people living in the country illegally.

*Anti-violence programs would get millions of dollars under plan to spend interest earnings.

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*Emanuel, Tunney not ruling out street closures around Wrigley Field.

*Alderman urges Cubs not to create own cable network.

*Emanuel moves to loosen gun range restrictions.

*New street musicians plan would limit louder music downtown to certain hours.

*Couple plead guilty to lesser charges after trial fizzles for prosecutors.

*After party bus shootings, city considers stricter rules.

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What we're reading

*Chicago-area home construction reaches post-housing crash high.

*Apple's Chicago River flagship store taking shape.

*What's new at Guaranteed Rate Field, besides a new name?

Follow the money

*Track Illinois campaign contributions in real time here and here.

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Beyond Chicago

*Senate Intelligence Committee promises full investigation of Trump's possible Russian ties.

*Ivanka Trump to become official White House employee.

*Two former Christie aides get prison time for bridge scandal.

*Britain files for divorce from the European Union.
Chicago Treasurer Kurt Summers is continuing his flirtation with a run for the Democratic nomination for governor in 2018, sending an email to supporters explaining why he's weighing a bid and alerting them to an upcoming fundraiser.



In the Wednesday night email, titled "New Leadership in Illinois," Summers says he's been meeting with community leaders, union workers, business owners and others about a possible run and concluded that "Illinois needs someone who will fix our budget deficit, create jobs, improve education and fight for working people day-in and day-out."



Summers then gave a rundown of his biography, including the fact that he "attended Chicago Public Schools  the same system Governor Rauner is trying to bankrupt." At the end of the email, Summers writes in bold, "We're still one year out, and this is anyone's race to win," while asking his backers to "engage directly in this race."



The treasurer included a PS sentence with a link to an April 23 "Spring Day Party" fundraiser at a River North bar. Tickets run from $55 for limited "discount" tickets to $2,500 to chair the event.



If Summers were to run, he'd be the first African-American candidate to join the race. Chicago businessman Chris Kennedy, North Side Ald. Ameya Pawar, Evanston state Sen. Daniel Biss and Downstate school Superintendent Bob Daiber have announced runs for the Democratic nomination. Billionaire businessman J.B. Pritzker has set up an exploratory committee as he, too, weighs a bid for governor.



The six candidates addressed Cook County Democratic committeemen about the race Monday. The winner of the Democratic primary in March 2018 is expected to face Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, who is seeking a second term.



Summers has served as city treasurer since Mayor Rahm Emanuel appointed him to the position in October 2014, giving him a leg up on the February 2015 election for the office. Emanuel plucked Summers from a finance job at GCM Grosvenor, which is run by the mayor's top campaign contributor and confidant Michael Sacks.
A Mexican man who spent more than six weeks in immigration detention despite his participation in a program designed to prevent the deportation of those brought to the U.S. illegally as children was released from custody Wednesday pending deportation proceedings.

A smiling Daniel Ramirez Medina hugged his brother in the lobby of a detention center as he was freed, then hugged him again for the news cameras outside. He spoke to reporters briefly in Spanish, thanking his supporters, and later issued a written statement in English through his lawyers.

"I'm so happy to be reunited with my family today and can't wait to see my son," it said. "This has been a long and hard 46 days, but I'm so thankful for the support that I've gotten from everyone who helped me and for the opportunity to live in such an amazing country. I know that this isn't over, but I'm hopeful for the future, for me and for the hundreds of thousands of other Dreamers who love this country like I do."

Judge John Odell in Tacoma approved freeing the 24-year-old Ramirez on $15,000 bond until his next immigration court hearing.

Immigration agents arrested him last month in suburban Seattle, saying he acknowledged affiliating with gangs. Officials then revoked his protected status.

Ramirez adamantly denies any gang ties or making any such admission.

He spent 40 minutes answering questions from prosecutors during a two-hour hearing Tuesday, repeatedly denying any gang connections, his attorney, Mark Rosenbaum, said.

"He answered every question the government put to him," Rosenbaum said. "He stayed true, and the government had no evidence whatsoever."

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued a statement Wednesday confirming his release and noting that Ramirez's own attorneys had twice declined to have their client participate in bond hearings that could have resulted in his earlier release  something his lawyers said was designed to keep his case in federal court, rather than immigration court.

Immigration agents arrested Ramirez on Feb. 10 at an apartment complex where they had gone to arrest his father, a previously deported felon.

Ramirez, who came to the U.S. at 7, has no criminal record and twice passed background checks to participate in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which allows young people brought to the U.S. illegally as children to stay in the country and work.

Immigration officials have started deportation proceedings against him.

His legal team, which includes the Los Angeles based pro-bono firm Public Counsel as well as Harvard Law professor Laurence Tribe, have pressed claims in federal court that the arrest and detention violated Ramirez's constitutional rights. They sought to keep the case out of immigration court, saying U.S. District Court was better suited to handle those claims.

A federal magistrate judge in Seattle agreed to hear the constitutional claims, but declined to release him in the meantime. U.S. District Judge Ricardo Martinez upheld the decision not to release him last week, saying he instead should challenge his detention in immigration court.

Martinez nevertheless said "many questions remain regarding the appropriateness of the government's conduct" in arresting him.

Among those questions, his lawyers have said, is whether U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents misinterpreted a tattoo on his forearm when they described it as a "gang tattoo" in an arrest report. The lawyers say the tattoo, which says "La Paz BCS," pays homage to the city of La Paz in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur, where he was born.

Ramirez's case is one of several recent arrests that have left immigration activists fearing an erosion of protections under the DACA program instituted by President Barack Obama in 2012.

ICE agents in Portland, Oregon, on Sunday arrested Francisco J. Rodriguez Dominguez, a DACA participant who was brought to the U.S. from Morelia, in Mexico's Michoacan state, at age 5. Last December, he entered a diversion program following a drunken driving arrest and had attended all his court dates and required meetings, the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon said in a statement.

The agency said Monday that it targeted Rodriguez Dominguez because of the DUI and that he would be released on bond pending deportation proceedings.

About 750,000 immigrants have enrolled in the DACA program since it began.
Veronica Spencer holds a photo of her great-grandmother Henrietta Lacks, whose cancer cells helped revolutionize medicine and whose life is the subject of a best-selling book and upcoming Oprah Winfrey movie. (Washington Post photo by Katherine Frey)

BALTIMORE  The email from her sister said "Read Now!" so Veronica Spencer sat right down to open it.

Maybe it was about the soon-to-be released Oprah Winfrey/HBO movie about Spencer's great-grandmother Henrietta Lacks, the Baltimore cancer patient whose cells were collected by Johns Hopkins researchers without her knowledge. Or about Spencer's upcoming speech in Indiana, where she would talk to medical students about Henrietta's role in revolutionizing medicine.

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Instead, she learned that her close-knit and increasingly famous family was at war with itself.

The March 2 email contained a link to a college newspaper story about her grandfather and uncle. Lawrence Lacks - Henrietta's oldest child - and his son, Ron Lacks, had long been unhappy with the family's portrayal in the best-selling book "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" and the way some of their relatives continue to profit from it by giving speeches around the country.

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Now they were leveling a series of very public charges at the book's author and publisher, Winfrey, HBO executives,officials at Johns Hopkins Hospital, the National Institutes of Healthand other family members, accusing them variously of misrepresentation, exploitation and fraud.

The most explosive allegation was that some family members aren't family members at all. Her Pop-pop, whom Spencer worshiped from childhood, and her Uncle Ron, who used to give her pony rides on his back, were saying that Veronica and her sister were not really their kin and that they had the DNA tests to prove it.

Ron was quoted in the story saying: "They're not blood-related to Henrietta. ... They're not family."

Spencer, 30, read through tears. "It was like an uppercut to the stomach," she said. "I just fell to the floor."

Within minutes, the Lacks texts were flying: "Who's available for an emergency family meeting?"

'The head of the family'

How do long-standing family tensions get weaponized? At what should be the family's moment of triumph - the eve of a Hollywood portrayal of Henrietta - Lackses on both sides are trying to understand how their rift grew so ugly and public.

Lawrence Lacks, 82, and Ron Lacks, 58, the son and grandson of Henrietta Lacks, look at family photos at Rons home in Baltimore County. (Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post)

Last month, Lawrence and Ron Lacks - with the help of a Baltimore publicist willing to make incendiary charges - began a campaign to assert near-total control over the growing endeavors surrounding Henrietta Lacks. Henrietta died in 1951, but her tumor cells have been cultivated to this day. The "HeLa" cell line has been central to the development of vaccines, cloning, gene mapping and billions of dollars in medical breakthroughs.

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The story had been largely unknown until Rebecca Skloot, a science writer, and Henrietta's youngest daughter, Deborah Lacks, spent more than a decade prying the tale from hospital archives. Skloot's 2010 book was a commercial and critical smash, selling more than 2.5 million copies. A page-turning lesson in ethics, race and family fealty, the book is now assigned reading at hundreds of colleges and medical schools. Oprah secured the movie rights within months and will star as Deborah Lacks when the film airs on HBO April 22.

A cottage family industry has grown up around Henrietta, with multiple Lacks descendants giving speeches and starting foundations of their own. Five served as paid consultants to the movie. Spencer and her cousin, David Lacks Jr., were selected by other family members to serve on an NIH working group that reviews requests from researchers to use the HeLa cells.

None of that has sat well with Lawrence, 82, and Ron, 58, who participated in the endeavors early on but said they are now excluded.

In scores of emails and news releases sent by their publicist, Karen Campbell, they demanded that the Henrietta Lacks Foundation, established and largely funded by Skloot, be transferred to their control; that HBO and Winfrey's Harpo Films donate $10 million each to a new foundation started in Lawrence's name, and that a speakers' agency stop booking other family members for appearances without Lawrence's approval. They urged NIH to let Lawrence decide which Lacks family members would serve on the HeLa advisory group and to suspend all research funding to Johns Hopkins. They asked Penguin Random House for an advance to write their own book.

The claims are largely based on Lawrence's role as Henrietta's oldest child and the only living executor of her estate. "He's the head of the family," said Ron, although he has his father's power of attorney.

NIH responded that it wasn't getting involved in a family dispute. The corporations said no to the donations and the book advance. And lawyers for Skloot pointed to ample case law saying Lawrence and Ron had no authority over others' speaking about Henrietta at public forums.

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In an interview at Ron's Baltimore County home, Ron and Lawrence laughed a bit about the $10 million ask. "Kind of a stretch, huh?" Ron said. But both said the continued snubbing of Lawrence is heartbreaking.

"They don't even consult my dad," Ron said. "We want everybody to stop and regroup and let the head of the family decide how we're going to do things."

Lawrence nodded. "It used to be in this family," he said, "that people listened to their elders."

'What's fair about that?'

Lawrence Lacks is a gentle, genial octogenarian who drove Amtrak trains for 25 years. He still goes to the gym and mounted the front steps of his son's small brick house with a firm tread.

"Hey, Pop," Ron greeted him, a cellphone pressed to his ear. "C'mon in."

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As Ron bustled between the kitchen and the small bedroom where he cares full-time for his bedridden mother, Bobbette Lacks, Lawrence sat on the couch, hands on knees, ready to talk about Henrietta, who died when he was 17.

"She was a loving, freehearted woman," he said, remembering the family members Henrietta had helped and her deathbed directions. "She told me to keep the family together. I try. I'm the oldest, but I don't have no say in anything."

The book, Lawrence said, fails to capture his mother's grace, as does her growing fame as a medical phenomenon. More and more, she seems not like a wife and mother of five but "just a cell," he said. Skloot also made the Lackses seem poor and uneducated, he said, although he also acknowledges he hasn't read the book.

Ron brought up one of the examples repeated in news releases: that Henrietta is portrayed as being unable to sign her name. Skloot, however, cited two separate pages depicting Henrietta signing and writing her name.

A battered copy of the best-selling book sits on a table in Rons Lackss home. He and his father have long harbored grievances about the way Henrietta Lacks and their family are portrayed in the book. (Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post)

"She made us stereotypes," Ron maintained. "People think we're dirt poor."

He also resents all the money being made in Henrietta's name, from the multibillion-dollar medical research industry to Skloot's royalties to the speaker fees his cousins collect.

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"They're getting $5,000 a speech, and my mother is in there needing care?" Ron asked. "What's fair about that?"

Jeri Lacks Whye, one of Henrietta's granddaughters, said she found the book accurate and positive overall. She is at the center of a shifting list of seven or eight Lackses who have appeared at more than 100 colleges and medical schools since 2011. But when Ron used his one outing to air complaints about the book, he wasn't invited to join them again.

"We're trying to create something positive around my grandmother's legacy," Whye said.

Ron and Lawrence contend the others have "sold out" to Skloot, HBO and Oprah, signing agreements that restrict what they can say. Lawrence said he turned down HBO's offer of a $16,000 consultant fee and, later, the chance to see the film at a private screening because he was asked "to sign my rights away. I wouldn't be allowed to talk about my mother anymore."

An HBO representative said the consulting contract was an industry standard and that the screening nondisclosure form applied only to discussing the movie's content before its official release, not speaking publicly about Henrietta Lacks.

Len Amato, president of HBO Films, said those involved in the production tried to include Lawrence throughout the process. He remembered a pleasant meeting with him at a lunch Oprah threw for the family at Baltimore's Four Seasons last summer, the last time the extended clan was all together. But the tone of the relationship shifted, he and others said, with Karen Campbell's work publicizing Lawrence and Ron's grievances.

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"To be honest with you, we have no idea how much [she] is representing their point of view," Amato said. "Since that representative came into the picture, we've been barraged by an incredible amount of email that I don't think is helpful in getting anything productive done."

Skloot said she, too, has been inundated with communications from Campbell. And the charges and demands in the emails and news releases have grown more serious.

A March 20 news release accused Skloot of not sharing her book profits through the Henrietta Lacks Foundation, which Skloot started with a portion of her first royalty check.

But several members of the Lacks family said they have gotten direct benefits from the foundation, including college tuition, cataract surgery and other medical procedures. Ron acknowledged he had dental work paid for by the foundation, which in each of the past five years had donations below $50,000, the threshold for public disclosure.

Individual donations and the 56 grants of up to $10,000 each made to Lacks family members are confidential, Skloot said. She noted that she negotiated a significant HBO contribution this year as part of the movie deal. And she maintained she has been "extremely devoted to fulfilling my promise to Deborah that I would help the Lacks family after the book was published . . . and it's infuriating and hurtful that someone is suggesting otherwise."

The March 20 news release also described Spencer and her sister, Victoria Baptiste, as "imposters" and said they were "posing as Lacks family members to make money."

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Appalled, Spencer said she and other family members began questioning Campbell's role - and her financial motive - in driving a wedge through their family.

"Is my grandfather really saying all of these things?" Veronica wondered. "This entity came into our life claiming to speak for the entire Lacks family."

Asked to respond, Campbell issued a statement accusing The Washington Post of "writing a sensationalized story focusing on the backgrounds and personal lives of volunteers discouraging them from helping the Lacks family."

Ron said he met Campbell through a lawyer he contacted to help with their claims, including a possible lawsuit against Johns Hopkins. Campbell had an agreement with the lawyer for a percentage of any money they gained, he said, but the lawyer no longer represents them, and Campbell has continued to work at no charge.

Ron and his father said they are pleased with her efforts.

"She's the first one to get us any attention," he said. He looked over at his father with a smile. "We need somebody to push. My dad, he ain't got no fight in him."

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But asked specifically about the decision to release the DNA testing, which was done five years ago during a different dispute and was a closely held family secret, they hesitated. Lawrence said he didn't like the idea of the clan's "dirty laundry being out there."

Ron shook his head. "What other choice did we have?" he asked. "We asked them to stop doing these speeches, and they didn't."

The fallout isn't finished. While the DNA testing showed that Lawrence is not Spencer's grandfather, a second test suggested that another Lacks man might be, something family gossip had hinted at for years.

A geneticist who reviewed both test results this week at the family's request said additional testing would be needed to establish whether Spencer and her sister are Lacks descendants.

"It's really close either way," said Goncalo Abecasis, chair of the biostatistics department at the University of Michigan. "We'd need a little more data."

But no one needs more data to recognize the damage that's been done. "I let all this stuff get out of hand," Ron acknowledged this week. "I just hope my family can get back together."

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His father had already reached the same conclusion. "Those girls are family," Lawrence said. "I love them as much as I love all my grandchildren."

His goal, he said, had been to unite the family, not divide it.

Jennifer Jenkins contributed to this report.
INDIANAPOLIS  A legal loophole used by an Indiana convenience store chain to sell cold beer would be snapped shut under a proposal that was advanced Wednesday by an Indiana Senate committee.

The measure was passed on an 8-1 vote by the Senate Public Policy Committee. A House committee also took up a similar proposal that is expected to come up for a vote next week.

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Convenience stores in the state are able to sell warm beer or cold wine  but the sale of cold beer for carryout long has been reserved for Indiana's liquor stores, a right the industry's powerful lobbyists have fought to protect for years.

Indiana-based convenience store chain Ricker's bypassed that restriction by obtaining a license typically reserved for restaurants, after finding its in-store eateries offering burritos and other Mexican fare qualified it for the separate liquor license.

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That irritated Republican legislative leaders who found out about the store's cold beer sales last week. They say it goes against the spirit of the existing state law.

Some of the harshest criticism came from Sen. Ron Alting, the Republican chairman of the Senate policy committee, who verbally sparred with supporters of the store's cold beer sales during one of Wednesday's hearings.

"Just a few months ago we decide we would really like the ability to have cold beer for our patrons," said Jay Ricker, who is the head of the company. "I didn't expect the kind of blow back we got."

Ricker's acquired the permits allowing for cold beer sales for two of its 56 locations in February. A Columbus location opened and began serving alcohol under the new license March 1, while a Sheridan location began its cold beer sales last week.

Almost immediately the liquor lobby alerted lawmakers, Ricker said.

Patrick Tamm, CEO of Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers, says Ricker's "clearly is flouting the law."

"Do you want thousands of revamped permits selling both hard liquor and cold beer?" he told lawmakers. Others opposed to the store's cold beer sales raised the possibility that it could lead to a jump in minors getting their hands on cold beer if employees lack proper training to spot fake IDs.

Ricker and Scot Imus of the Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association say they see the move to sell cold beer as a way of evolving to meet consumer's needs and survive in changing times.

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Declining revenues from cigarettes and gasoline left Ricker looking for an additional source of income, he said.

But Ricker is frustrated by the Legislature's response.

"What really bothers me ... is I have permits already and have made tens of thousands of dollars in investments, in training," Ricker told lawmakers. "You want to take those licenses away from me? Our patrons are happy. "
President Donald Trump sits during a meeting in Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington on March 29, 2017. (Evan Vucci / AP)

President Donald Trump threatened Thursday to try to knock off members of the House Freedom Caucus in next year's elections if they don't fall in line - an extraordinary move that laid bare a civil war within a Republican Party struggling to enact an ambitious agenda.

In a morning tweet, the president warned that the powerful group of hard-line conservatives who blocked the health-care bill last week would "hurt the entire Republican agenda if they don't get on the team, & fast."

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The president vowed to "fight them" as well as Democrats in the 2018 midterm elections, a threat that his allies said was intended in the short term to make members of the Freedom Caucus think twice about crossing him again. But Trump's vow was met with defiance by many in the group, including some who accused him of succumbing to the establishment in Washington that he had campaigned against.

Later in the day, Trump singled out three of the group's members in another tweet, saying if they got on board, "we would have both great healthcare and massive tax cuts & reform."

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The Freedom Caucus will hurt the entire Republican agenda if they don't get on the team, & fast. We must fight them, & Dems, in 2018!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 30, 2017

Most of the roughly three dozen Freedom Caucus members were elected from very safe Republican districts, and many of them faced no primary opposition in their last election. To make good on his threat, Trump would have to recruit GOP candidates to make the case that the Republican incumbent they face was unhelpful to an unorthodox president.

Trump's frustrations with the Freedom Caucus reflect only part of his challenge in moving legislation, even in a Congress where both chambers are controlled by his own party. If Trump does too much to mollify members of the Freedom Caucus, he risks alienating a similar number of moderate Republicans in districts won or narrowly lost by last year's Democratic presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton.

And on many pieces of Trump's congressional agenda, he'll need the support of at least some Democrats, particularly in the Senate, an uncertain prospect given the toxic partisan environment on the Hill.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., told reporters a few hours after Trump's first tweet on Thursday that he sympathized with Trump.

"I understand the president's frustration," said Ryan, who has been unable to push the health-care bill through his own chamber. "About 90 percent of our conference is for this bill to repeal and replace Obamacare and about 10 percent are not. And that's not enough to pass a bill."

Freedom Caucus stood with u when others ran. Remember who your real friends are. We're trying to help u succeed.  Raul R. Labrador (@Raul_Labrador) March 30, 2017

Ryan said he had no immediate plans to bring the health-care bill back to the House floor, saying it was "too big of an issue to not get right."

Trump and his White House advisers have been frustrated by the intransigence of Freedom Caucus members, led by Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C.

In a series of White House meetings, Trump lobbied them intensively to support the GOP plan to replace President Barack Obama's signature domestic achievement, only to see the bill collapse last Friday after Meadows and some of his allies said they would not vote for it. The bill also faced strong opposition from more moderate Republicans who were concerned that it went too far in cutting Medicaid and leaving millions of people without insurance.

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"This has been brewing for a while," a White House official said of Trump's decision to target Freedom Caucus members and other GOP foes.

"Our view is: There's nothing as clarifying as the smell of Air Force One jet fuel. So if he needs to bring in the plane and do a rally, he's going to think about doing that," said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the official was not authorized to speak publicly.

The official added that Trump and White House aides are "sick and tired" of seeing Freedom Caucus members on television in recent days.

Trump's threat comes as Republican leaders are bracing for a month of potential GOP infighting over spending priorities. Congress must pass a spending bill by April 28 to avert a government shutdown, but the path ahead is narrow and filled with obstacles.

Beyond that, the same divide that derailed the health-care legislation could imperil the next marquee legislation that Trump wants to tackle: tax reform.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters Thursday that Trump remains committed to "a bold and robust agenda," adding: "He's going to get the votes from wherever he can."

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Since Friday's debacle, Trump and his aides have increasingly talked up the possibility of working with Democrats on a reboot of the health-care bill and other priorities - but that prospect has also divided Republicans on Capitol Hill.

In in a television interview that aired Thursday morning, Ryan said he does not want to see Trump have to work with Democrats on revamping the Affordable Care Act - a seven-year pledge by Republicans - only to draw flak from some members of his own party, including Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn.

"He's irritated," anti-tax advocate Grover Norquist said in explaining Trump's decision to lash out at Freedom Caucus members. "During the health-care discussions, the Freedom Caucus would say they'd support him if they got one thing, then they'd want another thing. If you're Trump, you wonder, 'Why are these people meeting with me if they're always going to be a 'no' vote?' There was room for give, and they wouldn't give."

If Trump gets involved in Republican primaries, Norquist said he thinks it's possible Trump could "get some scalps."

Though Trump's job approval numbers are sagging nationally, he remains popular in many of the districts from which the Freedom Caucus members were elected. However, most Freedom Caucus members won a larger percentage of the vote last year in their districts than Trump did.

On Capitol Hill, Trump's tweet was met with a range of reactions - with some members saying it could prove counterproductive and others praising him for using the power of his office in a way he hasn't to this point. Though Trump met with dozens of lawmakers in the days before the House health-care bill was pulled, he did little to single out wavering members, either on Twitter or by visiting their districts to make the case for the bill.

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Rep. Mark Sanford, R-S.C., who has called for health-insurance reform to work its way through Congress more slowly, said that with Trump's tweet on Thursday, the president was taking exactly the wrong approach to House Freedom Caucus members.

"The idea of threatening your way to legislative success may not be the wisest of strategies," Sanford said Thursday. "His message yesterday was that he wanted to work with Democrats; I guess the message today is 'we need to fight against Freedom Caucus members and Democrats.'. . . It's a case of shooting messengers who were, rightfully, pointing out problems in a bill that the American public has not shown a proclivity toward."

Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, another Freedom Caucus member, said the break with Trump on the health-care legislation was based on real policy differences, not a lack of loyalty.

"The president can say what he wants and that's fine. But we're focused on the legislation," Jordan told reporters.

Some of the harshest responses to Trump came via Twitter, his preferred means of provocative communication. Those included a tweet from Rep. Justin Amash, R-Mich., who said that Trump's support of the health-care bill signaled he was now part of the Washington establishment that he had campaigned against.

"It didn't take long for the swamp to drain @realDonaldTrump," said Amash, a member of the Freedom Caucus and one of Trump's frequent GOP critics. "No shame, Mr. President. Almost everyone succumbs to the D.C. Establishment."

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Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., who's not part of the Freedom Caucus, said he was among the lawmakers sympathetic to Trump.

"There's a fair number of us who are applauding him," said Cramer, adding that he saw the tweet as being true to Trump's blustery, aggressive nature. But Cramer, an early Trump campaign supporter, also acknowledged some Freedom Caucus members would only be emboldened by the tweet.

Rep. Chris Collins (R-N.Y.), however, said Trump's focus on the Freedom Caucus was well placed.

"He's obviously frustrated, as many of us are, and there's only one place where the finger-pointing should go, and that's to the Freedom Caucus," he said.

Collins, a member of the Tuesday Group, a group of moderate House Republicans, rejected the notion - put forth this week by members of both groups - that there could be an accommodation on the health-care bill forged between them.

"The Tuesday Group will never meet with the Freedom Caucus, with a capital N-E-V-E-R," Collins said, spelling out the last word.

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The only way the health-care bill could be rekindled, he added, would be if Freedom Caucus members became willing to accept a bill that was substantially the same as the one that failed Friday."Frankly, I don't see that happening," Collins said.

Some Republicans said they see potential for Trump forging a governing coalition that includes some Democrats, which would allow him to look past the Freedom Caucus.

"Trump is a New York-type bargainer who wants to get something done even if that means working with Democrats," said Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., a moderate Republican. "That approach will give him a lot of room to maneuver on taxes and infrastructure. Once you break the barrier that every bill has to have total Republican support, you can be more creative."

Michael Steel, who was a senior aide to former House speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, said there is potential in some districts for Trump to dislodge Freedom Caucus members if he puts his political organization behind the effort.

"If the president chooses to support primary challengers to House members who've been unhelpful, it wouldn't necessarily be an ideological challenge," Steel said. "It would be based on loyalty to the president, or lack thereof."

But Steel added: "You don't necessarily have to wait for 2018 for this to have an effect. Even the threat could work in the short term."

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There is precedent for Republican leaders taking aim at Freedom Caucus members. A spate of 2015 ads purchased by the American Action Network, a nonprofit issue advocacy group with ties to House GOP leaders, targeted Jordan and two other hard-liners for opposing a Department of Homeland Security funding bill.

Those ads infuriated members of the Freedom Caucus, then only months old, and spawned a confrontational relationship that culminated in Boehner's resignation six months later.

One open question is whether the National Republican Congressional Committee, the GOP's House campaign arm, would intervene on behalf on incumbents in the Freedom Caucus who are targeted by Trump.

Rep. Steve Stivers, R-Ohio, the NRCC's chairman, chuckled Thursday after a reporter read him Trump's tweet about the Freedom Caucus and asked him whether the NRCC might intervene.

"I want to be very clear: We have a policy of helping out incumbents that pay their dues," Stivers said, referring to the hundreds of thousands of dollars GOP lawmakers are expected to raise for the committee each election cycle. "As long as . . . they pay their dues, we're gonna be there for them. . . If I was them, I'd take a look and see how I'm doing on my dues."

The Washington Post's Philip Rucker, David Weigel, Sean Sullivan and Scott Clement contributed to this report.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FROM: THE WHITE HOUSE PRESS OFFICE

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President Donald Trump will be spending the weekend in the White House rather than at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida in order that he can receive in-depth, in-person intelligence briefings on such matters as North Korea's nuclear weapons development, Russian electronic hacking and wiretapping and a long-term comprehensive military strategy for defeating Islamic State.

The president is happy to report that investigations have revealed that there is no evidence that President Barack Obama had his phones tapped at Trump Tower last year. His earlier statements to that effect were clearly in error and he called Mr. Obama yesterday to apologize.

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At the same time, President Trump acknowledges that National Park Service photographs have confirmed that his inauguration crowd was far smaller than President Obama's. Furthermore, he concedes that there were not millions of fraudulent votes cast in last November's election.

Contrary to usual practice, the president is making this a working weekend. He will be meeting by videoconference with several world leaders to assure them that America will continue to safeguard the military security of our allies and that our country is once again open to mutually beneficial free trade agreements.

As for the budget, President Trump now recognizes that it was a mistake. He admits that arithmetic is not his strongest suit and that some of the numbers just didn't add up. Thus, there will be no extra military spending, infrastructure renewal will be scaled back significantly and full funding will be continued for the State Department, Department of Health and Human Services and the Environmental Protection Agency.

On Saturday afternoon, President Trump will call Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto to further discuss his border wall proposal. He now acknowledges that the proposed wall is far too expensive and would serve no useful purpose. He will also withdraw his demand that Mexico pay for the wall and express his regret to the Mexican president for suggesting the idea.

President Trump also will be rescinding his latest travel ban. He concedes that his changes to the proposed ban do not cure the constitutional defects pointed out by the courts for which, by the way, he has the greatest respect.

The president also will be issuing a public statement to the media expressing his sincere regret for calling many of them "failing," "lying" or "fake." As always, he is totally committed to the First Amendment and the essential function the press corps performs in protecting American democracy.

The president will on Saturday ask for Steve Bannon's resignation. He has come to realize that Mr. Bannon's plan to disrupt, dismantle and destroy the administrative state is counterproductive to the interests of the vast majority of citizens. Further, he was unaware of Mr. Bannon's self-appointment to the National Security Council and finds such an action unprecedented and dangerous.

Finally, given the seriousness of the Office of the President of the United States, President Trump will today officially cancel his Twitter account. At the same time, he wishes to say to all Americans: "APRIL FOOL!"

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David Martin lives in Ottawa, Ontario. He is the author of "King Donald I" and "Screams & Whispers," both humor collections.
epa05877946 (L to R); Democratic Senator from Connecticut Richard Blumenthal, Democratic Senator from Rhode Island Sheldon Whitehouse and Senate Minority Leader Democrat Chuck Schumer hold a news conference regarding Donald J. Trump's nominee to be an associate justice on the Supreme Court, Neil Gorsuch, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, USA, 29 March 2017. Senate Democrats have voiced opposition to Gorsuch and so-called 'dark money' supporting his nomination. (MICHAEL REYNOLDS / EPA)

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's suggestion that Democrats will filibuster Judge Neil Gorsuch's nomination to the Supreme Court might make sense as payback for the Republicans' block on Judge Merrick Garland  if the Democrats thought they could lockout any nominee of President Donald Trump until 2020. If not, however, this seems like a bad moment to bring out the filibuster and subject it to the risk that the Republicans will use the so-called nuclear option to eliminate it for this and future Supreme Court fights.

Using the filibuster when Republicans say they will kill it is a high-risk, high-reward strategy. It would be wise to save it for a Supreme Court nominee who was truly terrible, rather than using it on a well-qualified nominee.

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Schumer is under pressure from his party's liberal base to block Gorsuch, and it's difficult to know exactly what he's is thinking. There are two leading possibilities, each worth considering in turn.

Scenario No. 1

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One is that Schumer may believe the filibuster actually has a chance to work, in the sense that the Republicans won't have the 51 votes to kill it. There are whisperings that several Republicans don't want to deploy the nuclear option. Perhaps the disarray among House Republicans over the American Health Care Act is also inspiring Democrats to try to undercut Republican unity.

Yet blocking Gorsuch would be very unlikely to persuade Trump to retract Gorsuch's nomination and name a more moderate judge. It's not in Trump's personality or interest to back down.

That would mean the Democrats' goal would have to be to block Gorsuch indefinitely, the way Garland was blocked, but for three or four times as long, until the next presidential election at least.

And it doesn't seem terribly likely that Republican senators would be prepared to hold onto the filibuster for 31/2 years if it meant keeping Antonin Scalia's seat empty. That's mostly because those Republicans would in effect be associated with the Democrats  they could be depicted as refusing to confirm Gorsuch.

And here's where Gorsuch's plausibility as a justice becomes relevant. He's not a candidate who can be depicted as dangerously out of the mainstream or as unqualified. He's a solid conservative who (in my estimation) will probably start out somewhere between Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito on the political spectrum. He could potentially move in Roberts' direction in light of his temperament and doctrinal approach, which seem closer to Roberts' than to anyone else on the court.

Republicans won't want to be seen as blocking Gorsuch. So when Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell comes to tell them to get on board and go nuclear, they'll have to do it  eventually.

Scenario No. 2

Schumer knows all this, which leads to the second theory that would explain his approach: He expects the filibuster to be killed by the nuclear option, and is happy to see that happen now. This might be because he thinks the Democratic base and donors want to see Senate Democrats use every tool at their disposal. Or it might be because he thinks a standoff is particularly useful now, when the Republicans look weak.

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If it's certain that the filibuster will be killed, now or in the future, then it's just a matter of political timing. But it's not so clear that the filibuster's death is inevitable  or that the timing is right.

Imagine if Trump had nominated a truly terrible and terrifying candidate. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., hinted that he feared as much during the confirmation hearings when he said he'd worried that Trump would nominate someone "from TV." (I think Graham meant Judge Andrew Napolitano, the Fox News contributor who's for the moment off the air after suggesting that British intelligence spied on Trump for the Obama administration.)

With a frankly bad nominee, the filibuster might work. If Republicans thought the candidate was bad, Trump might be forced to replace the nominee. That sort of thing can happen: George W. Bush replaced his nomination of Harriet Miers with Alito after criticisms that came in significant part from Republicans who thought she was unqualified and potentially not conservative enough.

If the Republicans kill the filibuster now, it will be harder to block a really scary nominee in the future. And even the fear of that possibility might make Trump choose a plausible nominee the next time, assuming there is a next time.

Common sense

Like everyone else, I wish Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg (who just turned 84, happy birthday!), Anthony Kennedy (80) and Stephen Breyer (78) long and professionally productive lives. But there's an actuarial chance that Trump will get to nominate another justice.

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If the filibuster is eliminated altogether, I won't mourn it. The practice is undemocratic, and has a nasty history of being used to block civil-rights legislation. But so long as it exists, the filibuster is part of the Senate minority's toolkit, and it should be treated a tool of some value.

Neil Gorsuch is no progressive. But liberals could do worse  much worse. And it's the Senate Democrats' job to do what they can to reduce the risk of an unqualified, radical Trump nominee in the future.

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Noah Feldman is a professor of constitutional and international law at Harvard University and was a clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter. His books include "Cool War: The Future of Global Competition" and "Divided by God: America's Church-State Problem  and What We Should Do About It."
These 1917 rookies march in Grant Park with the Art Institute in the background. At hastily erected recruiting stations, civilians began their transformation into fighting men during World War I. (Chicago Tribune / Chicago Tribune)

Nearly three years after the start of what was then called "The Great War," the United States entered World War I with a congressional declaration of war against Germany on April 6, 1917. Until then, President Woodrow Wilson had maintained a policy of non-intervention, and a strong antiwar sentiment had swept the U.S. as casualties mounted on the battlefields across Europe and beyond. But the growing threat of a powerful German navy and its fleet of submarines attacking American shipping, plus evidence that Germany was trying to draw Mexico to its side, persuaded Wilson to join forces with Great Britain and France.

By 1917, entering the war was presented in a Tribune editorial as a pragmatic decision: "The war we enter is one of the highest practicality to the American republic," the newspaper opined on April 8. "We enter on the side which we think will contribute most to the security of the United States. We shall be stronger and more reliant when we come out." In an editorial on April 6 headlined "The Paramount Need," the Tribune made its case for a compulsory military draft. "The volunteer system with its demoralization of business and industry, its injustice to individuals, its inefficiency in military consequences, the system of confusion, waste, and politics, must go forever. If we are to fight this war, if we are to be secure from violent reprisal after it, or from aggression in future years, we must establish the system of 'universal service.' ... Let congress now put an end to a century of wrongheadedness and pass at once a measure creating an army of obligatory citizen service." Congress passed the Selective Service Act six weeks later.

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But if war was presented as a practical matter in 1917, it had been described as something far more profound in 1914. Just over a month after the assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand and a day after Germany declared war against Russia, Tribune editorial writer Clifford Raymond penned "The Twilight of the Kings," which was published on Aug. 2, 1914, and would go on to become one of the Tribune's most memorable editorials.

The Twilight of the Kings

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Before establishing hell on Earth the pietistic kings commend their subjects to God. Seek the Lord's sanction for the devil's work.

"And now I commend you to God," said the kaiser from his balcony to the people in the street. "Go to church and kneel before God and pray for His help for our gallant army."

Pray that a farmer dragged from a Saxon field shall be speedier with a bayonet thrust than a winemaker taken from his vines in the Aube; that a Berlin lawyer shall be steadier with a rifle than a Moscow merchant; that a machine gun manned by Heidelburg students shall not jam and that one worked by Paris carpenters shall.

Pray that a Bavarian hop grower, armed in a quarrel in which he has no heat, shall outmarch a wheat grower from Poltava; that Cossacks from the Don shall be lured into barbed wire entanglements and caught by masked guns; that an innkeeper of Salzburg shall blow the head off a baker from the Loire.

"Go to church and pray for help"  that the hell shall be hotter in innocent Ardennes than it is in equally innocent Hessen; that it shall be hotter in innocent Kovno than in equally innocent Posen.

And the pietistic czar commends his subjects to God that they may have strength of arm in a quarrel they do not understand; that they may inflict more sufferings than they are required to endure and the name of Romanoff be greater than the name of Hohenzollern; that it may be greater than the name of Hapsburg, that its territories shall be wider and the territories of Hohenzollern and the territories of Hapsburg less.

The pietistic emperor of Austria commends his subjects to God, to seek divine assistance to crush the peasants of Serbia, dragged from the wheat field when it was ready for the scythe and given to the scythe themselves.

This is, we think, the last call of monarchy upon Divinity when Asmodeus walks in armor. The kings worship Baal and call it God, but out of the sacrifice will come, we think, a resolution firmly taken to have no more wheat growers and growers of corn, makers of wine, miners and fishers, artisans and traders, sailors and storekeepers offered up with prayer to the Almighty in a feudal slaughter, armed against each other without hate and without cause they know, or, if they knew, would not give a penny which way it was determined.

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This is the twilight of the kings. Western Europe of the people may be caught in this debacle, but never again. Eastern Europe of the kings will be remade and the name of God shall not give grace to a hundred square miles of broken bodies.

If Divinity enters here it comes with a sword to deliver the people from the sword.

It is the twilight of the kings. The republic marches east in Europe.
Microsoft Revamps Skype for Business

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By Alicia Young

Web Editor By Alicia YoungWeb Editor

Every day, thousands of people across a variety of industries use Skype (News - Alert) for Business to communicate with coworkers and clients. In fact, Microsoft has stated that Skype for Business in Office 365 has been used to conduct one billion meetings per year. These numbers alone are enough to indicate that Skype for Business is one of the more popular conferencing solutions available. And, in an attempt to boost that popularity and compete with rising competition, Microsoft has announced several enhancements to the system.





At the Enterprise Connect (News - Alert) conference in Orlando on Monday, Microsoft announced two new calling features to Skype for Business Cloud PBX. The Auto Attendant feature gives users automated answering and call routing capabilities, and the new Call Queues feature routes calls to the next available live attendant in the order theyre received.

Microsoft (News - Alert) also spoke about some features that are specific to certain companies and systems. For instance, Skype for Business in Office 365 is getting several upgrades of its own, and, according to the International Business Times, The American technology company headquartered in Redmond, Washington also unveiled a preview of a new Skype for Business Call Analytics dashboard, which allows better visibility into call issue. In addition, Creston, Logitech (News - Alert) and Polycom are all getting new Skype Rooms System solutions.

Although these new features would be helpful for anyone, theyre especially useful in contact centers where there are high volumes of inbound calls. According to Microsoft, that was the inspiration for these upgrades, and the company hopes the enhancements will drive Skype for Business popularity. This move is far from random, though. With Google (News - Alert) looking to reposition its Hangouts service and Amazon launching Chime, Microsoft wants to make sure its services usage does not decline.

Google and Amazon could potentially turn out to be fierce competition for Microsoft in the conferencing arena. Conferencing is quickly becoming an important part of the average workday, and all three brands are universally trusted. If luck is on Microsofts side, the new upgrades for Skype for Business will entice more call centers to turn to Microsoft, rather than the competition.

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Edited by Stefania Viscusi
A rendering of the proposed Chicago Blues Experience at 25 E. Washington St. The interactive museum is scheduled to open in 2019. (Bruce Van Inwegen)

The guidebooks still recommend that travelers to Chicago "experience the legendary blues scene" in the "world capital of the blues."

It's a nice sentiment, Fodor and Frommer, but the reality is that, aside from a handful of spots filled with more tourists than locals, Chicago's blues scene has withered in recent years. It's harder than ever to find those little clubs that once nurtured such greats as Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon, legends who migrated north from the Mississippi Delta and created the distinctive Chicago blues style.

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While other cities  Memphis, New Orleans, St. Louis  have grabbed hold of their own connections to the blues and made them a thriving part of their local tourism industries (St. Louis opened the National Blues Museum nearly a year ago), Chicago has done little to celebrate its own musical legacy beyond the annual Chicago Blues Festival.

A private organization called the Chicago Blues Experience seeks to change that. Sona Wang, the group's co-founder, announced Monday it had leased space at 25 E. Washington St. for a new museum dedicated to telling the city's blues story. The 50,000-square-foot facility will include interactive displays and a small performance lounge and restaurant.

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If this riff sounds familiar, you have a good ear. In September 2015, we cheered plans by the same group to open a similar museum on Navy Pier. That lease was never signed, though, and the effort unraveled after Navy Pier decided to add a hotel in the space. Before that, the group had hoped to secure a lease in the Block 37 development in the Loop, but that too fell apart.

Disappointment, displacement, determination. If Wang and her investment partners are true blues fans, they'll write a song about this. And if all, finally, goes as planned, their house band can perform it when the museum opens in 2019.

We hope it happens. It's a private endeavor  Wang says the group has raised $25 million of its projected $30 million budget  so taxpayers aren't being asked to support the project or to give up precious lakefront property. Yet the city can still benefit.

Mark Kelly, the city's commissioner of cultural affairs and special events, said the museum marks the start of his vision to promote Chicago blues throughout the city. "The black music tradition of Chicago has shaped world music," he told Crain's Chicago Business, "yet we haven't honored it, we haven't celebrated it, we haven't focused on it."

We'd like to see the city get more involved through the Blues Experience's planned nonprofit arm, a foundation that will create neighborhood and classroom opportunities to teach Chicagoans about the city's musical heritage.

Advising the overall project are Terry Stewart, former president of Cleveland's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum, and Bob Santelli, executive director of the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, whose experience brings new ideas for community-based cultural programs in Chicago.

The blues, of course, isn't all about disappointment. And even if the old blues clubs are fading away, the music lives on, its influence felt in nearly every form of modern pop music. Chicago's crucial role in that history deserves to be celebrated.

To quote the great Willie Dixon, if the city expands upon the spirit of the Blues Experience, Chicago's "gonna bring it on home."
Can President Donald Trump make America safer by taking money away from local police departments? Short answer: No. But Trump's attorney general, Jeff Sessions, doubled down on that threat/promise this week, saying the administration soon would take steps to withhold federal law enforcement grants from so-called sanctuary communities, including Chicago and Cook County.

Those jurisdictions  more than 300 nationwide  offer a safe haven of sorts for immigrants who are in the country without permission. Local authorities don't ask them to prove they're here legally. Immigration enforcement is left to the federal government. The idea is to let otherwise law-abiding immigrants lead their lives without fear of deportation.

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That approach is at odds with Trump's crackdown on criminal immigrants, the "bad hombres" whose numbers he has sometimes suggested are in the millions. So the sanctuaries are on notice: Abandon those policies or lose federal funding.

Can the president punish sanctuary cities by withdrawing funding? A federal lawsuit filed by San Francisco  joined by dozens of other jurisdictions, including Chicago  argues that it would be unconstitutional. That raises interesting points explored in a companion editorial.

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Much of the money is subject to congressional appropriation, anyway, so it can't be revoked without lawmakers' approval. The Community Oriented Policing Services program, for example, is distributed under a formula set by Congress. Chicago got $7.3 million in COPS money this year.

In all, Chicago received about $24.5 million from the U.S. Department of Justice for 2017, according to the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability. The money helps pay for training for officers, police body cams and domestic violence programs, among other things.

Sessions would have us believe that Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle and leaders of hundreds of local governments would risk losing millions of dollars to protect murderers and rapists. "Such policies cannot continue," Sessions said. "They make our nation less safe by putting dangerous criminals back on the street."

But sanctuary policies are not meant to protect criminals. They are meant to protect the rest of us.

Though local policies differ, sanctuaries typically bar police and other officials from inquiring about immigration status in their encounters with the public. Immigrants are free to interact openly with local government, without worrying that they'll be reported to the feds when they apply for a library card, sign their kids up for summer camp or pay a water bill. To underscore that intent, many sanctuaries are rebranding themselves as "welcoming cities."

Criminal suspects are not shielded from prosecution. Their fingerprints and other information are shared with the FBI, but it's up to federal immigration agents to flag those here illegally and get a warrant to pursue deportation when appropriate. Local authorities won't hand them over or hold them beyond their normal release date without one.

Turning local police into de facto immigration officers undermines public safety. Crime victims think twice about dialing 911 if it would put someone in their household at risk of being expelled from the country. Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx said this week that Trump's crackdown has created a "chilling effect" that makes it harder to prosecute those who are arrested. "In this climate we have people who have been victimized who are afraid to come to court because they are afraid they are going to be deported," she said.

Fear of attracting attention is one reason immigrants, legal and otherwise, commit fewer crimes than the population at large. A recent study by the Center for American Progress, a left-leaning Washington think tank, compared crime rates and other stats in counties with sanctuary policies to those in counties without. On average, the sanctuary counties recorded 35.5 fewer crimes per 10,000 people.

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Poverty and unemployment also were lower in sanctuary counties, likely because immigrants not looking over their shoulders feel free to work and spend money. Or they did. Now, they're rattled.

Though he assures immigrants that "you are safe in Chicago," Emanuel can't prevent federal agents from conducting workplace raids, can't stop them from making arrests at private residences. The sanctuary is less secure. That's not good for anyone. Taking away money won't make it better.

There are 11 million immigrants living in the U.S. without permission. Most of them are leading peaceful and productive lives. Resolving their legal status is a critical part of the long-stalled overhaul of our dysfunctional immigration system. We wish Trump and Congress would turn their attention to that job.

In the meantime, lay off the sanctuaries. Their purpose is not to harbor criminals. But that's exactly what will happen if immigrants don't trust local police to protect them.
Residents help Iraqi civil defense force members recover bodies from the rubble of a home believed to be destroyed by an airstrike in Mosul, Iraq, on March 24, 2017. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

A frantic search for any signs of life amid a broken building flattened by an airstrike. Stacks of bodies in bags. Rescuers crouched in the rubble, faces dust-caked and dazed.

It sounds like Aleppo, the Syrian city half-obliterated by airstrikes from Russian and Syrian fighter jets. Bombs rained down day after day  legions of innocent men, women and children were killed or maimed. But this venue is different. It's Mosul, the northern Iraqi city still clung to by Islamic State. The dead are Iraqi civilians, and their relatives and neighbors are blaming America for destruction in the Jadidah neighborhood that killed more than 100.

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The Pentagon is investigating whether a March 17 airstrike is responsible for the deaths. Iraqi officials have suggested Islamic State militants booby-trapped the building. But on Tuesday, Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, the general heading up the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, said American-led forces likely were responsible: "If we did it, and I would say there's at least a fair chance that we did, it was an unintentional accident of war." It is also possible, Townsend added, that the airstrike set off explosives placed in or around the building by militants.

U.S. air power will continue to help local ground forces retake sections of Iraq and Syria held by Islamic State. Bombing erodes the group's footprint, while staving off the need for American troops to get involved in direct combat. But use of that air power has to be deftly calibrated  with sound, reliable intelligence to back up targeting and a rock-solid sense for where pockets of civilians are located.

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In Aleppo, the world saw what indiscriminate bombing does. Hundreds of civilians were killed in Russian and Syrian government strikes. As a result, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Bashar Assad aren't seen as liberators. To the survivors of Aleppo  and much of the rest of the world  they're brutish thugs.

The Trump administration needs a war plan that defeats Islamic State but minimizes the toll on civilians. While U.S. generals say the rules of engagement in Syria and Iraq haven't changed under the Trump administration, an Iraqi special forces intelligence officer told The New York Times after the March 17 U.S. airstrike in Mosul that Iraqi requests for U.S. airstrikes are getting fulfilled much faster than they had before. "There used to be a delay," said Gen. Ali Jamil, "or no response sometimes, on the excuse of checking the location or looking for civilians."

Islamic State's presence in Iraq has now been largely atomized into the western half of Mosul. It took 3 1/2 months for Iraqi troops, backed by U.S. special operations forces, to capture the city's eastern half. The presence of so many civilians led Iraqi forces to take a more measured, methodical approach, relying less on air power and artillery to safeguard as many civilians as possible. It took longer, but much of that part of the city has remained intact, and Iraqis there are getting back to their everyday lives.

That approach in the east should serve as a template for President Donald Trump and Iraqi leader Haider al-Abadi in now dealing with the city's western half. Mosul has a large population of Sunni Muslims, and a scenario in which Sunnis bore the brunt of the civilian toll would make it hard for Baghdad's Shiite-led government to govern postwar Mosul, and give Islamic State more propaganda to lure recruits.

How to safeguard civilians in Mosul is one of many hurdles Trump faces in forging a strategy to defeat Islamic State. What is that strategy? He has yet to say.

Specifically, what's his plan for ousting Islamic State from its de facto capital in Syria, Raqqa? The best way to do that is to supply armored vehicles, rocket launchers and machine guns to the Syrian Kurds, fighters with a good track record for retaking territory in Syria. The brick wall in that plan is Turkey, which regards the Kurdish fighters as terrorists and adamantly opposes arming them. Can Trump broker a deal with Ankara that appeases Turkey and keeps the Kurds involved in the Raqqa offensive?

Even after Islamic State is defeated on the battlefield, the U.S. and its allies must ensure that places the group once held stay free. That means securing those areas and governing them in a way that doesn't make people susceptible to another round of radicalization. In Iraq's Sunni-dominant areas once held by Islamic State, that means ensuring a role in governance for Sunnis who until now have been marginalized by Baghdad's Shiite leaders. And even with defeat in Syria and Iraq, Islamic State will remain a potent enemy through its online capability to inspire lone wolf attacks. What's the administration's plan for undermining Islamic State's cyberpropaganda?

Trump's overall strategy has to reach well beyond exhortations to "demolish and destroy." If the bombing in Mosul's Jadidah neighborhood is what it appears to be, that strategy should include tighter controls to protect civilian lives.
A 30-pound wild turkey is impaled in a car windshield after being struck by the car on U.S. Route 20 in Indiana, about 70 miles from Chicago, on March 28, 2017. (Captain Michael Kellems)

It's possible that WLS-Ch. 7 hit a new low in local TV journalism Tuesday night. I can't say for sure, since I've only been in town for 37 years and most nights I catch just one out of the five late local news broadcasts, but I can't recall seeing a more cringeworthy, infuriating moment.

The station began its 10 p.m. newscast with a breathless, "exclusive," 2-minute 15-second report about a car colliding with a wild turkey in flight.

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No one in the car was seriously hurt.

The incident happened about 70 miles from Chicago in rural Indiana.

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The people in the car were from New Jersey.

"Hitting a deer can be extremely dangerous for drivers," said co-anchor Cheryl Burton following the opening theme music, "but tonight, a graphic warning about what else can happen this time of year."

It seems four members of the Tarabocchia family were headed west on U.S. Route 20 on Tuesday morning on their way from South Bend to O'Hare International Airport when a 30-pound male turkey struck and partially penetrated the windshield of their rented GMC Yukon. The driver, John Tarabocchia, pulled safely to the side of the road.

The Tarabocchias were shaken, naturally, and suffered minor scrapes from flying glass. But they were able to swap out rental vehicles and make their flight home. The end.

Sure it's a story. A goofy, bizarre yarn enhanced by photos of a large bird embedded in the center of a windshield. An excellent opportunity for fowl puns and Thanksgiving jokes. Numerous media outlets took note of the incident, including the South Bend Tribune and Indianapolis Star, both of which put reports on Page 2, and papers from as far away as Australia and Japan.

But it's a trifle, not a cautionary tale or news-you-can-use in any sense. Turkey-car collisions "can happen," obviously, and in fact a wild turkey struck the windshield of an Indiana State Police cruiser Wednesday night in the far southern portion of the state, again without passenger injury. Yet birds, like bugs, come seemingly out of nowhere, "in microseconds," as reporter Rob Elgas from the Chicago ABC affiliate station said. And the particulars of Tuesday's crash were so unusual that the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office public information officer, Mike Kellems, who was on the scene, told me he'd never seen anything like it in his 31 years on the job.

Should TV make note of such curious events? Show the pictures? Yes. But not as the most important or most interesting story of the day. Not for more than two minutes, not in granular detail (a family member not in the car will attend the University of Notre Dame in the fall, we learned) and not to sow panic among motorists.

Even though I'm constantly on my various electronic devices like nearly everybody else, I still DVR the late local news in order to get a late-breaking digest of important events from a Chicago perspective. I expect and tolerate a viewer-tested focus on mayhem, prurience and ordinary variations in the weather, most of which I fast-forward over.

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But I don't expect the wholesale abandonment of relevance. Not at the very top of the newscast where the most compelling story of the hour or something else particularly urgent belongs.

"We believe the concern for public safety expressed by the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office and the interview with the family involved in the incident made this an interesting and newsworthy story," said a statement from station spokeswoman Jayme Nicholas in response to my request for an explanation of why the story got such prominent play. "It was a very close call on the highway that could have ended much differently."

No, it was a bird hitting a car in a minor accident in Indiana. We are not living in an Alfred Hitchcock movie. And to lead with it was appalling on a day when the local police union leader met with President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., to discuss our violence problem, when Trump began a major rollback of environmental protections, when the war of words between Gov. Bruce Rauner and Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan escalated in a tiff over the proposed sale of the Thompson Center and when police were investigating the shooting of a DePaul University student late Monday during a robbery attempt near the North Side campus, to name just a few stories with more potential impact on viewers' lives.

And yes, I know, my high horse will suffer a fate as gruesome as the turkey's if I keep riding it so hard. My brothers and sisters in TV news face an escalating challenge to balance freshness with relevance while also providing unique content to an increasingly distracted audience. I'm in print. I can more than relate.

Maybe the most viewers really are to be found down there at the bottom of the news barrel with the lurid, the meaningless and the grotesque. If so, count me out.

Viewing habits of 37 years are hard to break, but this turkey of a turkey-news decision has inspired me to try.

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ericzorn@gmail.com

Twitter @Eric Zorn

Nemesis: Rex Huppke
Page Content

The CIVEX commission will hold its 13th meeting on 6 April 2017, in Brussels. The CIVEX members will discuss and adopt the opinions on:

Next steps for a sustainable European future - European action for sustainability, rapporteur Franco Iacop (PES/IT).

Migration on the Central Mediterranean Route, rapporteur Hans Janssen (EPP/NL)



The meeting will provide the opportunity to the CIVEX members to have an exchange of views on Future of Europe, Erasmus for local and Regional Representatives and the 2017 EU Citizenship Report.




2022 election guide: Here are Pueblo County's top races, ballot issues

Here's what you need to know about the local candidates and ballot questions in the 2022 election, as well as how to vote in Pueblo, Colorado.
The deadline to sign up for this free community event that is open to all is Nov. 16.

Kennebunk Post

"We need to invest in our kids," said resident Brenda Robinson. "That's how we keep graffiti out of Waterhouse Center and mischief out of the downtown on Saturday night."
By Alexander Chipman Koty

Recently, several media sources reported that Liaoning province had been fabricating its economic data from 2011 to 2014. As reported by the state-run Peoples Daily newspaper, city- and county-level governments altered economic data, including exaggerating their fiscal revenues by at least 20 percent. Previously, the official news agency Xinhua reported that one county in Liaoning had overstated its fiscal revenues by an enormous 127 percent in 2013, among other incidents.

The case of Liaoning gives legitimacy to longstanding suspicions of data manipulation and methodological inadequacies distorting Chinas real economic performance. Making sense of Chinas economic data thus poses challenges for foreign investors, who invariably need accurate statistics to make informed business decisions.

Data manipulation

Sceptics of Chinas national growth figures point to the speed and uniformity of data. China releases its economic data faster than almost any other country despite being the most populous in the world. Quarterly GDP figures are released just 12 days after the end of the quarter, and are usually leaked even earlier. In contrast, the US takes four weeks to release its data.

Quarterly GDP growth figures are strikingly consistent with previously announced growth targets. For example, in 2016 the government targeted 6.5-7 percent growth, and quarterly growth was remarkably consistent. The government reported 6.7 percent growth in each of the first three quarters, and 6.8 percent in the last.

In comparison, Indias 2016 GDP growth, while potent, had far more fluctuations. It grew by 7.9 percent in Q1, 7.1 percent in Q2, 7.4 percent in Q3, and seven percent in Q4.

Ultimately, questions over the veracity of Chinas economic data persist due to the lack of transparency in the collection process. The speed with which statistics are released would not cause such suspicion if there were greater openness about how the data is collected and the different components that form the final numbers.

The methodology China uses to calculate its economic data is opaque, and some even accuse the government of abruptly changing methods without announcement to distort figures and hide declines. Further, Chinas statistics laws bar on-the-ground surveys unless permission is expressly granted by the government, thereby limiting the ability of third parties to measure economic activity.

Gauging Chinas economic indicators

Given the perceived inadequacy of Chinese statistics  whether due to fears of manipulation or simply substandard quality several banks and economists have formulated alternatives to official measures.

One popular method is the Li Keqiang Index. The Li Keqiang Index measures bank lending levels, rail freight volumes, and electricity production as proxies for growth. Other methods use indicators such as truck loadings, cement, steel, and natural gas consumption, and imports from commodity-rich countries like Australia and Canada.

When using measures such as these, Chinas growth in recent years can look even less rosy than its multi-year decline would suggest. For example, an informed observer should question whether high growth rates are accurate when a local economys electricity consumption is stagnating or growing at low amounts; significant growth rates are often associated with increases of electrical consumption by new factories.

It can, however, be difficult to identify these discrepancies in official statistics. Officials are aware that these statistics are monitored, and this consequently creates some incentive to massage data.

Further, using energy consumption and trade statistics as proxies to gauge real economic performance has its limits. The indicators Li Keqiang used a decade ago were for a far different economy than todays, where services now account for the majority of economic activity, and domestic consumption and retail activity are rapidly expanding.

Originally designed to assess state-led heavy industry and industrial output, Chinas statistics collection apparatus struggles to take into account the harder to measure services sector. According to Chi Lo of BNP Paribas, booming new sectors, including online shopping and journey-booking, are not even included in traditional official retail sales data.

The government has made efforts in recent years to reform the central statistics bureau and better measure the services sector by reducing reliance on provincial data sources and establishing direct reporting systems with over 800,000 enterprises.

The move towards quality indicators

As China transitions into a developed economy, the government is increasingly using quality indicators to judge economic performance. Statistics that describe quality of life, such as unemployment ratios, income growth, and housing affordability, are becoming more important gauges of performance than simple GDP growth.

Emphasizing a wider range indicators such as these not only promotes a more nuanced view of Chinas economy, but also reduces incentives for bureaucrats to inflate growth figures. While political pressure for robust GDP growth persists, the shift to prioritizing quality economic indicators over expansion and output figures will lead to more detailed, accurate, and actionable economic data in the long run.



About Us Asia Briefing Ltd. is a subsidiary of Dezan Shira & Associates. Dezan Shira is a specialist foreign direct investment practice, providing corporate establishment, business advisory, tax advisory and compliance, accounting, payroll, due diligence and financial review services to multinationals investing in China, Hong Kong, India, Vietnam, Singapore and the rest of ASEAN. For further information, please email china@dezshira.com or visit www.dezshira.com. Stay up to date with the latest business and investment trends in Asia by subscribing to our complimentary update service featuring news, commentary and regulatory insight.

Dezan Shira & Associates Brochure

Dezan Shira & Associates is a pan-Asia, multi-disciplinary professional services firm, providing legal, tax and operational advisory to international corporate investors. Operational throughout China, ASEAN and India, our mission is to guide foreign companies through Asias complex regulatory environment and assist them with all aspects of establishing, maintaining and growing their business operations in the region. This brochure provides an overview of the services and expertise Dezan Shira & Associates can provide.

An Introduction to Doing Business in China 2017

Doing Business in China 2017 is designed to introduce the fundamentals of investing in China. Compiled by the professionals at Dezan Shira & Associates in January 2017, this comprehensive guide is ideal not only for businesses looking to enter the Chinese market, but also for companies who already have a presence here and want to keep up-to-date with the most recent and relevant policy changes.

New Considerations when Establishing a China WFOE in 2017

In this edition of China Briefing, we guide readers through a range of topics, from the reasons behind foreign investors preference for the WFOE as an investment model, to managing Chinas new regulations. We discuss how economic transformations have favored the WFOE, as well as the investment models utility, and detail key requirements that businesspeople need to examine before initiating the WFOE setup process. We then walk investors through the WFOE establishment process, and, finally, explain the new and idiosyncratic Actual Controlling Person regulation.
Australian vitamin supplement company Blooms has closed a deal with Goubuli Group, that will see the Chinese company invest 60 million Australian dollars (45 million U.S dollars), in order to enhance their synergy within the booming sector.

The Tianjin based company plans to import their products, and provide distribution throughout China for the Australian vitamin maker, co-branding with their successful "Tianjing Tong Ren Tang" range.

Jason Li, chief executive of Yatsen Associates who helped broker the deal, told the Australian Financial Review, that for Goubuli the choice to invest was simple, as they had "fully integrated operations" that could be utilized for both companies' ongoing success.

"The deal was valued at about 11 times their 2016 EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax depreciation, amortisation) which shows the continued strength of the sector," Li said.

"There was very considerable interest from Chinese financial and strategic investors who all wanted authentic, established Australian healthcare brands."

Chinese companies are looking at ways to use modern technology to allow for their "foul tasting" medicines to be turned into easily consumable tablets, according to Li, adding that the vitamin sector is one for great opportunities between Chinese and Australian businesses.

The recent relaxing of the rules concerning pharmaceuticals in the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, has led to positive outcomes, and increased trade between Australia and China.
Prosecutors will keep up their pressure in the fight against corruption this year amid ongoing reform, a senior anti-graft official from the top procuratorate said.

Corruption in elections, environmental protection, food and drug safety and production safety will remain the primary targets, said Lu Xi, director of the General Bureau Against Corruption and Bribery of the Supreme People's Procuratorate.

Job-related crimes by officials in financial sectors such as banking, securities and futures markets, as well as other graft issues that might hinder the development of reforms, also will get special attention from the graft-busters, Lu said in an exclusive interview.

Prosecutors also will monitor key poverty relief programs and funds to help safeguard a clean environment, she said.

"This is a very crucial year for combating corruption, and prosecutors nationwide will continue to take a zero-tolerance attitude toward corruption," she said.

Lu said this year marks the last year before the next key Party congress, and the idea that "the anti-corruption campaign could end in the last year" must be wiped out.

China has carried out a sweeping anti-graft campaign since 2012, when the new leadership was elected at the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. The 19th Party congress is scheduled in the second half of 2017.

Last year, prosecutors nationwide investigated 47,650 corrupt officials, including 21 at or above ministerial level, according to the annual work report by the top procuratorate released earlier this month.

Lu said anti-graft prosecutors also will adapt to the new requirements of the supervision system reform this year.

China is piloting a reform program to set up a new supervisory commission by integrating separate anti-corruption authorities. The program is being tested in Beijing and Shanxi and Zhejiang provinces, and if it functions well, such reforms will be expanded across the country.

Cao Jianming, procurator-general of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, said earlier this month that the top procuratorate will guide its local branches in pilot areas to transfer relevant duties and personnel to supervisory commissions this year and establish a coordination mechanism between the two sides.

Another challenge that many prosecutors face now is the higher threshold for filing a corruption case, which keeps some cases from moving forward, Lu said.

The amended Criminal Law, which took effect in November 2015, lifted the criminal threshold for graft cases from 5,000 yuan (US$726) to 30,000 yuan (US$4,352).

The change also contributed to a decrease of corruption cases prosecutors handled last year nationwide, according to Hong Daode, a law professor from China University of Political Science and Law.

The annual work report of the top procuratorate shows that prosecutors last year handled 35,397 graft cases, down 13 percent from a year earlier.

"Under the new situation, prosecuting departments will strive to adapt to the new standards and take effective measures to maintain high pressure against graft," Lu said
James D. Watson, Nobel laureate for physiology or medicine, talks with China.org.cn. [Photo/China.org.cn]

The next big scientific discovery could be made in China if the country could create a more pro-science environment, according to a visiting American Nobel laureate.

China has many outstanding scientists doing very good work, however, real breakthroughs will only be made if the country can strengthen its universities and research institutes and allow more space for regions to compete with each other, James D. Watson told China.org.cn in an exclusive interview in Beijing on March 29.

"Given the wealth and all the devotion from society, China could be the No.1 or No.2 science nation in the world within the next 50 years if it can spend money wisely, create good institutions and encourage individual science projects."

The 88-year-old Nobel Prize-winning biologist, credited with the co-discovery of the double-helix structure of DNA, is visiting China on a 10-day trip during which he will talk with the country's scientists and college students, visit science institutions and attend an international meeting on precision medicine in Shenzhen.

The greatest strength for the world's most populous nation on which it can draw is its people, said Dr. Watson who is also the principal science consultant with the CheerLand Investment Group.

He also stressed the importance of building a stable structure that puts the best people in the top position.

Scientific strength in the United States comes from competition among states, because central planning is not always the best way to make good decisions. He said that suggesting money expenditure in R&D should be decentralized so that individual regions could have some real power to engage in competition which is the key to driving innovation.

The most important purpose for Watson's China trip is to promote the launch of "The Watson Bioscience Center", with an emphasis on cancer treatment.

By launching a world-class center on precision medicine, China now has an opportunity to make strides in the field and make cancer treatment widely available and affordable, he stressed.
Stuff.co.nz | Mar. 30, 2017

The thick fog in Wellington this week has affected thousands of travellers, forcing many to spend a night at the airport while they waited for flights to resume.

With more than 100 flights impacted, accommodation in the city quickly sold out, leaving many with no option but to bed down at the airport.

Air New Zealand and Jetstar have both given passengers the option of either transferring to a later flight or a credit refund, as airlines in such situations have an obligation to do.

Flight delays and cancellations are in fact relatively common, but what exactly are travellers' rights in these situations?

Here's what you need to know if you find yourself stranded at the airport (or fail to get there at all).

The Civil Aviation Act

In New Zealand, the Civil Aviation Act (CAA) requires an airline to compensate you if a domestic flight is cancelled or delayed for reasons within its control, such as staffing issues, Consumer NZ advisor Maggie Edwards explained.

"Where the airline is at fault, compensation should include a full refund (if your flight was cancelled without any offer of alternative transport) and reasonably foreseeable losses caused by the snag, such as the cost of meals and missed connections," she explained.

Cover is limited to 10 times the cost of the ticket, or the actual cost of the delay, whichever is the lower.

"The CAA is intended to ensure airlines take reasonable care and skill in providing their services. In theory, an airline could be prosecuted under the Fair Trading Act if it could be shown a carrier was routinely advertising services it was unable to supply," Edwards said.

Consumer Guarantees Act

Passengers also have a right under the Consumer Guarantees Act to transport services carried out with reasonable care and skill. A service that is significantly delayed may, in certain circumstances, result in a breach of the act, entitling passengers to redress.

However, Edwards pointed to an article from the Otago Law Review by Kate Tokeley, a senior law lecturer at Victoria University of Wellington, which states that passengers seeking compensation under the Consumer Guarantees Act face multiple barriers, including the time, effort and money required to pursue a claim in the Disputes Tribunal or courts.

"Those passengers who are aware of their legal rights would be well advised to ask the transport operator for redress," Tokeley wrote. "In some instances this approach might be successful. Unfortunately, if the transport operator refuses to award compensation, the passenger is relatively powerless."

Airline responsibilities

House of Travel commercial director Brent Thomas said airlines have the responsibility to "fix" the problem and work with individual passengers to find a solution.

"Not everyone will want to be dealt with in the same manner," he said, adding that while some may be happy to take a later flight, others may want a full refund.

Both Edwards and Thomas stressed the importance of allowing plenty of time to catch a flight, but acknowledged that this is not always easy and that unforseen issues can get in the way.

Weather issues regularly delay or cancel flights, Thomas said, which is something people needed to bear in mind when booking.

A spokesperson for Jetstar said the airline's goal is always to get passengers to their destination as quickly as they can, usually on the next available flight.

"This includes cancellations that are outside of the airline's control, such as weather," he explained.

In extenuating circumstances outside its control, however, such as the fog in Wellington , it may offer either a move to the next available flight or a voucher credit refund.

Travel insurance

Those with travel insurance have additional protection if things go wrong, but some policies were much more comprehensive than others.

Comparetravelinsurance.co.nz director Natalie Ball said basic policies generally only cover medical issues, meaning travellers need to seek out those that cover things such as flight delays, cancellations and event tickets.

"Travellers should look for a comprehensive policy that covers cancellation and lost deposits or trip disruption. A basic policy is unlikely to cut the mustard."

Ball noted that many people are under the mistaken belief that travel insurance will cover them for a missed flight for whatever reason.

"Speaking from firsthand experience, being stuck in a traffic jam or losing track of time while dilly dallying at the airport is not covered. Travellers need to take responsibility for their time management."

Travel insurance normally does not cover flights missed due to airline faults such as mechanical issues, rescheduling and overbooking, she added.

Thomas advised travellers to take out insurance on the day they booked their flights as 37 per cent of House of Travel's claims concerned incidents before the intended departure date.

Compensation for missed events

If you miss an event because of a flight delay or cancellation, you could be covered by your airline's insurance policy.

Jetstar's domestic policy, for example, covers passengers for up to US$750 if unforseen circumstances outside their control cause them to miss their flight to a prearranged special event and they are unable to make it on time.

The policy states that the airline would pay "reasonable additional expenses incurred to enable you to use alternative scheduled public transport services to arrive at your destination on time".

The Air New Zealand domestic policy does not address special events, but the airline could still step in to help out.

When a flight from New Plymouth to Auckland was delayed in late March, the carrier organised shuttles to take Adele concert-goers to the venue and arranged for the baggage to be delivered to their homes or hotels.

Ball said taking out travel insurance for even a domestic trip is well worth it, particularly if you are travelling to an event.

"A comprehensive policy will often pay for your alternative travel expenses to reach a planned event on time if your scheduled transport is delayed or cancelled. If you're still unable to make it on time, you may be able to seek reimbursement of your travel arrangements, such as prepaid event tickets, flights and accommodation under cancellation and lost deposits.

"It's important to remember that airlines don't cover you if you need to cancel for circumstances beyond your control, such as sudden illness or injury. They're also unlikely to compensate you for 'loss of enjoyment' or for the price of your unused concert tickets. When you consider the cost for prepaid event tickets, combined with airlines and hotels notoriously bumping up their prices during major sporting and cultural events, it's a very small price to pay."
Until the NATO meeting was rescheduled, there was plenty of hullabaloo over US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson planning to skip the NATO foreign ministers meeting, originally scheduled for April 5-6, in order to attend the meeting between the Chinese and US presidents.

Many interpreters were unanimous on one point: The Trump administration was attaching more importance to relations with China than those with NATO.

While this may be an over-interpretation, since the relationships are hardly comparable, it does reveal the truth that Beijing and Washington share an eagerness to ballast their ties.

From cost sharing to the future orientation of the alliance, it seems the new administration in Washington has a lot to talk about with its NATO allies.

But the first face-to-face meeting between President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump is charged with charting a cooperative course for a relationship that is more difficult to define and manage.

Considering the vicissitudes in bilateral ties after Trump took office, including his tough talk and the phone conversation he had with Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen, the conciliatory tone adopted since, from himself, as well as his secretaries of state and defense, offers optimism the two leaders can use their meeting to eliminate any lingering sense of uncertainty.

A short two-day meeting may not suffice for all questions to be answered. But it can certainly contribute a clear and constructive sense of direction to this crucial relationship.

Xi has on many occasions reiterated Beijings aspiration for a relationship of no confrontation, no conflict, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation.

Tillerson uttered the same words in Beijing, pledging commitment to a constructive relationship, so the meeting has good foundations to build on.

Besides exchanging viewpoints on the potentially most inflammable flashpoints in ties, the two leaders will likely discuss the global economic situation and their trade relations.

In both these areas they may maneuver new agreements and crisis prevention mechanisms, as good communication will be essential to steer clear of misunderstandings as the Trump team is changing some of the policies of the previous administration.

Whatever ends up being discussed, the fact that Xi and Trump will compare notes in person matters.

Although they have talked twice on the phone and exchanged vows to work together for better ties, their meeting next week offers them the opportunity to step up to the plate and give substance to their words.
The logo of the Industrial Bank is seen at a building in Jinan, East China's Shandong province, May 12, 2016. [Photo/VCG]

Industrial Bank Co Ltd, a listed joint-equity commercial bank in China, is looking to increase its retail banking contribution to its profit from 15 percent during the first nine months of 2016 to 30 percent in the next five years, senior bank executives said at a news conference on Tuesday.

Based in Southeast China's Fujian province, Industrial Bank also is expected to increase its subsidiaries' contribution to the group's business to 15 percent, said Wang Shengqian, general manager of the bank's development planning department.

Wang said the bank will establish a good connection among its investment banking, asset management and wealth management business. It will also deepen the development of inclusive finance, which includes retail banking, financial services for small and medium-sized enterprises and financial institutions, green finance and pension finance.

"We will transform our bank into an asset-light and highly efficient commercial lender to better serve the real economy, accelerate our development of settlement, investment banking and transaction banking, and provide comprehensive financing service to our client through diversified financial market resources," President Tao Yiping said.

As China has entered the deep water of supply-side reform and will keep pushing forward reduction of overcapacity, destocking and deleveraging, commercial banks are still facing a lot of challenges in terms of asset quality management. Last year, Industrial Bank thoroughly examined various potential risks to the bank, Tao said.

"We launched a war against non-performing loans last year ... and will maintain our overall asset quality stable. At the same time, we will keep exploring innovative measures to handle non-performing loans and try to make breakthroughs in areas that include NPL securitization and debt-to-equity swaps," he said.

Founded in 1988, Industrial Bank was listed on the A-share market in 2007 and was ranked 21st on The Bankers' Top 500 Banking Brands 2017. Its net profit increased 12.2 times from 3.8 billion yuan ($550 million) in 2006 to 50.2 billion yuan in 2015, with an average return on equity of 24 percent during the last 10 years.

Its total assets grew from 617.7 billion yuan in early 2007 to 5.82 trillion yuan at the end of September 2016, with an annual compound growth rate of 26 percent, according to Tao.

Through deep integration of finance and technologies, the bank realized resources sharing among 46,000 branches and sub-branches of nearly 800 small and medium-sized financial institutions and provided information system construction and maintenance service to more than 300 small and medium-sized financial institutions, expanding financial services to more second and third-tier cities and rural areas.

Jiang Xueqing contributed to this story.
A customer buys sesame seed cakes by scanning an Alipay QR code on her smartphone in Wuzhen, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Xinhua]

A wave of blockbuster deals in China has driven global investment in fintech, according to a study by consultancy Accenture.

Fintech financing in the Asia-Pacific region eclipsed that of North America for the first time in 2016, more than doubling to $11.2 billion. Globally the amount grew by 10 percent to $23.2 billion.

Growth in the total value of fintech investments was due mainly to the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, where just 3 percent of all 1,800 deals accounted for nearly 43 percent of total fintech investment globally.

Richard Lumb, group chief executive for financial services at Accenture, said: "The swing of investment from West to the East is largely driven by the greater opportunity for new entrants to use fintech to define the new fabric of the industry than in the West."

All of the 10 largest fintech investments in Asia-Pacific last year were on the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong. Together those 10 deals accounted for 82 percent of all Asia-Pacific fintech investment in 2016.

Leading the deals was Ant Financial Services Group, the financial services affiliate of e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holdings that operates China's online-payments platform Alipaywhich closed a $4.5 billion fundraising round in April.

Ping An-backed Lufax, which has started using the name Lu.com, completed a $1.2 billion round of fundraising in January 2016. In that same month, China's second largest e-commerce company, JD.com Inc, raised $1 billion in new funding for its consumer finance subsidiary, JD Finance.

Albert Chan, managing director of financial services China, Accenture, said: "Alibaba and JD.com were two major fintech investors this year, as they focus on providing their customers with end-to-end services including payments and lending. Well aware that they're facing disruption from outside the industry, many of China's financial services companies are making investments in fintech companies and exploring cutting-edge solutions such as blockchain technology."

He said: "The result is robust competition in payments and lending from non-traditional players and established financial institutions working collaboratively with startups to explore fintech solutions in other parts of the business."

The outlook for fintech remains bright, but many uncertainties will continue this year, the report said.

Lumb said: "And that will set a higher bar for performance among fintech ventures, particularly in the US and the UK.The winners will be those who understand how to tailor their innovations and compress their time-to-market and are able to leverage traditional financial institutions to their advantage."
CAS Holdings making swift moves to address needs of new-age businesses

China is on course to launch its first technology insurance firm and a technology bank equivalent to the Silicon Valley Bank by 2020 as the high-tech sector gets set to fuel the next wave of economic growth.

The proposal to establish a tech insurance firm, submitted in the form of an application last year, has "received warm response" from the China Insurance Regulatory Commission, said Wu Lebin, chairman of Chinese Academy of Sciences Holdings Co Ltd, a State-run asset management company and a key initiator of the move.

"We see great hopes to lead the country's first tech insurance company, serving high-tech companies of all scales and in various stages, from project approval to product selling," he told China Daily during the Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan province last week.

The proposed insurer will need to have at least five founding shareholders, and at least 1 billion yuan ($145.44 million) in registered capital.

Most firms are affiliated to the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the national institution dealing with basic and applied research.

Additionally, the Chinese Academy of Sciences has reached an agreement with the municipal government of Shanghai to establish a bank to extend loans to small and medium-sized enterprises looking for funds to grow their business.

According to Wu, details are currently being discussed with the China Banking Regulatory Commission.

He said the tech insurance firm is likely to be set up earlier than the bank, but both are expected to debut before 2020.

The company directly controls 48 companies, of which 25 are publicly traded, including Lenovo Group.

China's 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20) has accorded strategic importance to the high-tech sector, to help the country to move up the value chain. High-tech products now account for about 30 percent of China's total trade volume, according to a report by consultancy KPMG in 2016.

Tel Aviv, the capital of Israel, and the Silicon Valley in California, both cradles of high-tech startups, have seen the mushrooming of insurance and financing institutions to help companies to unleash a host of unique products, without worrying about capital shortage.

It is thus imperative for China to have financial institutions that understand new business models in the Internet Plus era and address the needs of tech firms, said Li Chao, analyst with Beijing-based iResearch Consulting Group.

"High-tech companies, notably startups, are more likely to be undervalued when assessed by traditional banks and insurers. They should refrain from using old benchmarks such as profitability and instead focus on more relevant indicators like user base and conversion rates," he said.

Such new institutions should be empowered by new technologies such as big data analysis and blockchain to create new services and insurance products dedicated to tech firms, he said.
CHICAGO - Maintaining a good and normal trade relationship between China and the United States will benefit both countries, Iowa officials have told Xinhua in separate, exclusive interviews.

"It's clearly a two-way trade. From an agriculture perspective, China is important to us," said Kirk Leeds, chief executive officer of Iowa Soybean Association.

Iowa, a major agricultural state located in the US Midwest, is the second largest soybean producer among US states in 2016, and exports 60 percent of its soybean production; while China buys about 50 to 60 percent of the world's soybean export, undoubtedly the largest customer on the world's soybean market.

Iowa knotted sister state relationship with China's Hebei province in 1983. Since then, the state has interacted extensively with China in the fields of trade, education, culture and visiting.

"China buys a lot pf US soybeans," Kirk told Xinhua. If China does not buy soybeans...and more soybean stations will have to pull down the prices, "there will be excessive soybeans in the market, and that will affect our farmers," Kirk said.

"Soybean industry in Iowa recognizes that China is a major customer. Any disruptions in trade relationship have serious consequences for American agriculture and soybean industry specifically," Kirk said.

Vice Versa, "China needs US soybeans," said Kirk, as the quality and the delivery are better here. "Any (trade) disruptions will be unfortunate, neither of us wins in trade war."

Kenneth Quinn, president of the World Food Prize Foundation, holds similar view, saying "trade is absolutely critical, particularly agriculture and food trade."

Two soybean contracts have been signed between China and the US in the last five years in the building of the World Food Prize Foundation headquartered in Des Moines, capital of Iowa, one for $4 billion and another for $2 billion.

Kenneth reminded people of the Smoot-Hawley tariff in the 1930s. The tariff was originally meant to promote jobs and counter the effects of the depression by imposing big taxes on imports into the US, but it depressed global trade and made the depression worse. "Anything that would impact trade will only backfire and have a net effect depressing the American economy," Kenneth said.

Rick Kimberley, president of Kimberley Farms Inc, believed that President Trump knows how important agriculture is to both US and China. "That would much hurt Iowa and the United States without trade of agricultural products," Kimberley said in an interview with Xinhua.

"I think (if) there's a little give and take on both sides..., we might even have better trade together," Kimberley said.

"Iowa as a state, we benefit from trade because of our agricultural products, we understand how important it is, even more than some other states that maybe don't sell as much to China," Dan Stein, vice president of CBI Bank and Trust, said.

Hopkins, former mayor of Muscatine, said that China is a big player in world trade and "I don't think that our President Trump will do anything to disrupt that."
Logo of Shenhua Group Corp is pictured in Tianjin, May 17, 2015.[Photo/VCG]

China's biggest coal producer Shenhua Group said it has no information on possible merger with Datang and the company will issue a statement if there is any development, China Economic Net reported.

China's State-owned enterprise regulator the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) has asked coal mining giant Shenhua Group Corp and power generator China Datang Corp to discuss a possible merger, Bloomberg reported Wednesday.

The talks are at an early stage and there's no guarantee of a deal, Bloomberg said, citing people familiar with the matter.

If successful, the merger would combine China's biggest coal producer with one of its largest power generators to create a utility giant with about 1.66 trillion yuan ($241 billion) of assets, Bloomberg reported.

China Shenhua Energy Co, Shenhua's Hong Kong-listed company, said earlier that its 2016 net profit rose 40.7 percent and expected first-quarter net profit to climb at least 50 percent.

The company also surprised markets by announcing a generous special dividend, a total of 59 billion yuan in cash, thanks to a surge in coal prices last year.

Furthermore, Shenhua's recent management reshuffle also raised expectation that the company may be involved in a possible merger.

Datang's assets totaled 729.5 billion yuan and its power-generation capacity totaled 127.17 gigawatts in 2015, according to its websites.

China will prioritize and accelerate the restructuring of steel, coal and power businesses in its major State-owned enterprises to improve operational efficiency and enhance the profitability of State assets, head of the SASAC Xiao Yaqing earlier said.

The central government reorganized 22 central SOEs, including China Ocean Shipping (Group) Co and China Shipping Group, CNR Corp and CSR Corp, over the past three years.
SYDNEY - Australian vitamin supplement company Blooms has closed a deal with Goubuli Group, that will see the Chinese company invest A$60 million ($46 million), in order to enhance their synergy within the booming sector.

The Tianjin based company plans to import their products, and provide distribution throughout China for the Australian vitamin maker, co-branding with their successful "Tianjin Tong Ren Tang" range.

Jason Li, chief executive of Yatsen Associates who helped broker the deal, told the Australian Financial Review, that for Goubuli the choice to invest was simple, as they had "fully integrated operations" that could be utilized for both companies ongoing success.

"The deal was valued at about 11 times their 2016 EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax depreciation, amortisation) which shows the continued strength of the sector," Li said.

"There was very considerable interest from Chinese financial and strategic investors who all wanted authentic, established Australian healthcare brands."

Chinese companies are looking at ways to use modern technology to allow for their "foul tasting" medicines to be turned into easily consumable tablets, according to Li, adding that the vitamin sector is one for great opportunities between Chinese and Australian businesses.

The recent relaxing of the rules concerning pharmaceuticals in the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, has led to positive outcomes, and increased trade between Australia and China.
Singapore retained its title as the world's most expensive city for expatriates for a fourth consecutive year, followed by China's Hong Kong and Zurich, according to the latest Worldwide Cost of Living 2017 released by the Economist's Intelligent Unit.

The survey, which compares the price of over 150 items in 133 cities around the world, found that Singapore was 20 percent more expensive than New York and 5 percent pricier than China's Hong Kong.

Shanghai, the most expensive city on the Chinese mainland, is now ranked 16th overall, down from 11th last year and on par with the cost of living in the New Zealand cities of Auckland and Wellington.

Let's take a look at the 10 most expensive cities in the world.

No 9 Copenhagen (index: 100)
MEXICO CITY - JAC Motors of China has presented the first two SUVs manufactured in Mexico.

It happened after JAC signed an alliance with Giant Motors Latin America and the Inbursa financial group, owned by Mexican magnate Carlos Slim, which represents an investment of around 4.4 billion pesos ($236 million).

"It is significant for us to see our company enter the North America market, where Mexico plays an important and strategic role. We want to use this to gradually update our products and position the brand in a mature market with potential niche," David Zhang, deputy director-general of JAC International, told Xinhua on Tuesday.

The vehicles are being manufactured at a plant in Tepeapulco, in the central state of Hidalgo, which is expected to produce 10,000 vehicles over five years.

Zhang said that JAC products, especially light trucks, are already accepted in Mexico.

"We want to move forward step by step. First, we want to meet the demand of the Mexican market. There is a big market here and our SUV products are liked by young Mexican people, who will be our main consumers," he said. "We will then use this production base to extend our business to nearby countries, including all of Latin America and the Caribbean."

Jose Luis Romo Cruz, secretary of economic development for the state of Hidalgo, said this investment would put Hidalgo back on the international automotive map.

He said that China is a very important market for Hidalgo, which is seeking to bring Chinese investment toward the automotive, renewable energy, agricultural and aerospace sectors.

"The challenge facing our state is the same (as) all of Mexico is facing. We are at a stage where we are seeking the best way to diversify our markets and not rely only on the US," emphasized the official. "We are more than ready to receive Chinese investment."
Workers arrange newly manufactured mobikes in Hengyang, Hunan province. [Photo/China Daily]

Mobike expands links with WeChat in bold cooperation move

Beijing Mobike Technology Co Ltd on Wednesday announced it is expanding its business links with WeChat, China's largest social networking platform, in a move that will allow the bike-sharing startup to access the latter's huge user base.

As part of efforts to outshine its rival ofo Inc, Mobike said users don't have to download its app to enjoy bike-sharing services. Instead, WeChat will also give its users quick access to Mobike services in its WeChat Wallet function.

Although it is labeled an option for "limited time", there is no indication of when it will expire. Currently, WeChat has about 889 million monthly active users.

The move comes shortly after Tencent Holdings Ltd, the owner of WeChat, doubled down its investment in Mobike.

Hu Weiwei, founder and president of Mobike, said: "Enabled by our smart locks and intelligent positioning technology, we have built the world's largest internet of things network to connect people with bicycles."

Founded in 2014, Mobike's services are available in more than 30 cities. It has around 1 million internet-connected bikes and has handled about 500 million bike-sharing trips.

Li Zhaohui, investment manager at Tencent, said it is easy to manufacture bikes and put them in cities. The real challenge lies in how to track and manage them.

"The partnership will also help WeChat connect people with more offline services," Li said.

Ofo, Mobike's archrival, is reportedly in discussions with its investor Didi Chuxing, China's largest ride-sharing company, to make its service available on the latter's mobile app.

Ofo did not respond to requests for comment.

Zhang Xu, an analyst at Beijing-based consultancy Analysys, said partnering with WeChat will undoubtedly attract more people to try Mobike and increase its brand value.

"Also, the move underlines that Tencent attaches high importance to its ties with Mobike, because the opportunity to access WeChat's huge user base is only reserved for companies that Tencent CEO Pony Ma deems as highly promising," Zhang said.
Alipay lands in the Santa Claus village in Arctic Circle, Finland, in December, 2016, signaling the first-ever mobile payment solution available in Finland. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Alipay was created in 2004 as a tool to allow transactions on Alibaba's Taobao e-commerce site. But it has enjoyed exponential growth since, by introducing a string of financial products and services.

Now the popular payment tool is rolling out its businesses abroad to provide the world with its own brand of mobile solutions.

Overseas, Alipay is accepted at more than 100,000 merchants, including high-end shopping malls such as Harrods and Printemps, both magnets for Chinese consumers. In the latest national holidays, Alipay saw the number of its overseas transactions quadruple, among which Europe secured the fastest growth with 18 times year-on-year.

To quench the thirst of wealthier Chinese buyers, Alipay even introduced its payment services in October at 10 major overseas international airports in Germany, Japan and New Zealand. Departure tax refunds services processed by Alipay were also made available in 23 countries.

From buying luxury bags to paying Uber bills, the country's top wireless payment provider has a vision to serve 2 billion global customers in the next decade, with more than 60 percent of users from outside the Chinese mainland. Currently overseas users have reached 200 million.

Apart from setting up six branch offices in the United States, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg and Australia, nominating ex-Goldman Sachs banker Douglas Feagin to oversee global businesses fits the pattern for a global push.

But its ambition does not stop here. Through signing pacts with financial institutions and distributing tech platforms to retailers, the company is laying a solid ground for what could eventually be a major rivalry to banking monopolies and the likes of Visa Inc.

Such agreements include the partnership with leading European banks BNP Paribas, Barclays, UniCredit, and Six Payment Services, a major payment service firm, to enable more European merchants to accept Alipay as a payment method.

In the US that many Chinese visit, Ant Financial teamed up with US payment technology providers First Data Corp and Verifone, to expand its presence through the duo's extensive networks.

Its latest endeavor to buy US-based money transfer network MoneyGram was put on pause, when a counterbid trumped Ant's offer. But the momentum to link up with foreign partners will continue.

In a keynote speech at Money 2020 in Las Vegas, Feagin said: "We aim to have at least 1 million merchants outside the Chinese mainland accepting Alipay within three years. Working with our network of global partners like First Data and Verifone will help us achieve the goal.

The third cornerstone strategy held by Ant Financial is the advancement of inclusive finance in the global arena. In the words of its chief executive Eric Jing, the company wants to spread to the world its experience in serving the under-banked population using the mobile channel.

In December, a South Korean lender K-Bank helped co-launch and obtained the first operating license for online-only banks, another score for Ant Financial in overseas expansion.

The company believed the K-Bank case represents a "unique globalization model" that differs from overseas mergers and acquisitiona common path taken by Chinese firms as they march beyond borders.

"We export our leading technologies and expand global influence. We expect it to become a new 'Chinese name card' and consolidate our position in the ICT industry," said a company statement.

K-Bank marks yet another celebration for Ant Financial after its parent Alibaba Group upped the stakes in Paytm, an Alipay-like payment system in India that the company helped foster, and tied up with Ascend Money in Thailand. Both companies would mimic Alipay's services such as offline payment and micro loans in their countries so that people could complete a variety of purchases with a scan of their phones.

Payment users have grown rapidly from 20 million to more than 140 million in less than two years, said Alipay's vice-head Ni Xingjun. Overseas expansion in the next few years will target economies along the Belt and Road Initiative, he stated.

"We see the most pressing needs in Southeast Asian nations, because of a bigger population base and lack of credit card culture, which spells more opportunities," he said.
A view of Alibaba Group's headquarters in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, March 21, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

SHANGHAI - Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, consultancy PwC and New Zealand Dairy giant Fonterra have teamed up to develop a system that will track the global supply chain of food products, said PwC China.

According to a memorandum of understanding signed earlier, the companies will work together to develop a blockchain solution that will track the supply chain from paddock to plate.

Blockchain, a distributed database that maintains a continuously growing list of ordered records, which cannot be altered retroactively once recorded, is well-suited to reassure customers of the quality of food products, and will create a more transparent environment for the movement of shipments.

Alibaba said the aim of the partnership would be to establish a system to lead food quality and safety standards and improve practice and integrity across the food sector.

For the pilot period, the system will be used to track Chinese imports from Australia and New Zealand, with the aim of rolling it out across all of Alibaba Group's online marketplaces.

Australia Post, Australian health company Blackmores and New Zealand Post are also parties to the memorandum.

China-Australia and China-New Zealand free trade agreements have helped bring food products from Australia and New Zealand, such as lobster, wines, cherries and dairy products, to Chinese dining tables.

"Chinese consumers are increasingly demanding safe, high quality products," said Christina Zhu, Fonterra president for Greater China. "With China's more and more open trade policies, businesses are offered better opportunities to grow and expand into China."
The four finless porpoises were kept in a temporary enclosure in Poyang Lake near Duchang, Jiangxi province, on March 25, before being relocated to Hubei province. [ Photo by Fu Jianbin/China Daily]

Four finless porpoises from Poyang Lake in East China's Jiangxi province were relocated on Monday as part of a program to conserve the critically endangered species.

The mammals, two males and two females, were transferred to the Hewangmiao Nature Reserve in Hubei province along traffic-free sections of the Yangtze River, according to sources at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Hydrobiology.

The reserve has a vast body of water, which is clean and rich in aquatic biodiversity due to limitations on fishing, the sources said.

The animals' relocation is part of a project launched this year by the Ministry of Agriculture, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and three provincial governments to relocate 22 of the porpoises, which are facing extinction.

"Our plan is to move them to areas that are free from human activity, so they can flourish," said Wang Ding, a porpoise expert.

Known for their expressive faces, finless porpoises are only found in the Yangtze River and two lakes linked to the busy waterway. Due to overfishing, river traffic and pollution, there are only around 1,000 of them left in the wild.

China first started relocating porpoises in 1992 after concerns were raised about the species' survival, due to the population plummeting by 13.7 percent every year, on average, despite preservation measures.

"At first, the relocation idea was floated to protect the Yangtze River dolphin, but they were functionally extinct before we were able to act," said Wang Kexiong, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

To protect the finless porpoise, China has established three nature reserves in Hubei, Hunan and Anhui provinces, and there are also plans for more to be set up in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River.

"It has been an effective measure. We have recorded three to five births each year. The Tian'ezhou reserve in Anhui already has more than 70 porpoises," Wang said.

The Yangtze, China's longest waterway, is known for its aquatic biodiversity. A decade ago, it was the only river in the world that had two kinds of aquatic mammal living in it at the same timethe finless porpoise and the eponymous dolphin. However, a 2006 survey found no dolphins in the river, which suggests they are functionally extinctmeaning the population is too small for the species to recover.
International students attend a job fair at Beijing's Zhongguancun high-tech zone on March 23. [Photo by Zhu Xingxin/China Daily]

Four months before getting his master's degree in computer science, Irish student Gareth Lacey got a job offer from a Chinese tech startup in Beijing's equivalent of Silicon Valley.

It might not sound like a big deal to a postgraduate science student in Beijing, but the offer did not come easily.

China only recently dropped the work experience requirement for foreign postgraduates, opening a floodgate of opportunities, especially for foreign students pursuing higher education degrees in China.

It had been almost impossible for foreign students to be employed right after graduation. Two years of work experience were mandatory in most cases, foreign students said.

Lacey, who has been studying at Beijing Institute of Technology, will be among the first to benefit.

He described the policy as a "welcome change" for himself and many foreign graduates in similar positions.

According to a January circular issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education, foreign students with a postgraduate degree or higher from Chinese or "well-known" foreign universities can be offered employment within a year after graduation.

Successful applicants will be given a one-year work permit, which can be extended to no more than five years on renewal.

Lacey said the Chinese job market is a big draw for foreign job seekers due to competitive salaries and relatively low living costs.

Wang Ying, director of the international student office at Beijing Institute of Technology, said Beijing's Zhongguancun high-tech zone started piloting the policy last year and it was well received.

Postgraduates jumped at the opportunity, Wang said. Last year, his school organized 11 job affairs for international students. Each was full. Tech giants like Huawei were among the hiring firms.

The appeal of a Chinese job is not confined to metropolises like Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen.

Ayaz Ali, a Pakistani doctorate degree candidate studying at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, said it is his dream to work in Lanzhou, Gansu province.

Ali said that in addition to participating in the world's leading cryospheric research, he finds the local culture accommodating to Muslims like himself. The province has a relatively large Muslim population, and Islamic rituals and practices are observed.

Ali said many Pakistani students come to study in China, but until now, few have been able to stay on after graduation, which remains a cause of concern among Pakistani students in China.

"After all, it is also very hard to find a good job back home," he said.

Ma Xiaolei, director of the international student affairs office at Beijing Language and Culture University, said lowering the employment threshold for foreign students will help to reinvigorate China through the development of human resources.

He said foreign employees will help Chinese enterprises gain an advantage as they expand overseas.

To open its market, China has also been easing the residence and entry policies for foreigners. Last year, 1,576 foreigners obtained permanent residence in China, a rise of 163 percent compared with 2015.
Suspects face up to life imprisonment for selling, producing fake products

Eleven people face criminal charges for producing and selling counterfeit baby formula involving top brand names, according to a court in Shanghai.

The defendants each sold up to 3.6 million yuan ($524,000) worth of counterfeit baby formula between August 2014 and September 2015, the Shanghai No 3 Intermediate People's Court said on Wednesday. More than 30,000 baby formula tins with counterfeit Beingmate and Abbott trademarks were produced.

The trial started on Monday and ended on Tuesday, the court said. The suspects face criminal charges including producing and selling fake or substandard products, and illegally producing registered trademarks, the court said.

Niu Bei, a publicity official at the court, said the court will hand down a verdict soon.

Five of the defendants, including Gu Chuansheng, representative of Jining Jingu Packaging Co, in Jining, Shandong province, were accused of producing tins with Beingmate and Abbott logos and filling them with other brands of milk powder, the court said.

Four others were accused of producing and selling fake or substandard products for assisting in the production of the tins, according to the court.

Two were accused of selling fake or substandard products that they knew were counterfeit, the court said.

The fake baby formula was produced and sold in Shandong and Hunan provinces. Shanghai-based Abbott Co reported the case to the police in September 2015, the court said.

Those producing and selling fake or substandard products can face up to life imprisonment according to the Criminal Law.

Food safety has been a top concern for Chinese in recent years, especially after melamine-tainted baby formula caused at least six infant deaths and made a further 300,000 ill in 2008.

A series of measures have been taken in recent years to make punishments stricter for food safety violations.

The revised Food Safety Law, adopted in October 2015, requires quality control covering the whole process of baby formula production, and requires that all batches of baby food be inspected before they are sold.
More than 330 women spin together with spinning cranks and wheels in Wangmo county, Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture of Guizhou province on March 29, setting the Guinness World Record for most people spinning simultaneously. The event in which 331 women in total took part is part of a local folk festival - the lunar March 3 Festival, which is an important day when the Bouyei people pray for a bumper harvest, honor their ancestors, and pay tribute to mountains and rivers. [Photo/Chinanews.com]
A researcher adjusts a sediment collection vessel in Changsha, Hunan province, in June, as part of efforts to monitor and restore the cadmium-tainted soil.[Photo/Xinhua]

Contamination called 'alarming' for endangering food security

China's leading scientific institute will invest 20 million yuan ($2.9 million) over the next 18 months in projects that tackle heavy metal pollution in soil, as part of efforts to safeguard food and water security, the Chinese Academy of Sciences said on Wednesday.

The soil restoration projects, spearheaded by the academy's Institute of Soil Science in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, will establish regional standards for cadmium, nickel, arsenic and other toxic heavy metals.

Two pollution control demonstration zones - one focused on mercury and the other on cadmium - will be built in Tongren, Guizhou province, and the Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan area in Hunan province respectively.

Moreover, there will be a national research network for technologies such as extracting heavy metal using plants and making heavy metals less toxic.

The institute will also build a regional surveillance platform and industrialization park to monitor and recycle heavy metals during soil restoration projects, said Yan Qing, head of the academy's bureau of science and technology for development.

A 2014 survey by the ministries of environmental protection, and land and resources found that 36.3 percent of soil samples were polluted. China will conduct thorough surveys of soil pollution to get a clearer picture, Chen Jining, minister of environmental protection, said earlier this month.

China has 122 million hectares of arable land, but is losing 400,000 hectares of mostly fertile land each year to construction, pollution and natural disasters, said Shen Renfang, director of the Institute of Soil Sciences.

Soil pollution is "a very alarming matter" because "food security is unsustainable if we keep losing arable land to pollution, and polluted crops, like rice laced with cadmium, could undermine consumer trust and public health," Shen said.

In May, the State Councill, China's Cabinet, issued a national plan to improve the prevention and control of soil pollution, including strictly prohibiting the setting up of industries and farms that fail to meet standards.

"Local officials will now think twice when establishing an economically rewarding, but polluting, industry," said Zhou Dongmei, a researcher at the institute. "Sadly, there is no quick solution to cleaning up soil pollution on a large, cost-effective scale."

The short-term goals should focus on risk control and ensuring the safety of agricultural goods, as well as researching new solutions, Zhou said. "But the hardest part is balancing economic growth with ecological protection, especially at the local level."

The soil restoration projects are one of 11 major science programs planned this year. The programs, costing a total of 190 million yuan, aim to promote economic and social growth, Yan said.

"Previous pollution control projects were often on a case-by-case basis, because each area has its own complex geographical makeup and causes of pollution," Yan said. "The new projects will tackle the issue in a more wide-ranging, systematic manner, so the emerging standards and solutions are more universally applicable and effective on a greater scale."
The former police chief of Tianjin pleaded guilty to corruption-related charges on Wednesday, a court statement said.

Wu Changshun, the ex-director of the Tianjin Municipal Public Security Bureau and former vice-chairman of the city's political advisory body, stood trial at Zhengzhou Intermediate People's Court in Central China's Henan province for alleged embezzlement, abuse of power, corruption and bribery, according to the court statement.

Zhengzhou prosecutors said during the trial that Wu, 64, abused his positions to illegally gain profits for several companies he privately operated; accepted bribes in return for favors; and embezzled public funds, the statement said.

For example, he abused his positions as police chief and vice-chairman of the Tianjin Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference to illegally possess more than 342 million yuan ($49.7 million) in public funds and accepted more than 84.4 million yuan in bribes after helping others gain illegal benefits, it said.

Meanwhile, he embezzled 101 million yuan in public funds and provided officials of some other administrations in Tianjin with a total of 10.57 million yuan to gain profits for his own companies, it added.

"Wu brought great losses to the country and the people, and also asked his subordinates to shield a suspect," the statement quoted prosecutors as saying.

Wu, a native of Tianjin, started his political career in 1970 and spent 44 years in the city's police system.

He was probed for these corruption-related crimes in 2014, and prosecuted in June last year.

The court did not announce a judgment on Wednesday.
A Chinese company's rapid progress - just 10 months from project approval to the start of production - has been an eye-opener for many observers in Uzbekistan.

Last year, construction started on a plate glass manufacturing and deep-processing facility, entirely funded by China's Ming Yuan Silu Corp, in the city of Jizzakh. The first round of construction is expected to finish in May, when manufacturing will begin.

Li Xiangchen, president of Ming Yuan Silu, said the project in Jizzakh's Pengsheng Industrial Park, will be completed in September 2019. The facility includes five different types of production line, and completion will make the company the largest plate glass manufacturer in Central Asia.

"The cooperation with our Uzbek partner meets the demands of both sides," he said. "Sino-Uzbek relations are becoming closer under the framework of the Silk Road Economic Belt, and the market here is attractive. Also, the Uzbekistan government hoped we would locate the project here so local industries, such as mining, materials and energy, would benefit from Chinese investment."

Abdumalik Bektemirov, an Uzbek economist, said the standard of made-in-China products has improved vastly, from chasing quantity to achieving high standards of quality.

"Now, the Uzbek manufacturing industry is looking to develop its own made-in-Uzbekistan brand, and we need to learn from our Chinese partners," Bektemirov said. He added that light manufacturing has become a pillar industry and the country has recorded an annual rise of 8 percent in GDP in the past two years.

"Currently, most equipment for local companies is imported because Chinese machines are high-quality tools, so our factories always manufacture products quickly," he said.

"That's what we call 'Chinese Speed'," he added. "For example, the plate glass project brings pressure and motivation at the same time, and every one of us wants to work 100 times harder to demonstrate 'Chinese speed'."

The industrial park is the result of Sino-Uzbek cooperation, and has attracted investment from Chinese companies. Approved in 2013, the park has been upgraded to a free economic zone by the Uzbekistan government. In August, the Chinese government designated it as a nation-level overseas economic cooperation zone.

Currently, the park produces goods valued at more than $90 million a year and provides 1,300 jobs.

Ismatulla Bekmuratov, vice-chairman of the Uzbek-China Friendship Society, said China had commercial links with Central Asia 2,000 years ago, and history demonstrates the strong mutual trust between the countries.

The Belt and Road Initiative refers to the construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. It is aimed at building a trade and infrastructure network to connect Asia with Europe and Africa.

Bekmuratov said China and Uzbekistan have strengthened their links since the initiative was proposed, and the Pengsheng Industrial Park is a typical example of cooperation.

Yu Xinhui, chancellor of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, said the adoption of the initiative offers great potential, and to achieve greater progress, both sides should cooperate on production capacity by respecting each other's interests.
Prosecutors will keep up their pressure in the fight against corruption this year amid ongoing reform, a senior anti-graft official from the top procuratorate said.

Corruption in elections, environmental protection, food and drug safety and production safety will remain the primary targets, said Lu Xi, director of the General Bureau Against Corruption and Bribery of the Supreme People's Procuratorate.

Job-related crimes by officials in financial sectors such as banking, securities and futures markets, as well as other graft issues that might hinder the development of reforms, also will get special attention from the graft-busters, Lu said in an exclusive interview.

Prosecutors also will monitor key poverty relief programs and funds to help safeguard a clean environment, she said.

"This is a very crucial year for combating corruption, and prosecutors nationwide will continue to take a zero-tolerance attitude toward corruption," she said.

Lu said this year marks the last year before the next key Party congress, and the idea that "the anti-corruption campaign could end in the last year" must be wiped out.

China has carried out a sweeping anti-graft campaign since 2012, when the new leadership was elected at the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. The 19th Party congress is scheduled in the second half of 2017.

Last year, prosecutors nationwide investigated 47,650 corrupt officials, including 21 at or above ministerial level, according to the annual work report by the top procuratorate released earlier this month.

Lu said anti-graft prosecutors also will adapt to the new requirements of the supervision system reform this year.

China is piloting a reform program to set up a new supervisory commission by integrating separate anti-corruption authorities. The program is being tested in Beijing and Shanxi and Zhejiang provinces, and if it functions well, such reforms will be expanded across the country.

Cao Jianming, procurator-general of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, said earlier this month that the top procuratorate will guide its local branches in pilot areas to transfer relevant duties and personnel to supervisory commissions this year and establish a coordination mechanism between the two sides.

Another challenge that many prosecutors face now is the higher threshold for filing a corruption case, which keeps some cases from moving forward, Lu said.

The amended Criminal Law, which took effect in November 2015, lifted the criminal threshold for graft cases from 5,000 yuan ($726) to 30,000 yuan.

The change also contributed to a decrease of corruption cases prosecutors handled last year nationwide, according to Hong Daode, a law professor from China University of Political Science and Law.

The annual work report of the top procuratorate shows that prosecutors last year handled 35,397 graft cases, down 13 percent from a year earlier.

"Under the new situation, prosecuting departments will strive to adapt to the new standards and take effective measures to maintain high pressure against graft," Lu said.

zhangyan1@chinadaily.com.cn
Look at the cute piggy! A cloned pig met the public for the first time in Shenzhen Wildlife Park in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, on March 27. The pig, called "GHR cloning pig", is a miniature version of a real pig, and was cloned by Shenzhen Huada Gene Research Institute (BGI) - a world leading genomics research center based in Shenzhen. The park signed a deal with China National GeneBank (CNGB) on Monday to offer strong support to the development of the genetics industry in the country. CNGB, as the country's first national gene bank, was officially put into use in 2016 and is operated by BGI. It is also the world's fourth national-level gene bank. The other three are in the US, Europe and Japan. [Photo by Huo Jianbin/VCG]
In an era of rapidly developing information technology, teachers in China should focus more on improving their students self-directed and proactive learning, rather than just imparting knowledge. according to two education industry insiders.

Bai Yunfeng, president of TAL Education Group, a leading K-12 after-school tutoring services provider, said at a news conference on Wednesday that the essence of education is helping students develop their mental capacities.

Developments in science and technology have changed the way education can be accessed and knowledge can now be obtained in many ways besides teachers' lectures, he said.

"Under such circumstances, the teacher's role has changed from imparting knowledge, answering questions and encouraging students to helping students make plans and offering the necessary guidance," Bai said.

Feng Lei, deputy general manager of Xueersi Online School, an online tutorial agency for primary and middle school students that is part of TAL, said students must be willing to learn for teaching to be effective.

She added that the effects of passive and proactive learning are quite different. Research has shown that only 5 percent of what is taught in lectures is retained by learners, shooting up to 95 percent if they have truly tried to understand the content and teach it to others.

To involve more students in proactive learning, Feng said her school is cooperating with Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in running a teaching contest for students, in the hope of promoting interest in education and improving their learning abilities.

The eight students who win first prize in the contest will be rewarded with a weeklong visit to Dubai, she said.
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10,000 Chinese worship legendary ancestor in Zhengzhou

Xinhua | Updated: 2017-03-30 15:19

ZHENGZHOU - Nearly 10,000 Chinese people from over 40 countries and regions attended a grand worshipping ceremony on Thursday to mark the country's legendary ancestor Huangdi, or the Yellow Emperor.



March 3, which this year on the Chinese lunar calendar is widely believed to be the birthday of Huangdi.



The ceremony was in Zhengzhou City, central China's Henan province, where Huangdi built the capital of the Huaxia Empire after he united all the tribes in China 5,000 years ago.



"It is my third time attending the ceremony. I feel honored to return to my roots," said Loo Kee Pow, an overseas Chinese from Singapore and president of High Oak Publishing and Printing House.



Loo said his ancestors originated in Henan and moved to Fujian in southeast China, then Taiwan before settling in Singapore.



Ceremonies were also held earlier this month in San Francisco, Sydney, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao in memory of Huangdi and as a show of support for peace and harmony in China.



Since 2006, the ceremony in Zhengzhou has attracted tens of thousands of Chinese from across the world.



Huangdi was believed to have been born in Xinzheng City, which is governed by Zhengzhou. He is regarded as the common ancestor of all Chinese. The ancestor worship of Huangdi became a widespread ritual in the Tang Dynasty (618-907).
China to build new scientific observation station in Tibet

Xinhua | Updated: 2017-03-30 15:30

LHASA - The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) will build a new observation station in Tibet, to assist research and monitoring of the ecological system in the Southeast of the autonomous region.



The station, which will cover 2,600 square meters, is expected to be constructed this October in Deshing village of Metok County, the CAS said Thursday.



"Rich in bio-diversity, Metok plays a special role in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau ecosystem," said Zhu Liping, researcher with CAS's Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Research Institute.



According to Zhu, the Metok station will be mainly used for observing vegetation, glaciers, lakes and atmosphere on the plateau, researching and monitoring its bio-diversity and impacts on climate change.



So far, the CAS has set up permanent observation stations in lake Namtso, the Nyingchi area and Mount Qomolangma, and formed a relatively complete observation network monitoring atmosphere and environment of the plateau.
URUMQI - China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region will build more kindergartens and hire more bilingual teachers to improve its three-year bilingual pre-school education.



A total of 4,387 bilingual kindergartens will be built or expanded in 2017 across the region. And 10,000 bilingual teachers will be hired this year, 6,500 more compared with previous years, the regional education department announced Thursday.



The region will also provide more training courses for bilingual teachers and encourage more college graduates to work as bilingual teachers.



From 2011 to 2015, Xinjiang built 2,500 new bilingual kindergartens in rural areas, bringing the region's pre-school education penetration rate to 77 percent, or 480,000 pre-schoolers, according to official figures.



With central government funds, Xinjiang plans to offer three years of bilingual pre-school education, instead of the current two, in the region's rural areas during the 2016-2020 period.
Police in Guandong province have witnessed an increase recently in the number of criminal gangs using threats of violence to extort money from their victims.

Qian Bo, deputy director of the Guandong public security departments criminal investigation bureau, said police had busted a number of such gangs as part of an operation, code-named Jufeng 4, which took place between March 17 and 28.

In previous years, gangsters would use knives to cut debtors hands, feet, ears or other part of their bodies, but now they are employing different methods, he said, at a news conference in Guangzhou on Thursday.

We have seen debtors bombarded with threatening calls and messages and their doors splashed with red paint.

Many of the victims of this kind of intimidation are in debt to loan sharks, who they borrowed money from to gamble at casinos in Macao, according to Qian.

Fellow deputy director of the bureau, Xie Xubiao, said one gang suspected of threatening debtors in the citys rural Panyu district had been broken up as part of an operation launched on March 28, which involved 300 officers and resulted in the detention of 55 suspects.

The detainees included two suspected gang heads, surnamed He and Lu.

Police seized three replica guns, 10 gambling machines and a plethora of knives, accounting books and drugs during the operation, Xie said.

In addition to debt collecting, the gang is also suspected of fraud, running illegal casinos and weapons smuggling.

Meanwhile, police in Huizhou detained 83 suspected members of two criminal gangs during Jufeng 4, who are accused of similar crimes to the gang in Panyu.

Since the beginning of the year, Guangdong police have detained more than 7,620 suspects and broken up 350 criminal gangs.
Nanfang Daily and International Daily News jointly launch special editions to cover news around Guangdong province. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The overseas edition of Nanfang Daily, a flagship Chinese-language newspaper in Guangdong province, signed an agreement with US-based International Daily News on Thursday to jointly publish special pages in the United States.

These pages will be published in Chinese each Thursday and Friday, being circulated by International Daily News, founded by Ted Sioeng, an overseas Chinese businessman originating from Meizhou, Guangdong.

The pages will specially feature news involving Guangdong, a common home to millions of overseas Chinese, and introduce traditional Chinese medicine and health.

Nanfang Daily has so far published its overseas editions jointly with 25 overseas news organizations, providing services for overseas Chinese people in more than 10 countries and regions.
Participants at the press conference for the 2017 China International Big Data Industry Expo. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The first China International Big Data Industry Expo will be held May 26-29 in Guiyang, capital of Southwest Chinas Guizhou province, organizers announced at a press conference on Thursday in Beijing.

Themed Digital economy leading new growth, the expo is expected to attract over 50,000 people, including Alibaba founder Jack Ma, Tencent CEO Pony Ma and other delegates from leading companies in the big data industry as well as academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences or those of the Chinese Academy of Engineering with expertise in this field, according to Xu Qin, deputy mayor of Guiyang.

Originally initiated as a local event in 2015, Guiyang Big Data Expo has been upgraded into a national-level event for the first time this year, to reflect its significance in promoting development of the big data industry, said Sun Wei, vice director of the Department of High-Tech Industry of Chinas National Development and Reform Commission.

Some attendants of the press conference try out VR glasses. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

More than 40 forums will be held throughout the expo focusing on seven core issues, including the national big data pilot zone, digital economy, blockchain, digital security, data sharing and opening, artificial intelligence and intelligent manufacturing.

This expo is also going to run the 2017 China International Big Data Mining Competition, the winners of which will share a four-million-yuan$580,000 award.

The expo is going paperless with attendants able to finish all of the procedures including booking tickets, receiving and exchanging information by smartphone, according to Lin Bin, vice-director of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Beijing Sub-council.

As the largest expo of its kind in China in terms of scale and influence, as described by Lin, this expo attracts both global tycoons and domestic start-ups.

In May, Ding Dong, vice-president of Beijing Digital Hail Technology, said he will bring a newly developed complete data visualization system to the expo, hoping to seek partners in the industry.

We expect this expo will provide us with much greater space and more opportunities, said Ding.
China vows to advance military ties with Cuba

Xinhua | Updated: 2017-03-30 21:43

BEIJING -- China is ready to work with Cuba to advance military ties so as to further enrich bilateral relations, said top legislator Zhang Dejiang on Thursday.



Zhang, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Cuban Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces Leopoldo Cintra Frias at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.



Hailing the sound development of bilateral ties forged more than 50 years ago, Zhang called on both countries to implement the consensus reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Cuban President Raul Castro during Xi's Cuba visit in 2014.



Both countries need to enhance exchanges between the two militaries and parliaments to push bilateral ties forward, said Zhang.



Cintra said Cuba treasures its friendship with China and appreciates China's help and support over the years. He expects to deepen bilateral military cooperation.
China's first domestically built aircraft carrier is being outfitted with equipment and the work is progressing smoothly, Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian said on Thursday.

As for the carrier's launch, Wu said the date is coming soon and "we won't keep the public waiting for too long".

Wu made the remark in response to media speculation that the new carrier would be launched on April 23the 68th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army Navy.

Outfitting usually implies installing radar, engines and other key components. But some equipment, like the weapons systems, also has to be installed after the ship has been launched into the water, said Zhu Chenghu, a professor at National Defense University.

"The launch is only the first step," he said. "By current progress, the new carrier would still have to undergo one to two years of testing, both at the dock and at sea, before it could be officially handed to the Navy.

"Nevertheless, China launching its first domestically designed aircraft carrier is a monumental step toward building a world class navy," he said. "The valuable lessons learned from building a carrier from scratch will help China build more carriers faster in the future and enable them to reach combat readiness quicker."

According to the Defense Ministry, the new aircraft carrier is under construction in Dalian, Liaoning province. It will have a displacement of about 50,000 metric tons, as well as conventional engines and fighter jet launch systems similar to those of the CNS LiaoningChina's first aircraft carrier.

The most important difference lies in the roles of the two vessels, Zhu said. While the Liaoning is primarily for training and research purposes, the new carrier will focus on combat and defense.

The new carrier will have more cargo room, more sophisticated radar, more advanced weapons systems, and more reliable engines than the Liaoning, which was refitted from an unfinished Soviet-era carrierthe Varyagthat "did not leave much leeway for optimization and improvement due to its old design," he added. It was commissioned by China in 2012.

PLA Major General Peng Guangqian, a military strategist, said China's carriers, as well as the carriers from other nations, are still far behind US carriers in terms of size, scale and combat capability, "because US Navy doctrine requires unchallenged global dominance, while Chinese carriers are mainly used for self-defense".

When asked about the Chinese military's recent drills on the Chinese side of the Sino-Myanmar border following clashes between Myanmar security forces and ethnic rebels, Wu said the drills were part of the annual training schedule and China had informed Myanmar of the drill before it began.
The Qingdao-Amazon Joint Innovation Center was officially launched on March 28 in Licang, an urban district in the eastern coastal city of Qingdao.

The Qingdao-Amazon Joint Innovation Center is unveiled on March 28 in Licang district, Qingdao. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Located in the central business circle of Licang district, the center is designed to integrate resources such as new technologies, ideas, incubation platforms and capital to propel the growth of local Internet companies and global startups, as well as to promote the industrial restructuring and upgrading of Qingdao.

The center, the first of its kind built in China, is jointly operated by Amazon Web Services (AWS), a world leading cloud computing services provider, the Licang district government and Vancoo Commerce Internet Industry (Qingdao) Co Ltd, a private local firm, according to a tripartite cooperation agreement signed on June 16, 2016.

According to Rong Yongkang, executive director of AWS China and global vice president of AWS, the center will serve as a platform for worldwide internet companies, and create a cluster of information, technology, talent and capital in the Bohai and Yellow Sea area.

"Qingdao is one of China's leading innovative cities and its orientation will help to attract more startups, global leading companies and top high-tech talent for the center," said Rong.

Along with the launching ceremony, the Qingdao International Smart Industry Summit was also held, with distinguished guests from the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Qingdao government, AWS, the venture capital industry, economic research centers and local enterprises taking part.
SHI YU/CHINA DAILY

The emergence of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has had two major global implications. The first is in terms of additional availability of finance for regional infrastructure development. Traditional financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Asian Development Bank and the African Development Bank have been funding multiple development projects in many countries.

The AIIB complements the existing avenues of multilateral project finance by creating a corpus of funds specifically for infrastructure development. Infrastructure is the most important economic need of most countries, particularly those in Asia. The significance of the AIIB for Asia in this respect is easily understood.

The second major implication of the AIIB is a re-ordering of the global balance of power around itself. Developed countries of the West have traditionally dominated global financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank. And large emerging market economies such as China, India and Brazil have been unhappy with the traditional financial institutions because their roles in the decision-making of the IMF and World Bank are small compared with the current sizes of their economies.

The AIIB is a major change in this respect. Led by China, it has evolved as an international financial institution that aims to give much greater space to emerging markets in institutional decision-making and project financing. In the process, it has attracted countries that are willing to contribute to a global financial architecture led by China.

While the AIIB has moved forward on the lines of a multi-country initiative, there is little doubt about the leadership that China has been providing. Given China's rapid economic growth for more than three decades and the geostrategic influence it has acquired as a result of that, China is now a major power and a prominent global player. Any initiative led by China, even if for economic development through infrastructure building, is bound to raise questions about the country's strategic interests. The AIIB, too, is bound to face such questions.

The success of the AIIB, till now, is based on moving forward despite being labeled by many as an initiative by China to expand its global strategic influence. But more and more countries have been joining the AIIB, and its members include several countries that are prominent players in the IMF and World Bank. Some of these countries are also defense and strategic allies of the United States. Obviously disturbed by the AIIB's increasing influence, the US has been trying to persuade its allies to stay away from it.

However, several US allies, including major economies such as Australia, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and most recently Canada, have joined the AIIB. The mostly non-regional commitment of these major economies to the AIIB is indicative of the bank's positive appeal to the global community as a financial institution. In this respect, these countries have not hesitated to irk the US in choosing to join the AIIB. Such a choice by several US allies reflects the flexibility these countries wish to have when making strategic decisions.

The issue of choice for most major economies also point to the emergence of another narrative around the AIIB. Its commitment to infrastructure building is expected to be a trigger for generating fresh economic momentum at a time when many countries face slower or zero economic growth because of the rising trend of anti-globalization and protectionism. Indeed, in this context, the AIIB can be seen as a forum and initiative for taking forward globalization.

While globalization is experiencing a backlash in the developed world, developing countries and emerging markets still support free trade, because they believe it brings considerable benefits. The AIIB can be useful in this respect, by funding infrastructure projects that increase the capacities of its member countries to participate in global trade through lasting value chains. As such, much of the goodwill enjoyed by the AIIB is because of the gains it can bring for recharging globalization.

The author is a senior research fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore.
Visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and his New Zealand counterpart, Bill English, meet members of the New Zealand China Council in Auckland on March 28. Premier Li thanked the council members for their important role in promoting exchanges and cooperation between the two nations, and encouraged them to make greater contributions to bilateral friendship. [Photo/Xinhua]

Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Australia and New Zealand from March 22 to 29 was the first by a Chinese premier in 11 years. Amid increasing geopolitical changes and challenges, his visit to the two countries showed China's commitment to the liberalization of trade and investment, as well as its efforts to march toward a regional free trade pact with other economies in the region.

His visit not only resulted in a series of concrete trade agreements such as facilitating quality supervision on Australian beef exported to China, but also paved way for negotiations to upgrade the free trade agreement between China and New Zealand. It released a clear signal to uphold the banner of free trade in the Asia-Pacific region.

Against the backdrop of relatively weak global economic growth and much challenged global governance, the Donald Trump administration in the United States has set an "exclusive" economic agenda of "America First" and "Make America Great Again". The supposed opposition to free trade and thus globalization by the world's biggest economy could alter its relationships with China, Australia and New Zealand, and change the way international institutions function.

Besides, the European Union is faced with uncertainties, especially on the political front. And the United Kingdom officially started the "Brexit" process on Wednesday, casting a shadow over the leadership and governance of the European Union.

On the other hand, Australia and New Zealand, like China, are trying to intensify reforms, which should motivate them to deepen their cooperation with China, a champion of freer, more inclusive trade and an important trade partner of Asia-Pacific economies.

The trade volume between China and Australia last year was $107.8 billion, almost triple that between Australia and the US. The China-Australia FTA, which came into effect in 2015but will be fully functional in 2019has taken bilateral trade and investment to new heights. As both sides begin to enjoy the dividends of the FTA, they should also welcome the idea of accelerating the construction of a free trade zone.

Inked in 2008, the China-New Zealand FTA was the first FTA deal China signed with a "Western" developed nation. It has led to an annual increase of at least 15 percent in bilateral trade, adding fresh momentum to their comprehensive strategic partnership. And China and New Zealand will start talks to upgrade their free trade agreement, which covers service trade, e-commerce and agricultural cooperation.

The two countries on Li's itinerary were also very important points on the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, which is one part of the China-led Belt and Road Initiative. The focus of the Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013, is infrastructure-based connectivity, which happens to be in line with the domestic ambitions of Australia and New Zealand.

Canberra issued a plan in 2015 for developing North Australia in the next two decades, and last year it released a 15-year plan for improving infrastructure nationwide. Wellington's 2015 infrastructure plan, too, contains long-term goals such as attracting more investment and streamlining management and feasibility research.

In this context, the two countries have every reason to participate in the Belt and Road programs and work closely with China, which has a rich experience of executing infrastructure projects overseas.

So Li's visit is a timely boost for the countries' cooperation on the initiative.

The author is a researcher at the National Institute of International Strategy of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
People protest against the deployment of an advanced US missile defense system in front of the Lotte Headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, Feb 27, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Republic of Korea has complained to the World Trade Organization about China's "countermeasures" in tourism and business for Seoul's decision to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense anti-missile system in the ROK.

Such an accusation contradicts the fact that China has consistently abided by WTO rules and attaches great importance to the development of economic and trade relations with the ROK. It will also fail to appease Chinese consumers who are unhappy with some of the ROK's recent political decisions.

China-ROK economic and trade relations and people-to-people exchanges were booming for the past few years. China is still the ROK's largest trading partner and the ROK is China's largest source of imports.

According to the website of Ministry of Commerce, the bilateral trade in goods reached $211.4 billion last year despite the weak global economic recovery. The ROK's export of goods to China reached about $124.4 billion of the total trade volume, and imports from China were about $87 billion. China had a trade deficit of $37.5 billion in its trade with the ROK, the largest among its trade partners.

But after the ROK formally agreed with the United States in July last year to install THAAD, the regional strategic equilibrium was seriously undermined posing a security threat to China and other countries in the region. The move also goes against the spirit of restoring peace to the Korean Peninsula, and not surprisingly it has triggered a huge controversy within the ROK, too.

Over the past months, many consumers have boycotted ROK products in supermarkets and other stores in China, and hosts of Chinese tourists have cancelled their trips to the ROK, casting a shadow over the already chilly China-ROK relations.

By hyping up China's "countermeasures" against ROK products, the Seoul delegation to the WTO tried to show that ROK enterprises are getting "unfair" treatment in China and win the support of international organizations. But the ROK knows full well that it does not have enough evidence to file a legal case against China with the WTO. In fact, a senior ROK official recently said there is no proof that China is taking "targeted policy measures" in response to THAAD's deployment in the ROK.

The Chinese government has always attached the utmost importance to economic and trade ties with the ROK. Whether or not overseas companies will achieve commercial success in China is decided by the Chinese market and consumers.

Seoul should realize Beijing is strongly opposed to the deployment of THAAD on ROK soil for genuine reasons, and understand that many Chinese people oppose the deployment of THAAD.

So, if the ROK wants to protect its companies' share in China's market, it should first try to meet the requirements of Chinese customers.

China has an active approach to people-to-people exchanges with the ROK and reiterated that there is no "order of restrictions" against the ROK. But China has also made it clear that it is resolutely opposed to the US' deploying its THAAD anti-missile system on ROK soil. The ROK should have known what China's response would be to THAAD before agreeing with the US to deploy it.

What the ROK is witnessing in China is not any official "targeted restrictions", but the genuine reflection of Chinese people's anger against its reckless move .

As a responsible member, China has consistently complied with WTO rules and fulfilled its commitments. Without any sufficient evidence against China violating WTO rules, any legal move by the ROK is doomed to failure.

Protectionism is rising worldwide. As beneficiaries and supporters of free trade and globalization, China and the ROK have made great strides in economic development. And now they should strengthen cooperation and boost free trade to better serve their common interests.

The author is a research fellow in international trade and economics with the Ministry of Commerce.
A man pushes a wooden basin in which his granddaugter sits through a flooded road at Lianhua village, Duchang county, East China's Jiangxi province, on June 27.[Photo/China Daily]

On Aug 4, 2012, a flood hit several cities in northeastern China's Liaoning province. In December, media outlets found that the Youyan Man autonomous county, which suffered from the disaster, had 38 deaths but reported there were only five deaths and three people missing to higher authorities. On Tuesday, the media reported that Liaoyang county, which is adjacent to Youyan, had at least seven deaths or missing, but claimed there were "zero casualties". An editorial on thepaper.cn comments:

According to the official website of the Liaoning provincial government, it has formed an investigation team to probe the incident. If any officials are found to have concealed information, they will face penalties.

Maybe we should ask why officials in the two counties might want to misreport the number of people who died or went missing in the disaster. According to the law and government regulations, those officials who fail to send pre-warnings and/or fail to effectively rescue people in natural disasters will be held responsible for their failure to protect residents. It is highly possible that the officials concealed the number in order to escape their deserved penalties.

Worse, some officials hide the number of deaths in a disaster in order to boost their "achievements". Reports show that Liaoyang officials boasted they had "a glorious victory in fighting the flood" in 2012, and the "zero casualties" were an important part of their boasted achievement. This is a kind of corruption, too.

In doing so, the local officials overestimated the benefits of hiding the deaths and underestimated the central government's determination to fight corruption.

The flood in August 2012 hit more than just the two aforementioned counties in Liaoning. Did any other counties hide the number of deaths? Did any other officials report false death tolls? These are questions that must be answered. It is time higher authorities probed deeper into the incident and investigated more cities.

But more important, the higher authorities need to broaden the channel of obtaining information, so that local officials are no longer able to hide key information. The penalty for false information should be made harsher, too, to deter local officials from trying to hide the truth.
A student learns from an online open course in a middle school in Changsha, Hunan province on Nov 28, 2014. [Photo/CFP]

Su Dekuang, a math professor at Zhejiang University, became an online celebrity in China recently after he started a calculus class online and attracted more than 13,000 participants. China Education Newspaper commented on Wednesday:

According to some reports, Su was already very popular among the students in Zhejiang University. When his calculus class opened for registrations, over 3,000 students lined up even though there were only 150 places. So we can see it is quite natural that the professor's online course would appeal to a lot of students.

However, the popularity of his online course reveals the difficulty university students have in taking the courses they are interested in. Such open online courses offer the opportunity for students to take a course they would otherwise not be able to take.

Online courses provide a new interactive way to teach more students. And, as a matter of fact, some teachers in universities have already joined the online teaching business. The university authorities can encourage teachers by rewarding them for giving extra classes. This in turn may result in better quality courses, pushing forward the colleges as the disseminators of knowledge.

Promoting and encouraging teachers to give classes online will improve the openness and inclusiveness of higher education.
Guests talk about how Chinese contemporary literature go abroad during the forum held in Beijing on March 29. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A lack of quality translations is holding Chinese literature back from carving a niche in the global library of contemporary literacy greats, according to a cultural forum held in Beijing on March 29.

The Overseas Translation and Communication of Famous Works of Contemporary Chinese Literature forum was organized by the Chinese Culture Translation and Studies Support (CCTSS), an online platform dedicated to promoting Chinese literature and culture overseas.

Meanwhile, the forum also marked the official launch of China's first guide dedicated to introducing contemporary Chinese literature to readers both at home and abroad.

Speaking of the future plan for globalizing Chinese literature, CCTSS executive director Xu Baofeng told that they would work with Amazon to publish a print version of the guide. They are also in discussions with e-book platform Overdrive to bring the publication to libraries around the world.

Books by Nobel laureate Mo Yan, Hans Christian Andersen awarding-winning Cao Wenxuan and scifi author Liu Cixin and Hao Jingfang are widely known by overseas fans, inspiring more Chinese contemporary writers to seek a global audience.

"You could say that the 'spring' for Chinese science fiction is here now, as the genre sees growth in readers, writers, public interest and capital," Wang Jinkang, one of the leading figures in the current generation of Chinese science fiction writers, said at the forum.

"There is still a rich diversity of excellent sci-fi writers like Liu Cixin and Hao Jingfang being neglected and worth introducing abroad," he said. "What we need to do is to provide a platform to writers with independent voices and dig out more genuinely valuable works and writers with great potential covering more diversified themes."

According to Xu, excluding online literature writers, China currently has nearly 100,000 titles in circulation. However, only fewer than 200 have attracted overseas fans.

"It's not as if we have a dearth of good Chinese writers, or works that deserve wider attention," said Xu. "But there is a language obstacle and culture gap between the East and the West. It takes time for foreign readers to get interested in Chinese life. They can enjoy reading translated Chinese books only after they have some idea about culture. And I think people read books to find out about other cultures. Sounds like a classic chicken-and-egg situation."

"It's true that the contribution of foreign translators cannot be ignored," Ma Yuan, a pioneer of the avant-garde literature that emerged in the mid 1980s, said. "Their excellent language capabilities and unique perspective tailored for western readers have helped introduce Chinese literature to the world."

Some Chinese publishers participating in the forum said that for them, understanding different lifestyles and thinking patterns is also a hurdle to global success.

"If Chinese contemporary literature is to go global, people need to know more about life in China, then people can get closer to Chinese literature and have an idea of how Chinese people think. When translating the literacy works, we could try to let Chinese translators and translators in the target language country work together to make the work a more understandable one," Jing Xiaomin, vice president of China Intercontinental Press, said.

Despite the bumpy road of globalizing Chinese contemporary literature, some foreign publishers are still enthusiastic and confident about exploring new spaces for releasing Chinese literature, considering the great potential for Chinese writers and their distinct literacy works in the global market.

"Over the last several years, we have determined that there is such a great interest in Chinese culture, Chinese literature, Chinese technology and education. And today Overdrive has a catalog of 30,000 Chinese language digital books being integrated in our platform," Steve Potash, from Overdrive, US-based e-book publisher, said.

Gabriella Page-Fort, the editorial director at Amazoncrossing, said: "There's an unprecedented demand from foreign users eager to understand China as the country develops and its international status grows. Chinese contemporary literature may act as a mirror providing an opportunity to the world to read and understand China better."
Potential homebuyers examine a property project model in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu province, Feb 28, 2016.[Photo/VCG]

China's property prices are not expected to come down in the next 15 years given the current demand-supply gap and the urbanization drive. The central government should focus on infrastructure building to avoid steep upand-downs on property prices, which could lead to social insecurity, said Jia Kang, principal economist of the China Academy of New Supply-side Economics, and the former president of Institute of Fiscal Science, Ministry of Finance, as reported by the FT Chinese at the Boao Asia Forum. Here are some of the keynote points of the economist.

First, the governments of all levels should provide sustainable land supply, giving room to land development under the national land development regulations with flexibility. Chongqing model should be expanded. Under the experiment of dipiao (literally translated as 'land ticket' ) land certificate, a warrant-like certificate linking rural and urban land, Chongqings developers can buy the right to develop farmland beyond the annual quota, to increase urban expansion.

Second, China should promote different classifications of housing, providing public-renting houses and public-owned housing for low-income class. Different housing system is the trend for the foreseeable future, and should come along with the affordable housing to form a reasonable market rule under proper coordination.

Third, the government could attract private capital into the real estate industry under the style of the public-private-partnership frame, providing funds and infrastructure for housing. In this way a more balanced supply-demand property market could take shape.

Fourth, real property tax and inheritance tax should be introduced, just like US, Japan, and some European countries to halt speculation in the housing industry.

Facing unsatisfactory conditions and inherent flaws, the above four long-term measure should be undertaken right now. Any short-term regulations like loan and purchase prohibitions would only be temporary.

FT Chinese
Children get own arts festival Liangjiang Updated: 2017-03-29 By Sun Hui, chinadaily.com.cn

Children at Liangjiang New Areas Jinshan E-cool Culture and Innovation Zone will be able to experience an arts festival held just for them from March 26.

The month-long childrens art festival runs until April 25, and will feature a vast range of activities, such as photography, painting, and installation exhibitions, as well as staging dramatic arts, food art shows, and a house design competition.

The art festivals main draw card is its anti-waste art installations which are open free to the public.

Created by youth artist Sun Ke, the installations feature waste materials such as plastic bags, packing paper, and water bottles to create unique sculptures.

Children will get the chance to create their own sculptures with the artist, in a fun activity which a strong environmental message.

Youth artist Sun Kes plaster sculptures are made of waste materials and promote a strong environmental message at the E-cool Culture and Innovation Zones childrens arts festival, running until April 25. [Photo/liangjiang.gov.cn]

The anti-waste exhibition forms part of an area at the festival called FEI City  fei in Chinese means waste.

Hu Yin, organizer of the installation art exhibition, said We hope these art works can inspire visitors to think about the relationship between human beings and the environment and raise public awareness.

Another highlight is the festivals photography exhibition.

Youth photographer Li Guangbo will exhibit a collaborative project undertaken with the students of Sanquan Hope Primary School in Chongqings Nanchuan district.

A total of 44 student portraits taken by Li will be on show, beside 25 paintings created by the students. The unique portraits have been taken at the moment the children were asked what their New Years wishes would be.

Visitors admire Li Guangbos portraits of the moment children area asked to describe their New Years wishes. [Photo/liangjiang.gov.cn]

Tian Jinli, operations manager of Chongqing Jinshan E-cool Business Management Co, said, These exhibitions form part of Jinshan E-cools efforts to carry out its public education plan. The company will continue to promote art to the public and provide cultural services including public lectures, salons and free art exhibitions.

The E-cool Culture and Innovation Zone was established in December 2016 to provide a public cultural community and enrich peoples lives. The zone features artworks themed on culture and tourism, and was transformed from old workshops in Liangjiang New Area.

Jinshan E-cool Culture and Innovation Zone was established in 2016 from old workshops in Liangjiang New Area. [Photo/liangjiang.gov.cn]

Edited by Owen Fishwick
TEXAS - Twelve people were killed and three others injured in a van-truck collision in Texas on Wednesday, local media reported.

Local authorities said that the incident occurred when a van carrying 14 church members and a pickup truck collided on a two-lane Texas highway.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (C) and Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat (R) attend a public dialogue on the future of Europe in Valletta, Malta on March 29, 2017. Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker shared their views on Brexit in a public dialogue on the future of Europe held in Valletta on Wednesday. [Photo/Xinhua]

VALLETTA - Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker shared their views on Brexit in a public dialogue on the future of Europe held in Valletta on Wednesday.

Muscat said there was nothing sweet about Britain leaving, but what will emerge in the next weeks and months is that Europe is resilient.

Muscat added that he believes Europe will surprise everyone with its degree of unity and resilience, wanting to go ahead regardless of Brexit.

He further expressed faith in the EU commission, convinced they will do an excellent job in preparing for negotiations with Britain.

The Brexit negotiations would be tough, Muscat said, but there was a willingness to reach a fair solution to everyone, not just one side. However any deal with Britain would have to be inferior to the benefits of full EU membership, he added.

Asked about the possibility of associated citizenship for British citizens, Juncker said this will depend on the negotiations that are established.

However, he warned that if this were happen, it might be an answer for British citizens but would not take away the dangers of Brexit.

Juncker was quite unequivocal in his remarks. He stated that when the British went for referendum they did not care about their future and that they would come to regret this decision.

On Brexit negotiations and possible investment from British companies, Muscat said negotiations had to be approached fairly and there was healthy competition among all member states in this respect.

Juncker ended the evening affirming that despite all the EU's weaknesses and failures, Europe is the best place on earth to live and he was positive about the future.
Air Koryo crew members wait for Chinese passengers with bouquets. [Photo/Xinhua]

A charter flight opened between Pyongyang and Dandong, a Chinese city near the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Tuesday, shortening the trip to 40 minutes.

About 50 passengers, mostly Chinese tourists and businessmen, attended the launch ceremony at the Pyongyang Sunan International Airport.

Air Koryo, a DPRK airline, will operate the twice weekly flights, taking off from Pyongyang at 9:00am local time and returning to the DRPK capital city at 11:40am.

Air Koryo has regular flights to Beijing and Shenyang, which is also in Northeast China. The charter flight to Dandong is its third route to China.

Facing Sinuiju of DPRK across the Yalu River, Dandong in Liaoning province of Northeast China has become a transport hub connecting the two countries.
DPRK accuses S. Korean officials of teaming up with US over nuclear issue

Xinhua | Updated: 2017-03-30 21:19

PYONGYANG -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Thursday accused some South Korean officials of trying to make inter-Korean relations "irreversible" by seeking "strengthened cooperation over the nuclear issue" with the United States against the DPRK.



The official daily Rodong Sinmun (Labor Daily) said the chief of the South Korean presidential security office and US White House security advisers recently met in Washington "to stage the anti-DPRK confab."



The chairmen of joint chiefs of staff of the two countries also recently discussed "counteraction" against the DPRK over the phone. Besides, South Korea is launching a diplomatic offensive in some Asian countries to seek support over the DPRK nuclear issue, the newspaper said.



"The sinister intention of the puppet group of traitors is aimed to make the inter-Korean relations that they deteriorated irrecoverable after the regime change in South Korea," it said.



The DPRK has intensified warnings against the United States and South Korea over a possible outbreak of war because of the ongoing large-scale joint military exercises by Washington and Seoul.
President will go to Finland, then to US leader's Mar-a-Lago resort

Beijing confirmed on Thursday that President Xi Jinping will meet with his US counterpart next week in Florida, marking their first meeting since Donald Trump took office in January.

Xi will pay a state visit to Finland from Tuesday through Thursday and then meet with Trump at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Thursday and Friday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at a daily news briefing. The resort is owned by Trump.

Xi and Trump have spoken to each other twice by phone.

Their first meeting was announced amid media attention on the trade relations between the world's two largest economies. China and the US are each other's largest trading partners.

On China-US trade issues, Lu said Beijing is ready to "expand pragmatic cooperation in economic and trade areas, properly tackle economic and trade frictions through dialogue and communication and ensure the healthy, stable development of China-US economic and trade ties".

Lu referred to the fact that the bilateral commodity trade volume reached $519.6 billion last year, more than 200 times the figure in 1979, when the two countries forged diplomatic ties.

Lu said the economic and trade ties between China and the US are a win-win situation and the countries' interests are highly integrated.

Chen Mingming, a veteran Chinese diplomat, said Xi's meeting with Trump will be a major diplomatic move taken by Beijing and will "kick off a good start for the ties in the next few years".

"The meeting was made within three months after Trump took office on Jan 20, showing that both leaders prioritize having a face-to-face talk," Chen said. "This helps them better know each other and reaffirm pledges for deepening bilateral ties."

Su Ge, president of the China Institute of International Studies, said China and the US can expand interests and focus on cooperation, as they are both permanent members of the UN Security Council.

"They both benefit from and uphold the existing international order, and shoulder important and unique responsibilities for regional and international peace, security and prosperity," Su said.

On Xi's state visit to Finland, spokesman Lu said it will be Xi's first to a European Union country this year as well as Xi's first visit to northern Europe as China's top leader. It demonstrates the great importance China attaches to building a forward-looking partnership with Finland, Lu said.
BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Finland and travel to Florida, the United States for China-US presidents' meeting next week, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang announced on Thursday.

"At the invitation of President Sauli Niinisto of the Republic of Finland and President Donald Trump of the United States of America, President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Finland from April 4 to 6, and meet with President Trump at Mar-a-lago, Florida, the United States from April 6 to 7," Lu said at a daily press briefing.
Students learn Chinese at the Confucius Institute in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. [Photo by Ren Qin/China Daily]

Editor's note: This is the second installment of China Daily's special series on the Belt and Road Initiative.

More than 2,000 years ago, China and Central Asia were linked by the Silk Road. Now a modern version of the ancient trading route is being built, and Confucius Institutes are spreading the Chinese language and culture throughout the region.

Uzbekistan is a typical Silk Road country. Some of its oldest cities, such as Bukhara and Samarkand, became wealthy as a result of the fabled route and established close commercial relations with China.

Those relations have been maintained, not only politically and economically, but also culturally. With the development of modern Uzbekistan, economic cooperation between the Central Asian nation and China has increased in recent years, and a growing number of Uzbeks are learning about the Chinese language and culture.

Uzbekistan was the first nation to sign an agreement with China to establish a Confucius Institute, which provides foreigners with language skills and extensive knowledge about the world's second-largest economy.

In June 2004, Lanzhou University, in the capital of Gansu province, and the Tashkent State Institute of Oriental Studies signed contracts to build the first Confucius Institute in the Uzbek capital, assisted by the China National Office for Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language.

The institute, which opened in 2005, saw 30 to 50 students enroll in the first year. At the time, few Uzbeks knew anything about China, its language and culture, according to Di Xiaoxia, the Chinese director of the Tashkent Confucius Institute.

"In the beginning, we had to expend a lot of effort because the Uzbeks had no idea of what we were or what we taught," she said. "We had to place a lot of ads and promotions in the community before parents brought their children to the institute."

Now, the situation is vastly different. After 10 years of development, large numbers of Uzbeks attend the Tashkent Confucius Institute, and more than 1,200 studentsages 8 to 60attend its Chinese classes every year, according to Saodat Nasyrova, the institute's Uzbek director.

Nasyrova visited China as a 17-year-old student of Chinese, and began teaching the language in 2003. She said studying Chinese has become increasingly popular in Central Asia, and two high schools in Tashkent offer classes in the languageTashkent No 59 Middle School and the Tashkent State Institute of Oriental Studies, which is affiliated with the school.

"The institute moved into a new building in 2016, gaining more classrooms and greater seating capacity. However, many more people are coming to the admissions office than we can accept," she said, adding that some form of entrance exam may have to be adopted if the number of people who want to study at the institute continues to grow.
President Xi Jinping welcomes Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday. FENG YONGBIN / CHINA DAILY

President Xi Jinping and Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic agreed on Thursday to push forward the development of the China-Serbia comprehensive strategic partnership to benefit the people of both countries.

The two countries should keep the current momentum of high-level communication and enhance governmental, legislative, political party and local-level exchanges, Xi told the Serbian president, who is visiting China from Tuesday to Saturday.

Noting that his state visit to Serbia in June last year was successful, Xi said China is willing to strengthen the all-weather friendship with Serbia. He called for close interconnection of the China-led Belt and Road Initiative and Serbia's national strategy of re-industrialization.

The two sides should push forward cooperation on major projects like the Budapest-Belgrade railway, explore joint industrial park construction and work together in areas including infrastructure, agriculture, biology and pharmacy, and renewable resources, Xi said.

"Just as Serbian people put it, good friends are better than brothers. So we are glad to welcome my old friend," Xi said. Hailing the visiting leader as a famous Serbian statesman, Xi spoke highly of Nikolic's contribution to the friendship between China and Serbia.

During Xi's state visit to Serbia in June, the two countries signed a joint declaration to lift the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, the first of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe.

The two sides also signed more than 20 cooperative documents during Xi's visit covering areas including investment, economy and trade, people-to-people exchanges and cultural communication.

Calling Xi a "dear good comrade and good friend", Nikolic said the Belt and Road Initiative is of great significance to the future and destiny of people from all nations.

Serbia appreciates China's principle of mutual trust and equal treatment in developing diplomatic ties, Nikolic said, stressing that Serbia will forever uphold the one-China policy.

After the meeting, Nikolic attended a ceremony at which he was made an honorary resident of Beijing.

Chen Xu, director of the Foreign Ministry's Department of Europe, said the talks between Xi and Nikolic were "fruitful and successful".

The two presidents have reached a consensus on deepening political trust, strengthening cooperation, jointly building the Belt and Road and enhancing cooperation under the framework of China and Central and Eastern European countries, he said.
(Photo : US Army) The THAAD AN/TPY-2 radar. that can look deep into Chinese and Russian territory.

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The People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (VSRF) together issued a joint declaration in Geneva on March 28 blasting the United States for deploying its THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) anti-missile system in South Korea under false pretenses.



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The U.S.' main strategic competitors again whined that THAAD "damages the strategic balance and stability (and) will inevitably deteriorate the international security environment."



THAAD "far exceeds the defense needs of South Korea, and the United States' true purpose, which obviously disagrees with its declared one, is to make the THAAD system a segment of the US global missile defense system, and to strengthen its surveillance on the strategic depth of China and the Russian Far East region, seriously damaging the strategic interests of China and Russia," said Major General Zhang Jian, Chinese representative and director of the Operation Bureau under the Joint Staff Department under China's Central Military Commission.



During the joint briefing on global and regional anti-missile situations called by the PLA and the VSRF, Gen. Zhang also said the anti-missile issue had a profound and long-term impact on the global strategic balance and stability, peace and security, as well as arms control and disarmament process.



The development of the global anti-missile situation is a major issue concerning international security, and has a profound impact on the process of nuclear disarmament and strategic stability, according to Lt. Gen. Viktor Poznihir, first deputy head of the Main Operations Directorate of the General Staff of the VSRF.



He said United States' unilateral withdrawing from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM Treaty) in 2002 after the extinction of the Soviet Union in 1991 and its establishment of the global anti-missile system undermines the current international security system and has ruptured the strategic balance.



He also said actions by the U.S. might lead to an arms race that will generate "unpredictable consequences," including lowering down the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons, impairing the offense-defense force balance and even threatening space security.



Both the PLA and VSRF claim the United States took the missile threats from Iran and North Korea as an excuse for reinforcing its missile defense system deployment, but the actual capacity of the US missile defense system far exceeds its claimed defense needs, the system is, in fact, targeting Russia and China.



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TagsPeople's Liberation Army, Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, THAAD, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, South Korea, Major General Zhang Jian, Lt. Gen. Viktor Poznihir
(Photo : Getty Images) China is reportedly building a large amphibious assault vessel including a helicopter dock.

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China is reportedly constructing a new generation of large amphibious assault vessel like a helicopter carrier, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported on Wednesday.



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A Shanghai-based shipbuilder is allegedly starting to build the 075 Landing Helicopter Dock, a move to boost China's power navy as it continues to project dominance on protecting the country's power overseas.



Unlike previous ships made for the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, the new amphibious vessel is far larger and can serve as a form of aircraft carrier. The 075 also has the capacity to launch different helicopter types to attack naval vessels, enemy ground forces, or submarines in the East or South China Sea.



Vice-admiral Shen Jinlong, China's navy commander, reported visited the Hudong Zhonghua Shipbuilding Company on Sunday, which specializes in making Landing Helicopter Docks, the company said. And a source close to the navy said that the inspection visit confirmed that a new class of vessel is in the pipeline.



"Construction of the Type 075 ships will take two more years. The first vessel may be launched as early as 2019 and put into full service in 2020," the source said.



Meanwhile, China revealed its plan to expand its marine personnel from about 20,000 to 100,000 to safeguard its maritime lifelines and growing overseas interest. Chinese President Xi Jinping will decrease the size of the PLA by 300,000 towards the end, with cuts mostly coming from land forces.



Currently, China has at least two brigades of special combat soldiers have been deployed to the marines. China will add a third brigade that will undergo a transformation such as special training and learning how to conduct amphibious operations.



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Tagschina, 075 Landing Helicopter Dock, helicopter carrier, Chinese marine, Type 075 ships, People's Liberation Army, Assault ships
(Photo : Getty Images. ) FBI has charged a veteran US department employee of secretly working for Chinese intelligence agency in exchange of expensive gifts and financial rewards.

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A veteran US department employee on Wednesday was charged by the FBI about concealing her contacts with Chinese intelligence agents, who allegedly offered her financial rewards in exchange of the sensitive information's.



Candace Claiborne, 60, was arrested on Tuesday by the FBI officials, following which she was immediately subjected to an hour long interrogation. She had been working with the U.S. state department since 1999 in a important position that made her privy to several sensitive information's.



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During the interrogation, Claiborne admitted of being in touch with two Chinese intelligence officials, who offered her tens of thousands of dollars in gifts and benefits for over period of five years. She later admitted of handing over unclassified economic reports to the Chinese agents, for which she allegedly received $2,500 (2,010).



The accused also revealed that she provided information about a dissident who was being secretly kept at the embassy, according to a criminal complaint filed by Kellie O'Brien, an FBI counter-intelligence agent.



The FBI criminal complaint further states that in addition to cash rewards, Claiborne received expensive gifts such as Apple iPhone and laptop, international travel and vacations, a fully furnished apartment and a monthly stipend.



She allegedly failed to report about these expensive gifts and financial rewards to her seniors.



Claiborne pleads not guilty at the court



Claiborne was produced at the US district court in Columbia on Wednesday. During the proceedings, the U.S. Attorney Channing Phillips accused Claiborne of receiving training and briefing from her Chinese masters.



However, Claiborne pleaded not guilty to all the charges levelled against her at the court. The next hearing in the court has been set for 18 April.



If all charges are proven at the court, she may be convicted for 20 years for obstructing an official proceeding and additional five years for making false statement to the FBI.



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An American pastor who is being held in jail in Turkey is calling on the Trump administration to secure his release.

Pastor Andrew Brunson was detained, along with his wife, Norine, in October. The couple had been operating as missionaries and leading a small church in Izmir, on Turkeys western coast.

Norine Brunson was released, but Andrew remains in custody. He has been accused of immigration violations as well as being a member of a terrorist organization.

Turkey has experienced increased tensions since an attempted coup rocked the country last year. Brunson has specifically been accused of having ties to Fethullah Gulen, a U.S.-based Muslim cleric responsible for the failed coup.

Brunson has firmly denied these charges. "Even though I have a long public track record as a church pastor, they falsely accuse me of being a member of an Islamist terrorist group," he stated.

Brunson has appealed to the U.S. government, and specifically to President Trump, to advocate on his behalf.

I plead with my government  with the Trump Administration  to fight for me, Brunson wrote from his jail cell, according to Christian Today.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is scheduled to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan today, which is a main reason Brunson has made a point of calling on the U.S. government for help.

The American Center for Law and Justice is also advocating on Brunsons behalf.

Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com

Publication date: March 30, 2017
Last year, the Russian government passed a number of laws making it harder to share ones faith.

The legislation required missionaries to have permits, made house churches illegal, and limited religious activity to registered church buildings, effectively restricting Christians from evangelizing outside of their churches. (The jurys still out on whether the legislation will hold up in court.)

Earlier this year, the Russian government took another step in its decade-long crackdown against Jehovahs Witnesses. From CTs report:

The Justice Ministry submitted a Supreme Court case to label the Jehovahs Witnesses headquarters an extremist group. This would allow Russia to enact a countrywide ban on its activity, dissolving its organization and criminalizing its worship. The ban would impact about 175,000 followers in 2,000 congregations nationwide. Without any exaggeration, it would put us back to the dark days of persecution for faith.

Jehovahs Witnesses make up a tiny percentage of the countrys populationbut their unpopularity has made it awkward for Russian Protestants who dont consider themselves as extremeor as annoyingas the Witnesses, and they arent too eager to speak out against the recent case against them.

One key group contributing to this complicated environment is the Russian Orthodox Church which staunchly believes that faith should have a robust communal dimension,not confined to a private relationship between a person and God, says Andrey Shirin, who moved to the United States from Russia more than 25 years ago and currently works as an assistant professor of divinity at the John Leland Center ...

1
Nine out of 10 American pastors say they recently encouraged racial reconciliation. Their favorite method: Breaking bread with someone of another ethnicity.

A new survey of 1,000 Protestant senior pastors by LifeWay Research examines how they address race beyond the pulpit, as well as whether their congregations demand such sermons.

Almost three-quarters (72%) of pastors have shared a meal with a diverse small group of people (less than 10) in the past month. That includes 44 percent who say theyve had such a meal in the past week.

The proportion is similar among white pastors, 42 percent of whom say theyve had a meal in the past week with a diverse group. Such meals are more common among African-American pastors (52%) and pastors of other ethnicities (60%).

The proportion varies by denomination. Pentecostal (50%), Methodist (48%), and Baptist (46%) pastors were more likely to have shared a meal with a diverse group in the past week, while Presbyterian/Reformed pastors (34%) ...

1
As Americans across the political spectrum work to reform the criminal justice system and reduce the record-high prison population, another issue has resulted from over-incarceration: how to reintegrate the 65 million peoplenearly 1 in 4 adultswith a criminal record.

To tackle the second prison beyond bars, Prison Fellowship has convened an unusual coalitionranging from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the American Civil Liberties Union to The Heritage Foundationto address the social stigma around the formerly incarcerated and to launch Second Chance Month.

A bipartisan pair of senators (Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota) plan to introduce a bill to officially recognize the April observance.

Christians involved in criminal justice reform say churches should recognize the significance of second chances, redemption, and human dignity.

We incarcerate a lot of people, and 95 percent ...

1
Ratio Christi's TV Program 'Truth Matters' to be Seen on NRBTV

Contact: Sheryl Young, Media Outreach Coordinator, Ratio Christi Campus Apologetics Alliance, 813-486-8594, sherylyoung@ratiochristi.org



INDIAN TRIAL, N.C., March 30, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- Ratio Christi Campus Apologetics Alliance announces an agreement with NRBTV for the RC-TV streaming/satellite show, "Truth Matters", to begin airing weekly on NRBTV on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 10:30 PM Eastern, 7:30 PM Pacific.



RC-TV's "Truth Matters" originally debuted on various streaming and satellite stations in January 2017. The program is dedicated to providing believers and skeptics with the evidence for the Christian worldview. It is a weekly show appealing to a wide audience: from parents, pastors and lay people, to high school and college students, to university professors. "Truth Matters" is the broadcast outreach of Ratio Christi.



About Ratio Christi: RC is a non-denominational, non-profit global movement with more than 200 boots-on-the-ground college and university chapters and high school clubs equipping students and faculty to give historical, philosophical, and scientific reasons for following Jesus Christ. RC also has a special outreach to professors with a goal of bringing a "renaissance of Christian thinking" and consideration of the Christian worldview back into academia.



RC meetings provide a safe and charitable venue for atheists, agnostics, skeptics, and adherents to any religion to investigate the claims of Christianity, discuss religious beliefs, and seek truth without fearing reprisal.



About NRBTV: NRBTV is a Christian TV channel headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. It is seen nationwide on DIRECTV channel 378 and select broadcast affiliates. The channel is also streamed worldwide on Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV (fourth generation) streaming players, via a free mobile app, and online streaming. NRBTV is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization reaching a global audience 24 hours a day with thought-provoking, Christ-centered programming. For more information, visit www.nrbtv.org.



President/CEO of Ratio Christi Dr. Corey Miller:

"We are very grateful for NRBTV giving us the opportunity to expand our ministry of equipping people with reasons to follow Jesus in an increasingly skeptical world."

NRBTV Senior Director of Programming Arline Bell:

"NRBTV is excited to be adding this resourceful apologetics program to our lineup. Our viewers look to us for this type of educational content and we are honored that Ratio Christi has chosen to partner with us."

Members of the media can arrange interviews with Dr. Miller or other Ratio Christi spokespersons by contacting Sheryl Young, Media Outreach Coordinator, sherylyoung@ratiochristi.org or (813) 486-8594.
Ice cream is already delicious, but it tastes even better when it's free.Want to test that theory?

Ben & Jerry's is hosting Free Cone Day on April 4, and it will be offering locals free ice cream cones at 5515 Kirby Drive from noon to 8 p.m.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker hit back at Donald Trump's support for the U.K.'s withdrawal from the European Union, saying that he would champion American states that wanted to secede from the union.

"The newly elected U.S. president was happy that Brexit was taking place and was asking other countries to do the same," Juncker told delegates from his pan-EU Christian Democrat group in Malta. "If he goes on like that, I'm going to promote the independence of Ohio and the exit of Texas."

Whether known to Juncker or not, Texas has long been associated with autonomous leanings, having declared itself the independent Republic of Texas in 1836 after seceding from Mexico, according to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. It didn't join the U.S. until 1845.

Juncker's tone belies the anger among EU chiefs that President Trump has stoked the Brexit fire and, with it, egged on other countries to follow the U.K.'s lead.

Leaders from the European People's Party, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel and EU President Tusk, were meeting a day after Prime Minister Theresa May officially notified the bloc that Britain is withdrawing, starting two years of negotiations.

"Brexit isn't the end of everything, we must consider it to be a new beginning," Juncker said.

The U.K.'s decision will make the EU "more determined," Tusk said, adding that the bloc would remain "united in the future, also during the difficult negotiations" with the U.K.

While Merkel didn't mention Brexit in her speech directly, she also chose to focus on unity.

"Many people are saying the world and Europe are going a bit off the rails," said Merkel, who as leader of the EU's largest economy will have the biggest say on the final deal the bloc strikes with the U.K. "If we act together in Europe, we can do it much better than if we do things on our own in a world that isn't sleeping."
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Among the most beloved rituals of spring for off-road enthusiasts is the annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari.

Admittedly a bit of a niche event, this gathering brings thousands of die-hard off-road fans to Moab, Utah, for nine days of trail rides in some of the state's rougher country. This year's safari takes place April 8-16.

ON THE BLOCK: Texas collector puts incredible car collection up for auction

The event was started in 1967 by the Moab Chamber of Commerce as a one-day trail ride and has steadily expanded since then.

For the past 15 years, Jeep and Mopar have teamed up to create concept vehicles for the safari, using Jeep Performance Parts to enhance the off-road experience.

"These concept vehicles are a perfect example of how off-road enthusiasts can use Jeep Performance Parts to personalize and enhance the already outstanding Jeep capability, allowing them to face the toughest trails in the world," Pietro Gorlier, Mopar's head of Parts and Service for FCA Global.

BUYER BEWARE: There are two versions of the 2017 Jeep Compass. One isn't that new, but might be a deal.

The 2017 Easter Jeep Safari concept vehicles include:

Jeep Grand One

The Jeep Grand One celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Grand Cherokee with a modernized spin on a classic 1993 ZJ. Its features include 33-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires, front and rear axles equipped with selectable locking differentials and a 2-inch suspension lift, the company said.

Jeep Safari

This high-tech, Wrangler-based concept features a translucent hard-top roof panel, two-level aluminum cargo rack with incorporated drone and LED head lights and tail lights.

Jeep Quicksand

Made for wheeling in sand, this vehicle is fully capable in any terrain, the company said. As a first for any Jeep concept vehicle, the Quicksand has a staggered tire setup , with 32-inch tires in front and 37-inch tires in the rear.

Jeep Trailpass

Based on the all-new Jeep Compass, the Trailpass concept vehicle takes the Compass Trailhawk a step further for an extreme off-road adventure. A 1.5-inch lift kit and 18-inch wheels increase the off-road capabilities. Jeep Performance Parts on the Trailpass include a Jeep roof basket, cross rails and rock rails.

Jeep Switchback

Jeep Performance Parts featured on the Switchback include a front and rear Dana 44 axle, a 4-inch lift with Remote Reservoir Fox shocks, heavy-duty cast differential covers, 10th anniversary steel front and rear bumpers, Rubicon winch, grille, winch guard and cold air intake.

Jeep CJ66

The narrow-bodied Jeep CJ66 concept, which made its debut in 2016 in Las Vegas, combines the 383 horsepower of the 5.7-liter HEMI engine with a six-speed manual transmission. Its Copper Canyon-colored body rides on 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires.

Jeep Luminator

This vehicle emphasizes advanced lighting features to deliver superior visibility on the trail, jointly developed with the Automotive Lighting division of Magneti Marelli. On the Luminator's hood is a scanning LED light bar module with active spot and dynamic following technology to help the driver avoid wildlife or hazards on the trail.
Dear Abby:

There is a boy I like at school. He is a very well-known person around school. I'm not. My friends know I like him, and they would like for me to talk to him. I wouldn't mind that, but what would I say? They want it to happen in person, but I want to do it by text, where I feel more me. What should I do?

Tennessee Teen

Dear Teen:

Listen to your friends and approach him in person. A smile and a hello should break the ice. Then follow it up with a question about some school activity.

Dear Abby:

Could you please address the etiquette of tasting samples at stores, events, food shows, etc.? People walk up and try to grab a sample with dirty, bleeding, scabby hands not realizing that other people also will be sampling that food.

Samples are supposed to be given to each person. And when that happens, the food handler should be wearing clean gloves and be the only person touching the food.

Please let people know that once someone without gloves touches this food, the demonstrator must discard it for health reasons. Also, samples cannot be given to children without their parents' permission.

Mary in Florida

Dear Mary:

Your suggestions are not only good manners, they also make common sense.

Dear Abby:

"Enough to Share" (Dec. 5) was interested in supporting her daughter's friends through the college application process. "Enough" could mention to the family that SAT and ACT fee waivers should be available through the school counseling department if the twins are considered low-income.

Students also should know about government assistance programs, such as the Pell Grant, which can give additional money toward tuition for any low-income student.

Title I Teacher

Dear Teacher:

Thank you for the pertinent information. Read on for some instructive input from another reader:

Dear Abby:

Many schools have "Helping Hands" funds that would allow the family to donate to these specific girls anonymously. As an educator, I encourage everyone to reach out to a local school to offer help to struggling high school students. If they are in a position to do so, they should ask if they can sponsor a student in the college application process.

A Little Goes a Long Way

DearAbby.comDear AbbyP.O. Box 69440Los Angeles, CA 90069Universal Press Syndicate
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Three Texas City suspects are in jail after police found marijuana, cocaine, THC concentrate, a handgun and shotguns in a home where the men are accused of manufacturing drugs.

After neighbors complained about illegal activity, a search warrant was issued on Tuesday, March 28 for the home at 100 17th Avenue North, Police Chief Robert Burby said in a release.
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Not too surprisingly, the cruise industry has been a boon to the Port of Galveston.

Between Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Cruises, Galveston offers people from all over the region numerous opportunities to explore a slate of tropical ports on three to 14-day tours.

In its first quarter of 2017, Carnival is showing strong growth.

WHAT NYT GOT RIGHT AND WRONG: The New York Times highlights some of Galveston's best restaurants and attractions

"We are off to a good start delivering another quarter of operational improvement on top of a very strong first quarter last year," Carnival Corporation & plc President and Chief Executive Officer Arnold Donald said in a statement. "Our performance was driven by increased demand, particularly for our core Caribbean itineraries, leading to higher year-over-year ticket prices which enabled us to overcome the significant negative impact of both fuel and currency to exceed the high end of our guidance range."

That might be why the company expanded its destinations to include the Panama Canal. It's part of a 14-day voyage on the line's "Carnival Freedom," and it only launches once a year.

"We get quite a few inquiries each month about Panama Canal cruises from Galveston," Dru Walters, Cruise Agent at GalvestonCruises.com said. "When Carnival announced new itineraries with the canal, we held a small block of cabins because we knew they would go fast."

The historic waterway was built from 1903 through 1914 as a way of traveling from the Atlantic to the Pacific coasts without having to circumnavigate South America.

GO DIRECT: Non-stop flights from Houston for summer travel 2017

This year's trip to the Panama Canal in Colon, Panama will embark Oct. 28 and will include stops in Aruba and Bonaire. Seating is very limited, and reservations can be made at 409-763-8678.

As for Royal Caribbean, it's now offering four and six-night cruises to Havana, Cuba. Although these only depart from Miami. Here's hoping they add a route from Galveston sometime soon.

See the video above for tips on what to take on a cruise.
New Caney Independent School District trustees launched the process to become a District of Innovation during a board meeting March 27.

District of Innovation status allows school districts to opt for certain exemptions from the Texas Education Code.

Delinda Neal, New Caney ISD executive director of instruction, conducted a public hearing outlining exemption possibilities and the process of becoming a District of Innovation.

She stressed that while the district has pointed to a few specific exemptions for consideration, which exemptions are, or are not, included in the final District of Innovation plan has not yet been determined.

"Tonight we start the planning process for New Caney ISD to become a District of Innovation," Neal said. "Basically, we're looking at several areas we're interested in, but we may look at some other items in the planning process."

Six possible exemptions were highlighted during the public hearing:

Uniform school start date

"One of the things we really think is great is that we can adjust the calendar, which will not only help us with adding more days to the first semester, but also in our planning process for budgeting."

According to Brandy Fain, executive director of finance, adjusting the calendar to have more days in August will provide more funding for the school year.

"We'll get 10 days of funding instead of four days of funding for this fiscal year," Fain said.

She said one day of funding is approximately $489,000.

The exemption will also better balance the lengths of the spring and fall semesters.

"The start date (exemption) is critical to our budget process, planning and also gives the kids more time in the first semester," Neal said.

Minimum minutes of instruction

This exemption would allow flexibility to adjust in-class time requirements for students with extenuating circumstances.

"We could adjust our minutes and our school day length," Neal said. "That would help us with a lot of our programs  Early College, Credit Recovery  we can get really creative with seat time for kids."

Class size ratio

Neal said the class size ratio exemption is just a formality that would exempt the district from having to submit a class-size ratio waiver at the state level. Instead, that decision would be made at the district level.

"We submit a waiver every year if we're over 22:1," Neal said. "It's a lot of paperwork. It never fails (that) we have a campus where kids show up we weren't planning for. So, we have to find teachers in September, which is hard to do."

She said the district still works to maintain class size ratios of 22:1.

"We're not going to a higher ratio," Neal said. "We don't want that. We're still going to do 22:1."

According to Neal, class size ratio went down significantly last year. However, she said, New Caney ISD is a fast-growth district and being able to forgo the process of submitting a waiver would save time and resources.

Student discipline provisions

According to Neal, this exemption would also be for the purpose of bringing the decision-making power to the district level.

"This one is just a formality too," Neal said. "Basically, we have to appoint one campus behavior coordinator to all the campuses. That person is usually an assistant principal. We already do this; it's just (with this exemption) we won't have to do all the paperwork."

Teacher certification or contracts

"Basically, the education certification is a great pro for us because we are a fast-growth district," Neal said. "We're also heavily invested in (Career and Technical Education) CATE courses and our elective courses for our students."

She said the district does not want teachers to feel like they would be replaced by noncertified teachers. The exemption would allow the district to hire hard-to-fill positions should the need arise.

"We like the fact that we can hire people, if we need to, that aren't fully certified for hard-to-staff positions, such as some of our CATE areas such as computer programing, auto tech  those are tough certifications to find  bilingual teachers (as well,)" Neal said. "Not that we would hire a noncertified teacher over a certified teacher."

Teacher appraisal system

This would exempt the district from having to base teacher evaluations on their students' STAAR test scores.

"Next year, they're requiring us to tie student STAAR test scores to teacher evaluations," Neal said. "We definitely disagree with that. That's not what we're about. We want out teachers to feel like they have the courage to teach and not worry about if a kid passes a test."

She said teachers responsible for classes of predominantly at-risk students can be a campus' top teacher, but can still be at a disadvantage as far as producing top student test scores.

"Is that fair to evaluate that teacher on that particular student's test score? We don't think so," Neal said. "Especially when you have your best teachers teaching those children. What does that say for the teachers? We don't want that."

After the public hearing, the board appointed a District Advisory Committee to develop the District of Innovation Plan.

The committee is a group of approximately 35 parents, teachers, assistant principals and principals representing each campus. It is responsible for deciding which exemptions to include and designing the District of Innovation plan.

The plan will be developed in April and posted for public viewing for 30 days.

The plan will then be brought to the school board in May for the board to vote on whether or not to approve it.
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An intense pressure and sense of warmth are vacillating back and forth from my forehead and the healer's palm as he holds his hand over my face. The waves of energy pulsating from his hand are supposed to be entering my spirit as the "Light of God."

Juan, the healer, is soft-spoken as he shows me the bows, the prayers and the proper way to hold my folded hands during the ceremony. Which is helpful because this is my first time "receiving the Light" at Sukyo Mahikari Spiritual Development Center in the Heights.

The spiritual practice is of Japanese descent and has made its way to over 70 countries and 13 states in America. But this small, brick building on Allston Street is the only place in Texas to find practitioners of the art.

Nathan Hudgins, director of the center, said that most Heights residents are probably not aware of its existence in the neighborhood even though it's been there since 2010, and before that on W. Alabama for 18. Most of the people they welcome are members of dojos - or "place of the way" - in other states.

Hudgins, who is originally from Atlanta and grew up Catholic, said when he stumbled upon Mahikari in college it felt right to him.

"It takes Eastern philosophy and things I've studied about mysticism and put it together and mirrored my own feelings," said Hudgins. "The purpose of Light is to purify and awaken spiritually, it has the same effect as meditation overall."

Inside the building there is a small temple in front of the open space where the ceremony is performed. Hudgins said anyone can come in to receive Light to experience it without becoming a member.

"It's more like a yoga center, we have a practice, we have a monthly special ceremony and a teaching based on what the leader in Japan, or 'head guru', has said," he said.

Similar to yoga-goers, Hudgins said the practice doesn't require one to denounce their religion, nor does it conflict with any faith. In fact, he said, many people who come find that it helps them be a better Catholic, Christian or atheist.

The reason the practice is not well-known in most parts of the U.S. is because it is considered a "New Religion," created after World War II. It was established in 1959 by Kotama Okada, a former military leader in Japan. "God's Light and Universal Principals for All Humanity," by Sidney E. Chang, is a foundational text in the practice and describes an illness Okada suffered that caused an extreme fever, after which he is said to have received a revelation from God.

"If people continue to focus on material progress at the expense of human values, such as altruistic love and respect for other people, then society would begin to show signs of collapse by the end of the twentieth century," said Okada.

It has since found a niche in Japan's inclusive religious climate.

"When the name Mahikari is mentioned most Japanese immediately think of the holding of a hand over a person or object. The purpose of this rite is to cleanse the recipient of any possible "clouding." In particular the influence of troubling spirits, and thus help restore the recipient to his or her proper position before Su God, Mahikari's supreme deity. Although the philosophy behind it remains mostly unknown to the general public," said Peter Knecht is his paper "The Crux of the Cross: Mahikari's Core Symbol," (1995) in the Japanese Journal of Religious Studies.

But the practice has caught fire in Latin American countries.

In Brazil, a country settled by various ethnic groups and produced a diverse population, officials have proclaimed February 27 as Sukyo Mahikari day.

Two female members of the center in the Heights have been practicing the ceremony for decades and both were introduced to it in their home countries. One is from Colombia and Lupe Romero is from Venezuela. For her, the calling was dramatic.

"It relieved me of my mental disease of depression," she said. "I was crying and shouting, crying and shouting."

Her family became worried and convinced her to go to the hospital.

"Doctors don't treat your spirit, they treat your body. After the hospital, I kept asking, 'Why am I still depressed?'"

Finally, her aunt laid hands on her and showed her the art of giving Light.

"Everything changed when I started. I became calm, I stopped crying, shouting and my life became my life, I became Lupe again," she said.

Members believe that there are certain points along the body they can focus the Light on, and help move toxins or stagnant energy out of.

Through helping people become more humble, more thankful and more empowered to help people, the group believes they can create a better society.

Locally, Hudgins takes the youth group to parks and public places to give Light and help bless the area. They plan on going to Donovan Park on Heights Boulevard soon where car break-ins and muggings have been reported.
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George Parnham, a legendary Houston defense attorney, withdrew on Thursday from a murder-for-hire case in which a popular Montrose veterinarian and her boyfriend were accused of trying to hire a hitman to kill their exes earlier this month.

Parnham filed a motion to withdraw from representing Leon P. Jacob, walking away from an apparent rift caused when Jacob's family hired him, but Jacob hired attorney Paul Morgan.

THE TIP: Houston councilman Kubosh alerted police to murder-for-hire plot

Jacob, 39, was arrested with Valerie Busick McDaniel, 48, on a charge of solicitation of capital murder. The couple were accused of trying to hire a hitman to kill their exes, but the supposed hitman was an undercover officer. McDaniel killed herself Monday by leaping from her seventh-floor River Oaks area condominium.

Parnham represented Jacob on Wednesday in an unsuccessful bid to have a judge grant him bail. State District Judge Jim Wallace denied the request after hearing that Jacob was free on bail when he allegedly tried to hire a hitman to kill his ex-girlfriend, who had filed charges on him for alleged stalking and domestic violence.

THINGS TO KNOW: Case of late-Houston vet charged with murder for hire grips Houston

After that hearing, the judge was told of the rift between the lawyers and asked Jacob who he wanted to lead the defense team. Jacob said he wanted them to work together.

On Thursday, Parnham said little about the situation he was exiting.

LAST WORDS: Veterinarian accused in murder-for-hire left notes before jumping to her death

"I don't want to say anything that negatively impacts the desired representation of the defendant," he said. "Best of luck to both of them."
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A New Braunfels church group returning from a choir retreat Wednesday afternoon was involved in a major collision near Garner State Park resulting in at least 13 confirmed fatalities.

The bus and a Dodge dually pickup truck collided head-on at 12:23 p.m. on U.S. 83 North, just south of Ranch Road 1050 when the truck crossed the center line, according to Lt. Johnny Hernandez, DPS spokesman.

The 2004 bus carrying members of the First Baptist Church in New Braunfels was southbound on U.S. 83, carrying 14 people. The driver of the 2007 Dodge truck, which was northbound on the highway, was alone in his vehicle, Hernandez said.

At a briefing near the crash site Wednesday night, DPS Sgt. Orlando Moreno declined to speculate on possible causes of the crash, which occurred in a curve of the road where the speed limit is 65 mph.

RELATED: Photos: Chaotic scene unfolds at site of fatal bus crash near Garner State Park

"For reasons unknown, the truck veered into the southbound lane and struck the bus head-on," Moreno said. "Give the investigators time to look at everything and then we'll know exactly what happened."

Moreno said officials from the National Transportation Safety Board were expected to assist in the investigation of the collision. He said that U.S. 83, which was closed north of Uvalde shortly after the crash occurred, would remain closed until investigators "get all of the information that we need."

RELATED: First Baptist in New Braunfels grieves over loss of 13 congregation members in highway wreck

The driver of the bus, retired teacher Murray Barrett, and 11 passengers were killed at the scene. The other two passengers were taken by air to San Antonio hospitals, where one died later. The driver of the truck also was taken by air to a San Antonio hospital. His name wasn't released.

"Shock, just shock," said Nancy Lacey, a 10-year resident of New Braunfels, as she arrived Wednesday evening at the First Baptist Church of New Braunfels, where congregation members were gathering as the news of the deaths spread. "You see things like this on the news. Now it's here."

RELATED: Officials release names of victims in fatal bus crash near Garner State Park

Pastor Brad McLean of First Baptist Church in New Braunfels said the passengers in the church bus were seniors coming from the Alto Frio Baptist Camp and Conference Center in Leakey, about 40 miles north of Uvalde. The camp, located on the Frio River, is a popular place for retreats, bible study and other spiritual activities.

"We just want to be, obviously, thoughtful of the families," McLean said. "We know one of our church vans was involved in the accident. We're just continuing to wait on information."

Traffic was being re-routed through state Highway 127 near Concan and FM 1050 by Garner State Park and authorities expected the highway to be closed for several hours. The National Transportation and Safety Board tweeted that they are also investigating the accident.

READ ALSO: Community reacts as news of tragic bus crash spreads

"We are saddened by the loss of life and our hearts go out to all those affected," said Gov. Greg Abbott in a statement.

The church said all planned activities have been canceled, although they will be open for prayer and support tonight. He said counselors will be on hand at the church as well.

"We are just trying to work through this," McLean said, adding everyone is anxious to receive more news.

Staff writer Jacob Beltran contributed to this report.

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @kbrad5
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AUSTIN -- A state district judge said Thursday he will move Attorney General Ken Paxton's criminal securities fraud trial out of Collin County and push the trial back, dealing the Republican a major loss.

Judge George Gallagher also denied a motion by Paxton's lawyers to dismiss the charges against him.

The judge's ruling come a day after he expressed concern about possible "ethical problems" linked to powerful people in Collin County getting involved behind the scenes of Paxton's criminal trial. The judge said he would move the trial to an adjoining district, which he will decide on a later day.

Gallagher's ruling means Paxton will not face criminal trial on May 1 as planned. However, the judge denied the prosecutors' request to push the trial back until as late as September while they fight in a separate court over backpack preparing for Paxton's case. A new trial date has not been set.

The ruling is a win for the state's special prosecutors who argue Paxton's team of allies have taken to the radio, TV and social media to discredit them and their witnesses in Collin County, giving the attorney general home field advantage and reducing their chances for a fair trial.

The delay also pushes the trial closer to election season when the attorney general is expected to begin his campaign for reelection.

Paxton's attorneys filed a motion Thursday afternoon asking the judge to reconsider the change in venue, saying the prosecutors "presented nothing but hyperbole in an effort to venue shop."

Paxton was indicted in 2015. He faces two first-degree felony charges of securities fraud and one third-degree charge of failing to register with the state as an investment broker. He maintains he is innocent and the victim of a political witch hunt.

Though he previously had said he hoped to at least try to seat a jury in Collin County, Gallagher hinted Wednesday that he could be wavering on that idea when he raised ethical concerns about an invitation to a Paxton political fundraiser the special prosecutors entered into evidence.

The 2013 event was hosted by Keresa Richardson, a major donor of Paxton's, who recently signed onto a lawsuit to block the special prosecutors from getting paid. The event also was sponsored by four members of Collin County's Commissioner's Court, which received heavy pressure to block payment to the three Houston defense lawyers appointed to try Paxton.

"The defense does not believe the fundraiser presents any ethical issue," read a filing by Paxton's legal team Thursday. "This was a commonplace political fundraiser, it was held over three years ago, and all but one of the current county commissioners that were present has voted to fundand continue funding Paxton's prosecution."

Members of the Commissioner's Court, several of whom say they are supportive of Paxton, said they were surprised the judge would be concerned with fundraiser. Susan Fletcher, a commissioner who was not on the court at the time of the fundraiser, said Gallagher's comments are an "accusation by association" and an attempt to "impugn the integrity of my colleagues on the Collin County Commissioner's Court."

"What's next? Presumed wrongdoing based on six degrees of Kevin Bacon?" she said.

Gallagher last month said he would try to seat a jury before considering whether to move the trial out of Collin County, Paxton's home turf which he began representing as a state representative in 2002. Special prosecutors said Paxton's allies ran radio ads on talk radio favoring the attorney general, and arranged for former GOP primary presidential candidate Rick Santorum to go on a Dallas-area TV news station to say charges against Paxton are politically motivated.

The judge changed his tune Wednesday after seeing the invitation to the political fundraiser, saying, "We may have an ethical problem" and noting that "people who have a great deal of control in this county" are joining lawsuits that could effect Paxton's trial going forward.

Jeffory Blackard, a wealthy real estate developer and Paxton campaign contributor, is suing to stop payment to the special prosecutors, arguing the private Houston lawyers are getting paid too much by Collin County to try Paxton. The prosecutors say they have not been paid for more than a year's worth of work. The state's 5th Court of Appeals in Dallas has told the county to halt payment until the issue can be settled in the courts.

Robertson, who is listed as the host of the 2013 Paxton fundraiser, joined that lawsuit earlier this month. She has given heavily to Paxton, including $10,000 to help support his legal defense.

Special prosecutors and Paxton's defense team declined to comment on the judge's ruling, citing a gag order imposed by the judge.

Paxton's former campaign spokesman, Anthony Holm, called the ruling "the latest in a pattern of injustice against Ken Paxton and his family."

Gallagher offered no explanation in any of this three motions released Thursday. One motion by Paxton's legal team, was kept under seal because it pertained to grand jury matters and sought to dismiss at least one charge. The judge denied that motion.

He also denied a motion by the special prosecutors to delay the trial to as late as Sept. 1 while the courts untangle a lawsuit filed by a Paxton ally to stop payment for the prosecution.

Gallagher has yet to decide where to move Paxton's trial to. He said in his ruling he would move the trial to an adjoining district, which could include Dallas, Denton, Fannin, Grayson, Hunt or Rockwall counties.

The attorney general is accused of misleading friends and colleagues by failing to disclose he would make a commission off their investment in Servergy, a North Texas tech company. A state representative at the time, Paxton raised $840,000 in investments and received 100,000 shares in return, valued at $1 per share.

He faces thousands of dollars in fines and a maximum sentence of 99 years in prison if found guilty.
Change.org

The family of a Pearland ISD student who took her own life has gotten its wish to honor their daughter in the school's annual yearbook.

The decision to allow the family a page to honor Hollis came after a student-led petition collected over 6,000 signatures.
By J. Keeler Johnson ("Keelerman") Twitter: @J_Keelerman

Although the first of the 100-point Kentucky Derby prep races was held last Saturday (that being the UAE Derby in Dubai), the climax of the Kentucky Derby trail begins this weekend with the $1 million Florida Derby (gr. I) at Gulfstream Park and the $1 million Louisiana Derby (gr. II) at Fair Grounds. Both races have drawn solid fields, though the more competitive race appears to be the Louisiana Derby, which is where we'll focus our attention today.

Louisiana Derby (gr. II)

On paper, this race looks like a rematch between the Risen Star Stakes (gr. II) 1-3-4 finishers Girvin, Local Hero, and Guest Suite. Girvin figures to start as the heavy favorite off his professional and decisive performance in the Risen Star, in which he won by two lengths to bring his record on dirt to a perfect 2-for-2.

While this was a great run from a visual perspective, it should be noted that Girvin received a perfect trip in the Risen Star, saving ground every step of the way while rating behind a quick pace. Girvin does deserve credit for staying completely relaxed while inside of horses and in slightly tight quarters early on, but even with a pacemaker (Hotfoot) entered to ensure another fast pace, it's hard to envision Girvin getting the same perfect trip on Saturday. After breaking from the rail in the Risen Star, Girvin has drawn post eight in the Louisiana Derby and could be in for a wider trip.

For these reasons, I'm going to take a shot with Local Hero to turn the tables. In the Risen Star, Local Hero was urged out of the starting gate to beat several rivals to the lead, but this early urging proved troublesome when Local Hero--now engaged and rolling on the lead--refused to relax and settle down. After running the opening quarter-mile in :23.70, Local Hero sped up significantly in the second quarter-mile, running the fraction in :23.32 while opening up a six-length lead. That resulted in a :47.02 half-mile fraction, a legitimately fast pace for Fair Grounds and one that surely hampered his chances.

Despite his early exertions, Local Hero led into the homestretch and battled on gamely to finish third, beaten just 4  lengths. While there's always a chance that Local Hero could run off again (especially with Hotfoot entered to ensure a fast pace), I'm willing to bet on the possibility that Local Hero relaxes this time and takes a big step forward. His workouts in preparation for the Louisiana Derby have been sharp, including six furlongs in a quick 1:12 2/5 on March 20th (he worked in company with Iron Fist), and Fair Grounds' leading rider Florent Geroux has the mount once again. Local Hero is 7-2 on the morning line, and I'd be happy with that price.

Guest Suite won the LeComte Stakes (gr. III) at Fair Grounds two starts back before finishing fourth in the Risen Star, a neck behind Local Hero. Compared to his Risen Star conquerors, Guest Suite will be picking up less weight in the Louisiana Derby (he'll carry two pounds more than he did in the Risen Star, compared to six pounds more for Girvin and Local Hero), but I was slightly disappointed that Guest Suite didn't produce a stronger rally in the Risen Star despite an ideal pace setup.

On the other hand, even though Guest Suite has been a closer in his last two starts, he showed significantly more speed when triumphing in a one-mile allowance race at Churchill Downs last November. Don't be surprised if Guest Suite shows a bit more tactical speed in the Louisiana Derby, helping him to get into the race earlier than he did in the Risen Star.

Todd Pletcher has won this race three times and will send out Patch and Monaco in the 2017 renewal. The former is attracting most of the pre-race attention after breaking his maiden going at mile at Gulfstream on February 18th, but while he earned solid speed figures (an 89 Beyer and a 101 BRIS), I felt that he took advantage of a perfect setup, tracking the pace over a speed-favoring track before reeling in the longshot leader through a :26.52 final quarter. With Pletcher's main jockeys riding in Florida on Saturday, Pletcher has assigned the mount to Tyler Gaffalione, but Pletcher and Gaffalione have gone 0-for-8 together since the beginning of 2016.

I actually find Monaco to be a bit more intriguing. The son of Uncle Mo sold for $1.3 million as a two-year-old in training, and while his career-best Beyer is just a 65, he has shown flashes of talent in two races at Gulfstream Park this winter. On January 7th, he finished second by a half-length in an 8.5-furlong maiden special weight over a sealed track, despite appearing very unfocused throughout the race. He seemed to be going nowhere when under urging on the far turn, but suddenly found another gear in deep stretch and re-rallied despite running with his ears straight up, suggesting that he wasn't giving everything he had.

Monaco subsequently broke his maiden by 12 lengths on February 12th at Tampa Bay Downs, and while the final time translated to a Beyer of just 58, Monaco appeared to be very unfocused once again and seemed to win on sheer superiority without giving anywhere near his best. Perhaps as a result, Monaco will race with blinkers in the Louisiana Derby, an equipment change that I believe could significantly improve his performance. Furthermore, on March 25th, Monaco breezed a half-mile in company with the five-year-old graded stakes winner Tommy Macho, going the distance in :49 1/5 while getting the better of Tommy Macho during both the work and the gallop-out.

While Monaco will obviously need to take a big step forward to factor in the Louisiana Derby, I do believe he's better than his speed figures suggest, and how often can you get 12-1 on a Pletcher runner in a major Derby prep race?

I would also like to mention Senior Investment, who has crossed the wire first in three straight races. Trained by Kenny McPeek, the son of Discreetly Mine possesses a strong late rally, which he showcased impressively on February 18th at Oaklawn Park, when he exploded down the homestretch of an 8.5-furlong allowance race to win by three lengths. Two starts back, he won a similar event going a mile at Fair Grounds, and while he was disqualified to seventh for causing interference, he still finished ahead of the talented colts It's Your Nickel, Society Beau, and Resiliency, all of which came back to run improved Beyer speed figures.

Senior Investment has also posted a serious of sharp workouts this month, with times noticeably faster than his works earlier this year. I get the feeling that Senior Investment is sitting on another step forward, and you can't deny that he knows how to win. If the early pace gets heated, Senior Investment might be the greatest danger from off the pace.

So to recap, I have to take a chance with Local Hero on top since his Risen Star effort was excellent given the fractions that he set. If he is able to relax on Saturday, I think he'll respond with a much-improved effort. Girvin warrants respect once again, but his perfect-trip win in the Risen Star means that he could be an underlay in the wagering, making Senior Investment the most intriguing of the closers at 12-1. For anyone playing the superfecta, I wouldn't count out Monaco, who might be just as talented as his stablemate while offering much higher odds.

*****



The Unlocking Winners Road to the Kentucky Derby Handicapping Challenge is back for a third consecutive year! Please be sure to post all entries, prime horses, and stable additions on the official contest page. Thanks, and enjoy the racing!

*****

J. Keeler Johnson (also known as "Keelerman") is a writer, blogger, videographer, handicapper, and all-around horse racing enthusiast. A great fan of racing history, he considers Dr. Fager to be the greatest racehorse ever produced in America, but counts Zenyatta as his all-time favorite. He is the founder of the horse racing website www.theturfboard.com.
It could be a death blow for Club Life.

The Harris County Attorney's Office has won a temporary restraining order shuttering the notorious Houston nightclub after a string of criminal activity that includes a triple shooting in December.

The county is seeking to permanently close the facility as a public nuisance.

"Club Life is a danger to the patrons, employees, residents living nearby and to law enforcement," County Attorney Vince Ryan said in a statement. "The frequent assaults and liquor violations result in serious and sometimes fatal injuries and incidents that are harmful to the public."

The case was filed in Harris County Court on March 20, and a judge granted the county's request the same day. On Thursday, an agreed extension of the injunction will keep the nightclub closed in the 3700 block of Fannin until it can obtain permits.

The lawsuit names the company that operates the bar, the property owner, three employees, the property itself and a promotions company previously named in another club lawsuit.

MASSAGE CRACKDOWN: Officials making use of rules to sue, shutter illicit spas

The suit catalogues a slew of assaults and crimes over a 10-month period starting in mid-2016 and ending days before the case was filed.

The first incident outlined in the suit was in May 2016, when a bouncer broke a guest's jaw after he refused to leave. Afterward, the man spent three days in the hospital.

Two months later, a man claimed the club security threatened him with a gun, just weeks after a DJ had to get staples in his head after he was assaulted by a guest.

Then in early August, a patron leaving the club was assaulted by a group of men who broke his teeth. A week later, a woman said she was assaulted at the club. The following day an employee was assaulted by a bouncer. Two days later a guest was robbed and hit in the head with a liquor bottle.

On Aug. 21, an underage girl said she blacked out after she was given alcohol by a man at Club Life. She was later found in a field across from the club with only a bra on. Naked pictures of her were posted on social media.

DEATH IN THE CLUB: Aspiring rapper killed in midtown club brawl

In October, an employee was stabbed while trying to break up a fight.

Then in December, aspiring rapper Kionn Lamothe, 25, was killed when gunfire broke out after a brawl started inside the club in the 3700 block of Fannin. At least two others were wounded in the shooting that left 30 shell casings littered outside the hotspot where fighting is "habitual," according to the suit.

In January and February, Houston police dinged the club for liquor violations. The club does not have a license to serve alcohol and has been accused of over-serving, offenses that netted three arrests of bartenders over two police visits.

A call to Club Life was not answered Wednesday and the other defendants either could not be reached or, in one case, placed the call on hold and never returned.
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The niece of a 1980 murder victim said Thursday that she is "accepting the inevitable" two days after the Supreme Court ruled that Texas courts must reconsider whether death row inmate Bobby Moore is intellectually disabled and thus exempt from execution.

On April 25, 1980, Moore fatally shot elderly store clerk James McCarble during a robbery at Houston's Birdsall Super Market, not far from Memorial Park. He told police he and his two accomplices picked the store because two elderly people were running the customer service booth, and the cashier was pregnant.

McCarble's niece Marti Jones was 30 at the time. She and other relatives pushed for the death penalty for decades.

"He went to the trouble of killing my uncle," said Jones, now 67. "He leaned over and looked at my uncle ... and shot him. He could've taken the money that he already had and run."

Family members joined the prison's mailing list to follow the case, Jones said. The past 37 years of litigation included at least two execution dates, one stayed just 10 hours in advance.

After the Supreme Court's intervention this week, Jones said she thinks her family is "accepting the inevitable": Moore likely will never be executed.

"I'm OK with him not dying. I don't care, I really don't care," Jones said. "After this long in prison, hopefully he's learned his lesson."

Jones recalled that her uncle took her to church as a child. More than 15 years ago, she told the Chronicle about McCarble, who worked 35 years at the Birdsall Super Market.

"He was a very giving man, a religious man," Jones said in 2001 after Moore received his second death sentence. "He often paid for people's groceries when they couldn't afford them."

The Supreme Court's ruling struck down the test that Texas' Court of Criminal Appeals developed to help determine whether someone is intellectually disabled, sending Moore's case back for reconsideration.
A Lubbock, Texas mom Wednesday was found guilty of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and bodily injury after throwing hot grease at her two-year-old daughter.

Ladonna Johnson, 29, faces probation or two to 20 years in prison for the 2015 incident.

Johnson was accused of causing reckless injury to her child. On March 11, 2015, Johnson and her husband, Toria Ellis, began arguing. According to the Lubbock Avalanche Journal, Johnson then threw hot grease at him while he was holding her daughter.

ARRESTED: 2 arrested in abuse of special-needs kids at filthy home

In a police interview, Johnson said she put hot grease in a deodorant cap and threw it at Ellis before locking herself in a bedroom. She said he then ran at her. That's when Johnson said she grabbed a pan with the remaining hot grease and swung it at him. She said he used the two-year-old girl as a shield.

"He shouldn't have used our baby as a shield. He shouldn't have put his hands on me," she said in a video observed by the Lubbock Avalanche Journal.

Officers said the girl's skin was peeling off due to the severity of the burns. Child Protective Services removed the child from the home 12 days after the 2015 disturbance.

"(The girl) spent several days in the hospital," prosecutor Jessica Schneider said. "She's going to be permanently scarred for the rest of her life without cosmetic surgery."

The woman's defense attorney claimed it was an act of self defense, citing Ellis' 5-foot, 11-inch, 428-pound build. Johnson, by contrast, was 5-foot, 11 inches and just 177 pounds. Ellis also has a pending domestic assault case from Jan 18.

CONTROVERSY: $142M in emergency CPS funding comes with strings, officials say

Police told jurors they did not see any bruises or signs of injury on the mother that night. The 911 call was replayed in court, and Ellis could be heard telling the operator that Johnson threw grease at him and was threatening to throw more. His defense attorney said he was in the process of leaving the property when she attacked him.

Lubbock County jurors deliberated just three hours before reaching the guilty verdict. Johnson is out on bond and will face sentencing Thursday.

See the video above for a look at how emotional abuse can have long-term effects on children.
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Waller County Sheriff Glenn Smith has been asked to resign after a jailhouse sex assault allegation that became the latest in a string of scandals under his leadership dating back to Sandra Bland's death in 2015.

In an unusual move, County Judge Trey Duhon and District Attorney Elton Mathis asked the sheriff to step down during a lunch Tuesday. Smith refused.

"The sheriff indicated he had no intention of resigning," Duhon said Wednesday. The judge declined to disclose why the commissioners decided to request the resignation, but said decision resulted from an executive session of the March 22 commission meeting.

Duhon said he also couldn't comment further "because there is an active investigation going on with the assault charge in the jail."

This month, a female inmate at the Waller County jail filed a complaint alleging that she was sexually assaulted by a male in custody.

According to Chief Deputy Craig Davis, the inmate was not a designated trusty, but was operating in that role to perform various duties, including cleaning the jail.

The sheriff confirmed Wednesday that he's staying on the job. He said he intends to hire a "very well experienced" jail administrator in the next month and that recent issues at the jail  including the latest allegation  have resulted in staff changes.

"I got elected to do a job and I don't waver from that. I didn't waver during the tragic event with Bland," Smith said. "They have serious concerns. I don't blame them for that. I'll leave the down-and-dirty politics out. I appreciate their concern."

In the last 10 days, three jail employees have been terminated, two resigned and one was demoted from a supervisory position, he added.

The sex case follows two incidents of missing sheriff's office firearms.

In December 2015, six handguns and two rifles  including a machine gun  were stolen from Smith's Ford pickup while he ate lunch at a Saltgrass Steak House in Katy. Then, last November, the sheriff's office authorities informed county officials that two more firearms could not be accounted for in storage.

Bland was arrested in Waller County following a July 2015 traffic stop by a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper. The 28-year-old was found dead three days later in her Waller County jail cell in what was determined to be a suicide. After filing a wrongful death lawsuit, her mother reached a $1.8 million settlement with the county last year that included jail reforms for cell checks and medical personnel training. DPS was expected to pay $100,000 and implement de-escalation training. The incident became emblematic of the Black Lives Matter movement's goal to address police brutality issues.

Following this month's sex assault complaint, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards conducted a special inspection of the Waller County facility on March 21. The probe determined that the rural lockup was out of compliance, according to agency executive director Brandon Wood.

"Food passes" in the cell doors were open and unsecured "which allowed for the passing of contraband and the incident to occur," Wood said. The male and female housing areas were not separated by sight and sound, which is required, and the male inmate was allowed to move around the facility without proper supervision, the inspection found.

The jail has 30 days to submit a corrective plan, Wood said. The facility had been brought into compliance less than two months ago on Jan. 31 after a failed inspection on Dec. 12.

First elected in 2008, Smith began his tenure as sheriff on the first day of 2009. He was re-elected in November by two-thirds of the voters.
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Inovar's Tecate, Mexico, Facility Celebrates Successful 1st Year Published: 30 March 2017 by Mike Buetow by Mike Buetow

LOGAN, UTAH  March 2017  Inovar, Inc., a full-service EMS provider, announces that its newest factory, located in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico, is celebrating its first year with anniversary with success.

The 58,000 sq ft factory features two full SMT lines that mirror those in the companys Utah facility. After opening the Tecate facility on April 29, 2016, it has successfully shipped 250,000 units to customers.

We are very pleased with the performance of our Mexico facility, said Jed Jones, EVP Sales & Marketing. The Mayor, along with the city of Tecate, has welcomed Inovar to the community. We are grateful and have reciprocated by providing positively to the local economy.

One of Inovars goals is to be the employer of choice in every geography in which it operates. The company has experienced extremely low turnover rates due to its culture, quality management and working environment. The Tecate facility is no different. The company has hired from the local community and takes care of its employees and customers to ensure that its high quality standards are consistently met, if not exceeded.

For more information, visit www.inovar-inc.com or contact Jed Jones directly at 801-631-5099; jedj@inovar-inc.com.
Fundatia de Binefacere Caritas Moldova solicita oferte de pret de la companii cu privire la productia de materiale de vizibilitate
On The Kicker this week, we offer a rare Trump-free episode. First, CJR Senior Editor Christie Chisholm and Delacorte Fellow Pete Vernon join me to discuss how the current podcast boom is reminiscent of the digital transition that began in print media more than a decade ago. What forms does journalism take in podcasts? And what, if anything, is lost?

Then, Ernst-Jan Pfauth, publisher of the Dutch news organization De Correspondent, joins me to talk about its attempt to expand into the US. Can the outlets unique philosophy of journalism provide an antidote to the daily news grind in the competitive American market? How does a business model built on memberships differ from one centered on subscriptions?

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David Uberti is a writer in New York. He was previously a media reporter for Gizmodo Media Group and a staff writer for CJR. Follow him on Twitter @DavidUberti.
Theres been a lot of speculationand no small amount of hysteriaabout what President Trump may do with Voice of America and its parent federal agency, the Broadcasting Board of Governors. Reports in Politico and The Washington Post implied a takeover plot is afoot for Trump to mold VOA to his own purposes, as if POTUS has no other channels with which to communicate to global audiences.

Trump plans to slash State Department spending, under which VOA falls, by as much as 28 percent, which means some reductions are quite likely. But lets make one thing clear: As federal entities, VOA and similar media do not do, and have not done, journalism for journalisms sake. They are and always have been funded by taxpayers to support a larger agenda.

Whether that agenda is to make audiences feel good about America, as the last chairman of the BBG once put it, or to push the notion that they tell Americas story but do so by exercising press freedoms enshrined in the Constitution, its still an agenda.

There are many reasons to be concerned about Trump administration treatment of and attitudes toward media, and to watch closely the actions of a two-person Trump team in place at VOA. But to hold VOA and its parent agency out as journalistic paragons of virtue, as some major media have done, and assert they are no different from non-government media, ignores basic facts.

I spent about 35 years with Voice of America, serving in positions ranging from chief White House correspondent to overseas bureau chief and head of a key language division, and I can tell you that for a long time, two things have been true. First, US government-funded media have been seriously mismanaged, a reality that made them ripe for bipartisan reform efforts in Congress, climaxing late in 2016 when President Obama signed the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act. Second, there is widespread agreement in Congress and elsewhere that, in exchange for continued funding, these government broadcasters must do more, as part of the national security apparatus, to assist efforts to combat Russian, ISIS, and al-Qaeda disinformation.

Obamas reforms, but also various precursor measures, paved the way for VOA (and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, Office of Cuba Broadcasting, and Middle East Broadcasting Networks) to become even more closely associated with the so-called Counter Violent Extremism and counter-disinformation programs.

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Its little-remembered now, but just over two years into his presidency, in September 2011, Obama ordered an integrated strategic counterterrorism communications initiativedesigned to get agencies including VOAs parent agency to collaborate in combating terrorism and extremism. The order also created a Center for Strategic Counterterrorism Communications, bringing representatives of all departments and agencies into counter-terrorism efforts, including DOD, CIA, and significantly, the Broadcasting Board of Governors.

In March 2016, another Obama order created a Global Engagement Center, which costs taxpayers about $160 million annually to counter disinformation, with initial funding from the Pentagon budget. Meantime, the Broadcasting Board of Governors is on a path to eventual elimination, to be replaced by a CEOwhich would be a presidential appointee confirmed by the Senate.

That structure alone makes clear that VOA and other government-funded media are most certainly not news companies, a description former VOA director David Ensor was fond of using (before arriving at VOA in 2010, Ensor had crossed over from mainstream roles at NPR, ABC, and CNN to heading public diplomacy programs at the US Embassy in Kabul, what many still consider to be propaganda).

A yet-to-be-formed International Broadcasting Advisory Board will include the Secretary of State advising the CEO (John Lansing, an Obama holdover, currently holds the role). Meanwhile, the aforementioned Global Engagement Center is supposed to coordinate all government efforts to counter propaganda and disinformation efforts aimed at undermining United States national security interests.

The Center itself is located in the Department of State: That might seem sufficient to insulate VOA behind the firewall that has allegedly immunized government-funded media from political and policy interference, but lets take a closer look. At best, it is difficult to believe there will not be significant levels of policy-based coordination between the new advisory board, which includes Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and the broadcasting CEO. And its hard to envision Donald Trump wanting to tamper with the kind of inter-agency approach ordered by Barack Obama.

As for firewalls, VOA already established an Extremism Watch Desk. Its material appears prominently at the top of VOAs websitethe same VOA that a former director tried label a news company while in the same breath describing it as a state broadcaster. Its hard to imagine there wont be interaction between this VOA extremism unit and the Global Engagement Center, and that members of the unit will not at some point be detailed to the State Department-based Center and vice versa.

The Broadcasting Board of Governors has also been deeply involved in the development and funding of anti-Internet censorship technology, which clearly supports freedom of expression. This is also another obvious area of overlap between the broadcasters and the Global Engagement Center.

The impression often given in media reports is that programming by VOA and other government-funded media is not influenced, directed, or shaped by foreign policy objectives of any administration. This is just absurd. Among other things, the revered firewall certainly didnt stop officials from standing up the Extremism Watch Desk.

In a tense confrontation with management in 2015, some VOA reporters protested against a day-long workshop that had been arranged by VOA officials at a conservative think tank, the Hudson Institute, whose director sat on the BBG. VOA reporters demanded from their news managers a swift and complete renunciation of the idea that VOA would engage in countering violent extremism. They also asked why such an operation would be placed at VOA as opposed to an intelligence agency.

Yet, as of this writing the VOA Extremism Watch Desk remains, allowing broadcasting bureaucrats to retain their high-paying jobs and be seen as loyal warriors in countering ISIS, regardless of who is in the White House.

A few years ago, Obama adviser Ben Rhodes video-conferenced with the BBG to lament how far behind the agency had fallen in countering Russian disinformation. Its difficult to accept the notion that there wasnt some impact on programming from that.

Whatever Trump decides to do, remember too that taxpayers, who VOA and BBG officials assert get maximum bang for the buck from US international broadcasting programs, also expect VOA to be a key player in countering terrorist and Russian disinformation.

VOA still operates under its congressionally-approved 1976 Charter, requiring it to report accurately, objectively, and comprehensively, and reflect a range of opinions. It carries what are called editorials reflecting US government positions, written by a special policy office at VOA. Over the decades, VOA has succeeded, to varying degrees, at making the case that its government-paid reporters are no different than those working for commercial media.

But any notion that whole of government approaches can exclude participation by VOA, challenges common sense. A recent Washington Post editorial, in support of a new agency TV program that is clearly part of the counter-disinformation effort, said staffs at VOA and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty are made up of professional journalists  [who] do not want to be US propaganda tools.

Good for them. But the fact remains that every two weeks they accept government paychecks. And at the end of the day will be progressively more enmeshed with the national security and foreign policy objectives of the United States. Government-paid journalists can no longer pretend they are just like their friends at CBS, NBC, AP, NPR, Reuters, and others, or expect to be seen as such by those working for non-government media. Thats simply living in delusion.

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Dan Robinson had a nearly 35 year career at the Voice of America, serving most recently as senior White House correspondent from 2010 until 2014, congressional correspondent based in the US House of Representatives from 2002 to 2010, and chief of VOA's broadcasts to Burma from 1997 to 2002.
Kornesczuk Promoted to Divisional President of Great American Insurance Group

Great American Insurance Group announced the promotion of Jane Kornesczuk to divisional president of its Executive Liability Division.

Kornesczuk joined Great American in 1990 as a senior underwriter. She was named chief underwriting officer of the Executive Liability Division in 2006, and was promoted to divisional executive vice president in 2013, also assuming responsibility for the Divisions marketing functions. She has over 32 years of experience in the management and professional liability industry.

Howlin Tapped to Helm Market Expansion at Rising Medical Solutions

Industry veteran Timothy Howlin has joined Rising Medical Solutions as senior vice president of Sales and Marketing. For more than 25 years, Howlin has held integral roles with high growth managed care organizations, specializing in customer acquisition and retention. Reporting directly to the CEO, Tim is responsible for increasing revenue and gross margin, growth strategy development and execution, and leading high performance sales teams.

Prior to joining Rising, Howlin was senior vice president of National Sales with Optum, a division of United Healthcare Group. He joined Optum via PMSI in late 2008 and played a number of vital client-facing leadership roles during its change and evolution. Before Optum, he served as regional vice president for Medical Services Company, where he was responsible for expanding MSCs footprint into new regions and significantly contributing to the companys overall success.

Howlin is currently president of the New York Claims Association, a 103-year-old organization dedicated to the advancement of professional ethics and education in insurance claims management.

AIG Names DeMaio Executive Vice President and Chief Auditor

American International Group, Inc. announced that Donna DeMaio will rejoin AIG as executive vice president and chief auditor on April 17. DeMaio will report directly to the Audit Committee of the AIG Board of Directors, and administratively to Peter D. Hancock, president and chief executive officer. She succeeds Martha Gallo, (who was recently named chief information officer), and will join AIGs Executive Leadership Team.

DeMaio previously served as president and CEO of United Guaranty Corporation (UGC), a former AIG subsidiary recently sold to Arch Capital Group. As CEO of UGC, DeMaio also served as global head of Credit Lines for AIG, where she oversaw Political Risk, Surety and Trade Credit.

Prior to joining UGC in 2012, she was president and CEO of MetLife Bank, and previously served as MetLife Banks chief financial officer from 2002 through 2005. Prior to joining MetLife, DeMaio was a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers.

MedRisk Names Gaines Medical Director

William G. Gaines, Jr., MD, MPH has been named medical director for MedRisk, the leader in physical rehabilitation and diagnostic imaging for the workers compensation industry. Gaines will oversee the quality of provider clinical performance and develop innovative medical management strategies.

Gaines has a strong background in occupational medicine, brings 30 years of experience in directing medical management programs and finding solutions to provide high-quality care to his new role. In addition to his practice at Baylor Scott & White Health in College Station, Texas, he has served as national medical director for a large property and casualty insurance carrier and previously worked for Procter & Gamble and Conoco Phillips.

Board Certified in Preventive Medicine  Occupational Medicine and in Internal Medicine, Gaines is active in the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, the Texas Occupational Medicine Association and the Workers Compensation Research Institute. He has coauthored numerous scientific papers and delivered presentations on a variety of topics, including musculoskeletal disorders, back pain, occupational health, and delayed recovery from work injuries.

He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas. He conducted post-graduate work in internal medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and received his Masters in Public Health from Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT) now account for almost half of total investment in insurance technology (insurtech) startups globally, new research from Accenture shows.

The research, which includes new analysis of CB Insights data on 450 insurtech deals over the last three years, appears in a new Accenture report titled The Rise of InsurTech. The report was released today in conjunction with Accentures Fintech Innovation Lab in London, which for the first time includes a dedicated insurtech stream comprising leading industry startups.

According to the report, the combined number of deals across AI (including automation) and the IoT (including connected insurance) increased 79 percent in 2016. Even though the two technologies represented only one-quarter (24 percent) of the 216 insurtech deals globally last year, they accounted for 44 percent or US$711 million of total insurtech investment  compared with just 10 percent of global insurtech investment in 2015.

Weve seen a rapid acceleration of investment into and deal activity around intelligent automation and IoT start-ups over the last 12 months, said Roy Jubraj, a co-author of the report and Accentures Digital & Innovation lead in the companys Financial Services practice in the U.K. and Ireland. These technologies are primed to disrupt the industry in the years to come, so its fitting that weve established a dedicated insurtech stream as a key part of Accentures FinTech Innovation Lab in London.

According to the report, the insurance industry views AI and the IoT as critical to delivering increased levels of personalization and better real-world outcomes for customers. Artificial intelligence has the potential to transform the insurance industry from simply assessing risk based on past experience to monitoring risks in real-time and mitigating, or even preventing, losses for customers. The IoT will enable insurers to offer more-personalized, real-time service; boost operational efficiency; and price their products with greater precision.

Despite the political and economic uncertainty around the United Kingdoms vote to leave the European Union, the country continued to attract strong insurtech investment in 2016. Even though the number of insurtech deals in the U.K. remained flat, the value of the investments there more than doubled last year, to almost US$19 million. Investment in AI and the IoT also increased significantly, to almost US$1.7 million in total.

Germany and France also saw strong growth in investment in 2016 to round out the top three insurtech markets in Europe. With insurtechs investment expanding globally, the United States share of deal volume in 2016 dropped slightly, from 63 to 56 percent of total deals. The percentage of insurtech investment for the rest of the world (deals outside the traditional hubs) more than doubled, from 11 percent in 2015 to 23 percent in 2016.

Insurtechs shifting geographic focus maps closely to similar global trends across fintech. Recent Accenture fintech analysis showed that China, and more broadly, Asia Pacific, are playing a more prominent role as investment destinations for fintech capital. While global investment into fintech ventures grew 10 percent in 2016, to US$23.2 billion, Asia Pacific as a region for the first time eclipsed North America, with fintech investments there more than doubling in 2016, to US$11.2 billion.

Julian Skan, a senior managing director in Accentures Financial Services practice who oversees the FinTech Innovation Lab London, said, The rise in insurtech is further evidence of the growing role that new technologies are playing in shaping innovation across financial services. The next challenge for insurtech startups is the same as what the more mature fintechs are now facing  being able to translate that investment into growth and customer acquisition.

Source: Accenture FinTech Innovation Lab London
For 13 years, Charlie Womer climbed to the top of Mehoopany fire lookout tower in Wyoming County to watch over miles of countryside.

The tower went up in 1923. Womer was born four years later.

Fire season is changing for Womer and the tower he watched from.

Last year was his last season watching for forest fires, and the tower is scheduled to be replaced.

I enjoyed it, he said. I miss going up the tower and looking around.

Last year, at 88 years old, Womer was still climbing the steep flights of metal stairs to the top of the Mehoopany fire tower, crawling through the hatch and watching the landscape.

Its a rare position among the hundreds of men and women who care for the states natural resources. About ten towers are actively staffed at a time, and in many cases, the person watching on a particular day is a DCNR employee who normally does other work but is assigned to work in the tower that day.

Womer began the job after Jack Zborovian, a DCNR fire supervisor, asked fire chiefs in the area if they knew people who might be interested in the job. Womer, the former president of the Noxen Volunteer Fire Company, applied in Scranton for the position, which pays $13-$18 per hour, with all the scenic views you want.

From his post in a small cabin 60 feet above the ground, Womer could see puffy clouds from the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station nuclear power plant, windmills in Bear Creek 25 miles away, and into Broome County, New York.

He worked during spring, when Pennsylvania sees more than 80 percent of its wildfires. Each day, he spent eight hours in the tower when fire danger was highest, from late morning until the evening. He saw farmers getting ready for planting and the remnants of winter snow making shiny white lines on the runs of Montage Mountain ski resort. He once pinpointed the location of a fire by explaining what ski run it was on.

He was there as windmills at the Mehoopany Wind Farm went up. When they were complete, he heard the steady whoosh of the windmills spinning all around him.

About half the time Womer was up in the tower, he was monitoring an active fire, or sometimes more than one. The rest of the time was spent watching for flames.

Couldnt that get boring?

It didnt with me, he said. He was interested in the wildlife around his perch  deer, turkey, bear, everything  when fires werent threatening.

His observations went in a journal that kept a record of the fires he spotted. As he watched over the brown and green colors of the Pennsylvania countryside, he looked for the color of smoke.

When he saw it, he watched it for a moment. If it tapered off, it may be just a brush fire. If it got larger, it was probably a forest fire.

He turned to a circular map in the middle of the tower, looked out the windows and spun a metal rod until a point on the end lined up with the smoke.

He noted the direction from the tower to the smoke, and using measurements on the rod, an idea of how far away the fire was.

He might call another fire tower to see if the watcher there saw smoke in the same area. With two watchers looking at the same plume of smoke, a line from both of them should cross at the source of the fire.

If the smoke was far away and beyond the sight of another tower, Womer might pull out a regional or state map for more information, and call in the fire.

A local fire department is usually the first to check out the scene, and if it can handle the blaze alone, it extinguishes the fire and prepares for the next one. Sometimes they need aid. In that case, the firefighters start working to fight the fire, buying time for a DCNR crew to join them.

If it gets even larger, DCNR supervisor Jack Zborovian has a plan for calling in more resources, such as airplanes, bulldozers or more help from elsewhere in the state.

Most of the wilderness fires in the state are smaller than 10 acres. In 2015, for example, firefighters extinguished about 750 fires that were smaller than 10 acres, about 60 between 10 and 99 acres, and four that were larger than 100 acres. Almost all the forest fires in Pennsylvania are caused by humans, who start fires by burning debris, sending sparks flying from power equipment, deliberately burning the forest and in other ways.

Fire watchers are still an important part of wildland firefighting, said DCNR officials.

Most forest fires are called in by people via cellphone, but some parts of the state dont have cell coverage or many people living there or passing through. The state also uses aircraft to detect fires, but aircraft costs have gone up quite a bit in the past 15 years, Kern said. Towers fill in some of that coverage.

I think we realized that you need multiple ways to detect fires and towers are just kind of part of the puzzle, he said.

Towers overlook areas with few roads and people, where someone on the ground would be unlikely to notice a fire until it has grown to become extremely large, Zborovian said.

The towerman is basically our insurance policy to make sure that we get a first look at an early stage of a fire in that location, he said.

Womer has stopped fighting wildfires, and now hes stopped watching them. But hes still involved in fire work, even as he turns 90 years old in May. He now helps with traffic control in support of firefighters working at a job he loves.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
It took Jaclyn Bentley nearly three years to prove she didnt burn her house down for the insurance money, allegations she and her lawyer say were born of the junk practice of analyzing cellphone tower data.

She was camping with her husband and co-workers at least 17 miles from her Iowa home in May 2014, she says, when it burned down. An investigator for State Farm Fire and Casualty Co. said cell tower data showed Bentleys phone was 5 to 12 miles from the campsite in the direction of her home just after the fire was reported  the suggestion being she could have been heading back to camp after starting the blaze.

Her claim was denied, and she was arrested on arson and insurance fraud charges. But she was acquitted after questioning State Farms analysis of the tower data, and she has a lawsuit pending against the company for failing to pay her claim.

Despite acquittals like Bentleys and expert testimony that cellphone tower data should not be used to pinpoint peoples locations, insurance companies continue to use the information to deny claims by casting doubt that customers were where they said they were. The problem, experts say, is that a cellphone can be up to 20 miles away when it pings, or connects with, a tower.

Ive gone through  hell, said Bentley, 37, of Clinton, Iowa, who cares for people with brain injuries and mental illness. Its ridiculous what happened. Youre innocent until proven guilty. Ive never felt like I was treated like I was innocent. As far as the insurance company was concerned, I was guilty.

State Farm does not comment on pending litigation or specific claims, spokesman Justin Tomczak said.

We handle each claim on its merits and conduct a diligent investigation to determine what we owe under the policy, he said. That work can include many things, including phone records, that become pertinent to completing our investigation. While I cannot comment on a specific claim, I can tell you that we rarely obtain phone records.

The records can be obtained only by a court order or a customers consent.

A private investigator, Tim Wilcox, chief executive of International Investigators Inc. in Indianapolis, said he believes cell tower data analysis can be fairly accurate in tracking someones movements, within a half-mile. He said the information is just one of many pieces of evidence needed for a strong fraud case.

Michael Cherry has testified in successful cases to free people who were imprisoned based in part on cell tower evidence. Among the early design team members of the Apollo 11 moon trip, Cherry is now chief executive of Cherry Biometrics, a computer and cellphone data analysis firm in Falls Church, Virginia.

Phones can be miles away when they ping towers, Cherry said, because calls are not simply routed to the nearest cell tower or the cell tower with the strongest signal. Rather, a number of factors decide which tower handles the call, including which has the clearest signal and is the most cost-effective, he said.

Theyre misinterpreting it, and its not very reliable to begin with, said Cherry, who played no role in Bentleys case.

Bentley, who spent three days in jail  including her birthday  after being arrested, said the insurance company claimed cellphones can be only up to 3 or 4 miles away when they ping towers. But she was able to disprove that claim with her cellphone records.

Hours after the fire was out and she had returned to the campground, she checked her voicemail and her phone pinged a tower near the campground. A few minutes later, her mother called her, and her phone pinged a tower back in Clinton, 17 miles away. Minutes later, her husband called her, and her phone pinged a tower about 20 miles away, she said.

That information, she believes, resulted in the not guilty verdict.

A couple Cherry is helping, Monica and Ali Almazni of Perris, California, are facing trial next month on insurance fraud charges, stemming from the theft of their car in 2013. Their insurer, Progressive, said that before the car was reported stolen, the Almaznis cellphones pinged a tower near where the car was later found.

The Almaznis say that Progressives take on the cellphone data is wrong, and that they didnt stage the theft to get the insurance money. Cherry said the couple could have been where they said they were  Ali Almazni at a mall where the car was stolen and his wife at home  based on the tower information.

Jeff Sibel, a spokesman for Progressive, said the company collects a variety of information when investigating insurance claims. He said he would check into the Almaznis case and provide a response, but did not follow up with The Associated Press.

Another California couple, Linda and Eric Norwood, of Hemet, said they gave up on pursuing an insurance claim for their stolen pickup after State Farm used cell tower information to insinuate they were involved. They said they couldnt afford a lawyer to try to fight State Farm, and no criminal charges were filed against them.

Tomczak, the State Farm spokesman, declined to discuss the case.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
The family of a Canadian filmmaker and conservationist who died during a shark filming excursion off the Florida Keys filed a wrongful death lawsuit Tuesday.

Rob Stewart, 37, of Toronto, Canada, died in January off Islamorada, Florida, while filming a follow-up to his 2006 documentary Sharkwater, which examined the impact of shark hunting on the oceans ecosystem.

According to the lawsuit, Stewart and dive organizer Peter Sotis both surfaced at the same time with apparent breathing difficulties, but Stewart didnt make it back on board the dive boat. While others were treating Sotis, they allowed Stewart to slip away.

Stewarts submerged body was found three days later, about 300 feet from where he was last spotted on the surface, following a massive search involving the Coast Guard and several other agencies.

Stewarts death was a preventable tragedy that was going to happen to someone, his familys attorney, Michael Haggard said in an email.

The family hopes the legal action will push out and/or change the ways of all irresponsibly operating diving businesses and help keep attention on Stewarts mission of ocean conservation, he added.

Unspecified damages are being sought in the negligence lawsuit filed in Broward County, Florida, Circuit Court. It names as defendants Horizon Dive Adventures of Key Largo, Florida, Add Helium LLC of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and dive organizers Peter and Claudia Sotis, who operate Add Helium.

An attorney for Sotis did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

According to the lawsuit, the dive was taking place at the wreck of the Queen of Nassau in about 230 feet of water and about six miles from the Islamorada coast.

A grappling hook had been placed on the wreck that was attached to a surface buoy to mark the location of the dive. Stewart and Peter Sotis encountered difficulties when they went down a third time to remove the grappling hook.

Stewart, a wildlife photographer, also made a 2013 documentary, Revolution about environmental collapse.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Alaska Gov. Bill Walker is sponsoring workers compensation legislation aimed at making it easier to determine whether someone is an employee or an independent contractor.

Walkers bill creates a new definition for independent contractors to determine if employers have to pay to insure against on-the-job injuries, KTOO-FM reported.

The legislation has drawn criticism from Alaskas Small Business Association, which says the new definition is too narrow for industries that rely heavily on independent contractors, such as construction.

But construction workers spoke in favor of the bill during a House committee hearing last week, saying itll prevent employers from misclassifying workers to lower their cost of labor and gain an unfair competitive advantage in the bidding process.

Ive been working in the painting and drywall finishing trade my entire adult life, and have never seen the abuse of this so high, Charlie Young testified on March 20. More and more, these cheating contractors are winning the bids on projects, as I watch the amount of work for me get less and less.

This type of activity has been seen by Rhonda Gerharz, who handles cases involving employers that fail to pay workers compensation insurance.

There are some who are very well versed and are deliberately trying to save money and trying to underbid their competitors, said Gerharz, chief investigator for the Alaska Division of Workers Compensation Special Investigations Unit. And there are others who are just not, perhaps not savvy business people and they think that they can just call someone an independent contractor and issue them a 1099. and thats not how it works.

The Small Business Association is concerned that the new way of defining independent contractors would increase the cost of business and eventually apply in cases regarding other benefits such as unemployment insurance and minimum wage.

Gerharz said the new definition serves to make it clear to both employers and workers who is an independent contractor and who is not.

Walkers legislation passed out of the House committee but still faces several more votes.

The legislative session is scheduled to end April 16, but the workers compensation issue has led to special sessions in the past.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
The Carlisle Area Family Life Center Monday welcomed a new ultrasound system at its facility in Carlisle.

The St. Patrick Knights of Columbus raised over $11,500, which was matched by the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council, for a total donation of $23,000 for the ultrasound system. During Mondays ceremony, the Knights presented two checks for the cost of the system to CAFLC Director Jackie Phillips.

Barbara Sheriff of Trisonics Inc. presented the GE Logic F8 Ultrasound System to the center, and was presented an appreciation plaque from Dave Kern, district deputy for the Knights of Columbus, for her and her staffs assistance and support in acquiring the system.

Also participating in the ceremony were, Wayne Freet, past state deputy and Knights Ultrasound Initiative coordinator for Pennsylvania, who presented the Knights Supreme Council matching funds check; John Schlusser, grand knight of the St. Patrick Council Knights, who presented the councils check; Dan Daley, member of the St. Patrick Knights Council, who presented a plaque from the council to display with the system; and the Knights ultrasound fundraising chairman and council past grand knight, Mark Jago, who was the master of ceremonies for the event.

Following the presentations, Rev. Ronald Gainer, bishop of the Diocese of Harrisburg, blessed the system and the CAFLCs staff and volunteers. Assisting Gainer in the blessing was Rev. William Forrey, pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Carlisle.

The Carlisle Area Family Life Center, 155 N. Hanover St., Carlisle, lists its mission to support, educate and give practical assistance to women and families in need by providing alternatives to abortion and by enabling them to make informed decisions regarding their lives and the lives of their unborn children.

The Knights of Columbus spearheads a worldwide initiative to provide matching funds for the purchase of ultrasound systems since 2009. They have raised and have assisted in the funding of over 700 static and mobile systems, costing over $20 million, for placement in anti-abortion pregnancy care centers in all 50 states, as well as in Canada, Guatemala, Jamaica and Peru.
AKRON, Ohio - An Akron man was sentenced to 14 years in prison for fatally shooting his wife.

Phillip Battle, 52, shot his wife Anita Heard in the head Oct. 12, 2016. Heard died nearly a month later at a hospital, prosecutors said.

Battle pleaded guilty last month to involuntary manslaughter with a gun specification, tampering with evidence, failure to comply and domestic violence.

Judge Paul Gallagher sentenced him Wednesday in Summit County Common Pleas Court.

Akron police officers were called to the couple's Johnland Avenue house the day before the shooting. Battle and Heard each told police that they heard voices inside the house, but officers did not find anything unusual during their search, the Summit County Prosecutor's Office said.

Battle called police the following day and said he shot Heard. He left the house before officers arrived and found Heard with a gunshot wound to her head, prosecutors said.

Officers spotted Battle driving on South Arlington Street. They arrested him after a brief chase, police said.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Thursday's crime and courts comments section.
AKRON, Ohio -- At this year's Big Love Festival 2017: Bounce Beyond, organizers are focusing on how residents can support each other, while highlighting the city's artists, healing practitioners, organizations, and small businesses.

Held at the Well Development Corp., house in the old First Presbyterian Church in the Middlebury neighborhood, the event features food vendors, beer, kids activities and crafters.

Freelance photographer Shane Wynn visited the fest early, to see the cool stuff in the works. Take a look at her photos above.

Meanwhile, here's how to plan for the fourth annual event.

When? Saturday, April 1, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Where? The Well Community Development Corp., 647 E. Market St.

How to get there? Park at Summa Health's South Parking Deck at 55 Arch Street ($5.75 for all day parking), or limited free parking is available at Family of Faith United Methodist Church (800 E. Market St.) and surrounding lots. Handicapped parking and parking for the elderly is available at the Well. Or bike or take public transit. Ride the Akron Metro Regional Transit Authority (RTA) for free with a flyer or picture of the event flyer!

Cost? $5 suggested donation

What's it all about? Here's the explanation from organizers: "The Big Love Festival is a transformational placemaking festival for and by the people of Akron, aimed at highlighting , all while fostering leadership and authentic collaboration as we seek to build agape and compassion."

Who will be there?

Food Vendors:

Ms. Julie's Kitchen

The Square Scullery

Compass Coffee

The Western Fruit Basket

Mo Bites



Beer & Spirits:

R.Shea Brewing

Watershed Distillery



Reverse osmosis water & free bananas so graciously donated by Mustard Seed Market & Cafe



Craft & Market Vendors

GypsyGrace and The VintageGoat

Akron Henna Art

Apotheclaire

Afrika Origins

Canton Gypsy Market

Sage & Roots

Cable Creations

The Hideaway Studio and Herbal Gift Shop

Ewanger Designs

Simone's Creations: Everything Pocket

Mega Babe

Witter James

Rockstar Rock Shop

Lightworks Publishing, Inc.

Rubber City Tales
Brecksville-BH Berdine.JPG

Richard Berdine is resigning as treasurer and chief financial officer of the Brecksville-Broadview Heights schools. He has accepted a position with Revere Local Schools.

(Bob Sandrick, special to cleveland.com)

BRECKSVILLE, Ohio - Richard Berdine, treasurer and chief financial officer for the Brecksville-Broadview Heights schools, is resigning his position to become treasurer of the Revere Local Schools.

On Monday night, the school board accepted Berdine's resignation. His last day is July 31.

"Revere is another high-performing school district like Brecksville-Broadview Heights, it's closer to my (Cuyahoga Falls) home, with a $68 million building project on the horizon," Berdine said in an email to cleveland.com.

At Monday's board meeting, some in the audience wondered if Berdine's resignation was related to recent acrimonious negotiations between the teachers' union and school board. Berdine said no, adding that teachers and the board were battling over a new contract when he was hired here five years ago.

"The two tough negotiations (in Brecksville-Broadview Heights) are not my first two," said Berdine, referring to his experience in other school districts.

Teachers, parents and district residents - who attended Monday's board meeting to blast the school board over bitter contract talks - praised and thanked Berdine.

Board President Mark Jantzen said Berdine has brought experience and integrity to his position. He said Berdine listens, is flexible and open to ideas, but also pushes back.

Jantzen said the board hired Berdine in 2012, after he had officially retired from public service. That means he collects a public pension and simultaneously earns a public salary, a practice known as double-dipping.

"It works in the right circumstances and it has certainly worked in this circumstance," Jantzen said. Berdine's annual salary is $105,560.

Before he was hired in Brecksville-Broadview Heights, Berdine was treasurer at Sebring, Cuyahoga Falls and Lakewood schools.
solar ondrey.JPG

Ohio lawmakers are today trying do away with state mandates requiring power companies to buy and sell solar power, or buy "solar credits" associated with solar power. The change would eliminate revenues solar developers rely on to fund projects, such as this very large solar array built by Bold Alternatives, a local Cleveland company, in 2012 atop a canopy in the parking lot of First Unitarian Church of Cleveland in Shaker Heights.

(Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer)

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio lawmaker William Seitz of Cincinnati has been trying for at least the past four years to modify or eliminate state rules requiring power companies to offer "green" electricity.

His latest effort, House Bill 114, is scheduled for a vote today.

The legislation comes at the same time Seitz expects to benefit from a federal tax credit on his new home solar array and to sell the "renewable energy credits" the array will produce if electric utilities continue to have to meet the state's renewable energy mandates.

The legislation would eliminate the mandates, replacing them with a goal that by 2027 power companies consider supplying 12.5 percent green power and that they consider reducing peak demand by offering energy efficiency programs.

There are no penalties for ignoring the goals, meaning there won't be much demand, at least in Ohio, for solar renewable energy credits.

Opponents, including scores of businesses, as well as environmental groups, have fought Seitz throughout all of his legislative efforts, including this latest round, against renewable energy rules and parallel rules requiring electric utilities to help customers use less power.

Just as they did in the past, the groups filed testimony in Seitz's House committee in the past couple of weeks arguing that the mandates have created and would continue to create jobs.

If the H.B. 114 emerges from the House today, it faces an uncertain future in the Senate. And it probably faces another veto.

Gov. John Kasich vetoed a similar bill over the waning holiday days of 2016. Approved by both the House and Senate in the middle of the night earlier that month, Senate Bill 320 would have watered down the mandates and made them voluntary for two years.

Kasich reasoned that progressive companies which have embraced the use of renewable energy as part of their corporate sustainability commitment would not be interested in developing facilities in Ohio had the mandates been weakened.

Seitz has argued that federal tax credits and declining costs have made state mandates unnecessary. Seitz has made a point of announcing several times that he is not against renewable energy, at least not the kind generated by solar panels.

Last December he declared on the floor of the Senate that he was buying a large solar array for his Cincinnati home -- thereby qualifying for a federal tax credit.

And in February, Seitz filed an application with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to have his solar array certified to sell solar "renewable energy credits," or RECs to utilities complying with the law to either sell renewable energy or the RECs associated with them.

Seitz's array consists of 29 Canadian-made solar panels, according to his application at the PUCO. It's generating capacity (at full sun) is just under 8 kilowatts (8,000 watts).

The PUCO staff on March 10 recommended the array be certified.

Check back for updates to this story.
CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio -- A federal judge on Wednesday ordered Cuyahoga Falls televangelist Ernest Angley and a buffet he owns in the Akron suburb to pay more than $388,000 in damages and back wages to a group of employees that the U.S. Department of Labor found worked as unpaid volunteers.

U.S. District Judge Benita Pearson wrote that testimony at a trial held in October and November showed that Angley and his managers at Cathedral Buffet encouraged members of his church, Grace Cathedral, to work at the buffet without pay. The for-profit restaurant used volunteers to save money and the volunteers felt pressured to provide free labor, meaning they should have been paid for their work, Benita Pearson wrote.

"... The volunteers' work was clearly integral to the Buffet's operations, in that they did work that was necessary to the operation of a restaurant, such as cleaning, bussing tables, stocking the buffet, chopping vegetables, and operating the cash registers," the judge wrote. "It is hard to fathom that a restaurant could operate without such work being completed."

(You can read the judge's ruling here or at the bottom of this story.)

The Labor Department filed suit against the 95-year-old televangelist and the buffet in 2015 following an investigation spurred by an article in the Akron Beacon Journal. Its lawsuit said Angley and the buffet violated the Fair Labor Standards Act through its use of volunteers and did not document the volunteers' work.

Angley maintains he and the buffet staff did nothing wrong and that the claims put forth by the government violate the First Amendment.

The Labor Department also cited Angley in 1999 for the same thing. The buffet paid $37,000 in back wages at the time and agreed to comply with labor laws going forward.

Of the amount Pearson assessed against Angley and the buffet, half will go towards back wages of the employees, while the other half were assessed as damages, since the judge determined the defendants acted in "bad faith" by reverting back to using unpaid labor.

Pearson also indicated that she would issue an injunction barring Angley and the buffet from misclassifying workers as volunteers and keeping inaccurate employment records.

Lawrence Bach, an attorney representing Angley and the buffet, said he expects his clients will wish to appeal the decision.

"I don't believe the facts as asserted (by the judge) are supported by the record," Bach said.

Pearson noted in her findings that members of Angley's flock testified that they felt pressured into volunteering at the buffet.

"In his announcements, Reverend Angley would suggest that Church members had an obligation to provide their labor to the Buffet, in service to God, and that a failure to offer their labor to the Buffet -- or to refuse to respond to phone calls...seeking volunteers -- would be the same as failing God," Pearson wrote.

Following the Labor Department's 1999 investigation, Angley and his supervisors appeared to comply with the law. At some point, though, Angley told his staff that workers would need to give their paychecks back due to financial hardships at the buffet, Pearson wrote.

Two volunteers testified they still had to pay taxes on the paychecks they returned, the judge wrote.

Pearson was unpersuaded by arguments from Angley that the buffet served a religious purpose.

Bach said he does not believe Pearson's findings that many volunteers felt coerced into working for free will hold up on appeal. He said he spoke with about 75 people who worked at the buffet who said they didn't feel pressured to work there.

As for statements Angley made to his flock, Bach said, "what he says from the pulpit is protected speech."
International immigration

Soon-to-be U.S. citizens hold small flags during a naturalization ceremony marking 2014 World Refugee day in Cleveland.

(Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cuyahoga County, despite its population losses over the last several decades, remains among the leaders regionally as a destination for immigrants.

Migration between the county and countries around the world accounted for a net gain of 19,251 people since the 2010 census, according to Census Bureau estimates released this month.



The size of Cuyahoga County's gain through international migration ranks sixth out of 36 large counties regionally, cleveland.com found in reviewing estimates for each county with at least 200,000 residents in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, western Pennsylvania and western New York.

(See complete list at bottom of story.)



Why Cleveland and Cuyahoga County?

Some of these people arrived as refugees, some as students who decided to stay, and yet others for additional reasons, said Joe Cimperman, president of Global Cleveland, a nonprofit which helps attract, welcome and connect international newcomers.



Cimperman said that during last year alone, three separate local organizations working with the U.S. State Department helped settle more than 1,000 refugees from at least 10 countries.



Learn more about county population trends

If it weren't for international migration, Cuyahoga County would have lost an estimated 50,291 residents overall since the 2010 census. Instead the county slipped about 30,000 overall to 1.25 million in 2016, the new estimates show.



"Cleveland has to keep being Cleveland," Cimperman said. "We wouldn't be here without immigrants. Look at the the 1920s, when close to 30 percent of our city population was internationally born."



The latest estimates say 7.1 percent of Cuyahoga County residents were born in foreign countries. That ranks Cuyahoga County well above the 4.1 percent rate for all of Ohio, but behind the 9.8 percent rate in Franklin County (Columbus-area).

Franklin County No. 1 in region



Franklin Country ranks first regionally, with a net gain of 31,397 residents from international migration since 2010, cleveland.com found.



Two counties in the Detroit area - Wayne and Oakland - also grew faster than Cuyahoga County from international migration, with Wayne County picking up 24,393 and suburban Oakland County gaining 29,971.



The trend in Wayne County is interesting in how it relates to Cuyahoga County, because the two once heavily industrial counties ranked first (Wayne) and second (Cuyahoga) in overall population loss since 2010.



Yet Wayne has managed to pick up more new residents than Cuyahoga County through international migration.

Cuyahoga County is on about the same pace as Erie County, N.Y. (Buffalo) and Allegheny County, Pa. (Pittsburgh).



"We could always be doing more," Cimperman's said of Cuyahoga County's efforts to attract immigrants. "We're going to spend the next few years doing exactly that."

Rich Exner, data analysis editor for cleveland.com, writes about numbers on a variety of topics. Follow on Twitter @RichExner.

Net international migration

This chart shows the overall population change, and the net change from international migration from the census in April 2010 through July 2016, for each county with at least 200,000 residents in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, western Pennslylvania and western New York. There are no counties of at least 200,000 in West Virginia.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - One of Cleveland's most beloved television figures has fallen on hard times, according to a new GoFundMe campaign.

Fred Griffith, host of "The Morning Exchange" for 27 years on WEWS Channel 5 and co-host of "Good Company" on WKYC Channel 3 for 12 years, is the subject of a charity campaign organized by Nancy Heller, a Cleveland lawyer and longtime friend of Fred and his wife, Linda.

Griffith is currently in Montefiore nursing home in Beachwood, following a January fall in which he fractured his pelvis while walking his dogs near his Shaker Heights apartment. "At age 88, he is not able to return to his apartment and may never be able to live independently again," says Heller in the campaign.

"Hopefully, with physical therapy he will be able to walk again without assistance," Heller said in a phone interview Wednesday. The January fall follows a 2014 fall in which he fractured his spine.

Heller hopes to raise $100,000 to help pay for medical expenses and assisted living costs for Griffith, 88, and Linda, who is in her seventies. As of Wednesday afternoon, $1,446 had been raised in the campaign that started Tuesday.

"I'm amazed, actually (at people's generosity)," said Fred Griffith from his room at Montefiore Wednesday. "It was all Nancy's idea."

"The purpose of this campaign is to raise enough money to cover their medical and other expenses ..." says the GoFundMe page, gofundme.com/griffithfund. "The need is urgent, as assisted living is very expensive and not covered by any insurance."

Heller says on the page that the Griffiths believed Fred would be entitled to veteran's benefits arising from his U.S. Air Force service during the Korean War, "but have just learned that due to a 1952 paperwork failure that erroneously failed to report him on active duty at that time, Fred cannot now qualify for the benefits to which he would otherwise be entitled, which leaves them short of what they need to pay for assisted living."

The benefit, called Aid and Attendance, pays a veteran up to $1,788 per month for assisted living costs.

A lawyer is looking into filing an appeal on the Griffiths' behalf. Heller says a representative of Sen. Sherrod Brown's office also called the Griffiths to offer assistance with the VA on Wednesday after hearing of his plight.

Heller says she came up with the $100,000 figure because "that's how much they were short" when it came to arranging the Griffiths' assisted living situation. She declined to say which home they were looking to move into, saying arrangements had not been finalized. She did say they had found a home that would take one of the couple's two beloved dogs, Phineas. Zin is in a foster home with friends.

"This is all about trying to help Fred and Linda get to the next phase as comfortable as reasonably possible," said Heller Wednesday. "They just weren't great savers or planners, they got caught in the mortgage mess in 2008. ... Some folks just have trouble planning."

Griffith retired from television in February 2012 and started working on his memoirs.

"I'm feeling a lot better," he said Wednesday of his recovery. "Tell people I really appreciate their good feelings and help and I'm doing OK."
Lenny Kravitz

Lenny Kravitz performs "Running with the Night" at the MusiCares Person of the Year tribute honoring Lionel Richie at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016.

(Chris Pizzello)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - On Wednesday, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced that Lenny Kravitz will pay tribute to Prince at the April 7 Induction Ceremony in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Kravitz, who considered Prince a friend and idol, took to Twitter to express how meaningful the tribute will be for him.

Getting ready to honor my friend Prince at the @rockhall ceremony. This is very personal for me and I so wish it wasnt for this reason. pic.twitter.com/5t4bgbogEz  Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) March 29, 2017

Bruno Mars paid homage to Prince during this year's Grammy Awards. But Kravitz is even more ideal for a Prince tribute.

It's easy to see the Purple One's influence in Kravitz's music. Both have more than a touch of Jimi Hendrix in their guitar playing, along with the soulful sounds that influenced the best music of the 1960s.

Kravitz was also someone Prince let into his inner circle. They were close friends who played together and hung out often.

"I still haven't really recovered," Kravitz told Rolling Stone after Prince's death in April 2016. "Not to be dramatic or overly sensitive, but I really feel like a piece of me died."

Prince is responsible for one of the greatest performances in Rock & Roll Hall of Fame history. During the late George Harrison's induction in 2004, Prince delivered an epic solo during a performance of "My Guitar Gently Weeps."

Expect Kravitz to embody the spirit of that performance as well as several other Prince classics during the April 7 ceremony.
No visa-free entry for Bangladeshis: Home ministry

Published: June 28, 2014

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has decided to thwart any move to provide visa-free entry for Bangladesh nationals. The MHA has opposed the proposal of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to provide visa-on-arrival facility to Bangladeshi nationals and visa- free entry to citizens of that country under the age of 18 and over the age of 65.

This shows a change in governments policy as former home minister Sushilkumar Shinde was in support of the liberalized visa agreement with Bangladesh. However, MHA, under Rajnath Singh, has rejected the twin proposals sent by the MEA ahead of foreign minister Sushma Swarajs visit to Bangladesh. The MHA has cited security concerns to scrap the proposal of a visa-free entry.

However, MHA has said that such Bangladesh citizens, under the age of 18 and over the age of 65, can be granted long-term tourist visas on the condition that they would have to report to the FRROs every year during their stay.

It can be recalled that PM Narendra Modi had, during the election campaign said that if the BJP came to power, illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in India would be expatriated.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2014

Topics: Bangladesh  Current Affairs - 2017  Current Affairs 2014  IBPS  India-Bangladesh  India-International Relations  Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)  Socio-Economic

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"She's out shooting cows."

I'm listening to Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts, who is not known for public displays of emotion, but his voice chokes a little as he tells us about a conversation with a Kansas friend. His friend's wife was absent because she was at home doing what is hard, but what is also an act of kindness and mercy, as she dealt with cattle mortally injured by the recent Kansas wildfires.

Cattlemen live to protect the animals in their care. The feeling of failure when disaster strikes is profound, and it is devastating. As I visit with my Kansas friends, and their stories are repeated across Oklahoma, Texas, and Colorado, I'm told of a 50-foot-high wall of flames traveling at interstate speeds and leaving devastation and heartbreak in its wake. Of all the emotions we humans endure, surely none is worse than helplessness in the face of tragedy.

This is a human tragedy, as lives were lost and businesses ruined. It's an environmental challenge, as millions of acres lie unprotected from spring weather. It's a generational loss, as the cattle that perished were the results of decades of careful breeding, and those bloodlines won't be replaced in our lifetimes. And, it's an economic tragedy of Katrina-like proportions, as farmers and ranchers struggle to replace a lifetime of work, much of it uncovered by insurance.

My Facebook feed is full of pictures of hay traveling from all over the nation to the affected areas, farmers reaching out to their fellow farmers, and like most of us involved in agriculture, my sorrow is leavened by the pride we rightfully take in the generosity of our friends and neighbors. Here at Missouri Farm Bureau, we've made donations from our organization and from our Missouri Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, many of our members have organized hay and fencing donations, and we continue to seek out ways to help. Our members who would like to send donations to our Foundation should do so, and we'll make sure they reach farmers who have suffered losses as a result of the fires.

We have a large group of farmers in our nation's capital this week, and we're excited to be here while the health care act is being debated, while a Supreme Court Justice is being confirmed, and we're looking forward to talking to our Senators and Representatives about the issues that matter most to our friends and neighbors back home.

We're also looking forward to the confirmation of Sonny Perdue as Secretary of Agriculture while we're here in Washington. When his nomination was first announced, he received no little criticism and ridicule from the chattering classes for his actions as governor of Georgia because he set aside a statewide day of prayer while Georgia was suffering from an historic drought. Well, Mr. Perdue, I'm glad that you understand the power of prayer, proud that you officially recognized our need for prayer, and I hope your first act as Secretary of Agriculture is to call for prayers for the victims of the tragedy on our Plains.
An artist rendering of the B-21 released by Deborah Lee James, Secretary of the Air Force.

That so-called "open-architecture system" of the aircraft is significant given each B-21 stealth bomber is expected to cost about $500 million and will likely be in service for decades. Having a more open platform will allow the electronics and software to be upgraded much more rapidly.

As a result, the military will be able to upgrade the aircraft's software systems as technology evolves or make changes as adversaries evolve, Air Force Lt. Gen Arnold Bunch Jr., military deputy of the office of the assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, told the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Airland.

The Air Force's super-secret B-21 long-range strike bomber under development will feature flexible technology that will allow its capabilities to be modernized over time to stave off obsolescence, a top acquisition general testified Wednesday to a Senate panel.

Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor on development of the B-21, an aircraft nicknamed the Raider. The B-21 will replace the Air Force's aging B-52 Stratofortress bombers and the B-1B Lancer.



Bunch also said the B-21 bomber is being outfitted with additional power, space and other features "so that we can grow the platform for the future. We can do it in a more efficient manner because we won't need to test as much, and I personally believe we will increase our cyber security as we go through that process."



There's also been more scrutiny of the B-21 given the history of cost overruns on other large military contracts, including the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program from Lockheed Martin .



The general said preliminary design review on the B-21 was completed and the Air Force was now going into "detailed design review."



"The contractor [Northrop] is hiring people at the appropriate level to get the work done," he said. "We're tracking what they're doing. Everything right now to me indicates that we haven't slipped anything."

Watch: Inside the F-35 Fighter factory
Weighing the costs and benefits of a return to graduate school can itself require an advanced degree. It's a decision that plenty of Americans grapple with after they enter the workforce. In the fall of 2015  the latest National Center for Education Statistics data available  there were 616,412 Americans age 25 and older enrolled full time in a post-baccalaureate program, and another 701,205 enrolled part time.

H. Armstrong Roberts | ClassicStock | Getty Images

A return to school could open the door to a more lucrative career or generate a salary bump in your current field. For example, physician assistants with a master's degree earn 44 percent more than those with a bachelor's degree, according to 2013 U.S. Census Bureau data. The master's degree wage premium is 43 percent for preschool or kindergarten teachers, while financial services sales agents with an advanced degree earn 89 percent more than those without. "The biggest hurdle is obviously the financial cost of it," said certified financial planner Erin Durkin, director of financial planning at EP Wealth Advisors in Torrance, California. "Masters' programs are expensive." That expense can throw a wrench in your financial plan  especially if it means a few years where you're not earning and instead, incurring additional student loan debt, she said. In a recent survey from American Student Assistance, 55 percent of young workers said they would like to go to graduate school but can't afford to take on any more student loans.

Graduates from the Harvard Business School MBA program wave flags at commencement in Cambridge, Mass. Neal Hamberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images

"Financial aid for graduate school is mostly going to be in the form of loans," said Mark Kantrowitz, vice president of strategy for college and scholarship search site Cappex.com. "You can end up with too much debt." More than half of students in a master's degree program borrow; depending on the program, average graduate debt runs $36,100 to $47,000, according to 2012 NCES data. (See a breakdown below.) Minimizing that debt, while juggling your other financial needs and goals, requires advance planning:

Calculate the payoff

Crunch the numbers to make sure that going back to school makes sense. It may not if you don't anticipate a big earnings increase or you have to take on substantial debt to fund that degree, said Kantrowitz.

"To the extent that you're borrowing to fund your education, there's the presumption that you're going to be making enough to pay it back," he said. "What is the payback period for the debt?"

Look for work perks

If you're hoping to juggle school and work, check to see if your employer offers any education programs, said Carol Sladek, a partner at benefits administrator Aon Hewitt. Nearly 9 in 10 companies offer education reimbursement, according to the firm's database  and the median reimbursement maximum is $7,500 per year. Under IRS rules, the first $5,200 in employer-provided educational assistance each year is tax-free. But tuition reimbursement often has strings: Companies may require your studies be relevant to your current job, and stipulate a minimum GPA in order for you to be reimbursed. (You'll still have to pay the tuition upfront.) Plus, you'll usually have to remain with the company for a year after completing the coursework  or repay those funds, she said.

PeopleImages.com | Getty Images

Other work perks on offer might include scholarships, matching funds for 529 contributions and loan assistance after you graduate. Some companies, including Starbucks and Wal-Mart, offer employees free or discounted tuition at partner universities. It can also pay to ask for more flexibility to handle the time commitment of going to school, Sladek said. Nearly a third of the companies in Aon Hewitt's database let employees compress their work week (say, covering their 40 hours in four days rather than five), while 58 percent offer flexible hours.

Trim college costs

If your field doesn't require a degree from a university with brand-name recognition, cast a wide net to find an affordable program. Don't discount online degree programs, which can make it easier to go back to school part time while you continue working  and are often cheaper, to boot. "There's so much more flexibility to study when the kids go to sleep, before work or after," said Durkin, who graduated from Southern New Hampshire University earlier this year with a master's degree in accounting.

Should you leave the workforce to pursue your degree, look for accelerated programs and other opportunities to wrap up your studies quickly, Cappex.com's Kantrowitz said. Assistantships or fellowships can help offset tuition or cover your cost of living.

Prepare for the shift
The social media space is getting heated as Snap and Facebook butt heads, and Jim Cramer is tuning out the Facebook bears worried that Snap could come after the giant.

"I've heard people say it's because so many are going to Instagram. These are people who shouldn't be buying stocks because Instagram is owned by Facebook. I know others who say that Snap is going to kill Facebook without realizing that the opposite is a lot more likely," the "Mad Money" host said.

With the Street buzzing about asset manager BlackRock's decision to let machines play the market, Cramer continued to defend stock-picking for individual investors, arguing that some stocks, like Facebook's, are simply too good not to buy out of fear of messing up.

He began with Apple . Its shares are up 24 percent year-to-date and its biggest competitor put out an exploding phone.

Amazon is another one of Cramer's picks for its major disruption of the traditional retail market and its pervasiveness in our lives.

Alphabet and Netflix are two other buys that Cramer is confident will serve you well regardless of negative rhetoric around Alphabet's ad placement or Netflix's weak quarter.

"Ultimately, the only thing that you need to fear about owning stocks is fear itself, the fear that professionals drum into your head that you're way too dumb to put two and two together and pick stocks that are behind the phone you love, those boxes at your door, the application you check endlessly, or the shows you watch even if you cut your cord," Cramer said.
Major components of the Clean Power Plan, a regulation 8th District U.S. Rep. Jason Smith asked the Trump Administration to take quick action on, were suspended and rescinded Monday.

In December 2016, Smith met with and sent a letter to the incoming administration asking them to eliminate 14 federal rules and regulations, one of which was the Clean Power Plan, in the belief that it would save jobs and money for farmers, small businesses and families.

"Missouri residents get 83 percent of their energy from coal-fired power plants," Smith said. "If implemented, this rule would have increased the cost of electricity and made it unaffordable for many residents in the state. Rescinding the Clean Power Plan stops the Obama Administrations costly rules for energy production, lowers the price of electricity and keeps coal plants and jobs in Missouri.

The so called Clean Power Plan is just the latest in a long list of regulations that show how unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats do not understand southeast and south central Missouri. After President Trump was elected, his team asked me to help identify regulations hurting rural America, and I immediately thought of the folks back home who told me that their utility bills were going to triple in cost after the Obama Administration and the EPA rolled out this ridiculous rule.

According to Barry Hart, Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives CEO, the Obama Administrations did not listen to more than 300,000 letters from rural Missourians when making the final Clean Power Plan rules.

The Clean Power Plan would have increased electric costs 70-100 percent, closed all of the coal plants in Missouri and sent our state into a depression, Hart said. Our coal plants are some of the cleanest in the world and people come from across the country to work here, investing millions of tax dollars locally. If we lost all of those tax dollars and jobs, our economy would not survive.

People in rural Missouri are celebrating today. From the initial proposal of the Clean Power Plan by the Obama Administration to President Trumps action today, our congressman, Jason Smith, has worked side by side with us to give Missourians a voice in Washington. The previous administration did not listen to anyone, but the good news is, we have a new administration and everyones hard work, including Jasons, is going to pay off.

Smith has cited studies that estimate every American household is stuck with $15,000 in regulatory costs each year.

"The Clean Power Plan would have contributed to this burden by increasing the cost to heat and cool homes, making consumers pay more to receive the same service," Smith said. "There are 27 states who have challenged Obamas Clean Power Plan in court. These ongoing legal cases question the executive authority leveraged by the Obama Administration to implement the Clean Power Plan and Waters of the U.S. rules."

In one case, Smith filed an amicus brief with the D.C. Court of Appeals to block the Obama Administrations implementation of the Clean Power Plan.

Congress and the American people rejected Obamas climate change agenda, so instead, the Obama Administration went around Congress, ignoring the will of the people," Smith said. "Now we are undoing the rules they wrote. From ending the damaging Clean Power Plan to stopping the EPA from regulating every stream, lake or body of water on a farm, I am grateful that we finally have a president who is as focused as I am on getting Washington off the backs and out of the way of Missouri families, farmers and small businesses.

Smith has touted his fight against regulations since being elected to the Missouri State House of Representatives. Most recently, Smith authored the SCRUB Act. Passed in a 240-185 bipartisan vote by the U.S. House of Representatives last month, the SCRUB Act is designed to identify ineffective and intrusive federal regulations. The legislation creates a commission that reviews and makes recommendations to repeal regulations to bring back private sector job creation and spur economic growth. The act still awaits passage in the U.S. Senate before being sent to the White House for the presidents signature.
A U.S. federal judge in Hawaii has indefinitely extended a court order blocking the enforcement of President Donald Trump's revised travel ban.

The decision, which was published Wednesday by Judge Derrick Watson officially converted a temporary restraining order to a "preliminary injunction."

Here's the judge's description of what that means:

It is hereby ADJUDGED, ORDERED, and DECREED that: Defendants and all their respective officers, agents, servants, employees, and attorneys, and persons in active concert or participation with them, are hereby enjoined from enforcing or implementing Sections 2 and 6 of the Executive Order across the Nation. Enforcement of these provisions in all places, including the United States, at all United States borders and ports of entry, and in the issuance of visas is prohibited, pending further orders from this Court.

Hawaii is arguing that the order, which restricts travelers and refugees from six Muslim-majority countries, discriminated against Muslims in violation of the U.S. Constitution.



Earlier in March, Trump's revised immigration order was halted only hours before it was set to take effect.

The president responded to the block during a subsequent rally, vowing to "fight this terrible ruling."

"This ruling makes us look weak, which by the way we no longer are, believe me," Trump said at the time.

Promising "we're going to win it," Trump said during that speech that he would take the case to the Supreme Court if need be.

The administration has posited the order will help prevent terrorist attacks in the U.S., and it made several changes from the first version to stand up to legal challenges. Those changes included removing restrictions on legal permanent residents entering the country and taking Iraq off the list of targeted countries.

Trump himself has called the second order a "watered down" version of the first, and he suggested he might return to fighting for the original, stronger travel measures.

Some have questioned whether it was tactically wise for the president to publicly admit to the two orders' similarities.

This story is developing. Please check back for further updates.

Reuters, the Associated Press and CNBC's Jacob Pramuk contributed to this report.
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Southeast Asia's dominant e-commerce player, Lazada, has joined hands with Unilever in hopes of grabbing a bigger slice of the region's online retail market in fast-moving consumer goods that is projected to reach $25 billion by 2020. As part of the deal, the two companies will work closely together on supply chain, fulfillment, data, marketing, social commerce and talent development to grow their business' reach in the region. "The goal is to find better ways to address the exploding middle class across Southeast Asia and communicate directly with them," Maximilian Bittner, Lazada Group's CEO told CNBC about the partnership. Lazada's fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) product category grew by 181-percent in 2016 over 2015, making it the platform's strongest growth category. The Alibaba -backed company sells 39 million products across Southeast Asia, including electronics, home products and fashion.

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"This will allow us to grow our online sales by three times compared to what we saw in 2015 and 2016," Pier-Luigi Sigismondi told CNBC, adding that Unilever's online sales in Southeast Asia have been higher this month than in the entirety of 2016. Sigismondi cited online tailored marketing as the primary reason. "Consumer trends are all going online, so the opportunity is exciting." The data collected by Lazada will allow Unilever to better understand consumer behavior patterns of its consumers and target them individually online. But, while global consumer products giant Unilever sees e-commerce as the next wave for significant growth in the region, Sigismondi said the deal will also help inform future brick-and-mortar offerings. The partnership will allow Unilever to test new products before deciding whether to send them offline, while also allowing the company to offer exclusive products to Lazada shoppers. According to market research by Frost & Sullivan, online sales account for just 2.5-percent of total retail sales in Southeast Asia, compared to more than 12-percent in China.

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Singaporean budget carrier Scoot made contact with an Emirates aircraft during early hours Thursday at Changi Airport, Singapore.

Both Changi Airport and Scoot confirmed that an on-ground accident happened between Emirates EK405, which was bound for Dubai, and Scoot TZ188, which was departing for Tianjin.

The left wing of Scoot flight TZ188 "came into contact with an Emirates aircraftwhile TZ188 was taxiing before take-off," a Scoot representative told CNBC.

A Changi Airport spokesperson told CNBC that there were no injuries and passengers aboard the Emirates plane were re-booked on other flights scheduled to depart later on Thursday.
The "Fast Money" traders debate on Wednesday, whether the financial sector or the technology sector is the best place to make trades, in today's stock market.

Trader Karen Finerman said she likes financials, such as Citigroup . She said the technology sector's current reputation as a safety trade is false. She said the area is performing as it should and is moving higher along with the rest of the market. Finerman said the sector's recent surge was delayed since the sector performed badly after the election and missed the Trump rally.

Trader Guy Adami said he likes financials based on Goldman Sachs ' performance. The stock is up 47 percent in the past 12 months.

Trader Pete Najarian said, although a tough choice, he is leaning towards technology names, more specifically the chipmakers. He mentioned stocks like Micron Technology , Skyworks Solutions , and Intel and even broadens it out to Oracle .

Trader Dan Nathan piggybacks on Najarian's cloud computing play and said he likes Salesforce.com . He said some traders are concerned because the stock is near its all-time highs and may not have more room to run. The stock is up 20 percent year-to-date.

Disclosures:

Pete Najarian owns calls AA, AAPL, ABX, BAC, BZH, C, CCL, CLF, DAL, ETE, FEYE, GE, GLD, HMY, INTC, KMI, MAR, MDLZ, MPEL, QVCA, RIG, UNP, WPT, WLL, VALE, XLF, XLNX, ZIOP. Pete is long AAP, AAPL, BABA, BAC, CL, DLTR, DIS, EBAY, EMR, GILD, GM, HAIN, HUM, IBM, INTC, JWN, K, KO,KORS, KMX, LUX, MAR, MDLZ, MOS, MSRT, MRK, RL, TRN, UNP PFE, WFT. Pete bought puts AFSI.

Karen is long AAL, BAC, BAC short calls, C, DAL, EEM, EPI, EWW, DVYE, FB, FL, GLMP, GOGO, GOOG, GOOGL, JPM, URI, LYV, KORS, KORS calls, KORS puts, MA, SEDG, SPY puts, TACO, WIFI long call spreads. Her firm is long ANTM, BAC, C, C calls, FB, GOOG, GOOGL, JPM, JPM calls, KORS, LYV, PLCE, SPY puts, WIFI, her firm is short IWM, MDY. Karen Finerman is on the board of GrafTech International.

Dan Nathan is long SPY May put spread, XLV long APR-June put spread, XLI long June put spread, CMG long call calendar.

Guy Adami is long CELG, EXAS, GDX, INTC. Adami's wife, Linda Snow, works at Merck.


As President Trump rolls back Obama's environmental legacy, it isn't just green groups who say they'll resist America's reversal on clean electricity. Billion-dollar corporations told BuzzFeed News that because climate change is a significant concern for their business, they'll keep on battling carbon pollution regardless of what the government says.

Nestle, one of the country's largest food companies with $26 billion in sales, said it will "actively contribute to industry efforts and dialogue on this important topic, while strengthening our public commitments along our value chain and driving industry efforts on climate change." "Our company's success ultimately depends on our ability to reliably source high-quality crops and other raw materials," said a spokesperson.

A spokesperson for General Mills , which sold $10 billion worth of cereals, snack bars, yogurt, and other foods in the US last year, said the company "has long been committed to being part of the solution on climate change and will continue to stand behind our commitments."

More from Buzzfeed:



Tesla's Valuation Could Overtake Ford Any Day Now

Investors Are Suddenly Realizing The Trump Tax Cut Might Not Happen

Trump's Critics Are Letting The Bigger Russia Story Slide

"We believe that investing in a low-carbon economy will not only help foster a healthier environment, it is also a key to unlocking new business growth potential for the US and around the world," said a spokesperson for apparel retailer Gap , which has its own goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its facilities by 50% by 2020.



On Tuesday, Trump signed an executive order requiring the EPA to review the Obama administration's Clean Power Plan, which required states to meet standards for carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.

Obama's environmental policies had drawn plenty of criticism from the business community. The US Chamber of Commerce sued the EPA over rules regulating greenhouse gas emissions, and Trump promised to remove "burdensome regulations" hindering domestic energy production. Yet corporate America is divided on this issue.



As energy companies and other interests praise Trump's order  the US Chamber called it a "welcome departure from the previous administration's strategy of making energy more expensive through costly, job-killing regulations that choked our economy"  other big power businesses have said they'll keep cutting carbon emissions for economic reasons.

"Because of the competitive price of natural gas and the declining price of renewables, continuing to drive carbon out makes sense for us," Lynn Good, the CEO of electricity giant Duke Energy, told the Wall Street Journal. "Administrations will change during the life of our business and our assets, and we'll continue to move forward in a way that makes sense for our investors and our customers."

American Electric Power, one of the country's largest electricity producers, told BuzzFeed News it was "in the midst of an important transition to support a cleaner energy economy," but supports the effort to halt Obama's Clean Power Plan, which it said contains "fundamental legal flaws."

"We think it makes good sense for the EPA to revisit the rules and see if there are more effective ways to address greenhouse gas emissions," AEP said in a statement.

Two years ago, 365 companies and investors  including Nestle, General Mills, Mars, Staples, Unilever, and Timberland and North Face maker VF Corp.  signed a petition to state governors urging them to implement the Clean Power Plan in what the environmental nonprofit Ceres described as "an unprecedented show of business support for tackling climate change."



"Our support is firmly grounded in economic reality," the petition stated. "Increasingly, businesses rely on renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions to cut costs and improve corporate performance." The increased frequency and intensity of storms, warmer temperatures, extreme precipitation, and changes in weather patterns "put trillions of dollars of institutional investors' assets at risk and require companies to be innovative at adapting to these changes."

Signatories to that statement doubled down their support for the plan on Tuesday.

Staples , which made $18.2 billion in sales in 2016, said, "We will continue to support the EPA's clean power plan and the reduction of carbon emissions associated with electrical power generation which has been linked to climate change, as we have for many years and believe it's smart business."



Anna Walker, senior director of global policy and advocacy at denim maker Levi Strauss & Co., told BuzzFeed it "remains committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in our operations and supply chain, and we will continue to be advocates for meeting the US climate obligations in the Paris Climate Agreement."



Ben & Jerry's will also continue fighting carbon emissions, for the good of its many ice cream flavors. "We buy vanilla, cocoa, bananas, cherries; we buy ingredients we put into our chunky and swirly ice creams, from places that are profoundly affected by climate change," said Chris Miller, a spokesperson for the Unilever-owned company. "So it's personal for us."
There is no need to wait for Brexit to be finalized before other countries can do business with the U.K., according to Maritime U.K. and Carnival U.K. Chairman David Dingle.

There are already strong business ties between the U.K. and China, so it's not like there will be a pause on that front as the U.K. triggers Article 50 and kicks off what could be a fraught two years of EU negotiations, Dingle told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Thursday.

"Great business relationships take a while to build. We can't sit around and wait for exactly what's going to be negotiated. We've got to get out there and move forward," he said.

China is an obvious choice as the next growth prospect, and Maritime U.K., a promotional body for British shipping industry stakeholders, hosted a three-day trade event in Shanghai this week to promote Sino-U.K. deals.

"Brexit or no Brexit, China has been viewed by the U.K. as an outstanding opportunity. Over the last five years, our trade with China grew by 63 percent. So we're already on a very good trajectory there," said Dingle.

He added that despite the lack of a formal deal, systems are already in place to ensure fair practice.

For example, Lloyd's Register ship classification system is partnering with China so that companies like Dingle's Carnival U.K. get a fair share when selling cruise ships and operating them in China.

Outside the European Union, Britain already has strong trade with the U.S. and has long established ties there. But China with its amazing rate of growth is a new opportunity for Maritime U.K., Dingle said.

He also told CNBC that he remains confident London will remain a world Maritime Center.

"We have 35 percent of world shipping insurance based in London. English law remains the basis for shipping contracts, shipping agreements, and we know how to do maritime deals better than anybody else," he said.

Dingle added that despite what might emerge from the precise trade negotiations with the U.K. and the rest of Europe, Britain remains a great gateway for the continent.

Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook.
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Officials in London and Brussels are racing against a two-year deadline to make sure Britain has an orderly exit from the European Union, but tensions are running high. While the U.K. government is preparing to convert European Union law into domestic law to ensure there's clarity for businesses and citizens, officials in Brussels are receiving negotiation guidelines from the remaining 27 countries, with talks due to the kick off around May.

There is a sense of urgency on both sides to agree on the terms of the divorce, but the tone is tinged with rivalry. Tweet 1 The U.K.'s Guardian newspaper pictured the U.K.'s ambassador to the EU Tim Barrow and President Donald Tusk of the European Council under the headline, "EU warns: Don't blackmail us." British Prime Minister Theresa May stated in her communication to the EU that the failure to agree on a Brexit agreement would weaken cooperation in crime and security. However, officials in Brussels said they would not accept such threats as a bargaining chip. "I tried to be a gentleman towards a lady, so I didn't even use or think about the use of the word blackmail," Guy Verhofstadt, the European Parliament's representative for Brexit, said at a press conference Wednesday evening.

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"I think the security of our citizens is far too important to start a trade-off of one and the other. Both are absolutely necessary in the future partnership without bargaining this one against the other," he added. In exchange for collaboration in security, Theresa May wants to have a trade deal with the EU but the appetite in Brussels for such a trade-off is non-existent. They want to decide issues like the rights of citizens and the Irish border before making new trade arrangements. European lawmakers agreed Wednesday that the benefits of being a member of the EU cannot be the same for a country that decided to leave. In the corridors of power in Brussels, one thing is certain: "Whatever happens, opting to leave cannot be better than remaining a member of the club." Despite the rising tensions on both sides of the English Channel, some took their time to celebrate this historic moment. Tweet 2 The U.K.'s independence party UKIP, which has always pushed for Brexit, celebrated the official start of the process in pubs in London and Brussels. Its former leader, Nigel Farage was pictured at a party in London, making the Daily Mail's front page next to the headline: "Cheers to a great future." Similarly, the right-wing Daily Telegraph went with the headline: "A magnificent moment."
As the era of Donald Trump's presidency gets under way, university heads need to speak up about wanting international students, according to Brown University President Christina Paxson.

"They are vital for what we do," she told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Thursday about international students on campus.

Her comments came in response to a Trump order signed earlier this month that restricts immigration from some Muslim-majority nations. Paxson said Brown University had "a couple students who are still not able to get back into Brown to do their education."

Trump's latest immigration order watered down an earlier ban, removing Iraq from the list, and no longer barring any lawful permanent residents from entering. Although the order has been blocked by the courts, it has left disruption and confusion in its wake.

"The president, his policies, are sending out a message to the world that international students may not be welcome in the U.S." Paxson said.

Aside from the immigration ban, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced earlier this month that it will suspend the expedition of H-1B visa processing from April 3 onward, which Paxson said could mean graduating international students may find it harder to get jobs.
LeEco had been busy expanding rapidly, launching its smartphones in India, developing a smartbike, and even opening a pop-up store in Los Angeles. But the company's woes have been slowly building.

Beijing-based LeEco, which dabbles in everything from movies to cars, has had a dizzying journey to the top. But its fast rise is now faltering, and the stalled Vizio deal is the latest crack to appear, marking yet another botched foreign acquisition as the Chinese government has tightened capital controls .

The deal with Vizio, a major television maker based in the U.S., was first announced last July, and would have turned LeEco into one of the world's biggest suppliers of TVs.

At one point last year, the company was so cash-strapped that its CEO, Jia Yueting, said he would cut his own salary to 15 cents. And adding to the challenges are increased capital controls from the Chinese government after overseas deals hit a record $226.5 billion last year, according to Dealogic.

The buying frenzy meant money was flying out of China, weakening an already depreciating yuan. To counterbalance, China turned to its foreign exchange reserves to buy back yuan. But the move wasn't enough, and late last year, the government increased regulatory scrutiny on specific overseas transactions.

Since then, plenty of deals have been killed, with more on the rocks, such as Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda's $1 billion bid to buy Golden Globes-operator Dick Clark Productions.

Experts have said they expect foreign acquisitions from China to be on the wane all year because of the stepped-up capital controls.

LeEco first started with a Netflix-style streaming video service online before later developing a variety of gadgets, including an electric car meant to take on Tesla. Shares of its listed unit, Leshi Internet Information and Tech Corp, have dropped around 7 percent this month.

Spokespeople at LeEco and Vizio didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
A federal judge on Wednesday granted a bid by Chipotle Mexican Grill to undo a class action lawsuit by manager trainees in six states who say they were unlawfully denied overtime pay.

U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter in Manhattan said the former Chipotle "apprentices" from New York, Illinois and four other states had varying duties depending on where they worked and could not show they were all eligible for overtime pay.

The plaintiffs in the 2012 lawsuit said that when they worked in the temporary, salaried positions training to manage new restaurants, they often performed basic tasks that could be assigned to hourly workers. That entitled them to overtime pay under state wage laws, the workers said.

Carter's decision blocks the seven workers who filed the lawsuit from representing a class of more than 500 people, which could end the case altogether.

The company's victory on Wednesday came as it faced a larger 2014 lawsuit filed in federal court in Colorado by 10,000 hourly workers who say they were required to work off the clock for no pay. A U.S. appeals court in Colorado on Monday rejected Chipotle's bid to undo the nationwide class of workers in that case.

Denver-based Chipotle, which operates more than 2,000 U.S. restaurants, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday's ruling. Nor did lawyers for the plaintiffs.

Unlike most other fast food chains that operate on a franchise model, Chipotle owns its restaurants and is responsible for wages and other employment decisions.

Salaried workers like the Chipotle apprentices are automatically eligible for overtime pay under federal law if they earn less than $23,660. Employees who earn more must be paid overtime if they do not have management or administrative duties.

Last year, a federal judge blocked a controversial Obama administration rule that would have doubled the salary threshold to about $47,500 and extended overtime pay to more than 4 million workers.

The U.S. Department of Labor appealed the judge's ruling, but it is unclear whether the administration of President Donald Trump will pursue the case.

Trump's nominee for U.S. labor secretary, R. Alexander Acosta, told a U.S. Senate panel last week that he had not made a decision about how to proceed on the rule, but was concerned about its impact on businesses and workers.
Missouri Scholars 100 is a program sponsored by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals. Schools across Missouri were invited to nominate candidates for this state wide recognition. The selection is based primarily on a formula using the students grade point average and ACT or SAT score. Each student nominated had to first meet criteria of an Academic Decathlon, which included 10 events designed to assure the academic strength of the student. To meet the decathlon requirements, the student must have a minimum GPA of 3.750, a minimum ACT score of 29 or a minimum SAT score of 1,900, be ranked in the upper ten percent of the class, and have taken upper level courses in mathematics, science, English, and foreign language. The student must also have excellent attendance, be an exemplary school citizen, and be involved in the school activity program.
Following are excerpts from a panel discussion at the Arctic Forum in Arkhangelsk with CNBC's Geoff Cutmore, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto and Icelandic President Guni Th. Johannesson today, Thursday, March 30th. Following are links to the video on CNBC.com: http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000605954, http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000605944, http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000605956, and http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000605955. Additional video can be found at CNBC.com. A full transcript will follow later today.

PUTIN ON WHETHER RUSSIA INTERFERED IN THE U.S. ELECTIONS

Watch my lips  No.

PUTIN ON MEETING PRESIDENT TRUMP

The newly implemented President is barred from implementing his agenda on health-care or international affairs, relations with Russia and we will wait till things stabilize. I believe which is the best proof that we didn't do before, at a certain point of time it will come to a close and we will decide when and where the meeting is held. These are technical issues and we have a lot of things to discuss. The other side should express readiness for constructive cooperation and work.

PUTIN ON SECURITY IN THE ARCTIC REGION

We develop our defense capabilities on Russian soil which is the territory of the Russian Federation and we assume that like any other country, for example the United States which is our Arctic neighbor have the right to develop own military capabilities with a threat to us. Because our military is local in nature, theirs is global in nature. They have been building a global missile system there and it is an overarching concern in terms of global security today. It is not a defensive capability. It is part of a nuclear force of their installed in the periphery.

PUTIN ON MILITARY CAPACITIES COMPARED TO THE U.S.

We are not going to wage wars or compete with United States in the Arctic region. Everyone knows that the US spends more on defense than all of the countries of the world. Now they will spend another 40 or 60 billion dollars. We are vested with special responsibility and the quicker we establish our nuclear cooperation, the better.

PUTIN ON REX TILLERSON'S TRIP TO MOSCOW AND IF HE WILL DISCUSS FIGHTING TERRORISM

Yes, fighting terrorism is a key agenda and if Mr. Tillerson comes I have met him at several occasions before and we will definitely talk about this topic. Without constructive work with our colleagues in Pentagon and CIA we cannot obtain what we aim to.

PUTIN ON PROTESTS IN RUSSIA

We have been in favor of fighting corruption which is definitely serious issue for us. Judging by the opinion polls, off late it has been less important but we have been fighting corruption and people see that. I am always very positive when people move the spotlight to these issues.

PUTIN ON GLOBAL WARMING

The global warming will continue anyway and anyhow. Yesterday I visited the French archipelago and back in 1930s I think, an Austrian pioneer and researcher visited that place and issued a description of the glacier and twenty years later an Italian king visited and found that ice cover had melted. And that time we didn't have much of manmade effect but global warming had started. We should be able to listen to one another to find a solution to the problem.

PUTIN ON THE PRICE OF COMMODITIES

Today Russia's GDP is the result of the economic activity of this region. Their weight keeps growing and the contribution to the economy. Another factor is significance. The growth in efficiency and the state of the economy. The second important factor that heartens us is the climate change. The number of days of navigation across the Northern sea route has been going up dramatically off late which means we will have greater transportation potential. Climate change brings in more favorable conditions and improves the potential of this region.

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The U.S. shale boom shaking the oil industry is changing the way deep-water oil exploration projects are carried out as producers move to scale down these mega-operations, a researcher said Thursday.



"It's not so much innovation, it's more a change in mind-set," said Wood Mackenzie's upstream oil and gas research director, Angus Rodger.

Producers are reducing the cost of their deep-water projects by making them smaller and producing fewer barrels while trying to remain profitable, he told CNBC's "Squawk Box".

Projects in the Gulf of Mexico are leading the way, with breakeven likely moving below $50 per barrel of oil equivalent, down from above $70, potentially giving shale oil a run for its money.

Shale oil is competitive in the current price environment around $50 a barrel as OPEC and non-OPEC producers work to curb output by almost 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) in the first half of this year.

A report from consultancy Rystad Energy issued in February pegged the break-even price for U.S. shale oil producers to an average $35 per barrel, Reuters reported.



"Over time, we see much more of a leveling of the playing field than we've seen in the last few years ," Rodger said.
Recurring elements of President Donald Trump's rhetoric are worrisome for Deere , CEO and Chairman Samuel Allen told CNBC.

"I think, without a doubt, any form of protectionism or nationalism, on the whole, is not beneficial for a company like ours, any global company," Allen said on "Squawk Alley."

He said, however, "We will adjust. We will have to adjust, but it takes time for a manufacturer to adjust. It's much more efficient if we can have open free trade, understandably fair trade, but free trade."

In an effort to make trade more fair, the House has floated something called a "border adjusted" tax, which would incentivize domestic manufacturing by essentially subsidizing exports. Conversely, it would also slap a 20 percent tax on imports for corporations.

The proposed tax would help Deere, Allen said, as the company is a net exporter. He said however, that the company is "very concerned" about the proposal's potential impact on its farmer customers.

"If, as a result of the adjustment tax, it has an unintended consequence of causing countries like China and Mexico to buy their ag commodities from other countries, that would be negative for U.S. farmers that do a lot of exporting to China, Canada and Mexico," Allen said.

Allen, chairman of the U.S. Council on Competitiveness, said that an infrastructure bill would be positive for his company and others in the industry.

Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said Wednesday that the Trump administration will unveil a $1 trillion infrastructure plan later this year  a timeline that is much sooner than many expected. Chao, however, did not provide details as to how the plan would be funded.

Expectations for greater infrastructure spending have pushed Deere shares more than 24 percent higher since the election, outperforming the S&P 500's 11 percent gain over the same period.

Allen told CNBC that he's encouraged by Chao's revelation, as people in his industry were not expecting an infrastructure plan until 2018. While infrastructure stands to gain the most bipartisan support, the Deere CEO said it's going to be a while before such a plan could impact the marketplace.

"There's no such thing as shovel ready. I would expect that it will be at least 18 months down the road once it passes and is funded that we'll really start seeing the stimulative effect. But it would be a very long-term-type effect," Allen said.
Denmark will be keen to put to bed concerns about its continued transatlantic relationship with the U.S. when its Prime Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen meets with U.S. President Donald Trump Thursday, the country's foreign minister told CNBC.

"Hopefully we know a little bit more about how the U.S. and the President see the situation after the election because there is no doubt about it that we are concerned every time the U.S. step back, or indicate that they will step back, from this very warm transatlantic relationship that we value so highly in Denmark," Anders Samuelsen said.

Prime Minister Rasmussen becomes the latest European leader to meet with the President at the White House, following on from the likes of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Theresa May.
In a 50-49 vote, the Senate quashed Labor Department rules from the Obama administration that would have made it easier for cities to provide government-run retirement plans to private sector workers.

Trade groups from the financial services industry applauded the measure while consumer advocates worried that it will be harder to help the roughly 55 million employees who don't have access to a workplace retirement plan.

Several municipal governments, including New York, Philadelphia and Seattle, have considered creating city-run retirement plans for people without workplace options.

"The regulation puts private marketplace plans at a disadvantage. This vote wisely overturns the regulation," Dirk Kempthorne, president and CEO of the American Council of Life Insurers, said in a statement.

The House has passed a similar bill and another one that would make it more difficult for states to provide retirement plans to private sector workers. The Senate has yet to vote on a bill that would affect state-run plans.
Check out which companies are making headlines before the bell:

Lululemon  The yoga wear maker's stock is getting slammed after an earnings miss and a weak forecast. Lululemon fell a penny a share short of forecasts with adjusted quarterly profit of $1 per share, and its current-quarter guidance of 25 to 27 cents per share falls well short of the 39 cents consensus estimate. The company said its spring clothing isn't bold enough and promises to make more attractive gear and clothing to correct the problem.

Toyota  Toyota announced a recall of 2.9 million vehicles in the latest such move related to defective Takata airbag inflators. This particular recall does not involve any vehicles sold In the United States.

ConocoPhillips  ConocoPhillips struck a deal to sell Canadian oil sands and natural gas assets to Canada's Cenovus Energy for $13.3 billion. Cenovus is already a partner of the US-based energy giant in the Surmont oil sands project.

Boston Scientific  The medical device company struck a deal to buy Switzerland-based Symetis, a privately held maker of heart valves, for $435 million in cash.

VF Corp.  In a release ahead of its investor meeting, the apparel maker predicts earnings will grow at an annual rate of 10 percent to 12 percent through 2021, and that it will return $8 billion to shareholders during that time.

General Electric  GE and consortium partners are the sole bidders for a Nigerian railway project worth about $2 billion. The project involves building two rail lines connecting northern cities in Nigeria to others in the south.

Synovus Financial  The Georgia-based bank is in talks to buy the financial arm of sporting goods retailer Cabela's , according to a Wall Street Journal report. Such a move would help save a planned $4.5 billion buyout of Cabela's by Bass Pro Shops. Capital One Financial had originally agreed to buy the financial unit, but later said regulatory approval would be a problem because of investigations into its anti-money laundering measures.

Chipotle Mexican Grill  Chipotle won its bid to undo a class action suit by management trainees in six states. The managers had claimed that the restaurant chain unlawfully denied them overtime pay, but a judge said they were unable to show that they were eligible for such pay.

Legg Mason  The investment firm is cutting more than 30 workers  about three percent of its corporate staff  because of what it calls "disruption" in the money management industry.

Volkswagen  Volkswagen said the Environmental Protection Agency has approved the sale of up to 67,000 diesel vehicles that have been modified to meet emissions standards. The vehicles in question are from the 2015 model year, whose sales were halted following the automaker's scandal involving diesel emissions software.

Bank of America  The bank's Merrill Lynch unit is cutting its 10 divisions down to six, according to an internal memo obtained by CNBC. The memo quotes Merrill Lynch Wealth Management chief Andy Sieg as saying the changes would help the unit operate more effectively.

Lockheed Martin  A sale of Lockheed's F-16 fighter jets to Bahrain will be approved by the Trump administration without the human rights conditions imposed by the State Department under the Obama administration. The deal involves the sale of 19 of those jets.

Goodyear Tire  Goodyear was downgraded to "neutral" from "buy" at Goldman Sachs in a valuation call, with the stock up more than 17 percent so far this year.
President Antonio Tajani of the European Parliament told CNBC the chamber will veto the Brexit deal if the rights of European and U.K. citizens are not guaranteed.

"Citizens' rights; this is the most important point (in the Brexit negotiations)," Tajani told CNBC on the sidelines of a conference in Malta. "Without this most important goal it's impossible for us to vote in favor," he said.

The Italian lawmaker added, however, he is "not against the United Kingdom" and wants both sides of the English channel to cooperate during the upcoming talks.

As the U.K. prepares to make history by being the first member to leave the EU, officials in Europe want to avoid setting a precedent. The hope is other nations will not follow the U.K. out of the union.
A former Defense Department official said Thursday that she was afraid of a cover-up about Russian interference during the U.S. presidential election.



Evelyn Farkas, former deputy assistant secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia, said post-election she urged colleagues to get all the information they could before former President Barack Obama left office.

"We were having a transition of power from the Obama administration to the Trump administration. If indeed there was an investigation ongoing, if indeed there was information the Obama administration had about Russian interference and possible American involvement, I wanted to make sure Congress knew about it," she said on "Squawk Box."

"I was afraid of a cover-up," she added.

Farkas, a former Obama administration official, first made her disclosure about urging colleagues to gather intelligence about possible Russian ties on MSNBC earlier this month.

"I had a fear that somehow that information would disappear with the senior (Obama) people who left, so it would be hidden away in the bureaucracy," she told MSNBC.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has been accused of interfering in the 2016 U.S. presidential election between former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Donald Trump, said Thursday that he has never interfered in U.S. elections.

Speaking to CNBC at the Arctic Forum in Arkhangelsk, Russia, the Russian president denied it.

Farkas said she believes the consensus of U.S. intelligence experts over Putin.

"Our entire intelligence community, with high confidence saying that Vladimir Putin in 2016 directed an information operation against the U.S. elections in order to reduce Americans' confidence in their democracy and in elections," she said.

Earlier this month, FBI Director James Comey confirmed the bureau had launched an investigation into Russia's influence on the 2016 presidential election.
Facebook has introduced a crowdfunding feature to help users back causes such as education, medical needs, pet medical, crisis relief, personal emergencies and funerals.

The new tool, Personal Fundraiser, allows users 18 or older to "raise money for themselves, a friend or someone or something not on Facebook," the social media company said in a blog post on Thursday. The tool will be tested in the U.S. over the next few weeks, and more categories may be added over time, Facebook said.

Users with verified pages, such as public figures, can also add a "donate" button tied to a nonprofit to their Facebook Live videos, the company said.

Personal crowdfunding campaigns have been popularized by sites like GoFundMe. But such campaigns have also run into hurdles, due to a small number of abusive "rip off" campaigns that have gained traction. Facebook said there will be a 24-hour fundraiser review process, and since the fundraisers will be tied to real profiles on Facebook, donors will be able to see how they are connected to the person who created the fundraiser.

Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg has shared broad philanthropic ambitions of his own over the past few years, pledging to give away most of his wealth to causes that advance humanity.
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Ireland United States Minor Outlying Islands United States of America Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
"Five empires" are rising and will fill the vacuum if the United States continues to withdraw from the global stage, according to a respected author and documentarian.





"Today in Europe we see the rebirth of nationalism, but in the rest of the world it is the rebirth of empires," Bernard-Henri Levy, a prolific writer and widely followed philosopher, told CNBC in an interview Thursday.



"This is the big phenomenon today," he said. "If there is not in front of them a strong resistance from Europe and America, the world will go to a very bad scenario."



Those five empires are, according to Levy: Russia, Iran, Turkey, Islamic extremism and the commercial power of China.

The French-Jewish philosopher and writer has a significant involvement in international affairs, especially in France and the Middle East. Levy was born in Algeria when it was a French colony.



While he is deeply concerned about the consequences for the global economy, he still has hope.



"The enrichment of the world and the most equal distribution of this wealth can improve if these five empires find their checks and balances," he said. "And the best checks and balances will be Europe and America. And they are not alone."



He pointed to other democracies that serve as counter-balances to the five empires, such as Brazil and India.
With the Galaxy S8, Samsung is once again trying make the argument that a smartphone can serve as a full PC, but chances are it's going to fail just like every other company that's tried this.

If you were following along with Samsung's Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ announcements yesterday, you may have missed Samsung's discussion of a new "DeX dock." It's a new accessory for the Galaxy S8 that will allow the smartphone to attach right into a monitor, keyboard and mouse and attempt to serve as a full desktop computer. It's an area where Microsoft , Motorola, ASUS and other smartphone makers have all failed. Samsung, unfortunately, doesn't look like it's off to a much better start.

The idea behind the DeX dock and other similar technologies  Microsoft's was called Continuum  is simple. If executed properly, a smartphone owner should be able to carry a single device, his or her smartphone, and plug it into a special dock to use it like a traditional computer.

Microsoft Continuum failed for several reasons, and Samsung didn't address the primary one.

Even though Continuum ran too slow, and it didn't support full Windows applications, those weren't the big problem. The real problem: Nobody is asking for this functionality. No one, at least who I can think of, wants to spend money on an additional accessory and then use it as a watered-down computing device without access to real macOS or Windows applications.

This is almost impossible to execute in the enterprise, too, even though Samsung is touting support from Cisco and other companies with solid grounding in the sector. If Microsoft, the darling of corporate America, couldn't get Continuum off the ground, how the heck is Samsung going to fare any better?

And let's not forget that plenty of companies are still running dated versions of Windows because IT departments take their time in moving to new systems. Are they really going to jump to providing employees with a brand new Galaxy S8, a dock, and support for the entire new system? It's a pipe dream I can appreciate, but it's never going to happen, at least not with the Galaxy S8.

Here's how this "smartphone as full PC" needs to work.

The smartphone needs to run a full version of macOS or Windows, especially if it's supposed to be adopted by the enterprise. It needs to be completely wireless. Imagine walking into work and sitting down at your desk, your monitors light up and you're up and running, all thanks to the smartphone that never left your pocket. When you go home, your smartphone knows that you're no longer at work and pulls up a totally different computing environment in your home office.

That's how the future of full smartphone computing looks. I applaud Samsung for making yet another attempt, but it's going right to the graveyard with Continuum.






French far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen's roadmap to the Elysee Palace in May must first begin by inspiring a sense of urgency among politically apathetic voters, analysts at Nomura said in a note.

Le Pen, leader of the anti-immigration and anti-European Union National Front, is currently neck-and-neck with centrist Emmanuel Macron for the first round vote on April 23, according to an Elabe poll. Macron is expected to go on to win the second and final round run-off vote on May 7, the same poll forecast.

"Mathematically, it remains feasible for Marine Le Pen to win. However, to achieve that, she needs to convince all the voters who, in the second round, have said they will abstain, or vote blank or who are still undecided to vote for her," Charles St-Arnaud, senior strategist and economist at Nomura Securities International, said in a note.

The phenomenon of 'blank' votes is expected to increase in France throughout the 2017 two-stage contest, Nomura predicted, as citizens frustrated with the political establishment opt to submit a nameless vote to the ballot box rather than support a candidate.

An Odoxa poll published Friday estimated that as many as 43 percent of the French electorate have yet to decide who to vote for in the general election.
These days, even casual news consumers can't avoid fear-mongering headlines about Soros. A recent report from Fox News, "'Day Without a Woman' supporters got $246M from Soros" misleadingly suggested Soros funded the Women's March-organized strike. Actually, according to the research that Fox News used for the story , Soros donated to 100 of the 544 Women's March partners  and did so over 15 years. The last of these donations was two years ago. He certainly influenced the movement, but he doesn't seem to have funded the actual protest.

He lurks in the shadows of all sinister decisions made by the globalist elite. He bankrolls every anti-conservative protest and funds the mainstream media propaganda machine. He wants the world to burn so he can create a New World Order and rule over all humanity. He's George Soros. Or at least he's a version of George Soros that conspiratorially-inclined conservatives have created.

Soros stepped onto the international stage in 1992 when he earned $1 billion by betting against the British pound during the Black Wednesday currency crisis, and became known as " The Man Who Broke The Bank of England ." Soon after, he started appearing on national news shows, like Charlie Rose , speaking about his philosophical views and his efforts to build open democratic societies.

This article does not attempt to determine whether Soros is simply a billionaire investor who supports liberal causes, an evil mastermind worse than any Bond villain Ian Fleming could have dreamed up, or somewhere in between. It simply provides a brief history of how he became one of the right's obsessions.

But over the last 20 years, Soros has gone from a rags-to-riches immigrant investor and political donor to enemy number one of the far right. Using Media Cloud , a media analysis tool created by MIT, Vocativ searched for mentions of Soros in mainstream media and conservative partisan media, which includes Breitbart, Daily Caller, Gateway Pundit, and InfoWars. The results show that the right-wing sites mention Soros over three times as often as mainstream media sites. Since June 2016, Soros was mentioned 7,983 times in the conservative outlets, but only 2,473 times in mainstream news.

Some objective truths about Soros: He has a net worth of $25.2 billion dollars , making him the 27th richest person in the world. He is a Hungarian Jew who fled to England during the Nazi occupation, then studied at the London School of Economics. He began his career working in merchant banks then moved on to hedge funds. He donates to many philanthropic and progressive political causes through his Open Society Foundation. He is a staunch critic of Donald Trump . His most recent anti-Trump op-ed was published March 16 in The New York Times.

On November 5, 1997, Ted Koppel interviewed Soros for an episode of ABC's Nightline, "The World According to George Soros." It included interviews with other scholars and journalists, like Richard Morais of Forbes who said of Soros: "He's largely treated like a saint in most of the media, and I think that's a very dangerous situation." And Michael Lewis, author of "Liar's Poker," who said: "He will use his money very aggressively to attack what he thinks is bad."

These themes persisted in coverage of Soros throughout the 1990s, but at the time it seemed to resonate more on the left, according to Jesse Walker, author of "The United States of Paranoia: A Conspiracy Theory" and book editor of Reason magazine. "I first started encountering anti-Soros invective in the 1990s," Walker told Vocativ. "Interestingly, it was coming from the left  people were worried that he was buying up the movement (or, in a less conspiratorial vein, that the possibility of chasing Soros dollars would distort the independent left's activities)."

Walker also noticed that resentment toward Charles G. Koch and David H. Koch followed a similar pattern. The Koch brothers operate Koch Industries, the second-largest privately owned company in the nation, and have used their wealth to fund and influence libertarian and conservative causes. "The first place anti-Koch talk took hold was in certain sectors of the libertarian movement. It was a libertarian activist, Sam Konkin, who coined the word 'Kochtopus.' This was in the late '70s or early '80s, decades before the Koch brothers became designated villains for the left."

Conservatives and Republicans became more wary of Soros in the the late 2000s, thanks in large part to Fox News. In April 2007, Bill O'Reilly opened his show "The O'Reilly Factor" with a nearly 10-minute segment (video here, transcript here) on George Soros, who he describes as "off-the-charts dangerous" and "an extremist who wants open borders, a one-world foreign policy, legalized drugs, euthanasia, and on and on."

"'The Factor' has been investigating far left billionaire George Soros, a man who wants to impose a radical left agenda on America. And under the radar, he is making great progress," O'Reilly opened, before presenting a chart and explaining the complex web of foundations that Soros uses to influence politics. This flow begins with the Open Society Foundation which donates to the Tides Foundation, which funds "a variety of radical hatchet men" like those involved with "vile propaganda outfit Media Matters, which specializes in distorting comments made by politicians, pundits, and media people." O'Reilly explained that Media Matters hands over propaganda to mainstream media, including NBC News, The New York Times, Newsweek, and PBS. Soros also gives money to the Democracy Alliance Group and the Center of American Progress, run by John Podesta, and Move On, which "organizes demonstrations promoting left-wing causes."

"So you can see how powerful this guy Soros has become," O'Reilly said. "He can smear anyone he wants in a variety of ways. His organizations can raise millions for politicians, who will do his bidding. Thus, he can demand that politicians running for office do what he tells them to do."

This segment from a decade ago includes many of the same dog-whistles that make conservative ears perk up today: mainstream media, organized liberal demonstrations, open borders, and Podesta.

O'Reilly then brought on two commenters, radio host Monica Crowley and Phil Kent, a PR consultant and author of the book "Foundations of Betrayal: How the Liberal Super Rich Undermine America."

Kent takes the scary story up a notch. "George Soros is really the Dr. Evil of the whole world of left-wing foundations," Kent said. "In fact, one of his most chilling quotes a few years ago was that the main obstacle to a stable and just world is the United States. He really hates this country."

The quote Kent referenced was from Soros' 2006 book "The Age of Fallibility," and it was a critique of George W. Bush's nationalistic foreign policies. Here's the full quote (emphasis ours):

The main obstacle to a stable and just world order is the United States. This is a harsh  indeed, for me, painful  thing to say, but unfortunately I am convinced it is true. The United States continues to set the agenda for the world in spite of its loss of influence since 9/11, and the Bush administration is setting the wrong agenda.

You should never mention "world order" if you're a politically influential public figure and you don't want to be connected to globalist conspiracy theories. At the heart of many paranoiac ideologies is the firm belief that a small group of elites is trying to build a New World Order, a global governance that could enslave most of humanity. Any time a powerful person mentions a "world order," fringe journalists seize on the comment as proof of the existence of a secretive cabal that wants to rule the planet. In "The Age of Fallibility," Soros mentions "world order" several times. One chapter is even called "What's Wrong with the World Order." It's two chapters after "What's Wrong with America?"

Less than two years later, Glenn Beck joined Fox News and made Soros one of his main targets. In November of 2010, Beck dedicated two episodes to exposing the "puppet master" George Soros. With the aid of three giant chalkboards, a wooden pointer, props, literal marionette puppets, and his signature condescending professorial tone, he explained the twisted web of corruption and deceit that George Soros' "shadow party" (does that sound familiar?) has wound around the American political system. Soros' ultimate goal, Beck explains, is to build "one world government" and then take power.
The announcement comes less than 24 hours after British Prime Minister Theresa May triggered the two-year timeframe for the U.K.'s departure from the EU. Lloyd's Chairman John Nelson described the new Brussels hub as an "efficient and well-crafted solution" that will allow the firm to operate within the EU as soon as late 2018, when wider trade negotiations between the U.K. and the EU are expected to still be on-going.

Lloyd's of London, the world's largest specialty insurance market, has confirmed reports that it is to open an EU subsidiary office in Brussels that will enable it to avoid any loss of business as the U.K. splits from the European Union.

Speaking to CNBC Thursday, Nelson said Brussels had been selected from a shortlist of European countries for its strong talent pool and geographical location in the "heart of Europe." The firm is expected to employ new staff within "the tens rather than the hundreds."

"We chose Brussels because Lloyd's is a market, not a company, and we needed to find a country with the regulatory bandwidth to deal with Lloyd's, who had an understanding of Lloyd's, who were sufficiently flexible to allow us to operate as a market," he said.

The announcement comes as the insurer released its annual results. Pre-tax profits came in at 2.1 billion for 2016 ($2.6 billion), the same as last year, while return on capital was slightly lower for the year at 8.1 percent (9.1 percent in 2015).

Currently, Lloyd's has 11 percent penetration across Europe but Nelson said he is hopeful that the new office will help to boost this. "It's possible that by being there (in Brussels), putting us closer to the customer, we might increase our penetration. Over and above that, I think having an efficient structure in the EU may well attract more carriers to come onto the platform. That's a long-term view but we are hopeful," he said.



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An Italian drug gang needed money, so it devised a bizarre plot, Italian police said  it would dig up the body of legendary automaker Enzo Ferrari and hold it for ransom.

In a massive raid involving hundreds of officers, 34 people were arrested Tuesday in Sardinia and northern Italy just as the gang was about to launch its scheme, 1 years in the making, at the tomb shared by Ferrari and his father in Modena, in central Italy, police said at a news conference.

Ferrari died at age 90 in in 1988 and was buried alongside his father inside the ornate tomb at San Cataldo cemetery, complete with a model Ferrari perched on top. Modena is where Ferrari founded the luxury car company in 1939 as Auto Avio Costruzioni.

At least 11 other people are under further investigation after officers also seized an unspecified but large amount of cocaine and arms, police said.

Col. Saverio Ceglie, head of the carabinieri, or military police, in the province of Nuoro, said the gang is part of Anonima Sequestri, known as the kidnapping specialists of organized crime operations on the Italian island of Sardinia.

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It is associated with the post-World War II bandit operation run by Graziano Mesina, a legendary figure known as the "Scarlet Pimpernel of Italy," who has been the subject of many scholarly books and at least two popular biopics. Mesina, who turns 76 next week, has been in prison for kidnapping plots since December.

Police said they got wind of the gang during their latest investigation of Mesina, which began almost a decade ago, and were staking out Ferrari's tomb when the bandits arrived.

"The gang had prepared everything in detail," Ceglie said. They made several visits to the tomb over more than a year of planning, and individual members were identified as being in charge of drawing up the plans, stealing the body itself and delivering the ransom demand to the Ferrari family, he said.

Ceglie said the Ferraris were kept in the loop about the plot, which he said had been "in the works for years but never succeeded because of our extensive efforts."
The GOP's "stunning" lack of unity on repealing and replacing Obamacare undermines President Donald Trump's entire agenda, former Clinton Treasury Secretary Larry Summers said Thursday.

The failure calls into question whether Trump and GOP leaders in Congress can deliver on the pro-economic growth promises that have supported the stock market and buoyed business and consumer sentiment, Summers argued on CNBC's "Squawk Box."

Summers, a former economic advisor to President Barack Obama, also said he's concerned that a fight over funding Planned Parenthood could lead to a government shutdown. House Speaker Paul Ryan suggested earlier this week the House would not try to defund Planned Parenthood while working to approve spending to keep the government open beyond April 28.

Couple fiscal uncertainty with questions about Russia's interference in the 2016 election, and there are potential pitfalls on multiple fronts, said Summers, president emeritus of Harvard University.

"There's a huge set of leadership issues around the president's ability to lead in the way presidents do that comes before, and is separate from, whatever add-on you get from Russia investigations," Summers said.

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin denied accusations that Moscow meddled in U.S. elections. During a panel moderated by CNBC, Putin said, "All those things are fictional, illusory and provocations, lies."


A daily morning look at the financial stories you need to know to start the day. STOCKS/ECONOMY -Stock futures are down after Wednesday's mixed close. We get GDP data today and weekly jobless claims numbers. TRUMP'S FIRST 100 DAYS -Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet with President Donald Trump in Florida on April 6th and 7th. And Russian President Vladimir Putin says he's ready to meet with President Trump at a possible summit in Finland. OIL/ENERGY -U.S. crude prices are a bit lower, but still holding at the $49 a barrel level. Gasoline prices rose to a national average of $2.30 a gallon . TRUMP'S FIRST 100 DAYS (continued) -House Speaker Paul Ryan does not want President Trump to work with Congressional Democrats on the health bill "do-over." -The White House says President Trump and Labor Secretary Elaine Chao will unveil a $1 trillion infrastructure spending plan this year. -The Trump administration is reportedly only seeking modest changes to NAFTA. CULTURE WARS -North Carolina legislators and the governor have reached a deal on changing the state's controversial transgender bathroom law that cost the state lots of business since it was first passed. RICHISTAN -Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is now the second richest man in the world behind Bill Gates. TERROR/DEFENSE -In a clear sign to North Korea, the U.S. has sent new F-35 jets to participate in South Korean war games. -The Trump administration has approved a $5 billion sale of F-16 jets to Bahrain.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin at Severnaya Bay of Alexandra Land Island, a part of the Franz Josef Land Archipelago, March 29, 2017. Mikhail Metzel | TASS | Getty Images
NATO summits normally deal with global threats such ISIS, Afghanistan and Russia.

But when Secretary of State Rex Tillerson heads to his first NATO meeting in Brussels on Friday, America's allies will be focused on what they see as the danger posed by the White House itself, according to experts.

Washington's partners in Europe will have President Donald Trump "at the front of their minds," according to Keir Giles, an associate fellow Chatham House, a think tank based in London

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Trump caused alarm by once calling NATO "obsolete" and suggesting he wouldn't protect its members against Russian aggression unless they upped their military spending.

Furthermore, Trump's tweets saying that "Germany owes vast sums of money to NATO and the United States" led many to question whether he understood the alliance's funding model.

@realDonaldTrump: Despite what you have heard from the FAKE NEWS, I had a GREAT meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Nevertheless, Germany owes.....

@realDonaldTrump: ...vast sums of money to NATO & the United States must be paid more for the powerful, and very expensive, defense it provides to Germany!

All of which will likely come to a head at the summit, according to analysts who said NATO members will likely seek assurances from Tillerson that Trump has their back.

"There is real concern about whether the Trump presidency really does not understand how NATO works and what the implication of that might be," said Giles at Chatham House. "It would be very surprising if they did not want to sound Tillerson out about that."

As the world's most powerful military, the U.S. is the de facto head of NATO. Its members are advised to spend 2 percent of their GDP on defense, and in return there has always been an acknowledgement that America would defend them in the face of an attack.

However, most of these countries now spend less than 2 percent. And while past U.S. administrations  including President Barack Obama  have urged countries to up their contributions, Trump is the first to openly suggest breaching the principle of collective defense.

That notion caused "astonishment" and "agitation" among Europe's leaders, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has said.

"It will be the job of someone like Tillerson to reassure them that the United States remains committed to NATO," said Jonathan Eyal, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).

So far, Tillerson has done little to calm fears and initially planned to skip the summit, which originally clashed with Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. To compound the perceived snub, Tillerson said he would find time to travel to Russia for meetings even as the FBI investigates whether Trump's campaign colluded with a Russian government-backed operation to interfere with the election.

In an about-turn, the State Department announced Saturday that Tillerson would attend the NATO meeting after it was brought forward to later this week  a rescheduling that would have required consensus among all 28 NATO member countries.

Trump is correct about allies not paying sufficient dues  but the problem is not new, according to Eyal at RUSI.

"The question over contributions is as old as the alliance itself," he said. "Washington is right to feel impatient, but the reality is that the 2 percent is not god-given, and Trump should be focusing on allies making progress on spending rather than an immediate jump to 2 percent."

For Germany to increase military spending to the recommended level from its current position of 1.2 percent would cost it an extra $30 billion on top of what it's already spending on defense, according to Eyal.

"The only way that Europe is going to reach its targets is if they are reassured about the American commitment toward them," Eyal added. "You will not get the Europeans to spend more if there are questions about America's commitment."
Oculus co-founder Palmer Luckey will leave Facebook on Friday, a spokesperson confirmed on Thursday.

"Palmer will be dearly missed. Palmer's legacy extends far beyond Oculus. His inventive spirit helped kickstart the modern VR revolution and build an industry. We're thankful for everything he did for Oculus and VR, and we wish him all the best," an Oculus spokesperson told CNBC.

Oculus is a start-up that Facebook acquired in 2014 to further its virtual reality ambitions, shelling out nearly $3 billion in a rush deal to "give people more tools to share their experience."

Luckey, an off-beat engineer known for casual garb like Hawaiian shirts and flip-flops, has largely stayed out of the spotlight after a lawsuit thrust Oculus into the public eye. A jury ordered Facebook to pay $500 million in damages after a company sued Oculus, claiming Luckey "commercially exploited" computer code and trade secrets.

Luckey was no stranger to controversy: Luckey told the Daily Beast last year he was putting money behind an internet group that campaigned against Hillary Clinton.

Oculus' ambitions have also become a sore spot with some on Wall Street, who have questioned whether the virtual reality technology can beat rivals to market.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said there are parts of the company that are on "a good trajectory" and parts that are "a little behind." The company recently brought in former Xiaomi executive Hugo Barra as vice president at virtual reality, after Luckey's fellow co-founder Brendan Iribe moved to a role in engineering and product development.

"I would ask for the patience of the investor community in doing that, because we're going to invest a lot in this and it's not going to return or be really profitable for us for quite a while," Zuckerberg said in a recent earnings conference call.
"We're going to resist repeal," Pelosi said.

Less than an hour earlier, Pelosi said: "They must take repeal off the table, and they must stop sabotaging the Affordable Care Act."

"The Democrats aren't for repealing Obamacare," Ryan said. "We are."

Despite that lack of agreement, Ryan on Thursday flatly ruled out working with Democrats to pass a replacement for Obamacare.

The dueling words at back-to-back news conferences came as Republicans remained unable  for now  to agree on a plan to repeal and replace key parts of the Affordable Care Act that would be able to survive a House vote.

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi warned Republicans on Thursday against efforts to repeal or "sabotage" Obamacare, as House Speaker Paul Ryan said the GOP remained committed to repeal.

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R) (R-WI) speaks with House Minority Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) following an event marking the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act at the U.S. Capitol December 8, 2016 in Washington, DC.

The California congresswoman also accused the GOP of not sharing a belief that "health care is a right" for all Americans.

Pelosi said individual health plan premiums and deductibles could increase dramatically, by 35 percent to 40 percent above current levels, if the Republicans did two things to "sabotage" Obamacare.

One would be killing the ACA mandate that most Americans have insurance or pay a fine. The second would be if GOP lawmakers refuse to continue funding subsidies to insurers that lower out-of-pocket costs for millions of Americans.

Either move, warned Pelosi, would be "totally irresponsible."

"But they want it to be a self-fulfilling prophecy," she said.

Pelosi was referring to the fact that President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress have repeatedly claimed that Obamacare is a failure and causing Americans harm.

Pelosi and other Democrats strongly dispute that claim, and say the ACA needs to be improved, not gutted.

Ryan, R-Wis., said Wednesday that Obamacare will cause a "collapse" of the American health-care system.



He pointed to double-digit percentage increases in premiums, insurance plans exiting the marketplace and the fact that one-third of Americans have just one insurer to choose from if they want an individual plan.

"It's really important that we do something to fix this problem," Ryan said.

But he again said, "I'm not going to put some kind of artificial deadline" on getting a replacement plan done.



Ryan and the Trump administration suffered a humiliating setback in the House last week when they canceled, at the last minute, a vote on their replacement plan, the American Health Care Act.

The bill would have repealed Obamacare taxes, ended out-of-pocket cost subsidies, lowered federal funding of aid that reduces premiums for individual plan customers, and scaled back federal Medicaid spending.

The bill was headed to defeat because of opposition from around 30 Republicans. Some of them said the bill went too far, others not far enough in rolling back provisions in the Affordable Care Act.

Polls showed that the public overwhelmingly opposed the bill, which was projected to lead to 14 million more Americans becoming uninsured next year.

Pelosi on Thursday said Republicans had a "disastrous performance last week."

"The bill was dead. So the American people had spoken: they did not want to repeal the Affordable Care Act," Pelosi said.

Despite the fact that there were moderates among the GOP lawmakers who planned to vote against the bill, Trump has repeatedly blamed the House Freedom Caucus, a group of conservative Republicans, for the failure.

Trump did so again Thursday.

The Freedom Caucus will hurt the entire Republican agenda if they don't get on the team, & fast. We must fight them, & Dems, in 2018!

Asked about Trump singling out the caucus, Ryan said: "He's just expressing his frustration."

"You all know that he does that in various forms, including Twitter," Ryan said.

"I understand the president's frustration," Ryan said. "About 90 percent of our conference is in favor of our bill, and 10 percent" are not, he said.

"What I encourage our members to do is keep talking until we get this done, to pass this," Ryan said.

That talking has not gone well, so far.

On Wednesday, members of the moderate Tuesday Group were reportedly resentful that they were being prodded to meet with conservative Republicans to discuss how the repeal-and-replacement effort could move forward.

Axios.com reported that a planned meeting between the Tuesday Group and two groups of conservatives was supposed to occur, but never happened.

A White House source quoted by Axios said, "Welcome to my life the last two weeks. ... It's such a divided conference at the moment it's hard to get things done."
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Russian President Vladimir Putin is calling out U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis for "idle talk" after he accused Russia of "aggressive behavior." Putin said Russia's military capabilities are merely defensive. Russia's development of new technology and expansion of military bases are all at a local level, taking place on Russian soil, Putin told CNBC at the Arctic Forum in Arkhangelsk, Russia. However, he said Washington's continued military development, including in Alaska, is on a global scale.

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"They (the U.S.) develop their own (military), which we believe poses a certain threat to us," Putin said through an interpreter. "Our moves are of a local nature and their moves are of (a) global nature. "They've been developing their missile defense system there, building it up, and this system is one of the overarching concerns of global security today. "It's not a defense system. No, it's part of the nuclear forces of theirs, installed in the periphery. It's not on the defensive, it helps minimize our response." Putin dismissed comments of Russia's "aggressive behavior", made by Mattis shortly after joining office, as "ridiculous" and nonsensical. "We have no intention of starting a war in the Arctic. We don't want to compete with the U.S. We all know that the U.S. spends more on defense than the rest of the world," Putin said. He added, however, that he would consider working with the U.S. and combining defense efforts to fight international terrorism.

Mikhail Metzel | TASS | Getty Images
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he is willing to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump before July's G-20 meeting, but his counterpart must demonstrate a readiness to cooperate.

"We have a lot of things to discuss in economy, security and regional conflicts. We're ready for discussions and talks but the other side should demonstrate and manifest their goodwill and readiness for constructive cooperation and work," the Russian president said via an interpreter.

Putin reconfirmed his willingness to meet with Trump several times during an interview with CNBC's Geoff Cutmore during the Arctic Forum in Arkhangelsk, Russia.

He spoke after Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said he would be "very pleased" to host a summit once Finland assumes chair of the Arctic Council, provided there was something to be discussed.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday protesters found to have broken Russian law must be held accountable. In a CNBC interview at the International Arctic Forum in Arkhangelsk, Russia, Putin was asked to respond to one of the largest outbreaks of antigovernment demonstrations in years. Putin opponent Alexei Navalny was ordered jailed for 15 days on Sunday on charges of resisting police orders during the mass protest.

Alexei Druzhinin | Russian Presidential Press and Information Office | Handout/Anadolu Agency | Getty Images

"Everybody should act in political processes within the framework of the law. All those who go outside this law should bear punishment in accordance with Russian law," Putin said via an interpreter in his first public response to the mass rallies.

'Purely politicized' questions

Navalny was among several hundred protesters who had been detained in connection with unsanctioned rallies against government corruption throughout the country. Several Western countries condemned the arrests and urged the Kremlin to release those sentenced to jail, including Navalny.

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Saudi Aramco has formally appointed JPMorgan Chase & Co , Morgan Stanley and HSBC as international financial advisers for its initial public offering, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. The trio join Moelis & Co and Evercore , which have been appointed independent financial advisers, one source said of what is expected to be the world's biggest share sale. The Saudi authorities aim to sell up to 5 percent of Aramco, listing the shares in Riyadh and at least one foreign exchange to raise cash for investment in new industries in a bid to diversify away from oil exports in an era of cheap crude. Aramco has appointed Saudi Arabia's NCB Capital and Samba Capital as local advisers, the sources said.

Reuters previously reported that JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, Moelis and Evercore had been asked to work on the global listing, while HSBC was a leading contender to join them. Samba Capital was earlier named as one of two local advisers.



One source said all the banks had now been "onboarded", a term indicating they had been fully briefed on the IPO process, and had been tasked with work that includes helping ensure systems on the Saudi stock exchange, the Tadawul, can be integrated with a foreign exchange.



Saudi Aramco has yet to pick a foreign site to list.



When asked for comment, Saudi Aramco said it did not respond to rumour or speculation.



Officials at NCB Capital were not immediately available and other banks have previously declined to comment on their role.
ConocoPhillips shares soared Thursday after the energy giant said it will sell its oil sands and natural gas holdings in Canada to Cenovus Energy .



The stock closed the day up nearly 9 percent. Cenovus share price dropped more than 13 percent Thursday.

ConocoPhillips will sell its position in the Foster Creek Christina Lake oil sands partnership and most of its western Canada Deep Basin gas assets, for $10.6 billion in cash. ConocoPhillips will also receive $2.7 billion in shares of Canada-based Cenovus.

"This is a significant, win-win opportunity for ConocoPhillips and Cenovus," ConocoPhillips CEO and chairman Ryan Lance said in a statement Wednesday.

"This transaction will make an immediate and significant impact on the company's value proposition by allowing us to rapidly reduce debt to $20 billion and double our share repurchase authorization to $6 billion. This means we will not only accelerate, but exceed, the three-year plan we laid out in November 2016," he said.

The two companies had already partnered on the Surmont oil sands.

ConocoPhillips shares 5-day performance

Cenovus shares 5-day performance

CNBC's Peter Schacknow contributed to this report
Collectively, the investors on "Shark Tank" have been through their share of hard times en route to success. They've gained valuable perspective on what's important and how to get ahead. Here are lessons from the sharks on how to succeed. 1. Set goals for yourself You have to set a goal. If you don't know where you are going, you will never get there, says Daymond John, the so-called People's Shark. John started with $40 worth of fabric that he turned into hats, which ultimately became Fubu, his $6 billion urban streetwear brand. When John identified his goal, he became focused on achieving it. He called his mom and said: "I want to make a uniform for this culture. They are rapping, they are singing, but who is going to dress them all? I am going to dress them all!"

Barbara Corcoran, Daymond John, Mark Cuban, Kevin O'Leary, Robert Herjavec and Lori Greiner. Photo by Patrick Ecclesine

2. Save when you're young "The best thing college students can do right now is to stop spending their money," says Chris Sacca, a self-made billionaire, top Silicon Valley investor and repeat guest shark on the show. "Being a cheap bastard now means so much more freedom and choices later," Sacca tells USA Today. 3. Look people directly in the eyes Barbara Corcoran was a D-student and had 20 jobs before turning 23. She quit a position as a waitress and borrowed $1,000 to launch a real estate company that's since become a $5 billion real estate empire. When you are assessing character, eye contact is key, she says. "Looking someone straight in the eye creates trust," Corcoran recently tweeted. "If someone's not looking you in the eye, believe me, you're not trusting them."

4. Love what you do John's ascent was possible because of his deep passion for his work. "I loved what I was doing," he says, noting that every single successful person has that one trait in common. 5. Set your own schedule Billionaire tech investor and owner of the Dallas Mavericks Mark Cuban uses email instead of in-person meetings or phone calls for everything that he possibly can. "No meetings or phone calls unless I'm picking up a check. Everything is email," Cuban tells Thrive Global. From his perspective, email is a productivity tool. "Love it. Live on it. Saves me hours and hours every day," says Cuban, who is worth over $3 billion. "No meetings. No phone calls. All because of email. I set my schedule."



6. Believe in yourself You will be as successful as you believe you can be, says Lori Greiner, a retail product inventor. She has made 400 products and is a star on QVC TV. "You're only as good as you believe you are," she says. "Believe in yourself because you're the only one living in your shoes."

7. Protect yourself You don't want to waste time fighting identity theft or a data breach. "People assume that they're exempt from the risks of cybersecurity," Robert Herjavec, founder and CEO of cybersecurity firm Herjavec Group, tells CNBC.

"Similarly, businesses assume it will never happen to them," he says. "It will! Cybersecurity risk is everywhere and no matter the size of your business, the data you process and ingest can be exploited for financial gain."

8. Be able to succinctly summarize your brand You should always have ready a two- to five-word description of who you are and what you are doing with your life. "If you don't know what your two to five words are, then you walk in a room and you leave it up to us to interpret," says John. The thought process should always be, "Are you populating what your two to five words are?" You should be consistently on brand whether you are soliciting funding, posting on Facebook or meeting new people. "Life is a series of pitches," he says. "You are always pitching." 9. Have fun! If you are running a business, it will be more successful if you and your team are having fun, says Corcoran. "Having fun is the most underutilized tool in business today," she says. "Fun builds teams, and teams build business."
The White House repeatedly deflected questions Thursday about whether any Trump administration officials gave the House Intelligence Committee chairman information that led him to say Trump transition members were caught up in standard foreign surveillance.

Two White House officials played a role in giving Republican Rep. Devin Nunes the intelligence reports that fueled his statement that Trump transition team members had information "incidentally" picked up, The New York Times reported Thursday. They are Ezra Cohen-Watnick, senior director for intelligence at the National Security Council, and Michael Ellis, a lawyer who works on national security issues, the Times said, citing "several current American officials."

It potentially heightens the criticism about Nunes' ability to conduct the House panel's investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election without White House interference. If the White House had a role in giving Nunes the intelligence, which he then shared with Trump, it could create more doubts about the independence of the probe, which includes looking into any possible links between the Trump campaign and Russia.

During his daily news briefing, White House press secretary Sean Spicer did not concede if the reporting is correct. Asked if he would tell reporters if the report was wrong, he said he was "not going to get into it."

Prompted another time about whether Nunes' information came from the White House, he said, "I cannot get into who those individuals were."

"If I start going down the path of confirming or denying one thing, we're going down a very slippery slope," Spicer said.

A spokesman for Nunes, who served on Trump's transition team, told NBC News that the California congressman will not "confirm or deny speculation about his source's identity."

Nunes has faced increasing pressure, including calls from Democratic colleagues to recuse himself from the Russia probe, after he held a news conference last week to announce that he had seen reports of incidental surveillance of Trump associates. Nunes later admitted to meeting an unidentified source on the White House grounds the day before his news conference.

Critics, including the intelligence panel's Democratic ranking member Rep. Adam Schiff, have argued that Nunes may no longer be able to conduct an independent investigation. Schiff previously said the Republican chairman did not share the reports about possible Trump transition surveillance with him before announcing what he found.

As he has in recent days, Spicer deflected attention from what he called the "process" that led to Nunes' public statement. He argued that the "substance" of the congressman's revelation is more important.

The White House has invited the chairmen and ranking members of the House and Senate intelligence committees to review new material potentially relevant to their investigations, Spicer added. He did not go into detail about what that information is.

Spicer spoke Thursday as the Senate panel held its first public hearing into Moscow's alleged election interference.

Watch: Walsh leaves White House
With stocks gaining in Thursday trading, it looks like the will avoid logging a losing March. Still, after a string of four straight monthly gains of more than 1.5 percent, this is still set to be the worst month for stocks since October.

Some strategists say the pause is not only appropriate, but could actually be beneficial for the rally.

"This is healthy, because valuations have been so rich, and consumer sentiment has reached [the highest] levels since 2000, [that] we think coming back down a little to more reasonable valuations could be a good thing," Erin Gibbs, equity chief investment officer at S&P Global, said Wednesday on CNBC's "Trading Nation."

The real test, she says, will come once earnings begin to emerge.

First-quarter earnings season "will start in about three weeks or so  that's when we really start worrying about what's going to happen for the rest of the year," Gibbs said.

Matt Maley, an equity strategist at Miller Tabak, would welcome the second-order effects of a true market slide.

"I hope the market goes down," he said Wednesday on "Trading Nation." "I'm not talking about a big correction, a big bear market, or anything like that. But boy, would it be nice if we finally saw Congress get blamed for something. They've been getting a free ride for a decade or longer."

The way Maley sees it, congressional inaction on fiscal policy has long been excused by stimulative monetary policy effected by the Federal Reserve  but with the Fed raising rates, it is high time for Congress to step up.

President Donald Trump appears to agree. In his victory speech, he put the focus on the rebuilding of infrastructure, which led to a great deal of attendant optimism in the equity market.

And in an even more direct endorsement of stimulative fiscal policies, he told The New York Times Magazine that "In order to get [the economy] going, and going big league, and having the jobs coming in and the taxes that will be cut very substantially and the regulations that'll be going, we're going to have to prime the pump to some extent. In other words: Spend money to make a lot more money in the future. And that'll happen."

Of course, whether it will actually happen is questionable. The inability to repeal Obamacare put much of Trump's agenda in question, and his stated intention to "fight" conservative Republicans "& Dems" doesn't exactly suggest a willingness to work closely with Congress.

A market drop, however, could change the political equation.

"If things finally got down a little bit, if [Congress] finally got the blame for a few things, they'd finally get off their duffs and make a few structural changes that we need, to take the place of the monetary stimulus we've been getting for so many years," Maley said.


Dozens of workers and immigration activists march to the Tom Cat Bakery to demonstrate after numerous employees of the bakery claimed they've received letters threatening dismissal in 10 days if they can't prove they're in the U.S. legally on March 22, 2017 in the Long Island City neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.

Earlier this month, workers at one of New York's largest bakeries were given an ultimatum: Within two weeks, produce papers showing you have legal authorization to work in the United States, or you'll be fired.

"After an ongoing audit, it was brought to our attention that documents you provided at the time of hiring in form I-9 does not currently authorize you to work in the United States," read a letter distributed to 31 employees of Tom Cat, an industrial bakery that supplies gourmet bread to hundreds of New York businesses.

If the valid documents can't be provided within 10 business days, "you are considered by the Homeland Security Investigations to be unauthorized to work," said the letter, which was signed by a payroll administrator and topped with company's signature black-and-white cat.

More from Buzzfeed:



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Trump's Critics Are Letting The Bigger Russia Story Slide

Federal immigration audits have been rare occurrences in New York City in recent years, but the response by the workers has been even more unusual: They are publicly fighting the investigation and trying to keep their jobs, rather than quitting work at a company where most have been employed for more than a decade.



"We refuse to be thrown away like the bakery's garbage," Sabino Milian, a production-side worker at the bakery, told BuzzFeed News. He and the rest of the employees affected have worked hard, paid taxes, and contributed to Tom Cat's success, he said, "and we will advance forward together."



In a moment when parents are keeping children out of school, employees are abandoning workplaces, and women are not reporting domestic abuse, in bids to avoid the attention of immigration authorities, the very public actions by the workers stand out.

Last week they picketed outside the Long Island City, Queens, facility, joined by city councilmen, labor advocates, and religious leaders. Following the demonstration, organizers said Tom Cat's management have committed to supporting their employees.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has rescheduled a meeting to allow the U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to attend, downplaying concerns of a tense relationship.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday that the presence of the U.S. representative shows the "strong" ties between the 28 allies and how important the organization is for the American administration.

"It became obvious that (date) didn't work for Secretary Tillerson," Stoltenberg told reporters in Brussels.

The former Norwegian premier said that the decision to move the meeting is "a sign of the strong transatlantic unity and (the) flexibility" of the alliance.

Having Tillerson in Brussels also sends "a clear signal" about "the importance that the United States attaches to security guarantees for Europe and to NATO," Stoltenberg added.

The meeting that now takes place Friday, March 31st was originally scheduled for April 5th; however, that date clashed with Tillerson's meeting with the Chinese leadership.

NATO's relationship with the U.S. has been somewhat tense of late after President Donald Trump said the alliance was "obsolete."



U.S. representatives have repeatedly called on NATO members to raise their contributions to the alliance and comply with the 2 percent of GDP commitment. At the moment only five of NATO nations meet that target, including the U.S.

The issue of contributions to the NATO budget has strained relations between the U.S. and Germany. Following a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, President Donald Trump said on Twitter: "I had a great meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Nevertheless, Germany owes vast sums of money to NATO & the United States must be paid more for the powerful, and very expensive, defense it provides to Germany!."

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The head of the Environmental Protection Agency is sticking to the Trump administration's script on coal: Blame regulations for the industry's decline. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt told CNBC's "Closing Bell" this week U.S. power plants are dumping coal due to regulatory uncertainty, which in turn prevents investors from putting money into coal-fired plants. He made the claim after President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at rolling back Obama-era climate change initiatives. Pressed to acknowledge how market forces come into play  coal can't compete with much cheaper natural gas on price, for example  Pruitt said a surge in U.S. natural gas production was "partly" to blame. His view contradicts most analyses. The common view on coal is that the U.S. natural gas boom has eaten into coal's once dominant share of the nation's power generation. Tougher regulations have speeded up the shift from coal to nat gas, but they aren't its primary cause.

The shift away from coal at the nation's plants accelerated in 2008 as a revolution in drilling technology allowed producers to unlock vast reserves of natural gas from shale rock formations  so-called fracking. The flood of natural gas drove prices lower, and that, more than anything, has crushed the U.S. coal industry. The Environmental Protection Agency did not immediately provide a response to CNBC's request for comment. Trump is trying to reverse the prevailing trend by rewriting President Barack Obama's policies. His targets include the Clean Power Plan, a rule to reduce carbon emissions from smokestacks, and a moratorium on coal mine leases on federal land. But killing those policies will help the coal industry in only limited ways, according to the Eurasia Group. "Notwithstanding the expected [Clean Power Plan] repeal, Trump's promise of a coal renaissance is already running into the reality of market conditions under which cheap natural gas is edging out coal plants," the risk consultancy wrote in a briefing.

Even without the Clean Power Plan in place, coal's once-tight grip on U.S. power generation is expected to slip further and then remain roughly steady at best, as natural gas and renewables gain ground. Without the rule, those sources will help displace about 42 gigawatts of coal-generated power through 2026, according to Eurasia Group analysis of U.S. Energy Information Administration data.

If the rule is implemented, the nation will steadily reduce its reliance on coal-fired power generation through 2050, eventually mothballing about 100 gigawatts of capacity by that year, according to Eurasia Group. Pruitt also told CNBC on Tuesday that reducing regulations that push utilities toward natural gas and renewable sources of energy will increase demand for coal at U.S. power plants. "There's hope and optimism now for the first time in many years. I think that's going to impact the demand," he said. But that is not the view of Thomas Fanning, CEO of Southern Company , one of the nation's largest utilities. Fanning backs Pruitt on regulations, but he told CNBC's "Squawk Box" there isn't much Trump can do to juice demand for coal at home. Any increases in U.S. coal supplies are likely to be sent overseas, said Fanning, who noted on Tuesday that foreign energy plants "don't have the natural gas that we do." Even then, the International Energy Agency sees only limited prospects for American coal overseas  again, because of market factors. It forecasts that a three-year decline in U.S. coal exports will continue as demand in China declines, shipments out of Mozambique crowd out American coal in Brazil and Europe, and Colombia wields a price advantage over U.S. coal in the shrinking European market. If Trump's policies cannot substantially increase demand for U.S. coal, the president will likely fail to deliver on a core campaign promise: to put miners back to work. The president has not put forward a backup plan for the industry, which has hemorrhaged workers as many companies have gone into bankruptcy. And even if the United States does produce more coal, it still leaves many miners out of work. The Energy Information Administration forecasts a near-term bump in coal production will benefit the most productive mining areas  the places where it takes fewer workers to produce more coal. None of those places is in the Appalachian region, where Trump has focused his most visible political efforts.

That is not the picture Trump is painting. Just before signing his executive order on Tuesday, he turned to a miner and said, "Basically you know what this says? You know what this says, right? You're going back to work." Rep. John Yarmuth, D-Ky., told CNBC Trump's promise of a coal revival is "one of the most cruel deceptions that are being played in the political realm these days." "Even if it does increase demand in coal, in places like eastern Kentucky, Appalachia, those jobs won't come back because that coal's too expensive to mine. It's just not competitive anymore with natural gas," he said.


President Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama talk on the East steps of the US Capitol after inauguration ceremonies on January 20, 2017, in Washington, DC. Robyn Beck | AFP | Getty Images

1. Ford's Michigan investment

2. Ford's Kentucky factory

Before he was even inaugurated as president, Trump took credit for stopping Ford from moving to Mexico  but the automaker had no plans of shuttering the factory. "Just got a call from my friend Bill Ford, Chairman of Ford, who advised me that he will be keeping the Lincoln plant in Kentucky - no Mexico," Trump tweeted on Nov. 17. "I worked hard with Bill Ford to keep the Lincoln plant in Kentucky. I owed it to the great State of Kentucky for their confidence in me!" While Ford had been planning to move the production of its Lincoln MKC to Mexico, the company said its Louisville plant was not set to close, or even lose any jobs, because of the expanded production of another vehicle, the Ford Escape. Instead, the Lincoln will now continue to be built in Kentucky. "We are encouraged that President-elect Trump and the new Congress will pursue policies that will improve US competitiveness and make it possible to keep production of this vehicle here in the United States," a Ford statement from November said.

3. ExxonMobil's Gulf Coast investment

4. Charter Communications' hiring plans

In an Oval Office event on March 24, President Trump and Charter Communications CEO Tom Rutledge announced the company would invest $25 billion in the US and commit to hiring 20,000 American workers over four years. But in April 2016, the company had said it would hire 20,000 employees if regulators allowed it to purchase Time Warner Cable. The deal was approved and finalized last spring. "We've already begun insourcing efforts for the new company," Rutledge said on a company call in August. "The process of insourcing will take several years and will require that we hire 20,000 people." On that same August call, Rutledge said the company was building a call center in McAllen, Texas  a facility Trump also pointed to in his Oval Office "announcement" in March. A Charter spokesperson maintained to BuzzFeed News that while the company had previously spoken of "plans" to hire 20,000 new workers, it hadn't formally "committed" to doing so until this March.

5. Intel's Arizona factory

Speaking alongside President Trump at the White House on Feb. 8, Intel CEO Brian Krzanich announced a $7 billion investment in a semiconductor factory in Chandler, Arizona, which he said would employ 3,000 high-wage workers as part of a total of more than 10,000 long-term jobs in the state. "We're very happy and I can tell you the people of Arizona are very happy," Trump said of Intel's announcement. But Krzanich first announced the Chandler factory, dubbed Fab 42, back in 2011 during a visit to an Intel facility by President Obama. Intel said then the company aimed to finish construction of the factory in 2013. "Fab 42 was originally announced in 2011," a spokesperson for Intel told BuzzFeed News in a statement. "We delayed completion to ensure Fab 42 came online when we expected sufficient demand. We're making this investment now in anticipation of the growth of our business."

6. SoftBank's $50 billion US investment
In the meantime, the administration's economic team is looking at alternative strategies, said the two people, both of whom work within the administration. The effort includes not only Treasury, but also the Commerce Department, National Economic Council, National Trade Council and the office of the U.S. Trade Representative, one of the officials said.

President Donald Trump promised to label China as a currency manipulator on Day One of his presidency but has not done so. That process is actually directed by the Treasury Department, which is not slated to release its official analysis of international currency until later this spring. Even then, many analysts are skeptical that the administration would take the aggressive step of slapping China with such a label.

It's an effort to fulfill the president's campaign pledge to crack down on what he frequently called unfair trade.

The Trump administration is assessing the scope of its power to penalize countries whose currencies it believes are undervalued, according to two people with direct knowledge of the review.

One source said one law that has garnered particular attention is the Trade Enforcement and Trade Facilitation Act, which was enacted during the final months of President Barack Obama's administration. It was intended to act as a check on separate legislation that gave Obama broad latitude to negotiate the Asian trade deal known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Critics of TPP argued that it did not sufficiently protect against currency manipulation.

The Trade Enforcement and Trade Facilitation Act details several consequences for nations that have devalued their currency and have large current account surpluses. It allows the president to block future federal contracts with those countries and to choke off government financing for U.S. businesses seeking to invest there. The law also calls for pressuring the International Monetary Fund for heightened surveillance and for currency valuation to be considered in trade negotiations.

Gary Hufbauer, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute of International Economics, said China and other nations could be cited for currency misalignment  in other words, having large trade surpluses, especially with the United States. National Trade Council Director Peter Navarro, a longtime critic of China, highlighted his concern over America's trade imbalance during a speech earlier this month.

"It's clear that the Chinese currency is undervalued," he said at an economics conference in Washington. "It's also clear that historically, the Chinese have taken aggressive policies to make sure the currency is undervalued."

Hufbauer said the administration could seek changes to Commerce regulations that would allow it to impose fines on countries whose currencies are found to be misaligned. However, Hufbauer questioned whether such measures would stand up in U.S. and international courts.

Major U.S. manufacturing industries, such as steel companies, have pushed for relief from what they say is China's heavy-handed intervention in currency markets. But many economists warn that labeling China a currency manipulator could spark retaliation from the world's second-largest economy.

"China is likely to take overt as well as covert retaliatory actions, that could include restricting American companies' access to markets and investment opportunities in China, as well as disrupting the supply chains of U.S. businesses that rely on Chinese intermediaries," said Eswar Prasad, a trade professor at Cornell University. "The U.S. economy, especially U.S. multinational corporations that operate in China in one form or another, could suffer significant collateral damage if an open trade war were to break out."

To be labeled a currency manipulator, China would need to meet three rigorous requirements: a U.S. trade surplus of more than $20 billion, a current-account surplus of more than 3 percent of its economy and purchases of foreign assets totaling more than 2 percent of GDP.

The last analysis by the Obama administration found that China met only the standard on bilateral trade.
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When General Electric CEO Jeff Immelt criticized President Donald Trump's climate policy on Wednesday, he made his industrial behemoth the latest American company to push back on the young administration. In a widely reported note to employees, Immelt said that Trump's executive order to start rolling back Obama-era fossil-fuel regulations "doesn't change what GE believes"  that climate change is real and "should be addressed on a global basis." Companies should "adjust to political volatility" and "have their own 'foreign policy,'" he wrote. While many American executives hope for a better operating environment during Trump's presidency, largely based on proposed corporate tax cuts or planned regulatory easing, their optimism has not stopped them from pushing back against the White House. Some companies are taking chances to rebut the president, even though the threat of a very public Twitter attack from Trump always looms.

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"If I'm a long-term investor, and I'm looking at this, company performance is going to dictate the stock price as opposed to the daily tweets of the commander-in-chief," said Michael Cohen, interim director of the political management program at George Washington University. Some large U.S. companies have criticized those segments of Trump's policies that prompted major public outcry, like climate change or immigration. ExxonMobil this week urged the White House not to abandon the landmark Paris climate accords, a multinational deal from which it is considering withdrawing, according to reports. Key technology companies like Apple , Google-parent Alphabet and Facebook condemned Trump's divisive original executive order restricting travel from seven Muslim-majority countries. Trump has changed the thought process for businesses because of how much backlash many of his policies have faced, said Darrell West, vice president and director of governance studies at the Brookings Institution. Some executives, including Uber's Travis Kalanick, have faced criticism and resistance from consumers for appearing too close to Trump. "There have been boycotts or bad publicity for company executives that get too close to Trump. This has led some of them to criticize some of the president's initiatives," West said. In the most recent example of criticism, Deere CEO Samuel Allen told CNBC on Thursday that "any form of protectionism or nationalism," which Trump has advocated, "is not beneficial for a company like ours."

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Publicly pushing back on a president becomes easier when the commander-in-chief has a poor approval rating or faces public backlash, Cohen and West added. A Gallup reading showed Trump with a 35 percent approval rating Wednesday following Republicans' failed effort to replace the Affordable Care Act. "With his approval rating, he's not exactly going to scare anybody" in the business community, Cohen said. West added that an unpopular president "does not have the public platform to create trouble for a business leader." Cohen noted that, so far, a Trump tweet has not proven very damaging to a company's share price. For instance, since the president tweeted at Boeing on Dec. 6 criticizing the price of its Air Force One contract with the government, the defense contractor's shares have climbed about 17 percent. Still, Boeing made immediate overtures to Trump to explain the Air Force One pricing, and Trump has since boasted about how the price is coming down. Watch: Finnish Pres. says climate change a major security issue

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U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Turkish officials on Thursday discussed ways to coordinate the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria, a day after Turkey said it has ended a military operation in northern Syria.

In a statement, the office of Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim did not refer to differences between Turkey and the United States over the role of Kurdish forces in the campaign against IS, saying only that the two NATO allies agreed to strengthen cooperation on regional matters.

Tillerson, who met President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after Yildirim, emphasized that Turkey is important to American security and economic ties in the region.

Yildirim said late Wednesday that Operation Euphrates Shield had ended after its troops and allied rebels secured territory along the border between Turkey and Syria.

"Syrians from Turkey have returned. Life is back to normal. Everything is under control," Yildirim said on Turkey's NTV news channel. "Euphrates Shield has ended. If there is a need, a new operation will have a new name."

Yildirim has previously said that the United States risks major damage to its relationship with NATO ally Turkey if the U.S. includes Kurdish forces in the fight to retake Raqqa, the Islamic State group's de facto capital. Raqqa is southeast of the Syrian area that Turkish troops have occupied.

Turkey has pressed the United States to mount a joint fight to retake Raqqa and wants U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish fighters to be excluded from the operations.

Turkish authorities consider the Syrian Kurdish force known as the YPG to be a terrorist group that threatens Turkey's security.

Other issues being discussed include Turkish requests for the extradition of U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, accused of staging a failed coup attempt last year. Gulen has denied involvement.

Tillerson was also scheduled to meet Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Thursday. Cavusoglu said Turkey would also take up the issue of the arrest in New York of a senior executive of Turkish state-owned bank Halkbank. The executive is accused of helping Iran violate U.S. sanctions against the country.
House Intelligence Committee ranking member Rep. Adam Schiff said Thursday he has "profound concern" about the way intelligence materials were possibly shared with the panel's chairman.

Two White House officials played a role in giving Republican Rep. Devin Nunes the intelligence reports that fueled his statement that Trump transition team members had information "incidentally" picked up, The New York Times reported Thursday. They are Ezra Cohen-Watnick, senior director for intelligence at the National Security Council, and Michael Ellis, a lawyer who works on national security issues, the Times said, citing "several current American officials."

It heightens questions about Nunes' ability to conduct the House panel's investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election without White House interference. If the White House had a role in giving Nunes the intelligence, which he then shared with Trump, it could create more doubts about the independence of the probe, which includes looking into any possible links between the Trump campaign and Russia.

At a news conference Thursday, Schiff, a California Democrat, said he has "a lot of unanswered questions" about the process. He raised concerns about why, if the White House did give Nunes the information, it shared the reports with the congressman rather than going directly to the White House.

"Why all the cloak and dagger stuff?" Schiff asked.

The White House repeatedly deflected questions Thursday about whether any Trump administration officials gave Nunes the information. During his daily news briefing, White House press secretary Sean Spicer did not concede if the reporting is correct.

Asked if he would tell reporters if the report was wrong, he said he was "not going to get into it."

The White House invited the chairmen and ranking members of the Senate and House Intelligence Committees to view documents related to the probe, and Schiff said they will do so. Schiff is not sure if those documents are the same ones Nunes saw before making his announcement.

The panels' ranking member insisted that the confusion within the committee will not derail its probe.

"We're not going to get distracted," Schiff said.

A spokesman for Nunes, who served on Trump's transition team, told NBC News that the California congressman will not "confirm or deny speculation about his source's identity."

Nunes has faced increasing pressure, including calls from Democratic colleagues to recuse himself from the Russia probe, after he held a news conference last week to announce that he had seen reports of incidental surveillance of Trump associates. Nunes later admitted to meeting an unidentified source on the White House grounds the day before his news conference.

Critics, including Schiff, have argued that Nunes may no longer be able to conduct an independent investigation. Schiff previously said the Republican chairman did not share the reports about possible Trump transition surveillance with him before announcing what he found.
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The Senate Intelligence Committee holds a hearing Thursday on alleged Russian tactics designed to influence elections, part of its ongoing probe into the extent of Moscow's involvement in the 2016 U.S. election.

The hearing comes just after Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly denied the U.S. intelligence community's conclusion that he ordered a campaign to affect the presidential election.

The bipartisan leaders of the Senate panel said Wednesday they cannot yet conclude whether President Donald Trump's campaign colluded with Russia, adding that their teams are "within weeks" of finishing reviewing thousands of documents related to alleged Russian meddling.

In a news conference, Republican Chairman Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina and Democratic Vice Chairman Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia aimed to show their probe as a measured, bipartisan effort amid recent turmoil on the House intelligence panel. The senators said they wanted to finish the investigation in a "timely" fashion but stressed they did not want to rush it, steering clear of reaching conclusions about possible ties between Trump associates and Russia.

Read more: Senate Intelligence chair: 'We would be crazy' to draw a conclusion about Trump-Russia collusion now
President Donald Trump fired another warning shot at members of his own party on Thursday morning.

In a tweet, the president contended that the hard-line conservative House Freedom Caucus  which helped to defeat the GOP Obamacare replacement bill last week  will "hurt" the Republican agenda "if they don't get on the team." He appeared to threaten electoral backlash, saying "we must fight them" and Democrats in 2018, when the next congressional midterm elections are held.

Trump tweet: The Freedom Caucus will hurt the entire Republican agenda if they don't get on the team, & fast. We must fight them, & Dems, in 2018!

The White House told NBC News the tweet speaks for itself and did not clarify whether Trump was suggesting he would support primary challengers to Freedom Caucus members if they do not back his agenda.

Trump's broadside comes at a fragile time for Republicans, who failed to follow through on a key campaign promise last week despite holding both chambers of Congress and the White House. House GOP leaders failed to gather support from Freedom Caucus members, as well as some key moderate Republicans.

They now face a possible challenge in trying to unify behind a tax reform plan, their next legislative priority, and another possible attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

Asked about Trump's tweet Thursday, House Speaker Paul Ryan said he understood Trump's "frustration" but said he is encouraging House Republicans to try to come to an agreement on health care.

"I understand the president's frustration. I share frustration. ... We're close," Ryan told reporters at a news conference. "What I am encouraging our members to do is keep talking with each other until we can get consensus to pass this bill. But it's very understandable that the president is frustrated, that we haven't gotten to where we need to go."

In the days since the health-care bill's defeat, Trump signaled that he wanted to work with Democrats and holdout members of his party on new legislation that could pass Congress. It is unclear so far if Trump's threats will make Freedom Caucus members more or less likely to fall in line with party leaders.

Trump faces a historically low approval rating for this point in his presidency, and some Democrats see an opportunity to gain congressional seats in 2018 amid backlash to the president.

Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan, a Freedom Caucus member and frequent Trump critic, tweeted that Trump's statement showed it "didn't take long for the swamp to drain" the president, referencing Trump's campaign pledge to "drain" Washington of corruption and petty political battles. Amash said "almost everyone succumbs" to Washington politics.

It didn't take long for the swamp to drain @realDonaldTrump. No shame, Mr. President. Almost everyone succumbs to the D.C. Establishment.

Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky hit back at Trump in a tweet, highlighting that the health-care plan only had 17 percent support in a Quinnipiac poll.

@realDonaldTrump it's a swamp not a hot tub. We both came here to drain it. SwampCare polls 17%. sad
Wells Fargo has been trying to put its fake accounts scandal behind it since the matter was brought to light last year.

Setting aside $110 million to help aggrieved customers is a good place to start, according to two industry analysts.

Earlier this week, the bank announced the agreement to end a class-action suit over some 2 million accounts that were opened without customers' permission. Wells Fargo already has paid $185 million in fines as part of an agreement with multiple government agencies.

The scandal is "looking smaller in the rearview," analysts Brian Kleinhanzl and Michael Brown at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods said in a research note. "Wells Fargo has resolved another overhang related to the cross-sell scandal and the long-tail of potential negative outcomes is growing shorter."

The practice is called cross-selling because bank representatives enrolled customers into numerous bank products across various lines. Aggressive sales goals pushed Wells Fargo representatives into the practice, and they have since been rescinded.

In addition to some 5,300 employees who were fired after the revelations, multiple top-ranking bank officials also left or were removed. Wells Fargo has been busy trying to rehabilitate its image since the scandal first broke in September 2016.

"This agreement is another step in our journey to make things right with customers and rebuild trust," said Tim Sloan, Wells Fargo's president and CEO, said in a statement. "We want to ensure that each customer impacted by our sales practices issue has every opportunity for remediation, and this agreement presents an additional option."
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There's no question America has a skills gap. According to a January study by the Career Advisory Board in which 501 U.S. hiring managers were polled, only 11 percent of employers say they believe higher education is "very effective" in preparing college graduates to meet the skills that organizations require. Sixty-two percent said students were underprepared. Now a range of start-ups are trying to help train the next generation of workers, transforming education from a onetime event into a lifelong process. Two Disruptor 50 companies are leading the charge: Coursera and Udacity. "Many jobs requiring middle- or high-level skills go vacant, even while many people are unemployed or underemployed," says Rick Levin, CEO of online education company Coursera, which has raised $146 million from venture backers. "We think there's a real opportunity [for Coursera] by giving people the opportunity to acquire new and better skills in computer-related fields, in data science and across the range of business skills and even soft skills."

Udacity educational support specialists Rachel Meltzer and Paul Montgomery provide online university-level tutoring at the Udacity office in Mountain View, California. Ann Hermes | The Christian Science Monitor | Getty Images

Coursera is partnered with 150 universities around the world, bringing a broad range of 2,000 classes to 25 million students on its platform right now, offering professional certificates to mid-career adults looking for better jobs. Levin says most of its "learners" are college graduates. "Think about all the people who take a liberal arts major who then find, Oh, if I only knew how to do a little bit more coding, I'd be a more attractive candidate, or if I knew something about data analytics then I could actually get this job in a finance department of an organization." Levin says Coursera is also looking to help companies  and employees  adapt to the fast-changing demands of the workplace. It's partnered with companies such as Google , IBM and PwC to offer courses to train people to work for them. And around the world, Coursera offers unemployed or underemployed workers education opportunities through government-sponsored workforce development programs.

"In Pakistan, Egypt, Mongolia, Malaysia, Kazakhstan and Singapore we have relationships with the governments, where we're actually using our courses to help them develop their workforce and 'upskill,'" says Levin. "We have one such example in the state of Maine. There's a tremendous opportunity in the United States through state workforce development programs  and there should be some opportunities in the upcoming tax-reform bill, should it happen."



Driven by industry

While Coursera offers a wide range of classes, rival Udacity, which has raised $160 million, is focused on the tech sector. It has 25,000 students enrolled in one of its 'Nanodegree' programs on topics including robotics, digital marketing, and self-driving cars. These programs are tailored specifically to Udacity's 50-plus hiring partners, which include Amazon , Google, Facebook and Salesforce . Udacity's target demographic are people between the ages of 25 and 35 looking to make a change in their career. "From the very beginning, when we first started building Nanodegrees just a few years ago  we would work with an industry to identify, for instance, the skills needed to be a data scientist or an Android developer," says Udacity CEO Vishal Makhijani. "In the case of Android, we work with Google specifically to come up with a curriculum. So industry kind of drives the skills we teach, and that's the way we get validation for our credential. And that's kind of proving itself out now after a couple of years. We just reached 50 hiring partners."

We know people have to revisit their education many times in their career; that has to be both compact in time and reasonable in cost from an accessibility point of view. Vishal Makhijani Udacity CEO
1927 German porcelain medal depicting the LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin is one of just 100 such medals manufactured.

At least 20 percent of the Apollo 15 medal offered in the auction is composed from 1715 treasure-wreck silver.

This Apollo 15 medal didnt travel into space, but some of the silver used in the medals composition did, in the form of a silver bar recovered from a historic shipwreck.

An Apollo 15 Robbins medal struck using metal from a 1715 Silver Plate Fleet silver bar flown aboard the 1971 space mission is coming to auction by RR Auction. Bidding opens April 13 and closes April 20.

Apollo 15 astronaut David Scott carried aboard the spacecraft in his Personal Preference Kit a nearly 1-kilogram silver bar that had been salvaged from the 1715 Silver Plate Fleet, which sunk off the Florida coast. Silver from the space-flown bar was used in the production of medals marking the Apollo 15 mission.

The medal in the auction is numbered 143.

Among other space exploration and aviation medals in the 487-lot sale is a space-flown Apollo 16 medal gifted to Apollo 12 and Skylab 3 astronaut Alan Bean and a 1929 porcelain medal honoring the LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin.

Apollo 15 Spanish Plate Fleet medal

At least 20 percent of the composition of the medal is from the treasure-wreck silver bar that was flown aboard the Apollo 15 mission from July 26 to Aug. 7, 1971. The medal was consigned by Scott.

According to the auction lot description, Prior to the mission, 304 medallions were struck [but due to weight limitations only 127 were carried on the flight]. ... After the mission the Robbins Company restruck the 177 medallions that had not flown and included the flown Spanish silver bar in the mix. ... This Apollo 15 medallion serial number '143' has been in my [Scott's] personal collection since the mission.

The Apollo 15 medal carries an estimate of $3,000+

Apollo 16 Bean medal

The 31.75-millimeter Apollo 16 medal, numbered 82 incuse on the edge, was carried aboard the Apollo 16 flight to the moon in April 1972.

The Apollo 16 flight crew comprised astronauts John W. Young, Thomas Kenneth Mattingly II, and Charles Duke Jr.

The medal was gifted to by the Apollo 16 crew to Bean.

According to Bean, in an extensive provenance letter accompanying the lot, I hereby certify that this silver Apollo 16 Robbins medallion, #82 flew to the moon with the Apollo 16 crew in April 1972. This medallion was transfered [sic] to their lunar module which landed in the Descartes region of the moon on April 20, 1972. It remained inside the Orion until liftoff on April 23rd.

The Bean medal is one of 98 examples that were carried aboard the Apollo 16 spacecraft.

Graf Zeppelin porcelain medal

With an estimate of $400+, the 1929 porcelain medal honoring the LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin airship is one of only 100 such medals produced by the Meizzen Porzellan Manufacture from Dresden, Saxony, in Germany.

The medal measures approximately 45 millimeters in diameter.

The obverse design captures the flight of the Graf Zeppelin with the Western Hemisphere in the background, while the reverse design depicts the flight with the Eastern Hemisphere in the background.
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The holidays are creeping up on us
Daniel Hannan is an MEP for South-East England, and a journalist, author and broadcaster. His most recent book is What Next: How to Get the Best from Brexit.

In 1917, Lenins Red Guards stormed the Winter Palace in Petrograd. Actually, stormed is the wrong word. Despite later portrayals by Soviet iconographers, the beginning of the revolution was banal and tawdry. The Provisional Government, led by a social-democratic lawyer called Alexander Kerensky, was in no position to put up a fight. Kerensky himself had fled the city in a car borrowed from the American legation, leaving a few ministers behind at the deposed Tsars former residence.

Bolshevik militiamen entered the Winter Palace through an unlocked back door and wandered around the cavernous interior until they found the remnants of the Provisional Government in a kitchen. Being illiterate, they forced Kerenskys ministers at gunpoint to write out their own arrest warrants. A secretary described what happened next:

The Palace was pillaged and devastated from top to bottom by the Bolshevik armed mob, as though by a horde of barbarians. All State papers were destroyed. Priceless pictures were ripped from their frames by bayonets. Several hundred carefully packed boxes of rare plate and china, which Kerensky had exerted himself to preserve, were broken open and the contents smashed or carried off. Desks, pictures, ornaments  everything was destroyed. I will refrain from describing the hideous scenes which took place in the wine-cellars.

The revolution, in other words, began as it was to continue: with looting. It wasnt long, though, before the looting turned to bloodshed  bloodshed on an unimaginable, oceanic scale.

Nothing had prepared humanity for so much slaughter. Perhaps ten million indigenous Americans were killed by European pathogens after Columbus. A similar number of people died in the Atlantic slave trade. The Nazis killed 17 million. The Communists killed 100 million  some shot after show trials, some tortured to death, some starved to enforce collectivisation.

How are we to explain murder on such a scale? Lets ask Alexandr Solzhenitsyn, one of the anti-Communists who was lucky enough to die in exile:

Macbeths self-justifications were feeble  and his conscience devoured him. Yes, even Iago was a little lamb. The imagination and the spiritual strength of Shakespeares evil-doers stopped short at a dozen corpses. Because they had no ideology. Ideology  that is what gives evil-doing its long-sought justification and gives the evil-doer the necessary steadfastness and determination.

To mark this years centenary of the Bolshevik Revolution, the Alliance of Conservatives and Reformists in Europe (ACRE) is holding a conference on 7th-9th April, bringing together some of Europes foremost historians, politicians and Cold War veterans. Well be meeting in Tirana and, if youd like to see what Marxism did to Albania, you can join us by registering at www.thelibertysummit.org.

Is it truly necessary, a full generation after 1989, to go through these arguments again? After all, the Berlin Wall has now been down for longer than it was up. Are we conservatives conjuring a phantom foe from the past, a sort of reverse Goldstein?

There are two answers. First, as the poet says, the evil that men do lives after them. The Communists took over or banned every voluntary association, emptying the civil space that used to exist between state and citizen. When the Hungarian Socialist Workers Party seized power in 1948, for example, Janos Kadar, as Minister of Home Affairs, abolished over 5,000 independent associations: churches, charities, chess clubs, Boy Scout troops, village bands.

After such vandalism, it was hard to rebuild. A whole generation had been brought up to disbelieve, distrust and dissemble. An ideology that simultaneously atomised and subjugated had drained its subject territories of social capital. Sir Roger Scruton aptly describes this as the great sin that lay at the heart of the Communist system  the sin of isolating individuals from their fellows, and then turning the spotlight of interrogation on them so as to watch them squirm.

Yet  and this brings us to the second answer  people keep falling for Marx. A third of American millennials, according to YouGov, think that George W Bush murdered more people than Stalin did. A fifth would cheerfully vote for a Communist candidate. How often we see some moral idiot wearing a Che Guevara tee-shirt. We should react as we would to someone wearing an Adolf Hitler or Osama bin Laden tee-shirt; but, in general, we dont.

Is it that young people are gullible? Do they insist on seeing the defining ethic of Communism as fairness rather than force? Do they cling to the idea that there is some idealised form of Marxism, one without secret police or shortages, just waiting to be tried?

Or is it the opposite? Is it precisely the pitilessness, the purity, the inhumanity, that attracts them? In every age and nation, some people  often young men  are drawn to ideologies that promise a completely new way of life, ideologies that make no concession to human frailties, nor to past practice. In this regard, at any rate, the appeal of Communism is not so different from the appeal of Daesh.

Perhaps a form of nihilism is innate in a portion of humanity. To some people, every tradition is a superstition, every authority figure an oppressor, every transaction a swindle. We may not be able to shake these people from their prejudices; but we can at least confront them with where those prejudices lead, namely to gulags.

There are always ideologues who say theyd be happy to break a few eggs in order to make an omelette. These ideologues need to be refuted with the observable data of the last hundred years. Setting aside the vast fact that human beings are not eggs, there has not been a single case of an omelette actually emerging. Communism leaves us with empty eggshells and empty bellies. Every time. This story shall the good man teach his son.
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The section of Theresa Mays Article 50 letter which made the most waves was the part on security. In security terms a failure to reach agreement would mean our cooperation in the fight against crime and terrorism would be weakened, it said. It is for these reasons that we want to be able to agree a deep and special partnership, taking in both economic and security cooperation.

The Governments critics have accused her of attemping blackmail  of a thinly-veiled threat to withdraw information held by our security services and police, or perhaps military co-operation delivered through NATO and other means, if she doesnt get what she wants in the negotiations. Bang on cue, for example, heres Guy Verhofstadt: I tried to be a gentleman towards a lady, so I didnt even use or think about the use of the word blackmail.

Ministers protest that this is a misreading. They say that the letter clearly refers to arrangements that are part of EU-wide agreements  the European Arrest Warrant, the European Investment Order, the Schengen Information System, and the Prum Agreement which covers fingerprints, DNA details and vehicle records. If Britain leaves the EU without a deal, they say, there will be no legal basis for Britain and the EU 27 to act in ways covered by these arrangements. The Prime Minister meant no more or less than that.

Two MPs that ConservativeHome spoke to yesterday evening said that this section of the the letter wasnt clear enough, and the Government had moved slowly to correct these misapprehensions. Some may argue that any threat May was making was implicit rather than explicit: our security services are the best in Europe, they claim she was suggesting  so you, the EU27, will be especially badly affected if there is no basis for co-operation.

It is true that our security services are effective: their hard work prevented an Islamist terror attack in Britain between 7/7 and last week, a gap of some 12 years. And it is also the case that, since we are a member of the five eyes arrangements, they have access to American intelligence information that other members of the EU27 do not. This will sometimes be shared with them if agreement can be obtained from the United States.

But such intelligence-sharing is not dependent on EU-wide arrangements. It will continue regardless of whether an agreement is obtained. And one well-briefed MP poured scorn on any hint that our security services and police are more or less efficient than those of some of our counterparts. The French help to ensure that guns dont reach British terrorists as they help to police the Channel Tunnel: please note that Khalid Masood, last weeks killer, had a knife and not an automatic weapon. The Germans have tip-top information from Mossad.

At any rate, the row draws attention to what each side of the negotiation believes are its most powerful points. This is very much a Home Office-flavoured Government, so it is unsurprising that the need for security co-operation was stressed in Mays letter. Ministers also say that most of the EU27 see the importance of preserving the wealth and health of the City, since they need the sweep and scope of its capital markets to raise funds.

Above all, they continue, Britain has a very strong card to play: the EU needs our money. Britain made a net contribution of some 8.6 billion last year. Thats an 8.6 billion that the EU27 must now find between them. Little wonder that Michel Barnier has tried an audacious 60 billion opening shot, a bill drawn up largely on the basis of pension liabilities, other costs (such as nuclear site clean-up costs) and money yet to be paid for future projects.

The Government will vigorously dispute the latter, arguing that our obligations end when we depart, and that in any event the EUs calculations are drawn up under what one backbencher describes as a bizarre French bookkeeping technique that died out in the rest of the world years ago. But the EU27 and the institution also have bull points to push. Henry Newman cited an important one on this site yesterday: timing. We want discussions about the divorce settlement and a full deal to run simultaneously. The EU27s position is: divorce talks first.

Furthermore, we also want access to the Single Market on terms as near to those we presently have as possible, minus the role of the European Court of Justice. Some say that since the EU27 have a trade deficit with the UK, they are in no position to resist us. But our market as a share of their exports is smaller than theirs as a share of ours. Some of the EU27 are big exporters to the UK in certain sectors, others rather less so.

And it isnt clear whether, in the short-term at least, economic self-interest will win out over the ideological requirements of the EU project. We Brexiteers like to argue that the EU27 and the institutions will act rationally. But if the EU was acting rationally it would never have constructed the Euro as it is in the first place. The pleas of German car-makers and French wine-sellers may fall on deaf ears, at least for the time being.

At any rate, the scope of the negotiation is yet to take shape. The Governments position on some key issues, however, is forming  revealed, very often, as much by what Ministers dont say as what they do. A very rough sketch of the outline on three of these might look like this. First, we will pay for Single Market access, but a lot less than 60 billion, and the arrangement will be dressed up as forking out for participation in one EU-based project or another, such as the Europol or the European Space Agency or the European Patrols Network.

Second, will be free of the jurisdiction of the ECJ  but not until any interim deal lapses and even then, perhaps, not if no alternative oversight can be found for some joint arrangements. Finally, immigration from the EU27 will come down, but it will continue to be treated differently from other migration, probably through a special work permit system, along the lines of that floated on ConservativeHome by Andrew Green of MigrationWatch.

And the reduction will be slow, at least if Ministers have their way. Andrea Leadsom has farmers on her back over seasonal labour; Sajid Javid builders on his over homebuilding. We have got used to relying on Polish housebuilders or Latvian crop-pickers. It will take a while to train up our own long-term unemployed and NEETs, or recruit a bigger slice of retired people back to the labour market, or to switch resources from higher education to vocational training, especially if the economy continues at full employment, or something like it.

This site has no objection to most of this  or to interim arrangements, at least in principle. Nor, as far as we can see to date, can Brexiteering backbenchers. But it is none the less necessary to fire a warning shot across Ministers bows. Just as the Goverment must satisfy Remain voters and others over Single Market access, so it must satisfy Leave ones over what the referendum plumped for: taking back control.

UKIP may be seem to be holed below the waterline, with Douglas Carswell and Arron Banks departing it (in separate lifeboats). None the less, time and experience are showing that western governments are vulnerable to populist backlashes. Theresa May must tread very carefully, particularly over the ECJ. After all  as a phrase that she will recognise puts it  Brexit means Brexit.
SD&G, Ontario  Over the past two (2) days, SD&G and Highway Safety Division (HSD) OPP officers conducting speed measuring enforcement in the Counties of Stormont and Dundas intercepted the following vehicles for traveling at excessive speeds. In all stops, the vehicle was impounded and the drivers permit seized for seven (7) days in accordance to policy.

 March 28, 2017  11:29am (Highway 401-South Dundas); vehicle stopped travelling 151km/h (100km/h zone). Male driver (22) from Montreal, Quebec charged accordingly.

 March 28, 2017  2:50pm (Highway 401-South Dundas); vehicle stopped travelling 162km/h (100km/h zone). Male driver (41) from Brampton, Ontario charged accordingly.

 March 29, 2017  11:14am (Highway 401-South Stormont); vehicle stopped travelling 167km/h (100km/h zone). Male driver (35) from China charged accordingly.

 March 29, 2017  6:39pm (Highway 401-South Dundas); vehicle stopped travelling 153km/h (100km/h zone). Male driver (53) from Flamborough, Ontario charged accordingly.

 March 29, 2017  7:52pm (Highway 401-South Stormont); vehicle stopped travelling 158km/h (100km/h zone). Female driver (19) from Colborne, Ontario charged accordingly.
ALEXANDRIA, Ontario  The Township of North Glengarry issued a statement Monday addressing recent suspicions of fraud in local tax accounts.

The issue has been cropping up more in recent months, with residents complaining that their accounts were being overcharged. North Glengarrys chief administrative officer, Daniel Gagnon says that while the township initially chalked it up to human error, eventually, a pattern began to emerge.

After the first call, we thought errors happen  but the scale became more than just errors, said Gagnon. We had to kind of wrap our minds around the fact that what was going on was larger than a few mistakes, said Gagnon.

Having corrected approximately 120 accounts to date, township staff and auditors began taking a closer look at what may have caused discrepancies of this magnitude.

Following councils approval, the township will now begin a forensic audit, which is necessary in determining if fraud was a factor.

With forensic audits, theres another level of expertise, said Gagnon. This is their job, so the process is a little more specialized.

The duration of the procedure is unknown, with the preliminary fact-finding phase usually lasting between one and two weeks.

Multinational professional services firm, Deloittes forensic specialty division will be conducting the investigation.

So far, people have taken comfort that were on the scene in addressing these issues, said Gagnon. We need to be accountable to ratepayers, but we also have to be mindful of what we can disclose. Its not an exact science.
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According to Twitter latest news 2017, the social media giant has taken a new initiative to do policing using the Watson technology from IBM on bullies who tweet to harass its other users. Meanwhile, some users on Twitter want to help Russia in the latest information wars.

Twitter Latest Update: Abusive Users To Be Identified Using Watson Technology

In the latest move this month, Twitter has declared its strategy to curb cases of abuse on its platform. Chris Moody, the social media's VP, data strategy shared this information. Moody was attending the InterConnect conference organized by IBM.

The Vice-President added that they are using the IBM Watson technology for meeting the challenge. Moody shared, "We have had some abuse on the platform." He added that that company's first and foremost priority is out an end to the abuse. However, he also added, "But it's a very very hard challenge."

Earlier this month, the social media declared that the company wants to be more proactive to bring down the abusive content and to identify all those users who are using the platform to harass other users. They also wrote in a blog post to explain ways of intervening when the company sees cases of abuse, Geek Wire wrote.

In the post, the company explained that they are finding out ways to identify all those accounts that are involved in abusive behavior, though such cases might have gone unreported.

Thereafter, they would restrict some functionality of those accounts for a specific period of time. For instance, their tweets will only be visible to their followers and no one else.

At the IBM InterConnect Conference, Moody further explained what will be Twitter's next course of action when an account appears to be engaged in abusive behavior or violates the rules of the platform. He said, "We're starting just now to partner with the Watson team."

He also stated, "Watson is really good at understanding nuances in language and intention." Moody added that his company wants to recognize the abuse patterns so that such behavior can be stopped even before it begins.

Twitter Users Are Giving Account Control To Russian Embassy In The U.K.

There are some users on the platform who are willingly giving control of their Twitter accounts to the Russian Embassy located in the United Kingdom. The embassy then uses such accounts for retweeting the Russian ambassador's most important tweets on a weekly basis.

The Guardian reported that the embassy has described the program as the "Russian diplomatic online club." It is an initiative taken for all those people who love to get insights from the top diplomats and know more about international policies.

Watch out this space for Twitter latest trends, updates and news.



See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare
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As viewers are constantly wondering what can happen in Star Wars Rebels Season 4, we are trying to give you the latest updates that we have with us. Season 3 of this 3D CGI animated TV series already completed in a very dramatic way and now the production for the next season is on its way.

What Can Be Expected From Star Wars Rebels Season 4

Fans of Star Wars Rebels Season 4 will see the return of Saw Gerrera and Mon Mothma, with creator Dave Filoni vowing to offer such a storyline that will be full of romance and harnessing of relationships with all the challenges in life.

According to Christian Today, Ezra was worried at the last hour of Star Wars Rebels Season 3 about the defeat that Rebellion has suffered. Since they were successfully able to save their lives by escaping, Kanan advised him to consider it a victory instead.

Kanan later said to Ezra that he foresees a beautiful future where everyone is free. But to support it in a possible way, they will have to fight and give all their endeavors. Now, it is quite simple the upcoming episode will be prepared accordingly to keep the words of Karan.

Mandalore Will Be Featured In The Next Season

Some other reports stated that Star Wars Rebels Season 4 will feature Sabines home planet Mandalore. This Mandalore was previously shown multiple times in the Clone Wars animated series.

Creator Dave Filoni further said that Rebels may finish the Clone Wars in several ways. It might give an end to multiple things that he never managed to finish. However, he didnt reveal everything in details, reports Opp Trends.

The other update on this upcoming season 4 is that the first official concept art has been disclosed recently. The photograph mainly gives a notion of a dark end for the Mandalorians as their helmets are lying scattered on the ground.

See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare
We get to see the robo-spiders in action when the police are sweeping an apartment building to find Tom Cruise. Instead of thermal optics, or sonic detectors, or calling the gooey people back at base who know the future, the cops deploy terrifying autonomous spiders that slink through cracks in every apartment, then leap onto the tenant's faces and blast them in the face with a laser. If you're not the suspect, the retinal scan will register that, and the spiders simply crawl away -- no harm done! Oh, except for if you cover your eyes. Then there is so much harm done, because they'll tase the holy spirit out of you.

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"It's okay, sweetie. Let the terrifying robot onto your face so it can sear your eyeball. God bless the Pre-Crime police for protecting you from trauma."

The weird thing is that people seem to accept this. We see a mother teaching her kids proper spiderbot-face-rape protocol, a young couple annoyed when their sex is interrupted by giant spider attack, and an older couple who barely pause their argument for ambush arachnid laser eye blasts. This is a world where murder has been eradicated, yet we've traded that for robot home invasions. The Justice Department is legitimately concerned with the civil-rights implications of pre-crime, but has no problem with nightmare drones that torture you into complying with invasive searches? And speaking of searching, how thoroughly do you need to search an eight-year-old blonde girl to figure out if she's Tom Cruise? Do you really need to crawl down her goddamn optic nerve to solve that mystery? We're starting to think these cops just get off on traumatizing children and robot cockblocking.
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In 1991, Michael and Madonna had been wanting to collaborate on an album for a short while, so they did what any sane performer would do and started pseudo-dating. The couple would arrange dinner dates, watch movies together, and at one point even attended the Oscars as each other's dates. They were just "being silly," as Madge puts it -- "silly" being what famous artists think of conventional relationships.

Hulton Archive/Getty Images

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Their inevitable break-ups are always hardest on the kids.

Madonna claimed that their sort-of romance was necessary for the two artists to get to know each other before they jumped into recording an album. According to her, "To write songs together is a very intimate experience," and apparently after you have survived the Darwinian slaughter that is early relationships you are strong enough as two people to sit in a booth together and sing into a microphone.

Ironically, it seemed that Madonna's intensity was exactly why the whole thing fell apart. According to Jackson, Madonna was too demanding and would attempt to dictate where they would go on dates, which would lead to a debate over whether or not the couple would visit Disneyland together, which was absolutely a deal-breaker for Jackson. Then, when the collaboration had finally started, Jackson balked at Madge's risque lyrics, preferring a love song or ballad over her traditionally sexy tunes, and ducked out of the project after a meeting with the pop star left him feeling anxious. Michael admitted that Madonna scared him, and the album was scrapped completely.
Channel programs News

Channel Madness Round 3 Results: Schijns, Schuster Advance to Semifinals

Jennifer Follett

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Quarterfinal voting in the CRN Channel Madness Tournament of Chiefs is in the books, and the Enterprise Eight are about to learn their fate.

With titles up for grabs in the Infrastructure, Hardware, Cloud and Software regions, let's look at how it all shook out.

Verizon's Janet Schijns proved victorious over Intermedia's Eric Martorano in a hard-fought Cloud region quarterfinal battle. Schijns won this one 56 percent to 44 percent.

Gavriella Schuster of Microsoft bested Kendra Krause of Sophos in the Software region 53 percent to 47 percent. This marks the first time a Microsoft channel chief has made it to the Field of Four semi-final round.

In the Infrastructure region, Hewlett Packard Enterprise's Terry Richardson jumped out early and never looked back, winning his matchup against F5's David Helfer 59 percent to 41 percent.

In the Hardware region, Dell EMC's John Byrne proved his mettle against Lenovo's Sammy Kinlaw, winning 78 percent to 22 percent.

So in the Field of Four, HPE's Richardson will meet Dell EMC's Byrne, while Verizon's Schijns will take on Schuster of Microsoft.

In addition to Microsoft, HPE and Dell EMC are making their first appearances in the semi-final round, while Verizon made it all the way to the finals in the inaugural 2015 Channel Madness Tournament.

Voting in the semifinal round opens today, Thursday, March 30 at 4:00 p.m. ET and will remain open until Monday, April 3 at noon ET. Then get ready for the final round, which kicks off later on Monday. Visit CRN.com/madness to cast your votes and choose your chief!
Data center News

CRN Exclusive: Turbonomic SVP Jennifer Heard Looks To The Channel As 'Force Multiplier'

Matt Brown

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Every day that solution providers wait to bring Turbonomic into their portfolio of products and services is a day they're losing money.

That's what Jennifer Heard, the 22-year Microsoft sales veteran who was just named Turbonomic's channel chief, said about her new employer's cloud automation platform.

"Every day they wait, it's millions of dollars they could've put in their pockets and their customers' pockets," Heard said in an exclusive interview with CRN.



Heard said she's certain the channel is the only way to grow a start-up like Turbonomic as quickly as its potential will allow. "The channel is the force multiplier of the sales force, and if you get the right channel, your brand and awareness can get out there 100 times faster than you would ever be able to do by yourself," she said.

"I saw that time and time again at Microsoft," Heard added. "You bring a new product to market, and the first place you go is to the channel so they can get in front of their customers so they can accelerate the story and demonstrate the capabilities."



[Related: New Turbonomic Channel Chief On Partner Training, Solving The Pain Points Microsoft, VMware And IBM Can't]



Hiring Heard is part of Turbonomic's effort to operate as a channel-first vendor. The company has about 250 partners and did about $40 million in revenue through the channel last year on more than 900 partner transactions. Ten of the company's partners each did more than $1 million in Turbonomics business last year.



Getting partners onboard is of particular importance for Turbonomic, which was founded in 2010 and has developed a software platform for hybrid cloud environments that automatically matches application demand with infrastructure supply in real time, allowing those environments to manage themselves.



That means customers considering buying more data center capacity may be able to optimize with Turbonomic, saving millions, Heard said.

"You've got to have some sort of investment on both sides," said Rene van den Bedem, practice manager at RoundTower, a Cincinnati solution provider that has developed a reference architecture with Turbonomic. "I got Turbonomic to invest to bring their top training guys to us, and 20 people went through a one-week training and certification program. That's basically how you grow the business. You have to invest in each other."

He added that RoundTower's business with Turbonomic is poised for 20 percent growth because Turbonomic has shown a willingness to invest in the relationship. "I want RoundTower to be the go-to partner for complicated Turbonomic designs and installs," he said. "That's where I'm trying to position RoundTower. Where you want to bring us in is where you need an enterprise architect. We're doing professional services for Turbonomic too. Turbonomic can just hand off implementations to us under the Turbonomic umbrella."

Heard said it is vitally important for partners to get trained on Turbonomic, like RoundTower has. Van den Bedem said that training is more than just learning a new platform, it's unlearning the old ways of selling IT.

"It's vendor agnostic," van den Bedem said. "That means we care that the business requirements are being met and delivering efficient, risk-free solutions. That pivot comes with a lot of problems for sales reps who have built their career on selling boxes, and there's an education process that's going on internally at RoundTower now."

So far, Turbonomic has gained the most traction in private data centers, where the software can be installed and within 48 hours produce a detailed report that shows customers where they can gain immediate performance advantages and better efficiency, right down to heating and cooling.

Customers get a full inventory of what's happening in their environment, and Turbonomic can make recommendations for which applications and workloads can, or should, be moved to the cloud.



"Partners are getting that information and initiating the conversation with customers about the journey to the cloud," said Sean Finnegan, Turbonomic's vice president of channel sales. "It's a lot easier than it was before."

For Heard, the speed with which the Turbonomic platform can deliver savings and efficiencies is one of its key selling points, she said. The platform, she said, can generate 30 percent return on investment in 30 days.



"[Partners] are able to demonstrate ROI immediately by saving the customer money from overprovisioning," Heard said. "They're getting ready to buy more VMs. Well, they didn't need them. [The partner can say], 'Save $2 million right now. Don't buy another server because you've already got capacity you're not even using.'"



The days of IT staff being able to do the job are over, Heard said. "You can't do it with humans anymore. There's too much coming at them," she said. "There's just no way. Monitoring tools are great, but they're after-the-fact. So, by the time you go to fix it, it's changed again. We need real-time servicing of those applications, and the supply and demand is only served with Turbonomic. Nobody else can do this."
Networking News

Verizon, Equinix Promote Hybrid IT By Putting Data Center, Network And Security Services On One Menu

Gina Narcisi

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After selling off its cloud hosting and data center business to Equinix in 2016, Verizon Enterprise Solutions is partnering with the global data center operator to offer hybrid cloud solutions to business customers.

Verizon will resell Equinix's co-location and interconnection services, giving companies access to both Equinix's data center offerings, and Verizons security, network, and advanced communications services.

Verizon is working on a rollout plan for the channel, according to a company spokesperson. The Equinix services will be available through Verizon's direct sales force, for now.

[Related: Verizon Gets Out Of Data Center Business, Sells Latin, North American Assets To Equinix For $3.6B]

The close-knit relationship between the two providers will allow Verizon to continue to offer data center services without owning the physical assets, while Equinix will have access to Verizon's sales and managed services teams.

This agreement provides customers with fully-integrated network, security and data center services designed to support their IT transformation, Jim Duncan, Verizon's vice president of global advanced solutions said in a statement. Our network provides IT continuity across current, and future IT strategies  cloud migrations and the like  and Equinix provides an interconnection point to leading cloud platforms for that transformation.

Equinix said that the collaboration with Verizon would give it access to more customers. Business clients that partner with both Verizon and Equinix will benefit from global scale, as well as direct, private access to the major cloud players, such as AWS and Microsoft Azure. The latter is especially appealing to businesses that have multi-cloud, or hybrid IT environments, Equinix said.

"We are seeing an increasing demand for hybrid solutions from our channel partners, driven by the need to access content and applications even quicker at the edge," said Ian Kieninger, co-founder and CEO of Avant. "Partnerships like this one provide more options for channel partners to meet the needs of customers demanding well-integrated IT solutions."

Avant, a master agent that specializes in cloud and colocation services, was named Equinix's top partner in 2016. The Chicago-based company also recently achieved Platinum status within Verizon's partner program, and believes that interconnection between cloud providers and customer infrastructure is a huge growth area for data center providers and network carriers alike.

Verizon acquired Terremark's data center business in 2011. Following months of speculation that the carrier would be following in the footsteps of competitors Windstream and CenturyLink who left the data center business after selling its physical assets, Verizon sold its data center business to Equinix for $3.6 billion in December.

Kieninger said that by leaving the data center business, Verizon could focus on value-added services, including security, cloud, and SD-WAN. The expanded partnership between Verizon and Equinix will let Verizon offer customers a full suite of services at key interconnection points across the globe, he added.

The newly-minted agreement builds on the relationship that Verizon and Equinix announced in 2015. Verizon has offered its Secure Cloud Interconnect services -- an SDN-based technology that lets businesses connect to and manage their cloud environments securely -- within a number of Equinix's global data centers.
Security News

CRN Exclusive: SecurityScorecard Unveils Risk Ratings Alliance To Help Partners Provide Integrated Security Solutions

Gina Narcisi

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More than half of the security breaches that happen today are the result of a third-party security issue, so tracking the overall health of the entire IT landscape has never been more critical.

That's what Michael Rogers, SecurityScorecard's vice president of strategic alliances and channels, told CRN this week. The New York City-based provider has started looking for partners that will integrate his company's security rating platform into their own threat intelligence, governance and risk management solutions. Those integrations will immediately improve the security posture of businesses across the board, Rogers said.

After going all-in with the channel earlier this year, SecurityScorecard said its new program, the Risk Ratings Alliance, aims to create more tightly-integrated security products by working closely with ISVs, advisory firms, and governance and risk management providers.

[Related: CRN Exclusive: SecurityScorecard Launches Inaugural Partner Program]

"Our platform is focused on giving customers visibility into the security posture of any company they do business with  suppliers, vendors, etc.  any vendor they might have in their vendor ecosystem," Rogers said. "By having that understanding, [customers] are greatly reducing their risk."

SecurityScorecard has built a SaaS-based, independent security rating platform that continuously collects security information, including malware, application, and network security data, and leaked information and translates the data into a risk rating grade for an end customer. The platform can also be used to assess any security risks associated with a company's third-party vendors or acquisition targets.

The introduction of the new Risk Ratings Alliance group follows the January launch of SecurityScorecard's inaugural partner program for VARs.

While SecurityScorecard's "invitation-only partner program is targeting a select group of VARs looking to expand into cyber security ratings, the strategy behind the Risk Ratings Alliance Program is different, Rogers said.

SecurityScorecard is seeking to develop strategic partnerships with Risk Ratings Alliance partners that already have their security and compliance platforms, such as governance, risk and compliance (GRC) and vendor risk management (VRM) vendors, as well as data service bureaus and credit ratings agencies. Together, SecurityScorecard and its partners will offer businesses customers a "multi-dimensional approach" to assessing and improving security health, the company said.

"We are opening up our Alliance Program to the broader technology community, where we want SecurityScorecard ratings and insights to enrich the product experience for our partners customers, while at the same time, enhancing our partners offerings and increasing awareness of SecurityScorecard in the marketplace," Rogers said.

LockPath, a SecurityScorecard partner, provides governance, risk management, and compliance and information security software. The Overland Park, Kansas-based provider, is already working with SecurityScorecard as an Alliance partner by combining its own cloud-based GRC platform, called Keylight, with the third-party security information and threat intelligence that SecurityScorecard provides.

The two channel-first companies already have mutual partners, so marrying their respective technologies just made sense, said Sam Abadir, director of product alliances for LockPath. The Keylight platform  combined with SecurityScorecard's third-party security data  can identify and alert managers to security risks.

"With these two platforms together, it really works better," Abadir said. "Especially for companies with high compliance needs  like healthcare, financial services, and utilities."

SecurityScorecard will offer Risk Ratings Alliance partners sales, marketing, and integration support, Rogers said. "We have a very aggressive program with adoption already taking place, and with the launch, we will continue to see strong growth with partners participating as Alliance partners."
'Is This True?'

Jennifer Heard spent more than 20 years at Microsoft, and at first she wasn't sure if a small, seven-year-old start-up would be a good fit for her. Then she reached out to Bill Veghte, the former Microsoft power player who had taken a role in 2015 as executive chairman of Boston-based Turbonomic.

What she heard amazed her. "I've been working with CIOs for two decades, and I've been one myself," she told CRN. "I had to read the customer testimonials and say, 'Is this true? Can you really do this autonomically? You can manage my performance and applications without human intervention?'"

This week, Heard was named senior vice president, global strategic partners at Turbonomic, which has developed a software platform that allows hybrid cloud data centers to self-manage and maintain the performance of any application.

The Turbonomic platform's ability to assess a customer's data center and optimize its use and performance, along with its ability to manage applications on its own, means it can offer customers significant savings very quickly, and puts it a step beyond monitoring and management tools offered by VMware and Microsoft. The key to growing Turbonomic is the channel, Heard said.

"The channel is the force multiplier of the sales force, and if you get the right channel, your brand and awareness can get out there 100 times faster than you would ever be able to do by yourself," Heard said. "You bring a new product to market and the first place you go is to the channel so they can get in front of their customers so they can accelerate the story and demonstrate the capabilities."
Function1's IoT Plan For Education

More solution providers are looking to expand their businesses to include Internet of Things solutions. One such solution provider is Function1, which started in 2007 as a web experience management company and has roots in content management. In 2009, the Washington, D.C.-based Splunk partner began to expand its reach into data security, operational intelligence and the Internet of Things.

"In the IoT realm, so many people are just at the beginning of understanding what IoT is, and trying to wrap their heads around it," said Sandeep Khaneja, vice president at Function1.

Following is one successful IoT use case Function1 deployed with a large university, according to Khaneja.
Three-year-old Kevin Mariscal is an only child and doesn't get as many chances to play with other preschoolers as his mother, Melissa Ramirez, would like.

So Ramirez said she was glad to sign up him for Juntos, a 10-week group class for young children and their parents or caregivers, offered entirely in Spanish. However, that series of classes wrapped up in March. The family isn't allowed to take another round, and until now, there was no next level of class for Kevin to attend.

That's changing the first week in April, when Albany residents with children ages 1-3 will be able to take advantage of the first "Live and Learn" classes offered entirely in Spanish.

The idea proved so popular that the spring term is already full, but interested families are invited to contact Greater Albany Public Schools' Welcome Center at 541-704-2376 for future enrollment dates.

Juntos, now in its third year, is a partnership between Greater Albany Public Schools, Linn-Benton Community College, Parenting Success Networks and the Albany Public Library. Funded through a grant from the Oregon Early Learning Council, it's a free play-and-learn class meant to support early literacy skills for families with young children.

English-speaking toddlers also have Juntos, known by its English name, "Together." But while English-speaking families have always been able to move on to a "Live and Learn" class once their 10-week series ends, a class in Spanish wasn't an option until now.

Greater Albany provides space for both Juntos and Together classes at Central Elementary School, along with a classroom assistant and books for the children to take home each week to keep. LBCC's parent education department provides instruction and curriculum planning, and furnishes the classroom with materials.

Both classes are meant to help children develop early literacy skills so they are more prepared for kindergarten.

Juntos and Together are both free to participants. They're funded by federal Title dollars. Transportation assistance is provided, too.

The English "Live and Learn" classes charge tuition, however; the Spanish class will not.

Jerri Wolfe, department chair of the parent education department at LBCC, is sensitive to the difference in approach. However, the English "Live and Learn" classes have scholarships for families unable to afford tuition, she said.

"Live and Learn" classes have been offered for 40 years, always in English and always with scholarships, she said. Juntos and its Spanish extension are trying to assist a population that faces different barriers.

"This is the difference between 'equal' and 'equity,'" Wolfe said. "We're trying to provide something to this population that they haven't had in the past."

Unlike Juntos, the Spanish "Live and Learn" can be taken multiple times, as long as the children enrolled are between the ages of 1 and 3. That's a huge benefit to students, caregivers and staff, Wolfe said.

"Every time we asked them what they wanted, they said, 'More,'" she said, adding that instructors especially would plead for re-enrollment because families were just starting to jell as a group about the time the class series ended.

Maria DuBose, parent educator for Juntos, said she's had that experience. She remembers a tiny girl who came with a babysitter, and who was so shy she wouldn't even take off her jacket, let alone play with any of the center's toys.

By about week six or seven, DuBose said, the little girl began to get comfortable. Then the class ended.

"That's when I thought, we need something else," she said. "We need something for these families to move into."

The Spanish is extremely important, too, DuBose said. For families and caregivers for whom Spanish is their first or main language, an English-only classroom environment may be too intimidating to invite participation.

Melissa Ramirez, Kevin's mom, said that's how she feels and that's why she's glad Kevin will be one of the students in the first spring "Live and Learn" class this April.

Speaking through interpretation from DuBose, she said she probably wouldn't come to an equivalent program for Kevin if English was the only option, because she wouldn't feel comfortable.

Wolfe said she doesn't have funding, space or staffing, but ideally, she'd like to see the "Live and Learn" Spanish classes expand to include parents with infants. That would provide a more seamless program, she said.

But the expansion for ages 1-3 is a start, she said. "This is really about filling a gap for families."
California Gov. Jerry Brown recently condemned President Trumps proposed border wall and stated that illegal immigrants are children of God and they should be treated that way.

Brown made these comments in an interview with NBCs Meet the Press last weekend. Brown, who is serving his second term as governor, said he doesnt approve of Trumps idea for a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico and that it poses concerns both in terms of keeping Mexicans out and keeping Americans in.

Brown also took issue with the idea of a wall because of the message it sends to illegal immigrants, who Brown said are also children of God.

According to Relevant Magazine, Brown said California would fight the plan to build the wall and possibly even become a sanctuary state.

Well do the right humanand I would even say Christianthing, from my point of view, he said. You dont treat human beings like that.

Trumps supposed to be Mr. Religious Fellow, and I thought weve got to treat the least of these as we would treat the Lord, Brown added. So I hope he would reconnect with some of these conservative evangelicals, and theyll tell him that these are human beings, theyre children of God; they should be treated that way.

Photo courtesy: Flickr.com

Publication date: March 30, 2017
For the past few months, developers who publish their code on GitHub have been targeted in an attack campaign that uses a little-known but potent cyberespionage malware.

The attacks started in January and consisted of malicious emails specifically crafted to attract the attention of developers, such as requests for help with development projects and offers of payment for custom programming jobs.

The emails had .gz attachments that contained Word documents with malicious macro code attached. If allowed to execute, the macro code executed a PowerShell script that reached out to a remote server and downloaded a malware program known as Dimnie.

According to researchers from Palo Alto Networks, Dimnie has been around since at least 2014, but has flown under the radar until now because it primarily targeted users from Russia.

The malware uses some stealthy techniques to make its malicious traffic blend into normal user activity. It generates requests that appear to be directed to Google-owned domain names, but which in reality are sent to an attacker-controlled IP address.

Dimnie is able to download additional malicious modules that are injected directly into the memory of legitimate Windows processes. These modules leave no traces on disk, which makes their detection and analysis more complicated, the Palo Alto researchers said in a blog post.

There are separate modules for keylogging, screen grabbing, interacting with smartcards attached to the computer and more. There is even a self-destruct module that wipes all files from the system drive in order to destroy traces of the malware's presence.

Data stolen from an infected computer is encrypted and appended to image headers in an attempt to bypass intrusion prevention systems.

Even though Palo Alto Networks did not attribute these attacks to a particular group, the malware bears striking similarities to other recent attacks that are suspected of being state-sponsored: the use of documents with malicious macros, the use of PowerShell, the loading of malicious code directly in memory, the use of stealthy command-and-control channels and data exfiltration techniques, highly targeted phishing campaigns and more.

Developers can be valuable targets for cyberespionage. Their computers often hold proprietary information and access credentials for their employers' networks and systems.

The Yahoo breach that resulted in hackers gaining access to the accounts of 500 million users started with a semi-privileged employee falling for a spear-phishing email.

The Dimnie attack campaign seems to have specifically targeted developers who are present on GitHub, a free source code hosting service. This category also includes developers who work for large companies and who publish personal open source projects in their spare time.

In a response to a report about these emails in January, Gervase Markham, who works as a policy engineer at Mozilla, said that he received several such messages to an email address that he only used on Github. This made him believe that the targeting might have been automated.

With access to source code repositories and distribution servers attackers can inject backdoors into software projects or turn the compiled binaries into Trojan horses. This has happened several times in the past. For example, the macOS version of the Transmission BitTorrent client hosted on the project's official website was found to contain malware on two separate occasions.
Pavla Zakova-Laney of Albany, president and executive director of Educare-Africa, is planning her 18th trip to Cameroon on May 3, during which she will distribute donated supplies to high schools in the region.

Zakova-Laney will take science lab equipment to G.H.S Nseh and G.H.S. Mbu-Warr, both rural high schools. The equipment was purchased thanks to a grant from the VWR Charitable Foundation, and Zakova-Laney hopes more donations will allow her to purchase more science lab equipment for several other high schools in the area.

Other items, such as laptop computers and solar lamps, have already been shipped to Cameroon, thanks to Cameroon Baptist Convention in Bamenda, which provided Educare-Africa space in its sea container.

Zakova-Laney plans to meet with parents, teachers and principals from Cameroon schools to discuss their assistance with Educare-Africa's building project in Tatum. The Educare-Africa Community Resource Center will be completed soon and will include a public library, internet access, computer lab, guest rooms, dormitories for students, an Educare-Africa office and much more.

Zakova-Laney says the group's goal is to raise $12,000 for the trip and $5,000 for the resource center project. So far $1,600 has been raised.

To help raise more funds, the group will hold its first silent auction 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at the Albany Mennonite Church, 3405 Kizer Ave. Besides the auction, some items made in Cameroon will be on on sale.

For more information, contact the event's chief organizer at chelseafipps@outlook.com.

Funds raised will be used during Zakova-Laneys trip to Cameroon in May and June 2017.

For more information about Educare-Africa, contact Zakova-Laney at 541-924-9290 or pavlazl@comcast.net, or check the Educare-Africa website: http://educareafrica.blogspot.com/.

To donate, checks can be made to Educare-Africa, P.O. Box 3278, Albany, OR 97321, or go to the website and click the Donate button.

All donations are tax-deductible.
A major event for Connecticut film buffs is set for one night only, Wednesday, April 5. The place: Bethel Cinema. The happening: The second annual Best of the Fest New England Tour by the Middlebury (Vt.) New Filmmakers Festival.

Lloyd Komesar, producer of the community-based festival, explained in a recent chat that the tour, which visits all six New England states, is presenting the winners of last summers MNFF competition. Three shorts and three feature films will be screened. Festivities begin at 6 p.m., films at 7:15. The six-film program will be divided between two screens.

At the core of our mission is to support and promote first- and second-time filmmakers, said Komesar, a retired film distribution executive. We are passionate about introducing indie filmmakers to new audiences.

Not only will area residents have an opportunity to experience very deserving films and shorts, they will have an opportunity to discuss the works with directors, several of whom have said they would attempt to attend, he said. For the event, the MNFF is partnering with Connecticuts FilmFest52, a weekly showcase of indie films at the Bethel Cinema.

Information on the winners is included below, with descriptions provided by MNFF.

On the schedule are the three 2016 VTeddy Award-winning shorts:

More Information Bethel Cinema, 269 Greenwood Ave., Bethel. Wednesday, April 5. $10.50, $9 seniors. bit.ly/2mQRLqp and at the box office day of show. 203-778-2100. See More Collapse

The Best and Worst Days of George Morales Unnaturally Long Life, comedy, USA, 24 minutes. Director: Seth Cuddeback and Benjamin Dohrmann. Story: George and Susie Morales own a restaurant in East Los Angeles and have been happily married for nearly 40 years. They are also immortal.

Pony, comedy, USA, 31 minutes. Director: Candice Carella. Story: Hardworking single mom Claudia must go out of town on an important last-minute business trip, forcing her to leave her 5-year-old daughter Miko with Uncle Jeff, a dissolute rock musician.

Phils Camino, documentary, USA, 27 minutes. Directors: Annie ONeil and Jessica Lewis. Story: Free spirit Phil is a man living with Stage 4 cancer and dreaming of walking the 500-mile spiritual pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago across Spain.

The 2016 VTeddy Award-winning feature films to be shown are:

Broke, drama, Australia, 95 minutes. Director: Heath Davis. Story: A compelling redemption story of a disgraced Australian rugby star set in working-class Sydney.

The Guys Next Door, documentary, USA, 74 minutes. Directors: Amy Geller & Allie Humenuk. Story: Meet Erik and Sandro, a gay couple whose friend Rachel is a surrogate for their two daughters. Told with candor and humor, about family, friendship and gay rights.

Walk With Me: The Trials of Damon J. Keith, documentary, USA, 103 minutes, Director: Jesse Nesser. Story: Damon J. Keith was an ordinary colored man from Detroit, who became a controversial federal judge who would shape civil rights law and challenge a sitting president.

Hosting the event will be artistic director and Vermont filmmaker Jay Craven, who will conduct a question-and-answer session with MNFF award-winners Amy Geller and Allie Humenuk, co-directors of The Guys Next Door. Also attending are Sally Davis and Patrick Lane, co-producers of Walk With Me.

Ticketholders are invited to a 6 p.m. Meet & Greet Party at the Cinema with MNFFs filmmakers; Tom Carruthers, director of FilmFest52, and Mark Masselli, CEO of Community Health Center, a sponsor. Complimentary food and beverages will be served.

pasboros@ctpost.com; Twitter: @PhyllisASBoros
BRIDGEPORT-An Easton man pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to ordering steroids over a wiretapped telephone.

Raymond Martin, 49, entered his plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons. He faces up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine during his July 5 sentencing.

Martin was intercepted on a wiretap in a long-term investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations. It resulted in the arrest, conviction and incarceration of Steven Santucci, a former Newtown Police sergeant,.

The investigation determined supplies of steroids were being shipped from China and distributed in Fairfield County and the Naugatuck Valley.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Robert M. Spector are prosecuting the case.
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MILFORD  Sarah Muoio wont be going to jail.

She wont even have a criminal record if she stays out of trouble for the next two years.

All the former Derby senior citizen director must do is obey the law, not seek employment where shed be handling cash, and perform 200 hours of community service each of the next two years but not with any organization she already volunteers with.

And she must repay the $10,000 that States Attorney Kevin Lawlor said she took from the center.

Look at it as a gift, Superior Court Judge Frank Iannotti told Muoio, 31, of Milford. It only comes once in a lifetime.

The judge said if hes wrong for believing that she will not again commit a crime then  shame on me but theres more shame on you. You will have deceived us twice.

And he added that even though her record may be cleared in two years, her past conduct will forever be available on the internet.

Its there for the entire world to see, the judge said.

Iannotti granted the request over the objections of Lawlor, Derby Mayor Anita Dugatto and several members of the Derby Senior Citizen center, who wrote him and filed a petition with over 120 names of people opposing the deal.

She got a gift, maintained Lynette Jordan, a member and president of the Senior Citizen Center executive board. The public needs to be protected from someone willing to defy the public trust like she did.

Muoio is the daughter of the late Michael Dalton, a former Ansonia school and Sacred Heart University administrator. She was arrested last May by Derby Police on a first-degree larceny charge.

Police accused her of embezzling close to $30,000 and allegedly using the money to buy furnishings for her home, paint, and electronic equipment.

But Lawlor admitted Thursday he could only prove $10,000 was taken by her. And Dominick Thomas Sr., Muoios defense lawyer, said his investigation put the amount closer to $7,500.

Lawlor said the difference stemmed from poor cash-accounting procedures in place during Muoios four years as executive director, and even before she arrived. Dugatto and Jordan said new procedures are in place under Susan Churchill, the Derby seniors interim director.

Given the chance to speak, Muoio read an apology to Derby and its seniors for letting them down and her family for dragging them through this.

I know what I did was wrong, she said. Im sorry. I wish every day I could go back and do things the right way.

In addressing Iannotti, who acknowledged his father grew up in Derby, Dugatto said I have disdain and contempt for anyone who deceives our seniorsour most precious assets.

The mayor told the judge that Muoio was uncooperative with my numerous requests for accountability of time worked for her or her three employees, even though she had the appropriate paperwork provided by them.

As a result, Dugatto said she began attending committee meetings and found that Mrs. Muoio never reports on income received by the various events run in-house by the seniors, although I requested it many times.

Thomas said there is no excuse for his clients aberrant behavior, but he pointed out that she was dealing with her young son who underwent surgery for a brain tumor, opened her home to two orphans from the Ukraine during the 2015 Christmas holidays, and a month later was fired on the day of her fathers wake.
BRIDGEPORT  A person arrived at Bridgeport Hospital after suffering a gunshot wound to the lower left leg Wednesday night.

There is no information on where the incident occurred, but a pair of shooting in the Park City today have police combing the area for answers.

Earlier this afternoon, around 4:00 p.m., police detained two suspects after shots were fired on Sheridan Street near Boston Avenue.

A gun was also recovered from one of the suspects, according to dispatch reports.

Police and medics were on scene following another shooting that left one person injured on Woodmont Avenue around 6:50 p.m..

ajohnson@hearstmediact.com;
BRIDGEPORT - A local man is accused of waving a gun at four female Sacred Heart University students.

Alex Lima, 47, of Wetmore Road, was charged Wednesday with breach of peace. He was released on a promise to appear in court.

Police said on Tuesday night four Sacred Heart students were leaving a friends house when Lima came out of his house waving a handgun at them.

The woman jumped into their car and quickly drove off, police said.

When officers later confronted Lima, they said he admitted waving the gun at the woman and claimed he was only trying to frighten them away.
Dale. L Harrison, 94, of Lebanon died at his home on Monday, March 27, 2017. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at Huston-Jost Funeral Home. Burial will follow with military honors at Powell Cemetery near Lebanon. After the graveside service, a reception to follow at the American Legion Post 51, 480 S. Main St., Lebanon.
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STAMFORD  A huge sycamore tree towering over a federal-style colonial in North Stamford is a lasting piece of the 200-year-old homes rich history.

The Briar Brae Road home is nicknamed Buttonwood Manor for the huge backyard tree, which is also known as a buttonwood. The tree now offers a picturesque accent for the home, but in the Colonial era, it was more than a piece of landscaping.

The seeds from the trees  with hard shells and cottony innards  were used as buttons, making the buttonwood tree a source of considerable income for the early owners of the land. The 8-acre parcel was farmed as early as the mid-1700s, when it appeared to be owned by the Davenports, a founding family of Stamford.

But the origin of Buttonwood Manor is a bit unclear.

The land was deeded from the Davenports to Amos Stevens in 1796. A study of the homes lineage in a thick file dedicated to 284 Briar Brae Road at the Stamford History Center suggests the first iteration of Buttonwood Manor was built by Jacob Stevens in 1808 or 1809.

An article from The Advocate in 2010 said the original part of the main house dates back as far as 1760. City tax records date the home back to 1890.

No matter its age, Buttonwood Manor hasnt changed hands often in its lifetime. One family, the Raymonds, kept the home for several generations, farming the land for nearly a century.

By the 1930s, Buttonwood Manor was owned by Olympic gold medalist William Stevenson, who anchored the 4-by-400-meter relay at the 1924 Paris summer games, and his wife, Eleanor Bumpie Stevenson.

Rene and Elena Kraenzlin moved into Buttonwood Manor with and their three daughters in 2007, and have woven their own family history into the homes genealogy. One of their daughters got engaged in the driveway, another had her bridal shower in the home, and the barn has hosted many parties.

Rene Kraenzlin said the history was palpable the first time he and his wife crossed the threshold, as owners who came before them left behind a warm feeling of family and togetherness. He says its a home built to house many generations.

This is more than a house, he said. It was love at first sight for us, and when we discovered it had such a rich history, it all made sense. We could feel those other families here.

The Kraenzlins have taken their role in the homes history very seriously, keeping the six-bedroom main residence, guest house and former equestrian barn in pristine condition while carefully preserving the estates many artifacts.

Even with the many changes and additions the Kraenzlins have made, historic integrity was always a top priority.

A fireplace in the living room, framed in field stone and equipped with a wrought-iron pot crane, was hidden behind drywall when the family first moved into the house. In the kitchen, which was recently remodeled, a huge, rustic wood beam frames the sink and countertops.

In the backyard, a newly-built terrace and pathway to the guest home were built entirely with stones recovered from the property.

On a shelf in the living room, also framed by wooden beams, they keep an old book of family photos and a brief history of the home, passed down from each owner. The Kraenzlins even re-created one of the Raymonds family photos in front of the house from 1890, perching on a large rock that still sits stoically below the front walkway.

With their three daughters now grown and out of the house, the couple is ready to start a new chapter. They plan to move to New York and have listed the 8.72-acre estate for $1.79 million with William Pitt Sothebys.

They have compiled their own book of Kraenzlin history at Buttonwood Manor in preparation for the move, and hope to sell the home to another family who will carry on the legacy.

There is such strength in a place that has this much history, especially in a home like this where so many people achieved their dreams, Elena Kraenzlin said. It would be a shame if that history were forgotten.

nnaughton@stamfordadvocate.com; @noranaughton
The mid-valleys largest health care provider is planning a number of belt-tightening moves in hopes of avoiding the need for layoffs in the face of declining revenues and other potential threats to its bottom line.

In an email that went out to employees on Monday, Samaritan Health Services CEO Larry Mullins outlined a number of austerity measures, including a hiring freeze for all noncritical positions, sharp cutbacks to travel and conference budgets, and reductions in capital spending.

The steps are necessary, Mullins wrote, to prepare and position ourselves to be able to continue our primary mission of health care delivery with the least harm to our work force and community.

Headquartered in Corvallis, Samaritan Health Services employs more than 5,500 people, from doctors and nurses to billing clerks and housekeepers. It operates a network of five community hospitals, medical clinics and senior care facilities throughout Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties and serves as the coordinated care organization for Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) patients in the three-county area. Samaritan is also a partner in an osteopathic medical school in Lebanon and is involved in other ventures that include a health insurance plan, a string of fitness centers, a hotel and an apartment complex.

One of the main reasons for the cutbacks, Mullins wrote, is a sharp reduction in the number of Medicaid patients in Samaritans coverage area that contributed to net financial losses in the first two months of the year. In its role as a coordinated care organization, Samaritan receives payments from the state based on the number of Medicaid patients it covers.

In an interview on Wednesday, Mullins told the Gazette-Times that Samaritan has seen a reduction of 6,000 to 8,000 covered lives in its Medicaid population this year, a problem other Oregon health systems are also facing.

The number statewide is in the tens of thousands, Mullins said, adding that the reason for the drop-off is not clear.

And even though President Donald Trumps effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act fell short in Congress last week, Mullins believes further cuts to Medicaid remain a possibility. Meanwhile, he added, a number of bills working their way through the Legislature could also cut into Samaritans revenues, including a proposed tax on health care providers.

Mullins was reluctant to predict how many positions might need to be eliminated if the cost-cutting measures prove insufficient, saying his goal is to preserve as many jobs as possible.

Before we even contemplate layoffs  which some organizations have already implemented  were saying, Lets try these things first, Mullins said. Its really an effort to try to be proactive so we dont have to do layoffs.

Some construction projects already underway or in the pipeline will still go forward, Mullins said, including a drug and alcohol rehab facility in Lebanon and a medical office building in North Albany. On the other hand, recently announced plans for a mixed-use housing and medical development in Corvallis could be delayed, although that project likely wouldnt break ground for several more years anyway.

Other projects may go forward on the basis of their ability to generate revenue for Samaritan, Mullins said. That includes plans to create a post-acute rehab unit for patients who are stable enough to be moved out of critical care or medical-surgical beds but not ready to be discharged.

That would free up those higher-acuity beds for new patients while shielding Samaritan from potential penalties from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Under new Medicare reimbursement rules, health systems can miss out on payments if they fail to care for patients in the most appropriate setting and could face financial penalties for readmitting certain patients too soon after discharge.

This is intended to be a proactive measure in order to avoid tougher measures down the line, Mullins said of the cost-cutting plan.

I think were going to be all right, he added. Weve just got to manage our business here.
What to do in Pennsylvania if you made an error on your mail-in ballot

The state Supreme Court recently ruled that undated or incorrectly dated mail ballots cannot be counted. Here's what voters can do about an error.
On Monday night's episode he revealed to TV 'bride' Sharon Marsh that his father was suffering from a mystery illness.

And Nick Furphy has admitted the testing time has become a 'pretty big distraction' to pursuing his love life with the blonde, saying he may move to Perth in the future but has to stay in Melbourne for now.

The 30-year-old revealed to TV Week on Thursday: 'It was hard to concentrate on the experiment when you had all that happening in the background. It makes you a little on edge.'

'It was hard to concentrate on the experiment': MAFS star Nick Furphy discusses father's mystery illness as 'bride' Sharon moves to Melbourne to be there for him

On Monday it was announced Nick's father would be tested for the incurable Motor Neurone disease and despite specialist appointments Nick says it still hasn't been confirmed by doctors.

The reality star said tests are still being run to determine whether he has the disease or spinal damage.

The Melbourne-based carpenter told the publication while his father's illness is yet to be determined, he's found it hard to focus entirely on the show.

Nick is adamant to stay by his father's side: 'Dad's supported me my whole life and I've gotta be there for him and know what's really going on... If he's in the clear, I might consider moving to Perth. But I just have to make sure he's alright first.'

'I felt really lucky and I'm not going to take that for granted': Nick claimed he was pleasantly surprised by Sharon's offer to move to Melbourne for their relationship while his father is unwell

Despite originally wanting to stay put in Perth, Sharon suggested she would move for love if that was the only way they could be together.

A day trip to Melbourne threw a spanner in the works, as an impressive display of commitment from Nick left his 31-year-old bride convinced she could at least trial a move to the southern state.

Nick was pleasantly surprised by the offer: 'I don't think I've ever had anyone in my life offer to do something like that.'

'It's a lot of commitment for someone to say that. I felt really lucky and I'm not going to take that for granted,' he added.

Happy days: On Tuesday night, Sharon announced she would trial a move to Melbourne to be with groom Nick

After visiting his apartment, the pair went out to sit down and have a serious chat about their future, with their original plans dashed.

'If [your dad's illness] is as bad as the doctors think it is, I would not expect you to ever come to Perth to live,' she told the carpenter.

'I'm really nervous about the fact that I am the one that has to most likely move to Melbourne.

'I need to know how it's all going to work, I need a plan in place.'

The deal appeared to be cemented when Nick offered to come back to Perth to help her pack up her life and then expressed interest in buying a house with the 31-year-old

With expressions of thoughtfulness and love being a shock specialty of the larrikin man, he immediately jumped in with a grand gesture.

'I can come to Perth, help you pack up all your furniture, put it away in storage, and we can always just drive your car over,' he told her earnestly.

'Maybe we can potentially buy a property.

'Honestly I'll do everything I can and all my friends or family will do everything they can to help out.'

Helping hand: He volunteered himself, as well as his friends and family, for anything she might need in the process

For Sharon, who has spent the past three years away from her family and lives off her Perth-based business, moving interstate would be a huge sacrifice.

But throughout the episode she grew more and more invested in the idea, revealing her still-strong feelings for Nick.

'I get butterflies when he sends me messages, I don't want him to be the one who got away,' she said.

Dreamy: Sharon told producers she was concerned about the 29-year-old carpenter being 'the one who got away'

Eventually the pair came to a decision. Sitting on a park bench, Sharon nervously revealed she wanted to give the move a shot.

'I'm over the Skype, I'm over the texting I'm over the calling,' she began.

'Everything always happens for a reason and I'm 99.9 per cent confident to say I'm happy to move for you Nick Furphy.

'I'm going to start a little life with you in Melbourne, do a little trial, and see how it goes from there.'

Married At First Sight returns to Channel Nine on Sunday at 7pm
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridges decision to send Prince George to Thomass school in Battersea has wrong footed the Royal Protection Command.

Officers, anticipating Georges enrolment at Williams first school Wetherby, had completed comprehensive security checks and would have preferred the Notting Hill school for its proximity to Kensington Palace.

Accompanying George to Battersea will entail a daily hour-long round trip. Kate, however, was determined to have her way.

Whilst royals favour single-sex schooling she is co-educational through and through, remembering her unhappy time at single sex Downe House girls boarding school near Newbury. She moved to co-educational Marlborough after two terms.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridges decision over Prince George's school has wrong footed the Royal Protection Command

George will attend Thomas's, in Battersea, whereas officers were anticipating Georges enrolment at Williams first school Wetherby

In the great Theresa May/Nicola Sturgeon Legs-It debate Dame Joan Collins, 83, has come out firmly in favour saying: Was I offended?

Well, no. I actually giggled and then I showed it to Percy, and I said, What do you think of these legs? and he said, Yours are better. Good answer, Percy!

Dame Joan Collins, 83, pictured with her fifth husband, Percy, who believes her legs are better than Theresa May's of Nicola Sturgeon's

Where does the Queen stand on Nicola Sturgeons plan for a second Scottish independence referendum?

Last time round Her Majesty, almost certainly a unionist, remained mostly silent. But in 2014 it was a win/win situation.

If the nationalists had prevailed then HMQ would have gained a new throne as Queen of Scotland under Alex Salmond, a Royalist.

However a republican-minded Sturgeon might not guarantee a future role for the Queen. Surely an opportunity for Mrs May to sign up the monarch and senior royals to publicly endorse the union?

Has Philip Hammond forgotten Theresa Mays appeal to working class voters last year when she said: If youre at a state school, youre less likely to reach the top professions than if youre educated privately.

The Chancellor has just given a talk to the lucky boys of 37,000-a-year Eton College. How many state schools has Phil addressed?

The Chancellor has just given a talk to the lucky boys of 37,000-a-year Eton College. How many state schools has Phil addressed?

The Princess Royal was unhappy with the vulgarity of Comic Relief long before Ofcom received 151 complaints after Fridays BBC Red Nose Day show.

Richard Curtis, founder of the charity told Radio 4s Midweek yesterday that after the first fund raiser in 1988 he got it in the neck from the Queens daughter: I remember Princess Anne telling me off for being blasphemous, he recalled.

Pro-European Edward Heath, PM when Britain joined the EEC, is surely spinning in his grave at the triggering of Article 50.

Heath, who died in 2005 aged 89, lived next to Salisbury Cathedral where a former cleric mischievously suggests that Ted might have declared a day of fasting in protest at the EU exit.

But he didnt like to forgo lifes little luxuries, he adds. Coming down to breakfast one Christmas morning he looked decidedly unwell and asked about a stocking-full of goodies placed on his pillow.

It turned out they were bath oil pearls. Unfortunately he had scoffed the lot.
Ask a hundred people if Channel 4 is privately or publicly owned, and I bet nearly all of them would assume the former. But theyd be wrong. Since it began broadcasting in 1982, it has been in the hands of the State.

Its true that, unlike the BBC, Channel 4 receives no financial support from taxpayers. Most of its income comes from advertising. Nonetheless, it belongs to you and me as much as the National Gallery or the Royal Mint.

But in contrast to the National Gallery or the Royal Mint, its not clear why this increasingly trashy channel should be in public ownership. It could easily thrive in the commercial sector.

Yet the Culture Secretary, Karen Bradley, confirmed in a speech in Manchester yesterday that the Government has decided not to sell Channel 4. She offered no good reason.

Superfluous

Why not cash in? Anyone pursued by a bank for unpaid debts is likely to cast an eye around for some unneeded item of value that might be sold to stave off the bailiffs.

That is what the Government should be doing. It is spending about 50 billion a year more than it gets in tax receipts, and its mounting debt has reached a staggering 1.8 trillion.

You would have thought that in these dire straits it would jettison superfluous assets. Flogging Channel 4 would raise between 1 billion and 1.5 billion. Not enough to make more than a dent in our spiralling debts, perhaps, but a tidy sum all the same.

Alas, Mrs Bradley has seemingly been persuaded by Channel 4 executives that its sale would jeopardise the small independent companies that make programmes for it.

Unlike the BBC, Channel 4 receives no financial support from taxpayers

Ive no idea whether this is true. I would have thought any prospective commercial owner of Channel 4 would make use of independent producers, and might be induced to make an undertaking to do so.

But in any event it should not be the Governments first consideration to safeguard programme makers. No, its foremost responsibility is to reduce the national debt by selling off what it does not need to own.

And there could be no more obvious candidate than Channel 4. When launched, it faced commercial uncertainties and, despite a zeal for privatisation, the Thatcher government felt it needed the protection that public ownership would confer.

Moreover, it was then a serious TV channel committed to making programmes of a quality not often to be found on the BBC or ITV. Its first chief executive, Jeremy Isaacs, had produced the 26-episode The World At War, an unsurpassed documentary about World War II.

As long as Channel 4 remained different to its rivals, and continued to cater for relatively upmarket tastes, there was a strong argument for it remaining a national service broadcaster.

Alas, that case collapsed when Michael Grade took over from Jeremy Isaacs, who is said to have wept when he heard who was replacing him. Grade plunged Channel 4 downmarket, sanctioning tacky programmes such as The Word (featuring viewers eating worms and bathing in pigs urine), Eurotrash (nudity and transvestism) and Dyke TV (which needs no explanation). Grade was memorably dubbed pornographer-in-chief by this newspaper.

Michael Grade took over as chief executive of Channel 4 at the beginning of 1988

After he left, the channel didnt try to recover its former role. Instead, it embraced reality television, most memorably with the banality and intermittent cruelty of Big Brother, which ran for 11 series before moving to Channel 5 in 2011.

Needless to say, there is still some enterprising television on Channel 4, and its documentaries and coverage of some sporting activities are noteworthy. But there are also loads of forgettable game shows, soap operas and reality television programmes that could be viewed almost anywhere.

Channel 4 has also kept alive Michael Grades tawdry legacy. For example, last year it broadcast Naked Attraction, a dating show in which participants bared everything for the camera. It featured lengthy close-ups of male and female genitalia, as well as frank discussions about contestants sexual attributes.

Its true such material can be found on other channels  but that is exactly my point. There is no longer anything about Channel 4 that justifies it being in public hands. Why on earth should we taxpayers be required to remain owners of this dumbed down and often vulgar bazaar?

In short, Channel 4 no longer offers a distinct voice. It is no better, and often worse, than the BBC. Its purchase of the Great British Bake Off for a reputed 75 million shows that it follows rather than leads. At enormous expense, its putting on a programme  though without its main star, Mary Berry  shown previously on BBC1 at a fraction of the cost. It has also recruited the low-life comedian, and former drug user, Noel Fielding.

Racket

As for its news coverage, the famously Left-leaning Channel 4 News even outdoes the politically correct BBC in its embrace of fashionable causes  hatred of Donald Trump, scaremongering about Brexit and tacit support of unregulated immigration.

The interesting thing is that while the BBC receives a great deal of scrutiny, and rightly so, the often more egregious faults of Channel 4 go largely unnoticed. This is because its audience is small. For all its dumbing down, it remains a minority channel.

Culture Secretary, Karen Bradley, confirmed in a speech in Manchester yesterday that the Government has decided not to sell Channel 4

One racket that goes unchallenged is the enormous salaries paid to its senior executives. Its outgoing chief executive, David Abraham, receives 881,000 a year, which is roughly twice the pay of his opposite number at the BBC, Tony Hall, who runs a far bigger public service broadcaster.

Meanwhile, Jay Hunt, Channel 4s chief creative officer, pocketed 612,000 in 2014, the latest year for which figures are available. This far exceeds the salary of her counterpart at the BBC.

It is surely wrong that senior executives at a small public service broadcaster should be paid so much more than those running our much larger public service broadcaster. Id say BBC salaries were about right for those working for a big organisation in the public sector, while those of Channel 4 executives are outrageous.

Gesture

There is one thing in Karen Bradleys new plans that one is tempted to support  namely her proposal that Channel 4 should be relocated from London to Birmingham or Manchester in the cause of diversity.

The prospect of these sleek metropolitan fat-cats having to leave the fleshpots of the capital is amusing. But, of course, Mrs Bradleys plan is an example of gesture politics. Shifting Channel 4 would be expensive, time-consuming and ultimately futile.

How much better if, instead of forcing Channel 4 to decamp from its offices in Westminster, Mrs Bradley grasped the key issue and put it on the market. There would be eager suitors, some of whom could run a much more enthralling TV station.

Her predecessor, John Whittingdale, funked the opportunity of reforming the BBC when the licence fee came up for renewal, and it is now guaranteed for a further ten years. It has been claimed he wanted to impose radical reforms on Auntie, but was prevented from doing so by David Cameron, who was terrified of upsetting the Liberal establishment.

Karen Bradley is making a similar mistake. But are these potential critics really so fearsome? Paying off the public debt should be the priority. The day is long gone when it made sense for Channel 4 to be in the public sector.
Day one of the great Brexit poker game, and the European Union reacts with depressing predictability.

In her letter giving Brussels notice of our decision to quit, Theresa May was a model of reason and conciliation, setting out grown-up ground rules for amicable talks aimed at reaching an agreement that will benefit all the peoples of Europe.

Yet her plea for mutual understanding and respect was met with a barrage of childish bombast, posturing and petulance from the other side of the Channel.

Indeed, it is clear from the outset that we are in for two years of tantrums and threats from the EUs negotiators and the panjandrums of the Brussels bureaucracy.

But then what else could we expect from unaccountable officials whose raison detre is to protect their own elitist power base by discouraging other nations from following Britain to freedom?

In her letter giving Brussels notice of our decision to quit, Theresa May was a model of reason and conciliation

More worrying, perhaps, is Angela Merkels insistence that no trade deal can be negotiated until the terms of Britains withdrawal have been agreed.

Does she not understand that the two issues are inextricably intertwined, with the financial terms of our separation depending very largely on the nature of our future relationship?

Can she not also see its vitally important for her own voters  not least German car manufacturers, who depend hugely on Britains lucrative market  that she should get a move on with discussing a free trade deal as quickly as possible?

But these are early days, and Mrs Merkels stand must be seen merely as an opening gambit in the battle of wills ahead.

The important thing is for Mrs May and our negotiators to hold their nerve.

As this paper has long argued, their strongest card is that Britain buys more from our partners than we sell to them. So it would be crazy of EU nations to start a trade war that would inflict severe damage on their own creaking economies, still reeling from the unresolved euro crisis. They need us more than we need them.

But we have other trump cards to play too. As the Prime Minister pointed out in her letter, our partners depend heavily on Britain for their security. We are Europes foremost military power, with unrivalled expertise in intelligence and the fight against international crime and terrorism.

Angela Merkel is insisting that no trade deal can be negotiated until the terms of Britains withdrawal have been agreed

By repeatedly linking economic cooperation with security, she was delivering a warning that even the dullest-witted eurocrat couldnt mistake: You can play hard-ball if you like. But so can we.

Clearly, no punches are to be pulled in the coming negotiations.

Which brings us, regrettably, to the enemies within.

At the very moment in our nations history when a united front is essential, how depressing it is to hear the negative wailing of Remoaners such as former mandarin Lord ODonnell, the increasingly hysterical Nick Clegg, turncoat Nicky Morgan and that compulsive liar Alastair Campbell, selling this country short.

The Mail doesnt pretend to know whats going to happen over the next two years (though we believe theres a strong possibility that an unreformed EU will implode under the weight of its insurmountable problems).

But we do know that if Britain is to flourish, we must prepare for every eventuality. This means pressing full speed ahead with negotiating deals with countries such as the US, Canada, India and Australia, which are queuing up to do business with us.

It also means stepping up investment in infrastructure, shoring up our factories supply chains, honing the right technical skills, enhancing our great university research centres, slashing regulations and boosting productivity to make us fit to take on the world.
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Jessica Davenport-Lee, 23, is on the waiting list for a life-saving double organ transplant but decided to marry her husband, Troy, 22, in a heartwarming ceremony because 'you can't put your life on pause.'

The pair were married in March after kind strangers and friends donated money towards vendors, decorations and even the copyright to a song used in their wedding video.

'I got a random Facebook message from him at the end of 2014 and from that day on its been nothing but love,' Mrs Davenport-Lee, from New Zealand, told Daily Mail Australia.

Mrs Davenport-Lee and her husband Troy decided to get married before she was contacted for the double organ transplant because the surgery is so high risk she may not survive

Emotional day: 'I got a random Facebook message from him at the end of 2014 and from that day on its been nothing but love,' she said

Mr Davenport-Lee wanted to get married 'sooner rather than later' but Jessica's health problems made saving for a wedding difficult.

'My auntie gave me the idea of starting a 'Give a Little' page to help fund for the wedding,' she said.

'She told me I shouldn't have my life on pause in case the worst happens during the transplant.'

The emotional day was a release from Mrs Davenport-Lee's ongoing fight for survival as she prepares for the imminent heart and liver transplant

As a newborn the New Zealand native was diagnosed with multiple heart defects that saw her rushing in and out of hospital for more than four surgeries

'I just wanted to experience my wedding day so we decided to set a date not too far away.

'The kind people and services that donated their time to make our day possible... I just want to thank them from the bottom of our hearts.'

The emotional day was a release from Mrs Davenport-Lee's ongoing fight for survival as she prepares for the imminent heart and lung transplant.

As a newborn the New Zealand native was diagnosed with multiple heart defects including a double inlet left ventricle, hypoplastic right ventricle, atrial septal, ventricular septal, transposition of the great arteries and leaky valves.

She had already been through three surgeries, including re-plumbing her heart, by the time she was six years old and they gave her the opportunity to enjoy a happy, normal high school experience

As a result of the heart failure Mrs Davenport-Lee developed liver disease. It is often associated with a side effect of growing up with a poor heart

She had already been through three surgeries, including re-plumbing her heart, by the time she was six years old and they gave her the opportunity to enjoy a happy, normal high school experience.

But at 18 she required a routine aortic root replacement that didn't 'go as planned' and she was fitted with a permanent pacemaker. Two weeks later she was struggling to breathe and rushed back to the hospital.

The 22-year-old had developed a 'leak' in her right lung which required surgery to fuse her lung with her chest wall. While recovery was promising, devastatingly Mrs Davenport-Lee went into heart failure.

The pair were married on March 1 in front of their closest family and friends

Lucky to be alive: 'My heart was functioning at five per cent and my family was told I may not make it through the night'

'My heart was functioning at five per cent and my family was told I may not make it through the night,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

As a result of the heart failure Mrs Davenport-Lee developed liver disease. It is often associated with a side effect of growing up with a poor heart.

'I need a heart transplant but my liver won't survive it unless I get it replaced too. I'm waiting for the hospital to ring me and say there are two organs from the same donor that matches my blood type,' she said.

'I'm waiting for the hospital to ring me and say there are two organs from the same donor that matches my blood type,' she told Daily Mail Australia

She will only have about four hours from the time the hospital tells her they have the organs to get to the hospital

She will only have about four hours from that phone call to be at the hospital for the operation.

'A double transplant has happened three times in New Zealand but I will be the first congenital heart disease patient with a fontans circulation to have this done. The risks are higher,' she said.

'The risks are death, organ rejection which would happen within the first two weeks to one year of the transplant and infection. I have a low immune system so that put me at a higher risk of getting sick,' she said.

In some cases the damaged liver can regenerate on its own if you have a strong heart but Mrs Davenport-Lee's heart function is only at 20 per cent and not healthy enough for that to happen.

How do organ transplants work? Kidneys and livers may be transplanted from a living donor since people are born with an extra kidney and the liver is regenerative. Even a lung can be transplanted from a living donor, but this is still very rare. For these procedures, a patient will generally find a willing donor in a friend or family member. If a patient needs a heart transplant, a double lung transplant, a pancreas transplant or a cornea transplant, they will need to get it from a deceased donor. Source: HowStuffWorks Advertisement

'When I first went into heart failure in 2012 I was too sick to have a transplant. But my heart has gotten slightly stronger since then so doctors have given me the opportunity,' she said.

The young woman wants to spread awareness about the importance of organ donation so that more people like her can receive life-saving treatment.

'It is crazy in this country that a person can be a donor on their licence but family members can override this. And that often happens because of the understandable stress the family members are under.

'I would hate to think other parts of my body will not be donated if I die during surgery because my family are too upset to consent.

'Only 12 heart transplants are done in New Zealand in a year. We are one of the worst countries in the world for organ donors.

'In Europe people are deemed as organ donors unless otherwise specified. If I can get families to talk to each other about organ donation then that is a great achievement,' she said.

Photography by Perry Trotter and Perspectives Photo + Cinema.
Earl Spencer and his third wife, Karen, visited the National Portrait Gallery this week

Earl Spencer and his third wife, Karen, visited the National Portrait Gallery this week.

Between them they have nine children, 44-year-old Canadian Karen having two by ex-husband, film producer Mark Gordon, and one, Lady Charlotte, with Spencer.

The Earl, 52, is responsible for the remainder  four by first wife, Victoria Lockwood and a brace by his second Countess, Pidge, whom he left when their daughter, Lady Lara, was just four months old, though none by the 12 women with whom he enjoyed recreational adultery during his first marriage, nor any by Lady Eliot, to whom he was, at one stage, engaged.

All in all, a broad canvas.

Gone for a Potter: Line Of Duty star's day off

She may play a hard-nosed copper in BBC drama Line Of Duty, but Thandie Newton was all smiles as she took her family to the film home of Harry Potter at Warner Bros Studios in Hertfordshire.

Newton, 44, was joined by screenwriter husband Ol Parker, daughter Ripley, 16, clutching a wand, and a friend. Newton recently revealed Ripley had said on meeting Boris Johnson: Hello Mr Johnson, my name is Ripley Parker and I just wanted to tell you youre a ****.

The couple also have a daughter Nico, 12, and son Booker, three. Presumably they have yet to learn such fruity language.

Thandie Newton, 44, was joined by screenwriter husband Ol Parker, daughter Ripley, 16, clutching a wand, and a friend

Life imitates art for risque novelist Jilly Cooper. She reveals she wrote many of her bonkbusters naked and got the most wonderful suntan.

One summers day, as Cooper typed away on her terrace in the nude, she was surprised by a neighbour. She says: I remember there was a very sweet man in the area whod had a stroke that stopped him speaking.

He wandered round to the terrace and discovered me absolutely starkers. Good God! he shouted. At least it got him talking again.

SamCam's little brother pops out in his PJs

Samantha Camerons half-brother Robert Sheffield, 32, went out to dinner in Notting Hill wearing his stylish pyjamas, a Ralph Lauren jacket and Arthur Sleep customised slippers.

He explains: Feeling a bit under the weather but still made it out for dinner, just wore my pjs instead.

Its a change from cross-dressing. Rob, who will inherit his father Sir Reginald Sheffields title plus a 20 million fortune and 3,000-acre estate, once visited a Mayfair club sporting a mini-dress and blue wig.

The Night Manager star Hugh Laurie has discovered that distance not only makes the heart grow fonder, but also the waistline smaller.

My wife [Jo Green] has gone away to a health farm for a week, explains the 57-year-old. Ive already lost 7lb.
Scroll through Instagram, and it's easy to assume that the photo-sharing platform is a young person's game.

However, one pair of Adelaide-based friends have set out to defy this stereotype, via their website and Instagram profile.

The Visible Woman is dedicated to showcasing the style and beauty of women aged 40 and above.

Creators, Lauren Whiting, 35 and Nicholas Purcell, 38, told Daily Mail Australia 'we look past the stereotype' when sharing their work.

A pair of Adelaide-based friends set up a website and Instagram profile to highlight the style of women aged 40 and above (pictured)

The site features women from Australia, and places further afield such as Paris (pictured) and New York

Creators, Lauren Whiting and Nicholas Purcell (pictured), told Daily Mail Australia 'we look past the stereotype' when sharing their work

'The motivation behind The Visible Woman is to celebrate the personal style of women of a certain age,' Ms Whiting told FEMAIL.

'We want to encourage people to practice looking at older women differently; to recognise that they are more than the wrinkles on their face and the grey in their hair.

'In a culture obsessed with youth we feel passionately about shining a light on women who are comfortable in their skin, have with their style and who are under-represented in the fashion advertising world.'

'The motivation behind The Visible Woman is to celebrate the personal style of women of a certain age,' Ms Whiting told FEMAIL

'We want to encourage people to practice looking at older women differently; to recognise that they are more than the wrinkles on their face and the grey in their hair'

When the pair shoot the women they come across, Ms Whiting and Mr Purcell share their stories on the website and Instagram, as well as the details of what they are wearing

As a result, the pair shoot women they come across on the streets both at home in Adelaide and further afield in places such as New York and Paris.

AGELESS STYLE TIP * Trust yourself while shopping and don't be guided by fads. * Instead opt for items which make you feel comfortable and confident. Advertisement

When they shoot the women they come across, Ms Whiting and Mr Purcell share their stories on the website and Instagram, as well as the details of what they are wearing.

One woman, Margaret, 83, who they recently spoke to, said: 'People think that at 83 years old I don't need to make an effort any more but I don't want to look drab. I think that you should wear clothes that physically lift you and mentally lift you.'

Another woman who shared her story, Sybella, 66, told the pair that women in general start to feel more invisible in their fifties.

In recent times, the fashion world has woken up to the power of the middle-aged women

Instagram accounts such as Advanced Style are incredibly popular

In recent times, the fashion world has woken up to the power of the older woman as fashion icon.

As well as the popularity of Instagram accounts such as Advanced Style - which share the style of older women - there are more older models on the catwalks and in advertising campaigns than ever.

You can read more from The Visible Woman here.
Australian model Fernanda Ly has opened up about her own shocking experience of sexual assault in the fashion industry.

In a survey, published on Thursday on the industry site, models.com, high-profile names including Fernanda and UK-based Emily Butcher, spoke out about the industry they work in and how a model should be treated.

Fernanda - who has modelled for the likes of Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior among many others - honed in on the fact that the abuse of young models remains a problem.

'I was once shooting a lookbook where the stylist, helping me dress, used this chance to feel my body up much more than necessary and continued to do so throughout the entire shoot,' the 20-year-old wrote.

Australian model, Fernanda Ly (pictured), spoke out about the sexual abuse she has faced within the fashion industry in a recent models.com survey

'I was once shooting a lookbook where the stylist... used this chance to feel my body up much more than necessary and continued to do so throughout the entire shoot,' Fernanda wrote

'Countless times have I had to undress in undesirable public situations, but even now I can remember the disgusting feel of this man's hands tracing my body.

'Most of us start when underaged [sic], we develop and mature as women under all this as the norm.

'What has already happened has happened, but please do not let this continue to be so,' she pleaded.

'Countless times have I had to undress in undesirable public situations, but even now I can remember the disgusting feel of this man's hands tracing my body,' she said

In her personal essay, Fernanda also acknowledged that being successful as a model was a 'genetics game' - she made reference to the fact she still felt some pressure to be skinny

In her personal essay, Fernanda also acknowledged that being successful as a model was a 'genetics game'.

She revealed, that in spite of her good genes and 'a great team of bookers and agencies working alongside myself', she still felt some pressure to be skinny:

'We're dancing in the palms of the industrys whims and the dreaded measuring tape,' she wrote.

'...Your body is essentially your product to sell.'

Fernanda wasn't the only model who took part in the models.com survey - many chose to remain anonymous through fear of upsetting casting agents and not getting bookings

Fernanda wasn't the only model who took part in the models.com survey.

However, many chose to remain anonymous through fear of upsetting casting agents and not getting bookings.

UK model, Emily Butcher, spoke out about the modelling industry's 'alarming and limiting' refusal to move into the 'middle ground of sizing'.

Meanwhile, Petra Zamkova from the Czech Republic, openly shared her experiences with being pressured to lose weight and the dramatic toll modelling has taken on her health.

The survey follows increasing pressure on the fashion industry to do something about working conditions and diversity.

You can read the full models.com report here.
A woman was left fighting for her life after her trainee barrister husband stabbed her with a 13-inch knife  all because she didn't pick him up from dinner.

Joana Belcher, 39, from Whyteleafe, Surrey, revealed how in May 2016, her bullying husband Michael, 48, had phoned her 37 times demanding a lift home.

When she refused, he issued her with a chilling threat, 'I'm going to chop you into little pieces' he said.

Joana Belcher was attacked by her former husband in May 2016 after she refused to pick him up in the early hours of the morning

Now behind bars, Michael admitted wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in November 2016 at London's Kingston Crown Court and was jailed for 12 years.

Joana and Michael first met at the University of Miami, when she was 17 and he was 26.

Discovering they had both grown up in Jamaica, they bonded over their childhoods.

She said: 'I couldn't believe he was interested in me. He was older, ambitious and really charming. He could have sold sand in the desert or snow in the Antarctic.'

Michael Belcher, who has now been jailed for 12 years, threatened to cut Joana 'into little pieces' over the phone

When Joana finished university aged 21, she married Michael in a secret ceremony at a Florida courthouse.

For a year, she didn't even tell her family she had tied the knot, only spilling the beans when they spotted her lavish diamond ring and asked where she'd got it.

But the couple's honeymoon period was short-lived, and cracks soon appeared in the relationship.

She continued: 'With him, there was always some sort of drama. He was so angry all the time.'

Joana was rushed to hospital where medics treated her for a punctured lung and stab wounds. Pictured: Joana in hospital (left) and the scar the attack left her with (right)

Joana's two daughters were present during the attack and she is worried they will be mentally scarred. Pictured: The stab wounds left by the 13 inch knife

'It wasn't what I'd envisaged at all. There was nothing binding us together.'

By the time she was 24, Joana was adamant she wanted out, but feared Michael wouldn't let her go on her own terms.

Joana had a brief affair with a former boyfriend - something she now admits she isn't proud of, but did to escape her marriage.

She said: 'I thought that was my exit ticket, that there was no way he'd take me back afterwards.

'But rather than ditching me, he suggested marriage counselling and I felt I had to agree.'

From there, things seemed to improve and for years, life was good.

After marrying Michael Joana (pictured together) quickly realised that she wanted out and had a brief affair - something that Michael continued to punish her for

During the attack Michael also hacked off Joana's hair in a bid to make her 'feel horrible'. Pictured: Joana before the attack

After having two daughters, now 11 and seven they moved to Surrey for a better life.

The couple also returned to their studies, in order to get the jobs of their dreams  Joana's being an optometrist, while Michael's was a barrister.

But then, around two years ago, something in Michael snapped and Joana said he suddenly became obsessed with the affair she'd had, using it to punish her by telling her she was worthless.

He also began to cut her off from her friends, leaving her more and more isolated.

Joana continued: 'He used what I'd done as a free pass to treat me however he wanted.

'If I'd known he'd use at as a battering tool all those years later, I'd never have got back with him.

'I told him he needed to either accept it or leave, but I felt trapped in the shame of my past.

Joana is speaking out in the hope to encourage others to get help for domestic violence

'I began to keep a secret journal of everything he did to me. He'd call me every name under the sun, grinding me down until I felt worthless. I was like his excuse for everything that had gone wrong in his life.'

Eventually, the couple decided to divorce. Then in May 2016, Michael went out for dinner in central London.

Joana spent the night with her daughters and mum Annette, 61, sleeping in the children's room, which she'd been doing since moving out of her martial bed.

But, at around 2am, Michael rang, demanding she picked him up. She refused, offering instead to book him an Uber taxi.

But rather than accepting, he exploded with rage, ringing her 37 times before she unplugged the phone.

His final words to her came in the form of the chilling threat  'I'm going to chop you up into little pieces, just you wait.'

Then, around two hours later, he burst through the front door. Joana recalls hearing clanging noises in her kitchen, before he charged into the girls' bedroom, brandishing a kitchen knife.

He then launched himself at Joana, who desperately tried to shield her daughters from her maniacal husband.

She recalled: 'I was screaming, "What are you doing?" and putting out my hands to protect the girls. Mum was trying to pull him off me.

'Somehow, I struggled free and ran past him across the hall to my neighbour's. I banged on the door, but they didn't answer, so he dragged me back inside by my hair.

'He pushed me onto the sofa and started stabbing me. He was mimicking me saying, "You think you're so special."

'He also used the knife to hack my hair off, just to make me feel horrible. I just remember seeing blood everywhere.'

Soon after, the police arrived after Annette had called them. Michael was arrested and Joana was raced to St George's Hospital in Tooting, South London.

There, medics treated her for a punctured lung and stab wounds. Released after five days, she struggled to cope with nightmares and flashbacks.

'I didn't know how to explain to the girls what they'd seen,' she said. 'I tortured myself with 'what ifs'  what if I'd left years ago, what if I'd given him that lift? But he was the only one to blame.'

In November 2016, Michael was jailed for 12 years for the attack. Kingston Crown Court heard how was found to be just over double the drink-driving limit, after his blood alcohol level was back-calculated, and he had asked a medic if 'It was 10 or 15 years for GBH?'

In an emotionally charged impact statement, read out after the sentencing, Joana  who is now trying to rebuild her life said: 'I worry every day that my daughters will have lifelong emotional and mental scars from having witnessed their father behave so despicably.

'I hide my worries and my fears the best way I know how and try to control the damage with love, kindness, respect and the help of counsellors.

'I try to explain that we aren't alone and that there are many people in this world who have experienced what we are going through and one day hopefully we will be able to help others, just as we have been helped.

'As I have once said, I do not wish a hair on [Michael's] head harmed. My only wish is that I never see him again and that we no longer have to live in fear.'

Joana, who is speaking out to help fellow victims of domestic violence, has told other women with bullying partners: 'My main message is that if you're being treated poorly, it's not your fault. It's your abusers.

'If you're in the same dark place I once was, leaving may seem hard but it'll be the best thing you ever do.

'Because you're so isolated, you think nobody else will help but they will. Make sure you get out safely by telling someone and making a plan.

'You don't have to take the threats, isolation and violence. You deserve better.'

If you are suffering domestic abuse contact Women's Aid for free help and advice 24 hours a day.
Upcoming Netflix film The Swimmers (pictured, right) tells the real-life story of two sisters who were forced to flee Syria after the civil war broke out - before one went onto become an Olympian. Sarah, now 26, and Yusra Mardini, now 24,(pictured, left) left their home in Damascus in August 2015, four years after the conflict started in March 2011, in a bid to reach Europe. They planned to fly to Istanbul, before travelling to Greece via sea, then on land to Germany. But the journey nearly ended in tragedy when the motor on the dinghy they took across the Aegean Sea stalled, leaving its 18 occupants in peril. The sisters realised that the boat, which was designed to carry only seven people, couldn't take the weight of everyone onboard, and so they jumped into the icy waters. After making their way to Germany, and finding a swimming coach, Yusra took part in the Rio 2016 games (pictured, inset) as part of the newly formed refugee team. Now Netflix has immortalised their story in its film directed by Bafta winner Sally El Hosaini, and executive produced by Stephen Daldry.
He embarked on his European tour solo earlier this week, and his wife Camilla isn't due to join him until Friday.

But Prince Charles, 68, wasn't short of glamorous female company this afternoon, after being welcomed by Crown Princess Margareta of Romania for afternoon tea.

The royal greeted his Romanian counterpart with a lingering kiss on the hand, and at one point appeared to tenderly brush his cheek against her fingers.

Princess Maragreta, who looked elegant in a tailored green dress, returned the compliment by delivering a kiss on the cheek.

Prince Charles greeted Crown Princess Margareta of Romania with a tender kiss on the hand today as they met for afternoon tea

What will Camilla say? Charles lent in for a kiss with the glamorous Romanian royal. Earlier, he visited a cathedral and was welcomed to The Romanian Patriarchy by Patriarch Daniel

At one point, Charles appeared to gently brush the Princess' fingertips across his cheek

The 68-year-old, who was educated at a boarding school in Hampshire, is the eldest daughter of King Michael I of Romania and his wife Queen Anne.

She and her husband Prince Radu, a former actor, hosted Charles for tea this afternoon at the Elisabeta Palace.

The couple met when the princess was touring an orphanage where Radu Duda was working as an art therapist and they married in 1999.

Earlier today, the Prince of Wales was given the warmest of welcomes when he visited an orphanage.

The royals headed inside for a spot of afternoon tea at the glamorous venue in Bucharest following a busy day of engagements for the prince on the second day of his 'Brexit tour'

The Crown Princess looked elegant in a tailored green dress for her meeting with her fellow royal

The trip has been seen by some as a bridge building visit to strengthen ties with the continent in the light of Brexit (Charles is pictured with Crown Princess Margareta and Prince Radu)

The future King of England greeting the future Queen of Romania

Charles, 68, was visiting the FARA Foundation in Popesti Leordeni, just outside of Bucharest on the second day of his nine day European tour, when Amalia Paduraru and her sister Antonia ran up to embrace him - with one even planting a kiss on his cheek.

The foundation, of which Charles is patron, was set up by Jane Nicholson to alleviate the terrible suffering of children left abandoned in Romania's state orphanages.

It runs two projects in Bucharest, a centre for vulnerable and neglected children, and a residential training centre for young people to teach them the skills to live independently.

One small boy had been practising the phrase 'my name is Paul' ahead of the Prince's visit, and was thrilled when the royal beamed at him.

The Prince told the Fara children: 'Your English is much better than my Romanian, I've got a lot to learn.'

After hearing some of the dreadful experiences the children had endured, he exclaimed: 'Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.'

'The difficulty they always have is raising money,' he remarked later, of the charity's efforts.

Charles is given a warm welcome by two local girls as she arrives at the FARA Foundation in Popesti Leordeni, near Bucharest, on the second day of his 'Brexit tour' of Europe

The royal, who is patron of FARA, he will meet young people and children housed by the charity, as well as key supporters and young adults that graduated from FARA programme

Amalia Paduraru and her sister Antonia, who are housed by the FARA Foundation charity, were among the first to greet the Prince of Wales when he arrived at Popesti Leordeni

Charles later visited Patriarch Daniel, head of the Romanian Orthodox Church, at his palace in Bucharest for a meeting.

The pair exchanged gifts after their 30-minute discussions, with the senior cleric presenting Charles with a religious icon and in return he was given a set of dinner plates decorated with floral scenes.

The Prince told the Patriarch that the designs were 'based on plants in my garden' before the pair visited the nearby patriarchal cathedral, where he lit a candle.

Charles kicked off his second day in Romania on Thursday morning with an impromptu shopping trip at a local museum followed by a traditional dance.

Prince Charles holds hands with dancers in traditional folk dress as he visits village museum in Bucharest on the second day of his Romania visit - he will be joined by Camilla tomorrow

Charles shares a joke with Paula Popoiu, manager of the National Village Musuem where he viewed exhibitions and live demonstrations of traditional Romanian craft this morning

Prince Charles visits the Muzel Satului (Village Museum), Bucharest on Thursday morning, after meeting with the country's President Iohannis on the first day of his European tour

He was seen browsing a stall selling painted Easter eggs at the Muzel Satului (National Village Museum), Bucharest on Thursday morning where he learned about the country's cultural heritage.

The royal, who was dressed in a pale grey suit and pocket square, touched down in the Romanian capital yesterday afternoon for the start of his nine-day trip to Europe and last night met the country's President, Klaus Iohannis, at a formal reception at Cotroceni Palace.

He also joined women and girls dressed in embroidered peasant blouses in a traditional jig known as 'hora', and watched craftsmen painting eggs and religious icons on stone and wood.

Nifon, Romanian Orthodox Archbishop of Targoviste county welcomes Britain's Prince Charles before his meeting with Orthodox Patriarch Daniel

Prince Charles lights a candle at the Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral

Prince Charles is welcomed by His Beatitude, the Romanian Patriarch, and escorted inside the palace, where the Romanian and the British delegations will have a discussion

Charles has paid a visit to the Romanian Patriarcht in Bucharest and will have an audience with the Pope during his upcoming visit to the Vatican

Last night, Charles was awarded The Order of the Star of Romania, Romania's highest civilian order, by President Iohannis.

In a speech, Charles said that he would 'treasure this honour as a special symbol of my great affection for Romania and her people and of the warm relationship between our two countries'.

He added: 'It means a great deal to me to have built a special partnership with Romania.

The prince gestures to a passer-by as he visits the FARA Foundation in Popesti Leordeni

'I know the United Kingdom has also built a very deep and special partnership with your country and I know that will endure, as will my own.'

After his museum visit on Thursday morning, Charles met with Sorin Grindeanu, Prime Minister of Romania, at his office in Bucharest before touring Vacaresti Nature Park.

There, he visited the Bird Observatory, located on the 17th floor of the Asmita Tower building before exploring the wetlands and the Vacaresti ecosystem.

Prince Charles is presented with a gift on his visit to the FARA foundation in Popesti Leordeni

Dressed in a pale grey suit and formal tie, the royal looked rather dour compared to his brightly-dressed hosts as museum staff showed him around the grounds

Charles and Paulia Popoiu get involved in a traditional folk dance. The royal also learned about renovation techniques from throughout the country during his museum visit today

A jolly good sport: The royal appeared to have got the hang of it as he joined brightly-clad dancers in the grounds of the museum on a sunny spring morning

Welcome home: Charles said last night he was proud of his Romanian heritage, explaining: 'My great, great aunt was the much-loved Queen Marie of Romania from 1914-1938'

Vibrant: Charles watched a traditional Romanian dance as part of the museum visit

He met with volunteers and students that have been involved in the park association activities, as well as residents.

Charles also opened a bird hide, the first facility available for future visitors of the park, and planted a willow tree to mark his visit.

Vacaresti is an urban wetlands area, boasting a diverse ecosystem home to birds, mammals, and reptiles.

In a poignant speech last night, Charles said: 'I know the United Kingdom has also built a very deep and special partnership with your country and I know that will endure, as will my own'

The royal added that it meant 'a great deal to me to have built a special partnership with Romania' as he addressed politicians and dignitaries at Cotroceni Palace last night

The royal also told the President during Wednesday night's reception that it was his wish to 'help to remind Romanians of the uniqueness of their culture'

Charles meets museum staff in traditional Romanian dress. Last night he was presented with the Order of the Star of Romania - an honour which he said he 'treasure' for years to come

Souvenir: The royal is given a gift of handmade leather shoes as a token of his visit to the National Village Museum. After today he will travel to Italy and Austria with Camilla

Steeped in history: Charles looks around in wonder at a hall within the Village Museum

It is formed on a site of a hydrotechnical project started by the Communist regime in 1986, which was left unfinished, according to Clarence House.

Charles, who will be joined by his wife the Duchess of Cornwall in Italy tomorrow, travelled in the prime ministerial jet dubbed 'Cam Force One' and was greeted by a small delegation of Romanian and British officials.

The tour will also include visits to Italy and Austria, with the Duchess of Cornwall due to join her husband on Friday.

Crown Princess Margareta of Romania greets Prince Charles before hosting him for afternoon tea

The royal counterparts greeted each other with a kiss on the cheek

The Prince looks delighted with his new shoes - although it's they'll meet the requirements for formal attire expected at official engagements back at Buckingham Palace

Charles' leather shoes. The purpose of his visit to the museum today was to meet locals and to traditional Romanian craft and renovation techniques from throughout the country

Charles was seen browsing a stall selling painted Easter eggs at the museum - after he was awarded The Order of the Star of Romania, Romania's highest civilian order, last night

Something for Camilla? The royal, who will be joined by the Duchess of Cornwall tomorrow, is believed to be on a mission to strengthen ties with the continent in the light of Brexit

The royal, who was dressed in a pale grey suit and pocket square, touched down in the Romanian capital yesterday afternoon for the start of his nine-day trip to Europe

After his museum visit on Thursday morning, Charles met with Sorin Grindeanu, Prime Minister of Romania, in his office at the Palatul Victoria, Bucharest

Charles chats to Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu at the Palatul Victoria ahead of their official meeting - just hours after the royal spoke of his 'great affection' for the country

The pair sit down for a meeting at Palatul Victoria. Last night, Charles was awarded The Order of the Star of Romania, Romania's highest civilian order, by President Iohannis

The royals continue their 'Brexit charm offensive' The trip has been seen by some as a bridge building visit to strengthen ties with the continent in the light of Brexit. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Paris two weeks ago By the end of the year the royal family, dubbed the unofficial 'Brexit Ambassadors', will have visited the majority of the EU's major member states - France, Germany, Italy and Poland - with the King of Spain also coming to the UK for a state visit. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said of the tour: 'Royal visits play a very important role in the United Kingdom's bilateral diplomacy. 'The Royal Family are excellent and experienced ambassadors for the United Kingdom. Whilst every royal visit is unique, each visit is designed to support foreign policy objectives and promote closer ties across a range of areas, for example cultural, economic or political, between the UK and the host country.' Advertisement

Highlights from Charles and Camilla's trip include an audience with Pope Francis, while the Prince will meet survivors of last summer's Italian earthquake and the Duchess will tour the world famous Roman town of Herculaneum.

Charles has visited Italy many times and also has a close connection with Romania, as he has a country retreat in the remote village of Valea Zalanului in the region of Transylvania.

The pair will fly around the continent in the converted RAF A330 Voyager refuelling aircraft which was used by David Cameron when he was in office.

After his meeting with the Prime Minister, Charles visited nearby Vacaresti Nature Park, pictured, where he explored the wetlands and learned about its thriving ecosystem

Charles and Dan Barbulescu, executive manager of Vacaresti Nature Park Association plant a willow tree at the park, which is home to a diverse ecosystem of birds, mammals, and reptiles

Charles rolls up his sleeves to plant a willow at Vacaresti, formed on a site of a hydrotechnical project started by the Communist regime in 1986, which was left unfinished
Spring is the perfect time for a lightweight coat, and it appears Queen Letizia of Spain has already found her new-season favourite.

The stylish royal, 44, stepped out in a vibrant red coat as she attended a prize-giving ceremony for the the Princess of Girona Foundation in the city of Soria today.

It is the second time she has worn the stand-out piece in just two weeks - and it is likely to get a lot of wear in the coming months.

Radiant in red: Queen Letizia attended a prize-giving ceremony in Soria, Spain, today

Firm favourite: The Spanish royal, left today, last wore the coat two weeks ago in Madrid, right

Splash of colour: The mother-of-two wore the scarlet coat over a muted nude ensemble

She was last seen wearing the coat when she joined her husband King Felipe VI at an official engagement in Madrid earlier this month.

The eye-catching scarlet midi coat boasts flared sleeves, making it the perfect statement piece.

Letizia teamed the coat over an elegant nude ensemble of a white blouse and light-grey trousers.

In keeping with her signature look, the queen finished the look with a pair of nude-coloured suede heels.

Gracious: The Spanish royal spent time greeting well-wishers as she arrived at the event

Fun and flirty: The coat boasts cropped, flared sleeves, making it the perfect statement piece

The mother-of-two was in the city of Soria for the Princess of Girona Foundation prize-giving ceremony.

She smiled as she greeted crowds of excited well-wishers outside before meeting dignitaries and those involved in the foundation.

King Felipe VI is the honourary chairman of the charity and the royal couple are long-time supporters.

The foundation works with young people to help prepare them for life in the workplace and encourages young entrepreneurs to prosper.
After an action-packed two days hosting the president and first lady of Argentina, Queen Maxima's hectic week continued with an official engagement this morning.

The royal, 45, joined a group of children for an event marking Global Money Week at the Dutch Central Bank in Amsterdam.

Proving that finance doesn't have to be dull, the mother-of-three donned a leopard-print dress for the occasion.

Fierce: Queen Maxima, 45, wore a leopard-print dress to the event at the Dutch Central Bank

Engaged: The royal spent time speaking to young people about understanding finance

She paired the knee-length, cropped sleeve dress with a pair of semi-sheer tights and accessorised with a small black handbag.

Around her neck she wore two extra-long chains from high-end jeweller Van Cleef and Arpels in their signature Alhambra design.

The stunning necklaces can cost up to 22,000 each.

Queen Maxima wore her long blonde locks straight and loose around her shoulders - a departure from her favoured low chignons and elegant up-dos.

Raising awareness: The queen looked animated as she delivered a speech to the school pupils

Expensive taste: Maxima wore two long necklaces from jewellers Van Cleef and Arpels

Important message: Global Money week promotes financial education for young people

The Dutch royal delivered a speech as part of Global Money Week, which aims to raise public awareness on financial literacy and improving financial education for students from elementary and secondary schools.

All sessions in the Netherlands this week focus around the central theme: 'Does money make you happy?'

This week Queen Maxima and her husband King Willem-Alexander hosted the Argentinean president, Mauricio Macri, and his wife, Juliana Awada, for a two-day state visit.

Busy week: Queen Maxima, pictured, and her husband King Willem-Alexander hosted the Argentinean president, Mauricio Macri, and his wife, Juliana Awada, for a two-day state visit
Reese Witherspoon, 41, is the ultimate multi-hyphenate in Hollywood: Academy Award-winning actress, mother, entrepreneur, designer, producer and more.

Today, she adds another title to that list, and it's an unconventional one. Fragrance and cosmetics company Elizabeth Arden has named Reese its 'Storyteller-in-Chief'.

In the role, she'll be more than the face of the brand (though she'll be that, too). She will also help shape Elizabeth Arden's advertising and marketing campaigns.

More than just a pretty face: Reese Witherspoon, 41, is more than the new face of Elizabeth Arden. She has been signed as its 'Storyteller-in-Chief

ArdenxReese: The Big Little Lies star will, however, appear in both print and digital campaigns for the brand throughout 2017

Knowing Reese's stance on empowering women (she created her production company Hello Sunshine as a way to tell more female-driven stories), the partnership makes perfect sense.

'One of the first things that drew me to the brand was its rich heritage and history of supporting women,' shared Reese in a press release.

'As one of the first female entrepreneurs, Elizabeth Arden paved the way for women like me. Its an honor to carry on her legacy and be part of such an iconic company that is committed to serving women.'

The Academy Award-winning actress took to Instagram this morning to share a behind-the-scenes snap and write, 'So excited to announce my new role...as Storyteller-in-Chief for @ElizabethArden! It's an honor to be part of such an iconic company. More storytelling to come! Stay tuned!'

Guess who: Arden teased the Reese announcement on its Instagram page yesterday with these photo clues

On the Arden side, brand president JuE Wong echoed Reese's sentiment, saying, 'Reese exemplifies the ideals of our founder and continues to break boundaries every day. Like Elizabeth Arden before her, Reese does not accept the standard, she sets it, making her the perfect person to represent the brand and engage with our consumers globally.'

As part of Elizabeth Arden's re-branding efforts, particularly in the digital space, it has created a fictional Liz Arden character to connect with consumers.

'Reese is truly ahead of the curve when it comes to understanding the lifestyle of her consumer,' explained Wong.

'Her authenticity, which resonates worldwide, combined with her business acumen, digital prowess and social media footprint, provide a unique opportunity to further develop the "Liz Arden" persona, connect with women, and inspire them to "go out and mark their mark.'"

The ad that has been released sees Reese wearing a scoop-neck black top that's elegant but not in a way that distracts from her flawless complexion - a must for a brand rooted in skincare. Her hair is raked back in an almost-wet style and her eye make-up, while not harsh, is sexy and smoky.

According to Arden, Reese will star in both print and digital campaigns throughout the year.

This is not the first time the mom of three has signed on to work with a cosmetics company. In 2007, Avon announced that she was its first-ever global ambassador.

Gang's all here: Reese's HBO show Big Little Lies premiered last month. She stars alongside Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern (second from L), Shailene Woodley (third fromL) and Zoe Kravitz (R)

All in the family: Reese shares two lookalike kiddos, Ava (left), 17, and Deacon (right), 13, with ex-husband Ryan Phillippe and has a four year old, Tennessee, with husband Jim Toth
In matching blue jeans, white smocks and suede boots, five-year-old identical twins Abigail and Isobel are not only impossible to tell apart - they're also one in a million twins.

Because while the chances of giving birth in the UK to a baby with Down's syndrome is approximately one in 1,000, the odds of giving birth to identical twins with the condition is one in a million.

Mum and dad Jodi and Matt Parry, from Chorley, Lancashire, admit that they both grieved when they were told their girls had the condition.

However, they couldn't be prouder of their daughters and say even if their adorable girls could be born again without Down's syndrome, they wouldn't wish for Abigail and Isobel to be any different.

Jodi Parry, a police response driver, and Matt, a civil servant, with their daughters Abigail and Isobel at their home in Chorley, Lancashire. They say they couldn't be prouder of their daughters and say even if their girls could be born again without Down's syndrome, they wouldn't wish them to be any different

Jodi said: 'When they were first born we grieved when we found out they both had Down's syndrome, but now we wouldn't change it for the world.

'There's nothing in the world that could convince me to change them.'

Jodi, who works in the police force, added: 'I wouldn't say I have made any sacrifices because of the girls being born. It sounds sort of sugar coated but the only things that they have brought into our life are positive. There's nothing negative.'

Matt, who works as a civil servant, said: 'I don't care how many chromosomes they've got. I don't care about the biology and the science behind the Down's syndrome. It doesn't matter.

Five-year-old identical twins Abigail and Isobel (pictured in their school uniform) were born with Down's syndrome. The odds of giving birth to identical twins with the condition is one in a million

Abigail and Isobel with their mother, father and brother Finn pictured at home on November 3, 2016 in Chorley, England. Jodi said: 'When they were first born we grieved when we found out they both had Down's syndrome but now we wouldn't change it for the world'

Finn, eight, has dinner with his sisters Abigail and Isobel at home. He said: 'My life wouldn't be the same without them. Down's syndrome means that I have to help my sisters a bit more than if I had sisters with no Down's syndrome because they would be able to learn quicker'

'I have learnt there is no difference between them and [their brother] Finn other than the speed with which they are developing,'

DOWN'S SYNDROME Down's syndrome, or Trisomy 21, is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21. It can can cause physical disability as well associated problems with hearing and vision and congenital heart defects. One in very 1,000 babies born will have Downs syndrome. There is a higher chance of the condition in older mothers, although the reasons for this aren't yet known. However, most babies with Downs syndrome are born to women under the age of 35, as younger women have higher fertility rates. A controversial screening is being introduced this year, allowing parents to detect in pregnancy if the unborn child has Down's syndrome. The NHS claims the non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) offers a 99 percent accuracy of detection. Advertisement

Brother Finn, aged eight, is his sisters' biggest cheerleader and said: 'My life wouldn't be the same without them.

'Down's syndrome means that I have to help my sisters a bit more than if I had sisters with no Down's syndrome because they would be able to learn quicker.'

Isobel was born with a hole in her heart while Abigail wears a hearing aid, and both have thyroid problems and mild to moderate learning difficulties.

Jodi said: 'Obviously they have a lot more hospital appointments and routine check-ups. They've got an underactive thyroid so they have a blood test for that. Taking two children to hospital is a nightmare just because you've got two!

'Life is just a bit more different. Everything just takes a little bit longer.'

Between 2011-2013, there was a 17.8 percent increase in abortions for Down's Syndrome and Matt and Jodi are concerned that without balanced advice alongside a controversial new test for the condition, the number of terminations could increase.

Jodi said: 'When Down's syndrome is diagnosed prenatally it comes with: 'This child has got Down's syndrome, you can have a termination within the next 10 weeks. And that is kind of heart-breaking.

'I think if you get the option to terminate straight away, and nobody gives you the pros as well as the cons, then people will terminate.'

Isobel (left) and Abigail (right) smile for the camera at the family home in Chorley. Down's syndrome, or Trisomy 21, is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21 which can cause physical disability as well associated problems with hearing and vision, congenital heart defects (Isobel was born with a hole in her heart while Abigail wears a hearing aid), thyroid problems and mild to moderate learning difficulties

Abigail and Isobel dancing at home. Their parents have created a charity called Twincess to try and highlight the positives of having children with Down's syndrome. Jodi calls Twincess 'a celebration of Down's syndrome' and a way to 'dispel any myths'

The couple have created a charity called Twincess to try and highlight the positives of having children with Down's syndrome. Jodi calls Twincess 'a celebration of Down's syndrome' and a way to 'dispel any myths'.

While Matt and Jodi have embraced the extra chromosomes that have helped shape Isobel and Abigail's personalities, Matt admits that when they first learnt their twins had Down's syndrome, they were devastated.

He said: 'I don't think I will ever forget that day. It was as if the whole world had ended. Life was not how I wanted it. I just shut down completely.'

Abigail and Isobel in their school uniforms. While Matt and Jodi have embraced the extra chromosomes that have helped shape Isobel and Abigail's personalities, Matt admits that when they first learnt their twins had Down's syndrome, they were devastated

Because she was expecting identical twins, Jodi's pregnancy was classed as high risk and she was scanned regularly throughout the pregnancy. The twins were born prematurely and spent four weeks in the neonatal unit, where doctors told the Parrys the twins would be tested for Down's syndrome.

Jodi said: 'When the doctor took us to one side to give us the results, he said he was sorry that Abigail and Isobel had Down's syndrome. To this day I'll never know what he was sorry for.

'And I think if I could ever meet him again, I would like to show him Abigail and Isobel and say, "Why did you say sorry because we wouldn't change Abigail and Isobel for the world now?".'

The girls now go to mainstream school. They mainly communicate by sign but the girls' speech improves daily

The girls now go to mainstream school, where they mostly communicate by sign and Jodi says the girls are thriving.

She said: 'They love school. Their main communication is by sign but the girls' speech improves daily.

'Abigail is probably a little bit more behind in her speech because she suffers with her hearing. So when she is at school she wears a hearing aid. They can both say their own names, Mummy, Daddy and Finn.

'I'm not going to say we've got great expectations, that we think they will be the first person with Down's syndrome to be a chartered accountant or anything like that.

'But as long as they are given a chance that's all I could wish for.'
Most of us are guilty of wasting food because we're worried about adhering too rigidly to use by dates for fear of getting ill, with UK households throwing away 13bn of food each year.

But while it's wise to stick to pay attention when it comes to meat, fish and seafood there are plenty of foods you can safely eat past the date on the packaging.

In a post for Sheer Luxe Carla Griscti has revealed 13 foods you can safely eat past their use by date, including those that will last for years after.

Canned goods can last up to four years if you keep them in a cool, dry place

CANNED PRODUCE

Most tinned food will come with a best before date several years ahead, but you can add on extra time without any risk.

As long as you store your undamaged cans somewhere cool away from direct light, then they can last up to four years.

BISCUITS AND CRISPS

Although your favourite snacks might lose some crunch once their best by date has passed, it won't do you any harm to consume them a few weeks after.

To restore crispness, place them on a paper towel on top of a plate and microwave them for 40 seconds to evaporate the moisture that's made them go a little soggy, and allow them to cool before you eat.

Biscuits are safe to eat a few weeks after the expiration date, and you can restore any lost crunch by placing them in the microwave

DRIED PASTA

Dry pasta usually comes with a long shelf life in any case.

And provided you store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry cupboard, there's no reason why you can't push the expiry date to three years.

Dried pasta can have a shelf life of three years, provided it's stored in an airtight container

EGGS

If you keep your eggs in the fridge, they're safe to eat up to three weeks after the sell by date.

Any unpleasant odour when you crack them is an indication they should be thrown away, and another way to check if they're still good is to drop them in a bowl of water.

Fresh eggs sink to the bottom, while bad ones float to the top. If the egg rests on the bottom and tilts upwards, it's a sign it's going off and should be eaten as soon as possible.

Eggs are safe to eat up to three weeks after the best before date, provided they're kept in the fridge

FROZEN VEGETABLES

The temperatures in your freezer prevent food going off, so unopened packets can , in theory, last indefinitely.

Eating frozen veg that's past its sell by date shouldn't do you any harm.

However, the texture may change over time so the real test will be in the taste.

Unopened frozen veg should be safe to eat well past its sell-by date, but the texture may change over time

BREAD

The best before date on bread is based on the assumption that you'll leave it out on the kitchen counter.

If you leave it out where it's exposed to higher temperatures, mould will start to form within a few days.

However, you can make your loaf last for up to two weeks if you keep it in the fridge.

A loaf of bread can last up to two weeks if you keep it in the fridge

PICKLES

Preserved foods such as pickles, sauerkraut and beetroot have been through a process of salting and are stored in a very acidic vinegar, which prevents thee growth of bacteria.

Pickles can last for up to two years past their sell-by date if they're stored in an airtight jar in the fridge, although they may start to lose some of their crunch.

Jams and chutneys will also still be safe to eat past their sell-by date.

Pickles can be safely eaten for up to two years after their sell-by date, although they may start to lose some of their crunch

YOGHURT

As long as it's not been opened, you usually have up to two weeks after the sell-by date to eat yoghurt before it starts to go off.

Mould can start to form if it's been open for a while, but as long as there's no sign of this and it doesn't smell bad, then you're on safe ground.

Unopened yoghurt is usually safe to eat for two weeks past the best before date

CHOCOLATE

As a rule of thumb, as long as your chocolate tastes fine then there's no harm in eating it long after the sell-by date.

Sometimes, a white film begins to form on older chocolate, which is caused by the sugar crystallising, but it won't do you any harm to eat.

You can also chop it up to use as chocolate chips in baking or grate over ice-cream.

Chocolate can be eaten well past its best before date, even if there are white patches caused by the sugar crystallising

HARD CHEESE

You might be tempted to throw away your block of cheese at the first sign of mould, but it's only dangerous on soft cheese such as brie or ricotta, as it can send out threads that you can't see.

Mould can't penetrate harder cheeses such as parmesan and cheddar.

So you can safely enjoy hard cheese that's past its sell by date once you've removed any growths.

Hard cheese such as parmesan and cheddar is safe to enjoy past its sell-by date, as long as you've removed any mould

SALAD LEAVES

There's no reason to bin your out of date salad leaves.

As long as they haven't gone mouldy, then you're perfectly safe to tuck in.

And you can revive any limp looking leaves with a few splashes of water.

Provided there's no mould on your salad leaves, they're safe to consume past the best-by date

SPIRITS

Unlike wine, spirits have an extremely long shelf life provided they're stored properly.

Whiskey, for instance, only ages in the cask, but not in a bottle. You should store it at 15.5 to 19.4 degrees in a dark environment, and make sure it's upright so it doesn't come into contact with the cork.

When taken care of properly, whiskey can be kept indefinitely, while the same goes for gin and vodka.

Take care with cream liqueurs however, that will start to spoil over time.

When stored upright in a dark environment at the right temperature, whiskey can keep indefinitely

MILK

When it comes to milk, then as long as it tastes and smells fine then there's no need to worry too much about the sell-by date.

Keeping it sealed in the fridge will maintain freshness, and a carton usually stays in a drinkable state for up to a week past the best before date.
A former Air Force mechanic who was once deployed to Afghanistan is now an Instagram model and bodybuilder with hundreds of thousands of fans.

Right after graduating high school, Florida-resident Hope Howard's ambition to help other people prompted her to join the US Air Force, and by 19 years old, she was sent to the Middle East.

On her website, Hope, 26, calls her deployment 'both the worst and best experience of my life,' adding that it resulted in her doing 'an immense amount of growing and began to see the world differently.'

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Following her dream: Hope Howard of Florida has gone from Air Force mechanic to Instagram model with more than 500,000 followers

Another life: She enlisted in the Air Force after graduating high school, and became a fighter jet mechanic in Afghanistan aged just 19

Changed up: She says that during her time abroad she 'had an M-16 machine gun strapped to me pretty much 24/7'

'I had an M-16 machine gun strapped to me pretty much 24/7,' she said.

At the end of the tour, the experience caused her to re-evaluate her career and revisit a dream she'd had since she was a little girl: becoming a model.

'A fire started to burn inside me and it couldn't be put out,' she said. 'Lifting weights and eating properly seriously saved my life!'

After just four years, as the end of her six-year enlistment approached, Hope had worked her way up to becoming a personal trainer and a weightlifter.

A different look: Upon returning from her tour, she began looking after her diet and fitness

A new life: Four years after returning, she had worked her way up to becoming a personal trainer and bodybuilder

Looking ahead: She suffered a stumble in the road when her grandmother died, but used her words to spur her on in her career

But then Hope experienced yet another life changing event: the death of her grandmother.

'She was my most favorite person in the whole world and I started to give up on my dream again but then I remembered something very important,' she said. 'My grandma told me "You have to live your life no matter what."'

'So from then on I decided to do just that. I decided to get out of the military and pursue fitness modeling and personal training full time. This way I could have the best of both worlds. I could model while helping others.'

Getting the likes: Hope's fans can't get enough of her racy photos on Instagram

Passing it on: Hope offers online services to help others trying to turn around their fitness

Today, she has built an incredible online following, with more than half a million followers on Instagram alone.

Fans can't get enough of Hope's scantily clad selfies, showing off her incredible, hard-earned fit form.

When she isn't snapping jaw-dropping bikini photos, Hope also competes as a body builder and offers online services to people trying to get fit.
An art student proudly displayed her unshaven body hair on Twitter in a powerful reminder that she is in charge of her appearance.

The 17-year-old from Southern California, named only as Lalonie, shared two photos of herself earlier this month to make a statement. One shows her natural armpit hair, and the other a thin patch of hair running from her belly button to her lower abdomen.

Lalonie, who simply does not enjoy shaving, called the pictures 'body hair positivity' and said she was posting them because she would 'never let misogynistic opinions dictate' what she does with her body.

Statement: Art student Lalonie (pictured), 17, shared photos of her unshaven armpit and belly hair earlier this month to show she was free to do what she wants with her body

Taking a stance: Lalonie called the pictures 'body hair positivity' and said she was posting them because she would 'never let misogynistic opinions dictate' what she does with her body

Her post has received 19,000 likes and has been retweeted more than 7,000 times, as other others of the social media platforms praised her initiative.

'Wish i had the strength,' another woman wrote. 'Go you, this is very empowering.'

'Yeah, girl, embrace that happy trail!' someone else told Lalonie, using a common nickname for the small patch of belly hair. 'Took me forever to love mine. People need to see women w/ body hair more often!'

Others however weren't as receptive, with one user telling the student to 'shave that s**t'.

In one puzzling answer, a male user told Lalonie she was free to do what she wanted with her body, while at the same time questioning her shaving decisions.

'It's your body an all that's cool but why the underarm hair tho like honestly [sic],' the man wrote.

Praise: Her post has received 19,000 likes and has been retweeted more than 7,000 times, as other others of the social media platforms encouraged the student's initiative

Self-love: One woman shared her own experience learning to love her 'happy trail', a common nickname for a patch of hair running on the lower abdomen

Mixed signals: In one puzzling answer, a male user told Lalonie she was free to do what she wanted with her body, while at the same time questioning her shaving decisions

Others questioned the student's feminist beliefs because she was posting about defying misogynistic opinions while wearing makeup.

Their comments implied that she couldn't stand for female empowerment if she also liked to use cosmetics.

'Makes post about misogyny, but puts on a bunch of make up and has eyebrows perfectly done. Okay,' one woman wrote with an eye-rolling emoji.

But some users defended Lalonie's post by pointing out that her message was precisely to encourage women to do what they want with their bodies, whether that implies wearing makeup or not, as well as shaving or not shaving.

Opinions: Others questioned the student's feminist beliefs because she was posting about defying misogynistic opinions while wearing makeup

Reminder: Some users defended Lalonie's post by pointing out that her message was precisely to encourage women to do what they want with their bodies

'Clearly, everyone is missing your point. You / we should be able to wear 'too much' makeup & not shave our armpits. It's OUR choice,' one person told the student.

Lalonie, meanwhile, hasn't let the comments deter her and was surprised that so many people would have such strong reactions, telling the Huffington Post she was 'more shocked that in the year 2017 there were still people who were getting offended over body hair'.

'Misogyny is so deeply rooted in our society that is sometimes very hard to recognize,' she added.

'There are so many micro-aggressions and double standards that are very prevalent in our society... Men can post plenty of pictures of them shirtless with chest hair and armpit hair, but a girl posting a positive picture about her armpit hair and a happy trail? Absolutely unheard of!'
A high school student has earned online fame with a set of humorous senior pictures paying a radically honest tribute to her hometown of Tucson, Arizona.

Timea Post, a 17-year-old senior at Tucson High Magnet School, shared the photos on Twitter earlier this month, claiming they were inspired by 'the beauty of Tucson'.

But rather than featuring the city's beautiful mountains, Timea posed in front of hilariously unphotogenic sites, which residents have hailed as Tucson's true landmarks.

Hometown pride: Timea Post, 17, has earned online fame with senior pictures paying an honest tribute to Tucson, such as this shot celebrating Tucson-based fast-food chain Eegee's

Common sight: The series of photos includes this portrait of the student in front of a Mattress Firm store, which she says are present in abundance in Tucson

Context: Timea shared the photos, which were taken by one of her friends, on Twitter earlier this month, to the delight of fellow Tucson residents

In one of the photos, Timea poses in front of a construction site, while another sees her grinning next to a Mattress Firm store.

'I always see people on Twitter making fun of Tucson for having a bunch of construction and a bunch of Mattress Firms, which is true,' the student told Seventeen.com.

'They're Tucson icons. I don't know why, but Mattress Firms are on every corner, like Starbucks or McDonald's.'

Timea can also be seen holding a portion of fries and a drink from Eegee's close to her face, in a nod to the Tucson-based fast-food chain.

Landmark: Among the places selected by Timea for her pictures is a construction site, which she says is another frequent sighting for those who live in Tucson

Culture: The student can also be seen posing inside Tucson used bookstore Bookmans, holding Laura Marx Fitzgerald's middle-grade book Under The Egg

'On point'! Fellow Tucson residents told Timea how much they enjoyed the photos and seemed to think they did a good job at reflecting the city's actual landmarks

Eegee's loved the photo so much they told the student the picture was 'literally us' and tweeted back to offer her some free food.

Another shot features Timea inside a Bookmans used bookstore, holding Laura Marx Fitzgerald's middle-grade book Under The Egg.

Fellow Tucson residents enjoyed the pictures as well and appeared to believe they did a great job at encapsulating the city's actual essence, with one them saying: 'I've never been more proud to live in Tucson.'

One person pointed out that 'the construction pic is on point', while another called the Eeg'ee's snap 'the icing on the cake'.

The pictures were taken by a student's friend, and despite the online acclaim, Timea said the shoot was just for fun and she doesn't know whether she'll submit them for her yearbook.
Once upon a time, some McDonald's locations offered pizza along with Big Mac's and fries.

The item appeared on menus at the fast food chain from the late '80s to the late '90s, but pretty much disappeared before the new millennium  except at exactly two locations.

Thanks to the internet, curious fast foodies are going on road trips to McDonald's locations in Pomeroy, Ohio and Spencer, West Virginia that still carry McPizza.

Unique: The internet is freaking out about news that two McDonald's locations in the US are selling pizza

Care to travel? The pizzas are available at stores in in Pomeroy, Ohio and Spencer, West Virginia

The hero: Both stores are run by franchise owner Greg Mills

The two locations, run by franchise owner Greg Mills, never actually stopped selling the menu option when the rest of the country did.

Two sizes are offered  personal pizza and family pizza  and toppings include plain cheese, pepperoni, sausage, onions, mushrooms, and green peppers.

The family size sells for $6 each, while personal pies are between $2.75 and $3.25.

Flashback: Pizzas were available at many McDonald's locations in the '80s and '90s but the item has been discontinued

Hanging on! These two stores still sell a knock-off of the original recipe

Worth it? They come in two sizes and with a choice of toppings, but take a bit longer to make than other items

According to Eater.com, most McDonald's stores seem to have dropped the item because  with an 11-minute cook time  they took too long to prepare.

Because they're so rare these days, though, it seems some people are willing to wait  and travel. Word has been spreading online lately, sending flocks of McDonald's fans to the two stores.

This month, three Canadian men in their 20s traveled over a thousand miles just to get their hands on a pie in West Virginia.

Curious: Fans have been traveling hundreds of miles to try it out

'Before we even left I said this was a stupid ideabut that was the whole point, right?' Mitchell Boughner, 25, told Munchies.

According to Canada.com, a spokesperson for McDonald's said it's not the exact same recipe that was sold in the 80's and 90's, even if fans say it's pretty close.

Interestingly, the pizzas originally stayed on menus longer in Canada, and Howie Mandel once appeared in commercials for them, according to MentalFloss.
Almost 150 GPs are quitting the NHS every month despite a government pledge to hire 5,000 by 2020.

The health service lost 445 full-time doctors in the three months from September to December, figures revealed last night.

Experts said the fall exposed the deepening crisis in surgeries that are struggling to meet the demands of the rising, ageing population.

Almost 150 GPs are quitting the NHS every month despite a government pledge to hire 5,000 by 2020 (file image)

NHS boss Simon Stevens is expected to unveil plans tomorrow to improve the health service, including proposals for surgeries to work more closely together to provide evening and weekend appointments.

But MPs and medical professionals say these plans are light years away as the health service is so short of GPs.

Figures from NHS Digital show there were 34,050 full-time GPs in December 2016, down from 34,495 in September 2016  a drop of 1.3 per cent.

The data only goes back to September 2015  before then it was collected differently  when there were 34,592 full-time GPs.

NHS boss Simon Stevens is expected to unveil plans tomorrow to improve the health service

The drop in numbers comes amid widespread demoralisation over increasing workloads and bureaucracy. Many doctors leave the NHS for private practice or jobs overseas, and some quit the profession altogether.

Two years ago the Government promised to hire an extra 5,000 doctors by 2020 to drive down waiting times and provide out-of-hours appointments. A series of drastic measures was introduced, including golden hellos worth 20,000 for trainee GPs to take up unpopular jobs.

Ministers also pledged to slash red tape and raise salaries.

But doctors leaders said the Government is still not doing enough to attract new GPs or stop existing ones retiring.

Despite the overall decline, the number of women GPs is on the rise and they may soon outnumber men.

There are now 15,136 full-time women family doctors, up from 14,904 in September 2015. This compares with 15,242 male doctors, down from 15,427 over the same period.

The rising proportion of women may create problems in the future as many go part-time after having children.

Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, of the Royal College of GPs, said the overall decline in GP numbers was dreadful.

Lib Dem health spokesman Norman Lamb has slammed the figures as being 'light years' away from the Government's target

These figures are a huge blow, she added. We need to turn the tide. The future of the health service and patient care relies on having a robust general practice. Dr Krishna Kasaraneni, of the British Medical Association, said: The NHS is at breaking point and it is not acceptable for this crisis to be allowed to get worse.

Lib Dem health spokesman Norman Lamb said: These figures show we are light years away from the Governments aim to train and recruit an extra 5,000 GPs by 2020.

The Department of Health said: We remain committed to an extra 5,000 doctors in general practice by 2020. We currently have the highest number of GPs in training than ever before.
Lindstrom knows, from old research, that 40 per cent of the worlds toothbrushes have red handles, while in Saudi Arabia only 2 per cent are this colour. What does it mean?

SMALL DATA

by Martin Lindstrom

(John Murray 10.99)

Big data we know about. Three billion people are now online, 300 hours of videos are uploaded on to YouTube every minute. And all this stuff we are doing online is being monitored by companies who want our money. Big data has become big business.

But how useful is it? Martin Lindstrom is a Danish brand consultant. He says working out what millions of people are doing is all very well  but does it tell you what one person might do, or you, or me? No it doesnt.

So Lindstrom travels the world observing people and drawing often bizarre and counter-intuitive conclusions from their habits.

His great example is Lego, which reached something of an impasse in the early Noughties. Sales were dropping, and the company wanted to know why. All the big data suggested that young people were obsessed with the internet.

But some small data researchers visited an 11-year-old Lego fan in Germany, and asked him what his proudest possession was. The boy pointed to a pair of old Adidas trainers, which were worn down in such a precise way that they showed that the boy was a champion skateboarder.

From this single incident, the researchers concluded that children attain social currency among their peers by playing and achieving a high level of mastery at their chosen skill, whatever that is.

If the skill is valuable, and worthwhile, they will stick with it until they get it right, never mind how long it takes.

Lego changed its entire strategy based on this chance observation. It introduced larger and more complicated models and Lego became about mastery, craftsmanship, hard-won experience. Ten years later, the company overtook Mattel to become the worlds largest toymaker.

The stuff this guy finds out! For instance, theres a general move towards touch-screens on phones and computers. Older people, however, find this difficult: theyre used to pressing buttons, pulling levers and turning knobs.

SMALL DATA by Martin Lindstrom (John Murray 10.99)

A five-year-old navigates the screen with a virtuosos ease. One unforeseen result of this is that younger peoples hands are getting weaker. Shake hands with a youth and youll notice how feeble their grip is.

As a consequence, bottle manufacturers are loosening the grips of caps, and car doors are much easier to open.

On a trip to Russia, it was discovered that very few Russian homes had mirrors, but most had huge quantities of fridge magnets  many depicting foreign climes  which signified their owners dreams of escape, of a better life, for their children if not for them.

Lindstrom knows, from old research, that 40 per cent of the worlds toothbrushes have red handles, while in Saudi Arabia only 2 per cent are this colour. What does it mean?

It is a fascinating and revealing book, with unexpected treasures in every chapter.

And the Saudis? They turn out to have a striking and almost universal fear of fire  hence no red toothbrushes. Who would ever have imagined that?
White Tears by Hari Kunzru (Hamish Hamilton 14.99)

WHITE TEARS

by Hari Kunzru (Hamish Hamilton 14.99)

This could easily have been an Ali G-style satire: Two white American college kids obsessed with the blues find themselves in possession of a recording that sends the internet into a frenzy.

But Kunzru  a former music journalist who was named as one of Grantas best young British novelists in 2003  soon starts to take his fifth novel in a different direction. It becomes clear that the hapless duo are out of their depth, and after trust fund hipster Carter is left for dead in the wake of a savage attack, the skilfully controlled atmosphere of growing creepiness descends into horror.

Kunzru has clearly had fun with the traditions of the ghost story. Like all the best ones, White Tears serves up stories within stories, monomania and ill-advised quests that give off a whiff of sulphur.

It whips along, even as reality itself seems to come unmoored, but at its heart is a serious reminder of how history too often robs the powerless of their voices.

Reservoir 13 by Jon McGregor (4th Estate 14.99)

RESERVOIR 13

by Jon McGregor (4th Estate 14.99)

Award-winning Jon McGregor defies expectations with this superbly crafted and mesmerisingly atmospheric portrait of an unnamed Yorkshire village.

It begins like a thriller, with the disappearance of a 13-year-old girl. We, like the locals, expect the worse, but the police can find nothing to go on.

And while the shadow cast by the mystery never entirely lifts, normal life resumes.

McGregors first novel spanned a single day; here, a whole year passes in the course of the first chapter. The dark secrets and private sorrows of the locals are charted, time-lapse style, over the course of the next decade, and the collective consciousness of the village compellingly eavesdropped upon.

Meanwhile, the changing seasons, far from being a mere decorative backdrop, are a central part of the narratives distinctive warp and weft.

Unsentimental and occasionally very funny, this is a haunting, beautiful book.

Silver & Salt by Elanor Dymott (Jonathan Cape 14.99)

SILVER & SALT

by Elanor Dymott (Jonathan Cape 14.99)

In the Sixties, Max The Face Hollingbourne is the photographer of choice for stars from Barbara Hepworth to Audrey Hepburn. But his dedication to his art comes at a cost: his wifes sanity crumbles and his sensitive younger daughter, Ruthie, is deeply scarred.

Some decades on at the familys seaside villa in Greece, a tragedy occurs, and Dymotts novel is concerned with unravelling the backstory to this.

Silver & Salt juxtaposes the precise mechanics of the photographic process with the fluidity of memory to great effect. Dymotts first novel was the highly praised Every Contact Leaves A Trace, and here, too, she skilfully suggests how people  not just pictures  are all too susceptible to atmospheric conditions.

Moving between past and present, Greece and the Hollingbournes rambling English country house, it culminates in a daring and indelible denouement
Lt. Governor Anil Baijal with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at the Delhi Assembly on the opening day of its five-day Budget session, in New Delhi

Lieutenant Governor (LG) Anil Baijal has directed that the the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) cough up Rs 55 cr that was supposedly 'splurged' on advertisements in violation of Supreme Court rules.

The move comes months after a Centre-appointed three-member committee indicted the AAP government for misusing exchequer money on advertisements.

Baijal also ordered an inquiry into the spending on advertisements projecting chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and his party and asked the chief secretary to fix responsibility.

The AAP will be required to pay back the money within a month of the ruling.

Sources said the government has so far paid Rs 42 cr to ad agencies and the LG has directed chief secretary M M Kutty to get the remaining amount reimbursed from the AAP and paid directly to the agencies.

Last year, the committee had received a complaint from Congress leader Ajay Maken accusing the AAP government in Delhi of splurging public money on advertisements.

In its order in September last year, the panel had come to the conclusion that the government of NCT of Delhi has violated guidelines issued by the Honourable Supreme Court of India in six of the nine areas listed by the complainant.

'The violations include outstation advertisements, false/misleading advertisements, advertisements for self-glorification and to target political opponents, advertisements against media, advertisements mentioning the party in power by name and also advertisements issued on incidents occurring in other states.'

Leader of the AAP and Chief minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal (L) and AAP candidate for Amritsar Lok Sabha by-poll, Upkar Singh Sandhu wave to supporters during the AAP campaign event

In its order the panel said the AAP should be made to reimburse the expenditure since a violation of the Supreme Court order of May 13, 2015, has taken place.

The assessment of the expenditure should be made by the Delhi government, it said.

The panel also directed the Delhi government must assess any expenditure incurred by it while issuing advertisements outside the territory of Delhi on the occasion of various anniversaries.

Specifically, the court directed the AAP to assess expenditure on those advertisements or advertorials in which their name is mentioned, which publicised the views of the chief minister on incidents that took place in other states, and advertisements which targeted the opposition.

The committee had received a complaint from Congress leader Ajay Maken accusing the AAP government in Delhi of splurging public money on advertisements

In a report earlier this month, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had also found that the Aam Aadmi Party government spent Rs 29 cr in releasing advertisements outside Delhi which was beyond its responsibility.

It had also said advertisements worth Rs 24 cr released by it was in violation of financial propriety and Supreme Court regulations, stated the CAG report tabled in the Delhi Assembly on March 10.

The AAP government had rejected the report and despite repeated attempts, Delhi Tourism minister Kapil Mishra could not be contacted.
The chorus of anger against triple talaq divorce is reaching a crescendo as another victim lent her voice to the campaign on Thursday.

Following in the footsteps of fellow Saharanpur residents Atiya Sabri and Shagufta Shah, Reshma Parveen has joined the fight against the instant divorce practice and has also approached Prime Minister Narendra Modi for help.

Reshma also went to a local hospital to meet Shagufta who is receiving care after the pregnant mother-of-two girls was thrown out by her husband and in-laws for refusing an abortion.

Following in the footsteps of fellow Saharanpur residents Atiya Sabri and Shagufta Shah, Reshma Parveen has joined the fight against the instant divorce practice and has also approached Prime Minister Narendra Modi for help

The triple talaq is a Sharia law practice which allows men to end a marriage, simply by saying 'talaq' to their wives three times in succession.

While many Muslim-majority countries such as Pakistan and Indonesia have outlawed the custom for years, India  home to the world's third-largest Muslim population - continues to allow it.

The Supreme Court is hearing a batch of petitions opposing triple talaq, after women complained that they had been divorced via Facebook and WhatsApp.

However, the All India Muslim Personal Board (AIMPLB) has urged the SC 'not to meddle with its personal laws'.

Atiya Sabri too had approached the top court, challenging triple talaq given by her husband on a piece of paper.

Shagufta said she was then beaten, tortured and disowned by Sayeed and his family before being served with triple talaq and thrown onto the streets

Police arrested her husband and father-in-law this month on dowry harassment charges.

They have been sent to judicial custody. Her mother-in-law, also an accused, is absconding.

At the hospital, I met Atiya Sabri. I was surprised to see her confidence and we instantly became friends as we are victims of the same 'curse' of our religion.

Shagufta approached the police and after being denied justice, she wrote a letter to Modi and UP CM Yogi Adityanath.

An FIR was finally registered on Wednesday against the accused, who are on the run, after the case hit the headlines.

Reshma was not lucky enough to get media attention about seven years ago and after the police refused to help her, she approached the district court and is still pursuing her case.

'I got married to Ishtekhar Malik, a native of Dehradun, in December 2010. However, after a week he sent me back to my parents and the next week, he gave me talaq over the phone,' she told Mail Today.

'Later, we came to know that he was having an affair with a tenant of his house and that is why he left me.

'We also approached the police a number of times but were chased away like animals. Then we decided to file a suit in the district court and are still running from pillar to post to get justice even after 7 years.'

The original story in the Mail Today

Reshma said her father died a few years ago and she's living with her elderly mother.

'Our expenses are met by the rent from a room. We are leading a very hard life,' she said. After seeing the media attention Shagufta is receiving, Reshma reached the district hospital to meet her.

'I was very surprised and relieved to see how the media has helped her. Now I also have hope for a better future,' she said.

'At the hospital, I met Atiya Sabri. I was surprised to see her confidence and we instantly became friends as we are victims of the same 'curse' of our religion.

'Now I feel my confidence level boosted up and I will also approach the PM and the CM.' Atiya was also excited with the developments of the past few days.

'We are firstly thankful to the media for taking up our cause. We (Shagufta, Reshma and me) are now a team and together we will stand for the cause of women like us,' she said.

A recovering Shagufta breathed a sigh of relief. 'I am happy that women are speaking out and coming out,' she said.

SC to skip summer break for triple talaq case

By Harish V Nair

At least five judges of the Supreme Court, including Chief Justice J S Khehar, will skip summer vacation starting from May 11 to hear petitions challenging controversial Muslim practices of triple talaq, nikah halala and polygamy.

CJI Khehar on Thrusday said the petitions will be heard by a Constitution Bench as the issues involved are 'very important and involve sentiments'.

Several Muslim women have challenged triple talaq, in which the husband pronounces talaq thrice in one go, sometimes even via phone or text message.

The Supreme Court is hearing a batch of petitions opposing triple talaq, after women complained that they had been divorced via Facebook and WhatsApp

The Supreme Court had on February 16 asked all sides including aggrieved women petitioners, Centre, All India Muslim Personal Board and women rights bodies to submit written submissions.

The replies were filed on Thursday. 'It is such an important issue...we cannot rush through it will take time there are so many nuances to it and we have to consider each one of them,' the CJI-led bench said.

Chief Justice of India, Justice JS Khehar is coming back from holiday early

The apex court said it would decide issues pertaining to legal aspects of the practices and would not deal with the question whether divorce under Muslim law needs to be supervised by courts as it falls under the legislative domain.

The bench had however, made it clear that it was not dealing with the issue of Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which is currently being examined by the Law Commission of India.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB ) in its affidavit submitted to SC said declaring triple talaq illegal will amount to 'disregarding Allah's directions and rewriting of the Holy Quran'.

It once again asked the court not to venture into area of changing personal laws.

The Modi government has already supported the ban on triple talaq saying, 'gender equality and the dignity of women are not negotiable' and told judges that 'even theocratic states have undergone reforms in this area of law' which reinforces that these practices cannot be considered an integral part of practice of Islam.
Mehbooba Mufti Sayeed at Parliament house during the budget session

In a significant though controversial policy intervention, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti recently came out in support of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), saying it's time to 'move beyond border skirmishes' to be partners in economic growth.

She said that 'J&K could become a corridor of economic activity in the region and the country could take huge benefit of the economic activities going on across the Line of Control.

'Why can't we be partners in economic growth and share the benefits of projects like the CPEC?'

Gateway

In the past too, Mufti had commented on this.

She has suggested the need for building a corridor between South Asia and Central Asia with Jammu and Kashmir as its 'nucleus', on the lines of the CPEC, underlining that such a corridor between the two emerging economic hotspots would help forge a new regional cooperation, energy transformation, trade and transit.

Not to be left behind, even the separatist Chairman of Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, has been advising India to 'not stay out of it.'

He said that 'there is also an opportunity for India to assess the economic advantages it can have by being part of it. Kashmir can in fact become a gateway for India to be part of the CPEC, provided there is a settlement of the dispute first.

The Indian-controlled part of the picturesque territory has a Muslim majority and there are a number of armed separatist groups who are fighting to break free from New Delhi

The stronger the CPEC becomes, more the need to resolve disputes in the region.'

There has been a chorus of voices in recent months who have argued that India's official position on CPEC is untenable and will end up isolating India from the China-led connectivity transformation across the globe.

India's official position has been effectively articulated by foreign secretary S Jaishankar at the 2017 Raisina Dialogue when he said, 'China is very sensitive about its sovereignty.

'The economic corridor passes through an illegal territory, an area that we call Pak-occupied Kashmir. You can imagine India's reaction at the fact that such a project has been initiated without consulting us,' said Jaishankar, adding that India had not seen signs of China's understanding India's concerns about its sovereignty.

India is not planning to be a part of the Silk Road summit in May in China as CPEC violates Indian sovereignty, running as it does as through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Policy

The advantages of joining the China's multi-billion dollar One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative are quite apparent and the economic logic is very compelling.

But it remains far from evident how India can join the project without challenging the very foundations of its foreign policy.

China's objective in promoting $46 billion CPEC, which links China's Muslim dominated Xinjiang province to the Gwadar deep sea port in Pakistan, is clear and the rationale behind Beijing's desire to pump in huge sums into a highly volatile Pakistani territory is also understandable.

Beijing is not doing this from the wellness of its heart to promote regional economic cooperation.

The challenges to the project are huge as underscored by its militarisation. Even as Pakistan has deployed more than 15,000 troops to protect the CPEC, and is raising a naval contingent for the protection of Gwadar, China will also be stationing part of its growing marine forces at Gwadar.

The first project as part of the CPEC will be the coal-fired power project in Hub region of Balochistan which will be built at a cost of $2 billion.

Chinese state media has been urging India to be pragmatic about the CPEC and join the initiative.

An Indian paramilitary soldier stands guard at a closed market as it snows during a general strike in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir

It has gone ahead and equated the status of the disputed region of PoK with Taiwan as a 'sovereignty' issue and suggested that India join CPEC to gain economic benefits.

Pakistan for its part has accused India of trying to sabotage the CPEC.

Consequences

India cannot be as ambitious as China is today in carving a global web of economic and trade relations through connectivity projects.

And so it will have to think more creatively if there are certain aspects of the OBOR initiative that it can join without jeopardising its sovereignty claims.

It's a tall order but India has its own set of connectivity initiatives such as Myanmar's Kaladan project, Chabahar port project with Iran, as well as the north south corridor with Russia which can be potentially leveraged.

However, India's approach cannot be based primarily on the economic advantages that might accrue to India in the short term.

The long term consequences of the OBOR project for India can be quite significant if it ends up allowing China to consolidate its presence in the Indian Ocean at the expense of India.

A careful reassessment is needed. A hurried appraisal to either support the Chinese initiative or junk it altogether is best avoided at this juncture.
Lifetime Isas allow under-40s to save for a home and retirement at the same time and the Government offers 25 per cent top-ups on contributions, worth up to 32,000 if you max out your fund.

That sounds like a big giveaway, but these Isas have sparked a barrage of criticism, amid fears younger savers could make poor financial decisions and be left out of pocket in the longer run by shunning pensions.

However, for those under-40, saving for a deposit for a first home, who have never owned a property anywhere in the world before and meet the other qualifying criteria, the 25 per cent uplift on up to 4,000 per year paid in, may seem a no-brainer.

We look at how Lifetime Isas works, what types of products are available, and their benefits and pitfalls.

Giveaway: Government is offering free top-ups worth up to 32,000 if you max out your fund, but most young people are likely to empty it when they buy a home

For those weighing up whether to open a Lifetime Isa - or give money to a younger family member to do so - we explain what issues to consider beforehand.

But savers should be aware that there are few providers in the marketr, particularly for savers wanting a cash Lifetime Isa.

This is a particular issue for homebuyers making a purchase in the relatively near future, looking to avoid the short-term risks of putting their money in an investment Lifetime Isa and seeing shares crash just as they need the cash.

How do Lifetime Isas work?

* A cash bonus worth up to 1,000 a year will be added to every 4,000 saved into a Lifetime Isa.

* You need to be aged 18-40 to open one, and you can only use the money to buy a first home, or else face a stiff 25 per cent penalty on any withdrawals before you hit the age of 60.

Buying a home with a Lifetime Isa You can use your Lifetime Isa savings and bonus to help you buy your first home if all the following apply: The property costs 450,000 or less you buy the property at least 12 months after you make your first payment into the Lifetime ISA

You use a conveyancer or solicitor to act for you in the purchase - the ISA provider will pay the funds directly to them

Youre buying with a mortgage

* You can keep your money in cash, or put it into stocks or investment funds, as with other Isas.

* Your savings and the bonus can be used towards a deposit on a first home worth up to 450,000 - and the deal allows two first-time buyers to both earn bonuses then pool their resources to buy a home.

* All savers under 40 can open a Lifetime Isa, including those who already own a home and are saving into a pension.

* You can carry on earning bonuses until you are aged 50, so you could be in line for a Government handout worth 32,000 in total if you save 4,000 every year from the age of 18.

* When you turn 50, you will not be able to pay into your Lifetime Isa or earn the 25% bonus. Your account will stay open and your savings will still earn interest or investment returns.

* The overall annual Isa allowance is 20,000 and the Lifetime Isa falls within this.

* You can only take out one Lifetime Isa a year, but you can take them out with different providers in other years. This will allow you to keep your savings under the 85,000 level with any single operator, and therefore qualify for a payout from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme if an Isa provider goes bust.

* Those with a Help to Buy Isa can transfer those savings into a Lifetime Isa. However, you can only use the bonus from one to buy a house. The Help to Buy Isa will be closed to new savers in November 2019, but those who already have them can still pay in until 2029.

* In addition to withdrawing your money from the Lifetime Isa to buy a home, you can also do so without penalty if you fall terminally ill.

Risk warning: Auto-enrolment means employers have to pay into your pension, so you will miss out on these free contributions if you divert cash into a Lifetime Isa instead

What Lifetime Isa products are available?

None of the big banks have rushed to open Lifetime Isas.

This dearth of products could pose problems for young homebuyers wanting a cash Lifetime Isa for a relatively short period, since the usual rule of thumb is to avoid investment risk if you will definitely need all the money within the next five years.

We round up the Lifetime Isas that are available below, and will update it as further announcements are made.

Cash Lifetime Isas

Skipton Building Society: Its cash Lifetime Isa can be opened with 1 and offers just 0.5 per cent annual interest.

Nottingham Building Society: Its Beehive Lifetime Isa can be opened with 10 and pays 0.8 per cent interest.

Newcastle Building Society: A Lifetime Isa can be opened with 1 and Newcastle offers 0.5 per cent interest.

Moneybox: The investing app has a cash Lifetime Isa that can be opened with 1. It pays 0.85 per cent but that drops to 0.25 per cent after a year

Paragon Bank: The bank is offering a 0.5 per cent interest rate and the minimum deposit is 1.

Some stocks and shares Lifetime Isas

Hargreaves Lansdown: The Lifetime Isa minimum lump sum investment is 100, or the minimum monthly payment required is 25.

Investors pay a annual fee of 0.45 per cent on investment funds held and fund fees too, but fund dealing is free. For shares, investment trusts and ETFs this charge is capped at 45 per year but buying and selling costs 11.95 per time

You can either invest in any shares, funds or trusts you like, or opt for one of Hargreaves' existing ready-made Isa portfolios, tailored for different investment needs.

Nutmeg: The Lifetime Isa is available now, with a minimum lump sum requirement of 100.

What is an ongoing charge? The ongoing charge is the investing industry's standard measure of fund running costs. The bigger it is, the costlier the fund is to run. The ongoing charge figure can be found in the Key Investor Information Document (KIID) for any fund, usually at the top of page two. To track down these documents, put the fund name and 'KIID' together in an internet search engine. Read more here about investment charges.

Nutmeg customers are questioned about goals and risk appetite and can then be directed to the portfolio deemed to best match their needs.

The Lifetime isa has four investment options, ranging from the standard fixed allocation portfolios, with a 0.72 per cent annual charge, to Smart Alpha (1.04 per cent), Fully Managed (1.02 per cent) and Socially Responsible (1.14 per cent) options.

AJ Bell: The AJ Bell Youinvest Lifetime Isa offers access to all the broker's funds, shares, investment trusts, ETFs, gilts and bonds, allowing investors to build their own portfolios.

The annual charge is 0.25 per cent, and you can either kick off with a minimum lump sum of 500, or just start putting away 25 a month under a regular investment plan.

Moneybox: The mobile app aims its Lifetime Isa at those saving a deposit for their first home, rather than pitch it as a way to save for retirement.

When you sign up, they offer you a choice of three risk-rated portfolios - cautious, balanced and adventurous.

They give you exposure to cash, global equities and global property equities through three passive funds run by Henderson Asset Management, Vanguard and BlackRock.

Moneybox lets you start investing with just 1.

It charges 1 a month to cover transaction fees and also has a platform fee of 0.45 per cent.

Investors pay fees for the tracker funds on top of this, which range from between 0.12 and 0.3 per cent per year.

Lifetime Isas in the workplace

Some of the big workplace pension providers are making Lifetime Isas available to younger workers as a savings option alongside their other retirement products, as part of wider work benefits packages. Employers will not be allowed to contribute into Lifetime Isas, only pensions.

What should you consider before opening a Lifetime Isa?

The main benefits of the Lifetime Isa are the free Government 25 per cent bonuses on up to 4,000 per year paid in, and the flexibility of being able to save for a first home and retirement at once.

Whether these advantages are actually meaningful to you personally depends on whether they are outweighed by any or some of the many drawbacks highlighted by financial experts.

Ask yourself the following questions:

Are you prepared to risk losing a quarter of your savings - including the bonuses and any interest or investment growth you have built up to date - if you need to make an emergency withdrawal?

That's a hefty loss, so you need to be sure you're ready to lock up your money until you buy a home or are on the verge of retirement.

Are you planning to empty your Lifetime Isa pot when you buy a home?

After you've passed the milestone of buying a home, the Lifetime Isa turns into an inferior retirement product when compared with a workplace pension.

Auto-enrolment rules mean employers have to pay into your pension. That means you'll be forgoing free money by sticking with a Lifetime Isa instead of squeezing the maximum contributions possible out of your employer between the point when you buy a home and your retirement.

The Lifetime Isa is only a decent retirement savings vehicle for the self-employed, who don't receive employer contributions towards their pension.

Are you planning to use a Lifetime Isa for five years and are you ready to take the plunge into investing and its risks?

If you are planning to buy a home within five years, it makes sense to open a cash Lifetime Isa and grab any bonuses going during that period. Any period shorter than this is less than the timescale financial advisers traditionally recommend for investing over saving.

But stick with cash for any longer than that and you are missing the opportunity for better returns.

The hard work and risks of investing are practically invisible to people saving into workplace pensions. The vast majority are in a default fund, and don't have to think much about how their investments are managed. If you intend to hold an investment Lifetime Isa, you will have to be more proactive and knowledgeable.

Many financial experts think one of the biggest risks of the Lifetime Isa is that young people will simply open a cash version and stick with it, potentially losing thousands of pounds of investment returns over the decades.

That's on top of missing employer contributions into a pension, if they hang onto their Lifetime Isa as a retirement product after buying a home.

Might you need to fall back on benefits at any point in your life?

Lifetime Isa savings will be taken into account if you ever need to claim benefits, but pension savings are not included in the assessment.

If you are in a weak financial situation or in the kind of precarious employment where you might have to rely on state benefits at some time in the future, any savings you build up will be protected in a pension pot.

What income tax rate are you on?

The Government pays tax relief on contributions to pension pots, in line with the principle that we all save for retirement out of untaxed income.

It does this based on income tax rates of 20 per cent, 40 per cent or 45 per cent. So if you earn too little to pay income tax or are on the basic rate of 20 per cent, the Lifetime Isa bonus is a fair deal, especially if your primary goal is to buy a home.

But if you are on the 40 per cent or 45 per cent rate, you will get more money from the Government if you stick with saving into a pension.

Your Lifetime Isa fund will be tax-free when you eventually withdraw it, but your payments into the pot come from taxed income. The Lifetime Isa bonus evens the field for basic rate taxpayers, but not for those on the higher rates.

With pensions, higher rate taxpayers get an extra boost at the outset from more tax relief - increasing the size of the initial fund which then benefits even more from investment compound growth.

Pension withdrawals will be taxed as income in retirement, but many people end up on a lower rate in retirement than when they were earning a salary, so the overall system works in their favour.
Lloyd's of London has confirmed it will create a subsidiary in Brussels to maintain a presence in Europe once Britain divorces from the European Union.

The giant insurance market place - which generates 11 per cent of its business from the EU - has taken decisive action and decided against a 'wait and see approach' to Brexit negotiations.

Lloyd's decision to choose the Belgian capital as its preferred site for an EU base was taken by the board on Tuesday, as it believed it would lose the ability to issue and provide insurance for its customers based in the EU once the UK had exited.

The company aims to have the Brussels office up and running from January 2019.

Speechless: What would the Queen say about Lloyds of London heading off to Brussels

The move will result in 100 jobs being shifted from London, though that number could rise as the insurance market establishes itself in the Belgian capital.

It is understood that Luxembourg was also a strong contender on its shortlist, but was eventually ruled out alongside Malta and Dublin.

Lloyd's of London chairman John Nelson said: 'There's been a lot of enthusiasm from a number of EU countries for Lloyd's to come to their country,' adding that reputation for regulation was a factor in the selection process.

The company confirmed the plans as it unveiled its full-year results, with profits flat for 2016 after the firm wrestled with 'extremely challenging' conditions driven by pricing pressures.

Annual profits came in at 2.1billion, the same as the year before, but gross written premiums lifted 11 per cent to 29.9billion over the period.

In line with the insurance industry, the firm said it was also impacted by Government changes to the way personal injury claims are calculated with its cut to the Ogden discount rate.

Lloyds of London has been a symbol of the UK's financial power for decades

Chief executive Inga Beale said the firm's results underscored a need to focus on delivering 'real value for money' and reducing costs.

She said: 'This has been a year of challenge for the insurance sector with premiums once more under continued downward pressure.

'It is vital that the corporation does everything it can to support the market and make the platform attractive, whilst demonstrating value for money.

Inga Beale - the boss at Lloyds of London

'Our collective focus must be on providing customers with the products they want, embracing innovation and modernisation.'

Nelson added: 'The challenge for all of us is to reduce the cost of conducting business because within the market this is impacting on already thin underwriting margins.'

Despite posting flat profits, the firm said the result was still the fifth highest since the turn of the century and above the long-term average.

It also said it was also making progress on global markets, emerging as the leading player for excess and surplus lines in the United States, shifting half its managing agents to Shanghai and Beijing, and winning approval for a reinsurance office in Mumbai, India.

The firm is also having re-jig of senior management, with Nelson stepping down and Bruce Carnegie-Brown taking up the role of chairman from June.
It's so simple that you wonder why no one thought of it before. Nimuno Loops is a Lego compatible tape that lets budding constructors build on any surface - up walls, under tables, and on the ceiling.

And it appears investors are excited too. A crowdfunding campaign for the sticky tape product that allows Lego and similar brick-style toys to be built around corners, upside down and on objects has raised 1.2million ($1.5million) after it was launched on website Indiegogo.

Co-founder Pierre Swart came into the London HQ of MailOnline and This is Money to give us the first UK demonstration of the prototype tape, which is expected to sell for around 12 when launched in August.

WATCH A VIDEO NIMUNO LOOPS DEMO BELOW

UK first: The team behind Nimuno Loops came into MailOnline and This is Money HQ, making us the first UK eyes to set sights on what could be one of the hottest products of the summer

The crowdfunding success is all the more remarkable, as initially, the Cape Town design team behind Nimuno Loops were only looking for 5,000 ($8,000).

Pierre, co-founder of the company behind the product, told This is Money: 'In our wildest dreams we could never have anticipated this response.

'The project really went viral overnight, it feels, and it's hard to believe we've raised so much capital.'

The product was developed in under a year by a team of three designers - Anine Kirsten, Jaco Kruger and Max Basler - in the Cape Town office of Chrome Cherry Design Studio, which also has presence in London and New York.

The idea came when they visited the New York Toy Fair last year and they brainstormed it during their 'creative Fridays' where the firm decided the design team were onto a winner.

Pierre says a number of toy shops have been in touch about Nimuno Loops, and the experience has been pretty overwhelming and exciting for the small firm he co-founded.

He believes one million units will be needed by the end of the year to keep up with demand, showing often it is the simple ideas will catch on the most.

He said: 'We're just focusing on making sure we can deliver on all this interest and fulfil demand.'

Nimuno Loops is currently patent pending and Pierre says its legal team are working hard to fight off copycat attempts. The product is expected to be made in China.

Simple concept: The tape allows toy bricks to be built on a number of surfaces

The designers believe it will appeal to both children who love playing with Lego and similar building blocks and adults, some of whom find Lego-building a stress relieving exercise.

It will come in a single-sided and double-sided format when it launches, along with a 'receiver' version which acts like the bottom of a brick, with 2 metres of tape per roll and can be reused a number of times.

Designers: Anine and Max worked for a year on the product - and crowdfunding cash has gone wild for it

The name, Pierre says, doesn't have a specific meaning. The team plumped for it because of its 'soft and rounded sound'.

One issue for the small business is trying not to tread on the twos of the giant companies that make building bricks. Pierre said that neither Lego or Mega Blocks - the two big players of the toy brick market - have contacted his firm.

Pierre said: 'We are doing everything we can to ensure we do not infringe on any of those companies' IP.

'We have consulted all the guidelines we can, including the Lego fair play brochure and worked closely with the Indiegogo team to comply with the rules while running the campaign and going forward.'

Pierre says there have been a number of venture capitalists interested in investing, while Indiegogo - the crowdfunding website it is on - is set for roughly a 10 per cent slice of the finishing total.

The cash will be largely used to set up production costs. The crowdfunding campaign, which has now hit 1.2million ($1.5million) has another 13 days to run.
Louise Harris, 24, is a Cambridge-educated wannabe popstar from Harpenden who has compared the Just Stop Oil campaign to that of the Irish rebels' fight for independence from the British and once said she was like a prisoner of war. This morning she cried on the gantry over Britain's busiest motorway as she declared: 'You might hate me for doing this. I'm here because I don't have a future.' But despite her warnings about the future of the planet, her Facebook page shows her posing next to a 2009 Fiat Punto, which runs on unleaded. Just Stop Oil opposes petrol cars so much its members smash petrol stations to prevent people refueling and blockade refineries. She also appears to be at the wheel - or a passenger - in the same car in a number of other social media posts, including this year when she has been taking part in Just Stop Oil protests, despite it running on petrol. Miss Harris compared her yellow Punto to the vehicle made famous by The Inbetweeners, because it has a red door. In one post where she stands next to her Fiat she says: 'I am officially Number 1 fan of this show f**k you other wannabes. Unfortunately it DOESN'T have a tape deck'. Today Miss Harris was among 23 people arrested by the Met Police and colleagues at Surrey, Essex and Hertfordshire, after shutting down the M25. The demonstrator - who posts songs on YouTube including a slickly edited music video called 'Dating me is like a Cambridge term'. The lyrics include: Dating me is like a Cambridge term. By the fifth week you are completely burnt out emotionally destroyed and suicidal'.
A Swiss court has banned a couple from using the letter 'J' as their daughter's middle name.

The parents' wish to honour their child's grandparents Johanna and Josef with the initial was rejected by the Zurich administrative court on Tuesday.

Despite the couple insisting it would be pronounced the English way 'Jay', the court claimed the German version 'Yott' created confusion.

A Swiss court has banned a couple from using the letter 'J' as their daughter's middle name to honour their child's grandparents Johanna and Josef

The court added that people might confuse the 'J' for an abbreviation and not a name and put a full stop after it.

The couple tried to argue that it would be the fourth name and therefore less important.

But in the official Swiss register all names are given equal weight and can be used by the person as their first name if they want.

The ruling upheld the decision made by a local registry's office, the 20 Minuten news website reported

They concluded that the couple could use the name Jo instead in their verdict.

Parents can name their children whatever they want as long as it does not harm the interests of the child, Swiss law dictates.

Harming the child's interests might include a name that causes confusion over the child's gender or exposes them to prejudice.

Despite the couple insisting it would be pronounced the English way 'Jay', the court claimed the German version 'Yott' created confusion

It comes as another couple were ordered to change the name 'Jessico' for their newborn son because they felt it was too feminine.

In 2014, Alain and Miriam Flaig, from the town of Huttwil in the Swiss canton of Bern, were sent a letter objecting to their name choice.

'According to the information at our disposal, Jessico is defined as a female first name,' the letter said, according to Blick newspaper.

Mr Faig, 26, admitted he was 'stunned' and 'angry' at the refusal of Bern authorities to register the name.
A New Jersey couple who claim they were scared away from their home by creepy letters they received from 'The Watcher' say another note has been delivered.

Lee Levitt, an attorney for Derek and Maria Broaddus, wrote in a legal brief that the letter arrived in late February, a few weeks after a tenant rented and moved into the Westfield home.

It's the fourth letter the couple has received from 'The Watcher,' who claims he is the rightful owner of the home the Broadduses bought for nearly $1.4 million in 2014.

Levitt says the letter contained specific threats and was 'more derogatory and sinister than any of the previous letters.'

Westfield police declined to comment on the latest letter, citing an ongoing investigation.

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Derek and Maria Broaddus (together above) bought the home in 2014, but haven't been able to live in it due to threatening letters they received from someone who called himself 'The Watcher'

An attorney for the family said they received another letter in late February, a few weeks after a tenant rented and moved into the Westfield home (above)

In one of the earlier correspondences, the stalker asked whether the new family brought him the 'young blood' that he requested.

'I have be [sic] put in charge of watching and waiting for its second coming; my grandfather watched the house in the 1920s and my father watched in the 1960s,' one letter reads.

'It is now my time; Why are you here? I will find out; Now that they have it to flaunt it, they pay the price'

It went on: 'I asked the Woods to bring me young blood.'

One of the other three letters said: 'Who am I? I am the Watcher and have been in control of [the home] for the better part of two decades now.

It's the fourth letter the couple has received from 'The Watcher,' who claims he is the rightful owner of the home (above) the Broadduses bought for nearly $1.4 million in 2014

The Broaddus' (Derek Broaddus pictured right) sued the prior owners, John Woods (left) and his wife Andrea, in 2015 claiming they also received a letter from 'The Watcher' but never disclosed it

'The Woods family turned it over to you it was their time to move on and kindly sold it when I asked them to.'

The Broadduses, who have young children, refused to move into the home and have been unsuccessful in their attempts to sell the property.

They sued the prior owners of the house in June 2015, claiming that they also received a letter from 'The Watcher' but never disclosed it.

That family has since countersued, stating that the letter they received was not threatening and alleging that they were defamed.

The Broadduses have said they can't live in the house because of the letters, which they say came from someone with a 'mentally disturbed fixation' on the home.

They are also suing Westfield because the town's planning board rejected their plan to raze the house and subdivide the land so they could build two houses.

Westfield police investigated the letters but have been so far unable to identify their author.
On the heels of a contentious back and forth between Sean Spicer and American Urban Radio Networks' April Ryan, Morning Joe host Joe Scarborough shared some intel he heard from an unnamed White House official about Spicer's relationship with his boss.

Scarborough said that early on, President Trump gave his new press secretary a mouthful suggesting that he was 'too weak.'

'And then he screamed at him for wearing a light suit,' Scarborough added.

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Morning Joe co-host Joe Scarborough (right) discussed Sean Spicer's outburst at April Ryan with his co-host Mika Brzezinski (left), noting that Spicer has gotten yelled at for not being forceful enough since day No. 1

President Trump reportedly mocked his Press Secretary Sean Spicer's lighter suit back in January (left), so today the top aide sports black suits (right)

President Donald Trump has reportedly torn into his press secretary for wearing light-colored suits and not being forceful enough behind the podium

According to Joe Scarborough, after Sean Spicer gave his first briefing, in which he yelled at journalists over their reporting of the inaugural crowd size, he got yelled at by the president for being 'too weak'

The press conference in question was Spicer's first official day on the job, one day after President Trump's swearing-in, in which the new press secretary declared that Trump's inaugural was viewed by the largest audience ever.

'Period,' Spicer said, as he stomped away from the podium, without answering a single reporter's question.

From there, according to Scarborough's account, Spicer got an earful from the president about his demeanor and about his suit.

Accounts from January corroborate what the Morning Joe host said, with Axios reporting that Trump had asked an aide, 'Doesn't that guy own a dark suit?'

Getting in Trump's head, New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman tweeted that Trump had wanted Spicer to both 'be in command' and 'project strength.'

'He did neither,' she noted.

And thus the bar was set.

Scarborough and his co-host Mika Brzezinski brought this story up again on the heels of Spicer's tiff with Ryan  who he seemingly made up with today by awarding the longtime White House reporter with the first question.

On Tuesday, Ryan wanted to get from Spicer how the administration was planning to 'revamp its image' in light of the many investigations involving Russia and the president's wiretapping claims.

'Ive said it from the day that I got here until whatever that there is no connection,' Spicer said of alleged Russian ties.

'If the president puts Russian dressing on his salad tonight, somehow that's a Russian connection,' Spicer yelled.

He accused Ryan of pushing an agenda and told her to stop shaking her head.

Brzezinski said the back-and-forth made it look like Spicer 'kind of snapped.'

'How condescending can anybody be,' remarked Scarborough, who noted that Ryan wasn't actually shaking her head. 'That was just simply beyond the pale.'

Frequent Morning Joe guest Mike Barnicle chimed in, noting how Spicer had to appease an 'audience of one,' the president.

'It's very clear the problem here. The guy has absolutely no ability, none at all, none, to say, "Mr. President this is the wrong thing to do,"' Brzezinski suggested.

Scarborough thought Spicer should push back.

'Sean Spicer should tell Donald Trump, "I'm not doing your bidding anymore if it means being abusive," but nobody around Donald Trump is telling him the truth,' Scarborough, a former Republican congressman, said.

'And we'll go back to the first day,' Scarborough added, telling the story about the Oval Office confrontation over Spicer's suit.

Scarborough thought Spicer, a veteran GOP communicator, should have thrown in the towel there.

'That's when you say, this job is just not for me,' he said.
Mosul residents have described the horrific scenes after a coalition air strike tore through the al-Jadida area, leaving more than 200 people dead.

Witnesses recalled seeing several houses on the street flattened and severed limbs scattered in the rubble.

Frantic residents scrambled to pull relatives out of the collapsed homes, where they had sheltered from bombardments.

An Iraqi man inspects the damage in Mosul's al-Jadida area following the devastating air strikes

More than 200 people are believed to have been killed in the airstrikes on al-Jadida

An Iraqi man sits amid the rubble of destroyed houses in Mosul's al-Jadida area

In the battle to recapture ISIS-held Mosul, US-led coalition bombs landed on March 17.

U.S.-led military commanders supporting the Iraqi forces acknowledged on Tuesday that the air strike is likely to have played a role in the civilian deaths in the al-Jadida district, but said ISIS could also be to blame.

The Ministry of Defence indicated there was nothing to suggest the RAF were involved in the raid that led to the civilian deaths.

307 CIVILIANS KILLED IN BOOBY TRAPS At least 307 civilians have been killed and 273 wounded in western Mosul since Feb 17 as Islamic State fighters herd people into booby-trapped buildings as human shields and fires on those who flee, the United Nations human rights chief said on Tuesday. This is an enemy that ruthlessly exploits civilians to serve its own ends, and clearly has not even the faintest qualm about deliberately placing them in danger,' U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein said in a statement. 'It is vital that the Iraqi Security Forces and their Coalition partners avoid this trap,' he said, while calling for them to conduct transparent investigations into deadly incidents involving their forces. Advertisement

But Iraqi officials have been more cautious and instead blamed explosive booby-traps set by ISIS.

Recounting the day Abu Ayman told Reuters: 'I ran to my next-door neighbour's house and with others we managed to rescue three people, but at least 27 others in the same house were killed, including women and children of relatives who fled from other districts.

'We pulled some out of rubble, using hammers and shovels to remove debris. We couldn't do anything to help others as they were completely buried under the collapsed roof.'

He added: 'We were locked inside our houses as bombing intensified. The air strikes targeted four streets just behind Rahma hospital and Fathi mosque.

'A few fighters were moving from house to house, using the holes they made before to avoid detection from the air.'

Witness Sameer al-Taie said: 'After the bombing stopped, I went outside to see what happened and I was stunned to see the house was flattened.

'Neighbours were hysterically shouting for help but we didn't have anything to remove the large blocks of concrete to rescue people. We heard faint voice asking for help from nearby houses but then the voices disappeared.'

Witnesses in Mosul have described the horrific scenes after the 'tragic' air strike on March 17

Iraqis were seen fleeing their homes in Mosul's Old City as the battle continues

Iraqis leaving their homes in Mosul's Old City walk past a damaged vehicle today

Rescue workers are still pulling bodies from the wreckage, hampered by a lack of heavy equipment and the threat of ISIS drone bombs.

The slow recovery may partly explain why casualty figures have varied considerably. One health official of Nineveh province, whose capital is Mosul, said 250 bodies had been recovered by Tuesday night.

However Iraq military forces have put the figure at 61.

Local residents and witnesses said ISIS fighters were in and around the al-Jadida area the day of the explosion as they battled with Iraqi forces.

Air strikes began to target ISIS positions to clear the way for troops, they said. Several blasts hit the area behind the local hospital.

There have been conflicting reports of what was to blame for the civilian deaths on March 17

Residents described the explosion that flattened or damaged at least one large building and other homes around six tight alleyways.

Ahmed Obeida told Reuters: 'It was a black Friday. It started with a huge blast that shook the walls of my house followed by series of blasts.

'We waited for three hours and after the bombing stopped, I went outside and saw that many houses were destroyed. We entered one house and saw body parts, legs and heads in the rubble.'

Rescue workers were still trying to find people who have been buried under the rubble

Investigators are still looking into whether residents were forced into buildings that collapsed by ISIS to cause civilian casualties deliberately or whether they had fled there, seeking shelter.

One local official and a witness said families and relatives from other districts appeared to have packed into one building because it had a large basement that would safely hold many people.

A local resident said: 'I saw fleeing families entering the large house, taking shelter in the basement. It was two-storey house and is the only one in the neighbourhood with a large basement.

'We started to hear blasts getting closer and suddenly I felt my house was about to collapse. It was a very powerful blast. I couldn't believe we were still alive.'

Hassan Yassin, who fled from al-Jadida along with thousands of displaced residents, also said the blast happened in a crowded area near the Fathi mosque.

He said: 'People were all sheltering in basements, looking for a place to hide. It was a random bombardment.'

People try to recover the bodies of those killed in the air strike on March 17

But other accounts from local officials suggest ISIS was to blame.

Ghazwan al-Dawoodi, head of the Nineveh human rights council, said his team had made a field visit, finding that militants had forced residents into a bunker, and opened fire on helicopter gunships to provoke a coalition airstrike.

Two witnesses described how ISIS had parked a truck packed with explosives next to the building. The vehicle may have gone up in an air strike, prompting the structure to collapse.

Obeida said: 'I can assure that Daesh brought a truck and parked it in the street next to mine. I saw it with my own eyes but never thought it was packed with explosives.

'It's really heartbreaking to see neighbours killed in an instant. Why? What did they do to deserve such a tragic end?'

Iraqi forces launched the operation to retake Mosul, the country's second city, in October, retaking its eastern side before setting their sights on its smaller but more densely-populated west

Local residents and witnesses said ISIS fighters were in and around the al-Jadida area the day of the explosion as they battled with Iraqi forces

Iraqi forces launched the operation to retake Mosul, the country's second city, in October, retaking its eastern side before setting their sights on its smaller but more densely-populated west.

Iraqi forces have been operating in the area of the Old City for several weeks, but they have faced tough resistance and progress in the area has been slow.

Since launching their assault on the western sector, Iraqi forces have taken several districts and key buildings including the headquarters of Nineveh province's regional government and a railway station.

The fall of Mosul, Iraq's second city, would be a major setback for ISIS following months of losses in Iraq and neighbouring Syria. The city also holds huge symbolic significance for the terror group.

In neighbouring Syria, three separate forces are advancing on the city of Raqqa, the main Syrian city under ISIS control.

The United Nations has warned around 400,000 people are 'trapped' in the central Mosul area under siege-like conditions as Iraqi forces battle the ISIS for the city's west.

Food is running short and security is fragile even in liberated areas.

The Reach Initiative, a group that helps aid groups collect data on humanitarian crises, said the situation in west Mosul was 'severe to extremely severe'.

'In areas still under (ISIS control), there is no access to markets and people are surviving on depleting food and water stocks, without access to electricity, fuel and healthcare,' it said.
Malia Obama was full of smiles as she put in another day's work at her New York City internship on Wednesday.

The 18-year-old was dressed down for the day, opting for the casual combination of a crop-top and boyfriend jeans.

She was in high spirits as she stepped out for lunch with a friend, beaming as she carried her Whole Foods bag back to the office.

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Hard at work: Malia Obama beamed as she stepped out for lunch in Manhattan on Wednesday. The 18-year-old is currently undertaking an internship at Harvey Weinstein's production company in Tribeca

Malia and her companion chatted animatedly as they made their way back towards the office.

She was dressed appropriately for the sudden spring weather in her mid-drift-bearing top and jeans.

She finished her look with some white sneakers and a brown leather backpack.

The teen went make-up free, showing off her flawless complexion with her hair scraped in to a neat ponytail.

Something funny? The 18-year-old giggled as she made her way down the pavement

Hungry work: The former First Daughter carried a Whole Foods takeout bag with her in one arm

Malia was joined with a friend for the lunchtime outing. They seemed engrossed in conversation as they made their way back to the office after picking up a bite

The former First Daughter is working for Harvey Weinstein's eponymous production company as part of a gap year before starting college at Harvard.

Her lunchtime outing was somewhat more upbeat than her early morning arrival.

Malia was pictured marching in to the office seriously, no doubt in pursuit of her morning coffee.

While she is hard at work in New York, her parents have been enjoying some well-earned downtime since leaving the White House.

The teenager's arrival at the office hours earlier was a little more downcast

She arrived with her green tank top tucked in to show off a glimpse of her taut mid-rift

The teenager bit her right thumbnail as she arrived for a day's work on Wednesday morning

The pair fled DC on January 21 for a weekend break with friends in California before jaunting over to the Caribbean where they spent time on Sir Richard Branson's Necker Island.

President Obama then visited his daughter in New York.

Despite laying her focus squarely on the film industry, Malia has attracted a number of modelling offers.

The level-headed teen reportedly turned them down in order to stay out of the limelight.
A 77-year-old woman has been charged with distributing heroin as part of a mid level drug ring.

She was arrested following police raids in the affluent Sydney suburb of Potts Point following a four-month investigation on Wednesday morning.

Three women and two men were also arrested for their involvement in the drug syndicate charged for drug supply and participating in a criminal group.

A 77-year-old women has been arrested for supplying heroin as part of a mid level drug ring in the affluent Sydney suburb of Potts Point

NSW police also raided homes in Sydney's Neutral Bay, Surry Hills and Darlinghurst as well as regional city Albury in southern NSW.

The drug syndicate is alleged to have been distributing heroin in the Potts Point area but managed from Albury.

One of the alleged leaders of the group, a 51-year-old woman, was charged with 30 counts of supplying a prohibited drug and one count of ongoing supply.

She appeared in court on Wednesday and was refused bail.

Another alleged leader, a 51-year-old man, was charged with drug supply offences and directing a criminal group.

He is due to face Albury Local Court on April 18.

The 77-year-old woman will appear at Downing Centre Local Court on May 10.

NSW police raided homes in Potts Points, Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, Neutral Bay and Albury following a four-month investigation

Police have also charged a 58-year-old man and 61-year-old woman for participating in the criminal group and for possession of an illegal substance.

Both will appear separately in front of the Manly and Downing Centre local courts on April 18.

A 39-year-old woman was charged with drug supply and participating in a criminal group and appeared in Central Local Court on Wednesday.
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All smiles: Amber Harrison shot a cheerful grin at Daily Mail Australia when a photographer spotted her on the streets of Melbourne on Wednesday afternoon

Controversial former secretary Amber Harrison was all smiles as she was seen in public for the first time since reports of her Seven Network expenses bill emerged.

A Deloitte report leaked to media this week claimed Ms Harrison - the woman at the centre of a sordid sex scandal with Seven West Media CEO Tim Worner - spent more than $534,355 in expenses over five years at the network.

As an executive assistant to the company's top brass, Ms Harrison booked hotel stays, hypnotherapy sessions, beauty treatments, hairdressers, lunches and clothes, the report shared with the Australian Financial Review claimed.

The company reportedly agreed more than $350,000 worth of bills were legitimate business costs. But the accounting firm's assessment alleged more than $149,000 could be classed as personal expenses.

The former executive assistant - whose lurid text exchanges with Mr Worner were laid bare for the world to see - has reportedly accepted some $54,000 expenses were personal, but has vehemently disputed many of the findings of the report.

Among the costs she purportedly accepted as her own were $176 in clothing from well known activewear brand Lulelemon, $200 at the Malaya restaurant at Sydney's King Street Wharf and $453 at the Chateau Elan Winery and resort in the Hunter Valley.

The AFR reported Ms Harrison listed some expenses as legitimate business expenses, including a hypnotherapy course, but Seven disputed those.

And under the terms of a court order, Ms Harrison is unable to respond to the claims through the media in detail.

The 39-year-old Victorian fired back as best she could in a series of tweets this week, where she insisted she simply didn't 'do lunch' and expressed frustration she could not share her side of the story.

Ms Harrison, seen on Wednesday, chats to a local after reports emerged of her expenses claims when she worked at the Seven Network

Ms Harrison clutched her phone as she walked around the streets of the Victorian city

The 39-year-old unemployed Victorian fired back as best she could in a series of tweets where she insisted she simply didn't 'do lunch'

The AFR this week listed a dozen restaurants Ms Harrison had charged lunches and dinners at, including Woolloomooloo's China Doll and the Hilton Sydney.

'I've personally visited three of these venues,' she hit back.

'Sure the two sandwich shops mentioned are pleased to know they are Sydney hot spots.'

She also denied she drank alcohol or had lavish lunches.

'Aside from the well known fact I've been a teetotaller for 10+ years, anyone who has ever meet me knows I do not do lunch.

Ms Harrison blasted the Financial Review report as she 'journalistically irresponsible' - because she had been 'legally silenced' and was unable to share her version of events.

Amid the months-long media furore, Ms Harrison has been enjoying the quiet life in the suburbs of Melbourne.

Amber Harrison hits back at the claims in the Financial Review

She ducked in and out of cafes and shops in Melbourne's St Kilda region on Wednesday afternoon wearing a turquoise T-shirt with a sequined pocket, briefly stopping to take pictures of photographers.

Ms Harrison sparked even further controversy earlier this year when she emerged on Twitter with pictures of and correspondence from Mr Worner.

One letter from her former boss and sexual partner - sent to her on company stationery on Valentine's Day in 2014 - began: 'Dear Amber,

'Just a quick note to thank you for whatever it is that you do to make these increasingly frequent trips to Crown more enjoyable.

'It's like I really am somebody all of a sudden. Quite a weird feeling. But I could get used to it. Thank you again.'

Long path ahead: Ms Harrison is unable to hit back at the claims in detail

Weeks later, Seven took legal action - successfully seeking an expansive gag order which prevents her from commenting on the network.

The network wants to make the order permanent.

Ms Harrison's lawyers want the NSW Supreme Court case to be moved to the Federal Court, as it involves claims under the Fair Work Act. The matter returns to court April 6.

A Seven Network spokesman denied leaking the Deloitte report this week.
Residents in towns across Queensland and northern New South Wales have been ordered to evacuate immediately, as the deluge continues to threaten homes in the wake of ex-tropical Cyclone Debbie.

The NSW State Emergency Service announced early on Friday morning a wide-spread evacuation order was in place for the Tweed River and surrounding towns in northern NSW.

Residents in Tweed Heads, Kyogle and Lismore were told to evacuate immediately due to reports the Tweed River would reach two metres about 2am.

'You must leave now,' the NSW State Emergency Service said on Friday morning.

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Residents in Lismore (pictured) have been warned to evacuate immediately, as flood waters rise and torrential rain continues

Rainfall radar on Thursday: Towns in northern NSW ordered to evacuate immediately

'Do not delay. Evacuation orders are mandatory.

'Pack your important items, clean clothes and grab your home emergency kit. Don't delay in leaving as roads may become congested.'

Almost 40,000 residents across New South Wales and Queensland have been told to evacuate.

More than 10,000 homes have been left without power and thousands of schools across the east coast have closed for Friday.

SES acting deputy commissioner Mark Morrow said the urgent evacuation order in Northern NSW was prompted by 'concerning' water levels at Wilsons River, Lismore.

'That's risen so quickly in fact throughout the course of the afternoon, that we've gone straight to an evacuation order for around 6,000 residents,' he said.

Queenslanders are being told to go home at lunchtime on Thursday, as the state prepares to be drenched with a month's worth of rain (flooded Gold Coast carpark on Thursday)

Flood waters enter in the parking lot outside the Robina Hospital on the Gold Coast

Flood waters enter in the parking lot outside the Robina Hospital on the Gold Coast as severe rain continue throughout south-east Queensland

About 430mm of rain was recorded at Lismore in the past 24 hours.

Mr Morrow said he expected flooding would gradually worsen overnight.

He said 30 people were already rescued from floodwaters in the past 24 hours.

'That's not a good figure,' he told ABC news.

Mr Morrow said strong winds and heavy rain combined to create 'very dangerous conditions' and urged residents who were not ordered to evacuate, to stay in doors.

He warned power lines and trees could be down, roofs could be ripped from houses and major flooding could inundate homes, 'particularly around Lismore'.

Queenslanders have been urged to stay inside, while those at work have been told to leave work by lunchtime to avoid widespread flash flooding

Flood waters enter in the parking lot outside the Robina Hospital on the Gold Coast as severe rain continue throughout south-east Queensland

A car pictured in flood water in the Toombul Shopping Centre car park, north of Brisbane

Northern New South Wales towns including Lismore South and North, Lismore centre, Chinderah, Kingscliff, FIngal Head and Bilambil were named most at risk.

Earlier on Thursday the SES also ordered residents to evacuate from South Murwillumbah, Condong and Tumbulgum in NSW's north east.

Meanwhile, Sydney and Brisbane were warned to brace for more torrential rain and widespread flash flooding as ex-tropical Cyclone Debbie moved down the east coast of Australia.

Parts of Brisbane were smashed with 226mm of rain in just 24 hours - twice the city's average monthly rainfall.

Queensland has been warned the worst of the weather is still yet to come.

Cars engulfed in flood waters on the Gold Coast following torrential rain across south-east Queensland

Cyclone Debbie aftermath: Mackay in north Queensland is experiencing widespread flooding after Pioneer River burst its banks

A helpless bull shark lies in shallow water during floods in Burdekin, just south of Townsville

Extreme weather conditions in Queensland forced the Brisbane's Mater hospital to cancel surgeries scheduled on Friday.

In an announcement made on Thursday night, the Mater said cancellations mainly affected the public hospital and surgeries at the Mater Private Hospital would still go ahead, except for endoscopies.

The Mater added: 'Caesarean sections scheduled for tomorrow at Mater Mothers will go ahead as planned'.

Washed away: A car - thankfully with no one inside - sits in floodwater outside a Gold Coast hospital on Thursday

Melbourne is on track for four consecutive days beneath 20 degrees, with freezing temperatures through the nights and the chance of snow in Victoria's Alpine region.

The gloomy weather should mark Sydney's wettest March in a staggering 42 years.

Queenslanders have been warned to prepare for the worst with flash flooding now a serious concern across the state.

'As the low tracks down the coast towards Brisbane we can expect falls of up to 200mm or more in southeast Queensland,' a BoM spokesman said.

A car park in Gold Coast has already been deluged by the heavy rains, while the Gold Coast TItans NRL team were forced to cancel training after their field flooded.

A damaged motel is seen in Proserpine after Cyclone Debbie tore through on Tuesday

Peter Stokes (pictured) inspects damage to his motel in Proserpine after the cyclone tore through

Kerry Campbell and Peter Stokes inspect damage to their motel in Proserpine, Whitsundays

Kerry Campbell and Peter Stokes inspect damage to their motel in Proserpine, Whitsundays

The gloomy weather should mark Sydney's wettest March in a staggering 42 years

A building teeters over the edge of a sand dune on Lamberts Beach near Mackay, Queensland

Apartments in far north Queensland are evacuated as floodwaters continue to rise

A train on an elevated track hurtles past floodwaters in Eudl, on Queensland's Sunshine Coast

Rivers in Brisbane run high as the city prepares to be smashed with the equivalent of a month's rain in 24 hours

Caneland Central car park in Mackay goes under with floodwater as rain continues to bucket down

Queensland Education said all schools from Agnes Water to NSW were closed

Cars parked outside Robina Hospital were seen being swept away by the floodwater as the Mudgeeraba Creek burst its banks

Motorists in Gold Coast and Brisbane, who were pounded by the storm on Wednesday and through to Thursday, were seen struggling to make it through the water

:A car drives through water on March 30, 2017 in Billinudgel, Australia

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart urged Queenslanders to stay inside and not to underestimate the dangers of the heavy rainfall.

'If I was an employer I'd certainly be thinking about closing down by lunchtime,' Commissioner Stewart said.

'If someone calls out for help we need to get their fast. We don't need our roads clogged up with people who are acting too late.

'We don't want to lose a Queenslander in this event.'

Queensland Education said all schools from Agnes Water to NSW were closed, while 200 roads were shut as of Thursday morning.

Aiden and Liza Hayes walk through water on March 30, 2017 in Billinudgel, Australia

Wappa Dam on the Sunshine Coast. SEQ Water is warning people to stay clear of the overflowing, ungated dam

Wappa Dam on the Sunshine Coast. SEQ Water is warning people to stay clear of the overflowing, ungated dam

Wet: Some drivers were forced to ditch their vehicles to make it to safety. Pictured, a truck caught out by the floods in Archerfield, Queensland

Truck, van and car drivers have all found themselves submerged in floodwater after daring to take to the roads in the aftermath of the storm

Locals at Mudgeeraba (pictured) said it was the highest water level they had seen in 30 years

More than 200 roads in Queensland were closed early on Thursday morning

Flooding in Mackay's CBD after tropical cyclone Debbie hit the north Queensland region

Dramatic photographs surfacing on social media show the extent of floods in southeast QLD

Hundreds of shoppers converged on the Woolworths supermarket in Airlie Beach minutes after it opened this morning, with people panic buying food and water while it lasts

Tourists stranded on the cyclone-ravaged Whitsundays have spoken of their holiday hell after finding themselves stranded with dwindling water supplies - as looters start to target storm-damaged businesses

Repairs: Residents were already hard at work fixing homes that had roofs torn off during the Category 4 storm in Hamilton Island

Broken roads following mass flooding across Queensland after cyclone Debbie smashed the state's north

Drivers have been warned not to drive in flood waters as it is impossible to see if the road is broken, like this

Meanwhile on the Gold Coast, south of Brisbane, heavy rainfall lead to widespread flash flooding.

But the Gold Coast Titans did not let the weather dampen their spirits.

Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, the team posted a photo of its field, inundated with water.

'Tough conditions for training today,' the team wrote alongside the photo.

The Gold Coast Titans NRL team were forced to cancel training after their field was flooded

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (R) cleaning out flood waters from a house during his visit to the cyclone Debbie affected areas in Bowen, Queensland

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull wipes flood waters out of a building as he visits areas of Bowen in northern Queensland damaged by Cyclone Debbie

Keara, Lacey and Erich Stewart paddle in a kayak after flood waters entered there back yard

Children and adults play in the flood water in their back yards

Bennett Wood sits on his car after flood waters entered his back yard

Keara,Lacey and Erich Stewart paddle in a kayak

Families in Murwillumbah were pictured kayaking through floodwaters on Thursday.

Two men were also captured paddling in kayaks through dangerous floodwaters in Tallebudgera, Queensland on Thursday.

One of the two men fell off their kayak in the dangerous water, forced to cling on to a tree branch to prevent himself from being carried away.

In the footage, captured by an ABC News crew, the man managed to find his way back to dry land, but not without struggle.

When asked why he ventured into the floodwaters, the man said: 'yeah no, it was an adventure, that's what life's about isn't it'.

His friend, pictured in a separate kayak, also laughed about the incident.

Residents in Queensland and Northern NSW have been warned to steer clear of floodwaters.

Two men were also captured paddling in kayaks through dangerous floodwaters in Tallebudgera, Queensland on Thursday

One man struggles to make his way back to dry land after falling off his kayak in floodwaters

One of the men filmed kayaking through floodwaters describes the incident to ABC news

The warning follows the tragic death of an 11-year-old boy who died in floodwaters following heavy rain in March.

Ryan Teasdale was riding a bodyboard with his brother and friends in Unanderra, Wollongong when he was sucked into a stormwater drain.

His body was found the following day at a creek bed at the end of a stormwater drain about 500 metres from where he was playing.

A young boys looks out over the tweed river as flood waters rise

Infrastructure along the tweed river as flood waters rise on March 30, 2017 in Murwillumbah, Australia

Infrastructure along the tweed river as flood waters rise on March 30, 2017 in Murwillumbah, Australia

Sydneysiders can expect showers to start on Thursday afternoon and continue into the evening with a maximum of 45 millimetres expected.

'It is likely that some locations will exceed more than 200mm,' the bureau said on Wednesday.

The showers will linger on Friday for Sydney but it won't be as much as the previous day's dumping, with about 6mm forecast.

Houses threatened by flood waters sweeping down the Queensland coast

Houses threatened by flood waters on March 30, 2017 in Murwillumbah

NATIONAL SEVEN-DAY FORECAST Sydney Thursday: Max 26, heavy rainfall Friday: Min 16, max 23, shower or two Saturday: Min 16, max 23, chance of showers Sunday: Min 18, max 22, shower or two Monday: Min 17, max 22, showers Tuesday: Min 16, max 21, Showers Wednesday: Min 17, max 21, chance of showers Canberra: Thursday: Max 21, showers developing Friday: Min 6, max 21, sunny Saturday: Min 5, max 23, sunny Sunday: Min 8, max 20, partly cloudy Monday: Min 6, max 20, shower or two Tuesday: Min 8, max 20, possible shower Wednesday: Min 8, max 21, possible shower Melbourne Thursday: Max 18, shower or two Friday: Min 12, max 18, slight showers Saturday: Min 10, max 19, afternoon shower Sunday: Min 12, max 18, cloudy Monday: Min 10, max 22, sunny Tuesday: Min 10, max 23, mostly sunny Wednesday:Min 12, max 24, mostly sunny Perth: Thursday: Max 28, sunny Friday: Min 13, max 29, sunny Saturday: Min 15, max 31, sunny Sunday: Min 18. max 31, sunny Monday: Min 16, max 28, cloud clearing Tuesday: Min 17, max 31, sunny Wednesday: Min 18, max 32, sunny Brisbane Thursday: Max 27, heavy rainfall Friday: Min 22, max 27, showers easing, windy Saturday: Min 20, max 29, possible shower Sunday: Min 21, max 29, possible shower Monday: Min 21, max 29, cloudy Tuesday: Min 19, max 28, possible shower Wednesday: Min 18, max 28, possible shower Adelaide: Thursday: Max 19, possible shower Friday: Min 10, max 19, partly cloudy Saturday: Min 13, max 21, possible shower Sunday: Min 12, max 20, partly cloudy Monday: Min 11, max 24, sunny Tuesday: Min 11, max 25, mostly sunny Wednesday: Min 14, max 27, mostly sunny Advertisement

Meanwhile in the Whitsunday Region, which was ravaged by Cyclone Debbie on Tuesday, residents have been advised to boil their tap water before drinking it.

The Whitsunday Regional Council made the announcement on Thursday night, warning the water 'may be discoloured and contain bacteria levels above normal standards'.

'If you have no other source of water, like bottled water or tank water, the water for consumption should be brought to a boil for about three minutes,' it said.

This photo shows how far floodwaters have risen across Murwillumbah

Kayaking through flood waters in Woolloongabba

Streets filled with water after cyclone Debbie moved south
Monash University has become the first in Australia to introduce a policy of trigger warnings.

But critics have blasted the move as a bid to implement a politically correct agenda under the pretence of protecting the wellbeing of students.

In the Melbourne university's pilot program, 15 course outlines contain warnings that the content could cause emotional distress to students, the ABC reports.

It involves academics reviewing the course's content and highlight any 'emotionally confronting material' related to sexual assault, violence, domestic abuse, child abuse, eating disorders, self-harm, suicide, pornography, abortion, kidnapping, hate speech, animal cruelty and animal deaths, including abbatoirs.

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Monash University has become the first in Australia to introduce a policy of trigger warnings. Pictured, Student Union Matilda Grey says the warnings will help students prepare themselves for content that could spark anxiety or panic attacks

The university insists political correctness was not a factor in the introduction of the policy, which was the culmination of years of campaigning by the Student Association.

But critics insist it is conceding to the demands of students who want to avoid ideas they do not agree with  and is a reflection of what is happening on campuses across the United States.

Student Association president Matilda Grey insists the warnings are not there so students can withdraw themselves from challenging situations  but so they can prepare themselves for the material they will study.

She added the current generation of students are simply more aware of the traumatising experiences their classmates may have endured, such as sexual assault.

'We're not suggesting that they should be faced with difficult, discomforting topics at all,' she said.

The Institute of Public Affairs's Chris Berg says the move os motivated by a political agenda and says it's harmful to education

Rather, it will allow those who may suffer anxiety or panic attacks from distressing content to prepare themselves and manage their response, she said.

Chris Berg, from the Institute of Public Affairs, is critical of the move and says it is harmful to education.

'We've seen how this has played out in the US and it can turn into a censorious, highly politically correct [culture] and highly harmful to the mission of education that universities exist for,' he told the ABC.

And Marguerite Johnson, an associate professor at Newcastle University, considers herself progressive and regularly warns her students ahead of explicit material.

In the Melbourne university's pilot program, 15 course outlines contain warnings that the content could cause emotional distress to students. File photo shows Monash University

However, she disagrees with the idea of university officials deciding when warnings are to be issued  and thinks Monash sets the bar far too low.

'The world is emotionally distressing and I find it quite absurd that the universities may see themselves as the guardians of emotionally distressing situations,' she added.

Critics believe it could lead to warnings on specifics works, such as The Great Gatsby

She also believes the warnings are a stepping stone to censorship and could lead to the application of warnings on specific works.

For example, the works of Roman poet Ovid, Virginia Woolf and F. Scott Fitzgerald have often been objected to by American students for their depiction of sexual violence.

Professor Johnson also noted that analysing texts that might disturb students can be for the betterment of society, citing the example of Australia's reform of sexual assault laws.

She said it was only because young feminist students in the 1970s saw the way women were represented in rape cases that they went on to become lawyers and advocated for the change in legislation.

'If they hadn't experienced the horrors of reading the materials as students, how would they know what to fight against, how would they know what to kick against?'




More details have emerged about one of the oldest sets of human remains found in the Americas, a young woman nicknamed 'Naia' whose nearly complete skeleton was discovered in 2007 in a water-filled cave in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

A study has determined that as thought, the young woman was between 15 and 16 when she died by falling into the cave about 13,000 years ago.

Researchers add that she was about five feet (1.5 meters) tall and weighed about 110 pounds (50 kilograms) at her heaviest, though there was evidence she had suffered episodes of famine. She had broken her arm but it later mended.

Finally, the new study suggests she may have recently given birth before she died.

More details have emerged about one of the oldest sets of human remains found in the Americas, a young woman nicknamed 'Naia' whose nearly complete skeleton was discovered in 2007

Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History said Wednesday the study was based on X-ray and other tests on the skeleton, which has been pulled out of the cave bit by bit over the last several years.

The study was conducted by James Chatters of Applied Paleoscience, a consulting firm in Bothell, Washington, and other researchers.

The girl's nearly complete skeleton was discovered by chance in 2007 by expert divers who were mapping water-filled caves north of the city of Tulum, in the eastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula.

One day, they came across a huge chamber deep underground.

A study has determined that as thought, the young woman was between 15 and 16 when she died by falling into the cave about 13,000 years ago

'The moment we entered inside, we knew it was an incredible place,' one of the divers, Alberto Nava, told reporters in 2014.

'The floor disappeared under us and we could not see across to the other side.'

They named it Hoyo Negro, or black hole. Months later, they returned and reached the floor of the 100-foot tall chamber, which was littered with animal bones.

They came across the girl's skull on a ledge, lying upside down 'with a perfect set of teeth and dark eye sockets looking back at us,' Nava said.

The divers named the skeleton Naia, after a water nymph of Greek mythology, and joined up with a team of scientists to research the find.

Researchers say the girl was about five feet tall and weighed about 110 pounds at her heaviest, though there was evidence she had suffered episodes of famine

Chatters said in 2014 that the girl may have been looking for water when she tumbled into the chamber. He also said at the time that the girl's pelvis was broken, suggesting she had fallen a long distance.

An analysis of her remains published in 2014, with Chatters as the lead author, addressed a puzzle about the settling of the Americas.

Both the shape of her skull and DNA in her bones show there was just one major migration to the Americas, over a land bridge that covered what's now the Bering Strait, NBC News reported in 2014.
A 37-year-old man faces serious drugs charges after police allegedly found a pill press and drug lab set up in a home where two children lived.

The children, aged one and five, were living at the Picnic Point home in Sydney's southwest where a clandestine drug lab and pill press were discovered by police.

The man, who's due to appear at Bankstown Local Court on Wednesday, was charged with manufacturing a large commercial quantity of prohibited drugs.

A 37-year-old man faces serious drugs charges after police allegedly found a pill press and drug lab set up in a home where two children lived (stock image)

Officers executed the search warrant on Wednesday at the Burns Road (pictured) address

He was also charged with possessing a tablet press and drug manufacturing equipment.

Officers executed the search warrant on Wednesday at the Burns Road address.

They spoke to the 37-year-old resident before searching the home where the young children were living.

The illegal drug lab was allegedly manufacturing methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), or ecstasy, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Police contacted the Department of Family and Community Services.

The man, who's due to appear at Bankstown Local Court (pictured) on Wednesday, was charged with manufacturing a large commercial quantity of prohibited drugs
Music station Radio 2 will be forced to broadcast at least three hours of news and current affairs every week at peak time under a crackdown by the BBCs new regulator.

It could lead to a major shake-up of the schedules as executives try to ensure that Jeremy Vines popular current affairs show counts towards the new quota.

If the broadcaster falls short, it could be fined up to 250,000 a time by Ofcom, which will replace the BBC Trust next week to become the corporations first ever external regulator.

The BBC could be fined up to 250,000 if it falls short of Ofcom's quota

BBC director of radio Bob Shennan said yesterday he thought his channels already carried enough news and current affairs.

He highlighted Mr Vines show each weekday at noon, which takes an accessible approach to the heavyweight issues of the day.

But while Ofcom insiders agreed that it qualified as a meaty current affairs show, its timing may exclude it from the new requirement.

The chat show falls outside peak time on radio, which is 6am to 10am, and 4pm to 7pm on week days.

The demand is just one of a series Ofcom will impose on the BBC next year, after a public consultation.

The corporation also faces stiff targets for news and current affairs programming on TV and Radio 1, as well as for shows about art, music and religion. The watchdog could also penalise the BBC if it does not make enough childrens programmes in the UK, put enough music on in peak-time slots, cover a wide enough range of sports.

Ofcom also warned the BBC to make sure news and current affairs were at the heart of its TV schedules, with more between the peak hours of 6pm and 10.30pm.

The BBC's Media City in Salford. TV programming will also be affected by Ofcom's strict new targets

Bosses will also have to ensure they spend the same amount per head on programming in Scotland and Northern Ireland as it does in England and Wales.

In 2015, 16.6 per cent of the money that the BBC put into network programming was spent in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Ofcom chief executive Sharon White warned that it would hold the BBCs feet to the fire if the broadcaster did not do more to reflect the UK, and ensure it shapes and reflects Britains society and values.

She added: We promise to hold the corporation rigorously to account. Audiences want to see UK stories, and those stories that authentically represent them.

The BBC spends 30 per cent less on original UK programmes, in real terms, than it did in 2004.

The broadcaster already beats the target of ensuring that at least three quarters of TV programmes on BBC1 and BBC2 are original and made in the UK. But it will now have to guarantee that a minimum of 400 hours of programming on its CBBC childrens channel are made in Britain, and 100 hours of its pre-school programming on CBeebies.

Targets for classical music programmes and religion and art shows will ensure they are shown in prime time, rather than relegated to the back of the schedule.

Miss White said they were totemic to distinctive public service broadcasting, adding: In recent years, public-service broadcasters have shown fewer arts, classical music and religious programmes. The BBC can help arrest that decline.

The corporation has been criticised for failing to show all its annual Proms concerts on the main TV channels, and has been accused of treating religion as the fag end of its priorities. At the moment, it depends on Songs Of Praise as the linchpin of its coverage.
Assistant Commissioner Mick Fuller will become the next NSW police commissioner.

Mr Fuller will replace Andrew Scipione after an independent panel assessed eight high-profile candidates.

They included Deputy Commissioner Cath Burn and her former rival Nick Kaldas.

'I'm very glad the robust selection process has delivered an excellent new commissioner,' Premier Gladys Berejiklian said in a statement on Thursday morning after her decision was endorsed by cabinet.

Mr Fuller is the commander of the Sydney metropolitan region and the NSW Police spokesman for domestic violence.

Assistant Commissioner Mick Fuller will become the next NSW police commissioner

He oversees security operations including New Year's Eve in Sydney and was also part of the initial police response to the Lindt cafe siege.

Ms Burn and Mr Kaldas's chances may have be hindered by the fact their conduct was questioned during the long-running police bugging scandal.

She was also criticised for deleting text messages concerning the Lindt cafe siege, while legislation would need to be tweaked for Mr Kaldas to become commissioner because he left his last role on medical grounds.

On Friday, a guard of honour and march out ceremony will be held in Sydney's southwest to farewell Mr Scipione.

Other candidates considered for the role included Deputy Commissioner Cath Burn (right) and her former rival Nick Kaldas (left)

Mr Fuller will replace Andrew Scipione (pictured) who spent nine years and seven months as the state's top cop

The retiring NSW Police Commissioner will be honoured at a ceremony in Bankstown - the district where he started his police career 37 years ago.

The ceremony will feature a guard of honour and march out ceremony and a speech by the outgoing chief.

Mr Scipione, whose contract was extended by two years in 2015, will officially leave his posting on Sunday, after spending nine years and seven months as the state's top cop.

He is the state's longest-serving police commissioner since Norman Allan, who served for almost 11 years until 1972.




Amber Rudd has not invited Apple to the emergency tech summit designed to discuss fears terrorists could use encrypted messaging services to plot attacks.

WhatsApp, Google, Twitter and Facebook chiefs are all understood to be making an appearance, but Apple has been left off the list.

The Home Secretary warned it was 'completely unacceptable' that bloodthirsty terrorists like Khalid Masood are able to plot in secret by using encrypted messages.

She systems that allow people to hide from the security services as she insisted internet and technology firms must do more to help the fight against extremism.

Amber Rudd warned that internet companies are acting as a 'conduit' for terrorists by failing to block extremist content

Khalid Masood used a hired car to mow down dozens of pedestrians on Westminster Bridge before entering the grounds of Parliament and stabbing Pc Keith Palmer to death. MailOnline has revealed he was on WhatsApp minutes before the attack started

Despite the company's flagship iPhone coming with an encrypted messaging service built in - iMessage - bosses will not be at the summit, according to The Times.

The row has intensified in the wake of the deadly attack on Westminster last week, when Masood used a hired car to mow down dozens of pedestrians before stabbing a policeman to death at the gates of parliament.

MailOnline has revealed that the terrorist was on WhatsApp just minutes before he launched his deadly assault. As the service uses 'end to end encryption', not even the Facebook-owned company was able to read what was said.

It is unclear whether police have been able to retrieve the records from Masood's phone. The killer is believed to have used an iPhone, and even if the authorities retrieved the handset they may not be able to crack the security.

However, the end-to-end encryption on the application means it is extremely difficult for security services to trace.

Asked about the ability of terrorists to communicate secretly using the technology, Ms Rudd told BBC One's Andrew Marr Show: 'It is completely unacceptable, there should be no place for terrorists to hide.

'We need to make sure that organisations like WhatsApp, and there are plenty of others like that, don't provide a secret place for terrorists to communicate with each other.

'It used to be that people would steam-open envelopes or just listen in on phones when they wanted to find out what people were doing, legally, through warrantry.

'But on this situation we need to make sure that our intelligence services have the ability to get into situations like encrypted WhatsApp.'

Mrs May raised questions about whether police had been able to see Masood's last messages, telling Sky News Sophy Ridge programme that 'this terrorist sent a Whatsapp message and it can't be accessed'.

WHAT IS END-TO-END ENCRYPTION? WhatsApp boasts that even it does not know what is being communicated between users. That is because it employs end-to-end encryption, where only linked phones have the matching security keys allowing them to decode messages. The technology has raised alarm because government agencies are completely unable to intercept conversations that may allow them to head off terror attacks. Obtaining a warrant against companies using the technology would be pointless, as they simply do not hold the information. WhatsApp tells its users: 'Messages you send to this chat and calls are now secured with end-to-end encryption, which means WhatsApp and third parties can't read or listen to them.' Supporters of end-to-end encryption say it has made day-to-day activities such as online shopping infinitely safer. But there are growing calls for providers to install a 'back door' in the systems so the authorities can access potentially life-and-death material. Advertisement

Asked if she opposed end-to-end encryption, Ms Rudd said: 'End-to-end encryption has a place, cyber security is really important and getting it wrong costs the economy and costs people money.

'So I support end-to-end encryption, it has its place to play.

'But we also need to have a system whereby when the police have an investigation, where the security services have put forward a warrant signed off by the Home Secretary, we can get that information when a terrorist is involved.'

She denied what she was describing was incompatible with end-to-end encryption, adding: 'I support end-to-end encryption as part of cybersecurity, for families, for banking, for businesses. It's important.

'But we can't have a situation where terrorists can talk to each other, where this terrorist sent a Whatsapp message and it can't be accessed.'

The Home Office claimed Ms Rudd had been making a general point rather than referring to Masood's case specifically.

A WhatsApp spokesman said: 'We are horrified at the attack carried out in London earlier this week and are cooperating with law enforcement as they continue their investigations.'

Ms Rudd also insisted the likes of Google - which runs YouTube - and other smaller sites such as WordPress and Telgram must take more responsibility for blocking extremist material.

Ms Rudd said she was calling in a 'fairly long list' of relevant organisations for a meeting on the issue this week, including social media platforms.

'What these companies have to realise is that they are now publishing companies, they are not technology companies, they are platforms and we need to make sure that that (hosting extremist material) stops,' she said.

'You are right, we will not resile from taking action if we need to do so.'

But she went on: 'I would rather get a situation where we get all these people around the table agreeing to do it.

'I know it sounds a bit like we're stepping away from legislation but we're not.

Pictured: Jihadist Khalid Masood, who left four dead and 29 injured after a rampage in Westminster

'What I'm saying is the best people who understand the technology, who understand the necessary hashtags to stop this stuff even being put up, not just taking it down, but stopping it being put up in the first place, are going to be them.'

Boris Johnson also stepped up the pressure on internet firms over their 'disgusting' failure to block extremist content.

Before the atrocity Google had already been forced to promise it would take a 'tougher stance' on hateful content after an outcry and boycotts from advertisers over its content appearing alongside extreme material.

Mr Johnson called on internet providers and social media companies to develop new technology to detect and remove jihadist and other extreme material.

He accused them of 'not acting when they are tipped off', adding in an interview with the Sunday Times: 'I'm furious about it.

'It's disgusting.

'They need to stop just making money out of prurient violent material.'

Ms Rudd demanded more cooperation from internet and tech firms as she appeared on the BBC's Andrew Marr show today

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said he found it 'disgusting' that net firms were not taking tougher action against extreme literature

Masood was seemingly using WhatsApp just minutes before he went on his murder rampage

Mr Johnson added: 'They are not acting when they are tipped off.

'Evil flourishes when good men do nothing - and that's what's happening here.

'They are putting up adverts next to it.'

Europol, the EU's law enforcement agency, backed Ms Rudd's call for messaging services to build back doors into end-to-end encryption.

Its director Rob Wainwright told BBC Sunday Politics: 'There is no doubt that encryption, encrypted communications are becoming a more and more prominent feature in the way that terrorists communicate, more and more of a problem therefore, a real challenge for investigators.

'And at the heart of this is a stark inconsistency between the ability of the police to lawfully intercept telephone calls but not when those messages are exchanged by a social media messaging board for example.

Theresa May vowed to show terrorists that 'we are not afraid' as she addressed the House of Commons in the wake of the attack

'That's an inconsistency in society, it surely is, and we have to find a solution through the appropriate legislation, through perhaps the technology companies and law enforcement working maybe in a slightly more constructive way.'

Commons Home Affairs Committee chairwoman Yvette Cooper said the Government should consider German-style laws to fine companies that fail to remove extreme material, although Ms Rudd distanced herself from the idea.

Ms Cooper told Sky News's Sophy Ridge on Sunday: 'I think we're going to have to have much more pressure on them to act because I know that Amber Rudd wants to have another summit with them and another meeting with them. I'm sure that's very good.

'But David Cameron had lots and lots of meetings with them that kind of went around these issues again and again.

'I think they have to act.'
An Oregon hiker could face charges for taking a 'malnourished' bear cub to a wildlife center on Monday.

Corey Hancock was hiking along the Santiam River Trial in Salem when he came across the three-month-old bear cub, according to ABC News.

'Help!!! Rescued a baby bear that was left for dead. Where do it take it?! It's barely breathing and not very responsive. Heading on the Santiam highway towards Salem,' Hancock wrote on Facebook.

Hancock, who said the cub was 'motionless' when he found it and he 'thought it was dead', could face a maximum year in jail and a $6,250 fine for taking the bear out of the wild.

Oregon hiker, Corey Hancock (pictured), may face charges after he rescued a three-month-old 'malnourished' bear cub (pictured wrapped in his flannel shirt) while walking along the Santiam River Trial on Monday

Hancock, who said the cub (pictured) was 'motionless' when he found it and he 'thought it was dead', could face a maximum year in jail and a $6,250 fine for taking the bear out of the wild

'He did kind of twitch a couple times, so I knew he was dying or going through the motions of death when I found him,' Hancock told ABC.

At the time of the rescue, Hancock said he moved away from the cub in case its mother showed up .

When the mama bear didn't show up after he waited for about 10 minutes, Hancock said, he wrapped the bear up in his flannel shirt and made a run for it.

After asking for help on Facebook, Hancock, who named the cub Elkhorn because he found it on Elkhorn Road, drove to the Turtle Ridge Wildlife Center on the recommendation of a social media user.

The center wrote on Facebook that the bear was 'malnourished' and 'lethargic' when it came in.

'The cub, nicknamed Elkhorn, received several rounds of sub cutaneous fluids. His hydration and body temperature finally normalized around 2am. Nearly 12 hours later, he is showing significant signs of improvement!

After asking for help on Facebook, Hancock, who named the cub Elkhorn (pictured) because he found it on Elkhorn Road, drove to the Turtle Ridge Wildlife Center on the recommendation of a social media user

The center wrote on Facebook that the bear was 'malnourished' and 'lethargic' when it came in, adding that people who encounter wildlife that may need help, should contact the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

The center recommended that people who encounter wildlife that may need help should contact the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW).

'This was an uncommon situation and we appreciate Corey for trusting us with the distressed cub's care,' the center wrote.

Hancock said on Facebook: 'Warms my heart. If I hadn't been out on the trails in the rain today, this little boy would be dead.'

The ODFW also advised people to never take wildlife out of the wild and instead contact the department or the Oregon State Police.

Colin Gillin, an ODFW veterinarian, told ABC that taking an animal out of the wild is almost always a bad decision.

The department said it will not euthanize Elkhorn, but he will likely go to a zoo or a rehabilitation center to be released back into the wild.

Elkhorn will not learn basic survival skills from its mother, such as how to stay away from danger Gillin said, adding that the cub will be at a 'disadvantage' when it is released.

It is unclear whether any charges will be filed against Hancock. Oregon police are aware of the situation and called Hancock and reminded him of the law. Hancock named the cub Elkhorn after he found him along the Elkhorn Road (pictured)

Gillin said it's illegal to capture or keep wildlife in captivity.

If convicted, someone could face a maximum of one year in jail and a $6,250 fine, Michelle Dennehy, the ODFW's public information coordinator, told ABC.

It is unclear whether any charges will be filed against Hancock.

Oregon police are aware of the situation and called Hancock and reminded him of the law.

Hancock said he 'gets' the law and although he was not aware of it at the time, he may not have abided by it if he had been, according to ABC.

'I can't say for sure what I would do if I did know the law. That was a little life there that was about to be lost.'
Daniel Ramirez Medina, 24, has been released from federal custody in Seattle while legal proceedings over his immigration status continue

A Mexican immigrant with a work permit who was arrested by US authorities has been released from federal custody while legal proceedings over his immigration status continue.

Daniel Ramirez Medina, 24, was arrested near Seattle last month by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers who subsequently alleged he had gang ties and should be deported.

Ramirez's lawyers have denied their client has any gang involvement or criminal record, and called his arrest unconstitutional.

The 24-year-old, known as a 'Dreamer,' came to the United States with his parents when he was about 10 years old.

The term Dreamers refers to some 750,000 immigrants brought to the country illegally as children, who have been afforded some protection from deportation under an Obama-era program called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

The Ramirez case is being closely watched by other Dreamers who worry that they could be swept up in more aggressive immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump.

Medina was arrested near Seattle last month by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers who subsequently alleged he had gang ties and should be deported (file photo)

An immigration judge granted Ramirez's release this week on a $15,000 bond while proceedings over his legal status in the country continue, his lawyers said.

An ICE official on Wednesday confirmed his release.

In a statement, Ramirez's lawyer Mark Rosenbaum said 'this is an important first step toward justice.'

Under U.S. law, deportation cases must be heard by immigration courts, which are administered by the Department of Justice. But Ramirez's attorneys say he is entitled to challenge the circumstances of his arrest in federal court.

Earlier this month, a Seattle magistrate judge recommended that his court hear Ramirez's legal claims around his arrest. The Justice Department has challenged that recommendation.
A top US general in Iraq has admitted American led coalition forces probably played a role in an attack on a neighbourhood in Mosul which left as least 100 dead.

Lieutenant General Steve Townsend said militants may have gathered civilians into a building which may have been hit by the US-led coalition.

He said an investigation was underway and that Islamic State may also be to blame.

Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend (pictured left) admitted that US-led air strikes 'probably' had a role in a recent attack in western Mosul which left at least 100 dead

Rescuers in western Mosul sift through debris to recover bodies killed in fighting between Islamic State militants and Iraqi security forces

Speaking from Iraq, Lt General Townsend, said: My initial assessment is that we probably had a role in these casualties.

Now, heres what I dont know. What I dont know is were they (the civilians) gathered there by the enemy?

We still have some assessments to do. I would say this, that it sure looks like they were.

Meanwhile RAF pilots are taking all steps necessary to minimise civilian casualties in the battle for Mosul - despite dropping bombs in dense urban areas and against inhuman tactics, officials said yesterday.

A RAF Tornado GR4 refuels over northern Iraq. RAF pilots have been instructed to take 'all steps necessary' to minimise civilian casualties in the battle for Mosul

Islamic States illegal use of civilians as human shields and fighting from schools, hospitals and religious sites increases the risk to innocent life, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

A spokesman said closely-packed buildings, very narrow streets, and the density of the urban population made for a very challenging operating environment.

A statement said that while no military operations come without risk, the RAF continues to take measures to minimise civilian deaths.

Conflicting accounts have emerged since the March 17 explosion in al-Jadida district in west Mosul, where Iraqi forces backed by US-led coalition air strikes are fighting to clear Islamic State militants from Iraqs second city.

Iraqi forces, backed by air strikes, are slowly clearing Mosul from Islamic State militants

Investigators are in Mosul to determine whether a US-led coalition strike or Islamic State-rigged explosives caused a blast that destroyed buildings and may have killed more than 200 people.

My initial impression is the enemy had a hand in this. And theres also a fair chance that our strike had some role in it, Townsend said.

Meanwhile, disturbing propaganda footage emerged showing young boys - so-called cubs of the caliphate - recruited by Islamic State running through a warehouse and killing handcuffed men begging for their lives.
Home Secretary Amber Rudd said Britain was the argest contributor to Europol

Europe will be more vulnerable to terrorism and organised crime if Britain is refused a significant trade deal, it was claimed last night.

Europol, the EU policing agency, will lose access to the UKs world-class intelligence and policing capabilities if there is no agreement, the Government warned.

Security chiefs in Brussels will be worried because Britain is one of the biggest contributors to the global fight against crime, including extremism, people-trafficking and cyber-crime, and other nations rely on UK intelligence.

Concerns about losing Britains expertise have grown in the wake of terrorist attacks in France, Belgium and Germany, and last week in London.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd told Sky News: We are the largest contributor to Europol, so if we left Europol then we would take our information  this is in the legislation  with us.

The fact is the European partners want us to keep our information in there, because we keep other European countries safe as well.

Prime Minister Theresa May, in her letter to European Council president Donald Tusk triggering Article 50, warned: With Europes security more fragile today than at any time since the Cold War, weakening our cooperation would be a costly mistake.

In the Commons, Mrs May invoked the horror of last Wednesdays attack in London. She said: In an increasingly unstable world, we must continue to forge the closest possible security co-operation to keep our people safe.

HOW DO NATIONS COOPERATE? EUROPOL Assists member states in the fight against serious international crime, terrorism, cyber-crime, people-smuggling and drug-trafficking. EUROPEAN ARREST WARRANT Speeds up extradition of suspects or convicts between EU nations. PASSENGER NAMES States gather all the information travellers give airlines so they can check for links to terrorism or other crimes. SIS II Has details of 250,000 wanted or missing people. Issues alerts on fugitives, missing people, stolen goods, suspected jihadists. ECRIS Database listing EU citizens convictions. PRUM Gives access within 15 minutes to Europes DNA, vehicle registration and fingerprint records. Advertisement

Europol is one of a number of bodies that have fallen under scrutiny in the wake of the EU referendum.

Britain is currently a full member but 19 other nations  including the US  have struck operational agreements to share information.

Senior policing figures also highlighted the role played in their work by the European Arrest Warrant and the European Criminal Records Information System, which lists EU citizens convictions.

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron blasted Mrs Mays scandalous letter as a blatant threat to the EU.

He said: It is shameful that she has threatened to withdraw security co-operation from our closest neighbours.

She is prepared to put the safety of British and European citizens on the line just so she can deliver her hard Brexit.

Security is too important to be used as a bargaining chip and this will backfire in any negotiations.

Rob Wainwright, Europols British director, admitted the agency would face a significant detriment if the UK left.

Richard Walton, former counter-terrorism chief, said the UK would be in a stronger negotiating position if it withdraws from Europol. He said withdrawing would have little or no effect on Britains own ability to maintain security, but represents a risk to the safety of other member states and that they will therefore continue to seek access to the UKs intelligence post Brexit.

Last month Lord Carlile, a former independent reviewer of terrorism, said: They need us more than we need them.

Last night on BBC1s Brexit  What Next? interview with Andrew Neil, Mrs May warned our membership of Europol will be part of the package of negotiations. However she insisted she wanted to continue that degree of cooperation with the EU on security.
China can deploy warplanes on artificial islands any time -think tank

Fiery Cross Reef is shown in this handout satellite image dated September 3, 2015 and provided by CSIS Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative/Digital Globe September 14, 2015. Photo by Reuters/CSIS Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative/Digital Globe/Handout via Reuters

While Vietnam is verifying the information, China has denied claims it's building artificial islands in troubled waters.

The think tank cited satellite images taken this month, which its director, Greg Poling, said showed new radar antennas on Fiery Cross and Subi.

China appears to have largely completed major construction of military infrastructure on artificial islands it has built in the East Sea, internationally known as South China Sea, and can now deploy combat planes and other military hardware there at any time, a U.S. think tank said on Monday.

The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), part of Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the work on Fiery Cross, Subi and Mischief Reefs in the Spratly Islands included naval, air, radar and defensive facilities.

The think tank cited satellite images taken this month, which its director, Greg Poling, said showed new radar antennas on Fiery Cross and Subi.

"So look for deployments in the near future," he said.

Vietnam on Thursday said it's in the process of verifying this information, Tuoi Tre reported.

"Related parties need to respect Vietnam's sovereignty, act responsively, and should neither complicate the situation nor threaten peace, stability and maritime security in the East Sea," foreign ministry spokesman Le Hai Binh told reporters.

Binh reiterated that Vietnam has sufficient legal grounds and historical evidence to claim sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa Spratly) archipelagos.

China has denied U.S. charges that it is militarizing the South China Sea.

"There is no such thing as man-made islands," China's defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian told a regular monthly news briefing on Thursday. "Most of the building is for civilian purposes, including necessary defensive facilities,"

The South China Sea is generally stable at present, but some countries outside the region are anxious about this and want to hype things up and create tensions, Wu said, using terminology that normally refers to the United States.

Last week Premier Li Keqiang said defense equipment had been placed on islands in the disputed waterway to maintain "freedom of navigation."

AMTI said China's three air bases in the Spratlys and another on Woody Island in the Paracel chain further north would allow its military aircraft to operate over nearly the entire South China Sea, a key global trade route that Beijing claims most of.

Subi Reef is shown in this handout satellite image dated August 8, 2012 and provided by CSIS Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative/Digital Globe September 14, 2015. Photo by Reuters/CSIS Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative/Digital Globe/Handout via Reuters

The think tank said advanced surveillance and early-warning radar facilities at Fiery Cross, Subi, and Cuarteron Reefs, as well as Woody Island, and smaller facilities elsewhere gave it similar radar coverage.

It said China had installed HQ-9 surface-to-air missiles at Woody Island more than a year ago and had deployed anti-ship cruise missiles there on at least one occasion.

It had also constructed hardened shelters with retractable roofs for mobile missile launchers at Fiery Cross, Subi and Mischief and enough hangars at Fiery Cross for 24 combat aircraft and three larger planes, including bombers.

U.S. officials told Reuters last month that China had finished building almost two dozen structures on Subi, Mischief and Fiery Cross that appeared designed to house long-range surface-to-air missiles.

In his Senate confirmation hearing in January, new U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson angered China by saying it should be denied access to islands it had built up in the South China Sea.

He subsequently softened his language, saying that in the event of an unspecified "contingency," the United States and its allies "must be capable of limiting China's access to and use of" those islands to pose a threat.

In recent years, the United States has conducted a series of what it calls freedom-of-navigation operations in the South China Sea, raising tensions with Beijing.
Military helicopters have airlifted 200 tourists and staff from Daydream Island to safety as emergency crews try to rescue 50 people trapped by floodwaters near cyclone-battered Mackay.

Rescue efforts are underway to reach 11 people near Eton in the Pioneer Valley, southwest of the city on Thursday.

And about 40 people are also awaiting rescue in the Homebush area, just outside Mackay, with swift water crews working to move them from the West Leagues Club.

Meanwhile, defence force personnel have flown to the tropical resort Daydream Island with fuel, food and water supplies as they airlifted 200 people to safety.

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Emergency crews are trying to rescue 50 people trapped by floodwaters in Mackay (Queensland Fire and Emergency Services crew rescuing people in Bundaberg)

A bull shark stranded on bank after being swept by floodwaters in Burdekin in the state's north

Boats are arriving at Daydream Island to pick up tourists who have been stranded for days

Tourists and staff on Hamilton Island are being evacuated after the Whitsunday island's airstrip reopened following Cyclone Debbie.

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said evacuations had begun from the island.

The official Hamilton Island Twitter page has confirmed elderly people and families with children will be 'prioritised' to leave the island.

A bull shark has been pictured stranded on a bank after being swept by floodwaters in Burdekin in the state's north.

Earlier on Thursday, a heavily pregnant woman was rescued from a house in Homebush and taken to the Eton rural fire shed.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the woman has since been taken by helicopter to West Leagues Club.

She said there had been 38 water rescue incidents overnight.

'We have some 12 incidents currently taking place that we have got crews on the ground.'

Rescue efforts are underway to reach around 50 people near cyclone-battered Mackay

Authorities are trying to rescue about 50 people trapped by floodwaters in Mackay

She asked stranded people to be patient.

'We are definitely getting to you. We know where you are. We have got the helicopters working in that area, as well as swift water rescue and SES. Please be patient with us, we will get to you as soon as humanly possible.'

She said some people had had to scramble onto the roofs of homes and cars to escape flood waters.

'From about 9pm onwards, there was flash flooding particularly in that area, so we did have people up on the top level of their houses, reports of people on the roofs of their houses and roofs of their cars,' she said.

And about 40 people are also awaiting rescue in the Homebush area, just outside Mackay following torrential rain overnight (pictured Wednesday night)

Rescuers walking through floodwaters in Bundaberg on Wednesday after several drivers were trapped in their cars

Several parked cars trapped in floodwaters in Brisbane on Thursday following Cyclone Debbie

'So it was an extremely difficult period of time, from about 9 o'clock, to 2am, 3am, this morning ... but we believe everyone in that area is safe.

'We haven't got reports of missing people at the moment, so we are quite confident that everyone is safe at this stage and accounted for.'

The rescue efforts are continuing.

Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said it was hard to know how much worse the weather crisis was going to get, with the southeast corner now braced for flash flooding from the former cyclone.

'The problem is we don't know. We saw what happened in the Mackay area last night. We had hoped that we had seen the last of Tropical Cyclone Debbie,' he said.

Pioneer River flooding in Mackay after tropical cyclone Debbie hit the north Queensland
The heir to the Red Bull empire, who allegedly slammed his Ferrari into a motorcycle cop and dragged his mangled body along the road in 2012, is continuing to evade justice despite repeatedly being summoned to court to face charges.

The prosecution of Vorayuth 'Boss' Yoovidhya for his alleged involvement in the death of Wichean Glanprasert has been delayed for close to five years, because on the times when Vorayuth has been called in on charges, he did not show up.

His attorney routinely claimed his client was sick or out of the country on business.

And while statutes of limitations run out on key charges this year, it's been widely assumed that he's hiding, possibly abroad, or living a quiet local life, only going out in disguise.

He isn't.

Vorayuth 'Boss' Yoovidhya is escorted by police in Bangkok, Thailand. This picture was taken on September 3, 2012

The Associated Press has discovered 'Boss', then 27, was back to enjoying his family's jet-set life, largely associated with the Red Bull brand, an energy drink company co-founded by his grandfather, just weeks after the accident.

He flies around the world on private Red Bull jets, cheers their Formula One racing team from Red Bull's VIP seats and keeps a black Porsche Carrera in London with custom license plates: B055 RBR - which is code for 'Boss Red Bull Racing'.

And as recently as last month, the Associated Press found Vorayuth and his family vacationing in the ancient, sacred city of Luang Prabang, Laos. The group stayed at a $1,000-a-night resort, dined in the finest restaurant, visited temples and lounged by the pool before flying home to Bangkok.

Critics of the heir's case have said it is just another example of the wealthy class in Thailand exploiting the country, which has struggled with rule of law for decades.

This picture shows the scene of the crash that allegedly saw Yoovidhya crash his Ferrari into a motorcycle police officer - killing him

Vorayuth 'Boss' Yoovidhya, second left, whose grandfather co-founded energy drink company Red Bull, walks with his mother Daranee, second right, at the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi on November 26, 2016

General Prayuth Chan-ochahe - the military general who came to power in a 2014 coup - declared war on corruption, pledging to make Thailand an equal and fair society.

But car accidents are frequently cited as an example that injustice persists, with 'Bangkok's deadly rich kids,' as one Thai newspaper described it, often receiving far more lenient sentences than ordinary citizens.

The Yoovidhya family attorney did not respond to AP's request to interview Vorayuth.

Experts who have spent years studying the Thai justice system said it is no surprise 'Boss' has managed to evade prosecution since the incident.

Yoovidhya walks at the British Formula 1 Grand Prix in Silverstone, England, on June 30, 2013

The Associated Press has discovered 'Boss', then 27, was back to enjoying his family's jet-set life, largely associated with the Red Bull brand, an energy drink company co-founded by his grandfather, just weeks after the accident in 2012. he is pictured at the British GP in 2013

'There is most certainly a culture of impunity here that big people, which means roughly people with power and money, expect to be able to get away with a certain amount of wrongdoing,' British historian Chris Baker said.

'This happens so often, so constantly, it is very clearly part of the working culture.'

Yoovidhya has been summoned again to court this week, and is due to appear on Thursday.

The legal situation is also far from unique, and appeared similar to a recent incident.

Vorayuth 'Boss' Yoovidhya is seen in a post he shared on social media wearing Red Bull Racing gear

Chalerm Yoovidhya of Red Bul Racing is seen in the pit lane during the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix at Marina Bay Street Circuit on September 22, 2013

Last year, the son of a wealthy Thai businessman slammed his Mercedes Benz at high speed into a smaller car, killing two graduate students.

His case is still pending in court.

In 2010, a 16-year-old unlicensed daughter of a former military officer crashed her sedan into a van, killing nine people.

The teen, from an affluent family, was given a two-year suspended sentence and didn't complete community service until last year.

Those cases are markedly different than most deadly car crashes, in which Thais are routinely arrested, prosecuted and sentenced to jail.
One of Mexico's most senior prosecutors has been arrested on the US border and charged with a conspiracy to smuggle drugs.

Edgar Veytia, the Attorney General in the Mexican state of Nayarit, is one of the most powerful men ever to have been accused of direct involvement in the drugs trade.

An indictment in New York which was unsealed this week accuses Veytia - also known as 'Diablo' (Devil) - of conspiring to smuggle cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine to the United States between January 2013 and last month.

The indictment says at least one kilo of heroin, five kilos of cocaine, 500 grams of methamphetamine and 1,000 kilos of marijuana were involved.

The arrest of Edgar Veytia (pictured) is a huge embarrassment to Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto, whose photograph can be seen on the wall of Veytia's office

US Customs and Border Protection spokesman Ralph DeSio told the San Diego Union Tribune that Veytia had been arrested at the Cross Border Xpress, the bridge which connects San Diego to Tijuana airport.

Veytia, 45, is due to appear in federal court in San Diego later today to determine if he is eligible for bail.

He is then due to return on April 11 for a hearing to determine if he can be extradited to New York.

Veytia's attorney, Guadalupe Valencia, said his client was arrested on the US side of the border and was being held at a San Diego jail.

It is not clear what Veytia (pictured, right) would be doing on the US border, far from his office in Tepic in the state of Nayarit (left)

The indictment claims Veytia uses the aliases Diablo (Devil), Eepp and Lic Veytia

Nayarit is a small, impoverished and largely rural state just to the south of Sinaloa, the heartland of Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman's Sinaloa cartel.

The arrest is a blow for Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto and his Institutional Revolutionary Party, which governs Nayarit and is reeling from corruption scandals.

The Governor of Nayarit, Roberto Sandoval, said they would co-operate with the investigation into Veytia.

Global News reported that Sandoval said: 'I want to be very clear to the people of Nayarit, men and women, that I will personally take responsibility for security in the state. We will not lower our guard, we will continue to be one of the safest states.'

Last month Mexican marines killed Juan Francisco 'Patron' Sanchez and several other members of the Beltran Leyva Cartel at their base in Nayarit.
Premium tea is replacing wine as the tipple of choice for businessmen as long boozy lunches become a thing of the past.

Hotels and restaurants that once relied on customers entertaining clients with a bottle or two of Rioja have been forced to turn to alcohol-free alternatives to satisfy their increasingly sober clientele and stay in profit.

Instead of alcohol, diners are now choosing to pair their lunches with exotic teas costing up to 18 a glass following new bans on daytime drinking in the City of London and a growing number of Muslim clients.

One Michelin-starred restaurant in the City, Club Gascon, recently introduced a menu of 15 for three teas to go along a five-course meal as an alternative to its deal of 20 for three wines.

Claridges in Mayfair has added four teas to its menu, which cost up to 18 a glass and are paired with food

Thomas Rabuel, the restaurants manager, told The Times he began to notice a decline in the number of clients having liquid lunches six months ago.

Its not the law, but now a company can punish employees if they have a drink, he said.

Its challenging for us because as a restaurant you make more of a margin on your wine than you do on your food.

All of these big companies are not allowing people to drink any more at lunch, except the very big managers or people who are coming to sign a big deal. We looked at the numbers and saw that they were decreasing.

The restaurant offers diners a menu to advise them on which teas suit different foods.

After being carefully brewed the tea is decanted into a glass jug and served to customers on a wooden tray with food.

Meanwhile, Claridges in Mayfair has added four teas to its menu, which cost up to 18 a glass and are paired with food and served in wine glasses.

The premium teas include Gyokuro Undercover  a Japanese green tea which is kept in the shade for 20 days before being steamed.

Club Gascon recently introduced a menu of 15 for three teas to go along a five-course meal

Raphael Rodriguez, the restaurant manager at Fera at Claridges, told the Times: We serve tea in a Thermos decanter and serve it in a wine glass at the right temperature and match it with food.

You can really enjoy the tea for what it is. The fact you can serve it at ambient temperature means you can actually experience all the subtleties of the tea. Tea and wine are the only drinks that are that complex.

He added that tea sales have jumped by about 400 per cent since the restaurant began offering tea pairings three months ago.

In February, a leading City institution banned its workers from drinking alcohol in the daytime, prompting a furious backlash from workers.

Lloyds of London insurance market, which dates back to the 17th century, told employees not to drink between 9am and 5pm and threatened to sack them if they break the edict.
America's Ivy League colleges have received tens of billions of dollars in taxpayer money through federal contracts and grants over the past six years, according to a new report.

The report, compiled by non-profit group Open the Books, shows payments and entitlements cost taxpayers $41.59 billion from 2010 to 2015.

Ivy League schools also received $25.73 billion worth of federal payments during this period.

The eight colleges - including Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University and Yale University - received more money on average in federal funds than 16 state governments.

Ivy League colleges have received tens of billions of dollars in taxpayer money through federal contracts and grants over the past six years, according to a new report by Open the Books

The report shows Ivy League endowment funds in 2015 exceeded $119 billion, which is the equivalent to nearly $2 million per undergraduate student.

As a non-profit education institution, the Ivy League pays no tax on investment gains. They received a $9.6 billion tax break on the $27.3 billion growth of their endowment funds between 2011-15, according to the report.

'The Ivy League needs to pay its own way The taxpayer gravy train needs to end,' Adam Andrzejewski, founder of Open the Books, told Fox News.

While Andrzejewski applauded the contributions of Ivy League schools and graduates, he said: 'They don't need taxpayer help, they don't need taxpayer assistance.'

The report, compiled by non-profit group Open the Books, shows payments and entitlements cost taxpayers $41.59 billion from 2010 to 2015

The eight colleges - including Princeton University (above) - received more money on average in federal funds than 16 state governments

He argued that Ivy League schools could use their endowed funds to fund important studies, including Harvard's AIDs research.

Princeton vice president Robert Durkee said most of the tax incentives the school receives is reinvested back into libraries, laboratories, classrooms, research and financial aid.

Yale spokesman Tom Conroy said the Ivy League college had attracted large financial investments for New Haven and the surrounding towns.

'Since 2000, over 50 startups based on Yale inventions and located in New Haven have attracted over $5 billion in investment to New Haven and surrounding towns,' he said.

'Alexion, which employs 1,200 people in New Haven, is a prime example of Yale's impact.'
Mining magnate Gina Rinehart is scouting for employees in unusual places, approaching netball players, former farm workers and small business owners with job offers.

The Perth billionaire, who runs Hancock Prospecting, is targeting West Australians who can be taught basic mining skills to work at her Roy Hill mine in the Pilbara, reported Bloomberg.

Company representatives have approached people at netball games, selecting those with excellent hand-eye coordination needed to drive a truck or operate heavy machinery on mine sites.

Mining magnate Gina Rinehart (pictured) is scouting for employees in unusual places, approaching netball players, former farm workers and small business owners with job offers

Hancock Prospecting is targeting West Australians who can be taught basic mining skills to work at Roy Hill mine in the Pilbara, incuding netball players. Pictured is Matthews Netball Centre in Perth

It's believed the premise behind the hiring process is to manage the company's costs and to diversify its workforce to include more women.

About 10 netball players have taken jobs at Roy Hill so far, after representatives scouted potential employees at local competitions.

Giles Lenz, Roy Hill's general manager of human resources, who is based at the Pilbara processing plant, told Bloomberg the company needed to be agile in terms of the cost base.

He said an experienced worker at other mines in the state might have been paid about A$150,000 and Roy Hill offers around A$100,000 for the same job with no experience.

Representatives are believed to be looking for people with excellent hand-eye coordination needed to drive trucks or operate heavy machinery on mine sites. Pictured is Roy Hill

The roles also have appeal for people who like working on a rotating shift pattern, with two weeks at the mine site and a week back at home.

The company reportedly hired 858 people in the past 12 months and is looking to add another 650 people.

Daily Mail Australia approached Hancock Prospecting for details on the recruitment process, but the company declined to comment.
A 12-year-old boy was attacked and robbed near a train station  and a passer-by ignored his plea for help.

The boy had been walking along Como Parade West towards Parkdale train station in Melbourne on March 22.

At around 5pm, he was approached by two teenage boys who demanded he hand over his wallet, the Mordialloc Chelsea Leader reports.

A 12-year-old boy was attacked and robbed near a train station in Melbourne  and a passer-by ignored his plea for help

When the boy refused, they demanded his watch, threatened him and hit him.

The boy asked a passer-by to call the police, but the person ignored him and kept walking, Kingston crime investigation units Detective Senior-Segeant Shane Cashman told the Leader.

Then, the child tried to run away but the pair of teenagers pushed him up against a post and made off with his watch.

They went towards the train station and crossed the railway tracks, police said.

One of the assailants is described as an unshaven 18-year-old Caucasian man, 175cm tall, thin and with brown eyes.

He was wearing a black hat with an orange logo, a blue and white hooded top and camouflage jeans.

The other was younger, aged 15 or 16, 160cm tall, with shoulder-length blonde hair, blue eyes and pimples.

He was wearing a black Nike jumper and black sport shorts.

Anyone with information is urged to call Kingston CIU on 03 9556 6111.
Child sex grooming cases have quadrupled in four years, but even this level represents the tip of the iceberg, a report reveals today.

The number of children classed as being at risk of sexual exploitation in just one of the worst-affected regions of the UK has almost trebled to 1,732 since 2015, research found.

Chaos afflicting childrens homes, with half of youngsters in care sent away from their local area, and sexualisation through access to the internet are identified as key causes.

The report blamed the 'chaos' afflicting children's homes and the ease of access to sexual imagery on the internet as key causes

Todays report, by Labour MP Ann Coffey, is a follow-up to one she wrote in 2014 entitled Real Voices, commissioned to address the problem in Greater Manchester following the Rochdale grooming gang scandal.

Three years ago she warned that child sexual exploitation had become a social norm in many towns, with older men plying young girls with alcohol and drugs in return for sex.

Titled Real Voices  Are they being heard?, todays report shows a shocking level of child sex grooming remains despite police and other agencies having become better at recognising that girls  and boys - pressured into underage sex should be treated as victims.

Among disturbing findings, it discovered that:

The number of child sexual exploitation offences in Greater Manchester increased fourfold from 146 in 2013 to 714 in 2016.

1,732 youngsters there are currently identified as victims of exploitation or at risk of being groomed - almost trebled from 2015.

Over a three-year period, 4,066 sex crimes were reported against girls and boys under 13 years old.

One in eight Greater Manchester schoolchildren aged 14 to 15 admitted sending sexually explicit messages or images on their mobile phones.

Miss Coffey, chairman of the Commons all-party group for runaway and missing children and adults and MP for Stockport, said despite the rise in offences, grooming remained under-reported and even the latest figures could be the tip of the iceberg.

Her report praised Greater Manchester Police for undergoing a culture change in how they treat vulnerable children  many of them runaways or in care  who are at risk from paedophiles.

It says a range of new orders have enabled police and social workers to intervene, while closure orders on premises such as hotels have also helped reduce the opportunities for offenders.

The new report showed that a 'shocking' level of child sex grooming remained despite police and authorities becoming better at recognising that children pressure into sex should be treated as victims

But it warns that a backlog in police examining suspects computers of up to five months is hampering efforts to bring suspects to justice.

It details the case of a 13-year-old girl from Stockport who was being groomed online whose mother reported what was happening to police in 2013.

She handed in her daughters computer and mobile phone for examination, but ten months later the family had heard nothing.

In the meantime, the report says, the man had gone on to groom another girl online from another town, meet her and sexually abuse her.

Finally last November he was jailed for four-and-a-half years for abusing both girls.

The report quotes the first victims mother saying: 'I feel like I have had a weight lifted from me. He needed to be dealt with. I am thankful he is off the streets. I felt devastated when I heard he had abused another child.

Miss Coffeys original report was criticised for failing to address the fact that many street grooming gangs are made up of men of Pakistani origin.

Her follow-up also avoids the topic of race, but does reveal that taxi drivers have begun providing important intelligence about child sexual exploitation as a result of the stigma of being linked with the Rochdale grooming gang.

Labour MP Ann Coffey wrote the report as a follow-up to her report on the Rochdale grooming scandal

Miss Coffey said: As the extent of the level of sexual offences, including child sexual exploitation, is revealed one still cannot fail to be shocked at the levels of sexual abuse of children in our communities. It is no longer hidden.

But she said a growing awareness of the problem among police, other agencies, local communities and potential victims meant there was hope the problem could be tackled.

Tony Lloyd, the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner who commissioned both Real Voices reports, said: This is an important and powerful report, which gives a true picture of the scale of child sexual exploitation in our communities.

While the findings are shocking, it also shines a positive light on the innovative work police and other agencies are doing to tackle this issue, instilling confidence and hope in children and young people that we are here to protect and support them.

A spokeswoman for the NSPCC said: This report provides a welcome insight into child sexual exploitation across Greater Manchester, but also highlights that it is vital that we all keep working together  agencies and the wider public alike - to ensure all victims feel supported enough to report their harrowing experiences and bring those who cause harm to children to justice.
A 20-year-old man is charged with killing his girlfriend's toddler, and his mother was charged with helping him escape.

Keith Jordan Lambing, of Butler, Pennsylvania, the boyfriend of Mackenzie Peters, was charged with homicide and rape in the death of four-year-old Bentley Miller.

Lambing's mother, Kristen Herold, 43, was charged with child endangerment and hindering apprehension when police say she hid her son in the attic of an abandoned home in Butler to avoid police detection.

Keith Jordan Lambing (left) and his mother, Kristen Herold, were charged in connection with the murder of four-year-old Bentley Miller

Bentley Miller, above, died of blood loss from forced sodomy, said police, and he also had a severely burned hand and bruises all over his body

Both are being held in Butler County Prison.

The boy died of severe blood loss due to sodomy, a severe burn to his left hand, and bruises to the head, trunk and extremities, reported the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette. He also reportedly had previous injuries.

On March 21, police were called around 9:30am to a report of an unconscious child in a car at a business on Renaissance Drive in Butler. They found Bentley in the car with Herold.

Lambing appeared in court on Monday, he appeared to be crying

Asked by a reporter in the hallway of his hearing if he killed the boy, he replied 'No sir'

The boy's mother, Mackenzie Peters (pictured), was at work when police were called about the boy's condition

Herold told police she had picked the boy up at a Super 8 motel, where her son, Lambing, was staying with his girlfriend, Peters, and their four-month-old son. Miller was not Lambing's biological child.

Police say Herold had been in the process of taking the child to his biological father's house, despite the fact that he was bleeding. When he became unconscious, she pulled over and called police.

Police said Lambing was alone with the boy when he was assaulted.

The baby belonging to Peters (pictured) and Lambing has been placed in protective custody

Son and mother: Lambing and his mother, Herold, were both charged in connection with the boy's murder - Lambing is charged with aggravated indecent assault of a child and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and Herold is charged with aiding her son in hiding from police as well as child endangerment

The boy was rushed to Butler Memorial Hospital, but never regained consciousness. He was pronounced dead an hour later.

The boy's mother, Peters, was at work when police were called over the boy's condition, yet police said she may be charged in the future as well, though what charges are unclear, reported WTAE.

When police went looking for Lambing, they eventually found him the next day, hiding in an attic of an abandoned building, where his mother stashed him, say cops.

Lambing was already facing charges of burglary, criminal trespass, and conspiracy as well as terroristic threats and harassment, and had failed to show up for a court appointment the day before the boy's murder.

Herold had been arrested for retail theft in 2013 and had a bench warrant out for required payments as restitution.

The boy was allegedly sexually assaulted and beaten in this Super 8 in Butler, Pennsylvania, according to police, and later died at a hospital

Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger said he may seek the death penalty for Lambing.

'I have never seen anything like it in 22 years as an attorney,' he told WTAE. 'It's horrific. It's unimaginable that somebody could actually do this to any human being let alone a 4-year-old.'

Lambing appeared in court on Monday. When a reporter asked if he'd killed Bentley, he cried and said 'No, sir,' according to video shown on WTAE.

The prosecutor said Bentley had broken his arm two years ago, but officials found no evidence of abuse.

The baby belonging to Peters and Lambing has been placed in protective custody.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's administration defended itself Thursday against comments made by a federal judge who partly blamed a venomous climate in the capital for the political revenge plot to close lanes at the George Washington Bridge.

'It's very clear the culture in Trenton was "you're either with us or you're not",' Judge Susan Wigenton said Wednesday while sentencing former Christie deputy chief of staff Bridget Kelly to 18 months and Bill Baroni, the deputy executive director at the bistate agency that controls the bridge, to two years.

Kelly, 44, 'got caught up in a culture and an environment that lost its way,' the judge said.

Christie's office blasted back on Thursday, putting any blame for the plot at the feet of the co-defendants.

'The actions of the felons was the sad and unacceptable exception to the way the office has conducted itself for seven years,' Brian Murray, a spokesman for the Republican governor, said.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (center) is seen at the White House on Wednesday. Christie's office has attempted to distance him from aides convicted in Bridgegate

Bridget Kelly (left) and Bill Baroni (right) are seen leaving federal court after sentencing on Wednesday. Governor Christie's office tried to distance itself from the two felons Thursday

'The work of the people who have been employed by the Governor's Office has been honest, honorable, bi-partisan and effective,' Murray said.

Murray called Wigenton's remarks 'ill-advised' and said they were based on lies from the testimony of Baroni, Kelly and self-described mastermind David Wildstein, who pleaded guilty in the case.

Baroni and Kelly are appealing their convictions for conspiracy, wire fraud and other offenses for causing the gridlock near the bridge in September 2013 to punish a Democratic mayor who didn't endorse Christie's re-election.

Christie was not charged with any wrongdoing in the federal case. State prosecutors have declined to pursue a citizen's criminal complaint lodged against him, but questions remain over how much he knew about the plot.

His version of events, that he was not aware that anyone in his office was involved until months after the fact, was contradicted by testimony from multiple people.

Kelly testified that Christie approved what she told him was a traffic study proposed by Wildstein. Christie has denied that.

'The actions of the felons was the sad and unacceptable exception to the way the office has conducted itself for seven years,' Christie's spokesman said, referring to Baroni and Kelly

'I will not allow myself to be the scapegoat in this case,' Kelly told reporters after the sentencing.

Kelly's attorney, Michael Critchley, homed in on her testimony about telling Christie about the traffic jams while they were happening. Christie wasn't called to testify at the trial.

'You could say she's lying, but that testimony is uncontradicted,' he told the judge.

'They didn't call the governor to contradict her. That's not been contradicted one iota, and I think the silence there is deafening.'

Christie's future his final year as governor is unclear, though he has said he plans to make money in private life

The scandal sank Christie's 2016 White House bid and likely cost him the chance to be President Donald Trump's running mate.

Christie has since turned his attention in his final year in office to addressing the state's opioid epidemic, and on Wednesday he was at the White House, where he was selected to lead a drug addiction task force .

Christie, who is term-limited, has seen his approval ratings hover around 20 percent recently.

His future after politics is unclear, though he has said he plans to make money in private life after nearly two decades in the public spotlight. He was U.S. attorney for New Jersey before running for governor in 2009.

Kelly and Baroni were sentenced the same month that another Christie ally, former Port Authority chairman David Samson, was sentenced to probation and a year of home confinement for using his position to pressure United Airlines to reinstate a money-losing flight route to give him easier access to his weekend home.
Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh is arrested at her home in Khanh Hoa on October 10, 2016. Photo by VnExpress

She was arrested last year for defaming the Communist Party and the government.

Vietnam on Thursday criticized a U.S. State Department award to detained blogger Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh, often referred to by her pen name, "Mother Mushroom".

Quynh, detained in October for anti-state propaganda, was one of 13 women worldwide to receive an International Women of Courage Award. The awards were presented by First Lady Melania Trump on Wednesday.

Foreign ministry spokesman Le Hai Binh said making an award to someone being investigated for breaking Vietnam's law was "not suitable and beneficial to the development of the two countries' relationship".

Vietnam has been keen to establish ties with President Donald Trump's administration.

It stands to lose as much as any country with his decision to pull the United States from the Trans Pacific Partnership free trade agreement.

Vietnam is also in a dispute with China over the East Sea, internationally known as the South China Sea, and strengthened its alliance with the United States under President Barack Obama.

Quynh is known by her pen name of "Me Nam" - which translates as Mother Mushroom.

Police arrested her last year on accusations of abusing democratic rights, distorting facts and going against the government and the Party with her blog and Facebook posts.
A 91-year-old federal judge who recently stopped hearing cases due to health issues has been reported missing from his Pennsylvania home.

The U.S. Marshals Service is looking for Judge Edwin Kosik, who was last seen at a grocery store near his home outside Scranton around 1.30am Wednesday.

Kosik left his home around 11pm and was seen trying to do to a store in Covington Township which was closed. He then drove away in the opposite direction in a gray 2015 Acura with driver's side damage and PA registration JNC 1450.

The judge was last seen wearing blue jeans and blue winter jacket, and had been taking medication for his memory loss. Authorities said he may be 'at special risk of harm or injury.'

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Judge Edwin Kosik, 91, was last seen outside of his Pennsylvania home around 1.30am on Wednesday. The federal judge had recently stopped hearing cases because of his health

Video courtesy of WBRE/WYOU Eyewitness News:

During a new conference Thursday morning, police said they have not ruled out foul play.

In February, Kosik said he would no longer hear cases because of his health issues, The Scranton Times-Tribune reported. His son, attorney Michael Kosik, told the paper that the judge had a difficult time recovering from broken ribs he suffered in two falls.

Kosik became inactive but kept his chambers. He is still listed as a judge on the website of the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

Senior U.S. District Judge Edwin M. Kosik congratulates a newly appointed judge at the U.S. Courthouse in Scranton in 2012

The Pennsylvania judge was appointed to the federal bench in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan. He's best known for presiding over the notorious 'kids for cash' case, in which two local judges were accused of taking money from the developer of a pair of for-profit detention centers.

The judges pleaded guilty to federal charges, but Kosik rejected the deal, saying they hadn't fully accepted responsibility for the crimes.

Kosik sentenced one judge to 17 1/2 years and the other judge to 28 years in prison.

The Marshals Service planned a news conference on Thursday to discuss Kosik's disappearance.
An epileptic man who avoided jail for beating his mother to death in New York has filed a lawsuit seeking money from her retirement benefits.

Henry Wachtel, 24, was found not criminally responsible for killing his mother in their Manhattan apartment in 2012 because he was having an epileptic seizure at the time.

He avoided jail in 2014 when his lawyers successfully argued an insanity defense.

Karyn Kay, an English teacher at La Guardia High School, suffered a fractured skull, broken ribs and internal bleeding after her son hit her up to 100 times, court records show.

Henry Wachtel, 24, was found not criminally responsible for killing his mother in their Manhattan apartment in 2012 because he was having an epileptic seizure at the time

She was found unconscious in a pool of blood on the kitchen floor by emergency services and later died in hospital from blunt force trauma.

He testified in court that he had no memory of the attack.

Wachtel, who is being held by the state's Office of Mental Health, is listed as the beneficiary on his mother's retirement account, the New York Post reports.

His lawyer filed the lawsuit on Wednesday arguing he is entitled to her insurance policy and her retirement benefits.

The Teachers' Retirement System of the City of New York is holding onto the money pending the outcome of his criminal case due to the state's slayer rule, which prohibits a killer from receiving any benefits from their victims.

His lawyer has argued the slayer rule doesn't apply because Wachtel wasn't found criminally responsible for his mother's death.

Karyn Kay, an English teacher at La Guardia High School, suffered a fractured skull, broken ribs and internal bleeding after her son hit her up to 100 times, court records show

She was found unconscious in a pool of blood on the kitchen floor of their Manhattan apartment by emergency services and later died in hospital from blunt force trauma

Kay was killed after calling 911 to say her son was having a seizure and needed help.

Prosecutors told the court that Wachtel suddenly attacked her while she was still on the phone and an emergency operator overheard wails from her and screams from him.

Wachtel, who was a Fordham University freshman, was initially charged with second-degree murder but was able to plead not guilty by reason of mental disease and be committed for treatment.

Medical exams found he wasn't aware of his actions at the time he attacked his mom. Under such pleas, defendants can be held in mental hospitals until a judge approves a release.

He is due to face court again next month to determine how long he will be required to be required to be committed.
Taxi drivers are suspected of regularly going to the toilet in a laneway in Sydney's Inner West - after one was caught in the act.

Business owners on Hercules Street in Ashfield claim finding human faeces behind their shops is a daily occurrence.

They also claim they are left to clean up the mess on a regular basis  and real estate agent Tim Simpson has had enough and is considering moving the business he's operated in the area for 40 years.

Taxi drivers are suspected of regularly going to the toilet in a laneway in Sydney's Inner West. above, Hercules Street in Ashfield

Last weekend, Mr Simpson told the Inner West Courier he caught a taxi driver 'in the act.'

'I understand drivers are expected to work 24/7 but surely there's better options that this,' he said.

Sadar Adhikari, who owns a supermarket, said he's seen a taxi driver making a run for the laneway clutching toilet paper.

And Rita Lin, who owns Star Ace Patisserie says she's seen a man relieving himself next to her staff entrance.

The allegations are being investigated by national taxi company 13 CABS, who are matching the complaints from the information from GPS devices that are installed in cars.

Shop owners blame the problem on the lack of public toilets in the town centre. A toilet block (pictured) opposite Ashfield station is rented by State Transit and only for bus drivers

Simon Purssey, the firm's head of client services, said the culprits need to be identified and retrained.

He said drivers 'have to be smarter' as for the first time, the taxi industry has competition in the form of ride-sharing apps like Uber.

The problem has also been blamed on a lack of public toilets in the area  the only one is behind Opal Card gates in Ashfield station.

There is a toilet block opposite the station, but it is rented by State Transit and exclusively for bus drivers.

It's led to calls for Inner West Council to speed up the town centre's upgrade, which includes a proposal for a public toilet in a new carpark for commuters.

A council spokesman said the upgrade is scheduled to start later in 2017, according to the Courier.
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Walking around Shanghai it appears that the city's sidewalks have turned into a catwalk for dogs.

Chinese animal owners adore their pets, often dressing them up in bright and colourful outfits and showing off their fashionable clothing on the city's streets.

Not only is it a hobby for animal lovers, its since become a booming business generating sales of around 13 billion ($17 billion) a year.

Modern day catwalk: The sidewalks of Shanghai can sometimes seem like catwalks gone to the dogs

Dress up time: Pet clothing is big business in China with around 40 percent of pet stores also selling clothes

Shanghai style: Chinese adore their pet canines, often dressing them up in eye-catching outfits especially in the bigger cities

At least 40 percent of pet merchants in China sell pet clothing.

The industry is expected to grow by 20 percent annually, according to a Yourpet Market Research Institute which has been studying the country's huge pet industry.

Zhang Jiequn, a psycologist at Shanghai's Huada Institute of Applied Psychology told AFP that pet ownership is 'a kind of escape from interpersonal relationships.

'The pet becomes a projection of the opposite sex for some people who do not find a partner.'

One million canines: The high rate of dog ownership prompted Shanghai officials to impose a "one-dog policy" in 2011

Strutting its stuff: A dog dressed in clothing walks on a street in Shanghai, a city home to around one million dogs

Strike a pose: A dog with dyed ears and a tail and wearing a grey fleecy jacket looks at the camera

Now where did you get your outfit from? A dog walks on a rainy street in Shanghai wearing shoes and a raincoat

Millennials are said to be the main customers who are spending more on their pets as dog ownerships continue to rise alongside China's fast expanding middle class. For many of these, clothing and accessories for their dogs is a status symbol showing off wealth.

One shining example of this is Wang Sicong, the son of China's richest man Wang Jianlin. There have been multiple reports of the dog being bought countless amounts of iPhones and iWatches.

In 2015, a survey by China Daily stated that there were at least 100 million registered pets in China with dogs making up the vast majority.

Shanghai which is home to 24 million people has an estimated dog population of around one million.

In 2011, the city was forced to install a 'one dog policy' to curb noisy barking and waste on sidewalks.
It ushered in a hip new Melbourne - a trendsetter that first captured the imagination of what the city's narrow laneways could offer.

But 23 years after if first opened the iconic Meyers Place will call last drinks for one final time as it gets set to close its doors in June.

Born out of relaxed liquor licence laws in the early 1990s, the classic Melbourne watering hole is widely regarded as the country's first laneway bar.

Australia's first laneway bar, Meyers Place (pictured), is set to close after 23 years

Born out of relaxed liquor licence laws the bar became known as a trendsetter, ushering in a new hip Melbourne

Located close to the steps of Parliament House, Meyers Place personified the type of character adopted by the narrow city street bars seen today.

'We were young and thought this was a great opportunity, how could it fail,' co-owner Heather Larkin told Good Food.

Nondescript, cramped, and tucked away in the heart of Melbourne, Meyers Place was a vessel for its architect owners to try something different.

'We wanted it to be difficult to find, with no sign, down a back lane,' original director James Legge of Six Degrees architects told .

'It was about people being able to claim it as their own, and to take their friends there, to have that sense of discovery.'

Costing $30,000 to build, the establishment quickly made its name for attracting a younger, politically orientated crowed coveting cheap late night drinks.

Nondescript, cramped, and tucked away in the heart of Melbourne, Meyers Place was a vessel for its architect owners to try something different

Located near the steps of Victoria's Parliament House, the establishment became a quick favourite of a young, political crowd

Yet with the bar's current landlords announcing that they would not be renewing the lease, those days appear numbered.

Director of the bar and fellow co-owner Drew Pettifer told Broadsheet that a solution to stay at the landmark site was not forthcoming.

'We respect their right to use their space as they see fit, but are nonetheless disappointed to be closing after 23 years of operation.'

The bar will serve final drinks in June after its landlords refused to renew the least on the property

However whilst the laneway location of the bar may no longer live on, the name Meyers Place may yet see another day.

Mr Pettifer hopes to secure a new space for the bar to live on, breathing fresh life into the place whilst maintaining the familiarity of its charm.

'We're hoping to re-open in a space nearby by spring,' says Pettifer.

'In some ways, this gives us a chance to reassess what works about the place and what we might want to change.'
FBI director James Comey wanted to go public with information about Russia's interference in the 2016 election as early as last summer but was reportedly barred from doing so by the Obama administration.

According to Newsweek sources, Comey presented a draft op-ed to top administration officials during a White House meeting in June or July.

'He had a draft of it or an outline,' the source said. 'He held up a piece of paper in a meeting and said, 'I want to go forward, what do people think of this?''

FBI director James Comey wanted to go public with information about Russia's interference in the election last summer but was reportedly barred by the Obama administration

Former Secretary of State John Kerry, former Attorney General Loretta Lynch and ex national security adviser Susan Rice were among those in the meeting.

Comey's idea was rejected because White House officials thought the message would have more impact coming from multiple agencies and not just him.

'An op-ed doesn't have the same stature, it comes from one person,' the source said.

A second source told Newsweek the op-ed, which Comey would have likely sought to publish in the New York Times, contained the same information as the intelligence report made public on January 6 that said Russian President Vladimir Putin tried to influence the presidential election.

Comey presented a draft op-ed to top Obama administration officials during a White House meeting in June or July but it was rejected, according to Newsweek sources

Comey's op-ed was rejected around the same time he publicly revealed details about the investigation in Hillary Clinton's emails.

The FBI director revealed before the House Intelligence Committee last week that the agency is investigating Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

He told the Intelligence Committee the Russians were 'very noisy' and 'unusually loud' in their hacking of US Democratic party computers.

'It was almost as if they didn't care if we found out,' he added.

He said the FBI is looking at possible links and coordination between President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign and the Russians. The investigation includes an assessment of potential crimes that were committed.

Because the investigation is ongoing, and it deals with classified information, Comey said he could not share additional details about who the target of the probe is and what conduct is under scrutiny in a public setting.

In July last year Comey told Congress under oath that Clinton was reckless in her use of a private email server and careless in her handling of information but had not committed a criminal act.

Comey revealed last week that the FBI is looking at possible links and coordination between President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign and the Russians

On 28 October Comey alerted members of Congress that more of Clinton's State Department emails had been found, heightening speculation she could still be charged with mishandling classified materials.

The emails were found on a laptop handed over to authorities by Anthony Weiner - former partner of Clinton adviser Huma Abedin - who was being investigated for a separate matter.

Then, days before the election Comey said the FBI had decided the new batch of emails 'had not changed our conclusion' that she had not committed any criminal wrongdoing.

But Trump and his supporters raised the email issue repeatedly throughout the campaign and it is thought to have had a negative effect on Clinton's trustworthiness among voters.
A teenage thug has plead guilty to stabbing an off-duty police officer in the face during a terrifying home invasion in Melbourne.

Jade Hunia, 19, broke into Senior Constable Daniel Yeoman's Wantirna South home, where he demanded car keys before stabbing the police officer and fleeing.

The young thug was on bail at the time of the assault. His attack on the policeman's home came at 1.50am on November 19 - he crashed the car he stole shortly after.

Jade Hunia, 19, has plead guilty to stabbing a police officer in the face during early-morning home invasion

Senior Constable Daniel Yeoman suffered a broken eye socket and severed nerve following the vicious attack

He appeared in court via videolink on Thursday where he admitted to the violent attack which left the Senior Constable in hospital with a broken eye socket and severed nerve.

The New Zealand born thug was silent throughout his appearance, according to the Herald Sun, 'guilty' was the only word he muttered while on screen.

His guilty please reflect the armed robbery, recklessly cause injury, aggravated burglary and assault charges he racked up on the night of the attack.

Hunia, pictured, was out on bail when he attacked the policeman and stole his car

Hunia's 28-year-old victim now has to live with the scar on his face - a reminder of when the young thug stormed his family home.

The police officer was stabbed after he told the young thug he could take the keys and leave.

The troubled teenager will appear in court again on August 8 and will be sentenced at a later date.
Two children were electrocuted by power lines downed during violent weather in Fort Worth, Texas.

Two boys, ages 11 and 12, were killed Wednesday evening in a heavily wooded area near Oakland Lake Park, spokesman Lt. Kyle Falkner said.

A family members says the victims are brothers, NBC DFW reports.

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Two children were electrocuted by power lines downed during violent weather, according to fire officials in Fort Worth, Texas

Two boys, ages 11 and 12, were killed Wednesday evening in a heavily wooded area near Oakland Lake Park, spokesman Lt. Kyle Falkner said

Shortly after 6pm Wednesday, the Fort Worth Fire Department was called to the 1500 block of Oakland Lake Place at Oakland Lake Park, the TV station reported.

A third person who had been with the two boys managed to go and call for help, according to reports.

Falk told the Dallas Morning News that Oncor, the local electric utility in Fort Worth, de-energized the lines allowing fire and medical responders to go to where the bodies were and also put the fire out.

A Medstar spokesman told the newspaper that the two young boys were declared dead at the scene at 8.15pm.

Severe thunderstorms, some that included tornadoes, hit north Texas and Oklahoma on Tuesday.

Oncor reported damage to its system after the storms went through, including in the Oakland Lake Park area.

A third person who had been with the two boys managed to go and call for help

A grass fire ignited by the lines has been put out, it's been reported

Oncor said in a statement: 'A tragic accident has occurred. Oncor is currently working with authorities to determine the cause.

'The safety of our customers and employees is the foundation for everything we do. Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers go out to the family.

'We urge all our customers to treat every power line as if it's energized.'

Falkner told NBC DFW: 'We can't talk about enough the need for safety around downed power lines.

'We're just starting the storm season and this is something we'll continue to deal with.'

On Wednesday morning, a tornado classified by the National Weather Service as EF-0 to EF-1 struck an apartment complex in southwestern Houston

Damage is shown at an apartment complex which was hit by the twister

On Wednesday morning, a tornado classified by the National Weather Service as EF-0 to EF-1 struck an apartment complex in southwestern Houston.

The wind damaged carports, windows and roofs but caused no reported injuries. The ratings mean the storm winds were estimated at 60 to 110 mph.

About 3.30pm Wednesday, damaging winds dropped a shipping container on a truck, injuring two people, at the Barbours Cut container port near LaPorte, about 20 miles east of Houston.

Port of Houston spokeswoman Lisa Ashley said about 20 shipping containers were scattered by the wind.

The area was under a tornado warning at the time of the incident, but Ashley said she could not confirm the wind was a tornado.

On Tuesday, three storm chasers were killed in Texas when their vehicles collided

Victims Kelley Williamson (right) and Randall Delane Yarnell (left) were killed in a car crash while chasing a tornado in Dickens County

On Tuesday, three storm chasers were killed in Texas when their vehicles collided.

The Weather Channel said in a statement that Kelley Williamson and Randy Yarnall, both from Cassville, Missouri, were 'beloved members of the weather community' who'd worked as contractors for the channel.

The Texas Department of Public Safety says the two died Tuesday along with another storm chaser, 25-year-old Corbin Lee Jaeger of Peoria, Arizona.

Corbin Lee Jaeger, 25, was also chasing a tornado in Dickens County on Tuesday when he was killed in the car crash

The drivers of the Jeep (left) and the Suburban (right) were chasing a storm in Dickens County

Even stronger storms are expected Thursday in parts of Mississippi and Tennessee

Department of Public Safety Sgt. John Gonzalez says a Chevrolet Suburban driven by Williamson ran a stop sign and slammed into a Jeep driven by Jaeger. Yarnall was a passenger in the Suburban. All three were killed instantly.

The crash happened at a remote intersection near the town of Spur, about 55 miles southeast of Lubbock. Tornadoes had been reported nearby at the time of the crash and heavy rain had been reported in the area.

The severe weather threat shifted east Wednesday, covering an area from near Kansas City, Missouri, to the Gulf Coast.

Even stronger storms are expected Thursday in parts of Mississippi and Tennessee.
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Cyclone Debbie is over  but as these images show, the anguish for her victims is only just beginning.

Images from Sarina, in Queenslands Mackay Region, show a road cracked into ruin after torrential downpour triggered flash floods. The scene bears a resemblance to the aftermath of an earthquake.

Nearby, an uprooted tree litters the road, blocking the path of stricken-residents who have been urged to evacuate for higher ground.

The state is bracing for a month's worth of rain over the next 24 hours - with the worst of the weather still on the horizon.

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Distressing images from Queensland's Sarina show a road cracked in two after heavy downpour triggered flash floods

The severely flooded region now bears a resemblance to the aftermath of an earthquake

The Queensland Police Service and SES crews are currently in Sarina assisting with evacuations, according to Daily Mercury.

Across the state roofs were ripped from houses, powerlines fell and emergency workers scrambled to pick up the pieces.

'As the low tracks down the coast towards Brisbane we can expect falls of up to 200mm or more in southeast Queensland,' a BoM spokesman said.

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart urged Queenslanders to stay inside and not to underestimate the dangers of the heavy rainfall.

'If I was an employer I'd certainly be thinking about closing down by lunchtime,' Commissioner Stewart said.

The state disaster management team warned residents in the worst hit areas not to become complacent with securing their valuables after windows, doors and even walls were ripped out of homes, leaving them exposed to looters.

An uprooted tree litters the road, blocking the path of stricken-residents who have been urged to evacuate for higher ground

The state is bracing for a month's worth of rain over the next 24 hours - with the worst of the weather still on the horizon

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart urged Queenslanders to stay inside and not to underestimate the dangers of the heavy rainfall

The destruction wreaked by the cyclone is being laid bare
Sydney's population has officially hit five million people after a surge in new residents in the past dozen years.

But Sydney is no longer Australia's fastest-growing city, and will be overtaken by Melbourne as the country's largest metropolis in the mid-2050s if current growth rates continue.

Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Thursday reveal Melbourne's population grew by 2.4 per cent in 2015-16, ahead of Brisbane (1.8 per cent) and Sydney (1.7 per cent).

Sydney's population has officially hit five million people after a surge in new residents in the past dozen years

As of June 30, 2016 there were 5,005,400 people living in the New South Wales capital, up 82,000 from the previous year. Pictured is a street in the Sydney suburb of King's Cross

Melbourne had the largest population growth of all capital cities last financial year, increasing by nearly 108,000 people to hit 4.64 million.

Australia's slowest growing capital city was Adelaide, with a growth rate of less than one per cent.

The fastest growing region in Australia was the southwest of the ACT, which grew by 38 per cent.

ABS director of demography Beidar Cho said that as of June 30, 2016 there were 5,005,400 people living in the New South Wales capital, up 82,000 from the previous year.

'It took Sydney almost 30 years, from 1971 to 2000, to grow from 3 million to 4 million people, but only half that time to reach its next million,' she said.

Despite Sydney's growth it will overtaken by Melbourne as the country's largest metropolis in the mid-2050s if current growth rates continue. Melbourne's population had the highest growth rate in 2015-16, increasing by 2.4 per cent

Melbourne (pictured) increased by nearly 108,000 people to hit 4.64 million in 2015-16

Terry Rawnsley, an economist at consultancy SGS Economics and Planning, told the Sydney Morning Herald the city's population rise is being driving by robust economic growth.

He predicted the city would reach a population of 6 million by 2028 at current growth rates.

Victoria was the fastest growing state, increasing by 2.1 per cent, followed by New South Wales and Queensland (both 1.4 per cent), the Australian Capital Territory (1.3 per cent) and Western Australia (1.0 per cent).

The Northern Territory had the slowest growth (0.2 per cent), followed by South Australia and Tasmania (both 0.5 per cent).

Australia's estimated resident population (ERP) reached 24.1 million at 30 June 2016, increasing by 337,800 people or 1.4 per cent since 30 June 2015.

The growth rate was unchanged from 2014-15.
Police are treating the case as an 'unnatural death', but no foul play has been indicated.

A Vietnamese man was decapitated after falling from the 15th floor of a hotel in Singapore on Wednesday morning, police said.

The 23-year-old landed on a fifth floor balcony of the hotel at around 2:30 a.m., but his head was found outside an eatery on the fourth floor, Chinese evening daily Lianhe Wanbao reported.

The Straits Times said police are investigating the case as an unnatural death, and ruled out foul play.

According to the report, the man was staying in a room with a 21-year-old Vietnamese student named An and four other friends.

He and An reportedly had an argument just before the fall. An rushed to inform the hotel staff, and was also taken to hospital with a slash wound to his head.
He maintains a dignified silence when nudged for his view of Donald Trump.

But President George W. Bush apparently dropped his diplomacy at the billionaire's inauguration.

New York Magazine reports that after The Donald finished his speech, which was peppered with surprises including 'American carnage', Bush made no effort to hide what he thought of it.

'That was some weird s***,' he said, according to three separate sources who heard him.

George W. Bush was apparently heard muttering 'that was some weird s***' after President Trump's Inaugural address. He is pictured above at the ceremony exchanging whispers with Hillary Clinton

Trump's Inaugural speech in January was both praised and derided. It included unexpected phrases like 'American carnage' and lampooned his political predecessors

The uninhibited reaction is a far cry from the reluctance Bush showed to tear in to the president earlier this year during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel.

He dodged the comedian's repeated attempts to bait him in to mocking Trump, laughing along politely instead.

The apparent inauguration outburst however falls in line with his brother's view of the new president.

Jeb Bush has been vocal in his criticism of Trump and how he expresses himself.

'He hasn't shifted to being president in the way that people are used to, and I think that's the problem.'

Bush sat next to Hillary Clinton and behind the then outgoing First Lady Michelle Obama

While the president and his team herald his Twitter use as a way of communicating directly with his followers, Jeb said he was yet to put it to good use.

'He should stop saying things that aren't true,' he told The Washington Examiner.

While his critique of Trump's speech landed on only a few ears, all eyes were on George W. as he struggled with a rain poncho at the January 21 inauguration.

He was among esteemed guests who rushed to take cover as the heavens opened halfway through the president's remarks.
Donald Trump plans to approve a multibillion-dollar sale of F-16 fighter jets to Bahrain without the human rights conditions imposed by the Obama administration.

The president's administration announced the plan to Congress on Wednesday, and if finalized, the approval would allow the Gulf island to purchase 19 of the jets from Lockheed Martin Corp.

It would also allow for further improvements to other jets in Bahrain's fleet. It was reported by Bloomberg last year the deal Obama blocked was worth $4billion.

Though Congress has opportunities to block the sale, it is unlikely it will act to do so, given the Republican majority's strong support for the sale.

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Donald Trump (pictured in the White House on Wednesday) plans to approve a multibillion-dollar sale of F-16 fighter jets to Bahrain without the human rights conditions imposed by the Obama administration

The decision is the latest signal that the Trump administration is prioritizing support for Sunni-led countries seen as critical to opposing Iran's influence in the region over human rights issues that President Barack Obama had elevated.

Under Obama, the US withdrew approval before the deal was finalized because it said Bahrain hadn't taken steps it had promised to improve human rights.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker's office said the committee was told Wednesday by the State Department that it plans to proceed with the sale. The State Department declined to comment.

The notice triggers a 40-day 'consultation' period in which committee staff can review a draft of the Bahrain approval, ask questions about the sale and raise any concerns.

Trump's administration announced the plan to Congress on Wednesday. The president is pictured speaking in Washington on Wednesday March 29

Five US Air Force F-16s jets are seen flying on July 30, 2011. Bahrain will be able to buy the same model of jets under the new Trump deal

Then the State Department will send a formal notification to Congress, setting off a final, 30-day review period, during which Congress could pass a joint resolution or take other steps to stop the sale.

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Lockheed had lobbied strenuously for the sale's approval, even as rights groups and pro-democracy activists urged the administration not to jettison human rights conditions.

Brian Dooley of the Washington-based group Human Rights First said decoupling the sale from such conditions would 'encourage further repression' and fuel instability during a tense period for Bahrain.

'The sale will send exactly the wrong signal to the dictatorship: that the White House thinks the political crackdown is not just morally acceptable but also not dangerous, when in fact it's what's fueling the country's instability,' Dooley said.

Under President Obama, the US withdrew approval before the deal was finalized because it said Bahrain hadn't taken steps it had promised to improve human rights

Lockheed Martin Corporation will be able to sell 19 of the jets to the Gulf nation if the deal is approved

But Corker praised the move and said the caveats would have been 'unprecedented and counterproductive' for security and human rights.

'There are more effective ways to seek changes in partner policies than publicly conditioning weapons transfers in this manner,' Corker said in a statement.

Bahrain, home to the US Navy's 5th Fleet and an under-construction British naval base, is a predominantly Shiite island off the coast of Saudi Arabia ruled by a Sunni monarchy.

Government forces, with help from US allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, crushed the 2011 uprising by Shiites and others who sought more political power.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker's (pictured) office said the committee was told Wednesday by the State Department that it plans to proceed with the sale

An F-16 fighter jet takes off from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, 91 miles off the Chilean coast, October 20, 2001

Among the steps the Obama administration had sought from Bahrain was the release of Nabeel Rajab, a famed human rights activist who helped lead the 2011 protests.

Rajab, whose trial has been repeatedly delayed, awaits sentencing on a charge of spreading 'false news' via Twitter over his posts about the ongoing Saudi-led war in Yemen, as well as allegations of torture by authorities at a local prison.

The State Department said as recently as this week that it was calling for Rajab's release.

The US has said Bahrain lacks evidence against him.

Since the beginning of a government crackdown nearly a year ago, activists have been imprisoned or forced into exile.

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al khalifa is pictured at the Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) 37th Summit in Manama, Bahrain, on December 6, 2016

President Barack Obama gives his final presidential press conference on January 18, 2017, at the White House

Bahrain's main Shiite opposition group has been dismantled. Lawmakers recently approved military tribunals for civilians while its feared domestic spy agency regained some arrest powers.

Independent news gathering on the island also has grown more difficult.

Meanwhile, a series of attacks, including a January prison break, have targeted the island.

Shiite militant groups have claimed some of the assaults.

Bahrain has accused Iran's Revolutionary Guard of training and arming some militants, something the Shiite regional power has dismissed as a 'futile and baseless lie.'

Bahrain's government and Lockheed could not be immediately reached for comment.
Mark Latham branded his former Sky News colleagues 'ABC-lite' in a furious Twitter rant after he was dumped by the network for his offensive comments.

The network announced it had terminated Mr his contract on Wednesday following a number of controversies, most recently for calling a Sydney schoolboy 'gay' because he appeared in a pro-feminism video.

The former federal Labor leader tweeted for the first time since August 2015 in the wake of the announcement - firing off 26 tweets in around 24 hours.

Mr Latham aimed shots at Sky News boss Angelos Frangopoulos - who he dubbed 'Frangipane' - as well as co-stars David Speers, Kristina Keneally, Peter Van Onselen and Patricia Karvelas.

'Sky execs gave Outsiders every encouragement, always urging us on (love ratings), so thanks for everything, up to point of thrown under bus,' he wrote.

'As one supporter said tonight: the public want honest commentary outside the MSM, not in it. No vested interests, no pulling punches, no FN.

'Frangipane says "civil and respectful manner" yet eggs on show starting with trigger warning about "unsafe space". Give me a break!!??!!'

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Mark Latham's contract as a contributor with Sky News Australia has been terminated

Mark Latham branded his former Sky News colleagues 'ABC-lite' in a furious Twitter rant

Mr Latham aimed shots at Sky News boss Angelos Frangopoulos - who he dubbed 'Frangipane' - as well as co-stars including Kristina Keneally (pictured)

Mr Latham also claimed the Sky News chief invited him to dinner five days after the controversial episode aired.

'Outsiders show with Sydney Boys HS video Sunday 12 March. Frangipane invite 'to join him at Gala Dinner' 5 days later, 17 March.'

He added: 'Civil and respectful' enough to be invited onto Frangipane's table at Syd Instit Gala Dinner next Thursday night. Trigger warning if I go!!'.

He then pondered if his former colleagues will be in attendance, writing: 'Will there be enough room on table to seat ABC-lite talent: Speers, KK, PVO, Karvelas, Kilbert? Maybe spots allocated by ratings numbers?'

Mr Latham also targeted Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and his deputy Tanya Plibersek, who both blasted him for his offensive comments.

'Helped Little Billy write his 2014 budget reply speech (emails prove it) but now bagging me. Ungrateful!' he wrote. 'Just uses people. Sad!'

He also called Ms Plibersek, a former Labor parliamentary colleague, a 'global expert' on the 'assessment of male character.'

The network's political editor David Speers announced on the PM Agenda program the ending of Mr Latham's contract.

'Sky News has ended the contract of contributor Mark Latham,' Mr Speers said on Wednesday afternoon from the Canberra studio.

'This follows a number of controversies in relation to his comments around Kristina Keneally, Wendy Harmer and indeed the story that's been doing the rounds on a lot of news sites today in relation to some Sydney Boys High School students and a video they recorded for International Women's Day.

'We can confirm the breaking news that Mark Latham's contract with Sky News has been ended so there you go.'

Mr Latham aimed shots at Sky News boss Angelos Frangopoulos, calling him 'Frangipane'

The network's political editor David Speers announced on the PM Agenda program the ending of Mr Latham's contract

On Sunday, Mr Latham played on The Outsiders program a Sydney Boys High School video made by students to support feminism on International Women's Day, when he made the comment about one of the schoolboys.

'I thought the first guy was gay  maybe that's all they have left now,' Latham said.

'And so this thing went on and on and it was on Facebook and all these boys standing around pretending to be girls.

'Even though boys aren't supposed to be girls,' the broadcasters said on the show.

Keneally, a former New South Wales Labor premier who is also a Sky News contributor, last week complained to Sky management about Mr Latham referring to her as a 'Yankee sheila' on The Outsiders program he co-hosted with controversial former Liberal MP Ross Cameron.

ABC radio 702 Sydney morning show presenter Wendy Harmer on Tuesday took legal action against Mr Latham for suggesting she was a commercial failure, even though she was a No.1 FM breakfast show personality with 2Day-FM for more than a decade, between 1992 and 2003.

Sky News has announced it had ended Mark Latham's contract following a number of controversies around his comments

ABC 702 presenter Wendy Harmer took legal action against Mark Latham this week

Former NSW premier Kristina Keneally filed a complaint to Sky News about Mark Latham

Mr Latham has come under fire after suggesting Harmer, who has a cleft palate, could only get a job at the 'sheltered' ABC because she is a 'female with a disability'.

Lawyers for Ms Harmer have sent Sky News a legal letter arguing his on-air remarks on his program The Outsiders on Sunday were defamatory, The Australian reported.

In 2015, Mr Latham resigned as a columnist with The Australian Financial Review after making disparaging remarks about anti-domestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty, a former Australian of the Year.

A Twitter account linked to Mr Latham's email address was used to send personal abuse to Batty, questioning her judgement in men, and transgender News Corp columnist Catherine McGregor, referring to her as 'he/she'.

Mark Latham has reactivated his Twitter account since his sacking from Sky News

Mr Latham has since reactivated his personal Twitter account in the wake of his sacking from Sky News.

He has used this social media platform to slam Labor's deputy federal leader Tanya Plibersek, who had earlier described the Sydney Boys High School students as 'better men' than Mr Latham.

'We must listen to Tanya Plibersek on assessment of male character - global expert,' Mr Latham said.

Mr Latham, who hailed from Labor's right faction, has been a long-time critic of Ms Plibersek, an inner-city MP from Sydney who is from the party's left.

He also slammed Sky News for his sacking on Wednesday afternoon.

'Outrage industry totally confected: no reaction to Outsiders as it aired yet two to three weeks later reheating BS offenderati. Complete fraud,' he wrote.

After losing the 2004 election to former prime minister John Howard, Mr Latham quit politics as the Member for Werriwa in south-west Sydney and became a critic of Labor's factional system and its embrace of left-wing identity politics.

In 2010, he ambushed then prime minister Julia Gillard in Brisbane during the federal election campaign as a guest reporter for the Nine Network's Sixty Minutes program, earning a rebuke from the network's veteran political editor Laurie Oakes.

Mr Latham was the mayor of Liverpool council before being elected to the seat of Werriwa, previously held by former prime minister Gough Whitlam, in a 1994 by-election.

He had earlier been an adviser to NSW opposition leader Bob Carr before he became premier.
Police seized a haul of cocaine from an unauthorized plane at Ohio Airport on Wednesday after the aircraft was forced to land due to a mechanical problem.

Authorities say they've seized a 'significant' amount of drugs from the aircraft which is based in Canada.

Athens County Sheriff Rodney Smith says his office detained the Canadian-based plane after it landed Wednesday at Gordon K. Bush Airport in Albany, Ohio.

Police seized the drugs from the small aircraft after it landed unexpectedly at Ohio University Airport on Wednesday afternoon

The sheriff's office and Ohio University police were both notified by the airport that an aircraft was landing without proper authorization around 2:30 p.m.

University police say the pilot had told officials he was traveling through U.S. airspace when a mechanical problem forced him to land.

Police say the plane's two occupants were detained by agents from Customs and Border Protection and taken to Columbus.

The airport is a small field which services the university's aviation courses and research.
A young fisherman assumed dead by his family has been rescued after he spent 56 days at sea - battling thirst, hunger and despair on a tiny boat that drifted 3,000km from the Philippines to Papua New Guinea.

Rolando Omongos, 21, recounted an astonishing tale of survival as he arrived from his first-ever plane ride at Manila airport, three weeks after his rescue by a Japanese fishing vessel.

'I cried non-stop when I was finally rescued. I was too weak to stand up and they had to carry me,' Mr Omongos said.

Rolando Omongos, 21, survived his two-month ordeal at sea by sheer determination - and moss he grew on the hull of his boat

He said he survived only on rainwater and moss growing at the hull of his 2.5-metre long boat, finding respite from the heat of the tropical sun by diving into the water frequently.

Mr Omongos weighed just over 20kg when he was rescued - after losing 41kg of his body weight during the ordeal.

His 31-year-old uncle Reniel Omongos, who was on a second small boat, died after a month.

He believes hunger and exposure killed the older man.

Mr Omongos said he latched his uncle's body onto his boat for a few days but later let it sink into the water when it began to smell.

The young fisherman was spotted at sea by a Japanese vessel after 56 long days

The 21-year-old weighed only 20kg after losing 68 per cent of his body weight at sea

'God, please take care of my uncle. I have to stay alive so somebody would bring the news [to our kin],' he said he prayed.

The men had set off on December 21 with other fishermen aboard a purse seiner from General Santos, a southern Philippine port facing the Celebes Sea.

The port lies more than 3,200 kilometres (nearly 2,000 miles), north-west of the PNG island of New Britain, where the rescuers later dropped the survivor off.

A storm separated Mr Omongos and his uncle from their mother boat on January 10, and they ran out of fuel five days later.

They later tossed their small boat engines overboard so they would float higher and avoid being swamped by huge waves.

View of Makar Wharf, the main international sea port of General Santos where Mr Omongos boarded his boat

The boat Mr Omongos spent 56 days on was only two metres long and he was forced to survive on moss he grew on the hull (stock image)

'No fewer than four vessels would pass us by each day. I would wave at them but they would not stop for us,' the Mr Omongos said.

He said the ships and fishing boats apparently failed to see their tiny vessels bobbing about 3-5 kilometres away.

'I never lost hope. I was always praying,' he added.

'I told myself, at least one of us had to get back home.'

He said: 'No fewer than four vessels would pass us by each day. I would wave at them but they would not stop for us'

When the Japanese fishing vessel Wakaba Maru found him, Omongos said he was very weak and emaciated, having been reduced to eating moss once every few days.

The fisherman, who quit school after sixth grade, said he planned to rest after flying home to General Santos on Thursday, but vowed never to set foot on a boat again.

'Maybe I will go back to school instead,' he added.
The first picture has emerged of the drug addict mauled to death by in front of a BBC TV crew by the dog that saved his life only last year.

Mario Perivoitos, 41, was trapped in his flat for half and was heard screaming 'get him off' by neighbours, who eventually got a crowbar so paramedics could get inside.

Despite desperate attempts to save his life, he died from hypo-volemic shock - when the body loses more than a fifth of its blood - in hospital two hours later.

He was a heroin and crystal meth addict and had been taking part in a documentary about addiction and anti-social behaviour, according to neighbours.

Members of the BBC crew called 999 and dramatic photos show paramedics battling to save him inside the flat in Wood Green, north London.

One neighbour claimed the dog had saved his life last year by nibbling him until he came round after he suffered a seizure.

Friend Angela Constaniou said that the bite in the neck may have aggravated an old injury as Perivoitos was recently stabbed by a visitor at his flat.

Mario Perivoitos, 41, was trapped in his flat for half and was heard screaming 'get him off' by neighbours, who eventually got a crowbar so paramedics could get inside

Mr Perivoitos was a heroin and crystal meth addict and had been taking part in a documentary about addiction and anti-social behaviour, according to neighbours

Pictured: Medics battle to save Mario Perivoitos, after he was mauled by his own dog

He was banned from bringing anyone back to his flat after months of angering neighbours with noise and anti-social behaviour.

The dog, which was called Major, was seized by police and is being held while officers decided if it will be destroyed.

Neighbours said his pet Staffie was a 'good dog', but that Mario, of Cypriot heritage, was a troublemaker and would cause a lot of noise and disorder at his flat.

A friend today told how he was 'a good guy' with two masters degrees, one in philosophy, but he suffered with addiction.

His life became more chaotic over the last few years as his father died and his mother, who had dementia, was put into a care home, she said.

But despite reports about a BBC crew interviewing him when it happened, they knew nothing of a film crew being present at the time of the attack.

They said Mario, 41, used to live with his Cypriot mother who is now in a care home.

He was handed a three month Closure Order at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court last month preventing him bringing anyone else back to the flat.

A copy of the order, which the police applied for, remains taped to his front door.

A dog owner was mauled to death by his Staffordshire bull terrier in front of BBC TV crews who were interviewing him for a documentary (stock image)

The order was made to prevent 'the behaviour, nuisance or disorder from continuing, recurring or occurring'.

And it prohibited access to the property for anyone but Mario between February 22 and May 21.

Neighbours gave harrowing accounts of what happened, hearing him screaming to get the dog off him then seeing him collapsed on the floor, covered in blood.

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: 'There was just lots of shouting - screams of 'put pressure on the wound' - things like that.

'Police came and struggled to break through the door. Eventually they got through.

'They pulled him out and were trying to give him first aid by the door.'

Another neighbour, who gave his name as Shamarie, 18, said: 'There was a lot of blood coming out of his neck.

'I could see Mario lying on the floor. There was a lot of blood on his face and that, and the neck.

'His face and his side of his neck, it was covered in blood. You could hardly see his skin.

'I think he was only semi conscious. There was bumps on his head and that. The blood was on the floor.

'I could just see the ambulance. I could see two people assisting him.

'I couldn't see the wound. I could see where he was bleeding from, there was just lots of blood.'

He added: 'I heard a lot of people trying to get into the flat for about 20 minutes. They were trying to get in.

'They were saying there was a dog attack. A couple of residents and the police saying his dog attacked him. Police were running in and out.

The dog reportedly attacked the man outside his home on this road in Wood Green, North London, while the programme was being shot

'I think they forced entry. They had a lot of those red slamming things - the door knockers.

'And there was some long type of pole with a hook at the end of it. I have never seen that before.

'There were about six or seven officers. They were inside and outside. I think the dog must have been inside. I had never seen his dog attack until that day.

'He was a nice guy. He just used to have a lot of friends over.'

Friend Angela Constantinou, 35, said: 'This guy had two masters degrees. He was very intelligent, he was really kind. I think one of them was philosophy.

''He was very interested in lots of things. He was excellent at computers.

She added: 'We grew up together. He used to come and get food from us all the time.

'The last few years, things just got so bad. I found it very strange how he actually got addicted to drugs, because his parents were great.

'His dad died a couple of years ago and his mum went into a care home about 18 months ago.

'That flat was really dangerous for everyone the last couple of years, because of the coming and goings.

'My husband tried to go and calm him down the last few months. I know there was someone who stabbed him in the neck.'

There was an order from the council stuck to the door of his flat, banning him from bringing anyone else there

She added: 'He taught me how to ride a bike. He was such a good guy. We used to watch TV and films.

'He was always with the dog. But I did kind of avoid Mario for the last couple of years.

'He came maybe three weeks ago to my door begging for money. And I said look Mario, I am going to give you some money for the dog.

'He said nothing works and I don't actually care. He said 'I just want to die'. I just thought he has got no hope in himself. It's unbelievable.'

Avraam Avramidis, a chef who has lived in the building for seven months, described Mario as a 'clever guy'.

He said that trouble with his neighbours started about five months ago, and a lot of people would come to the flat.

The 31-year-old said: 'I met him a couple of times.There was a lot sometimes, a lot of fights.

'Mario was a good guy. Sometimes I would meet him downstairs when he was home. He was a very clever guy. He finished the language university.'

He added: 'He told me that he was a heroin user a long time. I never saw him high. Other people, they saw him.

'Usually when the people was coming to his flat, they were sometimes fighting. That's the reason as well why people here didn't like him.'

Mr Avramidis added: 'Before when I came here it was okay. But after two or three months there was a lot of people here. To buy drugs, or something like that.

'A lot of people in the building reported it to the police. I think they gave him a warning, if he was going to bring someone they would kick him out of the house. After that it was quiet.

'The only place that I was meeting him, he was usually outside with his dog.

'The dog was okay. It was very quiet. I don't know the dog's name.'

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: 'I knew him for six years but we never talked with him.

'I heard noises, but I didn't see anything to be honest. It happened last week at night time. It was about 10 o'clock or 11 o'clock.

'It was inside his flat. There was a lot of noise. There was banging, shouting, banging doors, someone calling 'Mario, Mario'.

He was handed a three month Closure Order at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court last month preventing him bringing anyone else back to the flat

'I didn't see anything to be honest, I just saw him on the floor, outside the door. In front of his door. I don't know how he came out, nothing.'

They added: 'I knew his mother. His mother lived here with him. She has got dementia I think.

'I think he was from Cyprus. His mother is in a care home. I don't know her name. She is nearly 60.

'He was a tall guy. His mother was from Cyprus. I have no idea about his father.

'She said she was from Cyprus. I forgot her name, we never talked too much.'

They continued: 'Since I came here, I think he was a drug dealer.'

Referring to why the closure order was made, they said: 'Because he was noisy always. He would bring people here, girls shouting, fighting always.

THE BREED WITH A BAD REPUTATION The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is Britain's third most popular breed, with more than 356,000 registered in the UK. In the 19th century, they were reared specifically for fighting and blood-based sports. Today staffies are the dog of choice in London, Liverpool and Sheffield but their historically association with violence often means their reputation proceeds them. Dr Thomas Fletcher, a senior lecturer at Leeds Beckett University explained the breed is often paired with certain groups in society and are they are not seen as safe dogs. 'They're one of those breeds that has a negative stigma attached to them and one of those is around 'chav culture',' said Dr Fletcher told the BBC. It is illegal now for dog owners to use their animal for violence but in recent years there have been a number of tragic high-profile cases where staffies have lost control. Just last month a toddler in Leven, Scotland was rushed to hospital with serious facial injuries after being mauled by a Staffordshire bull terrier. And in October a four-month old baby was savaged to death by a staffy in Colchester, Essex and his brother was left with life-changing injuries. While in 2011 a girl's pet Chihuahua was a mauled to death by four staffies. Staffordshire terrier supporters say however it is not the dog or the breed but the owners who are responsible. Breeder specialists DogTime posted on their website: 'Nicknamed the nanny dog, the Stafford is prized for his patience with and love of children, although it goes without saying that no dog should ever be left alone with young children or expected to double as a baby-sitter.' Advertisement

'For three months he wasn't allowed to bring people in. He was a very good guy, he was respectful. When he wasn't on drugs, he was okay.

'He had the dog since I came here. His dog was okay, it never attacked, never. His dog was okay.

'It was a good dog. I don't know what his dog was called. It was white and black.

'I don't think he ever worked. He wasn't able to work because most of the time he was very aggressive.

'We saw him sleep on the floor outside his house so many times. He brought a lot of people back, different faces and not normal people.'

Asked if there had been a BBC crew shooting a documentary at the time, she said: 'No. I don't know anything about that. I never saw a film crew.

'I wasn't out. I just came here, I asked my neighbour, and she said Mario was attacked.

'I asked the police the next day, is the guy okay. They said no, nothing else. But my neighbour, she said to me he died.'

The neighbour added: 'He was a lot of trouble. I feel very sorry for him, because he was a young guy.

'But he was a lot of trouble, he messed up his life with drugs. He was in court.'

Another neighbour, Geoff Morgan, 52, said: 'He was in the flat but they took him out here. He didn't die when he came out.

'He was white, he was Cypriot.

'The police and the paramedics, they brought him out here. He was semi-conscious. He was talking, he was like screaming, screaming, screaming, 'take the dog off me'.

'The door was locked from inside.'

Asked who called the police, he said: 'It must have been the neighbours. This is a constant thing with him, and a lot of people in the flat.

'Put it this way, he uses. To me, I didn't have a problem with him. I just knew he had an addiction, I think it was heroin.'

A spokesman for Scotland Yard said: 'Officers attended the scene along with the London Ambulance Service.

'The 41-year-old man - the owner of the dog - was taken to a north London hospital where he was pronounced dead at around 00:30hrs on Tuesday, 21 March. Next of kin have been informed.

'The dog was contained by officers and seized. It remains in secure kennels.

'The dog is a Staffordshire bull terrier, a breed not prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

'The man's death is not being treated as suspicious - a post-mortem examination at Haringey mortuary on Friday, 24 March gave cause of death as hypovolemic shock and damage to the airway consistent with a dog bite.

'Enquiries by police at Haringey continue to assist the coroner.'
Shocking footage shows the moment a thug smashed a cocktail glass and rammed it into the face of another drinker at a bar in London's Leicester Square.

The 38-year-old victim suffered cuts to his nose and left eyebrow as his attacker slashed wildly with the empty glass before casually sauntering away from the scene.

Police were called to the assault at around 1.30am on Christmas Eve last year, which officers said had left the victim 'very distressed'.

Vicious: Shocking footage shows the moment a thug smashed a cocktail glass and rammed it into the face of another drinker at a bar in London's Leicester Square

The victim suffered cuts to his nose and left eyebrow as his attacker slashed wildly with the empty glass before casually sauntering away from the scene

Police were called to the assault at around 1.30am on Christmas Eve last year, which officers said had left the victim 'very distressed'

They are now appealing for information about the incident, which happened at the Be at One bar in Greek Street, Westminster, and have released a description of the suspect.

He is described as a dark skinned man in his late 20s, 6ft tall wearing a long sleeved shirt and light coloured trainers.

Detective Constable Edward Colenbrander said: 'This is a shocking incident that has left the victim very distressed.

'We are keen to identify his assailant shown in the CCTV footage so we can speak to him about the incident. We would also urge anyone who witnessed the incident to contact us.'

The victim was taken to a central London hospital and later discharged.

No arrests have been made and enquiries continue.

Police are now appealing for information about the incident, which happened at the Be at One bar in Greek Street, Westminster, and have released a description of the suspect (pictured)

The victim was taken to a central London hospital and later discharged after the attack

The attacker rammed a broken glass in the face of another drinker at a bar in Leicester Square
Seventeen people have been charged after anti-deportation protesters locked themselves to a plane at Stansted Airport.

Essex Police have charged nine women and eight men with obstructing a person engaged in lawful activity and taking part in a demonstration likely to obstruct Stansted Airport.

Flights were temporarily suspended at Stansted Airport on Tuesday evening after protesters entered a secure area and erected a blockade near a non-commercial runway.

Footage shows protesters at Stansted on Tuesday. Police have now charged 17 people

Campaign group Lesbians and Gays Support the Migrants (LGSMigrants) said some of its members, along with individuals from End Deportations and Plane Stupid, were behind the bid to halt a 'mass deportation flight' destined for Nigeria.

Police said the arrested group, aged between 23 and 46, lived in the London area, including addresses in Leytonstone, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Greenwich.

They have been bailed to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on May 3.

The runway of the Essex airport was closed at about 10pm resulting in eight flights being diverted to other London airports. But by 11.30pm the airport was running as normal.

A Home Office spokesman said at the time: 'We respect everyone's right to peaceful protest but we are clear that removal is an essential element of an effective immigration system.

'We expect those with no legal basis to remain in the UK to leave voluntarily but if they do not, we will seek to enforce their departure.'

The activists tried to stop a flight taking up to 100 immigrants back to Nigeria and Ghana
An pensioner pocketed nearly 100,000 in benefits claiming he was struggling to survive in the UK while living 10,000 miles away in Thailand with his new wife and children.

Alan Barlow kept his council house in Trent Vale, Stoke-on-Trent as a 'bolt hole' and would jet back into the country for treatment on the NHS.

Even after his fraud was exposed in 2011, the 67 year-old carried on conning cash out of the system while enjoying family life in the sunshine.

Alan Barlow pocketed nearly 100,000 in benefits while living abroad and even continued claiming the cash after being convicted of benefit fraud in 2011, Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court (pictured) heard

Now father-of-two Barlow is starting a 16-month prison term after admitting four counts of benefit fraud.

Sentencing him a judge told the OAP he was 'perfectly content' for taxpayers in the UK to fund his family life in Thailand.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard Barlow falsely claimed council tax benefit, housing benefit, pension credits and disability living allowance for several years.

He even continued claiming the cash after being convicted of benefit fraud in 2011.

The court heard Barlow was correctly granted DLA in 2005 after suffering from a number of health problems, including multiple sclerosis and chronic lung disease.

Prosecutor Richard McConaghy said: 'The fraud comes from the fact that for the main part, at least from 2010, he was living in Thailand.

'He met his now wife there in the late 1990s and began to spend more and more time there.'

The court heard Stoke-on-Trent City Council stopped his council tax benefit and housing benefit in 2008 because of the time he spent in Thailand.

Barlow kept his council house in Trent Vale, Stoke-on-Trent as a 'bolt hole' and would jet back into the country for treatment on the NHS (stock photo)

But he successfully had the benefits reinstated after saying he had been unaware of a rule that prohibited him from claiming while spending a period of more than 13 weeks out of the country. But he continued to spend most of his time in Thailand.

Mr McConaghy said: 'In 2011 he received a conditional discharge from magistrates in relation to benefits, for exactly the same reasons.

'We are concerned about in this case, and for exactly the same reasons his housing benefit and council tax benefit were cancelled in 2008, because this country was no longer his main residence.

'It didn't stop him. He married in Thailand in 2014. The relationship he had there involved two children - one of whom was adopted. His council house in this country was used as a base to get medical treatment.'

Barlow is starting a 16-month prison sentence after he pocketed nearly 100,000 in benefits while living 10,000 miles away in Thailand with his new wife and children (stock photo)

Barlow admitted three counts of dishonestly failing to notify a change in his circumstances, and one of cheating the public revenue.

In total he claimed 93,659.90 in benefits that he was not entitled to.

The court heard Barlow has started paying the cash back - at a rate of just 30-a-week.

Robert Holt, mitigating, said: 'He had a desire to be with his family because he feared being alone. He thinks he has not very long left in his life and he wishes to die in Thailand.'

The court heard Barlow is now on the waiting list for another council house in the city.

Jailing Barlow, Judge David Fletcher said: 'You were fully aware that by maintaining a permanent residence outside the UK that the claims you were making for four different types of financial assistance were fraudulent.

'Having been convicted, you simply carried on doing what you were doing before. You were perfectly content that the taxpayers in the UK funded your life, and that of your wife and children, in Thailand.'
The standoff between ministers and EU leaders over the 50billion Brexit divorce bill deepened today amid warnings there will be no trade talks until we agree to pay up.

French president Francois Hollande has told Theresa May directly that the break-up terms must be settled before the future relationship can be picked over.

The message, in a phone call between the premiers this morning, came as European leaders gathered in Malta to hammer out their approach to the looming negotiations.

But Brexit Secretary David Davis has made clear there is no chance of the UK paying anything like the figure that has been mooted.

Bitter rows erupted immediately after Theresa May formally invoked Article 50 - the two year process of cutting ties - yesterday.

She called for discussions on the divorce bill to run in parallel with talks on future trade links, saying there must be a 'comprehensive' deal.

EU leaders including Angela Merkel and Jean-Claude Juncker are gathering in Malta today where they will hammer out their approach to Brexit talks

Mrs Merkel, pictured addressing the meeting of the European Parliament's centre-right EPP group in Valetta today, has rejected Britain's proposal for the talks schedule

French President Francois Hollande, pictured in Paris today waiting to greet German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier, has insisted a financial settlement must be agreed before trade talks

David Davis, pictured in the House of Commons today, has dismissed the idea that we could pay the 50billion the EU is suggesting

But German Chancellor Angela Merkel bluntly rejected the idea.

'The negotiations must first clarify how we will disentangle our interlinked relationship,' Mrs Merkel said.

'Only when this question is dealt with can we, hopefully soon after, begin talking about our future relationship.'

Mr Hollande has warned that Brexit will be 'painful' for the UK, and insisted this morning that there would be not compromise over the order in which issues are dealt with, according to the Elysee Palace.

'The President indicated that the talks must at first be about the terms of withdrawal, dealing especially with citizens' rights and obligations resulting from the commitments made by the UK,' a spokesman said.

'On the basis of the progress made, we could open discussions on the framework of future relations between the UK and the EU in accordance with the letter from Mr Tusk.'

The European Parliament's chief negotiator, Guy Verhofstadt, fueled the row by claiming it was 'very naive' to think a divorce and trade deal would be done at the same time.

The Brexit Secretary, shown int he Commons, also used a round of broadcast interviews to try to calm tensions with the EU

In a Commons performance lasting more than three hours and 20 minutes yesterday, the Prime Minister fielded questions from MPs and set out her vision for Brexit

European Council president Donald Tusk was handed the historic Article 50 letter by the UK's representative Sir Tim Barrow in Brussels yesterday

'You need to do the withdrawal agreement and you have to have an agreement on what I should call the 'general terms' of your future relationship,' he told Sky News.

'Not on the detail, not on the content - that is impossible in 14-15 months to do so. We need the whole transition period of two, three, four years to fill in the content of this new association agreement for the future.'

The intervention followed Mr Verhofstadt's remarks yesterday in which he accused Mrs May of 'blackmail' - and also patronised her by suggesting he was holding back because she is a 'lady'.

'I tried to be a gentleman towards a lady, so I didn't even use or think about the use of the word blackmail,' he said. 'I think the security of our citizens is far too important to start a trade-off of one and the other. Both are absolutely necessary in the future partnership without bargaining this one against the other.'

ARTICLE 50: WHAT HAPPENS NEXT Theresa May finally triggered Article 50 yesterday and started the process of Britain's departure. The process is irreversible, and our membership will expire on March 29, 2019 even if there is no deal. The EU will issue its first formal response tomorrow and the 27 remaining members are set to meet in late April. The first major summit is likely to be later in the spring - but substantive talks could be delayed by elections in Germany in the Autumn. The final deal is expected to emerge by the end of next year in time for a series of votes on ratification Brussels, London and around Europe. If the talks collapse at any point in the two years, Britain could face leaving the EU without a deal at all. While a transitional period is thought likely, Britain will cease to be a full member of the EU at the end of March 29,2019. Advertisement

The influential centre-right EPP group from the European Parliament has been meeting at a luxury hotel in Valetta today.

The 1970s hit We Are Family was played over the sound system as the politicians arrived.

Joseph Daul, the French leader of the EPP, said: 'The exit bill must be paid in full by the United Kingdom.'

Chairman Manfred Weber added that the bloc 'will not allow the cherry-picking we saw over the past few decades'.

EU commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said he believed the Brussels club would be 'better' without Britain.

'Brexit is not the end of everything, but we must make it a beginning of something that will be new, stronger and better,' he said.

Mr Davis tried to play down the tensions today, saying the government was not trying to 'blackmail' the bloc by threatening to withdraw security cooperation if we do not get a good deal.

He also said he was 'not expecting' the EU to demand a payment anything like the 50billion that has been mooted.

Mr Davis portrayed the responses in the EU as posturing, stressing that negotiations were only just getting under way.

'I spent all of yesterday afternoon on the telephone talking to my opposite numbers in the Parliament, in the commission, around all the member states,' he told ITV's Good Morning Britain.

'Virtually all of them said spontaneously, it's a very positive letter, the tone was good, and so on.'

He added: 'One part of the deal is the justice and home affairs strand, we currently have arrangements for exchanging information, for arrest warrants, for Europol and all those things.

'We will need to replace that with something else because that will go when we leave the European Union.'

Mr Davis said it was a 'negotiation' and 'the other side might want to change things too'.

The Cabinet minister, who will spearhead the looming talks with the EU, said Mrs May's letter had not been a 'threat'.

Brexit Secretary David Davis, pictured on ITV's Good Morning Britain today, has tried to play down the bitter row with the EU that erupted after Theresa May formally invoked Article 50

In a round of broadcast interviews this morning, Mr Davis portrayed the responses in the EU as posturing, stressing that negotiations were only just getting under way

Theresa May repeatedly refused to rule out paying a divorce settlement to Brussels in a primetime BBC interview last night

'This is a statement of the fact that this will be harmful for both of us... if we don't get a deal. It's an argument for having a deal,' he said.

'That I think is a perfectly reasonable point to make, and not in any sense a threat,'

Mr Davis insisted the UK would not back down on its call for the divorce settlement to be discussed at the same time as ongoing trade arrangements.

'Article 50 says the departure should be negotiated taking into account the ongoing deal. Pretty firm there,' he told Sky News.

The EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier has mooted a 50billion figure for the divorce bill the bloc will present to Britain

Guy Verhofstadt accused Mrs May of 'abusing' fears over terrorism and said it was 'naive to think a deal on trade could be done at the same time as one on divorce terms

Downing Street released an image of the letter to Mr Tusk invoking the process for taking the UK out of the Brussels club

'The Commission has taken a different stance and said 'We want to deal with the departure first and the ongoing relationship second',' he said.

'There is an area of argument over this, an area of discussion over this, which is fine.'

Asked about the 50billion sum mooted by the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier, Mr Davis said: 'We haven't actually had any sort of submission to us from the Commission. But our view is very simple, we will meet our obligations, we are a law abiding country.'

But he said the 'era of huge sums being paid to the EU is coming to an end'.

'We'll meet our responsibilities but we're not expecting anything like that,' he said.

'The era of huge sums being paid to the European Union is coming to an end, so once we're out, that's it.'

Mrs May repeatedly refused to rule out paying a divorce settlement to Brussels in a primetime BBC interview last night.

However, Brexit-supporting ministers have made clear the sum, which would cover liabilities such as Eurocrat pensions, could only be a few billion pounds.

Calculations by respected Brussels think-tank Bruegel today suggested that the figure presented may be closer to 25 billion euros - or 21billion.
A man has attempted to abduct a three-year-old British girl at a beach resort after getting a young boy to talk to her.

The girl's horrified mother, 27, claimed a balding 'gypsy-looking' man aged around 50 with a scar on his face grabbed the youngster's hand in Costa del Sol and tried to take her away.

She alleged that the stranger, who called himself 'Paco', was accompanied by a young boy who he used to strike up a conversation in broad daylight.

Police confirmed on Thursday that they were probing the expat's claims but were yet to make any arrests.

Police on the Costa del Sol are investigating an alleged abduction attempt on a three-year-old British girl (pictured, the scene of the incident in Estepona, Malaga)

The incident happened around 3pm last Tuesday as the mother-of-two was taking her daughter to a dance class in the holiday resort of Estepona.

She told police the stranger grabbed her little girl by the hand and tried to take her away with the promise of sweets as they walked past.

She claimed the little boy and then the older man fled after she started screaming for help and struggling with him to try to force him to release his grip on her daughter.

The mother reported the incident to police from a nearby bar where she made a formal statement later the same day.

She warned friends on social media: 'Please be aware that in the Estepona area there is a man in his fifties going around trying to take children.

'He attempted to take my daughter. He uses a child to talk to the other children and then takes their hands and tries to take them.

The girl's horrified mother, 27, claimed a balding 'gypsy-looking' man aged around 50 with a scar on his face grabbed the youngster's hand and tried to take her away

The mother said she was 'very shocked' that the incident happened in a 'safe place' like Estepona (pictured) in the south of Spain

'Everyone with children or who knows someone with children should be very careful and not let your child out of your sight.

'The police have been informed and are doing everything they can to find them. The man has greying hair and a scar on the right side of his head.'

A police spokesman confirmed today: 'We are investigating an allegation from a woman who says someone tried to take her child. As the investigation is ongoing we cannot make any comment.'

A source confirmed no arrests had yet been made.

There was no official word on whether police believe the incident was a serious abduction attempt or a misunderstanding.

The mother, who has not been named, said: 'I have no doubt that man tried to take my daughter.

'Spanish people are very good with children so I was very shocked, especially because it happened in the middle of the day in such a safe place like Estepona.

'I'm still very upset by what happened. At first I didn't think he was trying to take my daughter and just thought he was being friendly but when he wouldn't let go of her hand, I panicked and started screaming.

The mother warned friends on social media of a 'man in his fifties going around trying to take children' and told them to be 'very careful'

She later lashed out at trolls who claimed there was a 'family dispute' and that the man who tried to take her daughter was the father or grandfather

'I don't want to say too much more for the moment so as not to hamper the police investigation. The police are doing all they can as far as I'm concerned. I've been very happy with the response and they're keeping me informed of what they're doing.

'It's important they find this man. I want him taken off the streets.'

The man police want to speak to is described as being 'gypsy-looking' with greyish black hair, balding at the front, and a scar on the right side of his head.

He was wearing dark blue trousers and a black shirt. The boy with him is thought to have been aged around seven.

The street where the incident is said to have happened is a quiet residential street just a half-minute walk from the beachfront at Estepona just west of Marbella which like its upmarket neighbour is a popular holiday destination for British families in the summer.

She alleged that the man, who called himself 'Paco', was accompanied by a young boy who he used to strike up a conversation. Police confirmed on Thursday that they were probing the expat's claims but had yet to make any arrests

The girl's mother told police they were alone in the street and believed there were no witnesses.

Staff at the American Club Estepona where the mother sought help confirmed she had rushed in 'in a state of panic' and asked them to call police.

One said: 'A lot of police came and started a search of the area but found nothing as far as I am aware.'

A local resident, who asked not to be named, added: 'Everyone is talking about it round here. It's very worrying.'

The mother told police the youngster and older man fled by running past a motorbike shop near the scene of the alleged attempted abduction, but it was closed at the time for lunch like many businesses in Spain at that time of the day.

Staff there and at a nearby kiosk which was also closed at the time said they had not been approached by police.

Madeleine McCann was also three when she disappeared nearly ten years ago from her holiday flat on the Algarve as her parents ate tapas with friends nearby.

British police investigating Madeleine's mystery disappearance are focusing on the theory she was was snatched during a bungled break-in.
CCTV footage showing Samantha Baldwin's last known movements

Police have released CCTV footage showing the last known movements of a woman suspected of abducting her two sons.

Samantha Baldwin, 42, from Newark, was last seen near Nottingham city centre on Monday and is believed to be with six-year-old Dylan Madge and Louis Madge, nine.

Detectives have since said they have widened their search to Europe in the hopes of finding the trio.

Meanwhile, a Nottinghamshire Police spokesman said two women, aged 62 and 36, who were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, were released on bail.

Last night officers revealed Miss Baldwin, who is separated from the boys father, David Madge, 43, was wanted on suspicion of child abduction.

They said she no longer has legal custody over the children.

Airports and train stations were placed on alert as police launched a wide-scale search.

Superintendent Richard Fretwell said: 'In the last 24 hours, we have seen thousands of messages of support and we have been overwhelmed by members of the public offering their help.

Dressed in a red coat, Miss Baldwin was captured walking through Nottingham City Centre

'We have had eight potential sightings called into us. Six of those we have now discounted. Two remain ongoing. They are the length and breadth of the country.

'We have an all ports warning in place, that stretches over to Europe, however, there's no indication at the moment that they have left the country, but we keep an open mind.

'We've had numerous sightings... and we will go wherever the inquiries take us.

'The reality is we still do not know where Samantha and the two boys are.'

Police had issued a missing person appeal for Mrs Baldwin and the two children on Tuesday.

Louis Madge aged nine, and Dylan Madge, aged six, have also not been seen since Monday

Neighbours revealed Samantha Baldwin's car had disappeared from in front of her home.

The 42-year-old was last spotted with her two sons, nine-year-old Louis Madge and six-year-old Dylan Madge, in Nottingham city centre on Monday.

Their disappearance has triggered an alert to be sent to all UK ports, airports and railway stations.

Police have issued a direct appeal to Ms Baldwin, from Newark, Nottinghamshire, to contact them and let them know she and the children are safe.

Wanted: Samantha Baldwin, who went missing on Monday with her two sons, is being sought after by police on suspicion of abduction

They have also been going door to door on the mother's street, lined with trees and terraced houses, to find more information.

Neighbour Jane Mann said: 'I'm praying to that they are okay. Her car is not outside. Sam always seems very friendly.

'Police have visited a couple of times and the last ones said she left keys with someone to feed the cats.

'My husband knows her from when he lent her our broom a few months back as her car window was smashed.'

Ms Baldwin is described as 5ft 7ins tall with shoulder length, highlighted blonde hair, green blue eyes and was last seen wearing a red knee-length coat from Mango.

Lewis is described as having collar-length straight fair hair, a fair complexion and blue eyes.

Dylan is described as having collar-length straight dark brown hair, a tanned complexion and brown eyes.

Police do not have a description of the clothing the boys' were last seen wearing.

The family have connections in Lincolnshire and Manchester and may have travelled there.

Anyone with information of their whereabouts should call Nottinghamshire Police on 101 urgently, quoting incident number 332 of March 27 2017, or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Jean-Claude Juncker has called on the bloc to 'unite' hours after Britain formally triggered Article 50

President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker has called on the bloc to 'unite' hours after Britain formally triggered Article 50.

With just two years foreseen for negotiations, Mr Juncker said the rights of EU citizens will be top of the agenda.

Settling Britain's exit bill - estimated to be 52 billion - will also be a priority when talks get underway in May.

Mr Juncker has previously said the UK had no option but to pay 52billion. This is despite the government's legal advice stating there is no law or treaty that will compel Britain to make payments after Brexit.

The 62-year-old will meet in Malta today with EU President Donald Tusk, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.

Even before the negotiations start, Britain will today begin the monumental task of incorporating EU legislation for when the divorce is finalised.

Speaking in parliament on Wednesday, Prime Minister Theresa May said that was important 'so that on the day we leave everybody knows those rules still apply and everybody knows where they stand'.

The government will publish a 'white paper' policy document today outlining its plans for the legal overhaul, which for better or worse will give MPs the opportunity to amend the laws as they are brought under the national system.

Speaking hours after triggering the process that will see Britain leave the EU (pictured), the PM insisted that the UK would maintain its security links with Brussels

Mr Tusk was first to react on Wednesday, speaking just minutes after Mrs May delivered her historic address to Parliament.

Speaking on behalf of the 27 remaining EU members, he acknowledged that Brexit could prove hugely damaging for the bloc.

But he appeared to taunt the UK by saying almost half of Britons wanted to Remain  and insisting he would not allow the EU to be bullied during talks.

'There is no reason to pretend that this is a happy day, neither in Brussels, nor in London,' he said. 'After all most Europeans, including almost half the British voters, wish that we would stay together, not drift apart.'

Addressing the divisions which have ripped through European politics in recent months, the former Polish premier insisted he could instill unity among the remaining EU members.

But he finished his short address with a downbeat lament for Britain's departure, saying: 'What more can I add to this? We already miss you.'

EU Council President Donald Tusk grimaces at a press conference in Brusselsas he shows the letter he received from Theresa May

Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, said the long-awaited delivery of the Article 50 letter to Brussels marked the 'first day of a very long and difficult road'.

Mrs May yesterday insisted that she wanted to negotiate a trade deal with the EU at the same time as conducting talks on Britain's departure.

But Mrs Merkel appeared to position herself in opposition to this, calling for the UK to settle EU demands for a huge 'divorce bill' first.

French President Francois Hollande said Brexit would be 'sentimentally painful' for the Europeans but 'economically painful' for Britain.

With just two years foreseen for negotiations, Mr Juncker said the rights of EU citizens will be top of the agenda

BORDERS STAY OPEN Free movement will not end for at least two years  raising fears of a rush to Britain by EU citizens desperate to beat the deadline. Theresa May risked anger by stepping away from imposing migration curbs from the moment she triggered Article 50. It means controversial free movement rules are unlikely to be axed before 2019. The Government will then bring forward a Bill setting out proposed legislation to tackle immigration. Mrs May has previously suggested a 'targeted' visa regime for EU migrants so they will have to secure a skilled job before being allowed to work in the UK. Asked on the BBC last night about when free movement could end, Mrs May said: 'We want to have the agreements done in two years. 'There may then be a period when we are implementing those arrangements. 'What we will be able to do, as a result of leaving the EU, is to have control of our borders, is to set those rules for people coming from inside the European Union into the UK.' Advertisement

The first signs of discord were already emerging as a row developed over what was perceived as a veiled threat by Mrs May that cooperation over EU security would be endangered if there was no deal.

The European Parliament's chief negotiator, Guy Verhofstadt hit back immediately saying that 'citizens' security was far too serious a subject' to be held hostage to the negotiations.

The row marred attempts by Mrs May to build bridges as she adopted a more conciliatory tone and promised to carry out negotiations in a spirit of 'sincere co-operation.'

The most damning threats yesterday were issued by the European Parliament, which positioned itself as the EU's main negotiating troublemaker.

In a resolution setting out their demands, MEPs said they would block a favourable deal for the UK.

The clear challenge to Mrs May  who has vowed to end the UK jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice  saw MEPs insist that EU judges retain some power over Britain.

Officials in both Britain and Brussels have accepted that a 'transition period', potentially lasting three years, will need to be implemented to avoid a 'cliff edge' departure.

The draft resolution, drawn up by gap-toothed Mr Verhofstadt, insisted judges in Luxembourg should oversee this period rather than any other body.

Mr Verhofstadt also paved the way for the ECJ to rule on other key issues involving the UK, such as the rights of European citizens living here, for years to come.

The document also warned EU leaders about seeking a special relationship with the City of London.

THE EU'S 'BABY THATCHER' WHO ACCUSED MAY OF BLACKMAIL EU's Brexit negotiatior Guy Verhofstadt He has declared himself as the defender of Europe who will stand in Britain's way if it refuses to bow to the EU's demands during Brexit talks. But gap-toothed Guy Verhofstadt, who yesterday accused Theresa May of blackmail, is a devoted Anglophile who was once known as 'Baby Thatcher'. The former Belgian prime minister, 63, has used his role as chief negotiator for the European Parliament to draw up a list of tough demands that must be met by the UK during negotiations. The arch-federalist has vigorously pursued a dream of a United States of Europe, and could prove to be the biggest thorn in Mrs May's side. While Brexit threatens this dream, Anglophile Mr Verhofstadt is also likely to feel a personal loss. He has a Union Jack fridge, races a 1950s Aston Martin and his present reading material includes a book on Winston Churchill that positions the war leader as a firm believer in Europe. As a young Flemish politician Mr Verhofstadt was nicknamed Baby Thatcher because he tried to reform socialist-leaning Belgium with free market politics. Ironically, some of his key rivals in British politics are among the UK's most staunch Remainers. He had a deep-seated rivalry with Nick Clegg after the Lib Dem refused to back him during an EU leadership contest. And he has never forgiven Tony Blair for blocking his lifetime ambition of becoming European Commission President in 2004. Among current proposals by Mr Verhofstadt, who led Belgium between 2008 and 2009, is to create an EU secret service. Advertisement
A teacher has defended the 'provacative' selfies she shared on Facebook after she was suspended by her school's headteacher.

Teenage pupils say they overheard their teacher Lydia Ferguson being told off after pictures showing her sat on the edge of her bed wearing a white dress appeared online.

The students launched a petition in support of their 'brilliant' teacher and said they thought she looked 'lovely'.

Teenage pupils have rushed to defend teacher Lydia Ferguson after she was suspended was suspended for posting a 'provocative' selfie, right, on social media

Miss Ferguson asked friends on Facebook if the picture could be seen as seductive or inappropriate and shared her own social media rule with them

Now comments in her own defence have emerged, after the mother-of-three was complimented by friends on Facebook.

Below the post, one friend wrote 'love this pic, so natural' which prompted Miss Ferguson to ask if the picture could ever be deemed 'inappropriate'.

When her friend said 'of course not', Miss Ferguson said: 'Thank you for that, I don't think it's seductive or inappropriate either.

'I've always stuck to a rule on FB and Insta that if my Grandad, bless his heart, would look at any of my pictures in disgust, then I would never post them.'

Pupils at Ousedale School in Newport Pagnell, near Milton Keynes, Bucks., said they overheard the senior staff members accuse her of being 'sultry' and 'provocative'

She later added: 'I'm not worried about my pictures, but it seems some people are!'

Miss Ferguson also told another friend 'FML right now'.

The pupils heard Miss Ferguson being told off by managers before she was suspended and escorted from the site - and the teenagers even recorded the eight-minute row on their mobile phones.

The school's head teacher said the pupils' concerns had 'no factual basis'

After senior staff at the school discovered the picture of Miss Ferguson, who is in her 30s, they called a meeting with her in the school office.

Pupils at Ousedale School in Newport Pagnell, near Milton Keynes, Bucks., said they overheard the senior staff members accuse her of being 'sultry' and 'provocative' in the image.

'Miss Ferguson was saying she didn't think there was anything wrong with the photo. All it was showing was a bit of leg,' one of the pupils said.

The students watched staff march their teacher off the school premises as she was suspended while the school began an investigation.

Pupils have shown their support for Miss Ferguson, who is part of the pastoral care team, and launched a petition called 'Get Miss Ferguson Back', accusing the school of being too prudish.

One of them said: 'There is nothing wrong with the photo at all. We think Miss looks lovely.'

Another added: 'She is a brilliant teacher. She is there to help students who have problems like bullying and stuff. She does so much to help us and we're so upset she's been suspended.'

Miss Ferguson defended herself on her Facebook, saying some people had become concerned about her pictures, but that she wasn't worried

Miss Ferguson's pupils have collected more than 250 signatures and the picture is continuing to be supported with likes and comments on Facebook

The petition had more than 250 signatures within just 24 hours of the pupils creating it - with some of the signatures coming from parents.

The picture itself generated more than 300 comments on Facebook, but one pupil said: 'Not a single person thinks there is anything inappropriate about it.'

Ousedale head teacher Sue Carbert said: 'If we have any concerns about a staff member, this would not be discussed with students.

'We are aware of rumours but conclusions are being drawn which have no factual basis.'
Two children have been arrested amid fears they were planning a Columbine-style school massacre in New Jersey.

A 15-year-old boy and a girl, aged 14, had apparently been bullied at New Roberto Clemente Elementary School in Paterson and harbored a grudge against a teacher.

Paterson Police Department were alerted to the situation on Tuesday night and the pair, who are now students at Eastside High School, were arrested yesterday and their homes were searched but police did not find any weapons.

Both students had reportedly been bullied while at the New Roberto Clemente Elementary School in Paterson, New Jersey (pictured)

The pair were students at Eastside High School (pictured) but it is not clear whether they planned a massacre there or at their former school

What was Columbine? On April 20, 1999 Eric Harris, 18, and Dylan Klebold, 17, walked into Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado armed with an arsenal of weapons. The pair, who identified with the Goth culture, bore grudges against 'jocks' in the school who had teased and bullied them. They entered at 11.19am and by 11.35am they had killed 12 students and a teacher and wounded more than 20 people. Harris and Klebold were initially said to belong to a group called the Trenchcoat Mafia, but it later turned out they were acting alone. In 2002 Michael Moore's documentary Bowling for Columbine highlighted the ease with which it had been possible for the pair to buy guns in Colorado. Advertisement

It is unclear if they were planning an attack on Eastside High or on the elementary school.

Neither juvenile has been identified. One has been charged with three counts of third-degree terror threats and two counts of third-degree false public alarm.

The other student has been charged with two counts of third-degree terror threats and two counts of third-degree false public alarm.

Passaic County prosecutor's office said the pair were fascinated with previous school shootings.

NBC reported that an Eastside High School spokesman said 'We take the security of our students and staff very seriously, and we want to thank our school security officers as well as local law enforcement in their swift handling of this matter.'

It is understood that staff at Eastside High became aware of the students' plans and specifically threats against a teacher who works at New Roberto Clemente.

The elementary school's principal, Hector Montes, held an emergency staff meeting Tuesday evening, after which Paterson Police Department were notified.

One parent, Mabel Estrada, told ABC: 'It's sad what's going on, how children mimic each other. But I trust as parents we know what's going on with our kids.'
Australia's media elite are set to gather in picturesque Kangaroo Valley to celebrate the wedding of Peter Stefanovic and his long-time love Sylvia Jeffreys tie the knot.

Stefanovic, 33, was seen getting out of a Toyota four-wheel-drive in the rural NSW town, south of Woollongong, on Thursday afternoon.

Hotel owners in Kangaroo Valley have told Daily Mail Australia accommodation had been booked solid ahead of the expected nuptials.

Stefanovic appeared to arrive at the couple's reported wedding spot a day after Jeffreys who was seen hauling luggage into her car in Sydney on Wednesday.

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Channel Nine journalist Peter Stefanovic (pictured) has been spotted in Kangaroo Valley just days before he is expected to marry his colleague and long-time love Sylvia Jeffreys

The 33-year-old groom was seen getting out of a Toyota in the rural NSW town, south of Wollongong, on Thursday afternoon

The wedding will be a Channel Nine affair, with many of the couple's colleagues and Stefanovic's brother Karl expected to attend.

The Today Show announced it will host its Monday morning program in Bowral, a convenient 40 minutes' drive from Kangaroo Valley for those who are moving slowly after the festivities.

It has been reported Karl Stefanovic's new girlfriend show designer Jasmine Yarbrough has been banned from the couple's wedding because Jeffreys didn't want a media circus on her big day.

Karls wife of 21 years Cassandra Thorburn also missed out on an invite, according to The Courier Mail.

The expected wedding has brought a buzz to the countryside town, which hosts several wedding venues.

A woman working at a motel in the area told Daily Mail Australia there are no rooms available because of the wedding.

There are no available hotel or motel availabilities within 13km of Kangaroo Valley, according to Booking.com.

Jeffreys was seen hauling luggage into her car in Sydney on Wednesday in preparation for the wedding

She was pictured with friends, who helped her gather items to pack

The couple's wedding has brought a buzz to the countryside town, which hosts several wedding venues

Jeffreys began dating Mr Stefanovic at the end of 2013 after presenting the weekend edition of the Today show together

The wedding will be a Channel Nine affair, with many of the couple's colleagues and Stefanovic's brother Karl (pictured right) expected to attend

The Today Show announced it will host its Monday morning program in Bowral, a convenient 40 minutes' drive from Kangaroo Valley (pictured)

Stefanovic appeared relaxed on Thursday after enjoying a night out in Sydney on Saturday for his buck's party.

Jeffreys previously joked she had to stop Karl's initial plans to host a buck's party for his brother in Thailand.

The 30-year-old newsreader began dating Stefanovic at the end of 2013 after presenting the weekend edition of the Today show together.

Sources have told Daily Mail Australia Jeffreys is planning to wear a bridal gown by Australian designer Rebecca Vallance.
David Davis has unveiled his sweeping plans to transfer EU laws on to the UK statute book.

The Brexit Secretary said the Great Repeal Bill was an essential part of the process of leaving the European Union.

This legislation does not delete EU laws from the statute book but means after 2019 Parliament will be free to amend or remove them at will for the first time in decades.

It also means the UK Supreme Court will be the highest court in the land from day one of Brexit, replacing the EU court in Brussels.

Once Brexit is finished, EU red tape such as working time restrictions, a ban traditional light bulbs and limits on vacuum cleaners can in future be freely changed.

The announcement was overshadowed by a warning from a former Commons clerk - Britain's leading expert on Parliamentary procedure - that the process of sorting out 44 years of EU laws could take a decade.

Mr Davis is facing a political and potentially even legal battle over using 'Henry VIII' executive powers to tweak around 1,000 of the laws to ensure they function properly after Brexit.

Gina Miller, who sued the Government over Article 50, said she was taking legal advice over the use of Henry VIII powers - which have existed since the 16th Century.

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David Davis unveiled details of the Great Repeal Bill, which will bring thousands of pieces of EU legislation on to the UK statute books and get rid of the law underpinning our membership, in the Commons today (pictured)

The Brexit Secretary unveiled plans in the Commons today that will transpose huge amounts of legislation from Brussels to provide 'certainty' as we leave the bloc.

Theresa May, pictured leaving Downing Street today, has said the plan is an essential part of ensuring Brexit is as smooth as possible

Mr Davis told MPs: 'We have been clear that we want a smooth and orderly exit, and the Great Repeal Bill is integral to that approach.

'It will provide clarity and certainty for businesses, workers and consumers across the United Kingdom on the day we leave the EU.

'It will mean that as we exit the EU and seek a new deep and special partnership with the European Union, we will be doing so from the position where we have the same standards and rules.

'But it will also ensure that we deliver on our promise to end the supremacy of EU law in the UK as we exit.

WHAT DOES THE GREAT REPEAL BILL DO? David Davis has unveiled a huge new piece of legislation that will translate EU legislation into UK law after Brexit. It means all existing laws will still work the same way the day after Brexit happens but that Parliament has full power to amend or repeal as it likes in future. The Bill will scrap the European Communities Act 1972, which is the main law implementing Britain's EU membership. It will also scrap other EU treaties signed by Britain and the rules they impose. Crucially, this will end the 'supremacy' of EU law and mean Parliament is the senior law-making body in the land. It also means European Court rulings will no longer outrank the Supreme Court. Many EU laws that are imposed on Britain via directives will need re-writing. They exist in three main forms at the moment: Primary legislation: Primary legislation are laws passed as Acts of Parliament - such as the Equality Act 2010. This includes laws to implements various directives including Council Directive 2000/78/EC, which establishes a general framework for equal treatment for people in work. Secondary legislation under the European Communities Act 1972: This includes laws made under section 2(2) of the European Communities Act, which is the main law for Britain's EU membership. An example is the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012, which give effect to parts of EU Directive 2010/31/EU, implementing rules on the energy performance of buildings Other secondary legislation: For example, the Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations 2006, which contain health and safety rules demanded by EU Directive 2004/49/EC. This is imposed as part of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. Advertisement

'Our laws will then be made in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast and interpreted not by judges in Luxembourg but by judges across the United Kingdom.'

In response, shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer said all existing rights and protections must be maintained as part of measures to convert EU law into the UK system.

Sir Keir warned the Government is seeking to provide itself with 'sweeping powers' so it can use a procedure that requires less scrutiny from MPs to change primary legislation.

He said no safeguards against such powers are outlined in the white paper published by the Government.

Speaking in the Commons, Sir Keir said: 'There should be no change to rights and protections without primary legislation - that is a starting and basic principle, and the same goes for policy.

'I add this, when we see the Bill there should be no power to change rights and obligations and protections in the future by delegated legislation.

'I ask (Mr Davis) to provide assurance on those basic principles this morning, and I ask him to look again at safeguards for the delegated legislation procedures that are proposed.

'As to the 'what is to happen' in relation to converting law into domestic law, again there have to be clear principles.

'All rights and protections derived from EU law must be converted into domestic law - all rights and protections, no limitations, no qualifications and no sunset clauses.

'This morning we need an assurance from (Mr Davis) that he will face down those on his own side who will not be able to resist the temptation to water these rights and protections down before they're even put into this Bill.'

Ahead of Mr Davis's announcement, former Commons Clerk Lord Lisvane voiced serious doubts that the process could be completed within the two years it will take for us complete the EU divorce.

'I won't just be two years,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. 'It could go on for a decade.'

Ms Miller told BBC Radio 5 Live: 'The Government has already blotted its copybook by trying to bypass Parliament and use the Royal Prerogative.

'So if there is any sniff that they are trying to use Henry VIII powers, that would be profoundly unparliamentary and democratic, and I would seek legal advice, because what you are doing is setting a precedent that Government could bypass Parliament.'

Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer said all existing rights and protections must be maintained as part of measures to convert EU law into the UK system

The tortuous parliamentary project will formally repeal the 1972 European Communities Act  the law which took the UK into the EU.

WHICH EU LAWS COULD BE DELETED IN FUTURE? While the Great Repeal Bill announced today does not directly remove any of the EU laws hated by Eurosceptics, it paves the way for their removal in future. By making EU law into British law, Parliament will after March 2019 be allowed to re-write them at will. Trouble making laws at the top of the list could be: Working time rules that limit how many hours a person can legally work. This is a particular problem for training doctors and surgeons who need hours to perfect techniques.

Legislation on household goods like toasters and vacuum cleaners. EU rules on energy efficiency capped the power of common devices to the irritation of consumers.

The ban on incandescent light bulbs. The EU banned traditional light bulbs, that use a heated filament, on the grounds they are bad for the environment - but many consumers feel energy saving ones are too dim. Advertisement

It will also transfer reams of existing EU law onto the domestic statute book.

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron has vowed to go into the Parliamentary trenches over the Bill.

He said: 'We are going to launch a legislative war.

'We will grind the Government's agenda to a standstill, unless proper and rigorous safeguards are given over the great repeal bill.

'The ball is now in the Prime Minister's court.'

A study by Thomson Reuters found there have been 52,741 relevant pieces of legislation passed by Brussels since 1990 alone.

But Mr Davis said the process would give businesses, workers and investors 'maximum security and certainty'.

He said it would allow a smooth and stable transition to the post-Brexit world. The laws can then be amended by Parliament once the UK leaves.

Mr Davis's White Paper setting out the Bill's contents has now been presented to Parliament.

Mr Davis said: 'At the heart of the referendum decision was sovereignty.

A strong, independent country needs control of its own laws.

'That process starts now.'

'Converting EU law into UK law, and ending the supremacy of lawmakers in Brussels, is an important step in giving businesses, workers and consumers the certainty they need,' he said.

'And it will mean that as we seek a comprehensive new economic partnership with the EU, our allies will know that we start from a position where we have the same standards and rules.'

Lord Lisvane, who as Robert Rogers served as the Commons Clerk, said tidying up legislation as we leave the EU could take a decade

The Henry VIII powers allow ministers to bypass full Parliamentary scrutiny in order to change the wording of laws as they are repatriated.

Critics say it puts too much control in the hands of the government without oversight by MPs and peers.

WHAT ARE HENRY VIII POWERS? Henry VIII powers are used today but are based on 16th Century laws passed by the king Some legislation give ministers the power to repeal or amend laws without going through the normal process. They are a rare form of executive legal power in the British system and are known as 'Henry VIII' powers because they are based on laws passed by the king in 1539. Use of the powers is not unheard of but is relatively unusual. The Government is being criticised for expanding their use, with time limits, as part of the Great Repeal Bill to allow ministers to remove references to EU treaties in existing legislation. Ministers say this corrects laws to take account of Brexit without changing them but critics fear a dramatic expansion of government power. Advertisement

Mr Davis is giving details of the package the day after Theresa May formally invoked Article 50 to launch our EU divorce.

European leaders reacted with anger after the PM delivered a tough message in the historic letter, which was handed to European Council President Donald Tusk in the Belgian capital by UK envoy Sir Tim Barrow.

It included a threat that Britain could withhold intelligence and security resources, on which Europe is heavily reliant, unless a fair agreement is struck.

She also called for discussions on the divorce bill to run in parallel with talks on future trade links, saying there must be a 'comprehensive' deal.

But Mrs May's warning was described as tantamount to blackmail by Guy Verhofstadt, the European Parliament's Brexit negotiator.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel also made clear she would not accept the UK demands on the timetable.

In a round of broadcast interviews this morning, Mr Davis portrayed the responses in the EU as posturing, stressing that negotiations were only just getting under way.

'I spent all of yesterday afternoon on the telephone talking to my opposite numbers in the Parliament, in the commission, around all the member states,' he told ITV's Good Morning Britain.

'Virtually all of them said spontaneously, it's a very positive letter, the tone was good, and so on.'
Two students from the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus have been reported missing after going on a hike in a scenic hill near Kuala Lumpur.

The pair, British woman Katie Clubb, 19, and Kenyan man Nyamu Wanyolke, 20, were reported missing on Wednesday evening.

They had gone for a walk in Broga Hill, a popular hiking destination south of the Malaysian capital.

The British woman missing has been named locally as 19-year-old Katie Clubb

Katie Clubb, 19, and Kenyan man Nyamu Wanyolke, 20, went missing while climbing Broga Hill, in Malaysia

Miss Clubb whose Facebook page shows she is very active in charity work is currently missing

Kajang OCPD Asst Comm Othman Nayan said a text message had been received by a friend of the Briton shortly before 8pm on Wednesday.

He said: 'We were told that the two friends went on a hike earlier that evening. So when we were alerted of the incident, we immediately went to meet the friend.

'At 8.15pm, we arrived and launched the search and rescue operation with the help of the Fire and Rescue Department and others including the Civil Defence Department (JPAM),' he said.

ACP Othman said authorities spent almost four hours combing the area but the search party had to stand down around midnight due to adverse weather conditions.

He said: 'We resumed our operation today at 8am. Based on the victim's last contact with their friend, they said they were near a Malaysian flag.

'We suspect they had already reached the top but when we arrived, they were nowhere to be found.'

Miss Clubb, pictured at Heathrow, left the country for Malaysia two months ago

The foreign students were missing after going for a hike in Broga Hill, in Malaysia

The pair vanished during a day trip on Broga Hill, located just outside the country's capita

Rescuers have still failed to locate the missing duo after their last search around 7pm on Thursday.

The hill, which is only 400 metres high, offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

Guide books suggest those planning on going on the peak should start as early as 4am to avoid the midday heat.
An Iranian 21-year-old has been sentenced to death after 'insulting the prophet' of Islam on an instant messaging app.

Sina Dehghan was 19 when he was arrested by the Iranian revolutionary guard at a military barracks in Tehran in October 2015 for insulting the national religion on the messaging app LINE.

Human rights activists claim that Dehghan was fooled into singing his own confession under the belief that he would be released without punishment if he did so.

But after signing the confession, prosecutors dropped the agreement and kept Dehghan incarcerated at Arak Prison.

Sina Dehghan was 19 when he was arrested by the Iranian revolutionary guard at a military barracks in Tehran in October 2015 for insulting the national religion on the messaging app LINE

His death penalty was confirmed in January when it was upheld in the country's Supreme Court, according to the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI).

'During his interrogation, Sina was told that if he signed a confession and repented, he would be pardoned and let go,' a source told CHRI. 'Unfortunately, he made a childish decision and accepted the charges. Then they sentenced him to death.'

The content of Dehghan's messages is unknown.

The source said that authorities got Dehghan to confess on camera as well, and that authorities told his family that if they kept quiet about the charges, Dehghan would be more likely to be freed.

'Unfortunately, the family believed those words and stopped sharing information about his case and discouraged others from sharing it as well,' the source said.

Branch 1 of the Criminal Court in Arak had asked that Dehghan be sentenced to death for 'insulting the prophet' as well as 16 months in prison for 'insulting the supreme leader'.

A request for a judicial review of the death sentence that was issued in January is being processed, Dehghan's lawyer said

A request for a judicial review of the death sentence that was issued in January is being processed, Dehghan's lawyer told CHRI.

'According to Sina's lawyer, steps have been taken for a judicial review, and with the good news we're hearing from him, God willing this case will come to end positively as soon as possible,' Dehghan's mother said in a video obtained by CHRI.

Dehghan's co-defendants, Sahar Eliasi and Mohammad Nouri were also convicted of posting anti-Islamic material on social media.

Nouri was issued a death sentence, but it is unknown if the Supreme Court has issued a final ruling.

Eliasi had a seven-year prison sentence reduced to three after going to appeals court.

Dehghan, who was a conscript posted as a guard in military barracks, had just four days left in his military service when he was arrested in 2015.

'They took him to his home and searched it while he repeatedly expressed regret and repentance,' a source told CHRI.

According to Iran's Islamic Penal Code, insulting the prophet is punishable by death. Article 263 of the document, however, states that if the accused tells the court that the insults were a result of anger or a mistake, the sentence can be reduced to 74 lashings.
North Carolina lawmakers reversed course Thursday and voted to repeal and replace a costly, contentious law that restricts transgender people's use of bathrooms, but rights activists warn the new measure fails to assure state-wide protections.

The so-called 'bathroom bill' had drawn intense criticism since it was debated in 2015 and narrowly passed by the state last March. Its replacement now heads to the state's Democratic Governor Roy Cooper, who is expected to sign it.

The move follows an agreement struck between Republican lawmakers and Cooper aimed in part at removing a negative spotlight on North Carolina that has driven away some big business and led major sports organizations to keep key athletic events out of the state.

The North Carolina law stated that in schools and government buildings transgender people had to use restrooms corresponding with the gender of their birth

The initial legislation in North Carolina - a southeastern swing state that helped elect Republican Donald Trump president last November - featured prominently in the broader cultural war between conservatives and liberals in contemporary America.

The law, signed by the previous Republican governor and often referred to as HB2, stated that in schools and government buildings transgender people had to use restrooms corresponding with the gender on their birth certificate and not their current gender identity.

'Compromise is difficult for both sides, but we are pleased this proposal fully protects safety and privacy by keeping men out of women's bathrooms, and removes the distraction of HB2 from North Carolina's success story of outpacing the rest of the United States in job growth,' state Senate President Phil Berger said in a statement Thursday.

'We have strengthened our state's privacy protections... This is a great step forward,' added North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore after the measure cleared the legislature.

Following a year of turmoil, an agreement was struck late Wednesday that repeals HB2.

But the replacement bill would include a concession to conservatives by placing regulation of bathrooms under exclusive state control until December 2020, thereby barring local governments and cities from passing their own anti-discrimination laws.

'I support the House Bill 2 repeal compromise that will be introduced tomorrow,' Cooper said late Wednesday. 'It's not a perfect deal, but it repeals House Bill 2 and begins to repair our reputation.'

It was an anti-discrimination ordinance in the city of Charlotte that touched off a furious debate in February 2016. That rule allowed transgender people to use the restroom of their choice.

Rights groups strongly condemned the latest deal, with the Human Rights Campaign warning that any lawmaker who supports it is 'no ally of LGBTQ people.'

'This proposal masquerading as a solution is really an extreme license to discriminate - the last thing that North Carolina needs,' Cathryn Oakley, the group's senior legislative counsel, said in a statement.

North Carolina's bathroom bill was the first of its kind, and it has hurt the state's bottom line.

North Carolina lawmakers reversed course Thursday and voted to repeal and replace the costly, contentious law that restricts transgender people's use of bathrooms

Major corporations, performers like Bruce Springsteen and sports leagues have boycotted the state, and the governor has warned that HB2 'could cost us nearly $4 billion.'

The 2017 NBA All-Star Game was moved out of Charlotte to New Orleans, causing millions of dollars in lost revenue.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association this week began considering site selections for 2018-2022 championships, a move that no doubt heaps pressure on the Tarheel State.

The NCAA sent a stern message that it will not choose North Carolina sites unless changes are made.

'Last year, the NCAA Board of Governors relocated NCAA championships scheduled in North Carolina because of the cumulative impact HB2 had on local communities' ability to assure a safe, healthy, discrimination-free atmosphere for all those watching and participating in our events,' the NCAA said on its website.

'Absent any change in the law, our position remains the same regarding hosting current or future events in the state.'
Former President Barack Obama has been accused of relaxing rules on the handling of NSA intercepts to allow his aides to review intelligence reports.

Under the old set of guidelines the National Surveillance Agency routinely gathered signal intelligence and censored it before passing it on to other agencies.

But under the new rules, the raw data is passed on to other agencies who are then expected themselves to redact non-pertinent information concerning US citizens.

Because of the wide nature of the trawling involved, US citizens were routinely 'inadvertently' recorded communicating with foreign nationals who were being monitored.

Former US president Barack Obama ordered intelligence gathered from intercepts to be passed around his senior aides before information on American citizen has been redacted

The data was gathered by the National Surveillance Agency, pictured, and passed around

According to Circa.com, under the previous administration figures such as Obama's national security adviser Susan Rice, CIA director John Brennan and Attorney General Loretta Lynch were all permitted to view the raw intelligence files.

According to the report, some of the intercepted reports gathered between November and January concerned figures in Donald Trump's transition team who were communicating with foreign nationals.

It is claimed the NSA will hand over details of the Americans affected to a congressional committee.

One source said: 'Wholesale access to unmasked incidental NSA intercepts essentially created the potential for spying on Americans overseas after the fact, which is exactly what our foreign intelligence arms are not supposed to be doing.'

Last week FBI director James Comey acknowledged they were investigating possible connections between members of Donald Trump's team and Russian nationals.

Following this revelation, Democratic senator Ron Wyden has written to the US Senate Intelligence Committee calling for a full investigation of Trump's Russian connections.

He said: 'Efforts to understand these relationships and to separate fact from speculation have been hampered by the opacity of the finances of President Trump and his associates.'

On Monday, Russian state development bank Vnesheconombank admitted its executives met with Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, left, who is now a senior White House figure

On Monday, the state development bank Vnesheconombank disclosed that its executives had met Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and a top White House adviser, in December. And last week Paul Manafort, Trump's former campaign chairman, admitted he had done business work for Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska.

Trump has repeatedly insisted allegations that he or members of his administration have an untoward relationship with Russia as 'fake news'. He has also said that he has no business deals in Russia.

A Reuters investigation published earlier this month found that dozens of members of the Russian elite have bought at least $98.4 million worth of property in seven Trump-branded luxury towers in southern Florida, according to public documents, interviews and corporate records.

Wyden has repeatedly tried to push into public light more information about U.S. investigations into Russia's role in the 2016 election.

He organized a two-sentence letter from seven senators to the White House last November asking the outgoing Obama administration to declassify additional information about Russia's interference in the election. Then-president Barack Obama announced a review of Russia's activities soon after.

U.S. intelligence agencies later released a review of its assessment of Russia's multi-pronged influence campaign, concluding Moscow's actions were intended to help Trump win and discredit his opponent, Democrat Hillary Clinton. Russia has denied the allegations.
This is the shocking moment when a drunk man suddenly took out two long knives from his bag and attacked a customer at a restaurant in north-east China's Liaoning province.

The 58-year-old assailant told police after the arrest that he became angry when the customer looked into his eyes, according to local reports.

The male customer was stabbed four times. He was taken to hospital and is said to be in a stable condition.

The man can be seen standing behind a queue of diners at the self-service bar in the restaurant

He then took out two long knives from his bag and stabbed towards a man in black jacket

The incident took place at a busy restaurant in Dalian city around 7:40 pm on March 26, Kankan News reports.

Surveillance footage from the restaurant shows the assailant, surnamed Xu, who was dressed in black and was wearing a headscarf. He can be seen standing behind a queue of customers at a self-service bar.

Soon after he took out a long knife and jabs the knife towards the customer.

The victim sustained four stab wounds and managed to run away.

The victim suffered four stab wounds on his body but managed to run away immediately after

Diners were shocked as the sudden attack took place happened during busy hours

A few men tried to stop the attacker by holding up chairs while others called the police

Other members of the public held up chairs and attempted to stop the knife-wielding man.

Dalian policemen arrived on the scene five minutes later but failed to persuade him to put down the weapons.

Later, they tackled the assailant using pepper spray and riot-control rods.

Xu admitted to police that he had drunk too much before the attack and claimed the victim took a glance at him.

Xu said the knives were of self-defense purposes to protect himself as he carried a lot of cash

Police arrived the scene five minutes later and tried to persuade him to put down the knives

Xu was arrested for 'picking quarrels' and remanded in custody for further investigation

'He glanced at me and I felt annoyed. That's it. I don't normally drink but I had a bit too much that night. I was really angry at that moment,' Xu explained to the police.

He then told the reporters that he was carrying a few thousand yuan in cash (a few hundred pounds) and the knives were his self-defense tools.

Dalian police also found out Xu had a criminal record and had been jailed for a year.

Xu was remanded in custody for 'picking quarrels' and is awaiting further investigations to be carried out by police, including a thorough mental illness record check.
Nicola Sturgeon, pictured in Holyrood today, has renewed her assault on Theresa May to brand her 'reckless' for invoking Article 50

Nicola Sturgeon has renewed her assault on Theresa May to brand her 'reckless' and claim the PM cannot fight for Britain's self-determination while blocking an independence referendum.

The First Minster and Prime Minister have been engaged in an increasingly bitter war of words over the SNP demands for a re-run of the 2014 referendum over Brexit.

Ms Sturgeon's latest salvo will be blunted in London by research suggesting Scots have similar priorities to the rest of the UK for the Brexit talks and are not interested in their own special deal.

Mrs May has rejected the call for a new referendum on the grounds the nation's attention must be united behind getting the best deal from Brussels.

Writing in The Guardian, Ms Sturgeon said the PM's proclamation in Article 50 letter that Brest would 'restore, as we see it, our national self-determination' meant the SNP has a 'cast-iron democratic mandate' for a second vote on independence.

Ms Sturgeon said: 'The Scottish parliament this week voted to mandate formal discussions with the UK government on the process to give the people of Scotland a choice on their future.

'For a prime minister who on Wednesday proclaimed Brexit as an exercise in self -determination to now seek to block Scotland's own right to self-determination would be democratically indefensible.'

The SNP is campaigning for a second referendum to be held in around 18 months, allowing time for a Brexit deal to be struck and an independence vote held before the Article 50 period expires in March 2019.

Mrs May's letter to EU Council President Donald Tusk sets a hard deadline of two years to do the deal.

Theresa May has signed and delivered Britain's notification it is leaving the European Union, moving Brexit to the point of no return

The historic moment came at around 12.20pm yesterday when EU ambassador Sir Tim Barrow handed the letter to EU Council President Donald Tusk

Research by the NatCen think tank found a majority of Scots believes Scotland should operate on the same trade and immigration rules as the rest of Britain.

A majority also back an end to EU free movement rules - despite Ms Sturgeon's campaign to keep Scotland in the single market and keep them.

The research was conducted by Professor John Curtice, Britain's most eminent psephologist and a senior research fellow at Nat Cen.

He said: 'This means that on immigration in particular voters in Scotland seem to be more in tune with the stance taken by the UK government than that adopted by the Scottish Government.

'Indeed, it seems that even amongst those who voted Yes to independence in September 2014 there is a limited appetite for having a more liberal regime on EU migration in Scotland than there is in England and Wales.'

Ms Sturgeon's latest salvo will be blunted in London by research from Professor John Curtice suggesting Scots have similar priorities to the rest of the UK for the Brexit talks

In her Guardian column, Ms Sturgeon said that leaving the EU is expected to cost Scotland 11 billion a year by 2030 and lead to 80,000 job losses over the next decade.

She said the ability of countries across the continent to collaborate on vital issues such as climate change and security will be undermined.

The First Minister said: 'Closer to home, the triggering of article 50 is also politically and constitutionally reckless. The full effects on Northern Ireland, which currently faces the possible reintroduction of direct rule, remain to be seen.

'Similarly, there has been no serious attempt to engage with compromise proposals that would keep Scotland - which voted decisively to remain in Europe - inside the single market.

'The result is that we must now ensure that people in Scotland are given a choice between the hard Brexit deal now being negotiated, and independence.'

Welsh First Minister claims Wales and Scotland should get a Brexit deal veto because in many policy areas 'the UK doesn't exist'

Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones has claimed Cardiff and Edinburgh should be allowed to veto the Brexit deal because in devolved policy areas 'the UK doesn't exist'.

Mr Jones said Britain should work like Belgium where each of the countries four devolved assemblies must agree new treaties.

The system almost derailed the huge EU-Canada trade deal earlier this year when Wallonia demanded changes to the entire deal before ratifying it.

The Welsh First Minister said in completely devolved areas such as agriculture or fisheries, the Westminster Government played no part.

Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones has claimed Cardiff and Edinburgh should be allowed to veto the Brexit deal because in devolved policy areas 'the UK doesn't exist'

He told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: 'Ive always said that. I think ratification should take place in all four parliaments, it happens in Belgium.'

Told it was 'unrealistic', he said: 'But the Belgians do it, and if it happens in Belgium then why not in the UK  this is a 4 nation country.

'Wales needs a voice through being able to ratify the final deal  why do I say that? If you look at areas like agriculture and fisheries, the UK doesnt exist.

'Everythings either European or its devolved, so why then shouldnt we have a role in ratifying an agreement that would have been reached in areas that we control entirely ourselves.

'It makes perfect sense and its only fair.'
Noel Conway outside the High Court with his wife Carol

A 'truly selfless' man with terminal motor neurone disease has lost his bid to bring a High Court challenge against the law on assisted dying.

Noel Conway, 67, wanted permission to bring a judicial review which could result in terminally ill adults who meet strict criteria making their own decisions about ending their lives.

The retired college lecturer, from Shrewsbury, was diagnosed in November 2014 and is not expected to live beyond the next 12 months.

His lawyers told the High Court that when he had less than six months to live, and while he retained the mental capacity to make the decision, 'he would wish to be able to enlist assistance to bring about a peaceful and dignified death'.

Mr Conway, who yesterday attended court in a wheelchair and with a ventilator, has vowed to continue his fight.

He said: 'I feel very strongly it is a dying person's right to determine how they die.

'The current law denies me this right. Instead, I am being condemned to unbearable suffering in my final months.

'I'm bringing this case not just for me, but for all others facing terminal illness who want and deserve to have the option of a safe, dignified assisted death.'

Lord Justice Burnett and Mr Justice Jay refused permission - while Mr Justice Charles dissented and described Mr Conway's stance as 'truly selfless'.

Mr Conway, 67, (pictured outside the court with his wife Carol, stepson Terry McCusker and 'Dignity in Dying' Chief Executive Sarah Wootton), lost his High Court battle to challenge the law on assisted dying

Before his illness, Mr Conway, who is married with a son, daughter, stepson and grandchild, enjoyed hiking, cycling and travelling.

He said after the hearing: 'I am very disappointed in the court's decision not to grant my case permission to proceed.

NOEL CONWAY'S LEGAL CHALLENGE Noel Conway was seeking a declaration that the Suicide Act 1961 is incompatible with Article 8, which relates to respect for private and family life, and Article 14, which protects from discrimination. His counsel said he wished to die in the country where he was born and lived for his whole adult life. 'The choices facing him therefore are stark: to seek to bring about his own death now whilst he is physically able to do but before he is ready; or await death with no control over when and how it comes.' Mr Conway contended that these choices, forced upon him by the provisions of the criminal law, violated his human rights. At present there is a blanket prohibition on providing a person with assistance to die. An action brought by Tony Nicklinson - who suffered from paralysis after a stroke - was ultimately dismissed in 2014 by the Supreme Court, which stated it was important that Parliament debated the issues before any decision was made by the courts. Mr Conway's case is different in that he has a terminal illness and his legal team set out a strict criteria and clear potential safeguards to protect vulnerable people from any abuse of the system. Advertisement

'Though this is a setback in my fight for rights at the end of my life, I will not be deterred and will be appealing this decision.

'I am fighting for choice and control over my death, because the current ban on assisted dying denies me these rights and forces me to face an unacceptable set of options that most people would balk at in disbelief.

'I am going to die, and I have come to terms with this fact.

'But what I do not accept is being denied the ability to decide the timing and manner of my death.

'I am not prepared to suffer right to the end, nor do I want to endure a long, drawn out death in a haze of morphine.

'The only alternative is to spend thousands of pounds, travel hundreds of miles and risk incriminating my loved ones in asking them to accompany me to Dignitas.

'This would also force me to die earlier than I would want.

'The option of an assisted death should be available to me, here in this country, in my final six months of life - this is what I am fighting for.

'It would bring immense peace of mind and allow me to live my life to the fullest, enjoying my final months with my loved ones until I decide the time is right for me to go.'

Sarah Wootton, chief executive of Dignity in Dying, which is supporting Mr Conway's case, said: 'The current law simply does not work and Noel would like the courts to examine the evidence in detail.

'Parliament has so far ignored the pleas of dying people like Noel and the overwhelming majority of the public who also support a change in the law on assisted dying for terminally ill, mentally competent adults in their final six months of life.

'And that is precisely why we will continue to fight for it. A Crowdfunder launched to help cover Noel's legal costs has received incredible support - further evidence that the public are firmly behind him.'

Yogi Amin, of law firm Irwin Mitchell, said: 'The world has changed phenomenally in the past few decades with many medical advances, but the law on assisted dying for those who are terminally ill hasn't changed for more than 50 years.'

She added: 'Noel wants the law changed so that it respects an individual's choice about dying with dignity.

'This situation is clearly traumatic for the individuals involved and their families who are often torn between not wanting to see their loved one suffer and also not wanting to lose them and we commend Noel for his bravery in bringing this important legal case.'
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is being urged to ban Islamist extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir from Australia after a leader called for ex-Muslims to be killed.

The fundamentalist group's spokesman Uthman Badar was caught on camera by Daily Mail Australia saying Muslims who left the faith deserved capital punishment for apostasy under Islamic law.

A change.org petition demanding the sharia law campaigners be banned in Australia has attracted 2,752 signatures.

Scroll down for video

A change.org petition is calling on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to ban Hizb ut-Tahrir after spokesman Uthman Badar (pictured) said ex-Muslims deserved death

Uthman Badar caught on camera confirmed he supporting capital punishment for apostates

'Following recent calls from prominent Hizb ut-Tahrir members and probable future terrorists to kill apostates in Australia, we are calling for the Prime Minister of Australia to put Australians first and reassure those who have come to Australia for a better life, and left Islam, that no danger will come to them due to their apostasy,' the petition said.

'Australia is a free land and should be free from the threat of death simply for leaving a heinous ideology.'

On Saturday, freelance journalist Alison Bevege asked Mr Badar at a public forum if he supported the death penalty for ex-Muslims, as outlined in the global political group's constitution for an Islamic khilafah state.

'The ruling for apostates as such in Islam is clear, that apostates attract capital punishment and we don't shy away from that,' Badar said in the presence of children at Bankstown library, in Sydney's south-west.

Peta Credlin, who was former prime minister Tony Abbott's chief-of-staff when he tried to ban Hizb ut-Tahrir in October 2014, said they skated 'very close to the wind' legally.

'You won't find things on their website and in public utterations that will cause them to get themselves on the wrong side of the legal system,' she told Sky News this week.

'It's interesting that that was a hidden camera and the comments about apostasy, they are well-known in the faith but you don't often get an imam to put them out there so clearly.'

Ms Credlin said the major political parties needed to have 'an honest conversation about radical Islam and things like Hizb ut-Tahrir'.

Hizb ut-Tahir spokesman Uthman Badar delivered a lecture calling for sharia law

Hizb ut-Tahrir operates in 40 nations, including Australia and the United Kingdom.

But it is banned in Germany, The Netherlands, Russia and Muslim-majority nations including Bangladesh, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

Secular Muslims reject sharia law.

Petition authors AltConNews, who tried to get Hizb ut-Tahrir banned in 2014, said the Islamist group was a threat to Australia's liberal freedoms.

'Hizb ut-Tahrir calls for the removal of the Australian way of life being as they claim our freedoms and rule of law as 'corrupt society that is to be transformed into a Islamic society',' the petition said.

'Hizb ut-Tahrir calls the for removal of the rule of law in favour of sharia law and to use any means possible to achieve these changes.'
The 42 Christians who were accused of lynching two Muslims in Pakistan have reportedly been told they will be acquitted if they convert to Islam.

The group have been charged with murdering two men after suicide blasts targeted two churches in the heavily Christian area of Youhanabad, Lahore, in March 2015.

They were allegedly told their acquittal was 'guaranteed' if they renounced Christianity - despite one of the accused insisting he would rather be hanged that convert.

The 42 Christians who were accused of lynching two Muslims (pictured, one of the victims) in Pakistan have reportedly been told they will be acquitted if they convert to Islam

Rights activist Joseph Franci is legally assisting the accused during the trial at an anti-terrorism court.

He said Deputy District Public Prosecutor Syed Anees Shah made the acquittal offer, The Express Tribune reported.

'He asks them if they embrace Islam, he can guarantee them their acquittal in this case,' Franci told the Pakistani newspaper.

Franci claimed the Christians were shocked - with one even saying he was ready to be hanged if he was forced to embrace Islam.

Naseeb Anjum Advocate, counsel for some of the accused, claimed the prosecutor Shah had made the same offer six months ago but it was ignored.

The group have been charged with murdering two men after suicide blasts targeted two churches in the heavily Christian area of Youhanabad, Lahore, in March 2015 (pictured, the Christian community protesting the bombings)

The accused were allegedly told their acquittal was 'guaranteed' if they renounced Christianity - despite one of the them insisting he would rather be hanged that convert (pictured, the funeral of one of the bombing victims)

'They [lawyers] believe in independence of the court, but why is the DDPP blackmailing them?' he said.

'The government should get rid of such elements that bring bad name to the state by such acts.'

The newspaper claimed Shah denied the claims when he was first contacted.

It alleged that when he was told there was footage of him offering the acquittal deal, conceded that he may have 'offered them a choice'.

Bombs outside two churches in the Pakistani city of Lahore killed 14 people and wounded nearly 80 during Sunday Mass in March 2015.

Witnesses said quick action by a security guard prevented many more deaths.

Many in Youhanabad's mostly Christian community are said to have believed the two men were involved in planning the bombings.
A chef has come under fire from his fiancee after getting a bizarre Donald Trump tattoo on the back of his thigh.

Jordan Murphy, from Newton Abbott, Devon, got the US President's face on his leg next to the infamous phrase 'grab her by the p***y'.

The 21-year-old described the inking as 'a bit of fun', but admits his partner Lauren Freer is less than impressed.

Mr Murphy paid 40 for the tattoo at The Fleet St Tattoo Collective in Torquay. It was inspired by the recording of the US president released during his campaign in which he spoke about his interactions with women.

A chef from Devon got this tattoo of Donald Trump next to the phrase he was recording saying

Jordan Murphy (left and right) is pleased with the design but his fiancee is less impressed

Mr Murphy said: 'People generally find it hilarious. I know it's controversial but it doesn't mean I agree with his views.

'I also have a pig's head on me, but that doesn't make me a Satanist. I just think the art is really cool.

'It probably took about 90 minutes. I'm in the studio all the time, hanging out, even if I'm not getting tattooed.

'I'm well into double figures now. I can see why some people might not like it but I think it's hilarious.

'I've got all sorts of stuff on me so this isn't really a big deal. My fiancee hates it though. When I saw Luke's drawing and said I was thinking about getting it, she told me not to do it.

'At first I told her it was a lot smaller than it actually is, so when she saw it for real she was fuming.'

The design, on the back of Mr Murphy's thigh, is one of more than 10 tattoos he has on his body

He got the design idea from tattoo artist Luke Beddows in this shop in Torquay

Tattooist Luke Beddows, who has worked in the industry for six years, said he completed the tattoo before President Trump was elected in November.

The 28-year-old said: 'I like to do something a bit different and like most tattoos it just started out as a drawing.

'Jordan is a regular in the shop and after I drew it I put a picture on Facebook and asked for feedback. He saw it and messaged me saying 'I have to have that'.

'It was pretty straightforward to do. A few people saw it and said 'why would you get that?' but Jordan loves it.

'I've given Trump's face a double-chin deliberately just to make it stand out a bit. I'm not really bothered about the politics of it. I had no reservations.

'It's not like loads of people are going to see it either given it's high up the back of his leg. I'm proud of it, although I know his fiancee hates it. At the end of the day it's each to their own.'

During Mr Trump's presidential campaign, a 2005 tape recording came to light of him bragging to TV host Billy Bush about groping women and that he can 'grab them by the p***y' because of his celebrity status.

Mr Beddows, seen producing another tattoo, drew the image during the US election campaign




China has announced that it is implementing new measures including a ban on 'abnormal' beards in its heavily Muslim region of Xinjiang.

Veils have also been banned in public places along with refusing to watch or listen to state media, as part of the new 'Regulations on Extremisation of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.'

A number of bans on 'extremist behaviour' have been previously introduced in the province home to 10 million Muslims.

Women in Urumqi, capital of China's Xinjiang province wearing their burqas (File photo)

Abnormal beards' are being banned across the province of Xinjiang (File photo)

China claims that the legal, cultural and religious rights of Muslims in Xinjiang are fully protected.

XINJIANG FIGURES Muslims in China make up 1.8 percent of the country's population.

Xinjiang province is home to 10.37 million Uighur.

The province has some 24,200 Muslim mosques. Source: Statistic Bureau of Xinjiang Advertisement

However many Muslim Uighur people resent increasing restrictions on their culture and religion and complain they are denied economic opportunities amid an influx of Han Chinese into the province.

In recent years, hundreds of people have died in unrest blamed by the Chinese government on Islamist militants.

The new rules posted to news.ts.cn yesterday state: 'Parents should use good moral conduct to influence their children, educate them to revere science, persue culture, uphold ethnic unity and refuse and oppose extremism'.

Workers in public spaces such as stations and airports will be asked to 'dissuade' those who fully cover their bodies including veiling their faces from entering. They will also be required to report them to the police.

The new rules is set to come into effect on April 1.

The Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region is situated in the far Western part of China and is a part of central Asia

A man sits reading the Koran in Kashgar, China's Xingjiang province (File photo)

Muslim Uyghur women wearing Islamic dress walk through a shopping street (File photo)

Women walk through the streets of Kashgar in China's Xinjiang province (File photo)

It comes following the release of a video earlier this month from ISIS depicting children from Xinjiang training and listening to preachers. The group have vowed to return home and 'shed rivers of blood'.

Over the past year, Chinese President Xi Jinping has directed the Communist party to 'sinicise' the country's ethnic and religious minorities, while regional leaders in Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region have ramped up surveillance measures, police patrols and demonstrations amid an uptick in violence blamed on Islamic separatists.

There are also other provinces close to Xinjiang that are also home to Muslims such as the Hui Muslims in Ningxia. There has been concern that the government will also crack down on activities there.

In 2014, the northwestern city of Karamay in Xinjiang banned people with beards and those wearing veils from boarding buses. Those wearing clothing depicting the crescent moon and star were also banned.

While in February this year, a region in Xinjiang province ordered that all cars be fitted with a GPS tracking device.

Last October China banned parents and guardians from encouraging their children into religious activities.
A pensioner dubbed 'The Granny Ripper' who killed her elderly friend before severing her head and boiling it in a saucepan has been jailed for life.

Tamara Samsonova, 68, sedated her friend Valentina Ulanova, 79, with a 'massive overdose' of 50 sleeping pills - crushed into a salad - before hacking her body to pieces.

In a long-awaited verdict, Judge Pavel Smirnov decreed Samsonova must spend the rest of her life in a top security psychiatric institution after a diagnosis of 'paranoid schizophrenia'.

Tamara Samsonova (pictured), 68, dubbed the 'Granny Ripper' has been imprisoned for life

In an earlier court appearance she blew kisses to journalists and told the judge 'I am guilty'

She was seen on CCTV carrying out a pan containing the head of her carer and friend

Chilling CCTV footage showed her carrying the pot with the head in out of her house

Valentina Ulanova, 79, was killed a 'massive overdose' of 50 sleeping pills - crushed into a salad - before being hacked to pieces

However she is suspected of killing up to a dozen people in St Petersburg but police admit the true toll is unlikely ever to be known.

It is thought she killed male tenants and even her husband Leonid - who all vanished.

Initially she confessed to killing Ulanova and three others, but now police are unable to question her on the other cases.

There were claims she was a 'femme fatale' seeking to lure younger men close to her.

State investigators told the court she had dismembered her friend's body using a handsaw, before boiling the head.

She was seen on CCTV carrying out a pan containing the head.

The pensioner was arrested after stray dogs sniffed human remains close to the block of flats where she killed and dismembered the woman for whom she acted as carer.

Samsonova - who once worked in a hotel catering for foreign tourists - refused to co-operate with investigators on up to 11 more feared killings which were hinted at in diary entries she wrote in Russian, English and German.

'We may never know the extent of this granny's killings,' said one source.

She is also suspected of butchering several lodgers, her husband, and her mother-in-law - who all disappeared without trace.

The 'granny killer' is suspected of killing up to a dozen people in St Petersburg but police admit the true toll is unlikely ever to be known

One extract from her notebook reportedly read: 'I killed my tenant Volodya, cut him to pieces in the bathroom with a knife, put the pieces of his body in plastic bags and threw them away in the different parts of Frunzensky district.'

Blood believed to be from another lodger, named Sergei Potyavin, 44, was reported to have been found in her bathroom, but so far she has not been charged with his murder.

Samsonova admitted to old school friend Anna Batalina, 67, that she had been under suspicion of killing her mother in law.

Her husband vanished over a decade ago, and she told police at the time he had met another woman.

Mrs Batalina also claimed she could have ended up as a victim after Samsonova flew into a rage with her, screaming: 'I'll kill you. I'll cut you to pieces. I will throw the pieces out for the dogs. Don't make me angry.'

For years before her arrest in 2015 she had boasted to friends: 'I will be popular and famous.'

She told them she would one day cause a 'sensation' without explaining why she believed so.

In an earlier court appearance she blew kisses to journalists.

She also told the judge: 'I am guilty and I deserve a punishment.'

Samsonova - who once worked in a hotel catering for foreign tourists - refused to co-operate with investigators on up to 11 more feared killings which were hinted at in diary entries she wrote in Russian, English and German

She is also suspected of butchering several lodgers, her husband, and her mother-in-law - who all disappeared without trace

Earlier a court ordered her to be sent 950 miles east in a specially guarded train to a high security Kazan psychiatric 'prison hospital' for detailed assessment.

The institution - known for its severe regime - was used by Josef Stalin's secret police chief Lavrentiy Beria to shut away political prisoners during the Soviet era.

It is now called Kazan Psychiatric Hospital of Special Purpose and has intensive guarding.

Marina Krivenko, 53, who lived next door to Samsonova, said the 'Granny Ripper' was obsessed with Soviet serial killer Andrei Chikatilo, executed in 1994.

He was the Soviet Union's worst-ever 'maniac', a bloodthirsty 'vampire' who murdered, sexually assaulted and cannibalised at least 55 in a reign of terror stretching over a dozen years.

This psychopath violated the bodies of his victims, chopping off their tongues, bursting their eardrums, and gouging out their eyes which, he feared, had logged his image.

The neighbour said: 'She gathered information about him and how he committed his murders.'

Samsonova 'was also obsessed with black magic literature', she claimed.
Sickening footage shows an ISIS militant apparently using a child as a human shield during a battle with Iraqi forces.

A drone captured the soldier appearing to drag a young boy out from inside a house and forcing him into the middle of the road in central Mosul's Old City district in Iraq.

They quickly crossed the street and took shelter near a second house - in an area where almost 4,000 civilians are estimated to have been killed since February.

Sickening footage shows an ISIS militant apparently using a child as a human shield during a firefight with Iraqi forces in Mosul

The pair then walk down a side street - with the fighter grabbing the boy by the scruff of the neck to keep him close.

It is not know what happened to the child or the fighter after the footage ended.

The video was released by the Iraqi Federal Police service and filmed through combat equipment.

It is estimated that 1,000 people have been killed in March by US airstrikes alone in the district, according to Al-Masdar News.

Iraqi forces backed by a US led coalition, recaptured eastern Mosul in January after three months of fighting to retake the city that fell to Islamic State in 2014.

They launched a new offensive to recapture the citys western side in February.

It comes after reports that ISIS has kidnapped almost 200 children to use as human shields in the battle for Mosul.

A drone captured the soldier appearing to drag a young boy out from inside a house and forcing him into the middle of the road in central Mosul's Old City district in Iraq.

They quickly crossed the street and took shelter near a second house - in an area where almost 4,000 civilians are estimated to have been killed since February

The Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights said 197 children had been taken hostage by the terror group near the Al-Nuri mosque where ISIS declared its caliphate nearly three years ago.

In January, it was reported that hundreds of thousands of children are facing death by execution, starvation or bombings in the battle of Mosul

Half of the 750,000 trapped civilians in West Mosul are children, who risk being beheaded or shot by ISIS if they try to flee, aid agencies warned.

Witnesses claimed one family of nine  including children - were killed after trying to flee from being used as human shields in west Mosul's alleyways.

ISIS is also using 300,000 civilians as human shields as enemy forces bear down on its capital in northern Syria.

Men living in Raqqa are being forced to wear the baggy pants and long shirts worn by the terror group, making it difficult to pick them apart from militants.

And landmines and checkpoints have been laid out around the city to prevent people from escaping.

The Iraqi government offensive to drive ISIS from west Mosul continued after US-led airstrikes killed 200 civilians

ISIS 'spies' mingle among the civilian population, and two people were reportedly executed recently for allegedly contacting US-backed forces seeking to liberate the city.

Raqqa's citizens are being made to dig trenches and stack trenches to defend the city, and children have stopped attending school.

Elsewhere, Iraq's prime minister Haider al-Abadi boldly claimed the terror group will be defeated 'within weeks' in the country.

He told Fox News: 'At the moment we are at a very important juncture where Daesh is on the retreat. We in Iraq have been killing Daesh, removing them from our land. We are killing their aim so that recruits are minimal at the moment.

'In Iraq the defeat is sure, it's definite. We'll finish the job in a very short time  it's within reachwithin the next few weeks. We are defeating them militarilywe need the efforts of others to flush them out in Syria and other places.'

He also said last week's Westminster terror attack was a result of ISIS trying to maintain its reputation as it faces defeat in Iraq.

ISIS have reportedly kidnapped almost 200 children to use as human shields in Mosul

The Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights said 197 children had been taken hostage by the terror group near the Al-Nuri mosque

He told the broadcaster: 'They are trying to attract more recruits by doing these criminal acts'.

'It's like somebody who is dying and is just trying to flex his muscle at the last moment. The only way forward is to kill their home - just to finish them. Then they will not have any hope to commit such criminal acts.'

He was speaking after Iraqi forces reportedly killed 10 ISIS chiefs in a fresh round of air strikes in Mosul.

The renewed offensive came days after 'tragic' US-led bombing raids killed 200 civilians in a single district.

Rescuers were still pulling the bodies of women and children from rubble in the Jadideh neighbourhood on Saturday, more than a week after the US-led coalition bombs reportedly landed on March 17.

However on Monday, Iraqi forces renewed their offensive against ISIS in Mosul's Old City.

As well as the death of 10 ISIS chiefs, Major Ammar Qassem, from the Iraqi army, said clashes between Iraqi forces and terrorists near the town of Tal Afar, west of Mosul, had also left a further 17 ISIS members dead.
Canadian police are investigating a bomb which went off overnight at a courthouse in the province of Saskatchewan.

An improvised device was spotted on fire on the steps of the provincial courthouse in the city of Saskatoon at around 11pm and seconds later it exploded.

Detectives are baffled as to who was behind the improvised device but it is thought to be linked to a similar device found last month outside the same building.

The courthouse was damaged when the device exploded around 11pm but nobody was hurt

Police officers spent all night sifting through evidence at the scene of the explosion (pictured)

Local resident Scott Dempster drove past, spotted the flames and spotted to take a closer look. He told the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix: 'All of a sudden, it was like a "bang".'

He added: 'Were a little freaked out. I kind of wish I hadnt been that close to something going off.'

Emergency crews raced to the scene, which damaged the building but did not cause any injuries.

Logan Tufts, owner of a nearby bar, saw the explosion and told CTV News Saskatoon: 'It really shook me. It was really loud,' he said.

Last month police found explosive materials, including fireworks and Roman candles, in a backpack left outside the courthouse in Saskatoon

Saskatoon Police Service's Explosive Disposal Unit and a K9 team arrived at the scene after firefighters had doused the flames.

Last month a patrol officer found a backpack containing a Roman candle firework outside the same courthouse. That was described at the time as a 'low-level explosive device'.

Saskatoon is a placid city of 250,000 people with no history of terrorism or links to any Islamist or extremist networks.

Nobody has been arrested and police are asking anyone with information to contact them or Crimestoppers.
The Brexit battle escalated today as the EU parliament's chief negotiator accused Theresa May of 'abusing' fears over terrorism to get a good trade deal.

Guy Verhofstadt delivered the jibe as tensions reached new heights in the wake of Theresa May's steely message about the divorce process.

The PM made history yesterday when the letter triggering Article 50 was handed to European Council president Donald Tusk - formally beginning the process of cutting ties with Brussels.

It included a threat that Britain could withhold intelligence and security resources, on which Europe is heavily reliant, unless a fair agreement is struck.

Guy Verhofstadt delivered the jibe as tensions reached new heights in the wake of Theresa May triggering Article 50

The EU parliament's chief negotiator accused the PM of 'abusing' security fears

She also called for discussions on the divorce bill to run in parallel with talks on future trade links, saying there must be a 'comprehensive' deal.

But German Chancellor Angela Merkel made clear she will not accept the UK demands on the timetable.

'The negotiations must first clarify how we will disentangle our interlinked relationship,' Mrs Merkel said.

'Only when this question is dealt with can we, hopefully soon after, begin talking about our future relationship.'

Mr Verhofstadt stepped up his attack today saying security issues must be kept separate from the spats over settling up liabilities and trade.

'It doesn't work like that. You cannot use or abuse the security of citizens to have a good deal on something else,' he told Sky News.

'In our opinion these are two separate pillars.'

In a round of broadcast interviews this morning, Brexit Secretary David Davis portrayed the responses in the EU as posturing, stressing that negotiations were only just getting under way.

'I spent all of yesterday afternoon on the telephone talking to my opposite numbers in the Parliament, in the commission, around all the member states,' he told ITV's Good Morning Britain.

'Virtually all of them said spontaneously, it's a very positive letter, the tone was good, and so on.'

In a Commons performance lasting more than three hours and 20 minutes, the Prime Minister fielded questions from MPs and set out her vision for Brexit.

European Council president Donald Tusk was handed the historic Article 50 letter by the UK's representative Sir Tim Barrow in Brussels yesterday

In a Commons performance lasting more than three hours and 20 minutes yesterday, the Prime Minister fielded questions from MPs and set out her vision for Brexit

She pledged to forge a stronger, fairer, more united country, take back control of the UKs borders and strike an early agreement to guarantee the rights of 3.2million EU citizens living in this country and 1.2million British citizens in Europe. I choose to believe in Britain and that our best days are ahead, she said.

The Prime Minister acknowledged there would be consequences for the UK in leaving the EU, with exporters forced to abide by rules that Britain no longer had a say in deciding. Downing Street denied that Mrs Mays decision to explicitly raise the security issues was a threat, saying it was a statement of fact that EU membership is the basis for substantial co-operation on security.

Mrs Mays tough stance on security could see the UK withdraw co-operation on issues such as the sharing of DNA, vehicle registration and fingerprints, as well as the UKs involvement in the cross-border Europol agency and the European Arrest Warrant.

During a cagey interview with the BBCs Andrew Neil last night, the Prime Minister refused to rule out making a divorce payment to the EU.

She said the UK would stop making large payments to Brussels but told the BBC: Were a law-abiding nation, we will meet obligations that we have.

Some ministers have warned the PM that Tory MPs would not accept a bill of more than 3billion. EU leaders have suggested a figure closer to 50billion.

Theresa May repeatedly refused to rule out paying a divorce settlement to Brussels in a primetime BBC interview last night

Downing Street released an image of the letter to Mr Tusk invoking the process for taking the UK out of the Brussels club
Embattled former speaker Bronwyn Bishop has angrily suggested Tony Abbott cooked up an inquiry into her expenses for political purposes.

In his final months as prime minister, Mr Abbott ordered a review into Ms Bishop's expenses claims following media reports about her charging taxpayers for a helicopter ride to a Liberal Party fundraiser.

Ms Bishop has bitterly recalled how she confronted Mr Abbott in July 2015.

'I had this conversation with Tony Abbott where I said, "What's this 10-year business?"' she told Sky News political editor David Speers on Thursday.

The recollection comes a day after the Department of Finance released a 115-page document outlining how Mrs Bishop had repaid $6,768 for expenses incurred between September 2005 and May 2016.

Mrs Bishop has suggested Mr Abbott had withheld from her the terms of the inquiry into her expenses.

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Bronwyn Bishop (right) told Sky News' David Speers about confronting Tony Abbott in 2015

Tony Abbott awkwardly kissing Bronwyn Bishop in August 2015, after she resigned as Speaker

'He said, "Oh, I'll go and make some enquiries and see if I'm allowed to know anything. If I do, I'll get back to you",' Mrs Bishop said.

Mrs Bishop's repayment included travel for three weddings of her Liberal MP colleagues.

On Wednesday, the disgraced former Liberal MP, from Sydney's Northern Beaches, angrily denied any suggestion of wrongdoing.

'Just give me a break here, I did nothing wrong,' she told Sky News.

'None of any of that had anything to do with my greed or my pleasure.'

Mrs Bishop agreed to pay back $5,414 in expenses with a 25 per cent penalty, taking her repayments to $6,768.

Former Speaker Bronwyn Bishop insists she did nothing wrong as a former Liberal MP

The former Speaker appeared on Sky News to discuss the repayment of $6,768 in expenses

Mrs Bishop has repaid the $6,768 on top of another $7,200 in 2015 for the wrongful use of a helicopter from Melbourne Geelong for a Liberal Party fundraiser in November 2014, when she was Speaker.

The repayments included flights, taxis and ComCar allowances to attend the weddings of former Liberal MPs Teresa Gambaro, in 2007, and Sophie Mirabella and Peter Slipper, in 2006, who was embroiled in an expenses scandal as Speaker.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott, who once described himself as Mrs Bishop's political love child with John Howard, ordered a review into Mrs Bishop's expenses in July 2015 following adverse media reports.

The Department of Finance has released a full table of Bronwyn Bishop's expenses

'The review found that Mrs Bishop had acted within the rules, but the use of entitlements was not in keeping with community expectations,' the Department of Finance said.

Mr Abbott advised Mrs Bishop had agreed to pay back the expenses with a 25 per cent penalty.

Mrs Bishop resigned as Speaker in August 2015.

A month later, she voted for Malcolm Turnbull when he launched a Liberal leadership challenge to Mr Abbott.

This was despite the conservative Mrs Bishop being more ideologically aligned with Mr Abbott, who is a monarchist and a social conservative unlike Mr Turnbull.

During a 29-year career in federal parliament, as a senator and later as the member for Mackellar, Mrs Bishop never made it into cabinet as a senior minister.

She served as a trouble-prone aged care minister in the Howard government's second term, four years after switching to a lower house seat in 1994 in the hope of becoming Liberal leader and Australia's first female prime minister.
A millionaire businessman gave away his multi-million-dollar fortune to improve the lives others after a car accident that landed him in jail led him to meeting the love of his life.

When Mazzi Dumato a 38-year-old from Damascus, Syria, who grew up in Brazil and Dubai, was in a five-car pileup in his brand new $150,000 (120,000) Ferrari, he decided it was time to re-evaluate his playboy lifestyle and go traveling.

It was then that the former playboy met his wife, Milena, and was inspired to spend his $3million (2.5million) fortune on his family's medical bills and charitable ventures.

Now Dumato, who, earned his millions through web design, marketing and real estate companies in Dubai, lives in South America, where he and Milena stay in either his VW adventure wagon or sleep in their restaurant or shop.

When Mazzi Dumato a 38-year-old from Damascus, Syria, was in a five-car pileup in Dubai in his brand new 120,000 Ferrari, he decided it was time to re-evaluate his lifestyle

It was then that the former playboy met his wife, Milena (pictured above with Dumato), and was inspired to spend his $3million (2.5million) fortune on his family's medical bills and charitable ventures. Now Dumato lives in South America, where he and Milena stay in either his VW adventure wagon or sleep in their restaurant or shop

When Milena developed breast cancer and had to have a double mastectomy and bone marrow transplant, he spent $700,000 on her treatment.

During her recovery, Dumato and Melina decided to fund a cancer prevention centre in Florianopolis, Brazil, and a property for families of cancer patients to live in.

He spent a total of $1million on properties, which he also rents out and uses the money for his charities.

He used the remainder of his fortune on medical bills for strangers and on treatments for his wife and own brother-in-law.

'Basically, I gave away all my money,' he explained. 'When I left Dubai I had about $3m. I spent around $1m on property and the last $2m went on hospital bills for my wife's cancer and car accident and for her brother's brain tumour which he's still in hospital for.

'With that money, we set up an intensive care unit in Florianopolis where he is going to be moved to. He is the last living member of her family so when he needed the surgery there was no doubt I would help him.'

Dumato credits the accident and meeting his wife as turning points in his life that led him from the playboy life to his more humble path.

'I bought a Ferrari and I thought I had achieved everything I wanted to achieve,' he said. 'I started partying and two weeks later I got into a car accident and I was in a five-car pileup. I fell asleep and ended up under a pickup truck.'

Pictured is Dumato's 120,000 Ferrari after he was involved in a horrific car accident that prompted him to change his life

Prior to moving to South America, Dumato (pictued above with unidentified women) lived in Dubai, where he lived a playboy lifestyle

Dumato said that he thought he 'had achieved everything' when he bought his Ferrari, but two weeks later he got into a five-car pileup

Following the accident, he was taken to jail, where he ran into his good friend's father.

'That morning in jail, the first person I met there was someone that I knew fifteen years ago,' he said. 'He was the father of one of my good friends in high school. I remember I always looked up to him as he had five cars and a was a big businessman in Dubai.

'This guy arranged for me to have a mattress and a pillow. and I remember I sat on that, and thought, "this is all I have right now". Taken away this freedom and all I had was this mattress and pillow and I was just like everyone else in here.

'I wasn't that big shot Mazzi that I thought I was the whole time. It was an incredible realisation.'

Upon his release from jail, he was unsure what he wanted to do with his life so he decided to go traveling, where he ended up meeting his now-wife.

'A year after I left Dubai I was in a club in Brazil one night and overhear this woman talking about Africa,' he recalled. 'She was volunteering in the Congo shortly after she had come out of hospital for leukaemia.

'She decided that she was going to go and help people. She volunteered at the UN and they sent her to the Congo where she spent a year and could have relapsed at any time.

'I met this woman just after she had come back and she's now my wife Milena who has inspired me tremendously at the time. We moved in together and we started to think what we could do.'

Dumato credits the accident and meeting his wife as turning points in his life that led him from the playboy life to his more humble path

Dumato, pictured in his partying days, said he met his wife, Milena, a year after he left Dubai and started traveling in South America

Dumato says he 'gave away' his fortune, spending it on medical bills for strangers and on treatments for his wife and brother-in-law

Dumato and Milena decided to donate money to a charity in the Dominican Republic, but after visiting Haitian refugees with his wife he realised that people need his time, not necessarily his money.

'This woman really touched so many people from the youngest babies to the oldest people in the village,' he said of his wife. 'Everybody loved her, not because of the money she gave them but because of her time.

'This is when I realised that charity is not about money. It's about giving your time truly in service to others. We realised that we cannot give our money to charity and we should be doing our own charity.'

In a tragic turn of events, Milena developed breast cancer and had to have a double mastectomy and bone marrow transplant.

Dumato spent around $700,000 on her treatment and was inspired to find alternative treatments.

'The doctor treating Milena was setting up a cancer prevention centre and the adjacent property was available,' he added.

'I bought the land and my deal was that 50 per cent of the cancer prevention centre's income would go to providing the service for free to people who couldn't afford the treatments.

'We have about nine properties in total. They all have incredible stories. Not all are turned into centres. Our cancer prevention centre will be ready by the end of 2017.

During Milena's recovery from cancer, Dumato and Melina decided to fund a cancer prevention centre in Florianopolis, Brazil, and a property for families of cancer patients to live in. Pictured above is one of the properties Dumato has bought

Dumato has bought up nine properties, many of which - like the one pictured above - are used for treatment centres. He uses rental properties to generate income to fund the centres

Dumato believes everyone should access to free healthcare and aims to help as much as he can with his treatment centres (one of his properties pictured above)

'We have the healing centre which is already operational. We bought a house next to a leukaemia hospital in Curitiba where my wife was treated. We've put in 32 beds and we will provide breakfast, lunch and dinner for family members of hospital patients.

'A lot of people come from outside and have nowhere to sleep. I have a coffee farm in Panama and the rest are rental properties to generate income to go to the centres and pay for hospital bills for her brother who is sick now.'

Dumato believes everyone should access to free healthcare and aims to help as much as he can. He has set up a company to sell unique items from around the world with the aim of generating money to fund his charitable ventures.

'I believe everyone should have free healthcare, especially when you're paying taxes for it,' he said. 'There is free healthcare in Brazil but it's really bad. There are videos on YouTube where people die in waiting rooms waiting to be attended to by doctors.

'Spice of My People sells high-end products such as jewellery, medicinal products, herbal mixtures and teas from different parts of the world.

'What I wanted to do with my centres was to produce these products ourselves.

'So now with this shop I realise there are so many medicinal herbs in this region that now we creating our own mixtures where we can eventually have the products of Spice of my People being used to treat people at our centres in Brazil and maybe even have centres here in South America that will be able to do that.'

Dumato's efforts to help people across South America have saw him spend his vast fortune and he now lives in either his VW adventure wagon or sleeps in his restaurant or shop.
A 78-year-old former clergyman has called for changes to church policy after coming out as gay and proposing to his boyfriend, a Romanian male model 54 years his junior.

Former priest Philip Clements says he could only 'be himself' after retiring from the church aged 60 and embarking on his first relationship with Florin Marin.

Mr Clements, who came out publicly in 2007, says the Church of England's stance on gay marriage is 'idiotic'.

Former priest Philip Clements is to marry his fiancee Florin Marin after coming out as gay

The 78-year-old has called for the Church of England to change their stance on gay priests

Clergy are currently barred from same sex marriage but are allowed to enter into civil partnerships - providing they are celibate.

Mr Clements said: 'It's only when I retired from full time ministry 18 years ago that I could express myself, decided I had to be my true self.

'I enjoyed my work as a priest and lost myself in my work. I knew what was happening inside me but threw myself into my work.

'I didn't let it worry me, but I realised something was nagging at me, I wanted more than I was having.

'I had some casual or brief relationships but not a sexual physical relationship as I knew the church's stance. I had friends - of both sexes - but not intimate ones.

'There was nothing serious until I met Florin nearly two years ago. I was looking for somebody to have a close relationship with as this is what I wanted.

'I think it's unnatural to keep denying it.'

Mr Clements said he couldn't express himself while working as a priest due to church rules

He met his partner, a former model who was working as a chef in Buckinghamshire, on a dating website.

He added: 'I haven't got much of my life left so I might as well make the most of it.'

The couple now live in Eastry near Sandwich, Kent, and plan to marry at a low-key ceremony at Ramsgate registry office next month before moving to Romania permanently.

Mr Marin also defended the couple's age gap, adding: 'All my friends know that my type is old people because they have more experience in life.'

Mr Clements added: 'I understand the attitude and the beliefs of many Christians who are opposed to this but we are in the 21st century and things have moved on.

The couple plan to marry next month before moving to Mr Marin's native Romania

'Our knowledge of relationships and knowledge of homosexuality have moved on as well. I don't approve of promiscuous relationships, of either sexuality.

'The church has moved on a little, but not enough. It's paradoxical position in that lay members are allowed to have homosexual relationships and partners, but priests are forbidden from the same thing, which seems idiotic to me.

'There are clergy who live with same sex partners but are supposed to be celibate.'

During his career, Philip worked as a rector and vicar in Ninfield and Hooe, East Sussex, and has previously spoken openly of his battle with depression through his work as a poet.
An alleged sexual predator has been charged after he offered an 11-year-old boy $50 to expose his genitals.

The unnamed boy was riding home from a friend's house in the South Australian region of Murray Bridge on Sunday afternoon when a man stopped him and made the 'indecent offer'.

The shaken boy rode home straight away where he told his mother and stepfather who immediately jumped into the car to chase the alleged offender down, The Advertiser reported.

An alleged sexual predator has been charged after he offered an 11-year-old boy $50 to expose his genitals as he cycled home from a friend's house (stock image)

The boy's stepfather recalls the harrowing moment the child came home 'shaken and crying' from the exchange.

'He told me that he was riding his bike on the way home... [and] a man came around the corner and stopped him [and said] do you want to earn yourself some money?

'The man said: "I'll give you $50 if you show me your c***."'

The stepfather, the boy and the boy's mother drove off in search of the accused and found him 40 minutes later near a skate park, allegedly following two boys on scooters.

The boy was left 'shaken and crying after the exhange on Murray Lane in South Australia

A 30-minute chase ensued with the family on the phone to the police who told them not to let the alleged culprit, who was on foot, out of their sight.

Eventually the police took over, speaking to the man and searching a property in the Adelaide Hills.

A 52-year-old man was arrested, charged and later granted bail with strict conditions.

He is scheduled to appear in the Murray Bridge Magistrates Court in May.
Michelle Mone is the founder of MJM International, through which she launched lingerie company Ultimo

Conservative peer and entrepreneur Michelle Mone will be a star witness in the trial of a former employee of her lingerie company, as she stands accused of 75,000 fraud.

Adele Mitchell, 43, is alleged to have carried out various frauds while working for Baronness Mone's former lingerie company which founded Ultimo.

Mitchell stands charged with defrauding the company between June 2013 and March 2014 while she was a financial controller for MJM International.

Prosecutors claim Mitchell gained 33,887.51 after telling another MJM employee to make a payment to an account she said was for HMRC but was actually run by her in February 2014.

It is alleged she defrauded the company of 6,058.80 by agreeing to lease a Mercedes Benz E-Class car for her own use, which was paid through MJM accounts, without the firm's knowledge or permission between June 2013 and March 2014.

She also allegedly told MJM accountants that she was due a 5,000 a year wage rise which she was not entitled to and received 4,583.33 by fraud between June 2013 and March 2014. It is further claimed she embezzled 5,000 from the company in December 2013.

The entrepreneur is now a Baroness and sits in the House of Lords, after she was made a Tory peer in 2015

In total, it is claimed she defrauded MJM International, who are based in East Kilbride, Lanarkshire, of 49,529.64.

Mitchell, of Gourock, Inverclyde is due to stand trial at Hamilton Sheriff Court next month.

She also faces a charge of embezzling 24,786.02 from construction firm AKP (Scotland) Ltd between November 2011 and January 2012 while working there as a finance and administration manager.

Baroness Mone, above, will be the star witness as a former financial controller employed by her company denies fraud

Baroness Mone, 45, left the board of her underwear company Ultimo as well as its parent company MJM International in 2015, but the case dates back to 2013 and 2014

And she is also charged with failing to appear at a court hearing in February 2015 without reasonable excuse.

Prosecutors claim the total fraud amounts to 74,315.66.

In 2015, Baroness Mone, 45, left the board of her underwear company Ultimo as well as its parent company MJM International which she set up with ex-husband Michael in 1996.

She was made an OBE in 2010 and then a Tory peer in 2015 becoming Baroness Mone and has worked for the government advising on business start-ups in deprived areas.

Earlier this week, she revealed on Twitter that she was 'tempted' to run for First Minister of Scotland.

Mone then added she believes Scotland is not ready for a second referendum on independence and that current leader Nicola Sturgeon should 'stick to her day job'.
Family and friends of Danielle McLaughlin, who was raped and murdered in Goa, gathered in Buncrana, Ireland, on Thursday for the 28-year-old's funeral.

Ms McLaughlin, who had been studying in Liverpool, was strangled and raped near Palolem beach in Goa, India, two weeks ago.

Friends from Scotland, England and as far as Australia and New Zealand flew into Ireland for the ceremony at Saint Mary's Church in Buncrana on Thursday.

Her final Facebook post - in which she said she was 'very grateful' for her friends and family and was 'off on another adventure' - was read following communion, at the end of Mass.

Ms McLaughlin will be buried next to her grandparents in an Ireland cemetery.

A hearse carrying Danielle McLaughlin's body arrived at Saint Mary's Church in Buncrana, Ireland on Thursday morning. Flowers in the car's window read 'Hope U Win', while another arrangement on the car's roof read 'sister'

Family and friends of Ms McLaughlin, who was raped and murdered in Goa, gathered in Buncrana, Ireland, on Thursday for the 28-year-old's funeral

Ms McLaughlin's final Facebook post - in which she said she was 'very grateful' for her friends and family and was 'off on another adventure' - was read at the end of Mass

Instead of traditional dark clothing, many mourners at St Mary's Chapel in Cockhill on the outskirts of Buncrana town, wore bright colours in memory of the 28-year-old murdered in India two weeks ago.

Yellows, pinks, bright blues, oranges and lilacs all shouted out loudly across the sombre setting. Some mourners wore flowers around their necks and in their hair.

Her life may have been taken, but her friends wanted to ensure that nobody would steal the passion and love she brought to so many people.

Just before 11am, Danielle's remains were given a Garda escort from her home in Marian Park as a guard of honour from her former secondary school, Scoil Mhuire, lined the gentle incline to the church.

Her hearse was laden with floral tributes including the words 'daughter' and 'sister' and her wicker coffin had hundreds of flowers attached. Inside the hearse, a flower arrangement read: 'Hope U Win.'

Father Francis Bradley, Parish Priest of Buncrana, was chief celebrant of the Mass and Father John R Walsh concelebrated the Mass.

Before the celebration of Mass, family and friends delivered four symbols representing Ms McLaughlin's life to Father Bradley.

The items included a holy bracelet from the Mother Teresa care home in India, a family photo, Ms McLaughlin's diary and her guitar.

Ms McLaughlin was found with severe injuries to her head and face in Canacona on March 14. She was was strangled in the Palolem beach resort in India

Her final Facebook post - in which she said she was 'very grateful' for her friends and family - was read out at Saint Mary's Church in Buncrana

Mass opened with a welcome from Father Francis Bradley, who thanked everyone for attending the funeral.

Friends and family read excerpts from the Bible, including a passage from the first book of the Kings and one from the letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians. Father Bradley then read from the Holy Gospel according to Mark.

In his opening remarks, Father Bradley called Ms McLaughlin 'a beautiful daughter, a cherished grand-daughter, a thoughtful sister, a loyal friend, a free-spirit, a remarkable classmate, a gentle neighbour'.

'For her, life was a journey, many journeys in fact,' he said. 'Travel for her was genetic.

'And her death too, must be seen, not as the end, but instead, the beginning of yet another stage  the most exciting perhaps of them all - as we pray she journeys now into eternal life.'

Father Bradley said she may have been born in Scotland in February, 1989 but it was in Buncrana where she found a home and a community.

He said that Ms McLaughlin was mourned by people of all ages, and that she left a 'huge impression' on the lives of many'.

'She was disarmingly kind and forgiving; her warm nature and open heart drew people into her ever-widening, extensive and international circle of friends,' he said.

He said that just one encounter with Ms McLaughlin, who studied dance and drama, was 'enough to change someone's life'.

'A brief glance at the vast array of tender messages for Danielle's mother Andrea, her family and friends, shows the immense esteem in which she was held,' Father Bradley said. 'She had a gentle but powerful way with her.'

Ms McLaughlin was described as a a colourful character, like a gem which caught the light and reflected it in all its beauty around her.

Local petty criminal Vikat Bhagat (pictured, left) has confessed to raping and murdering Danielle (right) but police in Goa believe others were also involved

'Even the Indian Festival of Holi which she liked to attend and celebrate, is all about colour and celebration, for it marks the end of winter, the arrival of spring and gives thanks for the blessings of the harvest,' Father Bradley said.

He added that people from across the world sent messages of support and solidarity to Ms McLaughlin's family following her death.

'May Danielle, a searching and kind soul, find in heaven the peace and joy she sought and spread wherever she went,' he said as he closed Mass on Thursday.

'Danielle has left a legacy of love; may she reap a harvest of peace,' he added.

Following communion, Ms McLaughlin's final Facebook post was read out to friends and family at the church.

She posted a photo of a sunset, announcing that she was traveling to Goa, India, on February 22.

'Thank you to all my friends and family for making home so special and always looking after me,' she wrote in the post. 'I am very grateful and the luckiest person I know...Off on another adventure...'

Following her funeral mass, Ms McLaughlin's remains were carried in her wicker coffin to the adjoining cemetery to be buried alongside her late grandparents.

Neighbors stood in silence on Monday as her remains finally arrived in her home town in Ireland.

Danielle McLaughlin's remains were returned home earlier this week, two weeks after she was raped and murdered while on an 'adventure' in Goa

The hessian coffin containing Danielle's remains are brought into the family home in Buncrana. A wake was held earlier this week ahead of the funeral

Friends and family held back tears as a coffin containing the body of the 28-year-old was brought back to Buncrana in County Donegal.

Ms McLaughlin was found dead with severe injuries to her head and face in Canacona on March 14.

Local petty criminal Vikat Bhagat, 24, has confessed but several other men are believed to have been involved in the attack.

Ms McLaughlin's remains arrived back in Dublin on Friday but underwent a second post-mortem at her family's request before being brought to Belfast for medical procedures.

On Monday, her heartbroken mother Andrea and her four younger sisters were supported by friends and relatives as Danielle's remains were returned in a hessian coffin.

The hearse was given a Garda escort and family and friends stood and hugged each other as her coffin was whisked into the privacy of her home.

Local priest Father Francis Bradley arrived a short time before the cortege and said prayers inside the home.

Earlier this week Andrea described the horrific moment when her friend Louise McMenamin arrived at her home in Marian Park last week to break the news of her eldest daughter's death.

She said: 'I knew as soon as I saw her. As soon as she walked in the door, I told her. She did not even get the chance to tell me.

'It feels as if it was a year ago and if it was yesterday. It will only get to sink in when I get to hold her hand,' she said.
Tribunal: Sister Sarah Kuteh (pictured today) was dismissed for breaching guidelines, even though her job involved asking people preparing for surgery about their religion

A nurse was sacked for offering to pray with patients before operations and telling them it would improve their chances of survival, her employment tribunal heard today.

Sister Sarah Kuteh was dismissed for breaching guidelines at Darent Valley hospital in Dartford, even though her job involved asking people preparing for surgery about their religion.

The mother-of-three, who is now suing the hospital for unfair dismissal, said she was offering solace to patients she believed were happy to chat about their beliefs, and described her sacking as 'disproportionate and punitive'.

But one cancer patient facing bowel surgery complained nursing sister Mrs Kuteh told him if he prayed to God he would have a better chance of survival, the tribunal heard.

Another patient told how being subjected to such religious 'fervour' by Mrs Kuteh was 'bizarre', and he compared the experience with a 'Monty Python skit'.

One other patient felt Mrs Kuteh spent more time talking about religion than completing a pre-operative questionnaire, according to statements submitted at an employment tribunal being held in Ashford, Kent.

Eight complaints were made by 'extremely vulnerable' patients facing surgery, and Mrs Kuteh was sacked last August and referred to the Nursing and Midwifery Council for disqualification proceedings.

Pavel Stroilov, representing Mrs Kuteh, said in skeleton argument that nurses were meant to care for people facing hardship and suffering.

He said: 'A nurse without compassion would be unworthy of the name. On top of performing her immediate duties, a good nurse would try and find kind words to say to her patient.'

But Sarah Collins, general manager for medicine at Darent Valley Hospital, who chaired Mrs Kuteh's first disciplinary hearing, said her 'spirituality blurred the professional boundary' between herself and patients.

Mrs Collins said in a statement: 'Despite having been warned against such behaviour on two occasions, she persisted with questioning patients on religious grounds.

'Following reasonable management requests formed a pivotal aspect of Mrs Kuteh's contract of employment with the Trust.'

Upset: Mrs Kuteh broke down in tears as she recalled being suspended and escorted from Darent Valley hospital in Dartford, Kent

Mrs Collins said there had been a 'fundamental breach of trust and confidence'. And she felt Mrs Kuteh had not learned from her mistakes and would not change her behaviour.

'Mrs Kuteh's assertion that she felt compelled to continue to hold religious discussions with patients concerned me,' Mrs Collins added in her statement.

Mr Stroilov said Mrs Kuteh was not 'adequately informed' of the allegations against her by Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust before an investigatory meeting.

And the substantive evidence of patients' complaints was 'wholly unsatisfactory', consisting mainly of 'astonishingly brief and vague handwritten notes' made long after the events, he added.

Mr Stroilov also said Mrs Kuteh's request to call the complainants as witnesses was unreasonably refused on a 'false premise' of confidentiality.

Before the hearing, Mrs Kuteh said she had no intention of imposing her beliefs on others, and she would sometimes tell patients how her own faith in Christ had helped her overcome adversity.

The row came at a time when Theresa May told MPs that Christians should feel able to speak about their faith at work.

Last year Mrs Kuteh broke down in tears as she recalled being suspended and escorted from Darent Valley hospital in Dartford, Kent.

She said: 'It was embarrassing for me  and painful after all I had done in my years as a nurse. I was told I couldn't even speak to my colleagues. All I had done was to nurse from my heart. How could it be harmful to tell someone about Jesus?'

But bosses at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust said her 'unwanted discussions' had upset patients and she had also failed to heed warnings that she was being unprofessional.

Mrs Kuteh, a committed Christian who started nursing in London before moving to Dartford in 2007, became a sister in 2012 while working in the intensive care department. She started a new role in November 2015, assessing patients' health before they underwent surgery. Part of her job was helping them complete a questionnaire, which included a question on religion.

She admitted she may have spoken to a few patients without their express permission when she first began the job. But she was more careful after a warning in April this year that there had been complaints and her approach breached conduct guidelines about discussing personal beliefs.

Row: Bosses at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, who run Darent Valley hospital, said her 'unwanted discussions' had upset patients and she had also failed to heed warnings that she was being unprofessional

Mrs Kuteh said conversations sometimes arose if a patient failed to put anything in the box marked Religion, and she might ask them why and even tell them how her faith had helped her overcome adversity. But she added that it was often the patients who spoke about their faith first, and she had no intention of imposing her beliefs on others.

Last June, Mrs Kuteh was 'shocked' to be told three further complaints had been made, after which she was told to stop assessing patients and was suspended a few days later.

She was sacked in August after an investigation, and her appeal was rejected.

During the investigation the nurse was told one patient had complained she had given her a Bible she did not want and had said she would pray for her. Another allegedly said she had felt uncomfortable that Mrs Kuteh was 'preaching' at her.

Mrs Kuteh, who is taking the trust to an employment tribunal with the backing of the Christian Legal Centre, claimed her disciplinary process was flawed as she was not initially shown the complaints.

The trust said last year: 'We have a duty to our patients that when they are at their most vulnerable they are not exposed to unsolicited beliefs and/or views, religious or otherwise. We feel we have acted appropriately in this case.'
Shocking footage has emerged of parking inspectors being verbally abused as they work.

Angry motorists in Sydney were captured on camera getting up close and personal with parking inspectors who had just given them a fine, in footage aired on 7 News.

In one incident, a man storms towards a parking inspector yelling multiple expletives after he was slapped with a ticket.

A motorist (at right) is seen just moments after verbally abusing a parking inspector (at left)

'What the f*** did you do that for?' the man says.

The parking inspector calmly tells the man he had parked the wrong way but that further infuriates the driver.

'I just parked here you f***ing gronk. Take it off [the ticket],' he said.

'You ruin families' lives, get a better job.'

In a separate incident, a parking inspector can be heard telling a motorist: 'You've told me you're going to fight me a number of times, sir'.

Another man called a parking inspector a 'motherf*****' and warned them not to give him another parking ticket because he had already received 12 in recent times.

Darcy Byrne, who served as mayor for the former Leichhardt council area, said the aggressive behaviour was unacceptable.

'People are rightly angry about the parking system but it's never OK to take out that frustration on public servants,' he said.

This man (face obscured) got up close and personal with a parking inspector, yelling multiple expletives

Another man (pictured) demanded a parking inspector not give him more fines because he had already received 12 in recent times

But he also acknowledged why some motorists would be upset.

'There's a visceral anger bubbling below the surface about the way that government's have used parking meters for revenue raising.'

Across New South Wales, motorists shelled out a record $185 million in parking fines last year.

Last month alone, $13 million in parking fines were collected.
Sky News has apologised on-air to Kristina Keneally and Wendy Harmer after dumping host Mark Latham for his controversial comments about the female commentators and a Sydney schoolboy.

The TV network announced it had terminated Mark Latham's contract on Wednesday and has since rejected his comments and 'apologised unreservedly' for his behaviour.

Newsreader Ashleigh Gillon began the apologetic statement on Thursday night 13 minutes into the 6pm bulletin.

Scroll down for video

Mark Latham's contract as a contributor with Sky News Australia has been terminated

'Sky News acknowledges that it broadcast certain statements by Mark Latham about Wendy Harmer,' Ms Gillon said.

'Sky News acknowledges that these statements falsely imputed that Ms Harmer's media career over the past four decades has been a failure, and that she has only been able to secure her current employment as a broadcaster with the ABC because she is a female with a disability.

Sky News rejects these comments in their entirety and apologises unreservedly to Ms Harmer.'

The statement then went on to acknowledge Mr Latham's vexed comments about Kristina Keneally in which he referred to her as a 'Yankee sheila'.

Gillon said: 'Sky News acknowledges that these statements falsely imputed that Ms Keneally acted corruptly in her former role as premier of NSW. Sky News rejects these comments in their entirety and apologises unreservedly to Ms Keneally.'

Kristina Keneally (pictured) was allegedly considering legal action after Latham's comments calling her a 'Yankee sheila'

Ms Harmer had called on Sky News for an apology after Latham's disability comments

The TV network had revealed it had terminated its contract with Mr Latham less than 24 hours before the on-air apology.

'Sky News has ended the contract of contributor Mark Latham,' TV political editor David Speers said on Wednesday afternoon from the Canberra studio.

'This follows a number of controversies in relation to his comments around Kristina Keneally, Wendy Harmer and indeed the story that's been doing the rounds on a lot of news sites today in relation to some Sydney Boys High School students and a video they recorded for International Women's Day.

'We can confirm the breaking news that Mark Latham's contract with Sky News has been ended so there you go.'

Broadcaster Wendy Harmer took to Twitter to accept Sky News' on-air apology

Ms Harmer pointed out on social media: 'this has never been about the money'

On Sunday, Mr Latham played on The Outsiders program a Sydney Boys High School video made by students to support feminism on International Women's Day, when he made the comment about one of the schoolboys.

'I thought the first guy was gay  maybe that's all they have left now,' Latham said.

'And so this thing went on and on and it was on Facebook and all these boys standing around pretending to be girls.

'Even though boys aren't supposed to be girls,' the broadcasters said on the show.

Former New South Wales premier Kristina Keneally, who is also a Sky News contributor, last week complained to Sky management about Mr Latham referring to her as a 'Yankee sheila' on The Outsiders program he co-hosted with controversial former Liberal MP Ross Cameron.

ABC radio 702 Sydney morning show presenter Wendy Harmer on Tuesday took legal action against Mr Latham for suggesting she was a commercial failure, even though she was a No.1 FM breakfast show personality with 2Day-FM for more than a decade, between 1992 and 2003.

Sky News has announced it had ended Mark Latham's contract following a number of controversies around his comments

ABC 702 presenter Wendy Harmer took legal action against Mark Latham this week

Former NSW premier Kristina Keneally filed a complaint to Sky News about Mark Latham

Mr Latham has come under fire after suggesting Harmer, who has a cleft palate, could only get a job at the 'sheltered' ABC because she is a 'female with a disability'.

Lawyers for Ms Harmer have sent Sky News a legal letter arguing his on-air remarks on his program The Outsiders on Sunday were defamatory, The Australian reported.

In 2015, Mr Latham resigned as a columnist with The Australian Financial Review after making disparaging remarks about anti-domestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty, a former Australian of the Year.

A Twitter account linked to Mr Latham's email address was used to send personal abuse to Batty, questioning her judgement in men, and transgender News Corp columnist Catherine McGregor, referring to her as 'he/she'.

Mr Latham has since reactivated his personal Twitter account in the wake of his sacking from Sky News.

Mark Latham has reactivated his Twitter account since his sacking from Sky News

He has used this social media platform to slam Labor's deputy federal leader Tanya Plibersek, who had earlier described the Sydney Boys High School students as 'better men' than Mr Latham.

'We must listen to Tanya Plibersek on assessment of male character - global expert,' Mr Latham said.

Mr Latham, who hailed from Labor's right faction, has been a long-time critic of Ms Plibersek, an inner-city MP from Sydney who is from the party's left.

He also slammed Sky News for his sacking.

'Outrage industry totally confected: no reaction to Outsiders as it aired yet two to three weeks later reheating BS offenderati. Complete fraud,' he wrote.

After losing the 2004 election to former prime minister John Howard, Mr Latham quit politics as the Member for Werriwa in south-west Sydney and became a critic of Labor's factional system and its embrace of left-wing identity politics.

In 2010, he ambushed then prime minister Julia Gillard in Brisbane during the federal election campaign as a guest reporter for the Nine Network's Sixty Minutes program, earning a rebuke from the network's veteran political editor Laurie Oakes.

Mr Latham was the mayor of Liverpool council before being elected to the seat of Werriwa, previously held by former prime minister Gough Whitlam, in a 1994 by-election.

He had earlier been an adviser to New South Wales opposition leader Bob Carr before he became premier.
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Astonishing footage of a 16-year-old and his friends show the group scaling a crane upon a tower in Shenzhen, China.

The death-defying stunt some 1,300 feet high above ground is just one of many videos posted to the YouTube page of James Sight, an Australian who currently resides in Hong Kong and has over 19,000 followers on Instagram.

Determined to make a career out of rooftopping, the teenager, born in Australia, has quit education and decided to make his hobby a full-time career.

Climbing: James Sight (pictured) along with his friends scale a crane on top of a 1,300-foot tall building in Shenzhen

A sight to behold: The building is currently located in a construction site in Shenzhen, southern China

James's newest video posted to YouTube on March 28 shows him and a group of base jumpers from Australia climbing up the 1,300-feet-tall China Resource Headquarters in Shenzhen, southern China.

The video has had over 5,000 views.

He told MailOnline he felt mainly happy during the climbing process: 'The main emotion I felt was happiness, I had the biggest feeling of success and winning.

'I had actually gone to this construction site in Shenzhen twice and had failed both times. The first time the crane was locked and we couldn't open it. The second time, the weather was severe and we couldn't climb.

'So when I finally made it to the top and got to do it with my awesome friends, it was an amazing feeling and experience. I didn't even think about the possible trouble or falling as I was so happy.'

Some of the group then basejumped from the top of the building.

Dangerous but exciting hobby: The base jumpers (pictured) scaled the building before jumping off

Popular on social media: The 16-year-old has decided to leave education to make 'rooftopping' his full-time career

The young daredevil: The adventurer (pictured left) has climbed hundreds of towers (pictured on the left photo with a friend)

According to James, the Australian group travelled to Hong Kong and then to China to take their sport to a new level.

The Hong Kong jump video showed the Australians base jumping from 500 feet and made big news in Hong Kong. It has since had 47,000 views on YouTube.

James explained how the Hong Kong jump worked: 'Locklan (one of the base jumpers) messaged me on Instagram a week before his trip asking if I would like to meet up with them. That night we met, I took them to a 60-storey residential building which they jumped off.'

'There is a big community for base jumping but not many people have ever taken it to the level like these guys took it to in Hong Kong. I have never seen people jumping like this in Hong Kong.'

'Feeling like i'm winning': He says he felt happy after climbing the building in Shenzhen after two failed attempts

The group scaled the China Resource Headquarters in Shenzhen, southern China

James was born in Melbourne, Australia and moved to many countries around Asia when he was younger due to his family's work. He settled in Finland for two years with his mum and his sister before moving to Hong Kong to live with his dad.

It was in Hong Kong where he discovered his love of extreme videography and photography.

The adventurer has climbed hundreds of towers but still has some goals he would like to achieve: 'I would love to climb the Shanghai Tower which is the second tallest building in the world. I would also love to climb the Shard in London too.'

Despite the dangerous hobby, James says his family are supportive albeit a little scared by what he does.

He says: 'My family are all over the world so I have to Skype them about what i'm doing and stuff. My mum thinks it's pretty cool that i'm able to market it and make a name for myself, my dad too, but I know it scares them.'

Stunning views: The teenager currently resides in Hong Kong with his father but has lived in various locations in the past

Life up high: James says his family are supportive albeit nervous about what he does for a living

Hong Kong: James now runs a YouTube channel called ILLSIGHT which aims to show viewers a variety of content

'This is a selfish thing to do, so is base jumping as the Aussies who I went with agree but ironically my dad always told me that before you can worry about making others happy, it's your job to make yourself happy and no one else can do it for you.'

James runs a YouTube channel called ILLSIGHT which aims to bring viewers a variety of content. He also posts to his own Facebook page. Aged just 16, he quit his education to pursue his career on YouTube and other social media. The content on his site so far is based on him climbing structures around the world.

He says he first started out small: 'I was only going to the roofs of residential or hotel buildings. I started upping my game after I climbed the construction site of the New World Centre in Hong Kong which I was arrested for.
A Norman Rockwell painting worth $1million has been recovered more than 40 years after it was stolen from a New Jersey home.

Robert Grant, who purchased the painting 'Lazybones (Boy Asleep with Hoe)', in the 1950s for just $75, had the artwork stolen after a break-in in 1976.

Grant has since died, so the painting will be handed over to his daughter Susan Murta on Friday after an anonymous individual turned it in to FBI.

The 1919 Norman Rockwell painting Lazybones (Boy Asleep with Hoe), pictured, has been recovered more than 40 years after it was stolen from a New Jersey home

Grant accidentally punctured the painting with a pool cue while playing a game at a home in Haddonsfield, New Jersey, according to a Robert Bazin, a retired FBI investigator who spoke to the Philly Inquirer.

The owner told him 'You break it, you buy it', so Grant forked over $75 and hung the painting in his Cherry Hill home.

More than two decades later, a burglar broke in and made off with the painting of a portly young boy fast asleep with a dog leaning against him.

Murta said her father was 'devastated' by the loss and held on to the hope he would see it returned one day.

But Grant died in 2004, long before the painting made its way back to the family.

Robert Grant purchased the piece for just $75 in the 1950s. Now valued at $1million, the painting will be returned to his daughter. Pictured, painter Norman Rockwell

After stories about the painting's disappearance saw a resurgence in local news in 2013, the FBI's Philadelphia office received a call that the painting was hanging in someone else's house.

A law enforcement source told the Philly Inquirer: 'We believe the individual did not know the item was stolen and had thought it was a copy.

'But after the publicity, they looked at it [closely] and decided to do the right thing.'

No criminal charges have been filed, and the individual who turned in the painting asked not to be identified.

The 58-year-old Murta, who thanked the FBI agents for their hard work, is excited to be reunited with the painting.

She told the Inquirer: 'The painting was in every house we ever lived in. It was special.'

The piece, which measures 25 inches by 28 inches, appeared on a September 1919 cover of the Saturday Evening Post.
Downing Street has its own copy of the historic Article 50 letter after secretly sending two to Brussels and having one returned, it emerged today.

No 10 is holding on to its copy of the letter and will not be sending it to the National Archive - sparking speculation it could eventually go on display in Downing Street.

Theresa May personally signed both copies of the letter, ensuring they are identical.

The letters were couriered to and from Brussels on the Eurostar under armed guard to ensure security.

Theresa May signed both copies of the letter in the Downing Street Cabinet Room on Tuesday night, pictured. The second copy was revealed today after being safely returned to No 10

EU Council President Donald Tusk showed off his copy of Mrs May's letter in a press statement in Brussels yesterday shortly after it was officially presented

Sir Tim was back in Downing Street today, although it is not known whether he accompanied the letter back from Brussels

Mrs May's official spokesman revealed today: 'There were two letters. The purpose of the second letter was it was date stamped by the European Council.

'That letter then returned to Downing Street by Eurostar. That letter will now be kept in No 10.

'They were both signed personally, they are both identical letter.

'It is not on display, it is being kept as a matter of record.'

Senior Conservative Jacob Rees-Mogg told MailOnline: 'It is an historic document of the first important and worthy of public display.'

Britain's EU ambassador Sir Tim Barrow handed the document to EU Council President Donald Tusk at around 12.20pm yesterday, formally starting Brexit talks.

Mr Tusk brought his copy to a press statement and showed it off to the cameras.

The letter set out the Prime Minister's objectives for the Brexit negotiations and how she wanted to pursue them.

EU Ambassador Sir Tim Barrow hand delivered the letter to the EU Council in Brussels, carrying the historic documents in his lockable diplomatic bag

At around 12.20pm, the letter was handed by Sir Tim to Mr Tusk, the historic moment Article 50 was actually invoked

The EU Council keeps the copy of the letter presented to Mr Tusk, pictured, while the other is to be held in Downing Street

The six-page document reveals that Mrs May will withdraw full cooperation on cross-border crime, security and terrorism unless Europe does a trade deal that suits Britain.

In it Mrs May told Mr Tusk he must not to punish the UK for choosing to leave the EU and also confirms that the government will pay Brussels a multi-billion pound bill to leave.

The Prime Minister also sets out six key areas for negotiation over the next two years - and repeatedly warns that the EU needs to do a trade deal - telling Mr Tusk it would be a 'costly mistake' not to.

No 10 is holding on to its copy of the letter and will not be sending it to the National Archive - sparking speculation it could eventually go on display in Downing Street

And in an attempt to save the Union she said more powers should be given to devolved powers in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast and any Brexit deal must not 'harm' the Republic of Ireland.

Minutes after the letter was handed over Mrs May told the Commons: 'In accordance with the wishes of the people, the United Kingdom is leaving the EU. This is a historic moment from which there can be no turning back.'

At the same time a sombre Donald Tusk held up the letter during a short press conference and said: 'There is no reason to pretend this is a happy day. We already miss you. Thank you and goodbye'.
A Florida man whose wife was killed in a horrific crash that occurred while he was driving drunk was sentenced to five years in prison on Wednesday.

Matthew Notebeart stood by his attorney weeping after Judge Laura Johnson handed down the sentence in a Palm Beach County courtroom, telling the 33-year-old father of two that his wife's death was a 'senseless, tragic act.'

The ruling came a little over three years after Matthew crashed his car into a canal bank after driving the vehicle off a dirt road on March 9, 2014, causing his wife Amanda to strike her head on the windshield and dashboard.

She was pronounced dead at the scene, and it was later revealed that neither Matthew or his wife were wearing seat belts at the time because they were having sexual intercourse in the driver's seat of the car, with Amanda sitting on her husband's lap.

It had been Amanda's first night out with her husband after the birth of their second child it was later revealed by Matthew, who has bought his wife tickets to a concert earlier that evening for Valentine's Day.

Behind bars: Matthew Notebeart, 33, was sentenced to five years in prison for vehicular homicide and one year in prison for DUI causing injury on Thursday (Matthew and Amanda above at their wedding)

Difficult time: Notebeart appearing in court alongside attorney Steven Bell back in May 2014 after her was first charged with vehicular homicide as well as DUI

Heartbreak: Notebeart broke down in tears while being charged in the courtroom

The death of Amanda drove a wedge between the once happy family, with her parents and grandparents blaming Matthew for the fatal crash while friends of the couple said the victim would never want to see the father of her children behind bars.

'You had a responsibility to get your wife home safely,' said Amanda's father Mike Stacey according to the Palm Beach Post, while asking that the judge sentence his former son-in-law to the maximum amount of time in prison.

Amanda's parents were also upset with Matthew for keeping their grandchildren away from them in the wake of Amanda's death they revealed in court on Thursday.

Just before her death, Amanda had named her daughter Stacey in honor of her father.

An aunt of Amanda's was among those who spoke on behalf of Matthew ahead of his sentencing, saying that she believed it is what his late wife would have wanted to her to do in this awful situation.

Matthew entered a guilty plea back in February to a count of vehicular homicide as well as driving under the influence while causing injury to a person or property as part of plea deal, with prosecutors agreeing to drop the DUI manslaughter charge he was facing in the case.

He was facing a minimum sentence of 10 years, but given the circumstances of the case Matthew's lawyer Steven Bell had been hopeful that his client might receive no jail time and just probation so that he could raise his 12-year-old son Gage and 3-year-old Stacey.

In the end, Matthew received five years for vehicular homicide and one year for the driving under the influence charge, which will run concurrent to his five-year sentence.

Family: Amanda, 31, had been out to a concert with her husband earlier that night, her first evening out since giving birth to their second child a few month prior (Matthew and A,anda with daughter Stacey and son Gage in early 2014)

Scene: The car Matthew was driving went airborne for 30 feet before hitting the canal wall (above) according to the affidavit filed by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

Tragedy: Amanda was killed on March 9, 2014 after her husband crashed their car into a canal bank while the couple was having sexual intercourse in the driver's seat (probable affidavit above)

Once released, Matthew will serve two years probation during which he must complete 200 hours of community service, attend a DUI school, undergo random alcohol and drug testing, and his license will be suspended for 10 years.

When it came time to hand down the sentence in the case, Judge Johnson noted the past offenses Matthew had been charged with, which include reckless driving, leaving the scene of a crash and multiple felonies.

'This isnt your first chance. Youve been to jail before, youve been on probation,' said Judge Johnson.

'You failed your wife, you failed your children and you failed all your family that is here today.'

The sentence was handed down by three years after the death of Amanda Notebeart (Matthew in his mugshot on Thursday above)

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office probable cause affidavit in the case, which was filed back in March 2014, stated that Matthew was travelling 55mph on a 30mph dirt road with no lights at around 12:30am on March 9 when he crashed the car after he and Amanda attended the Rib Round Up Festival.

'No evidence of braking was detected,' read the report, which said that the car was 'airborne for approximately 30 feet' before it crashed into the bank.

The investigator who responded to the hospital where Matthew was taken 'observed signs of impairment' on the man including 'red glassy eyes, a strong odor of unknown alcoholic beverage ... and a flushed face.'

It was also noted that Matthew was vomiting in the hospital.

Back at the scene, authorities located a flask in the car filled with some 'brown fluid' which was later determined to be an alcoholic beverage.

It was after having his Miranda Rights read to him that Matthew admitted to drinking while driving the car and 'that he and Amanda were naked, and that she was sitting on his lap when he drove off the end of the roadway violently striking the opposite canal bank killing [his wife].'

Toxicology reports would later reveal that Matthew had a blood alcohol level of .149, which is over twice the legal limit, and the presence of 'active Marijuana THC.'

Amanda was just 31 at the time of her death.
The husband of a mother-of-two killed after a row over parking is suing the driver involved for more than 250,000 in damages.

Ophelia Okai-Koi drove off with 33-year-old Christie McHugh on the bonnet of her car after they argued about parking outside a pub in New Barnet, north London.

Mother-of-two Mrs McHugh died after she was thrown from the bonnet of Okai-Koi's Vauxhall Insignia and hit her head on a Belisha Beacon post.

Her husband John, 47, is now suing Okai-Koi, 54, and her motor insurers at London's High Court.

Ophelia Okai-Koi drove off with Christie McHugh on her bonnet after a row over parking

Mrs McHugh (left) died after falling from the car and hitting her head. Her husband is suing

Mrs Okai-Koi was convicted of causing death by careless driving at Harrow Crown Court in June 2014 and jailed for 12 months. But the case has now been brought back before a civil court to dispute compensation.

Mr McHugh's lawyers claim the mental health nurse 'lost her temper' after a row over parking at the Lord Kitchener pub in East Barnet Road in March 2013.

But Mrs Okai-Koi has told Judge David Pittaway QC that the McHughs 'were like Rottweilers let loose' and she 'feared for her life'.

Her lawyers claim it was the 'alcohol-fuelled' McHughs who instigated a road rage incident that ended in tragedy.

John McHugh outside the High Court. He claims Okai-Koi is liable for damages because she drove off on purpose

Painter and decorator Mr McHugh told the court he met up with his wife on the day of her death and drank three pints of lager at the pub.

When they went to go home, they saw Mrs Okai-Koi's car was parked 'tightly beside' their Fiat Punto.

The nurse was on a shopping trip and Mr McHugh said: 'My wife remonstrated with her that she was parked illegally because it was not a public car park.'

This led to a 'bit of an argument' and Mrs Okai-Koi then stopped at the car park exit, 'basically blocking access in and out', he said.

The couple asked her to move - 'possibly with some colourful language' - but Mr McHugh claimed she was 'ignoring our pleas to leave the car park'.

After seeing that Mrs Okai-Koi was calling the police, his wife 'sat on the bonnet looking forward out of the car park waiting for the police to arrive', the court heard.

The car then 'suddenly accelerated', sending Mrs McHugh tumbling off the bonnet. She suffered fatal head injuries in the fall.

Mr McHugh denied claims that he was 'playing down considerably' his 'state of intoxication' at the time.

Okai-Koi was later suspended from working as a nurse by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, but not struck off.

Mrs McHugh died in front of her family after Okai-Koi swerved and she fell off the bonnet

But her barrister, Brian McCluggage, insisted that Mrs Okai-Koi was herself the victim of a road rage attack and could not be blamed for Mrs HcHugh's death.

He said she had parked in the pub car park while she was buying some bread at Sainsbury's in East Barnet High Street.

'The events that followed were tragic and life-changing for all concerned,' he added.

'In alcohol-fuelled rage, Mr and Mrs McHugh instigated a road rage attack on Mrs Okai-Koi and her vehicle.

Okai-Koi, pictured when she tried in a criminal court, insists she was under attack from the McHughs and panicked

'Mrs McHugh was both the instigator and main perpetrator,' claimed the barrister.

'She was verbally threatening, kicked and hammered on the vehicle, repeatedly tried the door handles. Mr McHugh joined in.'

Mrs Okai-Koi told the court: 'They were like Rottweilers on the loose, they were livid, I don't know why.'

She told Judge Pittaway she 'panicked and drove off' but 'did not lose my temper'.

Although she wished with hindsight that she had waited for police to arrive, 'in that moment I was in fear of my life', she added.

Mr McCluggage accepted that the nurse 'should not have been parking in the car park' because she was not there to patronise the pub.

But he added: 'Having drunk to excess, Mrs McHugh should not have been preparing to drive a car with children in it'.

The barrister claimed the McHughs 'were committing a variety of public order offences, common law assault, criminal damage and trespass to property.'

He added: 'Mrs Okai-Koi was the target of the criminal behaviour, her decision to drive off directly resulted from it.

'A driver inescapably in a state of panic may drive forward without being in breach of duty though there is a risk to another'.

The incident happened outside the Lord Kitchener pub in Barnet in March 2013

Mr McCluggage argued that, given the couple's behaviour, Mr McHugh should not be awarded a penny in damages.

Cyrus Katrak, for Mr McHugh, said the couple were simply telling the nurse to 'move, albeit forcefully'.

The jury at Mrs Okai-Koi's criminal trial 'did not accept her contention that she feared for her life and that her actions were a necessity', he added.

He insisted she was behind the wheel of a 'lethal weapon' and drove off 'so quickly there was no opportunity to get off'.

Mr McHugh's solicitor, Angela Batchelor, confirmed outside court that he is seeking damages in excess of 250,000.

The High Court hearing continues.
More than 100,000 Queensland homes and businesses have been left without power in the wake of ex-tropical cyclone Debbie as airline passengers are left stranded.

According to Energex, just over 100,000 customers across the state have been plunged into darkness thanks to severe weather damage and incapacitated power lines.

'[The] big issue now is with the extent of wind damage and flooding on top, access is becoming something of an issue,' an Energex spokesman told 9 News.

'It's going to be a lot of work.'

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More than 100,000 Queensland homes and businesses have been left without power in the wake of ex-tropical cyclone Debbie (Pictured: Flood waters in Gold Coast hospital parking lot)

Airline passengers have been left stranded as Virgin Australia cancels domestic flights at Queensland's Gold Coast and Prosperine airports

Heavy rain and flash flooding is expected in south east Queensland and Northern New South Wales as as ex-cyclone Debbie makes its way south across the country

Residents in towns across Queensland and northern New South Wales have been ordered to evacuate immediately as the deluge continues to threaten homes in the wake of ex-tropical Cyclone Debbie.

The NSW State Emergency Service announced a widespread evacuation order was in place for Lismore and surrounding towns on Thursday night warning residents: 'You must leave now.'

Almost 40,000 residents across New South Wales and Queensland have been told to evacuate.

Virgin Australia has cancelled domestic flights at Queensland's Gold Coast and Prosperine airports, while no Qantas flights will operate to or from Gladstone.

But Qantas has resumed some Hamilton Island flights to help evacuate hundreds of tourists stranded as a result of cyclone Debbie.

A spokesman said the remainder of its flights across Queensland were operating as usual.

Stranded Virgin Australia passengers on Hamilton Island. Torrential rain hampered relief efforts, as fed-up tourists began evacuating from resort islands

A car in flood water in the Toombul Shopping Centre car park, north of Brisbane, Australia

Almost 40,000 residents across New South Wales and Queensland have been told to evacuate in the wake of the Cyclone Debbie

The NSW State Emergency Service announced a wide-spread evacuation order was in place for Lismore and surrounding towns on Thursday night

Virgin Australia said there would be no flights in or out of Prosperine, near the cyclone-ravaged Airlie Beach, on Thursday or Friday.

All its domestic Gold Coast flights scheduled to arrive or depart this afternoon were also cancelled.

The airline is meanwhile working with authorities to confirm whether it is safe to fly in and out of Hamilton Island.

'Due to the extensive damage to infrastructure on the island, Virgin Australia will not bring any more guests into Hamilton Island for the next two days, up until and including Saturday 1 April,' the airline said in a statement.

'An update on inbound services to Hamilton Island from Sunday 2 April onwards will be provided following further assessment.'

A helpless bull shark lies in shallow water during floods in Burdekin, just south of Townsville

Category 4 Cyclone Debbie hit Northern Queensland on Tuesday, causing widespread damage

Pioneer River flooding in Mackay on Wednesday after tropical cyclone Debbie hit the north Queensland region

NATIONAL SEVEN-DAY FORECAST Sydney Thursday: Max 26, heavy rainfall Friday: Min 16, max 23, shower or two Saturday: Min 16, max 23, chance of showers Sunday: Min 18, max 22, shower or two Monday: Min 17, max 22, showers Tuesday: Min 16, max 21, Showers Wednesday: Min 17, max 21, chance of showers Canberra: Thursday: Max 21, showers developing Friday: Min 6, max 21, sunny Saturday: Min 5, max 23, sunny Sunday: Min 8, max 20, partly cloudy Monday: Min 6, max 20, shower or two Tuesday: Min 8, max 20, possible shower Wednesday: Min 8, max 21, possible shower Melbourne Thursday: Max 18, shower or two Friday: Min 12, max 18, slight showers Saturday: Min 10, max 19, afternoon shower Sunday: Min 12, max 18, cloudy Monday: Min 10, max 22, sunny Tuesday: Min 10, max 23, mostly sunny Wednesday:Min 12, max 24, mostly sunny Perth: Thursday: Max 28, sunny Friday: Min 13, max 29, sunny Saturday: Min 15, max 31, sunny Sunday: Min 18. max 31, sunny Monday: Min 16, max 28, cloud clearing Tuesday: Min 17, max 31, sunny Wednesday: Min 18, max 32, sunny Brisbane Thursday: Max 27, heavy rainfall Friday: Min 22, max 27, showers easing, windy Saturday: Min 20, max 29, possible shower Sunday: Min 21, max 29, possible shower Monday: Min 21, max 29, cloudy Tuesday: Min 19, max 28, possible shower Wednesday: Min 18, max 28, possible shower Adelaide: Thursday: Max 19, possible shower Friday: Min 10, max 19, partly cloudy Saturday: Min 13, max 21, possible shower Sunday: Min 12, max 20, partly cloudy Monday: Min 11, max 24, sunny Tuesday: Min 11, max 25, mostly sunny Wednesday: Min 14, max 27, mostly sunny Advertisement

A young boys looks out over the tweed river as flood waters rise

Houses threatened by flood waters on March 30, 2017 in Murwillumbah

Houses threatened by flood waters sweeping down the Queensland coast

Virgin said its flights to and from Ballina, Coffs Harbour, Newcastle, Port Macquarie in NSW may also be affected by wet weather today.

Passengers booked on Virgin flights to or from Brisbane, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Sunshine Coast and Rockhampton in Queensland could also be delayed by the wet weather.

A Jetstar spokeswoman said all the budget airline's flights will operate on Thursday, with no weather-related cancellations.

'All of our scheduled services will operate to and from Brisbane and Gold Coast today, unless otherwise advised,' Jetstar said in a statement.

'A number of options are available to customers who are unable to reach the airport or travel due to severe weather conditions.'
A man was attacked and violently kicked to the ground as he crossed a Melbourne intersection after he refused to hand over a $5 note.

The 51-year-old was walking along a darkened street in Dandenong, in south-east Melbourne, when his attacker demanded money.

When he refused to pay up, the thug - who was wearing a white shirt and is of African appearance - then became violent.

The attacker - pictured in the white shirt - pushed the 51-year-old victim to the ground and began kicking him

He was then pushed down and repeatedly kicked before the aggressor stomped on his head, leaving the man bleeding on the ground.

CCTV footage captured the unprovoked attack which occurred on Friday night and detectives have labelled the incident as 'sickening'.

'Sickening to be kicked and going along your own way, minding your own business,' Detective Sergeant Dean Hayes told 9news.

'Absolutely unprovoked that you can't walk down the street on a Friday night and go get some food and be attacked by a group of males, it's terrible.'

Police are on the hunt for the Melbourne man who is of African appearance

The thug brutally attacked the man after he refused to hand over $5 as he crossed the street

Witnesses to the attack did not stop to help the victim as he was trampled and booted by the offender each time he tried to get up.

The victim was left with cuts on his mouth and was bleeding from his head, but was able to find his way to a police station 300m away and receive medical attention from paramedics.

Victoria Police are now searching for the thug who was last seen on CCTV cameras walking along Lonsdale Street in Dandenong.
Russia is hoping to create a new generation of patriotic schoolchildren through social media to 'stir feelings of loyalty to the Fatherland.'

Russia's Education Ministry's latest 'patriotic education programme' hopes to instil feelings of loyalty to Russia.

It aims to prepare the Russian youth to 'fulfil their civic and constitutional duties to protect the Fatherland's interests.'

The ministry is advertising for a role worth 8 million rubles (142,000) a year.

In return, the employee is expected to grow the ministry's internet profile by 25 per cent by the end of the year.

Russia's Education Ministry's latest 'patriotic education programme' hopes to instil feelings of loyalty to Russia

Teacher's Day - celebrated in Russia on September 1 - is one occasion which officials hope to target online.

'Children will willingly [use the hashtags] to congratulate their teachers,' the Education Ministry press service told the Russian tabloid Izvestia.

The move follows last week's protests in Russia where thousands - including many younger people - marched against President Vladimir Putin.

It was the biggest show of defiance since a 2011-2012 wave of demonstrations rattled the Kremlin and led to harsh new laws aimed at suppressing dissent.

Police estimated the Moscow crowd at about 7,000, but it could have been larger. The one-hectare (2.5-acre) Pushkin Square was densely crowded as were sidewalks on adjacent Tverskaya Street.

In St. Petersburg, about 5,000 protesters assembled in the Mars Field park, shouting slogans including 'Putin resign!' and 'Down with the thieves in the Kremlin!'
A woman accused of shooting and killing her boyfriend told police responding to the crime scene, 'Don't worry about it'.

Paula Lynn Hobbs, 51, was arrested in connection with the death of Evertt Leslie Humble, 63, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds in an Orlando apartment complex.

Officers found Humble's blood-soaked body when they arrived at the scene at the apartment on Cinderlane Parkway in the Rosemont area of the city.

Paula Lynn Hobbs, pictured, has been charged with the first degree murder of her boyfriend Evertt Leslie Humble, who was found at the couple's home with multiple gunshot wounds

Hobbs, pictured here in August 2016 following her arrest for assaulting Humble at a wedding was still on probation for the earlier attack at the time of her boyfriend's murder

It is understood a passerby spotted the body on the couple's back porch and called 911.

When police arrived at the scene and asked Hobbs about the body she replied, 'Don't worry about it'.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Hobbs ran into the apartment and locked herself inside before eventually surrendering.

It is claimed Hobbs told police, 'If you tell me he is dead, I will tell you why I did it.'

Jail records show Hobbs was booked on a single charge of first-degree murder. No bail amount has yet been set.

Neighbors reported hearing gunshots at the Rosemont Apartment complex, pictured

According to the Sentinel, she spent approximately seven years in jail between 1992 and 2003 and has been arrested more than a dozen times.

Her most recent arrest before the shooting was for battery domestic violence in August 2016.

As well as a dead body, police found a revolver at the scene with five spent rounds.

According to Click Orlando.com, Hobbs was arrested on August 13, 2016 for allegedly attacking Humble as he DJ'd at a wedding party.

Jail records show she spent ten days in prison following her arrest. It is understood she was still on probation in connection with the earlier assault.
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An incredible picture of a pine marten dangling from a moss-covered tree has won an annual photo competition to celebrate British mammals.

The photograph, taken by Alastair Marsh, from North Yorkshire, was among 300 amazing wildlife pictures snapped in the British Isles for the annual Mammal Photographer of the Year competition.

Mr Marsh, who took the picture on the west coast of Scotland, said: 'I was struggling to get photos of them during daylight hours as they seemed very tentative, but fortunately persistence and patience paid off.'

The contest is aimed to encourage appreciation for the many British species which are often overlooked but essential to the health of our habitats.

This photograph of a pine marten dangling from a tree in the Scottish Highlands, taken by Alastair Marsh, won the annual Mammal Photographer of the Year competition

Jochen Langbein took this picture of a red stag staring straight into his camera when he went out in Exmoor National Park in south west England

Photographer Jenny Hibbert took this photograph of two hares trying to find shelter in a field on a mild British morning

A photograph of a squirrel peering into a lake - and looking at its reflection - was taken by Richard Watson was one of 300 pictures entered into the competition

This picture of two otters playing in the River Stour in Suffolk was captured by Dorset-based photographer Paul Dibben

Dan Rushton, from Dorset, captured the moment a fox leapt up in the air while he was taking photographs in a picturesque meadow

Jenny Hibbert, from Bridgend, south Wales, spotted a water shrew looking at its reflection and took a photograph of the moment it approached the water. It was the runner up in the Mammals of the UK category

This picture, taken by photographer Harry Read, shows an adorable seal pup relaxing on a sandy beach at night

Photographer Kyle Moore, from Suffolk, took this photograph of a fox looking at itself in a puddle of water and won the Young Photographer of the Year award (left). Meanwhile, Gary Dean, from Ramsey, Cambridgeshire, took this picture of a brown hare drying off (right)

A badger snuffling around a bin, which was full of McDonald's packaging and a Walkers crisp packet, was captured on camera by Richard Bowler, from North Wales

TV presenter and wildlife film-maker Simon King, who helped to judge the contest, said: 'So often we see images of pine marten at feeding stations.

'And whilst this animal might well be on its way to or from such a place, textures in the moss-covered tree, the level of soft bokeh and off centre composition make this image especially strong.'

An unusual photograph of a water shrew balancing on a log in water, snapped by Jenny Hibbert, from Bridgend, Wales, was the runner up in the Mammals of the UK category.

Judge Derek Crawley said: 'It is so difficult to photograph our small mammals. Many people do not realise that we have a mildly venomous swimming mammal in the UK, but this photo does a great job of capturing the water shrew.'

The winner of the Young Photographer of the Year section was Kyle Moore, from Suffolk, who took a photo of a fox foraging the streets at night.

He said: 'I love to watch urban foxes. I am always amazed when I observe these spectacular creatures, at how they thrive among busy cities, often without even being noticed.

Matthew Gould won the prize for Mammal Comedian of the Year with this photograph of a red deer stag having a wardrobe malfunction

This photograph of two wild boar piglets enjoying their day in the Forest of Dean was entered into the competition by photographer Shane Stanbridge

Ben Porter took this photograph of a dolphin enjoying a swim and he later entered it into a picture competition to celebrate British mammals

Gary Cox, from Cirencester, Gloucestershire, took a photograph of bellowing stags in a wood at dawn and entered it in the competition

Jenny Hibbert, from Bridgend, south Wales, also took this photograph of the two hares who managed to find shelter in a field

James Miller, from Surrey, took a stunning photograph of a pipistrelle bat flying through the night's sky and entered it into the competition

Photographer Malcolm Welch, from Preston, Lancashire, took this photograph of a brown hare looking anxious as it swam

The winner of the Young Photographer of the Year by Kyle Moore, from Suffolk, who took a photo of a fox silhouetted in the streets

Photographer Ben Porter, from North Wales, took a picture of a pipistrelle bat flying and gliding just inches from the water

Photographer Gideon Knight, from Essex, took a photograph of a silhouette of a fox in Ilford, east London, and entered it into the competition

'I particularly like this image, as it resembles the urban fox perfectly to me - sticking to the shadows going unnoticed.'

Matthew Gould won the prize for Mammal Comedian of the Year with a photo of a red deer stag having a wardrobe malfunction with its antlers covered in bracken.

Other winning images include a stunning photo of a pipistrelle bat, bellowing stags, a brown hare swimming and a snuffling badger looking for food.

Fiona Mathews, chair of the Mammal Society and part of the judging team, said: 'It is fantastic to see such a diversity of entries this year. These images show that you don't have to be on safari in Africa to see amazing wildlife.

'From remote corners of Scotland to the middle of cities, wild animals are all around us if we just stop to look.

'Our Mammal Photographer of the Year competition always provides us with some fantastic images of the mammals that we, as the Mammal Society, work so hard to conserve.'
Anne Aly will never forget the day she broke down in tears outside a Centrelink office.

The then 25-year-old had just left her violent husband and had two sons, aged one and three, to take care of.

'I had absolutely nothing, not a cent to my name,' the Labor MP told parliament.

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Australia's first Muslim federal MP Anne Aly (pictured) has recounted the moment she broke down in tears outside a Centrelink office when she was a 25-year-old single mother trying to support two children

Ms Aly said she felt desperate and humiliated, only to be told she would have to wait a week for her first parenting payment (stock image)

Ms Aly was desperate, and felt ashamed and humiliated, only to be told she would have to wait a week for her first parenting payment.

'I didn't know how I was going to feed my children for that next week until that payment came through,' she said.

'I'll never forget those days.'

Ms Aly said people in those situations, many of them mothers fleeing domestic violence, are not out to scam the government.

'We're not criminals - we're there because we have no other choice.'

The counter-terrorism expert was speaking out against a suite of welfare cuts, which cleared parliament on Wednesday night despite opposition from Labor.

Specifically, she slammed the extended waiting period for those seeking single-parent payments and the freeze on income-free areas for some payments.

The latter, she claimed, will affect 204,000 Australians on the lowest incomes.

'I had absolutely nothing; not a cent to my name,' the Labor MP told parliament on Wednesday (pictured)

Ms Aly told MPs that, at one point, she had to raise her children with just $400 a fortnight.

That was less than one-third of the travel allowance she gets as an opposition backbencher for four days when parliament is sitting.

'I haven't forgotten what it's like to stand at the shopping centre counter and return half your shopping because you simply can't afford it that week,' Ms Aly said.

'I haven't forgotten what it's like to delve through my purse and pick up coins just to be able to afford essentials like milk and bread.

'I will use every last breath that I have ... to remind this government that there are people out there in my electorate and their electorates for whom this is not something they can push into the past - this is part of their everyday reality.'

The federal government is planning to use some of the savings to help pay for a new childcare package.
Ian Rubin lived in New York until 2001, when he moved to Florida, consumed in grief after his fiance was killed in the September 11 World Trade Center terrorist attacks. He is pictured after her death

A white New Yorker was indicted on hate crime charges after allegedly threatening to have two black men lynched and chopped by the mafia.

Ian Rubin lived in New York until 2001, when he moved to Florida, consumed in grief after his fiance was killed in the September 11 World Trade Center terrorist attacks, reported the New York Daily News.

While living in Florida, Rubin racked up a hefty criminal record, which included a second-degree assault charge, according to Assistant District Attorney India Sneed.

Rubin created a Give Forward fundraising page in 2014 to raise money so that he could move back to New York.

The page raised no money, but he moved to Brooklyn that year anyway, where his criminal record would continue to grow.

On February 19 and 20 of this year, Rubin allegedly 'threatened two people with a knife, saying he's gong to kill a n***** tonight,' a Brooklyn supreme court heard on Wednesday.

Rubin, pictured on his Give Forward fundraising website, was indicted for hate crime charges in a New York court on Wednesday after allegedly threatening to have two black men lynched and chopped by the mafia

Rubin allegedly told his neighbors at 230 Duffield St: 'I did time in the penitentiary, you are going to die today.'

He also is said to have told detectives that 'heroin addicts on the fifth floor are plotting against' him, according to a newly released statement.

Rubin also bragged that at a time he was 'a hitman for the Mafia and that the mafia likes to kill and lynch n******, and (Rubin) would have the Mafia chop up (the victims),' reported the Daily News.

Rubin allegedly told his black neighbors at 230 Duffield St (pictured): 'I did time in the penitentiary, you are going to die today'

His attorney, George Cooke, pleaded not guilty on Rubin's behalf, requesting that the Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun lower his bail because he was indicted on misdemeanor charges.

Chun declined the request after Sneed urged him to, saying 'this is a very serious misdemeanor.'

Rubin will remain behind bars on Rikers Island until at least Mary 3, when he will next be in court. If he is convicted he faces up to a year in jail.
Jean-Claude Juncker has threatened to take revenge on Donald Trump for supporting Brexit by launching an independence campaign in the state of Ohio.

The European Commission President said the US President should have stayed out of Britain's referendum.

Mr Trump weighed in to endorse Brexit last summer while the Republican candidate. He was then assisted on his own campaign by the then Ukip leader Nigel Farage.

Since being elected President, Mr Trump has backed voters' decision to quit the EU.

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Jean-Claude Juncker, pictured in Malta today, has threatened to take revenge on Donald Trump for supporting Brexit by launching an independence campaign in the state of Ohio

Mr Trump, pictured at the White House yesterday, weighed in to endorse Brexit last summer while the Republican candidate. He was then assisted on his own campaign by the then Ukip leader Nigel Farage.

Mr Juncker has said he regrets Brexit but vowed to negotiate hard for the remaining 27.

Speaking in Malta today: 'Brexit isn't the end. A lot of people would like it that way - even people on another continent where the newly elected US president was happy that Brexit was taking place and has asked other countries to do the same.

'If he goes on like that, I am going to promote the independence of Ohio and Austin, Texas, in the United States.

'It's business as usual in Europe. We must continue, we must forge ahead.'

Ex Ukip leader Nigel Farage said: 'Juncker has made a complete fool of himself.

'He clearly does not understand the difference between the EU and the United States of America.

'One was formed by consent while the other is being imposed.

'The US is an organically formed nation with a single language and similar culture while the cultural and linguistic differences in the EU are immense.

'If this is what Juncker calls diplomacy, he needs to take a long hard look at himself.'

Europe's leaders have been reacting to Britain's Article 50 notification, which was delivered to Donald Tusk yesterday by Britain's EU ambassador Sir Tim Barrow

Meanwhile, European Parliament president Antonio Tajani told the EU conference in Malta: 'We are living a very difficult moment.

'Economic crisis, immigration, terrorism, Brexit, the responsibility of the EPP (European People's Party) is most important responsibility.

'We need to work all together, we need to be united.'

EU Council President Donald Tusk led reaction from Europe yesterday, insisting Brexit was not a 'happy' day and insisting: 'We already miss you'.

Britain's EU ambassador Sir Tim Barrow set the ball rolling yesterday as handed the Article 50 notification to Mr Tusk at around 12.20pm, formally starting Brexit talks.

Mr Tusk brought his copy to a press statement and showed it off to the cameras.

The letter set out the Prime Minister's objectives for the Brexit negotiations and how she wanted to pursue them.
A racist Mormon 'mummy blogger' has issued a 'white baby 'challenge' to her followers to stop 'black ghetto culture'.

Alt-right blogger Ayla claims on her blog Nordic Sunrise, that Mormonism is doomed if it continues to celebrate racial diversity, and support refugees and immigration.

The Donald Trump supporter, who regularly retweets former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke and uses the #whiteculture hashtag, has become a poster girl for the alt-right movement.

In her latest rant, Ayla - a mother-of-six who also opposes feminism - attacked what she describes as 'black ghetto culture.'

Racist Mormon blogger Ayla (left and right), a mother-of-six, has issued a 'white baby 'challenge' to her followers to stop 'black ghetto culture'

Her answer was to issue the 'white baby challenge' to urge white families to have more white children, the Salt Lake Tribune reports.

'I've made six. Match or beat me!'

She also tweeted a statement from Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, saying that Americans 'can't restore our civilization with somebody else's babies'.

The blogger also criticized rapper James the Mormon, aka James Curran who she claimed was promoting 'ghetto culture.'

'Just as inner-city Chicago used to be full of hardworking Christian[s], Poles, Germans and Irish but is now overrun with black, ghetto culture,' she wrote in a recent blog, 'it seems Mormonism and Utah are the next target for cultural destruction, and what's worse, the Mormons themselves are welcoming it.'

Alt-right blogger Ayla refers to herself as a former social justice warrior turned alt-right blogger

In her latest rant (left) Ayla (right with one of her many children) - who also opposes feminism - the mother-of-six has attacked what she describes as 'black ghetto culture'

While she admits that James does not 'cuss or rap about sex (at least not yet),' she claims his music video promotes 'violent, inner-city thug culture and its lack of traditional values. It was also erasing our strong Mormon musical culture.'

Ayla even attacks James for supporting Beyonce, Black Lives Matter and being pro-refugee.

'Equality of cultures is a false God,' she said. 'The culture and values promoted by James the Mormon do not reflect what is best for Mormon youth. He should not be given promotion within our homes or church.'

The Mormon church declined to comment on the behavior of its individual members.

But the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has made efforts to promote diversity, decrying racism, and have spoken out in defense of refugees.

Crystal Young-Otterstrom, a national co-chair of LDS Democrats, 'shocked' when she read Ayla's comments, telling Buzzfeed that racism has 'no place in Mormonism.'

She admits that the church needs to do more to stamp out racism within its ranks.

Mormonism has a rather murky past when it comes to race.

Ayla has also posted numerous racist messages and posts on Twitter

Ayla believes that white people and Mormons are under attack from immigration and 'ghetto culture'

Fellow church members have condemned Ayla's tweets and blog posts

The church banned African American men from its lay priesthood between the late 1800s and 1978. And the Book of Mormon refers to an ancient people being 'cursed' with dark skin.

African American Mormon Phylicia Rae Jimenez, from Philadelphia, says he has often experienced racism from members of the church.

'I have been a member nine years and have been told many times on many different occasions how I'll be white in heaven or how my skin is a sin/curse,' the convert says. 'Her comments aren't isolated. They're in abundance in our church, and we must address them directly if we ever want to begin healing from our church's racist history.'

However, the church does appear to have made efforts in recent years to address such sentiment.

Late LDS Church president Gordon B. Hinckley said in 2006 that no one 'who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ. Nor can he consider himself to be in harmony' with the Mormon faith.

But Ayla's popularism - she has almost 22,000 Twitter followers - appears to show that is the face of a small but outspoken ' alt-right LDS subculture.

DailyMail.com has reached out to the Church of Latter Day Saints for comment.
House Speaker Paul Ryan said House Intelligence Chair Devin Nunes' got his secret information from a 'whistleblower-type person' and that he said he was going to 'brief everybody' on it.

That included President Donald Trump, who Nunes says was referred to in some of the surveillance he saw.

Ryan says he did not tell Nunes to rush over to the White House and share the information with the president.

'I told him to just add it to his investigation,' Ryan told CBS' Norah O'Donnell.

House Speaker Paul Ryan said House Intelligence Chair Devin Nunes' got his secret information from a 'whistleblower-type person' and that he said he was going to 'brief everybody' on it

The GOP leader intimated that he was under the impression that Nunes (pictured) was going to brief his fellow committee members, Republican and Democrat, on the materials he had seen.

Ryan indicated in the interview that aired Thursday morning but was taped earlier in the week that Nunes had already made up his mind about what he was going to do before he met with him last week on Wednesday.

The GOP leader also intimated that he was under the impression that Nunes was going to brief his fellow committee members, Republican and Democrat, on the materials he had seen.

Those documents have still not been produced for lawmakers by the relevant agency, Ryan said.

'We want this information to be provided to Congress,' he stated.

Nunes says he reviewed dozens of reports in a secure location on the White House grounds, a fenced in area that includes the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, on Tuesday of last week that he could not take with him.

While refusing to reveal his sources or method of obtaining the information, Nunes described the person who gave him the documents a 'whistleblower' within the federal government.

The information in the reports, Nunes says, bothered him enough that he felt he must brief the president, whose name and campaign came up repeatedly.

Democrats want Nunes to recuse himself from the Russia investigation - Trey Gowdy has offered to take a lead role instead

Neither Trump nor his associates were the targets of the probe - their names came up incidentally. In many cases they were not named directly in the reports, known in the intelligence community as unmasking. But it wasn't too hard to figure out who the reports were referring to, Nunes has said.

He thinks the information was included inappropriately and has demanded that the reports be shared with Congress.

'He had told me that  like, a whistleblower-type person had given him some information that was new that spoke to the last administration and part of this investigation,' Ryan told CBS. 'He briefed me about it, didnt know the content of it, only knew the nature of it and that he was going to brief others.'

Ryan says he has not seen the documents that Nunes told him, the press, and then the president about, in that order, nor did he ask to see them at that time.

'He didn't have the documents, so I didn't (ask),' Ryan said. 'I don't know that he's been in possession of them yet,' he later said.

Pushing for more O'Donnell asked the House speaker if he told Nunes, 'Whatever you find out, you should probably go tell President Trump about it?'

'Oh  he was gonna brief everybody. He  I already knew he was going to go and brief. So the  what Chairman Nunes said is he just came into possession of new information that he thought was valuable to this investigation, and that he was going to go and inform people about it,' Ryan stated.

Nunes did not brief 'everybody' on the information immediately though - he kept Democrats on the committee in the dark until after he'd spoken to the press - twice - and the president, as well as the speaker.

Rep. Adam Schiff, the ranking Democrat on the committee, and other panel Democrats have said Nunes needs to recuse himself from the investigation into Russian meddling in the election in response to the incident.

Ryan says he did not tell Nunes to rush over to the White House and share the information with the president. 'I told him to just add it to his investigation,' Ryan told CBS' Norah O'Donnell

Ryan said Tuesday he doesn't think that's necessary. Neither does the White House.

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said Wednesday after he was asked about Nunes, 'He is the chairman. Hes conducting an investigation. It is up to the House of Representatives and the Speaker and the members of the House Republican Conference to determine.

Adding, 'There is nothing that I see that is problematic in him conducting an investigation that we asked both the House and Senate Intelligence Committees.'

Restating the White House's position later, Spicer said, 'I dont have any authority over how the House Intelligence Committee conducts itself. '

Sen. Lindsey Graham has offered the most biting criticism of Nunes from a Republican.

He told MSNBC on Monday that the Republican congressman had made a 'mess' of the election investigation with his conduct.

'I don't like what Nunes did, going down in the White House, seeing somebody nobody else saw.  I think that's a breach of trust and he's got to repair the damage. I don't know if he can or not,' Graham, a member of the Senate Intel Committee told 'For the Record' host Greta Van Susteran.

At the very least, Nunes ought to tell fellow lawmakers how he he got his hands on the troubling reports, Graham charged.

Graham said he liked a suggestion from Republican Rep. Trey Gowdy for him to pair up with Schiff and take a lead role in the investigation into Russia.

Gowdy ran House's special committee that looked into the attack in Benghazi, Libya.

In an interview on CNN Wednesday morning, Gowdy said, 'I want to sit down with Adam Schiff and say, "Adam give me your list of witnesses. Lets do it together. Lets interview them together." Were both former federal prosecutors. Lets find the facts and the truth together.'

Speaking to Van Susteran Wednesday evening, Graham said Gowdy, who is a lawyer from South Carolina just like him, 'had a good suggestion to shift.'

'Give us the witnesses you want to interview and let's interview them,' he said, repeating his friend.
Ken Livingstone defended on his claims about Hitler's links to Zionists today - insisting they had been 'collaborating' right up to the Second World War.

The former London Mayor defended his incendiary comments as he arrived for a misconduct hearing that could see him expelled from the Labour.

Mr Livingstone was suspended from the party in April last year after claiming that Hitler supported Zionism in the 1930s 'before he went mad and ended up killing six million jews'.

Ken Livingstone refused to back down on his claims about Hitler's links to Zionism as he arrived for his misconduct hearing in Westminster today

He was then embroiled in a furious on-camera confrontation with Labour MP John Mann who accused him of being a 'Nazi apologist' and 'disgrace'.

But arriving in Westminster for the hearing of Labour's national constitutional committee, which could last could last up to two days, Mr Livingstone insisted he had nothing to apologise for.

'I simply said, back in 1933 Hitler's government signed a deal with the Zionist movement, which would mean that Germany's Jewish community were moved to what is now Israel,' he told reporters.

'They started selling Mauser pistols to the independent Jewish army.

'You had, right up until the start of the Second World War, real collaboration.'

The Labour veteran, a close ally of Jeremy Corbyn, also complained that the hearing was being held in private.

'It's completely unfair. We have a tradition of law and that is open,' he said.

'There's absolutely no justification for something like this being done in private.'

He pointed out that he had been defending Labour MP Naz Shah after she suggested Israel should be 'relocated into the United States'.

'They have dropped all the charges that I'm anti-Semitic,' he said.

'They've dropped the charge that I said Hitler was a Zionist.

'It's really coming down to claiming I brought the party into disrepute by defending Naz Shah.

Mr Livingstone was embroiled in a furious on-camera confrontation with Labour MP John Mann after his comments in April last year

Mr Mann branded the former London Mayor a 'Nazi apologist' and a 'disgrace' during the clash

'As she's been readmitted to the party that does seem a bit excessive to try and expel me for supporting her.'

Mr Livingstone insisted he had nothing to apologise for, repeating his previous argument that he had only stated historical fact.

It is not the first time Mr Livingstone has become embroiled in an anti-Semitism row.

In 2006 a High Court judge said he made 'unnecessarily offensive' and 'indefensible' remarks likening a Jewish reporter to a Nazi concentration camp guard. But he was cleared of bringing the office of mayor into disrepute.

Mr Livingstone's hearing in Westminster could last until tomorrow

Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said Mr Livingstone had persisted in causing offence.

She said: 'Even when it has been made blatantly clear that his comments have caused deep hurt and offence to Jewish people, and in particular to Holocaust survivors, still Ken Livingstone has persisted down this route promoting a misleading and misinformed version of history to further his agenda. Enough is enough.'

In a written submission to the panel, Mr Livingstone said he had 'raised the issue of the collaboration between Hitler and a section of Zionism in the early 1930s' as a result of a misunderstanding of presenter Vanessa Feltz's question during a BBC London interview.

He said he had 'no intention' to cause offence but was 'sorry' if his remarks did so.

He claimed 'supporters of Israel' had called on Labour to expel him to 'silence' his criticism of 'Israeli aggression'.

'I did not say or suggest that Hitler was a Zionist. I did not make any equation of Hitler and Zionism. I neither criticised the transfer agreement or the section of Zionism that participated in the agreement,' Mr Livingstone added.

Mr Livingstone, who is being represented by high profile lawyer Michael Mansfield QC, was previously expelled from the party when he announced he would stand as an independent in the London mayoral race after losing the Labour selection process.
The body of Kim Jong Nam, half-brother to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and the victim of a bizarre murder at Kuala Lumpur airport, has been released to North Korea

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Thursday that the body of Kim Jong Nam, half-brother to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and the victim of a bizarre murder at Kuala Lumpur airport, has been released to North Korea at the request of his family.

Najib added that nine Malaysians - three diplomats and their six family members -who had been barred from leaving North Korea have been allowed to return to Malaysia.

'They took off from Pyongyang today at 7.45pm Malaysian time, and will land in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow around 5am,' he said in the statement which did not mention Kim Jong-Nam by name, referring to hims only as 'the deceased'.

Kim, 45, was poisoned at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on February 13 in a brazen Cold War-style assassination using a lethal nerve agent banned by the UN as a weapon of mass destruction.

Kim died within 20 minutes of the attack, before reaching the hospital.

Najib's statement said: 'In addition, following the completion of the autopsy on the deceased and receipt of a letter from his family requesting the remains be returned to North Korea, the coroner has approved the release of the body.'

A van believed to be carrying the body of Kim Jong Nam, leaves the Kuala Lumpur Hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in this photo taken on Thursday

Kim, 45, was poisoned at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on February 13 in a brazen Cold War-style assassination using a lethal nerve agent banned by the UN as a weapon of mass destruction

The body is to be returned to family in North Korea, KCNA news agency said, adding that both countries would lift reciprocal bans on travel by citizens and guarantee their safety, letting the nine Malaysians now in Pyongyang return home.

Kim's body was believed to be on Malaysia Airlines flight MH360 to Beijing, en route to North Korea.

The Malaysians left Pyongyang in a Royal Malaysian Air Force business jet, which headed immediately west out of North Korean airspace before turning south towards Malaysia, according to flight tracking website planefinder.net.

The agreement was reached after recent talks between North Korea and Malaysia in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, Najib's statement added.

A joint statement by the North Korean government released simultaneously said both countries managed to 'resolve issues arising from the death of a DPRK national' in Malaysia at a meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

'The importance of bilateral relations was reaffirmed. In this connection, both countries agreed to positively discuss the re-introduction of the visa-free system and work towards bringing the relations to a higher level,' read the statement from North Korea.

North Korea does not acknowledge the dead man is Kim Jong Nam, the half brother of leader Kim Jong Un.

Pyongyang continues to refer to him as Kim Chol, the name on the diplomatic passport Kim was carrying when he died.

Indonesian Siti Aisyah (left), 25, and Doan Thi Huong (right), 28, from Vietnam, were charged with murder in the case and could be hanged if found guilty

Airport CCTV footage shows two women approaching the 45-year-old victim and apparently smearing his face with a piece of cloth

After the attack, Kim was seen talking to airport staff about what had happened. Less than half an hour later, he was dead

Seven North Koreans are wanted in connection with the killing, including a diplomat and an airline employee who are believed to be in Malaysia

South Korea has blamed Pyongyang for Kim's death, but the North has rejected those claims and has never confirmed the identity of the victim, who was carrying a passport bearing the name of Kim Chol when he was attacked.

Pyongyang had denounced Malaysia's investigation as an attempt to smear the secretive regime, insisting that Kim most likely died of a heart attack.

Two women - one Vietnamese and one Indonesian - have been arrested and charged with the murder.

Airport CCTV footage shows them approaching the 45-year-old victim and apparently smearing his face with a piece of cloth.

The killing triggered a bitter row between Malaysia and North Korea, which have expelled each other's ambassadors and barred their citizens from leaving.

Malaysia also expelled the North Korean ambassador for being "diplomatically rude", though Najib later said that ties with Pyongyang would not be severed in a bid to calm relations.

Kim's body had been at a Kuala Lumpur morgue for more than a month following his death, as no family member came forward to claim the body.

Malaysia had refused North Korea's request to release the body without an autopsy and investigation. It expelled the North Korean ambassador over his remarks questioning the investigations.

Kim Jong Nam, who had been living in the Chinese territory of Macau under Beijing's protection, had spoken out publicly against his family's dynastic control of the isolated, nuclear-armed North Korea.
A baby has been executed by Islamic State terrorists in the Middle East after its Australian jihadi father tried to flee the war zone and come home.

The Australian infant, whose gender has not been confirmed, is believed to have been killed in revenge after the child's father contacted authorities in an attempt to escape the conflict in Syria and Iraq, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Authorities would not confirm the baby's age or how the child was killed.

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A baby, whose gender has not been confirmed, has been killed by Islamic State terrorists in the Middle East after its Australian jihadi father tried to flee the war zone and come home (stock image)

Attorney-General George Brandis said the Government condemned 'any parent who takes their family to the conflict zone'.

'The government has consistently said going to the conflict zone puts yourself and others in danger,' he said.

There are more than 100 Australian terrorists fighting overseas for terrorist organisations.

The Turnbull Government has previously voiced concerns the Australian citizens would try and return home as the Islamic State loses its stronghold.

In an attempt to stop fighters from fleeing, the Islamic State is believed to control their money and takes their passports, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Security laws to prevent Australian jihads from returning home were introduced by Immigration Minister Peter Dutton in 2015 but several flaws are being reviewed.

The Australian infant is believed to have been killed as revenge after its father contacted authorities in an attempt to escape the conflict in Syria and Iraq (stock image)

The laws were created to strip terrorists with dual-nationality of their Australian citizenship.

So far only one person, extremist Khaled Sharrouf, has lost his Australian citizenship, despite him being reportedly killed two years ago.

Sharrouf gained infamy after his young son was pictured on social media holding a severed human head in 2014.

He went to fight with Islamic State in Syria in 2013 - a year after being released from prison for his role in a terrorism plot.

In 2015, there were unconfirmed reports Sharrouf had died in a drone strike in Mosul.

Other Australians fighting overseas include: Senior terrorist Neil Prakash, Sydney jihadi bride Hafsa Mohamed, Hamza El Baf, Perth student Muhammed Sheglabo, Melbourne man Yusuf Mohamed Yusuf and Mostafa Mahamed Farag  who has ties to Al-Qaeda.

Zehra Duman, who moved from Melbourne to Syria to marry Autralin jihadist Mahmoud Abdullatif in 2014, is now recruiting wives for jihadis.

Mounir Raad, from Melbourne, is also fighting with extremists overseas.
Three men from Kosovo and an unidentified minor have been arrested on suspicion of plotting to blow up Venice's Rialto Bridge.

Fisnik Bekaj, Dake Haziraj and Arjan Babaj were detained in overnight raids after it emerged that they had undergone 'religious radicalisation'.

One of the suspected jihadist plotters boasted that they would 'go straight to heaven' if they put a bomb under the bridge, a wiretap conversation revealed.

They were reportedly inspired by the Westminster terror attacks in London and had discussed plans to join Islamist fighters in Syria.

(From left) Kosovo-born Fisnik Bekaj, Dake Haziraj and Arjan Babaj, and an unidentified minor have been arrested in Venice on suspicion of plotting to blow up the city's Rialto Bridge

This is the famous Rialto Bridge that the suspects allegedly plotted to blow up

Raids were conducted at 12 addresses in the historic city centre to find the men.

'With all the unbelievers there are in Venice, you put a bomb under the Rialto and you go straight to heaven,' the alleged plotter said.

'That was one the most worrying and alarming remarks we heard,' said Venice prosecutor Adelchi d'Ippolito said at a press conference.

Two of the men worked as waiters in Venice, according to local media. One of the suspects was arrested in an apartment close to La Fenice, Venices opera house.

Police had been monitoring the group since last year, it emerged.

The suspects appeared to have been studying how to build explosives but did not have the necessary components for making a bomb, the court heard.

A search of a Venice apartment revealed the suspects were getting into physical shape and watched clips of Islamic extremists on how to carry out knife attacks.

Footage showed police raiding the apartment of one of the suspects and detaining him

A search of a Venice apartment revealed the suspects were getting into physical shape and watched clips of Islamic extremists on how to carry out knife attacks

'There was a lot of talk about unconditional support to ISIS. It wasn't just theory and dogma,' d'Ippolito said of the wiretaps.

They were also envisioning moving on to 'planning and projects', he said.

Interior Minister Marco Minniti praised the police for what he called 'an important success in our terrorism prevention effort.'

The Rialto Bridge is the oldest of the four bridges that span Venice's Grand Canal, first built at the end of the 12th century.

Venice prosecutor Adelchi d'Ippolito said the suspects appeared to have been studying how to build explosives but did not have the necessary components for making a bomb

The suspects were ISIS supporters and became inspired after the Westminster terror attacks in London, a wiretap conversation revealed (pictured, soldiers patrolling Saint Mark's Square in Venice on Thursday)

Raids were conducted at 12 addresses in the historic city centre to find the men

The current bridge, an arched stone construction which dates from the late 16th century, is one of the best-known landmarks in the floating city and its walkways are frequently packed with tourists.

It was the only way of crossing the Grand Canal on foot for the best part of three centuries.

According to media reports, the wiretap evidence against the suspects also includes recordings of them celebrating the attack outside Parliament in London last week and discussing their desire to join Islamist fighters in Syria.
An inquest has been opened into the death of Westminster terrorist Khalid Masood

Westminster terrorist Khalid Masood was killed by a single gunshot wound to the chest, a court heard today.

The 52-year-old killer was pronounced dead at 3.35pm  just under an hour after he embarked on his murderous mission on Westminster Bridge and the Houses of Parliament, an inquest into his death was told.

Westminster Coroner Dr Fiona Wilcox also took the unusual step of offering her sympathies to Masood's family, 'who are also victims of this incident'.

Coroners Officers Eric Sword told inquest that the terrorist had been identified by 'finger prints and DNA'.

Masood was taken to St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, where he was later pronounced dead.

Mr Sword said: 'The cause of death was gun-shot wound to the chest. His time of death was recorded at 15.35.'

Detective Superintendent John Crossley gave the court a summary of the events that left four people dead  Kurt Cochrane, Aysha Frade, Leslie Rhodes and PC Keith Palmer  and over 35 injured.

The Counter Terrorist Bureau detective said: 'On Wednesday 22 March 2017 at approx 2.40pm a male drove a Hyundai motor vehicle, registration EK66 RWO, northbound over Westminster Bridge towards the Houses of Parliament.

'The driver mounted the pavement twice in the an apparently deliberate attempt to target pedestrians, before mounting the pavement for a final time and crashing his vehicle into the east parliament gates of the Houses of Parliament.'

Masood died in St Mary's Hospital after being shot in the chest during the attack last week

The aftermath of the attack in which Masood (top) was shot after stabbing PC Palmer (right)

Det Supt Crossley said there were some 140 'significant witnesses' to the carnage out of a potential 1,500 potential witnesses to the 82-second terror attack.

PC Keith Palmer, 48, was stabbed, American tourist Kurt Cochran, 54, and Aysha Frade, 44, died from multiple injuries that afternoon and retired window cleaner Leslie Rhodes, 75, died later in hospital of his injuries.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has launched an investigation into Masood's death and will report directly to senior coroner Dr Wilcox, the court heard.

No member of Masood's family attended the 15-minute hearing at Westminster's Coroners Court but Dr Wilcox offered them her sympathies.

She told the court: 'I take a moment to pass my sympathies to the family o Masood, who are also all victims of this incident.'

The inquest was adjourned until May and will be heard in full at the Royal Courts of Justice.

Earlier in his life, Masood, formerly called Adrian Elms, had lived in Tunbridge Wells, Kent and Rye and Eastbourne, East Sussex, where he picked up a number of convictions for petty crime and violence.

After having two children with a previous partner, he was jailed twice and is understood to have converted to Islam while in prison.

US tourist Kurt Cochran and mother Aysha Frade died after Masood drove across the bridge

PC Keith Palmer (left) was stabbed beneath Big Ben. Pensioner Leslie Rhodes died the next day

Upon his release, he married a Muslim woman and travelled to Saudi Arabia to teach English.

In the years before his attack, he lived near a number of known radicals in Luton before travelling between homes in east London and Birmingham.

It also emerged today that Masood was, as he claimed on his CV, a graduate, having received a bachelor degree in economic history in the 1990s.

The University of Sussex confirmed that Masood had been a student, using his birth name of Adrian Russell Elms, and say they are helping the Metropolitan Police with enquiries.

A University of Sussex spokesperson said: 'Last week, we were saddened to learn of the attack in Westminster, London.

'Since then, it was brought to our attention that the attacker may have studied at the University and we were working to verify this was the case.

'We are now able to confirm that Adrian Russell Elms studied at the University of Sussex twenty years ago. He undertook a Bachelor of Economics with Economic History from 1994-1997.'

Hundreds of people congregated on Westminster Bridge yesterday to mark seven days since the devastating terror attack

Police say they wish to speak to anyone who knew Masood as they continue a huge investigation into what led to the terrorist outrage.

Met Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said: 'If you knew Khalid Masood and had spoken to him in the months, weeks or days leading up to this attack please come forward.

'We still believe that Masood acted alone on the day and there is no information or intelligence to suggest there are further attacks planned.

'Even if he acted alone in the preparation we need to establish with absolute clarity why he did these unspeakable acts to bring reassurance to Londoners, and to provide answers and closure for the families of those killed and the victims and survivors of this atrocity.'

Yesterday, thousands of people linked hands on Westminster Bridge to mark seven days since Masood's 82-second murderous rampage.

Romanian tourist Andrei Burnaz, who suffered a broken foot in the attack, was pushed in a wheelchair as he placed a single rose on the bridge during the vigil.

His girlfriend Andreea Cristea was knocked from the bridge into the River Thames and remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition.
A young couple who spent more than two nights on a freezing mountain in upstate New York after losing their way in a fog bank have been reunited with the rescuers who saved them from an icy death.

Blake Alois, 20, and girlfriend Madison Popolizio, 19, were present on Wednesday as New York State pilots Lt. Peter McLain and Sgt. Brian Rumril were honored for the rescue effort off Algonquin Peak in December.

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos presented the pilots with Meritorious Service Awards, and their chopper was renamed the 'Algonquin Angel' after the life-saving mission.

Blake Alois (center) and Madison Popolizio (second right) were reunited on Wednesday with the pilots who rescued them off Algonquin Peak in December

The couple started hiking New York state's second-highest peak on December 11, but became lost when then encountered fog at the top. Above, the couple revisiting the chopper they were rescued in

At the ceremony on Wednesday, the helicopter was renamed the Algonquin Angel after the life-saving rescue

Alois smiles as she shakes hands with one of his rescuers on Wednesday

The couple spent two nights on the freezing-cold peak, where temperatures usually dip to -4 in winter

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos presented the pilots with Meritorious Service Awards

The couple were rescued after they called out to forest rangers who were searching. The helicopter then had to hover close to the mountain while the hikers were strapped into the aircraft

'It was a roller-coaster ride from beginning to end,' Mclain told the Adirondack Daily Enterprise after the rescue in December.

The couple, now recovered from their nightmare nights on the mountain, looked still very much in love and smiled as they were allowed to jump inside the aircraft once again.

In an interview with DailyMail.com a few days after their rescue, Madison said that they kept each other's spirits up in the -4-degree temperatures by talking about their future.

The couple are pictured above in a video at the start of their hike on Demember 11

The couple were hospitalized after the nightmare hike but have since recovered

Algonquin Peak is pictured in the background on a previous hike the couple completed

Temperatures on top of the 5,114-foot Algonquin Peak (file picture) typically dip to -4F during the night at that time of the year

The Niskayuna college students started hiking the state's second-highest peak on December 11, and conditions were fine until they reached the top. That's when fog set in, blinding them and making it impossible to find their way back.

Madison, a history major in college, and Blake, were terrified. They tried to walk back to the trail, but lost their footing and fell down an estimated 100 feet.

The pair had no choice but to sit and wait for help. Snow had entered their jackets and boots, wetting their gloves.

Temperatures on the 5,114-foot Algonquin Peak typically dip to -4F during the night at that time of the year.

The couple (pictured in February), who have been together for a year and a half, dreamed aloud about getting married and moving to Paris while they waited for two nights on top of the mountain

Madison at one point told Blake she had lost feeling in her legs and feet.

'His first instinct was to take his bag that was full of our supplies and our food and to dump it out and to pull it around my legs so I could stay warm,' she told CBS News.

She believes she owes her life to her boyfriend.

'He told me how much he loved me and what our lives were going to be like when we got out,' Madison said, explaining how Blake had supported her through the bitter cold.

The pair took turns comforting each other.

'Whenever one of us got down, the other one would push the other person through and be like, "No, you're not going to die here. We're going to make it," ' Madison told The Daily Gazette.

And we talked about the things we were going to do when we got out, and how we were going to get married and be happy, and go live in Paris  and just trying to keep our spirits up.'

Rescuers, meanwhile, started looking for the stranded couple by 8pm on Sunday, braving freezing wind chills, at least three feet of snow and below-freezing temperatures, the Adirondack Daily Enterprise reported.

Madison said she became so dehydrated during their second night on Algonquin Peak that she began hallucinating and thought she heard people answering their pleas for help.

Blake, she said, put one of their water bottles under his shirt to melt the ice inside, so that she could drink.

'It's a remarkable feeling. We are unbelievably grateful to be with each other back in our hometown with our families and friends. It's a dream,' Madison told the DailyMail.com

The pair finally heard a helicopter the morning of December 13. Madison then heard a voice and thought she was hallucinating, but Blake told her he could hear it too.

Rescuers airlifted them off the mountain and took them to the hospital. Blake and Madison knew they might lose some toes and fingers due to the cold.

Madison's sister set up a Go Fund Me to help cover their medical bills but said Madison and Blake are 'simply happy to be alive' and would like to donate the money to the rescuers instead.

'I love you today and every day forever, here's a lovely boomerang of us before we realized we were going to get utterly blinded by fog,' Madison wrote on Instagram as she shared a short video of Blake kissing her cheek during the hike.

'Never thought we'd be spending our year and a half anniversary by getting airlifted out of the Adirondacks with frostbite on our hands and feet, but as long as I have you I'll be OK.'

'I asked him if he would still think I was pretty if didn't have any feet. And he said you could lose both your legs, both your arms and you would still be the prettiest girl in the world,' Madison told CBS News.

'It's a remarkable feeling. We are unbelievably grateful to be with each other back in our hometown with our families and friends. It's a dream,' Madison told the DailyMail.com.
David Cameron has reinvented himself as a Brexiteer - saying he never 'liked' the EU and is glad he called the referendum.

The former Prime Minister, whose political career was brought to a shuddering close when he lost the historic vote last year, made the comments as he addressed an event in Ukraine.

It is not known whether he was paid for the speech at the National University in Kiev - although he has racked up hundreds of thousands of pounds in earnings since leaving Downing Street last July.

David Cameron admitted he never 'liked' the EU as he delivered a speech in Ukraine yesterday

Mr Cameron gave the address at the National University in Kiev, saying he did not regret calling the EU referendum despite losing

The former PM's speech came on the same day Theresa May confirmed to the Commons that she had triggered the formal mechanism for leaving the EU

Mr Cameron told the audience: "I think it is worth understanding that Britain always was uncertain, in fact opposed to the idea of the deeper and more integrated political union.

'We looked at the European flag and we thought, "well, we don't really like the European flag, we've got our own flag".

'We looked at the European parliament and we didn't really like the European parliament. We've got our own parliament, which we are very proud of.'

Despite masterminding the desperate Project Fear campaign with George Osborne in a bid to keep the UK in the Brussels club, Mr Cameron said he felt the same way about the European institutions.

'I led the campaign to stay in and I didn't like the European flag and the European parliament,' he said.

'We were always uncertain about that political union element. I was passionate about my side of the argument, I threw myself into the argument, I made every argument I could, I fought as hard as I could, but I knew that if I lost I would have to think about resigning.

'Having argued so strongly the way I did, I knew it would be hard to have the credibility to continue to take the country forward in the direction that people wanted it to go in.'

The speech was delivered as Theresa May gave effect to the outcome of the referendum by triggering Article 50 - the formal process for leaving the EU.

The UK's envoy Sir Tim Barrow handed over a signed letter invoking the Lisbon Treaty mechanism to European Council president Donald Tusk in Brussels.

Mr Cameron led the cross-party campaign to keep us in the EU last year, including at one point manning a phonebank with Lib Dem Lord Ashdown and former Labour leader Lord Kinnock

European Council president Donald Tusk was handed the historic Article 50 letter by the UK's representative Sir Tim Barrow in Brussels yesterday
An American couple living in Toronto have sold their home to a family for $112,000 ($150,000 Canadian) less than the asking price because the new owners sent them a moving letter.

The Crofts put their 1,983sqft home up on the competitive market for $592,000 ($798,000 Canadian) but sold it to the Sohs, a family of six, for considerably less than the asking price because they were moved by their note.

'I have faith in humanity again,' the Crofts' agent, Tracy Nursall, told the Toronto Star. 'I can't believe what happened here. I think it's amazing and people need to know [selling a house] isn't all about milking people.'

Family: The Sohs - mom and dad Rosanna and Joo-meng, and their four kids - have a new home after their letter to the previous owner won them the property for $112K under the asking price

Won over: Michelle Croft and her husband sold up after they were won over by the Sohs' letter (full text at bottom of article) and said they hoped the family would live in the home a long time

The Sohs - dad Joo-meng, mom Rosanna and their four kids, aged nine to 14 - won the house because of the contents of their characters, not their wallets.

The family had returned from a six-week missionary trip to Africa - where they visited slums and taught in village schools - to realize that their 3,600sqft home now felt all too large.

'We came home changed,' they wrote in the letter that they attached to the offer they made to the Crofts.

'When the nameless faces that we hear about in the news become our friends and when their stories now become a part of our story we find ourselves looking at things differently.'

Even with four children, they felt that they had too much, they said - and their children, Jacob, Elianna, Nathaniel and Abigail, agreed.

So they decided to sell off their existing home and find something cheaper, then use the money they would save for doing good.

But it wasn't an easy task.

Home: The Sohs wanted to move into the Toronto home (pictured in 2015) because they could use the money saved from their bigger house to fund missionary work and helping the poor

'When we were looking at other houses of similar size, that's where the discouraging part is,' Rosanna told The Star.

'There's no chance with our goal and our budget, it was one of those "This is not going to work [situations]."'

That's where the Crofts' smaller home came in - but even then they found themselves priced out - until they explained their plans for the property.

'Our desire is to downsize and live simply so others may simply live,' they wrote.

'The gift of your home would allow us the freedom to do more mission trips and it would free up more of our finances to take care of the poor and needy and build His Kingdom.

'This would also allow us to further build in our children what has been planted in their hearts, to love those in need more than the things of this world.'

The Sohs also included a photograph of them all together.

Mission: The Sohs, who had been on a six-month mission to Uganda and felt that they needed to change their living arrangements afterward, included this photo in the letter to the Crofts

It worked: Croft, who has been on a '15-year Canadian adventure' with her husband - said that she liked the idea that a family would live in the home where she raised her daughter.

Of the other bidders, she said: 'I could just see them leaving the house in a much sooner time frame.'

And it's not like she lost out: The Sohs' final offer still came in $150,000 US more than the list price, meaning that the home sold for at least $742,000 US - and certainly more than the figure the Crofts wanted to reach.

'When that number was met, we thought, "What's enough? What's the point?"' she said.
A 65-year-old Cablevision contractor was found dead inside a utility closet of an all-girls prep school in New Jersey after he had a seizure while doing installation work, police said.

Administrators at the Academy of the Holy Angels in Demarest called the police at 11.45am after after finding the body at an area of the school called the Old Theater, Chief James Powderely said. The area is attached to classrooms.

The name of the deceased has not been released as of yesterday, but officials said the man was a contractor from New York.

It is believed the man 'had not passed recently' at the time the body was discovered, NorthJersey.com reported.

The body of a 65-year-old man was found in the utility closet at the Academy of the Holy Angels in Demarest, New Jersey

Students at the private Catholic high school were told to 'shelter in place' in their classrooms, but were not in any danger.

'We wanted to make sure we identified who came in contact with the body and witnesses,' said Powderley. 'All of that is part of the investigation moving forward.'

The police chief added that foul play has not been ruled out, but had not been suspected at the moment.

An assembly was held for students and staff to address the incident at the end of the school day. The students were released at their regular dismissal time at 2pm.

The body was taken to the Bergen County Medical Examiner's Office that afternoon.

A Cablevision spokesperson said: 'The health and safety of our employees is our top priority and we are very saddened by this news. Our hearts go out to his family. We are in contact with the authorities and out of respect for the family we cannot provide further details.'
The country should be 'heralding' Ivanka Trump for taking an unpaid position at the White House instead of hitting her with nepotism charges, a spokesman for her father's presidential campaign argued today.

Former Donald Trump spokesman Jason Miller said Thursday on CNN's New Day, 'She is working for free. She is volunteering her time and effort for the good of the country.'

'How is this nepotism?' he asked New Day host Alisyn Camerota.

Obama ethics czar Norm Eisen admitted that there is an argument in the legal community over the federal anti-nepotism law and whether it applies in this case.

'But is it a good idea? Do we really want a country that is run like a monarchy? Where you have the throne flanked by family members?' he asked.

The country should be 'heralding' Ivanka Trump for taking an unpaid position at the White House instead of hitting her with nepotism charges, a spokesman for her father's presidential campaign argued today

Former Donald Trump spokesman Jason Miller (right) said Thursday on CNN's New Day, 'She is working for free. She is volunteering her time and effort for the good of the country.' Obama ethics czar Norm Eisen (left) asked, 'Do we really want a country that is run like a monarchy? Where you have the throne flanked by family members?'

Ivanka bowed to pressure from government ethics groups and said this week that she is officially joining her dad's White House as an unpaid, senior aide.

Although she will maintain ownership of her company, she is backing away from her business to abide by federal ethics rules.

The Trump daughter will have to fill out a financial disclosure form that the federal Office of Government Ethics will scour for potential conflicts.

She will sell off assets and move everything else to a trust that someone else will manage, Miller, who remains connected to Trump world, said Thursday.

Her husband, Jared Kushner, a senior advisor to the president, transferred authority over many of his business holdings after negotiating his own ethics agreement in January.

Ivanka began moving her own assets then and walked away from the management of her business then, Miller said.

'She has been taking these steps for a long time, and I think it was good that she stepped up and made sure that it was very clear that she was going to abide by the exact same rules that any other employee was going to,' the Trump insider said.

Eisen said that Miller's claim 'is not quite right' because 'like her father, she is insisting on the right to maintain ownership of her businesses.'

'She has a financial interest which raises questions about conflicts,' the ethics expert and former U.S. ambassador said.

'While the question of whether or not this nepotism, Mr. Kushner on one side of the throne, Ivanka Trump on the other with their father and father-in-law respectively in the middle, while it may or may not be allowed by federal anti-nepotism law, many bipartisan experts, myself included, say it is not allowed.'

Continuing, Eisen compared the Trump administration to a 'monarchy' and asked, 'Do we want people in the Oval Office whose first loyalty will be to the country not to the man sitting behind the desk?'

Ivanka's title will be assistant to the president, the New York Times reported.

That puts her on the same level as other top aides to the president like the White House chief of staff and her husband.

IS IT ETHICAL? 'While the question of whether or not this nepotism, Mr. Kushner on one side of the throne, Ivanka Trump on the other with their father and father-in-law respectively in the middle, while it may or may not be allowed by federal anti-nepotism law, many bipartisan experts, myself included, say it is not allowed,' Eisen said

Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump step out of their Kalorama, Washington D.C home on Wednesday morning. The couple's work at the White House is raising ethical questions

Ivanka's title will be assistant to the president. That puts her on the same level as other top aides to the president like the White House chief of staff and her husband

Miller argued on CNN that Americans should be grateful Ivanka is donating her time.

'How lucky are we as a country that we have someone who is a successful businesswoman, who started company from scratch and took it to be worth more than a couple hundred million dollars to come into the administration and work for free?' he said.

'I think thats a great asset to the country. She brings a great world view and a point of view, whether it's on family leave or climate change, gives different perspectives in this White House.'

The former Trump spokesman who was named communications director at the White House but backed out before Inauguration Day would not submit that Jared and Ivanka are more liberal than the president's other advisers.

'They certainly have their own positions. I would not go and try to pin it in an ideological sense,' he said, dodging a question from John Berman.

Miller did, however, tell the New Day hosts and Eisen, a Democrat, 'I'm surprised we are not talking about how great it is we have another influence in the White House talking about family leave, and we have seen her influence on that.'

Ivanka has also been present for White House discussions on women in the workplace, he pointed out. Both issues are traditionally favored by Democrats.

He added, 'This is fantastic.'

Congress enacted anti-nepotism laws following the Kennedy administration, but the White House contends that they apply only to executive agencies and not the White House itself.

Others have expressed general concerns about having a member of the president's family serve in his White House.

GOVERNMENT WORK: First daughter Ivanka Trump meets with students at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington on Tuesday

Both Jared and Ivanka have rejected salaries and cut ties with their businesses to further comply with ethics laws.

Ivanka said in a Wednesday announcement: 'I have heard the concerns some have with my advising the president in my personal capacity while voluntarily complying with all ethics rules and I will instead serve as an unpaid employee in the White House office, subject to all of the same rules as other federal employees.'

The statement signaled that the president's daughter was taking seriously the complaints of ethics groups that warned she could withdraw at any point from her voluntary compliance with federal guidelines.

Ivanka has already been serving as a de facto top advisor to her father.

Her surprise announcement came after White House press secretary Sean Spicer defended the arrangement as originally announced, although in a terse fashion.

Her lawyer, Jamie Gorelick said she will file the financial disclosures federal employees must file will be bound by ethics rules.

'She will file the financial disclosure forms required of federal employees and be bound by the same ethics rules that she had planned to comply with voluntarily,' he told the New York Times.

Ivanka has already been serving as a de facto top advisor to her father. She and her husband are seen here at a press conference in the White House East Room earlier this month

Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel (L) and Ivanka Trump (R) talk before a meeting with President Donald Trump and business leaders in the Cabinet Room of the White House

The White House said in a statement to the Times: 'Ivankas service as an unpaid employee furthers our commitment to ethics, transparency, and compliance and affords her increased opportunities to lead initiatives driving real policy benefits for the American public that would not have been available to her previously.'

Ivanka added, 'Throughout this process I have been working closely and in good faith with the White House counsel and my personal counsel to address the unprecedented nature of my role.'

The action came on the same day liberal firebrand Sen. Elizabeth Warren fired off a blistering letter to the federal Office of Government Ethics about Trump's arrangement.

'Ms. Trump has substantial interests at stake: for example, she has retained ownership of Ivanka Trump Marks LLC, a retail clothing brand. Ms. Trump's increasing, albeit unspecified, White House role, her potential conflicts of interest and her commitment to voluntarily comply with relevant ethics and conflicts of interest laws have resulted in substantial confusion,' Warren wrote.

Craig Holman of Public Citizen told DailyMail.com it was 'good news' that Ivanka was abandoning the voluntary arrangement.

'Ivanka was just getting too imbedded in the White House. She got this coveted office space right in the West Wing,' he said. 'Once you get out youre clearly and obviously a government employee. Im sure even the White House counsel said we cant even pull this one off.'

Eisen said on CNN, 'If it walks like a duck, and it quacks like a duck, it is a duck. She is an employee. Treat her like one.'
President Donald Trump dangled a threat that he will go after conservative Freedom Caucus members in the 2018 elections if they don't get on board with his agenda 'fast.'

He fired the latest shot at the conservative GOP caucus nearly a week after Republican leaders had to yank health care legislation from the House floor, but this time tacking on the electoral threat.

'The Freedom Caucus will hurt the entire Republican agenda if they don't get on the team, & fast. We must fight them, & Dems, in 2018!' Trump tweeted Thursday.

Congressman Justin Amash, a member of the Freedom Caucus, told reporters afterward, 'Most people don't take well to being bullied.'

'It's constructive in fifth grade. It may allow a child to get his way, but that's not how our government works.'

It isn't clear what Trump might do to knock off the most dug-in lawmakers. Many represent highly conservative districts. Although Trump carried these areas, the lawmakers have not left much room on their right for a potential primary challenge.

More moderate alternatives might have trouble getting traction in deep red territory.

Trump took his clash with the House Freedom Caucus to a new level, vowing to fight the conservative Republicans in the elections 'if they don't get on the team'

Trump launched the Twitter attack on the group after previously needling them over the weekend, having also praised the membership's unsuccessful efforts to come to agreement with him.

Last Friday, when an Obamacare repeal bill collapsed, Trump blamed Democrats for the failure, although his negotiating energies had been almost entirely focused on assembling a Republican coalition to repeal President Obama's signature domestic achievement.

On Monday, Trump tweeted: 'The Republican House Freedom Caucus was able to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. After so many bad years they were ready for a win!'

Axios reported on Thursday that friends who speak to Trump say the president plans to direct more phone calls to a wider circle and include more Democrats on his call lists.

His spokesman wouldn't say Thursday afternoon what the president was implying with the tweet.

Don't blame me! 'The losers are Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer,' Trump claimed, naming the Democratic Party's leaders in the House and Senate, 'because now they own Obamacare. They own it. One hundred per cent own it.' He was flanked by Tom Price, the health secretary, and Vice President Mike Pence in the Oval Office

Trump tweeted another harsh message about the Freedom Caucus implying they wanted to not pass the healthcare bill as a 'win'

Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) of the Freedom Caucus led talks with the White House

Underlying Trump's problem, Rep. Louie Gohmert, a Texas Freedom Caucus members who said the final bill was 'based on a lie,' won his conservative district with 71 per cent of the vote.

Trump leaned on the Freedom Caucus members, applying intense pressure in the final days as the health vote approached.

His White House embraced the moniker of Trump being 'the closer,' only having to watch the deal break apart when the caucus members wouldn't budge.

Trump did give concessions, agreeing to strip away 'essential services' that health plans provide  potentially causing headaches to more moderate members.

Ted Poe was in favor of the GOP healthcare bill that was shut down before the vote last week. He quite the Freedom Caucus on Sunday

Republican leaders and Democratic President Obama have also been frustrated by the GOP's most conservative lawmakers.

Government funding runs out at the end of April, posing another test, while Trump's tax and infrastructure priorities will also face difficulties.

Rep. Ted Poe quite the group on Sunday after its members failed to get behind Trumpcare.

There's some members of the Freedom Caucus - they'd vote 'no' against the Ten Commandments if it came up for a vote,' Poe told CNN Monday.

Unless Trump, is able to get some Democrats on board on with Obamacare repeal, he'll need all of the Freedom Caucus on his side in order to follow through on the campaign promise.
A grand jury has charged a Georgia mom with child cruelty after she allegedly sat on her toddler's head for an hour to teach him a lesson in 'submission.'

The indictment was handed up on March 23, more than nine months after Kennesaw, Georgia's Susan Elizabeth Kelley was originally arrested for supposedly sitting on her son's head while trying to discipline him, reports the The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

According to the arrest warrant, obtained by Fox 5, Kelley committed the offense of cruelty to a child in the first degree, stemming from the incident which allegedly occurred on the morning of May 11.

Susan Elizabeth Kelley of Kennesaw, Georgia has been indicted on a child cruelty charge after she allegedly wedged her toddler's head against a wooden chair and sat on it for an hour

Kelley, as stated in the arrest warrant, 'did place the head of her two-year-old son on the seat portion of a wooden dining room chair with a towel placed under the childs head.'

She then apparently sat on her son's head, 'with full body weight,' for just over an hour in an effort to 'gain "submission" from the child.'

After being sat on, the toddler became unresponsive and was taken to Egleston Hospital for children in Atlanta, Georgia. His reported physical injuries included 'redness to the head, chest and back,' according to the warrant.

Kelley's lawyer, Maddox Kilgore, said that he would be entering a not guilty plea whenever she has her arraignment hearing.

The Cobb County, Georgia arrest warrant revealing Kelley's alleged actions on May 11

Egleston Hospital for children in Atlanta, Georgia, where the unresponsive toddler was taken

Kilgore noted that the toddler has since made a full recovery from the May 11 event that led to her arrest and subsequent release on a $55,220 bond.

If found guilty of cruelty to a child in the first degree  a felony offense  Kelley could face jail time of between five to 20 years, according to Georgia law.

Kilgore previously represented another Cobb County resident, Justin Ross Harris, during his 2016 trial in which he was found guilty of murdering his 22-month-old son after locking him in a hot car for seven hours.
House Speaker Paul Ryan is not enthusiastic at all about President Trump's assertion that he could work across the aisle to get a healthcare reform deal done.

'What I worry about, Norah, is that if we dont do this then he'll just go work with Democrats and try to change Obamacare and that's not  that's hardly a conservative thing,' Ryan said to CBS This Morning host Norah O'Donnell.

Ryan characterized Trump as a 'can-do president, a business guy,' and pointed out how the new POTUS wanted to get things done  even if that means abandoning his own political party.

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House Speaker Paul Ryan says he doesn't want the White House working with Democrats on a revised healthcare bill, as he fears the result will not be conservative enough

Paul Ryan (right) told CBS News' Norah O'Donnell (left) that he'd rather see his party get together and pass the healthcare bill that is already on the table

'If this Republican Congress allows the perfect to be the enemy of the good, I worry we'll push the president into working with Democrats,' Ryan said. 'He's been suggesting that as much.'

The bill Ryan and Trump wanted passed rolled back some of the provisions of Obamacare, but wasn't a full repeal.

Thus it was stopped by conservatives in the House, the Freedom Caucus, who labeled the legislation 'Obamacare lite.'

Democrats have been wanting to simply implement fixes to Obamacare, as opposed to rolling any piece of the Obama-backed legislation back.

O'Donnell asked Ryan if he had spoken to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi about some kind of bipartisan bill.

'No, I'm trying to get this bill passed,' Ryan said. 'Nancy and I see things very, very differently.'

The CBS newswoman than noted that it sounded like Ryan and the White House had very different stances on working across the aisle.

'I don't want this to happen,' Ryan explained. 'You know why? I want a patient-centered system. I don't want government running healthcare.'

'The government shouldn't tell you what you must do with your life, with your healthcare. We should give people choices,' he said.

Ryan may have shared his concerns about the president trying to broker a healthcare deal across the aisle, but he also characterized his relationship with Trump as 'very good.'

The House speaker told O'Donnell that the two Republicans talk just about every day and usually speak for half an hour.

'Just the policies of the day. We're talking about health care these days, talk about tax reform. A lot of things,' Ryan said of their conversations.

O'Donnell asked Ryan if Trump had mentioned anything about a tweet the president sent out last weekend, instructing Americans to watch Judge Jeanine Pirro's show on Fox News.

The first thing Pirro did on her show, in the aftermath of that tweet, was call on Ryan to resign as House speaker.

Ryan said Trump called him and apologized.

'He actually was very apologetic about it ... he said, "I had no idea that that's what she was gonna talk about. I thought she was gonna talk about something else,"' Ryan explained. 'So really, that was completely coincidental ... he thought she was gonna talk about something with respect to Russia that he thought was interesting and favorable.'

Pivoting to talk more generally about the job, Ryan, a former vice presidential nominee for his party, suggested this would be the top post in politics that he planned to reach.

'I knew this is going to be the last job I took in politics because  and I'm happy with [it]  I'm totally comfortable with that because it's an opportunity to make a big difference, get things done,' he said.

'And this is one of those jobs where you take a bunch of slings and arrows, and you just know that when you take this job,' he continued.

'You take it with a great of salt,' he added. 'It really doesn't get to me anymore.'




A Brazilian woman who was punished by her family for getting pregnant and held for 16 years in a tiny room has been freed from her private jail hell.

Maria Lucia de Almeida Braga was locked up in a room which measured only three metres by three metres after she got pregnant at the age of 20 after a fling with a man.

When she gave birth her son was given away to another family.

Police said the room where Maria Lucia was kept did not have a toilet and stank of urine and faeces. It had no electricity and the only light was from the window, which was kept shuttered and locked most of the time.

Maria Lucia was kept naked but was fed twice a day, like an animal.

Maria Lucia was rescued from her family's remote compound outside the town of Uruburetama in Brazil's Ceara on March 9 but the news only emerged yesterday after her brother, Joao de Almeida Braga, was arrested.

Maria Lucia had spent the last 16 years in this room. Her crime? Getting pregnant

The room had no electricity and the only light came from a window (pictured, left) which was kept shuttered most of the time. There were holes in the roof where the rain came in (right)

Braga, 48, was arrested for illegally imprisoning her and mistreatment but the maximum sentence he faces is only eight years in prison.

Her father is believed to have been the prime mover, along with the brother, for locking her up but he suffered a stroke and will not be prosecuted because of his health.

Maria Lucia's lawyer, Harley Filho told the Globo newspaper: 'She became pregnant...and out of shame, the father chose to imprison her. She gave birth and her son was delivered to a third party.'

Her mother reportedly disagreed with the punishment meted out to her daughter but was overruled by her husband and son. She developed psychological problems and remains bed-bound.

Police arrived at the family's remote compound after being tipped off anonymously. They broke through several padlocks to gain entry.

A police spokesman said: 'It was a three-by-three room with only one hammock. It was very fetid, damp and very dirty. She rushed over to the officers with open arms when she saw us.'

An anonymous tip led police to the remote compound and they had to break four locks to get into the room

He said it was in a very remote area and cars did not pass by: 'No matter how loud she screamed, she would not have been heard.'

The officer said: 'She was very thin, but she is already regaining normal weight. He speaks with difficulty, but is beginning to write.'

Her son has been identified. He is 15 years old and the police said they were hopeful there would soon be a reunion.
An Afghan migrant has been charged with raping and murdering an EU official's teenage daughter in Germany.

Hussein Khavari, 22, has been accused of ambushing Maria Ladenburger, 19, as she cycled home after a party, raping her and then drowning her in a river last October.

He was linked through his DNA to medical student Maria, who volunteered at various shelters that house migrants in her spare time in the university city of Freiburg.

Hussein Khavari (left), 22, of Afghanistan, has been charged with raping and murdering Maria Ladenburger (left), 19, in Germany

Maria's father is a senior legal adviser to the European Commission in Brussels.

The killing sparked frenzied new waves of hatred and fear of refugees.

The boss of the country's police union said her death would have been prevented had the open door asylum-seeker policy of Chancellor Angela Merkel been less lax.

The anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party was to piggyback on the killer's arrest to highlight what it says are the dangers of unregulated immigration. It calls Maria a 'victim of Merkel's welcome culture.'

Maria's body was found in the Dreisam River less than one mile from the student accommodation where she lived.

Khavari was born in Ghazni in Afghanistan and came to Germany as an illegal unaccompanied minor in November 2015.

In numerous social media posts he liked to present himself with hair slicked back with gel, jogging pants and training shoes.

On Facebook, before the killing of Maria on October 16, he wore his hair long but it was cut back after the crime.

A single strand of it was found at the crime scene but he left other traces of his DNA behind too.

He was linked through his DNA to medical student Maria, who volunteered at various shelters that house migrants in her spare time in the university city of Freiburg

Another disturbing photo he posted on his Facebook page in June shows a wolfman clutching a young maiden in his arms.

He said he was 17 at the time but he is thought to be 22. He has not spoken to police since his arrest.

After his arrest it emerged that he was let out of jail early in Greece where he was sentenced to ten years for trying to kill a young woman.

Stern magazine reported that Khavari had thrown a 20-year-old student off a cliff on Corfu, Greece, in May 2013.

The woman was severely injured but 'miraculously' survived and was able to identify her attacker.

Khavari told his lawyer that he 'regretted' what had happened.




A suspected burglar was allegedly forced to dig his own grave before being beaten by an angry mob after he was accused of a series of break-ins.

Residents in the Dwarsloop township in the Bushbuckridge district in Mpumalanga province, in eastern South Africa, seized the young suspect after identifying him as a house breaker, local reports said.

As they stood around him jeering angrily, the suspect was reportedly forced to use a pick and shovel to dig a grave.

A suspected burglar was allegedly forced to dig his own grave before being beaten by an angry mob after he was accused of a series of break-ins

The mob then ordered him to climb in while they filled in the earth up to his waist.

A shocking video - filmed by local Tumelo Dibakwane - recorded the terrified man sticking out of the hole with just his head and shoulders and begging for his life.

Some members of the crowd could be seen smashing shovels on the suspect's head.

Local media said several members of the mob wanted to set fire to the man.

The man was reportedly trapped in the hole for more than an hour before he was freed.

Police say he is being treated in hospital for multiple injuries.

Mpumalanga police spokesman Sergeant Gerald Sedibe told local media the man refused to make an assault complaint.
Dubai's newest landmark forms a perfect snapshot of the city's panoramic view with a 50-storey-high gold-plated picture frame.

The Frame, which cost an estimated Dh160million (35million) consists of two 150-metre high, 93-metre wide towers connected by a 100-square-meter bridge - all covered in gold plating.

From the bridge connecting the two towers, tourists can take snapshots of the city's panoramic view, with 'Old Dubai' in the north and 'New Dubai' in the south.

The structure is half the height of Paris's Eiffel Tower, which stands at 300 metres.

The Frame, which cost an estimated 35million, consists of two 150-metre high, 93-metre wide towers connected by a 100-square-meter bridge - all covered in gold plating. It is pictured (left) in an artist impression of the finished design

According to a statement from the Dubai Municipality, The Frame will be 'an important attraction point for tourist visitors and residents alike, and is expected to attract nearly 2 million tourists a year'

Construction on the attraction started in 2013, and authorities are now installing the final details, like the gold stainless steel cladding, according to Gulf News.

According to a statement from the Dubai Municipality, The Frame will be 'an important attraction point for tourist visitors and residents alike, and is expected to attract nearly 2 million tourists a year'.

There will be interior spaces in the building that will act as exhibitions, including one telling the history of Old Dubai.

The exhibition will feature 'mist effects, smells and motion' that will tell the story of Dubai.

'The Past Gallery embodies the idea of the project and tells the story of the evolution of the city and its past, and shows the old city using the most new and updated means of presentation that contributes to the creation of a favorable environment that develops & comprehends the renaissance taking place in Dubai,' the statement says.

A Sky Deck exhibition will give tourists a chance to see the city from all views.

Construction on the attraction started in 2013, and authorities are now installing the final details, like the gold stainless steel cladding

There will be interior spaces in the building that will act as exhibitions, including one telling the history of Old Dubai

The structure, which is about the height of a 50-storey building, is half the height of Paris's Eiffel Tower, which stands at 300 metres

A Sky Deck exhibition will give tourists a chance to see the city from all views. Pictured above, the Frame pictured at night

Interactive screens will help tourists point out buildings and landmarks and will give facts and information about each.

A mezzanine level will represent the 'future of Dubai', according to the statement.

'The concept of this gallery is to depict Dubai 50 years from now into the future by creating a virtual metropolis through interactive projections and virtual reality technology,' the statement says.

'The idea is to create an illusion of time travel through a warp vortex and arriving into the city 50 years ahead,' the statement ads.

An immersive 'virtual metropolis' will be created to show what the city will look like in the future.

'The scenes would depict the city's evolution after 50 years, new projects, how people would travel, live etc,' the statement says.
A male pensioner can now receive extra welfare payments after a tribunal disagreed he was in a de-facto relationship with his female housemate.

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal in Melbourne this month found that while Patrick Thomson and Yeshi Dolma had 'occasional sexual encounters', they lacked the 'emotional connection required of a sexual relationship'.

Mr Thomson had been ordered by Centrelink to pay back welfare benefits he received between November 2013 and October 2015 because the pair were deemed to be a couple.

A tribunal has ruled a male pensioner can now receive an extra welfare payment because his 'occasional sexual encounters' with his female housemate lacked the 'emotional connection required of a sexual relationship' (stock image)

Centrelink made the decision in December 2015 because they had been sharing a house for the past two years.

That decision meant Mr Thomson had his pension reduced because couples receive less than an individual, and he incurred a debt.

Mr Thomson challenged the decision, which was rejected by Centrelink in January 2016, before the matter was referred to the Tribunal.

Tribunal member Conrad Ermert found Mr Thomson was not a member of a couple, was not overpaid pension benefits and does not owe a debt.

'The evidence before me is that ... Ms Dolma and Mr Thomson engaged in occasional sexual encounters but did not have a sexual relationship,' Mr Ermert's ruling says.

'Their sexual relations do not appear to have the emotional connection required of a sexual relationship.

A tribunal found Mr Thomas does not owe a debt to Centrelink because he was not in a de-facto relationship with his female housemate when he was receiving a pension (stock image)

'There is no degree of commitment to one another other than that of mutually convenient and reasonably friendly arrangement.

'I am not satisfied that the relationship between Ms Dolma and Mr Thomson is a de-facto relationship.'

Mr Ermert ordered Centrelink to 'recalculate Mr Thomson's benefits and make the appropriate payments'.
Locals opposed to a mosque in Adelaide have vandalised a real estate sign in front of the site.

Shia Muslims last year applied for permission to build a mosque and cemetery at Pooraka, in Adelaide's north.

The City of Salisbury council approved the development application in February, sparking community outrage.

The spray-painted real estate with the phrase: 'No Mosque' at Pooraka in Adelaide

The GoFundMe campaign against an approved mosque in Adelaide has raised just $640

Concerned Citizens of South Australia have lodged an appeal with the Environment, Resources and Development Court.

To fund their legal defence, they have set up a Go Fund Me page complete with an image of a McGees property sign in front of the site at the corner of Bridge and Research roads, with the spray-painted words: 'No mosque.'

There is no suggestion that the CCSA Inc were responsible for the graffiti.

So far, they have raised $640 in three weeks, which is well shy of the $8000 goal to fight plans for a two-storey, $3 million development.

Brad Tsombris, the project officer with the citizens' group, said they were concerned about the influence of Islam in the area.

'We are concerned about radical Islam,' he told The Northern Messenger.

An Adelaide equestrian centre owner nearby cited Sydney as an example of Muslims taking over (Auburn Gallipoli Mosque pictured)

Only a few kilometres away in Golden Grove an equestrian centre owner rejected a $1.79 million offer from Islamic businessmen for his property.

John O'Leary told Daily Mail Australia he was worried about Muslim populations in places like Sydney and the associated crime.

He turned down the offer for his 4.5 hectare Adelaide property because was worried about Muslims taking over.

The prospective buyers had plans to turn his Grainsborough Equestrian Centre, at Golden Grove, into a function hall with an Islamic prayer room.

Mr O'Leary said local Christians, including a church elder, were now so scared of Muslims they were getting gun licences.
Nearly a decade after Queena Phu survived an assault by a brutal serial rapist who left her for dead, the Valrico, Florida woman is finally going to prom.

Following the trend of creative 'promposals' popular with high schoolers, Queena's friend Derrick Perez popped the question in a sweet video posted this weekend.

'So I got you a little teddy bear, pink because I know you like pink,' Perez says as he holds up a sign and reads it aloud to Queena, whose speech, vision, and mobility remain severely impaired despite years of grueling rehab.

Queena Phu, seen right and standing left in photos taken before she was assaulted in 2008, has waited nine years for the chance to go to her senior prom

The attack left Queena profoundly disabled despite years of grueling physical therapy

'Queena, prom would be unBEARable without you!!!' Perez announces to the beaming woman, who is now 26.

'Queena was grinning from ear to ear and beaming,' her sister Anna Donato told DailyMail.com. 'She does not speak and cannot see much, but you could tell by the expressions on her face that she was thrilled.'

Queena's senior prom was just a week away when her life was changed forever on April 24, 2008.

A bookworm student, Queena's friends knew her as a bubbly, cheerful and sometimes klutzy young woman.

She was excited for senior prom, and had already bought her dress and booked her hair and makeup appointments.

It was a Thursday night when she drove to the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library to return some books. Talking to a friend on her cellphone she mentioned a 'weird guy' lurking near the front of the library.

A bookworm student, Queena's friends in high school knew her as bubbly, cheerful and sometimes klutzy young woman looking forward to college

On the other end of the line, the friend heard her scream before the line went dead.

Serial rapist Kendrick Devonte Morris, then just 16, brutally raped and strangled Queena, leaving her for dead lying naked on an anthill, covering her body in ant bites.

Serial rapist Kendrick Devonte Morris, then just 16, brutally raped and strangled Queena

Morris had raped a 62-year-old day care worker just months earlier.

The sick rapist was convicted in 2011, and earlier this month his sentence was extended to life in prison, with a chance for review after 20 years, under new sentencing guidelines for juveniles tried as adults.

Queena's mother spoke in court for the first time at the re-sentencing hearing.

'You wonder, Who would do such a horrible thing?What kind of creature, not even a human being, could do such a despicable thing? What would drive someone to commit such a heinous crime? The answer over and over again is an evil, evil person,' she said.

Queena was left with profound brain injuries. 'She is trapped inside a body that she cannot control, and her mind replays the horrible scenes over and over again, and she will never be able to shut it off or vent to anyone about it,' her sister said at the re-sentencing.

Despite nine years of grueling rehab, she has limited mobility, cannot speak, and eats through a tube through her stomach.

This past weekend's promposal by friend Derrick, a senior at Bloomingdale High School, was a complete surprise for Queena, her sister says.

Queena was left with profound injuries. Despite nine years of grueling rehab, she has limited mobility, cannot speak, and eats through a tube through her stomach

Friends say Queena has been heroic throughout her years of rehab, as she struggles with brain and other injuries

Derrick and Queena met three years ago, when the boy's mother was treating Queena with aromatherapy.

'They instantly become friends, and do everything together,' said Donato, Queena's sister. 'He accompanies her to events, fundraisers, and even my wedding.'

Derrick, president of his high school film club, is also making a film based on Queena's inspiring story.

The prom will be on April 8. Queena has decided to wear the dress that she bought nine years ago, for her original senior prom.
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A mother polar bear and her adorable cubs are seen facing the world for the very first time after emerging from their maternity den.

These heartwarming snaps show young cubs exploring their new exciting environment before, worn out by the excitement, settling down for a snowy nap with their mother.

Photographer Christine Haines headed to the Wapusk National Park in Manitoba, Canada to capture the moments on camera - documenting two different mothers and their offspring.

These are the amazing scenes as a polar bear brings her cubs out into the open for the first time from their maternity den

Photographer Christine Haines braved 75mph winds in Manitoba, Canada to capture this wonderful set of photographs

According to Haines, the polar bears will soon head to Hudson bay to start the summer hunt to gorge on seals

She said: 'I was there photographing mother polar bears and cubs emerge from their maternity den for the first time. I was able to photograph a mom with one cub and another mom with two cubs. Once the mother leaves her maternity den she will dig a day den to rest in. The mother with the two cubs dug a den between a group of small trees'.

According to Christine the mothers and their cubs will soon be heading to Hudson Bay tin order to hunt for seals.

She added: 'Photographing the bears was difficult because of the extreme cold and deep snow. I had to keep replacing my batteries to keep my camera operating. After taking these photos, the park was hit by a three day blizzard with wind gust of 75 mph. There was so much snow the train was not running so I had to take a helicopter back to Churchill'.

During her visit to the Wapusk National Park in Manitoba, Haines managed to take photographs of two polar bear families

After leaving their maternity dens, the polar bears will dig special day dens to rest up until it is time to go hunting

According to Haines, she was forced to keep replacing the batteries on her camera because of the extreme cold temperatures
Almost 5,000 Ford cars are being recalled after seven vehicles erupted into flames across Australia.

Owners of a 4450 Ford Kuga SUV or a 400 Fiesta ST hatchback are being urged to hand their vehicles over to a dealership to be repaired after issues with their shared turbo engine.

There have been reports of fires in seven Ford Kuga vehicles since December 2015, according to Perth Now.

Almost 5,000 4450 Ford Kuga SUVs (pictured) or 400 Fiesta ST hatchbacks are being recalled after seven vehicles erupted into flames across Australia

The cars have ignited after 'localised overheating of the engine cylinder head, due to a lack of coolant circulation', according to a statement from Ford Motor Company of Australia Limited.

The overheating causes the cylinder head to crack, causing an oil leak.

Ford is asking owners of the Kuga to bring their cars to their nearest dealership between April and June for initial recall work.

The work will be completed during a necessary second visit between October and December.

There have been reports of fires in seven Ford Kuga vehicles since December 2015, stemming from issues with the engine (similar vehicle pictured)

A time period for repairs to the Fiesta hatchback has yet to be set.

'Parts are not immediately available to carry out repairs on affected vehicles. Ford is working with suppliers to obtain parts as soon as possible. Ford will write to owners of all affected vehicles as soon as parts are available,' Ford said in the statement.

Owners can still drive the vehicles in the meantime but need to maintain the proper engine coolant and be aware of any smoke or overheating.
The father of Elizabeth Smart is speaking out about the similarities between the recent abduction of Elizabeth Thomas in Tennessee and his daughter's kidnapping over a decade ago from her home in Utah.

Edward Smart said in an interview with ABC 2 that in both cases, the men who snatched the young girls used manipulation to keep them under their spell and afraid to run off or seek help.

Smart was just 14 when she was taken from her bedroom at knifepoint on June 5, 2002 by Brian David Mitchell, while 15-year-old Thomas was stolen from her family by her teacher Tad Cummins earlier this month.

'In our Elizabeths case they got her to this mindset where she believed that if she did anything they didnt want her to do that they would come and kill her family,' explained Edward.

He went on to state: 'Manipulation really is what controls them, and if [Elizabeth Thomas'] sold that she's in love with [Tad Cummins] or he's in love with her or whatever the situation may be, the focus just has to be brought back to her.'

Meanwhile, a former co-worker of Cummins is hoping he can break the spell that the teenager may be under by offering her the $10,000 reward if she escapes from her captor and returns home.

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Same situation: Edward Smart (above), whose daughter Elizabeth was kidnapped in 2002, said that there are many similarities between her case and that of Elizabeth Thomas

Missing: A former co-worker of Cummins is offering a $10,000 reward to Thomas if she escapes from her captor and returns home

Edward also shared some of the horrifying details of his daughter's kidnapping during the interview, including how she was 'cabled' to trees in the woods and 'imprisoned' by Mitchell, who performed a wedding ceremony between himself and Smart soon after the abduction.

'You just cant even imagine whats going through a young girls head at this point at time,' Edward went on to say, bringing the focus back to Thomas.

'Regardless of what Elizabeth Thomas situation might have started out to be it could be very different at this point.'

In the case of Smart, the family eventually got a happy ending with the safe return of the teenager but only after a long and devastating saga that forever changed all their lives.

It was on March 12, 2013 that Smart was found, nine months after she was last seen by her sister Mary Katherine being ripped from her bed and taken away from her home.

Smart was discovered in Sandy, Utah and Mitchell and Wanda Barzee were arrested for abducting the teenager, was was subjected to repeated sexual assaults during her time in captivity.

Explanation: Edward said that the men who snatched the young girls used manipulation to keep them under their spell and afraid to run off or seek help (Edward, Elizabeth and Lois at the White House a month after their daughter was found in April 2003)

Villain: Smart was just 14 when she was taken from her bedroom at knifepoint on June 5, 2002 by Brian David Mitchell (above) from her bedroom in Utah

It was a biker who had seen Smart's story on 'America's Most Wanted' who spotted the girl, and on that note Edward also spoke about the importance of news coverage during horrific incidents like the one his family had to deal with 15 years ago during his interview.

'I just dont think you can hope to find your child without the media and the coverage because without them you cannot engage the public and get them to help you find her,' said Edward.

'Its going to come down to the public seeing something, seeing her or seeing him.'
Almost 50 dachshund puppies were rescued from the trailer of an elderly man after their explosive breeding left his home overrun.

The man in Crawford Country, Arkansas, was spending almost seven days a week looking after the pups and finally called in help after he could no longer cope.

The dog-lover had originally welcomed just four puppies into his cramped trailer, but failed to have them neutered or spayed.

It is believed that he had no idea that the dogs could breed so fast and within five years his home was overrun, reports abc.

Almost 50 dachshund puppies were rescued from the trailer of an elderly man after their explosive breeding left his home overrun

The man in Crawford Country, Arkansas, was spending almost seven days a week looking after the pups and finally called in help after he could no longer cope

One of the dog's rescued. Despite the conditions the pets were living in, it was reported the owner was so devoted to caring for them that he went without food to pay for their upkeep

He asked for help after his puppy brood reached 17 but could not find the appropriate party to take them off his hands.

The owner was so devoted to his beloved puppies that he would often go without food in order to pay for their upkeep.

However, he is now said to be 'very grateful' after a charity swooped in to offer them temporary accommodation and care.

Terri Bondi, founder of Save Underdogs in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, said the dogs had come from a 'hoarding situation'.

Ms Bondi said that when vets arrived at the man's trailer, he had 75 dogs, but decided to keep only three.

Fortunately, although the dogs had not been seeing a vet, Ms Bondi said they were both clean and friendly.

She said that their owner had done the 'very best he could' to look after them.
A joyful dog showed how thankful it was towards its savior after being freed from a 10-foot-deep well.

In the heart-warming video, taken on Tuesday in China, the Golden Retriever appeared to give the fireman a hug before rolling around him to express its gratitude.

The canine had been stuck at the bottom of the dry well in Hefei, Anhui Province, and the firefighter, named Miao Kanglei rescued it.

Thank you for saving me! The pet dog was so happy it went around fireman Miao Kanglei

A spokesman from Anhui Fire-fighting Department told MailOnline the pet accidentally fell into the well at the intersection of Shuangfeng Road and North Huainan Road. It was being walked by its owner at around 7pm.

The owner immediately contacted the Department for help.

The Hefei Fire Brigade arrived on the scene shortly. They placed a rescue tripod over the well and lowered firefighter Miao Kanglei down the shaft to save the trapped animal.

Rescue effort: Miao was lowered down into the dry well in order to free the Golden Retriever

A video clip, shared yesterday by Anhui Fire-fighting Department on its social media account, showed how 25-year-old Miao carried the dog out of the well.

The dog appeared to be frightened during the rescue. It struggled and kicked its legs as Miao held it in his arms. Meanwhile, Miao's colleagues reeled in a rope, which was attached to Miao's torso, to pull up the man and the dog.

After saving the dog, Miao was so tired he sat on the ground to rest. His body was covered in mud.

Miao's body was covered in mud after he got out of the well, but he said he was touched when the dog showed its appreciation towards him

While Miao felt exhausted, the Golden Retriever was ecstatic as it appeared to hug Miao to thank him.

The fireman, in his orange uniform, patted on the dog and played with it as it rolled around him, happily wagging its tail.

Miao, who is a squadron leader, said he was touched when the dog showed its appreciation after the difficult rescue effort.
Ivanka Trump has been hit by a claim that she ripped off trademarked designs for her coat collection - the second copyright suit filed against the First Daughter in under a year.

Unicolors Inc., a California-based 'textile converter' of imported and domestic fabrics, is suing Trump's brand - Ivanka Trump Marks LLC, Gill Leather Fashions - a manufacturer of Trump's clothing line, and TJX - the umbrella retailer that owns TJ Maxx, which sold the coat in question.

In documents obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com, Unicolors claim that they own the rights to the 'unique two-dimensional graphic design' and that they provide samples to clients with the understanding that if purchased, the design will be reproduced as is.

Ivanka Trump is being sued for allegedly ripping off a California-based fabric company's designs to use for a coat in her collection sold by TJ Maxx

Unicolors claim that they own the rights to the 'unique two-dimensional graphic design' and that they provide samples to clients with the understanding that if purchased, the design will be reproduced as is

But the suit alleges that Ivanka did not purchase the sample and used the design for this coat, making minor changes to Unicolors' original design

The fabric manufacturer is demanding an injunction, ordering Ivanka to stop selling coat, and is suing for all profits made by stealing its design

They believe, however, that the both the First Daughter and Gill Leather Fashions accessed their sample and reproduced it with only minor changes for one of Ivanka's coats.

The suit reads: 'Defendant IVANKA TRUMP purchased, sold, marketed, advertised, manufactured, caused to be manufactured, imported and/or distributed fabric and/or garments comprised of fabric featuring a design which is identical, or substantially similar to, the Subject Design. '

It goes on to explain that Ivanka's clothing is distributed by ten different retailers and is usually displayed and advertised differently than other clothing lines.

'Trump's clothing is often prominently displayed in a manner that is very easily accessible to customers and attracts their attention by displaying the 'Ivanka Trump' name on signs and other advertisements near its clothing.'

It also alleges that as retailers prefer to have the 'Trump name' attached to their clothing, the 'copyright infringement' is costing Unicolors significant business.

The fabric manufacturer is demanding an injunction, ordering Ivanka to stop selling the coat, and is suing for all profits made by stealing its design.

Ivanaka has yet to respond to the lawsuit and is currently in the throes of a separate legal battle, in which she was accused of ripping off designs by the high-end shoe designer Aquazzura.

Unicolors is also suing the coat's manufacturer, Gill Leather Fashions and TJX - the umbrella retailer that owns TJ Maxx

Last year in June, the fashion designer's business filed a federal lawsuit against Ivanka and her licensing company.

It claimed Ivanka's Hettie stiletto was identical to their Wild Thing pump, which has found a following among celebrities including Kendall Jenner and Solange Knowles.

The Italian shoe company pointed out in their complaint that the color, silhouette and fringing design of Ivanka's closely matched their own.

Ivanka is in the middle of a separate legal battle with high-end shoe designer Aquazzura, which claims Ivanka's Hettie stiletto (left) is identical to their Wild Thing pump (right)

The company is demanding an injunction be issued against Ivanka, as well as accounting for all profits made from the shoes they believe were ripped off.

Matthew Burris, the CFO of Ivanka's licensing company, released a statement after the lawsuit was filed stating: 'This is a baseless lawsuit aimed at generating publicity.

'The shoe in question is representative of a trending fashion style, is not subject to intellectual property law protection and there are similar styles made by several major brands.'

Ivanka is now demanding that the court dismiss Aquazzura's case and pay for her legal costs.

In January, the First Daughter officially stepped down from her role at her eponymous fashion line.

In a statement, she wrote: 'When my father takes office as the 45th President of the United States of America, I will take a formal leave of absence from The Trump Organization and my eponymous apparel and accessories brand. I will no longer be involved with the management or operations of either company.'
Serial killer Donald Harvey died Thursday, two days after he was attacked in his cell

The 'Angel of Death' serial killer, who admitted to killing three dozen hospital patients in Ohio and Kentucky during the 1970s and '80s, has died after being attacked in his prison cell.

A prisons spokeswoman says 64-year-old Donald Harvey died Thursday at 9.08am, two days after state troopers say he was found beaten in his cell at the state's prison in Toledo.

The assault happened around 2.20pm on Tuesday, and Lt. Robert Sellers told the Toledo Blade that they have a suspect, but did not release anymore information.

Harvey became known as the 'Angel of Death' after pleading guilty in 1987 to 37 murders.

Harvey pleaded guilty to murdering 37 people in 1987, but later said that he had killed as many as 50 more.

He committed the murders while working as a hospital aide, using a variety of methods, including turning off ventilators, giving patients fluid infected with hepatitis B, and suffocation.

A prisons spokeswoman says the 64-year-old was found beaten at the state's prison in Toledo. He is pictured above in 1987 standing before a judge during sentencing in Cincinnati

Harvey became known as the 'Angel of Death' after pleading guilty in 1987 to 37 murders. He is pictured above in 1987 being led back to jail after pleading guilty to eight murder charges and one voluntary manslaughter charge

But many of the killings involved his two favorite poisons, arsenic and cyanide, which he would administer in food, using injections, or through an IV.

Harvey had suffered sexual abuse at the hands of his uncle and a neighbor between the ages of four and 20, and was raped by his male roommate in 1970, when he was 18.

He also became fascinated by witchcraft and neo-Nazi groups as he grew older.

His first kill came on May 30, 1970 when he killed 88-year-old Logan Evans with a sheet of plastic and a pillow, and listened to his heart with a stethoscope as he died.

The following day he accidentally killed James Tyree, 69, when he used the wrong size catheter on him.

His third victim, claimed on June 22, was also the first of a series of 'mercy killings'. He said Elizabeth Wyatt, 42, had been praying to die so he turned down her oxygen supply until she died.

His victims were claimed while he was at Marymount Hospital in London, Kentucky; the Cincinnati VA Medical Hospital; and Cincinnati's Drake Memorial Hospital.

But his murders weren't restricted to hospitals, a Radford University psychology report said.

Harvey later claimed to have killed 18 more patients. Pictured above is the exterior of the Toledo Correctional Institution, in Toledo, Ohio where he was being held on multiple life sentences

When he suspected his lover, Carl Hoeweler, had been cheating on him, he dosed him with arsenic so he would be too ill to leave their apartment.

Hoeweler didn't die, but his father and brother-in-law were less lucky.

Harvey poisoned Carl Hoeweler, 82, with arsenic, while brother-in-law Howard Vetter died after Harvey accidentally served him wood alcohol instead of vodka; both died in 1983.

Between 1983 and 1985, Harvey also killed neighbors Helen Metzger, 63, and Edward Wilson, 32, with arsenic because he felt they threatened his relationship with Hoeweler.

After being caught, he agreed to a plea deal that allowed him to avoid the death penalty and was serving 15 life sentences.

He would have been eligible for parole in 2043 at 91 years old.
Two children were killed when a truck carrying 37 tons of mulch hit them as they approached a school bus in Buckingham County.

The crash happened Thursday morning on Route 15 in Dillwyn, Virginia.

Police say the children were five and six years old and died at the scene.

They were identified as 5-year-old Tori Perez and 6-year-old Jaiden Bartee.

Officials investigating the crash confirmed they were cousins.

A man at the scene who said he was the grandfather of one of the victims said the children were cousins.

The five-year-old girl was identified by her mother as Tori Perez.

A man at the scene who said he was the grandfather of one of the victims said the children were cousins. The girl, 5, was identified by her mother as Tori Perez (above). The boy was identified as Jaiden Bartee

The tractor-trailer (seen above) was carrying 37 tons of mulch when it hit the two children

Police say a tractor-trailer traveling on Route 15 struck the children as they were approaching a school bus. An investigator looks over the spot where the two children were killed

'The community, school, and local clergy had been deployed at all level of the school system to work through this tragedy with children and employees,' a Buckingham Schools spokesperson told WTVR-TV.

'The superintendent wants everyone to keep us in prayer during these times.'

State Police Spokeswoman Corinne Geller said six children were standing at the bus stop on a private road off U.S. Route 15 in Dillwyn when two of them saw their bus approaching and ran across the northbound lanes.

Geller said the tractor-trailer was traveling northbound at the time, carrying 75,000 pounds of mulch.

Perez's mother, Sabrina Green (center), is comforted by friends and neighbors as they walk to church in Dillwyn

She added that the driver was coming down a hill and tried to stop, but struck the children.

The school bus had its yellow lights flashing but hadn't come to a complete stop when the children ran across the road, Geller said. She said the school bus driver motioned to the children to try to get them to go back to the side of the road.

Sabrina Green, Perez's mother, told The Richmond-Times Dispatch that she ran to the scene after hearing the crash. Green said Perez was lying on the side of the road and Bartee was under the truck. The newspaper reports that the two were cousins.

Barbara Rose, Perez's great aunt, told the newspaper she was a 'joyful little child.'

Buckingham County Public Schools Superintendent Cecil Snead said grief counseling will be available to help students and employees process the tragedy. Snead would not provide any further details about the children or the incident.

'All I'm asking is everyone keep Buckingham in your prayers in the upcoming days,' he said.
Cops are seeking information on two burglars caught on camera assaulting and robbing a woman.

The robbery took place in Everett, Washington on Thursday, when two men broke into a home in the city 30 miles north of Seattle.

The video was released by the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office which is seeking information about the incident and the suspects.

Two burglars are seen in the midst of a home invasion in Everett, Washington in a video shot on Thursday

The two suspects can be seen testing the locked door behind which a woman is hiding in the video.

One man kicks the door in and the woman can be heard screaming off camera.

Police say the home invaders ripped the jewelry off of the woman, assaulting her.

Cops ask anyone with information to call detectives at 425-388-5258.

One burglar kicks open the locked door. A woman is hiding in the room behind the door off camera. The burglar on the right appears to be holding a crowbar
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A stunning hall, dubbed Britain's Sistine Chapel, is set to shine again after being handed a 3.1million restoration grant.

The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich features an ornate and intricate ceiling, which is now painstakingly being repaired.

The 40,000sq ft painted interior is undergoing restoration and will soon open to tours to see the paintings close up.

The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich has been handed a 3.1million restoration grant

Conservation work is underway on the ceiling of the room which has been dubbed Britain's Sistine Chapel

The 40,000sq ft painted interior will soon be opened to tours to see the paintings close up

Last summer, the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded the College the grant towards its 8million conservation project, after the upper hall renovations were completed in 2013. Above, the Painted Hall in all its glory

The magnificent painting depicts King William III and Queen Mary II, who founded the Royal Hospital for Seamen in 1694, on the banks of the Thames in south London

The magnificent painting depicts King William III and Queen Mary II, who founded the Royal Hospital for Seamen in 1694, on the banks of the Thames at Greenwich, south London. The hospital buildings were later used by the Royal Naval College.

In the spectacular fresco, the King and Queen are pictured with the Vestibule and its soaring cupola, which lists the donors who contributed to the establishment of the Royal Hospital.

Last summer the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded the College the grant towards its 8million conservation project, after the upper hall renovations were completed in 2013.

Considered the greatest achievement of English Baroque art, the 300-year-old masterpieces will be cleaned of layers of dirt to show the true colour of 'Britain's Sistine Chapel'.

In the spectacular fresco, the King and Queen are pictured with the Vestibule and its soaring cupola, which lists the donors who contributed to the establishment of the Royal Hospital

Considered the greatest achievement of English Baroque art, the 300-year-old masterpieces will be cleaned of layers of dirt to show the true colour of 'Britain's Sistine Chapel'

During the three-year project, the College's vaulted King William Undercroft, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Nicholas Hawksmoor will also be brought back to its original form.

William Palin, Conservation Director for the Old Royal Naval College, said: 'The Painted Hall is one of Britain's greatest architectural and artistic treasures but it is too little known.

'Central to this project is cutting-edge conservation and the highest curatorial standards.

'These will give the Painted Hall the national and international prominence it deserves, providing a transformed and enriched visitor experience and a sustainable future for this 300-year-old masterpiece.'

It is hoped the works will be completed by 2019.

The last restoration work was carried out in the 1950s when 15 layers of varnish had to be meticulously removed. It is hoped the works will be completed by 2019
Brexit could see a return of the booze cruise as duty free wine and cigarettes will be available to buy on board.

If Britain leaves the customs union, certain items will be made duty free on cross-Channel ferries - much like the 1990s when they could sell alcohol at a cheaper rate.

Shops based on board the vessels would then be entitled to sell items - which are not liable for an excise duty - to its customers.

If the UK leaves the customs union, passengers on board cross-Channel ferries will be able to purchase duty free items, including wine and cigarettes

Passengers would be able to purchase up to six bottles of wine, one litre bottle of spirits, 16 litres of beer and 200 cigarettes, reports the Daily Telegraph.

The move would essentially bring an end to a ban on duty free when travelling between countries in the European Union, which was introduced in 1999.

According to the newspaper, MPs will consider reintroducing duty free shopping on board ferries - such as P&0 and Brittany - during key Brexit negotiations.

Currently people have to travel to France for cheaper alcohol rather than shopping on the ferry

Up until 1999 - when duty free was banned while travelling between countries - 'booze cruises' were worth an eye-watering 391million a year to the ferry industry.

Guy Platten, the chief executive of the UK Chamber of Shipping, told the newspaper that duty free items on ferries could be a 'game-changer'.

He said: 'The return of duty free to ferries could be a game-changer for the UK ferry sector and deliver a win-win for both business and customer alike.

'Nearly 40 million people a year travel on ferries to and from the UK and it continues to be a convenient, safe and cost-effective way of travelling.

'But over the years a number of regulations and changes have damaged the industry's competitiveness, not least the removal of duty free.

'Leaving the European Union may well give us the opportunity to get that back.'

Memories: Up until 1999 - when duty free was banned while travelling between countries - 'booze cruises' were worth an eye-watering 391million a year to the ferry industry
Ecuador's pro-business presidential candidate Guillermo Lasso has said that he will evict WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange from the country's London embassy if he is elected.

Current president Rafael Correa granted Assange asylum five years ago after accepting his argument that a Swedish arrest warrant accusing Assange of sexual assault was politically motivated.

If Lasso is able to evict Australian-born Assange, the WikiLeaks founder would likely be extradited to the United States.

Assange has been in the embassy for five years, and regularly receives visits from actress Pamela Anderson, who was most recently seen walking into the building on Thursday.

Ecuador's pro-business presidential candidate Guillermo Lasso said that the London embassy 'isn't a hotel' and that Ecuador couldn't finance WikiLeaks Julian Assange indefinitely

Assange has been in the embassy for five years, and regularly receives visits from actress Pamela Anderson, who was most recently seen walking into the building on Thursday

Anderson, dressed in a mid-length black skirt, turtleneck and heels, was last spotted walking into the embassy in February.

The Baywatch actress was first spotted at Assange's residence in September 2014. The meeting was set up for Anderson to try to persuade Assange to back her new foundation, which supports women who are victims of sexual abuse.

While the US launched an investigation into WikiLeaks in 2010 after a series of leaks provided by Chelsea Manning were released on the site, Assange has never been publicly charged with a crime in the United States.

Assange, 44, is also wanted for questioning in Sweden over a rape allegation from 2010, and has avoided extradition by living in the embassy since June 2012.

Lasso, a former bank executive, said that the London embassy 'isn't a hotel' and that Ecuador couldn't finance Assange indefinitely.

He said last month that he would give Assange 30 days to clear out his things.

'The Ecuadorean people are paying costs that it shouldn't have to,' Lasso told the Guardian.

Anderson, dressed in a mid-length black skirt, turtleneck and heels, was last spotted walking into the embassy in February. The Baywatch actress was first spotted at Assange's residence in September 2014

Anderson first met Assange to try to persuade him to back her new foundation, which supports women who are victims of sexual abuse

Anderson has visited Assange several times, often bringing food to the Ecuadorean embassy

Ruling party candidate Lenin Moreno, who is Correa's hand-picked successor, has indicated he would back Assange's continued stay.

Ecuadoreans will vote on Sunday to chose whether Lasso or l Moreno take the reins of the oil-rich Andean nation. Lasso finished second in the first round of Ecuadorian presidential voting last month.

Polls show Moreno has pulled ahead of Lasso in the last weeks. He had 52.4 per cent of valid votes versus Lasso's 47.6 per cent in a 18-21 March survey by leading pollster Cedatos with a margin of error of 3.4 percentage points and some 16 per cent of voters still undecided.

The new president will take office on May 24 for a four-year term.

Lasso also for president in 2013, but he lost by a huge margin against outgoing leftist Correa.

Assange fled to the Ecuadorean Embassy on June 19, 2012, after a drawn-out and ultimately unsuccessful legal battle to being sent to Sweden, where he remains wanted over an allegation of rape. Ecuador granted him asylum, but British authorities have made clear they would arrest him if he tried to leave

Assange has carved out a life at Hans Crescent, dining on delivered food, welcoming famous well-wishers and even occasionally addressing the media from the embassy's balcony.
A suspected drug dealer who is a dead ringer for Santa Claus has been arrested by police in Florida.

Fidel Gutuerrel Gonzalez Gutierrez, 58, was arrested by Monroe County Sheriff's Department on Wednesday after he repeatedly sold wraps of cocaine to undercover officers involved in a sting.

He was arrested on six outstanding warrants for selling cocaine on the Florida Keys.

Fidel Gutuerrel Gonzalez Gutierrez, pictured, has been arrested on suspicion of selling cocaine

Monroe County Sheriff's Office said Gutierrez sold cocaine six times to undercover officers

Jail records show Gutierrez's profession has been listed as a fisherman

He was also charged with selling cocaine within 1,000 feet of a place of worship and four counts of using a two-way radio to facilitate a felony.

Gutierrez is currently being held in Monroe County Jail without bail.

According to jail records, Gutierrez's profession is listed as a fisherman.
Remainers have hinted that they could form a new 'centrist' political party as Jeremy Corbyn dooms Labour to the dustbin of history.

Tory Anna Soubry and Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg and Tim Farron are among those said to be considering trying to create a viable force at Westminster.

Allies of George Osborne have also reportedly floated the idea of bringing like-minded MPs together under a 'Democrats' banned.

Mr Clegg declined to rule out forming a party with disaffected Labour and Tory MPs, but played down the discussions as 'parlour games'

The claims came as Mr Corbyn's leadership came under fresh pressure, with the left-wing New Statesman saying it is time for him to go.

Disastrous poll ratings and a slew of humiliating public performances have raised fears that the party faces a rout at the next general election.

Pro-EU politicians have been increasingly working together against parties in resistance to Theresa May's determination to implement the will of the people from the referendum.

The magazine delivers a damning assessment of Mr Corbyn's time in charge, branding him and his team 'the weakest opposition in postwar history'.

'The Tories feel no pressure from Labour. They confidently predict they will retain power until 2030 or beyond,' it says.

'Yet as the poll tax debacle and the Iraq War demonstrate, prolonged periods of single-party rule run the danger of calamitous results - not least, this time, the break-up of Britain.'

Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock also gave a withering verdict on Mr Corbyn's abilities, telling the magazine: 'Both he and the people who work around him know that he just can't do the job.'

Mr Farron is said to have been approached by a close ally of Mr Osborne in the aftermath of the EU referendum with a suggestion of creating a new centrist party called 'the Democrats'.

Mr Farron told the magazine: 'I'm all ears, and I'm very positive about working with people in other parties.'

Tory ex-minister Anna Soubry said she would consider aligning with 'moderate, sensible' MPs from other parties

Tory ex-minister Anna Soubry said the real opposition was now within Conservative ranks as she dismissed the effectiveness of the Corbynites.

'They are a party within a party and they are calling the shots,' she said.

'So where else is (Theresa May's) heat? 15 Conservatives - people like me and the rest of them now. So who's winning out there?'

Asked about the prospect of a political realignment, she said: 'If it could somehow be the voice of a moderate, sensible, forward-thinking, visionary middle way, with open minds - actually things which I've believed in all my life - better get on with it.'

Mr Clegg declined to rule out forming a party with disaffected Labour and Tory MPs.

'You can have all sorts of endless, as I say, political parlour game discussions about whether you have different constellations or otherwise,' he said.
John Croft (above), 79, who says he's been 'a prisoner' in his own house, expressed regret that the teen burglar died, though he is not sorry that he shot him

An elderly Alabama man who says his house has been targeted by burglars a total of 13 times in the last 10 months shot and killed a teen who broke into his home early Wednesday morning.

John Croft, 79, who says he's been 'a prisoner' in his own house, expressed regret that the teen burglar died, though he is not sorry that he shot him.

'I hate that boy dead, but I don't hate I shot him,' Croft told WBRC-TV.

'When I heard the noise, that's when they opened the window from the basement coming to the level where the bedrooms are,' he said.

Authorities in Jefferson County said the burglary was planned by three men  two who broke into the home and a third who was driving the getaway car.

One of the men was killed during the burglary and the other two managed to escape. Police are actively searching for the wanted men.

'I have three bedrooms,' Croft said.

'I think they checked the other two bedrooms out and then he came over there and said, "Don't move!" He heard the bed squeak. I was getting my gun. He said, "Don't move" and he used the "N" word and I shot.'

Croft said that he only became aware after the fact that the burglary suspect had shot him in the ankle.

'When I heard the noise, that's when they opened the window from the basement coming to the level where the bedrooms are,' Croft said

Investigators dust for fingerprints and search for clues hoping they will lead to the arrest of two accomplices who fled the scene

Croft said that he only became aware after the fact that the burglary suspect had shot him in the ankle

The identity of the burglar who was shot and killed has yet to be released by authorities because family members had not been notified.

Authorities do not plan to charge Croft in the shooting. Croft is believed to have been within his legal right to defend himself and his property.

Nonetheless, he must come to grips with the fact that he took another life.

'I just hate to meet his mother because it was a teen,' Croft said.

'And there's nothing as precious to a mom as a son. And you know what's been happening to black boys today.'

'For another black man to shoot one don't look good. But like I say, I had no choice,' he said.
An intelligence expert briefing senators on Russian election interference bluntly urged lawmakers to 'follow the trail of dead Russians' to uncover what really happened in the presidential election.

Former FBI special agent Clinton Watts testified at the first public Senate Intelligence hearing probing Russian election interference. He is a fellow at George Washington University's Center for Cyber and Homeland Security.

Panel member Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon asked Watts to 'tell us about corruption in Russia so as to help us follow the money in our investigation,' as the committee probed decades of Russia's efforts to impact elections around the world.

Watts answered, then adding a more gruesome area of inquiry: The other part that I think we should be looking at is: Follow the trail of dead Russians.'

'Theres been more dead Russians in the past three months that are tied to this investigation who have assets in banks all over the world,' he continued.

Clint Watts, right, a Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute Program on National Security, testifies before the Senate Intelligence Committee at its first hearing into Russian 'active measures.' He urged senators to 'follow the trail of dead Russians'

Some, but not all of the deaths he referenced were in Moscow.

'They are dropping dead even in western countries. Weve seen arrests I believe in Spain in different computer security companies that are based in Russia which provide services to the United States. These are all huge openings to understand how they are funded by the Russian government,' he said.

Watts didn't mention any specific incidents, but the deaths, some explained, some that were under investigation, have trickled out in media accounts.

Among the most prominent is the death of former KGB general named Oleg Erovinkin, who was found dead in the back seat of his car in Moscow. An initial report is that he was found dead shot twice in the head on Dec. 26.

He was a close aide to Igor Sechin, the chairman of Rosneft who is mentioned in the 'dirty dossier' that former British Intelligence agent Christopher Steele compiled on Donald Trump.

Watts in his testimony acknowledged he was not the foremost Russia expert, but came to the issue through his focus on ISIS and cybersecurity.

He didn't elaborate on his statement that the deaths were 'tied' to the investigation.

Clint Watts, a Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute Program on National Security said he 'came to active measures mostly because active measures came after me' after he got hacked

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An article in the Telegraph referenced speculation that his death was tied to Sechin, a confidant of Vladimir Putin's, appearance in the dossier.

Watts' mention of Spain was a reference to the arrest of a Russian computer programmer wanted in the U.S. for alleged hacking. Spanish authorities cooperating with the FBI arrested the 32-year-old at the Barcelona airport January 13, Reuters reported.

Russia's ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov, was assassinated while speaking at an art gallery in Ankara in an act famously captured on video December 19.

On the same day, another diplomat, Peter Polshikov, was shot dead in his Moscow apartment.

Russia's ambassador to the UN, Vitaly Churkin, died in New York a day before his 65th birthday.

Oleg Erovinkin (left), the former head of the KGB, was found dead in the back of his car on December 26. He was suspected of helping former British spy Christopher Steele (right) compile a dossier that contained unconfirmed allegations against President Donald Trump

In late January, Moscow's ambassador to India, Alexander Kadakin (above), died after suffering from 'a brief illness.' He was 67 years old

On January 9, Andrei Malanin, the Russian consul in Athens, was found dead in his apartment (seen above from the outside). Greek police said they found no evidence of a break-in

NYPD sources said he died of a heart attack, and President Vladimir Putin was 'deeply upset' by the news, having greatly valued Churkin's professionalism and diplomatic talent, according to a Kremlin statement quoted by the Russian news agency TASS.

Russia's ambassador to India, Alexander Kadakin, died in January at 67 after suffering a 'brief illness.'

Officials said he suffered a heart attack, The Hindu reported.

Another Russian diplomat, Sergie Krivov, a 63-year-old security officer, was found dead on the morning of Election Day  November 8  at the Russian Consulate in New York.

New York's medical examiner now said Krivov died of internal bleeding related to a tumor.

On December 19, Russia's ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov (left), was assassinated by a gun-wielding Turkish police officer (right) at a photo exhibit in Ankara

On January 9, Andrei Malanin, the Russian consul in Athens, was found dead in his apartment.

Putin has denied interfering in the U.S. elections, and he did it by using a famous quote from a U.S. president.

'Watch my lips, no,' Putin said.

The Russian strongman made the claim Thursday when asked point-blank whether Russia had interfered and whether any evidence to the contrary would get found.

He invoked former President Reagan, although the 'Read my lips' quote was actually used by his successor, George H.W. Bush, speaking at a CNBC event on Arctic issues.
Remain campaigners have threatened 'legislative warfare' that will grind Parliament to a halt on the massive Great Repeal Bill unveiled by David Davis today.

Campaigner Gina Miller raised another headache for the Brexit Secretary by revealing she was seeking advice on a new legal challenge over executive powers contained in the plans.

Mr Davis today published more details of his sweeping plans to transfer EU laws on to the UK statute book.

This legislation does not delete EU laws from the statute book but changes them and means after 2019 Parliament will be free to amend or remove them at will for the first time in decades.

Once Brexit is finished, EU red tape such as working time restrictions, a ban on traditional light bulbs and limits on vacuum cleaners can in future be freely changed.

Mr Davis is facing a political and legal battle over the inclusions of 'Henry VIII' executive powers to tweak around 1,000 of the laws to ensure they function properly after Brexit.

David Davis unveiled details of the Great Repeal Bill, which will bring thousands of pieces of EU legislation on to the UK statute books and get rid of the law underpinning our membership, in the Commons today (pictured)

Remain campaigner Gina Miller revealed she is considering a new legal challenge over the Great Repeal Bill while Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron has promised 'legislative warfare'

Ms Miller told BBC Radio 5 Live: 'The Government has already blotted its copybook by trying to bypass Parliament and use the Royal Prerogative.

'So if there is any sniff that they are trying to use Henry VIII powers, that would be profoundly unparliamentary and democratic, and I would seek legal advice, because what you are doing is setting a precedent that Government could bypass Parliament.'

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron has vowed to go into the Parliamentary trenches over the Bill.

WHICH EU LAWS COULD BE DELETED IN FUTURE? While the Great Repeal Bill announced today does not directly remove any of the EU laws hated by Eurosceptics, it paves the way for their removal in future. By making EU law into British law, Parliament will after March 2019 be allowed to re-write them at will. Trouble making laws at the top of the list could be: Working time rules that limit how many hours a person can legally work. This is a particular problem for training doctors and surgeons who need hours to perfect techniques.

Legislation on household goods like toasters and vacuum cleaners. EU rules on energy efficiency capped the power of common devices to the irritation of consumers.

The ban on incandescent light bulbs. The EU banned traditional light bulbs, that use a heated filament, on the grounds they are bad for the environment - but many consumers feel energy saving ones are too dim. Advertisement

He said: 'We are going to launch a legislative war.

'We will grind the Government's agenda to a standstill, unless proper and rigorous safeguards are given over the great repeal bill.

'The ball is now in the Prime Minister's court.'

As he revealed his plans today, Mr Davis told MPs: 'We have been clear that we want a smooth and orderly exit, and the Great Repeal Bill is integral to that approach.

'It will provide clarity and certainty for businesses, workers and consumers across the United Kingdom on the day we leave the EU.

'It will mean that as we exit the EU and seek a new deep and special partnership with the European Union, we will be doing so from the position where we have the same standards and rules.

'But it will also ensure that we deliver on our promise to end the supremacy of EU law in the UK as we exit.

'Our laws will then be made in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast and interpreted not by judges in Luxembourg but by judges across the United Kingdom.'

Responding in the Commons, shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer said all existing rights and protections must be maintained as part of measures to convert EU law into the UK system.

Theresa May has said the Great Repeal Bill is a crucial part of her plan to ensure a smooth Brexit

The Brexit Secretary unveiled plans in the Commons today that will transpose huge amounts of legislation from Brussels to provide 'certainty' as we leave the bloc.

WHAT ARE HENRY VIII POWERS? Henry VIII powers are used today but are based on 16th Century laws passed by the king Some legislation give ministers the power to repeal or amend laws without going through the normal process. They are a rare form of executive legal power in the British system and are known as 'Henry VIII' powers because they are based on laws passed by the king in 1539. Use of the powers is not unheard of but is relatively unusual. The Government is being criticised for expanding their use, with time limits, as part of the Great Repeal Bill to allow ministers to remove references to EU treaties in existing legislation. Ministers say this corrects laws to take account of Brexit without changing them but critics fear a dramatic expansion of government power. Advertisement

Sir Keir warned the Government is seeking to provide itself with 'sweeping powers' so it can use a procedure that requires less scrutiny from MPs to change primary legislation.

He said no safeguards against such powers are outlined in the white paper published by the Government.

He said: 'There should be no change to rights and protections without primary legislation - that is a starting and basic principle, and the same goes for policy.

'I add this, when we see the Bill there should be no power to change rights and obligations and protections in the future by delegated legislation.

'I ask (Mr Davis) to provide assurance on those basic principles this morning, and I ask him to look again at safeguards for the delegated legislation procedures that are proposed.

'As to the 'what is to happen' in relation to converting law into domestic law, again there have to be clear principles.

'All rights and protections derived from EU law must be converted into domestic law - all rights and protections, no limitations, no qualifications and no sunset clauses.

'This morning we need an assurance from (Mr Davis) that he will face down those on his own side who will not be able to resist the temptation to water these rights and protections down before they're even put into this Bill.'

Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer said all existing rights and protections must be maintained as part of measures to convert EU law into the UK system

Lord Lisvane, who as Robert Rogers served as the Commons Clerk, said tidying up legislation as we leave the EU could take a decade

Ahead of Mr Davis's announcement, former Commons Clerk Lord Lisvane voiced serious doubts that the process could be completed within the two years it will take for us complete the EU divorce.

'I won't just be two years,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. 'It could go on for a decade.'

The tortuous parliamentary project will formally repeal the 1972 European Communities Act  the law which took the UK into the EU.

It will also transfer reams of existing EU law onto the domestic statute book.

European Council president Donald Tusk was handed the historic Article 50 letter by the UK's representative Sir Tim Barrow in Brussels yesterday
A Syrian man set himself on fire at a migrant camp today on the Greek island of Chios in despair over his bid to gain asylum.

Video footage, posted on Twitter by the BBC's Greece correspondent, showed the 29-year-old migrant holding a petrol can and addressing camp residents, before being approached by a police officer.

The refugee poured a flammable liquid over himself and set it on fire, according to a police statement.

A Syrian man (pictured above left) set himself on fire today at a migrant camp on the Greek island of Chios in despair over his bid to gain asylum. The shocking footage was posted on Twitter

The unidentified man was rushed to hospital with burns over 90 per cent of his body, the Greek news agency ANA said.

The policeman who tried to save him was also hospitalised with burns following the incident on the eastern Aegean Sea island.

About 14,000 migrants seeking asylum live in camps on Greece's eastern islands, having crossed the sea from Turkey.

The 29-year-old migrant held a petrol can and addressed camp residents before being approached by a police officer (left). The refugee poured a flammable liquid over himself and set it on fire, according to a police statement. Right, onlookers shrieked as the drama unfolded

Many of them are Syrians fleeing war and are stuck there as a result of an EU-Turkish agreement that curbed the influx of migrants to the European Union.

Human rights groups have repeatedly criticised conditions in the camps.

Most of them have filed for asylum to avoid being sent back to Turkey, but these applications take months to handle.

Humanitarian groups have repeatedly sounded the alarm over declining morale in their camps.

About 14,000 migrants seeking asylum live in camps on Greece's eastern islands, having crossed the sea from Turkey

In a separate incident, Greek police said today that they had arrested a people trafficker who imprisoned 23 South Asian migrants for a week in a bid to blackmail their families into paying money for smuggling them into Greece.

The 26-year-old Greek national was demanding between 1,500 and 3,000 euros (1,300 to 2,500) a head. The migrants had only made an up-front payment.

Police were alerted by a migrant who complained that his brother and a nephew were being held in the warehouse in Menemeni, a small town near the northern city of Thessaloniki, a police statement said.
A grinning Vice President Mike Pence cast a tiebreaking U.S. Senate vote on Thursday, moving one step closer to giving states the power to deny some federal block-grant funds to abortion providers including Planned Parenthood.

With Democrats' mouths agape, Pence came to the Senate chamber to break a 50-50 deadlock on the measure, which ended debate on a move to change how so-called Title X funding is distributed.

The vice president is a staunchly pro-life conservative.

Title X is the only federal grant program 'dedicated solely to providing individuals with comprehensive family planning and related preventive health services,' according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

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Vice President Mike Pence was called to the Senate floor on Thursday to cast a tie-breaking vote that repealed a Health and Human Services rule prohibiting states from withholding 'Title X' block-grant funding from abortion providers

The 50-50 deadlock was tallied after Republicans brought Georgia Sen. Johnny Isakson to the floor despite being in mid-recovery from two back surgeries; Isakson is shown at top right, hobbling with the aid of a walker

A rule passed in the twilight months of the Obama administration denied states the power to withhold funds from any grant recipient meeting that broad definition.

That measure was seen as a carve-out for Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest abortion provider  a small part of whose activities include non-abortion family planning.

The Vice President of the United States has but one constitutional role: as 'president' of the Senate, he can be called on to break ties.

'On this vote the nays are 50, the yeas are 50,' Pence announced Thursday. 'The Senate being equally divided, the Vice President votes in the affirmative and the motion to proceed is agreed to.'

The House of Representatives passed the measure in February and sent it to the Senate for a vote.

With Senate debate ended, a final vote in the afternoon will put the repeal of the Obama-era rule into immediate effect.

Planned Parenthood is America's largest chain of abortion clinics, but it had qualified for Title X funds because it devotes a small part of its activities to contraception services

Nevada Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto called the Republicans' move 'despicable'

The late-morning vote was a high-stakes government drama, with Senate leaders holding it open for an hour while staffers fetched Georgia Republican Johnny Isakson to force a tiebreaker.

Isakson, recovering from a pair of back surgeries, hobbled to the Senate floor to cast his 'yea.'

Two Republicans, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, voted with the Democrats, making Isakson's participation necessary.

The last time a sitting vice president cast a tiebreaking vote on a piece of legislation was a tax policy vote in 2008, when Dick Cheney created a 51-50 majority.

Pence, however, already had one Senate vote under his belt: He supported Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, breaking a deadlock to confirm her in February.

Democrats were outraged on Thursday, blasting Republicans for politicizing Title X funding.

California Sen. Dianne Feinstein called the move 'shameful,' saying in a statement that '[a]llowing states to defund Planned Parenthood because politicians want to punish a health care provider only hurts women.'

Nevada Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto called Pence's vote 'despicable' in a tweet.

Patty Murray of the state of Washington spoke after Pence rapped his gavel.

'Republicans didn't listen to us,' she complained. 'They didn't listen to women across the country who made it clear that restricting women's access to the full range of reproductive care is unacceptable.'

'We are not going to give up. we are going to keep holding them accountable, and we are going to keep making sure that women's voices are heard,' Murray said.

The federal government had already largely prohibited Title X money from paying for abortion services. But Planned Parenthood and other clinics have applied for the grants for non-abortion services  with Republicans arguing that the funds can be easily moved around.
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Megyn Kelly proved she is not one to waste away her days lounging by the pool while on vacation, with the soon-to-be NBC personality enjoying an afternoon of snorkeling while in Hawaii on Wednesday.

The former host of The Kelly File was photographed with some basic black flippers along with a matching fluorescent-yellow snorkel and mask combo as she prepared to venture out into the tropical waters surrounding the island paradise, accompanied by husband Douglas Brunt.

She kept things casual for her afternoon of recreational activities, donning her beloved straw beach hat and a black halter-top bikini, but did liven things up with some unexpected pops of color courtesy of her eye-catching yoga pants.

Kelly opted for a pair of periwinkle leggings which were a bit of a departure from the more reserved clothes she tends to favor while appearing on air. There was even an extra little pop on the pants thanks to the neon stripes of sea green and raspberry running up each leg.

The 47-year-old mother of three was also showing a little skin in her beachwear, with he taut torso and toned arms both on display and looking camera ready ahead of her NBC debut later this year.

Brunt meanwhile seemed to be following his wife's lead when it came to his beach attire, opting for a simple black top as well while livening things up with some bright turquoise swim trunks.

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Aloha: Megyn Kelly was photographed while she went snorkeling in Hawaii on Wednesday during her vacation (above)

Made in the shade: Kelly made sure to keep her skin shielded from the sun in her go-to staw hat (above)

Dress with all the colors of the wind: The popular television personality wore a black halter-top bikini and a pair of colorful yoga pants for the recreational outing

Lookout: Kelly, a 47-year-old mother of three, was also showing a little skin in her look, which revealed her taut torso and toned arms

Fair and balanced: Brunt helped Kelly make her way to shore after the two spent some time with the local marine life

Kelly seemed to be venturing out in the same area where she and her husband were spotted earlier in the week, and once more the two were spotted trying to navigate the difficult underwater terrain.

The rocky and uneven ocean floor seemed to be no problem for Kelly however, who looked fair and balanced as she venture out into the surf with her snorkel gear.

And after spending some time flipping around the crystal clear waters the group returned to shore and headed back to their oceanfront resort.

This could very well be one of Kelly's last vacation for some time, as she is now getting ready to hunker down and get to work on her new NBC projects.

Kelly surprised many when she announced back in January that she would be leaving Fox News after more than a decade with the network and joining the team at NBC News.

Her move to NBC was expected to happen when her contract with her former employer expired in July, but earlier this week that date was moved up following another surprising announcement.

'Fox News let Megyn Kelly out of her contract on March 9,' revealed a Fox News spokesperson in a statement.

The network's decision to release Kelly seemed to suggest that she would now be free to start at NBC four months ahead of schedule, and get to work developing her new morning show.

Flipping out: Kelly suited up in some basic black flippers along with a matching fluorescent-yellow snorkel and mask combo

Bird of paradise: Kelly opted for a pair of periwinkle leggings which were a bit of a departure from the more reserved clothes she tends to favor while appearing on air

Bonus brightness: There was even an extra little pop on the pants thanks to the neon stripes of sea green and raspberry running up each leg

Shifting tides: Kelly seemed to be venturing out in the same area where she and her husband were spotted earlier in the week

Feet on the ground: Kelly relaxes on the sand ahead of her aquatic adventure on Wednesday

That is not the case just quite yet though according to Kelly's publicist Leslee Dart, who told DailyMail.com: 'The terms of Megyns termination are still being negotiated.'

When asked to comment on Dart's claim that negotiations were still ongoing, a Fox News spokesperson reiterated that the anchor had been let out of her contract on March 9 by the network.

Meanwhile, a source with knowledge of Kelly's exit told DailyMail.com: 'She's done with Fox - there's nothing to negotiate.'

In the midst of all this, the Wall Street Journal is reporting that NBC is in 'limbo,' with a person close to the situation pointing out that Kelly does not have a start date at her new network.

That does not seem to be of concern however to either NBC or Kelly according to both a network source and the anchor's rep.

'No one has a start date for her at NBC because that does not exist,' Dart told DailyMail.com.

'Those discussions will begin after she leaves Fox.'

One with the ocean: Kelly opted for a lowkey snorkeling trip rather than getting involved in the time-consuming hassle that is SCUBA

Setting out: Kelly takes one final look into the distance before she heads to sea for her meeting with the marine life

Wet and wild: Kelly clings to a rock on the shore after making her way back to the coast from her sea swim

A whole new world: Kelly and the group did not spend much time on the shore after their return, and quickly made their way back to the hotel

Heading on out: Kelly grabs her sandals and heads on back while enjoying what may be her last vacation for some time

A source at NBC News echoed Dart's comments on the matter, telling DailyMail.com that there was no way to set a start date until Kelly's contract was up with Fox News.

However, a source with knowledge of Megyn's exit said, 'She's done with Fox, there is nothing to negotiate'.

That source also pointed out that Kelly's first few months will be spent developing her morning program and not on the air.

The start dates for Kellys new NBC program meanwhile would not be released until May 15 at the earliest, which is when the network will host their annual upfront presentation in New York City and announce their fall schedule.

Should both Kelly and Fox News come to an agreement, Kelly could make her first appearance for the network at their upfront.

And while Kelly's start date may not be set in stone, her salary with the network has been, and is expected to be close to the $15million-a-year she is currently getting on Fox News.

An NBC insider told Dailymail.com that the plan is for the former Fox News darling to get her own hour of morning television that would not fall under the Today show brand, would be a new brand, and would cancel the fourth hour of the program altogether.

Kathie Lee and Hoda are expected to move to third hour now, and the fourth hour will become the timeslot of Kelly's new show.

It remains up in the air however if Kelly's show will air at 9am and Hoda and Kathie Lee will stay on at 10am, or if America's favorite mid-morning sommeliers will be raising their glasses an hour earlier come this fall.
A top aide to President Donald Trump is leaving his administration after a short tenure in which her coworkers viewed her suspiciously as a source of leaks to reporters.

Deputy Chief of Staff Katie Walsh was suspected of 'leaking all the time' to journalists, one White House official told DailyMail.com on Thursday, an hour after West Wing sources confirmed her departure to multiple news outlets.

A Washington Post reporter tweeted that Walsh was seen as a 'leaky vessel' by other White House personnel.

A senior administration official told DailyMail.com on Thursday that Walsh had approached senior strategist Steve Bannon about departing the White House to help operate America First, a political nonprofit founded to promote the president's agenda.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Katie Walsh is leaving for an outside political nonprofit; she was seen as a press leaker internally, but a senior administration official said the departure was her idea

The Washington Post's White House bureau chief tweeted an observation from a Trump aide that mirrored what another administration official told DailyMail.com

Her departure comes on the day the Trump administration is reeling from the most explosive leak yet, a report that two White House officials played a role in showing House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes intelligence reports tying the Obama administration to surveillance of his successor last year.

Another White House official said Walsh is not suspected of being the leaker in that case.

'That's just not realistic,' the official said. 'She wouldn't have known what was going on there.'

Walsh, formerly chief of staff at the Republican National Committee, will likely take on a consulting role there, and also advise America First, whose role in keeping the president's base energized has yet to take shape.

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer insisted that 'no,' there won't be more staff housecleaning in the West Wing

As White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus's senior deputy, she performed many of the duties that are traditionally the province of her boss while he played a more strategic role.

Despite her low profile, she has become a key player in the administration's inner circle and has grown close to the president in recent months.

It is unclear what the departure means for Priebus, whom some have blamed for Trump's early failures, including the collapse of the GOP health care plan.

Asked Thursday if the White House expects further staff shakeups, press secretary Sean Spicer had a one-word answer: 'No.'

Former National Security Advisor Mike Flynn was forced out last month after just a few weeks on the job, following reports that he had misled Vice President Mike Flynn about his pre-inauguration contacts with Russia's U.S. ambassador.
Ann Coulter is scheduled to speak at the University of California Berkeley on April 27

Conservative commentator and enthusiastic Trump supporter Ann Coulter is set to speak on the liberal college campus that shot down another right-wing speech just months ago.

Coulter is scheduled to speak at the University of California Berkeley on April 27 at the invitation of the Berkeley College Republicans.

'The Berkeley College Republicans have invited Ms. Coulter to speak at UC Berkeley because she has been one of the most vocal critics of illegal immigration in all its manifestations and was one of the earliest supporters of President Trump, from when he initially announced his candidacy down to the present day,' Berkeley College Republicans spokesperson Naweed Tahmas told NBC Bay Area.

Another right-wing firebrand, Milo Yiannopoulos, had his planned speech shut down in February by violent protests on the famously left-wing Berkeley campus.

Several people were injured and fires were started at the protests.

Protests errupted on the Berkeley campus on February 1, preventing conservative Milo Yiannopoulos from speaking. Ann Coulter is set to speak at the same campus

Yiannopoulos was ousted from his job as an editor at Breitbart News later in February, after a campaign to circulate comments he'd previously made concerning pederasty

A flare burns inside a damaged storefront in Berkeley during the protests of Yiannopoulos. Organizers hope that Coulter's speaking engagement will go more smoothly

Coulter was an early supporter of Donald Trump's presidential candidacy and longtime proponent of many ideas now embraced by the Alt-Right, including limiting non-European immigration to the U.S.

Her 2015 book, Adios, America: The Left's Plan To Turn Our Country Into A Third World Hellhole, presaged many of the themes of Donald Trump's presidential campaign, highlighting crimes committed by illegal immigrants who entered the U.S. via the southern land border.

Coulter recently courted controversy in the East Bay with comments regarding the gender pronoun preferences of Berkeley senior and accused murderer Pablo Gomez Jr.

Gomez reportedly insisted on being called 'they' rather than 'he'.

Coulter ridiculed the pronoun preference and mocked Gomez's activist background. Breitbart.com and other conservative political websites picked up the story.

Coulter will be joined at the Berkeley speaking event by other speakers with different opinions on immigration, according to an organizer.

'We want to create a space where all political views and opinions are welcome, but they are going to be challenged through debate and discussion,' Pranav Jandhyala told NBC. 'This is the proper way we need to deal with political disagreements.'


Several people have been injured in a brawl outside the Turkish embassy as they went to cast their vote in a key referendum.

The expats had been casting their votes on whether or not to give President Recep Tayyip Erdogan increased powers, when trouble reportedly erupted between the controversial leader's supporters and opponents.

Belgian newspaper Le Soir reports that trouble erupted outside the building at around 4pm, but it is not known exactly what sparked the confrontation.

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Police stand guard following trouble outside the Turkish embassy in Brussels, which expats had been voting in a referendum

A large police van on the scene following the trouble, which saw several people hospitalised

The number of casualties has not yet been confirmed, and there have also been reports of three Kurdish people being stabbed, including one man being slashed in the throat.

Several people have been confirmed as being taken to hospital.

Tensions have run high in the build-up to the vote, with rallies in Germany and Holland - which have high Turkish populations - being cancelled due to violence fears.

Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was even denied entry into the Netherlands, despite his plane having already landed at Rotterdam, ahead of one rally.

There have also been reports of three Kurdish people being stabbed, including one man being slashed in the throat

The expats had been casting their votes on whether or not to give President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

This prompted thousands of demonstrators to gather outside the Turkish consulate in Rotterdam demanding action, as the scene turned to riots.

Mr Erdogan himself caused outrage after he accused both countries of 'Nazi practices' for banning the rallies.

A police spokeswoman said she could give no further details on the number of wounded or the nature of their injuries.

Belgium's Prime Minister, Charles Michel, took to Twitter to say that he 'firmly condemned' the violence that erupted
The father of an Illinois high school student who brandished a knife during a cafeteria brawl, prompting a police officer to shoot her with a tazer, said that his daughter had enough of being constantly bullied.

The shocking footage that went viral on social media shows a 15-year-old girl and her cousin engaged in a fight with about five other girls in the Peoria High School cafeteria, according to the Journal Star.

In the footage, the daughter is seen being beaten while she is on the ground by a group of students.

A police officer and other staff are seen trying to break up the fight.

The girl then walks toward her school bag and pulls out a knife.

The father of an Illinois high school student who brandished a knife during a cafeteria brawl (above), prompting a police officer to shoot her with a tazer, said that his daughter had enough of being constantly bullied

Milton Chappel, Jr said he doesn't know why his daughter (seen above at the Peoria High School cafeteria during a recent brawl) brought a knife to school

As the girl, 15, was standing on the table, a Peoria police officer was nearby and appeared to be reaching for a tazer (above)

Moments later, the girl's body stiffens (left) and she then stumbles backwards and off the table (right), hitting the ground hard

The officer who shot the girl with the stun gun then pounces on her and places her in handcuffs

The clip shows the girl standing on a cafeteria table and then falling backward and hitting the ground after apparently she was shot with a stun gun.

The girl's father, Milton Chappel, Jr, said that his daughter suffered a large bump on her head.

He said that school officials were aware that his daughter had complained that other students were bullying her, yet they did not do enough to prevent the brawl.

'When you tell somebody what's going on and nothing happens, it gets old,' Chappell told the Journal Star.

Chappell said that administrators at Peoria High School (above) were aware that his daughter was the victim of chronic bullying from other students

Moments before she was shot with a stun gun, the girl was seen in cell phone video footage (above) on the ground as she was kicked and beaten by a group of other girls

In this frame, an officer is seen trying to restrain the girl and separate her from other combatants

Chappell said that he had complained to school administrators of chronic bullying to which he says his daughter had been subjected

But Peoria school officials dispute this, saying that they have evidence which indicates the girl may have instigated the brawl

After the initial brawl, the girl gets up and reaches for her backpack (above)

The girl then pulls the knife out of the backpack before climbing on to a table in the cafeteria

Chappell said his daughter told him that she planned on dropping the knife moments before the officer used the stun gun

'You get tired of it.'

Peoria school officials said that they were never asked to prevent bullying against Chappel's daughter.

The girl's cousin said that Chappell's daughter was attacked first. When the cousin intervened and pulled the attacking girl away, she, too, was attacked.

Chappell said he did not know why his daughter brought a knife to school.

He said that his daughter told him that she planned to drop the knife just moments before she was shot with the tazer.

A spokesperson for the school defended the officer's use of a stun gun.

He said that Chappell's daughter refused to drop the knife and that she posed a danger to other students nearby.

The school also said that his daughter had made incendiary posts on Facebook that indicate she was the aggressor in the altercation, an assertion that the family denies.

The identities of the students involved in the fight have not been released.
The recently discovered letters between Jackie Kennedy and a besotted British lord desperate to marry her, have been sold at auction for $123,000.

The winning bidder of the Bonhams auction in London was an individual private collector who has chosen to stay anonymous.

'When we opened the case, and it's probably the first time the case had been opened in over 30 years, looking down at these handwritten letters, by JFK, by Jackie Kennedy, other members of the family - it was one of sheer amazement, really,' said Bonhams UK Deputy Chairman Harvey Cammell. 'A real, true discovery.'

The letters between Jackie O and besotted Lord Harlech (pictured together in 1966) have been sold at auction for $123,000

The collection includes Jackie O's rejection letter to David Ormsby-Gore - the 5th Baron Harlech and one of JFK's most intimate confidantes - after he asked her to marry him because she saw him 'like a brother'.

She penned the rejection letter five years after JFK's death as she sailed on the yacht of Aristotle Onassis, a shipping magnate who became her second husband.

Lord Harlech had recently lost his wife in a car crash and was said to have proposed to Jackie while they were on holiday together in February 1968.

She wrote: 'You and I have shared so many lives and deaths and hopes and pain - we will share them forever and be forever bound together by them.

'If ever I can find some healing and some comfort, it has to be with someone who is not a part of all my world of past and pain - I can find that now - if the world will let us.'

Jackie and her Lord Harlech had a deep friendship, which was cemented through grief after the president's assassination in 1963.

Jackie wrote to David Ormsby-Gore - the 5th Baron Harlech and one of JFK's most intimate confidantes - explaining how marrying him would stop her finding 'healing and comfort'. The letters are among a collection (pictured) which have been found on the Harlech family estate

In a letter in which she explains her feelings, she tells him: 'I just wanted to tell you all that love has so many different way' (pictured)

They then grew even closer following the death of Lord Harlech's wife Sissy, Lady Harlech, in May 1967.

The letters revealed their deep and growing connection amidst the pain of losing their spouses.

'[The collection] details really a long relationship with the Ormsby-Gore family and the Kennedys pre-JFK's assassination and then after the death of their respective spouses,' explained Cammell. 'It's a story of a relationship that builds between Lord Harlech and Jackie Kennedy over a period of three to four years until '68.'

Rumors of romance between the pair swept through Washington in the late 1960s, with one leading US newspaper proclaiming him 'The Man Most Likely To Win Jackie'.

But when he proposed a 'secret marriage', she turned him down, instead choosing to marry billionaire Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis in 1968.

She wrote: 'We have known so much & shared & lost so much together - Even if it isn't the way you wish now - I hope that bond of love and pain will never be cut.

'You are like my beloved beloved brother - and mentor - and the only original spirit I know - as you were to Jack.

'I just wanted to tell you all that love has so many different way.'

Jackie and Lord Harlech had a deep friendship, which was cemented through grief after the president's assassination in 1963, and wrote to one another often (pictured)

The letters show how close the pair were to marriage. She wrote to him about several different subjects (as shown above)

'Both families were already close, but I think it was the tragedy that both had been through that really drew them together, and you can read in the letters Jackie is so deeply sympathetic,' Cammell said.

'They're very moving letters towards David, and she's trying to help him get through his terrible loss and I think together they're supporting each other, but obviously their relationship naturally builds from there.'

In another, Jackie offers Lord Harlech comfort about the death of his wife.

She wrote: 'Your last letter was such a cri de coeur of loneliness - I would do anything to take that anguish from you. You want to patch the wounds & match the loose pairs - but you can't because your life won't turn out that way.'

The letters are part of a 19-strong collection which have been unearthed after being hidden away in two locked government dispatch boxes for 40 years at the Harlech's family estate at Glyn Cywarch, in Gwynedd, Wales.

The discovery is poignant, coinciding with the year of the 100th anniversary of JFK's birth, as well as the film Jackie, for which its star Natalie Portman was nominated for an Oscar.

The discovery of the letters (pictured) is poignant, coinciding with the year of the 100th anniversary of JFK's birth, as well as the film Jackie

The archive of letters, which includes personal correspondence from President Kennedy and from British prime ministers Harold Macmillan, Sir Alec Douglas-Home and Harold Wilson, were sold by Bonhams on March 29 in London

Matthew Haley, Bonhams Head of Fine Books and Manuscripts in the UK, said: 'For decades, biographers have speculated on the precise relationship between Jackie Kennedy and David Ormsby-Gore.

'These letters now show without doubt how close they came to marriage and why Jackie decided to marry Onassis instead.'

He added: 'The correspondence has been sitting in two official red Government despatch boxes for more than 40 years.

'The keys were nowhere to be found and in the end we had to call a locksmith to slice through the locks. It was one of those astonishing moments when you can't quite believe what you're seeing.'

David Ormsby-Gore was born in 1918 and educated at Eton and New College Oxford.

Elected to parliament in 1950, he held a number of government ministerial positions in the Foreign Office, but resigned in 1961 in order to take up the post of British Ambassador to the United States until 1965.

He became the 5th Baron Harlech on the death of his father in 1964, but died in 1985 from injuries sustained in a car crash. Senator Edward Kennedy, Jacqueline Onassis and other Kennedy family members attended his funeral.

The friendship between the families dates back to the 1930s, when JFK's father Joseph was US Ambassador to Britain.

Jackie later said her husband used to claim that Ormsby-Gore 'was the brightest man he'd ever met'.

A year after Jackie married her new husband, Lord Harlech married Pamela Colin, an US journalist who bore an uncanny resemblance to Jackie.

Ten years later, when she lay dying of cancer in her New York apartment, Jackie is said to have spoken of her regret that she did not accept Lord Harlech's proposal.
The boys were in a heavily wooded area of Fort Worth, Texas

Two brothers were fatally electrocuted by power lines that were brought down by extreme weather that tore through Texas.

Isaiah and Alex Lopez, 11 and 12 respectively, were found dead on Wednesday in a wooded area of Fort Worth, Texas, according to WFAA.

'This is never something we want to have to respond to,' Fort Worth Fire Department Lt Kyle Falkner told the ABC affiliate.

'We can never talk about it enough, the need for safety around downed power lines. We're just starting storm season'.

Isaiah (L) and Alex Lopez (R), 11 and 12 respectively, were found dead on Wednesday in a wooded area of Fort Worth, Texas

The boys were in a heavily wooded area on Wednesday night, more than 12 hours after morning storms ripped through North Texas.

Rescuers were called at around 6:15pm when a friend was able to escape the danger and find help, according to CBS-DFW.

A reporter for the station, Joel Thomas, also tweeted that the younger brother, Isaiah was trying to save his older brother Alex, when he was killed.

When fire fighters found the boys the power lines that killed them were still live, and had also set a nearby patch of grass on fire.

A crew from the power company in the area later shut off the line.

Fort Worth Fire and MedStar personnel determined that the boys had died from their injuries.

The boys were in a heavily wooded area on Wednesday night, more than 12 hours after morning storms ripped through North Texas

A crew from the power company in the area later shut off the line

'After the storm blew through, a large number of power lines down, trees down, limbs down, things like that,' Faulkner said. 'So, definitely something everyone needs to be aware of around the city. This is still a hazard.'

On Tuesday night, thunderstorms and heavy winds left about 200,000 people in the Dallas-Fort Worth area without power, WFAA reported.

Three storm chasers were killed Tuesday when their cars crashed into each other in the western part of Texas. The storm is headed toward the Mississippi Valley, putting Mississippi and Tennessee at risk.

'Out thoughts and heartfelt prayers go out to the family,' Oncor said in a statement to WFAA. 'We urge all out customers to treat every power line as if it's energized'.
The desperate father of a missing teen in Tennessee showed reporters her abandoned bedroom on Wednesday, as the search for the 15-year-old girl nears its third week.

Elizabeth Thomas is believed to have fled her home in Tennessee on March 13 with her 50-year-old teacher Tad Cummins, who she had reportedly started an illicit relationship with.

Authorities say the couple may even by posing as missionaries south of the border. Elizabeth's missing person poster was recently translated into Spanish and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation alerted authorities in Mexico and Central America to keep a look out for the pair this week.

On Wednesday, Elizabeth's heartbroken father Anthony showed reporters around her bedroom and pointed out precious belongings he says his daughter never would have left behind, had she known she would be gone for this long.

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The father of missing teen Elizabeth Thomas gave reporters a tour of her bedroom on Wednesday

Anthony Thomas believes that his daughter did not intend to be gone this long, since she left behind her life-saving epipens

Elizabeth has struggled with severe allergies her whole life which have landed her in the emergency room several times

The 15-year-old girl (left) disappeared from her home in Tennessee on March 13 with her 50-year-old teacher Tad Cummins (right)

Elizabeth has struggled with severe allergies that have sent her to the hospital several times in her life.

But left behind in her room are her life-saving epipens.

'She left things behind she'd need, if she knew she was going to be gone long term, she would have taken,' her dad told WSMZ. 'Her EpiPens, she's got really bad allergies, and she wouldn't have taken those if thought she was going to be gone any length of time.'

Then there's her precious stuffed animal and her dog. The only things she took with her when she disappeared 17 days ago were a swimsuit and a change of clothes.

Her father says it's completely out of character for his daughter to leave without telling anyone - not a single family member or friend.

Elizabeth's father (left) and sister Sarah (right) pleaded for her return in the latest interview

'If she thought she was gonna be gone, she would've at least told her brother, sister, or best friend, who she talks to every night,' her father said.

Right up until her disappearance, her father says that she was planning for the future - constantly checking in with her brother to make sure he could attend her church confirmation.

Elizabeth's sister also spoke to reporters yesterday, sending out a message to her sister to come home.

'Whatever [Cummins] is telling you is a lie,' Sarah Thomas said. 'There is so much that you have at home that you need to come back for. We're all wanting you back home. Your dog misses you. It doesn't want anyone else to play with it.'

Sarah thinks it's weird that her social media-addicted sister hasn't been on any of her profiles since she left.

Investigators are now considering the possibility that the two escaped south of the border, and have translated the missing person poster into Spanish

She did bring her cellphone with her, and it was last detected near Decatur, Alabama. Her father believes that Cummins made her shut it down when he tried to call her a few days ago.

This week, investigators widened their search to Mexico and Central America - translating Elizabeth's missing person poster into Spanish.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigations sent an alert to authorities south of the border, warning them to keep an eye out for the pair.

'It's possible that he's playing the role of a missionary,' Brent Cooper, district attorney for Maury County, Tennessee told ABC News.

There was also a tip from a person who claimed to see the teacher's car in Corpus Christi, Texas, but police have been unable to confirm the report.

Meanwhile, the reward for Elizabeth's return has been doubled to $10,000.

During the news conference Tuesday morning, multiple law enforcement officials urged the media and the public to keep in mind that Elizabeth Thomas is a victim.

'Some have characterized this relationship as a romance, but this morning, I want to caution the public to avoid anything that might look or sound like-victim blaming,' TBI Director Mark Gwyn said.

'Let me be very clear this morning: she is 15, a child, he is 50, a grown man,' Gwyn went on to say. 'She's a high school freshman, he's a former teacher.

'This is and was not a romance, this was a manipulation solely to benefit Tad Cummins. This is not a fairy tale, this is a case of kidnapping, and we remain gravely concerned for the well-being of this young girl.'

Gwyn noted, 'Right now, Elizabeth may not realize she's a victim, but she is.'

The head of the TBI then addressed Tad Cummins directly, urging him to do the right thing and bring Elizabeth home to her family and friends.

A reported sighting of the pair was made in Corpus Christi, Texas, last week. Police could not confirm it, but investigators have notified police in Mexico and Central America

Cummins and Thomas left love notes for each other on his classroom computer at Culleoka School before vanishing. The pair are pictured in the classroom, above, in January

Family members have pleaded for Cummins to bring Thomas home after it was discovered that the two had been sending love letters to one another by writing draft emails on a shared classroom computer at Culleoka School.

Investigators spent the weekend pouring over email drafts that the two would send one another while in school for any clues into where the pair may be, with Cummins now facing charges of aggravated kidnapping and sexual contact with a minor.

'They would write the message and let it save as a draft. The other person would log in, read the message and then delete it and then write another message that was saved as a draft,' said Maury County District Attorney Brent Cooper.

'If you read them you would immediately recognize you are reading messages between two people who have a romantic interest in each other.'

One of the emails uncovered by authorities was written by Cummins and began: 'I saw you standing next to your backpack this morning.'

The teacher then told the student how nice one of her body parts looked to him in the note.

'For your sake and for Beth's sake, please go to the police or please just drop Beth off somewhere safe,' said Cummins' wife Jill in a separate interview

Elizabeth changed her Instagram biography before she vanished to describe herself as a 'wife'. She also added a ring emoji to the description

Cummins' wife Jill spoke with NBC News on Monday and urged her husband to turn himself in, saying: 'You know you can't hide forever. For your sake and for Beth's sake, please go to the police or please just drop Beth off somewhere safe.'

Meanwhile, Thomas' sister shared shocking new claims about the girl's relationship with her teacher in an emotional interview with Good Morning America.

Sarah Thomas fought back tears as she revealed that Tad Cummins, 50, had begun showing up unannounced at her sister's work shortly before the pair disappeared together. His last visit had come just two days before the girl's abduction, she said.

Sarah Thomas said her sister would tell he co-workers to tell Cummins she wasn't around when he showed up at her work (Thomas family above)

'She would go and tell people to tell him she wasn't there and she would go and hide until he left,' explained Sarah Thomas. 'She thought it was the only way. She felt uncomfortable.'

Elizabeth's family is still holding out hope that they will see the girl again, and are begging any person who might have information to reach out and contact authorities.

'It feels like she just vanished, and I know that's impossible, someone had to see her,' said the victim's sister Sarah.

Her father meanwhile was optimistic about the teenager's eventual return home to be with her family.

Any help: The family has also released a recent video of Elizabeth (above with her brother) hoping that someone might recognize her lisp

'We just live for that day where we are gonna get a phone call that says we're alright and waiting for someone to get me,' said Anthony Thomas.

Elizabeth's family also released a recent video of the teenager with her brother in hopes that someone might recognize the young girl's lisp.

A student came forward earlier this year to tell school officials that they saw the student and her married teacher kissing in a classroom this past January.

The school eventually made the decision to remove Elizabeth from the teacher's classroom, but allow Cummins to keep teaching at the school.

Cummins visited a Walmart in Columbia, Tennessee, the day before he vanished with the girl. He was filmed on surveillance cameras buying dark brown women's hair dye

Cummins was last seen one day before the two disappeared buying hair dye at a Walmart.

Elizabeth, who is one of ten children, made frequent posts on social media about romance and love in the weeks before she was abducted by Cummins.

She also started calling herself 'wife' on Instagram and made several references to a 'mission' that was 'almost complete'.

This image of Elizabeth was taken on March 13, the day she vanished. She appears to be holding a bundle of clothes

On March 13, she told family she was going to spend the day with a friend. One of her siblings has since revealed that the teenager told them to call police if she did not return home that night.

Authorities believe she may have gone willingly with Cummins, who they say has been grooming her for sex for some time.

Elizabeth was seen on surveillance footage the day she disappeared carrying a bundle of clothes.

Elizabeth's mother spoke to DailyMail.com last week in an exclusive interview to share her fears.

She labeled her daughter's captor 'disturbed' and said she worried Elizabeth would either end up pregnant or dead.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, which is leading the hunt for the pair, has received hundreds of tips but none have come to fruition.

Anyone with information of their whereabouts is urged to call 1-800-TBI-FIND. Police are asking anyone who sees a silver Nissan Rogue with a license plate of TN 976-ZPT to call 911 immediately.
A Drexel University professor prompted a swift backlash on Twitter after sharing his disgust over a first-class flyer who gave up his seat to a serviceman.

George Ciccariello-Maher tweeted on Sunday: 'Some guy gave up his first class seat for a uniformed soldier. People are thanking him. Im trying not to vomit or yell about Mosul.'

Cicariello-Maher, who is no stranger to controversy after he asked for a 'white genocide' for Christmas in 2016, was called 'ungrateful' and told to 'go to hell'.

George Ciccariello-Maher prompted a swift backlash on Twitter after sharing his disgust over a first-class flyer who gave up his seat to a serviceman

Even though his Twitter account is protected, his comments on March 26 sparked an uproar among Twitter users who called him 'unpatriotic'

Cicariello-Maher, currently a visiting researcher at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, was apparently disgusted after the act of kindness was applauded by his fellow passengers.

Even though his Twitter account is protected, his comments on March 26 sparked an uproar among Twitter users who called him 'unpatriotic'.

Christian Hockley wrote: 'I'm sorry you need attention. It's adorable, but let's see you say that to a Marine's face. Tweet after you do, if you can...'

Lisa Smith wrote: 'As a mother of a wounded soldier, who fought for HIS freedom, I have 3 words for HIM- GO TO HELL!'

Some called for Drexel University to fire Cicariello, while others suggested a boycott on the school by withholding donations.

Robert Henry wrote: 'Drexel University should fire Prof George Ciccariello-Maher for his "tried not to vomit" comment. DO NOT SEND YOU KIDS TO DREXEL UNIV.'

Some called for Drexel University to fire Cicariello, while others suggested a boycott on the school by withholding donations

Just four months ago, Cicariello-Maher gained national media attention after tweeting: 'All I Want for Christmas is White Genocide.'

The professor told AP he was mocking what he called the 'imaginary concept' of white genocide, which he says was invented by white supremacists.

'It is a figment of the racist imagination, it should be mocked, and I'm glad to have mocked it,' he said.

Ciccariello-Maher followed up his initial tweet by praising the 'massacre' of whites in Haiti during the country's slave uprising and revolution more than two centuries ago.

The school issued a statement slamming his comments as 'utterly reprehensible [and] deeply disturbing', adding that they did not reflect the values of the University.

He specializes in 'colonialism, social movements, political theory, Latin America, and race and racism' according to an online biography.

Cicariello-Maher, who specializes in 'colonialism, social movements, political theory, Latin America, and race and racism' is no stranger to controversy

He wrote that the wanted 'white genocide' for Christmas last year
The United States is imposing sanctions on seven people for allegedly supporting the Islamic State group or al-Qaida, including a member of the IS execution cell dubbed 'The Beatles.'

The State Department has declared El Shafee Elsheik, Anjem Choudary, Sami Bouras, Shane Dominic Crawford, and Mark John Taylor as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) on Thursday.

Elsheik, a British-sounding captor accused of beheading hostages, joined ISIS after traveling to Syria in 2012, and became a member of the 'The Beatles,' in 2016.

British-based terror suspects, Anjem Choudary (left) and El Shafee Elsheik (right) were named as Specially Designated Global Terrorists

New Zealander Mark John Taylor (pictured) was among those named. He has previously encouraged terror attacks in Australia and New Zealand

He is known to have engaged in waterboarding and crucifixions while being working under the group.

Anjem Choudary, a radical British preacher was jailed in 2016 for pledging allegiance to ISIS. The extremist had previously stated his support for Sharia Law in the United Kingdom.

He has said he'd continue recruiting for IS after being sentenced to a British prison.

Choudary would tell his recruits that those who opposed ISIS, were not true Muslims. His supporters shouted 'Allahu Akbar' in the courtroom, when he was taken to jail.

The sanctions ban Americans from doing business with the men and block any assets they have in the U.S.

Bouras is a Swedish citizen of Tunisian descent and has been accused of planning suicide attacks and New Zealander Mark John Taylor has encouraged terror attacks in Australia and New Zealand.

Others included are an accused Malaysian and Indonesian for allegedly plotting IS attacks.
An 85-year-old great-grandmother survived five days in the snowy wilds of Colorado with only her pet cat for company after taking a wrong turn onto a muddy mountain trail.

Ruby Stein was on her way back home to Akron after visiting family on March 21 when she took a wrong turn near Gypsum, 50 miles west of Denver, and got stuck in mud and snow.

'I was keeping myself very, very calm,' she told the Denver Post. 'I knew I either had to or it was over with. I have too many great-grandkids and grandkids. I didn't want it to be over with.'

Lost: Ruby Stein (pictured left with granddaughter Alee Preuss and her cat Nikki) was going home after visiting her grandkids (left) on March 21 when she got lost in the Colorado wilds

Trapped: Stein became trapped in snow and mud after getting lost looking for the I-70. She was stranded with Nikki for five days with only a sweet roll and a Rice Krispie Treat to eat

Video courtesy of KMGH

Stein had just started the 245-mile journey from Gypsum to Akron and was trying to find the Interstate 70 to beat an incoming storm when she took the wrong turn.

A former rancher, she knew a few tricks - but rocking her Nissan Sentra back and forth using the gas pedal did not free the car from its muddy trap.

'I blowed my horn and blowed my horn and flashed my lights until the battery ran down,' she said.

'Then my car went dead. I had a cellphone with me, but it wouldn't work.'

With no way of moving and no help in sight, Stein realized she would have to bed down for the foreseeable future, with only a handful of snacks to eat and her cat Nikki for company.

As snow showers fell on and off, Ruby made a blanket out of some clothes her daughter had given her to donate to charity, using safety pins.

She also stayed warm by stuffing clothing around the windows for insulation.

Her water came from the snow outside, which she scooped up in a cat food container.

But her real problem was a lack of human food. She portioned out her meager rations - a Rice Krispie Treat and the remains of a sweet roll - allowing herself just two bites a day.

Even Nikki's cat food started to look temping, she said.

'When my Rice Krispies treat was getting close, I thought, "It might be good," she said. 'I was looking out the window for foliage or something else to eat.'

Off-road: Stein had intended to take the I-70 from Gypsum to her home in Akron, but took a wrong turn and ended up on a road near the LEDE Reservoir

Staying warm: Preuss had given Stein clothes to take for charity, so she used them to cover up windows and turned them into a makeshift blanket. She also portioned up her supplies

Hungry: Stein had plenty of food for Nikki - and says she was tempted to start eating it. She drank snow for water, and kept her mind occupied reading a book

Stein is a tough woman, however.

'I've got scars on my body from horses,' she said. 'I'm only five foot and 110 pounds. I've just always been a doer. I'm an old farm girl from the day I was born.'

She has mental fortitude too. She spent her solitary time with her thoughts, and occasionally distracted herself by reading a book.

But by March 25, a Saturday, her food was almost gone and no help was in sight. A brief glimpse of a helicopter overhead had turned out to be a false hope.

'I thought, "Thats it,"' said Stein. 'Whatever God wants, God wants.'

And that's when rescue came.

Dan Higbee and Katie Preston had decided to ski that day, but as the slopes were packed they plumped on a hike instead.

Even their 4x4 had trouble negotiating the mountain due to the slush as they made their way up the winding mountain road, said Higbee.

'If I would have stopped my momentum, we would have been stuck. We drove until we couldnt drive anymore. And then theres this Nissan Sentra.'

Staying strong: Stein said she needed to stay strong for her grandkids. She grew up on a farm, so is used to putting up with hardships. She was found - feeling okay - after five days

The couple thought it had been abandoned - until they asked if things were okay.

'She was in the back of the car,' Higbee said. 'She said, "No, everything is not OK."'

Higbee told News 9 that Stein didn't leave the car straight away.

'It took a while to get to her because she had kind of barricade herself to get her through the elements,' he said.

But inside the barricade was Stein, surprised but unharmed, with no sign of hypothermia or frostbite.

Rescuers: Dan Higbee (pictured) and girlfriend Katie Preston decided to go for a hike on Saturday and chanced upon Stein's car while driving their 4x4

In fact, they said, she was very talkative.

'She was talking so much and we had to tell her to drink water and eat your sandwich,' said Higbee.

Nikki the cat, meanwhile, was lounging in the car, untroubled.

He and Preston drove Stein back to her granddaughter Alee Preuss's home, dropping her and the authorities a message on the way.

Preuss was out searching for her grandmother when they called, and returned home to find Stein there - along with quite a few others.

'When we got here, the sheriff was here and paramedics were checking her out,' she said. 'We just cried. Basically everyone who was here was just crying.'

Since then, Preuss says, Stein has bounced right back and is going about her business as usual.

And she's not listening to any nonsense about having her car taken away, no matter how much her grandkids demand it.

'I said, "They better not take my car!"' she said. 'I've driven since I was 12 years old out on the farm in Kansas.'

As for Nikki, she's doing fine - and had no idea of the danger she was in.

Preston said that when they opened the door on Stein and Nikki, 'She had more food out for the cat than she did for herself.

'A full bowl of cat food was just sitting there.'
The UK's Home Secretary Amber Rudd

Technology giants have pledged to join forces in efforts to tackle terrorist content online following a summit with the Home Secretary.

Facebook, Google, Twitter and Microsoft committed to explore options for a cross-industry forum and step up collaboration on technical tools that aim to identify and remove extremist propaganda.

The plans were announced after a meeting between senior executives from the four firms, as well as figures from other companies, and Amber Rudd.

The Home Secretary hosted the emergency summit in a bid to make companies take action over extremist content, but decided not to invite Apple.

A number of platforms have repeatedly faced calls to do more to stop terror-related videos and pages spreading on the web.

The debate flared up last week after it emerged that information on how to mount an attack was easily accessible in the wake of Westminster terrorist Khalid Masood's murderous rampage.

In a joint statement after the meeting, bosses from Facebook, Google, Twitter and Microsoft said they would 'encourage the further development of technical tools to identify and remove terrorist propaganda'.

'Companies apply unique content policies and have developed - and continue to develop - techniques appropriate for or unique to their own platforms,' they said.

'Nonetheless, there is a significant opportunity to share the knowledge gained in these varied efforts to develop innovative solutions.'

The companies will also explore the creation of a new forum to increase collaboration within the industry.

They said: 'Companies increasingly share best practices with one another, and we have seen that sharing lessons learned across sectors can improve our collective response to this challenge.

'Each of our companies also commits to urgently improve that collaboration.'

The internet giants also outlined two further goals - more support for 'younger' companies on how to counter terrorist material online, and to 'promote alternative and counter-narratives' through civil society organisations.

'Our companies are committed to making our platforms a hostile space for those who seek to do harm and we have been working on this issue for several years,' the statement said.

'We share the Government's commitment to ensuring terrorists do not have a voice online.'

ISIS produce propoganda videos such as this, which get circulated around social media

Ar Raqqah, Syria --- Militant Islamist fighters wave flags as they take part in a military parade along the streets of Syria's northern Raqqa province June 30, 2014

ISIS fighters holding the Al-Qaeda flag with 'Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant' written on it

Ms Rudd reported that it was a 'useful discussion', and welcomed the commitment to set up a cross-industry forum.

The Home Secretary said: 'My starting point is pretty straightforward. I don't think that people who want to do us harm should be able to use the internet or social media to do so. I want to make sure we are doing everything we can to stop this.

'In taking forward this work I'd like to see the industry to go further and faster in not only removing online terrorist content but stopping it going up in the first place.

'I'd also like to see more support for smaller and emerging platforms to do this as well, so they can no longer be seen as an alternative shop floor by those who want to do us harm'.

The Home Secretary also raised concerns about the issue of encryption and warned that there should be no safe space for terrorists to communicate online.

'I am clear that Government and industry need to work more closely together on this issue so that law enforcement and the intelligence agencies can get access to the data they need to keep us safe,' she said.

A militant standing in front of an ISIS flag in a picture that appeared on social media site Facebook

British Home Secretary Amber Rudd arrives outside 10 Downing Street in central London, on March 28, 2017

Further meetings are planned to further address this issue.

A fresh debate over authorities' access to communications was sparked after it was reported that Masood's phone connected with encrypted messaging service WhatsApp shortly before the atrocity.

WhatsApp has said it is 'co-operating with law enforcement as they continue their investigations'.

Masood killed four people in last week's terror attack.

An inquest for Masood, 52 - who was shot dead by police - was opened and adjourned on Thursday.

One tech giant that did not have a representative at the summit was Apple, who Amber Rudd left off the invite list.

The Home Secretary had warned it was 'completely unacceptable' that bloodthirsty terrorists like Khalid Masood are able to plot in secret by using encrypted messages.

She systems that allow people to hide from the security services as she insisted internet and technology firms must do more to help the fight against extremism.

Amber Rudd warned that internet companies are acting as a 'conduit' for terrorists by failing to block extremist content

Khalid Masood used a hired car to mow down dozens of pedestrians on Westminster Bridge before entering the grounds of Parliament and stabbing Pc Keith Palmer to death. MailOnline has revealed he was on WhatsApp minutes before the attack started

Despite the company's flagship iPhone coming with an encrypted messaging service built in - iMessage - bosses will not be at the summit, according to The Times.

The row has intensified in the wake of the deadly attack on Westminster last week, when Masood used a hired car to mow down dozens of pedestrians before stabbing a policeman to death at the gates of parliament.

MailOnline has revealed that the terrorist was on WhatsApp just minutes before he launched his deadly assault. As the service uses 'end to end encryption', not even the Facebook-owned company was able to read what was said.

It is unclear whether police have been able to retrieve the records from Masood's phone. The killer is believed to have used an iPhone, and even if the authorities retrieved the handset they may not be able to crack the security.

However, the end-to-end encryption on the application means it is extremely difficult for security services to trace.

Asked about the ability of terrorists to communicate secretly using the technology, Ms Rudd told BBC One's Andrew Marr Show: 'It is completely unacceptable, there should be no place for terrorists to hide.

'We need to make sure that organisations like WhatsApp, and there are plenty of others like that, don't provide a secret place for terrorists to communicate with each other.

'It used to be that people would steam-open envelopes or just listen in on phones when they wanted to find out what people were doing, legally, through warrantry.

'But on this situation we need to make sure that our intelligence services have the ability to get into situations like encrypted WhatsApp.'

Mrs May raised questions about whether police had been able to see Masood's last messages, telling Sky News Sophy Ridge programme that 'this terrorist sent a Whatsapp message and it can't be accessed'.

WHAT IS END-TO-END ENCRYPTION? WhatsApp boasts that even it does not know what is being communicated between users. That is because it employs end-to-end encryption, where only linked phones have the matching security keys allowing them to decode messages. The technology has raised alarm because government agencies are completely unable to intercept conversations that may allow them to head off terror attacks. Obtaining a warrant against companies using the technology would be pointless, as they simply do not hold the information. WhatsApp tells its users: 'Messages you send to this chat and calls are now secured with end-to-end encryption, which means WhatsApp and third parties can't read or listen to them.' Supporters of end-to-end encryption say it has made day-to-day activities such as online shopping infinitely safer. But there are growing calls for providers to install a 'back door' in the systems so the authorities can access potentially life-and-death material. Advertisement

Asked if she opposed end-to-end encryption, Ms Rudd said: 'End-to-end encryption has a place, cyber security is really important and getting it wrong costs the economy and costs people money.

'So I support end-to-end encryption, it has its place to play.

'But we also need to have a system whereby when the police have an investigation, where the security services have put forward a warrant signed off by the Home Secretary, we can get that information when a terrorist is involved.'

She denied what she was describing was incompatible with end-to-end encryption, adding: 'I support end-to-end encryption as part of cybersecurity, for families, for banking, for businesses. It's important.

'But we can't have a situation where terrorists can talk to each other, where this terrorist sent a Whatsapp message and it can't be accessed.'

The Home Office claimed Ms Rudd had been making a general point rather than referring to Masood's case specifically.

A WhatsApp spokesman said: 'We are horrified at the attack carried out in London earlier this week and are cooperating with law enforcement as they continue their investigations.'

Ms Rudd also insisted the likes of Google - which runs YouTube - and other smaller sites such as WordPress and Telgram must take more responsibility for blocking extremist material.

Ms Rudd said she was calling in a 'fairly long list' of relevant organisations for a meeting on the issue this week, including social media platforms.

'What these companies have to realise is that they are now publishing companies, they are not technology companies, they are platforms and we need to make sure that that (hosting extremist material) stops,' she said.

'You are right, we will not resile from taking action if we need to do so.'

But she went on: 'I would rather get a situation where we get all these people around the table agreeing to do it.

'I know it sounds a bit like we're stepping away from legislation but we're not.

Pictured: Jihadist Khalid Masood, who left four dead and 29 injured after a rampage in Westminster

'What I'm saying is the best people who understand the technology, who understand the necessary hashtags to stop this stuff even being put up, not just taking it down, but stopping it being put up in the first place, are going to be them.'

Boris Johnson also stepped up the pressure on internet firms over their 'disgusting' failure to block extremist content.

Before the atrocity Google had already been forced to promise it would take a 'tougher stance' on hateful content after an outcry and boycotts from advertisers over its content appearing alongside extreme material.

Mr Johnson called on internet providers and social media companies to develop new technology to detect and remove jihadist and other extreme material.

He accused them of 'not acting when they are tipped off', adding in an interview with the Sunday Times: 'I'm furious about it.

'It's disgusting.

'They need to stop just making money out of prurient violent material.'

Ms Rudd demanded more cooperation from internet and tech firms as she appeared on the BBC's Andrew Marr show today

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said he found it 'disgusting' that net firms were not taking tougher action against extreme literature

Masood was seemingly using WhatsApp just minutes before he went on his murder rampage

Mr Johnson added: 'They are not acting when they are tipped off.

'Evil flourishes when good men do nothing - and that's what's happening here.

'They are putting up adverts next to it.'

Europol, the EU's law enforcement agency, backed Ms Rudd's call for messaging services to build back doors into end-to-end encryption.

Its director Rob Wainwright told BBC Sunday Politics: 'There is no doubt that encryption, encrypted communications are becoming a more and more prominent feature in the way that terrorists communicate, more and more of a problem therefore, a real challenge for investigators.

'And at the heart of this is a stark inconsistency between the ability of the police to lawfully intercept telephone calls but not when those messages are exchanged by a social media messaging board for example.

Theresa May vowed to show terrorists that 'we are not afraid' as she addressed the House of Commons in the wake of the attack

'That's an inconsistency in society, it surely is, and we have to find a solution through the appropriate legislation, through perhaps the technology companies and law enforcement working maybe in a slightly more constructive way.'

Commons Home Affairs Committee chairwoman Yvette Cooper said the Government should consider German-style laws to fine companies that fail to remove extreme material, although Ms Rudd distanced herself from the idea.

Ms Cooper told Sky News's Sophy Ridge on Sunday: 'I think we're going to have to have much more pressure on them to act because I know that Amber Rudd wants to have another summit with them and another meeting with them. I'm sure that's very good.

'But David Cameron had lots and lots of meetings with them that kind of went around these issues again and again.

'I think they have to act.'
More than 1million migrants are in the pipeline in Libya hoping to cross to Europe, a senior diplomat has warned.

Joseph Walker-Cousins, former head of the British Embassy Office in Benghazi, said refugees were massing in the war-torn country having fled conflict and poverty.

Criminal human trafficking gangs are raking in billions of pounds charging migrants large sums to be smuggled across the Mediterranean in flimsy dinghies and boats.

Mr Walker-Cousins also launched a scathing attack on the European Union naval mission to reduce the number of people making the dangerous journey and prevent deaths at sea.

More than 1m migrants are in the pipeline in Libya hoping to cross to Europe, warned Joseph Walker-Cousins, former head of the British Embassy Office in Benghazi. Above, migrants in an overcrowded wooden vessel on Wednesday in the Mediterranean off the Libyan coast

Mr Walker-Cousins also launched a scathing attack on the European Union naval mission to reduce the number of people making the dangerous journey and prevent deaths at sea. Above, migrants from Libya this week, leading to a rescue operation by Spanish NGO Proactiva Open Arms

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said it was working to smash the Libyan smugglers businesses, with 414 boats destroyed and 109 traffickers arrested

The collapse of functioning government in Libya had led to a breakdown of border control  meaning migrants from across Africa were flocking to the coast in a desperate bid to reach Europe, said Mr Walker-Cousins

He said Operation Sophia  set up to stem the flow of migrants from Libya and neighbouring countries to Italy  was incentivising failure including drownings.

It encouraged criminal gangs to put vulnerable refugees to sea in overcrowded, rickety vessels in the knowledge that if they capsized, EU ships would try to rescue the stricken human cargo, he said.

His assessment will raise concerns that the worst migrant crisis engulfing Europe since the Second World War will deepen.

Some 600 migrants have drowned so far this year.

Mr Walker-Cousins, a senior fellow at the Institute for Statecraft think-tank, made his remarks while giving evidence to the House of Lords EU External Affairs Sub-Committee.

He said the collapse of functioning government in Libya had led to a breakdown of border control  meaning migrants from across Africa were flocking to the coast in a desperate bid to reach Europe.

Officials conceded that a decision to destroy traffickers vessels had seen them push refugees out to sea in less seaworthy boats. Refugees reach out for help on Wednesday, in the central Med, north of the Libyan city of Sabratha

The number of migrants reaching southern Europe by sea plunged by nearly two-thirds last year, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the EU border agency Frontex

Up to a million migrants if not more are in the pipeline, he said. They will take a long time to work their way through that pipeline but it is well-established.

The EU had done too little, too late to tackle the crisis, he said. The focus should have been on patrolling Libyas land borders 1,400km to the south rather than dealing with migrants when they got to the shores of the Med a stones throw from their final destination.

More had to be done to reach a political solution in the north African nation, which had plunged into civil war and militia violence since Colonel Gadaffi was toppled by a US-led coalition in 2011.

Mr Walker-Cousins said: Then we can begin to restore border security along the land borders and achieve the desired results in terms of stemming the flow of migrants and prevent them putting themselves at the mercy of those gruesome, merciless traffickers.

He was critical of the failure of Western governments, including Britain, to continue offering leadership after prompting the collapse of the Gadaffi regime.

Mr Walker-Cousins was critical of the failure of Western governments, including Britain, to continue offering leadership after prompting the collapse of the Gadaffi regime

The senior diplomat said Operation Sophia  set up to stem the flow of migrants from Libya and neighbouring countries to Italy  was incentivising failure including drownings. Above, a rescue operation in the Med last year

I dont want to say there is a vacuum of ownership and leadership at the political level but that sort of engagement and that appetite to own what is going on in Libya does not seem to exist now in a way it did then, he said.

No one really wants to own it  it is someone elses mess.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said it was working to smash the Libyan smugglers businesses, with 414 boats destroyed and 109 traffickers arrested.

But officials conceded that a decision to destroy traffickers vessels had seen them push refugees out to sea in less seaworthy boats.

The number of migrants reaching southern Europe by sea plunged by nearly two-thirds last year, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the EU border agency Frontex.

About 364,000 people seeking work or refugee protection crossed the sea in 2016 compared to more than one million the year before.
A group of Native American students from Montana got the surprise of their lives earlier this month while visiting Sidwell Friends School in Washington DC as part of an exchange program.

Nine students from Browning High School were giving presentations on Native American culture to some of the younger students at the private Quaker school on the morning of March 17 when they and and their teacher, Amy Conrey Andreas, were suddenly ushered into a conference room.

Then, before the students had time to figure out what was going on, in walked Michelle Obama.

The former first lady had apparently been on campus that morning to meet with one of daughter Sasha's counselors, and while that appointment was wrapping up had been asked if there was any chance she might be willing to stop in and say a quick hello to the students.

Michelle did not however want to go say a quick hello to the students, who are all part of Brownings Human Rights Club, and instead decided to spend her day with the young men and women of the Blackfeet Nation.

For the next few hours the nine students and their very emotional teacher hugged, posed for selfies and listened while Michelle spoke to them about success, privilege and the importance of education.

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Gather round: Michelle Obama surprised a group of students from Blackfeet Nation (above) who were visiting Sidwell Friends as part of a cultural exchange program

Opening up: The high school students were in Washington DC for a week and delivering a presentation on Native American culture when they were whisked away

Fawning over the former first lady: After the nine students from Montana and their teacher were in a room alone, Michelle Obama suddenly walked in and greeted them with hugs

Favor: Michelle had been visiting with her daughter Sasha's counselor and was asked that morning if she might say a quick hello to the group

Quick chat: She then sat down and spoke to the group for a few hours while also taking selfies and encouraging the youngsters to give back to their community

Andreas posted a video later that day which showed Michelle speaking to the group for eight straight minutes about her own goals growing up and the importance of being a leader.

She told the group of Native students at the start of the video: 'It is going to be so important for you to be strong leaders so you can help your communities. That was my whole thing when I thought about law school, when I thought about what I wanted to do.

'I didn't keep practicing law because I wanted to pick a career that allowed me to go back to my neighborhood and my community. But I had to get the education and the experience to bring something back and just think about it now. We're about to build a multi-million dollar library right in my neighborhood.

'The presidential library is going to be located 10 minutes from where I grew up.'

Michelle also explained how growing up in Chicago was in some ways very much like the lives of the students from Browning, saying: 'Many people in big cities live like kids on reservations, they are isolated. They're limited.'

She went on to detail how people become 'trapped' in their communities.

Michelle also congratulated the kids on their success already in being accomplished enough to get selected for the trip across the country, and reminded the teens to not be too critical of themselves and to always ask questions.

In her parting message she told the group: 'Let your life speak!'

Big day: In a video posted by teacher Amy Conrey Andreas (above) Michelle spoke to the group for eight straight minutes about her own goals growing up

Lessons: 'It is going to be so important for you to be strong leaders so you can help your communities,' said Michelle

Excitement: 'We're about to build a multi-million dollar library right in my neighborhood. 'The presidential library is going to be located 10 minutes from where I grew up,' said Michelle

Proud first lady: Michelle also congratulated the kids on their success already in being accomplished enough to get selected for the trip across the country

Andreas and the students arrived in DC on March 13 for their week at Sidwell, whose alumni include Malia Obama, Chelsea Clinton and Tricia Nixon.

The teacher documented Michelle's talk with the children in a series of photos in addition to the video, writing: 'She could have talked for hours and we wouldn't have moved...except me, I would've needed more Kleenex eventually.'

Andreas then posted two photos of herself crying while hugging the first lady.

Michelle and Sasha in June 2016 (above)

A few days later Andreas also shared the photo of her students giving their presentation just moments before they were escorted off to meet Michelle.

'In all the excitement the other day, I forgot to post a picture of the students at their last presentation, wrote Andreas.

'They didn't know it yet but they were just about to be whisked away to their meeting with Mrs. Obama.

She then added: 'They were fabulous presenters!'

A number of students also shared their selfies and pictures with Michelle later as well, while writing how amazing it was to meet the former first lady.

Details of Michelle's days as first lady will soon be shared in detail thanks to the memoir she is working on, which earned her a record-breaking advance that was higher than ant other first time author has received in publishing history.

Reports just before Michelle and her husband signed their joint book deal put the price being offered for global rights to their memoirs at over $60million.

And while Barack may be the bigger name worldwide, he has already written two books while Michelle has yet to share personal stories of her life in a memoir.

There is no release date for either book at this time, but if Michelle's is written anything like her speeches it should have no problem conquering the bestseller list.

And maybe even beating out Barack.
A Delaware woman has been sentenced to 40 years for murdering her husband by secretly lacing his steroid injections with antifreeze.

Jamie Baker, 47, has admitted in court to killing her competitive weightlifter husband James D Baker II, 42, who collapsed in their bedroom on September 16, 2013.

Baker was sentenced Thursday in Kent County Superior Court and ordered to have no contact with her husband's family, a spokesman for the state Department of Justice told the News Journal.

She had faced 15 years to life for the murder.

Sentenced: Jamie Baker (left) was sentenced Thursday to 40 years for killing husband James Baker (right) by lacing his steroids with antifreeze. Baker was a competitive weightlifter

She had been charged with first-degree murder but pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in Superior Court in Dover in February.

Jamie Baker reportedly told officers she filled a hypodermic syringe with antifreeze and injected it into her husband's bottles of liquid steroids, but she did not give them a motive.

An autopsy on James Baker found ethylene glycol inside his kidneys. The chemical is found in antifreeze.

In small doses, it crystallizes inside the organs, eventually causing death.

Jamie Baker gave no motive for the murder of her husband of 21 years

Bottles of steroids discovered at the scene were found to contain the substance.

But at first, how they became contaminated remained a mystery.

James Baker had ordered the steroids online with a friend, who testified that the bottles had not been tampered with when they arrived at his home.

The weightlifter had then taken the bottles to his own home, where he kept them in a locked toolbox in his closet.

It was only after a year of investigation that Jamie Baker admitted that she had used a hypodermic needle to drain a container of antifreeze in their garage and inject the bottles with it.

James Baker then unwittingly injected the substance into his body, ultimately causing his death.

According to the man's obituary, he worked as an environmental specialist for 22 years at the DuPont Experimental Station and had two daughters.
A man was arrested after new DNA technology linked him to a bloody palm print six years after a mother and her three-year-old were brutally murdered.

Investigators flew across the country to arrest Kenneth Canzater Jr., 33, for allegedly murdering Candra Alston, 25, and Malaysia Boykin, in their Columbia, South Carolina, apartment in 2011.

While Canzater, an acquaintance of the victims, was interviewed shortly after the killings as a suspect, he denied any involvement and DNA tests at the time proved to be inconclusive.

Investigators flew across the country to arrest Kenneth Canzater Jr., 33, after new DNA technology linked him to a bloody palm print at the scene of a double murder in 2011

Investigators determined the mother and daughter died two days before their bodies were found on January 9, 2011.

Alston suffered a gunshot wound to the head, while her three-year-old daughter was stabbed multiple times.

Police Sergeant Kevin Reese said in 2012 that it was 'one of the most gruesome crime scenes' he had witnessed.

When police found no signs that the killer had forced his way into the apartment, they began questioning those who were known to the victims.

Cantazer was one of several suspects, but he denied any wrongdoing and said he hadn't been to their apartment since New Year's Eve - one week before the murders.

Police did not find the murder weapons, and a bloody palm print was the only evidence they had to work with.

Candra Alston (left) suffered a gunshot wound to the head, while her daughter Malaysia Boykin (right) was stabbed multiple times in a case that stumped investigators for years

It did not return any matches at the time, although police collected around 150 DNA swabs and interviewed more than 200 people as the case went unsolved.

Less than one year later, Cantazer was arrested in California for a probation violation, and investigators swabbed him for DNA.

By 2013, DNA tests narrowed the evidence down to four people, before another test in February 2017 finally matched Cantazer's DNA.

Authorities traveled to California in search of Cantazer and found him in a motel. He is currently being held in Riverside before he is extradited to South Carolina.

A friend released a statement on behalf of Alston's family, saying: 'We knew that God would come to vindicate this family, so we just want to say thank you all....

'This family can sleep well tonight knowing whomever did this to their family members will not get away and will not walk away scot-free.'
A Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy has been placed on administrative leave after a shocking video shows him appearing to shrug off an emergency call as he sat in his patrol cruiser.

The seemingly incriminating footage shows deputy Jeremy Fennell, 26, recording a video in what appears to be an attempt to reconcile with a significant other. The dispatcher is then heard calling in a report of an incident involving a gunman.

'She can go f*** herself, OK?' he says into the camera as he continues to ignore the call.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy Jeremy Fennell appeared to be ignoring an emergency call about a shooting in a video

'I want you, you, you, you,' he says while pointing at the camera.

'Somebody's getting shot right now.  I know I gotta go, but I'm not gonna go because you mad, so I'm not gonna go,' he continued.

'Someone's getting shot. Oh well,' he shrugged. 'Oh well. Because I want to make things right with me and you,' he says as the radio is hear in the background.

Fennell continues to blow kisses into the camera and send flirtatious messages in the 50-second video saying: 'You know you want a kiss.'

'I want you, you, you, you,' he says while pointing at the camera. Fennell is also seen blowing kisses after the dispatcher called in an incident about an apparent shooter

The video was uploaded by a YouTube user named Compassionate Cop. The same user also uploaded another video of Fennell allegedly threatening his girlfriend.

Fennell's former girlfriend, Priscilla Anderson, told KABC-TV that she posted the video online, however it's unclear when or where the video was taken.

The deputy was issued a restraining order in February after a domestic abuse incident with his pregnant girlfriend, Witness LA reported.

He was also arrested in January for an unspecified offense on the same day he was placed on leave.

'We are very concerned about what is depicted in the video. The department is currently investigating the matter,' Sheriff Jim McDonnell said in a statement.
A reported sighting of a teenager and her former teacher, 50, who kidnapped her two weeks ago, has been confirmed to be a false alarm.

Elizabeth Thomas, 15, and a clean-shaven Tad Cummins had reportedly been seen at a gas station in Collierville.

The two disappeared from Columbia, Tennessee, on March 13, were believed to have been traveling in a white van with a ladder.

Elizabeth Thomas, 15, and a clean-shaven Tad Cummins are believed to have been seen in Collierville

The pair were reportedly first spotted at this gas station in Collierville, Tennessee (pictured)

The two were believed to have been traveling in a white van with a ladder. A van has been recovered in midtown Memphis at Krystals

Sources say that Cummins and Thomas left a van and boarded a MATA bus

Shabana Mavani, an employee at the Shell station where the first sighting occurred, said police came to the store and showed them a picture of Cummins and Elizabeth Thomas.

Mayani said the teen and former teacher both came in and purchased items and 'the man looked agitated and ready to leave' while the girl 'seemed calm and comfortable', reported Fox 17.

A van, believed to be theirs, has been recovered in midtown Memphis at Krystals. It has temporary Mississippi tags, and a painted over AT&T logo.

Sources say that Cummins and Thomas left the van there and boarded a MATA bus.

Authorities are at the scene at the Main MATA terminal on North Main Street believed to be in connection to the Amber Alert sightings, reported WMAC.

A Channel 3 reporter, Jessica Gertler, tweeted that she spoke with the man who alerted police, and he said that if it is Cummins, he shaved his beard.

The man also took a picture of the license plate and sent it to police. He also said that the teen in the van looked unharmed, and the man with her looked uncomfortable.

There have been over 1,100 prior tips to the authorities, but no credible sightings so far.

Officials held a press conference Tuesday to caution the public of 'victim blaming,' saying that the two did not fall in love and run away, but that it was a well thought out kidnapping.

They also asked the public to stay vigilant, and for any leads to be reported immediately.

Thomas, who is 15, is believed to be with her former teacher Tad Cummins, 50. He is wanted for aggravated kidnapping and sexual contact with a minor.

Family members have pleaded for Cummins to bring Thomas home after it was discovered that the two had been sending love letters to one another by writing draft emails on a shared classroom computer at Culleoka School.

Tennessee officials are investigating the possible sighting of a 50-year-old teacher who is believed to have kidnapped his student, 15, two weeks ago

The TBI issued a statement saying: 'We have not requested an AMBER Alert be issued in Mexico or Central America.

'We have, through the FBI, shared with law enforcement in Mexico and Central America, relevant information about the case, to include identifying information about both individuals.

'This is, however, in the name of due diligence. We have no specific information Tad Cummins took Elizabeth Thomas across the Border.'

TBI Director Mark Gwyn noted: 'Right now, Elizabeth may not realize she's a victim, but she is.'

The head of the TBI then addressed Tad Cummins directly, urging him to do the right thing and bring Elizabeth home to her family and friends.

TBI spokesperson John DeVine urged the public to be on the lookout for the missing duo and contact police right away in the event of a sighting.

'It takes just one lead, one tip, one person seeing them to turn this thing around,' he said.

A reported sighting of the pair was made in Corpus Christi, Texas, last week. Police could not confirm it, but investigators have notified police in Mexico and Central America

Cummins and Thomas left love notes for each other on his classroom computer at Culleoka School before vanishing. The pair are pictured in the classroom, above, in January

He is on the TBI's Top 10 Most Wanted list.

There has never been anything romantic about their relationship.

This image of Elizabeth was taken on March 13, the day she vanished. She appears to be holding a bundle of clothes

'We have knowledge of grooming, we have knowledge of what law people would even call brainwashing, and we also have knowledge of a child who was conflicted, a child who was even scared of this man,' Whatley said.

A nationwide BOLO was issued, and the FBI and National Center for Missing & Exploited Children are involved., reported Fox.

Officials previously said that Cummins and Thomas could be 'anywhere' since they vanished some 15 days ago.

While TBI received a tip last week that the two were spotted in Corpus Christi, Texas - just 150 miles away from the border - police were unable to confirm the sighting.

Some have characterized this relationship as a romance, but this morning, I want to caution the public to avoid anything that might look or sound like-victim blaming,' TBI Director Mark Gwyn said.

'Let me be very clear this morning: she is 15, a child, he is 50, a grown man,' Gwyn went on to say.

'She's a high school freshman, he's a former teacher.

'This is and was not a romance, this was a manipulation solely to benefit Tad Cummins.

'This is not a fairy tale, this is a case of kidnapping, and we remain gravely concerned for the well-being of this young girl.'

Anyone who sees Cummins or Thomas should call 911 immediately. Anyone with information on their whereabouts should call 1-800-TBI-FIND.
A former actor who played one of television's 'Power Rangers' has been sentenced to six years in prison for stabbing his roommate to death with a sword.

Ricardo Medina Jr. was sentenced Thursday in Superior Court in Lancaster, California.

He pleaded guilty earlier this month to one count of voluntary manslaughter.

Medina fatally stabbed his 36-year-old roommate Joshua Sutter to death on January 31, 2015, after the two reportedly got into a fight about Medina's girlfriend at their shared Green Valley residence.

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Former Power Rangers actor Ricardo Medina Jr was sentenced to sic years in prison on Thursday for the 2015 murder of his roommate

The 38-year-old pleaded guilty to charges of stabbing Josh Sutter (right, with his sister Rachel Kennedy) to death with a sword

The 38-year-old Medina says he acted in self-defense after Sutter broke into his bedroom following the argument.

Sutter was stabbed in the abdomen with a 'Conan the Barbarian-style' sword, TMZ reported last year.

Medina called 911 and told police that he had been acting in self-defense. Sutter died in hospital.

The actor was released after the District Attorney's office rejected the case, calling for the LA County Sheriff's Department to continue the investigation.

Sutter's father Donald (left) and sister (right) gave victim impact statements in court on Thursday

He was arrested again in January 2016, and arraigned in October of that year, where he pleaded not guilty to murder.

Medina's attorney says his client agreed to plead guilty to manslaughter rather than risk a murder conviction and a possible life sentence.

At the hearing on Thursday, Sutter's heartbroken father and sister gave emotional victim impact statements.

Sutter's father, Donald, asked the judge to put Medina in the prison's general population 'so that he will see and feel the same fear that Joshua must have felt'.

Medina played the leader of the heroic Power Rangers in the 2002 series Power Rangers Wild Force (left and right)

'He chose to kill my brother instead of the many options that all rational people would have taken,' Sutter's sister Rachel Kennedy said. 'He chose to kill to take a life.'

Medina played the leader of the heroic Power Rangers in the 2002 series Power Rangers Wild Force.

He later reappeared as the villain Deker in Power Rangers Samurai in 2011 and its follow-up Power Rangers Super Samurai in 2012.

Born and raised in LA, Medina was also pursuing a singing career and had stints on ER and CSI, according to his IMDb profile.

'He is a great friend and a great client. It's something I can't even conceive,' Gar Lester, Medina's former agent, who has known the actor for 12 years, told ABC7 in 2015.
Police are searching for a missing girl who vanished from her high school on Tuesday afternoon.

Rebekah Sisson, 16, was last seen in Radford High School, around 170 miles from Richmond.

Her last contact was with her mom at 5:15pm on Tuesday; she was reported missing by her mom the following day.

On Thursday afternoon Virginia non-profit The Aware Foundation said that she may have fled to Florida.

Missing: Rebekah Sisson (left) went missing on Tuesday from Radford High School in Radford, Virginia. Her last call was to her mom (right, with Rebekah) at 5:15pm that day

'We received some information from someone stating It's possible REBEKAH SISSON may have cut her hair short and dyed black and possibly headed to Florida,' it said on Facebook.

'The information has been handed over to the Radford City Police.'

Sisson is described as a white female with blonde hair and blue eyes, five-feet-six-inches tall and 115 pounds.

Photographs show her to be a member of the school's softball team.

Rebekah's social media shows her to be a typical teenage girl with typical teenager worries and concerns.

Sweet: In May Rebekah posted a message on Facebook saying how much she loved and appreciated her mother

In September she shared a meme that read 'No one notices your tears, no one notices your sadness, no one notices your pains, but everyone notices your mistakes.'

And in August she tweeted: 'When you're busy so your bf takes your friend and a b***h who doesn't like you to see suicide squad instead #RelationshipGoals.'

The tweet was accompanied by three sarcastic smilies and a thumbs up emoji.

She also tweeted about marijuana legalization, and how it is preferable, and less damaging, than alcohol.

In May, Sisson posted an endearing message for her mom.

'This is a little late, but Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful mother,' she wrote. 'I'm so blessed to have someone who puts up with me day in and day out, and regardless of what I do their love is unconditional.

'No one else in the world would have the strength to put up with a kid like me and give me as many opportunities for success as I've been given, so I just wanna say thank you.

'And even though it may not seem like it all the time, I'm always appreciative for everything you've done for me and the wonderful life you've provided me with.'

Anyone with information is asked to contact Radford City Police Department on 540-731-3624.
DeJohn Lee (above), 19, is said to have confessed to assaulting nine women and raping at least six of them over a three-year-period in suburban Philadelphia

Police in suburban Philadelphia say a 19-year-old man is charged with assaulting nine women, and raping at least six, starting when he was 16.

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan says DeJohn Lee has been in custody since early January, when one of his accusers saw him in a grocery store and called police.

The accuser was employed at the time in a store in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania, that Lee had patronized, according to WPVI-TV.

Whelan says nine women were attacked separately, from 2014 to early 2017.

Lee faces multiple counts of rape, attempted murder, aggravated assault and related offenses.

Whelan said that Lee has confessed to all of the crimes of which he has been charged.

Police say Lee recently told them he had many more victims, and Whelan is urging them to come forward.

Whelan says Lee would stalk his victims, waiting until they were alone before attacking.

Lee, of Chester, had no comment for reporters on the way to his arraignment Thursday.

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan says Lee (seen above on Thursday as he is escorted to his arraignment hearing in Media, Pennsylvania) has been in custody since early January, when one of his accusers saw him in a grocery store and called police

No attorney information is available online.

Authorities allege that all but one of the assaults took place within the municipal bounds of Chester.

'This individual would stalk women, he would terrorize women, he would hide, and he would wait for young women to be walking alone,' Whelan said.

Authorities are charging Lee with a litany of crimes stemming from the assaults, including six counts of rape, two counts of attempted homicide, and nine counts of aggravated assault.

Lee is also facing related charges including involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, robbery, firearms charges, drug possession, and possessing instruments of crime.

'Most of these victims were fighting him,' Whelan said.

'They were then terrorized and some of them conceded to his wishes where he would rob them, rape them. He would do so with forcible compulsion.'
A getaway driver left her friends to die after a homeowner shot the teenagers during a burglary gone wrong, police say.

Authorities say Elizabeth Rodriguez, 21, planned the burglary at the Oklahoma home and dropped off her boyfriend Maxwell Cook, 19, and friends Jacob Redfearn, 17, and Jaykob Woodruff, 16, on Monday.

The teens, who were wearing black clothing, gloves and masks, smashed a glass door and broke into the family home.

But they were met by Zach Peters, 23, who overheard the noise and ran down with his rifle.

Elizabeth Rodriguez (pictured left in mugshot, and right), left her friends to die after a homeowner shot the teenagers during a burglary gone wrong, police say

The son of the homeowner opened fire, hitting all three intruders. Two were killed instantly in the kitchen while the third ran outside into the driveway to try and make it to Rodriguez who was waiting in the getaway vehicle.

But deputies say that at that point, Rodriguez had fled leaving her friends behind.

The third teen's dead body was discovered lying out in the driveway.

Rodriguez, who is a mother, later turned herself in at the Broken Arrow Police Department saying she had information about the burglary.

She was arrested and faces charges of first-degree felony murder and three complaints of first-degree burglary.

Police have ruled out claims that she was pregnant with his child and they had been driven to carry out the robberies to fund the arrival of their baby.

Peters may be covered by the state's Stand Your Ground law in what police are classifying as a strong case of self-defense.

Killed: Max Cook, 19, (left) and Jacob Redfearn, 17, (right) were shot dead by qualified pilot Zachary Peters at his parents' home on Monday during a burglary. Cook was in a relationship with Rodriguez

Dead burglar: Jake Woodruff, 16, was the third teen killed in the confrontation

According to a probable cause affidavit, Rodriguez had some previous knowledge of the house and knew the homeowner by name.

She told investigators on Wednesday that she did not know Peters personally but was aware that his family had money and expensive belongings.

Authorities say Rodriguez and her friends had broken into a detached garage on the property earlier the same day and stole liquor from a game room. They then returned later to search the rest of the house.

HARROWING 911 CALL PETERS MADE AFTER SHOOTING GANG Peters: I've just been broken into. Two men, two I've shot in my house Dispatcher: Was one of them shot? Peters: Yes, two of them. Dispatcher: Are they bleeding? Peters: Yes. I believe one... one's down, one's still talking here with me now. Dispatcher: And they broke into your home? Peters: Yes. Dispatcher: What's your name, sir? Peters: Zach Peters. Dispatcher: OK, sir, we're getting people out that way. And they attempted to break into your house and then...you shot them, correct? Peters: Correct. They are in my house. Two are still in my house. Dispatcher: OK, are they white males? Peters: Um, I didn't get a good look. Dispatcher: OK, can you see them right now?' Peters: No, I'm, uh, I shot two of them, now I'm barricaded in my bedroom. Dispatcher: You're barricaded in your, in your bedroom? OK. Peters: Correct. Southeast corner. They broke in a back door. I can hear one of them talking. Dispatcher: OK, what are they saying? Peters: I can't hear them. Dispatcher: OK, where were they shot? Peters: Upper body. Dispatcher: Upper body? Dispatcher: Are you hurt, sir? Peters: No. Advertisement

Police say that having got away with the first raid they decided to chance a second robbery in the belief that the house was unoccupied but were met by Peters.

Another woman has since come forward with information about the deadly burglary.

'Investigators have made contact with her and are currently in the process of talking with her,' Mahoney said.

Officers are awaiting toxicology reports to ascertain whether the trio were drunk when they returned to the scene of their first crime.

In Oklahoma, those suspected of committing a felony that results in a death can face murder charges even if they did not kill anyone under a joint enterprise law.

Rodriguez is reported to have got to know the house when she dropped off a delivery item there and recommended the residence as a favorable burglary target for the gang.

They first broke in on Monday morning, stealing booze from the garage which is separate from the main building without disturbing the Peters family.

Having got away successfully, Rodriguez drove the three masked teenagers back.

But when they returned for a second raid they broke into the main house by smashing a glass door.

The 23-year-old was at home around 12.30pm on Monday when he was woken up by a loud noise.

Zach, 23, a qualified small airplane pilot, rushed down stairs with his AR-15 assault rifle.

As he turned a corner from the hallway and into the kitchen he saw the masked intruders and sprayed them with gunfire.

His bullets thudded into the walls and refrigerator and also killed the three youths with each suffering a single bullet wound to the upper torso.

Zach, in his 911 call told police he had shot two burglars and did not realize that a third had crawled out of the house and had succumbed there.

He barricaded himself into his bedroom and called police, telling the 911 operator he could hear one of the burglars still talking, despite being gunned down.

He pleaded for the emergency services to give the shot teenagers first aid immediately.

Zachary Peters, 23, (left) shot dead three teenagers who broke into his home on Monday afternoon in a burglary planned by Elizabeth Rodriguez, 21, (right), according to court documents

Wagoner Sheriff deputy Nick Mahoney (pictured), who was one of the first at the house after the 911 call, said he was confronted with a scene of 'blood everywhere'

In a recording of his 911 call released today he pleads: 'And you guys need to start EMS, I believe one of them is shot bad.'

He believed he had shot two of the intruders and was unaware that a third had been hit.

Wagoner Sheriff deputy Nick Mahoney, who was one of the first at the house after the 911 call, said he was confronted with a scene of 'blood everywhere.'

He added: 'Two bodies were in the kitchen and a third was outside.'

He said police were able to dismiss Facebook rumors that the trio had broken into steal narcotics and that with a warrant police had examined the house and no illegal drugs had been found.

Referring to information about Rodriguez being pregnant by Cook, he said: 'There is information that she was in a relationship with one of the deceased and that she is pregnant with his child.

'I can't confirm that we have investigated that and have found it not to be true.

Way in: The suspects gained entry after they shattered a glass door at the back of the Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, house owned by Peters' father. It was their second raid on the property, having earlier attacked the garage, police said

Peters confronted the suspects with a rifle and opened fire. Two teens died in the kitchen, while a third (pictured, with his leg emerging from the tarp) ran to the driveway and collapsed

'We will never truly know why they broke into that house or really have all the answers.

'Our investigators are very well trained and they are very knowledgeable and will chase every piece of information and rumor. We are following every lead.

'We have Elizabeth Rodriguez in custody and she has invoked her right to counsel. So she is not giving any statements.'

But police are seeking a man behind a Facebook post who has stated that Rodriguez called him from a local McDonalds burger bar shortly after the shootings and told him what had happened and 'went through details.'

Mahoney said police were able to dismiss Facebook rumors that the trio had broken into steal narcotics and that with a warrant police had examined the house and no illegal drugs had been found

The man, called Ethen, is said to have advised her to give herself up to police. The woman later surrendered to officers and told them of the violence of Broken Arrow.

Zach, who is set to be cleared of any offense because he acted in self-defense, was said to be 'somber' and has been sent to spend time with counselors to help him come through the trauma.

DailyMail.com revealed that his first words to officers were about inquiring whether the trio would be OK.

He was repeatedly asking officers: 'Are they going to be alrightare they alright?'

They were not known to police. But a knife and brass knuckle were found by officers after the confrontation. The brass knuckle may have been used to smash through the glass door.

Mahoney said there appeared to be a strong case for self-defense, but the whole episode was 'tragic' and Zach was 'distressed' by the deaths.

Peters, who has not been charged, cooperated with authorities and gave a formal statement at the sheriff's office. He was uninjured.
Flooding has exceeded the destruction of historic 1954 and 1974 floods in northern New South Wales in the wake of Cyclone Debbie.

There are fears people will be discovered dead as tens of thousands of residents are ordered to evacuate and 140,000 Queenslanders remain without power.

Authorities are unsure how many people are awaiting rescue as some may not have had access to phones.

Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said efforts were continuing in Lamington National Park to find a bushwalker missing since Wednesday.

Flooding at Murwillumbah in northern NSW was deeper than the 1954 floods by Friday morning and is expected to exceed the 1974 floods by the early afternoon, Bureau of Meteorology said.

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The Kindred Collective store in South Murwillumbah, NSW, is pictured underwater

Lismore is flooded after the Wilson River broke its bank on Friday

Flooding in Northern Rivers town of Mullumbimby in NSW is pictured on Friday

A car is pictured submerged in floodwaters at Toombul in Queensland on Thursday

An aerial view of the flooding in the northern New South Wales town of Lismore after the area was hit by Cyclone Debbie

MULWILLUMBAH DRENCHED WITH MORE THAN 400MM OF RAIN

Up to 423 millimetres of rain fell in Murwillumbah within 24 hours, Bureau of Meteorology said on Thursday.

In parts of the northern rivers, 780mm fell within 48 hours in the aftermath of Cyclone Debbie.

An exhausted horse to shelter in the doorway of a home at Murwillumbah on Friday, according to a heartbreaking photo shared on Facebook.

'She is completely exhausted and we have spoken with the vet,' the daughter of the horse' s wrote in a comment on the post.

Homes and business are underwater in Lismore on Friday as potentially deadly conditions continue.

Sirens in the northern NSW town are warning residents to head to higher ground or get on their roofs after floodwater topped the protective levee.

Three metres of water is expected to drown the town and exceed floods seen in 2001 and 2005, NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Mark Morrow said.

A girl stands at the edge of flood waters at the flooded Beenleigh train station carpark

Vehicles submerged in flood water near Beenleigh train station south of Brisbane, Australia

Residents carry sandbags at Mount Warren Park, south of Brisbane, on Friday

A man carries sandbags in Mount Warren Park on Friday during floods

A horse is pictured taking shelter in a home at Murwillumbah during floods

Lismore residents are pictured evacuating their homes through floodwaters

Lismore is pictured flooded after the Wilson River breached its banks on Friday

Search Emergency Services are pictured rescuing people from a flooded causeway near Tabragalba, south of Brisbane

Some of those who called for help overnight couldn't be reached, with the possibility of the 'distressing news' of deaths to come, he said.

'There could be people overnight that perished in that flood, we don't know at this stage,' he told ABC television on Friday morning.

'We expect this morning that as we start to go out and try to find people that made those calls overnight, there could be some very distressing news.'

Lismore's city's siren was activated at 4.15am on Friday warning residents to leave immediately.

'It's the first time it's been activated in 12 years,' Lismore mayor Isaac Smith told AAP on Friday.

Floodwaters topped the 10.6 metre level at 4.15am on Friday, with water levels predicted to reach 11.5 metres later in the day, Mr Smith said.

A boy is seen walking through floodwater south of Brisbane on Friday

Lismore is seen flooded on Friday after Wilson River breached its banks

Mark 'Huey" Hewitt drinks a beer in floodwaters in central Lismore on Friday

Residents wade through rising floodwaters as they leave their home in central Lismore

Floodwaters in Kenilworth in Queensland are pictured on Friday morning

The SES is predicting the situation could worsen during the day with a high tide due at 1pm.

The wind is expected to pick up on Friday, compounding the dangers.

'We'll start to see trees coming down, potentially powerlines,' Mr Morrow said.

'That's the back-end associated with that cyclone in Queensland.

'We're far from out of this and I think the recovery efforts that are going to have to occur are going to be significant.'

The Lismore mayor said people had been caught off guard, and the city is in uncharted territory.

Central Lismore is seen flooded underwater on Friday

A woman evacuates her home in Lismore on Friday

Floodwaters in Lismore are pictured on Friday in the aftermath of Cyclone Debbie

A man is pictured walking through floodwaters in Lismore in northern NSW

Heavy rainfall and flash flooding is pictured in southeast Queensland

Mr Smith said the city's protective levee had never failed Lismore before.

'It's never happened, 12 years now the levee's stood there and kept out major and minor floods,' he said.

'A lot of people here are just a bit concerned about how it's going to go, but we honestly don't know,' he told ABC TV on Friday.

Mr Morrow said floodwaters would reach the roof of homes or even higher.

'A lot of people that are going to be displaced from their businesses or their homes.'

Mr Morrow painted a picture of dramatic bids to save lives overnight.

Residents use a boat in the main street on Friday at Billinudgel in floodwaters

Young men surf down the main street on Friday in floodwaters at Billinudgel

Locals paddle through floodwaters on surfboards on Friday

A man and young boy walk through floodwaters in the main street at Billinudgel

Residents surf down the street after heavy rain through flooding

Flooding at Beenleigh train station at Logan, south of Brisbane, is pictured

A pharmacy employee cleans up storm water from her store in Airlie Beach in north Queensland

Floods in the the Jones Park and the South East Freeway bikeway, south of Brisbane, on Thursday

'About 130 flood rescues, people in cars, people trapped on roofs of houses. We'll get out there as soon as we can in daylight with aerial assets as well, helicopters and we'll try and find those people that made calls to us last night and help them this morning.'

He said about 6,000 people had left their homes.

Residents in the flood zone caused by ex-tropical cyclone Debbie have spent the night holed up in evacuation centres, as the system tracked south past Brisbane and into northern NSW.

River levels in some threatened communities were continuing to rise, even on a low tide, when they should be starting to drop.

Locals use a boat to travel through South Murwillumbah in northern NSW on Friday

Floodwater threatens homes at Ocean Shores, near Byron Bay, on Friday

People wade through flooding in Mount Warren Park, Queensland, on Friday

Children play on a paddleboard in Mount Warren Park, south of Brisbane

Residents escape their flooded house in Mount Warren on Friday

Debris is pictured cutting off the road through floods at South Murwillumbah

Residents carry sand bags to their homes in Mount Warren Park

Residents row a boat down the flooded street in South Murwillumbah

Hayman Island is pictured as guests are allowed to head home

Mermaid Waters Canal in the Gold Coast is pictured on Friday

Lismore is underwater and floodwaters could reach three metres deep on Friday

South Lismore businesses are pictured underwater on Friday morning

A church in South Lismore is pictured flooded in on Friday morning

'In some places further to the north, like Chinderah up around Tweed Heads where the water should be falling on a low tide now it's actually increasing. That's not a good sign for today.'

He said 13 evacuation orders remained current, affecting about 25,000 people in northern NSW towns.

People in Tweed Heads South and West, Chinderah, Kingscliff, Fingal Head and Bilambil have been told to leave.

Closer to the Queensland border, residents in 500 homes in the South Murwillumbah, Condong and Tumbulgum areas were also ordered to evacuate, with the Tweed River experiencing major flooding.

Floodwaters are pictured dangerously high in South Lismore on Friday morning

The Gold Coast is pictured on Thursday where a home was flooded

Part of John Muntz Causeway bridge collapsed in Oxenford in the Gold Coast on Thursday

Flooding at Mermaid Waters in Queensland's Gold Coast is pictured on Friday

Destruction at Hamilton Island is pictured on Thursday evening

Norman Buchan Park in Bardon, Brisbane, is pictured on Thursday

Kindred Collective is pictured underwater on Friday in South Murwillumbah, NSW

Authorities have lamented those ignoring advice and driving through floodwaters.

SES spokesman Brent Hunter those people were 'playing Russian roulette with their lives', Daily Telegraph reported.

A 'WALL OF WATER' HEADS FOR THE GOLD COAST

Gold Coast residents have been warned to prepare as wind gusts up to 100km/h are expected to lash the region this afternoon.

Meanwhile, residents of low-lying parts of Logan and the Gold Coast have been told to move to higher ground as a 'wall of water' heads towards the region.

The Gold Coast council has told residents near the northern suburbs of Stapylton and Jacobs Well to evacuate, and warned those who remain behind they risk being trapped by floodwaters for several days.

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said people in the area should get out now.

Lismore streets are pictured underwater as floodwaters rise on Friday

Residents in Lismore (pictured) have been warned to evacuate immediately, as flood waters rise and torrential rain continues

Queenslanders are being told to go home at lunchtime on Thursday, as the state prepares to be drenched with a month's worth of rain (flooded Gold Coast carpark on Thursday)

The Causeway in Oxenford over the Coomera River fell through

A stop sign and homes are pictured inundated with floodwaters at Lismore in NSW

'Floodwaters are approaching, and they are putting out SMS alerts to people in those areas, asking people to go to higher ground, to evacuate to friends and family,' he said.

'They are urgent alerts and we have asked the community to take them seriously.

Residents in low-lying areas around Beenleigh have also been told to get out as the Albert River continues to rise towards a possible 130-year record level.

The Bureau of Meteorology says the river level may reach around 8.0 metres in the areas on Friday afternoon, near the 8.1 metre record level set in 1887.

Chad Allen, 10, and his mother Chloe collect drinking water from an army tank at Airlie Beach

Damage to a causeway over the Coomera River near Oxenford on the Gold Coast is pictured on Friday

Damage to the Gold Coast causeway is pictured on Friday

Logan Mayor Luke Smith told the Courier Mail a 'wall of water' was heading for the area from the Scenic Rim region.

'We're in for a significant inundation of major flooding. It's just about waiting to see where all the water happens to go.'

Floodwaters are expected to peak around midday today in both areas.

Bureau of Meteorology regional director Bruce Gunn said rainfall totals across the southeast had been extraordinary, with falls of more than 800mm in the Gold Coast hinterland in 48 hours.

Lennon Bartlett rows through the McDonald's drive-through in Lismore on Friday

A woman rides through floodwaters in Lismore in NSW on Friday

A pie shop south of Brisbane has been completely flooded in on Friday

The Beaudesert area has already been beset by record floodwaters after being pounded by heavy rain from ex-cyclone Debbie.

BOM has also warned of possible minor flooding along the Brisbane River at the Brisbane CBD overnight on Friday and on Saturday.

There are also concerns about possible flooding in Rockhampton next week as water makes its way down from rivers upstream.

AUTHORITIES HIT OUT AT 'FOOLISH' BEHAVIOUR DURING FLOODING

Meanwhile, State Disaster Coordinator Stephan Gollschewski has hit out at 'foolish and quite stupid behaviour' from some during the floods

In one case a man was charged with drink-driving after driving into flood waters with his partner and two young children west of Brisbane.

And on Thursday a boy was swept away after tying his boogie board to a bridge so he could surf a torrent of water coming down a creek. He was lucky to survive and managed to swim to safety.

A destroyed road in north Queensland is pictured in the aftermath of Cyclone Debbie

A local collects drinking water from an army tank in Airlie Beach on Friday

All schools in southeast Queensland remain closed for the second consecutive day but the worst of the weather has passed over the Brisbane area, where the sun has come out.

Meanwhile, Mr Gollschewski said the focus in north Queensland, where Cyclone Debbie crossed the coast as a category four storm on Tuesday, had switched to restoring essential services such as communication and power networks, to aid the recovery effort there.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the SES had dealt with about 5600 calls for help since the cyclone disaster began earlier this week.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said around 140,000 households were without powers across the southeast and north Queensland.

More than 90,000 homes are currently without power in the southeast and a further 50,000 in the Bowen, Mackay and Whitsunday regions.

Some will be without power for days.

An aerial shot shows Daydream Island after the area was hit by cyclone Debbie

A home in Bowen in north Queensland has painted a lighthearted scorecard on the fence

Flood waters enter in the parking lot outside the Robina Hospital on the Gold Coast as severe rain continue throughout south-east Queensland

She said 630 power lines were affected by Thursday's extreme weather in Queensland's southeast.

The police commissioner also said efforts were continuing in the Lamington National Park, near the Queensland-NSW border, to find a bushwalker missing since Wednesday.

'He remains unaccounted for. You can just imagine what the conditions are like are there ... It would be a very treacherous situation,' Mr Stewart said.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Deputy Commissioner Mike Wassing said the state's flood emergency wasn't over, particularly for communities near the NSW border.

A car pictured in flood water in the Toombul Shopping Centre car park, north of Brisbane

'If you have been praying for rain please stop,' the sign for Silkstone Baptist Church in Ipswich says

'Our greatest area of concern this morning for people living in the areas of Beenleigh, Waterford, Woodend and Beaudesert,' he told ABC television.

'We currently got major flood warnings for the Albert River and the Logan River.'

He described the situation as 'very serious'.

'It is very serious, it's a major flood warning. If you're in low-lying areas, safely move to high grounds.'

Swift water rescue firefighters had saved the lives of 85 people trapped in floodwaters.

Mr Wassing confirmed there had been 'a number of rescues and continue to have as we speak'.

Cars engulfed in flood waters on the Gold Coast following torrential rain across south-east Queensland

Cyclone Debbie aftermath: Mackay in north Queensland is experiencing widespread flooding after Pioneer River burst its banks

At 1am Friday, Queensland police urged residents of Beaudesert in southeast Queensland to warn neighbours, secure belongings and move to higher ground as it was hit by record flooding and the Logan River continued to rise.

Nine News reported some in Beaudesert had to seek refuge on the roof of their cars as the waters rose.

The Logan River in the town was at 13.91 metres early Friday morning, equivalent to the level seen in the town's record 1991 flood and the river is not expected to peak until 7am (AEST).

Weatherzone meteorologist Brett Dutshke told Daily Mail Australia Lismore and other areas have been hit with the most rain since the floods of 1974.

There is very little rain expected to come but emergency services are warning the danger is not over.

A helpless bull shark lies in shallow water during floods in Burdekin, just south of Townsville

Washed away: A car - thankfully with no one inside - sits in floodwater outside a Gold Coast hospital on Thursday

A damaged motel is seen in Proserpine after Cyclone Debbie tore through on Tuesday

Cattle farmers have had massive livestock losses in central Queensland,

'Beef producers in the Clarke Creek and Lotus Creek region on the old highway between Mackay and Rockhampton were particularly hard hit with a metre of rain falling in just over 24 hours,' AgForce CEO Charles Burke said.

He said farmers were still assessing the damage.

'Farming families in the region have never seen water levels like it, and we've had reports of cattle and horses being washed away, families sitting on kitchen tables to stay safe and major damage to sheds and other structures, while all the local bridges and crossings have been completely smashed.

NSW children surf a river wave in at Murray Bridge after Cyclone Debbie

Peter Stokes (pictured) inspects damage to his motel in Proserpine after the cyclone tore through

Kerry Campbell and Peter Stokes inspect damage to their motel in Proserpine, Whitsundays

Kerry Campbell and Peter Stokes inspect damage to their motel in Proserpine, Whitsundays

'It's extremely difficult to get in touch with producers in all the different affected areas with many properties isolated by floodwaters, power supplies cut and phone lines still down.'

EVACUATIONS BEGIN ON WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS

The first guests have been evacuated from the Whitsunday islands resorts smashed by Cyclone Debbie but thousands remain stranded on Hamilton Island.

Daydream Island is expected to be closed for a month as further assessments of the extensive damage continue.

All guests and more than 100 staff have been evacuated from Daydream after the category four storm belted the region but many more remain stuck at other resorts.

A building teeters over the edge of a sand dune on Lamberts Beach near Mackay, Queensland

Apartments in far north Queensland are evacuated as floodwaters continue to rise

A train on an elevated track hurtles past floodwaters in Eudl, on Queensland's Sunshine Coast

The Australian Defence Force delivered food, fuel and water to Daydream Island earlier on Thursday, while local ferries were organised to shuttle guests back to the mainland.

The 3,000 people stranded on nearby Hamilton Island, which was lashed with the strongest recorded winds on Thursday at 263 km/h, face a longer wait to reach the mainland.

Twelve flights have been scheduled between Hamilton Island and Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

Checking in could take up to 25 minutes per passenger, a statement on the Hamilton Island website said.

Rivers in Brisbane run high as the city prepares to be smashed with the equivalent of a month's rain in 24 hours

Caneland Central car park in Mackay goes under with floodwater as rain continues to bucket down

Queensland Education said all schools from Agnes Water to NSW were closed

'We have been advised airlines will be bringing up large volumes of staff to assist with this process,' the statement said.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten visited Bowen in the Whitsunday region on Thursday morning, making financial aid available immediately to the local council to start rebuilding infrastructure.

A emergency services source told AAP South Molle Island, to the northwest of Hamilton Island, had been 'totally devastated' but no one was there when Debbie struck.

Nearby Hayman Island has also suffered significant damage preventing emergency services personnel landing on Wednesday.

Ms Palaszczuk is standing by her last-minute decision to close southeast Queensland schools on Thursday.

The premier made the call to shut schools from Agnes Water to the Queensland border early on Thursday morning, and Deputy Premier Jackie Trad announced the move on live television after 7am.

Cars parked outside Robina Hospital were seen being swept away by the floodwater as the Mudgeeraba Creek burst its banks

Motorists in Gold Coast and Brisbane, who were pounded by the storm on Wednesday and through to Thursday, were seen struggling to make it through the water

Tourists stranded on the cyclone-ravaged Whitsundays have spoken of their holiday hell after finding themselves stranded with dwindling water supplies - as looters start to target storm-damaged businesses

But parents did not receive a text message notifying them of the closure until around 10am, after school was already due to have started.

Ms Palaszczuk has previously apologised for the inconvenience but on Friday defended the timing, saying she made the decision to close schools as soon as she learnt that ex-Cyclone Debbie would bring even worst torrential rain and flooding than initially expected.

'We were expecting between 100mm-200mm of rain,' Ms Palaszczuk said.

'When the (weather) bureau met first thing that morning, they saw there was going to be a whole lot more rain coming into the southeast corner as well as those thunderstorms and the high wind gusts.

'So as soon as the bureau alerted the authorities, that decision was made.'

She said she did not want to put children's lives at risk.

Drivers have been warned not to drive in flood waters as it is impossible to see if the road is broken, like this

Keara, Lacey and Erich Stewart paddle in a kayak after flood waters entered there back yard

Children and adults play in the flood water in their back yards

Bennett Wood sits on his car after flood waters entered his back yard

A young boys looks out over the tweed river as flood waters rise

Infrastructure along the tweed river as flood waters rise on March 30, 2017 in Murwillumbah, Australia

Infrastructure along the tweed river as flood waters rise on March 30, 2017 in Murwillumbah, Australia

Houses threatened by flood waters sweeping down the Queensland coast

Houses threatened by flood waters on March 30, 2017 in Murwillumbah

NATIONAL SEVEN-DAY FORECAST Sydney Friday: Max 23, possible showeres Saturday: Max 23, possible showers Sunday: Max 22, showers increasing Monday: Max 21, showers Tuesday: Max 22, showers Wednesday: Max 22, showers Canberra: Friday: Max 21, sunny Saturday: Max 23, mostly sunny Sunday: Max 21, mostly sunny Monday: Max 20, possible shower Tuesday: Max 20, possible shower Wednesday: Max 21, possible shower Melbourne Friday: Max 18, mostly sunny Saturday: Max 19, possible showers Sunday: Max 18, possible showers Monday: Max 22, sunny Tuesday: Max 23, mostly sunny Wednesday:Max 24, mostly sunny Perth: Friday: Max 29, sunny Saturday: Max 30, sunny Sunday: Max 31, sunny Monday: Max 29, sunny Tuesday: Max 29, sunny Wednesday: Max 27, sunny Brisbane Friday: Max 29, windy Saturday: Max 29, mostly sunny Sunday: Max 29, possible shower Monday: Max 29, possible shower Tuesday: Max 28, possible shower Wednesday: Max 28, possible shower Adelaide: Friday: Max 19, cloud increasing Saturday: Max 21, possible shower Sunday: Max 20, mostly sunny Monday: Min 11, max 24, sunny Tuesday: Max 24, sunny Wednesday: Max 27, sunny Source: Weatherzone Advertisement

This photo shows how far floodwaters have risen across Murwillumbah

Kayaking through flood waters in Woolloongabba

Streets filled with water after cyclone Debbie moved south
Police are hunting an Uber driver who allegedly punched and kicked a woman in his cab before fleeing the scene.

An altercation took place between a man and a woman in the back of a vehicle used for Uber rides in Sydneys Inner West in the early hours of Friday morning, the Today Show reports.

The woman was assaulted near the M4 motorway in Strathfield before the man reportedly left.

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Police are hunting an Uber driver who allegedly punched and kicked a woman in his cab

Police were called to The Boulevarde in Strathfield to reports of an assault at around 1am, an NSW Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia.

Officers were told that an altercation took place between a male and a female, where a 35-year-old woman was allegedly punched and kicked, she said.

The injured woman was treated by paramedics for bruising and a laceration and then taken to Canterbury Hospital.

Inquiries are continuing, police said.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Uber for comment.
Judge Andrew Napolitano, the Fox News analyst who led charges of British spying against the president, stands by his unsubstantiated wiretapping claims that got him in trouble with the network.

Napolitano, who has been off the air since March 16, returned to the network Wednesday, when he made an appearance on Fox & Friends to double down on his wiretapping claims.

He has been embroiled in controversy since he said on a broadcast of Fox & Friends that he had high-placed sources tell him that President Donald Trump had been wiretapped.

The British did the spying through GCHQ, Napolitano claimed.

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Judge Andrew Napolitano, the Fox News analyst who led charges of British spying against the president, stands by his unsubstantiated wiretapping claims that got him in trouble with Fox

His allegation earned a stern rebuke from the British government. GCHQ issued a rare public statement decrying it as 'nonsense.'

Fox said after it could not source the claim.

Napolitano was benched as the report created a ripple that made its way to the White House, where Spicer suggested the assertion was possible when he read it off at a press briefing.

Trump offered no opinion on it at a news conference.

'That was a statement made by a very talented lawyer on Fox. And so you shouldnt be talking to me, you should be talking to Fox,' he told a reporter.

Napolitano has made claims before that fall under the banner of conspiracy theories.

He told Infowars' Alex Jones in 2010, 'I think 20 years from now, people will look at 9/11 the way we look at the assassination of JFK today.

'It couldnt possibly have been done the way the government told us,' he said.

President Donald Trump made the accusation that the Obama administration had wiretapped Trump Tower during the 2016 campaign earlier this month in a series of tweets

Fox News never released an official statement about Napolitano's absence, the Los Angeles Times reports, though sources told the newspaper that he 'was being kept off the air and that management addressed the matter with him'.

Anchor Bill Hemmer made a passing reference of the judge's suspension after introducing him on air Wednesday.

Hemmer asked Napolitano if he continues to stand by his wiretapping claims.

'Yes, I do, and the sources stand by it,' Napolitano told Hemmer. 'And the American public needs to know more about this rather than less because a lot of the government surveillance authorities will expire in the fall and therell be a great debate about how much authority we want the government to have to surveil us.'

'And the more the American public knows about this, the more informed their and Congresss decisions will be,' he continued.

President Trump made the accusation that the Obama administration had wiretapped Trump Tower during the 2016 campaign earlier this month when he tweeted: 'Terrible! Just found out that Obama had my "wires tapped" in Trump Tower just before the victory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism!'

Trump made the announcement on Twitter (pictured) on Saturday, March 4. Obama's director of national intelligence has denied the claim

He claimed that Obama had personally requested a tap on Trump Tower but was "turned down by court"

Trump called his claim a "fact", even though he has not yet produced any evidence of a wiretap having been ordered

The president had previously said that he enjoyed Obama's company, but in these tweets he refers to the former commander-in-chief as "low", "bad" and "sick"

The FBI has not produced evidence that Obama (pictured) spied on Trump in any way

He continued the allegation against the former commander-in-chief in other tweets but offered no evidence.

So far, the FBI has not produced evidence that Trump was spied on in any way.

FBI Director James Comey testified on March 20 before Congress, where he said that he has 'no information' to back up President Trump's claims.

The public hearing was the first of several that the intelligence committees are expected to hold on Russia's interference in the election.

Trump's administration has been repeatedly trying to clean up his allegations, arguing that the quotes around the words "wires tapped in the presidents tweet suggested he didnt mean for the charge to be taken literally.

'There's a whole host of tactics that can be used to monitor somebody, either wiretap or other ways that you can surveil somebody,' said Trump's press secretary Sean Spicer.

Trump's allegations have left him increasingly isolated, with fellow Republican as well as Democratic lawmakers saying they've seen nothing from intelligence agencies to support his claim.

But Trump, who rarely admits he's wrong, has been unmoved, leaving his advisers in the untenable position of defending the president without any credible evidence.
Loretta Norvell, 17, was first reported missing on January 14, but was found safe March 14

Three adults and a minor have been arrested and charged in connection with an investigation into a missing Ohio teen who was found hiding in a closet after disappearing for two months.

Loretta Norvell, 17, was first reported missing on January 14 after she vanished from her bedroom inside her aunt, Nina Berry's Trenton home, WLWT reported.

The teen was found safe March 14 hiding in closet at a home in the 4800 block of Caprice Drive in Middletown, as police say she was 'in good health' and unharmed.

'We had very significant concerns for her well being after such a long period of time, so we were very thrilled that she was okay,' Trenton police chief Arthur Scott told WLWT.

Police accuse the mother of Norvell's boyfriend, Laura Stephens, of picking her up on the side of a road the night she was reported missing.

Stephens allegedly arranged for Norvell to stay with Lucinda Bryant and her husband, Robert Bryant Sr., at the Middletown home where she was eventually found.

The teen (above) was found safe March 14 hiding in closet at a home in the 4800 block of Caprice Drive in Middletown. Police say the mother of Norvell's boyfriend, Laura Stephens, picked her up on the side of a road the night she was reported missing

Laura Stephens (above in booking photo) allegedly arranged for Norvell to stay with Lucinda Bryant and her husband, Robert Bryant Sr., at the Middletown home where she was eventually found. Stephens and her juvenile son were both was arrested on Monday

Police arrested Stephens, 55, on Monday and charged her with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, inference with custody, obstructing official business and making false alarms.

Authorities also arrested and charged Norvell's boyfriend, who is a juvenile, with falsification and obstructing justice.

The Bryants, both aged 47 are the sister and brother-in-law to Stephens, were arrested when police found Norvell in their home.

They were both charged with falsification, obstruction of justice and interference with custody.

'They were knowingly hiding her,' Scott said. 'Everybody knew that we were looking for her, and certain people that were involved haven't been forthcoming with information and/or lied.'

Scott told the Dayton Daily News that more people could be charged in connection with the teen's disappearance.

Lucinda Bryant and her husband, Robert Bryant Sr. (above in booking photos) are the sister and brother-in-law to Stephens. They were arrested when police found Norvell in their home

Police allege that the couple was knowingly hiding Norvell in the home (above) and threaten that more people could face charges related to the case

'Who all knew where she was and didn't tell us the truth?' Scott asked.

He added that when Norvell was located, the Edgewood High School student told police 'she was disappointed she was found.'

It's unclear why she ran away and tried to hide, but it's believed that Norvell wanted to remain hidden until she turns 18, which is in the next few months.

Scott said unruly juvenile charges will be filed against her, as she is now in the custody of Butler County Children Services.

While Norvell was missing for nearly two months, authorities had searched more than 350 acres of property, conducting interviews and executing search warrants.

Nearly $6,000 in overtime was spent by Trenton police and fire departments in searching for Norvell that taxpayers will have to pay.

According to the Daily News, Trenton police were called 38 times in the past seven years to the home where Norvell lived, as Butler County Children Services also conducted several inspections of the home before Norvell was reported missing.
Two Democratic senators said Thursday that they will support the confirmation of Judge Neil Gorsuch to fill the empty seat on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota announced their support for President Donald Trump's nominee.

Both face tough re-election contests next year as Democrats in deep-red states where voters chose Trump over Hillary Clinton by more than 35-point margins.

Manchin and Heitkamp tweeted on Thursday that they would vote to approve Gorsuch, and issued longer statements describing why.

Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota announced on Thursday that they will support President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee

Judge Neil Gorsuch breezed through his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearings, but still faces stiff opposition from Democratic partisans

'I hold no illusions that I will agree with every decision Judge Gorsuch may issue in the future, but I have not found any reasons why this jurist should not be a Supreme Court Justice,' Manchin's statement read.

'There isn't a perfect judge,' Heitkamp griped, but '[r]egardless of which party is in the White House, the U.S. Supreme Court should be above politics.'

Republicans hold 52 seats in the Senate, meaning they will need six more Democratic defections in order to quickly end a promised filibuster when Gorsuch comes up for a planned April 7 vote.

If the GOP can't marshal 60 votes, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell still holds one trump card  the so-called 'nuclear option.'

That course of action would involve changing a longstanding rule in order to require only a simple 51-vote majority to proceed to a Senate floor vote.

The president reportedly flirted with the idea of offering Manchin a cabinet post. Heitkamp met with Trump during the transition period with an eye toward being named secretary of agriculture.

According to a head-count from The Hill, 34 Democratic senators  more than two-thirds of them  have announced that they will follow Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's lead and vote against Gorsuch.

That leaves just 12 who have yet to declare their intentions.

Trump carried a slew of battleground states in November whose Democratic senators face re-election fights next year, putting them in a tricky position

Manchin and Heitkamp tweeted their approval of Gorsuch, raising the question of how many other Democrats will follow suit

A different but overlapping group of eight Democrats, other than Manchin and Heitkamp, are facing 2018 Senate re-election fights in states Trump won.

They include Bill Nelson of Florida, Joe Donnelly of Indiana, Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, Claire McCaskill of Missouri, Jon Tester of Montana, Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Bob Casey of Pennsylvania and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin.

Of those, The Hill reports that Baldwin, Brown, Casey, Nelson, Stabenow have said they will vote 'no.'
EU rules blamed for making it harder to keep out foreign criminals and terror suspects are to be axed as part of a bid to restore sovereignty to the UK.

David Davis told MPs that the vast majority of EU laws would be transferred on to the statute book in a Great Repeal Bill designed to ensure a smooth and orderly Brexit.

But he said ministers would take the opportunity to ditch the controversial Charter of Fundamental Rights, which has been blamed for hampering the fight against crime and terrorism.

David Davis told MPs that the vast majority of EU laws would be transferred on to the statute book in a Great Repeal Bill designed to ensure a smooth and orderly Brexit

This was welcomed by Tory MPs, who said it was the first dividend from the vote to leave the EU but Labour said it would oppose the move.

The decision was included in a detailed Government white paper on the Great Repeal Bill which will repeal the European Communities Act that enshrines the supremacy of European law. Yesterday it emerged that:

Ministers will use controversial Henry VIII powers to fast-track up to 1,000 legal changes through Parliament with minimal scrutiny,

Britains Supreme Court will win the right to overturn judgments of the European Court of Justice in this country as soon as the UK leaves the EU,

The Government faces months of running battles in Parliament as it attempts to push through legislation in areas such as immigration and customs,

MPs will not get a specific vote on the Prime Ministers decision to take the UK out of the EUs single market,

Experts warned the scale of the legislative challenge could take ten years, although ministers are confident they can push it through in two,

Tory MPs urged ministers to go further by allowing Parliament to axe mountains of ghastly EU laws immediately.

RULING LIKE HENRY VIII Henry VIII clauses are named after the Statute of Proclamations 1539 Henry VIII clauses are named after the Statute of Proclamations 1539, which gave the Tudor king the power to bypass parliament and legislate by proclamation. They allow ministers to change the law without the level of scrutiny that a full Act of Parliament would need. The use of this so-called secondary legislation is commonplace, with roughly 1,000 laws a year changed in this way. It can be put to a vote if MPs or peers object, but most such laws pass through unchallenged. The Great Repeal Bill is unusual in proposing up to 1,000 pieces of secondary legislation to translate EU regulations into British law. Almost 8,000 pieces were used to change UK law when we joined the EU in 1973. Ministers say it would be impossible to make the changes in time for Brexit in March 2019 unless secondary legislation is used. They added that the powers will be time limited in a bid to reduce controversy about the lack of scrutiny. Advertisement

The Charter of Fundamental Rights was signed up to by Tony Blair in the year 2000 and contains 50 human rights.

The then Europe Minister Keith Vaz said it would have no more legal significance than the Beano.

Our cartoonist Pugh's take on Theresa May's potential 'Henry VIII' powers

But it was incorporated into the Lisbon Treaty in 2007, enabling the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg to take it into account when making judgments.

Theresa May has said he is no fan of the charter, and a Government source last night described it as an increasing irritant.

Former justice minister Dominic Raab said: Removing the Charter stops yet more skewed human rights obligations from being imposed on the UK via the European Court of Justice, which has weakened our ability both to stop dangerous criminals entering the UK, and remove them once they offend here.

Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer said Labour would oppose the bid to ditch the Charter unless ministers guaranteed that all substantial rights in it will be converted into domestic law.

Mr Davis, the Brexit Secretary, told MPs that the Great Repeal Bill would ensure that all other EU laws, including workers rights, and environmental and health and safety rules, would still apply on the day after the UK leaves the EU at the end of March 2019.

Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer said Labour would oppose the bid to ditch the Charter unless ministers guaranteed that all substantial rights in it will be converted into domestic law

Keith Vaz said the Charter of Fundamental Rights would have no more legal significance than the Beano, when it was introduced in 2000

But he said: Once EU law has been converted into domestic law, Parliament will be able to pass legislation to amend, repeal or improve any piece of EU law. Mr Davis said the legislation would mean there would be no future role for the European Court in the interpretation of our laws.

SDLP MP Mark Durkan warned that ministers would be competing in a demolition derby to reduce various rights.

But former Tory minister Desmond Swayne said the idea of incorporating EU regulation into British law gives me the collywobbles.

Cheers! The booze cruise could be back

Leaving the EU could mean the return of the duty-free booze cruise for ferry passengers, it was claimed yesterday.

Ferry operators hope to reinstate duty-free shopping on alcohol and cigarettes if Britain leaves the customs union as part of Brexit negotiations.

Such sales were worth almost 400 million a year until 1999, when duty-free was abolished for travel between EU nations.

Under current rules, travellers can buy alcohol and tobacco tax-free, without paying VAT, but still pay duty unless they are travelling from outside the EU.

Ferry operators hope to reinstate duty-free shopping on alcohol and cigarettes if Britain leaves the customs union as part of Brexit negotiations

Guy Platten, head of the UK Chamber of Shipping, which represents ferry operators, told The Telegraph: Promoting travel and tourism should be at the heart of the Governments strategy, and restoring duty-free would send out a strong and welcome message.

Duty-free allowances would mean adult passengers would be able to bring in one litre of spirits or two litres of fortified wine. The allowance on unfortified wine stands at four litres, or 16 litres of beer. The tobacco allowance is 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco.

Airports could also benefit. Darren Caplan, head of the Airport Operators Association, said: Duty-free at airports will be one of the opportunities our sector will be looking at in the future.
Support: Former archbishop Lord Carey, pictured above, said Mr Trump was like the Good Samaritan

The former Archbishop of Canterbury has described Donald Trump as a Good Samaritan for the American people.

Lord Carey said the US President had offered the country a voice and said he had deep sympathies with the forces that propelled him to victory last year.

His comments put him at odds with the current Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who said Mr Trump was part of a fascist tradition of politics.

At the Oxford Literary Festival Lord Carey said: Many will recoil at the identification of Donald Trump as the Good Samaritan but why not?

'Is it not true that we have wounded and left-behind communities passed by by the elite who are too distracted and busy with their own agendas, too busy to look over to see someone in distress?

And intervention that makes a difference is from a totally unexpected source, the Samaritan, the Outsider.

The Good Samaritan is a Parable in which a man is beaten by robbers and then ignored by a priest and a Levite until being helped by a Samaritan.

Lord Carey said Mr Trump, just like the Samaritan, was offering Americans more than just words.

He said: Help is not merely kind words. It is the promise of ongoing support.

Good Samaritan? The former Archbishop of Canterbury offers his verdict on President Trump at this year's Oxford Literary Festival

Speaking about the comparison between Brexit and Trump Lord Carey said: We can see in Britain [through Brexit] we are also a divided country.

There are deep divisions. It is shallow thinking to decry what is called populism as if populism helps us to understand what the problem is.

Because what the American election and our Brexit revealed was the same distrust of political leadership, the same desire for a New Deal and a deep desire to recover our country.

Lord Carey, leader of the Anglican church from 1991 to 2002, said he would not have voted for Mr Trump but that he would have found it quite difficult to vote for Hillary Clinton.

He insisted that Mr Trumps indifference to conservative sexual guidelines and hedonistic lifestyle were irrelevant.

He added: His wealth is beyond the imagination of all of us. His hedonist lifestyle, his hypocrisy, the things that make him such a flawed character may also be the very thing that people today find deeply seductive.

The comments came as George W Bushs characteristically colourful verdict on Mr Trumps dark inauguration speech was revealed. According to New York magazine, three people sitting near the former president at the ceremony heard him remark: That was some weird s***.
President Donald Trump named and shamed conservatives late Thursday afternoon he holds responsible for the failure of the GOP's Obamacare repeal bill.

'If @RepMarkMeadows, @Jim_Jordan and @Raul_Labrador would get on board we would have both great healthcare and massive tax cuts & reform,' he said.

A second tweet asked 'where' those members are on a repeal bill.

Meadows is the chair of the House Freedom Caucus. Jordan is the group's founder.

The tweets imply that Trump is keeping a list of lawmakers he sees as disloyal and whose political careers he intends to disrupt if he doesn't get what he wants.

President Donald Trump named and shamed conservatives late Thursday afternoon he holds responsible for the failure of the GOP's Obamacare repeal bill

Meadows is the chair of the House Freedom Caucus and Jordan is the group's founder

Early Thursday morning Trump dangled a threat that he would go after Freedom Caucus members in the 2018 elections if they don't get on board with his agenda 'fast.'

He fired the latest shot at the conservative GOP caucus nearly a week after Republican leaders had to yank health care legislation from the House floor, but this time tacking on the electoral threat.

'The Freedom Caucus will hurt the entire Republican agenda if they don't get on the team, & fast. We must fight them, & Dems, in 2018!' Trump tweeted Thursday.

Firing back, Congressman Justin Amash, a member of the Freedom Caucus, told reporters on Capitol Hill: 'Most people don't take well to being bullied.'

'It's constructive in fifth grade. It may allow a child to get his way, but that's not how our government works,' Amash, a Michigan Republican, said.

It isn't clear what Trump might do to knock off the most dug-in lawmakers. Many represent highly conservative districts.

Although Trump carried these areas, the lawmakers have not left much room on their right for a potential primary challenge. More moderate alternatives might have trouble getting traction in deep red territory.

Trump took his clash with the House Freedom Caucus to a new level, vowing to fight the conservative Republicans in the elections 'if they don't get on the team'

Underlying Trump's problem, Rep. Louie Gohmert, a Texas Freedom Caucus members who said the final bill was 'based on a lie,' won his conservative district with 71 per cent of the vote.

Trump launched the Twitter attack on the group after needling them over the weekend. He'd previously praised the membership's unsuccessful efforts to come to an agreement with him.

Last Friday, when an Obamacare repeal bill collapsed, Trump blamed Democrats for the failure, although his negotiating energies had been almost entirely focused on assembling a Republican coalition to repeal President Obama's signature domestic achievement.

On Monday, Trump tweeted: 'The Republican House Freedom Caucus was able to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. After so many bad years they were ready for a win!'

Axios reported on Thursday that friends who speak to Trump say the president plans to direct more phone calls to a wider circle and include more Democrats on his call lists.

His spokesman wouldn't say Thursday afternoon what the president was implying with the tweet.

'It would be improper of me to discuss the election or defeat of any candidate from this podium,' White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said.

He told another reporter that Trump was not trying to bully lawmakers, though, in response to an inquiry about Amash.

'I think this is consistent with everything that he has said since Friday of last week,' Spicer said. 'And I think that he is looking for members on both sides of the aisle, who want to be constructive, to achieve the goal of a patient-centered healthcare system. That's it, plain and simple.'

Don't blame me! 'The losers are Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer,' Trump claimed, naming the Democratic Party's leaders in the House and Senate, 'because now they own Obamacare. They own it. One hundred per cent own it.' He was flanked by Tom Price, the health secretary, and Vice President Mike Pence in the Oval Office

Trump tweeted another harsh message about the Freedom Caucus implying they wanted to not pass the healthcare bill as a 'win'

Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) of the Freedom Caucus led talks with the White House

Trump leaned on the Freedom Caucus members, applying intense pressure in the final days as the health vote approached.

His White House embraced the moniker of Trump being 'the closer,' only having to watch the deal break apart when the caucus members wouldn't budge.

Trump did give concessions, agreeing to strip away 'essential services' that health plans provide  potentially causing headaches to more moderate members.

Spicer said Monday that the president walked away from the negotiating table because he knew he wasn't going to get the deal he wanted.

'I think the President understood that while you can get a deal at the time, that sometimes a bad deal is worse than getting a deal,' he said. 'And I think he smartly recognized that what was on the table was not going to be keeping with the vision that he had, and so he decided that this was not the time and that a deal was not at hand.'

Republican leaders and Democratic President Obama have been frustrated by the GOP's most conservative lawmakers.

Trump said in the midst of the health care debate that he was going to 'come after' Meadows only to have his spokesman claim that he was 'having fun' with the Republican.

The president indicated Thursday that he was done playing games when he singled out Meadows, a North Carolina congressman, Jordan, who represents Ohio, and Labrador, from Idaho, in tweets.

Ted Poe was in favor of the GOP healthcare bill that was shut down before the vote last week. He quite the Freedom Caucus on Sunday

Government funding runs out at the end of April, posing another test, while Trump's tax and infrastructure priorities will also face difficulties.

'I think if people are more concerned with voting as a bloc than in whats in the best interests of their constituents and the American people, hes hoping that people will see the bigger picture, the goals that we outlined, and sometimes not let the really good be the enemy of the perfect,' Spicer said Thursday.

Rep. Ted Poe quite the group on Sunday after its members failed to get behind Trumpcare.

There's some members of the Freedom Caucus - they'd vote 'no' against the Ten Commandments if it came up for a vote,' Poe told CNN Monday.

Unless Trump, is able to get some Democrats on board on with Obamacare repeal, he'll need all of the Freedom Caucus on his side in order to follow through on the campaign promise.

'At the end of the day, he recognizes that he has a bold and robust agenda that he is trying to enact that he ran on and told the American people that he would do when he was President, and hes going to get the votes from wherever he can,' Spicer said Thursday
An Alabama teenager has been banned by his high school from taking his grandmother to his senior prom.

Bryce Maine, 18, had asked his nanny Catherine Maine to the Eufaula High School dance as a sweet gesture because she never been to a prom before.

The teen staged a 'promposal' by hand painting the invitation on a canvas.

His excited grandmother accepted and even went out and bought her prom dress for the event next month.

Bryce Maine, 18, staged a 'promposal' asking his nanny Catherine Maine to the Eufaula High School dance in Alabama as a sweet gesture because she never been to a prom before

But Bryce's plans came to a screeching halt when his high school principal Steve Hawkins banned the teen from bringing her.

Bryce said he questioned the decision and was told it was because older dates could potentially provide minors with alcohol.

Catherine Maine went out and bought her prom dress for the event next month before she was told she couldn't attend

The ordeal struck a chord after his cousin Sarah Catherine posted about her anger on Facebook.

'My blood is boiling right now. My little cousin Bryce wanted to take our Grandma to his senior Prom since she has never been,' Catherine wrote in the post, which has now been viewed more than 2,000 times.

'Well after she done bought her dress and made plans, the principal decided that they cannot do that anymore... Like really?! Eufaula High School let my Grandma go to Prom!'

She said the Eufaula City Schools Board of Education was forced to reach out to Bryce saying if they allowed him to bring his grandmother it could open the door for other students to bring similar dates as a joke.

'Safety of students and staff is the first and most important of the many tasks of a school administrator,' Hawkins said in a statement.

'For the 10 years I have been high school principal, we have denied requests each year from students asking to bring older dates to prom.

'We do not chance leaving any stone unturned when it comes to safety. Most high schools have an age limit for prom attendees.'

Video courtesy of WTVM

Bryce's plans to take his grandmother (above) to his prom came to a screeching halt when his high school principal Steve Hawkins banned the teen from bringing her
Potter served 15 years in jail for the mutilation and murder of a 19-year-old NSW woman in 1981

Australia's most wanted fugitive has reportedly been sighted in rural NSW seven years after he skipped court over conspiracy to murder charges.

Police revealed there were two unconfirmed sightings of convicted murderer Graham Gene Potter in Griffith in July 2016 - one in a shop and another at a gym.

It follows several unconfirmed sightings in Tocumwal and Cobram that led to a police search of NSW's Riverina in 2013.

The 59-year-old was accused of being hired in 2008 to kill a man at the wedding of the son of Melbourne underworld figure Mick Gatto when he went on the run in February 2010.

As well as the two counts of conspiracy to murder, he was also facing federal charges over a record $440 million ecstasy and cocaine haul in August 2008.

Potter served 15 years in jail for the mutilation and murder of a 19-year-old NSW woman in 1981.

A $100,000 reward is out for information leading to his capture.

Police say Potter is capable of living rough and camping out, so there's a chance he could be staying in caravan parks or camping in remote areas.

Graham Gene Potter pictured on CCTV in August 2010 in far north Queensland

Police revealed there were two unconfirmed sightings of convicted murderer Graham Gene Potter in Griffith in July 2016 - one in a shop and another at a gym

'He could be living in the outback,' Detective Superintendent Peter De Santo told 3AW on Thursday.

'With the passage of time, he could have put on weight, his hair could have receded, his hair could have grown.'

But Potter's status hasn't changed on the list of Australia's most wanted.

'(He's) still is number one across the nation,' Detective Superintendent De Santo said.

He's described as Caucasian, 175cm tall, with a medium-to-solid build, fair complexion, brown eyes, brown greying hair and a ginger beard.

Police say Potter is capable of living rough and camping out, so there's a chance he could be staying in caravan parks or camping in remote areas

Police say he is known to wear a gold sleeper earring in both ears, wears glasses and regularly wears a gold chain around his neck.

Potter has a propensity for changing his appearance and has used a number of aliases including Josh Lawson, John Page, Jim Henderson and Peter Adams.

Anyone who sights Potter is advised not to approach him but contact triple-zero.
A 13-year-old girl went missing after chatting with someone from an online game.

The San Antonio Police Department said Gabriella Sanders was last seen around 4pm on Wednesday. It's believed that she went to meet the person she was talking to online.

Authorities investigating her disappearance said she was in the 8900 block of Oakwood Park when she was last seen.

Gabriella Sanders (pictured), 13, went missing after chatting with someone from an online game. It's believed that she went to meet the person she was talking to online

In a video released on the Heidi Search Center's Facebook, Gabriella's mother (pictured in grey) made a desperate plea for her daughter to come home. Another family member (pictured in blue) stood with Gabriella's mother and asked the public to please help find her

Police are asking the public to contact The Heidi Search Center, the San Antonio Police or the Bexar County Sheriff's Office with any information on the whereabouts of Gabriella.

In a video released on the Heidi Search Center's Facebook, Gabriella's mother made a desperate plea for her daughter to come home.

'Gabriella I love you. If you see this please come home,' her mother said through tears.

Another family member stood with Gabriella's mother and asked the public to please help find her.

'Please if you've seen her or heard from her, let us know,' the woman said.

Police have no information on the individual Gabriella was talking to online.

If you have any information on Gabriella's whereabouts please contact the following agencies: Heidi Search Center: 1-800 547-4435/(210) 650-0428, Bexar County Sheriff's Office: (210) 335-8477 and the San Antonio Police Department: (210) 207-7660.

Police are asking the public to contact The Heidi Search Center, the San Antonio Police or the Bexar County Sheriff's Office with any information on the whereabouts of Gabriella
A woman notorious for spitting at passersby on the Upper East Side of Manhattan has been taken into police custody.

Hilda Barrionuevo, 65, whom authorities describe as mentally ill and homeless, is known by her neighbors for screaming at and spitting on unsuspecting pedestrians in the areas between 78th Street and 81st Street on the east side.

Barrionuevo and her son Gabriel Uno, 41, who is also homeless and mentally ill, according to authorities, were both arrested on Thursday. She had $19,000 in cash on her.

Residents say police have ignored their complaints about her for years. She is known as the Spitting Lady of the Upper East Side and there is a Facebook page dedicated to sightings of her.

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Hilda Barrionuevo, 65, pictured above with a garbage bag in hand, was arrested Thursday after she allegedly spat on a seven-year-old boy - neighbors said she's been terrorizing them for years with spitting and screaming. Authorities say she's mentally ill and homeless

Barrionuevo is seen on March 23 in the neighborhood near 215 East 84th Street in NYC

The woman's arrest came after she allegedly spit on a seven-year-old boy, whose father says had been spit on by her at least three times in the past, in June, December, and January, according to NBC New York.

Barrionuevo was charged with acting in a way that is injurious to a child and stalking, according to DNA Info.

The boy's father, Nick Goodman said his son, Nickey, had been a target of the unstable woman to the point where he was frightened and taking cabs to avoid her.

Goodman went to the police on March 29. At the time of her arrest, Barrionuevo had $19,133 in cash on her, which she told police she made from collecting recyclable bottles, reported the New York Post.

The outlet calculated that at five cents a pop, it would take 382,660 bottles to get that total.

The woman's son, Gabriel Uno, was arrested on the same day, for a separate incident in which he allegedly threatened a person with a table on East 81st and screamed to 'Get the f*** out of here!'

Uno faces charges of menacing, reckless endangerment and criminal possession of a weapon. Police say he'd been arrested eight times in the past, including a charge for assault.

Neighbors said that the woman and her son have been terrorizing the area for years and authorities have done nothing about it.

'She would scare you,' resident Paul Belz told NBC New York. 'You'd be walking down the street, she always hang behind the steps - not on the stoop but behind it - and you'd usually get a nice loud spot or a scream and it would catch you off guard.'

Another neighbor said he could hear her screaming from his apartment a block away. Another said she hid behind parked cars to get out of the woman's way.

One fed-up local started a Facebook page dedicated to tracking Barrionuevo's whereabouts.

A petition was launched to get the city to take action. The petition has over 1,500 signatures and chides the NYPD and representatives for ignoring the problem.

'This woman is not only a nuisance, but she is a threat as she is assaulting people vilely with saliva,' the petition read. 'She mainly spits on children, while also hissing and yelling at them. The community is tired of nothing being done ... NYPD arrests other assaulters, so why not this?'

'My wife and young children have had to literally run and duck into a store to avoid this woman's aggression,' Justin Santana wrote on the petition. 'Our four-year-old son was scared to go outside for a few days following one particular incident.'

Police claimed they have been stymied with what to do about Barrioneuvo because she would need to commit a crime for them to take action against her.

'If it's a crime, we'll enforce the law - but an individual who just needs help, we'll get them the help they need without arresting them,' NYPD's 19th Precinct Captain Bill Gallagher told NBC New York.

After the petition gained attention and the media picked up the story, police moved in with an arrest.

City Councilmen Ben Kallos said the woman had been brought to a psychiatric hospital and assessed on numerous occasions, but to no avail, as a hospital can't hold her unless she's a threat to herself or others.

The Department of Homeless Services said it was working with other agencies to help the woman but that things like this can take a lot of time and many contacts with the homeless person. The agency also said it is trying to get her housing.

It's unclear if the woman will be again assessed by a psychiatric facility or spend her time in jail awaiting a hearing on her charges.
A new dinosaur dug out of the badlands of Montana has changed the face of Tyrannosaur Rex.

The Daspletosaurus horneri, or 'Horner's Frightful Lizard', was almost as big as the largest carnivore ever to stalk the Earth with tiny horns and a crocodile-like snout.

The dinosaur, which lived 74 million years, had a nerve which had an evolutionary history of developing into wildly different 'sixth senses'.

The nerve, located on its nose, helped it explore its environment and was also used during foreplay to rub up against the face of its mate.

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Life reconstruction of the integument of Daspletosaurus horneri, based on the distribution of texture on the facial bones. The face in tyrannosaurs was covered by an extensive mask of large, flat scales, and regions of armor-like skin on the snout, jaws, and ornamental horns

HORNER'S FRIGHTFUL LIZARD Daspletosaurus horneri lived in Montana 75.2-74.4 million years ago. It was the last species of 'frightful lizards' to have evolved in the American west. Researchers believe it had a trigeminal nerve which has a history of developing into 'sixth senses'. This nerve provides tremendous sensitivity to the face - and is responsible for some of the most severe pain our species can endure. Its prey were horned dinosaurs, crested duckbill dinosaurs, dome-headed dinosaurs and smaller theropod dinosaurs. Advertisement

The researchers wrote in the journal Scientific Reports: 'In courtship, tyrannosaurids might have rubbed their sensitive faces together as a vital part of pre-copulatory play.'

A team of scientists led by Carthage College's Department of Biology in Wisconsin identified a fossil as a new species of Tyrannosaur which carried out a rare form of evolution called anagenesis where one species gradually morphs into a new one.

Previously, the Daspletosaurus horneri was presented as an unnamed transitional species between Daspletosaurus torosus and Tyrannosaurus rex but scientists had been unable to fully describe it as a species in its own right.

'Our article represents the debut of the species, it has not been previously named, diagnosed, or described', anatomist Jayc Sedlmayr from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Centre New Orleans told MailOnline.

The team worked with preserved fossils - a skull and skeleton of a subadult, a skull and skeleton of an adult, a partial lower jaw of a subadult, and isolated bones of subadults and juveniles.

Researchers compared tyrannosaur skulls with those of crocodylians, birds and mammals to understand its unusual way of evolving.

They also used earlier research that matched bone texture with different types of skin covering.

'Much of our research went beyond field paleontology - it was generated from lab-based comparative anatomy, the dissection of birds as living dinosaurs and crocodilians as their closest living relatives'.

Daspletosaurus horneri lived in Montana around 74 million years ago and was the last species of 'frightful lizards' to have evolved in the American west.

The massive field jackets containing the bones of the adult specimen of Daspletosaurus horneri were hauled out by a mule-drawn sled in August 2001. Daspletosaurus horneri lived in Montana around 74 million years ago

ANAGENESIS The Daspletosaurus horneri morphed into different species by a process called anagenesis. This is the process of producing a new species without splitting an ancestral population into two or more descendants. For fossil species, several criteria have to be met in order to propose a hypothesis of anagenesis: 1. The species thought to make up an anagenetic lineage must be each other's closest relatives 2. They must live in the same geographic area or in adjacent geographic areas 3. They must be sequential in time and not overlap 4. Their evolutionary relationships must not conflict with the tie sequence. Advertisement

Generally animals evolve using by a process called cladogenesis which involves splitting in order to make new species, however this tyrannosaur morphed into different species by a process called anagenesis.

'Anagenesis is the process of producing a new species without splitting an ancestral population into two or more descendants  it is just a single line of descent with modification', said Dr Sedlmayr.

'Therefore, anagenesis is speciation where a single ancestral species is modified by Natural Selection into a recognizably different descendant, over geological time scales', he added.

'Horner's Frightful Lizard' has almost identical nerves as crocodylians and similar sensitivity in their facial skin which they probably used to identify and capture prey - in a similar way to today's crocodiles.

This sixth sense is responsible for birds sensing magnetic fields, pit vipers sensing infrared, mammals using whiskers to guide their movements and alligators sensing vibrations in the water.

With a body length of approximately nine meters, this tyrannosaur had a wide snout, small orbital horns and slit-like pneumatic opening on the inside of the lacrimal bone.

Its prey were horned dinosaurs, crested duckbill dinosaurs, dome-headed dinosaurs and smaller theropod dinosaurs.

Holotype skull of Daspletosaurus horneri (top left) and life reconstruction of its integument, based on the distribution of texture on the facial bones. The large horn behind the eye was covered by horn, the same material that makes human fingernails. The skull is 895mm long

'Much of our research went beyond field paleontology - it was generated from lab-based comparative anatomy, the dissection of birds as living dinosaurs and crocodilians as their closest living relatives', said Dr Sedlmayr.

'Our findings of a complex sensory web is especially interesting because it is derived from the trigeminal nerve which has an extraordinary evolutionary history of developing into wildly different 'sixth senses' in different vertebrates'.

'In some ways, the facial components of the trigeminal nerve of these dinosaurs mirrors that of humans,' he added.

The human trigeminal nerve provides significant touch sensitivity to the face and also allows us to coordinate the emotional displays which are so important to human communication.

'This nerve is so sensitive that in pathological conditions, trigeminal neuraligia, it can be responsible for some of the most severe pain our species can endure; in extreme cases, the pain is so great that many people suffering from it end up committing suicide', said Dr Sedlmayr.
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Elon Musk's SpaceX made history yesterday by sending its first recycled rocket back into space.

In what was billed as a 'revolutionary' achievement for space technology, the firm's Falcon 9 rocket blasted off from Cape Canaveral at 6:27 pm ET (11:27 pm BST), before landing back on the firm's drone ship for a second time.

It was pictured soaring toward space above a Virgin Airlines passenger jet, which had just departed Orlando International Airport.

It is the first time the firm has reused a booster, which previously sent food and supplies to astronauts aboard the International Space Station.

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A recycled SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket soared toward space above a Virgin Airlines passenger jet, which had just departed Orlando International Airport, in Orlando, Florida, March 30

Elon Musk's (inset) Falcon 9 rocket soared into the sky over Cape Canaveral yesterday. Soon after launch, its first stag rocket spilt from the second-stage payload. Once the first stage hit maximum altitude, the second stage headed into space to release 11 satellites. Cold gas boosters then position the first stage into a vertical alignment for its return to Earth

The launch marked the first time ever that a rocket was reused for spaceflight. It is seen above soaring past a Virgin Airlines jet in Florida

The Falcon 9 rocket which will send a satellite into space to provide TV and internet services launched last night from Cape Canaveral at 6.27pm ET (11.27pm BST)

'We've had an incredible day, an amazing day for space as a whole, and for the space industry,' said Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX.

'It's been 15 years to get to this point, but I'm just incredibly proud of the SpaceX team for being able to achieve this - I'm sort of at a loss for words.'

Standing tall at the Nasa launchpad, the white Falcon 9 rocket contained the tall, column-like booster stage of the vessel.

This propelled the unmanned Dragon cargo ship to the ISS last year, before returning to an upright landing on an ocean platform.

SpaceX hopes that by repeating this success, it will prove the long-term viability of reusable rockets - which could dramatically cut costs and waste in the space industry.

The rocket sent the SES-10 satellite - built by Airbus Defence and Space - into orbit around the planet.

The satellite will be used to provide direct-to-home television and high-speed data services across Latin America and the Caribbean.

SES was an early supporter of SpaceX, the rocket builder's first commercial customer and the first to sign up for a ride on a 'flight proven' booster.

Seconds after blast off the Falcon 9 rocket was seen streaking into the sky over Cape Canaveral. The satellite will be used to provide direct-to-home television and high-speed data services across Latin America and the Caribbean

After the launch, the Falcon was able to return to Earth, by deploying its 'hypersonic grid fins' which steered it back down to the landing site

Right on schedule the rocket made another perfect landing on SpaceX's drone ship. After recovery, it was taken back to Port Canaveral and subjected to a detailed post flight inspection

'Having been the first commercial satellite operator to launch with SpaceX back in 2013, we are excited to once again be the first customer to launch on SpaceX's first ever mission using a flight-proven rocket,' Martin Halliwell, chief technology officer at SES, said.

'We believe reusable rockets will open up a new era of spaceflight, and make access to space more efficient in terms of cost and manifest management.'

The Dragon, which was first launched on April 8, 2016, was the first the firm managed to land on a droneship.

After recovery, it was taken back to Port Canaveral and subjected to a detailed post flight inspection.

THE REUSABLE ROCKET RACE Reusable rockets would cut costs and waste in the space industry, which currently loses millions of dollars in jettisoned machinery after each launch. Russia, Japan and the European Space Agency are also developing similar technology and are in testing stages. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon.com and owner of The Washington Post newspaper, said last month that Blue Origin expects to begin crewed test flights of the New Shepard, the company's flagship rocket, next year and begin flying paying passengers as early as 2018. The Indian space agency also hopes to develop its own frugal shuttle, as it seeks to cash in on a huge and lucrative demand from other countries to send up their satellites, after a successful test launch last month. Advertisement

Standing tall at the Nasa launchpad, the white Falcon 9 rocket, emblazoned with the SpaceX logo, contained the tall, column-like booster stage of the vessel

SpaceX test fired the nine first-stage engines of a previously flown Falcon 9 on Monday (pictured). Yesterday's historic launch saw the Dragon take to the skies again

It was then refurbished, tested again and prepared for its second launch.

On Monday, the firm test fired the nine first-stage engines of the previously flown Falcon 9 booster stage in the final pre-flight test in anticipation of last night's launch.

'Static fire test complete. Targeting Thursday, March 30 for Falcon 9 launch of SES-10,' the firm tweeted following the tests.

In the test, the rocket's nine Merlin 1D engines roared to life at 2pm EDT (GMT-5) for three seconds at pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center.

Known as a 'hot-fire' test, it is a routine pre-flight procedure for SpaceX to help engineers verify the rocket is ready for launch.

SpaceX has made 13 attempts to recover first stages after launch, successfully bringing back eight boosters to date.

Five of those landed on off-shore drone ships while three returned to landings at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

Last month amazing footage showed the historic moment the first stage of the Falcon 9 touched down at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral on the launch pad.

The SpaceX rocket descended through the clouds before landing right in the middle of the pad, a perfect landing after a rocky start.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk captioned the video on Instagram: 'Baby came back.'

In June last year Elon Musk announced the same Falcon 9 rocket, which launched the Thaicom 8 communications satellite, was back in the hangar with the three other first stages that had also made it safely back on the ground. All four pictured in the hangar

This is the first SpaceX mission to take off from the pad, and the first in Florida since last September.

One of the company's rockets exploded on another Cape Canaveral pad, severely damaging it.

It is also the third SpaceX rocket to land on solid ground.

The moment indicates that Nasa's moonshot pad is back in business.

Falcon 9 touched down at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral in 2016, on the launch pad that was was used to send Neil Armstrong to the moon

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Launch Complex 39A in April 2016 - the same spot from which astronauts flew to the moon 48 years ago. It carried 5,000 pounds of supplies to astronauts on the ISS. It landed again after the mission

SpaceX has only landed a rocket safely on solid ground two times before, although it has made other landings on sea platforms. The pad it launched from has been leased from Nasa for the next six years

The rocket, which was sent up from the same spot from which astronauts flew to the moon 48 years ago, carried a Dragon supply ship containing food and other goods for the six astronauts aboard the International Space Station.

The pad - at Launch Complex 39A - has been leased by SpaceX for the next six years. It was last used for Nasa's final shuttle mission nearly six years ago.

After it had launched from Launch Complex 39A and made the payload, the booster rocket was returned safely to Earth at a different part of Cape Canaveral.

That made it the third SpaceX rocket to be successfully landed on solid ground, and the first to do so in daylight. Five other successful landings have been made on sea-based platforms.
Women who think that men are dangerous to their children prefer less 'manly' male partners, according to a new study.

Psychologists found that the more that women agreed with the statement 'men are dangerous to their children', the more they preferred feminine male partners.

The work is the first to find that women's face preferences are influenced by experiences and perceptions of violence.

Participants were shown pairs of European (left) and Salvadoran (right) male faces, with the left of each pair feminised and the right masculinised in shape. The results showed that women who thought men were dangerous preferred the feminised faces

KEY FINDINGS The researchers measured the preferences of men and women from Bogota, Colombia. They found that men and women who strongly believed that men are dangerous to their children preferred less masculine male faces, although this effect was only significant for women. Dr Martha Lucia Borras-Guevara said: 'We might have only found a significant effect for women's preferences since women, relative to men, invest more time and energy in their offspring, hence there would be a strong selective pressure to recognise any facial cues in men that relate to a violent or dangerous disposition.' Advertisement

Researchers from St Andrew's University measured the preferences of 153 men and women from Bogota, Colombia, and also asked them several questions related to health, access to media, education, and exposure to violence.

Colombia was chosen as the test site because it is one of the most violent nations in the world.

In 2012, its homicide rate per 100,000 inhabitants was 30.8, compared to 1.0 in the UK.

Dr Martha Lucia Borras-Guevara, who led the research, said: 'We found that men and women who strongly believed that men are dangerous to their children preferred less masculine male faces, although this effect was only significant for women.

'We might have only found a significant effect for women's preferences since women, relative to men, invest more time and energy in their offspring, hence there would be a strong selective pressure to recognise any facial cues in men that relate to a violent or dangerous disposition.'

Women who think that men are dangerous to their children prefer less 'manly' male partners, according to a new study (stock image)

Previous studies have suggested that masculine men may be effective protectors for women when they feel at risk.

But these studies ignored the fact that when women prefer a more masculine man, they may also put themselves at risk of increased antagonistic behaviours in the context of a romantic relationship.

Dr Carlota Batres, who also worked on the study, added: 'More masculine men have been found to be more aggressive and therefore, in places where partner violence is high, women would benefit from preferring more feminine male partners.'

The study also found that thinking that men are dangerous to their children explained significantly more of the variation in women's masculinity preferences than education, health, and access to media.

Professor David Perrett, who also worked on the study, added: 'These findings hint at different effects of domestic violence and/or violence outside the home on masculinity preferences.

'Moreover, these preferences may reflect women's strategy to avoid male violence, demonstrating that exposure to violence influences who we find attractive.'
A fanged coral reef fish that disables predators with heroin-like venom could offer hope for the development of 'blockbuster' new painkillers.

The 'fang blenny', also known as poison-fang blennies or sabre-tooth blennies, may look harmless at just two inches long.

But it has two large canine teeth jutting out of it's lower jaw and packs a punch when it bites would-be predators, such as grouper fish.

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A two fanged coral reef fish that disables predators with heroin-like venom could offer hope for the development of new painkillers. This image shows an x-ray of the two-inch fish's skeleton, revealing the venomous fangs that jut out from its lower jaw

HOW THE FISH VENOM WORKS Scientists found that the venom causes no pain. Instead it rapidly drops the blood pressure of predators. This leaves the blenny's attacker dizzy and nauseous. The disorientated predator is left unable to give chase. Advertisement

The drug-laced venom sends predators into a stupor allowing the small fish to escape unharmed.

Fang blennies live in the Pacific region, including on the Great Barrier Reef, and are popular as ornamental tropical aquarium fish.

Now scientists have found its unique venom could lead to the next 'blockbuster pain-killing drug.'

Associate Professor Bryan Fry of the University of Queensland said: 'The fish injects other fish with opioid peptides that act like heroin or morphine, inhibiting pain rather than causing it.

'Its venom is chemically unique.

'The venom causes the bitten fish to become slower in movement and dizzy by acting on their opioid receptors.

'To put that into human terms, opioid peptides would be the last thing an elite Olympic swimmer would use as performance-enhancing substances.

'They would be more likely to drown than win gold.'

The fish (pictured) has two large canine teeth jutting out of it's lower jaw and packs a punch when it bites would-be predators, such as grouper fish. They are popular as ornamental tropical aquarium fish

An analysis of the venom found three key components - a neuropeptide also found in cone snail venom, a lipase found in scorpions, and an opioid peptide.

Surprisingly, when they injected the blenny venom into lab mice, the mice showed no signs of pain.

While the study could not rule out the bite caused pain in fish, it seemed plausible the neuropeptide and opioid components may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure.

This leaves the blenny's attacker disorientated and unable to give chase.

Professor Fry said: 'By slowing down potential predators, the fang blennies have a chance to escape.

Scientists found that the venom causes no pain. Instead it rapidly drops the blood pressure of predators. This leaves the blenny's attacker dizzy, nauseous, and unable to give chase

'While the feeling of pain is not produced, opioids can produce sensations of extremely unpleasant nausea and dizziness in mammals.'

Professor Fry added: 'Fang blennies are the most interesting fish I've ever studied and have one of the most intriguing venoms of them all.

'These fish are fascinating in their behaviour. They fearlessly take on potential predators while also intensively fighting for space with similar sized fish.

'Their secret weapons are two large grooved teeth on the lower jaw that are linked to venom glands.'

Their unique venom meant, the fang blenny was more easily able to escape a predator or defeat a competitor.

Co-author Dr Nicholas Casewell of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine said another surprise from the study was the evidence suggesting that fang blenny fangs evolved before the species' venom.

The researchers suggest that the fang blenny and its unique venom could be the source of the next blockbuster pain-killing drug

He said: 'This is pretty unusual, because often what we've found - for example, in snakes - is that some sort of venom secretions evolved first, before the elaborate venom delivery mechanism evolved.

Evolution favoured the tiny fish with large teeth first and later found a way to enhance them with venom, he added.

Dr Casewell said: 'These unassuming little fish have a really quite advanced venom system, and that venom system has a major impact on fishes and other animals in its community.

Prof Fry concluded: 'This study is an excellent example of why we need to protect nature.

'If we lose the Great Barrier Reef, we will lose animals like the fang blenny and its unique venom that could be the source of the next blockbuster pain-killing drug.'
Toyota Motor Corp will use artificial intelligence in new research to speed up the discovery of advanced battery materials and fuel-cell catalysts to power electric and other emission-free vehicles, the company said on Thursday.

Toyota will invest around $35 million in its North American research arm, the Toyota Research Institute (TRI) and will involve collaboration with a number of U.S. academic institutions including the University of Michigan and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and British material sciences company Ilika.

Artificial intelligence will be used to identify new possible materials for batteries and fuel and run computer tests to narrow down the field for simulation tests by researchers. Pictured, Toyota's radical C-HR concept car

Automakers have been investing heavily in developing new batteries and fuel cells to increase the range of electric vehicles.

China in particular is banking on the heavy use of electric vehicles in the future.

Brian Storey, the lead TRI researcher for the new program, said artificial intelligence will be used to identify new possible materials for batteries and fuel and run computer tests to narrow down the field for simulation tests by researchers.

Storey said the research will pursue a replacement for platinum as a fuel-cell catalyst.

'We don't have a ton of platinum on this planet and it costs a lot money,' he said. 'Platinum is a great catalyst, but is there another compound out there that uses little platinum or no platinum at all?'

The research will pursue a replacement for platinum as a fuel-cell catalyst

'Toyota recognizes that artificial intelligence is a vital basic technology that can be leveraged across a range of industries, and we are proud to use it to expand the boundaries of materials science,' said TRI Chief Science Officer Eric Krotkov.

'Accelerating the pace of materials discovery will help lay the groundwork for the future of clean energy and bring us even closer to achieving Toyota's vision of reducing global average new-vehicle CO2 emissions by 90 percent by 2050.'

The $35 million in projects will merge advanced computational materials modeling, new sources of experimental data, machine learning and artificial intelligence in an effort to reduce the time scale for new materials development from a period that has historically been measured in decades.

Research programs will follow parallel paths, working to identify new materials for use in future energy systems as well as to develop tools and processes that can accelerate the design and development of new materials more broadly.
Elon Musk has set up a new firm to develop Matrix-style 'neural computers', the Tesla and SpaceX founder has confirmed.

Called Neuralink, it will work on what Musk calls the 'neural lace' technology, implanting tiny brain electrodes that may one day upload and download thoughts.

Musk today confirmed the rumours on Twitter,promising more details soon, saying it was 'difficult to dedicate the time, but existential risk is too high not to.'

In a recent interview with Y Combinator, Musk explained that the 'best outcome' between humankind and machines would be a collective lifestyle where 'we are the AI.'

Neuralink was registered in California as a 'medical research' company last July, and he plans on funding the company mostly by himself, a person briefed on the plans told the Wall Street Journal.

It is unclear what sorts of products Neuralink might create, but people who have had discussions with the company describe a strategy similar to space launch company SpaceX and Tesla, the Journal report said.

In recent weeks, Neuralink has also hired leading academics in the field, the Journal reported

Long Neuralink piece coming out on @waitbutwhy in about a week. Difficult to dedicate the time, but existential risk is too high not to.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 28, 2017

Musk previously hinted at the plans online.

The astonishing revelation came in response to a tweet, asking Musk if he was working on 'neural lace'  a way of installing computers into the human brain.

It is not known what the brain chip could be used for, but Musk has previously said that it will be the 'thing that really matters for humanity to achieve symbiosis with machines.'

Neuralink will work on what Musk calls the 'neural lace' technology, implanting tiny brain electrodes that may one day upload and download thoughts. Pictured, Keanu Reeves plugging into 'The Matrix'

'If you assume any rate of advancement in [artificial intelligence], we will be left behind by a lot,' he said at a conference last June.

The solution he proposed was a 'direct cortical interface'essentially a layer of artificial intelligence inside the brainthat could enable humans to reach higher levels of function.

'Making progress [on neural lace],' he tweeted last August, 'maybe something to announce in a few months.'

In January he tweeted that an announcement might be coming shortly.

Elon Musk hinted that Tesla may be working on computers that can be implanted into the brain (stock image), although he has not expanded on what the chips could be used for

Revol Devoleb, a self-proclaimed technology enthusiast from Finland, tweeted to Musk, asking: 'What about neural lace? Announcement soon?'

Musk remained elusive in response, saying: 'Maybe next month.'

This isn't the first time that Musk has hinted that Tesla may be working on artificial intelligence.

In a recent interview with Y Combinator, Musk explained that the 'best outcome' between humankind and machines would be a collective lifestyle where 'we are the AI.'

Such a scenario would stamp out the possibility of an 'evil dictator AI,' Musk said, allowing anyone who wants to take part to become an 'AI-human symbiote.'

Musk likened the situation to the cooperation of the limbic system and the cortex in the human brain.

Revol Devoleb tweeted to Musk last week, asking: 'What about neural lace? Announcement soon?' Musk remained elusive in response, saying: 'Maybe next month'

DO WE LIVE IN A SIMULATION? Last summer, when asked at the Code Conference in southern California if the answer to the question of whether we are in a simulated computer game was 'yes', Elon Musk said the answer is 'probably'. Musk believes that computer game technology, particularly virtual reality, is already approaching a point that it is indistinguishable from reality. 'If you assume any rate of improvement at all, then the games will become indistinguishable from reality, just indistinguishable,' he said. 'Even if the speed of those advancements dropped by 1000, 'We are clearly on a trajectory to have games indistinguishable from reality, and there would be billions of there. 'It would seem to follow that the odds that we're in 'base reality' is one in billions', Mr Musk said. Advertisement

In the interview, he explained that these two systems  the primitive brain that controls your instincts, and the 'thinking part,' respectively  work well together, and it would extremely unusual to find someone who wished to get rid of one of them.

Building off of this, he told Y Combinator, 'I think if we can effectively merge with AI, like improving the neural link between the cortex and your digital extension of yourself, which already exists but just has a bandwidth issue, then effectively, you become an AI-human symbiote.'

This would also solve the 'control problem,' he went on to explain, as it could become so widespread that 'anyone who wants it can have it.'

'We don't have to worry about some evil dictator AI,' Musk told Y Combinator, 'because we are the AI collectively.

'That seems like the best outcome I can think of.'

In November, Elon Musk predicted that the rise of machines in the workplace could soon mean job displacement and a 'universal basic income' for humans.

The billionaire explained that our options may be limited in the future as automation becomes the norm, and this could even leave people with more time to enjoy their lives.

Musk said humans will eventually need to achieve symbiosis with 'digital super-intelligence' in order to cope with the advancing world  but, he warns doing this might be the toughest challenge of all.

In an interview with CNBC, the CEO of Tesla, SolarCity, and SpaceX said certain jobs, like truck driving, may soon be lost to automated technologies.

And with machines taking over the workforce, human income would shift as well, potentially necessitating universal payments from the government.

'There is a pretty good chance we end up with a universal basic income, or something like that, due to automation,' Musk told CNBC.

'I'm not sure what else one would do with this.

'I think that's what would happen.'

Musk went on to explain that some people may have plans to do more 'complex' and 'more interesting' things with these capabilities in the future.

This will open the door for more leisure time, he said.

Machines equipped with artificial intelligence are ever creeping into the workforce, and for humans, this could soon mean job displacement and a 'universal basic income,' according to Elon Musk (pictured)

'And then we have to figure out how we integrate with a world in the future with advanced AI,' Musk told CNBC, noting that this will likely be the 'toughest' part.

'Ultimately,' he said, 'it would need to be some kind of improved symbiosis with digital super-intelligence.'

The Tesla CEO pointed to the example of the potential future capabilities of semi-trailer trucks.

One day, these trucks may not require drivers, and could instead operate autonomously while a human oversees an entire fleet.
Researchers have identified the genes responsible for giving different strains of cannabis distinct flavours.

They scanned the genomes of cannabis plants and identified compounds such as limonene which produces a lemon-like flavor.

The findings will have an impact on the budding legal cannabis industry.

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The researchers identified 30 genes that give various cannabis strains their lemony, skunky or earthy flavors. 'This is similar to the wine industry, which depends on defined varieties such as chardonnay or merlot for high value products,' said Dr Jorg Bohlmann, a professor in the Michael Smith Laboratories and faculty of forestry at the University of British Columbia

The researchers, based at the University of British Columbia (UBC), identified 30 genes that give various cannabis strains their lemony, skunky or earthy flavors.

'The goal is to develop well-defined and highly-reproducible cannabis varieties, said Dr Jorg Bohlmann, a professor in the Michael Smith Laboratories and faculty of forestry at UBC.

'This is similar to the wine industry, which depends on defined varieties such as chardonnay or merlot for high value products.

'Our genomics work can inform breeders of commercial varieties which genes to pay attention to for specific flavor qualities.'

The research, published in the journal Plos One, is part of an ongoing collaboration with graduate student Judith Booth and Dr Jonathan Page, an adjunct professor in UBC's botany department who founded the cannabis testing and biotechnology company Anandia labs.

The researchers analyzed terpene genes, which contribute to diverse flavors in cannabis.

WHAT ARE TERPENES? Terpenes are compounds that are responsible for the differnt aromas of cannabis. The production of terpenes in cannabis plants is increased with light exposure, and they're mostly found in high concentrations in unfertilized female cannabis flowers. For example, the compound limonene produces a lemon-like flavor, and myrcene produces dank, earthy, herbal flavors. Cannabis' signature terpene, Beta-caryophyllene, is also found in pepper, cloves, hops, basil and oregano. Advertisement

Terpenes are compounds that are responsible for the diverse aromas of different cannabis strains.

The production of terpenes in cannabis plants is increased with light exposure, and they're mostly found in high concentrations in unfertilized female cannabis flowers.

The researchers found about 30 terpene synthase genes, a number that's comparable to similar genes that play a role in grapevine flavor for wine.

The genes the researchers discovered play a role in producing natural terpenes such as limonene, myrcene, and pinene in cannabis plants.

'The limonene compound produces a lemon-like flavor and myrcene produces the dank, earthy flavor characteristic of purple kush,' said Ms Booth.

The researchers also found a gene that produces the signature terpene of cannabis, beta-caryophyllene, which interacts with cannabinoid receptors in human cells along with other active ingredients in cannabis.

Beta-caryophyllene is also found in pepper, closes, hops, basil and oregano.

The genes the researchers discovered play a role in producing natural terpenes such as limonene, myrcene, and pinene in cannabis plants. Structures of representative cannabis resin components are shown in white: monoterpenes (top row), sesquiterpenes (middle row), and cannabinoids (bottom row)

Dr Bohlmann said that the economic potential of a regulated cannabis industry is huge, but one of the challenges is that growers work with crops that aren't standardized and highly variable.

Currently in Canada, marijuana is only legal for medicinal purposes, but the Canadian government is planning to announce legislation to legalize marijuana by July 2018.

'There is a need for high-quality and consistent products made from well defined varieties,' he said.

The researcher said it will be important to examine to what extent terpene's interact with cannabinoid compound such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that give cannabis its medicinal properties.
If you receive a phone call from 'Apple' regarding an iCloud breach, hang up.

Telephone scammers have been cold-calling people across the US in a bid to obtain their login details and other personal information.

The scammers seem to be piggybacking on a separate group of hackers who demanded ransom from Apple in exchange for some 300 million iCloud accounts.

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If you receive a phone call claiming to Apple regarding an iCloud breach, hang up. Telephone scammers have been cold-calling people across the US in a bid to obtain their login details and other personal information

THE APPLE SCAM When the potential victim answers the phone, an automated message is played claiming to be from Apple support. The recording tells them there has been an iCloud breach or there is an issue with their own account, then they are put through to a human operator. The scammer will ask for the person's information, which includes details of their account. Kiro 7 has spoken with people in Seattle who have received a phone call and believes the scammers will use the information to make purchases  among other things. Advertisement

Many of the victims have flocked to Twitter to warn others of the scam - some users are also sharing the number that was used by the data thieves.

Glenn Fleishman, with Macworld, said his wife was called five times by the data thieves.

'Earlier on Monday, my wife let me know that 'Apple Support' had called about iCloud security,' Fleishman said.

'She was dubious, and rightly so.

'Apple' then called five more times (and counting).

'Suffice it to say, it wasn't Apple, but fraudsters trying to piggyback on reports that a major breach of iCloud credentials could render hundreds of millions of accounts vulnerable.'

Another source found that the thieves are using the area code '206' when making calls in Seattle, Washington.

When the potential victim answers the phone, an automated message is played claiming to be from Apple support, Business Insider reported.

The recording tells them there has been an iCloud breach or there is an issue with their own account, then they are put through to a human operator.

The scammer will then ask for the person's information, which includes details of their account.

Kiro 7 has spoken with people in Seattle who have received a phone call and believes the scammers will use the information to make purchases  among other things.

When the potential victim answers the phone, an automated message is played claiming to be from Apple support. The recording tells them there has been an iCloud breach or there is an issue with their own account, then they are put through to a human operator

MacWorld also noted that the scammers have attempted to get people to download 'antivirus software', which is actually malware, allowing them to attack computers.

However, many iOS users will agree that Apple has never called them in the past regarding hacking issues or problems with their account  it is usually the user who makes the call.

The tech firm has warned its customers that they should 'never provide personal account informationincluding your Apple ID password, credit card info, or other personal informationby email or text message, and use extreme caution when clicking links in messages or sharing information over the phone.

Many of the victims have flocked to Twitter to warn others of the scam. Some have noted that Apple would never call its customers about a breach or if there was an issue with their account

Some people were called that are not even iOS users. The scammers seem to be piggybacking on a separate group of hackers who demanded ransom from Apple in exchange for some 300 million iCloud accounts

Instead, visit the company's website directly or call them yourself.'

It was revealed last week that a group of hackers, who call themselves the 'Turkish Crime Family' (TCF) said they were holding 300 million iCloud accounts and iPhones hostage.

The group also set out their terms to Apple and issued a final deadline to receive its $75,000 ransom.

However, Apple said if the list is legitimate, it was not obtained through any hack of its servers.

MacWorld also noted that the scammers have attempted to get people to download 'antivirus software', which is actually malware, allowing them to attack computers

'There have not been any breaches in any of Apple's systems including iCloud and Apple ID,' the spokesperson said.

'The alleged list of email addresses and passwords appears to have been obtained from previously compromised third-party services.'

However, the hackers upped the ante just a day after setting their demands  to $700,000. TCF claimed that a former member of the group incorrectly demanded a total of $75,000 for the heist from Apple.

Each of the seven remaining members now want $100,000 - almost ten times the figure originally reported.

Technology experts at ZDNet contacted a number of users whose passwords and account details were provided to them by TCF. They confirmed that the data was indeed correct, and that in one case the password had never been used on another site.

But the report's authors concluded that TCF 's main aim was publicity.

In an article on the site, they said: 'Based on our experience and our interactions with the group and its members, it's evident that the group is naive and inexperienced.

'Based on its grandiose claims and its cherry-picking media outlets to cover its claims, it's clear that the group is gunning for publicity.

'When we began asking the group questions, the conversation quickly turned to whether or not if CBS News (which like ZDNet is also owned by CBS), would also cover the group's claims.'

It is not exactly clear how the group acquired the sensitive data.

But a statement by Apple confirmed one widely-held assumption - that the data may have been obtained from other sites whose data has been breached.
Samsung has given an ostrich the ability to fly with the power of virtual reality.

The South Korean firm has released a new commercial that highlights an ostrich strapping on a headset playing a flight simulation - giving the large bird the courage to spread its wings and take to the sky.

Ending the clip with #DoWhatYouCan't, the advert for the Gear VR headset is a bid to convince viewers that all of their dreams can come true in a virtual world - they just need to purchase the technology.

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Samsung has given an ostrich the ability to fly with the power of virtual reality. The firm has released a new commercial that highlights an ostrich strapping on a headset playing a flight simulation - giving the large bird the courage to spread its wings and take to the sky

THE NEW GEAR VR Dimension/weight: 207.8 x 122.5 x 98.6mm / 345g (12 ounces) Sensors: Accelerometer, Gyrometer, Proximity Compatibility: Galaxy S8, Galaxy S7, S7 edge, Note5, S6 edge+, S6, S6 edge Includes a motion controller. The controller features a clickable touch-pad and in-built movement sensors to help users navigate and interact with the virtual world. Advertisement

'What happens if you refuse to listen to what 'can't be done? Samsung believes the only way to achieve the impossible is by refusing to accept anything is,' reads the video's description.

The beginning of clip shows an ostrich curiously wondering away from the herd in a desert wasteland and finds itself in person's backyard.

The bird stumblers upon a virtual reality headset on a picnic table, manages to strap it on its head and is amazed to see the stunning world up in the clouds  while Elton John's song 'Rocket Man' plays in the background.

Although the bird, nor its ancestors have ever take to the skies, it excitedly begins ruffling its feathers.

The ostrich starts running back to the herd, flaps its wings in an attempt to fly, but sadly falls on its face.

But the next day, the feathered creature spreads its wings and takes flight  but this time without the virtual reality headset.

Samsung unveiled an updated version of the Gear VR, its smartphone-powered virtual reality headset, that includes a motion controller in February.

The controller features a clickable touch-pad and in-built movement sensors to help users navigate and interact with the virtual world.

The beginning of clip shows an ostrich curiously wondering away from the herd in a desert wasteland and finds itself in person's backyard

The bird stumblers upon a virtual reality headset on a picnic table, manages to strap it on its head

There's also a trigger, home, back and volume keys designed to help viewers scroll through content more quickly than they can on the previous device, which uses a gaming-style controller.

And an in-built accelerometer, gyrometer and magnetic sensors aim to improve motion accuracy during game play.

The orstrich is amazed to see the stunning world up in the clouds  while Elton John's song 'Rocket Man' plays in the background. Although the bird, nor its ancestors have ever take to the skies, it excitedly begins ruffling its feathers

But the next day, the feathered creature spreads its wings and takes flight  but this time without the virtual reality headset. The clip shows the bird taking to the sky while the rest of the heard trails behind him on the ground

Samsung unveiled an updated version of the Gear VR, its smartphone-powered virtual reality headset, that includes a motion controller in February. The firm said the new device will work alongside the Galaxy S6, S7, S7 Edge, the Note 5 - and should work with the Galaxy S8

Samsung, who unveiled the upgrade at this year's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, said the new device will work alongside the Galaxy S6, S7, S7 Edge, the Note 5 - and should work with the Galaxy S8.

The small battery-powered controller also comes with a wrist strap, offering a safety net to stop users hurling their remotes at passers-by.

The headset is a lightweight 345g (12 ounces) and has a new 1.7-inch (42mm), a 101-degree field of view and new software to help reduce motion sickness.
Washing machine? Check. Shower? Check. Toilet in the open by the front door? Check.

When it comes to privacy, this Tokyo apartment has ripped up the rule book and written a new one that surely very few potential tenants would be happy with.

Its on the market with the unique feature of a loo right by the front door, with no walls around it  or even a curtain. Its just out on its own.

When it comes to privacy, this Tokyo apartment has ripped up the rule book and written a new one that surely very few potential tenants would be happy with

Its on the market with the unique feature of a loo right by the front door, with no walls around it  or even a curtain. Its just out on its own

So whoever moves in will need to invite only the most open-minded of guests  or perhaps not ever invite anyone around at all.

Kotaku.com suggested that the apartment, which is yours for 57,000 yen (US$513, 410) a month, may actually be one very big bathroom.

It said that one Twitter user in Japan described it as a prison cell.

As Tokyo apartments go, however, its actually quite spacious.

One website suggested that the apartment resembled one giant bathroom

Tokyo is famous for apartments that afford the occupants very little room for manoeuvre

The apartment looks like quite an attractive proposition from the outside

The metropolis is famous for its coffin apartments, which are barely big enough for a single person to squeeze into, let alone swing a cat.

Some of them command rents of up to 400 a month.

They are little more than cupboards, tiny cubicles stacked on top of each other with just enough room for one person and a few of their possessions.

Definitely not for the claustrophobic, many don't even have windows and anyone over 6ft tall would have trouble stretching their legs.

Most are used by young professionals who spend most of their time at work and outdoors, using these tiny accommodations just for sleeping.
It's the television experiment where strangers are matched by relationship experts and walk down the aisle without seeing so much as a photo of each other beforehand.

And Married At First Sight's fourth season had a plethora of behind-the-scenes moments take place that might have been more explosive than the ones on-camera.

On Thursday contestant Sharon Marsh has spilled the string-pulling secrets from the set, including fights over wedding dresses, unwilling contestants 'pushed to kiss' within hours of meeting and 'out of control' off camera drama at the reunion shoot.

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Secrets revealed: Married At First Sight's fourth season had a plethora of behind-the-scenes moments take place that might have been more explosive than the ones on-camera

The show's 'Runaway bride' told OK! Magazine the application process was 'full-on' with months of 'questionnaires, paperwork, psych tests, phone calls and interviews'.

One of the reality show's psychologists, Dr. Trisha Straford, supported Sharon's insight and added the experts can take up to 14 weeks matchmaking the couples.

And within hours of meeting their new bride or groom, the participants are expected to passionately smooch for the cameras.

Vigorous: Contestant Sharon Marsh told the publication the application process was 'full-on' with months of 'questionnaires, paperwork, psych tests, phone calls and interviews'

Intense: One of the reality show's psychologists, Dr. Trisha Straford, supported Sharon's insight and added the experts can take up to 14 weeks matchmaking the couples

'You are kind of pushed to [kiss] because of the photos,' relayed Lauren Bran, who left the series immediately after her nuptials with Andrew Jones.

The 'Runaway Bride', as she was labelled on the show, also revealed the ladies aren't even allowed to choose their own gowns when they walk down the aisle.

'The wedding dress that I actually wanted was taken away from me because one of the other brides [wanted it]', she described.

'You are kind of pushed to [kiss] because of the photos,' relayed Lauren Bran, who left the series immediately after her nuptials with Andrew Jones. Pictured: Scarlett and Michael

When it came to the commitment ceremonies, Nadia Stamp told the magazine her husband Anthony Manton 'was taken aback' at the tough questions from the experts.

She defended her television spouse calling her 'frigid', saying it was due to how 'uncomfortable' the couples all were with the psychologists' 'endless questions'.

The subsequent vow renewal scenes were apparently heavily scripted, with one source relating how each contestant's tender words were 'likely signed off on.'

Not his fault? Nadia defended her television spouse calling her 'frigid', saying it was due to how 'uncomfortable' the couples all were with the psychologists' 'endless questions'

And as for the final reunion scenes, airing this Sunday and Monday, the drama on-set that unfolded when the cameras weren't rolling was reportedly 'out of control'.

Long-ago separated couple Deborah Brosnan and John Robertson apparently contributed to the high-pressure environment with their ongoing tension.

Scarlett Cooper may provide the reunion's most dramatic scenes, claiming to local police she was chased by a camera crew and assaulted by one of the producers.

They're back! Long-ago separated couple Deborah Brosnan and John Robertson apparently contributed to the high-pressure environment with their ongoing tension

Channel Nine released a statement to news.com.au which read: 'An incident which upset Scarlett on set caused her to leave filming.

'As a duty of care, a producer followed her offset to ensure her safety,' it continued.

Scarlett later dropped the complaint and no charges were laid against the producer.

Tense: As for the final reunion scenes, airing this Sunday and Monday, the drama on-set that unfolded when the cameras weren't rolling was reportedly 'out of control'
The first season of Channel Seven's Seven Year Switch made headlines and created controversy with its couple swapping therapy.

And now the new cast for season two has been revealed, featuring an array of new troubled twosomes.

One couple, parents Michael and Felicity, say they argue constantly while another couple struggle her being 'clingy' while he is still a 'semi-bachelor.'

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Incoming: The new cast for season two of Seven Year Switch has been revealed (pictured are Michael and Felicity), with Michael saying he and his fiancee 'fight every couple of days'

Michael told WHO Magazine about the up and down relationship with his fiancee, saying: 'We fight every couple of days.'

As a result he is forced to sleep in her childhood 'princess bed'.

According to the publication, the New South Wales pair met and fell pregnant three months into their relationship and now have two children and a food business.

Another couple, Mark and Kaitlyn, reportedly want very different things, with American Kaitlyn, 28, wanting to head down the altar soon.

'Clingy': Another couple, Mark and Kaitlyn (pictured) reportedly want very different things, with American Kaitlyn, 28, wanting to head down the altar soon

'Sometimes I think Mark knows he doesn't want to be with me,' the blonde beauty and student told WHO.

Psychologist Jo Lamble told the publication about the Victorian couple, saying: 'She wants to get engaged; he still lives like a semi-bachelor.'

Another couple are Sarge, 42, and Stacey Lousie, 36, who hail from Queensland.

The pair are personal trainers who run their own business.

At breaking point? Another couple are Sarge, 42, and Stacey Lousie, 36, who hail from Queensland (pictured are the pair)

Therapy: The final couple are Johnny, 36, and Tracy, 39, (Tracy is pictured L) who are from South Australia and busy parents. Tracy is matched with Sarge (L) on the show

The final couple are Johnny, 36, and Tracy, 39, who are from South Australia and busy parents.

The pair met over a decade ago and have struggled with Johnny constantly travelling overseas.

They are parents and are back together after being separated for a year.

In a new promo for a show, Felicity and Michael can be seen arguing and then breaking down to camera, with Felicity saying: 'If things don't change, I'm over it, I'm done.'

Michael said he didn't want to think about losing Felicity and is matched with Kaitlyn, who says to camera: 'Oh my god, he is gorgeous.'

Had enough: In a new promo for a show, Felicity and Michael can be seen arguing and then breaking down to camera, with Felicity saying: 'If things don't change, I'm over it, I'm done'

At one point, she strokes his tattooed arm and says 'massage?,' before saying she is a trained masseuse.

He then can be seen laying on a bed as she rubs oil on him and works his muscles.

There seems to be some chemistry between the pair and they can be seen hugging and swimming, with Kaitlyn rubbing her leg against his underwater.

Felicity remains adamant that if her man shares a bed with his match, 'It would be over for me.'

Getting close: Michael is matched with Kaitlyn on the show and she gives him a massage on the bed

Chemistry? Meanwhile in another clip, Sarge is matched with Tracy and she can be seen feeding him spaghetti on a spoon

Meanwhile in another clip, Sarge is matched with Tracy and she can be seen feeding him spaghetti on a spoon.

'I find Tracy's confidence sexy. I think she's attractive. I think she's cute,' he said.

They also go for a drive around town, and while he drives she beeps the horn, before Sarge says: 'You can reach over and toot my horn anytime.'

Flirty? They also go for a drive around town, and while he drives she beeps the horn, before Sarge says: 'You can reach over and toot my horn anytime'
Cold Feet debuted on our TV screens for the first time on Sunday twenty years ago but returned with critical acclaim, two decades.

Now, as the five-piece get set for a second series, it is hard to believe that they are celebrating their 20th anniversary.

Friends Jenny Gifford (Fay Ripley) Karen Marsden (Hermione Norris) Pete Gifford (John Thomson), Adam Williams (James Nesbitt) and David Marsden (Robert Bathurst) marked the occasion with a charming portrait, released on Thursday.

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Blast from the past! Cold Feet cast celebrate saga's 20th birthday with cute portrait picture looking a little greyer as gang get together to film second reunion series. Fay Ripley (L-R), Hermione Norris, Pete Gifford, Adam Williams and David Marsden are filming next season

The gang got back together for the reunion series last September and fans will be pleased to learn that they are currently on location filming the second reunion series in Manchester.

The much-loved five series saga which ran from 1997 to 2003, the original story told the lives of three sets of 20-something couples.

It collected a total of 20 major awards including BAFTAs, British Comedy awards and National Television Awards when it first ran.

The reunion series came almost ten years after the Cold Feet five season saga came to an end.

Businessman: Robert Bathurst took on the role of management consultant David Marsden, who cheated on his wife Karen with local residents' campaigner Jessica

Last year's returning series was crowned ITV's most successful 2016 drama as it was well received by fans - attracting 8.4million viewers on the opening episode.

The happy-go-lucky cast were having the time of their lives as they returned to shoot a picture for the 20th anniversary amid filming.

They were all smiles and laughing as they soaked up each other's charming company.

Career driven: Hermione Norris played publishing editor Karen Marsden who battled alcoholism and was married to David Marsden before their divorce in the last series

The five-strong team dressed up for the occasion with both Ripley and Norris stood tall, Ripley in sky high heels and Norris in kitten heeled boots.

On trend, Norris teamed her stylish shoes with a velvet jacket while Ripley brazenly opted for a gown embellished with shoulder studs.

The gentlemen all looked dapper in two piece suits complete with jackets, but - coolly - no ties.

Although it is as if the cast were never apart, they are all looking a little more distinguished in the cute reunion snap.

James shot to fame when he starred in Cold Feet, getting roles in Hollywood films including The Hobbit on the back of the success of the TV series.

Carefree: James Nesbitt took on the role of Adam Williams, who was a womaniser, but eventually settled down with Rachel and had a son called Matthew; he was also diagnosed and treated for testicular cancer

Now the 52-year-old star cheekily pouts in the picture proudly showing off his full head of hair.

He has undergone two expensive hair transplants in the years, with him describing it as an 'obsession'.

'In terms of the range of leading roles Ive had since then its probably helped,' he tells the new issue of Radio Times magazine.

Unlucky in love: John Thomson portrayed Pete Gifford who cheated on his wife Jenny with a co-worker which ultimately led to their divorce. He then married Jo Ellison in series four but they were separated by the final

But in his personal life, the TV favourite revealed his heartache after his 22-year marriage to Sonia Forbes-Adams came to an end.

He told the magazine: 'I think separating [from my wife] has an impact because you look at why it happened and you see mistakes that were made.'

The couple confirmed their divorce in October 2016, the revelation which came three years after being estranged from one another for some time.

The former flames parted in October 2013 citing James' busy hands-on work schedule as the problem.

Speaking ahead of the anniversary, writer Mike Bullen said: 'Twenty years ago, when Cold Feet began, I was just trying to write a show that would amuse and hopefully move my own generation.

She's international: Fay Ripley's character Jenny Gifford ended the fifth series by moving to New York after the breakdown of her marriage to Pete Gifford

'That remains the aim. It's just that, with the passage of time, we're a generation older. We don't face the same issues, but there are still issues to be faced. I think that's why the reboot worked.

'We weren't a tribute act to ourselves; we've still got something to say. I've met quite a few viewers who knew of the show because their parents watched the original, and are now fans in their own right. I get a huge buzz out of that.'

Helen Baxendale is noticeably absent from the reunion photograph after her character Rachel Bradley died in a car crash in the last series.

Rumours at the time suggested she would make an appearance in flashback scenes but these were soon dismissed by Ripley.

She told Loose Women at the end of last year: 'The only thing I do know is that Helen isn't going to be doing it and that's actually going to be the hardest thing because we are all probably going to slot back into the on set roles that we had, but Helen won't be there

'So it'll be slightly odd, and she is such a lovely girl and friend of mine.'

The new series will air later this year on ITV
Lauren Jauregui of Fifth Harmony has fiercely denounced the fan tendency to ship her with her former bandmate Camila Cabello.

Shippers are people who believe there could be a relationship between two characters in a certain fandom.

She slammed the speculated romance - known to fans as 'Camren' - while responding to a fan who'd brought it up on Twitter last Thursday.

Lauren, 20, said of the ship that 'I hate it because it's invasive, scary, delusional, disrespectful to us both and was never real...Ever.'

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Not taking it anymore: Lauren Jauregui (right) of Fifth Harmony has fiercely denounced the fan tendency to ship her with her former bandmate Camila Cabello (left)

Replying to another Twitter user, she wrote that 'you never quite become ok with people sexualizing you and their friendships for their sick pleasure.'

Camila's departure from the Fifth Harmony was officially announced last December, leaving Lauren in the group with Dinah Jane, Ally Brooke and Normani Kordei.

The four remaining members had been photographed sauntering through Haneda Airport in Tokyo last Friday, Ally in a black crop top and Lauren in Daisy Dukes.

Outraged: Lauren (right) said of the ship with Camila (left) that 'I hate it because it's invasive, scary, delusional, disrespectful to us both and was never real...Ever'

Dinah wore her hair in pigtails and had popped on a silver-rimmed purple pair of cat-eye sunglasses, flashing a peace sign as she trod the carpet.

Normani cut a radiant figure in a gleaming off-the-shoulder blue top that appeared to be made of velour, as well as charcoal capri jeans.

The original five members of Fifth Harmony had united into a girl group in 2012 on The X Factor USA, after their progress as soloists had stalled.

And then there were four: Camila left Fifth Harmony last year, leaving Lauren (second from right) in the group with (from left) Dinah Jane, Ally Brooke and Normani Kordei

Though they finished in third place on the show, Fifth Harmony gained a fervent fanbase, many of whom felt there was particular chemistry between 'Camren.'

Having come out as bisexual last year, Lauren's posed for an editorial photo-shoot called Bare With Me alongside Lucy Vives, whom she was dating at the time.

Though the snapshots were taken in November, per MTV News, Lauren posted pictures from the shoot - of her solo and of 'Laucy' - to Instagram last week.

On the move: The four remaining members had been photographed sauntering through Haneda Airport in Tokyo last Friday, Ally in a black crop top and Lauren in Daisy Dukes

Strut: Dinah wore her hair in pigtails and had popped on a silver-rimmed purple pair of cat-eye sunglasses, flashing a peace sign as she trod the carpet

Nancy Cartolano, the photographer behind the shoot, told MTV News of Lauren and Lucy: 'You could tell that theyve been best friends for a very long time.'

In Nancy's description, 'Theyve known each other since high school. And they dated on and off for a few years. So theyre good friends over everything else.'

After having publicly posted the photos, Lauren's decided to bewail press attention on them, tweeting: 'To every single media outlet in my goddamn mentions right now talking about these pictures and my personal life, F*** YOU. REPORT MY BRAIN'.

Matching shades: Having come out as bisexual last year, Lauren's posed for an editorial photo-shoot called Bare With Me alongside Lucy Vives, whom she was dating at the time
She is a mum-of-three who has successfully maintained a great figure.

And on Wednesday, Kourtney Kardashian displayed her tiny waist while in a pair of high-rise jeans.

The reality star was seen leaving offices in Calabasas, CA, where she reportedly filmed scenes for Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

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Looking great! On Wednesday, Kourtney Kardashian, 37, displayed her tiny waist while in a pair of high-rise jeans

Kourtney was prepped for the California heat in a sleeveless, square-neckline tank top.

The 37-year-old tucked her shirt into a pair jeans and added height to her 5ft frame with a pair of blue pumps.

She accessorized with a gold bracelet, a black hat and a chain backpack.

Work mode: The reality star was seen leaving offices in Calabasas, CA, where she reportedly filmed scenes for Keeping Up With the Kardashians

Summer hopeful: The mum-of-three was prepped for the California heat in a sleeveless, square-neckline tank top

Since 2007, Kourtney has been a main cast-member on her family's reality show, Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

The E! hit has resulted in a collection of four spin-offs, where either Kourtney is paired with sister Kim or Khloe as a camera follows their lives in another city.

The reality show has resulted in the Kardashian-Jenner family capitalizing on their name and becoming an infamous brand.

Pop of colour: The 37-year-old tucked her shirt into a pair jeans and added height to her 5ft frame with a pair of blue pumps

Her job: Since 2007, Kourtney has been a main cast-member on her family's reality show, Keeping Up With the Kardashians

A slew of products have been pushed and distributed through the family, including the phone game , Kim Kardashian: Hollywood.

Reportedly, family matriarch Kris Jenner is looking to develop an animated show around the app, and has been speaking with producer Harvey Weinstein.

The adult show would include Kim, Kris, Kourtney, Khloe, Kylie and Kendall, according to TMZ.

Wow factor: She shared a snap of herself in a tub

Out and about: Larsa Pippen then took a photo of her from what looked like an arcade

Represent: She showed off the back of her shirt which read 'Kourtney 02' like a jersey
He's reported to be 'very unhappy' with the women chosen for The Bachelor.

And The Bachelor's Matty 'J' Johnson has been spotted becoming visibly irritated with one hopeful lady during one cocktail party.

The marketing manager was seen to 'bristle' while talking to a female contestant while filming this week, fuelling exisiting speculation he is unhappy with his choices for the future Mrs Johnson.

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Still not keen? The Bachelor's Matty Johnson 'bristles' while talking to one female contestant amid claims he is 'very unhappy' with the women cast

The Daily Telegraph has reported that Matty J had looked uncomfortable while talking to one singleton, who couldn't 'hide her insecurities' while with the handsome 30-year-old.

The contestant told Matty, 'Oh I will let you go and talk to the other girls. I know you want to', causing him to 'bristle'.

Another contestant also tried to get precious time with Matty during the cocktail party with her 'smutty mouth', News Corp reported.

Not happy Matty? The publication reported that Matty J had looked uncomfortable while talking to one singleton

Earlier this month, NW magazine claimed that Matty was 'very unhappy' with the female contestants on offer in the mansion.

He had reportedly demanded producers find some better contestants for him.

'And if it means hauling themselves down to Bondi Beach to pluck a few bikini babes, so be it!' added the reported show insider.

Annoyed? Earlier this month, NW magazine claimed that Matty was 'very unhappy' with the female contestants on offer in the mansion such as Melbourne lawyer Laura-Ann Russo (pictured)

New choices? The magazine claimed that Matty had demanded producers find girls other than Leah Costa (pictured)

A Network Ten spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that the claims made by NW are false.

Reports of Matty being unhappy with his selection of women came after he told OK! Magazine he will propose in the show's finale if he meets the right girl.

'Normally you'd need more time but when you know, you know,' Matty said enthusiastically.

Matty was confirmed as this year's Bachelor, after having his heart broken by Georgia Love who dumped him in favour of Lee Elliott in The Bachelorette finale last year.
The actress' quirky yet sophisticated sartorial style has cemented her among the top tier of best-dressed lists for years.

And Naomi Watts, 48, flaunted her effortlessly chic fashion sense on Wednesday as she attended a red carpet event for CinemaCon 2017 in Las Vegas.

Naomi displayed a striking, natural look on the red carpet while sporting an elegant semi-sheer blue frock.

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Beauty in blue! Youthful Naomi Watts, 48, highlights her svelte frame in chic striped frock at Focus Features Host Luncheon in Las Vegas on Wednesday

Naomi gave off an impossibly youthful glow as she appeared in high-spirits at the Focus Features Host Luncheon.

The British-born actress showcased her slender frame on the red carpet in the figure-hugging long-sleeve gown.



The blue and white striped ensemble had a high pussybow neck tie, while the hemline ruffled around her calves.

Stunning! The British-born actress showcased her slender frame on the red carpet in the figure-hugging long-sleeve gown

Her slim waistline was highlighted in the outfit, despite the use of horizontal stripes on the garment.

The Hollywood starlet completed her look with classy white ankle-strap heels and minimal accessories.

Naomi also wore a bold red nail polish on her fingernails as she posed for photographers.

Chic! The Hollywood starlet completed her look with classy white ankle-strap heels and minimal accessories

For her make-up, the brunette beauty opted for a simple eye shadow but accentuated her pout with a bold plum-hued lipstick.



Her short blonde tresses were styled in a slight wave and tucked behind her right ear to reveal her peach-coloured drop earrings.

Beautiful! Her short blonde tresses were styled in a slight wave and tucked behind her right ear to reveal her peach-coloured drop earrings

Natural beauty: For her make-up, Naomi opted for a simple eye shadow but accentuated her pout with a bold plum-hued lipstick

She was also joined on the red carpet by American film director and screenwriter Colin T. Trevorrow.

Colin cut a casual figure in black jeans, brown dress shoes and a chambray button-up.

The pair have been working together on drama flick The Book Of Henry, which is due for a June release.

Naomi was also joined on the red carpet by American film director and screenwriter Colin T. Trevorrow, who she has been working with together on drama flick The Book Of Henry, which is due for a June release

Once inside the Caesars Place venue, Naomi appeared to grace the stage with a short speech.

Holding a black microphone, she appeared to speak candidly to the guests of the convention-style event.

She used hand gestures and expressive facial cues as she spoke, standing alongside director Colin on the platform.

Talk: Holding a black microphone, she appeared to speak candidly to the guests of the convention-style event

Stage star: Once inside the Caesars Place venue, Naomi appeared to grace the stage with a short speech alongside director Colin
She's the owner of one of Sydney's leading non-surgical cosmetic salons.

And while The Real Housewives Of Sydney's Matty Samaei is open about her own cosmetic enhancements, she isn't a fan of young women embracing the trend.

The 43-year-old spoke with OK! about rumours that lip fillers have changed her accent and how she's unhappy teens like Kylie Jenner are having similar procedures.

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Disapproval: While The Real Housewives Of Sydney's Matty Samaei is open about her own cosmetic enhancements, she isn't a fan of young women embracing the trend

The Bellevue Hill-based reality star said she 'doesn't understand why' Kylie, 19, has taken to using lip fillers.

'I think she is too young for it,' she stated.

'I think it's one of those things a lot of young girls get done, and it's such a shame that they do because they start to look older,' she continued.

'I think it's one of those things a lot of young girls get done, and it's such a shame that they do because they start to look older,' she continued

Opposed: The Bellevue Hill-based reality star said she 'doesn't understand why' Kylie, 19, has taken to using lip fillers

The Medispa By Matty owner said she will not take clients under the age of 25, because her brand is 'more about anti-ageing'.

She also relayed her reason for getting lip fillers was 'to avoid the wrinkle' that began to develop on her upper lip.

The mother of two says her business hasn't been affected by her role in the popular series and her client base isn't 'busier or quieter because of it'.

Motive: She relayed her reason for getting lip fillers was 'to avoid the wrinkle' that began to develop on her upper lip

The mother of two says her business hasn't been affected by her role in the popular series and her client base isn't 'busier or quieter because of it'.

She also shot down rumours she 'speaks funny' because she undergoes regular lip filler injections.

Born in Iran, she moved to Australia at the age of 13 and explained how it is 'believed if you speak with an accent up to a certain age, you're never going to lose it'.

She offered, 'Lip fillers do not give you [a speech] impediment.'

False: She also shot down rumours she 'speaks funny' because she undergoes regular lip filler injections
She is the breakfast radio host known for her brand of tongue-in-cheek humour.

And Kate Langbroek sent Today show's Karl Stefanovic blushing with her no holds barred attitude to comedy this Thursday when she made made a joke about him being 'stiff'.

Appearing in a discussion panel segment on Today, Kate weighed in on the news that Rose Byrne had been dumped as an ambassador for Oroton because the brand was looking for younger 'influencers'.

He's blushing! Kate Langbroek sent Today show's Karl Stefanovic blushing with her no holds barred attitude to comedy this Thursday when she made made a joke about him being 'stiff'

Taking a swipe at the high-end handbag retailer, Kate said: 'They are a bit stiff. You know, the world's not stiff at the moment,' before playfully adding: 'You might be Karlos.'

Blushing, Karl decided not to respond to the remark, instead swiftly moving on to the topic of designer fashion.

'Look at Gucci's new range, it is amazing. All snakes and things,' he said.

Moving on! Blushing, Karl decided not to respond to the remark, instead swiftly moving on to the topic of designer fashion

Rachel Corbett, also appearing in the segment, interjected, claiming that Karl: 'Wouldn't know what [Gucci] is, mate.'

'He is not McDonald's, he is top shelf!' Kate hit back.

This week, an Oroton spokesperson confirmed to The Daily Telegraph that the company would not be renewing the 37-year-old Rose Byrne's contract, which ends this year.

'An influencer will not cost as much as a major globally known actor': This week, an Oroton spokesperson confirmed to The Daily Telegraph that the company would not be renewing the 37-year-old Rose Byrne's contract, which ends this year

Instead, they confirmed that the brand would be seeking to align itself with 'younger influencers'.

'Typically, an influencer will not cost as much as a major globally known actor,' she said.

The representative did not clarify which particular influencers would be representing the brand in future, however.

When contacted by Daily Mail Australia, the company refused to comment any further on the change.
My Kitchen Rules 'villain' Josh Meeuwissen claimed earlier this week that he was 'pressured' into saying things on camera.

But following his offensive 'slut' comment towards competing chef Amy Murr, fellow contestant Karen has shut down the 'Seafood King's' claims he was 'blackmailed' to say things by the show's producers.

'There was no way he was pushed into saying 'Thanks slut' when you have two people sitting next to you. No way have Channel Seven said that to him,' the midwife told The Sydney Morning Herald.

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'It was his choice to say that': MKR's Karen (left) has hit back at Josh's claims that he was 'blackmailed' into saying controversial things on the show, including calling rival cook Amy a 'slut'

'He's an adult and he makes those decisions and it was his choice to say that,' the reality star added.

Karen's comments come after Josh told The Kyle & Jackie 'O' Show on Wednesday that he was 'threatened' into saying certain things for the sake of the show.

'Several teams were definitely heavily pressured into answering questions by producers,' the Broome-based deckhand said.

Offensive: It comes after Josh called Amy a 'slut' during Wednesday night's episode

'They threatened teams that they would not be allowed to leave the interview room until they said a particular scene that producers wanted.'

When quizzed on the nature of the alleged blackmail, Josh described an incident where a producer desperately wanted him to discuss something he wasn't comfortable talking about.

He claimed that the producer followed him and his wife Amy back to their hotel room, hounding them the entire way.

'Blackmailed': On Wednesday, the deckhand claimed he had been 'heavily pressured' into saying certain things for the sake of the show

'If I didn't do certain things they were going to portray it differently. And they were telling me how they were going to edit it unless I play ball,' he claimed.

He also broke his silence on the controversial moment that aired on Wednesday night's episode, in which Josh calls rival chef Amy a 'slut'.

Josh claimed that he was shocked to hear that executives were going to show his comment, given the fact that he had apologised to Amy off-camera.
He has appeared on the series as Sergeant Peter Noakes since the very first episode in 2012.

But Ben Caplan has announced he is quitting BBC series Call The Midwife, as he wants the chance to play some 'edgier' characters.

The actor, 42, said in a statement on Thursday that he is 'honoured' to have been part of the journey, but is excited to 'show a little bit more diversity' in different and more modern roles.

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Moving on: Ben Caplan has announced he is quitting BBC series Call The Midwife, as he wants the chance to play some 'edgier' characters

Stalwart: He has appeared on the series as Sergeant Peter Noakes since the very first episode in 2012

The father-of-two is a fan favourite as the sweet police constable on the show, who married Miranda Hart's character Camilla 'Chummy' Browne.

However Ben admitted that he feels as an actor it is good to 'keep his foot' in the world of theatre too, so is leaving to pursure roles onstage.

He said: 'It's been lovely to have been there since the beginning, an amazing roller coaster ride, and I'm honoured to have been part of the whole journey.

Fan favourites: The father-of-two is a fan favourite as the sweet police constable on the show, who married Miranda Hart's character Camilla 'Chummy' Browne (L)

Next chapter: However Ben admitted that he feels as an actor it is good to 'keep his foot' in the world of theatre too, so is leaving to pursure roles onstage

'But there comes a point six years down the line that, as an actor, it's good to keep my foot in with the theatre world and exploring other roles.'

'Much as I love playing Peter Noakes, its great to go off and play some more edgy characters and show a little bit more diversity.'

However he also assured fans not to be too distressed regarding his absence - as he remains 'sure' he and on-screen wife Miranda will return to the show in the future.

They'll be back: However he also assured fans not to be too distressed regarding his absence - as he remains 'sure' he and on-screen wife Miranda will return to the show in the future

He said: 'I'm taking a break to concentrate on other things. But the door is very much open for both myself and Miranda and I'm sure we'll make an appearance again.'

The British actor is now preparing to star in Theatre Royal Bath's 40th anniversary production of Abigail's Party, alongside Sherlock star Amanda Abbington.

The show opens at the Oxford Playhouse on April 4, and tours on to Cambridge, Malvern and Richmond.

Screen to stage: The British actor is now preparing to star in Theatre Royal Bath's 40th anniversary production of Abigail's Party, alongside Sherlock star Amanda Abbington

Ben's departure comes after his on-screen wife Miranda Hart also bid farewell to the series.

In August last year, the comedienne revealed she would not be returning to the period drama due to her busy working schedule.

However the 44-year-old hinted during a stand-up in gig last month that she had been suffering from 'ill health', which had led to her sudden departure.

The Sun quotes her saying: 'I don't feel myself at the moment, because I was ill last year and I wasn't able to exercise.'
It seems the spat between The Fate Of The Furious stars Vin Diesel and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is still dragging on.

Johnson was conspicuous by his absence at the screening of the eighth film in the multi-billion dollar franchise at CinemaCon at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas on Wednesday.

His co-stars including Diesel, Charlize Theron, Kurt Russell, Chris Bridges and Tyrese Gibson were all there to promote the muscle car movie.

Feud: Vin Diesel and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson - pictured in 2011 flick Fast Five - are being kept apart on the press tour for The Fate And The Furious according to The Hollywood Reporter

The two stars are being kept apart on the press tour, according to The Hollywood Reporter, citing sources.

Dwayne was in Vegas for press events for both Jumanji and Baywatch earlier in the week. But he was reportedly back at work on HBO's Ballers on Wednesday.

That left Diesel to introduce the blockbuster to the auditorium, packed with members of the press and movie theater exhibitors who gave it an enthusiastic reception and posted positive comments about it on social media afterwards.

Man with a plan: Vin was joined by co-stars Tyrese (center) and Ludacris at CinemaCon at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas on Wednesday

MIA? Johnson was not in attendance at the event but was there for his Baywatch panel in Las Vegas the previous night

The beef between the two stars dates back to the final days of the 100-day Atlanta shoot last year when the frequently tardy Diesel arrived late for his final scene with Johnson, prompting the Rock to vent about his co-star on Facebook.

He wrote: 'My female co-stars are always amazing, and I love 'em. My male co-stars however are a different story,' adding that 'some' are 'chicken s***' and 'candy a**es.'

That led to a heated exchange between the two in Johnson's trailer, according to THR.

With two more installments already in the works, Universal was left doing damage control for the two key players in its mega-franchise.

Meanwhile The Fate And The Furious got an early screening on Wednesday at CinemaCon in Las Vegas and some lucky enough to catch it took to Twitter to rave about the film.

Rivals: The beef between the two stars dates back to the final days of the 100-day Atlanta shoot last year when the frequently tardy Diesel arrived late for his final scene with Johnson, prompting the Rock to vent about his co-star on Facebook

Germain Lussier wrote: 'The Fate of the Furious is another winning entry in the franchise. Crazy, fun, and yet very different feeling. I laughed, I cried, I cheered.'

Steven Weintraub from Collider also commended the film as he tweeted: 'Fate of the Furious is everything you want it to be and a ton of fun. @TheRock is a straight up superhero in the film and I loved it.

He also chimed in regarding the alleged beef between Diesel and Johnson as he condinued: 'not sure I saw even one shot in Fate of the Furious with @TheRock & Vin Diesel together. Take that how you will.'

Around the world: Charlize Theron, Jason Statham and F. Gary Gray were in Beijing promoting the film on the same day

During the panel, Diesel got choked up talking about former co-star Paul Walker at the screening.

This is the first film in the franchise to be shot fully after the actor's death in a fiery car smash in Valencia, California, on November 2013, weeks after his 40th birthday.

'Part of Pauls legacy lives through every frame that we shoot,' Vin told the crowd.

Fate Of The Furious hits theatres in the UK on 12 April with a US release following on April 14.
For most women being told they look like their mother is not a compliment, for this star it is the goal.

Kim Kardashian shared a snap of herself looking like mom Kris Jenner on social media on Wednesday.

The 36-year-old star morphed into her 61-year-old for a magazine shoot that was far from matronly.

'Kris Jenner vibes': Kim Kardashian shared a snap of herself looking like mom Kris Jenner on social media on Wednesday

In the snap, Kim wore a dark short wig that look very similar to her momager's signature style.

Making sure people saw the similarity, the reality star captioned the image: 'Kris Jenner vibes.'

Aside from the wig, the star wore a dramatic cleavage-baring alligator hide dress with matching choker and gloves.

Age defying: While talking about your mom while looking really sexy may not be everyone's cup of tea - Kris (pictured February) is no shrinking violet

On or off? There have been conflicting reports this week as to whether Kris and boyfriend Corey Gamble have called off their relationship (pictured 2015)

While talking about your mom while looking really sexy may not be everyone's cup of tea - Kris is no shrinking violet.

The grandmother is known to embrace sexy looks and also dates a much younger beau.

There have been conflicting reports this week as to whether Kris and Corey Gamble have called off their relationship.
She has been showing off her incredible figure in a number of revealing underwear selfies of late.

But Lucy Mecklenburgh was looking a little more covered up on Wednesday night as she attended the Twisted Halo launch party at Bluebird in Chelsea, London.

The ex-TOWIE star looked eye catching in a black leather jacket and electric blue cut-off culottes for her night out on the town.

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Blue beauty: Lucy Mecklenburgh left The Twisted Halo launch party in London on Wednesday sporting a blue skirt and black leather jacket by Guess

The ex-reality star, who is rumoured to be dating handyman Nathan Sharp, sported a T-shirt emblazoned with the word 'relations***' and a picture of a rose and a knife - perhaps a hint to more troubled times.

She teamed her bright trousers with a pair of silver and black pumps and a coordinating metallic shoulder bag.

Her brown hair was worn loose around her shoulders while smokey brown eye make-up and subtle lipstick completed the look.

Taking it in her stride: The star looked in high spirits as she left the bash

Accessorise: She teamed her bright trousers with a pair of silver and black pumps and a coordinating metallic Small Lottie Bag by Aspinal

Subtle glamour: Her brown hair was worn loose around her shoulders while smokey brown eye make-up and subtle lipstick completed the look

Whilst Lucy works hard to maintain her phenomenal figure, she recently revealed that she doesn't stress herself with the pursuit of a 'perfect' body.

She told the Daily Star: 'Body confidence to me is accepting what you view as your imperfections and loving your attributes even more.

'When you look in the mirror in the morning, focus on the positives and not the negatives.

No stress: Whilst Lucy works hard to maintain her phenomenal figure, she recently revealed that she doesn't stress herself with the pursuit of a 'perfect' body

Rubbing shoulders: Lucy caught up with Lily Fortescue at the bash

'What makes me feel confident is having a workout, putting on some sexy lingerie and doing my hair and make-up nice then going out.'

Lucy soared to fame with her stint on The Only Way Is Essex, but departed the ITVBe show in 2013 to launch her online fitness and nutrition guide, Results with Lucy.

The star has built up her empire by encouraging her fans with a series of workout videos and showing off her own results in a series of scantily-clad selfies.

Ever the hard worker, Lucy has recently returned from Spain, where she embarked on a week-long fitness bootcamp.

Twisted Halo is a 90 calorie conount and ginger drink, launched out of the boredom of ordering a 'skinny bitch' at the bar.
Christina Milian reunited with her Own the Night rapper MC Harvey at a Los Angeles rehearsal space on Wednesday.

The 35-year-old R&B belter collaborated with the 37-year-old Englishman on the dance track - dropping in May - which began streaming on SoundCloud back on August 12.

The ex-convict - who was jailed for 10 weeks for illegal driving last year - affectionately bid farewell to Christina and her daughter Violet.

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Collaborating: Christina Milian reunited with her Own the Night rapper MC Harvey at a Los Angeles rehearsal space on Wednesday

PDA: The 35-year-old R&B belter collaborated with the 37-year-old Englishman on the dance track - dropping in May - which began streaming on SoundCloud back on August 12

Bring it in! The ex-convict - who was jailed for 10 weeks for illegal driving last year - affectionately bid farewell to Christina and her daughter Violet (M)

MC (born Michael) and Milian (born Flores) were preparing for their upcoming June 2 concert happening at The Jazz Cafe in London.

The Rocky Horror actress and the Naked Poet actor also shot their official music video for Own the Night - premiering in April - two months ago.

The Celebrity Big Brother alum is currently romancing fellow Brit and Miss Beverly Hills Ghost stunner Montana Manning.

Harvey has fathered two daughters - Persian, 14 months; and Angel, 9 - with ex-wife Ghamzeh Mahdizadeh and ex-girlfriend Javine Hylton.

'Get your tickets!' MC (born Michael) and Milian (born Flores) were preparing for their upcoming June 2 concert happening at The Jazz Cafe in London

Big announcement Noon UK time! US Fans news already announced on FB @christinamilian  #ownthenight #Cali #sw11totheworld A post shared by Harvey (@harveyofficial) on Mar 28, 2017 at 6:49pm PDT

Coming soon! The Rocky Horror actress and the Naked Poet actor also shot their official music video for Own the Night - premiering in April - two months ago

Meanwhile, Christina mothered her seven-year-old princess with her ex-husband, five-time Grammy-winning producer The Dream (born Terius Nash).

The Lip Sync Battle loser is currently featured in a sultry Maxim spread shot by photographer Jennyy Vi.

'I am dating!' Milian announced to the mag.

Ladies man: The Celebrity Big Brother alum is currently romancing fellow Brit and Miss Beverly Hills Ghost stunner Montana Manning

Babymamas: Harvey has fathered two daughters - Persian, 14 months; and Angel, 9 - with ex-wife Ghamzeh Mahdizadeh (L) and ex-girlfriend Javine Hylton (R)

Daddy-daughter day: Meanwhile, Christina mothered her seven-year-old princess with her ex-husband, five-time Grammy-winning producer The Dream (pictured February 17)

'I am trying to date a different person than who I have in the past. I love a confident, family-oriented man that is fun and spontaneous. It's also important to have someone in my life who is supportive and that gives as much attention to my life as I give to his.'

Later on Wednesday, the Cuban-American Emmy winner - who boasts 10M social media followers - showcased her petite 5ft2in figure in a black swimsuit on Snapchat.

Following the cancellation of her E! reality series Turned Up, Christina will next serve as panelist on Fox game show Superhuman premiering June 12.

'I am dating!' The Lip Sync Battle loser is currently featured in a sultry Maxim spread shot by photographer Jennyy Vi

Milian announced to the mag: 'I am trying to date a different person than who I have in the past. I love a confident, family-oriented man that is fun and spontaneous'

Poolside: Later on Wednesday, the Cuban-American Emmy winner - who boasts 10M social media followers - showcased her petite 5ft2in figure in a black swimsuit on Snapchat
Earlier this year, PR guru Roxy Jacenko hired her Sweaty Betty employee Gemma Oldfield as a nanny for her family trip to Hawaii.

And on Thursday, the pretty blonde spent time with Roxy's five-year-old daughter, Pixie Curtis.

The pair picked up drinks at a Sydney cafe, with Roxy sharing a sweet snap to Instagram of her little girl and friend, writing: 'My girls,' adding a smiley emoji with love heart eyes.

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Double duties! On Thursday, Sweaty Betty's Gemma Oldfield (pictured) spent time with Roxy Jacenko's five-year-old daughter, Pixie Curtis, after being a nanny to them on holiday recently

In the snap, Pixie - who has her own bow range - wears her school uniform and beams as she holds a cold drink.

Gemma wears a striped T-shirt and holds a hot beverage, smiling for the snap.

Gemma wrote underneath the snap that she and Pixie were 'besties,' and added love hearts.

On good terms: It's clear Gemma has a close bond with Roxy and her family, as in January, she accompanied the clan on their trip to Hawaii and worked as a nanny

It's clear Gemma has a close bond with Roxy and her family, as in January, she accompanied the clan on their trip to Hawaii and worked as a nanny.

Gemma helped to look after Pixie and little brother Hunter.

In January, Roxy confirmed to The Daily Telegraph Gemma's role on their Hawaiian holiday.

'Gem is here helping me with Pixie and Hunter in a nanny capacity,' Roxy told the publication at the time.

Mixing business with pleasure! In January, Roxy confirmed to The Daily Telegraph Gemma's role on their Hawaiian holiday

The blonde beauty added: 'I am travelling with my mum, my aunt and Gemma Oldfield, who is one of my team from Sweaty Betty PR.'

The publication reported that it's believed Roxy is forking out for Gemma's pricey accommodation at the lavish The Royal Hawaiian, which has a reported base rate of $689 per night for a room.

The women also let their hair down together and sipped cocktails as they soaked up their time in the idyllic location.

Roxy - who recently shed an impressive 10kgs - recently confirmed she had rehired publicist Sara Huegill, seven years after she allegedly fired her for 'disloyal conduct.'

A boss and friend! The women also let their hair down together and sipped cocktails as they soaked up their time in the idyllic location

Back on board: Roxy recently confirmed she had rehired publicist Sara Huegill (pictured), seven years after she allegedly fired her for 'disloyal conduct'

'Sara has been back with the company for 2 weeks and we are thrilled to have her on team  she brings a wealth of experience and with so many new signings it's wonderful for us as a team to have her on staff to cope with the demand,' Roxy said in a statement.

Despite running her successful business, it's clear that being a mother is Roxy's number one role.

She recently shared a sweet selfie with her children pouting for the camera, saying they made up the 'a-team.'

She also shared a sweet snap of Hunter on a child's lounge with a blanket, writing online: 'Impossible to love this little human anymore.'
Scarlett Johansson made a stunning appearance at the New York premiere of her new movie Ghost In The Shell on Wednesday night.

The actress, 32, showcased her curves in a sparkly striped gown with a plunging neckline and a front slit slashed to the thigh.

The sleeveless number showed off her well-toned physique and the vertical stripes flattered her petite frame.

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She's the star! Scarlett Johansson made a stunning appearance at the New York premiere of her new movie Ghost In The Shell on Wednesday night

Scarlett wore her very short hair gelled up at the front and slicked back from her face, which was made up with smoky eye shadow and pale pink lip color.

She added matching diamond and platinum bracelets and carried a shiny gold clutch purse.

On her feet she wore Sophia Webster black platform-soled sandals that revealed her matching black toenail polish.

Flawless: Scarlett, 32, wore her very short hair gelled up at the front and slicked back from her face, which was made up with smoky eye shadow and pale pink lip color

Stunner: Her dress of many colors hugged her curves and showed off her fabulously toned physique

Dared to bare: The sparkly striped sleeveless gown had plunging neckline and a front slit slashed to the thigh. The actress added platform-soled black sandals and a black pedicure

Also flashing some cleavage at the event was Scarlett's co-star Juliette Binoche.

The French actress, 53, sported a very revealing black gown slashed to the waist at the front.

It featured silver detailing at the sides of the bodice that almost connected at the waist below the neckline.

The full-length dress had half sleeves and the skirt was slit to the thigh on one side.

Gorgeous: Also flashing some cleavage was Scarlett's co-star Juliette Binoche, who sported a very revealing black gown slashed to the waist at the front

Stylish: The French actress, 53, was the definition of chic in the full-length dress that featured silver detailing at the sides of the bodice that almost connected at the waist below the neckline

Dark-haired beauty: Juliette flashed some leg thanks to the side slit and accessorized with diamond drop earrings and a silver and diamond cuff

Juliette's dark hair was sleekly styled and she sported smoky shadow and red lip color.

The Oscar winner completed her look with a pair of beautiful diamond drop earrings.

British model Adwoa Aboah, 24, who has a small part in the film, walked the carpet in a black leather number that had a large bow at the waist.

She added a black collar and wore fishnet stockings under the trench coat-style dress.

Quirky: British model Adwoa Aboah, 24, who has a small part in the film, walked the carpet in a black leather number that had a large bow at the waist

Looking good: Danish actor Pilou Asbk was dapper in a dark suit with crisp white shirt and black tie as he joined the rest of the cast for the premiere

Brooding: Michael Pitt, who has a role in the film, wore a three-piece suit with the vest and jacket left unbuttoned and with an open-neck black shirt underneath

Scarlett recently filed for divorce from second husband Romain Dauriac, the French father of her two-year-old daughter Rose.

She brought as her date for her big night her twin brother Hunter and held onto his arm as she arrived with a black coat draped over her shoulders.

Hunter was stylish in a charcoal gray suit paired with a white shirt and black tie.

Had company: Scarlett, who recently filed for divorce from second husband Romain Dauriac, was accompanied to the premiere by her twin brother Hunter

Looking out for each other: The siblings are clearly close and the actress appeared to lean on her twin for support

After-party vibes! Juliette continued to ooze glamour as she rubbed shoulders with other guests at the premiere's after-party held at The Ribbon in New York

Strike a pose: She was happy to flash a smile for photographers while inside the venue

Among the VIP guests at the screening was Oscar winner Adrien Brody.

The Pianist star was his usual fashion-conscious self in a gray knit sweater paired with a casual matching jacket and trousers and a black woolen scarf.

Also on hand was Jimmy Iovine's wife Liberty Ross who was accompanied by her children with her first husband, director Rupert Sanders. Sanders directed Ghost In The Shell which was filmed in New Zealand.

Rounding out the celebrities were actor Alex Lundqvist and actress Alina Cho.

Natty: Adrien Brody was his usual fashion-conscious self in a gray knit sweater paired with a casual matching jacket and trousers and a black woolen scarf

Eye-catching: Liberty Ross, who is married to Jimmy Iovine, wore a flashy multi-colored number with sheer sleeves and a sheer floaty hem

Family night out: Liberty, 38, brought along her children Skyla and Tennyson, from her first marriage to director Rupert Sanders

Got to see the movie: Also on the VIP guest list were actor Alex Lundqvist, in a navy suit, and actress Alina Cho in an electric blue halter neck dress

Floral beauty: Danusia Samal looked incredible in a form-fitting lace dress that featured embroidered detailing - she teamed it with glitzy ankle socks and metallic heels

Love for leather: Adwoa brought the style to the bash in NYC as she teamed her chic leather dress with a plethora of chains and huge choker necklace

So chic! Alysia Reiner, 46, cut an elegant figure in a pillar box red design that cinched in at the waist

Dapper duo: The Orange Is the New Black star dazzled as she posed alongside her actor husband David Alan Basche

Channelling her wild side: Amy Sacco stepped out for the event in a statement leopard print fur jacket that jazzed up her all-black ensemble

Suited and booted: Australian actor Lasarus Ratuere donned a tailored three piece suit for the evening
Josh Murray got the police involved while splitting from Amanda Stanton after they found love last season on Bachelor In Paradise.

The 32-year-old Florida native earlier this month asked his personal assistant Hayley Watts to retrieve an Audi Q5 he bought for Stanton last October.

Watts told E! News that she had been talking to Stanton about retrieving the vehicle.

Nasty split: Amanda Stanton and Josh Murray, shown in December in Los Angeles, got the police involved earlier this month as their split turned nasty

'Josh purchased the vehicle. It's all in his name, but he let her use it when they were together and had plans to be a family,' she said.

Watts claimed that Stanton refused to either get a lender for the remaining balance or give the car back.

'She said the only way she'd give it back is if she was ordered by a judge,' Watts said.

Watts and Murray decided to call the police and got them involved.

Happier times: Josh and Amanda are shown in a 2016 still from Bachelor In Paradise

'An officer was with me when we went to the place that Josh and Amanda shared to get the vehicle. We got the keys back and removed all her personal items from the car,' Watts said.

Watts claimed that Stanton verbally abused her when she came out to collect her belongings.

'In front of her daughter, Amanda proceeded to call me ''Fatty'' a number of times. Repeatedly,' Watts claimed.

Island getaway: Amanda shared an Instagram photo Wednesday from Fiji

'She was body-shaming me in front of her daughter. It was really hurtful. She knows I have struggled with my weight,' she added.

The personal assistant said that Murray has ended the relationship and moved back to Atlanta.

'Josh was tired of this kind of drama. Right now, they're done,' Watts said.

Out of the country : Josh shared an Instagram snap of himself Wednesday in Italy

Stanton however told E! News that Watts was peddling lies.

'It's all a lie! It's just really frustrating. He doesn't even have a personal assistant. I don't know why [she's calling herself that],' Stanton said.

'She's contacted all these people and I don't know why because he's in Italy, I'm in Fiji. We haven't even talked. I don't know why I woke up to all this. I thought things were fine,' she added.

Former couple: Amanda shared a snap in late November of her and Josh wearing sunglasses

Stanton said that Murray has not lived with her since December.

The blonde beauty also said that she previously had a car that her ex-husband bought her, but Murray was 'jealous' of it and got her a new one.

After they split he asked for money for the car, but Stanton said she told him she didn't have it.

Reality star: Josh and Amanda, shown in December, were among three couples that got engaged on season three of Bachelor In Paradise

They both decided they would work things out after they returned to the US.

Stanton confirmed the police showed up at her house last week but felt it was a 'setup' by Murray and Watts 'just so they could write an article about it'.

'He's the worst. Everybody warned me,' Stanton said.

Getting cozy: Amanda and Josh openly displayed their affections for each other on Bachelor In Paradise

She also denied calling Watts fat.

'Never, ever would I body shame anybody. That just honestly makes me so upset to even read that. It's just sad that anyone can make up a lie,' she said.

Stanton has daughters Kinsley, four, and three-year-old Charlie.

Murray proposed to Stanton at the end of season three of Bachelor In Paradise and they got engaged along with Evan Bass and Carly Waddell and Grant Kemp and Lace Morris.

Mother of two: Josh is shown with Amanda's two daughters in an Instagram snap she shared in November

The financial advisor previously got engaged in May 2014 to Andi Dorfman, 29, after winning season 10 of The Bachelorette.

Murray and Dorfman in January 2015 announced they had called off their engagement.

Dorfman later released a tell-all book in which she characterized Murray as being jealous and emotionally abusive.

She wrote that their relationship was 'the most volatile and f***ed up relationship of my life.'
Oroton found itself in hot water this week when a spokesperson for the brand announced that 37-year-old brand ambassador Rose Byrne was to be dumped in favour of 'younger influencers'.

Now, the fashion accessories brand has issued a second statement in response to the backlash across a wide variety of media outlets.

In a statement received by Daily Mail Australia on Thursday, Oroton confirmed that it will continue it's contract with Rose Byrne as brand ambassador until August this year.

Younger and cheaper? Oroton found itself in hot water this week when a spokesperson for the brand announced that 37-year-old ambassador Rose Byrne was to be dumped in favour of 'younger influencers'

'No new brand ambassadors have been appointed nor are there any under consideration.

'Oroton is proud of its association with Rose Byrne and has nothing but respect for her as a colleague, and an inspiring individual,' the statement continued.

'Recent comments by the business regarding influencers refer exclusively to its social media strategy as this becomes an ongoing focus for the brand.'

Breaking its silence: In a statement received by Daily Mail Australia this Thursday, Oroton confirmed that it will continue it's contract with Rose Byrne as brand ambassador until August this year

Earlier this week, an Oroton spokesperson confirmed to The Daily Telegraph that the company would not be renewing the actress' contract, confirming that the brand would be seeking to align itself with 'younger influencers'.

'Typically, an influencer will not cost as much as a major globally known actor,' she said.

The representative did not clarify which particular influencers would be representing the brand in future, however.

Glowing reviews: 'Oroton is proud of its association with Rose Byrne and has nothing but respect for her as a colleague, and an inspiring individual,' the statement continued

On Tuesday, Sky News reported OrotonGroup - which encompasses Oroton and GAP - revealed their half-year profit had nosedived by 52 per cent.

When questioned further by Daily Mail Australia as to the future of the partnership at the end of Ms Byrne's contract, the company declined to provide additional comment.

Rose has been the face of Oroton since 2014, and was described by the brand as epitomising 'the essence of what Oroton is about: relaxed glamour and effortless style'.
Katherine Heigl was a showstopper on Wednesday when she posed on the red carpet for a Warner Bros. presentation at CinemaCon.

The 38-year-old actress had turned up to the Las Vegas event in a flowing dull orange top she'd matched with a stylish scarf that fell past her waist.

She was joined by Rosario Dawson, whom she's starring opposite in an upcoming horror film called Unforgettable that Warner Bros. is distributing.

Aglow: Katherine Heigl was a showstopper on Wednesday when she posed on the red carpet for a Warner Bros. presentation at CinemaCon

Katherine's wavy hair tumbled freely over her shoulders, and she'd accessorized with a small purse that featured dull red and brown stripes over a yellow field.

Her top had been tucked into a high-waisted pair of nude slacks, emphasizing her trim frame, and she wore an off-white pair of shoes. She added a hint of bling to her ensemble with a pair of earrings from Randall Scott Fine Jewelry.

Meanwhile, Rosario's dress was spattered with leafy blue patterns over a backdrop that was mostly black, but sheer over her arms and shortly below the neckline.

Coordinated: The 38-year-old actress had turned up to the Las Vegas event in a flowing dull orange top she'd matched with a stylish scarf that fell past her waist

Friendly colleagues: She was joined by Rosario Dawson, whom she's starring opposite in an upcoming horror film called Unforgettable that Warner Bros. is distributing

Open-toed charcoal stiletto boots were the ticket footwear-wise, and she leaned in affectionately to her Unforgettable co-star as photographers snapped away.

Chris Pine unveiled a new look, having shaved his head to the point of near baldness in a move he's told E! News he undertook because he'd felt 'bored.'

The Star Trek star wore a polo shirt with a midnight blue collar and sleeves offsetting a black, brown and paler blue striped pattern covering the rest of it.

Smiling ear to ear: Katherine's wavy hair tumbled freely over her shoulders, and she'd accessorized with a small purse that featured dull red and brown stripes over a yellow field

Stylish as ever: Meanwhile, Rosario's dress was spattered with leafy blue patterns over a backdrop that was mostly black, but sheer over her arms and shortly below the neckline

Garnishing the look with a watch, he'd slid on a pair of form-fitting camel-colored slacks with no belt and rounded out the outfit with walnut brown shoes.

He got in a bit of posing alongside Patty Jenkins, his director on the new Wonder Woman film, who'd turned up in a simple black cocktail dress with platform heels.

Ben Affleck had popped on a navy suit he clashed artfully with a patterned dark green tie that, itself, contrasted against his powder blue dress shirt.

Sextet: Ben Affleck (third from right) posoed with his Justice League co-stars Jason Momoa (left), Ezra Miller (second from left), Ray Fisher (second from right) and Henry Cavill (right), as well as their director Zack Snyder (third from left)

Sans Snyder: Ezra had popped a navy blazer over a black T-shirt, his red shoes complementing the red carpet and working against the navy slacks that completed his suit

Troika of superheroes: Ezra, who plays the Flash, flung arms about Ben, who plays Batman, as well as Ray, who portrays Cyborg

He stood on the red carpet with his Justice League co-stars Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, Ray Fisher and Henry Cavill, as well as their director Zack Snyder.

Jason showcased his musclebound arms via a sleeveless brown top with a plunging V-neck, and had thrown on a distressed leather vest over the whole affair.

A rust-colored chain wound its way about the side of one of his thighs, and he'd slipped into a tight burgundy pair of trousers that spilled onto dark shoes.

Something different: Chris Pine unveiled a new look, having shaved his head to the point of near baldness in a move he's told E! News he undertook because he'd felt 'bored'

With the top brass: He got in a bit of posing alongside Patty Jenkins, his director on the new Wonder Woman film, who'd turned up in a simple black cocktail dress with platform heels

Ezra had popped a navy blazer over a black T-shirt, his red shoes complementing the red carpet and working against the navy slacks that completed his suit.

Snyder wore a blue, dull gold and black tartan blazer over a moss green vest and a white dress shirt, chucking in a black and white tie and a partly pink pocket square.

His dark jeans had been folded up neatly at the hems, and he wore a light brown-laced pair of greenish black shoes roughly approximating the shade of Jason's.

Dashing: Charlie Hunnam had zipped himself into a largely midnight blue sweater that featured a red stripe framed by yellow stripes stretching over his chest

Bombshell: Ana De Armas showcased her enviably svelte figure in a cleavage-baring cocktail dress with patterns in white, off-white, blue, black and yellow

Collaborators: Red ankle-strap stilettos were the same hue as her lipstick, and she stood for photos with her Blade Runner 2049 director Denis Villeneuve and co-star Jared Leto

Ray cut a casual look in a yellow T-shirt with 'BORG LIFE' emblazoned across the front in black letters, as well as black trousers and a grey, white and black pair of sneakers.

Henry, with quite a lot of scruff on his face, left his purple button-down shirt untucked over his own black trousers, which matched a black leather blazer.

Charlie Hunnam had zipped himself into a largely midnight blue sweater that featured a red stripe framed by yellow stripes stretching over his chest.

Side by side: Lego Ninjago co-stars Dave Franco and Justin Theroux posed alongside one another as well, Justin wearing a purplish black gleaming blazer with a black top

Touch of jewelry: A watch on his left wrist, Justin stood with his hands in the pockets of a tight pair of black jeans that went elegantly with white-fringed black shoes

Dapper Dave: Meanwhile, the brother of James FRanco was wearing a navy suit over a powder blue dress shirt, shoving a hand in a pocket too as he smiled for the photographers

Its high collar had been turned back to reveal navy lining that matched the bomber sweater's cuffs and hems, and he'd worn pale blue trousers with white shoes.

Ana De Armas showcased her enviably svelte figure in a cleavage-baring cocktail dress with patterns in white, off-white, blue, black and yellow.

Red ankle-strap stilettos were the same hue as her lipstick, and she stood for photos with her Blade Runner 2049 director Denis Villeneuve and co-star Jared Leto.

Focus-pulling: The trio from Blade Runner 2049 - Denis, Ana and Jared - were seen inside the event as well, addressing the audience together from the stage

His typical aesthetic: Leto wore a heavily distressed denim jacket that was speckled with pointed metallic studs over the shoulder, as well as dark purple aviator shades

Denis left a couple of buttons of his white dress shirt undone beneath a fossil grey blazer, and he'd cinched a slightly faded pair of dark jeans with a brown belt.

Leto wore a heavily distressed denim jacket that was speckled with pointed metallic studs over the shoulder, as well as dark purple aviator shades.

His fossil grey beanie hit the edges of his bushy beard, and he wore a white T-shirt with multicolored gleaming shoes and a black pair of jeans.

Excitement: So were Ezra and Ray, who were particular eye-catching inasmuch as the former wound up giving the latter a piggyback ride during their stretch in the limelight

High spirits: Ezra had a massive grin on his face as his Justice League co-star held onto his shoulders in order to keep himself in place

Signs of victory: A flush-faced Ezra lifted his palm as Ray flung his own arm into the air and gave a shout of what looked like triumph

Lego Ninjago co-stars Dave Franco and Justin Theroux posed alongside one another as well, Justin wearing a purplish black gleaming blazer with a black top.

A watch on his left wrist, he stood with his hands in the pockets of a tight pair of black jeans that went elegantly with white-fringed black shoes.

Meanwhile, Dave was wearing a navy suit over a powder blue dress shirt, shoving his hands into his own pockets too as he smiled for the photographers.

Simply formal: Ben had popped on a navy suit he clashed artfully with a patterned dark green tie that, itself, contrasted against his powder blue dress shirt

When you got it: Jason showcased his musclebound arms via a sleeveless brown top with a plunging V-neck, and had thrown on a distressed leather vest over the whole affair

The trio from Blade Runner 2049 - Denis, Ana and Jared - were seen inside the event as well, addressing the audience together from the stage.

So were Ezra and Ray, who were particular eye-catching inasmuch as the former wound up giving the latter a piggyback ride during their stretch in the limelight.

Personages from the upcoming Justice League film were assembled thereon as well, Affleck smiling whilst stood between fellow superheroes Henry and Jason.

Upbeat: Maria Menounos spent a bit of time looking typically enthused, standing onstage at a lectern with the Warner Bros. logo blaring across the front of it

The woman in white: She'd slipped into a jumpsuit that fell off the shoulder on its right side and, on the left, featured a short frilly sleeve attached to more frills running down her side

Maria Menounos spent a bit of time looking typically enthused, standing onstage at a lectern with the Warner Bros. logo blaring across the front of it.

She'd slipped into a white jumpsuit that fell off the shoulder on its right side and, on the left, featured a short frilly sleeve attached to more frills running down her side.

A fair amount of cleavage showed via her outfit, and she'd added a dash of glitz to the look by way of a pair of gleaming silver high-heeled shoes.
Brooke Burke-Charvet and her family returned to the warm waters of Saint Barthelemy on Wednesday less than a month after her prior vacation on the Caribbean island.

The surgically-enhanced 45-year-old - who relies on stylist Isabelle Banham - showcased her impossibly fit 5ft7in figure in a b&w asymmetric monokini.

There was not an inch to pinch on the Hidden Heroes host, who's brought four children into the world.

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Bonjour! Brooke Burke-Charvet and her family returned to the warm waters of Saint Barthelemy on Wednesday less than a month after her prior vacation on the Caribbean island

Zips up: The surgically-enhanced 45-year-old - who relies on stylist Isabelle Banham - showcased her impossibly fit 5ft7in figure in a b&w asymmetric monokini

Pert: There was not an inch to pinch on the Hidden Heroes host, who's brought four children into the world

Burke-Charvet seemed blissed out as she splashed in the surf while enjoying the French-speaking isle's Shell Beach.

Brooke arrived with her blended brood on Sunday, and she regularly calls St. Barts her 'favorite place on Earth.'

The pretty presenter - who boasts 3.7M followers - tweeted: 'Vacay in paradise with my family. a bit of a #Techbreak. I needed it to disconnect & reconnect w the ones I [love].'

On Sunday, the thyroid cancer survivor will celebrate the 15th birthday of her daughter Sierra from her first marriage to plastic surgeon Garth Fisher.

Ooh la la! Burke-Charvet seemed blissed out as she reclined in the surf while enjoying the French-speaking isle's Shell Beach

Brooke arrived with her blended brood on Sunday, and she regularly calls St. Barts her 'favorite place on Earth'

The pretty presenter - who boasts 3.7M followers - tweeted: 'Vacay in paradise with my family. a bit of a #Techbreak. I needed it to disconnect & reconnect w the ones I [love]'

Horsing around: On Sunday, the thyroid cancer survivor will celebrate the 15th birthday of her daughter Sierra from her first marriage to plastic surgeon Garth Fisher

Twinning: The nepotistically-privileged teenager matched Burke-Charvet in a b&w criss-crossing monokini

Straps: Sierra later modeled for her famous mother on the sand as her bikini-clad daughter Heaven (2-L) with second husband David Charvet clutched a wine glass

The nepotistically-privileged teenager matched Burke-Charvet in a b&w criss-crossing monokini.

Sierra later modeled for her famous mother on the sand as her bikini-clad daughter Heaven with second husband David Charvet clutched a wine glass.

Despite being 10 years old, the 44-year-old Frenchman still refers to his princess with braces as 'my baby.'

Brooke was also seen enjoying a refreshing swim with her youngest child with David, son Shaya.

'#stbarth #vaca': Despite being 10 years old, the 44-year-old Frenchman still refers to his princess with braces as 'my baby'

Mother-son bond: Brooke was also seen enjoying a refreshing swim with her youngest child with David, son Shaya

'Abs-Oh-Lutely!' The rainbow shorts-clad boy sports a very impressive set of defined six-pack abs for a nine-year-old

On Wednesday, Sierra shared a picturesque sibling snap with Shaya captioned: 'Sunset swim!'

David posted a seaside image of his children captioned: '#blessed'

Weee! That same day, the former DWTS contestant posted a bikini-clad video of herself daringly leaping off a cliff into a turquoise tide pool

The rainbow shorts-clad boy sports a very impressive set of defined six-pack abs for a nine-year-old.

On Wednesday, Sierra shared a picturesque sibling snap with Shaya captioned: 'Sunset swim!'

That same day, the former DWTS contestant posted a bikini-clad video of herself daringly leaping off a cliff into a turquoise tide pool.

Charvet might have made a name for himself on NBC's Baywatch, but he now focuses on real estate and building homes in Malibu.

'New view my favorite place': Charvet might have made a name for himself on NBC's Baywatch, but he now focuses on real estate and building homes in Malibu

'Best sunburn remedy ever': The attractive couple - who began their romance in 2006 - will celebrate six years of marriage on August 12

Spring break! Missing from the lavish holiday was the Connecticut-born brunette's 17-year-old daughter Neriah (with ex Garth Fisher) last seen hot-tubbing at Mammoth Mountain

The attractive couple - who began their romance in 2006 - will celebrate six years of marriage on August 12.

Missing from the lavish holiday was the Connecticut-born brunette's 17-year-old daughter Neriah (with ex Garth Fisher) last seen hot-tubbing at Mammoth Mountain.

Brooke currently serves as host of Chicken Soup for the Soul's Hidden Heroes, which airs Saturday mornings on CBS Dreamteam.
She's the Australian supermodel best known for being crowned Miss Universe 2004.

And the ever-stunning Jennifer Hawkins still provides the wow factor each time she attends a major event.

The 33-year-old was spotted on Thursday at the inaugural luncheon for The Star Doncaster Mile horse race, to be held on Saturday at Royal Randwick.

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Lush: Jennifer Hawkins was spotted on Thursday at the inaugural luncheon for The Star Doncaster Mile horse race, to be held on Saturday at Royal Randwick

Jennifer was announced as The Star Sydney's newest ambassador and joins the Star's other ambassadors including Ian Thorpe, Emma Freedman and Erin Holland.

The Newcastle-born knockout wore a sleeveless knee-length metallic dress that showed off her lithe figure.

She wore her signature tresses in a wavy style with a middle part and carried a simple black clutch.

The statuesque blonde perfectly matched the verdant backdrop for the invite-only event, right down to her olive green stiletto heels.

Showstopper: The ever-stunning Jennifer Hawkins still provides the wow factor each time she attends a major event

Cheery: The former cheerleader smiled and waved as she expertly posed for photographers before heading into the venue.

Her makeup had a refreshingly natural touch, with defined brows and a pop of pastel pink for her lips.

The former cheerleader smiled and waved as she expertly posed for photographers before heading into the venue.

She reportedly recently had to hire personal bodyguards due to her beauty pageant past association with Donald Trump, according to Woman's Day.

Understated: She wore her signature tresses in a wavy style with a middle part and carried a simple black clutch

Stunner: The Newcastle-born knockout wore a sleeveless knee-length metallic dress that showed off her lithe figure

Classic: The statuesque blonde perfectly matched the verdant backdrop for the invite-only event, right down to her olive green stiletto heels

The magazine alleged Jennifer's 'friendship' with Donald Trump had been the catalyst for fears for her safety, leading her to beef up security.

They claimed she took the measures because she feels a 'real threat to her life'.

A bodyguard was mysteriously seen following her down the runway at a recent Myer fashion show, which her representatives claimed was simply 'protocol'.
She recently enjoyed an intimate ladies' luncheon with loved ones including her future mother-in-law, Jenny Stefanovic.

And Sylvia Jeffreys, 30, was seen getting final preparations underway, ahead of her wedding to fellow Channel Nine presenter Peter Stefanovic - to be held this weekend.

The beaming bride-to-be was pictured hauling luggage to a car in Sydney on Wednesday.

Here comes the bride! Sylvia Jeffreys was seen getting final preparations underway, ahead of her wedding to fellow Channel Nine presenter Peter Stefanovic

Dressed in a floral-print sundress, the Today show presenter looked focused as she carried several bags and suitcases to a car parked just outside a Sydney home.

She paired the casual look with white slip-op sandals, while wearing minimal makeup and a half-up hairdo.

The stunning blonde appeared to outline instructions to a friend, who was on-hand to assist with final wedding preparations.

Final preparation: The beaming bride-to-be was pictured hauling luggage to a car in Sydney on Wednesday

Helpful: The stunning blonde appeared to outline instructions to a friend, who was on-hand to assist with final preparations

Focused: Dressed in a floral-print sundress, the Today show presenter looked focused as she carried several bags and suitcases to a car parked just outside a Sydney home

What's inside? At one point, the friend cautiously carried what looked like a wedding dress garment bag as Sylvia stood nearby

At one point, the friend cautiously carried what looked like a wedding dress garment bag as Sylvia stood nearby.

Last week it was revealed that Sylvia Jeffreys will wear a bridal gown by Australian designer Rebecca Vallance for her wedding day, sources told Daily Mail Australia.

The journalist is a longtime fan of the dressmaker, whose flagship boutique is situated in the upscale suburb of Mosman.

Work mode: Sylvia opted to forgo shoes as she walked back-and-forth between the home and car

The snaps come after her future hubby Peter, 33, celebrated his last days of singledom with a bucks party thrown by his brother Karl, 42, and several close friends last week.

He reportedly partied alongside his Today host sibling and some mates including radio host Ben Fordham just outside of Sydney on Saturday, according to The Sunday Telegraph.

Last year, Peter remained tight-lipped about details surrounding his bucks night when asked by Fitzy and Wippa where his bucks party would be.

Exciting: Sylvia and Peter are expected to wed in a lavish ceremony this weekend

Wedding gown: Last week it was revealed that Sylvia Jeffreys will wear a bridal gown by Australian designer Rebecca Vallance for her wedding day, sources told Daily Mail Australia

She's a fan: The journalist is a longtime fan of the dressmaker, whose flagship boutique is situated in the upscale suburb of Mosman

'We just got to keep the people guessing!' he laughed.

'Sporting Bet came out with the odds, Thailand is coming in at 2-1, 3-1 to Las Vegas in 3 or 4-1.

He finished: 'Yes odds have come out!'

Not long to go: Sylvia began dating Peter Stefanovic at the end of 2013 after they presented the weekend edition of the Today show

Weeks prior, Sylvia told the radio hosts that she had to put a stop to some of her future brother-in-law Karl's wild bachelor party plans for his brother Peter.

Sylvia explained: 'I think Karl is much more excited about the bucks - which probably doesnt surprise you - than he is about the wedding. He floated the idea of a week in Thailand for the bucks which I have already shut down.'

The radio duo laughed and Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli quipped back: 'My god, He wouldnt come home alive.'

Celebration: Karl Stefanovic (R) hosted a bucks party for his little brother Peter (L) last week

Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald echoed the thoughts and exclaimed: 'A bucks week in Thailand!?'

Hearing their shocked responses Sylvia was quick to say: 'I can't tell you how glad I am that you think that's outrageous too.'

Still shocked about the week long party plans, Wippa added: 'It's ridiculous. I mean if it was a quiet group of guys maybe, but the Stefanovics i'm concerned about!'

Wedding countdown: The media personality reportedly partied alongside his Today host sibling and some mates just outside of Sydney on Saturday, according to The Sunday Telegraph

Coy: Last year, Peter remained coy about details surrounding his bucks night when asked by Fitzy and Wippa where his bucks party would be.

Tight-lipped: 'We just got to keep the people guessing!' he laughed

The bucks news comes days after sources told Daily Mail Australia that 33-year-old Sylvia will wear a bridal gown by Australian designer Rebecca Vallance on her big day.

The TV presenter is a longtime fan of the dressmaker, whose flagship boutique is situated in the upscale suburb of Mosman.

Match made in heaven! Sylvia (pictured) will wear a bridal gown by Australian designer Rebecca Vallance for her wedding day, sources told Daily Mail Australia this week

The blonde TV personality was first seen wearing a gorgeous piece by the brand over two years ago for Melbourne Cup celebrations.

Sylvia tagged the designer in a photo on Instagram, who then wrote back in the comments section: 'Stunning! You look so gorgeous'.

The dress was a knee-length fitted frock with a sheer animal print overlay hugging her slim curves.

Va-va-voom! The 33-year-old Nine journalist is a longtime fan of the dressmaker, whose flagship boutique is situated in the upscale suburb of Mosman

Another time, she was spotted in an elegant red dress by the brand - a sheer ensemble worn over a black slip and paired with black strappy heels.

'Thank you @rebeccavallance for the fabulous party frock,' the newsreader wrote.

'My pleasure,' the designer happily responded on Instagram.

Nuptials: The popular Today host announced her engagement to Channel Nine colleague Peter Stefanovic in July last year

In a recent snap, she posed in a polka dot knee-length piece that buttoned at the neck to reveal a hint of cleavage.

Several fans requested the details of the dress in the Instagram comments, to which Sylvia replied: 'It is @rebeccavallance, my fave'.

The Sydney-based brand has even been worn by international celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, Chanel Iman, Halle Berry and Sofia Vergara.

'It's this great sense of anticipation': The Brisbane-born beauty told The Sydney Morning Herald last year she is excited to start her new life as a married woman

Sylvia began dating Peter Stefanovic at the end of 2013 after they presented the weekend edition of the Today show.

The Brisbane-born beauty told The Sydney Morning Herald last year she is excited to start her new life as a married woman.

'It's this great sense of anticipation about everything at the moment It feels like now we're sort of moving forward at a pretty quick rate,' she said.

'But I look forward to slowing down and just easing into life together and navigating everything that comes our way together.'
They will be humanity's only hope of defence against an army of Parademons this November.

And things didn't look too promising for humanity on Wednesday either as the boys of the Justice League fooled around on the CinemaCon red carpet.

Ben Affleck made his first official public appearance after revealing his rehab stay.

The actor joined his fellow superhero players Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, Ray Fisher and Henry Cavill as they arrived for the annual celebration of movies in Las Vegas.

Caper crusaders! Ben Affleck and his fellow Justice Leaguers had a laugh on the CinemaCon red carpet on Wednesday

Each of the members dressed according to their DC personalities.

Ben, who plays Batman and the team's assembler, certainly looked the most responsible in a sharp navy suit and a very serious expression.

Jason, who plays Aquaman, looked like he might have walked straight in from Atlantis in tattered boots and mauve jeans, baring his muscular arms in tank top and leather waistcoat.

Ezra, who plays The Flash, certainly looked flashy in a navy tailcoat and trousers adorned with a red stripe, and a pair of red ankle boots that could well have been part of his superhero costume.

Curry favor: Understandably, Ezra Miller (L) and Ray Fisher (R) couldn't keep their hands of Jason Momoa

LOLs: Director Zack Snyder laughed along with the league

Line-up: Each of the members dressed according to their DC personalities, accept for Henry Cavill, because Superman is dead

Resistance is futile: Ray, who plays Cyborg, doesn't have a body so presumably doesn't have a suit, so rocked a bright yellow 'Borg life' T-shirt instead

Ray, who plays Cyborg, doesn't have a body so presumably doesn't have a suit, so rocked a bright yellow 'Borg life' T-shirt instead.

Henry, who plays Superman looked casual in jeans, a black suede jacket and a shirt the color of Momoa's pants; since Superman is dead, he didn't need to tie his outfit to his character.

While Batman and Superman carried their stern faces over from their last movie together, the three newer members of the League were having a ball, climbing on top of each other and pulling funny faces for photographers.

The boss: Ben, who plays Batman and the team's assembler, certainly looked the most responsible in a sharp navy suit and a very serious expression

Black tie optopnal: Jason, who plays Aquaman, looked like he might have walked straight in from Atlantis in tattered boots and mauve jeans, baring his muscular arms in tank top and leather waistcoat

Need for speed: Ezra, who plays The Flash, certainly looked flashy in a navy tailcoat and trousers adorned with a red stripe, and a pair of red ankle boots that could well have been part of his superhero costume

Frenemies: Batman and Superman carried their stern faces over from their last movie together

The horseplay continued when the DC team arrived on stage too, as Fisher wrangled Miller into giving him a piggyback ride.

Missing from the line-up was Gal Gadot, who plays Wonder Woman, but being a girl was clearly not invited to the boys playtime.

There were joined however by director Zack Snyder, who did all of the talking, because the actors were 'too awesome'.

Giddyup! The horseplay continued when the DC team arrived on stage too

Fastest horse in the Wally West: Fisher wrangled Miller into giving him a piggyback ride

Bad guy: DC's Cyborg looked more like Marvel's Venom

The Dark Knight: Ben eventually did crack a smile

No girls allowed: Missing from the line-up was Gal Gadot, who plays Wonder Woman, but being a girl was clearly not invited to the boys playtime

'Justice League is a culmination of a journey that for me has been seven years,' he said. 'I'm a huge fan of these characters and this is a dream come true to bring them all together in this single film.'

Zack was also pictured with Jared Leto, who played The Joker in DCs bad guy ensemble move Suicide Squad, on which Snyder was a producer and guest director.

On its November release, the Justice League will face off against supervillain Steppenwolf, uncle of Darkseid, whose arrival was heralded in a nightmare sequence during Dawn Of Justice.

He is played by Irish actor Ciaran Hinds, which may see him share a screen for the first time with his Game Of Thrones co-star Jason Momoa.

Crossover? Zack was also pictured with Jared Leto, who played The Joker in DCs bad guy ensemble move Suicide Squad, on which Snyder was a producer and guest director
She may have blasted ex Tyga over child support earlier in the day.

But that didn't stop Blac Chyna from showing off her impressive slimmed down figure.

Then 28-year-old model took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a few snaps from a sexy photoshoot in front of Chanel in Beverly Hills.

Wow factor: Blac Chyna took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a few snaps from a sexy photoshoot in front of Chanel in Beverly Hills

She flaunted her curvaceous figure in a revealing ensemble including strapless corset bodysuit and see-through skirt.

Chyna did her best vogue poses in front of the high-fashion retailer as she showed off her legs in the sheer maxi skirt with a floral detailing on it.

She completed the look with strappy black heel and matching designer shades.

Showing off: The 28-year-old model flaunted her curvaceous figure in a revealing ensemble including strapless corset bodysuit and see-through skirt

Her raven-colored bob was worn down as she wore complimentary make-up topped off with a swipe of bright red lip from her Lashed Cosmetics line.

No doubt she proudly showed off her leaned out frame as she celebrated an impressive 50 pound weight loss on Snapchat earlier this week.

This comes after she let rip in spectacular fashion at her former fiance Tyga as she accused him of not paying child support.

Her own best advert! Her raven-colored bob was worn down as she wore complimentary make-up topped off with a swipe of bright red lip from her Lashed Cosmetics line

Taking to Snapchat on Wednesday, the former stripper, 28, went on a lengthy foul-mouthed rant in which she challenged her ex - who she shares son King Cairo, 4, with - to come to her salon and face her.

Chyna also shares four-month-old daughter Dream with Rob Kardashian, who she split with last month.

She began dating Tyga in November 2011, and they welcomed son King ten months later before splitting in 2014.

Lashing out: This came after Chyna let rip in spectacular fashion at her former fiance Tyga as she accused him of not paying child support

Fighting talk: Taking to Snapchat on Wednesday she went on a lengthy foul-mouthed rant involving not just Tyga but also her ex Rob Kardashian and Kylie Jenner

Tyga is currently dating Kylie Jenner - the sister of her ex Rob Kardashian - and Chyna was sure to target both stars in her expletive-riddled rant.

In a series of blank snapchats filled with just text, she wrote: 'Its funny now to me !!! But when Tyga and side n***a kicked me out !!! And they wanted to see me fail ! lol

'And 2 grind from the dirt !!!!! No child support! N**** is like h**s ! So imma treat u like that ! Not paying Jenny ! Wow

'Stop running to ur money ! Telling my business about King ! I bet any money ! I got more money then ur account Tyga , Michael ! !!! [sic]'

Cute kid: Blac Chyna began dating Tyga in November 2011, and they welcomed son King ten months later before splitting in 2014

Something to say? Tyga returned to Snapchat hours afterwards

Staying silent: Rob went on Instagram to post a picture of baby Dream, saying 'babies are the greatest gift of life'

She continued: 'So go tell Kylie , and Rob! About our son Account ! Cause thats the only reason Im contacting ur f*g a*s ! But u wanna make it like I want u lol !

'Tyga ur a b**** ! And u can go get ur mom , or ur b**** ! Lol ! !!!! Or ur n**** u f**** ,,, or Terrell, or heather !'

The reality starlet also sent out the address of her Lashed salon in California and said she would be 'on wait'.

MailOnline have contacted Tyga's representatives for comment.

Former flames: Blac Chyna began dating Tyga in November 2011, and they welcomed son King ten months later before splitting in 2014
She was the Hollywood actress who married Crocodile Dundee co-star Paul Hogan.

But 59-year-old Linda Kozlowski now leads a dramatically different life in California's Venice Beach, where she has become a bona fide property mogul.

The Crocodile Dundee star was spotted stepping out in her neighbourhood to attend cryogenic therapy sessions, aimed at reviving one's youthful appearance.

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Now and then: Paul Hogan's ex-wife Linda Kozlowski appears to be holding on to her youthful looks as she steps out in Venice Beach (pictured in 1986 on the right)

Linda has been spotted entering the nearby Coast Cryo centre daily to receive the extreme treatments.

The treatment involves sitting in a enclosed chamber for a maximum of three minutes where cold, dry air drops the temperature to a teeth-chattering minus 126 degrees Celcius.

The process boosts levels of collagen in the skin giving it a health glow and also helps any physical pain, sleep issues, moods and mental clarity.

That's her secret! The 59-year-old actress's age-defying complexion appears to be the result of her daily cryogenic treatments

Extreme therapy: The former Crocodile Dundee star has been spotted entering a Coast Cryo centre to receive the treatments, which involves sitting in a chamber set at minus 126 degrees Celcius

Split: Linda was married to Crocodile Dundee co-star Paul Hogan for 23 years before splitting in 2013

And daily workouts in the streets and parks of pretty Venice have helped a glowing Linda shed at least 9kgs.

A neighbour of Linda's told Daily Mail Australia: 'Going on a health kick and the treatments she has been having have taken years off.

'She's nearly 60 but could pass for a woman in her 40s, no problem. She's lost at least 20lbs [9kgs].'

Shedding the weight: The actress is also said to have lost 9kgs in recent times thanks to her active lifestyle

'She's nearly 60 but could pass for a woman in her 40s, no problem,' said a neighbour who lives nearby the actress

The actress, who divorced from Paul in 2013, appears to have spent her $6.25 million on becoming a property tycoon.

The brunette beauty has bought three Venice Beachfront properties, which is dubbed Silicon Beach for the tech-CEOs it attracts.

She's even earned the title of the Queen of Silicon Beach after having sold one home for $1.9 million 18 months ago in order to buy a $2 million home that she's now renting out.

Property tycoon: The former Hollywood star has also spent her $6.25 million divorce settlement from Paul to invest in properties in a booming area in Venice

Impressive: The actress has even earned the title of the Queen of Silicon Beach, after investing in properties in the area that attracts tech CEOs

The neighbour said: 'She has been really smart and made millions. She got a settlement from Paul of course and she's used it well.

'She's definitely her own woman now. Property prices have rocketed in Venice and shes rode the crest of a wave, no doubt about it.'

The source added: 'Everyone whos anyone wants to live in Venice and its where big earners at Google and Snapchat want to live.

What a pay off! Linda received $6.25 million from her ex-husband at the time of their divorce, which she revealed took place because they 'grew apart'

'All the neighbours call her the 'Queen of Sillicon Beach' because of it. We all wish we had the clout and sense to buy properties like she has and make the same kind of money. Her fortune will only do one thing - go up.'

Paul and Linda split in 2013 after 23 years of marriage.

Opening up about their divorce in 2014, Linda told New Idea: 'I lived in Paul's shadow for many, many years and it's nice to feel my own light right now.'

'It's nice to feel my own light right now': Speaking about the split to New Idea in 2014, Linda admitted she'd 'lived in Paul's shadow for many, many years'

She also revealed they had little in common, which caused them to grow apart.

'Honestly, we just naturally grew apart. One of our problems was we really had nothing in common and, over time, that happens to a lot of people,' she told the publication.

The pair first met on the set of their 1986 hit Crocodile Dundee, while Paul was still married to his first wife Noelene.

First meeting: The couple first met on the set of the 1986 hit Crocodile Dundee, while Paul was still married to his first wife Noelene




Her ex-husband joked live on radio on Thursday that she had 'probably hocked' her engagement ring to 'buy a few bags'.

But Jodi Anasta's management has set the record straight, confirming that she has in fact kept the sparkler given to her by former partner Braith Anasta.

And rather than eyeing its resale value, she intends to pass the ring on to their daughter Aleeia, 3.

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'Jodi still has the engagement ring': Rep for Neighbours actress confirms she STILL OWNS ring after ex-husband Braith Anasta joked she 'probably hocked' sparkler to 'buy a few bags' (pictured in 2011)

The pair's marriage had ended in December 2015 after three years together.

The 32-year-old actress' rep told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday afternoon that she still had the expensive piece of jewellery.

'Jodi won't be making any comment. Jodi still has the engagement ring and plans to keep it for her daughter Aleeia,' the spokesperson said.

Earlier that day, Braith Anasta admitted that the engagement ring he used to propose to his ex-wife Jodi Gordon was 'a bad investment' live on radio.

The 35-year-old appeared to make jokes about what the actress may have done with her 'very expensive' piece of jewellery, telling The Kyle & Jackie 'O' Show: '[She] probably hocked it, bought a few bags or something with it... Handbags.'

'That was a bad investment': Braith Anasta has seemingly taken a swipe at his ex-wife Jodi Gordon, admitting the engagement ring he gave her was a 'bad investment'

Host Jackie 'O' Henderson appeared to think the former rugby league star was perhaps alluding to something more sinister before he said 'handbags'.

'Oh my God! I thought you meant something else,' Jackie screamed whilst her co-host Kyle Sandilands burst out laughing.

Jodi allegedly told police that cocaine had been consumed during an interview following a bizarre episode in 2009.

Braith - who is now dating personal trainer Rachael Lee - also told the KIIS FM hosts 'I wish' when asked if he got the ring back from his ex.

No holding back! The former footballer also made jokes about what Jodi may have done with the diamond ring following their split, saying: ''[She] probably hocked it, bought a few bags or something with it'

The ex-NRL star's digs at Jodi came after he asked Kyle and Jackie for their suggestions about what he could buy his girlfriend Rachael for her upcoming 30th birthday.

'Buy her an engagement ring,' Kyle advised.

But the ex-sportsman shut down the suggestion, saying: 'Don't go there. Please don't say that. I'm sweating already.'

In happier times: The former couple ended their marriage in December 2015, stating that they'd 'remain best of friends' for the sake of their three-year-old daughter Aleeia

'Why not?' Kyle asked, adding: 'Are you divorced? ... Did you get the ring back?'

Braith and Jodi announced their split at the end of 2015, stating that the would 'remain best of friends' for the sake of their three-year-old daughter Aleeia.

Last year, Braith revealed the pair's relationship 'wasnt to be'.

Moved on: Braith's comments about Jodi came after he asked KIIS FM hosts Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson about what he should buy his current girlfriend Rachael Lee for her upcoming 30th birthday

'Our break-up did not come out of the blue. We had both seen it coming for a while, we'd grown apart over the last little while and the reality was that it wasn't working. We tried very hard but it wasn't to be,' he told The Daily Telegraph.

The former Wests Tigers player tied the knot with the New Zealand-Australian actress in October 2012 in a lavish Bali ceremony.

Prior to dating Braith, Jodi had a high-profile relationship with Channel Seven heir Ryan Stokes.

The former couple split almost immediately following her alleged drug scandal in 2009, when she was found by police cowering in the home of suspected Rebels bikie Mark Judge.

'We had both seen it coming for a while': The former Wests Tigers player revealed last year that his marriage to the former Home And Away actress had been struggling for a while

Officers responded to a call at Mark's Bellevue Hill home after he reported that armed men were in his backyard and trying to scale his balcony.

CCTV footage reviewed by police found no sign of the men, only Jodi and Mark hiding in a bedroom.

Jodi, who rose to fame in Home And Away, allegedly told police that cocaine had been consumed that day.

Meanwhile, days before the episode, Ryan had called Kings Cross police to report his then-girlfriend missing after a night out.
He's set to wed his Channel Nine colleague Sylvia Jeffreys in coming days.

And Peter Stefanovic, 33, has been snapped unpacking the car as he arrived at the location ahead of his wedding this weekend.

The Nine Network journalist appeared relaxed and casual as he got the final elements in place for his big day.

Here comes the groom! Casual and relaxed Peter Stefanovic packs up the wagon before heading off for his big wedding weekend

The groom-to-be was dressed in a grey T-shirt and board shorts as he took advantage of a break in the weather.

He appeared in good health after he celebrated his last days of singledom with a bucks party thrown by his brother Karl, 42, and several close friends.

The media personality reportedly partied alongside his Today host sibling and some mates including radio host Ben Fordham just outside of Sydney on Saturday, according to The Sunday Telegraph.

Cool as a cucumber: And Peter Stefanovic, 33, has been snapped packing up the car ahead of his wedding weekend

Last year, Peter remained tight-lipped about details surrounding his bucks night when asked by Fitzy and Wippa where his bucks party would be.

'We just got to keep the people guessing!' he laughed.

'Sporting Bet came out with the odds, Thailand is coming in at 2-1 3-1 to Las Vegas in 3 or 4-1.

Celebration: Karl Stefanovic (R) hosted a bucks party for his little brother Peter (L) on Saturday

Wedding countdown: The media personality reportedly partied alongside his Today host sibling and some mates just outside of Sydney on Saturday, according to The Sunday Telegraph

He finished: 'Yes odds have come out!'

Weeks prior, Sylvia told the radio hosts that she had to put a stop to some of her future brother-in-law Karl's wild bachelor party plans for his brother Peter.

Sylvia explained: 'I think Karl is much more excited about the bucks which probably doesnt surprise you than he is about the wedding. He floated the idea of a week in Thailand for the bucks which I have already shut down.'

Coy: Last year, Peter remained coy about details surrounding his bucks night when asked by Fitzy and Wippa where his bucks party would be.

The radio duo laughed and Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli quipped back: 'My god, He wouldnt come home alive.'

Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald echoed the thoughts and exclaimed: 'A bucks week in Thailand!?'

Hearing their shocked responses Sylvia was quick to say: 'I can't tell you how glad I am that you think that's outrageous too.'

Tight-lipped: 'We just got to keep the people guessing!' he laughed

Still shocked about the week long party plans, Wippa added: 'It's ridiculous. I mean if it was a quiet group of guys maybe, but the Stefanovics i'm concerned about!'

The bucks news comes days after sources told Daily Mail Australia that 33-year-old Sylvia will wear a bridal gown by Australian designer Rebecca Vallance on her big day.

The TV presenter is a longtime fan of the dressmaker, whose flagship boutique is situated in the upscale suburb of Mosman.

Match made in heaven! Sylvia (pictured) will wear a bridal gown by Australian designer Rebecca Vallance for her wedding day, sources told Daily Mail Australia this week

The blonde TV personality was first seen wearing a gorgeous piece by the brand over two years ago for Melbourne Cup celebrations.

Sylvia tagged the designer in a photo on Instagram, who then wrote back in the comments section: 'Stunning! You look so gorgeous'.

The dress was a knee-length fitted frock with a sheer animal print overlay hugging her slim curves.

Va-va-voom! The 33-year-old Nine journalist is a longtime fan of the dressmaker, whose flagship boutique is situated in the upscale suburb of Mosman

Another time, she was spotted in an elegant red dress by the brand - a sheer ensemble worn over a black slip and paired with black strappy heels.

'Thank you @rebeccavallance for the fabulous party frock,' the newsreader wrote.

'My pleasure,' the designer happily responded on Instagram.

Nuptials: The popular Today host announced her engagement to Channel Nine colleague Peter Stefanovic in July last year

In a recent snap, she posed in a polka dot knee-length piece that buttoned at the neck to reveal a hint of cleavage.

Several fans requested the details of the dress in the Instagram comments, to which Sylvia replied: 'It is @rebeccavallance, my fave'.

The Sydney-based brand has even been worn by international celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, Chanel Iman, Halle Berry and Sofia Vergara.

'It's this great sense of anticipation': The Brisbane-born beauty told The Sydney Morning Herald last year she is excited to start her new life as a married woman

Sylvia began dating Peter Stefanovic at the end of 2013 after they presented the weekend edition of the Today show.

The Brisbane-born beauty told The Sydney Morning Herald last year she is excited to start her new life as a married woman.

'It's this great sense of anticipation about everything at the moment It feels like now we're sort of moving forward at a pretty quick rate,' she said.

'But I look forward to slowing down and just easing into life together and navigating everything that comes our way together.'
They've been enjoying a blossoming relationship since meeting at a party in September last year.

And Jessica Gomes, 32, and Xavier Samuel, 33, were well and truly in sync, coordinating their attire, as they jetted into Sydney Airport on Wednesday.

The sighting comes shortly after the model and actress gushed over how 'supportive' her beau is.

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In sync! Jessica Gomes, 32, and Xavier Samuel, 33, coordinated their attire at Sydney Airport on Wednesday, after the model gushed over her 'supportive' beau

Jessica cut a casual yet stylish figure in a white round-neck T-shirt, tucked into a pair of indigo jeans, ripped at the knee.

Accessorising with a taupe linen jacket, black gladiator-style sandals and an embellished leather handbag, the David Jones ambassador shielded her eyes behind a pair of tinted sunglasses.

Jessica's dark locks were styled semi-straight and in a middle parting, framing her striking facial features that appeared to be makeup-free.

The exotic beauty was also seen carrying a garment bag in her left hand.

Coordinating: Jessica and Xavier both opted for a casual white T-shirt and pair of indigo jeans

Xavier coordinated with his famous girlfriend, sporting a slim-fitting white T-shirt.

Indigo jeans skimmed over his lean legs, while distressed lace-up boots and round-rimmed sunglasses tied in with the look.

Also carrying a garment bag in his left hand, the Hamilton-born star draped a backpack and satchel over his right shoulder.

Xavier's drew attention to a small amount of stubble and shoulder-length locks.

No hiding it now: The sighting comes shortly after Jessica gushed over Xavier in an interview with Who Magazine

The sighting comes shortly after Jessica gushed over Xavier in an interview with Who Magazine.

The pair recently enjoyed a romantic outback escape, which Jessica documented in a series of snaps shared to her Instagram account.

'We spent time in nature. We swam in dams and would go for bush walks...we just relaxed,' Jessica told the publication.

'We are so supportive of each other,' the beauty gushed.

'I think it's really lovely that we are in the same industry as well, so we understand the environment.'

Leaning on one another: 'I think it's really lovely that we are in the same industry as well, so we understand the environment,' the David Jones ambassador told the publication

Jessica met Xavier at her birthday party in Los Angeles last September.

Due to their busy lifestyles, Jessica said that when her schedule overlaps with Xavier's, the pair love to travel together.

Xavier supports Jessica's extensive career and has even given her marketing tips for her debut skincare line, Equal Beauty.

'He analysed the boxes and picked up a few mistakes!' she also told Who Magazine.

'But he's really proud of what I created, and so am I.'

Budding entrepreneur: Jessica recently launched her own skincare line, Equal Beauty

Their story: Jessica met Xavier at her birthday party in Los Angeles last September
When you are one of the most photographed people on the planet - you come prepared.

Bella Hadid hid behind sunglasses as she slipped out in New York on Wednesday.

The 20-year-old dressed in a rather dramatic ensemble as she headed out for a late night bite to eat at Cipriani's.

All of the lights: Bella Hadid hid behind sunglasses as she slipped out in New York on Wednesday night

Despite being very dark, Bella wore a pair of rectangular black shades from the new Adam Selman x Le Specs collection.

The futuristic sunglasses were just the start of the model's rather out of the ordinary look.

For her dinner, Bella also donned a cropped turtle neck top which showed off her toned stomach and was also rather sheer, ensuring she all but freed the nipple.

The model then added a pair of black high waisted leather pants which coordinated perfectly with her black and red accented jacket.

Dared to bare: For her dinner, Bella also donned a cropped turtle neck top which showed off her toned stomach and was also rather sheer, ensuring she all but freed the nipple

Theme dressing: The model then added a pair of black high waisted leather pants which coordinated perfectly with her black and red accented jacket

Sticking with her red and black theme, the star wore a pair of black hiking-inspired boots with red laces.

She further accessorized her look with a belt featuring a large metal ring, a black handbag and adding another bit of red, a red iPhone.

Bella wore her dark locks slicked back into a no fuss ponytail.

Bella has just returned after a week on holiday in Jamaica so no doubt had some catching up to do with friends.
Jessica Chastain made sure all eyes were on her as she stepped out for dinner on Wednesday night.

The 40-year-old was pictured heading to Mexican vegan restaurant Madre, in West Hollywood, wearing a stunning green vintage style dress.

The sexy number contrasted perfectly with her red hair and had an off-the-shoulder detail which was embellished with a bow detail.

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A step back in time: Redhead Jessica Chastain wears contrasting vintage green dress with off-shoulder bow detail as she heads out for dinner

The number skimmed her figure perfectly and was midi in length.

She complemented her porcelain skin with a pair of light coloured court shoes and carried her belongings in a tan coloured Giorgio Armani handbag.

Jessica's locks were styled in pretty curls as she reached out for a handrail to steady her as she made her way down some steps.

Looks good: The sexy number contrasted perfectly with her red hair and had an off-the-shoulder detail which was embellished with a bow detail as she held onto her Giorgio Armani tote

Perfectly tamed: Jessica's locks were styled in pretty curls which suited her perfectly

She's in demand: Jessica is currently preparing for the release of The Zookeeper's Wife - her latest release which she not only stars in but was an executive producer on too

The starlet has just returned from a trip to Vegas, having attended the Comic Con on Tuesday.

Jessica is currently preparing for the release of The Zookeeper's Wife - her latest release which she not only stars in but was an executive producer on too.

The picture is based on the book of the same name written by Diane Ackerman and boasts an all female team of producers, including director Niki Caro.

Thrilled to work with so many talented women on the movie, Jessica has said about The Zookeeper's wife: 'It was definitely a girls' group.

'It's a labour of love for me. It's an incredible story about this great female hero that has been untold.'

It's set to hit the big screen in the UK next month on April 28.
She recently appeared on Sunday Night to share her journey of motherhood and surrogacy.

And on Thursday, Sally Obermeder was the picture of happiness as she stunned in a black and white polka dot frock she wore to the inaugural luncheon for The Star Doncaster Mile horse race, to be held on Saturday at Royal Randwick.

The TV presenter was all smiles as she posed on the media wall alongside other celebrity guests including Kris Smith.

All smiles! on Thursday, Sally Obermeder was the picture of happiness as she stunned in a black and white polka dot frock she wore to the inaugural luncheon for The Star Doncaster Mile horse race, to be held on Saturday at Royal Randwick

The auburn-haired beauty flaunted her slender pins as the dress skimmed her thighs.

She teamed the dress with a pair of black strappy sandals and a matching clutch.

She wore her long mane out and kept her makeup bold with a smokey eye and pink lip.

Legs have it! The auburn-haired beauty flaunted her slender pins as the dress skimmed her thighs

Star studded: Sally got into the spirit and laughed and joked with her fellow celebrities including I'm A Celebrity's Kris Smith

Sally got into the spirit and laughed and joked with her fellow celebrities including I'm A Celebrity's Kris Smith.

Meanwhile, she took to Instagram to express her gratitude for the 'beautiful love' received after Sunday Night aired her journey to America, where her daughter Elyssa Rose was born via surrogate mum, Rachel, in December.

On Monday morning, Sally shared a picture of the newborn sound asleep with big sister Annabelle Grace.

Grateful: Sally has thanked fans for their response to the story of how she came to have her second child

She captioned the picture: 'Our heartfelt love and thanks for all the beautiful love we've received after last night's @sundaynighton7 .

'We'll pass on everyone's love to the hero of this story - Rachel & her family - and we know they'd probably brush it off, but it's angels like this that make the world shine.'

On Sunday night, the 43-year-old opened up about how she felt holding Elyssa Rose for the first time.

The Daily Edition host revealed to Sunday Night that she experienced an outpouring of affection to her new addition - after being handed the newborn just after the surrogate had given birth.

Sisterly love: On Monday morning, Sally shared a picture of the newborn sound asleep with big sister Annabelle Grace

New addition: Sally welcomed her second child via a surrogate in December

She said: 'I was like, I don't know how to channel all this love and all this emotion and all this gratitude. I felt like I was going to explode.'

The programme documented Sally's emotional journey as she traveled to the States with husband Marcus and first born Annabelle Grace for the birth.

Surrogate mum, Rachel, admitted her decision to part with the baby had raised questions, but she labeled the experience of seeing the Obermeders with their new addition 'priceless'.

Introductions: And the 43-year-old has opened up about how she felt holding Elyssa Rose for the first time

Overcome: The Daily Edition host revealed to Sunday Night that she experienced an outpouring of affection to her new addition - after being handed the newborn just after the surrogate had given birth

She said: 'It does bring up a lot of questions, like, "How are you able to give the baby away?" And truly, it's not my baby. I'm just babysitting for 10 months.'

The delight was overwhelming for Sally, who was diagnosed with breast cancer a day before she gave birth to Annabelle in October 2011.

Husband Marcus, who she married in 2001, tearfully reflected on the lowest moments during his wife's cancer battle.

Feeling thoughtful: Surrogate mum, Rachel, admitted her decision to part with the baby had raised questions

Over the moon: The delight was overwhelming for Sally, who was diagnosed with breast cancer a day before she gave birth to Annabelle in October 2011

He said: 'The conversations at 3AM, where Sal thinks she's going to die and you have to... I mean, there's nothing you can do about it. You've just got to listen to her. You say, "Yeah. It might happen. I'm really sorry".'

After a year of chemotherapy, Sally was given the all-clear but warned that it was too dangerous for her to fall pregnant again.

However, in January last year she revealed how she'd suffered a miscarriage via an emotional Instagram post.
She is a rising star in Hollywood and has just become a published author for the first time.

And Lily Collins enjoyed a well-earned day off from her busy career as she headed to The Grove in Los Angeles with a handsome male friend to catch a screening of Power Rangers on Wednesday evening.

The actress, 28, looked effortlessly stylish in a dressed down cropped tee and low-slung jeans for her movie date.

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And relax: Lily Collins enjoyed a well-earned day off as she headed to The Grove in Los Angeles with a handsome male friend to catch a screening of Power Rangers on Wednesday evening

Flashing a hint of toned tum, the Rules Don't Apply star teamed a cropped navy and white striped top with a pair of retro-style flares from Parker Smith.

Lily - the daughter of legendary British musician Phil Collins, 66 - threw on a long charcoal grey cardigan to keep the spring chill at bay, and kept things comfortable in a pair of shiny flat slides from Nine West.

The brunette beauty accessorised with a pair of dark shades and toted her belongings in a black leather shoulder bag.

Lily wore her locks scraped back from her pretty face in a messy up-do, while injecting a bolt of colour to her low-key outfit with a slick of pillar box red lipstick.

Top of the crops: The actress, 28, looked effortlessly stylish in a dressed down cropped tee and low-slung Parker Smith jeans for her movie date, finishing her outfit off with a pair of shiny Nine West slides

The star's handsome friend kept things equally casual, rocking an all-black outfit and trainers as the pair grabbed a coffee before heading inside the cinema.

Lily, who received a Golden Globe nomination for her role in Rules Don't Apply at the 2017 awards, is currently filming new series The Last Tycoon.

The series, which is loosely based on the book of the same name by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is set in 1930s Hollywood against the backdrop of the rise in fascism.

White Collar hunk Matt Bomer stars as a Hollywood executive alongside love interest Lily.

Memoirs: The star's first penned work, which was released this month, is a memoir which features candid revelations, including an open letter to her father, musician Phil Collins

Earlier this week, Lily shared on Instagram that her new book Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me, was secretly hidden in New York City subway stations for unsuspecting commuters to find.

'We dropped copies of the book all over the city, so make sure to get underground and try and find it,' she explained. 'I won't be in NYC, but my books will be  so stay tuned to try and find them.'

Lily's first penned work, which was released this month, features candid revelations, including an open letter to her father, musician Phil Collins.

In heartwarming lines, she openly forgives her father for being 'not the one she expected'.

Hidden copies: Earlier this week Lily shared on Instagram that her new book Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me, was secretly hidden in New York City subway stations

'I forgive you for not always being there when I needed and for not being the dad I expected,' she wrote in the book.

'I forgive the mistakes you made. And although it may seem like it's too late, it's not. There's still so much time to move forward.'

In an interview with People, she said the book was like 'having my diary published,' but she hopes young women will connect with its themes, which include addressing past relationships.

She said: 'This is my way to open up conversation with young women and say, "Hey, we're all the same'.
He's currently in the midst of his Humanity tour, which has seen him already perform a string of one-man shows across the UK.

But Ricky Gervais reportedly left bereaved parents deeply distraught on Tuesday night, when he is said to have made a joke about a dead baby during his show at Belfast's Waterfront Hall - prompting them to storm out in horror.

To further add insult to injury, Ryan and Suzi Gourley revealed that they had attended the show for their first night out since the July stillbirth of their son Eli.

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Poor taste? Ricky Gervais reportedly offended a grieving couple when he made a joke about a dead baby during his one-man Humanity show at Belfast's Waterfront Hall on Tuesday night

In an interview with Belfast Live, Suzi said: 'I know people take things differently and I know our emotions are raw, but why joke about a baby being dead? Its just wrong.

'Some people might read this and think were over-sensitive and maybe we are  but its just not funny. We went and hoped to have a bit of a laugh. It was our first night out together  Id heard of this comedian but Id never seen him.

'I didnt know what his jokes were like but I wouldnt have expected that in a million years from anybody.'

Grieving: Ryan and Suzi Gourley revealed that they had attended the show for their first night out since the July stillbirth of their son Eli

Warning: Their complaint prompted the Stillbirth And Neonatal Death Support NI to post a warning about the comedian's 'dead baby joke' on its Facebook page

The couple's complaint has prompted the Stillbirth And Neonatal Death Support NI to post a warning about the comedian's 'dead baby joke' on its Facebook page.

A spokesperson for Waterfront Hall, where Ricky also performed on Wednesday night, said in a statement: 'Unfortunately we have no control at all over the material artists choose to use on stage, but we do of course appreciate this particular theme will have caused distress.'

MailOnline has contacted a representative for Ricky Gervais for comment.

Happy: The comedian appeared to be thrilled with the reception he received on Wednesday

Scare: The report comes a month after Ricky suffered a health scare during a show in Bristol

While the couple appeared to be distressed by the contents of his show, Ricky appeared to be thrilled with the reception he received in Northern Ireland.

On Wednesday night, he took to Twitter to write: 'Thank you Belfast! You are f***ing amazing. You are very sick people for laughing at the awful things I said, but I love you anyway.'

He also retweeted a number of messages from apparently satisfied audiences members, who sung the praises of the show.

Gratitude: He thanked his audience and admitted that he thought he was having a heart attack

Jokes: The jokes continued to flow from the comedian as he prepared to retire for the night

Selfies: He posed for a series of wacky selfies after waking from his slumber the next morning

Last month, Ricky revealed that he endured a health scare while performing at Bristols Colston Hall - and was forced to exit the stage for 10 minutes.

After returning to complete the remainder of his show, the 55-year-old comedian later took to Twitter to write: 'Thanks to the amazing audience in Bristol tonight. They even laughed when I thought I was having a heart attack. #Humanity.'

Staying true to form, the former star of The Office proceeded to share a series of selfies, showing him pulling faces, as he made light of the situation.

Can you stomach this? His flood of selfies also included an unflattering shirtless pose

Cure? He shared a shot of the medication that he'd hoped would help alleviate his issues

Alongside a shot of himself relaxing beside his cat, he 11.9million-strong army of Twitter followers: 'Have a peaceful night. (If I die in my sleep, you are totally allowed to make jokes about it.)'

On waking up, another wacky selfie from bed was added to his account, alongside the caption: I don't think I died, but I'm not a doctor.'

He also gave an update on the state of his health, tweeting: 'Think I've got a little bug of some sort. Blocked up, bit hot, sore stomach. Also I'm foaming at the mouth and terrified of water. Weird.'

Nap: That afternoon, he revealed that he'd be getting some rest ahead of his next show

Symptoms: He candidly wrote about his feelings and symptoms on the micro-blogging site

After sharing a snapshot of Dioralyte and Day Nurse, he disclosed that he was getting some rest before returning to the same stage that night.

'Lunch, flu drugs, and now a little nap before tonight's gig,' he wrote beside a picture of himself posing cross-eyed with dishevelled hair. 'Live fast, die old. #Humanity.'

Despite the scare, the British funnyman's fans flocked to Twitter to gush about how much they enjoyed the show, which has also won over critics.

Praise: He retweeted a stream of glowing reviews - and mocking messages - after the show

One wrote: '@rickygervais Was brilliant at Colston Hall tonight. Even managed 10 minutes of great bonus content when he thought he was dying.'

Cooed another: '@rickygervais was fantastic tonight. Even half dead he's still the one.'

Ricky responded to the criticism that his joke was 'just wrong' after he reportedly offended the grieving parents.

He gave a tongue-in-cheeky reply, jokingly 'warning' people his stand up comedy covers controversial topics including paedophilia and rape.

But the comedian accepted that everyone is allowed to be offended by things, admitting he gets offended by 'many things'.



Backlash: Ricky Gervais responded with a series of tweets

In a series of tweets, he wrote: 'Offence often occurs when people mistake the subject of a joke with the actual target. They're not always the same.

'"Is there any subject you shouldn't joke about?" is no less ridiculous a question than "Is there any subject you shouldn't talk about?"

'Jokes about "bad things" don't have to necessarily be pro those bad things. Surely, a joke that's anti bad things is a good thing, no?

'Basically, offence is about feelings, and feelings are personal. People simply don't like being reminded of bad things.

'All jokes should be banned in case anyone is offended. Discuss.

'I wish I had a pound for every time I offended someone. Wait, I do.

'Warning: My stand up mentions AIDS, cancer, Paedophilia, famine, race, terrorism, rape, murder, drugs, death and even food allergies.

'Many things offend me. Hardly ever jokes though. Everyone's allowed to be offended by anything though. To each their own :).'

The once-portly comedian embarked on a regime to shed over 40lbs almost eight years ago, after toning down his excessive love of pork sausages.

He also took up running, telling Men's Health in 2013: 'Its so easy. Get out there, do it and enjoy the results. Why does it always take me so long to work these things out?'
Mischa Barton has spoken candidly about the emotional strain she suffered following the emergence of a historic sex tape featuring the actress and a former lover.

The 31-year old bitterly reflected on the moment she discovered the tape was being offered to the highest bidder during a televised interview with Dr. Phil McGraw.

Speaking to the TV therapist, she admitted a friend told her of its existence several months ago.'

Mischa Barton speaks to Dr Phil McGraw about the moment she discovered a sex tape was being offered to the highest bidder

The tape purportedly shows the London born actress having sex with a dark haired man

Opening up: Mischa Barton has spoken candidly about the emotional strain she suffered following the emergence of an historic sex tape featuring the actress and a former lover

It got to me because somebody came up to me on the street and said Theres something I need to tell you, she explained.

And I didnt believe it at first; I couldnt believe it because I loved this person and I didnt believe it was possible, and I later learned that it was entirely possible.

The x-rated video, which purportedly shows the London born actress having sex with a dark haired man, is being offered to the highest bidder with the starting price of $500,000.

It was obviously complete emotional blackmail, but it was one of those things where I needed to distance myself from all of these people immediately, because theres not much you can do; its really out of your hands, and it was a crime, she said.

Looking back: The 31-year old bitterly reflected on the moment she discovered the tape was being offered to the highest bidder during a televised interview with Dr. Phil, obtained exclusively by TMZ

It really is a serious crime to tape people without their knowledge like that, and I had made a mistake to put myself in that situation with that person, so I just removed myself from it as quickly as I could.

And then it just continued to be complete emotional abuse after that, for the last several months.

Jon Zacharias, the son of Revenge of the Nerds screenwriter Steve Zacharias, filmed the explicit video, Dailymail.com reported in March.

Named: Jon Zacharias, the son of Revenge of the Nerds screenwriter Steve Zacharias, filmed the explicit video, Dailymail.com reported in March. No evidence has been presented to show that Zacharias is behind the attempted sale

He was named in bombshell court documents which showed Barton had taken out a restraining order against him and a second man she once dated called Adam Shaw.

The action was aimed at preventing either man from shopping the x-rated sex tape to the highest bidder or leaking it online.

No evidence has been presented to show that Zacharias or Shaw are behind the sale of the video but Barton has accused Zacharias of secretly filming their sex sessions during their relationship.

Devastated: Speaking to the TV therapist, she admitted a friend told her of its existence several months ago'

The footage has being offered to online porn companies, with a number of porn industry giants considering the offer.

Kevin Blatt, Hollywoods sex-tape broker, was approached by a third party with the video.

He told DailyMail.com: 'The tape is being shopped around porn valley, the asking price is $500,000.'

Outrage: The x-rated video, which purportedly shows the London born actress having sex with a dark haired man, is being offered to the highest bidder with the starting price of $500,000

Sources close to the star fear for her emotional well-being should the video be leaked online, telling DailyMail.com: 'This is the last thing Mischa needs. Her name has been dragged through the mud enough times, she doesn't need a sex scandal right now.'

Issuing a statement in March, Mischa's lawyer Lisa Bloom wrote: 'Ms. Barton does not consent to any disclosure of any such images.

'She believes that she was recorded without her consent by someone she was seeing at the time.

Co-stars: Mischa made a name for herself in popular US drama The OC (the cast are pictured here in 2003)

'There's a name for this disgusting conduct: revenge pornography. Revenge pornography is a form of sexual assault, and it is also a crime and a civil wrong in California. And we will not stand for it.'

Respected civil rights attorney Bloom threatened those attempting to 'traffic' the tape, saying, 'we will come after you'.

She added: 'We will fully prosecute you under every available criminal and civil law. You proceed at your peril.'
Holly Willoughby broke down into tears on This Morning after sepsis campaigner Melissa Mead spoke about her child tragically passing away from the terrible illness.

The mother-of-three was left teary-eyed on Thursday morning after her guest recalled how much her young son William had achieved in his twelve months, in particular confessing: 'Im so proud he chose me to be his mum.'

The 36-year-old TV presenter was left so emotional over the chat with Melissa that her co-host Phillip Schofield, 54, took over as she tried and failed to move onto the next segment of the show.

Emotional: Holly Willoughby, 36, broke down into tears on This Morning after sepsis campaigner Melissa Mead spoke about her child tragically passing away from the terrible illness

Melissa, who began a blog entitled A Mother Without A Child following the passing of William, has now dedicated her life to making everyone more aware of the condition that takes aim of multiple organs with harmful bacteria.

Taking to Holly and Phil, she recalled not knowing what sepsis was: 'I thought that must be rare, we didnt know what it is. We saw its the UKs second biggest killer. We were dumbfounded.'

Holly, on the verge of tears, eventually broke down when Melissa confessed that she felt 'blessed' that her son picked her as a mother and she now carries his teddy bear full of his ashes with her everywhere.

Continuing on, Melissa admitted: 'Im honoured to call him my son. Im incredibly proud of what weve been able to achieve in his name. I dont think there are many parents that can say that about their children.'

'I'm proud he chose me as mum': The mother-of-three was left teary-eyed on Thursday morning after Melissa recalled how much her young son William had achieved in his twelve months

Breaking down: The TV presenter was left so emotional over the chat with Melissa that her co-host Phillip Schofield, 54, took over as she tried and failed to move onto the next segment of the show

Gone too soon: Little William (pictured) tragically passed away when he was just 12 months old

'I'm honoured to call him my son': Holly on the verge of tears eventually broke down when Melissa confessed that she felt 'blessed' that her son picked her as a mother and she now carries his teddy bear full of his ashes with her everywhere

Following the emotional appearance, Melissa immediately took to her Twitter account to share a snap of her in between Holly and Phil.

'Today @Schofe & @hollywills helped me share the importance of #sepsis awareness, ty @thismorning for having William and I on (heart emoji),' she captioned the snap.

Holly's tears comes after she defended mothers who breastfeed in public during an impassioned rant on This Morning the previous day.

The stunner joined in with a heated debate on whether or not it is ever appropriate to breastfeed your baby in a pub and maybe enjoy a tipple or two at the same time, saying it's 'difficult' to breastfeed.

Retail manager Sheldon Sparks from Bristol was publicly outraged, posting a strongly worded message on social media - shaming a mother for enjoying a glass of wine whilst breastfeeding her baby in the local.

'They helped me share awareness of sepsis': Following the emotional appearance, Melissa immediately took to her Twitter account to share a snap of her in between Holly and Phil

'Some babies are scared of the dark': Holly's tears comes after she defended mothers who breastfeed in public during an impassioned rant on This Morning the previous day

In agreement: Many people took to Twitter to thank Holly for sticking up for breastfeeding mums everywhere

A segment on the show discussed his opinion with Nilufer Atik, who says a pub is an inappropriate place to breastfeed a baby and Natalie Brown who says she breastfed her baby in the pub at the weekend.

Defiant Holly said: 'It's to feed her child,' as she spoke out in defence of Natalie.

She added: 'I understand if you were out with your breast out that would be different. Breastfeeding is not that easy! Its difficult!

'Some babies cant feed under a cloth because they dont like being in the dark. It's not that easy. I dont think it's that easy.'

Many people took to Twitter to thank Holly for sticking up for breastfeeding mums everywhere.

'Yes! @hollywills defending and normalising breastfeeding mums. They shouldn't have to be isolated in an already difficult time #thismorning.'

Conflicting: A segment on the show discussed his opinion with Nilufer Atik, (second from right) who says a pub is an inappropriate place to breastfeed a baby and Natalie Brown (far right) who says she breastfed her baby in the pub at the weekend

She said: 'Some babies cant feed under a cloth because they dont like being in the dark. It's not that easy. I dont think it's that easy'

Standing her ground: But Holly said it's not fair to criticise mothers and said breastfeeding is 'difficult'

She told the ladied: 'I understand if you were out with your breast out that would be different. Breastfeeding is not that easy! Its difficult!'

Oh dear: But not everyone agreed and some felt that Holly should have remained neutral as a presenter on the show and others felt she had missed the point

'@thismorning I agree @hollywills Breastfeeding is not that easy! A hungry baby needs feeding regardless of where you are! #ThisMorning.'

But not everyone agreed and some felt that Holly should have remained neutral as a presenter on the show and others felt she had missed the point.

'Holly Willoughby shouldn't be discussing a topic if she can't remain neutral. why does she get on her high horse all the time?? #ThisMorning.'

'@hollywills express into a bottle before leaving home.'

'@thismorning surely the point is that the mum had 2 glasses of wine..then fed her baby!! @Schofe @hollywills not that she was feeding in pub.'

Controversial: Not everyone agreed and some felt that Holly should have remained neutral as a presenter on the show and others felt she had missed the point
She didn't sport a hint of fatigue after touching down in South Korea on Wednesday following a long-haul flight.

And Rosie Huntington-Whiteley continued to raise the bar for maternity fashion as she was snapped arriving at the photocall for Metrocity during the city's fashion week on Thursday.

The 29-year-old British supermodel, who announced she was expecting with fiance Jason Statham, 49, in February, absolutely glowed in a plunging pink dress.

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Mum to be: Pregnant Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 29, glowed in a plunging pink dress which hugged onto every inch of her blossoming bump as she arrived backstage at Seoul Fashion Week

Rosie's dress subtly skimmed every inch of her blossoming bump, with soft ruffles at the neckline to add a feminine edge.

The frilled neckline proved to be plunging, teasing at her ample assets as she ensured all eyes on her during the fashion spectacle.

The mother-to-be brought her hands in together to hold onto her chic matching clutch right underneath her bump - further placing emphasis on her burgeoning bump.

Relying on her striking features, which boasted only a slick of make-up, Rosie swirled her locks up into a chic braided updo, which complemented her gold hoop earrings.

Earlier that day, she was seen backstage mingling behind-the-scenes and was snapped from the side - further highlighting her evolving figure.

Baby on board: The star was seen arriving for the photocall of Metrocity that evening

Stunning: She was captured in an Instagram shot, posted earlier in the day

Blush pink: She wore a blush pink to complement her golden pregnancy glow

Bump on show: Her dress skimmed elegantly over her baby bump

Rosie put on another typically chic display on Wednesday, as she touched down in South Korea.

The British star kept her blossoming baby bump under wraps in a classically stylish leather jacket and jeans combo, as she made her way through Incheon International Airport.

The model announced she was expecting a baby with her fiance Jason Statham, 49, in February.

The pair had confirmed their happy news by sharing a bikini snap on Instagram, which saw Rosie display her sizeable baby bump in a skimpy two-piece.

She gushed excitedly beside the picture: 'Very happy to share that Jason and I are expecting!! Lots of love Rosie x  Photo by @jasonstatham'.

Maternity chic: The supermodel didn't sport a hint of fatigue after touching down in style in South Korea on Wednesday following a long-haul flight

'We're expecting!' The model announced she was expecting a baby with her fiance Jason Statham, 49, in February

However it is no doubt exciting news for Transformers star Rosie, who has previously discussed her thoughts about starting a family with her actor beau.

Speaking to The EDIT in 2015, Rosie confessed: 'Having a family is something I think about for sure, and whether I'd live here in America or in England. But it's not always as simple as that.'

Before she added: 'I have no idea what will happen, but it'll be interesting to find out, right? And nothing will be perfect, I'm sure.'

The couple have been dating since 2010 and Jason popped the question in early 2016 with a dazzling 243,000 engagement ring.
She's known for her typical monochrome chic all-black attire.

But Rachel Zoe was dressed for springtime when she stepped out to run errands in West Hollywood on Wednesday.

The 45-year-old fashion designer and celebrity stylist looked lovely as ever in a colorful floral frock.

Pretty as a petal: Rachel Zoe ditched her all-black signature style for a lovely floral frock when she stepped out in West Hollywood on Wednesday

The former reality star cut a ladylike figure in the full-length garb which included shades of brick red and sky blue.

Rachel's frilly number included a thin belt which cinched at the waist, highlighting her svelte physique.

Ever the fashionista, the mother-of-two went with a bohemian chic style in her trademark 1970s inspired shades.

Feminine frock: The 45-year-old fashion designer cut a ladylike figure in the full-length garb which included shades of brick red and sky blue

She stepped out in sky high brown leather strappy wedges which added extra height to her 5ft 8in frame.

A pair of oversized vintage gold earrings dangled just to her shoulders and she styled her golden locks in soft, relaxed curls.

For five years, Rachel had her own Bravo reality show, The Rachel Zoe Project. She also had a talk show called Fashionably Late With Rachel Zoe, which premiered in July 2015.

Now, the star has been taking advantage of social media lately, specifically Instagram Stories.

Sheer beauty: The TV personality looked pretty as ever in the see-through number

Fancy footwear: The celebrity stylist stepped out in sky high brown leather strappy wedges which added extra height to her 5ft 8in frame

Each Sunday at 9 a.m. PT, the busy wife and mom broadcasts live for two minutes.

'Since The Rachel Zoe Project has been off the air, there's been a constant ask , whether it's in person around the world or on social media, to bring the show back,' she told The Hollywood Reporter.

Rachel has been married to her husband of more than 20 years, Rodger Berman, with whom she shares two sons - Skyler, six, and Kaius, aged three.

'People really feel like they know you, and in a sense they do. So it sparked this idea where we literally take whatever was going on in my life that day, that hour, that week, whatever it is, and post the videos. It's completely unscripted, anything from an Insta story or a selfie or Roger filming me making pancakes for the kids.'
She's been on a mission to find zen on her idyllic break at the luxury resort of Amanpuri in Phuket, Thailand.

Yet Lindsay Lohan decided to take a day from finding inner peace as she enjoyed a day at the beach with friends.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, the actress, 30, looked in great spirits as she slipped into a skimpy swimsuit to pose for snaps with her posse.

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Fun in the sun: She's been on a mission to find zen on her break in Thailand. Yet Lindsay Lohan decided to take a day from finding inner peace as she enjoyed a day at the beach with friends

Flaunting her enviable figure, the Parent Trap star donned a plunging purple swimsuit with a mesh panel across her ample bust.

Highlighting her slender waist, the garment featured a hot pink bottom half, with the high cut design showing off her lean legs.

Beaming broadly, Lindsay was a vision of beauty in the snap, which she captioned: '#readyforsummer #mermaids',

Serenity: Lindsay seemed to have found her inner zen at long last as she soaked up the sun at the luxury resort of Amanpuri in Phuket, Thailand, on Tuesday

As a troubled former child star she seemed to have found her inner zen at long last as she soaked up the sun in another glamorous shot on Tuesday.

Sharing a snapshot as she enjoyed a relaxing day by the pool, Lindsay looked the picture of serenity while posing with her eyes closed and arms outstretched.

The Mean Girls star radiated calm as she showcased a glimpse of cleavage in a plunging, skintight black swimsuit.

Fun in the sun: The troubled actress, 30, has left her Instagram followers green with envy thanks to her social media posts throughout her Thailand break

Going make-up free for her relaxing day, the redhead showed off her naturally clear complexion and perfect porcelain skin.

Lindsay wore her flowing red locks swept to one side and hanging around her shoulders in loose, wet tendrils.

The actress has been posting an array of snaps on the micro-blogging site, wearing a white headscarf as she posed for the camera on Monday from her Thai retreat.

'Peace and love': The Mean Girls star posed in a floral cut-out swimsuit as she relaxed on a boat late last week

'Don't judge a book by it's cover (sic)' the star wrote alongside the snap with an Arabic translation.

The Parent Trap favourite was pictured lying on a couch and propping herself up on her elbows as she gazed at the camera.

A white cloth or scarf adorns her head which she holds in place either side.

Important message: The actress wore a white headscarf as she posed for the camera on Monday from her Thai retreat

Lindsay wore what appeared to be a white t-shirt dress as she relaxes on the plush couch with a pile of pillows near her head.

The star told Good Morning Britain recently that she was 'racially profiled' for wearing a head scarf at London's Heathrow Airport.

'When I was flying to New York recently. I was wearing a headscarf and I got stopped at the airport and was racially profiled for the first time in my life.' she explained.

Woman of many talents: Earlier this month, Lindsay hinted she was releasing her own line of headscarves when she posted this image

'She opened my passport and saw Lindsay Lohan and started apologizing but said ''take off your head scarf''.

'I did, I mean it's OK. But what scared me was that moment, how would another woman who doesn't feel comfortable taking off her headscarf feel? That was really interesting to me. I was kind of in shock.

Lindsay has said she was wearing the headscarf as she had just left Turkey and she was doing it out of respect for the country's culture.

In the same interview Lindsay, revealed she has finally found a sense of 'solace' in her life, after hitting the milestone age of 30 and embracing her spiritual side.

She explained: 'Studying the Koran is something I found solace in, a religion where I found a lot of peace.

'Studying the Koran is something I found solace in': Lindsay recently said she has found a sense of 'solace' in her life, after hitting the age of 30 and embracing her spiritual side

'I have reached inside and I found what I want my intentions to be in the world... focusing on taking control of what I want out of life.'

'You can't just convert to a religion overnight - it's a culture and practice [and] I don't want to comment on something I haven't finished', she told the programme.

Lindsay has also added the Arabic greeting 'Alaikum salam' to the top of her Instagram page.

The phrase means 'and unto you peace'.

Meanwhile, Lindsay is making a return to TV with a new reality show called The Anti-Social Network.

In a trailer that was leaked to MailOnline.com last week the star explains that she will take full control of fans' social media accounts for 24 hours, without their knowledge.
Tiffany Scanlon has taken to her blog to discuss her romances with 'd*******s' which she nicknames 'Richards' for a less offensive option.

The 30-year-old writes on her blog that there are three types of men that she considers bad partners.

The first is the kind of man who promises the world and then bails when things get intimate.

Bad dates: Tifany Scanlon has taken to her blog to discuss her romances with 'd*******s' which she nicknames 'Richards' for a less offensive option

'He can seem like the perfect guy; will hold your hand, give you a cute nickname, tell you you're beautiful, make plans for the future, meet your friends and maybe even your parents.

'But as soon as he's broken down your barriers, he will abort,' she writes.

The second type says they don't want a relationship and eventually uses it against her when the relationship develops.

She writes, 'He will not take accountability for the sleepovers, the cuddles, the movie watching, the breakfasts, the messaging, the late night phone calls because he misses you; the acting like your boyfriend.

Bad dudes: The 30-year-old writes on her blog that there are three types of men that she considers bad partners

'It was all irrelevant because you were warned and you're left feeling the fool for believing it was anything more'.

The third type, 'will end things on his terms' using a flimsy excuse such as 'you deserve better' or it's not you its me'.

Tiffany also recently opened up about her relationship with ex-girlfriend Megan Marx, 28.

The former Bachelor star took to Instagram on Tuesday to share how TED talks and wise quotes have helped her become stronger and 'courageous' weeks after her painful split.

Taking inspiration: The former Bachelor star took to Instagram on Tuesday to share how TED talks and wise quotes have helped her become stronger and 'courageous' weeks after her painful split from girlfriend Megan Marx, 28

'If you haven't read it before check out the brilliant speech by Theodore Roosevelt about courage,' she captioned a beachside bikini selfie.

'Basically he says that unless you have the courage to get into the arena, even if you get the s**t beaten out of you, then you can take your judgement and criticism and shove them where the sun don't shine!'

The blonde beauty went on to reference people who hide 'behind computer screens.'

Words of wisdom: 'If you haven't read it before check out the brilliant speech by Theodore Roosevelt about courage,' she captioned a beachside bikini selfie

She added a series of hashtags including: '#trollsareweak, #hatershavenorightohate, #iambrave and #iamcourageous.'

The candid post comes one week after Tiffany said she's been struggling with depression more than ever recently, following her breakup with Megan earlier this month.
PR guru Roxy Jacenko treated her beaming kids to a treat and they were truly enjoying their 'happy meal'.

In an Instagram post shared with her fans on Thursday, Pixie, 5 and Hunter, 2, looked absolutely delighted to be treated to a MacDonald's meal for dinner.

The 36-year-old captioned the photo, 'Smiles all round'.

Snack time: PR guru Roxy Jacenko treated her beaming kids to a treat and they were truly enjoying their 'happy meal'

In the image, Hunter looked like the cat who got the cream as he clutches his Happy Meal and turns to his equally happy sister.

Pixie was dressed in pink with one of her signature headband bows in her auburn hair.

Meanwhile, Roxy recently hired her Sweaty Betty employee Gemma Oldfield as a nanny for her family trip to Hawaii.

And on Thursday, the pretty blonde spent time with Roxy's five-year-old daughter, Pixie.

Double duties! On Thursday, Sweaty Betty's Gemma Oldfield (pictured) spent time with Roxy Jacenko's five-year-old daughter, Pixie Curtis, after being a nanny to them on holiday recently

The pair picked up drinks at a Sydney cafe, with Roxy sharing a sweet snap to Instagram of her little girl and friend, writing: 'My girls,' adding a smiley emoji with love heart eyes.

Gemma wrote underneath the snap that she and Pixie were 'besties,' and added love hearts.

It's clear Gemma has a close bond with Roxy and her family, as in January, she accompanied the clan on their trip to Hawaii and worked as a nanny.

On good terms: It's clear Gemma has a close bond with Roxy and her family, as in January, she accompanied the clan on their trip to Hawaii and worked as a nanny

Gemma helped to look after Pixie and little brother Hunter.

In January, Roxy confirmed to The Daily Telegraph Gemma's role on their Hawaiian holiday.

'Gem is here helping me with Pixie and Hunter in a nanny capacity,' Roxy told the publication at the time.
Jaimie Alexander sprung into action on the set of her hit show Blindspot on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old plays Jane Doe, a tattoo-covered woman who eventually aides the FBI in solving the crimes connected to her mysterious body ink, after having awoken in Times Square with no recollection of her past.

The pretty brunette was joined by co-star Sullivan Stapleton, 39, who plays FBI Assistant Director Kurt Weller in the show.

Working woman! On Wednesday, Jaimie Alexander, 33, filmed scenes for NBC's Blindspot

The Thor actress was clad in a grey, long-sleeve top and black cargo trousers.

Jaimie, 33, was in character with her black FBI vest and thick work boots.

The raven-haired beauty's chin-length hair was styled in short waves, while her eyes with played up with dark liner.

It takes two: The pretty brunette was joined by co-star Sullivan Stapleton, 39, who plays FBI Assistant Director Kurt Weller in the show

Co-star Sullivan, 39, was right by her side, as the duo are the drama's lead stars.

The Australian actor plays Jaimie's love interest in the show.

While the two are not together in real life, the actress has fallen for his stunt double and Blindspot's fight coordinator, Airon Armstrong.

Double duty: In the drama, the Australian actor is also Jaimie's love interest

Since September of last year, Jaimie and Airon have been dating.

Prior to their romance, the South Carolina native was in a relationship with actor Peter Faccinelli, whom she met while filming their romantic comedy, Loosies.

The two became engaged in March 2015 before splitting up nearly one year later last February.
She's been showing off her perfect bikini figure in a series of sizzling selfies from her holidays in Dubai and more recently, The Maldives.

And Ferne McCann was at it again on Thursday, sharing a snap of herself soaking up the sun in an eye-catching metallic two piece.

The 26-year-old sat cross legged by the pool in the plunging snakeskin-style print bronze and silver halterneck, which she teamed with a pair of tinted sunglasses.

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Coming up roses: Ferne showed off her stunning figure in a metallic bikini in another sizzling holiday selfie

'Life through rose tinted glasses,' she captioned the snap, which showed her sitting cross legged with her brown hair tousled while a pendant and bracelets added to the look.

A photograph posted on Wednesday showed Ferne on yet another white-sanded, blue-watered beach, this time laying a smacker on a giant inflatable swan.

Captioning the shot 'BE-YOU-TIFUL!', the former TOWIE star was flaunting her frame in a bandu sleeved puff top and a pair of tiny bikini bottoms.

The swimming ensemble was black with white polka dots on it and although fairly modest on top, showcased the brunette's impressive curves fabulously.

Ferne looked tanned and healthy, showcasing her bronzed skin and her salt-licked mane, which fell in damp strands.

'BE-YOU-TIFUL!' Ferne flaunts her frame in a bikini puff top and teeny bottoms as she enjoys a romantic holiday in the Maldives with her boyfriend Arthur

The This Morning showbiz reporter, 26, was clearly having a lovely time with her other half - old flame Arthur 'Art' Collins who has appeared back on the scene after Ferne failed to find love on Celebs Go Dating.

The night before, she posed cheek-to-cheek with Art, him in a crisp white shirt and shades, her with her mane swept back, a white flower behind her ear and a semi-sheer blue and cream patterned dress.

She wrote alongside the selfie, which was taken in front of the crystalline ocean: 'Sunset Fishing. What an amazing evening @luxsouthari we watched the sunset out at sea, then fishing (I caught the most ovs) & we saw a shark & sting rae's [sic].'

Sunset fishing: The night before, she posed cheek-to-cheek with Art, him in a crisp white shirt and shades, her with her mane swept back, a white flower behind her ear and a semi-sheer blue and cream patterned dress

This is the life! She was living it up in Dubai over the weekend. But by Monday, jet-setting Ferne McCann had hot-footed it to the Maldives for some more fun in the sun

Earlier in the trip, the former TOWIE star leaned against a plush open car door and showing off her toned, slender legs in sky-high heels in the old-school movie star style shot in a stunning green dress.

Art had made less of an effort in a T-shirt and jeans, with bright red trainers.

Ferne captioned the sexy picture: 'Dubai Nights with my love @arthurjuniorcollins, riding in the rolls - @limitlesscarhire wearing @neverfullydressed.'

Vintage glamour: Ferne looked to be having the time of her life with new old-flame Arthur 'Art' Collins on a Middle East mini break on Saturday

Fashionista: Ferne flaunted her tasteful individual style and flawless figure in a plunging crop top with sleeves and star-patterned flared trousers while enjoying her time away

The pair were rumoured to be dating last summer for several months, but, if so, the relationship was kept private.

But now the reality star has been updating fans on Snapchat and Instagram about her rekindled romance, posting several images of the the couple together - holding hands, kissing and even a flirty shot from her bed.

The stubbly hunk is not Ferne's first publicised relationship. The former TOWIE star first joined the drama-laden show with then-boyfriend Charlie Sims, before going on to date co-star Dan Osborne.

Ferne even had a rumoured fling with comedian Russell Brand.

The good life: Presenting duties were put to one side on Thursday afternoon as Ferne McCann made the most of her current stay in Dubai

And on Thursday the presenter treated fans to a bikini snap from her fabulous trip as she soaked up the sun during a relaxing day on the beach close to the Arab playgrounds luxurious Burj Al Arab Jumeirah hotel.

Stripping down to a midnight blue bikini from online brand Annalous, Ferne casually sipped a fruity beverage.

With the five-star Burj providing a stunning backdrop, Ferne later shared a snap of her idyllic holiday destination with Instagram followers.

Captioning the shot, she wrote: Beach Life.

Dubai appears to be just the tonic for the TV personality, who announced last Friday that she would no longer be endorsing her Ferne Beauty products because the manufacturer owes her money.

Testing times: Dubai appears to be just the tonic for the TV personality, who announced last Friday that she would no longer be endorsing her Ferne Beauty products because the manufacturer owes her money

Addressing the situation for her 798,000 followers, the former TOWIE star announced: 'I am not working with Ferne Beauty going forward and no longer endorse their products.'

Elaborating on the drama, the brunette then went on to reveal that she was working with the same company Lauren Goodger had allegedly been duped by over her own range of products.

She continued: 'They are the same company that Lauren Goodger has recently talked about and I am still waiting payment from them.'
Jessica Biel makes a surprising discovery about her heritage in the upcoming episode of Who Do You Think You Are.

The actress traveled to St. Louis and Chicago as part of her research for the TLC show.

In a preview clip revealed on Thursday Biel, 35, is shocked to find out some new information about the stories she was certain were true about her family.

'Lies!' the actress exclaims as she sits in front of a laptop and shakes her fists in the air.

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Sneak peek: Jessica Biel is surprised to learn the truth about some family stories in the upcoming episode of Who Do You Think You Are

'Lies!' the actress exclaims as she sits in front of a laptop and shakes her fists in the air

While it's not clear what secrets she unearths exactly, it seems to be quite the bombshell.

'It's kind of a big deal, that sort of changes everything' is actress tells cameras in the clip.

The narrator reveals that the star 'unearths an ancestor with mysterious motives that lead to a daring act.'

Ruins: In September Biel toured the remnants of the Alton Prison in Illinois as she delved into the maternal side of her family history

Delving into the past: Biel is seen scanning a document that appears to reveal that an ancestor deserted his post in the military

'I'm just dying to know, did he get out? What happened?' Biel asks

Biel is seen scanning a document that appears to reveal that an ancestor deserted his post in the military.

'I'm just dying to know, did he get out? what happened?' She asks.

In September Biel toured the remnants of the Alton Prison in Illinois as she delved into the maternal side of her family history, as reported by the Alton Telegraph on Wednesday.

The actress also met with a Wayne State University historian to learn more about her father's side of the family

During the episode Biel will get her ancestry DNA results and discovers her great-great-grandfather Morris Biel emigrated from Hungary to Illinois in the late 1800s

The actress also met with a Wayne State University historian to learn more about her father's side of the family.

She also gets her DNA results and discovers her great-great-grandfather Morris Biel emigrated from Hungary to Illinois in the late 1800s.

The series executive producers include Lisa Kudro and Dan Bucatinsky.

Who Do You Think You Are airs on Sunday at 9pm ET on TLC.
This Hollywood legend was known for keeping in great shape to play iconic characters in blockbuster action movies.

And recently, Harrison Ford proved he still had his leading man physique as he was able to fit back into his costumes from 35 years ago.

The 74-year-old spoke about his former Blade Runner wardrobe in an unreleased featurette for the upcoming sequel, Blade Runner 2049.

Still in great shape at 74: Harrison Ford (pictured left in March) has revealed he still fits into his Blade Runner costume from 1982 (right)

The Star Wars actor was quoted at Deadline: 'Its fun to play a character 30 years later and trying on old clothes and luckily they still fit.'

Warner Bros. brought the mesmerizing behind the scenes featurette to CinemaCon in Las Vegas.

The piece also featured the original director Ridley Scott who said: 'When I directed Blade Runner 35 years ago, I could not imagine how iconic it could be.'

Iconic: The featurette also included an interview with the original director Ridley Scott

However, the franchise isnt being rebooted by Scott. Instead, Arrival director Denis Villeneuve will be taking the reins.

'I was truly honored to take the baton from Ridley,' said Villeneuve, 'To see Harrison back in his character of Rick Deckard was mind-blowing.

'It was the most intense and exciting cinematic experience of my life,' Villeneuve continued.

New blood: Blade Runner 2049 is set 30 years after the original and includes Ryan Gosling (pictured left in March) and Oscar-winner Jared Leto (pictured right in March)

Terminator: Ford played a policeman,Rick Deckard, who is assigned to destroy robotic humanoids

The sequel also stars Jared Leto in an unnamed role, who showed up at CinemaCon to speak on a panel for the upcoming film.

Jared told attendees: 'Blade Runner is a very special movie. There are very few films in my life that have struck me as deep as the original Blade Runner.'

'This is an incredible group of people. I consider it to be one of the great honors of my life to be part of this movie and stand with these people,' Leto added.

Still together: Ford recently attended a Los Angeles Lakers game with wife, Calista Flockhart (pictured January 2016)

The original Blade Runner had Ford as a policeman named Rick Deckard. Set in Los Angeles, 2019, Deckard is a Blade Runner, a cop who specializes in terminating replicants. He is forced to come out of retirement when four replicants escape from an off-world colony and come to Earth.

Blade Runner 2049 is set 30 years after the original and follows the story of a new Blade Runner, Officer K, played by Ryan Gosling. Officer K discovers a dark secret that might bring an end to humanity. K's discovery leads him to find Rick Deckard (Ford), a former blade runner who disappeared thirty years ago.

Blade Runner 2049 is is slated to open October 6 through Warner Bros. Pictures.
Peaches Geldof's widower Thomas Cohen has given a candid interview in which he revealed the tragic details of discovering his wife's body.

The musician, who shares two sons with his late wife, spoke to German newspaper Bild about her fatal heroin overdose, on the third anniversary of her death.

He spoke of the bitter truth that Astala and Phaedra, aged five and four respectively, have now lived longer than they knew their beloved mother.

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Honest: Peaches Geldof's widower Thomas Cohen has given a candid interview in which he revealed the tragic details of discovering his wife's body

Thomas was left a single father after Peaches, daughter of Sir Bob Geldof, suffered a drug overdose aged 25 at their home in Wrotham, Kent, while then - 11-month-old Astala remained in the house with her for eight hours.

On discovering her body, Thomas recalls how his thoughts were forced to turn immediately to something as mundane as feeding his children their lunch, just one hour later.

With the help of both his and Peaches' family, the S.C.U.M rocker has rebuilt his life as sole parent and has since found love with Zoe Sidel, shortly after breaking up with his late wife's friend Daisy Lowe.

As he gave a rare interview about the star's death, he revealed the horrific truth of having to tend to his boys just an hour after finding her body - in a stark taste of normality in the midst of his entire world being turned upside down.

Happier times: The musician, who shares two sons with his late wife, spoke to German newspaper Bild about the her death from a heroin overdose in 2014, after which he was forced to give his children their lunch just an hour after finding her

He revealed: 'When I found her, I was not surprised. I thought to myself at the moment: "Yes of course - you had to do that." What I can remember, it must have been an hour after I've found it, that it's time for the kids' lunch.

'They needed their lunch. So I took the children's chairs to the table, took the yogurts out of the fridge, the bananas ... After that we drove here.

'Escorted by the police. The routine I had to keep up with the children helped me a lot. They have lived longer than they knew their mother. They were just one and two years. Now they are four and five.'

That was then... In the revealing chat, he spoke of the bitter truth that Astala and Phaedra, five and four respectively, have now lived longer than they knew their beloved mother

Chatting on film with the publication, he bitterly discussed the drug that killed her: 'Heroin, is a drug where you're trying to enforce something on you that's greater than life. You can only really... its horrible you're filling your body with something.

'It was incredible traumatising, after it happened... a few months after. Because it was so deeply traumatising you know that moment.

'I want them to be happy, I don't care what they end up doing. They are miraculously having happy childhoods which hopefully leads to happy fruitful lives.'

Way back when: 'Escorted by the police. The routine I had to keep up with the children helped me a lot. ""They have lived longer than they knew their mother. They were just one and two years. Now they are four and five' (Peaches pictured in 2011)

While he has remained mostly stoic and silent in his grief, last year he gave an insight into the horrific time, as he told Sunday Times Magazine: 'Firstly, at the time, I was 23. I had two children who needed to be taken care of and, in maybe early June 2014, I started to do that, and we're now here in 2016.

'I just made the decision to start looking after myself and I refused to lose myself and become a traumatized, grief-stricken single father who everyone's going to look at and think and feel all of these things about.

'And that's absolutely fine. However, by this stage, if somebody looks at me like that, then it's just a projection.'

That was then:At Peaches' inquest in July 2014 it was revealed she had codine, methadone and morphine in her blood stream while drug paraphernalia, including spoons, tights and a capped syringe were hidden in a box of sweets next to her body

Late mum: Peaches' death has tragic echoes of history repeating itself as Peaches' mother Paula Yates (pictured) passed away in 2000, aged 41, from an accidental heroin overdose at her London home

Peaches' death has tragic echoes of history repeating itself as her mother Paula Yates passed away in 2000, aged 41, from an accidental heroin overdose at her London home.

When she died, Paula was in the house with her then - four-year-old daughter Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily, who she shared with INXS rocker Michael Hutchence. Her death occured on Peaches' sister and her daughter, Pixie's 10th birthday.

At Peaches' inquest in July 2014 it was revealed she had codine, methadone and morphine in her blood stream while drug paraphernalia, including spoons, tights and a capped syringe were found hidden in a box of sweets next to her body.

Police discovered a bag containing 6.9g of heroin, which they revealed sat at a high grade at around 61 per cent purity, while being priced at around 350 to 500.

During the inquest Thomas confirmed she had been attending treatment for two years and was undergoing weekly drug tests, which she maintained always came back clean - a claim he believed at the time.

'Scared': Last year when he spoke of her addiction, he told The Guardian: 'I think any time you love someone, youre slightly scared of it

Last year when he spoke of her addiction, he told The Guardian: 'I think any time you love someone, youre slightly scared of it.

'But when they have addiction issues and the border of life and death is so constant and close and intertwined throughout the whole thing, its heightened. But that doesnt take away from any of the experience or relationship.'

Alongside Peaches, her Boomtown Rats star father Bob shares Fifi Trixibelle and Pixie with Paula, while he adopted Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily after his ex-wife's death.

In December 2015, he discussed his daughter's death, as he devastatingly admitted he 'expected' the tragedy.

His little girl: In December 2015, Peaches Boomtown Rats star father Bob discussed his daughter's death, as he devastatingly admitted he 'expected' the tragedy

He said: 'Part of me kind of half-expected (it with) Peaches, to be honest with you - the way she was carrying on, there's nothing you can do about it...

'This thing of being forever 25, in my head, that's unbearable, simply because of that cliche - you're not supposed to see your children die.

'But she is the one who is with me every second of the day and she is the one who bangs into my consciousness at any moment, especially in any down moment...

'Where I'm not doing something. She's very present. Time does not heal, it accommodates. But it is not accommodating this'.

Thomas and Peaches' 1million home, which they purchased to raise their kids in 2013, was put on the market 15 months after her death.

Happier days: During the inquest Thomas confirmed she had been seeing treatment for two years and was undergoing weekly drug tests, which she maintained always came back clean - a claim he announced that he believed at the time

The home lay seemingly untouched for 12 months after she died yet in March 2015, workers were seen arriving to clear the country home when kids' toys were seen strewn outside the house during the clean-up operation.

A neighbour overseeing the work said: 'Since she died, no one has been back. If you look at the place, it is very strange, it looks like time just stopped, everything is in exactly the same place from when she died.

'I was a bit shocked to see people going in there today, but it looks like they are doing some decorating inside. I would guess her partner will want to sell the house, it would be hard for anyone to go back after what happened there.

'The men inside were painting and cleaning, that's all I could see, but when I asked them about it and tried to find out if the property was going to be sold, they wouldn't tell me. But from where I was standing that's what it looked like.'
The famously dramatic pair had left fans in a frenzy on Thursday, after they appeared to declare their love for each other on social media.

However Stephanie Davis has now claimed that she had been hacked - deeming her exchanges with Jeremy McConnell as fake.

While the Irish hunk has remained silent on the matter, the 24-year-old took to Twitter on Friday to reveal an anonymous user had intruded on her account, and posted the tender messages to her ex.

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Hacked: Stephanie Davis has claimed that she had been hacked on Twitter - therefore dismissing her loving exchanges with ex Jeremy McConnell as fake

Having sensed trouble the previous evening when the mysterious posts began to emerge, she had first written on Thursday: 'Someone hacking my twitter deleting tweets and unfollowing people, wonder who that is girl!'

However, after deleting an array of seemingly romantic messages and images to Jeremy, 27, she confirmed to her followers she had been hacked on Friday morning by writing: ''Got my twitter back! Crazy what people will do! Passwords changed!'

She then proceeded to delete the Tweets written by the alleged hacker - which saw her tell Jeremy she loved him, in light of their famously turbulent relationship.

'Crazy': After deleting an array of seemingly romantic messages and images to Jeremy, 27, she confirmed to her followers she had been hacked on Friday morning

While the Hollyoaks actress remains adamant her account had been tampered with, Jeremy has remained silent on the matter - having shared an intimate post of the couple with their son Caben-Albi.

On Thursday, he posted a sweet snap with his ex-girlfriend playing with their newborn - captioning it with a heart on Instagram and '#NewProfilePic' on Twitter.

The tattooed hunk had then confused fans even further over their relationship status by following the image up with a Tweet, which read: '@Stephdavis77 I love you [middle finger] everyone else.'

Happy families: Meanwhile Jeremy has remained silent on the matter - having shared an intimate post of the couple with their son Caben-Albi (above)

On again? The tattooed hunk had then confused fans even further over their relationship status by following the image up with a declaration of love to his ex

Only adding fuel to the fire, Stephanie then replied to the message with the tender message: 'I love you too.'

She then followed the declaration of love up with the images of two romantic quotes.

One read: 'Love is a meeting of two souls, fully accepting the dark and the light of each other, bound by the courage to grow through struggle into bliss.'

While the other said: 'All relationships go through hell, real relationships get through it.'

Troubled: Jeremy's touching snap had caused confusion among fans, following his bold claims in which he alleged Stephanie was putting 'hits on his head' in a series of Tweets

Despite exciting fans for a reunion, after they endured a tumultuous split prior to her pregnancy, Stephanie's accusations now throw the claims of love into question.

Jeremy's touching snap had caused confusion among fans, following his bold claims in which he alleged Stephanie was putting 'hits on his head'.

Taking to Twitter on Tuesday night, he tweeted, then swiftly deleted: 'People saying hits on my head by Steph.' He went on to share a screenshot of a worrying whatsapp conversation, in which the words 'gun' and 'scared' were visible.

In yet another convoluted twist in the tale, prior to his terrifying notes he shared a 'throwback' video with his giggling son Caben Albi as his embattled Stephanie appears to laugh alongside.

Earlier in the week, Stephanie broke her silence over the assault charges brought against the Irish star, in which he reportedly attacked her earlier this month.

Sweet: In yet another twist, prior to his terrifying notes he shared a 'throwback' video with his giggling son Caben Albi (above) as his embattled Stephanie appears to laugh alongside

Once he released his video, in which Stephanie's distinctive laugh appears to be heard in the background, some fans ventured to assume the duo were back together, while others pointed out it seemed to be a throwback.

The night before the snap was posted, Stephanie said she will 'always love' Jeremy, just weeks after his arrest on suspicion of assaulting her.

In a series of now-deleted Twitter messages posted on Monday, the actress defended her ex saying that although what he is alleged to have done is 'wrong', she will 'always be there'.

The following morning, the stunner reportedly took to the site to reveal she was: 'Emotionally and mentally drained. Time for a change. Madness how much u can help someone to just have it thrown back in your face. Thanks for all the support.'

Former couple: Once he released the video, in which Stephanie's distinctive laugh appears to be heard in the background, some fans ventured to assume the duo were back together, while others pointed out it seemed to be a throwback

Loving: Hours before Jeremy posted the snap, Stephanie also took to Twitter to share an adoring image of Caben, as she shared an image of Caben luxuriating on a play mat where she simply captioned with a love heart emoji

After Stephanie's notes, Jeremy appeared to be yearning for his son, as he shared the incredible sweet video while playing with Caben.

Although his face was not seen, his tattooed hands were visible as he cooed over his son before adding a caption on the shot reading: 'What a dude'.

Initially followers speculated if they reunited yet others noticed it was an old clip due to the changed appearance of the baby.

Users penned: 'its from when he was with her caben is much more chunky now.... its from way back you can tell cabens grown chunky since then... Heard Steph's laugh! Back together?'

Giggling away: Hours before Jeremy posted the snap, Stephanie also took to Twitter to share an adoring image of Caben, as she shared an image of Caben luxuriating on a play mat where she simply captioned with a love heart emoji

Matching? The throwback idea was echoed in the fact that Jeremy appears to be draped in a towel, which dangles over Caben's cot - similar to the first image he shared with his son three weeks ago, as he stood with wet hair seemingly straight from the shower in the shot also taken in black and white

The throwback idea was echoed in the fact that Jeremy appears to be draped in a towel, which dangles over Caben's cot - similar to the first image he shared with his son three weeks ago, as he stood with wet hair seemingly straight from the shower in the shot also taken in black and white.

Hours before Jeremy posted the snap, Stephanie also took to Twitter to share an adoring image of Caben, as she shared an image of Caben luxuriating on a play mat where she simply captioned with a love heart emoji.

Jeremy was taken into police custody earlier this month over claims he assaulted former the Hollyoaks actress after moving to Liverpool to live closer to his son and the star - yet he has maintained a low-profile since his release.

Laughing away: Jeremy was taken into police custody earlier this month over claims he assaulted former the Hollyoaks actress after moving to Liverpool to live closer to his son and the star - yet he has maintained a low-profile since his release

Speaking out: After remaining silent on the issue for some weeks, fans were stunned on Monday when Stephanie took to Twitter to discuss the legal and emotional woes which riddle the couple - yet soon deleted the notes

Stephanie and Jeremy's love story began when they starred together on Celebrity Big Brother in January 2016 before becoming embroiled in a toxic romance which ended in April - a month before she announced she was expecting.

After a bitter nine-month battle in which Jeremy denied paternity, once he was proved to be the father he swore to step up and moved from his native Dublin to be with her in Liverpool.

Earlier this month however Stephanie was reportedly 'shaken' after calling the police on Jeremy at her home. Merseyside Police confirmed to MailOnline that Jeremy was taken into custody after voluntarily coming to the station.

After remaining silent on the issue for some weeks, fans were stunned on Monday when Stephanie took to Twitter to discuss the legal and emotional woes which riddle the couple - yet soon deleted the notes.

Stephanie penned: 'Jeremy knows he's done wrong. To do wha the did to the mother of his child, he knows isn't right...U can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped. I have done all I can regardless what has been thrown in my face...

'He had made the choice to block me after saviour paranoia and that's his choice not mine. To the press, u will always love him...

'But u can't help someone who needs to help them selfs! I will always be there for Jeremy. But he now needs to help himself. (sic)'

Moving on: Stephanie went on to praise the heavily inked heartthrob for deciding not to appear on 'Ex on the Beach' for the sake of her and their son, and said she refused to let people 'say anything bad about him'

Stephanie went on to praise the heavily inked heartthrob for deciding not to appear on 'Ex on the Beach' for the sake of her and their son, and said she refused to let people 'say anything bad about him'.

She added: 'I'll love him always and always be there but sometimes u have to be cruel to be kind I hope he comes back the person I fell in love with

'I won't have anyone say anything bad about him. He has his own Desmond's to deal with. He decided not to ex for me and Caben

'To prove he loves & wants to be with us. He may be horrible to me but I'll always stand by him. He has Deamona to sort of for good... I wish him well despite blocking me after u forgivable behaviour. When he gets help. Done with being abused metaly and all (sic)'
Kenya Moore's split from Matt Jordan is getting nasty.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta star has been forced to request a restraining order on her ex after he began hounding her with phone calls and texts.

Moore, 46, felt the need for protection after she started receiving up to 30 phone calls a day from Jordan, according to legal documents seen by TMZ.

RHOA star has been granted a restraining order against her ex Matt Jordan after being harassed by the 29-year-old

When she blocked his number, Jordan, 29, reportedly threatened her, telling a mutual friend last week that 'she'd get what she deserves'.

Jordan is now required to stay at least 200 yards away from the reality star and stop all harassing or intimidating behavior toward her or her family.

On this week's episode of RHOA Moore finally told Jordan the relationship was over after declaring the relationship 'toxic'.

In an interview with TMZ on March 20 the actress explained: 'I have not dated him in over 6 months. He's been harassing me online, he's been threatening me.'

'I'm not going to just stand for it, I just want him to go away' Moore explained before telling TMZ that she would be taking legal action.

Moore, 46, felt the need for protection after she started receiving up to 30 phone calls a day from Jordan, according to legal documents seen by TMZ. They are pictured in January 2016

In court papers Moore references a disastrous trip to Mexico last year where Jordan apparently kicked in a hotel door.

TMZ reported at the time that Jordan repeatedly called Moore a 'bitch' and 'c**t'.

Season nine of the Bravo show has seen Moore battle with an increasingly unstable Jordan.

And as TMZ reports, Jordan has a worryingly long rap sheet having been arrested four times in the last year alone.

In March 2016 he was pulled over for swerving, but got arrested on an outstanding warrant.

Drama: Moore ended things with Jordan on this week's episode of Real Housewives of Atlanta

Jordan has a worryingly long rap sheet having been arrested four times in the last year alone

In June Jordan was arrested for speeding and driving on a suspended license - and two days later he taken into custody again for a failure to appear warrant.

In September, Jordan allegedly shouted homophobic slurs at cops and events escalated to the point that officers ended up firing a Taser into his back.

Jordan apparently managed to ripped it out and he fled into the woods. He was arrested four days later for felony obstruction and misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

Moore has also accused him of throwing her clothes out of her house during an argument, damaging her property, breaking into her garage and spray-painting her security cameras, some of which played out for Bravo cameras.

Moore labeled their relationship toxic in the last episode of Real Housewives of Atlanta
Russell Brand has revealed that he still feels fondly towards his ex-wife Katy Perry despite her accusing him of ending their 14-month marriage with a text message.

The comedian, 41, discussed their short-lived marriage, blaming its demise on 'the undulating nature of fame' and compared it with his 'earthed' and 'real' bond with now-girlfriend Laura Gallacher.

Funnyman Russell, who became a first-time father in 2016, gave a candid insight into their new family when he appeared as a guest on Thursday night's John Bishop In Conversation on W.

Opening up: Russell Brand talked about past love with Katy Perry as well as his current bond with Laura Gallacher, the mother of his daughter Mabel as he appeared on Thursday night's John Bishop In Conversation

He said of Katy: 'I have come away from that experience and I still feel very warm towards her.

'When I hear about her or see her, I think "Ah, there's that person, that person in the world".'

Russell blamed their split in 2011 on fame and their hectic schedules.

'Katy was obviously very, very occupied and busy. I was occupied and busy but not to the same degree.'

In conversation: The comedian (sitting opposite John Bishop) gave a rare insight into his life as a new father

Moving on: Katy has gone onto stratospheric heights of fame (here at Elton John's 70th birthday bash this month)

Famous split: Russell Brand said he still felt 'very warm' towards his ex-wife Katy Perry despite Katy's revelation that he told her he was filing for divorce in a text message

He added: 'The marriage didn't last for a very long time and I think that is due to the undulating nature of fame, living in those conditions.'

The couple famously began dating after flirting at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards in September, when Russell was hosting the award show and Katy threw a water bottle at his head during dress rehearsal.

That same year, they became engaged on New Year's Eve in India. They married in October 2010 in a Hindu ceremony in Rajasthan.

Driven apart by fame: Russell blamed his 2011 split from Katy on the 'undulating nature of fame'

Heartbreak: The couple famously began dating after flirting at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards in September when Katy threw a bottle of water at the comedian in rehearsals

Katy later said that the comedian had ended their marriage just over a year later with a text message.

'He hasn't spoken to me since he texted me saying he was filing for divorce,' the pop star told The Daily Telegraph in 2015.

Russell spoke about his ex-wife in a 45-minute interview on the show John Bishop In Conversation with Russell Brand.

Former love: Russell also hinted at the pair's hectic schedules saying, 'Katy was obviously very very occupied and busy. I was occupied and busy but not to the same degree'

Parenthood: Russell became a father last year, and says it was a very profound moment

Speaking out: He said he had been completely overwhelmed by the birth

He told his comedian friend about the moment his 16-week-old daughter Mabel was born.

'When she was born, I felt something really quite profound.

'I felt extremely present in that birth, completely overwhelmed by it.

'I've heard a lot of men say "I didn't know I had so much love in me", but I did know I had so much love in me; I just didn't know what to do with it.

New partner: Russell is now in a serious relationship with Laura Gallacher, 28, the mother of his daughter Mabel. He described their relationship as 'real' and even 'a f***ing relief'

'And when I saw her, I felt something switch on - this sense of very determined and clear purpose.'

Russell, who battled a heroin and alcohol addiction before finding fame presenting Big Brother's Big Mouth, said his love for his daughter with partner Laura Gallacher, 28, was 'all encompassing' and 'giddy'.

'I feel this candid, plain, all encompassing love for this child - this surging, ridiculous, giddy love.

'I feel like everybody deserves this love.

'The thing that has been the most spectacular thing in my life has been the most ordinary thing: a baby came out, like all of us did, the same experience we've all had.

'A completely ordinary thing,' the comedian added.

He said that Mabel had changed the way he lives his life.

'I'm responsible for this human being. In one way, it makes me feel very insular, and just like "bloody hell, I'm going to look after this little kid".

'And in another way, I think you can't do that. You have to find this resource of love is limitless and everyone is worthy of love.'

Proud daddy: Russell said that Mabel's birth was 'the most spectacular thing in my life'

Russell opened up about Laura in the candid interview, describing their love as 'real' and even a 'f***ing relief'.

'The bond between my partner and I is based on something that is very earthed,' he said. 'We are friends, we are very good friends. When I'm talking to her, I'm very plainly chatting.

'I thank God for something normal, something real. Not something that's going to break apart and be nothing.'

The former Lothario, who enjoyed high profile romances with Kate Moss and Jemima Khan, described Laura as 'a real human being with all of the flaws and the beauty that that entails'.

The pair have been in an on-off relationship since as early as 2007 and now live together.

Troubled: The star detailed his Lothario past, saying at times he felt like a 'vulture' around women

Wild past: He enjoyed high-profile romances with Kate Moss and Jemima Khan before settling down with Laura

While Laura herself shies away from the spotlight, her older sister is TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher.

Russell said of their relationship: 'It's a f***ing relief.'

He went into detail on the show about his addiction to sex when he first found fame and described himself as a 'vulture' around women.

He said that he found himself thinking: 'I'm a bit bloody lonely actually; this isn't working.'

Russell added that his promiscuity wasn't fair to himself or his partners.

'It wasn't fair to me or the people I was having sex with.

'I get very excited about the carnal world, the world of flesh.'

The stand up comedian couldn't resist sneaking in a joke: 'There was a very good orgasm ratio, that I guarantee.'
She caused stirs while shedding her bikini top for a frolic in the sea during a family stay at the newly-opened Kandima resort to the Maldives earlier in the week.

Yet Katie Price's proud display of her famous assets may cause stirs elsewhere due to the fact 'nudism and topless sunbathing are not allowed anywhere' in the country.

The 38-year-old glamour model is enjoying the trip with husband Kieran Hayler and her children - Harvey, 14, Junior, 11, Princess, nine, Jett, three and Bunny, two - in which she was seen larking around on the surf, potentially in a law-defying display.

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Oh no! Yet Katie Price's proud display of her famous assets may cause stirs elsewhere due to the fact 'nudism and topless sunbathing are not allowed anywhere' in the country

Katie bared the residual scars from her eighth boob job as she sunned herself during a trip to the beach on Monday.

While showing off her sensational figure, she also flashed the painful looking scars circling the braline of her surgically-enhanced cleavage.

She exhibited the marks of her many procedures - the most recent in July last year after which she vowed it to be her last boob job.

She has been living it up abroad with her family, where they have been enjoying a luxury trip, with the Brighton-born beauty littering her social media accounts with sexy snaps as she sizzled in swimwear.

What nude display? The 38-year-old glamour model is enjoying the trip with husband Kieran Hayler and her children - Harvey, 14, Junior, 11, Princess, nine, Jett, three and Bunny, two - in which she was seen larking around on the surf, potentially in a law-defying display

Monday's outing to the shores was her most daring to date as she opted to go topless for her fun in the sun, while sporting just the tiny bikini bottoms to best exhibit her taut stomach and endless legs.

Despite her stunning beach look, it seems she could cause outrage due to the laws of the country, even though she was enjoying time on the resort.

A spokesperson the Maldives Police Service told The Sun: 'This is not allowed, and if it is true and complaint is made the local station will start to investigate. This is against the law and we take these allegations very seriously.'

MailOnline has contacted a representative for Katie and Maldives lawmakers for comment.

A spokesperson for the star confirmed to MailOnline Katie is not facing a police probe over the topless sunbathing incident.

Holiday mode: Katie bared the residual scars from her eighth boob job as she sunned herself during a trip to the beach on Monday

Amanda Holden found herself under similar scrutiny in 2014 when she returned from a trip to the country and her Britain's Got Talent co-judge Alesha Dixon sent her a Twitter message reading: 'Can't wait to see my wife's white bits'.

The blonde beauty seemed to hint that she too had stripped off during the trip as she replied: 'There aren't many #nudeyMama!"

Adding to her saucy antics during her trip, on Thursday Katie was filmed trying out her own range body wash in the shower. Uploading the saucy clip to Instagram she showed off every inch of her incredible figure as she lathered up.

Oh my! Adding to her saucy antics during her trip, on Thursday Katie was filmed trying out her own range body wash in the shower. Uploading the saucy clip to Instagram she showed off every inch of her incredible figure as she lathered up

Cheeky: In the video - which was no doubt filmed by her husband Kieran - Katie could be seen rubbing the shower gel onto every inch of her tanned and toned physique

In the video - which was no doubt filmed by her husband Kieran - Katie could be seen rubbing the shower gel onto every inch of her tanned and toned physique.

Going topless, she concealed her surgically-enhanced assets with her arms as she ran her hands along her decotellage.

Turning around, the star then gave some special attention to her peachy posterior, grabbing her derriere as it spilled out of her tiny red bikini bottoms.
Married At First Sight's Nadia Stamp was recently accused of staging photos of herself buying a pregnancy test for Woman's Day magazine.

And despite insisting that the photos were candid, ABC's Media Watch isn't buying it, with the program mercilessly mocking the reality TV star in a recent segment.

'But seriously, who are they kidding?' host Paul Barry said incredulously as he looked at the photos.

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'But seriously, who are they kidding?' ABC's Media Watch mocked Married At First Sight's Nadia Stamp for staging photos for Woman's Day magazine

He continued: 'Have you ever seen a more obvious set-up?'

'That's it, look at the camera!' he laughed, clearly mocking the MAFS star.

Bizarre pictures of Nadia buying a pregnancy test emerged in Woman's Day on Monday.

'Have you ever seen a more obvious set-up?' host Paul Barry said during the segment

In the very close-up snaps, the brunette fitness instructor feigns shock as she is apparently 'busted' buying the tests at the chemist.

In a very awkward interview on Brisbanes HIT 105 breakfast show, Nadia denied she leaked or sold the pictures to the publication after it was alleged she staged the snaps.

'Yeah, so um thats obvious... Im not pregnant. Thats number one. Number two, who hasnt ever bought a pregnancy test?

'How they got those photos, I dont know, thats the thing, its a situation where photos do get out, you know, when you go on these shows,' Nadia told HIT 105

'How they got those photos, I dont know, thats the thing, its a situation where photos do get out, you know, when you go on these shows.'

The brunette beauty denied staging the photos, much to the disbelief of HIT 105's hosts Stav, Abby, Matt, and Osher Gunsberg.

'I definitely did not stage the photos!' the reality star insisted.

'I definitely did not stage the photos!' the reality star insisted

'Matty is looking at me with disbelief now,' responded a bemused Abby.

Matty then chimed in: 'I dunno, Nadia. I dunno whether I believe you.'

The beauty laughed off the suspicion, before explaining how 'hard' it is to have her personal life exposed to the public.

'I dunno, Nadia. I dunno whether I believe you': The Hit 105 hosts were not convinced that the reality star was telling the truth

Osher then confessed that he himself has staged photos in the past in exchange for money.

'I'm happy to admit this, I have absolutely staged photos for magazines,' revealed The Bachelor host.

'It's no secret in the industry that it happens. It's no secret in the industry that sometimes money changes hands for such photos.'

Awkward: The beauty laughed off the suspicion, before explaining how 'hard' it is to have her personal life exposed to the public

'It's no secret in the industry that it happens. It's no secret in the industry that sometimes money changes hands for such photos,' Bachelor host Osher Gunsberg said

He continued, seemingly exposing the starlet by stating: 'It's also no secret that if a photographer followed you into a supermarket and photographed you on private property, in the aisle, there is no way that the network publicity machine wouldn't have shut that down.'

Nadia, caught off guard, became flustered and started to splutter in her confusing response.

'Absolutely, it's not, it's, that's not, like, I mean, that's the thing, there's things that pop up, and things that come out, and, y'know, yeah...' said the baffled babe.

Nadia finished by insisting that the photos weren't staged, which caused the in-studio hosts to burst out into laughter.
US President Donald Trump's immigration policies have sparked a discourse that largely focuses on Latin Americans but some 1.5 million Asians are also affected

The debate surrounding US President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown has focused almost entirely on the Latino community, leaving other groups affected -- notably Asians -- largely out of the discourse, experts say.

Of the estimated 11 million unauthorized immigrants in the United States, some 80 percent are from Mexico or elsewhere in Latin America. But the second largest group -- 1.5 million -- are from Asia, according to government figures and researchers.

The majority hail from China, India, the Philippines and South Korea, representing the fastest-growing segments of unauthorized immigrants in the United States since 2000, according to the Pew Research Center and the Migration Policy Institute.

The number of unauthorized immigrants from India, for example, grew by about 130,000 from 2009 to 2014, to an estimated half a million, according to Pew.

Undocumented immigrants deported from US

And yet Asians have often been overlooked in the current debate over illegal immigration, which has mainly been cast by the Trump administration as a Mexican issue that can be tackled by building a wall along the US-Mexico border.

"Asians in the United States have not received the same sort of focus as people from Mexico and Latin America," said Stephen Yale-Loehr, an immigration lawyer and professor at Cornell Law School.

"It may be more sociological than anything else but they are certainly concerned, as everyone else, about the new enforcement policies."

Joon Bang, executive director of the Korean American Coalition in Los Angeles, said that since Trump's election in November he has witnessed mounting fear within the Korean community over the president's immigration policies.

"To give you an idea... we normally get about 60 calls a month regarding immigration issues and since Trump was elected we've had an average of about 150 calls per month," Bang said.

"It's all fear-related, from people with or without status, to those with a visa or in the process of applying for citizenship."

He said the anxiety is such that in one instance a Korean woman in Los Angeles who was domestically abused refused to go to the police for fear she and her family would be deported.

- Wait it out -

While most of the Latino undocumented immigrants cross into the United States by slipping through the US-Mexico border, those from Asian countries typically arrive on tourist or student visas and then overstay their allotted time.

And unlike immigrants from Mexico or Central America, they usually don't come from a poor background and have immigration petitions in the pipeline.

Bang said that many undocumented Asians, especially Koreans, have taken advantage of Obama-era executive policies on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA).

These defer deportation for unauthorized immigrants who grew up in the United States and for parents of American citizens or legal residents.

"There is a demographic among the Asian community that wants to take advantage of this, so that they can be seen... and come out of the shadow," Bang said.

The concern now, however, is that these programs face an uncertain future under the Trump administration.

Yale-Loehr said he has counseled in recent months a number of undocumented students at Cornell who fear for their future and are unsure where to turn.

"Some of them have come in for a formal immigration consultation to determine whether they have other avenues to become legal, such as political asylum or marrying a US citizen for love," he said.

"Sometimes they just want to vent, talk about how hard it is, and worry whether they will be able to continue their studies at Cornell."

He said given the current uncertainty on immigration, his advice is often to just lay low and wait it out.

"Many times they have no immigration options and it's very frustrating because we don't have a solution for them," Yale-Loehr said. "But there is nothing we can do right now."
A displaced Iraqi receives humanitarian aid supplies at a camp for the internally displaced, in Salamiyah village east of Mosul, on March 27, 2017

UN chief Antonio Guterres arrived in Baghdad on Thursday to review the humanitarian situation, calling for protection of civilians to be the "absolute priority" as Iraqi forces battle to retake Mosul.

Hundreds of thousands of civilians remain in Mosul, which was seized by the Islamic State group in 2014, and officials and witnesses have said that air strikes have taken a devastating toll on civilians in the city this month.

"Just arrived in Iraq to focus on the dire humanitarian situation on the ground. Protection of civilians must be the absolute priority," a post on the UN chief's official Twitter account said.

Guterres was to meet top Iraqi officials including Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi in Baghdad before flying to Arbil, the capital of the country's autonomous Kurdish region.

In addition to civilians caught in the crossfire inside the city, many more have fled their homes to escape the fighting.

According to Iraqi authorities, more than 200,000 civilians have fled west Mosul since the operation to retake it was launched last month.

IS overran large areas north and west of Baghdad in 2014, but Iraqi forces backed by US-led air strikes have since regained much of the territory they lost.

Iraqi forces launched a major operation to retake Mosul in October, retaking its eastern side before setting their sites on the smaller but more densely populated west.
Iraqis fleeing fighting between government forces and the Islamic State group in Mosul's Old City make their way on foot to the Hammam al-Alil camp on March 29, 2017

UN chief Antonio Guterres called Thursday for protection of civilians to be the "absolute priority" as he visited Iraq, where hundreds of thousands are caught up in the battle for Mosul.

More than 200,000 people have fled west Mosul since the operation to oust the Islamic State group began last month, and officials and witnesses say that air strikes have taken a devastating toll on civilians who remained in the city.

The US-led coalition against IS -- which previously admitted that it "probably" played a role in Mosul civilian casualties -- on Thursday accused the jihadists of attempting to encourage strikes that would result in civilian deaths in the city.

Guterres said he would "focus on the dire humanitarian situation on the ground. Protection of civilians must be the absolute priority," in a post on his official Twitter account.

Iraqi security forces drive past civilians fleeing their homes in Mosul's old city on March 30, 2017

After his arrival in Baghdad, Guterres met Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, President Fuad Masum, parliament speaker Salim al-Juburi and Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari.

"Iraq is in the final stages of its fight against terrorism. We are strongly hopeful that the liberation of Mosul will soon be completed," Guterres said alongside Abadi, according to a copy of his remarks.

He later travelled to Arbil, the capital of Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region.

Guterres's visit comes at a critical time for Iraq, which is fighting to retake Mosul in a battle that has sparked myriad humanitarian concerns.

Jaafari highlighted the issue of reconstruction in talks with Guterres -- a major challenge in areas that have been devastated by heavy fighting to retake them from IS.

"Iraq needs a plan similar to the Marshall Plan... to present assistance to Iraqis and support development and overcome the effect of war against (IS) terrorist gangs," Jaafari said, according to his office.

The battle for Mosul

The Marshall Plan was a major US effort to help Western Europe recover from the devastation it suffered in World War II.

The UN said earlier this month that some 600,000 civilians were still in west Mosul, 400,000 of them trapped in siege-like conditions in the Old City.

Remaining in the city has posed deadly danger to residents, with the UN human rights office saying more than 300 civilians were killed in west Mosul in a little over a month.

- Jihadist numbers dwindling -

Gunfire, shelling, bombs and air strikes have all taken their toll.

The Iraqi government has sought to blame the jihadists for the deaths, and spokesman Colonel Joe Scrocca also accused IS of attempting to bait the coalition into carrying out strikes that would kill civilians in order "to take advantage of the public outcry and the terror."

Scrocca also said the number of jihadists remaining in Mosul has fallen significantly since Iraqi forces launched the operation to retake the city's west last month, from an estimated 2,000 at that time to less than half that now.

Huge numbers of residents have fled the fighting in west Mosul, with Iraqi authorities saying that more than 200,000 people have left the area since mid-February.

Camps have been set up around the city to provide shelter for the displaced, while others are staying with relatives, renting accommodation or residing in makeshift shelters or unfinished buildings.

A handout picture released by the UN mission for Iraq shows UN chief Antonio Guterres (L) being welcomed to Baghdad by Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jafari on March 30, 2017

IS overran large areas north and west of Baghdad in 2014, but Iraqi forces backed by US-led air strikes have since regained much of the territory they lost.

The jihadists still pose a threat, however, even in the capital, and would continue to do so even if they no longer controlled significant territory.

Illustrating the danger, a suicide truck bombing claimed by IS killed at least 14 people at the main southern entrance to Baghdad on Wednesday evening.

Iraqi forces launched a major operation to retake Mosul in October, retaking its eastern side before setting their sites on the smaller but more densely populated west.

The fighting has inflicted heavy casualties on the Iraqi security forces, according to the head of US Central Command, General Joseph Votel.

Votel told a congressional committee that 490 Iraqi security personnel were killed and more than 3,000 wounded in the battle for east Mosul, while 284 have been killed and more than 1,600 wounded in fighting for the west.
Indian mountaineer Poorna Malavath (L) and actress Aditi Inamdar (R) attend the screening of upcoming Hindi film 'Poorna' directed by Rahul Bose (C) in Mumbai on March 27, 2017

A Bollywood film hitting Indian cinemas on Friday tells the inspirational story of a tribal girl from rural India who became the youngest woman to summit Mount Everest.

Poorna Malavath was 13 years and 11 months old when she planted India's tricolour flag on the top of the world's highest mountain on May 25, 2014.

Malavath's remarkable journey from a remote, backward Adivasi tribal village to the record books inspired filmmaker Rahul Bose to produce, direct and act in the biopic, which is simply titled "Poorna".

"A 13-year-old girl scaling Mount Everest was improbable in itself because here was a poor, uneducated girl from Telangana (state), which does not even have a mound, forget a mountain," Bose told AFP.

The director said he wanted to show the "sheer physical danger" that Malavath put herself through reaching the 8,848-metre summit in Nepal.

"But I also wanted to make the film which spotlights what it's like to be a girl, uneducated, Adivasi, and poor. These are four big strikes against a person and to cross these are big hurdles," he added.

Malavath is the daughter of agricultural labourers. Her journey started when she was selected to be part of an extra-curricular rock climbing initiative for tribal schools, run by the state government, which was then part of Andhra Pradesh.

Bose plays R. S Praveen, who started the initiative, and became Malavath's mentor. Praveen and the climbing instructor, who himself had summited Everest, arranged for Malavath and some other children to go to India's mountainous north-eastern state of Darjeeling to improve their skills.

Praveen then decided he wanted to arrange for an Adivasi girl to attempt Everest to inspire tribal families about the potential of their children.

Malavath was chosen and summited along with a teenage Dalit boy called Sadhanapally Anand Kumar. Both were feted by the Indian media on their return.

"There is a line when Poorna says 'girls can do anything'. I would say the message is never give up and that everyone can overcome their own Everest," said Bose.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is the most senior US diplomat to visit Turkey since President Trump took office in January

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson met Turkish leaders Thursday for talks clouded by differences over Syria, a day after Ankara announced the end of its military offensive there.

Tillerson, the most senior US official to visit Turkey since President Donald Trump took office in January, is seeking to turn around recently rocky relations between the NATO allies.

He met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for over two hours, after talks with Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

The trip comes after Turkey announced "Euphrates Shield", its operation in northern Syria, had ended but did not say if troops had been withdrawn from the war-torn country.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) meets US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (L) in Ankara on March 30, 2017

Ties between Ankara and Washington were strained during Barack Obama's administration, particularly over US cooperation with Syrian Kurdish militia fighting against the Islamic State group.

Ankara views the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) as a "terror group" linked to Kurdish separatists waging an insurgency inside Turkey since 1984, but Washington regards them as the best force fighting IS.

Turkey has suggested it wants to join any operation to capture the IS bastion of Raqa but without involvement of Kurdish militia.

Speaking to NTV television on the eve of Tillerson's visit, Yildirim said the US had not yet informed Turkey if Ankara would take part in a planned Raqa campaign.

"The developments give an impression that the (Trump administration) is following the path of the past administration," he said, referring to the same tensions of the Obama years over the Syrian Kurdish militia role.

"This issue will be told to the US Secretary of State without any buts and the United States will be asked to clarify its position."

Rex Tillerson

Tillerson and Yildirim "discussed working to enhance our critical security and economic ties in the region," a State Department official said after the meeting.

In a statement, Yildirim's office said the ministers discussed Syria, now in the seventh year of a war, and spoke about efforts to clear IS from Syria and Iraq.

Presidential sources said Erdogan told Tillerson that it was important for the fight against terror to be conducted with "right and legitimate actors".

Sinan Ulgen, chairman of the Center for Economics and Foreign Policy and visiting scholar at Carnegie Europe, suggested Turkey declared its Syria operation was over before Tillerson's visit to stave off claims the decision was made under US pressure.

"Turkish troops are not leaving. But it also means that the Turkish military will not, in all likelihood, take part in further operations other than defending the current territory of Euphrates Shield," he told AFP, of the Turkish announcement.

"It also means that Turkey will not take part in the Raqa operation" which he said was slated to take place with Kurdish militia.

- Arrest of bank executive -

There were also tensions with Obama over Ankara's calls for the extradition of US-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen, a matter that remains unresolved.

The premier's office also said Yildirim and Tillerson discussed the next steps that should be taken for Gulen's return to Turkey.

Turkey accuses the Muslim cleric living in self-exile of ordering last year's failed coup against Erdogan. Gulen denies the charges but Ankara has repeatedly called for his extradition from the United States.

Turkish officials hope relations will improve under Trump but there has not been any public indication of a change in policy so far.

The US detention of a senior Turkish state bank executive also added to tensions Wednesday.

Halkbank's Mehmet Hakan Atilla is accused of helping to process millions of dollars of illegal transactions through US banks for Iran's government and other Iranian institutions.

Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said Atilla's arrest in the US was "completely a political operation," in an interview with A Haber television.
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte took office in June 2016 and since then police have reported killing at least 2,564 people in drug raids while more than 4,200 others have been killed in unexplained circumstances

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday described two major media outlets as "sons of whores" and warned them of karmic repercussions for their critical coverage of his deadly drug war.

Duterte's verbal attacks on top television broadcaster ABS-CBN and the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper came in a pair of speeches in which he also lashed out at the European Union for criticising him over alleged human rights abuses.

"I'm not threatening them but someday their karma will catch up with them," Duterte said of the two media outlets.

"They're shameless, those sons of whore journalists."

Duterte named the Prieto and Lopez families that own the Inquirer and ABS-CBN respectively, calling them "oligarchs" who use the media to promote their chosen political candidates.

Philippines drug war

"That is what ails the Philippine society: it is the corrupt media, the face of Prieto and Lopez and their money and the church," he said.

He also threatened to use the government TV station to shame those two families.

"I will give you your due also. I will go through your lives and those of your children," on government television, he said.

Duterte easily won presidential elections last year after vowing to eradicate illegal drugs in society by killing tens of thousands of people.

Since taking office in June, police have reported killing at least 2,564 people in drug raids while more than 4,200 others have been killed in unexplained circumstances, according to official figures.

Rights groups have warned he may be overseeing a crime against humanity, while the European Parliament has been among other extremely critical foreign institutions.

Duterte frequently responds to criticism with foul-mouthed defiance. He also branded then US president Barack Obama a "son of a whore" last year.

Two Filipinos mourn the death of a relative, a suspected drug dealer gunned down by unidentified assailants in Manila earlier in March as part of President Duterte's deadly drug war

Many Filipinos support Duterte's drug war, believing he is making society safer.

But rights groups say many people are also too afraid to speak out, citing his fiery rhetoric and various alleged intimidation tactics.

Last year, Duterte made comments widely interpreted as justifying the murders of some journalists.

"Just because you're a journalist you are not exempted from assassination, if you're a son of a bitch," he said.

He has also described Jun Pala, a journalist who was murdered in the southern city of Davao in 2003 when Duterte was mayor there, as a "rotten son of a bitch".

Pala's murder has never been solved but in recent weeks, a former police aide of Duterte said the then-mayor ordered the killing.

In a statement late Thursday, the Philippine Daily Inquirer said it took "exception" to his accusation that it was unfair in its coverage.

"Since its founding in 1985 the Inquirer has upheld the highest standards of excellence in journalism," the statement said.

"Even as we've courageously pursued the truth in our coverage, we've endeavoured to get the administration's side on any controversy."

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines issued a statement saying: "Mr. Duterte, your mouth is getting the better of you!"

"Your incoherent and foul mouthed rant against two of the country's major media outfits -- the Philippine Daily Inquirer and ABS-CBN -- was not only unwarranted, it was absolutely twisted," the statement said.
Bangladesh commandos take part in an operation against an Islamist hideout in Sylhet on March 25, 2017. Security forces found the scattered body parts of up to eight people when they stormed another Islamist hideout in the northeast

Bangladesh security forces found the scattered remains of up to eight people, including women and possibly children, in a "horrific scene" when they stormed an Islamist hideout on Thursday, police said.

Security forces entered the building after a two-day stand-off with armed fighters believed to be from a new faction of an extremist group the government has blamed for a wave of deadly attacks targeting foreigners and religious minorities.

Bangladesh prides itself on being a mainly moderate Muslim country. But that perception has been damaged by a series of gruesome killings of atheist bloggers, foreigners and religious minorities.

The head of the counter-terrorism unit Monirul Islam said police believed the group holed up in the hideout had blown themselves up to avoid being taken by security forces in the latest incident.

He said some of those killed were women, and that there could also be children among the dead.

"There was an explosion late yesterday afternoon when the operation began. They died due to that explosion," he told reporters.

"We think there were seven to eight bodies of different ages. It's a horrific scene."

Police came under grenade attack when they raided two Islamist hideouts in the northeastern district of Moulvibazar on Wednesday.

Militants threw at least eight grenades as police cordoned off the two houses -- one in the Moulvibazar town and another outside the town in a village called Nasirpur, both owned by a Bangladesh origin British citizen.

Counter-terrorism officers and the elite SWAT unit then stormed Nasirpur hideout at the village and found body parts scattered across two rooms, Islam said.

Security forces were also planning to storm a second hideout in the town, where authorities believe one or two extremists were holed up, district police chief Mohammad Shah Jalal told AFP.

Last week army commandos stormed a five-storey building in the nearby city of Sylhet, triggering a violent three-day stand-off.

At least four extremists died and another six people including two police officers were killed when two bombs went off on Saturday near a crowd watching the operation.

The Islamic State group took credit for the twin bomb attacks, but the government has rejected the claim and instead blamed the banned homegrown Islamist organisation, Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB).

There has been a resurgence of extremist attacks in recent weeks in the Muslim-majority nation of 160 million after a relative lull since five IS-linked gunmen killed 22 people including 18 foreign hostages at a Dhaka cafe on July 1.

IS has also claimed at least two of three other incidents this month in which attackers blew themselves up at security checkpoints, including one targeting an elite security force tasked with tackling Islamist militancy.

Police also stormed a building outside the port city of Chittagong this month, killing four members of JMB, including a woman.

Another suspected militant hideout has also been cordoned off in the eastern city of Comilla, where a local election is underway.

Analysts say Islamist militants pose a growing danger in conservative Bangladesh, where a long-running political crisis has radicalised opponents of the government.

Since the cafe attack, security forces have launched a nationwide crackdown on Islamist extremist groups, killing around 60 suspected militants.

These include the founders of a new faction of the banned JMB, which has been blamed by the authorities for most attacks.
A visitor takes a picture of artwork by Tunisian artist Wahib Chehata during the "Africa in the Capital" festival in Rabat on March 29, 2017

Morocco is hosting a month-long festival to celebrate African art and culture, featuring some of the continent's most prominent artists.

Activities including theatre, exhibitions and concerts are being held around Rabat as part of the Africa in the Capital event.

The festival follows a vast diplomatic, political and economic offensive by Morocco across the continent which culminated in its return to the African Union in January.

"We wanted to celebrate our Africanity and the return of Morocco to the African Union through the universal language of culture," said painter Mehdi Qotbi, president of Morocco's National Foundation of Museums.

Africa in the Capital is giving pride of place to contemporary art, "because we want to try to erase everything that is folklore and talk about Africa in the present," said Qotbi.

Visitors walk past artwork by Congolese artist Kouka Ntadi in Rabat during the "Africa in the Capital" event in Rabat on March 29, 2017

Works by artists including Congolese painter Cheri Cherin, Bruce Onobrakpeya of Nigeria, Aboudia of Ivory Coast and Wahib Chehata of Tunisia will be on display at Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art until April 28.

Elsewhere in the capital, graffiti by German artist Hendrik Beikirch adorns a building while a train at Rabat station has been dressed in the multi-coloured works of the Ivorian artist Mederic Turay.
US astronaut Peggy Whitson waves to the crowd at the Russian-leased Baikonur Cosmodrome in November 2016

American astronaut Peggy Whitson made history when she floated outside the International Space Station on Thursday, breaking the record for the most spacewalks by a woman.

Whitson, 57, is making her eighth career spacewalk, surpassing the record of seven previously held by American Suni Williams.

The spacewalk formally began at 7:29 am (1129 GMT) when Whitson and her NASA colleague Shane Kimbrough switched their spacesuits to battery power before venturing outside the airlock and into the vacuum of space.

"Be safe and enjoy your time out," said French astronaut Thomas Pesquet as the hatch opened.

"I will be waiting for you."

The goal of the six-and-a-half hour spacewalk is to continue upgrading the International Space Station for the arrival of commercial spaceships in the years to come.

Thursday's walkabout is the second in a series of three spacewalks to outfit the exterior of the orbiting outpost with parking spots for a new generation of space taxis ferrying astronauts to the station.

SpaceX and Boeing are currently designing crew vehicles that will begin flying people to the ISS as early as next year.

- Whitson's space cred -

Whitson earned a doctorate in biochemistry and served as the first female space station commander in 2008.

She is a native of Iowa and is known for her quick wit, sense of humor and ease in communicating complicated science topics to a lay audience.

Earlier this month, she said in an interview on NASA television that she has spent her time at the orbiting lab growing stem cells for a science experiment on cell therapies for cancer.

She is also taking part in experiments to test how fire acts in microgravity to better understand how it spreads in space, and growing seedlings called Arabidopsis to study how plants grow in orbit.

Now on her third long-duration spaceflight, Whitson is the oldest woman to ever fly in space.

She arrived at the space station in November, after previously serving on two six month missions at the orbiting outpost in 2002 and 2008.

On April 24, she will break another record -- this time for the most cumulative days in space by an American -- when she passes 534 in orbit, longer than current title holder Jeff Williams.

Active on her Twitter account, @AstroPeggy, Whitson often writes about how research at the space station relates to every day life, and how she travels the world as part of her astronaut training.

"I traveled to Russia eight times in the last 1.5 year training flow, two times to Japan and one time to Cologne," she wrote in a recent blog post.

Next week, she and Pesquet, 39, will perform another spacewalk to continue the space station upgrades and maintenance needed for future spaceships.

For part of the outing, Pesquet is scheduled to ride the robotic arm from part of the football field-sized lab to another.

"We call that officially the yee-haw ride," she told NASA television last week.

Whitson is married to fellow NASA biochemist Clarence Sams.

According to her NASA bio, her hobbies include weightlifting, biking, basketball and water skiing.
Xinjiang is the homeland of the Uighurs -- a traditionally Muslim group, many of whom complain of cultural and religious repression and discrimination.

China has announced bans on beards and burkas in its remote violence-wracked Xinjiang region as part of tighter 'anti-extremism' regulations that also prohibit refusing to watch government propaganda.

Xinjiang is the homeland of the Uighurs -- a traditionally Muslim group, many of whom complain of cultural and religious repression and discrimination.

The area has been hit by a wave of deadly unrest, while authorities have stepped up already-strict controls and organised mass rallies of thousands of military police to indicate Chinese resolve in crushing security threats.

The new regulations, which will come into force on Saturday, outline prohibitions on growing "abnormal" facial hair or wearing robes that cover the whole body and face.

They also ban spreading "extremist ideas", refusing to watch or listen to government propaganda on radio or TV, and preventing children from receiving "national education", according to the text of regulations published on a government website.

China has for years blamed exiled Uighur "separatists' for a series of violent attacks in Xinjiang and warned of the potential for militants to link up with global jihadist groups.

But many independent experts have doubted the strength of overseas Uighur groups, with some saying China exaggerates the threat to justify tough security measures.

Previously Chinese authorities have restricted granting passports to Uighurs and adopted measures limiting or banning prayer at home, religious education for children, and fasting during Ramadan, which rights groups say has fuelled anger in the region.

Strict controls on the observance of certain Muslim practises, such as growing beards and wearing headscarves have been irregularly enforced in the past, but the new regulations are more sweeping and formal.

A US think tank said in July that tough Chinese religious restrictions on Muslims may have driven more than 100 to join the Islamic State.

Earlier this month Islamic State militants of the Uighur minority released a video vowing to return home and "shed blood like rivers" in China, in what experts said marked the first IS threat against Chinese targets.

In the video, a Uighur fighter issued the threat against China just before executing an alleged informant.

It also featured images of Chinese riot police guarding mosques, patrolling Uighur markets, and arresting men in what appears to be western China. The Chinese flag is pictured engulfed in flames.

The video was released the same day that China held a mass rally of 10,000 officers the region's capital Urumqi -- the fourth such rally this year in Xinjiang.

In one violence-wracked corner of Xinjiang, authorities are offering rewards of up to 5 million yuan ($730,000) to those who expose terror plots or "struggle, kill, wound, or subdue" any attackers.
Kim Jong-Nam was assassinated with the lethal nerve agent VX at a Malaysian airport on February 13, 2017

Nine Malaysians freed by Pyongyang arrived home early Friday, after Kuala Lumpur agreed to send back the body of the assassinated half-brother of North Korea's leader, ending a bitter feud between the two countries.

Kim Jong-Nam was killed with the lethal nerve agent VX on February 13 at a Kuala Lumpur airport, triggering a diplomatic row between Malaysia and North Korea, which expelled each other's ambassadors and barred their citizens from leaving.

But a deal announced by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and confirmed by North Korean state media on Thursday said the two countries had lifted their respective travel bans, and Kuala Lumpur would send the body to North Korea.

The Malaysians, three embassy staff and six family members, including a small baby and three other children, landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport before sunrise where they were met on the tarmac by Foreign Minister Anifah Aman.

North Korea's Kim dynasty

There were emotional scenes at the airport as they were embraced by tearful relatives who had also gathered to meet them.

Mohamad Nor Azrin, counsellor of the Malaysian embassy in Pyongyang, said that while they had not been threatened and were free to move around they were not allowed to leave.

"We were very concerned because we had done no wrong. But we had to keep our spirits up," he told reporters.

Najib, who had earlier declared the diplomatic crisis over, said on Twitter Friday: "Thank God, all nine Malaysians from Pyongyang have arrived safely in our homeland."

Najib had earlier announced the body was being sent back "following the completion of the autopsy on the deceased and receipt of a letter from his family requesting the remains be returned to North Korea".

The prime minister did not specify who in the family had made the request. Kim's wife and children, who were living in exile in the Chinese territory of Macau, staged a vanishing act after the murder and are believed to be in hiding.

On Friday, foreign minister Anifah confirmed the body was on its way back to North Korea after being kept in a hospital morgue in Kuala Lumpur for more than six weeks.

Chinese and Malaysian media reported it was put on board a Malaysian Airlines plane bound for Beijing at 7:39pm Thursday and an AFP photographer saw a North Korean embassy van and officials leaving Beijing airport early Friday morning.

Lethal nerve agent VX

South Korean news agency Yonhap reported Friday Kim's body was expected to leave for Pyongyang on an Air Koryo flight as early as on Saturday.

The South has blamed Pyongyang for the Cold War-style killing, citing what they say was a standing order from North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un to murder his exiled and estranged half-brother.

But the North denies this and denounced Malaysia's investigation into the death as an attempt to smear the secretive regime.

It had insisted that the man died of a heart attack and his body should be handed over to Pyongyang.

- Body a 'propaganda tool' -

Analysts said the North Korean regime may use Kim's body as a "propaganda tool".

"They will likely use the body to claim they were not responsible and tell an alternative narrative," said Bridget Welsh, an expert on Southeast Asian politics.

Pyongyang has refused to confirm the identity of the victim, who was carrying a North Korean passport bearing the name of Kim Chol when he was killed.

Malaysia however has officially confirmed his identity using DNA evidence.

There are fears Kim's 21-year-old son, Kim Han-Sol, could be targeted next.

Kim Jong-Nam (C, in grey suit), half-brother of North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un, pictured at Kuala Lumpur's international airport where he was attacked

Two women -- one Vietnamese and one Indonesian -- have been arrested and charged with the murder. Airport CCTV footage shows them approaching the 45-year-old victim and apparently smearing his face with a piece of cloth.

Malaysian investigators are also seeking seven North Korean suspects, four of whom left Malaysia on the day of the murder.

Interpol has issued an international arrest warrant for the four men and they were still on Interpol's list of those wanted for murder as of Friday.

Japanese media on board the MH360 plane to Beijing said two of the three other suspects who Malaysian police said went into hiding at the North Korean embassy were on board the plane that carried the remains of Kim.

It was still unclear what happened to the third suspect.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson speaks during a joint news conference with the Turkish Foreign Minister in Ankara, on March 30, 2017

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Thursday the fate of President Bashar al-Assad was up to the people of Syria, in the clearest indication yet of the new administration's policy in the war-torn country.

He also insisted during a visit to Turkey there was no difference between Ankara and Washington over the fight against the Islamic State group, even as his Turkish counterpart reiterated a key point of discord.

"I think the... longer term status of president Assad will be decided by the Syrian people," Tillerson told a news conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

Under Barack Obama's administration, the US made Assad's departure a key policy goal, but new US President Donald Trump has put the accent firmly on defeating IS in Syria and Iraq.

US-backed forces are battling IS as they advance on the jihadists' Syrian stronghold of Raqa, laying the groundwork for an assault on their so-called "caliphate".

Tillerson's trip comes the day after Turkey announced the end of "Euphrates Shield", its own military offensive in northern Syria launched in August, but did not say if its troops had been withdrawn.

Ties between the NATO allies were strained under Obama, particularly over US cooperation with the Syrian Kurdish militia fighting against IS, and the issue of a US-based Turkish preacher blamed by Ankara for orchestrating the attempted coup last year.

- 'Difficult choices' -

Ankara views the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) as a "terror group" linked to Kurdish separatists waging an insurgency inside Turkey since 1984, but Washington regards them as the best force fighting IS.

Turkey has suggested it wants to join any operation to capture Raqa, but without the Kurdish militia.

Tillerson hailed Turkey as a "key partner" in the fight against IS jihadists.

Syria: 5 million refugees, 6 million internally displaced

"There's no space between Turkey and the US and our commitment to defeat Daesh, to defeat ISIS," he added, using other names for IS.

He said options to defeat IS "anywhere Daesh shows its face" were difficult.

"What we discussed today were options that are available to us... These are not easy decisions. There are difficult choices that have to be made," Tillerson said, without elaborating.

"In terms of the future of Raqa we look forward to the liberation of Raqa and return of its control to local citizens authorities putting it under local control for security... so that all of the Syrians who had to flee that area can return."

However, Cavusoglu said Ankara expected "better cooperation" with the Trump administration regarding the YPG.

"It is not good or realistic to work with a terror group while fighting another terror group," he said.

Numerous diplomatic efforts have failed to end the Syrian conflict, which has killed more than 320,000 people and displaced millions since it erupted in March 2011 with protests against Assad's regime.

A fifth round of UN-sponsored peace talks is taking place in Geneva but no breakthrough has been reported and they are scheduled to end on Friday.

Mark Toner, acting State Department spokesman, had said earlier this month that Washington saw Assad as "a brutal man who has led his country into this morass" who could not be "an acceptable leader to all of the Syrian people".

"That said, it's up for the Syrian people -- that means opposition, moderate opposition - working with... some representation on the part of the regime to try to forge a political transition."

- 'Completely political' -

Tillerson also met President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for over two hours and held talks with Prime Minister Binali Yildirim.

Another bone of contention between Ankara and Washington is Turkey's call for the extradition of Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen.

Turkey accuses Gulen, an erstwhile Erdogan ally who lives in self-imposed in Pennsylvania, of ordering the July military coup bid, charges he strongly denies.

Yildirim's office said he and Tillerson discussed the next steps that should be taken for Gulen's return to Turkey.

The US detention of a senior Turkish state bank executive this week has also raised tensions, with Cavusoglu describing it as "completely political".

Halkbank's Mehmet Hakan Atilla is accused of helping to process millions of dollars of illegal transactions through US banks for Iran's government and other Iranian institutions.
President Joseph Kabila of Democratic Republic of Congo first took power in 2001 to replace his assassinated father as war ravaged the country

The Democratic Republic of Congo's opposition have called for a stay-home stoppage for Monday to force President Joseph Kabila to implement a deal on sharing power.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, an umbrella group of opposition parties said they would stage a "ghost town" operation bringing cities to a standstill across the country.

The alliance, called Rassemblement ("Rally"), condemned "the chaos" that it said had been caused by Kabila's failure to implement a power-sharing deal signed on December 31.

Kabila first took power in 2001 to replace his assassinated father as war ravaged the country.

His unwillingness to step down and enable elections at the end of his constitutional mandate last year led to protests in which at least 17 people were killed.

Under a deal brokered by the country's influential Roman Catholic bishops, Kabila was allowed to stay in office until late 2017 in tandem with a transitional body and a new premier, who will be drawn from opposition ranks.

But talks on implementing the accord appear to have broken down, and violence has flared in the vast, volatile country.

Last week, 39 police were killed in an ambush by rebels in the remote central region of Kasai in an ambush by rebels.

In a separate incident, two foreign UN experts, one American and the other Swedish, were killed in the same region.

The UN, European Union, African Union and the International Organisation of La Francophonie -- the French-speaking equivalent of the Commonwealth -- on Tuesday called for an opposition figure to be named premier in line with December 31 agreement.

"A step forward of this kind will help the country's stabilisation process, the restoration of public order... and the holding of elections as scheduled," they said.

The opposition coalition was formed around Etienne Tshisekedi, a veteran foe of successive Kinshasa regimes who died in Brussels in February, aged 84.
Border guards loyal to the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas stand guard during a rally to mark Land Day in the Gaza Strip on March 30, 2017

Thousands of Arab Israelis and Palestinians gathered Thursday for annual demonstrations marking Land Day, which commemorates 1976 protests in which six people were killed by Israel.

A few thousand demonstrators raised the Palestinian flag and chanted slogans at a march in Deir Hanna in northern Israel.

Smaller protests occurred in Gaza and parts of the occupied West Bank, with clashes near Nablus.

The 1976 protest against Israeli plans to seize large sections of land in northern Israel was met with a violent police response.

Addressing the crowd in Deir Hanna, Israeli journalist Gideon Levy, a prominent advocate of Palestinian rights, said: "It is not easy to be a Palestinian in the West Bank, not easy being a Palestinian in Israel either.

"You do not have the same rights."

Samir Abu Hussein, the town's mayor, urged his fellow Arab Israelis "to struggle each day against the Zionist storm which wants to subjugate the Arabs with its racist policies".

A Palestinian man plants his national flag atop an iron fence set up by Israeli security forces between the West Bank village of Beit Jala and the Jerusalem area, on March 30, 2017 during Land Day protest

Land Day itself has become a symbol of Palestinian suffering, according to Mohammad Barakeh, a former member of the Israeli parliament and an organiser of the demonstration.

"The march is a message to our people everywhere," he told AFP. "It represents a historical turning point."

Arab Israelis make up around 17.5 percent of the country's population and are descended from Palestinians who remained on their land after the creation of Israel in 1948.

They hold Israeli citizenship but most see themselves as Palestinians and complain of discrimination.

The Adalah NGO, which campaigns for the rights of Arabs in Israel, said in a statement on Thursday that Israeli authorities "persist in their discriminatory policies against Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel."

In January, a local resident and a policeman died during a raid on the Bedouin Arab village of Umm al-Hiran in southern Israel to demolish a number of homes.
Surrounded by miners, President Donald Trump signs an order on Tuesday he said would end the "war of coal" by rolling back Obama-era environmental protections

US environmental groups and a Native American tribe have filed a lawsuit to block the Trump administration's plans to resume leasing of federal lands for coal mining.

President Donald Trump's move this week to overturn a year-old moratorium on new coal mining leases "was unlawful because it doesn't satisfy basic principles of reasoned decision making," said Jenny Harbine, an attorney leading the legal challenge for Earthjustice, a non-profit law group.

In his announcement Tuesday, Trump declared an "end to the war on coal," reversing a series of "job killing" environmental initiatives by former president Barack Obama, including the Clean Power Plan, which aimed to phase out the use of coal power plants and ban new coal leases.

Trump had "waved the wand in an attempt to revive a dying coal industry," Harbine said.

The Obama administration in January 2016 imposed a moratorium on new coal mining leases on federal lands, most of which are located in the Powder River Basin of Montana and Wyoming, primarily surface mines.

Although coal mined on federal land accounts for more than 40 percent of total US production, the rules governing the leases have been in place since 1979. The Obama administration had sought to review the leases to take the environmental impact and benefits to taxpayers into consideration.

In the lawsuit, filed Wednesday in a US court in Montana, Earthjustice is joined by the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, the Sierra Club, Defenders of Wildlife and other local and national environmental groups.

Pending lease applications put on hold when the Obama moratorium took effect involve nearly two billion tonnes of coal and tens of thousands of acres (hectares), Harbine told AFP.

While she agreed the Trump administration has the prerogative to change the policies of its predecessors, "what he can't do is make those decisions based on whim and politics alone," she said.

"You need to have rational basis for decision making," she added. "There is a long line of precedent overturning government decisions not based on facts and science."

The suit charges that overturning the block on new leases violates US law because it "opened the door to new coal leasing and its attendant consequences without first performing an environmental review evaluating the program's significant environmental, health, and economic impacts."

Northern Cheyenne President Jace Killsback said the tribe would bear the brunt of resumed coal leasing, which will "impact our pristine air and water quality, (and) will adversely affect our sacred cultural properties and traditional spiritual practices."

However, mining advocates applauded the reversal of Obama-era environmental rules.

The coal leasing program is "highly profitable to taxpayers," the National Mining Association said.

"The moratorium on federal coal leasing was entirely without merit and rested on politically contrived reasoning," the association's chief Hal Quinn said in a statement.
UN experts pointed out that anti-protest bills were coming at a time when the United States was seeing some of the largest and most frequent demonstrations in its history

UN experts urged American lawmakers Thursday to stop pushing "undemocratic" anti-protest legislation, which they warned breached US and international law ensuring rights to freedom of expression and assembly.

Since the presidential election in November, lawmakers in at least 19 US states have introduced bills to restrict the rights of protesters, the United Nations rights experts warned.

And since January, when President Donald Trump took office, "a number of undemocratic bills have been proposed in state legislatures with the purpose or effect of criminalising peaceful protests," they said in a statement.

David Kaye, the UN's top expert on freedom of expression, and Maina Kiai, the expert on freedom of assembly, also voiced their concerns in a letter sent to the US mission in Geneva earlier this week.

When contacted by AFP, the mission could not immediately provide comment.

The two experts pointed out that the bills were coming at a time when the United States was seeing some of the largest and most frequent demonstrations in its history, including by the Black Lives Matter movement, Native Americans opposing the Dakota Access oil pipeline and massive women's marches.

"The bills, if enacted into law, would severely infringe upon the exercise of the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly in ways that are incompatible with US obligations under international human rights law and with First Amendment protections," they said.

"The trend also threatens to jeopardise one of the United States' constitutional pillars: free speech," they added.

The experts pointed for instance to an Indiana Senate bill that would allow law enforcement to "use any means necessary to clear the roads of people unlawfully obstructing vehicular traffic".

They also highlighted a Missouri bill that proposed prison terms of up to seven years for "unlawful obstruction of traffic," and bills in Florida and Tennessee that would exempt drivers from liability if they accidentally hit and kill people demonstrating in the road.

They also balked at other legislation characterising protests as "violent".

"There can be no such thing in law as a violent protest, ... (only) violent protesters, who should be dealt with individually and appropriately by law enforcement," they said.
Senators Mark Warner (L) and Richard Burr -- chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence -- promised a thorough investigation of Russian meddling in the presidential election at a hearing on Thursday

US senators warned Thursday of Russia's "unprecedented" threat to American and European democratic institutions Thursday as they opened their first public hearing into Moscow's interference in the 2016 presidential election.

With the main House probe in political disarray, the Senate Intelligence Committee took the lead investigating how Russia allegedly sought to skew the election in favor of President Donald Trump.

The hearings opened with testimony by academic experts on Russia's history of political meddling, and will include more than 20 witnesses as the committee delves into allegations of collusion with Moscow.

On the witness list are top figures from Trump's election team suspected of communicating with Russian officials during the campaign.

"The American public, indeed, all democratic societies need to understand that malign actors are using old techniques with new platforms to undermine our democratic institutions," said Republican committee chair Richard Burr.

"This is not innuendo or a false allegation. This is not fake news. This is what actually happened to us," said Democratic Senator Mark Warner, the committees vice chairman.

Just before the hearing began, Russian President Vladimir Putin again dismissed the US intelligence charge that he masterminded the election disruption effort.

Such charges are "absurd" and "irresponsible," Putin said in the northern city of Arkhangelsk at an international forum on the Arctic.

But US senators warned that Europe is now experiencing the same type of computer hacking and disinformation campaign that the United States did.

"Some of our close allies in Europe are experiencing exactly the same kind of interference in their political processes. Germany has said its parliament has been hacked. French presidential candidates right now have been the subjects of Russian propaganda and disinformation," he added.

The hearing opened amid worries that any inquiry could be stifled by Republicans seeking to protect the White House from the scandal.

Trump has branded the Russia story "fake news" and has said Democrats are trying to undermine the legitimacy of his victory in the November 8 election.

The House Intelligence Committee cancelled planned hearings this week with intelligence and justice officials after the Republican chair, Devin Nunes, said he had new information that Trump aides were "incidentally" picked up in surveillance of foreign agents.

The probe "is about holding Russia to account for this unprecedented attack against our democracy," said Warner.

"I would hope that the president is as anxious as we are to get to the bottom of what happened."

"But I have to say editorially, that the president's recent conduct -- with his wild and uncorroborated accusations about wiretapping, and his inappropriate and unjustified attacks on America's hard-working intelligence professionals -- does give me grave concern."
Members of Malaysia's Hazmat team conduct a decontamination operation at the departures terminal of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2, where Kim Jong-Nam was killed in Sepang on February 26, 2017

The body of the assassinated half-brother of North Korea's leader, which has been stored in a Malaysian morgue for more than six weeks, will be sent to Pyongyang under a deal announced Thursday.

Kim Jong-Nam was poisoned with a lethal nerve agent in a brazen Cold War-style killing in a Kuala Lumpur airport on February 13, sparking a diplomatic row between the two countries.

Under the terms of the agreement, nine Malaysians prevented from leaving Pyongyang will be freed and North Koreans in Kuala Lumpur will be allowed to go home.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak tweeted that the "diplomatic crisis is over".

Here is a timeline of key events:

- February 13: A 45-year-old man holding a North Korean passport identifying himself as Kim Chol dies after being attacked at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

- February 14: South Korea's Yonhap news agency reports Kim Jong-Nam, the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, has been assassinated in the Malaysian capital. Seoul blames the North for the murder.

- February 15: An autopsy by Malaysian authorities begins. Police arrest a Vietnamese woman in connection with the murder.

- February 16: A second woman is detained.

- February 18: Malaysian police arrest 46-year-old North Korean citizen Ri Jong Chol in connection with the murder.

- February 22: Malaysia says the North Korean embassy's second secretary and a North Korean airline employee are wanted for questioning.

- February 24: Malaysia says VX nerve agent, classified by the UN as a weapon of mass destruction, was the poison used to kill Kim Jong-Nam.

- March 1: Indonesian Siti Aisyah, 25, and Doan Thi Huong, 28, from Vietnam are charged with murder. North Korea pours scorn on what it calls "absurd" claims that VX was used, saying South Korea and the US are mounting a smear campaign against it.

- March 2: Malaysia cancels a visa-free travel deal with North Korea.

- March 3: Ri Jong-Chol is released by Malaysian police due to insufficient evidence, and is deported.

- March 6: Malaysia deports North Korea's ambassador and Pyongyang orders tit-for-tat expulsion of Malaysia's envoy even though he has already left.

- March 7: Tensions escalate after North Korea bans Malaysians from leaving Pyongyang. Malaysia also bars North Koreans from leaving Malaysia.

- March 8: A video of a man describing himself as the son of Kim Jong-Nam emerges, the first time a family member has publicly spoken about the killing. South Korea's intelligence agency confirms the individual on the video is Kim Han-Sol.

- March 10: Malaysian police say they have confirmed the dead man's identity as Kim Jong-Nam but refuse to reveal how his identity was determined.

- March 15: Malaysia's deputy prime minister says investigators used a DNA sample from a child of Kim Jong-Nam to confirm his identity.

- March 16: Interpol issues an international arrest warrant for four North Koreans wanted by Malaysian investigators for the killing.

- March 29: Malaysia Prime Minister Najib Razak says his government is engaged in "very sensitive" talks with North Korea over the nine Malaysians stranded in Pyongyang.

- March 30: Najib announces an agreement to return the body to North Korea and for nine Malaysians in Pyongyang to be freed. North Koreans in Kuala Lumpur will also be allowed to go home.

A van believed carrying Kim's body leaves a hospital morgue for the airport and media reports say it is put on a Beijing-bound plane.
Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas attending talks of the Arab League summit in the Jordanian Dead Sea resort of Sweimeh on March 29, 2017

President Donald Trump is "serious" about solving the Israel-Palestinian conflict, Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas said ahead of a meeting with the US leader.

"The US administration of President Donald Trump is seriously considering a solution to the Palestinian issue," Abbas told AFP late Wednesday after a meeting of the Arab League in Jordan.

Abbas met with Trump's Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt before leaving for the summit and said contacts with the administration were ongoing.

"(There is) continuing dialogue with the American administration and there were a number of issues they wanted our opinion on or our answer to them," he added.

"We gave them our position on all their questions."

Abbas is expected to meet with Trump in Washington for the first time in April.

Trump is also expected to meet other Arab leaders in the coming weeks, including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah II.

Trump caused alarm among Palestinians and many parts of the international community in February when he broke with years of US policy in support of the two-state solution, meaning an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.

"I'm looking at two-state and one-state, and I like the one that both parties like," Trump said at the White House before a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Abbas said the Arab League summit on Wednesday confirmed that the Arab world had a "clear" vision for peace on the basis of two-states.

In their final statement, the leaders called for a revival of "serious and productive peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians" and renewed their commitment to a two-state solution.
Myanmar's democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, seen in February 2017, was swept into office after her party's euphoric victory in the first free polls in a generation

Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi defended her civilian government's first year in power in a rare public address on Thursday, saying her party was dedicated to rebuilding a nation ravaged by decades of army rule.

The democracy icon was swept into office after her party's euphoric victory in the first free polls in a generation.

But her first twelve months in power have been rocky.

Fresh unrest in Myanmar's ethnic minority borderlands and disappointing economic growth in particular have cast a pall over Suu Kyi's two top policy promises: peace and development.

While many in Myanmar still revere the former activist as a saint, criticism of her administration has grown in some international circles, particularly over her tepid response to a bloody military crackdown on the Muslim Rohingya.

In her speech on Thursday, which was broadcast on national television to mark the government's one year anniversary, Suu Kyi stressed that her party had inherited a host of complications from the country's military past.

"We are now trying to change a system which existed for over 50 years," she said.

"We can see our goals clearly and we are marching to reach them. The goals are national reconciliation and peace."

The Nobel laureate must still contend with a powerful military that has retained power over a bloc of parliament and key government ministries.

Yet she has shied away from publicly criticising the generals since coming to power.

In her speech Thursday night Suu Kyi also denounced the UN's decision to investigate allegations of army abuse against the Rohingya in Rakhine state.

"We don't accept (the UN's) decision as it is not suitable for the situation of our country," she said, without elaborating.

The violence in Rakhine has sent more than 75,000 Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh, carrying with them shocking stories of security officers raping, murdering and torturing villagers.

UN investigators believe troops may have committed crimes against humanity in their crackdown, which was triggered after Rohingya militants killed nine policemen in October 2016.

Suu Kyi has previously asked the international community for "space" when it comes to addressing the volatile relationship between Muslims and Rakhine's majority-Buddhist population.

The state is effectively segregated along religious lines, with more than 120,000 Rohingya still trapped in grim displacement camps set up after sectarian violence swept through the region in 2012.

Before the recent crackdown erupted Suu Kyi appointed a commission led by former UN chief Kofi Annan to advise her administration on the troubled state.

Earlier this month the body recommended the camps be closed and said restrictions on freedom of movement should be lifted.
Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmed al-Khalifa attends attends the meeting of foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council in the Saudi capital Riyadh, on March 30, 2017

Gulf ministers meeting in Riyadh on Thursday condemned what they termed Iran's support for "terrorist gangs" in Bahrain and urged Tehran to stop fueling "sectarian conflicts".

In a statement issued at the end of a meeting in Riyadh, the ministers of the Arab states of the Gulf expressed "condemnation of the provocative and irresponsible statements, and acts of aggression by the Iranian regime towards the kingdom of Bahrain".

They also deplored Tehran's "support to terrorist gangs" and accused it of "fueling sectarian strife to harm national unity in the kingdom".

The ministerial council urged Iran to "abandon politics that lead to nourishing sectarian and confessional conflicts, and to stop forming and supporting groups and militias that fuel these conflicts in Arab states".

Sunni-ruled Bahrain and fellow Gulf monarchies have repeatedly accused Shiite-dominated Iran of meddling in the kingdom's internal affairs, a charge that Tehran categorically denies.

Bahrain frequently claims busting terror cells formed by members of its majority Shiite majority. Many have been tried and jailed over charges of belonging to such groups.

The tiny kingdom has seen sporadic protests and clashes since security forces quelled Shiite-led protests in 2011 that demanded political reforms.

Bahrain is strongly backed by neighbouring Saudi Arabia, the Sunni heavyweight and regional rival of Shiite Iran.

The two countries are at odds in the Syrian conflict, where Iran supports the regime of President Bashar al-Assad while Riyadh backs the opposition.

Iran earlier on Thursday strongly denied any meddling, a day after Arab leaders at a summit in Jordan condemned "foreign interference" in their affairs in a clear reference to the Islamic republic.
Jordanian King Abdullah II (L) is seen at his first meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington on February 2, 2017

Jordan's King Abdullah will visit the White House next week for his second meeting with Donald Trump since the US president took office, a US official told AFP Thursday.

Trump and Abdullah briefly met at a prayer breakfast in Washington last month.

The official confirmed that Abdullah will visit on April 5, amid increased diplomatic efforts to get the Palestinian-Israeli peace process back on track.

Earlier in the week Trump will host Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, another key player in the stalled peace process.

Trump's Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt has been shuttling around the Middle East trying to build momentum for a deal that would be the ultimate achievement for a president who prides himself on bargaining prowess.

The issue was also raised when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the White House last month.

No date has yet been set for Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas to visit the White House, although a tentative invitation has been made.

The Jordanian king's visit also comes as fight against the Islamic State group enters a crucial stage, with allies attempting to wrestle back control of Mosul and Raqqa.

Relations between Amman and Washington recently hit a bump when Trump introduced rules barring large electronic devises on flights from Jordan and the United States.

Several other countries faced similar measures.
US auto maker Ford boosts investment in research and development of connected cars at its Canadian facilities

US auto maker Ford announced Thursday it will invest Can$500 million (US$376 million) in Canada to create 300 research and engineering jobs amid its drive to connect cars to the internet.

The governments of Canada and Ontario province also pitched in with grants of Can$102.4 million each.

The monies will go to support a new Ottawa lab focused on infotainment, in-vehicle modems, gateway modules that allow various vehicle systems to communicate with each other, driver-assist features and autonomous vehicles.

Also Ford said it would increase staff at facilities in Windsor and Oakville, Ontario, developing new powertrain technologies, alternative fuels and lightweight materials for use in cars and trucks, as well as technology to capture industrial emissions and convert them into fuels.

The Oakville facility and another in Waterloo, Ontario, will work in parallel with labs in the US states of North Carolina and Florida. A further 100 jobs are being created in the United States.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the new employees being hired by Ford from Canadian firm BlackBerry, which recently outsourced manufacturing of its smartphones to focus on software development.

Ford's "infotainment" system uses software developed by QNX, a BlackBerry subsidiary, it noted.

The new hires more than double the size of Ford's mobile connectivity engineering team.

The global market for connected vehicles will exceed US$131 billion by 2019, after growing 30 percent annually, according to a study by Transparency Market Research that was cited by Ford.

Ford plans to equip 20 million vehicles with integrated modems over the next five years.

The second-largest US car company had previously announced it would spend Can$700 million to refurbish its Windsor and Oakville assembly plants.

"The automotive industry is driving Ontario's economy," said Kathleen Wynne, premier of the province, which employs 100,000 workers in assembly and parts manufacturing.

In the past five years, Ontario has produced more cars than any other province or US state in North America, or about 15 percent of total passenger vehicle production, according to Wynne.
US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said she would focus on ways to remove the influence of Assad's ally Iran

The United States admitted Thursday that it is no longer focused on ousting Bashar al-Assad as it seeks a new strategy to end Syria's civil war.

American officials have been shifting away from their former insistence that he must go for some time, but now they have made it explicit.

In New York, the US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley condemned Assad's history of human rights abuses against his own people.

But she said Washington would focus on working with powers like Turkey and Russia to seek a political settlement, rather than focusing on Assad.

"You pick and choose your battles," Haley told reporters.

"And when we're looking at this, it's about changing up priorities and our priority is no longer to sit and focus on getting Assad out."

Shortly before Haley briefed a small group of journalists, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson sent a similar signal at a news conference in Turkey.

"I think the... longer term status of President Assad will be decided by the Syrian people," Tillerson said, standing alongside Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

The Syrian opposition, whose cooperation will be needed in any negotiated solution, reacted furiously to the US shift in stance.

"The opposition will never accept any role for Bashar al-Assad at any phase," said Monzer Makhos, a spokesman for the HNC, the opposition negotiating group.

"There will be no change in our position," he warned.

Under Barack Obama's administration, the US made Assad's departure a key goal, but new president Donald Trump has put the accent on defeating the Islamic State group.

Tillerson's reference to the Syrian people's decision reflected language long used by Assad's ally Russia, whose assistance Washington is courting.

"Our priority is to really look at how do we get things done? Who do we need to work with to really make a difference for the people in Syria," Haley said.

"We can't necessarily focus on Assad the way the previous administration maybe did. Do we think he's a hindrance? Yes," she said.

"Are we going to sit there and focus on getting him out? No."

US officials sought to play down the significance of the change in tone, but experts said the switch in focus was an important admission.

Joseph Bahout, of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington noted that Tillerson had spoken after meeting Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Erdogan was once a strong foe of Assad, but recently Turkish-backed rebels in Syria have focused on fighting Kurdish militias and the IS group.

Members of Syria's opposition delegation attend a meeting of Intra-Syria peace talks with the UN Special Envoy for Syria at Palais des Nations in Geneva on March 30, 2017

Bahout said Tillerson's statement was a bit "shameful" after the years of US insistence that Assad's crimes had rendered him unfit to govern.

"The use of 'longer term' allows us to imagine that this issue is no longer on the immediate agenda," he told AFP.

"And 'decided by the Syria people' suggests that there's no longer any consideration of an international mechanism on this question," he said.

Previously, the United States has stuck by a UN-backed peace plan that would see Assad "transition" from office while an interim regime is formed.

Now, Bahout suggested, Tillerson and Haley appear not to be ruling out a Russian idea that Assad should stand for re-election in 2020.

"What's sure, in any case, is that the Russians must be pretty happy," he said.

Tillerson is due in Moscow next month for talks with Russian leaders, and Trump has long argued the powers should work together against the IS group.

US-backed forces are closing in on the jihadist Islamic State's Syrian stronghold of Raqa, laying the groundwork for an assault on the capital of their so-called "caliphate".

Tillerson's trip came the day after Turkey announced the end of "Euphrates Shield", its own six-month-old military offensive in northern Syria.

Ties between the NATO allies were strained under Obama, particularly over US cooperation with the Syrian Kurdish militia fighting against IS.

- 'Difficult choices' -

Turkey wants to join any operation to capture Raqa, but without the US-backed Kurdish YPG militia, which it regards as terrorist.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu (R) and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson give a joint press conference following a meeting on March 30, 2017 in Ankara

"There's no space between Turkey and the US and our commitment to defeat Daesh, to defeat ISIS," Tillerson said, using the US government's terms for IS.

"What we discussed today were options that are available to us... These are not easy decisions. There are difficult choices that have to be made," he said.

However, Cavusoglu said Ankara was still concerned about the YPG, warning: "It is not good or realistic to work with a terror group while fighting another terror group."

Numerous diplomatic efforts have failed to end the Syrian conflict, which has killed more than 320,000 people and displaced millions since it erupted in March 2011.

A fifth round of UN-sponsored peace talks is taking place in Geneva but no breakthrough has been reported and they are scheduled to end on Friday.
Streaming for the first time accounted for most recorded music revenue in the United States last year, bringing the industry its fastest growth in nearly 20 years, figures have revealed.

While the breakneck expansion is welcome news for a long-beleaguered music industry, overall revenue is still half the level from the late 1990s before the revolution in online music.

The Recording Industry Association of America said that overall revenue soared by 11.4 percent in 2016 from the prior year to $7.7 billion, the heftiest annual gain since 1998.

Spotify is one of the services that made streaming the largest source of US recorded music revenue in 2016 for the first time

The money from paid subscriptions to streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal more than doubled in the last year alone, the industry body said.

With the growth, streaming accounted for 51 percent of the music industry's revenue in 2016, up from just nine percent in 2011, it said.

Streaming options have been rising for consumers, with Apple entering the market in 2015 and online retail giant Amazon recently launching a service.

The trends in the United States, the world's largest music market, show a sharp escalation of global trends in recent years.

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, the London-based global body, similarly reported historic growth in 2015. It is set to release 2016 global figures in the coming weeks.

But streaming -- which allows users to select any song on-demand online -- has led to casualties among other formats, which have historically been bigger money-makers for artists.

US revenue from digital downloads on platforms such as iTunes plummeted 22 percent last year and CD sales fell by a similar 21 percent.

One exception was vinyl, which has experienced a rebirth thanks to interest among serious collectors. But vinyl was up only by four percent, still growing but at a more modest pace.

Major record labels have hailed streaming as a new way to boost the industry after years of struggles starting with the craze of illegal downloading in the 1990s.

But some artists complain that they earn little from the boom in streaming, with a sliver of the revenue heading back to musicians even if they now enjoy a welcome new outlet for exposure.

Cary Sherman, chairman and chief executive of the US recording association, hailed the 2016 growth but cautioned about the future, noting that the expansion came after years of decline.

'As excited as we are about our growth in 2016, our recovery is fragile and fraught with risk,' he wrote in a blog post.

'The marketplace is still evolving, and we've experienced unexpected turns too many times before.'

With CDs and downloads in free fall, 'much rides on a streaming market that must fairly recognize the enormous value of music,' he wrote.

The music business has ramped up its campaign to reform the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, the 1998 US law that generally exempts internet providers for content on their sites.

The recording industry argues that the law, whose principles are largely applied in Europe as well, needs to be stronger to force online behemoth YouTube and its parent Google to take more aggressive action to bring down unauthorized music.

Ironically, while music stars are overwhelmingly critical of US President Donald Trump, some industry players believe there is a greater chance of reform friendly to copyright holders with the Republican Party in control of the White House and Congress.
Mobile devices can be hacked to allow an attacker to listen via the phone's microphone, access its camera, monitor geolocation or even take over the handset remotely

President Donald Trump has a new phone. An iPhone.

That would not ordinarily be news, but given the security concerns about the risk of hack attacks on the prolific White House tweeter, the shift is significant.

Cybersecurity specialists say Trump's decision to transition from his Android device -- details of which were never disclosed but which was believed to be an unsecured, older-model Samsung -- is positive for security, but doesn't eliminate risks from hackers.

"I can guarantee the Russians and Chinese will try to figure out an attack," said John Dickson, a former air force cybersecurity officer who now works for the Texas-based Denim Group consulting firm.

White House social media chief Dan Scavino confirmed the smartphone shift this week, tweeting that Trump "has been using his new iPhone for the past couple of weeks here on Twitter. Yes, it is #POTUS45 reading & tweeting!"

Dickson said security will depend on how the president is using the device -- whether it is exclusively for tweeting -- and if it is plugged into an enterprise management system that can "wall off" vulnerabilities.

"If it's a single-purpose device, the risk is minimal," he said. "But as soon as you start clicking on things, downloading apps, granting access, that's when things matter tremendously."

Mobile devices can be hacked to allow an attacker to listen via the phone's microphone, access its camera, monitor geolocation or even take over the handset remotely.

Former president Barack Obama carried a BlackBerry, and later a different smartphone, with security modifications that limited its functions.

Trump's switch comes despite his call for a boycott a year ago of the iPhone maker for refusing FBI requests to help hack a device for a probe into a deadly California attack.

- More secure? -

Former US president Barack Obama carried a BlackBerry, and later a different smartphone, with security modifications that limited its functions

Some analysts say Apple devices may offer more security because the company controls the hardware and software and frequently updates its operating system. Apple did not respond to an AFP query on Trump's decision.

Betsy Cooper, executive director of the University of California's Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity said that despite Apple's reputation, recent research has shown "that both iPhones and Android can be abused by hackers."

Cooper said it remains unclear how the president's social media is managed -- what devices are used and who has access to his personal @realDonaldTrump and official @POTUS handles on Twitter.

From a security standpoint, "it would be better to eliminate the personal accounts and use only government devices and government-protected social media accounts," Cooper said.

Concerns of hacking come following Trump's unverified allegation that his phones were tapped during last year's election campaign, and after leaked documents from former contractor Edward Snowden showed US tapping of German leader Angela Merkel's personal phone.

Some phones are marketed as "hardened" or secure devices for people in power, but it wasn't clear if these are used at the White House.

- Phone as 'honeypot'? -

Nicholas Weaver, a researcher at the California-based International Computer Science Institute, said Trump's phone swap "massively reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the security risks."

But while he agreed foreign governments are likely to try to hack the phone, Weaver said US intelligence services may have modified it to be "a nice honeypot to trap attempted attacks."

A honeypot is a technique used to lure hackers and attackers to identify them and find ways to neutralize or punish them.

Weaver said in a blog post earlier this year that Trump's use of an older Android device opened massive security risks and that "the working assumption should be that Trump's phone is compromised by at least one -- probably multiple -- hostile foreign intelligence services."

At the time, it was not clear what type of handset Trump was using, but a New York Times report after the inauguration said he was using "his old, unsecured Android phone."

Last month, Representative Ted Lieu of California called for an investigation, saying Trump's phone use may be "jeopardizing national security."

Dickson said that even with strong security, the president could fall victim to an attack if he uses his phone for email and web browsing.

This could be in the form of "spearphishing," or a message disguised to look as if it's from a trusted aide or family member, but which contains malware.

"This is what sophisticated attackers do," Dickson said, and because the president's activities are widely known, "he would be an easier target for spearphishing."
Ousted South Korean President Park Geun-hye (C), leaves the prosecutors' office in a car as she is transferred to a detention house early on March 31, 2017 in Seoul, South Korea

Daughter of a dictator and later head of state herself, South Korea's Park Geun-Hye has spent nearly two decades living in Seoul's sprawling presidential palace. Now she will be locked in a cell, eating $1.30 meals and doing her own washing up.

A court on Friday ordered the ousted South Korean leader arrested as a criminal suspect in the vast corruption and influence-peddling scandal that brought millions of people into the streets, and culminated with her impeachment.

She will join other key figures in the scandal, including her secret confidante Choi Soon-Sil and the heir to the Samsung business empire Lee Jae-Yong, at the Seoul Detention Centre in Uiwang.

The complex south of the capital is made up of cell blocks -- women and men are segregated -- and other facilities, behind a barbed wire fence and a high wall interspersed with watch towers.

Its list of past residents reads like a Who's Who of South Korean business and politics, among them an army-backed ex-president jailed in the 1990s for bribery, a former spy chief, and SK Group chairman Chey Tae-Won, who leads the country's third-largest conglomerate.

Most detainees at the centre share 12-square-metre cells designed to hold about six people, but prominent figures stay in one-person facilities due to safety concerns.

The humble, 6.5-square-metre space features a foldable mattress on the floor serving as a bed, a television, a small cupboard, and a toilet and cold-water sink -- although reports suggested that given her status Park could be allocated one of the larger cells to herself.

Inmates can use communal hot bathing facilities twice a week.

Three meals are provided, budgeted at 1,440 won ($1.30) each. Inmates are required to eat in their cell and wash the meal tray at the sink before returning it. No outside food is allowed.

Detainees are required to wear uniforms -- the women's are green -- with morning roll call at 6am and evening 9pm. An hour's outdoor exercise is allowed each day.

In between inmates can be questioned by prosecutors and meet their lawyers.

Prison authorities do not impose any time limits on attorney consultations, with some wealthy inmates taking advantage of the rule to spend most of their waking hours at a visiting area with their lawyers.

From president to suspect

Cho Yoon-Sun, Park's former culture minister currently on trial for creating a blacklist of artists critical of Park to starve them of state subsidies, has her husband among her defence lawyers.

According to Seoul-based JoongAng Monthly Magazine she stays in the visiting area with him from nine to five every day.

A former lawyer and banker herself and long known for a luxurious lifestyle, Cho is reportedly having trouble adjusting to prison life, refusing to eat food from the centre's kitchens and subsisting mostly on fruit.

- Bad hair day -

Park faces multiple charges from bribery to abuse of power, according to prosecutors probing the scandal centred on her and her friend Choi.

It remains unclear whether Park will receive any special treatment at the detention centre, but her detention is another disgrace in the decline and fall of a woman seen for decades as the country's political "princess".

The 65-year-old daughter of late strongman Park Chung-Hee, has long maintained an elaborate hairstyle emulating her late mother -- a popular figure among aged, conservative voters -- and has refused to be seen by others without undergoing an hour-long daily routine at the hands of her stylists.

South Korea's ousted president Park Geun-Hye (front R) arrives for questioning on her arrest warrant at the Seoul Central District Court in Seoul on March 30, 2017

The practice came under fire when it was reported to be among the possible explanations for her absence during the first critical hours of the Sewol ferry sinking disaster in 2014, while officials were frantically asking for guidance.

Park has invited the stylists -- two sisters who industry sources suggest could charge 500,000 won ($450) per visit -- to her private home every day since she left the presidential palace earlier this month, including when the Sewol ferry was finally lifted out of the water, prompting online jeers.

Her preferred style requires dozens of small metal pins to maintain its form, which are banned in prison for security reasons.

Lawmaker and former prosecutor Lee Yong-Ju told a radio station: "The moment Park undoes her hair, or when she wakes up in prison and realises that she can no longer do her hair, she will really be faced with this stark new reality."
The meeting between US President Donald Trump (R) in and Chinese leader Xi Jinping (L) could be crucial in setting the tone of the relationship between the two powers in coming years

US President Donald Trump predicted an upcoming meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping would be "very difficult" Thursday, laying out an adversarial tone ahead of a high-profile summit.

"The meeting next week with China will be a very difficult one," Trump tweeted, in apparent reference to the Mar-a-Lago meeting.

"We can no longer have massive trade deficits... and job losses. American companies must be prepared to look at other alternatives."

The summit at Trump's Florida residence would be the first face-to-face meeting between the heads of the world's two most powerful nations and leading economies.

It follows a rocky start to US-China relations under the billionaire politician, who has repeatedly blasted Beijing for its trade policies and reluctance to bring pressure on North Korea over its nuclear and missile programs.

The meeting, which is scheduled for April 6-7 and was confirmed by both countries Thursday, could be crucial in setting the tone of the relationship between the two powers in coming years.

The White House confirmed the meeting in a statement, saying that the leaders will "discuss global, regional, and bilateral issues of mutual concern."

Trump and his wife Melania will also host Xi and China's first lady Peng Liyuan for dinner, it added.

The resort's casual nature will allow Trump to receive the Chinese leader without the full pomp and circumstance of a state visit.

Just weeks ago the summit seemed a distant possibility after Trump infuriated Beijing with suggestions he might break from the US's long-standing One China Policy, which nominally acknowledges the Asian giant's claims over Taiwan without recognizing them.

In a conciliatory phone call in mid-February, the US president walked back controversial comments on Taiwan, creating an opening for Washington and Beijing to discuss a meeting.

"The summit could well be a peaceful combination of a strategic kumbaya and economic gift giving, before storms erupt later over trade, regional hotspots, and human resources-issues," according to Douglas Paal, Asia Director at the Washington-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

- Tough tone -

But Trump's tough language on trade and increasing frustration about China's policies on North Korea could signal he is already willing to throw sand in the gears.

Relations have been strained by China's fierce opposition to a US missile defense system being rolled out in South Korea to protect against attacks from the North.

The US ambassador to the United Nations on Thursday said China can and must do more to force North Korea to halt its nuclear and missile programs.

And, amid reports that Pyongyang is preparing another banned nuclear test, Haley said Washington would not settle for holding another UN debate.

"I have no patience for it, and it is not helping anyone. And it's not about me. This administration has no patience for it," she said.

Trump's tweet and Haley's comments appeared to be orchestrated, coming just hours after both countries publicly announced Xi's visit, which had been in pipeline for weeks.

The tough tone could be a negotiating gambit for from a man who prides himself on mastering the "Art of the Deal."

Whatever the motive, it is likely to play well with a base of Trump supporters who wonder why Trump would meet Xi at all.
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) - El Salvador's congress has approved a total ban on the mining of metals in the country, one of the first to enact such a broad ban.

Environmentalists have noted that some other countries have enacted bans on strip mining, open-pit or heap-leaching techniques. But the bill passed Wednesday in El Salvador would not allow any underground, above-ground or artisanal mining for metals. That includes exploration, extraction or processing ore with techniques that often involve cyanide or mercury.

Proponents say the measure is needed to protect the water supply.

Mining for non-metallic substances like salt, stone or sand would still be allowed.

Human rights prosecutor Raquel Guevara called it "a historic day for El Salvador."

Exploration has revealed deposits of gold and silver, but El Salvador has no large-scale metal mining.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Trump Administration on Wednesday denied a petition by environmental groups that sought to ban a common pesticide used on citrus fruits, apples, cherries and other crops, reversing a push by the Obama administration to revoke all uses of the pesticide on food after a government review concluded it could harm children's brains.

In announcing the decision, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt said that by not banning chlorpyrifos he is providing "regulatory certainty" to thousands of American farms that rely on the pesticide.

"By reversing the previous Administration's steps to ban one of the most widely used pesticides in the world, we are returning to using sound science in decision-making - rather than predetermined results," Pruitt said.

Environmental groups pointed to recent studies showing even minuscule amounts of chlorpyrifos, sold by Dow Chemical, can interfere with brain development of fetuses, infants and children. They accused Pruitt of putting the interests of big business over people.

"EPA's refusal to ban this dangerous pesticide is unconscionable," said Patti Goldman, the Earthjustice managing attorney handling the case. "EPA is defying its legal obligation to protect children from unsafe pesticides."

Goldman said her group will seek a court to order to countermand Pruitt's decision.

The pesticide, in use since 1965, has sickened dozens of farmworkers in recent years. Traces have been found in waterways, threatening fish, and experts say overuse could make targeted insects immune to the pesticide.

U.S. farms use more than 6 million pounds of the chemical each year - about 25 percent of it in California.

The EPA banned home use of chlorpyrifos in 2000 and placed "no-spray" buffer zones around sensitive sites, such as schools, in 2012.

But environmental and public health groups said those proposals don't go far enough and filed a federal lawsuit seeking a national ban on the pesticide.

In October 2015, the Obama administration proposed revoking the pesticide's use in response to a petition from the Natural Resources Defense Council and Pesticide Action Network North America.

The EPA said then that its analysis didn't suggest risks from exposure to chlorpyrifos in food. But when those exposures are combined with estimated exposure from drinking water in certain watersheds, "EPA cannot conclude that the risk from aggregate exposure meets the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act safety standard," it said.

Now under new management, the EPA said Wednesday that the previous administration's proposal relied on a study "whose application is novel and uncertain, to reach its conclusions."

The maker of the pesticide praised Pruitt's decision.

"Dow AgroSciences remains confident that authorized uses of chlorpyrifos products offer wide margins of protection for human health and safety," the company said in a statement.
BENI, Congo (AP) - The latest on the deaths of an American and a Swedish investigator for the United Nations in Congo (all times local):

2:30 a.m.

The U.N. Security Council is condemning the killing of two of its experts in Congo "in the strongest terms." It also has expressed concern at "the unknown status of the four Congolese nationals accompanying them" when the experts disappeared more than two weeks ago.

Council members issued a statement Wednesday night calling on the Congolese government "to swiftly and fully investigate these crimes and bring the still unidentified perpetrators to justice." It also supports holding a U.N. inquiry.

The statement stresses that attacks targeting civilians "may constitute war crimes under international law."

___

7:10 p.m.

The United States has issued a travel warning for Congo.

A State Department statement warns of unnecessary travel there, citing "ongoing instability and sporadic violence" in many areas.

The warning comes a day after Congo confirmed the deaths of an American and a Swedish expert for the United Nations and their interpreter. Their bodies were found in a shallow grave Monday after the team disappeared more than two weeks ago while looking into recent alleged rights abuses.

___

6:35 p.m.

Congo's government says it will investigate the deaths of an American and a Swedish expert for the United Nations and their interpreter. Their bodies were found in a shallow grave Monday after the team disappeared more than two weeks ago.

Meanwhile, Sweden says it is opening a murder investigation.

American Michael Sharp, Swedish national Zaida Catalan and their interpreter Betu Tshintela went missing March 12 along with driver Isaac Kabuayi and two motorbike drivers in Central Kasai province. They were looking into alleged human rights violations by the Congolese army and local militia groups.

The U.N. secretary-general says the world body will conduct an inquiry into the deaths.
RIVERHEAD, N.Y. (AP) - A foster father who took in more than 100 troubled boys over 20 years and is on trial for sexually abusing eight of the children operated a house that was a "horrific place" where boys lived in fear and needed permission to go to the bathroom, prosecutors said Wednesday.

In opening arguments, Suffolk County prosecutor Laurie Moroff described Cesar Gonzales-Mugaburu's suburban Long Island home in Ridge, New York, as a beautiful house with a pool, but inside the children lived in a prison.

The foster system was like a candy store filled with boys for him, Moroff said. She said Gonzales-Mugaburo would threaten to shoot the boys or run them over with a car if they didn't obey him.

FILE - This undated file photo provided by the Suffolk County District Attorney's office in Riverhead, N.Y., shows Cesar Gonzales-Mugaburu, a New York foster father who took in more than 100 troubled boys over 20 years. Gonzales-Mugaburu is set to go on trial on charges he sexually abused eight of the children. Opening arguments are scheduled to begin Wednesday, March 29, 2017. (Suffolk County District Attorney's Office via AP, File)

"It was a horrific place to live, eating on the floor, and not allowed to do anything without asking permission first including going to the bathroom," Moroff said outside the court. "They lived in fear, they were afraid."

Defense attorney Donald Mates said there was no truth to the charges, calling it a "witch hunt." He said the accusers were all troubled boys. Some had psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia, ADHD, bipolar disorder and other conditions, Mates said.

"When you hear an allegation of eight children over 20 years and there has been more than 100 children in his home eight is really not a lot," Mates said outside the courtroom.

Gonzales-Mugaburu, 60, was arrested in January 2016, after authorities said two boys in his care reported alleged abuse to a caseworker. Prosecutors said that prompted a wider investigation, which led to additional charges involving other alleged victims.

In addition to the alleged abuse of the boys, prosecutors also said the man sexually abused a dog in front of a child.

Gonzales-Mugaburu has pleaded not guilty to child endangerment, sexual misconduct and other charges, and remains jailed on $1 million bond. His lawyer disputes that any abuse took place at his client's home.

The case against the Long Island man sparked an investigation into New York's foster care system that found "abysmal" communication among the child welfare agencies involved.

Prosecutors said Gonzales-Mugaburu earned more than $1.5 million over two decades as a foster parent, caring for particularly troubled boys, which entitled him to a higher income than a traditional foster parent. He cared for as many as six to eight children at a time since at least 1996.

An 83-page report released by Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota last month outlined a remarkable series of failures that allowed Gonzales-Mugaburu to take in more than 100 children over 20 years, despite being the subject of 18 separate child abuse investigations. None of those investigations led to criminal charges.

The report said rules intended to protect the reputations of falsely accused foster parents were partly to blame. Substandard abuse investigations were another issue. But the biggest problem, the report said, was the simple failure of four governmental and one nonprofit child welfare agencies to share information.

Mates said he disagreed with the findings in the report. There never was any reason for the agencies to fail to uncover abuse, because, he said, it never happened. Mates also said that at least some of the alleged victims have a financial reason to see Gonzales-Mugaburu convicted because they have filed lawsuits against an agency that placed them in his home.

A spokeswoman for SCO Family of Services, one of the state's largest foster home providers which placed dozens of children with Gonzales-Mugaburu, has said it never uncovered any evidence of abuse prior to his arrest.

SCO said since the scandal erupted, it has worked with the state, the Administration for Children's Services and Suffolk County "to diligently address each and every concern about the quality of care provided in this home."
NEW YORK (AP) - Republican political operative Roger Stone is so busy preparing for a possible grilling by the U.S. Senate intelligence committee about Russian hacking, that he does not have time to attend the opening of his civil defamation trial in New York City, according to his lawyer.

Stone, a longtime political provocateur and adviser to President Donald Trump, is being sued over a flyer sent to 150,000 New York households during the state's 2010 election that called the Libertarian Party candidate for governor, Warren Redlich, a "sick twisted pervert."

"This man constitutes a public danger," said the mailing, which included Redlich's photo and the header "Sexual Predator Alert." It purported to come from an organization called People for a Safer New York.

FILE- In this March 21, 2017 file photo, Roger J. Stone Jr., an advisor for President Donald J. Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign, speaks to members of the conservative group America First at the Marriott in Boca Raton, Fla. Stone's lawyer says his client didn't show up for the start of a New York trial on Wednesday, March 29, 2017, because Stone is so busy preparing for a possible grilling by the U.S. Senate intelligence committee about Russian hacking. The longtime adviser to President Donald Trump is being sued over a flyer that circulated during New York's 2010 election that called the Libertarian Party candidate for governor, Warren Redlich, a "sexual predator." (Michael Ares/Palm Beach Post via AP, File)

"If you see this man in your neighborhood, CALL THE POLICE!" it warned.

Redlich's lawsuit claims that Stone and several accomplices were responsible for the flyer. At the time, Stone was advising two other candidates for governor: Kristin Davis, a former madam of a prostitution ring, and the Republican nominee, Carl Paladino. Redlich also is suing Paladino and his former campaign manager, Michael Caputo.

Stone was subpoenaed to testify in the trial this week, but his lawyer, Benjamin Burge, told the judge Wednesday that he would prefer to appear Monday or Tuesday because he is busy complying with a notice from the U.S. Senate intelligence committee asking him to retain any documents that might be related to its investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Stone has said he communicated with Guccifer 2.0, the shadowy hacker credited with breaking into the Democratic National Committee's email servers.

"He can't be here until next week," Burge said of Stone during Wednesday's court hearing.

Justice Richard Braun declined to give him more time, saying Stone must appear whenever he is called as a witness.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin Thursday morning, so opening statements in the trial could start as early as Thursday afternoon. If Stone does not appear, he could face sanctions including a warrant directing a sheriff to bring him to court.

Stone has said in interviews that he was not behind the anti-Redlich flyer. He did not answer calls to his cellphone Wednesday.

Redlich, who is representing himself at the trial, and is seeking unspecified damages, said he wants to call Stone as his first witness.

He said Stone's failure to appear Wednesday was part of a defense strategy to prolong what should be a speedy trial.

"I'm seeing a pattern - delay, delay, delay, delay," Redlich said.

Stone, 64, got his start in politics working as a political operative for President Richard Nixon, where he developed a reputation as someone who specialized in campaign trickery and spreading dirt on opponents.

He is the subject of an upcoming Netflix documentary, "Get Me Roger Stone."

FILE- In this Dec. 6, 2016 file photo, Roger Stone, then political consultant for President-elect Donald Trump, boards an elevator at Trump Tower in New York. Warren Redlich, a 2010 Libertarian Party candidate for New York Governor is suing Stone for defamation. Stone was subpoenaed to testify this week, but his lawyer asked the judge for a delay on Wednesday. The judge denied that request. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
ASIA:

SKOREA-POLITICS - South Korea's disgraced ex-President Park Geun-hye was being questioned Thursday by a court that will decide if she should be arrested over corruption allegations that have already toppled her from power. By Hyung-jin Kim. SENT: 500 words, photos.

AUSTRALIA-WORLD VISION The Australian government said on Thursday it had had found no evidence that any of its donations to the Christian charity World Vision had been siphoned off to the Islamic militant group Hamas. SENT: 260 words.

JAPAN-MISSILE DEFENSE - Japan's ruling party has urged the government to consider arming itself with more advanced and offensive capability, such as striking enemy targets with cruise missiles, loosening Japan's self-defense-only military posture since the end of World War II. SENT: 130 words.

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

CHINA-HAIER'S FUTURE - After Haier Group bought the General Electric Co. appliance unit last year, the Chinese company's chairman says he gave its American managers unusual orders: Ignore me. By Joe McDonald. SENT: 1,300 words, photos.

FINANCIAL MARKETS - Most Asian stock markets fell Thursday, led by a slide in Chinese shares as investors' concerns about liquidity intensified. By Kelvin Chan. SENT: 400 words, photos.

___

HOW TO REACH US:

The editor in charge at the AP Asia-Pacific Desk in Bangkok is Scott McDonald. Questions and story requests are welcome. The news desk can be reached at (66) 2632-6911 or by email at asia@ap.org. The Asia Photo Desk can be reached at (81-3) 6215-8941. Between 1600 GMT and 0000 GMT, please refer queries to the North America Desk in New York at (1) 212-621-1650.

Expanded AP content can be obtained from http://www.apexchange.com. For access to AP Exchange and other technical issues, contact apcustomersupport@ap.org or call (1) 877-836-9477.
HONOLULU (AP) - President Donald Trump's administration on Thursday appealed the latest court ruling against his revised travel ban to the same court that refused to reinstate the original version.

A day earlier, U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson in Hawaii handed the government its latest defeat by issuing a longer-lasting hold on Trump's executive order.

Watson's decision came after the Department of Justice argued for a narrower ruling covering only the ban on new visas for people from six Muslim-majority countries. The department urged the judge to allow a freeze on the U.S. refugee program to go forward.

Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin speaks outside federal court in Honolulu, Wednesday, March 29, 2017. A federal judge in Hawaii questioned government attorneys Wednesday who urged him to narrow his order blocking President Donald Trump's travel ban because suspending the nation's refugee program has no effect on the state. U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson is hearing arguments on whether to extend his temporary order until Hawaii's lawsuit works its way through the courts. Even if he does not issue a longer-lasting hold on the ban, his temporary block would stay in place until he rules otherwise. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones)

Government attorney Chad Readler said halting the flow of refugees had no effect on Hawaii and the state has not shown how it is harmed by the ban. Watson disagreed.

The administration says the executive order falls within the president's power to protect national security and will ultimately succeed, while Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin likened the revised ban to a neon sign flashing "Muslim ban" that the government hasn't turned off.

Here's a look at Watson's ruling and what comes next:

___

THE RULING

Watson said Hawaii has shown that the ban will harm the state's universities and tourism industry as well as the imam of a Honolulu mosque, who joined the lawsuit. Ismail Elshikh said the ban would prevent his Syrian mother-in-law from visiting family in the U.S.

"These injuries have already occurred and will continue to occur if the executive order is implemented and enforced; the injuries are neither contingent nor speculative," the judge wrote.

Chin told The Associated Press on Thursday that a notable part of the ruling was that the court took into account 20 to 25 statements made by Trump as a candidate and as president and by his surrogates.

"The court will not crawl into a corner, pull the shutters closed, and pretend it has not seen what it has," Watson wrote.

The Department of Justice said it strongly disagrees with the ruling.

___

WHAT'S NEXT FOR HAWAII'S LAWSUIT?

Government attorneys filed documents appealing Watson's decision to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, a move Chin said he expected.

The judge said his ruling will stay in place until he orders otherwise and won't be suspended for an appeal.

The administration said in court documents that the appeal also applies to Watson's previous temporary block of the travel ban.

"The president's executive order falls squarely within his lawful authority in seeking to protect our nation's security, and the department will continue to defend this executive order in the courts," the Justice Department said in a statement.

___

HOW THE WHITE HOUSE REACTED

The White House believes Trump's executive order is legal, necessary for national security and will ultimately be allowed to move forward, spokesman Sean Spicer said Thursday.

Watson's indefinite hold is "just the latest step that will allow the administration to appeal," Spicer said.

___

CAN A DIFFERENT CASE AFFECT THE HAWAII RULING?

The president already is appealing a separate case in Maryland. A judge there blocked the six-nation travel ban but said it wasn't clear that the suspension of the refugee program was similarly motivated by religious bias.

The administration wants the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to put that ruling on hold while it considers the case. The Richmond, Virginia-based court will hear arguments May 8.

If the court sides with Trump, it would not have a direct effect on the Hawaii ruling, legal experts said.

"What a ruling in 4th Circuit in favor of the administration would do is create a split in authority between federal courts in different parts of the country," said Richard Primus, a professor of constitutional law at the University of Michigan law school. "Cases with splits in authority are cases the U.S. Supreme Court exists to resolve."

___

Associated Press writer Bob Lentz in Philadelphia contributed to this report.

Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin speaks outside federal court in Honolulu, Wednesday, March 29, 2017. A federal judge in Hawaii questioned government attorneys Wednesday who urged him to narrow his order blocking President Donald Trump's travel ban because suspending the nation's refugee program has no effect on the state. U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson is hearing arguments on whether to extend his temporary order until Hawaii's lawsuit works its way through the courts. Even if he does not issue a longer-lasting hold on the ban, his temporary block would stay in place until he rules otherwise. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones)

FILE - This Dec. 2015 file photo shows U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson in Honolulu. Watson is hearing arguments Wednesday, March 29, 2017, in Honolulu, on whether to extend his temporary order blocking President Donald Trump's revised travel ban. But even if Watson doesn't put the ban on hold until the state's lawsuit is resolved, his temporary block would remain until he rules otherwise. (George Lee/The Star-Advertiser via AP, File)
WASHINGTON (AP) - Experts on national security painted a sinister picture for senators examining Russian meddling in the 2016 election, detailing the worldwide impact of fake news, smear campaigns and even killings they say could have ties to the Kremlin.

Clint Watts, a former FBI agent now with the Foreign Policy Research Institute Program on National Security, said the Senate intelligence committee should "follow the dead bodies."

He said several Russians tied to the investigation into Kremlin disinformation activities have been killed in the past three months - not only in Russia, but in western countries as well.

Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., left, with Committee Chairman Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, March 29, 2017, to discuss their panel's investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Earlier Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin again dismissed what he called "endless and groundless" accusations of Russian meddling in the U.S. election, describing them as part of the U.S. domestic political struggle. He also said he is ready to meet with President Donald Trump at an upcoming arctic summit.

The hearing Thursday focused mostly on how experts say the Kremlin uses technology and disinformation to influence the opinions of Americans and not on the U.S. policy toward Russia.

Trump, throughout the campaign and since he's been president, has expressed an interesting in improving relations with Russia. Watts said he fears for his own safety after speaking about Russian efforts.

"I'm a little bit lost as to what our interests are or how they're coalescing," Watts said. "My biggest concern right now is I don't know what the American stance is on Russia."

Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, the committee's senior Democrat, talked about disinformation spread in the final weeks of the campaign through key states such as Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. One question he said he wants the committee's investigation to answer is whether Russia would have the ability to do that without the assistance of someone with a deep knowledge of American politics.

Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., raised concerns that the committee's investigation is not focused enough on following the money, which includes looking at the president's finances and that of his business partners. Wyden said fishy real estate deals and money laundering might mean that the "Russian government may be only a step or two away" from American institutions.

Warner and committee chairman Richard Burr, R-N.C., have pledged cooperation with each other on the committee's probe of Russia's influence during the campaign, distancing themselves from the fractured House intelligence committee's investigation that has been fraught with partisanship.

Democrats have called for House intelligence committee Chairman Rep. Devin Nunes to recuse himself because of his ties to the Trump team, especially because the investigation includes looking at contacts that Russians had with President Donald Trump's associates. Nunes, R-Calif., met with a secret source on the White House grounds last week to review classified material, which he says indicates that Trump associates' communications were captured in "incidental" surveillance of foreigners. Nunes says he sees no reason to step aside.

Burr has said that so far, the Senate committee has requested 20 individuals to be interviewed. Five have been scheduled, and the remaining 15 are likely to be scheduled within the next 10 days. Additional witnesses could also be interviewed.
BUCKNER, Kentucky (AP) - One of the House Republican rebels, Kentucky Rep. Tom Massie, wasn't just "no" on the GOP health care bill to replace Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act. Massie was "hell no."

That won over Mary Broecker, president of the Oldham County Republican Women's Club and a strong proponent of a full-blown repeal of the 2010 law.

"When he came out against this bill, I thought, 'I trust him so this must be the right way,'" the 76-year-old retired teacher said of Massie this week as she sat at a coffee shop near her LaGrange home.

In this March 28, 2017, photo, Mary Broecker, 76, speaks during an interview in LaGrange, Ky., at a coffee shop on Main Street, where trains run right through the middle of town. She is president of The Oldham County Republican Women's Club, and has unbending support for Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who famously changed his vote against the AHCA from "No" to "Hell No." Defying President Donald Trump on the Republican Party's promise to repeal and replace Obamacare sounds like political suicide, especially in the congressional districts Trump won handily. But some Republicans who blocked the legislation won praise from constituents for stopping what many saw as a flawed plan, either in the legislation's substance or strategy. (AP Photo/Dylan T. Lovan)

Defying President Donald Trump on the seven-year Republican Party promise to repeal and replace "Obamacare" sounds like political suicide, especially in the congressional districts Trump won handily. Yet in Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee and Iowa in the bitter aftermath of the GOP's epic failure, Republicans who blocked the legislation have won praise from constituents for stopping what many saw as a flawed plan, either in the legislation's substance or strategy.

Trump initially faulted Democrats for rejecting the bill, but on several occasions since then, including Thursday morning, he lashed out at the hardline conservatives of the House Freedom Caucus.

"The Freedom Caucus will hurt the entire Republican agenda if they don't get on the team, & fast. We must fight them, & Dems, in 2018!" Trump tweeted.

Conservatives opposed the bill because it didn't go far enough in getting the government out of health care while moderates worried that tens of millions of Americans might be left without insurance. Trump's famed deal-making and power of persuasion faltered with his own party, a remarkable turn at a time when the GOP controls the White House, Senate and House.

Massie, who is not a member of the Freedom Caucus, answered Trump's tweet with one of his own.

"It's a swamp not a hot tub. We both came here to drain it. #SwampCare polls 17%. Sad!"

Nationwide, an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll released Wednesday found that 62 percent disapprove of the way Trump is handling health care, his worst rating among seven issues the poll tested, including the economy, foreign policy and immigration.

The same poll found negative views of five of the six changes Republicans envisioned for the bill, including allowing insurers to charge older customers higher premiums than is now allowed, reduced funds for Medicaid and denying federal dollars to Planned Parenthood.

Yet the same voters who backed their local lawmaker for opposing the bill showed patience with Trump.

"I think he's going to be a great president," Broecker said. "I think he'll figure it out."

In the districts of the bill's foes, Republican voters and activists faulted Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin. Some argue he was too willing to accept pieces of "Obamacare."

"We've been hearing repeal-and-replace for seven years and finally we get control, and they say, let's just kind of fix it," said 31-year-old Justin Wasson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who runs a small business. "We gave them everything. Now, I want this thing gutted."

Shea Cox, a 21-year-old computer science major from Shelbyville, Tennessee, said the bill failed because Ryan rushed what Cox called a "complete hack job" that "looked almost exactly like "Obamacare" with a couple of things taken out." That's why he was happy to see Tennessee Rep. Scott DesJarlais oppose it.

With midterm elections coming next year, Wasson said he planned to vote again for his congressman, Rep. Rod Blum of Dubuque - a sentiment echoed by other voters whose representatives opposed the bill.

Gary French, a minister from Buckner in Massie's district, said it was a "piece-meal" bill and his representative was right in opposing it. "The issue's not dead, they'll return to it. Absolutely. I think they're going to have to do what the constituents want," he said.

Kelly Stanger of Lowell, Michigan, argued that conservatives were prevented from contributing to the bill, and said she'd vote again for Rep. Justin Amash who opposed it.

"He has no problem taking heat," the 50-year-old cafe waitress said. "I don't think just because you belong to a party that you have to agree."

She said she voted for Trump because "there needed to be change," adding, "It's not going to be easy."

The failure of the health bill in the House may have spared a couple GOP senators a tough vote as the legislation grew increasingly unpopular with the public. The two most vulnerable GOP senators in next year's midterms, Dean Heller of Nevada and Jeff Flake of Arizona, both represent states with large populations of older voters who would have been disproportionately impacted by higher premiums under the bill.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, far from dwelling on the bill's defeat or weighing plans to revive it, quickly moved on to other issues. The House bill had already divided GOP senators and would have required major changes to pass.

A leading opponent was the head of the Freedom Caucus - Rep. Mark Meadows. In Meadows' North Carolina district, 77-year-old Hendersonville retiree Don Lee said he voted for Trump to "bring Republicans together," but added that the president "needed to take some more time with this bill and try to find some unity."

___

Beaumont reported from Des Moines, Iowa. AP reporters Sheila Burke in Shelbyville, Tennessee, Chris Ehrmann in Ionia, Michigan, Jeffrey Collins in Hendersonville, North Carolina, and Erica Werner in Washington contributed to this report.

In this Tuesday, March 28, 2017, photo, retiree Robert Gillesse, poses for a photo in Lowell, Mich., as he discusses his views on President Donald Trump and the congressman representing his district, Rep. Justin Amash, R-Mich. Defying President Donald Trump on the Republican Party's promise to repeal and replace Obamacare sounds like political suicide, especially in the congressional districts Trump won handily. But some Republicans who blocked the legislation won praise from constituents for stopping what many saw as a flawed plan, either in the legislation's substance or strategy. (AP Photo/Chris Ehrmann)

In this Tuesday, March 28, 2017, photo, waitress Kelly Stanger poses for a photo in Lowell, Mich., as she discusses her views on President Donald Trump and the congressman representing her district, Rep. Justin Amash, R-Mich. Defying President Donald Trump on the Republican Party's promise to repeal and replace Obamacare sounds like political suicide, especially in the congressional districts Trump won handily. But some Republicans who blocked the legislation won praise from constituents for stopping what many saw as a flawed plan, either in the legislation's substance or strategy. (AP Photo/Chris Ehrmann)
JERUSALEM (AP) - Prominent U.S. lawyer Alan Dershowitz said in an interview Thursday that President Donald Trump spoke to him "clearly" about a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, suggesting a shift in Trump's stance.

Trump broke with longtime U.S. policy last month when he withheld clear support for an independent Palestine, saying he could endorse a one-nation solution to the conflict. "I'm looking at two-state and one-state, and I like the one that both parties like," Trump said in a February press conference at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

But Dershowitz, who is Jewish and close to the Israeli prime minister, told Israel Army Radio that he discussed the matter with Trump during a meeting on March 18, and that Trump endorsed two states in their conversation.

FILE -- In this Jan. 23, 2007 file photo, Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz addresses an audience at Brandeis University, in Waltham, Mass. Dershowitz told Israel Army Radio on Thursday, March 30, 2017, that President Trump, in a conversation with him this month, spoke to him "clearly" about a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that would lead to an independent Palestinian state. Trump broke with longtime U.S. policy last month when he withheld clear support for an independent Palestine alongside Israel, declaring he could endorse a one-nation solution. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)

"Clearly he was talking about a two-state solution. He was not in any way suggesting, at least in his conversation with me, a one-state solution," Dershowitz said. He said Trump is "anxious to convey the message that he really wanted to have a peace agreement" and believes that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas "is anxious to make a deal," Dershowitz said.

Nabil Shaath, Abbas' foreign affairs adviser, confirmed that Abbas is "anxious" to reach a peace agreement with Israel and said it was "important" that Trump reportedly lent his support to the two-state solution.

Netanyahu's bureau and Israel's Foreign Ministry declined comment on Dershowitz's interview.

For nearly a half-century, the Israeli military has occupied the West Bank, land Palestinians want for an independent state. Over the past two decades, the international community has overwhelmingly backed the idea of a two-state solution as the best way of reaching peace in the region.

But Trump's campaign platform made no mention of a Palestinian state, and his appointed ambassador to Israel has expressed skepticism about a two-state solution in the past. Trump's inner circle includes aides with ties to the West Bank settler movement, which objects to the creation of an independent Palestine.

Netanyahu has not formally abandoned his stated support for the two-state solution, but has stopped mentioning it in his speeches since Trump was elected. Instead, he has made vague statements about seeking a region-wide peace agreement.

Dershowitz said he was "pleasantly surprised" by Trump's knowledge of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, saying Trump spoke to him about the main issues that would need to be solved in a two-state approach: competing claims to Jerusalem, security concerns, demilitarization of a Palestinian state, and Palestinian refugees' demands to return to land they fled or were expelled from during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war that led to Israel's independence.

The White House has been holding intensive talks with Israel in recent weeks about an agreement concerning Israel's future settlement building policy, but the sides have not come to an agreement yet.

Netanyahu said reaching an understanding with Washington on the settlements would be "good for Israel." But he has also pledged to honor a promise to build a new settlement to replace Amona, an illegal settlement outpost built on private Palestinian land that was dismantled following an Israeli Supreme Court ruling.

"I promised from the beginning that we would create a new settlement," Netanyahu said Thursday. "I believe I gave the first commitment in December and we will fulfill (the commitments) today. There are a few more hours and you will know all of the details later."

According to Israeli media, Netanyahu will convene his Security Cabinet late Thursday and is expected to hold a vote to approve a replacement settlement in the West Bank.
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) - Ethiopian lawmakers on Thursday extended the country's six-month state of emergency for an additional four months. The widely expected move came amid reports of continued violence and anti-government activities in some remote, restive areas.

The state of emergency, called after months of sometimes deadly protests demanding wider political freedoms, has hurt one of Africa's fastest-growing economies.

"We still have some anti-peace elements that are active and want to capitalize on disputes that arise among regional states in the country," Ethiopia's defense minister, Siraj Fegessa, told lawmakers. "In addition, some leaders of the violent acts that we witnessed before are still at large."

More than 25,000 people suspected of taking part in protests were detained under the state of emergency. Several thousand have been released. The government has indicated that a "few thousand" others will face justice for their role in organizing the protests.

Hundreds died in the protests that first ignited in the Oromia region in November 2015 and spread into the Amhara region, with people also demanding the release of political prisoners.

Ethiopia's security has improved but the extension of the state of emergency is needed to bring a "lasting peace," said the defense minister, who cited a government-conducted nationwide poll in which he said the public "significantly" demanded the extension.

Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn in a recent address to parliament said 82 percent of Ethiopians want a partial or full continuation of the state of emergency. However, opposition figures and parties say it is used to clamp down on their activities, especially in rural regions.

Ethiopia's parliament is 100 percent controlled by the ruling EPRDF party.

Some parts of the state of emergency recently were removed, including arbitrary arrests without court orders and restrictions on radio, television and theater.
BAGHDAD (AP) - The U.N. chief visited Iraq on Thursday amid a growing humanitarian crisis due to months-long fighting against the Islamic State group in Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city.

As Antonio Guterres arrived in Baghdad, the extremist group claimed responsibility for a deadly suicide truck bombing in the Iraqi capital the previous night.

The fight to take back Mosul began in October, backed by the U.S.-led international colaition. After routing IS from the eastern part of the city, Iraqi forces in February launched a push to drive the militants from the western half. The Tigris River separates Mosul into its eastern and western sector.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, left, meets with Iraqi parliament speaker Salim al-Jabouri, right, in Baghdad, Iraq, Thursday, March 30, 2017. Guterres arrived in Iraq amid a growing humanitarian crisis due to months-long fighting against the Islamic State group in Mosul, as the extremist group claimed responsibility for an overnight suicide attack in Baghdad. (AP Photo/Ali Abdul Hassan)

Shortly after landing at Baghdad International Airport, Guterres said on Twitter that his visit is to "focus on the dire humanitarian situation on the ground." Amid reports of dozens of civilians killed by airstrikes in Mosul, he added that "protection of civilians must be the absolute priority."

Guterres was to meet with Iraq's president, prime minster and parliament speaker before heading north to the self-ruled Kurdish region.

Since the start of the Mosul military operation, more than 350,000 people have fled the fighting, according to U.N. figures.

On Thursday, Iraq's militarized federal police inched deeper into Mosul's old city - a dense urban core in the western half of the city - where they met with stiff resistance from IS militants.

First Lt. Walid Khalid of 3rd brigade Federal Police said his troops advanced about 100 meters (yards) in the last two days.

"The distance between IS and us is 50 meters, yesterday, we killed four IS fighters and right now their bodies are in the street." Khalid told The Associated Press. "The situation is very good and the Iraqi air force is doing well."

He said the troops were about 100 meters away from a symbolic mosque where the leader of the extremist group, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, declared its self-styled caliphate in the summer of 2014.

Also Thursday, the Site Intelligence group, which monitors extremist groups, reported the IS claim of responsibility for the Baghdad bombing late Wednesday.

In the claim IS warns Iraqi Shiites that the "flame of the battle" in Mosul will come to them in the cities of Baghdad, Karbala, and Najaf.

In the attack, a suicide truck bomb targeted a police checkpoint on the Iraqi capital's main southern entrance, killing 15 people and wounding 45. Three policemen were among the dead while the rest were civilians, police and health officials, speaking on condition of anonymity under regulations.

The militants have suffered a string of defeats over the past two years in the lead-up to the Mosul operation, but have continued to regularly launch attacks in and around Baghdad. A series of large-scale bombings claimed by IS has also struck Baghdad since the operation to retake Mosul began.

Iraqi and coalition officials have repeatedly warned that after Mosul, IS will likely return to its insurgent roots as it loses more territory in both Iraq and neighboring Syria.

____

Associated Press video journalist Yesica Fisch in Mosul contributed to this report.

Iraqi security forces and civilians inspect the aftermath of a deadly suicide bombing in southern Baghdad, Iraq, Thursday, March 30, 2017. The truck bomb targeted a police checkpoint in southern Baghdad on Wednesday night, killing and wounding scores according to Iraqi officials. No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack but the bombing had all the hallmarks of the Islamic State group, which has tried to stage large-scale attacks over the past weeks to detract Iraqi authorities from the battle for IS-held western Mosul. (AP Photo/Karim Kadim)
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) - Denmark's integration minister is urging people to turn in pizza bakers if they suspect they are employing illegal immigrants.

Inger Stoejberg says she "actually would encourage" Danes to contact authorities if they think something strange is going on, such as many employees "not speaking Danish at all."

She told TV2 late Wednesday that it is impossible for police to check all the backrooms of pizza restaurants.

Her comments came after the channel recently has been reporting an increase in the number of people suspected of living illegally in Denmark - jumping from 877 in 2015 to 1,348 last year.

Stoejberg, considered an immigration hardliner, created a stir earlier for posting an online photo of her smiling and holding a cake to mark the 50th measure tightening immigration laws.
ROME (AP) - Italian police on Thursday arrested three Kosovans in the lagoon city of Venice after one was caught on a phone intercept proposing they bomb the famed Rialto bridge while others lauded the recent attack in London. A minor was also detained.

Venice prosecutor Adelchi d'Ippolito said a search of a Venice apartment showed the suspects were getting in physical shape and watching videos of Islamic extremists demonstrating how to carry out knife attacks.

A phone intercept allegedly caught one of the suspects saying: "You'll go straight to paradise because of all the infidels in Venice. Put a bomb on the Rialto." It wasn't clear if the reference was bluster or indicated an imminent threat.

Regardless, police said the bridge never was at risk because it is under constant surveillance.

The 16th century Rialto bridge, one of Venice's iconic tourist draws, spans the Grand Canal and features small shops on either side of its stone steps.

Authorities identified the suspects as Fisnik Bekaj, Dake Haziraj and Arjan Babaj. They said the men talked about being ready to die for the jihadist cause and discussed being inspired by last week's attack in London that killed four people.

D'Ippolito said the suspects were "truly dangerous" and were suspected of plotting attacks both in Italy and overseas. One had returned recently from Syria, he said. But he added that they wouldn't have been able to carry out an attack in Italy since they were being closely watched.

Venice Police Chief Angelo Sanna said the detained minor made some of the most radical remarks.

"He was the most heated with his statements and declarations where he would crave for action," Sanna said.

Italian police have made several arrests in recent years of suspected Islamic extremists, on allegations they were recruiting fighters for jihad in Syria and Iraq, were radicalizing others or were plotting attacks domestically.

Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said all those detained had residency permits to live in Italy. He said police searched 12 sites in Venice's center, Mestre, and nearby Treviso.
BERLIN (AP) - Germany's governing parties have agreed on new rules to ensure that most marriages involving under-18s aren't legally recognized in the country.

The issue arose following the influx of migrants to Germany in 2015, and the main aim is to protect girls who were married abroad.

The bill calls for all marriages involving under-16s to be considered null and void. In principle, marriages involving people between 16 and 18 also won't be recognized, but courts will decide on a case-by-case basis whether to nullify them after hearing from youth protection authorities.

Leaders of Chancellor Angela Merkel's coalition agreed Thursday on the bill, which needs Cabinet and parliamentary approval.

Justice Minister Heiko Maas said: "We must not recognize any marriage that has been a nightmare for young girls and women."
NEW YORK (AP) - Actor Adam Pally has been arrested and charged with possession of cocaine and marijuana in New York.

New York City police spokesman Thomas Antonetti tells The Associated Press that Pally was arrested late Tuesday night in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan. He faces a criminal possession charge for the cocaine and a possession of marijuana count. A court date is set for June. Pally's representative didn't immediately return a request for comment Thursday.

Pally is best known for his role as Max Blum in the short-running ABC sitcom "Happy Endings." He also plays Dr. Peter Prentice on Hulu's "The Mindy Project" and stars in "Making History" on Fox.
EVORA, Portugal (AP) - Chile's president criticized isolationist foreign policies and protectionism in trade Thursday, saying during a state visit to Portugal that multilateralism is "crucial" to address global challenges.

Michelle Bachelet said during a news conference that "we must have coordinated and cooperative responses to make the voices of the many heard."

She said he hoped to bring about an increase in trade with Portugal through her two-day visit, which includes presiding at a bilateral trade conference Friday.

Chile's President Michelle Bachelet, left, is greeted by her Portuguese counterpart Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa as she arrives for a welcome ceremony in Evora, Portugal, Thursday, March 30 2017. Bachelet is on a state visit to Portugal, where she is due to hold talks with local officials and preside at a bilateral trade conference. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

Bachelet arrived Thursday in Evora, about 150 kilometers (90 miles) east of the capital Lisbon, where she was to receive an honorary doctorate from the city's university.

Bachelet was met by Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and given full military honors in Evora's Giraldo square. The university said it was granting the award due to Bachelet's "exceptional" career as a doctor and her commitment to human rights and the wellbeing of the Chilean people.

Bachelet is scheduled to spend Friday in Lisbon, meeting with Prime Minister Antonio Costa and visiting Parliament.

Chile's President Michelle Bachelet, center right, stops to pose for a selfie with a local resident in front of the first century AD Roman temple of Diana in the center of Evora, Portugal, Thursday, March 30 2017. Bachelet is on a state visit to Portugal, where she is due to hold talks with local officials and preside at a bilateral trade conference. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

Chile's President Michelle Bachelet, left, reacts as her Portuguese counterpart Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa compliments her during a news conference following their meeting at the Sao Miguel palace in Evora, Portugal, Thursday, March 30 2017. Bachelet is on a state visit to Portugal, where she is due to hold talks with local officials and preside at a bilateral trade conference. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
MOSCOW (AP) - The Russian military says its long-range bombers have practiced hitting targets in Tajikistan during joint drills with the Central Asian nation.

Russia's Defense Ministry said Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers have flown missions to strike a "terrorist camp" in Tajik mountains as part of the four-day war games that ended Thursday.

Tajikistan, an impoverished ex-Soviet nation that borders Afghanistan, hosts a Russian military base and relies on Moscow's economic assistance.

While Russian and Tajik soldiers have conducted joint maneuvers in the past, the drills this week for the first time involved the long-range bombers in an apparent reflection of Moscow's concern about possible spread of instability from Afghanistan.

The Defense Ministry said Russian ground attack jets and helicopter gunships were also involved in the exercise.
LONDON (AP) - It took Britain more than a decade of trying to join the European club. It's now got just two to get out and strike a new relationship.

If anyone thinks that will be easy for Britain, a look back to its entry half a century ago will show how difficult and protracted talks with the EU can be.

Successive British governments slogged away at trying to convince the original six members - Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and West Germany - to let it into what was then the European Economic Community. Membership in 1973 took 12 years of on-and-off discussions that at various times humbled the British.

FILE - In this Jan. 22, 1972, file photo, British Prime Minister Edward Heath, middle, signs the treaty for Britain to join the European Economic Community at the Palais d'Egmont in Brussels, Belgium. Britain on Wednesday March 29, 2017 triggered the mechanism to leave the European Union. (AP Photo, File)

Prime Minister Harold Macmillan got so distraught he confided in his diary in 1963 that "all our policies at home and abroad are in ruins" after French President Charles de Gaulle vetoed Britain's first bid to join. De Gaulle would torpedo Britain's second attempt four years later, too.

"Boy, was it tough," said Piers Ludlow, a historian at the London School of Economics who is a specialist on Britain's postwar relations with Europe.

The past talks highlight some of the challenges Britain faces today. While the international political situation is different, the negotiations promise to be even trickier: with far more EU members involved and more complex and interdependent economies.

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday formally began the divorce talks with the EU. Her government is hoping to settle the exit terms alongside talks over the creation of a "deep and special partnership." The EU wants to first reach a deal on the exit deal and has insisted that any future relationship must be seen to be inferior to full membership.

Nine months on from the British vote to leave the EU, the two sides are finally setting up their stalls. The past suggests that it will be the British who will have to make the bulk of the concessions.

Ludlow noted that in the early 1960s, Britain thought it would be relatively easy to join because of its status as a top European power - echoing the rhetoric from Brexit proponents today, who argue they'll get a good deal from the EU because the EU has a lot to lose through its strong trade ties.

Instead, the years of discussions showed the Europeans, and the French in particular, to be stubborn negotiators.

"For them, of course it is rather harder to reach a consensus opinion because they've got their own national interests and they've got to reach agreement among the six," Geoffrey Rippon, Britain's chief negotiator during the early 1970s, had said.

Now there are 27 countries to negotiate with.

And once again, there are concerns on the British side that the French will prove the most intransigent. As Rippon said all those years ago: "They're hard bargainers."

The EU side will be more efficient today, as it has a more powerful executive Commission to lead the day-to-day talks. The Commission has built up decades of experience on trade negotiations, handling them on behalf of all member states.

But even so, it will take time for all the EU member states to agree on each point of negotiation. Canada's recently concluded trade deal with the bloc took seven years.

"Anyone involved in enlargement/trade deals over the past 60 years can tell you, it's not a fun beast to negotiate with," Ludlow said of the EU. "It's like a ponderous giant; that's the nature of the beast."

Michel Barnier, a former French diplomat, will be the EU's lead Brexit negotiator and is already setting the terms of the agenda.

While admitting that the EU hopes to get a new trade deal within the two years, Barnier has insisted that discussions cannot proceed until Britain settles its multibillion exit bill - what it owes on such things as pension obligations to EU staffers and budgetary contributions it has already committed to.

And there's more than just trade to be discussed, with topics ranging from security cooperation to airlines' access to European skies.

Ludlow says the cost of the divorce bill has added "a fraught element" in much the same way financial matters did decades ago when Britain tried to join. Back then, Britain fought hard not to be one of the largest net contributors to the European budget but eventually conceded defeat to get the green light on its accession.

"The question of what the divorce settlement will be looks likely to be one of the hardest elements of the negotiations," Ludlow said.

Another key lesson from the past is that Britain should park any notion that it can exploit differences among the other EU 27 member states. Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the EU Commission, warned recently that the old British imperial tactic of 'divide-and-rule' won't work.

"There will be a single negotiating line and a very strong desire for negotiators to stick together even if Berlin has a different view from Madrid or Warsaw," said Ludlow, author of 'Dealing with Britain: The Six and the First U.K. Application to the EEC.'

"If you go back to the 1960s, British negotiators found it massively frustrating," he added. Every time the British made a proposal, Europe's representatives left the room to find a unanimous position.

In many ways, the backdrop now is more difficult than it was back in the 1960s and 1970s. There are 21 more members to negotiate with and each one has a veto; the importance of Europe to member states is more pronounced after another four decades of integration; and the EU faces a crisis of confidence following years of economic turmoil in some of the countries that use the euro.

"There's now even more at stake," said Ludlow. "The EU is also conscious of its own fragility and has incentives to avoid the British disrupting the process on the way out."

Would de Gaulle be surprised at the turn of events?

Probably 'non.'

FILE - In this Tuesday, May 17, 1960 file photo, President Charles de Gaulle of France, left, Premier Harold MacMillan of Britain, center, and U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower leave a summit at the Elysee Palace in Paris. De Gaulle would veto Britain's application to join the then European Economic Community on two occasions that decade. Britain on Wednesday March 29, 2017 triggered the mechanism to leave the European Union. (AP Photo, File)
HELSINKI (AP) - Swedish low-cost fashion brand Hennes & Mauritz AB says its first quarter sales increased a modest 7 percent, with strong growth and profits in online operations.

Net sales during the December-February period amounted to almost 47 billion kronor, up from 43.7 billion kronor a year earlier.

Still, the group's net profit for the period dipped to 2.46 billion kronor ($278 million) from 2.54 billion kronor a year earlier, partly because of higher mark-downs.

H&M CEO Karl-Johan Persson on Thursday described the sales growth as "below our plan."

Persson added that the fashion retail industry in general was "very tough in many of our large markets" and "this was reflected in our sales."

The group's brands include H&M, COS, & Other Stories, Monki, Weekday, Cheap Monday and H&M Home.
BERLIN (AP) - German prosecutors have charged a young migrant with murder in the rape and killing last year of a university student.

The victim, a 19-year-old medical student, vanished in mid-October on her way home in Freiburg, southwestern Germany. Her body was found in a river. The suspect was linked to the crime through DNA evidence and video footage from near the scene.

The suspect arrived in Germany in 2015 without identity papers. He told authorities he was 17 and came from Afghanistan, but two studies commissioned by prosecutors indicated he was at least 22 at the time of the crime.

News agency dpa reported that prosecutors in Freiburg said Thursday the suspect, identified only as Hussein K. in line with German privacy rules, was indicted under juvenile law.
BERLIN (AP) - A top police official says Germany needs to remain vigilant against the threat of extremist attacks.

Holger Muench, the head of Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office, told reporters on Thursday that "attacks in Germany are possible anytime."

He said the loss of territory by the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria would lead the group to "increase its efforts to commit attacks, especially in Western countries."

FILE - In this Nov. 16, 2016 file photo, Holger Muench, President of the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) attends a press conference in Mainz, Germany. The top German police official says Germany needs to remain vigilant against the threat of extremist attacks. Holger Muench, the head of Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office, told reporters on Thursday ,March 30, 2017 that "attacks in Germany are possible anytime." (Arne Dedert/dpa via AP,file )

Security authorities in Germany consider 616 extremists potentially dangerous enough to carry out an attack. Of those, about half are currently abroad and of the others who are in Germany, about 100 are in prison.

Since 2012, more than 920 jihadis have left Germany for Syria and Iraq, and about 300 of those have since returned to Germany.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on efforts to repeal and replace President Barack Obama's health care law (all times local):

10:31 a.m.

A House Freedom Caucus member is defending the group's opposition to the failed GOP health care bill. That's after President Donald Trump lashed out at the Republican conservative group Thursday morning.

FILE - In this March 24, 2017, photo, House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis., announces that he is pulling the troubled Republican health care overhaul bill off the House floor at the Capitol in Washington. Note to President Donald Trump and House Republicans: People really don't like your approach to overhauling America's health care. If you're hoping to revive the effort, you may want to try something different. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, file)

Jim Jordan of Ohio says, "I respect the president, but our focus is on the legislation."

Trump tweeted that the caucus will hurt the Republican agenda if they don't get on the team fast, and added, "We must fight them, & Dems, in 2018!"

The caucus contributed to the humiliating failure of the GOP health care bill that would have replaced Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act. They complained the bill didn't do enough to get the government out of health care.

Jordan cites polls showing opposition to the bill, saying, "It doesn't change Washington like we told them we were going to change Washington."

___

9:58 a.m.

House Speaker Paul Ryan says he doesn't want to see President Donald Trump negotiate with Democrats on health care. But he warns that will be the result if House Republicans can't come together and pass their bill.

Ryan tells "CBS This Morning" that if Trump works with Democrats, they will "try and change Obamacare and that's not, that's hardly a conservative thing."

Ryan insists he's still trying to get the bill passed despite its collapse last week short of votes. The legislation was supposed to make good on seven years of GOP promises to repeal and replace President Barack Obama's health law.

Yet there's little evidence that Ryan or other leaders are working seriously to revive the legislation as they move on to other issues like a tax overhaul.

___

9:20 a.m.

President Donald Trump is warning conservative lawmakers in the House that a fight is coming if they don't "get on the team, & fast."

Trump tweeted early Thursday, "The Freedom Caucus will hurt the entire Republican agenda if they don't get on the team, & fast. We must fight them, & Dems, in 2018!"

Trump's efforts to repeal and replace President Barack Obama's signature health care law fell short last week, after he and House Speaker Paul Ryan failed to convince a number of House lawmakers, including most of the Freedom Caucus, to vote in their favor.

Trump initially blamed Democrats for not supporting the new bill. But he's since criticized the Freedom Caucus for its resistance.
LONDON (AP) - Mountain rescuers have found five bodies with the wreckage of a helicopter that disappeared on a flight from England to Ireland, British police said Thursday.

The privately-owned Twin Squirrel chopper failed to arrive in Dublin as scheduled after taking off Wednesday from Luton airport near London.

The British and Irish coast guards searched over the Irish Sea and the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales.

North Wales Police Supt. Gareth Evans said wreckage and bodies were found Thursday in "very difficult and challenging terrain" in the mountains.

Police said Thursday that the operation to recover victims' bodies might have to be suspended overnight "due to worsening weather conditions" and the difficult terrain.

Britain's Air Accidents Investigation Branch said it had sent a team of inspectors to the site.

Police said the victims are all members of one family from the Milton Keynes area of southern England. Police haven't released their names.
HAT YAI, Thailand (AP) - An army ranger and a policeman were shot dead in Thailand's deep south in the latest killings in a region troubled by violent Muslim separatism.

Police Capt. Pracha Haedhak said the body of army ranger Saifru Hasimae was found Thursday in Yala province. No motive for his killing has been established.

Separately, five gunmen opened fire Thursday at a police station in Narathiwat province, killing a policeman and wounding three others. Police Col. Surapong Chatsuth said the attack appeared to be retaliation for a gunbattle Wednesday at a police checkpoint that resulted in the deaths of two gunmen.

About 7,000 people have been killed since a Muslim separatist insurgency flared in 2004 in Buddhist-dominated Thailand's three Muslim-majority provinces in its far south.

Police said the gunbattle on Wednesday occurred after a pickup truck tried to escape from a police checkpoint and its passengers began shooting at officers. The police fired back, killing two people.

Yuthanam Petchmuang, a deputy spokesman for the military's security department that oversees the region, said the two men were suspected of being responsible for an attack in early March that killed four people.
BERLIN (AP) - German prosecutors have charged an Afghan man with membership in the Taliban and as an accessory to attempted murder for his role in fighting Afghan police and security forces.

The 21-year-old, identified only as Hekmat T., was arrested in Germany in December. Federal prosecutors said Thursday that he has been charged with membership in a foreign terrorist organization and with six counts of being an accessory to attempted murder, as well as with violating weapons control laws.

Prosecutors believe the suspect joined the Taliban in Afghanistan in mid-2013 and received weapons training. He then participated several times in fighting against Afghan police, in two cases firing shots himself. It wasn't clear whether any officers were killed or injured.

Prosecutors say the suspect left the Taliban in early 2014.
For many people, a tax refund means a chance to fund a vacation or splurge on a big purchase. For some, though, it's a way to wipe out crushing debt - not by paying it off, but by giving them enough money to pay for bankruptcy.

A review of the past four years supports what attorneys know anecdotally: Filings of Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the most common form for individuals, have a seasonal spike.

From 2013 through 2016, filings in March were 26 to 34 percent higher than the monthly average each year, according to a NerdWallet review of Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts statistics. April's filings were 15 to 25 percent higher.

In this Jan. 14, 2017, photo, an online tax form is displayed on a computer at the offices of tax preparation firm Infinite Tax Solutions, in Boulder, Colo. March and April are the peak months for Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings. Attorneys say the reason is clear: More consumers need the influx of cash from their tax refund to pay for bankruptcy. Americans' slim savings accounts and reliance on tax refunds for big expenses may explain why. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

"The filing uptick in the beginning of the year is something that bankruptcy lawyers can pretty much plan for," says David Leibowitz, a Chicago-area bankruptcy attorney.

BANKRUPTCY ISN'T CHEAP

Between filing and other fees totaling $335 and attorney fees averaging $1,200 or more, consumers can pay upward of $1,500 to discharge their debts in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Filing has gotten more expensive in recent years. Changes to bankruptcy laws passed in 2005 made filing more complicated, so attorneys raised their prices. Attorney fees for even the simplest type, a no-asset Chapter 7 filing, rose 48 percent from 2003 to 2009, according to the most recent report in the American Bankruptcy Institute Law Review.

Since that dramatic jump, "the legal work associated with a bankruptcy case continues to increase incrementally," says Cathy Moran, an attorney in Mountain View, California. Attorneys may absorb some of the rising costs but will pass the rest along to clients, she says.

In other words, don't look for bankruptcy to get cheaper anytime soon. But the IRS says the average tax refund in 2016 was $2,860, enough to cover average bankruptcy costs.

REFUNDS AS A BUDGET TOOL

Many consumers rely on their refunds as a way to manage big expenses. "People use it to get caught up on rent or bills, and if they're too far behind to get caught up, they hire a bankruptcy attorney to discharge their debts," says Roger Bertling, an instructor in consumer protection at Harvard Law School.

The small amount consumers have in savings can make this route inevitable for some. A 2015 report from the Federal Reserve found that 46 percent of American adults wouldn't be able to cover an emergency of $400, which would barely pay the filing fees of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

"For a large expense like this, people have to figure out where they can get this pot of money soon, and sometimes the refund is the only way to do it," Bertling says.

WHEN BANKRUPTCY MAKES SENSE

Despite the cost, Chapter 7 bankruptcy can make sense if you're struggling with overwhelming debt. You should consider it if:

- Your problem debt is greater than 50 percent of your annual income. This usually means medical bills, credit card debt or high-interest loans.

- You see no way of paying off your debt within five years.

- Debt is interfering with other parts of your life, such as hampering your ability to buy a car or save for retirement.

Most debts, like medical bills, credit card debt and even past-due rent, will be forgiven in Chapter 7. This form of bankruptcy won't address student loans, mortgages and most taxes. Consult a bankruptcy attorney for guidance on what's best for your situation.

The mark of bankruptcy will stay on your credit report for 10 years. However, credit scores can rebound as much as 80 points in the six months after filing.

Bankruptcy can offer a fresh start and give consumers hope of building emergency savings or a modest retirement fund, Moran says. "For many families in debt, bankruptcy represents a sure and effective way to get control of their cash flow and to position themselves to provide for unexpected events as well as inevitable old age."

HOW TO PAY FOR BANKRUPTCY

If you think bankruptcy may be your best route to debt relief, a tax refund is not the only way to pay for it. Other ways to help manage the costs include:

- SEEKING A PAYMENT PLAN. Many bankruptcy attorneys will offer installment payment plans to help spread out the cost.

- ASKING FRIENDS AND FAMILY. If it's possible, tapping your network can be an inexpensive way to gather money.

- CONSULTING LEGAL AID. Local nonprofits may offer free or reduced-cost help with your bankruptcy. Note that these organizations are usually overworked, so you may be put on a wait list before getting help.

________________________

This article was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet. Email staff writer Sean Pyles: spyles@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @SeanLoranPyles

RELATED LINKS:

NerdWallet: Bankruptcy Basics: How to File for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13

https://nerd.me/2o0uDJF

Legal Services Corporation: Find Legal Aid

http://www.lsc.gov/what-legal-aid/find-legal-aid
WASHINGTON (AP) - The White House is so troubled by the failure of outside groups to promote the health care plan backed by President Donald Trump that a senior aide is being dispatched to rectify the situation.

Katie Walsh, a longtime top lieutenant to chief of staff Reince Priebus, is leaving the administration to join the nonprofit group America First Policies.

It's one of three separate nonprofits stocked with former Trump advisers that say they want to promote the president's agenda. Yet all were noticeably absent during the heated battle over Trump's first legislative agenda item, repealing and replacing the nation's health care law. The proposal was pronounced dead on Friday.

In this March 29, 2017, photo, President Donald Trump speaks at a women's empowerment panel in the East Room of the White House in Washington. The Republican attempt to repeal Obamacare is dead. Well, maybe the timing just isn't right yet. Hey, this will be easy! This is never-say-die Washington, where big legislative proposals that are in the casket one day suddenly show signs of a shallow pulse the next. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

"It was abundantly clear that we didn't have air cover when it came to calls coming into lawmakers," Priebus said. "No one can fix this problem better than Katie."

No one else is joining Walsh in leaving the White House, spokesman Sean Spicer said.

Walsh, White House deputy chief of staff, is joining America First Policies as a senior strategist. She's a longtime political operative and was among many in the Trump administration who noticed with irritation that pro-Trump groups weren't engaged in the fight over health care. She decided over the weekend that she could better help Trump on the outside and said she was "excited" to continue pressing his agenda.

The White House is not allowed to direct the outside groups on what to do; those groups typically use public statements by the president and others to determine how to use their resources.

"Katie Walsh was instrumental in the victory in November," said senior White House adviser Jared Kushner. "There is no one better suited to fulfill this role than Katie."

The health care bill's conservative opponents benefited from a well-funded echo chamber of political and policy groups to drive home their message with voters. For example, Americans for Prosperity, part of a conservative network backed by billionaires Charles and David Koch, vowed to spend more than $1 million fighting any lawmakers who would vote for it.

Lack of Republican buy-in ultimately doomed the bill.

"The opposition was very well-organized," said Republican strategist Alex Conant. "The debate was over before the proponents got going."

But the hesitation started in the White House.

House Speaker Paul Ryan unveiled the bill in February to repeal and replace the Obama-era health care law, and although Trump said he supported it, he did not aggressively sell it until the final few days before the vote was scheduled. When Ryan realized Friday that the bill would fail, he pulled it without a vote.

Leaders for some of the Trump groups said they viewed backing the legislation as a problem for Congress, not the White House.

"I guess I'm just not sure what the expectation was," said Katrina Pierson, spokeswoman for America First Policies. "This was the first attempt at health care by the Republican leadership, and it did not originate in the White House. If it's not originating in the White House, it's not our fight, it's their fight."

While America First Policies, which its leaders said had raised some $25 million already, spent next to nothing on the health care debate, Pierson noted she did television interviews promoting the bill. The group also tweeted about health care and did a small digital buy on the topic. The Trump campaign's data and digital director Brad Parscale founded the group.

The head of another pro-Trump group, Great America Alliance, said lawmakers' views on the health care were shifting too quickly to put together a successful pressure campaign.

"We try to augment the lead of the White House, as we have done on his reform agenda items," Eric Beach said. "There just was not as much clarity for us on which House members were supportive of the health care bill and which were not."

Trump advisers Rudy Giuliani and Newt Gingrich are involved in that group, which Beach says has spent about $4 million since the president was inaugurated (just not on health care).

The leader of a third group, Making America Great, said the group was too new to jump into health care. David Bossie, a former deputy campaign manager for Trump, said he began activating and raising money for Making America Great only a few weeks ago.

"By the time we decided to do this, health care was well down the road," Bossie said. However, Republican megadonor and Trump supporter Rebekah Mercer registered paperwork for the group in December. It is funded partly by her, as well as Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus and others.

The panoply of outside groups competing for primacy is reminiscent of the sometimes problematic internal factions at the White House itself, though the groups' leaders say there's plenty of room for everyone. Bossie and Parscale both were spotted in the White House on Thursday as the Walsh move was being announced.

This week, Making America Great began spending more than $1 million on an ad that is to air in 10 states with Democratic senators. It resembles a public relations campaign, with a drum corps sound track and images of the president's rallies overlaid with text such as, "Results not common in Washington, D.C."

The spot, first reported by Bloomberg News, notes job growth, the rollback of regulations, greenlighting of a pipeline and undoing of an international trade deal before concluding, "And it's only just begun."

There's no mention of health care.

___

Follow Bykowicz on Twitter at https://twitter.com/bykowicz
BERLIN (AP) - Germany's interior minister said Thursday that Turkey's intelligence agency may have given its German counterpart a list of suspected supporters of a U.S.-based cleric to "provoke us in some way."

Last month, Turkey's MIT agency handed German intelligence a list of some 300 alleged supporters of Fethullah Gulen thought to be living in Germany, among them reportedly a German lawmaker.

Officials have said Turkey asked the Germans to put those people under surveillance.

German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere arrives for the weekly cabinet meeting of the German government at the chancellery in Berlin, Wednesday, March 29, 2017. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere told ZDF television that he suspected the move may have been intended to weigh on Turkish-German relations, "to provoke us in some way." He said he didn't believe it was meant as a contribution to anti-terrorist reconnaissance.

The Turkish government claims Gulen supporters were behind a July coup attempt. Gulen denies orchestrating it.

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim acknowledged that an MIT undersecretary gave Germany's intelligence chief a file on Gulen's movement at a Munich security conference. Yildirim told Turkish broadcaster NTV the exchange was routine and he condemned the way the information has been treated in Germany.

"Unfortunately, of course, intelligence organizations share such information with each other. This should not be leaked to any side," he said. "But it is clear that this information in Germany was given to government sources and they used it. This is, first of all, not ethical. It does not fit intelligence practices."
LONDON (AP) - Lawyers say nine people, including actor David Tennant and former Formula One driver Eddie Irvine, have launched legal action against Rupert Murdoch's British newspaper operations over alleged tabloid phone-hacking.

Law firm Collyer Bristow said Thursday it is representing Irvine, ex-"Doctor Who" star Tennant and seven others over "phone hacking and other unlawful activities."

Murdoch closed the tabloid News of the World in 2011 after revelations it had eavesdropped on the voicemails of celebrities, politicians and even a 13-year-old murder victim.

Several journalists were convicted, and Murdoch's company paid out millions in compensation.

Collyer Bristow partner Steven Heffer said Murdoch's company closed its compensation scheme in 2013, and "my clients have been left with no alternative but to issue claims in the High Court."

Murdoch's News U.K. had no immediate comment.
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - Three alleged international human traffickers who are suspected of smuggling recruits for the Islamic State and helping to finance the group have been arrested in a town on Kenya's coast, police said Thursday.

Police spokesman George Kinoti said the two Kenyans and a Somali were arrested Monday in the coastal town of Malindi.

Somali-born Ali Hussein Ali is accused of being recruited by the Islamic State group after he left Kenya in 2010 and "deployed" back to the country in November, Kinoti said.

Ali also is accused of facilitating the transfer of money to the Islamic State and concealing its purpose by transferring it through several countries before it reached the Islamic State in Libya.

Ali allegedly is part of the Magafe human smuggling network across several African countries that also engages in the kidnapping for ransom of immigrants going via Libya toward Europe, Kinoti said. Ransom money is channeled through informal money transfer systems to finance the Islamic State, he said.

The two other suspects, Kenyans Ibrahim Abasheikh Mukhtar and Abdi Mohamed Yusuf, are accused of housing Islamic State recruits and driving them through borders. Mukhtar owns several houses on Kenya's coast, Kinoti said, and Yusuf is a long-distance driver.

Kenya has been trying to stop the recruitment of its youth by extremist groups, notably al-Shabab in neighboring Somalia. Some recruits have carried out some of the deadliest attacks in Kenya's history, like the Garissa University attack in April 2015 that killed 148 people. The Somalia-based al-Shabab claimed responsibility for that attack, calling it retribution for Kenya's sending troops to fight the militants.

Hundreds of Kenyan youth have joined al-Shabab, making them its largest contingent of foreign fighters.
DILLWYN, Va. (AP) - A tractor-trailer carrying 75,000 pounds of mulch struck and killed two children who ran into the road to meet their approaching school bus in Virginia on Thursday, state police said.

State Police Spokeswoman Corinne Geller said six children were standing at the bus stop on a private road off U.S. Route 15 in Dillwyn when two of them saw their bus approaching and ran across the northbound lanes.

Geller said the tractor-trailer was traveling northbound at the time, carrying 75,000 pounds of mulch. Geller said the driver was coming down a hill and tried to stop, but struck the children.

State police and investigator looks over the spot where two children were killed when they ran in front of a tractor-trailer while waiting for a school bus in Dillwyn, Va., Thursday, March 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Police say the children were 5 and 6 years old and died at the scene. They were identified as 5-year-old Tori Perez and 6-year-old Jaiden Bartee.

Geller said no charges will be brought against the truck driver.

The school bus had its yellow lights flashing but hadn't come to a complete stop when the children ran across the road, Geller said. She said the school bus driver motioned to the children to try to get them to go back to the side of the road.

Sabrina Green, Perez's mother, told The Richmond-Times Dispatch that she ran to the scene after hearing the crash. Green said Perez was lying on the side of the road and Bartee was under the truck. The newspaper reports that the two were cousins.

Barbara Rose, Perez's great aunt, told the newspaper she was a "joyful little child."

Buckingham County Public Schools Superintendent Cecil Snead said grief counseling will be available to help students and employees process the tragedy. Snead would not provide any further details about the children or the incident.

"All I'm asking is everyone keep Buckingham in your prayers in the upcoming days," he said.

Sabrina Green, center, mother of 5-year-old crash victim, Tori Perez, is comforted by neighbors and friends as they walk to church in Dillwyn, Va., Thursday, March 30, 2017. Perez was killed when she and another child ran to the school bus in front of a tractor trailer traveling down the road. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

State police and investigators look over a tractor-trailer that was involved in an accident that killed two children waiting for a school bus in Dillwyn, Va., Thursday, March 30, 2017. (Brian DeVasher/Richmond Times Dispatch via AP)

State police and investigators look over the spot where two children were killed when they ran in front of a tractor-trailer while waiting for a school bus in Dillwyn, Va., Thursday, March 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

State police and investigators look over the spot where two children were killed when they ran in front of a tractor-trailer while waiting for a school bus in Dillwyn, Va., Thursday, March 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) - The United Nations and human rights groups have accused Gaza's Hamas rulers of endangering their own people by closing the territory's main crossing with Israel.

Hamas imposed the lockdown in the wake of the mysterious killing of a senior commander last week. It has accused Israel of being behind the killing.

Movement in and out of Gaza is already tightly restricted by Israel and Egypt, which have maintained a blockade on the seaside territory since the Islamic militant Hamas took power a decade ago.

In this Sunday, March 26, 2017 photo, Palestinian residents of Gaza strip wait on the Israeli side of the Erez terminal to cross to Gaza Strip. Hamas imposed the lockdown and closed the Gaza side of the crossing in the wake of a mysterious killing of a senior Hamas commander last week. It has accused Israel of being behind the killing. The U.N. humanitarian agency OCHA said the measures are "negatively impacting already vulnerable sectors in Gaza." The agency said dozens of people have missed hard-to-get medical appointments in Israel or the West Bank, while international consultants have been unable to enter Gaza to work on development projects. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov)

Now, Hamas has further tightened movement with its rare closure of the Erez crossing - the main point for Gazans who need to enter Israel for medical care or to travel to the West Bank or Jordan.

Hamas has been on high alert since the body of Mazen Faqha, 38, was found with four gunshots at the entrance of his Gaza City home on Friday night. Faqha's killers, who used a silencer and fled the scene before the body was discovered, remain at large.

After the killing, Hamas set up military-style checkpoints throughout Gaza, prevented fishermen from going out to sea and barred all residents and foreign aid workers from leaving the coastal strip. On Monday, it eased the closure to allow some patients and families of prisoners held by Israel to exit Gaza. But male patients between the ages of 15 and 45 are still barred.

The World Health Organization said Thursday that 79 patients have missed medical appointments, meaning they will have to reapply for hard-to-get travel permits from Israel. OCHA said international experts have been unable to enter Gaza, delaying much-needed aid projects, while local union officials say 4,000 fishermen have not set sail since Saturday.

Akram Attallah, a Gaza-based columnist, wrote that the closure of Gaza was "a collective punishment that the Palestinians should not be conducting."

The Independent Commission for Human Rights, a Palestinian watchdog, called on Hamas to end the closure, while Gisha, an Israeli human rights group that usually battles the Israeli closure, strongly condemned Hamas' restrictions.

"Security concerns do not give any actor free reign to violate human rights," Gisha said. "Freedom of movement is a fundamental human right."

Hamas' Interior Ministry says the restrictions will remain in place until further notice. It has imposed a gag order barring publication of details into the investigation.

COGAT, the Israeli defense body that coordinates movement through the crossing, said the number of people passing through each day has dropped from over 1,000 to 230. It said Kerem Shalom, the main cargo crossing for deliveries into Gaza, has been operating as normal.

The agency accused Hamas, which is sworn to Israel's destruction, of "causing a constant tension between the will to help the civilian Gaza residents and our duty to protect the citizens of Israel."

Faqha, who was originally from the West Bank, was released by Israel along with more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for a captive Israeli soldier in 2011. He had been serving nine life sentences for his role in planning suicide bombings in Israel.

Israel has not commented on the killing.

Faqha's father told The Associated Press that Israeli intelligence agents raided their West Bank home three times between 2014 and 2015 and threatened his son over the telephone.

Hamas said Faqha resumed his militant work after his release and was a senior leader of its military wing.

In this Sunday, March 26, 2017 photo, Palestinian residents of Gaza strip wait on the Israeli side of the Erez terminal to cross to Gaza Strip. Hamas imposed the lockdown and closed the Gaza side of the crossing in the wake of a mysterious killing of a senior Hamas commander last week. It has accused Israel of being behind the killing. The U.N. humanitarian agency OCHA said the measures are "negatively impacting already vulnerable sectors in Gaza." The agency said dozens of people have missed hard-to-get medical appointments in Israel or the West Bank, while international consultants have been unable to enter Gaza to work on development projects. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov)

In this Sunday, March 26, 2017 photo, Palestinian residents of Gaza strip pray as they wait on the Israeli side of the Erez terminal to cross to Gaza Strip. Hamas imposed the lockdown and closed the Gaza side of the crossing in the wake of a mysterious killing of a senior Hamas commander last week. It has accused Israel of being behind the killing. The U.N. humanitarian agency OCHA said the measures are "negatively impacting already vulnerable sectors in Gaza." The agency said dozens of people have missed hard-to-get medical appointments in Israel or the West Bank, while international consultants have been unable to enter Gaza to work on development projects. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - A miner killed by falling rock at a Kentucky coal mine early Thursday is the state's second mining fatality this year, matching the total from all of 2016, authorities said.

Joseph W. Partin died when a 15-foot-tall section of exposed rock fell on him at Green Hill Mining's No. 51 surface mine in the southeast part of the state, according to state officials. The 33-year-old miner was performing maintenance work on an auger when the rock fell.

Kentucky recorded its first mining death of 2017 in late January. Kentucky's two mining deaths last year also occurred in January and March.

Last year the mining industry set a record low for mining deaths with nine fatalities nationwide. Partin's death was the fourth nationally this year. The other two were in West Virginia.

A release from Kentucky's Energy and Environment Cabinet said mining operations were shut down at the Green Hill site and officials remained on the scene Thursday morning.

Gov. Matt Bevin offered condolences to the family after the death at the Whitley County mine.

"During times of great sorrow, communities must come together and find strength in one another," Bevin said in a statement.

A miner for eight years, Partin was working at a so-called highwall mining site, where an auger is used to bore holes into the side of exposed earth and rock.

His death occurred a little more than a week after Bevin signed a law giving the state Department of Resources commissioner leeway to reduce the number of state inspections at underground coal mines. The new law does not affect inspections at surface mines.

The Green Hill Mine surface mine, about 20 miles from the Tennessee line, has a good safety record and an inspection was last performed there in December. A review of federal inspection records showed no serious violations at the site operated by Green Hill since 2005.

Nationally, Partin's death was the first at a surface coal mine since May 2015, when a miner was pinned between two vehicles in Pike County, Kentucky.
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A coalition of environmental groups challenged the federal permit for the Keystone XL oil pipeline in court on Thursday because they say additional environmental scrutiny is needed.

The Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council and other groups say the initial environmental review completed in 2014 is inadequate and outdated, and that it underestimated how much the pipeline would encourage tar sands oil production in Canada.

The proposed pipeline that TransCanada wants to build would carry crude oil from Canada through Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska, where it would connect with an existing Keystone pipeline network that would take the oil to Texas Gulf Coast refineries.

The U.S. State Department issued a permit for the project earlier this month, though Nebraska regulators still must review and decide whether to approve the proposed route through their state.

President Donald Trump has said he believes the pipeline will create American jobs and bolster the country's energy independence. He overturned former President Barack Obama's rejection of the project in 2015.

Officials with the State Department and TransCanada declined to comment on the lawsuit, saying they don't comment on pending litigation.

The environmental groups contend in their lawsuit filed in Montana that the 2014 report on the project's impact "downplays or ignores other significant environmental impacts of Keystone XL, including harms to land, air, water, and wildlife."

The $8 billion pipeline that was first proposed in 2008 has drawn strong opposition from environmental groups and some landowners who worry about potential contamination of ground and surface water.

Supporters of the project maintain that those fears are exaggerated, and the pipeline will have a number of upgraded safety features. The pipeline would carry 830,000 barrels of oil a day.

In Nebraska, the elected state Public Service Commission will review the project. That decision will be based on whether commissioners believe the project serves a public interest, based on evidence presented at a public hearing.
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump trained his fire on members of his own party Thursday, declaring in the aftermath of the Republican's failed health care push that the conservative Freedom Caucus will hurt the entire GOP agenda. He vowed to "fight them" in 2018 if they don't get behind him.

The early-morning tweet from Trump highlighted the growing schism in a Republican party that controls the White House and both branches of Congress yet appears to be teetering on the precipice of a civil war. Republicans plunged into a blame game over the demise of the years-long push to repeal and replace President Barack Obama's signature health care legislation, with members sniping at each other over how much they can work with Democrats - or even the White House.

Trump's anger at the Freedom Caucus for posing as a stubborn impediment to his governing runs the risk of alienating the conservative base that fueled his rise during last year's Republican primaries and has to this point remained loyal to the president.

President Donald Trump speaks while meeting with Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, Thursday, March 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

With his poll numbers falling and his plans to move onto tax reform and a robust infrastructure program imperiled, Trump took to Twitter to attack the conservative group that many in the White House hold responsible for sabotaging last week's health care vote.

"The Freedom Caucus will hurt the entire Republican agenda if they don't get on the team, & fast. We must fight them, & Dems, in 2018!" Trump said.

Hours later, he went a step further and singled out three members of the Freedom Caucus - Rep. Raul Labrador of Idaho, Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio and its chair, Rep. Mark Meadows of North Carolina - in a series of tweets. He said that if they "would get on board we would have both great healthcare and massive tax cuts & reform."

But as the White House considered flexing its muscle against the Freedom Caucus, the group remained unbowed, with several members sparring with a president whose agenda has stalled, whose approval ratings are hovering below 40 percent and who has been dogged by the ongoing probe into contacts between his associates and Russian officials.

"It didn't take long for the swamp to drain @realDonaldTrump," tweeted Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan. "No shame, Mr. President. Almost everyone succumbs to the D.C. Establishment."

And Labrador wrote: "Freedom Caucus stood with u when others ran. Remember who your real friends are."

Most of the GOP no-voters represent safely Republican seats - some drawn to ensure they stay that way - and whose grip on power would only be threatened by a primary challenger. They have also taken a stand knowing that while Trump is popular in their districts, they are equally so.

Some Republicans seemed emboldened by the White House's prodding: Grand Rapids businessman Brian Ellis challenged Amash to a primary in 2014 and said Thursday he may do so him again.

"It's the same old thing with the Freedom Caucus: Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good," Ellis said. "And for Amash to reject them is to not reflect what I know to be the desire of the constituents of this district."

The tweet was the latest step in Trump's apparent evolution from blaming Democrats to members of his own party for the biggest defeat his White House has faced so far. Last week, Trump publicly pointed to the other party for refusing to cooperate on the bill, an incredulity-defying comment since no Democrat was eager to replace Obamacare, nor did the White House conduct any real outreach across the aisle.

But behind the scenes, Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and chief strategist Steve Bannon pushed for a vote even after it was clear the GOP bill did not have enough support to pass. The plan was to publicly identify Republicans who broke with the president and potentially put them in Trump's crosshairs, according an administration official who requested anonymity to discuss private conversations.

Ryan talked them out of demanding the vote, saying it would endanger members of their own party. But Trump is now considering retribution for those who did not support him, which could include support for primary challengers or using the trappings of the presidency - including using Air Force One for presidential rallies in the members' home districts - to get them in line and silence their criticisms of the White House, according to the official.

Ryan on Thursday said he was sympathetic to the president's angry tweet, which came a day after a number of outside conservative groups met with White House senior officials to discuss the president's agenda.

"I share his frustration," said Ryan. "About 90 percent of our conference is for this bill to repeal and replace Obamacare and about 10 percent are not and that's not enough to pass a bill."

Ryan also said that he worried that the defiant Republicans would push Trump "into working with Democrats" on health care, a result that he believed would not lead to a bill adherent to conservative principles. Ryan's comment drew sharp criticism Republican Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee, further showcasing the GOP's intraparty divisions.

"We have come a long way in our country when the speaker of one party urges a president NOT to work with the other party to solve a problem," Corker tweeted.

Into the brewing battle stepped an unlikely would-be peacemaker: Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who once called fellow Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell "a liar" on the Senate floor, said he was "working night and day" to find common ground to deliver on the promise to repeal Obamacare.

"The only way for us to govern and deliver on our promises is for Republicans not to turn the cannons on each other but stand united behind shared principles," Cruz said.

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Additional reporting by Erica Werner and Richard Lardner in Washington and Thomas Beaumont in Des Moines, Iowa.

___

Follow Lemire on Twitter at http://twitter.com/@JonLemire
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - The Latest on the sentencings in the George Washington Bridge lane-closing trial (all times local):

2:05 p.m.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's office is defending itself after a judge cited the venomous culture of his administration while sentencing two of his former aides in a political revenge plot.

Bill Baroni leaves federal court after sentencing in Newark, N.J., Wednesday, March 29, 2017. Baroni, 45, was sentenced to two years after he and Bridget Kellywere convicted for their roles in the 2013 George Washington Bridge lane-closing scandal. Kelly, 44, was sentenced to 18 months. Both must also serve 500 hours of community service. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Christie spokesman Brian Murray says the work of Christie staffers has been "honest, honorable, bi-partisan and effective." He says Bridget Kelly and Bill Baroni's actions were a "sad and unacceptable exception to the way the office has conducted itself."

Kelly and Baroni were sentenced Wednesday to prison for creating a colossal traffic jam near the George Washington Bridge linking New Jersey and New York in 2013 to punish a mayor who didn't endorse Christie's re-election.

Judge Susan Wigenton told Kelly she got "caught up in a culture and an environment that lost its way."

Christie wasn't charged in the plot.

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2 a.m.

Two former aides to New Jersey's governor have been sentenced to jail for creating traffic jams at the busiest bridge in the United States for political revenge, bringing the case to a close.

But appeals and a pledge from one of them that the fight isn't over promise to keep the George Washington Bridge lane-closing scandal hanging over Republican Gov. Chris Christie's final year in office.

Bridget Kelly told reporters after she was sentenced to 18 months in prison Wednesday that she won't be a scapegoat.

Her attorney pointed out that her testimony that she told Christie about the traffic jams while they were happening was never contradicted.

Christie hasn't been charged and denies that Kelly told him about the lane closures.

Co-defendant Bill Baroni was sentenced Wednesday to two years in prison.

Bridget Kelly leaves federal court after sentencing in Newark, N.J., Wednesday, March 29, 2017. Kelly, 44, was sentenced to 18 months after she and Bill Baroni were convicted for their roles in the 2013 George Washington Bridge lane-closing scandal. Baroni, 45, was sentenced to two years. Both must also serve 500 hours of community service. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

William Fitzpatrick, acting U.S. Attorney for District of New Jersey, speaks to reporters after leaving federal court in Newark, N.J., Wednesday, March 29, 2017. Two former aides to Gov. Chris Christie, Bill Baroni and Bridget Kelly, were sentenced to prison Wednesday for their roles in the 2013 George Washington Bridge lane-closing scandal. Baroni, 45, was sentenced to two years. Kelly, 44, was sentenced to 18 months. Both must also serve 500 hours of community service. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Bridget Kelly leaves federal court after sentencing in Newark, N.J., Wednesday, March 29, 2017. Kelly, 44, was sentenced to 18 months after she and Bill Baroni were convicted for their roles in the 2013 George Washington Bridge lane-closing scandal. Baroni, 45, was sentenced to two years. Both must also serve 500 hours of community service. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Bridget Kelly speaks to reporters after being sentenced in federal court in Newark, N.J., Wednesday, March 29, 2017. Kelly, 44, was sentenced to 18 months after she and Bill Baroni were convicted for their roles in the 2013 George Washington Bridge lane-closing scandal. Baroni, 45, was sentenced to two years. Both must also serve 500 hours of community service. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Bill Baroni waves to reporters after being sentenced in federal court in Newark, N.J., Wednesday, March 29, 2017. Baroni, 45, was sentenced to two years after he and Bridget Kellywere convicted for their roles in the 2013 George Washington Bridge lane-closing scandal. Kelly, 44, was sentenced to 18 months. Both must also serve 500 hours of community service. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Bill Baroni leaves federal court after sentencing in Newark, N.J., Wednesday, March 29, 2017. Baroni, 45, was sentenced to two years after he and Bridget Kellywere convicted for their roles in the 2013 George Washington Bridge lane-closing scandal. Kelly, 44, was sentenced to 18 months. Both must also serve 500 hours of community service. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Bridget Kelly arrives for sentencing at federal court in Newark, N.J., Wednesday, March 29, 2017. Kelly and Bill Baroni, former aides to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, are scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday for their roles in the 2013 George Washington Bridge lane-closing scandal. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Bridget Kelly, center, arrives for sentencing at federal court in Newark, N.J., Wednesday, March 29, 2017. Kelly and Bill Baroni, former aides to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, are scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday for their roles in the 2013 George Washington Bridge lane-closing scandal. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Bridget Kelly arrives for sentencing at federal court in Newark, N.J., Wednesday, March 29, 2017. Kelly and Bill Baroni, former aides to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, are scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday for their roles in the 2013 George Washington Bridge lane-closing scandal. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Bridget Kelly arrives for sentencing at federal court in Newark, N.J., Wednesday, March 29, 2017. Kelly and Bill Baroni, former aides to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, are scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday for their roles in the 2013 George Washington Bridge lane-closing scandal. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Bridget Kelly arrives for sentencing at federal court in Newark, N.J., Wednesday, March 29, 2017. Kelly and Bill Baroni, former aides to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, are scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday for their roles in the 2013 George Washington Bridge lane-closing scandal. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Bridget Kelly arrives for sentencing at federal court in Newark, N.J., Wednesday, March 29, 2017. Kelly and Bill Baroni, former aides to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, are scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday for their roles in the 2013 George Washington Bridge lane-closing scandal. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Bill Baroni arrives for sentencing at federal court in Newark, N.J., Wednesday, March 29, 2017. Baroni and Bridget Kelly, former aides to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, are scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday for their roles in the 2013 George Washington Bridge lane-closing scandal. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Bill Baroni arrives for sentencing at federal court in Newark, N.J., Wednesday, March 29, 2017. Baroni and Bridget Kelly, former aides to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, are scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday for their roles in the 2013 George Washington Bridge lane-closing scandal. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Bill Baroni, center, arrives for sentencing at federal court in Newark, N.J., Wednesday, March 29, 2017. Baroni and Bridget Kelly, former aides to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, are scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday for their roles in the 2013 George Washington Bridge lane-closing scandal. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Bill Baroni arrives for sentencing at federal court in Newark, N.J., Wednesday, March 29, 2017. Baroni and Bridget Kelly, former aides to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, are scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday for their roles in the 2013 George Washington Bridge lane-closing scandal. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Bill Baroni arrives for sentencing at federal court in Newark, N.J., Wednesday, March 29, 2017. Baroni and Bridget Kelly, former aides to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, are scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday for their roles in the 2013 George Washington Bridge lane-closing scandal. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
MIAMI (AP) - A businessman based in Cyprus is suing the Buzzfeed online media outlet for defamation over its publication of an unproven dossier on President Donald Trump's purported activities involving Russia and allegations of Russian interference during last year's U.S. election.

The businessman, Aleksej Gubarev, claims he and his companies were falsely linked in the dossier to the Russia-backed computer hacking of Democratic Party figures. Gubarev, 36, is seeking unspecified damages from Buzzfeed and its top editor, Ben Smith, for the lawsuit's libel and slander claims.

Buzzfeed's lawyers, meanwhile, say the case should be tossed out of Miami federal court due to lack of jurisdiction or at least transferred to New York, where the company's main offices are located.

The most recent filing by Gubarev's attorneys on Monday appeared to mock Buzzfeed's editorial style by titling the document this way:

"Six Ways Buzzfeed Has Misled The Court (Number Two Will Amaze You) ... And A Picture Of A Kitten."

The 35-page dossier, compiled by former British spy Christopher Steele, was circulating among multiple news outlets during the 2016 election. It contains unproven allegations of coordination between Trump's advisers and Russians on hacking the emails of prominent Democrats and makes unverified claims about sexual activities.

On Jan. 10, Buzzfeed published the dossier in full, noting at the time that much of its content had not been verified. The Associated Press has not authenticated its claims. Trump himself has described the lurid dossier as "phony allegations" concocted by his political opponents.

In one paragraph, the dossier claims that Gubarev and his companies, XBT Holdings and Webzilla Inc., "had been using botnets and porn traffic to transmit viruses, plant bugs, steal data and conduct 'altering operations' against the Democratic Party leadership" at the behest of Russian entities, according to court documents filed by his lawyers.

"Not a single portion of this statement, as it applies to Mr. Gubarev, XBT, or Webzilla, has any basis in fact whatsoever," his attorneys wrote in a filing dated Monday.

Since the dossier's publication, they added, Gubarev "has found his personal and professional reputation in tatters" and his wife has been subjected to online harassment. XBT operates 37,000 computer servers around the world, about 40 percent of them in Dallas, the document says.

In his lawsuit, Gubarev is described as a "venture capitalist and tech expert" who moved from his native Russia to Cyprus in 2002. Gubarev is not involved in politics and has no connections with the Russian government, the document says.

In a March 14 filing, Buzzfeed's attorneys contend the case has no place in a Florida court because neither Buzzfeed nor Gubarev's companies have a strong presence in the state. They want the case dismissed or moved to New York, where Buzzfeed's headquarters are located.

"On the most fundamental level, this action has no meaningful connection to Florida," the Buzzfeed lawyers wrote. "While the dossier itself continues to generate intense international interest, it is clear that this dispute about its publication has nothing to do with Florida."

Gubarev, however, contends that Buzzfeed regularly reports in and about Florida and that Webzilla has maintained a corporate presence and paid taxes in the state since 2009.

The case, originally filed in February, is pending before Miami U.S. District Judge Ursula Ungaro. She could issue a ruling on the motion to either dismiss or transfer at any time.

_____

Follow Curt Anderson on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Miamicurt
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Trump administration has submitted a vague set of guidelines to Congress for renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada, disappointing those who wanted a major overhaul of a decades-old trade deal that Trump described as "disaster" during the presidential campaign.

In an eight-page draft letter to Congress, acting U.S. Trade Rep. Stephen Vaughn wrote that the administration intends to start talking with Mexico and Canada about making changes to the pact, which took effect in 1994. Trump and other critics blame the agreement for wiping out U.S. manufacturing jobs because it allowed companies to move factories to Mexico to take advantage of low-wage labor.

The letter spells out few details and sticks with broad principles. But it appears to keep much of the existing agreement in place, including private tribunals that allow companies to challenge national laws on the grounds that they inhibit trade - a provision that critics say allows companies to get around environmental and labor laws.

The draft also contains some provisions that were part of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a 12-country Asia-Pacific trade agreement negotiated by the Obama administration but rejected by Trump for possibly hurting U.S. workers.

"We've got a long ways to go," said Ohio Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown. "President Trump made big promises to working people in Ohio, and I'm ready to work with him to deliver on those promises or hold him accountable if he doesn't."

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross confirmed in an interview on CNBC that the draft letter had come from the administration. He told CNBC that the administration wants to update how products qualify for tariff-free status, noting that some auto parts made outside the United States, Canada and Mexico can now qualify for this special status due to the agreement's outdated rules.

"It is a backdoor way for non-NAFTA goods to take advantage of NAFTA," Ross said.

But not everyone viewed the draft letter as protecting workers.

NAFTA critic Lori Wallach, director of the left-leaning Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch, called the letter "a punch in the face."

If it represents the president's plan for a revamped NAFTA, she said, "he will have broken his campaign promises to make NAFTA better for working Americans and have a deal that cannot get a majority in Congress."

But Gary Hufbauer, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, which advocates free trade, said the letter leaves open the possibility that the Trump administration can take a tougher position once talks with Canada and Mexico begin.

"The language is soft. It's very diplomatic," he said. "But it does have the potential of being an umbrella for very hard-hitting demands."

For instance, the letter said the president wants to revamp rules on government contracts to allow the U.S. government to insist that U.S. contractors do more to "buy American" while nudging the Mexican and Canadian governments to buy more U.S. products, too.

Texas Republican Rep. Will Hurd, whose district runs more than 800 miles along the border with Mexico, welcomed administration calls for NAFTA to be updated to reflect the rise of e-commerce in the years since the pact was negotiated. The U.S. will seek commitments from Mexico and Canada not to impose customs duties on digital products.

Criticizing NAFTA was a winner on the campaign trail. But many U.S. manufacturers have built complicated supply chains that cross NAFTA borders and worry that a rewrite of the deal will disrupt their operations. The letter states that a goal of new talks is to boost manufacturers' profits "within the trading bloc."

U.S. farmers also have enjoyed increased access to the Mexican market through NAFTA, a benefit an amended agreement would look to expand.

The vague draft may reflect a Trump administration still figuring out its trade priorities.

Outside of the president's own fiery rhetoric, congressional staffers have said it's unclear precisely which administration officials are setting the agenda on trade.

There is Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, a billionaire investor whom Trump has hailed as a "killer" negotiator.

But the president also created the National Trade Council led by the economist Peter Navarro, who has talked up border taxes in hopes of bringing factory jobs back into the United States.

And then there is Robert Lighthizer, the lawyer awaiting Senate confirmation as U.S. trade representative, the post officially responsible for leading talks about a new pact.

White House spokesman Sean Spicer declined to discuss the draft until Lighthizer is in place.

"Our goal is to get Robert Lighthizer appointed as the next ambassador and U.S. trade representative," Spicer said.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The United States imposed sanctions Thursday on seven people for allegedly supporting the Islamic State group or al-Qaida, including a member of the IS cell dubbed "The Beatles." The sanctions also targeted a diverse array of individuals from Asia, Europe and New Zealand that the U.S. accuses of being terrorists.

The State Department declared El Shafee Elsheikh, one of the notorious British-sounding captors accused of executing hostages, to be a global terrorist. The U.S. said Elsheikh traveled to Syria in 2012 and first joined al-Qaida's branch there, and then later joined IS, beheading more than 27 hostages and torturing others.

The designations freeze any assets that Elsheikh and others targeted may have in the U.S. and bars Americans from doing business with them.

The U.S. also targeted Anjem Choudary, one of Britain's best-known radical Islamic preachers, who was sentenced last year to 5 years in prison for encouraging IS. For years, he ran groups in the U.K. under the names al-Muhajiroun, Islam4UK and Muslims Against Crusades. Several people who attended his rallies or events have been convicted of violent attacks. The State Department said Choudary has vowed to continue recruiting extremists while in prison.

The latest round of targets indicated the U.S. is attempting to pursue IS followers who have sought to spread the extremist ideology in Southeast Asia and other areas far from Iraq and Syria.

Muhammad Bahrun Naim Anggih Tamtomo, an Indonesian national, was targeted for allegedly helping associates in Indonesia plan attacks. And the U.S. said Muhammad Wanndy Bin Mohamed Jedi, of Malaysia, had ordered an IS cell in Malaysia to carry out multiple attacks there. The U.S. said Wanndy is based in Syria and Iraq, and Naim in Syria.

The sanctions also target a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago believed to be fighting for IS in Syria, in a sign of growing U.S. concern that the Caribbean island nation has unexpectedly emerged as a source of foreign fighters and money for IS. The U.S. said that Shane Dominic Crawford had served as an interpreter for IS, translating the group's propaganda into English.

A New Zealand native, Mark John Taylor, was targeted for fighting for IS in Syria for the last several years. The U.S. said he'd appeared in an IS propaganda video intended to inspire terror attacks in New Zealand and Australia.

A Swedish member of al-Qaida, Sami Bouras, was an unusual addition to the list. The U.S. said Bouras, who is of Tunisian descent, had helped plan suicide attacks.

___

Reach Josh Lederman on Twitter at http://twitter.com/joshledermanAP
WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley met with White House adviser Jared Kushner about criminal justice reform Thursday, giving supporters a small sign of encouragement that the issue could be revived under President Donald Trump.

The bipartisan effort to overhaul the nation's criminal justice system would have revised 1980s and '90s-era federal "tough on crime" laws by reducing some mandatory sentences for low-level drug offenders and given judges greater discretion in sentencing, among other changes. The goal was to reduce overcrowding in the nation's prisons and save taxpayer dollars.

But the bill died in the Senate last year over conservative opposition, and its future has seemed unclear under Trump. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, then a senator from Alabama, was a fierce opponent.

In this photo taken March 20, 2017, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa is seen on Capitol Hill in Washington. Grassley has met with White House adviser Jared Kushner on the topic of criminal justice reform, encouraging supporters that the issue could be revived under President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Former President Barack Obama was an enthusiastic backer of the effort, and supporters were skeptical that Trump would be as well, since he had dubbed himself "law-and-order candidate" and talked about a country in crisis, with terrorism in big cities and attacks on police.

Grassley, R-Iowa, confirmed the meeting with Kushner, Trump's adviser and son-in-law, which was first reported by BuzzFeed News, but would not comment on its substance. The White House did not have immediate comment.

On whether the bill could be revived, Grassley said, "We're trying to reach some accommodation, if there needs to be any adjustment to the bill we had last year."

An unusual coalition - including the American Civil Liberties Union and the conservative Koch Industries - says the system is broken and supports changes. Grassley and Texas Sen. John Cornyn, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate, and Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Senate Democrat, were sponsors of the bill. House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., has also been a strong supporter of the effort.

Advocates were encouraged by the meeting. Holly Harris of the Justice Action Network said she is hopeful that lawmakers in Congress are paying attention to several successful state efforts to make similar changes. And given the bipartisan support, she said, it's legislation that has a real chance of passing.

"Congress needs to prove it can accomplish something, and this is the perfect issue," she said.
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump held his first meeting Thursday with Denmark's Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen, declaring that the two countries enjoy a "truly great relationship."

Loekke Rasmussen is the latest wary European ally to visit the White House since Trump took office, looking to ease concerns that the new administration will honor multilateral agreements with Europe and take a firmer stance against Russian aggression.

Trump greeted Loekke Rasmussen at the entrance to the West Wing. The leaders shook hands before heading to the Oval Office for their talks.

President Donald Trump greets Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen at the White House in Washington, Thursday, March 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

During a brief appearance before the news media, Trump said Loekke Rasmussen is a "wonderful man doing a wonderful job."

"We have a truly great relationship and we're working together on many fronts," Trump said, as Loekke Rasmussen sat alongside him. "We're going to have certain exchanges that I think will be very fruitful."

Loekke Rasmussen said it was "nice to be here."

Since taking office, Trump has vowed to uphold the longstanding NATO military alliance after previously declaring it "obsolete." But he recently declared that Germany owes "vast sums of money" to NATO and the U.S. "must be paid more" for providing defense.

As Britain triggers its exit from the European Union, a move Trump supported, Denmark is also looking for economic assurances from EU trade partners.

President Donald Trump greets Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen at the White House in Washington, Thursday, March 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - A federal judge in Louisiana who took medical leave after she was mysteriously pulled off a string of cases now faces a lawsuit from a fellow judge challenging her mental and physical capacity to manage her personal and financial affairs.

The case against U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi - one that legal experts said could be unprecedented for the federal judiciary - has been sealed from public view.

But attorney Thomas Lorenzi confirmed Thursday that he filed the March 16 suit on behalf of U.S. Magistrate Kathleen Kay, who has served under Minaldi at the federal courthouse in Lake Charles for the past decade. Lorenzi said Kay is acting in her personal capacity as a longtime friend of Minaldi.

Minaldi's attorney, Glen Vamvoras, said the judge is fighting the suit because she is "competent and able to manage her own affairs."

"They're trying to take her civil rights away from her. They're overstepping," Vamvoras told The Associated Press in a phone interview Thursday.

Minaldi has served as a judge in the Western District of Louisiana since her nomination in 2003 by then-President George W. Bush. She pleaded guilty to a drunken driving charge in February 2014 and was sentenced to one year of probation. Dashcam video obtained by local news organizations showed her arguing with an officer and refusing to get out of her car before police arrested her outside her Lake Charles home.

It's unclear why the magistrate, and not a relative of Minaldi, initiated the case. Vamvoras said the judge and the magistrate "were very close friends at one time."

"Sometimes the best intentions don't always make it right. I'll leave it at that," he added.

The American Press, which first reported the suit's filing, asked a state judge on Wednesday to unseal the proceedings and make them public. State District Court Judge Ronald Ware scheduled an April 18 hearing for the newspaper's request.

University of Pittsburgh School of Law professor Arthur Hellman, an expert in judicial ethics, said he has never heard of another instance of one federal judge suing another.

"Judge Minaldi is her boss in the system," Hellman said. "The more I think about it, the more bizarre it is."

Dane Ciolino, a law professor at Loyola University in New Orleans, said Minaldi shouldn't return to the bench if the state court decides she must have a "curator" appointed to manage her affairs.

"If she can't make reasoned decisions about her own affairs, how can she make reasoned decisions about the litigants who appear before her?" Ciolino asked.

Tony Moore, clerk of court for the Western District of Louisiana, said in January that Minaldi had taken medical leave. Moore said on Wednesday that he couldn't comment on the lawsuit against Minaldi but said she remains on medical leave.

Dozens of cases originally assigned to Minaldi have been reassigned to other judges since late December.

On Dec. 6, a criminal trial in Minaldi's courtroom was cut short without explanation before a jury could be picked to hear the case against a man charged with producing child pornography and crossing state lines to have sex with a minor.

In February 2016, Minaldi was pulled off a man's fraud case following a series of mistakes in routine trial procedures. Court documents unsealed at the AP's request showed that even basic requirements - like telling jurors the burden of proof lies with prosecutors, not the defense - weren't followed.

In March 2016, Chief Judge Dee Drell removed Minaldi from criminal cases against a south Louisiana sheriff and several subordinates. No explanation was given, though the order came four days after Minaldi abruptly adjourned a hearing to accept guilty pleas by two sheriff's deputies. The two deputies wound up pleading guilty later that same day before another judge in Lafayette, more than 70 miles away.
FLORENCE, Italy (AP) - During their first-ever formal meeting, culture ministers representing Group of Seven industrialized nations on Thursday decried the looting and trafficking of cultural treasures by terror groups while experts acknowledged that objects believed looted by extremists are starting to surface in the marketplace.

The topic was on the table both during technical sessions by experts and law enforcement and during the afternoon meeting of G-7 cultural ministers and top officials. The gathering in Florence came a week after the U.N. Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution co-authored by Italy and France warning that the destruction of cultural treasures may constitute war crimes.

Now, the discussion is turning not just to the destruction of cultural treasures, as seen in Syria and Afghanistan, but also to their trafficking as a source of funding to support the activities of extremist groups.

Canada's Culture Minister Melanie Joly, left, Italian Culture Minister Dario Franceschini, center, and French Culture Minister Audrey Azoulay, meet the media during a first-ever G7 Culture ministers meeting in Florence, Italy, March 30, 2017. (Maurizio Degl' Innocenti/ANSA via AP)

U.S. Ambassador Bruce Wharton, acting undersecretary for public diplomacy, told reporters that the ministers discussed the grave risk posed by "looting and trafficking at the hands of terrorist organizations and criminal networks."

He cited the pillaging of heritage sites in Timbuktu in Mali, Palmyra in Syria and the Mosul museum in Iraq, which experts are just beginning to assess after 2  years being under control of Islamic State group extremists.

"Looting, trafficking and the illicit sale of cultural heritage objects have helped ISIS-Daesh finance its operations, along with trafficking in drugs, weapons and people," Wharton said.

German Minister of State Maria Boehmer said "terrorism feeds on illegal trafficking of cultural treasures" and applauded moves by the International Criminal Court to make "the targeted destruction of cultural property a war crime."

"The barbaric destruction by terrorist groups is targeting people's identity," she said.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Deputy Assistant Director Ray Villanueva said developments in identifying artifacts looted by extremists "are very fresh ... happening as we speak." Villanueva said providing details, including of the countries of origin of looted objects, could compromise the ongoing investigations.

"However, I can tell you in general that (through the) internet (and) art dealers we are seeing artifacts coming up from different places," Villanueva said, adding that the public, museums and art dealers were key to providing law enforcement with information.

Milan lawyer Manlio Frigo, who represents museums and art dealers, acknowledged that not all the trafficking in war zones was at the hands of extremists. Refugees crossing the border from Syria have been seen with plastic bags containing artifacts, Frigo said.

Director-General Irina Bokova of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization said there is plenty of evidence that extremists are looting for profit.

A group of partners that includes Interpol and the world customs organization are creating a common database and sharing information in a bid to recover the treasures, Bokova said.

'Every single day something happens somewhere that testifies to the fact that it is a systematic, I would say, looting of sites to engage with the illicit trafficking," she said.

US Acting Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Bruce Wharton, right, is welcomed by Italian Culture Minister Dario Franceschini as she arrives for a first-ever G7 Culture ministers meeting in Florence, Italy, Thursday, March 30, 2017. (Maurizio Degl' Innocenti/ANSA via AP)

Culture Minister of France, Audrey Azoulay, right, is welcomed by Italian Culture Minister Dario Franceschini as she arrives for a first-ever G7 Culture ministers meeting in Florence, Italy, March 30, 2017. (Maurizio Degl' Innocenti/ANSA via AP)

UNESCO General Director Irina Bokova, right, is welcomed by Italian Culture Minister Dario Franceschini as she arrives for a first-ever G7 Culture ministers meeting in Florence, Italy, March 30, 2017. (Maurizio Degl' Innocenti/ANSA via AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) - Attorney General Jeff Sessions is announcing a plan to speed up the deportation of immigrants in the country illegally who have been of federal crimes.

Sessions said Thursday that the Justice Department will expand an existing program aimed at holding deportation hearings for immigrants while they are still in federal prison. That effort is known as the Institutional Hearing Program.

Holding such hearings before inmates' sentences are finished would let the government deport them immediately when they are released.

Sessions, who has made immigration enforcement a key Justice Department priority, says the government owes it to the American public to quickly deport illegal immigrants who have been convicted of crimes.

Under the proposal, 14 federal prisons and six contract facilities will be set up for immigration removal proceedings.
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump is reviving his attacks on news he doesn't like, threatening to target libel laws that govern freedom of the press.

"The failing @nytimes has disgraced the media world. Gotten me wrong for two solid years. Change libel laws?" he wrote on Twitter Thursday, taking yet another shot at a paper that has broken numerous stories on his fledgling administration.

Libel law in the U.S. generally makes it difficult for public figures to sue reporters and others who criticize them. The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that a plaintiff must demonstrate that statements were factually inaccurate as well as made with "actual malice" or a "reckless disregard" for the truth.

President Donald Trump speaks while meeting with Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, Thursday, March 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Gregg Leslie, the legal defense director of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, said libel protections are based on the First Amendment and how it has been interpreted by the courts, and Trump can do little to change that.

"As far as the principle, we're never pleased to see a government official say that the messenger is the problem," he said.

During his campaign, Trump repeatedly threatened to weaken constitutional protections for the press to make it easier for him to sue them.

At a Texas rally last year, he said he wanted to "open up" U.S. libel laws "so when they write purposely negative and horrible and false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money."

"Believe me: If I become president, oh, do they have problems. They're going to have such problems," he said then.

The White House did not immediately respond to questions about whether that's still his intention and how he would go about doing that.
TULSA, Okla. (AP) - The attorney for an Oklahoma police officer accused in the shooting death of a black man says a potentially "prejudicial" audio recording should be barred from trial because it's inflammatory.

Tulsa Police Officer Betty Shelby is charged with first-degree manslaughter in the Sept. 16 killing of Terence Crutcher, the Tulsa World (http://bit.ly/2nzEbJb ) reported. Shelby has pleaded not guilty.

Officer Mark Richert and Betty Shelby's husband, Officer David Shelby, watched her interaction with Crutcher from a helicopter.

Richert, the pilot of the helicopter, is heard on the recording saying the 40-year-old man "looks like a bad dude."

Crutcher's family said the comment proves racial bias.

Attorney Shannon McMurray asked Wednesday that the judge bar the jury from hearing the audio.

"The comment 'looks like a bad dude' has been met with fury and would likely be met the same way by the jury," McMurray said.

McMurray also requested the jury be given information about Crutcher's past, including his history of drug use and state incarceration. She said Crutcher's past could "aid Shelby's recollection and interpretation of events" the day Crutcher was fatally shot.

However, prosecutors and Crutcher's family argued that such information isn't relevant to the case. They noted that Shelby didn't know Crutcher's background at the time of shooting.

Shelby is scheduled to return to court April 12. A jury trial is scheduled for May 8.

She is on administrative leave without pay.
LONDON (AP) - Slaven Bilic was assured on Thursday that he will remain in charge of West Ham. The English Premier League club's ownership blames a "tough season" on factors out of the manager's control.

West Ham has dropped to 12th place after losing its last three games, adding to uncertainty about Bilic's future during a troubled first season for the club since leaving Upton Park for London's Olympic Stadium.

"There is no issue between me and the board and Slaven ... and in the board (meetings) there have been no discussions over Slaven's future," co-owner David Gold said after a meeting of Premier League team executives in London.

FILE - In this Monday, Jan. 2, 2017 file photo, West Ham United's Slaven Bilic gestures during the English Premier League soccer match between West Ham United and Manchester United at the London stadium, in London. Slaven Bilic was assured Thursday, March 30 that he will remain in charge of West Ham, with the Premier League club's ownership blaming a "tough season" on factors out of his control. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, file)

"He's our manager, we all like him, he's a great guy. I like him very much. He's very passionate and I love the passion.

"Would I like to be two or three places higher than we currently are? Of course I would. Tell me a club apart from Chelsea who wouldn't. There are no issues. There never has been a new contract on the table. He still has the rest of this season and next season."

Bilic raised expectations by steering West Ham to seventh place in his first season in charge, securing European qualification. But after losing only eight of its 38 games in the 2015-16 campaign, the east London club has already been beaten 14 times this season with nine games to go. West Ham also exited the Europa League before the group stage.

West Ham has grappled with the disruption caused by fan trouble at the Olympic Stadium and star player Dimitri Payet forcing his way out of the club in January to return to Marseille.

"He's had a tough season, we accept that," Gold said of Bilic. "He's had stadium issues outside of his control. He's had Payet issues which he dealt with to the best of his ability. He's had injury issues. At one time we were second in the league for days lost and it wouldn't surprise me if we were still in top three or four for clubs affected.

"We had a fantastic season last year where players over-performed. Payet was much better than we assumed he would be, (and Manuel) Lanzini turned out to be a better player than we thought."

And Gold insists the club will continue to make cash available to strengthen the squad.

"This business about West Ham being cheapskates because all we are doing is buying loans and so-called freebies is not right," he said. "Taking a player on loan with a view to buy is more expensive. You pay more but you are taking out insurance against the down side."

Gold pointed to the signing of Simone Zaza. The striker joined on a season-long loan from Juventus but failed to score in 11 games. West Ham in January sent Zaza back to the Italian champions who sent him to Valencia.

"Everyone was saying this is a player you have got to get," Gold said. "We have been very wise - and brought him in on a loan with a view to buy which saved us a lot of embarrassment."

___

Rob Harris at www.twitter.com/RobHarris and www.facebook.com/RobHarrisReports
NEW YORK (AP) - On Tuesday, it will be "1984" again in movie theaters across the country.

About 190 art-house theaters have banded together to show the 1984 big-screen adaptation of George Orwell's dystopian masterpiece as a pointed comment on the presidency of Donald Trump, whose "alternative facts" administration has already sent "1984" back up the bestseller lists .

"It's what's in the air. People want to do something," says Dylan Skolnick, an organizer of the event and co-director of the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington, New York. "This started with a conversation about: 'We need to do something. Well, what do we do? We show movies.' So the obvious answer was: We should show a movie."

This image released by Cohen Media group shows Shahab Hosseini, left, and Taraneh Alidoosti in a scene from "The Salesman." The film won an Oscar for best foreign language film at the 89th Academy Awards on Feb. 26. Movie theaters nationwide are programming with politics in mind. In May, a coalition has formed to play films from the predominantly Muslim countries targeted by Donald Trump's travel ban. (Cohen Media Group via AP, File)

Cinemas around the country are increasingly programming with political protest in mind, playing movies that have newfound resonance for those who disagree with the policies of the Republican president. In May, some 60 theaters are planning to screen films from the predominantly Muslim nations targeted by Trump's proposed travel ban. That initiative has been dubbed the Seventh Art Stand and billed as "an act of cinematic solidarity against Islamophobia."

Cinemas, particularly independent ones, are places to gather and connect, and they are finding under Trump a renewed sense of mission that goes beyond the usual arguments for the big-screen experience over streaming.

"To really genuinely connect with other people - which seems to be a consistent theme our country is struggling with - it's all about being in a corporeal public sphere together, and doing that in and around art," says Courtney Sheehan, executive director of Seattle's Northwest Film Forum and an organizer of the Seventh Art Stand. "We're not just an ancillary component of social change conversation. This is ground zero for action."

A Trump effect has already been partially seen in the recent box-office success of Jordan Peele's horror hit "Get Out" and Raoul Peck's James Baldwin documentary "I Am Not Your Negro" - movies that offer straight talk on racial issues that might be lacking in Washington. On the small screen, Turner Classic Movies more cheekily programmed Elia Kazan's "A Face in the Crowd," with Andy Griffith as a populist radio personality who rises to political demagogue, to air on Inauguration Day.

"1984," the second movie version starring John Hurt and Richard Burton, will play in 175 cities and 44 states, as well as a few internationally in Canada, England and Sweden. The event has been organized under the name United States of Cinema; its website lists the participating theaters. April 4th was selected because that's when Orwell's Winston Smith begins his forbidden diary as a rebellion against his oppressive government.

"It's just a work that has a lot of resonance with what's going on. It hits a lot of crucial notes," says Skolnick. "Orwell wrote about and the film talks about the essential thing of being able to say two plus two equals four, even if the government says, 'No, two plus two equals five.'

A similar motivation fueled Richard Abramowitz, founder and president of the indie film distributor Abramorama. He and Sheehan began discussing organizing something at the Sundance Film Festival in January and their plan has attracted the support of Steve Buscemi, Jonathan Demme, Woody Harrelson and more. Other companies have joined, as well; the online video hub Vimeo will show shorts focused on refugee stories.

Since first announcing the Seventh Art Stand two weeks ago, Sheehan says participating theaters have doubled from 30 to about 60. The most, she says, are in Indiana. Theaters have a long list of films from which to choose from Iran, Syria, Sudan, Yemen, Libya and Somalia. (The most recent version of the travel ban has thus far been blocked by the courts.) Most notable is Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi's Oscar-winning "The Salesman." The celebrated filmmaker boycotted February's Academy Awards, where he won his second Oscar, because of the travel ban.

Abramowitz calls the movie theater "a safe space now," where people can experience other cultures "that are being more threatened now than before."

"We recognize that there are far more people that are welcoming in this country than not. And we wanted to try to create spaces all over the country where people could recognize this," says Abramowitz. "We thought maybe this would be a good way to engage the community rather than sit around and fume."

___

Follow AP Film Writer Jake Coyle on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump is predicting "a very difficult" meeting next week with Chinese President Xi Jinping, citing trade deficits and lost jobs.

Hours after both governments announced an April 6-7 summit between the economic powerhouses in Florida, Trump sought to set expectations by tweeting: "The meeting next week with China will be a very difficult one in that we can no longer have massive trade deficits and job losses. American companies must be prepared to look at other alternatives."

Trump spokesman Sean Spicer said earlier Thursday that the meeting is a chance for the leaders to build a relationship.

Relations between the U.S. and China have been uncertain since Trump's election. Among other things, he has accused China of unfair trade practices and threatened to declare it a currency manipulator.
NEW YORK (AP) - The attorney general for the western Mexican state of Nayarit will remain behind bars in San Diego until a hearing to determine if U.S. authorities can move him to New York City to face drug trafficking charges.

Edgar Veytia made a brief appearance Thursday in federal court in San Diego, where he was ordered held without bail.

Veytia, 46, was arrested earlier this week after U.S. border agents stopped him and ran his name as he tried to enter the United States from Mexico, said his California lawyer, Guadalupe Valencia. They discovered there was an arrest warrant for a sealed indictment in federal court in Brooklyn, he said.

U.S. officials said Veytia came under suspicion during an investigation of the Beltran Leyva organization, a onetime faction of drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman's Sinoloa cartel that broke off and feuded with Guzman.

One of the organization's leaders, Alfredo "Mochomo" Beltran Leyva, is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty in February in a Washington, D.C., court to charges his multibillion-dollar operation smuggled tons of cocaine and methamphetamine into the United States.

The Brooklyn indictment, which was unsealed Tuesday, charges Veytia with conspiracy to smuggle cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine to the United States from January 2013 to last month. Guzman is being prosecuted in the same court following his extradition from Mexico in January.

"We have to give him the presumption of innocence like anyone else," Valencia said.

Veytia's next court appearance is set for April 6.
Harrowing pictures capture a grandmother's heartbreaking reaction to the discovery that her two grandsons were killed in a shooting in Chicago.

Georgia Jackson, 72, appeared distraught upon learning that her grandsons, Raheem, 19, and Dillon Jackson, 20, were found fatally shot near Nadia Fish and Chicken, in the South Shore neighborhood.

Authorities say a man approached the restaurant and opened fire on Thursday.

Scroll down for video

Heartbreak:Georgia Jackson, 72, is overcome with emotion upon learning that her two grandsons, Raheem, 19, and Dillon Jackson, 20, were found fatally shot near Nadia Fish and Chicken, in the South Shore neighborhood

Georgia Jackson has said: 'They were shooting at somebody, they say, inside the restaurant. My boys just got in the way, I guess'

Victim: Dillon Jackson, 20, is seen left and right in these Facebook photographs

Two men, 28-year-old Emmanuel Stokes and a 21-year-old man, were found dead from bullet wounds inside the restaurant, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

Raheem and Dillon, who are brothers, fled on foot while shots broke out and were each shot in different parking lots nearby, according to the newspaper.

All the victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the fourth victim was withheld pending notification of family.

Georgia Jackson told the Chicago Sun-Times that her grandsons had gone to see their mother, who works at the restaurant.

People grieve after a shooting that left four people dead on Thursday in Chicago

Georgia Jackson told the Chicago Sun-Times that her grandsons had gone to see their mother, who works at the restaurant

Chicago police officers investigate the shooting which left four people dead

Raheem, 19, and Dillon Jackson, 20, were found fatally shot near Nadia Fish and Chicken, in the South Shore neighborhood

A body is covered with a white sheet as Chicago Police officers investigate the scene

The grandmother told the newspaper: 'They were shooting at somebody, they say, inside the restaurant. My boys just got in the way, I guess.'

Raheem's sister-in-law Shauna Jackson told the Chicago Sun-Times that Raheem is survived by his two sons, a one-year-old who will turn two on Sunday, and a five-month-old.

Earlier, about a mile from the restaurant, the body of 26-year-old Patrice L. Calvin was discovered in a home

Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a Thursday tweet: 'Incident believed to be gang related retaliation from another incident.'

'Detectives making good progress in investigation,' he tweeted.

Earlier, about a mile from the restaurant, the body of 26-year-old Patrice L. Calvin was discovered in a home.

The medical examiner's office says Calvin, who was four months pregnant, suffered a gunshot wound to the head.

She was expecting her first child, NBC Chicago reported.

Her father Aaron Calvin told the station: 'My daughter was carrying my grandchild. That's two people dead.'

The woman's brother dialed 911 when he was unable to get in touch with her, according to the NBC affiliate.

Police say no arrests have been made.

The medical examiner's office says Calvin, who was four months pregnant, suffered a gunshot wound to the head
A federal judge in Hawaii has decided to extend his order blocking President Donald Trumps travel ban.

US district judge Derrick Watson issued the longer-lasting hold on the ban hours after hearing arguments.

Hawaii says the policy discriminates against Muslims and hurts the states tourist-dependent economy.

Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin

The implied message in the revised ban is like a neon sign flashing Muslim ban, Muslim ban' that the government did not bother to turn off, state attorney general Douglas Chin told the judge.

Extending the temporary order until the states lawsuit is resolved would ensure the constitutional rights of Muslim citizens across the US are vindicated after repeated stops and starts of the last two months, the state has said.

The government says the ban falls within the presidents power to protect national security. Hawaii has only spelled out generalised concerns about its effect on students and tourism, Department of Justice lawyer Chad Readler told the judge by telephone.

District Judge Derrick Watson

The Trump administration had asked Judge Watson to narrow his ruling to cover only the part of Mr Trumps executive order that suspends new visas for people from six Muslim-majority countries.

Mr Readler said a freeze on the US refugee programme had no effect on Hawaii.

Judge Watson rejected that argument, preventing the administration from halting the flow of refugees.

He said in court that the government only argued for that narrower interpretation after a federal judge in Maryland blocked the six-nation travel ban but said it was not clear that the refugee suspension was similarly motivated by religious bias.

Federal judge in Hawaii has just extended the order blocking Trump's revised travel ban pic.twitter.com/UZLQgkDFqN  Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) March 30, 2017

Judge Watson noted that the government said 20 refugees had been resettled in Hawaii since 2010.

Is this a mathematical exercise that 20 isnt enough?  What do I make of that? the judge asked Mr Readler.

The lawyer replied that 20 is simply a small number of refugees.

In whose judgment? Judge Watson asked.

Hawaii judge extends halt on Trump travel ban. Another victory for Democracy and blow to #Trump as court rejects #MuslimBan  Areva Martin, Esq. (@ArevaMartin) March 30, 2017

Hawaii was the first state to sue over Mr Trumps revised ban. The imam of a Honolulu mosque joined the challenge, arguing that the ban would prevent his Syrian mother-in-law from visiting family in Hawaii.

In his arguments, Mr Chin quoted Mr Trumps comments that the revised travel ban is a watered down version of the original.

We cannot fault the president for being politically incorrect, but we do fault him for being constitutionally incorrect, Mr Chin said.
Former England and West Ham striker Carlton Cole has joined Indonesian side Persib Bandung.

He will be reunited with ex-Chelsea team-mate Michael Essien, who joined the club earlier this month on a one-year contract.

Cole told the clubs official website: I never knew my career would bring me to Indonesia, (but) this is a great club. I want to pay for the support of the fans by scoring a lot of goals.

Carlton Cole

Essien joining simplified the process for me to come over here. Hes a big player in Europe. The Persib fans are great. Im happy to be here.

Teddy Tjahyono, part of the Persib Bandung management added: He came Monday night, on Tuesday, we (underwent) negotiations and he passed the medical test on Wednesday. He was ready to join Persib.

The 33-year-old has signed a one-year deal with the option of an extension ahead of the new Liga 1 season, which begins next month.
A two-thirds Commons majority should be required before any EU legislation on workers rights is removed, the leader of the countrys biggest trade union has urged.

Len McCluskey, general secretary of Unite, said the move would counter workers fears that elements of the Conservative party wanted to weaken pay and employment protection when the UK leaves the EU.

Existing employment rights derived from the EU, including the working time directive, will be transferred to UK law, with the Government retaining the right to modify them, which was causing serious concern to Unite members, said Mr McCluskey.

Len McCluskey

However people voted in the referendum, they did not vote to be worse off, he said.

That includes being easier to mistreat at work. UK workers are already the cheapest and easiest to sack in Europe, a shameful state of affairs for an advanced economy. To this, the Government must not add that UK workers are the easiest to exploit.

News, opinions, facts & resources. Check out Unites website for the latest on the EU exit negotiations https://t.co/yPUh3WZAUh #BrexitDay pic.twitter.com/W457pyfpAT  Unite the union: join a union (@unitetheunion) March 29, 2017

Lets build on a precedent that the House of Commons has already accepted  the two-thirds majority needed to secure an election under fixed-term parliament legislation  to put in place similar hurdles that must be cleared before any EU-derived law can be wiped from the UK statute books once transferred over.

Sadly, there are too many on the Conservative benches who see Brexit as their moment to destroy employment rights for unions to simply accept the Prime Ministers word that the status quo will endure.

PM promised to protect work rights. #GreatRepealBill must rule out "Henry VIII clauses" to go back & punch holes in rights without scrutiny pic.twitter.com/EBh3qZCwfG  Trades Union Congress (@The_TUC) March 30, 2017

TUC general secretary Frances OGrady said: The Great Repeal Bill is the Prime Ministers chance to make good on her promise to fully protect and maintain all workers rights that come from the EU.

These are rights we all rely on, like rules to guarantee safe workplaces, equal pay for women, protection from excessive working hours, and rights to equal treatment for agency workers.
A defiant Ken Livingstone insisted he had nothing to apologise for as he arrived at a misconduct panel facing fresh criticism from campaigners over his controversial comments about Adolf Hitler.

The former London mayor repeated his claim that there was collaboration between the Nazi leader and the Zionist movement before the Second World War and denounced the hearing as unfair.

Around one-third of voters believe he should be expelled from the party, according to polling, and the Holocaust Educational Trust said Mr Livingstone had persisted in causing offence.

The Labour veteran was suspended in April last year after claiming that Hitler supported Zionism in the 1930s before he went mad and ended up killing six million Jews.

A hearing run by Labours national constitutional committee that could last up to two days will decide if he should be kicked out. But Mr Livingstone said the process was completely unfair and criticised the decision to hold it in private.

They have dropped all the charges that Im anti-Semitic, he told reporters. Theyve dropped the charge that I said Hitler was a Zionist.

Mr Livingstone insisted he had nothing to apologise for, repeating his previous argument that he had only stated historical fact.

I simply said, back in 1933 Hitlers government signed a deal with the Zionist movement, which would mean that Germanys Jewish community were moved to what is now Israel. He added: You had, right up until the start of the Second World War, real collaboration.

In a written submission to the panel released earlier this week, Mr Livingstone said he had raised the issue of the collaboration between Hitler and a section of Zionism in the early 1930s as a result of a misunderstanding of presenter Vanessa Feltzs question during a BBC London interview.

The ally of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he had taken to the airwaves to defend the reputation of the party after MP Naz Shah had come under fire for social media posts she subsequently apologised for, and admitted contained anti-Semitic language, although Mr Livingstone said they were not obviously anti-Semitic.

He faces a charge of engaging in conduct that was grossly detrimental to the party.

A ComRes poll for Jewish News found that 29% of voters believe Mr Livingstone should be expelled from the party over the comments, compared with 20% who did not.

Ken Livingstone at Church House, Westminster

The study also found that 34% of voters said allegations of anti-Semitism in the party made them think twice about voting Labour while 29% said they did not.

It is not the first time Mr Livingstone has become embroiled in an anti-Semitism row.

In 2006 a High Court judge said he made unnecessarily offensive and indefensible remarks likening a Jewish reporter to a Nazi concentration camp guard. But he was cleared of bringing the office of mayor into disrepute.

Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said Mr Livingstone had persisted in causing offence.

ComRes interviewed 2,034 British adults online between March 24-26. Data was weighted to be demographically representative.
Westminster terror attacker Khalid Masood was killed by a single gunshot to his chest, an inquest has heard.

The extremist was gunned down by an armed police officer after gaining access to the Palace of Westminster grounds during his rampage on March 22 in the heart of political London.

Westminster Coroners Court heard on Thursday that the Kent-born 52-year-old earlier mounted the kerb twice in a Hyundai car as he sped across Westminster Bridge, killing three people and leaving dozens injured.

Khalid Masood

He then mounted it a third time, crashing, and then charged into the Palace of Westminster grounds armed with two knives, killing Pc Keith Palmer.

In total his attack, which left four people dead, lasted just 82 seconds.

Khalid Masood: what we know so far

A coroners officer told the inquest that a post mortem on Masood was held on March 23 and the provisional cause of death given at the time was a gunshot wound to the chest.

Metropolitan Police Detective Superintendent John Crossley, who is leading the investigation into the attack, told the inquest: The male attacked a police officer on the ground with two knives, causing grave wounds. He was then shot dead by a police officer.

He added Masood was pronounced dead at 3.35pm, around an hour after the attack happened.

DAC Neil Basu "Whilst #WestminsterAttack lasted 82 seconds it will remain in the memories of many forever" Can you help our investigation? pic.twitter.com/hXKf9NwJ0G  Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) March 26, 2017

His body was taken to St Marys Hospital in Paddington before being moved to a morgue.

Chris Lovatt, operations team leader with the Independent Police Complaints Commission, told the hearing that staff from the watchdog had met on Wednesday with Masoods wife Rohey Hydara, and his mother Janet Ajao.

Before being radicalised and converting to Islam, Masood was known by names including Adrian Ajao and Adrian Elms.

An inquest into his four victims, Pc Palmer, 48, American tourist Kurt Cochran, 54, retired window cleaner Leslie Rhodes, 75, and Aysha Frade, 44, was opened and adjourned by Dr Fiona Wilcox on Wednesday.

Floral tributes to the victims of the Westminster terrorist attack adorn the railings outside the Palace of Westminster

It heard that Pc Palmer died despite despite wearing standard issue body armour.

Adjourning the inquest to May 19, senior coroner Dr Wilcox said: I take a moment to pass my sympathies to the family of Masood, who are also all victims of this incident.

The full inquest is due to be held at the Royal Courts of Justice.
The Duke of Cambridge has visited medical staff at St Thomas Hospital to thank them for their live-saving efforts during the Westminster terror attack.

William made a private visit to doctors and nurses at the hospital, situated just yards from where the atrocity took place on Westminster Bridge, and members of the London Ambulance Service who attended the scene on Wednesday March 22.

A Kensington Palace spokeswoman said: The Duke wanted to visit privately with some of those who were first to respond to the attacks.

Duke of Cambridge visiting St Thomas' Hospital in London (Maxine Hoeksma/Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust/PA)

His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge visited us today

to thank us for our response to last weeks terrorist attack in #Westminster pic.twitter.com/SV9y1UE2eJ  London Ambulance Service  (@Ldn_Ambulance) March 30, 2017

Guys and St Thomas Foundation Trust said William arrived at the hospital late on Thursday morning and he spoke with members of the response team, including A&E consultants, junior doctors and security operations manager Carl McIntosh, who raised the alarm to ensure the premises were put into lockdown following Khalid Masoods attack.

The visit follows a similar one by the Dukes father, the Prince of Wales, last week.

Charles visited staff at Kings College Hospital to thank them for their marvellous efforts during the terror attack, which left five people dead, including police officer Keith Palmer.

Motorcycle Paramedic Richard Webb-Stevens, who was the first on scene at #Westminster said: "I consider it a privilege to do this job.." pic.twitter.com/ThTibbuC1P  London Ambulance Service  (@Ldn_Ambulance) March 30, 2017

Among those who were in attendance on Thursday was motorcycle paramedic Richard Webb-Stevens, who was the first medical responder at the scene.

Speaking of the chaotic scenes he encountered, Mr Webb-Stevens said: The public were amazingly helpful and comforted the injured while help was on the way and doctors and nurses ran out to help from the local hospital.

I was very focused on treating patients and it wasnt until much later that I found out it was a terrorist attack.

We train our whole lives for incidents like this and you hope it will never happen, but I consider it a privilege to do this job and play a small part in helping patients.

Call handler Clare who took one of the first calls from #Westminster said "Lots of calls were coming in so I knew it was something serious." pic.twitter.com/lHx9cdTLUY  London Ambulance Service  (@Ldn_Ambulance) March 30, 2017

London Ambulance Service Chairman Heather Lawrence, who was also present at the Princes visit, said: Our frontline crews and control room staff did an exceptional job in incredibly difficult circumstances.

They stayed calm and provided excellent care to those affected and we are very grateful that Prince William has recognised everyones efforts.
Paul Clement insists star man Gylfi Sigurdssons dream to play for a big club will not distract Swanseas battle to stay in the Premier League.

Icelandic playmaker Sigurdsson is far and away Swanseas most influential player, being involved in 53 per cent of their goals this season.

Sigurdssons 11 assists are the highest in Europes top five leagues and he has also scored eight times in Swanseas stuttering campaign.

Most assists in Europe's top 5 leagues this season:



Gylfi Sigurdsson (11)

Morgan Sanson (11)@TaiRandall14 #AskSquawka pic.twitter.com/fYBNpL8Xew  Squawka (@Squawka) March 15, 2017

Even if they stay up, Swansea appear to have a fight on their hands to keep him this summer.

The 27-year-old raised speculation of a move while he was away on international duty, even though he extended his Swansea contract last summer until June 2020.

Sigurdsson was quoted as saying in the Icelandic media this week: It would be a dream to play for one of those big clubs. Hopefully if I continue doing well for Swansea and Iceland, then in the near future I can play in a big club.

Sigurdsson will be a key figure again when Swansea host relegation rivals Middlesbrough on Sunday.

Swansea are three points above the relegation zone and five points ahead of Boro, although the north-east side do have a game in hand.

PC : "Pressure shouldn't be used as a negative. It is a good thing because it keeps you alert and it keeps your mind on the task in hand." pic.twitter.com/ZYXXQalRHi  Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) March 30, 2017

But Clement said that Sigurdssons comments about playing for a big club do not bother him.

It is good for a player to have ambition to play at the very highest level, Clement said.

Ive no problem with Gylfi saying that because what I see in him is a player very motivated to play well here and help us remain in this league.

Gylfi Sigurdsson has been involved in more than 50% of Swansea's goals this season

Ive had no conversation with him about going elsewhere. Everything has been about training hard and doing his best for Swansea every day.

I see it in training, in the gym, in the video room. I see it in the extra work he puts in and, that for me, is no coincidence why he is such a good player.
ELKO  Higher education in the state is seeing changes  in funding, leadership, and the systems accountability to students.

Nevada System of Higher Education is halfway through implementing a system within a system, said Chancellor John White. NSHE has institutional advisory councils for the community colleges to address their issues. These IACs make recommendations concerning the individual schools needs. The Regents also are searching for a vice chancellor for the community colleges.

NSHE Chairman Rick Trachok said part of the changes include how the schools are funded. When the funding formula changed from enrollment based to graduation rates, community colleges had a reduction in money from the state. The bridge funding expired in 2016. Since then the Regents increased funding for career and technical education courses to help with workforce development.

The CTE increase will slightly exceed what the bridge funding provided, White said.

Trachok said the adjustment to the formula for CTE was a focus on the core mission of the community colleges, which is workforce development. The Regents wanted to recognize the additional expense incurred by the colleges that have specialized career training.

Its much more expensive to do advanced welding than it is English, but the compensation from the state was identical, Trachok said. We wanted to make sure that we were able to adjust for that, which doubled the type of funding for those types of courses.

Regent Cathy McAdoo, who represents the district GBC is in, believes the funding formula will benefit workforce placement programs.

Im extremely pleased for that funding source, said McAdoo. I believe across Nevada, weve got to continually teach for workforce development, and I see that it is essential.

Higher education also has changed how it looks at student success and the institutions accountability to those who take classes, White said.

Its changing us from our students come to us and we grace them with knowledge if theyre willing to embrace it, into we have an obligation to ensure that our students can be successful, he said. So how you do that without reducing standards while keeping university education and college education rigorous is the challenge that we have, and we shouldnt be very surprised that the folks who write the checks for us are now paying closer attention to it.

Part of that extra attention came in the form of Assembly Bill 331, a 272-page bill introduced by Republican Ira Hansen. If approved, the bill would remove community colleges from the control of NSHE and set up a Nevada System of Community Colleges.

Trachok said a separate system wouldnt help students in the state. He and White said having two systems in the state would probably increase costs and could hurt universities and community colleges.

McAdoo agreed with White and Trachok regarding passage of AB 311, believing that a separation of systems may jeopardize Great Basin Colleges baccalaureate programs.

It isnt good for the system and for the community colleges, said McAdoo who also questioned where GBC, would be categorized in a dual system.

She also believed that Gov. Brian Sandoval created a budget that adequately finances the schools within the NSHE system.

I believe that Gov. Sandoval has done the best job he could for funding sources for all institutions to do their job efficiently and effectively, McAdoo said.

Having the community colleges and universities under the same system has enabled the schools to save money. Trachok said one example of savings was the consolidation of police forces at the University of Nevada, Reno, Truckee Meadows Community College and Desert Research Institute. The consolidation saved $587,000 a year and the money was used to pay for additional instructors at TMCC.

Look at what weve done and I think everybody can be satisfied that were on the right track, Trachok said.

Some of the added attention came after the Las Vegas Review-Journal revealed system officials attempted to mislead legislators on the 2012 college funding formula. Regents looked at funding alternatives.

Were doing so in a context where my predecessors retirement, I think, came in less than ideal circumstances for the system and its generated what we see now in the most recent kind of groups of bills, a lot of skepticism about the system, a lot of skepticism about the individual campuses and how well theyre doing, White said. These are not different from national trends. As funding in states has gotten more tight, Legislators and others have asked increasingly penetrating questions about our campuses, how theyre operating and the sort. In some respects this transition year has really focused the Legislature on a lot of detailed questions about how were operating. I think in the long term, that level of engagement is probably not especially productive, but at least for a session or two is probably not as horrible a thing as we may feel it is when we first read the bills.

Another change coming soon to Great Basin is a new president  Mark Curtis announced in October that he would retire in June. NSHE is in the process of searching for his replacement. White said they need to get candidates on campus before the semester ends and hope to have a designee by early May.

Trachok said he had three goals when he took over as chairman two years ago.

The first one was to focus on administrative expenses in the system and at each of the institutions and to achieve savings where we could and shift those savings to the classroom, he said. The second thing was to adjust the formula to recognize the workforce development component so that we were making the investments we needed to in the community college, and the third thing was on increasing the focus and investment on the research component at the university. I think all of those have been achieved.

Its changing us from our students come to us and we grace them with knowledge if theyre willing to embrace it, into we have an obligation to ensure that our students can be successful.  Chancellor John White
Roger Federer booked his place in the semi-finals of the Miami Open with a thrilling three-set win over Tomas Berdych on Thursday.

Federer saved match points from 6-4 down in the decisive tie-break before holding on to triumph 6-2 3-6 7-6 (8/6) on a Czech double fault.

That winning feeling >>> pic.twitter.com/7IEBe3SOQO  Miami Open (@MiamiOpen) March 30, 2017

The Swiss star had been broken to love when he served for the match at 5-3 before spurning a match point of his own on the Berdych serve in the following game.

Roger Federer, right, shakes hands with Tomas Berdych following his victory in the quarter-finals of the Miami Open

Federer had looked in imperious form in the opening set which he won in just 26 minutes having broken Berdych in the first game of the match.

But his opponent seized the initiative in the eighth game of the second set when two uncharacteristic Federer errors gave Berdych a 5-3 lead.

Berdych duly served out to level the match but found himself increasingly under pressure in the decider and the first break in the sixth game looked decisive.

Despite a stunning recovery from Berdych it was Federer who held his nerve in a thrilling tie-break in which there were never more than two points between them.

In the womens competition, former world number one Caroline Wozniacki fought back from behind to beat Karolina Pliskova and reach the final for the first time in her career.

Wozniacki dropped a gruelling, 62-minute opening set against the tournament second seed before turning on the style to secure a 5-7 6-1 6-1 success.

The turning point for Wozniacki came with a nine-minute service hold in the first game of the second set, before she immediately broke the Czech to seize the advantage.

#Wozniacki's on a roll taking a 4-1 lead in the second set.#MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/ZizDc0av1f  Miami Open (@MiamiOpen) March 30, 2017

As Pliskovas first-serve percentage plummeted, Wozniacki stepped up her own game, winning 75 per cent of points on her own serve to wrap up what ultimately proved to be an easy win.
BEIRUT, March 29 (Reuters) - A bomb blast hit a passenger bus in the government-held city of Homs at noon on Wednesday, killing five people and wounding six, the Syrian state news agency SANA reported.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based war monitor, also said that at least five people were killed in the attack.

SANA's correspondent in Homs said the bombing, which it said was carried out by terrorists, targeted a small passenger bus which was in a street in al-Zahra neighborhood.

The agency quoted the Homs health director as saying the bombing killed 5 people and wounded 6.

Government-held cities have been hit by a series of bombings in recent weeks, including in Homs, where an attack that included blasts and shooting killed dozens of people in February including a senior security official.

Scores of people were killed in suicide attacks in the capital Damascus earlier this month, including twin bombings on March 15 at a central courthouse and a restaurant, and a blast days earlier near an important Shi'ite Muslim shrine.

After some of the attacks in recent weeks the jihadist rebel group Tahrir al-Sham, whose main component is al Qaeda's former Syrian branch Nusra Front, said it had been behind the blasts.

Analysts have predicted that as jihadist rebels fighting to oust President Bashar al-Assad suffer military reverses, they will increasingly turn to guerrilla-style attacks in territory controlled by the government. (Reporting by Angus McDowall, Editing by Catherine Evans and Angus MacSwan)
By Charles Pensulo

BLANTYRE, March 30 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Four years ago, Malawian teenager Anthony had ambitions to become a doctor, but in his last year at school he was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis after becoming hooked on cheap, strong liquor.

Campaigners in the southern African country say potent alcohol - ten times the strength of normal beer - is destroying young lives, potentially impacting the country's development. They are calling for a complete ban on the liquor.

"Back then I never thought of the consequences," said Anthony who asked not to give his second name. "We used to sneak out with friends to go drinking since it was cheap and easy to get but then I started getting ill often."

Anthony, who lives with his uncle in Malawi's commercial hub Blantyre, began missing class due to illness and his grades slipped. He started sleeping in hostels and often ended up in hospital.

"My ambition was to become a doctor but I performed miserably at the final examination. Now I assist my brother at his grocery shop."

Anthony is one of many young people who have become addicted to cheap super-strength liquor since it appeared in Malawi about a decade ago.

One teacher told the Thomson Reuters Foundation that even some primary school children were drinking after class - the behaviour of some in her school indicated they were also drinking between lessons.

The super-strength liquor is called masacheti - derived from the word sachet because it used to be sold in small plastic pouches. The sachets cost as little as 100 Malawi Kwacha (14 cents) making them affordable to both the poor and the young.

Pressure groups, concerned about growing alcohol abuse among Malawi's youth are pushing for new legislation on the production, distribution and sale of alcohol.

A draft alcohol policy drawn up by the Ministry of Health and non-governmental organisations, which includes recommendations to restrict young people's access to alcohol, was presented to the cabinet for approval in 2015, but has still not been adopted.

Drug Fight Malawi (DFM), a group campaigning for tougher controls, said it believed the drinks industry had intervened to block the policy.

Malawi's Information Minister Nicholas Dausi could not comment on the delay, but agreed alcohol was having a negative impact on development.

However, he said the government could not solve the problem alone - community leaders and families also needed to take responsibility.

"WASTED GENERATION"

There is limited data on alcohol use in Malawi, but a survey by the Ministry of Health and World Health Organization suggests nearly a fifth of men drink regularly.

Although alcohol use is much lower than in many countries, campaigners are concerned about an increase in heavy drinking among the young.

"The net effect is to create a wasted generation," said DFM project officer Kulimbamtima Chiotcha. "Alcohol is ... subverting the people's right to development."

Chiotcha, who is also a board member of the Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance, added that alcohol related illnesses and deaths had increased in the last decade.

Oystein Bakke, an adviser with international development agency FORUT, which works with Malawian NGOs to curb heavy drinking, said alcohol was causing considerable harm in many countries in southern Africa with studies suggesting the poor were particularly badly affected.

"Malawi has a young population and alcohol is cheap and also easily accessible to youths. Good interventions are very much needed," he added.

Numerous brands of cheap spirits with over 40 percent alcohol content are on sale throughout Malawi, where half the population lives below the poverty line.

Malawi banned cheap alcohol sachets in 2015 amid growing concern over alcohol abuse among the young and reports of children drinking in class.

But teachers and campaigners say the ban has not addressed the problem. Manufacturers now sell the liquor in 5-litre bottles and it is then decanted into small measures and sold from grocery stores and roadside shacks.

The alcohol is also being exported to neighbouring Mozambique.

On a rainy Monday morning, Michael is sitting head down in a makeshift building in a market in Blantyre's Zingwangwa township. Now and then, the 16-year-old picks up a soft drinks bottle and pours out a tot of clear alcohol.

"I started drinking when I was 13, and now I can drink a large quantity without showing it," he said, adding that the pocket money from his parents was enough to get him drunk.

Michael said he was aware of the risks, but found it difficult to stop.

"I fear for my health because of the stories I hear about my friends who've developed complications," he said.

"I even know some older than me who have died because of drinking, but I also feel free when drunk." ($1 = 716.9100 kwacha) (Editing by Emma Batha. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, which covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, corruption and climate change. Visit news.trust.org to see more stories.)
By A. Ananthalakshmi

KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 (Reuters) - More than one hundred foreigners died in the past two years in Malaysia's immigration detention centres from various diseases and unknown causes, according to documents from the government-funded National Human Rights Commission reviewed by Reuters.

The toll, which has not been previously disclosed, is based on Malaysian immigration department data provided to the commission, which is known by its Malay acronym Suhakam. There were 83 deaths in 2015, and at least 35 in 2016 up to Dec. 20.

It is unclear whether the death rate is higher than in neighbouring countries. Government officials in Indonesia and Thailand told Reuters they do not disclose such numbers. The rate is higher than in major industrialized nations such as the United States, which in the last financial year recorded 10 deaths in its immigration detention system, which has many more detainees than Malaysias.

More than half of the 118 dead are from Myanmar, the source for tens of thousands of refugees coming to Malaysia, including Rohingya Muslims escaping persecution by Myanmars authorities and its majority Buddhist population. The number of Rohingya fatalities in the camps is unknown.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been a harsh critic of the Myanmar government and its de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi after a crackdown in October by Myanmars security forces led many Rohingya to flee across its borders amid multiple allegations of mass killings and gang rapes by troops. He has called for foreign intervention to stop the "genocide" in Myanmar.

Najibs office did not return calls seeking comment.

"The numbers are too many and are shocking and it calls for the overhaul of the system," said Jerald Joseph, one of eight commissioners at Suhakam, which was established by the Malaysian parliament through an act in 1999 and is due to publicly announce the numbers next week in its annual report on human rights issues in Malaysia.

He described conditions at the centers, some of which he has visited, as "appalling" and said the deaths should be investigated as a criminal matter. The illnesses that led to some of the deaths may have been caused or exacerbated by poor sanitation and food, physical abuse and a lack of medical attention, said Joseph, who was speaking on behalf of the commission.

BRUTAL CONDITIONS

Malaysias home ministry, which oversees the immigration department, said it was trying to improve the conditions in the centers but that its budget was constrained.

"I agree there is some overcrowding and the conditions are not ideal. We are always trying to improve the procedures, health conditions and management of these sites. The problem is we hit a budget brick wall," said deputy home minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed in an interview.

He said there wasn't enough funding to upgrade facilities, provide adequate healthcare and hire and train enforcement officers. Jazlan blamed overcrowding on the "never ending flow of people seeking better future in Malaysia."

The living conditions inside the Malaysian camps are grim - overcrowded, unhygienic and brutal - according to interviews with 13 former detainees, and 12 others who have regularly visited the centres, including people from government agencies and rights groups.

Those who had been detained say they did not get adequate food, water or healthcare, that many inmates developed skin and lung infections, and the sick are usually not isolated, leading to the spread of contagious diseases.

All of the detainees interviewed also allege they were beaten by guards at the camps or witnessed others being beaten. One former Rohingya inmate of the Lenggeng camp in the southwestern state of Negeri Sembilan told Reuters in an interview that he witnessed detainees being beaten and then saw them die when the resulting injuries were not treated. "When we asked for medicines, we were beaten," he said.

Reuters could not independently verify his account or the similar accusations made by other detainees. They all declined to be identified for fear of reprisals.

Asked about the claims of beatings, Jazlan said he needs more evidence to establish if it was prevalent. "I hope critics won't rely on detainees' testimony, and come up with proper evidence," he said.

FARED WORSE

Of the 118 people recorded as dying in 2015-2016, 63 were from Myanmar, and people from that country have fared worse than those from elsewhere, the documents from Suhakam and data from the Malaysian governments Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) show.

During 2016, for example, there were 14,180 Myanmar nationals detained and at least 14 of them died, while there were only five fatalities among 34,586 Indonesian inmates. The documents and data dont explain this discrepancy and Reuters was unable to independently confirm the reason for it.

People from Myanmar, including Rohingya Muslims, tend to stay in the detention centres longer as they try to persuade the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to issue them with identification cards that allow them to stay in Malaysia temporarily, rights groups and former detainees said. People from other countries are often undocumented migrant workers who are deported home relatively quickly.

Malaysia, which has not signed the U.N. Refugee Convention, treats refugees as illegal migrants with few rights.

Asked about the deaths of Myanmar nationals in Malaysian detention centres, Zaw Htay, who is spokesman for Myamnar's Suu Kyi, said that "we havent heard about these cases." He also said that "a lot of Bengali people in Malaysia say they come from Myanmar to get UNHCR cards."

"Bengali" is a derogatory term used by many in Myanmar to refer to the Rohingya that suggests they come from Bangladesh, even though many Rohingya have lived in the country for generations.

LUNG INFECTIONS

The documents reviewed by Reuters give causes of death for 68 detainees. Pneumonia and lung infections led to 19 deaths, at least 10 were the result of various heart-related conditions, and five died from the bacterial disease leptospirosis, which is often spread through the urine of infected animals, including rodents.

Sepsis, or septic shock, a condition usually triggered by other illnesses, claimed 21 victims, including some who were suffering from pneumonia or leptospirosis, various forms of tuberculosis led to three deaths, and one Filipino woman committed suicide.

The 13 detention centres in Malaysia held a total 86,795 detainees for various periods during 2016, according to the EAIC.

Malaysia isnt the only country in southeast Asia that has faced criticism for the conditions in its prisons.

In its human rights report for 2016, the U.S. State Department said Indonesian and Thai facilities, including those used to detain immigrants, are overcrowded. It said government figures showed that 548 prisoners died "in custody" in Indonesia between January and June of 2016, and 762 died in "official custody" in Thailand in the year to September 2016. However, there was no breakdown between those who died in ordinary jails and those who died in other forms of incarceration, such as immigration detention facilities.

No cause was given for 50 deaths in Malaysia. They are classified in the documents as "no report" or "pending autopsy" or "undetermined" or "awaiting report from hospital" or "unascertained." One centre in Kuala Lumpur had 13 deaths in 2016, but no reasons were stated for any of them.

When asked about the lack of reasons given for so many deaths, Jazlan said he will look into it.

The documents do not specify the reasons for the lower death rate in 2016, though a Reuters analysis of them and related data shows that there was a 27 percent drop in the number of people detained at the end of 2016 from a year earlier.

(Reporting by A. Ananthalakshmi; Additional reporting by Praveen Menon in Kuala Lumpur, Antoni Slodkowski in Yangon, Manuel Mogato in Manila, Kanupriya Kapoor in Jakarta, Patpicha Tanakasempipat in Bangkok, Julia Edwards Ainsley in Washington, Thomas Wilson in Tokyo; Editing by Martin Howell)
PHNOM PENH, March 30 (Reuters) - Cambodia's exiled former opposition leader Sam Rainsy was sentenced in absentia on Thursday to an additional 20 months in prison for defamation, on top of a previous five-year term.

Opponents of Prime Minister Hun Sen accuse him of using defamation cases and other tactics to marginalise rivals ahead of local elections in June and a general election next year.

The case against Sam Rainsy had been brought by Hun Sen himself over a radio interview in which he alleged "state authorities" were behind last year's killing of a government critic, Kem Ley.

Phnom Penh Municipal Court judge Y Thavrak fined Sam Rainsy $2,500 in addition to the 20-month jail sentence. Sam Rainsy was ordered to pay Hun Sen a symbolic 100 riels ($0.025) in damages.

Sam Rainsy's lawyer had argued there were no grounds for defamation because he had not referred to anyone by name in the radio interview.

A man was jailed last week after confessing to murdering Kem Ley, but human rights groups and the activist's family said the case left many questions unanswered.

Sam Rainsy resigned from the leadership of the Cambodia National Rescue Party in February, in the face of a threatened government ban on any political party whose leader has been convicted of an offence.

Sam Rainsy has been convicted on a series of defamation charges and has lived in France since 2015 to avoid them. (Reporting by Prak Chan Thul; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
Here are news stories, press reports and events to watch which may affect Romanian financial markets on Thursday.

MAY

Britain appreciates its partnership with Germany and wants to continue being an ally of other European countries, Prime Minister Theresa May said in an opinion piece for a German newspaper after triggering divorce talks with the EU.

DEBT ISSUANCE

Romanian debt managers may release April domestic debt issuance plans. In March, they sold 3.06 billion lei worth of leu currency bills and bonds and 240 million euros of Feb. 2021 bonds.

BUCHAREST BOURSE

Bucharest Stock Exchange Chief Executive Ludwik Sobolewski said on Wednesday there are "reasonable grounds to assume" that the bourse could be upgraded to secondary emerging market this year by FTSE Russell. He also said a large private company is planning an IPO worth several hundred million euros in the near future.

M&A

The Romanian mergers and acquisitions market fell 3 percent on the year to an estimated $3.54 billion in 2016, a report on mergers and acquisitions in central and Southeast Europe by Ernst & Young showed.

ROYAL

Britain's Prince Charles meets Romanian Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu during an official visit.

CEE MARKETS

The Czech government sold twice as many bonds as planned at an auction on Wednesday, seeking to benefit from low yields before the central bank removes its cap on the crown.

CHIEF PROSECUTORS

Romania's justice minister said he would not seek the removal of the prosecutor general and chief anti-corruption prosecutor in the wake of a failed government attempt to decriminalise some corruption deeds. But he said a monitoring mechanism of prosecutors' activity coordinated by the ministry was necessary.

MOTORWAYS

Romania aims to finalise 90 kms of motorway this year, the managing director of the state road company said. Agerpres

BUCHAREST

The Romanian capital Bucharest's city council approved a plan by Social Democrat mayor Gabriela Firea to set up ten municipal companies that would take over development, energy or infrastructure services. Firea hss yet to make public impact assessments of business plans for the companies. Agerpres

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Following are news stories, press reports and events to watch that may affect Poland's financial markets on Thursday. ALL TIMES GMT (Poland: GMT + 2 hours):

MBANK

The Polish unit of Germany's Commerzbank, mBank, said in a regulatory filing that it plans to authorise the board to increase the bank's capital by up to 35 percent via one or more share issues over the next three years to cope with, among other things, regulatory requirements.

UTILITIES, COAL,,

Polish state-controlled utilities PGNiG, PGE and Energa agreed to inject a total of 500 million zlotys ($127.18 million) to the country's biggest coal mining firm, the state-run PGG, to help it take over a smaller troubled rival KHW.

BANKS, COAL,

Santander's Polish unit BZ WBK, BNP Paribas and DZ Bank, which are the foreign bondholders at Polish troubled coal producer KHW, are reluctant to convert part of KHW debt into equity to help it survive, Dziennik Gazeta Prawna daily said.

ENERGA

Polish state-controlled utility Energa posted on Thursday an 82 percent fall in 2016 net profit due to impairment loss, lower power generation and sales.

ARCELORMITTAL

Polish unit of steelmaker ArcelorMittal, which may have to reduce headcount, continues difficult talks with trade unions, which expect increase in salaries, Dziennik Gazeta Prawna daily said quoting the company's and unions' representatives.

****Reuters has not verified stories reported by Polish media and does not vouch for their accuracy.****

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By Anna Ringstrom

STOCKHOLM, March 30 (Reuters) - Cost controls helped H&M to limit a drop in quarterly pretax profit but the fashion chain said it was increasing investments as it tries to keep pace with its larger rival, Zara owner Inditex.

H&M, the world's second-biggest fashion company, said conditions remained very tough in key European markets and in the United States, with shopping behaviour and expectations changing rapidly.

After years of hectic expansion across the world, the Swedish company's profitability has faltered as Inditex and online specialist ASOS gain an edge in "fast fashion" - turning over more new styles each year and helped by having production closer to customers so they can quickly boost supplies of fast-selling items.

H&M's supply chain lead times are around double those of Inditex, according to a report this month by Goldman Sachs, which recommended that investors "sell" H&M shares.

"To meet the rapid change that is going on in fashion retail we need to be even faster and more flexible in our work processes, for example as regards buying and allocation of our assortment," Chief Executive Karl-Johan Persson conceded on Thursday.

"We are therefore investing significantly in our supply chain, such as in new logistics solutions with greater levels of automation, but also in optimising our lead times."

However, markets were unimpressed with the plan and sales figures for March and H&M shares were down 4.5 percent at 0934 GMT.

DILEMMA

H&M has seen competition and price presure in its budget segment increase from rivals such as Britain's Primark, which recently entered H&M's biggest market Germany.

H&M has a dilemma -- the need to compete on price means four fifths of its production is in Asia, far more than Inditex which sources around half its products from countries close to its main markets, making it more nimble in adapting supplies to in-store demand.

H&M's further-flung supply base could also leave it more exposed to trade disruption from protectionist moves such as Britain's decision to leave the European Union and the election of U.S. President Donald Trump.

H&M has been investing heavily in IT investments to integrate its stores and e-commerce and make its supply chain faster and more flexible, but detail on progress has been scant.

Chief Executive Persson told Reuters last year that management was looking at whether to source a larger share of products closer to where they are sold and had some initiatives underway to analyse and react faster to consumer patterns and shorten lead times when needed.

Large markdowns in stores last year hit sales and highlighted shortcomings in design and supply planning. Thursday's results further underscored the need for H&M to become more responsive to consumer tastes.

An H&M investor relations officer said investments to make the supply chain more flexible would be higher this year than in 2016.

Societe Generale analyst Anne Critchlow said H&M's gross margin - its most basic rate of profitability - was higher than expected in its financial quarter that runs from December to February.

But she said March sales -- up 7 percent on a constant currency basis -- looked disappointing, "even taking into account the later Easter this year".

She highlighted a 30 percent increase in inventory compared to a year earlier and the company warned of a risk of increased mark-downs impacting its gross margin if that stock-in-trade is not sold down over the months ahead.

April sales would need to come in around consensus expectations - up 11 percent compared to April 2016 - for the market to regain confidence in H&M's trading, she added.

Quarterly pretax profit fell to 3.21 billion crowns ($362 million) from 3.33 billion a year-earlier, above a mean forecast for 2.87 billion in a Reuters poll of analysts, helped by cost controls and currency translation effects.

H&M is also branching out into new concepts to reach a broader customer base and reduce exposure to the increasingly crowded budget segment. It announced a new chain of stores, ARKET, with a slightly higher price range than its core budget H&M brand.

The new chain would also sell brands made by third parties. ($1 = 8.8786 Swedish crowns)

(Reporting by Anna Ringstrom; additional reporting by Helena Soderpalm; writing by Tom Pfeiffer; editing by Niklas Pollard and Keith Weir)
SOFIA, March 30 (Reuters) - These are some of the main stories in Bulgarian newspapers on Thursday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

TRUD - The centre-right GERB party, which won most seats in the Sunday's snap polls, is considering to form a minority government, sources from the GERB said. GERB is expected to start unofficial talks with nationalist alliance United Patriots on Friday.

-- One of the leaders of United Patriots, a nationalist formation of three parties, has proposed a broad coalition that will include them, GERB party and leftist Socialists to secure stable majority. The idea was rejected by the two leading parties. (Capital Daily, Standart, Sega, Duma, 24 Chasa)

CAPITAL DAILY - The right-wing Reformist Bloc that failed to pass the threshold to enter parliament in Sunday's vote, has appealed to other small right-leaning parties to unite and have representation at the next elections.
By Lesley Wroughton

ANKARA, March 30 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson arrived in Turkey on Thursday for talks with a NATO ally crucial to the fight against Islamic State but increasingly at odds with Washington and its European partners.

Tillerson will meet President Tayyip Erdogan to discuss the U.S.-led fight against Islamic State, including the planned offensive against its Syrian stronghold of Raqqa, where Turkey has been angered by U.S. support for Kurdish militia fighters.

Erdogan has been incensed by Washington's readiness to work with the Kurdish YPG militia in the fight against Islamic State. Ankara sees the YPG as an extension of PKK militants who have fought a three-decade insurgency inside Turkey and are seen as a terrorist group by the United States and European Union.

U.S.-Turkish relations have also been strained by the continued presence in the United States of Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen, blamed by Erdogan for a failed coup last July and whom Ankara wants extradited.

Tillerson's visit comes less than three weeks ahead of a referendum at which Erdogan is seeking constitutional change to boost his powers, a move which his opponents and some European allies fear will bring increasing authoritarianism.

Senior U.S. officials have said he will not meet members of the Turkish opposition during the visit, a sign that he will seek to avoid discussion of Turkey's domestic issues while trying to keep the focus on the fight against Islamic State.

But his trip has been further clouded by the arrest in New York on Monday of an executive of Turkey's state-run Halkbank , who is accused of conspiring in a multi-year scheme to evade U.S. sanctions on Iran.

Shortly after Tillerson's arrival in Ankara, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag told broadcaster A Haber that the arrest was a "completely political move" designed to tarnish Turkey and Erdogan, and questioned the evidence in the case.

Tillerson is expected to say the arrest of Halkbank deputy General Manager Mehmet Hakan Atilla is a matter for the U.S. justice authorities and not political. He is hoping his visit can focus instead on the campaign to retake Raqqa.

U.S. officials say Tillerson, who has said the number one priority in Syria for President Donald Trump's administration is defeating Islamic State, will emphasize the importance of Kurdish YPG forces in the Raqqa offensive.

(Editing by Nick Tattersall and Ralph Boulton)
MADRID, March 30 (Reuters) - Spain's public deficit was 4.54 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2016, Budget Minister Cristobal Montoro said on Thursday, beating its European Union target for the first time since the global financial crisis.

Spanish public debt began climbing steadily after a property market crash in 2008 that sent tax income tumbling and put millions of people out of work.

Since then, the government has struggled to reduce one of Europe's highest public deficits through unpopular tax hikes and spending cuts, measures which cost the government its parliamentary majority in an election last year.

Excluding financial aid, the Spanish public deficit was 4.33 percent, Montoro said. Both Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and Budget Minister Montoro had widely flagged in recent days that they were expecting to meet the target.

The 2016 figure compared to an EU-set goal of 4.6 percent and a deficit of 5.1 percent in 2015. The EU has raised the target several times in recent years when it became apparent Spain was going to overshoot.

The government plans to publish its delayed 2017-budget proposal on Friday which will aim to reduce the budget shortfall target to 3.1 percent of GDP, a figure the government has said is achievable. (Reporting by Paul Day; Editing by Sonya Dowsett and Gareth Jones)
ABUJA, March 30 (Reuters) - Nigeria will send its oil governance bill to the Senate on April 25, a spokesman said on Thursday, the latest step in efforts to overhaul the energy sector in Africa's largest economy.

The legislation is part of proposed reforms that make up the sprawling Petroleum Industry Bill, which has been in discussion for over a decade and redrafted many times but has yet to be passed into law.

President Muhammadu Buhari, who took office in May 2015, made passing the legislation a priority as part of an attempt to crackdown on the mismanagement and corruption that has held back the country's energy sector. Oil sales account for two-thirds of government revenue in the OPEC member state.

"Barring any last minute changes, the Senate Joint Committee on Petroleum (Upstream, Downstream and Gas), will on 25th April lay the final report of the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill before the Senate for consideration and approval," a spokesman for Senate President Bukola Saraki said in a statement.

The statement said lawmakers were expected to hold talks on the proposed legislation on April 4 before submitting the final report to the Senate.

Once the Senate has approved the bill, it will be sent to the lower chamber of parliament. With the approval of both, the final version will be sent to the president to be signed into law.

Its backers say Nigeria's oil sector is in dire need of change, with power currently concentrated in the state oil company Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and the petroleum ministry.

(Reporting by Camillus Eboh and Alexis Akwagyiram; Additional reporting by Paul Carsten; Editing by David Goodman and Susan Thomas)
LJUBLJANA, March 30 (Reuters) - Slovenia plans to invest about 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) on a new railway line between its sole port, Luka Koper, and the city of Divaca, which will connect with the line that runs to the capital Ljubljana.

The government expects to cover about a quarter of the cost with European Union funds, while about 350 million euros will be raised via new debt, Infrastructure Minister Peter Gaspersic told a news conference on Thursday.

Slovenia hopes some of the investment will also be covered by countries that use the port for imports and exports. These include Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland.

So far, only Hungary had said it is ready to invest in the project, the government said, without giving details.

"The project will benefit not only the Slovenian economy, but also economies of other countries (Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia) which are connected to the port of Koper and account for 70 percent of its cargo traffic," the government said in a statement.

It added the project would reduce the length of travel by about 17 kilometers and the time of travel by about half an hour, while also enabling trains to run faster. About 75 percent of the 27-kilometre track will run underground.

It will be one of the biggest state investments in the coming years. It is not yet clear when it could be completed.

The International Monetary Fund said on Tuesday public and private investments were likely to boost Slovenia's GDP this year and the next, forecasting the economy would expand by 3 percent in 2017 and 2.3 percent in 2018.

($1 = 0.9324 euros) (Reporting by Marja Novak; Editing by Mark Potter)
LUSAKA, March 30 (Reuters) - A Chinese bank will help finance the construction of 2,000 homes for Zambian military personnel who face a critical shortage of housing, president Edgar Lungu said on Thursday.

The 1.5 bilion kwacha ($157 million) project would be financed by the Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ) with support from the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), Lungu said in a statement.

China has invested heavily in modernising roads and other infrastructure in Zambia, whose top export is copper.

"My government will not allow our gallant men and women in uniform to continue living in dilapidated and at times makeshift structures far below their noble status," Lungu said.

Zambia's has an urban housing shortfall of 1.3 million properties, projected to reach 3 million by 2025, according to British charity Habitat for Humanity.

Due to the lack of affordable housing, about 70 percent of urban dwellers, including soldiers, live in slums with inadequate access to water and sanitation, Habitat for Humanity estimates.

Lungu said soldiers and other defence and security personnel need to live in designated areas not only for easy mobilisation but to enhance discipline and improve administration. ($1 = 9.5800 Zambian kwachas) (Reporting by Chris Mfula; Editing by Ed Stoddard and Keith Weir)
WASHINGTON, March 30 (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Commerce made a final finding that seven foreign producers dumped certain carbon and alloy steel cut-to-length plate in the U.S. market, allowing it to impose duties ranging from 3.62 percent to 148 percent, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said on Thursday.

The determinations of dumping, or selling a product below its fair price, apply to imports of CTL plate from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, Ross said.

In addition, there was a final finding that South Korean imports were subsidized, leading to a countervailing duty of 4.31 percent being slapped on those products, he said at a department event.

"A healthy steel industry is critical to our economy and manufacturing base, yet our steel industry today is under assault from foreign producers that dump and subsidize their exports," Ross told the audience.

In 2015, imports of CTL plate from the seven producers totaled $732 million, with those from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea and Taiwan valued at an estimated $14.2 million, $19.8 million, $179 million, $196.2 million, $37 million, $54.9 million, $210 million and $21 million, respectively, department figures show. (http://bit.ly/2mSZM1Z)

Cut-to-length steel is used in a wide range of applications, including buildings and bridgework; agricultural, construction and mining equipment; machine parts and tooling; ships, rail cars, tankers and barges; and large-diameter pipe.

The finding followed an investigation prompted by a petition from Nucor Corp and U.S. subsidiaries of ArcelorMittal SA and SSAB AB.

For Austrian producers and exporters, dumping duties on the Voestalpine group and all others were set at 53.72 percent.

They were 5.4 percent for Industeel Belgium, 51.78 percent for the NLMK Belgium group and 5.4 percent for all other Belgium producers and exporters.

Among French manufacturers and exporters, duty rates were set at 148.02 percent for Industeel France and 8.62 percent for Dillinger France and all others.

In Germany, duties were set at 5.38 percent for AG der Dillinger Huttenwerke, 22.90 percent for the Salzgitter group and 21.03 percent for all other exporters and producers.

A spokesman for Salzgitter confirmed the company was facing duties, saying the decision to impose the duties and the level of them were incomprehensible.

In Italy, the department set anti-dumping duty rates of 6.08 percent for Officine Tecnosider, 22.19 percent for Marcegaglia SpA and NLMK Verona SpA and 6.08 percent for all other producers and exporters.

Among Japanese producers and exporters, Tokyo Steel Manufacturing Co Ltd was hit with a duty rate of 14.79 percent. A rate of 48.67 percent was imposed on JFE Steel Corp and Shimabun Corp, and for all others it was set at 14.79 percent.

Taiwanese companies Shang Chen Steel Co Ltd and China Steel Corp had anti-dumping duties of 3.62 percent and 6.95 percent, respectively, imposed on them. The rate for other producers and exporters was set at 5.29 percent.

For South Korea, the department imposed an anti-dumping duty of 7.39 percent on POSCO, as well as a countervailing duty of 4.31 percent to account for subsidies. The same rates apply to all other producers and exporters.

The findings allow the department to ask U.S. Customs authorities to collect cash deposits from exporters based on those rates.

On March 3, in a decision stemming from the same investigation, the U.S. International Trade Commission said it had made a final finding that U.S. industry was being harmed by the dumping and subsidization of imports of carbon and alloy steel CTL plate from China. That allows for the final imposition of duties by the Commerce Department on China's producers and exporters of the plate. (Reporting by Eric Walsh; Additional reporting by Georgina Prodhan; Editing by Dan Grebler and Peter Cooney)
ZURICH, March 30 (Reuters) - The "political temperature" in the Balkans has risen significantly, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama told a Swiss newspaper, citing tensions in Macedonia over the country's ethnic Albanian minority.

Balkan states Albania, Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia, Kosovo and Montenegro all hope to join the European Union, but political feuds, ethnic strife and lingering misgivings over the wars of the 1990s complicate this process.

Rama, the Socialist Party leader whose role in helping organise ethnic Albanians in Macedonia has been criticised by some there as inappropriate foreign meddling, told the Tages-Anzeiger newspaper in the interview published on Thursday that things could get worse.

"In Macedonia, the situation could spiral completely out of control because the head of the country's second-biggest political party has denied the Albanians' mandate to help build the government," he said. "We are demanding only that the government in Skopje respect the rights of the Albanian minority."

Rama, a former Tirana mayor, accuses Skopje of blocking Albanian as an official language even though ethnic Albanians comprise a quarter of Macedonia's 2 million population.

"It is inconceivable for us that Macedonians reject Albanian as an official language at national level," Rama said.

He said other factors contributing to heightened emotions include what he called Serbia's provocations against Kosovo, including sending a train emblazoned in Serbian colors and the phrase "Kosovo is Serbia" to its former province.

Ethnic Albanian-majority Kosovo, in turn, is seeking to turn its security force into a national army, a plan opposed by the Serb minority and widely panned by NATO and the United States.

European Union leaders said earlier this month that Balkan states could still join the EU but must stick to a path of economic and democratic reform to reach that goal.

Likewise, the prospect of EU membership has for years been the main driver of reform in the Balkans following decades of communist role, economic hardship as well as ethnic bloodshed associated with Yugoslavia's 1990s disintegration.

"When you consider this inheritance, the only way for Balkan countries to develop into mature democracies is to do so within the European Union," Rama told the Swiss newspaper.

"As long as the people and political elite of the Balkans do not lose faith in EU membership, they'll stay calm. The borders will be in danger when the European Union sits on its hands and, in doing so, abandons us to the Russians."

Russia, a traditional ally of the Serbs, denies accusations of political manipulation in the Balkans to reassert its influence in the historically volatile region. (Reporting by John Miller; editing by Mark Heinrich)
By Geert De Clercq

PARIS, March 30 (Reuters) - French utility EDF is making progress with plans to export nuclear reactors to India and South Africa and says it is in talks with several other countries about nuclear projects.

EDF nuclear newbuild chief Xavier Ursat told reporters that once EDF's takeover of Areva's reactor unit Areva NP was completed by the end of 2017, it would spearhead the French nuclear industry's export drive.

He said talks with the Indian government about a project to build six Areva-designed EPR reactors in Jaitapur, south of Mumbai, were progressing well.

"We do not expect to sign a deal for six reactors in one go, but our target is to sign a framework agreement this year that would give us some visibility and allow us to start detailed studies for this project," he said.

He said EDF's proposals to the Indian government were based on the current EPR model - which is under construction in France, Finland and China and will also be built in the UK - not for a "New Model EPR" which the company is preparing.

Ursat said EDF was also working on a response to the South African government's "request for information," made in late 2016, which should be ready by the end of April.

South Africa operates two ageing French-built reactors in Koeberg, but several other reactor vendors including Russia's Rosatom are also eying the contract.

"We have a history of 30 years of good relations with South Africa, that counts for something," Ursat said.

He said EDF was also hoping for new contracts in China, but said talks there would have to wait for the completion of two EPR reactors under construction in Taishan, southern China.

"By year-end we expect to load fuel in Taishan 1, after that we probably will have discussions about the future," he said.

Ursat said there were also possibilities in eastern Europe, including in Czech Republic and Poland.

"Brazil also remains interested in nuclear, but that will probably take a few years to put into place," he added.

He said there were contacts with Saudi Arabia about nuclear newbuild, but without a precise time horizon, and that EDF had held talks with the Malaysian government but there had been no progress on that front recently.

Asked about the success of Korean manufacturer Kepco in building second-generation reactors in time and on budget in United Arab Emirates, he said more modern third-generation reactors were still the best option.

Both Areva and Toshiba-owned Westinghouse have effectively been bankrupted by cost overruns on their more expensive and hard-to-build third-generation reactors.

Westinghouse filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Wednesday, while Areva is being recapitalised by the French state after years of losses.

"I think that our third-generation reactor meets the needs of countries that are starting with nuclear energy and will move directly to a third-generation reactor," he said. (Reporting by Geert De Clercq; Editing by Mark Potter)
By Irene Klotz

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., March 30 (Reuters) - Particles blasting out from the sun stripped away what was once a thick, Earth-like atmosphere on Mars, leaving behind a dry and cold world inhospitable to life, researchers said in a study released on Thursday.

About 4 billion years ago when life was starting on Earth, Mars also had a dense atmosphere, which kept the planet warm and wet, according to the study in this week's issue of the journal Science.

Over time, energized particles in the solar wind stripped off Mars' atmosphere, leaving a thin and still-shrinking envelope of gases around the planet, measurements by one of NASA's Mars-orbiting spacecraft show.

"The lines of evidence point to the period between about 3.7 billion years ago and 4 billion years ago as when Mars went bad," lead researcher Bruce Jakosky with the University of Colorado in Boulder, said by phone.

Conditions on early Mars could have supported microbes, Jakosky said, but as the thick atmosphere around the planet disappeared, "it went from a wet planet that could support life at the surface to the cold, dry planet we see today."

The findings offer insight into why a planet that started off similar to Earth ended up so different and what conditions could make planets beyond the solar system suitable for life.

The data was collected by the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution, or MAVEN, spacecraft, one of eight satellites and rovers currently operating around or on Mars.

Scientists are not sure why Mars' atmosphere became vulnerable to the solar wind, but suspect it had to do with the loss of the planet's magnetic field.

Earth, by contrast, has a liquid metal core that generates a protective magnetic shield that deflects the solar wind.

The research, sponsored by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is based on measurements of the chemical element argon at different altitudes in the thinning atmosphere around Mars, which MAVEN has been assessing since October 2015.

The measurements show that Mars has lost 66 percent of its argon since the planet formed some 4.6 billion years ago. Jakosky and colleagues extrapolated from that figure to estimate the loss rate of other atmospheric gases, including water vapor.

Mars' atmosphere was and is dominated by carbon dioxide.

"It is the answer we expected in some ways," Jakosky said. "It meshes well with everything else that's going on on Mars." (Reporting by Irene Klotz; Editing by Letitia Stein and Peter Cooney)
JUBA, March 30 (Reuters) - South Sudanese rebels said on Thursday they had freed three oil workers from Pakistan and India that their fighters had seized earlier this month.

The three were released on the orders of the rebels' leader, former vice president Riek Machar, his SPLA-IO group said.

The Pakistani national worked for DAR, a consortium including China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), China's Sinopec and Malaysia's Petronas, in Upper Nile state.

The two Indians working for South Sudan's petroleum ministry were kidnapped in northeast Maiwut county.

The three men were flown to Khartoum via Addis Ababa after their release, a Sudanese foreign ministry official told reporters at Khartoum airport when the oil workers arrived.

He said Sudan and Ethiopia had contacted the rebels, at the request of India and Pakistan, to secure the freedom of their nationals.

One of the released men said his rebel captors had told him to pass a message to foreign oil companies to stop operating in South Sudan because oil revenues were being used to fund war.

SPLA-IO deputy spokesman Lam Paul Gabriel said there were no orders given in relation to locals who were seized alongside the foreigners and they would continue to be held.

South Sudan, which split away from Sudan in 2011 after decades of conflict, has been mired in civil war since President Salva Kiir sacked Machar in 2013.

The fighting has forced millions to flee their homes, split much of the population along ethnic lines and paralysed agriculture, leaving the country facing famine, according to the United Nations. (Reporting by Denis Dumo in Juba and Khalid Abdelaziz in Khartoum; Writing by Duncan Miriri and Dominic Evans; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Hugh Lawson)
BRUSSELS, March 30 (Reuters) - Several people were injured and taken to hospital after supporters and opponents of the Turkish government clashed outside the country's consulate in central Brussels on Thursday, Belgian police said.

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel condemned the violence, which he linked to a forthcoming referendum in Turkey on increasing the powers of President Tayyip Erdogan.

"The Belgian government has absolute zero tolerance for any spillovers from the Turkish referendum. I condemn the riots at the embassy in Brussels," he said on Twitter.

A police spokeswoman said she could give no further details on the number of people hurt or the nature of their injuries. The Turkish mission to Brussels could not be immediately reached for comment.

Ties between Turkey and European Union states have deteriorated in recent weeks over Turkish government attempts to rally support for Erdogan among expatriate Turks.

Erdogan reacted with fury after Germany and the Netherlands - which, like Belgium, have big Turkish minorities - moved to restrict political rallies on their soil in the run-up to the April 16 referendum.

Kurdish news agency Firat said the Thursday incident took place as people arrived at the consulate in Brussels to cast early 'no' votes in the referendum. Reuters was not able to confirm that independently. (Reporting by Alastair Macdonald, Gabriela Baczynska, Phil Blenkinsop and Hortense de Roffignac; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
Our nations highest court requires a judge with an independent legal mind who will uphold our constitution and the separation of powers. Now more than ever, we cannot afford a Justice who will act as a rubberstamp to President Trumps extreme agenda. I supported full consideration of Judge Gorsuch to ensure the American people were able to fully evaluate his record  adhering to my duties as a senator to provide advise and consent. I read his Tenth Circuit opinions and dissents, reviewed his private practice cases, watched his confirmation hearings closely, and requested a one on one meeting with him. Unfortunately, after requesting a meeting with the Judge for several weeks, he has refused to honor this request. The U.S. Constitution has entrusted the Senate with the role of advising the President on the highest court of the land and in refusing to meet with me, he has disrespected our nations founding principles and pillars core to our democratic institutions.
WASHINGTON, March 30 (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department on Thursday condemned the Venezuelan Supreme Court's takeover of the functions of the National Assembly as a "serious setback for democracy in Venezuela."

Venezuela's top court said late on Wednesday it was assuming the National Assembly's role in a ruling authorizing President Nicolas Maduro to create oil joint ventures without the previously mandated congressional approval.

"This rupture of democratic and constitutional norms greatly damages Venezuela's democratic institutions and denies the Venezuelan people the right to shape their country's future through their elected representatives," State Department acting spokesman Mark Toner said in a statement.

"We call for the government of Venezuela to permit the democratically-elected National Assembly to perform its constitutional functions, hold elections as soon as possible, and immediately release all political prisoners." (Reporting by Yeganeh Torbati; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
By Larry Fine

RANCHO MIRAGE, March 30 (Reuters) - French veteran Karine Icher fired a five-under-par 67 to grab the early first-round lead on Thursday over an impressive chasing pack at the ANA Inspiration, the first women's major of the year.

Icher birdied three of the four par-threes in taking a one-shot lead over American Michelle Wie and South Koreans Ryu So-yeon, the world number three, Park Sung-Hyun and amateur Seong Eun-jeong on a calm morning in the California desert.

Another shot back, at three-under, were Korean Jenny Shin and long-hitting American Lexi Thompson as the early starters took advantage before high winds were expected to blow across the long layout to challenge the afternoon wave.

"I'm probably the player with the most top 10s without winning," said Icher, 38, who has five European Tour wins and 43 top 10s in the U.S. without a victory.

"I'm going to keep focused and keep my game on and try to sink some putts, and we'll see from there."

Wie, the 2014 U.S. Women's Open champion, birdied the par-three 17th to join the group on four-under that included the impressive 17-year-old Seong.

Seong rode a blistering start as she birdied the first two holes and reached four-under with a hole-in-one at the 182-yard par-three fifth, where she landed a perfect six-iron.

It was the second career ace for the young Korean, who won a junior event last year at Mission Hills.

"I have good memories of here," said Seong, who made the traditional ANA winner's leap into Poppie's Pond alongside the 18th green after her 2016 junior victory.

Last year, Seong became the first player to win the U.S. Women's Amateur and U.S. Junior titles in the same season.

Wie played alongside another notable amateur, 14-year-old American Lucy Li, who shot one-under 71 after qualifying by winning last week's ANA Junior Inspiration at Mission Hills.

"I was very impressed with her game and how she handled herself out there," said Wie, who played her first ANA Inspiration at age 13. "She was very calm and collected, and she played well."

Late starters battling the rising winds at Mission Hills included world number one and defending champion Lydia Ko of New Zealand, number two Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand, last year's ANA runner-up, and world number four Chun In-gee of South Korea. (Editing by Clare Lovell)
JOHANNESBURG, March 31 (Reuters) - South African President Jacob Zuma has appointed Malusi Gigaba as the country's new finance minister, replacing Pravin Gordhan who was sacked in a cabinet reshuffle, a statement from the president's office just after midnight on Thursday said.

Zuma also said that Sfiso Buthelezi was appointed Deputy Finance Minister replacing Mcebisi Jonas.

"I have directed the new ministers and deputy ministers to work tirelessly with their colleagues to bring about radical socioeconomic transformation and to ensure that the promise of a better life for the poor and the working class becomes a reality," Zuma said. (Reporting by James Macharia, editing by G Crosse)
Mr. Arjun Fernando - CEO, DFCC-Bank

DFCC Bank recently hosted an European Investment Bank (EIB) delegation to an exclusive event to honour its mutual longstanding and fruitful association with EIB for the last 15 years. The EIB delegation consisted of senior officials including Mr. Andrew McDowell, Vice President EIB; Mrs Maria Shaw- Barragan, Deputy Director, Global Partners Department; Mrs Angela Marcarino, Head of Division; Mr. Andrew Rosser, Advisor to the Vice President; Mr. Donal Cannon, Head of EIB Office in New Delhi; Mr. Richard Wills, Press Officer; and Mrs. Sunita Lukkhoo, Senior Loan Officer and Country Manager, Sri Lanka. Other dignitaries from multilateral and bilateral institutions with whom DFCC Bank has maintained a close working relationship for over 62 years including DEG, ADB, IFC, AFD, USAID and GIZ, were also present at this exclusive occasion.

In his keynote address at this event, Mr. Andrew McDowell thanked DFCC Bank for its performance over the years and the support provided to the EIB. Furthermore, he stated that the EIB considers DFCC Bank a preferred partner and that his team looks forward to further strengthening this partnership.

Mr. Andrew McDowell - Vice President, EIB

DFCC Bank attaches great importance to its valuable relationship with the European Investment Bank (EIB). Over the course of its 15-year partnership with EIB, DFCC Bank has played a critical role as an Administrative Unit to EIB credit lines. Until now, DFCC Bank has availed of four separate EIB Credit Lines from EIB. Two of them were exclusive credit lines to DFCC amounting to Euro 40 million and Euro 50 million. In addition, DFCC managed as well as participated in a Euro 70 million multi-bank credit line for Post-tsunami recovery.

In 2013, EIB extended an Euro 90 million credit line for SME & Green Energy Development and the Government of Sri Lanka appointed DFCC Bank to implement this credit line.70% of the credit line was allocated for SME projects and the balance 30% for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. While DFCC is managing this credit line, it is also an intermediary bank together with its partners - Commercial Bank of Ceylon and Regional Development Bank.

SME projects in a variety of sectors island-wide were approved for funding under this credit line. Prominent sectors were auto services and repair, bakery products, construction, education, healthcare, manufacturing including agro-processing, printing, retailing, tourism and trading.

Under Green Energy, notable achievements during 2016 were a 10MW Solar Power Plant and a 4MW Sustainable Bio-mass based combined heat and power co-generation plant commencing the supply of power to the national grid. These projects were funded and structured by DFCC Banks Corporate Banking and Business Banking lending teams.

As the pioneer development bank in Sri Lanka, DFCC Bank has built strong relationships with several international development banks, some of which date back to its inception. The Bank has performed implementing agency functions both as an Apex Body and as an Administrative Unit to international agencies such as the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, KfW (Germany) and the European Investment Bank. In executing these functions, DFCC Bank has earned a reputation as a highly competent and successful implementer of international development agency credit lines for the Government of Sri Lanka. The strong relationships maintained with international partners and the Government is evident through the key role played by DFCC Bank in the development of Sri Lankas private sector and the economy.
Situation points to a future clash between Sri Lankan Government and the UNHRC as prevailed during the last Government

Govt. will have to cater to both these extremisms

President says one; Premier another and FM another

Government is facing a threat of isolation by the local masses as well

Considering the contradictions between the Governments dealings with the international players in respect of human rights and its media statements issued for local consumption, one would wonder whether it is the international community or the people of this country or both or itself that the Government is going to hoodwink.



Last week the Government cosponsored another resolution on Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) as it did in 2015. This years resolution was nothing but a move to give two more years to the Government to implement the commitments of the 2015 resolution. Therefore it was a very short resolution as the first resolution on Sri Lanka adopted in 2012 calling for the implementation of the recommendations of Sri Lankas own Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC). Establishing a special court with foreign judges among others, was the major recommendation that had been made in the 2015 resolution.



Hence it must be very clear to anybody that the Government has again ensured its commitment to institute a legal mechanism for accountability with the participation of foreign judges, including those from the Commonwealth countries, as specified in the 2015 resolution by cosponsoring this years resolution.



However, it is amazing and in a way puzzling, to understand the statements made by the leaders of the Government, including President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe against the participation of foreign judges in the accountability process, while Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera was requesting more time for the implementation of the resolution.

Leaders of the Government seem to presume that the people before whom they assure that no foreign judges are allowed in the accountability process do not have access to the information about the goings on in Geneva or that the international players do not hear what they pledge to the local populace with regard to the accountability process.



When the UNHRC passed the resolution in September 2015 not a single politician in the Government opposed or disowned it. Neither Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera nor Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha, who led the Sri Lankan delegation at the UNHRC in Geneva, did agree with the US or the other countries that initiated the resolution to institute a mechanism with foreign judges, without the sanctions of the leaders of the Government.



On September 24, 2015, the day the resolution was adopted, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe attended the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the Sri Lanka Chapter of the CIMA.



The Prime Minister in his speech said he had exchanged views with the Sri Lankan delegation in Geneva over the content of the resolution. He told the audience that Sri Lanka would co-sponsor the resolution and the inquiry would be held under the current legal framework of Sri Lanka.

However, the Prime Minister had said even while the UNHRC was in session this time that there was no room in the Sri Lankan Constitution for the inclusion of foreign judges.



When the resolution was adopted in 2015, the Government argued that it upheld the dignity of the security forces by singling out only the culprits in those forces, who violated international human rights and humanitarian laws.



When President Maithripala Sirisena returned to the country after participating at the United Nations General Assembly in the same year the Maithri faction of the SLFP had put up posters in Colombo praising him for upholding the dignity of the security forces, which apparently implied the resolution that was passed in the UNHRC a few weeks ago.



However, the situation has now changed.



One might think that Foreign Minister Samaraweera had acted on his own or gone against the wishes of the President and the Prime Minister, when he cosponsored the two UNHRC resolutions.

Whatever the contradiction between statements made by the leaders then and now, the international community would expect the Government to implement the commitments of the resolution that had been reassured by the Government this year as well.



Leaders of the Government have to institute and set in motion an Office on Missing Persons (OMP), a mechanism for truth seeking, justice, reparations and guarantees of non-recurrence, introduce security sector reforms ensuring that no scope exists for retention or recruitment into the security forces of anyone credibly implicated in serious crimes involving human rights violations, investigate all alleged attacks by individuals and groups on journalists, human rights defenders, members of religious minority groups and other members of civil society, as well as places of worship, and to hold perpetrators of such attacks to account and to take steps to prevent such attacks in the future, review the Public Security Ordinance and review and repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA),among others.



As the Presidents faction in the SLFP faces tough competition in securing the power within the party from the faction led by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, which is playing the patriotic card, the Government would face difficult times ahead in implementing these commitments.

Already the President seems to have given in and irritated the civil society groups that helped him at the Presidential Election by expressing sympathy towards the security forces personnel arrested in connection with various crimes committed during the last regime.



However, while speaking at the Defence Services School in Kurunegala on Wednesday he said that he was not ready to make a war hero, even a suspect of the charges levelled against the security forces on the alleged violation of human rights during the war.



The situation points to a future clash between the Sri Lankan Government and the UNHRC, as prevailed during the last Government, while the Government is facing a threat of isolation by the local masses as well.



One incident involving former President Chandrika Kumaratunga, who is tasked with the reconciliation process points to the threat of isolation.



She last week told a Jaffna audience that although those who killed civilians hiding behind the war would not be condoned, the war heroes who safeguarded the country from the terrorists would not be hauled before courts and punished.



Interestingly some newspapers from both the north and south had taken her to task for her remarks.

Tamil papers highlighted her reference to the war heroes and one paper editorially lashed out at her describing her remarks as racist, while some in the south highlighted, what she said about those who killed civilians in the name of the war.



The Government will have to cater to both these extremisms to save itself from isolation.
A 25-member Sri Lankan business delegation led by Sri Lanka  Russia Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce together with the Sri Lankan Embassy in the Russian Federation visited Moscow last week.

The business delegation, which was led by President of the Sri Lanka- Russia Business Council, Isuru Samarasinghe, Managing Director of Unitrades Private Limited was organized in conjunction with the official visit of the Sri Lanka President, His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena to the Russian Federation on the invitation of His Excellency Vladimir Putin, which coincided with 60 years of diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and Russia.

During the visit, the delegation took part in business forum conducted by the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of the Russian Federation and also took part in B2B meetings with the Russian counterparts. During the forum, Upul Jayasuriya, Chairman of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, made a presentation on the FDI opportunities in Sri Lanka.

During the visit, bilateral relations between the two countries were enriched by strengthening the trade ties, sourcing suitable business partners for trade, investments, joint ventures, technology transfer and services and also assisting in expanding existing business contacts of the participants.

The delegation comprised representatives from Akbar Brothers Private Limited, Basilur Tea Exports Private Limited, , Empire Teas Private Limited, Eswaran Brothers Exports Private Limited, Imperial Teas Private Limited, , Maltras International Private Limited, , Regency teas Private Limited, Stassen Exports Private Limited,Unitrades Private Limited, Andrew the travel Company Private Limited, Concord Exotic Voyages (Lanka) Private Limited,Mos-Lanka Holdings Private Limited, Galle Face Hotel, Mac Holdings Private Limited, Mega Trend Lanka Private Limited,Orofini Gems and Jewellery, Avian Technologies Private Limited, Lanka Tractors Limited, The Capital Maharajah Organization Limited, Built Element Limited, Rhino Roofing Products Limited, Jay Sea Foods Processing Private Limited, Consulting Engineers & Contractors Private Limited and The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
Prime Minister Theresa May will file formal Brexit divorce papers , pitching the United Kingdom into the unknown and triggering years of uncertain negotiations that will test the endurance of the European Union.



Nine months after Britons voted to leave, May will notify EU Council President Donald Tusk in a letter that the UK really was quitting the bloc it joined in 1973.



The Prime Minister, an initial opponent of Brexit who won the top job in the political turmoil that followed the referendum vote, will then have two years to settle the terms of the divorce before it comes into effect in late March 2019. a Now that the decision has been made to leave the EU, it is time to come together, May will tell lawmakers, according to comments supplied by her office.

When I sit around the negotiating table in the months ahead, I will represent every person in the whole United Kingdom  young and old, rich and poor, city, town, country and all the villages and hamlets in between, May will say.



On the eve of Brexit, May, 60, has one of the toughest jobs of any recent British prime minister: holding Britain together in the face of renewed Scottish independence demands, while conducting arduous talks with 27 other EU states on finance, trade, security and a host of other complex issues.

The outcome of the negotiations will shape the future of Britains $2.6 trillion economy, the worlds fifth biggest, and determine whether London can keep its place as one of the top two global financial centres.

REUTERS, 29th MARCH, 2017
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) N.V. Lawrence has been tranferred to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and assigned to assist the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Central Bank Bond Issue.

Police spokesman DIG Priyantha Jayakody said IGP Pujith Jayasundara had made the appointment.

He said ASP Lawrence has 29 years of experience in CID investigations.

President Maithripala Sirisena appointed the Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry in January to investigate the controversial Central Bank bond issue.(Darshana Sanjeewa)
It needs to sit back and take stock, instead of calling others traitors

Tamil politics is in far more serious crisis than even Sinhala and Muslim politics.

The present TNA thus became the Tamil representation by default.

Tamil society was not only a shredded fabric; left with no credible leader

After the LTTE was wiped off, there was no other leadership that could step into the political void.

Two veteran politicians in Sri Lanka that I respect very much are both senior Tamil politicians.

Both have been in active politics for well over 60 years for now. Veerasingham Anandasangaree is one. A school teacher, he taught at KotelawalapuraVidyalaya, Ratmalana too. He later took to law in mid 1960s. He started his political career with the LSSP in 1955.



Sangaree contested Colombo North Municipal Ward against V.A. Sugathdasa of the UNP in 1959. In March 1960 elections he contested Kilinochchi from the LSSP. Sangaree is in active politics for the past 62 years for now.



The other favourite politician of my choice is Rajavarothayam Sampanthan from Trincomalee. Sampanthan had been a student of St. Sebastians College, Moratuwa too.



He practised as an Attorney at Trincomalee Courts. His political ideologue was Thanthai Chelva (S.J.V.) and became a member of Ilankai Tamil Aarasu Katchi (ITAK-the Federal Party) in 1957.

Though he declined to contest Parliamentary Elections in 1965 and 1970, he was one of the youngest activists arrested and remanded for over three months at the Panagoda Army Camp in 1962, for participating in FPs very successful civil disobedience campaign. His political career spans over 60 years for now.



Between them, there are plenty of common grounds though they now tread two different paths.

First and most importantly, they lived through the most democratic phase of Tamil politics till armed youth groups took over late in the decade of 70. Thereafter they survived the next phase, when the LTTE ruthlessly dictated terms within Tamil politics.



Sangaree paid a high price during this second phase. Two of his brothers were killed during the IPKF operations, two sons of one of his brothers went missing abducted by the LTTE and then another nephew was wiped off by the LTTE in Chennai along with EPRLF cadres.



Sampanthan too had a difficult time after Amirthalingam, Yogeswaran and others were killed by the LTTE in Colombo and for a period of time lived in Chennai.



They both survived the second phase of Tamil nationalism under LTTE brutality.

In the present third phase that began after the war was savagely brought to an end, Sampanthan is the Tamil leader with Sangaree left in the side lines in democratic Tamil politics.



Difference between them is political and not personal.



Sangaree never compromised his position on the LTTE. He refused to accept the LTTE as the sole representative of the Tamil people. That made him a traitor in a Tamil world where Prabhakaran was the saviour of Tamil people.



Sangaree was therefore compelled to seek refuge with the Colombo Government. That also made him leave the TNA, though after a legal battle he was able to retain the TULF leadership.



Sampanthan adopted a more lenient, a more flexible position accepting the LTTE as sole representative of Tamil people. He played low profile all the while. He thus became the leader of the TNA, by virtue of his seniority in ITAK that dominates TNA politics.



What made me trace their uncalculated risks and uncertainties in life till the two parted ways over 15 years ago, is a news item on 27 March (2017) that highlighted the two as opposing politicians once again.



Sangaree had written to Sampanthan he should resign his post of Leader of the Opposition in Parliament if within the next two weeks he cannot solve problems of the Tamil people.

The letter says:



The Tamils have reached their limit of tolerance, but not now, it happened long ago. They are now forced to come to a decision to demand your resignation from the office of the Leader of the Opposition, which office you had been using to defend the Government, much against the wishes of the people.



Sangaree notes issues like the release of lands, detention of Tamil political prisoners, grievances of the families of the missing persons, as issues Sampanthans leadership has failed to address all these 08 years after the war.



Opposed to the LTTE, Sangaree was labelled a traitor. Most recently in parliament, Sampanthan defended Sumanthirans political role, against those who called Sumanthiran a traitor. Sampanthan said those whose political parties could not poll even 15,000 votes at the August 2015 elections are calling MP Sumanthiran a traitor because he is working with the Government.

A month later, last 27 March, Sangaree turns on Sampanthan saying he is betraying the Tamil people. A traitor by other means, who is defending the Government using the position of Leader of the Opposition.



Who then is the traitor?

Who betrays Tamil people? At present, Tamil politics is in far more serious crisis than even Sinhala and Muslim politics.



In the South, Sinhala and Muslim politics have social space that can allow serious discourse on democratic alternatives. In the South, the social fabric wasnt torn to shreds even after two savage insurgencies led by the JVP.



Repressive Governments, oppressive laws have not been able to dismantle social structures and civil liberties completely. There are groups and collectives of young urban men and women engaging in political discourses on numerous subjects and themes. They have moved over to social media but, in Sri Lanka, they have not grown into an intellectual critical mass that can shape public opinion challenging the bankruptcy in traditional politics and growing social injustice in this neo liberal economy.



Yet, what I mean to say is, in the South, despite all negatives in socio political life, despite the intellectual mediocrity that leads discussions, there is a new life and there is space for new life in Southern urban society. There are attempts to search for a new alternatives within that social space.

This is not so in the war affected North-East. The letter written by Sangaree to Sampanthan shows, except for the anger against the present official Tamil leadership in how they compromise with the Colombo government, there are no alternatives available.



Both Sangaree and Sampanthan are only picking up politics from where they were dislodged by the LTTE and other armed militant groups over 30 years ago after Thimpu discussions.

They were dislodged from mainstream politics when the TULF after the FP was proved incapable of convincing the leadership in the Sinhala South to negotiate a workable solution in accommodating Tamil aspirations. After the LTTE was also proved incapable of delivering on its promise of a separate Eelam State, Tamil leadership has not been able to forge a common programme that can now bring all post war issues to the table.



That remains the reason why Sangaree, even without a programme of his own can still publicly say, the TNA leadership with Sampanthan at its helm has failed miserably in finding adequate answers to the release of lands, detention of Tamil political prisoners, grievances of the families of the

missing persons.



Working closely with the Colombo Government irrespective of names and faces heading it, have been tested and proved a failure and needs no Tamil leadership to reinvent that cycle once more.

But that is what this Sampanthan leadership knows and have experience in doing. Sadly, those who know and feel this game playing with the Colombo Government would not provide reasonable answers despite very emotional promises by the Sampanthan-Sumanthiran leadership, also have no idea as to how Tamil politics on the ground can be redesigned and re-launched within democratic principles and with effective peoples participation.



There are many reasons for such serious lapses in Tamil politics. First is that the LTTE during their dominant presence in North-East, dismantled democratic social structures and replaced them with their command structures.



That gradually weaned off all rational thinking and all dissent in society, making the Tamil society a rigidly regimented entity.



Democratic political activity had to subordinate itself and read the script written by the LTTE. That was TNA till the war was over. When the war was over, Tamil society was not only a shredded fabric, it was left with no credible political leadership to help them.



After the LTTE was wiped off, there was no other leadership that could step into the political void. The present TNA thus became the Tamil representation by default. From the perspective of the Sinhala leadership, continued rhetoric on war heroes, heavy emphasis on undefined national security, rehabilitation and reconstruction as planned from Colombo, is what helps them collect Sinhala votes at elections.



Or so they believe.



They thus continue the same Sinhala supremacist strategy adopted by the war winning Rajapaksa. This allows for continued surveillance over Tamil society. Continued dominance of security forces over civil life, that has left Northern society without a decent and culturally intelligent social life- a major reason that denies the North and Vanni, especially in reorganising politically.



That has in turn left Tamil politics without serious dialogue on alternatives with the Tamil Diaspora believing their demands left over from the defeated war can be the beginning of a new phase. The result is a wave of ad hoc protests on issues Sangaree highlights that emerge and erupt without any serious planning and political leadership.



The result is reacting to the TNA leaderships absence on the ground with protests like ElughaThamil. The result is isolation of Tamil politics from the national canvass of mainstream politics.



Far worst is the fact that, the proximity to the State, the Tamil politicians have now gained in post-war politics, has turned most as corrupt as those in the Sinhala South.



The Sinhala South thus gains dominance in deciding national politics, the international power brokers are comfortable in negotiating with. Tamil politics thus need to sit back and take stock, instead of calling each other traitors. All Tamil political leaders have failed once again.



They now need to dialogue a way out with a new programme that can win over the

moderate South.
Indian fishermen have been crossing the maritime boundary and fishing in Sri Lankan waters, Chief of the Indian Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba said in Vellore on Wednesday.

According to The Hindu, he has said a dialogue is going on among fishing associations of Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu in this regard.

Meanwhile, he has said the Navy has been tracking and monitoring Chinese submarines in the Indian Ocean.

At a press conference after a programme to mark the decommissioning of the Tu-142M long-range maritime patrol aircraft after 29 years of service and the silver jubilee of INS Rajali at the naval air station in Arakkonam on Wednesday, he said the Chinese had been deploying submarines in the Indian Ocean since 2013.

Admiral Lanba said the Tu-142M had extensively flown in the airspace around Sri Lanka when the country was fighting the LTTE.

He recollected the crucial role played by the squadron in Operation Cactus in the Maldives, when fleeing mercenaries were detected and tracked till they were apprehended by Indian warships.

On coastal security, he said that after the November 26 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, the Navy was made overall in-charge of maritime security.
By Chandeepa Wettasinghe

The national carrier, SriLankan Airlines, which has been experiencing massive turbulences lately, has attracted interest from two international airlines and two regional airlines, a top minister in the coalition government said.

Japan Airlines has shown some interest. Emirates has been talking to us. AirAsia has spoken to us. Last week they were to come to see me. They asked for an appointment but they have changed the time. IndiGo is also interested, Public Enterprise Development Minister Kabir Hashim said.

He was speaking yesterday at a breakfast meeting on public-private partnerships (PPPs) organised by the Sri Lanka-Malaysia Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

The government, in the latter part of last year, called for expressions of interest (EoIs) from international parties for a PPP with the debt-ridden SriLankan in a bid to cut down the burden created by the airline to the countrys finances.

But it appears that the parties who showed interest were not to the liking of the government. Hashims co-pilot, Public Enterprise Development Deputy Minister Eran Wickramaratne, last month told Mirror Business that the government had decided not to go for a second round of EoIs but instead would be directly marketing SriLankan to global airlines and that discussions were at initial stages with some players.

Hashim yesterday said that the government has given the four new airlines until May to express their level of interest. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe earlier had said that SriLankan would have a partner by April.

But even when they show interest, it doesnt mean much, because when they come and look at our books and think this is a no-go, they will go off. So, we are not thinking theyre going to take it, but it at least shows that they are interested in us, that there are players in the market thinking that SriLankan has potential, he said.

The government is looking to sell 49 percent of SriLankan shares to a partner, who would have completed management control of the airline with one or two board seats to be held by the government, Hashim said.

US-based global investment giant Texas Pacific Group (TPG), which has investments in Sri Lankan listed entities, became the final candidate that qualified through the first EoI selection process set by the government. However, the government doesnt appear confident in the final selection.

TPG is not an airline company. So, maybe we might lose the identity of the airline. So, we will take the best option for the country, Hashim said.

He added that TPG may not present the government with a favourable offer as well.

We have given them (TPG) the option to do due diligence and give their offer. We may not be happy with that offer, so we are not compelled to take their offer, he said.

Wickramaratne had said that even if TPG provides a favourable financing offer, the government may have to find a third party to manage the airline, given TPGs lack of airline management experience.

SriLankan has been running at a loss since former President Mahinda Rajapaksa kicked Emirates out of a similar partnership arrangement to the one sought now in 2009 over personal reasons and appointed his brother-in-law as the head, during whose tenure, the airline was scandal-ridden and grossly mismanaged.

Even with the change of government and low oil prices, the new top management, appointed by the prime minister, only managed to cut down net losses to Rs.12.08 billion in 2016, down from Rs.16.33 billion year-on-year.

The accumulated losses were Rs.135.59 billion and the liabilities were Rs.95.07 billion, of which Rs.67.60 billion bore interest. Mihin Air, which was merged with SriLankan last year, has incurred losses exceeding Rs.15 billion.
Former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa could not pose a threat to President Maitripala Sirisena as a next Presidential Candidate because he could not attract votes from the north and the east as seen crucial for the final outcome at the last election, Western Province Chief Minister Isuru Devapriya said today.

Mr. Devapriya, handpicked by President Sirisena for the Chief Minister post, said Gothabaya Rajapaksa was only a military officer and not a seasoned politician like President Sirisena.

Candidate of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) for next Presidential Election should be a person, who can attract each and every citizen in the country, he said.

He said that the southern peoples votes were divided at the last Presidential Election.

Therefore a candidate should be able to gather the support of all ethnic and religious groups to win the Presidential Election, he said.

The Chief Minister said President Sirisena was an asset to the SLFP and would be the candidate for the 2020 Presidential Election.

He also said the other parties already faced difficulties finding a candidate for their parties and making baseless statements.

Meantime, Mr. Devapriya said SLFP had done its part in the Unity Government however; UNP was pulling back in some cases as they had changed their stance, especially in decisions such as Cabinet portfolios.

He said that whatever happened, President Sirisena or the SLFP had not changed their views on the countrys issues.

He said the SLFP would drive the country on the correct path regardless of the consent of the UNP. (Thilanka Kanakarathna)
The unfortunate reality is that every year 3000 children are born with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) in Sri Lanka. Deepening the lament is the fact that each day is a battle between life and death for every one of them, a struggle to keep their beautiful little hearts alive.

To combat this adverse situation, the Sri Lanka College of Pediatricians initiated the Little Hearts project together with many other concerned citizens of Sri Lanka. The project aims to build a ten-story Cardiac and Critical Care Complex at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital.

At a recent press conference held to reiterate the importance of the project, world renowned Sri Lankan Racing Champion Dilantha Malagamuwaa pledged his commitment and continuous support for Little Hearts. The highlight of the evening was the screening of the Little Hearts short film titled "I have a Beautiful Heart". The project committee also put forward the current status of the project, donation collected as well as the long and short term goals.

Speaking about Little Hearts, Dilantha Malagamuwa said "Every time I race, my heart beats fast, because a split second is enough to win or lose. But since I heard of the struggle these little hearts go through, my heart beats faster, because I feel their pain. I wonder if they'd lose their battle against time.

Bringing a smile to my heart, the Little Hearts project was launched. The Cardiac and Critical Care Complex we support to build will heal thousands of little hearts. This is not a simple task- this is the responsibility of an entire nation. That is why I joined the line of donors. But now, it is your turn to take this message across and help us extend our line of donors, he further added.

Chairperson of the Little Hearts project Consultant Pediatric Cardiologist Dr. Duminda Samarasinghe speaking at the briefing said, "The project has gained massive support so far. With donations from thousands of kind hearted people we've raised around Rs.100 million. Now our goal is to start construction. Once we raise the full amount, we hope to complete the Cardiac complex and save these little hearts.

Every supporter of the Little Hearts positively look forward to the month of May this year for the construction to begin. Their only hope is to complete construction while receiving a steady flow of kind donations. The faster we extend the line of donors, the line of children who earnestly wait for treatment will shorten, saving thousands of little hearts.
AFP, 29th MARCH, 2017- The city of Paris dumped French-Swiss group LafargeHolcim as supplier of sand for the makeshift Paris Plages beach over the companys readiness to supply cement for US President Donald Trumps controversial border wall.



We will do without their services, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgos deputy Bruno Julliard told the city council, citing Lafarges readiness to work on the nefarious project of a wall along the US-Mexico border.



The council later backed the decision in a vote.
Although women represent more than half of the Sri Lankan population, their representation in the field of engineering is considerably less. In order to combat this problem and to encourage more women to be part of the industry, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Young Professionals (YP) have introduced the The Young Woman Engineer Award (YWEA). At the launching ceremony of the event, many respected individuals in the field of Engineering and Technology spoke about the gender imbalance and why it was important to combat it.



Kamal Dayananda, Chairman of the IET YP, Sri Lanka



The IET is one of the premier professional engineering organizations in Sri Lanka, with their headquarters in the UK. The IET global network has a membership of over 167,000 qualified engineers representing 150 countries. The IET plays a role in the career development of engineering professionals throughout the world, explained Mr. Dayananda.



He further explained why the award was introduced.The YWEA is organized in parallel with the IET vision in promoting engineering for women and to acknowledge their contribution to society and the profession. It is evident that the percentage of women representing the engineering field is much lower when compared to fields such as Arts and Commerce. Hence, we believe that giving proper recognition will encourage females to select the engineering field as a profession. This enables them to be highly valued and appreciated, especially due to the fewer numbers compared to their male equivalent.



According to the Skills and Demand from Industry Survey 2015, it was revealed that female engineers represented only 9% of the total engineering workforce. This indicates that there is a large gender gap when it comes to the engineering field. This can be further emphasized with the figures extracted from the University of Moratuwa Engineering Faculty in the last 5 years. In the last five batches, it can be seen that the female percentage is in the range of 20% of the total number of students. Though the figures are below 25% it is a comparatively high number when compared with other countries.



Speaking of the eligibility criteria Mr Dayananda said,  It is a national level competition. It will be open to all the academically qualified women engineers, thus an engineering degree is required and candidates should be practising engineers in the private or state sector organization or as an entrepreneur, must be currently working in Sri Lanka. You do not have to be a member of the IET and it is aimed at early career professionals (age below 35 years.)



The road map of the process is as follows,

The application format will be released on April 17,

The deadline for the submission will be on May 22

Preliminary Interviews will be held from June 17-30

Second Round will be from July 17 to August 4

Final Round and Award Ceremony will be held in mid September

Dhammika Nanayakkara, Chairman of IET Sri Lanka



We dont see many women excelling in the engineering profession. The gender inequity is the highest in engineering when compared to other professions such as medicine and accountancy. For any organization to prosper starting from a small unit to a large business conglomerate, the presence of women and their contribution is very important. The whole idea of this award is to promote women in engineering.



With more and more technology and automation coming into the field, the execution of engineering works compared to a few decades ago have become more user-friendly and convenient. Compared to other professions such as accountancy which remain the same, engineering is vibrant and ever-changing, which is what makes it an attractive profession.



The IET vision is to engineer a better world and we do this by informing, inspiring and influencing stakeholders in the membership- and women play a major role in this. The IET Sri Lanka network in line with the IET HQ in UK has a total of over 1000 members and some of its functions include conducting seminars, workshops, technical and international conferences, forums, field visits and events for the young professional network.



Namalie Siymbalapitiya, Director of Planning at RDA and Regional Coordinator in Logistics and Transport



Speaking of the challenges women face when engaging in a profession, Ms. Siyambalapitiya said, In Sri Lanka, we see that there exists a higher percentage of women than men in society. Which shows that we are not contributing as much towards the economy. In a society like Sri Lanka which has a traditional background, we see that women are at a disadvantage in comparison to men. Unlike men, women lack opportunities, proper guidance, family support and facilities when it comes to seeking higher education. Which is why we see that less women follow the maths stream during their A/Levels. Boys are given more freedom, allowing them to travel long distances alone to get the best quality education they can get. Whereas women face social and cultural limitations, forcing them to settle for what they have within their reach.



Through natural growth, we see that the percentage of women studying engineering has grown from 12% to around 25% from the 90s till now. We cant leave this to natural growth. We have to interfere and encourage women to study engineering and continue to work in the industry. We live in a country where women need to learn to multitask due to our cultural background.



Shehanie Seneviratne, Chief Operative Officer of 99X Technology Ltd.



Speaking of the IT industry in Sri Lanka Ms. Seneviratne said, If you take the entire export industry of Sri Lanka, the IT industry is the fourth largest export revenue generator for Sri Lanka next to apparel, tea/rubber and tourism.Its a very important sector and Sri Lanka is recognized as one of the top 25 global outsourcing destinations in the world. The IT outsourcing in Sri Lanka is really booming and there are many opportunities in this industry.The vision for the industry in Sri Lanka set by SLASSCOM, which is the industry association for IT and BPO companies, is to be a five billion dollar revenue earning industry by the year 2022. This will create 200,000 jobs and launch 1000 start ups, which means that we need to have a large workforce for this industry.



Ms. Seneviratne further explained the difference in the employment of males and females in the industry,The male to female ratio of people following IT degrees is roughly 50:50 but when we come to the industry level, the ratio is about 60:40. In the senior management level it drops to 90:10. Here we see a lot of people dropping out in between. Some women decide not to work at all, some leave when they have children and other commitments, some join academia and other fields. Finally, the IT industrys male and female composition is 71:29.



Reasoning as to why women should remain in the industry, Ms. Seneviratne said, We need to see to it that all graduates, especially women who come into the industry, need to stay within it in order to achieve its targets. Women are needed to promote diversity because when there is a good gender balance, a healthy working environment is created. It promotes ethics and values. The organization will be able to balance risk-taking and they would face less losses. Inherently, women are known to be good at multitasking, which is a valuable skill in this industry.



According to some findings, we see that organizations with a higher gender diverse management team outperform the industry average in financial performance. It is important for women to pursue their career and not drop out halfway. They need to set a career goal, stick by it and go all out to achieve it. They should not think that theyre incapable. Instead of settling for a certain level, they should work harder to achieve something higher, advised Ms. Seneviratne.




Sri Lankas lubricant market has become messy due to a large number of unlicensed players acting on rules unto themselves due to lax regulations and their activities have caused losses to the government, licensed operators and consumers at large, the countrys top lube operator said.

These players certainly would have further been emboldened by the governments move last year to liberalize the lube market allowing anybody who has the wherewithal to import and sell as they wish, irrespective of the quality of the products they bring in.

However, this move makes little sense since the local lube industry is already fragmented with 13 licensed players fighting for a 58 million-litre market.

Just a few months into the liberalizing of the market, Dr. Kishu Gomes, Managing Director of Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC, Sri Lankas lubricant market leader, called to bring the industry under tough regulation with the aim of clamping down on the unethical practices by some unscrupulous players.

He said the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) must be given with full powers to function as the industry regulator and the necessary legislations must also be passed for this purpose. The PUCSL is currently the shadow regulator of the lubricant industry.

The industry needs to be regulated more strictly to eliminate unethical practices by some players. Meanwhile, strict action should be taken under the existing regulations, Dr. Gomes said in his annual review to the shareholders.

Calling for extensive regulations over ones own industry is a rarity.

However, Dr. Gomes has long been calling to clamp down on these unlicensed operators in the industry, who put the consumers at risk, as there is little quality control over the products they sell.

They also cause a revenue loss for the government through reduced duties and license fees.

The Petroleum Resources Development Ministry recently appointed a committee to look into these illegal activities and instructed the police to apprehend and prosecute the illegal operators.

Dr. Gomes further called to establish an independent lab capable of testing the lubricant properties in order to monitor

these imports.

Sri Lankas lube market is Rs.23.5 billion in size and grew by 3.6 percent in 2015, the PUCSL data showed.

Chevron is the market leader in the Lankan lubricants market but its market share declined to 47.58 percent in 2015 from 49.30 percent in 2014, while Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOC) improved the market share to 14.86 percent from 12.59 percent in 2014.

Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, the largest downstream oil player in the market, had a share of 9.19 percent in the lube market, a drop from 10.54 percent in 2014.

However, Chevron is the largest and one of the three lube blenders in Sri Lanka with a share of 75 percent, followed by 20 percent by IOC and 5 percent by Laugfs

Holdings Limited.
Russian President Vladimir is known to be a strong man. That strength was amply demonstrated recently in action taken to blunt protests organized by the Opposition. Putin doesnt rant and rave like those who have made it a habit of blaming their ills on Russia or those who have been quiet when the USA gets down and dirties the elections held elsewhere and are now upset that Russia may have done some tweaking at home last November. He is a man of action, that much can be said. As good or as bad as any other world leader.



This is about an act that was soft for many reasons. No words, just a deed, but one pregnant with many layers of meaning. During their recent bilateral meeting, Putin gave President Maithripala Sirisena a gift that was reported to symbolize the close relationship between the two countries. It was a Royal Sword from the Kandyan era. It was not something that Russians had pilfered, though. We do not know who took it or under what circumstances, but it had been bought by a Russian at an archaeological artefact auction conducted by Sothebys in England.



Now everyone knows that even as British leaders pontificate on Sri Lankas thirty-year long struggle to rid the country of terrorism and strongly advocate reparations they do nothing about what their ancestors looted from Sri Lanka and other countries illegally occupied and plundered. Theres no talk of reparation. No talk of handing over the artefacts that were looted and were purchased by museums in that country which holds illegal both theft and the purchasing of stolen goods.



But why give a sword and why this particular sword, we must ask. We cannot read Putins mind, but we can still draw meaning in a meaningful way.



First and foremost, it can be read as a subtle message about the balance of power in the world. Putin is simultaneously, one could argue, sneering at the self-righteous rants of the British. He could also be telling Sri Lanka something on the following lines: The British and in fact the entire cabal of Western nations that play carrot and stick with your country are not the angels that you people appear to think they are. Maybe you should think again about who your true friends are. Maybe you need to have more fight. Maybe you need to be more sharp. Maybe you should consider new weapons.



None of this was said, but if its all about symbolism there can be no harm in such a reading. Of course, there is also an element of condescension in the act of giving and receiving, clothed though it is in the usual garb of friendly bilateral relations. We all know after all the meaning of the Sinhala maxim, inguru deela miris ganeema (exchanging [the superior spice] ginger for [the inferior] chillie) and that siding with one adventurer to get rid of another never helped us. At the same time, this intervention is relatively harmless, if indeed it was a subtle message about colonial history and the persistence of unequal relations of exchange that have done nothing to unshackle Sri Lanka from those bonds.



Putin could have given a gift that was unmistakably Russian in appearance. But he did not. And yet it was a gift that was unmistakably Russian or rather one that has Putins political signature. A nudge, rather than a soft rap on the knuckles. Friendly, one must conclude. The sword, after all, is a key element of Sri Lankas national flag. The symbolism there cannot be missed.
Interview with Nicola Grinstead, Chair of World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts

We work together and we are all focused on our ambition

Like the Tsunami, the war period here in SL always impacts disproportionately on girls

They can meet and share information from different countries

when they come to the Girl Guides they are in a girl only space where they can genuinely be themselves, they can relax, grow in confidence

Nicola Grinstead is the Chair of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) and the Deputy Chief Executive of the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. She was here in Sri Lanka to celebrate the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Associations centenary year. Speaking to the Dailymirror, Ms Grinstead explained the importance of Girl Guides in our society especially in a day and age where women are still fighting gender stereotypes and other gender based issues.

QWhy is it important for young girls and women to have a movement like the Girl Guides Association?



The global Girl Guides Movement is the only movement in the world that is open to every single girl who wants to be a member. And that is because we genuinely believe that the experience you get as a girl guide provides the skills, the experiences and the confidence one needs to fulfil ones potential as a young woman in the community that one lives in. Its really important for a young woman to be able to take control and make sensible choices in her own life as it impacts positively on her, on her family, her peer group and the community that she lives in. By supporting one young woman, you support the community to thrive and that is really important.



QWhat kind of action has been taken by the WAGGGS in order to empower young girls and women, especially in a world where women are facing issues such as gender- based violence and body shaming?



Firstly, the global organization takes a lot of care to ask young women what the most important issues are to them,what are the things that they are worried about and what the global organization should be doing in response. Across the whole world, the two issues that the girls have been telling us about are ending violence against girls and body confidence. You see that there are really difficult statistics of how girls and young women are not participating in society because of the way they look and the body shaming that comes with that.



In response to this we have started two projects.One curriculum being, Voices Against Violence, where we have made a global partnership with UN women, which teaches girls and young women that its not okay for them to be treated with violence and bullying. And we are giving them the tools that they need to stand up for themselves, to stand up for others, so that they can take action locally and they can start to change the way that society thinks about violence. At this moment of time there are 11 young women in New York for a Commission on Status of Women lobbying world leaders in order to engage girls and women in being a part of the solution and they want world leaders to listen to them, to support them, to make a change that they want to see.



In terms of body confidence, WAGGGS partnered with a personal care brand, have made a global partnership called Free Being Me which teaches girls and young women that it is much more important to value what you do, the skills that you have and how you can contribute to make a difference than it is to think about the way that you look. Otherwise, all of their energy goes into that and then theyre losing their confidence because they cant deliver such aspirations. So were refocusing their minds on realizing that it is in making their skills and values more important. 3 1/2 million girls across the world have participated in delivering in this programme. And they have got a badge to say that they have participated in the programme.



QHow has the Movement benefited girls from various countries and ethnicities?



It feels at the moment that the world is quite divided in places and you hear lots of views about increased radicalization, extremism, differences in the views of young people by comparison to their elected leaders in the community, and I think one of the things WAGGGS does is bringing girls and young women from across the world across political, social, economic barriers together and encourages girls to think about what its like to be a girl in a different country, what its like to walk in the shoes of a different girl and how we can support each other. We work together and we are all focused on our ambition, which is allowing every girl to thrive and fulfil her potential which is a recognition that we can achieve more if we do that together than if we do it individually. So we focus on giving girls this exposure to that international experience. They can meet each other and witness different lifestyles and share information so that people can see and hear from girls from different countries on what their different experiences are.



Q100 years is a long time. What is your opinion on the progress that the SLGGA has made within the country in the past 100 years?



It has progressed so much. I was lucky to go to their rally in Kandy, where there was a pageant that described the history of the SLGGA. Number one, the growth in numbers is quite extraordinary. The Sri Lanka Girl Guides have made themselves stay very relevant and responsive to what is happening in society. For example, I had the chance to visit one of their projects, Women At Work Children At School (WAWCAS). It is a micro finance, micro credit project. The SLGGA has gone to three different villages and they have been working with women living in those villages, to give them a loan so they can start off a business become self-sustaining and to be able to manage themselves and their families and their communities. What theyve done is very deliberately go into the village, find out what the problems are and work in partnership with the women there to find some solutions. One of the other things that we saw in the pageant was the response of the Girl Guides to the Tsunami. In terms of the immediate aid, working with children to rebuild societies, provide activities where children can come together, talk about their fears about the Tsunami and engage in constructive rebuilding activities. Its crucial because the impact of things like the Tsunami, the war period here in Sri Lanka always impacts disproportionately on girls. Its always the girls who are at the most disadvantage, who are the first to stop going to school, who are the second in the queue to receive medical treatment, encouraged to engage in risky activities in order to generate income, so its really important for the SLGGA to help find a safe space to protect those women.



QThere is a vast change from the time that Girl Guides was introduced which was over 100 years ago and now. What are the new challenges you have faced over the time in keeping up with the changing society?



Things change over time. A 100 years ago technology did not exist in the way it does now. So one of our challenges now is how do we best use what technology one can bring to enhance what we do. So one example would be that we signed a partnership with UNICEF recently. It is called the U-Report. It is an app and girls living across the world register to say that they are a member of WAGGGS and then questions appear on the app about topics that are important to girls and they can write the answers.So we can gather information and statistics that can influence decision makers. Thus, using technology has really helped us to make connections to be much faster in how we respond to global issues. The other challenges like I described over history are that different dynamics exist, so we go through the war period, a peaceful period, a prosperous period, a poor period all those different things that happen not only in country cycles but also in global cycles. And right now one of the things that people are focused on is the impact of religion, the impact of political divide, the impact of a sense of growing divide between what young people think and what older generations that are elected to represent them think and WAGGGS has a responsibility to make sure that the voice of girls and young women is really elevated and can be used to influence decision makers in a positive way.



QGirls have been eligible to join the Scouts since 1976 and the Beavers and the Cubs since 1991. Will the Guides be open to allowing boys to join the movement?



I was asked this question many times. Right now when we ask the girls if they want the boys to join the Guides they say no. So our answer is the girls want a safe space that is for girls only and so thats what well continue to provide. There is no competition between the Scouts and the Guides. My energy goes into making ourselves accessible, attractive and relevant to those who we know we can bring great benefit and opportunity to but who havent had the opportunity to join.



QWhy is it important for the Guide Movement to be an all-girl movement?



It is very important. We genuinely believe in the value of integration, empathy, understanding each others place in the world and we achieve more when we work together than when we split apart.

Within the organization WAGGGS, we have some co-educational countries and some single sex countries. Its very dependent on what the girls want for themselves and thats determined by the culture and society that they live in, and most certainly the girls and young women tell us what they value is a safe girl space because it is something that they dont get in different parts of their life.They feel that when they come to the Girl Guides they are in a girl-only space where they can genuinely be themselves, they can relax, grow in confidence, try new things, fail and learn from those mistakes and it is safe knowing that no one passes judgment and those are really important when one is trying to give a girl the opportunity to learn the life skills that they need.



QWhat would you say to those who think that Girl Guides is just about learning to tie knots, going camping and just having fun in general?



I would encourage them to look into the projects that Sri Lanka Girl Guides is leading and to challenge their opinions. I think its demonstrated through our 100-year history time and again that were one of the greatest movements. Weve been agitating for social change. Were the cutting edge of taking the view of a girl and a young woman and transitioning it into real action in society and its been consistent throughout a 100 years, and in some ways were the worlds best kept secret.
On Monday, the big powers spurned yet another move to rid the world of nuclear weapons. They apparently prefer to be called the destroyers of our planet.

Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds, J. Robert Oppenheimer said quoting from the Bhagawad Gita. He was one of the fathers of the first atomic bomb  the illegitimate child conceived and delivered by the top secret Manhattan Project.



The first atomic bomb was detonated by the Manhattan Projects nuclear physicists on July 16, 1945 in New Mexico. On August 6 and 9 the same year, the United States dropped two atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The worlds first atomic bomb attacks killed more than 200,000 people in the two cities instantly. Tens of thousands of people exposed to high radiation died in the months and years to follow. The ill-effects are still being felt.



Oppenheimer, despite his liberal and socialist worldview, supported the dropping of the atomic bombs on Japan. But he later became an advocate of nuclear non-proliferation and opponent of the global nuclear arms race.



However noble the nuclear non-proliferation initiative is, it smacks of hypocrisy and allows a few nuclear-armed nations to become global bullies and intimidate the rest of the world. Given the destructive power of modern-day nuclear weapons which are a thousand times more lethal than Little Boy and Fat Man dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, nothing short of total nuclear disarmament will ensure the safety of our planet, which we call our home. Every nuclear test is a stab on the back of Mother Earth. Every nuclear accident is a blow on her head. A nuclear war will be the ultimate death blow. If we love this planet and the humanity, we must not rest until the last of the worlds nuclear weapons is dismantled. But the humans are the Earths only species hell-bent on the destruction of the planet. According to 2016 estimates, the nine nuclear-armed nations  the US, Russia, China, Britain, France, Israel, India, Pakistan and North Korea -- possess some 15,000-23,000 nuclear warheads which could destroy this world more than 100 times over.



Man can be good and evil. Leaders can be brutish and if driven by their animalistic id, they could become destroyers. With the United States and North Korea  both nuclear armed  being run by maverick leaders, the worlds first nuclear war is no longer just a subject for dystopian novelists to describe the aftermath in vivid detail. The dangerous reality or MAD (mutually assured destruction) is close and staring at us. The US has warned North Korea that its policy of strategic patience has ended, while reports say Pyongyang is preparing not only for yet another nuclear test but also for a nuclear war with the US.



Months before Donald Trump became the US President, Nato and Russia had deployed nuclear missiles in Europe, stoking fears of a nuclear war. The tense situation has somewhat eased now because of Trumps special relationship with Russia. In the volatile Middle East, Israel has some 300 nuclear warheads and Iran is accused of harbouring nuclear weapon ambitions.

In South Asia, too, a nuclear war cannot be ruled out, given the hostility between India and Pakistan.

Evil triumphed on Monday when a golden opportunity to bring about a nuclear-weapons-free world was squandered. The United States, Russia, China, Britain and France together with 36 other nations staged a walkout when the United Nations General Assembly began discussions on a global ban on nuclear weapons. Mondays session came in sequel to a General Assembly resolution adopted in December to convene a conference to negotiate a legally binding instrument to prohibit nuclear weapons, leading towards their total elimination.



Kim Won-soo, the UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, addressing the UN conference said, Let us all work harder and more creatively, so that we can achieve our common goal of a world, safer and more secure, without nuclear weapons, and better for all.



He said the possession of nuclear weapons was fundamentally incompatible with humanitys common aspirations for peace and security.



Pope Francis sent a message of support to the conference. I wish to encourage you to work with determination in order to create the conditions necessary for a world without nuclear weapons, he said. The Pope said international peace and stability cannot be based on a false sense of security, on the threat of mutual destruction or total annihilation, or on simply maintaining a balance of power.

While the widely respected pontiff called for concerted efforts to save our planet, President Trump, in a reckless act that underscored his contempt for warnings about climate change, revoked environment laws his predecessor, Barack Obama, had introduced, and his UN envoy Nikki Haley scuttled UN efforts aimed at total nuclear disarmament.



Addressing journalists at UN headquarters in New York, ambassador Haley, South Carolinas former rightwing governor, defended her countrys need to possess nuclear weapons, saying, in this day and time, we cant honestly say that we can protect our people by allowing the bad actors to have them and those of us that are good trying to keep peace and safety not to have them. She was referring to the threat posed by nuclear-armed North Korea.



There is nothing I want more for my family than a world with no nuclear weapons. But we have to be realistic. Is there anyone who thinks that North Korea would ban nuclear weapons? she asked.

Haley only confirms our worst fears that a nuclear war between the US and North Korea could be a reality. Imagine how many innocent people will die in both these countries. Some studies claim that North Korean missiles can wipe out 80 percent of the US population, while US strikes can reduce North Korea to mere nuclear ash.



Who wants to give up nuclear weapons, the very possession of which will deter even a thought of an attack in the mind of the enemy? Nuclear weapons mean power and they are here to stay until there emerges a weapon system that can deactivate nuclear weapons of an enemy state through hacking. Reports say the US, Russia and China are moving in that direction. But before such cyber weapons become a reality, a nuclear war could break out.
Maldivian opposition leader Mohamed Nasheed has said, when they come to power, they will renegotiate the terms of Chinese-funded projects following the example set by Sri Lanka to see if they were fair and in the interest of the country, Indian Express reported on Wednesday.

We will learn from the experience of the Sri Lankan Ports Minister Arjuna Ranatunga in re-negotiating the deal over Chinese built Hambantota port, Nasheed has told select Colombo-based foreign correspondents on Wednesday.

Nasheed, who is leader of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), said that when he or any opposition leader becomes President in the 2018 election, the Chinese projects will be re-examined.

But this is not going to be easy thing to do because 70 to 80 per cent of the Maldives external debt is to China, he noted.

He is hoping to follow Sri Lankan Minister Ranatungas strategy in renegotiating with the Chinese.

The Maldivian leader said that China is not transparent in its dealings and it prefers to work with authoritarian regimes being itself authoritarian. He also said that he will not say that China has no territorial interests in the Maldives.

Meanwhile, he said he hoped that President Abdulla Yameen would come for talks with him and the opposition.

I want him to change. I am not for denying him his full term. In the Maldives nobody has been able to complete his term. We want to change the leader but in a constitutional and parliamentary way, Nasheed said.

We are also keen on democratizing the structure first, before we change the head. We will use Parliament to set up an independent judiciary, an independent human rights commission, he added.

Asked if he would be the joint opposition candidate in the 2018 parliamentary election, Nasheed said that his expectation is that there may not be any need for it at that time. The political field will democratized so that every party can hope to win.

Nasheed said the international community is backing the opposition, some openly like the US, EU and Canada, but some support quietly, like India and Sri Lanka.
Carnival Corporation & plc is a leisure travel company operating a fleet of cruise ships, hotels, and resorts with international destinations. Brands under the Carnival Corporation umbrella include Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America, P&O Cruises, Seaborn, Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, and Cunard. The companys goal is to provide extraordinary vacations at an exceptional value. As of 2022, the company laid claim to nearly half of the global cruising market share with several new ships in the works.

Carnival Cruise Line was launched in 1972 with one second-hand ship and a tank of fuel. The first port of call was San Juan, Puerto Rico, but soon more were added. The original growth strategy included a festive atmosphere, features and amenities unlike any other cruise line at the time. Slow to start, the growth strategy shifted into overdrive in 1980 when Carnival shocked the world by building its own ship. The Tropicale became an iconic name in the cruising industry and sparked a wave of shipbuilding that is still underway.

The companys growth hit a new stride in 1987 following the IPO which floated 20% of the company on the open market. The proceeds from the IPO allowed the company to embark on a voyage of acquisition and now Carnival is the worlds largest travel and leisure business.

Today, Carnival Corporations 87 ships visit approximately 700 ports worldwide and employ more than 120,000 people while serving more than 13 million guests annually for a total of 85 million passenger cruise days per year. Net revenue, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, peaked out at over $6.5 billion annually.

Carnival Cruise Line is the companys largest brand serving guests on all coasts of North America. The brand's 22 ships make 1500 voyages per year with trips ranging from 2 days to 3 weeks and ports of call from the Caribbean to Alaska. The company's largest ship is named Panorama and can accommodate more than 4,000 passengers.

Carnivals 9 brands provide access to a wide range of cruising styles and destinations including the Caribbean, Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, England, and ports in Asia. The company is headquartered in Miami, Florida and has offices around the world. The company also has the distinction of being the only company included in both the S&P 500 and FTSE 250 indices.
Thomson Reuters Corporation provides business information services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates in five segments: Legal Professionals, Corporates, Tax & Accounting Professionals, Reuters News, and Global Print. The Legal Professionals segment offers research and workflow products focusing on legal research and integrated legal workflow solutions that combine content, tools, and analytics to law firms and governments. The Corporates segment provides a suite of content-enabled technology solutions for legal, tax, regulatory, compliance, and IT professionals. The Tax & Accounting Professionals segment offers research and workflow products focusing on tax offerings and automating tax workflows to tax, accounting, and audit professionals in accounting firms. The Reuters News segment provides business, financial, and international news to media organizations, professional, and news consumers through news agency and industry events. The Global Print segment offers legal and tax information primarily in print format to legal and tax professionals, governments, law schools, and corporations. The company was formerly known as The Thomson Corporation and changed its name to Thomson Reuters Corporation in April 2008. The company was founded in 1851 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Thomson Reuters Corporation is a subsidiary of The Woodbridge Company Limited.
Beginning this summer, the city of Palma, on the Spanish island of Mallorca, will bar homeowners from renting out their apartments to tourists. People who do so could face fines of up to 40,000. The deputy mayor for urban planning, Antoni Noguera, announced this measure as a way to curtail an activity that is raising the price of housing, making it unaffordable for many local residents.

The cathedral of Palma de Mallorca ATLAS

Palma  shortly to enjoy a name change  joins other Spanish cities that have moved against unlicensed tourist apartments, most notably Barcelona, which last year fined accommodation sites Airbnb and Homeaway 600,000.

Announcing a move designed to improve access to affordable housing, Noguera said average rents have risen 7.5% in the last year, and that people are paying around 11 per square meter.

The move is controversial because in theory, only regional governments can legislate on this matter. But Mayor Jose Hila has decided not to wait around for a law thats been promised by the government of the Balearic Islands.

Rents in Palma de Mallorca have risen 7.5% in the last year

Palma is trying to fight against the growing popularity of homesharing websites such as Airbnb, which many homeowners use to rent out their properties informally. This is forbidden by the Urban Leasing Law.

The government of the Balearics is working on legislation that will presumably regulate and allow the practice in some parts of each island. But Palma, in Mallorca, is considering a blanket ban across the city, said Noguera.

A municipal study shows there are currently 3,191 homes being used for tourist rentals. And 90% of that is unregulated. There is not a single tourist-oriented, multi-family apartment building in Palma that holds a license, said Noguera.

The problem of affordable rentals in Palma has been raised not only by residents but also by workers who commute to Mallorca from mainland Spain. Even the National Police union said last week that officers stationed in Mallorca and Ibiza do not stay long at their posts because they have trouble finding affordable accommodation. And the labor unions UGT and CCOO said that many workers in the hospitality industry are giving up on their summer jobs because they cannot find a place to stay.

English version by Susana Urra.
National Grid plc transmits and distributes electricity and gas. The company operates through UK Electricity Transmission, UK Electricity Distribution, UK Electricity System Operator, New England, and New York segments. The UK Electricity Transmission segment provides electricity transmission and construction work services in England and Wales. The UK Electricity Distribution segment offers electricity distribution services in Midlands, and South West of England and South Wales. The UK Electricity System Operator segment provides balancing services for supply and demand of electricity on Great Britain's electricity transmission system; and acts as an agent on behalf of transmission operators. The New England segment offers electricity and gas distribution, and electricity transmission services in New England. The New York segment provides electricity and gas distribution, and electricity transmission services in New York. It also engages in the provision of transmission services through electricity interconnectors and LNG importation at the Isle of Grain; sale of renewables projects; and leasing and sale of commercial property, as well as insurance activities in the United Kingdom. The company was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.
AstraZeneca PLC, a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of prescription medicines. Its marketed products include Calquence, Enhertu, Faslodex, Imfinzi, Iressa, Koselugo, Lumoxiti, Lynparza, Orpathys, Tagrisso, and Zoladex for oncology; Brilinta/Brilique, Bydureon/Byetta, BCise, Byetta, Crestor, Evrenzo, Farxiga/Forxiga, Komboglyze/Kombiglyze XR, Lokelma, Onglyza, Qtern, and Xigduo/Xigduo XR for cardiovascular, renal, and metabolism diseases; Bevespi Aerosphere, Breztri Aerosphere, Daliresp/Daxas, Duaklir Genuair, Fasenra, Pulmicort, Saphnelo, Symbicort, and Tudorza/Eklira/Bretaris for respiratory and immunology; and Andexxa/Ondexxya, Kanuma, Soliris, Strensiq, and Ultomiris for rare diseases. The company's marketed products also comprise Synagis for respiratory syncytial virus; Fluenz Tetra/FluMist Quadrivalent for Influenza; Seroquel IR/Seroquel XR for schizophrenia bipolar disease; Nexium, and Losec/Prilosec for gastroenterology; and Vaxzevria and Evusheld for covid-19. The company serves primary care and specialty care physicians through distributors and local representative offices in the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Australasia. It has a collaboration agreement with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to research, develop, and commercialize small molecule medicines for obesity; Neurimmune AG to develop and commercialize NI006; Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to develop eplontersen, a liver-targeted antisense therapy in Phase III development for the treatment of transthyretin amyloidosis; Proteros Biostructures GmbH to jointly discover novel small molecules for the treatment of hematological cancers; Sierra Oncology, Inc. to develop and commercialize AZD5153. The company was formerly known as Zeneca Group PLC and changed its name to AstraZeneca PLC in April 1999. AstraZeneca PLC was incorporated in 1992 and is headquartered in Cambridge, the United Kingdom.
After the initial denial, anger, failed negotiations and depression in the wake of the United Kingdoms Brexit vote, Gibraltarians, 95% of whom voted to remain in the European Union , now seem to have accepted their fate and are largely optimistic about the future.

A busy street in Gibraltar last week. Juan Carlos Toro

This may have something to do with their recent history: accustomed to decades of a closed border with Spain that separated families, and to periodic lengthy lines and blockades at the border crossing, as well as repeated diplomatic rows and the rampant nationalism of both sides, the Brexit that will take place in 2019 is just another challenge  one which 70-year-old Mary Lopez accepts.

Well have to do the best we can with the cards weve been dealt James Tipping, Gibraltar Finance

I was born in the north of Ireland because my father was there when the Second World War broke out. Then I saw 13 years of a closed border between Spain and Gibraltar and we tried to live as best we could. Now, well get over this. Were optimists because were used to it, she says proudly.

Theres also a mood of quiet optimism in Gibraltars business community, with a feeling that there will be life after Brexit. James Tipping, the head of Gibraltar Finance, says that following the UK vote, the government looked into whether the Rocks financial services sector, on which the economy depends in large part, would be able to survive. It discovered that 90% of Gibraltars financial business is with the United Kingdom, says Tipping.

We are where we are, and were going to have to do the best we can with the cards weve been dealt, he says. The next step has been to take measures to hold on to what has been achieved under the EU umbrella. Unlike the UKs other 13 Overseas Territories, Gibraltar has unfettered access to the UK, its biggest market, and the EU.

We have a commitment from the British government that the relationship between the United Kingdom and Gibraltar will be maintained on the same terms, says Christian Hernandez, head of the Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce, which brings together some 400 companies with around 9,000 employees. The question is how the City will hold up after Brexit, says Hernandez, referring to the Londons financial services sector.

He says that following the Brexit vote things were painted blacker than they really were: here at the Chamber, we have always said that Gibraltar is a small, flexible and diversified economy, referring to sectors such as financial services, online gaming, insurance and bunkering  the sale of fuel from vessels in the Strait of Gibraltar.

A report commissioned in 2015 by the Chamber of Commerce shows that 25% of GDP in the Spanish-controlled Campo de Gibraltar area next to the Rock is generated by Gibraltar, which provides employment to almost 7,000 Spaniards. It is the second-largest employer in Andalusia after the regional government. Furthermore, Gibraltarians spend money in Spain, we have second homes or businesses in the region, adds Hernandez, warning that all this could be in danger if the border control system with Spain is changed.

For most Gibraltarians, the Brexit that will take place in 2019 is just another challenge

In practice, with the Gibraltar border, it is as though you were already outside Europe. It is outside Schengen and we have a customs control point, he says. But few believe the crossing with Spain will be closed following Brexit.

Nevertheless, people on both sides are worried about the impact of Spain imposing stricter controls at the crossing. A minor diplomatic incident three years ago produced lengthy delays.

If there are restrictions on the movement of people and goods, then sales in Gibraltar will fall and there will be too many Spaniards and not enough jobs, says Paco Villalta, one of the 250 employees at Anglo-Hispano, a catering and restaurant company based in Gibraltar.

John Isola runs Anglo-Hispano. The companys trucks, laden with tobacco, alcohol and food, are part of the 300 or so that cross the border with Spain every day. Hes optimistic, but has his doubts: As a businessman you think things over for longer now. The uncertainty is the worst in all this. He adds that over the last year he has noticed an increase in checks at the border.

Goods are checked by a system that goes from green to red, depending on tax. Before, 100% of green-level goods went through without problem. Now they are opening up to 70% of them, even though they are sealed and in transit from the United Kingdom. There is no need, and we think it is being done to cause problems, says Isola, who fears that greater scrutiny will be applied in the coming months.

In the meantime, after rejection of Spains offer of co-sovereignty by the Gibraltar government, he says that the only way to keep going is to deal with each day as it comes, leaving aside the diplomatic spats: Questions about sovereignty are way over the heads of ordinary people.

English version by Nick Lyne.
A 21-year-old Spanish student has been convicted to a one-year prison sentence for joking about victims of terrorism on the social networking site Twitter. Spains central High Court found Cassandra Vera guilty of victim humiliation on the basis of 13 tweets she posted between 2013 and 2016.

Cassandra Vera in the courthouse where she was tried for mocking terrorism victims. EFE (Ballesteros)

The ruling states that the messages constitute contempt, dishonor, discredit, mockery and an affront against individuals who have suffered the effects of terrorism, and their relatives.

The messages all targeted Luis Carrero Blanco, a Francoist politician who was head of government for several months in 1973 until his death in a terrorist attack by the Basque separatist group ETA. A terrorist nicknamed Argala set off explosives concealed in a tunnel that blew up the officials car as it passed, and the force of the explosion sent the vehicle flying into the air. Two other people besides Carrero Blanco  a police chief and the chauffeur  died in the attack.

They have crushed my plan of being a teacher. They have ruined my life

Cassandra Vera

When Vera was prosecuted, one of Carrero Blancos granddaughters had a letter published in EL PAIS asking for the charges to be dropped. Lucia Carrero Blanco said the history students jokes were in bad taste, but that they did not offend her.

Some of the messages posted by Vera include:

ETA encouraged a policy against official cars in combination with a space program. Published on November 29, 2013.

Movie: Three meters above the sky. Producer: ETA films. Director: Argala. Main character: Carrero Blanco. Genre: Space race Published on December 20, 2013.

Elections on the day of the anniversary of Carrero Blancos space trip. Interesting. Published on September 4, 2015.

Did Carrero Blanco also go back to the future in his car? #BacktotheFuture Published on October 21, 2015.

Some of the tweets included images of the attack.

The High Court found that even though the attack against the Francoist official took place more than 40 years ago, the scourge of terrorism persists, and its victims deserve respect and consideration.

The aftermath of the assassination of Carrero Blanco in Marid in 1973.

The court did not find the humorous tone of the messages an extenuating circumstance. On the contrary, the phrases employed, most often complemented with eloquent images, reinforce their contemptuous, mocking nature.

Besides the one-year prison sentence  which Vera is unlikely to serve, as anything under two years is typically not enforced unless a prior criminal record exists  the history student has been barred from holding public office for seven years, which also means that she cannot apply for public study grants.

They have crushed my plans of being a teacher, she said via her Twitter account. They have ruined my life.

English version by Susana Urra.
The Argentinean Senate has passed a bill making medicinal marijuana legal, in line with other Latin American countries such as Colombia , Mexico , Uruguay and Chile. A unanimous 58-0 vote guarantees patient access to cannabis oil and lifts the ban on importing the plant.

Argentinean senators raise their hands to approve the new law on the use of cannabis oil. Telam

More information Argentina aprueba el uso medicinal de la marihuana

A group of mothers who spent the past year lobbying for change were in the Senate to applaud the result that gives their sick children, many with epilepsy, legitimate access to the drug.

The move comes after the countrys Congress approved the move in late 2016.

Cultivating marijuana remains a crime with offenders facing up to 15 years in jail

We now have a legal framework for the research, treatment and the production of medicinal cannabis, says Ana Maria Garcia, president of Cannabis Medicinal Argentina (Cameda).

Benjamin, a two-and-a-half year old with West Syndrome, is among those who will benefit from the development. Diagnosed just months after birth, Benjamin has between 200 and 300 seizures a day but his body rejects conventional medicines.

The oil means that Benja is free of the medications and seizures, his mother, Yamila Casagrande, tells EL PAIS. Now he just takes a drop a day the size of a grain of rice. We are happy, but were also aware that the law is not perfect because we were fighting for the legalization of personal cultivation. Still, we have opened a door and it is great that the dire existing law has been modified.

While the new ruling authorizes the production and use of cannabis for medicinal purposes, cultivating it yourself remains a crime with offenders facing up to 15 years in jail.

When it comes to growing your own, the law should be precise and not allow for vague and discretionary interpretations, says lawyer Mariano Fusero, from the Association of Legal Debate.

The oil means that Benja is free of the medications and seizures

Yamila Casagrande

According to Fusero, there is also a degree of confusion concerning the use of cannabis in research. The law that dates back 50 years and the international instruments have always allowed the state and private organizations to carry out investigations on any illegal substance and guarantee its medical and scientific use, he says.

In other words, nothing has changed in this respect while those providing the raw material are still in the same position. This was neatly illustrated by the arrest of the activist Brenda Chignoli whose home in the province of Cordoba was raided while this law was going through Congress. A grower and user of cannabis for medicinal purposes, Chignoli had her plants confiscated. She was then released in the small hours of the morning once the storm had blown over.

English version by Heather Galloway.
Mexicos already-poor human-rights record has worsened in recent years as a result of the states decade-long war against drugs cartels: 15 months after President Enrique Pena sent Congress a bill to improve and coordinate efforts between federal and state authorities in the search of the 31,000 people missing as a result of the violence, the families of the so-called disappeared are calling for legislators to move on the issue.

A forensics team at work in Jojutla, in Morelos state. EFE

More information Las victimas critican el retraso en la ley sobre desaparecidos

We have attended working groups in the Senate to outline our struggle  they listen to us, but they are not being honest, because there is no question of doing what we ask and things are constantly being delayed, says Mario Vergara, a member of an association of families of disappeared in the western state of Guerrero, adding that a national registry of the disappeared needs to be created.

In February 2015, the UNs Committee on Forced Disappearances expressed its concern about human rights in Mexico, pointing out that forced disappearances involving members of the security forces and public officials are widespread. In September of that year, several organizations presented a draft bill to the Senate that aimed to prevent such abuses, and that would facilitate finding disappeared people and provide for full compensation for victims.

Families want to take part in searches aware of the corruption that has corroded the justice system

International pressure over the disappearance of 43 student teachers in Guerrero in September 2014, along with the UNs observations, led President Pena to present a bill on the disappearance of people in December 2015. Since then, four Senatorial commissions have studied these proposals and others with the aim of producing a report outlining its recommendations  so far to no effect.

Senator Angelica de la Pena, head of the higher chambers human rights commission, says the delay in producing a report reflects the importance of the draft law: This is a very ambitious law that would be the only one of its kind in the world and that we are putting together with organizations representing the families of disappeared people: we have to work with all of them. She says the Senates conclusions must be based on consensus.

One of the key aspects of the draft law is the creation of a national search commission that would coordinate with the different levels of government when a disappearance is reported. This has proved one of the main sticking points, says Diana Iris Garcia, a member of an association in the northern state of Coahuila representing the families of the disappeared: We believe the commission should be the heart of the law, but we were told there was no need for another institution and that there were enough already to deal with a tragedy.

Families also want to be able to take part in searches, aware of the corruption and impunity that has corroded the justice system. The families are mistrustful and until it is seen that this has changed, we want to be present at all stages to make sure that things are being done properly, she says. The problem is that the commissions draft report doesnt mention families being involved, says Pena: I dont think they will participate directly. This is because finding human remains will shock families and if a family takes part in the search commission that would be very surprising.

Forced disappearances by the security forces and public officials are widespread

Michael W. Chamberlin of the Fray Juan de Larios human rights center says the families of the disappeared are worried because the Senate breaks in April and the commission has so far produced no report.

Things are going terribly slowly and people are concerned because once again, time has run out and no law has been passed, says Chamberlin, adding that efforts were made to discuss the issue with the government to no avail. The government is occupied with other things, it doesnt see this as a priority, he notes.

Other organizations have also called for a state program of exhumations and identification of remains. At present, families looking for their loved ones have had to fund searches themselves, typically with no protection and in areas that have been under the control of drug cartels.

Silvia Ortiz of human rights group Vida highlights the importance of creating a register of mass graves so that remains can be protected and bodies identified.

English version by Nick Lyne.
New U.K. Treasury chief Jeremy Hunt has reversed most of an economic package announced by the government just weeks ago, including a planned cut in income taxes. Hunt said Monday he was scrapping almost all the tax cuts announced last month by the Conservative government of Prime Minister Liz Truss, and also signaled that public spending cuts are on the way. It was a bid to soothe turbulent financial markets spooked by fears of excessive government borrowing. The move raises questions about how long the beleaguered prime minister can stay in office, though Truss insisted she has no plans to quit. She vowed to lead the Conservatives into the next general election, but many in the party want her gone.
Text in which the author defends ideas and reaches conclusions based on his / her interpretation of facts and data

A UK flag emblazoned with the stars of the European Union. DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS (AFP)

I have always loved Britain. And my experience of British people has always been positive, both before, when I was only visiting, and since 2015, when I started living here. They have always made me feel at home.

Who would dare to change job, move house, ask for a mortgage or start a family?

However, the referendum has brought big changes. The feeling of security, or being welcome, and contributing to the community we live in has been replaced by uncertainty and anxiety. What was previously a given  the right to live and work here, to contribute to and make use of certain services and the right to a pension or healthcare  can no longer be taken for granted. Many of us lose sleep at night thinking about whether we will be able to stay or if we will become second-class citizens.

While the British population in general has reacted well, the anti-immigration campaign run by the tabloid press has boosted the number of racist incidents and made many people feel unsafe to the point of avoiding talking their own language on the street.

The uncertainty has prompted many people to try to acquire permanent residence within the current system so that their status is assured. However, the registration process is far from simple, and if, for example, you have failed to make Social Security contributions for five years running  even if you are a student or a parent who has gone part-time  the only way you can get permanent resident status is if you have been paying for private medical cover. This is news to almost everyone and so people who have lived here for decades are seeing their applications rejected.

For people like me who have been here for less than five years, things are even more uncertain. Who would dare to change job, move house, ask for a mortgage or start a family? Many people are even thinking of leaving, and these big decisions are putting a lot of pressure on families who may not be in agreement over what to do.

The anti-immigration campaign run by the tabloid press has made many people feel insecure

Im a member of a group called Espanoles en el Reino Unido-Surviving Brexit (Spaniards in the UK  Surviving Brexit), which offers a forum for Spaniards living in the UK to share information and concerns. The group has also managed to open a channel of communication with the Spanish government and with Spanish politicians to talk about reciprocal negotiations that we hope will guarantee our rights  and those of British people living in Spain, many of whom were unable to vote in the referendum.

My hope is that, besides dealing with the more complex matters Brexit entails, both the UK and the EU can reach a specific agreement soon so that the millions of people who have been affected by the situation on both sides of the English Channel can move forward with their lives and avoid being used as bargaining chips.

Silvia Gonzalez Lopez is a member of the Espanoles en el Reino Unido-Surviving Brexit group.

English version by Heather Galloway.
Ameriabank: At the Vanguard of Armenia's Banking Sector

STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH

SUBSCRIBERS OF UCOMS ALL TIME BEST OFFER TO ENJOY ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders

PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces

There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan

Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia

Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair

Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan

I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General

I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox

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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

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The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022

Largest Corporate Bond Program at the Securities Market of Armenia Completed Successfully

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

Delegation by Nancy Pelosi Accompanied by Alen Simonyan Visits Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex

Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi Arrives in Yerevan

Armenian Revytech, global technology leader SAP and financial services software specialist SAP Fioneer sign a cooperation agreement

With 120 million drams donated by Mikael Vardanyan, the defenders of the homeland will be treated in a new building

OSCE Chairman-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General call for immediate cessation of hostilities along Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh
Students.

Theyre the inspiration for Janet Gullickson to be the best academic leader she can be.

Gullickson, president of Spokane Falls Community College in Washington State, is one of three finalists vying to become Germanna Community Colleges sixth president.

Speaking directly to the Germanna Scholars, who attended Thursdays public forum held at Germannas Daniel Technology Center, Gullickson said students are her heart and soul.

I have great passion for you. My door is always open to you. I understand that you are here to learn and get on with your lives and we are here to support you, she said to the Germanna Scholars, who are pursuing associates degrees while still in high school. You are the reason I get out of bed every day.

Another reason Gullickson says shes the best fit for Germanna is her transparency.

I want people to know whats going on. I like them to understand that we are in a partnership together. Information is power and to share information [is important] so that everyone has power.

Gullickson said she stays involved in her community by serving on several boards, including the chamber of commerce and the Boys and Girls Club.

I really do believe and feel that the world is run by those who show up, she said.

Turning to academic development, Gullickson said a community colleges relationship with its K-12 public school partners is essential.

If K-12 schools do well, then we do well, she continued.

When talking about workforce and economic development in regards to which comes first, Gullickson likened the question to the chicken or the egg scenario.

Do you build the workforce to attract the industry or do you have the industry and then build the workforce? she posed. I maintain that you have to have the highly educated workforce to get the industry. And you have to work with the counties, K-12 and your transfer universities [to be successful].

Gullickson said it takes a collective effort from everyonecultural, workforce, economic and academicto obtain success. In five years, Gullickson said shed like to see more programs in health care, finance, computer and Computer-Aided Design (CAD).

Students, in five years I want you to be able to come back and work here somewhere in the community, she said. In five years, I want us to look back and be able to say whatever happened in this community that we serve that we did it together.

Following her introduction, Gullickson turned to answering questions from the audience.

A Germanna nursing instructor asked Gullickson how shed handle diversity and inclusion regarding students, faculty, staff and administrators.

If we are truly going to walk the diversity walk, we are going to have to have courageous conversations because we cant get to a mutual state of understanding unless we talk about the tough stuff, she said. Diversity is a very difficult issue. Personally, emotionally and historically, its a big deal. My husband is Asian, my son is Hispanic and my son-in-law is Iranian and Irishits a tough world if you dont look like me. And thats what we have to start to address.

A Germanna Scholars student asked Gullickson if shed be just as passionate about arts education as she appears to be about STEMscience, technology, engineering and math.

I dont think you can do STEM without STEAM, but I am STEM focused because thats where the economy is headed right now. That doesnt mean that you shouldnt know sociology or French literature. Every parent in here wants you to get a job. But where that career takes you, it might be into English literature or the film industry or some of the other courses in social science. If you feel that Im getting too STEM-Y, then you STEAM us up.

Another question for Gullickson asked how shed build morale for staff during a time when frequent budget cuts have an effect on salaries.

First, Gullickson asked Germanna employees if their work is important.

Does it bring you joy? I think you have to focus on whats important. The first thing we should talk about is the importance of what we do, said Gullickson. I understand you were promised a raise and then it was pulled back. Thats really hard, but somehow we have to get to that common goal: That mission that we all get out of bed for. And thats for the important work that [students] want to get done and how we can get them there. I would suggest that you do your jobs and do them well for our students.

Culpeper County School Board member Elizabeth Hutchins informed Gullickson that many local graduates travel to Lord Fairfax Community College in Fauquier and/or Piedmont Virginia Community College in Charlottesville for higher education programs that arent offered in Culpeper or Locust Grove, asking her howd she encourage those students to attend Germanna.

Gullickson suggested creating an academic plan to understand the Culpeper communitys needs.

Tony Brads, superintendent of Culpeper County Public Schools, asked Gullickson her opinion on improving Germannas partnership with its K-12 associates.

Whats really important is how you and I talk, right? Gullickson said to Brads. If I form a good partnership with you and really think about what would benefit all of us and the students in our communities, I think that we would probably do good things together.

At the end of being questioned, Gullickson asked the employees what theyd like for her to accomplish in the next five years.

A Germanna technology specialist at the Locust Grove campus asked for funding to build a new Locust Grove building, which opened in 1970.

Gullickson said shed like to welcome local legislators to visit the aging building so they are able to see and understand the immediate needs.

Well have to work and go out and get some money, she concluded. One thing about your campus and this facility is that youre strongly supported by the community. And since youre doing an excellent job, when I go out asking for money people will be helpful. And I look forward to doing that.

Before becoming president at Spokane Falls Community College, Gullickson served two years as chief academic officer for the second largest district of the Community Colleges of Spokane. She served as president of Front Range Community College in Westminster, Colorado between 2004 and 2005. She was also interim president and provost of what is now known as Minnesotas Northeast Higher Education District.

Gullickson holds a doctorate in higher education policy and leadership from the University of Minnesota, a masters degree in rural sociology from South Dakota State University and a bachelors degree in sociology and psychology from the University of South Dakota.

The Virginia Community College System and Germannas College Board began searching for Germmanas next president after Germanna President David A. Sam announced his retirement plans effective June 30.

Last week, Linda Thomas-Glover, president of Eastern Shore Community College in Melfa, Virginia participated in two forums; John Donnelly, vice president of student affairs at Piedmont Virginia Community College in Charlottesville spoke Monday and Tuesday; while Gullickson spoke in Fredericksburg on Wednesday and in Culpeper on Thursday.
Director of the medical center complains of unjust attitude (video)

MIBS medical center this year has been deprived of the opportunity to receive patients, whose expenses are covered by the state. The Ministry of Health explained that it had been done for the optimization of the budget. Director of the medical center complains of unjust and unequal attitude, which has been noticed from the very day of establishment. The director says that they are shown such an attitude as they complained of the existing system, I was complaining that the sums arent distributed equally, I was asking to review the rules, connect the financing with the paid services, so that it be comparable; everybody should receive 20 or 50 percent of their turnover so that it be equal. In general, in the health care sphere, according to the specialist, fundamental changes are needed, starting from financing; it should be increased for several times until mandatory insurance system is invested. The medical center claims that they can ensure foreign investments, but seeing such an unequal rivalry they dont want to think about that. Watch more in the video!
V. Soghomonyan: Allegation and distortion of history

2rd.am turned to the Head of the office of the RA Second President to comment on some viewpoints of Levon Ter-Petrosyan on Artsakh issue voiced at Kentron TV. 2rd.am Mr Soghomonyan, Armenias First President Levon Ter-Petrosyan expressed a number of thoughts on Artsakh issue at Kentron TV, among them noting that so called Meghri option was discussed in Key West. How will you comment on it? V. Soghomonyan Ter-Petrosyan, in essence, said nothing new. For one part, he reiterated his well known article, again introducing himself as a supporter of defeatism, for other part, he reiterated old lies and forgeries, presenting them as a historical reality. Among them is the so called Meghri option. I reiterate that the issue of exchange of Meghri or the RA any other territory wasnt discussed in Key West, or somewhere else, in no phase of negotiations. It is an allegation and distortion of history. As for Ter-Petrosyans formulation that we will not live well, unless we solve that issue, it doesnt resist any criticism. I would like to remind that in 2000-2008 Armenias economy registered double digit economic growth.
Hermine Naghdalyan meets with Valentina Matvienko

On March 28, within the framework of the works of the spring session of Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the CIS going on in Saint Petersburg the RA NA Deputy Speaker Hermine Naghdalyan met with the Chairperson of the RF FA Federal Council Valentina Matvienko. In the course of the meeting issues regarding the deepening of partnership relationships between the two parliaments, mutually beneficial cooperation on international platforms, and the activities of the delegations to PACE, OSCE, Inter-Parliamentary Union were discussed. Both parties have highlighted the activities of the Inter-Parliamentary Committee on Cooperation between the RA National Assembly and the RF Federal Assembly, underlining that the role of the Inter-Parliamentary Committee is significant in the development of the relationships between the two countries, especially the inter-parliamentary ties, and its works year by year are becoming more and more active and efficient. The interlocutors touched upon the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the RA and the RF and expressed satisfaction with the dynamic development of bilateral cooperation in different spheres during that period, underlined the current high-level development of the relationships between the two countries. In this context the sides also talked about the IPA CIS jubilee session and the path passed by the Assembly, emphasized the creation of the model legislation and the works of development during those years, the international parliamentary ties and contacts, the expansion of monitoring, cultural cooperation, the peacekeeping activities, the result of which was the tripartite treaty signed in 1994 signed by Nagorno Karabakh, Armenia and Azerbaijan. The RA NA Deputy Speaker Hermine Naghdalyan once again has stressed Armenia's position on the peaceful settlement of the conflicts, noting that Armenia accepts the three principles of the Minsk Group and highlights the efforts of the Co-Chairs, including the RF, on the fair and peaceful solution of Artsakh problem. Mrs Naghdalyan condemned Azerbaijan's adventurous policy, reminding about the April four-day war, the military adventurism unleashed by Azerbaijan. During the talk the sides also referred to the problems regarding the development of the economic relations within the EEU framework, expressed hope that economic rapid development will be registered. In this context the RA NA Deputy Speaker thoroughly introduced the economic developments of Armenia and presented Mrs Matvienko an ipad produced in Armenia, which amazed and extremely inspired the Speaker of the RF FA Federal Council, and who promised to certainly use the modern equipment of Armenian production during her work.
Ameriabank: At the Vanguard of Armenia's Banking Sector

STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH

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Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders

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PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces

There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan

Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia

Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair

Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan

I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General

I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox

UCOMS SPECIAL OFFER OF THE UNLIMITED INTERNET IS NOW TERMLESS

There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur

EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol  Armenia and Azerbaijan  to do so without delay

An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan".

UCOM AND PES-PES CONTINUE COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECT

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The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022

Largest Corporate Bond Program at the Securities Market of Armenia Completed Successfully

The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces

LEVEL UP ONLY FOR STUDENTS: UCOM OFFERS X2 AND X3 MORE INTERNET

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN

This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan

Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments

Delegation by Nancy Pelosi Accompanied by Alen Simonyan Visits Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex

Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi Arrives in Yerevan

Armenian Revytech, global technology leader SAP and financial services software specialist SAP Fioneer sign a cooperation agreement

With 120 million drams donated by Mikael Vardanyan, the defenders of the homeland will be treated in a new building

OSCE Chairman-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General call for immediate cessation of hostilities along Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh
The loss-making telecom corporation said it has lined up the financing for the project from banks.

New Delhi: State-owned Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd plans to invest Rs 400 crore for installing and commissioning 1,800 mobile towers over the next 8-10 months to improve coverage and data speeds for its subscribers.

The loss-making telecom corporation said it has lined up the financing for the project from banks.

"MTNL is taking up many network expansion initiatives. We are going to expand 1,800 sites in Delhi in the next 8-10 months," MTNL Chairman and Managing Director P K Purwar told PTI.

The new towers, nearly 450 which are already installed and will undergo testing, are set to be commissioned from next month onwards in a phased manner, he added.

"We will be expanding at the rate of over 100 towers every month in Delhi...in some months it will be more...We already have 800 towers in Delhi...many a times our subscribers face coverage issues or weak signals. The new towers and sites would enable better coverage and data speeds for our 3G customers," he said.

The network upgrade means that instead of the current 3.6 mbps, subscribers will get 21 mbps speeds, Purwar pointed out. MTNL customers will, therefore, get better experience both in terms of voice and data, from next month, he added.

Asked how the company was planning to fund the project given its current financial position, Purwar said the total cost of the project is Rs 400 crore for which the company has tied up debt from banks.

"We are taking loan from the banks and the project cost is already tied up...so financing for the expansion is not a constraint," he said.

MTNL on February 14 reported widening of its standalone net loss to Rs 819.96 crore, surpassing its total revenue, during the three-month period ended December 31, hit by increase in finance cost. The company posted a net loss of Rs 671.59 crore in the same period a year ago.
Bharti Airtel announced sale of 10.3 per cent stake in its tower subsidiary Bharti Infratel for about Rs 6,194 crore to KKR and Canada Pension Investment Board. (Photo: Pixabay)

New Delhi: Telecom operators' plans to sell stake in tower assets are credit positive for the sector and will give margin to them for expansion of data services, credit rating firm Fitch Ratings said today.

"Indian telcos plans to sell tower assets or stakes in tower subsidiaries should provide headroom to allow data-related capex with less strain on companies' credit metrics," Fitch Ratings said.

Bharti Airtel announced sale of 10.3 per cent stake in its tower subsidiary Bharti Infratel for about Rs 6,194 crore to KKR and Canada Pension Investment Board.

"We expect Infratel's stake sale will benefit Bharti's March 2017 FFO (fund from operations)-adjusted net leverage, which we forecast to be around 1.8-2 times - slightly below the threshold above which we may consider negative rating action," Fitch said.

It said that Bharti will use the proceeds to pay down some debt and to fund its USD 235 million acquisition of 2,300 MHz spectrum from Tikona Digital in five Indian telecom coverage areas, or circles.

Vodafone India and Idea Cellular, which are merging, also intend to sell Idea's 11 per cent stake and Vodafone India's 42 per cent stake in India's largest independent tower company Indus Towers, a joint venture between Bharti, Vodafone India and Idea.

"Such a sale would help reduce the debt at the Vodafone India-Idea combined entity. With a sale - and assuming opex and capex synergies - we estimate the combined entity's net debt to EBITDA ratio should improve to around 3-3.2 times with net debt of USD 16.1 billion," Fitch said.

Idea and Vodafone India intend to contribute about USD 7.9 billion and USD 8.2 billion of debt, respectively, to the combined entity. Reliance Communications is in the process of selling 51 per cent stake in its tower business - Reliance Infratel Ltd (Infratel) - for USD 1.6 billion, and intends to use the proceeds to pay down debt.

"However, the sale will not be sufficient to ease Rcom's financial stress, given its high indebtedness and plan to merge its wireless operations with Aircel Limited. We do not foresee FFO-adjusted net leverage reducing to below 4.5 times for the foreseeable future," Fitch said.

Despite these developments, the rating agency continued to have a negative outlook on the Indian telecom sector as competition will continue to remain high, and consolidation is not likely to return any pricing power to the operators in the near term.

"The entry of Reliance Jio, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited, has accelerated industry consolidation. The ongoing consolidation is likely to leave four larger operators - Bharti, Jio, the combination of Vodafone India and Idea, and the combined Rcom and Aircel Limited," Fitch said.
New Delhi: A total of Rs 1.2 lakh crore was spent on development of national highways during the last three fiscals, Parliament was informed today.

"About Rs 1,20,036 crore have been spent on the development of national highways during the last three financial years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16," Minister of State for Road, Transport and Highways Pon Radhakrishnan told Lok Sabha in a written reply.

A total of Rs 71,517 crore was spent by the private sector on national highways construction under PPP mode during the last three years, the minister said in a separate reply to the lower house.

The minister said that private companies that got work from NHAI during the last three years included Larsen & Toubro, IL&FS Engineering, HCC, IRB Infrastructure, IRCON International, Ashoka Buildcon and Dilip Buildcon.
The Centre has set the target of July 1 to roll out the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

New Delhi: The GST is an unique opportunity for the government to address the growing illegal cigarettes trade in the country, according to Tobacco Institute of India (TII).

The institute, a body representing interests of legal cigarette makers such as ITC, Godfrey Philips and VST, also said the government must also consider the plight of distressed tobacco farmers.

"GST presents a unique opportunity to government to address the growing illegal cigarette trade in the country," said TII Director Syed Mahmood Ahmad.

This would also help "distressed tobacco farmers, the legal cigarette industry and also inject buoyancy in revenue collection from this sector," it added.

TII represents leading cigarette manufacturers accounting for more than 98 per cent of the country's domestic sales of duty paid cigarettes. Yesterday, the Lok Sabha approved four legislations for GST. The Centre has set the target of July 1 to roll out the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

"Indeed in recent months and as credit to the enforcement agencies, the incidence of seizures of smuggled cigarettes, as reported in the media, has seen a sharp spurt in different parts of the country," it said.

According to a recently released FICCI Report, cigarettes are among the top five smuggled goods in the country with far reaching impact on various stakeholders including the government, domestic industry and society at large, TII added.
New Delhi: Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha on Thursday declared that the governments objective on cheaper air travel to interior areas was to ensure that those wearing hawai chappals (rubber slippers) a reference to the common man  should be able to travel by hawai jahaz (aircraft).

But this comes at a cost. The aviation ministry said the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) would be funded by an initial Viability Gap Funding (VGF) of Rs 205 crore wherein every passenger travelling on metro and other non-RCS routes would have to pay about Rs 50 extra in case the airlines pass on the burden to the passenger since the airlines would have to pay a levy per domestic flight departure on metro and non-RCS routes for the VGF. Sources said the ministry was close to convincing the airlines to pay a certain amount per flight departure and that a consensus is likely.

Meanwhile, the Centre announced that five airlines will operate on 128 routes under RCS wherein fares are capped at Rs 2,500 for one-hour flights. Over 45 unserved and under-served airports would be connected under the scheme.

Announcing the names of winning bidders and the routes, Civil aviation secretary R.N. Choubey on Thursday said 128 routes are being awarded to a total of five operators.The operators are Air India subsidiary Airline Allied Services, SpiceJet, Air Deccan, Air Odisha and Turbo Megha. They would be operating 19-78 seater aircraft.

The first flight under RCS is expected in April, Mr. Choubey said. The five airlines won bids to operate on the 128 routes connecting 70 airports of which 31 are unserved. According to reports, Air Odisha got maximum number of 50 routes.
Telangana IT minister K.T. Rama Rao, who inaugrated the plan, promised that the state government will soon avail the connection for its office as a part of its Digital Telangana plans.

Hyderabad: In yet another of firsts, Hyderabad became the first city in India to have a one gbps internet connection as Bengaluru-based ACT Fibernet launched the plan here on Thursday.

Hyderabad, following the launch, joins an elite list of cities that provide such high-speed internet access as it attempts to evolve into a startup hub.

Speaking to this newspaper ahead of the launch, ACT CEO Bala Malladi, said, With most companies focusing on IoT and animation, a high speed internet is a must to gain an advantage over rivals. Considering enterprise internet plans costs around `4-5 lakhs per month, our plan will help startup slash their costs drastically and put their money into innovation.

With the plan priced at Rs 5,999 per month, it will attract a lot of eyeballs but when quizzed about the rumoured entry of Reliance into wired broadband had any effect on their plans, Mr Malladi said: Mr Ambani has his reputation but it had no effect on our plans. We had been closely following the global trends and decided to join in.

On investment, he said: The company has invested around Rs 100 crore in the past one and half years to upgrade the backend infrastructure. The company, funded by TrueNorth and TA Associates, also has plans to invest Rs 1,200 crore in the next two years but has no plans to foray into new markets yet.

Telangana IT minister K.T. Rama Rao, who inaugrated the plan, promised that the state government will soon avail the connection for its office as a part of its Digital Telangana plans. Telangana IT secretary Jayesh Ranjan also announced that the city will soon have 3,000 wifi spots out of which 1000 of them will be handled by ACT
Affleck's best friend, Matt Damon said that the actor was doing "fantastic". (Photo: AP)

Mumbai: Ben Affleck has made his first official public appearance since announcing that he had completed rehab for alcohol addiction earlier this month.

The Batman depicter looked in good spirits when attending CinemaCon to promote his upcoming movie Justice League, which is set for a November 17 release in the US, reported Ace Showbiz.

Affleck was all smiles as he joined his co-stars including Jason Momoa, Henry Cavill, Ezra Miller and Ray Fisher as well as director Zack Snyder at the Warner Bros. presentation.

The 44-year-old actor looked dapper in a navy blue suit with a green accent tie at the event which was held at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Affleck and the gang made a brief appearance onstage with the director, who was the only one to talk to the audience.

"'Justice League' is the culmination of a journey for me that's been seven years," Snyder told the crowd while introducing a clip from the superhero film.

"I'm a huge fan of these characters and this is a dream come true to have a chance to bring them all together in this single film."

Affleck's best friend, Matt Damon said that the actor was doing "fantastic" following his rehab treatment.

"He's with the kids now, couldn't be happier. Jennifer Garner's working for a couple weeks in Atlanta, so he's Mr. Mom-ing it right now. And that's what he wants to be doing," the "Jason Bourne" actor said.
Sunil's very ugly spat with Kapil Sharma had gone viral.

Mumbai: Sunil Grover is currently the toast of town, having been at the receiving end of Kapil Sharmas debauched onslaught during a flight.

The two later had a very public spat with Sunil rumoured to have quit the show.

There have since been conjectures galore flowing around over Sunils future.

Comic act All India Bakchod, whore into the second season of their news comedy, On Air With AIB, had cracked a joke during one of their episodes, insinuating that Sunil was welcome to join them.

"Grover, if you're watching this and want to work with a smart, funny comedy group jahan pe koi bhi mard salwar pehen ke nahi aata, toh please phone karo humko, hum flight pe sirf pillow phenkte hai, chappal nahi," theyd said.

However, the internet later went into a frenzy, at the prospect of Sunil joining them.

This forced Rohan Joshi, on of the four members of the outfit, to issue a clarification, stating that it was nothing but an opportune joke.

Well, that clears the air for now.
Some of the pictures shared on Twitter.

Mumbai: After a schedule in Amritsar, the team of the wedding comedy Mubarakan had set off for the next schedule of the film in London.

After celebrating with a bash before they set off to London, the team celebrated again, this time after the wrap of the schedule in London.

Several pictures from the bash were shared on social media by some members of the team where we see the actors Arjun Kapoor, Ileana D'Cruz, Neha Sharma, and Athiya Shetty, the director Anees Bazmee among others.

Anil Kapoor was not spotted in the pictures, but the actor and his family, daughters Sonam and Rhea and other relatives had recently celebrated his wife Sunita Kapoor's birthday in the city.

Arjun Kapoor and Anil Kapoor, play Sardars in the film and replicate their real life relationship of uncle and nephew, with the former playing a double role in the film.

Mubarakan is slated to release on 28 July this year.
New Delhi: Fans will have to wait a little longer for one of the most awaited releases of the year, 'Jagga Jasoos,' as it seems to be moving towards another delay.

In a recent post on Facebook, by Anurag Basu's directorial's lead actress Katrina Kaif shared a photo and captioned it, "Jagga continues. Outdoor shoot .... in this lovely weather."

Anurag Basu shared the news of a possible delay in the release of the movie and said that "the whole team is gearing up for April 7 release."

Earlier, there were reports that not all of the songs have been shot and a temple set is being constructed in the Film City, where a song will be picturised on the lead pair and that is what is causing the delay.

On a related note, Katrina Kaif will be next seen in Ali Abbas Zaffar's ' Tiger Zinda Hai,' sequel to 2012 hit ' Ek Tha Tiger' which was directed by Kabir Khan, alongside Salman Khan.

The film is scheduled to release on December 22.
Film's director shared the picture on his official Twitter account.

Mumbai: After the massive success of 'Ek Tha Tiger' that had released in 2012, Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif are coming back together again in the sequel of the film Tiger Zinda Hai.

Salman Khan and Katrina Kaifs first look from the film was recently released, which left the fans feeling extremely excited for the film. Later, Katrina also shared yet another picture from the shoot where Salman was nowhere to be seen.

The cast and crew landed in Austria few days back and pictures of Salman with fans and one shared by Katrina of herself on Facebook were a visual delight.

However, the makers have wrapped up film's first schedule already.

Freezing journey comes to end as @BeingSalmanKhan wraps 1st shooting schedule of @TigerZindaHai in Tyrol , Austria  pic.twitter.com/V63vnDNrkE  ali abbas zafar (@aliabbaszafar) March 30, 2017

Tiger Zinda Hai is slated for release during Christmas this year.
Superstar Rajinikanth might replace King Khan as the Brand Ambassador of Malaysian Tourism. Reports suggest that the Minister of Tourism and Culture of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, proposed Rajinis name and indicated that Malacca should replace Shah Rukh to appoint Rajinikanth as the states tourism ambassador. Apparently, it was well received by the MPs of the Malaysian Parliament.

One may recall that Rajnikanths last blockbuster Kabali, which was about Malaysian Tamils, was shot mostly in Malaysia  with only a few segments in Chennai and Hong Kong. Incidentally, the actor has a huge fan following in the country  and the crowd that would gather whenever he came out of the hotel for shooting or was at outdoor locations  was testimony to it.

The film which was also released in Malay, was well-received. Considering the kind of fandom Rajini commands in Malaysia, the tourism board seems confident that his replacement of SRK (who has been endorsing since 2008) would yield better results.

Nearly a decade ago, Shah Rukh was awarded the title of Dato, which is equivalent to Indias Padma Awards. Close sources say that the Malaysian government is now planning to confer Dato on the Enthiran star.

Meanwhile, it is interesting to note that the first couple of Malaysia, Prime Minister Dato Sri Mohammad Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak, and his wife, Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor, who are Indian cinema buffs, became fans of Rajinikanth during the actors long stay in Malacca, for the shooting of Kabali.

The Baasha stars close aides confirmed to DC that talks are being initiated on the matter. However, with Rajinikanth, who keeps his cards close to his chest, one really cant predict how he would react.

We have to wait and watch to see whether he accepts the invitation from the Malaysian government!
The team of 'Moonlight' receiving their Best Picture award.

Mumbai: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said on Wednesday it has decided to retain the services of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) despite a backstage envelope mix-up that led to the wrong film being announced the winner of the best picture Oscar last month.

But a third accountant will be added to the PwC staff on the Oscars night and backstage tweeting, photos and posting to other social media will be banned.

"After a thorough review, including an extensive presentation of revised protocols and ambitious controls, the Board has decided to continue working with PwC," Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs wrote on Wednesday in a letter to Academy members that was made available to the media.

Isaacs added that the Academy had been "unsparing in our assessment that the mistake made by representatives of the firm was unacceptable."

The unprecedented mishap led to musical "La La Land" being declared the winner and its producers and cast celebrated and started acceptance speeches on the stage before "Moonlight" was named the real winner of the night's top prize.

Isaacs called it "the most extraordinary and memorable Oscars ceremony in decades."

PwC, which has overseen Oscar balloting for 83 years, took full responsibility for the gaffe, which stunned the A-list audience in Hollywood and millions watching on television.

PwC quickly removed the two accountants responsible from further involvement in the Academy Awards and carried out a review of its procedures.

Starting next year, Isaacs said PwC will place a third accountant in the Oscars show control room, who will be able immediately to notify the director should a mistake be made.

All accountants will have to hand over their phones and other electronic devices before going backstage, Isaacs said.

That decision followed news that one of the accountants involved in the Feb. 26 blunder had been taking photos backstage with celebrities and posting them on Twitter during the ceremony.

Other new measures include closer checks of the winner envelopes on stage and rehearsals with the accountants ahead of the Oscar ceremony, Isaacs said.

PwC on Wednesday confirmed its services were being retained by the Academy but said nothing more.
Malvika Nair, the girl from Mtown, who made heads turn with her performance as a visually-impaired character in her debut Tamil movie Cuckoo, has been roped in for yet another substantial role for Arasiyalla Idhellam Sagajamappa. While Veera of Rajathandhiram fame essays the male lead, Avinash Hariharan, who has many short films to his credit, directs the movie.

The title is inspired from the famous dialogue of ace comedian Goundamani from the film Suriyan! Malvika returns to Tamil after a three-year gap as she got busy with Telugu projects. Its a comedy caper with situational humour  it is not a dialogue-oriented film at all. But for any type of comedy, timing is important. I tried humour in my earlier Telugu film Kalyana Vaibhogame and it was quite tough. I tend to tone down on my reactions always. (smiles)

On her role in AIS, she says, It is a total contrast from what I did in Cuckoo. Here I play an urban girl with photography as her profession. It is a very

relatable character.

The actress seems to be choosy about her scripts  I always check if my role will connect to people who watch my films. I listen to the scripts from the audiences point of view.

She also added that she is averse to the idea of being overtly glamorous. I am only okay with clothes which are comfortable to wear. Even in song sequences, I will stick to my comfort zone.

What does she consider her major strength? I dont have the habit of pre-planning and I takes things as they come, Malvika says, lightly. Currently, talks are on for a Tollywood film, in which she will once again team up with Nandini Reddy.
Actress Sana Khan forayed into Kollywood as a heroine in STRs Silambattam. Though the films songs were huge hits, it didnt fetch her much recognition as her debut venture. After a brief hiatus, Sana is now back in Tamil in director Adhik Ravichandrans Anbanavan Asaradhavan Adangadhavan  opposite STR for the second time.

Speaking to DC, an excited Sana says, With my debut film, I reached great heights and Im honestly kicked about our second film together. I play a gangster in the movie and will be seen in two different looks. I will be a part of the retro portions and the present-day scenes as well. Currently, we are figuring out my clothes and style for the movie. I will be joining the sets of AAA from April first week in Bangkok.

The Silambattam actress has high regards for STR. He suggested my name for the role and I am grateful to him. Back then, he saw a commercial and chose me as his heroine. You know the film is going to turn out well when you work with him. He is a creative person and can single-handedly take care of everything on the sets. I am eagerly waiting to work with him once again, she muses.

When asked about her break from the industry, she reveals, I was getting offers when I was in Bollywood, but was waiting for a strong character. When I came into the film industry, I was so naive and confused and had no idea about how a heroine should work. I am in a better place now and as an actor, I have grown. I cant wait to start shooting with STR.
Kalaipuli S Thanu lashed out at Vishal recently. When a foundation stone-laying ceremony for the new building construction was held last year in March, why was there a repeat on Friday (today), inviting everyone, as if it is being done for the first time? Is it a publicity stunt by actor Vishal, just when the Producers Council elections are around the corner? the Kabali producer questioned Vishal.

He added, While I am not contesting this time, my aim is to form a good team and hence I am in support of Radhakrishnan. When Vishal cannot even help producers  who suffer while producing his films  how will he support other producers?

After producer Siva backed out from contesting for the post of the president (at the behest of Thanu), and joined the Radhakrishnan team, another influential person, Kalaipuli Shekaran attended the meet and lent his support to Radhakrishnan.
Nani has an even more special reason to celebrate Ugadi, as he has become a proud father. On Wednesday morning, his wife Anjana gave birth to a baby boy at a private hospital in Banjara Hills. The actor was said to be extremely happy on being blessed with a baby on the auspicious day. The babys name is as yet undecided as they want to do everything according to tradition, with the naming ceremony to be held on the 11th day.

Meanwhile, close family members and friends visited the hospital and congratulated the actor and his wife on this occasion, says a source close to the actor. Although Nani was busy with his film shooting, he came back home in time for the delivery. The actor came back to Hyderabad only recently after more than a month-long shooting schedule in USA. From then, he took a break to spend time with his wife, says the source. Nani will also soon be seen anchoring a film festival for the first time, along with Rana Daggubati that is being held in Hyderabad.
The film was in theatres on March 24 and within the first four days of its release, collected Rs 36 crore.

Pawan Kalyan starrer Katamarayudu is going strong at the box-office, with the film set to cross the Rs 50 crore mark this Wednesday. The film was in theatres on March 24 and within the first four days of its release, collected Rs 36 crore. The movie also generated Rs 6 crore in the rest of India while the overseas collections for the film crossed the $1 million mark.

Wednesday was Ugadi and a holiday in both the Telugu states, so everyone is expecting a big jump in collections, says a source. Also, with no other films competing with this one so far, the collections have been really good.

Katamarayudu is directed by Dolly and produced by Sharrath Marar, with Shruti Haasan as the female lead. The other highlight is Rao Rameshs performance and his characterisation, which is being enjoyed by everyone.
Very few actors attended the IIFA Utsavam that concluded in Hyderabad on Wednesday, that too mostly only those who were going to win awards were present. The others, who didnt win, simply kept away.

Though the event was supposed to represent the four South Indian film industries, only a few top Telugu actors attended the two day event. Most of the big stars from the Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada film industries didnt attend. They organised the event like a TV series and not an award function, said a guest at the event.

And the award goes to... Devi Sri Prasad and Samantha pose with their awards that they received on Wednesday at the IIFA; Trisha poses with an award that she won at SIIMA earlier

While earlier, the entire industry would attend the shows held abroad, things have been changing over the years. It isnt the case with IIFA alone, several other award shows like Santosham, SIIMA, Cinemaa or even Apsara Awards, have all become money making events, feel sources. TV channels lap up these shows for huge amounts, get viewership because of the stars and thats all that seems to matter. No one takes these shows seriously, and half of the stars turn up only if they get paid well or if they win an award.

Except for the Government sponsored awards, there are no big film awards, especially for the Telugu film industry. When I launched my film magazine, Nagarjuna, the chief guest, told me that he wanted to see a big film awards event for Tollywood. I took it up as a challenge and have been continuously doing it now for the last 14 years, says Suresh Kondeti, organiser and owner of the Santosham Awards. He adds that initially all the actors showed interest. Now, many actors and technicians are not excited about film awards as many organisations have started to give them out. I dont want to criticise anyone, as any award is encouraging, but you have to make it interesting and give it without any partiality, he says.

Suresh adds that he always gives awards to the right films, artistes and technicians, and never for the sake of a particular actor.

If you look at the film awards that have been organised in the last few years, one can tell who is getting what award. If a big actor or actress is coming to a particular award function, it usually means that they are getting an award, otherwise they dont even bother attending it. The organiser also maintains good contacts with the industry, so that he can rope in a few big actors for the event.

According to a source, the Telangana government released nearly Rs 7 crore to organise the IIFA Utsavam last year and this year, too. Kodi Rama Krishna, the veteran director who is the jury chairman for the recently announced AP Government Nandi Film Award committee, says that any award is encouraging. I dont want to comment on the private film award functions and events, but any film award is encouraging for technicians and artistes, he says. For the Nandi awards, the jury watches nearly forty films and discusses them before winners are announced.

But when it comes to private film awards, its the complete opposite. People dont know who the jury members are and what films they watch. Last night, at the IIFA Utsavam awards, a top director asked the organisers why his film was not even nominated. He got even angrier when the organisers told him to bring his lead actress to the event to get the best actress award, failing which they would give it to another actress who attended the event, says the source.

Other film awards are the same. The awards are decided at the last minute, depending on whoever comes to the function, says an actor. Sponsors also put pressure on the organisers to give awards to a particular actor or actress, adds a source. Some of the actresses even perform on the stage, keeping in mind that the organisers will declare awards for them.

The dance performances are for TV viewers, and to encourage some actresses they give out awards, otherwise they wont even perform. Film events in Hyderabad are a big farce. Theyre just held to generate money from sponsors, adds the source.
Regular estrogen treatment helps prevent various diseases and periodontis which is a leading cause of tooth loss in older adults. (Photo: Pixabay)

After menopause, women who take estrogen therapy may be less likely to develop severe oral health problems than peers who dont take hormones or other treatments for age-related bone damage, a recent study suggests.

During menopause and afterward, the body slows production of new bone tissue and women face an increased risk of osteoporosis. Falling levels of the hormone estrogen around menopause can contribute to fragile, brittle bones associated with both osteoporosis and periodontal disease, or infections around the teeth and gums.

For the current study, researchers examined data on 492 women in Bahia, Brazil, who had gone through menopause and had bone density scans between 2009 and 2011. The group included 113 women treating osteoporosis with calcium and vitamin D supplements, or with estrogen alone or in combination with the hormone progestin.

Overall, the rate of severe periodontitis - when the inner layer of gums pull away from the teeth - was 44 percent lower among the women taking estrogen for osteoporosis, the study found.

I imagine that a patient who forgoes osteoporosis treatment with estrogen because of its risks is unlikely to change her mind after learning there is a potential connection to periodontal disease, said Natalia Chalmers, director of analytics at the DentaQuest Institute in Westborough, Massachusetts.

But if she is already predisposed to severe periodontitis, it is important for her to know how osteoporosis may make her condition worse, Chalmers, who wasnt involved in the study, said by email.

Risks of estrogen therapy can include increased odds of heart disease and breast cancer, Johelle de S. Passos-Soares of the Federal University of Bahia in Brazil and colleagues note in the Journal Menopause. Passos-Soares didnt respond to requests for comment on the study.

Periodontitis is a leading cause of tooth loss in older adults. As gums pull away from the teeth, debris collects in the mouth that can become infected and plaque can spread below the gum line. In severe cases so much gum tissue and bone are destroyed that teeth become loose and fall out.

Women in the study were 61 years old on average, and ranged in age from 50 to 87. They typically when through menopause when they were around 47 years old.

Women treating osteoporosis averaged about 9 missing teeth, 8 decayed teeth and 2 teeth with fillings or restorations. They were also more likely than women not treating osteoporosis to have visited a dentist within the past two years.

With estrogen treatments, fewer women had periodontal disease, which researchers defined as gaps at least 5 millimeters deep between the gums and the jaw around at least 30 percent of teeth. But the difference from women not using estrogen was too small to rule out the possibility that it was due to chance.

However, osteoporosis treatment was associated with fewer cases of severe periodontitis and significantly fewer teeth that had gaps at least 4 millimeters deep between the gums and the teeth.The study isnt a controlled experiment designed to show whether estrogen treatment after menopause directly prevents gum disease or severe periodontitis.

Limitations of the study include the fact that researchers looked at women at a single point in time, so they couldnt determine when the women developed oral health problems relative to when they went through menopause or started estrogen treatments. Women in the study were also recruited from a health center, making it possible the findings might be different in a broader population of patients, researchers note.

Its also possible that women who seek routine care for one aspect of their health may be more likely to get treatment for other health issues, Chalmers said. That means the connection between osteoporosis treatment and women seeking more preventive care in general might explain a lower risk of periodontal disease.

The link between osteoporosis and periodontal disease is not clear, and more studies are needed to fully assess this connection, Chalmers said. However, we can say that patients affected by each condition share risk factors such as age, smoking, hormonal change and genetics, as well as calcium and vitamin D deficiency.
Mumbai: The Chief Justice of Bombay High Court on Wednesday rapped journalists for not maintaining the decorum of the court, after a journalist was spotted wearing a T-shirt and jeans.

Referring to the journalist clad in question, Chief Justice Dr Manjula Chellur asked whether it is a part of Bombay culture to wear such clothes while covering court proceedings, which left the journalists present in the Court red-faced.

As per Court rules, a common man visiting the Court is expected to be dressed properly as per existing social norms and not wear any obscene clothes.The top judge also chided the journalists for their coverage of the recent resident doctors agitation wherein media organisations had cited oral observations that were made in court rather than just reporting the final court order.

The division bench of Dr Chellur and Justice G.S. Kulkarni was hearing the case of agitating doctors wherein the counsel pointed out that media reports had ascribed a quote to Dr Chellur wherein she had compared doctors to factory workers.

On her attention being drawn to the fact, Dr Chellur berated the journalists present for misreporting the doctors agitation and not maintaining any uniformity in their reporting of the issue.

Justice V.G. Palshikar, former judge of the Bombay High Court, when asked about his views on the outburst said, Dr Chellur is the Chief Justice of a premier High Court in the nation. She should have chosen her words properly as it is not her prerogative to prescribe a dress code to the people attending her court.

Justice Palshikar further added, She cannot decide on how the media should work, rather she could have simply directed the journalists to report accurately.

According to a senior advocate present in court, the Chief Justice was riled because of the fact that rather than reporting only as per the court orders, various media organisations had cited the oral observations (related to the resident doctors strike) that were made by her.

The oral observations were intended to just highlight the problems of the doctors and did not require to be reported. Journalists are expected to be judicious while reporting the main issue rather than sensationalising it, said the senior lawyer.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday night, came to light when the woman's daughter returned home from a temple festival this morning and found her mother with injuries on her body, police said. (Photo: Representational/File)

Mavelikkara: A 91-year-old woman was allegedly sexually abused inside her home at Orivikkad in Alappuzha district when she was alone, police said on Thursday.

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday night, came to light when the woman's daughter returned home from a temple festival this morning and found her mother with injuries on her body, police said.

A 24-year-old man living in the same area has been arrested in connection with the incident, they said. The man had forcibly entered the house and allegedly sexually assaulted her.

He has been booked under various IPC sections, including 376 (punishment for rape), police said. The elderly woman has been hospitalised.
Kochi: The Kochi City police on Wednesday arrested four youths for brutally assaulting a noted film producer, his friend and a hotel security guard in a late night drunken brawl in Kaloor on Tuesday.

The arrested were identified as Antony (24), a native of Varappuzha, Mohammed Isham (24), a resident of SRM Road, Ernakulam, Carlton Paramel (28), hailing from Mamangalam, and Cedric Mendez (22) of Ayyappankavu.

The four were booked with attempt to murder and rioting charges. We have identified another 10 persons involved in the brawl and efforts are on to arrest them, K Lalji, Assistant Commissioner, said. The arrested accused were later produced before the Ernakulam Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Court which remanded them to 14 days judicial custody.

The incident took place at 10 pm on Tuesday at the parking lot of Hotel Edassery Mansion. Producer Maha Subair, production controller Badushah and security guard Prakash suffered severe injuries in the attack and are under treatment.

According to cops, a verbal duel broke out between the youths, who were drinking at the hotels beer parlour, and the security guard Prakash over parking of their vehicles. At this time Subair was passing through the area talking over his phone. The youths wrongly assumed that Subair was informing the matter to the police and allegedly attacked him. Subair came to the hotel in connection with a film shooting where the crew of his upcoming film Jayaram-starrer Aakasha Mittayi was staying.
Bengaluru: Karnataka Congress chief and state Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday claimed that about 20 leaders from BJP and a few from JD(S) will be joining the party in the days to come.

"During my visit to Gundlupet and Nanjanagudu also I had said that few BJP leaders will be joining the party, I have said about 20 of them.....we will have to wait a bit for that time," Parameshwara told reporters.

He said "I want public to know that people were joining our party also. In the days to come we will inform the people- which leader, from where, and what party will be joining Congress."

Congress which is witnessing an exodus of sorts, suffered a severe blow recently with party veteran and former Chief Minister SM Krishna joining the BJP.

Among the other leaders who quit the party recently to join BJP includes former Ministers Srinivas Prasad, Kumar Bangarappa and K Jayaprakash Hegde.

Stating that a few JD(S) MLAs had met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently, Parameshwara said they had also met him.

"They have discussed with me regarding joining the Congress party. We are positively considering it...." According to sources, most of the suspended JD(S) rebel MLAs were in touch with Congress leadership, and are willing to join the party.

Cracking the whip, JD(S) in June last year had suspended its eight rebel MLAs who voted against its official candidate and supported Congress in the biennial elections to fill four Rajya Sabha seats from Karnataka.

Elections for the 224-member Assembly in the state, is scheduled for early 2018.
New Delhi: Only 40 per cent of engineering graduates got placements after passing out of college.

To improve this bleak scenario, the AICTE has decided to introduce summer internships for at least 75 per cent of the students and introduce updated model curriculum, HRD minister Prakash Javadekar said in the Rajya Sabha today.

He said the government has set up a target of making at least 60 per cent of engineering graduates in the country employable in the next 5 years.

During the Question Hour, members expressed concerns about the quality of education in engineering and teachers training colleges.

According to a latest study of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), only 40 per cent of the engineering students are employable, Javadekar told the House.

The government plans to improve this figure from 40 to 60 per cent in 5 years, he said, adding that a plan was being put in place to introduce summer internships for at least 75 per cent of the engineering students to make them "industry ready", he said.

To replace the obsolete syllabi, the AICTE would put up model curriculum on its website which it would also keep updating regularly.

Speaking about B Ed colleges, he said there were a large number of complaints about the quality of education, following which the HRD ministry has asked them to submit affidavits about the number of teachers, salaries, infrastructure etc.

About 6,300 institutions have given the feedback which were being analysed, while hundreds of those colleges which have not submitted the required details will get notices asking why action should not be taken against them, the HRD minister said.

According to the details provided by the minister, the number of approved engineering colleges in the country in 2016-17 was 8,409, their approved intake was 31.72 lakh students and there were 6.47 lakh teachers.

In 2015-16, there were 8,552 approved colleges with an approved intake of 33.23 lakh, while the actual enrolment was 16.62 lakh.

In the current year, there were 122 technical institutions which have been permitted to be closed, the minister said in his reply.

NCP leader Praful Patel raised the issue of a huge number of seats in engineering colleges lying vacant, to which Javadekar said it was a "legacy issue" as people who were willing to invest were liberally given permissions to start an engineering college. Improvement in quality is the solution, he said.

During the discussion, Congress member Kapil Sibal said that under the NEET exam, conducted by the CBSE, a centralised counselling is followed.

Sibal, a former HRD minister, said many Christian medical colleges were not able to admit students who would otherwise serve in the rural parts of the country. Javadekar said he would let the Health ministry know of his concerns.

Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad asked why NEET examination was not being conducted in Urdu.

Javadekar said the states have to send proposals in this regard and added that he would consider the matter.
Baglay said that the government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all foreigners in India. (Photo: ANI Twitter)

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday condemned the violence against three Nigerian nationals in Uttar Pradesh, stating it was "unacceptable" and assured that it is committed to ensuring the safety and security of foreigners in India.

"Such criminal acts are completely unacceptable and we condemn them", said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay.

"Ministers of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar spoke to Nigeria's Acting High Commissioner and assured him of steps being taken by local authorities for the safety and security of Nigerian nationals," Baglay said.

The MEA spokesperson also informed that they are in constant touch diplomatically, both in Delhi as well as Nigeria.

"The government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all foreigners in India. People from Africa, including students and youths, remain our valued partners," Baglay added.

The local authorities have taken effective actions and they have launched a probe into the matter. Around thirteen people have already been arrested.

The district authorities also had the meetings with the local welfare associations as well as the students who represent Nigerian community there.

The MEA assured that they will continue to take action against all those who are guilty. They will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Meanwhile, Swaraj held a meeting with African students and officials.

Over a dozen African nationals were attacked in Rajpkhurd village of Chhatarpur, South Delhi on Wednesday night.

It is learnt locals objected to the "free lifestyle" of these men and women who stayed in the area.

There were four attacks within a span of an hour, sources said, which hint the attacks may have been organised and pre-planned.

Four men and two women have been injured in the attacks and are admitted in hospital. The Delhi Police on Friday registered four FIRs in the case.

All four complainants, in their 30s, have been residing in Delhi for past few years, police said.
Patna: Opposition NDA today faced a major embarrassment when ruling Grand Alliance MLCs raised in the Legislative Council the issue of a BJP MLA reportedly thrashing a party MLC for "sexually harassing" the former's wife who is an LJP MLC.

BJP MLA Niraj Kumar Singh Bablu rained blows on party MLC Lal Babu Prasad in the Legislative Council premises yesterday after Bablu's wife Nutan Singh complained to him about Prasad sexually harassing her, media reports today said.

Both BJP and LJP are constituents of the NDA.

The media reports said that some BJP members of the Council present there separated the two lawmakers.

No formal complaint, however, was lodged by any side.

JD(U) member Reena Yadav raised the issue in the Council and RJD's Rabri Devi sought action against BJP MLC Lal Babu Prasad.

Neeraj Kumar and Sanjay Singh of JD(U) and Dilip Chaudhary of Congress followed Rabri Devi and sought action against Prasad.

Nutan Singh was not present in the House at that time but Prasad was there, though he remained quiet.

Council Chairperson Awdesh Narayan Singh said that he did not receive any written complaint in this regard. He, however, said, "I will not allow any blot on the House during my tenure."

Later he told reporters that he would take cognizance of it when someone would lodge a written complaint to him. Nutan Singh's husband Bablu, BJP MLA from Chhatapur, also did not attend the Assembly in the pre-lunch session.

Leaders of Grand Alliance - JD(U), RJD and Congress - used the issue to attack BJP and NDA, but BJP leaders tried to avoid the issue.

Leader of Opposition in Council, Sushil Kumar Modi, said that he did not receive any complaint in this regard from any side.

While talking to reporters, Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Prasad Yadav condemned the incident and demanded registration of a case against Lal Babu Prasad.

Yadav, son of Lalu Prasad and RJD legislature party leader in the Assembly, described BJP as a "party of goondas".

JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar said, "BJP has formed anti-Romeo forces in Uttar Pradesh. It needs to have such a force for its party leaders in Bihar too."
New Delhi: The Centre has accorded the top category 'Z+' VVIP armed security cover to newly-appointed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The cover will be provided by a special commando team of the CISF along with a small contingent of the Uttar Pradesh police.

Adityanath was till now enjoying the smallest category of 'Y' category VVIP cover by the CISF in his capacity as a BJP Member of Parliament from Gorakhpur but officials said with his taking charge as CM, a threat perception report of central security agencies required his security paraphernalia to be upgraded.

"The Chief Minister's security has been bolstered and he will now be secured by a strong team of CISF commandos every time he moves across the country. A similar commando contingent will be deployed at his official residence," a senior officer said.

As part of the new and upgraded security paraphernalia, Adityanath will have about 25-28 commandos accompanying him with sophisticated weapons at all times he is mobile and his convoy will have pilot and escort vehicles armed with jammers.

Under the 'Y' cover, he was accompanied by about 2-3 commandos when he travelled, officials said.

A Central Industrial Security Force squad from its Special Security Group (SSG) has recently taken charge of his security in Lucknow, they said.
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed top officials in his goverment to find the reasons behind the derailment of the Mahakaushal Express in Mahoba district early today.

Adityanath has asked Principal Secretary (Home) and the state Director General of Police (DGP) to apprise him of the reasons behind the derailment, a statement released here said.

The chief minister gave the instructions in view of the "recent suspicious incidents" involving rail mishaps in the state, the statement added.

Although the Railways will undertake an inquiry into the causes behind the derailment, Adityanth has asked the state officials to look into the matter at their level, an official release said.

Adityanath also directed that treatment should be ensured to the injured and extended a financial aid of Rs 50,000 for the seriously injured and Rs 25,000 with minor injuries.

On the directives of the CM, Health Minister Siddharth Nath Singh rushed to Mahoba and met the victims, the release added.

Fifty-two passengers were injured, 10 of them seriously, as eight bogies of the Jabalpur-Nizamuddin Mahakaushal Express derailed early today in Mahoba district.
Tamil farmers shout slogans during their protest demanding loan waiver and compensation for crop failure at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Tuesday. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: A group of farmers from Tamil Nadu stayed put at Jantar Mantar in Delhi for the seventeenth day in a row to demand drought relief package from the central government.

The farmers have taped their mouths shut as they continue their silent protest to draw the Centre's attention towards the apathy being meted out to their cause.

Notably, the National Human Rights Commission had in January issued a notice to Tamil Nadu government over reported death of 106 farmers during a period of one month in the state, and sought a detailed report from it in the matter.

The farmers belonging to Cauvery belt are protesting here demanding a drought relief package of Rs 40,000 crore from the Centre, farm loan waiver and setting up of Cauvery Management Board.

Lending support the protesting farmers, chief of Naam Tamilar Katchi, a regional political party in Tamil Nadu, Seeman said it is only the farmers who do not have the right to fix a suitable price for their produce in the market.

"Manufacturers of all goods fix a price for their product, but farmers are not able to do so. The governments should immediately act for redressing their grievances," Seeman said.

The founder of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, another regional political party, Thol Thirumavalavan is also expected make his presence in Jantar Mantar to offer his support to the farmers.

Meanwhile, students of Government College of Fine Arts in Chennai, who are on industrial visit to the national capital, too offered their support to the farmers and drew paintings depicting their hardship.

The NHRC had observed that there was a need for sincere implementation of the laws and policies made for the farming sector especially, the small farmers.

Reportedly, it has not rained and the level of the ground water has also shrunk at many places in the state. The water bodies are also drying. The poor farmers, who depend upon their crops, are the most vulnerable section of the society and they always become victims of various vagaries, the Commission had said.
Hyderabad: As part of a week-long protest against the fee hike and a related UGC Gazette notification, members of the students union at MANNU burnt a copy of the Gazette on Tuesday night.The union also conducted a protest march on Wednesday.

Students at the university had declared the week-long strike to protest against matters such as the fee hike, seat cuts, proposed hostel evictions and fresh construction of hostels.The protests started on March 27 and is set to continue until April 3.

The students union has also planned a boycott of the classes on Friday, which will be followed by a strike on Monday. Students maintained that they will continue protests until their demands are met.
New Delhi: India on Thursday refused to categorise the attacks of African nationals in Greater Noida as racial and said pending the probe it is not correct to draw a conclusion on "the nature and the reason" of these acts.

On the alleged attack on a Kenyan woman yesterday, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said Kenyan diplomats had a meeting with officials of the ministry concerned and it has been conveyed to the Indian side that the reported incident "does not correspond with reality".

Asserting that such attacks were "completely unacceptable and have been condemned", he said the government is engaged with the authorities concerned as well as the students.

Asked if these were racial attacks, Baglay said, "Pending the investigation it is not correct to go into the nature and the reason for these particular activities." There will be a better understanding after the outcome of the probe, he said.

Four Nigerian students were attacked by a group of Greater Noida residents who took out a candle-light march after a 17-year-old boy Manish died last week in the NSG Black Cats Enclave due to suspected drug overdose.

The protest march was taken out after the police released some Nigerians detained for questioning in connection with death of Manish due to "lack of evidence".

Terming these acts as "the action of the uninformed and misguided few", Baglay said they do not detract from the deep belief of the government and the people of India of 'vasudeva kutumbakam' (the world is one family).

"We will continue to welcome African people including students and youth as valuable partners. Our engagement with Africa, embodied among others in the implementation of the historic IAFS III, will continue to grow," he said.

Baglay said the External Affairs Minister has spoken to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar has spoken to the acting high commissioner of Nigeria.

"We are in touch with the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi. The students who were hurt during the incident have been treated in a local hospital and have already been released," he said.

Law enforcement authorities of the district have made arrests and a large number of people are under watch, he said, adding, "The investigation is on and the law of the land will prevail."

The ministry is in touch with the district administration of Gautam Buddha Nagar, which has enhanced round-the-clock security in the area, he said.

He also noted that the district magistrate held a meeting of the residents, foreign students' associations in presence of the representatives from the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi.
New Delhi: Opposition parties, including the Congress, today forced a brief adjournment of proceedings in the Rajya Sabha over a Rajasthan minister questioning the integrity of a student who was allegedly gangraped.

Kahkashan Parveen (JD-U) raised the issue of state Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria's reported remark that it was unlikely that eight men gangraped the girl and she did not complain.

Parveen was supported by women Congress members including Viplove Thakur who displayed what appeared were newspaper reports of the minister's remarks.

As Deputy Chairman P J Kurien disallowed her saying it was not a point of order, the women lawmakers trooped into the Well of the House raising slogans against the "insensitive" remarks.

Soon male members too joined them in the Well, raising slogans.

"Without notice I cannot allow (a discussion)," Kurien said. "No notice is received (on the subject)."

With members unrelenting and refusing to go back to their seats, he adjourned the House for 10 minutes.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today accused Opposition parties of "misleading" people on his government's stand on OBCs (other backward castes) and the GST legislation, and asked BJP MPs to expose their "lies".

Modi held a breakfast meeting with party MPs from Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh-- his fourth such interaction with parliamentarians from different states-- where he asserted that his government has ignited new hope among the OBCs, the poor, women and other sections of society.

A BJP statement said Modi told MPs about the Opposition's "disinformation campaign" against the government and asked them to take its welfare measures to beneficiaries.

"Modi told them that the Opposition was misleading people about the government's decision to accord constitutional status on OBCs' commission and the GST Act.

"BJP members should study facts and understand the Opposition's lies. They should take this to people. They should inform masses that the central government is working for the poor," it said, quoting the prime minister.

Opposition parties have alleged that the BJP government was working to disband the OBC commission as part of its campaign to end reservation in government jobs and educational institutions, a charge denied by it.

In his meetings with MPs Modi has focused on a host of issues. During one such deliberation with the MPs from Uttar Pradesh he asked them to focus on development and not seek favours from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
New Delhi: Women employees will now be able to get paid maternity leave of 26 weeks, up from 12 weeks, as per a new law.

President Pranab Mukherjee has given assent to the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 that has made changes in some of the provisions of over 55-year-old law entitling certain benefits to women employees.

The new law makes it mandatory for every establishment with fifty or more employees to have the facility of creche within a prescribed distance.

The employer is also bound to allow four visits a day to the creche by a woman.

Every establishment will intimate in writing and electronically to every woman at the time of her initial appointment regarding every benefit available under the new law, the statute says.

An employer can also permit a woman to work from home after she has availed maternity leave.

In case where the nature of work assigned to a woman is of such nature that she may work from home, the employer may allow her to do so after availing of the maternity benefit for such period and on such conditions as the employer and the woman may mutually agree, it says.

The law also allows maternity leave of 12 weeks for a woman who adopts a child below the age of three months, and for commissioning mother (a biological mother who uses her egg to create an embryo implanted in any other woman).

The entitlement of 26 weeks paid leave under the law is only for first two children. A woman with two or more children will be entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave, says the law which will apply to all establishments employing 10 or more people.

The statute that will help approximate 1.8 million women workforce in organised sector, has amended Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 that regulates grant of maternity benefit to women employees in certain establishments.

The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on March 9 and Rajya Sabha on March 20.

India is at third position globally in terms of the number of weeks of maternity leave after Canada (50 weeks) and Norway (44 weeks).
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday indicated that it will have a re-look at the December 2016 order banning liquor shops within 500 metres of state and national highways across the country, with a view to preventing accidents caused due to drunken driving.

With the court giving a deadline of March 31 for closure of all the liquor shops located on highways, several states and liquor shop licences have sought a modification of the order and to extend the time limit by six to eight months to comply with the order.

A bench comprising Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and L. Nageswara Rao told a battery of lawyers representing states and liquor merchants and owners of restaurants and hotels serving liquor that court will consider passing an order keeping in mind the safety of citizens and revenue of states.

Kerala, Punjab, Telangana, Tamil Nadu are some of the states that had sought a modification of the order. The All Assam Indian Made Foreign Liquors Retailers Association wanted modification of the order, saying it virtually banned liquor shops in the state, as the definition of state highways in the local statute included all roads.
There are 60,000 pathology laboratories in India. In Hyderabad, blood samples are collected at local centres but the pathological testing is carried out in the main centre which may be in Bengaluru or Mumbai and the results are given the next day. (Photo: PTI/Representational image)

Hyderabad: The Clinical Establishment Act adopted by the Telangana State government requires all doctors attached to diagnostic laboratories to be registered with the Medical Council of India (MCI) and the State Medical Council (SMC). It also stipulates that MSc graduates cannot sign the diagnostic reports and only qualified doctors must do so.

At present, the practice is that even though there are doctors attached to the diagnostic centres, the actual interpretation of the reports is done by the technicians or MSc graduates.

There are 60,000 pathology laboratories in India. In Hyderabad, blood samples are collected at local centres but the pathological testing is carried out in the main centre which may be in Bengaluru or Mumbai and the results are given the next day.

D. Sampat, who is in charge of a leading diagnostic centre, says only a qualified doctor in microbiology must interpret the results; this cannot be left to a post-graduate who has not studied medicine.

Accredited diagnostic centres are very particular and follow the norms strictly. The post-graduates are recruited only for the laboratory work and the technical know-how. But when it comes to identifying the disease, it is the job of the concerned doctor, Mr Sampat says.

Dr K. Rajesh, a senior radiologist from the city, explains that the ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, have to be interpreted by a radiologist only. This work cannot be left to a technician. He says the Act must be strictly implemented to do away with quacks and unqualified people who are running the units.

Sridhar Rao, president of the National MSc Medical Teachers Association, is not in favour of the new rules under the Act. MSc degree holders are also registered in central and state medical councils and they must not be barred from interpreting and signing laboratory reports, Mr Rao says.

We want the government to re-think this issue as the students are trained in clinical diagnostics, including specimen collection, processing, quality control and also interpretation of the results.
New Delhi: Controversial Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mukhtar Ansari on Thursday accused Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Manoj Sinha for conspiring his murder.

Asserting that his life is under danger Ansari told ANI that Sinha wants to get him killed.

"My life is under threat and with these intentions I am being transferred from Lucknow district jail to the Banda Jail. Union Minister and BJP MP Manoj Sinha wants to get me killed," said Ansari.

According to reports, the state government earlier today issued an order to shift Ansari to the Banda district jail on administrative grounds.

Ansari, is an accused in the murder of BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai.

The BSP leader was transferred to Lucknow district jail in June last year from the Agra Central Jail.

Ansari has been lodged in jail since 2005.
Lucknow: After meeting Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, meat traders on Thursday extended their support to the state government's view on the matter and seconded the move to ban illegal slaughterhouses.

Cabinet minister Siddharth Nath Singh said that meat traders, in unison said it was their duty to assure that nothing illegal flourished in the state.

"All delegates (meat traders) supported the Chief Minister and said as citizens of India it is their duty to see that nothing illegal is allowed," Singh told the media in Lucknow.

While appealing to the protesters to return to work, meat exporter Sirajuddin Qureshi said that their meeting with the Chief Minister was very successful.

"Our meeting with the UP Chief Minister was very successful. He assured us that licensed slaughterhouses will not be troubled," Qureshi said.

"I appeal to the protesters to return to work and start working with a proper licence, UP Government will help you procure one," he added.

Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Siddharth Nath Singh on Monday had asserted that the state government will only act against slaughterhouses that are illegal.

"We have assembled here to give a clarification that it is an investigation only against the illegal slaughterhouses. Those who have licenses have nothing to fear. They should continue following regulations," Singh told media in Lucknow.

Singh further said it was also a message to the officers not to overstep their jurisdiction and the mandate given by the state government.

After coming to power, the Yogi Adityanath-led government has ordered the closure of illegal slaughterhouses and strict enforcement of the ban on cow smuggling to fulfill a key electoral promise.

Adityanath last week said abattoirs operating legally will not be touched but action will be taken against those being run illegally.
On the killing of a 32-year-old Indian techie at a Kansas bar, Vajda said everyone in the US, including President Donald Trump, condemned the incident and help poured in for the victim and survivor. (Photo: Twitter)

Pune: US Consul General Thomas Vajda has said his country remains a safe and hospitable place for visitors and will continue to welcome legitimate travellers.

Responding to queries over hate crimes in the US, on Wednesday he said: I honestly believe that these types of incidents grab headlines just (as) attacks in India or anywhere grab headlines, but I really believe that the US remains safe and hospitable place for travellers.

On the killing of a 32-year-old Indian techie at a Kansas bar, Vajda said everyone in the US, including President Donald Trump, condemned the incident and help poured in for the victim and survivor.

We want Indians to come to the US to do business, invest, study and engage in tourism. Travel is one of the cornerstones of our economic and business connections and has played a significant role in transforming the US-Indian relationship over the past decade, he said.

Asked about changes, particularly those pertaining to Trumps executive order barring citizens of six Muslim- majority countries from entering the US, the envoy said: Currently, the US court has stayed that order so it is not in effect.

The United Stated will continue to welcome legitimate travellers to the country and the Trump administration is very clear of ensuring that they are stopping individuals coming to the US who wish to harm us.

We welcome the majority travellers, whose purpose is to study, and engage in tourism and business, Vajda said.

He also noted that 1.2 million Indian tourists visited the US in 2015-16 and India is among the fastest growing outbound markets in terms of travellers for America.

Vajda added that almost everybody, who qualifies for visa, gets visa, which is valid for 10 years.

So if someone gets visa for the US, he or she need not worry about it for 10 years, he added.
A group of youth pelting stones on security forces during an anti-militant operation at village Durbugh in Chadoora area of central Kashmir's Budgam district. (Photo: PTI)

Srinagar: Youths who storm the encounter sites in the Valley to hurl stones at security personnel are committing suicide, Jammu and Kashmir Police today said and appealed to them to refrain from such activity.

"In the encounter, even security forces and police take cover of a bulletproof vehicle or a house. Youths coming to the encounter sites are committing suicide," Director General of Police SP Vaid told reporters in Srinagar.

He appealed to the youngsters not to rush to the encounter sites, saying they were being misled and misused by elements inimical to peace in the Valley for their short-term political gains.

"A bullet does not whom it will hit. My appeal to all theyoung boys is that they should remain in their homes and not come to encounter sites. The youth must understand that they are being used by people for their short-term political gains," he said.

The DGP said the inimical elements were misusing social media to instigate the youths to hurl stones at security forces to help militants flee.

"I would say this is misuse of social media by elements inimical to peace in the valley and to our country.

"The moment an encounter starts, they activate around 300 WhatsApp groups, each having more than 250 members, and other social networking websites like Facebook, instigating young boys to reach the encounter site and throw stones so that the terrorists escape from the spot," he said.

The J&K top cop said these WhatsApp groups and other social media accounts were being monitored and action will be taken against people operating them.

"Some of these accounts have been traced across (the border). It is an attempt by the enemies of India to create problems. All these numbers are being monitored and we will

take action against those operating them from here," he said.

The DGP urged the people to think about the families of those who lost their lives during the incidents of stone-pelting recently.

"Think of the mother, father, sister or brother of those who died two days ago. People will forget those who died after 10 days. Their family suffers the most. We all would be doing our jobs," he said.

Vaid said the new trend was a challenge, but the security forces will deal with it.

"It is a challenging situation, but we keep evolving our strategy and I am sure with our experience of last 25 years, Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security forces will be able to handle a situation like this.

"In spite of grave provocation, we have been able to minimise collateral damage and civilian casualties," he said.

On the local boys joining militant ranks, the DGP said it was also a challenge.

"These boys are being brainwashed and radicalised. It is a challenge for all of us. Ultimately, where does it lead to? Death and destruction. Nothing will change other than death and destruction. What will they achieve out of it," he said.

On the likelihood of unrest during the forthcoming summer in Kashmir, Vaid said he did not think people of Kashmir would want a repeat of last year's summer agitation.

"People of Kashmir do not want trouble this season. They have already suffered last summer," he said.

The DGP said the recent attacks on security forces and incidents of stone pelting were handiwork of the elements who work at the behest of the enemy of this country.

"This is an attempt to derail the democratic process as (by) elections are around the corner," he added.
Bengaluru: The city may be banking on the Metro Rail and the long promised suburban rail to decongest it , but Home Minister, Dr G Parameshwar has a more innovative solution for its traffic troubles: Elevated ropeway wagons.

"In some European countries elevated ropeway wagons allow 25 people to travel at a time. You find one wagon operating every minute in these cities. If we adopted a similar system in Bengaluru, it could help take the traffic off its roads, he told reporters here on Thursday.

Noting that Bengaluru with 56 lakh vehicles had double the number of Mumbais 27 lakh vehicles, he said the Metros first phase, - set to be completed by April-end - would allow five lakh people to use it and the second phase, once completed, would cater to over 50 lakh people. But still the government should start thinking about more innovative projects like the elevated ropeway to decongest the city, he added.

In reply to query, he said JD(S) members ,who called on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah after the Assembly session, were hoping to join the Congress.
New Delhi: The Election Commission of India on Thursday asked the media not to telecast or publish any kind of programme which predicts the results of polls through means like tarot readers, astrologers or political analysts during the period when exit polls are prohibited.

The EC is of the view that the prediction of election results in any form or manner by way of prediction of results by astrologers, tarot readers, political analysts put forward during the prohibited period will influence voters, the EC said. It asked the media to refrain from airing and publishing such programmes.

The poll watchdog said that Section 126 A of the Representation of the People Act states that no person shall conduct any exit poll and publish or publicise by means of the print and electronic media.
Ansari, who is lodged in Lucknow jail, is being shifted to Banda jail in Bundelkhand region. (Representational Image)

Lucknow: Fifteen politicians who had a criminal past, and criminals having political links in Uttar Pradesh, are being shifted to far-flung jails in the state.

According to ADG prison G.L. Meena, the first in the list is Mukhtar Ansari, who was recently elected for the fifth time on a Bahujan Samaj Party ticket.

Ansari, who is lodged in Lucknow jail, is being shifted to Banda jail in Bundelkhand region.

However, Banda district officials expressed their inability to ensure the security of Ansari, who is now expected to be shifted to another jail.

Ansari was earlier lodged in Agra jail, and was shifted to Lucknow as soon as the merger of his Qaumi Ekta Dal was announced in June last year.

Ansari, who was in the Vidhan Sabha for the oath-taking ceremony of MLAs, told reporters that he faced a threat to his life and had appealed to chief minister Yogi Adityanath to ensure his safety.

Another criminal to be shifted is former BSP MLA Shekhar Tiwari, who was convicted for lynching engineer Manoj Gupta in 2008 when the latter refused to pay for Mayawatis birthday funds.

Tiwari, who is serving a life sentence, is lodged in Barabanki jail and will be shifted to Maharajganj jail.

Other criminals to be shifted are Maulana Anwarul Haq, charged with rape, who is being shifted from Bijnore jail to Fatehgarh jail, and Jeetu, who is being shifted to Lakhimpur jail from Mainpuri.
SSLC students checking their hall tickets at an examination centre in Bengaluru on Thursday. (Photo: DC)

Bengaluru: The Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examination began on Thursday, with first language on day one, and there were no reports of any malpractice, question paper leaks or errors in the question paper in the city.

However, there was some confusion regarding examination centres and one student, Gulshan Ara, a private candidate, even failed to make it.

According to Gulshan, a resident of Malleswaram, she had registered as a candidate at government girls high school, 13th Main. However, the KSEEB allotted her examination centre at Vyalikaval Educational Society School, located 2 nearly kilometres away from this centre.

I was informed that I will be provided examination centre where I had applied for. But I was allotted another school and I come to know only after coming to the examination centre. By the time I reached Vyalikaval Educational Society it was already 10.45 am and I missed the exam, she said.

The KSEEB officials said that the student can appear for the supplementary examination, which will be conducted in the last week of July.

They contended that hall tickets were issued in advance to avoid such confusion.

Moreover, there is not much distance between these two examination centres. If the candidate had arrived early she could have written the examination, he added.

Poor seating

When KSEEB Director Yashoda Bopanna inspected the Government Girls High School, 13th main, Malleswaram, she was upset with the seating arrangements, as the candidates were seated close to each other. She lashed out at the head master and ensured that the seating arrangement was reworked.

First language test easy: Students

Even though students supposed to reach the examination centre by 9.30 am, many arrived at 9 am itself. Most students were accompanied by their parents, who were also anxious about the new examination pattern.

According to the students on day 1, examination was very easy. It was the first language like Kannada, English, Urdu, Marathi, Tamil etc. Examination was for 125 marks. It was very easy, said Saraswati Kumari, a student who appeared at Malleswaram Government High School.

Many students informed that for the first time they were allotted centres in nearby schools, instead of their own schools.

This year the question papers and answer booklets were given separately. It was good. I can go home and find out how I have performed in the examination, said Shailaja, another student.
Chennai: Reflecting the close ties Malaysia enjoys with Tamil Nadu thanks to Tamils constituting a major proportion of the minority communities in the East Asian nation, the Malaysian Prime Minister, Najib Tun Razak flew to this metropolis on Thursday as his first stop in India to begin a six-day official visit.

The special aircraft carrying Mr Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor landed here at 1.50 pm and the visiting dignitaries drove to the luxury five-star hotel, ITC Grand Chola, where they were given a resplendent traditional red carpet welcome.

Mr Razak, will address a meeting organised by the Malaysian Associated Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and interact with the Malaysian community, besides offering Friday prayers at the Anjuman mosque.

With Indians, a majority of them Tamils, constituting 6.7 per cent of Malaysia's population, Mr Najib's visit to Chennai even before flying to New Delhi reflects the importance that the Malaysian Government attaches to the ethnic and religious minority community.

On Thursday evening, Mr Najib and members of his high-power delegation including a few Tamil ministers drove to Raj Bhavan for a meeting with Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao and Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palanisami during which increasing the trade volume and business ties were discussed. After the meeting, Mr Rao hosted banquet in honour of the visiting Malaysian PM.

Mr Najib was accompanied by Special envoy on Infrastructure to India and South Asia, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Subramaniam, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa, High Commissioner of Malaysia to India, Datuk Hidayat Abdul Hamid and Consul General Malaysia in Chennai Ahmad Fajarazam Abdul Hamid.

While staying in the Presidential suite of a luxury hotel in Chennai, the Malaysian Prime Minister announced that nine Malaysian citizens barred from leaving North Korea have now been allowed to return to Malaysia.

Before leaving Kuala Lumpur on Thursday morning, Mr Najib had assured his citizens that he would monitor the talks between the two countries and will update them wherever he is in this modern day.

They took off from Pyongyang today at 7.45 pm Malaysian time and would land in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow at around 5 am, Mr Najib said, according to Bernama, Malaysia's official news agency.

The tension between Malaysia and North Korea arose in the wake of the murder of Kim Jong-nam, elder half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, in Kuala Lumpur on Feb 13.

The diplomatic spat erupted after North Korean Ambassador to Malaysia Kang Chol made baseless allegations against Malaysia over the handling of the case, resulting in Malaysia declaring him persona non grata.

The ambassador left Kuala Lumpur on March 6. North Korea retaliated by expelling Malaysian Ambassador in Pyongyang. On March 7, North Korea prohibited Malaysians in that country from leaving North Korea and Malaysia also took similar action against North Koreans.
New Delhi: Opposition unity went for a toss when the Trinamul Congress walked out while amendments moved to the Finance Bill were being voted on in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

However, it seemed to be a well thought out plan as far as the TMC was concerned. Party leaders said the TMC wanted to send a signal to the Congress, which has increasingly shown a proximity to the formers archrival in West Bengal, the Left.

There is no need for the Congress to visibly warm up to the Left. Thus though we had got a call from Congress leaders in Rajya Sabha for joining hands to embarrass the government in the Upper House, we stayed away from voting, a senior TMC leader told this newspaper.

Both the Congress and the Left have protested against the TMC government in West Bengal over the Narada scam in which a CBI inquiry was ordered recently.

The CPI-M, however, said it was to save itself from the probes into its various scams that West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee was getting closer to the NDA.

This is the fourth edition of Didi Bhai-Modi Bhai. It is like Matrix 1, 2, 3, 4. CBI is now looking into Narada and thus TMC is deal-making with NDA. Even the walkout was meant to send a signal. But TMC is now seen as compromised, CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury said.

He said that even after the TMC walked out, it could not ensure a BJP victory. Its bargaining power has been checkmated on both sides.

The TMC had been at the forefront of the anti-demonetisation protests in November and December. Ms Banerjee had led at least three marches to the Rashtrapati Bhawan and held a joint rally with Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in front of the RBI office in New Delhi.
Chennai: Do you want to report a civic issue or a water crisis situation? What generally is a lethargic procedure would be completed in minutes now, thanks to the RK Nagar poll.

Helpline numbers of the Chennai Metro Water and the Chennai Corporation are now equipped with additional staff to deal with the infrastructure plights.

However, despite officials trying to hush-up the issue of water supply, residents of the North Chennai complain of irregular water supply and official apathy.

The 1,200 families of Royapuram face a pathetic problem as they have no access to clean water.

After Deccan Chronicle reported on the issue, metro water officials had inspected the locality only to say that they had not been able to identify the problem.

K.Selvi, a housewife from Appasamy line said, We are facing the problem for more than three months. Metro water supplies us the water for an hour between 6.15 am and 7.15 am. But the water leaves a bad stench and is dark. T

here is no pressure in the water supply and we receive very less water. I have no idea how we would sail through the peak summer season.

Complaints about the absence of the metro water project at various localities of the city are also thrown under the carpet, even though it is a time just ahead of the R.K. Nagar polls. Absence of a metro water project at localities like Madhavaram and Ayanavaram is no more to the fore. The coordination between the departments is so good that the water crisis is settled within minutes of raising a complaint through the helpline numbers, said Purushotaman, General Secretary, Chennai Corporations Employee Union.

Issues are also hushed-up by the local political groups who are using their own funds to deal with the water crisis situation. Private water tankers are sent to the localities that suffer water problem, he added.
Kolkata: At least two persons were charred to death in a fire at a hotel in southern Kolkata early today, police said.

Anup Agarwal and Jugalkishore Gupta, guests at the hotel, were rushed to a hospital after suffering serious injuries in the fire but could not be saved.

The fire broke out at around 3 am, a senior police officer said, adding that up to 30 persons, including the hotel's staff, have been rescued.

Nine fire tenders were rushed to the site and took three hours to douse the fire.

Fire fighters and disaster management personnel had to break open the glass window panes of the hotel for the thick smoke to pass out, the officer said, adding the fire might have spread from the kitchen to the ground floor.

A few of them were rescued using ladders while others were guided outside the hotel by rescue workers, he said.

"Apart from hotel guests, there were workers who were stuck inside. Among seven persons, two were seriously injured and succumbed when taken to the hospital," the officer said.

"The fire is completely under control and we are making sure that there are no pocket fire," he said.
Girls cover their faces to protect themselves from scorching heat in Allahabad on Thursday. (Photo: PTI)

Mumbai: Five people have died of heat stroke in Maharashtra and temperatures exceeding 40 degrees in the state have led the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue warning of a heat wave.

The department has issued warning of heat wave in parts of north Maharashtra for next 48 hours, said ANI.

Districts in central and north Maharashtra are the worst affected, said an NDTV report.

Bhira in Maharashtra tops the list of hottest cities in India with a maximum temperature of 46.5C. However, IMD is skeptical of the claim and has sent a team to examine the temperature there.

Akola recorded 44.1 degrees Celsius and Wardha, Nagpur and Chandrapur have recorded 43 degrees.

Many other parts of India are suffering record temperatures at the start of summer.

Barmer in Rajasthan recorded a high of 43.4 degrees Celsius while Narnaul in Haryana sizzled at 42 degrees, nine degrees above normal.

The temperature in Ludhiana in Punjab is 7 degrees above normal.

In Uttar Pradesh, the maximum temperature crossed 40 degrees in Varanasi, Allahabad, Hamirpur and Agra.

The temperature in Uttarakhand's capital, Dehradun as well as Srinagar has been recorded much above normal for this part of the year, the NDTV report said.

In Rajasthan, Barmer was the hottest with mercury touching 43.4 degrees, followed by 43 degrees Celsius in Churu.

Heat wave conditions will prevail at isolated regions in Gujarat before temperatures across the state return to normal in 2-3 days, according to the IMD.

Ahmedabad touched 42.8 degrees on Monday, breaking a seven-year record for the month of March.

IMD on Wednesday said Delhi has been witnessing an unusual temperature of 23 degree in the wee hours, which is already six degree more than normal.

IMD scientist Charan Singh told ANI, "Delhi has been witnessing temperature of 23 degree in the wee hours which is very unusual in the month of March."

He further said that the maximum temperature is expected to reach 38 degrees which is recorded to be higher compared to last five to six years.

The department forecasted that Delhi has not witnessed heat-wave condition but the temperature in the national capital might increase till the month of May. The temperature is currently at 37 degrees, five degrees more than normal for this time of the year.

Singh further said that heat wave condition is likely to continue in states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, west Madhya Pradesh for next three to four days.

"We can witness heat wave in Rajasthan Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh for next two to three days and it has already spread in South Haryana and South Uttar Pradesh, he added.

Most parts of India will come under heat wave temperature by mid of May," Singh added.

Mercury has been settling in at higher than 40C at almost every place.
Lucknow: India has been built by saints, yogis and fakirs, not by any king or emperor, Yoga guru Ramdev said on Wednesday.

"Yoga has been an inalienable part of our culture. No king or emperor has built India or shaped its destiny. In fact, India has been built by saints, yogis and fakirs. It is a matter of pride for us that the Prime Minister is a yogi, and the Chief Minister of the most populous state is also a yogi," he said.

The Yoga guru was addressing the first day of the three-day UP Yoga Mahotsava here. "Ram Rajya would definitely come to Uttar Pradesh," he said.

Underlining the benefits of Yoga, Ramdev said, "We will do Yoga together and take steps to remove societal illness, diseases, bad habits, intoxication and other negativities. This will make lives peaceful and prosperous."

On the issue of triple talaq, he said, "There should not be any injustice with any woman, irrespective of the religion they belong to. Secondly, those who have faith in judiciary would not endorse triple-talaq. And, if anyone is citing the Holy Quran to substantiate their logic, they are simply insulting Islam and Quran."

The Yoga Guru also exuded confidence that Uttar Pradesh will become "an ideal state where spiritual and economic development would co-exist".

"Economic development alone may eventually lead to path of destruction. UP--the land of Rama, Krishna and Shivis moving towards positivity," he said.

"The government of the day is of saints and yogis, and today we are witnessing the blend of Yog Dharma and Raj Dharma. In a span of nearly a week, the state government has made history. UP has become free from tension, deceit and intoxication," Ramdev claimed.

The Yoga guru also met Governor Ram Naik at the Raj Bhavan later in the day.
Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar being greeted by BJP President Amit Shah and Union minister Nitin Gadkari after his oath at a ceremony in Panaji. (Photo: PTI)

Panaji: All India Congress Committee (AICC) Secretary Girish Chodankar has demanded that BJP President Amit Shah tender an apology to the electorate in Goa for dishonouring the people's mandate and forming a government against their wishes.

"Shah should apologise to the people of Goa for forcefully forming the government against the mandate of the people. His party was rejected but managed to have a back-door entry to form the government," Chodankar told reporters here last evening.

The Congress leader was reacting to BJPs public meeting scheduled on April 9, which will felicitate Shah after BJP secured power in four of the five states which went to polls recently.

This would be Shahs first visit to Goa after the February 4 Legislative Assembly elections. More than 30,000 people are expected to participate in this meeting.

"BJP has no right to celebrate as they were pulled down from 21 seats, which they won in 2012 Goa polls, to mere 13 in the recently held assembly elections. This clearly indicates that the party has been outrightly rejected and leaders like Shah were not accepted by Goan voters," Chodankar said.

He said the BJP should introspect on its defeat and also learn lessons from his party (Congress) which has been gaining ground in the state.

"Voters selected Congress during recent polls. Congress would have formed the government but for the misuse of the Governor's post," he alleged.

After the Goa election results threw a hung assembly, Congress emerged as the single largest party with 17 seats. However, the BJP, which finished second winning 13 seats, managed to form the government under Manohar Parrikar after cobbling together an alliance with regional parties like Goa Forward and Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party besides getting three Independent MLAs to back them.
New Delhi: The Parliament passed Finance Bill 2017 on Thursday with the Lok Sabha negating all the five amendments made by the Rajya Sabha.

Replying to a debate on the amendments of the Rajya Sabha, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the government cannot accept the amendments of the Upper House.

Initiating a discussion on it, Dipendra Hooda of Congress supported the amendments made by the Rajya Sabha.

He questioned the government for proposing 40 amendments in different laws through the Finance Bill.

He demanded a separate law for political funding. BJD leader Bhartruhari Mahtab demanded transparency in funding to the political parties.

Saugata Roy of TMC also supported the amendments. Badaruddoza Khan of CPI (M) and A. P. Jithender Reddy of TRS demanded complete ban on corporate funding to the political parties.

On Wednesday, the Rajya Sabha had returned the Finance Bill 2017 to the Lok Sabha with five amendments moved by the Opposition.

Of the five amendments, three were moved by Digvijay Singh of Congress and two by Sitaram Yechury of CPI-M.

The bill gives effect to the financial proposals of the central government for the financial year 2017-18.
Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao felicitates astrologer B. Santhosh Kumar Sastry as Union minister Bandaru Dattatreya and others look on, at the CMs camp office in Hyderabad on Wednesday. (Photo: DC)

Hyderabad: Amidst timely and bountiful rains, good crops, rapid development in various sectors, national and international recognition for Telangana State and the country, terror threat lurks over the state in August to November of this Hemalamba New Year.

These were among some of the predictions by Sringeri peethams B. Santhosh Kumar Sastry who conducted the Panchaga patanam (Almanac reading) at Janahita, the CMs Camp Office on the occasion of Ugadi, the Telugu New Years Day on Wednesday.

Mr Sastry also predicted a serious threat to the life of a political leader and said that leaders should be careful and conduct pujas. Some of the other predictions were: The software sector will see growth but the country will see scams, adulteration in medicines, problems in medicare and media sector, while crops in black soil will fetch good returns.

Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Raos stars too are bright and he would achieve success in all spheres, Mr Sastry said. Mr Chandrasekhar Rao, Assembly Speaker, Council Chairman, ministers, legislators and others, including civil and police officials attended the function.

People ask me which department I am targeting this year. I said nothing of that sort. But Panchangam says there is a likely increase in terror activities the world over from August to November. Police department should beef up security in the state and be more careful this year, he said.

There will be Cauvery pushkaralu this year, Chudamani partial solar eclipse on August 7 and complete lunar eclipse on January 31, 2018 which will have a salutary effect on TS but pujas will check its effect, Mr Sastry predicted.

While predicting good rains, Mr Sastry advised Endowments department officials to conduct Varuna Japam in every temple in Ashada masam before onset of monsoon so that all rivers, tanks and other water bodies are full to the brim, and Mission Bhagiratha and Mission Kakatiya are successful.

There likely is a hurricane in Ashadamasam (June 24/July 23), thunder showers in October especially in Nellore and Prakasam districts and other parts of Rayalaseema but the weather will be pleasant in Deccan plateau, including Hyderabad, he said.

Mr Sastry also said that women will play a key role this New Year, adding though men take decisions, they will be influenced by women. Almanac predicted that crops in black soil besides, tamarind, wheat, betel leaf and a few others will fetch good rates.
Hyderabad: Fresh from the partys landslide win in Uttar Pradesh, BJP national president Amit Shah will visit Hyderabad in April to draw strategy and give a shot-in-the-arm to the party in TS.

BJP circles say that Amit Shah has decided to focus on the south, especially TS, after Odisha and strengthen the party from grass-roots, booth and state level in the run-up to the 2019 general elections.

Towards this, the party has started training classes to identify state-level leaders from the boothlevel.

The training classes that began Thursday focus on Modi mantra, one country one people, governance record, vision of Modi, development, security, good governance, nation first, skill development, burning public issues including TS governments proposed 12 per cent reservations to Muslims, and other focused areas, right from nation to nationalism.

Our national president Amit Shah will visit Hyderabad next month to strengthen the party from the grass-roots level and imbibe the partys national policy. Before his visit, we are undertaking training classes to identify state leaders. We are thinking of identifying one good leader from each of the five-member booth-level committees. Every able leader will be backed by the party for future growth, said TS BJP president K. Laxman.

There are 32,000 booth committees. BJP national leaders Satish, Muralidhar Rao, Krishna Das, Mahesh Chandra Sharma will also address party workers.

The partys recent thumping win in the Hindi heartland has once again proved his organisational abilities and jacked up the image of BJP in the country, Dr Laxman said.

Asked about the curriculum for the training classes, he said it would cover all aspects propagated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the party besides burning state issues.
Irrespective of its economic virtues, demonetisation  an aggressive, unprecedented initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, brought rich dividends for the BJP in the Uttar Pradesh election. Above all, voters were impressed with his determination to punish those who have become fat on black money. That the move also punished those who had no black money  via extended inconvenience, loss of business or employment  was collateral damage. An incredible 41 per cent of voters gave a thumping majority to the BJP, including possibly those who were collateral fodder or the target  proving, yet again, that in politics, good intentions trump technically appropriate action. So what can the Prime Minister do next to shock and awe the Opposition and win minds and hearts across India? Elections loom in Karnataka in 2018, currently ruled by the Congress, and national general election is in 2019. The chosen programme must be elegant not clunky; effective not merely palliative; quickly deliverable and fiscally prudent. The Union government currently uses clunky, partially- or fully-funded schemes, implemented by the state governments, to establish its human face. There were 1,500 such schemes, which the Modi government has pruned to around 657. Most are massively inefficient. Arvind Virmani, a former chief economic adviser, claims they follow the one-third rule. Only one-third for the targeted beneficiary, one-third for administrative expenditure and one-third for corruption.

Mind you, it is expensive to provide access to public services and goods even via a cash support mechanism. Prof. Abhijit Banerjee of MIT assesses the average administrative cost, across countries, of cash support programmes at 50 per cent of the amount delivered. A universal, unconditional income transfer in cash to all citizens is the most efficient option. But it suffers from bad optics. The same amount of money is given to a beggar as to a real estate baron. But Sudipto Mundle of NIPFP argues that select exclusions are possible without massively retarding efficiency. The most obvious exclusion is anyone in urban areas. The average income in urban areas is consistently higher than in rural areas, where 80 per cent of the poor live. Others, like Jean Dreze, are sceptical about the cash transfers, specially for food support. We know food prices spike during drought. During such extreme events, the transferred income would be insufficient to buy the targeted amount of food. Those living at the edge cannot afford to be caught in such a situation. Clearly, basic income transfer is not a substitute for all other existing social support mechanisms in education, health and social protection, but it can substitute those mechanisms which are the most wasteful and poorly targeted.

The Economic Survey 2017, lead-authored by Arvind Subramanian, chief economic adviser, does signal service by evidencing the problem of misallocation of fiscal resources in the existing schemes. The share of the districts, where 40 per cent of the nations poor live, in allocation for anti-poverty schemes, like the mid-day meal scheme is just 20 per cent and just 24 per cent in the Swachh Bharat Mission. Such misallocation is wasteful. A pilot done by SEWA in four villages in Madhya Pradesh, over a period of two years, covering 6,000 people along the universal coverage principle, transferred Rs 3,600 per year to each adult, with lower amounts to children. The results are impressive. The most significant outcome is that even four years later, many of the initial achievements with respect to the enhanced decision-making role of women; sustainable income from assets  mainly livestock  and the continued productive use of income remained strongly in place. Similar pilots are being done in Africa. But the caveat is that pilots involve significant handholding and oversight without which, as in Ghana, sustainable income enhancement is negligible. This cautions that even with a universal basic income scheme the role of handholding will remain. India could become the first country in the world to use a qualified-universal basic income transfer to end poverty. The real problem is how to find the money. Arvind Panagariya, the Prime Ministers key economic adviser and vice-chairperson of the Niti Aayog, however, highlights the fiscal requirement. At just Rs 10,000 per year per person the cost is equivalent to the governments entire revenue of 10 per cent of GDP.

But there are viable second-best options. First, smaller amounts could be transferred. The poverty gap has been estimated at around Rs 3,500 per poor person per year as in the SEWA pilot. The Economic Survey records that an annual transfer of Rs 3,240 to every female would cost one per cent of GDP. The cost can be reduced further by a quasi-universal scheme focused on females only in rural areas, with girl children getting less and women getting more, as in the SEWA pilot. Subsidy reform is overdue. The Prime Minister had also adopted the approach of subsidy tyaag the voluntary giving up of subsidy by those who were well-off. It is also possible to make it administratively more difficult to access demerit subsidies like on cooking gas; fertiliser and incom-tax exemptions with the target of eliminating them altogether. In the meantime, a quasi-universal basic income transfer scheme can be started by allocating just Rs 75,000 crores (just 0.3 per cent of anticipated GDP in 2017-18) to one-third of the poorest districts. The programme can be expanded to other districts by allocating just two-fifths of the incremental revenues, especially if growth trends upwards beyond eight per cent per year. Prime Minister Modi is not one to be hesitant about funding innovative ideas in the public interest. The quasi-universal basic income scheme is one door that he should consider walking through, specially if he is confident that India shall grow at above eight per cent.
There was more than a touch of the dramatic in the passage of four landmark bills to help unfurl what will be the single biggest tax reform since Independence  the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The sentiment in Parliament was in favour of enabling such a seminal moment in legislative history, when a nation as complex as India with its diversity and geographical spread, and raucous political alignments, makes way for a major tax reform. There was a broad consensus even as fears were voiced by some parties with legitimate concerns about their states. But the way this reform was pushed as a money bill, to overcome the governments lack of a Rajya Sabha majority, may pose a threat to our basic democratic structure. The Elders can debate as much as they wish, but can do very little to effect any changes in this sweeping reform, though most of their concerns now have more to do with the Finance Bill than the GST.

The planned July 1 rollout bristles with difficulties as mountains must be moved to classify thousands of products and services, and do it in a spirit of give and take, while also ensuring prices dont go through the roof. The complexity of keeping this as a federal contract with constitutional sanction, as the finance minister put it, shouldnt break down while having to accommodate any regional whims while getting each state to pass the State GST laws in the next three months. The point is that while ushering in such a drastic fiscal change of national magnitude, one would rather rely on the expertise of the bureaucracy and economists to sort out issues than let it slide into a political slugfest fuelled by eternal one-upmanship.

The addition of two per cent to GDP is an over-optimistic projection much as the Congress whining about a notional loss of Rs a12 lakh crores due to the BJP opposing the reform when it was in the Opposition. This reform has been in the works for the past 17 years or so, which means everyone should have the good grace to accept it as a truly national enterprise. The creation of an anti-profiteering mechanism is about the worst facet of a monumental change in the very approach to taxation. While there is such a demand for trust to drive the exercise, GST should recognise that market forces will be in greater play and will be a natural controlling mechanism on the manufacture and sale of goods. Traders would have to be roped in to make GST work at its optimum levels, at which the widest tax base is made possible. The spirit of non-partisan cooperation to make GST possible should prevail in its functioning as well.
Ajmer Sharif is the prime Sufi shrine in India with its anniversary (Urs) being one of the largest spiritual congregations in the world. The 805th Urs of Ajmer Sharif is around the corner. On this occasion, followers of all faith, traditions flock to the shrine of the 11th century Muslim mystic who founded the Chishti Sufi order in India  Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, popularly known as Gharib Nawaz (benefactor of the poor). Along with the Chishti tradition, numerous Sufi silsilas (orders) like Naqshbandiyya, Suhrawardiyya and Quadriyah were founded by the saintly figures in India. The annual occasions of Urs are observed to mark the death anniversary of every departed Sufi mystic. Though the Urs are seen as purely Islamic congregations, however, followers of all religions participate in the shrine visitation with an equal veneration.

The Urs tradition in Ajmer Sharif began in 1236 when Gharib Nawaz, after praying in seclusion for six continuous days, met his Lord. Since then the annual Urs has been observed for six days as an occasion of spreading Khwajas core messages: love for all, hatred for none, social amity, communal harmony and spiritual synergy. In fact, the Urs celebrations like the one in Ajmer Sharif greatly contribute to the strengthening of the mystical foundations on which the countrys composite culture rests. They reveal how different religions and cultures in India coexisted, exchanged and accepted each others universal values in order to formulate a composite society.
Festering wounds on both sides of the 2,640-km-long Durand Line, demarcating the contentious border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, have flared up again. AfPak relationships have hit a new low in recent times with each side accusing the other of insincerity in fighting terrorism. While Afghan President Ashraf Ghani is a relatively new believer in Pakistani duplicitousness, after having given Islamabad the initial long rope in the failed hope that the Pakistani state-within-the-state, the ISI, would rein in the anti-Kabul terror groups like the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani Network  the recent attack on the Sufi shrine in Sehwan, Sindh, has led to counter-accusations by the Pakistanis on Afghans to be soft-peddling on anti-Pakistan terror groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban, based out of the Afghan hinterland. Each time tempers rise, the unsettled legacy of the Durand Line is invoked by the Afghans to chafe and remind Islamabad of the historical consequences of fingering the irascible Pathans or Pashtuns. Recently, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai stated: We remind the Government of Pakistan that Afghanistan hasnt and will not recognise the Durand Line, and that Pakistan has, no legal authority to dictate terms on the Durand Line. This outburst was fuelled by the Pakistani move to close the AfPak border posts indefinitely and restrict the free flow of people and trade ostensibly to check and control the spiralling terror attacks in Pakistan. The border was later reopened.

The great game of the 19th century between the competing imperial powers of Russia and Britain led to a cartographical truce, illogically knifing the lands of Pasthunistan or Pakhtunistan (land of the Pasthuns) into two parts  between modern day Pakistan and Afghanistan. British colonial civil servant Sir Henry Mortimer Durand, along with the then emir of Afghanistan, Abdur Rahman Khan, agreed upon a territorial demarcation (Durand Line) for administrative purposes, splicing the restive Pashtun or Pathan-dominated area. Today, over 30 million Pathans are in Pakistan while another 14 million are on the other side of the Durand Line in Afghanistan. The tribal-feudal nature of this society and its bloody past that has seen the blood-letting of marauding conquerors like Darius I, Alexander the Great, Mahmud of Ghazni, Muhammad of Ghor, Genghis Khan, Timur, Babur to the later-day imperial powers of the British empire and to the more recent history of the Soviets first, and now the Western forces  violent lawlessness and a constant fight for its unique independent identity is a way of life here. The only thing that has survived the test of time in the region is the grit of the inviolable Pasthunwali code that emphasises death to dishonour, as the old Afghan saying goes, A man with the power to fight doesnt need to bargain.

What recently riled the Pathans even further were the unprecedented accusations of Pathan profiling in Pakistan with the implied logic of labelling them as terror suspects by default or design. Official circulars and notifications seeking the reporting of anyone with Pasthun attire and having Pasthun looks willy-nilly perpetuates the negative stereotypes of the Pathans to be barbaric and lawless terrorists. Chief minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Pervez Khattak, himself a Pathan, had to intervene and ask: Is Punjab chief minister Shehbaz Sharif more Pakistani than us? He then presciently warned, We should not be pushed against the wall, or we become rebels. Compounding the sense of Pathan suspicion is the ill-timed plan to merge the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with the province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. This step can be potentially volatile if it is contextualised locally as yet another attempt by the Punjabis in Islamabad to tinker with the Pasthtun narrative. It potentially repeals the time-honoured tenets of the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR), that loosely applies as governing laws to the seven tribal agencies (districts) and six frontier regions of the FATA and subsumes the same to come under the standard Pakistani laws that are applicable in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The increasing firepower of the Pakistani military (earlier through Operation Zarb-e-Azb) in the region, more recently with the questionable counter-neutralising of over 100 terrorists in the aftermath of the terror attack in Sehwan, and the frequent cross-border firing and attack, across and into the Afghanistan border, has upped the ante of the co-Pathans on both sides of the invisible Durand Line.

While it is still early days for the immediate spectre of a return to the ghosts of a Pathan nation or Pasthunistan  but with the Afghan Taliban on the ascendancy in Afghanistan (they too reject the Durand Line) and with a irritable Pathan populace on the other side in Pakistan, apparently suffering a second-class treatment, allusions to the war of independence in 1919 (also known as the Third Anglo-Afghan War), when Pathans on both sides of the Durand Line meshed and fought for a common cause, always lurks menacingly in the shadows. Hypothetical dissolution of the Durand Line tantamount to questioning Pakistani sovereignty on 60 per cent of its controlled land mass  this after the blow of Bangladesh in 1971 could be disastrous for the integrity of Pakistan, specially with other areas like Balochistan smarting under Pakistani ham-handedness. Islamabad would do anything to curb opening yet another frontier of friction for its severely overstretched resources, therefore it would continue playing its dangerously patented, divide and rule policy of pandering to certain specific elements/groups of terrorists in the region, who would act as proxies of the Pakistan state and continue checkmating notional threats from Afghanistan and India, as indeed keep the restive and temperamental Pashtuns divided amongst themselves.

The Afghans know that the Durand Line issue is a weak spot for Islamabad and an emotionally uniting issue amongst Pathans on both sides, which could tie the Pakistani state into intractable knots. No technical legality of the principle of uti possidetis juris (honouring borders signed during/with colonial powers) will cut ice with the Pathans on either side. Similarly, Pakistanis disagree on a 100-year shelf life for the Durand Line treaty, as that makes its legality untenable  the Pathans are always prone to invoking their uncompromisable izzat, codes and the feudal camaraderie to make a common cause. With a disgruntled and traditionally armed Pasthun population, not just on the Durand Line but also spread out across other Pakistani provinces (Karachi itself has over seven million), the vulnerability of the Pakistani state to control the growing Pathan angst and ire, should it escalate even further, will be severely tested.
Encrypted messaging services like WhatsApp must make their platforms accessible to intelligence agencies, a top British security official has declared amid reports that the Westminster attacker used the service minutes before his assault on Parliament.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said it is "completely unacceptable" for messaging services to provide end-to-end encryption that means security services cannot listen to plots being discussed.

"We need to make sure that organizations like WhatsApp, and there are plenty of others like that, don't provide a secret place for terrorists to communicate with each other," she said.

Rudd also urged technology companies to do a better job at preventing the publication of material that promotes extremism.

British police investigating the attack on Parliament that claimed four victims and wounded dozens say they still believe the assailant acted alone and they have no information indicating that further attacks are planned.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said it may never be possible to fully determine the motives of attacker Khalid Masood, who was shot dead Wednesday after running over pedestrians with an SUV on London's Westminster Bridge and fatally stabbing a policeman guarding Parliament.

"That understanding may have died with him," Basu said Saturday night as police appealed for people who knew Masood or saw him to contact investigators. "Even if he acted alone in the preparation, we need to establish with absolute clarity why he did these unspeakable acts, to bring reassurance to Londoners."

The Islamic State group has claimed Masood was a "soldier" carrying out its wishes for supporters to attack Western countries.

One man remains in custody in the case. He has not been charged or named. Nine people arrested after the assault have been freed without charges and one has been freed on bail. A detailed police reconstruction has found the attack lasted 82 seconds before Masood was shot dead just after entering Parliament grounds.

The family of slain police officer Keith Palmer released a statement thanking those who tried to save his life. "There was nothing more you could have done. You did your best and we are just grateful he was not alone," the statement said.

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Fans and others all over the world took to the internet after reacting with delight, disgust and pun.

Samsung revealed it much awaited Galaxy flagships yesterday. The media event was held in New York and lasted less than an hour where Samsung showed off the Galaxy S8 and S8+ along with its new features and accessories. However, fans and others all over the world took to the internet after reacting with delight, disgust and pun simply due to the previous flagship Note 7 disaster and the obvious  envy. Check out some of the hilarious tweets that took to the air after the Samsung Galaxy S8 launched.

Much respect to my brave colleagues on the ground inspecting the new Samsung Galaxy S8 https://t.co/53VuU3ZxYR pic.twitter.com/PFz5kvVlkK  Casey Newton (@CaseyNewton) March 29, 2017

@CaseyNewton hope it has smoke detecting feature which enables sprinklers in emergency   H C (@hemanthkakumanu) March 29, 2017

Samsung literally just did everything Apple is doing with the iPhone 8... before Apple could do it.



What a bunch of gangsters. #GalaxyS8 pic.twitter.com/qvS6i8VHXN  Jon Prosser (@jon_prosser) March 29, 2017

The #GalaxyS8 makes the iPhone 7 look absolutely ancient. Its gonna be a long few months, Apple fans. https://t.co/BMBvokLrxx pic.twitter.com/WaHGG0sxG2  Geoffrey A. Fowler (@geoffreyfowler) March 29, 2017

And the regular #GalaxyS8 with an iPhone 7 pic.twitter.com/FFFLKvN3Xn  Dominic Preston (@dompreston) March 29, 2017

@dompreston and suddenly iPhone looks like an old tech.  TruthWillSetUfree (@faithfulshines) March 29, 2017

@dompreston apple fan boys are shitting their pants already   Alex (@Alexander_NYC_) March 29, 2017

got an advanced look at the #galaxyS8 & it smelled good & was cool against my face skin & was definitely a phone pic.twitter.com/69vKPLVATc  venmo famous meat (@AlexisGZall) March 29, 2017

Reminder: The next new iPhone will likely look something like this. (Slimmed down bezels, no physical home button, and OLED screen) https://t.co/4MZQLPG4nl  Shira Ovide (@ShiraOvide) March 29, 2017

@geoffreyfowler @LiLMiniJ You know what would make the Galaxy S8 cooler? If it were an iPhone.  Grace (@NotALostGirl00) March 29, 2017

With inputs from The Telegraph, UK.

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Samsung unveiled its Galaxy S8 flagship smartphone as it battles to regain the market leadership it lost to Apple after the embarrassing withdrawal of the fire-prone Note 7s.

Boasting some of the largest wrap-around screens ever made, the long-awaited S8 is the South Korean technology company's first new premium phone since its September recall of all Galaxy Note 7 smartphones equipped with fire-prone batteries. Samsung halted their sales in 10 markets, and the phones were banned from aircraft in the United States, denting a revival of the firm's mobile business.

Two versions of the Galaxy S8, code-named Dream internally, were launched at a media event in New York on Wednesday, with 6.2-inch (15.75 cm) and 5.8-inch curved screens - the largest to date for Samsung's premium smartphones. They will go on sale on April 21.

"We must be bold enough to step into the unknown and humble enough to learn from our mistakes," D.J. Koh, the company's mobile chief, said at the event after acknowledging that it had been a challenging year for Samsung.

US carriers T-Mobile US and Verizon Communications announced retail pricing for the smaller S8 around $700. The larger phone will sell for $840 at Verizon and $850 at T-Mobile.

The S8 features Samsung's new artificial intelligence service, Bixby, with functions including a voice-commanded assistant system similar to Apple's Siri. There is also a new facial recognition application that lets users unlock their phones by looking at them.

Samsung is hoping the design update and the new features, focused on making life easier for consumers, will be enough to revive sales in a year Apple is expected to introduce major changes to its iPhones, including the very curved screens that have become staples of the Galaxy brand.

The S8 is also crucial for Samsung's image as a maker of reliable mobile devices. The self-combusting Galaxy Note 7s had to be scrapped in October just two months after their launch, and the recall was particularly damaging, investors and analysts say.

"The Galaxy S8 is the most important phone for Samsung in a decade and every aspect will be under the microscope following the Note 7 recall," said Ben Wood, a veteran smartphone industry analyst with UK-based CCS Insight.

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He confessed to his crimes at trial, but said drugs and alcohol had made him unaware of what he was doing. (Representational image)

Bogota: A well-heeled Colombian architect was sentenced to more than 51 years in prison Wednesday for raping and murdering a seven-year-old indigenous girl, in a case that has shocked the country.

Rafael Uribe Noguera, 38, was sentenced to 51 years and 10 months without possibility of parole and fined $25,000 for kidnapping, assaulting and killing the young girl on December 4, 2016.

"The punishment imposed on Rafael Uribe Noguera must reflect our entire society's profound condemnation," the judge said before reading out her sentence.

Uribe Noguera, who hails from a wealthy Bogota family, snatched the girl from the city's east side and took her to a luxury apartment where her body was later found.

He confessed to his crimes at trial, but said drugs and alcohol had made him unaware of what he was doing.

Prosecutors had asked for a sentence of 60 years, the maximum in Colombia.

They and the girl's parents said they would appeal for a harsher punishment.
Washington: Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna has said the US needs to "remain open" to immigrants who contribute to creating jobs and help shape the economy, as he called for "common sense" reforms in the H1B visa system.

Khanna, who represents the Silicon Valley where a large number of Indians and other immigrants work, said many Americans believe the H1B visa programme needs to be reformed.

"Of course, we have to end the abuses. We shouldn't have companies that have more than 50 per cent H-1B visas and we should make sure that they are paid the prevailing wage," Khanna, a first-time Congressman, told PTI in an interview.

"These are common sense reforms that even people like Venk Shukla (TiE Silicon Valley leader) and many Americans believe in, let's fix the system, end the abuses but make sure we recognise the role of immigrants in creating jobs," he said.

The H1B is a non-immigrant visa that allows American firms to employ foreign workers in occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. It is highly popular among Indian techies and the technology companies depend on the programme to hire tens of thousands of employees each year.

Khanna, who was elected to the US House of Representatives last November and was sworn in as a Congressman this January, said, "We have to remain open to immigration, people coming here who can contribute jobs and help the economy."

Khanna also pushed for strong relations between India and the US, in particular the trade ties. "There's a strategic partnership in advancing market security interests. India provides a large export market for American products with a large growing middle class. That can help create jobs in the United States," he said.

"They both share values of democratic pluralism of a respect and tolerance for different faiths, a respect for dissent, a respect for robust journalism, a respect for

spirituality. I think that there is the common values also," Khanna said, adding he looks forward to visit India soon.

Condemning the recent hate crimes against Indian-Americans and Indians, he said the community has tremendously contributed to jobs, innovation, and service to the armed forces.

"There's been an outpouring of support, both from Democrats and Republicans, to say that hate crimes and hate speech have no place in the United States," he said.

Khanna is working with other Indian-American lawmakers Pramila Jayapal and Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ami Bera, and with Congressman Joe Crowley to make sure they have a federal task force that deals with hate crimes.

"We've had tremendous support in a coalition, republican and Democrat colleagues, from people like John Lewis, and from the Hispanic-American caucus. It's a broad coalition. From the Jewish-American community, there's concerns about anti-semitism. It's a broad coalition that believes that this

country doesn't have any place for hate, or hate speech," hesaid.

The election of a record number of five Indian-Americans to the Congress for the first time, is giving the community a lot of confidence, he said. "A sense of inspiring young people to seek careers in public service, to go into the military, to

go into foreign service. It has really inspired, I think, many young folks to answer the call to service," Khanna said.
Cruz, who belongs to a wealthy family, fled to Spain after this incident was subsequently extradited to Mexico.

Veracruz: In a bizarre verdict, a 21-year-old man accused of abducting and raping a schoolgirl was freed by Mexican judge on the grounds that he didnt enjoy himself.

In an incident which happened on the New Years Eve in 2015, the accused, Diego Cruz, along with four others had abducted the 17-year-old victim and sexually assaulted her, reports Washington Post.

The judge in his verdict mentioned that although Cruz had touched the victims breasts and penetrated her with his fingers, he had done so without carnal intent  and so was not guilty of assault.

Adding to it, judge noted that Cruz touched the minor and, at the same time, did not intend to reach a vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse.

In his verdict, judge noted Touching or incidental rubbing, be it in a public or private place, would not be considered a sexual act, if the element of intent to satisfy a sexual desire at the expense of the passive subject is absent.

Shattered by the verdict, the victims father, Javier Fernandez, said that with this legal protection anybody would be able to touch a young girl without penal consequences, as reported by local media.

Shocked and angry, the father said, they got away with the arrest order and now they are giving him legal protection two years later. This is a joke, its absurd.

Meanwhile, speaking out her heart the victim wrote in Facebook post that Im not hiding. Im not saying anything but the truth. I have nothing to repent.

Ive gone drinking. Ive gone to parties. Ive worn short skirts like many girls my age... and for that Im going to be judged? For that I deserved what happened? she wrote.

Cruz, who belongs to a wealthy family, was extradited to Mexico and fled to Spain after this incident.
New York: US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has claimed her mother, who had studied to be a lawyer in India, was not allowed to sit on the bench as a judge because of the situation with women in the country during that time.

"I am a big fan of women. I think there's nothing they can't do. And I think any democracy that has allowed themselves to really lift up women has benefited from it," Haley said when asked about the role of women following her

speech to the Council on Foreign Relations here on Wednesday.

She went on to briefly narrate the story of her mother's life in India where she was among the first female judges but was not allowed to sit on the bench as she was a woman.

"And so I think, this is near and dear to my heart because my mother you know, when you didn't have a lot of education in India, my mother actually was able to go to law school. And she was actually put up to be one of the first female judges

in India, but because of the situation with women she wasn't allowed to sit on the bench. But how amazing for her to watch her daughter become governor of South Carolina and US ambassador to the United Nations," Haley said.

Haley was born Nimrata Randhawa to Ajit Singh Randhawa and mother Raj Kaur Randhawa, who had emigrated from India to Canada and then to the US in the 1960s.

However, Justice Anna Chandy was the first female judge in India and also the first woman in India to become a high court judge. She was was appointed as a munsif in Travancore in 1937.

Haley added that nations' goal should always be to empower women and show how they can be fantastic leaders, "and to help them get there and when they are successful, support them on it and encourage them on that."

Underscoring that legal immigration is the fabric of America, Haley added that she is the "proud daughter" of Indian immigrants and stressed that people should not be banned from countries due to their religion.

"I'm the proud daughter of Indian immigrants who reminded my brothers, my sister and me everyday how blessed we were to be in this country," Haley said responding to questions.

She said she believes that the fabric of America is "legal immigration. So from that standpoint that is something that is near and dear to my heart and I very much support."

Haley was asked if Trump's immigration policies and vetting people coming in from Muslim majority nations carry the risk of alienating the three million Muslim-Americans already in the country.

"We should never ban based on religion. Period. I don't think that's what this is," she said adding that there are another dozen Muslim countries that could have been on the list of the seven countries on Trump's executive order but are

not.

"We will never close our doors in the US but what we did do is take a pause and say how are we going to keep our people safe," she said adding that she hopes the vetting process gets better and the administration moves forward with it.

She said Trump's travel ban aimed to make sure that no danger comes into the country. "This is not about not wanting people in. This is about keeping the terrorists out," she said.

Haley referred to the recent terror attack in London, saying "when you look at situations like what happened in London, not just the president but everyone is trying to make sure we are keeping our people safe."

The attack on the UK Parliament, however, was perpetrated by a man identified as Khalid Masood who, according to media reports, was not an immigrant but born in the county of Kent in southeast England.
Las Angeles: A Pakistan-born doctor announced Wednesday that he is joining the 2018 race for lieutenant governor on a platform of saving the Affordable Care Act, providing free community college education and fighting what he termed "Donald Trump's hate."

"I am a proud Muslim and I love America," Dr. Asif Mahmood said at a news conference in front of the downtown federal building that houses a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office.

"President Trump continues to attack people like me: immigrants, people of color and Muslims," Mahmood said. "I say President Trump has it all wrong. It's time to get tough on hate. California must be the leader of the Trump resistance, and I will fight him every step of the way."

The pulmonologist said he came to the United States because he wanted his family to live in a place "that celebrates diversity and tolerance."

Born in a small, rural village, Mahmood moved to Kentucky in the 1990s to complete medical school. He came to Southern California in 2000 and lives near Los Angeles with his wife and three teenage children.

As a first-time candidate, Mahmood's challenge is to build a statewide coalition, potentially anchored to civil rights. He starts as a virtual unknown and Muslims make up a tiny percentage of people living in California.

To be competitive and grow beyond a niche candidacy, he must craft a message that resonates with the large, diverse pool of voters in a state that is home to 1 of every 8 Americans.

Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, the incumbent, is barred by term limits from seeking a third term and is running for governor. Mahmood, a Democrat, said he did not think his religion would be an obstacle in a state known for diversity.

Mahmood said his experience running a medical practice and volunteering at free clinics that treat poor populations gave him the credentials to campaign for health care reform.

He supports protecting Obamacare and expanding Medicare to cover everyone.

California's lieutenant governor post is largely ceremonial, but the lieutenant governor leads the state when the governor travels outside it and can break tie votes in the state Senate.

The lieutenant governor also has a seat on the board of regents of the 10-campus University of California. Mahmood said he would use it to influence higher education reform.

Mahmood said he wants to provide a free community college education and doesn't support fee hikes, such as the recent California State University tuition increase.

"I believe that education is the main asset that any nation can have, any society can have," he said. State Sen. Ed Hernandez, also a Democrat, is the only other declared candidate for lieutenant governor. The field is sure to grow ahead of the November 2018 vote.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker's office said the committee was told by the State Department that it plans to proceed with the sale. (Photo: AP)

Washington: The Trump administration has told Congress it plans to approve a multibillion-dollar sale of F-16 fighter jets to Bahrain without the human rights conditions imposed by the State Department under President Barack Obama.

If finalised, the approval would allow the Gulf island to purchase 19 of the jets from Maryland-based Lockheed Martin Corp., plus improvements to other jets in Bahrain's fleet. Though Congress has opportunities to block the sale, it is unlikely it will act to do so, given the Republican majority's strong support for the sale.

The decision is the latest signal that the Trump administration is prioritising support for Sunni-led countries seen as critical to opposing Iran's influence in the Mideast over human rights issues that Obama had elevated.

Bahrain, home to the US Navy's 5th Fleet and an under-construction British naval base, is a predominantly Shiite island off the coast of Saudi Arabia ruled by a Sunni monarchy.

Government forces, with help from US allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, crushed the 2011 uprising by Shiites and others who sought more political power.

Under Obama, the US withdrew approval before the fighter jet deal was finalised because it said Bahrain hadn't taken steps it had promised to improve human rights.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker's office said the committee was told on Wednesday by the State Department that it plans to proceed with the sale. The State Department declined to comment.

The notice triggers a 40-day "consultation" period in which committee staff can review a draft of the Bahrain approval, ask questions about the sale and raise any concerns. Then the State Department will send a formal notification to Congress, setting off a final, 30-day review period, during which Congress could pass a joint resolution or take other steps to stop the sale.

Lockheed had lobbied strenuously for the sale's approval, even as rights groups and pro-democracy activists urged the administration not to jettison human rights conditions.

Brian Dooley of the Washington-based group Human Rights First said decoupling the sale from such conditions would "encourage further repression" and fuel instability during a tense period for Bahrain.

"The sale will send exactly the wrong signal to the dictatorship: that the White House thinks the political crackdown is not just morally acceptable but also not dangerous, when in fact it's what's fueling the country's instability," Dooley said.

But Corker, a Republican from Tennessee, praised the move and said the caveats would have been "unprecedented and counterproductive" for security and human rights.

"There are more effective ways to seek changes in partner policies than publicly conditioning weapons transfers in this manner," Corker said in a statement.

Among the steps the Obama administration had sought from Bahrain was the release of Nabeel Rajab, a famed human rights activist who helped lead the 2011 protests.

Rajab, whose trial has been repeatedly delayed, awaits sentencing on a charge of spreading "false news" via Twitter over his posts about the ongoing Saudi-led war in Yemen, as well as allegations of torture by authorities at a local prison.

The State Department said as recently as this week that it was calling for Rajab's release. The US has said Bahrain lacks evidence against him. Since the beginning of a government crackdown nearly a year ago, activists have been imprisoned or forced into exile.

Bahrain's main Shiite opposition group has been dismantled. Lawmakers recently approved military tribunals for civilians while its feared domestic spy agency regained some arrest powers. Independent news gathering on the island also has grown more difficult.

Meanwhile, a series of attacks, including a January prison break, have targeted the island. Shiite militant groups have claimed some of the assaults. Bahrain has accused Iran's Revolutionary Guard of training and arming some militants, something the Shiite regional power has dismissed as a "futile and baseless lie."

Bahrain's government and Lockheed did not respond to requests for comment. In prepared remarks before a hearing Wednesday of the US House's Armed Services Committee, the head of the US military's Central Command acknowledged the delay in the fighter jet sale to Bahrain "continues to strain our relationship."

"We continue to urge the government of Bahrain to reverse steps it has taken over the past year to reduce the space for peaceful political expression in its (Shiite) population and have encouraged the Bahrainis to implement needed political reforms in the country," US Gen. Joseph Votel said.
Mahrukh and Shoaib, who were born in Pakistan, told NBC Washington that their home was burgled and their Quran was torn. (Photo: Screengrab)

Washington: A Pakistani-origin familys home in the US has been ransacked by burglars who scrawled hate graffiti on a wall and stole their green cards along with $25,000 worth of gold in an apparent bias-related incident.

The family, residents of an apartment in Fairfax County, Virginia, returned home from a weekend away and found their apartment ransacked with the words (expletive) Muslims scrawled on a wall, they told police.

Mahrukh and Shoaib, who were born in Pakistan, told NBC Washington that their home was burgled and their Quran was torn. Fairfax County police are investigating the crime as a burglary and bias incident.

I was crying. It was bad. It was bad, Mahrukh was quoted as saying.

Family members green cards were taken, along with more than $25,000 worth of gold they received as a wedding gift. The drawers and cupboards had been emptied, the beds were stripped, and the mattresses were overturned.

But the discovery of the torn-up Quran was the most painful discovery, the family said.

Shoaib said the crime had stunned him. He had felt safe in the neighbourhood, where his family moved just last month from Dubai. Mahrukh and Shoaib said they believe who ever damaged their home meant to burgle it and then vandalised it once they realised they were in a Muslim home.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has called for a hate crime investigation. What may have begun as a break-in clearly ended as a possible hate crime, CAIR spokesman Ibrahim Hooper said in a statement.

The message of hate left at the scene and the damage done to religious texts indicate the need to investigate a bias-motive for this crime, he said. Friends of Mahrukh and Shoaibs family started a GoFundMe page to help them rebuild.
US senators warned on Thursday of Russias unprecedented threat to American and European democratic institutions as they opened their first public hearing into Moscows interference in the 2016 presidential election.

With the main House probe in political disarray, the Senate Intelligence Committee took the lead investigating how Russia allegedly sought to skew the election in favor of President Donald Trump.

The hearings opened with testimony by academic experts on Russias history of political meddling, and will include more than 20 witnesses as the committee delves into allegations of collusion with Moscow.

On the witness list are top figures from Trump's election team suspected of communicating with Russian officials during the campaign.

The American public, indeed, all democratic societies need to understand that malign actors are using old techniques with new platforms to undermine our democratic institutions, said Republican committee chair Richard Burr.

This is not innuendo or a false allegation. This is not fake news. This is what actually happened to us, said Democratic Senator Mark Warner, the committees vice chairman.

Warner had on Wednesday claimed that upwards of 1,000 paid internet trolls were working out of a facility in Russia, in effect, taking over series of computers, which is then called a botnet. US senators also warned that Europe is now experiencing the same type of computer hacking and disinformation campaign that the United States did.

Some of our close allies in Europe are experiencing exactly the same kind of interference in their political processes. Germany has said its parliament has been hacked. French presidential candidates right now have been the subjects of Russian propaganda and disinformation, he added. Trump has branded the Russia story fake news and has said Democrats are trying to undermine the legitimacy of his victory in the November 8 election.
Najib said the nine Malaysians prevented from leaving North Korea "have now been allowed to return to Malaysia". (Photo: AP)

Kuala Lumpur: The body of Kim Jong-Nam will be returned to North Korea and nine Malaysians in Pyongyang allowed to leave under a deal struck between the two countries, Malaysia Prime Minister Najib Razak said Thursday.

North Korean citizens in Kuala Lumpur will also be allowed to return home, Najib said in a statement, which was confirmed by North Korean state media.

"... following the completion of the autopsy on the deceased and receipt of a letter from his family requesting the remains be returned to North Korea, the coroner has approved the release of the body," said Najib.

The half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un was poisoned with the lethal nerve agent VX in a brazen Cold War-style assassination on February 13 in Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

The killing triggered a bitter row between Malaysia and North Korea, which expelled each other's ambassadors and barred their citizens from leaving.

Najib said the nine Malaysians prevented from leaving North Korea "have now been allowed to return to Malaysia".

"They took off from Pyongyang today at 7:45 pm (1145 GMT) Malaysian time, and will land in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow around 5:00 am," he said in the statement that referred to Kim Jong-Nam as "the deceased" rather than by name.

"I had a deep personal concern about this matter, and we worked intensively behind the scenes to achieve this successful outcome.

"Many challenges were overcome to ensure the return of our fellow Malaysians. The safety and security of our citizens will always be my first priority."

Two women -- one Vietnamese and one Indonesian -- have been arrested and charged with the murder. Airport CCTV footage shows them approaching the 45-year-old victim and apparently smearing his face with a piece of cloth.

South Korea has blamed Pyongyang for the killing, citing what they say was a standing order from Kim Jong-Un to kill his exiled half-brother.

But the North denies this and has denounced Malaysia's investigation as an attempt to smear the secretive regime.

Pyongyang has also refused to confirm the identity of the victim, who was carrying a North Korean passport bearing the name of Kim Chol when he was killed.

It had insisted that the man died of a heart attack and his body should be handed over to them. Malaysia however has officially confirmed his identity using DNA evidence and had said it was waiting for his next of kin to claim the body.
The victim was blindfolded and pushed, face first, off the roof. (Photo: Twitter)

Mosul: In yet another horrifying incident, the Islamic State (IS) group militants executed a prisoner by throwing him off the roof of a high-rise building in Iraq's Mosul after discovering his sexuality.

According to a report in Daily Mail, ISIS militants carried out the brutal act after they came to know that the victim was gay.

The execution was carried out in a public place amid jeering crowd who had gathered to watch the victim being stoned to death before being thrown off the roof.

Images released by the terror group show the victim being blindfolded and pushed, face first, off the roof. Moreover, the militants had kept rocks on the street with which the crowd could stone the victim the moment he fell down.

This is not the first time Islamic State has awarded its prisoners with inhumane punishments. In a similar incident in December 2016, a man was blindfolded and thrown the top of a building in Maslamah City in Aleppo, Syria, then pelted with stones by a fanatic mob for being gay.
Islamabad: A senior Pakistani prosecutor has been accused of blackmailing dozens of Christians after he allegedly asked them to embrace Islam to avoid conviction in the killing of two Muslims in mass violence two years ago.

Violence erupted in Youhanabad Christian neighbourhood of Lahore on March 15, 2015 after suicide blasts targeted Sunday mass in two churches. Some 42 Christians were charged with lynching two Muslim men, suspecting them of involvement in the blasts.

Joseph Franci, a rights activist who is legally assisting the accused, said that Deputy District Public Prosecutor (DDPP) Syed Anees Shah told the accused that they can be acquitted if they renounce Christianity, The Express Tribune

reported.

"He told them if they embrace Islam, he can guarantee them their acquittal in this case," Joseph said. The activist said the accused remained silent and were

dumbfounded.

Naseeb Anjum Advocate said that the public prosecutor's offer was not new and added that he had also given this offer to some of the accused about six months back but they rejected it.

"They believe in independence of the court, but why is the DDPP blackmailing them?" He asked. "The government should get rid of such elements that bring

bad name to the state by such acts."

Shah, when contacted, said that he did not ask them to embrace Islam, but conceded that he offered them a choice when he was told that the accused have a video recording of what he said, the report said.

The minorities in Pakistan in the past have been accusing Muslim clerics of forcibly converting them to Islam but it is for the first time that a state functionary used conversion as an incentive to dodge legal proceeding.
Islamabad: Pakistan today accused India of interfering in its internal affairs and funding terrorism on its soil.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Nafees Zakaria, at his weekly briefing, said the arrest of alleged Indian "spy" Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan was proof of New Delhi's support to militancy.

"The whole world is aware of India's interference in Pakistan and the fact that they are involved in funding terrorism in the country," he said.

Zakaria also expressed concern over the safety of 'Jinnah House', the residence of Pakistan's founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah in south Mumbai, after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha demanded that the building be demolished and a cultural centre built in its place.

Zakaria said that the Indian government should realise the importance of the building and show respect towards it.

"We have clarified our position on the Jinnah House matter to the Indian government," he said.

Zakaria said that the United Nations and the international community should take notice of "grave human rights violations" by Indian forces in Kashmir.

"We are deeply saddened, shocked and strongly condemn the continued bloodshed of innocent and defenceless Kashmiris", he said.

Talking about the killing of three civilians and a militant in Kashmir on Tuesday, Zakaria said the incident happened when the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation's

Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) was visiting PoK to "gather personal account of those Kashmiris who suffered from Indian brutalities".

"Members of IPHRC have taken note of the grave situation of human rights violations" in Kashmir, he said.
Kathmandu: India's new envoy to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri on Thursday called on Prime Minister Prachanda and discussed the "entire gamut" of relations between the two countries while promising to ensure cordial bilateral ties.

Puri met Prachanda at the Prime Minister's official residence Baluwatar in Kathmandu. They discussed an "entire gamut of extensive bilateral ties between India and Nepal," an Indian embassy source said.

Prachanda congratulated the newly-appointed envoy and said his tenure would strengthen the ties between Nepal and India. Puri said he would work to ensure cordial relationship is maintained and bilateral ties get a boost during his tenure.

Puri, a 1982 batch IFS officer, was on March 10 appointed as India's 24th ambassador to Nepal. His predecessor Ranjit Rae completed his three and a half year tenure on February 28.

Before being assigned to Kathmandu mission, Puri was India's ambassador to the European Union, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Puri arrived in Kathmandu on Saturday and presented his credentials to President Bidya Devi Bhandari at a ceremony the next day.
A group of Muslim councillors left the Meerut Municipal Corporation House as soon as other members started singing Vande Mataram, following which a proposal to terminate their membership was passed.



The proposal put forth by Mayor Harikant Ahluwalia of the BJP also made it clear that any members opposing Vande Mataram will not be welcome in the House.



The Muslim members, however, said they will continue to boycott Vande Mataram "as the Sharia law does not allow them to sing it and that they will move court over the issue if necessary".



Ahluwalia said: "The seven Muslim councillors of the House had walked out of it on Tuesday when other members started singing the national song. They returned after some time, but I refused to let them in."



The proposal to terminate their membership was yesterday passed at a meeting of the municipal board, the Mayor said.



He said it is a serious issue and all members, barring Muslim councillors, were sincere about singing "Vande Mataram".



"We will not allow members, who are against the singing of Vande Mataram, to sit in the House, when it assembles next. We will even go to jail, if required, over it," he said.



Reacting to this, councillor Shaahid Abbasi said: "We are being looked at with suspicion even when we ready to lay down our lives for our country."



Councillors Diwanji Sharif and Arshad Ulla said: "Our religion... the Sharia law does not accept Vande Mataram. We are ready to tender resignation but would not sing it."



Terming the Mayor's proposal to terminate their membership as a "Tughlaqi diktat", they said they would move court against it.
Youths who storm the encounter sites in the Valley to hurl stones at security personnel are committing suicide, Jammu and Kashmir Police today said and appealed to them to refrain from such activity.



"In the encounter, even security forces and police take cover of a bulletproof vehicle or a house. Youths coming to the encounter sites are committing suicide," Director General of Police S P Vaid told reporters here.



He appealed to the youngsters not to rush to the encounter sites, saying they were being misled and misused by elements inimical to peace in the Valley for their short-term political gains.



"A bullet does not know whom it will hit. My appeal to all the young boys is that they should remain in their homes and not come to encounter sites. The youth must understand that they are being used by people for their short-term political gains," he said.



The DGP said the inimical elements were misusing social media to instigate the youths to hurl stones at security forces to help militants flee.



"I would say this is misuse of social media by elements inimical to peace in the valley and to our country.



"The moment an encounter starts, they activate around 300 WhatsApp groups, each having more than 250 members, and other social networking websites like Facebook, instigating young boys to reach the encounter site and throw stones so that the terrorists escape from the spot," he said.



The J&K top cop said these WhatsApp groups and other social media accounts were being monitored and action will be taken against people operating them.



"Some of these accounts have been traced across (the border). It is an attempt by the enemies of India to create problems. All these numbers are being monitored and we will take action against those operating them from here," he said.



The DGP urged the people to think about the families of those who lost their lives during the incidents of stone- pelting recently.



"Think of the mother, father, sister or brother of those who died two days ago. People will forget those who died after 10 days. Their family suffer the most. We all would be doing our jobs," he said.


The Delhi High Court today refused to stay trial court proceedings in connection with a criminal defamation complaint filed against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.



Justice I S Mehta, however, granted exemption to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders from personal appearance on April 6 before the trial court in the matter.

"Let the proceedings before the trial court go on.



"I am giving relief that they (Kejriwal and Sisodia) are exempted from appearing in person before the trial court on April 6," the court said.



It said that the two will file an exemption application through their counsel before the trial court, which should be decided as per law.



The court's direction were issued during hearing of a petition filed by the two AAP leaders, who sought quashing of the criminal defamation complaint filed by advocate Surender Kumar Sharma.



The two also sought a stay on the proceedings before the trial court, which is yet to frame issue in the matter.



The leaders contended that the order of the trial court summoning them was "erroneous".

They also said that a false complaint has been filed against the chief minister and his deputy.

The high court today issued notice to complainant Sharma in the matter and asked him to file his response by July 28.



It also asked the Delhi police to file status report in the matter.Besides Kejriwal and Sisodia, the complainant has also named Yogendra Yadav in his complaint.



Yadav was a member of the National Executive of the AAP until 2015, when he was expelled for alleged anti-party activities.



Later, he floated his own party Swaraj India -- which is going to contest municipal corporations election in Delhi.



Sharma had alleged that in 2013 he was approached by volunteers of AAP who had asked him to contest the Delhi Assembly elections on a party ticket, saying Kejriwal was pleased with his social services.



He filled up the application form to contest the polls after being told by Sisodia and Yadav that AAP's Political Affairs Committee had decided to give him the ticket.



However, it was later denied to him. On October 14, 2013 the complainant claimed, articles in leading newspapers carried "defamatory, unlawful and derogatory words used by the accused persons" which have lowered his reputation in the Bar and the society.



Opposing the complaint, the AAP leaders submitted that cancellation or allotment of an election ticket is the prerogative of the party.



"Party has asked him if any cases were pending against him to which Sharma had said nil. Later it was found that several case were pending against him and he had concealed this information.



"Kejriwal did not issue any press release against Sharma. The party had issued the press release. So no defamation case made out against Kejriwal," the counsel for the two submitted.



On the basis of the complaint, the trial court had sought their presence before it in the matter.



It, however, had granted bail to Kejriwal, Sisodia and Yadav, after they had appeared before it in pursuance to summonses against them.



The summonses were issued on the complaint under sections 499, 500 (defamation) and 34 (common intention) of the IPC, with the trial court saying there was prima facie material to summon the accused.



While issuing summonses against AAP leaders, the trial court had said, "The press release published in newspapers as well as testimonies of witnesses reflect that defamatory remarks were published in the newspaper which affected the reputation of the complainant in the society and lowered his reputation in the eyes of other members of the society."
The Shiv Sena today said airline companies were behaving like "goons" by letting terrorists take flights but imposing restrictions on the common man as it remained defiant on domestic airlines' blanket ban on its MP Ravindra Gaikwad.



The Shiv Sena MPs, ahead of their meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on the fly ban issue, said that dictatorship has not yet started in the country and asked whether Air India will first tender an apology to the MP as they had started misbehaving first.



"What has he (Gaikwad) done? The behaviour of the airline companies is like mafia and goons. In your companies, what is happening under your chair, you should see that. I would not say much as we are now going to meet the Lok Sabha speaker.



"But an FIR has been lodged against the MP. The MP has also lodged an FIR. The investigation is going on," party leader Sanjay Raut told reporters outside the Parliament.



Asked whether there should be a fly ban on Gaikwad, he said, "There should not be a fly ban on him. Is he a terrorist? Terrorists, underworld dons, corrupt people can fly in your airlines, but an MP, who is a common man, he would not fly."



Raut, however, did not provide any evidence of such people flying in the airlines.

"And moreover, the FIR has been lodged and the investigation is not yet complete. Who has done what, it will only be clear after the completion of the investigation. In this country, till now, dictatorship has not yet started. If they are doing it under pressure from someone, this pressure will also not work for long," he said.



State carrier Air India had recently barred Gaikwad, who had allegedly assaulted its staffer, from its flights and even cancelled his return ticket to Pune from Delhi.



Raut said that during the meeting, the MPs will tell the Speaker that democracy is still there in this country and if such dictatorship continues, "there will be one day, when these airlines will ground the Prime Minister as well as the Lok Sabha speaker."



"I will not speak much now. I will open up facts about the misdeeds (kala chitta kholunga) of these airline company owners. Who has relationship with whom in Dubai, Pakistan, whose money is travelling from one destination to the other, I will come out with it," he said.



Asked whether Gaikwad should apologise, Raut said, "Will Air India apologise? Let them start. Who started misbehaviour first. The airline company started it," he said.



Another party MP Shivaji Patil said that the inquiry should be conducted "freely and fairly" to determine who is at fault, whether Air India staff or the MP. "We do not want to shield anybody," he said before going into the meeting.



Asked about his meeting with Jayant Sinha earlier, the MP said, "He (Sinha) has assured that he will try his best to lift the ban particularly for the member to attend the Parliament proceedings.



"He told us that efforts were on to find out a way out of the situation. The party has not asked Gaikwad to stay away from Parliament."



Another MP Shrirang Barne said that the statements of both the sides should be heard as a case has been lodged on the issue.



"I will not support the mistake which Gaikwad did, but being an MP, he too has some right," he said.
A leader of persecuted Ahmadi Muslim community and relative of Pakistan's Nobel laureate Abdus Salam was today killed by the ISIS-linked Lashkar-e-Jhanghvi terror group which said it had sent another "infidel" to hell.



According to police, advocate Malik Saleem Latif and his son advocate Farhan were going to court in Nankana Sahib, some 80 kilometres from Lahore, when unidentified men opened fire on them, killing Saleem on the spot while injuring Farhan.



Farhan was taken to local hospital where his condition was stated to be critical.

Saleem was the cousin of Nobel laureate scientist Abdus Salam. He was president of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiya Nankana Sahib.



"A special squad of LeJ Riaz Basra Brigade today undertook the nobel cause of sending an infidel (Ahmadi) to hell. Saleem was spreading his sect's message in the area and he was wanted by Mujahideen of LeJ," Ali Bin Sufian, a spokesman of LeJ Al Alami, said on social media.



LeJ Al Alami, a faction of the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, has ties to the Taliban, al-Qaeda and most recently Islamic State militants. The group has been behind major terror attacks in Pakistan, including last month's suicide bombing of a Sufi shrine in Sindh province that killed more than 90 people.



LeJ was founded in 1996 as a militant offshoot of Sipah-i-Sahaba, a Sunni sectarian group that emerged in the mid-1980s. LeJ has claimed responsibility for the deaths of hundreds of civilians, mostly minority Shia Muslims.



Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiya spokesperson Saleemuddin said Saleem was killed for his faith.



"Advocate Saleem has been targeted purely for his faith and the government has failed to rein in those elements spreading hate openly against the Ahmadi community," he said and demanded immediate arrest of the culprits.



The killing of Saleem puts the spotlight back on Pakistan's problem of Ahmadi persecution. The issue is deep-rooted and dates back to pre-Partition of India.



In 2014, 11 Pakistani members of the Ahmadi community were reportedly murdered. At least six Ahmadis were killed in Pakistan in 2016 for their religious beliefs.



In 1984, Ahmadis were restricted from "misusing" the epithets, descriptions, titles reserved for certain holy personages or places of Islamic origins. They could not call themselves Muslim or propagate their faith.



In 1974, the then Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's regime amended the constitution to include the definition of a Muslim and listed groups that were consider non-Muslim.
The Border Security Force and the National Investigation Agency intercepted two consignments of fake Rs 2,000 currency notes along the Indo-Bangladesh border in January, 2017. Counterfeiters have managed to replicate eight of the 17 security features in these currency notes, which raise considerable concern.



It defeats one of the principal objectives of demonetisation: to rid the national economy of fake Indian currency notes (FICN) especially in higher denominations. It is necessary to comprehend the counterfeit currency network in order to combat it.

The FICN principally originates from Pakistan and is smuggled into the country through trains and trucks. It is also illegally transported through third countries such as United Arab Emirates, Nepal, Bangla-desh, Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. The Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence agents hand over the FICN to bona-fide passengers who act as couriers to transport the consignment through air. The international airports across the country therefore become the points of entry for FICN.



Indias porous land borders, especially with Nepal and Bangladesh are utilised by organised gangs to smuggle FICN into the country. Pakistani infiltrators and terrorists also carry these fake notes on them when they cross over into India. Moreover, given the vulnerability in the maritime security matrix, FICN is also known to have been routed through sea. After the FICN has been successfully smuggled into the country, it is exchanged for original notes at roughly 2:1 ratio or even higher.



Another aspect is that the Government of India procures currency-related paper, printing material and ink from a couple of European companies to produce its high denomination currency at the Indian Currency/ Bank Note Presses at Nashik, Mysuru, Dewas (Madhya Prad-esh). Pakistan has figured out these companies, and buys the same paper to print FICN. Therefore, the quality and texture of the Pakistan-produced FICN is almost on par with genuine Indian currency notes which makes it very difficult to detect.



The spurt in circulation of fake notes started since 2006 and roughly coincides with Pakistans intensification of its proxy war against India. Islamabads objectives are to subvert the Indian economy and to fund terror networks to operate against the country.



Investigations reveal that terrorists incurred Rs 5 crore to trigger improvised explosive device blasts in Hyderabad in 2007, which was paid in FICN. Similarly, the terror attack on the IISc, Bengaluru, in 2005 was undertaken at a cost of Rs 30 lakh which was generated mainly through FICN.



Apart from national security, fake currency poses huge socio-economic problems. Its impact on crime rates in the society is serious as more and more educated unemployed youth gravitate towards the counterfeit racket. Clearly, it is a form of economic warfare that Pakistan has embarked on against India.



Complexity of challenge

Considering the complexity of the challenge that FICN poses to both the national economy and security, a multi-pronged approach is required to counter it:

It is important to stay ahead of counterfeiters. The RBI should constantly upgrade both paper-based (security thread, water mark, fluorescent fibres, and physical and chemical characteristics of the paper) and print-based (anti-photo copying feature, optically variable ink see through effect, intaglio printing etc) security features of the Indian currency. People should be made aware of these security features. All bank branches should have note sorting machines to detect fake notes which enter banking channels.



Use of credit/debit cards and digital transactions should be encouraged instead of cash transactions. In a country where a large number of people dont have a bank account, this may take time, but is achievable.



Effective inter-agency channels among the state police forces and central intelligence agencies are necessary. In order to ensure policy coherence among these agencies, which should not work at cross purposes in their assessments, perceptions and counter-measures, they should constantly interact with each others problems. This collaboration between the security agencies will keep them ahead of counterfeiters.



India cannot afford to be dependent on external sources for currency-related paper/inks and should increase indigenous production through enhanced R&D besides technology transfer. Also, India should use its diplomatic leverage to ensure that overseas companies contracted to supply India-specific paper maintain confidentiality and avoid sales of currency related printing material to Pakistan. New Delhi also should press relentlessly through Interpol to extradite criminal elements involved in the FICN network based in foreign countries.



India should offer to train Nepalese and Bangladeshi Customs and Immigration Department officials in surveillance and identification of frequent fliers to Dubai, Dhaka, Colombo and other neighbouring countries. New Delhi could install hi-tech luggage scanners at international airports in Kathmandu and Dhaka to screen passenger luggage before boarding.



(Manoharan is Associate Professor, Department of International Studies and History; Nikita is studying her Masters, Christ University, Bengaluru)
Renewing its effort to get the air travel ban on party MP Ravindra Gaikwad revoked, the Shiv Sena on Thursday urged Lok Sabha Speaker, Sumitra Mahajan to give necessary directions to airline companies as the restrictions were hampering his legislative work. A delegation of Shiv Sena parliamentarians met the Speaker on Thursday with a plea that the travel ban on Gaikwad, who is accused of assaulting an Air India employee, was a violation of his fundamental right.



It is also an injustice to people of his constituency. Gaikwad is a public representative and the travel ban is affecting his legislative work, Vinayak Raut, a Sena member from Sindhudurg, told reporters after the meeting. Sena leaders also wondered whether the airlines were acting under pressure from someone.



If they are doing it under pressure from someone, this pressure will also not work for long, Sanjay Raut, Rajya Sabha member, said. There are murmurs within the Shiv Sena that the BJP was trying to get even with it given the testy relations the two parties share in Maharashtra, where it runs a coalition government.



In early March, the BJP had avoided a showdown with the Sena after the elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. The BJP, which finished just 2 seats short of Sena, did not contest the Mayoral elections allowing Sena a virtual walkover.
Stating that civilians who march towards the encounter sites were committing suicide, Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police S P Vaid on Thursday said bullets dont see who they hit. A bullet does not see who is coming or who it will hit. Youths should stay at homes. Those coming to the encounter site are committing suicide, the DGP said in the backdrop of the recent killing of three youths in Budgam area of central Kashmir during a stone-pelting protest.



He said even security forces take cover of a vehicle or house to avoid being hit by bullets. The police chief blamed Pakistans spy agency for trying to instigate and provoke innocent boys to reach the site of exchange of fire. As per the inputs received, ISI is trying to instigate and provoke innocent young boys to come out of their houses and reach the site of exchange of fire, an official statement quoting the DGP said.



There are also recorded messages indicating that as soon as an encounter begins, the Pakistan propaganda mill immediately gets into action. The state government has issued advisories on encounters several times asking people to stay away from gun battle sites to avoid collateral damages during anti-militancy operations. The police have imposed a ban on assembly of people within a radii of 3 km of an encounter site and advised people to stay indoors and not peep out of their windows to avoid being hit by stray bullets.



Army chief General Bipin Rawat had last month warned of tough action against those attacking security forces. However, people in large numbers, especially youth, come out of their houses and chant pro-azadi slogans on seeing security forces arriving in their area to take on militants. They move close to the encounter sites and target security forces with stones to help militants escape the security cordon. In some cases in the recent past, womenfolk have also joined them.




The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Karnataka Lokayukta police to conduct a thorough probe into the alleged role of former chief ministers N Dharam Singh and H D Kumaraswamy and others in de-reservation of 11,797 square kilometres of forest in Ballari and other areas, leading to large-scale illegal iron ore mining.



The apex court also decided to monitor the probe and sought a report from the SIT after three months.



However, another former chief minister S M Krishna, who recently quit the Congress and joined the BJP, got relief as the apex court said that the investigation against him shall remain stayed as directed on January 27, 2012 and reiterated later.



A bench of Justices P C Ghose and R F Nariman granted three months time to the SIT to file the report before it after probing the roles of Dharam Singh and Kumaraswamy and several IAS officers.



The court also restrained all other courts including the high court from passing any order in the matter and said, We will keep it pending and we want to monitor it. During the day-long hearing, the court said it wanted to see some action in the case as there was no action taken on the reports of the Lokayukta.



Abraham T J, a Bengaluru-based activist, was earlier told by the Supreme Court to bring out the precise paragraphs of the report prepared by the then Lokayukta Justice N Santosh Hegde, indicting the then chief ministers and bureaucrats in de-reservation of 11,797 square kilometres of forest in Ballari district, resulting in huge losses to the government.



Will cooperate

Dharam Singh on Thursday said that he would cooperate with the SIT, which would

be probing into the mining scam.



Speaking to journalists in Bengaluru, who sought his reaction to the Supreme Courts direction, Dharam Singh said that Justice Santosh Hegde has already cleared him of the charges in the illegal mining cases.



On Wednesday, JD(S) state president Kumaraswamy said he welcomed the apex court direction to the SIT to submit its report within three months. He said he would cooperate with the investigating agency.




Failure to link Aadhaar numbers to bank accounts will deny the job card holders with their wages from April 1, he said. Undue delay in discharging the duties amounts to corruption. The bankers should be friendly towards their customers, he suggested.



Citing an example of how a sex worker, who had applied for a loan under a government-sponsored programme to lead a dignified life, was made to run from pillar to post by a public sector bank in Mangaluru, Ravi said when the government announces a scheme for vulnerable sections of the society, it is announced with a social commitment for the welfare of the community.



He called upon the bankers to sensitise their staff and not to pass arrogant comments on the background of the applicant. The bankers should also work on declaring 81 villages in Dakshina Kannada as cashless villages.



RBI assistant general manager B N Gopinath called upon the bankers to push for digital payment and reduce the cash handling. The financial literacy centres should create awareness on digital mode of payment among the villagers. The rural banks in the district should organise at least one camp on digital payment in a month, he said. All the villages that have more than 5,000 population should have a bank branch as per the guidelines of the RBI, he added.



Scrapped notes

Gopinath said the scrapped currencies received by the banks from customers should be kept in the currency chest of the banks till further directions from the RBI. To a query on NRIs possessing demonetised currencies, he said the NRIs should show the junked notes to customs officials at the airport and get declaration form stamped. The declaration will have to be submitted at RBI, Chennai, while depositing the junked currency, he added.



Increase CD ratio

Banks in Dakshina Kannada district have been asked to improve their credit-deposit (CD) ratio. Syndicate Bank DGM N S Somayaji said that CD ratio as on December 31 was 53.87% showing a decrease of 5.39% to corresponding CD ratio of 59.26% as on December 31, 2015. He called upon the banks to adopt strategies to improve the CD ratio during the ensuing quarters.



Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer M R Ravi urged bankers to seed Aadhaar card numbers of job card holders under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme to their bank accounts at the earliest.Speaking at a district-level review committee meeting for banking development and district credit plan for 2017-18 here on Tuesday, he said 11,049 bank accounts of job card holders are yet to be linked with Aadhaar card numbers, even after submitting consent forms.
Former minister and member of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) Nafees Fazal has resigned from the partys membership.



In a letter to Congress president Sonia Gandhi on March 28, Fazal has said, I was humiliated by the state Muslim leaders as our chief minister being new to the party gave them a free hand. Some of the central leaders have no time to hear the party workers grievances and have an attitude.



In the copy of the letter which has been released to the media, Nafees has not named the Muslim leaders who humiliated her.



She said she was the first Muslim woman to be made a minister in Karnataka. She has tendered her resignation from the AICC and the primary membership of the Congress party. Reasons best known to you, I was unable to get an appointment to meet you and share my grievances with you, she told Sonia in her letter.



Nafees said she joined the Congress in 1978. She a was minister in the S M Krishna government. Recently, Krishna quit the Congress and joined the BJP.
The fact that migrant votes could swing the pendulum in their favour has been on the minds of national political parties who are scurrying to secure every single vote that can help them gain ground over their rivals. The parties are thus reaching out to those voters who migrated from Gundlupet taluk to Kerala and other districts in search of jobs.



National parties had already been briskly campaigning for their respective candidates but they have now started making calls to the migrants. The parties have been trying to convince voters to return to the district before April 9 to cast their votes in favour of their candidates.

Parties are going all out to persuade migrants that their vote could make a difference. With the polling only a few days away, party functionaries have sourced the electoral list with the photographs of voters. Leaders visit villages and collect information from local workers about those who have migrated to other places. They later call the voters luring them to return for a day to cast their vote.



A multitude of issues have contributed to people migrating from Gundlupet. The most prominent among those being a failure of both pre and post monsoon rains pushing the region to a severe drought. Moreover, Gram Panchayats too failed to provide jobs to locals under National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA). With agricultural activities coming to a nought, most people moved to other districts and Kerala in search of jobs.



Under NREGA, each labourer is paid Rs 224 per day in the district but they are not paid on a daily basis. The amount is also remitted directly to their bank accounts which left the beneficiaries unhappy. They would frequently argue with the officials seeking payments on time.



Annurukeri, Bheemanabeedu, Shivapura, Koothanuru, Bannitalapura, Berambadi, Channamallipura, Kaggaladahundi are the areas worst affected by drought and people here have moved to estates in Kerala to eke out a living. Some have also become construction workers as estate owners and construction companies in Kerala pay labourers Rs 500 to Rs 600 per day.






He said that Congress leaders Mallikarjuna Kharge and G Parameshwara were exerting pressure on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to ensure that the caste census, conducted by the State Backward Commission, is not published.



CM deserves Nobel for lies

Commenting on the assurances given by the chief minister, Eshwarappa said, Siddaramaiah is an expert in spinning lies. If a Nobel Prize for the best liar is instituted, it should go to Siddaramaiah.



He ridiculed the recent felicitation accorded to Siddaramaiah by the Coordination Committee for Dalit Organisations in Bengaluru and said that it was unfortunate as the chief ministers contribution for the upliftment of Dalits has been zero.



With a bad track record of not spending over 50% of the funds earmarked for the welfare of SC/STs, it is unfortunate that Siddaramaiah is projecting himself as a champion of Dalits. Of the Rs 19,500 crore earmarked in the budget for Dalits, only Rs 9,500 crore has been spent. The CM should at least fix a deadline for spending the remaining amount. Siddaramaiah has announced that the cap on reservations would be increased from 50% to 72% on the lines of Tamil Nadu. Constitutionally, reservations should not exceed 50%. He should spell out how he is going to do this and in how many months. Moreover, Christians and Muslims are not the private property of the Congress party, he said.



He exuded confidence that the BJP would get a majority in the Assembly elections next year and B S Yeddyurappa would be the Chief Minister. Congress will get only panganama, he said.



During an election meeting in Gundlupet on Thursday Opposition Leader in the Legislative Council K S Eshwarappa suggested the voters to receive money from Congress but vote for BJP. Eshwarappa was addressing a public meeting in Chikkati village. He said, Energy Minister D K Shivakumar is distributing Rs 4,000 per voter to cast his/her vote for the Congress. Voters should take the money but cast their vote for BJP.
The woman employee of Cafe Coffee Day (CCD), who had slapped a customer, has lodged an FIR against him for misbehaving with her. Law student Arpan Verma has been booked under IPC Sections 354 (assault or use of criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage modesty), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 506 (criminal intimidation). As per the complaint, Verma and his friend visited the cafe on March 12. They shot a video of the employee, Priyadarshini, thus invading her privacy.



The video shot by Verma showed cockroach in the CCD refrigerator and later, Priyadarshini slapping him. It had been trending on social media a few days ago. Meanwhile, CCD has taken Priyadarshini off duty. A statement issued on behalf of the cafe chain said the incident is currently under thorough investigation.



The lady team member referred here hails from rural Odisha and is part of the programme run by NGO Gram Tarang to uplift the weaker sections of society and girl children specially. She underwent rigorous training on joining us to become a team member and was posted in Jaipur.



As per the lady team member, she had objected to her video being taken by the customer and her repeated requests were also not heard, thus invading her privacy. Till the time thorough investigation is being done, she has been kept off duty, it said. The CCD outlet was locked soon after the controversy broke out. The staff of the outlet took away all the belongings and moved their base.




The row over the title of Karmapa  the spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism  has taken a turn with one of the two claimants relinquishing monkhood and marrying his childhood friend. Thaye Dorje, who claims to be the 17th Karmapa, married his childhood friend Rinchen Yangzom in a private ceremony in Delhi last Saturday. Thaye, who is now 33-year-old, however, did not give up his claim to be the reincarnation of the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje.



My role and activities as Karmapa will continue as before  with the single exception of conducting ordinations, he said. Thaye entrusted another senior lama of the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism to conduct ordinations. As Karmapa, I will continue to protect and preserve our beloved lineage, and strengthen the monastic sangha through initiatives such as the new Karmapa Center of Education, Thaye added in a statement posted on his website. Thayes wife Rinchen Yangzom was born in Thimphu and studied in India and Europe. Though the two had been friends since childhood, Thaye, who was born in Tibet and grew up in India, proposed to Yangzom according to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition early this year.



Thayes rival is Ogyen Trinley Dorjee, who fled from China to India in 2000 and has been endorsed by the Dalai Lama  the supreme leader of all sects of Tibetan Buddhists. The dispute divided the Kagyupa sect into two factions, each owing allegiance either to Ogyen or Thaye. The two factions are also engaged in a legal battle over the control of the Rumtek Monastery, which is very close to the India-China Line of Actual Control in Sikkim.



A source in the Tibetan government in-exile based in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, said that Thayes marriage with Yangzom might further strengthen his rival Ogyens claim to the title of Karmapa.




The court showed urgency and fixed May 11, the day the summer vacations of the apex court begin, for hearing questions about the Constitutional validity of the practices raised by several women, supported by the Union government. A bench of Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice D Y Chandrachud rejected the objections raised by Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, senior advocate Kapil Sibal and another counsel, citing personal difficulty in arguing the case during summer vacations.



There is no compulsion. If you don't want, we will also enjoy our vacations...then don't blame arrears of cases, the bench told the counsels, pointing out that in 2015, the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) case was also heard during vacations.



Court unhappy

For years, all these cases remain pending and for further more years, it would remain pending, the bench said, expressing its displeasure about the counsels reluctance.



Senior advocate Raju Ramachandran, who appeared for All India Muslim Personal Law Board, and Attorney General Rohatgi, among others, contended that since the apex court had already posted two other matters  right to privacy in use of social media and whether the children of illegal Bangladeshi migrants born here can avail the benefit of citizenship under the existing law  before the Constitution bench, it would be difficult for them to argue those cases in simultaneous proceedings.



The bench, however, remained firm, maintaining that all those matters were posted during vacations after obtaining consent from the counsel. To this, Sibal replied, in that case, he preferred to withdraw his consent.



Ramachandran also wanted the matter to be heard in July. But the court fixed May 11 as the date to start the hearing and gave two weeks time to all the parties to submit their written note on the matter. The court even proposed to conduct the hearing on Saturday and Sunday.



The Supreme Court on Thursday referred to a five-judge Constitution bench the questions relating to the legality of triple talaq, nikah halala and polygamy, practised by Muslims in the country. Triple Talaq is divorce by husband by pronouncing talaq thrice, while nikah halala is a bar against remarriage with a divorced husband, without an intervening marriage with another man. Both these practices are mandated under the Muslim Personal Law.


Such acts do not detract from the deep belief of the government and people of India of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family). We will continue to welcome African people, including students and youth, as valuable partners, he said. B N Reddy, High Commissioner of India to Abuja, was summoned to Nigerias Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.



He was received by Olushola Enikanolaiye, permanent secretary at the ministry, who conveyed Abuja's concern over repeated incidents of its nationals being attacked in India. Nigeria conveyed that it expected the government of India to bring to justice those responsible for the attacks on four students at Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh on Monday.



The official told the Indian envoy that the prosecution of the culprits should act as a deterrent to such assaults on Nigerian students in India. Enikanolaiye pointed out that the Greater Noida incident was not the first of its kind as Nigerians in India had also been assaulted in the past, sources told DH.



Reddy briefed Enikanolaiye on the steps taken by the administration of Gautam Buddha Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh following the assault. The police had registered cases against seven people, five of whom have already been arrested. The police also registered cases against hundreds of unknown people.



A mob assaulted the four Nigerians after some local residents blamed African people studying and living in the city for the death of a local youth, apparently due to narcotics abuse. The investigation is on and the law of the land will prevail, Baglay said. He said MEA officials had been in touch with the High Commission of Nigeria in New Delhi.



On the purported attack on a Kenyan woman in Greater Noida, Baglay said the MEA had learnt that incident was not of the nature as reported previously. There has been a meeting earlier today with Kenyan diplomats. It has been conveyed to us that the understanding of Kenyan authorities is that the reported incident of attack on the Kenyan woman in question does not correspond to reality, said Baglay.



With Nigeria conveying its concern over recent assaults on its students in India, New Delhi on Thursday said it would continue to welcome people from the West African nation. New Delhi, however, refrained from terming the recent assault on the Nigerians in Greater Noida near the national capital as hate crime or a racially motivated attack.Pending the investigation it is not correct to go into the nature and the reason for these particular activities, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay told journalists here. Baglay said the incidents of assault on Africans in India were acts of the uninformed and the misguided few.
A 32-year-old woman was arrested for attempting to steal valuables, after sneaking into the ladies hostel of the Indian Institute of Science earlier this week. The accused, who was later let off, was identified as Aarthi Devyani, a resident of Bhoopasandra and a native of Nagpur. The incident has raised several questions over security at the premier institutes campus.



According to the police, on Monday evening, Aarthai entered the ladies hostel and was searching for valuables when she was spotted by a security personnel. As she was a stranger, the security personnel took her to the seniors who later registered a police complaint after questioning her. She told the police that she had lost her way into the campus and was looking for somebody to help her. The Sadashivangar police registered a case and are further investigating.



Guards arrested

In another case, the Sadashivanagar police have arrested two security guards of Kendriya Vidyalaya, who had stolen a computer and a television set from the principals office on March 24, 2017.



The accused Prem and Lakshman, both from Nepal were arrested based on the CCTV footage which had caught them in the act of crime. The duo had quit their jobs two years ago, and had ventured into the campus on March 24, 2017 and made away with the electronic goods worth Rs 2.8 lakh, the police said. The police traced the duo from their house in Nandini Layout and recovered the stolen property.


The Kapil Sharma Show Is All Set To Welcome Someone New In Their Team!
Vidya Balans Begum Jaan Might Not Release In Pakistan!
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A sex worker is touring the UK in a motorhome offering sex for cash, to the anger of residents and frustration of powerless police.

Whitby sex worker 'Kirie', 34, is on a UK-wide 'sex tour' which has already stopped off at towns in the North of England, before arriving at Coventry then London.

She has yet to bring her 'sex tour' to Devon, however according to an adult profile she has 22 more towns and cities to visit.

Offering 50-a-time sessions inside a vehicle 'pimped out' with a double bed, her actions have sparked fury from onlookers who describe 'queues' outside it.

Onlookers claimed punters queued in daylight outside a large VW camper van Cannon Street on Tuesday.

"Just before lunch there were six guys looking at their phones as they stood outside the camper van," said a nearby trader.

"It had been parked there since 10am. I called the police but they said they were too busy.

"It is disgusting and they have no shame as people have to work around here."

The man, who asked to remain anonymous, said he became aware of advertised sex sessions after a workmate tipped-him off.

Stills from her movies include ritualistic-style sex parties, with Kirie clad in chains as she's surrounded by ghoulish cloaked men.

The witness said he was stunned to see her turn up on the industrial estate. However, on her escorting profile, Kirie claims her best asset is her "smile".

It also features a "menu" of x-rated services starting from 30.

Kirie claimed she would be at her "usual spot" for the "group" sessions which she advertised for 1pm - with a further appearance scheduled for 7pm.

But the onlooker who called police claimed she wasn't alone during her whistle-stop one-day Teesside jaunt.

"There was another bloke with her who looked like the WWE star The Undertaker," he said.

Cleveland Police confirmed officers were called over the alleged activity but told the caller there was nothing it could do.

A spokesperson said due to it being advertised online, and inside a vehicle with blacked out windows, no laws had been broken.

Her Adultwork profile, which has been viewed over 21 millions times, shows plans to visit at least 22 further towns and cities during the rest of her tour.

On it, customers have left glowing reviews - praising her "lovely motorhome" and ability to hold a "great witty conversation."

Original report by Gazette Live .
After months of speculation, leaks and rumours, Samsung has finally unveiled its latest flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S8 and the larger Galaxy S8 Plus. Almost everything that we saw and read in leaks seems to have come true. Besides the two good looking phones, Samsung also made a bunch of other announcements including a new Gear VR headset with a motion controller, an updated Gear 360 camera, a new AI enabled virtual assistant named Bixby and much more. Here are the biggest announcements made at the Galaxy S8, S8 Plus 'Unpacked' launch event.

The Phones

There is no doubt that the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus are two very good looking devices. However, looks can be subjective so lets get down to the meat. As rumoured, the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus have launched with two processor variants. The U.S. version of the smartphones will get the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Platform, while we in India will get Samsungs own Exynos 8895 SoC. Bezel-less displays are here to stay, now that Samsung has joined the party. The Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus sport 5.8-inch and 6.2-inch almost bezel-free 'Infinity' displays respectively. While the Galaxy S8 is a tad bigger than the iPhone 7, it is smaller than an S7 Edge, keeping with current smartphone size trends. Displays of both devices have an aspect ratio of 18.5:9, which can cause an issue while watching videos as most of them have an aspect ratio of 16:9. So, if you are watching films on the new S8 devices, you could have black bars on the sides of the videos and that really defeats the purpose of Samsungs unusual choice of aspect ratio. The company however says that videos that are available in 21:9 ratio will be scaled to fit the devices display through a software tweak. Moreover, both the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus feature iris scanners and facial recognition. On the camera front, both phones have 12MP rear modules with OIS and f/1.7 lens. The front camera now has an 8MP sensor with f/1.7 lens, with autofocus. Click here to read about all additional specs and different variants of the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus. Pricing of the Galaxy S8 starts at $720 (Rs 46,753 approx), while the S8 Plus starts at $840 (Rs 54,545).

Bixby, the virtual assistant

As expected, both Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus house the Bixby virtual assistant to compete with Apples Siri and Googles Assistant. Bixby is powered by Artificial Intelligence and gets its own button on both devices. Like other virtual assistants, Bixby brings voice controls to both smartphones. It is also deeply integrated with 10 Samsung apps as of now, which will offer voice control functionality. So, you can do things like rotate a photo in the camera app using your voice, recognise objects through Bixby Vision by pointing the camera towards them, and in some cases translate a language or generate a buy link for the same, set alarms, reminders, open apps, search the web and more. Samsung claims anything that can be controlled by touch, can be controlled using Bixbys voice commands. In the future, the company hopes that people will be able to control their ACs and refrigerators using Bixby. The company also hopes that developers build apps that support Bixby.

New Batteries!

Samsung is applying all its learning from the Galaxy Note 7 battery explosion fiasco and the new Galaxy S8, S8 Plus come with refreshed batteries that will hopefully keep the phones in one piece. The Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus are powered by 3000mAh and 3,500mAh batteries respectively. A little while ago, Samsung had shared its new eight-step battery testing process, created to make batteries safer for future devices. We hope Samsung has implemented the same while putting together the new phones.

Refreshed VR headset and new controllers

A refreshed Gear VR joins Samsungs product galaxy this time. The new Gear VR was announced back in February at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and has now finally launched. Gear VR now includes a VR browser, new interface, and customisable avatars. To make it more convenient for users to interact with apps in the VR environment, the Gear VR comes with a motion controller this time around. The controller has a curved design and a touchpad, making it easier to hold in the hand. Samsung says the new controller will help reduce head movements during VR experiences and give users more room to interact with games. In many ways the Gear VRs controller is quite similar to that of the HTC Vive. The controller will come bundled with the new Gear VR headset at a price of $129 (Rs 8,376 approx), whereas it can also be purchased separately for $39 (Rs 2,532 approx).

360 Camera gets an upgrade

Samsungs Gear 360 has also been upgraded and the new camera was announced at the companys Unpacked event in New York along with everything else. Samsung has now made the camera compatible with the iPhone and added 4K shooting, live streaming capabilities. Samsung has not announced a price and availability for the new Gear 360 yet.

An all new gadget!

The Samsung DeX Dock was rumoured a few days before the launch of the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus. Samsung is basically following Microsofts approach with Display Dock, as DeX can dock the Galaxy S8, S8 Plus to turn any monitor into an Android computer, well almost. It uses an HDMI port to connect to a monitor and has provisioned for connecting a keyboard, mouse, with two USB ports. A USB Type-C port powers the device, which has an inbuilt cooling fan to keep the phones from overheating. Samsung says, "DeX's completely redesigned Android UI is optimized for use with a keyboard and mouse and includes multiple resizable windows, contextual menus and a desktop version Web browser. Key collaborations with Microsoft and Adobe enable Samsung DeX compatibility with Microsoft Office and Adobe mobile apps, including Adobe Acrobat Reader mobile and Lightroom Mobile." Samsung has also partnered with VMware, Citrix and Amazon Web Services for virtual desktop streaming. The DeX Station also incorporates Adaptive Fast Charging (AFC) technology to charge your Samsung smartphone while connected to the dock. Prices for the DeX dock have not been revealed yet, although Samsung says the device may be bundled with the Galaxy S8, S8 Plus in select markets. The smartphone has become the central point for the modern mobile professional, and when giving a presentation or editing documents remotely, it means they can work effectively using just their smartphone. We developed Samsung DeX with the highly mobile worker in mind, giving them a convenient and flexible desktop experience, said Injong Rhee, CTO of the Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics.
The Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ smartphones are here, and they not only look good but going by the specifications, should offer heightened performance over their predecessors. In India, the devices will be powered by the new octa-core Exynos 8895 chip Samsung has been teasing via its twitter handle, but the U.S. will get the new Snapdragon 835 version. Both the Galaxy S8 and S8+ feature 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, which can expanded further via a microSD card.

Both devices have a display size of 5.8-inch and 6.2-inch respectively, with an 18:9 ratio and a bumped up resolution of 2960 x 1440p. The display itself is again Super Amoled and we think it will be just as good as last time. The only thing which has been kept almost the same is the rear camera. It essentially has the same specs as last time, with a 12MP dual pixel sensor in place, but Samsung says it has improved the software to offer better image quality. At the front however you do a get a new 8MP autofocus enabled camera.

Unlike the rear camera though, which on initial inspection looks unchanged, there are quite a few upgrades and new features added to new S8 duo. Here are 5 such features:

Snapdragon 835

The latest chipset from the Qualcomm stable is likely to be the SoC of choice for many upcoming flagship smartphones, but Samsung had dibs on the platform and it will now see the commercial light of day with the Galaxy S8 and S8+. This is Qualcomms first SoC, which is manufactured using the new 10nm fabrication process. This not only makes the phone faster, but power efficient as well. The SoC also has an all new GPU, namely the Adreno 540, which has full support for OpenGL 3.2, Vulkan, DirectX 12, Renderscript and Opencl 2.0. Qualcomm claims that the new GPU is 25% faster.

Besides better performance, the new chip also has a cat16 class modem, which supports gigabit LTE and Wi-Fi. Samsung claims this will increase the download speed by up to 20%. However, that is something we need to check.

Besides Samsung's Galaxy S8 phones, we can expect upcoming phones from Sony, HTC, LG, OnePlus and Xiaomi to bring the 835 to India.

Bluetooth 5.0

Samsung also becomes the first device to offer Bluetooth 5.0. This new technology is almost twice as fast as the current gen Bluetooth 4.2 standard. The range has also increased and now connected devices can maintain a distance of up to 800 feet. This gives it an extended range of over four times of what can be achieved over a Bluetooth 4.2 connection. The new standard can carry 8 times the data and the best thing we feel is that you can connect two set of wireless audio devices.

Haptic home screen button

To get that almost bezel less display, Samsung has finally removed the physical home button that the Galaxy lineup had since birth. The three navigation keys now look much like on-screen keys, although Samsung has added its unique spin on the home button. The 'Invisible Home Button' is pressure sensitive, which will give a slight vibration as you press on it. It can be compared to Apples 3D touch display but unlike on the whole display, the haptic feedback works only under the home button.

Support for Mobile HDR Premium

Samsungs Galaxy S7 already supported HDR, but the new phones are Mobile HDR Premium certified. Mobile HDR Premium is a new mobile standard introduced by the Ultra HD Alliance in February this year. Its specifics include a resolution of 60 pixels per degree, a dynamic range of 0.0005 - 500 nits, and a colour space coverage of 90 percent of the P3 colour gamut with a 10 bit depth.

Now essentially this will provide better colours and sharper images, but currently there is no HDR content available for consumption on smartphone. Even the HDR 10 and Dolby Vision standards used by LG G6 are of no use at the moment. Content creators such as Netflix and Amazon Prime have plans to create content in this space, but you would have to wait for that to happen.

Bixby: Samsung first AI

Samsung was long rumored to be working on its own AI platform and it has taken shape in the form of Bixby. Samsung says that the new AI is not limited to smartphones and likely to be present in other smart devices from the company in the near future. Bixbys main functionality is to make using the device easier. For example, instead of you opening your photo gallery, you can call for bixby using the dedicated Bixby button on the S8 and say, Bixby, show me my photo gallery". Like Google Asistant it is also contextually aware and can understand natural language. Samsung demoed how the AI is integrated into the camera itself and can give you a list of options when you ask it to scan an object. For example you can point the smartphone camera at your watch and ask Bixby to show you other similar options. We have seen similar augmented reality tech in other cheaper smartphones so we are looking forward to how Bixby can be exploited for more productive use.

Samsung says, Bixby will learn more about you as you use the phone, but are you comfortable giving that access to Samsung? Well, we will try to answer this and more impending questions once the phone finally launches in India.
HTC Ocean willl feature 5.5-inch display and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 processor. The device is expected to go on retail sometime in May

HTC is reportedly launching its next flagship smartphone codenamed Ocean sometime in April. The handset is now expected to launch as HTC U and not HTC 11 and will hit retail shelves sometime in May. The smarthone will feature a 5.5-inch Quad HD display, Snapdragon 835 processor but its standout feature is expected to be a new gesture-based UI known as Edge Sense.

According to VentureBeat, the handset will be the third device in company's U series and will have multiple sensors embedded within the metal frame. The frame-embedded sensors will allow the user to navigate the device with gestures such as squeeze or left/right swipe from the sides. The HTC U will run Android 7.1 Nougat with company's own Sense 9 skin on top with contextual UI support.

The smartphone is expected to feature a 12MP Sony IMX362 image sensor on the back and a 16MP Sony IMX351 on the front. The camera results are likely to be similar to that of HTC U Ultra. The device will come in 64 or 128GB storage options and support microSD card slot. HTC has been struggling to compete against rival Samsung and Apple in the flagship smartphone space. With HTC U, the company could finally deliver on one of the most innovative smartphone in the recent time.
Rare and orphan disease-focussed pharmaceutical company Amryt Pharma posted its final results for the year to 31 December on Thursday - a year in which it raised 10m through a placing and reverse takeover in April.

The AIM-traded companys revenues totalled 1.35m, in line with management expectations, which included one month's revenue from Lojuxta which was in-licenced in December, and eight and a half months of contribution from Imlan following the acquisition of Birken.

Its operating loss before reverse takeover and acquisition-related expenses was 5.85m, including 0.23m of non-cash share based payments, widening from 0.6m in 2015.

Cash balances stood at 8.3m on 31 December, up from 0.2m, and the board said it viewed the prospects for the company's ongoing development very positively.

It has been a tremendously exciting year for the company, said CEO Joe Wiley.

Amryt has made significant progress, both strategically and operationally.

A landmark point came in December 2016 when we reached an agreement to in-license the drug, Lojuxta, which treats a rare, life-threatening disorder, HoFH.

Wiley said the agreement had provided the company with a cash generative product, with untapped sales potential, as well as a pan-European infrastructure which it could use for other drug assets.

He said building Lojuxta sales would be a major focus for the firm over 2017.

We also made very good progress with our drug candidates - AP101, a potential treatment for EB, a rare and distressing skin disorder with no approved treatment, and AP102, an earlier stage asset with the potential to treat acromegaly.

In December we secured a favourable funding facility from the EIB which will support our continuing development.

Amryt started the new financial year in excellent shape, Wiley said.

Very encouragingly, since the year end we have continued to experience strong sales of Lojuxta and this week we announced the commencement of our pivotal trial, EASE.

We expect to initiate the first patient imminently and anticipate the results of an interim analysis of this study in EB in early 2018.

We view prospects for the company's ongoing development very positively and look forward to providing further updates.
US investment banking giant JPMorgan Chase is said to be in talks to negotiate the purchase of a prime office property in Dublin to house 1,000 new employees.

The Wall Street bank had said ahead of last Junes Brexit referendum that it would consider the relocation of as many as 4,000 London jobs if Britain decided to split from the European Union.

Jamie Dimons bank has begun talks with property firm Kennedy Wilson over the purchase of the building in the Capital Dock area of the Irish capital, Bloomberg reported on Thursday.

British PM Theresa May gave formal recognition of the countrys departure from the bloc on Wednesday, kicking off a lengthy and complex process, during which many major companies will make decisions about their future in the new independent Britain.

This week has already seen partial relocations from Lloyds of London and AIG to European bases.

According to reports from several Irish media outlets, JPMorgan plans to move employees from its Georges Dock offices and as many as 500 more from its London operations if the negotiations are successful.

A statement released by the bank played down the reports, saying that "other options are still very much on the table."

Dublin is currently one of the main relocation hubs being touted as some companies consider moves out of the UK, with other major cities including Paris, Brussels and Frankfurt among those hoping to gain from Britains loss. Irelands low corporation tax makes it an attractive prospect for major multi-national firms.
UK ministers were forced on the defensive over claims that Prime Minister Theresa May had "threatened" to withdraw security co-operation from the EU if no Brexit deal was agreed by 2019.

In her six page letter to EU President Donald Tusk triggering the start of Brexit talks on Wednesday, May appeared to warn the EU against playing hardball over talks by pairing economic talks with those on security matters.

If, however, we leave the European Union without an agreement, the default position is that we would have to trade on World Trade Organisation terms. In security terms, a failure to reach agreement would mean our cooperation in the fight against crime and terrorism would be weakened, she wrote.

"Europe's security is more fragile today than at any time since the end of the Cold War. Weakening our co-operation for the prosperity and protection of our citizens would be a costly mistake."

Amid fury from Brussels at what some saw as a tactless attempt at blackmail, Brexit Secretary David Davis and Home Secretary Amber Rudd both tried to suggest there was no motive in linking the two items.

We have got to negotiate a replacement for that piece of the treaty, and that is what we are setting up to do. We have to do a negotiation, otherwise it wont be there, Davis told UK television on Thursday.

In a separate radio interview Davis said: What the prime minister was saying was that if we have no deal, and we want a deal, its bad for both of us. If we dont have a deal, what we are going to lose is the current arrangement on justice and home affairs.

On Wednesday night Rudd denied the allegation of a threat, but did state that security information would be withheld.

If you look at something like Europol, we are the largest contributor to Europol. So if we left Europol, then we would take our information  this is in the legislation  with us. The fact is, the European partners want us to keep our information there, because we keep other European countries safe as well, she told British television.

The European Parliament's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt, said he would not accept security being used as a bargaining chip for a trade deal.

When asked if he thought the EU was being blackmailed by May he said: I tried to be a gentleman towards a lady, so I didnt even use or think about the use of the word blackmail.

I think the security of our citizens is far too important to start a trade-off of one and the other. Both are absolutely necessary in the future partnership without bargaining this one against the other.

Gianni Pittella, the leader of the Socialist bloc in the European parliament called the demand "outrageous".

"This has not been a good start by Theresa May. It feels like blackmail, but security is a good for all our citizens and not a bargaining chip. We still hope that Theresa May can get back on the right track  This was not a smart move.
London stocks were set for a broadly flat open on Thursday as investors assessed the implications of Prime Minister Theresa Mays triggering of Article 50 a day before, kicking off divorce proceedings with the European Union.

The FTSE 100 was expected to open six points lower at 7,367.

CMC Markets analyst Michael Hewson said: Anyone expecting fireworks in the wake of the triggering of Article 50 yesterday would have been rather disappointed by events as the pound, after an early slide, managed to hold up rather well, as the day wore on.

For now the UK will have to wait for a much more detailed EU response with an outline likely by the end of the week and a detailed response at an EU summit at the end of April. This means the pound is likely to stay quite choppy, while businesses look to lobby politicians to try and get the best deal possible.

There are no major UK data releases due.

In corporate news, tobacco company Imperial Brands said it remained on target to hit first-half targets, with both revenues and earnings set to be up strongly at the reported level thanks to the weak pound.

As it previously guided, a 300m investment being made in 2017 into its brands will be biased to the first half, resulting in lower revenue and profit on a constant currency basis, with a stronger second half performance.

Diploma said it expected group first half revenues to be around 20% ahead of the comparable period, boosted by the impact of the substantial depreciation in UK sterling.

The group said it continued to trade in line with expectations. At constant exchange rates, revenues are expected to increase by around 6% with acquisitions completed during the last 12 months contributing around 1% net.

Medical technology company ConvaTec has expanded its insulin pump manufacturing partnership with Medtronic to meet growing demand.

The FTSE 100 companys subsidiary, Unomedical, has strengthened its capabilities to produce a range of infusion sets and insulin pump therapy solutions offered by Medtronics Diabetes Group.

Betting and gaming company William Hill announced that Ruth Prior will be appointed chief financial officer, effective later in the year.

The FTSE 250 group said Ruth was currently chief operating officer - and was previously deputy CFO - of Worldpay, a global leader in payments processing technology and solutions.
Home Secretary Amber Rudd was meeting with tech firm representatives on Thursday in an attempt to get them to do more to tackle terrorism, a week after an attack in London killed four people.

Rudd was scheduled to meet Google, Microsoft, Twitter and Facebook. She has been publicly critical of their use of encryption on message applications which puts the content out of police reach.

The Metropolitan Police said that Khalid Masood, who mowed down three people in a car on Westminster Bridge last week and then stabbed a policeman to death before being shot dead himself, had sent a message via WhatsApp before he started his attack.

WhatsApp messages are encrypted at origin and destination and can only be accessed via the users' phones.

However, Rudd has been accused of not grasping the subject, with industry observers claiming that any attempt to introduce a "backdoor" to applications increased access to vulnerabilities from hackers on crucial private data such as online bank details.

One industry expert, who declined to be named, told Digital Look that Rudd's suggestion was a recipe for more criminal activity, not less.

"Hackers and other attackers look for any weakness they can find, and a back door is a significant weakness that can and will be exploited for ill-gotten gain," he said.

"The last thing the home secretary should want to deal with is the private details of millions of Britons being circulated among criminals around the world, and yet bizarrely she is setting herself up for that precise situation. An successful attack on a back door is a case of when, not if."

Rudd said on Sunday that there should be "no place for terrorists to hide.

We need to make sure that organisations like WhatsApp  and there are plenty of others like that  dont provide a secret place for terrorists to communicate with each other.
Crude-oil futures continued to advance on Thursday but gains are likely limited as traders turn their attentions back to Opec production curbs.

The black liquid rose Wednesday after US Energy Information Administration data showed a less-than-expected build in stores. But, US shale production and a now chronic global glut of the precious liquid continue in play.

FXTM research analyst Lukman Otunuga said oil's gains may be limited as investors mull over the effectiveness of cartel Opec's supply cuts.

"As long as optimism continues to fade over Opec stabilising the saturated oil markets, bears will have many opportunities to attack prices lower," said Otunuga.

"From a technical standpoint, oil bears may exploit the technical bounce to send (WTI) oil prices back below $49."

At about 15:15 GMT, Nymex-priced WTI crude was up 0.63% to $49.82 a barrel. Intercontinental Exchange-traded Brent was ahead 0.17% to $52.51 a barrel.

Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets UK, said the loss of Libyan output due to geopolitical concerns along with a decline in Iraqi output in line with Opec production caps had "helped underpin prices in the short term".

He said WTI continued to remain below the psychologically important $50 a barrel level, while Mike van Dulken and Henry Croft, both analysts at Accendo Markets, said that grade of crude was looking to regain a $50 per barrel handle for the first time since 16 March.

Turning to Brent, Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at Oanda, wondered, given how little it had taken to trigger a 2% swing higher, whether a temporary bottom had been established.

"The next test (for Brent) comes around $52.65, with a break above this potentially triggering a move back towards $55," he added.

Meanwhile, on Comex, gold was down 0.43% to $1251.40 an ounce, with silver down 0.12% to $18.23 an ounce and copper up 0.22% to 268.35 cents a pound.

Van Dulken and Croft said gold's retracement from Mondays March highs had extended overnight as the US dollar rebound from 4-month lows continues.

"However, the precious metal may be relieved of some pressure as the US Dollar index approaches resistance, while the ECB looking to ease hawkish fears may help to increase appetite for the non-yielding safe haven asset."

Three-month industrial metals on London Metals Exchange were all firmly ahead. Zinc gained 1.24%, aluminum rose 0.82%, tin added 0.7% and copper advanced 0.58%.
Insurance premium finance-focussed finance group Orchard Funding Group announced its unaudited results for the six months to 31 January on Thursday, with the board reporting it lent 31.1m for the period.

The AIM-traded firm said that, on a like-for-like basis, an extra 7.5m of lending occurred - a 31.7% improvement on the six months to 31 January 2016.

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Shares in AIM-quoted Serabi Gold are up almost 8% as investors like its full-year results, which revealed a surge in pre-tax profit despite a weakening of Brazil's currency, the real.

The company's chief executive, Mike Hodgson, said Serabi produced 39,390 ounces of gold for the year, which was ahead of its production guidance.

-

Rare and orphan disease-focussed pharmaceutical company Amryt Pharma posted its final results for the year to 31 December on Thursday - a year in which it raised 10m through a placing and reverse takeover in April.

The AIM-traded companys revenues totalled 1.35m, in line with management expectations, which included one month's revenue from Lojuxta which was in-licenced in December, and eight and a half months of contribution from Imlan following the acquisition of Birken.

-

Home collected credit lender Morses Club announced the launch of Dot Dot Loans on Thursday, its first online instalment loans product.

The AIM-traded firm said the launch followed the purchase of Shelby Finance in January, which is fully authorised by the FCA to provide online instalment loans and now operated as a subsidiary of Morses Club.

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Information management software provider Ideagen has won two new five-year contracts from undisclosed large airlines, worth a combined 1.8m.

Both airlines will use Ideagen's cloud-based safety and reporting software product, Coruson, to implement a safety and risk management system across their operations.

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Bowleven has terminated the contracts of two executive directors and chairman Billy Allan has resigned from the Africa focused oil and gas group with immediate effect, following pressure from dissident shareholder Crown Ocean Capital (COC).

Allan, who had occupied the role for only 18 months and had the backing of most shareholders apart from 23%-owner COC in a recent emergency shareholder meeting, will be replaced by current non-executive director Christopher Ashworth, who has COC's backing.

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Shares in Harwood Wealth Management tumbled on Wednesday ahead of the companys equity placing to raise about 10m to fund potential acquisitions as part of its growth strategy.

The AIM-listed financial planning and wealth management group is planning to raise funds from an accelerated bookbuild of shares of 150p each.

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Shares in SRT Marine Systems are up almost 8% after it confirmed it had entered a contract to deliver a national MDM system for a country in the Middle East.

The system would enable continuous real time identification, tracking and monitoring of many thousands of leisure and commercial vessels operating in their territorial waters and EEZ (exclusive economic zone).

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EU Supply, an e-procurement software provider, has won a contract to upgrade its complete tender management (CTM) platform for an existing customer.

CTM is a tool that allows tenders to be created, distributed and evaluated without the need for paper documents, making the tendering process easier for buyers and suppliers.

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Agriculture and engineering group Carr's warned that profits for the year will be "significantly below" expectations, despite an improving UK agriculture performance.

On top of a delay to a significant contract in the UK manufacturing business, which was revealed in a trading update in January, the US feed block has also been hit by a slower than anticipated recovery in cattle prices.

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Oil and gas company Mayan Energy announced on Thursday that it raised 600,000 before expenses with institutional and private investors through a company arranged subscription of 12 billion new ordinary shares of no par value each at a price of 0.005p each.

The AIM-traded firm said the proceeds would be used to fund ongoing working capital and the Shoats Creek Field development.

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Shares in Sula Iron & Gold are up more than 5% after it emphasised its focus on exploration for the yellow metal, proposed a name change and commented that it believed there was a lot more gold to be found at the Ferensola Project.

Chief executive Roger Murphy said the company believed that there was a "lot more gold to be found at Ferensola and your board and operational team is focused on that process."

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Sigma Capital Group's equities are up almost 1% on news it is advancing plans for the possible launch and flotation of an independent and outside-of-London focused REIT.

"The proposed REIT would be managed by Sigma and invest predominantly in Private Rented Sector housing in the main English conurbations, and largest employment centres, outside of London. It is also intended that the REIT develops assets utilising Sigma's PRS platform," it said in a statement.
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ULI spring meeting May 2-4

The dates have been set for Urban Land Institute's spring meeting at Washington State Convention Center: May 2-4. The midweek gathering includes tours, panels, forums and speakers. There will be a pre-meeting railroad junket to Portland (May 1), as well as tours of the Seattle waterfront, Bellevue (including Microsoft and the Spring District), and South Lake Union. Social events will include a Capitol Hill bash hosted by restaurateur Matt Dillon at Optimism Brewing Co. and a Pioneer Square pub crawl/art walk during the regular First Thursday art walk. Details and registration: spring.uli.org.




Everybody saw this coming. The Republican-controlled Ways and Means Committee killed the latest effort by Democrats to get a glimpse of Donald J. Trump's tax returns.

The tax-writing panel held a hearing Tuesday, March 28, afternoon on H. Res. 186, a measure sponsored by committee member Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-New Jersey), that would have ordered the Treasury Secretary to provide 10 years of Trump's tax returns to the House.

New Jersey Rep. Bill Pascrell makes a point during the markup of his resolution seeking to see a decade's worth of Donald Trump's tax returns.

In addition to the president's returns for tax years 2006 through 2015, Pascrell's resolution sought other financial information, such as debts held by foreign governments, foreign investments and the use of tax shelters.

The committee rejected Pascrell's bill in a party-line 24 to 16 vote.

Limited Capitol Hill review: The New Jersey Democrat relied on Internal Revenue Code section 6103(f)(1) in crafting his request.

This law gives the Ways and Means Committee, along with Senate Finance and the Joint Committee on Taxation, the power to request the tax returns of an individual and review the materials "only when sitting in closed executive session, unless such taxpayer otherwise consents in writing to such disclosure."

Pascrell said the effort to see Trump's tax returns is a way to "follow the money" as it relates to potential connections between Trump and Russia.

GOP reject effort as political stunt: From the get-go, however, Republicans denounced Pascrell's proposal as pure politics.

"I'm going to keep my remarks short today because, frankly, this resolution is a procedural tool being utilized  and I think abused  for obvious political purposes," said W&M Chairman Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas) in his statement opening the markup.

That sentiment was echoed by Rep. James Renacci (R-Ohio), a tax professional who said he has audited, reviewed and prepared tax returns for 30-plus years and who called Pascrell's bill a "political mission." Rep. Kristi Noem (R-South Dakota) called it a "stunt that some even question the legality of."

"Tax returns do not list investments. They don't. What does list investments are the reports, the disclosure reports which Mr. Trump has done," Renacci said. "Let's face it, release of presidential tax returns by candidates is tradition, it's not law, and if we abuse the authority given to the tax-writing committee under 6103 of the tax code to obtain the president's tax returns in this manner, then I guess we can pick any political person we want to go after their tax returns."

Democrats seek foreign relations, tax info: Democrats, however, expanded their interest in Trumps returns from the Russian implications to other more tax-specific legislation that will come before the committee.

The president wants to lead the effort for tax reform, but is hiding his, said Rep. Sander Levin (D-Michigan).

"This committee has a role to play with reference to tax returns," added Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas). "This committee has a significant interest in these returns as it relates to the administration of our business, both with reference to our trade agenda  and with reference to our tax responsibilities."

Doggett raised the question as to Trump's motivation when it comes to tax reform that Ways and Means will consider. The Central Texas lawmaker elaborated:

"After all, this is a gentleman who has bragged during the course of his campaign  about his ability to manipulate members of the Congress and get pretty much whatever he wants in the tax code. 'I know our complex tax laws better than anyone,' President Trump said, 'anyone who's ever run for president and I'm the only one who can fix them.'

"The question is whether he's going to fix them for himself or fix them for the American people. And without those tax returns to know what conflicts may exist for him, what kind of self-dealing may exist for him, we will never know. 

"There is every reason why in terms of its work in tax and the fact that we are considering major tax legislation that we [as Ways and Means members] would want to know whether he will benefit personally and that's why he's advancing these various legislative changes."

Broken tax pledge: And Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-New York) took the president to task for misleading the American people regarding his returns. It's time for Trump to do what he pledged to do during the campaign, which is to release his tax returns, said the New York City Representative.

Now that the election is over, added Crowley, he's said he no longer has to hand over his tax returns because he's president. "That's right. He's president and we're not. We get that," said Crowley, his voice indicating a frustration that was felt by other Ways and Means' members during what at times was a contentious 2-hour hearing. You can watch the full session on YouTube.

In the end, though, the result was the same as two other Democratic attempts. Republicans voted to report the resolution "unfavorably" to prevent it from going to the full House floor for consideration.

Will there be a fourth try to get Trump's tax returns? Or, as Doggett said, is it clear that the Ways and Means committee has struck out on this issue?

Following the committee's vote, Pascrell vowed to "continue to make the case until Mr. Trump's returns see the light of day."

Do you still want to see Trumps taxes? Do you have questions about how any proposed tax code changes will affect and/or benefit the president, his family and his business? Or is it time to let the tax return quest go?

You also might find these items of interest:
A plane crash on Tuesday afternoon left one individual dead and the other with serious injuries.

Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett confirmed the crash that happened around 12:30 p.m. near Dadeville.

Jeanette Carol Currier, 66, and her husband 67 year-old David Lee Currier, were traveling to Sparta, Tennessee, from Enterprise in their single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza aircraft when the plane crashed near Slaughters Cross Road off of U.S. Highway 280.

Abbett said that Jeanette Currier died at the scene, and David Currier was airlifted by state helicopter to a hospital at Columbus, Georgia.

David Currier retired from the Army as a CW4, and currently works on Fort Rucker as an instructor pilot for URS contractors.

He was a professional and his peers and students really liked him, said a fellow employee and coworker of David Curriers. We went to church together and he was respected by everyone.

According to a post on the Curriers daughters social media account, the family is asking for prayers for their father who is now listed in critical condition at the burn unit in Atlanta.

The post also said that Jeanette Currier was an amazing example of love, kindness, forgiveness and faith, as well as a friend, cheerleader and dream maker.
Two warrants have been issued in regards to the Cannon Oil robbery, which occurred on March 22.

On Wednesday, the Enterprise Police Department obtained arrest warrants on two suspects involved in robbery at the Cannon Oil Station.

Enterprise Police Department detectives, with assistance from U.S. Marshals and the Bay County Sheriffs Office, executed arrest warrants for first-degree robbery and first-degree assault on Raynod Cortez Sistrunk, 19, of Enterprise and Roderick Dewayne Sistrunk, 23, of Enterprise in Bay County, Florida.

This is an ongoing investigation and additional arrests in connection with this robbery are pending.

The Enterprise Police Departments Criminal Investigations Division (CID) is investigating the robbery and asks that anyone with information regarding this crime to contact the Enterprise Police Department at 334-347-2222, or leave a tip at www.enterprisepd.com.
The Houston County Career Academy aims to provide real world experiences for its students. Members of the Alabama National Guard visited the school Wednesday to show how the training students are receiving now can help with future careers and further training with the guard.

More than 200 Houston County Career Academy students watched demonstrations of a variety of jobs available in the Alabama National Guard, including firefighting, medical occupations, bomb disposal, and others. Students got to try on fire gear, operate robots and perform other tasks related to National Guard occupations.

Sgt. Sarah Hendrix, a recruiter for the National Guard, said giving students a hands-on demonstration of what they could learn in the guard is more effective than a classroom lecture.

When youre in class, youre just going to fall asleep or look at your phone, she said.

Hendrix said serving in the guard provides students with a variety of opportunities. She said students can learn skills valuable to their civilian job or another job they may be interested in and take advantage of education funding to allow them to complete college studies.

You have more options and more of a backup plan, she said.

Hendrix said National Guard experience is often valued by employers, as it demonstrates aptitude and commitment.

Parker Burns is a Rehobeth High School student in the Houston County Career Academys fire program. With HCCA training, Burns will get the 160 hours of instructional time he needs to become a firefighter and will only need to attend a five-week training course after graduation. Burns checked out firefighting opportunities offered by the National Guard on Wednesday.

I definitely have respect for everyone who serves, he said.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Scott Baccigaloni said events like the one at the HCCA on Wednesday were effective recruiting tools for the Alabama National Guard.

Weve seen 25 percent interest, which is a good number for us, he said.
A plane crash on Tuesday afternoon left one local resident dead and the other with serious injuries.

Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett confirmed the crash that happened around 12:30 p.m. near Dadeville.

Jeanette Carol Currier, 66, and her husband , 67 year-old David Lee Currier, were traveling to Sparta, Tennessee, from Enterprise in their single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza aircraft when the plane crashed near Slaughters Cross Road off of U.S. Highway 280.

Abbett said Jeanette Currier died at the scene . David Currier was airlifted by state helicopter to a hospital at Columbus, Georgia.

David Currier retired from the Army as a CW4, and currently works on Fort Rucker as an instructor pilot for URS contractors.

He was a professional and his peers and students really liked him, said a fellow employee and coworker of David Curriers. We went to church together and he was respected by everyone.

According to a post on the Curriers daughters social media account, the family is asking for prayers for their father who is now listed in critical condition at the burn unit in Atlanta.

The post also said that Jeanette Currier was an amazing example of love, kindness, forgiveness and faith, as well as a friend, cheerleader and dream maker.
Lexus is set to debut the next iteration of its NX compact SUV at the upcoming Shanghai motor show.

The Japanese brand has released a teaser image of the upcoming SUVs mid-life update which reveals a new LED headlight design that borrows elements from the upcoming LC Coupe.

Lexus' reverse tick daytime running lights are still present and the general shape of the grille looks to remain the same, which gives the impression that the refresh will feature mild cosmetic changes.

The Japanese luxury car maker has also stated that it will overhaul the car's interior with a focus on increasing convenience and functionality.

While no technical specifications have been revealed, the range should retain the same engine options, which is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged unit and a hybrid set up that mates a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor.

Full details are set to be revealed on April 19.
Guards of honour from local schoolchildren and Irish coast guard members served as a fitting tribute to the late Mark Duffy as he made his way to St Oliver Plunkett Church this morning.

The deceased captains funeral mass took place at the Blackrock church, with cremation set to follow at Dardistown Crematorium at this afternoon.

President Michael D Higgins led mourners for Mr Duffy, who was one of the four crew members on board Rescue 116 when it went down off the west coast earlier this month.

Bag-pipes broke an otherwise palpable silence as he made his final journey, his coffin draped in tricolour and carried by his former Coast Guard colleagues.

Marks wife Hermione and his children Esme and Fionn followed behind, supported by a large crowd of relatives and friends.

In a service led by Fr Stephen Duffy and Fr Padraig Keenan, mourners heard: Its a community catastrophe. A dark cloud descended over the island of Ireland over the tragic accident of R116. Nowhere else was that darkness more felt than by the families of the crew members.

TRIBUTES

An array of symbols were brought to the altar representing Marks life, from his wedding band to his flying helmet, each testament to Marks love for both his family and his job.

Local TD from Louth Declan Breathnach said the community is still in shock.

Captain Mark Duffy was a great man in the Blackrock community and obviously the community are absolutely shocked," he said.

"Books of sympathy have been opened and there has been an outpouring of grief."

Irish entrepreneur Declan Ganley was Captain Duffy's friend and former employer.

He told Newstalk Breakfast: "[Mark] was genuinely one of the most meticulous men I have ever come across [...] In his own personal presentation and conduct... a more professional man you could not come across.

"That he has gone in the heroic manner that he has, that he sacrificed everything for others, is a mark of the character of who Mark Duffy was. It was a privilege to have known him."
Beginning on Monday 3rd April, Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) will celebrate All Aboard 2017, a week-long (3-7 April 2017) programme of national and regional events designed to help build confidence in Irelands digital skills for learning.

DkITs School of Informatics and Creative Arts will once again lead the initiative in the North East with a jam-packed series of events for Primary and Secondary students from across counties Louth, Down and North Dublin.

The All Aboard events aim to help students enhance their digital skills and based on the National Digital Skills Roadmap, DkIT has focussed on themes of confidence building, creativity and innovation and Internet Safety and Privacy. A full programme of events can be seen here:

Creative Technology Workshops for Girls: Monday 03 April 2017 10.30am. Location: Carroll Building, DkIT.

http://allaboard2017.ie/event-pro/creative-technology-workshops-2/

http://allaboard2017.ie/event-pro/creative-technology-workshops-2/

Creative Design Thinking Workshops: Monday 3rd April, 10.00am - 1:00pm and 12:30pm - 3:30pm. Location: DkIT, PJ Carroll Building.

http://allaboard2017.ie/event-pro/creative-design-thinking/

Creative Design Thinking Workshops: Monday 3rd April, 10.00am - 1:00pm and 12:30pm - 3:30pm. Location: DkIT, PJ Carroll Building. http://allaboard2017.ie/event-pro/creative-design-thinking/

Screening of Code: Debugging the Gender Gap & Meet the Tech Expert Panel: Wednesday 5th April, 10.45AM. Location: IMC Cinema, Dundalk

http://allaboard2017.ie/event-pro/screen-of-code-debugging-the-gender-gap-and-meeting-tech-expert-panel/

Screening of Code: Debugging the Gender Gap & Meet the Tech Expert Panel: Wednesday 5th April, 10.45AM. Location: IMC Cinema, Dundalk http://allaboard2017.ie/event-pro/screen-of-code-debugging-the-gender-gap-and-meeting-tech-expert-panel/

Lecture: "You are what you post" - Representing Yourself Online Thursday 06 April 2017, 2pm. Location: Carroll Building, DkIT. Also available via Youtube.com

http://allaboard2017.ie/event-pro/you-are-what-you-post-representing-yourself-online/

Lecture: "You are what you post" - Representing Yourself Online Thursday 06 April 2017, 2pm. Location: Carroll Building, DkIT. Also available via Youtube.com http://allaboard2017.ie/event-pro/you-are-what-you-post-representing-yourself-online/

Workshop on Social Media Privacy: Thursday 06 April 2017, 3pm-5pm. Location: Carroll Building, DkIT

http://allaboard2017.ie/event-pro/workshop-on-social-media-privacy-2/



Speaking at the launch of the initiative Dr Adele Commins, Head of Department of Creative Arts Media and Music said: In todays hyper-connected world, it is more important than ever that young people feel confident and creative when learning, working and exploring the digital world. DkIT is delighted to support the All Aboard 2017 initiative and a team of passionate lecturers from the School of Informatics and Creative Arts have been working hard to create a unique, relevant and exciting range of events for students across the North East.

We also hope that participation in some of the workshops will give our students of the future an opportunity to experience what is available in DkIT.

Under the theme of confidence building, DkIT have developed two events (Creative Technology Workshops and screening of CODE- Debugging the Gender Gap) which will empower young women to embrace more technical roles. Dr Caroline OSullivan, Senior Lecturer in Creative Media at DkIT one of the organisers of the events said: There is an increasing recognition of the need for diversity within the many branches of the Tech sector including the Creative Industries such as Film and Music. Many of our programmes in the School of Informatics and Creative Arts have a much higher ratio of male to female students and we want to shift this balance. We hope that the events as part of All Aboard will be the beginning of a number of interventions, which will promote diversity and equality.

Also on Monday, 3rd of April DkIT will host a Creative Design Thinking workshop. This workshop is aimed at senior cycle secondary students and will offer an introduction into the industrial practices of creative thinking pathways, user experience (UX) design, as well as rapid prototyping principles. Terri Smith, lecturer in the Department of Creative Arts Media and Music will deliver the workshops. Speaking today she said These processes are the preferred way of working for many of the top companies in the world such as Apple and Google and this workshop will give the participants a valuable insight into professional digital practice.

On Thursday the 6th of April DkITs All Aboard events will centre on Internet Safety. There will be a public lecture at 2pm in P1084 in the PJ Carroll building in DkIT entitled "You are what you post" Representing yourself online. This Lecture is mainly aimed at 16-20 year olds and will look at how young people communicate and are communicated to online and will give practical non-judgmental advice on how you can protect your online privacy and reputation.

Finally, applications are invited for an exciting Poster competition. Building on the themes outlined in the You are what you post" Representing yourself online lecture, DKIT are inviting submissions of Posters that could be used to create awareness of Internet privacy issues amongst 16-20 year olds. All entries should be emailed to DKITAllaboard@gmail.com by the 19th of April. The best entries will be showcased online and the winning entry will win a smartphone.

For more information about any of DkITs scheduled All Aboard Events please contact Adele.Commins@dkit.ie or visit http://allaboard2017.ie/
A common symptom of the 21st century is the reliance on a digital productivity toolsoften to the point where the users become inefficient. Sound like an oxymoron?

Recent research by Nitro shows Australians aged 18 to 25 (Gen Y) are over-reliant on email, apps, social media and cloud technology, and thus new productivity pitfalls are emerging.

The research found specifically that nearly nine in ten (87%) millennials had recently faced a digital roadblock, such as forgetting a password or losing a digital documentnearly double that of respondents over 55 years old (55%) and well above the national average (67%).

This is a concern for businesses because millennials will soon make up the majority of the Australian workforce, meaning any impact on their productivity will in turn have a large impact on the efficiency of many workplaces and ultimately, the bottom line. Youve probably experienced it with staff or colleagues that forget a password or login details  an issue the 22% of 18 to 25 year olds admit to having.

The popularity of platforms like Slack, Yammer and Skype, means youre likely faced with dozens of new technologies every week that claim to make teams more efficient. The plethora of options and their rate of uptake, often unsanctioned by IT, is making it increasingly difficult for SMBs to know what is and isnt effective.

As a result, technology intended to make workers more efficient is instead often having negative consequences on business workflow. As well as reducing output, using a myriad of digital tools causes information silos and security risks. Furthermore, inconsistencies in workflows and collaboration can result in costly errors.

With vast amounts of technologies readily available, how should you approach the task of choosing whats best suited to your business?

The modern workforce

Studies show that millennials value flexibility in the workplace, with collaboration and mobile technologies being key solutions that enable them to use the devices and applications they prefer to work from, when they want. Younger workers increasingly expect newer, innovative technologies in the workplace and these can be a key drawcard in the war on talent.

In a SMB context, where lack of internal IT resources and budget is a common consideration, you need a strategy behind the technology you decide to invest in. To be effective, new technology must be solutions-driven and help you deal with an existing problem.

Take the time to consider the pressure-points in your business so that you know what issues you need to fix. Once you have identified your objectives, you can then make a clear decision on what type of software it is that you need. Map out how the proposed solution works with your existing technology and test the technology before you deploy it more widely.

Understanding the features

When comparing two productivity tools, its important to look at the different features each offer you. Any well-established software vendor will offer plenty of information online, including reviews, customer case studies, and competitor comparisons. But just because one tool offers more features is not to say that its the best one for your business. Look for quality over quantity  if there are features that sound similar, make sure you make the most of a free demo to check how they work.

How do they integrate with the existing tools you and your customers use? Of those that are unable to open or edit documents because they have the incorrect software or app, almost a quarter are 18 to 25 year olds, higher than any other age group. This problem can be overcome by ensuring integration is at least possible and at best seamless, prior to making a final product decision. If you give your staff the right tools they will quickly stop using the less helpful, seemingly redundant ones.

Adequate and engaging training

Theres a misconception that the majority of Gen Ys are tech savvy and therefore require little or no training on using IT tools. Even if this were true, theres a big difference between rudimentary use of technology and utilising all of the functions on offer. Thats why equipping employees with adequate and engaging training is key to the success of a new technology in any workplace.

Do what you can within time and budget constraints to ensure employees are given adequate and engaging training which will enable them to use the technology to the best of its ability. Incorporate it into your inductions for new starters. Consider developing a handbook. Dont underestimate the time this will take  and incorporate this into your decision. Any training also needs to be flexible according to the users age and ability, and include regular and ongoing training as new features are developed.

Setting and monitoring targets

Going back to the problem the tech is intended to solve, how will you measure its success? Are analytical capabilities available to help you measure effectiveness in quantifiable terms? Is the new platform saving you time or money? One of the big pitfalls of businesses is to implement a new technology, realise it doesnt work, but then feel fazed by undergoing the process of finding a new platform again. Then they stick with it because its easier rather than because it works. By monitoring success, you can easily tell when technology isnt working, and put a plan in place if thats the case.

Setting and monitoring targets ultimately links back to a fundamental IT consideration  overcoming funding and budget constraints. With this in mind, dont underestimate the potential of looking to some quick wins, using simple, innovative technology (sometimes from a start-up) that can be quickly rolled out across a team or organisation and start delivering benefits straight away.

About the author

Adam Nowiski is the APAC Director of Australian digital documents startup Nitro and is a member of the Victorian Governments Innovation Expert Panel.
Families will love the fabulous 'Blickling' at Taylor Wimpey's The Woodlands

Hampshire home-hunters are being urged to discover a beautiful three-bedroom property at Taylor Wimpeys popular The Woodlands at Crookham Park development in Church Crookham.

The stunning Blickling design  priced from 320,000  offers contemporary open-plan living thats perfect for families in a range of circumstances.

Whats more, the Bickling is available with the Help to Buy and Easymover schemes.

Help to Buy allows eligible first-time buyers and those with a property to sell to access a Government loan for up to 20% of their new homes full price  meaning they only need a 75% loan-to-value mortgage and a deposit as low as 5%, while under Easymover, existing homeowners let Taylor Wimpey help find a buyer for their property, often in a matter of a few weeks and sometimes in as little as a fortnight!

With demand running high at this sought-after and well-connected development, prospective purchasers are being encouraged to visit The Woodlands at Crookham Park without delay.

Emma Jones, Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey West London, says: Our fabulous Blickling housetype is proving a very popular choice with homebuyers stepping on or up the property ladder  thanks to their appealing design, versatile layouts and excellent value for money.

To find out more about this family-size home Id urge would-be movers to call in to the Sales Information Centre at The Woodlands at Crookham Park and speak to our Sales Executive as soon as they can.

The Blickling offers a modern open-plan kitchen/living/dining room to the first floor complemented by a bedroom which could alternatively be used as a study, a guest cloakroom and a storage closet. The top floor has two spacious double bedrooms, a family bathroom, and additional storage, while outside, the property benefits from a car port.

Full details of homebuyer initiatives available at The Woodlands at Crookham Park  including Help to Buy and Easymover  are available from the Sales Executive.

Just 39 miles south-west of London, Crookham Park enjoys a convenient and peaceful location in Church Crookham, a large suburban village in north-east Hampshire with a range of amenities for everyday needs, including shops, pubs and schools.

Fleet railway station provides regular services to London Waterloo in under an hour, while the M3 is just four miles from home, putting the M25, Southampton and Portsmouth all within easy reach.

To find out more about the Blickling at The Woodlands at Crookham Park, property-seekers can visit the Sales Information Centre, located off Sandy Lane, Church Crookham, Hampshire, GU52 8LH, and open daily from 10am to 5pm. Alternatively, visit taylorwimpey.co.uk.
Data Science Community Kaggle will be joining Google Cloud, said Fei Fei Li, chief scientist of Google Cloud AI and machine learning, at last weeks Googles Next 17 conference.

The Kaggle community, which includes 800,000 data experts around the world, use the network to stay up to date on the latest innovations in data science and machine learning, according to Li.

The barriers to entry for artificial intelligence must be lowered and made available to the largest possible community of developers, Lee told the audience at Next.

Brand to Live On

The Kaggle team will remain together and operate as a distinctive brand within Google Cloud, said Kaggle CEO Anthony Goldbloom.

Kaggle will continue to grow its competitions and open data platforms, while remaining open to all data scientists, companies and technologies, he said.

Kaggle Kernels will continue to support various machine learning libraries and packages supported by Google, as well as those outside of Googles toolkit, Goldbloom added.

Competitive Set

Goldbloom cofounded Kaggle in 2010, when the organizations first competition was used to predict voting patterns for the Eurovision Song Contest.

Kaggle in recent years collaborated with Booz Allen Hamilton on the Data Science Bowl, a competition that granted data scientists and other organizations access to particular data sets to develop algorithms in order to address specific scientific challenges.

The competition two years ago addressed ocean health, using 100,000 underwater images from the Hatfield Marine Science Center. It attracted more than 15,000 submissions from various teams.

The competition last year centered around heart disease, using thousands of MRI images to help develop more accurate diagnostics. More 700 teams submitted upwards of 1,400 entries, and the winners were a nonscientific pair of hedge fund traders  not data scientists.

This year, the US$1 million competition is challenging competitors to develop machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms to achieve more accurate methods to diagnose lung cancer, using a data set of images from the National Cancer Institute.

New Territory

Google is one of the leading experts in and users of data mining, and it is looking to Kaggle to help expand on that capability to identify new trends and scientific ideas, observed Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group.

Data scientists collaborate using Kaggle in a collective effort to advance data mining, he told the E-Commerce Times.

The Kaggle acquisition gives Google unique access to information advancing the technology and allowing them to, over time, effectively mine information resources  thus ensuring their financial dominance over the Internet, Enderle said.

The data science community is relatively new, and there has been a marked shortage of qualified candidates for data science positions, noted Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT.

Acquiring Kaggle will offer Google Cloud numerous opportunities to support innovative and forward-thinking machine learning projects and workloads, he told the E-Commerce Times.

Google Cloud recently has made other deals to enhance its capabilities, including last summers acquisitions of Orbitera, a commerce platform that makes it easier to buy and sell software in the cloud, and Apigee, an API management tool used by hundreds of firms, from AT&T to Walgreens and Live Nation.
Accenture and Docker on Wednesday announced an expanded global alliance and the availability of container services within the Accenture Cloud Factory.

The new services provide a faster industrialized on-ramp solution for enterprises moving to the cloud. They focus on container enablement of applications and feature use of Docker Datacenter (Enterprise Edition  Standard).

Docker Datacenter is an integrated container management platform for development and IT operations that brings security, policy and controls to the software delivery lifecycle. It is supported by a global network of certified Accenture DevOps and cloud migration consultants.

Accenture and Docker have agreed to collaborate on developing migration accelerators and best practices for enterprise clients adopting containers. Their goal is to reduce risk and costs while migrating business-critical applications to the cloud.

Accenture has expanded its relationship with Docker to enhance its existing multicloud Container as a Service solutions. The company will leverage Docker Datacenter to provide enterprises with the capabilities needed to secure the software supply chain, expand workload portability, and improve application resilience.

Docker stands to gain significantly from the alliance, given the size of Accentures client base for its Cloud Factory and Cloud First solutions. Accenture has more than 20,000 projects, with three-quarters from Fortune 500 firms, according to Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT.

The deal is likely to provide a significant boost for Dockers business. Accenture has long been a major force in IT consulting, so it is easy to see how supporting Dockers container and container management solutions will help extend the opportunities for those technologies among Accentures client base, he told LinuxInsider.

Caveats about the deal are similar to any proprietary technology. Engaging often is easier than disengaging, King noted.

Interested companies should make certain they understand, want and need what Accenture and Docker are offering before they sign on the dotted line, he said.

Deal Details

Some 70 percent of a typical corporations global transactions run on legacy applications created for a different era, according to Adam Burden, senior managing director of advanced technology and architecture at Accenture. That can complicate the migration process to the cloud.

For example, containers enable more resilient approaches for modernizing applications, such as gradually decomposing monolithic programs into collections of independent and API-enabled services. Containers can support workload portability from the laptop all the way to the cloud.

Enterprises have been using Docker Datacenter to modernize their traditional applications. It allows them to ship software 13 times faster, while greatly simplifying application maintenance, said Roger Egan, senior vice president of sales and channel at Docker.

Applications in many cases are the lifeblood of enterprise business, so Docker teamed with the enterprise system experts at Accenture to develop a factory model for migrating to and securely managing containerized environments across the entire software supply chain, Egan explained.

That will enable organizations to quickly realize significant value that transforms both their application infrastructure and their business agility, he said.

Critical Changes

The alliance between Accenture and Docker, along with other container-oriented technologies, is critical to the success of modern application development initiatives. This is especially true for companies redesigning existing applications or venturing into the land of microservices  that is, using containers as an enabling technology, said Lee Calcote, senior director for technology strategy at SolarWinds.

Consulting partners like Accenture play a critical role in what I believe will be some of the more challenging projects engineers have faced since the dawn of virtual machines, he told LinuxInsider.

The industry is seeing a fundamental shift in the way that modern cloud-native software is designed, continuously delivered and operated, Calcote said.

For example, similar technology and consulting partner programs, including IBM Bluemix Garages, Red Hat Innovation Labs and CloudFoundry Dojos, offer immersive labs in which a group of engineers convene and collaboratively create prototypes leveraging open source projects, Calcote pointed out.

In some cases, the consulted developers leave the lab not only with a completed application or feature prototype in-hand, but have learned the process and methodology required to become committers on those open source projects, he said.

Accenture and Dockers partnership is yet another sign of containers permeating the enterprise.

It is exciting to consider how much more productive organizations will be once they have passed their first few modernization hurdles, Calcote remarked.

Certainly, most new software projects are considering containers as a core-enabling technology. Considering the current skills and experience gap our industry as a whole faces with respect to containerization and cloud-native design, Accentures partnership with Docker will accelerate enterprises through their modernization journeys, he said.

What It Does

For enterprises and devs building cloud-native applications, containers offer a solution for accelerating software delivery and enabling automation. Accenture has worked with Docker for several years to help enterprise clients adopt containers. Accenture has seen a growing interest in the space as its clients sought to move workloads to the cloud with a strong desire for portability, said Accentures Burden.

The Docker-based container services within the Accenture Cloud Factory are unique in that they are cloud-agnostic, enabling our clients to run containers in their preferred cloud  public or private, he told LinuxInsider.

The new container services within the Accenture Cloud Factory containerize legacy workloads and move them to public and private clouds. The process involves using repeatable patterns, as well as defined entry and exit criteria, to standardize processes. It also provides industrialized and automated delivery. For more advanced needs, service decomposition of legacy into containers and configuration and setup of Docker Datacenter are also available.

Other CaaS services do not offer the portability or multicloud capability, said David Messina, senior vice president of product and marketing at Docker.

It lets users move their workloads across cloud types, from on-premises to the cloud, he told LinuxInsider. Additionally, other solutions are focused solely on cloud-native applications, whereas customers that Accenture and Docker engage also are looking for ways to use containerization to modernize their traditional, business-critical applications.

Security Issues

The cloud services expansions provide consultancy services with the ability to transform internal processes and move into a DevOps mode of operations. That offers enterprise clients a lot of benefits that come with containerizing applications, noted Sergey Maximov, head of product management at Virtuozzo, but the new technology requires a change in app architecture, development process and operations culture.

The complexity of this technology should not be underestimated, he told LinuxInsider. In an ideal world, applications should be redesigned from the scratch, and moving existing business-critical apps into container world can be quite time consuming. Redesigning also means entirely redefining your approach to security, as the old approach may not directly be applicable for containers.

Looking at cost, each new service inevitably will have a high operation cost until ops and devs learn how to work with it and create the appropriate tooling to manage it. In the long run, automation will be a key to reducing these costs, suggested Maximov.

I would call these changes more a cultural shift for an organization. Devs should be concerned about how their apps are being run in a production environment, he said.

Alternative Space

The advantage gained from the alliance is Accentures track record as a global consultancy, according to Kiyoto Tamura, vice president of marketing for Treasure Data.

Accenture Cloud Factory is an alternative cloud-native application platform, in his view.

Cloud native is 10 percent about infrastructure and 90 percent about mindset, and mindset is much harder to migrate than bits and bytes, Tamura told LinuxInsider. I believe that Accenture will play  if not already  a key role in evangelizing cloud-native to CXOs and transforming IT from a cost center to a strategic differentiator.

Accentures entry into this space, in partnership with Docker, is very welcome, he said. More choices mean market validation.
The United States House of Representatives on Tuesday approved the Congressional Review Act, undoing privacy restrictions imposed on Internet service providers during the Obama administration.

The Senate passed the CRA last week in a 50-48 vote along party lines.

The White House has expressed support for the CRA.

This is one time I believe the White House, remarked John Simpson, privacy project director at Consumer Watchdog.

Privacy advocates have fought against the CRA, warning of its dire consequences, but ISPs and businesses support it.

Why Privacy Advocates Fear the CRA

ISPs have unique insight into your online activities, Simpson told the E-Commerce Times. They now can steal your data, sell it, and never explain what theyre doing with it or who buys it.

The CRA destroys reasonable, carefully crafted privacy protections and opens up the possibility of  abuse, Simpson said.

There are also concerns that the lifting of restrictions would make it easier for law enforcement and national security agencies to conduct surveillance on Americans, perhaps without a warrant, as various police agencies and the FBI have done on occasion.

The Business Side of the Issue

Supporters of the CRA argue that it puts ISPs on a level playing field with Google, which was exempted from the FCC restrictions even though it collects a considerable amount of customer data.

If an opt-in requirement is not necessary for Google and other edge providers that collect Web browsing information, then its not necessary for ISPs either, since Google and other ad server companies can collect the same type of Web browsing data from third-party websites as an ISP, said Fred Campbell, director of Tech Knowledge.

Google and ISPs should be regulated the same way with regard to privacy, Campbell told the E-Commerce Times.

The FCC didnt do so, because it claims it doesnt have jurisdiction over edge providers under Title II authority, and it lacks the U.S. Federal Trade Commissions enforcement capabilities, Campbell pointed out.

A far better and legally cleaner approach is for Congress to clarify that the FTC has authority over the privacy practices of both edge providers and ISPs, he suggested.

Theres not a whole lot more money in selling individually identifiable customer Internet traffic records than there is in analyzing and packaging those records in a way that enables effective advertising but is not readily identifiable, observed Ryan Radia, research fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute.

Advertisers really dont care who you are, he told the E-Commerce Times. They just want to be able to figure out what people like you tend to do, and how to sell things to people who have similar habits to you.

Consumers Will Protect Themselves

If consumers found out their providers were making it possible for their Internet behavior to be used in any way that might harm them, they would flock to alternative providers  including wireless providers  and adopt tools like VPNs, Radia said.

That already appears to be happening. VPN subscription sales have jumped dramatically since the privacy legislation came to a vote, according to Comparitech.

Consumers should be wary when signing up for a VPN, however, said Paul Bischoff, privacy advocate at Comparitech, which maintains a list of reputable free VPNs.

There are hundreds of supposedly free VPN apps out there, Bischoff told the E-Commerce Times, many of which contain malware, inject ads into Web browsers, and mine user data.
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A supervisor at the Department of Energys Office of International Climate and Clean Energy told staff to stop using the phrases climate change, emissions reduction and Paris agreement in any official written communications, according to POLITICOs sources.

The instructions were reportedly given at a Tuesday meeting held shortly after President Trumps latest controversial executive order that reversed Obama-era climate policies.

Senior officials apparently told DOE climate office staff that the climate-related words would cause a visceral reaction with Energy Sec. Rick Perry, his immediate staff and the departments White House advisers.

While a department spokeswoman denied any official language ban in the climate office or in the department as a whole, POLITICOs sources said that there is a general sense among DOE employees that such hot-button terms should be avoided in favor of words like jobs and infrastructure in light of the Trump administrations anti-environmental agenda.

Environmental groups have balked at POLITICOs report. The Sierra Club noted that the DOE only just emerged from a storm of controversy regarding climate change after its staff purge during the transition period.

What exactly is this office supposed to call itself now? The international C****** office? Sierra Club Climate policy director Liz Perera said. Ignoring the climate crisis will not make it go away, will not create jobs in the booming clean energy economy, and will not make our country great.

Rick Perry lied to Congress about climate science to get a job at an agency he wanted to eliminate, and he has started things off with a blatant dereliction of duty. The only place the climate is not changing is in the minds of those in the Trump administration, Perera added.

The former Texas governor told Congress during his confirmation hearing that science tells us that the climate is changing, and that human activity, in some manner, impacts that change. In a 2011 presidential debate, Perry famously forgot the name of the agency he would abolish.
In a decision released Wednesday, ExxonMobil lost its bid to have their complaint against Attorneys General Eric Schneiderman and Maura Healey heard by a sympathetic Texas judge.

The decision is a major blow to Exxons efforts to distract from the valid investigations into whether the company lied to the public and its investors about the dangers of global warming, Jamie Henn, 350.org strategic communications director, said.

Instead of coming up with more bogus legal maneuvers, Exxon should comply with the Attorneys General requests, including handing over Tillersons secret Wayne Tracker emails.

In an effort to distract from the Attorneys General investigation into if the company lied to its shareholders and the public about its knowledge of global warming, ExxonMobil had filed a complaint asserting that the investigation against it was a politically motivated conspiracy designed to silence it.

Despite his obvious sympathy to the oil giant, U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade was forced to admit in a decision this afternoon that Exxons complaints against the Attorneys General should be transferred out of Texas to the Southern District of New York because a substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to the claim occurred in New York City.

As part of its complaint, ExxonMobil had issued a subpoena to 350.org in December in an attempt to gain access to the organizations emails. 350.org promptly filed a motion to quash the subpoena and issued a statement asserting our First Amendment rights to speak out and advocate for the public interest. That motion is currently pending in the Southern District.

Wednesdays decision is a blow for Exxon, who had obviously hoped to fight the Attorneys General on their home turf in Texas rather than comply with the investigation. The announcement comes just days after the embarrassing revelation that while CEO of the company Rex Tillerson used a secret email alias Wayne Tracker to discuss climate change and other sensitive issues.

The public deserves the truth about what Exxon Knew, Henn said. The company is arguing we want to silence them, but its just the opposite: We want them to speak clearly and honestly about their track record of climate denial so we can get to work solving the problem. Instead of continuing to follow the Big Tobacco playbook of deceit and deception, Exxon should come clean and own up to the damage its caused.

350.org will keep up pressure on ExxonMobil to comply with the existing investigations, as well as advocate for more Attorneys General to launch their own inquiries into what Exxon knew.

With Rex Tillerson now guiding our international climate policy as Secretary of State, this case is more important than ever, Henn continued. If Tillerson used a secret email to discuss Exxons climate coverup, that would turn out to be an absolute bombshell. We could be on the verge of seeing an acting Secretary of State getting pulled into a fraud investigation. And this isnt just any old fraud: Exxons crimes are on a planetary scale.
On March 11, 2011, a 9.0-magnitude earthquake and 50-foot tsunami triggered meltdowns at three of six nuclear reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi plant in Japan. It was the one of the worst accidents in the nuclear industrys 60-year history, contaminating thousands of square miles, displacing more than 150,000 people and costing Japanese taxpayers nearly $100 billion.

Photo credit: International Atomic Energy Agency

The disaster was a wake-up call for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). After all, nearly a third of the 104 U.S. reactors operating at the time were General Electric Mark I or Mark II reactors, the same as those in Fukushima. The accident raised an obvious question: How vulnerable are those reactorsand the rest of the U.S. fleet for that matterto comparable natural disasters?

The NRC set up a task force to analyze what happened at Fukushima and assess how to make U.S. reactors safer. In July 2011, the task force offered a dozen recommendations to help safeguard U.S. nuclear plants in the event of a Fukushima-scale accident.

Unfortunately, the NRC has since rejected or significantly weakened many of those recommendations and has yet to fully implement the reforms it did adopt, according to a new Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) report. UCS also found that the agency abdicated its responsibility as the nations nuclear watchdog by allowing the industry to routinely rely on voluntary guidelines, which are, by their very nature, unenforceable.

Although the NRC and the nuclear industry have devoted considerable resources to address the post-Fukushima task force recommendations, they havent done all they should to protect the public from a similar disaster, said report author Edwin Lyman, a UCS senior scientist and co-author of the 2014 book, Fukushima: The Story of a Nuclear Disaster. If the NRC is serious about protecting the public and plant workers, it should reconsider a number of recommendations it scrapped under pressure from the industry and its supporters in Congress.

Half-Baked Reforms

The post-Fukushima task forces top priority was overhauling what it called a patchwork of NRC regulations and industry voluntary guidelines for beyond-design-basis eventsincidents that plants were not designed to withstand. The task force argued that both regulators and plant owners would benefit from a coherent set of standards that would guard against severe events like Fukushima and provide a framework for implementing its other recommendations. After several years of deliberation, however, the NRC ultimately passed on making any fundamental changes, maintaining that its regulatory framework doesnt need fixing.

Lyman said this was a critical mistake. By rejecting the task forces top recommendation, he said, the NRC regulatory regime will remain full of holes, leaving the public at risk from potential accident scenarios that regulators may overlook.

The NRC then relied heavily on its vaguely worded backfit rule to reject many of the other recommended post-Fukushima safety upgrades. The rule limits the agencys ability to require new safety rules if a proposed upgrades cost is deemed to exceed its benefits. Many important safety recommendations failed to pass this test, despite the fact that they would have made plants safer.

The post-Fukushima, lessons-learned process provided the NRC a golden opportunity to reform its inconsistent approach to regulating the industry, Lyman said. Unfortunately, it didnt take advantage of it.

Letting the Industry Make the Rules

The NRC and the nuclear industrys main response to the Fukushima accident is what they call the diverse and flexible coping capability program or FLEX for short, which will provide extra backup emergency equipment to cool reactors and spent fuel pools during a prolonged power loss.
No one thought that Lamar my career has been funded by fossil fuels Smith was going to put on an unbiased hearing on climate science. After all, the minority Democrats on Smiths House Committee on Science, Space, & Technology published a report this month, Much Ado About Nothing, which details Smiths crusade to attempt to undermine and invalidate Tom Karls pause-buster study. (Yet Smith still cant get NOAAs name right)!

Although little was said about Karl, Wednesdays House Science Committee hearing with Drs. Michael Mann, John Christy, Judith Curry and Roger Pielke Jr. was a quite a circus. Which is exactly why someone whos been through Smiths nonsense, Dr. David Titley, wrote for the Washington Post that scientists should boycott these biased hearings.

That would be nice, if that meant that Smith would stop holding them. But since he shows no sign of slowing his inquisition, someone needs to show up to set the record straight and push back on all the denial packed into the hearing like so many clowns in a tiny car.

And thats exactly what Dr. Mann did, successfully walking the tight-rope between correcting other witnesses and coming off as a jerk. Most notably and most clearly getting under Smiths skin, Mann cited a recent Science Magazine article describing Smiths comments at the Heartland conference. Mann read the killer quote about how Smith acknowledged that the committee is now a tool to advance his political agenda rather than a forum to examine important issues facing the U.S. research community.

In response, Lamar Smith, the esteemed media critic who cited the Daily Mails bogus Bates story, who has written for Breitbart and said that people should get their news directly from Trump, claimed that Science Magazine is not known as an objective magazine. As Emily Atkin of the New Republic aptly put it, The fact that the chairman of the House Science committee doesnt consider that source objective is ACTUALLY MIND BLOWING.

Smith, with pie on his face, also demonstrated his media savvy by citing the never-correct editorial page of the Wall Street Journal on heat records. This opinion is about as solid as cotton candy and has been contradicted by the papers own reporting.

Speaking of dumb Wall Street Journal opinions, Mann also did a nice job of calling out Pielkes hypocrisy for whining in the Journal about being harassed, after sending threatening letters to Mann and Kevin Trenberths bosses when they criticized his awful FiveThirtyEight piece that needed correction.

Also needing correction was John Christy, who trotted out his error-laden graph of models and observations. Again, Mann highlighted the foolishness of his fellow witnesses by pointing out how others have corrected Christy many times on the satellite record vs. the thermometer record. And more importantly, he cited the recent research that totally debunks Christys false contention that models overestimate warming.

And then theres Judith Curry who, true to form, was there to talk about uncertainty (inappropriately). Again Mann was prepared, pointing out that uncertainty is actually a reason to take stronger action sooner. Uncertainty cuts both ways: while Curry and the GOP would have you believe maybe warming wont be so bad, it could actually be much worse than we fear.

Curry also bristled at being referred to as a climate science denier in Manns written testimony. Thats silly: Shes teamed up with the Kochs, questioned the validity of the endangerment finding and said in her opening statement that its time to make the debate about climate change great again. So it is safe to say that Judith Curry is absolutely a climate denier.

And she proved it in the hearing, denying the science and claiming we dont know how much is human versus natural. In 2014, NASAs Gavin Schmidt laid out the case for Curry that our best estimate is that humans are causing 110 percent of warming. (Its more than 100 percent because natural forces and particulate pollution cause cooling, which CO2 is overcoming to cause warming).

Curry also questioned ocean acidification science, in a way that Brian Kahn noted is way out of step with most ocean scientists that hes talked with.

Other odds and ends that made an appearance include the 1998 documents showing Big Oils plan to inject uncertainty into the climate debate, the long-debunked 70s cooling myth and Smiths tired denial of the consensus.

So like any good circus, there were plenty of clowns, people lion, tired grr-causing myths and bear-ly believable statements.

Oh my.

Heres the full hearing:
By C40 Cities

Fumiko Hayashi has been mayor of Yokohama since 2009 and is the first woman to hold the post. Her previous roles have included president of BMW Tokyo, president of Tokyo Nissan Auto Sales and chairperson and CEO of the Japanese supermarket chain Daiei.

In 2006, Forbes magazine named her 39th most powerful woman in the world, the highest rank for a Japanese woman. Ms. Hayashi is the president of Mayors Association of Designated Cities in Japan and also serves as the member of the Council for Gender Equality of the Cabinet Office of Japan. She has also written several books on management and workforce relationship.

C40 Cities had the chance to connect with Hayashi to learn more about her efforts:

Q. What has been your biggest climate or environmental achievement as mayor?

A. Yokohama has implemented urban development in cooperation with various stakeholders such as citizens, companies and other groups, overcome many environmental issues and promoted city development that harmonizes the environment and the economy. In dealing with climate change, we are promoting efforts that take advantage of our achievements in urban development up until now.

With regard to energy issues in particular, through the Yokohama Smart City Project, in collaboration with 34 major Japanese companies, we are aiming to realize an advanced, energy-circular city with systems aimed at optimizing the balance between energy supply and demand in existing urban areas such as by introducing the Home Energy Management System in 4,200 homes and improving the energy efficiency of commercial buildings. We were well-received at C40 and awarded the C40 Cities Award in the Clean Energy category in 2016. Behind this was the fact that ours are some of the worlds leading large-scale projects in existing urban areas.

Q. What are the key climate change and environmental challenges facing your city? What are you doing to address them?

A. Developing the city to be low-carbon and disaster-resilient. With 3.73 million citizens and more than 110,000 businesses, Yokohama is a major city and a major energy consumer. The key is solving issues and for this, not only the government but also the power of our citizenswhich is the pride of Yokohamaand the technical expertise cultivated in the public and private sectors have become major strengths. As a FutureCity, we will continue to work hand in hand with citizens and companies.

Q. Were there any women leaders who inspired you when you first entered politics?

A. A woman leader I was inspired by is Sadako Ogata, who helped provide humanitarian aid for many years as Japans first UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Even as ethnic and religious conflict was intensifying, I was impressed with the way she visited these various locations and flexibly built new support frameworks through her strong leadership. I met her in person when she was serving as president of the Japan International Cooperation Agency and she was a wonderful woman with a strong will, heart-warming humanity and overflowing hospitality.

On the other hand and much regrettably, the participation of women in Japanese politics seriously lags behind. Even at present, it represents no more than 1.6 percent overall, with only 28 women leaders of local governments. Having women in leadership positions can help deepen mens understanding of working women and promote a society in which women can participate more. I view this as my mission, after having worked for more than 50 years in an androcentric structure and is why I took up politics.

Q. What obstacles do you think women leaders still face in delivering their agenda, including on climate change?

A. Being a woman will not be an obstacle in implementing the agenda. The strength of women lies in leadership that employs empathy and acceptance. Better results are produced by men and women taking advantage of each others strengths, coming together and producing results in tandem. Therefore, I believe that womens ability to demonstrate their capabilities in all areas, including climate change countermeasures, will yield great results. Under the leadership of C40 Chair Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris, we will deepen the unity of C40 member cities and continue to work to implement climate change countermeasures.

Q. What advice would you give to young women in Yokohamaor any other citywho are concerned about climate change and want to do something about it?

A. Climate change is a complicated and very difficult issue occurring on a global scale and is caused by a variety factors. It is critical to think about this global issue with a broad perspective but also in terms of what can we do in our own everyday lives and what is to be done in society as a wholethinking together with numerous people and putting into practice what is initially possible. I expect much from todays young women.
A Sea Shepherd team flew over the Gulf of St. Lawrence last week documenting an ecological disaster that very few people want to talk aboutespecially those in the Canadian government.

It has been 40 years to the month that French actress Brigitte Bardot first went to the ice floes in Canada to focus attention on the slaughter of baby seals at the behest of Sea Shepherd founder, Captain Paul Watson.

This year, actress Michelle Rodriguezbest known for her role as Letty Ortiz in the blockbuster franchise The Fast and the Furiousjoined the all-woman survey team known as Operation Ice Watch. The group was led by Sea Shepherd Toronto coordinator Brigitte Breau and also included Yana Watson, the wife of Sea Shepherd leader Captain Paul Watson, Sea Shepherd advisory board member Clementine Pallanca and Canadian animal rights lawyer Camille Labchuk of Animal Justice.

[facebook https://facebook.com/EcoWatch/videos/1498200446859554/ expand=1]

The group was accompanied by a three-person documentary crew: French photojournalist Bernard Sidler, Australian videographer Jasmine Lord and Toronto-based Czech photographer Marketa Schusterova.

Since Captain Watson first founded Sea Shepherd 40 years ago in 1977, much has changed in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Not all whitecoat seals are clubbed to death on the ice (shotguns are also permitted now), the kill quota is almost twice what it was then. Since 2011, the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans has been allowing the slaughter of 400,000 seals they define as adult although many are no more than six weeks old.

Canadian seal products are banned in Europe and in the U.S. Regardless of the quota that has allowed sealers to kill 2.4 million seals over the last six years, only around 350,000 have actually been slaughtered in total because of a scarcity of markets.

However, there is one very significant change that the world needs to know.

Where is the Ice?

Harp seals cannot give birth to pups unless there is ice for them to be born upon. The team of Operation Ice Watch had trouble finding any substantial ice during its investigation.

Earlier in the week, the Operation Ice Watch crew found a couple of small patches along the coast of Cape Breton containing a few hundred seals and their pups. Two days later that patch was gone, broken up by high winds. It was found again two days later, more broken up and with fewer seals. Most likely the seal pups drowned.

There should be more than 200,000 seal pups in the Gulf yet no one seems to know where they are.

What the Operation Ice Watch team witnessed is something that Sea Shepherd has never witnessed beforea completely ice-free and seal-free Gulf. This alarming sight means that without ice, seal pups cannot be born. They are being birthed into the sea, only to drown or forced up on land where they have little chance of survival.

Despite the lack of ice, the Canadian government has issued a kill quota once again of 400,000 seals for the year 2017. This is an astounding figure when tens of thousands of seals may have already perished in the Gulf of St. Lawrence this year due for lack of ice.

Captain Watson and Sea Shepherd feel this should be declared a national emergency and a clear warning that climate change is accelerating faster than authorities anticipate.

Brigitte Bardot and Michelle Rodriguez: Posing With Seals Then and Now

Captain Paul Watson sent the all-female crew to the ice to commemorate the courage of Brigitte Bardot when she went to the ice in 1977 to focus international attention of the slaughter of seals. A photo of Bardot posting with a seal brought world attention to the cause and the need to protect harp seals. It became a pivotal point in the fight to stop this annual Canadian obscenity of cruelty and mass slaughter.

Bardot and Seal, 1977.

In recognition of Bardots famous picture, taken 40 years ago this March, Rodriguez posed with a whitecoat baby seal in her own 21st Century version of the iconic photo.

Michelle Rodriguez posed with a whitecoat baby seal in her own 21st Century version of the iconic photo. Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

People listen to celebrities, said Captain Watson. Michelle has over 13 million friends on her Facebook page along with an international following. This helps to get the message out that now the seals are not just threatened by human hunting, but even more threatened by climate change and the loss of ice. Not content to kill the babies, mankind has now wiped out the nurseries.

However, unlike the ice conditions of 1977 which made Bardots photoshoot a relatively safe one, it was not so easy to recreate the shot in 2017. The ice was so broken up and thin that Sea Shepherds helicopter could not land. Rodriguez, along with Yana Watson, Sidler and Lord had to hop from one small pan of ice to another just to reach the seals.

Despite the challenges, Rodriguez was thrilled to meet the seals on the small patch of ice.

Seeing these beautiful creatures and understanding their place in the ecosystem, Im saddened the Canadian government has been so short sighted in failing to prevent a massive ecological catastrophe, said Rodriguez. Its sad to know the truth and watch the world turn a blind eye.
A massive solar and battery farm is being built in South Australias Riverland region.

If everything goes to plan, the plant will be running by the end of 2017 and will be the largest such system in the world, Brisbane-based renewable energy developer and investor Lyon Group announced.

The Riverland plant consists of 330MW of solar PV and a 100MW/400MWh battery storage system, or 3.4 million solar panels and 1.1 million batteries.

The new project couldnt come sooner. A major gas shortage is looming and the countrys decades-old coal plants are shutting down, sparking potential price hikes and putting the nations energy security at risk.

The $1 billion (US $767 million) project was announced amid South Australias recent spate of blackouts.

Interestingly, the ball really seemed to roll after an intriguing tweet from none other than Elon Musk.

You may recall that earlier this month the Tesla CEO offered to build a 100MW battery storage farm for the Australian state. To up the ante, he said he would provide the system for free if it was not commissioned within 100 days. Musks audacious bet led to an eventual conversation with Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Days later, the South Australian government announced an open, competitive tender for a 100MW battery storage project.

The battery will modernize South Australias energy grid and begin the transformation to the next generation of renewable-energy storage technologies, the government office stated.

According to Australias ABC News, Lyon Group partner David Green said the company will build its new plant, along with a similar plant near the town of Roxby Downs, regardless of the outcome of the governments tender:



The Lyon Group has already signaled its intention to bid for a SA government tender to build a battery storage system with 100-megawatt output.

The tender arrangement would give the government the right to tap the battery storage at times of peak demand, but allow the project owner to sell energy and stability into the market at other times.

An expressions of interest process closes on Friday.

Other companies, including Carnegie, Zen Energy and Tesla, have all suggested they could be interested in bidding.

Green said the outcome of the tender would not determine whether or not Lyons projects were built, but would influence the final storage configuration in terms of the balance between optimizing grid security and capturing trading revenue.

Green said the project was 100 percent equity financed and construction would begin within months, requiring 270 workers, ABC News reported.

We see the inevitability of the need to have large-scale solar and integrated batteries as part of any move to decarbonize, Green added.
Over the last few weeks, Ive been asked repeatedly about U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. Friends and neighbors who know that my work involves charter schools have said, You must be happy. But the truth is, I am worried about the future of charter schools.

I have little doubt that there will be more schools with the word charter in their names in the years ahead. Yet I have serious concerns about whether these schools will be faithful to the principles upon which the charter school philosophy is built: providing parents with the ability to choose a good school for their child, giving educators more freedom to innovate, and holding schools accountable for student learning. When all three of these principleschoice, autonomy, and accountabilityare practiced in concert, we have seen that charter schools can change lives.

Over the years, these principles have created odd bedfellows. In state legislatures, the loudest champions of charter schools are often political conservatives who are attracted to the concepts of choice, competition, and deregulation. But in many communities, the charter school movement is led by liberal social-justice advocates who see an opportunity to help millions of low-income black and brown students get a quality education that the traditional system has failed to provide for generations.

For the last 25 years, in what may be the last outpost of bipartisanship in our country, these odd bedfellows worked together to create the nearly 7,000 charter schools that are serving more than 3 million children, according to estimates from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. But now that coalition is splintering.

Tensions simmered for a few years before coming to full boil last spring. Many liberals attending the 2016 NewSchools Summit celebrated the conferences elevation of diversity, with teacher-blogger Marilyn Rhames noting that it echoed sentiments of the Black Lives Matter movement .

The conservative-leaning Thomas B. Fordham Institutes Robert Pondiscio, however, saw it differently. In a blog post, he warned that the left was trying to push conservatives out of education reform, and he proclaimed the collapse of the informal agreement between liberals and conservatives in education reform. Pondiscios words sparked a summer of education reform bloggers on both sides of the debate scolding each other for being insensitive and jeopardizing the fate of reform.

For better or for worse, Secretary DeVos has become the personification of the charter movement in the eyes of the general public."

Under a new administration, the gulf continues to widen. For better or for worse, Secretary DeVos has become the personification of the charter movement in the eyes of the general public. Liberal charter school supporters are terrified that charter schools will now be associated with Donald Trump, Betsy DeVos, privatization, and for-profit companies. God save us from our friends, wrote Steven Zimmerman of the Coalition of Community Charter Schools, in New York, in a blog post lamenting DeVos market based reform agenda following the election.

On the other hand, many conservative charter school supporters (but not all) are delighted. Jeanne Allen of the Center for Education Reform has treated the Trump ascendency as an opportunity to push hard for less oversight of charter schools. Since the election, she has thrown her support behind DeVos and accused other charter school advocates of being too regulatory . Other conservative advocates go even further, arguing against virtually any form of charter school accountability to anyone or anything other than market demand. In their mind, failing academic outcomes or gross mismanagement of public funds are not the business of government and taxpayers.

This free-market approach to charter schooling embraces the principles of choice and autonomy while gutting accountability, but true supporters of charter schools will not abide by this co-optation of what it means to be a charter school. Those of us who have seen generations of urban school districts mismanage public funds and fail to provide a quality education to children will not support efforts to cast the same plague on charter schools.

At the same time, we reject the burgeoning idea that charter schools would be better if forced to follow all the same rules as traditional public schools. This idea has led to efforts to infringe on charter school autonomy, including the recent calls for blanket regulations on discipline practices in Washington, D.C., which true supporters of charter schools will not allow. Those of us who have seen the power of giving schools flexibility will not stand by and watch charter schools stripped down to look no different from the traditional schools we sought to replace with something better.

For charter schools to succeed, educationally and politically, we must be faithful to all of the principles upon which the charter idea was built, not some at the expense of others. Charter schools without autonomy have no ability to innovate and excel. Charter schools without accountability will simply become a parallel system of failing schools.

If we want to create much-needed better educational options for kids, we must recommit to the original principles that have enabled many charter schools to achieve excellence. Then, our conversations with friends and neighbors might be less about whos at the helm of the U.S. Department of Education and more about how charter schools are providing a good education to millions more children.




Vietnamese province Tra Vinh suffers from shrimp mass death

Some 44 million black tiger shrimp and 75 milion white leg shrimp in Vietnam's Tra Vinh province have so far died due to unpredictable weather and poor farming practices, local news site Dtinews reported.

As of now, over 987 households have been affected by the shrimp mass death.

As of March, Tra Vinh had over 7,000 households raising nearly 600 million black tiger shrimp and 2,240 households raising 524 million white leg shrimp.

"I raised over 100,000 shrimps in four ponds and they all died. I haven't dared to continue raising shrimp. I'm afraid that they will continue dying", Nguyen Van Tuoi, a farmer in Long Hanh Hamlet, was quoted as saying.

The news report said that erratic weather caused such diseases as hepathopathy, which afflicts mostly black tiger shrimp, and white spots to spread.

Duong Van Dom, head of Cau Ngang District Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, observed that shrimp farmers didn't follow good farming practices.

Normally, he said, the water in the shrimp ponds must be dealt with before being discharged into the environment but that many farmers didn't do this.

"Many households that have dead shrimps didn't clean the ponds thoroughly before raising another crop. Starting a new crop of shrimp too soon would also have negative effects. The pollution problem hasn't been solved for years. The authorities have tried to give warnings and raise people's awareness to no avail," Dom lamented.

"It's impossible to warn the farmers now. We're planning to consult the district authorities to issue regulations about shrimp farming. At first, we'll popularise the regulations for a year and start punishing violators," Dom said.




Hiroshi Imazu, the head of Japans ruling party, told The Washington Post: Japan cant just wait until its destroyed. Its legally possible for Japan to strike an enemy base thats launching a missile at us, but we dont have the equipment or capability.




WASHINGTON (CBS)  A Massachusetts law enforcement official testifying before Congress on Tuesday called for leaders of sanctuary cities to be arrested.



Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson told the House Subcommittee on Illegal Immigration that sanctuary cities have become magnets for illegal aliens, some of which have violent criminal records.




Senator John McCain made the inflammatory remarks while discussing the tyrants recent ballistic missile tests and his repeated threats to destroy the US.
The High Court in London on Wednesday issued a summary judgment in a $3 billion eurobond case brought by Russia against Ukraine, the procedure by which the court may decide a claim without a trial, according to the document read out in open court by the judge, a copy of which has been sent to Interfax-Ukraine.

The summary does not provide for the final judgment in the case.

According to the document, some explanations require specification, and there is much material before the court substantiating Ukraines case as to Russian pressure and ultimately military action.

The judge rejected all defenses of Ukraine, including Russia's political pressure on Ukraine. Ukraine submitted that wrongful and illegitimate acts alleged against Russia constitute duress under English law, and that the issuance of the eurobonds on December 24, 2013 was voidable as a result, and was avoided by the moratorium suspending payments of December 18, 2015

Ukraine had four main defenses.

The court said that as a matter of international law Ukraine has unlimited capacity to borrow. The court accepts the trustees submission that this is not a case of lack of power, and therefore capacity, but of the power not being exercised as the law required. Russia insisted on this asking to issue a summary judgment to speed up the procedure.

Ukraine has made out a strong case that economic pressure applied by Russia by way of trade restrictive measures during 2013 along with threats led to its Governments decision not to sign the EU Association Agreement.

Ukraines contention is that countermeasures is a principle of public international law, and that if it is otherwise obliged to make payment under the bonds, it is entitled, on the facts of this case, not to meet that obligation.

The court said that the question whether the English court is competent to rule on the question of countermeasures in public international law. These were not matters that the court could or should consider.

Ukraine said that the notes were to be the first tranche of financial support from Russia. Ukraines case, opposed by the trustee, is that the borrowing resulted from that pressure, and that for this and other reasons, its non-payment of the Notes is justified, and that in any event summary judgment is not appropriate.

The court also rejected these arguments.

Ukraine also submitted that there are compelling reasons to proceed to trial because the claim is in reality a tool of oppression which includes military occupation, destruction of property, the unlawful expropriation of assets, and terrible human cost. Ukraine submits that these matters should be the subject of the full rigors of a public trial, and that the summary judgment process is not something to which Russia should be entitled to benefit given its egregious conduct.

This point was powerfully put by Ukraine in evidence, and the court has given it careful consideration. However, ultimately, this is a claim for repayment of debt instruments to which the court has held that there is no justifiable defense.

Thus, the summary judgment was issued.

Ukraine intends to challenge the decision of the High Court in London. The court permitted to file a counterclaim.

The trustee has sought to emphasize the standard structure of the transaction as an issuance of eurobonds. The court said that it is correct that Ukraine received the funds, and it is not disputed that the structure of the transaction is in standard form. However, the background is extraordinary, and it is not credible to describe this as an ordinary debt claim.
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International Monetary Fund (IMF) Resident Representative Jerome Vacher has confirmed that the issue of the third review of Ukraine's arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) has been included in the April 3 agenda of the IMFs Executive Board.

"Consideration of the third review of Ukraines arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility by the IMFs Executive Board, together with the 2016 Article IV consultation, is being scheduled for April 3, 2017. Completion of the third review will enable the disbursement of about $ 1 billion," the IMF said in a press release, citing Vacher.

As reported, the issue of the third review of the EFF program for Ukraine was dropped from the March 20 agenda of the IMF Board of Governors. There is no data about the reasons for such changes on the Fund's website. The agenda has been compiled over the period until March 31 and the issue of Ukraine is not on it.

The Finance Ministry said that the meeting has been postponed only because of the need to clarify the calculation of the economic consequences of the measures Ukraine introduced in response to the blockade and seizure of Ukrainian enterprises in the non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, and also in light of the Russian recognition of documents issued in those areas.

The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) said that the central bank revised its macroeconomic forecasts, taking into account the effect of the blockade.
Ukraine and South Korea are working on boosting cooperation in the aerospace area.

The press service of the State Space Agency of Ukraine (SSAU) reported that further development of promising cooperation in the sphere was discussed at the fifth meeting of the Ukrainian-South Korean committee for scientific and technical cooperation of the relevant joint working group.

"The sides discussed the state and prospects for development of Ukrainian-South Korean cooperation in the current cooperation spheres and studied the opportunities of developing cooperation in new areas, the satellite segment and the application of global space systems in the public economy sphere," the press service said.

Representatives of South Korean Ministry of Science, ITC and Future Planning, Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), the South Korean Embassy in Ukraine and representatives of SSAU, Yuzhnoye (Pivdenne) Design Bureau, Research and Production Enterprise Hartron-Arkos Ltd. and the National Center of Space Facilities Control And Test took part in the meeting.

South Korea is a promising partner of Ukraine in cooperation in the aerospace sphere in Southeast Asia. The sides have successful cooperation in the launch services: in 2013-2015 Dnepr carrier rocket placed South Korean satellites KompSat-5, STSat-3 and KompSat-3A to orbit.

Yuzhmash (Pivdenmash) is holding talks with KARI on expanding cooperation in the creation of aerospace equipment. Recently Yuzhmash finished a contract signed with KARI in 2016 to supply equipment to the customer.
It was no secret how uncertain Queen Elizabeth's feeling is toward her grandson's royal wife, however, Her Majesty The Queen's recent act had just proven so much more. Recently, Kate Middleton, who hasn't receive any merit nor special honor, has been honored with Tuvalu Order of Merit, which, for most is not an honor at all.

Middleton and Prince William had been married since 2011, however, despite being in the Royal family, Pippa Middleton's sister has not received any special recognition at all. As Celebitchy cited, Queen Elizabeth only gives merits or special orders to her in-laws and grandchildren as a recognition of something they've done amazing or after years of service. Meanwhile, it's no secret how the Duchess of Cambridge hasn't almost done anything at all and this is probably the reason why she hasn't receive any special recognition.

Fortunately, after six years of marriage, Middleton had received her very first recognition - the Tuvalu Order of Merit. At most part, this seems to be a good news, however, it seems the honor given to Prince William's wife is nothing but a slap on her face. As Celebrity Deal reported, Prince Charlotte's mother had received a very small honor. Apparently, Queen Elizabeth had just confirmed how passive the Duchess is and that she doesn't even deserve any special honor at all.

Instead of being socially responsible, most people, probably including Queen Elizabeth, have seen how the Royal family have neglected their royal responsibilities. They even managed to splurge on vacation, as what they prefer as "rest," after not doing anything at all. Moreover, the Duke of Cambridge had faced nasty rumors together with Prince George's mother. Nevertheless, at least, after several years, she has gotten a merit, a merit that Prince William has not received lately after all the dilemma he'd encountered.



Want to find out what really happened to Prince William? Read here.
Myronivsky Hliboproduct (MHP) in cooperation with one of its EU distributors has established a processing plant in Slovakia, the holding has reported on the London Stock Exchange (LSE).

When complete, total capital expenditures for the processing services of chicken products in Slovakia are expected to reach around $3 million.

This cooperation is bringing MHP an opportunity to provide our European customers not only with commodity products, but also packaged ones for food services.

The deal would allow MHP deepening its vertical integration and pursuing its export strategy of market targeting.
China and the European Union have teamed up to support the fight against climate change after US President Donald Trump began undoing his predecessors plans for deep cuts in US greenhouse gas emissions. Mr. Trumps order strikes at the heart of the global Paris Agreement in 2015 to tame the rise in world temperatures that hit record highs in 2016. Many countries have condemned Mr. Trumps plan and added that a vast investment shift from fossil fuels to green energy is already taking place, triggering both job creation and less air pollution.

European Climate Commissioner Miguel Arias Canete said that the EU saw the Paris Agreement as a growth engine for job creation and new investment opportunities. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang added that Chinese government cooperated with former US President Barack Obama on climate policy. He also urged the United States to move with the times, adding that regardless of how other countries climate policies change, China as a responsible developing country will not change its commitments, goals, policies and actions related to climate change.

Donald Trumps main target is Barack Obamas Clean Power Plan, which requires US states to curb carbon emissions from power plants and that was instrumental in committing the US to fulfill its pledge made under the Pars Agreement to cut emissions by 2025. However, President Trump did not say whether he would pull out of the Paris Agreement, the cornerstone of efforts to fight climate changes such as floods, waves, droughts and rising sea levels.
In the sixth year of the Syrian civil war, victory and peace are still all relative terms. The regime of President Bashar al-Assad holds the military advantage but lacks the capacity and resources to recapture and govern all of Syria. Even if a settlement is achieved, the country will probably see new elites and warlords wielding power and influence across the territory. At the same time, extremist groups are very likely to evolve and fight for power.

While there are no easy answers for the international community, short-term approaches that do not appreciate nuances of the conflict could bring more risks than opportunities. Western policymakers must acknowledge long-term obstacles to stable and effective governance in the country. In addressing these challenges, realism and pragmatism is very important. The negotiators should identify strategic objectives in accordance with their level of commitment to achieving them. This is especially important given the fact that since 2011, Western policy towards Syria has been undermined by a wide gap between rhetoric and action, poor communication with allies, and a lack of vision.

The absence of a coherent strategic vision and/or the political will to make it happen on the part of Western governments has contributed to the increasing strength and influence of extremist groups. These insurgent groups, however, cannot be countered by the military alone  without a political agreement to the conflict, tactical moves to fight extremist in Syria will fail.

Therefore, policymakers must align top-down and bottom-up measures since no national solution in Syria can be achieved effectively without the buy-in of local communities. To date, local-level, national-level humanitarian and governance initiatives have largely overlooked political issues while national-level peace initiatives have focused on political issues but without enough attention to local actors. Thus, a successful strategy must balance national and local-level priorities and concerns in order to cultivate the support of local constituencies.

Western Policy Towards Syria: Applying Lessons Learned  A Research Paper by a Team of Authors  Chatham House.

(The Commentary can be downloaded here)
Written by ACM





*Strasbourg/CoE/Angelo Marcopolo/- Speaking exclusively to "Eurofora" just after his Address to CoE's Local/Regional Democray Watchdog (CLRAE) Plenary in Strasbourg, the President-in-office of the 47 Member Countries strong (including Russia, etc), PanEuropean Organisation's Highest Political Body (its Committee of Ministers), Experienced Long-Time Cyprus' Foreign Minister, and former Top MEP in EU Parliament, (in charge for Foreign/International Policy at the Biggest Political Group, that of ChristianDemocrats/EPP), Yannis Kasulides, indirectly but clearly, Warned Turkey against Prolonging its current Blockade of UN sponsored Talks for a Peaceful ReUnification of the Island, even after April 2017, (See Infra).



---------------



Kasulides First reaction to relevant "Eurofora"s Questions, was to advise that, even if the situation was serious, nevertheless, we should "Not be Extremely Concerned" :



- In fact, "Let's see if they would go as far as to Destroy (the Peaceful ReUnification Talks), and face the Consequences.



- "If they might Commit such an Error", on the Contrary, "we Will Never do that", (i.e. Block the UN-sponsored Talks).



- Instead, "We (Greek Cypriots) invite them to come back". (to the Negotiations' Table) :



=> "Comme back", (i.e. Return at the UN-sponsored Talks), "and We (all Cypriots Together : Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, etc), "Shall Find something" to Solve that Deadlock, he Urged.



Kasulides, speaking further with "Eurofora", also Acknowledged the Fact that it was, Initialy and mainly the Excessive Demands by Ankara's Foreign Government at the Latest (and 1st ever) Multilateral Political Conference, convoked, under UN auspices, last December 2016-January 2017, at nearby Geneva, (particularly for the Turkish Invasion/Occupation Military Troops to remain in Cyprus, for Ankara to Maintain forever a Claim of Unilateral Intervention, evn by Force, and for 80 Millions Turks from Anatolia to get in Cyprus All and the Same Rights as EU Member States' Citizens only have in Europe, etc), which had already Started to Provoke Serious Problems to the UNO-sponsored Cyprus Peaceful ReUnification Talks.

- "That's why, Nobody should ever give them (i.e. to Ankara's Government of Mr. Erdogan etc) Pretexts", Afterwards, to even openly Block the UN Cyprus' Peace Talks, under any other, subsequent, hollow, hypocritical claim.



Long After the UN-sponsored Inter-Communal Talks for a Peacefil ReUnification of Cyprus had to be Postponed "Sine Die", when Ankara presented its own Political Claims, for the 1st Time so Officialy and Explicitly, suddenly, the Turkish Cypriot Leader Akinci searched a (Comparatively Lenient) Hollow Pretext (f.ex. on an Amendment, tabled by a Small Rightist Party inside a routine Bill reviewing the List of ...Public Holidays (sic !), that the Executive Power of the Government and the President of Cyprus, canNot Legaly Oppose, because of the Principle of Separation of Powers), in order to Stop Participating in any UN-sponsored Cyprus' Talks, until now.



On Sunday, however, the UN Secretary General's Envoy in Cyprus hosts an Exceptional, "Social Event" with a Dinner Bringing Together Cyprus' President Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot Leader Akinci, with obvious aim to discuss the resumption of the official Talks.



President Anastassiades has already warned that any, eventual, Attempt to put some kind of "Pre-Conditions" (f.ex. disguised in the form of "CBMs" etc) Before being able to re-open the Talks, would be doomed to failure, since the only normal course would be to simply and Directly re-Start the UN-sponsored Talks for a Peaceful ReUnification of the island, without any more Delays.



-----------------------------------

Earlier, replying also to a MEP's Question on "the Outcome of Geneva Talks", Kasulides reminded the fact that, even if, "it has been always our aime to seek a Negotiated settlement on the Problem of Cyprus, and that ..Hopes for a Succesful Outcome, after having Tried for Many Years unuccesfully, had been Enhanced through the Election of a New Turkish Cypriot Leader. And, indeed, a lot of Progress has been Achieved, through (UN-sponsored) Negotiations between the two Leaders, until we came to a Culmination, with an International Conference in Geneva"



- But, "Unfortunately, the Timing came to Coincide with the Internal Situation in Turkey, ... Depending on the Referendum of the 16th of April" 2017, (notoriously seeked by Turkish President Erdogan in order to considerably Augment his Powers). "I believe that this is one of the Reasons thet there is a Delay".



- "Because, what is Important Now, is to have Answers (particularly) on the Security situation" (in a ReUnified Cyprus in the foreseeable Future).

- On the Contrary, "We (Greek Cypriots) are Prepared to seek an Agreement in a Compromise to Share Political Power wih the Turkish Cypriot Community, on the Basis of Equality, in a System of Bi-Communal and Bi-Zonal Federation"



- "But, for us, this will only have a Meaning, if we Know that the Turkish Army is WithDrawing from Cyprus, (and a so-called) Right of Unilateral Military Intervention from the Old (Post-Colonial, 1960 London) Treaties (of to be rescinded", he underlined. Thus, "it would be very Easy to arrive to a Settlement, if the System of Security, makes Both Greek and Turkish Cypriots, equaly Secured".



- "The two Leaders are Meeting again Next Sunday, But I think that we should Expect Results Only after the 16th of April" 2017, he Concluded, (i.e. After Ankara's regime Rendez-Vous, since it's mainland Turkey's policy which seem to Dictate developments related to the Occupied Territories of Cypus, that it controls since the 1974 Military Invasion and Occupation of the Northern Part of the Island).



-------------------------------------

+ CLRAE's President, speaking to Eurofora, Agrees with Kasulides :

-------------------------------------------



+ Meanwhile, it's Interesting to note the Fact that, even Before those Kasulides' 2 Statements, CoE's Local and Regional Democracy watchdog "CLRAE"s new President, Gudrun Mosler-Tornstrom from Austria, reacting to an "Eurofora" Question about an eventual ReUnification of Cyprus' Capital City Nicosia, appeared practicaly oriented by Similar, forthcoming Political Time Deadlines :



- "Concerning Cyprus, We'd Better Wait until the April Referendum in Turkey", about Constitutional Reforms wished by Turkish President Tayip Erdogan, (notoriously in order to Concentrate even More Power in the Hands of the Presidential Administration), she advised.



Gudrun, who is from Salzburg, smiled Friendly when she heard that "Eurofora" was at Mozart's Birthplace, and UNESCO's World Heritae site, nowadays a Hub for Trans-Alpian Train networks linking Italy to Northern Europe, at precisely 6.15 a.m. Yesterday Early Morning, while Returning from Rome's exceptional EU-27 Heads of State/Government Summit for the 60th Anniversary of the EU, in our way Back Home to Strasbourg, CoE's Headquarters, precisely in order to Catch up with CLRAE's Spring 2017 Plenary Session.



2 Young Ladies had then Anxiously queried "Eurofora"s practical Help to find out what was the Precise Timing for Salzburg, Eager to Arrive on Time, mutatis-mutandis, almost as Now, Cyprus' UN-sponsored Talks would Better Advance, instead of staying Deadlocked since that Withdrawal of the Turkish side (Comp. Supra), in order, at least, to Mark a Breakthrough well Before the pre-Electoral Campaign Starts for the Next Presidential Election of February 2018...



The Last Time that the Turkish side had Openly Refused to join UN-sponsored Talks on Cyprus was Back on September 2001 :

- In particular, then, the former Turkish Cypriot Leader Rauf Denktash, backed by Ankara's Government, had openly Refused an Official and Written Invitation by the UN Secretary General (then Koffi Annan), to Start a New Round of Cyprus' Talks, for a Solution Based on pertinent UN SC Resolutions, in New York, the 12th of September 2001.



Everybody was, then, Expecting a Harsh Sanction on Turkey for its blunt Refusal to cooperate, (particularly from the UN or the EU, CoE, etc.), and "Eurofora"s co-Founder had just contacted CoE's Secretary General, then Walter Schwimmer, on that Pending Issue, already from the Sunday before, who had given as a Rendez-Vous for "Monday Afternoon", (i.e. at the Eve of that Crucial Time Deadline), in order to have enough Time to "Consult the Ambassadors", Permanent Representatives to the CoE, of Cyprus and Turkey, etc. at the Morning, in view of Issuing an Official Statement, as Schwimmer had promised us.



But, that Monday Afternoon (in Europe), was notoriously Disrupted, in an exceptionaly Brutal manner, by the 9/11 Mass Deadly Terror Attack, particularly at UNO's Headquarters, New York City, right at the Eve of that Crucial, September 12, Rendez-vous, organized there by UNO's Secretary General on Cyprus' issue. So that, when "Eurofora"'s Co-Founder called the Mobile Phone of the Long-Time then, Experienced President of CoE Assembly's Political affairs Committee, Hungarian MP Andras Barsony, (subsequently Ambassador to Ukraine, etc), for a Similar Question, we were Astonished to receive as Reply, his immediate Predictio, that, After 911, the Cyprus Issue would become, initialy "Freezed", and, later-on Re-Launched "on a Different Basis" (Comp. Supra, and the subsequent, 2002-2004 "Paris + Burgestock" Deadlock).



- Meanwhile, the then Turkish Cypriot Leader, Rauf Denktash, had reportedly Laughed at Cyprus President, then Glafcos Clerides, anounced attempt, on the Contrary, to Travel to New York in order to be Present in Reply to UNO SG's Invitation for a New Round of Cyprus' Talks in UNO's Headquarters on September 12, 2001, by curiously Boasting that ..."Clerides will Only make a Somersaught" or "a Tumble" ("a Culbute" in French) "in the Air" (sic !)...



But when this almost Happened as Rauf Denktash had Sarcasticaly Predicted - since Clerides' Airplane was Blocked and Hindered to Land in New York, by an Astonishingly Precise Coincidence in Timing with the 911 Terror Attacks at the World Trade Center in New York, which provoked an immediate Security Order to Ground all Airplanes then Flying over USA's airspace, added to a Closure of UNO's Headquarters' Building, i.e. Obliging de facto to Cancel UNO Secretary General Koffi Anna's official Invitation for New Cyprus' Talks, and, therefore, practicaly Covering Up Turkey's blunt Refusal (Comp. Supra), Nobody Laughed anymore...



- Later-on, "Eurofora"s co-Founder raised 2 relevant Topical Questions, concerning that Astonishing and Crucial "Coincidence", between the unprecedented 911 Terror Attack, Eve of an also Unprecedented UN SG Invitation for Cyprus' Talks, also at New York, exceptionaly Droped by the Turkish side, (which obviously Risked, inter alia, also to Cost for Ankara a probable EU Sanction, f.ex. by Droping Turkey's controversial and unpopular EU bid, which had just started, only 1 Year Earlier), on the Occasion of 2 Successive Press Conferences inside UNO's New York Headquarters on 2005, i.e. during an Exceptionaly Important UNO Heads of States/>Governments' Summit for the 60th Anniversary of the International Organisation and its Reform (which Created, f.ex. the World Council for Human Rights, at nearby Geneva, etc), followed by UNO's General Assembly's annual plenary session.



The 1rst, which Coincided both with the Day After the 5th Anniversary of the 9/11 Tragedy, dramaticaly commemorated by Victims' Families and Friends at "Ground Zero", where we had just participated, soon after the Publicaton of NIST's Report on the "World Wide Center" strange Collapse Controversy, but also with the precise Anniversary of the September 12, 2001 UN SG official Invitation for New Cyprus' Talks, dropped by Turkey (Comp. Supra), was a Press Conference organized on September 12, 2005, by UNO's Press Director and UN SG's Spokesman, Steffan Dujarric, (also Currently serving anew in that Top UNO Job on 2017).
Some have argued, since Donald Trump, has taken office, that arms control may be an area where the US and Russia can re-engage. However, the idea of re-launching an arms control dialogue between Washington and Moscow may not be the best place to start for improving bilateral relations. This is for three reasons:

First, the Russian audience still remembers the awkward moment when the US State Secretary Hilary Clinton presented the offer of a reset to Sergey Lavrov during the first bilateral meeting. The mistake at that time was the use of the Russian word overload rather than reset. This was symbolic. Despite the US having a long and rich experience of Russian/Soviet Studies, that mistake showed that in-depth knowledge of Russia was not easily available in the US in 2009.

Second, Russians had high expectations from the symbolic reset. The higher expectation, the bitter the disappointment and the harder it is to move on.

Third, the New START negotiations showed that there was a generation gap in arms control experts who would actually implement the reset. Both the Russian and the American negotiators admitted that there was a lack of young and middle-level professionals to contribute to the process.

In current conditions, the arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation agenda risks becoming a victim of bitter political tensions between Russia and the Western countries. Therefore, Russia, European countries, and the U.S. need to continue routine cooperation on arms control issues. No rush is needed, and no unrealistic expectations  just regular work on maintaining the existing arms control regimes. The prospects for new agreements are vague. When the future is unclear, the best thing to do is preserve what we already have.

The next small step might be extending the New START Treaty until 2026. New START provides a legal framework for regular on-site inspections, data exchanges, notifications and other transparency and confidence building measures. Lets hope that President Donald Trump and his Administration will wisely manage the legacy which they inherited from the predecessors.

Beyond the New START, the future of INF treaty is in question. Russia and the U.S. should continue to meet within the framework of the Special Verification Commission which, according to the Article 13 of the INF Treaty, was established to resolve questions relating to compliance with the obligations assumed; and agree upon such measures as may be necessary to improve the viability and effectiveness of this Treaty. The degradation of the existing bilateral U.S.-Russian arms control regimes, including INF, may lead to an uncontrolled arms race.The meetings of the Special Verification Commission held on a regular basis may serve as a shock-absorbing mechanism for the INF Treaty in the times of rapid political and technological changes.

Without taking into consideration the factors that affect broader strategic stability, any further progress towards nuclear arms reduction will be impossible. Russian officials keep repeating that when discussing hypothetical steps towards further reductions of nuclear armaments, the possibility of deployment of weapons in outer space should be addressed. Revitalization of a fruitful dialogue regarding the prevention of arms race in space might be in line with the efforts of those European countries which call for limiting modern weapon systems and new methods of warfare.

European security regime is going through hard times. Therefore, any initiatives promoting dialogue and confidence building between Russia and the European countries are welcomed. Regular consultations guided by the principle of equal and indivisible security for all the countries would be valuable in and of themselves. Starting with small steps, such as discussing what each side perceives as threatening actions from the other side, may lead into a road towards a new European arms control regime.

What specific role can Europe play in any future of arms control negotiations and cooperation?

Firstly, the experience of Soviet-American and later Russia-U.S. nuclear arms control agreements should be studied properly. Some elements of the bilateral transparency and confidence-building measures adopted by Moscow and Washington may be implemented by France and the UK. It is essential (also for the future of the NPT regime as such) that the further process of nuclear arms reductions becomes multilateral. France and the UK might themselves initiate work on tailoring to their needs a multilateral transparency and confidence building mechanisms like the ones that exist in the framework of U.S.-Russian START Treaty provisions.

Secondly, some of the most active part of the European civil society has adopted the position of now or never regarding the next steps towards nuclear disarmament. However, there exists a variety of security narratives which should be taken into account to have a comprehensive and objective analysis of the situation. Hence, the public dialogue regarding the future of nuclear arsenals needs to be multilateral, involve younger generations from all countries and allow arguments of various experts to be heard. The more voices can be taken on board, the more effective public debate on disarmament will be.

Thirdly, global mass media are often engaging in rhetoric about Russian nuclear threat in pursuit of sensational headlines. Each time the West accuses Russia of aggressive intentions, those inside Russia who claim that Russia is under siege and needs to protect its national interests by any means receive an additional boost of support from the Russian audience. In such circumstances, few experts dare to raise the question whether modern Russia really needs all elements of its nuclear arsenal and all the modernization programs to protect its national interests. The more professionally and responsibly the European media cover security issues, including Russias position on nuclear weapons, the more sustainable environment for a respectful international dialogue we will have.

In the area of arms control and disarmament, we do not need ambitious projects that might burst like a soap bubble. What we should have instead is a sustained multi-level dialogue that will lead to small but steady steps towards a safer world.

The opinions articulated above represent the views of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Leadership Network or any of its members. The ELNs aim is to encourage debates that will help develop Europes capacity to address the pressing foreign, defence, and security challenges of our time.
VTB could suffer an estimated 10-20 billion rubles in losses if the negative scenario regarding its Ukrainian subsidiary materializes, VTB Deputy CEO Yuri Soloviev has told journalists.

In the positive scenario, the group could make a small profit.

"Ukraine brought us quite significant losses. All of this has naturally accelerated with certain actions of Ukraine's government. The latest events under which the actions and political sanctions were allegedly invoked to protect Ukraine's assets, at the end of the day accelerate the problems that banks are facing. They lead to a situation in which banks have growing problems with liquidity," he said.

"As a baseline scenario, we wanted VTB Ukraine to return money to depositors in an orderly manner and liquidate assets. We have significant overshoot of assets over depositor funds and if there hadn't been such a frenzy we would have calmly liquidated the assets and returned money to depositors," he said.

"VTB's subsidiary has significantly reduced its presence in the Ukrainian market and was supposed to reduce itself to 12 points of presence this year and three by the beginning of 2018," he said.

"People, especially in Ukraine, are interested not in whether we wanted to do a fire sale, we are definitely looking at such proposals as well, but at the moment our baseline condition was to gradually close the business and return assets," he said.

"Under the positive scenario, we should even make a small profit. Under the negative scenario we could have a few tens of billions of rubles in losses if the government continues to put pressure on us going forward," he said.

Responding to a question on what would be a negative scenario for VTB, Soloviev said: "Perhaps nationalization, an illegal takeover. I believe that the negative scenario materialized for Sberbank. They had to sell the bank practically in a few days. This is one of the best banks in Ukraine, they were always working and were not in default. Only Ukraine loses out without the presence of these banks, but competing borrowers could profit from this. These people are trying to politically receive some kind of dividends through this," he said.

He said VTB could lose 10-20 billion rubles if the negative scenario in Ukraine materializes.
President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic at a meeting in Malta discussed the intensification of Ukrainian-Croatian trade and economic cooperation.

The press service of the Ukrainian president said Poroshenko noted the importance of studying the unique experience of Croatia in the peaceful reintegration of the temporarily occupied territories, the implementation of national reforms in accordance with European standards.

"The parties discussed the issue of invigorating the activities of the intergovernmental Ukrainian-Croatian commission on trade and economic cooperation, prospects for implementing bilateral and multilateral projects in the energy sector," the report reads.

Poroshenko thanked Plenkovic for consistent political support from Croatia for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, important humanitarian assistance to the country and active assistance in the matters of European integration.

The president of Ukraine also thanked his Croatian colleague for Croatia's active support of the speedy introduction of a visa-free regime for Ukrainian citizens.
Hi, I'd like a bit of advice - this is very new to me, so thanks in advance.



My brother has lived and worked in the US for many years and a few years ago was granted US citizenship.



He mentioned it may now possible for me to apply for a family VISA - Family Fourth Preference (F4) I believe?



He would be my sponsor, and is financially able to support me. He's my blood brother of the same parents.



What would be the next steps for me to move the process along? And does anyone have an idea (based on previous experience) what the fees are likely to cost?



Many thanks!



Natalie
Good day all,Looks like I will possibly have to do a German Police check. I have the forms downloaded - it says on the bottom----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The above signature and personal data are hereby authenticated:------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Date SealEmbassy ConsulateAuthority Notary PublicOffice Police Station------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------From looking at this can I go to local Police station or will that not be acceptable?? If not has anyone else applied and who/how did they get it signed and how much did it cost????Please and Thank you..full form https://www.bundesjustizamt.de/EN/SharedDocs/Public/BZR/antrag_en.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=4
Britain has now triggered the official process of leaving the European Union which will be completed by at least March 2019, but already fewer Europeans are looking for jobs in the UK.The latest research suggests that there has been an 18% drop in numbers of Europeans searching online for work in the UK since January, the steepest since the Brexit referendum vote last June.  It also takes the number of UK job searches by people in the EU to 11% below its post-referendum low at a time when British employers rely heavily on European staff as one 44.3% of new jobs created since 2008 were filled by EU workers.The figures from global job site Indeed also shows that traffic in the opposite direction is increasing with the number of UK residents looking for work in other EU countries up since the start of January.As Brexit moves from rhetoric to reality, the strain on Britains strong but tight labour market will worsen. For better or worse, a British labour market with fewer EU workers will be immediately confronted with a range of complex questions that will need to be resolved quickly to prevent major disruption, said Mariano Mamertino, Indeed economist for Europe.A separate Indeed analysis of official data from the Office of National Statistics shows just how reliant the UK has become on EU workers. It found that one million jobs created since 2008 were filled by EU workers and this dependence is most acute in the manufacturing and hospitality sectors, which together account for 26% of all EU nationals employed in the UK.Such heavy reliance on European talent could prove a serious liability if Brexit interrupts the flow of workers. With Europeans appetite for working in the UK already on the wane, if a non-EU Britain puts up legal barriers to EU workers coming here, or if the UK economy slumps in the wake of Brexit, European jobseekers wont hesitate to look elsewhere, Mamertino pointed out.UK unemployment is already at its lowest level in four decades, and with a shrinking pool of available talent, many employers face extreme competition when recruiting the people they need to grow, he explained.Even with free access to EU workers, Britains labour market is stretched tight. If Brexit turns off the tap of European workers it could be stretched to breaking point. As Brexit negotiations begin in earnest with the triggering of Article 50, the stakes for Britains labour market, and the wider economy, couldnt be higher, he concluded.
On the day now-suspended San Antonio lawyer Todd Prins and his wife, Paula, filed for bankruptcy last fall, she was at Saks Fifth Avenue buying a Gucci handbag and two accessories for $3,125, Louboutin pumps for $731 and skinny jeans for $436.

The purchases capped a roughly seven-month, $30,000 shopping spree at Saks and Neiman Marcus, where Paula Prins spent almost $11,000 on Prada, Jimmy Choo and other designer shoes as well as $6,700 on high-end handbags and accessories  all charged to her credit cards.

The details of Paula Prins lavish lifestyle, outlined in a lawsuit filed last week by the U.S. trustee overseeing the couples bankruptcy case, contradicts what they disclosed to the U.S. bankruptcy court last year and just a few weeks ago.

They valued all of their clothing, purses, shoes and accessories at just $2,500  which barely covers the Wallet on a Chain she purchased for $2,273 on Feb. 20, 2016, and is less than the two Gucci handbag items she bought May 18.

Martin Seidler, the couples bankruptcy lawyer, declined to comment about the case.

The couple filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in October, seeking to discharge at least $500,000 in unsecured debt.

Paula Prins, 41, told the court they filed because they had trouble paying bills, according to the lawsuit. U.S. Trustee Judy Robbins is suing her to prevent her from discharging her bills, which would force her to pay for her extravagant purchases.

The lawsuit marks the latest legal headaches for the Prinses.

Todd Prins, whos under criminal investigation, had his law license was suspended in December after a disciplinary committee of the State Bar of Texas accused him in a court filing of fabricating court documents and forging judges signatures in a clients case.

Prins, 50, had shut down his law practice prior to the suspension. The client, in the meantime, is suing him in Bankruptcy Court. Hes accused of swindling a real estate investor in Houston out of $2.4 million.

On Monday, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Jeff Bohm in Houston imposed $800,000 in sanctions plus more than $56,000 in attorneys fees against Prins after he failed to turn over $2.4 million in proceeds from an Oct. 4 foreclosure sale, as previously ordered.

The foreclosure sale was conducted by an associate in Prins law firm at his direction on behalf of a client.

The purchaser wired the $2.4 million to a law firm trust account at BBVA Compass Bank two days after the sale, according to findings of fact signed by Bohm on Monday. Prins, however, never provided the title to the buyer or the sales proceeds to the seller.

Bank records show Prins transferred most of the $2.4 million from the trust account to an account at Wells Fargo operated by the law firm on Oct. 18, Bohm said in his findings.

Prins later admitted he had no justification or basis for transferring the money to the Wells Fargo account.

Prins then used the Wells Fargo account to purchase four plane tickets for almost $1,900 and vacation lodging for more than $5,000 on hotels.com.

Prins continued to charge tens of thousands of dollars to the Wells Fargo account to fund a lavish European vacation over the next few weeks with stops in London, Edinburgh, Scotland, and Copenhagen, Denmark, for him and his family, Bohm said.

Upon their return, the couple immediately traveled to Portland, Oregon.

Bohm said Todd Prins had made several false statements to the court  in furtherance of covering up his fraudulent scheme.

He cited a Nov. 8 court hearing in Houston that Todd Prins missed, saying he was in San Antonio and too ill to attend. But Bohm noted bank records show several charges in London on that day. Prins also told the court the $2.4 million still was in the law firms trust account when all but about $100,000 was missing, Bohm added.

Had Prins stated that he was on vacation in Europe, his scheme would have been uncovered much earlier, Bohm wrote. A Chapter 7 debtor taking a monthlong vacation to Europe weeks after filing bankruptcy would cause a trustee or any other interested party to investigate further.

The Wells Fargo bank statements further show Prins used some of the money in November to pay the couples bankruptcy lawyer and his criminal defense lawyers, Bohm said in the findings.

The records also show almost $165,000 from the Wells Fargo account went to Transworld Leasing Corp. Another entity, Industry Drive Partners Ltd., received $300,000.

Bohm also found that Prins misrepresentations allowed him to continue perpetrating his fraudulent scheme and spend an additional $155,806.64 from the Wells Fargo account before it was seized by federal authorities.

At the time of the seizure, $1.6 million remained in the account. The $800,000 in sanctions imposed by Bohm represents the difference between the propertys sale price and what authorities seized.

Bohm also has referred the matter to the U.S. attorneys office for potential criminal prosecution. Prins already has been on the radar of the FBI and U.S. attorneys office in San Antonio.

During various bankruptcy proceedings, Paula Prins was questioned about the trip to Europe and her numerous purchases.

Asked whether she wondered how she and her family could afford to go to Europe less than a month after filing for bankruptcy, Paula Prins replied, No, and I didnt wonder, the U.S. trustee said in the lawsuit against her. To other questions about her travels following the bankruptcy, the trustee stated that she answered, I dont know, I dont remember or No 54 times.

Robbins said Paula Prins repeatedly misled the court by feigning ignorance about detail after detail.

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Paula Prins also was asked why she valued their clothing and accessories at $2,500 when she made more than $38,000 in purchases shortly before and after the bankruptcy.

According to the trustees lawsuit, she testified that the Gucci handbag items she bought for $2,580 on May 18 and the Gucci handbag she bought for $1,655 on June 13 were worth nothing.

She also testified she didnt know if she still had a pair of high-heel sandals that she bought for $1,031 on April 1 of last year. When asked if there was any reason why she didnt have the sandals, she said: If I gave them away to Goodwill, if they got ruined, I threw them out. Those would be reasons.

The trustee said Paula Prins repeatedly testified falsely to questions about the clothing and accessories she bought last year. The trustee also said she signed her bankruptcy papers under penalty of perjury that the information was correct.

Paula Prins concealed property and failed to explain satisfactorily the loss of assets, the trustee said in requesting that her debts not be discharged.

Todd Prins exercised his right against self incrimination by pleading the Fifth Amendment to many questions during creditors meetings. He also has waived a discharge of his debts, which a judge has approved.

The couple listed almost $1.6 million in assets and about $934,000 in liabilities in their latest bankruptcy schedules.

pdanner@express-news.net

Twitter: @AlamoPD
Theyve received death threats and had profanities and rocks hurled at them. One companys tractor was stolen.

For the few Hispanic-owned construction firms daring to bid on building a piece of President Donald Trumps border wall, this is the emotional price of doing business. Owners say they have been accused of betraying their community. Some say they have had to swallow their own qualms about Trumps contentious immigration policies.

A lot of people are saying, Youre Latino. How can you build a wall to keep other Latinos out? We had to do a lot of soul-searching before we jumped into this because its obviously a very, very controversial topic, said Michael Evangelista-Ysasaga, chief executive and owner of The Penna Group, a firm headquartered in Fort Worth.

Evangelista-Ysasaga, whose grandparents immigrated from Mexico, said he fielded five death threats one morning alone this week from random people calling into the office and just screaming.

Every sovereign nation has a duty to defend its borders, he told callers. Unfortunately, he said, a certain segment of American Latinos have cast supporters of the border wall as racist.

Work on the border wall has stirred such impassioned reactions that only a tiny fraction of the countrys nearly half-million Hispanic-owned construction firms are even considering profiting from Trumps wall.

Of the approximately 200 companies that have responded to the federal governments two requests for proposals for a solid concrete border wall and another wall design, at least 32 companies are Hispanic-owned, according to a Washington Post analysis of a federal database. The deadline for proposals has been extended to Tuesday.

Construction executives, in interviews with the Washington Post, said they weighed their misgivings about building the border wall against the benefits of providing jobs, growing their businesses, improving the local economy and having the ability to influence the construction of a safer, more humane wall.

I try to be politically neutral in my decision-making process, said Al Anderson, general manager of KWR Construction, a Hispanic-owned firm based in Sierra Vista, Ariz., that helped build the border fence as well as related roads and lighting. We want whatever jobs here along the border that we can get, and set aside our personal beliefs to support our employees.

Border security work has always been contentious, Anderson said. He recounted Mexicans harassing his workers in profanity-laced Spanish and chucking rocks over a sliver of fencing as they installed lighting. One of his employees donned a bulletproof vest at work every day.

It was a rough environment, and I expect it to be more charged now than it has been in the history of working along the border, Anderson said. Not only are Mexicans infuriated with the United States, but people in the United States are also infuriated.

Anderson said that if his company is selected, he expects some of his construction workers to quit rather than to build the wall.

Well have people who are conscientious objectors against this particular project, he said. They live in a small community and they dont want to get threatening calls in the middle of the night.

There are also economic risks. Some local and state governments are considering a boycott of companies involved in building the 30-foot-high wall that the government has specified must be aesthetically pleasing in color, at least from the U.S. side.

We want to do everything within our power to slow or stop the Trump agenda, especially the border wall that is built on hatred and fear, said Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, a Democrat in the California State Assembly who represents the states southernmost district encompassing San Ysidro, adjacent to the Mexico border. She introduced a bill last week that would require public-employee retirement funds to divest from firms that work on the wall.

Patrick Balcazar, owner of a Puerto Rico-based firm, said he feels that the billions of dollars the border wall would cost  which Congress has yet to authorize  would be better spent on other priorities.

The Department of Homeland Security has estimated the wall would cost $21.6 billion, nearly double what Trumps campaign had cited.

But Puerto Rico is in the depths of an economic crisis. And its construction industry is in a depression. Work is work, Balcazar said. Im not a big fan of how Lady Gaga dresses, but if Im a tailor and she wants me to make her a dress, I will make a dress and I will tell her it looks good on her.

He expected to get more pushback on his decision to submit a wall design proposal from his firm, San Diego Project Management PSC, but said that most of my rank and file recognize it for what it is.

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Mario Burgos, chief executive and president of Burgos Group in Albuquerque, says the wall construction work could also help stimulate his states economy. New Mexico posted a 6.8 percent unemployment rate in February, the highest in the nation.

Employees are happy to know theres a possibility for work, whether they are Hispanic or not, Burgos said.

In the border town of El Paso, where a fence separates the United States from Mexico, Julian Carrizal said he looks forward to the construction of a more robust wall to keep out what he considers unfair competition from Mexicans not authorized to work in the United States.

When you have somebody come in with no liability insurance and no workmans comp, they can practically do the job for nothing, said Carrizal, president of J Carrizal General Construction. That hurts our ability to compete.

Carrizal said he employs some Mexican workers living across the border in Ciudad Juarez who have the required work documents. Some of them may even be involved in building the Trump wall, further cutting off their own families and friends.

Evangelista-Ysasaga said his executive team was motivated to bid by reports that some companies were considering designs for a lethal electrical wall.

There were some holdouts, but ultimately everyone decided the risk was too great to sit on the sidelines, he said. We would rather be a productive part of the solution and propose a humane option to secure our border.

He said his company has spent the past four years in the field working on a border road and gathering data on what type of wall would be most effective.

Weve picked a very hot-button project to be involved in but at the end of the day, it is our hope that once we secure our border, we can finally pass comprehensive immigration reform, Evangelista-Ysasaga said.
DuPont Pioneer to invest $5 mln in line for production of sunflower seeds in Poltava region

Investments in the launch of a line for production of sunflower seeds in the village of Stasy (Poltava region) will amount to $5 million, the company's director for integrated operations in Europe has told Interfax-Ukraine.

"A new line for production of sunflower seeds worth $5 million is under construction at our seed production facility in the Stasy village. It will be commissioned this year," he said.

The line's capacity is 200,000 sunflower seeds. After its launch, the plant's total capacity will be more than 700,000seeds (corn and sunflower together).

According to the expert, $40 million was invested in the construction of the plant prior to 2013, another $11 million in the line for production of maize seeds in 2014.

The total amount of DuPont Pioneer's investment in the seed plant after the start of the sunflower seeds line will be $56 million.

DuPont Pioneer sells its seeds in more than 90 countries around the world.

The company opened its representative office in Kyiv in 1998 and began work on testing new hybrids of corn and sunflower. In 2001 Pioneer Nasinnia Ukraine LLC was registered, and on August 27, 2010 the company officially announced the opening of its research and development center in Kyiv region.
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Swig Martini Bar, the River Walk cocktail lounge that led San Antonios charge into the martini culture when it opened in 1997, has been locked out of its building, raising questions about the bars future.

Letters on the doors at 111 W. Crockett St. read, in part, Your rentals are delinquent. Accordingly, we have changed the lock(s) to your door(s). The letters, dated Feb. 6, are posted on letterhead for the commercial real estate company Edens.

We have a dispute with the landlord. Swig owner Chris Erck said. We have major roof leaks. One area of the bar just gets completely soaked. They refuse to fix it. Its very clear its their issue.

Erck said that Swig has not closed, and that hes looking at relocation options if he cant work out a deal with Edens. Our first choice is to stay where we are. Weve been there 20 years. We love the location, and we love being downtown, Erck said.

Erck said Edens has not responded since locking the doors and posting the letters Feb. 6. They have not returned a single phone call or a single email. They wont even talk to us, which is very frustrating, he said.

An Edens representative referred calls to a company marketing director Tuesday, who has not yet responded to Express-News inquiries Tuesday and today.

Signs on the windows at Swig announce that the property is available for lease, with contact information for an Edens agent. Those signs, along with more copies of the letter, are also posted on the adjacent Pizza to Go Go shop, which Erck also owns and is part of the same lease as Swig.

The bar at Swig is still stocked with liquor bottles and the furniture is still in place as if it closed last night, but an orchid at the hostess stand has dropped its petals, where they lie beside a magazine from January.

Erck also said the bar has had issues with homeless people living on the benches on the property. He also said that during elevator construction in front of the business that a service truck regularly parked where his patio tables sit and that workers moved his tables and chairs.

It disrupted our business, Erck said. There have been a number of issues. The landlord has just ignored them.

Meanwhile, Bank of America last week sued Erck over a $150,000 loan it made in 2014 to his now-shuttered Panzanella Pizza, located next to Swig and now called Pizza to Go Go. The bank alleges the loan has gone into default and accuses Erck and Panzanella of failing and refusing to make payments on the note.

Bank of America says that as of Jan. 17 it was owed more than $68,000 in principal on the loan. Erck, Panzanella, Panzanella Pizza Management Swig and Qwercky each guaranteed repayment of the debt, the suit says. Each is named as a defendant.

The bank seeks repayment of the unpaid principal, interest, costs and attorneys fees. Britney Sheehan, a bank spokeswoman, said she could not comment because she had not seen the lawsuit. The suit was filed in Bexar County district court.

Erck said Wednesday afternoon he had made a settlement offer to the bank, but nothing is final.

msutter@express-news.net

Twitter: @fedmanwalking
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Sipping on bourbon can be a spiritual experience. The amber liquid has to age for years, and the taste of each drop carries with it a connection to the past: the weather over the months or years of aging, the barrels wood and where it came from, the light and the dark and the hands of its caretakers.

Its that communion with history that drives San Antonios most recent foray into whiskey distilling.

Two weeks ago Kenneth Maverick, a direct descendant from Texas Declaration of Independence signer Samuel A. Maverick, bought the old bank building at 115 Broadway downtown to house his microdistillery, tasting room and event space, Maverick Whiskey. Yep, true to his familys name, hes going it alone.

In the next or day or two, Kenneth Maverick hopes to pick an architect and begin planning for a renovation and restoration of the 1918 building thats hoped to be completed next year. At four stories and more than 15,000 square feet, according to a listing for the property, its a big job.

The building alone cost more than $1 million and Kenneth hesitates to estimate a cost for renovation. Decades of remodeling have done their damage to the interior, obscuring original skylights and plaster scrollwork behind of layers of who knows what, and currently everything is painted a shade of Tweety bird.

But for him, its a labor of love, one that brings back to a new generation the legends, tall tales and actual history of one of San Antonios original heroes and creates a place where he would like sit around with his friends, sipping and swapping tales.

Its the storytelling and the sitting around with friends and the connection to the past and the craft. Bourbon is a true American art form, he said.

With that in mind, the location could hardly be more perfect: right next to Paris Hatters, the fabled business that for 100 years has been custom making cowboy hats for celebrities and cowpokes and tourists from around the world.

Current owner Abe Cortez is thrilled that the building, which had sat vacant for the better part of a decade, will be filled with a business again  and even better that it be one that can send his way tipsy patrons ready to spend. He leases space to the Texas T Pub on the other side of his store for blue-collar drinkers and hipsters looking for a dive bar and looks forward to a higher-end clientele on the other side.

A bar, hats and boots, Cortez said, describing the new Broadway retail pairing.

The location itself is another nod to Maverick family history. The building sits on a corner of the original Maverick homestead. The first house sat on the corner of whats now Alamo and Houston Street.

And with his bushy brows, trimmed goatee and bow tie, there is something reminiscent of Kenneths lineage in his appearance, as well.

The Broadway building, which with its four large columns, bears a marked resemblance to the Temple of Apollo at Delphi in Greece, was first built as the Lockwood Bank, later becoming the Commonwealth Bank in the 1920s, and other businesses until most recently housing Antiques on Broadway.

And then theres the historic connection between Sam Maverick and whiskey. The story, as it goes on the company website, maverickwhiskey.com, is that he left behind a jug of whiskey for the Alamo defenders, just before he rode out from the mission with a message for help to Washington-on-the-Brazos.

Another story, this one told by and about Kenneth himself, goes like this: After a couple of years of experimenting with his own whiskey homebrews, his wife had had it with the smell.

She is reportedly relieved the experimentation will have a new location.

It may seem a stretch for an ophthalmologist by day to go the way of whiskey distiller, but Kenneth said it makes sense. All that organic chemistry he took in medical school is coming in handy now with making sure the distilling processes are clean and repeatable.

Preliminary plans for the project call for a 500-gallon still. Because bourbon and whiskey have to age, the first consumable products likely will be a vodka, maybe infused with peach  Travis Park was a peach orchard when it was Maverick land  and a rum  old whiskey recipes used molasses, making them similar to rum.

Eventually, he would like to batch bourbon and Alamo Whiskey, perhaps with a different Texas hero on the bottles of each batch. Solid plans are still at least weeks away.

Im trying to create a puro San Antonio experience where its a true to the Old West and a place where I would want to hang out with my friends. Well make enough for those we want to share it with, and if theres any left over, well be happy to share with the city, Kenneth said with a smile.

The slogan now is Unbranded.

Well, it worked for Maverick cattle, so it might work out well for whiskey.

espicer@express-news.net

Twitter: @Spiced1

Instagram: @spiceoflife_en
Pete Luna, For the San Antonio Express-News / For the San Antonio Express-News

Pete Luna, For the San Antonio Express-News / For the San Antonio Express-News

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NEW BRAUNFELS  The fellowship at the senior retreat at Alto Frio Baptist Camp and Conference Center had been rewarding.

The meals were good. The testimonies touched everyone. The weather of the scenic Texas Hill Country was fantastic.

Then came time to leave Wednesday afternoon, and most of the 65 members of the choir group from First Baptist Church of New Braunfels got into their various cars and began the 130-mile trek back home, recounted Caroline Deavors, who was on the retreat.

But not everyone had a car, she said, so 14 members climbed into the churchs small bus, driven by semi-retired middle school math teacher Murray Barrett.

Deavors had a car and had a passenger with her.

They were right behind us, Deavors said. They left right after we did.

As she and her passenger headed south on U.S. 83, they saw a string of ambulances go by but didnt think much about it.

It wasnt until she got home that she learned about the tragedy that had taken place behind her: Barrett and 12 bus passengers were killed when the driver of a Dodge pickup crossed the center line and hit the bus head-on about 30 miles north of Uvalde.

Barrett and 11 passengers died at the scene; another bus passenger, who was taken by air to University Hospital, died several hours after the wreck.

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The driver of the truck also was taken to University Hospital; he was in stable condition Wednesday night, said Lt. Johnny Hernandez, Texas Department of Public Safety spokesman. The drivers name wasnt released. The lone surviving church member, who was taken by air to San Antonio Military Medical Center, was in critical condition, Hernandez said.

More Information Tragic Texas bus crashes Aug. 4, 1952: Two Greyhound buses collided head-on on U.S. 81, 7 miles south of Waco. Both bus drivers were killed on impact and 28 passengers died. Sept. 21, 1989: A Dr Pepper delivery truck hit a school bus and pushed it into a 40-foot caliche pit filled with rainwater, killing 19 high school students and injuring more than 60. Aug. 8, 2008: A charter bus carrying a Vietnamese Catholic group on an annual pilgrimage ran off a highway overpass, killing 17 and injuring more than 40. April 13, 2013: Three passengers died and more than 40 senior citizens were injured in a charter bus crash in Irving that was on its way to a casino in Oklahoma. May 14, 2016: Nine people were killed and 44 injured when a charter bus headed to an Eagle Pass casino rolled over about 50 miles north of Laredo. See More Collapse

Hernandez said the 2004 bus was southbound on U.S. 83 and the 2007 Dodge dually truck was headed north on the highway when they collided at 12:23 p.m. The driver of the Dodge was alone in his vehicle.

The roads in the vicinity of Garner State Park, which is near the Alto Frio facility, are some of the riskiest in the state.

Those are very dangerous roads, Deavors said. Theyre just curves and curves and curves. There would be places where the speed limit on the highway was 30 mph.

At a briefing near the crash site Wednesday night, DPS Sgt. Orlando Moreno declined to speculate on possible causes of the crash, which occurred in a curve of the road where the speed limit is 65 mph.

For reasons unknown, the truck veered into the southbound lane and struck the bus head-on, Moreno said. Give the investigators time to look at everything and then well know exactly what happened.

Moreno said officials from the National Transportation Safety Board were expected to assist in the investigation of the collision, which he said was unlike any hes had to handle.

Were used to working fatal crash scenes, but its the first time weve seen something like this happen with so many confirmed fatalities, he said. Our guys are holding up really well and trying to do the job theyve got to do.

Moreno said U.S. 83, which was closed north of Uvalde shortly after the crash occurred, would remain closed until investigators get all of the information that we need.

As the sun set, more than 10 DPS officers still were working at the scene. Volunteer firefighters from Reagan Wells and Concan also responded to the crash.

The force of the head-on impact was apparent from the crumpled vehicles, which remained in place at the scene Wednesday evening about 4 miles south of Garner State Park.

The front of the dual-wheeled pickup on the drivers side and the front of the bus, also on the drivers side were crushed against each other, with the van appearing to have buckled just behind the entry door. Debris was scattered underneath and around the vehicles.

In New Braunfels, congregation members gathered at the church, reaching out to each other in their grief.

Shock, just shock, Nancy Lacey, a 10-year resident of New Braunfels, said as she arrived at the church Wednesday evening. You see things like this on the news. Now its here.

From across the street, about three dozen members of St. Pauls Lutheran Church held hands and walked to the First Baptist sanctuary to lend support.

Amity Dohoney, 21, said she had known the bus driver since her pre-teen years. He taught her seventh- and eighth-grade math, and they remained close through the church.

He was always such an upbeat person, she said. He loved people. Hed do anything to help them.

Somber church members passed by as Dohoney and Deavors spoke. Nearby, little children oblivious to the adults were happily running around the playground.

The normal Wednesday night service had been canceled, but a lot of members didnt hear about that until they arrived.

They were joined in the church by others.

Its very heart-breaking, Deavors said. The people who were on the bus  I knew them all.

Pastor Brad McLean said the bus passengers were all seniors.

We just want to be, obviously, thoughtful of the families, McLean said. We are just trying to work through this.

News of the crash drew condolences from Gov. Greg Abbott.

In a statement, Abbott said he and his wife, Cecilia, extend their deepest condolences to the victims and the families of those involved in todays tragic event.

He said they are saddened by the loss of life and our hearts go out to all those affected.

The governor added that he and his wife thank the first responders working on the scene and ask that all Texans join us in offering their thoughts and prayers.

Members of the congregation at the church were leaning on each other and their faith.

We know that everyone on that bus knew the Lord and well see them again, Lacey said, adding that the best thing people can do is keep praying.

There is power in prayer, she said. When two people gather, Hes there.

Staff Writers Chris Lykins, Jacob Beltran and Kelsey Bradshaw and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

rbragg@express-news.net
AUSTIN  A Senate plan to fill a revenue hole without dipping into the states rainy day fund is unconstitutional, the Houses top budget writer charged Wednesday, intensifying the rhetoric as the two chambers pursue different ways to pay for key services in tight fiscal times.

House Appropriations Committee Chairman John Zerwas, R-Richmond, gave his assessment to reporters after his committee voted 26-0 for a two-year budget proposal that would be paid for partly with $2.5 billion of the states Economic Stabilization Fund, informally called the rainy day fund.

Senate leaders defended their plan as proper and constitutional.

The Appropriations Committees budget proposal next goes to the full House for a vote, then legislative negotiators from both chambers will work to resolve their differences.

Zerwas and other House leaders said it makes sense to dip into the rainy day fund, which is expected to reach $12 billion by the end of the next two-year budget period, to pay for crucial services at a time when state revenues available for general spending are diminished.

Senate leaders, however, say their chamber has no appetite for taking money from the rainy day fund for ongoing expenses. It has become an article of conservative faith in limited-government circles that its important to leave the savings account untouched.

So instead of using rainy day fund money, the Senate has approved a budget proposal that would slightly delay the transfer of $2.5 billion thats promised for transportation in the coming budget.

The maneuver would push the expense into the next fiscal cycle, freeing up $2.5 billion for general spending in the 2018-19 budget period. At the same time, however, it would count the $2.5 billion as an expenditure for transportation.

House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, last week said its wrong for the Senate move to double count the money in this way, comparing it to the accounting tricks used in the Enron scandal.

Zerwas expanded on that theme Wednesday as the House Appropriations Committee approved its budget proposal, which would spend $106.8 billion over the next two years in state general revenue. Thats the part of the budget over which lawmakers have direct control. The Senate proposal would spend $106.3 billion in general revenue.

While the general-revenue totals are relatively close, there are big differences in how the money is allocated in key areas including higher education.

Zerwas emphasized that state spending proposed by his panel would be less than that in the current budget cycle, as it would in the Senate. The current two-year total stands at a bit over $106.8 billion but he said it is expected to climb to $108 billion when lawmakers pay all the bills for this budget period.

The budget balances by cutting spending, prioritizing critical items and using a modest amount of the ESF for the exact purpose for which it was created, Zerwas said of his committees plan.

The (House) budget does not rely on budget gimmickry that puts the states investment in transportation at risk. We think that the ESF is the money that should be used. We shouldnt be using state highway funds  or pretending to use state highway funds, he said.

Lawmakers are struggling to fund services because of a downturn in state revenues available for general spending. The squeeze is caused by a combination of the economic effects of the uncertain oil and gas industry and past legislative decisions to cut taxes and  with voter approval  dedicate up to $5 billion to the states snarled transportation system in the next two years.

That dedicated transportation money is whats at issue in the Senate proposal, which would allocate $2.5 billion of the funds in September 2019 rather than August 2019. August is the last month of the fiscal year, so the delay pushes the expense into the next budget period.

Zerwas said that the state constitution requires the tax funds for transportation to be deposited in the same fiscal year they are collected.

It is unconstitutional to push them into another year. And thats in the constitution for exactly the reason were talking about here  to basically prohibit any sort of nonchalant deferral of that money, Zerwas said. This is my understanding.

Nelson, however, said the constitution also states that the transfer of funds to transportation only may occur if annual sales tax collections reach a particular net revenue benchmark. Net revenue cant be calculated until the close of the fiscal year, she said.

She also that Comptroller Glenn Hegar has told lawmakers that the transfer can occur in September and that it would comply with the constitution.

The Senates approach makes practical sense because it carries out the intent of Proposition 7 (dedicating money to transportation) and ensures we provide the full commitment to addressing our transportation needs, Nelson said in a statement.

Even though the Senate and House are on a collision course on where to get the $2.5 billion, Zerwas and Nelson both have emphasized that the two sides must work together to reach a final budget.

This budget is a work in progress, Nelson said as the Senate discussed its spending plan before approving it Tuesday. She said she believes senators can come to an agreement with the House: We can do this.

Zerwas said that in budget negotiations, Everything is on the table, and that includes ESF and that includes a critical look at the way the state highway funds are being utilized in their budget.

Zerwas said he and Nelson have worked well together in past budget negotiations, adding, Im quite confident that she and I will work very closely and very effectively to craft a budget that well bring back that everybody can vote on.

pfikac@express-news.net

Twitter: @pfikac
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McKINNEY  A state district judge said he is concerned that powerful people in Collin County may be too close to the behind-the-scenes action surrounding Ken Paxtons criminal case, and said he plans to decide by noon Thursday whether to move the trial out of the attorney generals home county.

Judge George Gallagher also will decide whether to delay the trial while the prosecutors lawyers spar in a separate court with Paxton allies to get paid and whether to dismiss at least one of the charges against the sitting attorney general.

Gallagher, a Tarrant County judge hearing the case in Collin County, said he was concerned after reviewing an invitation to a 2013 Paxton fundraiser at the home of one of the attorney generals key allies sponsored by four of five members of the Collin County Commissioners Court.

We may have a problem here. We may have an ethical problem, Gallagher told the lawyers in court. He added that litigation pertaining to Paxtons case grows and expands by people who have a great deal of control in this county.

Those concerns could have a bearing on whether Gallagher will move the case out of Collin County, as the special prosecutors have asked. His comments also hint at the politics surrounding Paxton who was indicted in 2015 on felony criminal securities fraud charges alleging he lured investors into buying stock without disclosing he would make a commission. He also was charged with failing to register with the state as an investment advisor.

Paxton has maintained his innocence and contends he is the victim of a political witch hunt.

The fundraiser Gallagher referenced was hosted in December of 2013 by Keresa Richardson, an avid Paxton supporter who contributed heavily to his election campaign and gave him $10,000 to help fund his legal defense. She once told the Associated Press he was the cleanest guy in the world.

Members of the Collin County Commissioners Court said they were confused why the judge would be concerned about them sponsoring a political event more than three years ago, before Paxton was elected attorney general or indicted.

Im puzzled why that would matter in this case because there is no secret that Ken Paxton has a lot of supporters in Collin County, County Judge Keith Self said. Self said he counts Paxton as a friend but sees that relationship as separate from his duty as a county official.

Chris Hill, a commissioner, said there is no reason why commissioners would not attend an event for their state senator.

I do find it a bit troubling the judge in this case would think that this event from late 2013 has any relevance at all in the current matter, Hill said, accusing prosecutors of grasping at straws.

Richardson, who could not be reached for comment, this month joined a lawsuit originally filed by wealthy real estate developer Jeffory Blackard to block payments to the three special prosecutors assigned to the case. The suit argues the county is paying too much money for the prosecution.

Because of the lawsuit, the Texas 5th Court of Appeals in January ordered the Collin County Commissioners Court to stop paying the prosecutors until the issue can be resolved in court.

The prosecutors, all criminal defense lawyers from Houston, have not been paid for more than a year and have asked Gallagher to delay Paxtons May 1 trial until the Court of Appeals resolves the lawsuit contesting their fees. Gallagher said he expects to rule whether to delay the trial Thursday.

Attorneys for Paxton and the state declined to comment after the hearing, saying Gallagher instructed them to make no public comments outside the courtroom.

Much of the court hearing in Collin County was closed to the public as the parties discussed a motion by Paxtons lawyers to dismiss the case that was placed under seal because it pertained to grand jury issues.

In open court, Paxtons criminal defense team called a Republican pollster to testify about a recent poll it commissioned to combat the prosecutors allegation that Paxton and his allies have tainted the jury pool in Collin County, jeopardizing the chance of a fair hearing. Prosecutors say Paxtons allies have embarked on a public relations strategy to promote Paxtons innocence and attack the prosecutors and their witnesses. For that reason, they have asked Gallagher for a change of venue.

Glen Bolger, a Republican pollster from Public Opinion Strategies, said the majority of people he surveyed last weekend said they did not know enough about the case to say whether they thought Paxton was guilty or innocent.

Of those who knew of the indictment, 14 percent said they believed he was guilty, compared to 9 percent who thought he was innocent, he said. Those who identified as Republicans were more likely to say they thought he was innocent.

The poll surveyed 400 Collin County residents from Mar. 24 to 26 who could be eligible to serve on a jury. Bolger said his poll found 83 percent of respondents had no opinion on the special prosecutors. Another 7 percent said they had an unfavorable view of the prosecutors, compared to 4 percent who had a favorable opinion; the remaining respondents either refused to answer or say they didnt know.

If theres been a campaign, its been pretty darn ineffective, Bolger said.

andrea.zelinski@chron.com

twitter.com/andrea.zelinski
Applying this year for a place on the May ballot, mayoral contender Manuel Medina declared that he has lived continuously in Texas for more than 24 years and in San Antonio for more than 20.

The 47-year-old native of Mexico has stuck to this story on the campaign trail, portraying himself as a patriotic American who immigrated to the United States at age 3 and has lived in this country ever since.

Public records and media accounts from Mexico suggest an alternative timeline.

According to the records, Medina worked at a university in Torreon, in the northern Mexico state of Coahuila, from 1997 to 2008; ran for public office in Torreon in 2005; and divorced and remarried in Torreon in 2006.

Born in Torreon, Medina has made his immigration to America the centerpiece of his biography.

I was born on the South Side  maybe a little further south than most of you, in a little place called Mexico, he told an audience at a mayoral debate this month. Now, at the age of 3, my mom and I crossed the border, maybe swam a little, into McAllen, then came here to San Antonio.

We moved to El Paso and then to Los Angeles, Medina continued. I grew up as a DREAM Act student, but I also grew up as an American, pledging allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and singing the Star Spangled Banner.

Medina began attending the University of Texas at Austin in 1992. After a four-year gap in attendance that began in 1996, he graduated with a degree in electrical and computer engineering in 2000, according to academic records.

Then I returned to San Antonio, and I got to work, he told the audience.

When I asked Medina on Wednesday about his activities in Torreon around this period, he became defensive.

This extensive bio that youre writing about me in your one-page opinion column, he said, where are the holes?

Here are the holes:

According to a Mexican social security statement, Medina worked at Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila in Torreon from 1997 to 2008, earning about 225 pesos a day.

According to a June 2005 report in El Siglo de Torreon, Medina ran for the equivalent of a state legislative seat as a member of the Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI, in Torreon in 2005, losing to Cepeda Gonzalez by 1,165 votes.

And according to a Mexican divorce decree and a Mexican marriage license, Medina divorced his first wife in Torreon on Dec. 7, 2006, then remarried in Torreon nine days later, on Dec. 16, 2006.

On Wednesday, Medina insisted he hasnt lived in Mexico since he was a child.

Ive always lived since I was 3 in the United States of America, he told me. At times in McAllen, at times in San Antonio, at times in El Paso and Los Angeles.

Ive never owned or rented an apartment in Mexico, Medina added. I met my wife in Torreon. Certainly I have spent time in Mexico, but either way you look at it, Im an American and have lived in America my whole life.

Medina said he continued to live in Texas while working sporadically for the university in Torreon as a visiting professor, administrative aide and study abroad proponent.

He said he ran for office in Torreon merely to get more clients for his political consulting firm.

It was just a way to open the door to get more clients, Medina said. The goal was to expand my political consulting business into Mexico, and this was one way.

Medina added that he was going back and forth between Texas and Mexico during this period, occasionally staying at his fathers home in Torreon. But he insisted he was living in San Antonio in an apartment on Huebner Oaks.

He became an American citizen in September 2009.

Whether Medina lived in Mexico as an adult is not a campaign issue in itself. The question with bearing on the race is whether Medina is being honest with voters about his continuous residence here.

On Wednesday, Councilman Ron Nirenberg said it appears that Medina has something to hide.

This certainly betrays the myth that Manuel Medina has created about himself, said Nirenberg, who is running alongside Medina to replace Mayor Ivy Taylor, and tells voters he cant be trusted on his biography let alone his wild promises.
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City and county officials gathered downtown Wednesday to celebrate the official kick off of construction for the new Frost Tower, a $142 million state-of-the-art office building described as a pivotal project in the long effort to revitalize downtown.

The 460,000 square-foot office building, which will serve as a new headquarters for Frost Bank, is the first new office tower to go up downtown since the Weston Centre in 1989. Its being built by local developer Weston Urban as part of an intricate deal with the city and Frost Bank thats designed to rejuvenate west downtown, an area burdened with too many run-down buildings and parking lots. Construction is expected to take about two years, said Weston Urban President Randy Smith.

Mayor Ivy Taylor said the 23-story tower is a significant step forward for downtown. It was designed by renowned international architecture firm Pelli Clarke Pelli and local firm Alamo Architects, and it will boost downtowns supply of upscale office space by 31 percent, from its current level of 1.4 million square feet, according to data from Transwestern, a commercial real estate firm.

RELATED: Big changes coming to San Antonio

You all have heard me talk about my vision of San Antonio being a globally competitive city with opportunity for everyone, Taylor said. That means we have to support growing businesses, expand job opportunities and make our urban core a strong and attractive destination. This project does all of that.

Construction crews are already laying the groundwork for the tower, which is at the southwest corner of Travis and Flores streets, in downtowns growing tech district. It was approved by the citys Historic and Design Review Commission earlier this month. Frost Bank will occupy 280,000 square feet of the tower, with the rest open to other businesses.

The tower has been in the works since 2013, when former Mayor Julian Castro  who attended Wednesdays ceremony  was encouraging downtown development with his Decade of Downtown initiative. In 2015, City Council cleared the way for the towers construction when it approved a complicated public-private partnership with Weston Urban and Frost Bank.

As part of the deal, Frost Bank has sold its current headquarters at 100 W. Houston St. to the city, which plans to consolidate its administrative offices there. The city and Frost are selling the site of the tower and another 6.3 acres in west downtown to Weston Urban, giving the developer a broad canvas to remake the area. The properties include the Municipal Plaza Building, where City Council meetings are held.

At Wednesdays ceremony, City Manager Sheryl Sculley said the partnership was a win-win for the city, Frost Bank and Weston Urban, which was co-founded by Graham Weston, who also co-created Geekdom and Rackspace.

RELATED: San Antonio's new River Walk underway

There are no new net costs to the city, and in fact we anticipate savings over time, Sculley said. The transaction will allow the city to reengineer our office needs and create more efficiency within the city government.

The city and county have both provided incentives for the towers construction. Weston Urban is expected to get about $1 million from the city, documents show. The county is contributing about $3.5 million worth of incentives, County Judge Nelson Wolff said on Wednesday.

The county is also leading a $175 million project to revitalize San Pedro Creek, which runs alongside the Frost Tower site, turning it into a decorated walking path similar to the River Walk.

In his remarks on Wednesday, Graham Weston said he was surprised that he has invested so much in downtown real estate. He said he had no interest in buying more land downtown when Castro was encouraging development in the area around 2010.

But Weston said he soon realized that investing in downtown was a good way to achieve his dream of creating a tech community in San Antonio.

How do we do to San Antonio what Dell did to Austin? he said, referring to the computer company that helped jump-start Austins tech scene. How do we put out an invitation to other developers to do the same, other tech companies to do the same? With that idea I really changed my perspective 180 degrees and said, Lets go all-in on downtown.
The economic court on the recommendation of the Dnipropetrovsk regional prosecutor's office on March 30 decided to return 94.5% of the shares in PJSC Dniproavia (Dnipro) to state ownership, Ukrainian Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko has stated.

"Borys Filatov seems to have saved a lot. There won't be any need to build a new airport," he wrote on his Facebook page.

As reported, Dnipro Mayor Borys Filatov appealed to the state leadership with the request to assist in the de-monopolization of the local airport.

"There is no airport in the city with several millions of residents. It belongs to a private owner, who abuses a monopoly position. This causes absolutely clear irritation among the citizens. I would ask the government to help the city in resolving the issue with the airport," he said at a meeting of the Regional Development Council in Kyiv.

Earlier, in February 2017, Minister of Infrastructure Volodymyr Omelyan drew attention to restriction of the market for airlines on the part of Dnipro International Airport.

"All the airports show growth, except for one in the city of Dnipro, where they decided to "play" a monopoly and limit the market," he noted.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  More than 1,500 members and guests gathered in Kansas City for the Dairy Farmers of Americas 19th annual meeting. This years meeting emphasized what sets the cooperative apart and those ideals and values that matter most to members, leaders and employees.

Were proud of who we are and what we do, and we want to show the world why, said Randy Mooney, chairman of DFAs board of directors.

The meeting kicked off with the chairmans report, delivered by Mooney, who operates a dairy farm in Rogersville, Missouri.

Mooney, who also serves as chairman of National Milk Producers Federation, talked about the importance of the dairy community working together as well as the cooperatives ongoing efforts with trade negotiations and regulatory issues impacting the dairy industry.

Business overview

An overview of DFAs business was delivered by president and CEO Rick Smith. His presentation highlighted DFAs financials for 2016 as well as how the cooperative strives to take advantage of positive market trends, while also protecting its members from unpredictable market risks.

Smith also discussed how the cooperative remains focused on growing its commercial businesses, in order to better serve and provide value to members.

Our dairy farmer members are at the heart of everything that we do at DFA, which is why we want to show the industry, as well as our customers and consumers, why being a part of DFA matters, said Smith. As we look to the future, we will continue to look for ways to maximize the milk check, while also identifying growth areas for our commercial businesses and providing on-farm services that make it easier and more profitable for our members to farm.

Meeting highlights

Additional highlights of the meeting program included:

A look at the dairy industrys role in U.S. trade negotiations from former U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, president and chief executive officer of the U.S. Dairy Export Council.

Futurist Mike Walsh shared the mega-trends shaping the future of business and lessons learned from successful companies on leveraging innovation, embracing data and transforming agriculture for the digital age

An overview of dairy promotion activities by Tom Gallagher, chief executive officer of Dairy Management.

Awards presented

The banquet brought a host of recognitions, including the 2017 Members of Distinction.

Every year, family members at one farm from each of DFAs seven regional areas are recognized for service to their dairies, their families, communities and the industry.

Winners of the 2017 DFA Cares Foundation Scholarship were announced. DFA Cares Scholarships are awarded to outstanding students pursuing a career in the dairy industry. This year, 45 recipients will receive a combined total of $53,000 toward their undergraduate and graduate level studies.

For more information, call 1-888-DFA-MILK (332-6455) or visit www.dfamilk.com.
"It is something we are doing at Anna Plains. It's our second year, so we saw some innovation, some things we were doing and some things we could do better. Overall it was an exciting day with a group of fantastic people."
"Thanks go to Wade Scott and his family at Gundagai Dairy for donating the lovely Angus-Friesian heifer for such a worthy cause and I continue to receive a great deal of support from the management and staff of Iluka Resources who sponsored last year's Black Dog Ride charity steer."
A mission of Chinese inspectors to check the Ukrainian system of state control over beef safety will come in April 2017.

According to a press release of the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumers' Rights Protection, the opening of the Chinese market for Ukrainian beef is of great strategic importance.

The first stage of inspection includes monitoring the work of the State Service for Food Safety and Consumers' Rights Protection, its territorial bodies and the laboratory network.

The second stage of the mission's work is inspection and certification of processing enterprises for compliance with the requirements of the importing country.

As reported, with reference to data from the State Statistics Service, cattle numbers in Ukraine (excluding the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the ATO zone) in 2016 was 3.675 million animals, which is 2% less than in 2015.
"We were lucky up here (Moora area), while some farms might have got 35 millimetres (of rain) which stopped shearing, the farm next door got nothing so we've been able to just swap sheds when we had to and then go back to the rain-disrupted shed when we could to finish the job.
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In an effort to reduce the lines at the Prince William landfill and compost facility, now that both are closed on Sundays, the county is encouraging residents who regularly visit such faciliti
The former Thailand official who took bribes from a Hollywood producer and his wife was sentenced to prison Wednesday by a court in Bangkok.

Ex-Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Juthamas Siriwan was sentenced to 50 years in prison. Her daughter Jittisopha was sentenced to 44 years.

They were convicted of taking $1.8 million in bribes from Gerald and Patricia Green. In return, Siriwan awarded the Greens contracts worth $13.5 million to produce the Bangkok International Film Festival between 2002 and 2007.

Siriwan, 70, and her daughter, 43, were being held while the Appeals Court decides if theyre entitled to bail.

The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases also ordered them to forfeit 62.7 million baht ($1.8 million) in cash.

In 2009, a federal jury in Los Angeles found the Greens guilty of paying $1.8 million in bribes to Siriwan.

The Greens each served prison sentences of six months for FCPA offenses and money laundering. They were released in May 2011.

Gerald Green died in July 2015 in Los Angeles. He was 83.

In the United States, the DOJ indicted Siriwan and her daughter in January 2009. Each was charged with eight counts of conspiracy to launder money, transporting funds to promote unlawful activity, and aiding and abetting.

Neither was ever in U.S. custody.

Siriwan argued through her lawyers that a double jeopardy provision in the U.S.  Thai extradition treaty meant she couldnt be put on trial in the United States if she was prosecuted for the same crimes in Thailand.

Judge George Wu in Los Angeles put the U.S. prosecution on hold after Thailand postponed Siriwans extradition and began to prepare charges against her and her daughter.

Thai prosecutors charged them in August 2015.

Siriwans daughter opened accounts at several foreign banks. The Greens transferred $1.8 million into the accounts, the Thai court found.

The judge Wednesday said prosecutors had shown that the Greens won the sole rights to run the Bangkok Film Festival despite lacking the necessary expertise, experience, or any related proven work record.

The Greens paid the bribes via 59 money transfers to the accounts, the court said.

Siriwan denied handling the film festival contracts. She said she earned $1.8 million through various business deals with Gerald Green and not through bribery.

The judge imposed a sentence of 66 years on Siriwan. But under Thai law, she can only serve a maximum of 50 years because of her age, the Bangkok Post said.

After the judge imposed the long prison sentences, Siriwan and her daughter asked for bail while they consider an appeal.

Prosecutors said they pose a flight risk.

Their bail request will be decided by the Appeals Court, probably within a few days.

____

Richard L. Cassin is the publisher and editor of the FCPA Blog.
OSCE special rep confirms agreements on ceasefire in Donbas from April 1, withdrawal of forces near Stanytsia Luhanska on April 6

Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Special Representative in the Trilateral Contact Group for Ukraine Martin Sajdik has confirmed that the ceasefire in Donbas starting from April 6 was agreed upon at a meeting on Wednesday.

The sides agreed on the ceasefire and the withdrawal of hardware starting from April 1, Sajdik told reporters.

They also agreed on the disengagement of forces and equipment near Stanytsia Luhanska from April 6, he said.

Sajdik expressed regret about the lack of progress in resolving the economic issues between the parties in conflict. The economic issues are taking the center stage recently, he said, adding that he regrets that the situation in this sector is not developing in the right direction.

Darka Olifer, spokesperson for Ukraine's envoy to the Trilateral Contact Group and former President Leonid Kuchma, in turn, said that working hours of checkpoints on the separation line between the sides in Donbas will be extended during the days for commemoration of the dead.

"In addition, a significant acceleration of the procedure of crossing the contact line at checkpoints is planned from April 1, for the commemorative days, in particular, working hours of checkpoints are planned to be extended in morning and evenings," she said on Facebook on Wednesday evening.

Russia's special envoy to the Trilateral Contact Group Boris Gryzlov said earlier on Wednesday that as a result of the negotiations held in Minsk on Wednesday, the sides agreed on the statement confirming that the Minsk Agreements have no alternative and the determination to observe the complete ceasefire from midnight on April 1, 2017 over the Easter holidays.

The Contact Group once again set the date of the disengagement of forces and hardware in Stanytsia Luhanska on April 6, 2017, he said.
Brooklyn Beckham doesn't expect any "special treatment" when he attends Parsons School of Design in New York City later this year.

Brooklyn Beckham

The 18-year-old son of Victoria and David Beckham is moving 3,000 miles away from his family to study photography at the academic institution in Greenwich Village - but he doesn't expect to receive any special favours because of his famous parents.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Brooklyn will head to Parsons in September where he will become an undergraduate. But he won't be expecting any special treatment just because he's the son of the Beckhams.

"He follows in the footsteps of huge fashion names including Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang and Nicky Hilton, so he is under a lot of pressure to prove himself. It's a big move."

Meanwhile, an insider recently claimed that Brooklyn isn't especially nervous about moving away from home, because he already enjoys a certain degree of independence from his parents.

The source explained: "Brooklyn is already pretty independent so he has few qualms about living away from his family.

"He's obviously going to miss them all but he's ready for his next adventure.

"If he wants to achieve his dream job full time, having the extra learning behind him will be such an asset."

And before heading to New York later this year, Brooklyn will reportedly spend the summer working for his mother.

The 42-year-old fashion designer is keen for Brooklyn to join the team at her eponymous label and has created a role especially for him.

A source shared: "When he finishes this summer at his college in North London, he's going to work for Victoria.

"She thinks he has a fantastic eye for fashion and is very talented - he'll have a creative/photography type role. Victoria is in the process of securing a new office in West London - she wants to open more shops, with New York being the next location, and she wants Brooklyn to be involved."
Katie Price's efforts to make online abuse a "specific criminal offence" have reached a major milestone.

Katie Price

The 38-year-old TV personality is campaigning to have online abuse outlawed and after a petition about the issue passed the 100,000 signature mark, the topic will now be considered for debate in the Houses of Parliament in London.

In an Instagram video celebrating the success of the petition, Katie said: "Hey guys, I can't tell you how happy I am. We've got over 100,000 signatures already for my petition, I'm so happy. Thank you so much."

The mother-of-five - who is currently on a family holiday in the Maldives - was joined in the video clip by her 14-year-old son Harvey, who is on the autism spectrum and gains weight easily because he suffers from Prader-Willi syndrome.

Katie urged her Instagram followers to lend their support to the petition as she bids to make online trolling a criminal offence.

She said: "Please keep signing the petition. The more we get, the more we can make an effect to these bullies and trolls. Let's make it a criminal offence for them. Keep it up!"

At that point in the video, Katie turns to Harvey and tells her son she is she is pursuing the campaign for his benefit.

The former glamour model launched the petition on Wednesday (29.0317) after sharing screenshots of online abuse directed at her son, who is also blind and has ADHD.

She previously said: "My son has very complex needs and he gets online bullying trolls and people who abuse his size, colour, looks and disability. Harvey is very fortunate not to understand, but I do, and I will do everything in my power to make sure these trolling bullies get punished.

"Every day, people from all ages get trolling bullies for all different reasons, and a lot of it is causing suicide. It's about time these trolls and bullies get punished."
Kourtney Kardashian says going to church once a week is a "priority" in her life.

Kourtney Kardashian

The 37-year-old reality star has said her famous family - which includes her sisters Kim and Khloe, brother Rob, and mother Kris Jenner - used to visit church almost ever Sunday when the siblings were younger, and the brunette beauty still tries to attend a service whenever she can.

She said: "Growing up, we went to church as a family most Sundays. I still try to make it a priority to go once a week. There was a big period in my life - like when I was away at college and a long while after - that I never went to church. I believe that everyone can have their own relationship with God, despite how you show it."

And the 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' star - who has children Mason, seven, Penelope, four, and Reign, two, with her on/off partner Scott Disick - added she "feels better" now that she has "reintroduced" church visits into her routine.

She wrote on her website KourtneyKardashian.com: "Reintroducing church into my life has helped me to feel more connected to God and to take time to reflect about whatever is going on in my life. I always feel better afterward."

Kourtney will no doubt have said at least one prayer for her sister Kim Kardashian West, 36, recently, as she said she will never be able to forget the terrible ordeal she suffered in Paris, France, in October when she was tied up and robbed at gunpoint.

Taking to Twitter earlier this month just hours before the airing of the 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' episode in which Kim talks about her attack, Kourtney said: "I will never forget the terror in her voice. Thank you God for protecting her. #tonight #KUWTK (sic)"

Kourtney's tweet came after Kim also took to Twitter before the airing of the episode to say that whilst her ordeal was "very tough", she also believes it was a "life changing experience" that she won't shy away from.

She wrote: "Tonight's episode is going to be very tough for me.

"However, I thought it was important to share this story through my eyes & not in an interview where my own words could be twisted

"I have always shared so much & I'm not going to hold back when this was probably one of the most life changing experiences for me.

"I would never wish this experience upon anyone, but have learned some valuable lessons &feel so blessed to be safe home w my babies & husband

"To my friends, family, and loved ones I can't thank you enough for being there when I needed you the most.

"To the French police, thank you for your incredible hard work (sic)."
The Duke of York is set to open the newly refurbished Humber Enterprise Park on Thursday (30.03.17)

Prince Andrew

The 57-year-old royal will unveil the land which has since been reformed after receiving a large sum of money in the form of 6 million to invest and transform the BAE site, according to KCFM website.

As part of Prince Andrew's visit he will be informed about the past history of the business estate area in Brough, in the East Riding of Yorkshire, and will meet with the residents before he declares the facility as officially open.

And the team who have assisted in developing the site are "delighted" Andrew - who has daughters Princess Beatrice, 28, and Princess Eugenie, 27, with his ex wife Sarah, The Duchess of York - will launch the site.

Speaking about the opening and Andrew's pending arrival, the managing director of Citivale, James Appleton-Metcalfe, said: "We are delighted to welcome His Royal Highness to Humber Enterprise Park."

Not only is James eager to meet Andrew, but he is keen to reveal the newly developed area, which he has tried to "emulate the original version", and he believes an "exciting new chapter" lies ahead for the Humber Enterprise park that will accommodate various business.

He explained: "This is an exciting new chapter for the site, which is steeped in local history. In refurbishing the site, we have sought to emulate the original vision of its founder, Robert Blackburn, to create a facility that can accommodate entrepreneurial, embryonic and international corporate businesses side by side; this will be a community where business can thrive."
Prince Harry has had professional training to help people battling with mental health problems.

Prince Harry

The 32-year-old royal has undertaken a two-day training course in a bid to learn how to assist veterans who are battling with psychological issues during his time working with injured service people at the London District Personnel Recovery Unit, according to the Mail Online.

Speaking about the flame-haired hunk, a source said: "Through his work with the personal recovery unit he attended a two-day course about how to help people with mental health issues in the veterans' context.

"It's about mental health first aid: what do you do when someone comes to you, what words should you use, which direction can you point them in? It also went through the range of issues veterans face."

Although the insider believes the "stigma" surrounding a person's internal battle has become less, it is stressed that more needs to be done to help with other types of mental health issues.

The source continued: "PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) isn't the stigma that it once was, but it is sometimes used as a catch-all diagnosis when other issues such as depression and anxiety may be more appropriate."

And Harry's older brother the Duke of Cambridge, and his wife Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, have released a series of 10 films, which capture various people opening up about their struggle with anxiety, depression, eating disorders and traumas in a bid to educate the nation.

Prince William, Catherine and Harry joined forces to create the Heads Together campaign last year to help raise awareness around mental health.

Speaking previously, they said: "Attitudes to mental health are at a tipping point. We hope these films show people how simple conversations can change the direction of an entire life."
Santander Consumer USA will pay $26 million to settle allegations resulting from a joint investigation conducted by the attorneys general of Delaware and Massachusetts. Photo by FoUTASportscaster

DALLAS  Santander Consumer USA has agreed to pay a total of $26 million to settle charges the companys auto finance division violated consumer protection laws in the State of Delaware and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The agreement is the result of a joint investigation conducted by the offices of Delaware Attorney General Matt Denn and Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey. In a statement, Healey said the investigation revealed Santander financed subprime car buyers without a reasonable basis to believe they would be repaid as agreed, and that Santander was aware dealers submitted credit applications that included incorrect or inflated incomes.

We found that Santander, a leading player in the business of packaging and reselling subprime auto loans, funded unfair and unaffordable auto loans for more than 2,000 Massachusetts residents, Healey said. This first-in-the-nation settlement relating to subprime auto loan funding will provide relief to thousands of car buyers in Massachusetts and prevent these practices from being used against our residents.

In a separate statement, Denn added, in part, We are pleased that this settlement results in significant consumer relief and provisions that will prevent similar misconduct in the future. We will continue to pursue investigations in this area to ensure that Delaware consumers receive a fair deal when they are extended credit to finance a purchase.

In an email sent to F&I and Showroom, a Santander spokesman described the agreement as voluntary and neither admitted nor denied the allegations put forth by the attorneys general. The spokesman said the investigation was limited to past dealer management and underwriting practices from 2009 to 2014, and that the company relied upon information submitted by dealers and customers to make financing decisions.

We are pleased to put this matter behind us so we can move forward and continue to focus on serving our customers. Santander Consumer is totally committed to treating customers fairly. In the last 18 months, our new management team has taken significant steps to strengthen our business practices and controls, the spokesman said. Todays voluntary agreement with the attorneys general of Delaware and Massachusetts, which resolves an investigation dating back several years, is another important step forward in that process. We will continue to strengthen our business controls and dealer management program while ensuring that we are focusing on best-in-class consumer practices.

The U.S. Department of Justice is also investigating the matter.

This is the second settlement Santander has reached with the Massachusettes regulator. In November 2015, the attorney general brought action against the finance source for funding of loans that allegedly included GAP, causing the cost of the loans to exceed the state usury limit. Santander paid $5.4 million in loan relief and payments to the state to resolve those allegations.
For the fiscal ended January 31, 2017, net sales at apparel marketer G-III Apparel Group grew 1.8 per cent to $2.39 billion as against $2.34 billion in the prior fiscal. Growth came mainly from the companys wholesale innerwear business and Donna Karan International business in the last two months of the fiscal, offset by softer demand for outerwear.In fiscal 2017, GAAP net income slid to $51.9 million, or $1.10 per diluted share, compared to $114.3 million, or $2.46 per diluted share in fiscal 2016.

For the fiscal ended January 31, 2017, net sales at apparel marketer G-III Apparel Group grew 1.8 per cent to $2.39 billion as against $2.34 billion in the prior fiscal. Growth came mainly from the company's wholesale innerwear business and Donna Karan International business in the last two months of the fiscal, offset by softer demand for outerwear.#

In its guidance for fiscal 2018, G-III Apparel Group forecast net sales of around $2.73 billion and net income between $40 million and $45 million, or between $0.80 and $0.90 per diluted share. (AR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
The Indian government may disinvest in the National Textile Corporation owing to Niti Aayog's recommendation of immediately staking sales in twelve central public sector enterprises (CPSEs). The move needs to be approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs and will then be started by the department of investment and public asset management (DIPAM).

Niti Aayog has suggested strategic sales in more than 40 CPSEs in the last few months. The government of India will continue to push for strategic sales of loss-making CPSEs, an official told a leading daily.

The government aims to raise Rs 72,500 crore by disinvestment in FY18 as compared to FY17's revised estimate of Rs 45,500 crore. The target for FY18 will be achieved by raising Rs 15,000 crore via strategic stake sales, Rs 46,500 crore via minority stake sales and Rs 11,000 by listing of insurance companies.

The Indian government may disinvest in the National Textile Corporation owing to Niti Aayog's recommendation of immediately staking sales in twelve central public sector enterprises (CPSEs). The move needs to be approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs and will then be started by the department of investment and public asset management (DIPAM).#

Meanwhile, the National Textile Corporation is slated to get Transfer of Development Rights (TDR), that is, compensatory floor space index instead of Indu Mills land. As per the TDR policy, the Corporation will get 2.5 times the FSI for the surrendered land. (KD)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko welcomes the fact that the European Union summit in Rome has confirmed the EU's commitment to remain open to countries that share common values.

"I welcome that the agenda of the Rome summit has once again confirmed the EU's full commitment to remain an open association for countries that respect and support values. Ukraine is one of them," he said at the European People's Party (EPP) summit in Malta on Wednesday.

The Ukrainian president said he fully supports the concept of a "multi-speed Europe."

"This can allow the Eastern European countries that are striving for European prospects with all their hearts to bring in some new blood to the EU project," Poroshenko said.

He said Ukraine "is ready to put the EU car into first gear."

Speaking about the current situation in Ukraine and in the world, Poroshenko described it as a crisis of confrontation between two opposing concepts - freedom and tyranny. "Ukraine is at the tip of the spear. Ukraine has been fighting for three years and every day fights this hybrid war against the Russian military, terrorists, propaganda, hackers, corruption and absolute deceit," Poroshenko said.
Gulshan-Katrina Practised Lip-lock For Two Hours

In an interview to a leading daily, Gulshan Grover had revealed that the kissing scene in Kaizad's directorial film Boom was the most difficult sequence that he had ever done in his career. The Boom team had apparently got only two hours to shoot the lip-lock scene in a submerged aquarium at Hotel Burj Al Arab in Dubai.

Gulshan Grover Was Nervous

Reportedly, Gulshan Grover was extremely nervous to shoot for the scene, he along with Katrina Kaif practiced the smooch several times in a closed room.

When Big B Caught Them Smooching!

Gulshan Grover even added that while he was practising the lip-lock scene with Katrina, Amitabh Bachchan walked into the room and cheered him. This, he said only increased his stress further. Strange enough?

When Katrina Confidently Pulled Off The Lip-lock Scene

Later, when Katrina and Gulshan appeared before director Kaizad, he suggested Katrina to glide over the table, grab Gulshan by his collar and smooch him. Mr Grover was apparently shocked to hear this as he did not practice the scene but Katrina had confidently pulled off the scene and the duo went ahead with the lip-lock.

Lip-lock Controversy

After a few years, when Katrina became a popular name among the movie buffs, people came to know about her debut and her kissing scene with Grover, became a controversy!

Katrinas Reaction On Her Lip-lock Scene

When Katrina was asked to comment on her Boom' controversial scene, she had said" "What's there to react in the first place? And what's new about those scenes. Boom has always been all over the Internet. I don't deny I have done the scenes in the past but I wasn't comfortable."

Katrinas Unseen Intimate Scenes Were About To Release

There were also reports that Boom will be re-released in a DVD with never seen before intimate scenes involving her and co-star Gulshan Grover. However, Katrina cleared the air by saying "That is not true. It is false information. The rights of the DVD are with Hindujas and it remains with them. They are not distributing or re-distributing it."

Salman Took The Matter in His Hands

At that time, speculations were also rife that Kaif's lip-locking scenes with Grover were chopped off from the film's initial DVD as her the boyfriend Salman Khan had compelled the makers to do away with the kissing portion.

Katrina Got A Lot Of Film Offers Post Boom

"I have had a lot of offers but I haven't signed anything on after Boom. I'm waiting to be offered a role in which I can make the kind of impact I want. So far, there have been good filmmakers, but not the kind of roles that really excite me."

Katrina Tries To Seduce Me: Gulshan

During the release of the film, when Gulshan Grover was asked to reveal about the film, he had mentioned, "Boom. An upmarket, wacky, crazy film. Jackie [Shroff], Amitabh [Bachchan] and I play gangsters.For once, I have a romantic angle too. Katrina Kaif tries to seduce me in the film."
Shahrukh Khan and Anushka Sharma have been shooting for quite a few months for Imtiaz Ali's next and major portions of the film was shot in Europe and all across Hungary as well. The film was tentatively titled 'The Ring' but now it is reported that the film-makers have decided to name the film 'Raula'!

HOT! Sunny Leone & Daniel Weber Holiday In Cancun Beach, Mexico!

The word Raula means 'confused' and just a few days ago it was reported that the film was being named Rehnuma. However, the film-makers denied it saying they haven't thought of a name yet. So now we'll have to wait for an official confirmation from Imtiaz Ali if indeed he has decided to name his film Raula.



Hot! Julie 2 Star Raai Laxmi Flaunts Her First Look In A Bikini!

The upcoming film also stars the lovely Evelyn Sharma in a lead role and it is reported that Shahrukh Khan plays the role of a tourist guide in Hungary and Anushka Sharma goes there for a holiday and meets him and is mesmerised by his wit and charm.

Evelyn Sharma too plays the role of a tourist who flies down from Germany to Hungary on a holiday and meets the tourist guide Shahrukh Khan. The film is being shot in Hungary and the second leg of the film will be shot in Punjab.

Meet Malavika Mohanan, The Kerala Beauty Who Overtook Deepika Padukone In Majid Majidi's Film!
Anupam Kher

"I remember that my film Saaransh (1984) released at Regal cinema, and it ran for many months there. It was one of my finest films and a role that I would always cherish."

Shakti Kapoor

"I feel sad. My first date during my college days was at the Regal cinema and I vividly remember that the theatre used to have this royal feel to it, with different boxes. There used to be boxes for six people and four people and we had taken the one for four of us. The theatre's royal feeling will never be forgotten."

Satish Kaushik

"My school used to be at Mandir Marg, near Connaught place, and we would bunk classes and go to Regal to watch movies. Once the entire class bunked the school and went to watch the film Anand (1971). Later, we all got reprimanded for it, but that's a different story. One of my first few films was shot there . I was also an Assistant Director then, and played a short part in the film. So, to shoot my first film in a theatre, where I watched a lot of films was a special feeling for me."

Manoj Bajpayee

"When we were looking for work in our initial days, Regal used to be our place to watch all kinds of films. It used to be quite exciting, and definitely sad that such a landmark is closing down."

Subhash Ghai

"I used to stay near Connaught Place, and Regal was a place that I would often visit. It was as regal' as its name. It's sad to see it closing because today we need bigger screens to give audience a good experience, which is not the case with multiplexes. If people want to experience a movie on the big screen, Regal was one place to go. I request government organisations to support big screen theatres."

Nimrat Kaur

"The first film I watched in a theatre was Janbaaz (1986), and at Regal cinema. I remember going there and I was mesmerised by the theatre, and since then, I've watched so many films there. It would be a complete full day outing, where we'd watch a film and then go and have almond milk at Keventers."

Divya Dutta

"Sad to know that such a classic theatre is shutting down. I have loads of memories of Regal cinema because I've grown up in Delhi. My first feature film that I saw in theatre was at Regal - Kaala Patthar (1979). I remember there is Hanuman Mandir close by. So, it used to be a ritual for us to watch a movie at Regal and then go and enjoy the chaat and kachauri outside Hanuman Mandir."
How Pretty!

Isabelle Kaif replied to Katrina Kaif and wrote on her Instagram account, ''Thanks for the shoutout sis .''

Isabelle's First Film

Salman Khan launched Katrina Kaif's sister Isabelle in films with Indo-Canadian venture Dr Cabbie opposite Vinay Virmani.

Katrina Kaif Wants To Launch Isabelle In Bollywood

If rumours are to be believed, then Katrina Kaif is planning to launch her sister in the Hindi film industry soon.

Katrina Will Produce The Film For Her Sister?

Talking about Isabelle's career a source told Mumbai Mirror, "Katrina Kaif and Salman discuss films extensively and are like family to each other.''

Katrina Is Reading The Script For Isabelle

''She has shown interest in venturing into film production soon while simultaneously balancing her acting gigs and has been reading scripts, discussing films with her close director friends as well.''

Katrina All Set To Launch Isabelle?

''If there's anyone who'll launch her sister in a big Bollywood production, it'll be Katrina herself."

What Katrina Kaif Said About The Film

The newspaper also contacted Katrina Kaif who said, "Nothing really has crystallised yet. I will produce a film one day... soon."

For The Uninitiated...

Isabelle Kaif underwent an acting course at Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute of New York.

Her Modelling Career

Those Who don't know just like her sister Katrina Kaif, Isabelle Kaif too started modelling at a very tender age.
Twinkle Looks Like Raveena?

In a recent interview with HT, Twinkle revealed that she had to chase Muruganantham for about eight months. She also revealed that when they finally met and spoke after eight months, she instantly found a connect with him. She then added that he once told her, "You look like the actress... Raveena Tandon."

When Twinkle Was About To Drop His Story

Twinkle Khanna then revealed that after hearing this she was about to drop his story (Pad Man).

What Had Happened Between Akshay & Raveena

There was a time when Akshay Kumar and Raveena Tandon used to attend every occasion together and the whole Bollywood industry thought they would get married very soon.

Akshay Told Raveena That He Would Marry Her

According to Raveena Tandon, Akshay Kumar had said that he would marry her the day she finishes her last shoot. Raveena had also revealed that she got engaged to Akshay in a temple.

The Reason Why Akshay Didn't Talk About The Engagement

Raveena Tandon herself revealed that Akshay Kumar was afraid and he thought that his fan following would be reduced if the news of his engagement got public.

Akshay Was Cheating On Raveena

Akshay Kumar was cheating on Raveena Tandon with Shilpa Shetty, whom he left after meeting Twinkle Khanna.

Akshay Expected Raveena To Take Him Back

''I think loyalty meant a lot to me but it did not mean so much to him. He expected me to forgive and take him back every time. I did that for three years, until it was the last round," Raveena had said in an interview.

Akshay Kumar Proposed To Every Girl

Raveena Tandon had also said, Akshay Kumar proposed to every girl and she didn't blame any other woman for the break-up since it was her man who was not loyal.

Raveena's Explosive Statement About Akshay

Raveena Tandon had also said to a film magazine that Akshay Kumar will soon have to address the parents of three-fourth of girls in Mumbai as Mom and Dad'.
Does Chris Evans' end of the contract with Marvel signify the death of Captain America is approaching? Well, according to the comic book story, Captain America certainly dies after the Avengers Civil War.

But the MCU bosses and Civil War writer Stephen McFeely, have no intention to bring a premature end to the popular Captain America character.

When asked if ever Captain America is ever going to die in the context of the movie, Stephen McFeely said "No".

"It also makes him too definitely a martyr and makes it feel like he was right. And we wanted neither side to be right or wrong. We wanted to end it kind of queasy. Both opinions are still standing at the end of the movie." Said Stephen McFeely.

Captain America Civil War director Anthony Russo also explains that though they are thinking about bringing a change in the character, they are certainly not thinking of striking the character off.

"We were saying to ourselves, the genre - and perhaps the MCU - has gotten to a point where the audience are sensing the patterns in the genre. Joe and I have always been about: how do we subvert genre?" Said Anthony Russo.

However, Russo also hinted at the fact that Steve Rogers played by Chris Evans may not return as Captain America. "Dropping the shield is a rejection of the Captain America identity and a choice to embrace the Steve Rogers identity."
Celebrated Hollywood actress Emma Thompson has severely criticised Hollywood's obsession with size zero figure of actresses and said it is evil to put pressure on actresses to become thin or shed weight.

The actress said that once she was almost on the verge to leaving a film midway as the film's producer had asked one actress to lose some weight for a particular role.

"Actresses who are into their 30s simply don't eat," said Emma Thompson in a statement.

"There was a wonderful actress I was working with on Brideshead Revisited, and the producers said, 'Will you lose some weight?'And I said to them, 'If you speak to her about this again on any level, I will leave this picture. You are never to do that." Said Emma Thompson.

"It's evil what's going on out there and it's getting worse," the actress added further.

Emma Thompson stated that it is the fashion industry which is responsible for propagating unreal image of women in front of the world.

"The French fashion industry said, 'We will get rid of size zero,' and didn't, there are some subjects you have to keep making noises about because it's so tedious, and it's gone on and on." Emma Thompson stated further.
Celebrated Hollywood actor Pierce Brosnan well-known for his role as secret agent 007 in James Bond films, says that he had fallen sick and suffered for 1 week after he had mistakenly eaten rat.

The 63-year-old celebrated James Bond star said, said while working for a film in Nigeria, he had mistakenly eaten rat, which he thought was beef. But soon after eating he started feeling sick.

"The worst thing I've put in my mouth is rat. I was in Nigeria making a movie called 'Mister Johnson' and we went into town one night and there were these delicacies on a stick. I thought it was beef, but it was rat skin. I was sick for a week." Said Pierce Brosnan.

The actor also said that he has an interest in cooking and he can bake some good variety of bread.

"I used to bake bread - I was a good baker of soda bread - but I haven't picked up a pot in a long time."

Despite him being a famous actor, he said he was starstruck after meeting the legendary Robert De Niro.

"It was at the 'Night of 100 Stars 2' at Radio City in 1985 and I met Robert De Niro.We were waiting to go on stage and I got to shake his hand and tell him how much I appreciated his work." Said Pierce Brosnan.
Yes, you heard that right. The next film on Mission Impossible series will be shot in India along with other locations like New Zealand, London and Paris.

Jeff Sneider from Tracking Board shared a vital information on Twitter regarding this and also suggested that Jeremy Renner is possibly not returning forMI 6.

"Mission: Impossible 6 filming in London, India, Paris & New Zealand. Will be released in IMAX 3D on July 27, 2018. NO MENTION of Renner!" Jeff Sneider.

In addition to that, producer David Ellison has also stated that Superman actor Henry Cavill will also join the star cast for MI 6. Now, this is indeed one of the biggest inclusions in Mission Impossible series thus far.

"We're thrilled. Chris is back, obviously, writing and directing after Rogue Nation. We could not be more excited about the character Henry Cavill's going to play." Said David Ellison.

"And I will say after the Burj Khalifa we thought it was going to be impossible to top that stunt, and then Tom did the A400M for the plane. What Tom is doing in this movie I believe will top anything that's come before." The producer added.

"It is absolutely unbelievable he's been training for a year. It is going to be, I believe, the most impressive and unbelievable thing that Tom Cruise has done in a movie, and he has been working on it since right after Rogue Nation came out. It's gonna be mind-blowing." David stated further.
Celebrated English-American screenwriter, cinematographer, editor, producer and director Christopher Nolan says he tried to portray a different tone and utter a distinct story of the grim Dunkirk evacuation incident that took place at the time of World War II in France.

The military operation under the name of Operation Dynamo, and also known as Miracle of Dunkirk, took place to evacuate the allied soldiers from the harbour and beaches of Dunkirk.The director said, he had portrayed the incident in the"most visceral" way.

"Dunkirk and the legend of it is something that British people grow up with - it's in our DNA, I wanted to tell the story in the most visceral way possible, I wanted to take that audience and put them on that beach," said Nolan in a statement.

"The idea of taking this paradoxical situation and putting it on the big screen - it's something that's been close to my heart for some time, it's something I didn't think I was ready to do." The director added further.

This war thriller will star actors like Mark Rylance, Tom Hardy, Kenneth Branagh, Cillian Murphy, Harry Styles and others. The director stated that this film will be narrated through the eyes of three war soldiers tied with same fate of the war.

"Dunkirk" is scheduled to release all over on 21st July 2017.
The court of Belarus has decided to deport two Ukrainian citizens to Ukraine detained during protest rallies in Minsk on March 25, which are still in the detention center, head of the consular department of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's Consular Service Vasyl Kyrylych has said.

"One of Ukrainian citizens was brought to administrative responsibility and arrested for 15 days. In relation to the other two, the court decided to deport them to Ukraine," he told Interfax-Ukraine on Wednesday.

Kyrylych also said that the detained Ukrainians are kept in the pretrial detention centre in Minsk at the moment.

The Ukrainian embassy expects permission from the Belarusian Foreign Ministry for a consular representative to visit detained Ukrainians.
- Analysis showed two doses of the vaccine candidate induced antibody responses against all four types of dengue virus in a large population of participants ages two through 17

- No safety concerns were observed, further supporting the vaccine candidate's safety profile

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited [TSE: 4502], ("Takeda") today announced that data from a 6-month interim analysis* of the ongoing DEN-204 trial of its live-attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine candidate, TAK-003 (also referred to as TDV), have been published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.1

The trial investigated the safety and immunogenicity of TAK-003 in 1,794 participants ages two through 17 living in dengue-endemic areas (the Dominican Republic, Panama and the Philippines). At the time of the analysis, participants had either received one dose of TAK-003, two doses of TAK-003 administered three months apart, or a placebo.

The published data showed that TAK-003 elicited a broad antibody response against all four dengue virus types (called serotypes), regardless of previous exposure to the dengue virus.1 The increased presence of antibodies in the blood against the four serotypes (seropositivity) ranged between 87-100% by Month 1 and was sustained at Month 6 (85-100%) in both the one-dose and two-dose groups.1 This analysis also showed that, in participants who were not previously exposed to dengue infection (seronegative) before vaccination, seropositivity rates against dengue virus types 3 and 4 were improved after a second dose of vaccine.1 For this reason, a two-dose regimen, administered three months apart, was selected for Takeda's ongoing global pivotal Phase 3 efficacy trial.2

This analysis also showed that TAK-003 was safe and well-tolerated in children and adolescents in terms of solicited local reactions and systemic adverse events; no vaccine-related serious adverse events (SAEs) occurred, and the expected immunological responses to the vaccine and associated signs and symptoms (reactogenicity) was limited.1 The number of adverse events reported were similar or lower than those reported for other live attenuated vaccines, and the safety profile was consistent with that observed in earlier Phase 1 and 2 studies of the vaccine candidate.1

Dengue fever is a painful, debilitating mosquito-borne disease caused by any one of four closely related virus serotypes.3 Forty percent of the world lives under the threat of dengue, which can affect people of all ages and is a leading cause of serious illness and death among children throughout the world.4,5

"The levels of immunogenicity induced by TAK-003 against all four dengue serotypes, even in seronegative participants, are encouraging because seropositivity after vaccination may be an important measure of vaccine performance," said Xavier Saez-Llorens, M.D., primary author of The Lancet Infectious Diseases publication and Head of Infectious Diseases and Director of Clinical Research at the Panama Children's Hospital. "Infection with one dengue serotype makes subsequent infection with a different serotype a major risk factor for severe disease, hence the need for a safe and effective vaccine that simultaneously protects against all four serotypes.6 The durability of these antibody responses and the contribution of cell-mediated immune responses to disease protection warrant further study."

"These and other Phase 1 and Phase 2 safety and immunogenicity data support continued development of this important vaccine candidate,"1,7,8 said Derek Wallace, M.B.B.S., Global Dengue Program Head at Takeda. "We look forward to ongoing studies, which will assess the candidate vaccine's ability to provide protection against all four dengue serotypes in recipients of all ages, whether or not they have been previously exposed to dengue."

In September 2016, Takeda initiated its pivotal Phase 3 TetravalentImmunization against Dengue Efficacy Study (TIDES). The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center trial is designed to investigate the efficacy, safety and immunogenicity of Takeda's dengue vaccine candidate, administered in two doses, three months apart, in dengue-endemic countries in Latin America and Asia.2Evaluation of the trial's primary endpoint, vaccine protection against virologically-confirmed dengue of any severity caused by any serotype regardless of previous exposure, is expected in 2018.2 Secondary endpoints include vaccine efficacy in preventing dengue induced by each serotype, vaccine efficacy in preventing dengue caused by any serotype regardless of participants' baseline status, vaccine efficacy in preventing hospitalization due to dengue, and vaccine efficacy in preventing severe dengue induced by any serotype.2

*An interim data analysis is a pre-planned evaluation of data from an ongoing trial before final data collection.

About the Phase 2 DEN-204 Study

The Phase 2 DEN-204 study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center trial designed to assess the safety and immunogenicity of either a one- or two-dose schedule of TAK-003 in 1,794 healthy participants living in dengue-endemic areas (the Dominican Republic, Panama and the Philippines).1 Participants were ages two through 17 and were randomized to one of four groups, two of which received a one-dose vaccine schedule, one of which received a two-dose vaccine schedule administered three months apart, and one which received placebo, by the 6 month interim analysis timepoint.1 The primary endpoint of this interim analysis was geometric mean titers (GMTs) of neutralizing antibodies (an indicator of immune response) to the four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1-4) in the per protocol immunogenicity subset (PPS), a group of participants who had no major protocol violations and for whom valid pre- and post-dosing blood samples were available and immunogenicity was evaluated at months one, three, and six.1 Secondary endpoints included occurrence of serious adverse events (SAEs), seropositivity rates (percentage of participants who developed antibodies), and adverse events (AEs) in the immunogenicity subset.1

About Takeda's Dengue Vaccine Candidate (TAK-003)

Takeda's tetravalent dengue vaccine candidate (TAK-003) is based on a live-attenuated dengue serotype 2 virus (DENV-2), which provides the genetic 'backbone' for all four vaccine viruses.9 Takeda's dengue vaccine is being developed to support the protection of populations and individuals at risk for dengue across geographies whether or not they have had previous exposure to dengue virus, including children and adults, travelers and those living in endemic areas.

Phase 1 data has been published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases,Lancet Infectious Diseases and Vaccine. Interim results of DEN-203, a Phase 2, placebo-controlled, multi-center, age-descending trial, were presented during the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) meeting in October 2015.8 Interim results of DEN-204 were also presented during the 5th Annual Pan-American Dengue Research Network Meeting in May 2016 and ASTMH in November 2016.10,11

Takeda's Commitment to Vaccines

Vaccines prevent more than two million deaths each year and have transformed global public health.12 For 70 years, Takeda has supplied vaccines to protect the health of people in Japan. Today, Takeda's global vaccine business is applying innovation to tackle some of the world's most challenging infectious diseases, such as dengue, Zika, norovirus and polio. Our team brings an outstanding track record and a wealth of knowledge in vaccine development, manufacturing and global access to advance a pipeline of vaccines to address some of the world's most pressing public health needs.

About Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE: 4502) is a global, R&D-driven pharmaceutical company committed to bringing better health and a brighter future to patients by translating science into life-changing medicines. Takeda focuses its research efforts on oncology, gastroenterology and central nervous system therapeutic areas. It also has specific development programs in specialty cardiovascular diseases as well as late-stage candidates for vaccines. Takeda conducts R&D both internally and with partners to stay at the leading edge of innovation. New innovative products, especially in oncology and gastroenterology, as well as its presence in emerging markets, fuel the growth of Takeda. More than 30,000 Takeda employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients, working with our partners in health care in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit http://www.takeda.com/news.

1 Saez-Llorens, Tricou, et al. (2017). Safety and immunogenicity of one versus two doses of Takeda's tetravalent dengue vaccine: Interim results of a long-term phase 2, randomized, placebo-controlled pediatric trial in Asia and Latin America. Lancet Infectious Diseases. Retrieved March 2017, from http://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(17)30166-4/fulltext?elsca1=tlxpr.

2 ClinicalTrials.gov. Efficacy, Safety and Immunogenicity of Takeda's Tetravalent Dengue Vaccine (TDV) in Healthy Children (TIDES). (2016) Retrieved May 2016, from https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02747927?term=den-301&rank=1.

3 World Health Organization, Vector-borne diseases dengue fact sheet. Retrieved March 2017, from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs387/en/index2.html.

4 World Health Organization (2016). Dengue and severe dengue. Retrieved May 2016, from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs117/en/.

5 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2014). Dengue homepage: Epidemiology. Retrieved September 2016, from http://www.cdc.gov/dengue/epidemiology/.

6 Scitable by Nature Education. Host Response to the Dengue Virus. Retrieved March 2017, from http://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/host-response-to-the-dengue-virus-22402106.

7 Osorio, J. E., Velez, I. D., Thomson, et al. (2014). Safety and immunogenicity of a recombinant live attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine (DENVax) in flavivirus-naive healthy adults in Colombia: a randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 1 study. Lancet Infectious Diseases, 14(9), 830-838. doi:10.1016/s1473-3099(14)70811-4.

8 Wallace, D. (2015). Persistence of neutralizing antibodies one year after two doses of a candidate recombinant tetravalent dengue vaccine in subjects aged from 1.5 to 45 years. Presented at 64th Annual Meeting, American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

9 Huang, C. Y.-H., Osorio, J.E., et. Al. (2013). Genetic and Phenotypic Characterization of Manufacturing Seeds for Tetravalent Dengue Vaccine (DENVax). PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 7(5): e2243. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002243.

10 Saez-Llorens X., et al. (2016). Phase II, double-blind, controlled trial to assess the safety and immunogenicity of different schedules of Takeda's Tetravalent Dengue Vaccine Candidate (TDV) in healthy subjects aged between 2 and <18 years and living in dengue endemic countries in Asia and Latin America. Presented at 5th Pan-American Dengue Research Network Meeting.

11 Wallace, D. (2016). Takeda's Tetravalent Dengue Vaccine Candidate. Presented at 65th Annual Meeting, American Society of Tropical Medicine Hygiene.

12 UNICEF. Immunization Facts and Figures (2013). Retrieved September 2015, from http://www.unicef.org/immunization/files/UNICEF_Key_facts_and_figures_on_Immunization_April_2013(1).pdf.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170329006292/en/

Contacts:

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

For media outside of Japan:

Elissa Johnsen

TEL: 1 224-554-3185

elissa.johnsen@takeda.com

or

For Japanese media:

Tsuyoshi Tada

TEL: +81-3-3278-2417

tsuyoshi.tada@takeda.com
CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/29/17 -- Blackline Safety Corp. (TSX VENTURE: BLN) ("Blackline Safety" or "Blackline"), a leading manufacturer of connected worker safety monitoring solutions announced results for its first quarter ended January 31, 2017 with a 22% surge in quarterly revenue.

"While Blackline prepares for first deliveries of our G7 safety monitor with gas detection, customers continue to embrace our current solutions as a best practice to keep their teams safe," says Cody Slater, CEO and Chairman at Blackline Safety. "Our leasing program has made it easy for customers to adopt our worker safety technology, resulting in a nearly 300% increase in our contracted future service revenue." He added, "The upcoming addition of gas detection to our portfolio will dramatically broaden the value we can deliver to customers, allowing them to respond in real-time to employee safety incidents, including the unexpected presence of toxic or explosive gases."

Highlights

-- Total revenue of $2.5M, a 22% increase over the prior year's first quarter -- Service revenue of $1.7M, a 28% increase over the $1.3M in the prior year's first quarter -- Gross margin of $1.2M, a 25% increase over the prior year's first quarter -- Contracted future service revenue grew by $1.9M to $2.5M over prior year's first quarter -- Blackline launched G7 Bridge, adding 3G capability to support current and new Loner 900 customers -- Development of G7c and G7x continued and will expand monitoring capability with environmental gas detection -- Development of G7 Dock continued to support G7c and G7x with gas sensor testing and calibration

Key Financial Information

Values in this release are in thousands, except for percentages and per share data

First quarter revenue was $2,515, an increase of $452 from $2,063 in same three-month period of the prior fiscal year. Service revenue was $1,714, an increase of 28% compared to $1,344 in the first quarter of the prior fiscal year. These increases were driven by customers adopting the Blackline Complete leasing program that eliminates up-front capital costs and provides customers with a comprehensive product for a monthly fee during a three-year term.

Contracted future service revenue, representing the discounted present value of future lease revenue commitments from the Blackline Complete program, was $2,520 as at January 31, 2017 up from $1,854 at the prior year end.

Gross margin for the quarter was $1,251 compared to $1,001 in the comparable three-month period of the prior year, resulting in a gross margin of 50% in first quarter of fiscal 2017 compared to 49% in the same quarter of fiscal 2016 - the increase being attributable to the shift in revenue to a service-dominant business model.

Adjusted EBITDA was $(119) for the period ended January 31, 2017 compared to $(83) in the comparable period of the prior year. The decrease in the Adjusted EBITDA in the period is a result of an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses offset by increased revenue in the current quarter compared to the prior year quarter.

Financial Highlights

Quarter Ended January 31 2017 2016 Change Revenue $ 2,515 $ 2,063 22% Gross Margin $ 1,251 $ 1,001 25% Gross Margin Percentage 50% 49% 2% Adjusted EBITDA $ (119) $ (83) (43)% Net Loss $ (2,065) $ (1,339) (54)% Loss per Share $ (0.07) $ (0.05)

Post-Quarter Highlights

The Company announced on March 22, 2017 that it had entered into an underwritten private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of $10,500. On the same date, Blackline announced that it also intends to complete a concurrent non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $6,000. The offerings are expected to close on or about April 12, 2017 and are subject to the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The completion of the brokered private placement is not conditional upon completion of the concurrent private placement.

Blackline intends to use the net proceeds of the offerings to support the development of the Company's manufacturing capabilities, the expansion of its international sales network, ongoing research & development and general working capital purposes.

Certifications

Blackline's G7c safety monitoring device achieved the following intrinsically safety certifications for use in potentially explosive environments throughout North America.

-- UL 60079, Class I, Division 1, Groups A, B, C, D T4 and Class I, Zone 0 AEx ia IIC T4 Ga -- CSA C22.2 No. 60079, Ex ia IIC T4 Ga

Blackline expects to start delivering G7c wireless gas detector systems in late Q2.

Blackline's unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and management's discussion and analysis on financial condition and results of operations for the period ended January 31, 2017 are available at www.sedar.com. All results are reported in Canadian dollars. To learn more about Blackline Safety, visit www.blacklinesafety.com and follow Blackline on Twitter @blacklinesafety.

About Blackline Safety: Blackline Safety is a global connected safety technology leader. We help businesses respond to emergencies in real-time and manage efficient evacuations, accounting for everyone's safety along the way. With millions invested in technology research and development, Blackline Safety is recognized for quality and innovation. Our strong team of designers and engineers create and manufacture everything in-house - from wearable technology and personal gas detection to cloud-hosted infrastructure and web-based interfaces in Calgary for global industry. With service in over 200 countries, we are the only provider of industrial-grade, turn-key, work-anywhere connected safety monitoring solutions that delivers a seamless solution to meet demanding safety monitoring challenges of organizations throughout the world. Alert. Locate. Respond. For more information, visit www.BlacklineSafety.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Blackline Safety Corp.

Cody Slater

CEO

+1 403 451 0327

+1 403 451 9981 (FAX)

cslater@blacklinesafety.com

www.BlacklineSafety.com






OTTAWA (dpa-AFX) - Cenovus Energy Inc. (CVE.TO, CVE) Monday announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Suffield crude oil and natural gas operations in southern Alberta to International Petroleum Corp. for gross cash proceeds of C$512 million.



The parties have also agreed to a deferred purchase price adjustment that gives Cenovus the opportunity to benefit from potential additional payments of up to C$36 million.



The deferred purchase price adjustment is a two-year commitment that begins on January 1, 2018. Under the deal terms, International Petroleum will make payments to Cenovus for each month in which the average daily price of West Texas Intermediate or WTI is above US$55 per barrel or the price of Henry Hub natural gas is above $3.50 per million British thermal units (MMBtu). Deferred purchase price adjustment payments are capped for each commodity, with a maximum combined payment of C$36 million.



The selling Suffield assets include Cenovus's properties on Canadian Forces Base Suffield and the adjacent Alderson property.



The sale is expected to close in the fourth quarter, subject to closing conditions.



According to the firm, net proceeds from the Suffield sale, and those from the sale of Cenovus's Greater Pelican Lake assets announced on September 5, will be applied to reduce the company's C$3.6 billion asset-sale bridge facility.



The sale processes for Cenovus's Palliser assets in southern Alberta and the Weyburn carbon-dioxide enhanced oil recovery operation in Saskatchewan are proceeding as expected. Cenovus anticipates reaching sale agreements for these two assets in the fourth quarter of 2017.



Cenovus said it remains focused on reaching its target of being below two times net debt to adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.



BMO Capital Markets acted as financial advisor to Cenovus for the Suffield transaction.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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SimCorp announces that it has appointed Michael Rosenvold, 49, as new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Michael Rosenvold joins SimCorp's Executive Management Board and will be responsible for leading the company's global Finance, IT, Legal, Investor Relations and Procurement teams.



Michael joins SimCorp from engineering, design and consulting company Rambll, where he has served as the group CFO since 2008. Prior to that, he held CFO and Investor Relations positions at the global facility services company, ISS. In the early part of his career, Michael served as accountant at Arthur Andersen in Copenhagen and Chicago for more than five years.



Commenting on the appointment of Michael Rosenvold, Chairman of SimCorp's Board of Directors, Jesper Brandgaard, said: "I am delighted to welcome Michael as new CFO of SimCorp. Michael has already proven his worth in similar positions with other large international companies and I am convinced that his experience and performance-driven mindset will be an asset to SimCorp as we continue to grow."



Michael Rosenvold will step into his new position no later than October 1, 2017. SimCorp's current, interim CFO, Sren Strm, will remain in his position at least until Michael Rosenvold has joined.



Michael Rosenvold's remuneration in SimCorp is in accordance with the remuneration guidelines approved at the Annual General Meeting held on March 29, 2017. As part of the service agreement, Michael Rosenvold will as a non-recurring compensation be allocated restricted stock units comprising SimCorp shares with a total market value of DKK 5 million vesting over a period of 5 years. The restricted stock units are subject to Michael Rosenvold bering employed as CFO of SimCorp on the vesting dates. Further, the allocation of restricted stock units is subject to an investment by Michael Rosenvold in SimCorp shares prior to October 1, 2017 at a market price of at least DKK 2.5 million.



Enquiries regarding this announcement should be addressed to:



Klaus Holse, Chief Executive Officer, SimCorp A/S (+45 3544 8802, +45 2326 0000)



Anders Crillesen, Group External Communications Manager, SimCorp A/S, (+45 3544 6474, +2779 1286)



Company Announcement no. 09/2017

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Notice is hereby given that on the initiative and by the resolution of the Board of AB Klaipedos nafta, legal entity code 110648893, with the registered office at Buriu g. 19, Klaipeda (hereinafter, the Company), on 29 March 2017, an ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of the Company will be held on 21 April 2017 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Company's offices at Buriu g. 19, Klaipeda, in the administrative premises of the Company (in the hall of the meeting on the 2nd Floor).



Agenda of the meeting:



1. On the announcement of the Auditor's Report regarding the Financial Statements and Annual Report of the Company for the year 2016 to the shareholders



2. On the announcement of the Annual Report of AB Klaipedos nafta for the year 2016 to the shareholders.



3. On the approval of the audited Financial Statements of AB Klaipedos nafta for the year 2016.



4. On the appropriation of profit (loss) of AB Klaipedos nafta for the year 2016.



5. On the assignment of the audit company that shall perform the audit of the Financial Statements for the year 2017 and 2018 and the approval of the terms of payment for audit services.



6. On the approval of the decision of Company's board to sign loan agreement with Nordic Investment Bank.



The shareholders will be registered from 12:00 a.m. to 12:55 a.m. The persons intending to participate in the meeting shall have a personal ID document (an authorised representative shall have additionally a proxy approved under the established procedure. The natural person's proxy shall be notarised. A proxy issued in a foreign state shall be translated into the Lithuanian language and legalised under the procedure prescribed by laws).



A shareholder or his proxy shall have the right to vote in writing in advance by filling in a general ballot paper. At the request of the shareholder, the Company shall send a general ballot paper to the shareholder by registered mail free of charge at least 10 days before the meeting. The filled-in general ballot paper and the document attesting the voting right shall be submitted to the Company no later than until the meeting, sending by registered mail or providing them at the address of the registered office of the Company indicated in the notice.



The shareholders who hold shares carrying at least 1/20 of all the votes may propose additions to the agenda of the general meeting of shareholders by submitting with every proposed additional item of the agenda a draft resolution of the general meeting of shareholders or, when no resolution is required, an explanation. Proposals on addition to the agenda shall be submitted in writing or sent by e-mail. Written proposals shall be submitted to the Company on business days or sent by registered mail at the address of the registered office of the Company indicated in the notice. Proposals submitted by e-mail shall be sent to the following e-mails: info@kn.lt and a.kasparas@kn.lt. The agenda shall be supplemented if the proposal is received no later than 14 days before the ordinary general meeting of shareholders. If the agenda of the general meeting of shareholders is supplemented, the Company shall notify on the additions no later than 10 days before the meeting in the same ways as in the case of convocation of the meeting.



The shareholders, who hold shares carrying at least 1/20 of all the votes, at any time before the general meeting of shareholders or during the meeting, may propose new draft resolutions on items which are or will be included in the agenda of the meeting. The proposals may be submitted in writing or sent by e-mail. Written proposals shall be submitted to the Company on business days or sent by registered mail at the address of the registered office of the Company indicated in the notice. Proposals submitted by e-mail shall be sent to the following e-mails: info@kn.lt and a.kasparas@kn.lt.



The shareholders shall have the right to submit to the Company in advance questions relating to the items on the agenda of the meeting. The shareholders may submit their written questions to the Company on business days or sent by registered mail at the address of the registered office of the Company indicated in the notice no later than 3 business days before the meeting. The Company will reply to the questions by e-mail or in writing before the meeting, except the questions which are related to the Company's commercial (industrial) secret, confidential information or which have been submitted later than 3 business days before the meeting.



The Company does not provide the possibility of participating and voting at the meeting by means of electronic communications means.



The Shareholder shall have the right to authorize through electronic communications means another person (natural or legal) to participate and vote in the meeting on behalf of the shareholder. No notarisation of such authorization is required. The shareholder must confirm the proxy issued through electronic communications means by an electronic signature developed by a secure signature-creation device and approved by a qualified certificate effective in the Republic of Lithuania. The shareholder shall inform the Company on the proxy issued through electronic communications means to the following e-mails: info@kn.lt and a.kasparas@kn.lt no later than until the last business day before the meeting at 1:00 p.m. The proxy and the notice must be issued in writing. The proxy and the notice to the Company shall be signed with the electronic signature but not the letter sent by e-mail. By submitting the notice to the Company, the shareholder shall include the internet address from which it would be possible to download software free of charge to verify the shareholder's electronic signature.



The record date of the meeting shall be 14 April 2017 (only those persons who will be shareholders of the Company at the close of the record date of the general meeting of shareholders or their authorised persons, or persons with whom an agreement on assignment of the voting right has been executed, may participate and vote at the general meeting of shareholders).



The shareholders of the Company may familiarise with the draft resolution of the meeting and the form of the general ballot paper under the procedure prescribed by laws in the registered office of the Company at Buriu g. 19, Klaipeda (tel.: 8 46 391636), or on the Company's website at http://www.kn.lt/. The following information and documents shall be provided on the abovementioned internet website of the Company:



- the notification on convocation of the meeting;



- total number of the Company's shares and the number of shares with voting rights on the convening day of the meeting.



Enclosed:



1. Draft decision of the General Meeting of Shareholders.



2. General voting ballot paper of the General Meeting of Shareholders.



3. Financial Statements of Klaipedos nafta, AB for the year 2016, prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards, as adopted by the European Union, presented together with the Independent Auditor's Report and Annual Report for the year 2016;



4. Draft appropriation of profit (loss) of Klaipedos nafta, AB for the year 2016.



Marius Pulkauninkas, Director of Finance and Administration Department, +370 46 391 763.



Attachment:

https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=622710

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Number of deals and investment funding in AI and IoT show strong year-on-year growth

Insurtech investment in U.K. jumps more than 50% in 2016, to nearly US$19 million

Artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT) now account for almost half of total investment in insurance technology (insurtech) startups globally, new research from Accenture (NYSE:ACN) shows.

The research, which includes new analysis of CB Insights data on 450 insurtech deals over the last three years, appears in a new Accenture report titled "The Rise of InsurTech." The report was released today in conjunction with Accenture's Fintech Innovation Lab in London, which for the first time includes a dedicated insurtech stream comprising leading industry startups.

According to the report, the combined number of deals across AI (including automation) and the IoT (including connected insurance) increased 79 percent in 2016. Even though the two technologies represented only one-quarter (24 percent) of the 216 insurtech deals globally last year, they accounted for 44 percent or US$711 million of total insurtech investment compared with just 10 percent of global insurtech investment in 2015.

"We've seen a rapid acceleration of investment into and deal activity around intelligent automation and IoT start-ups over the last 12 months," said Roy Jubraj, a co-author of the report and Accenture's Digital Innovation lead in the company's Financial Services practice in the U.K. and Ireland. "These technologies are primed to disrupt the industry in the years to come, so it's fitting that we've established a dedicated insurtech stream as a key part of Accenture's FinTech Innovation Lab in London."

According to the report, the insurance industry views AI and the IoT as critical to delivering increased levels of personalization and better real-world outcomes for customers. Artificial intelligence has the potential to transform the insurance industry from simply assessing risk based on past experience to monitoring risks in real-time and mitigating, or even preventing, losses for customers. The IoT will enable insurers to offer more-personalized, real-time service; boost operational efficiency; and price their products with greater precision.

Despite the political and economic uncertainty around the United Kingdom's vote to leave the European Union, the country continued to attract strong insurtech investment in 2016. Even though the number of insurtech deals in the U.K. remained flat, the value of the investments there more than doubled last year, to almost US$19 million. Investment in AI and the IoT also increased significantly, to almost US$1.7 million in total.

Germany and France also saw strong growth in investment in 2016 to round out the top three insurtech markets in Europe. With insurtech's investment expanding globally, the United States' share of deal volume in 2016 dropped slightly, from 63 to 56 percent of total deals. The percentage of insurtech investment for the rest of the world (deals outside the traditional hubs) more than doubled, from 11 percent in 2015 to 23 percent in 2016.

Insurtech's shifting geographic focus maps closely to similar global trends across fintech. Recent Accenture fintech analysis showed that China, and more broadly, Asia Pacific, are playing a more prominent role as investment destinations for fintech capital. While global investment into fintech ventures grew 10 percent in 2016, to US$23.2 billion, Asia Pacific as a region for the first time eclipsed North America, with fintech investments there more than doubling in 2016, to US$11.2 billion.

Julian Skan, a senior managing director in Accenture's Financial Services practice who oversees the FinTech Innovation Lab London, said, "The rise in insurtech is further evidence of the growing role that new technologies are playing in shaping innovation across financial services. The next challenge for insurtech startups is the same as what the more mature fintechs are now facing being able to translate that investment into growth and customer acquisition."

Accenture FinTech Innovation Lab London

Accenture's FinTech Innovation Lab in London kicked off the largest program in its five-year history in January, with 20 innovative startups selected from a global field of more than 300 financial services technology entrepreneurs. Eight of the 20 shortlisted startups presented at the program's Graduation Day today in London to a group of venture capitalists and financial-industry executives. For more information, click here.

The FinTech Innovation Lab London is modeled on a similar program co-founded in 2010 by Accenture and the Partnership Fund for New York City, the US$150 million investment arm of the Partnership for New York City. In 2014 Accenture launched two other FinTech Innovation Labs, in Hong Kong and Dublin. Globally, the Labs' alumni companies have raised more than US$480 million in venture financing after participating in the program, and the 36 companies that participated in the London FinTech Innovation Lab have increased their revenues by 170 percent, on average, since completing the program.

About Accenture

Accenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries and all business functions underpinned by the world's largest delivery network Accenture works at the intersection of business and technology to help clients improve their performance and create sustainable value for their stakeholders. With approximately 401,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture drives innovation to improve the way the world works and lives. Visit us at www.accenture.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170329006244/en/

Contacts:

Accenture

Natalie De Freitas, 44 27 84 48469

natalie.de.freitas@accenture.com

or

James Murphy, 917-452-0588

james.p.murphy@accenture.com
ZURICH, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited ("Takeda") announced today that Giles Platford will assume the role of President of the Europe and Canada (EUCAN) Business Unit of Takeda. In this role he will lead business operations in the region effective April 1, 2017.

Giles Platford, who joined Takeda in 2009, is also a Corporate Officer and member of Takeda's Executive Team, reporting to Christophe Weber, President and Chief Executive Officer of Takeda.

"EUCAN has been a high performing region in the last few years, and I am fully confident that Giles, with his solid business ability and understanding of Takeda values, is the ideal choice to lead this business unit" said Christophe Weber. "His proven track record with the company in senior leadership roles across diverse geographies and cultures will no doubt bring a unique perspective and value to all facets of Takeda business in Europe and Canada."

A seasoned industry leader with more than 15 years of pharmaceutical experience, Giles Platford was formerly President of Emerging Markets for Takeda, which comprises Russia-CIS, Latin America, Middle East-Africa, China and Asia Pacific (excluding Japan). He oversaw the launch of Takeda's innovative pipeline across the region, and led the design and roll-out of Takeda's Global Access to Medicines (AtM) Programme.

Platford's other leadership roles at Takeda included Head of the Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META) region where he strengthened controls and re-engineered the business for growth. Prior to that he was General Manager in Brazil, where he led the transformation of Takeda into a top 10 pharmaceutical player, being externally recognised for the first time as one of the country's top employers and best companies to work for.

About Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited is a global, research and development-driven pharmaceutical company committed to bringing better health and a brighter future to patients by translating science into life-changing medicines. Takeda focuses its R&D efforts on oncology, gastroenterology and central nervous system therapeutic areas plus vaccines. Takeda conducts R&D both internally and with partners to stay at the leading edge of innovation. New innovative products, especially in oncology and gastroenterology, as well as our presence in Emerging Markets, fuel the growth of Takeda. More than 30,000 Takeda employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients, working with our partners in health care in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit https://www.takeda.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding Takeda's plans, outlook, strategies, results for the future, and other statements that are not descriptions of historical facts. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "may," "believe," "will," "expect," "project," "estimate," "should," "anticipate," "plan," "assume," "continue," "seek," "pro forma," "potential," "target," "forecast," "guidance," "outlook" or "intend" or other similar words or expressions of the negative thereof. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by management that are believed to be reasonable, though they are inherently uncertain and difficult to predict. Investors are cautioned not to unduly rely on such forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or experience to differ materially from that expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Some of these risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, (1) the economic circumstances surrounding Takeda's business, including general economic conditions in Japan, the United States and worldwide; (2) competitive pressures and developments; (3) applicable laws and regulations; (4) the success or failure of product development programs; (5) actions of regulatory authorities and the timing thereof; (6) changes in exchange rates; (7) claims or concerns regarding the safety or efficacy of marketed products or product candidates in development; and (8) integration activities with acquired companies.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release, and Takeda undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances after the date of the forward-looking statement. If Takeda does update or correct one or more of these statements, investors and others should not conclude that Takeda will make additional updates or corrections.
GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Mar 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

SKF is investing SEK 45 million in expanding its spherical roller bearing (SRB) capacity in Nilai, Malaysia. This investment will further improve utilisation of the Group's manufacturing capacity.

Luc Graux, President, Bearing Operations, says: "By investing in increased capacity and flexibility we can swiftly improve our ability to meet the demands of our customers, on a regional and global level."

"The new channel will include the latest in internally developed solutions for automatic pairing of rings and bearing traceability. It will also be scalable, should we decide to make future investments in automated assembly processes, similar to those already operational in Gothenburg."

The new SRB channel in Nilai is expected to be operational during the end of 2017.

Previous press releases on similar topics:

16 January 2017: SKF invests further SEK 145 million in Schweinfurt production channels

[link to press release]

16 January 2017: SKF invests in roller manufacturing in China

[link to press release]

3 November 2016: SKF invests SEK 150 million in Schweinfurt production channels:

[link to press release]

9 June 2016: SKF consolidates manufacturing facilities in North America

[link to press release]

17 April 2015: SKF invests SEK 190 million in Gothenburg production channels

[link to press release]

Aktiebolaget SKF

(publ)

For further information, please contact:

PRESS:

Theo Kjellberg, Director, Press Relations

Tel: 46 31337 6576, mobile: 46 725-776576,

E-mail: theo.kjellberg@skf.com

INVESTOR RELATIONS:

Patrik Stenberg, Head of Investor Relations

Patrik Stenberg, 46 31-337 2104; 46 705-472 104

E-mail: patrik.stenberg@skf.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

http://news.cision.com/skf/r/skf-invests-in-expanding-production-capacity-in-malaysia,c2226527

The following files are available for download:
The searches at the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) on March 29 were related to the activity of its executives, Director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) Artem Sytnyk said.

"The case is related to executives of the National Bank of Ukraine," Sytnyk said in a program aired by the ZIK television channel on Wednesday evening.

Bank employees did not resist procedural actions of bureau representatives and provided the investigators with the necessary documents, Sytnyk said.

"The inquiry into this case is going on," he said.

A spokesman for the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office had told Interfax earlier about searches at the National Bank. He did not say which case the investigative procedures were part of.
In March BIOCAD biotechnology company was granted access to supply highly demanded medicine rituximab biosimilar to Vietnam for a second time. It means that BIOCAD partners will continue to supply local hospitals with the Russian product and patients will get access to affordable and effective treatment in Vietnam.

BIOCAD is going to receive permanent registration certificate for the medicine in the end of the 3rd - beginning of the 4thquarter 2017. It will allow the company to export the product from Russia without any limitations.

International expansion is one of BIOCAD's strategic goals and entering a new market is always an achievement. Vietnam is among the company's priority markets, because it is one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia.

Today rituximab biosimilar developed and produced by BIOCAD has already entered international markets including Southeast Asia, Middle East, and CIS countries. By the end of 2017 the medicine should appear in the markets of India and Sri-Lanka.

About company

BIOCAD is global leading innovative biotechnology company in Russia. Its leading excellence comes from the world-class R&D centers, modern biotechnological manufacturing facilities, as well as preclinical and clinical research infrastructure that corresponds to the international standards.

BIOCAD is a full-cycle drug development and manufacturing company, ensuring high-quality pharmaceutical development in all stages-from new genetic engineering to large-scale commercial production and further marketing support. The company provides original and generic drug products to treat complex health conditions such as cancer, HIV, multiple sclerosis, Hepatitis C infections, and other disorders.

The company employs about 1200 workers, including more than 450 researchers. In 2016, the revenue of the company exceeded 14 billion rubles, and the total value of its international long-term contracts reached 850 million USD. BIOCAD has created subsidiaries and partnerships in the USA, Brazil, China, India, and other countries.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170330005476/en/

Contacts:

BIOCAD

Irina Kenyukhova

Phone +7 (812) 3804933, ext. 632

E-mail kenyukhova@biocad.ru
MUMBAI, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The Board of Directors of the Company have approved the second Interim Dividend of Rs.17.70 per equity share i.e. 1770 % on face value of Re.1/- per share for the Financial Year 2016-17. The record date for the purpose of payment of dividend is Wednesday, April 12, 2017.

Further, the Board has also approved dividend of Rs.17.70 per equity share to shareholders of Cairn India Limited, who will become shareholders of the Company pursuant to the Scheme of Arrangement between Vedanta Limited and Cairn India Limited ("Scheme"). The dividend would be paid to the Cairn India Limited shareholders as on a Record date to be fixed after the Scheme becomes effective.

The total amount of Dividend Payout including that to Cairn shareholders is Rs. 6,580 Crore.

About Vedanta Limited (Formerly SesaSterlite Ltd.)

Vedanta Limited is a diversified natural resources company, whose business primarily involves producing oil & gas, zinc - lead - silver, copper, iron ore, aluminium and commercial power. The company has a presence across India, South Africa, Namibia, Australia and Ireland.

Vedanta Limited is the Indian subsidiary of Vedanta Resources Plc, a London-listed company. Governance and Sustainable Development are at the core of Vedanta's strategy, with a strong focus on health, safety and environment and on enhancing the lives of local communities. The company is conferred with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) 'Sustainable Plus Platinum label', ranking among the top 10 most sustainable companies in India. To access the Vedanta Sustainable Development Report 2016, please visit http://sustainabledevelopment.vedantaresources.com/content/dam/vedanta/corporate/documents/Otherdocuments/SDreport2015-16/Vedanta%20SDR%20FY%2015-16.pdf

Vedanta Limited is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange in India and has ADRs listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

For more information please visit www.vedantalimited.com

Vedanta Limited (Formerly known as SesaSterlite Limited)

Vedanta, 75, Nehru Road,

Vile Parle (East), Mumbai - 400 099

www.vedantalimited.com

Registered Office:

SesaGhor, 20 EDC Complex,

Patto, Panaji (Goa) - 403 001

CIN: L13209GA1965PLC000044

Disclaimer

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" - that is, statements related to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "should" or "will." Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. For us, uncertainties arise from the behaviour of financial and metals markets including the London Metal Exchange, fluctuations in interest and or exchange rates and metal prices; from future integration of acquired businesses; and from numerous other matters of national, regional and global scale, including those of a political, economic, business, competitive or regulatory nature. These uncertainties may cause our actual future results to be materially different that those expressed in our forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements

For further information, please contact:

Communications

Roma Balwani

President - Group Communications, Sustainability& CSR

Tel: +91-22-6646-1000

gc@vedanta.co.in

Investor Relations

Ashwin Bajaj

Director - Investor Relations

Tel: +91-22-6646-1531

vedantaltd.ir@vedanta.co.in

Aarti Raghavan

VP - Investor Relations

Vishesh Pachnanda

Manager - Investor Relations

Sneha Tulsyan

Associate Manager - Investor Relations
The broker's cryptocurrency suite now includes ETH/USD and LTC/USD.

HYCM, a multi-regulated global leader in online capital markets trading, has launched trading on two further altcoins, Ethereum and Litecoin, adding ETH/USD and LTC/USD to its expanding range of cryptocurrencies. The move follows the recent introduction of Bitcoin trading with the BTC/USD pair and follows unprecedented demand from clients.

The cryptocurrency economy has seen massive growth over the last few months with the price of Bitcoin having risen more than 300% year-to-date. Despite some recent volatility, Bitcoin has retained the majority of these gains with prices currently flying high around the $4,000 mark.

Ethereum prices meanwhile, have risen by as much as 5,000% percent since January 2017 as appetite for digital assets continues to grow. Ethereum, currently trading at around $324, is the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation and is worth $30.57 billion versus bitcoin's $68.84 billion valuation.

Litecoin prices have also climbed in recent times, currently taking the number six spot in the list of the world's most valuable cryptocurrencies. Presently trading against the US dollar at $47 with a $2.47 billion market cap, Litecoin is one of the few cryptocurrencies to have remained fairly stable during market volatility.

The recent boost in the market capitalisation of cryptocurrencies reflects the continuing interest in blockchain technology. Stavros Lambouris, CEO International for HYCM commented, "The decision to expand our cryptocurrency CFD offering follows the impressive returns recently generated and increased demand from our clients wishing to capitalise on their performance without needing to physically purchase them. HYCM is one of the first brokers to offer traders a range of cryptocurrencies, reinforcing our position as one of the industry leaders."

HYCM

Notes to editors:

HYCM is a leading provider of online FX and CFD trading services to retail and institutional investors. With a 40 year operational history and a strong focus on client satisfaction and technological advancement, HYCM has become the online broker of choice for investors across the globe, providing access to a range of asset classes including currencies, commodities, metals, shares, indices and cryptocurrencies.

HYCM offers clients a complete trading solution together with all the trading tools and analysis needed to make informed trading decisions. Backed by its state-of-the-art trading platforms, including mobile app enabling clients to trade while on the go, HYCM has secured a strong industry reputation for delivering a trading experience that is second to none.

HYCM is part of the Henyep Capital Markets Group, an international conglomerate with businesses in financial services, property, education and charity and is multi-regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority of the UK (FCA), the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and the Dubai Financial Service Authority (DFSA).

The company is represented globally with offices in United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Cyprus and Dubai.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170828005419/en/

Contacts:

HYCM

Rosemary Barnes

Email: rosemary.barnes@hycm.com

Telephone: +357 25 24 5750

www.hycm.com
MUMBAI, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of the Company at their meeting held today, have considered and approved:

Re-appointment of Mr. Thomas Albanese , Whole-Time Director & Chief Executive Officer (DIN: 06853915) for a further period till August 31, 2017 subject to approval of Shareholders in the next General Meeting; Appointment of Mr. K Venkataramanan (DIN: 00001647) as an Additional Director and Non-Executive Independent Director (Additional Director) on the Board of the Company for a period of 3 years w.e.f. April 1, 2017 to hold office till the ensuing Annual General Meeting of the Company. Press release made by the Company in this regard is attached herewith. Resignation of Ms. Anuradha Dutt , Non-Executive Independent Director (DIN: 00145124) from the Board of the Company w.e.f. March 31, 2017 due to other commitments.Vedanta Limited announced that the Board of Directors in their meeting on 30th March 2017 approved the appointment of Mr K. Venkataramanan as an Independent non-executive director with effect from April 1, 2017 .

About Vedanta Limited (Formerly SesaSterlite Ltd.)

Vedanta Limited is a diversified natural resources company, whose business primarily involves producing oil & gas, zinc - lead - silver, copper, iron ore, aluminium and commercial power. The company has a presence across India, South Africa, Namibia, Australia and Ireland.

Vedanta Limited is the Indian subsidiary of Vedanta Resources Plc, a London-listed company. Governance and Sustainable Development are at the core of Vedanta's strategy, with a strong focus on health, safety and environment and on enhancing the lives of local communities. The company is conferred with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) 'Sustainable Plus Platinum label', ranking among the top 10 most sustainable companies in India. To access the Vedanta Sustainable Development Report 2016, please visit http://sustainabledevelopment.vedantaresources.com/content/dam/vedanta/corporate/documents/Otherdocuments/SDreport2015-16/Vedanta%20SDR%20FY%2015-16.pdf

Vedanta Limited is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange in India and has ADRs listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

For more information please visit www.vedantalimited.com

Disclaimer

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" - that is, statements related to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "should" or "will." Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. For us, uncertainties arise from the behaviour of financial and metals markets including the London Metal Exchange, fluctuations in interest and or exchange rates and metal prices; from future integration of acquired businesses; and from numerous other matters of national, regional and global scale, including those of a political, economic, business, competitive or regulatory nature. These uncertainties may cause our actual future results to be materially different that those expressed in our forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements.

For further information, please contact:



Communications

Roma Balwani

President - Group Communications, Sustainability & CSR

Tel: +91-22-66461000

gc@vedanta.co.in



Investor Relations

Ashwin Bajaj

Director - Investor Relations

Tel: +91-22-66461531

vedantaltd.ir@vedanta.co.in



Aarti Raghavan

VP - Investor Relations



Vishesh Pachnanda

Manager - Investor Relations



Sneha Tulsyan

Associate Manager - Investor Relations

Vedanta Limited

(Formerly known as SesaSterlite Limited)

Vedanta, 75, Nehru Road,

Vile Parle (East), Mumbai - 400 099

www.vedantalimited.com

Registered Office:

SesaGhor, 20 EDC Complex,

Patto, Panaji (Goa) - 403 001

CIN: L13209GA1965PLC000044
LONDON, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Defence IQ recently interviewed Hanif Qadir, co-founder of Active Change Foundation, he condemned the governments Prevent campaign and its attitude towards religion-centred P/CVE groups.

Hanif Qadir, who has been engaged with the Home Office and Counter-extremist campaigns for over a decade, has decried an apparent reversal in strategy from the UK and other nations when it comes to funding and collaboration with these types of organisations. Read the full interview here > http://bit.ly/2oyFdEu

In this interview Qadir goes into the role the private sector has to play in any CVE effort, but are increasingly finding it hard to access neither funding or support, he believes this is due to the mistaken notion that conservative groups are aligned with extremism.

In terms of the UK's current Prevent Strategy, Qadir does not agree that this strategy is on point he mentions how we are moving away from where we were in 2011-2012, a time when we he thinks the UK was "almost hitting the nail on its head"."The whole game has changed yet again, especially sine January 2017. Any CVE effort must adapt rapidly, but firstly we need to understand what is changing and why - something that requires real time and effective engagement with communities' right across the board ."

He goes on to outline that the government must change their approach and reason with the fact that no community should be left out of the CVE engagement space and in terms of how to asses the groups , it is a matter of looking at the history and community reach capabilities of every organisation.

Qadir will be speaking at this year's CVE forum in London on 20-22 June, the annual symposium brings together communication professionals and government agencies from around the world to discuss the successes, challenges and failures, and novel methods for communication against the lure of extremism. Download the programme for this event here > http://bit.ly/2mhdBW7

Media enquiries: Olivia Timmins, enquire@iqpc.co.uk, Tel: +44(0)207-036-1300
MILAN, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Infrastructure upgraded using Network Function Virtualization logic, enabling innovative services and functions

TIM, Italy's leading ICT company, and Italtel, a leading telecommunications company in Network Functions Virtualization (NFV), managed services and all-IP communication, have jointly designed and deployed - within a Raggruppamento Temporaneo di Imprese (temporary group of companies) in which TIM is lead - the evolution of the Voice-over-IP (VoIP) infrastructure of Poste Italiane.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130429/612742 )



(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/483841/Italtel.jpg )



Poste Italiane is the Italian largest company operating in postal delivery, logistics, financial and insurance services, and digital communication, with network capabilities across the country. The renovation project of Poste Italiane's VoIP platform was launched with the objective of providing new and improved services for the internal users of the company - covering the 13,000 post offices across Italy - while reducing infrastructure costs. Overall, the private network of Poste Italiane serves more than 50,000 users, who use various types of devices thanks to TIM's broadband and ultra broadband connections.

The adopted solution is based on the most recent technologies and advanced standards. It is completely virtualized according to the Network Function Virtualization (NFV) model, bringing cloud computing logic to the telecommunication sector. The architecture is designed to allow the evolution of the platform with full continuity for Poste Italiane existing IT infrastructures - which are hosted in TIM's data centers - and full VoIP integration with the service provider's network.

The full compatibility of Italtel's products with the existing infrastructure, the integration capabilities demonstrated by TIM and Italtel in dealing with the complexity of the existing network and the use of consolidated migration methodologies guaranteed the smooth transition to the final architecture, with minimal impact on network configuration and user experience for the active services.

The migration of more than 20,000 users in the post offices was completed within a few months, decreasing the space occupied in the centralized infrastructure in TIM data centers by 75% and significantly reducing its energy consumption.

The transformation involved a range of Italtel products and services, including the Italtel Multimedia Communication Suite (i-MCS) which supports software modularity, NFV and cloud, LTE and IMS functionalities. Italtel's subscriber data management solution i-TDS, its Session Border Controller NetMatch-S and iNEM (Neutral Event Manager), a comprehensive management suite, were also used in the project.

TIM Group is Italy's leading ICT company, supporting the country's "Digital Life". More http://www.telecomitalia.com

Italtel designs and provides All IP communication solutions; Managed Services; IT System Integration Services; Network Integration and Migration activities. More
CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The New Zealand dollar weakened against the other major currencies in the European session on Thursday. The NZ dollar fell to a 9-day low of 1.0926 against the Australian dollar, from an early high of 1.0887. Against the U.S. dollar, the yen and the euro, the kiwi dropped to 0.7003, 77.76 and 1.5345 from an early 2-day high of 0.7044, a 1-week high of 78.32 and an 8-day high of 1.5277, respectively. If the kiwi extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 1.10 against the aussie, 0.68 against the greenback, 76.00 against the yen and 1.55 against the euro. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
DUBLIN, Mar 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Asia Pacific Patient Infotainment Systems Market 2017" report to their offering.

The Asia Pacific patient infotainment systems market has been gaining tremendous traction in recent years. Several companies operating in the Asia Pacific patient infotainment systems market has seen immense growth since 2015. Moreover, the market has witnessed entry of several new companies with new technologies and disruptive business models.

This study aims to provide a detailed analysis of the Asia Pacific patient infotainment systems market along with competitive intelligence for 2016.

The market numbers included in this report represent revenues generated by companies operating in the Asia Pacific patient infotainment systems market by point of installation (hospitals and clinics, laboratory and diagnostic centers, home & elderly care) and by screen size (small screen, medium screen and large screen) The base year for the study is 2016 and the forecast period is from 2016 until 2023.



Scope for Each Country

Market Measurements

Market Drivers

Impact Analysis of Market Drivers

Market Restraints

Impact Analysis of Market Restraints.

Japan Market Data

Total Japan Patient Infotainment Systems Market: Revenue Forecasts, 2016-2023

Market Share by End-User Group / Installation (2016 & 2023)

Hospital and Clinics: Revenue Forecasts, 2016-2023

Laboratories and Diagnostic Centers: Revenue Forecasts, 2016-2023

Home & Elderly Care: Revenue Forecasts 2016-2023

Market Share Split by Screen Size (2016)

mall Screen: Revenue Forecasts, 2016-2023

Medium Screen: Revenue Forecasts, 2016-2023

Large Screen: Revenue Forecasts, 2016-2023

Market Share by Competitor Revenue (2016)

Quotes on Market Trends



Key Topics Covered:

I. Scope of Research

II. Terms & Definitions

III. Research Methodology

IV. Executive Summary

V. Asia Pacific

a. Market Measurements

b. Market Drivers

c. Impact Analysis of Market Drivers

d. Market Restraints

e. Impact Analysis of Market Restraints

f. Advanced Features of Patient Infotainment Systems

g. Purchasing Trends by Country

h. Supply Chain: Patient Infotainment Systems Market

i. Market Share Analysis, by Country

j. Country Level Analysis

VI. Asia Pacific Market Data

a. Total Patient Infotainment Systems Market: Revenue Forecasts, 2016-2023.

b. Market Share by End-User Group / Installation (2016)

c. Hospital and Clinics: Revenue Forecasts, 2016-2023

d. Laboratories and Diagnostic Centers: Revenue Forecasts, 2016-2023

e. Home & Elderly Care: Revenue Forecasts 2016-2023

f. Market Share Split by Screen Size (2016 & 2023)

g. Small Screen: Revenue Forecasts, 2016-2023

h. Medium Screen: Revenue Forecasts, 2016-2023

i. Large Screen: Revenue Forecasts, 2016-2023

j. Market Share by Competitor Revenue (2016)

VII. China

VIII. Australia

IX. Taiwan

X. Japan

XI. Singapore & Malaysia

XII. India

XIII. Key Organizations

a. Advantech Co., Ltd

b. ARBOR Technology Co., Ltd.

c. BEWATEC Kommunikationstechnik GmbH

d. Barco Company .

e. Onyx Healthcare All Inc.

For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/6xnfdp/asia_pacific

Media Contact:

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
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / May 11, 2017 / Ashanti Gold Corp. (TSX-V: AGZ) ("Ashanti" or the "Company")(OTC PINK: GULSF) is pleased to announce it has formed an Advisory Board to attract highly qualified and respected people in the mining industry to help the company advance its corporate development.

The starting members of the Advisory Board are Henk Van Alphen and William Pincus.

Mr. Van Alphen has had a long and successful career in the mining industry and has delivered exceptional value to the shareholders of his companies. Currently, Henk is CEO and Director of Wealth Minerals, a lithium exploration and development company with a large asset portfolio in Chile. Wealth has a substantial position in the Atacama Salar, developing a lithium project near to two operations that are the highest grade, lowest cost lithium producers globally and which account for 1/3 of global lithium production. Wealth was ranked #3 in Mining for the 2017 TSX Venture 50 Awards. Mr. Van Alphen was also a key player in such companies as Corriente Resources, Cardero Resources, Trevali Mining, Balmoral Resources, and International Tower Hill. During his career Van Alphen has raised and helped raise over $1bn in various financings.

Mr. Pincus has over 40 years of industry experience. Most recently, Mr. Pincus was Chairman of Global Minerals Ltd., a company developing the Strieborna silver deposit in Slovakia. Prior to that he was Chairman of Esperanza Resources, which was acquired by Alamos Gold for a total value of $85M in 2013. His experience includes: Vice President of Sunshine Mining Company, overseeing the development of the 155-million-ounce Pirquitas silver deposit and Executive Vice President of the mining consulting firm, Pincock, Allen and Holt. Additionally, Mr. Pincus was a key player at FMC Gold (acquired by Meridian Gold) and Atlas Corporation where he was involved in the successful exploration and acquisition of various precious metal projects. He graduated from the University of Colorado with a B.A. in geology in 1975 and received an M.Sc. in geology and an M.Sc. in mineral economics in 1981 and 1986, respectively, from the Colorado School of Mines. He is a Certified Professional Geologist.

Ashanti's CEO Tim McCutcheon said "We are very excited to have Mr. Van Alphen and Mr. Pincus join our advisory board. I take it as a vote of confidence in the quality of our projects and our approach to gold exploration. Drawing on these close relationships and their wealth of experience will be vital to Ashanti's aggressive advancement of our world-class assets."

ABOUT ASHANTI GOLD

Ashanti is a gold-focused, exploration and development company with projects in the northern Ashanti Belt of Ghana and the Kenieba Belt of Mali. The Company targets projects where it has a competitive advantage due to past work experience of the team and specific project know-how.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of

ASHANTI GOLD CORP.

"Tim McCutcheon"

Tim McCutcheon

CEO

For further information, please contact:

Ashanti Gold Corp.

2300 - 1177 West Hastings Street

Vancouver BC, V6E 2K3

Phone: 604-638-3847

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated content, commencement, timing and cost of exploration programs, anticipated exploration program results, the discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/reserves, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the state of the financial markets for the Company's equity securities, the state of the commodity markets generally, variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, variations in the market price of any mineral products the Company may produce or plan to produce, the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required, including TSXV acceptance, for its planned activities, the inability of the Company to produce minerals from its properties successfully or profitably, to continue its projected growth, to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's latest interim Management Discussion and Analysis and filed with certain securities commissions in Canada. All of the Company's Canadian public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedar.com and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to the Company's mineral properties.

SOURCE: Ashanti Gold Corp.
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.
Representatives of separate districts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions (ORDLO) has again rejected the proposal of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the UN Human Rights Committee to participate in the process of releasing the hostages, Darka Olifer, spokesperson for Ukraine's envoy to the Trilateral Contact Group and former President Leonid Kuchma, has said.

"The humanitarian subgroup continues working on the issues of the release of illegally detained persons. The representatives of ORDLO once again rejected the proposal of the Ukrainian side and coordinator of the humanitarian subgroup from the OSCE to participate in this process of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the UN Human Rights Committee," Olifer wrote on her Facebook page following the TCG meeting in Minsk.
Outline of MHI Information Systems Co., Ltd. (as of March 30, 2017)



Joseph Hood, PR Manager Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Email: mhi-pr@mhi.co.jp Tel: +81-(0)3-6716-2168 Fax: +81-(0)3-6716-5860

TOKYO, Mar 30, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - NTT DATA Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) have concluded a basic agreement on establishing a new company, to be based on the existing MHI Information Systems Co., Ltd. (MHIIS), a wholly owned MHI subsidiary, following an agreement the two parties reached earlier on a roadmap for strengthening MHIIS's functions and organization. Detailed discussions are now underway toward the new enterprise's creation.NTT DATA, under the banner of its new medium-term business strategy - "ASCEND: Rise and grow our global brand" - is currently aiming toward further growth to the company's "Global 2nd Stage," a phase in which NTT DATA will serve both as a partner in information technology (IT) and as a business partner to customers who are seeking to transform their businesses through IT. By establishing a long-term partnership with MHI, NTT DATA is looking to make robust contributions to digitalization and globalization in the years ahead, starting with provision of more advanced IT services.MHI on its part is eager to tie up with NTT DATA, with its abundant track record in network services and system integration operations, in a quest to achieve more advanced IT services and stronger global response capability more swiftly and efficiently by applying NTT DATA's technological and organizational strengths. In particular, MHI is seeking to boost the formation, operation and maintenance of the MHI Group's IT infrastructure and develop its business process applications, to cope with the manufacturing industry's increasingly rapid digitalization and globalization.NTT DATA and MHI are now targeting establishment of their new company effective October 1, 2017. Discussions will focus on the particulars for NTT DATA's acquisition of a majority stake in the new enterprise after MHI sets up a preparatory company and transfers MHIIS's business to the new company.Outline of MHI Information Systems Co., Ltd. (as of March 30, 2017)http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_MHIInformationSystems.jpgAbout Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), headquartered in Tokyo, is one of the world's leading industrial firms with 80,000 group employees and annual consolidated revenues of around 38 billion U.S. dollars. For more than 130 years, the company has channeled big thinking into innovative and integrated solutions that move the world forward. MHI owns a unique business portfolio covering land, sea, sky and even space. MHI delivers innovative and integrated solutions across a wide range of industries from commercial aviation and transportation to power plants and gas turbines, and from machinery and infrastructure to integrated defense and space systems.For more information, please visit the MHI Group website: http://www.mhi-global.com.For Technology, Trends and Tangents, visit MHI's new online media SPECTRA: http://spectra.mhi.com.Source: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Contact:Copyright 2017 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
DUBAI, UAE, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: In March, Halal food company Saahtain shipped its millionth 'Tayyib'- brand Halal Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) to Mersin port, Turkey on their way to feed the desperate refugees in Aleppo, Syria, supporting a major food aid initiative by an alliance of Australian, Turkish, Malaysian and Singapore based Muslim charities.

(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/484342/Saahtain.jpg )



At the same time, emergency Tayyib Halal Ration Packs landed in a depot of the International Organization of Migration (IOM) in Bujumbura, Burundi and just a few days before Saahtain supported the United Nation High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) with Halal meals boxes in Dakar, Senegal.

Saahtain is a proud UAE pioneer in the GCC and has supported Muslim charities and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives globally since 2014.

"We see ourselves as a growing member of the UAE's Islamic Economy", says CEO, Adeel Khan, "Our business solves many pain points in the Halal Food sector. From feeding Muslim Travelers to Halal Humanitarian Food Relief, we are at the forefront delivering innovative solutions". Saahtain is the only producer of Halal Ready-to-Eat Meals in the Gulf region and provides over ninety (90) International recipes, many of them with three (3) years shelf life. Its unique and proprietary methods of preserving natural food was used in 2015 to support a leading NGO in Abu Dhabi in preserving excess food from hospitality sector. Such technology has sizable potential to support food bank initiatives in the region.

Saahtain counts leading blue chip corporates like HSBC, Citibank, PepsiCo amongst its clients who have successfully executed effective Corporate Social Responsibility campaigns with our Tayyib Halal MREs. It has also worked with leading charities like Dubai Charity, UAE Red Crescent, Muslim Aid Australia and Haji & Mu'tamer's Gift Charity, Saudi Arabia.

In addition to its humanitarian Food Relief brand called Tayyib, Saahtain has also launched its Halal MREs for Muslim travelers called AlGourmet. Saahtain successfully exhibited at IDEX, the Abu Dhabi defense exhibition last month showcasing itself as a unique UAE SME capable of serving the challenging military and emergency sector.

As we ship our millionth meal we are proud to be an active halal participant in the Year of Giving of HH SheikhMohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Emir of Dubai.
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/30/17 -- Eloro Resources Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: ELO)(FRANKFURT: P2Q) ("Eloro") is pleased to announce it has signed a Definitive Option and Joint Venture Agreement (the "Agreement") with Cott Oil and Gas Limited ("Cott")(ASX: CMT), granting Cott an option to acquire up to a 25% interest in Eloro's wholly-owned La Victoria Gold Silver Project ("La Victoria" or the "Property"), by completing up to C$5 million in expenditures by July 31, 2018, the details of which were announced by Eloro on March 3, 2017. The Property covers approximately 80.4 square kilometres and is held by a Peruvian-based Eloro subsidiary and is located in Pallasca Province, Ancash Department, in the prolific North-Central Mineral Belt of Peru.

The Agreement

Under the terms of the Agreement, Cott can earn an initial 10% interest in the Property by expending C$2 million (exclusive of all applicable taxes) by or before October 30, 2017 ("Stage 1 Earn-in Period"), and a further 15% interest ("Stage 2 Earn-in Period") by expending an additional C$3 million (exclusive of all applicable taxes) by or before July 31, 2018. At the end of either the Stage 1 Earn-in Period or the Stage 2 Earn-in Period, a joint venture would be formed between Eloro and Cott on the basis of their respective interest in La Victoria on the typical terms for a joint venture, with Eloro being the operator and the typical dilution provisions.

Pursuant to the Agreement, Cott would grant Eloro a right of first refusal ("RFR") pursuant to which Cott would be obliged to give Eloro at least 60 days prior written notice of any proposed sale of any interest in the Property to a third party and Eloro would have the right to exercise its RFR within 30 days of receipt of such notice from Cott by matching the third party offer. Additionally, should Eloro propose to sell all or a majority of its interest in the Property to a third party, Eloro must first consult with Cott about the identity of the third party and the proposed terms of sale. If Eloro proceeds with the sale, Cott will be obliged to sell its interest to the third party on a pro rata basis in accordance with the terms of Eloro's sale to the third party.

The Definitive Agreement is subject to, in the case of Cott, the approval of the ASX Limited and if applicable, the shareholders of Cott.

About Eloro Resources Ltd.

Eloro is an exploration and mine development company which holds a 100% undivided interest in the La Victoria Gold/Silver Project, located in the prolific North-Central Mineral Belt of Peru. The La Victoria Gold/Silver Project covers 80.4 square kilometers and is within 50 km of several large, low-cost producing gold mines, with three producers visible from the property. Infrastructure in the area is good with access to road, water, and electricity and is located at an altitude that ranges from 3,100m to 4,200m above sea level. Eloro also holds a portfolio of gold and base-metal properties in northern and western Quebec.

About Cott Oil and Gas Limited

Cott is an ASX publicly-listed company that sold its oil and gas interests in late 2016 and has since been looking to diversify into the mineral resource sector. The Chairman of Cott, Mr. Stephen Dennis, has been actively involved in the mining industry for over 30 years and is also Chairman of several listed resource companies in Australia. Mr. Dennis was for 8 years, up to 2015, Managing Director and CEO of CBH Resources Limited, a significant producer of silver, lead and zinc, which is the Australian-based subsidiary of Toho Zinc Co. Ltd., a Japanese company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Information in this news release may contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information express, as at the date of this new release, the Corporation's plans, estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations, or beliefs as to future events of results and are believed to be reasonable based on information currently available to the Corporation. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For additional technical information on the La Victoria Project, the reader is referred to the NI 43-101 Technical Report on the La Victoria Au-Ag Property, Ancash, Peru filed under Eloro's profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com).

Contacts:

Eloro Resources Ltd.

Thomas Larsen

President and CEO

(416) 868-9168



Eloro Resources Ltd.

Jorge Estepa

Vice-President

(416) 868-9168




BELFAST, Northern Ireland, April 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Belfast will become the centre of the European aviation industry this weekend when the city hosts the three-day Routes Europe forum (23-25 April).

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150730/250177LOGO )



(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/492303/Routes_Europe.jpg )



Routes Europe brings together airlines, airports and tourism authorities to plan new flights and strengthen existing routes. It meets in a new location every year to highlight different markets to the aviation industry.

A thriving tourism industry has developed in Northern Ireland thanks to its natural beauty and rich heritage. The number of visits to its attractions reached 17.5 million in 2015, driven by the popularity of sites such as the Giant's Causeway and Titanic Belfast. The HBO TV series Game of Thrones which is partially filmed in Northern Ireland has also helped to fuel this growth.

In addition, Northern Ireland's status as a great business location has attracted investors from around the world such as Citi, Fujitsu, Seagate, Allstate, Allen & Overy and Baker & McKenzie.

Northern Ireland's success story is reflected in the growing demand for air travel. George Best Belfast CityAirport and Belfast International Airport welcomed 7.8 million passengers between them last year, the highest combined figure on record.

Around 1,200 route development professionals from 114 airlines, 270 airports and 36 tourism authorities will attend Routes Europe at the Belfast Waterfront (recently expanded at a cost of 29.5 million to boost the city's appeal as an international conference destination).

Most of Europe's major airlines have registered including the five largest by available seats: Ryanair, easyJet, Lufthansa, Air France and British Airways. Airlines from outside Europe include American Airlines, ANA, Hong Kong Airlines and Cathay Pacific. Ryanair's chief marketing officer, Kenny Jacobs, will be interviewed on stage about the airline's ambition to become the 'future Amazon of air travel'.

Steven Small, brand director of Routes, said: "Northern Ireland is a business and tourism destination on the rise. The demand for travel is increasing so there are significant route development opportunities for Europe's airlines."

Graham Keddie, managing director of Belfast International Airport, said: "Hosting Routes Europe in Belfast cements both the city's and Northern Ireland's position as a great place to visit and to do business in.

"Belfast International Airport welcome the opportunities that Routes Europe will give us to present our wares and the rich range of iconic attractions which the airport provides direct access to."

Brian Ambrose, chief executive of George Best Belfast City Airport, said: "With record investment in Belfast and the highest ever tourism numbers being reported, Routes Europe's arrival in the city presents us with a fantastic opportunity to showcase this growth and positively change the traditional perception of Northern Ireland.

"We want to build on the region's economic and tourism success story by strategically enhancing Belfast City Airport's UK and European route network. There is a real demand in the region for direct connections to key destinations across Europe and it is our aim to continue to meet that demand.

"Located just a few minutes' drive from the city centre, Belfast City Airport is enjoying an exciting period of development, with our forthcoming new route to Reykjavik with Icelandair opening up connections to North America.

"As co-hosts of Routes Europe 2017 we are delighted to welcome 1,200 international aviation colleagues to Belfast. We pride ourselves on the strength of support we provide to our airline partners and look forward to demonstrating the unique services we deliver for airlines to grow traffic on their routes."

Northern Ireland has a range of partners committed to the success of Routes Europe 2017 in Belfast. Stakeholders include the Department for the Economy and its agencies - Invest NI and Tourism NI - as well as Belfast City Council, Visit Belfast, Tourism Ireland, George Best Belfast City Airport, Belfast International Airport, City of Derry Airport and the Belfast Waterfront.

Notes to Editors

An event press conference will take place at 8am on Monday , 24 April. Please contact Karen Reeves for more information.

, 24 April. Please contact for more information. A library of Northern Ireland Imagery is available from: http://medialibrary.tourismni.com/asset-bank/action/viewHome

Routes events are unique forums dedicated to the development of new air services. They revolve around pre-scheduled meetings, an exhibition and a conference. Five 'regional' route development forums are held between February and June in the Americas, Asia , Europe and Africa , with the flagship World Routes event taking place in September.

, and , with the flagship World Routes event taking place in September. Routes events are organised by UBM plc.UBM is the largest B2B event organiser in the world.Our 3,750+ people, based in more than 20 countries, serve more than 50 different sectors.Our deep knowledge and passion for these sectors allow us to create valuable experiences which enable our customers to succeed.Please visitwww.ubm.comfor the latest news and information about UBM.

For further information contact:



Karen Reeves

Communications & Content Marketing Manager

Routes, UBM EMEA

T: +44(0)161-234-2721

M: +44(0)796-6405-105

E: Karen.Reeves@ubm.com



Helen Smyth

PRandMediaRelationsExecutive

InvestNorthernIreland

T:+44(0)28-9069-8840

M:+44(0)7817173513

Email:Helen.Smyth@investni.com




HONG KONG, Apr 3, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - The pioneer integrated service developer in planning, investment development and operation of large-scale industrial towns in China, China VAST Industrial Urban Development Company Limited ("China VAST" or the "Group", HKG: 6166), announced its unaudited annual results for the year ended 31 December 2016.Revenue of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2016 amounted to RMB1,965.2 million, representing an increase of 38.0%. The increase was mainly due to the revenue arising from the expansion of the Group's land development business. The income from properties sales increased at the same time, benefiting from the rising housing prices in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. For the property development business, the Group recorded revenue from the sales of properties of RMB989.7 million for the year ended 31 December 2016, an increase of 5.2% compared with the revenue of last year. Though for the year ended 31 December 2016, the Group delivered commercial and residential properties of 128,566 sq.m., representing a decrease of 20,312 sq.m. compared with the area of property delivered last year. The Group still recorded a growth in the overall property sales revenue due to the rising housing prices in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.For the year ended 31 December 2016, the gross profit of the group amounted to RMB624.4 million, an increase of 2.2% compared with the gross profit in 2015, which was primarily due to the fact that most of the income for the year arose from land preparation and investment services attributable to VAST Ezhou Industrial Park, Shijiazhuang General Aviation Industrial Town Park and Shijiazhuang Gaocheng Vast Industrial Town Park, all of which had a lower gross profit margin. Gross profit margin was 31.8% for the year ended 31 December 2016 (2015: 42.9%).The basic earnings per share for the year ended 31 December 2016 was RMB0.41 (2015: RMB0.31). The diluted earnings per share was RMB0.41 (2015: RMB0.31), and both recorded a positive increase of 32.3%. The Board has decided the payment of final dividend of HKD0.12 per share.Mr. Wang Jianjun, the Board Chairman of China VAST, said, "Through tremendous efforts made over the past years, the Group has developed its innovative industrial town-oriented business model and explored various opportunities, and has focused on the development of large-scale industrial town projects within the strategic areas under the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Coordinated Development and Yangtze River Delta Economic Zone Development. Currently, the Group is cooperating with local governments in Langfang, Zhangjiakou and Shijiazhuang in Hebei Province; Ezhou in Hubei Province; and Chuzhou in Anhui Province in relation to the development of a number of industrial town projects."BUSINESS REVIEWIndustrial Town DevelopmentChina VAST currently provides planning, development and/or operation services in 9 industrial town projects, consisting of (i) Longhe Park; (ii) Longhe Resort; (iii) Guangyang Technology Regeneration Park, all of which are located in Langfang, Hebei province; (iv) VAST Zhangjiakou City New Industrial Park; and (v) Zhangjiakou Modern Industrial Park, all of which are located in Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province; (vi) Shijiazhuang General Aviation Industrial Town Park; (vii) Shijiazhuang Gaocheng Vast Insudatrial Town Park, all of which are located in Shijiazhung City, Hebei province; (viii) Chuzhou Park in Chuzhou, Anhui province; and (ix) VAST Ezhou Industrial Park in Ezhou City, Hubei province. Longhe Park is progressing towards its maturity in an active development stage. The remaining eight projects are in the early stage of planning and development. However, with the improvement and betterment on the terms of cooperation agreements signed between the Company and local government, some of the Group's cooperation agreements enable the Group to record revenue in the early stage of development, thus providing support for developing project on a rolling basis.The Group recorded fee income of RMB155.2 million from development projects of land for sale in Longhe Park for the year ended 31 December 2016. An aggregate of 30,015 sq.m. of land in Longhe Park was sold by the relevant local government for a total land premium of RMB54.8 million. During the year, the Group received promising income contributed by the other four new industrial parks despite recording a decrease in the income from Longhe Park. In respect of fee income arising from land development for sale, the Group continued to develop Longhe Park while actively pushing forward other land development projects in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, so as to maintain a stable income source.Property DevelopmentThe Group recorded revenue from the sales of properties of RMB1,019.2 million for the year ended 31 December 2016. Gross floor area ("GFA") sold totaled to 136,294 sq.m., and average selling price ("ASP") totaled to RMB7,478 per sq.m. In respect to property development, the Group intends to commence construction of four projects in 2017, including Yulong Bay Phase II, Foxconn City Phase III, Hongtai Commercial Plaza and Tanghai Project. Revenue from sales of properties during 2017 is expected to be derived mainly from sales carried forward from four projects including Hongtai Longdi, Hongtai Meishuguan, Yulong Bay and Electronic Information Industrial Park.Property Leasing IncomeFor the year ended 31 December 2016, the Group's property leasing income was RMB21.2 million, and gross profit was RMB18.8 million. In the future, the Group will consider the synergies created by the increase of housing units through the development of real estate related business to determine the input of resources on the leasing business.Mr. Wang concluded, "Given China VAST's extensive experience in the development of large-scale industrial town projects and its four core service capabilities, namely in regional industry positioning, planning and design, in infrastructure investment, in formation of industry, marketing and promotion, and in operation and management of industrial towns, we have pioneered the development of the industry successfully over the past years. In this regard, I with the China VAST management team have full confidence in the future development of the Group. The Group will continue to steadfastly implement its diversified, flexible and versatile business strategy through a professional, innovative and pragmatic approach, with the aim to strengthen profitability, reinforce our distinctive position as China's leading service provider in planning, investment, development and operation of industrial towns, thereby earning the greatest value for customers and generating more promising returns for shareholders."About China VASTFounded in June 1995, China VAST Industrial Urban Development Company Limited (HKG: 6166) is one of the pioneer providers in the planning, development and operation of large-scale industrial town projects. Riding on its experience in property development accumulated in the initial stage, China VAST Development transformed into a pioneer in new urbanization construction in 2005. The Company has been committed to develop large-scale industrial town projects in the strategic planning areas under the integration of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei coordinated development and the Yangtze River Delta Economic Zone development, demonstrating its four comparative advantages including: unique abilities in industrial town planning, design and positioning, infrastructure investment and construction, marketing and promotion, and related auxiliary facilities for logistics, residential and commercial properties. Through cooperation with local governments under long-term agreements, unlike other ordinary property developers, industrial towns are designed to provide a wide spectrum of comprehensive and professional services for regional industrial development and development, including planning and design, industry positioning, land preparation, infrastructure construction, marketing and promotion and related auxiliary facilities for logistics, residential and commercial properties.Currently, China VAST Development is working together with local governments of Langfang, Zhangjiakou and Shijiazhuang of Hebei province, Chuzhou, Anhui province and Ezhou, Hubei province in respect of development of nine industrial town projects with project planning areas of approximately 90 sq.km. Focusing on the optimization of infrastructures in the above-mentioned regions, transformation of industry and construction of urbanization as well as building and realizing fully integration of working and living communities for its residents, China VAST Development is sparing no effort to become a leading integrated developer and operator of industrial towns in China. http://www.vastiud.com/.Source: China VAST Industrial Urban Development Co. LtdCopyright 2017 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
BOISE, ID -- (Marketwired) -- 03/30/17 -- Cradlepoint, the global leader in cloud-based network solutions for connecting people, places, and things over wired and wireless broadband, announced today the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is using Cradlepoint network solutions to connect to critical tools to meet the changing needs of students, teachers and the community. The district is home to more than 794,832 students and staff in over 1302 schools and centers. California is one of 42 states that administer computer-based Common Core assessments, so it is imperative that the school's IT department is able to ensure constant connectivity to support daily learning activities as well as assessment testing.

Each new generation of students is becoming more connected and digitally savvy. According to a Harris Interactive and Pearson research poll, 90 percent of students in the U.S. agreed that tablets will change the way students will learn in the future, and 89 percent of them stated that tablets make learning more fun. The LAUSD is one of the many school districts across the country that supports this type of digital learning environment. Leveraging digital tools in the classroom enables educators to communicate and engage with students regardless of aptitude or background.

"Every student, teacher, and classroom in our district is dependent on reliable connectivity or else our learning experiences won't be successful. Any network outage is detrimental to our ability to create an educational environment that is innovative, creative, and collaborative," said Shahryar Khazei, CIO, Los Angeles Unified School District. "With Cradlepoint, I don't have to worry about whether that connection will be there or not. That is a huge advantage."

The LAUSD leverages Cradlepoint's AER2100 primary edge networking devices throughout administration and classroom locations for wired and wireless connectivity, while using ARC CBA850 routing solutions for failover and Out-of-Band Management capabilities in the event of a network outage. The district is also piloting a "WiFi-on-wheels" school bus program using Cradlepoint's COR IBR1100 in-vehicle routers to provide students with connectivity on the go. The school's IT department utilizes Enterprise Cloud Manager, a cloud management service with in Cradlepoint's NetCloud platform, to seamlessly manage the entire network from one centralized location.

"Today's learning environment is replacing pencils and paper with tablets and teachers are integrating YouTube videos into lesson plans instead of relying on traditional textbooks. School districts must have the infrastructure to support this type of on-demand digital learning, or else the learning experience can become disjointed. In this case, the students and their districts, can fall behind the learning curve," said Ian Pennell, CMO, Cradlepoint. "Our suite of cloud-managed LTE solutions seamlessly connects every learning environment, from the brick and mortar classroom to the bus that takes students on their biggest field trip of the year. Cradlepoint unleashes opportunities for students and teachers to take learning wherever the lesson guides them."

About Cradlepoint

Cradlepoint is the global leader in cloud-based network solutions for connecting people, places, and things over wired and wireless broadband. Cradlepoint NetCloud is a software and services platform that extends the company's 4G LTE-enabled multi-function routers and ruggedized M2M/IoT gateways with cloud-based management and software-defined network services. With Cradlepoint, customers can leverage the speed and economics of wired and wireless Internet broadband for branch, failover, mobile, and IoT networks while maintaining end-to-end visibility, security, and control. Over 15,000 enterprise and government organizations around the world -- including 75 percent of the world's top retailers, 50 percent of the Fortune 100, and 25 of the largest U.S. cities -- rely on Cradlepoint to keep critical sites, workforces, vehicles, and devices always connected and protected. Major service providers use Cradlepoint network solutions as the foundation for innovative managed service offerings. Founded in 2006, Cradlepoint is a privately held company headquartered in Boise, Idaho, with development centers in Silicon Valley and Kelowna, Canada, and offices in the UK, Australia, and Japan. Learn more at cradlepoint.com or follow us on Twitter @cradlepoint.

Press Contact:

Nikki Plati

Highwire PR

312-874-7050 ext. 39

cradlepoint@highwirepr.com




OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/30/17 -- CannaRoyalty Corp. (CSE: CRZ)(OTCQB: CNNRF) ("CannaRoyalty" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has signed a binding term sheet giving CannaRoyalty the exclusive right to license certain of NuTrae LLC's ("NuTrae") award-winning line of MuV cannabis-derived medical products, the MuV Transdermal Patch and MuV Metered Dose Inhaler, in Canada, Puerto Rico, Massachusetts, Washington, Oregon, Nevada and California.

NuTrae (doing business as MuV) is a subsidiary of Alternative Medical Enterprises (doing business as AltMed Enterprises), and launched the MuV product line in Q3, 2016 exclusively in the Arizona medical market where it's affiliate operates a world-class state-of-the-art 30,000 square foot cultivation and processing facility. Since then MuV has won multiple "Best of Arizona" medical cannabis awards, including two 1st prizes for MuV's proprietary ethanol extractions. CannaRoyalty's affiliate, Cannroy Delaware, Inc., currently holds an 8.2% ownership position in AltMed Enterprises and earns a 3.5% royalty on the sales of all NuTrae products sold globally.

"The MuV line of products is uniquely positioned in the medical cannabis industry by having developed pharmaceutical-grade medical products such as the MuV Transdermal Patch and MuV Metered Dose Inhaler," said Marc Lustig, CEO of CannaRoyalty. "These products are exciting additions to our recently established CR Brands platform that consists of a broad portfolio of wholly-owned and licensed brands which will be licensed or distributed throughout key North American markets."

About CannaRoyalty

CannaRoyalty is a fully integrated, active investor and operator in the legal cannabis sector. Our focus is to build and support a diversified portfolio of growth-ready assets in high-value segments of the cannabis sector, including research, consumer brands, devices and intellectual property. Our management team combines a hands-on understanding of the cannabis industry with seasoned financial know-how, assembling a platform of holdings via royalty agreements, equity interests, secured convertible debt and licensing agreements.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this news release that are forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed here and elsewhere in CannaRoyalty's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. When used in this news release, words such as "will, could, plan, estimate, expect, intend, may, potential, believe, should," and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements including the Company's expectations with respect to pursuing new opportunities and its future growth and other statements of fact.

Although CannaRoyalty has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, there can be other factors that cause results, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, including, but not limited to: dependence on obtaining regulatory approvals; investing in target companies or projects which have limited or no operating history and are engaged in activities currently considered illegal under US Federal Laws; changes in laws; limited operating history; reliance on management; requirements for additional financing; competition; hindering market growth and state adoption due to inconsistent public opinion and perception of the medical-use and adult-use marijuana industry and; regulatory or political change.

There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate or that management's expectations or estimates of future developments, circumstances or results will materialize. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, the results or events predicted in these forward-looking statements may differ materially from actual results or events.

Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this release. CannaRoyalty disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise such information, except as required by applicable law, and CannaRoyalty does not assume any liability for disclosure relating to any other company mentioned herein.

Contacts:

CannaRoyalty Corp.

Investor Relations

1-844-556-5070

InvestorRelations@cannaroyalty.com

www.cannaroyalty.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/30/17 -- Scorpio Gold Corporation ("Scorpio Gold" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: SGN) announces the commencement of a sonic drilling program on the heap leach pad at its 70% owned Mineral Ridge project, located in Nevada.

On March 14, 2017, the Company received approval from the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection agency for its previously submitted engineering design change to potentially exploit material from the existing heap leach pad using a new processing mill. The drill program consists of 34 holes to provide representative sampling of approximately 6.3 million tonnes of mineralized material contained within the pad for metallurgical testing. The samples will be analyzed to determine if the leach pad material is amenable for further gold recovery using milling processes. To ensure integrity of the leach pad containment, the final depth elevation of each drill hole will be a minimum of 20 vertical feet above the original heap leach pad liner system.

The Company has contracted Boart Longyear to conduct the drilling campaign utilizing their LS250 sonic drill rig with 4 inch casing. Drilling commenced on March 24, 2017 and the duration of the program is expected to be approximately 3 weeks. Core samples will be shipped to Kappes, Cassiday & Associates of Reno, Nevada for laboratory analysis and metallurgical testing.

The Company has also contracted Mine Technical Services Ltd. ("MTC") of Reno, Nevada to provide a NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate of the mineralized material contained within the leach pad. Based on positive results from the resource estimate and metallurgical testing, MTC will then be engaged to conduct a feasibility study for milling of the heap leach material. The conceptual design of the milling facility was previously provided by SNC Lavalin in 2014, and includes twin circuits for 2000 TPD ball mills, gravity recovery circuit with high intensity strip, CIL recovery circuit, detox circuit and tailings dry stack circuit. The feasibility study conducted by MTC would provide the basis for determining the economics of the overall recovery project. The finalized resource estimate will also be the basis for reconciliation of grade and contained ounces placed by the Company since operations commenced.

Based on production head grades and total tonnage of material placed on the pad relative to total gold recovered, the Company estimates that the leach pad contains approximately 6.3 million tonnes of material grading 0.61 grams per tonne, for an estimated remaining gold inventory of approximately 120,000 - 130,000 ounces of gold.

Brian Lock, interim CEO comments, "This program will provide Scorpio Gold with confirmation of the pad resource and the feasibility of constructing a milling facility for the mine site, providing the avenue to potentially recover an estimated 120,000 - 130,000 ounces thought to be remaining on the pad as well as the potential for up to 95 percent recovery of future mineralization mined at Mineral Ridge."

About Scorpio Gold

Scorpio Gold holds a 70% interest in the Mineral Ridge gold mining operation located in Esmeralda County, Nevada with joint venture partner Elevon, LLC (30%). Mineral Ridge is currently in production as a conventional open pit mining and heap leach operation. The Mineral Ridge property is host to multiple gold-bearing structures, veins and lenses at exploration, development and production stages. Scorpio Gold also holds a 100% interest in the advanced exploration-stage Goldwedge property in Manhattan, Nevada, with a fully permitted underground mine and 400 ton per day mill facility. The Goldwedge mill facility has been placed on a care and maintenance basis and can be restarted on short notice.

Scorpio Gold's Chairman, Peter J. Hawley, PGeo., is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the content of this release.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

SCORPIO GOLD CORPORATION

Brian Lock,

Interim CEO

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The Company relies on litigation protection for forward-looking statements. This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the Company's current expectations and estimates. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "suggest", "indicate" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur, and include, without restriction, any statements regarding the Company's current drilling program on the heap leach pad, completion of a resource estimate for the leach pad and a feasibility study for a milling facility for the Mineral Ridge operation. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements, including risks related to open pit mining and heap leach operations, including unanticipated changes in the mineral content of materials being mined; unanticipated changes in recovery rates; changes in project parameters; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; the failure of contracted parties to perform; availability of skilled labour and the impact of labour disputes; delays in obtaining governmental approvals; the results of exploration and development programs and the timing and cost of such exploration and development programs; changes in metals prices; the availability of cash flows or financing to meet the Company's ongoing financial obligations; unanticipated changes in key management personnel; changes in general economic conditions; other risks of the mining industry; and those risk factors outlined in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis as filed on SEDAR. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty thereof.

Contacts:

Chris Zerga

President

(819) 825-7618

czerga@scorpiogold.com

www.scorpiogold.com



JNS Capital Corp.

Jag Sandhu

Investor Relations

778-218-9638

jagjns@outlook.com




HONG KONG, Mar 30, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - China Communications Services Corporation Limited ("China Comservice" or the "Company"), and its subsidiaries (the "Group") (HKSE code: 552), today announced its audited annual results for the year ended 31 December 2016.Enhancement in Operating PerformanceIn 2016, facing the slow recovery of global economy and the "New Normal" in the economic development of China, the Group stayed vigilant and made innovative breakthroughs, and achieved satisfactory operating results through further market expansion and reinforcement of the "value-driven principle". Total revenues of the year amounted to RMB88,449 million, representing a year-on-year growth of 9.3%. Affected by the decrease in service charges in certain businesses and increase in labour-related costs, the overall gross profit margin was 13.2%, representing a year-on-year decrease of 0.9 percentage point. Benefited from the economies of scale and effective enhancement of internal management, selling, general and administrative expenses for the year accounted for 10.7% of the total revenues, representing a year-on-year decrease of 0.8 percentage point. Profit attributable to equity shareholders of the Company for the year amounted to RMB2,536 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 8.6%. Net profit margin was 2.9%, which remained the same as that of last year. In 2016, the basic earnings per share of the Group was RMB0.366. Attributable to the Company's stringent management of accounts receivable, the accounts receivable turnover days were 117 days, representing a year-on-year decrease of 7 days. Free cash flow was RMB4,361 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 22.1%.Special DividendThe Board has proposed to distribute a final dividend of RMB0.1098 per share for the financial year ended 31 December 2016, representing a dividend payout ratio of 30%. Moreover, in view of the Group's outstanding operating results and free cash flow for the year, the Board has proposed to distribute a special dividend of RMB0.0220 per share for 2016. Taking into consideration of the above factors, the Company's total dividend for 2016 is RMB0.1318 per share, representing a year-on-year growth of 18.5% and a total dividend payout ratio of 36%.Mr. Sun Kangmin, Chairman of China Comservice commented: "The year 2016 marks the tenth anniversary of the Group's listing. During the past decade, and especially in recent years, the Group has upheld the principle of 'facilitating changes in development, and promoting development through changes'. We have strengthened our innovation and transformation and focused on value-driven development, and thereby realizing a sustainable and steady growth in revenue and profit, as well as a remarkable increase in the total market value of the Group. In return to the support by our shareholders, the Group has distributed dividends to our shareholders no matter in favourable or adverse operating conditions. In 2016, the Group upheld the management philosophy of 'value-driven, seeking steady yet progressive growth and efficient development', appropriately allocated our resources and further expanded our markets, thereby recording favourable results. In view of this, the Board continued to propose a special dividend for 2016 to enhance shareholders' return."Telecommunications Infrastructure ("TIS") ServicesRevenue from TIS services amounted to RMB45,887 million, representing a year-on-year growth of 17.0%, which presented the fastest growth among the three major businesses, and accounted for 51.9% of the total revenues. Revenue of TIS services from China Telecom recorded a year-on-year growth of 1.9%. During the year, the Company further developed its traditional businesses and expanded into new and cross-sector businesses, and continued to leverage its service capabilities to further develop the "Two New Markets" , thereby achieving vigorous revenue growth of 35.3% and 46.8% from the TIS services in the domestic telecommunications operator customers other than China Telecom and domestic non-operator customers, respectively. The favourable revenue growth of TIS services from domestic non- operator customers effectively reduced the reliance of the Group's TIS services on operators' investment.Business Process Outsourcing ("BPO") ServicesRevenue from BPO services amounted to RMB32,533 million, representing a year-on-year decrease of 1.5% and accounting for 36.8% of the total revenues. The decrease was mainly due to the Group's proactive control on the development of products distribution business with lower efficiency, and its increasing focus on transforming towards high-end businesses. Revenue of products distribution business for the year recorded a year-on-year decrease of 20.0%. Excluding the revenue from products distribution business, revenue from the Core BPO Services recorded satisfactory growth of 10.7%. Among that, revenue from network maintenance business recorded a year-on-year growth of 9.5%. After integration and the implementation of synergistic operation, the supply chain business recorded a year-on-year growth of 12.7%.Applications, Content and Other ("ACO") ServicesThe Group captured business opportunities arising from the intelligentization transformation of domestic telecommunications operators and the demand for informatization construction from industry customers, and revenue from ACO services amounted to RMB10,029 million, representing a year-on-year growth of 14.8%, noticeably higher than that of last year , and accounting for 11.3% of the total revenues. To strengthen the development momentum of the Group's high value businesses, the Group set up an innovation fund to facilitate the commercialization of its products. The Group closely monitored the development of industry sectors and set up expert committees to formulate a product ecosphere through in-house research and development and co-operation with external parties.Continuous Growth Supported by Three Customer GroupsIn 2016, the Group assisted domestic telecommunications operators to establish high quality 4G and fiber optic broadband networks and supported their transformation and upgrade. Meanwhile, the Group also leveraged on both "CAPEX and OPEX-driven" businesses to comprehensively enhance its market expansion. In addition to China Telecom, the Group also strived to expand its businesses with other operator customers (in particular China Tower) and enhanced its service quality and market share, which effectively mitigated the impacts of operators' CAPEX change to the Group. Revenue from domestic telecommunications operator market for the year amounted to RMB60,889 million, representing a year-on-year growth of 11.1%, and accounted for 68.8% of the total revenues, representing a year-on-year increase of 1.1 percentage points. By devoting more efforts in gaining market share, the revenue from operator customers other than China Telecom realized a fast growth and recorded a year-on-year growth of 29.6%.In 2016, the Group focused on the breakthrough of key businesses, speeded up the development of the Two New Markets, and demonstrated new energy and new look on its corporate development. With an increasing understanding and confidence among the Group to devote more effort to expanding into the domestic non-operator market, the Group further refined its marketing system and gradually formulated a business expansion mechanism with appropriate separation over the functions of marketing and project delivery. The commercialization of the Group's projects, including smart industrial park, smart security and smart transportation, were accelerated, and significant breakthroughs were achieved by the Group in various sectors, including government, transportation, internet, IT and power. With proactive control of the products distribution business with low efficiency during the year, revenue from domestic non-operator market for the year amounted to RMB23,714 million, representing a year-on-year growth of 3.4%, and accounted for 26.8% of the total revenues. Excluding products distribution business in such market, revenue from the core businesses recorded a year-on-year growth of 28.7% and accounted for more than 70% of the revenue in such market. The revenue structure of domestic non-operator market was further optimized and the gross profit margin recorded a moderate increase. The favourable growth of revenue from the Core Businesses of domestic non-operator market contributed significantly to the overall increase in the total revenues of the Group, demonstrating the sound results of innovation and transformation of the Company.The Group promoted the development of new businesses in regional market, including Africa, the Middle East and South East Asia, and shifted its focus from project hunting to project initiation. The Group also focused on major turnkey projects, further promoted the "China-Africa Partnership Program in Trans Africa Information Superhighway" Project and made further progress. The Group proactively studied the feasibility to set up an industry investment fund with potential partners to promote the scale development of the overseas business. In 2016, the overseas business of the Group resumed steady development, revenue from such market amounted to RMB3,846 million, representing a year-on-year growth of 19.3%, and accounting for 4.4% of the total revenues.ProspectsMr. Sun Kangmin, Chairman of China Comservice said: "In 2016, the Group recorded sound operating results and achieved many new highlights and new changes in its development, which laid a solid foundation for its future development since the commencement of the '13th Five-year Plan'. Currently, despite of the uncertainties of the macroeconomic circumstances under the 'New Normal', the PRC economy has developed steadily and positively in general and opportunities will outweigh challenges in the future. As the government has promoted the supply-side structural reform and further implemented various strategies including 'Network and Information Country', 'Cyberpower' and 'Innovation-driven Development', a favourable operating environment has been established for the growth of the Group. Enormous business opportunities will be brought from the booming of cloud computing, big data and internet of things with substantial investments in the new form of ICT and strong demand in industry informatization. The acceleration of transformation and upgrading of domestic telecommunications operators will stimulate the increasing demand in technologies, software, network maintenance and information security, which will create a favourable condition for the reinforcement of the fundamental business performance of the Company. Along with the implementation of the "Belt and Road" Initiative and the Company's major projects such as the 'China-Africa Partnership Program in Trans Africa Information Superhighway' Project, the prospects of the expansion of the overseas business of the Group will be promising.By persisting in the management philosophy of 'value-driven, seeking steady yet progressive growth and efficient development' and the concept of 'market-oriented, creating value for customers', the Group will strive for market penetration and expansion so as to increase its market share and further maintain its leading position in domestic telecommunications operators market. Targeting at the informatization demands from the society and industries, the Group will accelerate the industrial breakthroughs in targeted markets and expand the domestic non-operator market. By leveraging the opportunities arising from our "China-Africa Partnership Program in Trans Africa Information Superhighway" Project, the Group will focus on the implementation of key projects and speed up the expansion in overseas market. The Group will explore the utilization of various financial instruments and facilitate the development of the Group in the future through integration of industries and finance. In addition, the Group will enhance its own capabilities, refine its marketing system and strengthen its capability in project delivery. Leveraging on its own technological competitive edges and investing more resources in innovation, the Group will enhance its capability in research and development and marketing for its products. In order to increase its operation efficiency, the Group will strengthen its synergistic management and cost control. The Group will continue its sound trajectory of steady growth with quality improvement and create greater values for its shareholders and customers through better development."About China ComserviceChina Comservice is a leading service provider in the PRC for integrated support services in the informatization sector. The Company offers telecommunications infrastructure services spanning from design, construction to project supervision and management; business process outsourcing services spanning from management of infrastructure for information technologies (network management), general facilities management, supply chain and products distribution; applications, content and other services spanning from system integration, software development and system support to value-added service, etc. The Company's major customers include domestic telecommunications operators (including the three domestic telecommunications operators and China Tower), domestic non-operator customers including government agencies, industrial customers and small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as overseas customers. Its controlling shareholder is China Telecommunications Corporation, and besides, China Mobile Communications Corporation, China United Network Communications Group Company Limited and China National Postal and Telecommunications Appliances Corporation are also shareholders of the Company.In 2016, the Group ranked 71st in the "2016 FORTUNE China 500" released by FORTUNE China. The Company awarded "The Best of Asia - Icon on Corporate Governance" once again in the "12th Corporate Governance Asia Recognition Awards" in 2016 held by Corporate Governance Asia, a famous corporate governance magazine in Asia, "Platinum Award - Excellence in Governance, CSR & Investor Relations" in "The Asset Corporate Awards 2016" held by The Asset, and "The Best Investment Value Listed Company in the 13th Five-Year Plan" award in the 6th China Securities "Golden Bauhinia Awards" organized by Hong Kong Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group Limited.For further information, please browse the Company's website at: www.chinaccs.com.hkFor press enquiries:China Communications Services Corporation LimitedInvestor Relations DepartmentMr. Terence ChungMs. Callis ChengTel: +852 3699 0000Fax: +852 3699 0120Email: ir@chinaccs.com.hkForward-looking statementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements and information relating to us and our operations and prospects that are based on current beliefs and assumptions as well as information currently available to us. The words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "plans", "prospects", "going forward" and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our business, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and various assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may diverge significantly from the forward-looking statement. We do not intend to update these forward-looking statements other than our on-going disclosure obligations pursuant to the Hong Kong Listing Rules or other requirements of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.Source: China Communications Services Corp LtdCopyright 2017 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/30/17 -- Each year the association hosts four regional meetings bringing together individuals in the broadcast and digital news industry to network and celebrate excellence in the field. During these events winners will be announced in a number of different categories including Continuing Coverage, Creative Use of Video, Data Storytelling and many more.

These events are hosted and organized by RTDNA Canada members and are open to members, non-members, students, and anyone interested in learning more about the industry.

Atlantic Regional Meeting

April 8, 2017 / Halifax, NS

The Nova Scotia Community College is once again hosting the Atlantic Regional Meeting and Awards dinner starting with cocktails at 6:00 pm.

-- Atlantic Meeting Info & Registration http://www.rtdnacanada.com/2017- atlantic-regional-meeting/ -- Atlantic Region Award Finalists http://www.rtdnacanada.com/atlantic- finalists-2017/

Central Regional Meeting

April 22, 2017 / Toronto, ON

Fake news and the role of newsrooms in combating the spread of misinformation. These are some of the themes that will be addressed during the professional development sessions that will take place before the awards luncheon at this year's Central Regional Meeting.

Due to popular demand the day will end with a one-on-one with News Directors session that will benefit students and young journalists.

Humber College - North Campus is once again the venue of choice for the meeting which starts at 10:30 am.

-- Central Meeting Info & Registration: http://www.rtdnacanada.com/2017- central-regional-meeting/ -- Central Region Award Finalists: http://www.rtdnacanada.com/central- finalists-2017/

BC Regional Meeting

April 22, 2017 / Vancouver, BC

The BC Regional Meeting will take place on Saturday, April 22 at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Vancouver. The event will kick off with cocktails at 6:00 pm followed by the awards presentation dinner and networking.

-- BC Meeting Info & Registration: http://www.rtdnacanada.com/2017-bc- regional-meeting/ -- BC Region Awards Finalists: http://www.rtdnacanada.com/bc-finalists- 2017/

Prairies Regional Meeting

April 29, 2017 / Calgary, AB

This year's Prairies Regional meeting begins with educational sessions for young and experienced news media on topics such as getting the information they don't want you to have, to the shifting world of digital space and journalism.

We are also pleased to announce the addition of a new panel presentation for communications professionals on improving your Media Pitch. Separate registration fees apply for the Media Pitch session and include a 60-minute informal mix'n'mingle session right after for further dialogue with news directors.

The day ends with the Awards Gala Dinner at 6:30 pm.

-- Prairies Meeting Info & Registration: http://www.rtdnacanada.com/2017- prairies-regional-meeting/ -- Prairies Region Award Finalists: http://www.rtdnacanada.com/prairie- finalists-2017/

Meeting updates will be provided on the websites listed above. To receive alerts via social media follow us on Twitter @RTDNA_Canada and like us on Facebook @RTDNA.CAN.

About RTDNA

RTDNA Canada is the voice of broadcast and digital journalists and news managers in Canada. We believe an informed public is vital to a democratic society. Canadian Journalisms purpose is to serve the public interest. It is our responsibility to act independently, to be fair and respectful, and to report the facts. The RTDNA Canada Code of Journalistic Ethics, adopted by the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council, is used to measure fairness and accuracy in our profession. We welcome its adoption by all practicing journalists.

Contacts:

Ian Koenigsfest

President

RTNDA Canada

president@rtdnacanada.com



Leya Duigu

RTDNA Canada

admin@rtdnacanada.com

http://www.rtdnacanada.com/




Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) is still checking whether Pavlo Parshov, the assassin of ex Russian lower parliament deputy Denis Voronenkov, was an agent of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB).

"It has not been proven yet, but we are still working on answering the question about whether he was a FSB agent or not. We have no information about this so far. We are reading Facebook pages and other on-line sources of information," SBU chief of the Department of National Statehood Protection Viktor Kononenko said during a briefing on Wednesday.

SBU chief of staff Oleksandr Tkachuk said Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) was tasked with providing security of Voronenkov.

Earlier, Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine deputy Anton Gerashchenko (People's Front Party faction), an advisor to Ukraine's Interior Minister, said Voronenkov was killed by an agent of Russia's secret services who was infiltrated into Ukraine.
COEUR D'ALENE, IDAHO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/30/17 -- Timberline Resources Corporation (OTCQB: TLRS)(TSX VENTURE: TBR) ("Timberline" or the "Company") announced today that due to additional demand, and with approval from the Toronto Venture Exchange, it has increased the amount of its previously announced non-brokered private placement from US$1.75 million to US$2.0 million (the "Increased Offering").

Under the Increased Offering, the Company may issue up to 8 million Units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of US$0.25 per Unit and is offered under Rule 506(c) of Regulation D promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") solely to persons who qualify as accredited investors. Each Unit consists of one share of common stock of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (each a "Warrant"), with each Warrant exercisable to acquire an additional share of common stock of the Company at a price of US$0.40 per share until January 31, 2020.

Two tranches of the Offering have already closed, and the Company has issued 6,155,000 Units for a total of US$1,538,750. A final tranche is expected to close in April 2017. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Increased Offering for property payments, exploration program expenses, and working capital.

The terms of the Increased Offering also include that the Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to prepare and file a registration statement under the Securities Act for resale of the shares of common stock and the shares of common stock underlying the Warrants to the extent allowed by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The securities offered in the Increased Offering have not been registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold absent such registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. The Securities may be sold only to "accredited investors" (as defined in Rule 501(a) under Regulation D of the Securities Act), which for natural persons, are investors who meet certain minimum annual income or net worth thresholds. The Securities are being offered in reliance on the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act provided by Rule 506(c) and the Company is not required to comply with specific disclosure requirements that apply to registration under the Securities Act. The United States Securities and Exchange Commission has not passed upon the merits of or given its approval to the Securities, the terms of the offering, or the accuracy or completeness of any offering materials. The Securities are subject to legal restrictions on transfer and resale and investors should not assume they will be able to resell their securities. Investing in the Securities involves risk, and investors should be able to bear the loss of their investment.

Additional details about the Company, including the Company's Corporate Presentation, are available for viewing by accredited investors at: www.timberline-resources.com.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities nor shall there be any sale of the securities referenced herein in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is not permitted. The securities referenced herein have not been approved or disapproved by any regulatory authority.

About Timberline Resources

Timberline Resources Corporation is focused on advancing district-scale gold exploration and development projects in Nevada, including its Talapoosa project in Lyon County where the Company has completed and disclosed a positive preliminary economic assessment. Timberline also controls the 23 square-mile Eureka project lying on the Battle Mountain-Eureka gold trend. At Eureka, the Company continues to advance its Lookout Mountain and Windfall project areas. Exploration potential occurs within three separate structural-stratigraphic trends defined by distinct geochemical gold anomalies. Timberline also owns the Seven Troughs property in northern Nevada, known to be one of the state's highest grade, former producers.

Timberline is listed on the OTCQB where it trades under the symbol "TLRS" and on the TSX Venture Exchange where it trades under the symbol "TBR".

Forward-looking Statements

Statements contained herein that are not based upon current or historical fact are forward-looking in nature and constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements reflect the Company's expectations about its future operating results, performance and opportunities that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These statements include but are not limited to statements regarding the total amount that will be raised, whether the Company will be successful in raising the total of the Increased Offering, the number of shares and warrants to be issued, pricing, date of the final closing, and other terms of the Company's private placement offering of Common Stock, composition or terms of the Warrant, the use of proceeds, registration of the securities, including when the registration statement will become effective, advancement of projects, and exploration potential. When used herein, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "upcoming," "plan," "target", "intend" and "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to Timberline Resources Corporation, its subsidiaries, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to the Company and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause the Company's actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, risks related to changes in the Company's business resulting in changes in the use of proceeds, and other such factors, including risk factors discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year ended September 30. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Timberline Resources Corporation

Steven A. Osterberg

President and CEO

208-664-4859

info@timberline-resources.com




RIO DE JANEIRO, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Corporate meetings have become an effective way to promote a positive and productive team work environment. Whatever the reason to organize these events, they are very profitable for companies and their executives, especially if the chosen location is a pleasant environment such as thatproposedbyBarcelo Group in their resort Bavaro beach located in the Dominican Republic.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161124/442827LOGO )

The main reason to organize corporate meetings is to discuss business issues. However, it is very beneficial for the assistants to enjoy the destination in the perfect company of their coworkers.

Events and meetings are highly effective communication tools, both internally and externally. Many studies confirm that these kinds of events encourage interpersonal relationships, improving motivation and work climate. Furthermore, they serve to reward achievements or to recognize professional success, and they help to enhance business and increase sales.

The Latin American region has great potential for the corporate meetings and events industry because of its touristic attractions and infrastructures. In countries such as Dominican Republic they have extensive experience in hosting international events and they are increasing the share, especially in big event celebrations.

In 2016, Barcelo Bavaro Grand Resort Hotel hosted more than 160 meetings, with a total of over 27 thousand participants, and became one of the Barcelo hotels with more events organized in Latin America.

Located at the exotic Bavaro beach, in the Dominican Republic, this great resort is the best option for business meetings and has the largest Convention Center in the country with more than 120,000 square feet divided in 13 multipurpose rooms that can be divided into 24 halls with a capacity of 5,000 people each. This large area is equipped with the most advanced information and audiovisual technology and can beused to organize gala dinners, thematic parties or meetings, among other exclusive services of the hotel.

During May and June, the resort has group discounts and it counts with all the necessary characteristics to motivate any team in a wonderful environment... at a very competitive price!

CONTACT: Alfonso Lopez, alopez@3aww.com, +34-626-00-35-71
Skillsoft, the global leader in eLearning and Talent Management, today announced it has appointed Larry Neal as Chief Executive Officer of the group. Bill Donoghue, current CEO, becomes Executive Chairman.

Most recently, Larry has led businesses for S&P Global, formerly McGraw-Hill Financial. As President of S&P Platts, he drove outstanding growth, nearly tripling revenues in seven years. Platts has customers in 170 countries, 60% of revenues outside of North America, and over 1,000 staff across 15 global locations. Prior to Platts, he led significant performance improvements at both the S&P Equity Research and S&P Index Services businesses.

Earlier in his career, Larry led several product, sales and marketing organizations and has extensive sales leadership experience. He started his career at General Electric and IBM, then moving in to sales and business leadership positions at technology-enabled content companies Advent Software, ADP and McGraw-Hill.

"Larry is an outstanding and experienced executive, having repeatedly delivered exceptional P&L performance for five companies. He has a reputation for bringing a unique blend of strategic insight with operational excellence and a relentless customer focus," said Bill Donoghue, Executive Chairman of the Skillsoft Group. "I am thrilled Larry is joining us and confident he will make an excellent long-term CEO."

Mr. Neal said: "I am delighted to be joining Skillsoft following the transformation of the group to a digital technology company. It is a world leader in online learning and talent management, with a huge and diverse portfolio of great clients, and committed, dedicated teams across the world. I am looking forward to working with the team through the next phase of the company's development."

Frank van den Bosch, Partner at Charterhouse Capital Partners, owners of Skillsoft, said: "Bill Donoghue stepped into the CEO role to lead the company through a huge transformation over the past 15 months, which has now been successfully completed. That transformation of Skillsoft into a digital technology companyprepared the ground for a new long-term CEO and we are excited Larry is joining us. Larry brings a track record of growth experience, and is an exceptional operator and leader, whilst Bill will provide continuity and strategic guidance to the team as Executive Chairman."

About Skillsoft

Skillsoft is the global leader in eLearning, providing the most engaging learner experience and high-quality content. We are trusted by the world's leading organizations, including 65 percent of the Fortune 500. Our mission is to build beautiful technology and engaging content that drives business impact for today's modern enterprise. Our 150,000+ multi-modal courses, videos, books and micro-learning modules are accessed more than 130 million times every month, in 160 countries and 29 languages. With 100% secure cloud access, from any device, whenever, wherever. www.skillsoft.com

About SumTotal Systems

SumTotal Systems, LLC, a Skillsoft Company, is the world's only unified Human Capital Management Solution. SumTotal's award-winning Talent Management Suite enables companies to attract, know, mobilize, develop, progress and reward their workforce. SumTotal is continuously innovating to best meet the market challenges of attracting, retaining, developing and engaging the multi-generational workforce. The Talent Expansion Suite includes three key components -Talent, Learn and Work. www.sumtotalsystems.com

About Charterhouse Capital Partners

Charterhouse is one of the longest established private equity firms operating in Europe. The firm invests in companies headquartered in Western Europe and works closely with incumbent management teams, backing them and providing active support to drive growth. Charterhouse pursues a highly selective investment approach, partnering with a small number of high-quality companies. Transaction values range from 250mn to 2bn. Charterhouse is based in London and has a deep bench of experienced investment professionals. Since inception Charterhouse has completed over 140 transactions worth an aggregate value of over 50bn. www.charterhouse.co.uk

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170509006046/en/

Contacts:

Skillsoft

Tara O'Sullivan, +353871771529

Chief Creative Officer

tara.osullivan@skillsoft.com
Siauliai, Lietuva, 2017-04-21 10:34 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The following decisions were adopted in the Ordinary general meeting of shareholders of Gubernija AB (the code of the Company is 144715765), held on 21 April 2017:



1. Annual Report of the Company for 2016.



It is stated that the Company's annual report 2016 is heard. The meeting does not take a decision in this regard.



2. The independent auditor's report.



It is stated that the independent auditor's report is heard. The meeting does not take a decision in this regard.



3. Approval of the annual financial statements of the Company for 2016.



To approve the annual financial statements of the Company for 2016.



4. Appropriation of the result of the year 2016.



To leave the Company's result of 2016 unappropriated.



5. Election of the Company's Board.



To elect Romualdas Dunauskas, Sigitas Vilciauskas, Augustinas Radavicius, Muradas Bakanas, Lina Dunauskaite as members of the Board of the Company.



6. Election of audit company for performing audit set of financial statements of the Company for 2017 and setting payment conditions.



To elect Grant Thornton Baltic UAB, company code 300056169, for performing audit set of financial statements of the Company for 2017. To authorize General Manager of the Company to sign an audit contract, to assign EUR 6800, excluding VAT for remuneration for audit services.



This information is also available at: www.gubernija.lt/investuotojams.



AB "Gubernija" General Manager Vijoleta Dunauskiene +370-41-591900

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SAN DIEGO, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/30/17 -- Youngevity International, Inc. (OTCQX: YGYI), a leading omni-direct lifestyle company, today reported financial results for the full year ended December 31, 2016.

2016 Full Year Highlights:

Revenues increased 3.9% over the prior year to $162.7 million

Gross Profit increased 5.6% to $98.1 million compared to the prior year

Operating Income decreased 53.5% to $2.5 million compared to the prior year

Net Loss decreased to $398,000 compared to net loss of $1.7 million in 2015

Adjusted EBITDA decreased 26.5% to $6.8 million compared to the prior year

Steve Wallach, Youngevity CEO, said, "Our goal for 2016 was to set us up for the future and to position Youngevity for scalable growth across the enterprise. We spent virtually an entire year developing our Web Platform and our Cloud Based Infrastructure to position Youngevity as a platform company. We are just now entering the deployment phase of our Web Portal which should allow us to accelerate growth domestically and globally as well as more efficiently integrate future acquisitions. The last half of 2016 we invested heavily in marketing strategies including several newly branded product and training videos in multiple languages. We are anxious to start realizing a return on these substantial investments in the coming months and years."

The President and CFO of Youngevity, Dave Briskie, added, "It is always nice to achieve record revenue but when you factor in the scope and number of the projects and initiatives that were launched in 2016, we are especially proud of the revenue numbers. In addition to the Web Portal, we completely overhauled (or restructured) the entire sales and marketing team, invested heavily in the rebranding of Youngevity, including the beginning of a repackaging overhaul designed to create a cohesive look among all the brands, and we invested heavily in compliance initiatives, as well as initiatives to eliminate low margin components of our coffee segment. We are quite confident that these initiatives were essential for our future growth and profitability particularly as we work towards effecting a proposed uplisting this year of our common stock on a national securities exchange."

2016 Full Year Results

Revenues

For the year ended December 31, 2016, our revenue increased 3.9% to $162,667,000 as compared to $156,597,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we derived approximately 89% of our revenue from our direct sales and approximately 11% of our revenue from our commercial coffee sales. Direct selling segment revenues increased by $6,491,000 or 4.7% to $145,418,000 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. This increase was primarily attributed to additional revenues of $9,602,000 derived from the Company's new acquisitions, offset by a decrease of $3,111,000 in revenues from existing business. For the year ended December 31, 2016, commercial coffee segment revenues decreased by $421,000 or 2.4% to $17,249,000 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. This decrease was primarily attributed to a decrease in our roaster business due to a strategic shift in the segment's business model to focus more effort on Company owned brands and forego its lower margin bulk coffee processing business, partially offset by an increase in green coffee sales as a result of increases in green coffee prices.

Cost of Revenues

Overall cost of revenues increased approximately 1.4% to $64,530,000 as compared to $63,628,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015. The direct selling segment cost of revenues increased 6.4% as a result of cost related to the increase in sales, an increase in product royalties and labor costs, partially offset by a decrease in shipping costs. The decrease in cost of revenues in the commercial coffee segment of 10.8% is attributable to decreases in sales related to the roaster business and lower green coffee costs a result of the Company's ability to procure green coffee at lower costs from its plantation and other suppliers in Nicaragua.

Cost of revenues includes the cost of inventory including green coffee, shipping and handling costs incurred in connection with shipments to customers, direct labor and benefits costs, royalties associated with certain products, transaction merchant fees and depreciation on certain assets.

Gross Profit

In 2016 gross profit increased approximately 5.6% to $98,137,000 as compared to $92,969,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015. Gross profit as a percentage of revenues increased to 60.3%, compared to 59.4% in the prior year.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses increased approximately 9.2% to $95,622,000 as compared to $87,563,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015. Included in operating expense is distributor compensation paid to our independent distributors in the direct selling segment. For the year ended December 31, 2016, distributor compensation increased 6.1% to $67,148,000 from $63,276,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015. This increase was primarily attributable to the increase in revenues. Distributor compensation as a percentage of direct selling revenues increased to 46.2% for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to 45.5% for the year ended December 31, 2015. This increase was primarily attributable to added incentive payouts and higher level achievements by distributors.

Sales and marketing expense increased 26.8% in 2016 to $10,413,000 from $8,212,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily due to increases in marketing and customer service staff direct labor and benefits costs, product marketing costs, convention costs and distributor events costs.

General and administrative expense increased in 2016 by 12.4% to $18,061,000 from $16,075,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily due to increases in costs related to the international expansion, employee labor and benefits costs, consulting fees, amortization costs, computer and internet related costs, travel costs, offset primarily by a decrease in non-cash expense of $253,000 as compared to last year related to warrant modification expense recognized during the year ended December 31, 2015. In addition, the contingent liability revaluation resulted in a benefit of $1,462,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to a benefit of $446,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Total Other Expense

In 2016, total other expense decreased by $2,625,000 to $3,103,000 as compared to $5,728,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015. Total other expense is primarily net interest expense of $4,474,000 and the change in the fair value of warrant derivative of $1,371,000.

Net Loss

For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company reported a net loss of $398,000 as compared to a net loss of $1,706,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015. The primary reason for the decrease in the loss when compared to the prior year was due to the decrease in income tax provision from $1,384,000 in tax provision in 2015 to a tax benefit of $190,000 in 2016, offset by an increase in loss before income taxes from $322,000 in 2015 to $588,000 in loss before income taxes in 2016.

Adjusted EBITDA

EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) as adjusted to remove the effect of stock based compensation expense and the non-cash loss on extinguishment of debt and the change in the fair value of the warrant derivative or "Adjusted EBITDA," decreased 26.5% to $6,772,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $9,215,000 in the same period for the prior year.

Total cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2016 were $869 thousand, compared to $3.9 million as of December 31, 2015.

Total assets as of December 31, 2016 were $66.0 million compared to $61.3 million as of December 31, 2015.

Conference Call Information

Youngevity International will host a conference call today at 4:15 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (1:15 Pacific Daylight Time) to discuss its financial results, quarterly highlights and business outlook.

Investors can access the conference call by dialing Toll: +1 (562) 247-8321 and entering the access code: 132-403-283. It is advised that you dial-in at least five minutes prior to the call.

The conference call will be recorded and available for replay shortly after the conclusion of the call in the Investor Relations section of Youngevity International's website: http://ygyi.com/calls.php. The webcast will be archived for approximately 60 days.

Non-GAAP Financial Measure - Adjusted EBITDA

This news release includes information on Adjusted EBITDA, which is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined by SEC Regulation G.

Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA, when viewed with our results under GAAP and the accompanying reconciliations, provides useful information about our period-over-period growth. Adjusted EBITDA is presented because management believes it provides additional information with respect to the performance of our fundamental business activities and is also frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of comparable companies. We also rely on Adjusted EBITDA as a primary measure to review and assess the operating performance of our company and our management team.

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. We calculate adjusted EBITDA by taking net income (loss), and adding back the expenses related to interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock based compensation expense, change in the fair value of the warrant derivative, non-cash impairment loss and debt extinguishment gain or loss, as each of those elements are calculated in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as a substitute for net income (loss) (as determined in accordance with GAAP) for the purpose of analyzing our operating performance or financial position, as Adjusted EBITDA is not defined by GAAP.

About Youngevity International

Youngevity International, Inc. (OTCQX: YGYI), is a leading omni-direct lifestyle company -- offering a hybrid of the direct selling business model, that also offers e-commerce and the power of social selling. Assembling a virtual Main Street of products and services under one corporate entity, Youngevity offers proven products from the six top-selling retail categories: health/nutrition, home/family, food/beverage (including coffee), spa/beauty, apparel/jewelry, as well as innovative services. The Company was formed during the summer 2011 merger of Youngevity Essential Life Sciences with Javalution Coffee Company (now part of the company's food and beverage division). The resulting company became Youngevity International, Inc. in July 2013. For investor information, visit YGYI.com. For general information on products and services, please visit youngevity.com. Keep up with current activities by following Youngevity on Twitter and liking the company Facebook page.

Safe Harbor Statement

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may," "should," "potential," "continue," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "encouraged" and similar expressions and include statements regarding the deployment of our Web Portal allowing us to accelerate more acquisitions and larger integrations around the world, effecting an uplisting this year. The forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations and assumptions from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, our ability to use the Web Portal to accelerate acquisitions and integrations, to meet the initial listing standards of the national exchange to which we apply for a listing, to continue our financial performance and growth and the other factors described in our filings with the SEC. The information in this release is provided only as of the date of this release, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release based on new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

Youngevity International, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Operations (In thousands) Years Ended December 31, -------------------------- 2016 2015 ------------ ------------ Revenues $ 162,667 $ 156,597 Cost of revenues 64,530 63,628 ------------ ------------ Gross profit 98,137 92,969 Operating expenses Distributor compensation 67,148 63,276 Sales and marketing 10,413 8,212 General and administrative 18,061 16,075 ------------ ------------ Total operating expenses 95,622 87,563 ------------ ------------ Operating income 2,515 5,406 Interest expense, net (4,474) (4,491) Extinguishment loss on debt - (1,198) Change in fair value of warrant derivative 1,371 (39) liability ------------ ------------ Total other expense (3,103) (5,728) ------------ ------------ Loss before income taxes (588) (322) Income tax (benefit) provision (190) 1,384 ------------ ------------ Net loss $ (398) $ (1,706) ============ ============ Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measure Adjusted EBITDA to Net Loss (In thousands) Years Ended December 31, -------------------------- 2016 2015 ------------ ------------ Net loss $ (398) $ (1,706) Add: Interest, net 4,474 4,491 Income taxes (190) 1,384 Depreciation 1,518 1,242 Amortization 2,344 2,112 ------------ ------------ EBITDA 7,748 7,523 Add: Stock based compensation 395 455 Change in fair value of warrant derivative (1,371) 39 liability Extinguishment loss on debt - 1,198 ------------ ------------ Adjusted EBITDA $ 6,772 $ 9,215 ============ ============

Contacts:



Youngevity International

Dave Briskie

President and Chief Financial Officer

1 800 982 3189 X6500



Investors:

Chuck Harbey

PCG Advisory Group

P: 646 863 7997



Media Contact:

Bobbie Wasserman for Youngevity

bobbie@wave2alliances.com

P: 866.570.4441




EMERYVILLE, CA--(Marketwired - March 30, 2017) - Global strategic advisory and expert consulting firm Berkeley Research Group announced today that Ariel Ramirez has joined the firm's Global Investigations + Strategic Intelligence practice as a managing director based in its Sao Paulo, Brazil, office.

"We are delighted that Ariel has joined BRG," said Latin America Practice Leader Frank Holder. "With his deep expertise in cross-border forensic and compliance internal investigations, he will be an invaluable asset to our client teams."

With a base in Miami, BRG's Latin America practice includes offices in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Panama and Puerto Rico, and resources on the ground throughout the region.

Ramirez has more than 20 years of experience and has provided forensic investigative, anti-bribery/corruption, compliance and ethics program development, and other risk and internal controls services to Fortune 500 companies, private entities, federal agencies and foreign governments. He has worked in North, Central, and South America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Mediterranean, with particular experience in Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Russia. He has native fluency in English and Spanish and working knowledge in Portuguese.

"BRG is quickly becoming the recognized leader in investigative, anti-corruption and forensic accounting services not only in Latin America but around the world," said Ramirez. "I look forward to leveraging and complementing BRG's tremendous resources to help clients with their most critical challenges."

Before joining BRG, Ramirez relocated from Washington, DC, to serve an expatriate assignment as the practice leader of forensic services for a Big Four firm in Colombia and Peru, and worked in other areas of the firm's Latin America region. He led or had client service responsibility for investigations and anti-corruption, bribery, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) reviews, compliance, financial crimes, eDiscovery and data analytics engagements for Fortune 100 companies in their Latin America operations. He was also previously president of a professional services and management consulting firm, and served as the practice leader of Forensic Investigation, Anti-Bribery/Corruption services.

Before that, Ramirez served as a forensic audit investigations executive and head of the Americas team at a global manufacturing and electronics company, where he led engagements teams worldwide, joining at the onset of an internal investigation of bribery/corruption allegations by the government. He was also previously director and head of special investigations for Siemens Corporation-USA, responsible for North America.

About Berkeley Research Group, LLC

Berkeley Research Group, LLC (www.thinkbrg.com) is a leading global strategic advisory and expert consulting firm that provides independent advice, data analytics, authoritative studies, expert testimony, investigations, and regulatory and dispute consulting to Fortune 500 corporations, financial institutions, government agencies, major law firms and regulatory bodies around the world. BRG experts and consultants combine intellectual rigor with practical, real-world experience and an in-depth understanding of industries and markets. Their expertise spans economics and finance, data analytics and statistics, and public policy in many of the major sectors of our economy, including healthcare, banking, information technology, energy, construction and real estate. BRG is headquartered in Emeryville, California, with offices across the United States and in Asia, Australia, Canada, Latin America, the Middle East and the United Kingdom.
MAPUTO, Mozambique, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Sasol Petroleum Temane (SPT) received the award for Best Corporate Taxpayer for 2016 at the Mozambique's Tax Authority's annual event held on 22 March 2017.

The event acknowledged various corporate companies who received certificates of recognition from the Tax Authority Chairperson Amelia Nakhare. This is the second year that SPT has been presented with the award, having received the same award in 2015.

At the event, the Republic of Mozambique Pipeline Company (ROMPCO) received first place in the IRPC (corporate income tax) payable on profit category, ROMPCO is a joint venture between Sasol, Companhia Mocambicana de Gasoduto S.A (CMG), and South African Gas Development Company (SOC) Limited (iGas).

Additionally, Central Termica de Ressano Garcia (CTRG) was awarded first prize in the overall best tax payer in the medium tax payers' group. The CTRG power plant is a partnership between the Mozambican state power utility, Electridade de Mozambique (EDM) - EDM holds (51%) and Sasol (49%) currently producing 175MW which benefits two million Mozambicans.

"We are honoured to have received this acknowledgement from the Mozambican Tax Authority and are proud to have played a pioneering role in the development of the country's gas industry," said Peter Manoogian, Acting Senior Vice President: Exploration and Production International at Sasol.

"Mozambique lies at the center of our growth strategy for Southern Africa, we remain resolute in nurturing our investments in the country and partnering with the Mozambican government and other stakeholders to help stimulate growth to improve the quality of life of Mozambicans," he concluded.

Sasol's commitment to Mozambique began well over a decade ago when, together with its partners, Companhia Mocambicana de Hidrocarbonetos CMH and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) developed the Pande/Temane natural gas project. This project pioneered the monetisation of the Pande and Temane gas fields which had been effectively 'stranded' for over 30 years.

To date, more than $1 billion was delivered to the government of Mozambique. This includes corporate taxes, royalties and social investments, as well as profit share and dividends paid out to state-owned entities by the upstream gas processing and midstream gas transportation projects.

About Sasol:

Sasol is an international integrated chemicals and energy company that leverages the expertise of our 30 100 people working in 33 countries. We develop and commercialise technologies, and build and operate world-scale facilities to produce a range of high-value product streams, including liquid fuels, chemicals and low-carbon electricity.
A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a-" of National General Insurance Company (P.S.C.) (NGI) (United Arab Emirates). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) remains stable.

The ratings of NGI reflect the company's very strong risk-adjusted capitalisation, track record of good operating performance and well-established business profile in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). An offsetting rating factor is the execution risk relating to high growth on medical health care in a fiercely competitive operating environment.

NGI's risk-adjusted capitalisation strengthened during 2016 and remains at a very strong level. Improvements in its capital position have been driven by a 3% increase in capital and surplus and a fall in net underwriting risk, which resulted from a change in reinsurance structure to the medical portfolio reducing net premium retention. A partially offsetting rating factor is the increased investment risk derived from higher exposure to non-rated bonds. A.M. Best anticipates that prospective risk-adjusted capitalisation will remain commensurate with the current ratings, sustained by robust internal capital generation and divestiture of higher-risk assets, supporting the company's growth targets over the next three years.

The company has demonstrated a track record of good operating results, with a five-year average combined ratio of 93.1% (2012-2016) for its non-life business and a five-year average return on equity of 12.9%. Despite this strong performance, the company's combined ratio deteriorated to 96.2% in 2016 (2015: 91.4%). Although the loss ratio improved to a healthy 66.7%, expenses significantly increased driven by brokerage costs associated with the expansion of mandatory medical business.

NGI has a well-established market profile in the UAE, ranking as a top 10 national insurer in 2016 by gross written premium. NGI has a strong presence in the medical and motor lines of business. NGI's appointment as one of the nine insurers licensed to participate in Dubai's mandatory medical scheme has driven top-line growth of 12.2% to AED 550 million during 2016. However, due to the structural change to the medical reinsurance programme, NGI's net premiums reduced by 18.5% to AED 251 million. The expected increase in the number of insurers licensed to participate in the Dubai Mandatory Medical Scheme is likely to place further pressure on NGI's performance and growth.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on A.M. Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see A.M. Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Understanding Best's Credit Ratings

A.M. Best is the world's oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright 2017 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170330005628/en/

Contacts:

A.M. Best

Aneela Mather-Khan, +44-20-7397-0319

Financial Analyst

aneela.mather-khan@ambest.com

or

Mahesh Mistry, +44-20-7397-0325

Senior Director, Analytics

mahesh.mistry@ambest.com

or

Christopher Sharkey, +1-908-439-2200, ext. 5159

Manager, Public Relations

christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

or

Jim Peavy, +1-908-439-2200, ext. 5644

Director, Public Relations

james.peavy@ambest.com


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Fox News' two black employees sued Judith Slater, the company's longtime comptroller, for alleged racial harassment, and the cable news network for ignoring their claims of discrimination. They are reportedly seeking unspecified damages.



In a lawsuit filed Tuesday night in New York state court in the Bronx, Fox payroll employees Tichaona Brown and Tabrese Wright said they were subjected to top-down racial harassment in the payroll department by Slater. The lawsuit is filed against Slater, Fox News, and its parent company, 21st Century Fox.



Meanwhile, Fox News said that it took immediate action after learning about the allegations against Slater and fired her on February 28.



In the lawsuit, Brown and Wright claimed that on several occasions, Slater ridiculed and mocked them based on their race, and that Slater's racist behavior created a hostile work environment that resulted in severe and pervasive discrimination and harassment.



They also said that executives at Fox News and 21st Century Fox ignored their repeated complaints against Slater. The lawsuit also alleged that the network fired Brown and demoted Wright after they were not ready to settle the complaint.



The two African- American women also accused the network of unequal pay and opportunities for advancement because of their race, in violation of New York state law.



As per the lawsuit, Wright was transferred out of the payroll department, which it described as a demotion, while Brown, who joined Fox in late 2008, was fired on Monday.



Meanwhile, Fox News described Wright's change as a lateral move and that Brown remained employed.



A Fox News spokeswoman said, 'We take complaints of this nature very seriously and took prompt and effective remedial action before Ms. Brown and Ms. Wright sued in court and even before Ms. Wright complained through her lawyer. There is no place for inappropriate verbal remarks like this at Fox News. We are disappointed that this needless litigation has been filed.'



Fox News recently had settled a sexual harassment suit by former anchor Gretchen Carlson for $20 million. Following the allegations, network chief Roger Ailes was ousted last year.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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The "Jeep Compass Visualiser" allows customers to walk around and discover the all-new Compass, before it physically arrives in the showrooms

Compass Visualiser" allows customers to walk around and discover the all-new Compass, before it physically arrives in the showrooms Based on Tango, Google's smartphone augmented reality technology, the easy-to use application was developed with Accenture and is optimized for the Lenovo Phab 2 Pro, the world's first Tango-enabled consumer device

Innovative customer experience arrives today in Jeep dealerships in selected markets in Europe and will roll out across the region in the next few months

The Jeep brand is introducing an innovative customer experience at its dealerships: starting today, consumers in selected markets in Europe can walk around and look inside the all-new Jeep Compass before it is physically available in the showroom, thanks to an augmented reality experience.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170330005067/en/

The Accenture-developed app allows car buyers to hold a Tango-enabled device and view, walk around, look inside and configure a life-size virtual Jeep Compass (Photo: Business Wire)

The Jeep Compass Visualiser is an innovative, easy-to use application that recreates the virtual car before the eyes of the customers in its real dimensions, allowing them to discover the new model and interact with it before its physical arrival in the dealer's showroom.

The application was jointly developed with Accenture and its customer experience agency, Accenture Interactive, and is based on Tango Google's smartphone augmented reality technology, which gives mobile devices the ability to navigate the physical world similar to how we do as humans and is optimized for the Lenovo Phab 2 Pro smartphone, the world's first Tango-enabled consumer device.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Accenture showcased a prototype of this application at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in February 2016, providing a first glimpse of how augmented reality can revolutionize the consumers' shopping experience by allowing them to view and interact with a full-scale virtual version of the car they are considering buying.

The Jeep Compass Visualiser is now available across Jeep showrooms in selected markets (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland) and will be available in most Jeep dealerships in Europe by end of this summer.

How does it work

The Jeep Compass Visualiser allows car buyers to hold a Tango-enabled device and view, walk around, look inside and configure a life-size virtual car. External colors and wheel options can be selected and interchanged. Doors can be opened to reveal a realistic and detailed interior, where changes to upholstery colors can be made with a tap on the device screen. As the car is viewed through the device, the virtual car moves in relation to how the user moves.

Customers visiting Jeep dealerships will be able to select their preferred Jeep Compass interior configuration with a choice of two interior colors Urbex or Ski Grey and materials full leather or leather and cloth. The selections will appear in the augmented reality application allowing customers to visualize the choice in 3D, even though the vehicle is not physically present.

The partners involved: Google, Accenture and Lenovo

To deliver this innovative application, the Jeep brand collaborated with Google, Accenture and Lenovo each providing its unique contribution to the creation of a unique tool capable of transforming the way customers experience a new product. At the core of the collaboration the importance of putting customers at the center.

Tango uses computer vision to enable the mobile device to detect its position in the world around and bridges the gap between the 2D digital and the 3D physical world. This allows the mobile device the ability to map the 360-degree environment around and to navigate the physical world similar to how people do.

Drawing on the experience of Accenture Interactive and its digital innovation team with the Tango technology, Accenture led the design of this innovative solution that transforms the decision-making process when buying a car. The app uses the integrated sensor technology and motion tracking, area learning, and depth perception capabilities from Tango to generate the interaction. No GPS or internet connectivity is needed, once the app is installed, giving almost unlimited location capability when using the technology. It allows for an enhanced user experience tailored specifically for augmented reality.

Lenovo developed the Phab2 Pro the world's first Tango-enabled smartphone to house the Tango technology in a consumer device and to make augmented reality accessible to as many people as possible. The Phab 2 Pro's 6-inch+ screen, which features pin-sharp QHD resolution, offers a window for customers to experience the car in its life-size virtual dimensions.

All-new Jeep Compass

Later this summer, when the all-new Compass will start arriving at the Jeep showrooms across Europe, customers will be able discover the full Compass range, comprising four different configurations Sport, Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk- each coming with a specific content and powertrain option.

The all-new Compass represents a key addition to the Jeep portfolio and will deliver customers user friendly technology and a full array of active driver assist systems with Jeep legendary off-road capability, in a distinctive and contemporary design.

About Jeep

Built on more than 75 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence. The Jeep vehicle lineup in EMEA (Europe Middle East and Africa) consists of the Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Renegade, Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited and starting next summer Compass. To meet consumer demand in the region, all Jeep models sold are available in both left and right-hand drive configurations and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options.

About Accenture

Accenture (NYSE:ACN) is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries and all business functions underpinned by the world's largest delivery network - Accenture works at the intersection of business and technology to help clients improve their performance and create sustainable value for their stakeholders. With approximately 401,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture drives innovation to improve the way the world works and lives. Visit us at www.accenture.com.

About Lenovo

Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a $45 billion global Fortune 500 company and a leader in providing innovative consumer, commercial, and enterprise technology. Our portfolio of high-quality, secure products and services covers PCs (including the legendary Think and multimode Yoga brands), workstations, servers, storage, smart TVs and a family of mobile products like smartphones (including the Moto brand), tablets and apps. Join us on LinkedIn, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@lenovo) or visit us at http://www.lenovo.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170330005067/en/

Contacts:

Accenture

Anthony Hatter, 44 7810 756 138

anthony.hatter@accenture.com
Ambassador of Ukraine to Germany Andriy Melnyk has said that he sent a note of protest to the German Foreign Ministry in connection with an illegal visit to the temporarily occupied Crimea by a politician from Quakenbruck.

"I sent a note of protest about the illegal visit to Crimea of a local politician from Quakenbruck," Melnyk wrote on his Twitter account on Wednesday night.

The diplomat expressed confidence that the practice of violation of Ukrainian legislation will have a deplorable legal effect for this citizen of Germany.

"The impudent neglect of the laws of Ukraine will have deplorable legal consequences for the offender-recidivist," Melnyk wrote.
VANCOUVER, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Fineqia International Inc.(the "Company" or "Fineqia") (CSE: FNQ) (OTCPink: FNQQF) (Frankfurt: FNQA) today welcomes former CEO of E-Trade UK (a joint venture with E-TRADE Financial Corporation - stylized as E*TRADE), Julian Costley, to its board of advisors.

E*TRADE UK is the UK's first all-internet stockbroking firm. He was also a country manager at Thomson Reuters Corporation before creating his own TV channel on BSB (later BSkyB). He then went on to hold the role of UK CEO of France Telecom's Globecast UK Ltd. satellite company.

Since then he has invested in 18 companies and became chairman/NED or adviser to many more focusing on the telecoms, media (TV and publishing on and offline), financial services, and consumer internet markets in the UK, Netherlands, Scandinavia, France, Canada and China.

Mr. Costley is an occasional lecturer/mentor/MBA course judge at London Business School, EDHEC Business School (Nice), Said (Oxford University), UM (Barcelona), Skema Business School (Sophia Antipolis) and Universidad de Deusto (San Sebastian). Mr. Costley is currently working on a book on crowdfunding, commissioned by UK publishers Pan Macmillan Publishers.

"Julian's experience in bringing positive disruption to finance industry through setting up E*TRADE UK empowering individuals to take control of their financial futures, is going to be a great asset to our team working towards reinventing the world of investing. His experience in spotting great startup ideas, getting them funded, and accelerating growth will also prove invaluable in helping the companies we work with, and making sure they are successful in their funding rounds," said Fineqia's CEO Bundeep Singh Rangar.

Fineqia's board of advisors and its members are not officers or directors of the Company.

About Fineqia International Inc.

Fineqia's business model is to provide an online platform and associated services for the placement of debt and equity securities, initially in the UK. The platform will transparently highlight the risks and objectively outline opportunities involved. For more information, visithttp://www.fineqia.com.

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATORY SERVICE PROVIDER HAS REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some statements in this release may contain forward-looking information. All statements, other than of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements regarding potential acquisitions and financings) are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words "may", "will", "should", "continue", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "intend", "plan" or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict, that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, without limitation, the inability of the Company to complete the Change of Business, failure to obtain sufficient financing, and other risks disclosed in the Company's public disclosure record on file with the relevant securities regulatory authorities. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and except as may be required by applicable securities laws. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

Karolina Komarnicka, Chief Marketing Officer, T: +1-(778)-654-2324, E: info@fineqia.com , W: http://www.fineqia.com
CALGARY, ALBERTA and HONOLULU, HAWAII -- (Marketwired) -- 03/30/17 -- Eguana Technologies Inc. (TSX VENTURE: EGT) (OTCQB: EGTYF) and E-Gear LLC are pleased to announce that the Eguana AC Battery with E-Gear's Energy Management & Control (EMC) technology is the first AC coupled grid interactive lithium-ion battery system approved by the City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting's Material and Methods (MM#) expedited approval process. This unlocks the backlog of over 1MWh of utility connected residential battery installations under contract through E-Gear dealers in Hawaii.

"This process will help continue our cooperation with the industry and the State of Hawaii to achieve the energy independence so important to the community we serve," said Timothy Hiu, Deputy Director of the Department of Planning and Permitting. "The Mayor's office has been supportive of industry and we have made a consistent effort to educate our personnel on the highly innovative solar industry, where the technological advances are so rapid that it's important to establish this type of relationship. The City and County of Honolulu has partnered going back over a decade to accomplish this task and our contribution to the betterment of the State and this City to move toward a more sustainable energy industry will continue."

"Our customers are demanding products that are available today, and are not interested in just reserving a system for some unknown length of time." Said Tim Johnston, President of Hawaii Energy Smart, an E-Gear technology dealer. "We have been chasing other products for over a year now. Other suppliers just could not deliver product that supports the new solar program, which is necessary for us to maintain our business."

"We have worked tirelessly with our partners and customers in Hawaii to introduce this solution that enables the next phase of Hawaii's renewable transition," said Brent Harris, CTO of Eguana Technologies. "Eguana remains committed to supporting the growth of the Hawaiian market with our AC coupled solution that is compatible with any PV system already installed or approved for installation in Hawaii. The AC Battery is a proven and fully certified product that supports any of the functionality being considered under the HPUC's Distributed Energy Resources docket."

Installations for backlog customers will begin through E-Gear dealers in April, and the pipeline of contracted systems is expected to grow with many customers awaiting demonstration of permitted and operating systems before committing to a purchase.

About E-Gear, LLC

E-Gear, LLC is a renewable energy innovation company offering proprietary patented and patent pending edge-of-grid energy management and storage solutions. These systems provide intelligent real-time adaptive control, flexibility, visibility, predictability and support to energy generating customers, renewable energy solution providers, energy service companies (ESCO's) and Utilities.

About The AC Battery:

The Eguana AC Battery is a certified, grid ready power control solution pre-integrated with LG Chem Li-ion batteries. Our solution can be seamlessly integrated with a local energy management system or a distributed fleet control network using open communication protocols to provide a fully functional energy storage installation. The AC Battery provides maximum flexibility for system aggregators which want to deploy it as a standalone product, as part of new solar storage installations, or as a retrofit to solar PV installations already in place.

About Eguana Technologies Inc.

Eguana Technologies Inc. (TSX VENTURE: EGT) designs and manufactures high performance power controls for residential and commercial energy storage systems. Eguana has more than 15 years' experience delivering grid edge power electronics for fuel cell, photovoltaic and battery applications and delivers proven, durable, high quality solutions from its high capacity manufacturing facilities in Europe and North America.

With thousands of its proprietary energy storage inverters deployed in the European and North American markets, Eguana is the leading supplier of power controls for solar self-consumption, grid services and demand charge applications at the grid edge.

To learn more, visit www.EguanaTech.com or follow us on Twitter @EguanaTech

Forward Looking Information

The reader is advised that some of the information herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning assigned by National Instruments 51-102 and other relevant securities legislation. In particular, we include: statements pertaining to the value of our power controls to the energy storage market and statements concerning the use of proceeds and the Company's ability to obtain necessary approvals from the TSX Venture Exchange.

Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and involves a number of risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or future events or developments, to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date hereof. Readers are also directed to the Risk Factors section of the Company's most recent audited Financial Statements which may be found on its website or at sedar.com The Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking information contained herein to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Company Inquiries

Justin Holland

CEO, Eguana Technologies Inc.

+1.416.728.7635

Justin.Holland@EguanaTech.com



Product Inquiries

Vishwas Ganesan

Director of Business Development, USA

+1.408.685.2670

Vishwas.Ganesan@EguanaTech.com




LAS VEGAS, NV -- (Marketwired) -- 05/09/17 -- Pure Hospitality Solutions, Inc. (OTC PINK: PNOW), the developer of multiple and diverse business ventures, relevant to Central America and the Caribbean, announced today, that the Company has extended the Ex-Dividend Date to Wednesday, May 24, 2017, in support of those shareholders recently becoming aware of the preferred stock dividend.

"I believe in the idea of, 'no man left behind', and we will do all we can to embody that credo," stated Melvin Pereira, President and CEO of Pure Hospitality Solutions. "As it continues to take a little time for all shareholders to become aware and educated on the preferred stock dividend, we will make the appropriate accommodations by extending the Ex-Dividend Date by two weeks, to May 24th."

The original Ex-Dividend Date was set for May 10th. However, the date adjustment was deemed necessary due to the number of shareholder inquiries surrounding the preferred stock dividend. Further, a reassessment of how many additional shareholders needed to be made aware of the dividend program, also influenced the date adjustment. Management is keen on having as many of its shareholders participate in the Preferred Stock Dividend as possible. Management will also release Simplifying Preferred Shares Part 2 this week, to assist with shareholder understanding of this program and the positive impact it provides.

Mr. Pereira concluded, "As I stated in the past, we are keenly interested in making sure that all of our long-term, committed shareholders, are covered by the blanket of protection that this preferred stock dividend offers. We are firmly committed to this action."

To reaffirm, the 'Ex-Dividend Date,' which is the date whereby shareholders of record must hold a minimum of 1.2M shares of PNOW common stock in order to receive the preferred stock dividend, has been extended to Wednesday, May 24th, 2017. For any additional information, please contact the Company at (800) 889-9509 or via email at IR@PureNow.Solutions.

About Pure Hospitality Solutions, Inc.

PURE, through its developed or acquired assents and subsidiaries, operates multiple business ventures throughout Central America and the Caribbean, promoting opportunities for tourism to the Region.

Meso Numismatics is the Company's emerging numismatic company. The Company has a global inventory of coins and bank notes, and specializes in pieces from Central America and parts of the Caribbean. The Company has rare and exquisite inventory available for sale at www.MesoCoins.com, as well as Lyn Knight Auctions and Stacks Bowers Auctions.

Oveedia offers proprietary technology, marketing solutions and branding services to hotel operators and condominium owners, primarily in Central America and the Latin countries, intent on building competitive operations in the areas of online marketing and hotel internet booking engine services; becoming the Central American-Caribbean online travel hub.

Contact:

Team PURE

IR Div. (800) 889-9509




OSLO, Norway, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The annual general meeting (AGM) ofNextGenTel Holding ASA will be held on20 April 2017 at 15:00 at the company's premises at Harbitzalleen 2A, Skoeyen, Oslo. See attachments for complete notice including attendance/proxy forms. A notice for the AGM will be sent to all shareholders and documents related to the AGM, including the annual report for 2016, are also available on the company's website (www.nextgentelholding.no/investor_relations).

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
WASHINGTON, DC -- (Marketwired) -- 03/30/17 -- The National Business Group on Health, a non-profit association of 420 large U.S. employers, today honored Cigna, GlaxoSmithKline, and Health Net, Inc. for their ongoing commitment to promote health equity and reduce health care disparities in the workplace. The three companies were presented with "Innovation in Advancing Health Equity Awards" at the National Business Group on Health's 2017 Business Health Agenda conference.

In presenting the awards, Brian Marcotte, president and CEO of the National Business Group on Health, said, "We are delighted to recognize Cigna, GlaxoSmithKline, and Health Net for their support and dedication to advance health equity and reduce health care disparities through workplace and community initiatives. These companies are leading the way to addressing health care disparities and demonstrating that promoting health equity and reducing disparities can help employees and their families achieve optimal health and well-being."

The key components of the award-winning programs are:

Innovative approaches and solutions to address disparities, promote health equity and helping all employees achieve optimal health and well-being;

Analyses of disparities/health equity data to determine gaps in care;

The use of segmented and culturally and linguistically appropriate communications; and

Results the programming has on the employee population and/or community.

Cigna

Cigna's strong commitment to cultivating a state of health equity in the marketplace by deploying strategic and operational resources to improve access to high quality care is evident through their continued momentum over the years. Cigna works closely with employers, consumers and health advocates to eliminate health disparities and advance health equity. Notable this year is Cigna's nationwide program America Says Ahh, to improve preventive care and encourage annual check-ups. A key feature of the campaign is the TV Doctors of America commercials featuring five famous TV doctors. In addition, for Cigna's "real life" doctors and network clinicians, they created and delivered an in-depth cultural competency training, with an emphasis on engaging Hispanic patients. Also notable is the use of geospatial information systems to identify health disparities -- one prime example is mapping a disparity in breast cancer screening in African-American women in Tennessee. Cigna used their predictive model to segment the population and sent tailored reminders regarding screening. Cigna continues to integrate health equity internally and externally through innovative programming and strives to improve the health and well-being of those individuals.

GlaxoSmithKline

GlaxoSmithKline's is dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of its employees and their families, as well as providing equitable access to care. GSK's unique Partnership for Prevention (P4P) program provides employees and family members with access to up to 40 preventive health care services at low to no cost. This impressive program is launching across the GSK enterprise and is currently available in 77 countries and covers 110,000 lives. GSK plans to have launched across the whole enterprise by 2018. The program addresses multiple barriers to better care including awareness, cost, geography and culture. The program focuses on analyzing, identifying, and addressing gaps in access to high-quality preventive services for all benefits-eligible employees and dependents. GSK's commitment to the P4P program reinforces its on-going efforts to support the long-term health and well-being of its employees and their families. GSK continues to provide equitable access to care while fostering a culture of energy and health.

Health Net, Inc.

Health Net's efforts to reduce disparities and advance health equity include several multipronged interventions within California. Its use of geospatial mapping helps target disparity-reduction efforts, access to care issues, and secure 95 percent of members' race and ethnicity data. Health Net established a Health Equity Advisory workgroup and implemented a disparity-reduction model utilizing a multidimensional approach to improving quality and delivery of care involving the community, provider, member and system-level touch points. Health Net's innovative Childhood Immunization Series initiative to increase immunization rates for Russian-speaking children in Sacramento County showed a compliance-rate increase of 7 percent. Also noteworthy was the Postpartum Project for African-American women in the Antelope Valley to improve postpartum visit rates by addressing the barriers around timely access to care and providing transportation to appointments for mothers and their children. This initiative showed a 40-percent gap reduction and increased compliance from 17 percent to 33 percent.

"Health equity exists when all people, regardless of race, gender, socio-economic status, geographic location, or other societal constructs have the same access, opportunity, and resources to achieve their highest potential for health. It is our hope that these companies provide an example and encourage other employers to advance health equity," said Marcotte.

About the National Business Group on Health

The National Business Group on Health is the nation's only non-profit organization devoted exclusively to representing large employers' perspective on national health policy issues and helping companies optimize business performance through health improvement, innovation and health care management. The Business Group leads initiatives to address the most relevant health care issues facing employers today and enables human resource and benefit leaders to learn, share and leverage best practices from the most progressive companies. Business Group members, which include 72 Fortune 100 companies, provide health coverage for more than 50 million U.S. workers, retirees and their families. For more information, visit www.businessgrouphealth.org.

Contact:

Ed Emerman

609 275 5162

eemerman@eaglepr.com




OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/30/17 -- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and the Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade today issued the following statement on securing continued access for Canadian pulses to India:

"Following representations to the Government of India and visits to Delhi earlier this month by both ministers, Canada has secured continued access to the Indian market for Canadian pulse exporters.

"India has granted a series of exemptions since 2004 to an import regulation regarding mandatory fumigation of imported crops, in recognition of Canada's cold climate. The end of the current exemption on March 31, 2017, had threatened to disrupt trade.

"This new exemption means that Canadian pulse exports leaving Canada on or before June 30, 2017, will not require fumigation in Canada. We will maintain on-going trade while officials on both sides continue to work towards a long-term, science-based solution.

"In 2016, pulse exports to India were worth over $1.1 billion and accounted for 27.5 percent of Canada's global pulse exports.

"Exports of Canadian pulses to India are a key aspect of Canada's bilateral trade relationship with India, helping make Canadian farmers more competitive at home and abroad.

"The Government of Canada has worked together with industry and provincial governments to secure this exemption with the Government of India which will benefit Canadians and Canadian farmers."

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada

Like us on Facebook: CanadianAgriculture

Global Affairs Canada

Follow us on Twitter: @CanadaTrade

Like us on Facebook: Canada's international trade - Global Affairs Canada

Contacts:

Guy Gallant

Director of Communications

Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay

613-773-1059



Media Relations

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Ottawa, Ontario

613-773-7972

1-866-345-7972



Media Relations Office

Global Affairs Canada

343-203-7700

media@international.gc.ca




AUSTIN, TX--(Marketwired - March 30, 2017) - Bridgepoint Consulting, a leading Texas-based finance, IT and management consulting firm, has named Kenneth Kase Conte as Director of its Turnaround & Restructuring practice in Dallas. Conte will help organizations realign themselves with new strategic plans, crisis management, dispute resolution, repositioning and divestiture.

Conte is a Chief Restructuring Officer (CRO) with deep experience in operations, due diligence, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate restructuring. Most recently, Conte has served as Chief Restructuring Officer for Backwoods Retail Inc.; consulting CFO for Universal Well Services through its Chapter 11 proceeding and CFO for Frontier Oilfield Services, Inc. through its restructuring. Prior experience includes Managing Director of an investment banking firm performing mergers and acquisitions (M&A), distressed company advisory services and capital raises as well as leadership roles in commercial banking.

"Ken's extensive background in M&A solutions and corporate restructuring across industries will play a key role in strengthening our firm's capabilities in the Dallas market," said Bill Patterson, Principal at Bridgepoint Consulting. "We're delighted he has joined our team."

Throughout his career, Conte has worked in a number of industries, including banking, manufacturing, oil services and retail. He has significant industry expertise, including banking, finance, private equity and corporate reorganizations. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting/Finance from Niagara University in NY and a Masters of Business Administration in Finance from the Simon School of Business at the University of Rochester, in NY. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

Bridgepoint Consulting has offices in Dallas, Houston and Austin. The firm has supported a broad range of clients including financial institutions, government organizations, law firms, family offices and corporations. Learn about the firm's Turnaround & Restructuring services. Additional information about Bridgepoint's services and solutions can be found here.

About Bridgepoint Consulting

Bridgepoint Consulting is a leading Texas-based professional services firm that provides strategic services and highly qualified professionals to solve complex financial, management and technology challenges. Since 1999, we've been helping executives and management teams reduce their business and operational risks, bridge resource gaps and improve overall performance. Whether an organization needs interim expertise to improve infrastructure and processes, or strategic management of a major transition or transaction, Bridgepoint's team of 140+ qualified professionals can help. The firm has offices in Austin, Dallas and Houston. For more information on Bridgepoint Consulting, please visit our website at www.BridgepointConsulting.com

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2017/3/28/11G134323/Images/Ken_Konte-crop-63c2b7de6d12ae1798d1932b64ba639a.jpg

Contact:

Gina Budd

Bridgepoint Consulting

Ph. 512-422-6571

gbudd@bridgepointconsulting.com
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/30/17 -- Alabama Graphite Corp. ("AGC" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: CSPG)(OTCQB: CSPGF)(FRANKFURT: 1AG) is pleased to announce that Crystal Equity Research, LLC ("Crystal Equity Research") has initiated equity analyst coverage on AGC. Crystal Equity Research is a US-based independent securities research and capital markets advisory firm with a particular interest in technology and innovations in renewable energy, producing and distributing research to investment banks, institutional investors, as well as professional and self-directed investors.

The initiation research report on AGC, dated March 2017, was written and produced by Crystal Equity Research's founder and Managing Director, Debra Fiakas, CFA, MBA, as an independent analysis of AGC's activities and progress.

The report is available upon request from Crystal Equity Research or can be accessed by visiting www.crystalequityresearch.com.

Crystal Equity Research, LLC Analyst: Debra Fiakas, CFA, MBA New York City, New York USA office: +1 212 400 7519 email: dfiakas@crystalequityresearch.com website: http://www.crystalequityresearch.com/

Additionally, as the Company announced on January 23, 2017 ('Alabama Graphite Corp. Announces Analyst Coverage Initiated by Stormcrow Capital Ltd.') and March 3, 2017 ('Alabama Graphite Corp. Announces Analyst Report Published by Edison Investment Research'), the following entities have published coverage on AGC in 2017:

Stormcrow Capital Ltd. Analyst: Dr. Jon Hykawy, MBA WaterPark Place 20 Bay Street 11th Floor Toronto, Ontario M5J 2N8 CANADA telephone: +1 416 848 4791 email: info@stormcrow.ca website: http://www.stormcrow.ca/ Edison Investment Research Inc. Analysts: Tom Hayes and Charles Gibson 280 High Holborn London WC1V 7EE United Kingdom telephone: +44 (0) 20 3077 5725 email: thayes@edisongroup.com website: http://www.edisoninvestmentresearch.com/

All reports on AGC prepared by analysts represent the views of such analysts and are not necessarily those of AGC. Although the Company has paid a fee to Crystal Equity Research LLC to provide its independent research opinion (just as fees are paid to bond-rating agencies and auditors for their opinions), the Company is not responsible for the content, accuracy or timelines contained in an analyst's report and the fee was not dependent on the opinion provided. In addition, readers should be aware, and are cautioned, that opinions, estimates, or forecasts contained in research analyst reports are not subject to the requirements of Canadian National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects" and have not received any endorsement or approval by AGC. As such, AGC does not imply or in any way represent that any of the reports, opinions, estimates, or forecasts regarding AGC made by research analysts complies with NI 43-101 or represent the opinions or beliefs of AGC or its management or representatives. In addition to information filed by AGC as found on SEDAR (www.sedar.com), readers should only refer to the technical report(s) of AGC relating to the Coosa Graphite Project for information about the project prepared in accordance with NI 43-101.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of ALABAMA GRAPHITE CORP.

Donald K. D. Baxter, P.Eng., President, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director

ABOUT ALABAMA GRAPHITE CORP.

Alabama Graphite Corp. is a Canadian-based flake graphite exploration and development company as well as an aspiring battery materials production and technology company. The Company operates through its wholly owned subsidiary, Alabama Graphite Company Inc. (a company registered in the state of Alabama). With an advancing flake graphite project in the United States of America, Alabama Graphite Corp intends to become a reliable, long-term U.S. supplier of specialty high-purity graphite products. A highly experienced team leads the Company with more than 100 years of combined graphite mining, graphite processing, specialty graphite products and applications, and graphite sales experience. Alabama Graphite Corp. is focused on the exploration and development of its flagship Coosa Graphite Project in Coosa County, Alabama, and its Bama Mine Project in Chilton County, Alabama as well the research and development of its proprietary manufacturing and technological processing process of battery materials.

Alabama Graphite Corp. holds a 100% interest in the mineral rights for these two U.S.-based graphite projects, which are both located on private land. The two projects encompass more than 43,000 acres and are located in a geopolitically stable, mining-friendly jurisdiction with significant historical production of crystalline flake graphite in the flake graphite belt of central Alabama, also known as the Alabama Graphite Belt (source: U.S. Bureau of Mines). A significant portion of the Alabama deposits are characterized by graphite-bearing material that is oxidized and has been weathered into extremely soft rock. Both projects have infrastructure in place, are within close proximity to major highways, rail, power and water, and are approximately three hours (by truck or train) to the Port of Mobile, the Alabama Port Authority's deep-seawater port and the ninth largest port by tonnage in the United States (source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/USACE). The state of Alabama's hospitable climate allows for year-round mining operations and the world's largest marble quarry (which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in Sylacauga, Alabama), is located within a 30-minute drive of the Coosa Graphite Project.

On November 30, 2015, Alabama Graphite Corp. announced the results of PEA for the Coosa Graphite Project, indicating a potentially low-cost project with potential positive economics. Please refer to the Company's technical report titled "Alabama Graphite Corp. Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) on the Coosa graphite Project, Alabama, USA" dated November 27, 2015, prepared by independent engineering firms AGP Mining Consultants Inc. and Metal Mining Consultants Inc., and filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Note: a preliminary economic assessment is preliminary in nature, it includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized.

(i) Inferred Mineral Resources represent material that is considered too speculative to be included in economic evaluations. Additional trenching and/or drilling will be required to convert Inferred Mineral Resources to Measured or Indicated Mineral Resources. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no guarantee that all or any part of the Mineral Resource will be converted into a Mineral Reserve.

Alabama Graphite Corp. is a proud member of the National Association of Advanced Technology Batteries International ("NAATBatt International"), a U.S.-based, not-for-profit trade association commercializing advanced electrochemical energy-storage technology for emerging, high-tech applications.

For further information and updates on the Company or to sign up for Alabama Graphite Corp. News, please visit www.alabamagraphite.com or follow, like and subscribe to us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"), which may include, without limitation, statements with respect to any potential relationships between the Company and any end users and/or the DoD. The forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management and reflect Alabama Graphite Corp.'s current expectations. When used in this press release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current view of Alabama Graphite Corp. with respect to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other actors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among other things, the interpretation and actual results of current exploration activities; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; future prices of graphite; possible variations in grade or recovery rates; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; the failure of contracted parties to perform; labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of exploration, as well as those factors disclosed in the Company's publicly filed documents. Forward-looking statements are also based on a number of assumptions, including that contracted parties provide goods and/or services on the agreed timeframes, that equipment necessary for exploration is available as scheduled and does not incur unforeseen breakdowns, that no labor shortages or delays are incurred, that plant and equipment function as specified, that no unusual geological or technical problems occur, and that laboratory and other related services are available and perform as contracted. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and Alabama Graphite Corp. undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements (unless required by law) if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. Alabama Graphite Corp. cautions that the foregoing list of material factors and assumptions are not exhaustive. When relying on Alabama Graphite Corp. forward-looking statements to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and assumptions and other uncertainties and potential events.

Alabama Graphite Corp. has also assumed that the material factors and assumptions will not cause any forward-looking statements to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors and assumptions is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICE PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

Website - LinkedIn - Facebook - Twitter - YouTube

Contacts:

Alabama Graphite Corp.

Ann-Marie M. Pamplin

Vice President, Investor Relations

+1 (416) 309 8641

apamplin@alabamagraphite.com




DUBLIN, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The new research portal will provide visitors with unparalleled access to company research on Toyota, alongside comprehensive market research on their position within the global automotive industry.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160330/349511LOGO )



Toyota is one of the featured companies in the Global Automotive Aftermarket Products Market report. The automotive aftermarket products are the vehicle parts, chemicals, equipment, and accessories which are manufactured, distributed, retailed and installed after the sale of the automobile by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to the consumer. The market was valued at $643.10 billion in 2016 and is estimated to reach $847.15 billion by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period.

"Toyota is a leading player within the automotive aftermarket products market and the new portal provides easy access to information on their performance as a company and their impact on the overall automotive industry," says Ross Glover, CEO of Research and Markets.

For more information visit: http://www.researchandmarkets.com/companies/toyota-motor-corporation?cid=vc4frw

About Research and Markets

Research and Markets is the world's leading market research store.

With more than 1.5 million research resources, we deliver the largest collection of business information products on the market. We offer the most in-depth market analysis across a multitude of industries. Our products provide clients with an unrivalled understanding of their chosen market. No matter how specialist your field, we have the insights and market data to help you make efficient and effective decisions.

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


Agents from Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) in Bukovyna have raided the Defense of National Minorities organization, which was created using money provided by Russian agents. The organization disseminated anti-Ukrainian propaganda, according to the SBU's press service.

During a briefing in Kyiv on Wednesday, chief of the SBU's information protection department Viktor Kononenko said law-enforcement officers documented how the head of the fake organization popularized ideas of the so-called "separatism of Halychyna": they distributed materials calling for an economic and political independence of special western Ukrainian regions.

"The head of the group prepared and published articles supporting militant organizations in the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People's republics, as well as the anti-Ukrainian policies of the Russian Federation internationally," the SBU statement said.

A criminal case pursuant to Part 1 of Article 110 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violating the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine was opened and SBU agents searched the residence of the head of the organization. SBU agents seized materials, including electronic records of pro-Russian activists in Ukraine and other countries.

Electronic correspondence showed leaders of the group were planning to organize public events involving European politicians to create an "image" for television media about so-called discrimination in Ukraine against national minorities and the need to expand their rights.
SAN JOSE, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/30/17 -- OneSpin Solutions, provider of innovative formal verification solutions for error-free digital integrated circuits (ICs), will travel in April to the U.K. for Verification Futures 2017 Europe (VF2017 Europe) and Silicon Valley for CDNLive.

At the end of April, OneSpin heads to China for DVCon China and Taiwan for the Accellera Taiwan Forum for System Level Verification & Design.

At each stop, OneSpin will demonstrate its four comprehensive design verification solutions -- Quantify Fault Observation Coverage, SystemC/C++ Formal Verification Environment, Equivalence Checking-Field Programmable Gate Array (EC-FPGA) and Safety Critical Analysis and Diagnostic coverage.

VF2017 Europe, a one-day conference, exhibition and industry networking event organized by Test and Verification Solutions (T&VS), will be held Thursday, April 6, at the Holiday Inn in Reading, U.K. Dr. Ashish Darbari, director of product management for OneSpin Solutions, a Gold Sponsor of VF2017 Europe, will present "RedisCovering Coverage: Indeed, the Grass is Greener on the Other Side." Dr. Darbari will describe OneSpin's coverage solution and explain why it is the only solution to address the coverage problem.

OneSpin will exhibit at Cadence's CDNLive in the Designer Expo Tuesday, April 11, from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at the Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara, Calif., and at DVCon China Wednesday, April 19. The inaugural DVCon China will be held at the Parkyard Hotel Shanghai in Shanghai, China. Exhibit hours are 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Colin Mason, sales manager for OneSpin, will present "The Formal Verification Ecosystem Extending to SystemC/C++ during the Accellera Taiwan Forum for System Level Verification & Design Friday, April 21. OneSpin is a Silver Sponsor. The event will be held at Ambassador Hotel Hsinchu in Hsinchu City, Taiwan.

For more information about OneSpin Solutions, its demonstrated formal technology leadership and range of advanced verification solutions, visit: www.onespin.com

About OneSpin Solutions

OneSpin Solutions has established itself as a leader in formal verification through a range of advanced electronic design automation (EDA) solutions for digital integrated circuits. Headquartered in Munich, Germany, OneSpin is passionate about enabling users to address design challenges in areas where reliability really counts: safety-critical verification, SystemC/C++ high-level synthesis (HLS) code analysis and FPGA equivalence checking. Its advanced formal verification platform and dedication to getting it right the first time have fueled dramatic growth over the past four years as it forges partnerships with leading electronics companies to pursue design perfection. OneSpin: Making Electronics Reliable.

OneSpin, OneSpin Solutions, OneSpin 360, and the OneSpin logo are trademarks of OneSpin Solutions GmbH. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Engage with OneSpin at:

Website: www.OneSpin.com

Twitter: @OneSpinSolution

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onespin-solutions

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OneSpin-455744211156240/

For more information, contact:

Nanette Collins

Public Relations for OneSpin Solutions

(617) 437-1822

Email Contact



Annette Bley

Public Relations for OneSpin Solutions

+44 (0)20 7482 4800

Email Contact




PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL -- (Marketwired) -- 03/30/17 -- Fulcrum Partners LLC, one of the nation's largest executive benefits advisories, has joined the BDO Alliance USA, a nationwide association of independently owned local and regional accounting, consulting and service firms with similar client service goals. As an independent member of the BDO Alliance USA, Fulcrum Partners is positioned to expand its services, drawing on the resources of BDO USA, LLP, one of the nation's leading professional services firms, and other Alliance members.

"We believe the executive benefits consultants at Fulcrum Partners share BDO's commitment to exemplary client service," said Michael Horwitz, BDO USA, LLP, Partner and Executive Director of Alliance Services, "and we want to welcome them into the BDO Alliance USA."

The BDO Alliance USA enhances its Member firm capabilities through the availability of supplementary professional services, comprehensive management consulting services, focused industry knowledge, customized state-of-the-art computer systems and internal training programs.

Scott Cahill, Managing Director Fulcrum Partners, said, "We are a wholly independent, member-owned firm, dedicated to helping our clients enhance their Total Rewards Strategy. For over a decade we have leveraged our firm's intellectual capital, experience and broad multidisciplinary industry relationships in serving our clients. Now, as an independent member of the BDO Alliance USA, we can significantly increase our resources and relationships, adding access to the technical knowledge and specialty services of BDO USA."

Fulcrum Partners' Managing Director Bruce Brownell observed, "Over the past 15 months our company has increased its management staff and invested in substantial technology upgrades. Becoming an independent member of the BDO Alliance USA allows Fulcrum Partners to also build powerful relationships with firms across the country, which is a perfect fit for our aggressive growth plan."

Find out more about the Fulcrum Partners executive benefits advisory team at www.fulcrumpartnersllc.com/team/.

About Fulcrum Partners LLC

Fulcrum Partners LLC (www.fulcrumpartnersllc.com) is one of the nation's leading and largest executive benefits consultancies. Founded in 2007, today the company has offices in Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; Charleston, South Carolina; Columbus, Ohio; Delray Beach, Florida; Honolulu, Hawaii; Houston, Texas; Los Angeles and Newport Beach, California; Orlando, Florida; Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida; Portland, Oregon; and Washington D.C.

Securities offered through Registered Representatives of ValMark Securities, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC, 130 Springside Drive, Suite 300, Akron, OH 44333-2431, 1-800-765-5201. Investment Advisory Services offered through ValMark Advisers, Inc., which is a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Fulcrum Partners LLC is a separate entity from ValMark Securities, Inc. and ValMark Advisers, Inc.

About the BDO Alliance USA

The BDO Alliance USA is a nationwide association of independently owned local and regional accounting, consulting and service firms with similar client service goals. The BDO Alliance USA presents an opportunity for these firms, by accessing the resources of BDO USA, LLP and other Alliance members, to expand services to their clients without jeopardizing their existing relationships or their autonomy. The BDO Alliance USA was developed to provide Member firms with an alternative strategy for gaining competitive advantage in the face of a changing business landscape. The Alliance represents an opportunity for BDO to enhance relationships with reputable firms that share a mutual business understanding. The BDO Alliance USA is a subsidiary of BDO USA, LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership.

About BDO USA, LLP

For more than 100 years, BDO has provided quality service through the active involvement of experienced and committed professionals. The firm serves clients through more than 60 offices and 500 independent Alliance firm locations nationwide. As an independent Member Firm of BDO International Limited, BDO serves multi-national clients through a global network of more than 1,400 offices in over 150 countries. BDO USA, LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership, is the U.S. member of BDO International Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, and forms part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. BDO is the brand name for the BDO network and for each of the BDO Member Firms.

CONTACT:



Bruce Brownell

904.296.2563

press@fulcrumpartnersllc.com




Teleperformance Celebrates 10 Years in the Chinese Market

Regulatory News:

Teleperformance (Paris:RCF), the worldwide leader in outsourced omnichannel customer experience management, today announced the expansion of its Chinese operations into Kunming and soon to Foshan. In China, Teleperformance now has 20 sites and over 5,500 employees offering services in 13 languages and dialects.

With the launch of Kunming, together with expansion of existing Beijing, Nanning, Xi'an facilities, Teleperformance China offers a comprehensive multilingual solutions hub to cover Greater China, Japan, Korea and the South East Asia region.

"In 2017, we estimate Teleperformance's rank will lead the pack among all global players and to see a healthy boost in market share, said David Rizzo, President, Teleperformance Asia Pacific. Teleperformance is outperforming local competition thanks to best-in-class practices, processes, tools and security."

The opening of the Foshan facility, in April 2017, will make Teleperformance China the most complete language solution in its market. The Cantonese market operation, plus the typical Mandarin language capability, allow it to provide customers with even more complex services.

"Teleperformance is making rapid progress in the Chinese market as we enter our second decade of operations there, said Paulo Cesar Salles Vasques, Worldwide Chief Executive Officer, Teleperformance Group. We are the most established global customer management provider in the China Market Teleperformance serves more major multinationals than any other provider which positions us very well for major growth opportunities."

ABOUT TELEPERFORMANCE

Teleperformance (RCF ISIN: FR0000051807 Reuters: ROCH.PA Bloomberg: RCF FP), the worldwide leader in outsourced omnichannel customer experience management, serves companies and administrations around the world, with customer care, technical support, customer acquisition (Core Services), as well as with online interpreting solutions, visa application management services, data analysis and debt collection programs (Specialized Services). In 2016, Teleperformance reported consolidated revenue of 3,649 million (US$4,050 million, based on 1 $1.11).

The Group operates 163,000 computerized workstations, with 217,000 employees across 340 contact centers in 74 countries and serving 160 markets. It manages programs in 265 languages and dialects on behalf of major international companies operating in a wide variety of industries.

Teleperformance shares are traded on the Euronext Paris market, Compartment A, and are eligible for the deferred settlement service. They are included in the following indices: STOXX 600, SBF 120, Next 150, CAC Mid 60 and CAC Support Services. They also have been included in the Euronext Vigeo Eurozone 120 index since December 2015, with regard to the Group's performance in corporate responsibility.

For more information: www.teleperformance.com Follow us on Twitter: @teleperformance

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170330005921/en/

Contacts:

Teleperformance

PRESS RELATIONS

MARK PFEIFFER, Phone: 1 801-257-5811

mark.pfeiffer@teleperformance.com

or

INVESTOR RELATIONS

QUY NGUYEN-NGOC, SVETLANA SAVIN

Phone: +33 1 53 83 59 87/59 15

investor@teleperformance.com
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Carl's Jr., the fast-food chain popular for its racy ads, has made changes to its advertising policy, with new ads to concentrate more on product attributes than bikini-clad models. For years, Carl's Jr. and Hardee's TV ads featured sexy models, including Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, Emily Ratajkowski, Sara Jean Underwood, and Kate Upton. These ads from the company have been severely criticized for objectifying women and with several boycott campaigns launched. However, in the new ad, Carl Hardee Sr., the founder of Carl's Jr., returns to take control of the company after trusting the company to his son for a few years. 'Carl Sr. is back to focus on what we do best: making damn tasty food. Say goodbye to women in tiny bathing suits; now it's all about grass-fed beef, hand-breaded chicken tenders, made-from-scratch biscuits and bacon on pretty much near everything. We're Carl's Jr. and Hardee's. See why we're Pioneers of the Great American Burger,' says the description of the company's ad on YouTube. Actually, before his death in 2008, Karcher had objected to the sexualized nature of the company's advertising. 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.
Technavio's latest report on the global plasma freezer marketprovides an analysis on the most important trends expected to impact the market outlook from 2017-2021. Technavio defines an emerging trend as a factor that has the potential to significantly impact the market and contribute to its growth or decline.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170330005445/en/

Technavio has announced the release of their 'Global Plasma Freezer Market 2017-2021' report. (Graphic: Business Wire)

The research study by Technavio on the global plasma freezer market for 2017-2021 provides detailed industry analysis based on end-users (standalone blood banks, hospitals, and research laboratories and institutions) and geography (the Americas, EMEA, and APAC).

Plasma freezers are designed to store blood and plasma at temperatures as low as-80C. Technavio analysts forecast the global plasma freezers market to grow to USD 991.2 million by 2021, at a CAGR of almost 4% over the forecast period. Standalone blood banks catering to the high demand for blood for blood transfusions are the leading end-users of plasma freezers.

Looking for more research on this report? Request a free sample report

Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report including the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more.

The top three emerging trends driving the global plasma freezer market according to Technavio research analysts are:

Increase in public and private funding to establish blood banks

Emphasis on energy efficient plasma freezers

Choice of customization and features

Increase in public and private funding to establish blood banks

"Public-private partnerships help the blood banks with the high upfront capital investments required. The establishment of blood banks requires advanced blood screening analyzers, plasma freezers and refrigerators, reagents, handling of these products, and proper storagesays Amber Chourasia, a lead analyst at Technavio for lab equipment research.

Public-private fund programs also provide the added benefit to the governments by reducing their economic burden. For instance, the Precious Cells and Croydon Health Services NHS Trust provides training to the staff of Croydon Health Services NHS Trust to handle the cord blood products from the new-born babies born there.

Emphasis on energy efficient plasma freezers

Plasma freezer manufacturers are always focusing on minimizing their energy consumption while maintaining a low global warming potential. The current plasma freezers are mandated to have minimum global warming potential, an ozone depleting potential of zero, and be non-toxic as well as inflammable. Manufacturers are developing technologies to maximize reliability, temperature uniformity, and efficiency, while minimizing the released heat and energy consumption. The introduction of environmentally friendly plasma freezers is expected to create new demand in the market.

Choice of customization and features

"The rising demand for customization and versatility has given rise to modular freezers and accessories. These devices allow for independent temperature control within the same equipment while making it easier to maintain and replace internal componentssays Amber.

The increased level of customization allows customers to choose the layout and the number of trays within the chamber, while still maintaining the overall exterior design and performance of the freezer. Users can also include rollout baskets, solid stainless steel drawers, and full-size shelves which are very attractive to prospective buyers.

Browse Related Reports:

Global Gel Documentation Systems Market 2017-2021

Global Biomedical Refrigerator and Freezer Market 2016-2020

Global Immunohematology Market 2016-2020

Become a Technavio Insights member and access all three of these reports for a fraction of their original cost. As a Technavio Insights member, you will have immediate access to new reports as they're published in addition to all 6,000+ existing reports covering segments like **3 related L2 and hyperlink**. This subscription nets you thousands in savings, while staying connected to Technavio's constant transforming research library, helping you make informed business decisions more efficiently.

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. The company develops over 2000 pieces of research every year, covering more than 500 technologies across 80 countries. Technavio has about 300 analysts globally who specialize in customized consulting and business research assignments across the latest leading edge technologies.

Technavio analysts employ primary as well as secondary research techniques to ascertain the size and vendor landscape in a range of markets. Analysts obtain information using a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, besides using in-house market modeling tools and proprietary databases. They corroborate this data with the data obtained from various market participants and stakeholders across the value chain, including vendors, service providers, distributors, resellers, and end-users.

If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170330005445/en/

Contacts:

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media Marketing Executive

US: +1 630 333 9501

UK: +44 208 123 1770

www.technavio.com
As market participants in South Africa wait for the final results of the country's fourth round of the successful REIPPP tender program for large-scale solar PV to be announced in early April, this week's Solar Show Africa, part of the 20th Power & Electricity World Africa 2017 in Johannesburg, showed a growing diversification of solar PV in this leading African market.pv magazine met with South Africa's leading PV distributor Rubicon on the final day of the two-day exhibition and conference. Rubicon's Technical Director Nick Roche pointed to the company's success in the commercial and industrial (C&I) market, which he forecasts to grow to 250 MW this year, which would be more than double the annual figure for 2015. Off-grid systems also show strong growth, and in some cases there is an overlap with C&I installations. Luxury safari lodges, for example, are often in remote locations and are therefore a combination of C&I and off-grid. Rubicon was the first distributor to partner with Tesla to bring Tesla's Powerwall to the local market. While the battery and electric car manufacturer's initial Powerwall 1 did not feature the capabilities required for off-grid applications, Tesla's Powerwall 2 is a perfect fit for projects like off-grid safari lodges. On the residential side, the country's national utility Eskom has not taken the leadership role it has shown on the REIPPP (Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement) front. With 4 GW awarded to date and an overall investment of $14 billion, the REIPPP program stands out as Africa's leading solar PV program. And at The Solar Show Africa conference this week, Mr. Chidi Izuwah, Executive Director, Support Services Department of Nigeria's Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, called on governments in other African countries to make REIPPP a model other parts of Africa should follow. On ...

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WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Even with a deadline looming at the end of next month, House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., has expressed confidence that there will not be another government shutdown. 'We're not gonna have a government shutdown,' Ryan said in an interview with 'CBS This Morning' co-host Norah O'Donnell that aired on Thursday. 'The president doesn't want to have a government shutdown,' he added. 'It's funding from April 28th to September 30th.' The guarantee from Ryan comes as a continuing resolution funding the federal government expires on April 28th. In an effort to avoid a shutdown, Ryan indicated the bill to fund the government would not include some controversial provisions. Ryan said the spending bill would not include funding for President Donald Trump's promised wall along the border with Mexico. The speaker said that money for the wall would instead be included in next fiscal year's appropriations, because 'they literally can't start construction even this quickly.' A provision defunding Planned Parenthood would also be absent from the bill, with Ryan saying Republicans will instead seek to defund the women's healthcare provider through the budget reconciliation process. Noting that reconciliation would require only 50 votes in the Senate to defund Planned Parenthood, Ryan described it as 'the smart way to go.' 'It takes 60 votes to defund Planned Parenthood in the Senate if you go through appropriations,' Ryan said. 'I don't think there are 60 votes.' Ryan's confidence in the ability to avoid a government shutdown comes even though fractures within the Republican Party prevented the GOP from passing their plan to repeal and replace Obamacare. 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.
The Clinical Data Interchange Standards Consortium (CDISC) is pleased to announce the participation of high-level representatives from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), the Japan Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), and the Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO) at the 2017 CDISC Europe Interchange. Participating global regulators will provide discussion around regulatory requirements for use of the CDISC standards that went into effect at the end of last year. Also participating in the conference will be CDISC experts and innovators from industry and academia. This educational and networking conference will be held 24-28 April in London, England

"The CDISC Europe Interchange brings together representatives from organizations interested in ensuring that clinical research data 'speaks the same language, empowering simple data collection and sharing, improving medical research, regulatory science, and the development of therapies, all in the effort to foster smarter research to unlock cures for patients," said Dr. Nicole Harmon, CDISC COO. "The event will provide a venue to discuss the successes, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration among stakeholders in Europe and around the globe, who are developing and implementing clinical research data standards and streamlining the biomedical research process."

The 2017 Europe Interchange will include case studies and best practices around development and implementation of new and upcoming CDISC Therapeutic Area (TA) standards, including information on FDA-supported CDISC TA standards, which were included in the recently released U.S. FDA Study Data Technical Conformance Guide. These standards make it possible to share and compare data across studies and analyze clinical research findings to streamline development of medicines and treatments for specific disease areas.

Keynoting the 2017 Europe Interchange will be Dr. Hans-Georg Eichler, Senior Medical Officer at the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Dr. Eichler is responsible for coordinating activities between the EMA's scientific committees and giving advice on scientific and public health issues. Also presenting a keynote address will be Laura Merson, Associate Director of the Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO). At the IDDO, Laura leads new initiatives in data sharing for emerging infections and neglected tropical diseases. As an executive member of the International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infections Consortium (ISARIC), Laura has been integral in the development of standardized, open-access research protocols and data systems designed for outbreak response in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).

"I am looking forward to an exciting Europe Interchange with plenty of opportunity to network with industry colleagues," stated Peter Van Reusel, Chairman of the European CDISC Coordinating Committee (E3C). "There will be interesting and novel viewpoints on both the creation and implementation of data standards in our environment today and tomorrow."

CDISC is grateful to all those who contribute to making CDISC Interchanges possible. CDISC extends special gratitude to Accenture for its fourth year Global Diamond sponsorship and to Omnicomm for their Global Ruby sponsorship of CDISC Interchanges. To learn more about this conference and ways to become involved with CDISC, please visit the Europe Interchange page on the CDISC website.

ABOUT CDISC

CDISC is a 501(c)(3) global, non-profit organization that develops data standards to foster smarter research and enable connections to healthcare. CDISC standards allow data to speak the same language, by providing common formats for data collection, data sharing and data analyses to make the most of the valuable information offered by patients participating in research studies around the globe, enabling researchers to discover new treatments, find breakthroughs, and unlock cures. CDISC standards are required for regulatory submissions to the U.S. FDA and Japan PMDA, are endorsed by the China CFDA, and are requested for use by the European Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI). The suite of CDISC standards is freely available on the CDISC website.

CDISC is funded through the generous support of over 400 member organizations from pharmaceutical, biotech, clinical research organizations, regulatory agencies, academia, and healthcare, as well as through grants, authorized CDISC Education courses, events and charitable contributions. To find out more about how to support CDISC and get involved, please visit www.cdisc.org and www.unlockcures.org.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170330006039/en/

Contacts:

CDISC

Andrea Vadakin, +1-316-558-0160

avadakin@cdisc.org
Cash position of 9.3 million, and net loss down 1% to 6.3 million

Strategic focus on high value-added applications in the healthcare, nutrition, and cosmetics fields

The operational and legal reorganisation has been completed, via acquiring full control of DEINOBIOTICS, and the reorganisation of the Board of Directors.

Regulatory News:

DEINOVE (Paris:ALDEI) (Alternext Paris: ALDEI), a biotechnology company that discovers, develops, and produces high-value added compounds from rare bacteria, including Deinococcus bacteria, announced today that its Board of Directors had reviewed and approved the 2016 annual financial statements. Furthermore, the Board has convened the General Meeting on 16 May 2017

The net loss in 2016 was 6,279k, compared with a loss of 6,356k in the previous year. Income for the year increased, thanks to the completion of various milestones in the R&D programmes, and to the progress of the collaborative projects, while operating expenses remained unchanged.

The net cash position amounted to +9.3 million at 31 December 2016, compared with +12.4 million at 31 December 2015. DEINOVE received 3.4m in milestone payments from Bpifrance and ADEME (the French Environment and Energy Management Agency) during the 2016 financial year, as well as a total of 1.6m in R&D Tax Credit (CIR) for 2015. The Company also raised 0.8m via the equity line funding arranged with Kepler Cheuvreux in December 2014. DEINOVE believes that it has the necessary cash resources to guarantee its financing until the end of the 1st quarter of 2018, without resorting to Tranches 3 and 4 of the equity line funding.

The strategic decision to focus the Company's business activities on higher value-added applications in the healthcare, nutrition, and cosmetics sectors was reflected in two major operating changes:

The merger of R&D operations between DEINOVE and its subsidiary DEINOBIOTICS aimed at researching new antibiotics. The teams are now fully operational, while the acquisition of a 100% interest in DEINOBIOTICS was finalised in early 2017.

Meanwhile, the bio-ethanol (biofuel) research programme was suspended, as this commodity product has been negatively affected by the low oil price level.

"After assuming the chairmanship in January, I was impressed by the responsiveness and resilience of DEINOVE's teams in 2016, when challenges were redefined, operations reorganised, employees reassigned and programmes launched, this in less than 6 months," saidCharlesWoler, the Chairman of DEINOVE. "DEINOVE is therefore beginning 2017 with a new look: the operational and legal integration of DEINOBIOTICS has been completed, while the reorganisation of the Board of Directors, where the members' backgrounds are now much more focused on pharmaceuticals and specialty markets, adds the finishing touch to this change."

Emmanuel Petiot, DEINOVE's Chief Executive Officer, added: "The speed at which synergies between DEINOVE and DEINOBIOTICS have emerged, together with the development of our industrial specialty projects in both the animal nutrition and cosmetics sectors over the past few months, has emphasised the sense of the decision that we took in December last year. Furthermore, this decision has been understood and encouraged by all of our partners. It was in keeping with both the economic environment and a major healthcare need. The threat posed to world health by increasing resistance to antibiotics is such that we are confident in our ability to find financial support for our developments. Our teams are motivated, and focused on achieving fast results. They are already working on discovering new antibiotics that will genuinely make a difference."

SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA

( '000s) 2016 2015 Total operating revenues 793 492 Total operating costs 8,486 8,457 o/w R&D costs 6,608 6,590 o/w G&A costs 1,877 1,867 Operating profit loss -7,692 -7,965 Financial result 15 -14 Current pre-tax profit loss -7,677 -7,979 Non-recurring items 283 -10 Income tax (R&D Tax Credit) -1,115 -1,633 Profit loss for the year -6,279 -6,356 Net financial position 9,316 12,432 o/w financial investments1 0 0 o/w term deposits (maturity 1 year) 0 0 o/w cash instruments (maturity 3 months) 0 0 o/w cash on hand 9,316 12,432 (o/w financial debt) 0 0 Total assets 13,904 17,327 TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 11,748 14,593 o/w equity 2,570 8,096 o/w conditional advances 9,178 6,497 1 Excluding the liquidity agreement items (cash and treasury shares), deposits guarantees, and ongoing security purchase costs.

FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE 2016 FINANCIAL YEAR

The 2016 net result is a net loss of 6,279k, which was a slight improvement compared with the loss of 6,356k in 2015.

Operating income

DEINOVE received 793k in operating income (492k in 2015), which came from invoices relating to collaborative research agreements with industrial partners, and from grants from Bpifrance relating to achieving the 4th key milestone in the DEINOL Programme, as well as for the World Innovation Competition, where the Company received an award for its DEINOPLAST Programme.

Meanwhile, operating costs remained stable at 8,486k (8,457k in 2015). The sub-contracting expenses relating to the research programmes decreased, while operating expenses (primarily rents and salaries) increased, in line with the extension of the laboratories (in late 2015) and the rise in the headcount (average increase of 3 FTEs).

R&D expenditure accounted for 78% of total operating costs, a level that was equivalent to the one in 2015.

Net income

Net financial income showed a positive balance of 15k compared with a loss of 14k in 2015. It specifically included a negative balance of 31k relating to the liquidity agreement, and a positive balance of 50k from interest on investments and bonds.

Non-recurring items showed a gain of 283k, compared with a loss of 10k in 2015, and were primarily generated by the recognition of exceptional income (224k) relating to a write-off of receivables by Bpifrance following the acknowledgement that the DEINOPHARM Programme had failed, together with a capital gain of 50k resulting from the disposal of shares in CARBIOS on the market.

Corporate income tax related almost exclusively to R&D Tax Credit. The Company has estimated that credit at 1,115k compared with 1,641k in 2015. This difference is primarily explained by the fact that the Company received more public funding in 2016.

FINANCIAL POSITION

The financial needs during the year primarily concerned operating expenditure, which amounted to 7,750k (excluding provisions for depreciation amounts), and investments in equipment and software, which amounted to 770k. DEINOVE also granted a 500k loan to DEINOBIOTICS SAS, via the subscription to ordinary bonds.

The Company received public funding (from ADEME and Bpifrance) amounting to 3,352k, and a R&D Tax Credit of 1,641k over the same period, and raised 780k (net of fees) via the equity line funding arranged with KEPLER CHEUVREUX in December 2014.

The Company's net financial position amounted to 9.3 million at 31 December 2016. DEINOVE believes that it has the necessary resources to ensure its financing until the end of the 1st quarter of 2018, without recourse to Tranches 3 and 4 of the equity line funding arranged in December 2014.

HIGHLIGHTS

DEINOVE continued to make the most of its strain bank, to develop its metabolic and fermentation engineering platform, and to advance its research programmes during the financial year.

Strategic focus and new organisational structure

Strategic focus

At its meeting on 27 September 20161, the Board of Directors decided to focus Deinove's business activities, and to concentrate its resources on high value-added applications in the healthcare, nutrition, and cosmetics sectors, with the aim of getting closer to the generation of income. This decision was specifically reflected in:

The reorganisation of DEINOVE's R&D teams in order to incorporate the operations relating to the DEINOBIOTICS Programme;

The acquisition of 100% of the shares in DEINOBIOTICS SAS by DEINOVE via a contribution in kind and a corresponding capital increase. This transaction was completed on 5 January 2017 (See post-balance sheet events);

The allocation of DEINOVE's other resources to continuing the development of carotenoids (Deinochem Project), programmes conducted in partnership with Avril and Flint Hills Resources, and other collaborative programmes, with the primary goal of generating income within as short a time frame as possible;

The launch of an extensive programme involving the screening of DEINOVE's strain library, which is expected to lead to the identification of specialty compounds in the healthcare, nutrition, and cosmetics sectors.

Operational integration of Deinobiotics

Cooperation between DEINOVE and DEINOBIOTICS was increased following this decision. A portion of the DEINOVE teams is now dedicated to identifying and developing antibiotic leads, with the main goals of:

Reinforcing the strain library by gathering and classifying new rare bacteria;

Identifying strains that are of interest in terms of their antibiotic activity;

Molecular biology, in order to optimise the strains and the compounds to meet the needs of DEINOBIOTICS' pharmaceutical teams;

Optimising the fermentation processes for strains that are of interest, and producing samples for effectiveness and pharmacology tests;

Developing protocols for extracting and purifying the compounds produced.

The DEINOVE teams are working closely with the DEINOBIOTICS teams and the Charles Viollette Institute (Lille 1 Science and Technology University), which are meanwhile responsible for:

Identifying the chemical structures of antibiotics of interest, in order to assess their innovative nature and their action mechanism;

Optimising molecules via enzymology and/or medicinal chemistry;

Assessing the antibacterial and anti-fungal effects, and the non-toxicity of the molecules identified, including conducting in vitro and in vivo tests.

1 Press release dated 29 September 2016.

This new organisational structure has been fully operational since late 2016.

Progress of the programmes

Antibiotics Programme (DEINOBIOTICS)

In 2016, the DEINOBIOTICS subsidiary identified a first candidate that displays a particularly interesting spectrum of activity and a novel chemical structure. This candidate has been the subject of two patent applications (See post-balance sheet events), which have been published, and is currently being optimised and assessed.

Research is continuing in order to identify other innovative antibiotic molecules using the strain library, in order to build a true pipeline effectively addressing the concern of multi-resistance. A preclinical project manager, Dr. Bernard Scorneaux, has been hired in order to coordinate the development of new drug candidates (See post-balance sheet events).

Carotenoid Programme (Deinochem)

In February 2016, DEINOVE announced that it had extended the number of target molecules, which now include five carotenoids produced at the lab scale, and yields that have been improved by a factor of 6 to 8 depending on the molecule2. The Company aims to market its first batches of target compounds in 2018.

DEINOVE announced that it had validated the 2nd key milestone of the Carotenoid Programme in June, which gave rise to the payment by ADEME of a repayable advance of 1.5m3. The deliverables achieved confirmed the progress made in the development of Deinococcus strains that are hyperproductive of carotenoids.

DEINOVE also announced that it had validated the 3rd key milestone of the Carotenoid Programme in December, which gave rise to the payment by ADEME of a repayable advance of 0.8m4. This new key milestone validates the technical progress made in developing the carotenoid production process. The target thresholds for productivity and yield have been reached using optimized Deinococcus strains on the laboratory scale.

Accordingly, DEINOVE announced in November that it had selected Processium, an industrial process engineering firm headquartered in Lyon that works in the chemistry and biotech fields5. The experts at Processium will have three major missions with DEINOVE:

finalising and validating an industrial process for extracting carotenoids from the fermentation medium, in order to obtain a marketable product;

transposing the production process developed by Deinove from the laboratory to industrial production;

identifying and selecting sub-contractors who can start production quickly.

2 Press release dated 8 February 2016.

3 Press release dated 14 June 2016.

4 Press release dated 14 December 2016.

5 Press release dated 14 November 2016.

Indeed, DEINOVE is aiming to market carotenoids directly to industrial companies in its target markets, but is not planning to develop its own manufacturing tool, and prefers to sub-contract production, including the large-scale fermentation, extraction, purification, and formulation stages.

Muconic Acid Programme (Deinoplast)

DEINOVE won the first phase of the second edition of the Worldwide Innovation Challenge for its R&D program Deinoplast (biobased production of muconic acid), and was therefore awarded a grant of 200k6

The World Innovation Competition was launched by the French Government in 2013, in order to enable the emergence of innovative projects in sectors that are strategic for France. Deinoplast was selected in the "Plant protein-based food products and new biobased materials" topic.

This award recognises the quality of DEINOVE's technology platform, and its innovative nature.

2 G Biofuels Programme (Deinol)

Following the Board of Directors' decision to suspend the Deinol R&D programme dedicated to 2G biofuels, the various partnerships relating to this programme were terminated, including the partnerships with Abengoa, SUEZ, MBI, Tyton, and Arbiom.

The employees and the R&D equipment dedicated to this programme have been reassigned to the other research programmes. The know-how and assets developed as part of this programme, including the very high level integrated and robotised genetic, metabolic, and fermentation engineering platform, are fully re-used and recovered for the high value-added applications.

Based on the successful development of a new bio-production chassis and a unique technology platform, Bpifrance nonetheless validated the achievement of the 4th key milestone of the Deinol project, which gave rise to the payment of a 309k grant and of a repayable advance of 64k.

Development of the technology platform

Collaboration with Toulouse White Biotechnology (TWB) in order to optimise the production of Deinococcus bacteria7

Deinove has entered into a technological partnership with Toulouse White Biotechnology (TWB), a pre-industrial demonstrator in industrial biotechnology based on renewable carbon.

6 Press release dated 24 May 2016.

7 Press release dated 9 May 2016.

The aim is to map the metabolic fluxes of the Deinococcus chassis, i.e. to create an inventory of all the potentialities of the microorganism in the production of molecules of interest. The final goal is to further streamline its metabolic engineering projects and accelerate the industrial programs underway, including the carotenoid programme.

Strain library screening programme (Deinoscreen)

DEINOVE has launched an extensive programme involving the screening of Deinove's rare bacteria collection, with the aim of identifying specialty compounds of interest for the healthcare, nutrition, and cosmetics fields. This programme began with an in vitro screening stage in late 2016, in order to identify positive hits, which will be submitted to more advanced effectiveness tests that validate their interest for these sectors. The first positive results were announced in the 1st quarter of 2017 (See post-balance sheet events).

DEINOVE intends to enhance its portfolio of compounds of interest accordingly, in order to attract new industrial companies and commercial partners. This has already led to a partnership in the cosmetics sector with Greentech (See post-balance sheet events).

CORPORATE INFORMATION

Issuance of new patents

DEINOVE broadened its intellectual property portfolio via the issuance of 11 new patents during the 2016 financial year.

Share capital breakdown at 31 December 2016

The Company's share capital at 31 December 2016 consisted of 9,021,087 common shares with a par value of 0.40, 12,813 of which (i.e. 0.14% of the share capital) were held by the Company as part of the liquidity agreement entrusted to Kepler Cheuvreux.

As at 31 December 2016 on a non-diluted basis Shareholders Number of shares Percentage held Voting rights Percentage Truffle Capital managed-funds 2,828,215 31.35% 5,493,433 46.44% Scientific founders 20,000 0.22% 40,000 0.34% Management and Directors 66,180 0.73% 84,921 0.72% Free float 6,106,692 67.69% 6,210,910 52.50% TOTAL 9,021,087 100.00% 11,829,264 100.00%

POST-BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

Deinove now holds 100% of Deinobiotics 8 : the Extraordinary General Meeting held on January 5 approved the terms of the transaction involving the contribution in kind of Deinobiotics shares and the related share capital increase reserved to the contributors. The dilution resulting from this capital increase amounted to 10.15%.

: the Extraordinary General Meeting held on January 5 approved the terms of the transaction involving the contribution in kind of Deinobiotics shares and the related share capital increase reserved to the contributors. The dilution resulting from this capital increase amounted to 10.15%. Deinove strengthens its Board of Directors in line with its strategic focus 9 : four Directors of international standing and experts in the pharmaceuticals and antibiotics industry, have joined the Company's Board of Directors, namely Bernard Fanget, Professor Vincent Jarlier, Doctor Yannick Pletan, and Doctor Charles Woler. Charles Woler was appointed Chairman of the Board while Philippe Pouletty, Michael Carlos and Christian Pierret remain members of the Board. This new governance brings DEINOVE invaluable medical, pharmaceutical and managerial resources and more specifically, expertise in drug development, including antibiotics. The four nominations will be submitted for ratification by the Annual General Meeting of May 16, 2017.

: four Directors of international standing and experts in the pharmaceuticals and antibiotics industry, have joined the Company's Board of Directors, namely Bernard Fanget, Professor Vincent Jarlier, Doctor Yannick Pletan, and Doctor Charles Woler. Charles Woler was appointed Chairman of the Board while Philippe Pouletty, Michael Carlos and Christian Pierret remain members of the Board. This new governance brings DEINOVE invaluable medical, pharmaceutical and managerial resources and more specifically, expertise in drug development, including antibiotics. The four nominations will be submitted for ratification by the Annual General Meeting of May 16, 2017. Publication of two patent applications covering the DNB101 antibiotic candidate 10 : this first antibiotic candidate, which is currently under development, displays an innovative chemical structure. These patents are the first steps in building a strong intellectual property portfolio in the antibiotics field. Deinove is continuing its research, in order to identify other innovative antibiotic molecules from its strain library, and so build a true pipeline that effectively addressing the concern of multi-resistance.

: this first antibiotic candidate, which is currently under development, displays an innovative chemical structure. These patents are the first steps in building a strong intellectual property portfolio in the antibiotics field. Deinove is continuing its research, in order to identify other innovative antibiotic molecules from its strain library, and so build a true pipeline that effectively addressing the concern of multi-resistance. Hiring of a preclinical project manager for the healthcare activities 11 Dr Bernard Scorneaux, a specialist in pharmacology and preclinical studies in infectious diseases, has conducted the studies on several drug candidates that are currently on the market or in advanced clinical development. His expertise extends to the entire development process, from design, implementation, and follow-up of preclinical and early clinical studies (Phase I) to the drafting of regulatory documents. He is joining Deinove in order to prepare and coordinate the preclinical studies on the antibiotic compounds developed by the Company.

Dr Bernard Scorneaux, a specialist in pharmacology and preclinical studies in infectious diseases, has conducted the studies on several drug candidates that are currently on the market or in advanced clinical development. His expertise extends to the entire development process, from design, implementation, and follow-up of preclinical and early clinical studies (Phase I) to the drafting of regulatory documents. He is joining Deinove in order to prepare and coordinate the preclinical studies on the antibiotic compounds developed by the Company. Development of the product portfolio 12 : the strain library screening programme (Deinoscreen), which is being conducted in collaboration with the Fluofarma CRO [ Contract Research Organisation] has enabled the identification of several dozen strains with properties that can be used in the cosmetics or dietary supplements and healthcare fields, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, as well as molecules that influence the metabolism of fats. This means that Deinove now has a catalogue of strains with various and identified properties, in order to fuel the ongoing discussions and open up new opportunities with the industrial stakeholders.

: the strain library screening programme (Deinoscreen), which is being conducted in collaboration with the Fluofarma CRO [ has enabled the identification of several dozen strains with properties that can be used in the cosmetics or dietary supplements and healthcare fields, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, as well as molecules that influence the metabolism of fats. This means that Deinove now has a catalogue of strains with various and identified properties, in order to fuel the ongoing discussions and open up new opportunities with the industrial stakeholders. Signing of a partnership in the cosmetics sector 13 : the partnership aims to co-develop and market new active ingredients for skin care. The ambition is to bring to market a first ingredient within 18 to 24 months. GREENTECH, major player in the production and distribution of biotechnologically obtained ingredients, sells a hundred active ingredients to cosmetics manufacturers in over 30 countries.

: the partnership aims to co-develop and market new active ingredients for skin care. The ambition is to bring to market a first ingredient within 18 to 24 months. GREENTECH, major player in the production and distribution of biotechnologically obtained ingredients, sells a hundred active ingredients to cosmetics manufacturers in over 30 countries. Deinove is reorganising its Audit Committee and its Remuneration Committee: the Audit Committee is now chaired by Christian Pierret. Yannick Pletan and Michael Carlos have been appointed as members of the Audit Committee. Charles Woler has been appointed as a member of the Remuneration Committee, which remains chaired by Philippe Pouletty.

is reorganising its Audit Committee and its Remuneration Committee: the Audit Committee is now chaired by Christian Pierret. Yannick Pletan and Michael Carlos have been appointed as members of the Audit Committee. Charles Woler has been appointed as a member of the Remuneration Committee, which remains chaired by Philippe Pouletty. Capital increase performed by using the Kepler Cheuvreux equity line funding: the use of this line since 1 January 2017 has resulted in the issuance of 565,000 new shares, and in a capital increase of 226k (1.115,9k including the premium above par).

8 Press release dated 5 January 2017.

9 Press release dated 23 January 2017.

10 Press release dated 4 January 2017.

11 Press release dated 21 March 2017.

12 Press release dated 23 March 2017.

13 Press release dated 27 March 2017.

The 2016 annual financial report will be available at the following address: http://www.deinove.com/en/investor-room/documentation-center/financial-reports

ABOUT DEINOVE

DEINOVE (Alternext Paris: ALDEI) is a biotech company that discovers, develops and produces compounds with industrial value from rare microorganisms, for the healthcare, nutrition and cosmetics markets.

These innovative production methods represent a sustainable and competitive alternative.

For this, DEINOVE relies on two key assets:

A unique strain bank with 6,000 rare bacteria that have not yet been exploited, mainly of the Deinococcus genus;

genus; A genetic, metabolic and fermentation engineering platform that enables them to customize these natural micro-factories, transforming them into new industry standards.

Based in Montpellier, DEINOVE employs approximately 50 employees and has nearly 160 international patent applications. The Company has been listed on Alternext since April 2010.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170330006040/en/

Contacts:

DEINOVE

Emmanuel Petiot, +33 (0)4 48 19 01 28

CEO

emmanuel.petiot@deinove.com

or

Julien Coste, +33 (0)4 48 19 01 00

Director of Finance Administration

julien.coste@deinove.com

or

Coralie Martin, +33 (0)4 48 19 01 60

Communication and IR Manager

coralie.martin@deinove.com

or

ALIZE RP, Press Relations

Caroline Carmagnol/Wendy Rigal, +33 (0)1 44 54 36 66

deinove@alizerp.com
Vector Institute Aims to Produce World's Largest Number of Deep Learning AI Graduates

TORONTO, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Vector Institute, a new independent research facility for artificial intelligence (AI), opened its doors at the MaRS Discovery District in downtown Toronto today with the aim of producing, attracting and retaining the finest talent in the world as part of a Canadian-rooted economic supercluster that will generate future discovery, opportunity, jobs and growth.

Vector will be dedicated to cutting-edge exploration of AI, specializing in the transformative fields of deep learning and machine learning. Collaborating with academic institutions, incubators, accelerators, start-ups, scale-ups and established companies, it will advance AI research and drive the adoption and commercialization of AI technologies across Canada.

"The Vector Institute is an unprecedented answer to an unprecedented opportunity and represents an exceptional partnership between independent researchers, academic institutions, government, private industry and entrepreneurs," said Ed Clark, Chair of the Vector Institute Board of Directors. "The Vector Institute will confirm Canada's world-leading position in the field of deep learning artificial intelligence. Consequently, it will spur economic growth in Canada by attracting talent and investment, supporting scale-up firms and enabling established firms to be best-in-class adopters of artificial intelligence."

Vector intends to produce more masters, applied masters, PhDs and post-doctoral graduates in deep learning and machine learning AI than any other institution in the world, attracting top talent, investment, and researchers from around the world and contributing to a more vibrant start-up and spin-off ecosystem.

Its founding scientists, including world-renowned researcher Dr. Geoffrey Hinton, are affiliated with the University of Toronto. Vector is also actively engaging with other universities across Ontario and Canada to attract, train and keep the world's best minds in Canada. It serves as a key pillar to a pan-Canadian AI leadership strategy.

"The opportunities for new discoveries in the field of deep learning are very exciting, and the applications are endless," said Hinton, who will serve as Vector's Chief Scientific Advisor. "Now is the time for us to lead the research and shape the future of this field, putting neural network technologies to work in ways that will improve health care, strengthen our economy and unlock new fields of scientific advancement. And with the Vector Institute collaborating with institutes in Montreal and Edmonton we can do that here in Canada."

Vector Institute launches with a substantial partnership between government and industry. The Province of Ontario has committed $50 million to support the Institute.In addition, as part of the Government ofCanada's $125 million Pan-Canadian AI Strategy announced in the 2017 budget,the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) will work with the Vector Institute - a keypartner in the initiative- tosupport the core activities of the Institute, the Canada CIFAR Chairs in AI Science, graduate training, and the participation of the Chairs and trainees in national AI activities.

In addition, more than 30 companies have committed a combined total of over $80 million over ten years to support the Vector Institute, reflecting the transformational potential of deep learning and machine learning in fields as diverse as health care, finance, insurance, education, retail, advanced manufacturing, construction and transportation.

To learn more about Vector Institute, visit: vectorinstitute.ai

Twitter: @vectorinst

For additional information, contact:

Cathy Mallove

416-822-5169

media@vectorinstitute.ai



Vector Institute

MaRS Centre, Heritage Building

101 College Street, Suite HL30B

Toronto, ON M5G 1L7

About Vector Institute - Backgrounder

The Vector Institute is an independent, non-profit research institution dedicated to the transformative field of artificial intelligence, excelling in machine and deep learning - an area of scientific, academic, and commercial endeavour that will shape our world over the next generation.

Collaborating with Ontario's academic institutions, other institutes across Canada and companies in every sector of the economy, we will conduct research and drive the adoption and commercialization of AI technologies across Canada. Our goals are to: 1) be a world-leading centre for AI research; 2) graduate the most deep learning and machine-learning PhDs and masters students globally; and 3) become the engine for an AI super cluster that drives the economy of Toronto, Ontario and Canada. Over the next few years it is expected that Vector will grow to include approximately 400 researchers, faculty, students, engineers and others.

Launched in March 2017 with generous support from the Government of Canada, Government of Ontario, and private industry, and in partnership with the University of Toronto and others, Vector represents an unprecedented answer to an unprecedented opportunity: the transformative potential of AI in fields as diverse as health care, finance, insurance, education, retail, advanced manufacturing, construction and transportation.

The inaugural sponsors of the Vector Institute reflect a highly diverse range of companies of all sizes and sectors:

Platinum: $5 million commitment

Accenture

BMO Financial Group [FR: BMO Groupe financier]

Google

Loblaws Companies Limited

Magna International

NVIDIA

RBC

Scotiabank [FR: Banque Scotia]

Shopify Inc.

TD Bank Group [FR: Le Group Banque TD]

Thomson Reuters

Gold: $2.5 million commitment

Air Canada

CIBC

Deloitte

EY

Georgian Partners

Intact Financial Corporation [FR: Intact Corporation financiere]

KPMG

Manulife

PwC Canada

Sun Life Financial [FR: Financiere Sun Life]

TELUS

Silver: $500,000 commitment

EllisDon Corporation

Linamar Corporation

Bronze: Renewable $20,000/year commitment

Chan Zuckerberg Initiative

Clearpath

Deep Genomics

FreshBooks

Helpful.com

integrate.ai

Layer 6 AI

Thalmic Labs

Vector Institute is governed by a highly accomplished volunteer Board of Directors drawn from the private sector, public sector, academic and research communities:

Ed Clark (Chair)

(Chair) Scott Bonham

Vivek Goel

Mary Jo Haddad

Chaviva Hosek

Jordan Jacobs

Stephen Lake

Nadir Mohamed

Michael Serbinis

Pearl Sullivan

Terrence Sullivan

Shivon Zilis

For further information, visit us at www.vectorinstitute.ai or email info@vectorinstitute.ai

Logo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/484607/Vector_Institute.jpg
President of Malta waiting for Poroshenko's visit in May

President of the Republic of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca expects President of Ukraine to visit Malta in May this year.

"We expect your visit to Malta in May," the president of Malta said at a meeting with Poroshenko on Thursday.

She also noted that she is glad to welcome the head of the Ukrainian state in Malta, where the European People's Party (EPP) summit is taking place.

In turn, Poroshenko thanked the president and the government of Malta for supporting the European integration aspirations of Ukraine during its presidency in the European Union.

"We expect the decision of the European Parliament to grant visa-free regime to Ukrainian citizens," Poroshenko said, highly noting Malta's support for this process.

As is known, the president of Ukraine is on a working visit to Malta, where he participates in the EPP summit.
MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 03/30/17 -- Yorbeau Resources Inc. (TSX: YRB.A) (the "Company" or "Yorbeau") is pleased announces that it has filed on SEDAR a Technical Report in compliance with National Instrument NI-43-101 on a mineral resource estimate at the Company's 100% owned Scott Lake Project near Chibougamau, Quebec. The mineral resource estimate was prepared by William E. Roscoe, Ph.D., P.Eng. and Katharine Masun, MSA, M.Sc., P.Geo. of Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. ("RPA").

The Mineral Resource estimate prepared by RPA for the Scott Lake Project as of February 14, 2017 is summarized in below:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------- Category/Zone NSR Cut-off Tonnes Copper Zinc Silver Gold ------------------------------------------------------- (C$/t) (Mt) (%) (%) (g/t) (g/t) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Indicated --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stringer 65 2.39 0.78 2.25 30.5 0.19 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Massive Sulphide 100 1.18 1.28 8.04 50.7 0.27 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Indicated 3.57 0.95 4.17 37.2 0.22 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inferred --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stringer 65 8.47 0.87 1.37 19.0 0.16 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Massive Sulphide 100 5.81 0.65 6.57 27.1 0.32 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Inferred 14.28 0.78 3.49 22.3 0.22 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes:

1. CIM definitions were followed for Mineral Resources. 2. Mineral Resources are estimated using a C$100/t net smelter return (NSR) cut-off value for massive sulphide zones and C$65/t NSR cut-off value for sulphide stringer lenses. 3. Mineral Resources are estimated using a copper price of US$3.25/lb, a zinc price of US$1.20/lb, a gold price of US$1,500/oz, a silver price of US$22/oz, and an exchange rate of US$0.80 to C$1.00. 4. A minimum mining width of 2 m was used. 5. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. 6. The numbers may not add due to rounding.

It should be noted that compared to the mineral resource estimate reported in the February 14, 2017 press release the table above shows a small increase in resources as a result of further internal review by RPA.

The Scott Project consists of a number of mineralized zones that have all the characteristics of volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) mineralization. See attached figure (corresponding to Figure 14-1 of the Report) for location of massive sulphide and stringer zones comprising the Scott Lake deposit. VMS-style mineralization at Scott Lake comprises distinct stratabound massive sulphide lenses located mainly along or close to rhyolite-andesite/basalt contacts. In addition to the massive sulphides, separate zones of VMS-style disseminated and stringer sulphides, which may or may not be connected with massive sulphide lenses, have been found over a strike length of at least two kilometres. RPA estimated Mineral Resources for the Scott Lake Project using drill hole data available as of February 10, 2017. The current Mineral Resource estimate is based on a potential underground mining scenario using a C$100/t NSR cut-off value for massive sulphide zones and C$65/t NSR cut-off value for sulphide stringer zones.

The Yorbeau drilling programs carried out from 2015 to date have increased confidence in the continuity of the mineralization and have shown that there is potential for other discoveries. The discovery of the massive sulphide Gap Zone and the extension of the Scott Lake Stringer Sulphide Zone to the west are good examples, and have contributed most of the significant increase in tonnage in the current Mineral Resource estimate from the previous estimate completed by RPA in 2011. Continued exploration, primarily by diamond drilling, is abundantly warranted for the Property.

Among several recommendations made by RPA in the report, Company management noted the following:

-- A metallurgical test work program should be carried out using existing drill core representative of different zones of massive sulphides and stringer sulphides. -- A preliminary economic assessment (PEA) is warranted to guide further exploration and evaluation work.

The Company has already initiated a metallurgical test on a representative composite sample and results are expected by the end of the second quarter of 2017. The Company is also evaluating a number of proposals to carry out a PEA.

Work at Yorbeau is carried out under the supervision of Gerald Riverin, PhD, P. Geo. He is a qualified person (as defined by NI 43-101) and has reviewed and approved the content of this release. The Technical Report and Mineral Resource estimate referred to in this press were prepared by William Roscoe and Katherine Masun. Both are employees of RPA and are independent of Yorbeau. By virtue of their education and relevant experience, they are "Qualified Persons" for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101. William Roscoe and Katherine Masun have read and approved the contents of this press release as it pertains to the disclosed Mineral Resource estimate.

About Yorbeau Resources Inc.

The Company's 100% controlled Rouyn Property contains four known gold deposits in the 6-km-long Augmitto-Astoria corridor situated on the western half of the property. Two of the four deposits, Astoria and Augmitto, have substantial underground infrastructure and have been the subject of NI 43-101 technical reports that include resource estimates. The Company recently announced signing an Option Agreement with an affiliate of Kinross Gold Corporation to pursue exploration on the Rouyn Property (see press release dated October 25, 2016). In 2015, the Company expanded its exploration property portfolio by acquiring strategic base metal properties in prospective areas of the Abitibi Belt of Quebec and Ontario that also feature infrastructure favourable for mining development. The newly acquired base metal properties include Scott Lake which hosts important mineral resources.

More information on the Company may be found on the Company's website at www.yorbeauresources.com.

Forward-looking statements: Except for statement of historical fact, all statements in this news release, without limitation, regarding new projects, acquisitions, future plans and objectives are forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate; actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

A figure is available at the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/1090367_Fig.pdf

Contacts:

Gerald Riverin, Ph D., P. Geo

President

Yorbeau Resources Inc.

griverin@yorbeauresources.com

819-279-1336



G. Bodnar Jr.

Vice President

Yorbeau Resources Inc.

gbodnar@yorbeauresources.com

514-384-2202

Toll free in North America: 1-855-384-2202






WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Senate Republicans required the assistance of Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday to break a tie on legislation allowing states to withhold federal funds from Planned Parenthood and other family planning providers.



Pence cast the tiebreaking vote on the motion to proceed to the bill that would reverse an Obama-era regulation preventing states from blocking the funding.



Republicans were forced to hold the procedural vote open for more than an hour after GOP Senators Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, voted with Democrats against advancing the measure.



The GOP also needed the support of Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., who is recovering from back surgery and has not voted in over a month.



With the motion to proceed narrowly approved, Pence and Isakson will likely be needed again in a final vote on the bill expected later in the day.



Dawn Laguens, executive vice president of Planned Parenthood, noted that Pence's tiebreaking vote came just a day after he participated in a women's empowerment forum at the White House.



'Mike Pence went from yesterday's forum on empowering women to today leading a group of male politicians in a vote to take away access to birth control and cancer screenings,' Laguens said in a statement.



She added, 'There's a reason they could barely get enough votes to get this bill through a procedural step: People are sick and tired of politicians making it even harder for them to access health care, and they will not stand for it.'



The bill allowing states to withhold funding from Planned Parenthood is the latest in a series of steps Republicans have taken to undo Obama-era regulations using the Congressional Review Act.



The Title X funding that could be blocked under bill covers services such as birth control, cancer screenings and HIV tests but cannot be used to pay for abortions.



(Photo: Gage Skidmore)



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
ALLENTOWN, PA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/30/17 -- Ambassador Financial Group, Inc. is pleased to announce it acted as a financial adviser to, and prepared the fairness opinion for, The Scottdale Bank & Trust Company in regards to its proposed acquisition by Mid Penn Bancorp, Inc., in a deal valued at $59.1 million. Scottdale Bank & Trust Company, based in Scottdale, Pennsylvania, had $263 million in assets as of December 31, 2016.

Ambassador Financial Group is a FINRA registered broker-dealer which offers a comprehensive suite of strategic, customized solutions to community banks and thrifts nationwide, including balance sheet management, investment banking and capital markets services. Our recent successes include:

Old Line Bancshares, Inc. (MD) $40.7 million proposed acquisition of DCB Bancshares, Inc. (MD)

Riverview Financial Corporation (PA) $17.0 million private placement of equity

NexTier, Inc. (PA) $2.3 million proposed acquisition of Manor Bank (PA)

Revere Bank (MD) $31.0 million private placement of subordinated debt

Monona Bankshares, Inc. (WI)* $40.1 million acquisition of MCB Bankshares, Inc. (WI)

Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (MA) $117.8 million acquisition of First Choice Bank* (NJ)

Revere Bank (MD)* $65.1 million acquisition of Monument Bank (MD)

DNB Financial Corporation (PA) $49.0 million acquisition of East River Bank (PA)

Ambassador's clients are in bold.

*Ambassador provided a fairness opinion only.

This announcement is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities.

David G. Danielson,

Executive Director

240.242.4083

Email Contact



Matthew T. Resch, CFA,

Managing Principal

610.351.1633

Email Contact



Robert J. Pachence Jr.,

Managing Principal

610.351.1633

Email Contact



Jay Shah,

Vice President

240.242.4083

Email Contact




WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Lawmakers in North Carolina voted Thursday to approve the repeal of the state's controversial 'bathroom law,' although the compromise bill has faced harsh criticism from LGBTQ and civil rights groups. The North Carolina House of Representatives voted 70 to 48 in favor of the repeal bill after the state's Senate passed the bill by a 32 to 16 vote earlier in the day. The bill is expected to be signed by Democratic Governor Roy Cooper, who said the legislation is not perfect but argued it would begin to repair the state's reputation. HB2, commonly known as the 'bathroom bill,' required people to use public bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond to the gender on their birth certificate. The compromise approved by lawmakers today repeals HB2 but leaves regulation of multi-occupancy facilities to the state. The bill also implements a temporary moratorium on local governments passing their own non-discrimination ordinances until December of 2020. LGBTQ and civil rights groups criticized the legislation as a 'fake' repeal that fails to protect transgender people from discrimination. 'Let me be clear: this is not a repeal,' said Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality. 'It's a cynical ploy that will continue to hurt North Carolina and transgender people.' She added, 'Transgender North Carolinians are being squarely targeted by HB 2 and would continue to be targeted by the provisions of this new law.' The repeal bill has also been criticized by conservative lawmakers and groups that supported the original legislation. 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.
Largest international gathering of Agilists to be held August 7 - 11 in Orlando, Florida

PORTLAND, Oregon, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Agile Alliance today announced the keynote speakers for AGILE2017, the largest annual global gathering of Agile practitioners. The conference is widely considered the premier international event for the advancement of Agile software development. It is dedicated to furthering Agile principles and practices while providing a venue for people and ideas to flourish.

This highly-anticipated event will feature keynotes by David Marquette (bestselling author of Turn the Ship Around ), Jez Humble (Founder and CTO, DevOps Research and Assessment LLC; Lecturer, UC Berkeley) and Denise Jacobs (Founder and CEO, The Creative Dose).

In its sixteenth year, the Agile Alliance global conference is the leading international, noncommercial conference on Agile methods in software development. At the heart of each Agile Conference is connecting and sharing. Attendees gather from around the world, many for consecutive years, to meet with peers and the foremost leaders in the Agile space. The relationships made, support received, and knowledge gained provide an enriching and long-lasting experience that fosters both individual success and the collective advancement of the industry. The conferences are open, engaging events that foster innovative ideas based on real-world Agile implementations.

"I am excited that David, Jez and Denise will be keynoting the most important event of the year for Agile practitioners," said Tricia Broderick, AGILE2017 conference chair. "With over 250 sessions, this conference offers the largest opportunity to learn cutting-edge skills and techniques that can be immediately leveraged for success at work. It is an unparalleled chance to participate in the global advancement of Agile. The staggering number of engaging sessions and conversations will encourage and motivate you to improve the world of software development."

The complete AGILE2017 program will be announced on April 19, 2017.

Group discounts are available.

For more information and to register for the event, please visit the Agile Alliance website.

About Agile Alliance

Agile Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the concepts of Agile software development as outlined in the Agile Manifesto. With nearly 35,000 members and subscribers around the globe, Agile Alliance is driven by the principles of Agile methodologies and the value delivered to developers, business and end users. Agile Alliance organizes and supports events to bring the Agile community together on a global scale.

Media Contact

Pam Hughes

Marketing Chief, Agile Alliance

press@agilealliance.org

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/161703/agile_alliance_logo.jpg

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/david-marquette-jez-humble-denise-jacobs-to-keynote-agile2017-conference-300432164.html
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/30/17 -- Cadillac Ventures Inc. (TSX VENTURE: CDC)(OTC: CADIF) ("Cadillac" or the "Company") is pleased to report that it has closed the Private Placement announced in the Company's press release of March 3, 2017. The Placement was for a total of $900,000.

Cadillac is very pleased to have completed the Placement with investor Universal Precious Development Limited and two additional independent placees. Company President Norman Brewster commented, "Cadillac is pleased that its most recent investors were able to work with the company in securing new and additional investors into this Private Placement (which is 30% above the last round). The demand from China for Copper, coupled with the comfort level of these investors with Cadillac's management team allowed us to secure this additional financing. Cadillac is one of the few junior mining companies in Canada to have as many significant Asian investors and looks forward to a bright future in Canada and in Asia."

A finder's fee was paid in connection with this transaction consisting of $63,000 plus 960,000 warrants exercisable at $0.07 and 369,230 warrants exercisable at $0.08 for two years.

The Board of Directors of Cadillac now consists of Norman Brewster, James Burke, Ming Jiao, Rajendra Singh, Maurice Stekel, Liu Jian Xiong, Sheng Wang, Youliang Wang as directors of the firm.

For more information regarding Cadillac, please visit the Company's website at www.cadillacventures.com, or call Norman Brewster, President and Chief Executive Officer, at 416 203- 7722. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Cadillac Ventures Inc.

Norman Brewster

President and Chief Executive Officer

416 203-7722

www.cadillacventures.com




Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - March 30, 2017) - Peak Positioning Technologies Inc. (CSE: PKK) ("Peak" or the "Company") today announced that the Company has signed an agreement with Cubeler Inc. ("Cubeler") for the exclusive rights to the Cubeler (www.cubeler.com) commercial lending platform in China.

Cubeler is a fintech platform that matches any business looking for credit or financing with a variety of lenders and financial institutions. Business owners simply take a few minutes to sign up their businesses on the platform, while Cubeler's lending partners simply enter their lending criteria, rules and conditions in their respective Cubeler accounts. Cubeler then periodically reads financial data coming from the businesses' accounting software and uses a proprietary analytics engine to match each business with those financial institutions whose lending criteria the business' data matches. The end result is that each business and each lender can log on to their Cubeler accounts to review their respective pre-qualified financing matches. The business owners are not only able to see their maximum pre-qualified credit and financing offers, but are able to compare their offers and select the offers that best suit their needs whenever they're ready to act on them.

Cubeler supports any type of business and any type of lender, including banks, credit unions, factoring companies, asset based lenders and a wide range of alternative lenders. The variety of lenders on the Cubeler platform means that registered businesses have access to a complete portfolio of credit products, including lines of credit, term loans, merchant cash advances, equipment financings, business expansion and renovation loans, working capital loans and much more.

By allowing businesses to simply register and let Cubeler do all the work of bringing pre-qualified credit offers to them, Cubeler eliminates the need for business owners to look for credit, and to worry about whether or not their businesses would be approved if they were to apply for credit. By the same token, thanks to the power of analytics, matching their credit criteria with businesses that perfectly fit their profile, financial institutions and other lenders can also sit back and let Cubeler bring them their ideal commercial loan candidates. Cubeler uses technology to make commercial lending efficient, cost-effective and painless for both lenders and businesses.

"Cubeler can be compared to a dating service for lenders and businesses, commented Johnson Joseph, President and CEO of Peak. "We all know how successful dating websites are at using analytics to create matches. Well, Cubeler does the same thing for businesses and lenders. From what we know about commercial lending in China, and our Chinese partners would agree, Cubeler has a unique concept that is almost tailor made for China. You have over 50M small and medium size enterprises and thousands of lenders trying to determine on a painstakingly slow, non-automated case by case basis, whether or not to proceed with a commercial lending transaction. Cubeler can change all of that and have a major impact on the commercial lending industry in China. That's why we're so excited about the potential of this platform, and believe it will be a great complement to what we're already doing in China with the Gold River platform", concluded Mr. Joseph.

Cubeler currently allows both businesses and lenders to register on the platform for free and charges the registered businesses a service fee for each accepted credit offer on the platform. Cubeler's revenues are also derived from targeted advertisements and market research data. Peak plans to sublicense the rights to the platform to its newly created Chinese subsidiary, Asia Synergy Data Solution ("ASDS"), while making a slight adjustment to the Cubeler revenue model when it brings the platform to China. Rather than offering free registration to both lenders and businesses, the Company's commercialization plans for the platform in China will still be completely free for lenders, but will call for businesses to pay an upfront annual registration fee equivalent to approximately CA$100 instead of charging a service fee for accepted offers.

The rights granted to Peak under the terms of the 10-year agreement will allow Peak to use, modify, sublicense, and market the platform, as well as to develop and distribute new product and services derived from the platform. According to the terms of the agreement, Cubeler will provide Peak with technical, sales and marketing support over a 10-month period, for which Peak will pay Cubeler a total of $250,000. As compensation for the exclusive license granted to Peak by Cubeler, Peak will pay Cubeler a royalty fee representing between 10% and 5%, on a declining scale, of the gross revenues generated by the platform in China, where gross revenues are defined as the gross amount recognized as income on Peak's books in connection with the sale of products, services and fees charged through the platform, less deductions for value added or any similar taxes with respect to such products, services and fees.

The Company plans to publish a presentation with more details on ASDS' business and revenue model in the coming weeks. 2017 revenue guidance will be adjusted in light of today's announced transaction in due course.

Pursuant to Policy 7 of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 respecting protection of minority security holders in special transactions ("MI 61-101"), the transaction between Peak and Cubeler constitutes a "related party transaction" as certain directors of Peak (the "Related Parties") are shareholders of Cubeler. In reviewing the requirements for a formal valuation of the transaction under MI 61-101, Peak has determined that the exemption set out in subsection 5.5 (b) of MI 61-101 is applicable since Peak is listed on the CSE. In addition, subsection 5.7(a) of MI 61-101 provides that a transaction with an aggregate consideration, insofar as it involves the Related Parties, that does not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the issuer, which is the case for Peak and the transaction in question, is also exempt from the minority shareholder approval requirement. Peak did not file a material change report 21 days prior to the closing of the transaction since no assurances could be given at that time that the transaction would be completed.

About Peak Positioning Technologies Inc.:

Peak Positioning Technologies Inc. is an IT portfolio management company whose mission is to assemble, finance and manage a portfolio of high-growth-potential companies and assets in some of the fastest growing tech sectors in China, including Fintech, e-commerce and cloud-computing. Peak provides its shareholders with exceptional growth potential by giving them access to the fastest growing sectors of the world's fastest growing economy. For more information: http://www.peakpositioning.com

Forward-Looking Statements / Information

This news release may include certain forward-looking information, including statements relating to business and operating strategies, plans and prospects for revenue growth, using words including "anticipate", "believe", "could", "expect", "intend", "may", "plan", "potential", "project", "seek", "should", "will", "would" and similar expressions, which are intended to identify a number of these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information reflects current views with respect to current events and is not a guarantee of future performance and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking information contained in this news release, except as may be required by applicable laws, rules and regulations. Readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating any forward-looking information.

Contact information:

Cathy Hume, CEO

CHF Capital Markets

Phone: 416-868-1079 ext.: 231

Email: cathy@chfir.com

Or

Henry Wong, Account Executive

NAI Interactive Ltd.

Phone: 604-488-8878

Email: henry@nai500.com

Or

Johnson Joseph, President and CEO

Peak Positioning Technologies Inc.

Phone: 514-340-7775 ext.: 501

Email: investors@peakpositioning.com
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/30/17 -- Canstar Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE: ROX) ("Canstar") wishes to provide an update on the recently announced drilling program for the Kenora Gold Project (see press release dated March 23rd, 2017).

Due to contractor delays that may continue until spring breakup, the Company has determined to delay the commencement of the next Phase of drilling on the Kenora Gold Project. Drilling will commence in June and will be combined with other drilling planned for the spring as well as additional surface exploration work.

This additional surface exploration work includes the trenching of 3 new showings. Of particular interest are the surface exposure associated updip to the recently announced 22-meter intersection containing 0.5 g/t gold, including 7 meters containing 0.7 g/t gold (see Company's press release dated March 15, 2017), as well as a 360 meter trend from which several grab samples yielding multigram samples containing up to 4 g/t gold (see Company's press release dated November 17th, 2016) occurring on the same trend as a historic mining operation (ca. 1898) known as the Treasure Mine.

The Company is also pleased to announce that it is developing an exploration program for the Mary March Project located near Buchans, Newfoundland. Past exploration at Mary March Project has demonstrated a presence of polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulphide-style mineralization with emphasis on zinc, lead, copper, silver and gold.

"The Mary March Project has always remained a centerpiece of Canstar's stable of projects," said Danniel Oosterman, President and CEO. "With the recent improvement in the prices of base metals, notably zinc, further exploration of Mary March is warranted."

Some of the historic highlights of the Mary March Project include:

-- A 1996 Phelps Dodge drillhole intercept (MM-294-7 ) that intersected 9.63 metres of mainly massive sulphides with an average grade of 10.1% zinc, 1.68% lead, 0.64% copper, 122.1 g/t silver and 4.2 g/t gold (Mary March Zone); -- 2013 drilling by Canstar semi-massive sulphides intercepting 11.6 meters of 3.6% zinc, 0.1% copper, 0.8% lead, 25 g/t silver and 2 g/t gold, as well as 5.0 meters of 4.8% zinc, 0.4% copper, 1.0% lead, 71 g/t silver and 2 g/t gold (Mary March Zone); -- 2013 drilling by Canstar of a stockwork sulphide zone intercepting 18.5 meters of 1.6% zinc, 0.1% copper, 0.2% lead, and 2 g/t silver and another intercept of 18.9 meters of 1.6% zinc, 0.1% copper, 0.5% lead and 4 g/t silver (Nancy April Zone); -- 2014 drilling by Canstar of semi-massive sulphides intercepting 5.5 meters of 2.5% copper, 9 g/t silver and 0.7 g/t gold (Nancy April Zone); -- 2014 drilling by Canstar westward continuation of the stockwork sulphide zone intercepting 93.7 meters of 1.0% zinc, 0.1% copper, 0.2% lead and 3 g/t Ag (Nancy April Zone).

The Mary March Project is a joint venture between Canstar and Glencore Plc wherein Canstar holds 56% interest.

Danniel Oosterman, P.Geo is President and Chief Executive Officer and is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and is responsible for and has approved the technical information in this release.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Danniel J. Oosterman, P.Geo

President & CEO

Forward-Looking Statements

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements". These statements are based on information currently available to the Company and the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward- looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results relating to, among other things, results of exploration, project development, reclamation and capital costs of the Company's mineral properties, and the Company's financial condition and prospects, could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements for many reasons such as: changes in general economic conditions and conditions in the financial markets; changes in demand and prices for minerals; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; technological and operational difficulties encountered in connection with the activities of the Company; and other matters discussed in this news release. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by the Company or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Contacts:

Canstar Resources Inc.

Danniel J. Oosterman, P. Geo.

President & CEO

doosterman@canstarresources.com



Canstar Resources Inc.

Karen Willoughby

Director Corporate Communications

1-866-936-6766

kwilloughby@canstarresources.com




INDIANAPOLIS, IN--(Marketwired - March 30, 2017) - The Hyatt Regency Indianapolis will celebrate its 40th year of serving the Indianapolis community on April 24 th . The milestone will be commemorated with a spirited event featuring The Flying Toasters, a cocktail reception and prizes. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, near Lucas Oil Stadium, and connected to the Convention Center and Circle City Mall, Hyatt Regency Indianapolis features 499 guest rooms and over 35,000 square feet of multi-event function space. Managed by Davidson Hotels and Resorts, the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis is the recipient of many awards including naming the Eagle's Nest Restaurant as a Most Romantic Restaurant by OpenTable, 2016 Venue of the Year by the Indiana Chapter of Meeting Planners International, and 2014 Top Workplace in Central Indiana.

www.indianapolis.regency.hyatt.com is one of only nine Indiana hotels to receive the 2017 Four Diamond Award. "Hyatt Regency Indianapolis is thrilled to receive AAA's Four Diamond Award," said Joe Pinto, General Manager. "This Award recognizes the passion and commitment by our team of tremendous associates in providing our guests with world-class personal service, unparalleled comfort and memorable experiences." Additionally, Mr. Pinto added that "the newly renovated Lobby, farm-to-table fat Rooster diner, and popular Level One Lounge has energized the appetite and sense of engagement for unique experiences by our highly valued and discriminating AAA guests."

CONTACT:

Brent Hartman

Director of Sales and Marketing

HYATT REGENCY INDIANAPOLIS

One South Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA

T: + 1 317.616.6070

E: brent.hartman@hyatt.com

indianapolis.hyatt.com
President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko has met with President of the European People's Party (EPP) Joseph Daul, during the meeting the parties discussed the completion of the ratification of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU, as well as increased pressure on Russia.

The meeting took place in the framework of Poroshenko's participation in the EPP summit in Malta, the press service of the Ukrainian president said on Thursday.

"The leaders coordinated ways to increase international pressure on Russia in connection with its latest actions, which destabilize the situation in Donbas," it says.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/30/17 -- Strongbow Exploration Inc. (TSX VENTURE: SBW) ("Strongbow" or the "Company") has successfully completed water treatment trials at its South Crofty tin project, located in Cornwall, UK and is now working on an application to the UK Environment Agency ("EA") for a mine waste permit.

The Company has hired WS Atkins, a leading global engineering and project management consultancy, to submit an application to the EA for a mine waste permit with water discharge consent. The application is expected to be filed within one month, and permits are anticipated to be issued before the end of summer this year.

Once the Company receives a mine waste permit with water discharge consent, the South Crofty project will be fully permitted, with the following in place:

-- a mining license valid to 2071; -- planning permission to construct new surface process facilities; and -- the ability to dewater the mine.

Richard Williams, CEO and President of Strongbow, commented:

"This is an important step forward as Strongbow works to bring the South Crofty mine back into operation. The South Crofty team worked closely with the UK Environment Agency throughout the process and I am very pleased that we were able to develop a system to treat the mine water which met their very high standards. We have resounding local support in Cornwall and I look forward to updating shareholders and the local community during the summer."

The water treatment trials were required by the EA to demonstrate that contaminated mine water could be treated, and dissolved metals and suspended solids collected prior to discharging mine water from the South Crofty mine workings into the Red River. The results of the trial successfully met all treated water target contaminant levels proposed by the EA.

The water treatment trials were undertaken by a leading UK mine water treatment company, Siltbuster Process Solutions ("Siltbuster"), utilising their High Density Sludge ("HDS") process and a temporary water treatment plant constructed for the trial period located at the South Crofty mine site. Siltbuster personnel also designed and built the nearby water treatment facility at the Wheal Jane mine, which has been in operation for over fifteen years.

The proposed treatment process for the mine dewatering is a 6-stage system summarised as follows:

1. Hydrogen peroxide addition to oxidise As3+ ions to As5+; 2. Lime dosing to increase the pH of the mine water from 6.5 to 10.5 and precipitate the soluble metals as hydroxides; 3. Addition of polymer to flocculate the precipitated solids; 4. Clarification of water and settlement of solids in a lamellar plate thickener; 5. Re-circulation of settled solids through the reaction vessel to form a higher density sludge and promote more effective adsorption of soluble metals; and 6. CO2 addition to reduce the pH of the treated water below 9 prior to discharge.

Sludge collected in the water treatment process will initially be disposed of at a nearby tailings facility, and once in production will be mixed with tailings as backfill and deposited underground.

The mine waste permit application envisages an initial pumping / treatment rate of 25,000m3 / day over an 18-24 month period. After dewatering the mine is complete and then during production, a steady-state dewatering program of 5,500 to 6,500 m3/day will be maintained, subject to annual precipitation variations. The post-dewatering steady-state treatment rate is based on pumping records from when the mine was in production up to 1998.

The installation and operation of a permanent water treatment plant for the South Crofty tin project will provide a material improvement to the current status of the local environment which currently has untreated, contaminated mine water discharging into the Red River. The cost to construct the permanent water treatment facility is included as part of the estimated USD$118.7 million pre-production capital cost (incl. contingency) outlined in the Company's PEA announcement dated February 16, 2017 (see below).

About South Crofty

Strongbow acquired the South Crofty tin project from administration in 2016 (see news release dated July 12, 2016 for details). The main points that attracted Strongbow to the project are:

1. A mining history that dates back to the 1700s; 2. One of the highest grade tin resources globally; 3. A mine permit valid until 2071; 4. Planning permission to construct new surface facilities; 5. Strong local support for the mine to get back into production; and 6. Excellent potential to significantly build upon the current NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource base.

The Company published the results of a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") on February 16, 2017, and the accompanying NI 43-101 technical report supporting the PEA will be filed on SEDAR before April 2, 2017. The PEA was completed by P&E Mining Consultants Inc. of Ontario, Canada in accordance with guidelines found in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

The PEA indicates that the project is potentially economically viable and technically feasible.

PEA Highlights (All amounts quoted are in USD unless specified otherwise)

-- After-tax Net Present Value ("NPV") of $130.5 million (CDN$170.7 million using an exchange rate of 1.308, at a 5% discount rate) and an Internal Rate of Return ("IRR") of 23.4%, at assumed metal prices of $10.00/lb Sn, $2.65/lb Cu, and $0.90/lb Zn; -- Estimated pre-production capital cost, including contingency, of $118.7 million with payback of 3.8 years and Life of Mine ("LOM") sustaining capital costs of $83.8 million; -- Average LOM total cash cost of $3.36/lb SnEq metal recovered and a LOM all-in sustaining cash cost ("AISC") of $4.44/lb. -- Potential to create approximately 110 new jobs during the 24-36 month dewatering and construction period (excluding construction personnel and contractors); -- A mine at South Crofty would have the potential to directly employ approximately 275 people in permanent positions; -- South Crofty will be operated using modern, trackless, mechanized underground mining methods and best-in-class processing, based on over 40 years of experience processing South Crofty mill feed through both the former on-site and Wheal Jane mills. The thickened tailings from the process will be used to backfill part of an 8-million cubic metres void space currently in the mine as well as providing ground support for modern mining operations; -- The mineralized material mined in the PEA is 2.575 million tonnes containing 88 million pounds of SnEq (tin equivalent) at an average grade of 1.55% SnEq; -- Operating mine life is over an 8-year period using average process recoveries of 88% for tin, 85% for copper, and 70% for zinc;

Disclosure of a scientific or technical nature in this press release was prepared under the supervision of Owen Mihalop, CEng. MIMMM, the Company's Chief Operating Officer, and Eugene Puritch, P.Eng. and Andrew Bradfield, P.Eng., of P&E Mining Consultants Inc. Messrs. Mihalop, Puritch and Bradfield are "Qualified Persons" as defined in NI 43-101.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Richard D. Williams, P.Geo

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" including but not limited to statements with respect to Strongbow's ability to obtain an increase to the water discharge permit for the South Crofty tin project, the estimated time required to complete mine dewatering, the potential to increase the Mineral Resource Estimate, estimates related to the net present value and internal rates of return of the South Crofty tin project, estimates related to assumed metal prices, pre-production capital costs, sustaining costs, payback periods, cash costs, job creation, recovery rates, life-of-mine estimates and mining methods, in addition to the availability of financing for development and future cash payments, as well as ongoing maintenance costs, the Company's ability to commence commercial production from the South Crofty tin project and the success of exploration activities.

The Mineral Resource Estimate figures referred to in this press release are estimates and are therefore insufficient to allow meaningful application of the technical and economic parameters to enable an evaluation of the technical or economic viability and no assurances can be given that mining of the South Crofty project will be technically viable or that the indicated levels of tin will be produced. Such estimates are expressions of judgment based on knowledge, mining experience, analysis of drilling results and industry practises. Valid estimates made at any given time may significantly change when new information becomes available. While the Company believes that the resource estimates included in this press release are well established, by their very nature, resource estimates are imprecise and depend, to a certain extent, upon statistical inferences which may ultimately prove unreliable. If such estimates are inaccurate or are reduced in the future, this could have a material adverse impact on the Company.

Forward-looking statements, while based on management's best estimates and assumptions, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: risks related to receipt of regulatory approvals, the successful integration of acquisitions; risks related to general economic and market conditions; risks related to the availability of financing; the timing and content of upcoming work programs; actual results of proposed exploration activities; possible variations in Mineral Resources or grade; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes, title disputes, claims and limitations on insurance coverage and other risks of the mining industry; changes in national and local government regulation of mining operations, tax rules and regulations.

Although Strongbow has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Strongbow undertakes no obligation or responsibility to update forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Contacts:

Strongbow Exploration Inc

Richard Williams

604-638-8005

rwilliams@strongbowexploration.com



Blytheweigh (Financial PR/IR - London)

Tel: +44 207 138 3204



Tim Blythe

Tim.blythe@blytheweigh.com



Camilla Horsfall

Camilla.horsfall@blytheweigh.com



Nick Elwes

Nick.elwes@blytheweigh.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/30/17 -- Africa Energy Corp. (TSX VENTURE: AFE) ("Africa Energy" or the "Company) announces that it has terminated the farmout agreement (the "Farmout Agreement") entered into on November 29, 2016 with a subsidiary of Pancontinental Oil & Gas N.L. ("Pancontinental"). Pursuant to the Farmout Agreement, the Company was to acquire a 10% participating interest in Petroleum Exploration Licence 37 offshore, Republic of Namibia ("PEL 37"). Africa Energy exercised its right to terminate the Farmout Agreement as a result of due diligence procedures performed by the Company which identified discrepancies in respect of certain agreed commercial terms of the farmout transaction.

About Africa Energy Corp.

Africa Energy Corp. is a Canadian oil and gas exploration company, the shares of which are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "AFE". The Company holds a 90% participating interest in Block 2B, offshore Republic of South Africa and is actively building an exploration portfolio in Africa.

Forward Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "will", "expected" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to the Company. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

James Phillips, President and CEO

Contacts:

Africa Energy Corp.

Sophia Shane

Corporate Development

(604) 689-7842

info@africaenergycorp.com

www.africaenergycorp.com




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/30/17 -- All amounts are in United States dollars, unless otherwise stated.

Alamos Gold Inc. (TSX: AGI) (NYSE: AGI) ("Alamos" or the "Company") plans to release its first quarter 2017 financial results before the start of trading on Thursday, May 4, 2017. Senior management will host a conference call at 11:00 am ET on that day to discuss the results. The Company will hold its 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Annual Meeting") on Thursday, May 11, 2017.

The Company also announced that it has filed its 2016 annual report on Form 40-F, including its audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016, with the SEC on EDGAR as well as the Canadian securities authorities on SEDAR. These documents are also available at www.alamosgold.com and a hard copy will be provided to shareholders free-of-charge upon request.

Notice of First Quarter 2017 Results and Conference Call

The Company's senior management will host a conference call on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at 11:00 am ET. During the call, management will provide an update on operating, exploration, and development activities.

Participants may join the conference call by dialling (416) 340-2216 or 1-800-273-9672 for calls within Canada and the United States, or via webcast at www.alamosgold.com.

A playback will be available until June 4, 2017 by dialling (905) 694-9451 or (800) 408-3053 within Canada and the United States. The pass code is 9696270. The webcast will be archived at www.alamosgold.com.

Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders

The Company will hold its Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 11, 2017 beginning at 4:00 pm ET at the TMX Gallery, 130 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario. Senior management will provide a general corporate update followed by an informal question-and-answer session. The record date for determining the holders of the Company's common shares who are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting is March 28, 2017.

About Alamos

Alamos is a Canadian-based intermediate gold producer with diversified production from three operating mines in North America. This includes the Young-Davidson mine in northern Ontario, Canada and the Mulatos and El Chanate mines in Sonora State, Mexico. Additionally, the Company has a significant portfolio of development stage projects in Canada, Mexico, Turkey, and the United States. Alamos employs more than 1,300 people and is committed to the highest standards of sustainable development. The Company's shares are traded on the TSX and NYSE under the symbol "AGI".

The TSX and NYSE have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Scott K. Parsons

Vice President, Investor Relations

(416) 368-9932 x 5439




MARKHAM, ON--(Marketwired - March 30, 2017) - Extendicare Inc. ("Extendicare" or the "Company") (TSX: EXE) today announced it will be hosting its Annual Meeting (the "Meeting") on Thursday, May 25, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. (Toronto time) at the Gallery, TMX Broadcast Centre, 130 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario. The record date for determining shareholders entitled to receive notice and vote at the Meeting has been set at April 7, 2017. The Company's related meeting materials, including, the management information and proxy circular, will be distributed to shareholders of record by May 4, 2017.

Extendicare will be broadcasting the Meeting live via a webcast accessible at www.extendicare.com under the investors/annual meetings section. An archive of the webcast will be available for replay following the Meeting.

Chairman Succession

The Company also today announced that Ben Hutzel has decided to step down in his role as Chairman of the board of directors of Extendicare (the "Board") immediately following the Meeting. Mr. Hutzel will be standing for re-election as a director at the Meeting.

Concurrent with Mr. Hutzel's decision and as a result of a Board succession process, fellow director, Alan Torrie, is expected to succeed Mr. Hutzel as Chairman of the Board immediately following the Meeting. Mr. Hutzel commented, "The Board believes that Alan has all of the qualities it takes to be an outstanding Chairman and is an excellent choice to succeed me. For myself, if re-elected to the Board, I look forward to continuing to contribute to the bright future of the Company and the progress that the Company is making towards its goals of growing its operations and positioning its services to meet the needs of Canadians across the senior care continuum."

Mr. Torrie has been serving as a director of the Company since January 2016 and has recently announced his plans to retire as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Morneau Shepell Ltd. (Morneau Shepell), at its annual meeting in May 2017. Mr. Torrie joined Morneau Shepell in 2005, as a director, and became President in 2008 and CEO in 2009. Prior to joining Morneau Shepell, Mr. Torrie amassed extensive experience as a senior executive leader in the seniors housing and health and science industries, including as Chief Operating Officer of Retirement Residences REIT from 2005 to 2007 and in a number of senior executive positions at MDS Inc. (a predecessor of Nordion Inc.) from 1987 to 2005, where he served as Executive Vice President from 2003 to 2005, and as President and Chief Executive Officer of MDS Diagnostics and MDS Laboratories from 1999 to 2003.

The Company also today announced that Frederic Waks, the Company's Vice Chairman, has decided not to stand for re-election to the Board. "I have truly enjoyed serving on the Extendicare Board and wish the Board and management well in its future endeavours," said Mr. Waks.

"The Board is deeply grateful to Mr. Waks for his contributions, insights and commitment to Extendicare during his tenure on the Board", stated Mr. Hutzel.

The number of directors to be elected at the Meeting has been fixed at eight. The eight nominees for election are the remaining current members of the Board, being: Margery Cunningham; Sandra Hanington; Alan Hibben; Benjamin Hutzel; Donna Kingelin; Timothy Lukenda; Gail Paech; and Alan Torrie.

ABOUT EXTENDICARE

Extendicare is a leading provider of care and services for seniors throughout Canada. Through our network of 111 operated senior care centres (65 owned/46 managed), as well as our home health care operations, we are committed to delivering care throughout the health care continuum to meet the needs of a growing seniors' population in Canada. Our qualified and highly trained workforce of 23,800 individuals is dedicated to helping people live better through a commitment to quality service and a passion for what we do.

For further information, contact:

Jillian Fountain

Corporate Secretary

Phone: (905)-470-5534

Fax: (905) 470-4003

Email: jfountain@extendicare.com

www.extendicare.com
LONDON, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Luxury travel company Brown + Hudson, launches a new service called "A Journey around my room". For people who struggle to achieve a work/life balance, this concept provides all the benefits of travel without any of the inconveniences.

"The idea was inspired by a client who would commission us to design the most incredible trips, pay and then cancel at the last minute, to the disappointment of their family. So we decided to bring the destination to them," says Philippe Brown, founder of Brown + Hudson.

Strange though it may seem, itispossible to experience all of the psychological and physical benefits of travel without even leaving home.

People travel in search of different things: learning, the exotic, adventure, escape, relaxation, curiosity, breaking routine, celebration, challenge and even anonymity. Brown + Hudson's understanding of how travel satisfies these motivations allows them to recreate intensely memorable cultural experiences anywhere. Vietnam in London, India in Toronto, Morocco in Paris, Bhutan in Buenos Aires.

The company begins by confirming hotel reservations - just in case. They then create a "Brown Box" that the client will receive. This includes Oculus Rift VR headsets pre-loaded with destination footage, a week of menus and a Moroccan chef to faithfully recreate the street food of Fez at home, for example. To titillate the senses you'll receive a rare fragrance "Eau de Souq". If the missed trip was to the Galapagos or a safari, after-hours access to a wildlife reserve might be arranged with an expert like Randal Keynes, Charles Darwin's great grandson.

Busy executives who want their colleagues to think they are travelling, when in fact they are catching up on work at home, have been flocking to "Journey around my room". For them, the company provides clothing bearing the fragrance of the destination, souvenirs, photoshopped snaps, drone footage of "where they were", anecdotes, postcards sent to friends, geo-tagged social media posts and signed copy of Pierre Bayard's "How to talk about places you've never been". Of course, they also hold confirmed hotel reservations so that if someone calls them, reception can say that "X is at the pool".

The concept also opens up the benefits of travel to people who find travel deeply challenging. There is the hassle of preparation, possible fear of flying and jet lag. When they get there, there are language barriers, loss of control, unfamiliarity and unusual foods and people. And then there's the emotional rollercoaster of coming home. All of that can be avoided with "A Journey around my room".

So is this a travel company telling people not to travel? "No certainly not. We're in the business of creating amazing travel experiences, but our expertise and insight allow us to recreate the benefits of travel, wherever the client may be."

"Some clients have found their experiences so intensely memorable and transformational that they won't travel any other way," says Laura Mitchell the company's Marketing Manager.

A poor silly fad? Brown thinks not.

Laura Mitchell

Marketing Manager

Brown + Hudson

203 358 0110

laura@brownandhudson.com

This release was issued through WebWire(R). For more information, visit http://www.webwire.com.

This release is an April Fools' release and should be taken as such by readers and the media.
Chute, a San Francisco, CA-based enterprise user-generated content (UGC) platform, closed a Series B equity funding round.

Backers included Foundry Group, Salesforce Ventures, and U.S. Venture Partners.

Launched in 2012 and led by Ranvir Gujral, CEO, Chute operates a platform that provides its partners with the ability to discover, manage and publish user-generated content created by everyday consumers and influencers.

The company recently launched a solution that integrates with Salesforce Community Cloud, enabling community managers to add authentic content to their online hubs and to tie in calls-to-action by highlighting specific offerings with visual content and links to buy or learn more.

Clients include Wyndham Worldwide, Travel Nevada, The Ritz-Carlton, NBC Universal, SeaWorld, National Park Foundation, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and NYC & Company, among others.

The new funds will be used primarily to expand product offerings, scale operations globally, and add more functionality for its platform that integrates with Community Cloud, including new media management, social content and UGC features scheduled for release in 2017.

Chute for Community Cloud is currently available on the Salesforce AppExchange here.

FinSMEs

29/03/2017
Picnic, a Dutch online supermarket, raised 100M in funding.

Backers included NPM Capital, De Hoge Dennen, Hoyberg and Finci.

The company intends to use the funds to further growth and expand the number of cities it operates.

Launched in late 2015 and led by Joris Beckers, Frederik Nieuwenhuys, Michiel Muller, Bouke van der Wal and Gerard Scheij, Picnic operates an online supermarket which which combines service with free delivery using electric minivans. The customer can choose the delivery run that is most convenient and track the exact delivery time on the grocery shopping radar.

The company currently operates in Dutch cities including Utrecht, Amersfoort and Almere and will soon begin serving Delft, Leidschendam, Voorburg, Nootdorp, Ede and Veenendaal expecting to provide employment for more than 2,000 people this year and to create 10,000 new jobs in the longer term.

To date, more than 30,000 Dutch households have done their grocery shopping at the online supermarket.

FinSMEs

30/03/2017
Filament, a Reno, Nevada-based provider of wireless industrial networks, raised $15m in venture capital funding.

The new round, which brought total funding to $21.8m, was led by Verizon Ventures and Bullpen Capital with participation from new investors Intel Capital, JetBlue Technology Ventures, CME Ventures, Lab IX, Backstage Capital, and Tappan Hill Ventures and previous investors Samsung NEXT, Resonant Venture Partners, and Digital Currency Group. In conjunction with the funding, Patrick Walsh, who led the investment for Intel Capital, is joining Filaments Board of Directors.

The company intends to use the proceeds to scale hardware manufacturing, enhance its platform with pinpoint GPS functionality, grow smart contract capabilities, and build out a wider ecosystem of delivery partners, including large technology integrators, value-added resellers, and global industrial conglomerates.

Led by CEO Allison Clift-Jennings, Filament leverages Blockchain technology to build hardware and software for the Industrial Internet, allowing companies to securely connect and monitor their assets through long-range wireless networks.

The solution allows industrial assets to securely communicate with one another wirelessly, independent of cloud connectivity or any other third-party data platform.

The company has offices in Reno, Denver, Minneapolis and San Francisco.

FinSMEs

30/03/2017
New Delhi: Five airlines will operate on 128 routes under the regional connectivity scheme wherein fares are capped at Rs 2,500 for one-hour flights.

Over 45 unserved and under-served airports would be connected under the scheme -- UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) that seeks to make flying more affordable.

Announcing the names of winning bidders and the routes, Civil Aviation Secretary R N Choubey said 128 routes are being awarded to a total of five operators.

The operators are Air India subsidiary Airline Allied Services, SpiceJet, Air Deccan, Air Odisha and Turbo Megha. They would be operating 19-78 seater aircraft.

The airports that would be connected under UDAN include Bhatinda, Puducherry and Shimla.

On each flight, 50 percent of the seats would have a cap of Rs 2,500 per seat/hour, Choubey said.

Under UDAN, the operators would be extended viability gap funding.

The amount is estimated to be around Rs 205 crore per annum for the operators chosen in the first round of bidding, Choubey added.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha said the scheme provides for various benefits including no airport charges and three-year exclusivity on the routes.
Agitating meat sellers and exporters in Uttar Pradesh are meeting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday in an effort to end their strike which has entered the fourth day affecting the livelihood of millions.

The traders have been striking against the state government crackdown on the abattoirs, resulting in closing down of scores of them.

The traders' meeting with the chief minister comes after all their earlier efforts to find a solution to their problmes remained inconclusive.

The traders had held talks with state health minister Siddhartha Nath Singh on Tuesday but there was no positive outcome.

"We have noted all the issues raised by them with an open mind. The Uttar Pradesh government will not allow anything illegal to happen," Singh was quoted as saying in a report by PTI. He, however, claimed to have directed officials not to act with over-zealousness or overstep their jurisdiction.

The office-bearers of the associations have submitted a memorandum to the state government.

"The strike called by mutton-sellers would continue at least till the end of Navaratra (April 5). It may be extended further depending upon the outcome of talks," Mubeen Qureshi, an office-bearer of Lucknow Bakra Gosht Vyapar Mandal said on Wednesday.

Singh on Wednesday reiterated that the government is acting only against illegal abattoirs.

"We are acting only against illegal abattoirs. Licenced slaughter houses are requested to stick to the norms. The licenced slaughter houses should comply with the norms mentioned in the licence and need not to fear. No orders have been issued to take any action against any shop selling chicken, fish or eggs," he said.

The minister, however, insisted that that if officials want to check the licence of meat shops, there was "nothing wrong" in it. "We are acting as per the provisions of the law and not on the basis of any pre-conceived notions," he said.

The sale of fish, egg and chicken was normal in the state capital but mutton lovers continued to be disappointed. As the hindu festival of 'Navratras' has begun, the demand for non-vegetarian food is expected to relatively come down for the next few days.

As the industry leaders push ahead with their meeting, here's a look at the story of Uttar Pradesh meat industry in numbers:

With inputs from PTI
Ukrainian Justice Minister Pavlo Petrenko has proposed to anti-corruption nongovernmental organizations to join drafting amendments to the law that would make the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) a body with ultimate responsibility.

"The prime minister ordered the Justice Ministry to draw up relevant legislative amendments. We would correct the mistake regarding the fact that the collegial body operating for one year and receiving large financing from the budget in fact is not able to fulfill its duties," he said at a briefing in Kyiv on Wednesday.

Petrenko addressed representatives of anti-corruption nongovernmental organization.

"We propose to quickly draw up amendments to the law on the basis of the secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers. The main principles of the amendments are the following: the management system with ultimate responsibility is to be introduced," Petrenko said.

He said that it would be optimal if renewed NACP starts operating in the normal mode in coming months.

"We as the Justice Ministry are ready to undertake a proactive function and to draw up these amendments jointly with experts and the public," the minister said.
A crackdown on unlicensed abattoirs in India's most populous state has spread to other states ruled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party, as Hindu hardliners press a political agenda that risks alienating the country's Muslim minority.

The move started after Modi appointed Yogi Adityanath as chief minister of Uttar Pradesh state following the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) landslide victory in elections there this month.

The demands by right-wing Hindu groups to stop the slaughter of cows, considered holy in Hinduism, could stoke communal tensions with Muslims, who dominate the meat industry and make up 14 percent of India's 1.3 billion people. Most of the beef produced in India comes from buffalo rather than cattle.

India's history is pockmarked by horrific Hindu-Muslim communal clashes. In Modi's home state of Gujarat, 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed after a wave of riots in 2002 when he was chief minister. A Supreme Court investigation found no case against Modi, who denied any wrongdoing.

Adityanath ordered the closure of abattoirs operating without licences soon after taking over as chief minister on March 18.

"If it is legal, nobody has a right to stop it. But if it is illegal, why should this be allowed to function? We believe in the rule of the land, said Rajiv Tuli, media coordinator of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the ideological parent of the BJP.

A senior BJP official also defended the action, saying it was part of the party's election manifesto in Uttar Pradesh and followed through on the stand taken by Modi during 2014 general election campaign, when he spoke out against India increasing meat exports.

"Even Modiji vowed to put an end to pink revolution during the 2014 election campaign, so there is nothing wrong in shutting down illegal shops," the official said, using a term of respect and referring to the modernisation of meat and poultry processing units.

Several other BJP-ruled states, including Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, have followed suit, ordering closures of abattoirs operating without licences, media and officials said.

On Tuesday, Hindu vigilantes forcibly shut down a KFC outlet in Delhi's satellite city of Gurugram, in the state of Haryana also ruled by the BJP, for selling chicken during the nine-day festival of Navratra when Hindu devotees fast and stay away from meat.

"We have not received any notification from the authorities on limiting operations during the Navratras...," a KFC India spokeswoman said. "We would like to reiterate that KFC has the highest respect for the cultural and religious beliefs of all communities and believe that consumers are free to make choices and decisions."

KFC said its outlets were operating normally in other states.

Fears of shortages

Senior Jharkhand government official K G Rahate said authorities were acting against illegal abattoirs keeping in mind "overall issues of public health, hygiene and safety".

Raghubar Das, chief minister of Jharkhand, also issued advertisements in local papers to appeal to meat sellers to follow his government's instructions.

In Rajasthan, 16 illegal slaughterhouses were shut down last week, a government official said.

The closures have led to fears of meat shortages and disruption of exports of buffalo beef and other meat products.

The move by a number of state governments has led to "a huge sense of apprehension in the minority section," said Neerja Chowdhury, a political commentator.

"The debate is beyond legal and illegal. Only recently cow vigilante groups have burned down slaughter houses, creating an environment of insecurity," Chowdhury said, referring to a series of attacks in Uttar Pradesh.

After his landslide victory in Uttar Pradesh, Adityanath should have adopted a more inclusive approach, she said.

India is one of the largest exporters of buffalo meat, selling $4 billion worth of beef in the 2015/16 fiscal year. Its biggest buyers included Vietnam, Malaysia and Egypt.

Uttar Pradesh is the biggest producer of buffalo meat in the country, and exporters said the latest crackdown will hurt business.

"Right now everyone is very scared because they don't know whether what they are doing will be termed as legal or illegal," said Priya Sud, partner at Al Noor Exports, which operates slaughter houses in Uttar Pradesh.

Muslims working in the meat industry are fearful for their jobs and meat sellers in Uttar Pradesh have gone on strike in protest.

Abdul Faheem Qureshi, president of the Muslim All India Jamiatul Quresh Action Committee that represents the cause of meat sellers, said his organisation was considering legal action.

"Even we respect Hindu sentiments and are against cow slaughter," Qureshi said. "But this is being carried out only for political gains."

Opposition Congress party member and spokesman Manish Tewari said slaughterhouse owners must seek legal recourse.

"Supply of all kinds of meat has been disrupted due to the new rules," said Iqbal Qureshi, president of the Meat Murga Vyapar Kalyan Samiti, a meat sellers' group in Uttar Pradesh.

"Restaurants don't have enough meat to serve."
New Delhi: Direct recruitment in central government jobs has declined by 89 percent in 2015 in comparison to the year 2013, Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

Total appointments made through direct recruitment have slided down from 151,841 in 2013, 126,261 in 2014 to 15,877 in 2015 which is a sharp decline of 89 percent as compared to the year 2013, according to the data presented in the House.

There is also a 90 percent decline in the direct recruitment of reserved category candidates in the central government jobs in the year 2015 as compared to 2013.

The data for appointments made through direct recruitment in central government jobs was provided today by Minister of State for personnel, public grievances and pensions Jitendra Singh in response to a written reply to a question.

The data provided for 74 ministries shows that 92,928 candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes were appointed through direct recruitment in the year 2013.

In 2014, the numbers declined to 72,077 (69 ministries) which plummeted to only 8,436 (50 ministries) in the year 2015 which is a sharp decline of 90 percent as compared to 2013, the government data shows.

"As per the data received from 79 ministries and departments for the year 2014-15, 18,822 employees (8.56 percent) were recruited from minority communities in government services and PSUs," the Minister said.

He said as per the data received from 44 ministries and departments for the year 2015-16, 2,851 employees (7.5 percent) were recruited from minority communities.

"The posts sanctioned in government ministries and departments are required to be filled as per the recruitment rules as and when vacancies arise.

"The filling up of posts is a continuous process depending on the vacancies arising across ministries and departments during the years and action calenders of the recruitment agencies," the Minister said.

He said that in this regard all ministries and departments have been requested to take advance action for reporting vacancy position with respect to direct recruitment posts to recruitment agencies such as Union Public Service Commission and Staff Selection Commission etc.

"Further, all ministries and departments have also been requested for timely convening of the Departmental Promotion Committee meeting for filling up of promotional posts," he said.
The historic Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime today came a step closer to meet its July 1 target of rollout, with the Lok Sabha approving four supplementary legislations.

The Central GST Bill, 2017; The Integrated GST Bill, 2017; The GST (Compensation to States) Bill, 2017; and The Union Territory GST Bill, 2017 were passed after negation of a host of amendments moved by the Opposition parties.

Touted as the biggest taxation reform since Independence, GST will subsume central excise, service tax, VAT and other local levies to create an uniform market. GST is expected to boost GDP growth by about 2 percent and check tax evasion.

Commodities to become cheaper

Replying to the seven-hour-long debate, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the GST which will usher in a uniform indirect tax regime in the country and will make commodities "slightly cheaper".

He said the GST rates would depend upon whether the commodity is used by a rich person or a common man.

Jaitley said once the new regime is implemented, the harassment of businesses by different authorities will end and India will be one rate for one commodity throughout the country.

He said the GST Council, comprising Finance Ministers of Union and states, had agreed to take a decision on bringing real estate within the ambit of the new tax regime within a year of its rollout.

On the impact of GST on prices, Jaitley said: "Today you have tax on tax, you have cascading effect. When all of that is removed, goods will become slightly cheaper".

On why the Council has decided on multiple GST rates, Jaitley said one rate would be "highly regressive" as "hawai chappal and BMW cannot be taxed at the same rate".

He said currently food articles are not taxed and those will continue to be zero rated under the GST. All other commodities would be fitted into the nearest tax bracket.

The GST Council has recommended a four-tier tax structure -- 5, 12, 18 and 28 percent. On top of the highest slab, a cess will be imposed on luxury and demerit goods to compensate the states for revenue loss in the first five years of the GST implementation.

However, the Central GST (CGST) law has pegged the peak rate at 20 percent and a similar rate has been prescribed in the State GST (SGST) law, which takes the peak rate to 40 percent which will come into force only in financial exigencies.

Jaitley said the cess would be transient for a period of 5 years so that the proceeds can be utilised to compensate the states.

Congress objects

The Congress objected to the passage of four GST-related bills in Lok Sabha, claiming that it was in "contravention of Parliamentary sovereignty".

"We support (GST) but the nuances and manner in which it (GST supporting laws) is passed is in contravention of Parliamentary sovereignty," Congress senior leader M Veerappa Moily said, adding that by passing the bill in its present form the members shall put the "last nail in the coffin" of their own sovereignty and legislative independence.

"It is a historic day where Parliament's sovereignty has been removed insofar as taxation is concerned and they have no power to abrogate...This is again a big assault on the federal structure of the Constitution of India," he said.

Moily had during the Lok Sabha debate reminded that the BJP had opposed the implementation of the reform tooth and nail when the UPA first introduced it. The delay in implementation resulted in a loss of Rs 12 lakh crore for the country.

Experts point out to concerns

Meanwhile, tax experts welcomed the move but also pointed out a few areas of concern. Hailing the passage of the Bills in one day, Pratik Jain, partner and national leader - indirect tax at PwC India, termed it a great achievement for the NDA government. "However, the government should perhaps note the concerns raised by Opposition, particularly those relating to tax administration, impact of multiple rate structure and possible impact on sectors which are to be excluded from GST like agriculture and petroleum," he said.

MS Mani, senior director  indirect tax, Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP, said the passage of the Bills sets the stage for the definitive introduction of get in the next few months.

"The GST rules and rates should now be decided very quickly so that business can be prepared," he said.

Many members in the Lok Sabha also raised the issue of preparedness during the debate. Saugata Roy of the Trinamool Congress urged the government to push the deadline to 1 September in the interest of the small businesses.

The general consensus among the experts have been that it is better to extend the deadline by two months for a smooth rollout.

(With inputs from PTI)
The Narendra Modi government on Wednesday faced embarrassment in the Rajya Sabha as five of the amendments moved by the Opposition to the Finance Bill, 2017, were adopted by division before the bill was returned to the Lok Sabha.

The Bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha last week, was moved for passage in the Rajya Sabha on Monday.

The upper house discussed the bill for over five hours spread across two days with the Congress and other opposition parties taking exception to several provisions of the Finance Bill, stating that the government had sought to amend 40 laws in one go.

Congress member Digvijay Singh moved amendments to three clauses of the Bil and these were adopted after division, to the discomfiture of the treasury benches.

Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Sitaram Yechury also moved two amendments which were also adopted after division.

The BJP-led government does not not have a majority in the Rajya Sabha.

During discussion on the Bill, the Opposition accused the government of "smuggling in" provisions to bypass the Rajya Sabha as the upper house has limited powers on money bills.

Congress member Kabil Sibal, who initiated the debate on the Bill, said that some provisions in the bill tend to weaken the federal structure of the country, will allow the government to snoop on citizens and instill fear among the business community.

Sibal also said the bill gives "unbridled powers" to the taxman and he can conduct "search and seizure" at any premises without assigning any reason for the same to a superior authority.

Yechury strongly objected to the provision in the Bill about use of Aadhaar for filing income tax returns (ITR).

"Why are you saying today that Aadhaar is required for me to file my ITR? Why do I have my PAN card at all then?" he asked, adding that if the government wants to make Aadhaar compulsory, it should bring a straightforward bill saying as much.

Congress leader and former Finance Minister P. Chidmabaram said that if "Pentagon can be hacked, how will you (government) protect hacking of income tax and bank accounts through Aadhaar?"

The opposition members also expressed concern over the "removal of cap" on corporate funding to the political parties in the name of electoral reforms.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Satish Chandra Misra said that the provision of political funding was designed to benefit only the ruling party.

"Individuals giving more than Rs 2,000 have to disclose their identity, but corporate houses giving Rs 20 crore are not required to disclose any details under the proposed law," he said.

Members also raised concerns over the winding up of several tribunals and the government "single-handedly appointing chairpersons of tribunals deciding business disputes"

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, while responding to the debate on the Bill, said that some of remarks of opposition leaders were "exaggerated".

He clarified that appointments of judges or retired judges in Appellate Tribunals will be made in consultation with the Chief Justice, as has been the established practice.

Jaitley also brushed aside the opposition's fears that linking income tax returns and bank accounts with Aadhaar may be unsafe.

"If firewalls can be broken, and hacking can be done, it will be done whether Aadhaar is there or not. I think Pentagon got hacked without Aadhaar being there. If technology can be breached, doesn't mean we shouldn't use technology," he said.

He said that the provision of Aadhaar to be furnished while filing income tax returns is meant to eliminate possibility of tax fraud and of possessing multiple PAN cards.

The Bill was returned to the Lok Sabha that will consider the amendments moved by the upper House.

As per the provisions of article 109 of the Constitution, the Rajya Sabha has limited powers with respect to money bills, with the Lok Sabha free to either accept or reject all or any of its recommendations.

If the Lok Sabha does not accept any of the recommendations, the money bill is deemed to have been passed by both Houses in the form in which it was passed by the lower house.
New Delhi - The automobile industry has termed the Supreme Court diktat banning sale of BS-3 vehicles from Saturday a shock and awe decision. But just a back-of-the-envelope calculation shows the ban will impact less than 4 percent of the industrys production in the 11 months of this fiscal. This figure alone should suffice to put the ban in perspective  the industry had ample time to prepare for an eventual end date for selling BS-3 vehicles. That it happily went on producing such vehicles, hoping for a lenient view from the apex court, showed it was willing to take a chance. Well, it did and its bet didnt work. Now, there is nothing to do but to comply with the ban.

Also, those expecting to quickly buy cheaper or hugely discounted cars between today and tomorrow would be disappointed  passenger vehicle makers had already transitioned to the BS-IV standards in 2010, when it was made mandatory in the National Capital Region (NCR) and 13 major cities. The only people who may be desperate to offload inventory at sizeable discounts are truck and heavy commercial vehicle makers. Another thing: retrofitting BS-3 vehicles with BS-4 kits may not be a feasible option, given technical challenges, additional costs, and potential quality issues.

But why was the SC ruling a negative surprise anyway? Analysts at brokerage IIFL have explained that though the transition to BS-4 had been notified well in advance, the earlier legal position was that the cut-off date of 31 March 2017 was applicable to production of BS-3 vehicles and not to sales or registration.

This has been so even in the previous emission norm transitions. Since, the transition from BS III to BS IV necessitated price increases (more so in case of M&HCV), OEMs increased inventory at the company and dealer level to maximise sales of cheaper BS III vehicles. However, the ruling has changed applicability of the cut-off date from production to sale, which would result in BS III effectively becoming non-saleable.

According to one brokerage tracking the automobile industry, actual vehicle population affected by the ban is a mere 8,24,278 out of 238,56,956 produced between April 2016 and February of this year. And the value loss for the industry would be a mere 5 percent due to the ban. This brokerage has reasoned it out thus:

1) 25% (of the banned vehicles) will go to exports

2) Realisations for each segment have been considered stable for FY16 and inventory left. This will negate any price cutting by automobile manufacturers to sell inventory in the next two days.

3) If we consider that only engine will go as scrap, then percentage loss can reduce further. If we assume that 50 percent is the engine cost, and that go as scrap with zero value, loss can be below 2.5 percent.

Analysts at brokerage Ambit said Ashok Leyland, with unsold BS-3 vehicle inventory of 18,000-20,000 units and Hero MotoCorp, with 250,000-300,000 units, would be the most impacted by the SC ban. They also echoed views expressed earlier that some mitigating factors include sale of BS-3 vehicles in some export markets, sales in the last two days of FY17 and sale of some BS-3 engines in the aftermarket.

The impact is going to be prominent for the CV segment. If full value of the inventory is taken as scrap, then also the CV industry will see an impact of 12 percent, said the analysts quoted earlier. There is negligible impact for 4-wheelers and marginal impact for 2-wheelers and 3-wheelers. Pure play CV company is Ashok Leyland, whereas players like Tata Motors, Eicher and M&M have cushion from other product offerings. Tata Motors has JLR, passenger cars; M&M also has passenger cars, utility vehicles and tractors. The ban would be felt most by commercial vehicle makers, say analysts.

Pure CV players like Ashok Leyland to get maximum impact (in the range of 5 percent - 10 percent) on sales and profitability. On the flip side, Ashok Leyland is already producing BS IV vehicles and they should be able to cover up sales decline of BS III vehicles in next quarter itself.

Shrikant Akolkar (Research Analyst- Auto & Auto Ancillary, Angel Broking) said he did not expect a major impact on passenger vehicle makers, since they had already begun manufacturing BS-4 compliant vehicles.

The auto industry currently has an unsold inventory of nearly 8.2 lakh BS-III vehicles having a combined value of Rs 12,000 crore. The argument of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) is that the production had to be increased after January 2017 as demonetisation had negatively impacted their output in the months of November and December 2016. The chunk of the inventory of BS-III vehicles pertains to the two-wheelers segment and these may have to be diverted to the international markets where BS-III vehicles are still permitted. The passenger vehicle manufacturers have already started to manufacturer the BS-IV compliant vehicles hence we do not expect any big impact on passenger vehicle manufacturers.

In their note to clients, brokerage IIFL said OEMs would have to spend on higher discounts, recalling unsold inventory and higher working capital for holding the inventory until it is exported. Some OEMs would try to clear off as much inventory with higher discounts before 31st March.

In case of CVs, dealers invoicing sales on March 30-31 may actually undertake deliveries later in April. Some BS-3 Vehicles would find their way to developing countries with benign emission standards.

The IIFL analysts also said BS-3 inventory of two-wheelers would not be very high since most OEMs had already started producing BS-4 compliant vehicles by February end. Bajaj and Eicher were the early movers with full transition to BS-4 production in January-February.

Hero MotoCorp and TVS moved to 100 percent BS-4 production this month. It is the CV makers who continued manufacturing BS-3 vehicles in March, in anticipation of strong pre-buy and expected to continue selling them in April and beyond. CV OEMs would have to spend on higher discounts, recalling unsold inventory and higher working capital for holding the inventory until it is exported.
Mumbai - The country's largest automaker Tata Motors on Wednesday said the Supreme Court's ban on selling BS-3 models was "unexpected and unprecedented penalty" on the entire industry.

"The Supreme Court order banning sale of all BS-3 vehicles from April 1 is an unexpected and unprecedented move that will have a material impact on the entire automotive industry, OEMs and dealer networks and is a penalty to the entire automotive industry," Tata Motors said in a statement.

The largest commercial vehicles maker noted that the industry planned the current transition into BS-IV in line with the accepted practice of stopping production of earlier emission standard vehicles effective from the transition date and is also under the prevailing laws.

Before the court verdict, Tata Motors managing director Guenter Butschek had told reporters that if the verdict went against the industry, he would have to explore export opportunities to clear the unsold inventory to markets like like Africa, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

He also categorically said "there is no technology available to upgrade a BS-3 vehicle into a BS-IV one."

On its passenger vehicles business, he said it has been producing BS-4 compliant vehicles across its entire product range and are fully BS-4 ready.

Without quantifying the losses or the volume of banned units, the company said it is assessing the impact of the order that are lying unsold on 1 April, at both company and dealerships.

In a statement, the second largest commercial vehicles makers Ashok Leyland's managing director Vinod K Dasari said he has only minimal BS-3 inventory.

"We have been making BS-4 vehicles since 2010 and has sufficient capability and capacity to make these vehicles. However, since BS-4 commercial vehicles cannot run properly on BS-3 fuel, and such fuel is not available nationwide, our customers continued to buy BS-3 vehicles," Dasari said.

On the BS-3 inventory, he said most of the unsold units will be sold in the next couple of days. "Of the little inventory that we expect to remain beyond this, we will export them to other markets, where we have significant presence and still operate on BS III norms. For any other vehicles still leftover, the company confirms that it will be able to easily upgrade them to BS-4 at minimal cost."

BharatBenz from the German major Daimler said the order will have practically no impact on it as it hopes to finish the stock over the next couple of days.

Erich Nesselhauf, managing director and CEO, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles told PTI that the order is on expected lines and the company has already made the transition as since August 2015 it has sold more than 1,000 trucks.

"If any units remain unsold, which I hope will not be so as I hope to sell them all in the next two days or to be exported," Nesselhauf said.

"That we sold 1000 BharatBenz BS-4 trucks underlines our commitment to lead this much-needed upgrade to cleaner and more efficient vehicles. We have worked relentlessly for more than a year to be fully BS-IV ready on April 1," he added.

BharatBenz's range of trucks are in the 9-49 tonne and have been available in BS-4 variants since August 2015.

It exports trucks made at its Chennai plant to 30 markets, under Fuso brand to across Latin America, Africa and Middle East and to Indonesia as Mercedes Benz and to Nepal as Bharat Benz.

"Today's decision of the Supreme Court reassures us in our belief that industry interests must go together with the interests of the society at large. The BS-IV standard will bring much needed improvements in terms of air quality, to the benefit of the people and the environment," he said.

Shrikant Akolkar of Angel Broking said the ruling will leave around 8.2 lakh unsold units in BS-III model having a combined value of Rs 12,000 crore.

"The largest chunk of the BS-3 inventory pertains to the two-wheelers segment and these may have to be diverted to international markets where BS-3 vehicles are still permitted. The passenger vehicle manufacturers have already started to manufacturer the BS-IV compliant vehicles hence we

do not expect any big impact on passenger vehicle makers," he said.

Subrata Ray of rating agency Icra said, commercial vehicles segment will be the most impacted segment by the court order.

According to him, around the CV industry has an inventory of around 75,000 units, and so will be hit as they will have to re-call them from dealers and upgradation to BS-4 norms but did not quantify the cost.
There is something horrible, almost Kafka-esque, that is taking place in Maharashtra.

Politicians across the spectrum have been demanding loan waivers. When a banker cautions against erosion of credit discipline, legislators seek to pass a privilege motion against her.

And when a member of parliament slaps a public official, then brags about how he hit him with a slipper some 25 times and even broke his spectacles, the police does not arrest him. Interestingly, the legislators in the state do not clamour for his dismissal. There is no talk about preserving the dignity of the legislator any more.

Something is certainly going wrong when one looks at other bits of statistical data that are available from websites. True there are many gaps in the information that the public would like to know about, but the little that is available is disturbing.

Consider the following: More than half of the people elected just recently in the municipal elections for the state of Maharashtra, declared wealth of over Rs 1 crore. Many of them, according to anecdotal information available, showed this wealth being derived from agricultural income. Agricultural income is significant because it is the only income (other than income earned by political parties) that is entirely exempt from income tax. It can therefore become a very effective laundromat.

This is where the situation becomes bizarre. You have many of the states elected representatives claiming that they have made enormous money through agriculture. Yet these very legislators are willing to also claim that many farmers commit suicide because they could not earn money.

This is a terrible contradiction because it means that the actual truth could be one of the following alternatives

1. The elected representatives made money for themselves but did not educate the farmers on how to improve their own lot. If they do not care for people around them, should they be considered representatives of the people?

2. The moneys were declared from other sources, but were conveniently (and falsely) declared as agricultural income. Should they then not be hauled up for perjury, and be disqualified from holding any electoral post?

3. Or could it be that the stories about farmer suicides were trumped up?

The legislators need to tell us which of the above is the true picture.

Ironically, the situation finds a mirror image even when we look at the national profile of politicians. At least 27 percent of the legislators have declared wealth of over Rs 1 crore, much of it through agricultural income.

Surely, you cannot have a country where one section of people can make money from agriculture, while another (significantly larger) section cannot. As William Shakespeare would have remarked, Something is rotten in the state . . . .

In fact the comptroller and auditor general (CAG) itself has begun enquiring on the nature of agricultural incomes filed. It will be interesting to see how quickly this report gets tabled, and what its findings and recommendations are.

There are reasons to feel sceptical about such an enquiry. It may be recalled that these columns had already pointed out how the government could have easily unearthed huge amounts of black money if it had only gone after the 8 lakh declarants who had declared exorbitant amounts of income as agricultural incomes during FY 2011 and FY2012. The income declared was eight times the cumulative GDP for those two years. That the government has chosen not to do this points to the unwillingness and inability of the government to rein in corrupt politicians.

The scepticism becomes stronger when one watches legislators in Parliament rising up in unison decrying against judicial overreach just because the Supreme Court asked the government to lay down norms for benefits that elected representatives should be given.

This scepticism becomes sheer disbelief when one watches the manner in which even the Patna High Court has so far not come out with clear directives on a public interest litigation petition that Vijay Sharma, a retired Indian Revenue Service officer, had filed. He wanted the courts to ask the Income Tax authorities to reveal the names of the top 1,000 declarants of (of the eight lakh declarants who had filed) agricultural incomes during the two years 2011 and 2012.

Farmer poverty and the soaring agricultural wealth of elected representatives do not gel. Something stinks.

And the need for judicial intervention becomes all the more crucial if one considers another number from the charts above  the number of legislators who have declared serious criminal cases against their names. But that is quite another story, to be dealt with later.
New Delhi: Air Odisha Aviation has won the bid to connect the maximum number of unserved airports in India in the first round of bidding for the regional connectivity scheme UDAN. It proposes to connect 14 such airports which do not service even a single flight as of now, starting next month. In all, 43 unserved airports will get on India's air map with this scheme and these include Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jamshedpur, Jalgaon, Akola, Shimla, Kandla, Puducherry, Bhatinda, Cooch Behar and Bilaspur.

The UDAN scheme offers subsidy for 50 percent of the seats on these routes, exclusive route monopoly for three years and a host of other concessions at the landing airports. In turn, it expects the airlines to cap fares at Rs 2,500 per seat per hour rate on regional flights. Alliance Air CEO C S Subbiah said he expects breakeven on each such ATR-72 flight in a month as 60-70 percent load factor (which denotes percentage of occupied seats) should be enough for the airline to recover costs. Air Odisha CEO Sanjay Arya said will take about three months for his 18-20 seater aircraft to break even on the regional routes.

After the first round of bidding  airlines had to bid for the viability gap funding or subsidy they need for each route  five airlines qualified. These include Air India subsidiary Alliance Air, Air Odisha, Turbo Megha Airways, Air Deccan and SpiceJet.

So the big boys of aviation not only stayed away from the first round of bidding, they are also waging a battle against a levy on metro flights which is being used to fund such regional connectivity. IndiGo, SpiceJet, GoAir and Jet Airways have gone to court against the levy imposed by the government on each flight taking off from a metro airport, and some of these airlines have yet not paid the sum accrued from this levy. Civil Aviation Secretary R N Choubey said the levy actually works out to just Rs 50 per metro passenger and should not be hard to bear.

Besides the reluctance of the big domestic airlines to mount flights on these routes, among those airlines that have come forward some have a previous history in the industry which is not all praiseworthy. Take for instance Air Odisha, which this piece says, had to suspend operations in June last year because of the arrest of its top official.

Air Deccan is another airline in the fray. Its promoter Captain G R Gopinath was once hailed as a pioneer of low cost aviation in India  remember his Re 1 ticket gimmick? But this kind of pricing bled the airline dry and he was forced to sell it off to Kingfishers Vijay Mallya - and we all know what happened to Mallya after this purchase.

These two examples are relevant here because of what has been happening to some other regional players in the aviation business in India recently. Once considered a strong player, Air Costa has suspended flight operations within eight months of another regional airline, Air Pegasus, getting grounded. Both airlines had been facing financial headwinds and aviation regulator DGCA has already de-registered Air Pegasus aircraft.

So is regional aviation becoming the forte of airlines which do not really have sound business models? Has the government examined the history of the successful bidders before awarding them routes, some of which could be unviable even after the viability gap funding? Arya of Air Odisha said he is still to lease the six aircraft needed to operate the 50 regional routes the airline has won in the first round of UDAN bidding. Subbiah of Alliance Air said his airline will lease 10 additional brand new ATR aircraft and this order has already been placed.

Allinace will connect Bhatinda or Shimla to Delhi; Air Odisha will launch a Bhubaneshwar-Utkela-Raipur-Jeypore-JHarsaguda-Ranchi-Rourkela route. Agra-Delhi, Ludhiana-Delhi, Cooch Behar-Kolkata will be some of the routes on Air Deccan; Kandla-Mumbai and Porbandar-Mumbai on SpiceJet.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha said while announcing the bidders that the total viability gap funding which government will have to provide is Rs 205 crore for creating 1.3 million additional seats on regional routes. He also pointed out that UDAN is the first-of-a-kind scheme anywhere in the world and that a vast resource is being created at minimal cost for connecting remote corners of the country.
On 29 March, 2017, an FIR was filed by a victim who accused The Viral Fever (TVF) CEO and founder Arunabh Kumar of sexual harassment. Just one day before this complaint was lodged, the Mumbai Police said that it would be closing the investigation case, citing the reason that no victims had come forward thus far, and that complaints on social media cannot be considered.

Now, Indian Express reports that the Mumbai Police has summoned Kumar. "Based on the complaint of a victim, a case under Section 354 (A) and 509 of the IPC has been registered against Arunabh Kumar, Mumbai Police said.

A police official has told Hindustan Times that they are trying to search for him but they can't find him. A senior police official said, It is a non-bailable offence and we will definitely be opposing his bail plea. We want to arrest him.

Meanwhile, the emergence of similar accounts of harassment by Kumar on social media, coupled with the news that the case would be dropped led to a debate which featured a multiplicity of opinions.

Some felt that Arunabh Kumar had suffered as a consequence of the blog written by Indian Fowler, others predicted that no victims would come forward and still others criticised the victims for making workplace harassment a more problematic issue. There were a significant number of people calling the complainants liars.

Arunabh Kumar's personal Facebook account is populated by posts where he has been tagged by people either criticising him or supporting and protecting him. Kumar has neither responded to any of these posts, nor has he deleted them or untagged himself.

Here are the conversations that ensued on Twitter after news of the case being closed had been released.

Several called the entire episode a planned publicity stunt.

@firstpost to sara khel viewers & followers badhane ka tha uske blog par.. Master stroke by so called victim!! @TheQtiyapaGuy @TheViralFever  Jodi No.1  (@21century_kant) March 29, 2017

Many felt that Kumar's reputation was now tarnished.

@crashhgate Doob maro TVF?? The guy's character got assassinated and you are blaming him for that? @TheQtiyapaGuy @TheViralFever  Elvis priceless (@Nsihnat) March 28, 2017

Some felt that this would help Kumar to know whom to trust in the future.

To all those who had already passed their judgements on him. I hope now @TheQtiyapaGuy knows who are his true friends. @TheViralFever https://t.co/9tT0XwtcIs  the FAKE Blogger!!! (@jitu_87) March 29, 2017

Some even advised Kumar to file a defamation suit.

A certain section of people were convinced that Kumar, not the complainants, was the real victim in this situation.

This is really, really fishy. This puts the whole matter in an entirely new light. Who's the real victim here? https://t.co/Lf2a5hEXBi  The Bad Doctor (@DOCTORATLARGE) March 29, 2017

Women were disappointed in their own gender for not reporting the case to the police.

I'm so disappointed in the women who claimed that they were harassed but not even 1 came forward. Joke's on us. https://t.co/VIksyfzS5A  Kalyani Adhav (@KalyaniAdhav) March 28, 2017

Women were also blamed for contributing to the issue of workplace harassment.

And that's how these women make it difficult for real sexual harassment at workplace cases. https://t.co/eZTYNfRu5s  Maya (@Sharanyashettyy) March 28, 2017

Feminists were criticised and called trolls.

@firstpost @TheQtiyapaGuy @TheViralFever yeh saley Sabhi feminist hotey hi Janam sey troll hai  Bhargav (@g87_p) March 28, 2017

But some still believed that there is merit in the accusations, and that Kumar would persist in the behaviours that he has been accused of.

Case closed as Nobody complained No surprises Bet @TheQtiyapaGuy will even now go ahead & make more films on marital rape. Men dont learn https://t.co/ciSeqXxsWd  MRA Amit Deshpande (@antidespondent) March 28, 2017

Some even questioned if the first victim to file an FIR was triggered to do so because the case was dropped.

Wait this was yday. So just cause of this a victim filed complaint today? WTF is going on. https://t.co/kMw4bjjQ2n  Son lux (@littmannverses) March 29, 2017

Several say that they don't know what the truth is, that they are confused about the situation.

Don't know what to believe anymore  https://t.co/rRFZm5Qe51  Renu Manuja (@RenuManuja) March 28, 2017

People wondered if all the outrage pouring in from TVF employees, feminists, people in the comedy industry and everyone else amounted to nothing.
A few days ago, Katrina Kaif had started shooting for Ali Abbas Zafar's action thriller Tiger Zinda Hai in Austria. Now, she is back to shooting for Anurag Basu's action comedy adventure Jagga Jasoos, the same set where she injured her neck a few weeks ago.

It was earlier reported that Basu wanted to re-shoot a few portions of the film and thus, postponed its release to 12 May from 7 April. While he suggested the exam season as the reason behind the delay, it was speculated that the actual reason is the unwillingness of Kaif and her former boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor, the lead pair of the film, to re-shoot those portions and promote the film on the same platform.

Now, Kaif recently posted a picture of herself, sporting a tight-lipped exhausted look from the sets of the outdoor shoot of Jagga Jasoos. Her face spoke volumes of the grind that she has gone through while shooting for Jagga Jasoos, a film that has been under production for years.

Thus, a host of news platforms speculate that the release date of the film may be pushed even further. 12 May seems to be a suitable time to release the film by Basu's logic as it marks the starting of the summer vacation of school and college students. But if he continues to re-shoot portions of the film, much to the exhaustion of his actors, the long-awaited film may see yet another delay in its theatrical release.

Also, it was reported that Kapoor may not make a public appearance till the wrapping up of the shooting of Rajkumar Hirani's biopic of Sanjay Dutt, as a preventive measure to keep his looks under wraps. This may very well prove to be yet another hindrance in the smooth promotions of Jagga Jasoos.

Jagga Jasoos also stars Adah Sharma and is co-produced by Kapoor's Picture Dekho Production, Basu and Siddharth Roy Kapur. It is currently expected to release on 12 May.
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry says it stands ready to comply with the agreements on a ceasefire in the conflict area in Donbas starting from April 1, which were reached at a meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk.

"I am not authorized to comment on decisions made by the Minsk Group. However, I would like to say once again that the Ukrainian Armed Forces and other agencies involved in the Anti-Terrorist operation (ATO) are ready to fulfill all decisions to be made by the Minsk Group. We are ready for a withdrawal and a unilateral ceasefire, which is currently being observed as it is," Ukrainian Defense Ministry spokesperson Oleksandr Motuzianyk said at a news briefing in Kyiv on Thursday.
It was in February this year that the first look of Dulquer Salmaan's film with Amal Neerad was unveiled, and the title confirmed as Comrade in America  CIA.

Sharing the poster on his Facebook page, Dulquer had written at the time:

"At long last, here is the title for my first full length Amal Neerad film! Thank you Amal Etta for the opportunity and for letting me be a part of something so ambitious and grand. Hope you all love everything about the film."

The poster depicted Dulquer's character against the American flag, with the Communist sickle and hammer symbol in place of the usual stars. The title and poster both indicated that Communism will be a major part of CIA's narrative.

The Hindu reported that shooting on the project had started over a year ago and features locations in the US and Mexico.

Now, the teaser for CIA has been released, and it will have fans anticipating the full-length official trailer.

Dulquer shared the short, 32-second clip on his Facebook page with this message: "Here it is guys! We have given this film our everything. Cannot wait for you all to watch the final version. For now, here is a little teaser."

The teaser shows a student with Ali John (Dulquer) getting the better of a cop (Sujith Shankar) in a verbal exchange, and as he walks out of the police station, gathering up his lungi with an enviable swagger, Gopi Sundar's background score sets the perfect mood.

Watch the teaser for Comrade in America  CIA here:
Once again, there is growing speculation over whether or not Superstar Rajinikanth will revive his political career. A meeting of fans of the superstar is being convened on Sunday, 2 April, and posters have appeared in Chennai urging the reluctant superstar to enter politics and "save Tamil Nadu". The sudden announcement by fans has triggered some conjecture over whether the move has the tacit support of Rajinikanth. However, sources close to the superstar have said this is just a rumour.

A spokesperson for Rajinikanth said that the fans' association is holding their annual meet and there is nothing more to it. All the district level fan members would get a chance to visit Chennai. But whether Rajinikanth would interact with them is unclear at the moment. At the moment, it seems like a repeat of the same story: Fans have been urging the actor to join politics for the last 20 years, as some political parties vie with each other to woo him in view of his mass appeal.

In the meanwhile, Rajinikanth himself has been in the news after he announced a trip to Sri Lanka, to inaugurate a housing project for those displaced by the 2009 civil war. The superstar was to fly to Vavuniya in Northern Sri Lanka, where a trust run by Lyca Productions (that is making his big budget sci-fi action entertainer 2.0) has built 150 houses for displaced Tamil families. The superstar subsequently had to cancel the trip after immense pressure from fringe Tamil parties and groups. In an open letter to Sri Lankan Tamils, he wrote: "I don't have words to thank you for your love. Let's wish well [sic]. Good things will happen. We shall meet when everything works well.

The talk is all about how Rajinikanth should not have given in to fringe political parties in Tamil Nadu. The superstar, who tries to keep a low profile, has been unfairly dragged into controversies by political parties who hope to piggyback on his mass appeal. It can be said with a certain amount of confidence that Rajinikanth will not enter politics, as he is keen to keep his film career going, with the release of 2.0 (the sequel to the highly successful Enthiran/Robot). In fact he will be starting work on a new film to be directed by Kabali director Ranjith which will be produced by his son-in-law Dhanush.

Meanwhile the Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Sri Najib Tun Razak is arriving in Chennai on Thursday, 30 March, for an exclusive meeting with Rajinikanth. It is a courtesy meet, as Rajini had invited him to Chennai when he was in Malaysia for the shooting of Kabali. The buzz is that the Malaysian government wants him to be their brand ambassador for Malaysian tourism (the previous celebrity ambassador was Shah Rukh Khan). There is also a rumour that Rajinikanth will be conferred the Malaysian governments prestigious title Dato.

Amidst all this, the local media is chasing reports that Rajinikanth may float a political party. As of now, all eyes are on the fan meeting on 2 April, as the rumour mill continues to be on overdrive.
By Emma Farge and J.R. Wu

| DAKAR/TAIPEI

DAKAR/TAIPEI A state-run Taiwanese bank has successfully sued two African countries for $212 million in unpaid loans and brought a claim against a third, court documents showed, in a possible warning to allies who switched sides in Taiwan's spat with China. The three claims brought by the Export-Import Bank of the Republic of China EXIMC.UL before a U.S. district court against Guinea Bissau, Central African Republic and Democratic Republic of Congo amount to a total of at least $261.4 million including loans and interest.The first case is pending and the other two Eximbank won."We see this as a commercial loan case," Johnson C.T. Liao, vice president and spokesman for Eximbank, told Reuters. He said most of Eximbank's loans are international and are repaid. "Usually there is a long period of negotiation. Then when we can't find a way, we have to go through the legal process to protect the debt claims," Liao said.But analysts say the legal action by Eximbank, which falls under Taiwan's finance ministry, is likely to be a warning about the costs of forging diplomatic ties with China. Guinea Bissau and Central African Republic have withdrawn support for Taiwan since the loans were disbursed and Congo did not ditch China even after receiving the money.Taiwan's foreign ministry said it could not comment on the matter because the case involves commercial loans. A Guinea Bissau official said the government was committed to responding to this claim under the rule of law but that its first priority is the welfare of its people and stability of the country.Officials in Congo and Central African Republic did not respond to requests for comment."It is not surprising that Taiwan would seek repayment from nations that switched allegiance," said The Atlantic Council's Robert Manning, noting new tensions in China-Taiwan relations since the election of Tsai Ing-wen as president last year.

Tsai is also the leader of a ruling party that traditionally advocates independence for Taiwan, a red line for Beijing."It is in part about getting their money back, but in no small part, a bit of retribution," Manning said.DEBT RELIEF CONTROVERSY

All the claims filed at a district court New York State and seen by Reuters are for loans dating back to the early 1990s -- a period when Taiwan and China used "dollar diplomacy" to attract allies in Africa after the end of the Cold War.The borrowers each failed to repay any principal and most of the interest on the loans, the filings showed.

Taiwan has competed with China for recognition since defeated Nationalists fled there in 1949 at the end of China's civil war, but the tables turned in Beijing's favor in the 1970s when the United Nations and United States switched sides. Only 21 mostly small and poor countries recognize Taiwan, and a person familiar with government thinking says maintaining allies is difficult since they can always ask for a better deal or go to China instead.In the last two decades Taiwan, whose economy is 20 times smaller than China, has struggled to compete with Beijing's billions of dollars in aid and debt annulments. In Africa, only Burkina Faso and Swaziland still recognize Taiwan. As recently as December, Sao Tome and Principe broke ties with Taiwan in favor of China, a decision the west African nation's prime minister, Patrice Trovoada, explicitly linked to development aid expected from Beijing.All of the Taiwanese bank's cases have been brought since December 2015, according to the filings which are lodged in a public database whose existence few are aware of.

Judges found in favor of the bank in the cases of Congo and Central African Republic for $57.3 million and $154.9 million respectively in two separate rulings in January 2017.It is unclear how the countries will settle the claims. The case brought in June last year against Guinea Bissau adds up to at least $49.2 million, or nearly a fifth of its last budget.Bissau is arguing that the time frame for proceedings has expired, according to a memo submitted this month. The official said he hoped a resolution could be reached by year-end.Claims against some of the poorest, most unstable countries in Africa are controversial as many states have been granted debt relief under an International Monetary Fund and World Bank initiative after extensive campaigns to relieve Third World debt.However, Taiwan has not been admitted as a full member of either body. "The coffers are virtually empty and paying the attorneys in New York is a lot for them," said a Western diplomat, referring to the case against Guinea Bissau, which has experienced coups, and a civil war since taking the money and is now in the middle of a political crisis.No defense lawyer details are listed for Central African Republic, where more than three-quarters of the population lives in poverty, or for Democratic Republic of Congo, in a possible sign of a lack of money or expertise.Former Taiwan ally Niger managed to cut a claim by Eximbank to $20 million from $183 million in a 2015 deal. (Additional reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York, Liang-sa Loh in Taipei, Alberto Dabo in Bissau, Crispin Dembassa-Kette in Bangui and Aaron Ross in Kinshasa; Editing by Tim Cocks and Giles Elgood)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Drazen Jorgic

| KARACHI/LAHORE, Pakistan

KARACHI/LAHORE, Pakistan Kamal Amjad Mian thought China's decision to invest $36 billion in the Pakistani power sector would benefit his electricity cable business, and, anticipating increased demand, his family spent nearly $30 million on a second plant to double output.But Mian's Fast Cables and some other Pakistani manufacturers have yet to reap rewards from Beijing's huge "One Belt, One Road" (OBOR) project, a modern-day "Silk Road" network of trade routes across land and sea.Power stations built as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $57 billion project involving energy, road and rail infrastructure, are being kitted out with Chinese cables exempt from import duty and sales tax.Such exemptions, more generous for CPEC projects than others, threaten to undermine local industry, according to Mian, one of a growing number of executives now questioning an initiative long portrayed as the key to Pakistan's prosperity."The government, instead of giving us a level playing field, gave them an advantage," Mian said in the eastern city of Lahore.A Water and Power Ministry official, who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak to the media, said "there were question marks about whether the local cable industry could fulfil the demands under CPEC and we worried it would slow down projects."Beijing's CPEC splurge and a drop in Islamist militant violence have reinvigorated Pakistan's sluggish economy, driving growth to about 5 percent for the first time since 2008.The public and political parties broadly support Chinese investment, while cement and steel companies who bagged early CPEC contracts are embarking on aggressive expansion.Executives also say Chinese investors are poised for an acquisitions spree in Pakistan.TROJAN HORSE OR SAVIOUR?

But not everyone is happy. Critics say CPEC projects are opaque and expensive, and question Pakistan's ability to repay the costs over time.Some firms fear they will struggle to compete with Chinese companies with deeper pockets, economies of scale and vastly cheaper credit lines.

"We have to make sure (CPEC) doesn't become a Trojan Horse and start hurting existing industry," said Ehsan Malik, chief executive of the Pakistan Business Council.There is plenty still up for grabs for local players. The next phase of CPEC involves the creation of Special Economic Zones where Chinese state-run enterprises would open factories and help develop Pakistan's industrial base.But Fast Cables' Mian said that, while domestic producers have been benefiting from broad economic growth, he fears his business will end up "dying a slow and painful death" if Chinese rivals setting up in Pakistan receive preferential tax breaks.Mian and other cables makers are reviving a defunct industry association in order to lobby Islamabad, amid concerns Beijing will use its leverage over Pakistan to obtain those sweeteners."Very soon, if we are not nimble enough to recognise the issues, we could be in trouble," said Fahd Chinoy, whose family runs Pakistan Cables (PKCB.KA).China, for which CPEC is a key part of its Silk Road ambitions, sought to assuage such fears.

"The dividend, the well-being delivered by the corridor will benefit the people of both China and Pakistan, as well as of the region," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular briefing, when asked about concerns in Pakistan.The government in Islamabad was also keen to reassure domestic producers."We are not (so foolish) as to not protect our local industry," said Miftah Ismail, a state minister charged with setting up CPEC Special Economic Zones."I want to assure people we will never give greater protection to our Chinese investing friends," Ismail added. "It will never be an uneven playing field."The Pakistani government, citing local worries about being crowded out, said in January it would prioritise domestic companies over Chinese ones in the forthcoming sell-off of state-run companies.WINNERS AND LOSERS?

Pakistan's struggling textiles sector, which account for 60 percent of the country's exports, is watching nervously.China is offering vast incentives and ploughing billions of dollars into the Western region of Xinjiang to build a textile industry, which will rely on CPEC road and rail links to export goods via Pakistan's Arabian sea port of Gwadar.The Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry and other organisations worry that Pakistan will become a dumping ground for Chinese goods once the Xinjiang-Gwadar transit route becomes operational and traffic volumes soar."If those products end up on the domestic market without duties, it will devastate the local industry," said Aamir Fayyaz, chairman of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA).Wang Zihai, president of the Pakistan-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, compared Pakistan to China three decades ago, when its nascent industries faced competition from more advanced Japanese and American companies."Chinese companies did not die," Wang said. "Chinese are not here to take over everything, they want partners. They need a local party to work together."And for early CPEC winners, optimism abounds.Hussain Agha's family-run steel business has bagged several CPEC contracts and is planning an initial public offering (IPO) to raise cash to expand."Those who are geared for the economic renaissance of Pakistan will thrive, and those who are not will miss the bus," said Agha, an executive director at Agha Steel Industries. "We are getting ready for the 'Roaring 20s'." (Additional reporting by Mubasher Bukhari; Writing by Drazen Jorgic; Editing by Mike Collett-White)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
The violent attacks following the death of a teenager in Noida due to drug overdose has sent African students living in the region in a tizzy. After two separate incidents of violence where Nigerian and Kenyan nationals were attacked in the Greater Noida region, the African community in New Delhi raised its voice against the unabated and misguided attacks. The assault on four Nigerian students in Greater Noida on 27 February follows a string of attacks on African nationals in the country in the last two years, despite the government's attempt to prevent such incidents.

The Nigerian students were attacked by a group of Greater Noida residents who took out a candle-light march on 27 February after a 17-year-old boy (Manish) died last week in the NSG Black Cats Enclave due to suspected drug overdose. The protest march was taken out after the police released some of the Nigerians detained for questioning in connection with the case due to "lack of evidence".

Five Indians were arrested following the attack on Nigerian students. Officials from the Nigerian High Commission had also met with the injured nationals and said that the victims felt "unsafe". A senior high commission official told PTI that the mission was in touch with the External Affairs Ministry on the issue.

Close on the heels of the arrest of five Indians over attacks on African students, a Kenyan woman was allegedly pulled out of a cab and assaulted by some unidentified persons in Greater Noida.

In her complaint, the Kenyan national has alleged that she was attacked on 28 February night near sector Omicron in Greater Noida. "The Kenyan woman has informed that she was travelling in an Ola cab when unknown persons stopped the vehicle, pulled her out and thrashed her," Deputy Superintendent of Police Abhinandan told media.

The victim was taken to Kailash Hospital in Greater Noida from where she was discharged later. The police have lodged an FIR and a manhunt has been launched to arrest the culprits. However, reports on Thursday said that the victim has withdrawn her case.

Trail of violence towards Africans in India

India is home to many African nationals including from Rwanda, Uganda, Nigeria and Congo. Attacks such as above had taken place in Delhi and Bengaluru, sparking outrage among the African community in India. Despite Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Gopal Baglay's assurance that the government is committed to ensuring safety and security of all foreigners in India and people from Africa, including students, the Association of African Students in India (AASI) has said it will send a report on the "barbaric racism" to all heads of governments in Africa.

While speaking with the media, members of AASI said that illogical violence against Africans and added police apathy is getting unbearable. "We cannot take this anymore," Presidoe Okungi, a member of AASI, told Outlook.

The Nigerian nationals were attacked on allegations of cannibalism and for forcing the Noida minor to take drugs. "One cannot accuse someone of cannibalism. It is a serious charge. This is also happening because of the existing stereotypes amongst the Indians regarding us," Okungi added.

On 20 May 2016, Congolese national Masunda Kitada Oliver was killed in a brutal attack in south Delhi's Vasant Kunj area, triggering outrage by envoys of African countries, even as India had assured of safety to African nationals.

A few Africans, comprising men from Nigeria and Cameroon and women from Uganda, Cameroon and South Africa were also allegedly attacked in May last year in what was dubbed as a racial crime, in Delhi's Mehrauli's area, even though the city police had claimed the incidents were fallout of arguments over loud music and drinking in public.

In another incident, four African nationals were allegedly attacked by a mob at Byrathi in Bengaluru in March 2015, after locals were reportedly "annoyed" with them for creating "nuisance" in the area.

Govt downplaying racism could affect trade, relations

In each of the cases, the police had said that racism had nothing to do with it. However, for the student association and the Group of African Heads of Missions, as quoted by Al Jazeera it had, and the time had come to take up the issue at a higher level. Ratcheting up efforts to contain the damage over attacks on African nationals, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had on 31 May 2016 announced a slew of steps including a country-wide sensitisation campaign while asserting that the killing of the Congolese youth was not a "racial crime".

At a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying hard to ramp up trade and bilateral relations with African nations, such attacks on African students in India is not going down very well with the community. "There are a lot of Indians living in Africa peacefully. Nigeria alone has around two lakh Indians living there. We give them the best of treatment and hospitality. And when we come here we expect the same," a member of the AASI was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

According to Ministry of External Affairs as of December 2016, 40,035 Indians live in Nigeria, out of which 40,000 are non-resident Indians. There are 80,000 Indians living in Kenya  20,000 of them are NRIs and 60,000 are persons of Indian origin (PIO), whereas in Democratic Republic of Congo there 9,000 NRIs and 25 PIOs. With such staggering number of Indians spread over in crucial African nations, if India does not look at methods to control the racial attacks on African nationals here, ties are definitely going to be affected.

IANS reported that Nigeria has summoned Indian High Commissioner Nagabushana Reddy in Abuja to express displeasure over the attacks on Nigerian students in India and voiced concern that the incident was not the first of its kind, the country's Foreign Office said.

"I have just finished a meeting with the Indian High Commissioner where I expressed Nigeria's displeasure with the attacks on Nigerians," Sola Enikanolaiye, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nigeria, had tweeted. According to him, the concern of the ministry is that such a matter should not be allowed to affect the relationship between the two countries, the report said.

He expressed concern that the incident was not the first of its kind. "This is not the first time this has happened; Nigerians have suffered similar attacks in the past; so, what we will like to see on this occasion is that the perpetrator should be arrested," he said. And we want to see diligent prosecution so that it would serve as a deterrent to those who think they can take laws into their hands and harass students who are going to their studies.

Quoting data from the Ministry of Human Resource Development, The Indian Express reported that Sudan and Nigeria feature fourth and fifth on the list of top 10 countries from where students come to study in India. In the data for 2015, 42,420 foreign students were studying in India. Sudanese student count was 2,047 while 1,990 Nigerian students were studying in India. According to data by the United Nations, at least 11 percent of the visits by Nigerians to India are for educational purposes.

AASI calls for strict action

In a stern message to the Indian authorities, AASI put out a message on their Facebook page and said:

"We are tired of the appeasement and promises made by the Indian Government. Failure to secure the lives and to ensure maximum security in areas where African students live will entail us taking stringent actions.

1. We will actively urge the African Union to cut all bilateral trade with India.

2. We will ask African students in our respective countries to stop making India their study destination with immediate effect.

3. We will call for a nationwide protest inviting all Students and people of the African diaspora here in India and as well international media houses for coverage."

Africa Union criticises racist attacks

Underlining the long-standing bonds of solidarity and cooperation that exist between Africa and India, the African Union (AU) called on the Indian authorities to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of all African citizens currently living in India. The AU on Thursday said it was extremely appalled by the attacks on Nigerian students and a Kenyan woman in India, IANS reported.

The pan-African bloc deplored the violence unleashed during the riot, the AU said in a statement. The attacks also resulted in the displacement of many Africans from their normal places of residence, thereby putting their lives in serious danger, Xinhua news agency reported.

In July 2016, when Modi undertook his first trip to African nations, media hailed it as a path-breaking move making him the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. The visit back then signalled not only an extension of Indias influence in the Indian Ocean region, but also a deepening and strengthening of India-Africa partnerships and agreements. The visit was a glimpse into the evolving principles of the Modi doctrine and its role in shaping India-Africa affairs.

It would be unfortunate if all the hard work of African nations and India, and their reputation is damaged because of miscreants who are unable to move past their colour bias. Talk about anti-nationals, and there you have them.

Below is the table which explains the trade ties between the two nations from last year.

Ranking Country Export (USD mn) Import (USD mn) Total Trade (USD mn) 15 NIGERIA 2,221.90 9,949.17 12,171.07 41 GHANA 623.73 2,981.27 3,605.01 42 EGYPT 2,337.65 1,221.20 3,558.85 43 KENYA 3,025.85 127.55 3,153.40 45 ANGOLA 223.19 2,766.81 2,990.00 48 TANZANIA 1,654.64 924.79 2,579.43 54 MOZAMBIQUE 1,241.99 362.88 1,604.87 57 MOROCCO 342.19 1,077.58 1,419.77 63 ALGERIA 787.81 299.44 1,087.24 67 COTE D' IVOIRE 397.04 572.48 969.53 68 SUDAN 782.35 149.20 931.56

With inputs from agencies
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday voiced displeasure over journalists covering court proceedings attired in jeans and T-shirts, asking if it was "Bombay culture".

The observation was made by Chief Justice Manjula Chellur and Justice GS Kulkarni when they were hearing a petition challenging doctors abstaining from work.

The bench, on seeing a journalist from a national newspaper wearing jeans and T-shirt, wanted to know if there was any dress code for them.

Noting that journalists should maintain decorum of the court, Justice Chellur pointed at him and asked whether it was part of "Bombay culture". "How journalists come to court wearing jeans and T-shirt?" she asked.

She then turned to the counsel for Mumbai civic body SS Pakale and asked him if there was any dress code for journalists. After Pakale responded in the negative, Justice Chellur wanted to know if wearing such attire to court was appreciated. The lawyer again responded with a "No".

The court, however, did not pass any direction or guidelines on dress journalists should wear while covering court proceedings.

This is for the first time that the high court has objected to the dress worn by journalists.
Raipur: A Canadian cyclist who had been held captive by lower-rung Maoist cadres in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district was released on Wednesday, police said.

"John Szlazak, the Canadian national, has been released in Arnampalli forests. Security personnel brought him to Sukma district headquarters," Sukma Superintendent of Police Abhishek Meena told PTI.

Szlazak, who works with Canadian government's agency Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), was on a bicycle expedition from Mumbai to the Naxal-affected Bastar region of Chhattisgarh from 14 March.

Members of "Sangham" (village-level Naxal cadres and sympathisers) held him on the evening of 27 March when he was passing through Singamadgu under Chintagufa police station limits in Sukma. The police started a search for him after he sent an emergency alert through a GPS instrument attached to the bicycle.

On Tuesday, the police had said that he was held by the Naxal cadres because he could not explain the purpose of his tour due to the language problem, and they suspected him to be a police informer.

Police sent some local people to the village to inform his captors that he had no links with security forces.

The Sangham members freed him late Wednesday afternoon in Arnampalli forests, from where he was taken to Polampalli police station and brought to Sukma town.

He will be questioned about the purpose of his tour and how he reached the interior of Sukma, a local police officer said.
United Nations: India has called for overhauling the electoral processes in the UN General Assembly as an initial step towards reforming and revitalising the working methods of the 193-member UN organ.

Counsellor in India's Permanent Mission to the UN Anjani Kumar said at the United Nations that the quality of working methods of the General Assembly is integral to the efficiency and effectiveness of the organisation and these need to evolve with time and reflect the necessities of changing circumstances and realities.

"The General Assembly has been conceived as a form of Global Parliament. In this context, the process of elections that are conducted by the General Assembly may be a useful place to begin the revitalisation process," he said during a debate on Working Methods on Wednesday.

Kumar said as the most representative global body, the General Assembly must lead the way by following the best electoral practices and setting up highest standards befitting its stature.

He noted that India and several other delegations have pointed out how the General Assembly has steadily lost touch with its core responsibilities and is increasingly involved only with processes.

UN Members have also also noted that the role and authority of the General Assembly has been "progressively undermined" by the expansive role and activism of the Security Council, much beyond what is envisaged in the UN Charter.

He said India's "doable" suggestions for consideration in this regard include that there should be no distribution of election material or any gifts in the balloting room on the day of the election in the UNGA.

Giving further details, Kumar said it is surprising that on the day of any of the elections in the Assembly, the place is covered with campaign material and gifts of all sorts being distributed inside the balloting space.

"We must restore the sanctity of the balloting space by agreeing not to have election material being distributed in the GA hall on the day of election. This is the normal practice in every space where ballots are cast. There could be other institutional ways to serve as reminders of those contesting the elections," he said.

Given the use of technology to improve efficiency and transparency of systems across fields, Kumar further added that the UN could also explore how technology can be used to improve the current electoral practices to substantially reduce errors of interpretation and speed up the entire process in a transparent manner.

Kumar added that the current practice requiring voters to write the names of individuals or country candidates on paper ballots often leads to unintended confusion and discrepancies through mis-spelling.

"If paper ballots are to be used, a simpler and more effective way could be for the names of the candidates being printed on the ballots, with space for any last minute additional candidatures. This could reduce the margin of errors considerably," he said.

He said the UN Secretariat should conduct a time bound analysis of the current electoral practices, identify gaps and problems, explore other solutions including technologically advanced electronic voting systems and recommend specific suggestions for improvements.

"Making these changes in the electoral processes would signal our collective will to move forward with specific reform of Working Methods that could energise various other processes of the General Assembly," he said.
It is good that the Supreme Court has asked why there is no mechanism to protect minority rights in Jammu and Kashmir. Minorities everywhere must be protected. That is the mark of a civilized society.

However, a question mark has been looming large on the meaning of minority in this state. Muslims are the major minority group in the overall context of India but at 63 percent, they comprise the majority of the states population. On this basis, the petition that has raised the issue in the Supreme Court argues that Hindus are the major minority in the state. On the face of it, this is true. But this is an inadequate model. For, this is the most sociologically complex place in the world  even more than the Balkans. So, the meaning and content of the term `minority changes from place to place.

Sociological complexity

In Poonchh, for example, Sikhs and Hindus are religious minorities. In Doda, only Hindus are. In the tiny valley of Bani, Gaddis, Sippis and Muslims can all claim to be minorities. How their rights are to be protected can sometimes be a complex challenge. While Gaddis are classed as a scheduled tribe, many Gaddi residents claim to be Rajput Hindus.

In Jammu, and places like Samba and Chinaini, Muslims are the major minority. But, among Jammu-based Muslims, those who call themselves Dogra Muslims, Gujjar Muslims, and Kashmiri Muslims do not necessarily see themselves as belonging to the same community. They do not generally inter-marry, and their language and food habits differ.

In Leh district, Muslims are the minority religious group. However, even among Muslims, local Sunni leaders argue that they are a minority within a minority, since they generally do not inter-marry with the more numerous local Shia. A large number of local Sunnis of Leh district are `Argon - descended from Kashmiris who migrated centuries ago but have married local women for generations.

Buddhists are the major minority group in most parts of Kargil district, but Muslims are the minority in the Zanskar Valley. The four Sikh and one Hindu family in Kargil are minorities too. And Sunni residents of Kargil town with Kashmiri origins are generally known as Khache, and not treated as integral to the locally dominant community.

In the Kashmir Valley, Sikhs and Hindus are the notable religious minorities. In linguistic-ethnic terms, Gujjars and Pahadis too are important minority groups. Gujjars are the major minority in the Pahadi-dominated Karnah area of Kupwara district  both communities being Muslim. Plus, there is a substantial number of Sikhs too in some pockets of Karnah.

Urgent need to unite

In light of the extraordinary sociological complexity of this state, a commission to protect minority rights must look into protecting the rights of the various peoples who comprise minority communities in different parts of the state. The institution must be a peacemaker so that all may see it as a defender of their safety, rights, and dignity.

The state already has a commission for scheduled tribes, which tends to see itself as the vehicle for the promotion of Gujjars interests. This objective has succeeded well over the past 40 years, but has had a reductionist impact on the multi-cultural nature of the state, particularly in the Rajouri and Poonchh districts, where several ethnic-linguistic and religious groups that used to celebrate their unique differences now try to define themselves as Pahadi  to push collectively for the extension of reservations to this category.

A mechanism to protect minority rights is very important but it must be based on a broad vision. It must not lead to the further squeezing of space to celebrate multiple identities and cultures.

The state has already been pushed into a Muslim versus Hindu binary, more so through the vigorous production and spread of rival narratives over the past decade. This process got a huge fillip after the transfer of land to the Sri Amarnath Shrine Board in 2008. The agitations which followed were extremely divisive. A minorities commission should seek to bind back the bonds of amity.
A Kenyan woman, who alleged on Wednesday that locals in Greater Noida had assaulted her, has reportedly withdrawn her complaint. Noida police said her story was constantly changing and there were several loopholes in her version, Zee News reported.

On Thursday, Noida SSP Dharmendra Singh claimed that Kenyan national Maria Burendi had been lying about the attack. He said she changed her statement, and that no locals were involved in the alleged assault. The SSP said Burendi fought with her own friends, according to the Zee News report.

Hindustan Times quoted an African students group as saying that Burendi made up the story because she was depressed. The group also apologised for the "cooked-up" story.

"We investigated the matter later in the evening, and found that the woman was under distress due to personal issues. She had cooked up this story and we would like to offer our apologies to the police and people," said Charles Kennedy, vice-president, Nigerian Citizen's Welfare Association.

Burendi earlier claimed that while she was on her way to meet a friend in Greater Noida's Omicron Society, a group of men pulled her out of her Ola taxi and assaulted her. However, the taxi driver reportedly told the police that no such incident occurred.

"We interrogated the driver and he revealed he dropped her safely at her drop location at Omicorn society in Greater Noida. GPS movement of car and payment slip of the Ola driver also show that car's movement was not stopped during the journey. The lady has been lying," said Dharmendra Singh, senior superintendent of police, Gautam Budh Nagar, told Hindustan Times.

Meanwhile, Nigeria has summoned the Indian envoy in Abuja to express displeasure over the attacks on Nigerian students in India, and voiced concerns that the incident was not the first of its kind, the country's Foreign Office said. Sola Enikanolaiye, permanent secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nigeria, summoned Indian High Commissioner Nagabushana Reddy, on Wednesday in Abuja.

"I have just finished a meeting with the Indian High Commissioner where I expressed Nigeria's displeasure with the attacks on Nigerians," Enikanolaiye tweeted.

He said the Indian High Commissioner "informed of concrete steps taken" by the Indian government to address the incident and also promised justice.

With inputs from IANS
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko during his working visit to Malta has met with European Council President Donald Tusk, in the framework of which the interlocutors discussed the events in Donbas, the EU's sanctions policy against Russia, as well as the issues of the Ukraine-EU agenda.

"The leaders discussed the latest developments in Donbas and condemned Russia's actions aimed at violating the Minsk agreements and undermining the peace process. The interlocutors confirmed the importance of maintaining European Union's sanctions against Russia until Ukraine's territorial integrity, including Crimea, is fully restored," the presidential press service said on Thursday.
Kolkata: At least two persons were charred to death in a fire at a hotel in southern Kolkata early on Thursday, police said.

Anup Agarwal and Jugalkishore Gupta, guests at the hotel, were rushed to a hospital after suffering serious injuries in the fire but could not be saved.

The fire broke out at around 3 am, a senior police officer said, adding that up to 30 persons, including the hotel's staff, have been rescued.

Nine fire tenders were rushed to the site and took three hours to douse the fire.

Fire fighters and disaster management personnel had to break open the glass window panes of the hotel for the thick smoke to pass out, the officer said, adding the fire might have spread from the kitchen to the ground floor.

A few of them were rescued using ladders while others were guided outside the hotel by rescue workers, he said.

"Apart from hotel guests, there were workers who were stuck inside. Among seven persons, two were seriously injured and succumbed when taken to the hospital," the officer said.

"The fire is completely under control and we are making sure that there are no pocket fire," he said.
Mumbai: Two persons died of sunstroke in Maharashtra on Wednesday while the Met department warned of a "moderate heat wave" in some parts. "The sudden rise in temperature has claimed lives of two persons.. both were above 60 years. One is from Aurangabad while another is from Solapur district," Health Minister Deepak Sawant said. As per the India Meteorological Department, many districts in Maharashtra recorded maximum temperatures of 40 Celsius or above in the last two days.

"The Health Ministry has issued instructions to all the state-run hospitals to open centres for sunstroke patients. Government-run hospitals, primary health centres and district health officers have been categorically asked to sensitise people about `heat therapy' and avoiding exposure to the scorching sun," Sawant said. Last summer nine persons had died in the state due to sunstroke, as per the government data.

IMD officials said this afternoon that North-Central Maharashtra will face "a moderate heat wave" for the next 48 hours. This area comprises Dhule, Nandurbar, Jalgaon, Nashik and some districts from Marathwada. "We have issued an alert of the moderate heat wave for this region. It means the temperature during the day would be higher by 2-3 degrees Celsius than normal," V K Rajeev, director, IMD, western region, told PTI.

Northerly winds were pushing up the temperatures in Maharashtra, said K S Hosalikar, deputy director, IMD Mumbai. He added that "wind discontinuity" in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu could result in some showers in Marathwada on 1 and 2 April. Meanwhile, in Bhopal and Indore, two major cities of the state, all schools, government as well as private, would close before 12 noon in view of the heat wave.

This will be effective from 1 April. However, examinations would be held according to the previously declared schedules, the orders issued by Bhopal and Indore district collectors said.
Setting a new low for journalism in Kerala, the newly launched channel Mangalam TV has left not just the journalistic fraternity but the entire civil society in a state of despair and shock. What was initially thought to be a sting operation on Kerala transport minister AK Saseendran, who had allegedly made sexual advances on an unsuspecting housewife, has now emerged as a clear case of the news channel undertaking a well-planned 'honey trap' operation, involving its own staff members. Saseendran resigned soon after the clip was aired.

The resignation of a sub-editor from the channel, Al-Neema Ashraf, followed by her outburst on Facebook has revealed that the claims made by the channel were nothing but a pack of lies. It is also learned from reliable sources that the state polices intelligence department has given an oral confirmation to state chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday, that Saseendran was brought down by a honey trap and not because on any complaint by a woman, as alleged by the channel.

Meanwhile Firstpost contacted Ashraf, who spilled the beans on the modus operandi adopted by the channel in going after the minister.

"See, there was an investigating team constituted by the channel a few months ago and I was also a member of it initially. But then, they told us to do anything to get sensational news... I realised that it was not going in the right way. It was not the kind of journalism I could attribute to myself. So I opted out," Ashraf said.

Her Facebook posts, after stepping out of that office, give an insight into the revulsion any journalist would feel, when put under tremendous pressure to deliver stories using completely unethical means.

Ashraf says that not only as a journalist but even as a woman, it was untenable for her to continue in that organisation. Her revelation only goes to substantiate that the 'tried and tested' tool of yellow journalism was clearly at work in the organisation, throwing all journalistic ethics out the window.

Ashraf is clueless as to who the women was, on whose complaint the channel claims to have aired the audio clip. "This is what I also want to know. If there is a woman like that, why has she not come forward with a complaint? I am sure many of my colleagues are also asking the same question. But the senior management has no answer for this," Ashraf adds.

On Sunday, when the clip was aired at 11 am, there were a few women activists at the floor of the channel. One among them was Sonia George, a well-known activist and representative of Self Employed Womens Association (SEWA) in Kerala. Sonia, though shocked to hear the clip, says that she and a few others were duped into giving a reaction to the clip.

"It was their launch day and I was there as one of the panellists, from 10 to 11 am, for what they told me was a show on women empowerment. But around 10.30, they suddenly said you can leave only after you react to a breaking news item. When I heard this audio clip, I felt like grabbing the mic and throwing it off. But, by that time we were on air and I couldnt. The way the channel coaxed me and other panellists into this was so shameful and shocking. After the show, we made it a point to put it across to the CEO," George said.

Judicial probe an eye wash?

The Left government in the state, meanwhile, has ordered a judicial probe into the incident by a retired judge and has asked for a report in the next three months. But, legal experts are of the opinion that the need of the hour is not a judicial enquiry but a thorough police investigation into the matter.

Advocate CP Udayabhanu, who is a Special Public Prosecutor at the Kerala High Court, calls this probe a complete eyewash. "If the government wants to fix the culpability on certain persons regarding whether this is a trap or it actually happened, then the government has to do an enquiry by the police and not by a retired judicial officer. A retired judicial officer does not have any nail or tooth to ascertain or fix a liability on any particular person. He can only recommend to the government based on his reports," Udayabhanu said.

Legal experts are also saying that such a judicial enquiry, which takes an eternity to even kick-start, would only give a chance to the conspirators, if any, to destroy all evidence. Prominent journalists, writers and activists, who are aghast at the falling standards in Malayalam journalism have also called upon the chief minister with a mass petition to conduct a police investigation into the matter.

Journalists, who are both angry and shocked at Mangalam TVs shelving of basic ethics in an effort to make its name in the market, say that the channels attempt will only bring a bad name for the profession itself.

"This is going to hurt your serious investigations in a big way. When you go for such slimy and sleazy elements, you are actually ignoring the more serious issues of corruption and venality. This is a self-defeatist project. It is neither benefiting that particular organisation or a journalist. It only defeats the profession," C Gouridasan Nair, bureau chief, The Hindu, said.

A day after the incident, the Director General of Police Lokanath Behera met the chief minister, after which the state cabinet ordered a judicial probe. This has given rise to speculation that the government has something to cover up, due to which it is shying from taking on the channel with a police investigation.

Violations galore by Mangalam and its CEO as cases fly thick and fast

Thirty six hours after the airing of the audio clip, the channel and its CEO have been slapped with one criminal case after another. It all started when the CEO of Mangalam TV, R Ajith Kumar, shared a picture of a young lady standing with the concerned minister in a WhatsApp group of prominent journalists and senior government officials based out of Thiruvananthapuram.

While Kumar had no answer to queries posted by senior journalists in the group as to who the girl was, few other staff members of the same channel were busy posting the same picture in other WhatsApp groups.

On Tuesday, a 20-year-old woman who hails from Parappanangadi in Malappuram in North Kerala filed a police complaint against the CEO and another staffer for circulating her picture over social media and bringing her disrepute.

While Kumar still stays silent on why the girls picture was used, we now know from the girl herself that it was clicked by some media person at a function close to her college, where the minister was inaugurating an expo. The girl happened to be a volunteer at the event.

"I came to know this when my brother showed me the picture. This was just a function and I happened to be one of the hostesses in that. The minister saw me and greeted me. What is wrong in that? Its only a media person who took that picture. How can they use it for such a purpose? What journalism is this?" asks the young woman, who wanted to remain anonymous.

Close on heels of the womans complaint, Advocate Mujeeb Rehman, who is also the state president of the Nationalist Youth Congress (NYC), approached the cyber cell of the Kerala police to invoke the relevant sections of the Information Technology Act against the channel.

"Whatever they aired on Sunday, and whatever they continue to show on their website and through Facebook and YouTube, comes under the ambit of cyber pornography. So I have given a complaint to the police to book then under the IT Act, Indian Telegraph Act, the IPC and the Cable Television Networks Act," Rehman said.

Mystery around the audio clip continues

The minister has resigned. The government has declared a judicial probe. But the crucial question that still remains  where is the woman based on whose complaint the channel says they had aired the audio clip? While it is yet to be scientifically proven that the voice in the clip is that of the minister himself, the benefit of the doubt goes to the channel, since the minister has resigned.

But, right from the beginning, the voice of the woman was muted which clearly raises the doubt whether her voice was edited out in order to protect the identity of a honey trapping staffer, as alleged by Ashraf, who has recently quit the channel.

The channel says otherwise: "We were approached by someone with this tape. We had to keep her identity in anonymity, which is the normal practice in such cases. So we did that. What is wrong in that?" asks Kumar.

But the pertinent question remains: Why has the woman not filed a police complaint to date? Also, why has the channel itself not approached the police with the tapes as evidence?

Legal experts say that if the channels version was right, it would mean that the minister has committed a grievous crime, by making sexual advances on a woman who came to him for help and hence the channel itself is liable to approach the police with evidence of the same.

But one journalist, who happened to hear the unedited version of the tape, told Firstpost that the minister was only "reacting to the sexual overtures made from across the other side of the telephone line and was certainly behaving in the heat of the moment."

More in store?

Meanwhile, the governments order of a judicial probe has not deterred the channel from running promos that more such exposes, that would rock Kerala, are on its way. For the Vijayan government that has had to put up with the resignations of two of its ministers in just over a year, since coming to power, one more scandal could be too much to bear.

Perhaps that is the reason why a fuming Vijayan is holding himself back from going all out against Mangalam TV. Some hectic negotiations and backroom deals are also alleged to be the order of the day.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday filed two charge sheets before its special court in Kochi against eight suspects from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, for allegedly owing allegiance to a banned Islamic State (IS) terror outfit. They were charged for conspiring to "wage a war" against the country, and targeting foreigners and important personalities in India.

The investigation agency had busted the group while they had gathered for a secret meeting held by the Kerala-based IS module Ansarul Khilafa Kerala, at Kannur in 2016.

The first charge sheet named seven people  Manseed Mehmood, Swalih Mohammed, Rashid Ali, Ramshad NK, Safvan P, Jasim NK, and Shajeer Mangalassery  under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including waging war against the country, besides sections of anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The seven accused were alleged to have collected explosives and other material to target prominent persons and places of public importance in various parts of southern India. The accused were arrested while conducting a secret meeting of Ansarul Khilafa Kerala, formed in August last year under the leadership of absconding Shajeer Mangalassery, who was claimed to have fled to Afghanistan in June 2016 to join IS.

The NIA said that its probe had established that the accused formed an IS module that conspired and prepared to target high court judges, political leaders and senior police officers, besides foreigners in India.

Members of the module, within and outside India, used online social media platforms like Facebook, and predominantly Telegram, to form various secret groups to plot these attacks.

"The accused had tried to radicalise and recruit their friends or associates into the module and had also collected funds for the terrorist organisation," the agency said.

Meanwhile a separate charge sheet was filed against Subahani Haja.

Who is Subahani Haja Moideen?

Haja had left India between April and September in 2015 to join the IS in Iraq. He was arrested in October last year by the NIA.

The NIA claim Haja underwent training in Iraq and waged war against the troubled Asiatic nation. He was radicalised and recruited through social media platforms and had left India for Istanbul from Chennai last year, on the pretext of performing Umrah.

After reaching Istanbul, he crossed over along with others, from Pakistan and Afghanistan, to Iraqi territory under control of IS.

From there, he was taken to Mosul where he underwent detailed religious training followed by combat training which included a course in automated weapons before being deputed to fight war for almost two weeks.

"He returned to India and attempted to procure explosives and precursor chemicals, used in chemical warfare, for waging war against the government of India," an NIA spokesman said.

With inputs from PTI
Abuja: Nigeria has summoned the Indian envoy in Abuja to express displeasure over the attacks on Nigerian students in India and voiced concern that the incident was not the first of its kind, the country's Foreign Office said.

Sola Enikanolaiye, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nigeria, summoned Indian High Commissioner Nagabushana Reddy, on Wednesday in Abuja.

"I have just finished a meeting with the Indian High Commissioner where I expressed Nigeria's displeasure with the attacks on Nigerians," Enikanolaiye tweeted.

He said the Indian High Commissioner "informed of concrete steps taken" by the Indian government to address the incident and also promised justice.

Enikanolaiye said that the Indian High Commissioner was invited to register the Nigerian government's concern over the incident. "It is therefore, a concern to us that Nigerian students in that place were harassed, beaten up and many of them were seriously injured," he said.

"We think this should not have happened considering the excellent relationship between two of us  the two countries have things in common and have been great friends."

According to him, the concern of the ministry is that such a matter should not be allowed to affect the relationship between the two countries, Today reported.

He expressed concern that the incident was not the first of its kind. "This is not the first time this would happen; Nigerians have suffered similar attack in the past; so, what we will like to see on this occasion is that the perpetrator should be arrested. "And we want to see diligent prosecution so that it would serve as a deterrent to those who think they can take laws into their hands and harass students who are going about their studies.

"That is why we felt we should register our concern to you on this occasion, and to please ask your government to take effective measures that this does not occur again," he conveyed to the Indian envoy.

The attacks on Nigerian student took place on Monday night in Greater Noida, some 40 km from the Indian capital, following protests over the death of a Class 12 student of a residential colony there due to drug overdose. Some people who were holding a candle-light vigil for the student attacked the Nigerians suspecting them of drug running.

Five people were arrested for the attacks.

India's External Affairs Ministry has condemned the attacks and said India is committed to the safety of foreigners in the country.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj too spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Aditya Nath Yogi on the issue.

Amnesty International in Nigeria said in a Twitter post: "On March 27, four Nigerian men were beaten up by locals. Why would people face such terror because of the colour of their skin?."

It demanded that authorities in India's Uttar Pradesh state "must bring to justice those responsible of racist attacks on Black African Students".

"Living in India must not become a life-threatening issue for black people," it said.
New Delhi: Pakistan's agencies are instigating youths in Kashmir through false propaganda in social media, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Wednesday. He asked the civil society and Jammu and Kashmir government to make the youths understand the reality, instead of getting instigated by false propaganda by few people.

"Pakistani agencies are using social media to instigate youths of Kashmir Valley through false propaganda in social media. I would appeal the youths there not to get carried away by such propaganda," the minister told reporters here. His assertion comes as normal life in Kashmir Valley had been affected for past few days allegedly by some separatist leaders to protest the killing of civilians there during a clash with security forces.

Singh, Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office, said these separatists are doing the politics of convenience. "There are leaders who want to instigate the youths of Kashmir Valley to indulge in activities like stone pelting and violence. But these very leaders want their own children to become IAS and IPS officers. They want their children to study in good school. I feel that these leaders are doing the politics of convenience," he said.

Jammu and Kashmir police chief S P Vaid had also met Singh, a Lok Sabha member from Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur constituency, and apprised him about the security situation in the Valley. The duo held a detailed discussion about the prevailing situation in Kashmir, in the aftermath of recent violence which resulted in the death of three persons and injuries to others, as well as to the security personnel.

The minister said that it is the responsibility of both the administration as well as the civil society to make the youth of Kashmir understand the reality.
Saharanpur: A three-month pregnant woman has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging to bring to end triple talaq after her husband abandoned her fearing she may give birth to a girl again.

The woman, Shagufta, has claimed her in-laws were pressurising her to go for abortion, while her husband had verbally divorced her over the issue and threw her out of the house.

The mother of two girls has written to Prime Minister Modi and sent a copy of the letter to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to apprise them of her situation.

Working on the complaint of Shagufta, the police on Wednesday filed an FIR and initiated probe in the matter which was reported in Nanauta area of Saharanpur on 24 March.

In her letter, Shagufta said she was married to Shamshad, a resident of Budhakheda village, five years ago. They had two daughters which had angered her in-laws who wanted her to abort her three-month-old foetus, fearing she may again give birth to a girl.

She claimed that she was assaulted by her in-laws and husband, who gave her 'triple talaq' (verbal divorce) after which she was left on road to die.

Triple talaq is a Sharia law that gives a man the right to end the marriage by verbally saying 'talaq' thrice to his wife.

Shamshad had also hit her in the stomach in an attempt to kill the foetus, she has claimed in her letter.

She has urged the prime minister to soon bring to end the triple talaq tradition and alleged that when she went to Nanauta police station her complaint was not registered.

It was only after she wrote to the PM and the CM and the issue got highlighted by the media that the police filed an FIR in the case on Wednesday.

Shamshad, brothers in law Naushad, Zafar Ali and Iliyas have been booked for making attempt to prevent the child being born alive or to cause it to die after birth under IPC section 315 and other related offences.

The woman, meanwhile, has been sent for medical examination, a police official said.
New Delhi: Newly-appointed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been accorded the top category 'Z+' VVIP armed security cover.

The cover will be provided by a special commando team of the Uttar Pradesh police along with a small contingent of the CISF, that was earlier providing him 'Y' category security cover with 2-3 commandos guarding him round-the-clock.

The UP police has communicated the decision to CISF and has asked it to make suitable logistical and operational arrangements in this regard. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) cover by the Centre had been accorded to Adityanath in his capacity as a BJP Member of Parliament from Gorakhpur but officials said with his taking charge as CM, a threat perception report of central security agencies required his security paraphernalia to be upgraded.

The commandos will also be deployed at his official residence in Lucknow, they said. As part of the new and upgraded security paraphernalia, Adityanath will have about 25-28 commandos accompanying him with sophisticated weapons at all times he is mobile and his convoy will have pilot and escort vehicles armed with jammers.
The narrative on womens safety and security is not one that women have been at the helm of. Time and again, the narrative has been usurped for various other political agendas.

This time, it is a joint house committee on women and children welfare of the Karnataka legislature that has taken control of this narrative, and recommended in its 32nd report that information technology (IT) and biotechnology companies (BT) in Bengaluru must abstain from assigning work on night shifts to women.

Their rationale is that this measure will ensure that women are safe in private and public spaces: A bizarre line of thinking that constrains women for their own safety and protection.

The committee, headed by MLA N A Haris, stated that such a recommendation was made after interactions with IT and BT companies in 2016 wherein women employees approached them such a request.

MLA Haris stated  We have recommended that companies must avoid having women working night shifts. A lot of women approached us and said working during the night is difficult for them and they are forced to work in the night.

The root of such a recommendation is the concept of procuring a safer environment. We have to understand that women working on night shifts have children and families to take care of. They also have a bigger moral responsibility of grooming the future generation. Men too have a greater responsibility: To protect women at large.

What the committee believes is that companies should assign men for night shifts and women should be assigned only for day shifts, and that prevention is better than cure, thus, automatically shifting the burden of prevention of violence on women, instead of the IT/BT companies and the government.

Moreover, the recommendation is a contravention of the Karnataka states historic decision to remove restrictions on allowing women from all sectors to work on night shifts. This decision required an amendment to the Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961 and the Factories Act 1948.

In December, 2016, Karnataka government issued an order under the provisions of the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Karnataka Rules, 1974 and noted that women cannot be employed at night without their consent. This order also had a set of 15 guidelines to safeguard the interests of women workers.

Within the Committee, there were several members who believed that that obligation to prevent violence is the prerogative of the companies, and not of the women who work on night shifts. In their opinion, women themselves should have the freedom of choice to decide whether they would want to work night or day shifts.

Vinisha Nero, a Congress MLA, opined: Personally, I am of the view that the onus is on companies to provide all the protection to enable women to work at night and then leave it to the women to decide what they want to do.

In the early 2000s, the Madras High Court, in Vasantha R. vs Union Of India (2001), adjudged that women were free to decide which shift they would work. The petitioner was an employee of textile mill that employed a substantial number of women. She claimed that the Section 66 (1) (b) of the Factories Act, 1948 was restricting women from carrying on lawful employment.

The petitioner challenged the constitutional validity of the provision, claiming that it was arbitrary and violative of Articles 14, 15 as well as 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India. The high court agreed with the petitioners argument and stated that in the field of employment in a factory as in any other field, the third shift should be thrown open to women and it is for women to decide which shift they would work.

The recommendation, if taken up by the government, has some palpable repercussions on working women. Firstly, it overrides gender equality in private spaces and endorses the concept of double burden  women are to take up functional roles at the workplace during day shifts, and be present at home, during the night shift to undertake significant amounts of unpaid domestic labour.

Secondly, the discourse is shifting the onus of preventing violence, which is immensely problematic. Instead of pushing for the implementation of substantive positive obligations of the state and the private sector, the recommendations suggest oversimplified solutions.

At a time when we have collectives and movements such as Pinjra Tod, which are campaigning against the use of curfew for female students which curbs their movements in the name of safety, such a recommendation seems absurd and an anathema to the spirit of gender equality.

Lastly, such a recommendation, if implemented, will close more doors for womens employment in the IT and BT companies, a sector that already sees much gender discrimination.
Editor's note: With yet another attack against an African national in India  a Kenyan woman was thrashed in a Greater Noida on 29 March 2017 by unidentified men, an incident that followed close on the heels of Nigerian students being beaten up in an NCR mall  we're republishing an interview with photographer Mahesh Shantaram, who has trained his lens on the community in India. Shantaram's quest was to research racism, and he has done this by presenting a series a portraits of African nationals living in India. The piece was originally published on 10 September 2016.

Mahesh Shantaram has trained his lens on African students living in India. His objective: to highlight the racism that the community faces. In an exhibition that is now travelling to major Indian cities, Shantaram uncovers the stories of discrimination that these students accept as part of their experiences living here. In this interview with Firstpost, the photographer talks about what inspired him to work on the series:

Most photographers would have opted for a more candid approach to doing this project. Why did you then choose portraits?

Youre right. There are traditional ways of approaching a photo project that wants to look at a community. But what Im interested in researching is racism, particularly in India. How do you photograph racism? You need something that can act as a visual metaphor or personify it. Anywhere in the world, Africans can tell you a thing or two about racism. That, and the fact that they are visually interesting led me to take the portrait approach to tackle this difficult subject. The project, when exhibited in a gallery, also seeks to put Africans in the consciousness of the Indian public. This is significant in cities like Bengaluru where Africans are practically invisible.

When I was reporting on a similar issue in June, a couple of African students told me that racism was worse in India than Europe. And they were surprised by it. Why do you think that is and why has India made it worse for African students?

Our nationalism is a cataract that clouds our ability to see the real issues facing our society. We are an extremely proud people. Often that pride is misplaced or baseless. For example, we grew up singing 'Saare jahaan se achha Hindustan hamara...' How can we be sure of this? We need to be more self-critical, have an open mind that is accepting of other cultures, and re-evaluate our place in the world of nations. Instead, we are quick to mouth homilies about how India has been a tolerant culture for centuries. In the course of my research, Ive found that African students insecurity in India is due to a cocktail of factors. Some are cultural, such as our legendary aversion to dark skin. Others are socio-economic in nature. For example, in the largely unregulated education industry, colleges play havoc with the future of foreign students. They want African dollars but they dont necessarily want the Africans!

A majority of these portraits have been clicked at night, or in artificial light. Was that a conscious choice? Are the dark and shadows here, essential elements?

All portraits are and always will be shot at night. (Im amused by the thought that if I had shot all the portraits by day, nobody would have asked me about that decision!) The problem with daylight is that it describes everything. We see things as they are. At night, I have the power to shape the light in interesting ways and to direct the imagination of the viewer while preserving the mood and mystery of the situation. The mood is dark as is the nature of what we are talking about.

Now that the collection is going to be exhibited (as part of Tasveer's eleventh season of exhibitions) what do you hope people take away from the exhibition? Could a person who calls these students 'habshi' etc be swayed by the project? Is that the power of the image over the written word that you hope will click with him or her?

I do believe good portraits have the power to make people stop and stare (which anyway is a national pastime) and also become genuinely curious about the life and condition of the subject. Through this project, I hope to put Africans into the Indian publics consciousness  or is it conscience? But that alone is not enough. The images need to be seen along with the stories to get real conversations going. When I say stories, I mean the big picture that emerges from looking at the connections between anecdotes Ive collected. This is what I share through my writings. As this show travels across India, it will bring together Indians and Africans in a space of art & culture. Imagine that. So far, Africans meet Indians only in hostile spaces  police stations, TV studios, and hospitals  when theres an "incident".

During the project you must have developed a relationship with a lot of the people you photographed. How do they react to your portraits of them and how difficult was it to get them to agree to do this?

Making portraits of vulnerable people and preserving that vulnerability within the image is a challenging task. But if the intention is genuine and the communication is clear, they will readily agree to become collaborators in the process. I think the kind of intimacy that Ive shared with my subjects comes across in the pictures. I let them know that Im there to listen and that racism is a shared pain. In a sense, I have the luxury of time that is simply not there in the world of traditional journalism.

What did you learn from this project that is not only limited to photography but also the wider political subject that you are considering here? Is there hope in your mind, that if we humanise issues like you have done, things might change?

For many in the world, the seriousness of the Syrian refugee crisis hit home only when they saw the baby Aylan Kurdi washed ashore. Seeing the human side  rather than the plain political or economic side  of any problem gives us perspective. Six months ago, I started this project not knowing what I was getting into. All I knew was that India has a racism problem, that racism is wrong, and we need to talk more about it. Working on this ongoing project is all about giving flesh to that beast. It's a pity that people in government and administration are largely clueless about addressing matters of racism. I met up with a diplomat friend  a former Indian high commissioner to Ethiopia  and told him I was working on this project. He said, The Africans seem to have a lot of complaints lately. Are they really having such a hard time here? Thats why I need to work on this project and build it up to a crescendo.
Poroshenko hopes for positive decision on visa-free travel for Ukrainians on April 6 - meeting with EP president

President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko during a meeting with President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani in the framework of his working visit to Malta discussed a number of issues on the Ukraine-EU agenda, and also discussed the situation in Donbas.

"The president expressed hope for a positive vote by the European Parliament on the decision to introduce a visa-free regime for Ukrainian citizens at the next plenary session on April 6, 2017," the press service of the Ukrainian president said.

Poroshenko expressed confidence in the continued support of the European Parliament under the presidency of Tajani of the further rapprochement of Ukraine with the European Union, the continuation of the course of reforms and restoration of territorial integrity in the context of the ongoing Russian aggression.

The Ukrainian president informed the president of the European Parliament about the development of the situation in Donbas, in particular about the provocative actions of Russia, which undermine the peace process and further implementation of the Minsk agreements.

"Poroshenko stressed the importance of preserving and strengthening the sanctions regime in relation to Russia until Ukraine regains its territorial integrity, including Crimea," a message says.

Besides, he invited Tajani to visit Ukraine.
Sex scams have plagued politics across India, but there is little doubt that the tiny state of Kerala beats all others in the matter of high libido among politicians of all hues. A politician getting caught with pants down is nearly the order of the day in Kerala, and yet each time a sex scam breaks out, newspapers and television channels cover it with the same elaborate detail they ran stories on the 2004 tsunami.

The latest scam involves AK Saseendran, a minister of Keralas ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), who allegedly had phone sex with a woman, as claimed by a channel which aired an audio clip. Its possible that the minister was honey-trapped into the lewd conversation, but that in no way makes it any less sinful than if he had flirted with the lady in question on his own. Nor does it diminish the deliciousness of the scam for the media which, like in the case of the past 'sexcapades', has lapped it up.

Saseendran, who belongs to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), lost little time in quitting the ministry, but all this has left CPM Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his comrades squirming with acute embarrassment. Not long ago, they had cried hoarse against the previous chief minister Oommen Chandy and others of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) over what came to be called the solar scam. The Congress leaders allegedly sought sexual favours from a con-woman called Saritha Nair to facilitate her fictitious solar projects.

Where did it all begin?

Its safe to conclude that the Congress, which dominated Indias politics for long after Independence, mothered sex scams across the nation, and the malaise spread to other parties in double time. Reporters who have covered the Congress in close quarters are aware that the partys leaders have been using and abusing members of the Mahila Congress before elevating them in their careers, thus practising a political version of the film industrys infamous casting couch.

The arrogance of the unchallenged power filled some Congress leaders with enough confidence to abuse other vulnerable women as well to satisfy their carnal desires with impunity. A Congress MP once boasted at a very private gathering that he kept count of all the women he slept with in a special diary.

In most cases, few women come forward to complain and so the number of cases that come to light, leave alone those that are investigated, is only a tiny proportion of the atrocities perpetrated. Examples like those of Congress leader ND Tiwari, who was caught with three women in bed in 2009 when he was the governor of Andhra Pradesh, and HY Meti, the partys minister in Karnataka who was caught in a compromising position with a woman in 2016, are few and far between. Age, of course, is no bar. When caught, Tewari was 86 and Meti, 71.

After the Congress culture  an omnibus phrase that includes corruption, sycophancy, sexual misdemeanour and other evils  seeped into other parties, it was a free for all.

In two separate incidents in 2012, two BJP MLAs of Karnataka and two BJP MLAs of Gujarat were caught surfing porn in their respective assemblies. And the 2013 case of the then Madhya Pradesh minister Raghavji Lakhamsi Savala of the BJP allegedly sodomising his male servant, which led to his resignation, is particularly appalling.

Keralas 'sexplosion'

Examples across India are endless, but at least going by the cases reported, Kerala has more than its share of sex scams than other states, the degeneracy afflicting both the Left and the Congress fronts. The most talked-about of these was the ice cream parlour sex case that erupted in 1997. It turned out that the parlour did more than selling ice cream: it pushed girls into prostitution. Eight years later, PK Kunhalikutty, a minister of the Indian Union Muslim League, an ally of the Congress, had to resign after one of the girls accused him of having molested her. Before and after this, there were countless other scams in Kerala.

In a state that goes by the sobriquet of 'Gods Own Country', there is rising concern among citizens and activists over the sexual depravity of the political class. Some are beginning to wonder whether the state has metamorphosed into a 'Perverts Own Country' and end up asking as to why.

There is no clear answer except what Dutch psychologist Joris Lammers would call a clear link between political power and sex, which is perhaps wreaking more havoc in Kerala than elsewhere in India and the world.

A study by Lammers and his team, published in the journal Psychological Science in July 2011, showed that elevated power is positively associated with infidelity because power increases confidence in the ability to attract partners. This association was found for both actual infidelity and intentions to engage in infidelity in the future.

Another study that Lammers and others undertook demonstrated that there was a direct, causal link between the experience of power and moral hypocrisy. By moral hypocrisy we mean a situation in which individuals do not follow their own expressed moral rules and principles, Lammers explained.

There may be three other reasons why sex scams plague Kerala:

In the states dog-eat-dog politics, politicians increasingly use sex stings to fix their rivals. In many cases, the alleged victim disappears mysteriously, while a conveniently edited video or audio clip appears equally mysteriously on one channel or another to politically finish off the alleged offender. Proliferation of news channels has led to mad competition among them for TRPs and they find no better way to multiply viewership than with a saucy sex scandal. The high rate of literacy in Kerala (nearly 94 percent) has not resulted in a proportionate improvement in mens sneering attitude towards women, though a range of government and private initiatives have led to their empowerment in other ways.

Kerala produces rubber. Kerala produces spices. Kerala produces coconuts. Kerala produces myriad political parties, even if a partys founder is its only member. Kerala produces labour for other states and labour unions for itself. But the state will do well not to add sex-crazed wackos to this list.

Author tweets @sprasadindia
In hindsight, it appears that the elevation of the Congress outsider Siddaramaiah to CM in 2013 drove the proverbial last nail in the partys coffin in Karnataka.

Perhaps even he couldve salvaged the party and government, had he taken the old guard and natives into confidence or at least earned the goodwill of the people with well-thought out policies.

But it appears that from day one, he embarked on a suicide mission. One of the first things he did after coming to power was to create a cloister of his hard core loyalists both within the party and government, tumbling from blunder to blunder and creating massive dissensions and rampant unpopularity in his wake.

An anti-climax of sorts was reached with the cabinet reshuffle last June. When he unceremoniously ditched heavyweights like M H Ambareesh and V Srinivasa Prasad (a mentor of sorts to Siddaramaiah), backlash was anticipated but not its severity: Arson and violence in his own backyard of Nanjanagud from his own party men.

Vowing revenge, Srinivasa Prasad defected to the BJP, paving way for fresh elections in Nanjanagud on April 9, 2017. Add to this the elections to the Gundlupet constituency caused by the death of minister H S Mahadev Prasad, Siddaramaiahs cup of woes now runneth over.

Indeed, the outcome of the polls of these two constituencies will, seal the fate of the Siddaramaiah government one way or the other.

What should truly worry the Congress party is the defection of lifelong Congressman and former chief minister S M Krishna to the BJP last week. As this Firstpost analysis puts it well:

If the ruling Congress appears like a lazy student who mugs up on the eve of the exam, BJP is already like the diligent pupil who has started preparations well in advance.

BJP's election managers in Karnataka, having identified the party's strengths and weaknesses, are in the advanced stages of preparing a blueprint to ensure victory. Their job has been made easier by the mess that the Congress has created for itself, with myriad scams and non-performance.

Forget the BJP, everyone in the Congress knows that the Siddaramaiah government is tottering. Even that might not last till 2018. Because if the CM loses the two aforementioned bypolls in his own backyard, his cabinet and MLAs might not even wait till 2018, given their bleak future political careers.

Indications of the kind of damage S M Krishnas exit might inflict on the party came from Congress spokesperson Rajeev Gowda:

Krishna should have been a little more patient, he would have seen the impact of these changes and we could have used his advice and experience as well.

If he had waited for little more time, he would have experienced that there is lot of internal effort that is going on for reorganising the party, revitalising the party.

Which begs the question: why didnt the party make use of his advice and experience in these four years? During the same period, its no secret that people in Karnataka were treated to frequent outbursts from S M Krishna on the decline of Congress and how he had been calculatedly sidelined. And so it was only a question of when, and not if S M Krishna would abandon the Congress.

Krishnas exit yet again points the needle of accountability towards the decayed Congress High Command a.k.a dynasty. His indirect swipe at Rahul Gandhis style of politics a hit-and-run joba part-time job, reflects the truth of the adage that Rahul Gandhis age is lesser than S M Krishnas political experience.

Indeed, Krishnas exit is symptomatic of many Congress leaders of his vintage and stature. The Gandhi glue that kept them within the party has come unstuck under the singular leadership of Rahul Gandhi.

At one time, leaders like him enjoyed the confidence of the so-called High Command and he had the relative freedom as chief minister to manage a large and prosperous state as well as contain internal dissensions. But now with a largely moribund High Command and a CM who continues to run amok, theres really no reason for Krishna to stay back.

Indeed, another measure of the High Commands frailty is its repeated failure to rein in the unpopular Siddaramaiah because ever since that fatal summer of 2014, the dynasty no longer commands the same political or moral authority and instead depends on state leaders like him for survival and finances.

In this light, Rajeev Gowdas remark only unsubtly betrays his fear about his partys prospects in the near future caused by Krishnas exit. The Vokkaliga belt in the hugely influential Old Mysore region has always been the BJPs weak wicket.

So, while Krishnas defection might not swing a majority of these votes towards the BJP, it certainly has the potential to damage the Congress. Equally, the other strong competitor for Vokkaliga votes, the Janata Dal (Secular) will also hurt the Congress badly.

But at the moment, Krishnas exit has created a mass revolt-like situation within the Congress as this report shows. Equally, as this Firstpost piece observes,

The names of a dozen other Congress leaders, who already have one tentative foot in the BJP, are doing the rounds in Bengaluru.

By all indications, this is just the beginning of what may turn into an exodus in the coming weeks and months.

But what really offers a telling portent for the future is the fact that the High Command has continued to remain inert at these worrying developments. As a sort of mirror to how it snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in Goa, the Congress has simply lost the will to fight back if only for its very survival.

Meanwhile, some of the key state Congress functionaries that this writer met after Krishnas exit say that about 30 MLAs are ready to jump ship depending on how the Nanjanagud and Gundlupet byelections turn out. And if those MLAs do indeed defect, itll reduce the Congress to a minority government paving way for elections.

And the manner in which developments are unfolding in the state at the moment seems to indicate that this mass defection might likely occur much before 2018.

On the BJPs side, a premature fall of the Siddaramaiah government also makes sense given the fact that the emphatic Congress victory in Punjab recently breathed some oxygen into the ailing party. A premature exit in Karnataka would further demoralise the Grand Old Party.

Whether 9 April, 2017 will turn out to be the Ides of March for the Congress in Karnataka will depend both on Siddaramaiah and the BJP.
A secret "spy unit" allegedly formed and being run by the Delhi government has come under the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) scanner.

According to a report in DNA, a secret group called the Feedback Unit is running directly on the orders of the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, where some dubious financial transactions have come to the fore. The newspaper reported that unaccounted money and some vehicles were allegedly allotted to retired intelligence officials to carry out espionage work, which is now under the CBI scanner to analyse its legality and any cases of corruption.

"The remuneration of the Feedback Unit was paid on the basis of attendance. The staff have recorded 100 per cent attendance and Rs 40,82,982 has been released since February 2016 by way of secret service expenditure, remuneration, telephone and other miscellaneous expenses. But the Vigilance Department, under which the spy unit was formed, is clueless as to where the staff sat and what work they did since inception," the DNA report claims.

The CBI, according to a report in The Times of India, had lodged an FIR in connection with the case in December last year after the then lieutenant governor of Delhi Najeeb Jung had found irregularities in the issue.

It was Jung who first talked about the existence of such a spy unit and expressed his doubts. In an interview given after he resigned as Delhi L-G, Jung had accused Kejriwal of practising "nepotism and gross favouritism" in certain appointments, while adding that the Delhi chief minister had set up a secret unit like a counter IB with suspicious motives, according to Hindustan Times.

However, the Aam Aadmi Party had then scoffed off the allegations stating that Jung was apparently reading a lot of "spy-thrillers" since "he had a lot of time on his hands, to suggest such a thing", as reported in The Indian Express.

The Delhi BJP, on the other hand, did not miss a chance to play up the allegations and accused the AAP-led Delhi government of using the state machinery to keep a tab on the party's political opponents.

"Delhi already has an efficient police force and other intelligence agencies and therefore it appears that Kejriwal wanted this new agency for keeping a tab on political opponents," a report in DNA from the time quoted Delhi BJP's Satish Upadhyay as saying.

However, the Delhi government officials had denied the presence of such a unit, claiming that although a decision to form such a unit was taken, it never materialised.

Now, the re-appearance of the Feedback Unit in the DNA report has brought the issue back in the fore. It will be interesting to see how Arvind Kejriwal and his government in Delhi will respond to the allegations.
In voicing its opposition to the otherwise warmly-welcomed Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill that was passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) may have exercised its democratic right to disagree. But the move smacks of trying to gain political capital out of a national issue with far-reaching importance. This opposition is also ironical because it was TMC leader Amit Mitra who was the chairman of the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers that worked out the details of the new tax regime to be ushered in by GST.

After the Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha, TMC leader Saugata Roy said, "Businesses arent prepared yet for GST, lets not make haste." He added that he supported the Bill with a heavy heart and a lot of reservations. Even the largest Opposition party in the Lok Sabha, the Congress, supported the Bill in a rare show of Parliamentary camaraderie over a Bill as seminal as the GST.

"This is a historic tax reform, to have a long-term structural impact on the economy. GST will help the economy to become lot more progressive and transparent," the Congress said.

"Knowing that the BJP will gain political mileage from GST implementation, the TMC has made an exaggerated political statement. GST implementation is not a unilateral decision of the Centre; rather it is the result of a broad consensus. And, the TMC cant claim that it was not a part of the consensus, especially when a prominent leader of the party (and the finance minister of West Bengal) Mitra is the chairman of the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers that worked out the details of the new tax regime. At one point of time, Mitra supported GST," Praveen Khandelwal, secretary-general, Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) told Firstpost.

While the TMC may take a while to understand if this opposition delivers or deprives it of political capital in a country charged with a yearning for economic development, it will be worthwhile to see its concern for the countrys preparedness to move to the new tax regime. After all, it is the preparedness of the business community that will help fulfil the governments wish towards the seamless implementation of GST from 1 July.

Even though the move has been widely welcomed, some traders are apprehensive about the transition.

"It is a welcome move, but frankly, the business community of this country is not prepared for GST right now, because one has to shift from a manual form of accounting to computerised accounting. More than 90 percent of traders still go for manual accounting. In Bhopals Sarafa Bazaar (Jewellery Market), out of 25 jewellers, only 20 are following computerised accounting. This is the scenario of a state capital, so one can imagine the accounting system at the tehsil or block-level. The government should set a three-year period for transition from the current system to GST, and shouldnt impose a penalty or punishment on those who commit mistakes in this period. This duration should be treated as a learning period," said Navneet Agarwal, state general secretary, Akhil Bharatiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal, Madhya Pradesh.

Despite feeling that it is not yet prepared to embrace the new tax regime, the traders community has come forward as a partner with a unique plan to help government achieve its goal.

CAIT, an umbrella body of trade and business associations, has planned to launch Mission GST  a national campaign in which the confederation plans to train 5,000 trade leaders from all across the country as 'master trainers'.

"The GST will be rolled out in the next 90 days. Keeping this target in mind, the master trainers will empower and educate the trading community on various aspects of GST across the country. CAIT has roped in tax practitioners, chartered accountants and consultants in this drive. The aim is to provide training to traders, right from state capitals to tehsils, said Khandelwal.

Stating that implementation of GST would entirely change the business landscape of the country, he added, "While, GST is an e-compliance taxation system and altogether different from current tax regime, nearly 70 percent of traders dont have computers and they go in for manual accounting. Now they have to adopt digital technology. We want the government to have greater interaction with the business community, as they are the carriers of GST and help traders in becoming technically empowered.

Tax experts, however, feel that instead of making a hue and cry, and further politicising GST, traders too have to comply with the rules of GST and must switch over to computerised accounting system  the sooner the better.

"The fact remains that a seamless transition happened from physical share-brokering to online trading and consumers had made the online ticket booking system of the IRCTC the most successful e-commerce site of the country. This was long before e-tailing had become a fad. So, theres no reason we should fear the arrival of GST. The only thing needed is training to traders, who have to comply with the new rules, without making a hue and cry. They should switch over to the digital interface and computerised accounting system without delay," remarked chartered accountant Abhishek Aneja.
New Delhi: Opposition parties, including the Congress, on Thursday forced a brief adjournment of proceedings in the Rajya Sabha over a Rajasthan minister questioning the integrity of a student who was allegedly gang raped.

Kahkashan Parveen (JD-U) raised the issue of state Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria's reported remark that it was unlikely that eight men gang raped the girl and she did not complain.

Parveen was supported by women Congress members including Viplove Thakur who displayed what appeared were newspaper reports of the minister's remarks.

As Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien disallowed her, saying it was not a point of order, the women lawmakers trooped into the Well of the House raising slogans against the "insensitive" remarks.

Soon male members too joined them in the Well, raising slogans.

"Without notice I cannot allow (a discussion)," Kurien said. "No notice is received (on the subject)."

With members unrelenting and refusing to go back to their seats, he adjourned the House for 10 minutes.
Lucknow: A meat traders delegation met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow on Thursday amid protests over closure of slaughter houses.

Sirajuddin Qureshi, one of the delegates, later said the meeting was held in a positive atmosphere and that they had withdrawn their strike.

All the delegates supported the Chief Minister on the drive launched by the government against illegal abattoirs and said they were in support of the move to weed out illegal meat trading.

Health Minister Siddharth Nath Singh, who briefed the media after the meeting said the Chief Minister assured the delegation that any action against legal slaughter houses will not be tolerated and that action would be initiated against officials indulging in such activity.

No discrimination will be allowed against anyone on the basis of community, caste or religion, the Chief Minister told the delegation.

The Allahabad High Court has also sought a response from the government vis-a-vis the action against slaughter houses in the state and has slated the next hearing on the matter for 3 April.

Government records suggest that Uttar Pradesh has more than 375 illegal slaughter houses while the state pollution board says there are 185 abattoirs in the state of which 140 were operating illegally.

The action against shops selling meat and slaughter houses has led to a huge scarcity of meat in the state, leading to protests at many places.

The situation came to such a pass earlier this week that the world famous Tunde Kebab shop in old Lucknow was forced to down shutters, a first in more than 100 years, for lack of buffalo meat.

Rattled at the growing protests in the state against the action, BJP mandarins in New Delhi are learnt to have conveyed to the state government to "soften its stand" and "clarify the position" after which a meeting between Yogi Adityanath and the traders association was arranged.
ZURICH The "political temperature" in the Balkans has risen significantly, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama told a Swiss newspaper, citing tensions in Macedonia over the country's ethnic Albanian minority.Balkan states Albania, Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia, Kosovo and Montenegro all hope to join the European Union, but political feuds, ethnic strife and lingering misgivings over the wars of the 1990s complicate this process. [nL5N1GY69H]Rama, the Socialist Party leader whose role in helping organise ethnic Albanians in Macedonia has been criticised by some there as inappropriate foreign meddling, told the Tages-Anzeiger newspaper in the interview published on Thursday that things could get worse. "In Macedonia, the situation could spiral completely out of control because the head of the country's second-biggest political party has denied the Albanians' mandate to help build the government," he said. "We are demanding only that the government in Skopje respect the rights of the Albanian minority."

Rama, a former Tirana mayor, accuses Skopje of blocking Albanian as an official language even though ethnic Albanians comprise a quarter of Macedonia's 2 million population."It is inconceivable for us that Macedonians reject Albanian as an official language at national level," Rama said. He said other factors contributing to heightened emotions include what he called Serbia's provocations against Kosovo, including sending a train emblazoned in Serbian colors and the phrase "Kosovo is Serbia" to its former province. [nL5N1F40GU]

Ethnic Albanian-majority Kosovo, in turn, is seeking to turn its security force into a national army, a plan opposed by the Serb minority and widely panned by NATO and the United States. [nL5N1GL3OV]European Union leaders said earlier this month that Balkan states could still join the EU but must stick to a path of economic and democratic reform to reach that goal. [nL5N1GM7D3]

Likewise, the prospect of EU membership has for years been the main driver of reform in the Balkans following decades of communist role, economic hardship as well as ethnic bloodshed associated with Yugoslavia's 1990s disintegration."When you consider this inheritance, the only way for Balkan countries to develop into mature democracies is to do so within the European Union," Rama told the Swiss newspaper. "As long as the people and political elite of the Balkans do not lose faith in EU membership, they'll stay calm. The borders will be in danger when the European Union sits on its hands and, in doing so, abandons us to the Russians."Russia, a traditional ally of the Serbs, denies accusations of political manipulation in the Balkans to reassert its influence in the historically volatile region. (Reporting by John Miller; editing by Mark Heinrich)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
There was "no such thing" as man-made islands in the disputed South China Sea, China's defence ministry said on Thursday, and reiterated that any building work was mainly for civilian purposes.

China, which claims most of the resource-rich region, has carried out land reclamation and construction on several islands in the Spratly archipelago, parts of which are also claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

The building has included airports, harbours and other facilities, involving in some cases the dumping of massive amounts of sand to build up land on what were reefs or structures that may only have been exposed at low tide.

But ministry spokesman Wu Qian implied that was perhaps a misunderstanding, though he said there was construction work which China had every right to do as the Spratlys were inherent Chinese territory.

"There is no such thing as man-made islands," Wu told a regular monthly news briefing. "Most of the building is for civilian purposes, including necessary defensive facilities."

The South China Sea is generally stable at present, but some countries outside the region are anxious about this and want to hype things up and create tensions, Wu said, using terminology that normally refers to the United States.

Pressed to explain his comment that were no man-made islands, Wu declined to elaborate, saying China had already provided a full explanation of its construction work.

On Monday, a US think tank said China appeared to have largely completed major construction of military infrastructure on artificial islands it has built in the South China Sea and can now deploy combat planes and other military hardware there at any time.

China has repeatedly denied charges it is militarising the South China Sea, through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will travel to the United States to meet President Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago retreat in Florida on 6-7 April, China's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday, its first official confirmation of the highly anticipated summit.

It will be Xi's first meeting with Trump, whose presidency began on 20 January, and comes as the two sides face pressing issues, ranging from North Korea and the South China Sea to trade disputes.

Ministry spokesman Lu Kang made the announcement at a daily news briefing.

Beijing had previously said that preparatory work for the meeting was underway. But it had not yet confirmed the trip, despite western media reports on a scheduled meeting and an announcement by the Finnish government that Xi would make a brief stop in Finland on 5 April.

The summit will follow a string of other recent US-China meetings and conversations aimed at mending ties after strong criticism of China by Trump during his election campaign.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson ended a trip to Asia this month in Beijing, agreeing to work together with China on North Korea and stressing Trump's desire to enhance understanding.

China has been irritated at being repeatedly told by Washington to rein in North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes and by the US decision to base an advanced missile defence system in South Korea.

Beijing is also deeply suspicious of US intentions towards self-ruled Taiwan, which China claims as its own.

During his election campaign, Trump accused China of unfair trade policies, criticised its island-building in the strategic South China Sea, and accused it of doing too little to constrain North Korea.

Trump also incensed Beijing in December by taking a phone call from Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and later saying the United States did not have to stick to the so-called "one China" policy.

He later agreed in a phone call with Xi to honor the long-standing policy and has also written to Xi since seeking "constructive ties."
Forty-two Christians accused of murder were allegedly told by a Pakistani public prosecutor he could "guarantee their acquittal" if they renounced their religion and converted to Islam.

According to a report in The Express Tribune, the Christians were charged with lynching two Pakistani men suspected of being involved in twin blasts in Youhanabad, Lahore, on 15 March, 2015. The blasts targeted Sunday mass in two churches.

"Taking advantage of their presence at ATC-1 Lahore, deputy district public prosecutor Syed Anees Shah gathered the accused outside the courtroom and asked them to embrace Islam," said Joseph Franci, a rights activist, who was involved in providing legal assistance to the accused, told The Express Tribune. "He told them if they embrace Islam, he can guarantee them their acquittal in this case."

According to Franci, the accused were taken back, and one of them, Irfan Masih, reportedly said he'd rather be hanged than embrace Islam.

Advocate Naseeb Anjum, counsel for some of the accused, told The Express Tribune that the public prosecutor had made the same offer to the accused six months ago, but they simply ignored him.

When contacted by The Express Tribune, Shah at first denied asking the accused to embrace Islam. However, when he was told that the accused had a video recording of what he said, he admitted that he simply offered them a choice.
The Foreign Minister of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin has said that April 6 is the valid date of voting by the European Parliament on the decision to grant a visa-free regime for Ukrainian citizens.

"This date remains on the agenda, everything is going according to the plan," Klimkin told the Kyiv based Interfax-Ukraine in St. Julian's on Thursday.

The minister said that on the margins of the European People's Party summit he had held a number of meetings with representatives of the European Commission and the European Parliament, and one can say that the procedure for granting a visa-free regime to Ukraine runs to the plan.
By Brad Brooks

| SAO PAULO

SAO PAULO A federal court sentenced Brazil's former speaker of the lower house, Eduardo Cunha, to more than 15 years in prison on Thursday for corruption, making him the highest-profile political conviction yet in the "Operation Car Wash" scandal.The former politician's defence team said they would appeal the decision. Cunha will remain imprisoned pending appeal.Cunha, who drove the successful impeachment of former President Dilma Rousseff, was forced from his position as speaker in July and arrested in October on accusations he received millions in bribes from the purchase of an oil field in Benin by state-controlled oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA (PETR4.SA).Over 200 people have been charged in the "Operation Car Wash" probe, a far-reaching investigation that centres on bribes and political kickbacks from contracts at Petrobras and other state firms. The Supreme Court is likely to approve soon the investigation of dozens of sitting politicians.In February 2015, Cunha, a member of President Michel Temer's Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB) that for a decade was the main member of left-leaning Workers Party (PT) governments, defied the wishes of his own coalition to run for and win the speakership of the lower house of Congress.

Just six months later, he officially broke with the Rousseff administration, saying that she was using the Petrobras investigation as a tool of "political persecution" against him.As speaker, only Cunha could allow impeachment proceedings to begin against Rousseff, whom critics accused of breaking budgetary laws. He did just that in December 2015, just hours after PT deputies cast deciding votes for him to face an investigation by the House's ethics committee for lying about bank accounts he and his wife held in Switzerland.

By May, Rousseff was impeached and Temer installed as successor. But Cunha could not shake free of corruption allegations that eventually led to his downfall.Once he was kicked out of congress, Cunha lost the privilege given to sitting politicians that only the badly overburdened Supreme Court can try them.His case was instead sent to crusading anti-corruption judge Sergio Moro, who has been the driving force behind Brazil's fight against graft. Moro has a reputation for plowing through cases efficiently, with over 98 percent of his convictions in Car Wash cases being upheld by higher courts.

Cunha faces another trial for allegedly receiving $5 million skimmed from Petrobras contracts for two drillships in 2006 and 2007.Separately on Thursday, federal prosecutors leading the Car Wash probe for the first time accused a party of the civil crime of "misconduct in political office" for taking part in the Petrobas scheme. The authorities said they are seeking 2.3 billion reais ($731 million) from the Progressive Party (PP) for bribes its members received and for fines. Prosecutors are also demanding six sitting PP congressmen and four former deputies lose their offices and rights to run for office in the future.($1 = 3.1453 reais) (Reporting by Brad Brooks; Editing by Daniel Flynn and Alistair Bell)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Lima: A Peruvian Airlines jetliner caught fire seconds after crash-landing at an airport in Peru but all 141 passengers on board escaped unhurt, authorities said.

Footage aired by RPP television showed black smoke pouring from the Boeing 737 next to a runway at Jauja airport in the center of the country on Tuesday.

The aircraft was eventually reduced to a charred shell.

"Thank god we were saved, we got out fine," said one of the passengers, Walter Montoya, on RPP's radio station.

"The pilot did an emergency landing and there was a heavy impact."

The airline said in a statement that "the 141 passengers on board were evacuated by our crew. No passenger was hurt in any considerable way."

It added: "The pilot's skill... avoided greater misfortune." It said the airline and authorities were investigating.

The head of the transport ministry's civil aviation authority Juan Carlos Pavic said on the radio that the fire broke out when the plane's right wing touched the ground on landing.

Regional police chief Jose Cueva told RPP the plane suffered a technical fault in a landing gear.
BRATISLAVA Slovakia's parliament paved the way on Thursday to cancel amnesties granted by former Prime Minister Vladimir Meciar to his secret service chief and 12 others for the 1995 kidnapping of the then president's son.The legislature passed a constitutional amendment that allows it to revoke the pardons. Many politicians have condemned them but long insisted they were irrevocable.Many Slovaks see the pardons as a state-sponsored crime that went unpunished and a symbol of the country's slide from democratic rule under Meciar. Cancelling the amnesties will allow prosecutors to resume investigating the abduction.A movie based on the kidnapping of former president Michal Kovac's son - also named Michal - has already become the most popular Slovak film ever. Its opening weekend earlier this month topped even those of the very popular Harry Potter movies.The constitutional change, backed by 124 out of 150 lawmakers, allows parliament to cancel the amnesties. The Constitutional Court would have to confirm this within 60 days.

"We have created a mechanism to once and for all bury this problem and heal this trauma," parliamentary speaker Andrej Danko said before the vote. "This is a historic moment. I believe we have started a journey to cancellation of the amnesties and the return of justice into our country," said deputy speaker Bela Bugar.The actual cancellation vote was expected next week, he added.

Kovac was a symbol of resistance to Meciar, under whose rule Slovakia was denied an initial invitation to join the EU and NATO along with its central European post-communist neighbours.Madeleine Albright, then the United States Secretary of State, called the country "the black hole of Europe".

Meciar denied any responsibility for the kidnapping earlier this month.While he was interim president after Kovac's term expired, Meciar granted amnesties that prevented prosecution of 13 people, including a close ally who was head of the country's secret service (SIS), on suspicion they kidnapped Kovac's son to Austria, where he was dumped outside a police station. A secret service agent who gave evidence on the case fled abroad due to fear for his life. A friend who helped him escape died when his car was blown up in 1996.When Kovac died last October, current President Andrej Kiska urged lawmakers to cancel the amnesties. An opinion poll last month showed 63 percent of Slovaks want the amnesties canceled. More than 84,000 Slovaks have signed an online petition, the biggest such survey in Slovakia's history. (Reporting by Tatiana Jancarikova; Editing by Tom Heneghan)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Kolkata: Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen on Wednesday said she supports the poets who were vilified for their criticism of Yogi Adityanath, but questioned their silence when she was "bundled out" of West Bengal in 2007. She said that she had always fought for freedom of speech, but at the same time one cannot be "selective" while exercising that freedom.

Her remarks came a day after a case was registered against unknown persons for threatening eminent Bengali poet Mandakranta Sen with gangrape for expressing solidarity with fellow poet Srijato who recently was embroiled in a controversy after writing a poem allegedly hurting "Hindu sentiments". "Where were these two when I was forced out of West Bengal by 'fundamentalists' for my writing in 2007?" Nasreen said in a telephonic interview.

She said, "I stand beside Srijato for his views... and Mandakranta too. I have been vocal for freedom of speech and that's why I support both of them. But one cannot be selective in asserting one's freedom of speech... Where were they when I was forced out of West Bengal in 2007?" A Hindutva group had lodged a police complaint against

Srijato for posting a 12-line poem on Facebook on 19 March, the day Yogi Adityanath was sworn in as the chief minister of UP allegedly hurting "Hindu sentiments".

The author regretted that Srijato and Mandakranta were protesting because their freedom of speech came under threat, but pointed out that they wrote only when "Hindu fundamentalists attack". "They do not write when Muslim fundamentalists or Christian fundamentalists attack and their partiality was manifest by their attitude," the writer of famous novels like "Lajja" lamented.

Referring to the recent killing of Tamil Nadu atheist and Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam activist H Farook, Nasreen said, "Where were they when Farooq was killed? I have not seen them spending a single word on that incident. Where were these people when so many persons, bloggers were hacked to death in Bangladesh?" Farook, a 31-year-old daily wage labourer, was hacked to death in Coimbatore last week, a fortnight after he had posted a photo of one of his children holding a placard with the handwritten slogan 'Kadavul illai, Kadavul illai, Kadavul illai (No God, No God, No God)'.

Nasreen also wondered why Srijato's pen was silent after the Khagragarh blasts, Dhulagarh violence and incidents of gang-rape reported in West Bengal. "But it's not the same thing with me unlike the pseudo-secular people.. I stand for everybody. I don't see whether someone is a Christian or a Hindu or a Muslim fundamentalist when I speak out," she said.

On Mandakranta Sen receiving rape threat because of standing beside Srijato, Nasreen said, "This is a very common matter in today's world. I have come across a thousand girls who get such threats everyday... Even I have got such threats several times. But people are making an issue out of it because it has happened to Mandakranta.
Renowned Russian novelist Leo Tolstoys magnum opus War and Peace beautifully captures the history of French invasion of Russia and the impact of Napoleonic era on Tsarist society. It is considered to be one of finest novels ever written on this planet. However, on an entirely opposite note, Ulfa (Independent)s gratuitous warning on the eve of the 14th Dalai Lamas ensuing visit to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh could be branded as a war on peace. The Dalai Lama has been steadfastly trying to evolve a narrative of tranquility and peaceful coexistence not only for the Tibetans, but also for all other people of the world who have not jettisoned their faith in humanitarian and egalitarian ethos.

The Dalai Lama is scheduled to arrive in Guwahati on 1 April, 2017 on a 12 day visit to the Northeast. He is supposed to attend the Namami Brahmaputra festival organised with lot of fanfare by the Assam government in order to highlight the centrality of the river in the lives of the people of Assam as well as its tourism potential. Among other public meetings, his proposed programmes in Gauhati University and Dibrugarh University have already evinced great curiosity among students, teachers and academics and it is safe to presume that both these events will be watched with abiding interest by many. Thereafter, he will be in Arunachal Pradesh from 5 to 12 April. During that period, he is likely to visit Tawang, Dirang, Bomdila, Itanagar and Lumla.

China had earlier told India, in no uncertain terms, that allowing the Tibetan leader to visit Arunachal Pradesh would jeopardise the bilateral relation between the two countries. They had also indicated the likely damage the whole incident may cause as regards peace and stability in the contested border region. China considers Arunachal Pradesh as a disputed territory and refers to the region as South Tibet. India, on the other hand, considers the state as an inalienable part of the country. It is, in this messy context, Ulfa(I)'s caveat to the Dalai Lama has to be analysed. It is becoming quite clear to any observer about the organisations growing sense of disquiet after the news of his proposed visit.

A dispassionate scrutiny of contemporary world history reveals that any guerrilla organisation fighting for a cause from the soil of a neighbouring country sometimes has to make certain statements which may not conform to its core philosophy. It is dictated more by extraneous geo-political considerations than by any long-cherished principles. However, in those instances too, a semblance of rationality is often found. But that is something totally missing from the recent outburst of Ulfa (I) chairman Abhizeet Asom against the Dalai Lama. Its misplaced sense of aggression while criticising the Tibetan leader, underscores its eagerness to bend over backwards to keep the Chinese authorities in good humour. Indian security agencies believed that as Ulfa(I)s main leader Paresh Baruah is currently controlling the activities of the organisation from the Yunan province of China, they have been forced to repeat the tired rhetoric embedded in all official Chinese statements pertaining to Arunachal Pradesh.

But Ulfa (I)s blatant capitulation to the Chinese authorities has come as a big shock even to those Assamese who still harbour a faintly positive attitude towards the organisation. Ulfa during its heydays (late eighties and nineties of the last century) was quite popular among many Assamese people of the Brahmaputra valley. Though the majority of the supporters were not comfortable with its main demand of secession from India, they felt that a powerful organisation was necessary to get the voice of a peripheral region heard in the corridors of power in Lutyens Delhi.

But gradually, the organisations undue emphasis on collection of money and weapons in the name of furthering the revolution led to mindless violence throughout the state. It witnessed a period marked by growing disillusionment and anger amid its supporters. In their bloody conflict with the security agencies, many innocent people lost their lives and several thousands were permanently maimed. It is estimated that more than ten thousand local youths perished during that turbulent period. In the process, owing to the twin factors of increasing pressure by the security agencies and dwindling support among its core sympathisers, its importance in Assam has been steadily declining. Ulfa(I) leadership is intelligent enough to understand this slipping of the ground beneath their feet much to their collective dismay. But strangely, what they chose to do in the run-up to the Dalai Lamas visit ends up underlining the fact that their intelligence has perhaps run out of steam.

The Dalai Lama is a world famous religious leader and a peace activist who has never veered away from the path of non-violence while fighting for Tibetan independence from the clutches of the Chinese. Such is his stature today that many analysts feel the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize on him in the year 1989 enhanced the prestige of the honour instead of being the other way round. On the other hand, the Assamese people are also very famous for their terrific sense of hospitality, a fact continually pointed out by almost all important visitors to the state starting from Mahatma Gandhi.

In the backdrop of all this, people have been astounded at the ease with which Ulfa(I) has tied itself up in knots over his visit. The prejudiced manner in which the organisation has been interpreting the complex geo-political history of the whole region only to get some brownie points in the eyes of the Chinese authorities has destroyed whatever little public support it has retained in the collective consciousness of the common Assamese people. The memories of brutal assassination of the popular social activist Sanjay Ghose at Majuli in 1997 and the killing of innocent school children participating in the Independence Day celebration at Dhemaji in 2004 are again becoming fresh in peoples minds.

Asom also adroitly tried to catch the fancy of the Dalai Lama by mixing up the issue of Indias occupation and brutal oppression of Assam with 855 martyrs which fell to the police brutalities during the historic anti-foreigners Assam Movement of 1979-85. The Assam Movement was spearheaded by the powerful All Assam Students Union (AASU) and it was by and large non-violent in nature. The agitation symbolised a spirit of mass disaffection of the majority of the Assamese with the vote bank politics of some political parties due to which the very existence of indigenous people was gravely threatened. The Assamese people are still emotionally attached with the ethos of that agitation. Therefore Ulfa(I) tried to invoke its name in order to garner some popular support. But the way in which their rant against the Tibetan leader has misfired is nothing but a commentary about the fact that no war on peace will be supported by the people on a sustainable basis.

The author tweets @mayurbora07
Moscow: President Vladimir Putin on Thursday voiced readiness to meet with US President Donald Trump at an upcoming Arctic summit, while reiterating rejections of allegations that Russian meddled in the US presidential election.

It wasn't the first time Putin floated the idea of a meeting with Trump. Russia had hoped for a thaw in relations with the United States after Trump's election, but that has been dashed by the congressional investigation of possible links between Trump's campaign and Russia.

Putin, speaking at an Arctic forum in Arkhangelsk, said he would be glad to meet with Trump at a summit bringing together Arctic nations' leaders. Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, whose country is set to take the rotating leadership in the Arctic Council in May, said Thursday he would be honored to host such a meeting.

Also Thursday, Putin again dismissed what he called "endless and groundless" accusations of Russian meddling in the US election, describing them as part of the US domestic political struggle.

Putin sharply criticized what he described as the use of the "Russian card" in US domestic politics, saying it contradicts American interests.

"Do we want to completely cut relations?" he said. "Do we want to bring the situation to what it was during the Cuban Missile Crisis of the 1960s?"

Earlier this year, Putin thanked Slovenia for its offer to host a proposed meeting with Trump, but noted that it would depend on Washington.
The White House announced on Wednesday that first daughter Ivanka Trump is about to take on another title: Assistant to President Donald Trump.

Ivanka, whose husband Jared Kushner also works as a senior aide to the president, will not receive a salary for her work as a federal employee. Kushner, a real estate developer, is also unpaid, and works as senior advisor to the president.

The New York Times reported that questions have swirled around Ivanka's role in her father's campaign even before he was sworn in to office. In December, Ivanka joined the then president-elect in a meeting with Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe.

Eyebrows were raised about her sitting in on this get-together, as her company was in the middle of attempting to finalise a deal with an apparel company whose largest shareholder just so happened to be a Japanese government-owned bank, although the deal later fell through.

In the first few weeks of the Trump administration, CNN reported that Ivanka had played a key but informal role on behalf of her father, meeting German chancellor Angela Merkel and Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau.

Ivanka has long been a trusted adviser to her father: serving as executive vice president of real estate development and acquisition in the Trump Organisation and serving him in his presidential campaign. "Ivanka will serve as the president's 'eyes and ears'," said Trump's attorney Jamie S Gorelick, according to CNN.

The Guardian reported that Ivanka is set to take on a formal role and become a federal employee after taking fire from ethics experts for announcing last week that she would advise her father without a specific job title and be given an office in the West Wing, computer and security clearance, access to classified information and government issued phone.

While there is no modern precedent for an adult child of the president, I will voluntarily follow all of the ethics rules placed on government employees, Ivanka had said.

Richard Painter, a law professor at the University of Minnesota, and chief ethics lawyer for George W Bush between 2005 and 2007 told The Guardian, "She has a West Wing office, she has equipment, she has a White House email address, shes going to be doing policy work. For purposes of the conflict of interest statute, I believe she is a government employee.

Changing her mind, Ivanka, issued a statement: I have heard the concerns some have with my advising the president in my personal capacity while voluntarily complying with all ethics rules, and I will instead serve as an unpaid employee in the White House office, subject to all of the same rules as other federal employees.

The New York Times reported that while the White House announcement is a formal recognition of the faith and trust that the president has in both his daughter and son-in-law, the move of assigning them formal roles has little precedent, at least in modern times.

Doug Wead, the author of All the Presidents Children, who also served as a special assistant to former president George Bush, told the New York Times that the children of presidents have wielded enormous clout throughout history. "You cant have more power than Anna Roosevelt had, Wead said, referring to the daughter of Franklin D Roosevelt, who served as a private assistant to her father.

A White House statement said: "We are pleased that Ivanka Trump has chosen to take this step in her unprecedented role as first daughter and in support of the president."

"Ivanka's service as an unpaid employee furthers our commitment to ethics, transparency, and compliance and affords her increased opportunities to lead initiatives driving real policy benefits for the American public that would not have been available to her previously."

With inputs from AFP
The Ukrainian military stands ready to fulfill the Minsk Agreements and observe a ceasefire in Donbas but will respond appropriately in the event of a threat to the lives of the troops or takeover of territories, Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak said.

"We are ready to fulfill the agreements. However, if there is a threat to our positions or the lives of our troops, we will not keep silent but will take measures to prevent the takeover of our territories or the death of our troops," Poltorak said at a joint news briefing with Georgian Defense Minister Levan Izoria in Kyiv on Thursday.
President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko during a working visit to Malta met with President of Romania Klaus Iohannis and discussed the issues of continuing cooperation in the field of gas transit and cooperation within the framework of the European Union and NATO.

"The heads of state discussed the continuation of bilateral cooperation in the gas transportation sector with the aim of enhancing energy security by expanding the opportunities for natural gas transportation between the two countries, including its reverse supplies," the press service of the Ukrainian president said.

The leaders of the countries agreed on the need to intensify the work of the Ukrainian-Romanian joint commission on economic, industrial, scientific and technical cooperation.

"Poroshenko welcomed Romania's consistent position with regard to keeping the existing sanctions against Russia because of its continuing aggression and violations of the territorial integrity of Ukraine," the report says.
Indulging with a conscience is a robust trend here to stay. In the confectionery space, chocolate suppliers, flavor houses and food artisans are well aware of their... Read More
Locking Hitch Pin for 3 in Receiver

I want to apologize if this is a duplicate thread, I did a search and was unable to find any viable results.



I have a 2017 F350 Lariat Crew Cab with the 3 inch receiver. For the life of me I am having issues finding a locking hitch pin online or in any of the local stores that will fit the 3 inch receiver. Everyone has the locking pins for 2 in and 2 1/2 in but not the 3.



Can anyone tell me the brand and/or model of the hitch pin they are using for their 3 inch receiver??



Thanks in advance.
Ukrainian army reports 83 attacks on its positions in Donbas in past 24 hours, two killed, three wounded

Ukrainian army positions in Donbas came under 83 attacks over the past day; two servicemen were killed and three were wounded, the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) headquarters said in a report.

"Eighty-three attacks on Ukrainian army positions were seen in the past 24 hours. Violating the existing agreements, Russian-occupation forces are shelling the defenses of Ukrainian military using weapons with a caliber larger than 100 mm. Two Ukrainian defenders were killed over the day, and three more sustained injuries," the ATO HQ said on Facebook.

Attacks were launched in the vicinity of Shyrokyne, Hnutove, Vodiane, Maryinka and Pavlopil in the Mariupol sector. The Donetsk sector saw attacks near Troitske, Avdiyivka, Luhanske, Opytne, Kamyanka and Nevelske. Ukrainian army positions were shelled near Kalynove-Popasna, Krymske, Stanytsia Luhanska and Novooleksandrivka in the Luhansk sector, the report said.
Ukraine hopes for a positive decision of the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the issue of the next tranche will contribute to the development of the Ukrainian economy and stabilization of the hryvnia exchange rate, Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman has said.

According to the press service of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, the government welcomes the IMF meeting scheduled for April 3, Groysman stressed, communicating with journalists in Zhytomyr region.

The head of government noted a slight delay in the schedule of meetings of the IMF board was caused by the need for clarifying macroeconomic indicators and forecasts due to the energy and economic blockade.

"It is clear that the IMF's support is necessary for Ukraine today because it forms the currency reserves of our country and will positively influence the economy and the exchange rate of the national currency," Groysman said, adding that the final negotiations with the fund leadership ended yesterday.

At the same time, he again drew attention to the fact that the energy and economic blockade of Ukraine allowed to steal Ukrainian enterprises, left the country without access to its mineral resources and as a whole was in the interests of the Russian Federation.
President Trumps expected approval of a measure already OKd by the House and Senate to overturn web privacy rules that had been scheduled to go into effect later this year would be a significant victory for internet service providers (ISPs) like AT&T, Verizon and Comcast in the competition for digital advertising revenue.

House lawmakers voted Tuesday (215 to 205) to overturn Federal Communications Commission regulations that would require telecom companies to get clear permission from customers before they could use or sell personal information like browser history or geolocation for advertising purposes.

A regulatory rollback could provide ISPs like Comcast and Verizon with a meaningful opportunity to close the gap on Googles and Facebooks dominance of the online advertising marketplace, according to James Dix, senior vice president of equities research at Wedbush Securities.

A regulatory change like that could help ISPs better compete for brand/mass market advertising, as it could help them improve their targeting and cost-efficiency, relative to large platforms like Google, which can offer advertisers targeting, using first-party data that users opt-in to having used for advertising purposes, Dix told FOX Business.

ISPs have long opposed the regulations  where were first introduced late in Barack Obamas presidential tenure  on grounds that internet giants like Google and Facebook are not subject to them, making it easier for those companies to sell targeted advertisements and consumer data to the highest bidder. Meanwhile, proponents say the rules are necessary to protect sensitive consumer data like medical history, Social Security numbers and buying habits from third-parties.

Facebook and Google derive a huge portion of their annual revenue of from digital advertising sales. Facebook, whose stock has risen 23% so far in 2017, generated $26.9 billion in ad sales in its 2016 fiscal year. Googles parent company, Alphabet Inc., generated $22.4 billion in ad revenue in its most recent fiscal quarter alone.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, who opposed the rules enacted under Obama, said in a statement that the privacy regulations [were] designed to benefit one group of favored companies over another group of disfavored companies.

Appropriately, Congress has passed a resolution to reject this approach of picking winners and losers before it takes effect, Pai added.

Targeted advertising revenue, while potentially massive for ISPs and other digital companies, is only part of the potential windfall. The ability to sell consumer browsing data to third-parties has a total market potential well in excess of $100 billion, according to Eric Hanselman, chief analyst at 451 Research.

Eventually, companies that use browser history to assess the effectiveness of ads could create a lucrative market for consumer data, he added.

Consider what happens when we have something that looks like the Nielsen ratings for the Internet. Nielsen ratings drive much of the value thats attached to traditional media content. It could do the same for Internet-based content. It could be the missing key to unlock a more comprehensive valuation for Internet ad, Hanselman told FOX Business.

The legislation now heads to the White House, where its expected President Donald Trump will sign it.
Apple could make iPhones in the U.S. if President Trumps America first agenda becomes reality, however, former Apple CEO John Sculley explained why its not practical right now.

The only practical way to make iPhones, or other products like that in the U.S., is youve got to be able to manage the supply chain effectively, Sculley told the FOX Business Networks Stuart Varney. Many of these components are being made in Mexico. So weve got to figure out how to get the components in the supply chain to the U.S. so they can be assembled and that requires a lot of these border tax issues.

Sculley, at one time named Silicon Valleys top-paid executive, added immigration and border control is a central issue for the high tech industry.

Almost 70 percent of the leadership of Silicon Valley is people who come from some other part of the world who have come to Silicon Valley because they have unique talents, he said. We need the H-1B visas... Immigration is very, very fundamental to Americas innovation, its a big issue in Silicon Valley.
FICA, which stands for Federal Insurance Contribution Act, is a tax that is paid by employees as well as their employers, and is often referred to as the payroll tax. The purpose of the FICA tax is to fund the Social Security and Medicare programs, which provide benefits to American retirees.

What is FICA?

FICA is the U.S. federal payroll tax, designed to help fund the Social Security and Medicare programs. As of 2017, about 171 million people work and contribute FICA taxes.

Image source: Getty Images.

The basic idea behind FICA is that the current generation of workers is funding these programs for today's retirees, and the next generation will fund the programs for them. The current financial state of both programs isn't quite as solid as it should be (more on that in a bit), but the idea is that the combination of FICA taxes flowing into the programs and the income both programs earn on their reserves should be more than enough to cover all of the promised benefits.

How much are the current FICA tax rates?

There are two parts of FICA -- one for Social Security and another for Medicare -- and both are assessed differently.

The Social Security tax rate is 6.2% of earned income up to a certain cap. For 2017, the maximum amount of income that can be subject to Social Security tax is $127,200. No Social Security tax is assessed on income in excess of this amount.

The Medicare tax rate is much lower, at 1.45% of earned income. However, there is no wage cap -- every dollar of earned income is subject to Medicare taxes, even if the income is in the millions. High-income individuals pay an additional Medicare tax as part of the Affordable Care Act as well.

For both of these taxes, employers match their employees' contributions -- for example, the Medicare tax rate is 1.45% each for employers and employees. This brings the total FICA tax rate to 15.3% for earned income up to $127,200 and 2.9% on all income exceeding that threshold. Self-employed individuals are considered to be both the employer and employee, and are therefore responsible for paying both parts of the tax, which is collectively known as the self-employment tax.

What types of income are subject to FICA taxes?

Essentially, any income you earn is subject to FICA taxes. This includes salaries, wages, tips, bonuses, freelance income, and income from a business that you own and actively participate in. FICA taxes are not assessed on passive income, such as dividends, interest, and royalties.

There's a good chance FICA tax rates will change

I mentioned earlier that Social Security and Medicare aren't as financially solid as they should be. You can read thorough discussions of the financial problems facing these programs at these links for Social Security and Medicare, but the general idea is that with the baby boomer generation retiring over the next decade and a half, fewer people will be paying FICA taxes per covered beneficiary than ever before.

As a result, both programs are expected to start running deficits, which will continue for the foreseeable future. Eventually -- in 2034 for Social Security and 2028 for Medicare -- both will be completely out of reserves and will need to make across-the-board benefit cuts.

The exact reform package that will be passed is anyone's guess at this point, but history tells us that something will be done. And one way to enhance the future solvency of both programs would be to increase FICA taxes, either across the board or only for certain people, such as high-income earners.

The point is that while this discussion gives an outline of FICA taxes in 2017, there's a good possibility that these rates, or the Social Security taxable earnings limit, will change in the not-too-distant future.

The $16,122 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $16,122 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after.Simply click here to discover how to learn more about these strategies.

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The number of ceasefire violation instances on the Donbas contact line has risen by 60% over the past week, Alexander Hug, first deputy head of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Special Monitoring Mission (OSCE SMM) in Ukraine, said on Thursday.

The OSCE SMM registered 60% growth in the number of cases of ceasefire violation: in all, there have been 3,930 mortar, artillery and rocket explosions over the past week, up from 1,595 during the previous week, Hug said at a news briefing in Kyiv.
In this segment of Motley Fool's Industry Focus:Consumer Goods podcast, a listener asks us to discuss the revenues, profits, and market valuations of foods service distribution leaders Sysco Corporation (NYSE: SYY) and US Foods Holding Corp. (NYSE: USFD). We duly put on our analysis hats and also touch on the companies' broader business models in the video segment directly below.

A full transcript follows the video.

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This video was recorded on March 21, 2017.

Asit Sharma: Let me read, again, the second part of his question, which is, revenue versus net income. How important is this in establishing a base value? Let's read these figures as well. Sysco's trailing 12-month revenue is $54 billion. It made net income of $1 billion. That's about a 2% net profit margin. US Foods had, as Vince was saying, about $23 billion in revenue. It made a profit of $210 million. That's approximately a 1% net profit margin. Again, this goes back to my first question -- why do you want to buy these businesses? But, I do see, especially with US Foods, it's much smaller and it's mostly domestic, so there's probably some growth opportunity there.

Typically, when we look at net profit and want to talk about valuation, we consider earnings. Usually, that's just net income divided by total number of shares outstanding, you get earnings per share. Personally, I love the forward P/E ratio, the forward price to earnings ratio. Whenever I'm looking at an industry for the first time, or two companies for the first time, I'd like to know, based on what these companies are projected to make over the next year in earnings per share, how is the stock price in relation to those projected earnings? Many people prefer the trailing 12-month P/E ratio, which is a look backward. I like to look forward.

The other thing that I'm very keen on doing, I don't have a lot of depth in the foodservice industry, but I do in the grocery industry, and they're very similar -- as a whole, if you take all the companies that are in this basket, on average, so, think of companies like Aramark, which is a competitor to each of these two companies, what is the price to earnings forward ratio in the industry as a whole? I looked this up for food service just now in the S&P 500. The forward P/E ratio is about 19.6 times. So, we get down to, what is the forward P/E ratio of US Foods and Sysco? What are these ratios versus the industry? And according to Yardeni Research, that industry P/E ratio of 19.6 times, here's how it stacks up: Sysco trades at a forward P/E ratio of 21 times earnings, and US Foods trades at a forward ratio of 20 times earnings.

So, these companies are both priced right at the market within their industry. They're not too high, they're not too low. Which then throws more emphasis on that first measure we looked at, and as Vince was saying, "Hey, US Foods looks like it's comparatively undervalued versus its bigger competitor." This next step we've taken, David's second question, shows us that may be what we have to go on here, because neither one of these companies has tremendous operating leverage. I would go back, if I was interested in US Foods versus Sysco, I would read the management's discussion and analysis part of their 10-K annual report and see what the strategy is for the next year, see if there's operating leverage that they can then turn into higher earnings and move that forward P/E ratio a bit up.

Vincent Shen: Thanks, Asit. Something that you brought up, in terms of how similar this industry can be to the supermarkets that we have previously discussed on the show before, just an example of something these companies are trying to do to boost profitability, for example, when the margins are so tight -- both companies are developing in-house private brands with better margins that they can offer to customers. For US Foods, their private brands make up 33% of their organic sales from 2016.

Overall, looking at these two companies, things to watch, something to keep in mind for Sysco, for example, is, they actually recently had a pretty big deal, I think it was about $3 billion or so, for moving into the European market. Already the leader, I think, the market share numbers that I could find between Sysco and US Foods, about 16% and 8%, respectively for the North American markets. So, Sysco trying to branch out. So, there's big growth opportunity there for them. Also, on the Sysco side, after its acquisition of Brakes -- Sysco is a dividend aristocrat, they pay a 2.5% dividend yield, and have been paying that for over 30 years at this point, giving them that dividend aristocrat status. So, those are some other things to keep in mind. Otherwise, this is definitely what could be considered a more stable industry, the idea that you're always going to need food service distributors, companies like these, to supply the restaurants that we go to, to supply the leisure industry, the hotel industry. But finding the differences between them, that scale makes a big difference.

Asit Sharma has no position in any stocks mentioned. Vincent Shen has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Late last year,ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) unveiled a new strategy to create value for investors in an increasingly uncertain oil price environment. One focus of that plan was to allocate capital in the future for share repurchases and debt reduction as opposed to focusing solely on production growth. In fact, the company planned to accelerate that strategy by selling $5 billion to $8 billion of natural gas assets in North America over the next two years, using the funds for debt reduction and share repurchases.

This week, however, the company supercharged its strategy by announcing the sale of several oil and gas assets in Western Canada to Cenovus Energy (NYSE: CVE) in a $13.3 billion deal. As a result, ConocoPhillips will exceed the goals of itsthree-year financial plan in less than a year. Furthermore, its overall financial and operating metrics will vastly improve, which sets the company up to thrive in any oil market.

Image source: Cenovus Energy.

Drilling down into the deal

ConocoPhillips is selling its 50% interest in the Foster Creek Christina Lake oil sands partnership to its partner Cenovus Energy. That joint venture consists of two operating oil sands assets and one future project. In addition, ConocoPhillips is selling the bulk of its Canadian Deep Basin gas assets to Cenovus, which consist of the Elmworth-Wapiti, Kaybob-Edson, and Clearwater fields. That said, the company isn't completely exiting Canada, as it will retain its acreage position in the high-growth Montney shale in Western Canada and its 50% stake in the Surmont oil sands facility, which it co-owns with French oil giant Total (NYSE: TOT).

In exchange for those assets, Cenovus Energy will pay ConocoPhillips $10.6 billion in cash at closing and issue it 208 million shares, valued at $2.7 billion. For perspective, that's well above the $10.9 billion net book value of the assets, implying that this transaction unlocked value for ConocoPhillips' investors. Furthermore, ConocoPhillips will also receive a quarterly contingent payment of $6 million every dollar the oil price averages above $52 per barrel for the next five years. As a result, ConocoPhillips gets cash to accelerate its strategy while retaining upside to both oil prices and an improvement in Cenovus' stock price.

Image source: ConocoPhillips.

How this deal impacts the company

ConocoPhillips intends to put the cash proceeds to work immediately and accelerate its value creation strategy. It will use the bulk of the funds for debt reduction, paying off $7 billion in debt and bringing total debt down to its $20 billion target. As a result, the company set a new debt goal, aiming to get total debt down to $15 billion by the end of 2019. In addition, ConocoPhillips will double its share repurchase authorization to $6 billion, with plans to buy back $3 billion this year, triple its initial estimate.

The debt reduction will have the most notable impact on the company. It's net debt-to-cash flow from operations ratio, for example, will plunge from 4.8 times at the end of last year to 1.8 times in 2017. Meanwhile, ConocoPhillips' annual interest expense will drop from $1.25 billion last year to $950 million in 2017. That interest expense savings, when combined with a reduction in operating costs associated with the sold assets, will completely offset any impact to cash flow from operations.

Another notable result of this deal is that it will lower ConocoPhillips' future cost of supply. While the company will lose 3 billion barrels of oil equivalent (BBOE) resources in the deal, those were higher-cost resources. As a result, the company's average cost of supply will decline from $40 per barrel to $35 per barrel. Meanwhile, the company still has nearly 15 BBOE of low-cost resources remaining, which is enough to last it 32 years at its current production pace.

Investor takeaway

This transaction enables ConocoPhillips to achieve its three-year value creation plan in a matter of months. Furthermore, the company unlocked value, improved several financial and operating metrics, and retained some upside to improving oil prices all at the same time. Because of that, ConocoPhillips is in an even stronger position to create value for investors in the years ahead.

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Matt DiLallo owns shares of ConocoPhillips. The Motley Fool recommends Total. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Saudi Aramco has formally appointed JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley and HSBC as international financial advisers for its initial public offering, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The trio join Moelis & Co and Evercore, which have been appointed independent financial advisers, one source said of what is expected to be the world's biggest share sale.

The Saudi authorities aim to sell up to 5 percent of Aramco, listing the shares in Riyadh and at least one foreign exchange to raise cash for investment in new industries in a bid to diversify away from oil exports in an era of cheap crude.

Aramco has appointed Saudi Arabia's NCB Capital and Samba Capital as local advisers, the sources said.

Reuters previously reported that JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, Moelis and Evercore had been asked to work on the global listing, while HSBC was a leading contender to join them. Samba Capital was earlier named as one of two local advisers.

One source said all the banks had now been "onboarded", a term indicating they had been fully briefed on the IPO process, and had been tasked with work that includes helping ensure systems on the Saudi stock exchange, the Tadawul, can be integrated with a foreign exchange.

Saudi Aramco has yet to pick a foreign site to list.

When asked for comment, Saudi Aramco said it did not respond to rumor or speculation. Officials at NCB Capital were not immediately available and other banks have previously declined to comment on their role.

(Reporting by Ron Bousso in London,; David French in New York, Davide Barbuscia in Dubai, with additional reporting by Reem Shamseddine in Khobar, Saudi Arabia; Writing by Tom Arnold; Editing by Edmund Blair)
Victoria Graham is out to show America that beauty is skin deep.

At 22 years old she has broken into the world of beauty pageants while fighting a major health battle with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) that has left a 25-inch scar down her spine.

After undergoing 10 operations on her spine and brain, she and her college roommate decided to do something they had never done before: enter a beauty pageant.

One day my roommate said we need to do something crazy and do something we had never done. So we decided to either be on 'The Bachelor' or to be in a pageant. And to us those were things we would never see ourselves doing but things you always kind of wish you wanted to do, she said. I signed up for a pageant and my parents thought I was crazy, they literally laughed at me when I said I wanted to do a pageant because I wore shorts and a T-shirt and a ponytail and I was the opposite of what you think of a beauty queen.

But Graham never thought she was going to be strutting the catwalk through her health scare and after countless misdiagnosis and doctor appointments. She was eventually diagnosed with EDS, which effects her body's collagen and causes cranial and spinal instability.

From the beginning I had this fight for yourself attitude. I knew that I had been dismissed by so many doctors that the only way someone was going to listen to me was if I spoke up for myself.

But after being crowned the winner of Maryland's Miss Frostburg 2017 pageant, she takes enormous pride in what she has overcome and doesn't shy away from showing off her scar in competitions.

I take pride in the fact that I have the opportunity to stand onstage and really show my scar and show what I have been through, she said. I have been asked a lot of times do you cover your scar?I say absolutely not. I show it off so other people can look and see its possible.

And in fact, the swimsuit part of the pageant just happens to be her favorite.

Swimsuits are actually one of my favorite parts and thats because of my scar. I have a 25-inch scar that runs all the way down my back. You really cannot miss it no matter how many layers of spray tan you put on. I stand on stage with a 25-inch scar in a swimsuit to tell people I have EDS and people need to start talking about it because it actually affects [a lot of] Americans.
James Van Der Beek didnt have the greatest morning talking about a show that ended nearly 13 years ago.

The 40-year-old actor appeared on Wednesday at the UK-based show This Morning to discuss his newest project, but instead was immediately subjected to look back his 1990s teen drama Dawsons Creek.

Van Der Beek looked visibly uncomfortable as hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby kicked off the program by declaring how former stars Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson have moved on have thriving careers in Hollywood, all while implying hes aged significantly and faded into obscurity.

DAWSON HEADS TO 'CSI'

I have been on television for the last 20 years, just to let you know, he shot back.

The awkwardness continued as Schofield and Willoughby continued to reminisce about Dawsons Creek. Meanwhile Van Der Beek kept his answers short, stating it was a long time ago, while adding that he never watched the series in full.

At a certain point it just became easier to kind of do it and just, you know, let it go after that, he hinted.

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However, he did acknowledge how important Dawsons Creek was to him as an actor.

It changed my life, he explained. It was a huge opportunity, are you kidding me? I learned how to be on camera, I learned how to deal with celebrity, I learned how to deal with all kinds of things. It was a huge break.

Fortunately for Van Der Beek, things lighten up when he was asked about his new TV series, Carters Get Rich. Yet, that didnt stop viewers from commenting on the cringe-worthy appearance on Twitter:

Why is James Van Der Beek so touchy and doesn't want to talk about Dawson's creek?! It made you famous, love  #ThisMorning  Emily Hall (@emilyalicehall) March 30, 2017

How awkward was the #JamesVanDerBeek interview on #ThisMorning? #DawsonsCreek is seminal TV - celebrate it! You wouldn't be here without it!  Hadley Middleton (@hadleymiddleton) March 30, 2017
Pie fans, brace yourselves: The early spring and subsequent deep freeze across America's South has decimated the 2017 blueberry crop and peach crop.

The unseasonably warm weather hit Georgia and South Carolina in late February and early March, which caused the fruit crops to begin to bud  the first step they take each year toward ripening into mature fruit.

But on March 15, temperatures took a dive into the low 20s, killing those buds, which likely will not regrow again until next year.

Representatives from the Georgia Department of Agriculture estimate that farmers lost 80 percent of their blueberry crop, with Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black telling the Atlanta Business Chronicle that blueberry fields that, this year, held the potential to yield the best crop in Georgia's history, would now be lucky enough to offer enough fruit for one pie.

Similarly, the South Carolina Board of Agriculture told the Charlotte Observer that 80 to 90 percent of the state's peach crop had been wiped out by the sudden cold.

Since South Carolina is the largest producer of peaches on the East Coast, this could mean spending more money for less-than-stellar fruit when harvest time comes later this year.

If you're thinking you can replace your blueberry pies and peach cobblers with cool slices of watermelon, think again: Farmers are closely watching watermelons and peppers, which were also triggered earlier than usual due to the warm February weather.

But there is one ray of hope. Farmers are less concerned about strawberries, which have a tendency to reproduce throughout the spring season and are easier to protect from the harsh weather.

Strawberry-rhubarb pie, anyone?
For the Wahlbergs, burgers are a family affair.

"Patriots Day" actor Mark Wahlberg and his brother Paul recently celebrated the opening of their family-style burger joint, Wahlburgers, on the Las Vegas Strip. Though the chain's Sin City outpost has actually been open since July 2016, the busy brothers had to postpone the grand opening festivities until this Tuesday due to their hectic schedules.

While waiters offered samplings of the burgers and tater tots to the large crowd of fans outside of the Grand Bazaar Shops at Bally's, Mark told Fox News that he was excited to be bringing his burger joint to Vegas.

"I want to be here in Vegas at Wahlburgers with the people, baby. This is what were doing!

The youngest Wahlberg brother also shared a key ingredient to the growing brand's success-- and it all boils down to family.

We have a partnership," said Mark. "My focus is on the business, Pauls focus is on the menu and the customer experience, and we dont interfere with one another.

The star-studded event was also attended by Las Vegas magicians Penn and Teller, as well as the city's Mayor, Carolyn Goodman.

WAHLBERG BROTHERS SUED BY BURGER RESTAURANT PARTNERS

Wahlburgers offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, vegetarian options, home-style side dishes, and, of course, fresh burgers topped with house-made condiments. Other signature items include Moms Sloppy Joe, thin crispy onion rings, tater tots, and creamy frappes and floats.

Guests can sit down and enjoy full table service, order quick-serve style at the counter, or grab take-out.

Mark, Paul, and their brother Donnie opened the first Wahlburgers location in 2011 in the Boston suburb of Hingham, Mass., close to where the brothers were raised. The franchise has since expanded to 15 restaurants in seven states.

The chain has been bolstered by the success of the brothers' A&E reality series "Wahlburgers," which delves into the day-to-day operations of the restaurant  and follows the brotherly antics of its owners.

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Mark jokingly described his sibling camaraderie with Paul, saying, I dont even have to go in the kitchen unless I gotta teach him how to make egg whites and pancakes, show him the basics.

During his time in Vegas, Mark also made an appearance at CinemaCon, a conference showcasing the newest technology and products in the theater and film industry, to promote his latest film, "Transformers: The Last Knight," out this June.
On Monday, a fisherman in California caught a 50-pound carp in one of the unlikeliest places imaginable: the small, relatively shallow lake in the middle of Los Angeles' MacArthur Park.

Eddie Salmeron, the 25-year-old angler who caught the fish, said he was leisurely chatting with his friend Sergio Talavera  or Big Serg  when his bait alarm started sounding.

"I set the hook, and that was when the whole fight began, Salmeron told NPR. My forearms started feeling it, my back started feeling it, my biceps felt everything. It was just  it was the longest 10 minutes of my life, Salmeron told NPR.

GREAT WHITE SHARK CIRCLES MAUI FISHERMAN FOR OVER AN HOUR

During the fight, Salmeron also said he needed to reel his line away from a shopping cart that had been abandoned in the lake, lest the fish get snagged in its grates, reports LAist.

We tried to net it and I started getting nervous, Salmeron told the site. I started sweating. I got wet, my watch got wet. I was almost in the water.

Once Salmeron and Talavera saw the fish, though, they knew they had caught something special.

"Big Serg saw it and that's when he screamed, 'Ed, it's huge! It's a monster!' and I started shaking," said Salmeron.

"This fish was so massive, it was huggable," Salmeron says. "It looked like those big teddy bears that you get on the carnival rides when you win 'em, the big fat plumpy ones  that's how fat that fish was."

The catch was truly out of the ordinary for Salmeron and Talavera, who have been fishing at the lake in MacArthur Park and Magic Johnson Park for years. The two friends, together with their buddy Rafe, are founding members of the California Ghetto Carping club, which now boasts over a hundred members in the LA area.

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Salmerons fish, however, was closer to the Calif. record than anyone from the CGC has ever gotten. According to Wide Open Spaces, he just barely missed title, which appears to be a 52-pound carp caught in San Luis Obispo in 1968.

Nevertheless, Salmeron is still super psyched about his record.

"All my family's excited, he told LAist. I'm super excited that I caught that fish. Because most of all, I'm a fish hobbyist and I've been doing this since I was nine.

MacArthur Park Lake is one of 17 remaining lakes in Los Angeles County that the California Department of Fish and Wildlife regularly stocks with fish.
The political fiasco that unfolded last week as President Trump and the Republican House leadership failed to pass legislation repealing the Affordable Care Act, commonly called ObamaCare, is attributable as much to the failure of politics as it is to the failure of politicians to understand the constitutional role of the federal government.

Republicans could not muster a majority in the House, which they control, because a determined small group of them want to remove the federal government from the regulation of health care and believe that the replacement for ObamaCare that House leaders have offered would keep too much of it in place. The president and his allies have argued that their bill would invalidate enough of ObamaCare to return free choices to health care and to fulfill their campaign promises. Neither side has prevailed.

Here is the back story.

When Congress passed ObamaCare in 2010, it did so without a single Republican vote. The premise underlying the highly partisan 2,700-page legislation is that health care is a right belonging to everyone in America and the federal government has a constitutional duty to provide it.

The political structure of ObamaCare mandates that every person in America obtain health insurance, that every employer of more than 50 people in America pay for the health insurance of all employees who work more than 30 hours per week, that every policy of health insurance cover a large dimension of potential medical needs and that those earning under a certain annual income level receive health care at the expense of the rest of us. The failure to obtain and maintain health insurance triggers a tax burden -- equivalent to the annual premium on a health insurance policy -- for every year one goes without coverage.

The economic structure of ObamaCare requires 100 percent participation of everyone in America so as to ensure a large pool of insurance premiums -- whether paid by individuals, employers or taxpayers -- from which to pay health care providers. Still, premiums dont cover costs, which is why President Trump says ObamaCare is collapsing.

The regulatory structure of ObamaCare orders every primary care physician to keep all medical records on personal computers, to which the Department of Health and Human Services has access. Thus, the long-revered and uniquely American value of the patient-physician privilege -- the certain knowledge that your doctor will not reveal what you tell her or him -- has been obliterated. The statute also has given the secretary of HHS unreviewable powers to regulate intricacies of the delivery of health care in America.

Along with this expensive and bitter medicine -- which has caused hundreds of thousands of folks to downgrade to part-time work, reduced the wages of millions more and driven thousands of health care providers into retirement or new occupations -- ObamaCare also has provided some sugar. The statute orders insurance carriers to cover pre-existing conditions, children on their parents policies up to the age of 26 and expensive elective procedures, such as abortions and sex reassignment.

After the Republicans acquired full control of Congress in 2015, they delivered numerous repeals of ObamCare to President Barack Obama, knowing that hed veto them, which he did. These were complete repeals -- essentially removing the federal government from the regulation of health insurance and the delivery of health care.

Now that Republicans control Congress and the White House, youd expect that they would do the same, as they have promised. No such thing has happened. The legislation that Republican House leaders offered last week retained the basic premise of ObamaCare -- that health care is a right and the federal government has a duty to provide it -- and just nibbled a bit at the edges.

Under the House proposal, the obligation to have health insurance would remain, but you couldn't expect it from your employer; you might have to pay for it yourself. And the penalty for the failure to have coverage would not be a tax from the IRS; it would be a $3,000 annual surcharge from your insurance carrier when you sign up. You could buy insurance tailored to your needs, but nearly all remaining federal regulations would stay in place -- including a new Orwellian one that would permit your employer to require you to undergo genetic screening.

This ObamaCare lite has been resisted by about 30 House Republicans who reject the premise that health care is a right. Without their votes, it would not have passed last week, so the House leadership declined to hold a vote.

Is health care a right in America?

In a word, no. Rights are either natural immunities -- existing in areas of human behavior that, because of our nature, must be free from government regulation, such as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, as well as speech, the press, religion, travel, self-defense and what remains of privacy -- or legal claims that we qualify or bargain for, such as the right to vote, which the Constitution presumes, and the right to use your property to the exclusion of all others and the right to purchase a good that you can afford.

But the federal government cannot create a right that the Constitution does not authorize. It cant constitutionally transfer wealth from taxpayers or employers to others and then claim that the others have a right to the continued receipt of the transfers. The Supreme Court has ruled that even Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are government largesse that Congress could terminate because no one has a right to them.

Of course, the federal government has been creating expectations that it calls rights for centuries. To stay in office, members of Congress bribe the rich with bailouts, the middle class with tax cuts and the poor with made-up rights to all sorts of things.

Yet under the Constitution, health care is not a right; it is a good -- like an education or a gym membership. You work hard, you decide what goods to purchase. If government gives you the good, that does not magically transform it into a right. Bravo to the courageous House Republicans who recognize this.
Life is full of meetings with others -- some are blessings and some are hard lessons to be learned and make you stronger. I believe both are needed in everyones lives to make us complete. I am sharing here my life journey -- the destination was love.

I was born in the eastern jungles of India. It has been told that more than 100 years ago Rudyard Kipling got the inspiration to write The Jungle Book about the place. I was blessed by a lovely mother of 7 children, I was No. 3. Although she could not write or read, she enveloped me with her love and care; it made me a strong and secure child.

I had a lovely childhood. The first thing I learned from her was painting on the walls of the hut where we lived. The second person who taught me important things about life was my grandfather, who showed me how to tame elephants and observe the cycles of nature.



The first shock in my life journey came when I started school a few miles from our village. The teacher told me I was not allowed to sit with the other children. Instead I had to sit outside the classroom.

I realized very quickly that I was not like the other children. Every time I touched someone they ran away to the river to wash themselves. I was considered impure by the society. I was labeled untouchable, a Dalit. To be an untouchable meant that you were a low rank in Indias caste system, rejected as a human from society when you were born  you were regarded as below even farm animals and dogs.

My brutal identity as an outcast tortured me. I started questioning why I was considered impure and untouchable.

When I happened to come near a temple, people threw stones at me. To defend myself I carried slingshots; when they threw stones at me I was very quick in returning the stones. One day I couldnt find my slingshot  my Mom told me she burned it. I got upset and argued with her. How can I now defend myself? I shouted at her. She told me to forgive them, instead of returning the stones, you can collect the stones and use them as stepping stones and also build a house that you can turn into your home.

Looking back at this hard time, I now feel thankful. The meetings with society were hard lessons but they made me stronger.



One day a British couple came for a visit at our school. We were told he was the former school inspector. As they were leaving, the inspectors wife gave me the flowers she received from the school. She patted me and whispered in my ear I can touch you because Im also untouchable. I was very happy and thought she was like an angel.

I returned home and gave the flowers to my Mom and said, Im in love with the school inspectors wife. My Mom smiled and said, you are going to marry a white lad. Then she showed me a palm leaf horoscope that was prepared by an astrologer at the time of my birth. It predicted I was to meet a woman whose zodiac sign would be Taurus; she would come from a faraway land, and she would be musical and would own a jungle.

I developed an interest in art. I really enjoyed sketching and received a scholarship to study fine art at University in New Delhi, the capital of India.

Life in the big city was not easy. The money from the scholarship came sporadically, and some of it ended up in other peoples pockets. I ended up on the streets. I lived in hope and despair. My untouchable identity tortured me. I had suicidal thoughts when I didnt eat for several days.

One day I saw a procession. A lady from a foreign country was waving to the people. I thought about my prophecy and made a quick sketch and gave it to her. That meeting was a blessing for me -- a turning point of my life. The lady was the first female cosmonaut Valentina Tereskova from the Soviet Union. The next morning, the Indian newspapers wrote Woman from Space meets Jungle man.

The blessed meeting with Tereskova led me to do the portraits of former Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi and former U.S. ambassador to India, Daniel Patrick Moynihan. After these three meetings I started to see the best in every situation and every person I met.

Tereskova opened up my mind into space and infinity, and the woman power which was very similar to the tribal and indigenous beliefs where the power of Mother Earth is the highest.

Moynihan taught me the power of family values. A healthy nation is possible if its families are healthy.

Indira Gandhi was a strong daring and remarkable woman. I learned from her to have faith in myself and to say goodbye to the doubts and fears of life.

I got permission to draw tourists portraits under the fountain in Connaught place, the New Delhi Central Square. On Dec. 17, 1975, I met the light from the north -- a 19-year-old girl from Sweden called Charlotte von Schedvin. She had a new drivers license and had been driving for 22 days to reach New Delhi.

Charlotte and I came from very different backgrounds: She hailed from the Swedish nobility, and labeled as the highest rank by the European society. I was labeled as the lowest rank in the Indian society, a sub-human and considered below cows and dogs. Of all meetings I had with people, the meeting with Charlotte was the most blessed and magical in my life. We both felt a sense of reunion on a deep level and that this was more than just a vacation romance.



After three days of train journey to my birthplace Orissa, we got married in a tribal way (indigenous ceremony) with the blessings from my family. Charlotte drove back to Sweden because she had to finish her education and I had to finish my final year at university. We wrote letters to each other for more than a year.



During that time I met many American tourists who traveled from Europe to India by road. I was inspired and encouraged by them to travel by road to Sweden because it was cheaper. When my longing for Charlotte was unbearable, I sold everything I owned and bought a bicycle and started pedaling toward the west -- where the sun was setting.

My lack of knowledge of geography was bliss. If I would have known by then how far it was, perhaps I would not have dared to leave the country because of the power of doubts.

To make a long journey short, the route I took from India to Sweden was known as the Hippie Trail and many young American and Europeans traveled this route in the 70's. It took me almost 5 months to reach Sweden. On the way I met very helpful people. Some fed me, encouraged and guided me how to reach my destination. In return I gave them quick sketches of themselves. I felt that all the meetings were blessings to me. I never met anyone I disliked. I couldnt speak their languages, but we communicated through the language of the heart.



Although the people I met were from various religious beliefs and cultures, I felt that the religion of love united us. I also met people from different races, but I believe in one race  the human race.



Charlotte and I are happy to hear that millions of people are inspired by our story, irrespective of race, gender, age and nationality. We feel this story has become, for the people, of the people, by the people and with the people. We have been happily married for more than 40 years, and the secret is there is no secret at all  but simple, heartfelt openness to each other is important and needed to maintain understanding and respect for each other. Marriage is a union not only physically, but also spiritually. Recognizing that allows love to then grow like ripples on water.
Over 20 civilians have been killed in the special operation zone in eastern Ukraine since the beginning of this year, OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) Principal Deputy Chief Monitor Alexander Hug in Ukraine said.

The past week saw seven casualties resulting from the conflict; the total casualty toll since the beginning of 2017 is 116, including 21 killed and 95 injured, Hug said at a briefing in Kyiv on Thursday.

This would not have happened, if there were no weapons there, Hug said.
Duck Dynasty was a modern-day version of Mayberry - a television show that celebrated faith and family and ducks. And now the show has ended - the duck blind is closed.

It was back in 2012 that A&E introduced the nation to the owners of Duck Commander  the Robertson Family, of West Monroe, Louisiana.

It was only a matter of time before Phil and Miss Kay and Uncle Si and Willie became some of the most popular stars in reality television show history. Among all of us gun-toting, Bible-clinging, Deplorables  the Robertsons were beloved.

Click here to get Todd's new book: "The Deplorables' Guide to Making America Great Again"

Each week they welcomed us into their homes and business for heaping helpings of fried frog legs, jugs of sweet tea and a healthy dose of homespun humor.

The Robertsons never shied away from their devout Christian beliefs  and I deeply respected that decision.

To continue reading Todd's column, click here.
President Trump was ridiculed by the alt-left, propaganda, destroy-Trump media when he said on Twitter that members of his transition team had been wiretapped by the Obama administration. But a damning video clip from just days before Trumps tweet appears to vindicate the commander in chief.

In a March 2 MSNBC interview, former Obama administration official Evelyn Farkas pretty much admitted that there was an all-out effort to gather and leak as much intel on Trump as possible ahead of the transition to Trump. Farkas served in the Obama administration from 2012 through 2015 as the deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia.

I was urging my former colleagues, and frankly speaking, the people on the Hill -- it was more actually aimed at telling the Hill people, Farkas said. "Get as much information as you can, get as much intelligence as you can before President Obama leaves the administration, because I had a fear that, somehow, that information would disappear with the senior people who left.

In an admission that went unnoticed, partly because it came prior to Trumps tweet and largely because it was made on MSNBC, Farkas continued.

So it would be hidden away in the bureaucracy that the Trump folks, if they found out how we knew what we knew about their -- the staff, the Trump staff's dealing with Russians, that they would try to compromise those sources and methods, meaning we would no longer have access to that intelligence, she said. So I became very worried because not enough was coming out into the open, and I knew that there was more. We have very good intelligence on Russia. So then I had talked to some of my former colleagues, and I knew that they were trying to also help get information to the Hill.

This is very, very important. Farkas is admitting surveillance of Trump and his associates took place. She is admitting intelligence leaking took place.

Surveillance, unmasking of Americans swept up in foreign spying and intelligence leaking are all acknowledged on the video. For weeks, I have been asking who from the Obama administration knew what and when did they know it? Now we learn that Evelyn Farkas, a relatively low-ranking Obama administration official, knew about all this surveillance. She couldnt have been alone.

On my television and radio programs, I have highlighted the fine reporting on this story by Sara Carter and John Solomon of Circa News. They uncovered the existence of an FBI investigation into a server that was being utilized by Trump Tower, which is where Trumps campaign headquarters was located. They also discovered a warrant issued by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act court that allowed federal officials to capture Trump team communications. This took place before the president took office.

Now, a newly unearthed video shows officials with direct access to President Obama had access to unmasked federal surveillance of the Trump transition team, and may have briefed President Obama himself about the information they were collecting on then President-elect Trump.

This Farkas interview will not be the last shoe to drop as the story continues to unravel. Little by little, it will come out and the American people will get answers to some very important  and troubling  questions.

Adapted from Sean Hannity's monologue on "Hannity," March 29, 2017
FBI Director James Comey was reportedly prepared to write an op-ed over the summer about information on Russias influence in the U.S. presidential election, but Obama administration officials blocked him from writing the piece.

Newsweek, citing two unnamed sources, reported Wednesday that Comey pitched the idea in the White Houses situation room sometime between June and July.

The source told the magazine there was a draft of the proposed op-ed. Comey reportedly held up a piece of paper in a meeting and said, I want to go forward, what do people think of this?' He made the pitch in front of Secretary of State John Kerry and Attorney General Loretta Lynch, the report said.

GINGRICH: WHY AREN'T CLINTON TIES PART OF RUSSIA PROBE

Comey would likely have pitched the op-ed to The New York Times.

The question of collusion between Russian interests and Trumps campaign continues, despite repeated assertions by the presidents spokesman that no link exists and no evidence emerging to show complicity

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer dismissed inquiries about the matter Tuesday, saying every single person whos been briefed on this, as Ive said ad nauseam from this podium  have been very clear that there is no connection between the president or the staff here and anyone doing anything with Russia.

Leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee announced Wednesday they are expanding their investigation of Russias interference in the U.S. presidential campaign and beyond, vowing to remain independent and get to the bottom of this  amid mounting controversy over a similar probe on the House side.

The senators announced they are now scheduling interviews and reviewing thousands of sensitive documents, and are prepared to issue subpoenas if necessary.

Michael Flynn was fired as national security adviser after it emerged he lied about pre-inauguration contacts with a Russian official. As for staff here being in the clear, as Spicer put it, they have neither been identified as targets of the investigations nor ruled out.

A close adviser to Trump, son-in-law Jared Kushner, has agreed to talk to lawmakers about the Russia allegations. Other Trump associates have volunteered to be interviewed by the House and Senate intelligence committees as well.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Expectations that President Donald Trumps election would lead to a rapid U.S. rapprochement with Russia are fading, as the White House pushes off the Kremlins proposals for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin and takes an increasingly skeptical view of reaching a grand bargain with Moscow.

At a White House meeting this week, high-level national-security officials discussed possible approaches to Russia, looking to nail down elements of administration policy before Secretary of State Rex Tillersons first official trip to Russia in mid-April, administration officials said.

While still focusing on specific areas of possible cooperation, top administration officials now see major impediments to a broad deal on an array of policies, given Russias continued provocations in terms of weapons deployments, overtures to Iran, cyberintrusions and intervention in Ukraine.

The burgeoning U.S. investigations into Russias alleged interference in last years U.S. presidential electionincluding an inquiry into whether associates of Mr. Trump collaborated with the Russian government to help the presidents campaignhave further constrained prospects because relations with Russia are under intense scrutiny.

The Republican and Democratic U.S. senators leading an investigation into the alleged election interference plan to hold a hearing on Thursday, and both vowed at a news conference Wednesday to go wherever the intelligence leads us. A House probe into the same allegations has bogged down amid partisan acrimony after the panels chairman, Rep. Devin Nunes of California, held a meeting on White House grounds and then briefed Mr. Trump, a fellow Republican, on wiretapping without consulting committee members.

A senior administration official said Mr. Trump is looking for and at potential areas of cooperation with Russia but is increasingly mindful of the countrys actions that are contrary to U.S. interests. We dont want to be in a position where we do a lot of giving and dont get a lot in return, the official said.

That contrasts markedly with Mr. Trumps sunny predictions that he could craft a new U.S. relationship with Russia and Mr. Putin. U.S.-Russia relations have significantly soured in the last four years.

Click for more from the Wall Street Journal.
President Trump tweeted Wednesday that The New York Times apologized to its readers for its election coverage, but the paper said it did no such thing.

Trump was likely referring to the November letter from the papers embattled publisher, Arthur O. Sulzberger that was released shortly after the election. Sulzberger promised readers that the paper would reflect on its coverage and rededicate itself to reporting on America and the world honestly.

Remember when the failing @nytimes apologized to its subscribers, right after the election, because their coverage was so wrong. Now worse!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 29, 2017

Trump sent out the tweet Wednesday and The Times communication team tweeted back and called his tweet incorrect.

".@realdonaldtrump False, we did not apologize. We stand by our coverage & thank our millions of subscribers for supporting our journalism," the tweet read.

.@realdonaldtrump False, we did not apologize. We stand by our coverage & thank our millions of subscribers for supporting our journalism.  NYTCo Communications (@NYTimesComm) March 29, 2017

New York Post columnist and former Times reporter Michael Goodwin wrote at the time that the Sulzberger likely issued the statement, "because it [The Times] demonized Trump from start to finish, it failed to realize he was onto something. And because the paper decided that Trumps supporters were a rabble of racist rednecks and homophobes, it didnt have a clue about what was happening in the lives of the Americans who elected the new president."

Trump has been critical of The Times in the past. Earlier this year, a Times reporter had to apologize for calling First Lady Melania Trump a hooker.
President Donald Trump is vowing to step up efforts to combat the nation's opioid addiction crisis, and he's tapped New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie to lead the fight.

Trump convened an emotional roundtable Wednesday with Christie, members of his Cabinet, law enforcement chiefs, recovering addicts and advocates. It was the first public event tied to the launch of a new addiction commission that Christie, a longtime Trump friend and formal rival, will chair.

Trump listened intently as Vanessa Vitolo and AJ Solomon, two recovering addicts from New Jersey, described their harrowing battles with substance abuse. Both became hooked on prescription pain killers, and quickly transitioned to heroin.

Trump also heard from a mother whose son died from an overdose after a long battle with addition. Her son, Trump told the mother, hadn't died in vain.

WOULD LEGALIZING POT CURB THE OPIOD EPIDEMIC?

"We want to help those who have become so badly addicted. Drug abuse has become a crippling problem throughout the United States," said Trump, citing statistics that show drug overdose is now the leading cause of accidental death in the country. "This is a total epidemic and I think it's probably, almost un-talked about compared to the severity that we're witnessing."

Christie, a longtime friend of the president, headed Trump's presidential transition before he was unceremoniously replaced by incoming Vice President Mike Pence in the days after the election due to disagreements over its direction.

While the governor has long maintained that he plans to complete his last year in office before moving to the private sector, speculation remains that he is eyeing a top job in the administration, and people close to him have said he is open to potentially joining it one day.

DR. MANNY: WHAT ARE WE DOING ABOUT THE OPIOD EPIDEMIC?

Christie told The Associated Press earlier Wednesday that he has "no interest in having a permanent role" in the Trump administration at this time, but that he was happy to spearhead the anti-drug effort.

Christie has made the issue of addiction a centerpiece of his administration and spoke extensively about it during his own presidential bid. He has dedicated his final year in office to addressing the drug crisis. Last month, he signed legislation that limits first-time opioid prescriptions to five days' worth of drugs and requires state-regulated health insurers to cover at least six months of substance abuse treatment.

"This issue causes enormous pain and destruction to everyday families in every state in this country," said Christie, who has been working behind the scenes with White House officials since shortly after Trump's inauguration.

Trump promised during his campaign to stop drugs from "pouring" into the country, and said the new group would work with local officials, law enforcement, medical professionals and addicts to improve treatment options, prevent people from getting hooked in the first place and stop the flow of drugs across the border.

OPIOD RX ABUSE PROBE SEES 31 DOCTORS HIT WITH SANCTIONS IN NEW JERSEY

"Drug cartels have spread their deadly industry across our nation, and the availability of cheap narcotics  ...some of it comes in cheaper than candy  has devastated our communities," he said.

But critics say that Trump's actions as president so far undermine his rhetoric. The failed GOP "Obamacare" replacement bill that Trump pushed to pass sought to end the Medicaid expansion, which provides substance abuse and mental health treatment. It also would have stripped requirements that insurance plans provide the services as "essential" benefits.

"There is a massive gulf between President Trump's promises to tackle this crisis and the policies this administration has proposed during his first two months in office," said New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat, who also called on the commission to reevaluate other budget cuts the administration has proposed.

The commission was rolled out as part of a new office led by Trump's son-in-law and top adviser Jared Kushner, whose father Christie prosecuted in his former role as U.S. attorney.

Christie, who had lunch with Kushner Tuesday, downplayed reports of tensions between the two, calling it "ancient history."

Christie's history with drug policy dates to his first elected position in county government more than 20 years ago. The issue became personal more than a decade later, when one of Christie's best friends from law school developed an addiction to prescription drugs and died of an overdose in a New Jersey motel.

The focus also gives Christie a chance to try to move past negative headlines that have helped fuel his unpopularity in New Jersey.

As Christie was appearing at the White House, two former aides were sentenced for their roles in the 2013 George Washington Bridge lane-closing scandal. Bill Baroni was sentenced to two years in prison, while co-defendant Bridget Kelly was sentenced to 18 months after they were convicted last November on counts including wire fraud, conspiracy and misusing the bridge for improper purposes.

The scandal derailed Christie's presidential aspirations and may have cost him a chance to be then-GOP nominee Trump's running mate  a role Christie openly courted.

Several of Christie's former aides now work in the Trump administration.
The first ballot tests for the Donald Trump presidency are mere days away, and could give an early indication what kind of political fallout the highs and lows of his first months on the job will produce.

While the implosion of Republicans ObamaCare repeal bill last week was seen as a major setback for the White House, Trump is trying to quickly recover with a renewed focus on jobs, tax reform and energy deregulation. Whether voters see progress overall could be reflected at the polls in a string of special elections starting next month.

The biggest tests for the Trump presidency are likely to come in Georgia and Montana, where special elections are being held for House seats vacated by Republican congressmen who moved to the Trump Cabinet  Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, respectively.

Two other House seats that opened up following Trump appointments are in Kansas and South Carolina. Analysts say both, however, are likely safe Republican strongholds. Meanwhile, a vacant California U.S. House seat is considered safe for Democrats.

That leaves the contests for the Georgia and Montana seats holding the most drama. Democrats hope to make the contests a referendum on the Trump presidency, and the results could be a harbinger for the 2018 midterms.

We have both [races] favored for Republicans, David Wasserman, House editor for the Cook Political Report, told Fox News. If Democrats over-perform by, say, 5 points, it wont say much. If they over perform by 10 points, it says a lot about the president.

Jesse Hunt, press secretary for the National Republican Congressional Committee, said Democrats are going down the wrong path in both states.

Even after their epic collapse in 2016, when you would think the Democrats would reconfigure and move to the middle, they still have far-left progressive candidates, Hunt said. Democrats in the last cycle tried to make it a referendum on Trump.  Theyve tried that playbook before and failed.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee didnt respond to inquiries from Fox News, but DCCC spokesman Tyler Law recently told NPR they made a strategic decision to invest in qualitative research to help inform their message to voters in upcoming races. In order to learn lessons from last cycle and maximize our gains on an expanded battlefield, we must listen to real people and see what drives them to vote, and these focus groups are an important early step towards achieving that goal, he said.

As for whether Trump will hit the campaign trail for GOP candidates, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said earlier this month that depends on whether the candidates ask.

We'll obviously entertain requests from candidates, Spicer said. He's been very supportive of candidates in the last cycle.

Georgias 6th District

For the Price seat, 11 Republicans, five Democrats and two independents will compete on April 18. If no candidate gets more than 50 percenta likely scenariothen a runoff between the top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, is held June 20.

Georgias 6th Congressional District, consisting of Atlantas northern suburbs, has been a safe Republican stronghold, once represented by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. However, Trump only beat Democrat Hillary Clinton there by 1.5 percentage points, after former President Barack Obama twice lost the district by double digits.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has rallied to Jon Ossoff, a 30-year-old documentary filmmaker and former national security aide to Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia. Johnson and Rep. John Lewis also are backing Ossoff.

Top Republican contenders include former Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel, state Sen. Judson Hill, Johns Creek City Councilman Bob Gray, and former state Sen. Dan Moody.

Montanas At-Large District

Montana parties choose their nominees at conventions. In this case, Democrats nominated musician Rob Quist, a progressive who backed Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in the 2016 Democratic presidential primary. Republicans nominated Greg Gianforte, a businessman who unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2016.

This deep red Trump state is still competitive for Democrats, as evidenced by Democratic Sen. Jon Tester and Gov. Steven Bullock. The DCCC isnt putting resources into the race, but New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker lent some national star power to Quist at a rally in Helena.

The May 25 race also could shed light on Testers re-election chances in 2018.

Californias 34th District

This Los Angeles district seat became vacant when Democratic Rep. Xavier Becerra resigned to become state attorney general. Similar to Georgia, the top two finishers in the April 4 primary of 23 candidates will face off in the June 6 general electionpresuming no one surpasses 50 percent.

State Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez has the backing of Becerra, Sen. Kamala Harris and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. He still has 18 Democrats to contend with and one Republican, William Rodriguez Morrison, who has run for state Senate and mayor. The remaining candidates are from third parties. But Gomez is seen as the old guard in a district that voted for Sanders in the 2016 Democratic primary. At any rate, it will likely come down to two Democrats in June.

Kansas 4th District

Republican state Treasurer Ron Estes and Democrat Jim Thompson, a civil rights attorney, will face off in the April 11 election for the seat vacated by new CIA Director Mike Pompeo.

Thompson has tried to frame the election as a referendum on Trump and unpopular Republican Gov. Sam Brownback. Estes is heavily favored, and has the endorsement of the Farm Bureau, an influential organization in the agricultural state.

South Carolinas 5th District

The election to fill the seat vacated by Mike Mulvaney, director of the Office of Management and Budget, has three Democratic and seven Republican candidates.

This could be a multi-stage race, with primaries starting on May 2. If no candidate in either primary can reach a majority, there will be a runoff on May 15. The general election is June 20.

Two of the leading GOP candidates are state House Speaker Pro Tempore Tommy Pope and former state Republican Party chairman Chad Connelly. Rep. Jeff Duncan has endorsed Connelly for the race. Former Goldman Sachs senior adviser Archie Parnell is among the Democratic candidates.
CBS Evening News anchor Scott Pelley apparently thinks The Old Gray Lady has no credibility.

In an apparent bid to boost Hillary Clintons and diminish President Trump's on alleged Russian collusion  Pelley mangled a tweet from the president and suggested Trump had no facts to back up his assertion of a quid-pro-quo between Russia and the Clintons in a 2010 uranium deal.

Well, today, President Trump sowed confusion on the Russian investigation, Pelley said Wednesday night. He asked why the media are not covering, quote, Money from Russia to Clinton for the sale of uranium. Well, heres why: No credible source alleges that Hillary Clinton was paid by Russia for American uranium.

But Pelleys fact-check got a few things wrong.

First, Trumps Tuesday tweet in full: Why doesnt Fake News talk about [Clinton campaign chairman John] Podesta ties to Russia as covered by @FoxNews or money from Russia to Clinton  sale of Uranium?

Nowhere in the tweet does Trump explicitly reference Hillary Clinton, as Pelley makes it seem, and The New York Times has previously written about the infamous 2010 uranium deal to which Trump is referring.

That deal involved then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton signing off on Russias controlling stake in mining company Uranium One. PolitiFact  a left-leaning, self-appointed fact checker  even admits some investors with an interest in making the Uranium One deal go through have a long-time relationship with Bill Clinton and have donated to the Clinton Foundation. Prior to the deal, Bill Clinton was also paid $500,000 for a speech by a Russian investment bank.

The Times picked up from there in an April 2015 report.

Whether the donations played any role in the approval of the uranium deal is unknown, the Times wrote, as noted by News Busters. But the episode underscores the special ethical challenges presented by the Clinton Foundation, headed by a former president who relied heavily on foreign cash to accumulate $250 million in assets even as his wife helped steer American foreign policy as secretary of state, presiding over decisions with the potential to benefit the foundations donors.

Peter Schweizer also details the entire shady episode in his book Clinton Cash.

But apparently that was no credible source for Pelley.
Republican legislation letting states deny federal family planning money to Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers squeezed narrowly through the Senate Thursday, rescued by an ailing GOP senator who returned to the Capitol after back surgery and a tie-breaking vote by Vice President Mike Pence.



In Congress' latest clash mixing the politics of abortion, women's health and states' rights, Pence cast the decisive vote in a 51-50 roll call. The tally had been tied after two GOP senators, Alaska's Lisa Murkowski and Maine's Susan Collins, joined Democrats opposing the measure.



Senate approval sent the legislation to President Donald Trump, who was expected to sign it. The House voted its consent last month.



The bill erases a regulation imposed by former President Barack Obama shortly before he left office that lets states deny family planning funds to organizations only if they are incapable of providing those services. Some states have passed laws in recent years denying the money to groups that provide abortions.



Passage gives Republicans and anti-abortion groups a needed victory just six days after the party's highly touted health care overhaul disintegrated in the House due to GOP divisions. Besides erasing much of Obama's 2010 health care law, the failed House bill would have blocked federal funds for Planned Parenthood for a year.



There is already a ban on using federal funds for abortion except for rare instances.



Democrats assailed the legislation as an attack on women, two months after Trump's inauguration prompted a women's march on Washington that mushroomed into anti-Trump demonstrations around the nation.



"While Trumpcare was dealt a significant blow last week, it is clear that the terrible ideas that underpin it live on with Republicans in Congress," said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., using a nickname for the failed House health care bill. Murray, among a stream of Democratic women senators who spoke, called the Senate measure "shameful" and "dangerous."



Republicans said the measure would give states more freedom to decide how to spend family planning funds. States would be free to divert money now going to groups that provide abortion to other organizations that don't, like community health centers.



"It substituted Washington's judgment for the needs of real people," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said of Obama's rule.



With Republicans holding 52-48 control of the Senate, the Collins and Murkowski defections could have derailed the bill because Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., has been absent since Feb. 20, when he had spinal surgery.



He had a second operation March 15 and has been recuperating in Georgia under doctor's orders. But he got permission to return to Washington for one day, his office said, and he did so using a walker.



"We didn't know at the time what it would be but it turned out to be the vice president's tie-breaker," Isakson told reporters after an earlier procedural vote.



The federal family planning program was created 1970 and in 2015 served 4 million clients at nearly 4,000 clinics. Most of the money is for providing services like contraceptives, family planning counseling, breast and cervical cancer screening and sexually transmitted disease prevention. It has a $286 million federal budget this year.



Most recipients are women, and two-thirds have incomes at or below the federal poverty level, around $12,000 for an individual. Six in 10 say the program's services are their only or most frequent source of health care.



Dawn Laguens, executive vice president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, mocked Pence.



"Mike Pence went from yesterday's forum on empowering women to today leading a group of male politicians in a vote to take away access to birth control and cancer screenings," she said.



The Congressional Review Act has lets lawmakers undo regulations enacted in the last months of the Obama administration with a majority vote. Congress has already used the law to eliminate Obama regulations that strengthened protections for streams near coal-mining operations and prevented some people with mental disorders from gun purchases.



Under the Constitution, the vice president casts tie breaking votes. Pence broke his first tie on the nomination of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko says he has instructed the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff and the Defense Ministry to cease fire in Donbas starting from April 1.

"I've given all the necessary commands to the General Staff and the defense minister," Poroshenko said when asked by Interfax-Ukraine whether the Ukrainian military is ready to implement the agreements achieved in Minsk.
On Feb. 24, 1981, Ronald Reagan went to the Pentagon to give the Medal of Honor to Vietnam Vet Roy Benavidez. A main theme in the speech, given just a month after Reagan's inauguration, was to let military personnel know they mattered.

"There's been no 'thank you' for their sacrifice, Reagan said. "It's time to show pride in them and thank them."

In the audience that day was a young Steve Bannon, now special counsel to President Trump, but then a 27-year-old junior lieutenant in Pentagon operations. Bannon's longtime friend Sonny Masso was standing next to him that day, and says Reagans nationalistic military message had a huge impact on both men.

This speech was a game changer, Masso recently recalled, noting the difference between how President Carter had seemingly ignored their sacrifices during his time in office. It was the first time somebody had shown appreciation. It was the first time somebody appreciated the investment of our lives of our time and also gave us an inspiration for the future.

He's been at the low levels seeing what people are doing and at the same time knowing what's going on at the high levels.  Pat McKim, longtime friend of Steve Bannon

Bannon would later tell Bloomberg News Service: "I wasn't political until I got into the service and saw how badly Jimmy Carter f---ed things up. I became a huge Reagan admirer."

Bannon had joined the Navy in 1977, just as Carter took office, and in six months became an officer---an accomplishment he likes to point out he achieved on merit.

I'm a naval officer--- a real naval officer, he told an audience in 2011 to laughter. Not a graduate of the Naval Academy.

Bannon's naval career took on increased significance and scrutiny last November after he transitioned from campaign adviser and alt-right hero to a seat on the National Security Council.

"Having the chief strategist for the president in those meetings who has a significant military background to help guide what the president's final analysis is going to be is crucial, White House spokesman Sean Spicer told ABC News.

So exactly what is Bannons significant military background and how will it be used to guide the President's analyses?

Bannon spent half of his seven-year Navy career on a now decommissioned Spruance-class destroyer, at the time called the Paul F. Foster. As a junior lieutenant, Bannon was in charge of engineering--- overseeing maintenance of the ship's water purifiers and propulsion engines.

Bannon would later move topside, where he became ship navigator, calculating precise coordinates to guide the ship around the Pacific and Indian oceans. It was here, he says he learned how to think.

I understand one thing: mathematics, Bannon would tell a South Carolina Tea Party rally in 2016, and the application of mathematics to the real world.

It makes sense to Dave Ziemba, who served with Bannon and was also a navigator on the Foster.

Well, the whole process of navigation, he recently explained, whether its piloting in and out of port, or celestial navigation out in the open ocean involves a lot of mathematical disciplines from geometry to trigonometry and analysis and interpolation of data.

Bannon later used what he calls his mathematical mind to make millions as an investment banker for Goldman Sachs and as a Hollywood tycoon investing in blockbuster hits like "Seinfeld" before they became successful. His friends say it's the same empirical thinking that compels him to try to address what he sees as Americas biggest problems: Debt and globalism.

It also informs his views on radical Islamic terrorism.

Were now, I believe, at the beginning stages of a global war against Islamic fascism, Bannon said in a 2014 video conference to an audience at the Vatican

It's an apocalyptic stance that has many on the left labeling him an Islamaphobe.

But Bannon's also got enemies on the right, primarily for his vilification of Republican elites, who support what he calls crony capitalism.

The bonus pool on Wall Street is going to be the same despite all the guys who contributed all the destruction, he said in 2011. All their stock is worth a ton of money because we wiped them out and gave them free money. Theres no recession in the Hamptons or D.C."

In the Navy, Bannon never saw actual combat. But he was at the helm of the Foster as it accompanied the USS Nimitz into the Persian Gulf in the spring of 1980. The Nimitz carried the helicopters and crew of Operation Eagle Claw----the doomed rescue operation of the Iranian hostage crisis.

Masso, who was also on the Foster, said neither knew until later the small role they had played in the failed mission. But it certainly affected Bannons view of President Carter.

[Steve] lost confidence, as a lot of the nation did, between the Iranian the hostage crisis, the economy and a botched mission. It was embarrassing, and it made a difference [in how Steve viewed President Carter,] Masso said.

A few months later Bannon was at the Pentagon, serving on the staff of Chief of Naval Operations Capt. J. Arnold.

[Bannon] was a very good problem solver, Arnold recently recalled. When I had a problem that I needed help on, he was a good guy to go to. And he knew people in the Pentagon who knew the answers when I needed answers.

It was around this time Masso says Bannon became politically engaged, recalling watching a Carter-Reagan debate in October of 1980.

He behaved as if it was a prize fight, he said. He was on his feet pacing and it was a point, counterpoint and he was quite animated.

Longtime Bannon friend Pat McKim was also at the Pentagon then and says Bannon displayed an amazing acuity for judging people's motives and thoughts.

He could see this guy is trying to become Chief of Naval Operations, McKim said in a phone interview. I was clueless, and Steve was like he's lobbying to become CNOHe could sense what was going on behind the scenes.

Bannon's job at the Pentagon included carrying messages to senior officers and writing reports about the state of the Navy fleet worldwide.

We didn't deal with strategic issues in any way. Arnold said. There was nothing Steve did in this job working for me that prepared him for the job he's in now.

Still his friends say it was at the Pentagon where Bannon acquired some big ambitions, including telling McKim he wanted one day to be Secretary of Defense.

And I thought that was interesting, McKim said. Because most guys that get out of the Navy with political ambitions want to come back as Secretary of the Navy not the Secretary of Defense.

Big plans that led Bannon to take classes at Georgetown University earning him a degree in International Relations. And would also send him to Harvard School of Business, Goldman Sachs and eventually become a leading thinker in the Tea Party movement.

He left the Navy armed with a strong education and a drive to get mired with dirty hands to help solve] real problems, Masso said.

McKim points out Bannon thrived in two very different worlds in the Navy. First, with the enlisted men on the Foster and then with the power brokers at the pentagon.

To be able to do both of those is what Steves done his entire life, said McKim. He's been at the low levels seeing what people are doing and at the same time knowing what's going on at the high levels.

Experiences in the Navy, McKim says will allow Bannon to express the needs of some of Americas most forgotten voices inside some of Americas most powerful halls.
Critics of Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch at last week's confirmation hearing challenged him for questioning whether the justices should rethink a 33-year-old precedent holding that judges should defer to federal agencies in interpreting the law.

That deference allowed former President Barack Obama to push the envelope in crafting new regulations, with less push-back from the courts.

Now that the government is in the hands of President Donald Trump and his appointees, however, progressives might not like it nearly as much. If the administration uses its free hand under the so-called "Chevron doctrine," liberals may come to embrace Gorsuch's view.

"His point is not an ideological one," said John Malcolm, director of the Heritage Foundation's Edwin Meese III Center for Legal and Judicial Studies. "Either the Chevron doctrine applies or it does not."

The doctrine comes from a Supreme Court case decided in 1984. The justices ruled that if a statute is vague, judges should defer to any "reasonable" interpretation of federal agencies to determine how much authority they have to write new regulations. Justice John Paul Stevens' majority opinion in Chevron v. NRDC has been cited by lower courts more than 15,000 times.

Supporters contend that judges do not have the expertise of staffers at the federal agencies and that it allows the government to be nimble and respond to new threats.

Gorsuch has gone out of his way to raise questions about the Chevron doctrine, including writing a separate concurring opinion a case last year before the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals called Gutierrez-Brizuela v. Lynch in which he also wrote the majority opinion.

At his hearing, witnesses and Democratic senators hammered him over the issue. Guerino Calemine, general counsel of the Communication Workers of America, cited it when discussing an unrelated case in which the judge dissented from a ruling involving a trucker who lost his job after abandoning a malfunctioning rig in freezing weather.

"Judge Gorsuch's dissent is Exhibit A for why we should have Chevron deference, because instead of picking out a dictionary definition [judges should] look to the agency and see how they, the experts, have figured out how this law works in the real world," he testified.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) argued in her opening statement that "modern agency decisions include things like rules protecting public safety, requirements against lead-based paint, and clean water protections for our Great Lakes."

Prior to the hearing, more than 100 civil rights organizations that oppose Gorsuch argued in a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee that the judge "would relegate this vital precedent to the dustbin of history because it disfavors the corporate interests he championed as a lawyer and as a judge."

But Malcolm, of the Heritage Foundation, said federal bureaucrats naturally see fewer limits on their ability to act.

"Agencies, if it were up them, would broadly interpret their authority," he said. "Agencies pushing the envelope are not unique to Democratic administrations."

Pat Parenteau, a professor at Vermont School of Law, agreed.

"It's been important to every administration," he said. "It will also be important to the Trump administration."

Parenteau said there are many instances in which judges could interpret the law as requiring more regulation than what federal agencies have interpreted.

"Gorsuch may surprise Trump in the way that [former Supreme Court Justice David] Souter surprised George H.W. Bush," he said. "I don't know that this is so much a partisan issue."

William Buzbee, a professor at the Georgetown University Law Center, said that if the Trump administration tried to ignore climate science or change its interpretation of a statute, "The courts would have greater freedom to disagree about what the statutes mean," without the Chevron doctrine.

But Buzbee said that overturning the Chevron doctrine probably would result in less regulation overall.

"The courts already very skeptically assess agencies on the facts and science and data," he said. "Agencies are quite frequently rejected."

The Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on Gorsuch's nomination on Monday.
Fox News' Sean Hannity opened Wednesday night's edition of "Hannity" by saying that statements by a former Obama administration official "could prove the Obama administration was very much involved in the surveillance of Trump transition team members."

Hannity was referring to a March 2 MSNBC interview with Dr. Evelyn Farkas, former deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia/Ukraine/Eurasia and now a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council.

FORMER OBAMA OFFICIAL DISCLOSES RUSH TO GET INTELLIGENCE ON TRUMP TEAM

In the interview, Farkas admitted to "telling the Hill people, get as much information as you can [about possible connections between the Trump campaign and Russian intelligence] ... before President Obama leaves the administration, because I had a fear that somehow that information would disappear with the senior [Obama] people who left."

Farkas also said she feared "that the Trump folks  if they found out how we knew what we knew about their ... the Trump staff dealing with Russians  that they would try to compromise those sources and methods, meaning we no longer have access to that intelligence."

According to Hannity, Farkas was "admitting ... surveillance of Trump and his associates and transition team took place," as well as "unmasking" of those Trump team members and "intelligence leaking," which, Hannity said, "could very well be a felony."

WHO IS THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL WHO SPILLED THE BEANS?

"Surveillance. Unmasking. Intelligence leaking. All acknowledged in that tape by Evelyn Farkas," Hannity said. "Now, for days, we have been asking on this program, Who knew what, when and where?

"Did Obama officials commit a crime here and how did Evelyn Farkas, a former relatively low-ranking Obama administration official, how did she know about all this surveillance? ... My prediction is as each day goes by, more and more information will be coming available and soon, were going to have the answers to these very important questions."
When a new administration takes office, the key players usually draw positive profiles to introduce them to the publicsometimes so positive that other journalists deride them as beat sweeteners.

Theres been almost none of that in the Trump administration.

The media have been so consumed by controversies swirling around the president himself, Steve Bannon, Sean Spicer, Kellyanne Conway and others that the usual grew-up-in-a-small-town stories have been few and far between.

But yesterday, a leading member of the administration actually got some sympathetic coverage: Mike Pence.

And his wife as well.

From the moment he was chosen as Trumps running mate (over Newt Gingrich and Chris Christie), the vice president has pretty much played error-free ball. A low-key politician by nature, he hasnt tried to grab the spotlight or positioned himself as a Cheney-like force who is quietly running things behind the scenes. He has cast himself as loyal No. 2 in backing the boss.

Whats more, as a former congressman and Indiana governor (as well as radio talk show host), Pence, a Christian conservative, is steeped in government experience, in sharp contrast to the outsider president.

But theres this other thing: Hes not Trump.

In a largely favorable front-page New York Times piece, an unnamed Republican senator said Pence was initially viewed as an alternative-reality president who would prod Mr. Trumps presidency toward normalcy. Now, says the piece, Democrats and Republican critics still view him as a president-in-waiting, in hopes that Mr. Trump will somehow be brought down by scandal.

Thats the framing: Mike Pence is normal, and maybe hell still succeed Trump.

The VP, says the Times, carries out many of the functions that the White House chief of staff, Reince Priebus, would normally fulfill if he possessed more policy experience and legislative connections: sounding out lawmakers for inside information, providing the president with tactical counsel, quietly offering policy tweaks during negotiations.

Heres more of Mike as Normal Guy:

At times, Mr. Pence can seem jarringly out of place, a clean-cut 1950s Republican cheerfully navigating the chaotic Mad Max landscape created by the disruptive duo of Mr. Trump and Mr. Bannon, trying to stay engaged while remaining discernibly aloof from the less-savory aspects of serving in the Trump White House.

Pence views such comparisons as offensive, according to a person familiar with his thinking, believing that while he and the president have contrasting styles, they are delivering the same message to different audiences and that the veep doesnt act as some kind of translator. The Pence camp also insists that he and Priebus have worked well together in lobbying the Hill.

The Times story also mentions that Pences wife, Karen, was wary of Trumps offer to put him on the ticket. Which brings me to a favorable profile of the second lady, also yesterday, in the Washington Post.

It begins with Pence having a red phone in his statehouse office to connect directly to his wife, a reminder, both physical and symbolic, of the direct and enduring connection between Mike and Karen Pence.

Karen Pence, the piece says, remains an important influence on one of President Trumps most important political allies. She sat in on at least one interview as the vice president assembled his staff, accompanied her husband on his first foreign trip and joins him for off-the-record briefings with reporters, acting as his gut check and shield.

And they toured the Dachau concentration camp together, often holding hands, and huddled together on the Air Force Two ride home to debrief on the trip.

In a way, the Pences are attracting the kind of coverage that might normally go to the first lady. Think about Michelle Obama and Laura Bush and the portrayal of their pet projects.

But with Melania still living in Trump Tower, much to the frustration of the press, we get headlines like this one in the Post:

In New York, Searching for the Reclusive and Elusive Melania Trump.

The story says that Melania Trump is a virtual shut-in, her refuge 58 stories above Manhattans hoi polloi and laden with enough gold to embarrass a Saudi prince. This, in turn, means an ever-clamorous chorus of gossipmongers, pundits, historians and even body-language experts dissect her every move, fashion choice and facial expression to unearth a true State of Melania.

But even here the stark contrast surfaces, with former Trump executive Louise Sunshine quoted as saying Melania is trying to make her way as the wife of a very impulsive, compulsive, erratic president.

If Melania wants to stay in Manhattan raising 10-year-old Barron, in my view, she has every right to do so. But it so happens that she gave a speech yesterday at the State Department, presenting the International Women of Courage awards.

Usually it helps a president when his vice president generates positive headlines. Thats not necessarily the case with Trump, although if the media credit Mike Pence with doing a good job, it does remind us that the president's first major decision was to pick him.
Sens. Joe Manchin and Heidi Heitkamp on Thursday became the first Senate Democrats to announce their support for Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch -- breaking with their colleagues who have blasted President Trump's pick.

Senators have a constitutional obligation to advice (sic) and consent on a nominee to fill this Supreme Court vacancy and, simply put, we have a responsibility to do our jobs as elected officials, Manchin, of West Virginia, said in a statement Thursday. I will vote to confirm him to be the ninth justice on the Supreme Court.

I will vote to confirm Judge Neil Gorsuch to be the ninth justice on the Supreme Court. pic.twitter.com/MpVbaqf0LB  Senator Joe Manchin (@Sen_JoeManchin) March 30, 2017

Shortly afterward, Heitkamp released a statement announcing her support. "He has a record as a balanced, meticulous, and well respected jurist who understands the rule of law," the North Dakota senator said. She added that her vote "does not diminish how disturbed I am by what Republicans did to Judge Garland," former President Barack Obama's nominee who was blocked by the GOP-led Senate.

While two Democrats have now come out in favor of Gorsuch, opposition in the party runs deep. More than half of their Democratic colleagues have come out against Gorsuch -- and are planning to support a filibuster if it comes to that.

Republicans would need the support of six additional Democrats to reach 60 votes and break a filibuster. If they can't, they may employ a procedural tactic to change Senate precedent and push the nominee through.

This week, Vice President Mike Pence was in West Virginia, Manchins home state, urging that he vote yes for Gorsuch.

Throughout Judge Gorsuchs career, he has come to his legal rulings objectively, through the letter of the law rather than through his own opinion, Manchin said in his statement. I hold no illusions that I will agree with every decision Judge Gorsuch may issue in the future, but I have not found any reasons why this jurist should not be a Supreme Court Justice.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote on April 3. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-K.Y., said they plan to vote to confirm Gorsuch on the Senate floor on April 7.
Sen. John McCain went nuclear against North Korea, in a manner of speaking.

The Arizona Republicans verbal put-down of dictator Kim Jong Un earlier this month  this crazy fat kid  was met with a stiff, angry response from the communist regime, which warned McCain of dire consequences to follow.

As such guys as John McCain and [Sen.] Ted Cruz made a provocation tantamount to declaration of war against the [Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea], the DPRK will take steps to counter it, said an official DPRK statement, published by the Korean Central News Agency. They will have to bitterly experience the disastrous consequences to be entailed by their reckless tongue-lashing and then any regret for it will come too late.

The statement, also coming in the wake of Cruz's efforts to label North Korea as a state sponsor of terror, went on to characterize McCain and Cruz as being like a puppy knowing no fear of the tiger.

McCain, in a Wednesday Tweet, responded: What, did they want me to call him a crazy skinny kid?

What, did they want me to call him a crazy skinny kid? https://t.co/Ym3juRfBev  John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) March 29, 2017

Kim Jong Un, the 33-year-old strongman who presides over a starving populace, is estimated to weigh upwards of 275 pounds and reportedly suffers from gout.

McCain made the crack about the tubby tinhorn during a March 22 interview in which he also advocated pressuring China into helping moderate the increasingly hostile behavior of North Korea.

China is the only one that can control Kim Jong Un, this crazy fat kid thats running North Korea, McCain said on MSNBC. They could stop North Koreas economy in a week.
Russia is engaged in "information warfare" on American soil, and its interference in the 2016 presidential campaign is just one part of a strategy to undermine Western democracies that continues today, the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee said Thursday.

Unfortunately, you will learn ... that our community has been a target of Russian information warfare, propaganda, and cyber campaigns  and still is,  said Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., at the start of a key hearing by his committee.

One of the targets of their interference apparently is Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., a hardliner on Russia who confirmed that former members of his presidential campaign staff had been targeted on several occasions.

"These efforts are, in fact, at the heart of Russian  and previously, the Soviet Union  intelligence efforts.  Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C.

During the afternoon session, Rubio disclosed the first incident took place in July 2016 after he announced his intention to run for re-election to the Senate.

The most recent event occurred on Wednesday morning. According to Rubio, at 10:45 a.m. an IP address located in Russia unsuccessfully attempted to breach the accounts of former presidential campaign staffers.

Rubio's revelation may have been triggered by the morning testimony of former FBI special agent Clint Watts, who suggested the Florida senator was himself a target during the 2016 presidential campaign.

"[Russian information warfare activities] were in full swing during both the Republican and Democratic primary season and may have helped sink the hopes of candidates more hostile to Russian interests long before the field narrowed," Watts said.

"Senator Rubio, in my opinion, you anecdotally suffered from these efforts," he added.

Currently a fellow with the Foreign Policy Research Institute Program on National Security, Watts advised the panel to follow the dead bodies  a reference to the deaths of several individuals who have been linked to the investigation into Russian propaganda activities.

The two-part hearing focused on how the Kremlin allegedly used technology to spread disinformation in the U.S. and Europe. Vladimir Putin himself on Thursday dismissed what he called "endless and groundless" accusations of Russian meddling.

But ranking Democratic member Mark Warner said Putin ordered a "deliberate campaign" to undermine the U.S. election. The Virginia senator said Russia engaged in a disinformation campaign that made effective use of its hacking skills to steal and weaponize information and engage in a coordinated effort to damage a particular candidate and to undermine public confidence in our democratic process.

While intelligence committee hearings are rarely held in public, Burr said it was needed to ensure the American people know the extent of Russia's disinformation campaign.

Roy Godson, professor of Government at Georgetown University, told the panel the Russians have built up skilled, experienced, and tenacious teams at home in their government and quasi-government agencies and that they maintain and develop both an overt and covert apparatus of well-trained personnel to carry out their manipulation efforts.

Both senators agreed Russian interference in foreign elections continues unabated.

The hearing comes a day after Burr and Warner held a Capitol Hill press conference to outline their investigation into Russian involvement in the 2016 elections.

According to Burr, the Senate committee has asked for interviews with 20 individuals, and five have been scheduled to date.

Both pledged to avoid the partisan rancor that has defined the House probe.

House Intelligence Committee Democrats have called for committee Chairman Rep. Devin Nunes to recuse himself because of ties to the Trump administration.

Critics say the California Republicans decision to meet with a secret source on the White House grounds last week to review classified material is evidence of his inability to carry out an unbiased investigation.

Nunes has declined to step down and House Speaker Paul Ryan has expressed support for him.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A federal judge in Hawaii issued an extension on his order blocking President Trumps travel ban hours after hearing arguments Wednesday.

Hawaii contends the travel ban discriminates against Muslims and hurts the states tourist-dependent economy. State Attorney General Douglas Chin argued that the bans implied message is like a neon sign flashing Muslim ban, Muslim ban that the government did not bother to turn off.

Extending the temporary order until the state's lawsuit was resolved would ensure the constitutional rights of Muslim citizens across the U.S. are vindicated after "repeated stops and starts of the last two months," the state has said.

The Trump administration had asked Judge Derrick Watson, a federal judge in Hawaii, to narrow his ruling to cover only the part of the presidents executive order that suspends new visas for people from six Muslim-majority nations.

Justice Department told Watson the freeze on the U.S. refugee program had no effect on Hawaii. Watson rejected that argument, preventing the administration from halting the flow of refugees.

Earlier this month, Watson prevented the federal government from suspending new visas for people from Somalia, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen and freezing the nation's refugee program. His ruling came just hours before the federal government planned to start enforcing Trump's executive order.

Trump called Watson's previous ruling an example of "unprecedented judicial overreach."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
An American pastor imprisoned in Turkey on what he says are false charges appealed to President Trump to please help me during a meeting Wednesday with U.S. embassy officials, asking the administration to fight for his release.

In a written statement released to the public and delivered to the embassy representatives, Pastor Andrew Brunson even said the State Department should impose sanctions.

Will the Turkish government face no consequence for stubbornly continuing to hold an American citizen as a political prisoner? he said.  I appeal to President Trump: please help me. Let the Turkish government know that you will not cooperate with them in any way until they release me. Please do not leave me here in prison.

The appeal comes as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson holds meetings in the Turkish capital of Ankara, including with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The American Center for Law and Justice and other allies  including Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla.  have taken up Brunsons case in recent weeks to press for his release.

The pastor was detained back in October along with his wife in the Turkish coastal town of Izmir where he has carried out his ministry for two decades. The arrests were part of Turkish authorities broad crackdown after the 2016 failed military coup.

According to Lankford, the couple was called in for a routine visa check when the ordeal began.

"Instead they were detained there at the police station, saying they may be part of a terrorist plot," Lankford recently told Fox News. "Then they released his wife but kept him and then later transferred Dr. Brunson to a prison facility."

DAUGHTER OF US PASTOR HELD IN TURKEY SEEKS TRUMP'S HELP

His daughter also told Fox News that the family is asking for Trumps help.

"We really feel it would be helpful to have the president's support and have him personally arguing for my father's case to get him back home safely to his family," 19-year-old Jacqueline Brunson, a student in North Carolina, told Fox News in a recent interview via Skype.

In his written statement, Andrew Brunson defended his long public track record as a pastor, and said the Turkish government falsely accused him of being part of an Islamist terror group  without any proof.

I have been imprisoned since October 7, 2016. During this time the Turkish government has produced no proof and has rebuffed numerous attempts by the American government to secure my return to the United States, he said. In fact they are treating the US government with contempt and paying no price for it.

Lankford said the Turkish authorities alleged that Brunson had helped Kurdish refugees (Turkey labels the Kurds an insurgent group) and that the pastor attended a conference sponsored by Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen, whom the Turkish government accused of instigating the 2016 coup from his Pennsylvania base. But he said "it seemed very odd for them to be able to pick up ... an American citizen that's been serving for more than 20 years in Turkey.

Jordan Sekulow, executive director of the ACLJ, has worked for the successful release of other Americans wrongly detained. In the Brunson case, Sekulow said they are working through the United Nations and the Trump administration.
12:00 31.03.2017 Interfax-Ukraine to host press conference 'Early Harvest of the Cold Political Spring'

1 min read

(Participants changed) On Friday, March 31, at 12.00, the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency's press center will host a press conference entitled "Early Harvest of the Cold Political Spring." The participants will include Director of the Institute of Global Strategies Vadym Karasiov, expert of the Gardarica Strategic Consulting Corporation Kostiantyn Matviyenko, and political expert Oleh Saakyan (8/5a Reitarska Street). Registration requires press accreditation.
Two White House aides have emerged as sources for a top House Republican who said earlier this month that Trump transition team members were incidentally caught up in surveillance conducted on foreign targets after the presidential election.

It had been unclear who showed embattled House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes the documents, though it previously emerged the California Republican viewed the files on White House grounds.

But on Thursday, several current officials identified the sources to The New York Times as Ezra Cohen-Warnick, the senior director for intelligence at the National Security Council, and Michael Ellis, an attorney at the White House Counsels Office who previously worked for the House Intelligence Committee.

Fox News has confirmed that the two staffers aided Nunes in reviewing intelligence on White House grounds March 21.

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer on Thursday wouldn't confirm or refute the report; however, he did announce the White House had just hours before submitted a letter to the chairmen and ranking members of the House and Senate intelligence committees, inviting them to the White House to "see the information" that had recently "come to light."

"We are willing to provide them the materials that we have come across," Spicer said.

Asked if President Trump specifically directed anyone to look into allegations he had made about the Obama administration spying on him, Spicer said he wasn't "aware of anything directly."

The Times report appears to cast the actions of the White House aides as being undertaken on their own volition.

Earlier this month, after Trump tweeted that former President Barack Obama had wiretapped him, Ellis began viewing classified reports that showed intercepted communications of foreign officials, The Times reported. The reports mainly focused on foreign officials talking about how they were trying to develop contacts within Mr. Trumps family and inner circle, according to The Times.

A spokesperson for Nunes declined to comment on the Times report.

"As hes stated many times, Chairman Nunes will not confirm or deny speculation about his sources identity, and he will not respond to speculation from anonymous sources," Director of Communications Jack Langer said in a statement.

Rep. Adam Schiff, top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, told reporters Thursday, We need to get to the bottom of whether this was some stratagem by the White House.

"Obviously that would be deeply concerning to us. And if its necessary for us to interview these two individuals, then we should do so," he said. " And I do think that the White House has a lot of questions to answer."

As to the White House invitation to view the materials, he indicated he could go as early as Friday.

Nunes shocked many observers with his revelation that Trump team members had been unmasked and had their identities widely disseminated throughout the government. Sources told The Times that Nunes characterization of the reports as having nothing to do with Russia appeared to be correct.

After his shocking news conference, Nunes, in a move panned by many Democrats, went to the White House to inform Trump of what he had found.

Nunes has said the intelligence collection appeared to have been done lawfully, and the intercepts of Trump team members were only collected incidentally. However, Nunes raised questions over the apparent unmasking of multiple officials and the extensive dissemination of the information -- ostensibly to be used against Trump.

During his briefing, Spicer alluded to a former Obama administration official who appeared to confirm this week some form of surveillance was being undertaken, disseminated and preserved due to a distrust of Trump.

"They have admitted on the record that that was their goal, to leak stuff," Spicer said.



Though The Times report doesnt dispute any essential facts of what Nunes said, its likely to embolden detractors who already say Nunes is too close to the White House and Trump  on whose transition team Nunes served.

Democrats want Nunes to recuse himself from the Russia probe. Nunes has resisted, defending his actions.

Fox News' John Roberts and Jake Gibson contributed to this report.
The White House Thursday invited the top Democrat on the House intelligence committee and the leaders of the Senate intelligence committee to view classified material previously seen by House committee chairman Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif.

In a letter to the House and Senate intelligence committee's chairman and ranking member, White House Counsel Don McGhan offered to "make these documents" available for Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif. to inspect. McGhan added that he believed the documents are "necessary to determine whether information collected on U.S. persons was mishandled and leaked," a reference to alleged surveillance of President Trump's campaign staff and transition team.

In a response, Schiff told McGhan, "I look forward to reviewing these materials at the earliest opportunity."

Sources told Fox News that Senate intelligence committee chairman Richard Burr, R-N.C., and ranking member Mark Warner, D-Va., had received the same invitation from McGhan. The committee responded to the White House by asking for the intelligence agencies "that own the intelligence documents in question to immediately provide them directly to the Committee."



The exchange of letters took place as Fox News confirmed that two White House staffers  Ezra Cohen-Watnick, a senior intelligence director at the National Security Council, and Michael Ellis of the White House Counsels office  aided Nunes in reviewing intelligence at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House grounds March 21. The staffers' identities were first reported by The New York Times.

Nunes told reporters last week that he had seen troubling information about the improper distribution of Trump associates' intercepted communications, and he briefed the president on the material before informing Schiff.

Speaking on Capitol Hill Thursday, Schiff said he was "more than willing" to accept the White House offer to view new information. But he raised concerns that Trump officials may have used Nunes to "launder information to our committee to avoid the true source."



"The White House has a lot of questions to answer," he declared.



Instead, the White House continued to sidestep queries about its role in showing Nunes classified information that appears to have included transcripts of foreign officials discussing Trump's transition to the presidency, according to current and former U.S. officials. Intelligence agencies routinely monitor the communications of foreign officials living in the U.S., though the identities of Americans swept up in that collection is to be protected.



Early last week, White House officials privately encouraged reporters to look into whether information about Trump associates had been improperly revealed in the intelligence gathering process. Days later, Nunes announced that he had evidence, via an unnamed source, showing that Trump and his aides' communications had been collected through legal means but then "widely disseminated" throughout government agencies. He said the collections were not related to the Russia investigation.



Trump spokesman Sean Spicer said Thursday the material the White House wants the House and Senate intelligence leaders to view was discovered by the National Security Council through the course of regular business. He would not say whether it was the same material Nunes had already seen.



A congressional aide said Schiff did not receive the White House letter until after Spicer announced it from the White House briefing room.



Spicer had previously dismissed the notion that the White House had funneled information to Nunes, saying the idea that the congressman would come and brief Trump on material the president's team already had "doesn't pass the smell test." The White House quickly embraced Nunes' revelations, saying they vindicated Trump's explosive and unverified claim that President Barack Obama wiretapped his New York skyscraper.



Nunes has said the information he received did not support that allegation, which has also been disputed by Obama and top intelligence officials.



Cohen-Watnick is among about a dozen White House officials who would have access to the types of classified information Nunes says he viewed, according to current and former U.S. officials. He's become a controversial figure in intelligence circles, but Trump decided to keep him on over the objections of the CIA and National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster, according to the officials. They spoke only on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly by name.



Cohen-Watnick and Rep. Nunes both served on the Trump transition team.



Nunes has repeatedly sidestepped questions about who provided him the intelligence reports, though he pointedly has not denied that he sources were in the White House. House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., in an interview with CBS' "This Morning" that aired Thursday, said Nunes told him a "whistleblower-type person" provided the information.

Nunes has declined to recuse himself from the investigation, despite repeated calls from Democrats to do so. Ryan has also expressed confidence in Nunes' conduct amid calls for Ryan to strip Nunes of his chairmanship.

Fox News' John Roberts and Chad Pergram contributed to this report. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Each week Fox News picks its Top 3 over-the-top luxury listings from Mansion Global.

This week we have David Bowies former Manhattan apartment, a record-setting Malibu mansion and a glass house in Austin, Texas, much too beautiful to toss stones at.

You cant actually get cooler than living in David Bowies old apartment. Its impossible.

The Starman and his wife, the supermodel Iman, lived in this Essex House property in Manhattan for a little over a decade and left behind the legendary rock stars Yamaha piano, which is included in the sale.

In addition to the music memorabilia, buyers will also get 1,877 square feet of living space, featuring three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. The living room alone spans 28 feet with spectacular views of Central Park.

A couple of other touches from the couple remain intact, including a paneled dressing room built for Iman and some hidden shelves in the living room.

CHLOE SEVIGNY OFFLOADS BROOKLYN APARTMENT

The Essex House, gives guests access to five-star hotel services and amenities provided either a-la-carte or as part of the monthly common charges.

It can all be yours for $6.5 million.

If you have a spare $80 million laying around you could be the proud owner of this ultra-modern Malibu home, currently the most expensive property in the exclusive celebrity neighborhood.

Perched atop a 360-degree promontory, the property, known as The New Castle, boasts views of the Santa Monica Bay, Catalina Island, Malibu Colony and Surfrider Beach.

The 10,000-square-foot main house includes five bedrooms, a media room, game room and wine tasting room, featuring custom 80-year-old dry aged oak floors and floor-to-ceiling glass windows throughout.

Outdoors youll find a 75-foot infinity pool and a 4,000-square-foot guest house (complete with two bedrooms, four bathrooms, a great room, a kitchen and a gym its own spa).

If youre balking at the price tag, the developers want you to know its worth it. One room alone, the cigar room, took six months and over $1 million to build.

The estate comes ready for its new owners and is completely furnished with custom designs from Bottega Veneta, and handmade rugs from New Zealand.

If youre looking for something just a little bit more laid back, look no further than this gorgeous contemporary glass house outside of Austin, Texas.

The seven-bedroom, 10-bathroom estate sits on a wooded four-acre plot of land in West Lake Hills, Texas.

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Spread out among three stories, theres 11,833 square feet of interior living space.

In addition to the pool, the exterior of the home features a five-car underground garage.

The architecture of the home actually gives it the illusion of a floating box with a main floor wrapped entirely in sheets of glass.

Beneath that, a subterranean floor was built entirely underground. Inside the lower level of the home youll find a catering kitchen, a media room, two poolside bathrooms, a wine cellar with room for 20,000 bottles, and an art studio.

The home is currently on the market for $14.9 million.
Its no happy accident the Amazon rain forest has so many fruit and nut trees. According to a new study, 20 different species of fruit and nut trees originally cultivated by greenthumbed Amazon inhabitants over 8,000 years ago make up large parts of the region today.

The study grew out of previous research from 2013, when researchers from the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in the Netherlands performed a survey of forest plots dotting the Amazon. They discovered that half of the Amazons trees represented just 1.4% of the total number of native species in the Amazon. In other words, of approximately 16,000 Amazonian tree species, only 227 of these species accounted for half of all trees. The new study found that of those 227 species, 85 of them had physical traits indicative of full or partial domestication by native Amazonians before the Europeans arrived.

The team studied plant remains and DNA, finding that domestication likely started over 8,000 years ago. They also found that 20 domesticated fruit and nut tree species are the dominant trees in their respective regions, which is five times more than the number expected from nature taking its course.

UK BATTLES COUNTERFEITERS, LAUNCHES 'MOST SECURE COIN IN THE WORLD'

Domesticated trees were most abundant near rivers and archaeological sites places where ancient people would have gathered. The research team discovered this by overlaying data from the 2013 forest surveys on a map of over 3,000 Amazonian archaeological sites. They then analyzed forest composition at different distances from the sites, resulting in the first picture of how the entire Amazon region was shaped by ancient farmers.

In the beginning, it was not easy to see clear patterns for the whole Amazonia, study coauthor Carolina Levis of the National Institute for Amazonian Research in Manaus, Brazil, told Fox News. But when we analyzed the data within Amazonian regions, we rapidly identified some very interesting patterns about the relationship between domesticated plants and archaeological sites.

According to Levis, the periphery of the Amazon basin is where the domesticated plants originated, and from there spread to other regions via boat.

The rivers were the roads [for] past societies, she said, [and] many seeds and clones were disseminated and exchanged with other societies. For example, cocoa trees native to western Amazonia were taken to Central America by past human societies, where seeds were used to produce a stimulant drink called chocolate.

The team believes that Portugese and Spanish voyagers exploited these alreadycultivated cocoa trees to establish their own plantations in Southwestern Amazonia back in the 17th century. When the Europeans arrived in South America, the Amazon was populated with countless tribes of highlyskilled farmers. Some of the larger tribes, such as the Arawak, were skilled and developed enough to intentionally alter some Amazonian forests.

ELON MUSK'S NEURALINK WILL CONNECT OUR BRAINS TO COMPUTERS

At the time of European conquest, there were probably between 8 and 10 million people in Amazonia, speaking at least 400 different languages, if not twice that, study coauthor Charles Roland Clement said. This makes it difficult to say who was responsible for a given piece of pottery at a given archaeological site and archaeologists are consequently cautious about affirming who was where. Nonetheless, there is good evidence that 3 language families were (and still are) very abundant and were wide spread.

The Arawak were the largest of these families. Tupi were the second largest group, followed by the Carib. There were also countless other tribes scattered across the Amazon, who these larger groups would have traded seeds with.

There also were at least 6, maybe 10 language groups with intermediate numbers and distributions, Clement explained. Then there were hundreds of isolated, small language groups. As a general tendency, the major language groups occupied the major rivers, the intermediate groups smaller rivers, and the isolates even smaller rivers.

The team is currently planning on working to associate specific kinds of domesticated forests with specific languages for a future report.

Their current study can be found in the March 3rd edition of the online journal Science.
The mother of an eighth-grade student at a Joliet, Ill., middle school is objecting to a vocabulary test that featured numerous anti-Trump sentences.

Rebecca Ann Gomez posted a photo of a quiz that was given to her daughter by a Timber Ridge Middle School teacher in which a cluster of fill-in-the-blank vocab questions were riddled with anti-Trump indoctrination, according to Plainfield Patch.

"This is (unacceptable) to put her views into our children's head (no) matter what her side is," Gomez wrote in a recent Facebook post. "I am one unhappy parent!"

Questions that were on the test include:

? There is great ( ) among Americans, especially those who are strong supporter (sic) of President Trump and those who are against him.

? The President of the United States ( ) accused the media of covering up terrorist attacks in European countries.

? I have ( ) to seek out non-biased news so that I am a well-educated and informed citizen.

? It was difficult for me to ( ) my feeling (sic) when I learned that Donald J. Trump had been voted in as our 45thPresident.

? After reading about President Trumps immigration ban, I did not realize how ( ) the law can be.

Dozens of people posted comments on Gomezs Facebook post expressing their disgust over the test questions.

That is not ok. It doesnt matter who you voted for, people need to respect the office! one user wrote. We are all Americans!

Not a Trump fan  but this is wrong, wrote another user.

Yeah, no[t] okay on many levels, yet another posted. Imagine how much trouble a teacher would get into if they shared their conservative beliefs in this manner.

Gomez told the Patch news site that her daughter was given the test a month ago and that she received it back last Wednesday.

"I was just mortified," Gomez said to the local news site. "I was shocked when I actually saw the questions -- I couldn't believe that a teacher would write those questions."

The mother also said that she met with school officials late last week and was told that administrators had already spoken with the teacher.

"We're not looking to get her fired or anything," Gomez said, adding, "I wanted to get this out there because this kind of stuff is not appropriate for school."

School district official Tom Hernandez told Patch that the administration was aware of the quiz, but declined to provide further comment.

We are conducting an inquiry and review of the matter and if warranted, we take appropriate disciplinary action, he said.

Gomez hopes that the incident will lead to a new policy where political views are banned from the classroom and lesson plans.

It's all in the media, we don't need this in the classroom," Gomez said.
Emerging from a meeting with Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly Wednesday on the Trump Administration's plan to withhold federal grants to sanctuary jurisdictions, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti struck an optimistic tone: "What we're trying to find is common ground," he told reporters.

The policy, unveiled Monday at the White House by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, could hit sanctuary jurisdictions where it most hurts, by cutting off federal money for law enforcement equipment, victims' services, lab technology and more.

"We are opposed to any funding being taken away as a punitive measure," Montgomery County (Md.) Police Chief Tom Manger said.

But underlying local leaders' concerns is confusion about what constitutes a "sanctuary" jurisdiction or program.

The Center for Immigration Studies defines it as "a policy that is non-cooperative and obstructs immigration enforcement." The Center says 306 jurisdictions across the U.S. meet that definition, including Rockville, Md., where the city manager this week denied it offers sanctuary.

"A misperception has been circulated questioning whether Rockville complies with federal law. Absolutely we do," Robert Dispirito told citizens in a packed city council session.

Los Angeles is another city often cited as a sanctuary. "Nothing could be further from the truth," Garcetti told Fox News, "We work every single day with ICE and other folks to make sure with a judicial warrant that comes from a court with a probable cause suspicion that people are all the time given over and deported."

Stephen K. Benjamin, the mayor of Columbia, S.C., also defended big cities who do not check immigration status of residents during routine traffic stops or other minor infractions.

"We are not sanctuary cities. We are American cities. These threats of holding back funding from cities across America, these are taxpayer dollars," he said.

Austin, Texas Mayor Steve Adler explained the apparent parsing of the definition of sanctuary, and the legal standard that many local authorities use that markedly contrasts with the federal standard under the Trump Administration. "To be clear, somebody that is in this country undocumented has committed a civil violation. Not a criminal violation but a civil violation," he said.

Trump Administration officials believe that different standard has helped lead to the proliferation of illegal border crossings and what critics say is an increase in crime, lower public school educational standards and higher property tax increases to fund multi-lingual instructors and separate programs for non-English speaking students in public schools.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is not waiting for the Trump Administration policy to come to fruition. He has targeted Austin and surrounding Travis County, which he calls a sanctuary jurisdiction, by holding back state money.

He recently told Fox News, "I withdrew $1.5 million of funding from the governor's office to Travis County. On top of that, what the state of Texas is seeking to do is to make it so punishing for cities and counties that they simply cannot have sanctuary cities. What that includes is fines that could add up to about $9 million a year."

If any common ground were reached Wednesday, it was DHS's reassurance to mayors that the feds do not intend a broad sweep of illegals.

"We do not conduct sweeps. We do not conduct raids. We are looking for specific people," DHS spokesman David Lapan told Fox News.

DHS Secretary Kelly left Wednesday's closed door meeting without commenting, but Lapan also said DHS has not made any decisions on withholding funding until a clearer definition of sanctuary is reached. He added there is no timetable for that decision.
The attorney general for the western Mexican state of Nayarit has been arrested in Southern California on charges of drug smuggling.

An indictment unsealed in New York on Tuesday charges Edgar Veytia with conspiracy to smuggle cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine to the United States from January 2013 to last month. It provides no additional details on the allegations.

Veytia is scheduled to appear in federal court in San Diego on Thursday to determine if he is eligible for bail. He returns April 11 for a hearing to determine if he will be sent to New York to face charges.

Attorney Guadalupe Valencia says his client was arrested at the border with Mexico and is being held at a San Diego jail. He had no comment on the charges.
A group of religious hospitals are asking for the Supreme Court to protect it from a group of lawyers that claim the hospitals are not a part of the church.

The cadre of class-action lawyers has been arguing through litigation that several religious hospital networks should not be allowed to provide their employees with church pension plans. The litigation has put the livelihoods of nuns from the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor in jeopardy, according to the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, which filed a friend-of-the-court brief on behalf of the hospitalsAdvocate Health Care Network in Chicago, St. Peters Healthcare System headquartered in New Jersey, and Dignity Health in California.

Over the past four years, the group of lawyers has brought nearly 100 lawsuits against various Catholic and Protestant Hospitals around the country, claiming that the non-profit organizations have broken the law by participating in special church pension plans. One of those groups that could be affected is the Franciscan Sisters, a religious congregation that was established in 1959 and long-known for tending to the ill and downtrodden.

If you find yourself arguing that the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor are not part of the Catholic Church you are doing it wrong, Eric Rassbach, deputy general counsel at the Becket Fund said. Lawyers have no place saying that nuns are not part of the churchnot to mention soup kitchens, homeless shelters, seminaries, nursing homes, and orphanages. These nonprofits are a core part of the church, not an afterthought.

For most religious Americans, faith is not some secretive activity conducted behind closed doors. Faith for them means being out in the community serving with and for others, particularly the least among us. The Supreme Court should recognize that fact.  Eric Rassbach, The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty

The class-action lawyers, led by Seattle-based attorney Lynn Sarko, argue that serving others is not part of a church and, therefore, religious hospitals and ministries cannot use church pension plans over using lower-benefit pension plans designed for large for-profit corporations like Exxon and Walmart.

Sarko did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

In its friend-of-the-court brief, the Becket Fund raises what it feels is an important point regarding the case that a churchs intent and purpose extends well beyond the four walls of any designated building.

[B]eneath the surface of this case lurks a more fundamental question: What is a church? reads the introduction of the brief, which points out that a church does not need a house of worship to be considered as such.

In their [the plaintiffs] view, a religious organization must own and operate one or more houses of worship to qualify as a church or part of a church, reads the summary. Venture outside the four walls of a religious sanctuary, and one has ceased to part of a church.

Yet this Court has long recognized that what churches do is not limited to worship and prayer, but often includes serving and teaching others as well.

Rassback suggests that Sarko and his colleagues stand to make millions of dollars in attorney fees.

My guess is that they started this because of money, he said to Fox News. They stand to make a lot of it.

The Supreme Court, which recently heard oral arguments from both sides, is expected to issue a decision this June.

For most religious Americans, faith is not some secretive activity conducted behind closed doors, said Rassbach. Faith for them means being out in the community serving with and for others, particularly the least among us.

The Supreme Court should recognize that fact.
At least 13 people were killed and two others injured in a head-on crash Wednesday between a church bus and pickup truck in southwest Texas, officials said.

All of the victims who died were senior adults who attended First Baptist Church of New Braunfels, Texas, including the driver.

A total of 14 senior adults were on the bus and the driver was the only person in the pickup when the vehicles collided about 12:30 p.m. on U.S. 83 outside Garner State Park in northern Uvalde County, according to Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Conrad Hein and a church statement.

The area is about 75 miles west of San Antonio.

Hein said two other bus passengers and the pickup driver were injured and hospitalized. One of those passengers died at a San Antonio hospital late Wednesday, DPS Lt. Johnny Hernandez said. The lone surviving passenger was hospitalized in critical condition, while the truck driver was hospitalized in stable condition, he said.



Photographs and video from the scene showed heavy damage to the front drivers' sides of the small white bus and pickup truck, which are the portions of the vehicles where they appear to have collided.

The back of the bus was up on a guardrail and debris was scattered onto the grass below.

An area resident told the Uvalde Leader-News she was behind one of the vehicles involved in the crash, and had contacted law enforcement to report reckless driving. Before help arrived, she had the crash took place.

The First Baptist New Braunfels church asked for those to "please be in prayer for all involved" in a series of statements on its Facebook page.

Pastor Brad McLean addressed members of the media Wednesday night as the congregation gathered at the church for prayer and support, KABB/WOAI-TV reported

"As a church, we're waiting for some official news from authorities before we can speak to anything," McLean said.

The church needs prayer more than anything else during this time, according to McLean, and members of the church gathered to do "what church families do."

"They're coming together, they're crying together, praying together and of course there's anxiousness as to who was on the bus and what their condition is," McLean said.

"You never know what the day is going to bring," he added. "The Lord tells us that we have today, tomorrow is not promised."

The Uvalde County Sheriff's Office said that Highway 83 North is closed South of Garner State Park, and will be closed for several hours.

The Uvalde County Fire Marshals told KABB/WOAI-TV DPS and EMS units, as well as Airlife, were on the scene.

A representative from Airlife said two people were transported to University Hospital.

"We are saddened by the loss of life and our hearts go out to all those affected," Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement. "We thank the first responders working on the scene in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy, and ask that all Texans join us in offering their thoughts and prayers.

The National Transportation Safety Board said in a tweet Wednesday night, "The NTSB is investigating todays highway accident in Concan, Texas."

Hein said the small bus was a 2004 Turtle Top, though he did not know the specific model. Turtle Top's website features shuttle buses with capacities ranging from 17 to 51 passengers, which they bill as "a great alternative to the standard 15-passenger van."

Safety concerns have long surrounded the 15-passenger vans, also frequently used by churches and other groups, with advocates saying they can be difficult to control in an emergency.

Read more from FoxSanAntonio.com.

Read more from MySanAntonio.com.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A month after Pope Francis endorsed giving money to panhandlers, the Roman Catholic bishop in Rhode Island has posted three reasons not to.

Francis last month told an Italian magazine for the homeless that it was "always right" to help. When people give, he said, they should do so not by throwing coins but by looking the person in the eye and touching hands.

Bishop Thomas Tobin, who has previously criticized Francis, posted a Facebook message Tuesday titled "Three Reasons Not to Give to Panhandlers."

He contends throwing loose change at panhandlers is demeaning. Also, he says it can be a safety hazard and the practice enables dishonest people to prey upon others' compassion.

A diocesan spokeswoman said the post was prompted by recent local debate on panhandling, not in response to anything Francis has said.

___

This story has been corrected to show the message was posted on Tuesday, not Wednesday.
For 21 years, John Croft lived in his Alabama home virtually problem-free until last summer.

Ive been a prisoner in my house, he said.

Croft, who is 79, says the burglaries began last June. Since then, he says his Center Point house has been broken into 13 times.

The most recent case came around 1:15 Wednesday morning.

FLORIDA MOM BEATS UP DAUGHTER'S RIVAL AT SCHOOL, AXES CAR, COPS SAY

When I heard the noise, that's when they opened the window from the basement coming to the level where the bedrooms are, he recalled.

Jefferson County deputies say there were two men inside. Another, driving the getaway car, waited outside.

LOUISVILLE POLICE OFFICER DIES AFTER CRASH DURING HIGH-SPEED CHASE

I have three bedrooms. I think they checked the other two bedrooms out and then he came over there and said, 'Don't move!' He heard the bed squeak. I was getting my gun. He said, 'Don't move' and he used the N word and I shot, Croft recounted later Wednesday.

I hate that boy dead, but I don't hate I shot him,

Croft says he didn't know it at the time, but the suspect had shot him too, hitting him in the ankle.

Wednesday afternoon, authorities had not released the name of the suspect that was killed as they were still notifying his family.

Deputies were also still searching for the two other suspects.

Officials say Croft will not face charges as he was well within his rights to defend himself and his property.

Click for more from Fox 6.
An off-duty sheriff's deputy who was fatally shot by police after officials say he became agitated and refused commands to drop his gun had been arrested and suspended in the past, but the charge was dropped and he was reinstated.

The Chattanooga Times Free Press (http://bit.ly/2nE26J1) reports Daniel Hendrix was arrested in 2015 and suspended by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office after striking a female inmate he was processing.

Hendrix said in his report that he hit the inmate and used pepper spray on her because she kicked and spit on him.

A sheriff's spokesman said the criminal charge was dropped after the inmate didn't appear in court, but a lawsuit is pending.

Sheriff Jim Hammond said there's no reason to think the incident had any bearing on Wednesday's shooting.

___

Information from: Chattanooga Times Free Press, http://www.timesfreepress.com
Environmental groups have petitioned the U.S. Agriculture Department to ban its use of cyanide-ejecting devices aimed at killing coyotes after one went off near a boy and his dog earlier this month, killing the dog.

The petition filed late Tuesday by the Western Watersheds Project and other groups starts a formal process to prevent the department's wildlife services division from using the devices across Idaho and to mandate the removal of existing devices.

"These devices are indiscriminate in their lethal effects, and cannot be rendered safe for non-target wildlife, domestic pets, and local residents," the petition stated.

Canyon Mansfield, 14, has suffered headaches since he was exposed March 16 while checking out a device on public land about 300 yards from home on the outskirts of the small city of Pocatello in eastern Idaho.

The Agriculture Department did not respond Wednesday to an emailed request for comment. It has previously said it's investigating and reviewing its procedures.

The devices are planted to kill coyotes and other livestock predators. They killed about 12,500 coyotes in 2016, mostly in Western U.S. states.

"Our petition calls upon Wildlife Services to take action to eliminate these brutal and indiscriminate chemical weapons before more kids and pets get hurt," Erik Molvar, executive director of Western Watersheds Project, said in a statement.

The wildlife services division in November said it would stop putting the devices on public land in Idaho. But officials with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the device that injured the boy was on federally owned land and had been placed there in late February.

The petition claims that the device that activated had been placed within a quarter mile (0.4 kilometers) of three homes in violation of the federal agency's policy that requires the cyanide devices to be more than a quarter mile from homes.

About 40 dogs have died because of the cyanide devices over the last 20 years and a handful of people who came into contact with them have been injured, the petition said.

Mark Mansfield, the boy's father and a physician, said he'd never heard of the devices called M-44s until his son was exposed and his son's Labrador retriever named Casey died. He also said he didn't know they're made in Pocatello, where he practices.

"When I found out, I got the chills," Mansfield said.

Local officials are conducting a criminal investigation and plan to turn over findings to prosecutors in Bannock County who would decide whether to pursue charges. They have interviewed the wildlife services division worker who placed the device and another one near it but have not identified the worker.

The groups that filed the petition are awaiting a response from the wildlife services division, said Andrea Santarsiere, a senior attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity.

"Cyanide bombs are an indiscriminate and inhumane method of 'predator control,' and given their proven danger to humans and companion animals, these devices have no rightful place in wildlife policy," she said in a statement.

Ranchers and others with livestock in Idaho who graze their animals on public and private land have supported use of the devices. The Idaho Cattle Association that represents the state's ranchers said no one was available to be interviewed about the devices on Wednesday.

Government efforts to protect livestock from predators have been a tradition in Western U.S. states for more than a century, said John Freemuth, a Boise State University environmental policy professor and public lands expert.

"When it's not done right you get these horror stories," he said. "Maybe the time has come to rethink how we approach all of that."
The California mother who says she was kidnapped during a jog last November before reappearing along a freeway on Thanksgiving was previously reported to law enforcement by her family, according to documents obtained by the Sacramento Bee newspaper.

Sherri Papini's mother, Loretta Graeff, alleged to authorities in December 2003 that "had been harming herself and blaming the injuries on her," in a two sentence incident report from the Shasta County Sheriffs Office obtained by the newspaper.

The incident report did not say whether officers found evidence that Papini  then 21 years old  had in fact harmed herself.

When asked what happened by the Bee, Shasta County Sheriffs Lt. Pat Kropholler said in an email to the newspaper that a deputy spoke with Papini's mother back in 2003 and "gave her advice."

In addition to her mother, Papini's sister and father also contacted law enforcement about her, according to the documents obtained by the Bee. Her father alleged his daughter burglarized his residence in 2000, and her sister alleged the same year that her back door had been kicked in and she believed Papini was the suspect.

The reports provided no details about any arrests, and the sheriffs office did not confirm to the paper if Papini had ever been charged in connection with her sister's allegation.

When asked further by the paper to answer questions about Papini's alleged abduction, Kropholler only said a detective has been assigned to the case full time and the agency is in contact with the Papinis on a regular basis.

The Papini case is still active and the investigation is ongoing, Kropholler said in an email to the paper. I realize there is a lot of interest in Mrs. Papini and the details of her case. However, I am sure you can understand the necessity of maintaining the integrity of the investigation. Please be assured that when it is appropriate to release any further information regarding this case we will do so.

Papini, 34, was found waving frantically for help along a California freeway early on Thanksgiving morning. She was found battered and bruised, her hands were chained, her long blond hair had been chopped off, and her flesh had been branded with a threatening message. She told authorities that she had been kidnapped at gunpoint by two women Nov. 2 while she was out for a run near her home.

Months later, investigators have not made any arrests in the case, and no motive for a possible abduction has been publically disclosed.

Read more from The Sacramento Bee.
Two men have been arrested and will be charged with murder in connection with a shootout that killed a man and injured 16 other people at a nightclub in Cincinnati, police said Thursday.

Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot Isaac told a news conference that one of the suspects, 27-year-old Cornell Beckley, was arrested Thursday. The second suspect, 29-year-old Deondre Davis, remained in critical condition at a local hospital after being wounded in the gun battle at the Cameo nightclub early Sunday.

Despite the arrests and pending charges, Isaac told reporters that investigators have evidence that other individuals were involved.

"We still have a long way to go," Mayor John Cranley said.

Police estimate 200 people were inside the club near the Ohio River east of downtown Cincinnati when a dispute escalated into a gunfight in which more than 20 shots were fired.

A 27-year-old man, O'Bryan Spikes, was killed in the shooting.

The club's operator says it will close for good on Friday.

City officials say the club was the scene of violence in recent years, including a shooting inside on New Year's Day 2015 and another shooting in the parking lot.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
On any given day, you'll find Jamie Griffin feeding llamas and goats on his family farm in Helena.

It's a long way from the beaches of Fort Walton where, earlier this month, he and his wife, Amy, rescued three children who were drowning in a rough surf about 20 yards off shore under a double red flag warning.

DOMESTIC ABUSE SURVIVOR FINDS LOVE WITH FIRST RESPONDER WHO HELPED HER

He was bobbing up and down and Amy said he's in trouble, Jamie Griffin said. They were not where they needed to be at all. Six to eight-foot waves, it was very rough.

I cant help but assume the parents must not have known they had gone into the water, Smy Griffin said.

Jamie Griffin immediately dove in and went for the boy in trouble.

The undertow was really bad, it was pulling us back, he recalled. On the way back in, his brother was going under as well and I knew I couldn't go back. I'd be spent. So, I grabbed him as well and made way back.

TEXAS OFFICER IN VIRAL HUG SAYS IT 'MEANT THE WORLD TO HIM'

While Amy took the boys, Jamie went back and got the little girl as well.

Here's the thing: The Griffins ended up at Ft. Walton because of a bad hotel room in Panama City and they only walked that beach because they couldn't stand sitting in the windy sand.

By chance, fate, we were walking by at the right time, Jaime Griffin said. We are very blessed and if theres a chance to give back, we do so.

Click here to read more at Fox 6.
Charles Smith's gun may have been fake, but a New York Court of Appeals ruling against him is very real.

Per the Wall Street Journal, the court decided Tuesday to retain Smith's conviction of attempted first-degree robbery instead of reducing the charge, even though it was Smith's hand, not a firearm, under his hoodie when he told a teller at a Queens check-cashing store he had a gun and demanded money.

The court says that, based on an interpretation of New York's penal law regarding robbery, the teller reasonably could have thought Smith really had a gun, warranting the higher charge.

To bolster its decision for this 2011 case, the court cited a previous 1989 case it had ruled on in which it said the ball was in the defendant's court to prove there was no gun, the New York Law Journal reports.

This story originally appeared in Newser.
A South Florida woman has been accused of attacking a high school student not once but twice.

Afternoon dismissal at Miami Carol City Senior High turned ugly, Monday, when police said Ernstlatta Lafrance attacked one of her daughters classmates  the sister of a girl she believes hurt her teenage daughter at the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair.

Rumors have started swirling among students at the high school, after learning of Lafrances arrest.

It is shocking, said Deeondra Thurston. People go far to protect their children.

Couldnt tell if she got jumped or not, said Mystique Williams. I dont have kids. I wouldnt know how that feels for my child to be attacked.

Maam, you were arrested for burglary with an assault or battery, strong armed robbery with an aggravated battery and child abuse. I will appoint the public defenders office for you, said Judge Mindy Glazer to Lafrance during a hearing.

According to the arrest report, 30-year-old Lafrance punched her face repeatedly while pulling her by the hair in the school parking lot. Lafrance then reportedly took the 17-year-olds cell phone before driving away.

However, Miami-Dade Schools Police told 7News the violence did not end there.

The teen showed up at Lafrances Opa-locka home to get her phone back, where she claims she was attacked a second time by Lafrance who, detectives said, admitted to taking her fight online as well.

The report said Lafrance also bragged on Facebook telling the victim that suffering two black eyes was not the end and she would use a gun.

Two gunshots were fired during the home incident, which Lafrance told detectives were fired by her girlfriend, 28-year-old Erlisa Evans.

I see how old you are. Its time to act your age, said Glazer to Lafrance.

READ MORE NEWS FROM WSVN MIAMI.
A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in the Pacific Northwest resulted in 84 arrests.

The operation targeted "at-large criminal aliens, illegal re-entrants and immigration fugitives" over a three-day period in Oregon, Washington and Alaska, according to ICE.

Seven women and 77 men from 12 countries were arrested, including 64 from Mexico.

The most arrests were made in King County, where 19 suspects were arrested. In Oregon, 13 were arrested in Washington County, seven in Multnomah County and four in Lane County, among others. ICE arrested three people in Clark County.

Of those arrested, 19 had criminal convictions for driving under the influence, according to ICE. Seven were convicted of assault, four of larceny, three of domestic violence and two of sexual assault, among other offenses.

"The operation, conducted by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), targeted criminal aliens who pose a public safety threat and individuals who have violated our nations immigration laws, including those who re-entered the country after being deported and immigration fugitives ordered deported by federal immigration judges," according to an ICE statement.

Two Portland-area cases have generated significant attention and led to rallies and the involvement of the ACLU of Oregon.

Francisco Rodriguez Dominguez was taken into custody at his home Saturday, transferred to a holding facility in Tacoma and released on bond Monday. He had pleaded guilty to DUII in December and was going through diversion.

He was part of the Portland Deferred Actions for Children Arrivals program.

Since Ive been on DACA, I was told I was safe from this. I really never expected to be in this situation," Rodriguez told FOX 12.

Read more from FOX 12 Oregon.
A book swiped from a Montana library more than 35 years ago has been returned -- with an apology and cash.

The Great Falls Library announced it recently received a letter from a man confessing to stealing Richard Mathesons novel Bid Time Return in 1982, the Great Falls Tribune reported.

Its one of the, if not the greatest sci-fi/romance stories ever written; its absolutely fascinating, he wrote of the 1975 novel.

TEXAS OFFICER IN VIRAL HUG SAYS IT 'MEANT THE WORLD TO HIM'

The man, whom the library did not identify, said he had the book restored  a process that removed any trace that it was a library book  because it was in bad shape after reading it over the past 35 years.

He said he'd read it at least 25 times.

LITTLE GIRL JOINS COP EATING ALONE FOR 'BEST DINNER DATE EVER'

The book thief said he met the late Matheson several years ago and had the purloined book signed even if it wasnt mine to begin with, the man wrote.

The man said he wanted to return the stolen book because it had just been bugging me.

This is not my book, it belongs back in the Great Falls Public Library  wrongfully taken, yes, but if you can, kindly take into consideration it has been loved and cared for all these years and know I am sorry for taking it, the wrote in the note.

The book was returned with a $200 donation for the library.

Director Kathy Mora said she wouldnt condone theft of library books, but that the effort and funds he put into caring for the book are remarkable.

Matheson, who died in 2013, is best known for his 1954 novel I am Legend. Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour starred in the 1980 movie version of Bid Time Return called Somewhere in Time.
BEIJING, March 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday stressed the importance of afforestation and urged people, especially the young, to understand and protect nature via tree planting activities.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks while visiting east Beijing's Chaoyang District and planting saplings of different types of trees.

Other top leaders, including Zhang Dejiang, Yu Zhengsheng, Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan and Zhang Gaoli, also attended the activity.

Xi called for cultivating awareness about loving nature and treasuring lives, and learning about green development.

"Planting trees now will benefit our future generations, and we should roll up our sleeves to plant more trees year after year, generation after generation," Xi said.

Xi planted trees on an area covering more than 13 hectares in Beijing's first greenbelt region. The area used to be a village. In October 2015, villagers were relocated and the land was left for afforestation.

Xi said China has a tradition of planting trees around Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year.

The festival is one of the 24 seasonal division points in China, usually falling on April 4-6 each year. After the festival, the temperature rises and rainfall increases. It is the high time for spring plowing and sowing.

Volunteer tree planting by all citizens is important for raising ecological awareness and creating consensus and synergy in promoting ecological protection, Xi said.

Xi urged school children around the nation to foster awareness about environmental protection starting in childhood, encouraging them to plant trees with their hands for the motherland and a beautiful world.

While acknowledging progress in the afforestation drive over recent years, Xi said the country is still not green enough.

"We should keep on working," he said.

Xi urged Party committees and governments at all levels to coordinate management of mountains, waters, forests and farmland, speed up integrating the afforestation of urban and rural areas, increase afforested areas, and improve the quality of forests.

Xi stressed that it is every citizen's statutory duty to participate in tree planting, and leaders at all levels should set an example in this regard.
An alligator need a little extra help making its way back to a pond behind a Florida furniture store, so deputies were called in to direct it on Wednesday.

CLICK TO WATCH THE VIDEO FROM FOX 13

The gator was spotted in the parking lot in front of American Freight Furniture in Holiday, employee Peter Soto told FOX 13. Workers called deputies with the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, who were able to catch the gator.

'DINOSAUR'-SIZED GATOR AT GOLF COURSE TURNS INTO CHANCE PHOTO OP

In order to get the gator to the pond in the back of the store, deputies had to drag it, unwilling, through the store and out the back door. "They either had to drag it around the whole plaza or to make sure the gator didn't get hurt, the manager let them take it thru the store," Soto said.

So the gator went through the furniture section, back toward the "Same Day Delivery" sign, back through "Clearance," and eventually into the back parking lot, to the amusement of employees and deputies.

Video showing the gator being taken through the furniture store was quite a sight to see.

Deputies were eventually able to release the gator back into its pond. No word on if it'll receive a discount next time as a repeat customer.

Click for more from Fox 13.
A Maryland judge denied bond for a 17-year-old accused of raping a 14-year-old in a high school bathroom, ruling that alleged salacious text messages and an explicit video did not prove his innocence.

WARNING: GRAPHIC DETAILS BELOW

Im not persuaded. Thats not an argument that can be sustained, Maryland District Court Judge James B. Sarsfield said during a court hearing Thursday. The request is denied without prejudice.

Prosecutors suggested an examination of electronic devices still under way contains evidence of the two rape defendants flashing MS-13 gang signs.

FATHER OF MARYLAND HIGH SCHOOL RAPE SUSPECT ARRESTED BY ICE

Jose Montano, a 17-year-old ninth grader in Rockville, Md., is accused of raping the girl in a bathroom stall during school hours.

Montanos lawyer asked for the court hearing to try and prove the sex was consensual. The lawyers said they had a video in which the 14-year-old accuser is masturbating and asking Montano, do you like it? They also said they had text messages that showed the two planned to meet up for sex and the girl asked him not to bring a condom because she was having her period.

MARYLAND RAPE CASE: DEFENSE CLAIMS GIRL TEXTED SUSPECT ABOUT SEX, SENT EXPLICIT IMAGES

Montanos lawyers denied he had any gang ties.

Separate texts between Montano and the other defendant, Henry Sanchez Milian, 18, indicate that Milian was invited to the sexual encounter, according to the defense. Asked if the texts are bad news for Milian, his attorney told Fox News: Absolutely not. To the contrary, there is plenty of exculpatory evidence in the texts.

Montanos attorney, Maria Menas, said she was not surprised by the ruling.

No! Menas said. Its Sarsfield!

She said the circumstances of this case have changed dramatically. She claims the accuser has lost credibility.

The judge said all of the text evidence the defense produced occurred before the accuser was dragged into the bathroom, and before she resisted by holding onto the sink.

The encounter, the judge said, begins in the hallway.
Officer Tom Wagstaff was shot and critically hurt on Wednesday morning while responding to a burglary, according to Independence police. He remains listed in critical condition as of Wednesday night following emergency surgery.

"Centerpoint Medical Center has treated and admitted the Independence Police Officer who was involved in an incident this morning at 10 a.m. Following life saving surgery, he is in critical condition. Given that there is an ongoing police investigation, the family is asking for privacy at this time," a news release said.

According to a police source, Officer Wagstaff was shot in the head.

MISSOURI OFFICER IN CRITICAL CONDITION AFTER BEING SHOT WHILE RESPONDING TO HOME BURGLARY

Dispatch reported the officer down on South Delaware Avenue. Two suspects fled from the scene and a chase began. Police pursued the suspect vehicle, and it was stopped near 23rd and Maywood, about three miles away from where the officer was shot. The suspects were taken into custody near 23rd and Cedar, and at least one suspect was taken away by ambulance. They have not been identified yet.

"Upon their arrival, the suspects fled the scene and in doing so, fired and shot one officer. Officers returned fire. One officer was injured and taken to the hospital," said Capt. Carl Perry, Commander of Community Service Unit. "Your thoughts and prayers to be with the officer and the family would be appreciated."

Neighbors say the homeowner was in his house during the burglary and looked a bit battered and bruised when police escorted him out.

Click here for more from Fox 4.
Republican lawmakers announced Wednesday at a late-night press conference that an agreement was reached with state Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper to repeal the controversial law that prohibits transgender people from using restrooms that align with their gender identities. The new proposal would repeal House Bill 2, but it would still leave state legislators in charge of policy on public restrooms. Local governments would be forbidden to pass nondiscrimination ordinances covering sexual orientation and gender identity until December 2020.

The vote is set to take place Thursday morning. Watch Fox News Channel and FoxNews.com for updates.

'HANNITY'

Fox News' Sean Hannity opened Wednesday night's show by saying that statements by a former Obama administration official "could prove the Obama administration was very much involved in the surveillance of Trump transition team members."

HANNITY: TRUMP MAY BE VINDICATED OVER WIRETAPPING CLAIMS

TRAVEL BAN BLOCKED

A federal judge in Hawaii issued an extension on his order blocking President Trumps travel ban hours after hearing arguments Wednesday. Hawaii contends the travel ban discriminates against Muslims and hurts the states tourist-dependent economy. State Attorney General Douglas Chin argued that the bans implied message is like a neon sign flashing Muslim ban, Muslim ban that the government did not bother to turn off.

'I WANT TO GO FORWARD'

James Comey, the FBI director, was reportedly prepared to write an op-ed over the summer about information on Russias influence in the U.S. presidential election, but officials from the Obama administration blocked him from writing the piece. Newsweek reported that Obama officials stopped him from going forward with the article.

GINGRICH: WHY AREN'T CLINTON TIES PART OF RUSSIA PROBE?

'SPECIAL REPORT' KRAUTHAMMER TALKS RUSSIA INVESTIGATION

COMING UP ON FNC

1:30 PM ET White House press briefing with Sean Spicer. Watch live on Fox News Channel and FoxNews.com

1 PM ET: Bond hearing for 17-yr-old Jose Montano, one of the Rockville Rape Suspects. Watch live on FoxNews.com (FNC's Doug McKelway live at 9 AM ET on lastest news on Fox News Channel.)

6:27 PM ET: SpaceX launches a "flight proven" Falcon-9 booster from Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral. Watch live on FoxNews.com

COMING UP ON FOX BUSINESS

11:15 AM ET: Andy Puzder, the former CEO of CKE Restaurants and Trump economic adviser, is interviewed on "Varney & Company."

John Paulson slashes bonuses at hedge fund after dismal 2016 https://t.co/mGvAtJXKZ9  FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) March 30, 2017

11: 45 AM ET: John Sculley, the former Apple CEO, to be interviewed on "Varney & Company."
A sweet Alabama teenager wanted to give his grandmother the opportunity she never had, to attend a high school prom. But after an adorable promposal, and a new dress was bought, his high school principal changed his mind and said the granny is not welcome.

FLORIDA MOM BEATS UP DAUGHTER'S RIVAL AT SCHOOL, COPS SAY

A Facebook post pleads, Eufaula High School let my Grandma go to Prom!

Bryces cousin wrote in the post that the decision to allow the grandmother to go to prom reached the Board of Education and that they said if Bryce were to take Nanny to prom, then future students will do it as a joke and make the school a mockery.

LOS ANGELES COLLEGE SUED BY STUDENT FOR ALLEGEDLY CURBING HIS FREE SPEECH RIGHTS

Students are using the hashtag #letnannygotoprom to fight the decision.

Eufaula High School sent a statement to WTVM, part of which reads:

The Eufaula High School Student Handbook states on page 44:

The Junior-Senior Prom is a cherished event held in the spring of each year. Attendees must be under the age of twenty and/or should be enrolled at EHS...

Steve Hawkins, principal of Eufaula City Schools, stated, Safety of students and staff is the first and most important of the many tasks of a school administrator. For the 10 years I have been high school principal, we have denied requests each year from students asking to bring older dates to prom. We do not chance leaving any stone unturned when it comes to safety. Most high schools have an age limit for prom attendees.

Click for more from Fox 5.
24-year-old Kyle Stump of Sheffield Lake is crazy in love.

"I was thinking of a way to ask her and I was walking out of my garage and I saw a can of spray paint," said Stump.

But his crazy decision to spray paint his marriage proposal on the side of a building in Sheffield Lake back on March 18th has him facing criminal charges.

"We drive by there quite often so I knew she would see it. So, in the middle of the night I made it as big as I could," said Stump.

The graffiti spanned 30 feet, Sheffield police say.

"I started crying. I said yes, of course," said Michelle Astorino, fiance.

Police say they got an anonymous tip three days later that it was Stump.

When they contacted him, he confessed to the whole thing.

"It didn't hurt anybody at all. So I will pay the fine and go on with my life," said Stump.

READ MORE NEWS FROM FOX 8 CLEVELAND.
Ohio police say four people have been killed in a suspected domestic shooting at a home.

Canton Police Chief Bruce Lawver says it appears one of the dead may have been the shooter. He says the bodies of two men and two women were found Thursday afternoon in the northeastern Ohio city about 60 miles (97 kilometers) south of Cleveland.

Lawver says the shooting appears to be the result of a domestic situation.

Names of the victims haven't been released.
When our forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776, the fight for freedom was far from over.

The American colonies were still under British rule, and a decade of resistance turned to violent confrontations.

Nearly a year before the declaration was signed, "the shot heard round the world" was fired in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, and nearly eight years of bloody battles followed, pitting neighbor against neighbor, patriots against loyalists, militia men against the King's army and privateer sailors and a makeshift naval fleet against British war ships.

Historians call the battle for independence the most important event in our nation's history. Now, for the first time, a museum has been built solely for the purpose of bringing the Revolution to life.

The Museum of the American Revolution is nearing completion in Center City, Philadelphia, a classically styled, three-story brick structure with more than 30,000-square feet of exhibits and theaters, a welcoming rotunda, terrazzo floors, a sweeping circular staircase and vaulted ceilings.

Built at a cost of more than $120 million, the museum officially opens its doors on April 19th, 242 years since the shot heard round the world launched a new era of freedom and democracy.

Dr. R. Scott Stephenson, the vice president of collections, exhibitions and programming for the museum, has extensive experience developing exhibits and educational programs for numerous historical sites and organizations including Colonial Williamsburg and the Smithsonian. He spent most of the past 10 years collecting and archiving thousands of incredibly rare and historic artifacts that will now fill the museums display cases.

"I can't believe it," Stephenson told Fox News during an exclusive tour of the nearly finished space. "I have to pinch myself in the morning sometimes as I walk through. But yeah, it's on!"

The vast collection includes muskets and cannons fired in conflict, uniforms the men wore and the daggers they carried.

There is one of only two known copies of the Declaration of Independence printed in Philadelphia in German in July of 1776, and pieces of the statue of King George the third that were torn down in Lower Manhattan by colonists celebrating the uprising. Most of the statue was melted down into musket balls to use against the British, and the chunks on display here are among just a handful of pieces that survived.

There are many relics belonging to Gen. George Washington, including his silver cups and camping equipment, but the museum's crown jewel might be Washington's war tent, that he lived in on the battlefield for most of seven years. It is revealed in dramatic fashion in a 100-seat theater dedicated solely to this vital artifact.

"It should not be here today" Stephenson told Fox News. "For this tent to have survived not just the revolutionary war but it was used in the 19th century, it was regularly set up and played a role in unifying Americans and the definition of what the new republic would be like. It was nearly destroyed during the Civil war, sold in the early 20th century by the descendants of Martha Washington...at any point along that journey this very fragile fabric could've just disappeared and it's still here, bearing witness."

Because the Revolutionary War was fought before cameras were invented, curators turned to modern technology to bring history to life. Eighteen theaters or interactive video exhibits greet visitors, with live action recreations, smoke and light effects and touch screens that allow people to get close and personal with some of the more compelling items on display.

"You enter the museum as a subject and leave as a citizen," Stephenson said.

Museum President Michael Quinn is equally excited to bring this vibrant and layered experience to the masses.

"We're on Cloud Nine. This is absolute euphoria, to see this dream finally take place" Quinn told Fox News.

There are many places that preserve a portion of the Revolution, Quinn said, a battlefield, a tavern, a home. A museum devoted to the Revolutionary War recently opened in Yorktown, Va., as well. But the Philadelphia facility gives the whole story in the city that was at the center of the battle for independence, he said.

"We want them to appreciate the incredible significance of the ideals of the revolution, Quinn said. This concept of equality, of self-governance, of liberty that has come to define us as an American people, it is the only thing that binds us together as a single people, citizens of the same nation, and we have to teach that."

Tickets are $19 for adults, $12 for kids 6-18. Children 5 and under are free. Admission is timed but tickets are good for two days and can be purchased on line at www.amrevmuseum.org.
Orange Coast College honored a professor with its top reward, even though a secret video recording reportedly showed her calling President Donald Trump a "white supremacist" and his election in 2016 "an act of terrorism."

Professor Olga Perez Stable Cox called Vice President Mike Pence "one of the most anti-gay humans" in America, said it was "scary" living around "hateful" Republicans in Orange County, California, and seemed to suggest America was "assaulted" after the 2016 election.

DREXEL PROFESSOR WANTED TO 'VOMIT' AFTER SERVICE MEMBER GIVEN COURTESY ON PLANE

Cox refused to apologize but received OCC's "Faculty Member of the Year" award just a few months after her comments, The Washington Post reported on Wednesday.

Cox's student, 19 year-old Caleb O'Neil, secretly recorded her comments and the footage went viral in December of 2016.

O'Neil violated a Coast Community College District policy that barred anyone on district property from recording someone without their consent. OCC suspended him, according to Washington Free Beacon.

Click for more from the Washington Free Beacon.
With President Donald Trump's election to office, Christian progressives have taken a more vocal stance on issues such as climate change and social justice -- while conservative Christians are holding their ground.

"Although support for the religious left is difficult to measure, leaders point to several examples, such as a surge of congregations offering to provide sanctuary to immigrants seeking asylum, churches urging Republicans to reconsider repealing the Obamacare health law and calls to preserve federal spending on foreign aid," notes Scott Malone in a piece that appeared in Reuters.

WHERE OUR PRESIDENTS HAVE PRAYED

Among other policies, the Trump administration has proposed budget cuts in foreign aid at the State Department and at the international development agency USAID.

Republicans have been trying to repeal President Barack Obama's signature health care law, which is of course a major priority for conservatives. On Friday, House Republicans pulled a bill that would have repealed and replaced Obamacare.

TEXAS JUDGE SUED FOR BEGINNING COURTROOM SESSIONS WITH PRAYER

"Although not as powerful as the religious right, which has been credited with helping elect Republican presidents and boasts well-known leaders such as Christian Broadcasting Network founder Pat Robertson, the 'religious left' is now slowly coming together as a force in U.S. politics," Reuters noted. (Pat Robertson ran for president during the 1988 presidential race.)

The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, has sparked some who are among the "religious left" to take a more politically active view on certain political issues.

"I would say that it falls to scientists, who work free of political, economic or ideological interests, to develop a cultural model, which can face the crisis of climatic change and its social consequences," Francis said last November.

The Vatican has also voiced concern over Trump's executive order banning immigrants from certain countries, noting, "Certainly there is worry because we are messengers of another culture, that of openness," the Vatican's deputy secretary of state, Archbishop Angelo Becciu, told an Italian Catholic television station.

Reuters noted, "The new political climate is also spurring new alliances, with churches, synagogues and mosques speaking out against the recent spike in bias incidents, including threats against mosques and Jewish community centers."

Issues such as gay marriage and abortion have long been controversial in church circles.

While the "religious right" still dominates the political philosophy in many American churches, some churches have tried to bridge the divide and not play politics in places of religious worship.

"For the vast majority of American Christians, politics is hardly the chief priority in their lives. Indeed, I'd argue (contrary to flawed media perceptions) that most Christians haven't paid sufficient attention to politics," David French wrote in National Review this month.
The live-fire drills of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Southwest China's Yunnan Province near the Myanmar border on Tuesday serves as a warning to both the Myanmar government and ethnic militias that their conflict should not cross over to China, Chinese experts said.

The exercises, part of the training for army units of the PLA's Southern Theater Command, aims to test the military's capabilities, including mobilization, maneuvers and joint strikes, the Xinhua News Agency reported. Planes, artillery, air defense, infantry, missile and radar units are part of the exercises.

The drills come as the conflict between the Myanmar government and ethnic militias in northern Myanmar continues.

"The exercises are the result of extensive preparations rather than a snap decision, which reflects China's stance against war spilling over the border," Zhu Zhenming, a professor at the Yunnan Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times.

The Myanmar government and armed ethnic groups should make sure the conflict stays within their territory, Zhu said, adding that China cannot tolerate others destroying people's lives and property, which is the bottom line.

"The drills showcased that the PLA is capable of protecting Chinese people," he said.

Innocent Chinese civilians near the border have been suffering from their stray bullets.

"The drills also serve as a warning to other neighboring and nearby countries as well, such as Vietnam and India, that China will not tolerate behavior that threatens its border security," Zhu said.

Xinhua reported that China had given Myanmar advance notice of the exercises, which means "China does not plan to attack Myanmar," Zhu said.

Song Qingrun, a research fellow at the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times that he believes the drill is absolutely not a military showoff to Myanmar, given that it is a normal live-fire drill that many nations would do regularly in borders.

China has urged all parties for restraint, avoid escalating the conflict and take effective measures to resume peace and stability in the border area, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said on March 9.
Authorities in Tennessee investigated a new possible sighting Thursday of an ex-school teacher and a student he's accused of kidnapping that turned out to be an unfounded report.

Officials have been hunting for 50-year-old Tad Cummins and 15-year-old Elizabeth Thomas, who last was seen March 13.

The Collierville Police Department, located in the western part of the state, said earlier in the day the sighting was reported around 12:30 p.m. local time at Shell gas station. Thomas and Cummins were reported to be traveling in a white Chevrolet panel van with a ladder rack and possibly "a blue or aqua colored tube on top."

Shabana Mavani, an employee at the gas station where the sighting possibly occurred, told Fox 17 police came to the store and showed them a picture of Cummins and Thomas. Mavani said didn't even know about them until police showed employees the photos.

Mavani said two people bearing similar resemblance came into the store, purchased some items, and that "the man looked agitated and ready to leave" while the girl "seemed calm and comfortable."

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation however determined the reported sighting was not Thomas and Cummins.

We are investigating a reported #TNAMBERAlert sighting in Collierville, TN. However, we have not confirmed it as substantiated at this time.  TBI (@TBInvestigation) March 30, 2017

"The TBI has determined the reported sighting in Collierville, TN was not, in fact, Tad Cummins and Elizabeth Thomas," TBI spokesman Josh DeVine said in a tweet.

UPDATE: The TBI has determined the reported sighting in Collierville, TN was not, in fact, Tad Cummins and Elizabeth Thomas. #TNAMBERAlert pic.twitter.com/jwuLFyaYGz  Josh DeVine (@TBIJoshDeVine) March 30, 2017

Cummins was added to Tennessees Most Wanted List after he was suspected of kidnapping Thomas earlier this month. Authorities issued an Amber Alert for a silver Nissan Rogue with license plate 976ZPT.

Investigators believe Cummins may have abducted the girl to "potentially sexually exploit her."

Cummins was Thomas' former teacher and is wanted for having sexual contact with the teen while teaching at the Culleoka Unit School as a health science teacher.

Read more from FOX 17 Nashville.

Read more from FOX 13 Memphis.
Tad Cummins, the Tennessee teacher believed to be on the run with 15-year-old student Elizabeth Thomas, may have fled to Mexico with the girl, investigators say. Maury County District Attorney Brent Cooper tells ABC News that the 50-year-old Cummins, who allegedly kidnapped Elizabeth more than two weeks ago, is a "religious man" who might be posing as a missionary.

"He planned this in such a way that he had a 24-hour head start, easily enough time for him to make it to Mexico," Cooper says.

He urges members of the public to share the Amber Alert with family members in Mexico and Central America. More than 1,100 tips have been received in the US, but none have panned out, investigators say.

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director Mark Gwyn said it would be a mistake to describe the relationship between Cummins and Thomas as "romantic," the Tennessean reports.

"Let me be clear. She is 15, a child. He is 50, a grown man," Gwyn said. "This is, and was not, a romance. This was manipulation solely to benefit Tad Cummins. This is not a fairy tale. This is a case of kidnapping."

Click for more from Newser.
A viral video of a shy three-year-old boy hugging a Texas police officer is warming peoples hearts and the law enforcement officer told Fox News it meant the world to him.

LITTLE GIRL JOINS COP EATING ALONE FOR 'BEST DINNER DATE EVER'

I was honored and I was humbled because we see a lot of bad stuff, Fort Worth Officer Anthony Colter said on Fox and Friends Thursday, but to see him, so sincere and such a thoughtful gesture  it made it a wonderful day.

Jamie Hubbard and her son TJ were at a McDonalds last week celebrating her birthday when Colter arrived on his motorcycle  making him the coolest guy there.

DOMESTIC ABUSE SURVIVOR FINDS LOVE WITH FIRST RESPONDER WHO HELPED HER

She told Fox and Friends that her son loves motorcycles and was instantly interested in Colter.

He said hi to him and we ate for a little while and then Officer Colter got him a sticker that had a police badge on it, Hubbard said.

Colter said: I gave him a sticker and told him Youre my helper today, so youve got my back for the day. He came by to tell me that I got our back and that I love you and support you. It was a wonderful, wonderful day.

Hubbard captured the sweet encounter on video and the Fort Worth Police Department shared in on Facebook. It has been viewed more than 670,000 times and shared more than 13,900 times.

It makes me feel great, she said. These kids can sense when someone is good, nice and friendly. Its something that they have when theyre born with (and) we do our best to make sure continue to have that and learn to respect and love those that are serving this country and serving our communities.
A transient has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the stabbing death of another man near a busy outdoor pedestrian shopping and dining plaza in Vermont.

The Burlington Free Press reports that 36-year-old Louis Fortier was arraigned by video Thursday. A lawyer entered the plea on his behalf. Fortier is being held without bail.

Police say 43-year-old Richard Medina was stabbed multiple times in the neck and back Wednesday afternoon near Church Street Marketplace in Burlington. He later died at a hospital.

Police say both men are transients and have extensive criminal records. They say the stabbing does not appear to have been random. Police Chief Brandon del Pozo says they exchanged words and things escalated quickly.

Fortier was believed to have recently traveled to Burlington from Massachusetts.
When a big black bear is hungry, don't be afraid, but keep an eye on your trash cans.

That's the lesson for residents of Arcadia, California, after a black bear was captured on video carrying garbage in its teeth and enjoying a snack Tuesday evening.

TOP ATHLETE'S BUST STRIKES TERROR INTO INTERNET'S HEART

Now that the winter thaw is over, black bears are no longer in hibernation and more prone to venturing out.

Tuesday night is bear night. Because all the trash cans are out, said Jon Matheny, an Arcadia resident told KCBS/KCAL.

BEAR DIES AFTER PLUMMETING FROM HELICOPTER

Matheny has lived in Arcadia for more than three decades, so hes used to the bears.

My son was looking out the window one time and he saw the top of the bear standing on all fours over the trash can, Matheny told the news station.

Authorities have said the bears are not typically aggressive.

The best advice on what to do if you see a bear chowing down near your garbage?

Back away slowly, but don't turn and run.
Just where does the president of the United States go to pray when he arrives in Washington for his term of office? Local churches have had the honor of creating a sanctuary for America's presidents.

Many political leaders of our nation have said their prayers in reverence to God, including a vast number of politicians who have held the highest title in the land.

TEXAS JUDGE SUED FOR BEGINNING COURTROOM SESSIONS WITH PRAYER

Almost half of the presidents have been Episcopal or Presbyterian. Many others have identified with other Christian denominations.

LifeZette visited some of the historic churches and locations where presidents have gone to worship.

Did you know that the United States Capitol served as a church building? Shortly after Congress held its first session in Washington, D.C. (after moving from Philadelphia) on December 4, 1800, Congress approved the space as a church building. However, regular church services had been taking place at the building even before Congress moved in.

Check out our video below:

WHY ISLAM MAY SURPASS CHRISTIANITY AS WORLD'S LARGEST FAITH

Built in 1816, St. John's Episcopal Church in northwest Washington, D.C., has had an impressive lineup of guests. Located near The White House, it has hosted every sitting president for at least one church service.

Presidents including Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump went to St. John's for their final prayer before being inaugurated into office.

This year, President Donald Trump (the 45th president) attended a traditional pre-inaugural service there on the Friday morning before he was officially sworn into office.

The day after the inauguration, Trump attended an inaugural prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral in Northwest D.C. (This is also the same cathedral at which Ronald Reagan's funeral was held in 2004.)

"I was blessed to be raised in a churched home," Trump said recently at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. "My mother and father taught me that to whom much is given, much is expected."

"I was sworn in on the very Bible from which my mother would teach us as young children, and that faith lives on in my heart every single day," Trump added.

Richard Nixon is the only president since Franklin D. Roosevelt to not attend church service on inauguration day.

Another popular choice for presidents is the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, built in 1803. This church, also located near The White House, has been visited by many presidents, including William Henry Harrison, James K. Polk, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, Andrew Johnson, Benjamin Harrison, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Richard Nixon.

Abraham Lincoln paid $50 a year to rent a pew at New York Avenue Presbyterian. Lincoln's funeral was held there after his assassination in 1865.

John F. Kennedy -- the nation's only Catholic president -- attended Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Georgetown. Kennedy's funeral was held at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle.
When the body of Joselyn Nino was discovered hacked to pieces and crammed into an ice cooler on the U.S.-Mexico border in 2015, the ongoing war between the drug cartels most secretive and efficient killers took a turn for the worse.

Known as Las Flakas (Skinny Girls), young Mexican women are taking up lives of crime alongside their male counterparts, becoming extremely effective agents for the cartels cause.

They are ideal killers; young, beautiful and reckless, said Andrew Chesnut, a professor at Virginia Commonwealth University. By keeping a low profile they avoid suspicion where men doing the same job would quickly find themselves in trouble, he told Fox News.

DRUG LORD 'EL CHAPO' LAST OF A DYING BREED AS MEXICAN CARTELS ENTER NEW ERA

Joselyn Nino was a notorious assassin for the Gulf Cartel. She was very active on social media, where she would boast of her bloody achievements. She was murdered and butchered by another young woman, La Gladys of the Zetas, who remains at large terrorizing the communities of northern Mexico.

Today, all of Mexicos major criminal cartels have female Flaka death squads. While the womans traditional role within drug trafficking organizations was to launder drug money and raise the children, many young women already connected to drug trafficking choose the lives of assassins and are deployed for missions where subtlety and infiltration are more important than brute force.

CARTELS, SMUGGLERS EXPLOIT BORDER WALL FEARS AHEAD OF TRUMP PRESIDENCY

The Flakas come into the work through a series of different routes, said Chesnut, who is a leading expert on La Santa Muerte (Saint Death, also known as La Flaca), a scythe-wielding patroness to drug traffickers. Many come in through the traditional path of low-level lookout work for the cartel, while others arrive through prostitution, birth into cartel families, or are recruited during short spells in prison.

These girls are all active on social media, and in seeing images of the drug traffickers lifestyles, they naturally want a piece of it themselves, he added.

Since Mexicos drug war started in 2007, the crackdown on the feared sicario death squads made the work of The Flakas more valuable, allowing them to be sent on work then deemed too dangerous for the male cartel soldiers.

MEXICAN OFFICIAL: CARTELS SEND $64B IN DRUGS INTO US ANNUALLY

The Flakas disguise themselves as ordinary Mexican girls to pass unsuspected by aggressors, yet they typically undergo cosmetic surgery to enhance their features and get undisputed male attention. They gain the trust of their marks through charm.

Operating in squads of three or four, they generally target other women belonging to rival cartels, seeking dominance within their territories.

Theres an inextricable link between sex and death in the culture of these female killers, said Chesnut, in seeking to be the most desired by the narco men, they seek also to be the most brutal among their group of peers. Its gone as far as having them worship the image of Saint Death in their own likenesses, dressed in lingerie.

CARTELS REVIVING SEALED TUNNELS ALONG U.S.-MEXICO BORDER

Last year, one female killer known as "La Peque" was captured by the authorities for her work for the Sinaloa Cartel in northwestern Mexico. Having admitted to the murder of at least five men, she added that she enjoyed both drinking the warm blood of her victims and having sex with the dead bodies following the homicide.

Yet the success of Las Flakas within the male-dominated world of drug trafficking has produced tension. Once notoriety has been achieved, their lives tend to be cut short due either to capture by police, betrayal by their own, or murder at the hands of rival cartels.

Joselyn came to a grisly end because she made herself famous over social media, gloating over her achievements, Chesnut said.

These girls know that they have to keep a low profile for their work, but for many the temptation to post on Instagram and Twitter is too great and they end up making themselves targets.

One Flaka who has been successful in balancing her work with her life has been La Malandra (The Thugette), an agent of the brutal Zeta cartel who regularly posts pictures armed with a bulletproof vest and a long-wave radio. During a nine-year career in the industry, she remains at large, still passing for an ordinary young Mexican throughout the country.

They all have a very strong sense of fatalism, said Chesnut. Young peoples lives dont last long when theyre surrounded by organized crime, so for these young women the only option is to fight. If they do it wisely, they can survive a lot longer than their male counterparts.
South Korea's disgraced ex-President Park Geun-hye was arrested early Friday local time on charges including bribery and abuse of power, the latest chapter in a dramatic downfall for the U.S. ally, the Yonhap news agency reported.

Prosecutors accused Park of colluding with a confidante to extort from big businesses, take a bribe from one of the companies and commit other wrongdoings. The allegations prompted millions of South Koreans to protest in the streets every weekend for months before the Constitutional Court ruled March 10 to remove her. Park's presidential powers already had been suspended after the parliament impeached her in December.

MALAYSIA SAYS KIM JONG NAM'S BODY RELEASED TO NORTH KOREA

Live TV footage showed a black sedan carrying Park entering the detention center near Seoul. Earlier Friday, the Seoul Central District Court approved prosecutors' request to arrest her, citing worries that she may try to destroy evidence.

Many Park supporters were seen carrying national flags and shouting "president" when Park's car was entering the detention facility.

South Korea's first female president rose to power four years ago amid conservatives' nostalgia for her late dictator father who is credited by supporters for pulling a war-torn country out of poverty in the 1960-70s. Liberal critics reviled her father as a ruthless leader who tortured and imprisoned his opponents.

MCCAIN, NORTH KOREA IN WAR OF WORDS OVER 'CRAZY FAT KID' REMARK

Prosecutors said they wanted to arrest Park because her crimes were "grave" and because other suspects involved the scandal, including her confidante Choi Soo-sil, already had been arrested.

In the coming weeks, prosecutors are expected to formally charge Park with extortion, bribery and abuse of power. A bribery conviction alone is punishable by up to life in prison in South Korea.

Park and Choi deny most of the allegations. Park has said she only let Choi edit some of her presidential speeches and got her help on "public relations" issues. Choi made similar statements.

The women, both in their 60s, have been friends for 40 years. Park once described Choi as someone who helped her when she had "difficulties," an apparent reference to her parents' assassinations in the 1970s. Park's father Chung-hee was gunned down by his own intelligence chief in 1979, five years after his wife was killed in an assassination attempt that targeted him. Park Geun-hye served as first lady after her mother's death.

While in office, Park Geun-hye had refused to meet with prosecutors, citing a law that gives a leader immunity from prosecution except for grave crimes such as treason.

South Korea is to hold an election in May to choose Park's successor.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Click for more from The Wall Street Journal.
Denmark's integration minister is urging people to turn in pizza bakers if they suspect they are employing illegal immigrants.

Inger Stoejberg says she "actually would encourage" Danes to contact authorities if they think something strange is going on, such as many employees "not speaking Danish at all."

She told TV2 late Wednesday that it is impossible for police to check all the backrooms of pizza restaurants.

Her comments came after the channel recently has been reporting an increase in the number of people suspected of living illegally in Denmark  jumping from 877 in 2015 to 1,348 last year.

Stoejberg, considered an immigration hardliner, created a stir earlier for posting an online photo of her smiling and holding a cake to mark the 50th measure tightening immigration laws.
Candles are lit during the demonstration in front of City Hall in Paris, France on March 29, 2017. The demonstration of the Chinese community carried on for the third day in front of the City Hall to protest against police killing of a Chinese national in a conflict last Sunday night.(Xinhua/Chen Yichen)




The Philippine president unleashed an expletive-laden tirade Thursday against the country's leading newspaper and TV network and threatened to humiliate them and their owners, whom he accused of distorting news of his anti-drug crackdown.

WARNING: CONTAINS PROFANITY

President Rodrigo Duterte's outburst against the Philippine Daily Inquirer and ABS-CBN TV network in a nationally televised speech prompted a media watchdog group to call him a "petty tyrant, who mistakenly believes public office is an entitlement that allows you to flaunt the laws of the land."

Duterte, who has had a thorny relationship with journalists, complained that his anti-drug campaign has been portrayed as targeting the poor. He also was incensed about accounts of his alleged corruption, saying he will resign if reports of undeclared bank deposits are proven.

DUTERTE TO UNITED STATES: WHY DIDN'T YOU SEND ARMADA VS CHINA ISLANDS?

Calling the owners of the Inquirer and ABS-CBN "fools," Duterte threatened to curse them and use the state-owned TV network to ridicule them "to get even."

"There are press (people) who are sons of bitches and who know nothing but lies," he said in a speech at the oath-taking of government officials at Manila's presidential palace.

DUTERTE WANTS IMPEACHMENT BIDS AGAINST PHILIPPINE VP STOPPED

"Inquirer, you've never been fair. I know that it's supposed to be antagonistic but fair? You're rude," Duterte said. "ABS-CBN is also rude, really rude."

Presidential palace staffers deleted the expletives and curses in an official transcript of the speech they sent to news agencies.

Duterte's crackdown, which has left thousands of mostly petty drug suspects dead, has alarmed Western governments and prompted U.N. rights officials to consider an investigation.

Duterte, who has denied condoning extrajudicial killings but has repeatedly threatened drug suspects with death, has lashed out at the U.S., EU and other critics.

The 72-year-old leader, who won the presidency last year after serving as a city mayor for two decades, also fumed about news reports that speculated about the nature of his illnesses, and suggested that older people naturally develop health problems. He became visibly infuriated over a picture of him in his bedroom with an oxygen machine.

Duterte has acknowledged suffering from illnesses linked to smoking and a motorcycle accident in the past, but has refused to issue a detailed statement on his health.

Philippine Daily Inquirer Executive Editor Jose Ma. Nolasco said in a statement that it has been fair in its coverage of Duterte and his administration and has always included his side in any controversy. He said the newspaper runs a column on its opinion page in which Cabinet officials expound on government policies.

There was no immediate statement from ABS-CBN.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said Duterte's "foul-mouthed rant" against the two major news organizations "was absolutely twisted," adding it was the president who was rude and abusive.

"It was a brazen abuse of your immense power as chief executive of this land and only shows how little, if any, appreciation you have of democracy and governance," the group said.

It said Duterte's curses and threats would not prevent Filipino journalists from doing their work.

The dominant Roman Catholic church, which has criticized Duterte's drug crackdown, also came under fire from Duterte, who urged the audience to read a book about Filipino bishops and priests who were accused of sexual abuse, corruption and other wrongdoing.

"You read it and if you're still a Catholic the next day, you'll impress me," Duterte said.
In a move showcasing Vladimir Putins continued expansionist polices throughout Europe, Russia has agreed to send a batch of fighter jets, battle tanks and armored vehicles to Serbia.

According to Serbian Defense Minister Zoran Djordjevic, during a visit by the Balkan nations Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic to Moscow earlier this week Putin pledged that Russia will soon send the country six MiG-29 fighter jets, 30 T-72 tanks and 30 BRDM-2 armored vehicles.

The president of the Russian Federation said he will sign that decree, and when it's signed, we will act accordingly, Djordjevic said, according to Agence France-Presse. We are waiting for the process to be finalized in Russia and see how (the equipment) will be delivered to Serbia.

Djordjevic added that the jets, tanks and fighting vehicles will be donated from Russian arms reserves for free and will be fully modernized and refurbished in Serbia by Russian technicians for an undisclosed sum. Estimates for the cost of overhauling the MiGs alone runs somewhere around $216 million.

It is unclear how the fighter jets would make their way to Serbia  whether by flying through the air space of NATO-member countries or by being disassembled for transport via cargo planes after the approval of neighboring countries. Either way, there are concerns that the arms shipment could add to the already-heightened tensions between the Kremlin and NATO members.

The entire Balkan peninsula will eventually be part of NATO and the European Union, but Russia right now is doing the best they can to slow this process and undermine it, Charles Kupchan, a senior fellow at the Council of Foreign Relations and the former senior director for European Affairs at the National Security Council under President Obama, told Fox News.

The announcement of Russias donation to Serbia comes quickly after Belgrade made mention of its interest in purchasing a Russian air defense system and opening a repair center for Russias MIL helicopters. Serbia previously received six MiG-29 jets from Russia last year.

There are much bigger fish to fry with Russia like their support of separatist groups in Ukraine or Russian interference in the electoral process her in the U.S.  Brian Taylor, an expert on Russian politics at Syracuse University

Experts say that the move from Putin is not surprising given his willingness to exert sway over countries where the influence of Western nations is seen as lacking. Serbia  and the Balkans overall  is also an area that has always factored heavily into Russias foreign policy.

This is part of a broader pattern where Russia leans its influence wherever it can, Kupchan said. Russia does this in places like the Balkans, but also in Georgia and other places outside of the EU and NATO nations where they can be more overtly present.

While the Kremlins shipment of arms to Serbia fits in with Putins overall foreign policy strategies, it is less clear why Serbia has been cozying up with Russia.

Serbia  which was involved in a bloody civil war in the 1990s when it was part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia  only became an independent nation in 2006 and since 2014 has been negotiating its ascension into the European Union. But Serbia has recently been leaning toward Russia as Putins government works to keep the countries in the Balkan region out of NATO and other Western integrations  a move that has alarmed many EU officials who fear a renewal of conflict in the region.

Vucic  who will face a test of his popularity on Sunday during Serbias presidential election  has stated that his country is committed to EU membership, but it is also discussing economic cooperation with Russia in a move to attract new investment.

Serbia is still negotiating with the EU to join the group, Brian Taylor, an expert on Russian politics at Syracuse University, told Fox News. But it wouldnt be surprising if Serbia was trying to keep its options open in terms East and West.

The arms shipment may be a disturbing development in Russian relations in the Balkans, but observers say there are a number of reasons why the issue should not be overblown. For one, the MiG-29 is far from being one of Russias top-of-the-line fighter jets. Also, despite Serbia shifting toward Russia there is very little chance it will pull out of joining the EU.

Then there is the fact that EU and NATO nations have bigger issues with Russia than a relatively small arms shipment.

This is really not a huge concern to leaders in Europe or in Washington, Taylor said. There are much bigger fish to fry with Russia like their support of separatist groups in Ukraine or Russian interference in the electoral process her in the U.S.
A judge has sentenced the former congressman who led impeachment proceedings against Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff to 15 years in a corruption scheme at state-run oil giant Petrobras.

Judge Sergio Moro found former Congressman Eduardo Cunha guilty of corruption, tax evasion and money laundering in a case related to a Petrobras contract in the African nation of Benin.

Cunha can appeal Thursday's ruling.

Cunha was speaker of Brazil's lower house when he opened impeachment proceedings against Rousseff on charges of manipulating the fiscal budget.

Cunha voted in April for the impeachment, which was later confirmed by the Senate.

Vice-President Michel Temer assumed the presidency in May.
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New German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has called for stronger French-German leadership to ensure the European Union's future one day after Britain triggered its exit from the bloc.

Steinmeier said in a joint statement with French president Francois Hollande during a visit to Paris that "whether we want it or not, Germany and France will have to assume a greater responsibility ... to build Europeans' hopes."

He said the European Union can be changed but remain "vital, indispensable."

"I'm glad that the German and the French are ready to keep moving forward side by side," he added.

French president Francois Hollande warned against "the trap of nationalism" in Europe and called on member states to show greater solidarity.
German prosecutors have charged a young migrant with murder in the rape and killing last year of a university student.

The victim, a 19-year-old medical student, vanished in mid-October on her way home in Freiburg, southwestern Germany. Her body was found in a river. The suspect was linked to the crime through DNA evidence and video footage from near the scene.

The suspect arrived in Germany in 2015 without identity papers. He told authorities he was 17 and came from Afghanistan, but two studies commissioned by prosecutors indicated he was at least 22 at the time of the crime.

News agency dpa reported that prosecutors in Freiburg said Thursday the suspect, identified only as Hussein K. in line with German privacy rules, was indicted under juvenile law.
Federal agents arrested Mexican state attorney general in San Diego Monday, an FBI agent confirmed Wednesday.

Edgar Veytia was arraigned Tuesday at the U.S. District Court in California, according to FBI special agent Davene Butler. The U.S. District Court in New York had issued an arrest warrant for Veytia.

Several law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security, were involved in the investigation against Veytia. The Wall Street Journal reported Veytia, who has the nickname Diablo, was charged with drug trafficking.

[Its] the latest in a string of arrests, indictments and murders that underscore the corruption and rising violence afflicting Mexico, the WSJ reported.

No other details were provided.

Click for more from Fox 5 San Diego.
A mother convicted of a terrorism offense in Britain has been spared from prison after receiving a suspended sentence.

Mary Kaya of West Yorkshire was found guilty of distributing a terrorist publication earlier this month at Leeds Crown Court.

The offense consisted of retweeting a militant speech by the leader of the Islamic State group.

Judge Peter Collier ruled Thursday that the 57-year-old mother of three didn't appear to have spread radical views on any other occasion.

He said she hadn't tried to radicalize others and didn't present a danger to the public.

Collier gave her a 21-month suspended sentence. She has attended Prevent, a government run counterterrorism program.
Hes said to be a chain-smoking, beer-drinking, maniacal tyrant who binges on Swiss cheese while his people starve. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., called him a crazy fat kid. President Trump scolded him for acting very, very badly. In neighboring China, people derisively refer to him as "Kim Fatty the Third."

North Koreas third-generation leader, Kim Jong Un, rules over a nation so cut off from the world it has earned the nickname "Hermit Kingdom." And within the secretive communist dictatorship, the 33-year-old strongman himself remains an enigma.

The insights that we have tell us that he is spontaneous, erratic, still worried about his place in the power structure, and maneuvering to eliminate any potential kind of adversary or competitor and does so obviously ruthlessly," then-Secretary of State John Kerry said in a 2013 interview.

Kims enemies are executed with anti-aircraft guns. An estimated one in every 100 North Koreans are deemed political prisoners, and typically die in brutal work camps. Experts believe that since he took power following the death of his father, Kim has had 350 people executed, many government and military officials perceived as a threat to his authoritarian rule.

MCCAIN, NORTH KOREA IN WAR OF WORDS OVER 'CRAZY FAT KID' CRACK

It was something that you cant dare to look at with your eyes wide open, a defector recently told South Korean officials. The brutal killing of the people using an anti-aircraft machine gun was unprecedented in North Korean history and has only been witnessed in the Kim Jong Un era. You will hardly confront Kim once you see an execution.

Kims girth and exorbitant spending provide a damning contrast to a populace ravaged by frequent famine and wrenching poverty. He is known to travel aboard his own personal, bulletproof train, luxuriate aboard a 30-foot yacht and fancies sports cars, race horses and designer shoes. Those lavish habits may have been inherited from his father, Kim Jong Il, a brutal bon vivant who ruled the nation from 1994-2011.

But the elder Kim was seen as a savvy manipulator of the west, who took his belligerence to the brink to gain concessions from the west only to pull back and behave, relatively speaking. His scions saber-rattling has unnerved much of the world, including North Koreas increasingly impatient patron, China.

Kim has repeatedly taunted the world with threats and tests of both missiles and nuclear weapons, elements which, if brought together, pose existential threats to enemies South Korea and Japan, and even potentially the U.S.

Longtime observers of the northern peninsula have no consensus on Kims true motivation, much less his mental state. Still, one thread runs through all three generations, said Chang.

The end game of the North Korean regime has always been the maintenance of the Kim family rule, said Gordon Chang, author of Nuclear Showdown: North Korea Takes on the World.

NUKE TESTING 101: HOW, AND WHY, NORTH KOREA TESTS ITS BOMBS

Kim, who was reportedly educated at a private, English-language school in Switzerland in the mid-1990s, maintains the cult of personality established by his grandfather, the founder and eternal president of North Korea, Kim Il Sung, who was installed by Joseph Stalin. The nations original dear leader trained his son, Kim Jong Il, for more than 20 years to take over, and Kim Jong Ill in turn spent a little over two years preparing his own son to rule.

Given Kims age and relentless purging of threats from the ranks of Pyongyangs elite, he could remain in power for decades. Yet, with what is known about his health and his growing list of enemies, it could be substantially less.

The murder of his eldest brother, Kim Jong Nam, in Malaysia earlier this year was believed to be an assassination ordered by Kim to eliminate a rival who may have had Chinas backing. Another brother, Kim Jong Chul, is not seen as a credible threat or successor to Kim. Their sister, Kim Yo Jong, was considered to have been the most capable according to Chang, but in a male-dominated Confucian society, a woman cannot rule the country.

There are signs the rest of the world, including the Trump administration, is prepared to take action to contain and perhaps even change the brutal regime, an effort that could prevent a nuclear showdown  or prompt one.

Chang believes that Pyongyang is less than four years away from putting a nuclear warhead on an intercontinental ballistic missile that could reach the U.S. mainland. But Seoul has the most to fear from the prospect of Kim backing his near-daily threats with nuclear warheads.

The Kim family rule rests on one legitimizing goal  and that is to rule over all of the Korean peninsula, the destruction of the South Korean state, Kim said.

The Trump administration has signaled it will protect its allies, including South Korea and Japan. During U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillersons first official trip to South Korea, he told Fox News that nothing has been taken off the table, when asked whether he would rule out allowing defensive nukes on the Korean peninsula.

Chang believes the grim news that trickles out of North Korea underscores the need for the world to address North Korea before it is too late.

One-man systems are the least stable forms of government, Chang said. Thats why we need to be concerned about North Koreas nuclear weapons, chemical weapons, biological agents, long range missiles, because its unstable.
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Poles, who have settled in large numbers in Britain in recent years, expressed confusion and apprehension as Britain formally triggered the process to leave the European Union.

They rue being cut off from Europe's most attractive job market, while some even fear that weakened European unity leaves them more vulnerable to a belligerent Russia.

"It makes me very sad," said Anna Koziolek, 51, a Warsaw airport employee who traveled to Britain to visit friends on Wednesday, the day that Britain officially launched the exit process.

Brexit means "a closed path to a better life," she said before boarding. "It will be harder to travel to work there. Everything will be harder. Finding work will be harder. What we earn here is not enough for a decent life. We need to work abroad."

Seeing her off at the airport was her husband, Adam Koziolek, 53, who also worries that Poland "will be poorer" because the EU will lose the financial support of a rich Western contributor. Those EU subsidies have fueled dramatic economic development in Poland in recent years.

To be sure, some people in the proud Central European nation sympathize with Britain's decision to restore greater national sovereignty, a priority for Poland's own nationalist government.

But it appears that most Poles have little to celebrate. After decades behind the Iron Curtain, they eagerly seized the chance to emigrate for work or study when they joined the bloc in 2004. No country drew more Poles than the U.K., which beckoned with jobs aplenty and much higher wages than most could ever dream of earning at home. Young Poles often speak English and also adapt quickly to life in Britain.

Experts estimate that there are anywhere from 850,000 to somewhere over 1 million Poles living in Britain  people who have built families, homes and new lives and feel little desire to return home.

Many of their relatives back in Poland have also come to depend on financial help sent from abroad.

"I think that current levels of uncertainty and anxiety connected to this are very high, much higher than even the biggest pessimists could have expected," said Jacek Kucharczyk, the director of the Institute of Public Affairs, a think tank in Warsaw. "This is related to the fact that the British government treats EU citizens, including Poles, as a bargaining card in the negotiations with the EU."

Prime Minister Theresa May rebuffed pressures in Britain to guarantee before negotiations that all EU citizens could remain.

Until those negotiations are concluded  the target is 2019  no doors will be closed to citizens of other EU countries. But after that?

Amid the uncertainty, officials from De Montefort University in Leicester were in Warsaw on Wednesday to reassure upcoming Polish students that the university will continue to welcome them despite Brexit, making available the same loans, grants and fee levels as before.

"I have basically been reassuring them that our country is still open for business," the university's vice-chancellor, Dominic Shellard, told The Associated Press after delivering that message to dozens of young Poles who will begin attending the school in the fall.

Students interviewed by the AP said that message of openness made them feel welcome  in contrast to the punch in the gut they felt when Britain voted last year to leave the EU.

"Many of our classmates came to school crying," said Malgorzata Swiderska, an 18-year-old from Lodz, recalling that day in late June. She said they feared they would never be able to study in Britain and felt "unwanted."

Another student, Wojciech Choinski, also 18 and from Lodz, said the prospect of Brexit actually gave him greater impetus to study there.

"This thought at the back of my head  that this opportunity can be lost in two years' time  it pushed me toward my goals to study in the U.K., to visit this country that I've always wanted to visit," Choinski said. "That just really gave me the kick to go there."

___

Monika Scislowska contributed to this report.
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Britain's Prince Charles has joined in a traditional folk dance during his visit to Romania, Italy and Austria, a trip seen as an effort to reassure European Union nations that Britain remains a close ally.

The prince's nine-day tour is designed to "highlight the U.K.'s relationship with European partners" in areas such as military ties and combatting human trafficking, according to his official website.

On Thursday, Charles visited the Village Museum in the Romanian capital Bucharest, which features rural houses from the country's different regions. He also joined women and girls dressed in embroidered peasant blouses in a traditional jig known as "hora," and watched craftsmen painting eggs and religious icons on stone and wood.

Britain formally triggered two years of negotiations to leave the EU on Wednesday.
Alipay was created in 2004 as a tool to allow transactions on Alibaba's Taobao e-commerce site. But it has enjoyed exponential growth since, by introducing a string of financial products and services.

Now the popular payment tool is rolling out its businesses abroad to provide the world with its own brand of mobile solutions.

Overseas, Alipay is accepted at more than 100,000 merchants, including high-end shopping malls such as Harrods and Printemps, both magnets for Chinese consumers. In the latest national holidays, Alipay saw the number of its overseas transactions quadruple, among which Europe secured the fastest growth with 18 times year-on-year.

To quench the thirst of wealthier Chinese buyers, Alipay even introduced its payment services in October at 10 major overseas international airports in Germany, Japan and New Zealand. Departure tax refunds services processed by Alipay were also made available in 23 countries.

From buying luxury bags to paying Uber bills, the country's top wireless payment provider has a vision to serve 2 billion global customers in the next decade, with more than 60 percent of users from outside the Chinese mainland. Currently overseas users have reached 200 million.

Apart from setting up six branch offices in the United States, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg and Australia, nominating ex-Goldman Sachs banker Douglas Feagin to oversee global businesses fits the pattern for a global push.

But its ambition does not stop here. Through signing pacts with financial institutions and distributing tech platforms to retailers, the company is laying a solid ground for what could eventually be a major rivalry to banking monopolies and the likes of Visa Inc.

Such agreements include the partnership with leading European banks BNP Paribas, Barclays, UniCredit, and Six Payment Services, a major payment service firm, to enable more European merchants to accept Alipay as a payment method.

In the US that many Chinese visit, Ant Financial teamed up with US payment technology providers First Data Corp and Verifone, to expand its presence through the duo's extensive networks.

Its latest endeavor to buy US-based money transfer network MoneyGram was put on pause, when a counterbid trumped Ant's offer. But the momentum to link up with foreign partners will continue.

In a keynote speech at Money 2020 in Las Vegas, Feagin said: "We aim to have at least 1 million merchants outside the Chinese mainland accepting Alipay within three years. Working with our network of global partners like First Data and Verifone will help us achieve the goal.

The third cornerstone strategy held by Ant Financial is the advancement of inclusive finance in the global arena. In the words of its chief executive Eric Jing, the company wants to spread to the world its experience in serving the under-banked population using the mobile channel.

In December, a South Korean lender K-Bank helped co-launch and obtained the first operating license for online-only banks, another score for Ant Financial in overseas expansion.

The company believed the K-Bank case represents a "unique globalization model" that differs from overseas mergers and acquisitiona common path taken by Chinese firms as they march beyond borders.

"We export our leading technologies and expand global influence. We expect it to become a new 'Chinese name card' and consolidate our position in the ICT industry," said a company statement.

K-Bank marks yet another celebration for Ant Financial after its parent Alibaba Group upped the stakes in Paytm, an Alipay-like payment system in India that the company helped foster, and tied up with Ascend Money in Thailand. Both companies would mimic Alipay's services such as offline payment and micro loans in their countries so that people could complete a variety of purchases with a scan of their phones.

Payment users have grown rapidly from 20 million to more than 140 million in less than two years, said Alipay's vice-head Ni Xingjun. Overseas expansion in the next few years will target economies along the Belt and Road Initiative, he stated.

"We see the most pressing needs in Southeast Asian nations, because of a bigger population base and lack of credit card culture, which spells more opportunities," he said.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected Western calls for the release of jailed protesters, in his first public comments about a wave of nationwide rallies against government corruption.

Hundreds of Russians were arrested on Sunday in unsanctioned protests, the largest and most geographically extensive demonstrations in five years. Many Western countries have condemned the arrests and called for the release of those sentenced to jail, including opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Putin's most prominent foe.

Putin said Thursday at a forum of Arctic region leaders in Arkhangelsk that "we consider appeals of this sort to be purely politicized questions with the goal of putting some kind of pressure on the internal political life of the country."

Russian officials routinely characterize foreign criticism as interference in domestic matters.
When asked on Thursday if Russia meddled in the United States presidential election, Russian President Vladimir Putin responded by saying, "Read my lips: No."

Putin said he was "confident" that Russia did not interfere in last year's election, having quoted former President George H.W. Bush's 1988 pledge to not raise taxes -- although Putin mistakenly cited former President Ronald Reagan in his statement.

PUTIN: CRITICISM OF RUSSIA PROTEST ARRESTS IS 'INTERFERENCE'

"All those things are fictional, illusory and provocations, lies. All these are used for domestic American political agendas. The anti-Russian card is played by different political forces inside the United States to trade on that and consolidate their positions inside," Putin told a CNBC-moderated panel of world leaders, according to The Hill.

Putin's comments come on the heels of today's first hearing of the Senate Intelligence Committee's investigation into Russian election interference in the form of disinformation, hacking and the like.

COMEY REPORTEDLY TRIED TO EXPOSE RUSSIAN TAMPERING BEFORE ELECTION

FBI Director James Comey recently told Congress that the U.S. intelligence community has been probing the possibility of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia.

American intelligence agencies formally accused Russia of interfering in the presidential election almost six months ago.

During his statement to world leaders, Putin brushed aside the assessment of U.S. intelligence agencies, and urged the U.S. to accept his version of events.

"[We know many Americans are] friendly towards the Russian Federation and I'd like to tell these people that we perceive and regard the United States as a great power with which we want to establish good partnership relations," said Putin, according to The Hill.

Meanwhile, intelligence agencies in several other countries, including Germany and France, have determined that political breaches in their countries were perpetrated by Russia, dating back well before the Democratic National Committee breach.
President Vladimir Putin said he is ready to meet with President Trump if Finland hosts an Arctic summit.



Putin and Finland's president, Sauli Niinisto, both expressed openness for such a meeting when they spoke at an Arctic forum in the Russian city of Arkhangelsk Thursday.



Asked by a moderator if Finland was willing to host a summit of Arctic nations' leaders that for the first time brings together Putin and Trump, Niinisto said that it would be honored to do so.



Putin answered in kind, saying he would be glad to take part in it if such a meeting is held.



Finland is set to take the rotating leadership in the Arctic Council in May.
A top police official says that Germany needs to remain vigilant against the threat of extremist attacks.

Holger Muench, the head of Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office, told reporters on Thursday that "attacks in Germany are possible anytime."

He said the loss of territory by the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria would lead the group to "increase its efforts to commit attacks, especially in Western countries."

Security authorities in Germany consider 616 extremists potentially dangerous enough to carry out an attack. Of those, about half are currently abroad and of the others who are in Germany, about 100 are in prison.

Since 2012, more than 920 jihadis have left Germany for Syria and Iraq, and about 300 of those have since returned to Germany.
Members of the opposition in Venezuela say the Supreme Court ruling taking control over legislative powers for being in contempt is a coup detat and is openly calling on the military to take action.

"We have to call on the National Armed Forces (FAN), they cannot remain silent, they cannot remain silent in the face of the violation of the Constitution," said Congress President Julio Borges as quoted by El Nacional, an independent daily newspaper in Venezuela.

"We know that FAN officers are also going through drama caused by the high cost of life. We want to make a call on them to be the first guardians of democracy and the Venezuelan Constitution and that they become part of the solution," Borges said in a press conference.

In what is being called a point of no return, Wednesday nights ruling effectively shuts down the opposition-controlled Congress or National Assembly, as it is called in the South American country.



VENEZUELA DETAINS OIL COMPANY OFFICIAL IN CORRUPTION CASE

"As long as the National Assembly's contempt of court and invalidity persist, parliamentary powers shall be exercised directly by (the Supreme Court's) constitutional chamber or by the body it stipulates to safeguard the rule of law," the high court said in the ruling.

The government-stacked Supreme Court argues that the Congress is in contempt of court for swearing in three  opposition  lawmakers from the state of Amazonas who have been accused of electoral fraud.

The court said it will take over all parliamentary capacities until the conflict is resolved.

Borges also called on the international community to sound the alarms and help pressure the socialist government of Nicolas Maduro to respect the Constitution and call for elections.

VENEZUELANS KILLING FLAMINGOS AND ANTEATERS TO STAVE OFF HUNGER

"This is a dictatorship and the world has to help Venezuelans to sound all the alarms, Borges said.

We need the solidarity of all countries to continue the pressure () to carry out this year, as it is mandated by law and by the Constitution, elections for governors, mayors and also a general election," he said.

Borges announced a national protest this weekend and urged Venezuelans to raise their voice.

"We know there is fear, there is repression, but it is time to stand up," he said at a press conference.

Assemblys Vice President Freddy Guevara said earlier the ruling marks a point of no return for the dictatorship. Many are comparing it with the so-called Fujimorazo of April 1992, when Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori shut down Congress.

It is no longer just a question of annulling everything that the National Assembly does, Guevara said, but of usurping all its powers, allowing them to approve new sentencing laws that give more power to the dictator to continue hurting the people.

Maduro has jailed scores of opponents and ridden roughshod over lawmakers' powers ever since the opposition swept congressional elections by a landslide in 2015 and immediately set out to remove the socialist leader from office through a recall referendum. The high court a year ago issued an order automatically nullifying all legislation coming out of Congress, and earlier this week it moved to limit lawmakers' immunity from prosecution.

But foreign governments are increasingly decrying the shift toward authoritarian, one-party rule. Earlier this week, diplomats from the hemisphere gathered at the Organization of American States in Washington to debate whether to punish Maduro for breaking the democratic order and rule of law.



The AP contributed to this report.
Grease Monkey Opens First West Texas Location

Nations Largest Independent Franchisor of Automotive Oil Change Centers Expands Into Lubbock

March 30, 2017 // Franchising.com // LUBBOCK, Texas - Grease Monkey, the nation's largest independent franchisor of automotive oil change centers  known for their less hassle, more hustle customer experience and wide range of services  has opened its first location in West Texas.

Located at 10405 Slide Rd in Lubbock, the new Grease Monkey is owned and operated by West Texas natives Kris Hefner and Ken Harrison. Kris, a pharmacist by trade with nearly 20 years of experience with CVS Health, and Ken, an executive with one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, ultimately plan to own as many as 10 Grease Monkey centers throughout the region.

We are truly excited to be opening the first Grease Monkey in West Texas, said Hefner. The demand for an automotive oil change and car wash center in Lubbock was evident, and we will bring a unique level of customer service to the local industry.



Like all of Grease Monkeys nearly 300 centers across the country, the new Lubbock location provides preventive maintenance services including full service oil changes and more. With each Full Service Oil Change, Grease Monkey centers provide a complete review of the vehicle's maintenance needs according to the owner's manual. Every full service oil change includes a 16-point maintenance inspection: Wash Exterior Windows, Vacuum Interior, Check/fill Battery Fluid, Check Air Filter, Check Windshield Wiper Blades, Check Breather Element and PCV Valve, Check/fill Windshield Washer Fluid, Check All Exterior Lights, Check/fill Transmission or Trans-axle Fluid, Check Radiator Level and Test Coolant, Check/fill Power Steering Fluid, Install New Oil Filter, Change Oil (up to 5 quarts), Lubricate Chassis, Check/fill Differential Fluid, Check and Set Tire Pressure.

Grease Monkey technicians also visually inspect hoses, belts (including drive belts), etc. per the manufacturer's scheduled maintenance guide.

Every full service oil change also comes with a FREE Basic Car Wash.

We know our customers race through the day, so our certified pit crew offers them a speedy and precise service experience that is unrivaled in the automotive industry, said Harrison. If our crew doesnt finish in the time promised or less, customers will get a dollar back for every minute we go over. Thats our service commitment, and is just another way we will deliver on our less hassle, more hustle mantra.

Grease Monkey of Lubbock will be open seven days a week. Their oil change center will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The car wash will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

About Grease Monkey

Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, the Grease Monkey brand currently has more than 300 centers operating in the United States, Latin America, and China. Grease Monkey centers provide preventive maintenance services including full service oil changes and more for all of your truck, SUV, and car care needs. With each Full Service Oil Change, Grease Monkey centers provide a complete review of the vehicle's maintenance needs according to the owner's manual. Grease Monkey Certified Pit Crews offer customers a service experience that is unrivaled in the automotive industry. For more information, visit www.greasemonkeyintl.com.

Contact:

Zach Lawrence

Franchise Elevator PR

(847) 239-8171

zlawrence@franchiseelevator.com

SOURCE Grease Monkey

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Economic and trade relations between China and the U.S. have lately attracted global attention. Statistics about bilateral economic ties are best able to explain the truth.

China and the U.S. enjoy a close trade bond. China is the U.S.'s largest trade partner, and the U.S. is China's second largest. Bilateral trade volume between the countries stood at only $2.5 billion when the two established diplomatic ties in 1979. That number had increased 207-fold to $519.6 billion 37 years later.

Such stratospheric growth is due to complementary nature of both parties' economic situations, and their cooperation has reliably led to mutually beneficial results. China is the destination of 26 percent of America's exported Boeing aircraft, 56 percent of the country's soybeans, 16 percent of its automobiles and 15 percent of its integrated circuits. Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba Group, a Chinese e-commerce company, even proposed offering 1 million jobs for U.S. citizens in an attempt to build closer relations between China's growing consumer market and American manufacturers.

However, some in the U.S. find endless faults with China's trade surplus, criticizing the country for stealing jobs from its trade partner across the ocean. Such outdated thinking is not at all reflective of the truth. In reality, China's trade surplus against the U.S. is caused by the two countries' different economic structures. According to Steven Roach, a senior researcher at Yale University, the U.S. has had trade deficits with 101 countries.

In fact, China's surplus doesn't necessarily benefit China or disadvantage the U.S. Bilateral trade between the two countries helps American families to save an average of more than $850 on a yearly basis. About 40% o the trade surplus is actually generated by U.S. companies in China. In addition, more than 90 percent of profits from Chinese products exported to U.S. are earned by American enterprises.

As the two countries elevate their economies, their bilateral trade structure will also transform. Over the past decade, U.S. exports to China increased by 11 percent annually, while China's exports to the U.S. increased by 6.6 percent. The bilateral trade volume in the service sector has surpassed $100 billion, with the U.S. maintaining a surplus against China.

Two-way investment between China and the U.S. has surpassed $170 billion.

Nevertheless, this situation, which enhances the economic energy of both countries, has been misunderstood by some. These people believe China's investment in the U.S. is a threat.

By the end of 2016, the U.S. had invested nearly $80 billion in 67,000 projects in China, accounting for 7.8 percent of China's approved foreign investment and 4.5 percent of its paid-in foreign investment. According to a report on China's business environment, issued by the U.S.-China Business Council in October 2016, 90 percent of American enterprises have been profitable in China. As China goes further in its opening-up, American enterprises will enjoy still more investment opportunities in China's improved business environment.

In addition, China's investments have brought tangible benefits to the U.S.economy. For instance, Chinese enterprises have invested more than $3 billion in the state of Michigan, injecting huge energy into the region. By the end of 2016, non-financial direct investment of Chinese enterprises in the U.S. had reached nearly $50 billion. Chinese companies have invested in 44 states and created nearly 100,000 jobs.

China is the largest developing nation, and the U.S. is the largest developed one. Both are major world economies, and together they account one-quarter of the world's population, one-third of its economic volume and one-fifth of its bilateral trade volume. Healthy and stable cooperation between the countries not only benefits the people of both nations, it is also what the rest of the world has come to expect.

Cooperation is the only correct choice for China and the U.S. This is the wish of people from both countries, and it will stand the test of time.

This article is edited and translated from a People's Daily commentary titled 
A Prince William County woman has been charged with possession of bomb-making materials and arson after an incendiary device caused a small fire Wednesday morning in a Spotsylvania County home, authorities said.

Dina Guardado, 30, was arrested on the felony charges early Thursday morning at her home in Triangle, Spotsylvania Deputy Fire Chief Steven Cooper said. He declined to detail the bomb-making materials or say how Guardado gained access to the Spotsylvania home on Chancellor Road, citing the ongoing investigation. Authorities have not disclosed a motive.

Guardado is being held without bond in Prince Williams Adult Detention Center pending her arraignment, which has not yet been scheduled, Cooper said.

The possession of bomb-making materials charge is a Class 5 felony punishable by up to 10 years in jail. The arson charge of burning of an occupied dwelling is punishable by at least five years in prison, according to Virginia code.

The Spotsylvania Fire Marshals Office is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Sheriffs Office, the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Virginia State Police.

A resident of the home called 911 at 6:22 a.m. Wednesday to report a small fire on the lower level, Acting Fire Marshal Todd Strang said. Firefighters extinguished the fire, which Strang said was caused by a small incendiary device.

A resident of the home was treated for a minor injury at the scene, but he was not taken to the hospital, according to a news release. Nobody else was hurt.

This is not the suspects first brush with the law.

Online court records show Guardado was charged with felony assault on a law enforcement officer in 2013. She was found guilty of a reduced charge of misdemeanor assault and battery.

Guardado is also scheduled to appear in Prince William General District Court next month on a misdemeanor charge of violating a protective order.
Having grown up in the Richmond County town of Warsaw, I had to investigate when I recently heard about a campaign there to Save The Saddlery.

Part of my curiosity stemmed from not understanding just what the heck The Saddlery was in the first place.

My confusion was cleared up quickly on a visit there, when I learned thats the name given to an antebellum building that sits in the middle of town at the intersection of U.S. 360 and Main Street.

As part of revitalization of the downtown areaand to allow a businessman to improve three commercial spaces The Saddlery overcrowdstheres a push to raise $40,000 so the historic structure can be moved to a spot in a nearby town park. (This actually would be the second time the building is moved, but more on that later.)

The two-story, narrow white brick building is being called The Saddlery because one of its uses over the yearsaside from being a law practice, a draft board office and a medical officewas for the storage of horse tack.

But the best thing about the effort, as I found out when I met with a group of organizers, is the fact that it seems to be on its way to success.

Hannah Overton Tiffany, one of the organizers of Friends of the Saddlery, noted that anyone who has ever traveled through the town of Warsaw over the past two centuries has noticed the building.

She pointed out that it served as a law office for her father and grandfather and as an office for local Congressman William Atkinson Jones, who wrote the declaration of independence for the Philippines.

Its one of only four antebellum buildings left in town, and has been in the center of things for all its years, said Tiffany. We think its worth moving it so we can save it.

Businessman Gregory Packett, who has pledged $15,000 toward the move, said he supports saving the historic building that everyone who comes into the Northern Neck through Warsaw passes by.

Hes got a business interest in the move as well, as the building is crowding several commercial buildings that Packett wants to renovate and improve.

Joseph Quesenberry, Warsaws town manager, said the town is behind the campaign and the move, both because it will help with the revitalization and because it will save the Saddlery and allow it to be reused.

Phase 1 is simply to get it moved and stabilized on a foundation adjacent to Warsaw Town Park, said Quesenberry, who noted that suggested uses for the building have ranged from visitor center to Main Street Program office and more.

He said that the town has received and is continuing to seek millions in state planning and community development funding to revitalize the downtown area.

Its still the quaint, peaceful and pretty town I grew up in, though the loss of some core businesses through the years has been challenging.

Things seem to be turning around, with apartments, commercial businesses and more added in the past 10 years. An industrial park on the outskirts of town also has just added several new tenants.

Tiffany said that with Packetts donation, the Friends of the Saddlery are more than halfway to the $40,000 goal, and the group is working hard by organizing fundraisers and seeking donations from any and all who believe that saving a piece of history is a worthwhile project.

Mary Beth Bryant, a member of the towns planning commission, provided me with background information on The Saddlery, which was built sometime between 1830 and 1850.

The document from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources notes that during the 20th century, it was used as law and dental offices, a jewelry store and a Selective Service office during the 1940s and 1970s.

It notes that the building was moved to its current location in the 1930s when the roads at the busy intersection were altered.

The description says that the gabled end of the building facing the street features a Flemish Bond brick pattern.

It notes that was done probably to put the best face forward in response to the early town layout and orientation at the crossroads of the routes to Richmond and Fredericksburg, said the description.

Tiffany said the group will continue to raise money this spring, hoping to get the building moved by this summer.

Though its been many a year, I can remember when a pharmacy sat where a used goods store now occupies space near The Saddlery. Booths where we ordered shakes and sodas were just the excuse for youngsters to gather.

Heres to hoping this historic building gets saved and moved to a better spot.

Once it is renovated, it would be yet another big plus in a town thats slowly but surely finding its way back to better days.
SEOUL, March 30 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's former President Park Geun-hye on Thursday appeared in a court that will decide whether to issue an arrest warrant for her over a corruption scandal that led to her impeachment.

Park, dressed in a dark blue coat, got into a black sedan at her private residence in an upscale southern district of Seoul at about 10:09 a.m. local time (0109 GMT), TV footage showed.

Scores of supporters, mostly elderly voters, waved national flags outside Park's home, chanting their opposition to her arrest. Some lawmakers of the former ruling party and former presidential secretaries saw her off.

Park reportedly said sorry to the visiting former secretaries and pro-Park legislators, while waving her hand inside the limousine to her supporters. Park's brother and sister-in-law visited her home before she left for the court.

The limousine arrived at the Seoul Central District Court around 11 minutes later. The motorcade was escorted by security cars and police motorcycles.

The grim-faced Park left no remarks, passing through a sea of journalists waiting for the first South Korean former president who attends the court hearing to decide the issuance of an arrest warrant.

Former military presidents Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo had been arrested for treason and corruption charges, but their arrests were decided directly by prosecutors. Since 1997, a court judge began to issue the warrant to arrest.

If the warrant is approved, Park would become the third South Korean former president to be taken into custody. The decision is forecast to be made late Thursday or early Friday.

Park appeared on TV just nine days after being grilled in the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office next to the Seoul court.

During the grilling, Park denied most of her criminal charges including bribery, abuse of authority, extortion and the disclosure of confidential documents. A total of 13 charges were levied by prosecutors against her.

Park is accused of colluding with her decades-long friend Choi Soon-sil, who is now in custody, to receive tens of millions of U.S. dollars in bribes from Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong who is also arrested.

The bribes were offered in return for getting assistance in the transfer of management control of Samsung Group to Vice Chairman Lee from his ailing father Chairman Lee Kun-hee.

The younger Lee, an heir apparent of the country's biggest family-controlled conglomerate, has effectively taken the helm of Samsung since Chairman Lee was hospitalized for heart attack about three years ago.

Choi is charged with extorting tens of millions of dollars from scores of conglomerates to establish two nonprofit foundations she used for personal gains. Prosecutors already branded Park and Choi as criminal accomplices.

Choi, at the center of the influence-peddling scandal, is also suspected of receiving secret government documents from one of Park's former secretaries on a regular basis to meddle in state affairs from the shadows.
BEIJING, March 29 (Xinhua) -- China's Central Military Commission (CMC) has issued a guideline on launching an education campaign themed on upholding the core and following commands.

The guideline said it is a fundamental issue to establish and uphold Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, as the core of the CPC Central Committee as well as the whole Party.

Deepening national defense and military reforms also requires further consolidation of consensus, it said, noting that the military must staunchly uphold the authority of the CPC Central Committee and Xi, who is also chairman of the CMC, under all circumstances.

According to the guideline, the education campaign must showcase new achievements and development since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012, and prepare the army for the upcoming 19th CPC National Congress, scheduled for later this year.

It also called for the institutionalizing of an ongoing education campaign on Party management, which focuses on study of the Party Constitution and code of conduct, as well as the speeches made by Xi.

The campaign should not be limited just to high-ranking officials, and grassroots officers need to join the campaign in order to build up a world-class army, according to the guideline.
Bode, Margaret Willis, 93, of Richmond, passed away March 27, 2017. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 yrs., Earl N. Willis and her second husband of 15 yrs., Richard A. Bode, Jr.; sons, John Jack M. Willis and Earl R. Randy Willis; brother, William E. Humplett, Jr.; sister, Louise Lou Eddy. Survived by daughter-in-law, Catherine Willis-Melson (Tom); grandson, J. Michael Willis (Nicole); granddaughter, Ann W. Hall (Wes); great-grandchildren, Sydney, Braden, Camryn, Jack, and Kate; sister-in-law, Geraldine Humphlett; She worked for the C & P Telephone Company and retired as a supervisor after 25 years of service. She had a zest for life which was evident in the joy she found participating in many different groups, clubs, civic organizations and her church. She was always on the go traveling, participating in clubs, volunteering, working the polls, serving as a Sunday school teacher and deacon in her church. The list of her activities and impacts goes on and on. She unfailingly loved and cherished her family and told them so every chance she got. Nothing made her eyes light up like seeing her family walk through the door. She always put others before herself and was a wonderful friend to many. She lived a life of happiness, hard work, tough times and wonderful times. Throughout her life she always displayed her characteristic work ethic, refusal to complain, witty charm, strength, kindness, upbeat attitude and unwavering faith. The family will receive friends Friday, March 31, 2017 2-4pm at Blileys Staples Mill 8510 Staples Mill Rd. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 1, 2017 3pm at County Line Baptist Church in Ruther Glen. Interment will be at the Church cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to County Line Baptist Church, 3461 Ladysmith Rd., Ruther Glen, VA 22546.
WHILE Washington has been absorbed in battles over health care and incipient scandals, a real war is escalating sharply in Syria and Iraq: the one against Islamic State.

Without much public notice, thousands of U.S. combat troops are back on the ground in the Middle East: roughly 7,000 in Iraq, almost 1,000 in Syria, and 2,500 in Kuwait.

Those troops arent only special operations forces; they include artillery teams fighting in Iraq and a helicopter unit that has flown behind Islamic State lines in Syria.

U.S. airstrikes have intensified, too, and civilian casualties have spiked dramatically since the beginning of the year. As many as 200 civilians may have been killed in Mosul last week; the Pentagon says its investigating.

The death toll is a tragedy. But its also a grim sign that the long offensive against Islamic State, begun by President Obama in 2014, is moving rapidly toward successand for that, President Trump deserves some credit.

Under Obama, who waged a light footprint strategy with minimal U.S. troops, Islamic State lost most of the territory it once held in Iraq and almost a third of what it held in Syria. But taking the extremist groups most important strongholds, Mosul in Iraq and Raqqah in Syria, was taking longer.

Enter Trump. The new president, after claiming he had a secret plan to win the war, told his generals to give him one in 30 days. They responded with an outlinea skeleton plan, in the words of Defense Secretary James Mattisthat could be described as Obama Plus: more bombing, more troops, fewer restrictions on commanders.

This is more, James Jeffrey, a former ambassador (and former Army officer) whos advising the administration, told me. Not only more troops, but more willingness to use them. Its a change of maybe 20 percent, but its an important 20 percent.

Paradoxically, the success of those changes comes with its own danger: the peril of catastrophic success, a phrase military officials use to describe the 2003 invasion of Iraq. That experience taught a lesson: Conquering territory doesnt guarantee that a war will stay won. So Trump administration officials are quietly planning for an open-ended commitment of U.S. troops to both Iraq and Syria for stabilization operations after Islamic State is defeated. And that may well require more American troops, not fewer.

In Iraq, stabilization means persuading the government in Baghdad, which told U.S. forces to leave in 2010, to let them stay longer.

In Syria, where the U.S. doesnt want to cooperate with the government of President Bashar Assad, it means setting up an interim administration of local leaders under the protection of U.S. and allied troops.

A State Department official said stabilization means making sure people can come back to their homes, theres a security apparatus in place thats locally based, theres a local government in place.

In Jeffreys view, it also means a continued effort to negotiate the Assad regime out of power. If the Assad regime remains in power, youll just get another (Islamic State), he said.

It all sounds expensive, ambitious and not quite in keeping with Trumps campaign promise to take the U.S. out of the nation-building business. That may be one reason officials take pains to say their goals are limited.

Stabilization ... is very distinct from long-term reconstruction, long-term nation-building, a State Department official said.

Eventually, officials say, they hope the oil-rich countries of the Persian Gulf will pay to rebuild Syria and Iraq.

Good luck with that. Other countries arent likely to pony upand the effort isnt likely to succeedunless the United States is involved, too. One more dilemma: To make stabilization work, Trump is going to have to spend money on the State Department and foreign aid agencies whose budget he wants to cut. (Thats not just my civilian opinion; Mattis says that every time he appears before Congress.)

It all sounds a lot more complicated than the strategy Trump suggested in his campaign.

I would bomb the ... out of them, he said then, using profanity. Id blow up every single inch. There would be nothing left. And you know what? Youll get Exxon to come in there, and in two months ... theyll rebuild it brand-new.

And Ill take the oil, he added.

It wont be anywhere near that simpleor that rewardingbut if Trump listens to Mattis, he might just achieve a goal that eluded his predecessor: pacifying Iraq and Syria.

Doyle McManus is a columnist for the Los Angeles Times. Email him at doyle.mcmanus@latimes.com.
Tariff wouldnt hurt all U.S. consumers

President Trump remarked that one way Mexicos government could pay for the border wall is to levy a 20 percent tariff on Mexican imports.

Two letter writers asserted that such a tariff will backfire because it will be added to the price of Mexican goods. [American people will end up paying for wall, Jan. 28] and [An alternative to building the wall, Feb. 26]. Their analysis is incorrect.

Their assumption is that a tariff is like a state sales tax. When a state sales tax is increased, each seller in the state experiences the same percentage cost increase. Consumers can gain no advantage by substituting one seller for another selling the same or similar product. So, consumers end up paying the sales tax.

But Mexicos exports to the U.S. compete with many other foreign and domestic sellers exempt from the tariff. Take the case of crude oil sold to U.S. refiners. Crude oil from one country is the same as from another country.

This means Mexican crude oil producers would not be able to sell their oil if they added 20 percent to their asking price because no refiner would be willing to pay a premium above the world price. So, Mexican oil exporters can only sell their oil by absorbing the tariff.

Not all of Mexicos products will be sold in highly competitive markets. In markets where the substitutability of domestic products is weak, Mexicos exporters could raise their prices substantially without incurring large sales- volume losses.

In such instances, U.S. consumers then will likely pay a substantial portion of the products tariff. While only a detailed analysis could estimate what share of the tariff would be passed forward, it is clear that the claim it would all be paid by U.S. consumers is false.

Charles Tuck

Spotsylvania
The Bezos familys contribution is a testament to the vision Gilliland has brought to his two years leading Fred Hutch, said former Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire, chair of Fred Hutchs board of trustees.

Gary is a brilliant leader and this gift affirms the Bezos familys confidence in him and in Fred Hutch, Gregoire said. It comes at a particularly poignant time with the proposed White House budget cuts to funding from the National Institutes of Health. While private donations could never make up for the loss of NIH funding, gifts such as this are essential, allowing Fred Hutch to continue with its lifesaving work. We are profoundly grateful to the family. I can also say that as a cancer survivor myself, it provides hope for patients that more cures are on the way and Fred Hutch will not waver in determination to find them.

Curing cancer through data science

Former President Jimmy Carters advanced melanoma was seemingly eradicated with an immunotherapy drug called pembrolizumab (Keytruda), one of a class of breakthrough therapies called checkpoint inhibitors. But hes among the mere half whose tumors respond to the drug, Gilliland said. Solving the puzzle to understand in advance if a drug will help a patient  and how best to treat the patients it doesnt  is where data science comes in.

The opportunity with immunotherapy is that its potentially curative, Gilliland said. It has to do with the person themselves and their own genetic composition.

In the past, research has focused on sequencing the cancer genome to look for mutations that can be targeted with therapies. But the next generation of research, he said, will seek to understand the patients genome  not their tumors  and the variations that will predict response to immunotherapy.

If we can understand that, we can select patients who are 100 percent likely to respond instead of 50 percent. And then we can understand the 50 percent who dont and how to manage that, he said.

But understanding that will require huge data sets. This is the realm of advanced analytics and cloud-scale computing, Gilliland said.

Beyond helping individual patients, analyzing the full landscape of available data  from medical and insurance claims to geospatial, environmental and even social-networking data sets  will illuminate our understanding of populations, yielding insights that could inform public-health and disease- prevention strategies.

Fred Hutch is uniquely positioned to lead the way in big data due to the confluence of innovation in and around Seattle, Gilliland noted.

We are sitting in the backyard of Microsoft, Amazon, and others. It impacts not just how we think about data science but how we think about disease and cancer, he said. Our goal is to have the best biomedical data-science capability in the country and well have the resources to bring in the best leader. The Bezos gift will enable that.

Cancers caused by viruses

When actor Michael Douglas announced he had cancer in 2010, most people didnt realize that it was likely linked to human papillomavirus, or HPV, which can cause head and neck cancers, such as Douglas had, as well as other cancers.

But millions of people worldwide are affected by cancers caused by viruses. In Uganda, Fred Hutch researchers see the impact every day through a partnership with the Uganda Cancer Institute. There, Ugandan physicians and their Fred Hutch partners treat patients with Burkitt lymphoma, a virally induced cancer that mainly targets young children.

Patients own immune systems could hold the key to curing these cancers, Gilliland said. (Virus-caused cancers) are particularly attractive targets for treatments that activate the immune system, such as drugs that target immune-checkpoint regulators, he said.

Today there is a vaccine available to prevent HPV. Fred Hutchs Dr. Denise Gallloway did critical work that laid the foundation for it. Since 2006, when the vaccine was introduced, theres already been a dramatic reduction in HPV infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

More research leading to a deeper understanding of pathogen-related cancers will pave the way for other vaccines and cures to be developed, Gilliland said.

We have a unique opportunity at the Hutch to attract a nation-leading expert in this area to lead our efforts and coalesce our faculty  that collectively have experience in virology, immunology and cancer biology  to develop preventive and curative approaches to cancers, not only in the U.S. but worldwide, that are caused by viruses, he said.

Using the immune system to cure cancer

Thirty-three years ago, Laura DiLella was a young mother with acute myeloid leukemia who came to Fred Hutch for a bone marrow transplant. Even though it was a risky procedure and meant being away from home for months, she chose to have a transplant over chemotherapy because she thought it would give her the best shot at getting to see seeing her young son, Jimmy, grow up.

It did. She not only saw him grow up and get married, but watched him become a parent himself. Im just filled with gratitude and disbelief at all the advances and what theyve accomplished in 30 years, she said when she returned to Fred Hutch several years ago to say thank you.

In the decades since Fred Hutchs Dr. E. Donnall Thomas pioneered bone marrow transplantation, researchers in the labs at Fred Hutch have been boldly exploring new ways to use the immune system to cure cancers. Investigators developed a method to multiply the low numbers of blood stem cells in a unit of umbilical cord blood, allowing cord blood to be a viable transplant option for people who cant find a matched adult marrow donor. And theyve led the way in harnessing the bodys own immune system to cure cancer through immunotherapy, an area where the Bezos family was an early investor.

Back when they gave their first major gift to Fred Hutch in 2009, Jackie Bezos said, Our commitment to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center is an educated bet on the next forefront in medical science and those who we feel are best positioned to capitalize on it.

Its a bet that has paid off with incredibly promising trial results. Lymphoma survivor Stephanie Florence was successfully treated for her cancer with immunotherapy on a Fred Hutch clinical trial and is now cancer free.

I had a complete response (to the treatment), Florence said in an earlier interview. It was magical. It was a miracle.

The familys gift came at a time when promising experimental immunotherapies, like the genetically engineered, cancer-targeting T cells that cured Florence, were just a dream, said Gilliland. Now its a dream realized.

Countdown to cures

When Gilliland talks about finding cures for most cancers within the decade, he leans forward in his chair and becomes more animated. Hes gotten some criticism for those who dont think its possible, but he truly believes it. And he feels it whenever he talks to patients.

He recently spoke with a stage 4 breast cancer patient who has two young children, ages 5 and 9. Shes hopeful  but also realistic that she may die before her children get to high school, he said.

He wants to find cures for her and other patients  now and those to come. There is no time to waste.

The newly opened Bezos Family Immunotherapy Clinic is named in recognition of the familys past generosity and early investment in immunotherapy research. Nestled on the sixth floor of the main outpatient building of Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Fred Hutchs clinical care partner, the clinic looks out over the Fred Hutch research buildings where tomorrows breakthroughs are being born. At the clinics December opening ceremony, it was Florence who cut the ribbon. The research at Fred Hutch, she said, has given me my life.

With the new gift, Gillilands thoughts again turn to all that will be possible and all the other lives that will be saved. A gift like this, he said, most of all offers our patients and faculty inspiration and hope.

Linda Dahlstrom is a former Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center editor. Previously, she was the health editor for NBC News Digital and msnbc.com. She also worked at several newspapers during her 25-year career as a journalist covering AIDS, cancer, end-of-life issues and global health.

Fred Hutch staff writer Susan Keown contributed to this article.
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The rising number of pet cemeteries in Beijing has lately incited public concern. Some residents wonder whether these cemeteries are actually harmless, or if they may be putting toxins into the environment.

Statistics show that more than 100 million pets had been registered in China by 2016, suggesting that 1 in every 13 Chinese people has a pet. As a result, the question of what to do with deceased pets is looming larger than ever.

Some large-scale graveyards for pets in suburban Beijing offer pet funeral services for prices ranging from 300 RMB ($44) to 5,000 RMB. Ten thousand RMB buys a luxury grave complete with decorations. An employee of a pet cemetery told Beijing Youth Daily that pets can be buried without first being cremated, but coffins for large dogs require another 1,000 RMB. Baifu cemetery, a pet graveyard in Beijing, now has more than 10,000 graves, more than 4,000 of which are occupied.

"95 percent of the pets are buried underground," an employee of the cemetery confirmed.

According to some data, the pet market is growing by 20 percent on a yearly basis. There are now more than 3 million pets in Beijing, and that figure is also on the rise. Given a death rate of between 8 and 10 percent, more than 300,000 bodies of deceased pets must be disposed of annually.

Currently, at least 10 organizations in suburban Beijing are able to cremate animals. However, only three of them have been certified as providing hazard-free cremation services. In addition, hardware used for animal cremation also carries some safety risks. According to the Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Environmental Protection, these simple devices are often not equipped with any dust-cleaning apparatus, which means they fail to meet safety standards.

A hazard-free treatment system for the disposal of deceased animals was made available in Beijing starting from Jan. 1, 2017. The system, jointly operated by Beijing Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Beijing Huanwei, the largest sanitation company in Beijing, will offer 851 locations for corpse collection and temporary storage. Citizens are not required to pay for the service as it is covered by public funds.
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Fujitsu and VMware (NYSE: VMW) today announced an expanded strategic collaboration to bring innovative IoT solutions to customers in the automobile industry. Extending Fujitsu and VMware's longstanding collaboration, the Fujitsu OTA Reprograming Solution will be combined with VMware IoT solutions, enabling automobile manufacturers and partners to drive robust solutions in the future with connected cars and autonomous driving.

The automobile industry is rapidly moving toward incorporating more advanced technologies for connected cars, including automated driving. Several automobile manufacturers are investing in these technologies for connected cars, which will use new cloud services in the future.

As the number of electronic control units (ECUs) that manage automotive parts increases in cars, the software that is embedded into the ECUs has become more sophisticated, and in turn, is becoming more challenging to manage. Automobile recalls due to software issues can pose challenges for automobile manufacturers. With more technologies being integrated into vehicles, it is imperative for automobile manufacturers to have the ability to quickly and easily reprogram software as required, while also being able to manage and monitor software versions individually.

To help global automobile manufacturers and their tier 1 components manufacturers, Fujitsu will team with VMware to provide a one-stop service to meet automobile manufacturers' reliability requirements by integrating VMware IoT solutions into Fujitsu's OTA Reprograming Solution.

Fujitsu and VMware will provide multiple technologies as part of the one-stop cloud service for connected cars, including:

Fujitsu

The software of ECUs in further advanced functions come from the popularization of connected cars. Fujitsu will provide its OTA Reprograming Solution, connecting with the cloud environment, and apply the delta update technology of software to efficiently manage and update essential software for connected cars.

Fujitsu will provide security technologies mounted through the business of Fujitsu feature phones, smartphones, etc. from automobile development sites to the assembly factories and throughout the automobile's lifecycle.

VMware

VMware IoT solutions, with Fujitsu's OTA Reprogramming Solution will enable automobile manufacturers to quickly provide OTA software updates as necessary to all the devices in a car.

VMware IoT solutions can expand rapidly, providing agility for the global deployment of services and advanced security technologies for connected cars.

Starting with developments for the automotive industry, Fujitsu and VMware will also collaborate to expand their combined offerings of differentiated services in the mobility space.

Figure: OTA Reprogramming Solution at a glance

Quotes

"Fujitsu has partnered with VMware since 2006, and we are pleased to say that our partnership with VMware now extends to the IoT industry as well. For our OTA Reprograming Solution, as we are seeing increasing demands from automobile manufacturers and their tier 1 components manufacturers as a global standard, we will provide an OTA platform for connected cars by integrating VMware IoT solutions into our secure and effective OTA Reprograming Solution. We look forward to fostering these offerings in our mobile business," said Shikou Kikuta, SVP, Head of Mobility IoT Business Unit, Fujitsu Limited.

"The connected car industry continues to proliferate, and innovative and sophisticated technologies play a key role in the way automobile manufacturers can create a unique and enjoyable experience for drivers, "said Mimi Spier, vice president, Internet of Things, VMware. "We see our collaboration with Fujitsu as a significant benefit for automobile manufacturers, as we empower them to easily and quickly deploy software updates in a secure and seamless manner to their connected cars."
Theresa May has written to Brussels to formally trigger the two-year countdown to the UKs exit from the EU.

Nine months after the UK voted Brexit, the Article 50 process is now under way. The prime minister said there can be no turning back.

To mark this historic moment, Farmers Weekly has asked 50 farmers to give their reaction in 50 words to Brexit and how they think leaving the EU will change UK agriculture.

See also: Read all the latest Brexit farming news and features

Robert Craig, dairy farmer, Cumbria

Defra doesnt seem to have a clue about whats going on. I feel agriculture will be used as a bargaining chip in any deal.

Politicians are saying its an opportunity to import cheaper food, which is of great concern. I wish Brexit had never happened.

Charles Sercombe, NFU Livestock Board chairman and sheep farmer, Leicestershire

Triggering Article 50 has created a great deal of uncertainty. It will provide challenges for the UK agricultural industry.

There will be opportunities and we must make the most of them to ensure a profitable future for the farming industry.

Kit Papworth, arable farmer, Norfolk

I felt we were stronger in the EU and I really wanted us to stay in. Its disappointing that the NFUs starting point is around us having less of the 3.1bn of annual subsidy.

As an active farmer, I must plan around having less subsidy.

Terry Moore, livestock farmer, Oxfordshire

My main concern is if subsidies are going to stop. If they do, then the price of food will have to rise for farmers to stay in business.

John Chinn, UKs biggest asparagus grower, Herefordshire

The devaluation of the pound has affected our business financially, but access to labour is our main concern. If we dont get access to seasonal labour, we will not have a business.

Jono Dixon, arable farmer and co-founder of #clubhectare, East Yorkshire

Are other EU countries going to cut us off? I dont think so. Its a lot of hype. We have been out of Europe before and without subsidies before.

Lets get on with what we do best  producing high-quality cereals and meat. I just think we are coming out of a jail sentence.

Stuart Roberts, arable farmer, Hertfordshire/Kent

Ironically we celebrated confirmation of our first export order today. Farming must now focus on the ending of the CAP and what will replace it.

I hope its a new contract between farmers and society underpinning competitiveness, delivering trade opportunities and rewarding farmers for intangible outcomes the marketplace wont pay for.

Peter Kendall, AHDB chairman and former NFU president, poultry and arable farmer, Bedfordshire

This is the start of the most enormous piece of work that has ever been undertaken and if we get it wrong it is going to define the future of British agriculture for generations to come.

Phil Latham, dairy farmer, Cheshire

As a country and as a national interest, I think this is a big mistake. It is time for those who wanted to play king of the castle to stand up and deliver what they promised for UK agriculture.

Jilly Greed, co-founder, Ladies in Beef

Were planning for a hard Brexit, future-proofing as best we can.

There must be sensitive status for UK suckler beef and lamb in international trade deals, with zero compromise on Red Tractor standards and environmental protection.

Otherwise, well be politically skewered, with no safeguards for livestock farming or our iconic British landscapes.

Graham Lawman, beef and arable farmer, Cambridgeshire

Im very disappointed. I sell a lot of high-end straw to Belgium and the Netherlands.

Talking to my customers on 24 June, they were stunned. But they said they would have voted the same if they had been given the chance to vote.

Robert Law, Farmers Weekly Farmer of the Year 2006 and arable farmer, Hertfordshire/Cambridgeshire/Essex borders

I cannot do with doom and gloomers and listening to Bremoaners on the radio.

It has taken nine months to get to where we are. We need to pull together and get the best deal for UK agriculture. Im excited by the whole thing. Theres going be new opportunities. Lets just get the hell on with it.

Colin Rayner, mixed farmer and former mayor of the borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Berkshire

We have waited a long time for this to happen. For years, farmers have moaned about the EU. Now that we are on our way out of it, we can plan our own futures by dealing with politicians that we can elect and dismiss.

Guy Poskitt, arable and vegetable farmer and 2012 Farmers Weekly Awards Farmer of the Year, East Yorkshire

I think in two years time we could still be negotiating. The government needs to get some clear, decisive policies on the table as soon as possible.

Jake Freestone, mixed farmer, Gloucestershire

Its a step into the unknown. We dont know its consequences. However, its business as usual as far as we are concerned, until we know something and we can start to plan and make decisions accordingly.

Minette Batters, NFU deputy president and mixed farmer, Wiltshire

There is now a sense of urgency in making things work. We need to build a solid platform at home and create a good exports market too.

We are in a really strong position to do so. We have got the Red Tractor and the best traceability in the world.

However, I believe it is important that we retain access to the EU single market. I would be really worried if we had to revert to World Trade Organization rules.

Michael Seals, livestock farmer, Derbyshire

While I am pleased to see Article 50 triggered, I am saddened by both the triumphalist rhetoric of some, and the continued whingeing of those who oppose this move.

We have in front of us the prospect of forging a new relationship with the EU and the world.

Its time to look ahead at how we might do things differently and in a better way.

Robert Stacey, arable farmer, Essex

Im quite happy as I voted out. I think it is better for the country as a whole, though if it is better for agriculture is still questionable, with unanswered issues around trade and labour.

I hope agriculture will not be treated as a sacrificial lamb to benefit other industries.

Nick Bragg, arable and broiler grower, Somerset

These are exciting times. There are still a lot of uncertainties, but there are many positives for our great British produce. I look at it with optimism.

Roger Gent, free-range egg producer, Oxfordshire

Poultry has always been an independent, unsupported sector, so it does not affect us that much directly.

I believe other farmers can survive without subsidies, so long as there is a fair return for their products.

Supermarkets are very good at adjusting prices so that farmers make just enough margin to keep producing.

Richard Boldan, arable farmer and contractor, East Yorkshire

My main concern is agriculture will be sold down the river and I am worried farming will be put to the bottom of the pile below other sectors such as the financial services and car industries.

Agriculture is very complex and because of that it is often the last thing to be sorted out.

Richard Barton, organic egg producer, East Sussex

I didnt vote for it, but I accept the result. It has been talked about in terms of a divorce after 44 years of marriage, but that marriage has changed hugely, so to some extent it was inevitable.

The poultry sector will be hugely hit if we cant keep the workforce, which predominately comes from Europe.

Rosey Dunn, mixed farmer, North Yorkshire

It is not good for farming. It is a step into the unknown. None of us really knows what it is really going to mean for agriculture.

It is all very much out of our hands. The pound has weakened, which is good farming, but we have all been dealing with volatility and anything that causes instability is a worry for us.

David Handley, dairy farmer and chairman of Farmers For Action, Monmouthshire

I think Brexit is one of the greatest opportunities we have had in agriculture for a long time. There will be winners and losers, but the winners will outweigh the losers. The next generation has never had an opportunity like this before.

Guy Smith, NFU vice-president and arable farmer, Essex

In the next 24 months we are going to see more decisions impacting on agriculture than we have seen in the past 24 years. Despite the enormity of the

Despite the enormity of the challenge we must approach this as an opportunity to build a stronger, more resilient industry where farmers get a new deal thats a fair deal.

William Emmett, arable farmer, Berkshire

Defra must change its spots. We need UK government to become the promoter of British agriculture and brand UK and not the policeman. Agriculture must not be sold down the river.

Paul Temple, mixed beef and arable farmer, Yorkshire

This is a starting point, put everything behind us. We now have a timeline of two years; think quick. Whether we like it or not we wont have the same trading terms as we did in the EU.

The downside is we dont have that freedom but the positive is we are not dragged by the CAP which tends to move as fast as the slowest and now we have to have a sense of imagination on where we see the industry in two years.

Richard Smith, senior farms manager, Dalesford organic farm, Gloucestershire

Theres so much talk of what might not happen and uncertainty, and I think we should be upbeat and talk about the positive side, I was listening to a piece on TV this morning on how Europe produces something like 30% of the food we eat, which makes us a very good customer of Europe.

So I think there is going to be some fantastic opportunities for farmers to sell our wares wherever we want to and buy them from wherever we want.

Stephen Watkins, horticulture and arable, Worcester

Bring it on. When they say that its going to take so long to negotiate if they were running a business like the rest of us are, you make a decision and get on with it, it doesnt take weeks and weeks.

Just make a decision and get on with it. I just find it so frustrating that they say its going to take so long to negotiate.

Gordon Wyeth, 2016 Farmers Weekly Awards Sheep Farmer of the Year, Hampshire

Its about time really, its been dragging on and we need some clarity on whats going on.

I think its a great opportunity for our government to look to the positives and do something to help farmers. Its going to be a rocky ride, but potentially it could have benefits for all of us.

Di Wastenage, dairy farmer and 2015 Farmers Weekly Awards Farmer of the Year, Devon

The triggering of Article 50 really is the start of a whole new journey for UK agriculture and irrespective of the way we voted, I think it is important the farming industry unites into one strong voice to secure the best platform for farming going forward.

So the clock is now ticking but here on our farms it is business as usual, building on all the elements we have influence over to develop a long-term resilient and sustainable farming business.

James Winslade, livestock farmer, Somerset levels

It was going to happen, we have got to make the best of it now. The government have got to be strong and not bend over basically, and remember who feeds us.

Ben Williams, mixed farmer, Powys, Wales

Im very concerned. We are sheep farmers and we are very worried that our lamb exports will come to a grinding halt and the price of lamb will collapse, thats our big worry.

We are very worried that the politicians will be more concerned in trade in other industries and the farming industry being a bit small, I worry we will get forgotten about and no provision will be made to keep that trade going.

They might look after us, they might make us a priority, we just dont know.

Stuart Davidson, arable farmer, Aberdeenshire

Im all for Brexit. However, its not without its concerns as there are lots of unknowns.

Bureaucracy in farming has gone mad. If the UK as a standalone country can adopt a sensible approach over environmental legislation and subsidies/support its a great opportunity for the long term.

Our industry needs to become more efficient and less reliant on direct subsidy.

Bryce Cunningham, dairy farmer, Ayrshire

I was very much in favour of Brexit. I think its a unique opportunity to market ourselves as a net exporter of dairy produce.

We have got a similar opportunity to what New Zealand had 20 to 30 years ago. It also takes us away from the bureaucracy of the EU.

Richard Haddock, Devon farmer

The government and the farming organisations must make sure that the rules are equal. Whatever comes into this country must be the same standards as what goes out.

Im happy to take on the world if the playing field is level. Andrea Leadsom needs to fess up and tells us her plans.

If it means no subsidies or more environmental measures, be honest and tell us. I need this government to throw all the bureaucracy and rubbish out of the window and let me loose.

Tim Hook, Oxfordshire farmer

Hopefully, the UK government can get a good trade deal and British agriculture will be great again.

We also need some sensible discussions about pesticides. Ministers must stop listening to the scaremongering on this subject.

Gareth Wyn Jones, hill farmer, North Wales

I voted to remain, 60% of my income comes from Europe.

We have got big bridges to cross, but I really believe in this. The government needs to look at all sectors  the prisons, the schools and councils.

They cannot point the finger of blame at Europe anymore. If we can get the public to buy local and seasonal British produce, we can build a better Britain from our bellies.

Fraser Jones, dairy farmer, Powys, Wales

I try to remain positive about it. I think that leaving the EU could be positive for farming provided that our governments back British farmers.

We are in a global market and we have to compete against EU farmers.

We need to be on a level playing field. If the tariffs are right so that cheap produce does not flood the market, we will be in decent shape.

Rob Gardner, arable farmer, Hampshire

Nobody knows what will happen. Its a leap into the unknown. No doubt there will be a change in subsidies.

You have to be scared for smaller farmers, the hill farmers for whom a massive part of their income is subsidies.

David Taylor, beef and arable farmer, Lewes, East Sussex

Im very concerned about the future of farming and the likely reduction in subsidies for farmers.

Harry Cotterell, cider fruit and cereals farmer and former Country Land and Business president, Herefordshire

I was strongly in favour of remaining, but now the deed is done we must all unite and try and get a positive deal for farming, which is in danger of being overlooked.

Edward Chapman, beef and sheep farmer, Montgomeryshire, Wales

I hope agriculture is not traded away on the cheap. If we have poor trade deals, British agriculture will suffer. If we get a poor trade deal with the EU, it will make Irish imports foreign.

James Hole, dairy farmer, Somerset

I dont think the current system is working. Its not going to work unless change comes. The impact of Brexit wont be immediate, but we will have opportunities in the long term.

Just look at the Americans and Kiwis, they are able to create their own opportunities and benefit from it.

David Barton, livestock farmer, Gloucestershire

Im full of optimism and slightly nervous as well because who knows whats going to happen?

Paul Barnes, arable and vegetable farmer, Nottinghamshire

Brexit is going to open up new horizons for the industry. We have got to be more focused on how we move forward without reduced direct subsidies, be open-minded and look at the alternatives.

Peter Lundgren, arable farmer, Lincolnshire

The future is going to be very different. It will be driven by what people want from farming and production may play no part in that.

This idea we have got to feed the world will become a complete nonsense and irrelevant.

Andrew Blenkiron, mixed farmer, Norfolk/Suffolk border

Brexit has been a factor in my thinking since the result last June.

This is the opportunity that everybody has asked for so I hope we are all ready to seize it and make the most of it, but I am worried about government support for farming going forward.

Ed Ford, National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs chairman and arable farmer, Essex

Agriculture is bigger than the aerospace and car industries combined in the UK. My biggest concern is our industry gets put out to grass and forgotten about as we are only farmers.

Ministers have had nine months now and they still havent told us their plans. The excuses are running out.

Will Dickinson, arable farmer, Hertfordshire

I am fearful that our industry will be sacrificed at the alter of financial services. I have little faith that (Defra secretary) Andrea Leadsom will do anything else  she is avowed to the financial sector.

We may be freed of some of the daft regulation that emanates from Brussels, but I understand that all the EU rules on agriculture will be transferred to the UK statute book and the tweaking will only come later.
Prime minister Theresa Mays triggering of Article 50 on Wednesday (29 March) has set the ball rolling on a set, but probably bumpy path towards the UKs departure from the EU.

Whether this is achieved within two years or not, and whether there is a transition period at the end of it, remains uncertain. But everyone has an opinion on what the priorities should be.

The following is a snapshot of some of the reaction from the main farming bodies to the Article 50 process:

NFU Cymru

The prime minister has previously said that no deal is better than a bad deal. However, the sort of hard Brexit which would see the UK leave the EU in spring 2019, not having secured a trade agreement, would be extremely damaging to Wales farmers.

Our exports would then become subject to [World Trade Organization] default tariffs, which are particularly high for agricultural products.

See also: 50 farmers have their say as PM triggers Article 50

Tenant Farmers Association

Access to labour for agricultural and ancillary businesses has been a major talking point in the lead-up to the triggering of notice under Article 50.

Despite the hyperbole over immigration, we are beginning to appreciate the extent to which we are reliant upon EU migrant labour, both on our farms and in food-processing plants.

The government appears to understand that we will need to continue to have access to seasonal labour. However, we will also need an arrangement which allows us to attract non-seasonal labour on a needs basis, whilst we work with the government to build the capacity to fill these jobs from domestic sources into the long run.

NFU Scotland

In the nine months since the EU referendum outcome, NFU Scotland has built a positive case seeking continued free trade with the EU; new, ambitious international trade deals; access to a non-UK labour pool and a well-funded, refreshed agricultural policy that fits our unique needs.

We repeat our view that a Defra-centric one-size-fits-all agricultural approach for the whole of the UK would be wrong.

Scotland should determine the priorities for its own properly funded agricultural policies and link together with the other parts of the UK on joint initiatives where appropriate and mutually beneficial.

Copa-Cogeca (EU farmers body)

We regret the UKs decision to launch Brexit proceedings. With this decision of the UK government, we believe that farmers and agri-businesses on both sides will be hit hard.

Copa and Cogeca have serious concerns about the potential trade and budget impact of Brexit on European farmers and their co-operatives.

We believe that farmers and their families shouldnt have to pay the price of Brexit.

The UK is a net contributor to the EU budget. We expect the UK government to honour its commitments in the current EU budget framework, and also programmes that it subscribed to which go beyond 2020.

Agricultural Industries Confederation

With Article 50 now triggered, the Agricultural Industries Confederation supports the UK governments determination that trade negotiations need to commence alongside the exit debate, to avoid jeopardising Britains vital food and farming industries.

Failure to address future trade arrangements, at an early stage, could undo all the good that has been achieved in recent years in terms of the assurance of food and animal feed safety and quality throughout supply chains in recent years.

Farmers Union of Wales

Time is running out fast, and moving forward in terms of developing a UK framework for agriculture is just one element of that work.

A UK agricultural framework should be put in place which prevents unfair competition between devolved regions and secures adequate long-term funding for agriculture.

But we cannot have an England-centric solution imposed on us by the UK government.

National Pig Association

As prime minister Theresa May triggers Article 50, the NPA is calling for steps to protect pig producers and consumers, including equivalent standards for meat imports and, if necessary, tariffs and quotas where standards fall short.

The association also wants to see strict labelling laws put in place to provide clarity for consumers over differences in production standards.
SHANGHAI, March 30 (Xinhua)-- Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, consultancy PwC and New Zealand Dairy giant Fonterra have teamed up to develop a system that will track the global supply chain of food products, said PwC China.

According to a memorandum of understanding signed earlier, the companies will work together to develop a blockchain solution that will track the supply chain from paddock to plate.

Blockchain, a distributed database that maintains a continuously growing list of ordered records, which cannot be altered retroactively once recorded, is well-suited to reassure customers of the quality of food products, and will create a more transparent environment for the movement of shipments.

Alibaba said the aim of the partnership would be to establish a system to lead food quality and safety standards and improve practice and integrity across the food sector.

For the pilot period, the system will be used to track Chinese imports from Australia and New Zealand, with the aim of rolling it out across all of Alibaba Group's online marketplaces.

Australia Post, Australian health company Blackmores and New Zealand Post are also parties to the memorandum.

China-Australia and China-New Zealand free trade agreements have helped bring food products from Australia and New Zealand, such as lobster, wines, cherries and dairy products, to Chinese dining tables.

"Chinese consumers are increasingly demanding safe, high quality products," said Christina Zhu, Fonterra president for Greater China. "With China's more and more open trade policies, businesses are offered better opportunities to grow and expand into China."
NFU Scotland is calling on the Scottish government to deliver the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme 2016 (LFASS) through a loan scheme as the 180m IT system continues to falter.

NFUS said the stuttering delivery of a further 10% of the outstanding basic support payments and greening element this week to the 11,000 eligible farmers, unannounced, is evidence of ongoing problems with the IT system.

NFUS president Andrew McCornick said the system is proving unfixable despite the governments promises, and the move to three payments  an 80% advance, a 10% top-up and a final balancing payment  is a step backwards.

See also: Scottish hill farmers to lose 20% of LFASS payments

He added that a loan system would guarantee timely delivery of LFASS payments as these are more vital to many Scottish hill farmers than Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) money.

Last year the Scottish government bypassed the IT system to deliver approximately 90%, or 55m, of the 2015 LFASS funding through such a loan scheme.

However a small number of producers have still not been paid part or all of that money.

Mr McCornick said that unless the Scottish government can provide a clear timetable for all outstanding payments, and spell out exactly what remains wrong with the system, it should start again with a new system.

No easy option

Scottish Conservative MSP Peter Chapman, shadow secretary for rural economy, backed both the NFUS calls, saying: I think the government needs to look seriously at whether this IT system, which has come at an enormous expense to the taxpayer, will ever be able to deliver.

The only way forward may be a completely new system, but this programme has been five years in the making and starting from scratch is therefore no easy option.

Scottish farming minister Fergus Ewing acknowledged there are issues relating to LFASS payments and said he is considering how best to address these.

But he dismissed the calls to abandon the system because this would in all likelihood cause further delay and problems.

He confirmed that the government had begun to make BPS payments this week and that lessons learnt from the first year of the new Common Agricultural Policy regime were helping with the 2016 payment process.

Mr Ewing said the final 10% of payments should have been substantially completed by the end of June 2017  meaning the vast majority of farmers and crofters will have received their payments within the payment window.
Story Highlights Trump's 35% and 36% ratings are lowest for new presidents

Three presidents re-elected after sub-40% approval in first term

Both presidents with sub-30% ratings in first term were not re-elected

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As the first president in Gallup's polling history to start his term with a job approval rating below the majority level, Donald Trump has already received the all-time lowest approval ratings of any president in his first year. Trump's recent 36% approval rating, recorded after Republicans in Congress failed to repeal and replace Obamacare, fell just below Bill Clinton's all-time low of 37% in June 1993. In interviewing conducted Sunday through Tuesday, Trump has dipped further to 35%.

Lowest Job Approval Ratings for Presidents in Their First Year Based on U.S. elected presidents since Nixon First-year low Month/Year % Donald Trump^ 35 March 2017 Bill Clinton 37 June 1993 Barack Obama 49 November 2009 Ronald Reagan 49 November 1981 Jimmy Carter 51 October 1977 George H.W. Bush 51 January 1989 George W. Bush 51 September 2001 Richard Nixon 56 October 1969 ^Trump's first-year low is preliminary, as of March 29, 2017 Gallup

Trump arrived at this point after a sharp slide from a 41% approval rating last week, and from 45% recorded earlier this month after his well-received State of the Union address. He previously descended into the 30s with a 38% rating in mid-February and a 37% in mid-March, but bounced back each time.

Three First-Term Recoveries for Trump to Model

All seven elected presidents since Richard Nixon saw their job approval rating descend below 40% at some point during their tenure. Of these, four had ratings below Trump's 35%, including Nixon (24%), Jimmy Carter (28%), George H.W. Bush (29%) and George W. Bush (25%). Ronald Reagan's lowest (35%) matches Trump's, while Clinton (37%) and Barack Obama (38%) had low points slightly above where Trump is now.

Three presidents -- Reagan, Clinton and Obama -- all hit their presidential low points in their first term, yet recovered in time to win re-election. Of the three, only Obama returned to his low point in his second term; however, he enjoyed a second recovery period and finished his presidency with a 59% job approval rating in Gallup's final reading in January.

Two Disastrous First-Term Declines to Avoid Repeating

The paths of two other presidents -- Carter and George H.W. Bush -- should be more troubling to Trump, as neither won a second term once his approval rating fell into the 20s during the first.

Carter hit his lowest point in the third year of his presidency. Following a brief rebound after the Iran hostage crisis in late 1979, his approval retreated into the 30s ahead of the 1980 election. George H.W. Bush reached his lowest point in his fourth year, just months before the 1992 election, although he did see a bounce to 56% approval after the election.

Two Second-Term Fails

Both Nixon and George W. Bush hit their low points -- significantly lower than Trump's current level -- well into their second term after enjoying broad popularity in their first. Bush limped out of the White House with a 34% job rating, while Nixon never finished his second term, choosing to resign rather than face likely impeachment and removal over the Watergate scandal.

Bottom Line

Already a trendsetter by earning the lowest initial job approval rating of any president and falling below 40% approval in record time, Trump's recent 35% and 36% approval ratings are the lowest of any president in his first year.

Three two-term presidents -- Reagan, Clinton and Obama -- dropped below 40% approval in their first term. However, it is unusual for a president to cross that threshold in his first year (Clinton is the only other example), much less in his first month, as Trump did.

One possibility for Trump, following Clinton's path, is that after bottoming out somewhere in the 30s early on, he learns from the school of hard knocks and improves his performance enough to rebuild public support. His challenge will be expanding beyond his 46% high point -- if he does, he could be in a good position for re-election. The alternative is that he sinks into the 20s and follows the path worn by Carter and George H.W. Bush: straight to the first-term exit door.

What ensues will depend not only on Trump's management of his administration and relations with Congress, but also on his relationship with the media and, possibly most importantly, real-world economic and national security conditions that Trump can only partly control.

Historical data are available in Gallup Analytics.

Explore President Trump's approval ratings in depth and compare them with those of past presidents in the Gallup Presidential Job Approval Center.
Story Highlights 67% of lower-income adults worry "a great deal" about hunger, homelessness

Up from 51% in 2010-2011

Middle-income (47%), upper-income (37%) much less worried

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Over the past two years, an average of 67% of lower-income U.S. adults, up from 51% from 2010-2011, have worried "a great deal" about the problem of hunger and homelessness in the country. Concern has also increased among middle- and upper-income Americans, but they still worry far less than do lower-income Americans.

Since 2001, worry has been highest among those residing in lower-income households, likely because those with limited financial resources are more at risk of going hungry or becoming homeless. A consistent majority of lower-income adults worried about the problem before 2012, but that has only increased in the past five years. Concern among middle-income Americans in 2016-2017 falls just short of the majority level at 47%, while 37% of upper-income Americans are worried.

Rising concern among all income groups could be a result of the political and media attention devoted to U.S. income inequality in recent years. Americans may also worry more about hunger and homelessness when other issues are not dominating the national consciousness, such as the economy and budget deficit were in 2010-2011 and terrorism was in the years after 9/11.

Overall, 47% of Americans now worry about hunger and homelessness "a great deal," according to Gallup's March 1-5 survey, tied with 2016 as the high in the trend. Previously, concern had been as low as 35% in 2004 and as high as 45% in 2001, the first year Gallup asked the question.

Hunger Top Concern Among Lower-Income Americans

Concern about hunger and homelessness now ranks as high as, or higher than, concern about most other issues tested in Gallup's annual Environment survey. The only issue with a significantly higher "worried a great deal" percentage in this year's poll is the availability and affordability of healthcare, at 57%.

But among lower-income Americans, hunger and homelessness eclipses healthcare, making it the top-ranking issue of the 13 tested in the March 1-5 survey. Among middle- and upper-income Americans, the availability and affordability of healthcare generates the greatest worry, with hunger further down the list.

Crime and violence, as well as healthcare, also are prominent concerns for lower-income Americans. Crime is a prominent concern for middle-income Americans as well, but much less so for upper-income Americans. It does not rank among upper-income Americans' top concerns.

Lower-income Americans do tend to worry more about all of these problems than do those with higher incomes. On average, across the 13 issues, the percentage of lower-income adults who worry a great deal is seven percentage points higher than among middle-income Americans, and 17 points higher than among upper-income Americans.

But differences in concern about hunger and homelessness far exceed those norms. In fact, the 20-point difference in worry about hunger and homelessness between lower-income and middle-income Americans is higher than for any of the other issues. Similarly, the 30-point difference in worry about hunger and homelessness between lower-income and upper-income Americans ties for the highest, along with concern about crime and violence.

Implications

Americans at all income levels are expressing greater concern about hunger and homelessness, and it is the top worry among lower-income Americans, who are most likely to struggle to pay for adequate food and housing.

It is unclear why Americans are worrying more about hunger and homelessness now, since it is an ever-present problem. But at times the issue may fade from public consciousness when other matters dominate the national agenda. It is possible that greater concern will lead to greater public pressure for action on the issue. However, President Donald Trump's first federal budget has been criticized for deep cuts to federal anti-poverty programs. If Trump's budget passes largely as it has been outlined, then state and local governments, charitable organizations and private citizens would need to increase their efforts to help reduce poverty and its effects -- or hope that the president's economic policies expand opportunities for the most financially vulnerable in society.

Historical data are available in Gallup Analytics.
BEIJING, March 30 (Xinhua) -- The Palace Museum will digitalize its entire collection and make the images available to the public.

The Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, had 1,862,690 antiques and relics in its collection as of the end of 2016.

At present, only 400,000 have been photographed, Shan Jixiang, the museum director, was quoted by the Beijing News on Thursday.

The museum plans to photograph each item from multiple angles and make the pictures available to the public, said Shan, citing a similar program run by the British Museum, which released over one million images to the public.

In February 2015, the Palace Museum launched an app to showcase its collection.

The app features one item from the collection every day, allowing users to learn more about the pieces and discover more about traditional Chinese craftsmanship.

English users can search for "The Palace Museum" in the iPhone App Store and download it for free.
How does one set up a successful online gambling business like Slotozilla ? you are wondering.

The online casino and bookmaker industry has in the past few years growing at a very fast rate. This is evident by a large number of operators making their presence felt in the industry. The result is that there has been a stiff competition among different parties and individual parties trying to set up online gambling business.

If you are interested in making a lasting impression and possibly reap large from this ever expanding business, its important that you take some of the following factors into consideration.

1. Ensure that youve chosen a dependable iGaming software provider

We shall not be ashamed to say that this is the most important factor to consider when setting up an online gambling business. Why? Because how smooth and effective you offer your clients services greatly depends on the company that you choose to work with. Furthermore, since you are entering into a long term business, you wouldnt want to find yourself switching between companies frequently as it will not only prove to your clients that you arent determined, but it will also cost you money.

So what factors should you consider when choosing a software company? You should ensure that the company has a deep understanding on the online casino industry as well as a history or proven track record of powering different online casinos.

Also, you should look for one that offers a flexible, fully customizable software solutions which will enable you to control the entire process of launching the company. This includes designing the website to post launch.

You can also choose software that easily incorporates an easy to manage back end, one that has plenty of betting markets, one that supports multiple payment options and most importantly one that features an advanced gaming management system.

2. What are you planning to offer your customers once the website has been launched?

Once youve chosen and settled on the software that should run your online gambling platform, the next step is determining what services you should offer your customers. The following questions should guide you in this section.

 Which software platform will you use to run your casino?

 Which games should you include in the portfolio? Slots? Poker? Roulette? Blackjack?

 What about the live casino games? Is your target market ready to explore this section?

3. Seek the services of a reputable online casino license provider

One of the things that has proven to be very difficult for most people seeking to start an online gambling platform are the different laws involved in different countries. To ensure that their players are well protected and access safe betting services, different jurisdictions have different laws.

To ensure that you easily beat these laws, look for an online gambling license provided by a top licensing company such as UK Gambling Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority. This way, even you players can easily play and enjoy games feeling secure. Weve recommended the following companies based on the following criteria.

 They have friendly taxes and the initial cost of a license if pocket friendly

 They are widely accepted across different countries in Europe

4. Choose a payment system provider

How will you reap from offering gambling services if you dont choose a reputable payment system provider? How will players trust your website if you cant assure them of safety for all their financial and bank information? Okay, there are players who can stomach these factors, but are you sure they are going to stand the fact that they have to wait for longer periods before they can withdraw their cash? I doubt that!

To avoid finding yourself in a stick situation, why dont you take time, carry out a detailed research on a payment system provider with a good track record and contact them for further assistance. In fact, to ensure that your players conveniently choose a method that best suits them, why not offer them multiple payments methods?

From experience, a good payment platform should have the following features:

 Fraud detection

 Support multiple currencies

 Be able to integrate with most of the e-merchants

5. Website design and plenty of promotions

Lastly, I cant emphasize enough on how important it is to have a website that appeals to your target audience. Its important to choose banners that will draw players to the site at first glance. Furthermore, to ensure that they go to the extent of signing up, use marketing strategies such as the use of bonuses, loyalty programs and promotions to sign them up.

When designing your website, here are some few tips to consider:

 Avoid overloading your website with unnecessary elements or graphics which might otherwise slow down your website and consequently affecting the overall gaming experience.

 Develop a website that is mobile friendly. If possible, come up with a mobile application to enable players enjoy games on the move

 Lastly, ensure that your websites front end guarantees a seamless integration with your database
Readers, we need your help to prove a merry Christmas for victims of domestic violence.
State Senator Sara Gelser held a town hall meeting Wednesday night at the Albany Public Library and discussed a wide range of issues, including Oregons financial woes, PERS reform and an explosive report that detailed how child welfare workers incorrectly determined that children were safe in 47 percent of cases studied.

These were not little things, Gelser said, regarding errors contained in the report. The Corvallis Democrat detailed incidents where children were bitten by rats or a child was left with a mother hallucinating and in possession of a firearm  and were deemed safe.

Gelser, a longtime childrens rights advocate, made the report public during a legislative hearing in Salem on Monday. Its been a really rough week, she told the crowd of more than 50 people on Wednesday.

She said she was the only person who sent the Department of Human Services director the report.

Gelser also said that child welfare workers are demoralized with heavy caseloads, insufficient training and little staff support. The average experience on the job was a mere six months due to heavy turnover. Linn County alone has seven vacancies for child protective safety workers, she added.

The state has $21 billion in unfunded liability in its PERS system, and thats only going to grow, Gelser said. There are no easy solutions, and local government will continue to have problems because of the retirement program, she added.

PERS makes up roughly one-fifth of the states $1.7 billion shortfall this biennium. The budget problem we have is very, very real, and its catastrophic when you realize that were not in a recession.  Our economy is booming, Gelser said.

Even if the state gets more revenue, that budget cuts that the Legislature will vote for wont be easily palatable, she warned.

About a fifth of the shortfall was due to unfunded ballot measures that passed recently, and three-fifths were due to health care costs. The state is insuring more people at the same time that federal contributions are decreasing.

Approximately 95 percent of Oregon residents now have health care coverage. Its expensive, but its something we should be proud of, Gelser said.

Unfortunately, theres still a huge gap in mental health services, which are difficult to access for many areas in the state, she added.

Audience member Kenna Warsinske of Philomath said that Gelser was one of the more sincere politicians shes met and has done good work. I admire how emotional she gets about kids issues, Warsinske said.
LHASA, March 30 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) will build a new observation station in Tibet, to assist research and monitoring of the ecological system in the southeast of the autonomous region.

The station, which will cover 2,600 square meters, is expected to be constructed this October in Deshing village of Metok County, the CAS said Thursday.

"Rich in bio-diversity, Metok plays a special role in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau ecosystem," said Zhu Liping, researcher with CAS's Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Research Institute.

According to Zhu, the Metok station will be mainly used for observing vegetation, glaciers, lakes and atmosphere on the plateau, researching and monitoring its bio-diversity and impacts on climate change.

So far, the CAS has set up permanent observation stations in lake Namtso, the Nyingchi area and Mount Qomolangma, and formed a relatively complete observation network monitoring atmosphere and environment of the plateau.
A Corvallis man has been identified as the pedestrian struck and killed by a semi-trailer on Interstate 5 in Southern Oregon last week.

Rip Van Winkle, 46, ran out onto the highway near Central Point at about 5:30 p.m. on Friday, and the driver of the truck was unable to avoid him.

According to the Medford Mail-Tribune, "Van Winkle had parked and apparently abandoned his car in the Rogue River area, even though he didn't have family or other apparent connections there."

Police believe he walked 20 miles along the interstate before he was struck after just passing the Central Point exit, and it was unclear why he was so far south of Corvallis, the Mail-Tribune reported.

"There's going to be some unanswered questions. Obviously he had some mental issues, things weren't going well," State Police Sgt. Jeff Proulx told the Mail-Tribune.

The Corvallis Gazette-Times profiled Van Winkle in a feature story in 2009, noting that the local fix-it man had insomnia.

Van Winkle also said he was proud of his unusual name, which is on his birth certificate.

"It's cool, because you get a chance to be yourself," he said, adding that there were plenty of Johns and Sams out there. "How many Rip Van Winkles do you meet?"
This log includes incidents in which there might have been a public disturbance or a risk to the public. Information comes from the Corvallis Police Department, the Benton County Sheriffs Office and Oregon State Police. It does not include all calls for service. The status of incidents might change after further investigation. Locations are approximate. People arrested or suspected in crimes are considered innocent until proven otherwise.
For many years now, pollsters have asked Americans where they would rather die, in home or in a hospital.

Once the initial shock of the question wears off ("Who said I was going to die in the first place? How dare you!"), most of us answer that we would prefer to die at home, in familiar settings, surrounded by loved ones. It makes sense.

Then, of course, most Americans go off and die in the hospital, in large part because they haven't made their end-of-life wishes known to people who might have to make those decisions. (Or, in the alternative, because they haven't thought that much about their end-of-life decisions in the first place.)

Oregon is an exception. And that's a good thing.

A recent article in The New England Journal of Medicine noted that nearly two-thirds of Oregonians who died in 2013 did so at home, as opposed to 39.6 percent of Americans. (The article relied on statistics from Medicare and defined "home" as wherever the person was living at the time of death.)

The article, by Dr. Susan W. Tolle, head of the Center for Ethics at Oregon Health & Science University, and Dr. Joan M. Teno of the University of Washington, had other good news for Oregon residents who might die someday:

 The rate of intensive care unit use in the last 30 days of life in Oregon was 18.2 percent, as compared with 23 percent in Washington state and 28.5 percent in the rest of the United States.

 Patients who were hospitalized in the last month of life were more likely to be discharged to their homes in Oregon (73.5 percent) than in Washington (63.5 percent) or in the rest of the United States (54.2 percent).

These numbers likely will not surprise anyone who's followed Oregon's efforts to lead the way in the tricky issue of end-of-life care. In their article, Tolle and Teno argue that one big step forward came in 1995, when Oregon created a POLST program.

POLST is an acronym for Physicans Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment; the program essentially allows patients to document their preferences regarding the use of life-sustaining treatment. Ideally, medical providers have access to a patient's POLST documents and abide by their instructions.

But just having a POLST program in place is not enough, the article notes: After all, Washington state has a similar program, but it trails Oregon in some of the metrics that Tolle and Teno were tracking.

The difference between the two states? At the risk of oversimplifying, a lot of it comes down to execution and follow-through.

In the decades since Oregon adopted the POLST program, the state has developed educational materials about it, organized conferences to spread the word, researched the issue and (perhaps most importantly) maintained a statewide registry of POLST participants. That electronic registry allows medical providers throughout the state to access it to check on a patient's wishes at the end of life; that's important because those patients may not always be able to speak for themselves.

Washington had a registry in place, but abandoned it because it wasn't widely used.

Oregon's POLST system isn't perfect: For example, Tolle and Teno note that one-click access to the POLST form from a patient's electronic medical records is not yet available in most hospitals. We need to keep measuring our progress and improving our systems.

Perhaps the best part of filling out the POLST forms is that it provides a starting point for conversations that are easy to put off. No one likes talking about death. But talking about it now might help ensure that we can die on our own terms. (mm)
URUMQI, March 30 (Xinhua) -- China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region will build more kindergartens and hire more bilingual teachers to improve its three-year bilingual pre-school education

A total of 4,387 bilingual kindergartens will be built or expanded in 2017 across the region. And 10,000 bilingual teachers will be hired this year, 6,500 more compared with previous years, the regional education department announced Thursday.

The region will also provide more training courses for bilingual teachers and encourage more college graduates to work as bilingual teachers.

From 2011 to 2015, Xinjiang built 2,500 new bilingual kindergartens in rural areas, bringing the region's pre-school education penetration rate to 77 percent, or 480,000 pre-schoolers, according to official figures.

With central government funds, Xinjiang plans to offer three years of bilingual pre-school education, instead of the current two, in the region's rural areas during the 2016-2020 period.
(Xinhua) 18:00, March 30, 2017

JAKARTA, March 30 -- Indonesian Tourism Minister Arief Yahya has declared resort island of Bali as the nation's pilot project to ensure a comfortable holiday trip for Chinese visitors, particularly on security and safety.

As for the safety aspect, the minister said new improved security standards would be applied in Bali, involving Indonesian and Chinese related authorities.

"We would set up a team constituting our ministry, Bali tourism office, Chinese embassy and Chinese consulate general office plus National Search and Rescue Agency of Basarnas to monitor Bali destinations favored by Chinese tourists," the minister said when meeting with Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng on Wednesday.

Indonesia would intensify the operation of Tourism Police in Bali to provide rapid responses should unexpected events occur against Chinese visitors, he added.

"Besides those aspects, the Bali Tourism Board would open Mandarin-speaking facility to convey information related to tourism. The board would also provide Mandarin-speaking hotline for Chinese visitors. The ambassador would assist these tasks," the minister said.

On information aspect, the Bali regional government would speed up the provision of Chinese signs in public spaces in Bali, along with English, French and Arabic languages.

The pilot project in Bali for Chinese visitors was aimed to address concerns conveyed by the ambassador over several mishaps and problems encountered by the Chinese tourists in Bali.

Chinese topped foreign tourists visiting Bali in January this year. The Bali government witnessed Chinese visitors grow more than 92 percent in January from a month earlier, thanks to expanding direct flights from China.

The resort island is Indonesia's award-winning destination, visited by millions of tourists from across the world each year. The island was recently tipped as world's best destination this year by influential travel reviewer website TripAdvisor.

Bali was also selected as the Asian Best Island for 12 consecutive years by DestinAsian website.

During his meeting with the minister, Ambassador Xie said Indonesia and China have huge potentialities that can be tapped on in tourism with China a major market for Indonesia.

The ambassador said Indonesia has more opportunities in the region to grab China's outbound tourists which are estimated to reach 140 million this year.

"So that's why I propose to further improve our cooperation," he added.

Ambassador Xie also extended invitations for President Joko Widodo and Tourism Minister Arief to attend a Belt and Road Forum for international cooperation slated for May 15-16 in Beijing.

The Indonesian government is striving to develop tourism as the nation's core industry, replacing oil and gas, coal and palm oil sectors.

The Southeast Asia's largest economy expects to welcome 20 million foreign visitors and earn more than 24 billion U.S. dollars from tourism by 2019.
An opportunity for foodies and beer lovers to get lost in a world of food and drink from a hand-selected range of food trucks and breweries from around New Zealand.
(Xinhua) 18:07, March 30, 2017

JINAN, March 30 -- Zheng Yuzhuo, a former senior legislator in northeast China's Liaoning Province, stood trial Thursday on charges of accepting bribes and election fraud.

Zheng was formerly deputy head of the Liaoning Provincial People's Congress Standing Committee.

The people's procuratorate of Zibo City in east China's Shandong Province alleged that Zheng bribed deputies to the provincial people's congress and relevant officials with Apple iPhone 4S handsets in order to gain votes for the position from October 2012 to January 2013.

Zheng took advantage of his position as director of the provincial finance department to ask his subordinates to buy votes during the period, prosecutors alleged, adding that some of his subordinates offered bribes, including U.S. currency, mobile phones and Apple tablets.

The prosecutors said a total of 76 deputies to the provincial people's congress were involved in accepting bribes.

Zheng was also indicted for taking advantage of his position as director of the finance department to offer assistance in financial subsidiaries and fund appropriation to the finance bureau of Tieling City between 2011 and 2012.

Prosecutors alleged that Zheng instructed his subordinates to ask for 30 Apple iPhone 4S phones, worth about 156,000 yuan (about 22,700 U.S. dollars), in December 2012.

Zheng made a final statement to the court in which he pled guilty and expressed remorse.

The court has adjourned to decide the verdict.
Article

Protecting the worlds oceans  an important goal of Germanys climate diplomacy

The worlds oceans are vital to our survival. They regulate the global climate and are a source of food and income for billions of people. Only a very small part of the seas enjoys legal protection, however. Our diplomats are working in New York right now to change this state of affairs.
clarajancita at 30-03-2017 12:04 PM (5 years ago) (f)

The president of Lebanon has had a really embarrassing thing happen to him as he took a tumble in front of other world leaders. The president of Lebanon, Michel Aoun, suffered an embarrassment after he tripped and fell face down onto the red carpet in front of fellow Arab leaders. Michel Aoun tumbled forward at the start of a summit at the Dead Sea in Jordan. TV footage shows the 82-year-old appear to trip on a low, red-carpeted podium where flags of Arab states had been arranged. Two men in suits rushed to help him to his feet as Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi stood nearby.

The president of Lebanon has had a really embarrassing thing happen to him as he took a tumble in front of other world leaders. The president of Lebanon, Michel Aoun, suffered an embarrassment after he tripped and fell face down onto the red carpet in front of fellow Arab leaders. Michel Aoun tumbled forward at the start of a summit at the Dead Sea in Jordan. TV footage shows the 82-year-old appear to trip on a low, red-carpeted podium where flags of Arab states had been arranged. Two men in suits rushed to help him to his feet as Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi stood nearby.

Aoun became head of state last year in a political deal that saw Saad al-Hariri appointed prime minister, ending a two-and-a-half year vacuum in the presidency. The summit brings together 22 leaders from the Arab world. They will discuss the war in Syria, the threat of terrorism, and the release of former Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak from prison. Aoun was not seriously hurt in the fall, and later addressed the summit about Lebanon's security situation.



Watch the video below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTftU5baPYo&feature=youtu.be Aoun became head of state last year in a political deal that saw Saad al-Hariri appointed prime minister, ending a two-and-a-half year vacuum in the presidency. The summit brings together 22 leaders from the Arab world. They will discuss the war in Syria, the threat of terrorism, and the release of former Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak from prison. Aoun was not seriously hurt in the fall, and later addressed the summit about Lebanon's security situation.Watch the video below:

Post Reply I am a metro reporter on Gistmania, I have been publishing news materials for over 5 years Posted: at 30-03-2017 12:04 PM (5 years ago) | Hero
Xiaomi's Chairman meets PM to discuss job opportunities News oi -Priyanka The company has achieved annual revenue of over $1 billion for the calendar year of 2016

To create 20,000 jobs in the country, Chinese smartphone maker, Xiaomi's founder, chairman and CEO Lei Jun has recently met the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Chairman has shared Xiaomi's journey so far in India, and how smartphones are changing the lives of Indian consumers.

He discussed the company's manufacturing and growth plans and presented Modi a Made-In-India Redmi 4A with all its components displayed in a glass box.

He also met the Minister of Finance, Defence and Corporate Affairs Arun Jaitley and Minister of Law & Justice and Electronics and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad.

BSNL and Nokia to develop 5G ecosystem in India

Lei also spoke about China's "Internet Plus" policy which Chinese Premier Li Keqiang started in 2015.

"Internet Plus action plan is a new form of economic plan where internet is integrated with traditional industries encouraging to the spirit of excellence in these industries and drive economic growth," he said.

Xiaomi officially entered the Indian market over two years ago and has already invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the country.

The company has opened its first plant in August 2015 and by March 2016, over 75 percent of its phones were being manufactured in India and last week Xiaomi announced its second manufacturing unit in partnership with Taiwanese electronics major Foxconn in Andhra Pradesh where 90 percent of the employees are women.

"India is now the most important market outside of China for Xiaomi, and is a harbinger of the company's global expansion plans," the company said in a statement.

The company has achieved annual revenue of over $1 billion for the calendar year of 2016.

According to analyst firm IDC, Xiaomi India has become the number one selling smartphone brand online and the second-largest smartphone brand in India in Q4 2016.

Best Mobiles in India

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Overall, dont let the bhoot mislead you, nothing bhootiya about this story. Had the makers tried to push the envelope, the idea could have been outstanding for a bhootiya comedy.
State Department Employee Arrested and Charged With Concealing Extensive Contacts With Foreign Agents

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

A federal complaint was unsealed today charging Candace Marie Claiborne, 60, of Washington, D.C., and an employee of the U.S. Department of State, with obstructing an official proceeding and making false statements to the FBI, both felony offenses, for allegedly concealing numerous contacts that she had over a period of years with foreign intelligence agents.

The charges were announced by Acting Assistant Attorney General Mary B. McCord for National Security, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips of the District of Columbia and Assistant Director in Charge Andrew W. Vale of the FBI's Washington Field Office.

"Candace Marie Claiborne is a U.S. State Department employee who possesses a Top Secret security clearance and allegedly failed to report her contacts with Chinese foreign intelligence agents who provided her with thousands of dollars of gifts and benefits," said Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord. "Claiborne used her position and her access to sensitive diplomatic data for personal profit. Pursuing those who imperil our national security for personal gain will remain a key priority of the National Security Division."

"Candace Claiborne is charged with obstructing an official proceeding and making false statements in connection with her alleged concealment and failure to report her improper connections to foreign contacts along with the tens of thousands of dollars in gifts and benefits they provided," said U.S. Attorney Phillips. "As a State Department employee with a Top Secret clearance, she received training and briefing about the need for caution and transparency. This case demonstrates that U.S. government employees will be held accountable for failing to honor the trust placed in them when they take on such sensitive assignments"

"Candace Claiborne is accused of violating her oath of office as a State Department employee, who was entrusted with Top Secret information when she purposefully mislead federal investigators about her significant and repeated interactions with foreign contacts," said Assistant Director in Charge Vale. "The FBI will continue to investigate individuals who, though required by law, fail to report foreign contacts, which is a key indicator of potential insider threats posed by those in positions of public trust."

The FBI arrested Claiborne on March 28. She made her first appearance this afternoon in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

According to the affidavit in support of the complaint and arrest warrant, which was unsealed today, Claiborne began working as an Office Management Specialist for the Department of State in 1999. She has served overseas at a number of posts, including embassies and consulates in Baghdad, Iraq, Khartoum, Sudan, and Beijing and Shanghai, China. As a condition of her employment, Claiborne maintains a Top Secret security clearance. Claiborne also is required to report any contacts with persons suspected of affiliation with a foreign intelligence agency.

Despite such a requirement, the affidavit alleges, Claiborne failed to report repeated contacts with two intelligence agents of the People's Republic of China (PRC), even though these agents provided tens of thousands of dollars in gifts and benefits to Claiborne and her family over five years. According to the affidavit, the gifts and benefits included cash wired to Claiborne's USAA account, an Apple iPhone and laptop computer, Chinese New Year's gifts, meals, international travel and vacations, tuition at a Chinese fashion school, a fully furnished apartment, and a monthly stipend. Some of these gifts and benefits were provided directly to Claiborne, the affidavit alleges, while others were provided through a co-conspirator.

According to the affidavit, Claiborne noted in her journal that she could "Generate 20k in 1 year" working with one of the PRC agents, who, shortly after wiring $2,480 to Claiborne, tasked her with providing internal U.S. Government analyses on a U.S.-Sino Strategic Economic Dialogue that had just concluded.

Claiborne, who allegedly confided to a co-conspirator that the PRC agents were "spies," willfully misled State Department background investigators and FBI investigators about her contacts with those agents, the affidavit states. After the State Department and FBI investigators contacted her, Claiborne also instructed her co-conspirators to delete evidence connecting her to the PRC agents, the affidavit alleges.

Charges contained in a criminal complaint are merely allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The maximum penalty for a person convicted of obstructing an official proceeding is 20 years in prison. The maximum penalty for making false statements to the FBI is five years in prison. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. If convicted of any offense, the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

At her court appearance today, Claiborne pleaded not guilty before the Honorable Magistrate Judge Robin M. Meriweather. A preliminary hearing was set for April 18.

The FBI's Washington Field Office is leading the investigation into this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John L. Hill and Thomas A. Gillice for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Julie Edelstein of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.



17-333

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - District of Columbia

Topic:

Counterintelligence and Export Control

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 30

By Anakhanum Hidayatova  Trend:

There is no information about the Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers Moscow meeting yet, said Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova at a briefing Mar. 30.

We dont have information that such a meeting is planned to be held soon, Zakharova said.

The OSCE Minsk Groups co-chairmen visited Azerbaijan March 10-11 and held some meetings with the countrys leadership.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Anahanum
Senate Panel to Follow Russia Probe 'Wherever Intelligence Leads It'

By Michael Bowman March 29, 2017

On the eve of closely watched public hearings, the Republican chairman and top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee pledged an exhaustive and impartial probe of Russian meddling in last year's election and any possible collusion by President Donald Trump's inner circle.

"This investigation's scope will go wherever the intelligence leads it," Chairman Richard Burr, a North Carolina Republican, said at a news conference Wednesday.

"We will get to the bottom of this," concurred Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, the committee's ranking Democrat.

20 interviews

Burr said that an "unprecedented amount of documents" had been received and that the committee was in "constant negotiation" with the intelligence community to gain additional material. He added that there would be at least 20 interviews to conduct, including with Trump adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner, who volunteered to speak with the panel.

"The committee will conduct an interview with Mr. Kushner when the committee decides that it's time for us to set a date," the chairman said.

Neither Burr nor Warner revealed any conclusions reached so far, except those related to Russia's aims.

"Vladimir Putin's goal is a weaker United States," Warner said. "Weaker economically, weaker globally. And that should be a concern to all Americans, regardless of party affiliation."

Until now, the House Intelligence Committee had taken the lead in the Russia probe. But that committee canceled open hearings this week amid a firestorm surrounding its chairman, Republican Representative Devin Nunes, who briefed Trump on classified material he had not yet shared with the committee.

With the House panel's work halted, its Senate counterpart is now in the spotlight. Burr said he voted for Trump last November but denied that party loyalty would color his work.

Even so, a growing number of Democrats say the full truth may never come to light in Republican-controlled legislative committees.

"I believe we also should be open to an independent, nonpartisan commission designed solely to investigate what happened," said Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, who also serves on the Intelligence Committee. "We cannot allow political pressure or unsubstantiated distractions to get in the way of simply following the facts."

Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona echoed the call.

"I think it's reached a new level where it requires a select committee," McCain said on Fox News' America's Newsroom program. "There's too many unanswered questions out there."

The White House has complained of a smear campaign against the president's team, but it acknowledged the need for investigations to proceed.

"We want this over as much as, I think, some of you. But we recognize that there's a process that has to take place," said White House spokesman Sean Spicer.

That process could resound in places far beyond Washington. Burr said Russia was "actively involved" in upcoming elections in France.

VOA's Katherine Gypson contributed to this report.

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State Department Official Charged with Lying About Gifts from Chinese Agents

By Ken Schwartz March 29, 2017

A long-time U.S. State Department employee has been arrested on charges of lying to investigators about numerous contacts and gifts she got from Chinese intelligence agents.

The Justice Department says Candace Marie Claiborne pleaded not guilty before a federal judge.

Claiborne has been a State Department Office Management Specialist since 1999. She had a top-secret security clearance and was posted to embassies and consulates in Baghdad, Khartoum, Shanghai and Beijing.

Prosecutors allege Chinese officials showered Claiborne with tens of thousands of dollars in gifts when she was there, including cash, computers, meals, travel and an apartment.

Prosecutors say in exchange for cash, a Chinese intelligence agent asked Claiborne to provide internal U.S. government analysis of a U.S.-Chinese economic conference.

Clairborne is charged with failing to tell the FBI about her contacts with the Chinese agents  a requirement of her top-secret security clearance  and obstructing what the Justice Department calls an "official proceeding."

Justice officials say Claiborne "used her position and her access to sensitive diplomatic data for personal profit," and say U.S. employees will be held accountable if they fail to honor the trust placed in them.

Claiborne faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.

Acting State Department spokesman Mark Toner said, "When a public servant is suspected of potential misconduct or federal crimes that violate the public trust, we vigorously investigate such claims. The Department of State is firmly committed to investigating and working with the Department of Justice and our other law enforcement partners to investigate any allegations of criminal activity and bring those who commit crimes to justice."

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Joint mission enables patients to receive critical care

By Senior Airman Brittany A. Chase, 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs / Published March 29, 2017

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) -- Airmen and Soldiers, along with U.S. and Japanese civilian personnel from six different locations around the world, teamed up to provide the largest aeromedical evacuation ever at Misawa Air Base, for two critical patients March 22, 2017.

The Air Force AE system is part of the nation's mobility resources and provides time sensitive, mission critical en route care to patients during transit to medical treatment facilities. Care is provided by Air Force medics specially trained to operate within the global AE system.

Two C-17 Globemaster III's, one from March Air Force Base and one from Travis AFB, both in California, were requested to transport patients to two separate locations, Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu and Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

"The care in the air is provided by AE crews who are comprised of flight nurses, aeromedical technicians, and medical attendants trained to perform routine care and to stabilize patients in flight," said Maj. Inna Mikhailova, the 35th Medical Group group practice manager. "Regular AE crews may also be augmented with a critical care air transport team if the patients require more intensive care."

The team is the highest echelon of care, comprised of a critical care physician, a critical care nurse and a cardiopulmonary technician.

"We worked together with the Theater Patient Movement Requirements Center-West to conduct a telephone consult with our attending physician, chief medical officer, flight surgeon and AE office personnel," said Staff Sgt. Brek Halgren, the 35th Medical Support Squadron aeromedical evacuation NCO in charge. "After conferring over the details and criticality of the case, it was determined this patient would require a few specialized teams."

Due to one of the patient's life threatening conditions, a critical care air transport team was required, calling upon multiple forces joining together to provide care.

"Normal missions fly with three to five medical personnel," said Halgren. "We brought in a CCAT team from Kadena Air Base, Japan, an Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation team from Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and a few other specialists to assist the patient in critical condition."

Halgren said due to the life threatening condition of one of the patients, off-site medical attention was needed at a host-nation hospital an hour away.

"This required careful coordination with the host-nation hospital staff. Our local medical group liaison, Mrs. Naoko Takahashi, was instrumental in working with the facility to set up this transfer," he continued.

When an emergency occurs, everyone drops what they are doing and pitches in to make sure the highest quality of care is provided. When the case is too severe for the 35th MDG, Japanese counterparts in the surrounding area leap into action assisting in patient care.

"It was remarkable to see that much medical capability converge on our base for this service member," Halgren said. "Three doctors from Hachinohe City Hospital accompanied the transfer and were able to witness this incredible capability. It was a great opportunity to forge ties and form relationships with the hospital and medical staff that care for many of our critical Misawa (AB) beneficiaries."

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Polish, US AF conduct tactical airlift training

By Staff Sgt. Alonzo Chapman, 166th Airlift Wing / Published March 29, 2017

POWIDZ AIR BASE, Poland (AFNS) -- The 166th Airlift Wing, Delaware Air National Guard, participated in bilateral training with the Polish Air Force during Aviation Detachment 17-2 in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, at Powidz Air Base, Poland from March 1-27, 2017.

Approximately 80 airmen and two C-130 Hercules aircraft deployed in support of the training, which included formation flights, fighter engagements, and performing aeromedical evacuation procedures; all with an emphasis on the U.S. and Poland working together to maintain joint readiness while building interoperability.

Lt. Col. Andrew Sides, the deployed forces commander, lauded the quality of training occurring at every level throughout AvDet 17-2.

"Whether it was cultural or technical, everyone learned something new," Sides said.

Additionally, in order to maximize the number of 166th AW Airmen able to participate in AvDet 17-2, a swap-out occurred halfway during the deployment. "Transporting people in and out of theater is part of what we do, so actually getting a chance to do that provided a good training opportunity," Sides said.

Overall, cultural differences and personnel changes did nothing to detract from the mission at hand.

"The way everyone worked together got easier as time went on," said 1st Lt. Tom Malone, the AvDet 17-2 project officer. "By the final week everyone was working really well together."

The training concluded with two U.S. Air Force and two Polish Air Force teams competing in events designed to showcase the C-130 Hercules' wide range of capabilities. After flying together one last time in a four-ship formation, each aircrew was judged on two events: an airdrop and tactical landing.

While the Polish Air Force took top honors in both categories, "It was exciting to have an opportunity to execute our mission and engage in some friendly competition," Sides said.

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Frank Cable Departs the Marshall Islands after Successful Port Visit

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS170329-30

Release Date: 3/29/2017 2:24:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Josh Cote, USS Frank Cable (AS 40), Public Affairs

MAJURO, Republic of the Marshall Islands (NNS) -- The submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) departed the Republic of the Marshall Islands after completing a successful five-day port visit in Majuro, March 17.

While in port, the Sailors and Military Sealift Command civilian mariners hosted distinguished visitors on the ship, participated in community relations (COMREL) projects with the Marshallese people and experienced what the Marshall Islands has to offer.

"What a unique and wonderful opportunity for the Frank Cable to visit the Marshall Islands, and specifically the atoll of Majuro," said Capt. Drew St. John, Frank Cable commanding officer. "It has been a good number of years since a U.S. Navy ship last pulled into Majuro and the interactions between the Sailors and the local community were great."

Frank Cable Sailors highlighted the partnership with the Marshallese through two COMRELs in Majuro. Sailors volunteered their time at Waan Aelon in Majel, a program designed to help Marshallese men and women who struggle to find employment, and at the Majuro Baptist Christian Academy during physical education class. Afterward, the Sailors spoke with students about the Navy and different career opportunities.

"It allows our Sailors to immerse themselves in the Marshallese culture and allow them to interact with and share Navy career opportunities with the trainees at WAM," said Lt. Nathanael Gentilhomme, Frank Cable chaplain. "It's always eye-opening when Sailors learn about different traditions, goals and values of other people's groups."

From the COMRELS to the ship tours, St. John said the local community was very welcoming and excited to see Sailors walking around town.

St. John said, "I continue to be proud of how this crew fills the role of ambassadors for the U.S. Navy and United States and I look forward for the opportunity to return to this Island nation."

Frank Cable, en route to Portland, Ore. for her dry-dock phase maintenance availability, conducts maintenance and supports submarines and surface vessels deployed to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

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Counterterror Efforts High on Agenda in Tillerson's Meetings with Turkey, NATO

By Nike Ching March 29, 2017

The United States is examining its next steps in the campaign to defeat Islamic State militants and stabilize the refugee crisis with regional allies, as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson embarks on trips to Turkey and NATO headquarters this week. The top U.S. diplomat will press NATO allies to demonstrate a clear path to increase defense spending, in his first meeting with counterparts from this security bloc.

U.S.-led forces are increasing their campaign to retake the Syrian city of Raqqa from Islamic State militants. Stabilizing areas where militants have fled and allowing refugees to return home is high on the agenda for the U.S. and its anti-Islamic State coalition partners.

In Turkey, Tillerson will try to build on progress from last week's meeting of coalition partners in Washington.

"While a more defined course of action in Syria is still coming together, I can say the United States will increase our pressure on ISIS and al-Qaida, and will work to establish interim zones of stability through cease-fires to allow refugees to go home," he said, using a common acronym for Islamic State, which is also known as ISIL and Daesh.

But it could be a tall order, according to Middle East expert Daniel Serwer.

"The Turks would like to have safe zones; they have been proposing them for years," he said. "But they are, in fact, extraordinarily difficult to create, and to defend, and to maintain."

NATO

Days before Tillerson's first meeting with NATO foreign ministers, Tillerson met with his counterparts from the Baltic states. They expressed confidence in Washington's support for NATO.

"We're passing what we consider very important messages of the need to develop transatlantic security and economic links, so it was, overall, a very good introductory meeting," Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics told VOA's Ukrainian Service.

After Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimea, NATO agreed to send troops to Lithuania and to Estonia, Latvia and Poland, in a move to deter potential Russian aggression.

"I wouldn't say the military presence is insignificant," Estonian Foreign Minister Sven Misker told VOA's Russian Service. "These are very well-trained, well-equipped forces. But when you look at the numbers, the presence is slightly modest compared to what Russia has in place on the other side of the border. So it shouldn't be viewed as escalatory in any way ... but I think it's sufficient to make Russia change its calculus. It makes clear to Russia that they should not launch a provocation and think that they can do it with impunity."

Tillerson is going to the NATO talks before he goes to Moscow, a move that ends the controversy over his earlier decision to skip the event.

"[NATO allies] want the commitment by Tillerson to maintain sanctions [on Russia for its actions] on Ukraine; they want a commitment from Tillerson that his president isn't going to sell out the alliance to the Russians," Serwer said.

Tillerson will make it clear that it is no longer sustainable for the United States to maintain a disproportionate share of NATO's defense spending. He also will consult with allies about their shared commitment to improve security in Ukraine and the need for NATO to push Russia to end aggression against its neighbors.

NATO member states have until 2024 to meet a shared pledge to contribute 2 percent of their gross domestic product on defense.

Estonia is the only Baltic nation to spend 2 percent of the GDP for defense purposes. Lithuania and Latvia have pledged to reach that level by 2018.

This report was produced in collaboration with VOA's Russian and Ukrainian services.

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French Guiana / Guyane Francaise - Politics

French Guiana, home to about 250,000 people, relies on large injections of public funds and residents say it is often overlooked by the French government. Its per capita income [some say 15,000, CIA said $8,297 in 2003] is less than half the average of mainland France.

The French government signed an agreement with protesters and local MPs in Guiana 21 April 2017 ending a vast protest movement that had paralysed the country for over a month. The agreement was signed in Cayenne between the government and representatives from Pou La gwiyann dekole (Collective to Get Guiana Moving), the group that led a general strike on March 25 which caused unrest across the territory.

It authorises an emergency relief plan of up to 2.1 billion euros, which includes funds for security, education, healthcare and business aid. France had already approved 1.1 billion in aid for French Guiana at the beginning of April. The additional funds were offered to meet demands made by the collective and local representatives, who rejected the governments initial offer.

France will prioritise the implementation of the spending plan. Locals had called for a "Marshall Plan" of French aid, along the lines of the huge US economic support given to help western Europe to recover after World War II, in a bid to revive the economy of the remote South American territory. France had initially balked at the demands for investment, with Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve calling them unrealistic.

Nearly 10,000 people poured into the streets of the capital Tuesday 28 March 2017 in what local authorities called the largest march in the French territorys history. The United States has a population just shy of a third of a billion people, so an equivalent size march in Washington would have numbered over 13,000,000, about five times the largest march in American history.

During during a whirlwind tour of France's overseas territories, on 26 March 2017 leading Presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron said French Guiana was an island. "My first response is a call for calm, because blocking the airport runways and takeoffs - and sometimes even blocking off the function of the island itself is not the response to the situation."

Protesters withdrew from the Kourou space launch space center on 05 April 2017 after the French government approved a one-billion-euro emergency package to quell a wave of strikes. The sum offered by France was below the 2.5 billion euros ($2.7 billion) that unions demanded to address what they say is decades of under-investment in the French territory in South America.

Around 30 protest leaders in French Guiana attempted to occupy the rocket-launching space center on 04 april 2017, escalating demonstrations that had crippled the French South American territory for 10 days. Workers had launched protests and strikes demanding pay rises and improved public safety, creating a fresh crisis in the last few weeks of outgoing President Francois Hollande's term in office On 20 March 2017 angry residents blocked the planned launch of a rocket that was to place into orbit satellites for Brazilian and South Korean operators, in one of the first signs of public anger there.

Protest leaders rejected a government offer of a billion-euro aid package on 03 April 2017 and demanded 2.5 billion euros instead for a "Marshall Plan" to develop the often-overlooked overseas territory. After visiting the world-renowned French space centre in Kourou to meet its director, about 30 activists said they would not leave until the government met their demands.

A protest group that led two weeks of general strikes in French Guiana dismissed France's offer of 1 billion to tackle persistent social problems as unsatisfactory and is instead demanding a "new status" for the overseas territory. Interior Minister Matthias Fekl and Frances minister of overseas departments, Ericka Bareigts, announced a renewed commitment to the overseas territory to the tune of more than 1 billion on 01 April 2017, mainly slated for projects to improve security, the justice system, and education and health programs. But the protesters collective (Pou La Gwiyann dekole) dismissed the offer as insufficient to tackle the persistant social problems Guiana is facing. Instead, activists demanded a "new status" for the territory, which they say has "too centralised and too vertical a relationship with Paris that has prevented it from "moving forward".

While living conditions were inferior to those on mainland France, they proved highly attractive for wave after wave of immigrant workers from Brazil and Haiti, many of whom settled for good. Although the immigration boom slowed down over the past decade, this relatively poor outpost of Europe remained a magnet for many of its poorer South American neighbours. Foreign nationals account for 35 percent of its population, as opposed to 6.4 percent in mainland France.

The local job market and infrastructure have not been able to handle the influx, leaving essential services, such as hospitals and schools, severely overstretched. The ensuing social ills, coupled with the difficulties inherent to policing such a wide territory, have led to a surge in crime. With 42 homicides in 2016, Guiana has by far the highest murder rate of any French departement. The unemployment rate in Guiana is 23 percent, and nearly twice this for 18-25-year-olds, while per capita income is about half of the rate in mainland France.

Migration is not the only factor behind Guianas population boom. With 26 births per 1,000 inhabitants, the overseas territory has a birth rate more than twice as high as Frances national average  which is already the highest in Europe. The demographic surge could be contained if the population had greater access to family planning and education, but such facilities are often inaccessible to residents of shantytowns and isolated forest villages.

A protest movement began at the end of February 2017 with demonstrations against the high crime rate, with the issue notably driven by the Collective of 500 Brothers group. Other activist organisations have joined in since then, widening the scope of grievances and earning the support of several local officials.

The unrest finally caught the attention of the French media in mid-March 2017 when Air France cancelled flights between Paris and Cayenne  French Guianas capital city  and the Arianespace corporation was forced to stop a rocket launch from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou. The Ariane 5 rocket that was supposed to carry a South Korean and a Brazilian satellite into space was postponed indefinitely.

Parts of French Guiana, including schools and shops, were shut down on 27 March 2017 amid a general strike over high crime rates, the cost of living and lack of public services. The French government appealed for calm in its South American territory, which had been gripped by protests that have halted flights, disrupted a rocket launch and prompted travel warnings since late February 2017. "The first priority is the fight against insecurity," French President Francois Hollande said. More than 30 labor unions launched the strike, demanding a "Marshall Plan" to improve public services and security.

Some candidates for the 2017 presidential election or their spokesmen spoke about the crisis in Guyana. The invective, the exaggeration and the approximation they have shown help to stir up the disorders that disrupt the lives of Guyanese citizens. Similar unrest gripped French Guiana in 2008 over soaring fuel prices. Schools and the airport were shut down. The strike ended after 11 days, when the government agreed to cut fuel prices.

With less than four weeks until the first round of the French presidential election, the unrest in Guiana was highlighted by several top candidates. Marine Le Pen, the far-right leader, condemned what she called a "cruel minimum service" delivered by French governments to the territory. She also blamed "mass immigration" for insecurity, according to local media. Independent centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron, who has just completed a tour of France's overseas territories, called for calm, saying the situation was "serious". He was later mocked for calling the overseas territory an island, which it is not. Conservative candidate Francois Fillon blamed the situation on "the failed policies of Francois Hollande".

On 26 March 2017 Minister of the Interior Matthias Fekl and Minister of Overseas Affairs Ericka Bareigts strongly denounced this political instrumentalization aimed at masking the substantive debates which France, overseas in general, and Guyana in particular, desperately need. "These same candidates, who seem to be discovering overseas territories only during election campaigns, have dangerous proposals that should be recalled, such as the modification of the remuneration of officials or the tax exemption for investment aid.

"As regards security, new and very significant efforts have been made to combat a higher level of delinquency and violence than in France. While the previous majority had suppressed several thousand positions among the security forces, 563 policemen and 310 gendarmes were deployed or projected in overseas territories in 2016 and 2017. In Guyana, a priority security zone (ZSP) Officially launched in Saint-Laurent du Maroni at the beginning of March and a Central Office for the Suppression of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs (OCRTIS) in the second half of 2016."

Ive seen and understood that our fellow citizens in Guiana are fed up. They, like us, are fed up with mass immigration and the insecurity it generates, Le Pen said 26 March 2017, sticking to her core campaign issues of security and immigration. Guiana has become the most crime-ridden area in France, public services are overwhelmed and people are shut out of medical services.

Speaking to his own supporters in the western city of Rennes, the left-wing firebrand Melenchon also broached the Guiana crisis, expressing huge solidarity with the workers who had decided to go on strike. Guiana, festering with a lack of security that affects all sectors of society, by longstanding underdevelopment, has become a land of violence with an unemployment rate of approximately 40 percent among young people, the highest in France, he declared. Their hospitals look more like morgues than places for healing.

Antoine Karma, Guiana's representative to the French senate in Paris, said those in the territory are without basic social services and goods. "Today, 30 percent of the population still does not have access to drinking water or electricity," Karma told French media on 27 March 2017. "We are not treated the same way as the French on the French mainland," the socialist party politician said.







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US: Islamic State Sends Civilians into Buildings Rigged to Explode

By Carla Babb March 29, 2017

Islamic State fighters have begun forcing civilians in Mosul into buildings rigged to explode, according to top U.S. commanders, and the new tactic could explain why scores of people died in the Iraqi city recently.

Senior American officials said Wednesday they first noticed IS herding civilians into apparently booby-trapped buildings when fighting recently began for control of western Mosul  an area of the large northern Iraqi city where Islamic State still holds territory.

A senior official told Pentagon reporters battlefield video from western Mosul shows civilians fleeing from a building where an American airstrike hit a sniper on the roof but did not damage the structure.

Army Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend, the top American commander on the ground in Iraq and Syria, also told reporters that Iraqi counterterrorism forces have found and disarmed explosives set to blow up two buildings during the past week. The Iraqi squads saved the lives of 25 hostages in one instance, Townsend said, and 45 civilians in the other.

Information about the new Islamic State tactics came as the top general for U.S. military operations in the Middle East said a formal investigation has been launched into the circumstances that caused estimates of about 100 civilian deaths in Mosul on a single day earlier this month.

IS exploitation

General Joseph Votel, the Army officer who heads the U.S. Central Command, described to lawmakers on Capitol Hill on Wednesday how the fight against Islamic State has changed in the dense urban terrain in western Mosul.

Islamic State fighters "understand our sensitivities to civilian casualties, and they are exploiting that," Votel told members of Congress at a meeting of the House Armed Services Committee.

The investigation of the Mosul incident on March 17, led by Air Force Brigadier General Matthew Isler, will look at all factors in the massive loss of life that day. U.S. officials have said they are reviewing images from more than 700 videos covering 10 days of airstrikes, along with information from human-rights groups and intelligence provided by Iraqi forces.

The general said that while U.S. military leaders "at the tactical edge" now have additional authorities needed in the fight, their level of care for preventing civilian casualties has not changed.

"We have not relaxed the rules of engagement," Votel said.

He accused Islamic State of deliberately using human shields and circulating false accusations about civilian casualties as a tool to hinder coalition operations.

'Fair chance we did it'

Townsend, also an Army general, told reporters in a conference call Tuesday from Baghdad that the U.S. military likely played a role in the civilian deaths.

"Because we struck in that area, I think there is a fair chance that we did it," Townsend said.

The American commander said Iraqi military leaders "firmly believe" that civilians were gathered by Islamic State in advance of the airstrike, either to lure the coalition into a trap that would kill civilians or possibly for use as human shields by the extremists.

Further questions of U.S. involvement have been raised based on the amount of damage in the area where civilian casualties were reported. According to Townsend, munitions used during the U.S. airstrike would not have collapsed an entire building. Since the building did collapse, he said that "actually contradicts" the conclusion that American firepower was responsible for extensive casualties.

U.S. personnel have inspected the site to conduct tests and gather information, the general added.

The United Nations has said at least 307 people were killed and 273 others wounded between February 17 and March 22 in western Mosul. It attributed the casualties to all sides involved in the fight for western Mosul: Iraqi and coalition airstrikes, Islamic State shellfire and improvised explosive devices detonated by the militants.

The Islamic State strategy "of using children, men and women to shield themselves from attack is cowardly and disgraceful," U.N. human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said this week. "It breaches the most basic standards of human dignity and morality."

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 30

By Elena Kosolapova - Trend:

Over the past two and a half decades, the Caucasus nation of Azerbaijan has become a close ally of Israel and the US, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the US Elin Suleymanov said in an interview with the Jewish Algemeiner newspaper published in the US.

We have always positioned ourselves as a country which promotes dialogue and understanding between different cultures, he said. We want to see the world as a cooperative place where it doesnt matter what your background is, but rather matters what you do.

We have a 2,500-year-old Jewish community in Azerbaijan, Suleymanov noted. Jewish people have always been part of Azerbaijans society. There is also a very strong Azerbaijani Jewish community in Israel. When Azerbaijan became independent (with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991), Israel was among the very first countries to recognize it.

Azerbaijan does provide over 40 percent of Israels oil, its single largest supplier, he said. Azerbaijan also purchases some equipment from Israel, by the way not limited to security equipment. But thats not the whole story.

There are very strong economic, technological, medical, educational, agricultural, tourism and security ties, he added. Its a mutually beneficial relationship.

We see Israel as a pragmatic partner and a good friend, he said. I respect the Israeli view that it needs to have more friends among Muslim nations. And Azerbaijan is a very good friend of Israel among the Muslim nations.

He added that the Jews living in Azerbaijan are very well integrated into the countrys society.

Several visiting rabbis have told me that its safer to walk in Baku with a kippah (a small hat or head covering) on than in many places in Europe, Suleymanov said.

Speaking about Azerbaijans relations with the US, Suleymanov noted that the two countries enjoy strong ties.

Azerbaijani-US relations are very strategic in some areas, such as counter-terrorism and defense issues, he said.

About 40 percent of military cargo which goes to and from Afghanistan overflies Azerbaijan, he added.

Over the past several years, I think the relationship [between the US and Azerbaijan] continued to be good, but it got a little bit stale, because we saw some less-than-pragmatic and unrealistic approaches towards the region by the US, Suleymanov noted. So were hopeful the new administration will build on the good background and develop it further.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 30

Trend:

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed an order providing funding for the construction of Saatli-Musali  Deliler  Novruzlu highway in the Saatli district.

Under the presidential order, 3.8 million manats were allocated from the 2017 State Budget for the construction of the road, which links 6 residential areas with the total population of 12,000 people.
The cases against two men accused of robbery were certified to a grand jury Wednesday.

Jevon Zackeal Williams, 21, and Joshua Malik Coleman, 20, are charged with multiple counts of robbery, attempted robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery for incidents that occurred Jan. 16 and 17.

An assistant store manager at the Walgreens on South Main Street testified at a preliminary hearing in Danville General District Court that security video from the store showed a customer who purchased items Jan. 16 was followed to his vehicle and robbed.

There was a gentleman pacing in front of the store talking on a cellphone, the manager testified in court. He was wearing tan-colored pants and a black jacket.

A white Toyota Camry was seen on security video leaving the scene of the incident. Danville Police determined the car was registered to Coleman.

After the assistant manager identified Williams as the man outside the store, Williams defense attorney, Michael Nicholas, asked him, How sure are you of that?

The assistant store manager said he was not 100 percent sure it was Williams.

Another robbery occurred in the afternoon of Jan. 17 at the Wells Fargo in the Riverside Shopping Center. The victim said he was approached on the sidewalk right outside of the bank.

The victim testified Williams asked him for a ride. After the man declined, when [Williams] approached me the second time, he had a kitchen knife, the victim said.

All the victim had to give was $4.

The victim said the knife touched my shirt, but he was not cut or injured. He said Williams was wearing khaki pants and a black hoodie.

Colemans defense attorney, Jason Eisner, said his client picked up Williams the day after the Jan. 17 robbery, adding Coleman and Williams are only associates.

Officers served arrest warrants on Coleman and Williams the following week after the robberies and then got search warrants for their cellphones.

A phone extraction report done on Colemans iPhone location services showed his own phone was at the Riverside Shopping Center on Jan. 17, Danville Commonwealths Attorney Michael Newman said.

When talking with Danville Police Det. S.C. Bray in January, Coleman said he was in the Pleasant View community visiting his girlfriend that day.

Coleman told Bray in an interview he left the apartment to get gas and then went to the ABC Store in the Riverside Shopping Center to buy liquor but Coleman said he didnt purchase anything because he didnt have any money.

Coleman isnt 21 years old, so he couldnt legally buy liquor even if he did have the money.

At Colemans residence, officers found state identification and multiple credit cards that did not bear his name, Newman said in his closing argument.

One of the credit cards belonged to someone Coleman knew when he was at Fort Bragg in North Carolina.

In his conversation with Coleman, Bray was told the credit card was lost and Coleman found it in August, and Coleman told him it wasnt his responsibility to return it, Bray said.

According to court documents filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Coleman was charged in January for driving while intoxicated, failure to maintain lane, texting and driving, open container and violating the law while using a provisional license.

Coleman was on bond for those offenses when the robbery accusations were brought.

Coleman and Williams cases will be heard at the next grand jury on April 24.
Nearly two-thirds of business leaders representing small- and mid-size companies are bullish about global and U.S. economic growth through this year, according to an annual Business Pulse Survey by SunTrust Banks Inc.

Business leaders were asked what actions, if any, they thought the government could take that would help their companies the most.

In all, 46 percent said health care reform would help the most; 44 percent responded with tax reform.

Middle-market leaders head businesses with annual revenue of $10 million to $150 million, while small-business leaders run companies with revenue of $2 million to $10 million.

Mid-market leaders cited reducing regulations (39 percent) and investments in infrastructure (37 percent) as other ways to spur business momentum.

Business leaders were even more optimistic about their own companies, with 75 percent saying that their outlooks are strong.

Business owners, chief executive officers and chief financial officers in central Virginia are more optimistic not just about the economy but their own companies, said John Stallings, president and CEO of the Virginia division for SunTrust. The Atlanta-based bank is one of the largest employers in the Richmond area.

Their optimism has improved over the past couple of years, matching the results of the survey with about 75 percent of CEOs and CFOs here feeling strong about the business outlook, Stallings said.

Health care reform, tax reform, reduced regulations and infrastructure investment are the four categories summing up their optimism, he said.

In terms of their five-year outlook, one thing I have noticed is the opportunity to help clients in their succession planning. A lot of business owners bravely led their organizations through the Great Recession and now that they are into the recovery, they are ready to hand the reins to the next leaders.

Their top business concern centers around cybersecurity and dealing with new fraud tactics, Stallings said. Most of our clients have had some attempted breach or fraud activity. We have been able to mitigate losses with fraud protection services that we offer.

***

Decision-makers representing more than 500 small- and mid-size businesses participated in the global market research survey, which was conducted in January.

This year, business leaders are feeling very prepared to take advantage of growth opportunities; 75 percent believe they have access to the critical capital needed, said Allison Dukes, commercial and business banking executive at SunTrust.

Three out of four have a goal-setting process linked to long-term growth strategies and are comfortable that they will achieve their goals, Dukes said.

In 2017, the short-term priority for 31 percent of mid-market companies is profitability, a 29 percent increase since 2016, while 34 percent of small businesses are focused on revenue, a 54 percent increase from last year.

Introducing a new product or service over the next five years is a top strategy to stimulate growth for mid-market (40 percent) and small-business leaders (31 percent). Making a major capital investment (31 percent) and acquiring another company (17 percent) are greater priorities for mid-market companies.

To undertake these initiatives, common strategies include using cash on hand, reducing costs, obtaining a bank loan, and reinvesting corporate earnings.

Over the past four years, businesses in the small- and mid-markets have taken incremental steps toward growing their companies, including mergers and acquisitions, hiring and improving cash flow, Dukes said. Now, they see an opportunity for significant structural changes in taxes and regulations to unleash additional business growth.

Survey results have a maximum margin of error of plus or minus 5 percentage points at a 90 percent confidence level.

SunTrust had total assets of $205 billion and total deposits of $160 billion as of Dec. 31. It operates 1,300 branches in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states, including 46 in the Richmond area.
Gov. Terry McAuliffe introduced a budget amendment this week to halt creation of a new economic development entity in Virginias coalfields region.

McAuliffes amendment reverses a previous budget plan that would have diverted $500,000 a year from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority to the Lenowisco Planning District Commission for creation of an international marketing and economic development entity.

VCEDAs director, Jonathan Belcher, previously characterized creation of a new economic development entity as unnecessary and redundant because it would copy some of VCEDAs economic development functions.

Coalfields legislators Del. Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, and Sen. Bill Carrico, R-Grayson, proposed the initial $500,000 budget amendment to fund an international marketing initiative they would be directly involved in to recruit businesses to far Southwest Virginia. During the General Assembly session, Kilgore, Carrico, Sen. Ben Chafin, R-Russell, and Del. Todd Pillion, R-Washington, nixed two of the governors appointments to the VCEDA board to send a message that they wanted to do things differently. McAuliffe has not yet replaced the appointees.

McAuliffe called the proposed economic development entity duplicative of GO Virginia (short for Virginia Initiative for Growth and Opportunity in Each Region).

I believe the VCEDA funds duplicate efforts that can be accomplished through GO Virginia, McAuliffe said.

McAuliffe touts himself as one of the most productive governors for job creation, but he hasnt helped much in Southwest Virginia, Carrico said. Then, when coalfields legislators try to help the region themselves, McAuliffe blocks the efforts, he said.

He [McAuliffe] turned his back on us again, Carrico said.

GO Virginia, which is made up of nine regional councils, was created to foster job creation and regional cooperation by requiring localities work together on projects to win taxpayer-funded economic development grants. The state budget allots $510,000 for the region from Wythe County to the western edge of the state. The state council overseeing the nine regional councils divvied its $10 million based on the regions populations.

People in far Southwest are optimistic about GO Virginia, Carrico said. But theres a certain amount of skepticism that the initiative seems more like a concept for the rest of the state, and not a fix for the hard-hit coalfields region with its lack of jobs and opportunity, he said.

Theres nothing like having a specific marketing person for your region, Carrico said.

The General Assembly will reconvene April 5 to vote on McAuliffes budget amendments and vetoes.
TSXV: EPO

VANCOUVER, March 29, 2017 /CNW/ - Encanto Potash Corp. ("Encanto" or the "Company") (TSXV: EPO) announces that an Order in Council P.C. 2017-258 was issued on March 24, 2017 by the Governor in Council, ending a multi-year process that has culminated in the successful conclusion of the First Nations Commercial and Industrial Development Act ("FNCIDA") process and the delivery of the Muskowekwan First Nation Solution Potash Mining Regulations into law.

The process enables the Muskowekwan First Nation, who had decided to pursue a large scale commercial or industrial on-reserve project (in this case, a large scale potash mine partnered with Encanto Potash) to request the Government of Canada to develop regulations applying to this specific project on a specific piece of reserve land. FNCIDA works by essentially reproducing the provincial rules and regulations that apply to similar large-scale commercial or industrial projects off reserves and applying them to a specific on-reserve project. This approach, called incorporation by reference, ensures that both on and off-reserve projects are subject to similar regulatory regimes levelling the playing field. It offers protection for Muskowekwan people, lands and environment and increases certainty for investors, developers and the public while minimizing costs.

In accordance with the FNCIDA Act, an agreement has been concluded between the Federal Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, the Province of Saskatchewan and the Council of the Muskowekwan First Nation for the administration and enforcement of the Regulations by Provincial officials and bodies. Encanto is now in receipt of these regulations, duly signed by the Clerk of the Privy Council, whose office (PCO) is the hub of non-partisan, public service support to the Prime Minister and Cabinet and its decision making structures.

Muskowekwan First Nation Chief Reginald Bellerose commented: "I'm thankful to past and present MFN Council; Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada; Department of Justice; Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP; Province of Saskatchewan and Encanto Potash for their efforts and joint collaboration to get these regulations finalized. There were many hands at all levels of government demonstrating an unprecedented level of cooperation and support between themselves and our own Nation. It took some time, but all involved wanted to ensure that we got this precedent setting process entirely right."

Encanto President, Stavros Daskos commented: "I'd like to personally thank Chief Bellerose and his team for their dedicated and tireless efforts in bringing this process to a successful conclusion. This was entirely a government (First Nation) to government (Canadian Federal Government) to government (Province of Saskatchewan) transaction which resulted in a historic agreement between all parties. This represents a critical piece in a Pro First Nations Federal Government, to ensure a favourable investment climate for the development of the first potash mine on First Nation's land."

ABOUT ENCANTO:

Encanto Potash Corp. is a TSX Venture Exchange listed and traded Canadian resource company engaged in the development of potash properties in the Province of Saskatchewan, Canada, the largest producing potash region in the world. Through a joint venture agreement with Muskowekwan Resources Ltd. on our flagship property, Encanto has a project land package which totals approximately 61,000 largely contiguous acres. A Pre-Feasibility Study dated February 28, 2013 titled "Encanto Potash Corp. Technical Report Summarizing the Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Muskowekwan First Nations Home Reserve Project in South Eastern Saskatchewan, Canada" confirms the Proven and Probable KCI Reserves totaling 162 MMt grading 28% (average) which supports primary and secondary mining for over 50 years at an assumed annual rate extraction rate of 2.8 million tonnes.

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by James Walchuck, a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101.

For additional information about Encanto Potash Corp., please visit the Company's website at www.encantopotash.com or review the Company's documents filed on www.sedar.com.

NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

THE FOREGOING INFORMATION MAY CONTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION RELATING TO THE FUTURE PERFORMANCE OF THE COMPANY. FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO A NUMBER OF KNOWN AND UNKNOWN RISKS, UNCERTAINTIES AND OTHER FACTORS THAT MAY CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE ANTICIPATED IN OUR FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS. SUCH RISKS AND OTHER FACTORS INCLUDE, AMONG OTHERS, THE SATISFACTION OF ANY APPLICABLE CONDITIONS IN RESPECT OF THE MMTC MOU AND THE OFFTAKE AGREEMENT INCLUDING THOSE IN RELATION TO PROJECT TIMELINES, THE ASSUMPTIONS AND ESTIMATES IN THE COMPANY'S PRE-FEASIBILITY STUDY OF THE MUSKOWEKWAN PROJECT (THE "PFS") PROVING TO BE ACCURATE OVER TIME INCLUDING APPLICABLE RESOURCE ESTIMATES, THE POTENTIAL FOR DELAYS AND INCREASES TO PROJECT COSTS AS A RESULT OF POTENTIAL CHANGES IN PLANNED PRODUCTION RATES, CHANGES IN WORLD COMMODITY MARKETS OR EQUITY MARKETS, THE ADEQUACY OF THE COMPANY'S FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND THE AVAILABILITY OF ADDITIONAL FINANCING ON REASONABLE TERMS OR AT ALL, THE RISKS OF THE MINING INDUSTRY INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE ASSOCIATED WITH THE ENVIRONMENT, DELAYS IN OBTAINING GOVERNMENTAL APPROVALS, PERMITS OR FINANCING OR IN THE COMPLETION OF DEVELOPMENT OR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES, TITLE DISPUTES, CHANGE IN GOVERNMENT AND CHANGES TO REGULATIONS AFFECTING THE MINING INDUSTRY, AND OTHER RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES DETAILED FROM TIME TO TIME IN THE COMPANY'S FILINGS WITH THE CANADIAN SECURITIES ADMINISTRATORS (AVAILABLE AT WWW.SEDAR.COM). FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE MADE BASED ON VARIOUS ASSUMPTIONS AND ON MANAGEMENT'S BELIEFS, ESTIMATES AND OPINIONS ON THE DATE THE STATEMENTS ARE MADE. SHOULD ONE OR MORE OF THESE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES MATERIALIZE, OR SHOULD UNDERLYING ASSUMPTIONS PROVE INCORRECT, ACTUAL RESULTS MAY VARY MATERIALLY FROM THOSE DESCRIBED IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. READERS ARE CAUTIONED THAT CURRENT MARKET PRICES FOR THE COMPANY'S PROPOSED PRODUCTS ARE MATERIALLY DIFFERENT THAN THE ESTIMATES USED IN THE PFS AND CHANGES TO THE PROPOSED PRODUCTION RATE WOULD BE EXPECTED TO CAUSE MATERIAL CHANGES TO THE REQUIRED CAPITAL COSTS OF THE PROJECT. THE COMPANY UNDERTAKES NO OBLIGATION TO UPDATE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS IF THESE ASSUMPTIONS, BELIEFS, ESTIMATES AND OPINIONS OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD CHANGE, EXCEPT AS REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

SOURCE Encanto Potash Corp.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Mar 30, 2017) - Millennial Lithium Corp. (TSX VENTURE:ML)(FRANKFURT:A3N2)(OTCQB:MLNLF) ("Millennial" or the "Company") reports it has made the initial payments under its option (the "Option") to acquire a 100% interest in the Pocitos West Project ("Pocitos West") consisting of 15,857 hectares (39,183 acres) of prospective lithium brine exploitation concessions on the Pocitos Salar in Salta Province, Argentina. Pocitos West is adjacent to ground recently acquired by Pure Energy Minerals Ltd. and is strategically located in close proximately to known lithium resources including the Rincon Project located 32 kilometres (km) to the north and the Sal De Vida Project 90km to the south. The Option was first announced on February 2, 2017.

Pocitos West is located 160km from Salta, and approximately 40 km due west of Millennial's flagship Pastos Grandes Project where recent drilling has confirmed significant lithium brines from surface to depths of 400 metres. Pocitos West is directly accessible by Salta Provincial Highway 17 and close to other high quality regional and site infrastructure including local labour, rail and power generation.

Millennial and the Vendors of Pocitos West executed a definitive option agreement (the "Agreement") that defines the material terms and conditions of the Option. A non-refundable deposit of $100,000 (the "Deposit") has been paid to the Vendors as has the additional $150,000 (U.S.) (the "First Option Payment") which was due upon receipt of Exchange approval of the Option.

The Option may be exercised within three years by making a total of $4,500,000 (U.S.) in payments (including the Deposit and the First Option Payment) (the "Option Exercise Price"): (i) $250,000 (U.S) six months from the date of the Agreement; (ii) $500,000 (U.S.) twelve months from the date of the Agreement; (iii) $500,000 (U.S.) eighteen months from the date of the Agreement; (iv) $500,000 (U.S.) twenty-four months from the date of the Agreement; (v) $500,000 (U.S.) thirty months from the date of the Agreement; and (vi) $2,000,000 (U.S.) thirty-six months from the date of the Agreement.

Upon payment of the full Option Exercise Price, Millennial will have earned a 100% interest in Pocitos West.

No securities of the Company are to be issued in conjunction with exercise of the Option.

The 60-kilometre-long Pocitos salar basin was previously drill tested by 12 shallow holes in 1979 by an Argentine government agency, the Direccion General de Fabricaciones Militares (DGFM). The most significant result from the historical work program includes a shallow drill hole, which averaged 417 parts per million (ppm) lithium and 15,300 ppm potassium. The results of these holes and the sampling conducted are historical in nature and cannot be confirmed by the Company under National Instrument 43-101 standards of exploration applicable today.

In 2010, Li3 Energy Inc. announced the results of 46 brine samples taken from just below the surface of the salar, with brine assays ranging from 300 ppm to 600 ppm lithium. These samples were taken immediately east of the Pocitos West property. Previous geophysical studies conducted by Li3 Energy Inc. also demonstrate the Pocitos basin, where sampled, is approximately 500 metres deep and that the prospective brine target is open and extends westward toward the Pocitos West property.

This news release has been reviewed by Iain Scarr, AIPG, CPG, who is COO of the Company and a qualified person as that term is defined in National Instrument 43-101.

Millennial Lithium Corp.,

Graham Harris, Chairman, Director

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, currency risks including the exchange rate of USD$ for Cdn$, fluctuations in the market for lithium, changes in exploration costs and government royalties or taxes in Argentina and other factors or information. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affections such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 30

By Anakhanum Hidayatova - Trend:

Azerbaijan is not only a strategic partner of Israel, but also an example of interreligious and interethnic tolerance, Israels Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said.

He made the remarks in his congratulatory speech on the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Israel.

He said that friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Israel are becoming stronger, and this undoubtedly benefits both countries.

Lieberman noted that cooperation between the two countries is based on mutual interests.

I am very proud that I had the opportunity to contribute to positive development and strengthening of the relations between our countries, Lieberman said. I felt myself like at home during my frequent visits to Azerbaijan. I met a number of officials, and first of all, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. This allowed us to significantly strengthen cooperation in such areas as high technology, agriculture, energy, etc.

The Jewish community living in Azerbaijan has always felt itself in a safe and friendly environment, he added.

This community, as well as the people from Azerbaijan living in Israel, have played and continue to play the role of a strong bridge between the two countries, Lieberman said.

He expressed hope that bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Israel will continue to grow.

In this context, Lieberman mentioned the efforts of the Israel-Azerbaijan International Association (AZIZ), which plays a very important role in establishing and maintaining relations between the two countries.

Lieberman also expressed hope that Azerbaijan and Israel will closely and beneficially cooperate for many more years and wished peace and prosperity to the two countries.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Anahanum
Baku, Azerbaijan, March 31

Trend:

March 31 is marked as the Day of Genocide of the Azerbaijanis.

After the Republic of Azerbaijan regained its independence, it has become possible to renew the objective picture of the past history of Azerbaijani people. The truth, which for many years was kept back, is getting disclosed and misinterpreted events are getting their real assessment.

Numerous acts of genocide committed against Azerbaijani people, which for many years did not receive their deserved political and legal assessment, are one of the lesser known pages of the country's history.

The Gulustan and Turkmenchay agreements signed in 1813 and 1828 provided the legal ground for the partition of the nation of Azerbaijanand division of its historical lands. The occupation of the lands continued the national tragedy of Azerbaijan people. Within a short period of time, mass settlement of Armenians began on Azerbaijan's territories. The occupation of Azerbaijani territories became an integral part of the genocide.

Armenians moved to Irevan, Nakhchivan and Karabakh khanates and achieved establishing their administrative territorial unit of "Armenian region", despite their minority as compared to Azerbaijanis residing in the same area. This artificial separation provided political reasons for removal and annihilation of Azerbaijanis in their native lands.

This was followed by propaganda of the establishment of the "Great Armenia".

In order to ensure the exculpation of the idea to establish this fictitious state in the territory of Azerbaijan, a wide-scale program, aimed at the falsification of the national history of Armenians, was started. The distortion of Azerbaijan's history and the whole Caucasus formed an integral part of this program.

Inspired by the idea of the establishment of "Great Armenia", Armenian invaders, in 1905-1907, started to openly conduct hostile actions against the nation of Azerbaijan on a mass scale.

Armenians started their atrocious acts in Baku and further spread them through the rest of Azerbaijan and Azerbaijani settlements in the currentterritory of Armenia. Hundreds of settlements were razed to the ground and thousands of Azerbaijanis were savagely killed. The organizers of this savagery were creating an unfavourable image of Azerbaijani people, to hide the truth and prevent these happenings from correct political and legal evaluation.

Armenians got use of the World War I, Russian revolutions in February and October of 1917, and managed to accomplish their ideas under the plea of the Bolshevism.

The implementation of a cruel plan of cleansing the population of Azerbaijani provinces started with the Baku commune under the plea of fighting against counter-revolutionary elements in March of 1918.

Armenian crimes have secured themselves an everlasting place in the memory of Azerbaijani people. Thousands of civilians were murdered for the only reason of being Azerbaijanis.

Armenians destroyed dwelling houses and burnt people alive. Most ofBaku was turned into ruins with national architectural sights, schools, hospitals, mosques and other monuments destroyed.

The genocide of Azerbaijanis was particularly cruel in Baku, Shamakhi, Guba, Karabakh, Zangazur, Nakhchivan, Lenkaran and other regions. Many civilians in those areas were killed, the villages were burned to ashes and national monuments were razed to the ground.

After the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR), the closest attention was paid to the March 1918 events. The Council of Ministers issued a decree on July 15, 1918, to establish an extraordinary committee for the investigation of those tragic events. The committee investigated the first stage of the March 1918 genocide; the brutal acts in Shamakhi and the cruel crimes in Irevan province.

A special department was established under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to notify the community about the truth. The ADR declared March31 a mourning day twice - in 1919 and 1920. It was the first attempt in the history to give a political assessment to genocide against the people of Azerbaijan and to the occupation of the country's lands, which went on for over a century.

But the fall of the ADR did not allow this process to end.

In 1920, Armenians got use of the coming of the Soviet power into the South Caucasus, and declared the annexation of Zangazur and other regions of Azerbaijan to the Armenian Soviet Republic.

Armenians later started to utilize newer means to strengthen their policy, aimed at the deportation of Azerbaijani people from these territories. For this purpose, Armenians used the December 23, 1947 decree of the Soviet Council of Ministers "On removal of collective farmers and other Azerbaijani population from the Armenian Soviet Republic to the Kura-Araz lowlands of the Azerbaijan Soviet Republic". During 1948-1953, they finally achieved the purpose of mass deportation of Azerbaijani people from their historical lands, at the state level.

In early 1950s, Armenian nationalists with the help of their defenders began to conduct a cruel aggressive campaign against the nation ofAzerbaijan.

In regular published books, magazines and newspapers in former Soviet Union, the attempts were made to prove that Azerbaijani national culture, classic heritage and architectural monuments belong to Armenians.

At the same time, Armenians strengthened their efforts to create a negative image about Azerbaijani people worldwide. In order to create the image of "a long-suffering oppressed Armenian nation", the Armenians deliberately distorted the events which took part in this region in the beginning of the 20th century. They called themselves the victims of the genocide, which they in reality conducted against Azerbaijani people.

Persecution of Azerbaijanis in Irevan, where the main population consisted of Azerbaijanis and from the other parts of Armenian SSR, led to their mass proscription.

Armenians violated the rights of Azerbaijani people, created the obstacles to get the education in native language and exerted a strong pressure upon them. The historical names of Azerbaijani villages were changed within a previously unforeseen process in the history of toponymy, when ancient names were replaced with the modern ones.

The trumped-up Armenian history was raised at the state political level in order to bring up younger generations of Armenians in the spirit of chauvinism.

Brought up in the manner of Azerbaijani literature and culture, which served to great humanism ideals, the young generation of Azerbaijanis was persecuted by the followers of Armenia's extremist ideology.

The claims against the Azerbaijani national spirit, honour and dignity, created an ideological platform for the political and military aggression. Azerbaijani genocide, which was not given a correct political and legal evaluation, led to distortion of historical facts in the Soviet media and misleading of the communities by Armenians. The leadership ofAzerbaijan did not pay the sufficient attention to anti-Azerbaijani propaganda, which raised and intensified among the Soviet regime in mid-80s.

The deportation of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis from their historical lands at the first stage of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in 1988, also did not receive a correct political assessment in Azerbaijan.

Nagorno-Karabakh was taken from Azerbaijan's control and annexed to the Armenian SSR at the basis of an unconstitutional decree of ArmenianRepublic and under assistance of the Moscow-led Special Administration Committee. This fact caused a serious dissatisfaction in Azerbaijan and forced it to begin important political activities. Even though the aggressive policy aimed at the occupation of the territories of Azerbaijan, was strongly criticized at numerous rallies held in Azerbaijan, the political leadership still did not give up its passive and contemplative position.

In January, 1990 the Soviet troops were brought to Baku in order to prevent further development of the national liberation movement. Hundreds of Azerbaijani people were killed and injured, as the result.

In February, 1992 Armenians accomplished unforeseen brutalities inAzerbaijan's small town of Khojaly. The Khojaly genocide saw thousands of Azerbaijanis murdered and taken as war prisoners. Khojaly itself was razed to the ground.

The adventurous policy of Armenian nationalists and separatists in Nagorno-Karabakh, forced over one million of Azerbaijani nationals from their homelands. Today, they live in tent camps. Roughly 20 percent of Azerbaijani territories were occupied by Armenian armed forces, and thousands of Azerbaijani citizens got injured and became martyrs.

The tragedies, which took place in Azerbaijan in the 19th-20th centuries and resulted in occupation of Azerbaijani lands, formed the consecutive stages of Armenia's purposeful policy against the Azerbaijani people. Efforts were made to give a political assessment to only one of those events - the March 1918 massacre. The successor of the ADR - theRepublic of Azerbaijan - considers it a historical duty to ensure a logical continuation to unfulfilled political decrees and political evaluation to the genocide.
To OUR Gourmet Retailer Readers

While Gourmet Retailer no longer exists as a separate print publication and website, Progressive Grocer will continue to feature new content about boutique retailing in our ongoing coverage of Independent Grocers.

Please update your Gourmet Retailer bookmark and check our Independent Grocers topic page regularly for updates and fresh content.

-- The Progressive Grocer Team
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, the cowboy hat-wearing Republican who often draws attention for posting controversial messages on social media, made a bold geopolitical statement during an international trip he wrapped up Wednesday: He opened up trade relations with a group of Israeli settlements in the West Bank that neither the United States nor the United Nations legally recognizes.Miller last week signed a declaration of cooperation with the Shomron Regional Council, vowing to stoke agricultural trade and other exchanges between the Texas Department of Agriculture and the council. The agreement might appear routine  if not for the fact that the council provides municipal services to 35 Israeli settlements in the northern part of the West Bank, a disputed territory long at the center of Israeli-Palestinian tensions.The United Nations has long condemned Israeli settlements in the West Bank  known to the Israeli government as Judea and Samaria Area  as illegal and harming prospects for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. The United States does not recognize the settlements as legitimate extensions of Israel either, and it has viewed them as undermining Israeli security. President Donald Trump has yet to clearly outline his position, though his ambassador to Israel, sworn in Wednesday, has staunchly supported settlements.Miller, during a 10-day trade and marketing mission throughout Israel and surrounding territories, added a Texas brand of support to the idea of treating Israel and the settlements as one and the same.Miller said his trip, which included visits with government and business leaders across sovereign Israel, had many purposes, including finding new markets for Texas ranchers and farmers and learning about Israeli agriculture technology  all as he revived a broader Texas-Israeli exchange program that went dormant under his predecessor, Todd Staples.But the settlement visits were specifically targeted to send a political message, Miller said in a phone interview Wednesday morning from his hotel patio in Tel Aviv. Its just time the world recognizes that Judea and Samaria are legitimate. Theyre a mainstream part of the economy and the government of Israel.In a news release last week that drew little notice stateside, the Texas Department of Agriculture called the West Bank the heartland of Israel. The release quoted Yossi Dagan, the grassroots organizer who heads the Shomron Council, criticizing U.S. policy on settlements and praising Miller.In recent years, many U.S. leaders have turned their back on Israel, Dagan said in the release. So it is gratifying to know that there are leaders of courage like Sid Miller willing to stand in solidarity with Israel and visit these territories that others may consider disputed. My friend, Sid Miller, understands that there is no dispute about this region in the eyes of God.A report last week by the Jerusalem Post described Miller  a pro-Trump Maverick  twirling a lasso above his head as he and Dagan rode horses atop a rocky hilltop in Itamar, one of the settlements.Texas leaders have long sought ways to up the ante in their support for Israels sovereign government, and some bills moving through the Legislature this year would do just that. But experts in Middle Eastern policy said they were unaware of any equally bold efforts from Texas  or other U.S. states, for that matter  to legitimize the settlements.The optics are bad because it makes absolutely no distinction between the West Bank and Israel proper, said Brent Sasley, a professor of political science at the University of Texas at Arlington who conducts research on Israeli and Middle Eastern politics. [The West Bank] is not considered the heartland of Israel, or its only considered that by certain people because its not sovereign Israeli territory.Asked if he sought outside advice about forging a relationship with an unrecognized government, Miller told the Tribune: If I was supposed to, I didnt. The U.S. State Department did not respond to a request for comment, nor did Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts office.Sasley said he wasn't sure Millers move would cause international ripples amid an already chaotic news cycle, but he called it a public relations win for settlement backers that might play well politically in Texas.Theres that sort of romantic vision of what [an expanded view of] Israel means for the redemption of the Jewish people, he said.Lara Friedman, incoming president of the Foundation for Middle East Peace, a nonprofit that promotes a two-state solution for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, found Millers move problematic and said supporting Israeli settlements and the Israeli state were two very different ideas.I worry that people who have very bad intentions are manipulating support for Israel in order to legitimize settlements or people with good intentions are not understanding what theyre doing here, she said. This trade agreement is part and parcel of the campaign were seeing across the United States to define settlements as indistinguishable from Israel.Millers trip came as some Texas lawmakers are trying to make their own political statements about Israel.The Texas Senate last week approved Senate Bill 29, which would bar the state from entering into contracts or investing in any company that decides to boycott Israel. Its a response to a Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement seeking to pressure Israel into ending the settlements and expanding Palestinian rights in other ways. And in his budget proposal, Abbott called for Texas to divest from companies with stated anti-Israel policies, writing that Texas pension funds should not fund our enemies.If you discriminate by boycotting, you cant do so with Texas dollars, said Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, who authored SB 29, now waiting for action in the House.Creighton said his bill would not target companies that only boycott Israeli settlements (Many European Union states warn their companies against doing business in settlements). But language in SB 29 targeting boycotts involving a person or entity doing business in Israel or in an Israeli-controlled territory, appear to suggest otherwise.Creighton said he wasnt aware of the specifics of Millers trip, but hes proud when any member of the Legislature or statewide official makes that journey and represents Texas well.Though Miller said he was working his butt off with official state business, leaving him little time for sightseeing in and around Israel, he said he was spending his own money and would tap his campaign account for some of the trip's cost.What it does is keep peckerwoods like you from writing about it, he joked.But he might later decide to bill the state for part of the trip, he added.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie didn't get tapped for the dream jobs of vice president, attorney general or chief of staff, but he has at last joined the Trump administration to work on a nightmare issue close to his heart.On Wednesday, Christie debuted as the new chairman of a commission to combat opioid abuse, sitting to the president's right during a White House listening session with people whose lives have been touched by addiction and government officials charged with fighting the drug problem."This issue causes enormous pain and destruction to every day families in every state in this country," Christie said, speaking of abuse of prescription painkillers and heroin. "Addiction is a disease, and it is a disease that can be treated," he said. "Folks don't talk about it. ... People are afraid and ashamed to talk about drug addiction."The assignment is part time, and Christie reaffirmed his intent to serve out the remainder of his term in Trenton, which ends next January, as he made the rounds of network morning shows.After dropping out of the Republican presidential primary last year, Christie endorsed Donald Trump, the first major party figure to do so. He became a high-profile surrogate for the New York developer, for the rest of the campaign, was a finalist for the vice presidential nomination, and reportedly was considered for the top jobs of attorney general and chief of staff. It didn't happen, though Christie has said that he turned down lesser job offers from the White House because he did not want to move his family to Washington.Trump teased Christie for endorsing his candidacy "once he got out of the race," implying that the support was on the late side. Jabbed the president: "He liked himself better than me, but other than that ... ""Still do, sir, but that's all right," Christie said."Other than that, he's been great," Trump said. "And he's a very effective guy, let me tell you."Trump praised a 2015 Christie speech on drug addiction, based on the overdose death of a college friend, as an emotional high point of the GOP campaign.The governor said that he and Trump shared a commitment to fighting opioid abuse based in part on their anti-abortion beliefs. "We're pro-life for the whole life," Christie said. "Not just for the nine months in the womb, but for the whole life. Every life is an individual gift from God and is precious. ... And no life is irredeemable."It is unclear how the opioid commission's mission will mesh with the existing Office of National Drug Control Policy in the White House and Justice Department enforcement efforts. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who was at the meeting Wednesday, has called for stepped up interdiction and prosecution of drug offenses.Christie has said that prevention and law enforcement are important, but stresses treatment of addiction as the most pressing need.Also among those in attendance were Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. They were joined by White House aides Kellyanne Conway, Stephen Miller and Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law, as well as Omarosa Manigault, who was a contestant on Trump's TV reality show "The Apprentice."In earlier interviews on NBC's "Today" show, "Fox & Friends," and ABC's "Good Morning America," Christie tiptoed around questions about the congressional investigation into ties between the Russian government and the Trump campaign, the failure of the GOP bill to replace Obamacare and early missteps by the administration.On "Today," host Matt Lauer noted that administrations often undergo reorganizations in the first year and asked if Christie was willing to step in as chief of staff if the job becomes available."Any speculation about that kind of stuff is not something I'm going to address because I've got a job and I enjoy doing it and I want to keep it," Christie said. He did not rule out joining the administration after leaving office.Pressed to give the Trump administration a grade based on its first 70 days, Christie said incomplete."It's nine weeks down and 199 weeks to go in the first term," he said. "I'd suggest that everybody take a breath. I've never seen such breathlessness over nine weeks of work."
Gov. Sam Brownback vetoed legislation that would have expanded Medicaid to cover 150,000 low-income Kansans, setting up another showdown between the Republican governor and a state legislature that shifted toward the political center in the last election.Brownback's veto, which was announced Thursday morning on Twitter, had been highly anticipated and comes amid speculation that he will take a job in President Donald Trump's administration. The Kansas Legislature has 30 days to override Brownback's veto, which would require two-thirds majorities in both the House and Senate.The Legislature's vote to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, received national attention both because Kansas is a solidly Republican-leaning state and because the state Senate's vote took place shortly after congressional Republicans abandoned a plan that would have repealed the ACA and blocked states from expanding Medicaid after March 1."I am vetoing this expansion of ObamaCare because it fails to serve the truly vulnerable before the able-bodied, lacks work requirements to help able-bodied Kansans escape poverty, and burdens the state budget with unrestrainable entitlement costs," Brownback said in his veto message.I vetoed Medicaid expansion. It does not prioritize the vulnerable. It does not #DefundPP. It isn't responsible. It's bad for Kansas. #ksleg pic.twitter.com/ydoooJK4fV-- Sam Brownback (@govsambrownback) March 30, 2017Medicaid, which relies on a combination of federal and state funds, provides health coverage to disabled people and low-income families. The ACA enabled states to expand the program to provide coverage to people who would make too much money to qualify for the program under previous rules but also make too little to buy insurance through the federal health care exchange.Sean Gatewood, spokesman for the KanCare Advocates Network, a group that represents disabled Medicaid beneficiaries, said that Brownback needs to stop using the disability community as an excuse to oppose Medicaid expansion."He needs to check the record. The disability community's 100 percent behind this," Gatewood said. "People are caught in that gap who have disabilities. They just don't necessarily meet the Social Security guidelines. He's completely off base."Former Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, a Democrat who oversaw the rollout of the ACA as secretary of health and human services for the Obama administration, said Wednesday that her home state had "a lot to gain and very little to lose by allowing people to access the health benefits that they're entitled to." Sebelius said that expansion is particularly important for states like Kansas with a large number of farm families that may not be able to obtain insurance through their employers."Suffice it to say, if this bill had come to my desk, I would have loved it," Sebelius said the day before Brownback's veto was announced.Amy Falk, CEO of Health Partnership Clinic, a safety net clinic network with locations in Johnson County, said that many of the people using her clinics work part-time jobs and are not eligible for benefits through their employer. Others don't work but could if their health needs were addressed."We see time and time again, individuals who have chronic health conditions that, if they were managed, could be working, productive members of our community," she said. "When you're diabetic and your sugars aren't right, you're not going to work."Brownback also targeted Planned Parenthood in his veto message. The women's health care provider receives Medicaid reimbursement for birth control, cancer screenings and other services but not abortions."Most grievously, this legislation funnels more taxpayer dollars to Planned Parenthood and the abortion industry. From its infancy, the state of Kansas has affirmed the dignity and equality of each human life. I will not support this legislation that continues to fund organizations that undermine a culture of life," Brownback said.Brownback had previously criticized lawmakers for voting down an amendment that would have prohibited Medicaid funds from going to Planned Parenthood.Laura McQuade, the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said in a phone call that Brownback's mention of the organization was a political ploy meant to deter members of his own party from voting for an override."We refuse to be the pawn in his game to suppress the well-being of so many Kansans who need Medicaid expansion today in order to live the lives that they're meant to live and that he has promised them," McQuade said.Rep. Susan Concannon, a Beloit Republican who has pushed for expansion for several years, rejected Brownback's effort to tie the issue to abortion."It's not an abortion bill despite some comments that I heard this morning," she said. "That was out of left field. You talk about moving targets, there's a new one for us."The Kansas House kicked off a debate on overriding the veto shortly after Brownback's announcement, but tabled the debate after an hour. That effectively pauses the issue until a lawmaker moves to restart the debate.Unless some lawmakers change their votes, expansion supporters are three votes shy of the two-thirds majority needed to override the governor's veto in the House and two votes shy in the Senate. Earlier in the session, Brownback vetoed a bill that would have rolled back his signature tax policies. An override passed in the House, but fell short in the Senate.Finding the additional votes will be difficult, but health care advocates are hoping they can use the weekend to sway lawmakers with a flurry of constituent phone calls and emails.Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Stilwell Republican who previously voted against expansion, said it was time to move on from expansion and that he did not plan to change his vote.House Majority Leader Don Hineman, a Dighton Republican, said he still felt there was a sentiment in both chambers to find a way to make Medicaid expansion happen."In the end it comes back to protecting those who are in that gap and cannot afford coverage," Hineman said. "There's a benefit, not only to them directly, but to the state to have them covered and have them on a path to better health."Brownback has vetoed 13 bills during his tenure as governor, but has only been overridden once.Kansas has missed out on nearly $1.8 billion in federal aid since 2014 by not expanding Medicaid, according to the Kansas Hospital Association. Expansion was fully funded by the federal government through 2016 and will gradually fall to 90 percent by 2020. The Kansas bill included a provision that would enable Kansas to undo expansion if federal funding dipped below the 90 percent threshold.The closure of a hospital in Independence, Kan., in 2015 was largely blamed on the state's failure to expand the program. Concannon pointed to this Thursday."If this isn't the right time, when is the right time?" Concannon said. "Are we going to wait for some more hospitals to close? Are we going to wait until we have people die that can't get insurance?"Americans For Prosperity, which has ties to Wichita-based Koch Industries and has helped lead opposition to Obamacare on a national level, applauded Brownback's veto, contending that expansion would have cost more than anticipated."Looking at neighboring states, there is proof expanding Medicaid will only increase pressure on Kansas taxpayers to fund a program that will undoubtedly go over budget," said Jeff Glendening, the state director for AFP, in a statement. "I hope legislators understand the gravity of this program and do not vote to override this veto. AFP will hold them accountable."Rep. John Whitmer, a Wichita Republican, appeared to echo this point as the House debated whether to override the governor, reading off a list of states that he said went over budget after expanding Medicaid."We've got budget problems," Whitmer said. "We just have to keep that in mind."Brownback signed a bill in 2014 requiring legislative approval before the state could expand Medicaid. The Legislature passed the expansion bill Tuesday with a bipartisan majority. Supporters pointed to the 2014 law and accused Brownback of hypocrisy for ignoring the Legislature's will three years later.House Minority Leader Jim Ward, a Wichita Democrat, said he was "incredibly disappointed" at the quick veto."They're just cowards," Ward said. "They're doing it today in this expedited fashion so they don't have to hear from the people of Kansas. They know they're going to get emails and calls."Why do you think the governor expedited his veto? He didn't want to hear from people who say 'Don't veto the bill.' So he not only broke his word that it was a legislative decision, he did it in a way that the people of Kansas couldn't weigh in."
The judge in the securities fraud case against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has ruled that the trial should be moved out of Collin County and delayed.The ruling to change venue is a major victory for prosecutors, who had argued Paxton and his allies had tainted the jury pool in Collin County, where he lives.Judge George Gallagher said the trial, initially scheduled for May 1, will now be postponed until a new venue is determined.Gallagher on Thursday denied two other motions: to dismiss the case and to delay it until prosecutors can get paid.Paxton is accused of misleading investors in a company from before his time as attorney general, a legal saga that began more than a year ago. He recently beat a federal, civil case involving similar allegations, but the state charges remain  and they are more serious, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 99 years.Gallagher's ruling on the venue is somewhat surprising. Weeks ago, Gallagher had signaled that he had wanted to at least try to move forward with the case in Collin County, where jury selection had been set to begin in a few weeks.In court, prosecutors had sought to show collusion among Paxton, his team and his supporters aimed at creating a sympathetic jury pool. Paxton's lawyers had argued they had no ties to the alleged effort and that it wasn't affecting public opinion even if it existed.The pretrial debate took a turn a Wednesday, when Gallagher said at a hearing that he was "very concerned" about a certain exhibit, apparently submitted by prosectors to build their case for a change of venue. The exhibit was an invitation to a 2013 fundraiser for Paxton's 2014 campaign for attorney general, and Gallagher appeared to be concerned about the list of hosts, which included a number of prominent Collin County officials.Paxton's lawyers responded to the exhibit in a court filing Thursday, asking Gallagher to "view State's Exhibit 14 for what it is: an invitation to a run of the mill political fundraiser, held over three years ago and long before the Special Prosecutors were appointed." The invitation, Paxton's team added, "provides no support for transferring venue or continuing this case."But it appears the last-minute filing by Paxtons lawyers did not sway Gallagher  or came too late. In his ruling  also filed Thursday morning  the judged said the court will transfer venue to an appropriate adjoining district to be determined at a later date.In denying the motion to dismiss the case, Gallagher rejected the argument by Paxtons lawyers that the charges should be thrown out due to prosecutorial misconduct. That appeared to be the subject of the first part of the hearing Wednesday, which was closed to the media because it involved discussion of the grand jury process.The second motion Gallagher denied Thursday involved prosecutors bid to put off the trial until they can collect their pay, which was put on hold earlier this year by a Dallas appeals court. A Paxton supporter had filed a lawsuit arguing that Collin County was paying the prosecutors too much.
Two one-time aides to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie were sentenced to prison Wednesday for their roles in a conspiracy to close down access lanes to the George Washington Bridge in a brazen and bizarre scheme that used the bridge as a means of political payback against a small-town mayor who refused to endorse Christie for re-election in 2013.The sentencing capped a 3 {-year political drama that irreversibly damaged Christie's reputation, undermined his presidential campaign and made the so-called Bridgegate scandal the butt of late-night talk show jokes.For Bridget Anne Kelly, former deputy chief of staff to Christie, and Bill Baroni, Christie's former deputy executive director at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the scandal was more costly. Baroni was sentenced to two years in prison and Kelly 18 months, for their roles in the conspiracy, most infamously captured in an email from Kelly that read "Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee."U.S. Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick called the sentences "fair and reasonable" in a midafternoon courthouse press conference following the sentencing.Baroni and Kelly are each expected to appeal their convictions.Kelly alluded to as much outside the courthouse in brief remarks following the sentencing."It's obviously a very difficult day for me and my children," Kelly said in remarks to the press. "This fight is far from over. I will not allow myself to be the scapegoat."The scandal also led to an investigation that brought down Christie's friend and mentor David Samson, a former state attorney general and co-founder of a powerhouse law firm, who appeared in the same Newark courthouse at the beginning of March.Samson, Christie's top appointee at the Port Authority, was sentenced to one year's home confinement for using his position as chairman of the agency to bribe United Airlines into running a money-losing flight between Newark and an airport close to his vacation home in South Carolina.Both cases underlined how the Port Authority, a bi-state agency that owns and operates most of the region's major bridges, tunnels, airports, seaports, the PATH rail system and the 16-acre World Trade Center site, can be misused to court, bribe and punish business leaders and politicians.In particular, the bridge lane closure trial showed how Christie, who relishes his persona as a tough talker, ran a calculating and at times vindictive administration that even in its earliest years had one eye on the 2016 presidential campaign.On Wednesday, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Lee Cortes, said that part of the reason the case had captured the public imagination was because the facts here are "almost unfathomable.""The use of government power at a publicly owned bridge to create traffic in town just to mess with one person," Cortes said. "Those are the actions out of the playbook of some dictator of a banana republic. It's incomprehensible such action could take place here in the United States."U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton said Wednesday that it could be argued that Baroni was more culpable than Kelly. Wigenton said that the lane closures were "an outrageous display of abuse of power."Baroni addressed the court, expressing remorse for his actions, saying, "I let the people in Fort Lee down.""While a number of people outside of this courtroom were involved in Fort Lee that day _ some charged, some not _ that does not change the fact that I failed," he added. "I made the wrong choices, took the wrong guidance, listened to the wrong people. I was wrong and I am truly sorry."Kelly regularly dabbed at her eyes with a tissue during the almost two-hour-long proceeding."I realize how destructive and frustrating the lane realignment was for the residents of Fort Lee," Kelly said as she addressed the judge. "I never intended to harm anyone. I am sorry if my actions in any way caused any harm."Assistant U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna called Kelly the "impetus behind the crime."Khanna said that although the lane closure scheme was Wildstein's idea, "It was Miss Kelly who greenlighted it."Referring for the infamous email "Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee," Khanna said: "She ordered the operation."During six weeks of testimony, prosecutors and defense attorneys described how the Christie administration showered Democratic officials with treats from the Port Authority "goody bag" in a bid to court endorsements to burnish the governor's bipartisan bona fides. Inducements included private tours of the World Trade Center construction site, agency grants and contracts, and pieces of burnt steel and flags from ground zero.Staffers kept a spreadsheet of the favors so that they could always remind officials how generous the administration had been. Civic leaders perceived as disloyal to Christie, even those in towns that relied upon constant communication with the Port Authority because they host agency facilities, were punished with "radio silence."David Wildstein, Baroni's second-in-command at the Port Authority and the man generally regarded as Christie's eyes, ears and enforcer at the agency, testified that it was his idea to use the bridge as a weapon against the mayor of Fort Lee, who had declined to endorse the governor, so that he would "fully understand that life would be more difficult for him in the second Christie term than it had been in the first."Wildstein pleaded guilty to the conspiracy in 2015 and served as the government's star witness at the trial. A date for his sentencing has not been set.Kelly and Baroni were found guilty of conspiring with Wildstein to create gridlock in Fort Lee by shutting down two of three access lanes to the bridge to punish Mayor Mark Sokolich for refusing to endorse Christie's 2013 re-election.They deliberately ignored Sokolich's pleas for help during the week of the lane closures and Baroni covered up the true purpose of the scheme by insisting that it was part of a traffic study.The closures were timed to coincide with the first week back to school in September, severely delaying school buses, commuters and emergency vehicles over four mornings. The restrictions were lifted on the fifth morning on the orders of Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's top appointee at the agency.Christie denied all knowledge of the scheme and spent millions of taxpayer money on an external report that absolved him of blame. Though Christie was never charged in the criminal case, multiple witnesses at the trial testified that Christie was told of the lane closures before, during and shortly after they took place.At a press conference in January 2014, Christie said that he had been blindsided by the bridge lane closure scheme.But Baroni and Wildstein testified that they joked with Christie about the traffic problems in Fort Lee _ as they were occurring _ at a Sept. 11 anniversary event at the World Trade Center in 2013. Kelly said she informed Christie of the lane reductions before they began and that she warned him about traffic problems in Fort Lee during the week of the closures. Several top aides testified that they warned Christie that some of his top allies were involved with the closures in December, around the same time that Wildstein and Baroni was forced to resign.The scandal metastasized in January 2014 following the publication by The Record and NorthJersey.com of an August 2013 email from Kelly to Wildstein _ "Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee." That was when Christie fired Kelly and distanced himself from his 2013 campaign manager Bill Stepien, who has gone on to become President Donald Trump's political director.As comprehensive as the trial was, with dozens of witnesses and hundreds of excerpts from emails, text messages, documents and video recordings, it still left many unanswered questions, in particular who else knew about the scheme.In the months leading up to the trial and in its aftermath, U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman, who has since left his post after Trump requested his resignation, emphasized that his office only prosecuted those for whom there was "evidence beyond a reasonable doubt." A group of media outlets fought for the release of a list compiled by prosecutors of people suspected of involvement in the plot. But one of the men on that list raised a legal challenge and succeeded in blocking its release.
Former Chief Justice Robert Young, Jr. announced Wednesday he is retiring from the Michigan Supreme Court and will step down by the end of April to return to his former law firm, Dickinson Wright in Detroit."After more than 20 years in the judiciary, with 18 on the Supreme Court, I have decided that it's time for me to take on the next chapter of my career," Young said in a news release."I am proud of what I have accomplished, especially while serving as chief justice," Young, 66, said. "At the time I joined the court, it was marked by acrimony. When I became chief justice, we proved that good people who may differ in their opinions can come together and accomplish important things for the people we serve -- and we do it amicably."Young served six years as chief justice until early this year. During that time, he said the court focused on improving service to the public by measuring performance, streamlining processes, and using technology to cut costs and improve services."I will be returning to the firm that opened its arms to me 30 years ago," Young said. "I look forward to focusing on an appellate practice at Dickinson Wright and helping grow this part of the firm."Republican Gov. Rick Snyder will be naming Young's replacement to the court, where Republican-nominated justices hold a 5-2 majority.Snyder said Young "helped make the court system more affordable and more accessible for all Michiganders," and "was a leader in the formation of a specialty court system that has helped address the cause of people's crimes to prevent future offenses."Young may have hinted at his pending decision in a December interview with the Free Press -- his last interview as chief justice.Asked about the possibility of him and other current justices leaving the court for other jobs, Young noted that several former Michigan justices left the court to return to the private sector."I've been 21 years a public servant," he said. "If somebody offered me a packet of money to do something exciting, I would at least look at it."Chief Justice Stephen Markman said he's worked more than 20 years with Young, and "there is no justice who has brought a greater intellect, work ethic, and conscientious commitment to his judicial responsibilities than Bob Young."
SOCAR 2nd International Caspian and Central Asia Downstream Forum  Trading, Logistics, Refining, Petrochemicals dedicated to 94th anniverisary of the National Leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev will be held in Baku from 25 to 28 April 2017. It is jointly organized by Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) and Confidence Capital Ltd. company (Great Britain) with support from the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic.

The Forum aims, among other objectives, to provide overview of the current oil, gas, refined and petrochemical product market in the Caspian region and Central Asia and the related export markets and routes. The participants will also discuss technological conditions, commercial positioning and prospects for development of refining facilities in the region, and analyze supply, demand and export potential for petrochemical products in the Caspian region and Central Asia.

SOCAR International Forum is a key event in the Caspian oil calendar covering the latest trends in hydrocarbon exports from the region, providing a unique digest of trading information for strategic decisions and day-to-day operations. More than 150 delegates including managers of SOCARs units and members of Azerbaijani Parliament as well as high-level officials, industry leaders, analysts, trade and financial experts, top executives, managers and representatives from ministries and transnational oil&gas companies from Georgia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and other countries will participate in the event. During the three-day Forum, eight plenary sessions on main export markets from the Caspian region and Central Asia, specifics of the domestic and export demand, trade flows and logistical infrastructure including oil ports, pipelines and railways will be arranged.

Additional information about SOCAR 2nd International Caspian and Central Asia Downstream Forum  Trading, Logistics, Refining, Petrochemicals can be obtained at the Forum official website www.socarforum.com.
Seattle is suing President Donald Trump over his executive order cracking down on so-called "sanctuary cities" for how they handle people living in the United States illegally.The city is doing nothing wrong by limiting its own involvement in immigration enforcement, while Trump is overreaching by trying to make cities do the work of the federal government, Mayor Ed Murray and City Attorney Pete Holmes said Wednesday.The goal of the lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Seattle, is to have the executive order declared unconstitutional, Murray said at a news conference, accusing the Trump administration of waging "a war on cities.""Our lawsuit is staying true to our values," the mayor said. "We value civil rights, we value the courts and we value the Constitution."Murray's announcement came two days after U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the Department of Justice would turn up the pressure and withhold grants from "sanctuary" jurisdictions for not doing more to help the Trump administration capture and deport people.Seattle is following in the footsteps of other jurisdictions, including San Francisco, which in late January became the first city in the country to challenge Trump's order in court."This administration has created an atmosphere of anxiety in cities across America and created chaos in our politics," Murray said. "It is time for cities to stand up."Trump's Jan. 25 executive order said certain cities and other local governments "willfully violate federal law in an attempt to shield aliens from removal from the United States."It said such jurisdictions "have caused immeasurable harm to the American people and to the very fabric of our republic."The order cited a federal law -- U.S. Code Section 1373 -- that covers the sharing of information between local governments and federal immigration authorities.And it warned, far in advance of Sessions' comments this week, that jurisdictions violating that law would be cut off from all federal grants.Seattle expects to receive more than $150 million in federal funds this year, including $2.6 million in grants from the Department of Justice.Murray has said he is willing to lose "every penny" of that rather than alter how the city approaches immigration enforcement.The "sanctuary" label is unofficial. It isn't a legal term with a single, agreed-upon definition.Generally, people use it to describe jurisdictions with policies and practices that restrict their own roles in civil immigration enforcement.For example, Murray refers to Seattle as a sanctuary city because of an ordinance barring city employees from inquiring about a person's immigration status, unless required by law or court order.Police officers are exempted when they have reason to believe a person has previously been deported and is committing or has committed a felony.Hundreds of American cities have similar rules. Leaders of those cities say they want immigrants to feel comfortable interacting with local officers as victims of and witnesses to crimes."It's when you marginalize people and drive them away from city services and make them fearful of the police and push them underground that these communities become unsafe," Murray said.It's not completely clear whether the Trump administration considers Seattle a sanctuary city.The president's executive order characterized sanctuary jurisdictions as jurisdictions that refuse to comply with U.S. Code Section 1373, and Murray has repeatedly said that Seattle is in compliance.Seattle law directs city employees, including police officers to "cooperate with, and not hinder, enforcement of federal immigration laws."Rather than prohibit city employees from sharing information with federal immigration authorities, Seattle's sanctuary ordinance merely limits the collection of information, the city says.But city officials say they believe the Trump administration may treat Seattle as a sanctuary city, anyway.In its lawsuit, the city will argue Trump's order violates the 10th Amendment of the Constitution by attempting to make local governments enforce federal immigration law.Seattle also will argue the executive order violates the Taxing and Spending Clause of the Constitution by holding hostage, for matters of immigration enforcement, funds not directly related to immigration enforcement.Though the Trump administration has yet to withhold grants from Seattle or take action against the city in any way, the city will argue it has standing to sue because the executive order has created uncertainty and made it difficult for Murray to draw up his next city budget.The mayor said the lawsuit is personal for him. He mentioned meeting with Seattle Public Schools students from immigrant families and said his grandparents faced discrimination when they emigrated from Ireland."The intensity is because I've spent time in classrooms in this city and I've seen how scared these kids are," Murray said.The city is working on the lawsuit with the international law firm Mayer Brown, and Andrew Pincus, a high-powered attorney with the firm who has argued 25 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. The firm is providing its services pro bono.The lawsuit names Trump, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly as defendants.Hours before Murray's announcement in Seattle Wednesday, Police Chief Kathleen O'Toole was one of 12 police chiefs and mayors to meet in Washington, D.C., with Kelly about immigration enforcement and other issues.Kelly listened carefully to the group and "indicated he really wants to work collaboratively," O'Toole said.He also acknowledged a lack of clarity on what makes a jurisdiction a "sanctuary," O'Toole said."I think he's somebody who seems to be a pragmatist," she said. "It wasn't a combative meeting."This marks the latest challenge from Washington state to a Trump executive order. Attorney General Bob Ferguson sued the administration over Trump's first executive order for a travel ban from seven majority-Muslim countries.A federal judge in Seattle issued a temporary restraining order to halt the ban. An appeals-court panel upheld the ruling and Trump later issued a more narrowly written ban.Sessions on Monday took specific aim at jurisdictions, such as King and Snohomish counties, which reject at least some requests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to hold people in jail beyond when they would otherwise be released.San Francisco's sanctuary- cities lawsuit is broader in scope than Seattle's because San Francisco operates a jail.Because Seattle doesn't manage a jail, it doesn't receive requests from ICE to hold people.It's possible that King County, which jails people arrested by Seattle police, could join the city's lawsuit.Holmes said his office is following lawsuits elsewhere, including San Francisco and Santa Clara County.Those two have a joint hearing with a judge in California next month, and an initial ruling could set the tone for Seattle's case. Seattle filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the Santa Clara case last month.Seattle is not seeking a temporary restraining order in its own case, Holmes said.Murray said he expects other cities to join Seattle's lawsuit "in the days and weeks ahead."In his annual State of the City speech last month, the mayor said Seattle was filing Freedom of Information Act requests with the Trump administration seeking details about the sanctuary cities order. Those requests are still active, Holmes said.
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GIS - 30 March, 2017: Mauritius and Norway will further collaborate to strengthen existing ties and expand bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Mauritius and Norway will further collaborate to strengthen existing ties and expand bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

This was at the fore of discussions this afternoon during a courtesy call by the Ambassador of Norway to Mauritius with residence in Maputo, Mozambique, Ms Anne Lene Dale, on the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, at the New Treasury Building in Port Louis.

In a statement, the Norwegian Ambassador expressed satisfaction regarding her fruitful meeting with the Prime Minister and also for her first visit to Mauritius. She spoke of further deepening collaboration in the Ocean Economy sector as according to her both Norway and Mauritius have similar goals with regards tapping the resources in the ocean which plays a pivotal role for the economy as both countries are bordered by the sea.
A concept called crowdgranting has launched in Indiana, and it's helping to develop projects in communities across the state.Using a system similar to that found on the crowdsourcing sites Kickstarter and GoFundMe (but with a few wrinkles), resident donations to initiatives are matched by grants from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority.Say, for example, that a city council or a nonprofit community group wants to build a new park. The group posts details and plans for its project online, along with a funding goal, and donors then have between 30 and 60 days to match that amount. If they make it, the goal amount is matched by a grant from a sponsor.

The initiative is called CreatINg Places and so far has funded six projects, eliciting gifts from 495 residents, $160,000 of which was matched by sponsors. Throughout Indiana so far, CreatINg Places has helped fund a preservation tour in Gary, a monument to Martin Luther King, Jr., in South Bend, and a series of three street murals in Greensburg.

Carmen Lethig, the placemaking manager for the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, helped establish CreatINg Places, which is the third crowdgranting initiative of its kind, after similar versions preceded it in Michigan and Massachusetts. Lethig said that in addition to helping communities serve residents, crowdgranting also helps residents feel more vested in their communities, especially the projects they choose to gift with their own money.

There are, of course, limits on what CreatINg Places can and will pay for, as well as a careful vetting process. The state has also created a list of items and projects the initiative is ideal for. Think farmers markets, river walks, bike paths, etc. Lethig, however, encourages groups to be innovative with project proposals.

Generally speaking, were really looking to take a public space that is underutilized and activate it, so that there are more people visiting that area and hopefully more people coming to start businesses or reside there as a result of the project and other things that are happening, said Lethig.

A key partner for Indiana in this initiative is Patronicity , a company that created the crowdgranting platform CreatINg Places technical aspects use, as it also did for Michigan and Massachusetts.While Indianas program is young, about a year old, Michigans has functioned for some time now. In its first year, the states crowdgranting initiative, called Public Space, Community Places , helped with the completion of 42 projects, receiving donations from more than 4,100 residents, $1.26 million of which came from grants.

The program in Indiana is currently powered by $1 million it was given from the state for project implementation. Although if this model continues to thrive, Lethig said, the state is likely to renew CreatINg Places.

A project can come from any number of sources, whether thats the local government or a nonprofit or citizens in the area, she said, but this program really gives the community a chance to say, I helped bring that project here.
State and local governments, like their federal counterparts, need to do an even better job of using digital technologies  email, social networks, smartphone apps and websites  to connect with their residents, a new report reveals.The 2017 Connected Citizen Report which was commissioned by San Francisco-based cloud computing company Salesforce and released on Thursday, March 30, found that nearly 68 percent of people surveyed said they had better experiences dealing with private enterprise than with government agencies.Private businesses, respondents told surveyer Harris Poll, resolved issues more quickly, seemed to care more about them as customers and made it easier to communicate via text message, email and through social media.That kind of jumped out at me," said Dave Rey, Salesforce executive vice president for the North American public sector. You can have an on-demand car when you need it and yet when you deal with the government in certain areas  its still very challenging.Specific areas where there was room for improvement included trash pickup, where just more than 40 percent of millennials, Generation Xers and baby boomers said their local governments used digital technologies to provide service.Scoring lowest were the areas of applying or submitting construction or business permits, where just 21 percent of people said their governments used technology to provide those services.Residents also gave their local governments low marks in making digital technology available to report public safety issues. Nearly half, or 46 percent overall said they were able to digitally report safety concerns like downed power lines or sinkholes. But only 28 percent said they could report a drunken driver the same way.Progress is being made, Rey said, citing the example of Elgin, Ill., a city of slightly more than 100,000 residents, which offers a free Elgin 311 app that lets residents make service requests, scrutinize public safety issues and ask questions.That, he said, is exactly what local and state agencies must do in a time when private enterprise frequently drives the pace of change.Rey said the main reason why agencies lag behind their private counterparts is that government at all levels remains shackled to legacy systems, which can account for 70 to 80 percent of IT dollars.He called this a digital dilemma.The 9-to-5 piece really isnt working in todays world, Rey said, noting that for millennials, defined as people ages 18-34; and Generation Xers, people ages 35-54, governments arent delivering the way they expected they would in their daily lives. Baby boomers were classified as people ages 55 and older.Jesse Berst, founder and chairman of the Smart Cities Council, a Virginia-based advisory network of companies, toldthat most cities are aware of the need to provide digital services if they want to be competitive with their peers.But, he said, they'll need to focus on integrating and bringing all departments along as they move from legacy systems to enterprise architecture and connecting government to populace.Todays people, especially the millennials, want and expect to be living in a connected city. Theyre not going to move someplace where they have to go back to the last century, Berst said.Another number Rey toldhe hoped would be higher came in the area of research. Just more than half of the 2,057 people surveyed, or 55 percent, said theyd support governments using taxpayer money to research forward-looking technologies  assuming it was for services theyd find helpful.Asked to specify what sorts of tech theyd like to see local governments invest in, respondent numbers dropped off even further. Just 39 percent overall supported investment in technology that would let governments use vehicle sensors to monitor traffic patterns and fight gridlock.Only 30 percent overall were in favor of investing in tech that would identify open parking spots. And just 17 percent favored trash can sensors that would allow governments to schedule pickups only when cans are full.Rey said he thinks theres a knowledge gap, exacerbated because government interaction really has been simplified by the advent of technology.People dont really, I think, truly understand how they connect together these technologies, he said.Both men identified a generation gap they said could have accounted for areas of questioning where millennials or baby boomers responded particularly enthusiastically but were far apart when compared.That included the issue of whether or not respondents would be willing to give government access to their personal data, including their locations and social media postings, in order to increase the quality of government services like public transportation and construction announcements.The consensus was No, with 68 percent disagreeing  but generationally, the numbers varied.Majorities in all three categories still disagreed, but millennials were more pliant, with just 59 percent against, compared to 63 percent of Generation Xers and 78 percent of baby boomers.The biggest reason, 70 percent of all those surveyed said, was that they simply didnt want to give the government access to their personal data  but 64 percent said they didnt trust the government with their personal data. More than half, or 51 percent, said they didnt think having access to their personal data would improve the quality of government services.Elsewhere, 20 percentage points divided millennials and baby boomers on whether they had local government access via digital channels like apps, websites and email to schedule local hospital visits and appointments. Just 19 percent of baby boomers said yes, but 39 percent of millennials agreed.On the issue of remotely participating in local town hall events like budget meetings, 15 percentage points separated baby boomers and millennials. Asked whether local governments offered access through digital channels like apps, websites and social networks, just 12 percent of baby boomers said yes. That number jumped to 27 percent of millennials. Overall, 19 percent of respondents said yes.That, Berst said, is unfortunate.Its a bit of a perverse situation, he said, in that its really the baby boomers who typically have greater need and use for it. And its often harder for them to take advantage of it."
Searching a governors state budget proposal in California might get a lot easier.A Senate committee on Wednesday approved legislation that would require future state budgets be available in a downloadable spreadsheet format  an effort to bring more public scrutiny to state expenditures.This is a good government measure to provide more transparency in our budgeting process, bill author Sen. Henry Stern, D-Los Angeles, told the Senate Governance and Finance Committee, which approved the bill on a unanimous vote Wednesday.These are taxpayers' dollars. They are spent on incredibly important programs, he added.The problem Stern, told lawmakers, is that the public cant access state budget information in a format that they can read.Currently, the state budget is posted on the Department of Finances eBudget website in an HTML or PDF format. Word searches can be done, but it cant be easily imported into a spreadsheet, such as Microsoft Excel, without special software often making it difficult for the public to analyze with the data.Sterns bill would require the state's annual budget be made available in a downloadable, spreadsheet format by July 1, 2019, and available on the Department of Finance website for at least 10 years.Its a common-sense approach and supports open data and the use of technology in a way that just continues to keep California leading on transparency and innovation, said Andrea Deveau, the vice president of state policy and politics for TechNet , a network representing the nations leading technology companies.Lawmakers approved the bill despite a staff committee analysis that questioned whether such a measure was needed. When asked about the bills requirements, the administration indicated its online budget tables could be converted to a downloadable spreadsheet within the next year, according to the analysis.In addition, the states massive FI$Cal project will include a transparency website scheduled to be deployed by June 2019, which will include state expenditure data in a comma-separated or tab-separated file format that is searchable, downloadable and compatible with a spreadsheet software application, Department of Finance spokesman H.D. Palmer said.Sterns bill had initially called for the budget to posted as a machine-readable document with flexible data points, which the committee staff had described in their analysis as ambiguous. He amended the bill to require the budget be posted in a downloadable spreadsheet format and in line with what the administration has said it plans under the FI$Cal project.The bill also requires the Department of Finance to develop a fiscal information system that will provide timely and uniform fiscal data, including online inquiry capacity and the ability to simulate budget expenditures and forecast revenues. The bill calls for that system to contain expenditures and encumbrances by program and a coding structure that indicates the categorization of expenditures and revenues.
(TNS) -- SAN JOSE, Calif.  Delivering an eBay order in under 30 minutes, mining 11 million financial documents for evidence of illegal activity, helping humans reach Mars more quickly  three seemingly unrelated feats made possible using a new data analysis tool that is sweeping Silicon Valley.Forget spreadsheets. Its all about graph databases, which map information using an intricate web of connections between data points. Looking at data that way, an idea popularized by industry leaders like Facebook and Google, lets users spot relationships that otherwise might be missed. Experts say it is helping revolutionize the field of data as the world is flooded with more information than ever before.Data does feel like the new oil. Its kind of the commodity that makes everything go, said Zavain Dar, a principal at Menlo Park-based venture capital firm Lux Capital. And its really on the enterprise now to have as fine-tuned of an engine as possible.Collecting the data is no longer the hard part  its sucked up when you search and post online, and gathered by everything from autonomous cars, to satellites, to smartphones, and funneled to companies or government organizations. Tech companies challenge now is figuring out how best to analyze that data.Silicon Valley startups are attacking that problem, a trend that experts say could ultimately be problematic for incumbents of the big-data industry  such as Palantir  which risk losing some of their market share to the newcomers.Neo Technology, a startup named after the main character in The Matrix movie trilogy, is one of the early pioneers of graph database technology. Previously, that type of data analysis was reserved for companies with big wallets and deep talent pools, like Facebook and Google. Neo Founder and CEO Emil Eifrem says his team offers its own version of that little piece of Silicon Valley magic to the masses.For example, last year the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists used Neos technology to dig through the more than 11 million records revealed in the Panama Papers leak, searching for evidence of corrupt offshore tax activity.NASA uses Neo technology to manage the space agencys database of more than 10 million documents detailing lessons learned from past mission failures and successes. Using Neo, searches in the database take less time  days instead of weeks or months  and return more relevant results, said David Meza, chief knowledge architect at NASA. He said Neo helped one NASA engineer save millions of dollars and up to two years by locating existing research he could use in his work on the Orion, the spacecraft NASA hopes eventually will take humans to Mars.Closer to home, eBay engineer Volker Pacher demonstrated another use for Neos technology. Standing onstage at Neos 2014 graph database conference, Pacher ordered a bottle of bourbon on eBay. As he finished the talk half an hour later, a courier approached the stage with his delivery, eliciting cheers from the crowd. Neo had facilitated the transaction, working behind the scenes to find the best delivery option.EBay has since pulled the plug on same-day delivery in the U.S., but continues testing the service, using Neo, in the U.K.Eifrem said he has seen interest in his industry explode since Neo launched its first graph database product in 2011, holding a meet-up for graph database fans that drew four or five people. Now the events bring in crowds  more than 1,000 attended the companys recent conference in San Francisco.Eifrem called that buzz amazing, but admitted it has brought more competition.The flip side is that in the past 12 to 18 months, IBM has announced a graph database, he said. Microsoft has announced that theyre working on several internally; Oracle has launched a graph database.There also are smaller companies to contend with. Objectivity, which has been in the data analysis business for two decades, started developing its own graph database two years ago to address the growing demand for the technology. Ayasdi sells data analysis software that uses graph databases and other tools to help hospitals pinpoint the best patient care, or banks uncover money laundering.Many data companies are eyeing the giant in the room  Palantir. The secretive, $20 billion company has long been known for helping government and corporate clients solve tough data problems  its technology is rumored to have helped U.S. forces track down Osama bin Laden.San Francisco-based data analysis company Gemini advertises itself as the poor mans Palantir because it offers similar services that it says are cheaper and simpler to deploy. Unlike Palantir, which custom-builds platforms for each client and sends its own engineers to help clients get set up, Gemini builds a service that any company can put on top of its existing platform.Palantir declined to comment.That type of competition puts pressure on companies like Palantir, Dar said.Once youre so big its harder to pivot and incorporate emerging technology paradigms as they mature, he said. Can Palantir successfully incorporate these novel toolkits in a way that meets their customer expectations before getting displaced by faster, more agile upstarts?
Just days after being given the green light to select a contractor for the five-year, multi-billion dollar First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) project, officials on March 30 awarded the contract to telecom giant AT&T.During a special board meeting just two days prior, the FirstNet board voted unanimously to move ahead with selecting a contract awardee.Although many in the telecommunications space had speculated that AT&T would win the bid for the nationwide public safety network, legal embroilments had delayed the decision and muddied the waters.This unique partnership brings together FirstNet as the voice of public safety and a global technology team with a proven track record and commitment to public safety. Together, FirstNet and AT&T will move with precision and urgency to deliver this much-needed infrastructure to those who need it the most: our first responders, FirstNet CEO Mike Poth said in a statement Over the course of the next two-and-a-half decades, the communications company will work closely with the agency to implement and maintain a national broadband network for police, fire and EMS personnel.According to a FirstNet press release, success-based payments will be made to the company throughout the life of the five-year buildout. The contract is valued at $6.5 billion, and the overall life of the maintenance contract is 25 years.Prior to the award, the FirstNet procurement process gained national attention when a coalition of companies operating under the name Rivada Mercury filed a lawsuit alleging they had been unfairly dismissed from the selection process.On March 17, Federal Judge Elaine Kaplan ruled in favor of the project teams decision, allowing the board to approve the selection of the network contractor.AT&T Chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson said the company was looking forward to building out the project, calling it an unprecedented public-private investment in infrastructure.
Economists and researchers gathered Thursday, March 23, in Sacramento to discuss where tech could take the world generally and California specifically.The forum,included an international expert, a state economist and a private-sector researcher. Each presented their version of hot topics for California's future.The meetings two takeaways: injecting humanity into technology and preparing the workforce for more technology in new and sometimes unexpected forms.The speakers said that technology cannot be neutral and helpful without humans exerting autonomous control over it.Tech is only neutral if you choose how to use it, Californias Chief Economist and Department of Finance representative Irena Asmundson.For example, a previously informed user cannot give informed consent if they cannot keep up with how Terms and Conditions change, said Nicholas Davis, head of society and innovation at the World Economic Forum.Ethical issues, such as how artificial intelligence uses skin color categories in facial recognition are also becoming more prominent, said Rachel Hatch, research director of the 10-Year Forecast at the Institute for the Future.Systems start to build on themselves she said. Things get baked in, but this is the window to change it.Social media giants like Facebook have expanded to more than 100 times the amount of users it has per employee, Davis said. Davis also questioned at what point an employee cannot keep up. Even with more efficiency and more productivity, any system improvement or change will cause a bottleneck somewhere else while users adapt.Nevertheless, users and government must still find ways to adapt, the three panelists agreed.Despite fear about automation ending the need for human labor, Asmundson is hopeful new industries will create new jobs.Theres going to be more than enough work for everyone. Its just going to be if people who want the work done can pay for it, Asmundson said.Asmundson said she believes more communities will be built on technology, usually on the Web, and that a human moderator would be needed for that.You cant apply for a job like that now, but the pendulum swings, Asmundson said.But you can apply for a job with robots working around the office, as with Hatchs job. Her office has three robots representing her coworkers while they work remotely.Youre not even being replaced by a robot, youre being augmented, Hatch said. She said this can be jarring, but employees will have to get used to it over time.More tech and tech systems are coming to represent people, based on identity or pseudonymous identities as with blockchain systems.Hatch mentioned that she thinks there will be a need for more governance around blockchain transactions such as Bitcoin.Future governance will have to look at transactions within systems, all three agreed.Adaptive and agile governance will be important so there is no need to burn this down and start again, Davis said.How do you put the values into these systems? Davis asked.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 30

By Anvar Mammadov - Trend:

Azerbaijan may start exporting wine to Russias St. Petersburg in the near future, Elchin Madatov, head of Azerbaijani Wine Exporters and Producers Association, told Trend.

He said that Azerbaijan has already established contacts with representatives of a St. Petersburg-based company.

When talking about the export of wine to Russia before, we meant the delivery of products only to Moscow, Madatov said. But at the last ProWein trade fair in Germany, representatives of one company from St. Petersburg expressed interest for our wine. In early April, they should arrive in Baku for negotiations.

Madatov noted that in general, wine export volume in the first quarter of 2017 will significantly exceed the export volume in the same period last year.

He added that Russia and China continue to remain the main export markets for Azerbaijani wine.

At the same time, we supply Azerbaijani wine to Belarus and Lithuania, Madatov said. We also aim to enter the markets of Europe, Africa and North America.
Jacques Villeneuve has tipped a bright future for Mick Schumacher if the young German can "deal with the pressure".

The 1997 world champion has a unique perspective on the youngster's rise to F1, having duelled wheel to wheel with Mick's famous father Michael Schumacher some 20 years ago.

But not just that, Villeneuve also made his way to F1 with a famous father in his baggage, in the shape of the late F1 legend Gilles Villeneuve.

"I have not met Mick yet but I am very curious to do so," the French Canadian told the Cologne tabloid Express.

"We are both sons of very successful fathers, but the pressure on him is even much greater than it was on me. First, because his father was world champion so many times -- and not so many years ago.

"And second, because the fans and the media are seeing a fully qualified driver with the best qualities, but he is not that yet. So Mick has a very big load on his shoulders," Villeneuve added.

So when asked what his advice for the 18-year-old Schumacher would be, Villeneuve said: "Just that he should do his thing.

"If he has a passion for the sport and can deal with the pressure, many doors will open for him."

Schumacher moves from Formula 4 to the top junior category European F3 this year.

(GMM)
Felipe Massa thinks F1 drivers will be tested physically in 2017.

That is despite the fact that the sport's new era, characterised by the much faster cars of 2017, kicked off with every driver except the recently-injured Pascal Wehrlein coping physically in Australia.

But F1 veteran and Williams driver Massa said Melbourne was not the best example of what is to come this year.

"There will be harder circuits," he told the Brazilian broadcaster Sportv. "Australia is not very difficult on the physical side.

"But in Malaysia it will be very hot, for example," he said. "There are circuits on which we will feel it on the physical side, and if you get tired, the chance to make a mistake is greater.

"I finished the race in Australia well, but without doubt it's harder than before," added the 35-year-old.

"But if you look at the drivers, everyone is training. Most of the drivers are very professional -- maybe (Lewis) Hamilton a little less," Massa laughed.

(GMM)
Audi will not be the only manufacturer not already competing in F1 that will be present for a meeting in Paris on Friday.

We reported earlier that the German marque intended to send a representative as the FIA hosts a meeting to discuss the future of F1's engine rules beyond 2020.

Germany's Auto Bild now clarifies that the representative will in fact be Stefano Domenicali, the former Ferrari boss who runs another VW marque, Lamborghini.

"The goal of the meeting on Friday is to get the opinion of the manufacturers about how we should go forward with the power units in the future," said Mercedes chief Toto Wolff.

"It will not be only the manufacturers who are currently involved in formula one who are present."

Currently, only Ferrari, Renault and Honda race in F1 along with Mercedes, but Auto Bild said there will be "at least eight" manufacturers in total at Friday's meeting.

Making up the numbers are reportedly another Japanese carmaker, and possibly Cosworth.

An Audi spokesman said: "Even if we attend the meeting, an entry into formula one is not an issue for us at the moment."

Auto Bild said another figure at the meeting will be Mario Illien, the Ilmor chief and well-known engine guru who most recently helped Renault and Red Bull.

The report said Illien is now working with McLaren.

(GMM)
Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 30

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

Kazakhstan plans to launch two huge industrial objects in 2017 within the State Program of Forced Industrial and Innovative Development, Kazakh Investment and Development Ministry said in a message.

It is planned to launch Prommashkomplekt complex for production of railway wheels in Pavlodar region and plant for production of sheet glass in Kyzylorda region until the end of the year.

In 2016 within the State Program of Forced Industrial and Innovative Development, Kazakhstan launched 6 new big industrial projects in metallurgy, oil refining, machinery and construction industry. The total cost of these projects hit 154.9 billion tenges (315.2 tenges = $1).

According to the ministry, direct foreign investments into the manufacturing industry increased by 1.3 times in January- September 2016 compared to the same period of 2015 to $2.6 billion.

Follow the author on Twitter: @E_Kosolapova
Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 30

By Anvar Mammadov  Trend:

Liquidation of Azerbaijans United Credit Bank, license of which was revoked in 2016, will start in the coming days, Rufat Aslanli, head of Azerbaijans Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FIMSA), said Mar. 30.

The delay in the liquidation process was caused by legal procedures, as the bank appealed against FIMSAs decision to revoke its license, Aslanli told reporters in Baku.

Trials on liquidation of United Credit Bank are fully finished and earlier this week, we received the court's decision, he said.

In the coming days, a liquidator will be assigned to the bank, after which the liquidation process will start there.

United Credit Bank started operating April 30, 1996, as a joint Russia-Azerbaijan commercial bank Rossiysky Kredit.

On Jan. 25, 2016, Central Bank of Azerbaijan revoked United Credit Banks license due to the fact that the banks aggregate capital did not meet the minimum requirements of the CBA (50 million manats). Besides, the bank could not meet its obligations to creditors and ensure reliable and prudential management of the current activity.

In turn, the bank appealed against FIMSAs decision and then started a trial, which lasted for more than a year.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 29



By Dalga Khatinoglu  Trend:

Turkey increased oil import from Iran more than two times in January 2017, compared to the same month of the previous year, Turkeys Energy Market Regulatory reported.

According to the report, Iran exported about 834,000 tons (about 199,083 b/d) of crude oil to Turkey in January 2017, while the figure for the same month in 2016 was 406,894 tons.

The report also added that Turkey exported 643.193 tons of petroleum products to Iran in January 2017, while the figure for January 2016 was only 34.825 tons.

Iran and P5+1 Group (US, UK, France, Russia, China + Germany) reached a nuclear agreement, which was implemented in January 2016 and removed sanctions (imposed in 2012) on Iran.

Before sanctions, Iran exported about 9.287 million tons (188,000 b/d) to Turkey in 2011, about 27 percent more than 2010, but after sanctions, the volume decreased significantly.

Turkeys oil import from Iran

Year Million tons Barrels per day 2008 7.8 158,137 2009 3.228 65,444 2010 7.261 147,209 2011 9.287 188,284 2012 7.561 153,292 2013 5.256 106,560 2014 5.194 105,303 2015 5.587 113,271 2016 6.677 135,369

Source: Turkeys Energy Market Regulatory
Baku, Azerbaijan, March 30



By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:



Fourteen different options have been evaluated for the landfall of Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) project in Italy, said the countrys Environment Minister Gian Luca Galletti, Italian media reported.



As for the protests held in Italys Puglia region due to the removal of olive trees as part of construction of the pipeline, the minister expressed confidence that common sense will prevail in the end.



The minister recalled that once the construction work is completed, these olive trees will be replanted.



Earlier, Italian Council of State gave green light to construction of TAP in the country, rejecting appeals from the Puglia regional government.



The Council of State ruled that the TAP project had provided sufficient details on the environmental impact of the project.



To avoid any impact on the San Foca beach in Italy, TAP is building a 1.5km micro-tunnel. This state-of-the-art engineering minimizes environmental impact and renders the pipeline invisible.



To start building the micro-tunnel  at a site approximately 800m inland from the beach  TAP, as a first step, needs to move and store 231 olive trees, which will later be replanted at the same location.



To enable building the micro-tunnel, TAP will move 211 olive trees as a first step. As a second step, TAP will then move and store an additional approximately 2,000 olive trees along the pipelines 8km route, from the micro-tunnel exit to the Pipeline Receiving Terminal (PRT).



Once the pipeline construction activities are completed in 2019, the olive trees will be brought back and planted in their original perimeter.



TAP is a part of the Southern Gas Corridor which is one of the priority energy projects for the European Union.



TAP project envisages transportation of gas from the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz gas and condensate field to the EU countries.



The pipeline will be connected to the Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) on the Turkish-Greek border, run through Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Italy's south.



TAP will be 878 kilometers in length (Greece 550 km, Albania 215 km, Adriatic Sea 105 km, and Italy 8 km). Its highest point will be 1,800 meters in Albanias mountains, while its lowest point will be 820 meters beneath the sea.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Classification society ClassNK has released its Guidelines for Liquefied Hydrogen (LH 2 ) Carriers for the safe constructions and operation of LH 2 carriers based on provisions of the IMO Interim Recommendations.

Realizing the practical use of hydrogen, will require economically viable and environmentally friendly production as a secure supply chain to transport hydrogen to the place of consumption. As the most efficient way for long distance and large volume transportation, carriage of LH 2 by a ship is anticipated to expand.

Currently, the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code) outlines safety requirements for gas carriers such as LNG. However, there are no specific requirements defined in the code applicable for LH 2 carriers that take into account the hazards associated with the handling and transport of LH 2 .

Hydrogen must be kept at temperatures below 253 C in order to maintain its liquid state under atmospheric pressure, presenting an even tougher challenge than LNG. In response to growing interest in LH 2 transportation, IMO developed Interim Recommendations for Carriage of Liquefied Hydrogen in Bulk which were adopted at MSC 97.
Initial research projects include collaborations with Stanford University; the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; the University of Michigan; the University at Buffalo; the University of Connecticut; and the UK-based materials science company Ilika. TRI is also in ongoing discussions with additional research partners.

The Toyota Research Institute (TRI) will collaborate with research entities, universities and companies on materials science research, investing approximately $35 million over the next four years in research that uses artificial intelligence to help accelerate the design and discovery of advanced materials. Initially, the program will aim to identify new advanced battery materials and fuel cell catalysts that can power future zero-emissions and carbon-neutral vehicles.

Toyota recognizes that artificial intelligence is a vital basic technology that can be leveraged across a range of industries, and we are proud to use it to expand the boundaries of materials science. Accelerating the pace of materials discovery will help lay the groundwork for the future of clean energy and bring us even closer to achieving Toyotas vision of reducing global average new-vehicle CO 2 emissions by 90% by 2050. TRI Chief Science Officer Eric Krotkov

Research will merge advanced computational materials modeling, new sources of experimental data, machine learning and artificial intelligence in an effort to reduce the time scale for new materials development from a period that has historically been measured in decades.

Research programs will follow parallel paths, working to identify new materials for use in future energy systems as well as to develop tools and processes that can accelerate the design and development of new materials more broadly.

In support of these goals, TRI will partner on projects focused on areas including:

The development of new models and materials for batteries and fuel cells;

Broader programs to pursue novel uses of machine learning, artificial intelligence and materials informatics approaches for the design and development new materials; and,

New automated materials discovery systems that integrate simulation, machine learning, artificial intelligence and/or robotics.

This represents a fantastic opportunity to drastically advance the use of databases and machine learning methods in materials discovery. The partnership combines theory, computation and experiment in an unprecedented, concerted effort. We are particularly excited by prospects for an avant-garde approach to catalyst development for fuel cells. Jens Norskov, Professor at Stanford University and director of the SUNCAT center

Accelerating materials science discovery represents one of four core focus areas for TRI, which was launched in 2015 with mandates to also enhance auto safety with automated technologies, increase access to mobility for those who otherwise cannot drive and help translate outdoor mobility technology into products for indoor mobility.
The body of a fisherman who disappeared from the boat ramp at Cedar Springs Marina in Utah in late January has been discovered more than two months later.

Wednesday morning, the Daggett County Sheriffs Office issued a media release regarding the fisherman, who was identified as Phil Sabey, 59, of Manila, Utah. According to the sheriffs office, Sabeys body was spotted floating in the water by two fishermen near the Mustang Ridge area of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir Tuesday at about 3:20 p.m. Sabeys body was recovered by the sheriffs office, Utah Highway Patrol and the Utah Stat...
Dear Editor,

Ive lived in Wyoming my whole life, and I find comfort in Wyomings wilderness areas. I grew up in Casper and now study at the University of Wyoming.

When I was younger I didnt appreciate these open landscapes, but now that Im about to graduate everyone is asking me where Im going next. Im trying to find ways to stay here in Wyoming where we have such great access to amazing places.

As a kid, some of my best memories were made on long camping trips in the Bighorns with my dad. My stepbrothers would leave me trailing behind, picking on each other, while I lag...
Dear Editor,

As the newly elected chairman of the Sweetwater County Democratic Party, Id like to publicly thank our democratic legislators for all the hard work they put in during the recent legislative session.

These dedicated individuals spent months away from their homes, families, and jobs in order to serve the people of Wyoming. They worked tirelessly in the face of adversity and still maintained the energy and courage to fight for the ideals we hold dear.

They fought to preserve basic human rights, and stood up for education, healthcare, and a womans right to choose. They sou...
A few weeks ago, we received a letter from the chairman of the Wyoming GOP urging residents of the Cowboy State to be appreciative of their legislators and the hard work they completed during the legislative session in Cheyenne.

While we dont doubt there was a lot of hard work, we dont agree with the sentiment we should be appreciative of the groups efforts.

One of the biggest issues coming from the legislative leadership early on was a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the state to take over federal lands within its boarders. While the bill was ultimately withdraw...
Baku, Azerbaijan, March 30



By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

Russia has reduced the oil production by 200,000 barrels per day (bpd) as compared to the average daily volume recorded in October 2016, said the countrys energy minister Alexander Novak.

The country is cutting the oil output in stages in accordance with the plan and the reduction of production in January-February was going at a faster pace, Novak told CNBC.

Russia has agreed to cut its oil output by 300,000 barrels per day under the OPEC deal signed in Vienna.

In December 2016, OPEC and non-OPEC producers reached their first deal since 2001 to curtail oil output jointly and ease a global glut after more than two years of low prices.



Non-OPEC oil producers such as Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, Sudan, and South Sudan agreed to reduce output by 558,000 bpd starting from Jan. 1, 2017 for six months, extendable for another six months, to take into account prevailing market conditions and prospects.



OPEC agreed to slash the output by 1.2 million barrels per day from Jan. 1, with top exporter Saudi Arabia cutting as much as 486,000 bpd.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
A Kansas abortion clinic that was among the first in the country to open after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade has been inundated with patients. Some drive 10 hours or more to get there, coming from Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas and even Louisiana. But thats only if they can get an appointment. Planned Parenthood clinics in the state, including this newest one, are only able to take about 10% to 15% of the patients seeking abortions. Kansas is one of the few states in the region still providing abortions in the wake of the court's ruling.
March 30, 1953

Albert Einstein has revised his great theory that seeks to explain, in one law, everything in the universe, it was announced today. He thinks his change is an improvement, and that it makes his theory more convincing. But he admits he does not yet know. He doesnt know how to prove it  how to show that it describes real things, whether inside atoms or in the starry expanse of the universe. For his new mathematical equations apparently cant be solved by present knowledge in mathematics, by Einstein or anybody else. ... The Unified Field Theory is an expansion of the laws of gravitation to include the strange forces which form atoms and hold them together. These atomic forces are electricity and magnetism, or electromagnetism.
GREENSBORO  A former Lindley Elementary School teacher was convicted Wednesday of sexually abusing one of his 6-year-old students.

Randall Randy Lee Clawson, 56, of Greensboro was convicted of first-degree sexual offense with a child, felony sexual act with a student by a teacher, two counts of indecent liberties with a child and two counts of first-degree kidnapping.

At the time of the offenses, Clawson was the English as a second language teacher of the child, who was a first- grader.

Clawsons charges will run consecutively because he must serve a minimum of 25 years in prison for the sexual offense before beginning a minimum of 27 months in prison for the other convictions.

We were very satisfied and so was his family, said Kelly Thompson, the Guilford County assistant district attorney who prosecuted the case. His (the victims) mother told him she forgave him and that she feels sorry for his mother because as a mom she can imagine what his mother is going through.

Clawsons trial lasted more than a week in Guilford County Superior Court. It is the second time jurors heard the details of Clawsons abuse toward the victim.

The childs family members are not named because doing so could identify him. The News & Record does not identify victims of sexual abuse cases.

In August 2016 the victim testified before 12 jurors, 11 of whom found Clawson guilty. The 12th juror had thought Clawson was innocent.

Judge Christopher Bragg declared a mistrial.

During that trial, the victim testified that Clawson took him into a bathroom, forced him to pull down his pants and inappropriately touched him before forcing the boy to reciprocate.

The boy told jurors that Clawson threatened to do the same thing to his sister if the boy reported him. The abuse lasted three years.

At age 9 the boy finally broke his silence.

I think this trial was better than the first, Thompson said.

Thompson said the victim is now 12 years old and was able better to articulate and explain what happened.

His third-grade teacher also testified that she noticed the boy began to fake being ill in the afternoon, and that he would cry before going to Clawsons class, the last of the day.

One of the victims classmates also came forward and testified that the victim was always the last student allowed to leave Clawsons classroom leaving the boy alone with his teacher.

Clawson had been out of jail on bond during the trial.

On Thursday morning he was in the Guilford County jail awaiting transfer to prison.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 30

By Huseyn Hasanov - Trend:

Turkmenistan considers Belarus important political partner both in the bilateral cooperation format and within the framework of international organizations, Turkmenistan State News Agency reported.

Today, on Mar. 30, Ashgabat hosted talks between Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko. Following the one-on-one meeting at the highest level, the talks continued in an expanded format with the participation of members of the official delegations of the two countries.

Turkmenistan and Belarus have complete mutual understanding on key global issues, according to the report.

Both countries are supporters of maintaining and consolidating of universal peace, stability and security, strengthening of the role of the UN, observing of the universally recognized international legal norms, the report said.
WINSTON-SALEM  The advice from Forsyth Countys legislative delegation to the Winston-Salem City Council on a proposed Welcoming City resolution could be boiled down to this Wednesday: Dont do it.

The warning came from Democrats and Republicans in the N.C. General Assembly, who said the city could be punished for pursuing a resolution that some legislators will likely see as a sanctuary city resolution in all but name.

I cant even begin to tell you how unwise this would be, state Sen. Joyce Krawiec, R-Forsyth, told the members of the Winston-Salem City Council. My colleagues are going to see this as a sanctuary bill. They have told me that there will be consequences if Winston-Salem does this. There wont be anything I can do about it.

The Welcoming City resolution is being sponsored by Council Member Dan Besse, who put forward the resolution as an alternative to calls from local activists to have the city declare itself a sanctuary for unauthorized immigrants.

North Carolina law forbids cities from passing sanctuary ordinances, which are defined in state law as rules that would forbid police from asking about citizenship status, or which would have the city take a stance of noncooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Besse insisted Wednesday that his resolution proposes nothing illegal, but legislators who represent the city in the General Assembly said the resolution is a bad idea.

State Rep. Ed Hanes, D-Forsyth, said that the city should do what the General Assembly does to bills that are not ready for prime time.

What we are telling you is that right now this (resolution) isnt ready and you should send this to your version of the rules committee  where some bills go to die and where some bills get revived again at another time.

Proposals would penalize cities

Besse said after the meeting with legislators that he will continue to press for the approval of the resolution.

This is one of those moments when silence will be taken as capitulation to fear and intimidation, Besse said. I will press for approval if I am the only vote on the council for it.

Mayor Allen Joines and all the city council members except James Taylor were able to make the trip to Raleigh to meet with the countys legislative delegation. Ordinarily such meetings are held to discuss routine local legislation, but this time legislators said they also wanted to talk to the city about Besses resolution.

Krawiec didnt say what would happen if the city goes forward with the Besse resolution, but there are several bills in the legislative hopper that penalize cities financially for being found in sanctuary status.

Legislators present for the meeting in addition to Krawiec and Hanes were state Sen. Paul Lowe, D-Forsyth, and state Reps. Debra Conrad, R-Forsyth; Julia Howard, R-Davie; Donny Lambeth, R-Forsyth; and Evelyn Terry, D-Forsyth.

Besses resolution comes at a time of intense national debate over immigration policy spurred on and brought to the fore by the election of Donald Trump as president.

Besse said his resolution is not intended to cross the limits set by state or federal law but is meant to reassure residents that the city is a welcoming place for everybody.

The last paragraph of Besses resolution directs city officials to look at ways to take additional and appropriate lawful steps  to reinforce our commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment to immigrants and others.

But Robert Clark, the only Republican on the city council, said it looked as if the resolution was very artful language (that) opens the door wide open to say, What can we do to legally stop (immigration authorities) from enforcing the law.

I do think this is a sanctuary city resolution and Im not sure who we are fooling with the name change, Clark said.

Council Member Derwin Montgomery said that he disagreed with Clark about what the resolution is asking for but noted that the discussion about the resolution has to deal with how it is perceived.

Several legislators said Winston-Salem should stick to showing its welcoming attitude by actions instead of a resolution.

Words are important, but actions speak louder than words, Lambeth said. Winston-Salem has many positive attributes. Lets not get diverted by something that is on a piece of paper. Let our actions show our respect for other people.

Resolutions main backer extremely disappointed

Several legislators made reference to recent efforts by Joines to tackle high poverty levels in the city with a thought force convened to brainstorm ideas.

Keep doing that, the legislators said.

I dont have any issue with the language of your welcoming resolution, but it is not going anywhere here, Terry said. So why should we expend energy when we have an issue of poverty among a permanent underclass in our city?

Conrad and Krawiec said Winston-Salem shouldnt want to be seen in Raleigh as a city testing the limits of the law.

Bury this right now, Conrad said. It is the right thing to do right now.

Council members are scheduled to continue their discussion of Besses resolution in April. Lambeth said he would offer suggestions on how the resolution might be changed. Joines said the legislators gave the city good advice and said he has some changes he would like to make.

Besse said after the meeting that he was extremely disappointed in the reaction to his resolution.

Im hearing that it doesnt matter what we say, it will be heard as an attempt to violate the law, he said. What I hear is that we will be punished regardless of our intent, and that is dead wrong.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Mar. 30

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

Turkmenistan is ready to jointly develop various forms of partnership with Belarus to start the supply of its energy resources, said President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov during high-level talks with his Belarusian counterpart.

The two countries interests coincide in this and there are prospects for long-term cooperation, the Turkmen Dovlet Habarlary state news service quoted Berdimuhamedov as saying Mar. 30.

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko is currently on an official visit in Ashgabat.

Turkmen President Berdimuhamedov during the talks with his Belarusian counterpart appraised the prospects of the bilateral economic cooperation. Delivery of Belarusian automobile and tractor machinery to Turkmenistan has been named the long-term direction of such cooperation, Turkmen Dovlet Habarlary reported.

Our country is also ready to step up cooperation in such fields as electrical engineering, pharmaceutics and communications, said the Turkmen president.

Turkmenistan has repeatedly stated readiness to diversify its supplies to Belarus, increase export of textile and light industry products. There are significant opportunities for cooperation in international transportation as well.
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GREENWICH  The criminal case against Chris von Keyserling is continuing, as defense lawyers and prosecutors hold further conferences regarding the charge of fourth-degree sexual assault filed against the longtime Representative Town Meeting member.

One of von Keyserlings defense lawyers, April Pramer, told Superior Court Judge Gary White Wednesday morning that additional talks are being held with state prosecutors and a victims advocate.

Another pre-trial court session was set for May 4.

Von Keyserling faces the misdemeanor charge after being accused of grabbing a town employee on or near her crotch during an argument over political correctness.

He has pleaded not guilty.

While protestors have greeted von Keyserling outside the Stamford courthouse at previous court appearances, no protestors came out Wednesday. Some union employees, associates of the woman who von Keyserling allegedly grabbed, were at the court session Wednesday.

Von Keyserling was present but did not speak in front of the judge.

According to the arrest-warrant application, a discussion over politics between von Keyserling and the woman, an employee at The Nathaniel Witherell nursing home, turned heated on Dec. 9. When the woman rose to leave, von Keyserling pinched or groped her on the lower portion of her body, according to court papers.

Von Keyserling, 71, temporarily has stepped down from leadership of RTM District 8, but he has rejected calls for his resignation from the body. He also has received support from some quarters, including from some RTM colleagues.

March on Greenwich, an activist group formed after its members attended the January womens march in Washington, D.C., has initiated a petition calling for the RTM to publicly denounce von Keyserlings actions.

While we understand Mr. von Keyserling is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, under the circumstances and in light of Mr. von Keyserlings previous behavior as observed by other town leaders, we believe the RTM should issue, on behalf of its constituency, a public statement denouncing such behaviors by a town leader and supporting the victim in this case, the petition states.

Some 162 people have signed the document. It is available online at www.change.org.
The following excerpt is from Entrepreneur's book Finance Your Business. Buy it now from Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

If youre investigating online loans, take a look at two of the more unusual (yet legitimate) online lenders, peer-to-peer site Lendio and online pawnbroker Pawngo.

Related: 6 Tips for Navigating Online Lending Options

Matching small businesses with creditors: Lendio

When the economy tanked in 2008, enrollment in Olya Losinas fledgling art school began to wane. Marketing the San Diego-based Losina Art Center to a new crop of students required cash the painter and her husband/business partner, Bill Beatty, didnt have. So in late 2011, they created a profile on Lendio, a free online service that matches small businesses with lenders. Within minutes, they had a customized list of half a dozen potential lenders offering the five-figure, short-term financing they were seeking, and within days, they received the cash they needed.

Lendio CEO and co-founder Brock Blake says 300 U.S. lending institutions and nearly 1,300 individual lenders participate in the automated web platform, from banks and credit unions offering traditional, long-term loans to fast-cash alternative financiers such as peer-to-peer lenders and merchant cash-advance providers. Each month, roughly 10,000 business owners come to the site looking for financing, 60 to 70 percent of whom are approved for a loan, Blake says.

In a conversation with Entrepreneur, Losina sketched out how Lendio and her specific lender, OnDeck, helped keep her art school afloat:

Entrepreneur: Why did you go online for your cash infusion?

Losina: When the economy took a hit, our students pulled back. They just couldnt spend any money, and it left us struggling. We couldnt get ahead enough to do any marketing to expand. We needed to take out a small loan to build the business. The banks didnt want to talk to us; wed destroyed our personal credit opening the business. Were renting our place, so we dont have equity. What interested us about Lendio is that they didnt look at equity; they looked at the cash flow. And we could show that.

What was it like working with Lendio?

It was a simple process. We filled out a quick questionnaire, and Lendio got us in touch with qualified lenders without us having to research and qualify them ourselves. This definitely helped save us time. We scheduled a follow-up conversation with our Lendio representative, who gave us tips on how to evaluate lenders. Then we spoke to a few of them. And we took time making sure OnDeck was legitimate.

What did OnDeck ask of you?

They werent looking at our personal credit score; they were looking at our cash flow and whether wed be able to pay the loan back. The time from when we submitted our loan documents to OnDeck to the time the money showed up in our account was three to four days.

What were your loan repayment terms?

We qualified for $15,000, but we took only $10,000. It was an 86-day loan, paid back on a daily basis. The amount we were paying back was just $127 a day. We were getting a couple of new students a week, so it was a number we could deal with. But coming up with an extra $3,000 a month all in one chunk -- it would have been paralyzing to see a big number like that. The loan ended up costing 10 percent to pay back over those months. It was not a hard decision to make. We used that $10,000 to make more money.

Related: Beating the Odds and Avoiding Failure When Crowdfunding

How did you spend the cash?

We used the money for brochures, a major upgrade to our website and creating videos for the site. In the spring of 2012, we started a program to help students create and put together a winning portfolio to get into art college. One of our students who got into a very competitive college. He came to us with no drawing skills whatsoever. We saw that there was a real market for the portfolio program, so were continuing to push it as a standalone product. The money we got helped us create that program; now its 10 percent of our business.

Being on online pawn star: Pawngo

Since the History Channel show, Pawn Stars, first started capturing viewers attention in 2009, the seedy image of pawnbrokers has gotten a well-needed buffing. Industry veteran Todd Hills hopes Pawngo, his online pawnshop, will help him achieve the same kind of success.

Just like a traditional licensed pawnbroker, Pawngo secures loans against items of value or buys them outright. Once users enter a description of their item, Pawngos team of experts makes an offer based on estimated resale value. If the user accepts the offer, they provide proof of identity and ship the item to the companys Denver headquarters; once its received, the money is wired to the users account.

Hills had been in the pawn industry for more than 25 years, building and selling several shops of his own. He realized that as credit markets dried up during the economic downturn, individuals and businesses were in need of new avenues to access cash.

We were starting to see people who had never been in a pawnshop before, especially small-business owners who needed loans up to $50,000, and they couldnt get [the money] from their banks so were turning to pawnshops to cover their cash shortages, Hills says.

He decided that taking the concept online would let him reach a much broader audience, without the headaches and geographic constraints of building, staffing and growing a retail pawnshop. He founded his web company in 2007 and launched the original site, InternetPawn, in 2009. That too literal name was tossed in favor of Pawngo, which launched in June 2011.

In 2010, Hills business -- which had already raised $800,000 in funding from Access Venture Partners and Daylight Partners -- caught the eye of Lightbank, the $200 million Chicago investment fund whose partners had already founded four successful internet companies, including Groupon. The Lightbank team ponied up $1.5 million in Series B funding.

Related: 9 Steps to Launching a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign

The company charges interest of 3 to 6 percent, depending on the item and size of the loan. In 2013, Pawngo launched a small-business lending program that can make up to $1 million available in 24 hours with no credit check, based on the resale value of the merchandise. The company requires no principal payments until the end of the loan period.

The companys focus was originally on watches, high-end camera equipment and gold, but its category list has expanded to other precious metals, jewelry, loose diamonds, Apple computers and musical instruments. As it builds its retail sector, Pawngo will also earn the difference between acquisition and resale prices of the items it sells.

Related:

8 Things to Consider to Find the Right Funding Option for Your Startup

How These 2 Offbeat Online Lenders Could Help You Land Funding

Indian Edtech Entrepreneur Wins Another Foreign Investor



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Mar. 30

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

After the negotiations held in Ashgabat on Mar. 30 between presidents of Turkmenistan and Belarus, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Alexander Lukashenko, several bilateral documents were signed, the Turkmen government said in a message.

The two presidents also signed a joint statement.

An agreement on cooperation in the fight against crime, a protocol on implementation of the cooperation program in culture and art, and a protocol on value added tax exemption of the goods imported by joint trading houses were signed between Turkmenistan and Belarus.

Moreover, a program of cooperation in tourism and several agreements in science and education were adopted.
Soft-scrambled eggs, caramelized onions, and just-melted cheddar on Eggsluts Fairfax sandwich. Photo: Liz Clayman

Alvin Cailan is breakfast-famous in Los Angeles. As the chef and founder of Eggslut, his morning creations are widely considered to be among the citys best. Each of Eggsluts four locations go through 2,100 eggs a day; 2 million people have watched a six-minute video of Cailan making a sandwich. And now, Cailan has come East  its something of a return to New York, as it turns out  where he knows the breakfast-sandwich culture is strong, and that some classics are better left alone.

Every morning, wed skate to the PATH, take the train to the World Trade, then get bacon-egg-and-cheese sandwiches from the booth at the top of the escalators, the chef says, recalling summers when he was growing up and his mother pawned him off to extended family in Jersey City. He knows that those squishy, melty sandwich miracles that fly off bodega griddles dont need an update. And so, with his New York debut set to open this week, he says, bluntly, Im not going to do a bacon-egg-and-cheese.

And, indeed, the BEC is not among the three items Eggslut is bringing to Chefs Club Counter, an offshoot of Nolitas Chefs Club, housed at the corner of Spring and Lafayette Streets. The brand-new space is the next evolutionary stage of the Food & Winebranded talent complex; both the original Chefs Club and the new Counter are a sort of anti-pop-up, where the signature dishes of lauded chefs stick around after out-of-town chefs head back to their home bases.

The aptly named Counter location opens Friday  youll know when you walk by because youll probably see a line out the door  and, earlier this week, Chefs Club culinary director Didier Elena was making some final adjustments, tweaking various moving parts, as the new restaurants pieces were literally put in place. As it was happening, the final sandwich details were being worked out.

Chef, should we make this smaller? Cailan said, approaching Elena with a gold-colored bun, cut in half.

What is this, said Elena, palming the bread. 90 grams?

Yeah, I think we need it at 75, Cailan said.

The bun has gone through 16 iterations. First, it was imagined as a poofy, swirl-topped kaiser, then as a sheeny brioche, like the one Eggslut uses in L.A. The collaborative chefs finally settled on a milk-based pain de mie. Because the brioche has eggs in the dough, it was taking some of the flavor away from the egg on the sandwich, Elena explains.

When Eric Kayser delivered the bun, it blew my mind, Cailan says, noting a monthlong R&D phase. It now serves as the base for a sandwich called the Fairfax  an Eggslut original consisting of cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, chives, and sriracha mayo perched on a wobbly chassis of eggs. Cage-free and soft-scrambled, they are cooked to classic specifications: un-whisked into a cold pan, brought up with plenty of cold butter, and taken off the heat before they fully set. They call them French eggs, I dont know why, Elena says, while casually noting that as a young cook in France, anyone who added salt to omelettes at the wrong moment would get summarily booted from the kitchen.

The Soho Salmon. Photo: Liz Clayman

The Soho Salmon is Cailans second sandwich on the menu, and its something of a showstopper. Created specifically for New York, it contains thinly sliced fish dressed with pickled mustard seeds (for that pop) and fromage blanc, plus a melted slice of Havarti. Its soft, not chewy, and the sunny-side-up egg slowly gets absorbed into the toasted bun. The salmon matches the pan de mie in texture, so no egregious fish slices pull away when a bite is taken. Its incredibly smart sandwich engineering that happens to look simple.

Lastly: the namesake Slut, another egg  this one coddled in a jar on a cushion of potato, with a toasted baguette on the side. Cailan derived inspiration for the dish from two main sources. The Filipino food his aunt cooked (After school, itd be garlic rice and a fried egg.), and iconic chef Joel Robuchons famed puree de pommes, a notoriously creamy version of mashed potatoes. Mine is a little lighter than his, said Cailan. A third less butter.

The rest of the Chefs Club Counter menu is equally ambitious. Atlanta chef Linton Hopkins is offering an Anson Mills grain bowl that has six heirloom grains on a base layer of squash puree, plus benne seeds and vadouvan carrots, crisp shiitakes, and a quenelle of vegan mayo made with cashews, herbs, and mustard.

George Mendess stellar duck rice is also there, anointed with dabs of vivid orange puree. Magnus Hansson turns out pizza Romana in one corner. Charcutier Aurelien Dufour makes jambon de Paris served with comte on bread from Maison Kayser, which also runs the formidable viennoiserie. The burger  of course there is a burger  comes with avocado, crisp onion, Russian dressing, and a veneer of melted pepper Jack cheese. It hails from Jean-Georges Vongerichtens Mercer Kitchen, three blocks away.

Its an appealing lineup, a tightly edited grouping that feels something like a minifood hall. And, of course, the long-awaited arrival of Eggslut should be enough to convince people to wake up early and check things out. To me, this a New York breakfast sandwich, Cailan says. Something you go out to get Saturday morning.

A coddled egg inspired in equal parts by Filipino cooking and Joel Robuchon. Photo: Liz Clayman

62 Spring St., at Lafayette St.; 646-438-9172
An empty dining room might be in the restaurants future. Photo: Jennifer MacFarlane

This week has not been kind to 43-year-old Le Cirque, one of New Yorks classic French restaurants that many (still) consider an institution: First, Page Six reported that founder Sirio Maccioni and his son Mauro filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, revealing that they owe between $500,000 and $1 million to up to 100 creditors. We had a short-term cash-flow issue so we filed for Chapter 11 to ensure we would not lose the leases on the two restaurants, Mauro told the paper, promising that both Le Cirque and Circo (which the Maccionis also own, along with international Le Cirque outposts) would remain open  business as usual.

But then, yesterday, Le Cirques head chef, Tom Valenti, resigned with a one-sentence statement to Eater: I wish the Maccioni family only the best.

While this is certainly a time of crisis for the Maccioni family, Le Cirque has actually had a rough few years: In 2012, New York Times critic Pete Wells demoted the restaurant to one-star status, writing, These are not the best of times at Le Cirque, and I could never square what Id eaten with what Id been asked to pay for it. This led to early bird discounts. Two years later, it faced a class-action lawsuit for multiple wage violations; and then, two years after that, a sexual-harassment lawsuit.

Still, Le Cirque has historically bounced back from all setbacks. After all, Sirio Maccioni has relocated the restaurant three times  most recently to the Bloomberg Building in 2006. Celebrities like Howard Stern and Alec Baldwin have stayed loyal to the restaurant, which also helped launch the careers of chefs Daniel Boulud, Bill Telepan, Michael Lomonaco, and David Bouley.

But regardless of legal troubles, its simply hard for this kind of ornate, old-school, romantic French restaurant to hold the same allure and survive in New York. A sampling of notable French restaurants that have closed in the aughts: Alain Ducasses Adour, Alain Allegrettis Bistro La Promenade, Keith McNallys Pastis, Andre and Rita Jammets La Caravelle, Jean Jacques-Rachous La Cote Basque, Jean Michel Bergougnouxs LAbsinthe, the International Culinary Centers Lecole, Amadeus Brogers Le Philosophe, David Waltuck and George Stinsons Elan, Philippe Lajaunies Les Halles Brasserie, and Georges Briguets Le Perigord.

That said, Le Coucou, an elegant French restaurant, was New Yorks biggest restaurant success story of 2016. If Le Cirque wants to make a real comeback, the Maccionis need to, of course, pay its debts, but also  perhaps just as importantly  find a chef who can refresh the menu at this 43-year-old restaurant without losing touch of what makes Le Cirque historic. Thats a tall order, given the nature of the restaurants current, longtime clientele and ownerships seeming reluctance to rock the boat too much. Unless something happens, though, its impossible to imagine too many new diners who will be willing to spend the necessary money to try it out.
Steaks come sizzling on a platter with garlic chips, garlic butter, and, for some reason, corn. Photo: Liz Clayman/New York Magazine

You cant open a Japanese chain restaurant in New York these days without a good gimmick. Theres Ichiran, the East Williamsburg ramen shop that sends you off alone to contemplate life and soup in a human feeding pen called a flavor concentration booth. And now comes Ikinari Steak in the East Village, which offers you the opportunity to tuck into your sirloin while standing up at a podiumlike table as if you were about to deliver a speech between bites.

The funny thing is, the concept not only worksit works well. Chomping beefsteaks in the manner of those who hunch over sinks with cartons of dan dan noodles after drinking binges, it turns out, is a perfectly fun and efficient way to go. Miss Manners and Emily Post might frown upon the practice, but the Underground Gourmet is all for it. In fact, eating standing up at Ikinari is much more comfortable and relaxed than eating sitting down at any number of overrun, cramped restaurants. Theres plenty of space between dining pulpits. The eating surface is big enough to hold several plates of food, with lots of thoughtfully designed storage systems for containing a cornucopia of proprietary steak sauces and salad dressings, and hanging and stashing coats and bags. Where many have tried and failed to make diners stand for their supperOtto at the bar, Eatalys La Piazza, Mile End sandwich shopthis steakhouse import might just succeed. (Indeed, the standing tide might be turning, judging by the dining counter at nearby Tim Ho Wan and the high-tops at Daily Provisions.)

Even the ordering system, which may remind you of Katzs in its intricacy, is kind of endearing. After a host shows you to a station, you place your order for drinks and appetizers, take your number card to the open-kitchen counter, and specify precisely what you want to eat: sirloin, rib eye, or filet mignon; how much of it you wantfrom 200 to 1000 grams, priced at 8, 9, or 11 cents per gram, respectively; and how youd like it cooked. Management suggests rare. (Later, you pay at a cash register; service is included.)

The best seats in the house are no seats at all. Photo: Liz Clayman/New York Magazine

When your steak arrives at your dining platform on a sizzling platter perfuming the air with the scent of charred beef, you may not mistake it for a 150-day dry-aged Pat LaFrieda cote de boeuf, but the wet-aged meat (choice grade, from Illinois) is surprisingly good, well-seasoned, and nicely grilled with a great beefy taste. It wears a cap of crispy fried garlic chips and a thimbleful of melting garlic butter, and is splayed out over a pile of onions and, for some reason, corn. The appetizers (plain salads, mugs of beef broth) arent much to write home about. The garlic pepper rice, on the other hand, is wonderful. You might go to Ikinari just for that. Served on a sizzling platter of its own with more of that garlic and corn and loads of black pepper, plus bits of beef trimmings, it develops a crust to rival any Korean bibimbap or Persian tahdig.

Although the thinking behind the no-seats concept is high turnover, none of our meals at Ikinari felt rushed. In fact, the subterranean room is a fun place to linger, watching goofy promotional videos on TV monitors, modeling the plastic bib youll find at your place setting, and experimenting with various sweet and salty steak sauces and the effects of residual cast-iron heat on hunks of rare meat. (That said, the slower you eat, the more your steak cooks  which, come to think of it, just might be the restaurants underlying strategy, prompting the medium-rare contingent to eat up and get out.)

One downside: Whether or not you wish to commemorate your visit to Ikinari with a souvenir, the smoky scent that clings to your clothes for days leaves you no choice. Theres a bottle of Febreze printemps et renouveau fabric refresher located in the vestibule of the restaurant to alleviate this problem. But whether spraying yourself from head to toe with Febreze is an improvement over smelling like a freshly grilled rib eye is up for debate.

Steaks are cut, weighed, and grilled to order. Photo: Liz Clayman/New York Magazine

The rib eye goes for 9 cents a gram. Photo: Liz Clayman/New York Magazine

Its almost worth going to Ikinari for the garlic pepper rice alone. Photo: Liz Clayman/New York Magazine

*A version of this article appears in the April 3, 2017, issue of New York Magazine.
Samsung is teaming up with Visa to add Visa Checkout support to Samsung Pay.

Visa Checkout is supported by hundreds of thousands of retailers and merchants around the world and works with a variety of cards, not only Visa ones.

People with a Samsung Pay device with fingerprint authentication will see a Visa Checkout/Samsung Pay co-branded buttons on merchants websites, if they add support for Visa Checkout.

If you're wondering how Visa Checkout differs from PayPal - it's meant for making purchases while PayPal is a service that on top of purchases lets people send money to other people and transfer money between accounts.

Source
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Mar. 30

By Demir Azizov  Trend:

The Senate (upper house) of the Uzbek parliament has approved a Law on ratification of the agreement on establishment of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Institute (CAREC).

The agreement was signed by governments of Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in Islamabad on Oct. 26, 2016.

The purpose of the Institutes creation is to improve the quality of CAREC by building knowledge and developing capacity for effective regional cooperation in order to accelerate the economic growth in the CAREC region, according to the agreement.

The Institute will align its programs with the strategic objectives of CAREC and will offer innovative solutions based on the sharing of best practices in order to enable the founding members of the Institute to respond to regional challenges and ensure cooperation processes.

The Institute will conduct strategic research by mobilizing world-class intellectual resources in order to enhance the potential for regional cooperation and accelerated economic growth in the CAREC region.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Mar. 29

By Demir Azizov  Trend:

Uzbekistans Navoi Mining and Metallurgy Complex JSC started construction of the fifth hydrometallurgical plant at the Auminza-Amantai gold ore deposit, said the Uzbek presidential press service.

The countrys President Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended the plants groundbreaking ceremony on March 28.

The new plant, worth $396 million, is expected to annually process five million tons of ore.

Navoi Mining and Metallurgy Complex is one of the largest gold producers in Central Asia.




Haiti - FLASH : Roadmap for the establishment of the Haitian army





Within the framework of the orientations set by the President of the Republic, translated into roadmaps, handed over to each minister on Wednesday https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-20507-icihaiti-politics-handing-of-roadmaps-to-ministers.html , Prime Minister Lafontant asked the Minister of Defense Herve Denis, beyond the missions and plan of the Ministry of Defense, to ensure personally of the implementation of a national defense force of military type in order to strengthen the functions strategies of National Defense "The challenges are immense [...] I count on your commitment and invite you to ensure that the objectives of your minsitry's action plan are met.



Mr. Minister, in the implementation of my Government's policy, I entrust you with the task of carrying out the necessary reforms with a view to strengthening national security [...]"



Ministry of Defense Roadmap :



"You will work to bring the army at the service of the Nation. In this sense, you must :



- Establishing and makes vote by Parliament the law for the reorganization and operation of the Haitian Armed Forces (FAD'H);

- Developing and makes vote by Parliament the law of military programming;

- Work with relevant ministries to draft and makes vote by Parliament the law establishing the Central Military Intelligence Directorate (DCRM);

- Collect information of strategic importance for the National Security Council (CNS).



The Armed Forces of Haiti must have qualified human resources. To this end, a budget will be gradually allocated to the Ministry of Defense. A Military Engineering Corps and a University Military Hospital will be established to enable the Armed Forces of Haiti to achieve their objectives. You rely on the laws and constitutional provisions to :



- Ensure knowledge of potential risks, threats and potential disruptions of any type;

- Anticipating crises by strengthening supervisory structures;

- Maintain the deterrent function;

- Permanently dispose of pre-positioned forces to better rescue and defend the territory;

- Contributing to the protection of the population on national territory, to the resilience of the Nation, in the face of risks and threats of all kinds (terrorism, drug trafficking, banditry, natural disasters, etc.);

- Strengthen the safety of facilities of vital importance;

- Secure the territory (air, land, sea);

- Supporting internal security and civil security systems;

- Contribute to international security by participating in stabilization and peacekeeping operations;

- To safeguard the interests of the Nation;

- Continuously and efficiently carry out national defense missions;

- To have specialized services and units contributing to the tasks of protecting the integrity of the territory and protecting the population;

- Conduct civic, environmental and development activities;

- Support the other components of the National Army;

- Rescue people and assist civil protection services in case of disasters and natural disasters;

- Contribuer a proteger et securiser les sites vitaux de la Nation ;

- Aider la police a contrecarrer les eventuelles activites terroristes.



So that the Haitian State can assert its sovereignty in its territorial waters. I ask you to make arrangements for :



- Ensure the defense of the coastline;

- Protecting maritime borders;

- Monitor maritime territory;

- Support the other components of the National Army;

- Provide maritime patrols.



You must safeguard the economic interests of the maritime domain. In this perspective you will:



- Ensure legal practices in marine fisheries;

- To combat maritime pollution (hydrocarbon, toxic waste);

- Combat smuggling and drug trafficking;

- Ensure the legal exploitation of cultural property and submarine treasures.



Should be ensured the public services in territorial waters. To this end, the Ministry of Defense must :



- Bringing relief and assistance to ships and people in danger in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Haiti;

- To carry out transport missions of public services;

- Ensure evacuation missions.



For years, the defense of airspace has not been assured. There is a need to:



- Defend Haitian airspace;

- Protect and defend airport areas;

- Support other forces in the transport and release of materials and men;

- Monitoring and protecting fisheries resources;

- Assist in search and rescue of ships and aircraft in distress.



I ask you to start preparing the 2017-2018 Budget, which will have to be approved by the Council of Ministers, after arbitration by the Ministry of the Economy and Finance, and filed within the required legal timeframe in Parliament.



You will also have the task of increasing transparency, the fight against corruption and the good management of public property. It will be up to you to organize, direct and animate the services, teams and agents of the State placed under your responsibility."



Jack Guy Lafontant, Prime Minister



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Policy : Installation of the Secretary of State for Finance





Tuesday, Jude Alix Patrick Salomon, the new Minister of Finance and Economy, in the presence of Herold Etienne, Director General of the Ministry, senior executives and employees of the Ministry, proceeded to the installation of Ronald Decembre, as Secretary of State for Finance https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20486-haiti-flash-jovenel-moise-makes-14-other-appointments-including-9-new-dg.html whose main task will be the reform of public finances and the modernization of the State's financial infrastructure.



He is a specialist in administration and has served as Secretary of State for Finance since 2012. Prior to his appointment, he was Director of Tax Inspection, Director of Budgetary Control and Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Economy. He also taught tax and public finance.



Minister Salomon did not fail to praise Decembre, this high-caliber executive, a career civil servant, who has been with the ministry for more than twenty-five years.



In his speech for the occasion after the thanks of uses, Ronald Decembre wished to resume his work of restructuring of the state apparatus stressing that "the General Administration of Customs (AGD), the Directorate General of Taxes (DGI), are among the institutions that will benefit from these reforms." Ronald Decembre mentioned certain projects that are particularly important to him: the organic law of the AGD and the DGI, customs codes and tariffs, the revision of the laws on the built-up properties and the rights of renting. All these steps are part of the prospect of enlargement of the tax base.



The great dream of the Secretary of State would be to make the national budget self-sufficient and to do so, it calls for the collaboration of all to engage the country on the path of steady growth.



HL/ HaitiLibre


























Haiti - Health : $40 million for maternal and child care





Canada and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) have just signed an important agreement for Haiti, the Essential Health Care for Mothers and Children (SESAME) project.



Thisnew partnership between aims to reduce the number of maternal and infant deaths addressing reproductive needs of women as well as health care priorities of newborns and infants in Haiti.



The SESAME project aims to improve the health, the lives and rights of women and children in Haiti and to advance the unfinished agenda on womens health from a development perspective. Its strategy is to provide greater access to quality sexual and reproductive health services for women, and postnatal care for mothers and their children in the context of extreme poverty. It is also an essential contribution to strengthening the organization of health services at both the national and regional level.



The SESAME (Essential care for Mothers and Children) project, will support 45 referral hospitals, 10 at the departmental level and 35 community hospitals in all departments in the countryThe core interventions will provide increase the number of women who give birth in a health institution with quality health care and without financial barriers.



"The project will improve the well-being of Haitian women and children through an innovative approach that strengthens core health services functions, with renewed efforts to implement solutions and stay resilient after recent downturns in Haiti," added Dr. Codina, representative of PAHO/WHO in Haiti.



Key components of the project include : establishing performance based contracting ; developing a strengthening plans for each hospital; trainingto improve personnel competencies of on sexual and reproductive health and child health. Furthermore, improving hospital management and improve information system to have quality health data.



The CA $39.8 million project will be executed by PAHO/WHO in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada over the course of four years.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Published on 2017/03/29

The revolving door of possible female leads has come to a halt with the casting of Nam Ji-hyun as Ji Chang-wook's co-star in "Suspicious Partner". Representatives of the actress have announced that they are in the process of finalizing her casting.

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"Suspicious Partner" is set to air in May on SBS, but has only now come close to confirming the female lead. It's been a casting roller coaster, as an initial offer went out to Lee Sung-kyung, who turned it down, then Han Ji-min, who also refused. It's hard to say what the producers had in mind for the character, given how little these two actresses have in common stylewise, and the final choice of Nam Ji-hyun doesn't really shed any light on the subject. Nam Ji-hyun is fresh off her first lead role, as the naive and cheerful Bok-shil in "Shopping King Louis", but she's been in the industry for a long time as a child actress.

Nam Ji-hyun is set to play Eun Bong-hee, a taekwondo champion turned judicial trainee, while Ji Chang-wook will play No Ji-wook, a public prosecutor gone into private practice. The two of them are thrown together as the intended targets of an amnesiac serial killer, but if this sounds too grim for you, keep in mind that "Suspicious Partner" is a romantic comedy.

Both actors have been around long enough to prove that they can handle both the comedy and the more emotional content. The real question is: will they have any chemistry?

Love,

Only of Noonas Over Forks
Published on 2017/03/29 | Source

Korean movies opening today 2017/03/29 in Korea: "One Line" and "Scandal III"

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"One Line" (2016)

Directed by Yang Kyeong-mo-I

With Im Si-wan, Jin Goo, Park Byung-eun, Lee Dong-hwi, Kim Sun-young, Park Jong-hwan,...

Crank in : 2016/01

Synopsis

"One Line" is a movie based on a mortgage fraud starring Im Si-wan. Wang Ji-won takes on the role of Hae-seon, a beautiful and smart woman. She's Im Si-wan's partner and friend from school. In real life, they are the same age too.

"Scandal III" (2017)

Directed by Lee Dong-hyeon-II

With Hwang Sung-woong, Jin Geon-I, Na Jin,...

Synopsis

Between extremity and secrets, the broadcast officially starts!

Late superstar Hyeok-bin is slowly regaining his reputation with his honest and funny online podcast. He considers this a chance he will never have again and does his best. Meanwhile, rookie actress Ah-hyeon, sex columnist Yeo-jin and movie director Tae-hyeon are panel mebers who hate the fact that they have to broadcast with Hyeok-bin who is hot-tempered. While the gap between them deepens, will their podcast succeed?
Published on 2017/03/29 | Source

Actor Lee Dong-wook's gaze stole the hearts of all female staff on site.

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Several behind-the-scenes pictures of Lee Dong-wook in ELLE Man Hong Kong, were released on the 30th.

In the pictures, Lee Dong-wook looks chic and charismatic and the fierceness in his soft eyes give a unique aura.

His collection consists of colors like black, white, pink and more.

Lee Dong-wook was professional about this collection and created a fine piece of work.

Meanwhile, Lee Dong-wook has been busy with photo shoots and advertisements since the end of "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God". He started his fan meeting in Korea on the 12th and it will continue onto Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan.


Du erhaltst in Kurze per E-Mail deinen Rabatt von 10 % fur deinen nachsten Einkauf in unserem Webshop.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Mar. 30

By Demir Azizov  Trend:

Russias Gazprom and Uzbekistan agreed to sign a medium-term contract on purchase of Uzbek gas, said Chairman of Gazprom Management Committee Alexey Miller speaking about the results of his recent meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

It is expected that this will be a 5-year contract on a price formula.

Earlier, it was reported that Russia bought 6.2 billion cubic meters of gas from Uzbekistan in 2016, and plans to buy five billion cubic meters of gas in 2017.

During the meeting between Mirziyoyev and Miller, the sides also considered promising projects for further expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation on the development of Uzbekistans oil and gas complex, including within the framework of the adopted program to increase hydrocarbon output for 2017-2021.

Meanwhile, Gazprom will continue work on existing projects, in particular, on the Shakhpakhty project in Ustyurt, where more than 3.5 billion cubic meters of gas have been produced to date. The current production sharing agreement (PSA) on this project will be extended for additional five years.

In August 2004, Gazprom started the natural gas production at the Shakhpakhty field in Ustyurt with design capacity of 500 million cubic meters based on a PSA with a 15-year term.

An agreement was also reached on the resumption of work on the gas condensate field Jel, discovered by Gazprom in 2009. It is planned to sign a PSA within this project that will be based on results of the projects feasibility study.

Moreover, Gazprom is taking part in the implementation of projects to study and develop the fields of Gissar region, on utilization of associated petroleum gas, as well as the development of activities of the countrys leading industrial design institute  UzLITIneftegaz.

Uzbekistan and Gazprom also intend to intensify the exchange of experience in the field of design work and personnel training for the gas industry.

Gazprom has actively started its activity in Uzbekistan since 2003 with direct purchases of Uzbek natural gas.

The press service of Uzbek president said that Mirziyoyev expressed satisfaction with the high level of long-term cooperation with Gazprom, and Miller expressed gratitude for the support to joint projects and the readiness to develop full-scale cooperation with Uzbekistan.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Mar. 30

By Demir Azizov  Trend:

Uzbekistans Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov, during his official visit to France, had negotiations with his French counterpart Jean-Marc Ayrault, said the press service of Uzbekistans Foreign Ministry in a message.

During the negotiations, the two ministers discussed the current state and prospects of development of bilateral relations in political, trade and economic, investment, military-technical, cultural and humanitarian and other spheres.

The sides noted that the regular meetings between the two countries foreign ministers, contacts at other levels allow deepening the interstate cooperation on a mutually beneficial basis and expanding exchanges between representatives of the business community, says the message.

Following the negotiations, Abdulaziz Kamilov and Jean-Marc Ayrault signed a program of cooperation between the foreign ministries of Uzbekistan and France for 2017-2018.

The organization of trips to Uzbekistan of a representative delegation of French businessmen under the aegis of MEDEF International and the holding of a joint business forum in Tashkent were discussed during the meeting with Director General of MEDEF International Philippe Gautier.

MEDEF International is the international department of the Movement of the Enterprises of France, which unites more than 750,000 companies and firms.

Gautier said that the French business is interested in expanding cooperation with the Uzbek side, including the participation on a mutually beneficial basis in implementing the strategy, adopted by the president on the five priority areas of the countrys development in 2017-2021.

Moreover, a meeting was held with Chief Executive Officer of the French Development Agency (AFD) Remy Rioux. During the meeting, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in AFDs participation in the implementation of joint socially significant projects in Uzbekistan.

As it was reported earlier, in early March 2017, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev approved an intergovernmental Uzbek-French agreement on the establishment and activities of the French Development Agency and its subsidiary, Society for the Promotion and Participation for Economic Cooperation (PROPARCO), in Uzbekistan.

The agreement was signed in December 2016 following the negotiations between Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov and his French counterpart Jean-Marc Ayrault in Hamburg, Germany.
Less than 1% of U.S. refugees brought to Hawaii since 2010: State Department

by Andrea Noble, The Washington Times, March 29, 2017

Just 20 out of more than 530,000 refugees settled in the United States since 2010 were brought to Hawaii for resettlement, Trump administration officials noted in court as they fought to have the presidents executive order on travel and refugees reinstated.

Justice Department attorneys cited the data as a means to undercut the Hawaii Attorney Generals arguments that the presidents revised executive order would harm the state.

U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson heard arguments Wednesday over whether to convert his prior temporary restraining order into a preliminary injunction, which would keep the Trump administrations travel ban on hold while the case works its way through the courts.

The judge said he would issue a written ruling by the days end, Hawaii time.

The Justice Department is hoping to convince the judge not to extend his order, which since March 15 has prevented the administration from enforcing portions of the revised order that temporarily bans travel of foreign nationals of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen to the U.S., temporarily blocks all refugee resettlement in the U.S., and lowers the cap on the number of refugees to be allowed in this year from 110,000 people to 50,000 people.

Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin said the policy discriminates against Muslims and hurts the states economy. The implied message in the revised ban is like a neon sign flashing Muslim Ban, Muslim Ban that the government didnt bother to turn off he said.

If Judge Watson plans to extend his order, Justice Department attorneys argued that he could scale back its scope so that the refugee restrictions of the order could take effect.

The DOJ argued that plaintiffs in the case have not provided adequate evidence that they are harmed by that part of the executive order.

In briefs submitted last week, the Justice Department argued that most of Hawaiis arguments against the order were focused on the harms the travel restrictions would cause the states economy or tourism industry, with little attention paid to the effects of the refugee restrictions.

The States TRO briefing barely discussed the refugee provisions at all, relegating them to occasional references in passing, Justice Department attorneys wrote in briefs filed last week.

DOJ attorneys this week filed a declaration from Lawrence Bartlett, the director of the State Departments Refugee Admissions Office, which details the small number of refugees resettled in Hawaii over the past seven years.

For several years no refugees were resettled in the state, according to the filing. The most refugees ever relocated to the Aloha State over that period was in fiscal 2015 when seven refugees were resettled there.

Judge Watson said Wednesday that it wasnt clear whether the refugee freeze was motivated by the same religious bias as the travel limits  which affect six majority-Muslim countries  but he didnt appear entirely convinced by the Justice Departments arguments.

Is this a mathematical exercise that 20 isnt enough?  What do I make of that? Judge Watson asked Justice attorney Chad Readler,who replied that 20 is simply a small number of refugees.

In whose judgment? Judge Watson asked.

Constitutional harm exists regardless of the number of people affected or for how long, Mr. Chin said.

---30---

UPDATE: U.S. judge in Hawaii extends order halting travel ban (no surprise here)



As Explained: Hawaii Challenges Trumps Refugee Order, Takes No Refugees
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Mar. 30

By Demir Azizov  Trend:

Uzbekistan and Ukraine signed contracts worth more than $47.4 million after an Uzbek-Ukrainian business forum in Kyiv, Jahon news agency of Uzbekistans Foreign Ministry reported.

Representatives of more than 50 enterprises operating in textile, chemical, electro-technical and construction spheres of the two countries participated in the forum.

Commercial contracts were signed on the supply of motor vehicles, textile products, household appliances, construction materials and tobacco products to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, a contract was signed for supply of technological equipment worth $2 million from Dnepropress JSC to Uzbekistans Uzpaxtasanoat JSC.

A memorandum on production of liquid fertilizers and biological preparations in Uzbekistan was signed between Uzbkhimprom JSC and Ukraines GFT Ltd.

Moreover, an agreement was reached between Uzagroexport JSC and BTS-import LLC on establishment of a joint trading house in Kyiv in order to carry out stable deliveries of dry fruits, fresh and processed fruit and vegetable products to the Ukrainian market.
(Bloomberg) London hedge fund manager George Papamarkakis says speculators who have bet as much as $65 billion on koruna gains may be in for a rude awakening. When the Czech central bank relinquishes its cap on currency appreciation sometime after March, the market reaction will be far from a repeat of the Swiss francs surge in January 2015, according to the chief investment officer of North Asset Management. Thats because investors flooding into the koruna may struggle to close their trades in an economy a quarter of the size of Switzerlands, he said.

To read this article:
(HedgeCo.Net) The Securities and Exchange Commission has announced charges against a Florida-based company, its CEO, and its top sales agent accused of conducting a boiler room scheme that solicits investments in a business purportedly facilitating online and cell phone sales of lottery tickets in various states.

The SEC has obtained an emergency court order freezing the assets of LottoNet Operating Corp., David Gray, and Joseph A. Vitale. The SECs complaint alleges that they misrepresented to investors that their money would be used to develop and market LottoNet and that sales agents did not receive commissions. At least 35 percent of investor proceeds were allegedly paid to boiler room sales agents in the form of commissions, and LottoNet allegedly siphoned investor funds for personal spending on clothing, wedding-related expenses, and strip clubs.

According to the SECs complaint, which was unsealed in federal court today, among the pitches used in sales agent scripts prepared for cold calls to investors was youre looking at a monthly dividend payout of $8,500 every month on a $25,000 investment if LottoNet reaches 1 percent market share. The scripts also allegedly touted the purported safety of the investment, noting a 60 percent return as a worst case scenario if the company was ever sold. The SEC alleges that while LottoNet has raised a total of approximately $4.8 million from investors, the company had only paid $10,525.43 in investment returns to investors through the end of February. Sales agents allegedly have been paid more than $1.1 million out of investor funds.

The SECs complaint further alleges that Vitale, who personally raised at least $1.4 million from investors, used the alias Donovan Kelly in an apparent attempt to hide from investors that he is permanently barred by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

As alleged in our complaint, little did investors know they were being duped with a script based on misrepresentations while investor funds were being spent in strip clubs, said Eric I. Bustillo, Director of the SECs Miami Regional Office.
It is obvious that not all provinces will be ready to transition to full freedom of choice as of 1 January, 2019, Martti Hetemaki, the state secretary at the Ministry of Finance, writes in a statement issued to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health .

The Ministry of Finance has voiced its doubts about the feasibility of the proposed timetable for increasing customers' freedom of choice over their provider of social and health care services.

The objective should instead be to increase customers' freedom of choice over their service provider gradually, as the proposed timetable is risky and practically impossible to carry out, according to the statement.

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has proposed that customers be allowed to select their provider of social and health care services freely, regardless of whether or not the provider in question is a public or private entity, as of the beginning of 2019. Its draft bill for increasing customers freedom of choice is currently being circulated for comments.

The bill is part of the comprehensive reform of the social and health care system of Finland. The objective of the reform is to reduce annual social and health care costs by up to three billion euros in comparison to current cost projections for 2029.

The Ministry of Finance, however, argues that it will be premature to accurately estimate the cost effects of the new social and health care system as long as the key details of the reimbursement system for service providers remain unknown.

A dysfunctional reimbursement system could at worst result in a substantial increase in costs, if it allowed service providers to select healthy customers or refer patients on scant grounds to further treatment, the costs of which must be borne by the province, warns Hetemaki.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Photo: Milla Takala  Lehtikuva

Source: Uusi Suomi
Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 30

By Fatih Karimov  Trend:

Iran's non-oil exports including gas condensates reached $43.93 billion during the last Iranian fiscal year (ended March 20, 2017).

The figure indicates a rise by 3.54 percent compared to the same period of preceding year, Iran's Custom Administration reported Mar. 30.

Iran includes gas condensate and some raw hydrocarbon products like propane, butane, etc in its non-oil export basket.

The volume of the exported goods reached 129.59 million tones in the 12-month period.

The Islamic Republic exported $5.438 billion worth of non-oil goods in the 12th Iranian calendar month (Feb. 20-March 20).

During the 12-month period, the country exported $7.32 billion worth of condensate, 56 percent more year-on-year.

Iran also exported $14.34 billion of petrochemicals, indicating a rise by 9 percent compared to the preceding year.

Light oils and products (except for gasoline) worth $2.479 billion, liquefied gas worth $2.079 billion, liquefied propane ($1.222 billion) and petroleum gases and gas hydrocarbons ($1.204 billion) where other top exported goods in last fiscal year.

The average price for each ton of Iran's non-oil goods in the mentioned period was around $339, which is 25 percent less than in the previous year.

China was the main importer of the Iranian goods during the 12-month period. Iran exported $8.377 billion worth of goods to China, indicating a rise by 9 percent year-on-year.

The United Arab Emirates ($7.436 billion), Iraq ($6.111 billion), Turkey ($3.244 billion) and South Korea ($2.877 billion) were other top importer of Iranian non-oil goods during the last fiscal year.

Irans non-oil exports to the UAE witnessed a rise by 3 percent, meanwhile exports to South Korea increased by 230 percent.

The countrys non-oil exports to Iraq and Turkey also registered increase by 2 and 3.5 percent respectively in last fiscal year, compared to the preceding year.
The aircraft was last detected in the Caernarfon Bay area, less than 20km off the Welsh coast (Stock picture)

Five businessmen are missing after the helicopter they were travelling in disappeared over the Irish Sea.

A massive air, land and sea search was launched last night for the privately-owned aircraft, which is thought to have crashed off the Welsh coast.

The UK Coastguard has been co-ordinating the search operation for the Airbus/Eurocopter Twin Squirrel helicopter, which vanished off radar in the Caernarfon Bay area.

It disappeared after 4pm yesterday, having left Milton Keynes bound for Westin airfield in Dublin.

The aircraft was last detected in the Caernarfon Bay area, less than 20km off the Welsh coast.

In a statement, the UK Coastguard confirmed that its air, sea and land-based assets were involved in the search.

Debris

Two UK Coastguard helicopters were sweeping areas off the coast using infra-red technology for any signs of debris.

It is understood that no mayday or distress call was received from the chopper, whose pilot was said to be very experienced.

"The UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Caernarfon has carried out an extensive land-based search of fields and airfields within the Caernarfon area and the helicopter based at St Athan has joined the search this evening," a spokesman said.

"A mayday relay broadcast has been issued to all vessels passing through the Irish Sea to contact the Coastguard if they have seen anything.

"A search of the Irish sea route is commencing this evening."

North Wales Police have also been notified of the search operation and has established a search plan.
Ciaran Cuffe with a yet to be unveiled 30kmh sign

Dubliners are throwing their support behind new 'go slow' 30kmh speed limits which will be introduced for many areas from tomorrow.

Non-major roads in the Smithfield and Stoneybatter areas of the north city centre, and in areas surrounding Kilmainham and Dolphin's Barn on the southside are among those lined up for new limits.

However, AA spokesman Conor Faughnan said putting up new speed signs without altering the layout of some faster roads would only result in drivers breaking the new limits.

Dramatic

While quiet residential roads may not see much difference in motorist behaviour, people living and working along a busy section of North King Street said the new limit could have a dramatic effect.

"This road has always been a place where traffic has been absolutely flying past," said father-of-four Karl Dempsey (37), whose front door is just two metres away from vehicles whizzing along North King Street.

Expand Close Breda Dempsey with her sons Karl and Wayne and grandchildren Esme and Sean / Facebook

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Whatsapp Breda Dempsey with her sons Karl and Wayne and grandchildren Esme and Sean

As he spoke, vehicles driving two abreast passed the family's home at speeds that appeared to exceed the 50kmh limit which will be cut to 30kmh tomorrow.

His mother, Breda Dempsey (73), who has lived in the family home for 39 years, said it was the right decision.

"The council is right. Traffic has always been speeding past our home and there are a lot of children living around here. Brunswick Street school is nearby," she said.

"I brought up six boys in this house and I used to walk into the middle of the road to stop the traffic to get the children across the street to school.

"It's about time something was done about the speeding."

Pharmacist Sylvia Wojtczak (37), who has a chemist shop on North King Street, said it was great news.

"Traffic passes so fast I worry about children leaving the shop," she said.

"I've also seen drug addicts walking across the street without looking so reducing the speed will make this area much safer."

Ciaran Cuffe, chairperson of Dublin City Council's transport committee, said a council survey had showed overwhelming support for slowing traffic in residential areas.

"Around 80pc of people want lower limits and calmer communities," he said.

"London, Rome and Edinburgh are among the cities doing the same thing.

Lowered

"The new limits in the city centre have lowered the numbers of road deaths among cyclists and pedestrians.

"I know gardai are stretched tackling gangland crime in the city so I hope all drivers will lead by good example.

"The new signs are costing around 300,000 but Dublin Fire Brigade will tell you a serious collision costs 1.5m."

Cindy Kinsella, who works in the Mascot grocery shop on Oxmantown Road, said she was delighted it would have a lower speed limit.

"It will make the area much safer for children and the elderly," she said.

"A little lad was knocked down near here recently and thankfully he survived.

"Oxmantown Road is not a major thoroughfare but there are a lot of children living around here."

Valerie Moore (65), of Linenhall Street, said the traffic could be "like a circus" in the area with drivers "acting like they're in bumper cars".

However, mother-of-one Karen Fleming (39), of Capel Street, said she feared little would change.

"A taxi passed me just now doing about 70kmh. I hope the limit works," she said.

The AA's Conor Faughnan said "sticking a new sign on a pole" was not enough.

"It will only undermine road safety if the council does not redesign roads with street furniture and chicanes to make drivers want to slow down," he said. "Otherwise, drivers will break the limits and watch out for gardai.

More areas will be changed to lower speed limits from May 31, including Sandymount, Drimnagh and Crumlin on the south side of the city, before extending to north Dublin and areas covering parts of Glasnevin and Cabra.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 30



By Farhad Daneshvar  Trend:



President Hassan Rouhani said his country in collaboration with Azerbaijan will launch the construction of Rasht-Astara railway in northern Iran soon.



He made the remarks upon arrival in the Rasht airport, as part of his provincial visit.



Describing the issue of the construction of Rasht-Astara railway as "significant", President Rouhani added that he had discussed the issue of International North-South Transportation Corridor with Russian officials during his recent visit to Moscow, IRNA news agency reported.



According to the president, the construction of Qazvin-Rasht railway is also going through final phases and it is expected to be inaugurated over the current Iranian calendar year (started on March 20-21).



Explaining that Irans southern port-city of Bandarabbas will be connected to Moscow once the railway project is completed, he said that the corridor will facilitate carrying cargos from the Indian Subcontinent.



To complete the railway links of the transportation corridor, Iran had earlier agreed to construct inland railway segments in northern parts of the country in order to extend its railway network to the border area with the neighboring Azerbaijan through the two cities of Astara on both

sides.



The initial plan included Qazvin-Rasht and Rasht-Astara railway segments.



In the meantime, Azerbaijan has launched a construction project to extend its railway into Irans territory which is going through the final tests and will be implemented soon.


Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 29

By Khalid Kazimov  Trend:

Americans had better leave the Persian Gulf and refrain from creating trouble for the regional countries, Iranian defense minister said.

Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan has criticized the US over its military presence in the region, Tasnim news agency reported Mar. 29.

What is the Americans business in the Persian Gulf? the minister asked.

He presumably made the remarks reacting to recent comments by commander of the US Central Command, Army General Joseph Votel, who said Iran is one of the greatest threats to the US and has increased its "destabilizing role" in the region.

We need to look at opportunities where we can disrupt through military means or other means their activities, Votel said referring to Iran as he was addressing the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday.
The annual Arab League summit held in the Dead Sea region in Jordan ended Wednesday with a declaration that focused on the Syrian crisis and fighting terror, Anadolu reported.

The one-day meeting was attended by 18 Arab leaders, while King Mohamed VI of Morocco failed to show up for unannounced reasons.

The 15-point speech of the Amman declaration focused mainly on Syrian and Palestinian issues, and terror.

According to the declaration, Arab countries would continue to seek a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis and continue to support the countries hosting Syrian refugees.

Since the war in Syria erupted in March 2011, more than 250,000 victims have been killed, according to the UN. The Syrian Center for Policy Research puts the death toll at more than 470,000.

On Iraq, the declaration said the country's stability and territorial integrity were the basic cornerstones of Arab national security.

Arab countries gave full support for neutralizing terror gangs and to recapture the Iraqi city of Mosul from Daesh.

Iraqi forces have driven Daesh fighters from most of eastern Mosul as part of a wide-ranging offensive launched in October to retake the city the terror group overran in 2014.

Backed by a U.S.-led air coalition, Iraqi forces in February began fresh operations aimed at purging Daesh from the rest of the city.

The declaration also supports the restart of stalled peace talks between Israel and Palestine on a two-state solution based on 1967 borders.

The statement said relocating of the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem was unacceptable.

Peace talks between Israeli and Palestinian collapsed in April 2014 due to Israel's refusal to release a group of Palestinian political prisoners despite promises to do so.

All attempts to revive negotiations between the two sides have since failed due mainly to Israel's insistence on continued settlement construction on occupied territories.

Settlement activity has been on the rise since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January -- thousands more have been approved in three separate plans.

Approximately 500,000 Israelis now live in more than 100 Jewish-only settlements built since Israel occupied the Palestinian West Bank and East Jerusalem in 1967.

The Palestinians want these areas -- along with the Gaza Strip -- for the a future Palestinian state.

Jordan offered to host this years Arab summit after Yemen was unable to do so due to the ongoing conflict there.

The last Arab League summit was hosted by Mauritania last June.

Conflicts in Libya and Yemen were also mentioned in the declaration.
US House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan said that the US is "not going to have a government shutdown", Sputnik reported citing CBS News reported on Wednesday.

The current budget expires on April 28 and Republicans will need support from Democrats to pass a new spending bill to keep the government functioning.

According to media reports earlier this week, the Trump administration proposed cuts to multiple federal agencies, including the US Coast Guard and Transportation Security Administration, to fund the construction of the wall along the US-Mexico border.

In addition, US Senate Democrats have urged Congressional Republicans to not include funding for the border wall in the spending bill.
The South Korean court has approved an arrest warrant for former President Park Geun-hye over the corruption probe, Sputnik reported.

Earlier in the day, Park appeared before the court at around 10:20 a.m. local time (01:20 GMT) and refused to give any comments to reporters, who gathered at the courthouse.

The corruption scandal involving Park and her friend and close associate Choi Soon-sil erupted in October 2016, leading to Parks impeachment in December. Choi was allegedly meddling in state affairs without holding any official post, and helping to extort money from big corporations.

On Monday, media reported that South Korean prosecutors had requested an arrest warrant for Park as they suspect her of involvement in 13 different cases of bribery, coercion and abuse of power.

Park, in particular, has been charged with forcing major corporations, including Samsung, to donate to foundations controlled by Choi and taking bribes, as well as with forcing companies to sign contracts beneficial for Choi herself and her associates.

The ex-president was also accused of compiling a blacklist of cultural figures, who had been banned from state support, and pressing some Culture Ministry officials to resign over different reasons.

Earlier in March, Park denied all charges against her during the first questioning period.

On March 10, the Constitutional court upheld the parliaments decision to impeach Park. An early presidential election in the country is scheduled to take place on May 9.
Peru said on Thursday that it was recalling its ambassador to Venezuela and condemned the recent decision by Venezuela's Supreme Court to take over the functions of Congress as a "flagrant breach of democratic order", Reuters reported

Peru's Foreign Affairs Ministry added in a statement that it has started consultations with other members of the Organization of American States to discuss urgent measures to preserve democracy in Venezuela.

The pro-government court in Venezuela, which has previously annulled most of the legislature's decisions since the opposition won a majority in 2015, said late on Wednesday that it was taking over congressional functions.

"Latin America is democratic. It's unacceptable what's happening in Venezuela," Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski said on Twitter.

Kuczynski, a former Wall Street banker, has repeatedly expressed concern for Venezuelans amid the country's relentless economic crisis and has criticized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro for cracking down on political opponents.

Maduro has called Kuczynski a "coward" and a "dog" servile to the United States.
Voting in Maryland? Here's what you need to know

Need help looking up candidates? Here's a breakdown of the critical seats across the state.
Chinese women are also in a rush to have plastic surgeries so that they could look like Donald Trump's daughter, Ivanka. (Photo : Getty Images)

U.S. President Donald Trump may have riled up China for his constant tirades on the world's second-largest economy, but his daughter Ivanka is winning more Chinese hearts than minds as she emerges as the nation's latest trend.



With The Donald himself acknowledging Ivanka as a "great, great beauty," the blonde beauty has seen her stakes rise in probably one of the most unlikely places, with no less than Steve Bannon, chief strategist of the Trump White House, predicting that the U.S. and China would go to war in five to 10 years.



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Ivanka Trump's rise to fame in China makes her the most popular U.S. first daughter in China, with Chinese businesses lining up to have their products registered under her name to benefit from her popularity in the Communist nation. Her daughter, five-year-old Arabella, famously sang "Happy New Year" in Chinese.



Apart from Chinese businesses, Chinese women are also in a rush to have plastic surgeries so that they could look like Ivanka, a former model like her mother, U.S. First Lady Melania Trump. The popularity of Trump's daughter among the Chinese ironically treads on the U.S. leader's issue on trademarks in China.



Chinese law allows businesses to register their products under celebrity names; around 65 applications for Ivanka-named products are currently being reviewed. Products range from cosmetics and supplements to even sanitary products, Daily Star reported.



Donald, for his part, has long battled the Chinese legal system over the use of his celebrity status for product names in China. He had his 38 trademarks in the country under the Trump brand approved after tussling them out in Chinese courts for 10 years.



Melania also issued warnings over attempts by businesses in her home country Slovenia to ride on her popularity. The First Lady's growing popularity in her hometown prompted her lawyer to stop businesses there from using her name for their products, citing trademark concerns.


Experts Ponder on Possible Third Term for Chinese President Xi Jinping

President Xis state visit, which will run for three days, was upon the invitation of Sauli Niinisto, the president of Finland. (Photo : Getty Images)

As Xi Jinping nears the end of his first five-year term as China's president, experts are wondering whether he could eventually seek a third term. Under China's constitution, a president can serve up to two terms.



Political scientist Jean-Pierre Cabestan of the Hong Kong Baptist University noted that many observers believe that Xi will wait until it's near the end of his second term in 2022 before naming his successor.



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Xi, who is firmly in control of China, is considered to be the country's most powerful leader.



During China's National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in early March, delegates repeatedly referred to Xi as "core leader of the Party," something that was not done for his predecessor, Hu Jintao.



The term "core leader of the Party" was used for Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping.



According to Willy Lam, who studies China's leadership, being designated as a "core leader" means that Xi is "virtually emperor for life."



Chen Min'er, Communist Party Secretary of Guizhou Province, has been identified as a possible candidate for the presidency after Xi Jinping completes his terms of office.



Since Xi became head of China's Communist Party in 2012, he has aggressively strengthened his power. While being General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, President of the People's Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, Xi also heads the Central National Security Commission and the Leading Group for Financial and Economic Affairs.



Experts believe that this signifies that he plans to stay in office for many years.



However, for Xi to stay more than 10 years as president, it would require an amendment of China's constitution.



Experts are waiting for what will happen in October or November this year when the 19th Communist Party Congress will be held. Many changes are expected in the Party's central leadership during the political event.


Senior Vice Minister Jiro Akama is the first Japanese official to visit Taiwan after 45 years. (Photo : Getty Images)

China protested the visit of Senior Vice Minister Jiro Akama to Taiwan. The visit is the first for a Japanese official since 1972.



Foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said that the visit was a violation of Japan's pledge to have dealings with China on a people-to-people and region-to-region basis.



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According to Hua, the visit is also in contradiction to Japan's support for the one-China policy. The spokesperson then accused Japan of double dealing.



Hua said that China "resolutely opposed" to the visit and has "made solemn representations to Japan."



"Since the start of this year, Japan keeps talking about committing to its pledges, but if we watch its moves it keeps provoking troubles. This has caused severe disruption to the improvement of bilateral relations," she said.



Hua added: "The Taiwan question bears on China's core interests and brooks no challenge. Hope Japan realizes the seriousness of the matter and stop double-dealing and going down the erroneous path."



The spokesperson also requested that the Japanese government explain the objective of the minister for attending the event.



When Akama arrived in Taipei, the minister said that there will be no changes in the relationship between Japan and China. He said that he had to "factor in many international situations before making the final decision" of going to Taiwan.



Japan has retained informal ties with Taiwan and has been a bilateral trade partner of China.



On the other hand, China has asked Japan to repent over the atrocities made during the second world war. Both countries are still in dispute over territorial claims in the East China Sea.



A big percentage of the Taiwanese population is pro-Japan and thinks that the country's development is an offshoot of the Japanese occupation.



On the other hand, there's also a big part of the Taiwanese public that thinks China and Korea do not serve the interests of Taiwan.


AMTI's satellite photo shows structures built on Subi Reef. (Photo : Twitter)

The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) released satellite photos showing that Chinese warplanes can be launched from the Fiery Cross, Subi and Mischief Reefs in the Spratly Islands.



AMTI is part of the Center for Strategic and International Studies based in Washington. The institute is an American think tank and is responsible for U.S. military intelligence.



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The photos showed that China has built naval, air, radar and defensive facilities. There is now a newly constructed satellite antenna on Fiery Cross in Subi.



The photos show hardened shelters with retractable roofs for mobile missile launchers at Fiery Cross, Subi and Mischief Reefs. There are hangars at Fiery Cross for 24 combat aircraft and three larger Chinese warplanes, including bombers.



AMTI also revealed that China installed HQ-9 surface-to-air missiles on Woody Island more than a year ago. The missile was deployed on at least one occasion.



China has repeatedly denied that it is constructing military facilities in the Spratly Islands. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said that the activities in the South China Sea are a mere installation of defense equipment for "freedom of navigation."



Foreign spokesperson Hua Chunying said, "As for China deploying or not deploying necessary territorial defensive facilities on its own territory, this is a matter that is within the scope of Chinese sovereignty."



The spokesperson stressed that the South China Sea is part of China's territory.



Gary Ross, a spokesperson from the Pentagon, refused to comment on the issue. He said that the military will not elaborate on the results of its intelligence.



Ross said, "China's continued construction in the South China Sea is part of a growing body of evidence that they continue to take unilateral actions which are increasing tensions in the region and are counterproductive to the peaceful resolution of disputes."



U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said that China should not conduct military operations in the disputed waters.


Air Koryo (Photo : Getty Images)

According to a report by the state-run Xinhua News Agency, a new charter service from Pyongyang was launched in the middle of the conflicts on the Korean Peninsula. The inaugural flight from the capital of North Korea landed to Dandong City in the northeastern China on Tuesday.



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The inauguration of the charter service comes in the middle of the ongoing conflict on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea has been conducting missile and nuclear tests, which the country says are in response to the United States and South Koreas joint military drills.



The North Koreas national carrier, Air Koryo, will provide the service two times a week. Using the official name for North Korea, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Xinhua said that the flight will connect Pyongyang with the "booming" border town of Dandong that is "mainly engaged in border trade with the DPRK."



Air Koryo provides flights to only a few destinations. Among these are regular flights to Chinas capital of Beijing and northern China's Shenyang city.



In the past few months, traders in Dandong have suffered from a slump in business. They complained and pointed at Beijing as it appeared to become more willing to tighten cross-border trade as an answer to the missile tests conducted by Pyongyang.



China, on a political front, has appealed for a dual suspension in which North Korea ceases its nuclear tests and the United States suspends its joint drills with South Korea.



During U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's visit two weeks ago, China and the United States have come to an agreement to cooperate using both sanctions and diplomacy to convince North Korea to distract from nuclear and missile tests.



However, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has headed a rocket engine test, which, according to him, is of historic significance. According to North Korea state media, the test was conducted alongside Tillersons visit to China.



The new charter service from Pyongyang to Dandong is hoped to signal North Koreas diversion from their nuclear ambitions.


President Xis state visit, which will run for three days, was upon the invitation of Sauli Niinisto, the president of Finland. (Photo : Getty Images)

China is in a position wherein it can fully assume the leadership role in the global economy unless the United States decides to halt its pivot to protectionism, the Straits Times reported.



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And in this power play, countries in the background have little choice than to accept the change, whatever it may be.



In the long term, China is going to expand its influence in the region and beyond, and its going to be a period--could be five years, could be 10--of very substantial rejigging of international trade and financial systems in a way thats more to Chinas liking, especially if the U.S. continues down the path of not providing leadership and disengaging, Eswar Prasad, an academic from Cornell University and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, told the audience in his lecture at the Pan Pacific Singapore Hotel.



Although peripheral countries in the Asian region have little say in who will become the leader in global economy, Professor Prasad noted that these countries will most likely accept China if it assumes the leadership role.



Not quite as friends, not quite with trust, but more with a sense of inevitability, Professor Prasad said. There are advantages in aligning with China, after all.



Professor Prasad also told the audience that although the power shift might seem peaceful at first, tension will bubble under the surface, ready to explode anytime.



Ever since Donald Trump assumed the presidential office, the United States America first policy is weakening the hegemons influence in the world. In contrast, China is flexing its muscles by engaging in bilateral and multilateral agreements, as well as investing in emerging economies.



Currency-wise, however, the Chinese yuan has nothing to say against the U.S. dollar, as China has yet to gain international trust regarding the countrys legal and political systems, where reform remains out of sight and out of mind.


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China-EU trade (Photo : Getty Images)

Donald Trumps current stance on globalization and trade negotiations is pulling China and the European Union closer than before, an article by Reuters reported.



China has already made clear its position as a staunch defender of globalization and is looking at other countries to form an alliance with.



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Trump is pushing China and Europe together, an EU diplomat based in Beijing told Reuters, adding that climate change, trade, and the United Nations are some of the key areas the two world powers are collaborating on.



Some senior EU diplomats also believe that a joint effort on business issues between China and the EU, particularly on investment flows, is on the horizon. The same cannot be said for European business groups, most of which grow dissatisfied with Chinas market policies.



Still, diplomats are confident a change is on the way. One evidence is Chinas decision to forego the image of being a state-driven economy in its public campaign toward the EU.



The shift makes it harder for EU states to place tariffs on Chinese imports, which, according to judges from Brussels, are already cheap, to begin with.



The market economy status issue, if it raised at all now, is being discussed at a very low working level, one diplomat told Reuters. That is part of the charm offensive.



According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, China is highly interested in cultivating a strong relationship with the EU.



We hope that the EU can genuinely place an importance on Chinas reasonable concerns and interests, said Hua.



Although the protectionist policies of the Trump administration are one of the primary forces behind Chinas new calculations, the EU remains wary of Chinas intentions. This is mainly due to issues such as Chinas steel exports, Xis stronger brand of authoritarianism, and the militarization of islands located in the South China Sea.


In a surprise move Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on November 8, 2016, scrapped high value banknotes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000. The stated motive was a crackdown on black money and so the secrecy around it. The shortage of new currency and the confusion that ensued led the government to repeatedly change rules of cash withdrawals and deposits.

Here is a list of the ever-changing rules, as demonetisation officially ends on March 31, after Friday, RBI will not accept old notes. Only NRIs can deposit the banned currency at RBI offices till June 30.

Cash Exchange/Deposit:

November 8: Government announced that old notes worth Rs 4000 can be exchanged at banks.

November 13: Cash exchange limit over the counter increased to Rs 4500.

November 17: Limit reduced to Rs 2000.

November 24: Old notes cannot be exchanged at banks only deposits allowed. Only foreigners allowed to exchange currency up to Rs 5000 per week.

December 19: RBI imposes deposit cap of Rs 5000 until Dec 30 subject to satisfactory response on such late deposit

December 21: RBI withdraws notification

December 30: Deposit of old notes not allowed anymore at banks. They can be exchanged at RBI offices across the country.

March 31, 2017: Exchange of old notes at RBI offices not allowed any more.

Cash Withdrawal:

November 8: Government limits ATM withdrawals at Rs 2000.

November 8: Withdrawal limit from banks fixed at Rs 20,000 for a week and a daily limit at Rs 10000.

November 13: Cash withdrawal limit at ATMs increased to Rs 2500 per day in the recalibrated ATMs.

November 13: The weekly limit for withdrawal from bank accounts increased to Rs 24,000, the daily limit is removed.

November 30: RBI tightens monthly withdrawal rules from Jan Dhan accounts for poor, puts limit of Rs 10,000 on withdrawals from Jan Dhan.

January 1, 2017: Cash withdrawal limit from ATMs increased to Rs 4500.

January 30: Cash withdrawal limits removed from current accounts.

February 20: Cash withdrawal limit relaxed to Rs 50,000 from savings account.

March 13: All limits from ATM withdrawals removed.

Use of Old Notes:

November 8: Old notes to be accepted at government hospitals, fuel stations, airports and railways.

November 9: Old notes to be accepted even at metro stations, ASI monuments, toll plazas and medicine shops.

November 10: Government announced that now- defunct currency notes of 500 and 1000 will be accepted for making payments towards fees, charges, taxes and penalties payable to the central and state governments including municipal and local bodies, and other utility charges like water and electricity.

November 14: Government extends existing exemptions for acceptance of old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes up to 24 November, 2016 midnight.

November 24: Old notes of Rs 1000 cannot be used. Government allows use of Rs 500 to pay for fuel, mobile recharges, water and power bills. Government-run school and college fees can also be paid with old notes of Rs 500.

December 2: Government disallows use of old Rs 500 notes at fuel stations and for buying air tickets.Old notes of Rs 500 can be used for railway, metro and bus tickets, till December 10.

Exceptions for Farmers:

November 17: Farmers allowed to withdraw up to Rs. 25000 per week to ensure proper sowing of Rabi crops. Agriculture traders allowed to withdraw Rs 50000 to facilitate smooth operation of mandis.

Exceptions for Weddings:

November 17: Families allowed to withdraw up to Rs 2,50,000 from their own bank accounts, in case of a wedding.

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The queues at the designated RBI offices are getting longer as the deadline for exchange of scrapped notes draws to a close on March 31.

The anxiety is palpable as holding of more than 10 notes of banned currency will become a crime for Indian residents after March 31.

But everyone waiting for their turn outside the central banks offices is not eligible to exchange their old notes.

The Reserve Bank of India has allowed Indian citizens who were abroad during November-December 2016 to exchange the scrapped notes up to March 31 while NRIs have time till June 30. But in both cases only deposit of old notes is allowed.

This facility is available at RBI offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Nagpur only.

While there is no limit for exchange for eligible resident Indians, the limit for NRIs will be as per the relevant FEMA Regulations.

NRIs need Customs authorities at the airport to certify the amount of the demonetised notes and this certificate is a prerequisite at the RBI office.

If turned down by Reserve Bank one can make a representation to the Central Board of the Bank within 14 days.

There are several people who have not been able to deposit or exchange the scrapped notes or have discovered them after the end of the demonetisation period on December 30, who are now making a last-ditch effort. A case in point is of the two orphans who sought the Prime Ministers help after discovering Rs 96,000 in old notes. Such examples are many and are evident from the long queues outside the RBI offices.

In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, minister of state for finance, Arjun Ram Meghwal had said ineligible persons queuing up at the RBI offices were responsible for longer queues.

Long queues are formed in Mumbai and Delhi only as a number of persons from the neighbouring states are turning up here. Several staff members have been engaged to attend to the large number of people at the counters, Meghwal said.

While a PIL is pending before the Supreme Court for extending the window to exchange old notes, the apex court had also pulled up the government for inadequate options to rid of old notes. 86% of the currency in circulation was scrapped in one go by Narendra Modi on November 8, when he demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes.

The government had permitted people to deposit the same in banks up to December 30, 2016. And after that a window for deposit was opened at a few RBI offices.

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Government today said there will be no special treatment for Vodafone India and Idea Cellular which have decided to merge and the companies will have to comply with existing norms on spectrum, subscriber and revenue caps.

They have to comply with the rules...there will be no special treatment, Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha told reporters.

Sinha further said that there is no fear of cartelisation in the telecom sector in the wake of large number of mergers and acquisitions.

After consolidation, there will still be 5-6 players in each service area. So, cartelisation is not possible. Also, there are guidelines on revenue cap, subscriber cap and spectrum cap which will ensure a healthy competition. We have taken all precautions.

Britains Vodafone Group will merge its Indian subsidiary with local rival Idea Cellular within two years, Idea announced earlier on March 20.

Vodafone will own 45.1% of the merged entity, after it transfers about 4.9% to promoters of Idea and/or their affiliates for Rs 38.74 billion ($592.15 million) in cash, Idea said, announcing one of the biggest merger in the telecom space.

The combined Vodafone-Idea group would Indias largest telecom operation with almost 400 million customers, or 35% market share.

The merger comes after Indias mobile industry was thrown into turmoil with the launch last year of Reliance Jio Infocomm, the new 4G mobile broadband network built at a cost of more than $20 billion by Indias richest businessman, Mukesh Ambani, as part of his Reliance Industries conglomerate.

Jio has made an impact with free voice calls and cut-price data services, forcing Indias three biggest operators - Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and Idea - to slash prices and accept lower profits.
When Rahul Gupta found a sum of Rs 8,000 lying around in his house earlier this year, he let his little son play around with it. It wasnt because he had lots of money to spare, but the fact that the small stack of currency notes was now worthless to him.

Gupta had found the notes days after the government stopped the exchange of demonetised notes at banks. Though a window remained open at select RBI offices, it catered only to NRIs and Indians who could prove that they were abroad between November 8 and December 31, 2016.

Gupta finds little comfort in the knowledge that there are many others like him across the country.

Segu Venkateshwara Rao has Rs 2.28 lakh in scrapped currency notes of Rs 1,000. The money was stolen from his jewellery shop at Vijaywada in 2009. Eight years after filing an FIR and then fighting the case in court, Rao finally got the money on March 3, 2017. The RBI refused to even entertain his case.

Manish Pathania, a 40-year-old businessman from Kullu, was luckier  though he wouldnt say so himself. In the days after demonetisation was announced, there were reports of brokers who exchange old notes for new in return for a hefty fee. Pathania turned to one such broker after he found Rs 36,000 in old notes stashed in a cupboard at his Noida flat.

When the RBI flatly refused to help, I narrated the incident to a friend. He directed me to the broker, who paid me a measly Rs 15 for every 100-rupee note, bemoaned Pathania.

However, there are others like Naresh Chauhan who would envy Pathania. The local builder from Kothkai in Shimla recovered Rs 50,000 from his coat pocket in the third week of December. He still had time to deposit the money, but the heavy snowfall kept him from reaching the nearest bank.

Dinesh Kumar Dhiman, also from Shimla, has a a similar story to tell. I put off my trip till the last week of December, but that was also when it began snowing heavily. There was no way I could get to the bank in that situation, he said, hoping that the government would give him another opportunity to deposit demonetised notes.

Then, there are those such as Garima Jain, a housewife from Raipur, who regularly took siphoned off money from her husbands wallet to feed her piggy bank. When demonetisation kicked in, Garima had to confess to her husband, but it was too late already. They are now stuck with Rs 30,000 in scrapped notes.

Their anxiety is understandable. Besides losing the money, they fear being apprehended by authorities because holding over 10 notes of scrapped currency is now considered a crime. Under the Specified Bank Notes (Cessation of Liabilities) Ordinance-2016, no one can legally keep the scrapped currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 after December 31, 2016.

(With inputs from Gaurav Bisht in Shimla)
The nations largest lender State Bank of India today raised $500 million in forex debt in three-year dollar money as part of its medium term notes (MTN) programme, making it the second fund raising by it this year.

The RegS bond programme has been sold through its London branch and is priced at Libor plus 95 bps. A RegS or Regulation S issue means that under the US Securities Commission norms, the instrument will be denominated in the greenback, but resident Americans cannot buy into them.

We have successfully concluded a benchmark bond sale, raising $500 million, priced at Libor plus 0.95%. The three-year money was drawn through our London branch, a senior bank official told PTI.

The notes will be traded on the Singapore Stock Exchange, the official added.

With this, the bank has raised $4 billion out of its $10 billion MTN plan, including $400 million in perpetual bonds last year.

The bank is also in the process of raising Rs 15,000 crore directly from the market next fiscal year through a clutch of instruments, including QIP, preferential issue among others, for which it has secured shareholder approval.

On January 17 this year, SBI had raised $500 million in a five-year dollar money sale, through its London branch and got listed on the Singapore Exchange. Before this, the bank had raised overseas debt by issuing $300 million in September 2016. Prior to that, it had raised $1.25 billion in another dollar money sale in February 2014.

Todays bond sale is part of its immediate plans to raise $1.5 billion, the bank had informed the BSE on March 20. Its board meeting on March 24 had cleared the plan.

All the three global rating agencies have rated the drawdown on par with the banks existing ratings, which again is aligned to the sovereign ratings.

Moodys has assigned a Baa3 rating to the US dollar denominated senior unsecured notes, issued under its USD10 billion MTN programme. It has also given a positive outlook on the ratings.

SBI represents 16.3% of system loans and 17.6% of deposits as on end-March 2016, and government owns 60.18% in the bank. All these metrics will jump with the merger of five associate banks effective April, it said.

Another agency S&P in a note assigned BBB- long-term issue rating to the issue. The rating on the notes reflects the long-term counterparty credit rating on SBI, it said.

Fitch also assigned BBB-/stable) rating to the senior unsecured debt and said the instruments are rated at the same level as the banks issuer default rating.

Under its long term fund raising plans, the bank has also concluded AT1 Basel III-compliant non-convertible, perpetual non-call five-year subordinated, unsecured notes at a coupon 5.5 per cent payable semi-annually.
TVS Motor Company has asked its over 4,000 dealers to strictly comply with the Supreme Court order banning on BS III vehicles from April 1 and asked dealers to sell all the remaining stock of such vehicles before March 31.

All our dealers have been advised to strictly comply with the order of the Honourable Supreme Court and sell the BS III compliant stocks with them on or before March 31, 2017, TVS Motor Company said in a regulatory filing.

The company is a responsible corporate citizen and is fully supportive of a better environment for its customers, and society at large, it added.

The Chennai-based company said it is fully geared up to meet the new emission guidelines and had already commenced manufacture and sale of BS IV compliant vehicles to the dealers.
The British government today said thousands of European Union laws on everything from workers rights to the environment will be scrapped or replaced with UK equivalents to provide clarity and certainty to the people on the countrys plans after exiting the economic bloc.

Unveiling the governments white paper on the Great Repeal Bill, Brexit secretary David Davis told the House of Commons that as well as transposing aspects of EU legislation into UK law, the bill would create a new power to correct the statute book.

Davis said that the bill will provide clarity and certainty on the countrys plans, a day after Prime Minister Theresa May formally invoked Article 50 to begin the countdown to Britains exit from the 28-member economic bloc.

We have been clear that we want a smooth and orderly exit, and the Great Repeal Bill is integral to that approach. It will provide clarity and certainty for businesses, workers and consumers across the United Kingdom on the day we leave the EU, David told MPs today.

It will mean that as we exit the EU and seek a new deep and special partnership with the European Union, we will be doing so from the position where we have the same standards and rules.

But it will also ensure that we deliver on our promise to end the supremacy of EU law in the UK as we exit. Our laws will then be made in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast and interpreted not by judges in Luxembourg but by judges across the United Kingdom, he added.

The process of repealing the laws involves a so-called copy-paste exercise to ensure that all EU laws are incorporated into UK law to avoid a legal blackhole.

Workers rights, environmental protection and consumer rights currently enshrined in EU laws would continue as before when Britain left. But the UK Parliament, and the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, would then be able to amend or scrap these laws without EU consent.

Davis, who will be Britains chief negotiator in Brussels during the two-year negotiation process, said the rights of British expats would be the first priority in Brexit talks.

He said Britain had a moral duty to end the uncertainty facing Britons living in the EU - and EU citizens living in the UK - as it was not their fault that Britain had voted to leave.

The Great Repeal Bill is a crucial aspect of Brexit and will go through the parliamentary process as negotiations begin.
To compensate for the loss of livelihood, locals of the island have resorted to ecotourism to help alleviate the hunger and poverty in the community. (Photo : Getty Images)

China-Philippines diplomatic ties are reinforced as talks on maritime dispute are scheduled in May. The two countries will conduct the first meeting of a bilateral consultation mechanism on the South China Sea conflict, according to the statement by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying given on Tuesday.



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"Currently, the two sides are maintaining friendly negotiations on the issue," she said at a regular press conference.



In January, China and the Philippines held the 20th diplomatic consultation between the two countries. Both have agreed on setting up a bilateral consultation mechanism on South China Sea dispute to talk about issues of common concern and promote maritime cooperation and security.



To develop a positive atmosphere for sensible cooperation and the sound and stable deepening of ties, Hua said that China is prepared to support dialogue with the Philippines to properly manage and control divergences and enhance maritime cooperation.



The delegation of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has also been invited by the Chinese government to visit the country at an earlier date, she said.



The two countries drafted a list of cooperative programs in 2017 during the founding conference of the Joint Coast Guard Committee on Maritime Cooperation in February. Among the listed programs are high-level visits, vessel visits, maritime operations and related exercises and capacity building, Hua added.



The Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman also said that the cooperation between the Chinese and Philippine coast guards will enhance mutual trust and friendship between the two parties, in an attempt to bring in new vitality into the deepening of ties.



The relationship between the Philippines and China had turned sour during the administration of President Benigno Aquino III, the previous president of the Philippines. The two countries were involved in a heated dispute over territories in the South China Sea.



Since his administration started in June 2016, Duterte has made efforts to restore the ties between the two countries. His four-day visit to China last October suggests the mending of the soured China-Philippines relations.



In his speech earlier this month, Duterte stated that his official visit to Beijing has led to a closer bilateral trade and people-to-people ties.



Both countries are looking forward to the maritime dispute talks, hoping to boost China-Philippines diplomatic ties.


The Uttarakhand government would soon move the Supreme Court against a high court order banning mining across the state for four months.

We will soon file a special leave petition in the apex court seeking recall of the HC order that imposed a blanket ban on mining across the state for four months, director, mining, Vinay Shankar Pandey said.

The Uttarakhand HC had on Tuesday banned mining across the state for four months while directing the state government to form a high level committee to recommend guidelines to stop illegal mining and reclaim mined areas. Following the order mining work has come to a halt in rivers such as Ganga, Yamuna, Gaula, Kosi, Dabka, and Kali and nearly 100 seasonal rivers and rivulets apart from forest areas.

Pandey said that the government would challenge the ban order on several grounds that are crucial to the interests of the state. The order has not only resulted in staggering revenue losses. It has also affected the construction activity hampering development across the state, Pandey said.

State finance minister Prakash Pant confirmed that the government would move the apex court against the high court ban order. It (ban order) has also rendered hundreds of workers engaged in mining jobless besides causing staggering revenue losses, he told HT.

According to Pandey, if the ban order is not revoked all minor and big projects would be affected. It will not affect just the maintenance of roads in the Chardham where the annual pilgrimage will soon start, he said. The construction on a number of hydropower projects coming up in the mountain state would also be badly affected, thanks to the ban order.

Work on the 12,000 crore all weather road project announced recently by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Chardham would also be hampered. The order will also create a crisis hampering construction of private buildings and residences etc, Pandey said, adding that post the mining ban order, the cost of construction material has reportedly shot up sky high as people are forced to buy it from areas outside the state.

A source in the government said the high court issued the order without declaring the central governments Major and Minor Minerals Act as ultra vires. It is that law, which regulates all mining activity in the state. Since the high court did not declare it ultra vires, the ban order is legally weak, the source said.

Secretary, finance, Amit Negi said the state government would suffer a substantial revenue loss of up to Rs 200 crore due to the ban. The next four months, when mining is banned, are crucial as maximum mining activity takes place during that period, he said. It (mining activity) stops once the monsoon season starts.

Negi said the state government had fixed a revenue target of 550 crore from mining in the current fiscal (1917-18). Normally, our (government) annual revenue from mining comes to 350 crore, he added.

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The Congress is expected to release its first list of candidates for municipal polls on Thursday evening. The list which was expected to be announced last week was reportedly delayed during the scrutiny of applications. Delhi goes to polls for three municipal bodies on April 23.

Earlier, state unit president Ajay Maken had said that the first list of contestants will be released around March 24. Party sources now say nominees for around 135 wards will be cleared by Thursday evening.

Names have been shortlisted for various wards. The list may be announced today after Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singhs rally in Subhash Nagar. Names of candidates for nearly 50% wards will be announced, a source said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi has also started deliberations over ticket distribution. The first meeting of the election committee headed by Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari was held on Wednesday.

The party is expected to announce its candidates by April 1. The Aam Aadmi Party, Swaraj India, Samajwadi Party, and Bahujan Samaj Party have already released names of candidates for several wards.

The three municipal corporations have 272 wards and the Congress has 83 councillors.

According to the party leaders, all incumbent elected members to the corporations are likely to be nominated again. However, a group of party workers recently met Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and complained that the party was giving preference to family members of sitting councillors in ticket distribution.

A delegation led by Delhi Youth Congress president Amit Malik also met Rahul Gandhi requesting to accommodate more young leaders this time.

Earlier, the All India Congress Committee representative in Delhi unit, appointed 13 observers to supervise selection process of candidates for all districts.

These observers are from other states such as Bihar, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. They had consultations with block presidents and district level workers to pick names for municipal elections, said a party functionary.

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A woman fractured her arm and suffered injuries to her face and body when two snatchers on a motorcycle tried to grab her bag when she was travelling in an auto.

The incident took place in Central Delhis IP Estate Area, about 200 metres away from the Delhi Police Headquarters, at 11.30 am on Tuesday.

A resident of East Delhis Krishna Nagar, Tanuja Malhotra, works in the hospitality sector. She was headed to her office in Sunder Nagar when the two men struck on the Ring Road towards Sarai Kale Khan, a little before the ITO junction.

The snatchers tried to snatch my wifes handbag just when the auto she was riding slowed down for a moment. But she fought back to save her bag, Tanujas husband, Gaurav told HT.

However, when the snatchers pulled it with force, Tanuja fell off the running auto that had already picked up speed by then. She landed on her left shoulder and suffered a fracture to her arm. She has also suffered severe injuries to her face and other body parts, Gaurav said.

The snatchers, meanwhile, sped away with her bag containing two mobile phones, Rs 1,500 in cash and credit, debit and identity cards.

The auto driver tried to note down the motorcycles registration number, but could only catch the last four digits. We dont have any leads about the snatchers yet. They were most likely using a fake registration number plate, said a senior police officer.

The injured woman, meanwhile, was rushed to Lok Nayak Hospital. However, unsatisfied with the treatment there, her family decided to move her to a private hospital. Doctors have advised her 40 days of bed rest, said Gaurav.

Gaurav said since much of Tuesday was spent in his wifes treatment, the police registered a FIR the next day. A case of voluntarily causing hurt, assault while committing theft and of theft has been registered by the police.

This is the second such incident over the last three months. A woman fell off a running auto while trying to fight off motorcycle-borne snatchers on the Moolchand flyover on December 27 last year. The victim is yet to recover her ability to speak. The 39-year-old beautician, Sharmila Rai, had spent nine days in the ICU after she fell off the auto . The snatchers nabbed in February.
The National Green Tribunal on Thursday directed public sector oil companies to stop plying Bharat Stage-I and Bharat Stage-II vehicles for transporting petrol or petroleum products in the national capital.

A bench headed by NGT chairperson justice Swatanter Kumar ordered Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd and Hindustan Petroleum to immediately ban such vehicles.

The green panel also directed the joint commissioner of police to ensure the compliance of the order.

The green panel had in December last year issued notices to the oil companies and asked them to inform whether they use any diesel vehicle more than a decade old for transporting petrol or diesel to fuel stations.

The direction came while hearing a batch of petitions filed by various contractors seeking registration of new BS-IV compliant diesel vehicles purchased for transport of petrol from company depots to identified petrol pumps in Delhi-NCR.

In a blow to automobile firms, the Supreme Court had on Wednesday banned sale and registration of vehicles, which are not BS-IV compliant, in India from April 1 when the new emission norms come into force.
Trouble seems to be brewing in Delhis ruling Aam Aadmi Party ahead of the municipal elections, with another legislator coming out in public to air grievances against the top leaders.

Without taking names, Janakpuri MLA Rajesh Rishi took to Twitter, advising chief minister Arvind Kejriwal of staying away from sycophants. The legislator has also tagged party leader Kumar Vishwas in some of his tweets.

The development came days after Bawana legislator Ved Prakash quit the AAP and Delhi assembly, accusing the party of suppressing internal democracy and failing to deliver on poll promises.

Rishi, however, deleted some of his tweets later.

When contacted, Rishi maintained that he was not going the Bawana legislators way. However, he agreed that he was unhappy with the way some leaders around the CM have monopolised the partys functioning and he had no say in ticket distribution for municipal elections.

I have been a party volunteer since India Against Corruption days. So there is no question of leaving AAP and joining BJP or Congress. But, I have reservations about the people who have been fielded in my constituency. In one ward, an outsider has been preferred over party volunteers. I tried, but could not pass on my feedback to our top leader by any other means. I hope, my voice will now be heard, Rishi told HT.

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The National Green Tribunal on Thursday asked oil companies to immediately stop use of BS-I and BS-II vehicles to transport petrol or petroleum products into Delhi.

The Bharat Stage or BS norms are standards for vehicular emissions with BS-I and II suggesting the earliest generation of emission norms while BS-IV stands for the latest of these norms.

Hundreds of old BS-I and BS-II tankers presently operate on Delhi roads.

A bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar on Thursday gave this order to Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd and Hindustan Petroleum, who have to immediately ban such vehicles from their fleet.

The green court has also Delhi Police to ensure the compliance of the order. However, traffic police said they are yet to receive the NGT orders.

The NGT had in December last year issued notice to the oil companies and asked them to inform if they use any diesel vehicles more than a decade old to transport petrol or diesel to fuel stations.

The direction on Thursday came while hearing a batch of petitions filed by various contractors asking for registration of new BS-IV compliant diesel vehicles purchased to transport petrol from company depots to identified petrol pumps in Delhi-NCR.

On Wednesday, in what can be termed as a blow to automobile companies, the Supreme Court had banned sale and registration of vehicles which are not BS-IV compliant from April 1 when the new emission norms come into force.

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For 17 days, Palanichamy has been protesting at Jantar Mantar in Delhi clad in a green loin cloth with skulls around his neck. The 65-year-old farmer from Trichy, Tamil Nadu, claims that one of the skulls belonged to his brother-in-law Paluchamy who had committed suicide.

He owed around Rs 5 lakh to banks. He had mortgaged and lost over 400 grams of his wifes gold. His daughter, who had been studying nursing, could not pay her fees. This was the condition of a farmer in Tamil Nadu who had over 4.5 acres of paddy fields, he said.

Palanichamy is one of the 40 odd farmers from Tamil Nadu who have been protesting at Jantar Mantar for loan waiver and drought relief package. The farmers are determined to take their voice to the government even if it involves bizarre methods. From bringing skulls of dead farmers to mock funerals, their techniques are intended to draw attention to their plight and stand out even at Jantar Mantar, the grand home to protests.

On Monday, the farmers posed for pictures holding live mice between their teeth. The idea, they said, was to show that they may be reduced to eating rodents as their livelihood had been destroyed. Eating rats and mice is not new for us. Meat and chicken, and even pulses and grains can get very expensive, so we have eaten rat curries in the past, said Palanichamy adding that his brother-in-law had stopped eating before he committed suicide last year.

Palanichamy said it does haunt him to wear his brother-in-laws skull around the neck everyday but it is for a better future for the family. Now I am responsible for his wife, his kids and my mother-in-law too. I also have a loan of Rs 5-8 lakh. Over the last five years, I have been just paying off the interest, he said.

Meanwhile, the two white mice, that were used for the protest are alive and thriving at the site. The two were bought at a local pet store for around Rs 500. The farmers had also protested holding snake bits in their mouth on Wednesday. Palanichamy said they have been trying out these dramatic ideas to draw the governments attention, Look at what we are fighting for. Not how we are fighting.

A 1970s SSLC (educated up to Class X), Palanichamy claimed to have completed a teachers training course. I could not find a job and took up farming. But even that has not worked well for me, he said. After a drought, reportedly called one of the worst in 140 years, and cyclone Vardah destroyed his crops, Palanichamy says that like many others, he too started scavenging for scrap and selling it. I still had pride and would go through garbage and collect the trash only at night, he said. Left with no choice, he boarded a train with the others who were coming to Delhi to seek respite from the central government. I had to take a loan of Rs 3,000 at 3% interest to come to Delhi. It is hard here, but it is worse back home, he said.

A protesting farmer from Tamil Nadu holds a snake in his mouth seeking aid from the governmentat Jantar Mantar on Wednesday. (Ravi Choudhary/HT PHOTO)

His solace has been the Bangla Saheb Gurudwara, where he could sleep and was offered bread in the morning. The Tamil civic society in Delhi have also helped us a lot. They have been giving us food and water, he added.

In his absence, his family, including his brother-in-laws family, have been living on his wifes salary as a midday meal cook at a local government school. She makes Rs 3,000 a month. I will not leave until our demands are met; even if it means dying here. Sometimes I think I may be of better use to my family dead. They pay the family of a farmer who committed suicide Rs 3 lakh, he said.

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March is the new May: Northern and western India reel due to scorching summer. This headline, which appeared in Hindustan Times on Thursday, sums up the coming challenge: Searing heat waves are going to singe India. The indications are already there: Vast swathes of northern and western India are reeling under near heat-wave conditions with experts expressing concerns over the sweltering temperatures that have shot past 40 degree Celsius in the first few weeks of summer.

The searing temperatures comes on the back of the hottest summer in a century last year that killed 550 people and left not enough food to eat or water to drink in parts of an area that holds about 25% of Indias 1.2 billion people.

Officials were forced to transport water in trains to towns and villages in the west earlier this month amid reports of children collapsing in the heat while fetching water, and of armed men guarding wells and ponds to stop farmers from stealing water.

Expecting the worse, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has already directed states in the country to brace for a hot summer and has said that the Heat Wave Action Plan must be implemented.

Data shows that there has been an increasing trend of heat waves in India over the past several years. Heat wave killed about 3,000 people in 1998 and more than 2000 in 2002. It caused over 2,000 deaths in 1998 in Odisha and more than 1,200 deaths in 2002 in southern India. More than 2,400 people died in the heat wave of 2015. Heat wave also caused death of cattle and wildlife besides affecting animals in various zoos in India.

Yet most Indian cities are yet to implement the NDMAs heat wave guidelines that can help them prepare a management plan by providing insight, help in coordinating various departments, individuals and communities to aid and protect their neighbours, friends, relatives, and themselves against avoidable health problems during spells of very hot weather.

Doing this important because a heat wave directly affects communities, undermining their livelihoods through gradual, insidious changes in temperature and rainfall patterns, and resulting in increased frequency and intensity of hazards such as floods, cyclones, droughts, unseasonal rains and hailstorms, causing extensive damage to crops and the agro-rural economy.

It is time to devise a national level strategy and plan to combat this disaster. A comprehensive heat preparedness and response requires involvement from not only government authorities but also NGOs and civil society. The first step would be to map vulnerability assessment in order to identify the areas and people that will be worst affected by heat waves.
The fracas at The Wine Company in which three customers were allegedly beaten up has led to the restaurant being severely criticised on social media with some even calling for its boycott. But old-timers and regulars at the restaurant prefer to give the management the benefit of the doubt.

Alok Wadhwa, who runs a Facebook group, alleged that they were asked to remove a post mentioning the attack from their page. As many of you know, Gurgaon foodie group is not for profit and stands for free speech. We have never and will not come under any pressures. We can afford to do this because all the admins here are professionals who do not take a single penny from this group for our time and effort, or profit in any manner whatsoever from this group and so can be totally independent (sic), he wrote.

A Facebook page calling for boycott of the restaurant has also been created. Suryansh Jalan, a friend of the victims, said he was overwhelmed by the response. We will enure justice is done and that is why we created the page, he said.

Facebook user Gurbir Sindu said, We should boycott this restaurant and encourage every friend, relative and a contact not to visit this place ever...Let us share this and spread this as much as possible (sic).

However, a small section of people also asked for restraint.

One user, who preferred anonymity, said, Have visited this place umpteen number of times and have never had a bad experience! Dont think its fair to form an opinion knowing only one side of the story. Rather this is an exaggeration of the situation. We should give the restaurant a chance to speak (sic).

The spokesperson for The Wine Company said: At the outset, we would like to state that we do not accept violence as a solution to any conflict. As front runners in the service industry, we did not wish to vilify guests at our restaurant and, hence, have refrained from commenting on the matter until now. We are fully cooperating with authorities and will take necessary action to ensure justice prevails.

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A former Delhi University (DU) professor on Thursday complained of violence and threat to life from a group of men who she said had come to force her to vacate the house where she was staying. Professor Neelam Singh, who stays at the old age home operated from the house in South City 2, alleged that the owner, former Pataudi MLA Bhupinder Singh, had sent his men to evict her.

A team from the Gurgaon police reached the spot after calls were made around 12:30pm, and rescued the professor an hour later. The woman is the wife of retired IAS officer, late Mohan Singh, who served as additional secretary in the Central government. She was found clinging to the railing of the balcony of her house, ready to jump, police said. They added that they have taken cognizance of the complaint and an FIR will be registered after the matter is investigated.

The DU professor said she had paid around Rs10 lakh as advance rent to one Rakesh Rana, who runs the old age home in the name of Aastha Old Age Home. In the course of time, I realised that it was an illegal operation, had no permission and amorous activities were taking place on the ground floor, she said.

She claimed nine complaints were made to Sadar police station, the CM window and the district administration, but no action was taken.

On Thursday, she complained to the police after the men came to get the house vacated. They broke the doors and entered the house, threatening me. I had to lock myself in, but they managed to break the doors. I had to ultimately call the police. They also beat me up, she said.

However, the former MLA said he had nothing to do with the violence as he had given the house on lease to Rana. On Thursday, when he came to get possession of the house, the woman refused to vacate it and demanded Rs20 lakh from Rana, he claimed.

I have nothing to do with the dispute and have informed the police that this house was given on rent, he said.

Vijay Kumar, station house officer (SHO), Sadar, said they have received the professors complaint and a case will be registered after the matter is investigated and the complainant undergoes a medical test to check for injuries.

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Tata-Alibaba Tie-Up: Can the Partnership Help Sell Tea in the Country Where Tea Originated?

Tata's Tetley Tea (Photo : Getty Images)

Tata Global Beverages has admitted that it would be a big challenge to sell tea to China, the country where drinking tea originated.



"Taking tea to China is like selling scotch to the Scots," Harish Bijoor, an independent brand consultant and former vice-president of marketing at Tata Coffee Ltd, said. "China is a very difficult market. It is the origin market for tea, and sees diverse consumption from black and green tea to all kinds of oolong teas," he said.



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To help them do this, Tata Global Beverages entered into a partnership with China's e-commerce giant, Alibaba, last year, expecting that Chinese consumers will buy Tetley tea bags on TMall online retail channel, according to livemint.com.



"Alibaba and e-commerce is the beachhead to land the product in the market and create market awareness," Adil Ahmed, the company's chief marketing officer, said.



Tata Global also hopes to introduce Tetley to Malaysia and other places he called "white spaces", or new tea consumer markets where their product has no presence. They are aiming to earn about $1 billion (Rs6,508 crore) from the Tetley brand in the new markets.



In the past years, the company has been struggling to increase its earnings. In its annual report, Tetley accounted for about 38 percent of sales or Rs2,793 crore, in 2012-13 while it earned Rs2,676 crore in 2015-2016, which was the reason it is attracted to China's $22 billion tea market.



Ahmed said they are relying on the modern Chinese consumers' preference for the convenience of using the tea bag as well as the "Britishness" of the brand.



"China is primarily a green tea market," Ahmed said. "People are getting bored of that green tea and the hugely ritualistic aspect of making tea. In fact, they are now wanting tea bags, which is considered aspirational. The Britishness and the expertise of our blenders are the two hooks that we will use in China," Ahmed noted.



But other British tea brands like Twinings have already penetrated the Chinese market. A recent Euromonitor report said that the largest player now is China's Da Yi Tea Group, which has 6 percent share in the Chinese tea market.



Bijoor, however, said that citing 'affordable luxury' and the "Britishness" is a good strategy in brand positioning. "However, tea bags are now globally considered a dumbed-down way of drinking tea because it takes no effort to prepare."



Tata is also planning to sell Tetley to small grocery stores in the country. Ahmed said that although the sales volume is low, the company will raise its manufacturing when the business picks up.


The manager of the bar and restaurant The Wine Company was released on bail on Thursday, a day after he was arrested by the police in connection with a brawl between the management and three customers on Monday night.

Roopak Trivedi, the manager, and another worker were produced in a court on Thursday and released on bail. The police are looking for three bouncers who have been identified from the CCTV cameras.

Sudeep Singh, station house officer, DLF Phase 2 police station, said they produced the two men in court on Thursday where they were granted bail. We are tracing the three bouncers who are from Faridabad. They will be nabbed soon, he added.

In the incident, three men, identified as Ishant Agarwal of Punjabi Bagh (in Delhi), Rahul Lakshman, a London-based UK passport holder and Sidharth Chaudhary of Rohini (in Delhi) were allegedly thrashed by bouncers and staff of the bar, over what the management claims is a payment dispute.

The victims, however, alleged that the violence was the managements response to an argument.

Agarwal is a Delhi-based entrepreneur who had been helping Lakshman scout for business opportunities in the past month. Chaudhary also runs a business.

One of youths, who were assaulted at The Wine Company in Gurgaons CyberHub on Monday night. (HT Photo)

MG Road resident and Ishants cousin, Nikhil Agarwal, said the trio had reached the restaurant around 10.30pm and had ordered food, wine and shots of hard liquor.

They were in the restaurant for over two hours. Around 12.30am, the waiters called for final orders as it was closing time. The three decided to place the final order and pay the bill of around Rs24,000, simultaneously, Nikhil said.

He added that as soon as the bill was cleared, the restaurant workers started clearing their table. The trio objected to this, following which the manager intervened. He agreed to return the bottles and the liquor in plastic glasses, but there was a heated argument over the restaurant overcharging them for certain items, Nikhil claimed.

He added that during the argument, one of the bouncers held Chaudhary in a tight grip and Lakshman was barred from leaving the restaurant.

The bouncers thought the bill had not been settled. However, when these three protested, around eight to 10 bouncers pounced on them. They were hit with bottles and any other item that the staff could lay their hands on, said Suryansh Jalan, a friend of the victims.

Nikhil said they were pushed to the amphitheatre and brutally beaten up for around five minutes. After the restaurant staff left the trio in a heap, Ishant managed to call his relatives in Gurgaon and the police, he added.

The police took them to DLF Phase 2 police station, but released them on Nikhils intervention. After that they were taken to the emergency wing of Fortis Hospital and treated for injuries.

Investigating officer, Sanjay Kumar, recorded the statements of the three persons at Fortis Hospital on Tuesday morning.

This was a brutal attack. My cousin Ishant has several stitches on his head and on the side of his neck. Lakshman suffered injuries to his face and his teeth were broken. One of the assailants had used a broken glass bottle to hit them, said Nikhil.

We are questioning the assailants and teams are working to nab the rest of those involved. All those responsible will be booked, Deepak Saharan, deputy commissioner of police (east), said.

The police has registered a case under IPCs sections 147 (punishment for rioting), 148 (rioting armed with deadly weapons), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 324 (causing hurt by dangerous weapons), 325 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt) against the manager and the worker identified.

The management of The Wine Company, however, maintained that the reason for the fracas was the unruly behaviour of the three, who wanted to stay on the premises beyond closing hours and in their drunken state had picked up a fight with passersby outside the bar premises. They said that the trio had also misbehaved with the staff and the manager.

We are cooperating with the authorities and will not hesitate to take stringent action, including dismissal from service, if any staff member is found culpable. At The Wine Company, guest service and safety is always the priority and our staff is trained to ensure the same. However, we do not accept any inappropriate behaviour towards our staff who graciously serve customers till late in the night. We apologise to any patrons if our staff have been rude or have misbehaved, but would also request our patrons to respect our service staff, the spokesperson said.

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The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) will revive seven ponds in the city before monsoon for which a budget of Rs 1 crore has been sanctioned.

Last year, the MCG had planted some aqua fauna in a portion of Basai pond in an effort to replenish the water body. The work on the remaining pond will start next week.

This plan is necessary to conserve the groundwater table, which has been depleting at an alarming rate  15.58 metres between 2005 and 2016.

Last year, the MCG had plans to revive 12 water bodies within a year, however, owing to lack of funds, the civic body got approval for reviving seven ponds.

We are planning to revive seven water bodies in the next three months. The project has a budget of Rs 1 crore for each pond. Reviving these village ponds will also recharge the groundwater table of the region, said Sudhir Chauhan, senior town planner (STP), MCG.

This project is crucial as the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) had categorised Gurgaon as over exploited, following which the Punjab and Haryana high court banned groundwater extraction in the district in 2015. It had also asked the Gurgaon deputy commissioner to check illegal boring in the region.

The waterbodies which are included in the project are Basai, Begampur Khatola, Sarai Alawardi, Ghata Jheel, Sukhrali pond, Kadipur and Jharsa pond. These waterbodies have the potential to be revived before monsoon as they have a catchment area, he said.

The plan is to fill these water bodies with water and remove encroachments from the area. We will also beautify the surroundings of the pond. The waterbed will be dug up to help recharge the groundwater table, Chauhan said.

According to the government records, of the 120 village ponds in Gurgaon district, only 15 are in a condition to be revived, the rest were lost to urbanisation.

Last year, the MCG had carried out an exercise to map all water bodies as the land records of a large number of water bodies were altered as the city developed, MCG officials said.

According to official records, around 95 acres on which village ponds were located have now been used to build high-rises. This, despite the fact that in Regional Plan 2021, relevant policies had been proposed to preserve water bodies: The areas under water bodies, ox-bow lakes and paleo-channels and their surrounding areas as shown in the ground water rechargeable areas to be kept free from any encroachment or development to allow free flow of water. Construction activities should not to be permitted in the areas. Suitable measures should be taken to maintain the water bodies with the minimal flow/water level, the policy states.

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Around 5,000 parents of children studying in 40 schools in Gurgaon will hold a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on April 9 against fee hike by various private schools, according to a parents body that met in Gurgaon on Thursday.

The All India Parents Forum for Education, which held a meeting in Shama tourist complex near Sadar area, also decided that parents from Gurgaon and Faridabad will hold a protest at the Gurgaon divisional commissioners office on April 2.

The parents who will protest at Jantar Mantar will also march to the Parliament House to hand over a memorandum meant for the President, Prime Minister and the chief minister of Delhi, said Ramesh Rana, president, All India Parents Forum for Education.

The parents have demanded that the district administration put in place a mechanism to ensure that private schools do not unjustifiably increase their fees. They have also demanded that there should be no increase in fees for academic year 2017-18 and the coming three years.

We have been requesting the government for the last three years to take some action against fee hike. Every year we request parents to come forward and fight this injustice, but all in vain. Its high time now that the government comes forward and takes action against the unjust fee hike to provide relief to parents, said Tripti Singh, a parent.

In the meeting, parents said school fees have increased by nearly 400% in the last eight to 10 years. Stating that this was a major problem for parents belonging to low-income groups, forum members said the government should enact a new law to give statutory status to The Fees and Fund Regulatory committee (FFRC). The body was formed under Section 158 A of the Haryana School Education Act and comes under the authority of the divisional commissioner in Gurgaon.

There is no clarity on guidelines and the officials themselves are not aware of what action they can take. They do not have the authority to entertain cases of arbitrary fee hike, said Anil Kumar, vice president of the forum. In addition, parents have also demanded an education policy for Haryana.

Parents of children studying in Salwan Public School, Ryan International School, Shiv Nadar, Presidium School, and Blue Bells Public School also took part in the meeting. They have been protesting against the fee hike in these individual schools. Some of them have also filed complaints with the chief ministers window, deputy commissioner, district education officer and divisional commissioner D Suresh.

PK Das, additional chief secretary (school education), has called a meeting on April 5 in Panchkula with divisional commissioners of Hisar, Ambala, Rohtak and Gurgaon regarding fees and fund of private schools.

Parents in a number of states, including Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, have protested against fee hike in private schools in the last three years.

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The police on Thursday met the group of people alleged to have forced meat shops in Gurgaon to down shutters and warned them against repeating such activities. Group members, who claim to be part of the Shiv Sena, however said they never forced anyone to close their shops and the owners shut shop to respect religious sentiments during Navratra.

Police officials called the group to the police commissionrate on Thursday to discuss the matter after meat sellers in Sadar Bazaar and other parts of the city felt threatened.

The group is said to have got more than 300 meat shops closed in Sadar Bazaar, sectors 7, 9, 14, and Palam Vihar near Old Gurgaon road on Tuesday. On Wednesday morning, they turned on the shops on the other side of the Delhi-Gurgaon expressway in DLF, Sushant Lok, Sohna Road and Badshahpur areas.

A KFC outlet in Sector 14, forcibly shut down by protestors, reopened on Wednesday afternoon under police protection.

On Thursday, intelligence officials of Gurgaon police called Ritu Raj, Gurgaon spokesperson of the Shiv Sena, and questioned him about the activities that led to closure of meat shops.

While police officials refused to comment on the meeting, Raj said police told him that some people were trying to create disharmony by forcibly closing shops in Shiv Senas name.

We met some meat shop owners on Tuesday and requested them to close their shops. It was because of religious sentiments for Navratra festival. We did not force anyone to down shutters. We have requested the police to initiate action against those misusing Senas name and trying to create disharmony, said Raj.

Personnel at City police station had also called Raj on Wednesday after meat sellers of Jama Masjid market in Sadar Bazaar lodged a complaint with the police.

We were asked not to open shops during Navratra and on Tuesdays. We lodged a complaint fearing for the security of our employees, said Mohammad Tahir, president, Jama Masjid market committee.

Vikram Nehra, station house officer (SHO), City police station, said he questioned Raj and some Sena members regarding the incident. We warned them not to resort to such tactics. They agreed not to repeat them, said Nehra.

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The process of mapping forest areas falling under purview of the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA) has been completed and the final report will be submitted to Haryana government on Friday for a final nod.

A committee headed by divisional commissioner of Gurgaon, D Suresh, evaluated the status of Aravalli forest areas in Haryana after the state government had claimed that the available data regarding PLPA was complicated and hence, it is unable to decide which areas fall under forest cover.

We have completed the process of identifying PLPA areas and will submit the report to the government this week, said Suresh.

He added that the report will clear the confusion over the status of forests in the state and will eventually help the government to decide on the yet to be decided natural conservation zone (NCZ) areas.

The districts involved in this exercise were Gurgaon, Faridabad, Panchkula, Ambala, Yamunanagar, Mewat, Palwal, Rewari, Mahendergarh, Karnal, Jhajjar, Rohtak and Bhiwani.

The committee had obtained the relevant revenue records to evaluate and examine the status of the areas. We carried out a two-month long exercise that helped us prepare a report regarding the land use of the forest land in the 1980s, he added.

About 1,00,000 hectares fall under the Aravallis in south Haryana. More than 25,000 hectares are identified as forest under sections 4 and 5 of PLPA. Around 62,000 hectares have been identified as NCZ, while another 12,800 hectares have been put under the yet to be decided category.

However, environmental activists termed the process of mapping the PLPA areas as an exercise to reduce the forest cover in the state.

In January, the Haryana government had submitted an affidavit in the National Green Tribunal stating that the Aravalli plantation areas are not considered as forest. That too was a deliberate attempt to weaken the forest cover in the region, claimed activists.

The state has very little forest cover and such an exercise will further dilute it. There is no need to evaluate the status of forests and also the methodology of the process is wrong. Revenue records cannot be treated as a parameter to decide forest areas as they were manipulated several times, said Vivek Kamboj, environmentalist.

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Meat shops across Gurgaon have reopened after two days on Thursday, following assurances of security from the police. More than 300 shops had stayed shut on both sides of NH-24 after protestors forced them to pull down the shutters for Hindu festival of Navratri, during which followers eat vegetarian food.

On Thursday morning, the shops started to get back in business in Sadar Bazar  which is major meat-selling hub  and in other parts of the city. A number of shops in the city sell buffalo meat, which is the main bone of contention. A KFC outlet in Sector 14 was also forcibly shut down by protestors claiming to be from the Shiv Sena. It reopened on Wednesday afternoon under police protection.

We have lodged a complaint with the police. There was fear in the area among meat sellers, Mohammad Tahir, president of the Jama Masjid market committee in Sadar Bazar, told Hindustan Times. Police have told us to immediately call them if anyone troubles or attacks us again. So, we have now opened the shops, he said.

Meat shops owned by Hindus in Jacobpura are closed during Navratri every year. (Rashpal Singh/HT Photo)

Meat shops in Jacobpura - another meat-selling hub - remained shut voluntarily as most of its owners are Hindus and they dont sell meat during Navratri. Out of 13 shops only two are owned by Muslims in the area. Vinod Kumar, a shopkeeper said shops are closed during Navratri every year.

Gurgaon: Meat shopkeepers at Jama Masjid market say no pressure on them now & police have assured security @htTweets @HTGurgaon pic.twitter.com/WSwKuA3cuJ  Rashpal Singh (@rashysingh) March 30, 2017



Police are patrolling the area and keeping a close watch on possible protests. We have received the complaint from the meat sellers. We are looking at further action. We have told them we will provide security, Vikram Nehra, SHO of the City Police Station, said.

Sandeep Khirwar, Gurgaon police commissioner, had said on Wednesday that the police had strict instructions to avert any such forcible closure.

The protest groups had targeted shops in Sadar Bazar, sectors 7, 9, 14, and Palam Vihar near the old Gurgaon road on Tuesday. On Wednesday morning, they turned on the shops on the other side of the Delhi-Gurgaon expressway in DLF, Sushant Lok, Sohna Road and Badshahpur areas.

All this comes amid a strike by meat traders in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh as shop owners in Indias largest meat-producing state say they are being harassed by state officials. This strike is in response to a drive by the BJP government to close down all illegal slaughterhouses in the state. Many meat shops in the state were also set on fire over the past week.

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Actor Vin Diesel says the eighth installment of the Fast and Furious saga will kick-start a new trilogy.

Choking back tears on Wednesday as he paid an emotional tribute to his dead The Fast and the Furious co-star Paul Walker at the CinemaCon convention, Diesel, now a producer as well as star, confirmed a previous announcement that the series would extend to at least a tenth movie.

As the world sees this movie, theyll see how its the beginning of a new trilogy, he said. One of the things were so proud of with this chapter is how much we defied expectations.

As the world sees this movie, theyll see how its the beginning of a new trilogy.

Left to right, Charlize Theron, Kurt Russell, Chris Bridges, Tyrese Gibson and Vin Diesel, cast members in the upcoming The Fate of the Furious, discuss the film onstage during the Universal Pictures presentation at CinemaCon 2017. (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

The 49-year-old revealed it was Walker who insisted there should be an eighth instalment in the $3.9 billion franchise, as he introduced The Fate of the Furious at the gathering in Las Vegas.

Part of Pauls legacy lives through every frame that we shoot... You are reminded of this angel that was so integral to this concept of brotherhood for our millennium, Diesel said, fighting his emotions.

Theres something beautiful about that. Theres something celebratory about that... I always feel like hes looking down on us, so we didnt want to let him down.

Walker was 40 when he died in a fiery single-vehicle crash in California in 2013, before the seventh film was released.

Chris Bridges, left, Tyrese Gibson, centre, and Vin Diesel, cast members in the upcoming film The Fate of the Furious, interact with the audience during the Universal Pictures presentation at CinemaCon 2017. (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Tyrese Gibson, who has been in the high-octane franchise since 2 Fast, 2 Furious (2003), echoed Diesels tribute.

The last time I was on this stage we were here with Paul Walker. We move and operate in the memory of Paul Walker, he told the crowd at the Caesars Palace hotel.

The Fate of the Furious is due to release on April 14 in the US.

Directed by F Gary Gray (Straight Outta Compton), it sees the return of Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez, Ludacris and Tyrese Gibson. Meanwhile, Charlize Theron, Helen Mirren and Scott Eastwood are among the new additions.

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There was speculation that Zac Efrons well-toned body in the trailer of forthcoming film Baywatch is fake, and his co-star Priyanka Chopra has vouched for how real it is.

The actor added that she initially had her doubts, but was shocked to know the abs were real.

I didnt think it was real initially. (I thought) theres gotta be some air brushing or paint brushing or whatever people... I can vouch for them. I have seen them for real. They are real and I was shocked, Priyanka said.

Honestly I have a hard time with paparazzi but s/o to this dude  A post shared by Zac Efron (@zacefron) on Mar 5, 2016 at 9:44pm PST

The Quantico star, who will be making her Hollywood debut with Baywatch this year, talked about Efrons physique in an interview with E! News when she became a part of ongoing CinemaCon here. The video is doing the rounds on social media platforms.

She was joined by her co-stars Dwayne Johnson, Efron, Alexandra Daddario, Kelly Rohrbach and Jon Bass.

When asked by the interviewer whether Efron is human to have such a perfect body, she said: Human beings have them.

Always fun with these boys! #CinemaCon @baywatchmovie @therock @zacefron #BeBaywatch #runninglines #lifeofanactor #onthejob A post shared by Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra) on Mar 28, 2017 at 8:20pm PDT

He is forever training. I watched him and I ate. I was always eating whenever Zac was training. I dont know why I always got hungry seeing him work so hard, Priyanka added.

Baywatch has been adapted from the 1990s popular TV series of the same name and is slated to hit the screens in May. Priyanka will be seen in a negative role.

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A team of archaeologists from Bihar and Santiniketan-based Viswa Bharati University in neighbouring West Bengal has raised concerns over the government ropeway construction project atop Mandar hills, in Banka district, where artifacts of 11-12 century AD were found.

The team has asked the district administration not to use in ropeway construction work ancient pillars and stone slabs, lest the archaeological remains will be destroyed.

The team, which was at Banka, 254 km east of Patna, for surface exploration of Mandar hills, found that pits were dug up to erect pillars for the ropeway were damaging archaeological remains. It also discovered that ancient stone pillars were being used to create a platform near a temple.

It was also of the opinion that the district administration should hold consultations with experts so that archaeological remains were not destroyed.

I have received a mail and am consulting my seniors, Banka district magistrate Nilesh Deore said. I will forward the matter to the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC), which is handling the ropeway project, he added.

Deore admitted that the site was full of rare archaeological remains, which needed to be conserved.

Archaeologists have asked the Banka district administration not to use in ropeway construction work ancient pillars and stone slabs. (HT photo)

Archaeologist Anil Kumar, who led the team, said it was surprising to see heritage being destroyed this way.

The contractor, assigned the ropeway work, is digging pits without realising the damage to heritage. We collected remains of bricks and pottery from a pit created to erect a pillar and found it to be of 11-12 century AD, Kumar said.

Even more shocking was the use of ancient stone slabs for constructing a pathway to the temple. When we intervened, the people there stopped work, he said, while wondering what would happen when his team left the place.

Mandar hills are believed to have been used in mythological Samudra Manthan (churning of the sea). Many rare sculptures of Varaah, Kamdhenu with a calf, Narasimha, lord Shiva, 3.5 feet high conch shell, Madhusudan and Saraswati can be seen scattered around the hill.

Despite its historical importance, neither the Archaeological Survey of India nor the state archaeology department has declared the hills a protected site.

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External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said an impartial probe will be held into the attack on African students in Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh after opposition members raised concern over the issue in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

As New Delhi switched into damage control mode, Nigerian foreign office expressed displeasure at the attacks with the Indian envoy.

Replying to concerns raised by prominent opposition leaders Sharad Yadav (JD-U), Sitaram Yechury (CPI(M), Anand Sharma (Congress), who were supported by the deputy chairman P J Kurien, Swaraj said the incident was unfortunate and the Centre has sought a report from the state government.

Nigerian foreign office called in Indian high commissioner B N Reddy to express displeasure over the attacks on Nigerian students in India and voiced concern that the incident was not the first of its kind.

Sola Enikanolaiye, the permanent secretary, ministry of foreign affairs Nigeria, met Reddy on Wednesday.

I have just finished a meeting with the Indian High Commissioner where I expressed Nigerias displeasure with the attacks on Nigerians (sic), Enikanolaiye tweeted.

He said the Indian High Commissioner informed of concrete steps taken by the Indian government to address the incident and also promised justice.

We think this should not have happened considering the excellent relationship between two of us  the two countries have things in common and have been great friends, the Nigerian official said.

The moment I got information about the attack, I immediately sought a report from the Uttar Pradesh government. I also talked to chief minister Yogi Adityanath and asked him for a public assurance of an impartial probe into the matter, Swaraj told the Rajya Sabha.

She said the chief minister has assured of an impartial probe into the Monday night attack on four Nigerian students by a crowd in Greater Noida, some 40 km from the national capital.

The mob targeted the African nationals blaming them for drug running following the death of a teen due to suspected drug overdose.

Unless the probe is complete, it will not be appropriate for me to say anything on the matter, she said.

The (UP) administration there is ensuring peace and security as well as treatment of the injured Nigerian students. I assure the Parliament, there will be an impartial probe and action will be taken against whoever found guilty, she added.

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This photo shows fresh fish on sale in traditional old Chinese Soho food market on Graham Street, Central Hong Kong, China. (Photo : Getty Images)

Ningbo Tech-Bank buys Great Seven for 75 million yuan ($10.9 million) to increase the companys presence in Chinas cold fish feed market.



Qingdao Great Seven Bio-Technology Co. was founded in 2009 by a university professor at Ocean University of China, the countrys top university for marine research. The company produces aquatic feed for turbot, Chinese sturgeon, grouper and sea cucumber.



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In an interview with Chinese trade publication Fish First, Su Lirong, president of Ningbo Tech-Banks animal feed division said that prior to the deal we didnt have a production base in north Shandong [Province]. With the acquisition, Great Seven will become our main production base serving the Bohai region.



The Chinese aquatic feed startup has built an excellent reputation in aquatic feed industry in just a few short years. It is known for its cold-water fish feed, particularly those for flounder and grouper, Su said.



The company also has a strong backbone of research and has more than 80 patents, thanks to its close ties with the Ocean University of China. However, Great Seven had financial struggles in supporting further expansion.



Tech-Bank is looking at expanding the current 30,000 metric ton production capacity of Great Seven to 300,000 metric tons. However, issues on the very fierce competition in the aquatic sector and the relatively small-scale Chinese coldwater fish aquaculture could not just be eliminated.



Currently market competition in the feed sector is very fierce [in China]. It is becoming more and more difficult to rely solely on aquatic feed manufacturing, or one aspect of the industrial chain, Su said.



"So, we are beginning to replicate what we have done in the pork industry in the aquaculture industry, by entering production. In shrimp and crab, Tech-Bank is competing to gain market share, Su added, continuing that the company is also looking abroad.



"Currently, Tech-Bank has a [feed] factory in Vietnam," Su said. "Should any other opportunities spring up we would also consider further expanding outside China.



Ningbo Tech-Bank had just bought Primo Broodstock last November. The Texas-based company develops vannamei shrimp broodstock mainly for export. Acquiring the expertise of Primo head Randall Aungst is a major draw of the deal.



The chief executive of Tongwei, the biggest aquatic feed manufacturer in China, said to Undercurrent News earlier this year that the company targets a 4 million ton production of aquatic feed each year by 2020. The firm is also aiming at foreign expansion.



Ningbo Tech-Bank buys Great Seven, hoping to eventually dominate Chinas cold fish feed market.


In the biggest seizure of fake Indian currency notes (FICN) in Bihar after demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes, late last year, the Bihar police seized spurious notes worth Rs 33 lakh from Darbhanga and Katihar districts of north Bihar, on Thursday.

Official sources said the FICN seized was made up of currency notes mainly in denominations of Rs 2,000, 500 and 100. The fake currency notes appear to be of high quality, said an official.

The seizure of FICN came after the government railway police (GRP) personnel arrested two persons - namely, Udesh Mandal of Katihar in north eastern Bihar and Sufal Choudhary of Madhubani, in north Bihar, from circulating area of the Darbhanga railway junction .

Confirming the seizure, Muzaffarpur rail SP B N Jha said acting on a tip-off, a GRP team caught the two persons and recovered of Rs 1.2 lakh in FICN from them.

During his interrogation, Mandal confessed that Mohammad Nehal of Purnia district had provided him Rs 99.200 in Rs 100 denomination notes, and 2500 notes in new 500 denomination, for supply to Choudhary.

He also confessed that a huge amount of money in cash had been kept at his native Ayodhyaganj village under Kursela police station of Katihar district. Jha immediately informed Katihar SP Siddharth Mohan Jain, who ordered a search of Mandals house.

During the search, the police recovered 10 bundles of Rs 2,000 denomination currency notes, nine bundles of Rs 500 notes, 2,394 numbers of Rs 100 denomination, thirty-nine pieces of Rs 50 notes and 795 numbers of old Rs 500 notes.

The entire sum seized added up to Rs 33 lakh, said an official.

SBI and central bank of India officials who checked the seized currency pronounced them as fake. A case has been registered and probe into the matter is in progress.

Appreciating the role of the GRP in the huge seizure, Bihar director general of police (DGP) P K Thakur said the seized currency would be sent to FSL as well as RBI for detailed examination. The two arrested persons were being interrogated by the police and other agencies.

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BJP president Amit Shah has indicated Gujarat might not see early elections, saying, Narendrabhai no vijayrath November ma Gujarat aavse (Narendra Modis victory run will reach Gujarat in November).

Gujarat is due for polls in November-December and talk of early election gained ground after the BJPs success in the recent assembly polls in four out of the five states, specifically Uttar Pradesh (UP).

Addressing BJP workers at Sabarmati riverfront on Wednesday, Shah said, After 325 seats in UP, go out with confidence that we will get more than 150 seats in Gujarat. Gujarat has 182 assembly segments.

Listing several development programmes and development work by Modi as Gujarat chief minister and then the Prime Minister, Shah said, Before the BJPs win in 1995 (in Gujarat), there used to be curfew for 200 days in a year, and in Ahmedabad Begum-Baadshah used to rule. But the BJP drove away those who used to stab.

He added that it was under Congress rule that seeds of communalism, casteism and politics of vote bank were sown.

Shah indicated that the Hindutva plank would take centre stage in Gujarat elections, and this was seconded by chief minister Vijay Rupani. The CM said, Now people want Ram Rajya in the country, Ram temple at Ayodhya, removal of Article 370 (which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir), and stricter cow protection laws across country.

In his hour-long speech, Shahs focused on motivating BJP supporters to work for a huge win in Gujarat. He took a dig at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has announced it will contest all assembly seats in Gujarat. Do you know AAP? They surface whenever the elections are announced and disappear with results.

The Gujarat BJP had painted the city in saffron to welcome Shah, who started a two-day visit to his home state for the first time after the partys spectacular win in UP. After a grand felicitation at the airport, he held a brief meeting with party functionaries.

On Thursday, Shah will mark his presence at the ongoing budget session as Naranpura MLA.

Click here for full coverage on assembly elections 2017
After its spectacular show in the last round of assembly elections, the BJP is learnt to be on a fishing expedition yet again-- this time in Maharashtra-- to catch more disgruntled elements from opposition camps. There is now speculation about Shiv Sainik-turned-Congressman Narayan Ranes dalliance with the BJP. Although his son Nitesh has scotched it, BJP sources in Delhi do not deny their interest in the Konkan strongman.

The ruling party at the Centre is becoming a haven for politicians who are on the lookout for greener pastures, the latest being Aam Admi Party MLA Ved Prakash who switched his loyalty to the BJP last week, a month before the municipal elections in the national capital. SM Krishna, senior Congress leader and former chief minister of Karnataka, also joined the party last week.

At the BJPs parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday, parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar pointed out to MPs that senior Congress leader MV Rajasekharan had written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, praising his leadership and it was an endorsement of his popularity.

Political analysts might be a little befuddled by the BJPs strategy to bring in spent forces from other parties but BJP strategists see it differently.

Krishnas entry, for instance, is expected to send a message to dominant Vokkaliga community in Karnataka that will go to polls next year. With B S Yeddyurappa, a Lingayat, holding the reins of the BJP in Bangalore, the BJP has made conciliatory overtures to the rival Vokkaliga community whose loyalty is broadly divided between the JD(S) of HD Deve Gowda and the Congress. A similar assessment drove the party to flirt with veteran Congressman and former UP and Uttarakhand chief minister ND Tiwari. Brahmin leader Tiwaris well-publicized meeting with BJP president Amit Shah at the party headquarters in Delhi ahead of Uttarakhand elections did send a signal to the community even though he no longer enjoyed the clout among them.

Apart from these palpable-- though not measurable-- gains, such spent forces help the BJP create a buzz about disintegration in the opposition camp. Lead me, follow me or get out of my way: a union minister quoted this remark by 1992 US presidential candidate Ross Perot to a young Congress leader when the latter complained to him about the current state of leadership in the party. You should remind Rahul what Perot said. Till he is there at the top, he wont allow others to grow, the minister said, explaining in his inimitable style how desertions in the Congress camp help the BJP.

Eighty four-year-old Krishnas entry helps the BJP to drive home the point that even a trusted aide of the Nehru-Gandhi family has lost faith in the Congress. If someone like Krishna cant trust the Congress, how can the electorate? a BJP office bearer in Delhi said.

Defection from the Congress and other parties helped the BJP in UP, Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh. The gambit has paid electoral dividends to the party. What might tempt potential defectors is the way the BJP has rewarded those who switched their loyalty. Five turncoats got ministerial berths in the BJP government in Uttarakhand. Four, including former UP Congress chief Rita Bahuguna Joshi, got Cabinet berths in Adityanath Yogi Cabinet in UP.

Opposition parties and critics might sneer at the BJP for this strategy, but the saffron party wont mind fishing in troubled waters as long as it remains a winning formula.

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Nearly 90 people joined militancy in Kashmir in 2016, the highest in six years and potentially linked to public angst after the killing of Hijbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani by security forces.

Data provided by junior home minister Hansraj Ahir in Parliament on Wednesday show that 88 people joined militant ranks in the restive valley last year when large parts of Kashmir was rocked by protests against the killing of Wani.

At least 56 of them were from south Kashmir, the epicentre of the agitation that saw violent clashes between stone-pelting protesters and security forces.

Nearly 100 people  including security personnel -- were killed during the months of protests and thousands of others were injured, many of them blinded by pellet guns.

Till March 18 this year, as many as 16 people have joined the ranks of militants, the data shows.

India says insurgency in Kashmir is fuelled by groups based in Pakistan and that most of the militants are from the neighouring country. Hijbul Mujahideen is the only active Kashmir-based militant group at present.

The levels of violence in the hinterland of Jammu & Kashmir are linked to infiltration from across the border, Ahir said in his written reply.

The numbers also indicate that the number of Kashmiris joining militancy is linked to an event that had sparked civilian anger.

The data show a spike in locals joining militancy in 2014, a year after Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru was hanged. His hanging had become a rallying point for the Kashmiri youngsters. At least 53 people took up arms in 2014, a sharp rise from 16 the year before.

In 2011 and 2013, the number of locals joining militancy stood at 23 and 21.

However, as many as 54 people had turned militants in 2010, the year the valley saw largescale protests after three civilians were killed by the army in a fake encounter in the Machil sector near the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border with Pakistan.

Six soldiers, including a former commanding officer, were given life sentences by an army court of inquiry over the incident.

According to the figures provided by Ahir, out of the 104 people who joined militancy since last year, 12 were killed by the security forces and 25 were arrested.

The data also shows that in 2016, at least 371 attempts were made by militants to infiltrate from across the border. It was the highest since 2010 when 489 infiltration buds were recorded.

In a separate reply, the minister said quoting data provided by the Jammu and Kashmir government that in the last two years, there were 18 incidents of stone-pelting during counter-insurgency operations.

Sources said this trend was on the rise since 2015 and has become a routine due to motivation and provocation from across the border through social media platforms.

In the latest such incident, at least three civilians were killed on Tuesday when security forces fired on stone-pelting protesters when in Budgaon district. The protesters had allegedly attacked security forces when they were engaged in a gun-fight with militants.

During a visit to Kashmir recently, army chief General Bipin Rawat had warned of strict action against protesters who attack security forces during anti-insurgency operations.

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For the 4,000-odd Africans who reside and study in Greater Noida, life in the satellite town of Delhi-NCR is an unnerving experience and quite different from that of fellow Indian students.

The relaxed norms of admission in these private institutions have turned Greater Noida into one of the most-favoured education destinations for African students.

The plight and difficulties that these overseas students face were brought to the fore after race riots rocked the city on Sunday and Monday, following the death of a 17-year-old who overdosed on drugs allegedly supplied by two Africans.

Many African students that HT spoke to on Thursday said their struggles start right from finding a rented accommodation in the city.

Apart from sorting out the nitty-gritty of rent and amenities, they say they also have to deal with differences in cultures, pre-conceived notions and language barriers.

When one scratches the surface, other reasons too spill out.

Greater Noida is preferred by Africans, not because of the citys hospitality, but for the largely uninhabited residential sectors.

David, a 21-year-old student of Kirori Mal College of Delhi University, has been staying in Alstonia residential complex. The housing society has more than 80 African students and working professionals.

David says he chose to stay in Greater Noida and travel 80km every day to college.

I never wanted to stay in Delhi because it is too crowded. Local people get anxious when they see us and that is why I chose to stay in Greater Noida with a group of fellow Nigerians, he said.

Davids views are reiterated by Mukesh Bhati, a property dealer in Knowledge park area of Greater Noida. He says that abandoned societies are usually given to Africans.

We usually allot abandoned or newly made residential complexes to Africans as there are no local residents there. That way, both parties are content because, in a crowded locality, these groups find it difficult to adjust with one another, Bhati said.

The realtor said the rent, however, is more or less the same for Indians and foreign nationals.

Anyone can get a 3BHK house in Greater Noida for a rent of Rs 10,000 a month. That is because the area has a large number of uninhabited societies, Bhati said.

Apart from sorting out the nitty-gritty of rent and amenities, African students also have to deal with differences in cultures, pre-conceived notions and language barriers. (Virendra Singh Gosain/HT Photo)

But then why do Africans and local residents prefer not to share the same residential complex? HT visited various residential complexes to find out whether the residents welfare associations hesitate in letting Africans in.

Many representatives claimed that they have no different set of policies for Africans as that they never discriminate against anyone.

However, it was the security guards who revealed the everyday differences in culture and lifestyle.

African students are pretty much into a night life. They usually go out after 11 pm to visit each others houses to party. At times, they create a nuisance after getting drunk and that becomes an issue for the society residents, said a guard at a residential complex in Knowledge Park.

Even at Alstonia apartments, there are strict rules for residents. Listening to loud music, partying at public spots and women going out at night can result in immediate eviction.

Abhinav Rajput, president of Astonia apartments, clarified that these regulations are for the safety of residents.

The police have tightened security measures because these people are vulnerable outside. We also issue orders only to safeguard them. There is no discrimination, insists Rajput.

However, Indian students who reside in paying guest accommodations in Knowledge Park say rules for them are much more lenient.

We dont have any moral policing from the landlord and our entry/exit timings are not monitored, said Rahul Srivastava, a student.

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Political analysts must not predict figures  such as winning margins or the number of seats a party is likely to win  in their comments during polls, the Election Commission announced on Thursday.

This is the crux of a fresh advisory by the commission, which widened the ambit of rules that prohibit exit poll until all rounds of voting are completed. The new rule will apply in all future elections.

The commission is of the view that predictions of results of elections in any form or manner by way of predictions etc., by astrologers, tarot readers, political analysts or by any persons during the prohibited period is violation of the spirit of Section 126A, the advisory said.

According to the communique, sent to the National Broadcasters Association and Press Council of India among others, all political analysis citing numbers will be considered as exit poll.

The poll panel has set limits, a first in the worlds largest democracy, on what can be said by political commentators without violating the Representation of Peoples Act, 1951  the federal law governing Indian elections.

The law bans exit poll in the middle of an election, as it could influence voting in later rounds.

The opposition Congress welcomed the advisory, saying analysts put forth views that are as good as an exit poll.

It is a forward step. The EC must also take cognizance of so-called surveys conducted by parties during elections, party spokesperson Tom Vadakkan said.

Press Council of India member Rajeev Ranjan Nag suggested that the rules should apply to politicians as well.

This seems to violate the freedom of speech and expression, under Section 19(1) of the Constitution, if it applies only to journalists and analysts; even politicians and pollsters should be barred from making projections.

The commissions order follows a controversy over the publication of an exit poll after the first round of voting in Uttar Pradesh during the February-March assembly elections in five states, including Punjab, Manipur, Goa and Uttarakhand. Exit poll is banned as it could influence voting in later rounds.

Besides, a leading news channel aired a show on March 8 in which an astrologer, tarot card readers and political analysts predicted possible poll outcomes, three days before the official results were declared.

The commission barred publication and broadcast of exit poll till March 9, a day after all seven rounds of polling were over in UP.

Such attempts merely to score brownie points against competitors for merely commercial reasons do not behove well, the poll panel said in a strong statement directed at media houses.

The law says any offender found guilty can be fined, or imprisoned for up to two years, or both.

The newspaper editor was arrested for publishing the first-round exit poll. But no action could be taken against the television channel for its clairvoyant show as adequate evidence was not available, according to a source in the commission.

They have been let off with a warning, but similar action will invite penal action in the future, the source said.

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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday attached assets worth Rs 1.95 crore of two former chief ministers of Goa - Digamber Kamat and Churchill Alemao - in connection with its money laundering probe into the Louis Berger bribery case.

Kamat, who is from Congress, is a member of the present Goa assembly.

In Kamats case, the ED attached a plot of land measuring 4047 square feet situated at Gogal , residential building at Taligao and fixed deposits of Rs 41.35 lakh with a cumulative worth of Rs 1.22 crore. The ED also attached an apartment of Alemao at Fatrade of Varca village with a 2009 registered sale value of Rs 75 lakh in 2009.

Read: Louis Berger case: Ex-Goa CM Kamat among 7 named in charge sheet

The ED had taken over probe into the case following a corruption case registered by the Goa police in July, 2015 where it was alleged that the officials of Louis Berger, a US-based firm, bribed Indian officials to win consultancy for a water augmentation and sewerage project in Goa. The project was funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The ED said Louis Berger had admitted violation of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).

It (the company) agreed to pay a penalty of $17.1 million to resolve charges that it bribed foreign officials, said the ED.

The matter pertains to the tenure of Digambar Kamat as the Goa chief minister and Alemao was his PWD minister.

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Amidst speculations of Gujarat Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela (75) returning to BJP, the former chief minister met the saffron party president Amit Shah for tea on Thursday.

However, both the camps termed the 10-minute meeting a courtesy call.

Shah had attended the assemblys budget session as Naranpura MLA. After giving an address in the assembly, he visited the chamber of Congress legislative party leader Vaghela, an RSS man-turned-bete noire of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with CM Vijay Rupani and state BJP president Jitu Vaghani.

Sources said that when Shah was about to leave, Vaghela insisted on having a cup of tea of the opposition.

There is nothing political about the meeting. I had said that we would have tea together when minister Pradeepsinh Jadeja conveyed to me on Tuesday that Amitbhai wanted to pay a courtesy visit, said Vaghela.

As Amitbhai has come to attend an assembly session, a courtesy meeting was fixed between the two, said Vaghani.

With state assembly elections due later this year, the meeting has assumed significance as Vaghela had threatened to quit, if he was not named Congresss chief minister.

The veteran, however, later cleared the air saying he was not in the race for the top post.

On Wednesday, Shah had virtually ruled out the possibility of early elections. Gujarat Congress chief Bharatsinh Solanki had said it was for buying time.

This sparked speculations that the meeting between former party colleagues might pave the way for new political equations.

Earlier, Shah in his address in the assembly, hailed the Gujarat development model saying this has become the benchmark for the country. He also mentioned that before the BJP came to power in 1995, Ahmedabad used to live under fear of Abdul Latifa dreaded gangster and bootlegger of the eightiesand people were forced to have dinner by 6 pm as electricity was never be available after sunset.

However, no opposition member was present in the House when he spoke as Congress staged a walkout demanding tabling of the M B Shah Commission report on corruption charges against the state government when Narendra Modi was chief minister.

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Its website describes this library as a unique repository of about 21,000 Oriental manuscripts and 2.5 lakh printed books.

Though founded earlier, it was opened for public about 125 years ago, in October 1891 by an eminent Bihari, Khan Bahadur Khuda Bakhsh, with 4,000 manuscripts, of which he inherited 1,400 from his father Maulvi Mohammed Bakhsh.

Acknowledging the immense historical and intellectual value of its rich and valued collection, the central government declared the library an Institution of national Importance by an act of Parliament in 1969.

Located close to the banks of the Ganga, in Patna, the Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library (KBOPL), is now fully funded by the ministry of culture (government of India).

This autonomous institution is being governed by a board with the Governor of Bihar as its ex-officio chairman and the responsibility of day-to-day management of library affairs is entrusted to one holding the post of its director..

Yet, despite all these attributes that testify to its unique standing among libraries of the country, the KBOPL has been without a permanent director to oversee its functioning, for the past three years.

Now, a fresh communication from the union ministry of culture suggests that the librarys wait for a permanent director may stretch a bit longer.

In a letter sent to the All India Muslim Majlis-e Mushawarat (Bihar Chapter), the ministry of culture has informed the organisation that a proposal for appointing a full fledged director of KBOPL is pending with the department of personnel and Training (ministry of personnel), for ACC (appointments committee of the cabinet) approval.

The letter, dated March 22, came in response to a majlis query from the PMO (Prime Ministers office) as to when a permanent director will be appointed for the KBOPL.

The ministry of culture had recommended a name for this post in August 2014 and forwarded it to the ACC for approval. But the post remained vacant, said majlis general secretary Anwarul Hoda.

The library has been under the charge of the Patna Commissioner, after the retirement of the previous director. The divisional commissioner has been loaded with lots of responsibilities and can hardly be expected to spare time for the librarys day-to-day activities,Hoda said.

He claimed the library was suffering badly as there had been no publication of books, digitization of manuscripts, purchase of books, magazines and newspapers and other research materials, since June 2014..

Though the library has been receiving nearly Rs 2.5 crore for development works every year, the fund has been lapsing because of non-utilization. This years allocation, too, is set to lapse on March 31, Hoda said.

KBOPL sources said apart from the post of director, nearly a dozen other posts at the library had been vacant for the past nearly three years.

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Indias reaction to an Amazon website selling doormats resembling the countrys flag involved an unprecedented public and private offensive against the US company by Prime Minister Narendra Modis government, a document shows.

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj publicly threatened in January to rescind visas of Amazon employees if the doormats were not removed from its Canadian website.

But a document seen by Reuters shows the government went even further in private, asking its US and Canadian embassies to raise the matter strongly with Amazons senior leadership.

India also escalated the matter to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and prompted a global audit by the company to ensure that such products are not listed on any of its other websites around the world, according to the document.

Amazon, which removed the products within 24 hours and apologised to the government, declined to comment.

Much is at stake for Amazon in India, where it plans to invest more than $5 billion as it takes on home-grown Flipkart and Snapdeal for a bigger share of the internet services market in the worlds fastest growing major economy.

Amazon has now made Indian laws that govern the use of the national flag and other emblems an integral part of the global compliance process, the document said, outlining the steps Amazon and India have taken since the incident.

Indias reaction underscores the risks governments run by nationalist leaders are posing for businesses around the world. US President Donald Trump, for example, has also taken an aggressive stance on Twitter against individual companies.

Last year, Modi presented a global leadership award to Bezos at a US-India Business Council summit in Washington.

Amazon told the government that it had strengthened its in-house compliance units that monitor products sold by third-party vendors on its websites, the document said.

Amazon India has conveyed that it is fully committed to respecting Indian laws and customs, the document said.
Egypt's army chief-of-staff, Lt. General Mahmoud Hegazy, met with Lt. General Michael Garrett, the commander of US Army Central in Cairo on Wednesday to discuss military cooperation between the two countries, the Egyptian armed forces announced.

Hegazy and Garrett discussed ways of boosting "mutual military cooperation as well as the exchange of expertise and training in many fields," the statement by Egyptian military spokesman Tamer El-Refai said.

General Hegazy emphasized that he is looking forward to "continuing coordination and efforts to improve the outstanding military cooperation ties in a way that serves the mutual interests [of both countries] and ensure security and stability in the region."

The meeting between Garrett and Hegazy was attended by a number of military commanders from both countries.

Cairo is one of Washington's closest Middle East allies. The US has been providing Egypt with military aid since the Arab country's 1979 peace deal with Israel.

Ties grew strained under former US president Barack Obama who briefly suspended aid after the overthrow of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi.

During a visit to Washington earlier this month, Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said the continuation of US aid is crucial for Egypt in its fight against terrorism and efforts to maintain stability and peace in the region.

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After dominating the skies above the seas for 29 years, the Indian Navys TU-142M aircraft were given a ceremonial farewell on Wednesday at the INS Rajali, Indias premiere Naval Air Station in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu.

The ceremony was attended by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba, Vice Admiral HCS Bisht, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, and serving and retired officers and men, who have served in the INAS 312 (the squadron of TU-142M), the Indian Navy said in a statement.

Lauding the stellar role played by the TU-142M aircraft as a Maritime Reconnaissance and Airborne Anti Submarine Warfare aircraft, Admiral Sunil Lanba recollected the crucial role played by the squadron in Operation Cactus in the Maldives, where fleeing mercenaries were detected and tracked till they were apprehended by Indian warships.

He also mentioned the maiden participation by TU aircraft as the first Indian Naval aircraft in the Republic Day flypast of 1999.

Acknowledging the professionalism of the pilots and maintainers, who kept the aircraft in peak efficiency during their long service, Lanba said: The rich legacy of the squadron would continue as the baton is being passed on to the proud crew of the worthy successors, viz. the P-8I squadron.

Family members of Navy personnel pose for a photograph in front of TU-142M during its de-induction on Wednesday. (PTI)

In the farewell flight, the TU-142M were accompanied by three Chetak helicopters, two Dorniers, one IL-38 and one Boeing P-8I.

In appreciation of its service, a TU static display was also inaugurated by the Navy chief at INS Rajali.

During its three decades of operational service, the aircraft participated in all major exercises and operations including Operation Cactus in the Maldives, Op Vijay in 1998, Op Parakram in 2002 and anti-piracy operations from 2011 till date.

Commander Yogender Mair, the last Commanding Officer of the squadron with TU-142M aircraft handed over the reins to Commander V Ranganathan, who will be the first Commanding Officer of the squadron with the Boeing P-8I aircraft.

P-8I is the third type of aircraft, after the Lockheed L1049G Super Constellation and the TU-142M aircraft, to be operated by INAS 312. P-8I, considered one of the most advanced maritime reconnaissance aircraft, was inducted in 2015.
Santosh Roychowdhury, 25, remembers the exact moment he fell in love with the universe. As a child, he spent a night camping on the roof of their house in Kolkata to watch a meteor shower. I was awake looking at thousands of shooting stars, then a beautiful sunrise followed and that was the moment when I truly fell in love with the universe, he recalled, explaining what drove him to participate in a competition to place an experiment on the moon on Indias first privately funded moon mission.

Roychowdhurys team, Team Zi, won the second prize in the Lab2Moon competition hosted by Team Indus, a Bangalore-based space startup sending the spacecraft. That spacecraft will host Team Zis experiment to observe photosynthesis in cyanobacteria on the moon.

It is one of the most challenging problems now trying to find out how to sustain this fragile phenomenon called life in the harsh conditions of space and extraterrestrial environments like Moon, Mars and beyond, Roychowdhury, who has a masters in Theoretical Physics and hopes to pursue a PhD in cosmology.

In recent years, the prospect of life beyond earth has begun to feel less like science fiction and more like a scientific quest. NASA announced this month the discovery of a cluster of planets in a nearby star system that has as many as three potentially habitable planets.

For our survival it is absolutely essential that we step outside our comfort zone and become a multi-planetary species, according to the young scientist.

The TeamIndus moon mission is potentially groundbreaking in its own right. If it is successful it will become the first private Indian startup to land a craft on the moon. They are finalists in Googles Lunar X challenge, which requires teams to land a spacecraft on the moon and guide it for 500 metres, all the while transmitting high definition video and images to earth. The teams are competing for prizes worth US$30 million.

In June 2016, TeamIndus organised the Lab2Moon competition allowing youngsters to devise experiments that would be included on their moon mission. The final results were announced earlier this year and Roychowdhurys team won the second prize. An Italian team came in first.

Team Zi, Sukanya Rowchowdhury, Santosh Chowdhury and Autumn Conner (from left to right). (Courtesy: Santosh Roychowdhury)

Roychowdhury did not have to look far to find a partner to enter into the competition. His sister, Sukanya Roychowdhury, is a science lover like him and in his own words asuper genius. But inspiration and support also came from afar. About two years ago Roychowdhury connected with Autumn Conner, 24, a graduate student at Arizona State University, at an online physics forum, and very soon they discovered their common interest in space exploration.

They brought Conner on board. The association with Conner had another fortuitous result. The cyanobacteria they wanted to put on the moon are very rare, they are found in only three places: Antarctica, Atacama desert and some deserts in Israel. Fortunately, ASU had batches of the bacteria that the team received access to.

The prototype of the solar can Team Zi is planning to send to the moon. (Courtesy: Santosh Roychowdhury)

Their experiment, that will be housed in a solar can, 110 millimetres in height, 65 mm in diameter and weighing 250 grams. The contraption will host the cyanobacteria, a nutrient medium in which they can survive, sensors and regulators providing all necessary conditions for photosynthesis for the bacteria. The only thing that will be uncontrolled will be the sunlight.

Once they make the lunar landing, the cyanobacteria will be released into the medium and closely monitored for photosynthetic activity, utilising the carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.

Their hopes for the experiment go beyond being able to show that photosynthesis can happen on the moon. In the future these cyanobacteria might help sustain extraterrestrial settlements, Roychowdhury hopes, maybe other species could survive these conditions by genetically modifying them to incorporate genes of these bacteria.

While their aspirations are out of the world the challenges the brother-sister duo faced in pursuit of their passions were more commonplace. Their father is a school teacher and mother is a homemaker. Getting to this has not been easy coming from a lower middle-class family with everyone insisting on money and job being more important than passion and dream, Roychowdhury said.

Their parents came onboard but their grandfather took the most convincing that his grandchildren would not become engineers but were rather interested in pursuing pure sciences. When he came around, he asked Roychowdhury for one thing, to aim to win two Nobel prizes, one for the sciences and one for peace, to use his knowledge for the benefit of humanity.

His grandfather passed away from cancer a few years ago, but, Roychowdhury said his words continue to guide him in his pursuits. I know there are thousands if not millions like me, Autumn and my sister, who want to do something for the world who want to understand the world a little better but who might be facing a lot of problems or are discouraged from following their dreams, he said. All we want to tell them is never give up.

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The Karnataka assemblys child and women committee has suggested that information technology firms in the state should avoid assigning women on night shifts citing their responsibilities at home as one of the reasons behind its recommendation.

Congress legislator NA Harris, who heads the panel, told Hindustan Times that the panel had only suggested that if women so wish, they should be allowed to work in day shifts. The recommendation was tabled on Monday.

We have not recommended a ban on night shifts. We have only said that if women demand to be employed in day shifts, employers should oblige, Harris said.

However, in doing so, the panel is going against the state governments initiative last year, when it eased curbs on employing women on night shifts by amending the Shops and Commercial Establishments Act and the Factories Act.

State labour minister Santosh Lad said the labour department had made stringent regulations regarding the conditions under which women could be assigned night shifts. The government cannot go beyond that because Bengaluru is a cosmopolitan city and the nature of the jobs available now are such that night shift will be unavoidable.

Nasscom expressed its displeasure over the recommendation and the industry bodys president R Chandrashekhar said concerns regarding womens safety have been addressed by companies.

As regards the responsibilities of individuals towards their families, I do not think it is appropriate for the state to legislate on that, Chandrashekhar said.

KS Vimala, president of the Janawadi Mahila Sanghatane, said if women who are lactating, in advanced stages of pregnancy or have any other problems demand for day shifts, it should be done.

However, if it is a concern of safety, surely those concerns should be gender neutral. Its not just women who face security issues while commuting at night, Vimala said.

Vimala said efforts should be made to provide women with other facilities that have been mandated, like creches at places of work, instead. These are more important issues, and ones that need immediate attention.

However, some women said the recommendation of the panel would help them.

Ashima Aggarwal, who works in the IT section of a foreign bank, said there were issues with work timings for women with children.

Our shifts match the timings of foreign clients and, hence, are not suitable for women with small children. In such cases, women should be allowed to work in day shifts, Aggarwal said.

Aggarwal said she has hardly come across instances where facilities such as creches have been provided to women employees. Having such facilities will help, of course, she added.

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Narendra Modi is all set to become the third most successful Prime Minister of India after Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, celebrated historian Ramachandra Guha has said, asserting that the 66-year-old leaders charisma and appeal transcend the boundaries of caste and language.

Speaking at the ongoing London School of Economics (LSE) India Summit 2017 in New Delhi, 58-year-old Guha said Modis authority and Pan-Indian vision put him on the same pedestal as that of Nehru and his daughter Indira.

We live in a time when Narendra Modi is poised to become, and perhaps already is, the third most successful Prime Minister in Indian history. He is the only one you would place on par with Nehru and Indira in terms of authority that he exudes and the Pan-Indian vision he commands, Guha said on Wednesday.

Since Nehru and Indira there has been no Indian Prime Minister who has had that authority, that sense of command, that charisma, that cross caste, cross linguistic, cross regional appeal in India, he said .

Guhas comment came a couple of days after he tweeted about getting identical threat mails warning him not to be critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

The historian had, however, told PTI that such mails were a routine affair and it was nothing serious.

Deliberating on Indian political history at the event on Wednesday, Guha also noted that caste system and discrimination against women were two of its indisputable facts.

He alleged that both Islam and Hinduism, the two major religions of the sub continent, grievously discriminate against women.

Caste system is the most rigorous, most diabolical system of social stratification ever invented by humans and we Hindus invented it.

The second indisputable fact is that Islam and Hinduism in their scripture and their social practice grievously discriminate against women, Guha said at the 3-day summit which began yesterday and is organised to commemorate 70 years of Indias independence.

Guha, who was Philippe Roman Professor of History and International Affairs at LSE IDEAS in 2011-12, also spoke on LSEs long and rich historical relationship with India.
A group of Muslim councillors left the Meerut Municipal Corporation House as soon as other members started singing Vande Mataram, following which a proposal to terminate their membership was passed.

The proposal put forth by mayor Harikant Ahluwalia of the BJP made it clear that any members opposing Vande Mataram will not be welcome in the House.

The Muslim members, however, said they will continue to boycott Vande Mataram as the Sharia law does not allow them to sing it and that they will move court over the issue if necessary.

We respect Vande Mataram,but BJP corporators and mayor were literally forcing us to sing. SC says its not mandatory: Afzal, SP Corporator pic.twitter.com/bkMXQPvc4N  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 30, 2017

The seven Muslim councillors of the House had walked out on Tuesday when other members started singing the national song. They returned after some time, but I refused to let them in, Ahluwalia said.

The proposal to terminate their membership was passed at a meeting of the municipal board on Wednesday, the mayor said.

He said it was a serious issue and all members, barring Muslim councillors, were sincere about singing Vande Mataram.

We will not allow members, who are against the singing of Vande Mataram, to sit in the House, when it assembles next. We will even go to jail, if required, over it, he said.

Reacting to this, councillor Shaahid Abbasi said, We are being looked at with suspicion even when we ready to lay down our lives for our country.

Councillors Diwanji Sharif and Arshad Ulla said, Our religion... the Sharia law does not accept Vande Mataram. We are ready to tender resignation but would not sing it.

Terming the mayors proposal to terminate their membership as a Tughlaqi diktat, they said they would move court against it.
PATNA President Pranab Mukherjee has appointed Sunaina Singh as the new vice chancellor of Nalanda University (NU). She is expected to take up the new assignment soon.

The President, who is also the visitor of NU, signed the letter appointing Singh, at present vice chancellor of the English and Foreign Language University (EFLU), Hyderabad, on Tuesday. Her name figured in the panel of three names submitted to the President. The panel was formed after shortlisting 133 applicants, six of whom were earlier called for interview. They included former pro-VC of Patna University, Ranjit Verma.

The appointment was announced late on Wednesday night after interim NU vice chancellor Pankaj Mohan, who was in the media line of fire for allegedly trying to protect a student accused in a sexual harassment case, tendered his resignation and posted an open letter to students on the Facebook. But before that, Mohan rusticated the accused, who was earlier suspended on Wednesday.

In his Facebook post, an upset Mohan wrote: I express my sincere apology to the members of NU community for my inability to uphold their trust. I take moral responsibility for the problems in NU in the last three days. I have relinquished all administrative positions and also urged the chancellor to institute an inquiry into the period of my term as interim VC. If I am found guilty of any wilful error, I will quit the university.

Singh, who hails from Rajasthan, is a professor of English and has held many key administrative positions, including chairperson of the department of English, Osmania University, and president of the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute, a binational research organisation, from 2009 to 2011.

She is a member of the council of vice chancellors of central universities, the national apex committee of the National Mission on Education, standing committee on womens studies set up by the Union ministry of HRD and appeals committee of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

A nominee of the visitor (President) in the executive council of many central universities, she is a recipient of many awards, including Commonwealth academic staff scholarship award and post-doctoral faculty award from the Canadian foreign affairs ministry.

She joins at a time when NU is in turmoil for the first time since its inception. The alleged sexual harassment incident has done enough damage to the reputation of the university, set up in 2014 to recreate the glory of ancient seat of learning in Nalanda, which functioned from 413 AD to 1193 AD.

Singh is not alien to such situations, having faced turmoil in EFLU over a Dalit students suicide in 2013 and adverse CAG report in 2014.

On January 27, the visitor had appointed Vijay Bhatkar, best known as the architect of Indias first supercomputer, as the chancellor of NU. The post had remained vacant following the resignation of his predecessor, former Singapore foreign minister George Yeo, on November 25. Yeo was upset with the way the governing board was constituted with all new faces and treated it as an affront on universitys autonomy, a concern shared by founding NU chancellor Amartya Sen also.

Nalanda univ turmoil

BLURB

The appointment was announced after interim VC Pankaj Mohan, allegedly trying to protect a student accused in sexual harassment case, resigned and posted open letter to students on Facebook

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India on Thursday refused to categorise the attacks on African nationals in Greater Noida as racial and said pending the probe it was not correct to draw a conclusion on the nature and the reason of these acts.

On the alleged attack on a Kenyan woman on Wednesday, external affairs ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said Kenyan diplomats had a meeting with officials of the ministry concerned and it has been conveyed to the Indian side that the reported incident does not correspond with reality.

Asserting that such attacks were completely unacceptable and have been condemned, he said the government was engaged with the authorities concerned as well as the students.

There will be a better understanding after the outcome of the probe, he said.

Four Nigerian students were attacked by a group of Greater Noida residents who took out a candle-light march after a 17-year-old boy Manish died last week in the NSG Black Cats Enclave due to suspected drug overdose.

The protest march was taken out after the police released some Nigerians detained for questioning in connection with death of Manish due to lack of evidence.

Terming these acts as the action of the uninformed and misguide few, Baglay said they do not detract from the deep belief of the government and the people of India of vasudeva kutumbakam (the world is one family).

We will continue to welcome African people including students and youth as valuable partners. Our engagement with Africa, embodied among others in the implementation of the historic IAFS-III, will continue to grow, he said.

Baglay said the external affairs minister had spoken to the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh and minister of state for external affairs MJ Akbar has spoken to the acting high commissioner of Nigeria.

We are in touch with the Nigerian high commission in New Delhi. The students who were hurt during the incident have been treated in a local hospital and have already been released, he said.

Law enforcement authorities of the district have made arrests and a large number of people are under watch, he said, adding, The investigation is on and the law of the land will prevail.

The ministry is in touch with the district administration of Gautam Buddha Nagar, which has enhanced round-the-clock security in the area, he said.

He also noted that the district magistrate held a meeting of the residents, foreign students associations in presence of the representatives from the Nigerian high commission in New Delhi.
Artificial plastic eggs were seized from a seller in Kolkatas Tiljala area on Thursday after a woman complained about eggs which smelled of plastic upon cooking to the civic body and consumer affairs department.

Acting on the basis of a complaint made by woman residing in the Kareya Police Station area, police later detained egg-seller Mohammed Shamin Ansari from Tiljala and seized eggs and sent them for testing.

One of my family members was complaining about uneasiness whenever she was having these eggs. We suspected something was wrong with the eggs because odour of plastic used to come out whenever we were cooking them, the complainant said.

Mayor Sovan Chattopadhyay, who ordered a probe into the matter, said, I have heard about plastic eggs but never thought of seeing them in the city. We are taking a very cautious step and I have asked my officers to run a check at market places and poultry farms.
The JD(U) on Thursday demanded sacking of a Rajasthan minister for questioning a gang-raped students integrity as the Centre assured the Rajya Sabha that it would convey the concerns to the state government for corrective steps.

After a brief adjournment during Zero Hour over the issue, JD(U) leader Kahkashan Perween, who had raised the matter during Zero Hour, again raised it and demanded that the Centre should immediately take steps to sack the Rajasthan minister who had made the irresponsible remarks.

I am confident that the Prime Minister gives lot of respect to women. If he does so, then this (Rajasthan) minister should be sacked immediately, she said.

It is unfortunate that the state Home Minister has made such remarks, Parveen added.

Responding to JD(U) members demand, minister of state for parliamentary affairs Mukthar Abbas Naqvi said any such statement cannot be justified. It should be condemned if it is true. The National Women Commission has given a notice.

Simulataneously, the Centre will convey the sentiments of this House to the state government so that it takes corrective steps, he said.

Earlier during Zero Hour, the opposition parties, including Congress, forced a brief adjournment of proceedings in Rajya Sabha over the Rajasthan minister questioning the integrity of a student who was allegedly gangraped.

Parveen had raised the issue of state home minister Gulab Chand Katarias reported remark that it was unlikely that eight men gang-raped the girl and she did not complain.

The JD(U) member was supported by women Congress members, including Viplove Thakur who displayed what appeared were newspaper reports of the ministers remarks.

As deputy chairman PJ Kurien disallowed her saying it was not a point of order, the women lawmakers trooped into the Well of the House raising slogans against the insensitive remarks. Soon male members too joined them in the Well, raising slogans.

Without notice I cannot allow (a discussion), Kurien said. No notice is received (on the subject). With members unrelenting and refusing to go back to their seats, he adjourned the House for 10 minutes.
More than 1.12 billion Indians  88.2% of the population  have now been enrolled for Aadhaar, Indias controversial biometric national identity programme. An IndiaSpend analysis of a government law that came into effect without much public attention six months ago reveals how the government plans to sign up the remainder of the population.

A November 2, 2016 circular from the cabinet secretariat used two sections of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act of 2016 to make it mandatory for citizens to provide an Aadhaar number to benefit from schemes and services paid for from the Consolidated Fund of India.

This fund, the most important of all government accounts, receives all government revenues and is the source of most government spending nationwide, by central as well as state governments. The new Aadhaar law thus brings almost every government expenditure under the Aadhaar ambit.

This comes despite a 2015 Supreme Court (SC) interim order that held Aadhaar enrolment voluntary, and in the face of strident civil society opposition over privacy and security concerns that personal information obtained under the programme could be misused, and that already-deprived sections of the population without access to Aadhaar enrolment may be further marginalized.

The 12-digit, biometric Aadhaar unique identification (UID) number, meant to be a voluntary enrolment, will soon be compulsory to receive benefits under 530 welfare schemes and to perform a host of activities including filing income-tax returns, receiving college degrees and obtaining drivers licenses.

The November 2, 2016 circular directed all secretaries to the Government of India to ask central ministries and state governments to expeditiously identify schemes that can use Aadhaar as primary identification.

It offered detailed instructions on how to ensure these moves would stick: In order to do so legally, the ministry/department or other agencies in their jurisdiction should amend their own rules, issue circulars, orders or guidelines under their laws thereby prescribing use of Aadhaar under Section 7 or 57 of the Aadhaar Act, as the case may be.

This contradicts the SCs 27 March 2017 order that the government can demand enrolment with Aadhaar for accessing general public services, but cannot make it compulsory for claiming benefits under social welfare programmes. For benefits, it [Aadhaar] cannot be pressedfor non-benefits, it can be done, Chief Justice of India JS Khehar said, reiterating the apex courts previous orders that had said Aadhaar would not be mandatory for obtaining benefits otherwise due to citizens.

Although the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the statutory body collecting Aadhaar data and issuing UID numbers, claims Aadhaar is a voluntary identification option, the programmes mission statement says Aadhaar is expected to form the basic, universal identity infrastructure for registrars, government and other service providers across the country.

As of 15 March 2017, 1.12 billion Aadhaar numbers have been assigned to 88.2% of the Indian population, according to an UIDAI report. The UID is envisaged as an easily verifiable number unique to each Indian citizen, which will carry biometric and demographic information while eliminating duplication and fake identities. Supporters of the programme rubbish privacy concerns, pointing out the number does not carry details on an individuals religion, caste, tribe, ethnicity, language, records of entitlement, income or medical history  nothing beyond information contained in other proofs of identity, many of which are in the public domain.

(Figures as of March 15, 2017) (Source: Unique Identification Authority of India)

Aadhaars wide sweep: 530 social welfare programmes and public services

So far, 530 social welfare programmes from 63 ministries  of nearly 1,200 schemes from 75 ministries  are ready to be linked to Aadhaar, according to the governments Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT) Mission website.

Started in 2013, DBT is a platform for the government to transfer subsidies and benefits from the Consolidated Fund of India directly into peoples bank accounts. The UID programme is expected to play a key role in this.

The DBT has already undertaken an exhaustive exercise, communicating with various ministries and departments to identify approximately 500 schemes capable of notifying the use of Aadhaar  in consultation with UIDAI  under Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, the cabinet secretariat said in its 2 November circular.

The applicable welfare schemes range from the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (education for all programme) to the Swadhar Greh scheme (for women in difficult circumstances) and the maternity benefit programme. They also include housing subsidies for a range of workers  beedi makers, limestone and dolomite workers, and those involved in mining iron, manganese and chrome ores.

In February 2017, around 335 million citizens benefitted from DBT and roughly 168 million, or 50%, received their welfare funds and subsidies directly through Aadhaar-linked bank accounts, according to this DBT report. Over 30% of beneficiaries did not receive Aadhaar-linked payments despite holding Aadhaar-linked bank accounts, the report shows.

For non-welfare schemes, apart from filing taxes, Aadhaar will soon be mandatory for, among others:

 The department of telecom, which has moved to make Aadhaar-based e-KYC (know your customer) mandatory for mobile phone connections, Mint reported on March 25, 2017.

 The University Grants Commission, which has made it mandatory for undergraduate and graduate students to enroll for Aadhaar if they are to receive their degrees, India Today reported on 23 March 2017.

 The road transport ministry, which has revealed plans for making Aadhaar identification necessary for new licences and renewals, The Times of India reported on 26 March 2017.

 The Act provides for Aadhaar to be the primary identification tool for services that do not use funds from the Consolidated Fund of India, such as issue of SIM cards, KYC (know your customer identification) for opening bank accounts, pension accounts etc., the circular said.

Thus, while not declaring Aadhaar mandatory, these laws ensure individuals using government programmes and services provide Aadhaar as proof of identity or furnish an Aadhaar enrollment slip, or provide a temporary photo identification (such as a drivers license or voter identity card) until they get an Aadhaar UID. If the individual has still not enrolled for the UID programme, the agency concerned may even become a UIDAI registrar to help them do so.

REGULATION 12 Regulation 12 empowers ministries and state governments or agencies (unspecified if these are public or private) to arrange for Aadhaar enrollment facilities at convenient locations or become UIDAI registrars themselves.

Is the new law in violation of the Supreme Court order?

Amid controversy and in seeming violation of a 2015 Supreme Court order, on 22 March 2017, the Lok Sabha passed the Finance Bill with 40 amendments. One of these includes a clause that makes it mandatory for Aadhaar to be linked to bank accounts and permanent account numbers (PAN) for filing taxes. The bill also sets a deadline of 1 July 2017 after which unlinked PAN cards will be deemed invalid.

Introduced through the money bill route, a Finance Bill enables the government to pass a range of usually tax- and finance-related bills and amendments without much opposition as the Rajya Sabha, in which the ruling BJP does not have adequate strength, cannot debate money bills. The 2017 Finance Bill, however, contains numerous amendments to non-tax and -finance legislation, such as the Aadhaar-related provisions, which has made it highly controversial. The Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Bill of 2016 had also been passed in Parliament through the money bill route.

The Aadhaar-related aspects of the 2017 Finance Bill, particularly, have sparked controversy because they conflict with an August 2015 SC order, in which the court had stated: The production of an Aadhaar card will not be condition for obtaining any benefits otherwise due to a citizen. The court had specified that the government may not use Aadhaar for any purpose other than the Public Distribution Scheme and the LPG Distribution Scheme, and that the information obtained about an individual shall not be used for any other purpose except as may be directed by a Court for the purpose of criminal investigation.

In October 2015 the court had modified this order to allow Aadhaar to be used for the following schemes too: the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), the National Social Assistance Programme (Old Age Pensions, Widow Pensions, Disability Pensions), the Prime Ministers Jan Dhan Yojana and the Employees Provident Fund Organisation. Nevertheless, the SC had maintained that Aadhaar is purely voluntary and it could not be made mandatory till the matter is finally decided by this court one way or the other.

Yet, in January 2017, the government made Aadhaar enrolment mandatory for beneficiaries of the Employees Pension Scheme and MGNREGS, having enacted a new Aadhaar law four months earlier to preempt a legal challenge. Since then, it has made a growing number of services provided by government agencies and private enterprises conditional on providing ones Aadhaar number.

On 27 March 2017, following the controversy over the Finance Bill, the SC turned down a plea seeking an urgent hearing of the Aadhaar case. The court reiterated, however, that the UID can be pressed for all non-benefit plans where questions of entitlement do not occur.

The November 2016 cabinet circular and the accompanying UIDAI guidelines for notifying the use of Aadhaar show the governments resolve to use Aadhaar as the primary identifier for all schemes and services. The document also includes a circular from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas for ready-reference.

Describing it as the most widely held identity document in the country that is also the only identity which is authenticable online from practically anywhere, anytime, the UIDAI guidelines said Aadhaar can now be used not only as one of the official valid documents for KYC and other identification purposes, but also as a condition precedent and primary identification for the delivery of various services, benefits, or subsidies.

Condition precedent, a term used mostly in contractual law, refers to an implied stipulation in a contract that one contracting party must perform on its part before it can demand performance from the other. In other words, the circular implied that citizens must enrol for Aadhaar as identity proof to be able to avail of services or benefits.

However, the circular says such subsidies and benefits should not be denied to anyone who does not have an Aadhaar number; such people can provide temporary enrolment details of Aadhaar, or an alternative photo identity card, bank passbook, etc. until an Aadhaar number is obtained.

In a subsequent cabinet secretariat meeting on 24 November 2016 to discuss notifying Aadhaar for various schemes, the legal affairs department of the law ministry advised those present that the Aadhaar Act does not necessarily mandate issuing a notification for using Aadhaar as a primary identifier. However, UIDAI chief executive officer, Ajay Bhushan Pandey reiterated the programmes guidelines, adding that the UIDAI will take responsibility for getting the draft notification vetted by the law ministry, the minutes of the meeting show.

(Alison Saldanha is an assistant editor at IndiaSpend)

Published in arrangement with IndiaSpend
Egypt's Coptic Orthodox Church issued a statement on Wednesday evening expressing its appreciation for the state's efforts in containing a recent outbreak of sectarian strife between Muslims and Christians in the Upper Egyptian governorate of Luxor.

Over the past week, the village of Mehidat has been the scene of clashes between security forces and residents after a Muslim man claimed he was in a "relationship" with a Christian woman who had converted to Islam.

Security forces clashed with residents who attempted to storm the houses of Copts in search of the girl, according to news reports. Several injuries and arrests were reported as a result of the clashes.

The Muslim man at the centre of events allegedly gathered a number of Muslim extremists in the village in an attempt to storm the houses, said church spokesman Pastor Bolis Halim in the statement.

Halim praised the efforts of the country's security bodies and several members of parliament in calming the situation.

He also said that most of the Muslim community in the village had cooperated to contain the potential for sectarian strife.

Christians are estimated to make up around 10 percent of Egypts population. Most of the Christian community resides in the governorates of Upper Egypt.

Incidents of sectarian strife occur occasionally in Egypt, particularly in Upper Egypt, often driven by rumors of relationships between Christian women and Muslim men or vice versa.

In 2011, one of the most violent incidents took place in the Imbaba district of Giza Governorate, with 15 people killed after rumors of a Christian girl being converted to Islam and kidnapped by members of the district's church.

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A meeting between Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) and Indian Coast Guard will be held next month in New Delhi, the Foreign Office here announced on Thursday.

This would be the second meeting between officials of India and Pakistan after their interaction at the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) meet here last week amid the chill in ties following a series of terror attacks in India carried out by Pakistan-based terror groups.

The meeting between the Indian Coast Guard and Pakistan maritime agency will be held from April 16-19, 2017, in New Delhi, Foreign Office Spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said.

Indian Coast Guard sources said the two sides will discuss maritime issues, including the fishermen issue, apart from cooperation in search and rescue operations.

The visit is part of the MoU signed between the two maritime security agencies in 2006.

Last July, a three-member delegation of the Indian Coast Guard, headed Director General Rajendra Singh, had visited Pakistan to discuss maritime issues between the two countries.

This will be a reciprocal visit by a delegation of PMSA headed by their DG, a senior Coast Guard official said.

The announcement of the meeting between the two sides comes after the arrest of fishermen of the two countries by each others maritime forces for inadvertently trespassing into each others waters.

More than 100 Indian fishermen were arrested and 19 of their boats seized on Sunday by Pakistan for allegedly fishing in their territorial waters off Gujarat coast.

The PMSA arrested the fishermen and seized the boats off Jakhau coast in Kutch district.

The PMSA had earlier this month also apprehended 115 fishermen and seized 19 boats.

Also this month, the Indian Coast Guard captured nine Pakistani nationals along with a fishing boat off Jakhau coast.

Last month, the BSF had apprehended four abandoned Pakistani fishing boats near Sir Creek in Kutch district, while on January 27, the Pakistani maritime agency had arrested 60 Indian fishermen and seized 10 boats.
A decade-old case over sudden disappearance of a teenager from Mysore has taken a new twist with his parents claiming their son is held captive in a jail in Pakistans Lahore.

A student of the Cauvery Polytechnic at Gonikoppal in Karnatakas Kodagu district, 18-year-old PK Yashwanth went missing in 2007 after he was sent to Mysore to attend special classes by the principal of the institute.

After running from police stations to offices of politicians in Karnataka and failing to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, the distraught parents have moved the Karnataka high court with a plea to repatriate their son.

The court in an interim order issued notices to the ministries of external and home affairs and the Indian high commission in Islamabad to file a report by April 16, detailing the efforts made to repatriate Yashwanth, if he is indeed the person his mother Meenakshi identifies as her son.

I always knew that my son is alive. My faith was reinforced when I saw his photo in a newspaper last year, Meenakshi said.

The photo she was referring to was published in a local newspaper that carried a notice issued by the intelligence wing of the Karnataka police with pictures of Indians languishing in Pakistani prisons.

She said one of the pictures was that of her missing son.

He had grown a mustache and looked like he had also put on weight. But those same eyes, the same noseHow could I missed them, she said.

The police, however, identified the man in the mug shot as Ramesh and not Yashwanth. Worse, there are at least half a dozen others who claim that the man in the picture is their missing relative.

But Meenakshi is not relenting. I can identify my son anywhere. The police advertisement says Ramesh stammers. My son too stammers. They got the name wrong, she added.

Recollecting their ordeal, she said police was not showing any enthusiasm in the case from the beginning.

On April 24, 2007, just a few days after Meenakshi and her husband Kushalappa, both farmers, lodged a missing complaint, they got a call from an unknown number, they said.

It was my son. I couldnt make out what he was saying. But I recognised his voice. He hung up within a few seconds. Thats the last time I heard from him, Meenakshi recalled.

She said police was immediately informed and one Mujahid, from his phone number the 2am- call was made, was detained.

But the police let him off saying they did not get any evidence against him to link him with the disappearance of their son, she added.

With her patience running out, she now wants to travel to Pakistan to meet her son.

There are so many NGOs working for peace between India and Pakistan. Can one of them help me visit my son in Lahore jail? she asks.
Arpan Verma, a student of National Law University in New Delhi, faces arrest after a complaint from a Cafe Coffee Day employee, who alleged that he called her a slut and a bitch. The video has been widely circulated since March 25 with #BoycottCCD trending on Twitter.

The video, uploaded by Twitter user Nikhil Anand Singh, shows the CCD employee slapping Verma after he spotted cockroaches in the popular cafe in Jaipur on March 12.

The employee wrote in her complaint that Verma harassed her and threatened to outrage her modesty.

The official Twitter handle of the coffee chain said theyll take required action without compromising on the service.

We will take the required action without compromising in our endeavor to deliver quality products and services to our patrons.  Cafe Coffee Day (@CafeCoffeeDay) 27 March 2017

Verma tweeted clarifying why he didnt slap the employee back:

For all those who are asking why I didn't slap the lady staff after she slapped me.@CafeCoffeeDay #consumerrights#fightforurrights pic.twitter.com/JravVNPGt5  Arpan Verma (@arpan_verma15) 28 March 2017

The incident left several Twitter users seething. Here are some reactions:

#BoycottCCD



Cup of coffee Rs 100

Molestation case Priceless

For everything else there is @CafeCoffeeDay



A lot can happen over coffee  Avinash Patil (@maverick4justic) 29 March 2017

Going to file a case against the coffee at @CafeCoffeeDay for violating my taste buds.  Shilpa Rathnam (@shilparathnam) 30 March 2017

Shut up @CafeCoffeeDay Just Shut up. This is the second case study on how to treat customers. NOT.  RIP Roy Mathew (@Chopdasaab) 30 March 2017

A lot can happen over coffee. U can be fed with cockroach,harassed and beaten like anything.Heights of monopoly@CafeCoffeeDay #BoycottCCD  Anushree Dash (@TheAnushreeDash) 30 March 2017

.@CafeCoffeeDay A cockroach can survive nuclear explosion. No one can deny that you are serving products of excellent quality.  Ishant Sharma (@CrimeMasterV2) 29 March 2017

@CrimeMasterV2 Cockroach se dar nahi lagta @CafeCoffeeDay .. thappad se lagta hai.  YoungMonk (@MumbaiMulga) 29 March 2017

@CafeCoffeeDay no wonder ur sales are going to take a huge hit after your staff's very unruly behaviour ! Good luck!  Goli Bhagya Chandra (@chandra_goli) 27 March 2017

@CafeCoffeeDay You filed case againt ur patron? Will never go to CCD again. Will tell all in my medical college as well. #boycottCCD  Dr Abhinav Prakash (@abhinavprakash5) 30 March 2017

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Villagers in Odishas Baripada beat up a school teacher for allegedly sexually assaulting girl students of the Marakandi primary school.

The accused -- identified as Durga Charan Giri -- was beaten up on Wednesday.

According to reports, the teacher had allegedly sexually assaulted three girl students of the school.

Police later rescued the accused from the villagers.
A senior Tibetan lama based in India, who is one of the claimants to the title of Karmapa Lama, has married a childhood friend and abandoned monkhood, his office announced on Thursday.

Thaye Dorje, 33, married Rinchen Yangzom, 36, in a private ceremony attended by close family members in New Delhi on March 25. His office described the couple as close childhood friends who have known each other for more than 19 years.

I have a strong feeling, deep within my heart, that my decision to marry will have a positive impact not only for me, but also for the lineage, Thaye Dorje was quoted as saying in a statement posted on his website.

Something beautiful, something beneficial will emerge, for all of us.

Rinchen Yangzom, whose Tibetan name means precious prosperity gathered, was born in Thimphu and was educated in India and Europe. Thaye Dorje proposed to her according to Tibetan traditions on January 19.

Thaye Dorje gave up monkhood to marry his friend. (Courtesy: Karmapa.org)

A spokesman for Thaye Dorje told Hindustan Times that he will no longer be a monk but will continue as the lineage lama and as the Karmapa, including by offering teachings and blessings to students around the world.

The statement said Thaye Dorje appreciates that the news of his marriage will come as a surprise to many, and has faith that his students will understand his wish to have kept private this personal element of his very public life. He and his wife will make their first public appearance together in Bodhgaya in December this year.

Thaye Dorje has claimed since childhood to be the reincarnation of the Karmapa Lama, the 12th century leader of one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

Ogyen Trinley Dorje, another monk who fled from Tibet to India in 1999, is recognised by many followers of the Karma Kagyu school as the Karmapa Lama. He is also recognised by the Dalai Lama.

The spokesman said Thaye Dorje has been the Karmapa from birth and will continue his activities as the Karmapa. He added, He will hold meditation sessions and will continues his travels, including a European tour that will take him to countries such as Sweden and Spain.

The 15-day period following the wedding is a sacred time and Thaye Dorje and his wife will spend this time with their extended families, the spokesman said.

A copy of Thaye Dorjes statement. (Courtesy: Karmapa.org)

Thaye Dorje was born in Tibet and his father was a high lama while his mother was descended from Tibetan nobility. According to his official biography, he was one-and-a-half years old when he started telling people that he was the Karmapa Lama.

The Karmapa Lama is not the only senior Tibetan Buddhist title to be disputed.

In 1995, Chinas atheist government picked a young boy to be the Panchen Lama  a role already filled by another boy chosen by the Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lamas choice was detained by Chinese authorities at the age of six and has not been seen since.

The Panchen Lama traditionally plays a significant role in the choice of the Dalai Lamas successor. But Chinas Communist Party has repeatedly said it has the right to control the process of reincarnation.

Many Tibetan Buddhists fear the Chinese government is putting in place a set-up to impose its choice of spiritual leader after the Dalai Lamas death.
Backing party MP Ravindra Gaikwad following his dispute with an Air India employee, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Thursday dubbed the national carrier a mafia goon over their decision to ban Gaikwad.

Companys behaviour is that of mafia goons, their dictatorship will not last long, Raut told media.

Raut asked that when terrorists, underworld dons and corrupt people travel freely on airlines, why has Gaikwad been banned even before the judgement has come. They should not have banned him, terrorist, underworld dons, and corrupt people can travel freely so,why is a minister being banned, even before the judgment, he said.

Shiv Sena MP Anandrao Adsul on Wednesday moved a notice on the Gaikwad issue in the Lok Sabha.

Gaikwad has submitted a complaint against Air India before the Delhi Police, alleging that he was pushed and yelled at.

In his complaint, Gaikwad, who allegedly manhandled an Air India staffer, said he was made to travel by Air India in economy class despite having a business class ticket.

Air India and six private airlines banned the 56-year-old MP from flying after he refused to apologise for the incident that triggered nationwide outrage.
Vast swathes of northern and western India are reeling under near heat-wave conditions with experts expressing concerns over the sweltering temperatures that have shot past 40 degree Celsius in the first few weeks of summer.

Maximum temperatures hovered around five degree Celsius above normal in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra and even in the hill state of Himachal Pradesh. Large parts of Odisha, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are also witnessing daily temperatures of more than 40 degree Celsius. In Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, temperatures are forecast to touch 47 degree Celsius in the next few weeks.

A large high pressure area over central and north west region is producing the extreme heat conditions. This is not conducive to cloud formation and it exposes the earths surface to unrelenting solar radiation, said DS Pai, a scientist at the India Meteorological Department.

Scattered rain by the end of the week is expected to bring some relief to Delhi and neighbouring areas where temperatures have almost touched 40 degree Celsius. But in other places, officials warned no respite was in the offing, raising concerns about the high temperatures even in March and in hill stations such as Srinagar and Dehradun.

Akola in Maharashtra, recorded 44.1 degree Celsius, Barmer in Rajasthan recorded a high of 43.4 degrees Celsius while Narnaul in Haryana sizzled at 42 degrees Celsius, nine degrees above normal. Ludhiana in Punjab recorded seven degrees above normal 36.7 degrees.

The searing temperatures comes on the back of the hottest summer in a century last year that killed 550 people and left not enough food to eat or water to drink in parts of an area that holds about 25% of Indias 1.2 billion people. Officials were forced to transport water in trains to towns and villages in the west earlier this month amid reports of children collapsing in the heat while fetching water, and of armed men guarding wells and ponds to stop farmers from stealing water.

The high temperatures also renew fears a another drought that is likely to sap rural demand, gut agriculture and pose a challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modis plan to double farm income by 2022.

Junior minister for science and technology and earth sciences, YS Chowdary, told the Lok Sabha last week that the frequency of severe heat waves had increased sharply in the recent years.

It was a hot day in Delhi with the mercury settling six notches above normal at 38.2 degrees Celsius. Temperature in Dehradun as well as Srinagar was recorded much above normal for this part of the year.

IMD officials said they would verify the temperature readings at Bhira in Raigadh. We realised that something is wrong as no other place nearby recorded so high a temperature, S G Kamble, divisional In charge of Regional Meteorological Department, Colaba in Mumbai, said. Wardha, Nagpur and Chandrapur recorded 43 degree Celsius.

In Uttar Pradesh, heat-wave like conditions prevailed with the mercury crossing 40 degree Celsius in Varanasi, Allahabad, Hamirpur and Agra.

The Met office said Varanasi and Agra were the hottest place in the state recorded 41.4 degrees, followed by Hamirpur at 41.2 deg C. It predicted hot weather conditions in various parts of the state in the next 24 hours.

Heat wave conditions continued in Gujarat and Saurashtra-Kutch regions. The highest temperature of 42.9 degree Celsius was recorded at Amreli, followed by 42 degree Celsius at Surendranagar and Kandla, IMD data showed. Ahmedabad city reported the maximum temperature of 41.8 degree Celsius.

On Monday, the temperature in Ahmedabad had touched 42.8 degree Celsius, highest for the month of March in the last seven years. Fourteen places in Odisha recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. The highest temperature was recorded in the city of Bolangir at 43.3 degrees Celsius while Titlagarh town sizzled at 43 degrees Celsius.

The Met Office said the heatwave would continue in the state for the next few days, making life unbearable.

Heat wave prevailed in almost 80 per cent of Madhya Pradesh today as the highest temperature of 42.9 degree Celsius was recorded in Hoshangabad district. This situation may continue for at least another two or three days, India Meteorological Departments Bhopal centre director Dr Anupam Kashyapi told PTI Wednesday evening.
It will be a long working summer for the countrys top judges.

For the first time in the Supreme Courts history, three constitution benches of five judges each will sit during the summer break. These would be in addition to the two regular vacation benches set up every year to hear urgent matters.

Chief Justice of India JS Khehar made the announcement on Thursday while fixing May 11, the first day of the summer break, for hearing petitions demanding scrapping of triple talaq, nikah halala and practice of polygamy among Muslim community.

The court was ready to give up its vacation to hear issues of grave importance, the CJI said. The court is ready to sit even on Saturdays and Sundays to hear the matter, he said.

Nineteen of the 28 judges will be hearing cases during the 90-day break, which is unprecedented. Typically, four SC judges work during court holidays.

The practice has often come under criticism in the face of huge backlog. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had last year questioned the long vacation.

The SC also breaks for around 10 days in winters. High courts follow a similar holiday calendar though dates vary.

The court will also hear if WhatsApp sharing with Facebook, its parent company, details of calls, messages, photographs and documents exchanged by 160 million Indian users violated the citizens right to privacy.

The third constitution bench will examine whether children born to Bangladeshi migrants could be accorded Indian citizenship. It is not clear which of the benches would be led by the CJI.

As the CJI came out with the schedule, senior advocates, including countrys top law officer the attorney general Mukul Rohatgi, expressed concern over simultaneous hearing of the cases.

Rule and tradition required the court to take the lawyers consent before hearing a case during a vacation, Rohtagi said.

If we dont hear the matter now, it will be pending for years, if you (Centre) do not want to cooperate let us know. But then, dont come blaming us that the matter has been pending for so long, the CJI said.

Former law minister Kapil Sibal said he would have to withdraw from one of the cases. You withdraw from all, was the CJIs answer.

Justice Khehars move was unprecedented as the court had never heard simultaneously cases involving constitutional questions, senior advocate Rajeev Dhawan told HT.

He said rules must be followed and such decisions taken with the consent of the counsel.

In my view before reaching the end of his career, the CJI wants to show he has done more work than possible. This is unwarranted, he said.

Justice Khehars eight-month tenure ends August 28.

His predecessor, justice TS Thakur, had managed to get some high courts to work during the summer break but no special benches sat in the Supreme Court because of lawyers reluctance.

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Uttar Pradeshs lip-smacking non-vegetarian delicacies -- from Lucknows kebabs to Moradabadi biryani  are set to be back on your platter as the ongoing strike by meat sellers and prominent eateries is likely to be called off soon.

The hope was raised following chief minister Yogi Adityanaths assurance to meat sellers and exporters that his government will protect interests of all genuine operators.

The CM, who is on a nine-day fast due to Navratra, also said that officers who had gone overboard, after his government ordered a clampdown on illegal slaughterhouses, would be asked to act responsibly.

Closure of all mechanised and illegal slaughterhouses was one of the BJPs election promises in the state.

Sirajuddin Qureshi the president of the All India Jamiatul Quresh  an association of the states abattoirs and meat sellers told HT that it has appealed to it members to consider withdrawing the strike.

I guess things would start normalising within a couple of days, he said.

Though there wont be any let off in the clampdown on illegal slaughterhouses, the CM said officers would be asked to act responsibly. This government wont act against people on the basis of religion, caste or colour, UP minister Siddharth Nath Singh said after the meeting.

Interestingly, while the iconic Tundey Kebabi shop in the old city remained closed, its Nazirabad outlet, managed by the grandson of the original owner of the eatery, remained open, though instead of its popular buffalo meat kebabs it was selling chicken kebabs.

Expressing solidarity with slaughterhouse owners, many of whom claimed they were forced to shut down due to technicalities, the prominent non-vegetarian eateries and meat sellers went on strike, bringing the Rs 15,000 crore slaughterhouse-industry in UP that employs 25 lakh people to a grinding halt.

Few meat sellers told HT that they were in favour of re-opening only after government renewed licenses and granted approvals that had been pending for months.

However, majority of the meat sellers described their meeting with the CM as positive, renewing possibility of meat shops becoming fully functional after Navratra  the nine day period considered auspicious by Hindus.

Before the CM arrived for talks at his 5 KD residence, Singh had held preliminary round of talks with the meat sellers.

The CM later summoned all his cabinet ministers, including the two deputy chief ministers ostensibly to discuss the issue.

The UP government could come out with a fresh policy to regulate the multi-crore industry.

We too are against illegal slaughterhouses. The problem is that some were shut down merely because they were awaiting cleranaces from the government departments. Anyone who enters the meat processing/marketing trade has to get multiple clearances and the CM assured us that he would look into the issue, Yusuf Qureshi, the state president of the All India Jamiatul Quresh said.

Of the 72 government-approved abattoirs across the country, 38 are in the state. They are given NoCs by the UP Pollution Control Board.

There are about 300 to 400 other small or medium slaughterhouses that come under municipal authorities and its here that we often face problems, Qureshi said.
When US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, an Indian American, told a New York audience on Wednesday that her mother, who had gone to a law school in India, was not allowed to sit on the bench, she had meant she wasnt allowed by her own family, as she said in her 2012 autobiography.

Speaking about her own rise, Haley said at a discussion at the Council on Foreign Relations, her mother, Raj Kaur Randhawa, was actually put up to be one of the first female judges in India, but because of the situation with women she wasnt allowed to sit on the bench.

Haley added, But how amazing for her to watch her daughter become governor of South Carolina and US ambassador to the United Nations.

In her 2012 autobiography, Cant is not an option: My American story, Haley wrote her mother, who belonged to a wealthy Punjab family and studied law (at Delhi university), was prevented by her own family.

She was offered the first female judgeship in India, but couldnt accept it because her family didnt think it was appropriate, she wrote, adding, Women just didnt do those things.

Its not clear from her book and remarks when her mother came up for judgeship, but Anna Chandy of Kerala was the first female judge in India. She became a district court judge in 1948 and a high court judge in 1959.

Raj Kaur Randhawa and her husband Ajit Singh Randhawa came to the United States in 1969 from Canada, where they had lived for a while after leaving India. She earned a masters degree in education in South Carolina, and taught in the states public school system for some years. And then went on to start a business selling garments.

Haley, who was born to them in 1972 as Nimrata Randhawa, studied accounting and joined politics in 2004.

She has since had a meteoric rise in politics, first as member of South Carolina state House of Representatives, then two-term governor.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, King Abdullah of Jordan and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas affirmed their commitment to a two-state solution to the decades-long Arab-Israeli conflict in a tripartite gathering in Jordan on Wednesday.

The talks between the three leaders, held on the sidelines of the Arab League Summit by the Dead Sea, emphasised "Egypt's and Jordan's backing for the legitimate rights of Palestinians, in addition to setting up an independent Palestinian state," according to a statement by Egypt's presidency late on Wednesday.

The trio called for a new round of peace talks based on a two-state solution as well as reviving a 2002 Arab peace initiative that offered Israel diplomatic recognition from Arab countries in return for a statehood deal for the Palestinians.

Israel has rejected the plan's proposal that it withdraw from land it occupied in 1967.

The trio looked at "efforts to back the Palestinian Authority and means of bolstering regional and international efforts to resume Israeli-Palestinian negotiations," the statement by Egypt's presidential spokesman Alaa Youssef added.

Most Arab nations and Palestinians want to establish an independent Palestinian state whose capital is in East Jerusalem and that also encompases the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Arab leaders attending the one-day summit on Wednesday were keen to stress their sustained backing for an independent Palestinian state and strongly criticized the continued construction of Jewish settlements on Palestinian occupied territory.

"Israel is continuing to expand settlements and destroy the chances of peace ... There is no peace or stability in the region without a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause through a two-state solution," the summit's host, King Abdullah of Jordan, said on Wednesday.

The gathering came ahead of a meeting at the White House in the coming weeks between US President Donald Trump and the three Arab leaders.

Last month, Trump indicated that he supports a one-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. However, he has not yet revealed a comprehensive position on the conflict, although he has said he is keen to broker a deal.

Trump's Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt attended the Arab League Summit and held talks with Abbas and the foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan and Qatar.

Greenblatt's meetings focused on discussing means to make "tangible progress" toward advancing Middle East peace, the US Embassy in Jordan said in a statement

He reaffirmed "President Trumps personal interest in achieving a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians and his belief that such a peace agreement is not only possible, but would reverberate positively throughout the region and the world."

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The Gujarat high court on Thursday stayed the summons issued to Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan by the Government Railway Police (GRP) over the death of a man at Vadodara railway station during the promotion of his film Raees.

Justice JB Pardiwala stayed the summons which had asked the actor to come to its office and record his statement. Khan had challenged the summons in the high court.

Read: Its extremely unfortunate: Shah Rukh Khan on Vadodara mishap

Khans lawyer Salil Thakore argued that such summons under CrPC cannot be issued to a person not staying within the limits of the police station.

After considering his argument, the court stayed the summons and adjourned the hearing to August 4.

Fahreed Khan Pathan, a local resident, had suffered a heart attack at the Vadodara Railway Station on January 23 when the crowd surged for a glimpse of the superstar. Khan had arrived at the station by August Kranti Express from Mumbai. Pathan subsequently died in the hospital.

Read: Raees promotion: Railways to probe Vadodara station chaos as man dies after SRK visit

Some activists had moved a magistrates court, seeking a criminal case against Khan, and the court had asked GRP to submit a report. No FIR has been filed in the case yet.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday said the health of citizens was more important than commercial interests of auto makers as it banned the sale and registration of Bharat Stage (BS)-III emission norm-compliant vehicles from April 1.

Here is a low-down on vehicular emissions.

What are emission norms?

Bharat Stage or BS norms are standards for vehicular emissions. They lay down the permissible levels of pollutants that come out of the exhaust pipes of motor vehicles. The aim is to check air pollution and emissions that lead to global warming.

Why are we talking about it right now?

India is set to enforce a new generation of vehicular pollution norms on April 1 called BS IV. The norms are already in place in some cities but starting April only BS IV compliant vehicles can be manufactured, sold and registered, across the country.

What is the possible impact on air pollution?

Delhi-based policy think-tank, Centre for Science and Environment, estimates that the transition will lead to a significant decrease in PM emissions. Emissions can fall by as much as 80% from new trucks and by 50% from cars.

Reductions in Hydrocarbon and NOx emissions from may come down by 41-80 % depending on the engine size.

What is BS-IV? What is the difference between various emission norms?

The difference between BS III and BS IV is that the latter are stricter and permit lower quantities of pollutants to be emitted by vehicles.

For passenger vehicles this is how much the permissible levels for different pollutants have changed since emission norms were adopted in the country:

Norms CO (g/km) Carbon Monoxide HC (Hydro carbons)+ NOx Nitrogen Oxides (g/km) RSPM (Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter) Sulphur Content in Diesel BS I 2.72 0.97 0.14 NA BS II 2.2 0.5 0.08 500 PPM BS III 2.3 0.35 (Combined) 0.050 100 PPM BS IV 1.0 0.18 (Combined) 0.025 50 PPM

Why is the Supreme Court verdict important?

There has been a recent controversy surrounding the transition from BS III to BS IV because automakers want to be able to sell vehicles after the April 1 deadline. They argued that the transition meant a ban on only the production of BS III vehicles.

SIAM, an industry group representing 48 major automakers, estimated that a stock of about 8 lakh BS III vehicles worth almost Rs 12000 crore might remain unsold because of the transition.

What does it mean in terms of implementation?

BS IV vehicles are less polluting than BS III vehicles, but better technology means that the vehicles cost more than BS III vehicles.

The implementation happened in a staggered manner, with stricter norms being implemented in major cities before becoming nationwide. For 4-wheeler passenger cars stricter norms have been in place in 13 major cities like Delhi NCR since 2010.

Nationwide norms will help check air pollution because automakers and users will not be able to take advantage of lax norms in other parts of the country. For example, some owners purchase and register cheaper BS III vehicles outside Delhi NCR, but they ply on Delhi roads, contributing to air pollution in the capital.

What about the fuel?

To meet BS IV norms not only do the vehicles have to be better at utilising the fuel, the fuel itself has to be of better quality. The ministry of petroleum and natural gas has taken the responsibility of ensuring that all the fuel supplied across the country is BS IV compliant.

BS IV fuel being cleaner will run the BS III engines too. However, the other way round will damage the engine.

What can automakers do with their BS III inventory?

Theyll have to rework only the engines and the exhaust systems in some vehicles. In stocks as old as 3 years or more with no scope of correction or alteration, scrapping would be the last resort.

How many vehicles in India?

Domestic Motor Vehicle Sales

Passenger Vehicles: 2.79 million units

Commercial Vehicles: 0.69 m

Two-wheelers: 16.50 m

Three-wheelers: 0.54 m

Total: 20.47 million units

(Apr 2015 - Mar 2016)

Production of vehicles grew from around 5 million in 2000-01 to 14 million in 2009-10, and to 23.96 million in the fiscal 2015-16 (Source: SIAM/ ACMA data).

How deadly is vehicular pollution?

Data is not available for the whole country, but a 2015 IIT Kanpur study looking at air pollution in Delhi found:

Contribution of vehicles to PM 10 load: 9 %

Contribution of vehicles to PM 2.5 load: 20 %

Environmentalists argue that this is a conservative estimate. Though estimates vary, vehicles are recognised as a major source of air pollution.

If you took a look at the quantity of different kinds of pollutants found in the air that came from vehicles it would look something like this:

Pollutant Pollution load (in ton/day) Carbon Monoxide 217.7 Hydrocarbons 66.7 Nitrogen oxides 84.1 Particulate Matter 9.7 Sulphur Dioxide 0.72

Why should you care?

Particulate Matter has been linked with rising incidence of cancer, especially lung cancer. Sustained exposure to high concentrations of small particulates can lead to premature deaths. More than 1 lakh premature deaths in India in 2015 can be attributed to PM 2.5 pollution, according to The State of Global Air report 2017.

The reaction of NOx gases in the atmosphere leads to smog and acid rain. They also contribute to Particulate Matter and surface-level ozone formation. India had the highest number of ozone-pollution related deaths.

Sulphur dioxide can combine with water and cause acid rain. Acid rain damages trees and can contaminate water bodies apart from degrading infrastructure. Even monuments like Taj Mahal are not immune to the effects of acid rain.

Nitrogen Oxides: Nitrogen dioxide and nitric oxide are referred to together as oxides of nitrogen (NOx). When nitrogen is released during fuel combustion it combines with oxygen atoms to create nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide is not considered to be hazardous to health.

But it can become harmful when it combines with oxygen to create nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Nitrogen dioxide causes irritation in the respiratory tracts and exposure to high concentrations of it can cause inflammation of the air passage.

Reaction of NOx gases leads to smog and acid rain. They are also key to the formation of Particulate Matter and surface-level ozone.

Surface level Ozone has been known to cause adverse health effects. The State of Global Air report 2017, released this February, reported that India had the highest number of ozone-pollution related deaths and the numbers have increased from 43,480 in 1990 to 107,770 in 2015.

Sulphur:

Sulphur dioxide can affect the respiratory system and the functions of the lungs and causes irritation of the eyes. It can combine with water and cause acid rain. Acid rain damages trees and can contaminate water bodies apart from degrading infrastructure. Even monuments like Taj Mahal are not immune to the effects of acid rain.

What would this cost you?

The average price hike of vehicles is expected to be around 10%. It will vary from company to company and model to model in different segments. Some models may be launched with revised engines to suit the norms and some automakers are also revealing BS IV specific models.

It will also nudge up the price of fuel marginally.

In the long run, healthcare costs associated with air pollution-related health will fall.

What next?

The government in January 2016 announced that India will be skipping BS V norms and enforcing BS VI norms starting 2020.
Saffron was the dominant colour in the majestic hall of the state assembly in Lucknow on Thursday as members of the 17th Vidhan Sabha assembled to elect a new speaker.

Taking a cue probably from the saffron-clad chief minister Yogi Adityanath, most of the BJP members came to the assembly wearing attires of the colour often associated in India with Hindu monks and religious leaders.

Many on the treasury bench were decked up in saffron kurta-pyjama and a matching jacket, while some others made their presence felt with a scarf of the same colour.

The 403-member Vidhan Sabha has 312 BJP members. With its allies, the strength of the ruling conglomerate is 325.

Thursday being Navratra, even some opposition members were clad in yellowish or saffron outfits. They included former minister and independent MLA Raghuraj Pratap alias Raja Bhaiya.

Members, however, parried a question on saffron domination. But speaker Hridaya Narain Dixit said people of the country had adorned saffron since ages.

The people of this country have a liking for saffron since ancient times. So, there is nothing wrong in it, said Dixit when asked about the saffron tinge in the Vidhan Sabha.

But these are my personal views, he added in the same breath.

This is not the first time that most of the members were seen wearing a particular colour.

White kurta-pyjama was the apparent dress code for the leaders when the Congress was in power in the state for most of the post-independence years till 1989.

Bahujan Samaj Party members often put blue caps whenever they hold a protest in the house. As chief minister, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav had prescribed white kurta-pyjama with a black jacket as the dress code for the party leaders.

The Rashtriya Lok Dal members have often carried green banners or placards to raise issues in the house.

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Young boys in Kashmir are committing suicide by rushing to encounter sites and pelting stones at security forces, Jammu and Kashmirs police chief said on Thursday, commending his men for minimising civilian casualties despite great provocation.

The comments came two days after three civilians were killed during an encounter in central Kashmirs Budgam district when security forces battling militants opened fire on a group of stone-pelting protesters.

Bullet does not see who is coming or who it will hit. Young boys should stay at home and not come to encounter sites. This is my appeal, director general of police SP Vaid told news agency ANI.

In spite of great provocation, we have been able to minimise collateral damage and civilian casualties.

The Muslim-majority Valley has been in turmoil for almost a year, after violent clashes broke out over the killing of top militant Burhan Wani last July. The violence left more than 90 people dead and thousands injured  many of them maimed and blinded by pellet guns.

Lot of provocation is there from the other side, instigating young boys, misleading them to pelt stones and reach the site of encounter, Vaid said.

Even security forces in an encounter take cover of a vehicle or house. Youth coming to encounter site are committing suicide.

This year, several civilian deaths have been reported during encounters between militants and security forces. They come against the backdrop of army chief Bipin Rawat warning people attacking security forces during anti-militancy operations. Rawat had warned of tough action against protesters.

A 15-year-old boy Amir Nazir was killed on March 10 during an encounter in Pulwama. Police said Amir was part of a mob pelting stones when a bullet hit him in the neck. A minor girl was killed during another encounter in north Kashmir on March 15. Army said stray bullets hit the girl.

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Delhi Daredevils have struggled to make a mark in the Indian Premier League in recent times and it seemed they had all bases covered during this years player auctions. But Rahul Dravid, the teams mentor, has his forehead creased.

However, the Capitals IPL side has again plunged into a mini-crisis with two of its key players, South Africas Quinton de Kock and JP Duminy, pulling out close to the 10th edition, which kicks off on April 5.

Read more | Rising Pune Supergiants boss denies rift between MS Dhoni and Steve Smith

Delhi Daredevils mentor Rahul Dravid acknowledged that losing both so close to the campaign would dent the teams hopes.

Its obviously a big blow when you lose big players like JP Duminy and Quinny. If these things happen before the auction, then it is easier because you can plan better. But then this is how it goes and you cannot help it, Dravid was quoted as saying in a release by the team.

Read more | BCCI to felicitate Sachin Tendulkar & Co at IPL 2017 opening ceremony

Quinton de Kock was the brightest spark in batting for a team that slumped to sixth out of eight teams in the league table. De Kock scored 445 runs while Duminy, out citing personal reasons, made 191 runs.

However, Dravid is pinning his hopes on the younger players.

We do have talented players like Sam Billings and hopefully they can go up and perform. We have guys like Karun (Nair, who had the second highest aggregate of 357 runs in 2016) Sanju (Samson), Shreyas (Iyer), (Aditya) Tare, Rishabh Pant. We will also look to strategise better and give the younger players a good opportunity.

Read more | Ajinkya Rahane says he is cool and calm, terms Virat Kohli as aggressive

Daredevils also has all-rounders, New Zealands Corey Anderson and Sri Lankas Angelo Mathews while two genuine quicks, South Africas Kagiso Rabada and Aussie Pat Cummins, will pull their weight.

Skipper Zaheer Khan will have to play a crucial role.

We have a lot of youngsters in the team and that is where we needed Zaheer, as he brings in that knowledge and sense of calm in the dressing room. You need that when you are playing a tournament like the IPL. Also a lot of the youngsters look up to Zaheer as he is an inspiration.
Its raining politicians in Dholpur. The assembly seat in chief minister Vasundhara Rajes home turf is set for a bypoll on April 9 and its outcome is likely to decide which way the political momentum in the state shifts.

Apart from six ministers, more than 50 senior leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and opposition Congress are camping in the district for more than 12 days. The list includes state presidents of both parties  Ashok Parnami (BJP) and Sachin Pilot (Congress).

Never before has an election of a legislator, whose tenure will be of only 21 months as state elections in Rajasthan are due in 2018, generated so much heat.

Raje, who was married into the Dholpur royal family, also stayed in the district for two days, but didnt make any public contact. The election will not make a major change in the composition of the assembly, where BJP has a more than comfortable majority of 160 seats against 24 legislators of Congress.

Leaders, however, say its an issue of prestige for Raje and Pilot. The bypoll was necessitated following the conviction of sitting MLA BL Kushwaha in a murder case.

Raje would want to win the election as a referendum of her three years of government. Pilot, on the other hand, will like to prove that he is the leader who can steer the party to a win and emerge as a possible CM candidate in the next polls.

BJP has fielded Kushwahas wife, Shobha Rani, who joined the party on February 15.

The Congress has bet its fortunes on Banwari Lal Sharma, the 77-year-old veteran who has to his credit five assembly victories.

For BJP, Dholpur bypoll is all about money and caste-based politics. It can be seen in the way they gave ticket to a convicts wife, who also has cases against her. The government machinery is being misused, said Pilot.

He added that BJP was violating the code of conduct for which the Congress has complained to the Election Commission.

Pilot, who has covered over 90 villages in the past seven days, said people in Dholpur were feeling cheated. Despite being the CMs backyard, Dholpur lacks development, he added. People have decided to teach her a lesson by supporting Congress. We will win this election, he said.

Parnami, on the other hand, thinks the party has the momentum of UP, Uttarakhand and Goa win going for it.

The party organisation is taking the bypolls seriously and will certainly win the Dholpur seat. We have made teams of active workers till booth level, who will move from door-to-door and tell people about the achievements of the state and the central governments, he said.
At least 2 people were killed and many injured early on Thursday when a fire broke out at a hotel in south Kolkata, triggering memories of the December 2011 AMRI Hospital blaze that killed more than 90.

One of the dead has been identified as Chamar Kishan, 52, a resident of Odishas Sundargarh and an employee of Tata Steel. He was staying in room number 406 of the Golden Parkk Hotel on Ho Chi Minh Sarani. The other victim was 53-year-old Anup Agarwal from Surat in Gujarat.

The hotel is located just opposite the British deputy high commission and the US consulate generals office and residence are also just a few buildings away on the same street.

Kishan and Agarwal were rushed to SSKM Hospital where they were declared brought dead. Two others were admitted to Woodlands Hospital and three more were treated at another hospital and discharged.

The death toll could have been higher if the disaster management group did not manage to evacuate 32 people from the hotel, officials said.

Hotel staff and guests noticed smoke and fire at the pantry at 3am. As the smoke quickly spread to other parts of the building through the central air conditioning system, some of the panic-stricken guests emerged through the window of their rooms and climbed down the pipes.

We were in room number 302. There was a lot of smoke. We could hardly breathe. My friends and I somehow climbed down the pipes and saved ourselves. But some sustained injured in the process, Nilanjan Palit, a guest at the hotel, said.

According to preliminary reports from the police, the fire caused extensive damage to the kitchen, some adjacent rooms, hotel furniture and equipment.

Sources said the fire department and disaster management group are looking into whether proper fire prevention mechanism was in place in the hotel.

There were chilling similarities with the AMRI fire on December 9, 2011. Both the accidents took place in the dead of night and in both cases, the smoke quickly spread through the central air conditioning system.

As in the case of AMRI, fire brigade personnel had to smash the hotel window panes to rescue guests and staff.
A few hours after moving into his official residence at 5, Kalidas Marg residence on Wednesday on the first day of Navratras, UP chief minister Yogi Aditya Nath invited the party leaders, lawmakers and ministers over for a sumptuous phalahaari treat!

The CM himself began a nine-day fast on the occasion of Navratras, the nine-day period considered auspicious by Hindus.

However, he ensured a rich housewarming party, both for those on fast and those who werent. Several types of kutu ki puri (buckwheat pancakes), makhanas (lotus seeds) fried in desi ghee (clarified butter), varieties of fruits, kheer, dry fruits and roasted peanuts were served.

Chola bathura, puri, kachauri, varieties of vegetables, curd preparations and a whole range of desi-ghee sweets were also available.

Flanked by two deputy chief ministers, Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dinesh Sharma who represented the government, and BJP general secretary (organisation) Sunil Bansal representing the party, the CM used the occasion to stress on coordination between satta aur sangathan (party and government).

Specially invited for the occasion were members of the media team, IT cell, election management teams as they played a key role in party success. As head of the UP BJP Keshav Prasad Maurya, along with Bansal, were among the first to be feliciated by the CM.

All of us, including me, Keshavji, Dineshji and Bansalji are new to governance. But we are clear in our hearts about one thing  provide clean and effective governance and bring a change in the life of the common man. Together, we will provide such a model that would help us clinch not just 2019 but beyond, Yogi Aditya Nath said during his address to party leaders and ministers.

The CM also honoured the party cadres who had played an important role in BJP win. He gifted them a shawl and a wall clock each. I wish to make it clear that I will have a zero-tolerance policy on corruption. I have already told the officers, who were asking for more money for completing the river front development work initiated during previous regime that 1400 crore has already been spent on it and I want work completed within this amount, he said.

Read more| Surya namaskar resembles namaz, how can it be communal: Yogi Adityanath

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Days after Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath banned paan, gutka and other tobacco products in all government offices, the authorities in Shahjahanpur district have sought divine help to halt the spitting menace.

Tiles with pictures of Hindu gods and goddesses have been put up in the corners and staircases of administration offices in the district to stop people from spitting betel juice and gutka.

Such tiles can be seen along the stairs of Vikas Bhawan, which houses offices of the local administration.

Chief development officer TK Shibu said there was nothing wrong in putting up these tiles at public places to keep check on spitting.

In the high court too, such tiles have been fixed... we got CCTV cameras installed and also deployed staff to check spitting, but it was of no use, and as an experiment we got these tiles of gods and goddess, he said.

However, the move has not gone down well with some local some outfits, who have demanded immediate removal of the tiles.

The Niswarth Seva Samiti handed over a memorandum to Shibu and warned of an agitation if the tiles are not removed from the state government establishments.

Social activist Salman also gave a memorandum to district magistrate Karan Singh Chauhan, saying it was improper to use pictures of gods for such purposes.
The Yogi Adityanath governments crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses has found an unusual supporter in the All India Meat Association, which has hailed the Uttar Pradesh chief minister for following his raj dharma.

Meat traders were subjected to injustice by the BSP and SP governments. The new chief minister is following his raj dharma, and it is wrong to comment on the one who is pursuing his raj dharma (the duty of the rulers). He is trying to bring the system back on track and needs to be thanked, Haji Shakeel Qureshi, a representative of the All India Meat Association and the All India Meat and Livestock Exporters Association said on Thursday.

Upon returning to Bareilly after a meeting with UP health minister Siddharth Nath Singh in Lucknow, he said action is being taken only against illegal slaughterhouses and there is no report of action against any legal abattoir.

Rooting for making the process of legalising the illegal slaughterhouses easy, Qureshi said old abattoirs should be modernised quickly.

He also lamented that the files seeking renewal of licences of meat sellers were pending with district administrations for months.

Siddharth Nath Singh told the media that the meat traders said it was their duty to assure that nothing illegal flourished in the state.

All delegates (meat traders) supported the CM and said that as citizens of India, it was their duty to see that nothing illegal is allowed, Singh said.

Meanwhile, appealing to protesters to return to work, meat exporter Sirajuddin Qureshi said their meeting with Adityanath was very successful.

Our meeting with the CM was very successful. He assured us that licensed slaughterhouses will not be troubled, Qureshi said.

I appeal to the protesters to return to work and start working with a proper licence. The UP government will help you procure one, he added.

Siddharth Nath Singh had earlier asserted that the government will only act against illegal slaughterhouses.

After coming to power, the Adityanath government ordered the closure of illegal slaughterhouses and strict enforcement of a ban on cow smuggling to fulfill a key electoral promise. Adityanath assured that abattoirs operating legally will not be touched.
Saudi Arabia has begun implementing a more relaxed regime for processing Egyptians found guilty of visa violations, allowing them to leave the country within 90 days without paying a fine or being deported, according to Egypt's manpower ministry.

The new policy is being implemented as of Thursday, the ministry said in a statement.

Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia decided to pardon 30,000 Egyptians accused of visa violations in the country, exempting them from punitive measures, including deportation, a 10-year ban from entering Saudi Arabia, and the removal of financial, educational and work privileges.

The new rules allow Egyptian visa violators 90 days to adjust their status and leave the country without being deported, allowing them to return to Saudi Arabia in the future.

In 2014, Saudi Arabia implemented a new system requiring foreign nationals performing the pilgrimage to Mecca to fulfill a number of requirements, including demonstrating valid pilgrimage visas at the time of departure.

Some 2.5 million foreign nationals have been deported since the implementation of the new system, according to Saudi Arabia's interior ministry.

Cairo and Riyadh have held talks in recent months regarding the deportation of Egyptian families who violate residency and pilgrimage regulations.

Hundreds of Egyptians in Saudi Arabia implored Egyptian authorities to intervene on their behalf, saying they are unable to work or have access to banks, education or residencee

Egypt's State Information Service has estimated the number of Egyptians living in Saudi Arabia at around 1.5 million in 2012, making the largest Egyptian community abroad.

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The state prison department on Wednesday shifted gangsters lodged in various jails to far-flung prisons to check their activities from behind bars.

Gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari, who was lodged in Lucknow jail, has been shifted to the Banda district jail. Ansari was shifted to Lucknow jail from Agra last year after his party Quami Ekta Dal (QED) merged with the Samajwadi Party in June 2016.

After annulment of the merger by the then chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, the QED merged with the BSP. Ansari won the Mau assembly seat. After the BJPs victory in the assembly election, Ansaris shifting to another jail was under consideration.

Talking to HT, ADG, Prison, GL Meena said, Ansari and 15 criminals were shifted to other jails. Former MLA Shekhar Tiwari, an accused in the murder of engineer Manoj Gupta, was shifted to Maharajganj jail from Barabanki.

Maulana Anwarul Haque has been shifted to Fatehgarh central jail from Bijnor jail. Jeetu has been shifted to Lakhimpur Kheri prison from Mainpuri jail. Three criminals lodged in Muzaffarnagar jail, Narendra Jagga, Bhim and Nushad have been shifted to Basti, Sitapur and Gonda jails. Anish Kala has been shifted to Ballia district jail from the Ghaziabad prison.

Meena said seven notorious criminals lodged in Gorakhpur jail and six lodged in Barabanki jail have been also shifted.

On the direction of chief minister Yogi Adityanath, regular raids and checks were being conducted on the prisons across the jail, he said.

Stronger UP 100, special force for key installations on cards

Chief minister Yogi Adityanaths review meeting on Tuesday has propelled the state police into action. Besides strengthening the integrated emergency service UP 100, the state home department plans to raise a special protection force for the security of government offices and vital installations.

The UP 100 service played an important role in conducting peaceful assembly polls and maintaining law and order in the districts of the state. The state police is working on strengthening the service by equipping with extra vehicles, manpower and gadgets. The chief minister is likely to inspect the UP 100 headquarters located near Shaheed Path in Lucknow.

The superintendents of police of all the districts have been told to crack down on illegal mining, cattle smuggling, forest mafia and extortionist gangs. The SPs will send a report of daily action to the police headquarters. The police have already launched a drive against those harassing women.

The officers and policemen have been told to organise marches in public places to instil a sense of security among the people. After the directive, the SPs have moved in market areas with police teams and discussed the problems faced by the traders and common people.

The superintendents of police have been directed to prepare a list of the criminals active in their districts and take action against the anti-social elements. On Wednesday, the IGs of zones and DIGs of ranges visited the police lines in their areas, inspected the maintenance of record, armoury, residential houses, office, toilets and sanitation drive. A report has been sent to CM, said a senior police officer.

Social media policy drafted for police personnel

The state police have drafted a social media policy for their officers and employees. Director general of police Javeed Ahmed on Wednesday directed the heads of various police wings to ensure implementation of the policy in their respective departments.

These days, a large number of cops are active on social networking sites, expressing their views, uploading photographs and sharing details of their daily activities.

Ahmed said whether policeman was on duty or not, his activities had a direct impact on the image of the police department. Policemen must ensure that there is no violation of UP Government Employees Conduct Rules, 1956, with activities on social networking sites.

While expressing their views on the social media, the police personnel will have to clarify that they have uploaded their personal views. No government information or police operation will be shared on social media. The officers and employees should refrain from commenting on political parties or their ideology, according to the policy.
The Centre has accorded the top category Z+ VVIP armed security cover to newly-appointed Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath.

The cover will be provided by a special commando team of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) along with a small contingent of the Uttar Pradesh police.

Adityanath was till now enjoying the smallest category of Y category VVIP cover by the CISF in his capacity as a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member of parliament from Gorakhpur but officials said with his taking charge as the chief minister, a threat perception report of central security agencies required his security paraphernalia to be upgraded.

The chief ministers security has been bolstered and he will now be secured by a strong team of CISF commandos every time he moves across the country. A similar commando contingent will be deployed at his official residence, a senior officer said.

Adityanath will have about 25-28 commandos accompanying him with sophisticated weapons at all times he is mobile and his convoy will have pilot and escort vehicles armed with jammers.

Under the Y cover, he was accompanied by about two-three commandos when he travelled, officials said.
Poorna

Director: Rahul Bose

Cast: Rahul Bose, Aditi Namdar, Dhritiman Chatterjee

Rating: 3/5

The recipe for an underdog movie is simple: An improbable hero, depressing surroundings, a crushing defeat  usually by interval  and a fighting victory against all odds. Poornas strength is in its ability to weave a strong narrative within this limit. Its tragedy is that the story never soars beyond the cage of this formula.

Poorna marks the return of Rahul Bose to direction after 15 years as he tells the story of Poorna Malavath, a 13-year-old girl from a tribal village in remote Telangana who became the youngest girl to scale Mount Everest in 2014. Bose plays the role of her mentor Praveen Kumar, a state government official who nurtures and encourages the girl to leave her home and worries behind as she prepares for the difficult expedition. In the process, the underlying story of Boses struggle to turn around the state government school system plays out.

Sounds like the formula of every inspirational movie youve seen? Pretty much, playing out over a length of more than two hours.

The first half of the film is terrific as the camera lovingly dwells upon Poorna (Aditi Inamdar) and her sister Priya (S Mariya) as they negotiate with abject penury, hostile parents and a broken education system that is designed to keep out the most underprivileged. Some of the movies best moments are here, as the tribal girls talk, laugh, and draw the audience into their daily lives. The directors gamble of using Telugu interspersed with Hindi and English works the best here, and it is a relief to hear languages other than Punjabi spoken in Hindi movies  though it sounds very off when Bose tries to use language offhand. In one heart-rending sequence, a group of impoverished young girls joke about their poverty  the humour about starvation hitting the audience right in the gut.

Unfortunately, its all downhill from here. As Poorna climbs higher and higher, so does the rhetoric pitch in the movie. There are jarring songs in Hindi that clash with the Telugu dialogues and the rural Telangana setting of the movie, formulaic plants like a letter from a dead relative and the compulsory rousing song at the climax. Most of all, Poorna cannot bear the weight of Boses savior character who is going to change peoples lives and a states education all single-handedly  the talented girls and the amazing support cast of Dhritiman Chatterjee and Heeba Shah all recede to the background.

Subhransus cinematography is gorgeous as the viewer is taken from the remote tribal village to the dilapidated government schools with starkness and little brush-up, but the Hindi songs break both the rhythm of the movie and the mood of its setting. The support cast is good but hardly has any screen time.

Bose gave several interviews before the movie about how he thought Poorna would be a commercial success but the pursuit of this goal appears to have scotched the movies real potential. Boses direction retains none of the delicious eccentricity of Everybody Says Im Fine but must be commended for directing Inamdar and Priyas performances to perfection. It is a pity his character takes up so much script space to do what SRK did so much better in Chak De India.

Biographies have the challenge of remaining true to their original story, and in devoid of a punch that can surprise the viewer. But successful biographies  think the Iron Lady or even this years Dangal or Florence Foster Jenkins  compensate by diving into the lead character, exposing sides of a public figure that people thought they knew intimately. It is in this crucial test that Poorna fails  we leave the hall with little insight into the extraordinary girl as the director is happy to wrap her struggles in tired tropes, and offers multiplex-like solutions to endemic problems such as school dropouts.

Malavaths real-life victory was epochal because a tribal girl from one of Indias most backward regions struggled past structural and systemic inequalities. She was joined at Everest by a Dalit boy and was helped and inspired by a Dalit police officer who hailed from the same region and had faced similar discrimination. In scaling the highest peak, the duo made a powerful statement about defeating bias meted out to two of Indias most discriminated communities.

Poorna shows little of this, choosing to hide the import of the movie behind giant photographs of Ambedkar in the background at government office shots. Poorna is well intentioned and but in its hunt for ticket revenues and be palatable for a Hindi-speaking city audience, it sabotages what could have been a great film. Watch it strictly for the newbies.

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Citizens from African countries are wary after recent attacks on members of the community in Greater Noida in Delhi.

Although most of the Africans HT spoke to Mumbai said they felt safe in city, they said they are cautious.

Mumbai is not known for its violence. It is the reason I keep coming here every time I come to the country for work or tour. But now, it is better to be wary than sorry, said Lualua Olongo, adding, I am aware that Indians are well behaved but it is always better to keep conversations to the point. Olongo, 29, is a Kenyan who stays in Colaba whenever he travels to India on business.

Henry Mbaye, from Ivory Coast, who works for a company that trades in plumbing equipment, has been staying in Mumbai for four years in Parel, but said he has seldom had any bad experiences. I heard about the Noida episode. I am definitely afraid but I know I am safe in here (Mumbai). I know people wont resort to violence in this city, said Mbaye.

The attacks on Africans in Greater Noida were precipitated by the death of a class 12 student after a cardiac arrest, caused allegedly due to drug overdose on March 25. The next day, local mobs had attacked two Nigerians living in the area alleging that they plied the boy with drugs.

In a Facebook post, the Association of African Students in India told its members to stay indoors and not attend lectures for fear of possible attacks.

The message reads,  With regards to food, and other daily home needs that might prompt anyone to go out, we are working towards creating a system to ensure that supplies gets across to you all. Please maintain and keep the peace, and discourage any form of retaliation.

Robin Oluchi, 27, has been in Mumbai for five days on a tour and claims he did not come across any disturbing instances. My friend keeps coming to India every year and he stays in Mumbai. Except some strange gawks here and there, people dont disturb us. I dont know about any other place but people are pretty welcoming here. They let you be, he said. Oluchi stays in Churchgate and works in a plastic manufacturing company.

Robin Oluchi (HT)

Sani Ahmed, a Nigerian who has lived in Khargar for over five years along with his friends, said,I have met met good and bad people in my life. This has been the way for most of my life. People do look at me sometimes like I have done something wrong. We have never faced bad experiences though. But I have met many more good people than the bad ones. Ahmed is 27 years old and is currently pursuing his MBA from a Mumbai college.

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Assault on Africans: Civic society wants cases against residents withdrawn

How Greater Noida police failed to prevent the attack on Africans
If you are looking to buy property in Mumbai, you may have to pay 1% more than what you would normally shell out. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), in a bid to boost its revenue sources, proposed 1% surcharge on the value of property.

This means, in addition to the stamp duty and registration charges that you pay to the state government, BMC wants 1%. If you buy property worth Rs1 crore, you may have to pay Rs1 lakh as surcharge to the BMC, if the proposal is approved.

BMC, Indias richest civic body, slashed its budget allocation by 32.14% on Wednesday, which is deemed the biggest cut in its expenditure in history. The move comes in the backdrop of the Good and Services tax (GST), which will phase out the civic bodys biggest revenue generater  Octroi. BMC earns Rs7,000 crore annually from Octroi.

There were no new taxes or hikes in the budget.

At present, the state collects 5% of the value of the property as stamp duty and a registration charge of 1 per cent or Rs 30,000, whichever is less. So, if you have purchased property worth Rs1 crore, your total outgo will be Rs5.30 lakh for stamp duty and an additional one lakh as surcharge.

However, the surcharge proposal will require approval by the state government, which will have to be done through an amendment in the Stamp Duty Act. If the state approves the proposal, the amendment could take up upto one year.

The civic body hopes to mop up Rs3,000 crore from this additional surcharge. Just as the state government increased the stamp duty by 1% to finance metro projects in October 2015, we are asking for a similar measure to fund infrastructure projects taken up by the BMC, said Sanjay Mukherjee, additional municipal commissioner, projects.

However, sources in the state government said that it was not in favour of levying additional burden on citizens, given the slump in the realty sector. The states and BMCs revenue targets from the real estate sector has not been met for this fiscal.

We are expecting a compensation from the state to maintain revenue and maintain financial health, said an civic official.

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Taking complaints of illegal tree felling seriously, the Maharashtra government has decided to probe alleged violations. Authorities in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region grant permission to cut trees only if certain conditions are fulfilled. The state will investigate those who have violated these conditions. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said those found guilty, including government officials, will be punished.

Around 25,000 tree cutting permissions were sanctioned between 2010 and 2016. The government will direct all municipal corporations to investigate these permissions. The probe will include the grounds on which the permissions were sanctioned, whether conditions were followed or whether there were any violations, Fadnavis said.

Those who are found guilty will be punished. Even government officials will not be spared, he added.

Fadnavis was replying to queries raised by legislators during a calling attention motion on the issue. Legislators complained that though local authorities had specified several conditions to be met before permission to cut trees is granted, these conditions are often violated.

They asked for tips to ensure that trees transplanted by the people survive. Authorities have specified transplantation as one of the conditions that must be met before trees can be cut to accommodate development work.

Fadnavis said the government will start geo-tagging and geo-mapping trees in the MMR so they have a record of the areas green cover and can identify areas in which trees have been cut. The state will set up a website to provide information about tree conservation and tips to ensure transplanted trees survive.

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To avoid a repeat of last year, activists want the state education department to check what went wrong in the first year junior college (FYJC) online admission process in 2016-17, before opening admissions for this year.

The FYJC admissions, carried out through a centralised process, were marred by confusion last year, with complaints of students not getting seats in colleges of their choice, even after scoring higher than the cut-offs, among others.

The audit report released by the government has, however, blamed students for the chaos, according to the reply to an RTI obtained by Pune NGO SYSCOM. The audit report is a farce. It says students didnt fill the admission forms properly, but doesnt explore why a large number of students didnt get admission based on merit, said Vaishali Bafna, member of SYSCOM, who had filed a petition in the Bombay high court against the haphazard manner in which the admissions were conducted.

Bafna said the report will not help the department iron out flaws in the process. The department needs to take a deeper look at the admission process, so students dont face similar problems. We suspect 35,000 offline admissions in Mumbai were illegal, but the department isnt ready to examine the problem, said Bafna.

BB Chavan, deputy director of education, said the report was prepared by third-party firms. The report is impartial, said Chavan. Form-filling is a major problem. Students make mistakes while listing their preferences and then complain that they didnt get a college of their choice.

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Mumbai: FYJC online admissions to get student-friendly

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The state cabinet on Thursday decided to appoint a cabinet sub-committee to study the draft of the amendment bill to revoke the ban on bullock-cart racing. The amendment bill is likely to be tabled in the state legislature next week. The committee will study bills passed by other states, the ruling by the Supreme Court, and the provisions to ensure that animals are not subjected to cruelty.

Maharashtra will be the third state to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, to legalise bullock-cart racing. The state had, last month, announced that it would present the bill in response to the demands raised for lifting the ban.

After bulls were included as performing animals in the ambit of the Act, bullock-cart races were banned in Maharashtra in 2011. Bullock-cart racing has been a popular centuries-old tradition in some parts of Maharashtra.

The committee, which will be headed by the animal husbandry minister, Mahadev Jankar, has been asked to submit its report next week, so that the bill can be passed before the budget session ends on April 7. Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil, Shiv Senas Shirur MP, BJP MLA Mahesh Landge,PWP leader Jayant Patil, and other elected representatives had pressed for the bill.

We are not averse to the provisions for the action against cruelty to the bulls in the law itself, but the centuries-old tradition should not be banned,Jayant Patil said. PETA India said it will write to the state to help them understand that the races are cruel and the state must prevent any harm to bullocks.

History of the ban

In 2011, the Ministry of Environment and Forest added bulls to its 1991 notification banning the training of bears, monkeys, tigers, panthers and dogs

In April 2014, emphasising the historic, religious and cultural significance of the event, Centre allowed use of bulls in Jallikattu by amending the list

On May 7, 2014, the Supreme Court passed a judgement in the favour of PETA and Animal Welfare Board of India, baning use of bulls in Jallikattu, races and bull fights.

In January 2016, the Centre revoked its ban on Jallikattu through a notification, though the exemption was subject to the condition that the bulls were not treated cruelly

In January 2016, the Supreme Court stayed Centres notification allowing Jallikattu, and issued a notice to the MoEF

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Like TN, Maharashtra CM must remove ban on bullock-cart race: Shiv Sena
The Mumbai police chased a taxi carrying demonetised notes for 10 minutes before catching up to it and arresting four suspects in Ghatkopar on Wednesday. The money worth Rs1.51 crore has been seized.

A police official said that they had been tipped off about the cab and they laid a trap to nab the accused near Dipa hotel at LBS Marg in Ghatkopar. When the cab approached the spot, the police signaled the driver to stop but he sped off.

We chased the cab for around half a kilometre before they were caught, said Sachin Patil, deputy commissioner of police, zone 7. The four accused have been identified as driver Rizwan Ghulam Qazi, 45, Ayaz Ahktar and Danish Rafi, both 26, and Rehan Shaikh, 30.

Those arrested are just the middlemen and we are looking out for more culprits, said Patil. He added, The money was kept in two bags in the backseat. All the accused are residents of Reay Road in South Mumbai. They received the cash from there and were supposed to deliver it to a person in Gorai.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused were working on a commission. People who would exchange the old notes for new ones were to keep 55% of the amount while the owner was to get the remaining 45%. A police officer said that such incidents have been on the rise as people who had accumulated black money are making their last attempt in exchanging the notes. The exchange rate kept increasing as the deadline inched closer. For instance, initially, the commission was 20% of the amount but now it has reached 55%, said the officer.

The income tax department has been informed of the incident.

The Reserve Bank of India has allowed Indians who were abroad during November-December 2016 to exchange the old bank notes by March 31 while NRIs have time till June 30. We are investigating to check if the window provided to NRIs is being misused, said Patil.

Also read: Cash worth Rs 2 crore in demonetised notes seized in Mumbai, four held

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The kingpin of the gang that produced 238kg mephedrone and 8.2kg hashish at a factory in Palghar  before it was raided by the Directorate of Revenue Officials earlier this month  Bhanudas More, 54, evaded authorities for years despite being arrested in 2001 and imprisoned till 2007.

Described by authorities as sharp, More, alias Bhavesh Patel, dropped out of school after Class 10. A resident of Virar  a distant suburb of Mumbai  he did several odd jobs before being introduced to the world of drugs. He changed his name to avoid coming under the scanner of officials. However, his luck ran out when he was arrested in connection with the Palghar drug haul on March 20.

More has a striking resemblance to fictional chemistry teacher Walter White, a character in the Breaking Bad television series.

Officials identified him as one of the key men who made and sold mephedrone  Mumbais most sought-after party drug  in the commercial capital.

Interestingly, both Walter Whites and Mores lives were marked by afflictions  while White suffered from cancer, More suffers from a genetic defect known as Albinism.

It was during a raid by the Narcotics Control Bureau in February 2001 that More was finally arrested with 1,423.69kg mandrax  also known as methaqualone tablets. Once he was convicted and served his prison term, he returned to the narcotics trade. This time, he found the manufacturing of mephedrone profitable as it had become a vogue both in India and abroad.

More was cautious while executing his plans, said investigators. He decided to manufacture the drug in the midst of industrial units to avoid suspicion. An expert at making MD, More has been instrumental in teaching others to produce it too.

This came to light when the Maharashtra anti-terrorism squad (ATS) raided a flat in Oshiwara and arrested five people, including Sajid Electricwala, who the agency claims learned the trade from More. Now, as the ATS plans to take More into custody, it plans to investigate just how influential he was.

Police sources said More offered Electricwala the opportunity to become his business partner. He offered to train Electricwala in the art of manufacturing drugs, which were meant to sold abroad for large sums.

Electricwala agreed. Following this, More rented one of the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporations labs in Gurjarat using the name Bhavesh Patel. He trained Electricwala and two of his associates to manufacture mephedrone. The drug made by Electricwala was tested. When it was found to be up to the mark, More rented a 3 BHK flat in Oshiwara, identifying himself as Bhavesh Patel once more. There, he started chemical laboratory to manufacture MD. ATS sources said More would buy chemicals from Bhiwandi and other materials from Dawa Bazaar.

He supplied these to Electricwala, who manufactured the drug. Electricwala would market and supply drugs to London through flights from Mumbai.

During investigations, ATS officials visited Mores residence in Virar and recorded his familys statements. But, they were unable to trace him then.

Electricwala, Ayub Lala Pathan and Sachin Bagul  who were arrested by the Mumbai ATS  were also wanted in a 2015 case, in which the DRI and the Pune customs department raided a factory at Sangli and seized 350kg mephedrone. It was one of the largest seizures of the lethal synthetic drug in the state since its official ban in February 2015.

Officials had been acting on the tip-off of a DRI official who stopped a Maruti Swift car in March 2015 near the Urse toll naka on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and recovered around 50kg mephedrone from the car. A man identified as Nazir was arrested.

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Drug syndicate busted: DRI seizes 238kg MD from factory near Mumbai, arrests four

Palghar drug haul: Two were convicted in drug seizure cases

Palghar drug haul: Properties of four accused under DRI scanner
The interior ministry said on Wednesday there are no objections to prisoner Ahmed El-Khatib, who is suffering from a deadly disease, being pardoned on medical grounds

The family of seriously ill prisoner Ahmed El-Khatib says it is still awaiting a response to their requests for a medical pardon one day after the interior ministry said there were no official objections to the prisoner being pardoned or moved to a private hospital.

The twenty-one-year-old prisoner has been diagnosed with the rare and potentially fatal disease visceral leishmaniasis since starting his 10-year prison sentence in 2016.

We confirm that until now, we dont know any details on Ahmeds medical condition or the treatment he is receiving, as we havent been allowed to visit him since 25 March 2017, El-Kattibs family said in a statement on Thursday.

The family has been requesting a medical pardon for the prisoner and his treatment at a private hospital, as well as permission to visit him at Abbasiya Fever Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.

Over the past few weeks, several campaigns and prominent figures in Egypt have called for a pardon for El-Khatib, allowing him to receive proper medical care in a private hospital in Egypt or abroad.

He was arrested in 2014 on his return from a visit to Turkey and was sentenced in 2016 to 10 years in prison for "belonging to a terrorist group and disrupting public order". Prosecutors stated that he had gone to Turkey to join an insurgent group active in Syria.

George Isaac, a member of the National Council for Human Rights, previously told Ahram Online that El-Khatib contracted the disease in prison. However, the interior ministry said in its Wednesday statement that the illness was transmitted by an insect that is not found in Egypt but is present in Syria and Iraq.

The interior ministry statement also said that thorough medical investigations have been conducted on prisoners who have interacted with El-Khatib, and they were all found to be free of the parasite. It added that a process of disinfection and sterilization was conducted in the prisoners cell to ensure no other prisoner is infected.



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By allotting Rs2,102 crore in this years budget to implement the Development Plan 2034, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has claimed to have integrated a blueprint with a civic budget for the first time in the country.

While the blueprint is still in the process of being approved, the BMC said the two were integrated because the budget and the DP are two principal planning tools with the corporation.

Civic chief Ajoy Mehta said the integration will also help curb haphazard development across Mumbai.

The DP identifies gaps and deficits, which facilitates better planning financially. Integrating the budget and DP will prevent haphazard planning.

This year, the BMC will concentrate on developing those amenities under the DP that are on lands already in the civic bodys possession, as the plan is yet to be passed.

As HT reported a day earlier, the plan has been integrated with the 2017-18 budget to facilitate land acquisition (Rs 827.32 crores), construction of new roads (Rs 1,030 crores), widening roads (Rs 160 crores), buildings (Rs 47.73 crores) and development of open space development (Rs 31 crores). The allocation, however, excludes all kinds of maintenance work.

Citizen groups welcomed the move, and said this was a long-pending demand of many citizens. Pankaj Joshi, the executive director of Urban Design Research Institute (UDRI), a group of town-planners said, It is definitely a welcome move that the BMC must be congratulated for. But BMC must also state how much of the DP will be implemented percentage-wise. There should be a periodic appraisal on expenditures.

The BMCs track-record with DP implementation has been poor over the decades. Only 19% of the 1964 DP and 33% of the 1991 DP were implemented. Most of the reservations from the 1991 DP have been continued in the 2034 one too.

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Doctors of Thane Civil Hospital, along with interns and other staff members, protested for two hours on Thursday to demand for better security at the hospital after a group of at least 12 men assaulted three doctors and five interns on Wednesday. Police agreed to their demands and deployed constables at the hospital.

Meanwhile, the cops arrested five people in the case.

During the protest, the casualty ward was kept open to not affect patients. Also, a meeting with Maharashtra Association of Gazetted Medical Officers (MAGMO) doctors and Thane Civil Hospital doctors was held on the issue. No patient was affected by the protest and we resumed work after two hours. We feel unsafe at times but now that the police has assured us more security, we hope such incidents will not take place again, said B C Kempipatil, surgeon, Thane Civil Hospital.

Around 3 pm on Wednesday, a group of more than 12 people allegedly assaulted three doctors in Thane Civil Hospital for delaying treatment of their friend and threatened and abused five interns. Some of the accused were identified as Mujafar Kadar Memom,36, Arafat Anim Paltr,23, Osama Salim Shaikh,20, and Zishan alias Jishu Firoz Sarang,18.

Nilam Gupta, an intern at the hospital, said, We work for 24 hours at a stretch and, in return, we cant be treated in such a way by the patients relatives. We are here to help them.Deputy commisioner of police, zone -1 , Abhishek Trimukhe said, We have arrested five men in the case. They have confessed to the crime and we are questioning them to find out where the absconding accused are. He added, We have also deployed 12 police constables at the hospital.

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Three doctors, five interns attacked at Thane hospital

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Shyam Singh, a cattle owner, recently went to Gorakhpur to meet chief minister Yogi Adityanath to seek the CMs help to trace his missing cattle. Nine of his bovines were stolen on March 13 and are yet to be traced.

After Yogiji became CM and announced a crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses, I am hopeful that I will find my cattle. But so many days have passed and I suspect that the smugglers might have sold them to traders or the animals may ended up in an illegal abattoir, said Singh, a resident of Bamheta in Ghaziabad.

He has a family of seven and the Rs 15,000 he earns every month by selling milk is their only means of livelihood.

Now, we lost our livelihood as well. A buffalo costs between Rs 50,000 and Rs 70,000 and I lost all my investment. Smugglers arrived in the dead of night, broke the boundary wall and escaped with my cattle. Only one was saved  that one somehow fell into a nearby drain while others were probably taken away in some vehicle, he said.

Similar woes were shared by another family who lost three bovines to smugglers who they claim are rampant in western UP. Rajeev Kumar lost three buffaloes when armed robbers entered his dairy during the early hours of March 1.

Since then, we lost all our earnings and my husband is now doing daily labour to make a living. All our cattle were stolen and may have ended up in some slaughterhouse by now. We sold milk to eke out a living, but there is hardly any earnings now. There has to be an end to illegal slaughter, else people like us will suffer, said Dharam Wati, Rajeevs wife.

Dharam Wati said she is still paying off the loan she took to buy buffaloes that were stolen in the early hours of March 1. (Sakib Ali/HT Photo)

We took loan of Rs 70,000 to buy buffaloes. We still have Rs 30,000 left to repay. How will we repay doing daily labour work? she said.

According to police records, 165 cases of animal slaughter or cruelty towards animals were registered during the last three years of 2014, 2015 and 2016 in Ghaziabad. These are apart from nearly 55 cases related to cattle theft or robbery. Police sources said most of the stolen cattle end up in abattoirs.

The instances go up as one moves further interior. A majority of the cattle goes to slaughterhouses. Even stray cattle are taken up and slaughtered illegally. We searched an illegal facility in Dasna on January 25 and found nearly 50 camels kept there for slaughter. We could save only 12, said Saurabh Gupta, a member of People for Animals.

The scenario has changed after the new government assumed office. Slaughterers will not dare enter UP. Cattle thefts and robberies will also decline. Earlier, police and administration were fearful of entering slaughterhouses as the operators enjoyed political patronage, he said.

Superintendent of Police (city) Salmantaj Patil declined comment on the issue.

We were always in favour of stopping illegal slaughter as it affects our business. But who will check the bigger slaughterhouses where thousands of animals are taken on a daily basis? said Yaad Ilahi Qureshi, a meat shop owner in Raj Nagar.

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The Greater Noida police and district administration shrugged off crucial factors that indicated a rising anti-African sentiment among the public, thereby allowing race riots to break out on Monday evening.

A day before the mob attack on Africans, two Nigerians were beaten up by local residents on Sunday night. Though a case of assault was registered against unknown assailants, a senior police officer dismissed it as a stray incident.

That was an incorrect diagnosis of the situation. Today, even police officers agree that public anger had been building against African nationals over the past week.

We heightened police vigil after being informed of such an incident. But we cannot assign a police officer for every Nigerian residing in Greater Noida, can we? asked superintendent of police (rural) Sujata Singh.

Singh said the district administration had permitted only 50-60 people to take out a candlelight march in honour of a 17-year-old boy who succumbed to alleged drug overdose, but over a thousand gathered at the spot. As more and more joined the march, we directed all Greater Noida police personnel to Pari Chowk. However, while the participants kept their peace, violence erupted inside Ansal Plaza  50 metres away from the junction, she added.

The superintendent of police said it was more a socio-cultural issue between African and local residents than a law-and-order problem.

Anger had been building up among local residents ever since the deceased, Manish Khari, went missing on Friday evening. They accused the Nigerian nationals of kidnapping the boy, and persuaded Kasna police to search flat no. B-14  their place of residence  in NSG Society. Some even said the foreign nationals had killed and eaten the boy, and searched their refrigerator for remains.

On the residents insistence, police detained some Nigerians and  after finding no reason to doubt their statements  released them. But when Khari succumbed to alleged drug overdose the following day, the residents were quick to label them as the dope pushers responsible for his death.

Buckling under renewed pressure from residents, police registered a case of kidnapping, culpable homicide and murder against the foreign nationals. However, as there was still no evidence of wrong-doing, investigating officers confiscated their passports and released them.

This made the residents angrier still, and they took to the streets in protest on Monday morning. Many even picketed the offices of the district magistrate and the senior superintendent of police in Surajpur. They withdrew only after senior officials promised to act on their complaints.

However, discontent continued to simmer among the local residents. Thousands took out a candlelight march from NSG society to Pari Chowk later in the evening, blocking traffic on all roads leading to the junction. Police didnt try dispersing the gathering, despite its organisers not adhering to the prescribed guidelines of peaceful assembly.

During the candlelight march, protesters shouted slogans against African students, held up flags that screamed Nigerians go back, and accused them of cannibalism and drug trafficking. And yet, police failed to gauge the degree of public hatred against African students  something that could have helped prevent the racial attacks that followed in its heels.
For the third consecutive day, operations at the assembling unit of Indias fourth largest handset maker - Oppo India - remained suspended in Noidas Sector 63 on Thursday.

The Chinese mobile company late on Wednesday night confirmed in a statement that the Indian tricolour was discarded from the table in its office even as it sacked an employee. However, the company didnt disclose either the nationality or the identity of the sacked employee.

Noida police, which is investigating the case, said it had yet to complete investigation in the matter. At our end, the investigation is not complete. CCTV footage is still being analysed and examined. We have not shared any details with Oppo India yet. If it has taken any decision (of sacking the employee), it must be in its own capacity. We have to look at various aspects, said Ajay Kumar, circle officer.

In a statement, the handset maker said, Based on the recent incident and after thorough investigation with the authorities concerned, we have found that a worker discarded the Indian Flag from the table during a regular external material check. Oppo India regrets this unfortunate incident and reaffirms that this is an individuals behaviour that in no way represents our companys position.

On Tuesday, Indian employees of the company alleged that Oppo Indias production manager  a Chinese national  tore and threw an Indian flag in a dustbin. The incident triggered protests by hundreds of employees, prompting the police to step in.

The police registered a case against a Chinese employee, Kevin Suhahu, under section 2 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 at Noida Phase-3 police station.

The company has shut operations in its unit after its employees raised various demands. The company has asked its workers to join on Friday morning as it hopes to resume operations in its assembling unit.

Police teams continue to be stationed at its Sector 63 unit on Thursday morning.

On Wednesday, around 30 employees were protesting outside the unit, but they were called in by the management. In the meeting employees handed over a charter of demands to the management and sought immediate redressal.

The employees had mentioned that their working shift should be for eight hours only and have demanded a salary of minimum Rs15, 000 per month. They have also sought holidays on Sunday and management was asked not to sack employees without any concrete reasons.

District magistrate NP Singh, labour commissioner and police officials also held a meeting with Oppo India management on Wednesday in which they decided that a committee would be constituted to probe the matter and address workers demands.

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Meat shop owners in Ghaziabad, who are currently on a strike, approached district administration officials on Thursday and sought their help in relaxing the conditions set by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Two days ago, the district officials had set up a single window where meat shop owners are to apply for licences to continue operations.

It is estimated that nearly 500 shops in Ghaziabad have been affected by the crackdown of the Uttar Pradesh government on illegal slaughterhouses. The local shops, which operated until now without licences from Ghaziabad municipal corporation, had remained shut for the last three days.

We have to apply online and follow a number of guidelines which we fail to understand as we are uneducated. We have been operating for decades and dont know any other trade or business. We have been asked to apply for licences and also to follow guidelines. But we are finding it hard and our earnings have been affected, said Bablu Qureshi, a meat shop operator in Raj Nagar.

We have also lent our support to the cause of small shop owners whose businesses have been affected. Only the bigger licensed slaughterhouses will benefit as they can easily meet the conditions. The poor shop owners will not be able to do so and may will have to permanently shut businesses, said Hari Dutt Jatav, a former councillor.

Under the many conditions for operations listed under Schedule IV of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business), Regulations of 2011, the shop owners will not be able to slaughter animals at shops and will have to maintain hygiene apart from making arrangements for procuring meat from licensed slaughterhouses.

We are on the verge of losing our decades-old businesses. We always supported the governments efforts to nail illegal slaughtering. For the past three years, our licences were not renewed but we were allowed to operate. Now, we come to know that the guidelines have to be adhered to. These are too difficult for us to comply with. If there is no relaxation, we will resort to a hunger strike, said Jameel Qureshi, another shop owner.

District magistrate Nidhi Kesarwani had already said that shop owners will have to follow the guidelines laid down and apply for licences at the single window system opened at the municipal corporation and nagar palikas.

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External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said on Thursday an impartial probe will be held into the attacks on Africans in Greater Noida after Nigeria asked the Indian government to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

Responding to concerns expressed in Rajya Sabha by prominent opposition leaders Sharad Yadav (JD-U), Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M) and Anand Sharma (Congress), who were supported by deputy chairman PJ Kurien, Swaraj described the incident as unfortunate and said the Centre has sought a report from the state government.

The moment I got information about the attack, I immediately sought a report from the Uttar Pradesh government. I also talked to chief minister Yogi Adityanath and asked him for a public assurance of an impartial probe, she said.

Unless the probe is complete, it will not be appropriate for me to say anything on the matter, she added. The administration there is ensuring peace and security as well as treatment of the injured Nigerian students. I assure the Parliament there will be an impartial probe and action will be taken against whoever is found guilty.

In Abuja, Olushola Enikanolaiye, permanent secretary in Nigerias foreign ministry, summoned Indian envoy B Nagabhushana Reddy on Wednesday and expressed displeasure over the attacks on Nigerians and voiced concern that the incident was not the first of its kind.

I have just finished a meeting with the Indian High Commissioner where I expressed Nigeria's displeasure with the attacks on Nigerians. pic.twitter.com/fEEtmnwypi  Sola Enikanolaiye (@PS_MFANigeria) March 29, 2017

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, senior special assistant on diaspora to President Muhammadu Buhari, also condemned the attacks as deplorable and unwarranted. She asked the Indian government to ensure that any alleged suspect should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

In a statement, she called on Nigerians in India to remain calm and be watchful of their surroundings. Her appeal followed multiple distress calls by Nigerian students on concerns over their safety.

The violence erupted soon after a teenage boy died of a suspected drug overdose in Greater Noida and local residents blamed Nigerians for supplying him narcotics. Five people have so far been arrested for the attacks on Africans.

But Enikanolaiye said the Indian boy  17-year-old Manish Khari  was said to be on drugs and must have had an overdose of it which might have led to his death in a hospital. He added, It is therefore, a concern to us that Nigerian students in that place were harassed, beaten up and many of them were seriously injured.

The prosecution of those responsible is necessary to serve as a deterrent to others and to forestall future occurrences, he said. Such incidents should not happen in view of the excellent relationship between the two sides which have been great friends, he added.

Enikanolaiye expressed concern that the latest incident was not the first of its kind. He said, Nigerians have suffered similar attacks in the past. So, what we will like to see on this occasion is that the perpetrator should be arrested. And we want to see diligent prosecution so that it would serve as a deterrent to those who think they can take laws into their hands and harass students who are going about their studies.

Reddy described the incident as deplorable and said security personnel had been deployed in Greater Noida to ensure the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the presidential aide, said she had been informed by Charles Kennedy, president of the Nigerian students association in Greater Noida, that more police patrol vehicles have been deployed in the area.

He (Kennedy) confirmed that the situation is calm and is pleased with the prompt actions of the Nigerian charge daffaires in India and the Indian government so far, she said.

The attacks continued to be widely reported in the Nigerian media, with Bella Naija website sharing an unnamed Nigerian students account of what had led to the violence.
Following the declaration that all meat shops in Gautam Budh Nagar are illegal, over 100 meat traders from Noida gathered at the office of the city magistrate in Sector 19 and demanded a review of the decision.

Officials of the food safety and drug administration (FSDA) department had stated that all meat shops in Gautam Budh Nagar district are running illegally as shop owners had not procured a licence.

The crackdown on illegal meat shops has triggered statewide protests.

Backed by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), the traders said that the recent siege has affected the livelihood of thousands. Traders said that it is mandatory for the government to provide them adequate time to complete the necessary formalities so that their livelihood is not affected. They said that the police is acting aggressively without realising the impact (of the crackdown) on trade.

The traders, during their one-hour protest, asked the administration to establish a slaughterhouse in Noida and grant permission to traders for selling meat in open markets.

We have been involved in this trade for decades and know no other means to feed our families. We are starving since the closure. People like me, who used to sell meat in open markets, have no other alternative means of survival. There is no policy in this regard and we have not been informed how to resume our trade. Our main demand is for permission to resume our business, Shakeel Qureshi, a meat trader, said.

To close the illegal shops, the police is taking Suo moto cognizance of illegal meat shops in Noida and Greater Noida. Recently, more than two dozen shops selling meat were sealed by the police.

Mobeen Qureshi, who runs a meat shop in Sector 12, said, It is unfortunate that the administration has no vision or policy regarding the trade. Dukanein band karwa di agar unhe dubara kaise chalana hai wo unko pata nahi (they have shut the shops, but dont have idea how to regularize them).

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Three days after police arrested six men for allegedly rioting and beating up Africans in Greater Noida, leaders from local units of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Hindu Yuva Vahani said that those arrested have been unfairly targeted by the police.

The six men were arrested after a race riot broke out in Greater Noida during a candle march at Pari Chowk on Monday evening.

At least 10 Africans were allegedly beaten up by a mob at various spots of Pari Chowk. The police had also booked a total of 1,200 people in three FIRs lodged in three different police stations.

The unrest had erupted after a 17-year-old school student, Manish Khari, died on March 25 due to alleged drug overdose, and local residents accused Nigerian nationals of drugging the boy. The local units of both BJP and the Hindu Yuva Vahini maintain that Kharis death was murder. The police had booked five Nigerians after Kharis death, but released them later due to lack of evidence.

On Thursday, Harish Chandra Bhati Gurjar, a state functioning member of the BJP and a former minister, wrote a petition to senior superintendent of police Dharmendra Singh, asking him to stop arresting the people booked.

The police had released all the Nigerians booked for Kharis death, which angered the public. Due to the acts of a few rioters, 1,200 people were booked. We demand that the police take strict action against the guilty in Kharis death and stop making any more arrests among the 1,200 people who have been booked, said Gurjar.

Similarly, state president of Hindu Yuva Vahini, Chainpal Singh Bhati, made an appeal to the police not to harass city-based activists.

Why have the police arrested the activists who were involved in the candle march? A video has emerged in which some people were seen beating up a Nigerian. These people should be booked. Police are unfairly targeting citizens and activists, he said.

Bhati added that rogue elements within the African community are responsible for the tension in Greater Noida.

The entire city has been tense for the past three days. All this was started by the rogue African elements who drugged school student Khari, which led to his death. We demand strict action against the accused, said Bhati.

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Tension and fear are so rife in Greater Noida in the wake of race riots that a certain ethnic group of Africans is being blamed by others from the continent for triggering the backlash against them.

Moosa, 21, a BA student of Sharda University, is one of a small group of Hausas who is now a victim of racist slurs from locals and discrimination from nationals of other African countries. The slurs began after two Hausas were accused of drugging 17-year-old Manish Khari. Hausa is an ethnic community found majorly in Muslim-dominated northern and south-eastern Nigeria.

Moosa said for the past few days, he and other Hausa students have not been able to venture out of their residences for fear of attacks and insults from other Africans.

Since the day the attacks began against Africans, I have been defending myself and my identity as a Hausa man from Nigeria, as every other African has been pointing fingers at us saying that the entire situation has happened because of the Hausas, Moosa said.

Race riots took place in Greater Noida after 17-year-old boy Manish Khari died allegedly of a drug overdose.

Five Nigerians were arrested on suspicion and later released due to lack of evidence.

The local residents have been attacking Africans for the last three days, he said.

Moosa said he is scared of the recent attacks against people from African countries but is more worried about the image being attached to those from the Hausa community by people from other African countries.

Just as Indians think that African people deal in drugs and indulge in other anti-social activities, the Africans too have started to believe that it is the Hausas who are giving the continent a bad name, Moosa said.

I have to justify myself every time such an incident crops up. My friends are also taunting me by saying that since I belong to the Hausa community, I too must be involved in these anti-social activities, Moosa said.

Abu Bakr, another Hausa man from Nigeria, says that he is tired of the taunts from fellow Africans.

Every community has good and bad people; it is wrong to generalise based on one or two incidents. I hope that common sense prevails and peace returns to Greater Noida, Bakr said.

Moosa said he is aware of the many complexities of racism and how India too has its own cross to bear when it comes to casteism and regionalism  both of which are still prevalent in the country.

Pronouncing Bihar as Binhar, Moosa said that his friends from that state have also been victims of bias and prejudice.

We have many friends in Sharda University and a few of them are from Binhar.I have also seen our Indian friends make fun of them too every time a Binhari is involved in a crime, Moosa said.

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Egypts Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry discussed the latest developments in Libya with his French counterpart Jean-Marc Ayrault in a telephone call Thursday morning, according to an official statement by the Egyptian foreign ministry.

Shoukry discussed with Ayrault the importance of the international communitys commitment to supporting a political solution in war-torn Libya.

The two spoke about the latest round of meetings of Libyan political rivals hosted in Cairo recently to help reach a political solution to the civil conflict.

The foreign ministers also spoke about the latest security tensions witnessed in Tripoli and other Libyan cities between militias and Libyan national authorities like the Libyan Presidential Council and the National Libyan Army, which Shoukry says are the sole legitimate authorities tasked with the protection of vital institutions.

Shoukry also expressed his relief over how stability was restored in the Libyan oil crescent region by the Libyan National Army, leading the Libyan National Oil Corporation to continue production and export of oil for the sake of the Libyan people.

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A Kenyan woman who claimed locals in Greater Noida assaulted her was depressed because of personal issues and fabricated the attack, an African student group said on Thursday, apologising for what they called a cooked-up story.

The remarks came minutes after Uttar Pradesh police said the Kenyan national  identified as Maria Burendi  had lied about the assault with electronic evidence and eye witness accounts tearing holes in her account. The woman, in her early 20s, had claimed five men pulled her out of a cab and thrashed her while she was on her way to a friends apartment in Greater Noidas Omicron Society.

But police said on Thursday that her narrative was false.

We interrogated the driver and he revealed he dropped her safely at her drop location at Omicorn society in Greater Noida. GPS movement of car and payment slip of Ola cab driver show that cars movement was not stopped during the journey. The lady has been lying, said Dharmendra Singh, senior superintendent of Police, Gautam Budh Nagar.

Representatives from the Nigerian Students Welfare Association apologised soon after for the incident that grabbed headlines because of a spate of attacks against Africans in the area, starting last Sunday.

Alleged attack on Kenyan lady in Gnoida. Glaring loopholes in her story. Working to ascertain motive.  Javeed (@javeeddgpup) March 30, 2017

We investigated the matter later in the evening yesterday and found that the woman was under distress due to personal issues. She had cooked up this story and we would like to offer our apologizes to the Police and people, said Charles Kennedy, vice-president, Nigerian Citizen Welfare Association.

Police said they decided not to press any charges against the woman in an attempt to defuse tensions between Africans and locals. Frederick, a representative from the Kenyan high commission, said that the embassy was content with the investigation. We are satisfied with the police investigation into the matter and the police have assured us that they will not press any charges against the woman, said Frederick.

Police said Maria booked a cab at 5:50 am on Wednesday from Delhi Police society Greater Noida to Omicorn society. The GPS movement of cab showed that the journey was complete by 6.20 am and the payment was made to the driver at 6.30 pm. She claimed she was attacked by a group of men during the journey and the cab driver fled the spot. But the electronic evidence suggest otherwise, said Sujata Singh, superintendent of Police (rural).

Pintu, the Ola cab driver, reiterated Polices claim saying that he dropped Maria to her drop location.

I dropped her to Omicorn society and the cab had not stopped anywhere. I even waited for the next twenty minutes near the society waiting for my next pick up. No such incident occurred, said Pintu.

Police also said that a Police Control Room van had been deployed near Omicorn society during the alleged incident. A PCR was stationed right outside the society where Maria claimed that she was attacked. Even they did not notice anything suspicious, said Dharmendra.

Meanwhile, the police added one more name as prime accused in the Monday evening race riot that occurred at Pari chowk in Greater Noida. This makes the entire tally of six accused persons.

Since there were thousands of people in the demonstration at Pari chowk that later turned violent, we have roughly mentioned 1200 unnamed people as mob in the FIR. However, there was an addition in the list of prime accused making it to total six persons, said Sujata Singh.

The sixth person to be included in the FIR is Jatin Bhati, a young member of Akhil Bharatiya Veer Gurjar Mahasabha. This recent development has supposedly irked local leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party and Hindu Yuva Vahini who allege that the police is targeting activists.

All the prime accused in the FIR are city based activists who were at the spot to demand justice for the death of Manish Khari. The real miscreants have not been touched by the Police, said Chainpal Singh Bhati, district president, Hindu Yuva Vahini.

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I am not surprised by US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haleys claim that her mother, who studied law in India, was not allowed to sit on the bench as a judge because she was a woman.

Even today, out of a sanctioned strength of 31 judges in the Supreme Court, only one sitting judge is a woman. Diversity matters and is expected by the litigants who come from far and wide with their cases to court.

I once was asked by Rupan Deol Bajaj, who had a case of sexual harassment against senior IPS officer KPS Gill, why her case was being heard by an all-male bench when the court itself had said that all committees entertaining complaints of sexual harassment must be headed by a woman.

I had no answer except to tell her because there is no woman judge in the Supreme Court of India. Diversity in representation matters and is a Constitutional value in and of itself. It is not my case that women judges will decide in favour of women, but rather the diversity in representation is a value to be treasured and nurtured. It is about equal opportunity. It is an important message that the court can send to the country to demonstrate its commitment to gender justice by giving them adequate representation on the bench.

The recent appointments of five judges to Supreme Court did not include a single woman. This despite the fact that the senior-most judge in the country --- the chief justice of the Bombay High Court--- is a woman. Why she or any other woman judge was not appointed remains a mystery.

How I wish we had a system of appointments similar to the one in the US where potential judges are subjected to public questioning. We would learn more about where we stand with our judiciary.

In similar manner, there is hardly any representation of SC and ST judges in the Supreme Court and in other high courts. This is 21st century India where we have three generations of lawyers in the same family. In contrast sons of upper caste judges do find a place on the Bench comfortably but rarely, if ever, daughters .

Haleys mother must have been eligible to become a judge of a court several decades ago when the situation was worse, in terms of gender representation on the Bench as not too many women qualified as lawyers and even fewer as litigators.

The situation is different today, there are more women entering law schools than men, but not enough survive in the profession. I am not aware of the personal situation of her mother but as a woman lawyer I have lived through those years and know the hostile working environment that existed.

Even today, I have gone on record to say that at this age, I have been sexually harassed by men in the corridors of the court. It seems to me that men cannot accept a successful professional woman for what she is, a professional at the workplace.

Often I watch with horror young women being treated as sex objects by their male colleagues at the bar, from making obscene remarks to feeling them up and down with their male gaze.

How can we expect women to survive in this profession without stopping such practices?

The absence of a critical mass of women on the Bench and the Bar inhibits those who are there already preventing them from raising their voice

Nikki Haley comment is a timely reminder of the need for change.

Indira Jaising is former additional solicitor general and senior advocate, Supreme Court

The views expressed are personal
Its not easy to work hour after hour with the same concentration and intensity, especially when you are sitting in front of a computer the entire day.

People tapping away at the keyboard tend to feel mental fatigue and need some kind of an activity to refresh their mind.

And, this is where websites such as Bored Panda and thisblogrules.com enter the frame that can provide boredom-busting and inspiring stories, articles, pictures, and videos that you need.

As a writer, I need to write a lot of articles every day, which requires a fresh mind. Hence, I always take short breaks to refresh my mind by browsing websites such as Bored Panda. It rejuvenates me and helps me to write more creatively, Rahul Kumar, a content writer with an IT company, says.

There are other sites that you can visit to break from humdrum routine work or ease the pressure of your board exams.

Websites like asoftmurmur.com help me to concentrate better as I feel that I am sitting beside the ocean with all those wave sounds around. And there are other websites like boredpanda.com that has helped me to fight the stress of my board exams, Vishal, a class 12 student says.

HERE ARE SOME BOREDOM-BUSTING SITES:

factslides.com

This website presents interesting facts that are verified and interesting. It adds to your knowledge in an entertaining way by presenting facts through colourful and animated videos.

honestslogan.com

It offers a collection of hundreds of brands and their slogans re-imagined. Where brands make their own efforts at marketing with some slogans, this is a playful and interesting take on them.

So, the slogan of Burger King is  Have it your way. It sure sounds like a catchy slogan, but what honestslogan.com does with it is hilarious: Have it your way: Eat somewhere else. It emphasises that Burger King doesnt have much space to accommodate so many people that visit them every day.

thisblogrules.com

If you are looking for some fun lists and neat info, this is the place to be. It is informative as well as thoroughly appealing. The website offers some unusual stories that take away your stress and bring a smile on your face. Dont believe me? Just see this picture.

EVER SEEN A BEAR TO BE THE BEST MAN AT A WEDDING?

lifehacker.co.in

This website offers tips for getting things done in a street smart way. Gone are the days when hacking was the only applicable to computers. Well, you can hack anything under the sun. From jobs to health to your love life, Lifehacker just makes your life more efficient with various life hacks. You can say goodbye to your boredom as well as learn some smart tricks that will help you tackle tricky situations.

asoftmurmur.com

In case, you have disturbances around you while working, just plug in your headphones and select the ambient sounds such as rain, thunder, wind, birds and more, you want to hear.
Laying to rest apprehensions raised by the opposition Shiromani Akali Dal in the Vidhan Sabha on Wednesday, chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh clarified that debt-ridden farmers will not face kurki (sale of mortgaged property) in Punjab.

Amarinders campaign managers had coined the slogan Karza Kurki Khatam, Fasal Di Puri Rakam (end to farm debt and its recovery, and full payment for the crop) ahead of the assembly polls in Punjab. The CM said he remained committed to the poll promise.

During the zero hour, Akali legislator NK Sharma posed a query to the government on farmers receiving notices from banks to pay back loans. Replying to it, the CM said no such notices were sent and the banks were given clear instructions not to approach farmers for recovery of loans.

Our government has made it clear that no bank will initiate kurki of farmers property to recover the outstanding debt, Amarinder told the House.

Talking to mediapersons after the House was adjourned sine die, Amarinder said the Congress had already promised in its poll manifesto to waive farm debt and was in the process to devise a mechanism to implement it. I will get it checked if any bank has sent recovery notices to farmers despite my governments clear instructions, he said.

Cabinet not selling chitta: Sidhu to Akalis

Navjot Singh Sidhu at the Vidhan Sabha (Keshav Singh/HT)

Earlier in the House, former finance minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa questioned the governments orders to halt ongoing development works started during the Akali-BJP regime. He said the government has the powers to issue such orders to the state departments but not to the civic bodies.

A combative local bodies minister Navjot Singh Sidhu replied that the governments intention was very clear, and the Congress cabinet was not indulging in selling chitta. What were you doing in the past 10 years? he questioned the Akali legislators.

Reacting to Dhindsas remarks, Congress legislator Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said under the Akali-BJP government, panchayats were asked to bring in resolutions that the public works department would carry out development works in rural areas. Was that justified? he said.

BJP hails end to halqa in-charges

Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Som Parkash praised the Congress government for putting an end to the halqa in-charge system prevalent during the Akali regime. The decision should remain in place, he said. The system of giving prominence to local Akali leaders in respective assembly segments was opposed by their alliance partners BJP a number of times.

Sukhpal Singh Khaira speaking in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Wednesday, March 29. (Keshav Singh/HT)

Earlier, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief whip Sukhpal Singh Khaira raised the issue of potato-growers, seeking subsidy for transportation of their produce to other states on the pattern of Gujarat.

AAP legislator Baljinder Kaur sought relief for the kin of the four persons who died in an accident in her constituency, Talwandi Sabo, last week. Her party colleague Aman Arora asked the government to restore power connections to the state-run waterworks so that the water supply is not affected.

Obituaries: Barnala remembered

The Punjab Vidhan Sabha paid tributes to politicians and other eminent personalities who passed away in recent months. Former chief minister Surjit Singh Barnala and former ministers Gurdev Singh Badal and Raj Khurana were among those remembered. Others who were given tributes were former MLAs Makhan Singh and Ram Lubhaya, senior Congress leader Rajinderpal Singh Attri and former SC panel vice-chairman Rajinder Kumar. Veteran actor Om Puri and artiste Phulan Rani also figured in the obituary list. Freedom fighters Durga Singh, Malkiat Singh, Sewa Singh and Gurbachan Singh and martyrs Jasvir Singh and Jagjit Singh were also paid tributes.

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Japan has evinced interest in investing in Punjab and partnering the state across key segments of growth and development.

A high-level Japanese delegation, including its the envoy to India Kenji Hiramatsu and Mitsubishi managing director Kazunori Konishi, met chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh in Delhi on Thursday and discussed possible areas of investment and collaboration.

The discussions were preliminary but it will pave the way for more intensive discussions in future, said a state government spokesman. The discussion covered a wide range of subjects which the two sides agreed to deliberate further to work out a collaborative mechanism.

The spokesperson said after the meeting, Mitsubishi officials made a presentation to the CM listing several important areas for possible investment. These included power, smart cities, (automated guideway transit), industrial parks and captive power plants, besides strengthening of some existing projects.

Amarinder also discussed development of roads and highways as a key step towards improvement of Punjabs infrastructure.

The two sides decided to explore possible cooperation in agriculture and the CM invited Japanese experts to visit the state, particularly Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, to examine the feasibility of agricultural cooperation. An exchange programme for agricultural scientists could be worked out, the spokesman added. Amarinder said he was committed to Punjabs modernisation in which Japan could join in as an important partner.
An Indian national from Jammu and Kashmir who had inadvertently crossed over to Pakistan has been repatriated to India, seven months after he was captured by the Pakistani officials.

Sham Bihari had crossed over to Pakistan in August 2016 and was repatriated back to India on Wednesday.

Sham was handed over to the Border Security Force (BSF) by afternoon, but was sent back because of lack of appropriate documents.

However, the Pakistani rangers again repatriated him with proper documents and gifts by late evening.

Earlier on March 2, as many as 39 Pakistani prisoners, comprising 21 civil prisoners and 18 fishermen were repatriated to Pakistan via Attari-Wagah border as a goodwill gesture by New Delhi.

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs recent gestures, including the release of Indian soldier Babulal Chavan and more than 200 Indian fishermen, led to the reciprocal action by India.
The new academic session is going to begin from April 1 onwards, but yet again, almost doubled fee of UT private schools is giving the parents jitters.

In all the most sought-after schools including Vivek High School, Delhi Public School, Gurukul Global, Bhavan Vidyalaya and Chitkara International school, the annual fee is more than Rs 60,000 per annum.

Meanwhile, there is no common or standard fee hike as one school has raised its fee by approximately 45%, while another school has hiked its annual fee by 67%.

In a school wherein parents were paying only Rs 2,550 per month earlier, they will now be paying Rs 5,000 per month.

Also read | 1,170 primary schools in Punjab running with single teacher

Meanwhile in another school, wherein parents were paying Rs 3,000 per month, they will now be charged Rs 6,000 per month.

Charging Rs 1.15 lakh as the annual fee, Strawberry Fields World School, Sector 26 is the most expensive among the citys 82 private unaided schools, followed by Gurukul Global School, Manimajra, which has fixed its annual school fee at Rs 74,250 along with a one-time admission fee of Rs 60,000 for fresh admissions.

In addition, fee is charged under various heads like transport fees, books, school uniform and charges for extra-curricular activities which continue throughout the year.

In Chitkara International School, Sector 25, the tuition fee has been raised from Rs 9,750 to Rs 16,290, while at St Kabir School, Sector 26, the tuition fee has been increased from Rs 16,965 to Rs 22,725. Similarly, Delhi Public School, Sector 44 has increased its tuition fee from Rs 3,000 to Rs 6,000.

FIGURES SPEAK Mount Carmel School, Sector 47: Rs 60,000 ( 96.1% increase) Chitkara International School, Sector 25: Rs 65,160 ( 67% increase) Bhavan Vidyalaya School, Sector 27: Rs 49,000 (65% increase) Delhi Public School, Sector 40: Rs 54,000 (50% increase) St Kabir Public School, Sector 26: Rs 90,556 (14% increase)

WHAT PARENTS, SCHOOL HEADS SAY ABOUT FEE HIKE

Nitin Goyal, president of the parents association said, The schools have conveniently merged many subheads and their charges in the tuition fee only to show lesser hike in the fee in total, but this is not the case. The way Chitkara International School has presented its fee structure, the total fee hike is about 67%.

Meanwhile, the school heads believe that their fee hike depends on the quality of facilities in the school premises including infrastructure, quality of teachers, smart classrooms.

HS Mamik, president of Independent Schools Association (ISA) said, Every parent has an option of choosing a school. If they feel the school is not affordable, then they should better go to an affordable one. If the schools have increased their fees, it has been done consciously. The schools want to deliver to the child.

145 PARENTS TO MOVE COURT AGAINST DPS

Varsha Mahajan, one of the parents whose two kids are studying in Delhi Public School (DPS), Sector 44, said, The fee booklet given to us suggests that there is 50% hike. The school has made a joke of hiking the fee by 10%. Earlier we were paying Rs 12,000 as the quarterly fee and now the quarterly fee has been increased to Rs 18,000. Secondly, I have two sons studying in the school and I have been asked to pay a total of Rs 37,000 for three months. What kind of calculations are these? The school has no activity at all but they charge so much for no rhyme or reason.

She added, We are a group of 165 parents whose kids are studying in DPS. We have planned to file a court case against the school next week because the education department fails to provide any support in such issues.

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Two years after a 28-year-old waiter, Vipin Kumar, was blinded in his right eye and was left speech-impaired after an accident in Mauli Jagran, the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT), Chandigarh, has ordered United India Insurance Company Limited to pay Rs 39 lakh as compensation to the Nayagaon resident. The company will also pay 6% interest per annum from the date of the claim.

The company was the insurer of the car, driven by Sunil of Panchkula. His wife Preeti owned the car that rammed into Kumars motorcycle near Nirankari Bhawan, Mauli Jagran, on the evening of February 2, 2015. A case was registered at the Manimajra police station the same evening.

At the time of the accident, Kumar earned Rs 12,000 per month.

MENTAL AGE REDUCED TO 7YEARS A 28-year-old waiter, Vipin Kumar, was blinded in his right eye and was left speech-impaired after an accident in Mauli Jagran in February 2015 At the time of the accident, Kumar worked as a waiter at a disco/club in SAS Nagar and earned Rs 12,000 per month It was later established that his mental age deteriorated to seven years due to memory loss, the claim document added He also claimed that he had lost his earning capacity and his marriage prospects had been spoiled, he asked for Rs 50 lakh as compensation During trial, it was submitted that Sunil had a valid driving licence and that the car was insured, but the court ordered the insurer of the car to pay the compensation

Asking that he be paid a compensation of Rs 50 lakh, Kumar claimed that he received head injury and fracture on right thumb of his foot, before being operated upon at the PGI, Sector 12, the next day.

He claimed that he could open his right eye, only in April 2015 (three months after the accident) and could not even walk.

It was later established that his mental age deteriorated to seven years due to memory loss, the claim document added. It also added that he was admitted again in hospital in July 2015. Now, he is suffering from speech impairment and cannot walk independently.

He also claimed that he had lost his earning capacity and his marriage prospects had been spoiled, he asked for Rs 50 lakh as compensation. During trial, it was submitted that Sunil had a valid driving licence and that the car was insured.

The order stated that although the liability is joint and several. However Respondent number 3 (the insurance company) has been directed the pay the compensation of Rs 38.8 lakh.

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Even as the Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is waiting for the Union government to return rare manuscripts and other articles of Sikh history taken away during the Operation Bluestar in 1984, the Sikh body has decided to set up a new Sikh Reference Library.

The modern and up-to-date library will come up at Bhai Gurdas Hall, outside the Golden Temple premises.

SGPC chief Kirpal Singh Badungar said: Sikhism has a great history and it is very important to restore it and also update it. So a decision has been taken to set up a new reference library.

He said numerous requests have been made to the Centre to return the rare manuscripts from time to time. But rather than keep waiting, we decided to move on and set up a new hi-tech Sikh library.

There is already a Sikh Reference Library inside the Golden Temple complex, which will be shifted to the new library, said sources.

OTHER RESOLUTIONS

The SGPC demanded a special investigation team to ensure arrest of those involved in incidents of sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib.

In another resolution, the Sikh body endorsed the decision taken in its executive meeting that those above the age of 58 will not be employed by it.

When questioned about chief secretary Harcharan Singh, Badungar said he was hired after proper procedure and advertisement.

He said Harcharan Singh was earlier withdrawing monthly salary of Rs 3 lakh but now doing sewa with a salary of Rs 1 lakh.

SIROPA FOR BRAVERY, CONTRIBUTION TO RELIGION

Badungar said those who have made great contribution in the field of religion and also exhibited bravery will be honoured with siropa (robe of honour). Later in a release, he said the siropa is given according to Sikh Maryada.

Two days ago, the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee had announced that siropa will only be given to selected guests.

APPEAL TO PREZ ON RAJOANA

The SGPC, which has demanded clemency for former CM Beant Singhs assassin Balwant Singh Rajoana yet again appealed to the President of India in this regard.

The SGPC also demanded release of Sikh prisoners who faced imprisonment under TADA and other charges.

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Sunil Jakhar lost the assembly election this time, but unverified reports of his appointment as president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) were celebrated much like a victory by his supporters starting Wednesday late evening. By Thursday, it turned out to be a rumour.

Ever since the current PPCC chief Capt Amarinder Singh took over as chief minister after the partys victory, speculation has been rife that the former MLA from Abohar, who is a prominent Hindu face of the party, may be adjusted also to balance community equations.

In Ludhiana, party workers and representatives of the district unit had already started distributing laddoos, besides flooding Facebook with posts congratulating him. After these started going viral, it turned out that no such decision was taken. Then, screenshots of the celebrations was circulated on messaging application Whatsapp by those looking for a laugh at the partys expense.

Congress workers sharing sweets to celebrate Jakhars Jakhars purported appointment, in Ludhiana. (Photo: Facebook)

Komal Khanna, a former district Youth Congress president who put up photos of celebrations, justified the drama, We had got calls from party workers from Delhi and Chandigarh that he (Jakhar) has been made PPCC president by the party high command. The information was circulating on WhatsApp too. So, we started celebrating by distributing laddoos among party workers. Later it turned out that a decision on the new PPCC chief was postponed indefinitely.

While Jakhar was not available for comment from Delhi, his personal assistant Sanjeev Trikha said over the phone, I have lost count of congratulatory calls since yesterday, from Amritsar, Mukerian, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Moga and Abohar, besides other places. I kept clarifying to each caller that no such decision was taken by the party high command as of now.
The number of people fleeing Syria's civil war into neighbouring states and Egypt has passed the 5-million mark, data from the U.N. refugee agency showed on Thursday.

Syrians have poured across their borders into Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq since anti-government protests in 2011 spiralled into a full-blown conflict between rebels, Islamist militants, government troops and foreign backers.

After levelling off in 2016, refugee numbers rose this year following the military victory by the government and its Russian and Iranian-backed allies in the northern city of Aleppo.

"It's not about the number, it's about the people," said UNHCR spokesman Babar Baloch, noting that the conflict had now lasted longer than World War Two. "We're trying to look for understanding, solidarity and humanity."

The five-million milestone came a year to the day after UNHCR asked other countries to start resettling at least 10 percent of the most vulnerable Syrian refugees. So far only 250,000 places have been offered.

"We're asking for more legal pathways for Syrians to travel to other countries so that they don't end up dying in the seas like in the Mediterranean," said Baloch.

Globally, almost 1.2 million refugees of all nationalities will need resettlement in 2017, 40 percent of them Syrians. Fear for their fate increased after U.S. President Donald Trump mande an executive order banning entry to all Syrian refugees - plans he has since dropped.

"The U.S has remained the largest resettlement for refugees," Baloch said. "Our hope is the focus will come back on the suffering of these desperate people and refugees and there will be solidarity and responsibility sharing by all countries."

Even greater numbers of Syrians have been driven out of their homes and are still in Syria, including tens of thousands this month, mainly women and children, trying to get away from a rebel offensive northwest of the city of Hama.

Syrians have also fled to Europe in large numbers, making 884,461 asylum claims between April 2011 and October 2016. Almost two-thirds of the claims were in Germany or Sweden.

Hundreds of thousands more live in Gulf countries that are not party to the 1951 Refugee Convention, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, so they are not recorded as refugees.

A U.N.-led humanitarian appeal to help Syrian refugees and support host communities has received only 6 percent of the money needed this year - $298 million out of $4.6 billion.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modis scheduled visit to Jharkhands Sahebganj district on April 6 to lay the foundation stone of a proposed bridge on River Ganga, has ruffled the opposition, with leaders marching to New Delhi and knocking doors of the parliament and Election Commission of India (ECI) seeking postponement.

The PMs visit coincides with by-election at Littipara assembly constituency in neighbouring Pakur district on April 9. As per arrangements by the state government, the PM, besides inaugurating the bridge, would also announce sops for local ethnic Pahariya tribesmen and women, that include appointment letters to the newly formed Pahariya Battalion and smart phones to women.

Opposition leaders feel the whole program would directly influence voters in Littipara that happens to be main opposition, Jharkhand Mukti Morchas (JMM) strongest bastion. Sitting legislator, Anil Murmu of JMM recently died of cardiac arrest. The seat hence fell vacant forcing ECI to hold by-poll.

Barely a couple of days after announcement of the election date, JMM suffered a severe jolt when late Anil Murmus widow, Uniki Eudora Hansda and daughter, Indu Murmu defected to BJP. With the PM arriving in Sahebganj, barely 120 km from Littipara, JMM is wary of losing its bastion to the saffron party.

Led by JMMs Rajya Sabha member, Sanjeev Kumar, and Congress spokesperson, Dr Ajoy Kumar, opposition leaders met the ECI Wednesday afternoon and demanded that PM visit be postponed till the by-poll is over. Earlier in the day, Sanjeev Kumar also raised the issue in the upper house during zero hour, apprising the chair and members of how the entire program could help BJP polarize votes at the expense of public money.

The state government has made elaborate and attractive arrangements to woo people to the PMs program. People from Littipara, especially the Pahariya tribe, have been invited. There are approximately 27,000 Pahariya tribe voters in Littipara. The PM giving smartphones and appointment letters to them, barely two days ahead of the by-poll, is blatant way of influencing voters, said Kumar.

The opposition leaders have also criticized the CM for announcing distribution of compensation in crores to farmers who lost their crop in the hailstorm and free houses to poor in Dumka on March 17 when the model code of conduct was in place in the neighbouring district.

State urban development minister C P Singh said, Modi has become nemesis for non-BJP parties across India. Wonder why they are so afraid of Modi, he said, declining that the state has violated any election norm as of date.

He said when the PMs program was finalized, there was no scene of the by-poll. It would be unfair to blame the PM or state government for the sheer coincidence, the minister said.
Celebrated widely and with great pomp, Diwali is a period of joy, togetherness, and festivities in India. In the national capital, however, the festival also brought about a reality check last year, with Delhis air pollution reaching truly alarming levels. To be fair, Delhi, and most Indian metros for that matter have been experiencing miserable air quality for years now. Weve all wondered at the blanket of smog that greets us on winter mornings, maybe even shared a picture or two. What set the alarm bells ringing in Delhi, though, was not only the numbers  data revealed that the air quality index had reached the maximum limit of 500 in several spots in the city  but also the resultant health hazards that started to crop up among Delhiites during and after Diwali.

Air alert

A long time resident of Delhis Mayur Vihar, Abhishek Sahay recounts his last Diwali as a series of hospital runs and doctor appointments. Despite hardly stepping out of doors during the festival days, my entire family was severely affected during Diwali. Both my son and my daughter (ages 7 and 10, respectively) experienced sore throats, persistent coughs, and watering eyes. It was worse still for my parents, both senior citizens, who had come down to Delhi for Diwaliespecially my father who is asthmatic. What was meant to be a family reunion after ages instead became a nightmarish week for all of us. Sahay was not exaggerating. Hospitals across the city reported a rise in cases of respiratory distress, with elderly and children being the worst hit.

PhD student Tanisha Punwani visited Delhi for a six-month project at Jawaharlal Nehru University, last November, landing right in the middle of a smog-filled nightmare. A resident of Goa, Punwani remembers being completely out of commission during her first three weeks in the city, with a variety of respiratory troubles she had never experienced before. I was advised not to step out at all, under no circumstances, which kind of made it impossible for me to get any fieldwork done. Eventually, I had to postpone my project and move back home to recuperate for a while, she explained.

The quest for fresh air in Delhi

Seeking answers

Unfortunately for Sahay, whose life and work is rooted in Delhi, moving out was not an option. Even though pollution levels subsided slightly a few weeks after Diwali, theyre still quite an alarming statistic when compared to major cities in the world. Concern for his familys health led the 45-year-old banking professional to amass vast amounts of information on the nature and impact of Delhis toxic air qualityeventually discovering that staying indoors was no solution either. The air we breathe in our homes, cars, and offices can be equally and sometimes even more harmful that outdoor pollutants. Basically, as Sahay realized, there was no hiding from it.

Despite Indias incredible pollution levels, the country is still relatively new to the concept of air purifiers. I first heard of Honeywell air purifiers after reading a recommendation on Facebook by a friend who lives in my society. Knowing it to be a well-known global brand with a strong tech background, I decided to explore further, he explains.

Sustainable solutions

As a company, Honeywell has been working on innovations that offer sustainable and energy-efficient solutions to critical challenges that impact our everyday lives. Sahay recounts that while browsing the Honeywell website for more information, he not only got better clarity on understanding the role and function of an air purifier, but also the specifications that would best suit his requirements in Delhi. Indoor air pollution became my biggest concern. I wanted to have an assured air quality at home, even as I couldnt control what my family and I are subjected to outside.

After much deliberation and study, Sahay opted for a Honeywell Air Touch purifier in Champagne Gold, both due to its attractive appearance as well as the reasonable filter cost. With a capacity to cover up to 450 sq. ft. area, it comes equipped with three filters, each serving a unique purpose. For instance, the HiSivTM filter works on removing formaldehyde, VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and odor, while the HEPA removes PM2.5 (Particulate Matter) from indoor air. Powered with a honeycomb design and molecular sieves with activating agents, the HiSivTM technology adsorbs harmful gases, without taking away the moisture in the air. It also comes with an infra-red dust sensor, and helpful indicators that point out when a filter needs to be replaced.

Weve been using it in our living room throughout the evening  my kids switch it on as soon as theyre back from school, says Sahay. The effects, as he observed, were slow but steady. Within a week, the air inside his house felt cleaner, but the real proof as he discovered was in the filters. I recently cleaned the pre-filter and if the amount of dust trapped in the filter is any indication of the polluted air my family would have been breathing otherwise, Id consider this an important investment.

As citizens, there is a lot we can to do reduce the ongoing air quality crisis, whether through car- pooling or eco-friendly energy sources  but we cannot change the scenario overnight. Thankfully, we have a little more control over our homes, offices, and personal spaces, and can ensure that these remain safe havens for our families and loved ones. The Honeywell Air Touch range of air purifiers addresses this critical quandary of air pollution inside Indian homes, with products that are easy to use, install, and maintain.
A new Instagram stunner is in town. Yeh Hai Mohabbatein actor and up-and-coming social media sensation Karishma Sharma has amassed almost 1,40,000 followers on Instagram, who cant get enough of her Barbie looks and off-duty vacation wardrobe.

The Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 actor, who hails from Delhi, is rapidly racking up social media followers thanks to her perfectly sculpted curves and jaw-dropping poses. Her saucy videos and photos have gained so much attention that some reports have labelled her the new queen of Instagram, as she gains a large online base. Sorry Nia Sharma!

You are so looking nice. So cuteeeeeee princess, one user commented on a recent photo. Another said, How do u always look so sexy and gorgeous! #wow.

Below are some of her recent photos that have set hearts and pulses racing:

A post shared by karishma sharma (@karishmasharma22) on Mar 30, 2017 at 4:18am PDT

A post shared by karishma sharma (@karishmasharma22) on Mar 27, 2017 at 7:01am PDT

A post shared by karishma sharma (@karishmasharma22) on Mar 23, 2017 at 7:49am PDT

A post shared by karishma sharma (@karishmasharma22) on Mar 14, 2017 at 10:05pm PDT

A post shared by karishma sharma (@karishmasharma22) on Feb 26, 2017 at 5:04am PST

A post shared by karishma sharma (@karishmasharma22) on Feb 6, 2017 at 12:50am PST

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French President Francois Hollande said on Thursday that Britain must agree on the conditions of its exit from the EU before the blocs members discuss other issues such as a trade deal.

First we must begin discussions on the modalities of the withdrawal, especially on the rights of citizens and the obligations arising from the commitments that the United Kingdom has made, Hollande said.

On the basis of what progress is made, we could open discussions on the framework of the future relations between the United Kingdom and the European Union, he added.

Hollandes approach echoes that of German Chancellor Angela Merkel who on Wednesday snubbed Prime Minister Theresa Mays call for negotiations on the UKs exit from the EU to run alongside talks on defining the conditions of their future relationship.

Merkel said the negotiations must first clarify how we will disentangle our interlinked relationship... and only when this question is dealt with, can we, hopefully soon after, begin talking about our future relationship.

As the EUs major powers, Germany and France are expected to play a determining role in the negotiations over the relationship that Britain will have when it leaves.
Leading lights of the Theresa May government have shown much enthusiasm for a free trade deal with India after Brexit, but there are indications that negotiations will not be easy, even if New Delhi seems to have moved beyond harping on the visa issue.

The United Kingdom began the procedure to exit the European Union on Wednesday, and the discourse has moved to the next stage of incorporating EU laws in British law or repealing them. However, actual trade talks with India cannot begin till Brexit is formalised  by March 29, 2019, if all goes according to plan.

For some time, Indias main focus has been on visa hurdles for business and the ability to transfer employees from India to offices in the UK. The thinking is that for other categories such as student visa, Indians have other choices and it is the UKs loss if they go elsewhere.

The current understanding in New Delhi was articulated by minister of state for commerce and industry Nirmala Sitharaman in a recent BBC interview, where she said the visa issue sounds like non-tariff barriers in the services sector and noted that we are not being treated as old friends any longer.

Its a tight professional engagement, while we are also looking at Indias strengths and demanding our due place in the trade dealHope there will be necessary course correction during formal talks on a trade deal after Britain leaves the EU, she said.

London believes that unlike the yet-to-be-reached free trade agreement between India and the EU, it will be easier to forge such an agreement with the UK when it is free from the bureaucracy of Brussels.

However, Vince Cable, who was business secretary in the David Cameron government, is not so sure though May hinted during her November visit to New Delhi at new visa facilities for frequent Indian business travellers.

Sitharaman and Cable during their meet in London in January 2015. (High Commission of India, London)

Cable told Hindustan Times: Britains current crop of ministers seem not to have taken on board that the attempted EU-India agreement foundered not because of the rest of the EU but, in substantial part, because Britain rejected it.

Attempts to open the UK to more Indian IT specialists and other professionals (the so-called Mode 4) foundered on the objections of Theresa May. The main irritant in UK-India relations is visas. In the absence of creative ideas on freeing up immigration and visiting rights from India, ministers will continue to get a flea in their ear in Delhi.

There is no sign of rethinking on the visa issue. I dont think it (UK-India free trade pact) will happen. Sitharaman valued good relations, but there was quite a serious obstacle on the mobility issue in the trade talks, he said.

Indian high commissioner YK Sinha said: When talks begin after Brexit, both sides will have their wish lists. I dont want to prejudge but our side will be keen on free movement of people, particularly professionals.

Issues have been flagged, both sides are aware. But no issue can be called a deal-breaker, he added.

Senior solicitor Sarosh Zaiwalla said: This action (triggering Article 50) will have stark implications on both the EU, the UK and also on Indian businesses that do business with the European Union. Until now, most Indian businesses have established their European headquarters in London and have been using London as the springboard to do business in EU countries.

Once the UK is out of the EU, different rules will prevail for trade between UK and EU and this could well require Indian businesses, who have established offices in the UK for the purpose of trading with businesses in the EU, to also establish separate offices in the EU.

According to Zaiwalla, the greatest risk Indian businesses should bear in mind is the possibility of Scotland becoming independent, and England could well become little England with a smaller population.

He added: The present mood in the British establishment is that UK and India would be in a better position to increase its trade by direct relations as it would not be hindered by EUs bureaucratic rules. One hopes this will come true.

FICCIs UK director, Pratik Dattani, emphasised the visa issue in trade talks: Now that Article 50 has been formally triggered, we expect to see the pace of discussion within government in terms of engagement with countries like India increase.

We have seen some clarity over the last few months, and it remains important to note that the free movement of goods and services, and bilateral investment cannot be decoupled from mobility. Britain is still one of the largest economies in the world and will continue to remain a valuable partner for India.

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A Sikh doctor in the US has received death threats from an anonymous caller in Indiana amid a series of hate crime incidents against Indian- Americans.

Amandeep Singh, a general internist at Monroe Hospital in Indiana, recently received the death threat through a text message on his cell phone by the unknown individual who claimed to have murdered the numbers previous owner, community leaders said.

The subject then indicated that Singh was next, Indianapolis-based Sikhs Political Action Committee (SPAC) said in a statement.

Bloomington Police found that the phones owner was alive and that the number had been hacked by a third party.

Singh said the local police was currently treating the incident as a racially motivated hoax.

Singh has been living and working in the US since 2003 after graduating from a medical school in India. He moved to Indiana three years ago to pursue an administrative position at Monroe Hospital.

This is one of several similar threats against Sikhs in Indiana in the last week including one incident which involved a handgun, PAC chairman Gurinder Singh Khalsa claimed.

He said that they have also received reports from a number of Sikh business owners of vandalism and intimidation.

The committee is currently working with Indiana attorney general Curtis Hill to address widespread harassment and violence against Sikhs in Indiana.

American society has no place for this type of violence, Khalsa added.

There have been a series of hate crime incidents against Indian-Americans. Weeks ago, Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla was killed when a US Navy veteran opened fire at him and his friend before yelling get out of my country in Kansas.

Earlier this month, a 39-year-old Sikh man was shot in his driveway in Washington state. The gunman had reportedly told the man to go back to your own country before pulling the trigger.
Lloyds of London will open a new Brussels subsidiary in early 2019, the historic insurance market said Thursday in the first fallout from Britains decision to trigger Brexit.

The group, which has insured against earthquakes, shipwrecks and revolutions, is now in the eye of the Brexit storm and seeking to ensure access across the European Union once Britain leaves the bloc.

Lloyds announced the news one day after British Prime Minister Theresa May activated the two-year countdown to the nations EU divorce.

Lloyds, the specialist insurance and reinsurance market, has announced it will be setting up a new European insurance company to be located in Brussels, it said in a statement that gave no indication of potential job losses in London.

The intention is for the company to be ready to write business for the 1st January 2019 renewal season, subject to regulatory approval.

Lloyds had repeatedly warned before last years shock referendum that it could move operations to elsewhere within the EU in the event of Brexit.

Central European location

The group added Thursday that its new Brussels subsidiary would allow it to underwrite insurance risks across the 27 EU nations that will remain.

The company will be able to write risks from all 27 European Union and three European Economic Area states after the United Kingdom has left the EU, providing our customers and partners continued access to the innovative solutions of the Lloyds market, it said.

Lloyds chief executive Inga Beale said Brussels met its critical requirements of a robust regulatory framework in a central European location.

She added: I am excited about the opportunities this venture will offer the market by providing that important European access efficiently.

Media reports suggest that about 100 jobs could be shifted from London, though that number may rise as the firm establishes itself in the Belgian capital.

According to media, Brussels beat Dublin, Luxembourg and Malta in the selection process.

Nine months after the shock referendum vote, Prime Minister May on Wednesday formally activated Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, meaning Britain is set to leave the bloc in 2019.

Lloyds stressed Thursday that, for at least two more years, there will be no immediate impact on its existing insurance policies, renewals or new policies.

Crucial for trade agreement

It is now crucial that the UK government and the European Union proceed to negotiate an agreement that allows business to continue to flow under the best possible conditions once the UK formally leaves the EU, added Beale in Thursdays statement.

I believe it is important not just for the City but also for Europe that we reach a mutually beneficial agreement. We stand ready to help and support the government as best we can.

Britons voted on June 23 in favour of quitting the bloc despite warnings from the business community over the potential adverse impact of Brexit.

Lloyds currently enjoys passporting rights  which allows EU member states to trade across national borders, providing a gateway to access the rest of the bloc. It also benefits from trade agreements.
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Thursday that the body of Kim Jong-nam, half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has been released to North Korea, bringing an end to a diplomatic spat that escalated over nearly seven weeks.

Najib said nine Malaysians barred from leaving North Korea had been allowed to board a plane to leave Pyongyang, adding on Twitter that the plane was expected to reach Kuala Lumpur at 5 a.m. Malaysian time (2100 GMT).

The Malaysians left Pyongyang in a Royal Malaysian Air Force business jet, which headed immediately west out of North Korean airspace before turning south towards Malaysia, according to flight tracking website planefinder.net.

Following the completion of the autopsy on the deceased and receipt of a letter from his family requesting the remains be returned to North Korea, the coroner has approved the release of the body, Najib said in a statement.

The statement did not mention Kim by name. Kim was assassinated at Kuala Lumpur airport on Feb 13.

Malaysian police say Kim was killed by two women who smeared super toxic VX nerve agent on his face. An Indonesian woman and Vietnamese woman have been charged.

A joint statement by the North Korean government released simultaneously said both countries managed to resolve issues arising from the death of a DPRK national in Malaysia at a meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

DPRK stands for North Koreas official name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.

The importance of bilateral relations was reaffirmed. In this connection, both countries agreed to positively discuss the re-introduction of the visa-free system and work towards bringing the relations to a higher level, read the statement from North Korea.

Malaysia imposed a travel ban on North Koreans leaving the Southeast Asian country in a tit-for-tat move after Pyongyang barred Malaysians from leaving its borders.

Najib said on Thursday that North Koreans will now be allowed to leave Malaysia.

North Korea were angered by Malaysian authorities, who identified North Korean suspects and wanted to question others, including a diplomat at their embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

Pyongyang has maintained that the body was that of Kim Chol as stated in his passport, and not Kim Jong Nam.

Malaysia also expelled the North Korean ambassador for being diplomatically rude, though Najib later said that ties with Pyongyang would not be severed in a bid to calm relations.
A Mexican judge has freed a wealthy young man accused of abducting and sexually assaulting a schoolgirl, on the grounds that the perpetrator did not enjoy himself.

Diego Cruz, 21, was one of four young men from prominent families in the coastal state of Veracruz who were nicknamed Los Porkys on social media after they were accused of seizing a classmate from their elite private school as she left a New Years party on 1 January 2015.

In a ruling which was made public on Monday, Judge Anuar Gonzalez found that although Cruz had touched the victims breasts and penetrated her with his fingers, he had done so without carnal intent  and so was not guilty of assault.

Gonzalez also found that although the victim, who was 17 at the time, was forced into the car of one of her alleged attackers, she was never helpless.

The release of Cruz  who had fled to Spain, but was extradited back to Mexico  has prompted outrage among human rights activists, and marked a new low point in a case that has reinforced the perception that those with money and political connections are above the law.

He sexually touched her, he vaginally penetrated her, but because he didnt enjoy it, its not sexual abuse? said Estefania Vela Barba an activist on gender issues.

Since there was no pleasure in the act, it was intended to cause humiliation. They were touching her, they were bothering her, so for the judge, if the intention wasnt pleasure, its not sexual assault, said Vela, who works in the legal studies department at the Centre for Teaching and Research in Economics.

Theres no disputing the facts. Its not some crazy woman saying this, its coming from the judges mouth and hes saying that if they vaginally penetrate you against your will, it might not be abuse.

The case of Los Porkys has provoked widespread indignation in Mexico, not least because it took place in the coastal state of Veracruz, which over recent months has come to symbolize the failure of the Mexican state to guarantee even a semblance of the rule of law .

Amid an escalating battle between rival crime factions, thousands of women have gone missing in the state ; earlier this month, more than 250 human skulls were discovered at what is believed to be a clandestine drug cartel burial ground. Meanwhile, the states former governor Javier Duarte is on the run amid allegations that he stole vast amounts of public money .

The case of Los Porkys has also been held up as an example of the rampant impunity allowed the offspring of Mexicos elite. Fifteen months after the attack, the victim described her ordeal in a public Facebook post, in an apparent attempt to shame authorities into taking action.

 I have nothing to repent , she wrote. Ive gone drinking. Ive gone to parties. Ive worn short skirts like many girls my age  and for that Im going to be judged? For that I deserved what happened?
A Pakistani-born doctor announced Wednesday that he is joining the 2018 race for lieutenant governor on a platform of saving the Affordable Care Act, providing free community college education and fighting what he termed Donald Trumps hate.

I am a proud Muslim and I love America, Dr Asif Mahmood said at a news conference in front of the downtown federal building that houses a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office.

President Trump continues to attack people like me: immigrants, people of color and Muslims, Mahmood said. I say President Trump has it all wrong. Its time to get tough on hate. California must be the leader of the Trump resistance, and I will fight him every step of the way.

The pulmonologist said he came to the United States because he wanted his family to live in a place that celebrates diversity and tolerance.

Born in a small, rural village, Mahmood moved to Kentucky in the 1990s to complete medical school. He came to Southern California in 2000 and lives near Los Angeles with his wife and three teenage children.

As a first-time candidate, Mahmoods challenge is to build a statewide coalition, potentially anchored to civil rights. He starts as a virtual unknown and Muslims make up a tiny percentage of people living in California.

To be competitive and grow beyond a niche candidacy, he must craft a message that resonates with the large, diverse pool of voters in a state that is home to 1 of every 8 Americans.

Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, the incumbent, is barred by term limits from seeking a third term and is running for governor.

Mahmood, a Democrat, said he did not think his religion would be an obstacle in a state known for diversity.

Mahmood said his experience running a medical practice and volunteering at free clinics that treat poor populations gave him the credentials to campaign for health care reform.

He supports protecting Obamacare and expanding Medicare to cover everyone.

Californias lieutenant governor post is largely ceremonial, but the lieutenant governor leads the state when the governor travels outside it and can break tie votes in the state Senate.

The lieutenant governor also has a seat on the board of regents of the 10-campus University of California. Mahmood said he would use it to influence higher education reform.

Mahmood said he wants to provide a free community college education and doesnt support fee hikes, such as the recent California State University tuition increase.

I believe that education is the main asset that any nation can have, any society can have, he said.

State Sen Ed Hernandez, also a Democrat, is the only other declared candidate for lieutenant governor.

The field is sure to grow ahead of the November 2018 vote.
A Syrian man set himself on fire at a migrant camp on the Greek island of Chios on Thursday in despair over his bid to gain asylum, the Greek news agency ANA reported.

Video footage, posted on Twitter by the BBC's Greece correspondent, showed a young man holding a petrol can and addressing camp residents, and then catching fire as a policeman approached.

The unidentified man was rushed to hospital with burns over 90 percent of his body, ANA said. The policeman who tried to save him was also hospitalised with burns.

Thousands of people, many of them Syrians fleeing war, are stuck in Greece's Aegean islands as a result of an EU-Turkish agreement that curbed the influx of migrants to the European Union.

Most of them have filed for asylum to avoid being sent back to Turkey, but these applications take months to handle. Humanitarian groups have repeatedly sounded the alarm over declining morale in their camps.

In a separate incident, Greek police said Thursday they had arrested a people trafficker who imprisoned 23 South Asian migrants for a week in a bid to blackmail their families into paying money for smuggling them into Greece.

The 26-year-old Greek national was demanding between 1,500 and 3,000 euros ($1,600 to $3,200) a head. The migrants had only made an up-front payment.

Police were alerted by a migrant who complained that his brother and a nephew were being held in the warehouse in Menemeni, a small town near the northern city of Thessaloniki, a police statement said.

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The ancient University of Oxford is putting up portraits of 25 individuals from ethnic minorities  including those of Indian origin  to showcase an image of diversity and give a new look to its walls that are mostly adorned by portraits of dead white males.

Three Indian-origin individuals figure in the list of the universitys current staff and alumni who will sit for portraits: linguist Aditi Lahiri, BBC journalist Rita Chakrabarti and South African human rights activist Kumi Naidoo.

Others include film and television director Ken Loach, astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell, award-winning author Jeanette Winterson and historian Lyndal Roper. The idea is to reflect and promote the universitys diversity and its commitment to inclusivity.

The initiative comes against the backdrop of a recent race controversy and the demand to remove the statue of colonialist Cecil Rhodes from the university. The statue remained, but this added to criticism that the university does not reflect society and that it admits fewer students from state-funded schools than from fee-paying private schools.

Portraits  mostly paintings and photographs, some of which have already been completed  will include a mixture of men and women and will feature people with disabilities, people from a variety of ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, and people from LGBTQ+ communities, the university said on Thursday.

The newly commissioned works will feature in the varsity's central public spaces and will add to Oxford's collection of college and university portraits. The individuals were selected from more than 100 nominations of living Oxonians and their portraits will be shown at an exhibition in Oxford later this year.

Chakrabarti, who studied at Exeter College, Oxford, said: I loved my time at Oxford. There weren't  then  many people from my background at university there. But that didn't stop my experience from being overwhelmingly good.

I hope this project will show that Oxford is open to everyone, and that it wants to be more so. I hope too that it reflects present-day Oxford back at itself, and that it encourages an ever more diverse range of people to study there.

Vice-chancellor Louise Richardson said: There is nothing quite like walking into a room and seeing someone who looks like you honoured in a portrait on the wall. It is so important for all of us to be reminded that achievement and leadership come in all colours, shapes and sizes.

The full list of 25 individuals: Diran Adebayo (novelist), Norma Aubertin-Potter (librarian), Susan Jocelyn Bell Burnell (astrophysicist), Valerie Beral (epidemiologist), Dorothy Bishop (developmental neuropsychologist), Reeta Chakrabarti (journalist), Penelope Curtis (arts administrator), Patricia Daley (human geographer), Trisha Greenhalgh (primary health care scholar), Anne-Marie Imafidon (women in science campaigner), Carole Jordan (astrophysicist), Aditi Lahiri (linguistics scholar), Kelsey Leonard (water scholar), Hilary Lister (sailor), Ken Loach (director), Diarmaid MacCulloch (historian), Jan Morris (writer), Kumi Naidoo (human rights activist), Henry Odili Nwume (winter Olympian), Esther Rantzen (broadcaster and charity campaigner), Lyndal Roper (historian), Kathy Sylva (educational psychologist), Marie Tidball (lawyer and disability rights campaigner), Jeanette Winterson (novelist).

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A Pakistani prosecutor is facing an accusation of blackmail after he reportedly made an offer to 42 Christians, facing charges of lynching two men, that he could guarantee their acquittal if they converted to Islam.

Joseph Francis, a rights activist providing legal aid to the accused, alleged that the men were approached with the offer by deputy district public prosecutor Syed Anees Shah.

He told them that if they would embrace Islam, he can guarantee their acquittal in this case, Francis told the media.

Naseeb Anjum, counsel for some of the accused, told the media that the public prosecutors offer was not new. He said Shah had made the same offer to some of the accused about six months ago but they had simply ignored it.

(Lawyers) believe in the independence of the court but why is the (prosecutor) blackmailing them? he said.

A total of 42 Christians were charged with lynching two men after two suicide bombings targeted Sunday Mass in two churches in the Christian neighbourhood of Youhanabad in Lahore on March 15, 2015.

Violent protests erupted after the attack, with a mob lynching two men who were suspected of involvement in the blasts.

Francis said the prosecutor had gathered the accused outside the courtroom in Lahore and advised them to embrace Islam. The accused remained silent and were dumbfounded and one of them, Irfan Masih, had spoken out and said he was ready to be hanged, he added.

When the media contacted Shah, he denied making the offer at first. When he was told there was a recording of his comments, Shah conceded he had offered the accused a choice but did not give details.

Earlier this year, all the Muslims accused of destroying property during riots at Youhanabad were acquitted by a Lahore court for want of evidence.

Rights groups have documented several instances of members of Pakistans Christian minority being forcibly converted to Islam in recent years. Activists have also said the draconian blasphemy law is often used to persecute Christians.
A leader of Pakistans beleaguered Ahmadi community and a close relative of Nobel laureate Abdus Salam was gunned down on the outskirts of Lahore on Thursday morning in what police believe was a hate crime.

Malik Saleem Latif, the first cousin of Salam, and his son Malik Farhan were attacked by unidentified armed men in Nankana Sahib. The two men, both advocates, were on their way to court at the time.

Latif, who was a leader of the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiya, died instantly when the attackers opened fire.

The outlawed Lashkar-e-Jhangvi claimed the killing. LeJ spokesman Ali Bin Sufian said on social media that a special squad of LeJ Riaz Basra Brigade had shot dead Latif, whom he described as an infidel.

The Ahmadi community, an offshoot of mainstream Islam, has been declared non-Muslim in Pakistan. Members of the minority are increasingly targeted by mainstream Muslims and many have been charged under the countrys controversial blasphemy laws.

According to Jamaat-e-Ahmadiya spokesperson Saleemuddin, the father and son were on their way to court for the hearing of a case when they were attacked.

Saleemuddin said Latif was the president of the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiya in Nankana city. Advocate Latif was killed because of his religious beliefs, he said.

One of Latifs sons is a civil judge in Lahore.

On Wednesday, an annual report issued by the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiya said at least six Ahmadis were killed in Pakistan last year because of their religious beliefs.

Saleemudin cited Ordinance XX, which later came to be known as the blasphemy law, as the main reason for the targeted killings of Ahmadis. Since its imposition in 1984, so far 250 Ahmadis have been killed, he said.

He also said there was no check on hate-mongering against the community and pointed out that 1,700 advertisements against Ahmadis were published in newspapers last year. The hate-mongers also had the support of the government, he said.

Abdus Salam, Pakistans only Nobel laureate who played a key role in the nuclear programme and whose work led to the discovery of the so-called God Particle, has been shunned in the country because he was an Ahmadi.
Pakistan on Thursday accused India of interfering in the countrys internal affairs and claimed that New Delhi was involved in financing terror activities in the region.

The entire world knows that India is interfering in Pakistans internal matters, said Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria during a media briefing and added that the arrest of Indian spy Kulbhushan Yadav from Pakistans soil is a proof of this.

Indian national Kulbhushan Yadav was arrested in March 2016 in Balochistan on charges of being a RAW agent, fuelling the Baloch separatist movement and attempting to sabotage the CPEC project, Geo TV reported.

Earlier this month, Sartaj Aziz, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, told a Senate session that the First Information Report (FIR) on Yadav was registered and a case was being prepared.

The Pakistan Foreign Office also came out in support of Muslims in Indian Kashmir who, it claimed, were victims of atrocities by the Indian government, the Geo TV report said.

Indian troops are opening fire at funerals of Kashmiri martyrs, spokesperson Zakaria said.

He asked the international community to urge India to stop the genocide of innocent Kashmiris, Geo TV reported.
A suspected militant on Thursday shot and killed a lawyer from Pakistans minority Ahmadi sect over blasphemy allegations in eastern Punjab province, police said.

The attacker was arrested shortly after killing the lawyer, Saleem Latif, in the town of Nankana, local police official Nazim Alid said. Latif was from a prominent Ahmadi family and was a cousin of Pakistans 1979 Nobel physics laureate Abdus Salam.

We quickly arrested the attacker who claims that Saleem Latif was involved in blasphemy, he said.

Hours after the incident, a spokesman for the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi militant group claimed responsibility for the attack. The spokesman, Ali Bin Sufyan, said in a statement that Latif was killed for adhering to the beliefs of the Ahmadi sect.

The Ahmadi faith was established in the Indian subcontinent in the 19th century by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, who followers believe was a prophet.

Pakistans declared Ahmadis non-Muslims in 1974 and they are often targeted by Sunni militant groups.

In 2015, thousands of Sunni Muslims marking the Prophet Muhammads birthday torched a worship place of the Ahmadi sect in another town in Punjab, wounding several people and forcing others to flee for their lives.
Several people were injured and taken to hospital after supporters and opponents of the Turkish government clashed outside the countrys consulate in central Brussels on Thursday, Belgian police said.

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel condemned the violence, which he linked to a forthcoming referendum in Turkey on increasing the powers of President Tayyip Erdogan.

The Belgian government has absolute zero tolerance for any spillovers from the Turkish referendum. I condemn the riots at the embassy in Brussels, he said on Twitter.

A police spokeswoman said she could give no further details on the number of people hurt or the nature of their injuries. The Turkish mission to Brussels could not be immediately reached for comment.

Ties between Turkey and European Union states have deteriorated in recent weeks over Turkish government attempts to rally support for Erdogan among expatriate Turks.

Erdogan reacted with fury after Germany and the Netherlands - which, like Belgium, have big Turkish minorities - moved to restrict political rallies on their soil in the run-up to the April 16 referendum.

Kurdish news agency Firat said the Thursday incident took place as people arrived at the consulate in Brussels to cast early no votes in the referendum. Reuters was not able to confirm that independently.
A suicide truck bomb targeted a police checkpoint in southern Baghdad on Wednesday night, killing 15 people and wounding 45, according to Iraqi officials.

The bomber detonated the vehicle, an oil tanker laden with explosives, security and hospital officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity under regulations. Three policemen were among the dead while the rest were civilians, and a number of policemen were also wounded, the officials said.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but the Islamic State group has carried out similar attacks as their territorial hold in Iraq weakens.

Iraqi forces are fighting IS in western Mosul, where some 2,000 IS fighters are launching fierce counterattacks. After the beginning the operation to retake Mosul in October, Iraqi authorities in January declared they have liberated eastern Mosul, which is separated from the citys western neighbourhoods by the Tigris River.

Western Mosul is densely populated and has proven to be a much more difficult fight for Iraqi and coalition forces, which have resorted to greater use of artillery and airstrikes to clear and hold territory.

A number of airstrikes in western Mosul have resulted in high civilians casualties, according to residents interviewed by The Associated Press. The US-led coalition says a strike in western Mosul on March 17 likely resulted in civilian casualties and is investigating the incident.

Iraqi witnesses have said that airstrikes earlier this month killed scores of civilians. US officials have said that the munitions used by the US-led coalition that day should not have taken the entire building down, suggesting that militants may have deliberately gathered civilians there and planted other explosives that were detonated by airstrikes.

The militants have suffered a string of defeats over the past two years in the lead up to the Mosul operation, but have continued to regularly launch attacks in and around Baghdad. A series of large-scale bombings claimed by IS has struck Baghdad since the operation to retake Mosul began.

Iraqi and coalition officials have repeatedly warned that after Mosul, IS will likely return to its insurgent roots as it loses more territory in both Iraq and neighbouring Syria.
Torrential rain hampered relief efforts on Thursday after a powerful cyclone wreaked havoc in northeast Australia, with floods sparking emergency rescues as fed-up tourists began evacuating from resort islands.

Cyclone Debbie has pummelled Queensland state since crashing ashore as a category four storm on Tuesday between Bowen and Airlie Beach, ripping up trees, washing boats onto land and causing widespread damage.

It has been downgraded to a tropical low as it tracks southeast, but continues to pack damaging wind gusts and dump huge amounts of rain, with Brisbane now in the firing line.

Meteorologists forecast the city would be soaked by a months worth of rain in a single day, with the popular Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast areas also set to be drenched before the system moves offshore on Friday.

People look at flooding from Burdekin River which has risen some 10 metres in Ayr in Queenland on March 30, after the area was hit by Cyclone Debbie. (AFP Photo)

Theme parks and beaches in the area were closed for the day.

We have a very, very large state here and this is a very, very big weather system thats going to wreak havoc all the way down the coast, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

Emergency service crews, who have received more than 3,000 calls for help, rescued dozens of people overnight and early Thursday from floodwaters, with some plucked from roofs and tops of cars.

Significant rainfall in Mackay -- sudden increase in calls for service. A number of rescues undertaken & still being undertaken, Queensland police tweeted.

Despite this, no deaths have been reported with only one significant injury -- a man crushed by a collapsing wall. Before the cyclone hit, thousands of people moved to higher ground, out of the area or to safe refuges.

Police man a road block at floodwaters near the Queensland town of Bowen on March 29, after the area was hit by Cyclone Debbie. (AFP Photo)

The wild weather has made the clean-up difficult as crews battle horrendous conditions to reach isolated communities and restore power.

Many roads remain flooded and towns cut off with hundreds of schools closed and authorities keeping a close eye on dams as water levels rise.

A significant experience

Great Barrier Reef islands were among the worst hit.

Tourists and residents have been stranded for days on devastated Hamilton and Daydream islands, battered by terrifying winds of more than 260 kph (161 mph) at the height of the tempest.

Hundreds were evacuated Thursday after struggling with no power and toilets not flushing as water ran low.

Theyve been through a significant experience, but they are safe. Thats the main thing, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Deputy Commissioner Mark Roche told reporters.

Jacqui McCullagh, who was staying on Hamilton Island, said the once-lush area was in a bad way.

Boats washed ashore, houses without roofs, windows smashed in, trees snapped in half, gum trees torn out of the ground and those that do remain standing, are bare and lifeless, she told the local Whitsunday Times.

The military has mobilised 1,300 soldiers to help assess the full extent of damage and help the clean-up, with helicopters and planes deploying to restore infrastructure and supply emergency food, water and fuel.

A local resident wades into flood waters blocking the road between the townships of Airlie Beach and Proserpine after Cyclone Debbie hit the area in northern Queensland, located south of Townsville in Australia on March 29. (Reuters Photo)

Debbie has officially been declared a catastrophe by the Insurance Council of Australia, allowing claims from the disaster to be prioritised.

The economic cost to a region that relies heavily on farming is expected to be huge, with sugarcane crops hit hard and the cattle industry also impacted, officials said.

Producers in the Whitsunday area were planting winter vegetables and theyre expected to suffer heavy crop losses as well as infrastructure, crop and irrigation equipment damage, said Queenslands Rural Economic Development Minister Bill Byrne.

In the Mackay district, its understood that the cane fields at Proserpine, Mackay and Sarina have been flattened.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet his US counterpart Donald Trump at a resort in Florida during April 6-7 for the much anticipated first bilateral talks between the two leaders.

At the invitation of President Sauli Niinisto of the Republic of Finland and President Donald Trump of the United States of America, President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Finland from April 4 to 6, and he will meet with President Trump at Mar-a-lago, Florida, the US from April 6 to 7, foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a daily news brefing on Thursday.

The first meeting between Xi and Trump, who last month had a phone conversation, will take place against the backdrop of increasing tension over issues such as trade, North Korea and the disputes that China has with several maritime neighbours in the South China Sea.

Soon after taking over, Trump triggered criticism from China by having a phone conversation with the President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan, which Beijing sees as a breakaway region. Trump had even questioned the efficacy of the One-China policy.

But a phone conversation with Xi somewhat calmed bilateral nerves. Next weeks meeting is expected to further clear up the status of ties.

These bumps in the road have been mitigated due to comprehensive efforts by both sides through official, semi-official and non-official channels, and the Sino-US relationship has avoided conflict and crisis, An Gang, from Pangoal Institution, a Beijing-based think tank, told state-run Global Times tabloid.

For instance, due to concerns that Trump might launch a trade war, entrepreneurs like Alibaba chairman Jack Ma reached out (to the administration) via non-official channels, An said. Ma met Trump in New York on January 9.

It is widely expected that the upcoming meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump will redefine the Sino-US relationship. At present, there is a competitive relationship in certain industries, and how to deal with the industrial competition is a common problem faced by the two economies, the tabloid reported.
Islamic State militant group (IS) claimed responsibility on Thursday for two suicide attacks that killed at least 31 people in Damascus on March 15.

The group made the claim in its weekly online newspaper al-Nabaa.

The newspaper said the two suicide bombers, identified by the group as Abu Musa al Golani and Abu Firas al Shami, had killed and injured over one hundred people in two separate attacks.

The first attack was on a courthouse in central Damascus near the Old City and the second struck a popular restaurant in the al-Rabweh area of the capital.

Only a few days before these attacks, scores of people, most of them Iraqi Shia pilgrims, were killed in a double suicide attack in Damascus claimed by an alliance of jihadist groups known as Tahrir al-Sham.

Analysts expect that as jihadist rebels will increasingly turn to guerrilla attacks in territory controlled by the government as they suffer military setbacks in the campaigns to oust President Bashar al-Assad.

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T he bathroom is the focus of design this year, claims Christian Sieger of Sieger Design, the creative team behind the latest bathroom hardware from high-end brands Dornbracht and Duravit.

But its not just the brights that are changing. Wallpapers are reappearing on bathroom walls, surfaces are becoming tactile rather than hard and cold, while atmospheric lighting, demisting mirrors and quieter, more efficient ventilators are turning the bathroom into a sanctuary.

Designer Diego Grandis new Closer showerhead and tap and mixers fixture range, for Zucchetti, has a rubberised coating, so that contact is warmer and more comfortable. DH Liberty has created bathroom-rated lighting that is sleek, stylish and ideal over baths. West One Bathrooms, meanwhile, is offering a wallpaper range called Wet System that is ideal for steamrooms, thanks to a primer undersurface and a coated finish.

Ordinary wallpapers work, too. Lining the wall first and ensuring good ventilation is recommended by Farrow & Ball, which points out that, unlike tiles, wallpaper can be easily changed for a fresh new look.

86 a roll: Farrow & Balls Block Print Stripe wallpaper in BP754

Innovative, affordable products have surfaces that are easier to clean, and warmer composites. Antonio Lupis Flumood material, and Villeroy & Bochs TitanCeram ceramic mix mean sinks and baths are slimmer and lighter. Shower filters prevent chlorine inhalation mid-cleanse and hard water deposits.

Shower toilets are designed to increase comfort  they are a combination of conventional loo and a warm-water bidet  while new digital shower thermostats can be set via remote control before you enter the cubicle.

For smaller rooms, the Tubby Tub bath from The Albion Bath Company is just 4ft long, and the Japanese-style deep Omnitub, from 509, is a metre wide, while Eooss shower design for Duravit features a folding screen that moves to the side when not in use, saving space.

Taps and shower fittings in rose gold and brass metals warm up spaces small and large, and for a pop of colour and comfort underfoot use easy-wash polyester or wool rugs  fine for bathrooms, says designer Esti Barnes.

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The African Development Bank (AFDB) defines the "middle class" as a group of people that spends between $2 and $20 a day. This class is mushrooming globally, and its cumulative expenditure is a major contribution to the hospitality industry among other sectors.

According to the Institute for Security Studies European Union (EUISS), ESPASa, 2011, as quoted by Integreon Insight "The middle class will increase in influence as its ranks swell to 3.2 billion by 2020 and to 4.9 billion by 2030. The middle class will be the protagonist of the universal spread of information societies. Over the coming 20 years, the world will likely evolve from being predominantly poor to mostly middle class, though the change will be geographically uneven".

There lacks clear definition of the exact number of middle class in Africa, with some sources quoting more than 300 million and others approximately 18 million. Yet, AFDB estimates by 2060, there will be approximately 1.1 billion middle class Africans, making the continent one of the biggest beneficiaries of its budding middle class. This has been contributed by a vigorous private sector, infrastructural development, income parity across the employment divide as well as a bigger focus on education among Africans.

Besides, a McKinsey Global Institute analysis presented by Infinite Potentials Consulting, projects that by 2025, Africa's household consumer spending will reach US$2.1T, representing an increase of 45% from 2015. This presents promising business opportunities in a wide range of consumer-facing industries including hospitality. In one of my previous articles on Examining the State of Hotel Development in Africa, a rising middle class especially concentrated in urban areas is a contributor to the expansion of hotels in the continent. It is estimated that by 2030, Africa's top 18 cities are likely to have combined spending power of $1.3 trillion. This will prompt more Africans to travel, internationally and domestically.

Cyrus Onyiego, the country manager of Jumia Travel Kenya, notes that due to its growing disposable income, the middle class is increasingly demanding for personalized services. "This pushes service providers in the hospitality industry to provide customer facing solutions at all touch points".

Furthermore, the embracement of technology among the middle class is seen to develop its skills in the labor force. This in turn acts as an attractive feature for more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Africa, as investors seek to capitalize on an energetic and innovative lot in the hospitality industry, both in terms of manpower and expenditure.

While the impact of the rising middle class in Africa's hospitality industry is almost surely felt, some stakeholders in the sector have a lot of catching up to do; in matching up to the class' ever changing trends and requirements. For instance, embracing tech in their operations, hoteliers can easily create a distinguished experience for their customers.

In its 2016 report on Creating the Coveted Hotel Guest Experience, Oracle Hospitality emphasizes the impact technology, if well invested in and creatively used, can help hoteliers to uniquely engage each guest. The report further states that from providing improved booking with customized options, to faster check in/check out and mobile access to hotel services, technology contributes to customized attention and exceptional service that guests (largely comprised of the middle class), weary of mass commercialization, crave more than ever.
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Lil Uzi Verts XO Tour Llif3 took a few weeks to show up on streaming services despite being the #1 song on SoundCloud soon after its release. However, its arrival on Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal was not the celebration it should have been, as fans of Uzis perfectly messy vocal take were surprised to hear a new, cleaner edit. With millions of plays in its original SoundCloud form, making a significant change like that was bound to have a mixed reaction from listeners, and after a week, producer TM88 has agreed with fans, switching in Uzis beloved original vocal track on the Spotify and Apple Music versions. Original is better, he tweeted.

TM88 also made sure to retweet a couple of excited fans.

He also shared an interesting fact about the making of the Tour Llif3 beat, revealing that he used a Beats Pill as a speaker while writing the instrumental. He also said it was don just after the Fort Lauderdale terrorist attack in January.

Listen to XO Tour Llif3 on Spotify and Apple Music below.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia signed on Thursday a deal to establish a company to invest in Egyptian start-ups and small businesses with a Saudi grant of EGP 451 million, Egypt's international cooperation ministry announced in an official press release.

The deal was signed by investment minister Sahar Nasr and Saudi Arabia's Development Fund Director Hassan El-Attas.

The Egyptian Company for Entrepreneurships and Investments will be investing in growing businesses, business incubators and venture capital firms to support growth and economic development in Egypt.

The company will aim to fill in the funding gap for companies having trouble in obtaining all the financing they require.

Minister Nasr expressed her happiness with the signing of the deal, which she said comes in the framework of the strategic relationship between Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

According to the minister, the Saudi grant will be used to help aspiring investors and emerging projects, asserting the ministry's keenness on offering equal opportunities to all investors and providing them with technical and financial support.

Saudi representative Al-Attas said the deal should contribute to providing job opportunities for youth.

Saudi Arabia was one of several Gulf countries that provided the government of Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi with billions of dollars in aid shortly after El-Sisi's election in 2014.

The kingdom has also contributed with investments and deposits to prop up Egypts ailing economy, as well as resuming oil shipments by Saudi company Aramco this month after a five-month suspension.

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The first major line-up announcement has just been made!

Glastonbury has announced a sizable chunk of the acts who are descending on Worthy Farm from June 21-25 this year. Headlining turns include Radiohead, Ed Sheeran, Foo Fighters, The xx who are also on Electric Picnic duty, The National, Biffy Clyro, Katy Perry, Barry Gibb, Royal Blood, Stormzy and Chic.

There are also spots for Irish acts Annie Mac and Lisa Hannigan.

Here is our first Glastonbury Festival 2017 line-up poster (by @StanleyDonwood). Many more acts and attractions still to be announced! pic.twitter.com/TteFaUxQyy  Glastonbury Festival (@GlastoFest) March 30, 2017
Get the new issue for the exclusive interview with director Jim Sheridan, who tells Roe McDermott all about his adaptation of Sebastian Barry's novel The Secret Scripture.

In the latest issue of Hot Press, director Jim Sheridan talks about his lifelong work of documenting Irish stories on the silver screen. His latest project is the film adaptation of Sebastian Barry's novel The Secret Scripture, which premiered at ADIFF last month. As the script was written by Sheridan without much involvement from Barry, the author has expressed his criticism for the film. Sheridan responds, saying" I think really if you're a writer, you either need to let it do or do it yourself."

Sheridan doesn't shy away from topics such as the American political situation, the connection between movies and politics, and his work with the Home Sweet Home movement during their occupation of Apollo House.

You can Buy Hot Press 41-04 : Imelda May: Blood on the Tracks direct from hotpress.com



Or download the iOS app for iPad/iPhone

Or download the Android App

Watch the trailer for The Secret Scripture below.


Music

30 Mar 17

Stormzy has been let loose - and it started in Dublin
The Memorial Day weekend storms of 2015 dumped 12 inches of rain on Houston, causing massive flooding, turning roads into rivers and swamping thousands of area homes. Like many area businesses, the Omni Houston Hotel on Riverway shut down temporarily.

Once the floodwaters receded and the 378-room luxury hotel reopened, employees were called back to work. Except for Lia Presta, then age 87, who worked about 32 hours a week in the hotel's laundry department. When she asked her boss when she could return, Presta was told to just "rest," according to a lawsuit filed recently in U.S. District Court in Houston.

Nearly two years later, Presta is still at home. She pleaded for her job, the lawsuit said. Her family intervened on her behalf. But she never was called back to work.

Presta is charging that Omni Hotels Management Corp. discriminated against her because of her age, according to the lawsuit. She also accuses Omni of disability discrimination, alleging that hotel officials assumed she was disabled and therefore unable to operate new machinery installed at the hotel. The lawsuit did not specify the type of machinery.

"She was (and still is) able and willing to work," according to Presta's lawsuit.

Omni Hotels would not comment on the lawsuit. The company has not yet filed a response to the complaint in federal court.

Presta and her lawyer, Nitin Sud, declined to be interviewed.

Presta worked for the Omni Houston Hotel on Riverway for 35 years, mostly as a seamstress, but also in housekeeping and in the laundry department. But after the flood, Presta didn't hear anything about returning to work at the upscale hotel that hosts banquets, business conferences and weddings.

Presta's daughter called about her mother's employment situation three months after the flooding and was told by Omni human resources that Presta was "on call," according to court documents. Two months later, in November 2015, another human resources representative suggested that Presta should apply for unemployment benefits, even though Presta was not notified of any layoff, the lawsuit said.

Presta went to the Omni herself to ask about her job in February 2016. There, the human resources director allegedly said that new machinery installed by the hotel was too difficult for Presta to understand and suggested she apply for unemployment compensation benefits, according to the lawsuit. Presta did apply for the benefits.

Presta's daughter contacted Omni human resources again in June to ask if there was any possibility her mother could return to work. She was told, the lawsuit said, that "Presta was not in any condition to work."

Presta, now 88, is seeking back pay, compensation for mental anguish and emotional distress, and payment of attorneys fees, according to her lawsuit.

She also wants her job back.
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Flight attendants at Mesa Airlines, which operates United Express flights in Houston, moved one step closer to a strike with 99.56 percent of voting members favoring the picket line should negotiations continue to stall, their union announced Wednesday.

That's the highest "yes" vote for authorizing a strike that the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA has seen in more than 20 years.

"I hope this would show the company that they need to do better," Heather Stevenson, union president for Mesa, said Wednesday. "We don't want it to come to a strike. We just want what's fair. We just want what's right. We want a livable wage."

Mesa flight attendants typically make between $13,000 and $36,000 a year, she said, with most salaries on the lower end of that range. They're paid 15 to 20 percent less than flight attendants at other regional airlines, she added.

Negotiations, overseen by the National Mediation Board, are scheduled to continue next Wednesday, and flight attendants can't walk off the job unless the mediation board releases them.

If released, there will be a 30-day cooling-off period in which the union and company can continue negotiations. Flight attendants can go on strike at the end of that period if no agreement is reached.

"There's a whole slew of things that can happen going forward," said Michael Boyd, president of aviation consulting firm Boyd Group International. "But one of them, in the near term, is not a strike."

Boyd said authorizing a strike is part of the hardball process, but it's unlikely that flight attendants will walk off the job.

Jonathan Ornstein, chairman and CEO of Mesa, also doesn't expect the negotiations to culminate with a strike.

"We're going to continue to negotiate on good faith and come to an agreement that the company can afford," he said.

He cited two primary reasons for not meeting the union demands earlier. First, he said, are the fixed-rate contracts Mesa signed with United Airlines and American Airlines. He said the profit margin is less than 5 percent, and there isn't a provision allowing Mesa to pass the cost of pay raises to its partners.

Ornstein also cited recent legislation that boosted the flying time pilots are required to have before they can be hired in commercial aviation. Increasing the minimum to 1,500 hours has put a plug in the hiring pipeline, and Mesa's excess money has gone to recruiting new pilots.

While the pay for flight attendants at Mesa may not be the most attractive, he said the airline has other benefits: It's a fast-growing company with opportunities to quickly advance through seniority, new flight attendants spend shorter stints on reserve than they would at larger airlines, and Mesa has never furloughed a flight attendant.

Mesa also tries to provide more money to its employees whenever possible, he said, in terms of bonuses and other initiatives. If flight attendants share a hotel room, for instance, they get to keep the money that saves the company.

Reaching a contract agreement, he said, "takes reasonableness on both parties."

Phoenix-based Mesa Airlines operates as American Eagle from hubs in Phoenix and Dallas-Fort Worth and as United Express from Washington Dulles and Houston. It has more than 1,100 flight attendants, and about 440 of those are in Houston, its largest base.

United Airlines, whose flight attendants ratified a new contract last year, said it was monitoring the situation.

Stevenson, with the union, expects authorizing a strike will add pressure to negotiations.

"Hopefully, when we meet next week in Washington, D.C., on April 5, the company will take our position more seriously," she said.

In addition to increased pay, Stevenson said the flight attendants want better insurance coverage at a more reasonable price. They also want more flexibility. She said flight attendants don't have options that their counterparts at other airlines get to guarantee they won't be disciplined if they miss work for a family emergency.

If flight attendants ultimately do strike, it would not be a traditional one. The union instead implements CHAOS, Create Havoc Around Our System, where a strike could affect the entire system or a single flight. The union decides when, where and how to strike without notice to management or passengers.

"We're out of options," Stevenson said. "Five years of 'Please' and 'Thank you' and 'Could you do better?' hasn't done anything."
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Doctors are burning out in extraordinary numbers. Their fatigue is endangering patients, and their resignations are endangering our health care system.

More than 54 percent of doctors demonstrated at least one symptom of professional burnout compared to 45 percent of the working population, according to research by the Mayo Clinic. And while the average American's satisfaction with work-life balance has remained the same over the years, dissatisfaction among doctors has risen from 52 percent to 60 percent between 2011 and 2014.

The key factors are loss of control over work, more job performance evaluations, increased complexity, growing inefficiencies at their clinics and frustrating electronic health records.

RELATED: Tech companies blew their chance with health records

Professional burnout among physicians is a major problem for the American health care system. It leads to inefficiency and errors in the short term and forces doctors out of the industry in the long term. The percentage of doctors retiring early is spiking at the same time that younger doctors are choosing not to treat patients and pursue other forms of medicine.

After all, these are very smart, highly skilled people who can make money any number of ways, so why would they make themselves miserable?

Chief executives at major health care companies are so concerned about these disturbing trends that 11 of them have written an open letter to the industry calling for immediate action to make medicine a more satisfying vocation.

"Professional satisfaction for physicians is primarily driven by the ability to provide high-quality care to patients in an efficient manner," they wrote. "Dissatisfaction is driven by factors that impede this effort, including administrative and regulatory burdens, limitations of current technology, an inefficient practice environment, excessive clerical work, and conflicting payer requirements."

"As leaders, we must recognize burnout in physicians and other health care workers as a serious problem and respond vigorously," they added.

The CEOs promised to improve working conditions, demand better electronic health health record systems, decrease the amount of paperwork and work with doctors to increase their job satisfaction. Those are all good and welcome steps, but the problem goes beyond what the CEOs can do at their hospitals and practices.

RELATED: Pay doctors to maintain health, not treat illness

Lawmakers and policymakers need to stop assuming that doctors are trying to rip off government health programs before they are proven guilty of fraud. A minor clerical mistake should not lead Medicaid or Medicare to suspend payments to a doctor for months on end.

Insurance companies need to standardize their billing and approval processes. Doctors constantly complain to me about the complexity and confusion created by so many companies and plans having different filing requirements. Standardization could save the industry $7 billion.

And finally, patients need to follow their doctor's instructions. Every patient who ignores their physician and ends up needing additional treatment makes their doctor look bad, and in some cases, may take money out of their doctor's pocket.

Gone are the days where doctors are the best paid professionals. They are under intense pressure to lower costs and provide better care under a relentless tsunami of paperwork.

If we want our best and brightest to provide us with quality care in the future, we need to do something about doctor burnout, and we need to do it soon.
Waller County has offered Amazon a substantial tax incentive to build its 10th Texas distribution center in Katy, a move expected to create 1,000 full-time jobs packing and shipping online orders to consumers across Texas and the southern U.S.

The e-commerce giant on Wednesday unveiled plans to build the 1 million-square-foot facility on 80 acres just east of Woods Road and Interstate 10. It would be the second of its kind in the Houston area.

The announcement culminated months of negotiations among local officials banking on the project's economic potential. The city of Katy annexed the land for the facility earlier this month, and Waller County commissioners approved a tiered tax rebate deal for the company shortly afterward.

As part of the deal, the county will refund at least 50 percent of the taxes Amazon pays on the facility if the combined value of its property and inventory exceeds $100 million. The agreement requires the company to employ at least 800 people there and hold an annual job fair.

The 20-year deal is the first of its kind for Waller County, which traditionally has offered shorter-term tax abatements in its efforts to entice companies.

"There's no other deal that compares to this," County Judge Trey Duhon said. "This is Amazon, and when you have a Fortune 100 company, it's a whole different ball game."

Duhon said that in recent years the county has offered three or four incentive packages annually and bases them on job creation, land improvements and other measurements of economic impact.

An analysis by the Greater Houston Partnership valued the forthcoming Amazon center's annual economic impact at nearly $200 million. It's expected to generate about $500,000 a year in tax revenue after rebates. Bob Harvey, president and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership, described that in a statement as "yet another substantial investment" locally by Amazon.

The retailer already secured tax breaks in Harris County to build a fulfilment center in the Pinto Business Park at the southwest corner of Interstate 45 and Beltway 8. Commissioners last year granted the company a 10-year tax break expected to save it nearly $180,000 annually.

Amazon is investing $136 million in that facility, an 855,000-square-foot warehouse expected to open later this year. The company also operates a sorting center in Humble, as well as a separate, rapid-delivery Prime Now hub in the area.

Amazon hasn't yet announced when it expects to open the Katy facility. Amazon spokeswoman Ashley Robinson said in an email that the company's decision to build there was influenced by a number of factors, including proximity to areas of high demand.

"We want to make sure a fulfillment center is placed as close to the customer as possible to ensure we can offer a great Prime service and fast shipping speeds to customers," she said.

She said the company has no further plans for the Houston area at this time.

Amazon has grown at a breakneck pace in recent years, exploding from 30,000 U.S. employees in 2011 to more than 180,000 at the end of 2016. Earlier this year, it unveiled plans to boost its domestic work force by more than a third by hiring 100,000 full-time U.S. workers in an 18-month period.

Much of the company's recent growth has been in Texas. During the last three years, it has opened seven fulfillment centers in the state that now employ more than 10,000 full-time workers.

"This says more about the growth of Amazon than anything about the growth of Houston," University of Houston economist Bill Gilmer said.
Just as he pledged on the campaign trail, President Donald Trump is attempting to rewrite the rules that govern trade between the U.S and its neighbors. But he's finding, as he has on health care and immigration, that making consequential changes is harder than promising them.

The set of rules in question is the 23-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, which Trump called the "worst trade deal maybe signed anywhere." But the White House only yesterday circulated a draft of the notice that must be issued to Congress 90 days before any talks can begin, and the changes proposed in it are relatively minor.

"We're all scratching our heads as to what exactly they might do," says Tony Bennett, president of the Texas Association of Manufacturers. "How do you try to fix something that ain't broke?"

Any potential overhaul has perhaps the largest consequences for Texas, which depends heavily on trade with Mexico, both as a market for the state's goods and as a source of labor-intensive components for higher-end products. Over the past few months, Trump has talked about imposing a 20 percent border tax or ditching NAFTA altogether.

Trump's deputies, however, have softened their rhetoric somewhat recently. National Trade Council chairman Peter Navarro said this month that he wanted North America to become a regional manufacturing "powerhouse," a reassuring signal to the multinational companies that have used the rules to construct complex, integrated supply chains that move parts, products and finished goods across borders.

Accordingly, the draft notice to Congress contains no hint of the extreme measures that Trump proposed on the campaign trail, sticking instead to procedural improvements and new chapters for sectors that didn't really exist in the 1990s, such as computers.

Included on the list: Promises that the administration will seek to reduce barriers to trade such as redundant regulations, strengthen remedies for violations of investors' rights, improve customs operations, beef up intellectual property protections, allow for the cross-border flow of data, limit the activity of state-owned enterprises, and make labor and environmental protections enforceable under the same terms as the rest of the deal.

Ironically, many of the potential tweaks were written into the 13-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal with Asia, which Trump slammed on the campaign trail and kiboshed in his first few days in office.

"The sense is that we're not moving towards these draconian measures, or blowing up NAFTA, or anything like that," says Christopher Wilson, deputy director of the Mexico Institute at the Wilson Center, a Washington think tank. "I think we're headed to a long, small negotiation."

Any attempts to drastically restrict trade would have run into a firewall of Texas lawmakers who hold key positions in Congress, such as Senator John Cornyn, the Senate majority whip, and House Ways and Means Committee chairman Kevin Brady of the Woodlands, who have made clear that any changes to NAFTA should expand rather than curtail trade.

Mexico itself is unlikely to agree to anything that would be damaging to its economy or its national pride  especially while the Trump administration is also pursuing other initiatives Mexicans dislike, such as deporting undocumented immigrants and building a wall on the border. But it may not object to the more minor changes proposed in the administration's draft notice, since Mexico was already on board with the TPP, which served the purpose of updating NAFTA for the twenty first century.

Still, Al Zapanta, president of the U.S-Mexico Chamber of Commerce, doesn't expect the negotiations to move quickly.

"I do not think the whole discussions on NAFTA will be for another six months," Zapanta says. "There will be meeting, there will be positioning, but when you look at the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, their focus was on immigration and border security."

Basic questions around the negotiations still remain, such as whether Canada will be a part of them.

As the process grinds forward, companies that depend on NAFTA have made it clear to their elected officials how much the trade deal matters to them. Mexican officials are pleading with Texas' state legislators to support the trade deal that binds the two economies together. One politician has been oddly quiet: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who has said very little about trade while strongly supporting Trump on those immigration and border security issues.

His office did not respond to a request for comment from, but in an interview with economic development trade journal Site Selection this month, he expressed confidence that the president wouldn't do anything that would harm the state.

"If policies were implemented that would be bad for trade and hurt jobs, he wouldn't do it, because that would cause him to fail in his goal," Abbott said. "We can improve on NAFTA in ways that will be beneficial to Texas and the US on the one hand and Mexico on the other."
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Phylicia Rashad will always be connected to her role as Clair Huxtable on the 1980s hit sitcom "The Cosby Show."

That's OK, she says.

But there's so much more to her life story, like growing up in Houston as the daughter of Pulitzer Prize-nomiated poet Vivian Ayers and the late Dr. Andrew Allen, a Houston dentist. Rashad will never forget the rich memories of her childhood, performing at the Alley Theatre and hearing classical music at Miller Outdoor Theatre, long before she became everyone's beloved TV mother.

The Tony Award-winning and three-time Emmy-winning actress returns to her hometown to perform with the Houston Symphony at Jones Hall on Friday and Saturday. Rashad will be the narrator for Beethoven's politically charged opera "Fidelio," about a devoted wife who disguises herself as a man to rescue her imprisoned husband.

Rashad talked with the Chronicle about her Houston roots, her role on Fox's hit show "Empire" and what's next on her bucket list.

Q: Why did you want to do this performance with the Houston Symphony?

A: I grew up in Houston, and part of our activities as children was an annual trip to the music hall to hear the Houston Symphony play. That was a big deal. In fact, my brother conducted the Houston Symphony when he was 11. So to be invited to come back to Houston and engage with the orchestra for this performance is quite an honor.

Q: Did you have visions of being on stage when you were a girl?

More Information 'Fidelio' Featuring: music director Andres Orozco-Estrada, Phylicia Rashad, the Houston Symphony and the Houston Symphony Chorus Chamber Choir When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday Where: Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana Details: Tickets start at $25 at houstonsymphony.org or 713-224-7575 See More Collapse

A: It was obvious the arts would be my career path, although I did consider becoming a pediatrician at one time. But by the age of 11, it was clear to me this is what I would do. I was allowed to pursue math and science studies offered at my high school. I'm so grateful for that because all students are not being afforded this opportunity today (for a well-rounded education).

Q: What do you think about the state of arts education today?

A: I think, overall, education is a crucial issue right now. Not only that, there are other issues, like the standards of education, the standards of excellence, the expectation of students, the training of teachers and the support of teachers to allow them to be creative in their teaching and not just teaching for tests. Teaching is about developing young minds. That's the real gift of education.

I'm a very concerned about where education is going right now because I benefited from a well-rounded education. I had a great education, and I know that every person deserves that.

Q: You've also had such a vibrant theater career. Is that home for you?

A: Theater is home, and my work in theater didn't begin with Broadway productions. Actually, it began with small productions in community theater in Houston, Texas, as a matter of fact, at the Alley Theatre as a student, then, later, at Howard University (where she graduated).

Q: Besides the Alley Theatre, what other fond memories do you have about growing up in Houston?

A: Oh, my father's dental office. I loved being there. When I was a teen, he hired me to be his receptionist in the summer. I enjoyed that. I have very fond memories of my father's colleagues. I remember the Charles A. George Dental Society (for African-American dentists) and the annual dental picnic, which was usually on my birthday. They'd serve the barbecue, baked beans and salad. It was fun. I have very fond memories of walking home from Turner Elementary and fond memories of the hilly park. (Parkwood Park, for which Beyonce named her athleisurewear.)

Q: Did you ever go to Miller Outdoor Theatre?

A: Oh, yes! We would go there to hear live music almost every night. The Museum of Fine Arts was a haven because it was so hot (outside) and it was air-conditioned.

Q: So if you went to Miller Theatre, you had to go the Houston Zoo, right?

A: There was a pond across from the zoo. There was a stone structure like a water fall, where the water would filter down. One day, I got the bright idea to take my shoes off and walk across that stone structure. I stepped down and fell into that pond. I was grabbing onto the steps. (Laughter.)

I remember hearing Duke Elllington perform downtown. I have so many fond memories.  My teachers at Jack Yates (High School), and we had the most incredible band. I was a drum majorette my senior year. It was a great time.

Q: When you were a teenager, your mother moved the family to Mexico City for a while. What was that like?

A: It was an adjustment. I didn't have any friends. I didn't speak Spanish. I knew nothing about the city, but it was an adventure and opened a world of possibilities. I discovered things about myself and capacities within myself I had never considered. I didn't really consider I had the capacity for foreign language. That's something one might not consider. But not only did I continue to study Spanish, I continued to study French and Portuguese, as well.

Q: Did living in the segregation era in the U.S., impact your experience in Mexico?

A: You must remember, segregation in this country was legal and institutionalized. It had been that way all of my life living in Houston. But within our community, I didn't feel like I was missing anything because we had a community that cared about its members. But in an international city like Mexico City, the world was very big and large, and that was quite an experience. So I began to think of myself as a global citizen at the age of 13.

Q: Your daughter (Condola Rashad) is a Tony-nominated actress. Do you give her advice?

A: She grew up watching me and with me at work. She absorbed so much of theater and theater practice. She understands the work and has an excellent work ethic. I'm really pleased with that. We have conversations, of course. We talk about things. I don't give her too much advice, except sometimes I tell her not to be so outspoken, but that's youth. Young people are like that. They will tell exactly what they're thinking whether you want to hear it or not.

Q: You weren't like that, were you?

A: Oh, yes (Big laugh).

Q: Do you and your sister (Debbie Allen) talk and collaborate much?

A: We talk all of the time. All of the time. We talk about everything. We have collaborated on so many things. We did two of the films with Disney TV. We did "Old Settler" with PBS. We did "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" on Broadway and in London when she was directing. We've collaborated on a few things and will collaborate on a few more before it's done.

Q: What's it like to be a part of Fox's hit series, "Empire?"

A: It's incredible and the best experience. So much laughter and so much fun. Everyone there is great. I worked with Terrence Howard before, and I knew Taraji P. Henson from her time at Howard University. I knew Jussie Smollett during his adolescent years. So to come back and work with them and meet the cast members who I have not met before, it was all the way live. Every moment of it was all the way live.

Q: There seems to be more ethnic diversity in TV and the arts. Are we in a good place now?

A: Art is always transforming and always growing. That's what makes it art. We are doing better, but we can do better. Much better.

Q: Do people still talk with you about "The Cosby Show?"

A: There are so many people, black, white and otherwise, who express gratitude for "The Cosby Show." I hear that over and over all across the world. So many people are appreciative for that show because of what it did in terms of showing humanity.
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Two brothers have been arrested for their suspected involvement in a weekend shooting that left two dead and four others in critical condition, including a former "America's Next Top Model" contestant.

Investigators on Tuesday charged 28-year-old Jeremy Jones with capital murder and 34-year-old Harvey Jones with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to court documents.

The pair turned themselves in to authorities late Wednesday night in connection with a shooting that happened Sunday at the Haverstock Hills apartment complex, which has a history of being a breeding ground for crime and gang activity. The brothers are being held in the Harris County Jail without bail.

Sam Cammack, one of Jeremy Jones' attorneys for an ongoing, unrelated case disputed witness' statements that led to the brothers' arrests.

Jeremy Jones was 15 to 20 miles away from Haverstock Hills during the shooting, Cammack said.

The sister of the Jones brothers, also listed in court documents as being at the complex at the time, was likely away at work, Cammack added.

"There are a lot of inconsistencies in there," Cammack said of the witness statements. "And rightfully so. There was a lot of chaos going on at that scene that afternoon."





Cammack has been contacted by Joneses' family, he said. He and another attorney at his firm, Brandon Cammack, are considering representing both brothers for this case, Cammack said.

The shooting began when Harvey Jones' common law wife who lives in the Haverstock Hills complex, Jacqueline Brown, got in a spat with the victims. She was angry that people were loitering outside of her apartment, according to court documents.

The Jones brothers and their sister arrived at the complex moments later in a car. After both brothers threatened the victims and bystanders with a gun, possibly an AR-15, Jeremy Jones began to shoot into the crowd, according to court documents.

Prosecutors allege Jeremy Jones targeted the six victims intentionally with the weapon, instead of firing at random.

Christopher Beatty and Gary Wayne Rusher  the brother of the "Top Model" contestant  died in the gunfire. Arthur Larkin, Ty'bra Baptiste, "Top Model" contestant Brandy Rusher and her other brother, Isiah Rusher were wounded.

Beatty's brother, Sean Beatty, lived in the complex at the time of the shooting. Larkin, who was the Rushers' in-law, was also a resident.

The Jones brothers had remained at large for two days after their charges were filed on Tuesday.

The sheriff's office declined to clarify whether the sister of the Jones brothers is also wanted in the case.
Two students at the Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan were arrested Monday after allegedly filming a classmate in the men's restroom, according to a letter the school sent to parents. Both students of the magnet middle school were charged with improper photography or visual recording, a felony.

Principal Jyoti Malhan wrote that the video was circulated among some students on social media. The incident was reported to school administrators on Monday, who notified the Houston ISD Police Department.
WASHINGTON - Ricardo Pineda was hesitant to wear his uniform. Two years had passed since he had served in the Army. Then again, so much was at stake, and the disabled veteran knew the uniform would leave no confusion about who he was: a man who had been willing to die for this country and now needed help to keep his family living in it.

Pineda straightened the nameplate on his dress blues one day last month and entered a room in the Rayburn House Office Building, where he took a seat at a wooden table with members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. His wife, Veronica Castro, stood behind him in a red blouse, and next to her, with his hair buzzed military short like his father's, sat their son Juan, a 17-year-old who suffered brain damage during heart surgery as a toddler.

When Pineda's turn came to speak, he told the lawmakers about his family's precarious situation.

On April 4, Castro will walk into an Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Baltimore, and she doesn't know if she will be allowed to return home to her husband and their four children, who are all U.S. citizens.

Castro, who twice entered the country illegally from Mexico, has faced these check-ins since 2011. But this one is different, she said. This is the 38-year-old's first appointment with ICE since the inauguration of President Donald Trump, whose aggressive stance on illegal immigration has widened the pool of those vulnerable to deportation, making the routine check-ins that thousands of immigrants face each year feel more fraught - even for a military veteran's wife.

"I totally depend on my wife, 100 percent," Pineda, 47, told the lawmakers. "My son totally depends on her."

After the meeting, some of the caucus's members posted support for military families on social media. Several, including Reps. RaAl Grijalva and Ruben Gallego, both Arizona Democrats, have introduced legislation in the House that would help prevent the deportation of service members convicted of certain crimes and permit some to return to the United States. But none of the proposals would help their relatives.

Pineda left the meeting with little hope, he said. Although he had been a soldier for six years and had dressed the part that day, he didn't know whether this was a fight he could win.

***

It is unclear how many veterans or their relatives have been deported or are in deportation proceedings. ICE officials said they don't keep track.

But one deported veteran, Hector Barajas-Varela, runs a small shelter called "The Bunker" in Tijuana, Mexico, for others who have lost the right to live in the United States because of drug convictions or other crimes. Although he has housed 20 deported veterans since 2013, Barajas said he has made contact with a total of 311 who have been returned to 36 countries.

Emma Lozano, a Chicago church pastor, began helping service members and their families with deportation cases three years ago after she noticed men in U.S. military uniforms during a trip to Mexico. She attended the Congressional Hispanic Caucus meeting on Feb. 7 and plans to return to Washington on April 4 for Castro's ICE check-in.

"It's just so blatantly wrong," Lozano said. "Everywhere you go, they're talking about we have to honor our veterans. Then they are doing this to veterans and military families."

Lozano has fought to keep Miguel Perez Jr., who served two tours of duty in Afghanistan and suffered a brain injury in an explosion there, from being deported. In 2010, Perez was convicted of selling more than two pounds of cocaine. This month, an immigration judge in Chicago ordered the father of two U.S.-born children to be removed to Mexico, the country he left when he was 8. Perez is appealing the deportation order.

Sarah Rodriguez, a spokeswoman for ICE, said the agency "respects the service and sacrifice of those in military service, and is very deliberate in its review of cases involving veterans." At the same time, she said, the law requires ICE to detain and deport anyone convicted of aggravated felonies.

Trump has vowed to ramp up deportations, especially of people convicted of crimes: "We're getting really bad dudes out of this country, and at a rate that nobody's ever seen before."

Castro's attorney, Joshua Doherty, who works for the nonprofit group Ayuda, said the enforcement changes under Trump have made it much more ambiguous whether an immigration officer will take into consideration Castro's role as a military wife and the mother of two children with disabilities. In addition to Juan, the couple's 14-year-old son Kevin has cerebral palsy.

Doherty said on the day of her appointment, Castro could be sent on her way and told to call if she moves; she could be given her next check-in date; she could be ordered to come back later with her bags packed for Mexico; or she could be detained on the spot.

Asked about Castro's situation, ICE officials said deportation decisions are made on "a case-by-case basis."

If his wife gets deported, Pineda said he has decided to move the entire family to Mexico, even as he worries about the consequences. He knows Juan will need more heart surgeries as he grows and wouldn't receive the same medical services there. The couple's other children, who don't speak fluent Spanish and know little about Mexico, are showing signs of depression. Ivan, 19, and Emily, 11, barely speak. Kevin recently asked his parents to renew his expired passport in case someone "tries to kick him out."

"I think there should be some humanity," Pineda said. "I swore to protect this nation and asking for a little bit of protection for my family, I don't think that is too much to ask for."

'Ineligible for any relief'

Pineda apologizes before guests walk through the front door of the family's mobile home in Lothian, Maryland.

When he received an honorable discharge for medical reasons in 2014, the family had to leave its five-bedroom house at Fort Belvoir in northern Virginia. The trailer and lot is all they can afford on Pineda's $2,250-a-month veteran's benefits, he said. Their three sons share a bedroom, the fire detector goes off every time the dryer is on, and each room is filled with reminders of repairs Pineda can no longer easily make: a curtain standing in for a bathroom door, a broken shower, bowed floorboards outside the front door.

Pineda was a carpenter before he was a soldier. Now, he can't wield a hammer without pain. He cracked the bone at the base of his thumb during a combat training exercise in Richmond, Virginia, and a surgery left him with limited ability to move that finger.

"This is the most important finger of all," Pineda said, pointing his thumb upward. "This is what makes us different from monkeys."

Pineda was 39 when he joined the army, older than most recruits but healthy enough to pass all the medical tests and compete with men half his age in boot camp. Now, he takes a half-dozen medications a day and has appointments at VA medical centers twice a week. Sometimes for his hand. Other times for diabetes and depression.

He was stationed in South Korea for more than a year and said the stress wore on his health. He not only had to worry about the threat in front of him but also what could go wrong back home. Juan landed in the hospital four times during his father's deployment. Castro, unable to get a Virginia driver's license because of her immigration status, pushed their son's wheelchair about 30 minutes each way from their home to the grocery store.

"I kept thinking if my husband is carrying a backpack with a rifle, I can do this," she said in Spanish.

Ret. Sgt. Major Gabriel Berhane, who was Pineda's commanding officer at Fort Belvoir, said he was disappointed to see Pineda leave the Army.

"I can't say enough good things about him," he said. "Always, you could count on him, regardless what the task, what the mission was, he'd give it 100 percent plus."

Berhane, who works at the Pentagon, said he knows other soldiers who were not U.S. citizens. He was one of them. Born in Ethiopia, he had a green card when he enlisted and was a staff sergeant when he gained his citizenship.

Immigrants with permanent residency are eligible to join the military, and about 18,700 on average were serving on active duty between 2010 and 2016, according to the Defense Department.

Pineda gained his green card in 1986 and became a U.S. citizen two months after enlisting.

While serving, he applied for his wife and their two oldest children, who were born in Mexico, to receive parole in place, which allows relatives of military members to apply for legal status while remaining in the country. He thought their approval would be automatic, but he was wrong.

His sons' requests were granted, and they eventually gained citizenship.

His wife's was denied. A 2011 letter from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services stated the reason: "a fraudulently obtained Border Crossing Card." It also informed her that the order of removal originally entered against her was being reinstated and that she was "ineligible for 'any relief' under the immigration laws."

Castro said she was given the border crossing card, which allows Mexican citizens limited travel in the United States, by a woman she paid to help her enter the country in 1998. Pineda was living in California at the time, and Castro had hoped to join him with their 1-year-old son, Ivan. After she was caught by Border Patrol agents and sent back to Guadalajara, Castro said she planned to stay there permanently and see her husband whenever he came to visit.

Then two years later, Juan was born.

***

Juan was 3 months old when Castro looked at him one night and noticed his eyes crossing and his mouth turning purple. She took him to doctors and eventually learned that he had a transposition of the great arteries in his heart and needed surgery.

"The doctor said if you have the ability to take him to the United States, take him," Pineda said. "It was life or death."

Pineda, then a member of the carpenters union, had insurance to pay for the surgery. So the family handed Juan to strangers who took him across the border using another child's birth certificate, and Castro walked with Ivan, then 3, nearly 20 hours, drinking at one point from an animal trough when they ran out of water.

At 3, Juan received his first surgery at a northern Virginia hospital. Pineda doesn't like to talk about those months his son spent in a hospital bed. He said the toddler could talk and walk before the surgery, but after an allergic reaction to the anesthesia he was left with brain damage, unable to speak or move much of his body.

He was 8 when he began taking steps on his own again and now uses a walker at times to get around. On a recent afternoon, he pushed it down the hallway of his private school, the Linwood Center, which took him in 2015 after his public high school said it no longer could meet his needs.

At the time, he would hurt others and himself, take off his clothes at inappropriate times and could communicate only by spelling out letters with his fingers, Linwood behavior analyst Erika Greszler said. Now, his challenging behavior has decreased and he's "a talker," she said. He uses an electronic tablet to communicate, calling it his "voice" by forming a V with his fingers and pointing to his throat.

Greszler said she thinks that if his mother is deported it "would be devastating to his progress." Castro is the parent who calls the school when he is sick or to check on his development. She's also the one who helps him shower, brushes his teeth and meets him each afternoon at the bus stop.

Juan sat next to her on a March afternoon outside a Washington church, pressing his shoulder into hers. They'd come to an immigration rights rally being staged by people from more than 60 different congregations. Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders spoke about the need for solidarity, and when Castro's turn at the microphone came she explained why she needed their support.

"My family would be destroyed if I'm not here to take care of them," she said.

Afterward, she and Pineda, along with two of their children, marched with the crowd toward the White House, comforted in part by a promise made to them. Members of those congregations plan to go to Baltimore on April 4 and wait alongside the family to learn Castro's fate.

***

CalleHouston@chron.com
Lynn Lane

This Friday, Houston Grand Opera and the Asia Society host a talk on Asian representation in the arts. The panel is, essentially, a response to my review of HGOs production of Nixon in China, in which I criticized the opera for yellowface and stereotypical portrayals of Chinese people.

The review drew countless reactions. Houston-based music educator Sherry Cheng wrote a rebuttal. Dallas Morning News opera critic Scott Cantrell made a similar argument. And emotional comments regarding race and representation poured into Facebook, Twitter and my flooded inbox.
AUSTIN -- The House Committee on Appropriations on Wednesday unanimously approved a two-year, $218.2 billion budget as a substitute for the Senate's leaner proposal, touching off a dispute with the Senate over whose budget is better.

HB 1 now heads to the full House for a vote with contrasts to the $217.7 Senate proposal, which the upper chamber approved earlier this week.

House appropriators want to spend $2.5 billion from the Rainy Day Fund in their budget, leaving a $9.4 billion balance. That decision has touched off a public fight between House and Senate budget writers about whether they should dip into the state's savings account.

On Wednesday, Chairman John Zerwas, a Republican from Katy, took a swipe at the Senate, which signed off on a maneuver that would delay until 2020 the transfer of $2.5 billion for transportation funding that voters approved in 2015.

"This budget does not rely on budget gimmickry that puts the state's investment in transportation at risk," he said. "The budget balances by cutting spending, prioritizing critical items and using a modest amount of (the Rainy Day Fund), for the exact purpose for which it is created."

The House budget includes $106.7 billion in state revenues, compared with the Senate budget that spends $106.3 billion, with the rest coming from investment income and federal funds. State revenues are generally a measuring stick for state spending.

After the House substituted its budget for the Senate plan, as expected Senate budget writers responded to Zerwas' swipe by saying that the House budget contains "accounting maneuvers," as well.

Insisting she wants to avoid "a war of words" with the House over differences between the two budgets, Sen. Jane Nelson, the Senate's chief budget writer, took exception to characterizations in some news reports that the Senate plan cut $2.5 billion in transportation funding and significantly whacked funds for public and higher education.

"We are trying to make this budget work," Nelson said.

She also challenged a statement by House Speaker Joe Straus last week that the Senate budget involved "cooking the books," something akin to the infamous Enron financial scandal in 2001. "This is the Texas Legislature. We are not Enron," she said.

As for accounting maneuvers, a fact sheet circulated in the Senate on Wednesday states the House budget removes $1 billion from Medicaid funding for "federal flexibility" without providing detail on the savings, and removes $500 million from several state agencies due to "better contracting."

The House also increases funding for education by $1.5 billion only if state law is changed to delay a payment of $1.9 billion to the Foundation School Program and if the Rainy Day Fund is tapped for $2.5 billion for ongoing costs, according to the document.

"The House is 'borrowing' money to increase spending,"the Senate document cl;aims. "This will create a hole in the base budget next session and is not sustainable."

Despite the Senate criticism, House leaders have insisted their spending blueprint is superior to the Senate's because it more fully funds key state programs and services.
AUSTIN  A controversial bill to prohibit state and local governments from deducting union dues from employees' paychecks was tentatively approved Wednesday by the Texas Senate after a divisive, partisan debate.

The Republican author, Sen. Joan Huffman of Houston, denied the measure was anti-union or was designed to target a historical source of support for Democrats, even though she acknowledged that Republican primary voters overwhelmingly support the change.

Police, firefighter and emergency medics' organizations are exempted from the ban, after those groups had threatened to kill the bill if they were covered the same as teacher groups, labor unions and other employee associations.

Groups not exempted will have to collect dues on their own, a move that some have said will be cumbersome and expensive. Those groups include organizations representing correctional officers, CPS workers and teachers, among others.

A similar bill failed to pass two years ago.

"People can voluntarily join employee unions and organizations, but government should have no official role," said Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, the author of the bill. "My response to people who say they feel passionately about belonging to these organizations is that they can still join those organizations through other means . . . very, very easily by other means."

In an era of automatic debit and other electronic means that Texans now use on their own to pay bills and make contributions, Huffman said the automatic payroll deduction no is longer essential.

Similar bans on state and local governments from collecting dues have been approved in many other states, she said.

Without providing specifics, Huffman said union associations have used their dues to support "harassment of businesses" and use dues money for political lobbying, citing a campaign where union dues are being used to hire former Attorney General Eric Holder, a Democrat, to fight redistricting.

"The idea that we're taking some right away is not correct," she said."This is just trying to take the government out of the business of collecting these dues."

Under current law, public employees can authorize one or more monthly deductions from their salary or wages to pay membership fees to eligible employee organizations.

"Why is it okay to do this (without dues) for some folks but not for other folks?" asked Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin.

Huffman said first responders are exempt because they "have not been known to use their dues to harass employers."

"This is a political issue. Let's call a spade a spade," said Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas.

Huffman responded: "It's a public policy issue ... The concept of collecting union dues is causing problems."

After more than two hours of debate, the Senate approved Senate Bill 13. The vote was 20-11, along party lines.

A final Senate vote is necessary before the measure goes to the House, where unions and other organizations say they will try to derail Huffman's bill.
A Shady Acres couple pleaded guilty to hiding a $1 million online spending spree for high-end clothes, furniture and electronics by billing the purchases to the man's employer.

Bradley David Freitas pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and Loren Elizabeth Freitas, entered a plea Friday to conspiracy to commit mail fraud.

Over a five-year period ending in 2014, Bradley Freitas admitted to stealing $1,009,634.45 from Orion Real Estate Services Inc. in Houston, in some instances with his wife's help.

THEFT: Ex-Congressman Stockman accused of stealing $775,000 from foundations, federal court records say

Among the items they purchased were an expensive Gucci purse and wallet, Bruno Magli shoes, a dining room table, watches and electronics, which the husband invoiced as routers, software, office supplies and laptops, according to court documents.

The couple admitted purchasing the items, then reselling them on eBay or other ways for personal profit.

During several years as IT director at the real estate firm, Bradley Freitas admitted he covered up unauthorized purchases from Amazon, NewEgg and CDW by indicating the items were needed for his department.

Kevin Fulton, attorney for Freitas' former employer, now called the Allied Orion Group, said the company caught on to the fake invoices during a routine auditing process.

HEIST: Galleria burglars caught on camera stealing $190,000 in luxury watches

"It was unfortunate that a person of trust decided to betray that trust for their own personal gain," Fulton said. "The positive thing is the accounting systems in place made it possible for the company to pick up on what Mr. Freitas was doing and it enabled them to compile enough evidence so he pleaded guilty rather than have him face a trial."

He said a civil lawsuit against Freitas for breach of his fiduciary duties, will move forward after the federal criminal case comes to a close.

Bradley Freitas' lawyer, Peter Joseph Bray, of the federal public defender's office, declined to comment on the case. His client faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

NOT SO HEROIC: Former DA investigator convicted of stealing evidence in comic book caper

U.S. District Judge Sim Lake set Bradley Freitas' sentencing for July 21.

Loren Freitas helped her husband make decisions about what to purchase and mailing the items to their customers via FedEx or UPS. She faces a maximum of five years in prison at her sentencing June 14.

Her attorney, Richard Kuniansky, called the case "a most unfortunate situation."

"She got wrapped up into something that was stupid on her part, and she very much regrets what she did," he said. "She had an extremely limited role in this. She didn't work at the company and she didn't take anything. Unfortunately, she assisted in mailing some stuff."

Kuniansky said his client is hoping for leniency from the judge. She has two young children with special needs, and she will be asking for home confinement, so she can care for them.

The couple remains free on bond.
Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo promoted eight captains and seven assistant chiefs to his command staff Wednesday, a move law enforcement veterans say is one of the biggest leadership turnovers in the department's history.

The promotions come as part of a dramatic shift within the department after an exodus of most of its command staff brought on by impending pension reform that could affect retirement.

"We're promoting people today because they have proven and demonstrated through their careers ... that they come to work everyday not for self, but for the mission... to make a difference," Acevedo said, at the hour-long promotion ceremony at the Houston Police Academy in north Houston.

The seven people promoted to assistant chief are Wendy E. Baimbridge, Lori A. Bender, William Dobbins, Henry J. Gaw, James G. Jones, Larry J. Satterwhite, Jr. and Bruce D. Williams.

Acevedo also promoted eight lieutenants to captain: Craig H. Bellamy, Ernest Garcia III, Tinsley R. Guinn-Shaver, Megan E. Howard, Pete Lopez, Belinda G. Null, Paula K. Read and Salam Q. Zia. The department also recently announced the impending promotion of three other lieutenants.

All told, the department has seen a complete turnover at the executive assistant chief level and the assistant chief level with the exception of one holdover from Acevedo's recent predecessors.

At the captain's rank - just under assistant chief - about 30 percent of the 43 positions have turned over since October.

The wave of change is unprecedented but should not cause problems for HPD's operations, law enforcement veterans said.

"We have so many qualified people with a wealth of institutional knowledge that we won't miss a beat," said Joseph Gamaldi, a vice president of the Houston Police Officers Union.

The assistant chiefs will now oversee a raft of new responsibilities that go with the new positions: overseeing operations in the department's three patrol regions, and its investigations, support and homeland security commands.

Acevedo assumed the post in December from Acting Police Chief Martha Montalvo, who stepped in after Chief Charles A. McClelland's resignation early last year.

McClelland said during his tenure, the department usually lost an assistant chief every few years.

"The department has never experienced this type of turnover, ever," he said, expressing confidence in the new leaders but warning that they face a "steep learning curve."

Perhaps one of the most challenging elements of their job will be to motivate their subordinates, he said, before imparting a quick piece of advice.

"Influence is the ability to get someone to follow you, because they believe in you, they trust you, they understand your vision," he said. "Expand your sphere of influence."
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NEW BRAUNFELS - The fellowship at the senior retreat at Alto Frio Baptist Camp and Conference Center had been rewarding.

The meals were good. The testimonies touched everyone. The weather of the scenic Texas Hill Country was fantastic.

Then came time to leave Wednesday afternoon, and most of the 65 members of the choir group from First Baptist Church of New Braunfels got into their various cars and began the 130-mile trek back home, recounted Caroline Deavors, who was on the retreat.

But not everyone had a car, she said, so 14 church members got onto the church's small bus, driven by semi-retired middle school math teacher Murray Barrett.

Deavors had a car and had a passenger with her.

"They were right behind us," Deavors said. "They left right after we did."

As she and her passenger headed south on U.S. 83, they saw a string of ambulances go by but didn't think much about it.

It wasn't until she got home that she learned about the tragedy that had taken place behind her: Barrett and 12 bus passengers were killed when authorities said the driver of a Dodge pickup crossed the center line and hit the bus head-on about 30 miles north of Uvalde.

The driver of the truck was taken to University Hospital; he was in stable condition Wednesday night, said Lt. Johnny Hernandez, Texas Department of Public Safety spokesman. The driver's name was not released. The lone surviving church member, who was taken by air to San Antonio Military Medical Center, was in critical condition, Hernandez said.

Hernandez said the 2004 bus was southbound on U.S. 83 and the 2007 Dodge dually truck was northbound on the highway when they collided at 12:23 p.m. The driver of the Dodge was alone in his vehicle.

No possible cause

The roads in the vicinity of Garner State Park, which is near the Alto Frio facility, are some of the riskiest in the state.

"Those are very dangerous roads," Deavors said. "They're just curves and curves and curves. There would be places where the speed limit on the highway was 30 mph."

At a briefing near the crash site Wednesday night, DPS Sgt. Orlando Moreno declined to speculate on possible causes of the crash, which occurred in a curve of the road where the speed limit is 65 mph.

"For reasons unknown, the truck veered into the southbound land and struck the bus head-on," Moreno said. "Give the investigators time to look at everything and then we'll know exactly what happened."

Moreno said officials from the National Transportation Safety Board were expected to assist in the investigation of the collision, which he said was unlike any he's had to handle.

"We're used to working fatal crash scenes, but it's the first time we've seen something like this happen with so many confirmed fatalities," he said. "Our guys are holding up really well and trying to do the job they've got to do."

As for bus accidents, it appears to have been one of the deadliest in recent Texas history. A little less than a year ago, a charter bus rolled over and crashed in May on a highway in south Texas, killing eight people. The driver of the bus reportedly lost control of the vehicle on Highway 83 in Webb County near the Mexican border.

An even deadlier crash occurred in September 1989 when 21 students from Mission High School and Junior High School were killed after a Dr Pepper truck slammed into a school bus.

More than 10 DPS officers were still working at the accident scene as the sun set. Volunteer firefighters from Reagan Wells and Concan also responded to the crash.

In New Braunfels, congregation members gathered at the church, reaching out to each other in their grief.

"Shock, just shock," said Nancy Lacey, a 10-year resident of New Braunfels, as she arrived at the church Wednesday evening. "You see things like this on the news. Now it's here."

From across the street, about three dozen members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church held hands and walked to the First Baptist sanctuary to lend support.

Amity Dohoney, 21, said she had known the bus driver since her pre-teen years. He taught her seventh- and eighth-grade math, and they remained close through the church.

"He was always such an upbeat person," she said. "He loved people. He'd do anything to help them."

Somber church members passed by as Dohoney and Deavors spoke. Nearby, little children oblivious to the adults were happily running around the playground.

The normal Wednesday night service had been canceled, but many members didn't hear about that until they arrived. They were joined in the church by others, who were drawn to the church in the wake of the tragedy.

"It's very heart-breaking," Deavors said. "The people who were on the bus  I knew them all."

Pastor Brad McLean said the bus passengers were all seniors.

"We just want to be, obviously, thoughtful of the families," McLean said. "We are just trying to work through this."

'Keep praying'

News of the crash drew condolences from Gov. Greg Abbott.

In a statement, Abbott said he and his wife, Cecilia, extend their "deepest condolences to the victims and the families of those involved in today's tragic event." He said they are "saddened by the loss of life and our hearts go out to all those affected."

The governor added that he and his wife "thank the first responders working on the scene" and "ask that all Texans join us in offering their thoughts and prayers."

Members of the congregation at the church were leaning on each other and their faith.

"We know that everyone on that bus knew the Lord and we'll see them again," Lacey said, adding that the best thing people can do is "keep praying."

"There is power in prayer," she said. "When two people gather, He's there."

Chris Lykins, Jacob Beltran and Kelsey Bradshaw of the Express-News, Brooke Lewis of the Chronicle and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
An advisory group's proposal for the now-scuttled plan by the University of Texas Systemto develop a property in Houston called for establishing a data science center that would be innovative in energy, health and education, fields vital to the city's economic strength.

The proposal, a copy of which was obtained Wednesday, impressed prominent Houston leaders and University of Texas alumni, who are now wondering if the project would still be feasible on the 300-plus acre site near the Texas Medical Center despite the fact that UT has said it no longer plans to pursue it.

"I couldn't stop reading (the proposal) - I think it's a brilliant piece of work," said Charles Miller, a former UT regent and a former Greater Houston Partnership leader.

UT bought the land for $215 million without disclosing its vision for the project, which didn't sit well with state and local officials, including those at the University of Houston. Amid mounting opposition, Chancellor William McRaven called off plans to develop the site earlier this month and said the land would be sold.

Miller said the secrecy surrounding the proposal "was not good, (but) that's a really poor reason to say you don't pursue a great idea."

Last winter, McRaven formed an advisory group comprised of local academic, civic and business leaders to determine how best to use the property.

In its pitch, the group said UT could improve the energy and health industries through intensive data science programs and collaborations with industry and national laboratories. Authors imagined more efficient and sustainable energy distribution and smarter health care delivery. Education would have been the third proposed field of study.

UT, the authors said, would be uniquely positioned to obtain and analyze massive amounts of data securely. There are already nearly 50,000 UT students, faculty, staff and medical residents in Houston, according to the report.

"Winners and losers in the years ahead will be determined by who has the greatest ability to collect, analyze and activate that data," the report said. "If Houston wants to remain a global leader in energy and healthcare, it needs to be a leader in Data Science - and it needs its primary Data Science resource to be located in the city."

Derailed by bad timing

McRaven called off the project before regents could vote on the task force's proposal.

Houston developer David Wolff, chairman and president of Wolff Companies and former Metro chairman, said that a more significant presence from the UT system in Houston would diversify Houston's economy.

He said he's talked to lawmakers, task force members, UT alumni and other Houston leaders about potentially reviving the project. Several people agree, he said, but he recognizes that there is opposition to any Houston expansion because of UT's initial botched rollout.

"A number of people say it wasn't handled properly, but no one says we don't need UT here," he said.

Miller, the former UT regent and businessman, said the project would "have to be revived by people outside the UT System."

"They've been battered so much by the politicians and local people," he said.

Paul Hobby, the founding partner of Genesis Park, and Carin Barth, the president and co-founder of LB Capital, co-chaired the task force.

"This is an important idea," Hobby said in an email. "We knew that the local politics were toxic and worked very hard to create a compelling vision that would change the conversation. Unfortunately the way the timing worked we will never know if it would have done that."

Barth did not respond to questions about the proposal.

'Much bigger demand'

There are currently at least 178 U.S. graduate business programs covering data analytics and information management, a spokeswoman for the Graduate Management Admission Council said. Twenty-three of those are in Texas.

Rice University has heavily invested in data science, starting a $43 million institute and hiring tenure-track faculty members to work with city data on urban flooding, air quality and education policy, said provost Marie Lynn Miranda. Rice recently announced a data partnership with IBM.

"(The UT proposal's) premise is something I agree with," she said. "We would have been enthusiastic about the opportunity to partner with other data scientists."

The University of Houston-Downtown offers a master's in data analytics, and UH will launch a workforce program in the field next fall.

MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2013 contracted with IBM to attempt to use the company's supercomputer Watson to analyze data from 1 million cancer patients, disease information and treatment options. That program was later abandoned, and a recent audit found significant financial irregularities with the project.

The scope of the task force's proposal is what sets it apart from existing programs, its supporters say.

There are "really just a handful" of centers that combine work from private companies, national laboratories and universities, said Bill Gropp, the acting director of the National Center for Supercomputing Applications, which is based at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

"There's a much bigger demand ... than there is supply," he said Wednesday. "It's something we find quite concerning."

Gropp's center has collaborated with Exxon Mobil Corp. on a modeling project that can predict how much oil will be withdrawn from a reservoir in a matter of minutes or hours. Without the center's processing speed, a spokeswoman said Wednesday, that process could take days. UT's task force and McRaven toured an Exxon Mobil site in May 2016 to see the campus's design.

Lack of transparency

Energy and oil companies globally have turned to data analytics as a cost-savings technique, said Pavel Molchanov, an energy analyst with Raymond James.

Data analysis tools are especially important when companies begin drilling in new areas, he said.

"A few million spent in data analysis can save $100 million on a bad well," he said.

Texas Southern University public policy professor Jay Kumar Aiyer saw the proposal on Wednesday and said it could have garnered support in Houston if it were announced before UT called off the project.

"(UH) viewed it as an institution that would significantly damage them in terms of undercutting them on students," said Aiyer, a chief of staff for former mayor Lee Brown. "This does not look like that at all."

A UH spokesman had no comment on the proposal.

Gov. Greg Abbott's press secretary, John Wittman, said they had not seen the UT study and had no comment on it.
BEIRUT - Residents of the northern Syrian city of Raqqa live in terror, trapped as a massive human shield in the Islamic State's de facto capital ahead of the final battle with U.S.-backed opposition forces for the militant group's last major urban stronghold.

A belt of land mines and militant checkpoints circle the city. Inside, all the men have been ordered to wear the jihadis' garb of baggy pants and long shirts - making it difficult to distinguish Islamic State militants from civilians.

Hundreds if not thousands of Syrians who fled from other parts of the country now live in tents in Raqqa's streets, vulnerable to both warplanes and ground fighting. Enormous tarps have been stretched for blocks in the city center to hide the militants' movements from spy planes and satellites.

The estimated 300,000 people trapped inside live in terrifying uncertainty over how to find safety. Airstrikes by the U.S.-led coalition shake the city almost daily, mainly hitting northern neighborhoods, amid reports of civilians killed by strikes in the nearby countryside.

Leaflets dropped by coalition warplanes give confusing directions - one suggests areas closer to the Euphrates River are safer, but then another warns that boats crossing the river will be struck.

Mass panic erupted on Sunday, when Islamic State announced on mosque loudspeakers that U.S. strikes had hit a dam to the west of Raqqa. Residents were urged to flee imminent flooding, and thousands did. The militants allowed them into Islamic State-controlled countryside nearby, as long as they left their possessions behind, according to an activist who is in touch with people inside the city. Hours later, the militants announced it was a false alarm and urged everyone to return.

"The people really don't know where to go," said the activist, saying residents were caught between airstrikes, land mines and Islamic State fighters mingling among civilians.

Isolating the city

To get a picture of Raqqa, The Associated Press talked to more than a dozen people with knowledge of the city, including residents who were still there or who had recently escaped, and activists with organizations that track events through contacts inside, as well as diplomats, the U.S. military and aid groups. Almost all spoke on condition they not be identified, fearing for their own lives or the lives of their contacts.

Getting information is difficult. Militants constantly look for "spies." One activist said two people had recently been put to death for suspected contact with the coalition. The only internet access is in a few approved cafes where patrons must give their names and addresses and endure spot checks by Islamic State fighters, who burst in and order everyone to raise their hands so computer screens can be inspected.

Raqqa, a provincial capital on the northern bank of the Euphrates, is the next major battle against the Islamic State group as Iraqi forces push to complete the recapture of northern Iraqi city of Mosul after nearly six months of fighting. For the Raqqa campaign, a multi-ethnic force of Syrian fighters, dominated by Kurds and supported by U.S. special forces, artillery and air power, have been maneuvering to isolate the city.

Concerns over civilian casualties have become a significant issue in the fight for Mosul. Amnesty International said Tuesday a significant spike in civilian casualties suggests the coalition is not taking enough precautions in its airstrikes. The U.S. has said it is investigating the deaths, but American and Iraqi officials also suggested the militants blew up homes and blamed the coalition.

The Islamic State has sent most of its European fighters out of Raqqa farther east to the region of Deir el-Zour, deeper into its shrinking territory, according to Tim Ramadan, an activist with the group Sound and Picture, who remains in Raqqa, and Eyas Dass, editor of Al Raqqa Post, an opposition website that documents atrocities by Islamic State and the Syrian government.

That is probably a sign it wants to protect the foreigners, either for a propaganda campaign or to send them to carry out attacks in their home countries, they said. Both spoke on condition they be identified by the aliases they always use in their activities to protect themselves and families.

Kurdish-led SDF closing in

Battle-hardened Syrians and Iraqis are leading the defense in Raqqa, bolstered by reinforcements from those who withdrew from Mosul and other parts of Iraq. Dass said about 2,000 fighters and their families are en route from Iraq, and Ramadan said many are already in Raqqa. Rami Abdurrahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, estimated more than 4,000 fighters in the city.

Earlier this month, the militants used their artillery in the city for the first time, a sign of how close the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces have come. The SDF has positions to the north, west and east - their closest position is about 5 miles from Raqqa to the northeast.

Coalition aircraft have taken out 18 bridges, including the main ones out of the city across the Euphrates, according to the coalition. Airstrikes have also focused on the former base of the Syrian military's 17th Division, north of the city, now a major Islamic State base. Most of its buildings have been destroyed, activists say.

For days, dollar-bill-sized leaflets have fluttered from coalition planes to warn of impending strikes. More than 2 million have been dropped in two weeks, the coalition said.

One urged those living in tents to move closer to the Euphrates, according to a resident and the U.S. military in Baghdad. Another warned residents not to board the small boats that are the only way to cross the river, whether for daily errands or to flee Raqqa.

The cost of being smuggled out of Syria is a prohibitive $3,000 to $4,000 a person, according to Sarmad al-Jilane, a Sound and Picture activist in Turkey.
Mayor Sylvester Turner and the city's firefighters can't seem to make it a week without a spat of some kind, even a week in which the parties appear closer than ever to agreeing on pension reform terms.

At his weekly post-City Council press conference Wednesday, Turner offered some urgent comments about the need for the Legislature to pass his reform package.

City Council, the Greater Houston Partnership and the city's police and municipal unions are on board with the reforms, he said, even if the firefighters are only "hopeful," as their pension chairman put it Monday, that they eventually can agree.

"Would I prefer everybody to be on board, total unanimity? Sure. But the consensus is strong, the support is strong," the mayor said. "Time for negotiating is done. I spent all last week -- all day Friday, over the weekend, Monday morning -- on this issue, where we thought there was an agreement. We thought there was an agreement. But this ship has sailed."

Sources close to the talks said fire pension chairman David Keller had agree to compromise terms in principle on Monday, and he sounded a more positive note than he had in months in public statements that day. Keller's board was scheduled to meet and, perhaps, vote on the reform terms Wednesday morning, but canceled the meeting.

In a statement responding to Turner's comments Wednesday, Keller said the mayor was "strong-arming" and "rushing" lawmakers and firefighters in their ongoing efforts to revise the legislation.

"The mayor's comments surprised us, so we reconfirmed today with (Houston) Sen. (Joan) Huffman's office and other state officials that we are on track with their time requirements," Keller said. "They acknowledged that our effort to provide inputs is in sync with their intention to introduce floor amendments next week."

Whether those amendments amount only to technical changes or also include new terms more amenable to firefighters remains to be seen.
McKINNEY - A state district judge said he is concerned that powerful people in Collin County may be too close to the behind-the-scenes action surrounding Ken Paxton's criminal case, and said he plans to decide by noon Thursday whether to move the trial out of the attorney general's home county.

Judge George Gallagher also will decide whether to delay the trial while the prosecutors' lawyers spar in a separate court with Paxton allies to get paid and whether to dismiss at least one of the charges against the sitting attorney general.

Gallagher, a Tarrant County judge hearing the case in Collin County, said he was concerned after reviewing an invitation to a 2013 Paxton fundraiser at the home of one of attorney general's key allies sponsored by four of five members of the Collin County Commissioners Court.

"We may have a problem here. We may have an ethical problem," Gallagher told the lawyers in court. He added that litigation pertaining to Paxton's case "grows and expands by people who have a great deal of control in this county."

Those concerns could have a bearing on whether Gallagher will move the case out of Collin County, as the special prosecutors have asked. His comments also hint at the politics surrounding Paxton who was indicted in 2015 on felony criminal securities fraud charges alleging he lured investors into buying stock without disclosing he would make a commission. He also was charged with failing to register with the state as an investment advisor.

Paxton has maintained his innocence and contends he is the victim of a political witch hunt.

The fundraiser Gallagher referenced was hosted in December of 2013 by Keresa Richardson, an avid Paxton supporter who contributed heavily to his election campaign and gave him $10,000 to help fund his legal defense. She once told the Associated Press he was "the cleanest guy in the world."

Members of the Collin County Commissioners Court said they were confused why the judge would be concerned about them sponsoring a political event more than three years ago, before Paxton was elected attorney general or indicted.

"I'm puzzled why that would matter in this case because there is no secret that Ken Paxton has a lot of supporters in Collin County," County Judge Keith Self said. Self said he counts Paxton as a friend but sees that relationship as separate from his duty as a county official.

Chris Hill, a commissioner, said there is "no reason" why commissioners would not attend an event for their state senator.

"I do find it a bit troubling the judge in this case would think that this event from late 2013 has any relevance at all in the current matter," Hill said, accusing prosecutors of "grasping at straws."

Prosecutors await pay

Richardson, who could not be reached for comment, this month joined a lawsuit originally filed by wealthy real estate developer Jeffory Blackard to block payments to the three special prosecutors assigned to the case. The suit argues the county is paying too much money for the prosecution. Because of the lawsuit, the Texas 5th Court of Appealsin January ordered the Collin County Commissioners Court to stop paying the prosecutors until the issue can be resolved in court.

The prosecutors, all criminal defense lawyers from Houston, have not been paid for more than a year and have asked Gallagher to delay Paxton's May 1 trial until the Court of Appeals resolves the lawsuit contesting their fees. Gallagher said he expects to rule whether to delay the trial Thursday.

Attorneys for Paxton and the state declined to comment after the hearing, saying Gallagher instructed them to make no public comments outside the courtroom.

Much of the court hearing in Collin County was closed to the public as the parties discussed a motion by Paxton's lawyers to dismiss the case that was placed under seal because it pertained to grand jury issues.

Pollster called to testify

In open court, Paxton's criminal defense team called a Republican pollster to testify about a recent poll it commissioned to combat the prosecutors' allegation that Paxton and his allies have tainted the jury pool in Collin County, jeopardizing the chance of a fair hearing. Prosecutors say Paxton's allies have embarked on a public relations strategy to promote Paxton's innocence and attack the prosecutors and their witnesses. For that reason, they have asked Gallagher for a change of venue.

Glen Bolger, a Republican pollster from Public Opinion Strategies, said the majority of people he surveyed last weekend said they did not know enough about the case to say whether they thought Paxton was guilty or innocent.

Of those who knew of the indictment, 14 percent said they believed he was guilty, compared to 9 percent who thought he was innocent, he said. Those who identified as Republicans were more likely to say they thought he was innocent.

The poll surveyed 400 Collin County residents from Mar. 24 to 26 who could be eligible to serve on a jury. Bolger said his poll found 83 percent of respondents had no opinion on the special prosecutors. Another 7 percent said they had an unfavorable view of the prosecutors, compared to 4 percent who had a favorable opinion; the remaining respondents either refused to answer or say they didn't know.

"If there's been a campaign, it's been pretty darn ineffective," Bolger said.
AUSTIN -- A state district judge said Thursday he will move Attorney General Ken Paxton's criminal securities fraud trial out of Collin County and push the trial back, dealing the Republican a major loss.

Judge George Gallagher also denied a motion by Paxton's lawyers to dismiss the charges against him.

The judge's ruling come a day after he expressed concern about possible "ethical problems" linked to powerful people in Collin County getting involved behind the scenes of Paxton's criminal trial. The judge said he would move the trial to an adjoining district, which he will decide on a later day.

Gallagher's ruling means Paxton will not face criminal trial on May 1 as planned. However, the judge denied the prosecutors' request to push the trial back until as late as September while they fight in a separate court over backpack preparing for Paxton's case. A new trial date has not been set.

The ruling is a win for the state's special prosecutors who argue Paxton's team of allies have taken to the radio, TV and social media to discredit them and their witnesses in Collin County, giving the attorney general home field advantage and reducing their chances for a fair trial.

The delay also pushes the trial closer to election season when the attorney general is expected to begin his campaign for reelection.

Paxton's attorneys filed a motion Thursday afternoon asking the judge to reconsider the change in venue, saying the prosecutors "presented nothing but hyperbole in an effort to venue shop."

Paxton was indicted in 2015. He faces two first-degree felony charges of securities fraud and one third-degree charge of failing to register with the state as an investment broker. He maintains he is innocent and the victim of a political witch hunt.

Though he previously had said he hoped to at least try to seat a jury in Collin County, Gallagher hinted Wednesday that he could be wavering on that idea when he raised ethical concerns about an invitation to a Paxton political fundraiser the special prosecutors entered into evidence.

The 2013 event was hosted by Keresa Richardson, a major donor of Paxton's, who recently signed onto a lawsuit to block the special prosecutors from getting paid. The event also was sponsored by four members of Collin County's Commissioner's Court, which received heavy pressure to block payment to the three Houston defense lawyers appointed to try Paxton.

"The defense does not believe the fundraiser presents any ethical issue," read a filing by Paxton's legal team Thursday. "This was a commonplace political fundraiser, it was held over three years ago, and all but one of the current county commissioners that were present has voted to fundand continue funding Paxton's prosecution."

Members of the Commissioner's Court, several of whom say they are supportive of Paxton, said they were surprised the judge would be concerned with fundraiser. Susan Fletcher, a commissioner who was not on the court at the time of the fundraiser, said Gallagher's comments are an "accusation by association" and an attempt to "impugn the integrity of my colleagues on the Collin County Commissioner's Court."

"What's next? Presumed wrongdoing based on six degrees of Kevin Bacon?" she said.

Gallagher last month said he would try to seat a jury before considering whether to move the trial out of Collin County, Paxton's home turf which he began representing as a state representative in 2002. Special prosecutors said Paxton's allies ran radio ads on talk radio favoring the attorney general, and arranged for former GOP primary presidential candidate Rick Santorum to go on a Dallas-area TV news station to say charges against Paxton are politically motivated.

The judge changed his tune Wednesday after seeing the invitation to the political fundraiser, saying, "We may have an ethical problem" and noting that "people who have a great deal of control in this county" are joining lawsuits that could effect Paxton's trial going forward.

Jeffory Blackard, a wealthy real estate developer and Paxton campaign contributor, is suing to stop payment to the special prosecutors, arguing the private Houston lawyers are getting paid too much by Collin County to try Paxton. The prosecutors say they have not been paid for more than a year's worth of work. The state's 5th Court of Appeals in Dallas has told the county to halt payment until the issue can be settled in the courts.

Robertson, who is listed as the host of the 2013 Paxton fundraiser, joined that lawsuit earlier this month. She has given heavily to Paxton, including $10,000 to help support his legal defense.

Special prosecutors and Paxton's defense team declined to comment on the judge's ruling, citing a gag order imposed by the judge.

Paxton's former campaign spokesman, Anthony Holm, called the ruling "the latest in a pattern of injustice against Ken Paxton and his family."

Gallagher offered no explanation in any of this three motions released Thursday. One motion by Paxton's legal team, was kept under seal because it pertained to grand jury matters and sought to dismiss at least one charge. The judge denied that motion.

He also denied a motion by the special prosecutors to delay the trial to as late as Sept. 1 while the courts untangle a lawsuit filed by a Paxton ally to stop payment for the prosecution.

Gallagher has yet to decide where to move Paxton's trial to. He said in his ruling he would move the trial to an adjoining district, which could include Dallas, Denton, Fannin, Grayson, Hunt or Rockwall counties.

The attorney general is accused of misleading friends and colleagues by failing to disclose he would make a commission off their investment in Servergy, a North Texas tech company. A state representative at the time, Paxton raised $840,000 in investments and received 100,000 shares in return, valued at $1 per share.

He faces thousands of dollars in fines and a maximum sentence of 99 years in prison if found guilty.
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WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, a Democrat and ex-punk rocker who pulled an upset to win his House seat six years ago, plans to declare his candidacy on Friday for the Senate seat held by Ted Cruz, according to Democratic sources in Texas.

O'Rourke's fledgling campaign scheduled an announcement on Friday in El Paso, his hometown. He has traveled around Texas over the last three months making contacts, barely concealing his political plans.

"I'm very moved to do it," O'Rourke, 44, said in an interview earlier this month, adding that he had reached an "emotional decision" about the race.

Campaign aides declined to confirm he is entering the 2018 race.

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, is the only other high-profile Democrat to express interest in taking on Cruz. Castro, 42, has climbed the House ranks more swiftly than O'Rourke and may see himself as having more to lose. He is expected to announce his decision next month.

O'Rourke is a three-term congressman and a proponent of term limits. He is not widely known but has worked to correct that. After a snowstorm canceled flights earlier this month, he drew national media attention and thousands of live streaming followers with a 1,600-mile "bipartisan road trip" from San Antonio to Washington with U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, R-Helotes.

Uphill fight

For any Democrat, a challenge of Cruz is expected to be decidedly uphill given the Texas senator's political success and national fundraising. Cruz, 46, is serving in his initial term in the Senate, but last year was a finalist in the GOP presidential primaries, emerging as the last contestant vanquished by Donald Trump.

A Cruz-O'Rourke race would offer a stark ideological contrast: a staunch conservative and self-described Constitutionalist versus an unabashed liberal who supports recreational marijuana use.

Cruz is a lawyer; O'Rourke is a businessman in the technology industry and a musician who played in three punk rock bands during and after his college years at Columbia University.

A contest between Cruz and O'Rourke also would present dramatic differences on border issues. Cruz has supported Trump's hard-edged immigration policies. O'Rourke, a fluent Spanish-speaker, has positioned himself as a friend of immigrants and trumpets the economic and cultural benefits of being closely allied with Mexico.

"Beto brings a fresh approach, a new face, and is someone who is able to connect with Texans across the board," said Matt Angle, executive director of the Lone Star Project, an organization that promotes Democrats in Texas.

Angle acknowledged that Democrats have their work cut out for them in trying to unseat Cruz, a tea party-backed conservative who built up a national conservative following during his 2016 run for the GOP presidential nomination.

"The challenge will be for Beto or anyone else running in a Senate race against Cruz to have the resources and the megaphone big enough to tell their story statewide," Angle said.

Given Cruz's profile as a national conservative leader, the race is certain to attract nationwide attention and money.

The Cruz campaign declined comment Wednesday, but campaign manager Jeff Roe weighed in on Twitter Wednesday to attack both Castro and O'Rourke: "Someone please tell @JoaquinCastrotx that he's no longer a rising star so stop acting like one. Muscled out by Beto? Pathetic display."

O'Rourke, unlike Castro, has yet to develop much of a national profile, and remains politically undefined for most Texas voters,

if they have even heard of him. Though seen as a liberal Democrat in Republican circles, he is well-liked on both sides of the aisle.

"I like Beto O'Rourke," said Texas U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate and the former chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. "He's somebody I've worked with and continue to work with. But if he thinks that he can beat Ted Cruz, I think he's sadly mistaken."

Cornyn has never had a warm relationship with Cruz, who failed to endorse him in his last primary run.

When O'Rourke took his live-streamed road trip with Hurd, Cornyn was one of the first to call in to their live "show."

Though Cornyn has not specifically endorsed Cruz in 2018, he noted that history does not favor Texas Democrats, who last won a statewide election in 1994.

Other Republicans assessed his chances in bleaker terms.

"This is a political suicide mission," said Austin GOP strategist Matt Mackowiak. "He may think Cruz is vulnerable. But I don't see any sign of that."

Cruz missteps

Some Democrats saw Cruz's star power diminish during his presidential primary loss to Trump, whom he initially refused to endorse. Cruz came in for sharp criticism from Texas delegates at the National Republican Convention, but came back into the fold later, urging conservatives to get behind the Republican ticket.

Last week, Cruz was among the hard-right conservatives who helped block Obamacare replacement legislation favored by the White House and GOP leaders. Cruz said the bill did not go far enough. Amid the GOP divisions, some Democrats now sense a new opening, however far off 2018 might be.

"I think Ted Cruz has been taking on water since the day he announced for president," said Angle who, like many Democrats, accuses Cruz of tending more to his national conservative following than to Texas. "He's barely a senator."

Cruz's bid for the White House, however, helped him build a formidable grass-roots and fundraising base that would be hard for O'Rourke or any other Texas Democrat to replicate.

Cruz ended 2016 with a $4.2 million war chest, more than 10 times the $398,700 that O'Rourke's congressional campaign had in the bank.

Compounding O'Rourke's fundraising challenge is his unfamiliarity to Texas voters outside his El Paso district.

O'Rourke has sought to overcome that deficit through a series of rallies and meetings around the state. His biggest assist, however, may come from Cruz himself.

As a self-styled conservative movement leader, Cruz has established himself as a favorite target for the left.

"I can see O'Rourke using that to raise money online" from small-dollar donors, said Geoffrey Skelley, an analyst at the University of Virginia's Center for Politics.

Another bright spot for O'Rourke, Skelley said, was Hillary Clinton's nine-point loss to Trump in Texas, the smallest statewide margin since the 1996 presidential election.

Still, Skelley predicted, "it's going to be a tough haul for Democrats to actually win Texas.  You would need the president to be very unpopular to make it conceivably, really, truly competitive."

With Democrats defending 25 senate seats next year - 10 of them in states Trump won - it will be hard for any Texas Democrat to attract big-dollar national contributors, whose resources may be needed elsewhere.

Some speculate O'Rourke could be playing the long game.

"What if he loses but puts in a good showing, gives Ted Cruz a run for his money?" Skelley said.

"Let's say the demographics of the state keep shifting. Who's to say a few years down the road, O'Rourke couldn't run again and win?"

Surprise win in 2012

Robert Francis O'Rourke - he has been called Beto since childhood - secured his far West Texas seat with a surprise win in his 2012 Democratic primary challenge of Silvestre Reyes, an eight-term incumbent endorsed by Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.

O'Rourke seldom is regarded as a party Democrat, a potential obstacle especially in a primary.

He often proclaims independence and seldom has been in the forefront of Texas leaders seeking to rebuild the state's lagging Democratic Party.

In a House leadership fight for the new Congress, O'Rourke rejected Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., in favor of Tim Ryan, D-Ohio.

Pelosi won easily.

O'Rourke has been in the minority for his House career with little opportunity to get his name attached to splashy legislation.

As a member of the Veterans Affairs and Armed Services committees, he has devoted much of his energy to veterans' issues, especially the mental health of those who have served.

On Wednesday, the day his Senate ambition was revealed, O'Rourke introduced a bill calling for a war tax for every American-authorized use of military force to establish trust funds for compensating veterans.
Kush. K2. Spice. These are some of the street names for synthetic cannabinoids (syncans), man-made chemicals that are sprayed on plant material to be smoked. Intended to mimic the psychological effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found in natural cannabis, syncans instead are two to 100 times more potent. Along with being undetectable with standard drug screens, they're also dirt cheap - one joint costs around $1 or $2 - making them popular with anyone looking to get high on a budget or under the radar of a random drug test - youth, athletes, military personnel, probationers and parolees to name a few.

The dangerous and sometimes fatal side effects of extreme instances of syncan use have prompted the U.S. government, all 50 states and many localities, including Houston, to prohibit syncans. Syncan prohibition is an understandable response, but policymakers nationally and here at City Hall need to understand that it remains unclear whether such bans actually reduce their use.

Decades of evidence from the war on drugs indicate that prohibition does little to deter people from using or selling drugs. In fact, syncans are a byproduct of the drug war. Prohibition has been described as a game of whack-a-mole - one substance gets banned and something else springs up. Syncans became popular because they were supposed to have the same effects as THC but were not illegal like marijuana. Without marijuana prohibition, Frankenstein creations like syncans would not have had a market - or at least had a much smaller one.

A 2014 ban on possession, manufacture and sale of syncans issued by the Houston City Council has had little effect on problematic use. While data are limited, anecdotal evidence suggests problematic syncan use has been increasing. The Houston Recovery Center reports that between April and October 2014, around the time the city ban was passed, only 3 percent of admissions were for syncan use; two years later that figure had surged to 28 percent of the center's admissions. Between September 2015 and June 30, 2016, nearly half of the 3,000 drug-overdose calls that the city's emergency medical services received were syncan-related, straining emergency response resources.

While city officials, first-responders and substance-abuse treatment providers have known about the increase in syncan use for some time, the public generally was not aware of this problem until 16 homeless people overdosed on syncans in Hermann Park on June 30, 2016. That incident received widespread media attention, prompting Mayor Sylvester Turner to address syncan use among homeless and transient populations.

In response, the city has emphasized targeting users and sellers through law enforcement. Efforts to crack down on businesses selling syncans should be commended, although how much these operations actually reduce syncan availability is hard to determine. One of the best responses so far has been the Public Intoxication Team. This program offers individuals suspected of being intoxicated - with syncans, alcohol or other drugs - the option to be diverted from jail to the Houston Recovery Center, where they are monitored until they are sober and offered further treatment. This has been quite effective in keeping people out of jail and reducing taxpayers' costs.

Still, there are opportunities for improvement. The city should decriminalize syncan possession, fully fund and expand the Public Intoxication Team, send those found in possession or under the influence of syncans to the Houston Recovery Center and start an awareness campaign to educate the public and at-risk populations about the dangers of syncan use.

Ultimately, syncan use should be treated as a public-health issue. If the war on drugs has taught us anything, it is that criminal penalties do not deter drug use and they do not make the public safer, but they do waste taxpayer money and harm the very communities they target.

Harris is the Alfred C. Glassell III Postdoctoral Fellow in Drug Policy at Rice University's Baker Institute.
A Jordanian soldier killed my son Army Staff Sgt. James F. Moriarty and two of his Green Beret brothers as they returned at midday to King Faisal air base in Jordan on Nov. 4, 2016. Since then, the government of Jordan has repeatedly misled the world about the incident, which I believe was nothing less than murder.

Jordan quickly blamed my son and his fallen brothers, Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Lewellen and Staff Sgt. Kevin McEnroe, for failing to properly stop at a guard gate as they returned to the base where they lived and worked. International news reports soon included the false Jordanian explanation. Then the Jordanian story changed. An "accidental" weapon discharge provoked the guard to open fire, officials said. An FBI investigation later showed that excuse to be false, too.

Then three weeks ago, just hours before the Lewellen and McEnroe families and I went public in Washington with findings from our ongoing search for justice, Jordan's ambassador to the U.S. released a new statement. The ambassador for King Abdullah II - whose country receives more than $100 million per month in U.S. foreign aid - called the killings "tragic and very unfortunate" and "deplorable," but still claimed that "rules of engagement" were followed.

The letter infuriated our families. It also further united us. We reside in different geographical and political places, but our three families agree that honoring our sons' service and sacrifices must include finding the truth about what happened to them in Jordan and why.

Because of the work of the U.S. Army and the FBI, we now know what happened to our sons. What we do not know is why it happened or when Jordan will be held accountable. On Feb. 28, the FBI showed us the haunting surveillance video of our sons' killings.

The video shows the truck driven by McEnroe slowly pulled up to the gate - just like any other day. The Jordanian soldier, wearing body armor and hidden in a concrete guardhouse behind camouflaged netting, opened fire without warning with an M-16 assault rifle. He was no more than 5 feet away. Bullet holes appeared in the view of the camera. Shattered glass flew.

The video also shows the chances of survival for McEnroe and Lewellen were almost zero. Caught completely by surprise attack, they died quickly in a hail of gunfire. My son Jimmy met a different fate. The Jordanian killer stalked him for minutes.

My son and another Green Beret, who would survive the attack, exited their trucks just in time to avoid being killed in the first bursts of gunfire. Armed only with pistols, they then spent the remaining six-and-a-half minutes of my son's life communicating with the soldier and other Jordanian soldiers in English and in Arabic. They soon realized they were in a fight to the death. The video shows Jimmy desperately waving and motioning to the five nearby Jordanian soldiers with whom they had worked that morning. Six other Jordanian gate guards did nothing to stop the assault.

The Jordanian soldier finally cornered the Green Beret survivor and my son. As the shooter came around a nearby truck, he caught the survivor by surprise. My son can be seen standing up in full view of the shooter and engaging him with his pistol. This move allowed the Green Beret to get to the Jordanian soldier's blind side and empty his pistol into gaps in his body armor, wounding him. My son took the bullets intended for the survivor and died moments later. The shooter, who was taken into custody by the Jordanian government, then was put into a medically induced coma. FBI investigators later conducted hours of questioning and the shooter gave yet another false explanation for the deaths: He heard "a loud noise" that he took for gunfire.

Americans are told that Jordan is our "ally." This incident raises troubling questions about that relationship - especially as Jordan refuses to accept responsibility for these deaths of U.S. troops or confirm what truly happened. Were I to speak directly with King Abdullah, I would remind him that my son called out in Arabic to his killer and other Jordanian soldiers, "We are Americans. We are friends."

The time has come for the Jordanian government to finally account for these killings or risk its $1.6 billion foreign aid package. We want the killer of our sons prosecuted. We want the Jordanian government to apologize and publicly clear the names of our sons - and do everything possible to prevent such killings in the future. No more U.S. service members need to die at the hands of so-called American allies.

Moriarty, who served three tours of duty as a U.S. Marine in Vietnam, is a Houston attorney.
During our ongoing war in Afghanistan, the members of our armed forces and diplomats relied upon, and continue to rely upon, the valiant service of local interpreters and aides without whom lasting success would be impossible. The military even coined a phrase for the close relationship with our Afghan allies, "shona ba shona," which is Dari for "shoulder to shoulder." We trained, lived and fought shoulder to shoulder with our Afghan allies, none more so than our interpreters.

Since 2009, Congress has promised Special Immigrant Visas to certain Afghans who worked for U.S. or coalition forces. The program has enjoyed robust, bipartisan support and has been renewed and reauthorized several times. Applicants undergo an application, interview and vetting process; they must obtain recommendations from the units with whom they served; and they must show an ongoing risk of retaliation for having worked for the United States or coalition forces. This program is unrelated to President Trump's recent executive orders on immigration and refugees.

As of March 9, however, the Unites States Embassy in Kabul announced that no further interviews for resettlement to the United States will be conducted under this program due to a lack of visas. Though Congress reauthorized the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa program through 2020, it failed to allocate enough visas despite an obvious need for them. Last year, Congress authorized 1,500 visas, but there are more than 10,000 Afghans applying for visas under this program. Congress should act quickly to ensure that there are visas available for qualified applicants who were promised visas under this program. As U.S. citizens, we should all support this legislation.

We, the authors, are military veterans who currently represent pro bono a former Afghan interpreter and his family in their visa applications. Our client's story is not unlike that of other applicants seeking the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa. He worked as an interpreter for more than 10 years. Every unit he worked with thanked him for his service and recommended him for the Special Immigrant Visa program. Following his meritorious service, he received death threats for the work he performed for the United States military and was forced to leave his home village to protect himself, his wife and his two young children. Our client submitted his visa application in mid-2016 and has been waiting months for a scheduled interview date. Because there are no more interviews being scheduled due to the lack of visas, he and his family are in limbo facing an uncertain future as to when and if they will receive an interview date and visas.

Like our client, the people affected by the lack of visas are people who risked their lives to serve with us and our fellow service members. When we were shot at, they were shot at. When we were bombed, they were bombed. But when we came home, they stayed, and their lives are still at risk because of their service to the United States.

We as a country are now failing in our promise to safeguard our allies. To protect those at risk because of their service to the United States, Congress should immediately enact the legislation proposed in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives on March 15 to authorize 2,500 additional visas under the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa program (referred to in the Senate as the "Keeping Our Promise to Our Afghan Allies Act"). Despite bipartisan support by many senators and U.S. representatives, opposition is expected from key members of the House. But several Texans also hold key positions and could help fast-track this legislation. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee's subcommittee on immigration and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas sits on the same committee. Houston's own Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee, a Democrat, meanwhile, sits on the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee on immigration along with Rep. Lamar Smith, R-San Antonio, and four other Texans, including Houston's Rep. Ted Poe, sit on the Judiciary Committee itself. We therefore call upon Texas' congressional delegation to actively support these bills.

Without this legislation, applicants will continue to wait in danger for their visa applications to be processed.

Our Afghan interpreters stood shoulder to shoulder with us during difficult times, and we now are proud to stand with them in pressing Congress to immediately authorize more Special Immigrant Visas.

Roshelli, a former captain in the Air Force Nursing Corps, and Erich Almonte, a former Army Infantry captain who spent 27 months deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, working with interpreters each day of his deployments, currently represent pro bono a former Afghan interpreter and his family in their Special Immigrant Visa applications.
A forum to meet the six candidates for the Houston board of education is Thursday, March 30, on the schools campus.

The event begins at 6 p.m. at the Houston Elementary School gymnasium. It is sponsored by the local chapters of the National Education Association and Missouri State Teachers Association.

Running for three vacant seats on the board are Darren Ice Timothy Malam, Lisa Scott, Christie K. Koch and incumbents Jo Holland and Sam Kelley. Incumbent Russell Gaither did not seek re-election.

The public is invited. The election is April 4.
A woman was cited Tuesday night in Texas County with failing to yield to an emergency vehicle sounding its siren and displaying red and blue lights.

Amy Smith, 23, of Salem, Ark., was also charged with careless and imprudent driving, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. She also faced two counts as a felony fugitive from Arkansas and two felony counts of resisting arrest by fleeing.

She was taken to the Texas County Jail for a 24-hour hold.
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Some 230 retrenched workers were able to find jobs since the start of the year, through the help of the Taskforce for Responsible Retrenchment and Employment Facilitation.



This follows the start of Mandatory Retrenchment Notification rules, which took effect on 1 January. The guidelines require employers to notify the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) of retrenchments within five working days after they notify affected employees, if 5 or more employees are retrenched within a 6-month period.



These notifications provide more complete and timely retrenchment information to better enable Workforce Singapore (WSG) and the taskforce to assist retrenched local employees find alternative employment and relevant training to enhance their employability, according to MOM.



In our experience, if we are able to reach out to workers earlier, our success rates improves, said the taskforces chairman Tan Choon Shian, as quoted by Channel News Asia. He is also the CEO of Workforce Singapore. So we are particularly happy that the mandatory notification is now in place, so we can reach out to the larger group of workers as soon as possible.



The taskforce began in March last year, and is composed of members from MOM, WSG, National Trade Union Congress, and the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i).



With the companys permission, and if the affected number of employees is large, we will try to organise an onsite event within the company  to explain (what's happening) to the affected staff. And for many of the staff, I think its possibly the first time they are looking for a job after many years, said Tan as quoted by Channel News Asia.



According to MOM figures, there were 19,170 redundancies in 2016, continuing an upward trend. The ministry said this was mainly due to business restructuring and reorganisation. The figure is still lower than the recessionary high (23,430) in 2009. Residents were proportionally less affected, with their share of redundancies (58%) remaining lower than their share of employment (66%).






Canadians are concerned about how much authority the Liberal government's preclearance bill gives U.S. border guards while in Canada, according to a new survey.

An Angus Reid Institute poll, released Thursday, found just more than half of respondents (52 per cent) are worried that Bill C-23 gives American agents "too much power" while on Canadian soil. Forty-eight per cent said they thought it struck the right balance.

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Overall, 49 per cent of respondents said they supported the proposed legislation, which was introduced by Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale last year. Thirty-six per cent opposed it and 15 per cent said they weren't sure.

The bill expands preclearance between Canada and the U.S. at Canadian airports and crossings. Preclearance allows Canadians to pass U.S. customs before they cross the border.

Critics argue certain provisions in the bill are worrisome. Under the current system, a Canadian going through preclearance while in their own country could stop halfway through the process and go back, if they desired. Bill C-23 would change that. If U.S. agents suspected the traveller was violating any Canadian laws, they would have the power to question them over their decision and even detain them. The traveller would ultimately be handed over to Canadian authorities, however.

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The Angus Reid Institute's poll found 55 per cent of respondents supported that provision in the bill, while 45 per cent opposed it. There was slightly more opposition to another element in the bill which allows U.S. agents to strip search travellers while on Canadian soil. Forty-eight per cent of respondents opposed that provision.

The firm's survey found that the vast majority of respondents who went through preclearance supported it, saying it was "generally easy." More opposition arises, however, when it comes to the changes Bill C-23 would bring to the program.

Just 23 per cent of respondents said preclearance should be expanded under the bill's current framework. Thirty-two per cent said they wanted preclearance available at more airports and train stations, just not under the Liberals' proposed legislation.

The poll was conducted online among a randomized sample of 1,511 Canadian adults. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has defended his government's bill. Last month, he suggested it's better to be cleared for entry into the United States while in Canada, because travellers are protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as opposed to American laws.

With files from The Canadian Press

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A new Santa Claus is coming to town!

According to Time magazine, a new picture book featuring a gay Santa Claus in an interracial relationship will be published by Harper Design.

The book, called Santa's Husband, will go on sale Oct. 10 and will tell "the true story of a black Santa and his white husband (who often fills in for him at malls), and their life at the North Pole," reports Cosmo.com.

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Me & @JenAshleyWright have decided our future child will only know about Black Santa. If they see a white one we'll say "That's his husband"  Daniel "Kibblesmith" (@kibblesmith) December 3, 2016

Daniel Kibblesmith, a staff writer for "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," came up with the idea for writing a book about a gay, black Santa after tweeting last December that he and his partner "decided our future child will only know about Black Santa. If they see a white one we'll say 'That's his husband.'"

On Tuesday, Kibblesmith tweeted a photo of the book's concept art, which shows the two Santas gazing into each other's eyes.

Here's a higher res of @alperryman's original concept art. Really excited to be working with her and everyone at @harperdesignbks. pic.twitter.com/JTeqAUP8EG  Daniel "Kibblesmith" (@kibblesmith) March 28, 2017

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While this is super exciting, it's still worth noting that not everyone is accepting of books about the LGBTQ community (and, by extension, the LGBTQ community itself).

Recently, a North Carolina school district pulled a children's book called Jacob's New Dress from their Grade 1 curriculum after parents, teachers, and lawmakers complained that it taught children to be transgender.

A post shared by  (@fauxeglove) on Mar 8, 2014 at 11:46pm PST

Authors Sarah and Ian Hoffman spoke out about the ban, noting that reading books can't turn you transgender.

The idea that a book can turn someone gay or transgender is bizarre to us. Reading a book cant turn you gay, Sarah told the Charlotte Observer. If a white kid reads a book about Martin Luther King Jr., will they become black? This book is about a little boy who wears a dress, something outside of traditional gender roles, much like the idea of a girl wearing pants was 100 years ago. Its about following your heart.

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The family of an Alabama grandmother  not to mention, the Internet  is fuming after her grandsons high school said he couldn't bring her to his senior prom.

Shes never been to a prom, so I was thinking in my head, why not take her? Bryce Maine told WTVM.

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"My grandmas always been an important part of my life, my only woman figure in my life," he said.

Bryce said Eufaula High School rejected his choice of date, worried his grandma Catherine Maine might bring alcohol and distribute it to minors.

On Facebook, Bryces cousin wrote that a teacher personally called him to explain why.

"They think if he takes Nanny to prom then future students will do it as a joke and make the school a mockery!" she wrote.

"My blood is boiling right now."

Her grandmother had already bought her dress, she wrote.

The school said in a statement to WTVM that prom attendees have to be under the age of 20, and Principal Steve Hawkins noted this is not the first time a prom date has been denied because of their age. An age limit is a common policy in high schools, he said.

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We do not chance leaving any stone unturned when it comes to safety."

But policy or not, many people online are not pleased.

A hashtag #LetNannyGoToProm has sprung up on Twitter, where many people have encouraged the school to reconsider.

#LetNannyGoToProm Oh, no. We can't. We'll start a trend of grandsons (and granddaughters) showing kindness towards their grandparents.  Michelle RB (@MichelleRB3) March 30, 2017

#LetNannyGoToProm Seriously? Heartless decision. Think of Nanny as a guarantee the kid won't be drunk driving  Victoria Klemetti (@tortellini76) March 30, 2017

Stop being the dad from footloose and let nanny go and dance #LetNannyGoToProm@BTtoronto  Mandy Reynolds (@MandyMandyrey) March 30, 2017

One Toronto morning show is even on board.

Retweet this tweet to help young Bryce bring his grandma to prom. #LetNannyGoToProm  Breakfast Television (@BTtoronto) March 30, 2017

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You might have noticed that your hangovers have only gotten worse as you get older.

In your late 20s, the days of waking up without the slightest tingle in your forehead begin to disappear and all that remains is a mind-shattering headache that can take hours, or even an entire day, to disappear.

For those who have been drinking strong all along, this change may come as a surprise, but researchers say it's just one of many things to be expected with age.

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According to Business Insider, your body can't break down alcohol as efficiently as you get older, which leaves a chemical called acetaldehyde that builds up in the body and is responsible for the nausea and headaches you get after a night of heavy drinking.

While your body is built with its own "hangover cure" in the form of aldehyde dehydrogenase, the enzyme can only tackle so much, meaning the more you drink the worse the hangover gets.

And if you've gained some weight as you age (as most of us do) your hangovers might actually be harder to handle. Contrary to the popular belief that more weight means you can handle more alcohol, researchers at West Virginia University say more fat in the body leaves less space for alcohol to diffuse, meaning it stays in your system longer.

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Ah, the joys of getting older!

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From the outside looking in, the world of fashion and beauty may appear to be all glitz and glam. And while, yes, there are great perks to working in the industry, there are also some pretty major downfalls as well.

In a new report published on Models.com entitled "How Should A Model Be Treated?," models from all over the world reveal the abuse and discrimination they've suffered while working.

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"The modeling experience, as someone who has first-hand encountered it all, and also as a black woman with curly hair, isnt easy at all," an anonymous model says. "Sometimes, because I have a walk that exudes attitude or because I represent the diversity the industry needs, that in itself gets me declined jobs and should frankly be the opposite."

British model Emily Butcher shares similar thoughts, noting that while everyone's buzzing about fashion becoming more inclusive and diverse, there's still a major divide on set.

Never sacrifice your authenticity for approval  A post shared by EMILY BUTCHER (@emilybutcher1) on Mar 29, 2017 at 10:34am PDT

"Of course, there are wonderful role models like Ashley Graham ... championing body positivity but the industrys reluctance to stray into the middle ground of sizing is alarming and limiting," she reveals. "It also completely discounts a huge proportion of society. The acceptance of each person as an individual is something that we need to keep working towards."

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"Body inclusivity isnt just a trend or something that should be accepted in the industry to appease or satisfy a demand," she adds. "Its not an exclusive privilege that should only be afforded to celebrities or activists. It should be a right across the board."

"The acceptance of each person as an individual is something that we need to keep working towards."

Australian model Fernanda Ly, best known for her vibrant pink hair, recounts the disturbing times she was sexually assaulted by stylists and forced to change her clothes in public.

"I was once shooting a lookbook where the stylist, helping me dress, used this chance to feel my body up much more than necessary and continued to do so throughout the entire shoot," she confesses. "Countless times have I had to undress in undesirable public situations, but even now I can remember the disgusting feel of this mans hands tracing my body."

"Most of us start when underaged, we develop and mature as women under all this as the norm," the Aussie continues. "What has already happened has happened, but please do not let this continue to be so."

@LouisVuitton A/W 17  Thank you again @nicolasghesquiere @marieameliesauve @ashleybrokaw @paulhanlonhair @patmcgrathreal A post shared by fernanda  (@warukatta) on Mar 7, 2017 at 3:51pm PST

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But Ly's tale of sexual assault unfortunately isn't anything new.

Back in 2014, esteemed fashion photographer Terry Richardson, who has worked with the likes of Madonna and even former president Barack Obama, was accused of sexual assault by a brigade of women.

The allegations were significant enough that Richardson defended himself in a HuffPost blog. But nonetheless, other models spoke out in defense of the accusers.

"Its been a rumor within the fashion industry for years and years and years that Terry Richardson is a sexual predator," model Nikia Phoenix said on 2014 HuffPost Live segment. "Weve all known this, and I dont know why theyve still been able to exist in the capacity they have."

While the industry as a whole has a long way to go when it comes to finding a sure way to keep models safe from assault, on the inclusion front, major designers like Christian Siriano are making clear strides to represent all bodies through their work.
Sen. Murray Sinclair offered a powerful response Tuesday to Canadians who wonder why indigenous people dont just "get over" the trauma of residential schools.

Anna Maria Tremonti, host of CBCs "The Current," asked the former chief commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission during a public forum in Ottawa on missing and murdered indigenous women what he would say to people who pose that question.

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"My answer has always been: Why can't you always remember this?" Sinclair said.

"Because this is about memorializing those people who have been the victims of a great wrong. Why don't you tell the United States to 'get over' 9/11? Why don't you tell this country to 'get over' all the veterans who died in the Second World War, instead of honouring them once a year?"

"Why don't you tell your families to stop thinking about all of your ancestors who died? Why don't you turn down and burn down all of those headstones that you put up for all of your friends and relatives over the years? It's because it's important for us to remember. We learn from it."

"And until people show that they have learned from this, we will never forget, and we should never forget, even once they have learned from it, because this is part of who we are. It's not just a part of who we are as survivors and children of survivors and relatives of survivors, it's part of who we are as a nation. And this nation must never forget what it once did to its most vulnerable people."

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The true number of children who died in residential schools will likely never be known, but according to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, 3,201 confirmed deaths were reported.

Many students were physically or sexually abused, underfed and even used as subjects in nutritional experiments.

"Until people show that they have learned from this, we will never forget."

Sinclair and fellow senators have been dealing with the backlash to comments from Sen. Lynn Beyak, who said earlier this month that "good deeds" and "remarkable works" on the part of well-meaning residential school officials have been ignored in favour of more negative reports.

She made her remarks during a Senate debate on the rising number of indigenous women in Canadian prisons and reiterated her defence in a Monday interview.

Beyak sits on the chambers aboriginal peoples committee, and Conservative Senate leader Larry Smith told The Canadian Press he will look at whether she should be removed, amid calls for her to voluntarily resign.

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Indigenous leaders in northern Ontario and Manitoba condemned her comments.

"Her unparalleled praise of residential schools and smears of all First Nation leaders is not acceptable in 2017,'' Sheila North Wilson, the grand chief of an organization that represents First Nations in northern Manitoba, told CP.

After her comments on residential schools to the committee, Sen. Sinclair told Beyak he was a "bit shocked."

I am a bit shocked, senator, that you still hold some views that have been proven to be incorrect over the years, but, nonetheless, I accept that you have the right to hold them, he said.

The response from other senators has been mixed. Some have championed her right to free speech while others called her remarks unhelpful.

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The Anglican Church of Canada, one of the denominations that ran residential schools, wrote an open letter to Beyak, saying that while there were glimpses of good in the schools, that "the overall view is grim. It is shadowed and dark; it is sad and shameful."

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Matt Champlin via Getty Images A idyllic lone Acacia tree stands out on the endless plains of the Seregeti National Park.

Safari trips have always had a place of honor in literature and Hollywood movies. Decades ago, safaris were all about superlatives, decadent and opulent at the same time. Yet we cannot argue they exhaled a certain nostalgic charm. So where did it all begin?

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Let's start with the word itself. Safari comes from the Arabic verb safar, which means "to make a journey." At first, safaris revolved around the trading industry - caravans of traders would cross the vast plains of Africa to get from one city to the other - a profitable practice often associated with slave trading.

By the turn of the 20th century, focus shifted towards adventure and exploration. Unfortunately, safaris were also a synonym for hunting trips. Privileged families would go on African safaris because it was trendy, fashionable, a good way to display their social status. Almost a century later, let's have a look at what has changed and what has not.

Safari publicity then and now

The sad truth is that hunting made safaris very popular. Writers, Hollywood stars and British royalty were all doing it. Their tales of large herds of wildlife, dangerous beasts, strange tribes, incredible adventures and unexplored forests sparked the imagination of the public.

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Published in 1885, Sir H. Rider Haggard's King Solomon's Mines was the first English adventure novel set in Africa. The book was later adapted for the screen several times, stirring the public's interest in the continent's unexplored regions.

Among those seduced by Africa's charm was Ernest Hemingway, who embarked on a three-month safari through Kenya and Tanzania in 1933, which provided inspiration for his novel Green Hills of Africa and the short stories The Snows of Kilimanjaro and The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber. He returned to Africa in the winter of 1953/54, the accounts collected in True at First Light, published posthumously.

In a turn of events, the stories of those privileged few that went to Africa to bring home trophies eventually raised public awareness. Today, safaris are aimed at preserving wildlife and promoting ethical travel. Wildlife conservation safaris and ecotourism have flourished over the past years, helping endangered species recover.

Transportation on safaris

Good transportation is the key to a successful safari. But in its beginning, there wasn't much of a choice. Visitors could save time by boarding on a train or steamboat, but if they wanted to venture deeper into the unknown, they had to rely on their own two feet or four-legged transportation - horses, camels and mules. Dozens of porters would carry supplies, tents and weapons (both for hunting and for protection). Back then, a safari took at least three months to complete.

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In 1927, the first three tourist cars entered the grounds of Kruger National Park. One year later, 180 private vehicles passed through its gates, and the numbers kept on growing. Still, going on a safari was pretty expensive. Trucks were a more affordable transportation, but they often broke down. It wasn't until the late 1950s, when 4X4s and SUVs became more accessible, that people realized they no longer needed to be rich to go on a safari. That's when business boomed.

Back to our days, you can now follow the Great Migration from a comfortable vehicle or a hot air balloon over the plains of Maasai Mara or Serengeti. Open vehicles are in high demand, offering great visibility and leaving nothing standing in between you and the African wildlife.

Nowadays, horseback safaris and canoe safaris are exotic options. Vans are also popular, as they do offer great comfort, especially when you are carrying a lot of gear and equipment. Self-drive safaris aren't just economical, they are quite rewarding as well. Another great way to travel is by air, with the Okavango Delta and Great Rift Valley being even more spectacular from a small plane.

Accommodation on safaris

On April 21, 1909, former US President Theodore Roosevelt and his son Kermit arrived in Mombasa accompanied by scientists from the Smithsonian Institution, 250 African porters and guides, as well as British white-hunters - professional big game hunters. They continued along the Nile towards the heart of the Belgian Congo, spending over a year in the African bushes, bagging as many trophies as they could. Ironically, it was a trip conducted in the name of science.

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They traveled by train, steamboat, horse and camel. Local porters carried tons of equipment that made their stay in the vast savanna plains incredibly comfortable, setting up impressive tent cities with elegant latrines. Roosevelt's tent had a hot tub and a private library consisting of 60 volumes.

At the beginning of the last century, safari lodges were designed with hunters in mid. Things began to change in the 1920s, with the inauguration of Africa's first national parks. Virunga National Park was the first of its kind on the continent, opened in 1925 by King Albert I of Belgium to protect the mountain gorillas living here. More African national parks followed, and sustainable tourism became a profitable business.

There are many options these days - luxury lodges, treehouse safaris, temporary camps in the heart of the savanna, mobile tented safaris, you name it! If you long for that old-world charm, there are plenty of colonial-style lodges guaranteed to take you back in time.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the concept of luxury African safaris began to take shape. They are now the latest craze. But with the world constantly changing, safaris need to reinvent themselves to keep up, and in the not-so-distant future their direction might turn towards sheer wilderness, simplicity and reconnection with nature.

Safari fashion then and now

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Back in the golden age of the African safari, namely the 1920s and 1930s, safari jackets, multi-pocketed vests, helmets and khaki shorts were on everyone's packing list. Pith helmets protected travelers from sun and rain. Made from the lightweight spongy tissue of certain plants, they remain the symbol of classic safari fashion. Even Tom and Jerry wore them in the 1962 Sorry Safari animation.

Colonial-style safari outfits have had a massive impact on the media and public. Even if we no longer wear them on our travels, they remain an ageless inspiration for designers and fashion collections. Safari chic, a style applied both in fashion and interior design, was popularized through classic movies like Mogambo (1953) and Out of Africa (1985).

Even if there's no specific dress code today, it is wise to blend in with the surroundings. Beige, brown and olive-green remain the most practical colors, while comfortable, strong and breathable clothes are highly recommended. Bright colors should be avoided, especially red and white, which make you conspicuous to wildlife. Dark colors like blue and black tend to attract tsetse flies.

These days, wildlife is no longer shot with rifles but through lenses. Walls are no longer adorned with trophies but with framed pictures. Safaris now make great family trips and well as spectacular couple's getaways. And just like decades ago, they continue to be more than an adventure - safaris are a way of life.
The archetypal struggle of great stories in Western culture often involves two protagonists uniting to take on a formidable opponent: Luke Skywalker and Han Solo, Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee, Batman and Robin; you get the point.

Much rarer though are stories involving former enemies uniting to take on a common foe.

But in Alberta, the prospect of a second NDP government has forced Wildrosers and Progressive Conservatives to reconsider their past feuds.

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Wildrose leader Brian Jean and Progressive Conservative leader Jason Kenney have launched discussions to unite the two parties in time to take on the NDP as a single force in the next provincial election.

Both parties have nominated five representatives each to come to an agreement on a framework for unity, hopefully to be concluded by the end of April. While both Wildrosers and PCs have some concerns for what this new unity party would look like, goodwill, friendship and transparency should allow both sides to come to mutually agreeable terms.

As those talks continue, I'm pleased to share survey results and feedback I've received over the past several months from grassroots Albertans on the matter.

Unity should not be an invitation for the "old boys" to get back into power, but a way to build something new and fresh to take Alberta forward.

In February, my Wildrose team and I hosted two public town hall meetings in Strathmore and Brooks to discuss the idea of uniting the two parties. Hundreds of people came out on short notice, of which 60 per cent were Wildrose Party members, but a sizable 40 per cent were not.

We asked those in attendance to complete anonymous surveys about their preferences on the topic of unification.

As an early supporter of unity discussions, I was pleased to see 90 per cent of those who completed the survey supported uniting the Wildrose and PC parties into a single, principled grassroots party. Anecdotally, many attendees told me that they shared my opinion on the matter; it simply doesn't make sense for people -- who agree on 90 per cent -- to risk the future of Alberta over the other 10 per cent.

We also surveyed attendees on what a potential new party should be called. The clear preference was "Wildrose Conservative Party," followed by "United Conservative Party" and "Conservative Party."

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I was encouraged to hear that this process shouldn't be about simply winning the next election and removing Rachel Notley from power. Everyone seems to agree that uniting the two parties needs to be about building a new party that is principled, accountable to grassroots members and the people of Alberta, and focused on improving the lives of everyday Albertans.

Importantly though, people were clear with me that unification should be forward-looking, to the future, and not the past. Unity should not be an invitation for the "old boys" to get back into power, but a way to build something new and fresh to take Alberta forward.

We have two years to go before the next scheduled provincial election, but we shouldn't waste a minute. The NDP are busy appointing their friends to positions of power, stacking election rules in their favour and funding their allies with taxpayers dollars, who will in turn use that money to support the NDP.

We should be under no illusions about the lengths to which they will go to cling to power; but united together, I am confident that we will be able to overcome whatever obstacles they put in our way as we work to give this province back to its people.

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Bitter Harvest begins with showing the famous Ukrainian landscape: an endless wheat field under blue sky. It somehow reminds me of a scene in Gone with the Wind. Mr. Gerald O'Hara, the proud owner of plantation Tara, teaches his daughter Scarlett about the people's love for the land.

Do you mean to tell me, Katie Scarlett O'Hara, that Tara, that land doesn't mean anything to you? Why, land is the only thing in the world worth workin' for, worth fightin' for, worth dyin' for, because it's the only thing that lasts...It will come to you, this love of land...

Mr. O'Hara is a first-generation immigrant, born and raised in the Old World. But after spending many years in the New World, he has become inseparable to the red soil of Georgia.

Now imagine just how strong attachment that Ukrainians had, for the land they lived on for over a millennia.

Bitter Harvest depicts one of the greatest tragedy ever occurred in Ukraine. The Holodomor (meaning "Death by hunger" in Ukrainian) was a famine in 1932-1933 created by one of the most brutal political decision by Soviet leader Joseph Stalin.

He anticipated that the Communist Party must have a monopoly over grain production in an effort to dramatically improve Soviet Union's economic performance. The grandeur Five-Year Plan initiated in 1928. Industrialization required buying machinery from other countries and feeding workers.

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All this required the Party to find ways to acquire grains at extremely low cost. Stalin saw that collectivization- transferring all ownership of farmlands to the Party-and turning into government- operated collectives would allow achieving such daunting task.

Ukrainians resisted fiercely. For them, "collectivization" meant the Party destroying their livelihood. But Stalin was determined to break their will. Countless number of people were arrested and shot. During the famine, roadblocks were set up to prevent people from escaping countryside. Those who joined the collective against their will were left to die in agony.

Scholars have argued whether the Holomodor should be treated as genocide. Some argue the Holodomor is not genocide because Ukrainians were not targeted as an ethnic group. However, historian Norman M. Naimark has argued that there's more than enough evidence to rule the Holodomor as genocide. It was not just a deliberate attempt to starve off the rebellious rural population, but to destroy rural Ukrainians by labeling them as "the enemy nation." Today, more than 25 countries consider the Holodomor as genocide.

Fast forward to 2017; it is most unfortunate that tragedy continues in the same land where people have suffered the worst. Like Stalin, a political leader's misguided policy brought great suffering upon both Ukrainians and his people. The war and occupation, driven by nostalgia and ideology that should have left inside the dustbin of history, is brought back to our time.

It is difficult to imagine that some of the worst tragedies in history have erupted in the beautiful landscape illustrated in the film. After all, this is the land where Nikolai Gogol beautifully describes in Taras Bulba as a place with "the best that nature has to offer." In Gogol's words, it is the land where it once was "an ocean of million flowers" and home of the free people.

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Countless lives have perished in this part of the world. Some may continue denying the truth and responsibility for the crimes committed here.

But the black soil of Ukraine knows. All of it.
The Hell's Angels had been in the area over the weekend for a national gathering. Ottawa police would announce there were "no incidents" involving the famed motorcycle club. But the next morning, July 24, 2016, would see an incident that would rock the capital to this day.

It was a typical dead-of-summer day, 28 degrees Celsius. Mix of sun and cloud, a mild breeze. Police arrived to answer a disturbance call at a Hintonburg coffee shop around 9:30 a.m. A pursuit of the fleeing suspect, Abdirahman Abdi, would leave him dead. And both Const. Daniel Montsion, one of the responding officers, and the Ottawa Police held under fire and tainted maybe for decades.

And now, a disgraceful action this week by the Ottawa Police Association could tarnish the union itself, perhaps for just as long.

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As reported this past week, officers of the nation have begun wearing and distributing bracelets in support of Montsion, one of the responding officers charged earlier this month with manslaughter after an SUI investigation. Inscribed are: "United we stand, Together we fall," as well as the badge number of the accused. And per the CBC, they are quite popular among members. They've sold 1,200 via their private Facebook group. Ottawa Police Association president Matt Skof is quoted saying that the $2 band is "just about expressing their support for a colleague. It's a very difficult environment that we're in, in policing."

That's understandable. Being an officer is dangerous and stressful work. And, across the U.S., stories of police brutality show up almost weekly on the news. Even in cities like Toronto and Montreal, stories involving brutality or corruption aren't earth-shattering. And they rub off on all other forces, whether they have their own incidents or not. But when they do, they become the story.

@OttawaPolice You r under obligation 2 serve and protect the ppl not act as jury. Remove wristbands. Divisive & undermining. @Eli_ElChantirypic.twitter.com/BNxvJZwxcd -- SArmstrong (@hotelbaudin) March 29, 2017

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No longer can you say "Oh well, that only happens here or there." Ottawa Police have had a comparatively low amount of "issues" until last year. The death of Abdi spread across the world as another example of cops going too far and using excessive force. No matter if Montsion is convicted or not, this will be "that moment" for the city.

It's understandable if other officers feel lumped in with the ones who answered that July call. It makes everyone look bad. We all say that one does not equal all, but once things like this happen, no matter the result, it's hard to forget. It's also understandable if they feel as though Montsion is not the only one on trial and they need to stick together. I get why they want to show support for their co-worker, because if not him, then who next?

There could be an even split across the force as to whether or not he is guilty. Maybe officers feel pressured to purchase one in a "you're either with us or against us" kind of way. Maybe they all do wish him luck. We know from history that places like police stations can be very fraternal.

Regardless, there are countless other ways that they could have shown their unity. Or at least not do it so publicly. This gives off the notion that you believe and justify Montsion's alleged actions. I'm sure the story has been passed around Elgin headquarters a million times, and there are still more rumours than facts. I'm sure even pieces, if not all parts of the SUI investigation, have been rehashed.

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Still, just as the police and judicial system should know -- innocent until proven guilty. We all know there are instances where this isn't true, and we know that sometimes, as in Jian Ghomeshi's case, that the courtrooms can surprise us. But we have to trust, blindly or not, in the justice system and hold back judgement until it plays out. We need to believe in everyone involved from the police, all the way up to the judges, are unbiased and out to do their jobs with integrity and strong character. This band, this in-your-face alliance around Montsion, doesn't do that.

A lazy metaphor -- if your co-worker were charged with murdering a customer and you rallied around them publicly, that would be bizarre, right? Let alone cops who should not prioritize loyalty to their "brotherhood" at the expense of others, especially not people like Abdi or others they engage with on a daily basis.

What was probably a $100 box of wristbands has created a headache for the police that no money can resolve.

Daniel Montsion's incident will bring him to a court of law where each side seeks resolution and truth. The incident of the Ottawa Police Association drawing a polarizing line in the sand will have its own trial. They will have to face the court of public opinion. Those who pay for their jobs and bloated overtime bills. They'll be afforded the benefit of the doubt by some, sure. But what about Abdi's family and loved ones? The Somalian community with which Chief Charles Bordeleau has been trying to rebuild relationships since last year?

For many, this incredibly gross and half-brained PR disaster will act as that confirmation-bias moment. What was probably a $100 box of wristbands has created a headache for the police that no money can resolve. Moving forward, their only saving grace is to be more like the Hell's Angels, leaving the media with no incidents to report.

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Tucked away towards the back of the recent federal budget was a short passage that represented a significant victory for those pushing back against the so-called sharing economy and its destructive impact on existing industries, as well as safeguards for both workers and the public.

The passage, under the heading "Updating Tax Measures to Reflect Changes in the Economy," committed the federal government to changing the Excise Tax Act to define ridesharing services such as Uber as taxi companies. It is a simple change that makes Uber subject to paying the same GST and HST as existing cab companies.

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There are no more details than this in the budget, though the government has said the change will be in place by July 1.

This is good news for those of us who have been concerned about the sharing economy since the beginning.

Let's not fool ourselves. These companies are not about neighbours offering rides to neighbours, as Uber and Lyft claim.

Both Uber and Lyft are multibillion-dollar corporations -- Uber's worth is estimated at between US$28 billion and US$62 billion, for example, with business models based on ignoring the rules that govern the rest of industries.

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Uber wants to compete with local taxis, but not play by the same rules.

Take Uber. Recently in Windsor, Ont., the company successfully fought back calls from the local taxi industry that its drivers be required to have cameras in their cars, just like traditional taxi drivers must, saying that would add to the cost of taking Uber. In London, Ont., the company is threatening to pull out of the city over a similar measure.

In other words, Uber wants to compete with local taxis, but not play by the same rules.

It's a similar story around the world, wherever Uber is told it must obey local laws. On Tuesday, the company said it is leaving Denmark after that country said its drivers must live up to the local taxi regulations, including having mandatory fare meters.

For its part, Uber is already pushing back against last week's budget -- saying that requiring it to charge the GST or HST will increase the cost of using its service.

Comments such as that just prove what critics have been saying about Uber all along -- it and other ridesharing services are undercutting traditional taxis by offering the same service, without bothering to work and abide by the same regulations and tax laws as other businesses in the industry.

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The company said it will meet with the federal government about the plan. The company is free to meet with whoever it likes, but it and every MP needs to understand that Unifor and taxi drivers all across the country expect the federal government to make good on the commitments made in the budget. The introduction of regulations to apply the same tax is simply about fairness and having the company pay its fair share into the roads that tax dollars help to build.

The federal government has set an important precedent by applying the GST and HST to ridesharing services. It has said that such companies are not above the law. Innovation and new ways of doing things are welcome, but breaking the law is not.

The government is on the right track by applying the GST and HST to ridesharing services.

It is worth noting, too, that the move was motivated by a desire to ensure tax laws keep up with changes in the economy that have made the "tax statures less relevant than when they were first introduced," according to the budget's own words.

Keeping our laws relevant is always a worthy goal, and need not stop with Uber.

Our current tax laws are likewise out of date when it comes to other disruptive technology-based companies such as Netflix. As federal laws and regulations are updated, Ottawa needs to consider how to address online streaming services to ensure these companies are paying their fair share.

In the case of Netflix and other streaming services, for instance, applying the GST and HST to Canadian subscriber fees could help fund more Canadian content.

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The government is on the right track by applying the GST and HST to ridesharing services. We must now ensure it continues to follow the path it has set.

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"With increasing frequency, we hear news stories about people who kill their spouses, their children and themselves, often in situations where they are recently separated. I believe these guidelines will contribute towards that tragic trend. I think they will push more people to murder and suicide. Other people will be driven to leave the country, or to vanish into the underground economy.

We may never see the statistics to support these predictions I'm making, because the reasons why people do these things are hard to capture in a database, but I know how my clients are reacting to the news I give them when they ask me what their rights and obligations are. I worry about them."
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Copper has been in use by humans for about 10,000 years and without this incredible metal, society could not possibly be what it is today. With a vast amount of uses, copper is antimicrobial, corrosion-resistant, and a superior heat and electricity conductor that has revolutionized technology and our modern way of life.

This beautiful, soft and malleable red/orange/pink metal is one of the only natural metals that is directly usable and does not need to be separated from ore. For thousands of years, humans have used copper for everything from the decorative arts to currency, from cooking vessels to plumbing, and from conducting electricity to protecting boats from barnacles and salt water.

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Mixed with other metals to form alloys, copper becomes even more useful. Mixed with tin, copper makes bronze, and blended with zinc, it makes brass. Early use of bronze armor protected ancient Greeks and made superior weapons and tools during the Bronze Age, and brass hardware for construction and electricals notwithstanding, where would we be without a horn section?

With its incredible amount of uses, copper drives our world through its use in telecom, computers, motors, and transport. "Everything that you touch over the course of a day will have copper in it, or have some connection to copper," said Andrew Kireta, President of the Copper Development Association in the U.S. (source).

On a biological level, cells need copper to survive -- it is a trace element that helps form red blood cells, connective tissue, and keeps nerves and the immune system healthy. Though we only need trace amounts of copper, without it, we can develop anemia, bone deficiency, fatigue, and low white blood cell count, among other symptoms.

Interestingly, copper also indicates the health of the global economy. CNBC reported in February that "when demand for copper increases, that means industrial activity is on the rise because copper is used to make a wide array of things from new factories, to new houses and automobiles."

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The gift of copper keeps on giving.

Copper-Infused Textiles

Copper use can be very innovative. When the metal is infused into textiles, the benefits of copper's antimicrobial and heat conducting benefits shine though.

At this time of year with one foot still in winter and the other firmly planted in spring, sorting out the right textile weight can be tricky. Think of your bedding, for example. The winter-spring transition can leave our bodies in "temperature confusion" - one night we're still chilly with an extra blanket, and the next night too hot with the window open. Either way, the air is warmer and we're going to sweat--much of that sweat will come from our heads.

Our pillows absorb a lot of perspiration during sleeping hours. Perspiration contains bacteria, so the idea of adding copper to pillows is rather a stroke of genius.

U. S. bedding company, Pangeabed makes use of copper's antibacterial and heat conducting properties in their pillows and mattresses. The company uses Talalay, an antibacterial latex made of natural rubber that is infused with copper; whipped, poured into a mould, and then flash-frozen for stability. Blending copper with Talalay latex which is designed with a breathable open cell structure, makes both sides of the pillow cool and bacteria-free. Good news for the temperature-sensitive among us.

Copper in Healthcare

With regular cleaning, the Antimicrobial Copper Organization says that antimicrobial copper surfaces kill more than 99.9% of staph bacteria within two hours of exposure. In their constant fight with bacteria, some hospitals make use of copper for trays, door handles, charts, sinks, carts, and other hardware to stop the spread of bacteria.

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In the UK, an innovative copper development for medical use has come to light.

Amber McCleary, in a student project to invent an odorless dog bed, realized the potential for copper fabrics when a friend acquired the difficult-to-treat Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) superbug after a C-section. Ms. McCleary brought her friend a pair of copper-infused pajamas, and within two days of wear, the infection had shown great improvement.

Ms. McCleary tested her antibacterial copper theories and inoculated two gowns with bacteria in a lab. The first, a traditional hospital gown, developed 400 million colony-forming units on the fabric, but the copper-infused gown had zero. In an address to the Royal Society of Medicine, Ms. McCleary explains that copper destroys the DNA in bacteria, and this keeps the cells from replicating.

Some businesses have introduced copper-infused products in the name of pain relief - i.e. copper compression pieces or copper bracelets said to relieve arthritic and muscle pain. Some people report pain relief via copper products, but others, including Consumer Reports, cite that there is no outstanding evidence that suggests that wearing copper is beneficial to pain relief.

"There are no reliable studies supporting the healing powers of copper-infused fabrics," says Consumer Reports medical director Orly Avitzur, M.D. "It's extremely unlikely that these fabrics would provide any therapeutic benefit beyond compression for arthritis or pain."

There are arguments on both sides of the transdermal copper absorption idea. Presumably, the copper present in McCleary's fabrics ward off infection-causing bacteria, but copper-infused compression garments and copper bracelets for pain--and not infection--may not have the effect they are marketed to have.

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It seems to me that to get the full benefits of internalized copper, we should just stick to eating things like leafy greens, nuts, whole grains, potatoes, and shellfish to get the full daily amount of recommended copper (which is surprisingly a very small amount: 900 micrograms a day for adults, or 0.0009 grams per day).

As the soft metal underdog that once made our pretty pennies, copper is imperative to body function and is at the root of our civilization. Copper is beautiful, practical, completely recyclable, and worth its weight in gold.
This week, Ottawa City Council holds an information review, respecting a move to designate Ottawa to be a sanctuary city. Called "largely-symbolic" by some, a sanctuary city ensures all residents have access to municipal services, regardless of immigration status, without fear of deportation. Supporters hope the designation will include a plan for training of city staff.

Canadian sanctuary cities so far include Toronto, Hamilton, London, Montreal and Vancouver. Motions remain before Winnipeg, Saskatoon and Regina.

Here is my public plea to make Ottawa -- my city -- a sanctuary city.

Dear Mayor Jim Watson and Ottawa City Councillors:

I am a single mom of three and I reside in Ottawa South. Our neighborhood is vibrant and diverse - that's what I love about it. Two of my kids attend local area public schools and my oldest is a student at Carleton University.

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I am an activist, a feminist, a lawyer and a few years ago co-founded a non-profit community Muslim organization, Universalist Muslims , whose goals include spreading harmony and peace by connecting individuals and groups of various schools of thought, and advocating for universal human rights inside and outside the mosque, including LGBTQ rights and the right of women to self-determination.

I learned about the motion to make Ottawa a sanctuary city from Rabbi Elizabeth Bolton, whom I have had the honor of getting to know through our interfaith community service. Because of her, I attended a Faith Leaders Roundtable meeting, with friend, Farhat Rehman of the Canadian Council of Muslim Women, to learn more about this initiative.

I am grateful to have attended. There I learned that in today's climate of fear and suspicion, undocumented individuals, right here in Ottawa, who need our help and the services of our great city, including ambulance, police, fire stations, women's shelters and even schools, may not be able to access those services, because of their concern that they may be required to provide personal information to city officials and then risk being deported.

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Not only is lack of access to city services unfair to those individuals (many of whom pay taxes) but as well it places a burden on all of us by risking the order and welfare of the rest of the city's population, when those services are not available.

It means that the perpetrators of crimes against undocumented individuals may escape justice. It means undocumented women facing domestic violence may not have access to shelters. It means undocumented individuals and their families may not receive required emergency medical treatment. It means fires on the premises of undocumented individuals could spread, causing damage and injury. The consequences are far-reaching for all of us.

What's more, the fear that has arisen on the part of undocumented individuals has originated from anti-Muslim sentiment that has spread like cancer throughout the west.

And this is unjust.

It has been said that making Ottawa a sanctuary city is a merely symbolic gesture, which has no real effect and as a result, may not even be worthwhile. If this is your position, I urge you to reconsider.

Firstly, those undocumented individuals and their families, escaping war and oppression, are the victims of terrorism seeking safety. They are not terrorists.

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Secondly, such bigotry and hatred, when unchecked, affects not only asylum seekers but Canadian citizens and legal permanent residents and their families, who contribute to the harmony, peace and economic welfare of all our communities.

It has been said that making Ottawa a sanctuary city is a merely symbolic gesture, which has no real effect and as a result, may not even be worthwhile.

If this is your position, I urge you to reconsider.

Making Ottawa a sanctuary city, not only implements policies to allow residents access to services without fear, but the greater effect it bears is profound. Being a sanctuary city creates an exemplary and welcoming vision of who we are, us Ottawans, as a community.

It affects how we are viewed by the rest of the world, as well as, and more importantly, how we are seen by our own citizens -- particularly by our own Ottawa youth.

Ottawa as a sanctuary city reveals to the world that Ottawa is passionate to sustain a community built on harmony, social cohesion, peace, human dignity and respect for all, regardless of ethnicity and faith. It also sends a message to the world that Ottawa does not tolerate bigotry but embraces diversity with compassion.

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And most importantly, it sets an example to our youth -- of all faiths and backgrounds, from all neighborhoods and economic levels -- that their city stands in solidarity with them, regardless of where they may have come from and no matter what their religion. It sends them the message that they are Ottawans - making it harder for anyone else to tell them otherwise.

As a mother, I want my children and their fellow classmates at their schools -- one of which is a public high school composed of a school population estimated to be 70% Muslim -- to know and feel that they are integral to the future of this city and that we, the grown-ups, will not allow bigotry and hatred to stand in their way.

I humbly ask you to make our city -- Ottawa -- a sanctuary city.

Thank you.
The protection of Canadians' rights is at a crossroads. Since 2001, the Canadian government -- under the leadership of both the Conservatives and Liberals -- has consistently and continuously granted new powers and resources to Canada's national security agencies.

This has been ostensibly in the pursuit of protecting Canada from terrorist threats. The result, though, has been the creation of a far-reaching national security apparatus spanning 20 government agencies -- all without consistent, in-depth or independent review or oversight.

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Not all of these issues would necessarily have been solved by an oversight committee, but it would have been more likely than without it. Such a committee can also help ensure that none of these incidents happen again, and that our rights are properly protected.

So when the Liberals announced Bill C-22 to establish a Committee of Parliamentarians to oversee our national security agencies and activities, it was a welcomed and long-awaited announcement.

What we have ended up with is an oversight committee in name only. And that is no comfort at all.

It is also why the government's recent actions, culminating with last Friday's vote to reject sending the bill back to committee and passing it on to third reading, are all the more frustrating. The final vote in the House of Commons is slated for Monday, April 3, and it is fully expected to pass, sending the bill on to the Senate.

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Canadians should be concerned: What we have ended up with is an oversight committee in name only. And that is no comfort at all.

This isn't to say the MPs and Senators who will eventually sit on this committee won't work diligently to investigate and oversee CSIS, the RCMP, the CSE, Canadian Border Services Agency and the other 16 or so agencies involved in national security actions in Canada.

But the legislation, as it heads to the Senate for debate in the coming weeks, is so riddled with exceptions and exclusions that it is hard to imagine that committee members will have consistent, timely and reliable access to the information they need to do their work. (You can read our analysis the bill here.)

Perhaps most alarming is that it needn't have been this way -- and almost wasn't. As the SECU committee studied the bill, important amendments were made, based on expert testimony and significant consultation. Many human rights and civil liberties organizations, including we at the ICLMG, supported these changes (with the caveat that they still could go further). These amendments served to strengthen the future Committee of Parliamentarians' ability to access the information they required, to call witnesses, to investigate national security matters in a timely manner, and to generally conduct effective oversight.

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But on Monday March 20, government amendments moved by Liberal House Leader Bardish Chagger undid the most important and necessary changes brought to C-22 by the SECU committee. By Friday, it was ushered on to third reading, and next Monday it will have passed through the House of Commons.

The result is that the ICLMG simply cannot support this bill in its current form. Not only will it not create a Committee of Parliamentarians capable of real and strong oversight over our national security apparatus, its mere creation will give Canadians the impression that proper parliamentary oversight exists -- which will not be the case. The bill is irresponsible.

There is still a chance to fix this though. Some senators have signalled they are open to bringing further amendments. We hope they will take up the concerns brought to the House of Commons, and that the government will decide to be open to improvements to Bill C-22.

This is all the more important since there are other concerns with Bill C-22 that go beyond the committee's amendments. This includes the fact that the prime minister will appoint the members of the committee, has already named the chair, and will have the power to vet all reports without any recourse to review. Our coalition has also called for the establishment of a separate, expert and independent national review body, as recommended by Justice Dennis O'Connor at the end of the Commission of Inquiry into the case of Maher Arar.

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On March 17, the Government of Canada finally issued an official apology for the actions of Canadian officials that lead to the rendition, detention and torture of Canadians Abdullah Almalki, Ahmad Elmaati and Muayyed Nurredin. But this is not enough. The cases of these three men and others demonstrate why we need a strong national security oversight committee in Parliament, as well as a strong and overarching review body, in order to prevent such human rights violations from happening again.

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The five things you need to know on Thursday, March 30

1) TERROR FIRMER

Its nine long months since David Dimbleby told a waking nation The British people have spoken - and were out! Of course, we are still in and will be in the EU until midnight March 29, 2019 (when Big Ben bongs, as one No.10 source put it). But yesterday Theresa May finally started the formal process of Brexit and tried, in her Commons statement at least, to strike a note of upbeat optimism.

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Unless you were living under a rock yesterday, youll know the guts of Mays message. My WaughZone special is HERE, covering everything from her hints of transitional deals to the EUs response. Newspapers and news reporters of all kinds report on whats new (the clue is in the name) and the PM certainly gave everyone a story by explicitly linking security to trade for the first time.

No.10 tried to say the PM was just stating facts about close working on crime and terror. Yet given that yesterday was just a week since the Westminster attack, it seemed crass to many that this was being used in a negotiation. Amber Rudd was sent out to hose down the row. But she chucked petrol on it instead, telling Sky that the UK was the largest contributor to Europol and if we left..then we would take our information with us. Europol happens to be headed by former MI5 man Rob Wainwright, who has warned 2,000 criminals were sent back to Europe under the European Arrest Warrant

Was it just one of those May-like spasms of Euroscepticism, a Remainer-trying-too-hard pitch to her backbenchers (who dont forget were unhappy when she opted in to EU home affairs rules as Home Secretary)? If it was another bluff, it may well be as effective as her threat to quit the EU with no deal and opt for a Singapore slim model of an offshore economy.

Now the clock is ticking, however, the time constraints may work in the EU27s favour, not ours. Donald Tusks stand-out phrase yesterday was that this was now about damage control. Angela Merkel proved immovable in saying a new trade deal could only be discussed once the divorce bit of Brexit was sorted. If we quibble over the divorce bill, for example, the Germans wont mind a bit as it squeezes the time for a new trade deal.

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I remember when striking electricians on the Jubilee Line extension won huge pay rises because bosses were terrified they would run over their deadline of getting it ready for the Millennium eve. The immovable deadline for Brexit is now March 2019, and the EU27 know we are in a hurry, not them.

2) COURT OF REPEAL

Brexit Secretary David Davis was manning the airwaves for the Government this morning ahead of the publication of his new Great Repeal Bill White Paper. DD had to firefight the security issue, stating it was not a bargaining chip, but his wider point on the Today programme was that he and the PM want a good deal not just for us but for Europe.

He stressed that the boss will be the UKs chief negotiator, though he will of course be her main sherpa doing the heavy lifting. And his mood was as conciliatory as Mays: there are always quid pro quos in any negotiation, of course there are. DD even rowed back from his own line earlier this year that he wanted a free trade deal with the exact same benefits as single market membership (see below).

Of course, the PM faces ranks of her own Eurosceptic MPs ready to cry betrayal! if she gives too much ground to the EU on freedom of movement (markedly absent from her letter) or transitional deals. Davis pointed out that one of such troublesome rebels would probably would have been me a few years ago. The Sun, which carries a piece from him, describes DD as an SAS hard man. Yet in many ways David Davis is the Martin McGuinness of the Brexit movement. A hardliner who has the backing of his military wing, and is now committed to a peace process. On Today, he didnt rule out Tory MPs objecting to anything they felt uncomfortable with: They are going to make a decision on whether its acceptable or not. Those Eurosceps, they havent gone away, you know.

He will know too that the other two Brexiteers in the Cabinet wont want to be marginalised. The Times reports that Boris Johnson was not involved in drafting the Article 50 letter and was shown it only on Tuesday, hours before it was sent to Brussels. And hes the Foreign Secretary. Liam Fox was only shown it late too. After Philip Hammonds jibe yesterday that we cant have our cake and eat it, those Cabinet tensions havent got away either.

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As for the Great Repeal Bill, even senior Tories have told me they find its title ridiculous. The Great Cut And Paste Bill is how many in Whitehall know it, as the legislation would simply transpose 20,000 EU laws and regulations into British law. The issue of a lack of scrutiny of the sheer scale of those changes, many done by Statutory Instrument, is sure to feature. But other stand-alone bills on immigration and customs will make life tricky for May and DD, with Leavers and Remainers ready to unpick them with amendments.

3) JEZ-ERENDUMS

The next general election wont just be a verdict on Mays handling of Brexit, it will also be a referendum on Jeremy Corbyns leadership. And the poll news remains grim. Yesterday, YouGov revealed that for the first time more 2015 Labour voters (and dont forget theyre pretty loyal) think May would make the best PM than think Corbyn would make the best PM. Todays New Statesman declares war on Corbyn, again, with a headline: WANTED: An Opposition.

As Nicola Sturgeon talked yesterday about Brexit being a leap in the dark (unlike, Scottish independence?), the Labour leaders words on other referenda were picked up. He told Andrew Neil that he wasnt in principle opposed to a poll on the reunification of Ireland. If the Northern Ireland Assembly wants to have one then they should be allowed to, he said. Perfectly in keeping with devolution, of course, but it wont endear him any more to the DUP.

And on a second Scottish referendum, Corbyn said Westminster should not block one (a line Kezia Dugdale agreed with him last night), before agreeing with May it shouldnt take place until after Brexit talks are completed. A new National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) study today has more bad news for the SNP. Most Scots want Brexit to result in stronger curbs on immigration and do not see any need for Scotland to be given a different deal from the rest of the UK.

In the Commons, the Labour leaders best question was to pick up on Keir Starmers sixth test, that any Brexit deal should have the exact same benefits (copyright, David Davis) as single market membership. It is, of course, unanswerable because such a high bar will be almost impossible. No.10 refused to repeat DDs phrase yesterday, but May does want something that delivers frictionless trade. DD himself told the Today programme: I make no apology for being ambitious. But he also said he was only aiming for the same benefits, achieving it was something else. A small, but significant distinction.

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BECAUSE YOUVE READ THIS FAR

Watch this little girl think a water heater dumped in the street is a robot.

4) OH, SUGAR

Last year, the big Brexit scare was that Toblerone would be less chunky because of soaring import costs. Today, it looks like were going to have smaller choc bars entirely of our own accord. Public Health England has published its targets for food manufacturuers to cut sugar in their products by 20% by 2020. It also suggests three ways for firms to get there: lower sugar levels, smaller portions or directing customers to healthier alternatives.

All very laudable, but it wont exactly get the food giants quaking in their boots. For a start, I can imagine kids buying two small bars rather than a big one. More importantly this is all about entreaty rather than compulsion. Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at PHE, said that it was quicker to shame firms rather than devise legal regulation to force them to cut sugar content. We think that if we were to develop regulation for a reformulation programme at the moment, it would tie us up in knots for a long time and we have an urgent crisis with childhood obesity."

Speaking of health crises, the Telegraph reports that a flu jab blunder that contributed to the largest increase in deaths in a generation may have brought unexpected benefits for Britain's pensions black hole. The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries says the increase in the mortality rate in 2016 - when the flu jab was mismatched for the main strain of influenza - cut life expectancy and removed about 28bn of pension liabilities from the balance sheets of leading firms. At least someone wins from death.

Meanwhile, the Times reports on other businesses worried about healthier lifestyles. It says restaurants in the City of London are suffering because many firms now ban staff from drinking during the working day. To make their margins, some are now serving a selection of teas in wine glasses instead - with one charging 18 for a 500ml glass.

5) TELLY TIME

Last night, former Ed Miliband aide Stewart Wood secured his first ever Government defeat, with his amendment to the Digital Economy Bill winning a majority of 31 votes. The amendment requires Sky and other on-demand TV platforms to prominently display public service broadcasters (such as childrens BBC shows). Wood blogged for HuffPost earlier this year on this and other ways to strenthen the public service remit. As well as winning two votes, he also won a Government concession on updating rules guaranteeing major sporting events remain accessible to all on free-to-air TV.

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The Daily Mail reports that Ofcom, which takes over as the BBC's regulator next year, wants to force BBC Radio 2 to carry at least three hours of news and current affairs every day at peak time. That could have a real impact on the much-loved Jeremy Vine show (the old Jimmy Young slot), which is currently at lunchtime. The BBC's Controller of Radio, Bob Shennan, says he thinks his channels already carry enough news and current affairs.

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As the test season approaches, children across the UK will be experiencing all of the nerves, worry and stress that comes with preparing for what can be life-changing exams. Recent research By Nestle Waters revealed the extent to which children are feeling the pressure, 84% of 10-14 year olds in the UK are feeling stressed. Pressure at school is listed as the main source of stress for 63% of those, therefore it is important that we do what we can to help manage children's concerns during these vital educational years. With figures like those, chances are your child could be one of them. So here are some parent tips:

Revise like an athlete

The key to stress-free revision is thinking like an athlete. Revision can seem completely overwhelming when you think that you have to practise everything. If you were an athlete though you would not practise your whole routine/ match over and over again you would identify your weak spots and do focused practise on them - your passing, your serve, your jump...

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As a parent the best support you can give your child is to help them identify those weak spots. You can do this from working through practise papers, talking about the areas your child is most concerned about and feedback from school. Any additional online programmes that your child uses for learning will normally provide you with some matrix of topics that your child is finding tricky too.

The next step is all about planning; blocking out time for focused practise on each individual area. Sit down with your child and give them ownership of what they are going to revise and when, whilst encouraging achievable goals and including plenty of breaks.

Celebrate the effort

One of the main contributors to exam season stress is the fear that by not succeeding your child will be letting you down. This worry and anxiety can manifest itself and become a serious distraction for children, which can have a negative impact on their performance.

A good way of avoiding this kind of worry is by focusing on the effort and practise that your child is doing. Celebrating the successes they achieve during their focused practise revision and reminding them if they can't do something - "they can't do it yet". Let them know how proud you are of the progress they are making. This encourages children to work as hard as they can in preparation, but doesn't overwhelm them with talk of the end results. Exams are just a chance for the children to show off how much they know. If we talk about that then some of the pressure of the exam day itself will be lifted.

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Avoid clashing!

Often, with a child under pressure and a parent wanting the absolute best for them, tempers can flare and arguments can result! If you feel your child isn't doing enough; it's often because they feel lost and don't know where to start. Help them to break everything into very small tasks so they can start seeing small successes and boost confidence.

Avoid using accusatory, overly-critical language like, "If you don't work harder, you are going to fail", try approaching with questions to encourage your child to see the problem by themselves. "How is your revision going?", "What are your tricky spots?", "If you have 30 minutes to look at something today what do you think would make the most difference?"- these are all good questions to ask.

Be prepared

Inevitably, there will be children disappointed with their exam results and it is important for you to be supportive. Stress and reiterate that there are always options, whether your child achieves well or poorly, there are paths that can be taken either way.

So sit with your child and discuss these options together. It could involve a different school/college/university, or it could be looking in to the possibility of re-takes. Research is important at this stage, but remember there are always options!

Take time off!

At times, if tension is building, or your child is starting to feel the strain a little too much - the best thing to do can be to take a step away from the exam preparation for a while! Find something relaxing and enjoyable to do and completely forget about exam preparation. The Wildlife Trusts highly recommend spending time outdoors and around nature and water to relieve stress, so perhaps take time out and visit some local scenery - like your local park or woods. However if there is a timetable in place make sure that it is still possible to cover everything in time.

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As the news of London terror attack unfolded my initial thought of pain and anger and frustration made me think that I am disappointed in humanity. Later as the stories of heroism and acts of selflessness started to appear in the media I had to take it back.

Doctors and nurses running from St Thomas's hospital to help the wounded without thinking of their own safety and security, police and emergency workers working tirelessly despite going through the grief of losing one of their own or the MP who instead of saving his own life ran in the opposite direction and tried to save the life of the wounded and dying policeman. These are the stories that will and should define the London terror attack, not the barbaric cruel and senseless act of terror.

The difficult thing that I find now is to explain to my children who are at the age when they are getting more aware of what's happening in the world. They do not understand that while they are being taught Islamic values of peace, tolerance, forgiveness, charity and obedience to the rule of law from a very young age, how can anyone do something entirely opposite in the name of Islam or being a Muslim. To be honest with you, I don't have an answer to that question as I cannot understand the sick mentality of a terrorist. Where does all that hate come from?

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This is not the Islam I know or follow. This is not the Islam that my beloved Prophet and my holy book has taught me. People take verses from the Holy Quran out of context and twist them around for their own agendas, whether they are terrorist organisations or people who hate Islam. Those verses were specific instructions in the time of war, the war that was waged against Muslims in early days of Islam and they fought back in their own defence. And even this was only allowed after years of brutal and barbaric persecution that the Prophet and his followers faced at the hands of the Meccans.

People seem to ignore verse after verse after verse in the Quran which speaks about compassion and mercy and forgiveness. How it talks about the rights of neighbours, the rights of people who are travelling or the ones you find travelling along. This is the Islam that I know and love which teaches me to wage a jihad of self reformation, which requires of me self analysis day after day to see if I have paid my dues to Allah and His creation. If all Muslims return to the true teachings of Islam the world would be a much better place. Islam does not need reformation but some Muslims do.

I belong to the Ahmadiyya Muslim community and our community has been persecuted by the mainstream Muslims for over 100 years now. We have faced terrorism where our community members have been killed by other Muslims just because of our belief. Our community was declared non Muslims by the Govt of Pakistan in 1974 and regularly our members are killed in the name of our beloved Prophet in Pakistan and other countries. Currently we are facing state sponsored systematic cleansing in Algeria. But despite that we continue to be the most peaceful community. We are guided by our leader Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad who keeps reminding us of our duties towards humanity. He himself continues to strive towards establishing world peace by delivering lectures and addresses on this topic and engaging with World leaders and media.

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Yesterday members of our community were out in Trafalgar Square at the vigil held for the victims, showing solidarity and sharing the grief of those who have lost their loved ones. We have always been at the forefront of bringing communities together and we will continue to do so within our smaller circles and within larger society. We will not get tired and we will not be defeated.

I saw a Facebook post by another Muslim claiming the only reason Muslims come out and condemn these attacks is because they are fearful of islamophobia and the backlash that may follow. I am sorry but that's not true. Muslims come out and condemn these attacks because we are also grieving for the barbaric loss of our fellow human beings. We come out and show solidarity to our fellow country men and women in the tragedy that has befallen us. We come out because we stand together with our fellow citizens in this hour of need giving comfort to each other. Because this is what Islam is about.

This barbaric attack, the details of which are harrowing to say the least, has been too close to home and made it ever more painful. London is my adoptive home, I am an immigrant to this country. This home has given me peace, opportunities, love and freedom to practice my faith and I can never be grateful enough to my country and will work for its betterment to the end of my days. The area of London itself has its place in my heart. When my baby girl was born at St Thomas's hospital, I had the most amazing view from my room of Westminster bridge and Houses of Parliament. I used to watch pedestrians, buses and cars drive on that bridge. Tourists standing like flocks of birds taking selfies or waiting for the right spot to become free. To think someone brutally killed innocent people on that bridge was heart wrenching.

My husband works as a neonatologist at St Thomas's Hospital. I know the amount of hard work and dedication that goes on in that unit trying to save the lives of tiny babies day in and day out. To think that someone, just yards away from that unit, could mercilessly kill innocent people with no respect for the sanctity of human life is beyond comprehension and very very sad. They were someone's fathers, mothers and loved ones. This is not right!

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Now more than ever before we need to promote the logo of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community

" Love for All, Hatred for None"

Now more than ever humanity has to unite under this logo.

Now more than ever we need to stand together as human beings.
Mary with some of the young women leaders who joined me in Johannesburg this month. Image Credit: A. Murimirwa

"I have seen girls suffer," Mary told me. "And I knew I had to speak for them."

Mary grew up a rural girl. She was born poor, but when she got the opportunity to go to secondary school with Camfed's support, Mary excelled, and won a government scholarship to university to study education and become a teacher. It was her first time in the city, at an institution with thousands of more privileged students who had the benefit of an education in well-resourced urban schools.

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Yet Mary's lived experience helped her truly understand the fault lines she saw, and fearlessly campaign to fix them. Mary learned that young women at college campuses and in big cities - in Africa and around the world - were facing similar problems to girls in her rural community. Those struggling with their own financial and personal circumstances, already fighting to stay in education, were at grave risk of sexual exploitation by those promising to bridge the financial gap. Mary, as Head Girl at school, had advocated against such relationships, and educated girls about the dangers of HIV/AIDS.

"Girls fear to report their problems," Mary explained to me. "But we have the national Constitution to protect us. I thought, 'Girls have rights and I have an ability. I should fight'."

Mary contested the election for student government in spite of being on a government scholarship and having no money at all. Some told her she wouldn't succeed, but many students, including young men, started rallying around her and campaigning for her. They said, "We'll organise the events; you just come and talk. Women have equal rights in this institution."

"I spoke to more than 4,000 students," Mary told me. "One of the questions they asked me was the issue of girls dropping out. I told them that there is no fear here. A love affair is a choice; you can't force somebody. We will go together to fight this thing. Last year in March I was elected, and I was appointed Deputy Minister of Information & Communication in the Cabinet in April."

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Mary took constructive action to solve a problem which could have created further fissures. She knew that lack of student accommodation made first year students especially vulnerable to exploitation. As one of only four women in a student cabinet of 28, she led the lobbying effort.

"We lobbied the President of our country. We put forward our case, made sure we knew our legal rights, and brought statistics about girls who had left college early. The only thing we want here is a hostel, so that girls are not under pressure to sell themselves for accommodation and transport money. We convinced him with data and spoke our issues very clearly."

The President came to the university in May 2016. By July, hostel construction had begun. They are now officially open, offering low-cost student accommodation.

"This suffering has no place at the university now," Mary said. "We organised seminars with lawyers' organisations and the Administration. They told the girls they have rights, they can choose what they want. Not be forced to fall in love. And that brought awareness. Now this thing has no opportunity."

It pains me to think that somebody like Mary - leading a movement at her university which will change the prospects of young women for generations - would have dropped out of school, subject to early marriage, early pregnancy, and a short life of domestic toil.

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Mary shares her success with other members of CAMA, Camfed's alumnae network, which will grow to a movement of 100,000 members across sub-Saharan Africa this year. She was one of the 23 extraordinary young women from Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, elected leaders and ambassadors for CAMA, who joined our Regional Leadership Summit in Johannesburg this March. We came together to explore how to further develop our network - a movement for girls' education and women's empowerment. Many of these young women will make history. Mary's story illustrates why I am so sure of that.

At our summit we talked about CAMA leadership transcending the network. Mary said when she was in a big meeting, she'd just imagine she was with CAMA, and everyone was agreeing with her. "If someone could do all this for me, I need to do it for the other girls," she told me. "I have nothing to fear. I need to speak up. A leader can lead people to see light or darkness."

Last week, I received an e-mail from the Skoll Foundation, whose support has been invaluable to CAMA. The theme for the Skoll World Forum in Oxford, Creating Common Ground, immediately made me think back to my meeting with Mary and CAMA's other great leaders, living the words of Sally Osberg, the President and CEO of The Skoll Foundation:

"The work of democracy and justice is never finished. Now is a moment to renew our common cause, to forge bold partnerships, to bridge all that divides. Now is the moment we must reunite with those left behind or spurned. Now is the moment to embrace our common humanity."
Leontura via Getty Images

As the government triggered Article 50, the count down for the UK's exit from the EU has started. The EU, which so far has stuck to its line of 'no notification, no negotiation', will now start to formally prepare for the upcoming negotiations, setting out its red lines and adopting a negotiating mandate for the European Commission, which negotiates on behalf of the EU. Once the Commission opens negotiations with the UK, what can we expect in terms of negotiating dynamics?

On the UK side, the government has managed to obtain a maximum level of flexibility for when it enters into the negotiations, as both Houses rejected the proposed amendment about giving Parliament a 'meaningful vote' on the Brexit deal. As a result, the government will not 'have its hands tied', as explained by Brexit Secretary David Davis. It is not legally obliged to obtain Parliament's approval at the end of the negotiation process, other than possibly asking it to accept or reject the final deal.

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Asking a legislature to simply approve or reject an international agreement is not unusual. It is for example the norm in most international trade negotiations. However, the Brexit negotiations differ significantly from most of these negotiations, in that a rejection of the agreement would not simply imply the continuation of the status quo. Instead a rejection of the agreement would mean that the UK leaves the EU with no deal at all.

In addition, the government is not constrained by a ratification requirement by the devolved administration, although calls for a second Scottish independence referendum will no doubt put some pressure on the government.

So will this hard-fought-for flexibility benefit the government in its negotiations with the EU, making EU leaders more likely to offer a good deal, as suggested by Mr Davis?

Having a domestic ratification constraint, such as 'having one's hands tied' by a necessary Parliamentary approval, usually provides a government with a bargaining advantage. It allows the government to demonstrate to its negotiating partners that it has a firm and well supported position, making it unable to give in to undesired demands presented to it. In contrast, the more flexibility a government has, the more likely it is to have to make concessions in the face of a more constrained negotiating partner.

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To compare, the Commission negotiating team, led by Michel Barnier, will be significantly constrained by its domestic constituents. First, any agreement reached will have to be ratified by a qualified majority of the 27 member states in the Council. In addition, the European Parliament has to give its consent to the agreement by a simple majority. Mr Barnier thus have to report back to, and consult with, the Council and the European Parliament throughout the Brexit talks to avoid ratification failure at the end. Given the importance of Brexit, both the Council and the European Parliament are expected to pay close attention to every move of Mr Barnier and his team, which will reduce their flexibility. Even if they are willing to meet certain demands raised by the UK government, they cannot agree to them unless the qualified majority of the 27 and the European Parliament agree as well. And at the moment there is a strong consensus within the Council and the European Parliament that the main priority is the unity of the EU.

The UK government will thus face a rigid and inflexible negotiator, unlikely to be able to agree to any far reaching concessions. It is clear that the flexibility obtained by the government through the rejection of the amendment on giving Parliament a 'meaningful vote' might not necessarily translate into negotiating power over the EU.
stuartmiles99 via Getty Images

This month over on my website I've been having a bit of a rant! I must say I've found it quite therapeutic and it got me thinking about how, we British, are brought up to be oh so polite and yet we are great at ranting! Maybe it's because we are so polite, (I mean we queue for goodness sake, they don't do that on the continent) that we also feel the need to let off steam in print, on blogs, on our soapboxes. It is part of our culture to express our opinions in sometimes furiously hilarious ways.

I love The Times letters; Disappointed of Dulwich; Incandescent of Islington; Furious of Fulham. I always have a good giggle at Speakers corner and watching politicians, notables and "experts" apoplectic with rage on Question Time is somewhat cathartic. The British are often referred to as having a "stiff upper lip" but that doesn't mean we are lacking in passion. Passion is good, in business it gets things done; in life, it adds variety, colour and excitement. Now I'm not suggesting we spend all our waking hours being passionate, that would become rather exhausting. Simply, that a world of grey is very dull and the love of eccentricity, difference and being passionate about what you believe in is important.

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What gets your goat?

So, what annoys you enough for you to express an opinion? In my case, as an ex financial advisor and business owner, the red tape around health and safety is one of my pet peeves. I'm not saying it isn't important we keep people safe, clearly it is, but when it extends to stopping the simple pleasure of a conker fight I despair. Another of the areas that makes me see red is poor customer service, we've all been on the wrong end of that.

I really don't understand this as a business decision; it is clearly bad for business so why do companies treat their customers so badly sometimes?

Opinions that cross over into political correctness

It is one of the upsides of living in a democracy that we can express our opinions, but sometimes these viewpoints offend others. However, I do feel that the term "un-pc" has become somewhat misused by those who don't seem to understand why the term came about in the first place. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, political correctness is:

"conforming to a belief that language and practices which could offend political sensibilities (as in matters of sex or race) should be eliminated"

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I'm all in favour of eliminating racist, sexist, gender phobic and anti-religious language that offends others but am a little puzzled as to how certain actions are regarded as "un-pc" when they are simply upsetting to some. Advertising is heavily regulated yet it uses shocking imagery to make a point. My talk on the train crash is uplifting but starts with pictures of post-crash and some of my injuries- upsetting, yes, but politically incorrect? Apparently one young woman in one of my audiences felt it was "un-pc".

When did reality become "un-pc"? Maybe the peeve here is the lack of understanding of language where we misuse common popular phrases because we can't be bothered to find out what they really mean.

Should you express your opinions or keep quiet?

Having a good rant every now and then is quite a stress relief, which is fine as long as you don't hurt anyone with your views. However, it is more than that. Ranting against bad service, injustice, poor behaviour, laziness and bad political judgments is a service to society. Nothing bad ever changes until people speak up. There is a quote attributed to various people in various forms; I like the one said to have been from Edmund Burke.

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."
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When I first read the article about Fergus Wilson, the buy to let tycoon who has banned coloured people from renting his properties, I was initially angry and upset. My anger very quickly turned to pity. And this is not because he is happy to rent to "negroes". For those not aware the term "negro" is no longer acceptable, it is offensive. The accepted terminology is "Black".

I pitied this man who has banned "coloured" people from renting his homes because he claims it leaves the houses smelling of curry after they have left and cost him thousands of pounds to clean. Firstly, his comments are insulting. This demonstrates ignorance, a lack of education and understanding of our different cultures.

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We are extremely fortunate that we live in a democracy that is also richly diverse. In London and other major Cities we have representatives of people from all backgrounds and cultures. We live and work side by side with individuals from different races, religion, sexual orientation and disabilities in a respectful and courteous manner. Many people enjoy living in communities whereby the aromas of different cuisines (yes, including curries) and spices linger in the air daily. Communities are made up with people from all races, skin colours and tones speaking in different languages and dialect. We live in a society where individuality should be celebrated. And then we have people like Mr Wilson....

Some quick facts about Curry especially, for Mr Wilson.

Curry is a much loved very popular dish in the UK.

The first Indian restaurant is said to have opened in Britain in London in 1809.

There are more than 9000 Indian and Curry restaurants across the UK.

The UK's most popular dish is chicken tikka masala.

The UK curry business is worth 4 billion pounds.

Just so you are aware curries based on Indian spices are integral to the cuisines of the following counties Germany, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Philippines, Fiji, Tonga and the Caribbean Islands.

Mr Wilson, do you eat any cuisines from the countries listed above and will you be banning tenants from these counties as well?

In your own words you said that you also didn't rent to plumbers in the past. Why?

Smokers or people with pets I can understand as that is a personal preference. In the rental market it is an acceptable practice at the landlord's discretion they will decide whether or not they will rent to smokers or pet owners.

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But categorically not renting a property based on someone's race is against the law and is yes I am going to use the word racist - no matter how you want to sugar coat the fact. And to be precise you are breaking the UK Equality Act 2010.

It is acceptable though for you or anyone else not to like curries or the smell.

I am astounded that you think this is acceptable for 'economic purposes' to ban "coloured people" from renting your accommodation. I understand the Equality and Human Rights has pledged to look into this case.

Personally I would rather you/and anyone else who feels similar to you take a cultural awareness programme than be fined. As I don't think a fine will change your opinion.
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What's in a smell? Well according to Play-Doh rather a lot.

This month US toy giant Hasbro filed a trademark application to protect the smell of Play-Doh. Hasbro say the smell, which has been used since 1955, is "a unique scent formed through the combination of a sweet, slightly musky, vanilla-like fragrance, with slight overtones of cherry, and the natural smell of a salted, wheat-based dough."

Hasbro's trademark counsel, Catherine M.C. Farrelly described the Play-Doh scent as "one of the best-known, most unique and instantly recognizable scent trademarks in the world, and has been serving as a trademark for decades".

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Probably all of us grew up playing with the clay like moulding dough, and will immediately recognise the smell, transporting us straight back to our toddler days. With this in mind Play-Doh are wise to be wary of competing manufacturers, and others, who may well attempt to replicate the iconic scent.

Applying to register a trademark for the scent would appear to be a smart move for Hasbro. A registered mark will strengthen the company's intellectual property rights in the mark, will act as a deterrent to others and will make it easier for Hasbro to enforce its rights against those who may attempt to imitate the scent.

However, the process of registering scent marks is not at all straight forward. The primary difficulty is that scents are defined subjectively and are therefore open to interpretation. They are also very difficult to represent graphically, for the purposes of identifying what it is about the scent that is distinctive and therefore capable of acting as a badge of origin.

Policing infringement of smell trademarks can be more difficult than with other more traditional types of trade marks. For word marks, trademark owners can order watch services that help them identify attempts to register infringing or potentially infringing marks. Those services search through international trademark registers, the internet, business directories and other sources for identifying confusingly similar marks.

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But of course, similar services simply don't exist for smell, so companies who hold scent marks generally only find out about competing or infringing scents when the matter is brought to their attention, either via extensive research, or more typically by chance.

As a result scent marks are much less common than trademarks on words or logos. However they do exist and have existed on the US federal trademark register since 1990. A slightly bizarre example includes U.S. ukulele company Eddy Finn Ukulele Co. who successfully petitioned for a trademark on its scent that makes its instruments smell like pina coladas.

However it's a sector of the IP world that is still fairly new. Of the millions of registered trademarks around the globe, relatively few pertain to scents.

Trademarked scents are even rarer outside of the U.S. A European Court of Justice decision in 2002 effectively closed the doors on the registration of European wide scent trademarks - the last of which was for fresh cut grass and lapsed in 2006. There are a small number of scent trademarks on the UK register but the extent to which their owners can police and enforce them is questionable. As yet no scent has European Union-wide protection and in the EU trademarks must be capable of being graphically represented, calling into question whether it is even possible to trademark a scent.

Scent mark registrations are likely to remain rare for the foreseeable future, largely down to the sheer number of legal hoops a company has to jump through to get them registered and the reality that most applications get denied. However, the fact that a large global corporation like Hasbro is throwing its hat into the ring will certainly mean that many more companies will try as they attempt to differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace. Indeed, the publicity Hasbro could get because of registering a rare scent trademark may have been one of its primary reasons for filing the application.

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Those looking for jobs or changes in career paths were able to connect with possible employers at the annual 1Berkshire career fair.

1Berkshire Sees More Employers At Career Fair With Move To BCC



A total of 80 employers had tables in the Paterson Field House. PITTSFIELD, Mass.  With a new location, 1Berkshire grew its annual career fair this year.

The fair was traditionally held at the Berkshire Hills Country Club, which limited the number of employers to around 50.

Berkshire Community College has since offered up the Paterson Field House for it and on Wednesday some 80 employers were able to set up tables for the event.

"BCC approached us and asked if it was something we'd be open to doing. This is a perfect thing for us to work on together," said 1Berkshire Program and Event Specialist Danielle Thomas.

Even with the additional space, Thomas said the organization still had to turn some employers away. Companies set up tables throughout the space and job seekers were able to browse through the available jobs.

"The diversity of industry here is great for people looking for jobs as well as diverse geography," Thomas said.

As of 2 p.m., the organizers didn't have an estimate on exactly how many job seekers attended. But Thomas said the fair typically draws about 250 people. This traffic levels seemed to eclipse that number, she said, with an increase in college students. With the move, the organization also asked employers to provide information on internships for students as well.

Thomas said the biggest rush of job seekers came right when the doors opened around 10 and traffic was steady until noon. It slowed down in the afternoon but when another round of classes let out around 2, Thomas expected to see yet another boost in traffic.

This is also the first year the organization ran the fair under the 1Berkshire umbrella. The event was previously headed by the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and last May it was merged into 1Berkshire, a combination of the chamber, Berkshire Creative and the Berkshire Visitor's Bureau.

"It is also the effort of 1Berkshire with us merging we were able to reach different businesses," Thomas said.

Using resources from the other former organizations, 1Berkshire's reach for finding new employers grew. Thomas said this year there were a number of businesses which never participated before joining, adding to the ones that traditionally participate every year.

The organizers added one more feature this year. Tricia McCormack Photography was hand to take free professional headshots for the job seekers.

The primary focus of the annual career fair is to help connect those seeking jobs or changes in work with the companies with vacancies. But, an additional bonus is that the company representatives get time to network with each other.

The fair has its ebbs and flows with some years seeing huge numbers of job seekers - as high as 400 one year - and other years without so much. The same goes for employers.




iciHaiti - Security : Youri Latortue talks about army with Brazil





Within the framework of parliamentary diplomacy, Youri Latortue, the Senate President had a fruitful meeting with the Brazilian Ambassador accredited in Haiti, Fernando Vidal. The Ambassador of Brazil confirmed to his interlocutor that his country was ready to continue its cooperation with Haiti through projects in the areas of health, vocational training and electrical energy, even after the departure of the Minustah.



"Haiti needs a professional army. Also, Brazil, which has always shown great respect for our country can and will effectively assist us to set up it," said Senator Latortue, following the meeting confirming that this topic had been discussed with the Ambassador.






















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This Isnt Our Last Love Letter



Dear Don Don,

Way back in 92



I walked into the room and knew



Never felt this way before



I shook your hand while gazing into your eyes



And the feeling grew



As I took a seat I knew



A love that would have my heart



Forever



I knew



Way back in 92





They say love at first sight doesnt always last or isnt true



We were the exception to that rule



Our love had no where to hide



A spark set fire



As if this is how the universe started





I never doubted our love or what we could do



Together we grew



Forming a bond everlasting



That became our glue



My euphoria was YOU



Im eternally grateful for the love and life we shared



For how fortunate we were :



to have and to hold

through sickness and in health

Til death do us part



Until we are together again



This isnt our last love letter



I love you with all my heart and soul



Yours forever,



Deirdre (Mrs. Hank Snow)





Im fortunate to have fallen in love with, marry and make a life with the sharpest, coolest, funniest, most rare, bad ass, tender loving, loyal man on the planet, my husband Don Imus.









A True American Hero

I dont know why it has been so hard for me to write about my dear friend Don Imus.



I certainly know what he meant to me, my family, my charity, my hospital and the millions of fans that listened and loved him for so many years.



I keep reading all the beautiful condolences that people are writing about how much a part of their lives were effected by listening to him over the years.

But what most people dont talk enough about is what he did for all of us.

In every sense of the word, he was an American Hero. His work with children with so many different illnesses and his dedication to their future was unmatched by anyone I have ever known or heard about.



Besides raising over $100,000,000 for so many causes, he took care of young people for over 20 years in a state where he could not breathe. Along with his incredible wife Deirdre, he created a world where children were not defined by their disease. That was a miracle! He was a miracle.

I will miss him ever day for the rest of my life.

I was blessed to be a part of his and Deirdes life.

No one will ever do what he did.

I love you Don Imus - A TRUE AMERICAN HERO





David Jurist

IMUS IN THE MORNING

FIRST DAY BACK!
Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

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A lot's happened in the past six months so you'd be forgiven for forgetting about the reported feud between Fast and Furious 8 co-stars Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson.

During the high-octane sequel's production last summer, Johnson lashed out at unnamed male co-stars branding some of them candy asses, with TMZ later reporting that franchise stalwart Diesel was the target of Johnson's words.

Universal later insisted the two had buried the hatchet, however, it seems tensions are simmering now the film's press tour has rolled around - something the studio is downplaying.

Despite this, an insider told The Hollywood Reporter: They're keeping them separated as much as possible.

Following the initial issue, a studio source stated: What happened is over, and no one expects there to be any lingering effects. When it comes time to promote the movie, this will have no bearing.

Films to get excited about in 2017 Show all 13 1 /13 Films to get excited about in 2017 Films to get excited about in 2017 Star Wars: The Last Jedi Director: Rian Johnson Rian Johnson Cast: Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, and Lupita Nyong'o Plot: No details yet, but it will continue directly on from Rey coming face-to-face with Luke at the end of The Force Awakens. Release Date: 15 December 2017 Films to get excited about in 2017 Thor: Ragnarok Director: Taika Waititi Taika Waititi Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Tessa Thompson, Jeff Goldblum, Karl Urban, and Mark Ruffalo Plot: Story details are minimal as of now, but Thor's third return to screen has already been teased to feature a loose adaptation of the famous 'Planet Hulk' storyline. Release Date: 27 October 2017 Films to get excited about in 2017 You Were Never Really Here Director: Lynne Ramsay Lynne Ramsay Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Alessandro Nivola Plot: A war veteran's attempt to save a young girl from a sex trafficking ring goes horribly wrong. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 Annihilation Director: Alex Garland Alex Garland Cast: Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tessa Thompson, and Oscar Isaac Plot: A biologist's husband disappears. She thus puts her name forward for an expedition into an environmental disaster zone, but does not quite find what she's expecting. The expedition team is made up of the biologist, an anthropologist, a psychologist, and a surveyor. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 Wonderstruck (image from Far From Heaven) Director: Todd Haynes Cast: Julianne Moore, Michelle Williams, and Amy Hargreaves Plot: The story of a young boy in the Midwest is told simultaneously with a tale about a young girl in New York from fifty years ago as they both seek the same mysterious connection. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 Mother (image of Darren Aronofsky) Director: Darren Aronofsky Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Michelle Pfeiffer, Domhnall Gleeson, and Ed Harris Plot: A couple's relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 The Killing of a Sacred Deer (image from The Lobster) Director: Yorgos Lanthimos Cast: Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, and Alicia Silverstone Plot: A surgeon forms a familial bond with a sinister teenage boy, with disastrous results. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 Blade Runner 2049 Director: Denis Villeneuve Denis Villeneuve Cast: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Robin Wright, and Jared Leto Plot: Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K, unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what's left of society into chaos. K's discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard, a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years. Release Date: 6 October 2017 Films to get excited about in 2017 Lady Bird (image of director Greta Gerwig) Director: Greta Gerwig Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, and Lucas Hedges Plot: The adventures of a young woman living in Northern California for a year. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara (image of director Steven Spielberg and star Mark Rylance) Director: Steven Spielberg Cast: Mark Rylance, Oscar Isaac Plot: The Kidnapping Of Edgardo Mortara recounts the story of a young Jewish boy in Bologna, Italy in 1858 who, having been secretly baptized, is forcibly taken from his family to be raised as a Christian. His parents' struggle to free their son becomes part of a larger political battle that pits the Papacy against forces of democracy and Italian unification. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 How to Talk to Girls at Parties Director: John Cameron Mitchell John Cameron Mitchell Cast: Elle Fanning, Ruth Wilson, and Nicole Kidman Plot: An alien touring the galaxy breaks away from her group and meets two young inhabitants of the most dangerous place in the universe: the London suburb of Croydon. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 The Dark Tower Director: Nikolaj Arcel Nikolaj Arcel Cast: Idris Elba, Matthew McConaughey, and Tom Taylor Plot: Gunslinger Roland Deschain roams an Old West-like landscape in search of the dark tower, in the hopes that reaching it will preserve his dying world. Release Date: 28 July 2017 Films to get excited about in 2017 Suburbicon Director: George Clooney George Clooney Cast: Matt Damon, Julianne Moore, Josh Brolin, and Oscar Isaac Plot: A crime mystery set in the quiet family town of Suburbicon during the 1950s, where the best and worst of humanity is hilariously reflected through the deeds of seemingly ordinary people. When a home invasion turns deadly, a picture-perfect family turns to blackmail, revenge and betrayal. Release Date: 24 November

However, Johnson - who was in Las Vegas for CinemaCon on Monday and Tuesday (27/28 March) promoting both Jumanji and Baywatch - made himself scarce for the Fast & Furious 8 presentation yesterday (30 March). Hes now back on the set of HBO series Ballers in Miami.

 Fast and Furious 8 Trailer Tease

Fast and Furious 8 is directed by F. Gary Gray and sees Diesel and Johnson reunite alongside Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson and Jason Statham. Charlize Theron and Helen Mirren have been added to the cast. The film will be released in UK cinemas on 14 April.
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The estranged father of Danielle Bregoli, whos better known as the Cash Me Outside girl, is fighting for custody of the 13-year-old  years after remaining absent for most of his daughters life.

Ira Peskowitz, a 49-year-old sheriffs deputy in Florida, wants his daughter to leave the public eye, attend therapy, and eventually live with his wife and two sons. In his second interview of the year with the Palm Beach Post, he said, "She's not famous. She's a child that is being exploited."

Unfortunately for Peskowitz, his daughter has been vocal about keeping him far away from her personal and business affairs, recently telling him that she wants him completely out of her life. When she was a toddler, he gave up a decision-making role in her life by choosing to pay child support payments of $1,100 a month.

Bregoli rose to Internet stardom in fall of 2016 after her brash appearance on The Dr Phil Show where she was described as a car-stealing, knife-wielding, twerking teen who tried to frame her mother for a crime. She immediately became Internet famous when she told the audience that if they didnt like her behavior, they could, Cash me outside, how bow dah?

As a result, shes racked up more than 1.5 million likes on Facebook and 8.5 million followers on Instagram. And recently signed a deal to star in her own reality series with her mother, Barbara Ann.

Forbes Highest-Paid TV Actresses 2016 Show all 15 1 /15 Forbes Highest-Paid TV Actresses 2016 Forbes Highest-Paid TV Actresses 2016 Sofia Vergara ($43,000,000) Getty Images Forbes Highest-Paid TV Actresses 2016 Kaley Cuoco ($24,500,000) Getty Images Forbes Highest-Paid TV Actresses 2016 Mindy Kaling ($15,000,000) Getty Images for Hulu Forbes Highest-Paid TV Actresses 2016 Mariska Hargitay ($14,500,000) Getty Images for Peabody Forbes Highest-Paid TV Actresses 2016 Ellen Pompeo ($14,500,000) Getty Images for Marc Jacobs Forbes Highest-Paid TV Actresses 2016 Kerry Washington ($13,500,000) Getty Images Forbes Highest-Paid TV Actresses 2016 Stana Katic ($12,000,000) AFP/Getty Images Forbes Highest-Paid TV Actresses 2016 Priyanka Chopra ($11,000,000) Getty Images for Hugo Boss Forbes Highest-Paid TV Actresses 2016 Julianna Margulies ($10,500,000) Getty Images for Cantor Fitzgera Forbes Highest-Paid TV Actresses 2016 Julie Bowen ($10,000,000) Getty Images for ELLE Forbes Highest-Paid TV Actresses 2016 Pauley Perrette ($9,500,000) Getty Images for American Humane Forbes Highest-Paid TV Actresses 2016 Patricia Heaton ($8,500,000) Getty Images Forbes Highest-Paid TV Actresses 2016 Julia Louis-Dreyfus ($7,500,000) Getty Images for Time Forbes Highest-Paid TV Actresses 2016 Emily Deschanel ($7,500,000) Getty Images Forbes Highest-Paid TV Actresses 2016 Zooey Deschanel ($7,000,000) Getty Images

Nevertheless, this February, Peskowitz said that he was far from impressed by his daughters newfound fame. "That behavior is appalling. And it's appalling that anyone can think it is acceptable behavior," he told the newspaper in his first profile.

"She is still young. Danielle needs to be allowed to be a normal, healthy 13-year-old girl. Danielle needs to get treatment, needs to get a good education, get involved in physical activity.
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Donald Trump will speed up global warming and will potentially destroy more American jobs than he creates, a climate change expert has warned.

Tom Crowther, who recently led a global warming report that is already being adopted by the United Nations, also said the US Presidents short-sighted approach was brutal and insane.

The billionaire tycoon signed an executive order as part of the administrations plan to roll back Barack Obamas climate change measures.

Dr Crowther, back in December, said average temperatures are forecast to increase by 1C by 2050 and that global warming is beyond the point of no return.

His report, which was celebrated by academics across the globe, said climate change scientists had not previously taken account of harmful carbon gasses emitted from the soil: known as positive feedback.

Certainly Trumps policy will bump that number up and will accelerate climate change and thats devastating, said Dr Crowther, speaking to The Independent.

It will speed up those feedbacks that my paper was talking about.

Dr Crowther, a 30-year-old from north Wales who is now a Marie Curie fellow at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology, said even Barack Obamas approach to climate change was deemed by scientists to be sub-par.

The Democrat leader promised to cut CO2 emissions by 26 per cent before 2025, in keeping with the Paris climate deal, but critics urged him to speed up.

If Obamas administration wasnt doing enough, if that was against peoples constitutional rights, then this has to be seen as a drastic crime against the people of America and the world, said Dr Crowther.

The former Yale University academic also said Mr Trumps policy would destroy more jobs than it creates in the long run, because global warming will terrorise industries that are tied to the land.

 How soil carbon loss could accelerate global warming

Mr Trumps executive order seeks to reverse Mr Obamas war on coal, but a US Department of Energy report in January claimed the renewable energy sector employed far more than the fossil fuel sector.

It said 187,117 worked in coal, oil and natural gas, while more than 650,000 worked in wind, solar and biofuels.

Its only going to put the US at a massive disadvantage as the rest of the world moves forward, said Dr Crowther.

If, as a lot of studies suggest, that renewable energies employ more people than coal and other natural gases, then sticking with natural gas is reducing the potential for job creation.

But also indirectly, continued use of fossil fuels drives climate change, which causes degradation of land, and of agricultural, forestry, and fishery industries, which rely on millions of jobs. So I would say its ridiculously short term and short sighted to progress with coal industries."

Mr Trumps executive order, signed on Monday, initiates a review of the Clean Power Plan which restricts greenhouse gas emissions at coal-fired power plants.

The 70-year-old has remained silent since his inauguration on whether the administration will withdraw from the 2015 Paris agreement since his inauguration.

As Trump withdraws from all of these agreements, our once in a lifetime chances of offsetting the devastating impacts of climate change just continue to slip away," added Mr Crowther.
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The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy now appears irreversible as the cost of green power plunges, according to a new report.

In The Transition Takes Hold, Clean Energy Canada said some 6.7 million people were working in the sector worldwide with one out of every 50 new jobs in the US being created by the solar industry alone.

And it highlighted prediction that generation costs for large-scale solar power plants were expected to drop by a massive 57 per cent by 2025, with onshore and offshore wind expected to become 26 and 35 per cent respectively.

In the reports executive summary, Merran Smith, executive director of Clean Energy Canada, wrote: Tipping points: those elusive moments when a technology goes mainstream. Much has been written in the debate over whether renewable energy has passed, is fast-approaching, or is still a ways from crossing that threshold.

The true tipping point will only become apparent in the rearview mirror, and it wont be defined by a single moment or breakthrough. It will be crossed at different times, in different countries, driven by different forces.

But the clean energy transition now appears irreversible.

She said three major electricity markets  China, India and the US  had aggressively pursued renewable power.

In both China and India, renewable energy offers a critical solution to the pollution choking fast-growing cities. Smog has become increasingly disruptive  socially, economically and politically closing schools in Delhi, grounding airplanes in China and contributing to the premature deaths of millions of citizens, Ms Smith said.

Recommended Germany converting a huge coal mine into giant renewable battery

In the US, the renewable energy sector has become a major job creator: since 2009, the solar industry created one out of every 80 new jobs, and the countrys fastest-growing occupation is wind turbine technician.

While President Donald Trump may have promised to bring back coal jobs, he will no doubt find resistance  in both Congress and statehouses  should his efforts come at the expense of clean energy jobs.

The report said total investment in renewables had fallen in 2016 from a record-setting level in 2015.

But it added that the actual amount of green electricity capacity added in 2016 had still come close to the 2015 level because it was cheaper to build.

Ms Smith said there was a business opportunity for Canada to sell renewables to the rest of the world.

We have a clean energy technology sector that punches above its weight and companies hungry to sell their solutions beyond our borders. Helping other countries increase their use of renewable power may be where Canada finds its niche  and economic opportunity  in the global clean energy transition.

As the US government retreats from international climate diplomacy, clean energy innovation and free trade, it leaves a gap that Canada is well-positioned to fill. And its clear that if we dont step up, somebody else will.


In a world where people have the entire sum of all human knowledge accessible via a rectangle in their pocket (including the time), a device as simple as a wristwatch could be viewed as a tad outdated.

But wed argue that a good timepiece is just as relevant today as it was 100 years ago. A watch is so much more than merely a tool for a job. Its an age-old accessory, a little round window to someones personality, and a functional way to finish off an outfit with a flourish. Plus, with the advent of smartwatches, it can now be all of the above and then some.

But if youre in the market for some wrist-based horological action, the process of finding something thats right for you can be a tricky one.

Thats why weve taken a look at a varied selection of watches to suit every taste and budget.

They had to be versatile, they had to be reliable, and, of course, they had to look good. Below youll find several options that we think are perfect for handling day-to-day duties.

From cheap digital watches to Swiss-made, automatic masterpieces, these are the best mens watches to buy right now.

You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Timex m79 automatic divers watch Timex has long been the go-to brand for reliable, affordable and good-looking timepieces. Thats three reasons to buy one right there, but with the brands increasing use of automatic movements  meaning they run off kinetic energy as opposed to a battery  theres now a fourth. Take the m79 for example, which draws inspiration from one of Timexs bestselling quartz watches from the Seventies. Its a proper automatic watch at a great price from one of the most trusted names in the business. Plus, it looks the part. If you yearn for a Rolex submariner but lack the bank balance to make it a reality, this is the watch for you. Buy now 249 Timex {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Seiko skx007 divers watch For those who know their watches, Seikos skx007 needs no introduction. For everyone else, suffice to say that this is as good as it gets for less than 500. This chunky timepiece is a purebred diving watch that has earned the respect of the famously snooty watch community and is often described as a classic. With its self-winding, mechanical movement, its probably the most affordable real watch on the market and serves as a common gateway into the world of luxury timepieces. If you buy one, chances are youll have it for life. Buy now 257 Creation Watches {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Swatch twice again watch Sometimes less is more. If youre looking for a clean, minimalist watch thatll work across your entire wardrobe, this one from Swatch has you covered for well under 100. Its super basic, easy to read and budget friendly, making it perfect for those looking for a daily driver that they dont have to worry about getting the odd bump or scratch. Plus it is water resistant up to 30m, so you dont have to remove it every time you wash your hands. Which, in the age of coronavirus, amounts to a pretty significant amount of time saved. Buy now 62 Watch Shop {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Casio f-91w-1xy digital watch When people talk about iconic timepieces, the conversations tend to revolve around automatic watches from the likes of Rolex, Cartier and Omega. But we think theres a case to be made for Casio. After all, is there a person on earth that isnt familiar with this classic piece of design? Probably not. The Casio f-19w-1xy may not have the catchiest name of any watch on the market, but what it lacks in a snappy title it more than compensates for with its transcendent retro charm. This is a watch that does everything you need for a shade under 20 and will likely still be ticking (bleeping? blooping?) long after youve stopped. Buy now 19.90 Casio {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Tudor black bay gmt automatic watch For those with the cash to splash, Tudor offers some really beautiful watches that stop just short of silly money, but still reside comfortably in the luxury category. The black bay is one of Tudors most popular styles and condenses the brands more than 60 years of experience in crafting fine diving watches into a single timepiece. Its a highly versatile model that can completely change its look depending on what strap its paired with, which makes it smart enough to wear with a suit, but casual enough to slum it with jeans and trainers at the weekend. Buy now 2,800 Beaverbrooks {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Mondaine essence rubber strap watch A Swiss-made watch for 150? No, your eyes arent playing tricks on you. This striking yet minimalist rubber-strapped watch from Mondaine hails from the global capital of haute horlogerie, but comes in at a refreshingly affordable price point. It may not boast a fancy automatic movement, but what it does have going for it is timelessness (no pun intended) and versatility. Its a blank canvas of a watch that will never look out of place. And when you consider that, the price tag is even more appealing. Oh, and its vegan too. Buy now 149 John Lewis & Partners {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Shinola runwell watch If you're a man in search of a big, bold watch, there are few brands better equipped to deliver the goods than Shinola. The Detroit-based company specialises in all things leather and chunky, bombproof, leather-strapped watches are no exception. The runwell is a classic round-faced watch thats heavy on the Americana styling. We particularly like the simplicity of the dial and the bold, easy-to-read numbers. Buy now 705 Ssense {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Apple Watch series 3 smartwatch Gone are the days of watches simply telling the time. Now theres a new breed of timepieces that can do so much more. King among them is the Apple watch  a sleek, stylish bit of wearable tech that can do everything from tracking your fitness to allowing you to interact with messages on your phone. The series 3 may not be the latest and greatest, but it offers up all the best bits of a smartwatch at a price that will hopefully leave some room for manoeuvre. Plus, were big fans of the sheer variety of interchangeable straps and digital display options that allow you to turn yours into whatever you want... provided what you want is a watch of some description. Buy now 197.99 John Lewis & Partners {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}
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As trendy hair salons and gyms start serving prosecco and cocktails, bars and restaurants are increasingly catering for a tee-total crowd.

Whilst the exceedingly expensive non-alcoholic spirit Seedlip continues to create a buzz in cocktail bars, some of Londons most traditional fine-dining establishments have taken another route to alcohol-free experiences by pairing food with tea.

One such restaurant is Michelin-starred Fera at Claridge's, who have launched an ambient brew tea pairing menu.

Recommended Why you should be pairing cheese with tea

Created in response to the growing number of diners seeking non-alcoholic beverages, the restaurant decided to concoct an alternative culinary journey.

And this is not just any old tea - the brewing process begins with a short infusion of the leaves with hot water allowing for them to open, and then gently brewing the leaves in ambient-temperature still mineral water.

Some are brewed for as long as an hour before being cooled to the perfect service temperature, normally normally between 16 and 20C depending on the variety of tea.

Dont picture mugs though - the teas are poured from decanters into wine glasses, which makes them seem a lot more appropriate to the luxurious environment and exceptional food.

Pairings include Cornish lamb, sweetbread, king oyster mushrooms and ramsons with a Hijiri Black Sun tea from Japan, and stout ice cream, buckwheat and verjus with a High Mountain Oolong tea from Taiwan.

Yorkshire rhubarb with rose, douglas fir yoghurt and honeycomb - served with tea (Rachel Hosie)

Theyre not cheap though - prices go up to 18 for a 500ml glass of tea.

The idea is that tea and wine share the same complexities, and by serving the tea at ambient temperatures, you can appreciate it much more.

Demand for alcohol-free dining has increased for a number of reasons. Boozy business lunches are largely a thing of the past - just last month, Lloyds of London banned employees from daytime drinking.

Plus many fine dining establishments are popular with Muslim clients.

Thomas Rabuel, the manager of Club Gascon, a Michelin-starred restaurant in the City, says he first noticed the increase in customers not wanting to drink alcohol six months ago.

Its challenging for us because as a restaurant you make more of a margin on your wine than you do on your food, he explained to The Times.

All of these big companies are not allowing people to drink any more at lunch, except the very big managers or people who are coming to sign a big deal. We looked at the numbers and saw that they were decreasing.

The restaurant has been offering tea pairings for three months, in which time tea sales have increased 400 per cent.

Now our regular guests know we provide that, its bringing us a new clientele, especially Japanese and Chinese people, he said. Also, if a woman is pregnant, she cant drink alcohol.

At Club Gascon, three teas to complement a five-course meal cost 15, as opposed to 20 for three wines.

The concept of fine teas appeals to many health-conscious diners too, who dont want fizzy drinks or sugary juices but would prefer to drink something more interesting than water.
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New details about the recent Arizona car crash involving a self-driving Uber have emerged, and suggest that the vehicles software may have made a risky decision seconds before the collision.

According to a police report, the self-driving Volvo had been travelling along a wide boulevard with a 40mph speed limit.

It was in self-driving mode at the time and was carrying two safety drivers, who say it was travelling at 38mph.

The traffic lights that the Uber car was approaching turned yellow as it entered an intersection, where a Honda on the other side of the road made a left turn.

Gadget and tech news: In pictures Show all 25 1 /25 Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gun-toting humanoid robot sent into space Russia has launched a humanoid robot into space on a rocket bound for the International Space Station (ISS). The robot Fedor will spend 10 days aboard the ISS practising skills such as using tools to fix issues onboard. Russia's deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin has previously shared videos of Fedor handling and shooting guns at a firing range with deadly accuracy. Dmitry Rogozin/Twitter Gadget and tech news: In pictures Google turns 21 Google celebrates its 21st birthday on September 27. The The search engine was founded in September 1998 by two PhD students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, in their dormitories at Californias Stanford University. Page and Brin chose the name google as it recalled the mathematic term 'googol', meaning 10 raised to the power of 100 Google Gadget and tech news: In pictures Hexa drone lifts off Chief engineer of LIFT aircraft Balazs Kerulo demonstrates the company's "Hexa" personal drone craft in Lago Vista, Texas on June 3 2019 Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures Project Scarlett to succeed Xbox One Microsoft announced Project Scarlett, the successor to the Xbox One, at E3 2019. The company said that the new console will be 4 times as powerful as the Xbox One and is slated for a release date of Christmas 2020 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures First new iPod in four years Apple has announced the new iPod Touch, the first new iPod in four years. The device will have the option of adding more storage, up to 256GB Apple Gadget and tech news: In pictures Folding phone may flop Samsung will cancel orders of its Galaxy Fold phone at the end of May if the phone is not then ready for sale. The $2000 folding phone has been found to break easily with review copies being recalled after backlash PA Gadget and tech news: In pictures Charging mat non-starter Apple has cancelled its AirPower wireless charging mat, which was slated as a way to charge numerous apple products at once AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures "Super league" India shoots down satellite India has claimed status as part of a "super league" of nations after shooting down a live satellite in a test of new missile technology EPA Gadget and tech news: In pictures 5G incoming 5G wireless internet is expected to launch in 2019, with the potential to reach speeds of 50mb/s Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Uber halts driverless testing after death Uber has halted testing of driverless vehicles after a woman was killed by one of their cars in Tempe, Arizona. March 19 2018 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures The giant human-like robot bears a striking resemblance to the military robots starring in the movie 'Avatar' and is claimed as a world first by its creators from a South Korean robotic company Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi and Kaptain Rock playing one string light saber guitar perform jam session Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway resembling the giant panda is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway, resembling a giant panda, is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A concept car by Trumpchi from GAC Group is shown at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A Mirai fuel cell vehicle by Toyota is displayed at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A visitor tries a Nissan VR experience at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A man looks at an exhibit entitled 'Mimus' a giant industrial robot which has been reprogrammed to interact with humans during a photocall at the new Design Museum in South Kensington, London Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A new Israeli Da-Vinci unmanned aerial vehicle manufactured by Elbit Systems is displayed during the 4th International conference on Home Land Security and Cyber in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv Getty

The two vehicles collided, and the Uber was flipped onto its side.

The police report states that the driver of the Honda hadnt seen the oncoming Uber, and Patrick Murphy, one of the people in the Uber, said a blind spot caused by traffic meant there was no time to react.

Police have said that the Uber car was not at fault, but an eye-witness claims otherwise.

It was the other driver's fault for trying to beat the light and hitting the gas so hard, Brayan Torres told police in a statement, reports Bloomberg. The other person just wanted to beat the light and kept going.

Such accounts arent always reliable, but Ubers self-driving cars have previous when it comes to questionable traffic light conduct.

Recommended What Uber looks like around the world from Bali to Brazil

One of them ran a red light in San Francisco last year, an incident that Uber blamed on human error, though two employees said it had been in self-driving mode at the time.

The Arizona incident raises questions about how Uber's software reacted to the traffic lights.

The thought of its sensors failing to register the changing signals is frightening enough, but the possibility that it chose to speed up to avoid waiting at a red light is far more worrying.

According to a New York Times report from February, Ubers driverless cars have failed to recognise six sets of traffic lights during San Francisco tests.

The company is currently trialling its system in Arizona, Pennsylvania and California.
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Makers of an Alzheimers drug are hoping it will become the first new treatment for the disease available to sufferers for over a decade if trials conclude successfully later this year.

The drug, called intepirdine, works by increasing the release of a chemical in the brain that plays an important role in memory function.

Its developers say unlike more experimental treatments, which have caused excitement in early stages but then failed in clinical trials, the drug works in tandem with existing medication to help people with dementia live more independently for longer.

Studies based on theory can be successful, but several hundred of them have failed, said Lawrence Friedhoff, chief development officer at Axovant, the company producing the drug.

Our trial is replicating a study that already shows statistically significant benefit in humans, so it has a much higher chance of being successful.

Alzheimers is the most common cause of dementia, a degenerative brain condition that affects more than 850,000 people in the UK, most of whom are over 65.

The last Alzheimer's drug to be approved was donepezil in 2002.

While the intepirdine trial is not guaranteed to succeed, this drug is the only plausible new treatment being submitted for approval in the next few years, following a string of failures.

 What is dementia?

Among current drugs prescribed for the symptoms of the disease are medicines that prevent the breakdown in the brain of acetylcholine, which carries messages from one cell to another.

This new treatment could help slow memory loss in Alzheimers patients by increasing levels of acetylcholine in the brain, Dr Friedhoff told The Independent.

Patients with Alzheimer's disease have less acetylcholine in their brains and less release of it than other people. And we know that can be part of what causes memory problems, he said.

The old drugs prevent the breakdown [of acetylchlone], the new drug promotes its release, and together they work better than either alone.

Many other new Alzheimers drugs that have been trialled in recent years focussed on tackling the production of toxic amyloid proteins, which are associated with the formation of a nerve-cell destroying plaque in the brain.

But a number of high-profile trials, including one by pharmaceutical giant Merck that took place last year, ended in disappointment when the drugs in question were not found to be effective in a clinical setting.

As far as I can tell, the only drug with reasonable chance of being approved in the next couple of years is ours, said Dr Friedhoff. The others have generally been based on this amyloid hypothesis and have either failed or are not going to read out for a couple of years from now.

Most of the other trials have been based on the assumption that amyloid is important in causing Alzheimer's disease, as opposed to something that happens alongside it.

That assumption, I think, is probably wrong, which would explain why so many of these other drugs have failed," he said, adding: Although I thought it was an interesting idea 15 years ago, I lost faith in it a long time ago as an approach to treating Alzheimer's.

Tara Spires-Jones, interim director of Edinburgh University's Centre for Cognitive and Neural Systems, said the early data on the treatment looked promising.

She said if the drug were approved, while Alzheimer's patients would benefit, it would not stop or slow the progression of the disease, as amyloid-based treatments aimed to.

It may provide more symptomatic benefit, but like the drugs that currently exist, it will not change the course of the disease. But it is great that people have another option, and maybe it will work better than the ones that are currently available, she said.

Six ways to help reduce the risk of dementia Show all 6 1 /6 Six ways to help reduce the risk of dementia Six ways to help reduce the risk of dementia Moderate, regular exercise Last year, a study found that walking briskly for 30 to 40 minutes a day, three times a week, was all it took to re-grow structures of the brain linked with cognitive decline in later life. Researchers have also said statins, designed to help those with heart conditions, may play an additional role in protecting the brain from dementia. Getty Images Six ways to help reduce the risk of dementia Quit smoking A review of studies relating smoking and dementia found that (when you remove studies funded by the tobacco industry) smokers have a significantly greater risk of dementia. Getty Six ways to help reduce the risk of dementia Protect your head A variety of observational studies have shown that professional boxers and war veterans are at greater risk of dementia due to repeated concussion and traumatic head injuries. Rex Six ways to help reduce the risk of dementia Puzzles and crosswords In 2010, studies suggested people who do puzzles and crosswords may stave off dementia for longer. However, the same study also found they may experience a more rapid decline once the disease sets in. Crosswords and Puzzles from The Independent can be solved here Getty Images Six ways to help reduce the risk of dementia A healthy lifestyle Dr Laura Phillips of Alzheimers Research UK says a healthy lifestyle is best for preventing dementia: Eating a balanced, healthy diet, exercising regularly, not smoking, and keeping blood pressure and weight in check. Getty Six ways to help reduce the risk of dementia A Mediterranean diet Research has suggested that a Mediterranean diet  rich in fish, fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds  may reduce the risks of dementia. However NHS Choices has rpeviously warned some of the media coverage of this diet may overstate its benefits. Rex

Around 1,150 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimers are taking part in the current international trial, which has been offered at clinics around the UK including one in Plymouth.

If the trial is successful when it is completed this autumn, the drug will be submitted for approval in the US, which could take place as soon as this time next year, and then in Europe.

Two different compounds that work in a similar way to intepirdine have reached the end of testing in the last two months, but have been unsuccessful.

One of them, produced by a European drug company called Lundbeck, "attached itself to the same molecule, but the structure was quite different, said Dr Friedhoff.

Trials of this drug hit problems because of raised liver toxicity  but if intepirdine can overcome any similar stumbling blocks, the path will be left clear for its approval.

James Pickett, head of research at the Alzheimer's Society, said the failure of the other two compounds should generate an "element of caution" around Dr Friedhoff's claims, but said its success was possible.

"It's completely plausible that there are subtleties between them, and difference in the way these things get into the brain," he told The Independent.

Dementia mainly affects people over 65 (PA)

David Reynolds, chief scientific officer at Alzheimer's Research UK, compared the different ways similar drugs can work to different types of anti-depressants.

"It's not at all clear that this one is any different from the previous two. The SSRI anti-depressants, there are several of those on the market and they are all subtly different in what they do, with benefits and side effects for different patients," he said.

"Until we have the data I can't comment as to whether this is a fantastic new treatment for patients to improve their symptoms, or whether in a few months time it will join the unfortunately long list of compounds that haven't worked."
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The professor considered the grandfather of medical marijuana research has spoken of his lifelong fascination with the chemistry of the cannabis plant  and revealed he has never smoked a joint.

Raphael Mechoulam, a professor at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, started studying cannabis in the 1960s.

He discovered the plants two psychoactive substances, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which are now being investigated by scientists hoping to create new treatments for conditions including pain, cancer and inflammatory diseases.

The 86-year-old told Culture magazine he had unknowingly broken the law when the police gave him hashish to use in his first experiments, but later received samples from Israels Ministry of Health.

I have never used it, he said. As I did research and we had an official supply of cannabis, obviously if we had used it for non-scientific reasons if people had come to know about it that would have stopped our work. Basically, neither I nor my students were interested.

Professor Mechoulams work also identified the brains endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in mood, memory and the sensation of pain.

This system is also receptive to chemicals found in the cannabis plant and is behind the high feeling experienced by those who use marijuana recreationally.

In the early 60s, smoking cannabis was not yet common in the US and the National Institute of Health (NIH) denied Professor Mechoulam a grant to study the plant scientifically, he said.

But by the birth of the hippie era later that decade, marijuana use was widespread and NIH representatives flew to Israel to find out about his work.

 Weed-Growing 'Nuns' Hope to Heal the World with Cannabis

At that time we had isolated the main component of cannabis, THC, in a pure form, he told the magazine.

One pharmacologist took the material back with him to the US and quite a bit of the early work of the NIH with cannabis was done with the THC we gave him. He may have smuggled it into the US, I dont know.

Oxford University recently announced a new 10m research programme into the medical use of marijuana.

Currently there is one licenced cannabis-based medicine in Britain, designed to reduce muscle spasms in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

The mouth spray, called Sativex, contains two chemical extracts taken from the cannabis plant  tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol.

Sativex was licenced for use in the UK in 2010, but is not usually available on the NHS in England as it is deemed too expensive. It is, however, available to MS patients in Wales.

Cannabis around the world Show all 13 1 /13 Cannabis around the world Cannabis around the world Morocco Farmers destroy cannabis plantations under Moroccan police supervision in the northern Moroccan Larache region, pictured here in 2006 AFP/Getty images Cannabis around the world Colorado Growing business: Cannabis on sale at River Rock Wellness Sam Adams Cannabis around the world Oakland Oaksterdam in Oakland, California, is the world's only university dedicated to the study and cultivation of cannabis Alain Jocard/AFP/Getty Images Cannabis around the world Seattle A cannabis smoker marks the start of the new law by the Space Needle in Seattle Getty Images Cannabis around the world China Cannabis growing wild in China, where it has been used to treat conditions such as gout and malaria Cannabis around the world Uruguay Uruguay has voted to make the country the first to legalize marijuana AFP/Getty Cannabis around the world Colorado A groundswell of support from the public led to full legalisation in Colorado Getty Images Cannabis around the world Berlin A man smokes licenced medicinal marijuana prior to participating in the annual Hemp Parade, or 'Hanfparade', in support of the legalization of marijuana in Germany on August 7, 2010 in Berlin, Germany. The consumption of cannabis in Germany is legal, though all other aspects, including growing, importing or selling it, are not. However, since the introduction of a new law in 2009, the sale and possession of marijuana for licenced medicinal use is legal. Sean Gallup/Getty Images Cannabis around the world UK The UK latest figures show 2.3 million people used cannabis in the last year AP Cannabis around the world Amsterdam Tourists visiting Amsterdam will not be banned from using the citys famous cannabis cafes Getty Images Cannabis around the world Merseyside These 25 cannabis plants, seized in Merseyside police, could have generated a turnover of 40,000 a year Cannabis around the world San Francisco April 20, 2012: People smoke marijuana joints at 4:20 p.m. as thousands of marijuana advocates gathered at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California. The event was held on April 20, a date corresponding with a numerical 4/20 code widely known within the cannabis subculture as a symbol for all things marijuana. Reuters Cannabis around the world Spain A cannabis users' association will pay the town of Rasquera more than 600,000 a year for the lease of the land

Professor Mechoulam said he is now officially retired but has been provided with the necessary facilities to continue working at his university if he chooses to.

He is also a consultant for the Ministry of Health in Israel, where medical marijuana is approved and regulated for around 27,000 patients.
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Diane Munday didnt know what an abortion was until she was in her early twenties. But the need to quickly and safely terminate a pregnancy became a very personal reality for her when she sought out an abortion in 1961, while it was still illegal in the UK. Six decades later at the age of 86, she has made an indelible mark on British society as a pioneering campaigner for women's rights.

It was illegal. People were sent to prison for having and carrying out abortions. It was never a word that was said. But having an abortion was a common experience for many. But I didnt even know what it was to think about it, she tells The Independent.

Munday was first confronted with the stark reality of abortions when her local dressmaker - a common profession in the Sixties - suddenly died. The young womans mother quietly confided in Mundays mother that she had lost her life after having a backstreet abortion. But what caused her death was never spoken about publicly. To this day, Munday doesnt know how the dressmaker died.

Diane Munday in her home office in the 1960s

It was never talked about. All I knew was that she died," she says.

The dressmaker was one of an estimated 100,000 women in the UK who were forced to seek out an unsafe, illegal abortion, before the Abortion Act 1967 came into force.

Women would drink bleach to try to induce miscarriage. They would have very hot baths, or move heavy furniture, or try to do it themselves with a needle or a crochet hook, says Munday.

As a result, an underground network of backstreet abortionists ran quietly across the country. Some of them, says Munday, became involved by force. It was no unknown for women who had carried out abortions for their close friends and family to be blackmailed by desperate pregnant women who threatened to report them to the police if they didn't help them, too. Like women who had abortions, those who carried out the procedure illegally could be sent to prison.

These people were unskilled. Some might have had a bit of nursing experience or had worked in a hospital, or carried out procedures for a friend or daughter," says Munday.

Aged 86, Diane Munday continues to campaign for the decriminalisation of abortion

The shame attached to having an abortion meant that, like the dressmaker, womens deaths were covered up. To save grieving families from being questioned by the police, doctors would lie on death certificates, stating instead that women died of miscarriages. And hospitals would draft in extra staff on Fridays in A&E departments across the UK to deal with the influx of women being harmed by abortions they sought out on payday.

After the tragic death of the dressmaker, Munday put abortion to the back of her mind. Until she got married and had three children in less than four years. When she fell pregnant with a fourth child in 1961, she simply couldnt fathom having another baby. Luckily for Munday, she was wealthy enough to visit a Harley Street physician in London who agreed to diagnose her as mentally unfit to have another child: a privilege she acknowledges simply wasnt an option for poorer women. The procedure - which would nowadays cost thousands of pounds - was carried out quickly and safely under general anaesthetic. Realising how lucky she was to be alive, Munday pledged to fight for abortion to be legalised. She would go on to become the general secretary and vice-chair of the Abortion Law Reform Association.

As Munday braved being ostracised by her community to campaign for abortion rights, she was surprised by how people responded. Most people, she found, supported her.

One of my first experiences of going out and speaking about abortion was at a local Townswomen's Guild meeting. In the tea break woman came up to me one after another to tell me they had an abortion. They would say Ive never told anyone before but I had an abortion during the depression in the 30s or we couldn't afford another child so I had an abortion.

But the red paint splatted across her car, which she was told symbolised the blood of children she had murdered, proved that legalising abortion would be tough.

Some people shunned me publicly. A shop in the village refused to serve me because the shop-keeper said it was tainted money and accused me of doing abortions on the kitchen table.

Thousands march in Dublin for Irish abortion rights Show all 5 1 /5 Thousands march in Dublin for Irish abortion rights Thousands march in Dublin for Irish abortion rights REUTERS Thousands march in Dublin for Irish abortion rights REUTERS Thousands march in Dublin for Irish abortion rights REUTERS Thousands march in Dublin for Irish abortion rights REUTERS Thousands march in Dublin for Irish abortion rights REUTERS

That vocal minority continues to stand in the way of progression, argues Munday.

And asked to describe the stigma attached to abortion in the 1960s, Munday is quick to answer: there still is stigma. That's despite the fact that one in three women will seek out an abortion, and 95 per cent will not regret it.

Im very sad that women still feel the stigma. I think this has been one success of the fanatical anti-abortion lobby in this country. With their talk of women murdering their babies they've made women who feel it's all right to have an abortion feel that its not. But it isnt something to be ashamed of."

Now, the octogenarian remains vocal and committed to seeing abortion laws modernised. Despite being a nation ahead of the curve in legalising abortion, Munday says the UKs laws are now archaic compared with the rest of Europe as two doctors must give their permission before a woman can have the procedure. She looks towards Canada and northern states of Australia, where abortion has been decriminalised, as examples to follow.

Ive always believed that it should be a womans decision to have an abortion. I find the current laws appalling. We need to give women the power, not two doctors who might have never seen the woman before, will probably never see her again and know nothing about her life.

"In the 1960s, it was the best we could get. But the laws should have been changed sooner. 50 years ago if anyone had told me that Id still be campaigning now Id say they were stupid.

To Munday, valuing life and giving women easy access to abortions are inextricably linked.

People are too important to be born willy nilly because someone the contraceptive broke or because they had unprotected sex. It is irresponsible to bring a person into the world just because they have been conceived."
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Lloyd's of London has confirmed that it will be setting up a new insurance company in Brussels, to secure a European foothold after the UK splits from the rest of the EU.

Chief executive Inga Beale, in a statement on Thursday, said that the intention is for the company to be ready to operate on 1 January 2019.

It is important that we are able to provide the market and customers with an effective solution that means business can carry on without interruption when the UK leaves the EU, she said.

Recommended Bank bosses push for lower taxes and lighter regulation after Brexit

Brussels met the critical elements of providing a robust regulatory framework in a central European location, and will enable Lloyds to continue to provide specialist underwriting expertise to our customers, she added.

Lloyd's of London, which dates back to 1688, is both the worlds biggest and the world's oldest insurance market. It currently employs around 600 people in London.

Chairman John Nelson told the Press Association last week that there had been a lot of enthusiasm from a number of EU countries for Lloyds to come to their country.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in January, Ms Beale already hinted that Brussels was a contender.

She said at the time that if Britain leaves the EUs single market, her business would lose crucial licencing rights and that an EU subsidiary would be set up in a country that is likely to remain in the EU, in order to be able to provide seamless coverage to customers.

At the time, the only country that Ms Beale said she had ruled out was Malta.

Several top executives of major banks have in recent months also indicated that Brexit could spur them to shift thousands of jobs out of the UK.

Earlier this month Goldman Sachs Europe chief executive, Richard Gnodde, said that the US bank would relocate hundreds of staff out of London before any Brexit deal is struck as part of its contingency plans for the UK leaving the EU.

The company employs around 6,000 people in London.

Business news: In pictures Show all 13 1 /13 Business news: In pictures Business news: In pictures Flybe collapses Airline Flybe has collapsed. All future flights on the Exeter-based airline have been cancelled  leaving more than 2,300 staff facing an uncertain future, and wrecking the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers. The chief executive, Mark Anderson, said: Europes largest independent regional airline has been unable to overcome significant funding challenges to its business. AFP via Getty Business news: In pictures Future product placement will be 'tailored to individual viewers' Marketing executives say that product placement in films and televison shows on streaming services such as Netflix may be tailored to individuals in future. For instance, if data shows that a viewer is a fan of pepsi, a billboard in the background of a shot would host an advert for pepsi, while for a viewer known to have different tastes it could be for Coca-Cola Paramount Business news: In pictures Corbyn wishes Amazon a happy birthday In a card sent to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on the company's 25th birthday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn writes: "You owe the British people millions in taxes that pay for the public services that we all rely on. Please pay your fair share" Business news: In pictures No deal, no tariffs The government has announced that it would slash almost all tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Notable exceptions include cars and meat, which will see tariffs in place to protect British farmers Getty Business news: In pictures Fingerprint payment NatWest is trialling a new bank card that will allow people to touch their hand to the card when paying rather than typing in a PIN number. The card will work by recognising the user's fingerprint NatWest/PA Wire Business news: In pictures Mahabis bust High-end slipper retailer Mahabis has gone into administration. 2 Jan 2019 Mahabis Business news: In pictures Costa Cola Coca-Cola has paid 3.9bn for Costa Coffee. A cafe chain is a new venture for the global soft drinks giant PA Business news: In pictures RIP Payday Loans A funeral procession for payday loans was held in London on September 2. The future of pay day lenders is in doubt after Wonga, Britain's biggest, went into administration on August 30 PA Business news: In pictures Musk irks investors and directors Elon Musk has concluded that Tesla will remain public. Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks Getty Business news: In pictures Jaguar warning Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures Spotif-IPO Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures French blue passports The deadline to award a contract to make blue British passports after Brexit has been extended by two weeks following a request by bidder De La Rue. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rues contract ends in July. The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. Business news: In pictures Beast from the east economic impact The Beast from the East wiped 4m off of Flybes revenues due to flight cancellations, airport closures and delays, according to the budget airlines estimates. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year.

The chief executive of the London Stock Exchange, Xavier Rolet, warned earlier this year that Brexit poses a risk to the global financial system and could cost the City of London up to 230,000 jobs if the Government fails to provide a clear plan for post-Brexit operations.
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What has happened?

Toshibas nuclear unit, Westinghouse, filed for bankruptcy on Wednesday after huge losses stemming from cost overruns and delays on the build of two power plants in the US.

Why does it matter?

It puts in doubt the future of a new nuclear plant in Cumbria that is set to produce 7 per cent of the UKs power. It also raises wider questions about the future of nuclear as a source of energy.

Recommended Toshiba shares tumble putting future of new UK nuclear plant in doubt

Toshiba owns a 60 per cent stake in NuGen the company that is supposed to be building the Moorside plant in Cumbria. Westinghouse was contracted to build the reactors but a spokesperson for Toshiba said that the company was uncertain whether its subsidiary would now provide them.

The plant is set to employ 20,000 people and provide a major economic boost to the area. Those jobs may now be under threat if a new supplier cannot be found.

The bankruptcy also puts a question mark over the future of nuclear power in the UK.

What will happen?

Westinghouse said on Wednesday that only its US operations would be affected but gave no specific reassurances about the future of Moorside.

A Toshiba spokesperson said that the firm was still seeking to sell part of its stake in the plant to new investors, as it had been doing since it first became involved in the project.

However, the spokesperson added that Westinghouses bankruptcy and recent changes in Toshibas policy on the nuclear power business require us to explore and investigate all possibilities. Toshiba announced in February that it would no longer bid for contracts to build new nuclear plants.

What has the Government done?

Not much apart from issue a statement on Wednesday saying it is "committed to new nuclear power as an important part of the UK's energy mix".

Rebecca Long-Bailey, the shadow business secretary, urged the Government to step in to underwrite the investment but it has not yet made any pledge to do so.

The Government must now urgently provide assurances about the future of Moorside. Relying on the private sector alone, in absence of a robust contractual legal structure, has failed, Ms Long-Bailey said.

If this government is at all serious about delivering new nuclear as an important part of our energy mix it must act swiftly to ensure the security of our energy supply and guarantee the creation of thousands of highly-skilled and well-paid jobs that communities in Cumbria need and deserve.

The GMB union which represents nuclear workers has also demanded reassurances. It is vital that this project is given the certainty it needs and therefore we are calling on an urgent government announcement to give clear and unambiguous clarity for the short, medium and long term future of Moorside, senior organiser Chris Dukes said.

Business news: In pictures Show all 13 1 /13 Business news: In pictures Business news: In pictures Flybe collapses Airline Flybe has collapsed. All future flights on the Exeter-based airline have been cancelled  leaving more than 2,300 staff facing an uncertain future, and wrecking the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers. The chief executive, Mark Anderson, said: Europes largest independent regional airline has been unable to overcome significant funding challenges to its business. AFP via Getty Business news: In pictures Future product placement will be 'tailored to individual viewers' Marketing executives say that product placement in films and televison shows on streaming services such as Netflix may be tailored to individuals in future. For instance, if data shows that a viewer is a fan of pepsi, a billboard in the background of a shot would host an advert for pepsi, while for a viewer known to have different tastes it could be for Coca-Cola Paramount Business news: In pictures Corbyn wishes Amazon a happy birthday In a card sent to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on the company's 25th birthday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn writes: "You owe the British people millions in taxes that pay for the public services that we all rely on. Please pay your fair share" Business news: In pictures No deal, no tariffs The government has announced that it would slash almost all tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Notable exceptions include cars and meat, which will see tariffs in place to protect British farmers Getty Business news: In pictures Fingerprint payment NatWest is trialling a new bank card that will allow people to touch their hand to the card when paying rather than typing in a PIN number. The card will work by recognising the user's fingerprint NatWest/PA Wire Business news: In pictures Mahabis bust High-end slipper retailer Mahabis has gone into administration. 2 Jan 2019 Mahabis Business news: In pictures Costa Cola Coca-Cola has paid 3.9bn for Costa Coffee. A cafe chain is a new venture for the global soft drinks giant PA Business news: In pictures RIP Payday Loans A funeral procession for payday loans was held in London on September 2. The future of pay day lenders is in doubt after Wonga, Britain's biggest, went into administration on August 30 PA Business news: In pictures Musk irks investors and directors Elon Musk has concluded that Tesla will remain public. Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks Getty Business news: In pictures Jaguar warning Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures Spotif-IPO Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures French blue passports The deadline to award a contract to make blue British passports after Brexit has been extended by two weeks following a request by bidder De La Rue. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rues contract ends in July. The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. Business news: In pictures Beast from the east economic impact The Beast from the East wiped 4m off of Flybes revenues due to flight cancellations, airport closures and delays, according to the budget airlines estimates. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year.

The future of nuclear power

Westinghouses bankruptcy court filing also raises questions the viability of other nuclear projects, and even the whole industry.

In addition to its contract for Moorfields Westinghouse has a 150-year lease on Springfields nuclear fuel plant in Lancashire from the Governments Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. It is unclear what effect the bankruptcy will have on that site.

The two US reactors which have led to Westinghouse's downfall reportedly cost between $1bn and $1.3bn (800m - 1bn) more than the company had expected.

In its bankruptcy court filing, Westinghouse blamed the vast overspend on safety regulations designed to protect nuclear reactors from terrorist attacks. It said this forced it to redesign the plants, resulting in additional, unanticipated engineering challenges that resulted in increased costs and delays on the US AP1000 Projects.

As concerns around terrorism continue to rise, regulations are not going to be relaxed any time soon and could even be strengthened.

This could make nuclear more expensive at a time when alternatives such as solar, wind and natural gas are decreasing in price.

 Remote controlled camera reveals hole in Fukushima nuclear plant

Declining nuclear

The New York Times reported that the cost overruns were also due in part to a lack of contractors with enough experience to build nuclear reactors, as few new plants have been built in recent years.

Westinghouse says it is the manufacturer of 111 of the 450 nuclear reactors in operation globally. It will now not build new plants, further shrinking an already small field.

Doug Parr, policy director at Greenpeace UK, said: The world is watching the meltdown of a major corporation and questioning the cost of new nuclear.

Declaring bankruptcy in the USA might shield Toshiba from Westinghouses debt, but as Toshibas share price ricochets and its multibillion-dollar losses escalate, the beleaguered nuclear industry is being shaken to the core again.
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Another South African legend has gone. Ahmed Uncle Kathy Kathrada, an unassuming, quiet man who has left South Africans with a legacy thats immediate, not historical.

Born in 1929, two factors mark his life and his passing, as they did for Nelson Mandela: he was African National Congress through and through. And he was a non-racialist. The byline of the Kathrada Foundation, a non-governmental organisation he established, is to deepen non-racialism. This is something he believed in to his core, even as others around him began to argue for an Africanist approach.

He was saddened that others, in an attempt to advocate for colour-blindness or more strident African nationalism, watered down the noble value of non-racialism. He maintained that non-racialism was a radical solidarity that at its very soul had undoing structural and interpersonal racism, and wrote:

I would still insist that meeting the modern challenges of poverty, hunger, homelessness and so on requires an approach that has a non-racial outlook embedded within it.

Kathrada was arrested in 1963  his 18th arrest for political activities  and sentenced a year later, along with Nelson Mandela and other ANC leaders, to life imprisonment at the end of the Rivonia Trial. He was 34 at the time. After 1994 Kathrada was Mandelas political advisor in South Africas first democratic parliament.

Retirement for Uncle Kathy meant more political work, multiple engagements, setting up school, university and youth affiliates of the foundation, and then more work after that. Money was of no interest to him, nor honours or headlines. And he set a pace that most failed to maintain.

Purity of political vocation

His dogged, lifelong pursuit of equality and non-racialism remind many South Africans of how low they have fallen in the shadow of his generation. His passing happened on the same night that the countrys Minister and Deputy Minister of Finance were flying back to South Africa, summarily ordered to do so by the president, to the sound of the currency plummeting and the economy reeling.

Uncle Kathy passing at the same time as the national economy is being sacrificed for cheap personal and political gain will perhaps provide the spark that says to all South Africans: enough! Stop the rot! He did not struggle, sacrifice, and be released from prison to work even harder, to allow it all to be stolen in front of their eyes.

Uncle Kathy had an uncomplicated wisdom that will far outlast his living years. He believed in the purity of political vocation, despite knowing the tendency for the office to be sullied by political vanities. He believed that the human spirit could transcend physical walls meant to divide and imprison. He loved children and believed in the possibility of remaking society through them.

Yet he always reminded those around him that change, freedom or an anti-racist society would never be delivered to South Africans. Rather it would have to be wrought through the values, responsibility and integrity of the people. Although he was well-read in the complex art of politics and sociology, he had a matter-of-fact attitude to the challenges the society faced and what was needed to tackle them.

Inspired at close quarters

Working closely with him at the Kathrada Foundation offered many opportunities to be struck by the profound simplicity of the task that lay before us in doing our bit to build an equal and non-racial society. He reminded us all that what people thought mattered, and that our work needed to be based on these realities (uncomfortable as they may be).

While we continued the academic pursuits of meanings and interpretations of race, non-racialism, anti-racism and identities he reminded us that if our deliberations did not ultimately inspire the kind of pro-active work that made the prospects of an African child better than her parents had been, we had ultimately failed.

For some time, he had refrained from public political discourse that may have been controversial, but in the past two years, his sense of integrity compelled him to publicly address the ANC  his party  leadership. He was the kind of man that was Exhibit A of the values imbued in the Freedom Charter. He was saddened that his party had become a shadow of its former glorious self, and had come to taint that historic document.

A year ago, Kathy wrote to Zuma, typically casting himself as merely a loyal and disciplined member of the ANC and broader Congress movement since the 1940s and admitting the pain that writing was causing him. He spoke directly to Zuma  and indirectly to South Africans:

The position of president is one that must at all times unite this country behind a vision and programme that seeks to make tomorrow a better day than today for all South Africans. Now that the court has found that the president failed to uphold defend and respect the constitution as the supreme law how should I relate to my president? If we are to continue to be guided by growing public opinion and the need to do the right thing would he not seriously consider stepping down? I am not a political analyst but I am now driven to ask: Dear Comrade President dont you think your continued stay as president will only serve to deepen the crisis of confidence in the government of the country?

And bluntly if not arrogantly in the face of such persistently widespread criticism condemnation and demand is it asking too much to express the hope that you will choose the correct way that is gaining momentum to consider stepping down? If not Comrade President are you aware that your outstanding contribution to the liberation struggle stands to be severely tarnished if the remainder of your term as president continues to be dogged by crises and a growing public loss of confidence in the ANC and government as a whole?

I know that if I were in the presidents shoes I would step down with immediate effect. To paraphrase the famous MK slogan of the time there comes a time in the life of every nation when it must choose to submit or fight. Today I appeal to our president to submit to the will of the people and resign.

He will remain, for many a warm, wise uncle, who did not succumb to political limelight, but was unapologetic about his lifelong responsibility  in everyday, and intimate interpersonal ways  to the unfinished project of freedom and liberation in South Africa and elsewhere in the world. And never, ever afraid of asking the difficult questions, or stating the truth as he saw it.

Hamba Kahle Malume (Rest in peace uncle), you are dearly loved.

Dr Caryn Abrahams, senior lecturer at the Wits School of Governance and former head of research at the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, contributed to this article.

David Everatt is the head of Wits School of Governance at the University of the Witwatersrand. This article first appeared on The Conversation (theconversation.com)
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Right-wing politicians are more attractive, a study has claimed, and their good looks get them twice as far their opposition counterparts.

Numerous studies have shown physical attractiveness has long been an indicator of success in life.

This appears to translate into right-wing politics too, suggested the research by Professor Jan-Erik Lonnqvist of the University of Helsinki.

 9 scientifically verified ways to be more attractive

Prof Lonnqvist said this could be because many conservative-inclined voters are less informed.

His research found left-leaning scholars tend to be more attractive that those on the right, meaning the physical advantage applied only to politicians.

Photographs of liberal and conservative scholars were compared and ranked by attractiveness and their political stance.

The research built on previous work which found conservative politicians running in elections in Australia, the European Union, Finland and the US were more attractive than their competitors.

"The fact that left-leaning scholars are perceived as better-looking is no cause for alarm," Prof Lonnqvist said. "What is worrying, however, is the high degree of importance attached to looks in political elections."

He added: "The results of my study are in concordance with other studies that show that the effect of attractive looks is twice as large for politicians on the right compared to their counterparts on the left.

Celebrities who have hinted at entering politics Show all 8 1 /8 Celebrities who have hinted at entering politics Celebrities who have hinted at entering politics Smith told the Hollywood Reporter: As I look at the political landscape, I think that there might be a future out there for me. They might need me out there." Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Celebrities who have hinted at entering politics Kanye West At the 2015 VMAs Kanye said: "I have decided in 2020 to run for president" before dropping the mic and leaving the stage. Getty Celebrities who have hinted at entering politics Lindsay Lohan Lohan announced on Instagram she may run for President in 2020, citing Queen Elizabeth, Barack Obama and Kanye West as her inspirations. John Phillips/Getty Images Celebrities who have hinted at entering politics Angelina Jolie The actress told ITV news she would enter politics if she felt she could 'really make a difference' STR/AFP/Getty Images Celebrities who have hinted at entering politics Ben Affleck Jennifer Garner told Allure magazine she wouldn't be surprised if Affleck went into politics but right now 'he feels he can do more good for people politically from outside the system'. The comments were made in 2013, before the couple separated. Getty Celebrities who have hinted at entering politics Alec Baldwin Baldwin told Piers Morgan in 2012 he would like to enter politics but "what I would run for and when it would be [is] something I'd have to give a lot of thought." Jemal Countess/Getty Images for DGA Celebrities who have hinted at entering politics Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson The former WWE star told Moviefone in 2012 that one day he will 'impact the world through politics' Getty Celebrities who have hinted at entering politics George Clooney One celebrity who has ruled out ever entering politics is Clooney. He addressed rumours he was running for office during a press conference where he said: 'I just think it's hell' and questioned 'who would ever want to live like that?' Getty

Prof Lonnqvist suggested right-wing politicians could be better looking because physical attractiveness could have more of an influence on the selection of candidates in conservative parties.

He added: One possible reason for the greater influence of looks on right-wing constituents could be that they are less informed. Previous research has also shown that conservative voters have a more concrete, perhaps less sophisticated way of thinking."
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The UK Coastguard is searching for a helicopter which was reported missing while flying over the Irish Sea.

The privately-owned twin squirrel red aircraft, which left Milton Keynes with five people on board, fell off radars while en route to Dublin.

Distress and Diversion officials say they lost contact with the helicopter, which was due to stop at Caernarfon Bay in north-west Wales, before triggering a search operation at 4.15pm.

The UK Coastguard, an arm of the Government's Maritime and Coastguard Agency, said it has already carried out an "extensive" land search of fields and airfields within the Caernarfon area.

A MayDay Relay broadcast has been issued out to all boats passing through the Irish Sea and a hunt for the helicopter is continuing throughout the evening.

UK Coastguard duty commander Peter Davies said: "We have established a search plan between Caernarfon Bay and the shore of Dublin and currently have two Coastguard helicopters searching the route.

"We are in the process of contacting all the vessels in the Irish Sea that were in the vicinity around midday and we are continuing Mayday broadcast action for any vessels currently in the area to contact us if they have further information.

"At the moment we are appealing to these vessels and to the public that if they have seen a twin squirrel red helicopter to please contact 999 and ask for the Coastguard."

A spokeswoman for the Coastguard said the search was being affected by weather conditions.

She said: "There is quite poor visibility which is hampering the search efforts. There is a lot of low cloud coverage."

But she said the search was still ongoing.
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Katie Hopkins has been denied the chance to appeal against a libel action brought by food blogger Jack Monroe, so she will have to pay 131,000 in court costs and damages.

The controversial MailOnline columnist had sought to challenge the High Courts initial ruling.

But Mr Justice Warby said that he had no jurisdiction at such a late stage to deal with the application for permission to appeal over the damages awarded. He added that none of the four grounds for appeal had "a real prospect of success".

Hopkins was ordered to pay Monroe 24,000 in damages and 107,000 to cover court costs earlier this month.

Mr Justice Warby ruled that she had libelled the food blogger in a tweet which wrongly accused her of vandalising war memorials.

She wrote: Scrawled on any memorials recently? Vandalised the memory of those who fought for your freedom. Grandma got any more medals?

She had actually meant to direct the abuse to New Statesman columnist Laurie Penny, who had said she didnt have a problem with seeing graffiti on a memorial to women of the Second World War, which read: F*** Tory scum.

Shortly afterwards, Monroe offered Hopkins the chance to apologise and make a 5,000 donation to a migrant charity, or face legal action.

Hopkins refused and lost the libel case when it came to the High Court.

Katie Hopkins' most offensive moments Show all 16 1 /16 Katie Hopkins' most offensive moments Katie Hopkins' most offensive moments Katie Hopkins on 'plus size' 'To call yourself 'plus-size' is just a euphemism for being fat. Life is much easier when you're thinner. Big is not beautiful, of course a job comes down to how you look.' Katie Hopkins' most offensive moments Katie Hopkins on naming children I think you can tell a great deal from a name. For me, there are certain names that I hear and I think Urgh. For me, a name is a shortcut of finding out what class that child comes from and makes me ask, Do I want my children to play with them? Theres a whole set of things that go with children like that and thats why I dont like those sorts of children. Hi, this is my daughter Charmaine. I hear: Hi, I am thick and ignorant. Katie Hopkins' most offensive moments Katie Hopkins on gender equality 'Women don't want equal treatment, they couldn't handle it if they got it. It's a tough world out there. What a lot of women are actually looking for is special treatment. What women need to realise is that they have to toughen up.' Katie Hopkins' most offensive moments Katie Hopkins on immigration 'I've always said if you go into a school playground and shout Mohammad, you'll probably get 100 children running towards you!" Katie Hopkins' most offensive moments Katie Hopkins to Benefits Street's White Dee 'Do you not feel like the patron saint of druggies and dropouts?' Channel 5 Katie Hopkins' most offensive moments Katie Hopkins on tattoos 'Are tattoos just a badge for the stupid? For me, and for lots of people like me, when you see tatoos you think of someone who is just looking for attention, who hasn't managed to find a way in their life through conventional means and who is just shouting 'I want attention! I want to be looked at!' Katie Hopkins' most offensive moments Katie Hopkins on addiction I dont believe what Russell Brand says about addiction. I just dont buy it. Gazza likes drinking, let him crack on. He is enjoying himself. Katie Hopkins' most offensive moments Katie Hopkins on The X Factor 'The X Factor 2013 has ended in a painful showdown between a fat mum in a jumpsuit (Sam Bailey) and a small boy in whatever his mum laid out for him on his bed (Nicholas McDonald)' ITV Katie Hopkins' most offensive moments Katie Hopkins on the Egyptian uprising 'The difference between most mothers and me is that I didnt sit around drinking coffee at baby group for 12 months after the birth of my baby. No, in three weeks I was back in my suit, back at my desk earning profit for my business and I dont see why other women shouldnt do the same.' Katie Hopkins' most offensive moments Katie Hopkins on maternity leave 'Egyptian uprising continues to look like Bonfire Night. Protest fireworks. Right up there with angry cup cakes.' Katie Hopkins' most offensive moments Katie Hopkins on 'gingerism' 'Ginger babies. Like a baby. Just so much harder to love. A ginger person with tattoos called Jayden? The triumvirate of horror!' Katie Hopkins' most offensive moments Katie Hopkins on affairs 'I lied to get someone else's husband because I wanted him. I give myself 8 out of 10 for ruthlessness for that one.' Katie Hopkins' most offensive moments Katie Hopkins on the elderly Personally I hate mobility scooters. I find their owners intolerable. Ran past a mobility scooter going up hill. Made me giggle. I need to grow up and stop being an arse. Katie Hopkins' most offensive moments Katie Hopkins after the Glasgow helicopter crash 'Life expectancy in Scotland is 59.5. Goodness me. That lot will do anything to avoid working until retirement.' Katie Hopkins' most offensive moments Katie Hopkins on Ramadan 'Channel 4 broadcasts Islamic calls to prayer for Ramadan. A 30 day reminder that minority rules in the UK. Any more PC, it'd be a bloody laptop.' Katie Hopkins' most offensive moments Katie Hopkins on self-harming 'I am advised by the Twitterati to 'cut myself'. I grazed myself on my house gate yesterday. Will that suffice?'

In his original judicial judgement, Mr Justice Warby noted: The case could easily have been resolved at an early stage. There was an open offer to settle for 5,000. It was a reasonable offer.

Instead, he said: Ms Monroe is entitled to fair and reasonable compensation, which I assess at 24,000.

Having her appeal rejected means she will now have to pay the 131,000 in damages and court costs.

The columnist's own legal fees are also expected to exceed 300,000.

After the second ruling in her favour, Monroe took to Twitter to clarify that the majority of the payment was to cover her lawyers' fees and would not go to her directly.

Hopkins has until Friday 7 April to pay the costs ordered by Mr Justice Warby.

She can still pursue her application to appeal directly with the Court of Appeal.

Monroes lawyer, Mark Lewis said in a statement that his client had "been vindicated in full from the libellous and wholly false accusation by Katie Hopkins that she had supported the vandalisation of a war memorial. Jack Monroe never did, and coming from a proud military family, never would."

He added: Despite pointing this out to Katie Hopkins within minutes of her first tweet wrongly accusing Jack, Hopkins did not apologise. Rather the self-styled rent-a-gob defiantly posted another defamatory tweet.

The price of not saying sorry has been very high. Hopkins has had to pay out of her own pocket a six-figure sum in damages and costs for a tweet that should have been deleted within minutes as soon as she was told it was wrong. On this occasion, the cost of renting that gob was particularly high.
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A property tycoon who banned coloured people from renting his properties has claimed he is not racist and would do it again.

Fergus Wilson, one of the UKs biggest buy-to-let landlords, instructed agents acting on his behalf not to let his properties to coloured people because he said the smell of curry sticks to the carpet.

The 69-year-old, whose Kent property empire is thought to number around 1,000 homes in the Ashford and Maidstone areas, issued a series of offensive directives ordering agents at Evolution Properties not to rent to battered wives, single parents, low income and zero hours workers or plumbers.

In a second email to agents, the landlord  who evicted 200 tenants in 2014 for being on housing benefit  added: No coloured people because of the curry smell at the end of the tenancy.

His request was subsequently leaked to the media, at which point dozens of social media users condemned vile and disgusting Mr Wilson for racism, and speculating that he would be sued.

Responding to the backlash, Mr Wilson insisted he was not racist and said his move was an economic decision, claiming his stance was no different from his ban on letting his properties to smokers and dog owners.

Speaking to Sky News, the 69-year-old said: There has been much support for the stance I have taken. I do not apologise for it. Faced with the same circumstances, I would do it again.

Mr Wilson added that he was happy to rent to negroes as they haven't generated a curry smell at the end of the tenancy.

He said he was wary of letting to Indians after losing more than 12,000 in rent and re-carpeting costs over a six-month period because one of his properties smelled of curry.

If you want to sell your house to a market mainly composed of white British purchasers, then you considerably reduce your chances of selling by having a house that smells of curry, he said.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has pledged to investigate the matter.

Roy Fever, manager of Evolution Properties, said the company did not support the move.

We dont condone this at all. We would never implement a policy like that. We put through anyone to the landlord and it is up to the landlord who they take on, he said.

Mr Wilson told Sky News the leaked email was from August last year, pre-dating his current letting criteria for 2017, drawn up last December.

Zakariya Cochrane, of Stand Up to Racism, told The Independent: Mr Wilsons comments hark back to the days of no blacks, no dogs, no Irish signs in windows that were commonplace in the rented sector during the 60s and 70s.

"Although British society has come a long way, this example of discrimination against whole communities of people based on racial stereotypes, shows we cannot afford to be complacent. We still have our work cut out in tackling racism.

"The landlords letting criteria has not come about in a vacuum. The governments Immigration Bill of last year effectively turned landlords into border guards by requiring them to check a tenants immigration status.

"This has opened the door to widespread discrimination and the everyday racism displaced by Mr Wilson."
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Theresa May has admitted freedom of movement could continue in some form after Britain has officially left the EU.

The Prime Minister said it might go on as the UK puts in place new arrangements during a transitional period.

Ms May was speaking at the end of a momentous day in British politics when the UK formally notified Brussels of its intention to leave the bloc.

She also said the implementation phase of the Brexit negotiation could see the UK continue to fall under the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice past the official cut-off date of March 2019.

We want to make sure that we are ending the jurisdiction of the European court of justice and that we are able to control movement of people coming from the EU, the PM said during a special BBC programme on Brexit.

We want to have the agreements done in two years.

But she added: There may then be a period in which we are implementing those arrangements.

 Prime Minister Theresa May is loking for free trade deal with EU

If there are different visa arrangements that need to be put in place, the government here and the government elsewhere will have to have their systems working so that it can operate.

So there may be a period where we have got to implement the decisions that have been taken.

Her admission that freedom of movement between the UK and the rest of the EU is likely continue after the two-year negotiation will anger the right-wing of the Tory party who had hoped for all ties with Brussels to cut immediately after Brexit.

But it will be seen as an acknowledgement of the complexity of the deal that needs to be struck, which has been repeatedly downplayed by Brexiteers.

Ms May has said the UK wants a "deep and special partnership" with the future EU of 27, but that Britain should regain control of its borders, leave the single market and escape the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice.

A draft resolution expected to be approved by the European Parliament on 5 April proposes a three-year time limit for a transitional period to thrash out an agreement following the likely Brexit date in 2019.

That could leave British citizens to enjoy another five years of unrestricted access to the rest of the continent.
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One of the most influential members of the European Parliament has said Europe will no longer concern itself with Britains interests, as he declared I dont care any more about the City of London.

Chair of the largest centre-right European Peoples Party grouping Manfred Weber also poured scorn on Theresa Mays plan for linking security cooperation to Brexit talks as he warned of tough negotiations ahead.

The German MEP went on to claim that Britain would find it difficult to compete and protect industries in the globalised world against big countries like China.

Mr Weber was speaking as politicians across Europe worked out how to respond to the UKs triggering of Article 50.

He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that Brexit meant Europe is going back in history and is a very wrong decision and a real mistake.

But as he set out how he would now approach the UK he said: I have not the Russians interests in mind, I have not the Americans interests in mind, I have only these in mind who elected me. I am a member of the European Parliament, the leader of the biggest group, and thats why we have from now on, the interests of 450 million citizens in mind  that is EU citizens.

I can give you a clear example for this  I dont care any more about the City of London interests. I will care about the interests of Amsterdam, Dublin and Frankfurt and Paris.

 Prime Minister Theresa May is loking for free trade deal with EU

That is what I have to do. These negotiations will be very tough.

Ms May repeatedly linked security cooperation to Brexit talks in her letter officially launching them on Wednesday, in a move that was perceived as a threat to withdraw collaboration on fighting crime and terror.

Mr Weber said the desire to cooperate with EU agencies like Europol, while not being in the EU was a clear contradiction.

He added: Britain has decided to leave the European Union and yesterday [Wednesday] I heard that Theresa May says she wants still to cooperate with Europol  Europol is a 100 per cent EU institutionso please tell me Theresa May what leaving the European Union means?

How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Show all 8 1 /8 How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Weetabix Chief executive of Weetabix Giles Turrell has warned that the price of one of the nations favourite breakfast are likely to go up this year by low-single digits in percentage terms. Reuters How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Nescafe The cost of a 100g jar of Nescafe Original at Sainsburys has gone up 40p from 2.75 to 3.15  a 14 per cent risesince the Brexit vote. PA How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Freddo When contacted by The Independent this month, a Mondelez spokesperson declined to discuss specific brands but confirmed that there would be "selective" price increases across its range despite the American multi-national confectionery giant reporting profits of $548m (450m) in its last three-month financial period. Mondelez, which bought Cadbury in 2010, said rising commodity costs combined with the slump in the value of the pound had made its products more expensive to make. Cadbury How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Mr Kipling cakes Premier Foods, the maker of Mr Kipling and Bisto gravy, said that it was considering price rises on a case-by-case basis Reuters How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Walkers Crisps Walkers, owned by US giant PepsiCo, said "the weakened value of the pound" is affecting the import cost of some of its materials. A Walkers spokesman told the Press Association that a 32g standard bag was set to increase from 50p to 55p, and the larger grab bag from 75p to 80p. Getty How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Marmite Tesco removed Marmite and other Unilever household brand from its website last October, after the manufacturer tried to raise its prices by about 10 per cent owing to sterlings slump. Tesco and Unilever resolved their argument, but the price of Marmite has increased in UK supermarkets with the grocer reporting a 250g jar of Marmite will now cost Morrisons customers 2.64 - an increase of 12.5 per cent. Rex How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Toblerone Toblerone came under fire in November after it increased the space between the distinctive triangles of its bars. Mondelez International, the company which makes the product, said the change was made due to price rises in recent months. Pixabay How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Maltesers Maltesers, billed as the lighter way to enjoy chocolate, have also shrunk in size. Mars, which owns the brand, has reduced its pouch weight by 15 per cent. Mars said rising costs mean it had to make the unenviable decision between increasing its prices or reducing the weight of its Malteser packs. iStockphoto

The MEP then warned that the UK would find life outside the EU difficult as it faces the forces of globalisation.

He said: I cannot imagine how Great Britain with 60 million inhabitants can really compete in a globalised world with China.

When you have for example, the steel dumping China is doing at the moment, that you can really defend your industry alone. Five hundred million EU citizens could do so and can do so, but Brits alone not.

So I think Britain is facing a lot of uncertainty in the future.
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Britain's most senior judge has warned that Theresa Mays proposed Henry VIII clauses in the Great Repeal Bill could end up with the Government being dragged through the courts.

Lord David Neuberger, said a clause in the bill which would allow the Government to amend existing laws without consulting Parliament, could cause legal problems down the line.

The Great Repeal Bill will convert EU law into UK law before Brexit is completed in 2019, and before the Government proposes which bits should be retained or scrapped.

But there are fears that the prime minister could use ancient Henry VIII powers which would allow ministers to change laws without a vote by MPs, using secondary legislation.

Lord Neuberger, the President of the Supreme Court, warned that this raised the "possibility of increased litigation".

He told the House of Lords Constitutional Committee: "Much of the legislation will be in the form of statutory instruments and secondary legislation. The difference between statute or EU law and secondary legislation is of course that secondary legislation statutory instrumentscan be reviewed by the courts.

"There must therefore be a possibility of increased litigation relating to statutory instruments and the law as contained in secondary legislation."

Statutory instruments are a form of delegated legislation which allow national or devolved governments to update regulations in specific areas. The Welsh Assembly recently used them to change local speed limits.

Theresa May signs the official letter to European Council President Donald Tusk invoking Article 50 (Reuters)

Successive governments have however, been criticised for their use of the mechanism, which was originally introduced after the Second World War, primarily legislate on local matters.

The most draconian of these powers  allowing laws to be amended or repealed  have been dubbed Henry VIII powers because they date back to a 1539 law allowing the Tudor monarch to govern by proclamation.

However, the Government has defended itself against the claims of a power grab.

Supreme Court Brexit Challenge Show all 13 1 /13 Supreme Court Brexit Challenge Supreme Court Brexit Challenge People wait to enter the public gallery outside the Supreme Court ahead of the challenge against a court ruling that Theresa May's government requires parliamentary approval to start the process of leaving the European Union, in Parliament Square, central London Reuters Supreme Court Brexit Challenge Gina Miller, co-founder of investment fund SCM Private arrives at the Supreme court in London on the first day of a four-day hearing Getty Supreme Court Brexit Challenge A man waves the EU flag in front of the Supreme Court Getty Supreme Court Brexit Challenge Satirical artist Kaya Mar poses with two of his paintings in front of the Supreme Court Getty Supreme Court Brexit Challenge Pro-Europe protestors dressed as Supreme Court Justices stand outside the Supreme Court ahead of the first day of a hearing into whether Parliament's consent is required before the Brexit process can begin. The eleven Supreme Court Justices will hear the government's appeal, following the High Court's recent decision that only Parliament can trigger Article 50 Getty Supreme Court Brexit Challenge The eleven Supreme Court Justices will hear the government's appeal, following the High Court's recent decision that only Parliament can trigger Article 50 Getty Supreme Court Brexit Challenge Businesswoman Gina Miller arrives at the Supreme Court ahead of the first day of a hearing into whether Parliament's consent is required before the Brexit process can begin Getty Supreme Court Brexit Challenge Attorney General Jeremy Wright arrives at the Supreme Court in London EPA Supreme Court Brexit Challenge Protesters outside the Supreme Court in London, where the Government is appealing against a ruling that the Prime Minister must seek MPs' approval to trigger the process of taking Britain out of the European Union PA wire Supreme Court Brexit Challenge A protesters wearing a judge's wigs and robes stands outside the Supreme Court ahead of the challenge against a court ruling that Theresa May's government requires parliamentary approval to start the process of leaving the European Union, in Parliament Square, central London Reuters Supreme Court Brexit Challenge A protester holds up a placard outside the Supreme Court ahead of the challenge against a court ruling that Theresa May's government requires parliamentary approval to start the process of leaving the European Union, in Parliament Square, central London Reuters Supreme Court Brexit Challenge Pro-Europe protestors dressed as Supreme Court Justices stand outside the Supreme Court Getty Supreme Court Brexit Challenge A man waiting to enter the public gallery waves a European Union flag outside the Supreme Court ahead of the challenge against a court ruling that Theresa May's government requires parliamentary approval to start the process of leaving the European Union, in Parliament Square, central London Reuters

A Whitehall source told The Sunday Telegraph: The Government is clear that such a power will be time-limited, to apply before the UK leaves the EU and for a limited period afterwards.

Lord Neuberger said his own hunch would be that "there wont be a great deal of extra litigation because of that, at least initially, because the secondary legislation will basically contain current EU law and I think its hard to think it could be challenged on classic judicial review grounds."

But he said that "as the Government changes the law over the next ten or twenty years  however long it takes  if thats done by secondary legislation then there is the possibility of increased litigation.

He also raised the issue of whether the Supreme Court would be able to cope with the temporary bulge of work which will pass its desk but said it probably could and said other judges could be called in to help if necessary.

The Great Reform Bill, which was unveiled by Brexit Secretary David Davis in the House of Commons on Thursday, is the first piece of legislation to be introduce to Parliament since Ms May formally triggered Article 50 earlier this week.

Ms May has already faced numerous legal hurdles on the way to triggering the mechanism which will begin the formal exit negotiation.

In January, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of a legal challenge brought by Gina Miller and Deir Dos Santos which meant the Government were forced to get parliamentary approval before triggering Article 50.

The measure was then temporarily blocked by the House of Lords, where the Government does not hold a majority, because they wanted to guarantee the rights of EU citizens already living in the UK.
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Theresa May has been accused of a sweeping power grab after unveiling plans granting her ministers the ability to rewrite reams of British law without full scrutiny.

The move to adopt so-called Henry VIII powers was slammed by opposition politicians, with those in England and Scotland vowing to derail Ms Mays legislative programme unless safeguards are introduced.

Gina Miller, who defeated Ms May at the Supreme Court over Article 50, said she could launch a new challenge over the issue, while campaigners claimed the powers could see the Tories strip back protections on anything from human rights to wildlife and the environment.

Even business leaders raised concerns that the powers, allowing ministers to wave through laws without full scrutiny, could lead to sudden changes that leave firms facing costly legal battles.

Cabinet minister David Davis revealed the Government could tamper with up to 1,000 pieces of smaller legislation and will also introduce a raft of other acts of parliament  including on immigration and the customs union  in order to make Brexit a reality.

The Brexit Secretary said: These steps are crucial to implementing the result of the referendum in the national interest. I hope all sides will recognise that, and work with us to achieve these aims.

The prospect of Henry VIII powers, so named because they date back to the reign of the autocratic ruler, was raised by the Governments planning paper for its Great Repeal Bill  Ms Mays key of piece legislation enabling Brexit.

It will see every piece of EU law affecting the UK brought onto the UK statute book on the day of Brexit, with ministers then given the powers to adjust parts to make them workable in the UK and potentially ditch parts they do not like.

Anti-Brexit protesters, one wearing a giant Theresa May head, hold placards outside Parliament on the day the Prime Minister will announce that she has triggered the process by which Britain will leave the European Union (Reuters)

But the plan caused an immediate backlash after Mr Davis admitted he did not yet know if the law would need legislative consent from the devolved assemblies, something needed for anything affecting their powers.

The SNPs Nicola Sturgeon indicated it would be absolutely unacceptable for powers to be lost from Edinburgh, raising the prospect that the party may seek to block it.

Liberal Democrat Chief Whip Tom Brake said: Theresa May and her ministers are resembling a medieval court more and more every single day. This shameless power grab under the cloak of secondary legislation would have made Henry VIII blush.

If needed, we will grind the Governments agenda to a standstill, unless proper and rigorous safeguards are given over the Great Repeal Bill.

The Government is particularly vulnerable to resistance in the Lords where Conservatives are outnumbered by Labour and Lib Dem peers.

Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer pointed out how the planned bill hands sweeping powers to the executive.

He added: In those circumstances one might expect some pretty rigorous safeguards to the use of those sweeping powers, but none are found in the White Paper.

 Brexit Secretary David Davis admits deal with 'exact same benefits' is not a promise

There are currently more than 12,000 EU regulations in force in the UK and a further 8,000 pieces of domestic regulation implementing EU legislation. In addition, House of Commons research indicates that between 1980 and 2009

Some 186 UK acts incorporated a element of EU legislation. All of the related European regulation now needs to be brought in to UK statute book.

Given the sheer amount of legislation than needs to be adopted, the Government argues the powers are needed so the task can be completed before the UK drops out of the EU on 29 March 2019.

But cabinet ministers including Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and other Conservative MPs have hailed the opportunity to strip away what they call burdensome regulation.

Campaigner Ms Miller, who successfully took the Government to court over its plans to trigger Brexit without parliamentary approval, said she was considering legal action to challenge the use of Henry VIII powers to alter individuals' rights.

She said: "If there is any sniff that they are trying to use Henry VIII powers, that would be profoundly unparliamentary and democratic, and I would seek legal advice.

Politicians have raised fears that workers' rights, like paid holiday or laws limiting working hours, and consumer protections could be trimmed, though ministers insist they will be protected.

Friends of the Earth campaigner Samuel Lowe said the Government must not be able to change the purpose or meaning of laws without proper scrutiny, adding: Any substantive changes to these laws should be made by primary legislation only.

Campaigners explained that key pieces of regulation setting out standards on air pollution or protecting endangered species could be affected.

Director of Liberty Martha Spurrier demanded an independent audit of the human rights protections the public stand to lose and a formal commitment that every one of them will be safeguarded.

She said: Wheres the guarantee to protect our EU rights so we dont end up worse off than our neighbours across the Channel? Wheres the guarantee of proper democratic scrutiny?

The British Chambers of Commerce joined the fray, telling the the Government it has to be exceedingly careful in its use of proposed fast-track powers, or risk blighting businesses with additional costs and burdens.

The BCCs director general Dr Adam Marshall added: It takes only takes one poorly drafted regulation to spark expensive court cases with wide-reaching consequences and we are talking here about re-drafting thousands of pieces of the rule-book.
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Nature could suffer under the terms of the Great Repeal Bill, environmental groups have warned.

A Government White Paper said the Bill, which will end the UKs membership of the European Union, will ensure the whole body of existing EU environmental law continues to have effect in the UK.

However environmentalists said there was also a need to replace EU institutions which currently enforce these laws with new bodies that have effective "teeth".

The White Paper said only that the Government recognises the need to consult on future changes to the regulatory frameworks.

However it also reiterated the Conservatives manifesto pledge to ensure we become the first generation to leave the environment in a better state than we found it.

The UKs current legislative framework at national, EU and international level has delivered tangible environmental benefits, such as cleaner rivers and reductions in emissions of sulphur dioxide and ozone depleting substances emissions, the White Paper said.

Many existing environmental laws also enshrine standards that affect the trade in products and substances across different markets, within the EU as well as internationally.

The Great Repeal Bill will ensure that the whole body of existing EU environmental law continues to have effect in UK law.

This will provide businesses and stakeholders with maximum certainty as we leave the EU.

We will then have the opportunity, over time, to ensure our legislative framework is outcome driven and delivers on our overall commitment to improve the environment within a generation.

Samuel Lowe, a campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said the Great Repeal Bill was necessary but added that on its own, it isnt enough to protect nature and our environment.

Other EU policies must also be adopted, he said.

We must commit to bringing over the precautionary principles which underpin our high environmental and wildlife standards, Mr Lowe said.

The Government must also create an independent body with teeth to make sure rules which protect nature and the environment are upheld.

As the recent legal cases on air pollution have shown, the Government does not always uphold its own laws without being pushed.

The environment has been worryingly absent from the Brexit debate.

Trevor Hutchings, director of advocacy at WWF, said it was reassuring that the White Paper talked about leaving the environment in a better state for the next generation.

However we now urgently need clarification of how it will achieved this, he said.

The White Paper gives far too much discretionary power to Ministers, and during the transition phase this must be robustly scrutinised to prevent any watering down of environmental legislation.

"Only through strong environmental protections will we reverse the current decline in nature, ensure we honour our international commitments, and protect our countryside for future generations.

"The UK Government has so far been dragging its feet on a range of environmental issues, and it needs to act with far greater urgency.

Brexit Concerns Show all 26 1 /26 Brexit Concerns Brexit Concerns Brexit will put British patients at 'back of the queue' for new drugs Brexit will put British patients at the back of the queue for vital new drugs, the Government has been warned  forcing them to wait up to two years longer A medicines regulator has raised the alarm over a likely decision to pull out of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as the EU itself. ealth Secretary Jeremy Hunt dropped the bombshell , when he said he expected the UK would quit the EMA  because it is subject to rulings by the European Court of Justice. Getty Images Brexit Concerns London to lose status as 'gateway to Europe' for banks One of Germanys top banking regulators has warned that London could lose its status as gateway to Europe for the banking sector after Britain quits the European trading bloc. Andreas Dombret, who is an executive board member for the BundesbankGermanys central banktold a private meeting of German businesses and banks earlier this week in Frankfurt that even if banking rules were equivalent between the UK and the rest of the EU, that was still miles away from [Britain having] access to the single market, the BBC reports. Jason Hawkes Brexit Concerns Exodus The number of financial sector professionals in Britain and continental Europe looking for jobs in Ireland rocketed in the months after the UK voted to leave the European Union Shutterstock Brexit Concerns Brexit is making FTSE 100 executives richer Pay packages of many FTSE 100 chief executive officers are partly tied to how well share prices are doing rather than the CEOs performance -- and some stocks are soaring. ritish equities got a boost since the June vote because the likes of Rio Tinto, Smiths Group and WPP generate most sales abroad and earn a fortune when they convert these revenues back into the weakened pound. Sterlings fall also made UK stocks more affordable for overseas investors. Rex Brexit Concerns Theresa May: UK to leave single market Theresa May has said the UK "cannot possibly" remain within the European single market, as staying in it would mean "not leaving the EU at all". Getty Brexit Concerns Lead campaigner Gina Miller and her team outside the High Court Getty Brexit Concerns Raymond McCord holds up his newly issued Irish passport alongside his British passport outside the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns SDLP leader Colum Eastwood leaving the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns Migrants with luggage walk past a graffiti on a wall as they leave the 'Jungle' migrant camp, as part of a major three-day operation planned to clear the camp in Calais Getty Brexit Concerns Migrants leave messages on their tents in the Jungle migrant camp Getty Brexit Concerns The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra) which distributes approximately 700 meals daily in the northern Paris camp states that it is noticing a spike in new migrant arrivals this week, potentially linked the the Calais 'jungle' camp closure - with around 1000 meals distributed today EPA Brexit Concerns Migrant workers pick apples at Stocks Farm in Suckley, Britain Reuters Brexit Concerns Many farmers across the country are voicing concerns that Brexit could be a dangerous step into the unknown for the farming industry Getty Brexit Concerns Bank of England governor Mark Carney who said the long-term outlook for the UK economy is positive, but growth was slowing in the wake of the Brexit vote PA Brexit Concerns The Dow Jones industrial average closed down over 600 points on the news with markets around the globe pluninging Getty Brexit Concerns Immigration officers deal with each member of the public seeking entry into the United Kingdom but on average, 10 a day are refused entry at this London airport and between 2008 and 2009, 33,100 people were detained at the airport for mainly passport irregularities Getty Brexit Concerns A number of global investment giants have threatened to move their European operations out of London if Brexit proves to have a negative impact on their businesses Getty Brexit Concerns Following the possibility of a Brexit the UK would be released from its renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive and from EU state aid restrictions, potentially giving the government more freedom both in the design and phasing out of renewable energy support regimes Getty Brexit Concerns A woman looking at a chart showing the drop in the pound (Sterling) against the US Dollar in London after Britain voted to leave the EU Getty Brexit Concerns Young protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, to protest against the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the referendum Getty Brexit Concerns Applications from Northern Ireland citizens for Irish Passports has soared to a record high after the UK Voted in favour of Leaving the EU Getty Brexit Concerns NFU Vice President Minette Batters with Secretary of State, Andrea Leadsome at the National Farmers Union (NFU) took machinery, produce, farmers and staff to Westminster to encourage Members of Parliament to back British farming, post Brexit Getty Brexit Concerns The latest reports released by the UK Cabinet Office warn that expats would lose a range of specific rights to live, to work and to access pensions, healthcare and public services. The same reports added that UK citizens abroad would not be able to assume that these rights will be guaranteed in the future Getty Brexit Concerns A British resident living in Spain asks questions during an informative Brexit talk by the "Brexpats in Spain" group, about Spanish legal issues to become Spanish citizens, at the town hall in Benalmadena, Spain Reuters Brexit Concerns The collapse of Great Britain appears to have been greatly exaggerated given the late summer crowds visiting city museums, hotels, and other important tourist attractions Getty Brexit Concerns The U.K. should maintain European Union regulations covering everything from working hours to chemicals until after the government sets out its plans for Brexit, said British manufacturers anxious to avoid a policy vacuum and safeguard access to their biggest export market Getty

He criticised the Government for delaying publication of its 25-Year Environment Plan, a Clean Growth Plan, also known as its Emissions Reduction Plan, and other legislation affecting the natural world.

Sam Hall, a senior researcher at conservative think tank Bright Blue, welcomed the White Paper, saying the Government is right to commit to maintaining environmental regulations after we leave the EU.

This provides important reassurance and clarity that Brexit will not lead to scaling back of popular environmental policies, he said.

But as well as retaining these EU safeguards, Ministers need to use the opportunity of Brexit to improve the environment.

The Government should be more ambitious on a range of environmental issues, from strengthening legal limits on air pollution so that they better reflect the known health risks, to refocusing farm payments on environmental schemes such as tree planting.
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Nicola Sturgeon has written to Theresa May formally to formally request a second Scottish independence referendum.

The Scottish Government tweeted a picture of the First Minister with her feet up on a couch in her Bute House residence writing the Section 30 letter.

This week, MSPs voted 69 to 59 in favour of seeking permission for an independence referendum to take place between autumn 2018 and spring 2019.

Ms Sturgeon said her mandate for another vote is now "beyond question," and warned it would be "democratically indefensible and utterly unsustainable" to attempt to stand in the way.

Scottish Secretary David Mundell said the UK Government would decline the request.

Ms Sturgeon is pressing ahead with a formal approach for a section 30 order  the mechanism for the powers to hold a referendum.

The Scottish Government tweet read: "First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in Bute House, Edinburgh, working on final draft of Section 30 letter to Prime Minister Theresa May."

It is expected to be sent to Downing Street on Friday.

 Holyrood backs Nicola Sturgeon's call for second referendum

Around 62 per cent of Scottish voters backed the UK remaining part of the EU in June 2016 and the SNP manifesto for last year's Holyrood elections made clear another ballot on independence should take place if there was a "material change in circumstances" from the previous ballot in 2014.

The example cited was for Scotland to be removed from the EU against its wishes.

Scottish Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat politicians are opposed to another referendum and the Prime Minister has repeatedly said "now is not the time" for another vote, indicating she will reject the SNP's preferred timetable.

Supreme Court Brexit Challenge Show all 13 1 /13 Supreme Court Brexit Challenge Supreme Court Brexit Challenge People wait to enter the public gallery outside the Supreme Court ahead of the challenge against a court ruling that Theresa May's government requires parliamentary approval to start the process of leaving the European Union, in Parliament Square, central London Reuters Supreme Court Brexit Challenge Gina Miller, co-founder of investment fund SCM Private arrives at the Supreme court in London on the first day of a four-day hearing Getty Supreme Court Brexit Challenge A man waves the EU flag in front of the Supreme Court Getty Supreme Court Brexit Challenge Satirical artist Kaya Mar poses with two of his paintings in front of the Supreme Court Getty Supreme Court Brexit Challenge Pro-Europe protestors dressed as Supreme Court Justices stand outside the Supreme Court ahead of the first day of a hearing into whether Parliament's consent is required before the Brexit process can begin. The eleven Supreme Court Justices will hear the government's appeal, following the High Court's recent decision that only Parliament can trigger Article 50 Getty Supreme Court Brexit Challenge The eleven Supreme Court Justices will hear the government's appeal, following the High Court's recent decision that only Parliament can trigger Article 50 Getty Supreme Court Brexit Challenge Businesswoman Gina Miller arrives at the Supreme Court ahead of the first day of a hearing into whether Parliament's consent is required before the Brexit process can begin Getty Supreme Court Brexit Challenge Attorney General Jeremy Wright arrives at the Supreme Court in London EPA Supreme Court Brexit Challenge Protesters outside the Supreme Court in London, where the Government is appealing against a ruling that the Prime Minister must seek MPs' approval to trigger the process of taking Britain out of the European Union PA wire Supreme Court Brexit Challenge A protesters wearing a judge's wigs and robes stands outside the Supreme Court ahead of the challenge against a court ruling that Theresa May's government requires parliamentary approval to start the process of leaving the European Union, in Parliament Square, central London Reuters Supreme Court Brexit Challenge A protester holds up a placard outside the Supreme Court ahead of the challenge against a court ruling that Theresa May's government requires parliamentary approval to start the process of leaving the European Union, in Parliament Square, central London Reuters Supreme Court Brexit Challenge Pro-Europe protestors dressed as Supreme Court Justices stand outside the Supreme Court Getty Supreme Court Brexit Challenge A man waiting to enter the public gallery waves a European Union flag outside the Supreme Court ahead of the challenge against a court ruling that Theresa May's government requires parliamentary approval to start the process of leaving the European Union, in Parliament Square, central London Reuters

After the vote in the Scottish Parliament, Ms Sturgeon said she would set out her next steps to Holyrood after the Easter recess if she is rebuffed in the Section 30 request.

The vote followed a meeting between Ms Sturgeon and Ms May in Glasgow and came the day before the process for leaving the European Union was formally triggered.

Additional reporting by Press Association
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While those who voted for Britain to stay in the European Union spent Brexit Day venting their frustrations, Nigel Farage marked the day with a trip to the pub. The former Ukip leader, who spent his entire political career campaigning for Britain to leave the European Union, enjoyed a celebratory pint of beer in Westminster.

The triggering of Article 50, which was christened "Brexit Day" by media outlets, starkly divided the country. While those who wanted Britain to remain in Europe mourned the beginning of the process that will see Britain leave the EU, Brexiteers rejoiced.

Mr Farage said he was going to go for a pint of something to celebrate in the morning and later he sat outside a Westminster pub talking to journalists and even being disturbed by an angry remain campaigner.

Speaking to the BBC from the pub, the Ukip MEP said in many ways he never thought this day would come.

Mr Farage said: 25 years Ive been battling for this, standing in by-elections and fighting and being told I was daft, and silly, and it would never ever happen, so in a sense for me today's the day the impossible dream came true.

Raheem Kassam, editor-in-chief of far-right publication Breitbart News in London and a former chief Farage aide who fleetingly made a bid for party leadership, posted a video of Mr Farage at the pub.

In the clip, Mr Farage can be seen thanking the publication, which is overtly pro-Trump, and chief White House strategist Steve Bannon for helping to encourage Britons to support the Leave Campaign.

He said: Well done Bannon, well done Breitbart. You helped with this hugely.

Breitbart News, the most widely-read Conservative site in the US, was founded by conservative commentator Andrew Breitbart in 2007 and was later expanded by Mr Bannon.

Mr Farage was also photographed with pro-Brexit front page alongside his pint. The politicians penchant for beer has been documented in a blog titled Pictures of Nigel Farage with a pint.
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Major international technology firms have announced that they will set up a cross-industry forum to tackle online terrorist propaganda following a crunch meeting with the Home Secretary Amber Rudd.

The commitment from Google, Facebook, Microsoft and Twitter, comes after Ms Rudd criticised Facebooks WhatsApp earlier this week after it emerged Khalid Masood, the terrorist responsible for the London attack, used the messaging service moments before ploughing into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge.

She complained that security agencies have been unable to access the message because of the use of encryption.

Describing the meeting as a useful discussion, the Home Secretary added that the conversation focused on the issue of access to terrorist propaganda online and the very real and evolving threat it poses.

In a statement, she continued: We focused on the issue of access to terrorist propaganda online and the very real and evolving threat it poses. I said I wanted to see this tackled head-on and I welcome the commitment from the key players to set up a cross-industry forum that will help to do this.

In taking forward this work Id like to see the industry to go further and faster in not only removing online terrorist content but stopping it going up in the first place. Id also like to see more support for smaller and emerging platforms to do this as well, so they can no longer be seen as an alternative shop floor by those who want to do us harm.

During the meeting, the Home Secretary also raised the issue of encryption and reiterated there should be no safe space for terrorists online. I am clear that Government and industry need to work more closely together on this issue so that law enforcement and the intelligence agencies can get access to the data they need to keep us safe, she added.

WhatsApp messages are protected by end-to-end encryption, which converts them into indecipherable sequences until they reach the recipients device. The system is commonly used by communications services to protect users privacy.

On Sunday, Ms Rudd told the BBCs The Andrew Marr Show that it was completely unacceptable that Masoods WhatsApp messages were encrypted, making it difficult for police to read them. There should be no place for terrorists to hide, the Home Secretary said.

We need to make sure that organisations like WhatsApp  and there are plenty of others like that  dont provide a secret place for terrorists to communicate with each other.

On this situation we need to make sure that our intelligence services have the ability to get into situations like encrypted WhatsApp, Ms Rudd said. The Home Secretary admitted that she used the encrypted messaging service herself.

On Wednesday, Craig Mackey, the acting deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service, said the London terror attack was a wake-up call for technology companies, in terms of trying to understand what it means to put your own house in order.

Speaking to the London Assemblys police and crime committee, Mr Mackey said: If you are going to have an ethical statement and talk about operating in an ethical way, it actually has to mean something. That is the sort of thing that obviously politicians and others will push now.

We work hard with the industry to highlight the challenges of these very secure applications.

Its a challenge when you are dealing with companies that are global by their very nature because they dont always operate under the same legal framework as us.

In a statement after the meeting with Ms Rudd, the internet giants said they believe companies, academics and government all have an interest and responsibility to respond to the danger of terrorist propaganda online  and as an industry we are committed to doing more.
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Britains immigration authority has denied a woman a visa to attend a political conference in the UK on the basis that she is single, according to documents seen by The Independent.

The woman, who is not being named, was set to be a delegate from the Pakistan Green Party to a worldwide congress of Green parties. She had applied for a five-day visa to attend the congress, which runs for four days from Thursday, and is to be hosted at the ACC in Liverpool.

In her rejection letter from UK Visas and Immigration, dated 15 March, the woman was told that she would not be permitted entry to the UK for reasons hinging on the fact that you have declared yourself to be single, with no one dependent upon you.

The letter stated that this was relevant because I consider that you have little in the way of ties to Pakistan to give you an incentive to leave the United Kingdom.

The Global Greens Congress is being hosted in conjunction with the spring conference of the Green Party of England and Wales.

The gathering will see delegates from most of the 74 recognised Green parties from across the planet converge on Liverpool for policy and campaigning discussions.

Caroline Lucas, Green Party of England and Waless co-leader, described the reasoning behind the rejection as a disgrace and said the rules needed an urgent rethink.

This bizarre visa refusal from the Home Office is both utterly nonsensical and extremely insulting, she said.

Green Party members from across the world are coming together in Liverpool this week to debate the big issues were facing  yet delegates are apparently being rejected for being single.

Such action from the Home Office is a disgrace  and they should urgently rethink the rules so that Britain can be home to political debate  rather than shutting ourselves off from the rest of the world.

The Home Office told The Independent that its decision to refuse the woman entry to the UK was in line with UK immigration rules.

The letters full rejection section reads: You state you intend to visit the UK for five days staying in Manchester at YHA Hostel. You state you intend to attend Global Greens Congress 2017 Liverpool and attend a womens network workshop.

In support of this I have noted the invitation letter from Green Party Pakistan confirming your membership and the invite letter from Green Party UK.

This is an annual conference and I note that you have never attended this conference before or any other similar conferences in third countries or in the UK. There is no evidence of any other member of your organisation having attended this conference previously and no explanation as to why you have chosen to attend this exhibition on this occasion. This leads me to doubt the purpose of your visit.

Green MP Caroline Lucas criticised the decision (Getty)

You state that you are employed as [job] earning 32,000 PKR per month (249). You state you spend 200 on living costs leaving you a disposable income of 49 per month.

Whilst I note that you have stated Global Greens will bear the cost of your trip to the UK I note you also state the trip will personally cost you 500. From the documents presented I do not find it credible you intend to spend in excess of 10 times your monthly income on a short trip to the UK now.

Given the above and the fact that you have declared yourself to be single, with no one dependent upon you, with no verified income or assets of your own, I consider that you have little in the way of ties to Pakistan to give you an incentive to leave the United Kingdom.

The rejection contains at least one error; the Global Greens Congress has never been hosted in the UK before and is not an annual conference. It was hosted in Dakar in 2012, Brazil in 2008 and Canberra in 2001.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters 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

Presented with the rejection letter, a Home Office spokesperson said: All visa applications are considered on their individual merits in line with UK immigration rules.

We publish extensive guidance on the sorts of documentation and information that is required and the onus is on an individual to submit as much evidence as possible in support of their application.

BuzzFeed News reported last week that another delegate to the Global Greens Congress was barred from entering the UK because, despite being secretary general of the Ecological Party of Uganda and president of the Eastern Africa Green Federation, he did not earn enough money to satisfy UK immigration requirements.
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A federal judge in Hawaii has decided to extend his order blocking President Donald Trump's travel ban.

US District Judge Derrick Watson issued the longer-lasting hold on the ban hours after hearing arguments.

Hawaii says the policy discriminates against Muslims and hurts the state's tourist-dependent economy.

The implied message in the revised ban is like a neon sign flashing 'Muslim ban, Muslim ban' that the government did not bother to turn off, state Attorney General Douglas Chin told the judge.

Extending the temporary order until the state's lawsuit is resolved would ensure the constitutional rights of Muslim citizens across the US are vindicated after repeated stops and starts of the last two months, the state has said.

The government says the ban falls within the president's power to protect national security. Hawaii has only spelled out generalised concerns about its effect on students and tourism, Department of Justice lawyer Chad Readler told the judge by telephone.

The Trump administration had asked Judge Watson to narrow his ruling to cover only the part of Mr Trump's executive order that suspends new visas for people from six Muslim-majority countries.

Mr Readler said a freeze on the US refugee programme had no effect on Hawaii.

Judge Watson rejected that argument, preventing the administration from halting the flow of refugees.

He said in court that the government only argued for that narrower interpretation after a federal judge in Maryland blocked the six-nation travel ban but said it was not clear that the refugee suspension was similarly motivated by religious bias.

Judge Watson noted that the government said 20 refugees had been resettled in Hawaii since 2010.

Is this a mathematical exercise that 20 isn't enough? ... What do I make of that? the judge asked Mr Readler.

The lawyer replied that 20 is simply a small number of refugees.

In whose judgement? Judge Watson asked.

Hawaii was the first state to sue over Mr Trump's revised ban. The imam of a Honolulu mosque joined the challenge, arguing that the ban would prevent his Syrian mother-in-law from visiting family in Hawaii.

In his arguments, Mr Chin quoted Mr Trump's comments that the revised travel ban is a watered down version of the original.

We cannot fault the president for being politically incorrect, but we do fault him for being constitutionally incorrect, Mr Chin said.

The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

Earlier this month, Judge Watson prevented the federal government from suspending new visas for people from Somalia, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen and freezing the nation's refugee programme. His ruling came hours before the federal government planned to start enforcing Mr Trump's executive order.

The president called Judge Watson's previous ruling unprecedented judicial overreach.

Associated Press
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Donald Trump has been ridiculed on social media for comments he made during a speech on womens history.

Addressing a Women's History Month event to honour 13 prominent women activists from around the world, the President asked attendees if they had heard of Susan B Anthony, a US pioneer who paved the way for womens suffrage.

Although it was unclear if his remark was a joke, critics  including Chelsea Clinton  took to Twitter to call his comments patronising, while others pointed out the irony of the president speaking on women's empowerment at all.

Mr Trump has a poor track record on women's rights and equality, which some people on social media said was highlighted by the case studies of the women invited to the event.

The 13 women presented with State Department awards included Jannat Al Ghezi who works for an organisation helping domestic violence survivors in Iraq, and Veronica Simogun who runs an anti-domestic violence organisation in Papua New Guinea.

Mr Trumps proposed budget threatens to funnel funding for programmes that benefit domestic violence survivors in the US into other concerns, like border protection and immigration enforcement.

In parts of America, migrant domestic violence survivors are reportedly afraid to come forward to the police out of fear of deportation.

Mr Trump has also made an array of offensive, misogynistic remarks about women in the past and has been accused of sexual assault.

In his speech, Mr Trump named and praised a string of women who have helped shape Americas history.

"And weve had leaders like Susan B. Anthony," he said, " have you heard of Susan B. Anthony?  (laughter)  Im shocked that youve heard of her  who dreamed of a much more equal and fair future, an America where women themselves, as she said, 'helped to make laws and elect the lawmakers'.

He then joked about how he would be facing "competition" from "incredible women leaders" if he were not already the president.

My cabinet is full of really incredible women leaders, he said, failing to mention the fact his administration includes six women out of 24 positions and is on course to have a smaller percentage of female members than the first cabinets of Barack Obama, George W Bush, Bill Clinton and George Bush.

Since the very beginning, women have driven, and I mean each generation of Americans, towards a more free and more prosperous future, Mr Trump said.

The president went on to described his wife Melania, a former model who was on hand to present the awards, as a very highly accomplished woman and "really an inspiration to so many".

"She is doing some great job," he said. "In fact, I shouldnt say this, but her poll numbers went through the roof."

In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Show all 32 1 /32 In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London An image of President Donald Trump is seen on a placard during the Women's March in London, England Getty In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydney A view of the skywriting word reading 'Trump' as thousands rally in support of equal rights in Sydney, New South Wales EPA In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Rome People shout and hold signs during a rally against US newly sworn-in President Donald Trump in Rome Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London A protester holds a placard during the Women's March in London, England Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Marseille A placard ready 'Pussy grabs back' is attached to the handle bar of a bike during a 'Women's March' organized by Feminist and human rights groups in solidarity with women marching in Washington and around the world for their rights and against the reactionary politics of the newly sworn-in US President Donald Trump, at the Old Port (Vieux Port) of Marseille, southern France Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Bangkok A young Thai girl holds a "women's rights are human rights" sign at Roadhouse BBQ restaurant where many of the Bangkok Womens March participants gathered in Bangkok, Thailand Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Bangkok A Thai woman takes a photo of a "hate is not great" sign at the women's solidarity gathering in Bangkok, Thailand Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Bangkok American expats and travellers gather with the international community in Bangkok at the Roadhouse BBQ restaurant to stand in solidarity in Bangkok, Thailand Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London Protetesters gather outside The US Embassy in Grosvenor Square ahead of the Women's March in London, England Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Marseille Women's March at the Old Port (Vieux Port) of Marseille, southern France Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Marseille Protestors hold placards reading 'My body my choice, my vote my voice' during a 'Women's March' organized by Feminist and human rights groups in solidarity with women marching in Washington and around the world for their rights and against the reactionary politics of the newly sworn-in US President Donald Trump, at the Old Port (Vieux Port) of Marseille, southern France Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Rome A person holds a sign during a rally against US newly sworn-in President Donald Trump in Rome Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Kolkata Activist Sarah Annay Williamson holds a placard and shouts slogan during the Women's March rally in Kolkata, India AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Kolkata Activists participate in the Women's March rally in Kolkata, India AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London A Women's March placards are rested on a bench outside the US Embassy in Grosvenor Square ahead of the Women's March in London, England Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London A women carries her placard ahead of the Women's March in London, England Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Manila Women protesters shout slogans while displaying placards during a rally in solidarity against the inauguration of President Donald Trump, in suburban Quezon city, northeast of Manila, Philippines AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Berlin Protesters attend a 'Berlin Women's March on Washington' demonstration in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Berlin Protesters attend a 'Berlin Women's March on Washington' demonstration in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Berlin Protesters attend a 'Berlin Women's March on Washington' demonstration in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Melbourne Protesters take part in the Melbourne rally to protest against the Trump Inauguration in Melbourne, Australia Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Macau Protesters take part in the Women's March rally in Macau Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Melbourne Womens march on Melbourne protestors marching during a rally where rights groups marched in solidarity with Americans to speak out against misogyny, bigotry and hatred Rex In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Macau Protesters hold placards as they take part at the Women's March rally in Macau Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Macau Protesters hold placards as they take part at the Women's March rally in Macau, Macau. The Women's March originated in Washington DC but soon spread to be a global march calling on all concerned citizens to stand up for equality, diversity and inclusion and for women's rights to be recognised around the world as human rights Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Manila A mother carries her son as they join a rally in solidarity against the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States in suburban Quezon city northeast of Manila, Philippines AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydney An infant is held up at a demonstration against new U.S. President Donald Trump in Sydney, Australia Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydney A woman attends a demonstration against new U.S. President Donald Trump in Sydney, Australia Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydney A woman expresses her Anti-Trump views in Sydney, Australia Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydeney Protesters demonstrate against new U.S. President Donald Trump in Sydney, Australia. The marches in Australia were organised to show solidarity with those marching on Washington DC and around the world in defense of women's rights and human rights Getty In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London Protesters march from The US Embassy in Grosvenor Square towards Trafalgar Square during the Women's March in London, England Getty In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London Protesters carrying banners take part in the Women's March on London, as they stand in Trafalgar Square, in central London Reuters

Ms Trump praised the women from around the globe  who were recognised for demonstrating "courage and leadership in the face of adversity"  as true heroes.

The First Lady's participation in the award ceremony was a rare public appearance for her in Washington outside the White House.

She hosted a White House lunch for International Women's Day earlier this month

Mr Trump was also accused of hypocrisy on social media because women at the event included partners of disappeared journalists  Mr Trump has called journalists enemies of the people  and a woman repeatedly imprisoned for campaigning for free and fair elections.

Women from Syria and Yemen, countries on President Donald Trumps travel ban executive order, and Iraq, which was named in a previous order, were also included in the list of 13 honorees, despite the fact the president would normally have sought to prevent them from entering the country.
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A history professor has sparked outrage after claiming he nearly threw up when he saw an airline passenger give up their first-class seat for a uniformed soldier.

George Ciccariello-Maher, an assistant professor at Drexel University in Philadelphia, wrote on Twitter: "Some guy gave up his first class seat for a uniformed soldier. People are thanking him. I'm trying not to vomit or yell about Mosul."

Mr Ciccariello-Maher made headlines last winter for "satirically" saying that "all I want for Christmas is white genocide".

The message attracted a strong response from unimpressed Twitter users. One said: "I've worked w Vietnam Vets w PTSD. This tweet literally made me sick to my stomach. Life's easy from the cheap seats."

Another added: "It must suck to be so bitter and resentful of men who've actually made a difference in this world."

But others used the opportunity to chime in in support.

One user claiming to be a former soldier said: "The military worship in this country is beyond pathetic; it's obscuring." And a second person said: "I always wonder why teachers and nurses aren't asked to board first. Is their service less valuable?"

A top US commander confirmed on Wednesday that American air strikes on the Iraqi city of Mosul were likely involved in the deaths of some 200 civilians in the fight to reclaim the territory from Isis.

Dozens of people were reported killed after sheltering from bombing in a large basement in al-Jadida neighbourhood on 17 March in an incident with which the US had previously denied any involvement.

The exact number of casualties reported has varied widely, but rescue workers are still sifting through rubble almost two weeks later.
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During the first of Vice President Pences two unsuccessful races for Congress, he rode a single-speed bicycle more than 250 miles around his district, much of it accompanied by his wife, Karen, along for the journey.

During their time in the Indiana governors mansion, the Pences installed twin treadmills upstairs in their residence.

And during his years as a House member in Washington, after he had finally won on his third attempt, Mike Pence proudly displayed an antique red phone on his desk  a Christmas gift from his wife for which only she had the number, a hotline straight from her to him.

More than a decade later, even as cellphones were the norm, Mike Pence had that same red phone installed in his statehouse office  a reminder, both physical and symbolic, of the direct and enduring connection between Mike and Karen Pence.

Now, as second lady, Karen Pence, 60, remains an important influence on one of President Trumps most important political allies. She sat in on at least one interview as the vice president assembled his staff, accompanied her husband on his first foreign trip and joins him for off-the-record briefings with reporters, acting as his gut check and shield.

On the Vice Presidents visit last month to Germany and Belgium, the Pences quietly toured Dachau concentration camp, often holding hands, and huddled together on the Air Force Two ride home to debrief on the trip. When Mike Pence, 57, ventured to the back of the plane to chat off the record with reporters, his wife accompanied him, bearing a silver tray of cookies and standing by his side for the 20-minute conversation.

As governor, Mike Pence had a very tight inner circle, and Karen Pence was very much a part of that, said Brian Howey, publisher of Howey Politics Indiana, a nonpartisan political newsletter in the state. I would characterise her as the silent, omnipresent partner. You knew she was there, you knew there was some considerable influence she wielded, but, boy, she was not public about it.

Over the years, Karen Pence has repeatedly said that one of her hard and fast rules is that she never weighs in on or attempts to influence policy.

Pence, through a spokeswoman, declined interview requests for this profile. (Her spokeswoman did, however, say she would be open to participating in a story that focused solely on her art therapy initiatives and other passions).

Friends and aides, meanwhile, say she is the Pence family prayer warrior, a woman so inextricably bound to her husband that even then-candidate Trump understood her importance and consulted her in critical campaign moments.

When Trump called to offer Mike Pence the No. 2 slot, the businessman knew Karen Pence was by his side and asked, I hear Karen is there, too? Can I talk to her? And nearly three months later, when an Access Hollywood tape revealed Trump talking crudely about women, Trump called his running mate to apologise and then asked him to hand the phone to his wife, so he could apologise personally to her, too.

Though aides said Karen Pence was among those most upset by the tape, they stressed that she also emerged privately as one of Trumps staunchest defenders overall.

She was a major part of our campaign, and she just never flinched, said Kellyanne Conway, counsellor to the president. Karen Pence was one of the biggest pro-Trump people and Trump defenders there was She has a great sense of people and saw at events and rallies the enthusiasm and support for Mr. Trump.

Born Karen Sue Batten in Kansas, she grew up just north of downtown Indianapolis, where she met Steve Whitaker, her first husband, in high school, where she was valedictorian and president of the Speech Club. In a telephone interview, Whitaker recalled few details about his 21-year-old bride. The marriage ended, he said, after they simply grew apart as he, then a medical student, spent long hours at the hospital.

Mike Pence, centre, and Karen Pence campaign at Parkside Elementary School in Columbus, Indiana, in 2004 (Joe Harpring/AP)

In fact, he added, the last time he saw her was more than three decades ago, when they ran into each other on the street in Indianapolis. He didnt know who she was married to  or that her husband was Trumps running mate  until shortly before the election.

We were kids, said Whitaker, now the chief medical officer of a Seattle-based biopharmaceutical company. We probably didnt necessarily know what we were doing.

Later, after dating Mike Pence for eight months, Karen engraved a small gold cross with the word Yes and slipped it into her purse to give him when he popped the question.

He did, just a month later, as the two were feeding the ducks at a local canal. He hollowed out two loaves of bread, placing a small bottle of champagne in one and the ring box in the other for her to discover as she tore off pieces, according to local news reports. (They later got the bread shellacked, as a keepsake, a local paper noted).

The Pences were married in a Roman Catholic church in 1985 but later became evangelical Christians.

In 2002, Mike Pence told the Hill that he never eats alone with a woman other than his wife and that he wont attend events featuring alcohol without her by his side, either.

Supporters and critics alike cite her as a force behind her husbands socially conservative stances, including his opposition to gay marriage and the religious freedom law he signed as governor of Indiana, which opponents worried would allow business owners to discriminate against gays and lesbians by citing religious concerns.

You cant get a dime between them, said Ken Blackwell, senior fellow at the Family Research Council and a senior domestic policy adviser on the Trump transition team. It is not him seeking her approval, but his doing a sort of gut check with what they have learned together and come up through together in terms of their shared Christianity.

In 1991, Karen Pence, then an elementary-school teacher, penned a letter to the editor in the Indianapolis Star, complaining that the papers Childrens Express section had featured an article that encourages children to think theyre gay or lesbian if they have a close relationship with a child of the same sex or admire a teacher of the same gender.

I only pray that most parents were able to intercept your article before their children were encouraged to call the Gay/Lesbian Youth Hotline, which encourages them to accept their homosexuality instead of reassuring them that they are not, she wrote.

Friends of Pence  who say she quietly held a small Bible study group during her time in the governors mansion  say her faith has sustained her through challenging periods, from when she and Mike first had trouble getting pregnant to the vagaries of politics, including her initial reluctance to support his third attempt to win a congressional seat.

Vicki Lake, the wife of the Pences former pastor, recalled a visit from Karen Pence one day at her Greenwood, Indiana, home. As Pence was leaving, Lake recalled, She grabbed my hands, and we prayed together in my laundry room.

Thats the kind of person she is, a person who believes in prayer, a godly mother and wife, Lake said. In fact, when Mike was a congressman, Karen would send out prayer requests to people  to pray for them as a family, that God would give them the strength to do all that they had to do.

Marilyn Logsdon, who met Karen Pence when they were elementary-school teachers in the late 1980s and later served on her charitable board when she was the first lady of Indiana, recalled her friend beginning meetings with prayer. She would say, Before we look at these grants, lets just ask God for wisdom and discernment, Logsdon said.

Karen Pence talks to US Marine Corps 1st Lt. Talia Bastien at her residence on the grounds of the US Naval Observatory (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

Pence has stayed close with many of the women she met in church, as a teacher and through her childrens play groups, all of whom describe her as a loyal friend. Lake, who has a disease that hinders her red blood cell production, says Pence often prays for her haemoglobin count. I personally get an occasional text asking me, How are your numbers?  she said.

Lake also remembers a lunch at the Cheesecake Factory in Greenwood with Pence, who ordered a salad-to-go for a friend after the two women had finished their meal. Now this is the governors wife, Lake said, and she was going to stop by her house and drop off this salad for a friend.

As Indianas first lady, Pence became the first governors wife in modern memory to keep her own office suite on the second floor of the statehouse, just down the hall from her husband.

She reached out to all her living predecessors for tips and advice on the job, eventually settling on her own dictum: The role was hers to mould as she saw fit. Pence, who minored in art at Butler University and still paints watercolours, combined her interests in art, education and families, becoming the honorary chair of the art therapy program for Indianas Riley Hospital for Children and serving on the board of Tracys Kids, an art therapy program at childrens hospitals in the Washington area.

Now, as second lady, she expects art therapy to be one of her big initiatives, along with work supporting military families. On Thursday, Pence hosted roughly two dozen female service members at her residence for a small reception in honour of Womens History Month.

I just want you to know how much we appreciate you, and I think a lot of times, people in the military, men and women, arent told enough how much we appreciate you, she said. So we are saying thank you to you.

In Washington, Pence is repeating many of her routines. She has begun reaching out to her counterparts and, like her predecessors, plans to keep an office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, where her husbands team works.

She hired as her chief of staff Kristan King Nevins, who previously served as first lady Barbara Bushs chief of staff and also worked for the CIA, where her portfolio included counter-proliferation, counter-terrorism and cyber-operations in the Middle East and North Africa.

In the governors office, Pence accompanied her husband on trips abroad, including to Germany and Japan. And almost exactly a month into his vice presidency, she joined him on his first trip overseas to the Munich Security Conference  a practice that will likely be routine for future foreign travel.

They are in a strong, supportive marriage bound by common faith, said Peter Rusthoven, a lawyer active in Indiana Republican politics who has known the Pences for more than 25 years. I dont think they make decisions separately.

In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Show all 32 1 /32 In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London An image of President Donald Trump is seen on a placard during the Women's March in London, England Getty In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydney A view of the skywriting word reading 'Trump' as thousands rally in support of equal rights in Sydney, New South Wales EPA In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Rome People shout and hold signs during a rally against US newly sworn-in President Donald Trump in Rome Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London A protester holds a placard during the Women's March in London, England Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Marseille A placard ready 'Pussy grabs back' is attached to the handle bar of a bike during a 'Women's March' organized by Feminist and human rights groups in solidarity with women marching in Washington and around the world for their rights and against the reactionary politics of the newly sworn-in US President Donald Trump, at the Old Port (Vieux Port) of Marseille, southern France Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Bangkok A young Thai girl holds a "women's rights are human rights" sign at Roadhouse BBQ restaurant where many of the Bangkok Womens March participants gathered in Bangkok, Thailand Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Bangkok A Thai woman takes a photo of a "hate is not great" sign at the women's solidarity gathering in Bangkok, Thailand Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Bangkok American expats and travellers gather with the international community in Bangkok at the Roadhouse BBQ restaurant to stand in solidarity in Bangkok, Thailand Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London Protetesters gather outside The US Embassy in Grosvenor Square ahead of the Women's March in London, England Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Marseille Women's March at the Old Port (Vieux Port) of Marseille, southern France Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Marseille Protestors hold placards reading 'My body my choice, my vote my voice' during a 'Women's March' organized by Feminist and human rights groups in solidarity with women marching in Washington and around the world for their rights and against the reactionary politics of the newly sworn-in US President Donald Trump, at the Old Port (Vieux Port) of Marseille, southern France Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Rome A person holds a sign during a rally against US newly sworn-in President Donald Trump in Rome Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Kolkata Activist Sarah Annay Williamson holds a placard and shouts slogan during the Women's March rally in Kolkata, India AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Kolkata Activists participate in the Women's March rally in Kolkata, India AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London A Women's March placards are rested on a bench outside the US Embassy in Grosvenor Square ahead of the Women's March in London, England Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London A women carries her placard ahead of the Women's March in London, England Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Manila Women protesters shout slogans while displaying placards during a rally in solidarity against the inauguration of President Donald Trump, in suburban Quezon city, northeast of Manila, Philippines AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Berlin Protesters attend a 'Berlin Women's March on Washington' demonstration in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Berlin Protesters attend a 'Berlin Women's March on Washington' demonstration in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Berlin Protesters attend a 'Berlin Women's March on Washington' demonstration in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Melbourne Protesters take part in the Melbourne rally to protest against the Trump Inauguration in Melbourne, Australia Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Macau Protesters take part in the Women's March rally in Macau Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Melbourne Womens march on Melbourne protestors marching during a rally where rights groups marched in solidarity with Americans to speak out against misogyny, bigotry and hatred Rex In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Macau Protesters hold placards as they take part at the Women's March rally in Macau Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Macau Protesters hold placards as they take part at the Women's March rally in Macau, Macau. The Women's March originated in Washington DC but soon spread to be a global march calling on all concerned citizens to stand up for equality, diversity and inclusion and for women's rights to be recognised around the world as human rights Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Manila A mother carries her son as they join a rally in solidarity against the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States in suburban Quezon city northeast of Manila, Philippines AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydney An infant is held up at a demonstration against new U.S. President Donald Trump in Sydney, Australia Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydney A woman attends a demonstration against new U.S. President Donald Trump in Sydney, Australia Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydney A woman expresses her Anti-Trump views in Sydney, Australia Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydeney Protesters demonstrate against new U.S. President Donald Trump in Sydney, Australia. The marches in Australia were organised to show solidarity with those marching on Washington DC and around the world in defense of women's rights and human rights Getty In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London Protesters march from The US Embassy in Grosvenor Square towards Trafalgar Square during the Women's March in London, England Getty In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London Protesters carrying banners take part in the Women's March on London, as they stand in Trafalgar Square, in central London Reuters

Indeed, her prime allegiance remains to her husband, and the loyalty is reciprocal. Among all the frustrations Mike Pence has faced since becoming Trumps No. 2  the Access Hollywood tape; the revelation that Michael Flynn, Trumps former national security adviser, lied to him about his contact with Russians; the failure of the health-care bill for which he lobbied  the most publicly outraged he has become involved an Associated Press story that published his and his wifes private AOL email addresses.

Mike Pences team demanded that the AP take down Karens private email, and when it didnt, the vice president tweeted that his wife was owed an apology.

The email accounts, naturally, were all-but-matching his-and-hers emails, exactly the same but for the first initials.

The Washington Post
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A Pakistani-born doctor has announced that he is joining the 2018 race for lieutenant governor in California on a platform of saving the Affordable Care Act, providing free community college education and fighting what he termed Donald Trump's hate.

I am a proud Muslim and I love America, Dr. Asif Mahmood said at a news conference in front of the downtown federal building that houses a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office.

President Trump continues to attack people like me: immigrants, people of colour and Muslims, Mahmood said. I say President Trump has it all wrong. It's time to get tough on hate. California must be the leader of the Trump resistance, and I will fight him every step of the way.

The pulmonologist said he came to the United States because he wanted his family to live in a place that celebrates diversity and tolerance.

Born in a small, rural village, Mahmood moved to Kentucky in the 1990s to complete medical school. He came to Southern California in 2000 and lives near Los Angeles with his wife and three teenage children.

As a first-time candidate, Mahmood's challenge is to build a statewide coalition, potentially anchored to civil rights. He starts as a virtual unknown and Muslims make up a tiny percentage of people living in California.

To be competitive and grow beyond a niche candidacy, he must craft a message that resonates with the large, diverse pool of voters in a state that is home to one of every eight Americans.

Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, the incumbent, is barred by term limits from seeking a third term and is running for governor.

Mahmood, a Democrat, said he did not think his religion would be an obstacle in a state known for diversity.

Mahmood said his experience running a medical practice and volunteering at free clinics that treat poor populations gave him the credentials to campaign for health care reform.

He supports protecting Obamacare and expanding Medicare to cover everyone.

California's lieutenant governor post is largely ceremonial, but the lieutenant governor leads the state when the governor travels outside it and can break tie votes in the state Senate.

The lieutenant governor also has a seat on the board of regents of the 10-campus University of California. Mahmood said he would use it to influence higher education reform.

Mahmood said he wants to provide a free community college education and doesn't support fee hikes, such as the recent California State University tuition increase.

I believe that education is the main asset that any nation can have, any society can have, he said.

Trump Inauguration protests around the World Show all 14 1 /14 Trump Inauguration protests around the World Trump Inauguration protests around the World Activists from Greenpeace display a message reading "Mr President, walls divide. Build Bridges!" along the Berlin wall in Berlin on January 20, 2017 to coincide with the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United State Getty Trump Inauguration protests around the World An activist holds up a sign at the "We Stand United" rally on the eve of US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration outside Trump International Hotel and Tower in New York on January 19, 2017 in New York Getty Trump Inauguration protests around the World Protesters burn a U.S. flag and a mock flag with pictures of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump outside the U.S. embassy in metro Manila, Philippines Getty Trump Inauguration protests around the World Filipino protestors hold placcards during a protest rally in front of the US embassy in Manila, Philippines, 20 January 2017. On the eve of President-elect Donald Trump's inaguration as the 45th president of the United States, Filipinos and Fil-Americans held a protest in front of the US embassy in Manila to denounce the incoming US president. Getty Trump Inauguration protests around the World Hong Kong police officers and security guards look on as an anarchist protester belonging to the Disrupt J20 movement sits after using a heavy duty D-lock and motorcycle lock to chain himself to a railing at the entrance gate to the Consulate General of the United States of America in Hong Kong to protest the inauguration of United States President-elect Donald Trump, Hong Kong, China, 20 January 2017. Two activists were arrested and taken away by Hong Kong police during the demonstration. Getty Trump Inauguration protests around the World A banner is unfurled on London's Tower Bridge, organised by Bridges Not Walls - a partnership between grassroots activists and campaigners working on a range of issues, formed in the wake of Donald Trump's election, which aims to build bridges to a world free from hatred and oppression. Getty Trump Inauguration protests around the World Protesters chain themselves to an entry point prior at the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in Washington, DC, U.S. Getty Trump Inauguration protests around the World Bridges Not Walls banner dropped from Molenbeek bridge in Brussels, Belgium, 20 January 2017, in an Greenpeace action part of protests Wolrd protest in solidarity with people in the US, the day Donald Trump sworn in as the 45th President of the United States. Getty Trump Inauguration protests around the World A woman holds an anti-U.S. President-elect Donald Trump placard during a rally in Tokyo, Japan, Getty Trump Inauguration protests around the World A Palestinian protester holds a placard during a demonstration against the construction of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank and against US President-elect Donald Trump, on January 20, 2017, near the settlement of Maale Adumim, east of Jerusalem Getty Trump Inauguration protests around the World Banners on North Bridge in Edinburgh as part of the Bridges Not Walls protest against US President Donald Trump on the day of his inauguration Getty Trump Inauguration protests around the World Russian artist Vasily Slonov (L) and his assistant carry a life-sized cutout, which is an artwork created by Slonov and titled "Siberian Inauguration", before its presentation on the occasion of the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, in a street in Krasnoyarsk, Russia Getty Trump Inauguration protests around the World A woman holds a banner during a march to thank outgoing President Barack Obama and reject US President-elect Donald Trump before his inauguration at a park in Tokyo, Japan, 20 January 2017. EPA Trump Inauguration protests around the World Palestinian demonstrators protesting this week against a promise by Donald Trump to re-locate the US embassy to Jerusalem Reuters

State Senator Ed Hernandez, also a Democrat, is the only other declared candidate for lieutenant governor.

The field is sure to grow ahead of the November 2018 vote.

Associated Press
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Republican political operative Roger Stone is so busy preparing for a possible grilling by the US Senate intelligence committee about Russian hacking, that he does not have time to attend the opening of his civil defamation trial in New York City, according to his lawyer.

Stone, a longtime political provocateur and adviser to President Donald Trump, is being sued over a flyer sent to 150,000 New York households during the state's 2010 election that called the Libertarian Party candidate for governor, Warren Redlich, a sick twisted pervert.

This man constitutes a public danger, said the mailing, which included Redlich's photo and the header Sexual Predator Alert. It purported to come from an organisation called People for a Safer New York.

If you see this man in your neighbourhood, CALL THE POLICE! it warned.

Redlich's lawsuit claims that Stone and several accomplices were responsible for the flyer. At the time, Stone was advising two other candidates for governor: Kristin Davis, a former madam of a prostitution ring, and the Republican nominee, Carl Paladino. Redlich also is suing Paladino and his former campaign manager, Michael Caputo.

Stone was subpoenaed to testify in the trial this week, but his lawyer, Benjamin Burge, told the judge Wednesday that he would prefer to appear Monday or Tuesday because he is busy complying with a notice from the US Senate intelligence committee asking him to retain any documents that might be related to its investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Recommended Trump adviser Roger Stone admits contact with suspected Russian hacker

Stone has said he communicated with Guccifer 2.0, the shadowy hacker credited with breaking into the Democratic National Committee's email servers.

He can't be here until next week, Burge said of Stone during Wednesday's court hearing.

Justice Richard Braun declined to give him more time, saying Stone must appear whenever he is called as a witness.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin Thursday morning, so opening statements in the trial could start as early as Thursday afternoon. If Stone does not appear, he could face sanctions including a warrant directing a sheriff to bring him to court.

Stone has said in interviews that he was not behind the anti-Redlich flyer. He did not answer calls to his cellphone Wednesday.

Redlich, who is representing himself at the trial, and is seeking unspecified damages, said he wants to call Stone as his first witness.

He said Stone's failure to appear Wednesday was part of a defence strategy to prolong what should be a speedy trial.

I'm seeing a pattern  delay, delay, delay, delay, Redlich said.

In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Show all 30 1 /30 In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump President-elect Donald Trump acknowledges guests as he arrives on the platform at the US Capitol in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Donald Trump is sworn in as the 45th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts as Melania Trump looks on during the 58th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington AP In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump President Donald Trump shakes hands with Justice John Roberts after taking the oath at inauguration ceremonies swearing in Trump as the 45th president of the United States Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump President Donald Trump raises his fists after his inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol Getty In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump U.S. President-elect Donald Trump greets outgoing President Barack Obama before Trump is inaugurated during ceremonies on the Capitol in Washington Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump resident-elect Donald Trump arrives on the platform of the US Capitol in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Attendees partake in the inauguration ceremonies to swear in Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States at the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump US President Donald Trump delivers his inaugural address during ceremonies at the US Capitol in Washington DC Getty In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump U.S. President Donald Trump waves with wife Melania during the Inaugural Parade in Washington DC Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Protesters registered their rage against the new president Friday in a chaotic confrontation with police who used pepper spray and stun grenades in a melee just blocks from Donald Trump's inaugural parade route. Scores were arrested for trashing property and attacking officers AP In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Demonstrators protest against US President Donald Trump in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump A woman holds a sign before the start of the Presidential Inauguration of Donald Trump at Freedom Plaza in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Anti-Trump protesters prepare banners for a protest against the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, in Berlin REUTERS In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Demonstrators shout slogans against US President-elect Donald Trump in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Demonstrators march, block foot traffic and clash with U.S. Capitol Police at the entry checkpoints for the Inauguration of Donald Trump Alamy Live News In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Demonstrators display a banner as people arrive for US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump A man displays a placard as people lineup to get into the National Mall for the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Protesters demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump raise their hands as they are surrounded by police on the sidelines of the inauguration in Washington DC Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump A demonstrator wearing a mask depicting Donald Trump protests outside the US Embassy in London Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Demonstrators hold placards as they protest outside the US Embassy in London Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Former US President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush arrive for the Presidential Inauguration at the US Capitol Rex In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden share an umbrella as President Donald Trump delivers his inaugural address at the inauguration in Washington DC Rex In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton arrive on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump U.S. Vice President Mike Pence takes the oath of office on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Advisors to President-elect Donald Trump, Kellyanne Conway and Steve Bannon depart from services at St. John's Church during the Presidential Inauguration in Washington Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Protesters demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump take cover as they are hit by pepper spray by police on the sidelines of the inauguration in Washington DC Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump An activist demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump is helped after being hit by pepper spray on the sidelines of the inauguration in Washington DC Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump A police officer tries to tackle a protester demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump Reuters/Adrees Latif In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Police arrest and detain a protester in the street in Washington DC Rex In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump A police officer falls to the ground as another shoots pepper spray at protesters demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the inauguration in Washington DC Reuters

Stone, 64, got his start in politics working as a political operative for President Richard Nixon, where he developed a reputation as someone who specialised in campaign trickery and spreading dirt on opponents.

He is the subject of an upcoming Netflix documentary, Get Me Roger Stone.

Associated Press
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The city of Seattle sued US President Donald Trump's administration on Wednesday over its executive order seeking to withhold federal funds from sanctuary cities, arguing it amounted to unconstitutional federal coercion.

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray told reporters the Constitution forbade the federal government from pressuring cities, yet that is exactly what the Presidents order does. Once again, this new administration has decided to bully.

Things like grants helping us with child sex trafficking are not connected to immigration, Murray said, adding: It is time for cities to stand up and ask the courts to put an end to the anxiety in our cities and the chaos in our system.

US Attorney General Jeff Sessions threatened on Monday to strip Justice Department grants from cities and other local governments that choose to shield illegal immigrants from deportation efforts.

Trump, who made tougher immigration enforcement a cornerstone of his campaign, directed the government in his January 25 executive order to cut off funding to sanctuary jurisdictions. That order has yet to be put into effect, but Sessions' announcement seemed to be the first step in doing so.

Trump administration officials say the immigration crackdown is focused on illegal immigrants convicted of serious crimes.

Responding to the Seattle lawsuit, a US Justice Department representative said in a statement: Failure to deport aliens who are convicted of criminal offences makes our nation less safe by putting dangerous criminals back on our streets.

Seattles action was the latest legal salvo over the Trump immigration order from local governments across the country, including the city of San Francisco and Californias Santa Clara County.

Police agencies in dozens of sanctuary cities, including New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, have barred their officers from routinely checking on immigration status when making arrests or traffic stops. They have also refused to detain people longer than otherwise warranted at the request of federal agents seeking to deport them.

The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

Supporters of the policy argue that enlisting police cooperation in rounding up immigrants for removal undermines communities' trust in local police, particularly among Latinos.

Murray said the goal of Seattle's lawsuit was to have the courts declare that federal authorities cannot force our local police officials to be involved in federal immigration activities.

Reuters
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In June, a Belarusian-American businessman who goes by the name Sergei Millian shared some tantalising claims about Donald Trump.

Trump had a long-standing relationship with Russian officials, Millian told an associate, and those officials were now feeding Trump damaging information about his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton. Millian said that the information provided to Trump had been very helpful.

Unbeknownst to Millian, however, his conversation was not confidential. His associate passed on what he had heard to a former British intelligence officer who had been hired by Trumps political opponents to gather information about the Republicans ties to Russia.

The allegations by Millian  whose role was first reported by the Wall Street Journal and has been confirmed by The Washington Post  were central to the dossier compiled by the former spy, Christopher Steele. While the dossier has not been verified and its claims have been denied by Trump, Steeles document said that Millians assertions had been corroborated by other sources, including in the Russian government and former intelligence sources.

The most explosive allegation that the dossier says originally came from Millian is the claim that Trump had hired prostitutes at the Moscow Ritz-Carlton and that the Kremlin has kept evidence of the encounter.

By his own evolving statements, Sergei Millian is either a shrewd businessman with high-level access to both Trumps inner circle and the Kremlin, or a bystander unwittingly caught up in a global controversy.

An examination of Millians career shows he is a little of both. His case lays bare the challenge facing the FBI as it investigates Russias alleged attempts to manipulate the American political system and whether Trump associates participated.

It also illustrates why the Trump administration remains unable to shake the Russia story. While some of the unproven claims attributed in the dossier to Millian are bizarre and outlandish, there are also indications that he had contacts with Trumps circle.

Millian told several people that during the campaign and presidential transition he was in touch with George Papadopoulos, a campaign foreign policy adviser, according to a person familiar with the matter. Millian is among Papadopouloss nearly 240 Facebook friends.

Trump aides vehemently reject Millians claims to have had close contact with Trump or high-level access to the presidents company.

Millian did not answer a list of detailed questions about his interactions with Trump and his role in the Steele dossier, instead responding by email with lengthy general defences of Trumps election as Gods will and complaining that inquiries about his role are evidence of a witch hunt and McCarthyism.

Any falsifications, deceit and baseless allegations directed against any US President is damaging to the national security interests of the United States, he wrote in one email. Publishing slanderous stories about the Presidents decency and offensive material about the first family is malicious propaganda and a threat to the national security in order to destabilise the integrity of the United States of America and stir civil disorder aiming at reducing its political influence in the world.

FBI Director James B. Comey, left, and National Security Agency Director Mike Rogers appear before the House Intelligence Committee on March 20 (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

In late January, Millian appeared on Russian television, where he denied knowing information that could be damaging to Trump. I want to say that I dont have any compromising information, neither in Russia nor in the United States, nor could I have, he said, speaking in Russian. Without a doubt it is a blatant lie and an effort of some people  its definitely a group of people  to portray our president in a bad light using my name.

The dossier, decried by Trump as phony stuff and fake news and derided by Russian President Vladimir Putin as rubbish, consists of a series of reports compiled by Steele over the course of several months before the election.

Millian, identified in different portions of the dossier as Source D and Source E, is described as a close associate of Trump.

In addition to the salacious allegations that gained widespread attention, the dossier attributed other claims to Millian. For instance, Steele wrote that Millian asserted that there was a well developed conspiracy of cooperation between [Trump] and Russian leadership, claiming the relationship was managed for Trump by former campaign chairman Paul Manafort. A Manafort spokesman said every word in the dossier about Paul Manafort is a lie.

Some of those who know Millian described him as more of a big-talking schmoozer than a globe-trotting interlocutor. They say hes a self-promoter with a knack for getting himself on television  like the time he appeared on a 2013 episode of the Bravo reality show Million Dollar Listing, where he attempted to broker a sale with a Russian-speaking client who agreed to pay $7 million in cash for a luxury New York unit.

Hes an opportunist. If he sees an opportunity, he would go after it, said Tatiana Osipova, who was a neighbour of Millians when he lived in Atlanta and who in 2006 helped him found a trade group, the Russian American Chamber of Commerce in the USA. Osipova now lives in St. Petersburg but has remained in touch with Millian. Hes a fun guy, a smart guy. But always talking. He talks so much s-.

Millians original name was Siarhei Kukuts, but those who know him say he changed it because he wanted something that sounded more elegant. He told ABC News in July that he changed his name to honor his grandmother, whose last name he said was Millianovich. He has also at times gone by the name Sergio Millian.

My general impression of him was that he just wanted to be important. Nobody really knew what he or the chamber were doing, but he presented himself with grandeur, said Nadia Diskavets, a New York photographer who was also a founding member of the Russian American Chamber of Commerce but has not been in touch with Millian recently. So I always took everything he said with a grain of salt.

Another acquaintance referred to him in a similar way, saying he exaggerated his connections with Trump and with the Russians. Hes too small of a fish to deal with Russian people, she said. They will smell his smallness from miles away.

Born in Belarus, Millian, 38, attended a university in Minsk. A Russian-language version of his biography that was posted on the Russian American Chamber of Commerces website says he studied to be a military translator.

He arrived in the early 2000s as a young, single professional in Atlanta, which has a large Russian-speaking community. Friends there said he worked in real estate, and, according to one resume posted online, he opened a translating business whose clients included the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Friends said that Millian founded the Russian American Chamber of Commerce as a way to forge business ties between the United States and Russia and as a personal networking opportunity.

Millians affiliation with the group also appears to have boosted his profile in Russia. He hosted events in the United States and abroad on the chambers behalf and, after moving to New York, began being interviewed repeatedly by Russian-language news outlets as an expert on US-Russia relations. He travelled to Moscow in 2011 courtesy of a Russian government cultural group later investigated by the FBI for allegedly recruiting spies, though there is no evidence that the inquiry involved Millian.

Millians account of his relationship with Trump has shifted over time. As the Republican candidate was rising in the spring of 2016, a time before there was close scrutiny of Trumps ties to Russia, Millian used his media appearances to describe deep connections with the New York real estate mogul.

He told the Russian state-operated news agency RIA Novosti last April, for instance, that he met Trump at a Miami horse-racing track after mutual associates had organised a trip for Trump to Moscow in 2007.

From there, Millian said, he entered into a business arrangement in which he says he helped market a Trump-branded condominium complex in Hollywood, Florida, to international investors, including Russians.

Millians description of the Miami event appears to match up with a picture he posted on Facebook that appears to show him posing with Trump and the projects developer, Jorge Perez  the only evidence that Millian ever met Trump.

A spokesman for Perez said his company has no record of paying Millian in connection with the project, and Perez declined to comment further.

A White House spokeswoman said, Sergei Millian is one of hundreds of thousands of people the president has had his picture made with, but they do not know one another.

Millian, however, promoted ties he claimed to hold with Trumps company.

A 2009 newsletter posted to the website of the Russian American Chamber of Commerce reported that the group had signed formal agreements with the Trump Organization and Perezs company to jointly service the Russian clients commercial, residential and industrial real estate needs.

In the interview with RIA Novosti, Millian boasted that when he was in New York, Trump introduced him to his right-hand man, Michael Cohen, a longtime Trump adviser  a claim that Cohen has denied.

He is the chief attorney of Trump, through whom all contracts have to go, Millian told the Russian news outlet, adding, I was involved in the signing of a contract to promote Trumps real estate projects in Russia.

You can say that I was their exclusive broker, Millian continued in Russian. Back then, in 2007-2008, Russians by the dozens were buying apartments in Trumps buildings in the USA.

Asked in the April interview how often he spoke to Trump or his associates, Millian responded: The last time was several days ago.

Millian told people last year that he was in touch with Papadopoulos, whom Trump had described in a March 2016 Washington Post editorial board interview as a member of his foreign policy team and an excellent guy.

Papadopoulos received attention during the campaign largely because of reports that he had exaggerated his resume and cited among his accomplishments that he had participated in a Model United Nations program for college and graduate students.

But, according to foreign news reports and officials, he conducted a number of high-level meetings last year and presented himself as a representative of the Trump campaign. He told a group of researchers in Israel that Trump saw Putin as a responsible actor and potential partner, according to a column in the Jerusalem Post, while later he met with a British Foreign Office representative in London, an embassy spokesman said. He also criticised US sanctions on Russia in an interview with the Russian news outlet Interfax.

Papadopoulos did not respond to questions about contacts with Millian. But Papadopoulos said by email that his public comments during the campaign reflected his own opinions and that some of his energy policy views run counter to Russian interests. No one from the campaign ever directed me to discuss talking points,  he said. In a separate email, he accused The Post of relying on innuendo and unsubstantiated claims by irrelevant sources.

Neither Millian nor a White House spokeswoman responded to questions about Papadopoulos. The person familiar with the contacts, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, did not provide details.

Over the summer, as Trump prepared to accept the Republican presidential nomination, Millian travelled to Russia. He posted pictures on his Facebook page showing that he attended a Russian government-sponsored summit in St. Petersburg in June. One photograph shows him with Russias minister for energy. Another shows him chatting with Russian aluminium magnate Oleg Deripaska, who is close to Putin. A spokeswoman for Deripaska declined to comment. A spokesman for the Russian Embassy did not respond to questions about Millian.

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Later in the summer, Millian continued boasting of his Trump connections.

He told ABC News that he had been the official broker for the Trump-branded condo building and described Trumps affinity for working with Russians. He pointed to hundreds of millions of dollars that [Trump] received from interactions with Russian businessmen.

Millian added that Trump likes Russia because he likes beautiful Russian ladies  talking to them, of course. And he likes to be able to make lots of money with Russians.

Millian told ABC that he was absolutely not involved with Russian intelligence. But when asked whether he had heard rumours to that effect, Millian replied, Yes, of course.

Millian also said that, at times, he talked about US politics with top Russian officials. Usually if I meet top people in the Russian government, they invite me, say, to the Kremlin for the reception, of course I have a chance to talk to some presidential advisers and some top people, Millian said.

While Cohen has said he has never met Millian, the two did interact last year over Twitter. Millian was, for a time, one of about 100 people that Cohen followed and they tweeted at each other on one occasion in August after Cohen appeared on television.

Cohen later unfollowed Millian, telling The Post that he had mistakenly thought Millian was related to a Trump Organization employee with a similar last name.

He is a total phony, Cohen said in an interview. Anything coming out of this individuals mouth is inaccurate and purely part of some deranged interest in having his name in the newspaper.

Cohen said he did not believe Trump was in Russia in 2007, as Millian claimed in April.

Cohen said it was possible that, like other brokers in Florida, Millian might have attempted to sell units at Trump Hollywood. But, he said, Millian never held an exclusive deal at the project or any contract with the Trump Organization.

Speaking with The Post over the phone from his New York office in a January interview, Cohen also read aloud from a lengthy email he said Millian had sent him shortly before the election that contradicted his earlier public statements.

I met Mr. Trump once, long time ago, in 2008, pretty much for a photo opportunity and a brief talk as part of my marketing work for Trump Hollywood, after my brokering service was signed. Now, to say that I have substantial ties is total nonsense, Cohen said, reading from an email he said Millian wrote after media coverage that mentioned him.

In the email, Millian suggested holding a news conference to clear up the matter, Cohen said. Cohen said he rejected the idea, accusing Millian via email of seeking media attention off of this false narrative of a Trump-Russia alliance despite having met Trump only one time, for a 10 second photo op.

Cohen, who left his job at the Trump Organization in January to become Trumps personal attorney, said this month that he could not release a copy of Millians email because he no longer has access to the companys email system.

In South Florida, where Millian claimed to have had a contract to sell units at Trump Hollywood, there is little evidence that he played a major role.

Daniel Lebensohn, whose company BH3 took over for the Related Group in 2010 after Perezs company struggled to complete the project, said his companys records show no sign that Millian sold any units in the building.

Two Florida-based real estate brokers who specialise in the Russian market and have sold units in Trump Hollywood were equally mystified.

Ive never heard of him, said Olga Mirer, who has travelled back and forth to Russia over the past decade brokering deals at Trump Hollywood and other Florida buildings.

Miss Universe 2013, Gabriela Isler of Venezuela, left, and pageant owner Donald Trump point to each other while posing for a photo after the 2013 Miss Universe pageant in Moscow on November 9 2013 (Ivan Sekretarev/AP)

Despite the Trump teams efforts to distance the president from Millian, the dossier source nevertheless attended Trumps inauguration in January.

He posted photos of himself on Facebook attending VIP events for supporters, including one in which he posed in front of the podium at a reception for Trump chief of staff Reince Priebus at Trumps Washington hotel. A White House official did not address a question about Millians attendance.

The Washington Post
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Bills which criminalise the right to peacefully protest are being introduced by politicians in a number of US states, United Nations (UN) experts have warned.

More than 16 states have introduced draft legislation aimed at restricting the rights to assembly since May 2015, according to the organisation's Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly, Maina Kiai and David Kaye, Special Rapporteur on the protection of the right to freedom of expression.

The pair described the alarming trend as undemocratic, adding that the issue had intensified since Donald Trumps election as president.

The bills were mainly proposed at the beginning of 2017 and exclusively by Republican legislators, said Mr Kiai and Mr Kaye.

Their findings come as protests in the US have increased over the last few months.

The Womens Marches, which took place in a number of US cities to protest against Mr Trumps inauguration, are believed to be the largest and most peaceful day of protest in US history, according to political scientists from the Universities of Connecticut and Denver.

Somewhere between 3.3 million and 4.6 million people are thought to have taken part in the protests in Los Angeles, Washington DC, New York, Chicago and Seattle.

Mr Kiai and Mr Kaye said the anti-protests bills could be aimed at discouraging the development of movement such as Black Lives Matter.

Since January 2017, a number of undemocratic bills have been proposed in state legislatures with the purpose or effect of criminalising peaceful protests," they said. The bills, if enacted into law, would severely infringe upon the exercise of the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly in ways that are incompatible with US obligations under international human rights law and with First Amendment protections.

They added that "the trend also threatens to jeopardise one of the United States constitutional pillars: free speech.

The experts have sent a letter to US authorities raising their concerns over the rise of these bills.

Pendings bills are currently in the legislative corridors of Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee and Washington.

President Trump protests Show all 20 1 /20 President Trump protests President Trump protests Patrons hold a sign as people march by while protesting the election of Republican Donald Trump as the president of the United States in downtown Los Angeles, California Reuters President Trump protests Demonstrators rally following the election of Republican Donald Trump as President of the United States, in Oakland, California Reuters President Trump protests Demonstrators march following the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States Reuters President Trump protests Thousands of protesters rallied across the United States expressing shock and anger over Donald Trump's election, vowing to oppose divisive views they say helped the Republican billionaire win the presidency AFP/Getty Images President Trump protests Demonstrators protest outside the Chicago Theatre in Chicago, Illinois Getty President Trump protests A police officer aims a launcher after demonstrators threw projectiles toward a line of officers during a demonstration in Oakland, California Reuters President Trump protests An officer examines a vandalized police vehicle as demonstrators riot in Oakland, California Reuters President Trump protests Demonstrators take over the Hollywood 101 Freeway just north of Los Angeles City Hall in protest against the election of Republican Donald Trump as President of the United States Reuters President Trump protests A woman holds up a sign reading 'Trump you are an Idiot' as demonstrators gather during a protest against President-elect Donald Trump outside the City Hall building in Los Angeles, California EPA President Trump protests A masked demonstrator gestures toward a police line during a demonstration in Oakland, California Reuters President Trump protests Demonstrators protest against the election of Republican Donald Trump as President of the United States, near the Trump International Hotel & Tower in Las Vegas, Nevada Reuters President Trump protests Musician Lagy Gaga stages a protest against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on a sanitation truck outside Trump Tower in New York City Getty President Trump protests A woman yells as she takes part in a protest against President-elect Donald Trump in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood AP President Trump protests A man dressed in red-white-and-blue sits on the curb during a protest against President-elect Donald Trump in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood AP President Trump protests A protester sets off fireworks during a protest against President-elect Donald Trumpin Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood AP President Trump protests University of California, Davis students protest on campus in Davis, California, U.S. following the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States Reuters President Trump protests An Oakland police officer checks out damage after a window was broken by protesters at a car dealership in downtown Oakland, Calif AP President Trump protests A protester faces a police line in downtown Oakland, Calif AP President Trump protests President-elect Donald Trumpis victory set off multiple protests AP President Trump protests A fire burns during protests in Oakland, Calif AP

Indianas Senate Bill 285, for example, would allow law enforcement officials to use any means necessary to clear the roads of people unlawfully obstructing vehicular traffic.

The bill defines as mass traffic obstruction an incident in which, as part of or as a result of a protest, riot or other assembly, at least 10 people obstruct vehicular traffic.

The broad language is a major cause of concern for the UN experts, who said they feared it could lead to excessive use of force.

In Colorado, a harsher penalty could be applied to environmental protesters obstructing or tampering with oil and gas equipment and giving companies the possibility to pursue separate claims against the protester," they said.

They added: "There has been many demonstrations against oil and gas extraction in Colorado, which would be directly affected by the bill."

Hefty fines and prison sentence accompany most of the pending bills. In Iowa, that could be up to five years in prison and a $7,500 fine.

In Florida and Tennessee, the bills would exempt drivers from liability if they accidentally hit and even killed a pedestrian participating in a protest. Peaceful protesters could also be criminalised in Minnesota, for participating in demonstrations, which turn violent even if those protesters did not personally participate in the violence or property damage.

From the Black Lives Matter movement, to the environmental and Native American movements in opposition to the Dakota Access oil pipeline, and the Womens Marches, individuals and organisations across society have mobilised in peaceful protests, as it is their right under international human rights law and US law," Mr Kiai and Mr Kaye said.

These state bills, with their criminalisation of assemblies, enhanced penalties and general stigmatisation of protesters, are designed to discourage the exercise of these fundamental rights,

The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

The pair took particular issue with the characterisation of protests being unlawful or violent in some of the bills.

They said: There can be no such thing in law as a violent protest. There are violent protesters, who should be dealt with individually and appropriately by law enforcement. One persons decision to resort to violence does not strip other protesters of their right to freedom of peaceful assembly. This right is not a collective right; it is held by each of us individually.

Peaceful assembly is a fundamental right, not a privilege, and the government has no business imposing a general requirement that people get permission before exercising that right, they said.

Mr Kiai and Mr Kaye have called on the US authorities at the federal and state level to refrain from enacting any legislation, which would curb freedom of peaceful assembly, expression or opinion.
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Two White House officials were responsible for handing Devin Nunes information suggesting Donald Trump's team were spied on by US intelligence agencies, reports suggest.

The revelation is likely to renew pressure on Mr Nunes, the chairman of the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee, who has already been accused of being too close to Mr Trump - despite being in charge of a supposedly independent inquiry into the US President's alleged links with Russia.

The California congressman sparked controversy earlier this month after claiming he had seen evidence that backed up Mr Trump's claims he had been spied on by US agencies. He refused to reveal the source of his information, saying only that it had come from whistleblower.

The New York Times has now suggested the information was passed to him with the help of two White House officials: Ezra Cohen-Watnick, the senior director for intelligence at the National Security Council, and Michael Ellis, a national security lawyer in the White House Counsel's Office.

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer declined to comment on the latest reports.

At a press conference on 22nd March, Mr Nunes declared he had seen evidence suggesting US spies had "incidentally collected" information on some of Mr Trump's associates while looking into matters unrelated to the Russia inquiry.

His claim came almost three weeks after Mr Trump posted a series of early-morning tweets alleging he had been wiretapped on the orders of his predecessor, Barack Obama.

"Terrible! Just found out that Obama had my "wires tapped" in Trump Tower just before the victory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism!", he wrote.

"How low has President Obama gone to tapp my phones during the very sacred election process. This is Nixon/Watergate. Bad (or sick) guy!"

The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

The accusation was widely ridiculed and was dismissed by Mr Obama's spokesman, intelligence agencies and a number of prominent Republicans.

Mr Nunes then surprised commentators by claiming he had seen evidence that members of Mr Trump's transition team were indeed unwittingly included in US surveillance operations.

"I recently confirmed that, on numerous occasions, the intelligence community incidentally collected information about U.S. citizens involved in the Trump transition," he told reporters.

"Details about U.S. persons associated with the incoming administration, details with little or no apparent foreign intelligence value, were widely disseminated in intelligence community reporting."

Mr Nunes was later forced to admit he had discussed his findings with Mr Trump before informing members of his own congressional committee. That led some members to criticise their chairman and question his priorities.

Mr Nunes is in charge of one of several congressional investigations into allegations that Russia attempted to influence the US presidential election in Mr Trump's favour.

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The Donald Trump administration has told Congress it plans to approve a multibillion-dollar sale of F-16 fighter jets to Bahrain without the human rights conditions imposed by the Obama administration.

If finalised, the approval would allow the Gulf island to purchase 19 of the jets from Maryland-based Lockheed Martin, plus improvements to other jets in Bahrain's fleet.

Though Congress has opportunities to block the sale, it is unlikely it will act to do so, given the Republican majority's strong support for the sale.

The decision is the latest signal that the Trump administration is prioritising support for Sunni-led countries seen as critical to opposing Iran's influence in the region over human rights issues that President Barack Obama had elevated.

Under Mr Obama, the US withdrew approval before the deal was finalised because it said Bahrain hadn't taken steps it had promised to improve human rights.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker's office said the committee was told Wednesday by the State Department that it plans to proceed with the sale. The State Department declined to comment.

The notice triggers a 40-day "consultation" period in which committee staff can review a draft of the Bahrain approval, ask questions about the sale and raise any concerns. Then the State Department will send a formal notification to Congress, setting off a final, 30-day review period, during which Congress could pass a joint resolution or take other steps to stop the sale.

Lockheed had lobbied strenuously for the sale's approval, even as rights groups and pro-democracy activists urged the administration not to jettison human rights conditions.

Brian Dooley of the Washington-based group Human Rights First said decoupling the sale from such conditions would "encourage further repression" and fuel instability during a tense period for Bahrain.

"The sale will send exactly the wrong signal to the dictatorshipthat the White House thinks the political crackdown is not just morally acceptable but also not dangerous, when in fact it's what's fuelling the country's instability," Mr Dooley said.

But Mr Corker, a Republican, praised the move and said the caveats would have been "unprecedented and counterproductive" for security and human rights.

"There are more effective ways to seek changes in partner policies than publicly conditioning weapons transfers in this manner," Mr Corker said in a statement.

Bahrain, home to the US Navy's 5th Fleet and an under-construction British naval base, is a predominantly Shiite island off the coast of Saudi Arabia ruled by a Sunni monarchy. Government forces, with help from US allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, crushed the 2011 uprising by Shiites and others who sought more political power.

Among the steps the Obama administration had sought from Bahrain was the release of Nabeel Rajab, a famed human rights activist who helped lead the 2011 protests.

Mr Rajab, whose trial has been repeatedly delayed, awaits sentencing on a charge of spreading "false news" via Twitter over his posts about the ongoing Saudi-led war in Yemen, as well as allegations of torture by authorities at a local prison.

The State Department said as recently as this week that it was calling for Mr Rajab's release. The US has said Bahrain lacks evidence against him.

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

Since the beginning of a government crackdown nearly a year ago, activists have been imprisoned or forced into exile. Bahrain's main Shiite opposition group has been dismantled. Lawmakers recently approved military tribunals for civilians while its feared domestic spy agency regained some arrest powers. Independent news gathering on the island also has grown more difficult.

Meanwhile, a series of attacks, including a January prison break, have targeted the island. Shiite militant groups have claimed some of the assaults. Bahrain has accused Iran's Revolutionary Guard of training and arming some militants, something the Shiite regional power has dismissed as a "futile and baseless lie."

Bahrain's government and Lockheed could not be immediately reached for comment.

AP
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Donald Trump has said his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping will be "very difficult."

The US President took to Twitter to say next week's meeting with China "will be a very difficult one in that we can no longer have massive trade deficits and job losses."

He said: "American companies must be prepared to look at other alternatives."

Mr Trump and the Chinese President will hold their first face-to-face talks next week, a highly anticipated meeting between leaders at odds over trade, China's strategic ambitions, and how to deal with North Korea's weapons programs.

The White House said Mr Trump would host Mr Xi next Thursday and Friday at his Mar-a-Lago retreat in Florida. It said Mr Trump and his wife Melania will host Mr Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan at a dinner next Thursday.

It will be the first meeting between the two premiers since Mr Trump's began on 20 January, amid heightened tensions between the worlds two largest economies over issues including North Korea, the disputed South China Sea, Taiwan and trade.

 Donald Trump's closest advisor Steve Bannon thinks there will be war with China in the next few years

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang gave no details of the agenda, but spoke of the need to see the big picture while fostering mutual interests in trade relations.

"The market dictates that interests between our two countries are structured so that you will always have me and I will always have you," he told a regular briefing.

"Both sides should work together to make the cake of mutual interest bigger and not simply seek fairer distribution," he said.

US officials say the need for China to do more on North Korea, the large US trade imbalance with China, and Beijing's pursuit of expansive claims in the South China Sea will top the agenda. Mr Trump has sharply criticised China on all of the issues.

The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

White House spokesman Sean Spicer told a news briefing the meeting was be an opportunity for Mr Trump "to develop a relationship in person with President Xi."

"He's spoken to him on the phone a few times, but we have big problems ... everything from the South China Sea, to trade, to North Korea. There are big issues of national and economic security that need to get addressed."

Asked whether the administration had a vision, or a description for its China policy like the "pivot" or "rebalance" to Asia touted by former President Barack Obama, Mr Spicer said: "Right now we're not worried so much about slogans as much as progress. There's a lot of big things that we need to accomplish with China, and I think that we will  we will work on them."

The summit will follow a string of US-China meetings and conversations aimed at mending ties after strong criticism of China by Mr Trump during his election campaign.
North Korea has doubled the size of a facility for enriching uranium in recent years, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency told the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday.

Yukiya Amano said the North is "rapidly advancing its capacity to produce nuclear weapons on two fronts: the production of plutonium at its Yongbyon nuclear facility and the enrichment of uranium. The situation is very bad... It has gone into a new phase."

Since IAEA inspectors were expelled in 2009, the IAEA has kept monitoring the pace of the regime's nuclear development based on satellite images of its nuclear facilities and other information.

Analysis of satellite images led to the conclusion that the size of the Yongbyon nuclear facility, which is also believed to be used to enrich uranium, has doubled since 2009.

"All of the indications point to the fact that North Korea is making progress, as they declared," Amano added.


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Ivanka Trump, the elder daughter of the president, is to become an unpaid government employee - serving as an advisor her father.

Ms Trump, 35, already has an office in the West Wing, and has long been someone inextricably associated to a number of her fathers policy decisions.

But amid criticism from ethics experts that occupying a voluntary role would permit her to avoid some of the usual rules and disclosures, it has been decided she will instead become a federal employee - albeit an unpaid one, according to the New York Times.

I have heard the concerns some have with my advising the president in my personal capacity while voluntarily complying with all ethics rules, and I will instead serve as an unpaid employee in the White House office, subject to all of the same rules as other federal employees, Ms Trump said in a statement.

 Ivanka Trump's uploads video of daughter singing Chinese New Year song

Throughout this process I have been working closely and in good faith with the White House counsel and my personal counsel to address the unprecedented nature of my role.

Earlier on Wednesday, Democratic senators Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Tom Carper of Delaware, sent a letter to Office of Government Ethics Director Walter Shaub information on the first daughters compliance with federal ethics rules, Politico said.

In addition to joining her father, Ms Trump, will become part of a team of which her husband, Jared Kushner, is a central part.

Mr Kushner, whose background is in real estate, like Mr Trump, has risen to become one of the most trusted members of the presidents inner circle.

We are pleased that Ivanka Trump has chosen to take this step in her unprecedented role as First Daughter and in support of the President, said a spokeswoman for the president.

Ivankas service as an unpaid employee furthers our commitment to ethics, transparency, and compliance and affords her increased opportunities to lead initiatives driving real policy benefits for the American public that would not have been available to her previously.
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Donald Trump has suggested that US libel laws could potentially be changed, in a tweet about negative press coverage of his presidency - particularly in The New York Times.

In the tweet, the President has accused The New York Times of having "disgraced the media" by getting him "wrong for two solid years". Mr Trump added at the end - in typically ambiguous style - "Change libel laws?"

It is not the first time Mr Trump has suggested a potential change in libel laws, having done so on the campaign trail early last year. But doing so would be difficult, but technically not impossible. Libel is currently a matter of state law - limited by the First Amendment - with a president unable to change state law.

However, he could potential change the principles of the First Amendment, either through the Supreme Court or through changing the Constitution itself. Both routes would be extremely difficult, with a number of other rulings or obstacles that would need to be overturned.

The newspaper has regularly been on the receiving end of Mr Trumps ire. He often refers to them as failing and biased against him, but also used their headlines to justify his accusations on Twitter that former President Obama had Trump Tower wiretapped during the 2016 presidential election.

In the previous 24 hours, Mr Trump called the newspaper's coverage of him is now worse then it has ever been and repeating a false claim that the newspaper apologised to readers about their 2016 election coverage.

The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

There was never an apology issued by the paper, as Mr Trump suggested in his tweet. Publisher Arthur Sulzberger Jr. and executive editor Dean Baquet did however write a letter to readers after the election in November promising to rededicate its resources to responsible, unbiased news reporting.

The Deputy Managing Editor for the New York Times tweeted in response to the President during his rant on Wednesday - again saying that the newspaper did not apologise to its readers.
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Donald Trump feels great about spending his time at Mar-a-Lago, his spokesman Sean Spicer has said.

Since his inauguration, Mr Trump has spent at least seven weekends at the so-called Winter White House in Florida.

The estimated security costs of each trip are more than $3million and local law enforcement has also struggled to deal with securing the local town of Palm Beach for the President.

 Jeb Bush: Trump should stop saying things that aren't true

Mr Spicer was asked by Fox 5 if Mr Trump was concerned about pushback he received from the costs associated with the trips and if this had influenced his decision not to attend Mar-a-Lago last week, or to visit this weekend.

He replied: No, he [Mr Trump] feels great.

The Presidents recreational trips stand in strong contrast to his comments made on the campaign trail last year, when he said he would rarely leave the White House because theres so much work to be done.

But Mr Trump has made no indication of halting his trips to his Florida property.

Yet concerns abound over how the Presidency can properly function at the resort. There was outcry after Mr Trump messy response to a North Korean missile test was documented on social media by Mar-a-Lago guests in the same room.

On the same trip, a guest posted a picture of himself to Facebook posting with a military official who apparently was carrying the nuclear codes.

Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' Show all 28 1 /28 Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' Brian Adcock Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' Dave Brown Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' Brian Adcock Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' Dave Brown Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' Dave Brown Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' Brian Adcock Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' Dave Brown Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' Dave Brown Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' Dave Brown Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' Brian Adcock Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' Dave Brown Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' Brian Adcock Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' Dave Brown Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' Brian Adcock Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' Dave Brown Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' Brian Adcock Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' Dave Brown Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' Brian Adcock Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' Brian Adcock Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' Christian Adams for Daily Telegraph Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' Martin Rowson for The Guardian Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' Christian Adams for Daily Telegraph Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' Morten Morland for The Times Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' Bob Moran for Daily Telegraph Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' Christian Adams for Daily Telegraph Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' Morten Morland for The Times Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' KAL for The Economist Trumped! The best cartoons on 'The Donald' Martin Rowson for The Guardian

It was recently announced the Government Accountability Office will examine security procedures of the Secret Service at Mar-a-Lago and the costs of the government employees travelling there.

The projected cost of security for Mr Trumps visits over a four year presidential term was reported to be an estimated to be $600 million. This is just over the amount his administration plans on cutting for social, education and cultural programmes.
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A key detail of the infamous intelligence report on alleged Russian collusion with the Trump campaign to influence the US election has reportedly been verified.

US officials have apparently confirmed a Russian diplomat who was working in Washington was actually an intelligence agent.

His name, Mikhail Kalugin, was misspelled in the report by former British intelligence officer, Christopher Steele, which collected damning information suggesting the Trump campaign colluded with Russia.

 Burr: The investigation into Russia's involvement in the election will go wherever the intelligence leads

Despite knowledge of the the report reaching the highest levels of US intelligence services and government, it was not independently verified.

But insider sources told the BBC Mr Kalugin had been identified as a spy and was being monitored prior to his return to Russia in August 2016  separately from Mr Steeles report.

Mr Kalugin allegedly posed as head of the Economics Section at the Russian embassy while in fact working for Russian intelligence.

Despite the senior diplomatic position Mr Kalugin held, "nobody had met him", a source told the broadcaster, adding it was a classic Russian intelligence move.

US publisher McClatchy reported similar allegations about Mr Kalugin earlier in March.

Mr Steele's report said: "A leading Russian diplomat, Mikhail KULAGIN [sic], had been withdrawn from Washington at short notice because Moscow feared his heavy involvement-in the US presidential election operation ... would be exposed in the media there."

Mr Kalugin denied being a spy and complained to the press about lies and fake news told about him.

The BBC also reported Mr Steele had previously provided the US separate intelligence relating to Russia and Ukraine from 2013 - 2016.

The former MI6 agent is held in high regard in the UK, this increasingly appears to be the case among his US colleagues as well. The FBI reportedly reimbursed Mr Steele for some of the expenses incurred by his work Mr Trump and Russia.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

The Senate Intelligence Committee is now discussing the possibility of interviewing Mr Steele, NBC reported yesterday.

The Independent first revealed that US politicians wanted to speak formally with Mr Steele, perhaps on neutral territory, earlier this month.

The former spy is apparently reluctant to leave London for safety reasons and is wary of how President Trump would react to him visiting the US.
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The Democrat senator charged with investigating Donald Trump team's possible ties to Russia has said the techniques used by the Kremlin "would send a chill down anyone who believes in the democratic process".

Democrat Senator Mark Warner, Vice Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and Republican Senator Richard Burr, Chair of the committee, are investigating President Trumps campaign and transition team for possible ties to Russia.

The first public hearing will be held on 30 March. Jared Kushner, Mr Trumps son-in-law and appointed head of the office tasked with bringing business innovation to the government, will appear before the committee.

Mr Warner and Mr Burr said further questioning of Mr Kushner would not happen until the unprecedented amount of [intelligence] documents have been more thoroughly reviewed.

Mr Warner warned however that its important to not lose sight of what this investigation is about: an outside foreign adversary sought to hijack a crucial democratic election.

Twenty individuals have been requested to come before committee members for private interviews and five have been scheduled. No names were revealed during the press conference.

Mr Burr made it a point to say that the interviews requested were being done to determine if these individuals had any value to offer as formal witnesses.

If an ambassador or officials office calls and a member of staff answers the phone, technically he has spoken with a Russian official. However, that person likely has no information to offer beyond that. The interviews are meant to weed those people out.

Both agreed that the investigation into Russia's involvement in the election will go wherever the intelligence leads, as Mr Burr put it.

The committee will also be talking to analysts who put reports together at various intelligence agencies and both Mr Warner and Mr Burr said the intelligence community has by and large been cooperative.

Im not here to re-litigate the election, Mr Warner noted. The intention of the investigation is to determine where paid internet trolls working out of a center in Russia sent botnets to populate sites and search results with fake news items, he explained.

We are in a whole new realm around cyber[it poses] huge new threats to democracy, Mr Warner said.

Mr Burr warned he did not want to take snapshots of where the investigation stands but hinted that the committee has spoken to Ret. Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, Mr Trumps former Director of National Intelligence who stepped down from his post after ties to foreign governments were revealed.

The goal of the investigation is a report with bipartisan support and raise public awareness on what Russia has done, what they are currently doing, and how they are likely influencing the elections in France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Montenegro, explained Mr Burr and Mr Warner.

The committee has shared what information with France, which has elections coming up in three weeks.

On the House side, Democrats have called for intelligence committee Chairman Devin Nunes to recuse himself because of his previous ties with Mr Trump's team before Mr Trump took office. Mr Nunes came under fire by Democrats for appearing to have the presidents back, as he himself said, rather than being unbiased in the Houses investigation into the matter of Russian ties.

Mr Nunes also met with a secret source on the White House grounds last week to review classified material, which he says indicates that Mr Trump associates' communications were captured in incidental surveillance of foreigners. Mr Trump has used Mr Nunes' revelations to defend his claim that former President Barack Obama tapped phones at Trump Tower in New York, though Mr Nunes and his committee's top Democrat, Adam Schiff of California, say there is no such evidence.

Mr Burr said he had not personally coordinated with the White House in shaping the scope of the Senate committee's investigation. Asked if he could promise to oversee an impartial probe, Mr Burr responded: Absolutely. I'll do something I've never done. I'll admit I voted for him [Mr Trump]... But I've got a job in the US Senate and ... it overrides any personal beliefs that I have or loyalties that I might have.

Mr Warner said he had seen no evidence the White House was interfering and would complain publicly if he did.

According to Mr Warner, Russia and President Vladimir Putins goal is a weaker America - a bipartisan concern. Its the most important thing ive ever taken on in my life, he added.
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Donald Trump has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to his beach resort in Mar-a-Lago for their first meeting.

Mr Xi will meet the US President at his lavish Florida resort next week, Chinas Foreign Ministry has announced.

The meeting between the worlds two biggest economic powers comes amidst tensions over territorial disputes in the South China Sea and after the US accused China of not being tough enough on North Korea's nuclear and missiles tests.

The relationship between the two countries has remained uncertain since Mr Trumps election. During his campaign, the business tycoon accused China of unfair trade practices and of manipulating its currency. He also threatened to raise import taxes on Chinese goods.

But Mr Trump is now seeking Chinas help in putting pressure on North Korea to end its nuclear testing programme, since Beijing remains the countrys key source of diplomatic and economic support.

During the meeting, Mr Trump and Mr Xi are expected to discuss global, regional and bilateral issues of mutual concerns.

A dinner is being organised on the Thursday evening, during which President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will host Mr Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan.

Earlier this year, Mr Trump hosted Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Mar-a-Lago resort.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

The US Presidents regular trips to the so called Winter White House have sparked controversy over the cost of travel and security each time Mr Trump and his family visit the resort.

Mr Trump has spent at least seven weekends at Mar-a-Lago and it is estimated that it is costing US taxpayer $3million (2.4m) per visit.

But the US Presidents spokesman Sean Spicer said that Mr Trump feel great about spending his time at the Palm Beach resort.

The weekend gateways at Mar-a-lago have created a sharp contrast with Mr Trumps comment on the campaign trail, when he said he would rarely leave the White House because theres so much work to be done.
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George W Bush reportedly described Donald Trumps inauguration as some weird s***, it has emerged.

The former President attended the swearing-in ceremony on Capitol Hill on 20 January along with Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter though his father George H W Bush was unable to attend due to poor health.

But the 70-year-old was reportedly unimpressed by the show and described Mr Trumps short, seemingly angry speech as some weird s*** according to three people present, New York Magazine reported.

 Bush on Trump era: I don't like the racism and name-calling

During the speech Mr Trump referenced American carnage and enriching foreign industry at the expense of American industry and repeated his pledge to make America great again.

The Republican has kept a relatively low profile since leaving the White House in 2009 but was a vocal critic of Mr Trump during the election campaign  even saying he would vote for Democrat candidate Hillary Clinton after his younger brother Jeb Bush was defeated in the primaries.

Despite this, Mr Bush and his wife Laura decided to attend the inauguration. In a statement, his office said this was because he was pleased to be able to witness the peaceful transfer of power which they said was a hallmark of American democracy.

Mr Bush inadvertently became a meme during the inauguration after he struggled to get a poncho on when it began to rain.

This is not the first controversy to mar Mr Trumps inauguration. The President took exception to media reports suggesting the crowds at his inauguration were noticeably thinner further back along the Mall compared with Mr Obamas inauguration in 2009.

Trump Inauguration protests around the World Show all 14 1 /14 Trump Inauguration protests around the World Trump Inauguration protests around the World Activists from Greenpeace display a message reading "Mr President, walls divide. Build Bridges!" along the Berlin wall in Berlin on January 20, 2017 to coincide with the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United State Getty Trump Inauguration protests around the World An activist holds up a sign at the "We Stand United" rally on the eve of US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration outside Trump International Hotel and Tower in New York on January 19, 2017 in New York Getty Trump Inauguration protests around the World Protesters burn a U.S. flag and a mock flag with pictures of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump outside the U.S. embassy in metro Manila, Philippines Getty Trump Inauguration protests around the World Filipino protestors hold placcards during a protest rally in front of the US embassy in Manila, Philippines, 20 January 2017. On the eve of President-elect Donald Trump's inaguration as the 45th president of the United States, Filipinos and Fil-Americans held a protest in front of the US embassy in Manila to denounce the incoming US president. Getty Trump Inauguration protests around the World Hong Kong police officers and security guards look on as an anarchist protester belonging to the Disrupt J20 movement sits after using a heavy duty D-lock and motorcycle lock to chain himself to a railing at the entrance gate to the Consulate General of the United States of America in Hong Kong to protest the inauguration of United States President-elect Donald Trump, Hong Kong, China, 20 January 2017. Two activists were arrested and taken away by Hong Kong police during the demonstration. Getty Trump Inauguration protests around the World A banner is unfurled on London's Tower Bridge, organised by Bridges Not Walls - a partnership between grassroots activists and campaigners working on a range of issues, formed in the wake of Donald Trump's election, which aims to build bridges to a world free from hatred and oppression. Getty Trump Inauguration protests around the World Protesters chain themselves to an entry point prior at the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in Washington, DC, U.S. Getty Trump Inauguration protests around the World Bridges Not Walls banner dropped from Molenbeek bridge in Brussels, Belgium, 20 January 2017, in an Greenpeace action part of protests Wolrd protest in solidarity with people in the US, the day Donald Trump sworn in as the 45th President of the United States. Getty Trump Inauguration protests around the World A woman holds an anti-U.S. President-elect Donald Trump placard during a rally in Tokyo, Japan, Getty Trump Inauguration protests around the World A Palestinian protester holds a placard during a demonstration against the construction of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank and against US President-elect Donald Trump, on January 20, 2017, near the settlement of Maale Adumim, east of Jerusalem Getty Trump Inauguration protests around the World Banners on North Bridge in Edinburgh as part of the Bridges Not Walls protest against US President Donald Trump on the day of his inauguration Getty Trump Inauguration protests around the World Russian artist Vasily Slonov (L) and his assistant carry a life-sized cutout, which is an artwork created by Slonov and titled "Siberian Inauguration", before its presentation on the occasion of the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, in a street in Krasnoyarsk, Russia Getty Trump Inauguration protests around the World A woman holds a banner during a march to thank outgoing President Barack Obama and reject US President-elect Donald Trump before his inauguration at a park in Tokyo, Japan, 20 January 2017. EPA Trump Inauguration protests around the World Palestinian demonstrators protesting this week against a promise by Donald Trump to re-locate the US embassy to Jerusalem Reuters

He claimed the media was deliberately lying about the size of the crowd which he said was the largest ever.
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Donald Trump should stop tweeting things that are not true because he is threatening his policy agenda, according to Jeb Bush, his former rival for the Republican presidential nomination, .

The former Governor of Florida said the President's angry rants on Twitter were distractions from the task at hand.

"He hasnt shifted to being president in the way that people are used to and I think thats the problem", he told CBS Miami.

Mr Trump needed to learn the difference between running a campaign and serving as president where your words have consequences that go way beyond that, he said.

"My hope is, for our countrys sake, that he understands the enormity of the challenge he faces, and the great potential and opportunity that he has, he added.

Mr Trumps use of the social media platform has drawn criticism from several quarters, especially after he accused Barack Obama of secretly wiretapping Trump Tower - a claim that he has not provided any evidence to substantiate.

FBI Director James Comey later told a congressional hearing that neither the Department of Justice nor his own agency had evidence to support a claim.

The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

He has also used the social media website to make unsubstantiated claims about voter fraud during the presidential election.

Mr Trumps tweeting also got him in diplomatic hot water when he incorrectly suggested Germany owed the US money for its contributions to the Nato alliance.

Mexico, China and Iran have also borne the brunt of a 140 character rant from the US leader.

The US President was also criticised after complained about a chain department stores for dropping his daughter Ivanka's brands.
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The Kremlin paid an army of more than 1,000 people to create fake anti-Hillary Clinton news stories targeting key swing states, the leading Democrat on the committee looking into alleged Russian interference in the US election has said.

Senator Mark Warner, the Democrat ranking member, and chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee Republican Senator Richard Burr, appeared together at a press conference to give an update on the investigation ahead of the first witnesses appearing today.

Mr Warner said: We know about the hacking, and selective leaks, but what really concerns me as a former tech guy is at least some reports  and weve got to get to the bottom of this  that there were upwards of a thousand internet trolls working out of a facility in Russia, in effect taking over a series of computers which are then called botnets, that can then generate news down to specific areas.

Its been reported to me, and weve got to find this out, whether they were able to affect specific areas in Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, where you would not have been receiving off of whoever your vendor might have been, Trump versus Clinton, during the waning days of the election, but instead, Clinton is sick, or Clinton is taking money from whoever for some source  fake news.

An outside foreign adversary effectively sought to hi-jack the most critical democratic process, the election of a President, and in that process, decided to favour one candidate over another.

The key states of Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania which Mr Warner named all fell narrowly - and unexpectedly - to Donald Trump.

The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

The Senate Committee will examine whether the Trump campaign co-ordinated with the Russians to hire the army of trolls.

Mr Warner and Mr Burr were keen to stress they were unified in the investigation, in spite of reported in-fighting along political lines.

Mr Burr said he did not want to take snapshots of where the investigation stood but hinted the committee had spoken to Ret Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, Mr Trumps former Director of National Intelligence who stepped down from his post after ties to foreign governments were revealed.

A parallel investigation is running in the lower House of Representatives, but this has been marred by calls for chairman Devin Nunes to step down following allegations he is co-operating with the White House.

A CBS poll revealed half of Americans now believe the Russians interfered with the election to help Mr Trump, while 10 per cent believe there was Russian interference but that it was not specifically designed to benefit the tycoon.

Speaker of the House, Republican Paul Ryan, said the US had a responsibility to the rest of the world to get to the bottom of the alleged Russian interference.

Theyre doing it to other countries right now," he said.

"We all knew this before the election, we all knew Russia was trying to meddle with our election, and we already know right now theyre trying to do it with other countries.

Seven staffers are probing Mr Trumps alleged links to Russia and said his son-in-law Jared Kushner had agreed to be interviewed by the Senate committee, although it is not known if he will appear under oath or on camera.

Journalist Adam Chen, now a staff writer at the New Yorker but a freelancer when he investigated alleged interference in the US election, claimed in a podcast with Longform that a large number of Russian trolls were now churning out support for Mr Trump

I created this list of Russian trolls when I was researching. And I check on it once in a while, still. And a lot of them have turned into conservative accounts, like fake conservatives. I don't know what's going on, but they're all tweeting about Donald Trump and stuff," he said.

A total of 20 individuals have been asked to appear before the committee members for private interviews, but no names apart from Mr Kushners were confirmed during the press conference.
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Staff at the US Energy Department were reportedly told to stop using the phrases climate change, emissions reduction and Paris Agreement in all briefings and written communications, on the same day Donald Trump signed an executive order overturning most of Barack Obamas regulations aimed at tackling global warming.

Employees at the departments International Climate and Clean Energy office were told about the move in a meeting with a supervisor, according to the Politico website.

They were reportedly told that the words were causing a visceral reaction with Energy Secretary Rick Perry and White House advisers heading the department on Tuesday - the same day Mr Trump signed his order.

However, officials later claimed that the words have not been banned outright but that they were avoiding all climate-related terms in memos and briefings because of the direction the Trump administration was taking on environmental policy.

Department of Energy spokeswoman Lindsey Geisler told Politico: "No words or phrases have been banned for this office or anyone in the department.

A State Department official also refuted the claim.

"We have definitively not received anything on banned words, not even orally," they said. "But people are doing a lot of reading into tea leaves."

The office has a crucial role in advancing clean technologies to mitigate the impact of climate change, but some have expressed concerns that it could be scrapped as part of Mr Trump's plans.

The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

Reversing Obama-era rules aimed at tackling global warming, his executive order seeks to suspend, rescind or flag for review more than a half-dozen measures in an effort to boost domestic energy production in the form of fossil fuels.

As part of the roll-back, Mr Trump  who has said climate change is a hoax - will initiate a review of the Clean Power Plan, which restricts greenhouse gas emissions at coal-fired power plants.

The regulation, which was his predecessor's signature effort to curb carbon emissions, has been the subject of long-running legal challenges by Republican-led states and those who profit from burning oil, coal and gas.

But environmentalists have denounced Mr Trump's plan.

By turning his back on US climate action, the Trump administration is threatening Americans health and the countrys economic prosperity. This will also diminish the United States standing in the world, said Sam Adams, US director of the World Resources Institute.

Climate change expert and former Yale University academic, Tom Crowther, said it would destroy more jobs than it creates and he called the move as brutal and insane.

A January report from the Energy Department said less than 200,000 people work in coal, oil and natural gas, compared to more than 650,000 in wind, solar and biofuels.

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

Christiana Figueres, former executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change who helped broker the Paris accord, also lamented Mr Trump's executive order.

"Trying to make fossil fuels remain competitive in the face of a booming clean renewable power sector, with the clean air and plentiful jobs it continues to generate, is going against the flow of economics," she said.

Governors, attorneys general and other senior state officials from 19 states, including from California, Colorado, Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, and Washington, have nonetheless reaffirmed their commitments to climate actions following Mr Trump's executive order.
The European Parliament wants the rights of Europeans in Britain and of British citizens in Europe to get top priority in Brexit talks.

European Parliament President Antonio Tajani told journalists Wednesday the parliament's main task is to defend the rights of citizens.

"Not reaching a deal on rights of citizens means not reaching a deal at all."

Members of the European Parliament want citizens rights to be discussed at the beginning, fearing their rights could otherwise be used as bargaining chips during the negotiations.

 Letter Triggers Article 50

Britain delivered a letter to the European Union Wednesday triggering Article 50  the official withdrawal from the European Union. The European Parliament has the right to veto any final deal.

A draft resolution on Brexit by members of the European Parliament will be discussed next week, and already has the support of a large majority. Besides citizen's rights, the draft resolution warns Britain it cannot start bilateral agreements with other countries or member states. The draft also proposes a maximum transitional period of three years, including for the European Court of Justice.

While British Prime Minister Theresa May's letter focuses a lot on security, the draft resolution states " whatever the outcome of negotiations on the future of European-United Kingdom relationship, they cannot involve any trade-off between internal and external security including defense cooperation, on the one hand, and the future economic relationship, on the other hand," said May.


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America could annex Mexican land to build Donald Trump's "big, beautiful wall" on the border, the US Interior Secretary has suggested.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke told a Public lands Council meeting the Trump administration did not want to build the wall on US soil because it would mean ceding the Rio Grande river to Mexico.

The border is complicated, as far as building a physical wall, Mr Zinke said, according to E&E News.

The Rio Grande, what side of the river are you going to put the wall? Were not going to put it on our side and cede the river to Mexico. And were probably not going to put it in the middle of the river.

While the Interior Secretary did not elaborate on how how the wall would get built if not on American land, his comments imply it could be constructed on the Mexican side of the border.

He also suggested the wall may not be as big or impassable as Mr Trump believes is necessary to stop illegal immigration, and said electronic defences may be more appropriate in some areas.

 Trump doesn't say who will pay for Mexico wall, only that it's coming

During the campaign, Mr Trump repeatedly promised Mexico would pay for the wall  a claim the country has disputed.

The President has proposed immediate budget cuts of $18bn (14bn) from programmes like medical research, infrastructure and community grants so US taxpayers, not Mexico, can cover the down-payment on the border wall.

It remains unclear how Mr Trump will pay for the wall, which is described in contracting notices as 30-feet high and easy on the eye for those looking at it from America.

The number of border arrests dropped around 44 per cent from January to February, the lowest monthly tallies since at the least the start of the 2012 budget year, the Department of Homeland Security reported earlier this month.
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China has banned burqas, veils and abnormal beards in a predominantly Muslim province in what it claims is a crackdown on religious extremism.

The measures, which also force people to watch state television, follow decades of ethnic and religious discrimination against Xinjiangs 10 million-strong ethic Uyghur population.

New regulations, to come into force on Saturday, require government workers in airports, railway stations and other public places dissuade women who fully cover their faces and bodies from entering and report them to police.

They also prohibit the abnormal growing of beards and naming of children to exaggerate religious fervour, without giving specifics.

It will be forbidden to reject or refuse radio, television and other public facilities and services, marrying using religious rather than legal procedures and using the name of Halal to meddle in the secular life of others.

Rules published in state-controlled media continue: Parents should use good moral conduct to influence their children, educate them to revere science, pursue culture, uphold ethnic unity and refuse and oppose extremism.

The document also bans not allowing children to attend regular school, not abiding by family planning policies and deliberately damaging legal documents.

Successive bans on select "extremist behaviours" have previously been introduced in in areas of Xinjiang, including stopping people with headscarves, veils and long beards from boarding buses in at least one city.

Human rights attacks around the world Show all 10 1 /10 Human rights attacks around the world Human rights attacks around the world China Escalating crackdown against human rights activists including mass arrests of lawyers and a series of sweeping laws in the name of national security. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Egypt The arrest of thousands, including peaceful critics, in a ruthless crackdown in the name of national security, the prolonged detention of hundreds without charge or trial and the sentencing of hundreds of others to death. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Gambia Torture, enforced disappearances and the criminalisation of LGBTI people; and utter refusal to co-operate with the UN and regional human rights mechanisms on issues including freedom of expression, enforced disappearance and the death penalty. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Hungary Sealing off its borders to thousands of refugees in dire need; and obstructing collective regional attempts to help them. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Israel Maintaining its military blockade of Gaza and therefore collective punishment of the 1.8 million inhabitants there, as well as failing, like Palestine, to comply with a UN call to conduct credible investigations into war crimes committed during the 2014 Gaza conflict. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Kenya Extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances and discrimination against refugees in its counter-terrorism operations; and attempts to undermine the International Criminal Court and its ability to pursue justice. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Pakistan The severe human rights failings of its response to the horrific Peshawar school massacre including its relentless use of the death penalty; and its policy on international NGOs giving authorities the power to monitor them and close them down if they are considered to be against the interests of the country. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Russia Repressive use of vague national security and anti-extremism legislation and its concerted attempts to silence civil society in the country; its shameful refusal to acknowledge civilian killings in Syria and its callous moves to block Security Council action on Syria. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Saudi Arabia Brutally cracking down on those who dared to advocate reform or criticise the authorities; and committing war crimes in the bombing campaign it has led in Yemen (pictured) while obstructing the establishment of a UN-led inquiry into violations by all sides in the conflict. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Syria Killing thousands of civilians in direct and indiscriminate attacks with barrel bombs and other weaponry and through acts of torture in detention; and enforcing lengthy sieges of civilian areas, blocking international aid from reaching starving civilians. Getty Images

The 15 new rules expand an existing list and apply them to the whole province in what the Chinese government claims is a campaign against religious extremism.

Xinjiang, which borders Pakistan and Muslim-majority nations including Kazakhstan, is home to the greatest concentration of Muslims in China because of its significant ethnic Uyghur population.

But restrictions are enforced on the practice of Islam, as well as Chinas four other officially recognised religions, and the new rules threaten further punishment.

Hundreds of people have died in the ongoing conflict between separatists and the Chinese government in the autonomous region, which sits on Chinas far north-western border.

Beijing has blamed the unrest on Islamist militants, though rights groups say the violence is a reaction to repressive Chinese policies and separatists claim the region has been illegally occupied since 1949.

Peaceful protests have taken place alongside bombings and other violent attacks on Chinese security forces and institutions.

A rise in violence has triggered a large increase in security, with President Xi Jinping calling for a "great wall of iron" to safeguard the region during the annual meeting of China's parliament earlier this month.

 Deadly attack on market stalls in China s Xinjiang region

The government strongly denies committing any abuses in Xinjiang and insists the legal, cultural and religious rights of Uyghur, a Turkic ethnic group, are fully protected.

China officially guarantees freedom of religion but authorities have issued a series of measures in recent years to tackle what it sees as a rise in extremism, while expanding its military presence in the region.

The popularity of Islamic veils including the niqab and burqa, which cover the face, has been rising among Uyghurs in recent years, in what experts say is an expression of opposition to Chinese controls.

Human Rights Watchs 2017 world report accused Beijing of increasing restrictions on fundamental human rights and pervasive ethnic and religious discrimination, noting that details of counter-terror operations are scarce.

Travel restrictions increased when passports were recalled last year, with authorities requiring applicants to provide a DNA sample, fingerprints, a voice recording, and a three-dimensional image.

Local authorities have previously banned Muslim civil servants, students, and teachers from fasting and instructed restaurants to stay open during the holy month of Ramadan.

Amnesty International said the move, as well as a crackdown on unauthorised Muslim prayer gatherings, constituted violations of freedom of religion.

Dozens of students and writers have been arrested under a counter-terror law brought in last year and critics of government policy have been jailed.



Additional reporting by Reuters
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North Korea has threatened war with the United States after John McCain branded its leader Kim Jong-un a crazy fat kid.

The US Senator, speaking to MSNBC earlier this month, said: China is the only one that can control Kim Jong-un, this crazy fat kid thats running North Korea. They could stop North Koreas economy in a week.

The 74-year-old claimed Kim was irrational. Were not dealing even with someone like Joseph Stalin, who had a certain rationality to his barbarity, he said.

North Koreas state news agency KCNA released a statement from the Foreign Ministry, which said the remarks had hurt the dignity of the country.

Addressing both Mr McCain and Republican Senator Ted Cruz, who had urged North Korea to be designated a state-sponsor of terrorism, the statement read: What they uttered to dare hurt the dignity of the supreme leadership of the DPRK is just a manifestation of their worst hostility toward the DPRK's ideology and social system and its people and a grave provocation little short of declaration of war against it.

"The service personnel and people of the DPRK are regarding the dignity of their supreme leadership as their life and soul.

"The US must know very well about how they react to any offensive acts against it. As such guys as John McCain and Ted Cruz made a provocation tantamount to declaration of war against the DPRK, the DPRK will take steps to counter it.

"They will have to bitterly experience the disastrous consequences to be entailed by their reckless tongue-lashing and then any regret for it will come too late.

Kim Jong-un: Successor battling a weight problem  he's too thin Show all 2 1 /2 Kim Jong-un: Successor battling a weight problem  he's too thin Kim Jong-un: Successor battling a weight problem  he's too thin Pg-8-KimJong6-ap.jpg AP Kim Jong-un: Successor battling a weight problem  he's too thin Kim-Jong-un-afp.jpg AFP

"They will have to be entirely responsible for their foolhardy tongue-lashing."

The statement ended with a warning that North Korea will fulfil its sacred mission of dealing a merciless sledge-hammer blow at those daring hurt the dignity of the supreme leadership.

Mr McCain ridiculed the response, tweeting: What, did they want me to call him a crazy skinny kid?

Kims weight appears to be a touchy subject in the secretive state. In November North Korean officials reportedly asked the Chinese government to ban social media users from calling its Supreme Leader fatty.

Chinese web users have been known to call him Kim Fatty the Third ever since he was rumoured to have put on weight.
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Chinese state media has called President Trump "selfish" over his plan to abolish environmental regulations enacted by the Obama administration. The Global Times, a state-run tabloid, criticised the commander-in-chief on Thursday for his plan to revamp the US coal industry.

China is the largest emitter of greenhouse gasses in the world with the US in second. But unlike the Trump administration, Chinese leaders vocally support the scientific consensus that climate change is a global threat that needs significant attention.

Western opinion should continue to pressure the Trump administration on climate change. Washingtons political selfishness must be discouraged, the new editorial reads.

China will remain the worlds biggest developing country for a long time. How can it be expected to sacrifice its own development space for those developed western powerhouses?

The editorial continued: Washington is supposed to take the lead in the global fight against climate change but the Trump administration could be the first to ditch the agreement, which is disappointing.

Climate change protests around the world Show all 25 1 /25 Climate change protests around the world Climate change protests around the world People rally to promote climate protection in Rome, Italy Climate change protests around the world Hundreds of demonstrators gather in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA Climate change protests around the world People hold hands to form a human chain during a gathering called by ecologist organisations in Marseille, southern France, to protest against global warming a day ahead of the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP21) held in Paris Climate change protests around the world Demonstrators clash with French riot police during protests on Place de la Republique, ahead of the COP21 World Climate Change Conference 2015 in Paris, France Climate change protests around the world Demonstrators clash with French riot police during a protest on Place de la Republique ahead of the COP21 World Climate Change Conference 2015 in Paris, France Climate change protests around the world A group of people perform during a rally to promote climate protection in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Climate change protests around the world A protester sits next to his sign that reads 'Monsanto the Devil Incorporated ' as he joined hundreds of demonstrators who gathered in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA Climate change protests around the world Environmentalists dance during a protest near the Place de la Republique after the cancellation of a planned climate march following shootings in the French capital, ahead of the World Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21), in Paris, France Reuters Climate change protests around the world People protest next to characters dressed as wild animals during a march against climate change near the Monument to the Revolution, in Mexico City AP Climate change protests around the world Protesters carries a banner while they take part in a protest about climate change at New York City Hall steps in lower Manhattan, New York Reuters Climate change protests around the world People take part in a protest about climate change around New York City Hall at lower Manhattan, New York Reuters Climate change protests around the world People rally to promote climate protection in Piazza Castello, Turin, Italy Climate change protests around the world A woman holds a globe during a protest for the global climate day in Lugano, Switzerland Climate change protests around the world Yemenis hold banners as they participate in the Global March for Climate in the old city of Sanaia, Yemen Climate change protests around the world Protesters dressed as Santa Claus take part in a protest about climate change at New York City Hall steps in lower Manhattan, New York Reuters Climate change protests around the world People gather at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, during the Global Climate March to demand action on climate change telling world leaders on the eve of a crunch UN summit that there is "no planet B". From Sydney to London, humid Rio to chilly New York, at least 683,000 hit the streets in 2,300 events across 175 countries at the weekend, co-organiser and campaign group Avaaz said, calling it the largest number of people to protest over climate change all at once Getty Images Climate change protests around the world Climate change protests around the world Demonstrators participate in the Global March for Climate in Athens, Greece Climate change protests around the world A man wearing a Bernie Sanders mask leads hundreds of demonstrators who marched near City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA Climate change protests around the world Patricia Hauser joined hundreds of demonstrators who gathered in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, California Climate change protests around the world A woman holds a poster of a sick Earth as she joined hundreds of demonstrators who gathered in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA Climate change protests around the world Hundreds of demonstrators march around City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA Climate change protests around the world A demonstrator holds cut-out of US Democratic Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders as she joined hundreds of demonstrators who gathered in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA Climate change protests around the world George Patten holds a sign that reads 'No Fracking Ever!' as he joined hundreds of demonstrators who gathered in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA Climate change protests around the world Gabrielle Sosa wears 'Rising Sea Levels' sign as she joined hundreds of demonstrators who gathered in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA

In the past, President Trump has threatened to pull out of the Paris climate agreement, pitting himself against Chinas President Xi Jinping who has urged the White House to uphold the landmark deal.

China is not the kind of leader in terms of climate change that will pull other countries along, Lauri Myllyvirta, a senior Greenpeace campaigner in Beijing, told the Guardian.

The Chinese government will only commit to targets it is very comfortable delivering and it needs to work with other major countries. China wont strike out on its own.
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A doctor who allegedly cut off a boys penis during his circumcision, has been accused of causing serious body harm by negligence.

Swiss prosecutor Judith Levy Owczarczak accused the medic of trying to cover up the 2014 incident, which took place at his surgery.

Instead of sending the four-year-old boy straight to hospital, she said he spent four hours running around Geneva trying to find a catheter according to La Tribune de Geneve newspaper.

But defence, lawyer Charles Joye said the 50-year-old Italian national with more than 2,500 circumcisions to his name, had immediately told the family to take the boy to Geneva University Hospital.

The incident occurred when the boy's family, who are of Algerian descent, began taking pictures of the procedure, which is common in his culture, Mr Joye said.

As the doctor prepared to slice the boys foreskin, he moved for the photograph, causing the doctor to slice off his penis, he said . He then tried to reattach the penis but did not have a proper catheter.

Mr Joye said the family taking photos caused the unforeseeable act and it was not the doctors fault.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

The boys penis has now been reattached but he had undergo four operations and spend a month in hospital.

"The shape of his penis is satisfactory even if it is a bit dented, but there is a loss of substance in the glands," another doctor told the court, adding that the boy may need another operation when he turns 18.
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Ireland must loosen its strict abortion laws and replace them with a regime more respectful to women's rights, the Council of Europe's human rights commissioner has said.

Rules on terminating a pregnancy in once stridently Catholic Ireland are among the world's most restrictive and a referendum on widening access could be held if a citizens' assembly set up by government recommends it in a decision expected next month.

At present, terminations are allowed only if a mother's life is in danger, after a total ban was lifted in 2013, a provision Commissioner Nils Muiznieks said still has a "chilling" effect on doctors who must decide who meets restrictive requirements.

The Council, not part of the European Union, is a pan-European body concerned primarily with the region's human rights.

 MPs vote to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales

"It's an unjust regime because it doesn't actually affect the number of abortions. If a woman has means to travel, she will do so, so that leave poorer women to fend for themselves in Ireland," Mr Muiznieks told Reuters in a telephone interview.

This deepens social inequalities and often leads to traumatic, clandestine procedures, Mr Muiznieks said in a Council of Europe report covering a range of human rights issues in Ireland.

"Culturally, politically, socially, Ireland has changed significantly and I think that is not reflected in the current regime," he said.

Mr Muiznieks joined the United Nations Human Rights Committee in recommending that at a very minimum, the Irish government should decriminalise abortion and widen the law to allow for abortion in cases of fatal fetal abnormality, rape or incest.

In a letter responding to the recommendations, Ireland's government said the current laws do not prevent a doctor communicating in a normal way with regards to a patient's care.

The report was also critical of the government's handling of past abuses of women and children at Church-run institutions, saying enquiries into different cases had been inconsistent and redress proposed to victims inadequate.

Thousands march in Dublin for Irish abortion rights Show all 5 1 /5 Thousands march in Dublin for Irish abortion rights Thousands march in Dublin for Irish abortion rights REUTERS Thousands march in Dublin for Irish abortion rights REUTERS Thousands march in Dublin for Irish abortion rights REUTERS Thousands march in Dublin for Irish abortion rights REUTERS Thousands march in Dublin for Irish abortion rights REUTERS

The comments came after Ireland said it may widen an inquiry into so-called "mother-and-baby homes" -- one of three areas where shortcomings were identified in the report -- after the remains of babies ranging from new-born to three-years-old were found in the sewers of one such home this month.

While the Catholic Church ran many of Ireland's social services in the 20th century, they did so with state funding and the report expressed concern that in most cases, the state's accountability "has not been fully accepted, if at all"

The government's response did not specifically mention "mother-and-baby homes" but it said authorities will give the recommendations careful attention.

"The approach of the government heretofore has been quite ad-hoc. The people have waited a long time, if you're going to do it, do it right. These are quite serious human rights violations we're talking about," Muiznieks said.

"The government cannot wash its hands of the human rights violations that took place. It's quite uncomfortable to have this mirror in front of you but the only way to move on is to provide justice."

Reuters
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Offering paid menstrual leave to women in Italy risks making workplace inequality worse, critics of a new law being discussed by the Italian Parliament have said.

The law, which grants women who experience painful periods three extra days off work each month, was presented this month and if passed will make Italy the first Western country with an official menstrual leave policy.

But while the proposal is being celebrated by many as a progressive step that recognises the need for workplace flexibility, others have warned that it may contribute to discrimination against women by employers.

It has been shown that women who suffer severe pain during their period are much less productive in these days, said Simonetta Rubinato, a politician who put the law forward with three other female lawmakers.

Recognising their right to be absent from work during that time means they will be much more productive when they return.

Italys labour laws include five months of mandatory paid maternity leave at 80 per cent of a mothers salary, followed by an extra six months of optional parental leave, which both men and women can take.

However, maternity discrimination remains widespread, with some employers forcing their workers to sign a resignation letter in advance, leaving the date to be filled in by the boss, according to Vice News.

There are rules designed to limit this controversial practice, however some fear menstrual leave would increase other forms of workplace discrimination including hiring practices.

Women at work around the world Show all 25 1 /25 Women at work around the world Women at work around the world Coventry, United Kingdom Cilene Connolly, 32, a Royal Mail postwoman, poses for a portrait during her postal round. "Fortunately, I haven't been faced with gender inequalities in my role as a postwoman," Connolly said. "I've had a great response from my customers for being a female delivering their post, women in particular are always pleasantly surprised to see a female face." Reuters Women at work around the world Los Angeles, California Tara McCannel, 44, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the Ophthalmic Oncology Center at the UCLA Stein Eye Institute of the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). "Knowledge, in abilities, in how the clinical practices go, in appearance," McCannel said."Women just can't be themselves or just think: 'Oh I'm just going to do my work,' and focus on the job. There are these other things that need to be considered because it's not completely equal even though things are getting better. Reuters Women at work around the world Almaty, Kazakhstan Julia Argunova, 36, a mountaineering instructor, poses at 3,200 meters (10,499 feet) above sea level in the Tien Shan mountains. "Physical strength benefits male colleagues in some situations on harder routes. But, women are more concentrated and meticulous. In general, women are better at teaching. My main professional task is to teach safe mountaineering." Reuters Women at work around the world Moscow, Russia Pilot Maria Uvarovskaya poses for a photograph in the A320 flight simulator at the Aeroflot training centre at Sheremetyevo airport. "Much more can be done by the women themselves to solve such problems (gender inequality)," said Uvarovskaya. Reuters Women at work around the world Santiago, Chile Claudia Concha Parraguez, 45, a pole dancing instructor, poses for a photograph in a gym. "Some students with low self-esteem smile more and feel beautiful after training. But because of the poor mentality of their husbands, who do not see this activity as a sport and associate it with something sexual, they stop attending classes," Parraguez said. Reuters Women at work around the world Seoul, South Korea Jeung Un, 27, a freelance photographer, poses for a portrait at a site which protesters have occupied. "Most news outlets prefer to employ male photographers. I feel strongly about gender inequality. When I cover violent scenes, sometimes I am harassed and hear sexually-biased remarks," Reuters Women at work around the world Nice, France Merylee, 26, a soldier does her rounds on the sea-front. The parity in the army already exists, it is the uniform that takes precedence over gender," Merylee said. Reuters Women at work around the world Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Lina Maria da Silva, 62, a babysitter, poses for a photograph with the children she takes care of at her home in the Cantagalo slum. "I've never suffered mistreatment at work. I have always felt a lot of affection from the families I have worked with," Silva said. Reuters Women at work around the world Nairobi, Kenya Christine Akoth, 38, a metal painter: "I have experienced gender bias at my work where sometimes I'm denied contracts because of who I am and maybe my marital status. Some female colleagues have been treated unfairly because of their sex and even exploited," Reuters Women at work around the world London, United Kingdom Dr Catherine Reynolds, 37, a scientific researcher at Imperial College: "Women are very well represented at junior levels in Biological Sciences research. At a senior level it is still true that there are fewer female professors in science, but the gap is slowly closing," Reynolds said. "More policies that promote flexible working and that support staff in taking career breaks (both men and women) are an essential way in which it is possible for employees, especially those with young families, to realise their full potential in the workplace." Reuters Women at work around the world Amman, Jordan Khawla Sheikh, 54, a plumber and a certified trainer, poses at her home's basement, where she gives plumbing training courses to other women. "Housewives are more comfortable to have a woman plumber in their house in the absence of their husbands," said Sheikh. "To tackle gender inequality, I think that all operating sectors must provide equal opportunities for men and women in all fields and each woman must believe in her capabilities and skills that she has in order to convince the others." Reuters Women at work around the world West London, United Kingdom Sarah Hunter, 31, England women's rugby captain and RFU University Rugby Development Officer for the South West, poses for a photograph at The Stoop rugby ground. "I think that if weire the right person for the right job in the workplace then so be it and the same for men," Hunter said. "Iive worked for the RFU, and being what is deemed as a male sport perhaps in the past, I was welcomed into that environment and I personally havenit experienced gender inequality in the workplace, so I think that Iive been very fortunate in the career that Iive had and in the jobs that Iive had that Iive been seen for the person that I am and not for the gender that I am." Reuters Women at work around the world Agusan del Sur, Philippines Filipina Grace Ocol, 40, is a backhoe operator. Ocol, a mother of three, said, "There are a few female workers that can drive big trucks and backhoe. If men can do it, why can't women do it? I'm better than the men, they can only drive trucks here but I can drive both." Reuters Women at work around the world Hasaka, Syria Laila Sterk, 22, is a Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) female fighter: "Before becoming a fighter, I was suffering from inequality in society. But after joining the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), I didn't encounter that anymore," said Sterk. "This is due to the fact that when men want to join the SDF they attend educational courses about women fighting alongside them. Therefore the woman fighter leads the military campaigns just like any man." Reuters Women at work around the world Andernos, France Valerie Perron, 53, an oyster farmer, poses for a photograph on her boat. "It must not be forgotten that it is women, moms, who raise the boys. It is therefore up to us to change the mentalities by raising the boys at their youngest age, in a spirit of parity and equality with the woman. We must change the mentalities of early childhood education. A boy can play with dolls and a little girl with small cars," Perron said. Reuters Women at work around the world Kathmandu, Nepal Januka Shrestha, 25, a Tuk Tuk driver, poses for a picture. There is no difference in a vehicle driven by a woman and man. While driving on the road people sometimes try to dominate a vehicle especially when they see a woman driving it. People have even used foul language toward me. When this happens I keep quiet and work even harder to prove that we are as capable as men," Shrestha said. Reuters Women at work around the world Hanoi, Vietnam Phung Thi Hai, 54, carries bricks at a factory. Hai is among a group of 25 women working at a brick factory where she has to move 3,000 bricks a day to the kiln. "How unfair that a 54-year-old woman like me has to work and take care of the whole family. With the same work male labourers can get a better income. Not only me, all women in the village work very hard with no education, no insurance and no future," Hai said. Reuters Women at work around the world Mexico City, Mexico Jauna Diaz, 43, a street sweeper, poses for a photograph as she woks on the street. "In my previous job my boss gave preference to male colleagues and women always were paid later. Thats why I changed jobs," Diaz said. "To tackle gender inequality I think there needs to be more communication and information about women's rights in the work place." Reuters Women at work around the world Istanbul, Turkey Serpil Cigdem, 44, an engine driver, poses for a photograph at Yenikapi station. "When I applied for a job 23 years ago as an engine driver, I was told that it is a profession for men. I knew that during the written examination even if I got the same results with a male candidate, he would have been chosen. Thatis why I worked hard to pass the exam with a very good result ahead of the male candidates. In my opinion, gender inequality starts in our minds saying itis a male profession or itis a men job," said Cigdem. Reuters Women at work around the world Beijing, China Deng Qiyan, 47, a mother of three and a decoration worker at contraction sites, poses for a photograph at an apartment building under construction. "Sometimes (gender inequality) happens. But we cannot do anything about that. After all, you have to digest all those unhappy things and carry on," Qiyan said. Reuters Women at work around the world Lima, Peru Rocio Larranaga, 53, a surfer and surf instructor, poses for a photograph at Redondo beach. "I am the first woman to represent my country in national and international competitions since 1977," said Larranaga. "In 1995 I became a surf teacher. Lots of women surf and they are very good at it. I hope that in the future women have the same quota as men in professional competitions." Reuters Women at work around the world Tunis, Tunisia Chrifa Nimri, 69, a fisherwoman, arranges a net after returning from fishing at the seaport Sidi Bou Said. "At the beginning of my fishing career all the world told me that the trade was for men but now all my colleagues respect and call me captain," Chrifa said. Reuters Women at work around the world La Paz, Bolivia Elizabeth Mamani, 36, a reporter at Radio Union, poses inside Bolivia's national congress building. "When I started in this job, I did feel discrimination (from officials who controlled the access of members of the press to events). To counter discrimination in this profession, we as women, must excel, we must prepare ourselves in every field," Mamani said Reuters Women at work around the world Karachi, Pakistan Mehwish Ekhlaque, 26, a bike rider and trainer, poses for a photograph with her bike. "When I planned a Pakistan Bike Tour many of my male colleagues gave me a piece of advice not to do it as it's neither safe nor easy for a woman. But I did it," Ekhlaque said. Reuters Women at work around the world Tokyo, Japan Shinto priest Tomoe Ichino, 40, poses for a photograph at the Imado Shrine. In general, people think being a Shinto priest is a man's profession. If you're a woman, they think you're a shrine maiden, or a supplementary priestess. People don't know women Shinto priests exist, so they think we can't perform rituals. Once, after I finished performing jiichinsai (ground-breaking ceremony), I was asked, 'So, when is the priest coming?'," Ichino said. "When I first began working as a Shinto priest, because I was young and female, some people felt the blessing was different. They thought: 'I would have preferred your grandfather.' At first, I wore my grandfather's light green garment because I thought it's better to look like a man. But after a while I decided to be proud of the fact that I am a female priest and I began wearing a pink robe, like today. I thought I can be more confident if I stop thinking too much (about my gender)." Reuters

Employers could become even more oriented to hire men rather than women, Lorenza Pleuteri wrote in womens magazine Donna Moderna.

The employment rate of Italian women is 61 per cent, according to the Washington Post  well below the EU average of 72 per cent.

According to a report by ISTAT, Italy's national bureau of statistics, almost one-fourth of pregnant workers are fired during or right after their pregnancies  even though doing so is illegal.

Japan, South Korea and Indonesia are among the countries that offer some form of menstrual leave, with Taiwan offering women three days off a year if they suffer from cramps.

Last March, Bristol-based social enterprise Coexist introduced a period policy for its largely female workforce, allowing them to take days off if they are in pain.

Many companies are male-dominated and encourage long hours but there is a misconception that taking time off makes a business unproductive, said Coexits director Bex Baxter at the time.

 All-female crew on easyJet flight for International Women's Day

This is not about employees taking more time off but working more flexibly and efficiently around their menstrual cycle and encouraging a work-life balance.

While the organisation, which runs a community arts centre, said it aimed to break the last great taboo of women having to take sick leave during their periods, its new policy received a mixed reaction when it was announced.

Some said the idea encouraged equality by accommodating workers biological needs, while others said the idea could reinforce stigma towards menstruation or even contribute to discrimination against women on the career ladder.
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Sexist or discriminatory adverts have been banned from the French capital to stop degrading representations of men and women, homophobia and racism.

The Council of Paris has approved new measures requiring advertisers paying for space on billboards and posters around the city to ensure that no advertising of a sexist or discriminatory nature can be spread on the municipal display network.

Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, praised similar work already undertaken in Geneva and London, where Sadiq Khan has ordered transport authorities to prevent body-shaming posters being put up.

Recommended France gets tough with sexual harassment on its public transport

Paris is leading the way in deciding to use all means at its disposal to prevent the dissemination, promotion and validation of degrading images, she added.

Ms Hidalgo said the measure aimed to help combat gender stereotypes and violence against women.

The consequences of these degrading representations have an important impact on women, especially young women, said deputy mayor Helene Bidard, expressing hope that the ban in Paris would spread through France to fight everyday sexism.

The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Show all 12 1 /12 The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Anne Hathaway The 32-year-old actress said she has already experiences job rejections because of her age. Now I'm in my early thirties and I'm like, 'Why did that 24-year-old get that part? I was that 24-year-old once. I can't be upset about it, it's the way things are, she told Glamour. EPA The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Helen Mirren On news that Maggie Gyllenhaal had been turned down for being too old, aged 37, to play a 55-year-old mans partner: Its f***ing outrageous. Its ridiculous. Honestly, its so annoying. And twas ever thus. We all watched James Bond as he got more and more geriatric, and his girlfriends got younger and younger. Its so annoying. Getty The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Maggie Gyllenhaal Gyllenhaal revealed she was told by a Hollywood producer that she was too old, aged 37, to play the love interest of a 55-year-old man. It was astonishing to me. It made me feel bad, and then it made feel angry, and then it made me laugh, she said at the time. Getty Images The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Meryl Streep Meryl Streep has helped fund an all-female screenwriters group called The Writers Lab to encourage more women to pen Hollywood scripts. She previously told Vogue in 2011: Once women pass childbearing age they could only be seen as grotesque on some level. Getty The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Emma Thompson The actress said she thought Hollywood is still completely s*** when it comes to treating women equally to men. When I was younger, I really did think we were on our way to a better world. And when I look at it now, it is in a worse state than I have known it, particularly for women, and I find that very disturbing and sad. EPA The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Elizabeth Banks Banks said she was driven from acting to directing due to the lack of roles for older women in Hollywood. "[Industry sexism] drove me to direct for sure. I definitely was feeling that I was unfulfilled and a little bit bored by the things that were coming across my desk. I mean look at Gwyneth Paltrow who has her Oscar [for Shakespeare in Love] and played fifth banana to Iron Man, she told Deadline. PA The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Viola Davis I had never seen a 49-year-old, dark-skinned woman who is not a size 2 be a sexualised role in TV or film. I'm a sexual woman, but nothing in my career has ever identified me as a sexualised woman. I was the prototype of the mommified role, she told The Hollywood Reporter. Getty The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Liv Tyler The Lord of the Rings actress said she only get cast in roles where she is treated as a second class citizen at the age of 38. When youre in your teens or twenties, there is an abundance of ingenue parts which are exciting to play. But at [my age], youre usually the wife or the girlfriend - a sort of second-class citizen. There are more interesting roles for women when they get a bit older, she told More magazine. Getty Images The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Cate Blanchett The actress famously called out sexism on the red carpet at the 2014 Screen Actors Guild Awards. When a camera operator scanned her up and down, she said: Do you do this to the guys? In her Oscar acceptance speech for Blue Jasmine, she reminded the film industry that movies with leading women can still be successful. And thank you to... those of us in the industry who are still foolishly clinging to the idea that female films, with women at the centre, are niche experiences. They are not -- audiences want to see them and, in fact, they earn money. The world is round, people. Gareth Cattermole/Getty The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Ellen Page Asked if she had ever encountered sexism in Hollywood, Page told The Guardian: Oh my God, yeah! It's constant! It's how you're treated, it's how you're looked at, how you're expected to look in a photoshoot, it's how you're expected to shut up and not have an opinion, it's how you... If you're a girl and you don't fit the very specific vision of what a girl should be, which is always from a man's perspective, then you're a little bit at a loss. Getty Images The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Zoe Saldana The actress says she refuses roles where she has to play the generic girlfriend, wife or sexy bombshell. "It's very hard being a woman in a man's world, and I recognised it was a man's world even when I was a kid. It's an inequality and injustice that drove me crazy, and which I always spoke out against  and I've always been outspoken, she told Manhattan magazine. Getty The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Charlize Theron The actress spoke to ELLE about negotiating equal pay for the Snow White and the Huntsman sequel: "This is a good time for us to bring this to a place of fairness, and girls need to know that being a feminist is a good thing. It doesn't mean that you hate men. It means equal rights. If you're doing the same job, you should be compensated and treated in the same way." Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

Rules to be enforced by JC Decaux, the company that manages Paris billboards, will prohibit sexist, lesbophobic and/or homophobic stereotypes, as well as degrading, dehumanising and vexatious representations of women and men, said a summary issued by the mayors office.

Publicity including any form of discrimination based on ethnic origin, national origin, religion, sex or age or that undermines human dignity will also be banned.

The restrictions were voted in on Tuesday, just weeks after the French fashion house Yves Saint Laurent was ordered to modify two degrading adverts by Frances advertising watchdog.

One poster featured a reclining woman in a fur coat and fishnet tights, with her legs spread wide, and the other showed a model in a leotard and stilettos bending over a stool.

The adverts had caused uproar on social media, where critics said the fact the models were very thin could have a damaging impact on teenage girls.

Britain's Advertising Standards Authority previously banned a Saint Laurent ad in 2015 that featured a very thin model whose ribcage was showing.


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A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to death by Iranian authorities for insulting Islam through messages he sent on an instant messenger app.

Human rights lawyers claim that Sina Dehghan, who was just 19 when he sent the messages, was tricked into signing his own death warrant after being persuaded to confess to the breach of Islamic law with the promise of release if he did so.

But after obtaining a confession, prosecutors dropped the agreement and sentenced Dehghan to death in January this year, according to the Centre for Human Rights in Iran.

Family leads outcry at blasphemy death penalty Show all 2 1 /2 Family leads outcry at blasphemy death penalty Family leads outcry at blasphemy death penalty 496531.bin REUTERS Family leads outcry at blasphemy death penalty 496532.bin REUTERS

The content of the messages, said to have been sent using the Line app, is unknown.

A source told CHRI: During his interrogation, Sina was told that if he signed a confession and repented, he would be pardoned and let go.

Recommended Half of Leave voters want to bring back the death penalty after Brexit

Unfortunately, he made a childish decision and accepted the charges. Then they sentenced him to death.

His family was allegedly told if they kept quiet about the charges, he was more likely to go free.

Prosecutors asked that Dehghan be sentenced to death for insulting the prophet' as well as to 16 months in prison for 'insulting the supreme leader'.

The sentence has now been upheld by the countrys Supreme Court, according to the CHRI, although a request for a judicial review has given his family hope that his life could still be spared.

His mother said in a video interview obtained by CHRI: According to Sina's lawyer, steps have been taken for a judicial review, and with the good news we're hearing from him, God willing this case will come to end positively as soon as possible.

Co-defendants Sahar Eliasi and Mohammad Nouri were also convicted of posting anti-Islamic material on social media.

Nouri was issued a death sentence, but it is unknown if the Supreme Court has given its final ruling.

Eliasi had his seven-year prison sentence reduced to three on appeal.

Dehghan was undertaking compulsory military service at the time of his arrest in 2015 and had just four days left to serve.

Japanese-based Line has since added end-to-end encryption to its messages, although it is not known how they came to be seen by the authorities.

They took him to his home and searched it while he repeatedly expressed regret and repentance, the unnamed source told CHRI.

The source added that Dehghan is struggling to cope with the incarceration in Arak Prison.

Sina is not feeling well. Hes depressed and cried constantly. Hes being held in a ward with drug convicts and murderers who broke his jaw a while ago.

He was a 19-year-old boy at the time (of his arrest) and had never done anything wrong in his life.

Iran is believed to execute more people per capita than any other country. According to Amnesty International, there were 289 state executions carried out in Iran in 2014, the majority of which (up to 74 per cent) were for drugs-related offences.

The number of executions in the Islamic fundamentalist country is reported to be on the rise and according to the UN, at least 966 people were put to death in the country in 2015.

Iran has attracted widespread condemnation for carrying out executions of minors, despite having signed the UN convention on the rights of the child.

The usual method of execution is hanging, although the country has been heavily criticised for its occasional practice of stoning women to death, usually for adultery. According to Amnesty, public executions still occasionally take place, despite being banned in the country in 2008.

According to Iran's Islamic penal code, insulting the prophet is punishable by death, although a clause states if the accused states the insults were the result of a mistake or were made in anger, the sentence can be reduced to 74 lashings of the whip.

Human Rights organisation Article 19 said of Dunham: He is now on death row, yet the imminence of the execution of Sina is an affront both to international standards and Irans own criminal code.

It is also clear that Sina was only given access to a court-appointed lawyer, who failed to adequately defend him in trial.

It added that the death penalty imposed on Dehghan and others illustrate how individuals are at the mercy of a system where forced confessions, false promises, and threats to family members undermine not only national judicial processes, but the international standards Iran has signed up to.

Iranian authorities have an opportunity to act to stop the execution, and to take visible steps to implement their own codes of practice. We ask simply that a review of the case be undertaken immediately and the death penalty dropped.
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Israel has approved the construction of the first new settlement in two decades, even as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu negotiates with Washington about a possible curb on settlement activity.

Mr Netanyahu said the decision passed unanimously to replace Amona, honouring a promise he made after it was destroyed earlier this year.

He said the new settlement will be built near Emek Shiloh, close to the Palestinian city of Ramallah in the West Bank.

 Barack Obama uses final interview as President to slam Israeli policy on settlements

For the past two decades, the international community has backed a two-state solution to the conflict, where a Palestinian state would be established alongside Israel in territory it captured in the 1967 war.

The international community mostly views settlements in that territory illegal and an obstacle to peace.

Israel says settlements along with other issues like security should be resolved in peace talks.

"Today's announcement once again proves that Israel is more committed to appeasing its illegal settler population than to abiding by the requirements for stability and a just peace," said Hanan Ashrawi, an executive committee member of the Palestine Liberation Organization.

There was no immediate reaction from US President Donald Trump's administration, which is in discussions with Israel on limiting the construction of settlements on land Palestinians seek for a state.

Israel cites biblical, historical and political links to the land, as well as security interests, to defend its actions.

The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Show all 10 1 /10 The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Medics evacuate a wounded man from the scene of an attack in Jerusalem. A Palestinian rammed a vehicle into a bus stop then got out and started stabbing people before he was shot dead AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Israeli ZAKA emergency response members carry the body of an Israeli at the scene of a shooting attack in Jerusalem. A pair of Palestinian men boarded a bus in Jerusalem and began shooting and stabbing passengers, while another assailant rammed a car into a bus station before stabbing bystanders, in near-simultaneous attacks that escalated a month long wave of violence AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Getty Images The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Palestinians throw molotov cocktail during clashes with Israeli troops near Ramallah, West Bank. Recent days have seen a series of stabbing attacks in Israel and the West Bank that have wounded several Israelis AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Women cry during the funeral of Palestinian teenager Ahmad Sharaka, 13, who was shot dead by Israeli forces during clashes at a checkpoint near Ramallah, at the family house in the Palestinian West Bank refugee camp of Jalazoun, Ramallah AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies A wounded Palestinian boy and his father hold hands at a hospital after their house was brought down by an Israeli air strike in Gaza Reuters The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Palestinians look on after a protester is shot by Israelis soldiers during clashes at the Howara checkpoint near the West Bank city of Nablus EPA The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies A lawyer wearing his official robes kicks a tear gas canister back toward Israeli soldiers during a demonstration by scores of Palestinian lawyers called for by the Palestinian Bar Association in solidarity with protesters at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City, near Ramallah, West Bank AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Undercover Israeli soldiers detain a Palestinian in Ramallah Reuters The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Palestinian youth burn tyres during clashes with Israeli soldiers close to the Jewish settlement of Bet El, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, after Israel barred Palestinians from Jerusalem's Old City as tensions mounted following attacks that killed two Israelis and wounded a child

Mr Netanyahu first promised the new settlement at Emek Shilo in February, shortly before dozens of Israeli families were evicted from Amona.

Their houses were razed after Israel's Supreme Court said they were built illegally on privately owned Palestinian land.

Establishing a new settlement may be a way for Mr Netanyahu to appease far-right members of his coalition government who are likely to object to any concessions to US demands for restraints on building.

Mr Trump, who had been widely seen in Israel as sympathetic towards settlements, appeared to surprise Mr Netanyahu during a White House visit last month when he urged him to "hold back on settlements for a little bit".

The two then agreed that their aides would try to work out a compromise on how much Israel can build and where.

A new settlement would be the first built in the West Bank since 1999.

About 400,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank which is also home to 2.8 million Palestinians. Another 200,000 Israelis live in East Jerusalem.

Palestinians want the West Bank and East Jerusalem for their own state, along with the Gaza Strip.
"Among those affected by the Order are academics and students who are unable to participate in conferences and the free communication of ideas," she said in an online statement.

"The order institutionalizes racism and fosters an environment in which people racialized as Muslim are vulnerable to ongoing and intensifying acts of violence and hatred," said Nadine El-Enany, a law professor at the University of London's Birkbeck School of Law, who organized the boycott.

The academics are protesting U.S. President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily barring travelers from six majority-Muslim countries: Iran, Somalia, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen.

Thousands of university professors worldwide have signed an online petition calling for an academic boycott of international conferences in the United States.

The travel order bars new visas for 90 days to people from the six countries. However, hours before it was set to take effect a federal court in Hawaii temporarily blocked the ban, saying there was "significant and unrebutted evidence of religious animus."

Following the initial ban, announced in January, academics from around the world debated online and in think pieces.

Meanwhile, a petition signed in January by some 31,000 U.S. academics called the executive travel order "discriminatory," adding that it "significantly damages American leadership in higher education and research."

"The United States is a democratic nation, and ethnic and religious profiling are in stark contrast to the values and principles we hold," the petition said.

Many non-U.S. academics expressed concern about attending conferences where their international colleagues were banned because of their nation of origin.

Earlier this month, an African trade summit hosted by the University of Southern California made news after none of its African guests were able to attend due to problems obtaining visas.

Conrad Brunstrom, an English professor at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, says the point of the boycott is not about influencing U.S. policy, but to "influence the apolitical, to ensure that the downright un-American and unconstitutional [in spirit if not in letter] attempt to impose what is, in effect, a 'religious test' on entry to the USA is not normalized."

"This petition will result in canceled speakers, canceled panels and canceled conferences. Hotels will lose business. And following the boycott of unpopular people [like academics] may come other boycotts of less despised visitors," Brunstrom wrote in a blog post.

"There may be cultural and sporting boycotts. The ability of the USA to host international events of any stature may be compromised. As a consequence, growing numbers of people may start to ask questions about what has happened to their country."
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People trapped in the Old City of Mosul are dying of hunger because they have not received any food for almost three weeks according to a resident.

In an exclusive interview with The Independent, Karim, a 28-year-old taxi driver who lives in the ancient centre of Mosul, says that many people, including several he knows, one of them a friend, have already died of malnutrition.

Some areas of the Old City have not had any food delivered for 20 days and most people have spent all their savings, says Karim. He adds that during this period there has been no water and no electricity and nobody can leave the area because Isis shoots them if they try to do so. We cannot get out of our houses, he says, it is not safe at all.

Karims account, given over a weak mobile telephone link to east Mosul, throws light on what is happening in the Old City, a warren of narrow alleyways and ancient houses which is crammed with people and still largely controlled by Isis. Aid agencies estimate that there are 400,000 people living here and a further 200,000 on the outer periphery whose status in terms of food and safety has hitherto been unknown. People are unable to escape to areas already captured by Iraqi government forces and join the tens of thousands fleeing south away from the fighting. These board blue and white buses that take them to camps at Hamam Alil where they are vetted to detect Isis members, fed, receive medical attention and housed in tents.

Karim gives a vivid picture of the confusion and terror in Old City, with its narrow alleyways where no vehicle can go, makes it ideal terrain for Isiss style of urban guerrilla warfare. Isis squads of half a dozen or more fighters, including highly experienced snipers and bomb makers, slip from house to house through holes in the walls. Surprisingly, Karim says there are not many Isis fighters in the southern part of the Old City, but the army has not yet entered the area.

Though Karim is still in an Isis-held neighbourhood, the Iraqi security forces or the Hashd al-Shaabi, the Shia paramilitary militia, are not far away. He says that yesterday, I heard some Shia songs. When we hear such songs, we realize that the Hashd or the Army are close to the area. The Hashd usually raises the volume of their songs which can be heard clearly at night.

In pictures: Mosul offensive Show all 40 1 /40 In pictures: Mosul offensive In pictures: Mosul offensive A doctor carries an Iraqi newborn baby at a hospital in Mosul, Iraq July 18, 2017. Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi girls play at a yard of a school in Mosul, Iraq July 18, 2017alal Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive A woman on crutches who is a relative of men accused of being Islamic State militants is seen at a camp in Bartella, east of Mosul, Iraq July 15, 2017. Picture taken July 15, 2017. Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive A displaced girl, who fled from home carries a doll at Hamam al-Alil camp south of Mosul, Iraq July 13, 2017. Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi federal police members and civilians celebrate in the Old City of Mosul on 9 July 2017 after the government's announcement of the "liberation" of the embattled city. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's office said he was in "liberated" Mosul to congratulate "the heroic fighters and the Iraqi people on the achievement of the major victory" AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive A picture taken on 9 July 2017, shows a general view of the destruction in Mosul's Old City. Iraq will announce imminently a final victory in the nearly nine-month offensive to retake Mosul from jihadists, a US general said Saturday, as celebrations broke out among police forces in the city. AFP In pictures: Mosul offensive Members of the Iraqi federal police raise the victory gesture as they ride on a humvee while advancing through the Old City of Mosul on 28 June 2017, as the offensive continues to retake the last district held by Islamic State (IS) group fighters. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Smoke billows as Iraqi forces advance through the Old City of Mosul on 26 June 2017, during the ongoing offensive to retake the last district held by the Islamic State (IS) group. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi man wearing the green scarf of the Shi'ite faith kisses an Iraqi Army soldier on safely reaching the Iraqi forces position as Iraqi civilians flee the Old City of west Mosul where heavy fighting continues on 23 June 2017. Iraqi forces continue to encounter stiff resistance with improvised explosive devices, car bombs, heavy mortar fire and snipers hampering their advance. Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive A picture taken from the inside of an Iraqi forces armoured vehicle shows residents walking through a damaged street as troops advance towards Mosul's Old City on 18 June 2017, during the ongoing offensive to retake the last district still held by the Islamic State (IS) group. Military commanders told AFP the assault had begun at dawn after overnight air strikes by the US-led coalition backing Iraqi forces. They said the jihadists were putting up fierce resistance. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi Army soldiers advance in a destroyed street after an Iraqi forces airstrike targeted an Islamic State sniper position 17 June 2017 in al-Shifa, the last district of west Mosul under Islamic State control. IS snipers, as well as car and suicide bomb attacks continue to hinder the Iraqi forces efforts to retake the final district. A series of airstrikes by Iraqi helicopter gunships attempted to hit multiple Islamic State sniper positions in al-Shifa. Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier frisks a displaced Iraqi man at a temporary camp in the compound of the closed Nineveh International Hotel in Mosul on 16 June 2017 which was recovered by Iraqi troops from Islamic State group fighters earlier in the year. A screening centre set up in the compound's fairgrounds sees a constant stream of Iraqis fleeing the battle for Mosul, awaiting their turn to be checked by the Iraqi forces who are searching for suspected Islamic State (IS) group members. The small fairground lies at the end of a pontoon bridge across the Tigris recently opened to civilians that is the only physical link between the two banks of the river. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqis staying at the al-Khazir camp swim in a river near the camp for internally displaced people, located between Arbil and Mosul on 11 June 2017. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi government forces drive on a road leading to Tal Afar on 9 June 2017, during ongoing battles to retake the city from Islamic State (IS) group fighters. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi policeman carries a poster bearing an image of Mosul's iconic leaning minaret, known as the "Hadba" (Hunchback), on 22 June 2017. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqis stand in line to receive food aid in western Mosul's Zanjili neighbourhood on 7 June 2017, during ongoing battles as Iraqi forces try to retake the city from Islamic State (IS) group fighters. Living conditions in Mosul have again deteriorated since the start of the Iraqi government's offensive on the city in October in which they retook a large part of the west of the city. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Displaced Iraqis carry lightbulbs and sacks as they evacuate from western Mosul's Zanjili neighbourhood as government forces advance in the area during their ongoing battle against Islamic State (IS) group fighters on 13 May 2017 AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) flashes the victory gesture as he patrols in western Mosul's al-Islah al-Zaraye neighbourhood on 13 May 2017 AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi army soldiers from the 9th armoured division on a truck flash the sign of victory as they drive back from Mosul to the town of Qaraqosh (also known as Hamdaniya) Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Members of Iraqi forces flash the sign of victory on their vehicle as they advance towards Hammam al-Alil area south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of Iraqi security forces gestures in Hammam al-Alil, south of Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi children, one flashing the sign of victory, greet Iraqi army's soldiers from the 9th armoured division in the area of Ali Rash, adjacent to the eastern Al-Intissar neighbourhood of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Peshmerga forces look at a tunnel used by Islamic State militants near the town of Bashiqa, east of Mosul, during an operation to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier takes a photograph with his phone as his comrade stands next to a detained man, whom the Iraqi army soldiers accused of being an Islamic State fighter, who was fleeing with his family in the Intisar disrict of eastern Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iranian Kurdish female members of the Freedom Party of Kurdistan (PAK) hold a position in an area near the town of Bashiqa, some 25 kilometres north east of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi families, who fled their homes in Hamam al-Alil, gather on the outskirts of their town Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Displaced people walk past a checkpoint near Qayara, south of Mosul, Iraq AP In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi families who were displaced by the ongoing operation by Iraqi forces against jihadists of the Islamic State group to retake the city of Mosul, are seen gathering in an area near Qayyarah In pictures: Mosul offensive A boy who just fled Abu Jarbuah village is seen with his family at a Kurdish Peshmerga position between two front lines near Bashiqa, east of Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi child eats a pomegranate upon the arrival of Iraqi forces in the village of Umm Mahahir, south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive People who just fled Abu Jarbuah village sit as they eat at a Kurdish Peshmerga position between two front lines near Bashiqa, east of Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive A couple who just fled Abu Jarbuah village are escorted by Kurdish Peshmerga soldiers Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Women carry a boy over a wall as civilians flee their houses in the village of Tob Zawa, Iraq AP In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier and a civilian ride a motorbike as smoke rises behind them, on the road between Qayyarah and Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of Iraqi forces, wearing a skull mask, waits at a checkpoint for people fleeing the main hub city of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier sits at a checkpoint in an area near Qayyarah Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi men prepare food portions for Iraqi forces deployed in areas south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi forces celebrate upon the arrival of vehicles bringing food to them Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi childen smoke cigarettes upon the arrival of Iraqi forces in the village of Umm Mahahir, south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of Iraqi forces distributes drinks to children in the village of Umm Mahahir, south of Mosul Getty

Karim believes that Isis is moving its wounded to the north part of the Old City away from the frontline in the south. He says that I talked to my cousin who lives in Az Zanjili neighbourhood. He said his son was with dozens of people in Al-Jumhuri Hospital [where they had gone to escape airstrikes in the belief that it would not be hit] and they could see the Daesh wounded were being transported to other areas to the north of the city. People who live near the hospital said that the Daesh vehicles transported the wounded to Hay 17 Tammoz neighbourhood.

Isis fighters are under intense pressure from air attack and ground forces that far outnumber them. They have managed to hold back Iraqi Federal Police and other units on the southern periphery of the Old City, inflicting heavy casualties. The Iraqi government does not reveal its losses, but General Joseph Votel, the head of US Central Command, says that Iraqi forces have lost 284 killed and 1,600 wounded so far in their bid to capture west Mosul that started on 19 February, compared to 490 killed and 3,000 wounded in its successful three month-long battle for east Mosul. Civilian loss of life is not known.

 Iraqi forces launch push to retake western Mosul from IS

Iraqi government forces have changed their tactics and Isis is now being attacked by the so-called Golden Division, a specially trained 10,000-strong elite unit attacking the Old City from the west. The plan is evidently to make multiple attacks on Isis, which has an estimated total of between 3,000 and 4,000 fighters in Mosul, to spread them out and make it easier for assault teams to penetrate into the Old City.

Everywhere in and around those parts of west Mosul held by Isis, perhaps a quarter of the city as a whole, remain highly dangerous where a simple mistake can have lethal consequences. Earlier this week, a 33-year-old taxi driver called Jasim made just such a mistake which almost cost him his life as it led to his house being targeted by a drone.

By his account, three weeks ago the Iraqi military had told people in Mosul not to cover their car or property with canvas or any other material or they would be targeted by drones or aircraft. The reason apparently was that Iraqi officers, or American special forces that are also calling in air strikes, believed that Isis was using these materials to hide weapons and munitions. People in government-held east Mosul were told about this and asked to inform their relatives and friends in the west, if they could reach them by phone. Unfortunately for Jasim, he misunderstood the point and thought the warning only applied to canvas covering cars and also forgot that there was a piece of canvas covering one part of the roof of his house.

Recommended Civilians in west Mosul being shot by Isis and Iraqi forces alike

Jasim, whose house is close to the Tigris River that flows through Mosul, had other worries last Sunday because he was trying to find a way of getting his mother safely across the river to the government-held east of the city without her being killed by Isis or government snipers. He gave an interview to The Independent over a weak phone link to east Mosul describing conditions in his neighbourhood. What happened on the following day is best described in his own words as they give a graphic sense of the perils facing people trying to survive in Mosul today. He says:

We see small jet aircraft every day and when they get close we see that they are a drone flying without a pilot. There is a small lobby in my house that opens on one side onto a small square. The drone threw a bomb which fell on the corner of the house near the water tank. When it exploded, I didn't lose consciousness. Everything in front of me had become all dusty as part of the wall collapsed. After a while, I felt a severe pain on my leg, and after few moments I realised I was injured. I partly walked and partly crawled to a small temporary clinic nearby, but they could not treat my leg properly. They said it needed a surgery, but they do not have the equipment. They gave me some bandages to help ease the pain.

Jasim went back to his house which he shares with his mother and three sisters. When The Independent spoke to him again he was in bed and crying because of the pain of his injury and complaining that the sound of explosions and aircraft overhead prevented him sleeping. He explained that many people in west Mosul like himself did not know they should not use canvas to cover cars or other property, if they wanted to avoid being targeted by drones. He says that his ignorance of this was scarcely surprising because in west Mosul mobiles can seldom be used and people cannot visit each other [to exchange information] even in day time in some places because of the airstrikes and Daesh (Isis).

People in Mosul, once a city of two million, are desperate to escape by any means. Isis fighters demand a bribe of $2,000 to let a person escape according to one source, though this is difficult to verify. Many who try to make their way to safety are killed by Isis snipers. One man with his wife and two children who tried to cross the Tigris at a place called Dawasa was shot dead by a sniper earlier this week.
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More than five million men, women and children have now fled the Syrian civil war but the worlds will to give refugees a safe home is waning, the United Nations has warned.

World leaders pledged to resettle 10 per cent of all Syrian refugees by 2018 at a meeting Geneva in March last year, but only half of the needed places have been made available.

Donald Trump has attempted to suspend what was the worlds largest resettlement programme and border closures and restrictions are growing in Europe as more asylum seekers die attempting to reach the continent than ever before.

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A record of more than 5,000 migrants drowned, suffocated or froze to death in the Mediterranean in 2016 and almost 1,000 have already died this year.

Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, said the international community must do more to help those fleeing six years of brutal conflict in Syria.

We still have a long road to travel in expanding resettlement and the number and range of complementary pathways available for refugees, he said.

To meet this challenge, we not only need additional places, but also need to accelerate the implementation of existing pledges.

A march calling for the British Government to resettle more refugees in central London on September 17, 2016. (AFP/Getty Images)

Mr Grandi said 250,000 out of half a million places pledged exactly a year ago were available, warning that efforts needed to be dramatically accelerated.

He added that only the most vulnerable refugees were referred for resettlement by the UN, with the measure giving refugees the opportunity to re-build their lives, but also enriching the communities that welcome them.

UN member states committed to increasing efforts to find homes for refugees as part of the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants in September, but few new programmes have emerged.

Meanwhile, people continue to flee Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Libya and other war-torn countries where conflicts look unlikely to end any time soon.

Save the Children said the international community had utterly failed to end the crisis.

Misty Buswell, the charity's director of advocacy for Syria, said: More than a thousand children a day have fled their country every day for the past six years, and an entire generation is now growing up as refugees, forced from their homes and facing an uncertain future.

 Former child refugee Lord Dubs says he cannot understand the Government shutting down child refugee program

These are the children who will have to rebuild Syria once the war ends, and they urgently need our support.

She warned that many refugee families were unable to work and living without access to healthcare and education, with 750,000 Syrian refugee children are out of school.

Recommended Syrian children tell harrowing stories of death and destruction

Even after six years this crisis is still getting bigger every day, and these children need our help now more than ever before, Ms Buswell said.

Yet countries around the world are increasingly shutting their borders to children seeking refuge.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) estimates that almost 1.2 million people will need resettlement in 2017, among whom 40 per cent are Syrians amid the biggest global crisis since the Second World War.

The agency said no specific incident caused the number of Syrian refugees to pass the 5 million mark, compared to 4.8 million a year ago, as another 6.3 million people remain internally displaced inside the country.

David Cameron pledged that the UK would resettle up to 20,000 Syrian refugees by 2020 but only 4,400 people had been granted protection by September.

Refugee crisis - in pictures Show all 27 1 /27 Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugee crisis - in pictures A child looks through the fence at the Moria detention camp for migrants and refugees at the island of Lesbos on May 24, 2016. AFP/Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Ahmad Zarour, 32, from Syria, reacts after his rescue by MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station) while attempting to reach the Greek island of Agathonisi, Dodecanese, southeastern Agean Sea Refugee crisis - in pictures Syrian migrants holding life vests gather onto a pebble beach in the Yesil liman district of Canakkale, northwestern Turkey, after being stopped by Turkish police in their attempt to reach the Greek island of Lesbos on 29 January 2016. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees flash the 'V for victory' sign during a demonstration as they block the Greek-Macedonian border Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants have been braving sub zero temperatures as they cross the border from Macedonia into Serbia. Refugee crisis - in pictures A sinking boat is seen behind a Turkish gendarme off the coast of Canakkale's Bademli district on January 30, 2016. At least 33 migrants drowned on January 30 when their boat sank in the Aegean Sea while trying to cross from Turkey to Greece. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A general view of a shelter for migrants inside a hangar of the former Tempelhof airport in Berlin, Germany Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees protest behind a fence against restrictions limiting passage at the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Since last week, Macedonia has restricted passage to northern Europe to only Syrians, Iraqis and Afghans who are considered war refugees. All other nationalities are deemed economic migrants and told to turn back. Macedonia has finished building a fence on its frontier with Greece becoming the latest country in Europe to build a border barrier aimed at checking the flow of refugees Refugee crisis - in pictures A father and his child wait after being caught by Turkish gendarme on 27 January 2016 at Canakkale's Kucukkuyu district Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants make hand signals as they arrive into the southern Spanish port of Malaga on 27 January, 2016 after an inflatable boat carrying 55 Africans, seven of them women and six chidren, was rescued by the Spanish coast guard off the Spanish coast. Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee holds two children as dozens arrive on an overcrowded boat on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures A child, covered by emergency blankets, reacts as she arrives, with other refugees and migrants, on the Greek island of Lesbos, At least five migrants including three children, died after four boats sank between Turkey and Greece, as rescue workers searched the sea for dozens more, the Greek coastguard said Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants wait under outside the Moria registration camp on the Lesbos. Over 400,000 people have landed on Greek islands from neighbouring Turkey since the beginning of the year Refugee crisis - in pictures The bodies of Christian refugees are buried separately from Muslim refugees at the Agios Panteleimonas cemetery in Mytilene, Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures Macedonian police officers control a crowd of refugees as they prepare to enter a camp after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee tries to force the entry to a camp as Macedonian police officers control a crowd after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees are seen aboard a Turkish fishing boat as they arrive on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing a part of the Aegean Sea from the Turkish coast to Lesbos Reuters Refugee crisis - in pictures An elderly woman sings a lullaby to baby on a beach after arriving with other refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A man collapses as refugees make land from an overloaded rubber dinghy after crossing the Aegean see from Turkey, at the island of Lesbos EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures A girl reacts as refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees make a show of hands as they queue after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures People help a wheelchair user board a train with others, heading towards Serbia, at the transit camp for refugees near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija AP Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees board a train, after crossing the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Macedonia is a key transit country in the Balkans migration route into the EU, with thousands of asylum seekers - many of them from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia - entering the country every day Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures An aerial picture shows the "New Jungle" refugee camp where some 3,500 people live while they attempt to enter Britain, near the port of Calais, northern France Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A Syrian girl reacts as she helped by a volunteer upon her arrival from Turkey on the Greek island of Lesbos, after having crossed the Aegean Sea EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Beds ready for use for migrants and refugees are prepared at a processing center on January 27, 2016 in Passau, Germany. The flow of migrants arriving in Passau has dropped to between 500 and 1,000 per day, down significantly from last November, when in the same region up to 6,000 migrants were arriving daily.

The Government also committed to homing up to vulnerable children who had already reached Europe under the Dubs amendment but dropped the scheme after capping numbers at 350 in February.

It blamed local councils for failing to provide resettlement places, while defending the UKs record providing 2.3bn for refugees in Syria and surrounding countries.

Babar Baloch, a spokesperson for the UNHCR, said the US has pledged to make 64,000 places available for Syrians and that efforts would continue amid court battles over Mr Trumps attempts to reduce the programme.

Turkey now hosts 2.97 million Syrians and the number is growing as enforcement of an agreement struck with the EU to reduce boat crossings continues.

The deal, which came into effect a year ago, has slowed crossings over the Aegean Sea but resulted in 62,000 asylum seekers being trapped in Greece, where a Syrian man was found hung this week.

Crossings over the central Mediterranean Sea have continued to rise as smugglers take advantage of lawlessness and conflict in Libya to detain migrants and launch them packed into flimsy dinghies.

The vast majority of asylum seekers now arriving in Europe are taken to Italy by rescue ships, but they have also crossed by land and sea to Spain, and a fishing boat carrying 91 Syrian refugees, including 42 children, landed in Cyprus on Wednesday.

More than 28,000 asylum seekers have reached Europe by sea this year  more than 23,000 to Italy and 4,000 to Greece.

Only 22 per cent of those currently arriving are Syrian, with 11 per cent from Afghanistan, 10 per cent from Nigeria and others from Iraq, Eritrea, Pakistan and sub-Saharan African nations.
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The global online travel agent Booking.com says it will appeal the decision by a Turkish court for its website to be temporarily blocked in a dispute with local travel agents.

The commercial court in Istanbul granted an injunction to prevent the firm selling hotels in Turkey to Turkish customers while a case continues about whether Booking.com requires a licence when offering its services in rhe country.

Turkish hotels are still available on the website to buyers from other countries, and Turks can book rooms anywhere except their homeland. Existing bookings are unaffected.

The case was brought by the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (Tursab), which says the aim is "to prevent unfair competition and thus protect member travel agencies".

Booking.com told The Independent: We disagree with the injunction and are in the process of filing an appeal.

As an e-commerce company and technology provider, we firmly believe that we are contributing to healthy competition in the marketplace by providing Turkish consumers with a transparent and convenient platform to compare and book accommodation all over the world.

An earlier decision by the Turkish Competition Authority concluded that the rate parity clause that Booking.com insists upon infringed competition law. The firms Turkish subsidiary, Bookingdotcom Destek Hizmetleri Ltd, paid a fine of 2.5m Turkish lire (550,000).

Booking.com tells customers: You are getting the lowest possible price at the time of booking  guaranteed. To keep this promise, it insists properties do not allow any other agent to undercuts the rates on Booking.com.

The online agent has faced a range of legal challenges and competition investigations about the rate parity policy. Rivals say it hampers true competition.

Booking.com said: We drive valuable incremental business for more than 13,000 Turkish accommodation providers of all kinds throughout the country who partner with us and choose to list their properties on our platform.

The global firm is part of the US-based Priceline Group, but is based in Amsterdam. There has been speculation that Booking.com was targeted because of its Dutch heritage.

The Netherlands is currently engaged in a bitter diplomatic row with the government in Ankara in the run-up to a referendum on constitutional reform in Turkey next month. But the case brought by Tursab pre-dates the political disagreements.
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Israeli travellers are continuing to cross to Egypt, despite an upsurge in violence in the Sinai peninsula and a warning of possible attacks on tourists.

Isis has an insurgency in Sinai, and last week killed 10 members of the Egyptian security forces in roadside bombings. The militants also issued a video depicting the beheading two elderly men accused of practising witchcraft.

Eitan Ben David, head of Israels National Security Council Counter Terrorism Bureau, issued the warning ahead of Passover, which begins on April 10. Traditionally, thousands of Israelis travel to Sinai for holidays over Passover. He said the frontier between Eilat in Israel and Taba in Egypt might be closed to citizens heading out of Israel if a heightened threat is perceived.

But travel agencies in Tel Aviv and Eilat are continuing to sell trips to the region. Fun-Time Tour & Travel in Eilat offers a a one-day tour to St Catherines Monastery for the equivalent of 108  with an extra cash payment of US$77 (62) for fees at the border crossing.

A sales agent at Bein Harim Travel in Tel Aviv confirmed there is still interest in the Egypt. Some people are going, said the man, who asked to be known only as David. We dont usually have any problems.

At present the FCO advises against travel to the whole of the Sinai peninsula except for the Sharm el Sheikh area, which is protected by a perimeter barrier, which includes the airport. The UK government also prohibits direct flights between Britain and Sharm el Sheikh.

The ban was introduced in November 2015, after a Russian charter flight from Sharm el Sheikh to St Petersburg was downed by an explosive device believed to have been placed on board at the resorts airport.

Bizarrely, the US State Department takes an opposite view. It insists that staff at its Embassy in Cairo are only permitted to travel to and from Sharm el-Sheikh by air  overland travel is not allowed anywhere in the Sinai Peninsula.

UK tour operators are selling holidays in Sharm el Sheikh for the coming winter, but have said they will offer refunds or alternative destinations if the travel advice does not change by the summer. Direct flights to Sharm el Sheikh are available from Italy, Belgium, Germany and Turkey. TUI, Europes biggest holiday company  and owner of Thomson and First Choice  is selling all-inclusive weeks in the resort in April for around 1,000 per person, including flights from Brussels.

Sharm el Sheikh (Getty/iStock)

The Australian government warns its citizens: Tourists, tourist infrastructure and religious sites in South Sinai remain an attractive target for extremists. If you choose to travel to Sharm el Sheikh, you are strongly encouraged to avoid unnecessary road travel outside of the resort areas.

The Israeli move comes a week after news broke that Middle Eastern countries, including Egypt, were to be targeted by a ban on large electronic devices in airliner cabins on flights to the UK and US. The authorities fear an explosive device may be brought on board disguised as consumer electronics.
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Working as cabin crew for Ryanair was one of the worst jobs that Joseph* says he has ever had. But not for the reasons you might think. As a member of the cabin crew in Stansted for one year, the 23-year-old was forced to deal with passengers at their absolute worst with nowhere to escape.

We had some quite dramatic passengers, he tells The Independent. "I remember one case where the seat belt sign had been turned on because we were experiencing turbulence. A father was holding his daughter around his neck and I said, Please sit down in your seats or anywhere that is safe. And he started arguing with me and telling me his daughter had to pee. Eventually they sat down and as soon as the seatbelt sign turned off he went to my cabin supervisor and asked for my name. He said that Id put his daughters life in danger. It was completely ridiculous.

Another time quite an elderly person was queuing to go to the toilet when we started to experience some very bad turbulence and he refused to sit down. He started yelling at me. Sometimes people are really hard to handle. I understand you have to pee, but its not safe!

Arguments over seatbelts were common, says Joseph. But he reckons he got off lightly compared to other cabin crew.

One colleague told me about a disruptive lady who was really drunk and fighting with others passengers and yelling at the crew. She was biting and punching my colleagues. They tried to calm her down but didn't manage to. They had to make her sit down and some of the cabin crew had to sit next to her during the flight, and had to sort of tie her down with her seatbelt, he says.

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When a passenger behaves aggressively, explains Joseph, cabin crew must call the police when they land. And if a fight breaks out on the ground staff are told to kick the offending passengers out immediately.

Passengers dont have to be violent to disrupt flights, however. Ryanairs strict cabin baggage allowance isnt (just) about getting more revenue from passengers, Joseph says  taking too many bags can delay flights. Their Boeing 737 planes can hold up to 90 bags in the cabin; any more have to go in the hold. But passengers reluctant to pay a checked bag fee  which on Ryanair can often cost more than the flight itself  routinely try to push their luck, and if ground staff arent monitoring the situation, itll end up delaying take-off.

Sometimes airports dont tag the hand luggage properly, and you end up with 140 bags and you have to offload them, he said. Then you have to explain to passengers that their bags are going in the hold, and they dont like it, and argue with you for 10 minutes. The flights end up getting delayed because you cant take off  all because of a single bag.

But Joseph says that while passengers can be a nightmare, no matter which airline, Ryanair itself made it harder still. Working with the team at Stansted  one of the UKs busiest airports  is notoriously tough, he says.

If you told another colleague that you were working in Stansted theyd say Oh my God! You survived that hell?' The managers there, he says, were the strictest when it came to rules on grooming and the number of onboard sales they were expected to make.

According to Joseph, female crew members had it worst, with the the most rules to follow. They are only allowed four types of hair style: a ponytail, French roll, 'donut bun' or untied short hair. Fingernails must be short and can only be painted red, pink or with a French manicure; tights must be in black or brown. Male crew members, in contrast, get off lightly - they have to keep hair and beards short and freshly cut, and have their shirts ironed and shoes polished.

If you are based in Stansted, you can be sure that there will always be a supervisor in the crew room, where we have our pre-flight and post-flight briefings, says Joseph. Supervisors check everyone's grooming. If they find something that doesn't fit the grooming rules then they might give you a grooming discrepancy. After getting a certain number of those you can be sure that you will have a meeting with a supervisor and that is a serious thing.

Horror stories about Ryanair working its staff to the ground abound, and Joseph says they're not exaggerated. Summer flights from Stansted to the Canary Islands were known to airline staff as the ultimate trial, he says.

You dont sit down at all  its non-stop. Youre up for five hours running up and down the aisle, selling drinks and food to passengers, and it can be you and four other members of cabin staff dealing with passengers who are drunk and impatient. It was draining.

He says Ryanair would put pressure on cabin crew to sell as many products to passengers during the flight and to hit sales targets (a Ryanair spokesperson told The Independent, "There is no 'pressure' on crew. Crew are incentivised to sell ancillary products onboard and are rewarded with sales bonuses"). However, as the aircraft is only stocked once a day, but can fly up to eight times a day times day, water and food sometimes ran out mid-flight.

Most of my frustrations were with the organisation. Ryanair didnt seem to care about satisfying the passengers needs. For example, if you run out of food or water you cant do anything, so sometimes Id feel bad and give passengers my own water. It was incredibly embarrassing and it would put you in really awkward situations. Sometimes passengers would understand its not your fault, but others would behave like youd ruined their entire holiday, but sometimes its hard not to take it personally. And I don't understand. If sales are so important why don't they have enough stock? Ryanair told The Independent that "we are looking into the possibility of pre-orders to improve the inflight menu service."

The most delayed UK airports in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 The most delayed UK airports in pictures The most delayed UK airports in pictures 1. Gatwick Getty Images The most delayed UK airports in pictures 2. Luton PA The most delayed UK airports in pictures 3. Manchester Getty Images The most delayed UK airports in pictures 4. Glasgow PA The most delayed UK airports in pictures 5. Heathrow PA The most delayed UK airports in pictures 6. Edinburgh The most delayed UK airports in pictures 7. Bristol Getty Images The most delayed UK airports in pictures 8. Stansted Getty Images The most delayed UK airports in pictures 9. Birmingham AFP/Getty Images The most delayed UK airports in pictures 10. Newcastle PA WIRE

Preparing planes after landing to usher in the next group of passengers on time was also tough. The crew's turrnaround time between flights was just 25 minutes, says Joseph. In that time, they would have to handle disembarkation and embarkation, safety checks and cleaning up. He stresses that safety lapses never occurred, but for the less vital tasks like thorough cleaning were not always finished in time. "But in most cases, even if the procedures take more than 25 minutes, we arrive at our destination on time," he says, as anyone who's heard the Ryanair fanfare will know. An airline spokesperson told The Independent that "The comfort and safety of our customers is our crew's number one priority."

Still, Joseph says he doesnt regret working at Ryanair.

Yes, it was one of the worst jobs Ive had but the boys and girls I worked with were great. I met some amazing people.

Just not the passengers, perhaps

* Names have been changed
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A Turkish court has ordered the travel website Booking.com to be blocked in a dispute with the country's main travel agency association, Turkey's state-run news agency reported Wednesday.

The Anadolu Agency reported that a commercial court in Istanbul ordered the move against Booking.com as a precautionary measure while the case is ongoing.

Lawyers for the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies had argued that Netherlands-based Booking.com was engaging in unfair competition in the marketing of hotels in Turkey.

Anadolu said that government authorities are expected to block access to the website as soon as they receive official notification from the court.

In a written statement, Booking.com said it disagreed with the ruling and would appeal.

As an e-commerce and technology company, we are convinced that we contribute to healthy competition in the market by offering Turkish consumers a transparent and easy platform to compare and book accommodation all over the world, the company said.

It added that Booking.com also helps 13,000 Turkish businesses offer accommodation to consumers.

Associated Press
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A big diesel train edged out of Aleppo central station this week, pulling five long grey and blue carriages, its siren wailing over the city in the afternoon sun. In this part of the world, engine drivers do well to move slowly and warn shoppers, children, even the occasional urban shepherd, to keep off the tracks. But everyone knew that this train was putting on a show. In newly united Aleppo  especially in bloodily broken, smashed eastern Aleppo  any sign of a return to civilised life is a symbol of peace, albeit one imposed by the regime.

The train reminded Aleppines  Ive never quite resigned myself to this (accurate) description of the people of the largest city in Syria  that their ancient home was recovering its greatness as a communications centre and one of the major commercial cities of the Middle East.

But there was a problem with the train. Far from heading south to Damascus or north to Turkey, it was hooting its way out of Aleppo for a destination less than 20 miles away, in the suburb of Jibrin, where, by chance, many of the refugees from eastern Aleppo now live temporarily in empty housing blocks which were once part of the citys expansion plans. Thats the end of the line. A ticket costs less than the price of a cigarette lighter. The railway south towards to the capital was blown up in 2011 and part of the permanent way still runs through territory held by Isis and Jabhat al-Nusra.

Civilian flights have still not been restored to Aleppo airport, which remains close to rebel lines. You can now drive out of the city on the old international highway to Damascus, but after 12 miles you have to turn left onto the military desert road  as youve had to do for the past four years  to avoid the fighting north of Hama.

Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Show all 12 1 /12 Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man crosses a street in Aleppo, December 12, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A vendor sits inside an antique shop in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, December 12, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A view shows part of Aleppo's historic citadel, overlooking Aleppo city, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A view shows part of Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Visitors walk inside Aleppo's Umayyad mosque, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk inside the Khan al-Shounah market, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man walks past shops in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk along an alley in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Visitors tour Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A general view shows the Old City of Aleppo as seen from Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk near Aleppo's Bab al-Faraj Clock Tower, Syria October 6, 2010 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man stands inside Aleppo's historic citadel, overlooking Aleppo city, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters

Further south, I did actually see another loco hauling a long freight train along the restored tracks between Lattakia and Homs, reopening the rail link between Syrias largest port and its finally (though this word should be taken with much scepticism) pacified city. In Homs itself, the governors wife, Hala al-Barazi, a Canadian, is now involved in a UN-assisted project to rebuild parts of the old city. The souk is being restored  tastefully, I have to say  and so are some of the religious institutions. Ive watched Homs stone-carvers, who helped recut the shell-wounded facades of Ottoman buildings in ruined Beirut more than a quarter of a century ago, slowly hammering and re-stoning the doorway of the centuries-old Islamic library, whose thousands of books perished in the flames of Islamist iconoclasm early in the war. Small Christian churches now sparkle with newly polished stone and gleaming frescoes.

Yet  and I alert you to the cliche  painting over the marks of war does not constitute political restoration. True, you have to travel across the increasingly large government-held area of the country to realise how vain, indeed arrogant, were the Western diplomats and statesmen who predicted with such confidence the fall of Bashar al-Assad in 2011. Ive talked to Syrians whose distaste for Assads regime is more than matched by their contempt for Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and David Cameron, and the folly of French policymakers who demanded the overthrow of Assad and then did nothing.

But even if you accept that a version of the present regime will survive  or at least as long as Vladimir Putin maintains his military support for the army  what long-term detente can bring this terrifying war to an end?

The Syrian government took a special interest in the statistics of departure when the besieged Homs suburb of al-Waer began to empty its fighters and their families out of the city this month. The governor, Hala al-Barazis husband Talal, genuinely begged them to stay and reintegrate themselves into Syrian society with guarantees of protection  an offer that was unlikely to commend itself to anyone reading Amnestys latest report on government executions. Thousands did remain, however many of them, just like the people of eastern Aleppo, were merely citizens of Homs who found their homes on the frontline of the Syrian revolution.

Nevertheless, by early afternoon on 27 March, during the second week of the exodus, 40 buses had left the city for the far north of Syria, to the town of Jerablus on the Turkish border. Of the 1,485 on these first buses, 462 were children, 587 were women, 84 were fighters with their weapons and 352 were fighters without their weapons. The side-arms they were allowed to carry onto the buses included 51 Kalashnikov rifles, five sniper rifles, 24 pistols and two machine pistols. The youngest gunman holding a weapon was around 10 years old. They had been fighting for two years.

In other words, only around a third of the departures from Homs were armed enemies of the Syrian regime  and, of these, less than a quarter bothered to take their guns with them.

I was struck at one point by a young man with a rifle who turned to look at us once he had boarded a bus, and who then grinned and swung his winger round and round over his head. He meant that he would return to go on fighting. But the determination to fight on is something he shares with many soldiers in the Syrian government army  or the Syrian Arab Army as its official title remains  and which is the only fully-working institution in Syria. The young man, if his ideology or resentment changed, would probably make a good officer in the Syrian army. But I doubt if it will change.

How do you convert those who have fought Assads regime  and whose friends and family have died fighting  into such acquiescence? The band-aid right now is the word reconciliation. City governors use this word like a punctuation mark. Reconciliation committees exist in almost every government-held city in Syria, holding out promises of pardon, grace, forgiveness and guarantees of freedom from prison to anyone who wants to wash their hands of the whole bloody mess. Most of the uniformed and armed Russian troops I increasingly see across Syria, in the Syrian armys air bases and local headquarters and driving through the cities, have written on their sleeves, in Russian and Arabic, the words Reconciliation Force.

The Syrian armys local base in Aleppo is now a joint Syrian-Russian military headquarters, festooned with Syrian and Russian flags, its soldiery mixing together, Russian personnel sharing their own intelligence with the Syrians.

 Syrian refugee recalls ISIS horrors

On the Quweiress air base east of the city, the Russians have installed a giant mess-caravan near the runways, their soldiers living behind protective earthen revetments flying the Russian flag. Even Russian privates have been taught basic Arabic. Our respects to you, one of them said to a Syrian friend of mine in elaborate Arabic this week, leaving him literally speechless. This is not how the Syrian authorities normally treat their citizens. But, then again, Syrian citizens who have endured Russian air strikes these past months might not be so easily persuaded by all this respect.

And how far does respect run? The Russians were infuriated by the Syrian armys second loss of Palmyra at the height of the offensive into eastern Aleppo. Putins government had staged an elaborate concert in the Roman ruins to celebrate its original liberation from Isis  and then Isis came back to insult the Russians and the Syrian government. Driven out again, after another fury of desecration among the ruins of antiquity  this time in the Roman theatre  Isis is once more living in the desert east of the city.

But Palmyra can no longer be a publicity symbol for Russian-Syrian amity. We, too, were angry and shocked, a Syrian officer said of the brief return of Isis. Many of the vehicles with which Isis attacked came from Ninevah province in Iraq and included men who had apparently been allowed to leave the besieged city of Mosul  by the Americans, so the Syrian army suspects.

Yet the Russians are impressed by the Syrian armys staying power, not least that of the commander of the whole Aleppo region, General Zeid Saleh. Two months ago, his son Jaffar, a cadet at the Syrian naval college, received a call on his mobile phone. It was a threat to kill him. Saleh says his son told them to do their own dirty work with the words: If you want to fight, you can face my father and fight him. But they took the son instead. Standing in a bus station in Jebleh near Lattakia, a car bomb killed the young man and more than 30 civilians.

Saleh now talks of his pride in his son, the honour of his death for his country. But he is a thinner man than when I last saw him, his face more lined, his voice as loud as ever, but more thoughtful. And he is, I also suspected, a very wounded man. His enemies had reached out and struck him in the heart.

Of course, soldiers expect this. But I wondered if he did not also reflect his country. Though I know what his reply would have been  he is a soldier and follows orders  I did not dare ask him about reconciliation.
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As a gay man, I literally dont count in America. Despite previous reports that we would be counted for the first time in history, this week the Trump administration announced that LGBT Americans will not be included in the 2020 census. The move was met with swift condemnation by LGBT rights groups and on social media.

Its not surprising that the Trump administration doesnt want to know just how many of us there are considering hes rolling back our rights at record pace. If I were him I wouldnt want to know how many people Ive ticked off either. But that doesnt change the fact that this is an issue of importance to the LGBT community  one that has far reaching consequences.

Data collection is not the sexiest topic, nor is it at the forefront of many LGBT peoples minds. Yet as Congress and state assemblies legislate on our community, whether in trying to pass a federal Employment Non-discrimination Act or trans bathroom bills such as North Carolinas infamous HB-2, it helps to have an accurate understanding of just how many of us there are. It becomes a lot harder to deny LGBT people our civil rights and protections when we are no longer some abstract group but rather a visible, countable constituency. It would be a lot more difficult for elected officials to vote against our interests when they could identify just how many of their constituents would be negatively affected.

 Donald Trump says women are 'titans' of society

Being included in the decennial census would have been a huge step forward in LGBT acceptance and equality. After all, this is the document that tells us who we are as a country. Inclusion in the census is also a boldly symbolic measure that validates LGBT citizens place in the fabric of America. The census tracks demographic changes among a number of groups. Being included in the census is a recognition by the government that you exist, that youre American, and that you count, too.

Counting, it turns out, is very important. As Lambda Legal, a major US LGBT rights group, pointed out the census helps determine the allocation of federally funded social services that are critical to so many members of the LGBTQ community. After all, we know that LGBT people are disproportionately likely to be impoverished. According to Adam Heintz of anti-poverty group Legal Services NYC, just over 20 per cent of single LGB Americans are living on less than $12,000 a year, single LGB parents are three times more likely to be impoverished than their straight counterparts.

This matters immensely when looking at how things like food stamps, Medicaid, and welfare are allocated and tracking trends in federal programmes and economic inequality over time. Right now it is incredibly difficult to do so. Think tanks like UCLAs Williams Institute and polling companies like Gallup can only amalgamate other polls to come up with estimates of how many LGBT Americans there are, let alone how many poor LGBT Americans there are. The census would give us hard numbers to work with, which could help us better address these issues and ensure that LGBT taxpayers are receiving their fair share of government benefits.

Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town Show all 18 1 /18 Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town The 12th-century castle dominates Sevnica old town Getty Images Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town The old town has a beautiful riverside setting Getty Images Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town 'White House' slippers in Sevnica castle Nick Redmayne Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town The annual salami festival, the Salamiada Nick Redmayne Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town Sevnica was a nondescript town before Melania hit the big time AFP/Getty Images Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town Sevnica butchers take their sausage-making skills seriously Nick Redmayne Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town Only men are allowed in the Salamiada Nick Redmayne Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town As American as.... a Sevnica apple pie Nick Redmayne Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town There are no plans to make a Donald pie Nick Redmayne Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town The slippers featured in a recent fashion show AFP/Getty Images Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town The castle is one of the top tourist sites in town Getty Images Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town Melanija cake has gone down a storm AFP/Getty Images Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town The smart house still owned by Melania's parents Nick Redmayne Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town They live in America but visit occasionally Nick Redmayne Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town The communist block of flats in which Melania grew up Nick Redmayne Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town Melania skin cream, for a presidential complexion Nick Redmayne Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town First lady chocolates, dusted with gold Nick Redmayne Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town Even locals can't get enough of the Melanija cake Nick Redmayne

There are not only no credible arguments against including us in the census, but no arguments whatsoever. The Census Bureau has said only that our preliminary inclusion was a mistake (though many people are sceptical of this, instead blaming the Trump administration). Theyre not even trying to blame it on cost (which would be marginal). No, it seems that the only reason we are again being excluded from the census is the spiteful hatred of this administration and the Republican Party in general. It is homophobia and transphobia, full stop.

The census is about so much more than data collection. Its about fairness in allocating resources. Its about tracking hate crimes as relative to proportional population. And its about who gets to be included as Americans.

I am a gay American, and I count. I count when I pay my taxes. I count when I vote. And I should count when it comes to counting, too.
Danielle McLaughlin was found dead in Canacona, a popular tourist area in the south of Goa

A carnival of colour celebrated the life of murdered Irish backpacker Danielle McLaughlin as she was laid to rest in her hometown of Buncrana.

At the request of her family and friends, mourners dressed in colourful clothes, many with garlands of flowers in their hair, in tribute to the "vibrant" 28-year-old who was killed in Goa on March 14.

A large crowd gathered for the funeral at Saint Mary's Church, Cockhill, in County Donegal, during which Ms McLaughlin was described as a "beautiful daughter, a cherished granddaughter, a thoughtful sister, a loyal friend, a free spirit, a remarkable classmate, a gentle neighbour; the little girl who became the lovely woman".

Pupils from her old school in the town formed a guard of honour outside the church as the funeral procession arrived from her family home, followed by her grieving mother Andrea and four sisters.

Friends travelled from Australia, New Zealand, Scotland and England to attend her funeral

Father Francis Bradley, who conducted the requiem mass, told mourners that the sudden and callous nature of Ms McLaughlin's death had left all who knew her "speechless".

He said he prays that amid the young woman's struggle, "peace and calm came her way too".

Fr Bradley said Ms McLaughlin made "a huge impression on people's lives".

"She was disarmingly kind and forgiving. Her warm nature and open heart drew people into her ever-widening, extensive and international circle of friends.

"A brief glance at the vast array of tender messages for Danielle's mother Andrea, her family and friends, shows the immense esteem in which she was held.

"She had a gentle but powerful way with her - for it seems that just one encounter with her was enough to change someone's life," he added.

"A gifted student in dance and drama, Danielle became a colourful character, like a gem which caught the light and reflected it in all its beauty around her."

He urged mourners not to allow the "malice which cut (her life) short to spoil her memory or impair her beauty".

"There have been so many good things which have happened since Danielle took her leave of this world.

"So very many people, many of them here this morning anonymously, have offered their time, their help, their facilities and their talents to comfort the bereaved, to bring solace to broken hearts.

"It is clear that good always overcomes evil," he added.

Her last Facebook post was read out to mourners.

It said: "Thank you to all my friends and family for making home so special and always looking after me.

"I am grateful and the luckiest person I know... Off on another adventure."

Ms McLaughlin was buried beside her grandparents in the church graveyard.

She had been travelling in Goa when she was found dead in a field close to tourist resorts.

A post-mortem examination concluded that brain damage and constriction of the neck caused her death in Canacona.

The former Liverpool John Moores University student had been staying in a beach hut in Goa with an Australian female friend.

The pair had been celebrating Holi, a Hindu spring festival, in a nearby village.

She left the village late at night and her body was found the next day, unclothed, with injuries to her head and face, police said.

A 24-year-old man, whose name has been reported as Vikat Bhagat, appeared in court two weeks ago charged with murder, and will also face rape charges.
Malaysian police are investigating firms suspected of violating UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea amid a spat over the assassination of Kim Jong-nam at Kuala Lumpur International Airport last month, the Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday.

One is Malaysia Korea Partners Holdings, which is run jointly by Malaysian businessman Yong Kok Yeap and a North Korean named Han Hun-il, also known as Edward Han, according to the daily.

The Malaysian Sin Chew Daily said Han at one stage bankrolled Kim Jong-nam, who was North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's estranged half-brother.

Malaysia and North Korea remain at loggerheads over the handling of Kim's body and Malaysian diplomats and their families who are effectively being held hostage in Pyongyang. It is unclear whether the latest investigation arises from closed-door talks between the two countries.


Captain Mark Duffy's body is driven in a hearse accompanied by a guard of honour at Blacksod, Co Mayo

The coffin of Captain Mark Duffy is carried from St Oliver Plunkett Church

Captain Mark Duffy, who died in the Irish Coast Guard helicopter tragedy, was a "charming, handsome and bashful daddy hero", his funeral has heard.

In an emotional service at St Oliver Plunkett Church in Blackrock, Co Louth, a friend read out a heart-breaking tribute from his wife and "soul mate" Hermione.

"We loved him so much, his quirks, his methodology, his absolute resolve at doing anything right, his professionalism, his dancing, his quietness, his steely reserve, his selflessness, his absolute being was doing everything for us," she said.

"We - Hermione, Esme and Fionn - adore and love you Mark, our charming, handsome and bashful daddy hero.

"Guess how much I love you? I love you to the moon and back."

Uniformed pupils from the local schools - St Francis' National School and St Vincent's Secondary - had formed a guard of honour as the Tricolour-draped coffin of the pilot arrived along the coast road at the seaside church.

Inside the church grounds, uniformed officers and colleagues from the Irish Coast Guard, the Naval Service, the Garda, the RNLI, Fire Brigade and other rescue services took their turn to guard the remains as it was carried indoors.

A lone piper led the cortege to the strains of Dawning of the Day. Flags fluttered at half mast in the strong wind coming off the Irish Sea.

Hermione, daughter Esme and son Fionn led the mourners into a packed congregation which included President Michael D. Higgins, Transport Minister Shane Ross and Sinn Fein leader and local TD (MP) Gerry Adams.

Outside, Mr Higgins embraced the grieving family.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny was represented by his aide-de-camp Colonel Kieran Carey.

In her tribute, Hermione said they had been together 26 years and had done everything together as a team in their own "wee world" in their home by the sea.

"The sea, la mer, an fharraige - it pulled Mark to it," she said.

"Its ebb and flow, its colour, its waves, the stillness, the calm, the rage, the reflecting sun on the water, the low tide, the high tide - it was part of our lives."

The pilot loved aviation, and particularly helicopters, since he was a child, the funeral heard. His two great loves were his family and his job.

"Mark, on coming home from a 24-hour shift, would come in and say: 'Oh, Hermione, I love getting home to you and the kids, but I love flying that helicopter'," she recalled.

Once home, he would shut the door behind him and "engross himself in our home life".

He was a Coast Guard, she said, but "he was also our guardian".

"Mark always allayed my worries. He put a safety net around us in our home," she said.

"He was fearless. He lived consciously each day and week for the moment."

She recalled taking out old video footage last year of their children when they were younger and both of them, best friends as well as husband and wife, cried with "joy and love for the fun times and how fast time was flying by".

She added: "Never has it been so slow."

"All he wanted was to get Esme and Fionn safely to adulthood and have a little time for us again," she said.

"We had the conversation: should anything happen.

"He told me not to be afraid, to be strong, that he knew I could do it, that I was the better parent to do it. My heart is broken."

Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin, the leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland, was among those officiating at the funeral.

Chief celebrant Father Stephen Duffy, an uncle of the pilot, said he had lost his "best friend".

He remembered his nephew as "kindly, humble in spirit, pure of heart, peace-loving, good-natured, loving and lovable".

"Indeed he had other attributes which singled him out - a vivacity, a tremendous sense of fun, a desire in all things to help and be of service," he added.

"Our only consolation is that Mark and his dad, Jimmy, who died suddenly and unexpectedly in 1979, are with God.

"But until we too are called there, there will be a great emptiness in our lives."

Parish priest Padraig Keenan said "a dark cloud" had descended over Ireland following the tragic accident of Rescue 116, adding that the families of the two crew members still missing are in everyone's thoughts and prayers.

Mr Duffy's remains were found in the cockpit of the crashed Sikorsky helicopter, about 13km (eight miles) off the coast of Co Mayo, last Friday.

The wreck lies 40m underwater, beside a lighthouse rock in the Atlantic Ocean.

His body is the second of the four crew to have been recovered after it crashed on March 14 while on a rescue mission.

The body of Captain Dara Fitzpatrick, a 45-year-old mother-of-one, was the first to have been recovered from the ocean.

Searches are continuing for the other crew members, Winchman Ciaran Smith and Winch Operator Paul Ormsby.
Ireland is just one of a number of countries looking to win the EMA and its 900 staff, and the EBA and its near-200 staff (Stock photo)

A decision on the post-Brexit location for the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and European Banking Authority (EBA) could come by the summer.

Ireland wants to win both EU agencies, which will have to shift from London in the wake of the UK's decision to pull out of the EU.

Sources here familiar with the process have said that there is speculation that a decision could come by June.

The decision is ultimately a political one taken by the European Council.

Health Minister Simon Harris is due to bring a memo to cabinet today reiterating Ireland's push for the EMA.

Ireland is just one of a number of countries looking to win the EMA and its 900 staff, and the EBA and its near-200 staff.

Meanwhile, a report compiled following a number of interviews with border businesses and with business representative and advisory groups, has stated that firms from a range of sectors, including food and pharmaceuticals, are worried that the UK will compete postBrexit by lowering regulatory standards.

The so-called Frontline Project has also found there is clear evidence that manufacturers here are considering setting up operations within the UK. Some service companies, particularly in transport, are following suit.

Ian Talbot, chief executive of Chambers Ireland, which was involved in producing the report, said it gives a voice to businesses along the border.

"The consequences of Brexit are likely to be the greatest challenges our economy faces in the years to come. The Irish Government must prioritise economic factors within our control," he said.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker takes part in a public dialogue meeting on The Future of Europe in light of Brexit in Malta yesterday Picture: Reuters

The UK's 'Dear Donald' letter sets in motion the biggest break-up in EU history, but one the bloc is determined to get over.

"We are moving on," European Parliament President Antonio Tajani said.

"We already miss you," European Council President Donald Tusk said, on receipt of the hand-delivered missive from Britain's EU ambassador Tim Barrow yesterday.

Though visibly and vocally downcast - "I will not pretend that I am happy today", he said - he managed to find "something positive in Brexit".

"Brexit has made us - the community of 27 - more determined and more united than before," Mr Tusk said.

The same bravado was on display in Rome last weekend when that "community of 27" celebrated 60 years since the signing of the bloc's founding treaty.

The fact that the UK was getting ready to serve divorce papers on the EU around the same time was studiously ignored at the meeting.

But there was a collective sigh of relief yesterday when they finally came.

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, whose country has close economic and trade links to the UK, said the letter "provided much-needed clarity", adding that divorce talks should start "soon".

The EU is united in its determination to ring-fence those talks, to allow the bloc to focus on the many crises it still faces.

"No one gains anything from Brexit," one EU diplomat close to the talks said. "We want to put this behind us as soon as we can and let the negotiators negotiate, rather than obsess over it."

Upcoming elections in France and Germany, Greece's never-ending debt talks, persistently high unemployment in southern Europe and the ongoing refugee crisis are taking precedence over Brexit, while the EU is also trying to find its footing with a Eurosceptic US president and an increasingly militaristic Russian one.

"There's a sense of getting back to the day job," Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes said, pointing to the need to "safeguard, extend and protect" the economic recovery still under way.

"Brexit is not the only challenge that we face," Mr Tajani said. "There is a growing feeling of anxiety, people are worried about their future, illegal immigration and terrorism."

Read More

Only two hours before the UK's letter was delivered, European Commission competition chief Margrethe Vestager was blocking a proposed merger between the London Stock Exchange and Germany's Deutsche Borse.

Although she denied that Brexit influenced the decision, the irony was not lost.

So while Brexit may not be all that's on the EU's work programme, preparations are well under way.

The EU's lead Brexit negotiator, Frenchman Michel Barnier, said today his negotiating team was "ready" to go. He has a 30-strong panel of commission officials advising him on everything from agriculture to banking, who will do the leg-work once EU leaders agree on their negotiating red lines.

Their position will become clearer on Friday, when former Polish premier Mr Tusk, who chairs the regular EU leaders' summits, will table a draft text for their consideration.

It's not expected to contain much detail, though it will set out their intention to agree on UK budget liabilities, citizens' rights and Irish Border issues before talking about a free trade deal.

Mr Tusk says it will be about "damage control" and "minimising costs" and that he has a "strong mandate to protect the interests of the 27".

UK Premier Theresa May says she wants to forge a "deep and special partnership" with the EU, but is unwilling to budge on immigration curbs.

Whether they can manage an amicable divorce remains to be seen.
There is a shortage of skilled project managers, according to industry leaders

Project management leaders fear a Brexit skills shortage, according to a survey by the Ireland Chapter of Project Management Institute (PMI).

The findings on the potential implications of Brexit for Ireland revealed 60pc of those surveyed said there are not enough experienced Irish project and programme managers to fulfil the countrys project management needs.

Concern surrounding this labour gap is mounting, with almost 70pc of respondents expecting Brexit to increase the complexity of their projects. Two in three anticipate a rise of the level of resources needed to complete projects in the next 12 months.

Over 50,000 are employed in project management across Ireland, in sectors such as IT, public sector, financial services, construction, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing.

The Ireland Chapter of PMI President Niall Murphy expressed concern about the skills deficiency.

Project management will be instrumental in navigating this uncharted territory that is Brexit, from managing a companys future trading relationships with the British market, to working with major financial institutions who are expected to relocate here," Mr Murphy said.

"Without a sufficient supply of skilled project managers nationwide, there is a concern projects will not be effectively delivered. This shortage needs to be tackled, as it will ultimately effect the Irish economy as a whole," he added.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny insists he is confident that Ireland's interests will be reflected in the draft Brexit negotiating guidelines due to be published by Brussels.

With the formal divorce process now under way, European Council President Donald Tusk will set out the bloc's priorities for the talks, which the Government expects will make reference to Ireland's "unique circumstances" including the pledge that there will be no return to a hard Border.

It comes as the chairman of the European People's Party (EPP) Group said the remaining EU member states are "united" in defending Ireland's interests in the Brexit talks, and warned that Britain now faced a "hard burden".

Speaking in Malta on the margins of the EPP Congress, Mr Kenny described yesterday as an "unprecedented" day, and warned the negotiations would not be easy.

"It will be very challenging and very complicated," Mr Kenny said. The Taoiseach said he was glad to see Ireland's priorities reflected in the Article 50 letter delivered to Mr Tusk.

In it, British Prime Minister Theresa May said Britain must pay attention to its "unique relationship" with the Republic of Ireland, and the importance of the peace process.

Mr Kenny said his immediate focus was to ensure those priorities are included in Europe's negotiating position, which is due to signed off by European leaders at a special summit on April 29.

"I am confident that the principles and the priorities that have been set out here in respect of Ireland's position, our trading relationship with Britain, the Good Friday Agreement, the peace process, no return to a hard Border, these matters will be reflected in the document that will be circulated on Friday from the European Council," Mr Kenny said.

But nine months on from the referendum vote, and with the formal exit process now under way, there is little clarity as to how a toughening of the Border on the island can be avoided - especially if the UK ends up outside of the customs union.

Mr Kenny described it as a "political challenge", but reiterated that there should be no physical customs posts.

"It will require both imagination and creativity to deal with the outcome of that," he said.

Read More

"We didn't cause this, but we have to deal with the reality of the consequences of it.

"So that's part of the central negotiations that will apply in the context of the Irish position.

"Obviously, the trading relationships between the United Kingdom and the European Union are critical issues and I think that these will run a lot longer than the two-year period, but central to that will be no return to a hard Border as the only land border within the European Union."

Earlier, Manfred Weber, the chair of the EPP group in the European Parliament, said the Good Friday Agreement needs to be protected, and that Ireland's interests will be defended by Europe.

"For Ireland it is extremely important to say, you are not alone," the German MEP said.

"The Irish citizens need to know that they are backed by [the remaining] member states.

"The other partners are united in defending the Irish interests in regard to London's position.

"That is crucial. That people in Ireland can understand that we are together, we are a family and we want to defend together the interests of Ireland."

He also said Brexit will be a "hard burden for Great Britain".

"That is the reality and they will face this, and that is nothing to do with punishment," he added.
As members of Congress in Washington debate raising the minimum required to obtain a US immigrant investor visa from $500,000 to $1.35m, concern about the hike has set off a scramble among wealthy would-be participants in China.

"Some clients are demanding that we make sure their applications are submitted before April 28," the date the programme expires unless extended or amended by Congress, said Judy Gao, director of the US programme at Can-Reach (Pacific), a Beijing-based agency that facilitates EB-5 Immigrant Investor visas. "We're working overtime to do that."

China's wealthy, using not-always-legal means to skirt capital controls to get their money out and at the same time gain residency in the US, are continuing to dwarf all others as the largest participants in the EB-5 programme, despite heightened measures by the Chinese government.

The initiative channels money to high-profile US real estate projects from New York to Miami to California - including those by the family of Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser. A current plan by the Kushner family to refinance and reconstruct its New York office building at 666 Fifth Avenue is seeking $850m in EB-5 funding, as well as cash from Anbang Insurance Group and other investors, according to terms of the proposal reported by Bloomberg News. A spokesman for Kushner Cos declined to comment.

At stake if the EB-5 is curtailed is a programme estimated to have played a role in creating at least 200,000 US jobs and drawing as much as $14bn from Chinese investors alone, based on data provided by Rosen Consulting Group and the Asia Society. Past projects taking advantage of EB-5 include New York's Hudson Yards, Hunter's Point Shipyard in San Francisco, and a Trump-branded tower in Jersey City.

New projects recently doing the rounds in China's chat rooms, web forums and hotel-ballroom investor seminars include a five-star hotel complex in Palm Springs, California, and what's touted as "the world's tallest residential building," on New York's 57th Street, known as Billionaires' Row.

Because Chinese individuals are limited to exchanging $50,000 worth of yuan a year, a 10th of what the EB-5 programme requires, some agents are advising clients who don't already have assets offshore to use a means nicknamed 'smurfing' to move their money.

Chinese investors' use of EB-5 programme saw $3.8bn flow into the US in the fiscal year that ended September 30 last, according to data from the US State Department.
Dublin is now ranked fifth among Eurozone financial services centres, according to the latest Global Financial Centres Index

Dublin has been ranked fifth among Eurozone financial services centres, according to the latest Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI 21). This high ranking should help Dublin to compete for thousands of financial services jobs that are expected to leave London after Brexit.

Agents Knight Frank estimates that as many as 13,000 of those jobs could come to Ireland. However, the competition will be tough.

Meanwhile, estate agents JLL Ireland said Dublin has now moved from 15th into seventh position as a location for world-class property investment. "As pricing has intensified in many of the larger global cities, 'New World Cities' such as Dublin have increased their profile to investors as they are perceived to have better value. Dublin is a consistent, liquid market that has open and transparent operating processes, with dynamic clusters of business activity. It offers scalable real estate investment opportunities, and is punching above its weight in terms of attracting real estate for a market of its size," says Hannah Dwyer, head of research at JLL Ireland.

"This rise in Dublin's ranking in the last decade has happened through technology advancements and its ability to transform and adapt to a constantly changing socio-economic landscape," added Dwyer.

Dublin was also ranked fifth in JLL's index for cross-border investment intensity, just behind Frankfurt in third and Munich fourth.

Meanwhile, among global financial centres the Eurozone cities of Luxembourg, Frankfurt, Munich and Paris are ahead of Dublin, which in turn is ahead of other competing Eurozone centres including Amsterdam, Warsaw and Brussels.

In the wider global market, the GFCI shows that Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi have overtaken Dublin, and the Irish capital has dropped two places to 33 in the global index that examines 88 cities around the world. Asked which global centres are expected to become more significant in the next few years, respondents to GFCI ranked Dublin as high as eighth with Luxembourg trailing in ninth.

The GFCI 21, which is compiled by The China Development Institute and Z/Yen Partners, also shows Dublin soaring in terms of reputation, up 15 positions to 13th in the global index and the only Eurozone city to make it into this elite top 15 global financial centres in terms of reputation. However, Luxembourg is the only Eurozone city to make the elite 15 when ranked in terms of human capital and business environment.

GFCI rankings are based on five broad factors of competitiveness: Business Environment, Human Capital, Infrastructure, Financial Sector Development and Reputation. Tax and cost competitiveness, including real estate rents, is just one of 20 sub-sectors within these criteria.

Brexit was a major concern among those surveyed, especially the uncertainty for all centres - not just London. Nevertheless the UK capital retained its position as the world's number one financial centre, with Singapore narrowing the gap and ranked number three.

Even before last week's terrorist attack on Westminster, terrorism, personal safety and human rights are becoming ever more important among respondents to the GFCI online questionnaire.

In an analysis of how well connected a centre is, how broad its services are and how specialised it is, Dublin was ranked third among global leaders because of its breadth and depth of financial services activities as well as its connectedness with many other financial centres. Frankfurt was fourth and Paris was ninth among these global players. Much of the competition between Eurozone countries for financial services arises because some London-based banks will lose their rights to provide financial services within the Eurozone if the EU negotiates a hard Brexit.

An analysis carried out by John Ring of Knight Frank as part of the agency's Dublin Office Market Review and Outlook for 2017 suggests that Dublin could gain up to 15pc of the financial services jobs leaving London post-Brexit. Ring's projection is based on statistics gleaned from a range of sources, including the European Parliament, the British Banking Authority (BBA) and the Brussels-based 'think tank', Bruegel.

With 262,500 of the UK's financial services 1.05m workforce engaged in wholesale banking according to the BBA, Bruegel estimates that one third of this activity (87,499 jobs) will migrate to the EU 27 member states. Having examined those numbers, Ring predicts that 15pc - or 13,125 of these jobs - will come to Dublin.

Meanwhile, a number of Irish developers have been pitching their new office developments to both Irish and international firms in a bid to capture some of this international financial business. In a recent article for in the UK's Property Week magazine, Hibernia Reit CEO Kevin Nowlan, said: "We are well placed to cater for Brexit- related demand."

He said: "Should Brexit demand test the limits of the supply that is currently in the pipeline, Dublin has the ability to be far more fleet of foot than some of its European competitors. The city has around 3.5m sq ft of new grade-A office space that will be delivered over the next two years - about 2m sq ft in 2017 and then another 1.7m sq ft in 2018.

"Our experience to date suggests many organisations considering moves don't feel they can wait to see the final terms of Brexit before making initial relocation decisions, so we may start to see firm requirements from some in the near term."

Nowlan argued that Dublin "makes sense on a lot of other levels" for companies seeking a post-Brexit base.

"As a result of our history, we have a common law system, as does the UK, making Dublin an obvious place for any business that trades internationally. Culturally we're not that different. If you're looking at moving to Paris or Dublin, Dublin is going to present far less of a culture shock to people," he said.
Kennedy Wilson is set to deliver 340,000 sq ft of office space by the final quarter of this year

US investment banking giant JP Morgan is understood to be considering the relocation of hundreds of its employees from London to Capital Dock, the 31,600 sq m (340,000 sq ft) office scheme currently being developed by Kennedy Wilson in Dublin's docklands. The site could potentially house around 1,000 employees.

News of JP Morgan's potential post-Brexit move will be welcomed, coming as it does in the wake of the decision by two major insurance companies, Lloyd's of London and AIG, to choose Brussels and Luxembourg instead of Dublin for their respective European Union bases.

Prior to last June's referendum, J.P Morgan boss Jamie Dimon said as many as 4,000 employees could be relocated if Britain chose to leave.

While a source familiar with the matter insisted that a decision on Capital Dock was "still up in the air", JP Morgan's intentions in relation to the scheme's offices are currently the subject of intense speculation within Dublin's commercial real estate sector.

The Irish Independent understands that JP Morgan has been engaged in a search for space capable of accomodating employees from both its existing offices at George's Dock in the IFSC and up to 500 personnel currently working within its London operations.

In terms of timing, it remains unclear when the bank's current Dublin employees would relocate to new offices, given the fact that JP Morgan remains committed to a 25-year lease from December 1996 on its George's Dock premises.

Capital Dock's office space is set to be delivered by Kennedy Wilson in the final quarter of this year, with 190 apartments on its adjoining 4.8 acre site ready for occupation from 2018, making both offerings timely propositions for JP Morgan and other financial services firms seeking to relocate from London in the wake of Brexit.

Kennedy Wilson's intention to offer office tenants at Capital Dock priority access to the scheme's 190 apartments is widely acknowledged within property circles as providing it with an advantage over its competitors aiming to attract London-based banks to Dublin.

The US-headquartered real estate giant has been aggressive in its pursuit of post-Brexit business, with members of its senior management confirming to analysts from Deutsche Bank as far back as last October that they had already held "preliminary talks" with a number of banks in London in relation to the relocation of some of their operations to Dublin.

Asked by the Irish Independent for comment at the time, Kennedy Wilson Europe's chief operating officer Peter Collins said: "As a company with a long-term commitment to Ireland, we are of course interested in exploring the unfolding scenarios offered by Brexit and the potential for further investment in Ireland, and Dublin in particular."

A request to Kennedy Wilson's spokesman for comment yesterday on JP Morgan's potential move to Capital Dock had not been met with a response by the time of going to press.

JLL, the agents responsible for lettings at Capital Dock declined to comment on the matter, as did a spokeswoman for JP Morgan.
Living and farming in the country as I do you could almost feel the pressure rising among the cattle rearing and fattening fraternity last week and on into the weekend.

Yes there is high pressure on the weather map but the pressure I speak of is best summed up in the Castlerea mini mart report where farmers are described as fearing in their minds the worst of all spring scenarios  sunshine leading to a spurt of grass growth and not enough stock to eat it and this is regardless of where the price of beef might go.

The trade two weeks ago was influenced, especially among the heifers, by outside factors including the Cheltenham festival which had taken some buyers away from marts for an annual holiday of sorts.

Last week they were back, fresh from Irelands most successful raid ever on that English bastion with 19 winners, and they were in the form to start knocking out a few choice prices ringside.

The biggest movement outside of the weanling trade was in the heifer section with the predicted price rise of last week materialising across all grades and sections.

The 350-399kg heifer rose on average by 10c/kg or from 35-39/hd, while at the other end of the scale the 600kg+ heifer put on 7c/kg on average or a minimum of 42/hd.

Both the 400-499kg and the 500-599kg sections put on 3c/ kg on average or from 12-18/ hd inclusive. Moving to the bullock tables, the improvement in factory prices over the last two to three weeks has had the effect of underpinning an average price rise of 12c/kg or 72/hd in the 600kg+ section last week.

The average price rises across all the remaining divisions 300-599kgs sees 4-5c/kg being about where it was at last week.

Those figures translate into mart averages of 681-906/hd or 2.27/kg in the 300-399kg section last week, while the 400-499kg bullock averaged 2.19/kg or from 876-1,093/ hd.

The 500-599kg animal rose 5c/kg to 2.11/kg or from 1,055-1,264/hd. System These are big figures even given the recent factory price rises and they are to some extent being driven by the fact a lot of marts have yet to reach their top pitch where spring sales numbers are concerned.

This brings me to another point made to me by a factory buyer who asked the question: Where are all those extra cattle that are supposed to be in the system; who has them?

If they are there, and Bord Bia and the farm organisations say they are, would now not be a good time to start showing them?

The weanling trade continues to flourish with those lighter Turkish type bulls again seeing gains with the 100-299kg section up 10c/ kg.

However, all other weight divisions in the bull section did fall on average last week by anything from 2-9c/kg.

1 CASTLEREA

Trade at Castlerea on Thursday was no different to any other sales yard across the country last week as farmers feared the worst, warm sunshine driving a spurt of grass growth and possibly not enough stock to eat it. To this end the heifer ring here saw 390-490kg Charolais make from 1,105-1,280/hd, while 1,480 saw a 645kg Charolais head to a new home. The weanling trade saw shippers driving those lighter Turkish types hard. 250kg 850, 280kg 865, 430kg 1,235 all Charolais bulls, while 855 was the price of a 295kg Angus, with a 485kg Limousin making 1,235.

2 CARRICK-ON-SUIR

The following day saw Carrick-on-Suirs weekly mart with John Curran commenting that cattle sold like hot buns. Prices here saw four Aubrac 408kg bullocks make 1,090/hd or 2.67/kg, while six 355kg Angus made 2.25/kg or 800/hd. Among the more dairy type bullocks eight 361kg Friesians saw 650/hd, while the owner of a single 480kg Friesian refused 950. The man with the seven 370kg Herefords didnt look his gift horse in the mouth, taking home close to 5,900 on a sales price of 845/hd.

3 HEADFORD

There was also a very good turnout at Headford last weekend, with farmers buying for spring grass bidding bullocks up to between 330-1,045 over the 1/ kg. Top of the pops among the bullocks was a 645kg Limousin who made 1,690, while the best among the heifers was also a Limousin who at 590kgs made 1,400. The general run of heifers made from 320- 810/hd over the 1/kg. Cull cows made from 950-1,360/hd, with sucklers making from 1,300-1,700/hd.

4 CASTLEBLANEY

Up close to the Border trade cracked on equally well with prices for Charolais bullocks from 322-380kgs going from 800-1,045/hd. 1,055 would have got you a 471kg Hereford, while 90 more at 1,145 saw a 464kg Limousin heading to pastures new. Moving to heavier stock, a 1,365 brought home a red Limousin, while 1,405 saw a 670kg red and white Hereford probably make a shorter trip. Heifers were also choice, with Charolais from 310- 473kgs seeing prices from 805-1085/hd.

5 BALLINASLOE

Wednesday at Ballinasloe saw some midland and east coast buyers bow out gracefully as local farmers set prices alight. Could you buy value? Well with prices among the bullocks averaging from 2.38 to a top of 3.07/kg, those buying might agree it wasnt simple. But whos to say that in a week or a month those prices may appear manageable. Same with the heifers, they averaged 2.35/kg, while those rating four and five stars pushed onto a max of 2.90/kg. Dry cows averaged 1,040/hd, with the top price being 1,240.

6 LISTOWEL

Listowels calf and dairy sale saw a very good trade for calves, with Aberdeen Angus bulls typically making 150-295/hd. Trade for that slightly older calf saw Hereford bulls sell from 120-360/hd, while Hereford heifers typically went from 130- 200/hd, with the top of the market ranging from 242-297/hd. Friesian calves sold from 40-55/hd for younger or possibly not so polished lots, to between 112-145/hd for better older stock. Friesian heifers made from 118-165/hd.

7 CARNEW

Saturdays sale at Carnew was described as very strong for beef and store cattle as farmers, finishers and factories got stuck in. Beef bullocks made from 650-1,100/ hd over the 1/kg, while the continentals stores made from 550-920/hd over their weight. Friesians made 220-710 over 1/ kg. Weanling bulls sold from 450-860/hd over the 1/kg.
Korean Ambassador to Beijing Kim Jang-soo on Tuesday officially asked the Chinese government to lift the closures of Lotte Mart stores in China.

Since early March, 67 of the 99 Lotte Marts in China have been closed for alleged health and safety violations amid a spat over Seoul's decision to let the U.S. station a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense battery here.

Kim wrote to the Chinese foreign, commerce and public security ministries, according to the Korean Embassy. "The reopening of Lotte Mart stores will be helpful to bilateral relations and China's economic development," he said in the letter. "Please cooperate in lifting the suspension so that they can operate normally."

"It's been almost a month," an embassy official said. "We urged the Chinese government that there should be no more serious setback to their operations."


This video captures a miniature Dexter cow, which is a native breed to Ireland, help her new born calf.

This cow, Ella, was about the size of a Jack Russell dog, when she was born and this year Henry Judge's daughter Aisling captured the amazing first moments of Ella's fifth calf on video.
The owner of 16 sheep killed in a dog attack last week says he doesn't know who to turn to after losing faith in the authorities following other incidents.

Henry McElroy lost 16 sheep during an attack on Friday at his farm in Hackballscross which he believes involved alsatian dogs. Part of Mr McElroy's farm is in the North, which makes it difficult for him to get insurance, and he said he was devastated by the loss of so many animals in 'such a violent way'.

He said: 'These dogs I believe have been running around the country and they have been on my farm before. After this incident, I want action but I don't have faith in those who are supposed to be in charge of this type of thing'.

The farmer said he felt there was 'no point' in reporting the incident to Louth County Council or the Gardai and he felt that the issue of dogs attacking sheep is not being taken seriously enough, particularly in government, specifically in the Department of Agriculture. He wants more action on the issue of all Ireland microchipping systems for dogs.

And Mr McElroy became emotional when he spoke about how he watched his sheep dying and how helpless he felt. In addition, he said older farmers in the area feel isolated.

Mr McElroy was one of a number of farmers from Hackballscross who attended a meeting in Dooley's, Edmondstown, on Monday night, organised by the Irish Farmers' Association and was attended by IFA president Joe Healy.

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The organisation's Louth chairman, Gerry Melia, was also there and he said Mr McElroy and the other farmers spoke passionately and articulately about their concerns and upset about sheep attacks.

Mr Melia said the IFA president was sympathetic to their concerns and Louth IFA are going to assist Mr McElroy in getting help with this issue and are to liaise the dog warden at Louth County Council about the attack.

He said: 'Henry and the other farmers went to the meeting and they were given the opportunity to tell their stories to Mr Healy. They felt they were not getting help from anyone and they feel this is a real health and safety issue. We understand that the dogs that did this are in the south and we will be speaking again to the dog warden and the head vet.

'We believe that over the last couple of years, more sheep have been killed by the same dogs and people didn't want to say anything, they didn't want the hassle but we will try to help these people and ensure they are supported.

'It is not right what is happening and farmers shouldn't feel isolated and powerless. The IFA will be supporting them and will continue to highlight this'.
A graphic artist's impression of the planned development in the Cork docklands.

DEVELOPMENT of Cork's vast docklands is set to be kick-started by a 90m office block aimed at resolving a chronic shortage of commercial space in the city centre.

The Navigation Square complex, which is comprises four separate blocks on a 2.25 acre site in the heart of Cork city centre, will provide accommodation for up to 3,000 employees and more than 310,000sq ft of office space.

It ranks as the largest development of its type ever undertaken outside Dublin.

Yesterday, An Bord Pleanala (ABP) confirmed the withdrawal of all remaining planning appeals to the development.

The project was granted planning permission by Cork City Council last September but a number of planning objections were lodged.

The withdrawal of all appeals now means that construction work will begin immediately.

O'Callaghan Properties boss, Brian O'Callaghan, hailed the ABP confirmation as "a great day for Cork and for the region".

"Navigation Square is a flagship, ambitious development that further confirms that Cork city is capable of hosting large scale multinational and indigenous investment projects," he said.

The project was the brainchild of the late Cork developer, Owen O'Callaghan. Mr O'Callaghan, who developed Cork's Mahon Point Shopping Centre and Opera Lane retail complex, last year predicted the project and its office space will transform Cork city centre and its docklands.

The Albert Quay site, adjacent to where Mr O'Callaghan had proposed to develop a Cork events centre, is considered strategic to Cork's docklands redevelopment.

The plan also seeks to address the lack of office space in the city centre. The project will involve more than 350 construction jobs and is scheduled to be completed within 18 months.

Coupled with a parallel project on Andersons Quay, O'Callaghan Properties will provide 460,000 sq ft of office accommodation in the next two years.

The development by Mr O'Callaghan now brings to over 350m the major projects currently underway in Cork city.

These include the 60m Cork events centre being built by BAM/Heineken on the old Beamish & Crawford site, 60m One Albert Quay office complex, the 3m facelift for Kent railway station, the 70m revamp of Pairc Ui Chaoimh GAA stadium, the 3.2m Irish Independent rugby stadium revamp and the 50m Capitol retail complex.

'Navigation Square' will also include roof terraces with spectacular views of the city, two stand-alone restaurant units and staff facilities.

An ambitious 1bn plan to transform Cork's vast docklands by creating housing for 23,000 residents and up to 27,000 was one of the first victims of Ireland's property and financial crisis. The plan also involved a new 80m swing-bridge to link Tivoli directly with the docklands and provide down-river access to the sprawling landbank.
Irish listed Amryt Pharma posted operating losses before tax of 7.8m last year following a number of strategic purchases over the course 2016.

Amryt signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Aegerion Pharmaceuticals which it said could have a transformational effect on the business.

Amryt secured the rights to distribute Lojuxta- a drug therapy used to treat a very rare life-threatening disease called Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia ("HoFH"), which causes excessive levels cholesterol-from Aegerion in Decemeber of last year.

Amryt specialises in creating drugs to treat extremely rare skin conditions. The company said it had made significant progress over the past twelve months, having secured patents in the US, Europe, and in Japan for its Episalvan drug which could provide a treatment for the genetic skin condition Epidermolysis Bullos.

The companys final year results show that the company purchased Birken AG and Som Pharmaceuticals in April for just over 10m.

Amryt said it was in a strong position following the acquisitions. Revenues for the year totalled 1.35m, in line with management expectations.

It has been a tremendously exciting year for the company. Amryt has made significant progress, both strategically and operationally, said Joe Wiley, CEO of Amryt Pharma.

A landmark point came in December 2016 when we reached an agreement to in-license the drug, Lojuxta, which treats a rare, life-threatening disorder, HoFH.

The agreement has provided us with a cash generative product, with untapped sales potential, as well as a pan-European infrastructure which we can use for other drug assets. Building Lojuxta sales will be a major focus for us over 2017, Mr Wiley added.

The company added it had secured an agreement with the European Investment Bank for a 20m loan facility.
Ten years ago, Ireland was on the cusp of a massive economic disaster. House prices this month in 2007 were about to fall from meteoric heights. The freefall would later spread to commercial property values and massive job losses across the economy would follow.

The collapse was truly frightening. Around half a million people lost their jobs. One-third of a million households would be in negative equity by 2012. The banks would collapse at a cost of 62bn (net cost around 32bn, still one of the most expensive in the world for our size). The country would need a 60bn Troika bailout within four years.

With so many people having gone through so much pain, you would think this society had really learned the lessons of those cataclysmic mistakes. In some areas, important lessons have been learned - but when you look at the scale of the housing and rental crisis that has steadily evolved right under the noses of our politicians in the last five years, you have to wonder what has really changed.

Recent figures published in this newspaper show that the price of a semi-detached house in Dublin is rising at a rate similar to the boom era.

House prices in parts of north County and south County Dublin rose by 5.6pc in the last three months, according to the figures compiled by the Irish Independent and Real Estate Alliance. The survey found that a typical semi-detached house in Dublin went up in value by 15,000 in the last three months, or 1,250 per week.

A loosening up of bank lending limits, the Government's Help-to-Buy scheme and a fear of further rises have contributed to an acceleration in house price rises.

It is deeply ironic that rents in Dublin City are now 15pc higher than they were at the peak of the boom a decade ago, while house prices remain around 30pc cheaper. Someone who bought a house in Dublin in 2013 to rent it out has seen it rise in value by an average of 65pc. Meanwhile, Dublin rents are 65pc higher than in 2010.

There is an obvious human and social cost to this. It depicts a society that is failing, not prospering. People are handing over massive percentages of their income in rents or racking up significant mortgage debt to get on a property ladder, which increasingly feels like it will continue to go up.

The State is also just adding to the 500m per year it pays out in rent supplements.

And there are economic costs and dangers too. The housing crisis is a significant threat to our genuine prosperity. It is about quality-of-life issues as much as headline wage figures.

There are stories now of people paying 400 per month for a bed in a room in Dublin. This will undermine our economy's ability to attract inward investment. It will deter some people from going to university. The lost time that people spend commuting will affect their productivity. Ultimately, wage demands will increase, and the economy will become more expensive and less competitive.

Comparisons to the mistakes of the boom/bust a decade ago are useful, as we can see what is different this time round and what is actually just the same.

The brakes have been put on excessive bank borrowing firstly by the banks themselves and also by the Central Bank. For example, 10 years ago, private sector credit was growing at close to 30pc per year.

Today, net credit has been shrinking as Irish people pay down more debt than they take out. There are early signs of that changing now, but it is nowhere near where it was. Ten years ago, the banks were using money borrowed on the wholesale international markets to fund this consumer splurge. Traditionally, banks used their deposit base to fund lending but in the noughties, that all spiralled out of control.

Ten years ago, banks had customer deposits worth less than 60pc of the loans they had issued. In some cases, like PTSB, banks had lent out three times what they held in deposits. Today, across the banking network, deposits held in the banks are equal to around 80pc of the loans issued. This is a much safer model but is still below the 82pc figure of 17 years ago.

There are still genuine risks in the system. For example, a decade ago, property-related loans accounted for around 64pc of outstanding loans. That figure is still roughly the same today.

This is because the banks still have many of those legacy property loans, some of which are still underperforming, and they haven't lent out all that much money for other purposes in the last decade.

So, Irish banks are still heavily involved in property, but much of it is from the past. They are much better capitalised to protect themselves from any future big shock, but the wounds of the past remain in the form of a relatively high level of underperforming loans.

The banks will no longer do large-scale 100pc mortgages or even lash out consumer loans of tens of thousands to practically anybody.

However, there are real factors which will continue to drive up house prices and rents unless active measures are taken to counter them. Population growth is one. By 2030, 65pc of the population will live within 25 miles of the east coast. By 2040, there are expected to be an extra one million people living in Ireland.

More immediately, rising house values are taking large numbers of people out of negative equity. This is a very positive development for many struggling families who got caught up in the buying frenzy of the last boom. They have either been stuck in starter homes, or ended up becoming reluctant landlords as they tried to move on from the mistakes of the boom.

Those people are now looking at finally getting out of their small apartments and trading up to bigger properties to cater perhaps for changed family circumstances. They are now becoming buyers again, for the first time in perhaps 11 or 12 years. At the end of 2012 there were around 314,000 households in negative equity, according to the ESRI. Now, accelerating house prices may eliminate negative equity entirely by next year.

Lessons have been learned in relation to banking and regulation. Lessons have been learned by many consumers who were scarred by excessive borrowing in the past.

But what lessons have been learned by politicians? The enormous human, social and economic value of having relatively cheap housing, whether rented or acquired, has not been grasped.

The solutions are actually obvious. Implementing those solutions involves making some tough decisions, but not impossible ones.

The Central Bank may have to row back on the looser mortgage cap criteria it allowed for. The Government needs to get builders building in more cost-effective ways. High-rise should be considered, especially for Dublin.

There should be more brownfield sites used for building houses in cities. The State is likely to make a profit of around 2.3bn on the wind-up of Nama. As a taxpayer, I think it would be better for Nama to break even, and that 2.3bn be used to roll out large numbers of affordable properties.

According to some estimates, there are close to 6,000 Airbnb properties up for short-term rent in the Dublin area. The Government needs to clamp down on professional landlords using apartments for short overnight Airbnb stays, as it would free up properties for renting. A review has been promised on building costs. It needs to be speeded up and its recommendations implemented quickly.

Real international risks abound that could threaten our economic future. Equally, it is fair to say we are not sitting on the edge of an obvious precipice as we were this month 10 years ago.

However, the failure to sort out the housing crisis shows how little has been learned.
A free medical video consultation for company employees is being rolled out in a partnership between VideoDoc and Food Drink Ireland (FDI).

The initiative is being launched to coincide with National Workplace Wellbeing Day which takes place tomorrow.

VideoDoc is a telehealth firm that allows patients to have face-to-face consultations with a doctor by video.

Participating companies will be able to offer their employees the free consultation with an Irish Medical Council registered doctor between March 31 and April 7.

" Absenteeism due to illness is a major issue in the workplace, costing circa 1.5bn per annum. As 80pc of people want access to a GP outside working hours, a solution like VideoDoc offers a cost-effective solution for over 70pc of conditions and everyday illnesses," said Mary OBrien, co-founder of VideoDoc

Once signed up participants will receive a code that they can use to avail of the VideoDoc Service.

Wellbeing is an ongoing commitment, and VideoDoc will benefit employees and employers alike, providing easy access to doctor consultations to save both time and money, while still availing of a trustworthy service, said Dermot Doherty, Health Strategy Manager at Food Drink Ireland.
The short-term objective of North Korea's frantic missile development is to prevent U.S. troop and weapons reinforcements from reaching the Korean Peninsula in the event of war, analysis suggests.

North Korea launched 46 missiles since leader Kim Jong-un came to power in 2012, often at high angles or in groups.

The Chosun Ilbo on Wednesday asked military sources and experts to analyze the launches, and they concluded that while the long-term goal is to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of striking targets on the U.S. mainland, the immediate targets are closer to home.

The experts said the North seems to have developed the capability to deliver a "significant blow" to U.S. troop and weapons reinforcements. If they are unable to reach the peninsula in the event of a war between North and South, proper defensive maneuvers will be extremely difficult to carry out, to say nothing of reprisal attacks.

The North is developing the technology to deliver precision strikes on its intended targets rather than showering the South with missiles.

Out of the 46 missiles North Korea has launched so far, 30 were Musudan with a range of 3,500 km, Rodong with a range of 1,300 km, Scud ER with a range of 1,000 km, and Pukguksong with a range of 2,500 km. That means 65 percent are probably intended to strike U.S. troop and weapons reinforcements in Japan and Guam.

The 16 Scud C missiles with a range of 500 km the North has launched are believed to target Busan and other ports and airports in the South.


Sam Dennigans background is fresh fruit and vegetables. Yet Dennigan is on a mission to get us to the frozen food aisle.

Graduating from Art College in 2006, he started working for the family business, a fresh fruit and vegetable wholesalers, where he worked for ten years before striking out on his own.

Dennigan worked across all parts of the business, from the fruit market pitch on Marys Lane to procurement, and eventually to sales and marketing where he managed several vegetable brands.

So how did he go from fresh fruit and veg to setting up a company that today supplies frozen food to all the major supermarkets in Ireland as well as Wholefoods and Waitrose in the UK?

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I looked at frozen brands and how they were existing and I saw a massive opportunity to rejig the frozen foods section. No one talks about good quality frozen foods.

And thats what Strong Roots is about, quality frozen foods.

We also did a lot of research in the USA, as they dont view the frozen food isle as an unhealthy place to go because of the products that are in the frozen foods section there, he says.

In particular we looked at Wholefoods USA. From our research we knew that our product could be a success and we knew that getting into Wholefoods UK could be a big win for us. Sweet potato fries are now the number one selling product in the frozen section of the Wholefoods UK flagship store Dennigan says.

What role then does Dennigan himself play in the company?

My role is that of CEO, I look after all departments, whats going on, whats the strategy, whats the outlook. We now have two companies, one for the Irish market and one for the UK market. Im currently based in UK as we are trying to get into all main retailers in there. We are in almost all food retailers in Ireland.

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And the company in turn has grown.

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In May 2015 I look on an unpaid intern, three months later I was in a position to employ her, and now she is the Head of Brands and Marketing. By the end of 2017 we hope to have seventeen people employed across Ireland and the UK.

We discuss the products, and Dennigan says that the sweet potatoes used come from North Carolina as the climate there is more suitable for growing sweet potatoes.

Meanwhile, their avocados are grown in Peru, while the quinoa used in their kale and quinoa burgers is sustainably grown in Austria.

UK Success

A major recent success for Strong Roots has been the deal announced with the Waitrose supermarket chain in the UK. The Strong Roots products are now available in almost 200 Waitrose stores across the UK.

In speaking about the Waitrose success Dennigan talks about how from day one Waitrose really understood the product, the brand, and what they were trying to achieve.

We focused on Waitrose as they understood what we were trying to achieve. Waitrose is known as innovation leaders and they were willing to take a risk on a new type of product.

While we are changing the way people view a category of food, ultimately we are selling vegetables.

I like to look at myself as a new age green grocery.

Advice

Dennigan acknowledges that the industry is not always easy and his advice to food entrepreneurs starting out is to decide as early as possible how big you want your product or company to be.

Its different going from farmers market to mass distribution, you need to decide very early on how big you want to be. Have that frank conversation with yourself. Do I want to be an independent seller? Do I want to have an Irish brand, or do I want a global brand?

When you are doing something you love, the more you do it, the further you want to go, but in the beginning for me it was about telling a story and seeing how successful we could be. First satisfy what your personal needs are. Doing what you really want should result in a success.

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Also, we received a lot of support from the local state enterprise office, they have been incredible, they really support the entrepreneur.

Social media

A key feature of the Strong Roots success has been their social media presence, in particular their Keep Digging  Adventures of a Food Truck with a Blank Cookbook series.

Already there has been one episode where two of the team took their blank cookbook to Tedfest and, using the sweet potato fries, cooked up a storm on Inishmore.

The idea behind this, Dennigan says is that you dont need another cook book, consolidate what you have learned.

Our target audience makes up their own rules and they are not afraid go out and try something new.

The customer we market to wants fresh food and they enjoy cooking, but everyone had discounted the frozen isle as something that is not healthy. This is something we are changing and as a result of the brand, frozen foods are seeing growth.

Dennigan concludes by assuring us that we can expect five more episodes from the Food Truck with a Blank Cookbook so watch this space for more fun and delicious recipes.

For now, Dennigans next step is into the Middle East where the Strong Roots products will be launched in the coming weeks with a number of supermarkets.
One of the self-driving Domino's delivery robots, which will begin taking customers pizza in Germany and the Netherlands

Starship Technologies, the London-based company that has created six-wheeled self-driving delivery robots, will begin taking customers Domino's pizzas in Germany and the Netherlands

Starship, launched in July 2014 by two former Skype co-founders, Ahti Heinla and Janus Friis, will whisk pizzas to customers' doors if they live within a one-mile radius of certain Domino's pizza shops in "select German and Dutch cities,".

Domino's Pizza Enterprises, the world's largest franchise licence owner of Domino's Pizza, with operations in markets across Asia and Europe, has formed a group called Domino's Robotic Unit to oversee the project.

Domino's has tested ground-based autonomous vehicles for pizza delivery in Australia and New Zealand in 2016. In November it also delivered a pizza by drone in New Zealand.

"With our growth plans over the next five to 10 years, we simply won't have enough delivery drivers if we do not look to add to our fleet through initiatives such as this," Domino's Pizza Enterprises CEO Don Meij said in a statement.

Starship's battery-powered robot is designed to operate autonomously on pavements, not roads, and has a maximum speed of four miles an hour carrying loads up to nine kilograms.

Its cargo hold, which customers unlock with a code sent to their mobile phones, is insulated and the pizzas will also be placed inside a special hot or cold bag similar to the ones used for motorcycle-based deliveries.

"Dependent on size, we can carry up to eight pizzas on a delivery or a variety of combinations of pizzas, sides and cold drinks or dessert products," the company said.

Starship is already delivering food orders for Just Eat in London, in the upmarket neighborhood of Greenwich. It also has partnerships for food, grocery and parcel deliveries with Postmates, DoorDash, Hermes Parcel Delivery Service, Swiss Post and Wolt in the US, UK, Germany, Switzerland and Estonia.

Mercedes-Benz Vans invested $17.2m (159m) in Starship in January. Mercedes-Benz has created prototype vans that could serve as a kind of "mothership" or logistics hub for a small fleet of autonomous pavement drones like Starship's. These vans could one day be self-driving too.

Domino's previously announced it was teaming up with Microsoft to create a bot that helps users order pizza. You can ask the Domino's Skype bot to "order me a large pizza" and it will send the request to your shop.
If the name Squarespace is familiar but you're not quite sure why, chances are the tech platform is supports the podcast you're listening to on the way to work.

Many, of course, will be familiar with the all-in-one content management system that helps even the least tech savvy of us build a professional looking website from the ground up.

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Founded in 2003 in a US university dorm room by founder Anthony Casalena, Squarespace's success story has led to the firm's international expansion - and an impressive client list.

"I really wanted to make a website for myself so I wanted something that was all in one so I didn't have to put together a bunch of software components," CEO Casalena told independent.ie.

"I also wanted something that looked good and was designed really well because essentially your website is how a lot of people are going to view your ideas."

The firm's Dublin office opened a decade after the concept was realised as the second hub for its Customer Operations.

Last year, the SaaS-based website builder's revenue exceeded $200m - and Squarespace Ireland is seen an important strategic component of the firm's global business, and success.

"The reason for selecting Dublin is that there's a bigger tech presence here so we're not the only company in town that's doing this," said Casalena.

"It just sort of fit the bill with the sophisticated population and what we need from an international perspective".

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The Dublin team - which comprises 115 employees of more than 14 nationalities - provides English language support in a different time zone to the company's New York headquarters and their third site in Portland, Oregon.

"As we've expanded and we've gotten more worldwide usage, it's important for us to staff around the clock properly to cover those hours," said Casalena.

"Dublin has been great for us; we've got over 100 people here now and we've got space for about 300. There are mostly customer operations functions here currently but we're looking to perhaps push our translation services more internationally from the Dublin office and have more of the technical teams here."

About 30pc of Squarespace's customers - from artists to professional services and businesses to e-commerce sites to individual portfolios - are based outside the US.

The success of the Dublin team in leading the firm's global expansion efforts has meant the Ship Street site has gotten quite a bit of attention lately.

Located close to The Liberties, the 2,343 sq. m. office covers four floors with a dedicated entrance, lobby, and roof terrace (that is now decorated with hammocks and lounge chairs).

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Mimicking Squarespace's US offices, the recently concluded renovations have resulted in a clean and minimalistic aesthetic with the wooden benches and widely used greenery the only pop of colour in the otherwise monochrome space.

Light filters in through floor-to-ceiling windows that encompass each of the floors that are currently utilised; and these open areas area also complemented by 'breakout' areas which include a games room, a ping-pong table and an ideas corner where you can literally write on the walls.

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So it may come as a boon for some that the as yet half full office is actively recruiting and intends to at least double its workforce in Dublin in the next three years.

While Squarespace staff is largely made up from the millenial age group, the firm is open to attracting talent from all age groups, nationalities and diverse educational backgrounds. Having a college degree is definitely not a 'must have'.

"What I'm looking for in people is a certain thoughtfulness and curiosity - and being able to exhibit that is really important," said Casalena.

Potential candidates might also be interested in knowing that benefits at the tech company include an impressive healthcare package, flexible holiday time, free meals and snacks, a decent pension plan and parental leave with flexible arrangements on their return.

"Everyone shares in the same perks here - if you're an engineer or a customer services operative - there's the same everything," said the chief.

"We're competing with the biggest like Google Facebook and Amazon for talent so I'm pretty sure that we've done a good job."

Squarespace are currently graduating from a focus on presence to a focus on "helping people with creative ideas succeed" - the service is constantly expanding.

"With respect to the culture here, it's really a combination of trying to keep a sense of urgency while still maintaining an air of creativity - and an air of curiosity as we grow," said Casalena.

"I don't want Squarespace to feel like a really big company, even as the head count continues to expand, that's important to me".
Is Microsoft finally pulling the plug on Windows phones? It certainly looks like the company is withdrawing its handset business from the Irish market.

The tech giant no longer lists Windows phones for sale on its own Microsoft store. The three biggest phone operators here are winding down their Windows phones, with just one model each and no plans to replace them - and the company itself has even stopped supporting older phones with key services.

Put simply, Windows phones have been crushed by the iPhone and Android.

Sales have fallen to below 1pc in the Irish market. From having 4.7pc of the Irish market three years ago, usage now stands at 1.3pc, according to Statcounter.

Software giants like Facebook and Google have taken note. Facebook is to cease supporting its Messenger service on Windows phones that use version 8.1 of the software (a majority of current Windows phones, according to Kantar Research).

Snapchat and YouTube, which never launched versions of their services for Windows phones, have been utterly vindicated.

For years, I've been writing that you're at a disadvantage if you get a Windows phone.

The problem has never been the hardware, especially with Nokia Lumia devices. It was always the 'app gap'. There are simply far too many critical everyday apps missing from the ecosystem. There are no Google apps (Maps, Search, Gmail, Docs), for example. Or Snapchat. None of the banks here support apps for Windows phones, which is a major pain. Sky and Virgin Media are the same - you can't watch your TV on the go with a Windows mobile device in the same way you can with Android or iOS.

Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram are in there alright, but Windows users are always relegated to last place when it comes to new features. Even rival divisions of Microsoft itself are abandoning the Windows Mobile operating system. Minecraft, which Microsoft owns, won't be updated for Windows Phone any more, while Skype will also not be supported on some versions of the mobile Windows operating system.

As Windows Phone usage withers, with little by way of new investment from Microsoft, the problem is getting worse rather than better.

In Ireland, the phones are still used by employees some public sector and government organisations, which negotiated bulk discounted deals to buy into the ecosystem. Many of Microsoft's own employees are also stuck using the phone.

The smattering of others who still have a Windows phone include those who were given one as part of some 99 deal and for whom it was a first smartphone. There is also still a very small niche who are loyal to Nokia, which Microsoft bought in 2013 as a hardware vehicle for its nascent Windows mobile operating system.

But with Microsoft pulling the plug on sales here, both these markets may now run dry. There is simply no further upgrade cycle being offered.

Over the last year, I have spoken to numerous senior global Microsoft executives about Windows Phone, its future and its apparent lack of new updates from Microsoft. All have reiterated the company line that Windows Phone's future lies in being a complementary device to laptops and PCs, where content and computing activity can seamlessly continue. It's ironic, so, that one of the most impressive features of Samsung's new S8 superphone is its PC dock which completes what Microsoft has been trying to do. For those who haven't seen this, it's a dock that plugs into a monitor, displaying a large screen PC-ified version of your Samsung S8's Android screen. But it's displayed in a proportionately horizontal layout and works with a mouse and keyboard. It's a very functional, usable Android takeover of the desktop PC. And it's powered by the phone itself, thanks to an incredibly souped-up chip.

To be fair to Microsoft, it probably had no choice but to retreat with Windows Phone. Its reorganisation of its business priorities has meant means a focus on business software and services in the cloud. That means its phone business is a distraction and a costly one at that - it has already had to write off almost all of what it paid for Nokia (7bn) as a financial flop. Windows Phone might stagger on for a while. But to most, it's gone.
The pair attended the same ballroom dance classes.

Gary Edwards has become the clear favourite to replace Len Goodman as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing.

Gary, who appears on Dancing With The Stars: All Access, a spin-off to the American version of Strictly, is now priced at evens ahead of the shows pro-dancer Anton du Beke.

As a youngster, the Essex-born dancer attended the same ballroom dance classes as Len and now boasts around 30 international titles, including British Open Ballroom and British Open Latin.

Len, 72, bowed out of the BBC1 dance contest at the end of the last series in December and there has been speculation about who will take his seat on the panel.

In February Gary spoke about his hopes of becoming a judge but told ITVs This Morning he had not heard from the BBC.

Bookies William Hill has cut Garys odds from 6/4 to evens ahead of Anton at 2/1, while Australian dancer Jason Gilkison is priced at 3/1.

Brendan Cole (8/1) and Karen Hardy (14/1) are also in the running while Formula One racer Jenson Button is at 2/1 to take part as a celebrity dancer in this years show.

William Hills Joe Crilly said: When betting first opened on this market, we were almost certain that Anton would be taking over from Len.

However, a consistent gamble on Gary Edwards has meant that he is now the clear favourite and while there has been no word from the BBC, we feel that an announcement will come very soon given how much attention this market has received recently.
Holly Willoughby tried to hold back tears on This Morning

Holly Willoughby tried to hold back tears on This Morning

This Morning host Holly Willoughby broke down in tears on TV during a heartbreaking interview with a mother who had lost her baby boy to sepsis.

The 36-year-old apologised to viewers as she lost her composure and burst into tears during the interview.

Holly had been interviewing Melissa Mead whose baby had died of sepsis in 2014 when several doctors failed to recognise the symptoms.

Sepsis campaigner Melissa is now hoping to raise awareness of the illness and appeared on the show to share her painful story.

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Her baby boy died after suffering blood poisoning from a chest infection in December 2014.

She explained that her son had a persistent cough over the course of seven weeks, and later developed other symptoms such as vomiting and fevers.

The family eventually saw several more doctors, all of whom deemed his condition "non-urgent".

One of the doctors told Melissa that her son William had a "viral infection" and he should rest in bed.

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Melissa followed the misguided advice but within hours little William passed away.

I went to check on him and he had passed away, Melissa said, as she broke down.

"He was just perfect, he was everything we could have dreamed of and more," she said through tears as she recalled her son.

Melissa was holding a teddy bear that she revealed contained William's ashes so she could still cuddle him.

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"You and William will save so many lives," Phillip Schofield said.

But Holly struggled to speak as her eyes welled with tears.

The mother-of-three then apologised for not being able to read her lines.

Melissa revealed William's symptoms included no urine output, high and low temperatures, vomiting, floppiness and an occasional rash.

Sepsis  known as the silent killer  is caused when bacterial infections or blood poisoning sparks a violent immune response, which sees the body attack its own organs.

The British Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt, has publicly apologised to Melissa and her family and attended her son's memorial service at the weekend.
Meet the voice that launched a thousand First Dates.

Actor Peter Campion, who previously played Ruth Negga's on-screen boyfriend Stumpy in Love/Hate, is the smooth-talking narrator on RTE's hugely popular dating programme.

The Dubliner has been working on the show since it first aired and says he had no idea it was going to be so popular.

"I had seen snippets of the UK version but I was blown away by the response here," he told the Herald.

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"People seemed to take to it straight away."

Campion doesn't get to meet the contestants during filming but he often bumps into former First Dates guests.

He approaches them for a chat and once went for coffee with controversial contestant Daphney Sanasie.

South African model Daphney (26) made headlines when she appeared in court earlier this year for harassing celebrity chef Dylan McGrath.

She is now barred indefinitely from contacting McGrath.

"There is a familiarity with the contestants because you've been part of this intimate first date set-up and watched the relationship unfold," Campion said.

"You can't help but get caught up in it.

"I once saw Daphney on South Anne Street and remembered her date. I went up and introduced myself and we had a cup of tea. She's great craic."

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The actor, who is dating Red Rock star Valerie O'Connor (Detective Inspector Nikki Grogan), said people had started recognising his voice.

"People pick up on it after they have been talking to me for a while. A lot of my friends who I didn't think would watch the show ask me about it," he said.

Campion said it takes him some time to limber up before recording to ensure he hits the right note.

"On the show my voice sounds a bit different to my natural voice. I have to listen back to previous recordings and take some time to try and sound that groovy again," he added.

Series producer Hilary O'Donovan, of Coco Television, said countless actors were auditioned before Peter was cast.

"It took a huge amount of time. Narrators' voices are such an integral part of these programmes we wanted to make sure it was just right," she said.
Ricky Gervais has defended telling a joke about dead babies, saying "offence is the collateral damage of free speech" after bereaved parents walked out of his show.

Suzi and Ryan Gourley, whose son Eli was stillborn last year, left the gig and complained after the comedian made a joke at his Humanity tour show in Belfast on Tuesday.

Suzi told Belfast Live it was a gag she "wouldn't have expected in a million years from anybody" adding: "I just think 'Why? What is the need?' This is our life - we have no choice but to live with this.

"I know people take things differently and I know our emotions are raw, but why joke about a baby being dead? It's just wrong."

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After the show on Tuesday, Gervais tweeted: "Still buzzing from last night's amazingly warm and unshockable Belfast crowd. Can't wait to do it all again tonight. #Humanity"

He has since defended his material, writing: "'Is there any subject you shouldn't joke about?' is no less ridiculous a question than 'Is there any subject you shouldn't talk about?'

"I see offence as the collateral damage of free speech. I hate the thought of a person's ideas being modified or even hushed because someone somewhere might not like to hear them.

"Outside actually breaking the law or causing someone physical harm, 'hurting someone's feelings' is almost impossible to objectively quantify.

"Jokes about 'bad things' don't have to necessarily be pro those bad things. Surely, a joke that's anti bad things is a good thing, no?

"Basically, offence is about feelings, and feelings are personal. People simply don't like being reminded of bad things."

The charity Stillbirth And Neonatal Death Support NI shared a warning about the show on Facebook, cautioning bereaved parents about what they might hear.

A screenshot of the message, which has been shared online, said: "We have just had a message from a bereaved couple who were at the Ricky Gervais show in the Waterfront Hall in Belfast last night.

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"They have asked us to make any bereaved parents attending the show tonight (March 29) that there is a joke in the show about dead babies which upset this couple so much that they had to leave the show.

"Going out after a loss can be a difficult thing to do. There are feelings of doubt, thoughts that you shouldn't be enjoying yourself as it is somehow disrespectful to your child's memory.

"If you are going to the Waterfront Hall tonight please be aware of this part of the show as it may be upsetting."
Irish Coast Guard members formed a poignant guard of honour at the funeral for Captain Mark Duffy.

The funeral mass for the father-of-two is taking place at St Oliver Plunkett Church, Blackrock, in Dundalk, Co Louth followed by cremation in Dardistown Crematorium at 2pm.

A separate guard of honour was formed by children from the local schools.

A lone piper played a lament as his coffin arrived at the church draped in the tricolour and carried by his former colleagues from the Coast Guard service.

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His wife Hermione and children Esme and Fionn followed behind, supported by a large crowd of relatives and friends.

Archbishop Eamon Martin, Primate of All-Ireland was concelebrating, with Chief celebrant Stephen Duffy, uncle of Mark Duffy.

Mourners heard "a dark cloud had descended over the island of Ireland" when news of the crash of Rescue 116 unfolded.

President Michael D Higgins led mourners at the funeral mass for the brave pilot who was one of the four crew members on board coast guard helicopter Rescue 116 when it went down off the coast of Mayo two weeks ago.

AFC Kieran Carey represented Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

Also in attendance was Gerry Adams who is the local TD for the area and former Justice minister Dermot Ahern.

Symbols brought to the altar representing his life included his slippers, his and Hermione's wedding bands from their 17 year marriage and his flying helmet - mourners heard he loved flying the helicopter for search and rescue and was proud to do so.

Also included were three rings given by Mark to Hermione for her 40th birthday, a story book, Lost and Found, a rugby ball and a selection of cards made by the children.

The first reading was read by his brother Donard.

Divers recovered Mr Duffy's remains from the cockpit of the crashed helicopter on Sunday from the sea at Black Rock lighthouse.

Searches are continuing for the other crew members, Winchman Ciaran Smith and Winch Operator Paul Ormsby.

Local TD from Louth Declan Breathnach earlier said the community is still in shock.

Captain Mark Duffy was a great man in the Blackrock community and obviously the community are absolutely shocked," he said.

"Books of sympathy have been opened and there has been an outpouring of grief.
Hyundai has already made inroads to the world's biggest auto market through a joint venture with BAIC Motor in Beijing, but now it hopes to expand its market presence there by launching its premium Genesis brand, while forming a task force for the plans.

Hyundai launched the separate Genesis brand in Korea and the U.S. in 2015 to target the luxury car market and released a series of premium sedans such as the G80, G90 and G70 under the brand.

Sales were fairly good, as Hyundai sold some 45,752 Genesis here last year and nearly 9,000 in the first three months of this year.
Concerns have been raised about an app that school principals are warning is linked to cyberbullying.

SimSimi has been downloaded 50 million times on the Google Play store, and has been banned in some schools for using abusive and sexual language.

The app can be taught to respond to certain phrases and names which can lead to individuals being targeted. If the app is taught to say something abusive when a user's name is mentioned, they can pay to have it removed.

Concerned parents began downloading the app, with one saying: "I only downloaded it to see if my daughters' names are being slated. I imagine a vast amount of downloads are concerned parents checking on their children.

"Obviously (they are) raking in downloads by promoting bullying." This was followed by several similar comments. However, a lot of users said it is "fun".

Last night the app responded with: "I do not talk in Ireland for a while..." followed by an anti-bullying quote.
A stay has been put on the deportation of a convicted Islamic terrorist pending the outcome of a Supreme Court appeal.

Although the court decided to allow the man lodge an appeal earlier this week, lawyers for Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said today they intended to proceed with the deportation anyway.

Barrister Sinead McGrath said the man was considered a threat to national security.

But the mans legal team successfully applied for a short stay on the deportation order being executed until the outcome of the appeal is known. His barrister, Michael Lynn SC, has said the man is at risk of torture if returned to his home country.

The man, whose name and country of origin cannot be disclosed for legal reasons, is currently being detained in Cloverhill Prison and will remain there for the duration of his appeal.

Earlier this month the High Court cleared the way for his deportation after hearing evidence of terror convictions in his native country and France.

A dossier compiled for the Justice Minister said evidence had been given in a French court that he had raised money for jihadists and was a follower of al-Qaida.

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The High Court also heard he had received life and death sentences in his home country for involvement in a terrorist organisation and murder. Death sentences are no longer implemented there.

The man never served any of the sentences in his home country. Instead he fled to Ireland where he gained refugee status in 2000 after giving false information about his background.

This was revoked following his convictions in France and he has been battling deportation from Ireland since 2012.

Giving reasons for allowing an appeal, a three-judge Supreme Court said a number of questions of general importance arose which needed to be clarified. These included whether or not the minister should have invited submissions from the man on material which suggested he would not be in danger if returned to his home country.

The court will also examine if reasons identified by the minister provided a sufficient lawful basis for deportation.

The matter will return to the court next month for a case management hearing.
A father at the end of his tether who bit his two year old son on the cheek to show him how much it hurt has been given a suspended sentence.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard staff at the boy's playgroup reported their concerns about this and another incidents to social services who had been working with the family since that time. Staff had previously noted that the boy had certain difficulties and was aggressive and rough.

The family have had extensive contact with social workers and received significant therapeutic services for the boy who has been diagnosed with autism.

The 39-year-old man, who was the main carer for the child and who cannot be identified to protect his son's identity, has undergone anger management therapy and psychological intervention.

Defence counsel for the man said the boy remained in the care of his parents and that social services had concluded that the child was in a loving and supportive family environment.

The accused man, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to one count of wilful assault of the child in June 2013 and two counts of assault in December 2014.

Judge Martin Nolan said playschool staff were to be praised for how they dealt with the matter and said they had handled it in an exemplary way that was fair to everyone.

He said it seemed the man was at the end of his tether and did not know what to do with his child.

Most parents feel like that at certain times said Judge Nolan, but noted it was not permissible to treat the child as the accused had. He imposed a one year sentence which he suspended in full on the basis the accused be of good behaviour.

A local garda told the court that the boy's playgroup first reported concerns about the boy when he was two years old and they noted bruise marks on his neck. The child later attended with a bite mark to his cheek. The accused admitted biting the child to show him how sore it was.

In a later incident at playschool the accused man struck his son several times and swung him by his arm after being asked to collect him following a biting incident.

Defence counsel, Tom Neville BL, said his client had been fully co-operative with investigation and expressed remorse. He handed in a psychological report which he said outlined his clients background in terms of how he had been raised and differing approaches to discipline.

Evidence

A local garda told Gerardine Small BL, prosecuting, that in early June 2013 the two year old child came to playgroup wearing a scarf and hat. When staff removed them they noticed bruising which looked like fingermarks on his neck. Photographs were taken and emailed to social services.

The accused man told staff that the child had said the F word and he went to hit him but missed and hit his neck.

Later in June the mother of the child told staff as she dropped off her son that he had fallen off a toy tractor or car. Staff noticed bruising on his face, a circular mark to the back of his neck and what looked like a bite mark on his face.

Social services were alerted and a medical exam confirmed it was a non-accidental bite mark.

The accused said the bruising was from running into a pool table and falling off his trike. He said he would sometimes threaten the boy with his belt but did not always hit him. He said this was usually in relation to the boy's refusal to eat and his behaviour.

The accused later told gardai he had bitten the child because the child had bitten him and he wanted to show him how sore it was.

In December 2014, when the child was four-years-old, the accused was notified by playschool staff of a biting incident. The accused attended to collect him and when the child ran over to him he struck him twice. He grabbed his son by the arm and swung him. The child fell against a wall.

Staff asked the father to sign an incident report but he refused and began shouting at a staff member.

The court heard social services were working with the family and the mother and the accused agreed not to discipline the child physically. The accused spoke to garda voluntarily.

The garda agreed with Mr Neville that it had been over two years since the last incident without any recurrence and social workers have been liaising with the parents and retraining them.

He agreed with Mr Neville said that, not withstanding the offending incidents, social services had concluded that the child was in a loving and supportive family environment.
A three-year-old boy stepped into a bubbling jacuzzi and disappeared underwater at a hotel, an inquest heard.

The little boy drowned as people walked close by, and was invisible to them in the churning water.

CCTV footage revealed the final movements of Ronan Kennedy at the Quality Hotel in Youghal, Co Cork.

Dublin Coroner's Court heard that the footage showed the child from Templederry, Co Tipperary, exit the changing room and walk straight to the jacuzzi.

Ronan's parents, Bridget and John Kennedy, called on the Government to introduce regulations for swimming pools immediately. The inquest heard that pools in Ireland are unregulated with regard to safety.

"Ronan was a magical little boy. He loved to play outside, go farming and he adored his food. He was full of life, love and was extremely affectionate. This cannot happen to any other child. We ask that proper protocols be put in place regarding child safety within swimming pools," the Kennedy family said in a statement after the inquest.

Garda James Heffernan of Youghal garda station reviewed CCTV footage taken at the hotel pool on July 13, 2015.

"He walked straight ahead from the door to the lip of the jacuzzi. He stepped into the seat of the jacuzzi and then he stepped directly into the middle of the jacuzzi. Unfortunately he is not visible for a number of minutes until he drifts out into the pool where he is found."

Kids' club staff were placing armbands on children next to the pool near the reception area at the time, the court heard.

Liam Moloney was at the pool with his son and grandson when he found the child floating underwater.

"I saw this little lad, I thought he was swimming underwater at first." He noticed the child was not moving. "I touched his head and lifted him out of the pool," Mr Moloney, who raised the alarm, said.

The Kennedy family rushed to Cork University Hospital and later to Temple Street Children's Hospital in Dublin, where Ronan was pronounced dead the following day.

Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane, who recorded a verdict of death by drowning, recommended there be a dedicated lifeguard on duty at all times who should not be engaged in other supervisory duties.
Jonathan Gill (35) of Malahide Road, Coolock, Dublin, arrives at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court where he pleaded not guilty to falsely imprisoning a post office worker, his partner and their daughter in Drogheda between August 1 and 2, 2011. Pic Collins Courts.

An alleged tiger kidnapper was spotted driving in north county Dublin in the hours before the offence by a surveillance garda, a jury has heard.

Jonathan Gill (35) is accused of a kidnapping a Drogheda postal worker, his partner and their 10-week-old baby daughter before robbing over 600,000 from the man's workplace.

It is the state's case that Mr Gill was one of a group of five who together were involved in holding the family hostage in their own home before moving them to a shed about a 90-minute drive away.

Mr Gill of Malahide Road, Swords, Dublin, has pleaded not (NOT) guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to falsely imprisoning Warren Nawn, Jean Marie Nawn and their ten-week-old baby in Drogheda between August 1 and August 2, 2011.

Today a garda with the National Surveillance Unit, who can't be named, said he was on Rathbeale Road in Swords on August 1, 2011 when he saw Mr Gill in front of a house. He said he also saw another man he recognised as Anton Singleton.

He told Vincent Heneghan SC, prosecuting, that he also saw two males in a Silver Opel Corsa with the registration 10D4798.

He said he saw this car continue along the road to a junction where it stopped and was joined by an Silver Renault Clio with the registration 06D10959. He said this Clio was being driven by the accused.

The garda said the Corsa pulled in front of the Clio where it remained for two or three minutes before both drove off.

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Mr Gill's defence counsel, Sean Guerin SC, put it the guard that he was lying and asked him, is there anything you wouldnt do or say if you thought it might lead to a conviction in this case?

Mr Heneghan said this was an outrageous question.

The garda told Mr Guerin that he didn't notice anything about the two men in a car on Rathbeale Road except that they were male and white. Counsel put it to him that he said in previous evidence that he couldn't recall what skin colour the men were.

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Counsel asked the garda if he was looking at the men's faces or the backs of their heads. The witness said he couldn't recall. Counsel asked how he could tell the jury they were male and white when he couldn't even remember if he was looking at their faces or not.

I just can, the garda replied.

The trial continues before Judge Elma Sheahan and a jury of seven men and five women.
Convicted rapist Paul Moore on his way around the city, freely mingling with unaware members of the public

A rapist described as posing an indefinite danger to women has been jailed for 18 months for the sexual assault of a woman on a train.

Paul Moore (51) has been jailed six times for sexual offences over the last 25 years. He had been on bail awaiting sentencing for the offence which took place on the DART in 2014.

Judge Melanie Greally also ordered that Moore keep a curfew from 10pm to 8am for the next ten years.

Moore of Mountjoy Square, Dublin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to sexually assaulting the woman on the southside DART on August 28, 2014.

Judge Greally suspended the final 18 months of a three year sentence on strict conditions. These including remaining under Probation Services supervision for ten years and advising his monitoring officer and gardai of any proposed change of address or mobile phone number.

He must also remain alcohol and intoxicant free when in public and address his alcohol use.

Judge Greally said that a report from the Probation Services noted that Moore expressed no remorse, had proved resistant to all efforts to rehabilitate him and posed an indefinite danger to adult females.

She said that alcohol was a major contributing factor to his offending.

Expand Close Paul Moore (wearing cap) steps on board a Luas on Abbey Street. Pic Steve Humphreys / Facebook

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Previously the court heard Moore assaulted the victim, an au pair, in 2014 as she was travelling home from college. Gardai examined CCTV footage of the incident but Moore was not recognised on the video until two years later.

In the meantime, he sexually assaulted two women in separate incidents in the city centre after stopping them in the street and asking them for a cigarette. In 2015, he was jailed for 15 months for these attacks. He was released in April 2016 and was subject to probation supervision.

In that case, Judge Martin Nolan noted Moore has a predisposition to violence towards women which manifests as rape and sexual assault.

His other offences include raping a musician in 2001, for which he received ten years and raping another woman in 1995, for which he received seven years.

At a previous hearing in February Moore's defence counsel, Breffni Gordon BL, said he had spent a significant portion of his life in prison.

Counsel said there were conflicting opinions on what caused Moore to commit these crimes. One psychiatric report blamed a head injury he received in 1982 while another blamed an organic personality disorder.

Mr Gordon had asked the court to hear from Moore's case officer in the Probation Service to see if Moore could deal with his problems without going to prison.

Judge Greally said Moore's inability to desist from offending, no matter what punishment was imposed, was a matter of real concern to the court.

She said the court was sentencing Moore for this offence and not for past offences, for which he has already served sentences.

She said the legal system here did not allow for preventative detention regardless of how compelling the argument might be.

Evidence

Garda Peter Brown told James Dwyer BL, prosecuting, that Moore sat near the young woman on the DART and started making small talk. He then moved to the seat beside her and began commenting on her clothes.

Moore had a toy turtle in his hand which he said he found on the ground. He said he was looking for a child to give it to.

He told her, you probably think I'm crazy and asked why she was laughing even though she wasn't. The woman tried to ignore the man but he kept talking to her.

He began to touch her breasts and then pulled at her trousers. He stopped when another passenger sat near them.

The woman got off the DART before her stop because she didn't want Moore to know where she lived.

Garda Brown circulated CCTV of the incident but no one recognised Moore. However, when he did so again in 2016, Moore was recognised and arrested. He accepted it was him on the CCTV but said he could not remember the incident.

Moore's defence counsel said he lived a very isolated life and had been disowned by his family. He works one day a week in a charity shop.

Earlier in the hearing Mr Dwyer, for the DPP, handed into court a copy of a recent newspaper report with the headline Get this rapist off our streets. He said he was not making any application but felt the article should be brought to the court's attention.

Judge Greally said she was uninfluenced by headlines such as this but said you'd want to be living on Planet Mars to be unaware of publicity this case has attracted.

Members of the judiciary are not living on Planet Mars, she said.

Mr Gordon said his client had been photographed and identified and held up for public vilification. He said Moore has been profoundly upset by this and has been attacked in the street as a result of the publicity.

Some say he has brought this upon himself, he said but added he felt the article strained beyond fair comment.

Judge Greally said the offence in question lay at the lower end of the the scale but that the historical context of offending was of such an exceptional nature that she must depart from sentencing norms.

She said the apparently disproportionate period of supervision reflected the indefinite need for multi-agency monitoring of Moore.
Major flashpoints emerged at the Disclosures Tribunal with concerns expressed about Garda Commissioner Noirin OSullivan, her predecessor Martin Callinan, and other members of the force being represented by the same legal team.

Lawyers for garda whistleblowers Sergeant Maurice McCabe and Superintendent David Taylor raised concerns that this could cause a conflict of interest.

Michael McDowell SC, for Sgt McCabe, said the arrangement could limit the ability of some officers to give evidence independently.

A second major flashpoint also emerged today, with disagreements between the tribunal chairman, Mr Justice Peter Charleton, and lawyers for three media groups in relation to journalistic privilege.

Mr Justice Charleton said journalists should first indicate if they know anything of value to the tribunal before the issue of journalistic privilege could be discussed.

However, lawyers for Independent News & Media, the Irish Times and Associated Newspapers said they wanted issues around privilege clarified first.

The tribunal, which is investigating allegations that a smear campaign against Sgt McCabe was orchestrated by senior gardai, met today to hear applications from potential witnesses for legal representation.

Mr Justice Charleton said people whose reputation may be affected by the tribunal were entitled to apply for legal representation and that he would issue determinations next week on who can be represented.

Conor Dignam SC, instructed by the office of the Chief State Solicitor, applied for representation for Garda Commissioner Noirin OSullivan, former commissioner Martin Callinan, and other members of the force, save those who opt for their own representation.

He confirmed he was also representing three officers, of chief superintendent and assistant commissioner rank.

These officers were written to by the tribunal about public comments they made where they denied there was any cause for concern in relation to allegations Sgt McCabe made about policing issues in the Cavan/Monaghan division.

The OHiggins report found that there were in fact issues of concern.

Mr McDowell SC, instructed by solicitor Sean Costello, applied for representation on behalf of Sgt McCabe.

He also said he may be objecting to the appropriateness of such a broad representation, as outlined by Mr Dignam.

There can be a conflict of interest and there can be a process issue in that the commissioner is assembling instructions for a wide variety of people. There can be a question of her having a conflict of interest in that context, said Mr McDowell.

I have a deep concern about the garda commissioner and former commissioner Callinan being represented by the same person and a deep concern that the process that has been established to gather evidence by a single team for this tribunal will have a serious effect on the capacity of individual members of An Garda Siochana to be independent in their testimony before this tribunal.

Mr McDowells concerns about a potential conflict of interest were echoed by barrister John Ferry, who applied for representation for Supt Taylor.

Applications for legal representation were also made on behalf of former justice minister Alan Shatter, RTE and a number of its employees, whistleblower garda Keith Harrison, Tusla, Fianna Fail TD John McGuinness, and a number of individual garda officers.
Emergency services attended the scene of a serious road traffic collision in Dublin this evening.

Dublin Fire Brigade had units from Finglas and Phibsborough at the scene at Meakstown Close, Finglas.

There were also three ambulances at the scene of the two-car crash.

Gardai confirmed they received a call at approximately 5.55pm.

Units from Finglas & P/boro are attending a serious RTC on Meakstown Cl Finglas. 3 ambo required  Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) March 30, 2017

A driver and passenger, understood to be from the same vehicle, were rushed to hospital but are described as not being seriously injured.

Meanwhile, a single-car crash caused delays this evening in the Bray area of the M11.

The car is understood to have been travelling on the northbound carriage when the incident occurred.

However, the majority of delays were on the southbound lane between J20 Arklow North & J21 Arklow South due to the debris.
Although March is a very quiet month in the CAO process, this week some Leaving Cert students are facing a very important deadline. It is essential that all students who are in the process of making a HEAR or DARE application submit all supporting documentation by the end of the week.

Every year, the deadline for such documentation to reach the CAO is April 1. As April 1 falls on a Saturday this year, documentation should reach the CAO office in Galway no later than March 31, which is this Friday.

It can take some time to collect this documentation. However, most students will have been engaged in this process for the past number of weeks, or even months.

DARE is an access scheme for students who suffer from any one of a range of conditions including ADHD, ASD, blind/vision impaired, deaf/hearing impaired, dyspraxia/dysgraphia, mental health condition, brain injury and epilepsy, physical disability, significant ongoing illness, or a specific learning difficulty, including dyslexia and dyscalculia.

DARE applicants must submit both an Educational Impact Statement and the Evidence of Disability form.

The Educational Impact Statement is completed by the school and outlines how the student's disability has impacted on their learning as understood by the school.

The Evidence of Disability form is completed by a relevant health professional and describes this student's condition and symptoms of that condition.

Students themselves have already had the opportunity to outline how their condition affects them when they completed the online form as part of their CAO application.

This online section should have been completed by March 1.

It is important to remember that the purpose of DARE is solely to offer students the opportunity to enter courses on reduced points, recognising that they may not meet the points for their preferred course due to the impact of their disability.

It is also important to know that students who do not qualify for DARE may still access support at third-level, through the college disability office.

The HEAR access programme is designed to assist applicants from socio-economic disadvantaged backgrounds access third level on reduced points.

However, HEAR is not designed to offer support to those who may be suffering from a financial issue only. Applicants who are concerned about the cost of third level may be better served by applying for the SUSI grant.

Students who apply for HEAR must submit any documentation that was requested when they completed their online form. This is a personalised list, which was generated based on the answers they supplied. They may include statements from the social welfare office, P60s, etc. Documents should refer to the last financial year - i.e. from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016.

So, without wanting to create panic, if any student is planning to apply for either of these schemes and does not yet have their documentation in order, then this task should be prioritised today. It may also be prudent to send these documents by registered or priority post. All deadlines are extremely strict in order to ensure fairness.

Several thousand students enter college each year under either DARE or HEAR.

Aoife Walsh is a guidance counsellor at Malahide Community School, Co Dublin

Important dates

Today

Applications open - Aeronautical Aviation/Aeronautical Maintenance Engineering apprentices

Info Afternoon (2-7pm) - Open University

March 31

Open Day (2 days) - Cavan Institute

Deadline for applications - Dublin Bus Vehicle Body Repairer Apprenticeship

April 1

HEAR/DARE deadline for supporting documentation - CAO

Open Days - IT Sligo, MU, NUI Galway, St Patrick's Maynooth

Sport Scholarship Application Deadline - MU

Closing date for applications - Dublin Bus/Bus Eireann Heavy Vehicle Mechanic Apprenticeship

April 4

Open Evening - IT Blanchardstown

Info Evening (5-8pm) - Waterford IT

April 5

Enrolment Day - Ballsbridge College of FE

Open Evening - Bray Institute of FE

School of Media Open Day - DIT

Info Day - Dun Laoghaire FE Institute

Info Sessions - Roslyn Park College

Open Night - Sligo College of FE

Q I am a Leaving Cert student and I am struggling with my CAO choices. I am interested in science as I study both chemistry and biology. I am considering a few courses but I am wondering which science course would be the best to get employment, I am very open to suggestions. I was also wondering is it necessary to get a master's or could you go into employment with just a degree?

A It really comes down to which is the best course for you, rather than which is best overall. If you are torn between two courses and wish to find out more about their employment stats, colleges survey graduates and if you make contact with the college, it will be able to provide you with this information.

It is possible to gain employment after completing your degree (BSc) however it is more common for those working in science to have a master's, or PhD - if they intend to stay in science-related work. Indeed, most graduates from all fields pursue some form of postgraduate study either before they enter employment or part-time, while they are working.

You may find you are better paid and progress quicker if you complete some form of postgraduate study - but you do not have to make these decisions today.

Also, remember that the degree itself is only a small part of what employers look for and it is the person, their experiences, abilities and, more importantly, transferable skills that will mark you out from the crowd after graduation.
One student was unashamedly honest and admitted that he prefers paper tests "because it's easier to copy what that person next to you is doing".

Apart from that, reactions to a suite of new, computer-based standardised tests for Irish post-primary schools were generally positive, ranging from "a lot more interesting than a normal paper exam" to "fun and different" and "10/10".

The comments are among those gathered from students who acted as 'guinea pigs' for the new online tests, devised by the Educational Research Centre in Drumcondra, Dublin. The ERC is already well known for its so-called 'Drumcondra' standardised tests, used in primary schools.

It recently launched DOTS (Drumcondra Online Testing System), which will eventually host a large range of standardised tests for both post-primary and primary students.

The three tests currently available represent a first in a number of respects: the first such tests produced in Ireland for Irish post-primary students; they are digital, rather than paper-based; they provide instant, computer-generated results.

Standardised testing is a common assessment tool in education systems.

Standardised tests compare a student with other students at the same class level or of the same age, using the same bank of questions, scored in the same way.

The tests are typically divided into ability (to help schools gauge the capability or potential of students) and achievement/curriculum-linked (to help schools gauge how well different aspects of the curriculum have been absorbed by students).

Some differ from the usual school-based exam or the state exam, in that they are not assessing specific student knowledge of a particular curriculum, but rather whether students are meeting certain standards in key areas, such as literacy and numeracy.

Others are very closely linked to the curriculum, and provide teachers with a picture of how a student is doing relative to the rest of his or her class, and relative to students in other schools, nationally.

When done on an international basis, such as the periodical OECD PISA assessment, it allows the Department of Education to see how Irish students are performing against their peers in other countries.

In Ireland, standardised testing has been the practice in primary schools for many years, but less so at second-level and, what tests have been used, came from the UK.

According to Dr Eemer Eivers, research fellow at the ERC: "many post-primary schools do administer standardised tests, but they tend to be general ability tests, not achievement tests. There hasn't been a strong tradition of standardised achievement testing in post-primary schools."

Post-primary schools most commonly use ability tests at the pre-entry stage.

Dr Eivers says that the ERC's new achievement tests, for the end of second year, would indicate how well a student was absorbing the content of the maths and English curriculum and, if it was in maths, could reveal whether students were having difficulty with, for instance, geometry.

She says that, in Irish post-primary schools, assessment linked to learning of the curriculum has always tended to be via teacher-made tests or via the state certificate exams, and "while we are not suggesting that our standardised achievement tests replace either of these, they definitely can complement them both".

Dr Eivers points to their value in allowing teachers to gauge how their students compare against a large, nationally representative sample of their peers. "It is simply not possible for a teacher to do that without using standardised tests."

Curriculum-linked standardised testing at second-level is a feature of high-performing education systems around the world. In Ireland, it has been the subject of discussion for years, but, like a lot of other ideas in the education field, progress is slow, if at all.

When the junior cycle reforms were announced in 2012, compulsory standardised testing of students at the end of second year was envisaged as part of the bold plan to phase out the Junior Cert as we know it and put a greater focus on ongoing school-based evaluation.

Those reforms have been diluted substantially in the face of teacher opposition and, in the process, the idea of compulsory standardised testing disappeared from that platform. But, it didn't go away.

Other recent Department of Education initiatives, such as the Numeracy and Literacy Strategy and the School Self Evaluation programme, place an increasing onus on schools to deliver on performance targets and continually assess how they are doing.

Dr Eivers is part of the ERC team that developed the DOTS tests, which are tailor-made for Irish students. For example, teachers can gauge their pupils' strengths and weaknesses on specific aspects of the Junior Cycle curriculum.

The ability test measures the general reasoning ability of students during the transition from primary to post-primary, and during the early years of post-primary. It is not directly linked to the curriculum. The maths and reading tests are curriculum-based, and designed for the end of second year.

As well as carrying out pilot projects to see how well DOTS worked, the ERC also "standardised" the tests on a very large, nationally representative sample of students in 2016, so comparisons against the national norm are immediately available to schools.

Dr Eivers says the online dimension of the tests has engaged students, which makes it more likely that they provide accurate measures: "If a student is bored or thinks the test lacks credibility, you get a poor measure of what they know."

The ERC also worked to ensure that technology does not overshadow what is being assessed: "Students require only minimal IT skills. The questions are very simple. We've deliberately avoided the 'bells and whistles' type of questions - drag this, drop that, circle the other - which may look impressive, but don't generally add anything to the accuracy of measurement. In fact, they can sometimes add unwanted variance - interfering with what you are trying to measure."

And yes, the student who commented that paper tests were easier if you wanted to copy what someone else was doing gets full marks for that observation.

Each test is available in multiple, parallel versions and DOTS randomly assigns one to a student. The student's password shows which version of the test a student has, so a teacher can sit that student beside someone with a different version. "Additionally only one question at a time is displayed on-screen. These features mean that students have very limited opportunities to copy," says Dr Eivers.

Apart from being designed for Irish students - the software was also developed by an Irish company, Vidappt - DOTS is a lot cheaper than UK tests.

'Students more relaxed doing computerised test'

One of the things that struck Diane Birnie when she introduced her students to the Educational Research Centre's (ERC) new computer-based tests was the ease with which they approached them.

"They were more relaxed with the computer than if they were doing it with paper and pencil," says the principal of the 875-pupil Lucan Community College, Co Dublin.

The school was one of those that piloted DOTS for the ERC, and has been won over by it. It recently used the ability test for incoming first years and is using the achievement tests for second years.

Up to now, the school used standardised tests from a British company, and Ms Birnie regards DOTS as a "really positive" development.

She counts the benefits of DOTS in terms of the link to the Irish curriculum, the fact that they are computerised and that they are cheaper.

Ms Birnie says when students did pen and pencil standardised tests she would have noticed that "they might skip a line, or be looking for things on the wrong line", but that is not possible with DOTS.

The instant, computer-generated results are also a big boon for the school, particularly when dealing with incoming first years.

"Previously, it could take two to three weeks to get the results. Now within a couple days of the test, I can be working on forming classes," says the Lucan principal.
Ying Yong meets ex-Japanese PM Yasuo Fukuda



From:Shanghai Daily | 2017-03-29 01:40

Shanghai Mayor Ying Yong received Yasuo Fukuda, chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia and former prime minster of Japan, on Monday.



He welcomed Fukudas participation in a Sino-Japanese youth calligraphy exchange event in Shanghai and said the two countries relationship is one of the most important bilateral relationships for China.

Ying said friendly exchanges and cooperation between regional governments will benefit this bilateral relationship. Shanghai is the sister city of Yokohama and Osaka and has strong ties with Nagasaki.

The mayor said Shanghai is aiming to become an international economic, financial, trade and shipping center in 2020 and a global innovation center in 2030 and a first-class cosmopolitan city in 2040.

He said Shanghai wants to strengthen cooperation with Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Nagasaki and other places in Japan.

Fukuda noted that 2017 is the 45th anniversary of the normalization of Sino-Japanese relationship and next year will be the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between the two nations.

He said both sides should abide by the four political documents, work hard to reduce negative factors in their relationship, and enhance their economic and trade ties as well as friendly exchanges between the two peoples.

Fukuda said he hoped Japans regional governments can increase cooperation with Shanghai and promote bilateral friendship.

Yutaka Yokoi, the Japanese ambassador to China, was present at the meeting.
There is much talk these days about the role of religion in school, about admissions policies and the availability of school places throughout the country. It is to be applauded that Government plans are finally afoot to tackle these thorny issues. From Educate Together's point of view, these plans are both timely and urgent.

Educate Together is facing unprecedented demand from parents and families for its equality-based schools. In 2017, there are more children on its waiting lists than the 23,000 pupils that attend Educate Together's 90 primary and second-level schools. As a severely under-resourced independent charity working within the structures of the state education system, Educate Together is limited in what it can do to address this demand.

The continued practice of state-funded schools discriminating on religious grounds in their enrolment policies is making the situation worse. This so-called 'baptism barrier,' alongside the acute shortage of Educate Together school places, is placing considerable stress upon many parents around the country as they scramble to find school places for their children.

That's why the Government's newly announced 'reconfiguration' plan is so important. This plan aims to speed up the transfer of religious-run schools to non-denominational and multi-denominational school patrons and create real alternatives for parents. However, the proposed plan has some fundamental flaws.

The plan gives the Catholic Church continued undue influence on education as it leaves the final say in whether schools are transferred - and, crucially, to whom - to current patrons; mostly Catholic bishops.

There is no provision to assess the needs of families in the general area and in essence, the legitimate preferences of families play second fiddle to the preferences of the Church. The process is to be overseen by the Education and Training Boards (ETBs), which are themselves also applying to run the schools in their role as patron of Community National Schools (CNS).

It is a matter of public record that CNS schools were designed primarily to ensure that children from Catholic backgrounds are prepared for Catholic sacraments in school and are the Church's preferred alternative model.

Also on the public record is the fact that CNS schools deliver 'Goodness Me, Goodness You' - a programme described as 'faith nurturing'. The current proposed process is based on an unacceptable conflict of interest where the ETB is running a process in which it is also an applicant.

There is a very real danger here that, instead of church-managed Catholic schools, the only change will be to state-managed Catholic schools. Remember, faith-based schools still account for 96pc of all primary schools in the country so while these schools may change their management - from church to ETB - their ethos will remain the same.

This is not the real change that many families around Ireland are calling for; it is more of the same.

Educate Together is proposing a fair, transparent and equal reconfiguration plan, which puts parental wishes where they should be: at the centre of the process. Here's what it involves:

* Fairness - families in the 16 areas still waiting for their Educate Together schools under the 2012/2013 Government scheme should get them as soon as possible. They've waited long enough.

* Transparency - the Government should appoint an independent and representative advisory group to supervise the reconfiguration process that is acceptable to all patrons and parent groups.

* Equality - a nationwide confidential survey of parents of pre-school and primary school children should be run by an impartial state agency to find out the true profile of parental demand for schools of different types. The Government could then allocate school places and resources fairly.

Educate Together is urging the Education Minister to reconsider this flawed reconfiguration plan and to ensure that it meets high standards of transparency and equality and that all stakeholders are fairly represented in the process.

Most of all we urge him to listen to the families that have been advocating for real change in the Irish education system for so long.

Paul Rowe is CEO of Educate Together
The incident happened in Belcamp Crescent shortly before midnight Photo: Gerry Mooney

Gardai at the scene of the shooting in Coolock last night. Photo: Gerry Mooney

Gardai at the scene of the shooting in Coolock last night. Photo: Gerry Mooney

The scene in Greenwood Park where the getaway car from the Belcamp Crescent shooting was burnt out. Photo: Gerry Mooney

Gardai at the scene of the shooting in Coolock last night. Photo: Gerry Mooney

A man has been shot in the leg in a targeted shooting in Coolock in Dublin overnight.

The incident happened when a man forced his way into a house on Belcamp Crescent shortly before midnight.

He singled out his victim and shot him before fleeing on foot to a waiting car.

A BMW car with a partial 02 C registration was later found partially burned out on Greenwood Walk not far away.

A second car, a black coloured Volkswagon Golf partial registration 99 C has also been seized by gardai.

It was found in the North Strand area of the city.

The victim was taken to Beaumont Hospital with injuries described as non life threatening.

No arrests have been made.

The culprit is described as 5ft 7ins tall and was wearing a balaclava, a blue hoodie and black gloves and runners.

Investigations are on-going and no arrests have been made. An Incident Room has been set up at Coolock Garda Station.

Investigating Gardai are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information, particularly those who may have observed the blue BMW and/or the green Honda CRV prior to or after this incident, to contact them at Coolock Garda Station on 01 6664200, The Garda Confidential Line 1800 666111 or any Garda station.
Europe needs to break out of the bubble of politics and listen to those who have shifted away from the centre, Taoiseach Enda Kenny has warned.

Mr Kenny told the European People's Party (EPP) Congress in Malta this morning that the "fracture of old politics" is a warning that needs to be heeded.

Mr Kenny said good people had been pushed to the left in anger and the right in fear.

On Brexit, he said the language of the Good Friday Agreement needed to be in the ground rules for the Brexit negotiations.

Fine Gael is affiliated to the EPP, which is the largest political grouping in the European Parliament.
An appeal is underway to help an Irish man who was hospitalised with a brain tumour in February

Niall Hurley seemed fit and healthy before he collapsed in Calgary in mid-February, just days before he was due to return from Canada to Ireland after two years.

The 28-year-old, who is from Tralee in Co Kerry, was rushed to hospital, where he was diagnosed with a brain tumour and had to undergo a ten-hour operation.

The Irish community in Calgary is rallying around Niall and his family and an online fundraiser to support his treatment has already raised more than $16,600 (aprox 15,428) in just four days.

Deirdre Halferty, Honorary Consulate of Ireland in Calgary, organised the appeal with the The Irish Cultural Society and explained the terrible circumstances behind it.

Ms Halferty old Independent.ie: "I met his father Kevin in the Irish Centre here on St Patrick's Day and he explained that he had flown to Calgary with his wife Barbara as soon as they found out about Niall's collapse, they'd been by his bedside for seven weeks and he just needed to meet some other Irish people.

"When he explained the story we knew we had to help him out, there's a very strong Irish community here and what's happened to them is a terrible trauma.

"You can't help but imagine what if it was you or your son or brother, Niall's mother Barbara has said she would give anything to make him better, it's a long road ahead."

Deirdre, who is originally from Derry but has been living in Canada for 30 years, said that Niall showed no symptoms of being unwell before his collapse.

She said: "His family said he was fit and healthy, he worked as a carpenter and played GAA.

"He's coming along as well as can be expected but he cannot walk or speak much, he's said that all he wants is to return to the Kingdom."

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The money raised will be used to support Niall and his family throughout his treatment and when he's ready help him to travel home, although he will need to be accompanied by a doctor and a nurse on the journey.

Deirdre said: "They're hoping that he'll leave hospital next week but he won't be moved if there's any risk.

"His doctor has said it's lucky it happened to him when it did because he was due to fly home a few days later and if he collapsed on the plane it could have been a very different journey."

She also said that the Hurleys are "overwhelmed" by the public's generosity at this terrible time.

She said: "They're overwhelmed, they can't believe that complete strangers are giving money and sharing his story, it doesn't matter how much people are giving, they're just absolutely blown away that people want to help Niall."

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His brother Ian also shared an update on the GoFundMe page about his progress, saying: "Niall's voice seems a little louder tonight. Also he is saying that his double vision is improving which is huge progress.

"Thanks everyone for all the continued support. It is unbelievably remarkable how the Irish community has pulled together for our family. Baby steps here at the hospital but any progress is a milestone. Thank you."

You can donate here
The sister of Rescue 116 Captain Dara Fitzpatrick said it's "horrific" watching the families of the two missing crewmen wait to be reunited with their loved ones.

Niamh Fitzpatrick said her family were "taking one day at a time" as they dealt with the aftermath of the Rescue 116 helicopter tragedy.

The Coast Guard aircraft crashed just off Black Rock island, Co Mayo, in the early hours of March 14.

Winch operator Ciaran Smith (38) and winch man Paul Ormsby (53) have still not been found after their Sikorsky S-92 helicopter plunged into the water.

Expand Close Captain Mark Duffy / Facebook

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"We're feeling a mix of numbness and being inconsolable. Then there's this pause while we pray and hope for the families of Ciaran and Paul that they will be recovered," said Ms Fitzpatrick.

Horrific

"We have Dara, but they don't have their loved ones. It's horrific watching their families suffer waiting for Ciaran and Paul to come back to them."

On Mother's Day, Dara's son Fionn (3) paid a tribute by letting go of a balloon for his "mama to catch".

Expand Close A tricolour flying at half-mast outside St Oliver Plunkett Church in Blackrock, Co Louth, where the funeral of Captain Mark Duffy will take place today. Photo: Mark Condren / Facebook

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Whatsapp A tricolour flying at half-mast outside St Oliver Plunkett Church in Blackrock, Co Louth, where the funeral of Captain Mark Duffy will take place today. Photo: Mark Condren

"It was something he needed to do. It was beautiful, but horrific. It was just a balloon, but it means so much more. I know now what the word heart-wrenching really means," she said.

Ms Fitzpatrick said the public had been "amazing" and the family loved hearing stories about how Dara helped other people.

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"We never knew that people could be so caring and warm. People have sent messages, brought us food and have been an incredible support," she said.

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"The stories shared by people who Dara rescued have been amazing and heart-warming. They show how brilliant and caring she was and they marry the Dara we knew as a sister, mother and daughter to the woman that people knew as a coast guard.

"She would speak to casualties so reassuringly and she would genuinely tell them that they would be ok."

Ms Fitzpatrick said her family would respond to every message of support they received and she could not thank the public enough.

"We're asking people to donate to the RNLI because they brought Dara out of the water and had her in their boat before Rescue 115 arrived," she said.

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"If people want to donate, that would be great."

Her colleague Captain Mark Duffy (51) was brought to shore on Sunday after Naval Service divers recovered his body from the cockpit of the helicopter wreckage. His funeral is due to take place today, and the community in the seaside town of Blackrock, near Dundalk, Co Louth, were united in grief as they prepared to bury one of their most esteemed heroes.

Hundreds of mourners arrived in small numbers at the home of Capt Duffy to pay their respects. Behind the hearse, two lines of Irish Coast Guard personnel along with others involved in the recovery formed a guard of honour.

One local man said that the town was left very shaken. "But thank God they managed to find his body. It's a comfort for the family. At least now they will be able to say goodbye," he said.

The family have asked for donations, if desired, to be given to the RNLI and stressed that Capt Duffy's wishes would be for the public to carry an organ donor card.
The heartbroken family of murdered Cork mother-of-three Nicola Collins (39) hailed her as a person who had "big dreams" throughout her all-too-short life.

Ms Collins's cousin, April Drew, said she had always maintained a positive outlook, despite the problems and hardships she faced in later life.

"Nicola always found some way to see the world as a good place," she said.

"Nicola was full of energy and enthusiasm. She was a big dreamer who planned to travel the world some day. She even wanted to write a book and share it with the world.

"Despite the hardships she faced later in her life, she met them head-on.

"She always found a way to see the world as a good place, a place she wanted to be part of and contribute to."

Ms Collins, who had been living at Clashduv Road in Togher, died from severe head and neck injuries in Cork on Monday.

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Funeral arrangements have yet to be confirmed. Ms Collins had travelled to Tralee in Kerry earlier this month from Cork to visit her mother.

"Nicola's family are beyond devastated that her life was stolen at such a young age," Ms Drew said.

"She had so much to live for and did not deserve the horror that was set upon her late into the night on Mother's Day."

Family and friends are supporting Ms Collins's devastated parents, Kay and Michael, and her children, Nick, Adam and Michael. Her sister Carly has flown back to Ireland from Barcelona, where she is studying at present.

The tributes to the Kerry-born woman came as gardai investigating her murder arrested a second man.

The 44-year-old man was arrested shortly before 9am yesterday in Limerick.

The man was arrested under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act and taken to Mayfield garda station in Cork.

He was being questioned last night over withholding information from a Garda inquiry.

The arrest came just 24 hours after another man was released without charge after being questioned for a day in connection with the brutal killing of Ms Collins.

The 42-year-old, who was known to Ms Collins, was arrested at the scene on Popham's Road, Farranree, Co Cork, where her body was found on Monday.
Close to 50,000 new social housing units are to come on stream over the next five years as part of a 5.4bn housing strategy, Housing Minister Simon Coveney announced today.

The 47,000 new units will add to the 140,000 existing social housing stock as part of the Government's "ambitious" plan to tackle the housing crisis, Mr Coveney said at the launch of a report into the stigma of social housing by Cluid Housing in Dublin this morning.

But in a departure from the past where social housing was concentrated in large housing estates, the new units will be integrated with the private residential sector to prevent ghettoisation, Mr Coveney said.

"The way to deal with stigmatisation is to integrate communities. We're not re-inventing the wheel here. This is done in other countries," he said.

"We shouldn't know the difference and that's the point," he said.
An investigation has been launched after the discovery of a man's body on Bray Beach in Co Wicklow.

Gardai are appealing for information after the man's remains were found on the beach on Monday.

The body is described as being that of a white male, approximately early 40s, blue eyes, very slim build, with dark brown hair greying around the temple.

He was 61 in height and weighed 60.1kg (9.4 stone).

He had no marks or tattoos.

The man was wearing a green and brown camouflage jacket, blue jeans and black runner boots.

There was also a brown and green camouflage rucksack with him and there were glasses in his bag.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Bray Garda Station on 01-6665300, The Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
The Irish Coast Guard stand ready to provide support in the search for a missing helicopter off the Irish Sea.

Spokesman Declan Geoghegan said they were contacted yesterday to provide help after the Airbus/Eurocopter Twin Squirrel helicopter vanished off radar in the Caernarfon Bay area.

Mr Geoghegan said they scanned their maritime frequency bands to see if the helicopter had made any contact but there was no information on it.

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The search is now land-based in north Wales with mountain rescue teams scanning the area.

"We haven't been requested for any assets as of yet. However if we are we would certainly task a helicopter to the area if they wish."

He explained that the Waterford, Sligo and Shannon based helicopters are available for the short flight to that area.

He said the missing helicopter, with five people on board, contacted Weston airport at around 11.30am yesterday "to say they would be late".

"They had given their previous ETA and then adjusted that for a stopover. They had intended flying directly to Dublin and then they had adjusted their flight plan.

"They contacted Weston to say their flight was around an hour late and after that no more was heard."

The incident comes just two weeks after and Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 vanished off the coast of Mayo with four crew on board.

Captain Dara Fitzpatrick (45) and Captain Mark Duffy (51) died in the tragedy.

Searches for winch operator Paul Ormbsy (53) and Ciaran Smith (38) are continuing in Blacksod.
An intervention from the Attorney General surrounding the cost of sacking Noirin O'Sullivan helped sway ministers to keep backing the embattled Garda Commissioner, the Irish Independent has learned.

With the Cabinet split over the Garda boss's future, Maire Whelan warned that the Commissioner would be entitled to a "significant" pay-off.

Ms O'Sullivan, who is on an annual salary of 180,613, is just over two years into a seven-year term.

It is understood Ms Whelan warned the Cabinet that if even one minister broke rank to say they had lost confidence in the Commissioner, it could amount to constructive dismissal. She pointed out the Government was essentially Ms O'Sullivan's employer, and therefore ministers had to be careful with their language.

Ministers were also warned by the country's most senior civil servant it would be difficult to find a replacement if she was stood down. Martin Fraser, who sat on the interview panel that selected Ms O'Sullivan in 2014, told ministers she was "far ahead" of the other candidates.

But Ms O'Sullivan will again be forced to fight for her survival at the Oireachtas Justice Committee today. The Commissioner will tell TDs and senators: "The fact is that we now know some gardai recorded numbers that were false. At worst, this was deception. At best, this was incompetence."

She will also warn that the recording of one million breath tests that never took place could be the tip of the iceberg.

"My real fear is that this falsification is not confined to traffic data," she will say.

The dramatic admission will fuel further questions, a day after the Central Statistics Office released figures for 2016 crime levels.

During her opening statement to the committee today, the Garda boss will acknowledge the phantom breath tests raise "serious issues about how we managed the service, how certain gardai operated on the ground and their supervision".

"Given the scale of these issues, they can't simply be blamed on one individual or one area. It is a collective failure. From top down to bottom up," she will say.

While Ms O'Sullivan's statement does not give a specific reason for why the records are so drastically removed from reality, it offers a broad explanation. "We all take responsibility for this, and all take responsibility for establishing how this happened and ensuring it cannot happen again."

She says the situation was "individually and organisationally shameful, and will be seen to be shameful by the public and the thousands of gardai around the country who operate every day to the highest ethical standards".

It is understood that garda superintendents are to attend a mandatory meeting in Westmanstown today.

Ms O'Sullivan's performance before the committee will be closely watched by Fine Gael ministers who are publicly backing her to remain in-situ, but privately concerned about the damage being done to public confidence in the force.

A source described the interventions from the two non-political people who sit at Cabinet on Tuesday as "crucial to the thought process".

Ms O'Sullivan was the first Commissioner appointed after an open competition, including applicants from outside An Garda Siochana.

The Cabinet was told she was the best option "by a substantial distance" in 2014.

"If nobody wanted it then, who'd want it now?" asked a minister.

Sources noted there has also been a "brain drain" at the top of the force in recent years, with 15 senior retirements expected this year alone, including three assistant commissioners.

Another source noted the size of the salary on offer is "problematic" when it comes to attracting talent from overseas.
Ireland will be "firmly" on the side of the EU and will not act as a "proxy" for the UK despite our close ties, Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan has said.

The minister dismissed the idea that Ireland is too close to the UK after Prime Minister Theresa May described our "special relationship" in the letter which triggered Article 50.

Mr Flanagan said: "Ireland will not be a proxy for the UK in these negotiations. Ireland will be firmly on the side of EU 27.

"Having said that there are issues of a special nature that we will be able to bring to the table in the context of our relationship with Britain."

In the letter which was delivered to European Council President Donald Tusk yesterday, Mrs May wrote that she does not want Brexit to "harm" their nearest neighbours.

"The Republic of Ireland is the only EU member state with a land border with the United Kingdom.

"We want to avoid a return to a hard Border between our two countries, to be able to maintain the common travel area between us, and to make sure that the UK's withdrawal from the EU does not harm the Republic of Ireland," she wrote.

"We also have an important responsibility to make sure that nothing is done to jeopardise the peace process in Northern Ireland, and to continue to uphold the Belfast Agreement."

Mr Flanagan welcomed the specific reference to Ireland, but added: "I feel personally very sad. I think the British have made a very bad decision."

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Michael Noonan yesterday discussed the fallout from the triggering of Article 50 with the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond.

"I reminded Chancellor Hammond that Ireland remains fully committed to our membership of the EU and we will be negotiating as part of the EU 27 in the negotiations ahead.

"We have strong relations with the EU and the UK and we are intent on maintaining both," Mr Noonan said afterwards.

Fianna Fail's Brexit spokesman Stephen Donnelly said the triggering of Article 50 was "a wake-up call for the Government".

"The stakes for Ireland are rising, with both the UK and EU talking up the prospect of a disorderly Brexit.

"If a 'cliff' is reached in two years, with no agreement in place for the on-going relationship between the EU and UK, we are looking at enormous economic, political and social ramifications on the island of Ireland," he said.

"The Taoiseach will lay out Ireland's priorities to other EU Council members next month. And yet, with Article 50 triggered, we remain no clearer on how the Government hopes to shield the Irish economy from the shocks this event may cause."

Mr Flanagan also expressed concern that Brexit negotiations are set to begin at a time when Northern Ireland is without a government.

He said being a voice for the North "will now fall to us".

In the UK parliament, Mrs May played down talk that Brexit is moving a united Ireland closer.

She said her government "will never be neutral" on the future of the North.

"We are of course, within that, fully committed to ensuring that the unique interests of Northern Ireland are protected and advanced as we establish our negotiating position.

"Our position has always been clear that we strongly support the Belfast Agreement, including the principle of consent that Northern Ireland's constitutional position is a matter for the people of Northern Ireland to determine," she said.
Transport Minister Shane Ross has refused to intervene in the Bus Eireann dispute, saying a "ministerial magic wand" would not resolve the impasse between management and unions that has left 110,000 commuters without a service for the past six days.

Workers from the public transport companies took to Dublin's streets in support of their striking colleagues, with some 50 Dublin Bus workers and another 15 from Irish Rail joining a march from O'Connell Street to the Dail yesterday.

Train driver Bernard McDonnell said he joined the protest as "transport is a public service, not a private business".

"We're getting to a stage where workers are worse off than people on social welfare with some getting medical cards and rent allowance," he said.

Workers across the CIE group of companies are fearful that any changes to terms and conditions in Bus Eireann will be extended to the other companies.

Union sources said that pressure was mounting for Dublin Bus and Irish Rail workers to join their colleagues in mounting industrial action, with leaders saying they would engage in talks with Bus Eireann management if there were no pre-conditions.

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The company said it would also engage in "time-limited talks" in relation to changes in work practices and achieving efficiencies. The strike, which began on Friday, is costing the firm 500,000 a day. It lost some 9m last year and is "heading towards insolvency".

But addressing the Dail Transport Committee, Mr Ross said he would not intervene in the dispute and that he had provided the company with 230m last year to cover the cost of operations and capital works.

"There are those on the committee who believe that a ministerial magic wand can resolve an industrial relations dispute," he said. "The two main reasons (why I won't get involved) is we have institutions of the State (the Labour Court and WRC) set up with an extraordinarily good record which have addressed over 1,000 disputes. My only reason for participating would be because it might be perceived as bringing taxpayers' money into the talks and I'm not doing that."

He added his department was at an advanced stage of negotiations to secure additional money for the free travel scheme, which has been under-funded in recent years and which would boost revenues in the CIE group of companies.
In the Dail on Tuesday night, Frances Fitzgerald said she could only "speculate" as to the reasons why one million breath tests would be faked.

The Tanaiste guessed it was the result of either "casual reporting", "ethical issues", "no supervision" or "collusion about the figures".

The options are pretty stark for Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan, who will face a hostile Justice Committee in Leinster House today.

Patience in the Commissioner is running thin, even at Cabinet level.

She will have to provide at least a professional view of what has led us to a point whereby we can no longer trust the country's law enforcers to compile basic figures.

Her opening statement accepts that gardai "recorded numbers that were false".

That in itself is a step forward - but will lead to other questions. How many individual gardai were involved? And were they under pressure from superiors to bump up the statistics?

The Smithwick Tribunal into the events surrounding the killings of two RUC members issued a report in 2013 which alluded to a "misguided sense of loyalty" in An Garda Siochana.

Maybe that's the problem. Were officers so determined to make the force look good they bumped up the stats? That would be a best-case scenario for Ms O'Sullivan.

In contrast, a report by the Garda Inspectorate in late 2015 talks about staff being "concerned with 'self-preservation' rather than acting in the best needs of the organisation".

If 'self-preservation' was the motivation, then the Commissioner has an even bigger problem than imagined.

"At worst, this was deception. At best, this was incompetence," Ms O'Sullivan will argue before the committee today.

"Either way, it was individually and organisationally shameful, and will be seen to be shameful by the public and the thousands of gardai around the country who operate every day to the highest ethical standards," she will say.

"We all take responsibility for this, and all take responsibility for establishing how this happened and ensuring it cannot happen again."

But there's a difference between taking responsibility and holding somebody accountable.

Given that breath tests were being faked "countrywide", it's inevitable that significant numbers, probably hundreds, of gardai had some hand, act or part in the falsification of figures.

Could they now be subjected to a criminal investigation?

Hundreds more are likely to have turned a blind eye to what was standard practice.

Will they face internal sanction?

These are difficult questions to answer, but Ms O'Sullivan needs to at least show that she's willing to try.

In Leinster House everybody has a theory on how these type of crises play out. But yesterday key players in both Fine Gael and Fianna Fail admitted they don't know what the end game is here.

They are unsure what purpose the Commissioner's resignation will serve beyond satisfying the baying mob.

In the background the Policing Authority seems to be very unhappy with the level of engagement from Garda management. It has a key role to play now.

The final line of the Commissioner's statement to the committee states: "And I will ensure that the people responsible at all levels will be held to account."

But can she tell us how or when?
The average cost of renting a home is just 2 a month below the levels paid during the Celtic Tiger boom.

A stark report from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) says tenants are paying an average of 986 per month to rent a home, and costs are rising.

Private sector rents have risen by 7.8pc year on year, and they are increasing at a faster rate than house prices due to the shortage of units coming on stream.

While nationally rents are 2.7pc below the peak, in Dublin they are 8.3pc higher. There has been a sharp increase of more than 11pc in the cost of renting an apartment year on year in the capital.

The Rent Index for the last quarter of 2016 also shows that one-in-four tenants is paying more than 1,300 a month for their home. It also shows that in pockets of the country, including parts of Waterford, Cork, Carlow and the Midlands, rents have increased by almost 30pc over the past 12 months, albeit from a low base.

The most expensive place in which to rent a home is Stillorgan, Co Dublin, at 2,062 per month. The cheapest is Glenties in Donegal, at 337.

Rising costs have resulted in the electoral areas of Cobh - which includes areas to the east and north of Cork city such as Glanmire and Carrigtwohill - and Maynooth - which also includes Clane and large parts of north Kildare - being designated as 'Rent Pressure Zones' (RPZ) where landlords are not allowed hike rents by more than 4pc every year.

Housing Minister Simon Coveney said that 57pc of all tenancies in the State, or 186,000, were now covered by the RPZ legislation. Some 325,000 households rent their home.

"The rental market has not responded well to new demand," he said.

"The number of units coming on to the market are low. Demand far outstrips supply. Rents have been spiralling upwards.

"This is unsustainable, causing uncertainty and hardship, causing homelessness and threatening our economic recovery. Most importantly, it is dramatically impacting on people's lives."

He said the Government's rental strategy was aimed at boosting supply, and said the RPZ legislation would reduce costs in areas of high demand.

RPZs are in place across Dublin, Cork, Galway, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow, and Mr Coveney said an analysis by his department suggested that the rental caps would reduce annual costs for an apartment in Dublin 4 by 1,076 a year.

A two-bed in Ballincollig in Cork would be 1,600 less a year and a three-bed semi-detached house in Beaumont some 2,000 cheaper, he said.

He added that Drogheda and parts of Limerick were "very close" to qualifying for the cap. Rents must have increased by more than 7pc in four of the last six quarters and be above the national average to qualify.

He added: "This is the first time a government has effectively put a cap on rental increases. We need to be careful that we do it on the basis of appropriate criteria."

The Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers claimed the rent controls were resulting in higher rents outside of designated areas, and the Simon Communities called for rent certainty to be extended to all areas to help families.
Question: So Article 50 has finally been triggered. Am I waking up to any major changes today?

Answer: No. The UK remains part of the European Union for at least another two years, so there is no immediate change to its status. And the political landscape had already changed with the outcome of the referendum last June.

But it is nonetheless a momentous day. After 44 years of membership, the formal divorce is now under way, and the UK has begun the process to leave the EU.

Q: I'm fed up hearing about Brexit. When will we know what all this means and what the long-term implications will be?

A: Not for quite some time yet, I'm afraid. Get comfortable, because this is going to be a long process. As one Irish source caustically said, it's like the shot has been fired on a tortoise race.

The first significant step will be the publication tomorrow of Europe's draft negotiating guidelines.

Officials here expect these will include reference to the need to calculate the amount of money that Britain owes to the EU; the protection of the rights of EU citizens living in the UK and UK citizens living in the EU; and possibly something about the potential relocation of the European Medicines Agency and the European Banking Authority from London.

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Crucially, the Government is also expecting reference to the "unique circumstances" of Ireland, especially related to the Border and Northern Ireland. It will prove whether Ireland's mammoth diplomatic drive over the last nine months has been successful.

Q: So the talks won't begin right away?

A: No. It could be well into May before talks get under way. The draft guidelines will be tweaked over the coming weeks, before being put before European leaders at a special summit on April 29 for their approval.

Then foreign ministers will drill down into them in some more detail. It's expected that by mid to late May, EU ministers will formally give European Commission Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, the green light to kick off negotiations.

Q: Michel who?

A: Michel Barnier. He's the chief negotiator on the EU side. Remember that the negotiations will not be carried out between individual EU states and the UK, but by the UK and the Commission, with the latter representing all the remaining member states, including Ireland.

Q: So Ireland has to compete with every other country in Europe to have its voice heard?

A: Yes. And that's the challenge.

The Government is confident that its interests, particularly in relation to the North and the Border, are being heard by Europe.

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It will have taken comfort from the fact that Theresa May made specific reference to Ireland in the Article 50 letter, and the Taoiseach said he believes that those priorities will also be included in the draft guidelines. But there are other issues also, trade being a key one.

Q: When will Ireland be discussed in the negotiations?

A: Those specifics aren't clear yet. Irish sources believe that, from the EU perspective, the question of how much Britain should cough up to settle its EU bill should take centre stage early on, along with dealing with the rights of EU citizens in the UK, and UK citizens in the EU.

But Mr Barnier noted earlier this week that Northern Ireland must also be addressed, so this issue could come up relatively early in the talks.

Q: Will the talks be completed in two years?

A: Most would agree that the two-year deadline is unrealistic. It can be extended with the agreement of all member states.

Officials believe the talks on the future relationship may not kick off until the autumn at the earliest, so it will be a long, drawn out process. Hence the need for a transitional agreement. What form that will take remains to be seen.
A young couple on a weekend away were among five people who lost their lives in four road crashes across the country over a 48-hour period. There was a total of seven road-related deaths since Friday.

Teenage "sweethearts" Gary Kelly (19) and Delia Keary (18) died within a day of each other following a collision with a truck on Friday night.

The couple were on their way to Kerry for a weekend away.

Mr Kelly was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident near Abbeyfeale in Limerick.

Ms Keary died on Saturday night at Limerick University Hospital.

Mr Kelly had been training as an apprentice electrician in his home town of Ennis, Co Clare.

His boss, Jerry O'Keeffe, told the Irish Independent that he was an exemplary employee.

"He was a very dedicated worker; he was always there on time, every morning," Mr O'Keeffe said.

"It's such a sad, sudden loss of human life. They were going out for maybe five years, young school sweethearts, I suppose."

A female garda at the scene remained for five hours past the end of her shift to ensure the couple could be removed from the vehicle.

Ditch

A spate of accidents also saw deaths occur in Mayo, Clare and Cork over just 24 hours.

Tim Lyons (36) from Breaffy, Co Mayo, died after hitting a fence near Newport yesterday morning.

Elsewhere, in Cork, a 21-year-old man died after the car he was driving left the road and struck a ditch.

In Clare, a 50-year-old cyclist was killed when he collided with a camper van, just off the N18.

On Friday, Tipperary man, Kyle Walsh (20) was pronounced dead days before his 21st birthday after being struck by a car on Wednesday, while cyclist Paul Hannon died in hospital after being struck by a taxi while on his bicycle in Dublin city.
The grandfather of a teenager who died with his girlfriend in a car crash said they "had something special" because they had found love at an early age.

Gary Kelly and Delia Keary, both 18, died on Friday when their car was involved in a collision with a truck in Co Limerick. The couple were driving to Kerry for a weekend away.

During yesterday's funeral at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Ennis, Bobby Stack told how his grandson would wait for Delia outside her school.

"Every day, Gary would come out first, then Delia would come out and they would kiss," said Mr Stack, a caretaker at Rice College where the two teenagers sat their Leaving Cert last year.

"Delia was a beautiful girl and was something special. They were meant to go together.

"Gary loved her so much. For a young lad, Gary put so much love into that woman and she returned it tenfold."

card

Mr Stack said when the family received Gary's clothes after the collision, they came across a card from Delia. He said Gary took it everywhere.

It read: To Gary, from the love of your life ... I can't believe I found you. I am always there for you and you are always there for me. No one in the world can make me feel this way and my love for you keeps growing more and more each day.

"For a young man and a young woman, they found love. Some people go through this life and do not know love, but my God, this fella knew what love was," said Mr Stack.

He said they were Couple Of The Year twice at Rice College, something that meant "an awful lot to them".

Many of the mourners yesterday were Gary and Delia's former classmates at Rice College and were wearing the dark blue school uniform.

Mr Stack said Gary showed love on a daily basis to his mother, Kim. "Every morning before going to work, he told [her] 'I love you'."

Mr Stack thanked the emergency services for doing everything they could to save the lives of the young couple.

"They did an excellent job. We were just unlucky," he said.

In his tribute to Gary, Fr Jerry Carey said he had asked Gary's parents what his interests were. "The answer I got was 'Delia, Delia, Delia'."

Fr Carey recalled how Gary absented himself from school one day.

After several phone calls from anxious parents, it emerged he was in Dublin with Delia because she needed an outfit for the Junior Cert disco.

Fr Carey said that the two "are wedded together forever in our memory".

Gary was laid to rest at Drumcliffe in Ennis. Mourners later attended the removal of Delia in Crusheen. Her funeral Mass was due to take place today at St Joseph's Church in Ennis.

Gary is survived by his parents, Shane and Kim, and brothers, Dylan and Ross.
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Dan O'Brien Opinion While we catastrophise about Covid, we ignore risk of running out of cash

We Irish view the world in an increasingly strange and unhealthy way. We catastrophise about Covid in a way other European countries do not. We focus on how bad the effects of the virus could get, on how many more restrictions might be imposed by Government and how helpless we are in the face of the virus.
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John Downing Opinion New British prime minister Rishi Sunaks succession proves an important milestone in British political inclusivity

There is an old saying in British politics that goes: The right looks for converts while the left seeks out traitors. It comes to mind when one reflects upon the election of Rishi Sunak as the UKs first non-white prime minister in a party traditionally seen as most opposed to mass immigration and the dilution of national identity via multiculturalism.
Today is a day marked by frustration for people living with disabilities in Ireland. It marks the 10th anniversary since Ireland signed, but failed to ratify, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

This agreement was drawn up to recognise the rights of people with disabilities and to help us play a more active role in our own lives. Ireland's continued failure to ratify the treaty is an affront to people with disabilities here. We are now the last country in Europe to prioritise the rights of 600,000 Irish citizens living with disabilities.

The purpose of the convention is to "promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity".

At the age of 16, I had an accident at home which left me with a life-changing injury. I was working in the garden and went to jump off a wall and slipped. I went head-over-heels on the other side and landed on my head. My body came down and the force broke my neck and damaged my spinal cord. I have been using a wheelchair ever since.

That was in 2000. Seven years later, Ireland committed to implementing the UNCRPD. By that time, I had completed my Leaving Certificate and had spent time at University College Cork, and was beginning to consider finding work.

I was hesitant of seeking employment at first. I was confident of my intellectual ability, but I knew that were I to get a job, I would need to overcome barriers - the main one being obtaining assistance in order to complete some personal care and to assist me to carry out some work tasks, simple things such as passing me a book or signing a form.

In order to have a plan in place for any possible job offers, I began to search for workplace personal assistance. I was met with a wall of confusion. I contacted the Department of Health, who put me on to the Department of Jobs and Enterprise, who in turn referred me back to the Department of Health. Each department told me that they did not provide such a service.

It seemed ridiculous that the State assisted me on the road to preparing for employment, but at the moment I became ready to enter the workforce, the services I had used, and needed more than ever, seemed absent.

Article 27 of the UN Convention refers to work and employment, and mandates that State parties should "prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability with regard to all matters concerning all forms of employment, including conditions of recruitment, hiring and employment, continuance of employment, career advancement and safe and healthy working conditions". This was not my experience, nor that of many others.

Census 2012 showed us that among people with disabilities aged 15 to 49, 16pc had completed no higher than primary level education, compared with 5pc of the general population. Of 542,277 people aged 15 and over with a disability, just 20pc were in work.

I am one of the lucky ones. Through perseverance, I did find a job in 2009 as a research administrator for the public affairs department of the Rehab Group. I receive workplace assistance under a community employment scheme.

I have learned that my career goals and aspirations must remain limited. I work on a part-time basis, which means I am not highly paid. However, if I was to try to advance my career, I would most likely lose essential supports, such as my medical card. Despite my skills and abilities and everything I have overcome, I would be unlikely to acquire a job that would pay me sufficiently to cushion that incredibly important loss.

For me, one of the key roles of this convention is that it would remove the term "where feasible" from aspects of my life and replace it with "human rights". Were this convention ratified, it would mean the supports I have used to complete my education, to live independently and enter employment would be less under the whim of the government of the day. It also means that I would be properly recognised within the Treaties of the United Nations.

Since acquiring my disability, I have learned some things. I have learned I am not less equal. I have learned that I am not a burden. I've learned that I'm a capable member of society, able to contribute to an independent and good life of my own and of those around me.

It's time to implement this convention to acknowledge the rights of people with disabilities. Yesterday, I addressed public representatives, TDs and ministers on this subject at a briefing at Dail Eireann. We will not give up until our rights are recognised.

Will you join us? Please contact your local representative or TD to express concern about the delay to ratification of the UNCRPD. You can also tweet with the hashtag #RatifyCRPD
The 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome coincided with the UK invoking Article 50 of that same Treaty to exit Europe.

In fact, what will unfold over the next three to five years is less about the UK exiting Europe than it is about leaving what Europe has now become. This speaks powerfully to Ireland's own experience of the 'new' Europe during the financial crisis and to our now marginal status.

Behind the proclamations of "solidarity" by the dominant European elite in recent weeks is the reality of a supranational entity that is fragmented three ways: the prosperous and powerful 'core', configured around Germany; the indebted and vulnerable peripheral economies regarded at times with contempt by the centre; and, thirdly, the eastern bloc that is fixated on phantom-fears, fostered by ludicrous Nato propaganda, of imminent Russian 'aggression'.

It is a Europe scarred by deep economic inequalities, subverted by a eurozone that is radically imbalanced, and which is conflicted about its future.

The recent 'Five Options Report' by Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker setting out possible future modalities for the EU is wholly at odds with the unambiguous drive toward political union set out in the 2015 'Five Presidents' Report'. Europe is all over the place.

Cultural relativism has emasculated its foundational values. There is no common set of beliefs to hold it together in the face of multiple pressures, many of them of its own making.

To understand the full extent of the emasculation of Europe's aspirations and values one needs to look no further than the threats to "make the UK pay" for its temerity in rejecting all of this - and to ensure that no other member country even considers such an option.

This is the kind of repressive political culture that is not sustainable.

The only initiative launched by Europe in the wake of Brexit has been the push, by Mr Juncker, to set up a European army - unmindful of the irony that 'militarism' is what the Europe of 60 years ago was set up to reject, and which is one of the root causes of the present EU migration crisis, and all of its tragic consequences.

The UK invoked Article 50 yesterday and it is right to exit. The pity of it is that, with a few notable exceptions, there has been little substantive debate on the options available to Ireland.

The UK is our nearest neighbour and largest trading partner with whom we share a land border and alongside whom we joined the EEC. Notwithstanding this, our political establishment remains in thrall to mediocre European leaders, failed and divisive policies over which we have no influence, and an EU north-south divide that is a scandal.

In 2013, I argued that the case for an 'IR-Exit' was robust - that it was in our best interest to engage in a managed exit from a Europe to whom we paid our dues, and one which impelled us to assume a burden of European bank debt that remains iniquitous.

Podcast: Theresa May triggers Article 50 - 'Ireland must prepare for the decade of Brexit'

In the wake of the UK's referendum, the case for exiting - and in parallel to the UK - is compelling.

Instead, our focus is on deferring to a self-serving Euro elite and rolling out red carpets to attract the 'Masters of the Financial Universe' exiting London, the same who triggered the global banking crisis and own no loyalty, other than to the 'best deal in town'. Political vision - and relationships - should run deeper than that.

Exiting alongside the UK would vindicate the aspirations of what the independence which we celebrated last year was supposed to be all about - an "august destiny...among the nations".

Exit would also open up the option of creating with the UK a confederation of autonomous nations - Wales, Ireland, Scotland and England - bound by free trade, the development of our own natural resources and highly attractive to global FDI; a confederation which would provide a democratic counter-weight to what Europe has become.

It is viable - and an alternative to our submergence in, and subservience to, a Europe that has truly lost its way and finds common cause only in inventing enemies and in repressing the democratic aspirations of voters in member countries.
First Lady Melania Trump honors International Women of Courage during a ceremony at the State Department in Washington, DC, March 29, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / JIM WATSONJIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images

First Lady Melania Trump honors International Women of Courage during a ceremony at the State Department in Washington, DC, March 29, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / JIM WATSONJIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images

U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk into the East Room to attend an event celebrating Women's History Month, at the White House March 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk into the East Room to attend an event celebrating Women's History Month, at the White House March 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk into the East Room to attend an event celebrating Women's History Month, at the White House March 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk into the East Room to attend an event celebrating Women's History Month, at the White House March 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

U.S. first lady Melania Trump attends the 2017 Secretary of State's International Women of Courage Award March 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. The award honors women who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership in acting to improve the lives of others. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

U.S. first lady Melania Trump attends the 2017 Secretary of State's International Women of Courage Award March 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. The award honors women who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership in acting to improve the lives of others. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

First lady Melania Trump walks away after attending and event celebrating Women's History Month, in the East Room at the White House March 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

First Lady Melania Trump's shoes as she honors International Women of Courage during a ceremony at the State Department in Washington, DC, March 29, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / JIM WATSONJIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images

First Lady Melania Trump honors International Women of Courage during a ceremony at the State Department in Washington, DC, March 29, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / JIM WATSONJIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images

First Lady Melania Trump honors International Women of Courage during a ceremony at the State Department in Washington, DC, March 29, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / JIM WATSONJIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images

First Lady Melania Trump honors International Women of Courage during a ceremony at the State Department in Washington, DC, March 29, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / JIM WATSONJIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images

First Lady Melania Trump honors International Women of Courage during a ceremony at the State Department in Washington, DC, March 29, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / JIM WATSONJIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images

U.S. first lady Melania Trump attends the 2017 Secretary of State's International Women of Courage Award March 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. The award honors women who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership in acting to improve the lives of others. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Melania Trump's style might be saying more than we think.

In a rare appearance in Washington D.C. at an event celebrating Women's History Month, the US First Lady wore a chic white coat by Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen's high-end label The Row, but the fact that it's white means more than you think.

White is the colour of the suffragette movement and is appropriate given the occasion honouring inspiring women from around the country on Thursday.

It's not the first time she has made a statement with her personal style - after her husband, President Trump's "grab her by the p***y" comments, she wore a pink pussybow blouse at the next event on the campaign trail.

Expand Close U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk into the East Room to attend an event celebrating Women's History Month, at the White House March 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) / Facebook

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Whatsapp U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk into the East Room to attend an event celebrating Women's History Month, at the White House March 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Wardrobe analysis of the Trump women has become something of a hobby among the fashion set - looking for subtle indications of their political alliances and whether or not their ideologies really line up with the President's.

Many speculated first daughter Ivanka, who has just been appointed an official adviser to her father, was wearing white on Inauguration Day for the same reason, representative of an endorsement of feminism.

Despite the fact that outgoing first lady Michelle Obama's wardrobe featured a mix of high fashion looks with more budget-friendly pieces, the former model is sticking to her love of couture.

Later in the evening, at an event for US Senators and their partners, she opted for a Roland Mouret dress, finishing off the look with a pair of Christian Louboutin heels.

Expand Close U.S. first lady Melania Trump attends the 2017 Secretary of State's International Women of Courage Award March 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. The award honors women who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership in acting to improve the lives of others. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) / Facebook

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Whatsapp U.S. first lady Melania Trump attends the 2017 Secretary of State's International Women of Courage Award March 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. The award honors women who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership in acting to improve the lives of others. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

And Ivanka also understands the power and influence her fashion choices hold in her vague new White House role, reporting hiring celebrity stylist Cat Williams for a presidential look, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Meanwhile, during Melania's speech, which has been largely praised, she spoke about women's empowerment and social equality.

Expand Close First Lady Melania Trump's shoes as she honors International Women of Courage during a ceremony at the State Department in Washington, DC, March 29, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / JIM WATSONJIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp First Lady Melania Trump's shoes as she honors International Women of Courage during a ceremony at the State Department in Washington, DC, March 29, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / JIM WATSONJIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images

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"As leaders, we must continue to work towards gender empowerment and respect for people from all backgrounds and ethnicities, remembering always that we are all members of one race, the human race," she said. "Each one of us is uniquely different."

"We must continue once again to shine a light on the horrendous atrocities taking place around the corner and around the globe.

"We must continue to fight injustice in all its forms, in whatever scale or shape it takes in our lives. Together, we must declare that the era of allowing brutality against women and children is over."

Mrs Trump then met with the winners of the International Women of Courage (IWOC) Awards, apparently stopping with each winner and posing for a photo.

Expand Close First Lady Melania Trump honors International Women of Courage during a ceremony at the State Department in Washington, DC, March 29, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / JIM WATSONJIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp First Lady Melania Trump honors International Women of Courage during a ceremony at the State Department in Washington, DC, March 29, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / JIM WATSONJIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images

"Their lives remind us of the boundless capacity of the human spirit when guided by moral clarity and desire to do good. Ask yourself if you would have the fortitude of spirit, the courage of your convictions, and the enormous inner strength required to stand up and fight against [the same] odds," she concluded.
Scarlett Johansson attends the "Ghost In The Shell" premiere hosted by Paramount Pictures & DreamWorks Pictures at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on March 29, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

Romain Dauriac (L) and actress Scarlett Johansson attend Tom Ford Autumn/Winter 2015 Womenswear Collection Presentation at Milk Studios on February 20, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Actress Scarlett Johansson and Romain Dauriac attend the 'Under The Skin' Premiere during the 70th Venice International Film Festival at Palazzo del Cinema on September 3, 2013 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

Actors Romain Dauriac (L) and Scarlett Johansson attend the 87th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 22, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Actor Scarlett Johansson attends the 89th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 26, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Actor Scarlett Johansson attends the 89th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 26, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Scarlett Johansson attends the "Ghost In The Shell" premiere hosted by Paramount Pictures & DreamWorks Pictures at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on March 29, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

Scarlett Johansson attends the "Ghost In The Shell" premiere hosted by Paramount Pictures & DreamWorks Pictures at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on March 29, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

Scarlett Johansson might be in the middle of a a very public divorce, but it's back to business as she promotes her latest film Ghost in the Shell.

The 32-year-old actress announced her split with French journalist Romain Dauriac in January after two years of marriage and while the last few weeks has been filled with mud-slinging between the two, she was all smiles on the red carpet on Wednesday night.

It was another daring outfit for the mother-of-one, who opted for a slinky rainbow dress.

Scarlett will have a jam-packed schedule over the coming weeks as she promotes her latest action flick, with her work reportedly becoming a bone of contention between the former couple, especially now that they're gearing up for a custody battle over their daughter Rose (three).

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Romain's lawyer Harold Mayerson said in a statement he will be petitioning for custody to live in France.

"He [Romain] believes that her schedule makes it impossible for her [Scarlett] to have physical custody  unless she intends to have her children raised by nannies and helpers," the lawyer said in a statement.

The actress has remained tight-lipped on her plans for custody, but recently said she's "very thankful" to come home to her a daughter at the end of a long day.

"You have to leave all that work stuff behind and be able to present with your kid. I am very thankful thats my reality at the end of the day," she told E! News.

Expand Close Scarlett Johansson and Romain Dauriac attend the Yummy Pop Grand Opening Party at Theatre du Gymnase on December 16, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Yummy Pop) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Scarlett Johansson and Romain Dauriac attend the Yummy Pop Grand Opening Party at Theatre du Gymnase on December 16, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Yummy Pop)

When asked if she had any plans for a new relationship, she said: "I'm on guard because I have a young daughter. That's something I'm more concerned about."
Details of proposed legislation to transfer EU law to UK statute book have been published.

The Government has published details of proposed legislation to transfer the whole of EU law on to the UK statute book as Britain leaves the European Union.

Brexit Secretary David Davis told the House of Commons that the Great Repeal Bill will provide clarity and certainty for businesses and citizens as Brexit takes place, with standards and rules maintained until Parliament decides to amend or remove them.

The Bill will repeal the European Communities Act 1972, which provides legal underpinning for Britains EU membership.

Heres everything you need to know:

What was Daviss message in the House of Commons?

Davis told MPs: We have been clear that we want a smooth and orderly exit, and the Great Repeal Bill is integral to that approach.

It will provide clarity and certainty for businesses, workers and consumers across the United Kingdom on the day we leave the EU. It will mean that as we exit the EU and seek a new deep and special partnership with the European Union, we will be doing so from the position where we have the same standards and rules.

He added that the bill would also ensure that the Government delivered on its promise to end the supremacy of EU law in the UK as we exit.

He said: Our laws will then be made in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast and interpreted not by judges in Luxembourg but by judges across the United Kingdom.

What did the Prime Minister have to say?

Davis published details of the proposed bill in a white paper entitled Legislating For The United Kingdoms Withdrawal From The European Union.

In a foreword to the paper, PM Theresa May said the bill would provide maximum certainty as we leave the EU, allowing businesses, public officials and individuals to plan for the future while Brexit negotiations are ongoing.

The Great Repeal Bill is an important part of our plan to deliver a smooth and orderly Brexit that commands the confidence of all, she said.

The task ahead may be significant, but I am confident we can make it a success. This white paper is an essential step along the way.

What will the Great Repeal Bill do?

Davis said the Great Repeal Bill will provide a power to correct the statute book where necessary using secondary legislation  which critics have warned will not allow full parliamentary scrutiny of the process.

He added: This power will be time limited and Parliament will need to be satisfied that the procedures in the Bill for making and approving the secondary legislation are appropriate.

There was a balance to be struck between the importance of scrutiny and correcting the statute book in time, he said.

What about the European Court of Justice?

Davis said the Bill will not give the European Court of Justice (ECJ) a future role in the interpretation of UK laws, and courts will not be obliged to consider cases decided by the ECJ after Brexit.

But while EU-derived law is on the UK statute book it is essential that there is common understanding of that legislation, so courts will refer to ECJ case law as it exists on the day we leave the EU.

This approach maximises legal certainty at the point of departure, but our intention is not to fossilise the past decisions of the ECJ, he said.

ECJ case law would be given the same status as Supreme Court decisions, which can be overruled by subsequent rulings in the UKs highest court.

What major changes are expected?

Davis reiterated the Prime Ministers intention to grant significant extra decision-making powers to the devolved administrations as jurisdiction returns from Brussels.

But he stressed that common UK frameworks may be needed in some areas in order to preserve the working of the internal market.

The white paper confirmed that the Government intends to pass a number of further bills over the next two years to prepare for specific aspects of Brexit, including a customs bill and an immigration bill.

While making clear that there are no plans to pull the UK out of the European Convention on Human Rights, it stated that the EUs Charter of Fundamental Rights will not be converted into UK law.

The loss of charter protections will not affect individuals substantive rights, which are already covered by human rights legislation in the UK or international agreements to which Britain is a signatory, said the paper.

How challenging will it be?

Although it had no precise figure for the number of EU rules which will be transferred into domestic law, it noted that there are currently more than 12,000 EU regulations in force, while Parliament has passed 7,900 statutory instruments implementing EU legislation and 186 Acts which incorporate a degree of EU influence.

A very significant proportion of EU-derived laws contain provisions which will not function effectively without amendment, but which are not appropriate for primary legislation, said the paper.

Attempting to make technical changes of this kind through primary legislation would create a prohibitively large amount of work for Parliament.

Instead, around 800 to 1,000 statutory instruments will be introduced  almost as many as Parliament passes in an average year  in an effort to strike a balance between the importance of scrutiny and the speed of this process.

Whats been the reaction?

Campaigner Gina Miller, who successfully took the Government to court over its plans to trigger Brexit without parliamentary approval, said she was considering legal action to challenge the use of Henry VIII powers to alter individuals rights.

Speaking to Emma Barnett on BBC Radio 5 Live Daily, she said: The Government has already blotted its copybook by trying to bypass Parliament and use the Royal Prerogative, so if there is any sniff that they are trying to use Henry VIII powers, that would be profoundly unparliamentary and undemocratic, and I would seek legal advice, because what you are doing is setting a precedent that Government could bypass Parliament.

Labour MP Chuka Umunna, chairman of Vote Leave Watch, described the Great Repeal Bill as an immense undertaking, fraught with danger.

Right-wing Tory Brexiteers like Liam Fox and Priti Patel have spent years waiting for this moment to cut the rights of British working people, said Umunna. From anti-discrimination laws to the Social Chapter to ECJ case law providing holiday pay, too many Conservatives see Brexit as a chance for a damaging bonfire of regulations.
Five bodies were found along with the wreckage of the helicopter.

The bodies of five people have been found with the wreckage of a missing helicopter in Snowdonia.

Heres what we know so far:

What happened?

North Wales Police said five bodies were found along with the wreckage of the helicopter in the Rhinog mountains near Trawsfynydd on Thursday.

Police and mountain rescue teams had launched a major search after the helicopter failed to arrive in Dublin on Wednesday afternoon after leaving the Luton area.

Superintendent Gareth Evans, of North Wales Police, said the exact location of the crash site was not being revealed to allow recovery of the bodies from the very difficult and challenging terrain.

An extensive search of the Irish Sea and Snowdonia was launched at about 4.15pm on Wednesday after the distress and diversion system lost radar contact with the privately owned Twin Squirrel aircraft.

Evans said: Initially, its last known position was believed over sea in the Caernarfon Bay area but this was then narrowed to a land-based search coordinated by North Wales Police in Snowdonia involving all local and RAF mountain rescue teams.

Local conditions were described as atrocious with visibility down to less than 10 metres in places.

Who are the victims?

Evans said the five bodies had not yet been formally identified, but that officers from Thames Valley Police were in contact with the families of the victims.

Two people feared to be on the helicopter are Kevin and Ruth Burke from Hulcote, near Milton Keynes, close to where the helicopter took off.

The couple are directors of Staske Construction Limited which is the registered owner of a red Twin Squirrel.

When contacted, a woman who answered the phone for the company said we are not going to talk to you, we are not going to talk to anybody regarding the crash.

Neighbour Elizabeth Thornley, who lives near the couples home, which is close to the registered address of Staske, said: I saw lots of cars this morning, telling the Press Association that with a lot of livery yards close by, she thought someone might be going to a show.

Then one of the neighbours said have you heard about the crash, the helicopter crash? I thought it had crashed into a horses paddock, but they said no, Kevins had crashed.

What happens now?

A full investigation into the cause of the crash will be led by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) and a team of inspectors has been sent to the site.
David Friedman in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in the White House complex (AP)

Donald Trump has gained his first ambassador after lawyer David Friedman was sworn in as the US envoy to Israel.

Vice president Mike Pence administered the oath of office to Mr Friedman, and hailed Mr Trump's decision to nominate his former bankruptcy lawyer for the sensitive diplomatic post as "one of the clearest signs" of the president's commitment to the state of Israel and the Jewish people.

"The president of the United States of America is a lifelong friend of Israel and the Jewish people and, under his leadership, if the world knows nothing else, the world will know this: America stands with Israel," Mr Pence said.

Mr Friedman's wife Tammy, their five children and most of their grandchildren watched the ceremony, along with Ron Dermer, Israel's ambassador to the US.

Mr Friedman, whose nomination faced resistance from Democrats and some Jewish groups, said he was "humbled" by the trust Mr Trump had placed in him.

He also noted his standing as the first of Mr Trump's ambassador nominees to win Senate confirmation and be sworn in to office.

"Those facts speak volumes about how highly the Trump-Pence administration prioritises our unbreakable bond with the state of Israel," he said.

He said he recently resigned from the law firm in which he was a founding partner.

The Senate approved his nomination last week by a vote of 52-46, largely along party lines.

Republican legislators brushed aside complaints from Democrats that the combative lawyer lacked the temperament to represent the US with such a key Middle Eastern ally.

The son of an Orthodox rabbi, he has been a fervent supporter of Israeli settlements, an opponent of Palestinian statehood and a defender of Israel's government.

Mr Friedman tried to use his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in February to repair the damage from his past verbal attacks on individuals who hold opposing views on Israel.

He assured senators that he regretted his choice of language and pledged to be "respectful and measured" if confirmed.

He acknowledged to the committee that he deserved criticism for comments that targeted former president Barack Obama, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, liberal Jewish advocacy groups and others.

Mr Friedman had called one group, J Street, "worse than kapos" - a reference to Jews who helped the Nazis imprison other Jews during the Holocaust. He also accused Mr Obama of anti-Semitism.

Republicans said his atonement satisfied them, but Democrats argued that his record of divisive statements could not be erased and would compromise his effectiveness as an ambassador.

All 11 Republicans and one Democrat on the committee supported his nomination. The panel's remaining nine Democrats opposed him.

AP
A footpath leading up the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales where the search for theTwin Squirrel helicopter was focused early on Thursday (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

Vehicles parked outside the Llanberis Mountain Rescue station in the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

A vehicle parked outside the Llanberis Mountain Rescue station in the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

Vehicles parked outside the Llanberis Mountain Rescue station in the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

The helicopter disappeared off the radar while en-route to Dublin

The helicopter which went missing while on-route to Dublin has been found police have confirmed.

"Sadly we can confirm that the wreckage of the helicopter that went #missing yesterday has been located along with the bodies of 5 people," North Wales Police said in a tweet this afternoon.

Two people feared to be on the helicopter are Kevin and Ruth Burke from Hulcote, near Milton Keynes, close to where the helicopter took off.

The couple are directors of Staske Construction Limited which is the registered owner of a red Twin Squirrel.

Expand Close Graphic: Press Association / Facebook

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When contacted, a woman who answered the phone for the company said "we are not going to talk to you, we are not going to talk to anybody regarding the crash".

Neighbour Elizabeth Thornley, who lives near to the couple's home, which is close to the registered address of Staske, said they had not lived at the property long and had been "doing up the house for about a year and a half".

The 24-year-old said she does "not know them that well" as they "keep to themselves" and that she often sees them "driving in and out".

"I saw lots of cars this morning," she said, telling the Press Association that with a lot of livery yards close by, she thought someone might be going to a show.

Expand Close A footpath leading up the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales where the search for theTwin Squirrel helicopter was focused early on Thursday (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire) / Facebook

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Whatsapp A footpath leading up the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales where the search for theTwin Squirrel helicopter was focused early on Thursday (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

"Then one of the neighbours said 'have you heard about the crash, the helicopter crash?' I thought it had crashed into a horse's paddock, but they said no, Kevin's had crashed."

On what is thought to be her Facebook profile Mrs Burke states she is originally from Dublin - the city which should have been the final destination of the helicopter.

Expand Close A vehicle parked outside the Llanberis Mountain Rescue station in the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire) / Facebook

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Whatsapp A vehicle parked outside the Llanberis Mountain Rescue station in the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

However, on the online registration for Staske Construction Ltd Ruth and Kevin Burke are named as directors and they are both listed as having British nationality.

One Hulcote local resident who did not give his name said Mr Burke was originally from Manchester, a pilot himself, and has left behind a 14-year-old son and 19-year-old daughter.

Expand Close Vehicles parked outside the Llanberis Mountain Rescue station in the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Vehicles parked outside the Llanberis Mountain Rescue station in the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

Another neighbour, Richard Mann, who lives close to the couple's home, said he and Mr Burke had both previously been Hulcote and Salford Parish Councillors.

"They moved into the house just before Christmas, they have been building it," the 78-year-old said.

Due to the ongoing investigation in the #Rhinog area an air exclusion zone is in place. Thank you for your cooperation #helicoptersearch  North Wales Police (@NWPolice) March 30, 2017

"Kevin, I think, is a very astute businessman, outgoing - hail fellow well met - always seemed very cheery."

He said that it has been a "total shock" hearing the news, adding that he "hasn't quite taken it in".

Earlier the search moved inland amid fears it may have gone down over land.

Police and mountain rescue teams had launched a major search after the helicopter failed to arrive in Dublin on Wednesday afternoon after leaving the Luton area.

Superintendent Gareth Evans, of North Wales Police, said the details of the victims were not being released by police but specialist officers were supporting their families.

In a statement released following a press briefing police said:

"The exact location is not being revealed at this time to allow a dignified and unhindered recovery of the bodies in what is described as very difficult and challenging terrain."

The aircraft, a red Twin Squirrel helicopter had failed to arrive in Dublin from Luton yesterday afternoon instigating a full sea and then land search and rescue operation," Supt Evans said.

"Initially, its last known position was believed over sea in the Caernarfon Bay area but this was then narrowed to a land based search co-ordinated by North Wales Police in Snowdonia involving all local and RAF Mountain Rescue Teams.

"Local conditions were described as atrocious with visibility down to less than 10 metres in places. My thanks go out to the professionalism and commitment of all those personnel involved in this operation.

Formal identification has not taken place so details of the passengers are not being revealed at this time. Families of those on board the aircraft are being supported by specialist Police Family Liaison Officers.

"Our thoughts are very much with them and on their behalf I ask you respect their privacy at this very difficult time. HM Coroner for north west Wales Mr Dewi Pritchard-Jones has been informed and he has opened an investigation.

The terrain where the aircraft has been located is remote and in places hazardous. Id also like to thank the local community for their support and assistance but Id also ask people to refrain from visiting the area as it is now subject of a full investigation led by the Air Accident Investigation Branch to establish what led up to and caused this tragic event.

We are also appealing for help from the public and local communities and so Id ask if anyone sighted the aircraft flying over Snowdonia yesterday to contact North Wales Police via the live web chat http://www.north-wales.police.uk/contact/chat-support.aspx or by phoning 101.

The Department of Foreign affairs has confirmed it has not received any request for consular assistance, but stands ready to provide assistance if requested.

Police in Wales have asked members of the public to refrain from the area as it's now the subject of an investigation.

Local MP Alun Cairns also released a statement to the media expressing his sympathies.

"My thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the families of the victims of the helicopter crash in Snowdonia," he said.

The emergency services and the mountain rescue involved in the search, rescue and recovery operation have carried out their work in incredibly difficult conditions.

I am grateful to them for their determination and dedication, and to those providing support to the families during what is a very difficult time.

The recovery operation will be challenging. I ask that the investigating authorities be given the time and space necessary to undertake this important work.
Flowers left near the scene where a 13-year-old boy and his mother have died after being stabbed at their home in Greyhound Lane, Stourbridge. Photo: Joe Giddens/PA Wire

Police activity near the scene where a 13-year-old boy and his mother have died after being stabbed at their home in Greyhound Lane, Stourbridge. Photo: Joe Giddens/PA Wire

A Land Rover stolen from the scene is put on a lorry after it crashed near to where a 13-year-old boy and his mother died after being stabbed at their home in Greyhound Lane, Stourbridge. Photo: Joe Giddens/PA Wire

Police activity near the scene where a 13-year-old boy and his mother have died after being stabbed at their home in Greyhound Lane, Stourbridge. Photo: Joe Giddens/PA Wire

A 13-year-old boy and his mother have died and his father is fighting for his life after they were stabbed at their home in Stourbridge in the West Midlands.

Police and emergency services were called to their home in Greyhound Lane in the town on Thursday morning following reports of an incident.

All three people were rushed to hospital with "life-threatening injuries", but the woman and her son were later pronounced dead.

A man in his 20s was subsequently arrested in connection with the incident after allegedly stealing a Land Rover.

The driver, who is understood to be known to the family but not a relative, allegedly crashed the 4x4 before being arrested by police.

The family were named locally as company director Peter Wilkinson, 47, and his wife Tracey, 50.

Mr Wilkinson, who is a company director for a firm that manufactures safety barriers, remains in hospital with stab wounds to his chest and back.

Neighbours said the couple, who also have a daughter who is away at university, were a "nice normal family".

A couple who lived a few doors down told how they used to see Mr Wilkinson walking his dog.

A man, who didn't want to be named, added: "Peter and Tracey have lived there for about seven or eight years.

"They've got a son who is 13 and a daughter who is in her first year at Bristol university.

"We know them to talk to and say hello to. We would see Peter walking his greyhound along the road and he would always stop to talk.

"They were a nice, normal family. They were lovely."

Mr Kendrick went on: "The family car was stolen and our officers intercepted that car at around 8.30am in Norton Road.

"Despite being rammed by the vehicle they managed to get the driver and detain him and arrest him on suspicion of murder.

"Clearly our investigation is at a very early stage but we do believe the suspect was known to the family and we do not think this was a burglary or robbery.

"We have specialist teams of officers working with the family at this tragic time."

The officer said the suspect was known to police and they were trying to establish the nature of his relationship with the family.

He added: "We received a call from here (the property), I'm not at liberty to say who that was at this time.

"There's no obvious sign of forced entry. Early enquiries would suggest the offender was known to the victims.

"We are exploring the nature of that relationship. The offender is not a family member.

"He is known to the police. At this moment in time it's too early to release details of any previous dealings he's had with West Midlands Police.

"The two officers have returned to their station. They have minor injuries."

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: "Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of ambulance staff it became apparent at the scene that nothing could be done to save the woman and she was confirmed deceased.

"The teenage boy was found to be in cardiac arrest and received specialist trauma care and advanced life support from our staff.

"He was taken on blue lights to Birmingham Children's Hospital with treatment continuing en route.

"Sadly, shortly after arrival in A&E and despite the best efforts of ambulance staff and hospital medics, he could not be saved and he was also confirmed dead.

"The man, who was conscious, was also in a serious condition as a result of his stab wounds and was alerted in to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham by land ambulance."

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
Nicola Sturgeon has written a letter to Theresa May formally requesting a second Scottish independence referendum.

The Scottish Government tweeted a picture of the First Minister with her feet up on a couch in her Bute House residence writing the Section 30 letter on Thursday evening.

This week, MSPs voted by 69 to 59 in favour of seeking permission for an independence referendum to take place between autumn 2018 and spring 2019.

Ms Sturgeon said her mandate for another vote is now ''beyond question'', and warned it would be ''democratically indefensible and utterly unsustainable'' to attempt to stand in the way.

Scottish Secretary David Mundell said the UK Government would decline the request.

Ms Sturgeon is pressing ahead with a formal approach for a section 30 order - the mechanism for the powers to hold a referendum.

First Minister @NicolaSturgeon in Bute House, Edinburgh, working on final draft of Section 30 letter to Prime Minister Theresa May pic.twitter.com/Blj7jlDpDT  Scottish Government (@scotgov) March 30, 2017

The Scottish Government tweet read: "First Minister @NicolaSturgeon in Bute House, Edinburgh, working on final draft of Section 30 letter to Prime Minister Theresa May."

It is expected to be sent to Downing Street on Friday.

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Around 62% of Scottish voters backed the UK remaining part of the EU in June 2016 and the SNP manifesto for last year's Holyrood elections made clear another ballot on independence should take place if there were a ''material change in circumstances'' from the previous ballot in 2014.

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Whatsapp British Prime Minister Theresa May (left) meets with Nicola Sturgeon at Bute House in Edinburgh. Photo: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

The example cited was for Scotland to be removed from the EU against its wishes.

Scottish Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat politicians are opposed to another referendum and the Prime Minister has repeatedly said ''now is not the time'' for another vote, indicating she will reject the SNP's preferred timetable.

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After the vote in the Scottish Parliament, Ms Sturgeon said she would set out her next steps to Holyrood after the Easter recess if she is rebuffed in the Section 30 request.

The vote followed a meeting between Ms Sturgeon and Mrs May in Glasgow on Monday, and came the day before the process for leaving the European Union was formally triggered.
The helicopter which went missing while on-route to Dublin has been found police have confirmed.

"Sadly we can confirm that the wreckage of the helicopter that went #missing yesterday has been located along with the bodies of 5 people," North Wales Police said in a tweet this afternoon.

Earlier the search moved inland amid fears it may have gone down over land.

The move came after the examination of radar and communication devices indicated that the Twin Squirrel helicopter may have gone missing over land rather than in the water.

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Seven mountain rescue teams and a dog search team were involved in trying to find the missing helicopter.

Coast Guard officials said emergency beacons which are triggered on contact with salt water never activated.

UK police and Coast Guards units also used mobile phone signals to try to determine the locations of the missing Airbus.

A massive sea search was called off overnight due to "low lying cloud and extremely poor visibility".

The UK Coastguard was co-ordinating the major search operation over the Irish Sea for the Airbus/Eurocopter Twin Squirrel helicopter which vanished off radar in the Caernarfon Bay area overnight on Wednesday.

The search for the helicopter was launched yesterday at 4.15pm and was focused between the Caernarfon Bay area, in north Wales, and Dublin.

The aircraft was last detected on radar in the Caernarfon Bay area, less than 20km off the Welsh coast.

Two UK Coastguard helicopters were sweeping areas off the Welsh coast using infra-red camera technology for any signs of debris.

However, in the early hours of the morning this search was called off. In a statement the UK Coast Guard said:

"Due to low lying cloud, visibility has been extremely poor and has hampered the search efforts. The helicopters have now returned to their respective bases and there are no plans at this stage to continue the aerial search unless the weather improves significantly.

"North Wales Police have taken over the search operation and have called in Mountain Rescue Teams to continue the land based search in the Snowdonia area."

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Declan Geoghegan of the Irish Coast Guard told RTE Radio One they were contacted yesterday to provide help.

He said they scanned their maritime frequency bands to see if the helicopter had made any contact but there was no information on it.

"We haven't been requested for any assets as of yet. However if we are we would certainly task a helicopter to the area if they wish."

He explained that the Waterford, Sligo and Shannon based helicopters would be available.

He said the helicopter contacted Weston airport at around 11.30am yesterday "to say they would be late".

"They had given their previous ETA and then adjusted that for a stopover. They had intended flying directly to Dublin and then they had adjusted their flight plan.

"They contacted Weston to say their flight was around an hour late and after that no more was heard."

Director of Airport and Commercial Operations at Weston Airport Dave Scully said they could not provide any comment at this time.

"It's too early to comment as the search is still ongoing," he said.

The Twin Squirrel helicopter is one of the most popular light types operated by private firms and has an excellent safety record.

Mr Chris Sheil, owner of Executive Helicopters, said it's highly unlikely that the helicopter, which is understood to be red, is owned by an Irish person.

He explained: "There's only one twin squirrel helicopter in Ireland and that's a black one in the west.

"There aren't many helicopters in Ireland but there would be plenty of twin squirrels in the UK, they're regarded as being reliable.

"It's hard to say for sure but I'd say half the Twin Squirrels in the UK are commercial and the other half would be privately owned."

The missing helicopter is the same type as previously used by the Garda Air Support unit.

The helicopter is owned by Staske Construction Ltd in Milton Keynes which is run by Kevin and Ruth Burke who rent it out to film crews.

Operation

UK Coastguard said they contacted all vessels in the Irish Sea that were in the vicinity of the helicopter around midday.

Duty Commander Peter Davies said they are appealing to these vessels and to the public that if they have seen a twin squirrel red helicopter to please contact 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

The incident comes just two weeks after and Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 vanished off the coast of Mayo with four crew on board.

Captain Dara Fitzpatrick (45) and Captain Mark Duffy (51) died in the tragedy.

Searches for winch operator Paul Ormbsy (53) and Ciaran Smith (38) are continuing in Blacksod.
A footpath leading up the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales where the search for theTwin Squirrel helicopter was focused early on Thursday (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

Vehicles parked outside the Llanberis Mountain Rescue station in the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

A vehicle parked outside the Llanberis Mountain Rescue station in the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

Vehicles parked outside the Llanberis Mountain Rescue station in the Snowdonia mountain range in north Wales (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

The helicopter disappeared off the radar while en-route to Dublin

Ruth and Kevin Burke from Hulcote, near Milton Keynes, were two of the passengers on the helicopter

FIVE members of a UK-based family with strong Irish links died when the helicopter they were using to attend a family Confirmation in Dublin crashed into a Welsh mountain in atrocious weather conditions.

The five, three men and two women, were killed instantly when the private helicopter they were using to fly from Luton, north of London, to Dublin's Weston Aerodrome crashed into Rhinog mountain in the Snowdonia national park in north Wales.

The Burke family last night appealed for privacy after the tragedy.

"Six children have lost their parents in this tragedy," a family spokesman said.

"At this stage the family wants to be left alone to be able to deal with their grief over this terrible loss and concentrate upon looking after the children."

It is believed the pilot of the Airbus/EuroCopter Twin Squirrel light helicopter was attempting to descend to avoid inclement weather when the tragedy occurred.

It is understood Milton Keynes-based construction millionaire, Kevin Burke (57), his wife, Ruth, his brother as well as his brother-in-law and sister-in-law are among the deceased.

Mr Burke, who is from Manchester but has strong Irish links, ran the successful Milton Keynes based construction firm, Staske Ltd., and the helicopter which crashed was owned by the firm.

The couple have a 19 year old daughter and a 14 year old son.

It is understood all five were travelling on Wednesday to attend a Confirmation in Ireland.

Shock

Local newspaper, 'The Milton Keynes Citizen', said the area was shocked by the deaths of the wealthy businessman and his wife.

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Neighbour Elizabeth Thornley (24), who lives near the Burke's home, said they had not lived at the property long and had been "doing up the house for about a year and a half".

Mr Burke was a former student at Lord Grey School and was also deputy chairman of Hulcote and Salford Parish Council, the latter in his native Manchester.

A vastly experienced pilot, he used the firm's helicopter to commute between the various development projects his firm undertook around the UK.

Mr Burke was also a director of Bletchley-based construction firm, Tubular Erectors Ltd.

Due to the ongoing investigation in the #Rhinog area an air exclusion zone is in place. Thank you for your cooperation #helicoptersearch  North Wales Police (@NWPolice) March 30, 2017

His firms have worked on such high-profile UK developments as Milton Keynes Hospital, MK Dons Stadium and the Shenly Brook School.

His wife, Ruth, served as the company secretary.

All five bodies were recovered shortly before lunch yesterday when the UK Coastguard and North Wales Police switched the focus of their search from Caernarfon Bay to the Snowdonia mountains.

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Search

It had initially been feared the red-coloured helicopter had been lost over the Irish Sea.

However, the search switched inland after it emerged that a special beacon which activates when exposed to salt water never triggered.

North Wales Police also used mobile phone triangulation data to focus their search effort on a remote mountainous area between Rhinog and Trawsfynydd.

Seven mountain rescue teams, as well as specialist dog search teams, examined the Rhinog area before the Twin Squirrel wreckage was found.

All five bodies were located by or within the wreckage.

Weather conditions were so bad that search teams operated with visibility of less than 10 metres.

North Wales Police stressed that weather conditions were so bad that helicopters could not be used to access the remote area.

Supt Gareth Evans confirmed that the families involved have been informed and specialist police liaison teams are now assisting them.

"I can sadly confirm that a crash site has been located and that five people have lost their lives due to this incident," he said.

"This is an agonising time for the family and friends of all involved."

"Our thoughts are very much with them at this time."

The crash site has been preserved pending a full investigation into the tragedy by the UK Air Accident Investigation Branch.

No mayday was received from the twin-engined helicopter which vanished off radar and from radio contact shortly after 4pm on Wednesday.

The helicopter had left Luton and was bound for Weston Aerodrome in Lucan.

It vanished shortly after approaching the Snowdonia-Caernarfon Bay area.

The Twin Squirrel, one of the most popular light helicopters in private use, has an excellent safety record though it has been involved in a number of fatal accidents.

It is the same helicopter type as used by the Garda Air Support Unit.

The Department of Foreign affairs confirmed it has not received any request for consular assistance, but stands ready to provide assistance if requested.

Welsh MP Alun Cairns said the entire community was stunned by the scale of the tragedy.

"My thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the families of the victims of the helicopter crash in Snowdonia," he said.

The emergency services and the mountain rescue involved in the search, rescue and recovery operation have carried out their work in incredibly difficult conditions.

I am grateful to them for their determination and dedication, and to those providing support to the families during what is a very difficult time.

The recovery operation will be challenging. I ask that the investigating authorities be given the time and space necessary to undertake this important work.

Details

Superintendent Gareth Evans, of North Wales Police, said the details of the victims were not being released by police but specialist officers were supporting their families.

In a statement released following a press briefing police said:

"The exact location is not being revealed at this time to allow a dignified and unhindered recovery of the bodies in what is described as very difficult and challenging terrain."

The aircraft, a red Twin Squirrel helicopter had failed to arrive in Dublin from Luton yesterday afternoon instigating a full sea and then land search and rescue operation," Supt Evans said.

"Initially, its last known position was believed over sea in the Caernarfon Bay area but this was then narrowed to a land based search co-ordinated by North Wales Police in Snowdonia involving all local and RAF Mountain Rescue Teams.

"Local conditions were described as atrocious with visibility down to less than 10 metres in places. My thanks go out to the professionalism and commitment of all those personnel involved in this operation.

Formal identification has not taken place so details of the passengers are not being revealed at this time. Families of those on board the aircraft are being supported by specialist Police Family Liaison Officers.

"Our thoughts are very much with them and on their behalf I ask you respect their privacy at this very difficult time. HM Coroner for north west Wales Mr Dewi Pritchard-Jones has been informed and he has opened an investigation.

The terrain where the aircraft has been located is remote and in places hazardous. Id also like to thank the local community for their support and assistance but Id also ask people to refrain from visiting the area as it is now subject of a full investigation led by the Air Accident Investigation Branch to establish what led up to and caused this tragic event.

We are also appealing for help from the public and local communities and so Id ask if anyone sighted the aircraft flying over Snowdonia yesterday to contact North Wales Police via the live web chat or by phoning 101.

Investigation

Police in Wales have asked members of the public to refrain from the area as it's now the subject of an investigation.

Local MP Alun Cairns also released a statement to the media expressing his sympathies.

"My thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the families of the victims of the helicopter crash in Snowdonia," he said.

The emergency services and the mountain rescue involved in the search, rescue and recovery operation have carried out their work in incredibly difficult conditions.

I am grateful to them for their determination and dedication, and to those providing support to the families during what is a very difficult time.

The recovery operation will be challenging. I ask that the investigating authorities be given the time and space necessary to undertake this important work.
After the arrest, Sanu Jose was shifted to an Equatorial Guinea navy ship.
Frances former prime minister Manuel Valls (left) endorsed the presidential bid of centrist Emmanuel Macron yesterday, the most high-profile Socialist to back the ex-banker over the partys nominee. Photo: Getty Images

France's main left-wing party was on the brink of implosion yesterday after former prime minister Manuel Valls backed independent front-runner Emmanuel Macron in next month's presidential election instead of his own Socialist Party's candidate.

Mr Valls (54), a reformist once likened to Tony Blair, is the highest-profile Socialist yet to say he will vote for the 39-year-old Mr Macron.

The centrist was, he said, the best hope to foil the rise of the far right, as Mr Macron is polling to beat the Front National's Marine Le Pen in the election's second round run-off on May 7.

Benoit Hamon (49), the Socialists' official candidate, beat Mr Valls in the party's primary but is predicted to finish a humiliating fifth in the first round of the election on April 23.

Risks

"I'm not going to take any risks," Mr Valls told BFM TV, warning that the Le Pen vote risked being higher than expected. "I will vote for Emmanuel Macron."

The Hamon camp was livid, branding Mr Valls a dishonourable traitor because he had signed a promise to back the winner of the Socialist primary.

"I urge you to sanction those who have started this morbid game... those who no longer believe in anything," Mr Hamon said.

Mr Valls, a centrist within Socialist ranks who was President Francois Hollande's prime minister until he stood down to contest the presidential nomination, is not the first Socialist heavyweight to betray Mr Hamon.

Jean-Yves Le Drian, the defence minister, did so last week. Around 50 other Socialist lawmakers have also said they will support Mr Macron's party, En Marche!, which he set up last year, and more government figures are expected to follow suit.

This, however, poses a conundrum for Mr Macron, a former economy minister in Mr Hollande's government whose appeal is largely based on his claim to be a new type of politician who is "neither right nor left wing".

Mr Macron was quick to make it clear Mr Valls would not be part of his government. "I shall be the guarantor of new faces, new ways of doing things," he said.

Mr Valls said he had "nothing to negotiate and am not asking for anything, I'm not joining his camp".

But the move prompted Francois Fillon (63), the embattled conservative candidate, to brand Mr Macron a Mr Hollande clone.

"The entire team of Francois Hollande now backs Emmanuel Macron. It is as I have always said: Emmanuel Macron is Francois Hollande," Mr Fillon, whose British wife was placed under investigation in a fake jobs inquiry on Tuesday, said.

Polls suggest that for the first time, neither France's largest centre-right nor centre-left political movements will have a candidate in the presidential run-off.

Mr Valls's departure is the latest blow for Mr Hamon who is vying for the left-wing vote with charismatic former Trotskyite Jean-Luc Melenchon.

A poll yesterday suggested Mr Hamon would reap just 10pc of the vote in round one, with Mr Melenchon, who refuses to join forces, on 15 per cent.

His spokesman gleefully tweeted: "Valls rallying to Macron spells the explosion of the Socialist Party. A new situation commences." ( Daily Telegraph, London)

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
The scene of the attack at Westminster last week (Left: Attacker Khalid Masood)

Westminster terror attacker Khalid Masood was killed by a single gunshot to his chest, an inquest has heard.

The extremist was gunned down by an armed police officer after gaining access to the Palace of Westminster grounds during his rampage on March 22 in the heart of political London.

Westminster Coroner's Court heard on Thursday that the Kent-born 52-year-old earlier mounted the kerb twice in a Hyundai car as he sped across Westminster Bridge, killing three people and leaving dozens injured.

He then mounted it a third time, crashing, and then charged into the Palace of Westminster grounds armed with two knives, killing Pc Keith Palmer.

Expand Close A young girl lights a candle during a candlelit vigil at Trafalgar Square. Photo: GETTY / Facebook

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In total his attack, which left four people dead, lasted just 82 seconds.

A coroner's officer told the inquest that a post mortem on Masood was held on March 23 and the "provisional cause of death given at the time was a gunshot wound to the chest".

Metropolitan Police Detective Superintendent John Crossley, who is leading the investigation into the attack, told the inquest: "The male attacked a police officer on the ground with two knives, causing grave wounds.

"He was then shot dead by a police officer."

Read More

He added Masood was pronounced dead at 3.35pm, around an hour after the attack happened.

His body was taken to St Mary's Hospital in Paddington before being moved to a morgue.

Chris Lovatt, operations team leader with the Independent Police Complaints Commission, told the hearing that staff from the watchdog had met on Wednesday with Masood's wife Rohey Hydara, and his mother Janet Ajao.

The latter previously said she had "shed many tears" for her son's victims.

Before being radicalised and converting to Islam, Masood was known by names including Adrian Ajao and Adrian Elms.

Read More

An inquest into his four victims, Pc Palmer, 48, American tourist Kurt Cochran, 54, retired window cleaner Leslie Rhodes, 75, and Aysha Frade, 44, was opened and adjourned by Dr Fiona Wilcox on Wednesday.

It heard that Pc Palmer died despite despite wearing standard issue body armour.

Adjourning the inquest to May 19, senior coroner Dr Wilcox said: "I take a moment to pass my sympathies to the family of Masood, who are also all victims of this incident."

The full inquest is due to be held at the Royal Courts of Justice.
Afghanistan's first, and only, all-female symphony is trying to change attitudes in a deeply conservative country where many see music as immoral, especially for women.

The symphony's two conductors show how difficult that can be, but also how satisfying success is.

One of them, Negin Khpolwak, was supported by her father when she joined the Afghanistan National Institute of Music and then became part of its girls' orchestra, called Zohra.

But the rest of her family was deeply against it. Her uncles cut off ties with her father.

"They told him he is not their brother any more," said Khpolwak, now 20.

"Even my grandmother disowned my father."

Khpolwak had learned about the music institute at the orphanage in Kabul where she spent most of her life.

Her father sent her to the orphanage because he was afraid for her safety in their home province of Kunar in eastern Afghanistan, an area where Taliban militants are active.

The institute is one of the only schools in Afghanistan where girls and boys share classrooms, and it draws its students from the ranks of orphanages and street children, giving them a chance at a new life.

Khpolwak studied piano and drums before becoming the orchestra's conductor.

More than 30 girls aged 12 to 20 play in Zohra, which is named after a goddess of music in Persian literature.

In January the orchestra, which performs traditional Afghan and Western classical music, had its first international tour, appearing at the World Economic Forum in Davos and four other cities in Switzerland and Germany.

"The formation of the orchestra is aimed at sending a positive message to the community, to send a positive message to the girls, to encourage families and girls to join the music scene of the country," said Ahmad Naser Sarmast, the institute's founder and director.

Sarmast has experienced first hand the militants' hatred of music.

In 2014 a Taliban suicide bomber blew himself up at a concert Sarmast was attending. He was wounded and a German man in the audience died.

The Zohra orchestra was created in 2014 when one of the institute's students, a girl named Meena, asked Sarmast if there could be a group where girls could play together.

Sarmast leaped at the idea.

Since then, Meena has disappeared.

Last year she told the school she had to attend her sister's wedding in her family's village in eastern Nangarhar province.

She never returned, a sign of how tenuous the situation is in a country where war rages, communications are poor and poverty is rife.

Sarmast said the school has not been in contact with her, but he is hopeful she will return to the school and Zohra.

The orchestra's other conductor, 18-year-old Zarifa Adiba, faced resistance from her family just as Khpolwak did.

When she joined the school in 2014, she only told her mother and stepfather, not her four brothers and her uncles, because she knew they would disapprove.

Her mother and stepfather tried to tell them about the importance of music, without mentioning Adiba, but they were not convinced.

"If my brothers and uncles had known about me learning or playing music, they 100% would have stopped me because they had a very negative view towards music," Adiba said.

Her family's opposition to music was so intense she hesitated to join the orchestra's trip to Davos.

But she did go, and as one of the conductors she was widely interviewed in the media there and appeared on TV.

When she returned, her uncles were the first to congratulate her.

Two of her brothers are still not happy about her involvement with music but now she has the support of the rest of the family, she has more courage, and she said she is sure her brothers will eventually come around.

"I changed my family, now it is time for other girls to change their families because I am sure that slowly all Afghanistan will change," she said.

AP
South Korea's former president has arrived at a detention centre after a Seoul court approved her arrest over corruption allegations.

Live TV footage showed a black sedan carrying Park Geun-hye entering the detention centre near Seoul.

The Seoul court said it decided to approve Ms Park's arrest because of worries that she may try to destroy evidence.

Ms Park's supporters were seen carrying national flags and shouting "president" when her car was entering the detention facility.

Ms Park was questioned for nearly nine hours by the court on Thursday before its decision to grant the arrest warrant.

Prosecutors can detain her for up to 20 days before formally charging her, meaning she will likely be in jail while her case is heard. A district court normally issues a ruling within six months of an indictment.

Prosecutors accuse Ms Park of colluding with a confidante to extort from big businesses, take a bribe from one of the companies and commit other wrongdoing.

The allegations led millions of South Koreans to protest in the streets every weekend for months before the Constitutional Court ruled March 10 to remove her.

Ms Park's presidential powers had already been suspended after Parliament impeached her in December.

Prosecutors have said they want to arrest Ms Park because her alleged crimes are "grave" and because other suspects involved the scandal, including her confidante Choi Soo-sil, have already been arrested.

In the coming weeks, prosecutors are expected to formally charge Ms Park with extortion, bribery and abuse of power. A bribery conviction alone is punishable by up to life in prison in South Korea.

Ms Park and Ms Choi deny most of the allegations. Ms Park has said she only let Ms Choi edit some of her presidential speeches and got her help on "public relations" issues. Ms Choi made similar statements.

Park Geun-hye became South Korea's first female president after being elected in 2012.

AP
Benjamin Netanyahu said plans for the new settlement were passed unanimously

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet has approved Israel's first new settlement in two decades to compensate for the demolition of a settler outpost.

Mr Netanyahu said the decision to replace Amona was passed unanimously, honouring a promise he made after it was destroyed earlier this year following a court order.

He said the new settlement will be built near Shiloh, close to the Palestinian city of Ramallah in the West Bank.

For the past two decades, the international community has backed a two-state solution to the conflict where a Palestinian state would be established alongside Israel in territory it captured in the 1967 war.

The international community mostly views settlements in that territory as illegal and an obstacle to peace.

Israel says settlements along with other issues like security should be resolved in peace talks.
Hawaii says Donald Trump's policy discriminates against Muslims and hurts the state's tourist-dependent economy (AP)

A federal judge in Hawaii has decided to extend his order blocking President Donald Trump's travel ban.

US District Judge Derrick Watson issued the longer-lasting hold on the ban hours after hearing arguments.

Hawaii says the policy discriminates against Muslims and hurts the state's tourist-dependent economy.

The implied message in the revised ban is like a "neon sign flashing 'Muslim ban, Muslim ban'" that the government did not bother to turn off, state attorney general Douglas Chin told the judge.

Extending the temporary order until the state's lawsuit is resolved would ensure the constitutional rights of Muslim citizens across the US are vindicated after "repeated stops and starts of the last two months", the state has said.

The government says the ban falls within the president's power to protect national security. Hawaii has only spelled out generalised concerns about its effect on students and tourism, Department of Justice lawyer Chad Readler told the judge by telephone.

The Trump administration had asked Judge Watson to narrow his ruling to cover only the part of Mr Trump's executive order that suspends new visas for people from six Muslim-majority countries.

Mr Readler said a freeze on the US refugee programme had no effect on Hawaii.

Judge Watson rejected that argument, preventing the administration from halting the flow of refugees.

He said in court that the government only argued for that narrower interpretation after a federal judge in Maryland blocked the six-nation travel ban but said it was not clear that the refugee suspension was similarly motivated by religious bias.

Judge Watson noted that the government said 20 refugees had been resettled in Hawaii since 2010.

"Is this a mathematical exercise that 20 isn't enough? ... What do I make of that?" the judge asked Mr Readler.

The lawyer replied that 20 is simply a small number of refugees.

"In whose judgment?" Judge Watson asked.

Hawaii was the first state to sue over Mr Trump's revised ban. The imam of a Honolulu mosque joined the challenge, arguing that the ban would prevent his Syrian mother-in-law from visiting family in Hawaii.

In his arguments, Mr Chin quoted Mr Trump's comments that the revised travel ban is a "watered down" version of the original.

"We cannot fault the president for being politically incorrect, but we do fault him for being constitutionally incorrect," Mr Chin said.

Earlier this month, Judge Watson prevented the federal government from suspending new visas for people from Somalia, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen and freezing the nation's refugee programme. His ruling came hours before the federal government planned to start enforcing Mr Trump's executive order.

The president called Judge Watson's previous ruling "unprecedented judicial overreach".

AP
A man whose wife was killed in car crash as they were having sex while drink-driving has been jailed for five years.

Matthew Notebaert, from South Florida, grew emotional in court as he described how much he missed his wife, Amanda, according to the New York Post.

Circuit Judge Laura Johnson said the 31-year-old woman's death was one of the "most senseless, tragic acts" she had ever seen.

The father-of-two was arrested in March 2014 after the car he was driving crashed into a canal.

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The couple were heading home from a concert at the time of the tragedy.

Police reported them both to be naked from the waist down when they arrived at the scene.

Mrs Notebaert had been sitting on her husband's lap at the time of the crash.

Notebaet had a reported .135 blood-alcohol level. The legal limit in the state of Florida is .08.

Notebaert told the court they had drank whiskey at the concert and pulled over to have sex on the way home.

He said that's when the crash happened.

The Palm Beach Post reported that Amanda's family tried to get Notebaert the minimum 10-year sentence.
President Donald Trump has granted the US military more authority to go after al Qaida-linked militants in Somalia, approving a Pentagon request to allow more aggressive air strikes, officials said.

Mr Trump's decision, which was made on Wednesday but not immediately announced, allows US special operations forces to accompany Somali National Army troops and other African allies as they move closer to the fight, enabling them to call in offensive air strikes quicker.

Portions of southern Somalia, excluding the capital Mogadishu, will be considered a warzone, officials said. That designation gives US forces on the ground the authority to call in offensive air strikes, rather than waiting for approval by higher level commanders.

In a statement on Thursday, Navy Captain Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, said the additional US support will help "increase pressure on al-Shabab and reduce the risk to our partner forces when they conduct operations".

Somalia has been without a truly functioning government for two-and-a-half decades, its vast ungoverned spaces allowing extremist groups to gather and train. Al-Shabab has carried out deadly attacks in Mogadishu and elsewhere. Attacks on military bases in the past two years have slowed joint African Union-Somali offensives against the group.

General Thomas Waldhauser, the head of US Africa Command, told members of Congress last week he would not turn Somalia into a "free fire zone". He stressed the need for "more flexibility, a little bit more timeliness, in terms of decision-making process" to strike al-Shabab and weaken it.

He dismissed suggestions the change could cause more civilian casualties

The new guidelines pertain to US assistance of Somali and African Union troops, not unilateral American missions in the Horn of Africa country.

About 50 US commandos have been rotating in and out of Somalia to advise and assist local troops. That number could now increase slightly at certain times, said officials.

Somalia is grappling with a devastating famine that has uprooted citizens around the country. The movement of so many people around the battlefield in search of food and water could make strikes more challenging, but the military says it has been preparing appropriately.

There have been no changes to ease rules of engagement or allow for possibility of greater civilian casualties, military officials said. Faster military decisions run that risk, but much of the area now considered a warzone is sparsely populated.

Rules for air strikes in other areas of Somalia have not changed, the officials said.

AP
The decision is the latest signal that the Trump administration is prioritising support for Sunni-led countries (AP)

The Trump administration has told Congress it plans to approve a multibillion-dollar sale of F-16 fighter jets to Bahrain without the human rights conditions imposed by the Obama government.

If finalised, the approval would allow the Gulf nation to purchase 19 jets from Maryland-based Lockheed Martin, plus improvements to other jets in Bahrain's fleet.

Though Congress has opportunities to block the sale, it is unlikely it will do so, given the Republican majority's strong support for the sale.

The decision is the latest signal that the Trump administration is prioritising support for Sunni-led countries seen as critical to opposing Iran's influence in the region, over human rights issues Barack Obama had elevated.

Under Mr Obama, the US withdrew approval before the deal was finalised because it said Bahrain had not taken steps it had promised to improve human rights.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Bob Corker's office said the committee was told on Wednesday by the State Department that it planned to proceed with the sale.

The notice triggers a 40-day "consultation" period in which committee staff can review a draft of the Bahrain approval, ask questions about the sale and raise any concerns.

Then the State Department will send a formal notification to Congress, setting off a final 30-day review period, during which Congress could pass a joint resolution or take other steps to stop the sale.

Lockheed had lobbied strenuously for the sale's approval, even as rights groups and pro-democracy activists urged the administration not to jettison human rights conditions.

Brian Dooley of Washington-based group Human Rights First said decoupling the sale from such conditions would "encourage further repression" and fuel instability during a tense period for Bahrain.

"The sale will send exactly the wrong signal to the dictatorship: that the White House thinks the political crackdown is not just morally acceptable but also not dangerous, when in fact it's what's fuelling the country's instability," Mr Dooley said.

But Mr Corker praised the move and said the caveats would have been "unprecedented and counter-productive" for security and human rights.

"There are more effective ways to seek changes in partner policies than publicly conditioning weapons transfers in this manner," he said in a statement.

Bahrain, home to the US Navy's 5th Fleet and an under-construction British naval base, is a predominantly Shiite island off the coast of Saudi Arabia ruled by a Sunni monarchy.

Government forces, with help from US allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, crushed a 2011 uprising by Shiites and others who sought more political power.

AP
Rhode Island voters will head to the polls Tuesday to choose the first new face to represent the state's 2nd congressional district in 20 years as leading candidates Seth Magaziner and Allan Fung vie to replace the retiring James Langevin, who has served in the role since 2001. The tightly-contested congressional race is just one of a number of important contests taking place Tuesday as the state will also select its next Governor, voters will decide the fate of a number of high-priced ballot initiatives and towns up and down Rhode Island select their local officials in a number of highly-divisive and politicized town council and school committee races. Do you believe the results of this years election will make a positive or negative impact on your community? Let us know in this week's poll question below.

You voted:
A pedestrian found dead near an accident scene might have been struck by a Rowan County deputy.

On Tuesday, March 28, at about 10:05 p.m., first responders and law enforcement were called to respond to the intersection of Foxfire Drive and Rowan Mill Road in Salisbury regarding a traffic accident involving a Rowan County Sheriffs Office vehicle. Units arrived on the scene and found that patrol vehicle No. 1206, a 2012 Chevrolet Caprice, was sitting in the east-bound lane of Rowan Mill Road and identified the driver of the vehicle to be Deputy James Corriher.

The patrol vehicle had damage to the front passenger side and passenger side mirror. Responders also located a pedestrian that appeared to have been struck by the Rowan County patrol vehicle. The victim was located lying off the roadway, behind the patrol vehicle, and had been pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim was identified as Jose Antero Rodriguez, a 31-year-old white male of Hispanic origin, of 130 BHS Drive in Salisbury.

Investigation revealed that Corriher, who was just recently hired at the RCSO after having worked the past one year and seven months as an officer at the China Grove Police Department, had just left firearms qualification training being held on Majolica Road. Corriher was traveling east on Rowan Mill Road toward HWY 29 when he advised that he felt some type of impact, according to law enforcement.

Corriher immediately stopped and got out to investigate, the report said. Corriher immediately called 911, and while on the phone with 911 he discovered a person lying just off the roadway, according to law enforcement.

Corriher immediately began to render aid to the victim until first responders arrived. EMS attempted to revive the person but was unsuccessful. Corriher was transported to Novant Medical Center to be checked for any injuries.

Units from the Rowan County Sheriffs Office, Salisbury Police Department, and the N.C. State Highway Patrol were all present on the scene. Highway Patrol was determined to be the lead investigating agency in this incident. Highway Patrol notified the family of Jose Rodriguez. Members of Highway Patrols Accident Reconstruction Team gathered evidence and will continue the investigation into this incident.

Sheriff Kevin Auten and the Rowan County Sheriffs Office ask for continued thoughts and prayers for the family of Rodriguez and for Corriher.
New Delhi, Mar 30 (IBNS) : Nigeria on Wednesday summoned the Indian envoy and asked the Indian Government to ensure immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the recent attack on Nigerian students, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said.

According to the report, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olushola Enikanolaiye, made the call in Abuja at a meeting on the issue with the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. Nagabushana Reddy.

Four Nigerian students were attacked by a mob in Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh during a candle-light march for a 17-year-old Indian boy, who died of suspected drug overdose.

The mob alleged that Nigerians masterminded the death of the boy.

Enikanolaiye said the call for the prosecution of culprits was necessary to serve as a deterrent to others and to forestall future occurrences.

He said that the High Commissioner was invited to register the Federal Governments concern over the incident, NAN reported.

Enikanolaye said the boy was said to be on drugs and must have had an overdose of it which might have led to his death in a hospital.

It is therefore, a concern to us that Nigerian students in that place were harassed, beaten up and many of them were seriously injured."

We think this should not have happened considering the excellent relationship between two of us  the two countries have things in common and have been great friends.

According to him, the concern of the ministry is that such a matter should not be allowed to affect the relationship between the two countries.

He expressed concern that the incident was not the first of its kind as Nigerians had been attacked in the past by Indians.

This is not the first time this would happen; Nigerians have suffered similar attack in the past; so, what we will like to see on this occasion is that the perpetrator should be arrested," he said.

In his response, the High Commissioner described the incident as deplorable.

Reddy said that the Indian Minister of External Affairs had already issued a statement condemning the incident.

He said that security operatives had been deployed to the area where the incident occurred, to ensure peace and safety of Nigerians and other foreigners.

The envoy said that five of the seven accused persons had been arrested while security operatives were on the trail of the remaining two.

He, therefore, appealed to foreigners in the country to be calm with an assurance that the Government was committed to their safety.

The Government is determined to see that justice is done, the High Commissioner said.

Image: Wikimedia Commons
US President Trump thanks veterans on National Vietnam War Veterans Day India Blooms News Service | | #DonaldTrump, #NationalVietnamWarVeteransDay, #S305, #USA, #PresidentTrump, #VietnamWar

Washington, Mar 30 (IBNS): Signing a new order, S. 305 into law, US President Donald Trump thanks veterans on the first ever National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
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The abrupt removal of a beloved local funeral home manager last week shocked the community, and digging deeper into the story has uncovered concerns that could haunt local residents for years to come.

Last week, many members of the community expressed outrage and confusion after learning that Nathan L. Bluitt Jr., location manager of Williams and Bluitt Funeral Home, was ousted from his post by Service Corporation International (SCI), the conglomerate that recently took control of the business.

Bluitt, who had been the sole proprietor of the entity since 1992, sold his business to Wilson Financial Group, a Black-owned funeral home acquisition firm formerly owned by Gerald Wilson, in 2011. SCI has had majority interest of Wilson Financial Group (WFG) since 2008.

Pastor Timothy G. Taylor, of Tabernacle Baptist Church, is part of a group of Indianapolis pastors on a fact-finding mission to learn what exactly happened and where the situation goes from here.

We want to know what the issue is and whats going on and if theres a way to resolve this. There are 240,000 African-Americans in Marion County. If (SCI is) going to serve this community, we want to know who they are. We also want to know what theyre going to give back to this community, Taylor said. Folks at Tabernacle will not go to Williams and Bluitt if Nathan Bluitt is not there. Thats just not going to happen.

Other clergy shared those sentiments.

In a written statement provided to the Recorder, SCI stated: Mr. Bluitt, the location manager of Williams and Bluitt Funeral Home, served families well during his tenure. Unfortunately, as the result of certain fiscal discrepancies uncovered in an ongoing internal investigation, Mr. Bluitts employment was terminated. None of the discrepancies uncovered relate to the quality of services provided to our client families. Because these matters are the subject of litigation, we cannot disclose further details.

Though Bluitt, who remains the sole proprietor of Bluitt and Son Funeral Home in Kokomo, Indiana, was shocked at SCIs decision, he said he is grateful to the Indianapolis community for the support hes been shown over the years and in light of this recent development.

When my building burned down in October of 2006, they were there to support me. They saw me through that. For four years, I didnt have a chapel and they supported me. I just want to say thanks from the bottom of my heart for all of their support and their understanding, he said, adding a paraphrased quote from late pastor Dr. Myles Monroe. You can fire me from a job, but you cannot fire me from my God-given gift. Its like telling a fish not to swim. When you shoo a bird away, it leaves in flight. It still has its gift. For those who are dealing with similar situations in corporate America, I would like to give them that word of encouragement.

When asked if he expected to one day be removed from his role after selling his firm, Bluitt said he had some suspicions recently. According to his account, SCI officers had been in town for a couple of days before reaching out to him with an invitation to lunch. Heeding the advice of his attorney, Bluitt declined the offer due in large part to the fact that he currently has an outstanding lawsuit filed against Wilson Financial Group. The nature of the lawsuit, he was not at liberty to discuss simply stating that it stemmed from a disagreement over operational procedures. After sharing with SCI that he would not meet with them, he was told verbally that his services were no longer needed at Williams and Bluitt.

I never experienced going to work and having the thought that someone could fire me since 1983. There was no one in the world I answered to except my clients and sometimes my employees if I was going the wrong direction with them, said Bluitt. So to all of a sudden be in a seat where someone could say get up and get out, it was in the back of my mind, but it was never something I thought could happen.

Bluitt said there were issues throughout his relationship with Wilson Financial Group, but none he felt couldnt have been resolved.

Just like in any relationship; marriage, partnership, business or whatever  youre going to have your disagreements. The Wilson Financial Group and I have certainly had our disagreements through the first five years of our agreement, but we were able to move forward, resolve them and continue to make sure that our baby, Williams and Bluitt, was healthy, he said.

The decision to pursue a relationship with WFG began for Bluitt as a means of survival. After purchasing the facility that used to house Peoples Funeral Home, Bluitt realized that extensive work  to the tune of $1 million  needed to be done on the building. Without funding or a successor lined up to assist in creating a stable future for the business, he began to seek out other options.

I had talked with one funeral service leader in this community about joining their team and also I had talked to another investor about partnering with me. I had also been talking to Mr. Gerald Wilson (of WFG) during this period, said Bluitt.

Bluitt said he and Wilson had many things in common. Neither of the men had family members who were interested in taking on the businesses, and both wanted to make sure their respective legacies lived on. Bluitt saw that through partnering with SCI, Wilson was able to have access to different suppliers and industry services. Going corporate seemed, at the time, to be the best option.

It was a very hard decision, but Mr. Wilson was the one I decided to make the decision to go with. Number one, because he was African-American. Number two, it was his connection with the largest conglomerate here in the United States  a publicly traded company. Thats the reason why I joined them, and under that agreement/partnership, I was to remain on because Wilson understood that I had built the business, and he understood the sacrifice that my family had been through to get to the point where we were, said Bluitt. The fact that he had other African-American firms throughout the country and the fact that he had dealt with other firms the way he dealt with me, I figured it would be a great relationship and a great way to continue my name here in this city.

Bluitt says Williams and Bluitt has increased their volume significantly since that time, taking on 100 new clients annually. Bluitt hopes his days of fostering growth at the funeral home are not over.

It would be great if we could sit down and iron out our differences, he said. In an ideal world, an amicable agreement or plan that would be agreeable for both of us would be great, but we dont live in an ideal world sometimes, and thats difficult.

As it currently stands, it doesnt seem that a makeup is on the horizon, leaving the future of many clients hanging in the balance.

Bluitt estimates there are hundreds of customers who have pre-needs already established with the company. According to state law, those contracts can be transferred to any funeral home where they will still be honored, though costs and types of service may vary. Taylor said hes heard from congregants concerned about their next steps and looking to him for guidance.

My people are calling me, Pastor, what do I do? We have people with pre-needs, and they want to know what to do. Do we pull them from Williams and Bluitt? If I have to stand up and tell my people not to go there anymore, my people are not going there anymore, said Taylor.

As for his recommendation, Taylor is waiting until he has more information about SCI. As of press time, Taylor and WFG President Tony Lynch, who is also market director at SCI, had a meeting planned to discuss the future of the business and the companys former owner.

Were not just going to allow an entity to come into this community and bury our people and mistreat someone who has been an integral part of this community, he said. We all have stories of families whove sat down in Nathan Bluitts office and didnt have a dime, but needed to bury their people. And Nathan said well work it out.

Dearth of diversity

Regardless of the outcome of Bluitts situation, SCI is now fully in charge of operations at Williams and Bluitt, and many in the community are concerned about what that might mean for the local business legacy, especially related to its role in the Black community.

According to SCIs website, all of the companys corporate officers and all members of its board of directors are white. The Recorder asked SCI about the overall diversity of the company, if the company has any potential plans to add minorities to leadership positions and how SCI plans to ensure its meeting the needs of the Black community. A spokesperson sent the following response:

Service Corporation International and Wilson Financial Group are committed to honoring diversity and attending to the unique needs of the African-American community through a nationwide network of funeral homes and cemeteries. Locally, Aundray Jones, in her fifth year at Williams and Bluitt Funeral Home, is the new manager and will continue to serve the families of Williams and Bluitt with the same level of service excellence that has been provided in the past.

Still, Taylor voiced concerns ahead of his meeting with WFG/SCIs Lynch.

If youre going to come into this community and attempt to service the 240,000 African-Americans in this community, what are you going to be giving back to the 240,000 African-Americans in this community? Taylor said.

When asked if he finds solace in the fact that Lynch is African-American, Taylor downplayed the significance.

He might be Black, but the people pulling the strings are not Black. Hes Black, but his paycheck comes from the white corporate world, Taylor said.

Bluitt, calling himself the first fatality of SCIs takeover of WFG, expressed concern about what may be in store for other African-American funeral home owners.

I pray to God that this doesnt represent the future of their relationships, especially with African-American funeral directors, he said. If they seek to have any other acquisitions, they should definitely be sensitive to the African-American funeral (homes) they acquire.

Going forward, Bluitt said he hopes to see more color on the SCI board, suggesting that Wilson would be a valuable addition.

It would be great if he was on that board and was able to advise them and give them knowledge on dealing with the African-American community, funeral directors and employees, he said. You dont develop that (knowledge) living across the fence; you only develop it living amongst the people.

And locally, Bluitt has some suggestions for SCI.

Its my hope that they go into these communities  not just sneak in the back door, sit down and thrive off these communities financially  but go in and actually see what is needed, he said. They are a part of a national African-American community and now they are burying their loved ones. Its important that they love the community and give back to it.

Another concern beyond the entirely white leadership team: SCI has faced accusations of illegal racial discrimination. A suit was filed against the company by a former employee alleging that SCI discriminated against African-Americans in making promotions to certain management positions. Though the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas declined to honor the plaintiffs request to elevate the case to class-action status, SCI ultimately settled the case out of court in August 2015.

Though the federal government tracks the racial and ethnic makeup within most industries, the so-called death care sector has so few employees that the Bureau of Labor Statistics doesnt break its data down by race.

Anecdotally, though, there is evidence that the Black-owned funeral home is becoming a thing of the past.

A spokesperson for the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association (NFDMA), a trade association for African-American funeral practitioners, told the Recorder that the majority of its members own their own businesses. Though specific data about recent membership trends was not available as of Recorder press time, a report published in January 2016 in The Atlantic says NFDMAs membership numbers have decreased.

(NFDMA) Director Carol Williams told the outlet the organization does not track the number of Black-owned funeral homes in the U.S., but membership is shrinking. NFDMA represented 1,200 at the time of the interview, 2,000 in 1997, the article said, noting that the industry trend toward chains and corporations swallowing up independent businesses has drastically altered the makeup of the industry.

SCI has been a major player in that trend, as the largest chain in the death-care industry.

SCIs footprint has grown so large that the federal government has had to intervene. The FTC ruled in a 2008 settlement that SCI could not acquire Alderwoods Group Inc. unless the company first sold properties or ended licensing agreements in dozens of markets across the country.

Depending on how the meeting between the pastors and SCIs Lynch goes, Taylor said the company could have to answer to more than just the feds.

If they dont come to an agreement or come to the table and talk, we have every intention to talk to every media outlet in this city, and every pastor in this city will rally together, and we will not send our people to Williams and Bluitt, he said. They own funeral homes all over the country. We know pastors all over the country. Well make sure a list goes out  to remind them of what they did in the city of Indianapolis. Well make sure our constituents will know.

Well make every effort we can to make sure they feel it in their pockets.
This fall, Indianapolis will have a new space dedicated to literary and creative achievement in the Black community. In October, Central Library will open a new Center for African-American Literature and Culture, giving the public an opportunity to learn about Black history and take part in community-oriented events that celebrate the African-American experience. Funded as part of a $3.1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the center will be a space dedicated to the work of African-American writers, including the work of local authors.

Publishing industry gatekeepers have often considered books by African-Americans unmarketable to white readers. Authors who decide to self-publish their work often find it difficult for their books to find their way onto the shelves of a library. The Center for African-American Literature and Culture aims to share the stories of local and/or self-published authors in its new collection, though exact numbers regarding how many books in the collection will be from local authors are currently unknown.

Nichelle Hayes, librarian and member of the librarys African-American History Committee, has been appointed program specialist of the Center. Hayes is anticipating the Centers grand opening in seven months and is hard at work planning and preparing.

Right now we are working on the collection development plan. We are also working on changing the space so we can have more interactive areas. By October, we will have 10,000 new volumes in the space. Our core will be local authors, and we will spotlight some people who are self-published, said Hayes.

Hayes, a native of Indianapolis, had a love for reading at a young age and often took part in the librarys summer reading programs as a child. Hayes considers herself a lifelong learner with a passion to share knowledge with the community.

We would like people who are not part of the African diaspora to learn about the rich culture of Africans all over the world, and here in the city. We would like for young people to know they can do anything they have an interest in doing, and we would like the materials in this Center to reflect that, said Hayes.

The Center for African-American Literature and Culture will be located in the 3,990-square-foot Robert B. Annis West Reading Room at Central Library. Its targeted opening will correspond with the 100th anniversary celebration of Central Library. In addition to offering the community 10,000 new pieces of literature, Hayes would like to host author fairs, forums, art exhibits, poet visit and writers workshops.

Her vision for the Center is for it to become a meeting place for the Black community.

We hope it will become a third place, not work or home, but a third place to gather and talk with others, study, think and deepen our understanding. We know that books are transformative and very powerful, but in addition to books we also want to have dynamic programing. We are hoping to create dialogue and offer programing for children and teens. Part of what we want to do is shed a light on things that arent necessarily spotlighted. Sometimes what we (Black people) have done is hard to find (information about) and not always spotlighted. I would like people to say if I want to dig deeper, then I come to the Center.
Bollywood is the ultimate platform to fall in love with characters on-screen and make you feel it's for real and it does tears our heart apart when love stories don't have happy endings.

Screengrab

There have been many times, when Bollywood has attempted almost real life situations and shown heartbreaks on-screens. So here's taking a look at 11 such Bollywood actors, our very favourites, who were dumped by the badass female actresses on-screen.

1. Jimmy Shergill In Tanu Weds Manu, Tanu Weds Manu Returns, Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai and Happy Bhaag Jayegi

Two minutes of silence for the man who never gets a girl in the end. EVER. Now matter how talented the actor is, he never gets to romance the girl on-screen. In Tanu Weds Manu, he loses Kangana Ranaut to Madhavan, in the second installment, he loses Kangana aka Datto yet again to Madhavan.

Not only these two movies, he has even lost his woman to Uday Chopra in Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai. Imagine that!

And if that wasn't enough, then his recently released movie, Happy Bhaag Jayegi also leaves him empty handed as Ali Fazal elopes with Diana Penty.

We are with you, Jimmy! We love you anyway but please next time, don't sign a film if you ain't getting a girl in the end.

2. Rahul Khanna  Love Aaj Kal, Wake Up Sid

He might be every girl's dream man but Bollywood doesn't think so. Rahul might be the only guy in the entire list who was dumped by his girl after his wedding. Remember, Love Aaj kal? One day into the wedding and Deepika rushes back to Saif Ali Khan. Now that is just too sad.

If that wasn't enough, then he got dumped by Konkona Sen in Wake Up Sid despite being her boss. Not only that, if you go way back into 2008, he also starred in Dil Kabbadi where he got dumped by Konkona Sen yet again after she got back to Rahul Bose in the movie.

Hoping he doesn't get fourth time lucky..err unlucky.

3. Salman Khan - Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

Heartbreak could easily be called Salman Khan's middle name. His heart has not only been broken on-screen but also off-screen. After having dumped by Aishwarya Rai and Katrina Kaif and many others, he decided to even take on roles with similar characters.

In Hum Dil De Chuke Hai Sanam, he gets rejected by Aishwarya, little did he know that soon after it'll also happen in real life.

Not only in that film, Kajol also chooses SRK over him in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. This could definitely be one of the reasons for the notorious Khan war!

Is that the reason why Salman is single! Uh-oh

4. Rajkummar Rao  Queen, Trapped and Dolly Ki Doli

Screengrab

Whenever Rao tried attempting a full commercial cinema, he had to give up on 'getting the girl' department.

In Queen, after Kangana returns from her solo honeymoon, she goes to Rajkummar Rao just to say, NO.

In his most recent release Trapped, Rajkummar Rao gets stuck in his own house for a few days and when his girlfriend can't seem to figure where he's disappeared suddenly, she gets married in his absence.

He's the king of being dumped. In Dolly Ki Doli too, Rajkummar Rao gets rejected, not once but twice. Sonam who plays the role of looteri dulhan, gets married to Rao only to leave him on the night of their honeymoon. Even after the big fiasco, he still wants to get married to Sonam but she rejects him. AGAIN.

5. Saif Ali Khan - Rangoon, Kya Kehna and Dil Chahta Hai

Dil Chahta Hai

Looks like Kangana is the reigning queen of dumping actors. After rejecting Jimmy Shergill and Rajkumar Rao, she dumped Saif Ali Khan is her last release, Rangoon.

Despite being bought by Saif, she still chooses Shahid over him.

Saif, the nawab of Bollywood, has not been dumped once but many times on-screen. Remember how Preity Zinta kicks his ass in the end even when she's pregnant with Saif's child in Kya Kehna.

And if this still doesn't convince you enough, then remember Dil Chahta Hai when a foreigner ties him in a hotel room and leaves him to die.

Saif, you poor thing. What you do (did) in real life comes back in reel, at least.

6. Varun Dhawan  Student Of The Year

Screengrab

He's the richer one, he's the topper, he is the real student of the year and still Varun Dhawan doesn't get the girl.

Losing Alia Bhatt to Sidharth Malhotra really was the most disappointing thing to see on-screen. But as they say, you don't get everything in life!

7. Ali Zafar  Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Dear Zindagi

Poster/Mere Brother Ki Dulhan

He gets dumped by Katrina for Imran Khan in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. Now that is just 'whaaaa' moment! Why do all good looking men suffer on the silver screen. Even when he's the coolest guy in Dear Zindagi, Alia Bhatt still walks away. Just like that.

Why aren't we even given these choices!

8. Dhanush in Raanjhanaa

The movie wasn't easy viewing. In Raanjhanaa, a guy (Dhanush) from Varanasi tests his own limits to an extent that he manages to kill his lover's boyfriend (Abhay Deol).

In the entire movie, hes shown besotted by Sonam Kapoor ever since he was a little boy and he doesn't take the rejection too well.

9. John Abraham and Abhishek Bachchan in Dostana

Now that was a double whammy. John and Abhishek who kept playing gay in their super funny movie Dostana actually end up falling in love with Priyanka Chopra but chooses Bobby Deol over them.

Yus! Isn't that ah-mazing. Bobby Deol over John Abraham. Now that is a brave move.

10. Rahul Bose in Dil Dhadakne Do

We never understood how he made it to such a famous multi-starrer film but when we saw the film, we figured why. He gets dumped by Priyanka because she chooses Farhan Akhtar. Thank god, her better sense prevailed at least in this one.

11. Randeep Hooda  Kick

Screengrab

As the title suggests, Randeep Hooda was kicked by Jacqueline as she chose Salman Khan in the film. Jacqueline actually chooses a thief over a cop because #YOLO
Brad Pitt is back! And this time not on the big screen, but on Netflix.

You will see Pitt in Netflix's highly-anticipated feature film 'War Machine', where he plays the character of hot-shot General Glenn McMahon, a man caught up in a modern war machine which refuses to come to a halt.

The Netflix original film is inspired by the book The Operators: The Wild & Terrifying Inside Story of Americas War in Afghanistan by the late journalist Michael Hastings. Pitt will be seen portraying the character of a rockstar general who is taken down by his own hubris and a journalists no-holds-barred expose.

He would be seen along with a strong cast which includes Josh Stewart, Meg Tilly, Tilda Swinton and Sir Ben Kingsley. The film will be released on Netflix on May 26, 2017. Watch the trailer here.
Everything quantifiable that we know about the world today is because of achievements in science.

As invincible as human beings might think they are, were quite a vulnerable species. To understand more about our past, where we come from, how we got here, our bodies, their function, how to live longer, are all ways for scientists and researchers to help humans lead a better, safer and longer life.

Here are seven remarkable achievements in science that have taken human beings one step closer well-being:

1. Scientists understand genes in marijuana

Small power cap

Ah the Marijuana leaf that so many adore, but few know about its intricacies. Scientists in Canada have found the genes responsible for its lemony and earthy flavours. The aim of scientists working on this project is to develop well-defined and highly reproducible cannabis varieties as Canada might legalise the recreational drug by 2018.

2. Period in a box

northwestern university

Scientists have recreated the often mysterious female menstruation cycle in a box-like device that can fit in the palm of your hands. Theyve developed an organ on a chip that mimics the reproductive system of females. Its a 3D device that includes ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, liver, cervix and vagina and is even suppled with blood to simulate a 28-day period cycle. Studying this will help scientists achieve breakthroughs on different kinds of cancer that mainly affect women.

3. Man moves hand with thoughts

RT

For the first time, a brain implant has allowed a fully paralysed man to control his hand using just his thoughts. The technique used is called neuroprosthesis, which allows tetraplegic people to reach and grab things through electric implants inserted in their brain. This man who lost his motor skills eight years ago can now eat and drink independently.

4. Scientists create millions of cells in days

Top news

UK-based scientists have developed a process to produce human brain and muscle cells in just a few days, as opposed to months, which is the how long it normally takes. This will allow them to a variety of new cells to understand different diseases better.

5. Scientists in Germany creates largest artificial sun

Guardian

German scientists switched on the worlds largest artificial sun, constructed from 149 souped-up projector spotlights. The hope is that this intense light will be able to generate fuel that is friendly to the environment. The Synlight experiment took place in Julich, which produced light that was almost 10 times the intensity of sunlight on Earth.

6. Functioning heart from a spinach leaf

Cnet

Who knew that there are structural similarities between plant and human tissues? Apparently, there are and scientists have exploited this knowledge for the advancement of human beings and created a functioning human heart tissue from a spinach leaf. This is a groundbreaking achievement that could help heart attack patients.

7. Scientists make fluid which can move itself

Iamag

A few scientists in the US are trying to create the liquid that can flow without applying any force. What they did manage to do is use the malleable ability of microtubules in the cells of a fluid to create a coherent flow. This could help push oil in pipelines without the support of pumps.
NASA has been building a $60 billion Space Launch System (SLS) rocket over the last six years, designed to, among other things, one day take humans to Mars. But until now, that "Journey to Mars" plan has been largely up in the air, with no public details. Till now...

Image courtesy: Fox Studios

On Tuesday Bill Gerstenmaier, NASAs chief of human spaceflight, briefed the the space agencys advisory council on what its current plans are for the rockets first few launches. Aside from test flights of the SLS and Orion spacecraft (the crew pod that would sit atop the massive rocket) as well ass fulfillment of other transport mission goals, the plan is to culminate in a manned mission to orbit Mars in 2033. All of these involve NASA first building deep space transport infrastructure to support future missions.

Giant space rest stops

NASA plans to first test the SLS and Orion together in 2018, while a subsequent mission will have the rocket propel the Europa Clipper spacecraft to its namesake, Jupiters moon Europa, in 2022. Once thats done, NASA plans to take its first real steps towards landing humans on the moon, and that involves building a space outpost near the Moon. According to Gerstenmaiers description, this structure, called the Deep Space Gateway (DST) would be smaller than the International Space Station and would be tended to over time by astronauts passing through, though none would live there.

Three of the massive SLS rockets would be required to install the gateway in space, slotted for between 2023 to 2025. The first would install a 40kW power and propulsion system into space near the Moon, while the second would arrive about a month later with the actual habitation module to be attached. Finally, would come the logistics module to help direct and carry out future launches. All of these manned missions would eventually result in a sort of space rest stop, from which missions can blast off for much further locations.

However, Gerstenmaier insists NASA is only laying the foundation of the project, not carrying it out entirely solo. This program requires the private sector to contribute significantly, and it requires international partners, he said. Were creating a framework, but to make this real, it requires real participation from others. Not only is NASA asking scientists worldwide to collaborate on ideas, its also putting out a call to private sector spaceflight companies to chip in.

The Deep Space Gateway (L) - NASA

Space road trips

Once the gateway is established by (hopefully) 2025, NASA would hopes to move on to developing a Deep Space Transport (DST) system for humans beyond the Moon. For the agency, this means a self-reliant 41-ton (approximately 37,200 kg) spacecraft, complete with its own power systems, habitats, farms, and water recyclers, that would house astronauts on their long voyage into deep space. If everything remains on track in the next decade or so, the agency believes this Deep Space Transport craft can be ready by 2027.

Around 2029, NASA would then have four astronauts live onboard the DST for 300 to 400 days, as it sits in space near the Moon, in order to test the crafts systems for an extended flight to Mars. That verifies that the vehicle you will take to Mars has operated for one year, and its ready to go do its three-year requirement," Gerstenmaier said.

If everything checks out, the early 2030s would see NASA launching additional logistics modules and fuel reserves to the DST. Then, in 2033, the plan is to finally send the transport vehicle to orbit Mars, by way of a Venus flyby. That flight is expected to take about three years, including a short stay in orbit around Mars. That plan doesnt yet involve actually landing on Mars.

Theres no way to get the crew back home without Mars gravity to swing the ship around. Should any emergency occur on board the transport vehicle, once it leaves lunar space, the crew on board is doomed.

Show me the money

If all of this sounds too good to be true, it is to some extent. NASA currently evenly lacks the capability to send its own astronauts on routine missions to the ISS, instead relying on other space agencies and US private sector craft to get into Earth orbit. However, Journey to Mars has been the agencys dream for over a decade, and the plan is theoretically rock solid. Its in the execution that the problems lie.

NASAs SLS rocket is just about ready, as is the Orion spacecraft, but now is the time for hardware for a potential DSG to be developed. And with the designing of those habitat and power modules for the outpost, comes the question of price.

President Trump has already made it clear that he wants to see the US carry out manned missions to Mars as soon as possible. With Elon Musks SpaceX on a similar 2023 timeline, NASA has to convince the Trump administration to provide it with the funding it needs to build the necessary infrastructure around the Moon.

And yet, a partnership with commercial spaceflight companies might just be the best thing for the agency. Not only have organisations like SpaceX and Blue Origin repeatedly proved their capability to build spacecraft at a cheaper rate, but the division of funding and labour might even, with proper NASA supervision, help accelerate that timeline by a year or so.

Whether or not NASA does succeed in having humans orbit Mars for the first time, the plans do give us a fascinating look at the agencys thought process, as well as its long-term goals focused on not just exploration but extended study as well.
By the end of March, Facebook will be removing support for old versions of both its main as well as Messenger app. The announcement gives affected users only about two days to make the necessary changes if they want to continue using the platform.

In a blog post on the move, the company explained which apps would stop working. On Android, Facebook v55 and below and Messenger v10 and below will cease to function. Apple devices will lose Facebook v26 and below and Messenger v8 and below for iPad, while iOS is losing Facebook for iOS, released in 2011. Meanwhile Facebook is also killing Facebook and Messenger support for Windows Phone.

One of the ways we continue to improve is by consistently introducing rich features, like voice and video calling, games, and bots for Messenger, the blog post said. Using older versions of apps means that experiences won't work well or sometimes not at all.

Users have a number of options to remedy the situation, which Facebook says it has proactively reached out to those affected to inform them. You can either upgrade to the latest app versions, upgrade your smartphone OS to support the latest versions, or switch to Facebook and Messenger Lite.

If your devices do not support the newest versions of Facebook, we recommend going to Facebook.com through your mobile browser, the blog post added.
Moving a step ahead towards finding a solution for the Triple-Talaq issue, the Supreme Court has decided that a five-judge constitution bench will give its decision on the constitutional validity of the practice of triple talaq, 'nikah halala' and polygamy among Muslims.

AFP

The hearing in the case will begin on May 11. Read More

Here are the other stories you may like:

1. Kashmir Police Warn Stone-Pelters That Coming To Encounter Sites Is Like Committing Suicide

AFP

The Kashmir Police has once again warned the youths that they should stay away from the sites where the encounter between the security forces and terrorists take place. According to police, this is just like attempting a suicide because the stone pelters come to the scene without any protection.

In the encounter, even security forces and police take the cover of a bulletproof vehicle or a house. "Youths coming to the encounter sites are committing suicide," Director General of Police S P Vaid told reporters here. Read More

2. Pakistani Government Grants Permission To The Country's 'Last Jew' To Convert From Islam To Judaism

Facebook/Fishel Benkhald

After a long drawn legal battle, Pakistan has allowed a 29-year-old Jewish activist Fishel Benkhald to change his religion from Islam to Judaism. In a country where, minority groups face persecution at the hands of the Muslim majority, this move by the country's Ministry of Interior is being considered exceptionally rare.

According to Islamic law, conversion is considered to apostasy, the act of which is punishable by death. Fishel Benkhald, 29, was born to a Muslim father and Jewish mother. Read More

3. Top Tibetan Lama Gave Up On Monkhood To Marry His Childhood Sweetheart In India

karmapa.org

History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time. This world is a beholder of countless anecdotes that reveals how powerful and fierce people have been, when in love. From shifting places to fighting the prejudices of society, from challenging the convictions of parents to questioning confinement - lovers have done it all.

And here's another story that will restore your faith in love. A top Tibetan lama at the centre of a long-running row over one of Buddhisms most important titles has quit monkhood to marry his childhood friend in Delhi.

The 33-year old Thaye Dorje, a claimant to the title of the Karmapa Lama  the leader of a major school of Tibetan Buddhism, was more than just delighted to share his story on this blog.

He said that we will continue his life as Karmapa but would no longer conduct ordinations.

"My role and activities as Karmapa will continue as before  with the single exception of conducting ordinations. I will continue to protect and preserve our beloved lineage, and strengthen the monastic sangha through initiatives such as the new Karmapa Center of Education." he wrote. Read More

4. Amnesty International Demands Action Against Those Who Are Attacking Africans In India

Association of African Students in India/Facebook

The recent spate of attacks on Nigerian students in Greater Noida near Delhi has sent shock waves across the world.

In the past week, four Nigerian were brutally beaten up in Greater Noida on Monday, after local residents suspected them of peddling drugs to a teenager who died of a drug overdose. Following the incident, Amnesty International India has demanded the authorities to bring to justice those responsible for recent racist attacks against black African students. Read More

5. 'Will Acquit You If You Embrace Islam', Lahore Public Prosecutor Tells 42 Christians Accused Of Murder

Reuters/representational image

42 Christians in Lahore, who are accused of murder, were told by a public prosecutor he "can guarantee their acquittal" if they renounce Christianity and convert to Islam, reported The Express Tribune, a Pakistani newspaper, today.

The 42 people, belonging to Pakistan's minority Christian community, have been charged with lynching two men after March 2015's suicide blasts that targeted Sunday Mass in two churches in Youhanabad in Lahore. Many in Youhanabad's mostly Christian community believed the two men were involved in the planning of the bombings. Read More




The entire CCD fiasco that's doing the rounds on the internet has got us thinking about multiple things - food hygiene in India, bogus harassment claims, and wrongful confinement.

Just two days ago, Arpan Verma, a CCD customer was slapped by one of CCD's women employees for pointing out cockroaches in the fridge. A full retrospect of the battle between the two people says that the female staff felt that she was harassed by being filmed.

mapmyindia

In the video that was uploaded by Arpan on his twitter account clearly showed that Priyanka Priyadarshini (CCD's female employee) hurled curses at him and even slapped him.

However, she has now completely scorned the truth and filed a sexual harassment complaint against Arpan Verma.

#Jaipur: CCD employee slaps customer for finding 'cockroaches' in fridge, video goes viralhttps://t.co/6AKqwCNdJM pic.twitter.com/ONuLCGWEEz  ABP News (@abpnewstv) March 27, 2017

The complaint has been filed at the Manak Chowk police station in Jaipur, in which she said. "When I told them that only coffee was available as the branch near Hawa Mahal was temporary, they got angry and Verma called me a slut and bitch."

According to Arpan Verma, and his friend Nikhil Anand Singh, this is CCD's attempt at flipping the case.

CCD lawyer flipped the negotiations, asking us to drop the case against CCD, then only they will drop the FIR of sexual harassment.@PMOIndia  Nikhil Anand Singh (@nikhilanand88) March 29, 2017

It's absolutely bizarre and crazy as to how CCD is handling the matter here. Instead of atoning for their rude behaviour and unhygienic conditions, the staff is ridiculing the customers.

The incident quickly caught everyone's attention and went viral on Twitter, with a lot of people bashing CCD for their behaviour.

1.

2.

@Iamharsharya @arpan_verma15 @nikhilanand88 my pleasure harsh. I am so angry. If even CCD like orgz will misuse laws, who to trust  Deepika Bhardwaj (@DeepikaBhardwaj) March 27, 2017

3.

How can any boy be nailed on the face value of female yelling molested?

Shameful !

High time India needs to get rid of these biased laws. https://t.co/xSDQ7bSgJB  Barkha Trehan (@trehan_barkha) March 27, 2017

4.

"Cockroaches are red

Violets are blue

Hum consumer pe hi case kar denge,

Kya kar lega tu ?" #BoycottCCD https://t.co/pHdjuimUcx  The-Lying-Lama (@KyaUkhaadLega) March 29, 2017

5.

@DeepikaBhardwaj Wish CCD had removed the cockroaches & fired that lady then they'd have earned some respect #BoycottCCD #shameonyouccd  Joy Ghosh (@spiritnine) March 29, 2017

Arpan Verma, the most likely victim, in this case, is lamenting over the fact that CCD that claims that 'a lot can happen over a coffee' actually had a lot happening over it.

On 29th March, Activist Deepika Bhardwaj claimed that Jaipur police is pressing charges against Arpan, based on the claims made by the CCD employee.

Amidst all the chaos, this is what Arpan Verma wrote in response for all those who were asking him why he didn't slap the lady staff after she slapped him.

For all those who are asking why I didn't slap the lady staff after she slapped me.@CafeCoffeeDay #consumerrights#fightforurrights pic.twitter.com/JravVNPGt5  Arpan Verma (@arpan_verma15) March 28, 2017

The whole debacle is literally too difficult to comprehend but it has surely put CCD in a bad light. While the brands across the world are striving for excellence, CCD has completely spoiled its case by serving unhygienic food and disrespecting the customer.

As of now, Verma has sent a legal notice to the company and said that he will take this to court, of the brand fails to address his grievances.
A legislature panel has recommended that Information Technology and Biotechnology companies in Bengaluru should avoid assigning night shifts to women to ensure their safety, security and privacy needs.

timelesstime/Representational Image

In its 32nd report, placed in the legislature assembly on Monday, the legislature committee on women and child welfare headed by N A Haris said they are not in favour of female employees working night shifts in IT and BT companies and want them to be allocated jobs either in the morning or afternoon shifts.

The report said the companies should prefer men to work in night shifts.

On September 9, 2016, the committee had visited Infosys and Biocon and interacted with the management, employees and other stakeholders and based on their feedback, it made these recommendations, the report said.

localtvwiti/Representational Image

The recommendation run contrary to the state government's historic decision last year. The government had removed restrictions on allowing women to work in night shifts in all sectors to provide equal opportunities for women, a move hailed by industry bodies.

Till then, women were allowed to be employed in night shifts only in IT and ITES sectors.

The government had amended the Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961 and the Factories Act 1948 to make provision for women to work in night shifts with a slew of conditions to ensure their safety and security.

The Haris-led committee has also recommended amendments to various existing laws to ensure that accused in heinous offences such as rape and murder of women and children don't go scot-free.

Youtube/Representational Image

The committee said they found several lapses by investigating agencies and this was affecting conviction in women and child-related cases. "In the absence of stringent laws, many accused are able to go scot-free or get less quantum of punishment,'' the report said while calling for more stringent action against doctors/hospitals encouraging female foeticide.

Other recommendations are:

1. Special bus service for women working in factories.

2. Setting up of toll-free helpline number on the lines of police and ambulance for women, children and senior citizens.

3. Pink Police and Pink police app launched in Bengaluru should be extended to the state.
In the past one decade or so, India has had more ludicrous bans than it ever did in the history. And this is nothing more than a slap in face of our laudable democracy.

Last year when Supreme Court made it mandatory for cinema halls to play the national anthem before movies, thousands of people on social media and in public renounced the decision.

Hindu





But how often have we changed what law wanted to enforce on us?

Since our democracy's debacle is here to stay, here's what you should know about Meerut's law and order. The Mayor of the Meerut Municipal Corporation on Tuesday declined 7 corporators to join in a meeting because they did not sing Vande Mataram.

This was BJP's first meeting since the party came to power in UP which is where the BJP Mayor Harikant Ahluwalia made headlines.

Before setting the agenda for the meeting, Ahluwalia demanded everyone to sing Vande Mataram.

swarajyamag

The room has close to 90 corporates and out of which 7 politely denied from singing it. They then left the session as everyone began singing, planning to return once it would end.

After everyone finished, the 7 corporates tried to enter the room but were asked to stop. Ahluwalia then said -

""Hindustan mein rehna hai to Vande Mataram kehna hai"

He went on with this judgement and declared that from now on, it will be mandatory for everyone to sing Vande Mataram before the session began.

Even though such a resolution seeks government approval, as of now, Ahluwalia has made it very clear amongst his people.

He even said that those who do not sing it will be boycotted. What this means for us is that politicians and those in power can ridicule common people as much as they want. So much democracy and autonomy that a few years from now, everything will be either banned or enforced.

So yes, say hi to despotism!
With just months to go before the Theresa May government's plan to trigger Article 50, to begin the formal process of the country leaving the European Union, the Supreme Court has said that it can be done only with the approval of the parliament.

Reuters

The UK's highest judicial body dismissed the government's argument that May could simply use executive powers known as "royal prerogative" to invoke Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty and begin two years of divorce talks.

The court order is a major blow to the May government, which had said that it would trigger Article 50 before the end of March.

Reuters

Last week, May set out her stall for negotiations, promising a clean break with the world's largest trading block as part of a 12-point plan to focus on global free trade deals, setting out a course for a so-called "hard Brexit".

The court order is a moral booster to the 'remin camp' which wants UK to remain a part of the EU.

Reuters

Brits had in June shocked the world when they narrowly voted in favour of leaving the 28-nation bloc. Following the shock result, the then British Prime Minister David Cameron who came up with the idea of the referendum had resigned.
After a long drawn legal battle, Pakistan has allowed a 29-year-old Jewish activist Fishel Benkhald to change his religion from Islam to Judaism.

In a country where, minority groups face persecution at the hands of the Muslim majority, this move by the country's Ministry of Interior is being considered exceptionally rare.

Facebook/Fishel Benkhald

According to Islamic law, conversion is considered to apostasy, the act of which is punishable by death.

Fishel Benkhald, 29, was born to a Muslim father and Jewish mother.

Albeit a Muslim by birth, Benkhald never practiced Islam. In an interview with the Times Of Israel, he says that his earliest memories of practicing Judaism was with his mother in Karachi.

He grew up reciting Jewish prayers over Shabbat candles, cooking bread known as challah every Friday and watching his mother prepare kosher dishes.

In the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), Benkhald is registered as a Muslima and identity documents he is named Faisal.

Facebook/Fishel Benkhald

However, two years ago, Benkhald took the bold decision to start to the process to convert.

Dubbed as the 'The Last Jew in Pakistan' in the international media, said that he was beaten up for arguing for rights for non-Muslim Pakistanis.





More recently he initiated the complicated procedure with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to allow him to return to the religion of his choice.

Reports state that NADRA was apparently in a fix over this issue and approached the Ministry of Inerior with the case .

The ministry in turn responded saying that "the applicant may be allowed to practice religion of [his] choosing and preference", reported the Express Tribune.

Benkhald who describes himself as Pakistani Jew fighting for Jewish and minority rights recognition as equal citizens in Pakistan, on Twitter, called this a positive move and thanked the Pakistani authorities for the favour.

According to reports there are some 745 registered Jew families in Pakistan and they authority's records usually kept confidential.

Benkhald said that recently he has mentioned himself as a Jew in the religion column during the ongoing census in Pakistan. "First milestone has been achieved," said Benkhald, who has also been campaigning for preserving an old Jewish cemetery in Karachi.

With PTI inputs
A group of 404 people gathered together on Tuesday in Toronto to set a new world record which they managed beautifully. Dressed up as Albert Einstein, the crowd entered the Guinness World Record for the "largest gathering of people" dressed as the scientist.

toronto star

They broke the previous record of 99 amid cheers and wigs being tossed in celebration.

But the event was more than just to script history. It also kickstarted an online competition "the Next Einstein" that comes with a $10,000 reward for anyone who can come up with an idea that will "make the world a better place."

toronto star

The aim here was to encourage free-thinking and innovation, said Rami Kleinmann, president of the Einstein Legacy Project.
Eurogroup chairman Jeroenon Thursday warned that a staff-level agreement between the Greek side and institutional creditors has still not been achieved, slightly dampening widespread speculation this week that both sides have clinched the deal
Tsinghua Unigroup Ltd, China's largest chip maker is planning to expand its business globally. the company has planned to expand the firm, along with that, the company has also raised a fund of USD 22 billion for its plan.

Not only this, but reports ar also alleging that the firm will get the total amount of 100 billion Yuan from the Chinese bank to support the expansion of the venture world wide. Another 50 billion Yuan will be given by the chip making fund.

Till this time, the company hasn't described how they are going to invest all the money in their business.

Also Read:

Facebook to launch 'app-in' camera, now enjoy selfies and pictures with real-time objects

Facebook invites Micheal Hillman official to test Oculus

Intel to improvise the high-end devices with its new chips
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared eighty-six suspects wanted for various crimes. Here are the 10 most wanted.

1. Former governor of Jigawa state, Saminu Turaki is wanted by EFCC in connection with a case of criminal conspiracy, stealing, money laundering and misappropriation of public funds to the tune of N36 Billion.

2. Tompolo, the Ex-Delta Militant leader, is wanted in a case of conspiracy, illegal diversion of the sum of N45.9 billion belonging to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA.

3. Iliasu Olanrewaju Abdul-Rauf, the National Coordinator, Federal Civil Service Staff with Disabilities Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Abuja, allegedly collected the sum of N1.7Billion under the guise of awarding contracts for the establishment of rehabilitation centers across the 36 states of the federation.

4. Former Chairman of Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), Abdulrasheed Abdullahi Maina, for offenses bordering on procurement fraud and obtaining by false pretense. Maina is allegedly complicit in the over N2 billion Pensions Biometric Scam in the office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.

5. The Managing Director of Carlisle Properties and Investment Limited, Kennedy Izuagbe, is wanted in a case of Conspiracy and Money Laundering to the tune of over N3.6 billion. In the course of investigation, Izuagbe went underground and all efforts to reach him have proved abortive.

6. Abdullahi Usman Adamu alias Dan China is alleged to have received a part payment of $500,000 USD through his company Guroje Mining Company for the supply of 3000MT of Lead Ore to a Chinese Company, Shengjia International (HK) Limited. Three months later, Dan China has not supplied the goods and is presently at large.

7. Olabode Jacob O Obayomi, the owner of Standard Chartered Securities Limited of 116-118, Lagos House, Central Area, Garki, Abuja is wanted in connection with a case of Criminal Conspiracy, Diversion of Public Funds and Breach of trust involving the unauthorized sale of over N251 million worth of stock belonging to Ebonyi State Government.

8. Etim Ekpo Okima, managing director/ chief executive officer of Etisko BDC, 11, Abibu Oki Street, Lagos Island, Lagos, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a case of stealing and issuance of dud cheque.

9. Osita Emmanuel Okereke, DG National Taskforce to Combat Illegal Importation of Goods, Small Arms, Ammunitions and Light Weapon, (aka NATFORCE), is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a case of Criminal Conspiracy and Impersonation. Okereke who was arrested with several incriminating items, including, bulletproof vests has jumped bail.

10. Agbebi Samuel Adebanji of Hepa Global Energy Limited, 33, Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos, whose photograph appears above, is wanted b for conspiracy and illegal dealing in Petroleum Product. He was on board vessel MT Good Success carrying 1,459 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit, instead of the 350 metric tons of Automotive Gas Oil, AGO, it was licensed to carry.

Source: SaharaReporters
million by the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday presided by Justice John Tsoho. Commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria, Dickson Akor has been granted bail of N10million

Akor and the Incorporated Trustees of the organisation are standing a 90-count criminal charge bordering on alleged conversion of monies directly derived from extortion amounting to about N1.4 billion.

However, upon arraignment, the peace Corps boss denied all the 90-count charges preferred against him by the Federal Government.

Consequently, his bail application was argued by John Ochogwu, with the prosecution counsel, Aminu Alilu in opposition.

Ruling on Akors bail application, trial judge, Justice Tsoho while granting the bail, said the 1st defendant shall produce one surety in the sum of N20 million.

The surety shall be resident in Abuja and must be an owner of a landed property in Abuja, the court said, adding that the surety must tender photocopies of title deeds of the property to the Deputy Chief Registrar, Litigation of the court.

Also, the surety is required to submit his residential address which must be verified by the DCR litigation.

The judge equally ordered that Akor should drop his international passport and could only apply to the court whenever he wants to use during the cause of his trial.

More so, Akor and the sureties were directed to deposit their two recent passport photographs.

After due consideration accorded to counsels, the court is inclined to grant the bail to the applicant because the alleged offences are not capital in nature.

The court said the submission of the complainant that the applicant might influence or interfere with police investigation, is speculative and mere apprehension.

Justice Tsoho added that the prosecution has not deposed to any affidavit showing that Akor jumped bail while on administrative bail.

Source: ( BT News )
It was a sad day for the Nigeria Police Force as two policemen were allegedly killed by armed robbers on Wednesday during an attack on the branch of a bank in Odo-Ere, the headquarters of Yagba West Local Government, Kogi State.

According to eye witness reports, the robbers, arrived the bank around 4.20pm, shooting in the air, before gaining entrance into the bank.

A source said that the robbers operated freely despite the closeness of a divisional police headquarters to the financial institution.

Another source, Tope Daramola, however, said one of the policemen might have survived the attack as he was later taken to the hospital by the patrol van of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad stationed between the borders of Kogi and Kwara states.

He said, Two policemen attached to the bank were killed, but as of today, we heard that one of them survived. Though I was not at the scene, I heard all that happened from our people that were around that place as it was happening.

The bank operated that day. This should be the third attack where they (robbers) operated unchallenged, and we have a divisional police headquarters there.

The Special anti-Robbery Squad manning the border between Kogi and Kwara states came, and carried their dead colleagues away.

When contacted, the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, Willy Aya, said he was on a journey and could not speak on a matter he was not aware of. He promised to call our correspondent back but never did as of the time of filing this report.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
The Central Bank of Nigeria has approved the application for the issuance of an operational license for the take-off of the Development Bank of Nigeria.

The approval of the application, which was made by the Ministry of Finance on behalf of the Federal Government, was conveyed in a letter dated March 28, 2017 and addressed to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the DBN.

The letter was signed by the Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability,CBN, Dr Okwu Nnanna and its subject to meeting the minimum capital requirement of N100bn as well as the reconstitution of the board of the bank and reviewing its organogram.

This was confirmed by the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun on Wednesday through a statement issued by the ministry.

The DBN, was conceived in 2014 but its take off was fraught with delays by the previous administration.

The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari had inherited the project with a determination to resolve all outstanding issues and set a target of 2017 for its take-off.

The DBN would have access to $1.3bn (N396.5bn) which has been jointly provided by the World Bank, German Development Bank), the African Development Bank and the French Development Agency.

The finance ministry had in a statement said that the DBN was finalising agreements with the European Investment Bank and that its operations would not in any way, result in the elimination of the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture or any other existing development bank.

The operations of the DBN is clearly distinct from other development banks as it is focused on supporting small businesses defined by size and not by sectors.

The DBN, will provide loans to all sectors of the economy including, manufacturing, services and other industries not currently served by existing development banks thereby filling an important gap in the provision of finance to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

Source: Punch
Ifeanyi Uba, the owner of Capital Oil, has been arrested and detained by Nigerias Department of State Security.

The controversial businessman was previously implicated in a fraud saga with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, accused of embezzling funds from an illegal sale of crude oil saved in his facility.

SaharaReporters contacted Mr. Ubahs aides to confirm his whereabouts, but they did not call back despite promising to do so.

Source: SaharaReporters
The Department of State Services has arrested and detained Nigerian business mogul, politician and owner of FC Ifeanyi Ubah, Ifeanyi Ubah.

According to Sahara Reporters, the reason for his arrest is unknown. But Ubah, who owns Capital Oil, had previously been linked to a fraud probe involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

( Punch Newspaper )
Two kidnappers were on Monday night killed when they engaged the operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Rivers State Police Command in a gun battle in a forest in Umuebulu, Etche Local Government Area.

The kidnappers were on their way to receive ransom for the release of three victims in their den when they were trailed and killed by the police.

The state Police Command Public Relations Officer, Mr Nnamdi Omoni, who confirmed the incident, said that the operatives played along with the kidnappers who were waiting for the ransom, traced them to the forest in Umuebulu where the kidnapped victims, Amadi Okey, Comrade Stanley Odioye and Princess Maduegbulam were blindfolded and held captive.

Omoni said: The hoodlums on sighting the police engaged them in a gun duel and in a return fire, two of the hoodlums were fatally wounded, while the other two escaped with bullet wounds.

He said that the hostages were rescued and handed over to their families after being debriefed, adding that the operatives were combing the bushes with a view to arresting the fleeing hoodlums and recovering their weapons.

Meanwhile, two locally made guns, 10 cartridges were recovered from the kidnappers.

Similarly, the operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit have arrested one Kelvin Goodluck and two others for driving a suspected stolen Green Toyota Camry car with Registration Number: MUS 226 DF, along Aba Road, Port Harcourt.

In a press statement, Omoni said that the suspects who were interrogated confessed and led operatives to a car stand at Osisioma along Aba/Enugu Expressway, where one Chibuna Onyema and Lambert Nwodu were arrested and eight other suspected stolen cars recovered from them.

Source: BreakingTimes
The Police has declared the ring leader of a kidnap group in Lagos One Tallest, wanted by the police for allegedly orchestrating the abduction of a female police Sergeant, a lawyer and three others.

According to reports Tallest and his members reportedly kidnapped the Sergeant in Mowo, a border community between Lagos and Ogun states, while the lawyer was seized in Igbodu, Epe, sometime in March, 2017.

They were said to have moved the two victims, whose identities have yet to be disclosed, to their camp around the creeks in Ketu-Epe and contacted their families on the telephone, demanding millions of naira in ransom.

It was reported that after much negotiation, the lawyers family paid N5m while relatives of the Sergeant paid N200,000 before the duo were released last week.

However, four members of the gang were on a motorcycle last Thursday when operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping unit of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba, who were on patrol in the area, intercepted them.

A sum of N500,000 was said to have been recovered from the suspects Aboi Feku, 23; Blessing Mimo, 20; and 26-year-old Samuel Yola  who were paraded on Wednesday at the state police command headquarters in Ikeja.

Other members of the gang at large were identified as Adam and Eke.

Feku, who hails from Ondo State, told our correspondent that his role was to cook for the gang, stating that he got a share of N250,000 from the N5.2m ransom.

The 23-year-old said, Five persons were kidnapped altogether three women and two men. The policewoman and the lawyer spent about a week in the camp. We collected N5m from the lawyer and my boss, Tallest, gave me N250,000. N200,000 was collected before the police Sergeant was released. I dont know how much he collected from the three other persons.

Mimo explained that he was not involved in the abduction, but admitted to have been given N100,000 from the ransom. He said he was a load carrier in a motor park in Epe, where he met Tallest, who introduced him to the gang.

He said, One day, I met Tallest and asked him for money, and he gave me N500. He also gave me his phone number. A few days later, I called him and he directed me to the camp. That was how I became a member.

It was Tallest, Adam and Eke who kidnapped the police Sergeant and the lawyer. Aboi (Feku) and I only helped them to cook food in the camp. They collected N5m from the lawyer and gave me N100,000. They said they abducted the lawyer inside a poultry farm. I didnt get any share from the money collected from the police woman.

However, Yola, who denied belonging to the gang, said he was a commercial motorcycle rider and was carrying Mimo, Fiku and one other suspect on the run to an area in Epe when the police stopped them.

The 26-year-old father of two children, who live in the Imota area of Lagos State, said, From my park in Agbowa, I carry people to Ijebu Ode, Igbogbo, Sagamu (Ogun State) and Epe (Lagos State). It was only Aboi I know. I carried him sometime in February and he collected my phone number.

Since then, he had been calling me whenever he wanted me to carry him anywhere. Last Thursday, around 6am, he called me to come and pick him at Ketu-Epe. I met him and his friend (Mimo) by the roadside. Another boy also joined us.

We were going on the motorcycle when policemen stopped us. As they were searching them, the boy ran away. They found money on them and arrested all of us. I have never participated in any operation with them and I dont know they are kidnappers. I dont know anything about the kidnapping of the lawyer and the policewoman.

Meanwhile, one Solomon Chukwudi, aka King Solomon, was also paraded for keeping kidnap victims in his house in Agbowa.

The 30-year-old horticulturist said his friends, who were still at large, introduced him to kidnapping when he told them that he needed N50,000 to start a business.

He said, Two of my friends met with me in Ikeja, where I work and they said a man owed them some money. They said they wanted to kidnap the man and promised to give me N50,000. They brought the man into my house in Agbowa and asked me to monitor him. They said they would come to pick him the following day, but the man escaped. The man later led the police to arrest me.

Briefing journalists on the arrests, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said the command would work with the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to prosecute the suspects within the ambit of the law.

He said, We shall work with the government to ensure diligent prosecution of the suspects.

We urge members of the public to continue to support us with credible information to work on with a view to addressing various security challenges in the state.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
Nigeria has lost some of its market share in Europe, its biggest regional market, as crude oil exports from the United States penetrate more destinations.

The US had in December 2015 removed the 40-year-old restrictions on its crude exports following the rapid growth of its oil production from 2013 to 2015.

The US Energy Information Administration said on Tuesday that the country exported crude oil to 26 different countries in 2016, compared with 10 countries the previous year.

Among the countries were buyers of Nigeria crude including Netherlands, China, Italy, the United Kingdom, Colombia, Singapore, Peru, France and Spain.

The US crude oil exports averaged 520,000 barrels per day in 2016, 55,000 bpd or 12 per cent above the 2015 level, despite a year-over-year decline in domestic crude oil production, the EIA said.

According to the agency, in 2015, 92 per cent of the US crude oil exports went to Canada, which was exempt from the US crude oil export restrictions. After restrictions were lifted, Canada remained the top destination but received only 58 per cent of the US crude exports in 2016.

The EIA said, Aside from Canada, European destinations such as the Netherlands, Italy, the United Kingdom, and France rank high on the list of the US crude oil export destinations.

The second-largest regional destination is Asia, including China, Korea, Singapore, and Japan. In 2016, the United States exported to eight different Central and South American destinations, including Curacao, Colombia, and Peru.

The Netherlands, which is one of the biggest European buyers of Nigerian crude, received 38,000 bpd of the US crude oil in 2016, making it the second-largest destination after Canada.

The countrys monthly import of Nigerian crude oil plunged to an average of 3.7 million barrels last year, up from 9.1 million barrels in 2015, data from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation showed.

Italy bought 23,000 bpd of the US crude oil; China imported 22,000 bpd, while the UK and Colombia purchased 17,000 bpd and 9,000bpd, respectively.

Singapore received 11,000 bpd of the US crude oil; Peru, 7,000 bpd; France, 7,000 and Spain bought 4,000 bpd, the EIA data indicated.

Spain saw its monthly import of Nigerian crude fall to an average of 4.7 million barrels in 2016 from 6.1 million barrels, while that of France averaged 3.4 million barrels compared to 4.1 million barrels in 2015, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporations data showed.

According to the EIA, several factors appear to have contributed to the rise in the US crude oil exports in 2016.

It said increased crude oil imports in 2016 substituted for some domestic crude oil at the US refineries, allowing higher exports despite lower US production and increased refinery runs.

Low tanker rates for most of 2016 helped to narrow the price spread needed to allow for an economically attractive trade between the US and overseas markets.

With the average daily volume of crude imports more than 12 times the average daily volume of crude exports, many tankers were available for back-haul voyages at rates significantly below regular tanker rates, likely further reducing the cost of reaching export markets, the EIA said.

Meanwhile, Nigerias crude oil exports are set to rise to 1.66 million bpd in May, according to a loading programme compiled by Reuters on Tuesday.

The countrys crude oil programme for the month is up from Aprils revised loadings and puts Nigeria just above Angolas planned exports of 1.61 million bpd in May.

While Nigeria had consistently been Africas largest oil exporter, its loadings have fallen below those of Angola several times over the past year as it dealt with militant attacks on oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta.

The increase to 54 May cargoes from 52 in April, or 1.61 million bpd, came in part from rising exports of Bonga and Antan, both of which were hit earlier in the year for scheduled maintenance.

Source: Punch
The Head of Market Development, German Engineering Federation, Mrs Martina Claus, on Wednesday, said Nigeria ranked fourth globally in the volume of soft drink sales recorded in 2016.

Claus spoke at the ongoing Third International Trade Exhibition on Agrofood, Plastics, Printing and Packaging in Lagos.

She said that the statistics on soft drinks sales were sourced from the Euromonitor International, a global market intelligence publisher.

The market developer said the statistics showed that 38.68 million litres of soft drinks were sold in Nigeria in 2016.

This puts Nigeria behind only the United States (114.75), China (88.18) and Mexico (45.30) in the top markets ranking.

Also, 1.98 million litres of alcohol was sold in Nigeria in 2016, while the total volume of milk products sold was 147 tons.

Nigerias fast-growing population brings with it a continuing demand for soft drinks, especially as the climate is quite hot.

Urbanisation also drives demand for ready to drink soft drinks amongst busy, on-the-go consumers.

Lack of potable water is largely responsible for the consumption of 36.08 million litres of bottled water in 2016, Claus explained.

According to her, the Nigerian food and beverage market remains viable for investment in spite of the challenges of high energy cost and volatile raw material prices.

Claus said that one of the avenues for attracting prospective investors was the Drinktec Trade Fair for the beverage and liquid food industry.

She said that this would take place in Munich, Germany from Sept. 11 to Sept. 15.

Claus said that the event was expected to attract no fewer than 1,600 exhibitors from over 70 countries and more than 70,000 trade visitors from all over the world.

Also, Mr Ahmed Omar, the Executive Director, Nigeria Institute of Packaging, said that there was the need for Nigerians to take advantage of the huge opportunities provided by the food and beverage industry.

Omar urged small and medium scale businesses to collaborate on how to source, package and supply raw materials to big players in the global market in order to maximise their gains.

Over 100 leading technology exhibitors from 20 countries are participating in the ongoing exhibition billed to end on March 30.

The exhibitors are from Austria, Benin, Brazil, China, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Italy, Kenya, Netherlands, Nigeria, Poland, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Togo, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

Source: NAN
A Nigerian doctor who was suspended from work over an incident with a patient has finally been vindicated.

A Nigerian doctor who has been battling for four years to uphold his name and profession after he was suspended and accused of mistreating patients at a surgery in the United Kingdom has been cleared.

According to the LancashireTelegraph, Dr Abiodun Bale has now been told by the Court of Appeal he was free to return to work after the incidents at Hyndburn Medical Practice in Oswaldtwistle in 2013.

But the Lagos-trained GP said a crown court trial, medical tribunals and the appeal have taken its toll on the wellbeing of himself and his wife and family.

Dr Bale was cleared of assaulting patient Sheena Cunningham, at a Burnley Crown Court trial, over allegations he had grabbed her arm during a consultation at the Union Road health centre.

But he was later suspended by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service over the same set of circumstances, and a second claim, from March 2013, involving another patient, Maria Hindle, where he was said to have raised his voice to her and made efforts to prevent her leaving a consultation room.

The doctor maintained his innocence throughout the various proceedings and has now been given the all-clear by the appeal courts to continue his career.

He no longer wants to be a GP but is a qualified specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology.

Dr Bale, 45, said: There have been great physical, psychological, social and financial consequences of this case for me. My family and I have been put through unwarranted misery. Nobody should have to go through this.

It is a wonderful concept in civilised societies like ours to protect patients, but somebody should also be looking out for doctors who have unfortunately found themselves in situations like mine.

He believes he has been let down by the system as well as having to pay a heavy price financially to re-establish his right to practice. But he is glad commons sense prevailed in the end.

Dr Bale added: The last four years have been a horrible ordeal professionally and the last eight months have been unspeakably stressful for my wife, kids, our extended families and for me.

]Dr Abiodun Bale was said to have dragged Sheena Cunninghams hand as she tried to leave his consultation room in tears after they argued over treatment for a facial condition.
The current 8-year battle of Nigerian troops with the Boko Haram terrorists seems to be taking a negative toll on the psyche of some soldiers.

One young Nigerian soldier, De Myt Trill actively battling the dreaded Boko Haram sect in Borno State  north-eastern part of Nigeria has lamented his loss of human feeling.

According to him, the regular battles with insurgents have turned him into a killing machine. He made this known via his Facebook page and the news has since gone viral.

In his words:

I no longer have feelings for humanity i am now a weapon a killing machine This has been described as a very sad, emotional and disturbing statement by Nigerians on social media.
To fight oil thieves and pirates on our territorial waters, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is partnering the Nigerian Navy and Nigeria Airforce, The Nation reports.

It has also acquired some surveillance equipment to monitor the waterways and secure the ports. In furtherance of the engagement, NIMASA now operates a 24-hour surveillance regime, capturing vessels in the nations maritime domain irrespective of weather conditions. More than 5,000 ships ply the territorial waters yearly. Some vessels, sources said, violate international laws by engaging in illegal activities, including stealing of crude oil and other criminal activities.

Its Director-General, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, said the agency archives profile analyses, which include the flag, registered owner, operator, beneficial owner and movement of ships over a specified period. A senior official of the Federal Ministry of Transport (FMoT), who craved anonymity, said the nation loses 200,000 barrels of crude oil to theft. He added that; The Air Force has acquired three maritime 128-6, F27 and ATR-42-500 jets and other planes to monitor the activities of oil thieves and other criminals.

Source: EnergryMix
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has asked the House of Assembly to approve the proposed Integrated Power Plant (AIPPP) in Asaba, the state capital. Okowas letter, which was addressed to the Speaker, Mr. Monday Igbuya, said the project was necessary to boost the power supply by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to government offices and infrastructure. He said the plant would be built by Messres Brandstachury Power Solution and supplied at a cost of N22.81/kwh.

This would translate to N134 million in 10 years, with a two per cent incremental adjustment in tariff. He said the 8.5 megawatts project would also solve the epileptic power supply to residents in Asaba and its environs.

According to the letter, which was read by the speaker on the floor of the House, the project would reduce the states monthly expenditure of N81 million. The governor stated that the plant would free about 7.5 megawatts from the power generated from the national grid to enable consumers to have an increased electricity supply to households and industries. Okowa added that the plant would impact positively on governments monthly electricity bills and the number of hours that the state enjoys uninterrupted power supply.

He disclosed that he had approved an additional N30 million monthly gas fuel pass-through charge, to bring the total monthly cost to a maximum of N164million under the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) that both parties had signed.

According to the letter, the PPA required government to issue an Irrevocable Standard Payment Order (ISPO) to support the monthly power tarrif and related bank guarantee required by the financiers.

Source: Guardian
A 42 year-old man has been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command has arrested a tailor, identified as Lucky Emmanuel, for allegedly defiling a 13-year-old pupil in the Ajangbadi area of the state.

It was learnt that the 42-year-old and parents of the girl, who is in Junior Secondary School one, were neighbours and he had been having sex with her for months.

Reports gathered had it that the alleged crime was reported to the police after the victim opened up, leading to Emmanuels arrest on Tuesday.

However, Emmanuel, who was paraded on Wednesday at the state police command headquarters in Ikeja, said he was dating the girl and that her parents were aware.

He explained that it was the management of the school the girl attended that reported a rape case to the police when they discovered that she was pregnant.

He said, I have two children, but my wife and I are divorced. I dont know the girls age, but she is more than 13. I met with her parents that I wanted to marry her and they agreed. We had started some traditional arrangements in preparation for the wedding and I had paid them about N80,000.

I was surprised yesterday (Tuesday) when her mother called me on the telephone to come. On getting there, she said somebody reported to the school authorities that her daughter was too young for marriage. That was why the school took it up.

The girl and I have been together for over eight months now. I had sex with her twice before she became pregnant.

But a police source debunked Emmanuels claim, saying that he lured the victim while she was hawking plantain in the neighbourhood.

The girl is 13-year-old. Her mother was here yesterday (Tuesday) and she said she did not know the suspect. She said the girl hawked plantain and the man was one of her customers. He just gave her N500 and raped her, the source said.

The Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, who confirmed that the girl was pregnant, said the suspect would be charged to court after investigation.

Meanwhile, Owoseni said two leaders of rival cults terrorising Alaka and Idioro, in the Mushin area of the state, had been arrested.

The CP said, Two suspects were also arrested for changing the manufacturing dates of tyres and helping car thieves to change chassis number of stolen vehicles. The equipment they used in perpetrating the acts was recovered.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has asked the Federal Government to stop the deduction of the monthly salaries of its members. It has therefore directed its members nationwide to reject any further deduction in their wages.

ASUU said its National Executive Committee (NEC) would soon reconvene to respond to the issue. The union stated this after its NEC meeting at Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH), Yola, Adamawa State on Monday.

ASUU President, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi during a chat with journalists in Abuja yesterday, accused President Muhammadu Buharis administration of neglecting the education sector and the welfare of the people.

It also criticised the economic policies of the Federal Government, saying: It is indirectly promoting neo-liberal and neo-conservatism against the wishes of the people who elected the government into power.

Ogunyemi, who spoke extensively on the state of the nation, advocated for a new party structure, which would promote the principles of welfarism. He said lecturers were currently being paid between 60-80 per cent of their salaries in federal universities despite the intervention of Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki in November last year.

He added that the situation in state-owned universities is worse. It is mandatory for an employer to ensure that employees are paid their full salaries. When workers are not rewarded for the job done, they are exposed to the temptations of cutting corners to make ends meet. Therefore, government is encouraging corruption in the Nigerian university system by deliberately under-paying academics and other workers in the system, he stated.

He described the budgetary allocation to education in the two years of Buharis government especially, the 2017 appropriation as abysmally low. According to Ogunyemi: This, no doubt is far from the UNESCO-recommended benchmark of 26 per cent of the annual budget to the education sector. Similar patterns of paltry allocation to the sector by many state governments have also been observed over the years.

Source: Guardian
Months after Nigerians lost billions of Naira in MMM ponzi scheme, students of Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State, are still feeling the impact of the loss as Eight out of the Thirty- Seven students who lost their school fees to the MMM Ponzi scheme have deferred their first semester till next session having lost their school fees to the scheme.

According to reports gathered from the institution, It was learnt that the school had fixed the deadline for the payment of school fees for January 25, but had to extend the date following appeal from the schools student union body on behalf of the affected students.

The deadline was shifted to three weeks before the commencement of the institutions examinations scheduled for April 3. The eight students however, decided to defer the semester since they could not meet up with the deadline for the payment.

According to one of the eight students, Gbenga Daniel, a National Diploma (ND) 2 student of the Marketing Department, he invested his school fees in the Ponzi Scheme in November last year hoping that by January 2017, the money as well as its interest would be ready for him to get help. Daniel was one of the many victims whose accounts were frozen by Mavrodi Mondi Moneybox (MMM) in December last year.

He said, Up till now, l cannot get back the money I invested into MMM. I was stopped from writing my tests because I have not paid my departmental fees. I decided to defer the semester because I will not be allowed to write the first semester exams since I have not paid my school fees.

Another student who didnt want his name in print said, he is afraid of going home to meet his parents because he invested his school fees into the Ponzi Scheme despite several warnings by his parents. It was also gathered that some of the affected students resorted to borrowing money from friends while others sold their appliances  TV, CD/ DVD and Home Theater sets  to raise their school fees.
The Federal Government, on Wednesday, said despite pressure from groups and individuals, it would not disclose the amount spent on President Muhammadu Buharis recent medical treatment in the United Kingdom.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said this while answering reporters questions at the end of the weekly meeting of the Federal Executive Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Buhari has been under pressure to disclose the amount spent on his 49-day medical treatment in London.

Saturday PUNCH has, in line with the Freedom of Information Act, sent a letter to the Presidency, requesting it to provide for public consumption Buharis medical bills in the UK.

But Mohammed said the request should be considered on the basis of national security and morals.

He said he was not aware of anywhere in the world where the President was forced to divulge the cost of his medical bills.

The minister said even the FoI Act excluded issues bordering on national security.

Mohammed stated, This matter (the Presidents medical bill) has come several times and our position on the matter is quite straight forward.

What are the Presidents conditions of service? What are his entitlements in terms of his well-being and health care? The state is supposed to take responsibility for these.

We believe that asking for how much has been spent on the health of the President is an issue that we should weigh very well, both for national security and also for moral issues. I dont know why we must divulge such very sensitive information.

I might be wrong but I dont have experience elsewhere that the President of any country will be ill and be forced to disclose how much the state has spent on his health.

Yes, there is the Freedom of Information Act but it is also carved in such a way that when such information is likely to endanger national security, I think it is an area that is not covered.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), and the Campaign for Democracy, among others, believe it has become imperative to release the Presidents medical bill in the UK.

They feel this has become imperative as the Buhari government rode to power on the pedestal of transparency, and a promise to fight corruption.

Buhari had written the Senate that he would embark on medical vacation for 10 days between January 23 and February 6, 2017 and that Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo would act as the President.

However, a second letter, written to the Senate on February 5, informed the lawmakers of the Presidents wish to extend his leave indefinitely.

The letter had stated that the extension was to enable him to complete and receive the results of a series of medical tests.

Having failed to release his medical bill to the public after he returned to Nigeria, the SERAP said Nigerians had the right to know how much of their money was spent on the Presidents treatment abroad as guaranteed by the FoI Act.

Executive Director, SERAP, Mr. Adetokunbo Mumuni, said, Pursuant to the FoI Act, which was signed into law in 2011, every Nigerian has a right to know from any public office holder any information they think they must have.

So, the Presidency should provide a categorical answer to the question of Buharis medical bill abroad. This is a democracy and in democracy, there can be no opaqueness, everything must be clear and open.

President, CD, Bako Usman, said the President as the face of the All Progressives Congress-led government should be transparent with the use of public funds, especially as the party had attained power on the basis of its promise to bring positive change to the country.

Usman said, So, the President should make available the cost of his medical treatment abroad. Someone advocating a corruption-free society is supposed to be open. This governments Change Begins With Me campaign will be appreciated by the citizens if the President is open and transparent.

CACOLs Executive Chairman, Mr. Debo Adeniran, said, We want to know how much he has spent except if the money came directly from his pocket. If it was from the purse of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, then he is under obligation to disclose the cost of his treatment to Nigerians.

Falana said, While the President cannot be compelled to disclose the nature of his illness, if public funds are spent (on his health care), Nigerians are entitled to know how much was spent.

Nigerians should know how much has been spent on the medical expenses incurred by the President in the United Kingdom since according to him, he has had the best of medical treatment.

Source: Punch
Microsoft has been cautious about making its Surface product line available worldwide. It tests devices in specific markets, sees how they do, and, if the response is good, ships them to those areas.

The company appears to have have received a strong response in particular to its Surface Studio, Surface Book devices, and Surface Dial, which will soon be available in many Asian and European countries.

The expanded availability of these devices was announced on the same day Microsoft said it would release Windows 10 Creators Update on April 11.

The Surface Book with Performance Base, one of the devices that will be more broadly available, is a high-performance laptop that can also be a tablet. The screen pops out from the keyboard base to be a tablet. In a review, PC World concluded the device was powerful and easy to use, but had some design issues and was heavy.

The device, priced starting at $1,499 in the United States, will begin shipping to new markets on April 20 and users will be able to order it through Microsoft's website. The Surface Book with Performance Base will be available in Austria, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, according to a Microsoft blog post. Pricing information wasn't immediately available.

The Surface Studio, meanwhile, is an all-in-one desktop designed for artists. The device has a 28-inch touchscreen that can be angled to be more like an artist's canvas, and a powerful GPU to handle heavy-duty graphics. The battery-powered Surface Dial is an controller that can be placed on the screen to make it easier to create artwork, much like how a stylus can be used to take notes on tablets. The Studio and Dial will ship on April 20 in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Pricing wasn't immediately available.
If youve read my blog over the past decade, you probably noticed that I stopped writing it last summer. After 12 years, I took a break that has extended longer than anticipated while I engaged in other stuff.

But recent events have pulled me back into the fray. Im talking about the passing of S.J. Res. 34, which reverses the FCC privacy rules for ISPs.

Those rules were instituted very recently by the FCC under President Obama but are now poised to be scuttled completely by the Republicans. The only remaining step is a signature from the President, which will certainly come.

I strongly believe the bill represents a danger not only to consumer privacy, but also to our national security interests.

If certain data collected by ISPs land in the hands of foreign hacking groups or hostile foreign governments, it could quickly become blackmail fodder and disrupt the normal function of our government and society. This is not an exaggeration. Anyone paying the slightest attention to the smoke billowing from Capitol Hill and the White House would be foolish to dismiss this possibility. Moreover, foreign governments wouldnt have to hack anything to get this data: They could simply buy it.

The bottom line is that ISPs will be able to sell the browsing habits and internet usage details of their customers without requiring consent. The weak argument for allowing this is that entities such as Google and Facebook can accumulate usage data and monetize itwhy shouldnt ISPs be able to do the same? Another argument is that ISPs cant actually collect much data on browsing or internet usage since much of the traffic is encrypted.

Your history: An open book

Before we dissect those claims, lets set the stage. First, data thats collected on internet use by an individual or household, even if distributed in an anonymized fashion but with unique identifiers, can ultimately be traced back to that individual or household. We need only to look at the AOL search data leak on 2006 to see how simple this is.

Second, that data is collected and stored somewhere in identifiable form, and if the security of that data is breached, then its the equivalent of everyones browsing history leaked to one or more third parties.

Third, comparisons to Google are not intellectually honest, because Google services are not required and are offered for free. If you use their services, then you choose to let them access at least some of your data.

Fourth, ISPs can collect a lot of data from their customers, even if the customers access encrypted sites. DNS queries sent to ISP servers or even third-party DNS servers can be used to determine which sites are accessed. That alone may be sensitive information. Many sites do not use encryption, so all data transactions can be cataloged. Email that is stored on ISP servers can be mined for information. Email transmitted through insecure means (common, unfortunately) could be fair game.

The harsh reality

In 2017, allowing ISPs to monetize and distribute data on their users is no different than having someone follow you around all day recording your every move, then selling that information.

ISPs control internet access and can see every packet sent to or from their users, not only the traffic thats sent to or from certain websites like Facebook and Google. Sure, many popular sites track your moves, but youre not their paying customer, and they dont literally know where you live or own data connections to your home.

Alsothis is very importantin most locations in the United States, only one ISP offers reasonable internet services and bandwidth. In many locations, you cannot opt out of this privacy invasion by signing up with a competitor because there is no competitor.

The only reason the FCC ISP privacy rules should be reversed is to put in stronger protections. Outright reversal holds no benefit for any U.S. citizen or our national security. It only serves the voracious appetites of the major ISPs. And they have paid their congresspeople well.

I wish that my return to InfoWorld could have been on a more positive note. Yes, the internet has a history of routing around institutional affronts to privacy. But if the problems are inherent in the internet access itself, this barrier may be more challenging than most.
Hog Commentary Walsh Trading - Mon Nov 7, 5:00PM CST Hog markets rallied significantly today with the Dec contract up over $4 and the Feb contract up over $2.50, hitting a high of $89.65 before settling at 89.05 on the day. This rally comes after speculation...

Cotton Closes in Black on Monday Barchart - Mon Nov 7, 4:46PM CST Mondays cotton trade added 16 to 87 points to the rally. December ended the day up by 56 points and to levels not seen since 10/11. NASS reported 62% of the cotton crop was harvested through 11/6. That... CTZ22 : 86.92 (-0.65%) CTH23 : 85.20 (-0.73%) CTK23 : 84.39 (-0.80%)

Cattle Close Higher on Monday Barchart - Mon Nov 7, 4:46PM CST Live cattle futures ended the week with $0.47 to $1.40 gains led by the Dec contract. Feeder cattle closed the day with 30 to 70 cent gains. Cash trade was quiet on Monday. Last weeks cash price was... LEZ22 : 153.050s (+0.92%) LEG23 : 155.025s (+0.42%) LEJ23 : 158.550s (+0.35%) GFX22 : 178.225s (+0.22%) GFF23 : 179.925s (+0.17%)

$4 Gain for Dec Hogs Barchart - Mon Nov 7, 4:46PM CST December hogs rallied $4.60 of their $4.75 limit at the high on the day, and closed with a $4.07 gain. That took the contract back to 10/27 levels. The other front months also closed higher, but the gains... HEZ22 : 87.050s (+4.91%) HEJ23 : 94.350s (+2.11%) KMZ22 : 96.200s (+2.48%)

Double Digit Pullback for Soy Futures Barchart - Mon Nov 7, 4:46PM CST The new week of soybean trading ended with beans 8 1/4 to 12 cents in the red. Jan beans closed near their low on a 22c range. Meal prices bounced in the afternoon to end mixed within $1.50/ton of UNCH.... ZSX22 : 1440-4 (unch) ZSPAUS.CM : 14.1524 (-0.72%) ZSF23 : 1447-2 (-0.21%) ZSH23 : 1455-2 (-0.19%)

Wheats Fade into Close Barchart - Mon Nov 7, 4:46PM CST Afternoon action in Mondays wheat market left the board mixed but mostly higher. CBT prices went home with a penny to 3 cent losses. Dec closed mostly mid ranged on the 30 cent range. KC HRW futures... ZWZ22 : 846-4 (unch) ZWH23 : 864-4 (unch) ZWPAES.CM : 7.7799 (-0.24%) KEZ22 : 959-4 (+0.24%) KEPAWS.CM : 9.1529 (+0.44%) MWZ22 : 966-0 (+0.60%)

Corn Market Closes Monday Red Barchart - Mon Nov 7, 4:46PM CST Mondays corn futures market ended the session with 2 to 5 1/4 cent losses for the front months, For December that was the weakest close since 10/6. The December to December premium tightened to now... ZCZ22 : 675-2 (unch) ZCPAUS.CM : 6.7306 (-0.72%) ZCH23 : 681-2 (unch) ZCK23 : 681-4 (unch)

Livestock Report Walsh Trading - Mon Nov 7, 4:26PM CST Cattle rallies
Update 6/16/17  Of the 764 Hong Kong self-storage facilities cited for fire and safety violations by the FSD and Buildings Department, just three are in full compliance with new regulations. In all, less than 5 percent of violations have been corrected. As a result, the FSD is considering prosecuting five to six operators who have done nothing after receiving notices, an FSD spokesperson told the source.

Since notices were issued last year to 86 percent of storage operators in the region, 53 facilities with violations have shut down, Chui Man-leung, deputy fire chief, told the source. Peter Hung Kai-kei, chairman of the Hong Kong Mini Storage Association, indicated 100 facilities had to close in the last year for various reasons.

The Self Storage Association Asia (SSAA) has been working with government officials to reach a compromise on new requirements. As issued, usable space will be cut down to 30 to 40 percent if the requirement is met, SSAA Executive Director Luigi La Tona told the source.

The FSD accepted a counter proposal from storage operators in which theyll be allowed to bypass the 2.4-meter gap rule between units as long as they use building materials that can withstand fire for 30 minutes, Man-leung said. However, the SSAA is also trying to change a requirement for 1 meter of headroom clearance, according to the source.

This is the most stringent [set of self-storage requirements] in the world, La Tona said. We can meet the principle of smoke and heat distribution by perforation. Perforation would be achieved by making holes in unit walls, extending to the ceiling, according to Hung Kai-kei.

Paul Pang Tat-choi, chairman of the fire discipline advisory panel of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, disputed the criticism that new requirements were too harsh and suggested laws should be enacted to further regulate the self-storage industry.

3/30/17  Months after government officials cited hundreds of Hong Kong self-storage operators for building, lease and safety violations following two devastating fires last summer, operators and property owners have complied with just 128 of 3,524 notices (3.6 percent) issued by the Buildings and Fire Services Departments, according to a finance committee paper from the Legislative Council. As a result, the government may begin to prosecute those who remain out of compliance, the source reported.

The departments will consider instigating prosecution against the persons in charge of the mini-storages as well as the owners of the premises concerned who have failed to comply with the notices and orders without reasonable excuse, Joshua Law Chi-kong, permanent secretary for security, told the source.

In its investigation, the Fire Services Department (FSD) inspected 885 self-storage facilities and issued 2,548 fire-hazard notices to 453 operators. As of Feb. 28, storage operators had complied with 117, or 4.6 percent, of those citations. The Buildings Department separately inspected 836 storage facilities and issued 976 orders to 455 operators, which included 488 removal notices, 487 repair orders and one discontinuation. Of those, 11, or 1.1 percent, have been completed, according to the source.

With the government increasing its scrutiny on building and occupational safety, FSD indicated it will add 33 positions during the next two years. Among those will be 24 appointees responsible for inspections and safety enforcement in industrial buildings, the source reported. Additional duties will include prep work for introducing relevant legislation and handling fire-safety complaints.

The Self Storage Association Asia, whose members represent about two-thirds of the industrys gross floor area in the region, has been working with Hong Kong officials to find a workable compromise to help storage operators meet fire and safety regulations.
Ross Township, Pa., officials have approved plans for a Beyond Self Storage facility to be built on a 2-acre parcel in the 7200 block of Old McKnight Road. NorthPoint Development intends to construct a three-story, 93,000-square-foot structure that will resemble an office building, according to the source. Site work is expected to begin this spring.

Commissioners voted unanimously in favor of the plan on March 20. The design will feature glass and metal, as well as an EIFS (exterior insulation and finish system) consisting of faux red brick and smooth metal panels, according to project manager J.J. Jenkins. We're trying to bring class-A facilities to the market, and the look and design of the building is one of the ways we do that, Jenkins told the source.

The facility will offer 581 climate-controlled units, with all loading and unloading inside the building, Jenkins said. Hours of operation will be 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a facility manager present during daylight hours. The facility will have two elevators and up to 30 security cameras.

The developer was very accommodating to the neighbors' concerns, and we were able to deliver something for the township that is both beneficial to the developer as well as the neighborhood, commissioner Steve Korbel told the source.

Northpoint launched the Beyond Self Storage brand last year. It has one operating facility in Lenexa, Kan., with several projects underway in the Minneapolis and St. Louis markets.

Based in Kansas City, Mo., and founded in 2012, NorthPoint is a development, management and leasing firm thats principally focused on the industrial, multi-family, senior-living and self-storage markets in the Central United States. The company has $2.1 billion in raised capital and operates 28 million square feet of industrial properties, thousands of multi-family apartment units, and numerous developed or managed senior-living communities.
Compass Self Storage, a member of the Amsdell family of companies, recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the expansion of its facility in Fate, Texas. The addition was made by possible by separate affiliates of Amsdell Group LLC and Compass Self Storage LLC, according to the source.

The company purchased the property at 159 Riding Club Way in October 2014 and began the expansion in May 2016. The site features climate-controlled and drive-up units as well as truck rentals.

With the expansion of this Compass Self Storage property, we are proud to be the one-stop-shop for the moving and storage needs for our customers. We know this additional space will let us better serve our current and prospective customers in this great community, said Scott Campbell, district manager.

Headquartered in Cleveland, the Amsdell Cos. draws its roots from the family-owned construction company founded in 1928. Since its inception, the company has been active in several billions of dollars of real estate ventures, with a primary focus on self-storage. It has owned and operated more than 500 storage centers under various trade names in more than 27 states. It currently owns and operates properties in 15 states.
Amidst the many controversies brewing in Washington  Russia-gate, the fight over heath care reform in the U.S. House of Representatives, the skirmishes surrounding Judge Neil Gorsuchs nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court, to name a few  it can be easy to overlook the fact that business is actually getting done in the Republican-led U.S. Senate.

On Wednesday morning that business included a hearing to roll back a key component of the Obama administrations efforts to expand retirement in the U.S. On March 8, Senator Orrin Hatch introduced a resolution that would repeal the Department of Labors January 19th ruling  made the day before the inauguration of President Trump  allowing cities and municipalities to create auto-enrolment plans for private-sector employees at companies that do not offer 401(k) programs to their employees. The DoL had previously issued a ruling green lighting similar programs at the state level.

Hatchs bill took the form of a CRA resolution, passed in 1996. That resolution, the Congressional Review Act, allows Congress to overturn new federal legislation under certain circumstances.

Senate president pro tempore Hatch and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell characterized the DoL actions as an example of executive overreach by the Obama administration.

Even on its way out the door, the Obama administration pushed forward with more unfair regulations that hurt the middle class, McConnell said in his introductory remarks. They tried to advance regulations that threatened jobs and hindered economic growth. They tried to shift power away from people and toward government on everything from education to land management issues. And under the guise of helping more people save for the future, it undercut a system of private retirement savings that served millions of Americans very well for decades.

Key from a Republican perspective is that these programs would be overseen by states or municipalities and not covered by the Employee Retirement Income Securities Act of 1974 (ERISA), with oversight by the Department of Labor. Instead the authority for these funds would rest at the local level. Hatch and McConnell argue that this means would be pensions would lack protection; they would prefer a centralized system. Hatch in the past has pushed for annuity-based savings programs.

Critics argue that the Republican agenda  which has the support of the Chamber of Commerce and others  favors the insurance and 401(k) industries, not working people. They argue that the systems operated by states and municipal systems have perfectly adequate investor protections  along the lines of state and municipal public pension plans or college savings programs.

Hatch and McConnell made clear they are coming for the state programs next. Later we will advance another CRA to protect workers from similar efforts at the state level, said Senator McConnell. Hopefully, sometime soon, the Senate will pass the original CRA resolution with the one that covered states like California and Illinois, Hatch said in his remarks. California and Illinois are among the states to have signed into law such retirement savings programs, and many other states are studying the issue.

One Senate Democrat to speak out against efforts to repeal the DOL rulings was the junior Senator for Hawaii, Mazie Hirono. Unlike her Republican colleagues  who argued that the private retirement programs were taking away investor protections  Democrat Hirono argued that the private-sector pensions are empowering and offer a leg up to low-income working people.

In Hawaii about 50 percent of private sector workers have jobs that dont provide retirement benefits, Hirono said of her home state. According to a recent survey by AARP Hawaii, 56 percent of working-age people feel anxious about having enough money saved for retirement. For generations, Americans relied on the three-legged stool of private savings: social security, private savings, and a pension from their employer. Those days are gone.

Hatch, who has a long track record of campaigning for broader retirement savings, is not immune to the irony of Republicans auguring to take rights away from the states.

I know some have concerns about the federalism implications in rolling back these DOL department of labor regulations, the Utah Senator said in his remarks. However, lets be clear, prior to the implementation of these regulations, states were free to pass laws to encourage opportunities for private sector workers and they will be free to do so after this CRA resolution is signed by President Trump.

His Hawaiian colleague, however, speculated that the Republican might have ulterior motives. Cynics would say Republicans are doing this to help some private entities sell more retirement plans to people, Hirono noted. However, the reality is that millions of families are not being served. Killing these rules is the latest Republican attack on working people.

On Thursday morning a joint resolution to repeal the city and municipal ruling passed the Senate, with 50 yay votes and four no votes.
Ares Management, Bridgepoint and Oaktree are among the lastest backers of the Institutional Limited Partners Associations fee transparency initiative.

Investors are gaining ground in the fight for transparency in private equity.

The Institutional Limited Partners Association announced Thursday that its fee reporting template  an attempt at boosting transparency by standardizing how private equity costs are recorded  has been widely taken up by the industry during its fifteen months of existence. More than 160 fund managers have submitted fee information using the template, with new endorsements from Ares Management, Bridgepoint and Oaktree Capital Management.

Apollo Global Management, KKR & Co. and Carlyle Group are among the private equity firms that have earlier endorsed the standardized format benefiting their limited partners, according to ILPAs website. Pension plans, and other institutional investors with billions of dollars tied up in buyout funds, are demanding more fee transparency to help assess the cost of their private equity relationships.

We view the ILPA reporting template as the best standard for collecting fee and expense data for private market funds and a crucial step towards automation in the industry, said Scott Evans, chief investment officer for the New York City Retirement System. He said the higher level of transparency has saved considerable time and effort.

ILPA said it will focus this year on identifying best practices for using the template. The group plans to provide new guidance for maintaining oversight of the data, including recommendations to ensure compliance with the agreements struck between investors and private equity firms.

Following a successful year of template adoption by the global private equity community, the time is right to support those limited partners who want more transparency but have yet to use the template, said Peter Freire, CEO of the ILPA.

More than 60 limited partners, including the California Public Employees Retirement System, the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, the Florida State Board of Administration and the Employees Retirement System of Texas have endorsed ILPAs format for reporting fees.
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The president will take a more aggressive stance with China and Russia if Republicans win the House or the Senate, according to BCA Researchs Matt Gertken.
The winners of the inaugural Pitch Fest have been revealed.The competition, held as part of this weeks ANZIFF Insurtech conference in Sydney, was designed to illustrate to the industry the opportunity it has to engage with the start-up community.There is enormous opportunity for both the existing insurance companies and newly developed technology to fundamentally change the way insurance services are provided to the customer, said Alex Scandurra, CEO of fintech hub Stone & Chalk.Stone & Chalk is behind the insurtech program that culminated in Pitch Fest. Last year, it facilitated several roundtable discussions involving representatives from 15 established insurance companies. During those discussions, five problem statements were formulated to outline the sectors greatest concerns. Those statements were in the areas of automated claims processing, underinsurance, fraud reduction, user-friendly disclosure statements, and advanced underwriting models.Start-up entrants in Pitch Fest were then tasked with finding ways to improve one of the five areas.Four start-ups participated in Tuesdays final: OneClaim, Data Republic, BrightWrite by Cover Genius, and Claims Logik.OneClaim took the award for Most Innovative Solution, while Data Republic went home with the Market Impact Prize.OneClaim is a claim lodgement and tracking solution that centralises insurance claims, regardless of insurance provider. The OneClaim integration platform, its said, results in a faster, streamlined capability.Data Republic has devised a platform for organisations to share data in a safe, secure and well-governed manner. It provides the necessary data, technology and legals to assist in the development of applications, including fraud identification.This is a milestone event for Data Republic to see our platform used for something that will have such great impact and savings for so many companies, said Ed Harris, head of partner ecosystem at Data Republic.Each of the winners has earned a share in $90k worth of prizes, including two desks at Stone & Chalk for three months and mentorship to bring their idea to fruition.
The Australian Prime Ministers alleged involvement in secret payments as part of the collapse of HIH Insurance Limited has been placed under the spotlight as major party leaders clashed at Parliament House in Canberra this week.Prior to its collapse in 2001, HIH was a publicly listed company tagged as the second largest general insurer in Australia that had operated in many other countries.The controversy surrounding Malcolm Turnbulls involvement in the collapse of HIH has been rekindled by Labor leader Bill Shorten, after a week of having been accused of taking backhanders from his days as national secretary of the Australian Workers Union, Australian Financial Review reported.Labor brought up the HIH collapse after the former union boss was accused of corruption over funds received by the union for deals covering a project.Does the Prime Minister stand by his statements on secret payments and should government policy be extended to him? asked Mark Dreyfus, shadow attorney-general.Can the Prime Minister confirm that he was party to a secret payment to settle his litigation which alleged he personally breached corporation law in the collapse of HIH? A devastating collapse which saw thousands of Australians left with worthless insurance policies. Is this another example, just like penalty rates, where the Prime Minister believes its one rule for him and his big business friends, and another for workers?In response, Turnbull said the issue with HIH does not compare with Shortens union days and that he made no payments, secret or otherwise, AFR reported.He also called the jab at his history with HIH as a pathetic attempt to amplify the politics of envy.Turnbull was managing director and chairman of Goldman Sachs Australia, the financial adviser to FAI, during the HIH takeover bid in 1998.Turnbull was alleged, by HIH liquidators, to have known that FAI was overvalued, but was cleared by the Heydon Royal Commission, subject to a subsequent damages claim. The case was settled confidentially without admission of fault in March, 2009.
AXIS Insurance has been named the official insurance partner of SolarPower Europe, a leading solar power trade organisation in the region with close to 200 member companies.

As part of the new tie-up, AXIS will provide expertise and support to SolarPower Europe and its members to help them better understand and manage insurance risks associated with developments across the solar energy industry.





Want the latest insurance industry news first? Sign up for our completely free newsletter service now. Renewable energy specialists from the global specialty insurer will work with SolarPower Europe to advise on risk management practices for renewable energy firms that are members of the trade organisation.

SolarPower Europe plays a critical role in helping to advance the European renewable energy industry, said Richard Carroll, senior vice president and global head of renewable energy at AXIS Insurance.

We look forward to working with them to further promote the solar energy sector across both Europe and internationally.

James Watson, SolarPower Europe CEO, explained that the organisation partnered with AXIS because of its tremendous reputation in the renewable energy marketplace.

The AXIS Renewable Energy team has quickly emerged as one of the leading solar energy insurers in the world, Watson said. We are pleased to be able to provide our members with access to AXISs renewable energy insurance experts and solutions.

Related stories:
Rhode Island has authorized Americas first dedicated run-off carrier, meaning insurers can now buy policies for lines of business internally or externally reorganized without the entire company being affected.



In other words, if an insurer decides to sell a line of business, get out of a market, acquire a line of business with losses or isolate losses within the company, it can insure itself for the claims it may shoulder responsibility for in the future without creating new subsidiaries.



Under Rhode Islands Regulation 68, insurance companies from around America now have access to a risk transfer previously only available in Europe with the market of dedicated run-off carriers expected to reach $100 million.



ProTucket Insurance Company has become the first entrant into the dedicated run-off carrier market - one the corporation says it hopes will become standard practice.



Artur Niemczewski, CEO of Pro Global Insurance, ProTuckets owner, explained how the business, projected as highly lucrative, works.



The novelty of this approach in Europe is that there are three mechanisms for insurance companies to move past liabilities but in the US, fewer options existed. If they no longer wished to stay in a line of business, they would seek reinsurance cover, for example from Berkshire Hathaway, or they would have to sell on a complete entity, he explained.



Want the latest insurance industry news first? Sign up for our completely free newsletter service now.



The third mechanism available in Europe is where you can isolate a specific line of business with a live company and transfer out that specific line of business to a third party from the existing insurance company, thereby, continuing to write other lines of business.



For the first time, the state of Rhode Island has introduced legislation which allows for the exact same mechanisms as in Europe - isolating lines of business for full use of books and transferring them out to a third party.



ProTucket will largely cover construction defects or medical malpractice, Niemczewski said. But who are those third-parties? Theyre described as protective cells where the lines of business can live and get coverage in isolation, within the original company.



The protected cell, which is not unique to Rhode Island, allows you to keep that book of business as an isolated book of business without having to set up a separate company, Pro Globals American managing director, Mory Katz, explained. If company A has a book of losses that they want to move out of a statutory insurance company into a different insurance company, you would open up a protected cell just for those losses.



You could have transfers from three different companies, but you wouldnt want to mix them together. So youd set up three different cells. Then theyre regulated and accounted for on an individual basis almost as if they were individual companies - but they all work within the same company and the same capital.




Lloyds of London has officially announced the site of its new EU subsidiary after Prime Minister Theresa May started the two-year formal Brexit negotiations on Wednesday.The 329-year old specialist insurer has just revealed that it is setting up a new European insurance firm to be located in Brussels. Lloyds CEO Inga Beale said the plan is for the company to be ready to write business for the January 01 2019 renewal season, subject to regulatory approval.The new insurance company in Brussels will be able to write risks from all 27 EU and three EEA states after the Brexit move.It is important that we are able to provide the market and customers with an effective solution that means business can carry on without interruption when the UK leaves the EU, Beale said in a news release sent to Insurance Business.I am excited about the opportunities this venture will offer the market by providing that important European access efficiently, she added.Lloyds was initially tipped to choose Luxembourg after considering other locations including Ireland and Germany. According to the Press Association, the Lloyds franchise board chose the Belgian capital during a meeting on Tuesday and the governing council ratified the decision on Wednesday afternoon.Brussels met the critical elements of providing a robust regulatory framework in a central European location, and will enable Lloyds to continue to provide specialist underwriting expertise to our customers, Beale said.The Financial Times also reported that Lloyds picked Brussels due to the proximity to EU officials and the local regulators understanding of how the insurance market works.The selection of Brussels as the location for its European subsidiary sends out a strong signal of intent that Lloyds is not only committed to protecting its existing EU business, but that it has ambitions to use this move as a springboard for further advances in the EU continental market, commented Andrew Holderness, global head of the corporate insurance group at Clyde & Co, in a comment issued to Insurance Business.Situated at the very heart of the EU, Brussels is a prestige location and while some of the other candidate cities looked good on paper in terms of more favourable regulation and tax treatments, Lloyds final decision will in part have been influenced by the capital efficiency of the proposed structure with the business being reinsured back into the London market.Lloyds will keep its headquarters in London, but CEO Inga Beale will regularly visit the Brussels hub, The Guardian reported. The new subsidiary will be similar to the markets office in Dubai, which serves the Middle East and North Africa.The latest reports also echoed earlier stories that Lloyds would relocate up to 100 jobs initially from London to Brussels. Beale has yet to make a comment on that issue.
Like many others in this industry, Amber Carver joined the insurance business thanks to family ties  her mother worked at State Farm Insurance, where Carver started her insurance career working right alongside her.She instilled a great work ethic in me from a young age, but that was solidified when I worked with her, said Carver.After completing her training at the Salt Lake City Police Academy, Carver returned to her insurance roots. For the past 17 years, she has been with Burns & Wilcoxs Salt Lake City office, and currently serves as vice president, associate managing director.Although she has been in the insurance game for nearly two decades, the commitment and lessons she learned while at the police academy continue to stick with her, and all her hard work has paid off. She has been the recipient of the companys Top Producer award for the past three consecutive years, and she has also received the Top New Business Income Award.Put in the hard work and time and the sky is the limit on what you can achieve, she said. Dont get caught up in what others are doing. Worry about yourself and be the best you can be.Carver believes that exceptional customer service is the key to success, and hopes that more women find their way into an insurance career, just like her and her mother did years ago.This is a very rewarding industry to be in, not only from a financial point of view, but from a moral standpoint as well, noted Carver.Believing that women have innate qualities that are a great fit for insurance, such as the ability to multitask, Carver is confident that women who enter this industry hold the qualities needed to be successful.We are fortunate enough to make a difference in peoples lives where if we are doing our job, we are impacting their lives and livelihood for the better. It is a great responsibility, but very rewarding as well, she continued. I would love to see more women take part in it!
Lloyds, the specialist insurance and reinsurance market, announced it will set up a European insurance company in Brussels in preparation for the UKs exit from the European Union.

The Brussels subsidiary will aim to be ready to write business for the Jan. 1, 2019 renewal season, subject to regulatory approval, said Lloyds Chief Executive Inga Beale.

As members of the EU, UK-based insurance companies are currently allowed to write business all over the EU, using passporting, which permits companies to operate without the need for additional licensing or authorization from each individual country, a process that can be lengthy and costly.

By setting up a Brussels-based company, Lloyds will be able to write risks from all 27 European Union and three European Economic Area states (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) after the United Kingdom has left the EU.

It is important that we are able to provide the market and customers with an effective solution that means business can carry on without interruption when the UK leaves the EU, said Lloyds Chief Executive Inga Beale.

Brussels met the critical elements of providing a robust regulatory framework in a central European location, and will enable Lloyds to continue to provide specialist underwriting expertise to our customers, she added.

Fewer than 100 employees will be located in Brussels, said a Lloyds representative, explaining the office will be staffed by a combination of local hires, transfers and secondments.

Lengthy Brexit Negotiations

The UK government triggered Article 50 on March 29, which starts the clock ticking on negotiations to exit the EU  at least a two-year process.

The UK will remain a full member of the EU until Brexit is finalized, and, therefore, Lloyds said, there is no immediate impact on existing policies, renewals or new policies, including multi-year policies, written during this period of time.

It is now crucial that the UK government and the European Union proceed to negotiate an agreement that allows business to continue to flow under the best possible conditions once the UK formally leaves the EU, Beale went on to say.

I believe it is important not just for the City [of London] but also for Europe that we reach a mutually beneficial agreement. We stand ready to help and support the government as best we can.

American International Group decided in early March to move its EU headquarters to Luxembourg, in preparation for Brexit. Beazley Plc plans to turn its Dublin-based reinsurance operation into an insurance subsidiary, while other London market insurers and Lloyds insurers are planning similar moves to major EU financial centers.

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Topics Carriers Excess Surplus Europe Lloyd's
Lloyds reported 2016 pretax profit of 2.1 billion pounds ($2.6 billion), level with 2015, despite a worsening of the markets combined ratio at 97.9 percent, compared with 90.0 percent in 2015.

Return on capital was 8.1 percent in 2016 compared with 9.1 percent the previous year, while gross written premiums increased to 29.9 billion ($36.4 billion) from 26.7 billion ($32.5 billion) in 2015.

As a result of the ongoing soft market, competition from alternative capital and higher natural catastrophe claims, underwriting profit for the year took a hit, decreasing to 500 million ($608.7 million) from 2 billion ($2.4 billion) in 2015.

Hurricane Matthew and the Fort McMurray wildfires in Canada helped raise 2016 claims to 2.1 billion ($2.6 billion) from 700 million ($852.2 million) in 2015. The claims figure for 2016 marked Lloyds fifth highest claims level since the turn of the century and above the long-term average.

Conditions over the course of the year were extremely challenging with continued downwards pressure on pricing while traditional and alternative capital remained attracted to the insurance industry, Lloyds said in a statement.

Syndicates writing motor reinsurance and direct motor and UK liability business have been affected by the recent announcement to change the discount rate to negative 0.75 percent (the Ogden tables), which is used to calculate lump-sum personal liability claims, Lloyds said in a statement.

Following the United Kingdoms decision to leave the European Union, Lloyds confirmed a subsidiary office will be opened in Brussels with the intention that it will be operational for the Jan. 1 renewal season in 2019.

This has been a year of challenge for the insurance sector with premiums once more under continued downward pressure, said Chief Executive Inga Beale.

Our collective focus must be on providing customers with the products they want, embracing innovation and modernization, she added. The market has shown how well it reacts to the demands of its customers in a rapidly changing risk environment with the considerable increase in cyber coverage throughout 2016  a perfect case in point.

The results confirm that we must have an unrelenting focus on underwriting discipline through 2017, said Lloyds Chairman John Nelson. The challenge for all of us is to reduce the cost of conducting business because within the market this is [affecting] already thin underwriting margins.

Nelson is retiring and will be succeeded in June by Bruce Carnegie-Brown, the former chief executive for Marsh Europe and non-executive chairman of Aon UK Ltd.

Topics Profit Loss Excess Surplus Lloyd's
Brussels expects to lure other financial players after convincing Lloyds of London, the worlds largest specialty insurance market, to make the city its post-Brexit European hub.

While Lloyds choice on Thursday surprised some, lower rental prices and its proximity to Britain could help other financial firms choose the multilingual home of the European Union over Dublin, Frankfurt, Paris and Luxembourg.

Lloyds is expected to move fewer than 100 people, but other insurers needing an EU subsidiary to keep access to the single market after Britain leaves the bloc may follow. Lloyds has long been a magnet for insurance underwriters, most of which are clustered around its landmark building in the City of London.

From our contacts with consultancy firms we have learned that several companies are interested in Belgium, a spokeswoman for Belgiums financial sector federation Febelfin said, without specifying which companies or sectors had expressed an interest.

Brussels suffered as a banking center during the financial crisis in which its three largest banks required state-led bailouts from which only one has really recovered and employment in Belgiums financial sector has been in steady decline, shrinking some 20 percent since 2007.

Fortis, once one of Europes largest banks, now only exists as a pared-down insurer, Ageas, after its banking operations were sold to Frances BNP Paribas.

Dexia, once the worlds largest lender to municipalities, is being wound down, with Belgium, France and Luxembourg guaranteeing 71 billion euros ($77 billion) of the groups borrowings.

Nevertheless, Belgium still hosts the headquarters of payment messaging provider Swift and clearing house Euroclear and some 82 banks have an office in the country.

Being in the vicinity of European institutions also allows for easy access to high-level decision makers.

For employees cosmopolitan Brussels offers rents which are about a third of those in London, high-speed rail services reaching the UK capital in less than two hours and good food.

What people really like here is the international community that definitely is the number one reason to come here, Edgar Hutte of the Brussels Expat Club, which helps new arrivals settle in, said.

The negatives include hefty income taxes, among the highest in the OECD group of developed countries, bureaucratic red tape and world record traffic jams.

($1 = 0.9264 euros)

(Editing by Philip Blenkinsop and Alexander Smith)

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Topics Excess Surplus Europe Lloyd's London
The heist of $81 million from the Bangladesh central banks account at the New York Federal Reserve last year was state-sponsored, an FBI officer in the Philippines, who has been involved in the investigations, said on Wednesday.

Lamont Siller, the legal attache at the U.S. embassy, did not elaborate but his comments in a speech in Manila are a strong signal that authorities in the United States are close to naming who carried out one of the worlds biggest cyber heists.

Last week, officials in Washington, speaking on condition of anonymity, blamed North Korea.

We all know the Bangladesh Bank heist, this is just one example of a state-sponsored attack that was done on the banking sector, Siller told a cyber security forum.

An official briefed on the probe told Reuters in Washington last week that the FBI believes North Korea was responsible for the heist. The official did not give details.

The Wall Street Journal reported U.S. prosecutors were building potential cases that would accuse North Korea of directing the heist, and would charge alleged Chinese middlemen.

The FBI has been leading an international investigation into the February 2016 heist, in which hackers breached Bangladesh Banks systems and used the SWIFT messaging network to order the transfer of nearly $1 billion from its account at the New York Fed.

The U.S. central bank rejected most of the requests but filled some of them, resulting in $81 million being transferred to bank accounts in the Philippines. The money was quickly withdrawn and later disappeared in the huge casino industry in the country.

There have been no arrests in the case.

A Chinese casino owner in the Philippines told that Senate inquiry he took millions of dollars from two Chinese high-rollers in February. He said the two men were responsible for transferring the stolen money from Dhaka to Manila.

Philippine investigators have filed criminal charges against several individuals and a remittance company for money laundering in connection with the heist at the countrys Department of Justice (DOJ).

None of these cases have yet been filed in court, however.

Siller said the FBI was working closely with the Philippines government to ensure those responsible for the attack do not go unpunished.

So for us in the FBI, it is never over. We are going to bring these individuals to justice so that we can show others, that you maybe be able to muster such attacks, even state-sponsored, but you will not get away with it in the end.

(Reporting by Karen Lema; editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)

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Topics USA China
Michigan state senators have approved legislation that could allow the Automobile Theft Prevention Authority to assess small fees on commercial vehicles, not just private passenger vehicles.

Under current law, auto insurers pay $1 a year per insured car. State Attorney General Bill Schuette issued a 2015 opinion saying the authority can assess fees on every insurance policy in Michigan, not just policies for private passenger vehicles.

The authority gives grants to law enforcement agencies and nonprofits to assist in investigations of vehicle thefts.

The nonpartisan Senate Fiscal Agency says the bill approved 37-0 could generate more revenue for the authority, but its uncertain whether it would result in a significant boost in $1 assessments. The legislation was sent to the House for consideration.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Commercial Lines Fraud Michigan Politics
A national trade association representing property/casualty insurers has come out against a proposed bill in Illinois that will create what group says are burdensome and duplicative workers compensation regulations.

The synopsis of Illinois House Bill 2645 states that the bill allows employers to file safety and return to work programs with the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission.

It also authorizes the IWCC to certify the programs and provides that the Director of Insurance shall direct any workers compensation rate setting advisory organization to recalculate rates with respect to employers that file safety and return to work programs. Provides for the Director of Insurance to waive the Workers Compensation Commission Operations Fund fee with respect to self-insured employers that file the plans.

On March 29, Steve Schneider, Midwest region vice president for the American Insurance Association (AIA), testified against the bill before the Illinois House Labor and Commerce Committee

In a statement released by the AIA, Schneider said the association urges the House Labor and Commerce Committee to oppose HB 2645.

The legislation urges employers and insurers to file their safety and return to work plans with the IWCC and wait for the certification of these plans. Simultaneously, the Department of Insurance (DOI) is required to direct the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) to recalculate advisory premium rates for the employers and insurers who file these programs. While this sounds like a good idea, the actual implementation of this scheme will be horrendously difficult.

First, there is no documented problem necessitating the so-called voluntary certification program posed by the legislation; second, there is no coordination between plans filed with the IWCC, the DOIs directives to the NCCI, or the NCCIs compliance with these directives; third, the real losers from this bureaucratic circus will be insurance customers who will have to wait for these three entities to receive the info, review it, certify it, address any questions, issue directives, comply with those directives and then implement those directives.

There is no need for this plan. It is virtually impossible to implement given its structure and customers will be forced to wait for their insurance plans. We urge the committee to reject HB 2645.

Topics Legislation Workers' Compensation Illinois
A U.S. judge will hear arguments on Thursday over whether to grant final approval to a $25 million settlement of fraud lawsuits against President Donald Trump over his Trump University real estate investment seminars, with at least one former student objecting to the deal.

Sherri Simpson of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, who paid $19,000 to learn Trumps investing secrets, filed court papers earlier this month arguing the class action settlement should not have contained a provision barring her and other students from opting out and suing Trump on their own.

The objection raises the possibility the litigation could continue to dog Trumps presidency. During the campaign, Trump vowed to fight the fraud claims but agreed to the settlement soon after the election. Under the deal, Trump admitted no wrongdoing.

Lawyers for Trump and those representing thousands of other students in two class actions will urge U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel in San Diego to overrule the objection and approve the deal.

The students, who paid as much as $35,000 for the seminars, are expected to recover more than 80 percent of the money they paid.

Though Simpsons lawyer, Gary Friedman, called the settlement laudable, he said his client wanted to press for a full recovery, as well as punitive damages and other relief. He is planning to argue the deal should be rejected unless she is allowed to do so.

What Ms. Simpson seeks is her day in court, Friedman said in court papers.

Simpson and other students claim they were lured into the seminars by false promises that they would learn Trumps investment strategies from his hand-picked instructors. Trump admitted he did not personally select the instructors but said the claim was sales puffery.

Rachel Jensen, a class action lawyer for the students, said in a court filing that some 3,730 students submitted claim forms. Two filed objections but only Simpsons lawyers are expected at the hearing.

In court papers, both Jensen and Daniel Petrocelli, a lawyer for Trump, suggested Simpsons objection might be politically motivated. They noted she appeared in an anti-Trump political ad in February 2016.

Defendants paid $25 million to avoid the uncertainty that political opponents might solicit opt-outs to force a high-profile trial, Jensen said.

Friedman denied any political motive and said he would appeal if the judge overruled the objection.

Trump accused Curiel of bias last year based on the Indiana-born judges Mexican ancestry.

(Reporting By Karen Freifeld; Editing by Andrew Hay)

Topics Legislation Education Universities
A federal judge on Wednesday granted a bid by Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. to undo a class action lawsuit by manager trainees in six states who say they were unlawfully denied overtime pay.

U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter in Manhattan said the former Chipotle apprentices from New York, Illinois and four other states had varying duties depending on where they worked and could not show they were all eligible for overtime pay.

The plaintiffs in the 2012 lawsuit said that when they worked in the temporary, salaried positions training to manage new restaurants, they often performed basic tasks that could be assigned to hourly workers. That entitled them to overtime pay under state wage laws, the workers said.

Carters decision blocks the seven workers who filed the lawsuit from representing a class of more than 500 people, which could end the case altogether.

Larger Lawsuit

The companys victory on Wednesday came as it faced a larger 2014 lawsuit filed in federal court in Colorado by 10,000 hourly workers who say they were required to work off the clock for no pay. A U.S. appeals court in Colorado on Monday rejected Chipotles bid to undo the nationwide class of workers in that case.

Denver-based Chipotle, which operates more than 2,000 U.S. restaurants, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesdays ruling. Nor did lawyers for the plaintiffs.

Unlike most other fast food chains that operate on a franchise model, Chipotle owns its restaurants and is responsible for wages and other employment decisions.

Salaried workers like the Chipotle apprentices are automatically eligible for overtime pay under federal law if they earn less than $23,660. Employees who earn more must be paid overtime if they do not have management or administrative duties.

Last year, a federal judge blocked a controversial Obama administration rule that would have doubled the salary threshold to about $47,500 and extended overtime pay to more than 4 million workers.

The U.S. Department of Labor appealed the judges ruling, but it is unclear whether the administration of President Donald Trump will pursue the case. Trumps nominee for U.S. labor secretary, R. Alexander Acosta, told a U.S. Senate panel last week that he had not made a decision about how to proceed on the rule, but was concerned about its impact on businesses and workers.

(Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York; Editng by Andrew Hay)

Topics Lawsuits USA
The Hartford has named A. Morris Mo Tooker, currently chief underwriting officer, as head of its Middle Market segment.

Tooker remains chief underwriting officer for the companys property/casualty businesses and continues to report to Doug Elliot, president of The Hartford.

The Hartfords Middle Market segment provides multiline commercial insurance coverage for midsize and larger businesses, associations and organizations. Its core offerings include property, general liability, workers compensation, auto, umbrella liability and marine protection, as well as specialty coverages for target industry segments, including technology, life sciences, construction, energy and multinational.

Tooker joined The Hartford in 2015, when he was named executive vice president and chief underwriting officer for the companys property/casualty insurance businesses. He has overseen underwriting across the insurers Small Commercial, Middle Market, Large Commercial and Personal Lines segments.

Prior to joining The Hartford in 2015, Tooker served as president of General Reinsurance Corp. and was responsible for the companys global property/casualty reinsurance business.

Topics Commercial Lines Business Insurance Property Casualty
Can you imagine an even hotter, drier Phoenix?

Certainly not if youve been to the sun-drenched Arizona capital in the summer.

Such an inconceivable scenario is being proposed by the LA Times.

Today, Phoenix is a horizon of asphalt, air conditioning and historic indifference to the pitfalls of putting 1.5 million people in a place that gets just 8 inches of rain a year and where the temperature routinely exceeds 100 degrees, a recent article states.

Evidently climate change will make things worse.

The future, scientists say, will be even hotter and drier, the monsoons more mercurial, LA Times reporter William Yardley writes.

Summertime highs could reach 130 degrees before the end of the century, according to the article. Yardley draws in part on a study by Climate Central and the Weather Channel that found that the average temperature in Phoenix had increased 1.12 degrees in summer 2016 over the previous half a century, more than any major city.

Some of that rise is from the urban heat island effect, which limits natural nighttime cooling, scant coverage from trees, and the citys sprawl creates emissions that contribute to the overall heating of the atmosphere, according to the article.

However, Phoenix is trying to do something about it. As President Trump was reversing Obama-era decisions made in concert with the Paris climate agreement, the city adopted a goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030 from 2005 levels.

Lloyds

Doing something about it may put Phoenix ahead of the pack.

A report out from Lloyds at the beginning of the week titled, Future Cities: Building infrastructure resilience, notes that global exposure to disasters has risen over recent decades.

And it appears that exposure will grow.

This trend that is likely to continue because most global population increases will take place in Asian and sub-Saharan African cities, which are more at risk from natural hazards, the report states.

Direct losses from disasters in the past decade are estimated at U.S. $1.4 trillion, and the Lloyds City Risk Index found that $4.6 trillion of the projected GDP of 301 of the worlds leading cities is at risk from 18 threats over the next decade.

Lloyds in coordination with Arup developed a set of guiding principles for the planning, design, construction and operation of some of the key components of city infrastructure to improve resilience.

Cyber threats, terrorism and water shortages are among the key risks identified in the Lloyds report.

The risk of climate change is peppered throughout:

Climate change is driving more extreme weather events that pose a threat of damage and interruption to transport infrastructure.

Climate change will drive an increase in the intensity and unpredictability of climatic hazards; events such as Hurricane Katrina demonstrate the potential impact on urban energy continuity.

Temperature extremes driven by climate change will have an increasing impact on global water security. In many rapidly growing countries urbanisation is also placing increasing pressure on water resources, while unsustainable development pathways and governance failures affect the quality and availability of water resources.

Climate-driven shock events, social unrest and new types of infrastructure-focused terrorism will have an increasing impact on local water-system continuity.

The sources for these findings are detailed in the report, which can be downloaded on the Lloyds website.

Among other measures, Lloyds recommends the following for cities:

Prevent failure: make city infrastructure more resilient to shocks so that even if parts of it fail temporarily, the overall system still works

Expedite recovery: examine ways in which infrastructure can be restarted as quickly as possible post-disaster to save lives and prevent further failures; and

Transform performance: replace damaged infrastructure with a more resilient version as part of the rebuilding process.

China

China is poised to take the lead in the battle against climate change now that President Trump has abdicated the nations front-runner position on the Paris climate agreement.

Trump was at the Environmental Protection Agency to sign an executive order that essentially undoes the Clean Power Plan and strikes at the heart of the Obama administrations efforts for compliance with the Paris agreement that the U.S. and nations around the world entered into nearly two years ago.

Trump said he signed the order to improve the economy and bring back jobs.

My administration is putting an end to the war on coal, Trump said following the signing of the order.

This is a complete role reversal for the worlds two biggest carbon emitters. Following the Paris agreement, the Obama Administration pleaded with China to commit to limiting the use of fossil fuels.

Lu Kang, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, told a daily news briefing that climate change is a common challenge for everyone.

We still uphold that all sides should move with the times, grasp the opportunities, fulfill their promises and earnestly take proactive steps to jointly push the enforcement of this agreement, Lu said. No matter how other countries policies on climate change, as a responsible large developing country, Chinas resolve, aims and policy moves in dealing with climate change will not change.

A New York Times article states that following Trumps election in November, Chinas leaders have begun to encourage all countries to abide by the Paris agreement.

Theyve set the direction they intend to go in the next five years, Barbara Finamore, a senior lawyer and Asia director at the Natural Resources Defense Council, told the Times. Its clear they intend to double down on bringing down their reliance on coal and increasing their use of renewable energy.

She added that China wants to take over the role of the U.S. as a climate leader, and that the countrys leaders have worked this stance into their economic development blueprints.

Fingerprints

A human fingerprint can be found on global extreme weather in the form of droughts, heatwaves, and floods, according to new findings from a group of scientists.

Their work analyzed extreme weather caused by changes in planetary waves (also known as Rosby waves), including the prolonged California drought, heatwaves around the globe and the severe floods in Pakistan in 2010.

Planetary waves are a natural phenomenon in the atmosphere and oceans that are driven largely by the rotation of the Earth. At certain temperatures the waves can grind to a halt and subject large regions to unchanging weather for extended periods, thus creating droughts, heatwaves and floods, according to the paper.

Persistent episodes of extreme weather in the Northern Hemisphere summer have been shown to be associated with the presence of high-amplitude quasi-stationary atmospheric Rossby waves within a particular wavelength range, an abstract of the paper published in the Journal Nature states.

It explains that the underlying mechanistic relationship involves quasi-resonant amplification (QRA) of synoptic-scale waves (a horizontal length scale) with a certain wavenumber range becoming trapped within an effective mid-latitude atmospheric waveguide.

Recent work suggests an increase in recent decades in the occurrence of QRA-favorable conditions and associated extreme weather, possibly linked to amplified Arctic warming and thus a climate change influence, the abstract states.

The paper isolates a specific fingerprint in the zonal mean surface temperature profile associated with QRA-favorable conditions, while historical climate model simulations that were subjected to anthropogenic forcing displayed an increase in the projection of this fingerprint mirrored in multiple observational surface temperature datasets.

Both the models and observations suggest this signal has only recently emerged from the background noise of natural variability, the paper states.

Past columns:

Topics USA Excess Surplus Climate Change Lloyd's Pollution China
This article originally appeared in the Texas Tribune.

Weeks after major business interests blasted legislation that would make it harder for property owners to sue insurance companies over weather-related damages, other high-profile business interests are lining up in support of the bill.

Texans for Lawsuit Reform  the powerful tort reform group pushing Senate Bill 10  is touting the newfound backing.

In early February, 15 businesses, including 7-Eleven and Ryan LLC, founded and led by Republican mega-donor Brint Ryan, condemned the high-priority insurance bill in a joint letter to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick  who has championed the issue  and other top Republican leaders. They were particularly concerned that the legislation was not limited to hailstorms and would go beyond property claims.

The letter said that the legislation greatly harms businesses by making it harder for anyone who insures property in Texas to get paid after filing a claim. Businesses in the Lone Star State already have minimal protections against insurance companies and the proposed changes would only strip away what remains, the letter contended.

Since then, the bills author, Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, acknowledged his legislation was too broad and introduced a new version that limits the proposed changes to weather-related insurance claims. (

The House Insurance Committee took public testimony on a companion bill, House Bill 1774, on March 28.

Support from big name business leaders has been rolling in ever since, said Texans for Lawsuit Reform spokeswoman Lucy Nashed. The group has received more than 180 letters from the likes of auto magnate Red McCombs and billionaire real estate developer Ross Perot Jr., she said. And almost two dozen letters have been sent to lawmakers.

The business community in Texas has always worked together to stop any kind of lawsuit abuse, whenever and wherever it happens, Nashed said. [They know that] now is not the time to turn a blind eye to the newest form of lawsuit abuse.

Patrick has made the legislation a priority, and is leading the charge on punishing lawyers he says are taking advantage of homeowners and insurance companies to get big payouts.

In a video posted on Facebook in February, Patrick said, we need to end these skyrocketing claims weve seen over the last several years dealing with hailstorms.

Gov. Greg Abbott has also backed the initiative and reiterated his support for the legislation at a luncheon for the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute, saying the hailstorm that ravaged North Texas over the weekend demonstrates once again why we need that hailstorm litigation law to pass.

Proponents of the legislation argue it will preserve consumer protections and successfully crack down on lawyers who cash in on hailstorms at the expense of their clients and insurance companies.

A Texas Department of Insurance report found the amount of weather-related property lawsuits has increased by 15 times since 2012, before which only about 0.1 percent of claims resulted in lawsuits. Since then, about close to 2 percent of negotiations have involved legal action.

A 1400 percent increase in anything is an explosion. Those arent subtle numbers, Nashed said, describing it as lawyer-driven litigation.

The reform group estimates there have been $340 million in legal fees paid by insurance companies as a result of more than 35,000 lawsuits since mid-2012.

But more lawsuits does not mean more frivolous lawsuits, said Tori Sommerman, deputy director of Texas Watch, a nonprofit consumer rights group.

There are currently dozens of laws on the books that can prevent frivolous lawsuits, Sommerman said, noting they should be better enforced.

Sommerman also worried that slashing the penalties for insurers that dont pay up would strip away key consumer protections.

Those are vital in not only punishing insurers that unfairly deny, delay and underpay claims but it also decreases the incentives for insurers to pay claims on time in the first place, Sommerman said.

Nashed said several real estate companies are backing the legislation because it would make it easier to own a home by helping keep the cost of property insurance low.

In her letter of support for the legislation, the chairman emeritus of Sothebys International Realty said that a colleague had asked her to sign a statement opposing the hailstorm-related legislation. Martha Turner said she looked into the issue to learn more and now heartily supports the Senate and House versions of the bill.

The bills actually help, as opposed to harm, homeowners, especially homeowners in poorer or middle-class neighborhoods who have seen their insurance rates going up and their deductibles increasing in many parts of our state, Turner wrote.

Two years ago, business blowback killed a similar bill, after it passed the Senate. A slew of companies, pro-business trade associations, the Texas Association of Rural Schools and AARP all said the bill would leave them at a disadvantage in disputes over property damage claims.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified one of the business leaders supporting the legislation as former presidential candidate Ross Perot Sr.

Disclosure: Ross Perot Jr. has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune. A complete list of Tribune donors and sponsors can be viewed here.

This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2017/03/27/businesses-are-divided-support-high-priority-insurance-bill/.

The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans  and engages with them  about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

Topics Lawsuits Carriers Legislation Texas Property
Exxon Mobil Corp.s attempt to derail a multistate fraud probe into whether the company fully disclosed to investors the financial risks of climate change was dealt a major blow after a Texas judge moved the case from its home turf to a federal court in Manhattan.

Texas isnt the right venue for Exxons lawsuit against New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and his Massachusetts counterpart, Maura Healey, because the claims revolve around events in Manhattan, a judge in Dallas ruled Wednesday. Exxon argues that the joint investigation into possible consumer and securities fraud was started in bad faith.

The Exxon case involves important issues, U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade said in his ruling. But it belongs in New York because the alleged collusion at the center of the lawsuit took place at a United for Clean Power press conference on March 29, 2016, in Manhattan, he said.

The development follows questions about the role of former Chief Executive Officer Rex Tillerson, now U.S. Secretary of State, after Schneiderman found Tillerson had used a secondary email account under the alias  Wayne Tracker to discuss climate-change risks and other important matters with Exxons board. Exxon failed to disclose the emails under a subpoena, Schneiderman said in court filing. Exxon has denied that the move was intentional and instead blames a technical glitch.

Pressure Probe

In his ruling, Kinkeade spelled out Exxons grievances, including allegations that Schneidermans and Healeys actions before and during the press conference indicate their investigations are politically motivated and that the pair used the probes to pressure Exxon to change its position in the policy debate about climate change.

Alan Jeffers, a spokesman for Irving, Texas-based Exxon, denied in a statement that the decision was a setback, even though the fight over the Texas courts jurisdiction has been central to the case. Jeffers instead focused on Kinkeads remarks that appear to criticize the attorneys general for refusing, during the litigation, to share information about the environmental press conference in Manhattan.

Should not the attorneys general want to share all information related to the AGs United for Clean Power press conference? the judge asked in the ruling. That way the public would know the probes werent politically motivated, he said.

The attorney general was glad the judge agreed with her offices position, Chloe Gotsis, a spokeswoman for Healey said in an email. Schneidermans spokeswoman, Amy Spitalnick, said the ruling was appropriate.

We will continue to pursue our investigation under New York law, ignoring Exxons continued campaign of delay and distraction, Spitalnick said in an email.

Morally Vacant

The states have been investigating since 2015 whether Exxon misled the public and investors for years about climate change, including the ways it could impact the companys finances. Theyre also examining whether Exxon properly valued its reserves.

Exxon, which sued in June, claims the evidence of political motivation includes meetings the attorneys general had with environmental groups and Schneidermans claim at the press conference that former President Barack Obamas environmental agenda was being opposed by morally vacant forces.

Exxon claims that the ultimate goal of the attorneys general is to silence everyone in the oil and gas industry from debating the climate change issue at any level, Kinkeade said in Wednesdays ruling.

Kinkeade in November gave Exxon an early victory by ordering Healey to appear in-person in Dallas for questioning under oath. The judge allowed the questioning by company lawyers after finding Healeys probe may have been started in bad faith. Kinkeade canceled the deposition in December without giving a reason, even though hed rejected a last-minute bid by Healey to delay it just days earlier.

With Washington divided along party lines over the state probes, House Republicans have subpoenaed Healey and Schneiderman  both Democrats  to derail their investigations citing arguments that largely parallel Exxons allegations. Both attorneys general have said theyll ignore the subpoenas, hinting at a showdown in Congress with Texas Representative Lamar Smith.

The case is Exxon Mobil Corp. v. Healey, 16-cv-00469, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas (Fort Worth).

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics Lawsuits USA Legislation Texas New York Climate Change Pollution
As the Florida property market fights what has so far been a losing battle against attorneys and unlicensed contractor firms over water loss claims and assignment of benefits (AOB), Citizens Property Insurance Corp., Floridas property insurer of last resort, has put out an urgent call to its agents to assist the company in tackling the increasing abuse.

In a call with the state-run insurers Market Accountability Advisory Committee (MAAC) earlier this week, Carl Rockman, head of Agency Management for Citizens, said the company has taken a hard look at its agencies claim reporting time, defined as the day the claim occurred versus the day when the claim is first reported to the carrier.

In doing so, Citizens identified a small percentage of agencies that Rockman called a little out of pattern from the average reporting time of most Citizens agencies.

Rockman told the MAAC that it has been tracking agency claims data across the board, and according to internal data from 2016, 154 agencies reported claims more than 10 days after an incident occurred during the last six months. That number is actually relatively low considering the 4,977 Florida agencies currently contracted with Citizens.

However, geographically, the majority of those 154 agencies are located in the Tri-County area of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach, where the abuse has been the most rampant. The average number of days it takes an agency in this area to report a claim from the date of loss is also longer than agencies in other parts of the state. Of the 154 agencies reporting claims more than 10 days after the date of loss, those in the Tri-County area took about 14 days on average compared with 12 days for agencies outside of the Tri-County area.

Citizens data also found smaller agencies generally had more reporting delays.

The sooner the insurance company is involved in that process the better job they can do this strategy is all about that, said Rockman.

The timing of when a water damage claim is reported is crucial, Citizens says, and was the reason the company launched its Call Citizens First initiative last year. The carrier has found a strong correlation between the average number of days it takes for a claim to be reported and the likelihood of a lawsuit being filed against the insurer. Barry Gilway, CEO and executive director of Citizens, said in February that the average water damage claim is received by the company 50 days after the date of loss, and 76 percent of water loss claims in 2016 were submitted to the company in the form of a lawsuit.

In other words, Citizens is sued before it has inspected or adjusted most water damage claims. The cost of water damage claims has almost doubled in five years  with the average cost last year being $19,600.

I agree 100 percent with pushing the Call Citizens First strategy, but we have got to get the insureds reporting these claims coming through the agent or by calling Citizens first, Gilway said at the MAAC meeting. Either way, weve got to have them report through that mechanism before they tie themselves up with an attorney or a public adjuster who is going to bring forth litigation.

The insurer is hoping that with the help of its agents, it can stem this growing problem that it blames for a $27.1 million net loss in 2016, its first loss since 2005.

Its new strategy is to work with and educate the agencies that are not already following strict claims procedures, including focusing on agency manager engagement or best practices like point of sale customer education; transferring policyholders directly to Citizens when a loss is reported through the PolicyCenter; and using Citizens branding on an agent website for claims service.

Rockman said the company has strong evidence that 54 percent of the time, claims that do not go into litigation came from customers that contacted their agents first.

Our job is to make sure our agent community understands the importance of that moment of truth and getting that claim to Citizens as quickly as possible, Rockman said.

Rockman said its Citizens Field Agency Management team will be working with the identified agencies to find out why these claims are not being reported right away, noting that many may not be aware of the claim reporting timeframe. It will also work on educating the agencies about what others with better than average reporting times are doing, and recommend the agencies adopt those practices.

Its just raising the agencys level of awareness around how important it is to report claims if they are reported [first] to the agency, Rockman said. But more importantly, to inform their customer and reinforce the message what our call Citizens first campaign calls for  to make sure they are calling Citizens if they have a need for any type of claims service.

Rockman acknowledged that in some cases an agent may be notified by their customer of an incident, but opt not to file a claim because of the cost of the deductible or for other reasons. He said Citizens has heard from its agents about these situations but urges them to still get the carrier involved in the conversation.

What we really want to make sure is that the agency owner and everybody in the agency understands one thing  that they are contractually obligated to report a claim to Citizens if a claim is reported to themno ambiguity, no gray area, Rockman said. If a customer informs you they have a loss or claim  you must report it, its very simple.

Steve Bitar, chief of Underwriting and Agency Services, said overall, it typically isnt agents reporting the offending claims  62 percent are reported by attorneys or public adjusters. But Citizens is hoping to work together with the agent community to have a positive impact on these trends.

We are really trying to tackle it on many prongs, if you will, so we can see what the experience is, Bitar said. Maybe it is nothing more than an education opportunity so well be committed to bringing back our results as we embark on this path.

Dave Newell is chair of the Citizens MAAC Committee and Education director for the Florida Association of Insurance Agents (FAIA) and the Citizens liaison for the FAIA. He attended the committee meeting and said the message to agents is not that they are not doing their job, but that there is still a long way to go for the industry to educate consumers about this abuse.

He said the biggest takeaway for agents should be to get out in front to explain the claims process to clients and how an AOB can impact a claim.

So far, he said, the industry and agents have been behind compared to the other side of the equation  contractors and attorneys  who have been visible and vocal with homeowners for several years now.

There has been a longstanding communication from those saying you shouldnt talk to an agent or company, you should talk to us first because we can help you through this process better,' Newell said. I think the industry is now rebounding that.

He said FAIAs agents have become more active in warning their communities about this abuse, from sending notifications to clients, to speaking at community meetings, to face-to-face meetings with their state legislators.

That is where the disconnect and separation has been and that is starting to narrow. But it is such a wide band right now that its very tough to shorten in a short period of time, he said.

The Florida Legislature is currently looking at several bills meant to address the issue, but Citizens Gilway said only one  Senate Bill 1038  really tackles the heart of the problem, which the industry agrees is Floridas one-way attorney fee statute. The bill has yet to move out of committees since March 7.

Newell said regardless of what happens in the legislature, agents play an important role in the situation.

We always promote the agent as being a trusted advisor, and I think in order to do that they have to be more proactive with clients. If they do that and talk about some of the concerns or pitfalls to an AOB claim, a client would certainly think twice in the situation. he said. I think the agent is in a little better position than what some would say is the big bad insurance company.

But, he added, the industry still needs to continue putting out a consistent message to consumers.

We have to have a continuation of getting out and talking about this problem and how claims are adjusted with or without an AOB, he said. I think the industry is doing a good job now, but there has to be some forward thinking on this path.

Topics Carriers Florida Agencies Claims Training Development
Brightway Insurance is scheduled to open its first agency in South Carolina next week. Veteran insurance agent and now Brightway Agency owner, Gregory Dissel, will open the doors to Brightway, The Dissel Agency on Monday, April 3.

While new to South Carolina, Brightway Insurance is the nations seventh largest privately held personal lines independent insurance agency.

Dissel, who was a top agent at another Brightway Agency, brings 10 years of experience and intimate knowledge of the local market with him to his new role.

Dissel has experience homeowners, auto, umbrella and flood insurance, and regularly works with loan officers and real estate agents to help their customers secure an insurance policy. Additionally, he has obtained licenses for life, health and annuities.

Brightway, The Dissel Agency is located at 50 Burnt Church Road, Suite 200-C in Bluffton. The agency offers customized home, condo, renters, auto, flood, RV, motorcycle, boat, ATV and umbrella insurance policies from more than 30 insurance carriers including Bankers, Dixon Wells and Progressive.

Brightway Insurance is a national property/casualty insurance retailer selling through a network of franchised independent agencies throughout the country. Brightway provides its agency owners with access to insurance companies, along with a comprehensive system of support.

Brightway began franchising operations in 2008 and has since grown to more than 700 people in 13 states serving customers in all 50 states.

Topics South Carolina
Il Teatro Vittorio Emanuele di Messina ospitera fino al 1 maggio la personale Beyond the truth di Michele DAvenia, una mostra che fa parte del ciclo R-esistenza dartista, a cura di Saverio Pugliatti. Caratterizzata da una ricca raccolta di quadri ad olio e opere grafiche segnate da un realismo che anima la trattazione delle nature morte e dei nudi femminili, la mostra esalta il nucleo generatore della pittura di Michele DAvenia, il suo sistema linguistico, il suo impianto compositivo mirano alla chiarezza e al senso dellordine, il suo linguaggio visivo si nutre di un segno netto, terso, eppure morbido, vivacizzato da un tessuto cromatico sicuro, spiega nel testo critico che accompagna lesposizione la critica darte Anna Maria Ruta. Il suo nucleo riflessivo, invece, la sua indagine sulla natura e sulluomo (che per lui e la donna), la chiave morale con cui apre le porte dellinteriorita  continua Ruta  e attuale.

Un classicismo davanguardia, dunque, un dividersi dellanima tra classico e moderno. Nelle sue tele -precisa la storica dellarte- si legge uno studio lungo e attento della pittura, condotto sui libri e dal vivo, che lo ha messo a diretto contatto con i grandi maestri del passato, con il loro abile uso del disegno, del colore, dellattenzione ai particolari del reale, scandagliato fin nelle piu sottili sfaccettature. Nei suoi nudi femminili non ce mai impudicizia, ma -sottolinea Anna Maria Ruta- ce una sorta di purezza catartica e i loro contorni, anche in una gestualita naturale, quotidiana, si fanno ammirare per la loro precisione morbida, come quella delle tante Veneri accovacciate, dei tanti nudi distesi della pittura antica. E un lirico non sensuale DAvenia, anche quando coglie giovani donne in momenti intimi o contemplativi, sempre con sguardo delicato, mai aggressivo.
Retirement planning at any age can be challenging. Still, there are certain steps to take when you're in your mid-60s and beyond to make sure you're ready for those golden years.

Key Takeaways Many people choose to continue working past retirement age for extra income or to stay engaged.

If you were born in 1960 or later, your full retirement age for Social Security benefits is 67.

You can sign up for Medicare at age 65, whether or not you're retired.

Required minimum distributions for traditional IRAs and 401(k)s start at age 72.

At one time, the common age for retirement was 65, but times have changed. Even the Social Security Administration (SSA) has increased the age when full retirement benefits are available. Also, there has been a shift from defined-benefit plans to defined-contribution plans in many company-sponsored plans.

Adding to these changes is the fact that many savings programs are not producing projected returns. It's easy to see why many individuals may need to postpone retirement.

Of course, even if you are financially secure, reaching age 65 does not always mean it's time to retire. Many people who are 65 years old love their jobs and want to continue working. Still, there are a few things to considerand take care ofas part of retirement planning in your mid-60s and beyond.

Determine Your Retirement Readiness

If your employer's policy is to offer retirement at age 65, think about whether you are really ready to quit from a psychological and a financial perspective. If not, consider whether you want to ask your employer to allow you to work a few more years, or if you'd like to be hired as a consultant.

Ideally, you will do this at least a year before you reach 65, as some employers start the retirement process early. Many employers now focus on hiring and retaining employees who are experienced and "know the business" to strengthen their intellectual banks.

Staying on as a salaried employee not only means you continue to receive a steady income, but you will also continue to receive health coverage and other benefits your employer offers. On the other hand, going the consultant route offers you more flexibility and could allow you to have more of a working retirement.

Create a Retirement Budget

Retirees who have saved up for many years can feel that reaching retirement age means it's time to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Fair enough, but the risk is that people can go overboard and spend it all in a few years.

To avoid falling into this trap, budget your expenses. Be sure to include new costs you plan to incur, such as extra travel. This will help you make a realistic determination of how easily you can afford some of those future plans.

Once you are no longer working, a budget is even more important, as your income will likely come from your savings, Social Security, and any pension plans you may have.

According to William DeShurko, chief investment officer at Fund Trader Pro: "An easy way to do a budget is to take out your most recent pay stubs. Look at the net pay amount after all deductions have been made. Convert that to a monthly number. Add or subtract amounts that will be different in retirement. Usually, this number doesn't change much. If anything, it goes up to account for more travel. If you have to budget down to every expenditure, don't retire. You can't be cutting it close with a 30- or 40-year period of spending ahead of you."

Decide When to Take Social Security

Social Security is usually included in an individual's financial projections for retirement. One key decision when factoring Social Security into your equation is to determine whether you will receive full or reduced benefits.

If you were born between 1943-1954, you are eligible to receive full retirement benefits from the SSA at age 66. If you were born in 1955 or afterward, your full retirement is determined by how long after 1954 you were born. See the following table for details.
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Cleantech and Climate Change Podcast  Interview with Founder and CEO of Mullen Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN) Discussing Recent Acquisitions, Rollout and Manufacturing of EV Line of Products

Vancouver, Kelowna, Delta, BC - November 7, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Investorideas.com, a global news source and leading investor resource covering cleantech and renewable energy stocks issues a new edition of the Cleantech and Climate Change Podcast, featuring an interview with Mr. David Michery, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Electric Vehicle Company, Mullen Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN).

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Breaking AI Stock News: GBT's (OTCPK: GTCH) AI Driven Financial Technology Patent Application Received a Notice of Publication

San Diego, CA - November 3, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) GBT Technologies Inc. (OTC PINK: GTCH) received a notice of publication for its financial software patent application.

Top AI Stock News - Investor Idea

Breaking AI Stock News: Intellagents, a FatBrain AI (OTCQB: LZGI) Company, Announces Hiring of Insurtech Industry Veteran as Chief Revenue Officer

NEW YORK, NY - November 2, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) FatBrain AI (LZG International, Inc.) (OTCQB: LZGI), the leader in powerful and easy-to-use artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for star enterprises of tomorrow, announces the hiring of Euan King, an experienced and respected Insurtech industry leader as Chief Revenue Officer for insurance technology-focused subsidiary Intellagents.

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Health and Wellness Stock News - Endexx (OTCBB: EDXC) Secures $3.8M Order for Non-Nicotine Vape Product HYLA from Italy

CAVE CREEK, Az. - November 2, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Endexx Corporation (OTCBB:EDXC), a provider of innovative, plant-based, and sustainable health and skincare products, today announces it has secured a new $3.8 million USD order for its newly acquired, non-nicotine based vape product, HYLA from customers in Italy.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis position within his own party and the Indian political landscape has been consolidated with the BJPs convincing triumphs in Assembly elections in two North Indian states  Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal. Uttar Pradesh is significant because it is Indias most populous state and sends 80 members to the Indian Parliament. In the 2014 Parliamentary elections, the party won 73 seats in UP. The recent verdict in the state elections, where the party won 325 of the 403 seats (a whopping 3/4 majority), shows that Modis popularity is intact, and if Parliamentary elections were held today, the BJP would replicate its 2014 performance.





With the UP triumph, the BJPs position in the Upper House or Rajya Sabha would also be strengthened by 2018, and this may facilitate the smooth passage of certain bills which have been held up so far. In two other states, Manipur and Goa, the BJP emerged as the second largest party, yet it was able to form the government, while the state of Punjab was a face saver for the Congress Party, which secured 77/117 seats.





One thing which the most ardent Modi critics would not deny is that he is a risk taker and does not cave in easily. The question on many peoples minds is whether or not he will utilize his political capital for reorienting ties with countries in the neighborhood, especially Pakistan.





India-Bangladesh relations have improved over the past decade. The strongest reiteration of this point is the signing of the Land Boundary Agreement between both countries in June 2015, during the Indian PMs Bangladesh visit. Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to visit India in April 2017. While in the economic sphere numerous progress has been made and a number of initiatives have been taken to enhance connectivity  land, maritime and rail  Hasina has shown courage, foresight and pragmatism in accepting these opportunities, in spite of domestic opposition.





The Teesta Water Sharing Agreement was scuttled in 2011 by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is also the supremo of the Trinamool Congress. Banerjee was then a part of the Congress-led UPA alliance, and had warned of walking out of the alliance if India went ahead with the agreement. Banerjee who eventually did pull out of the alliance, has sought to mend ties with Bangladesh, and during the Prime Ministers visit in 2015, she also visited and received a warm welcome. The issue is complex however, and it remains to be seen how PM Modi tackles it given that off-late ties between Modi and Banerjee have not been particularly cordial.





While the New Delhi-Dhaka relationship has grown by leaps and bounds, the New Delhi-Islamabad relationship has been strained, to put it mildly, over the past year. The terror attack on a military base in Uri in September 2016, which took the lives of 19 soldiers, prompted India to retaliate with surgical strikes on terror camps in Pakistan. While for long, New Delhi has sought to draw a line between Pakistans civilian leadership and the military, over the past year the civilian leadership has become more belligerent over Kashmir. Instead of addressing Indias concerns pertaining to terrorism emanating from Pakistan, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) has been making provocative statements. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif even having declared slain terrorist and Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani to be a martyr. Sharif has praised Wani on more than one occasion. On Pakistans Independence Day on March 23, 2017, Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain as well as Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit both made provocative speeches. Said the Pakistani President, Pakistan will continue to extend moral and political support to our Kashmiri brethren.





Developments in recent weeks however indicate that some sort of thaw between both countries cannot be ruled out. Some of the key developments which point in the above direction are: India recently participated in the Permanent Indus Commission meeting (March 20-21), whereas in the aftermath of the Uri attack it had refused to participate in this meeting. India also sent three MPs, Swapan Dasgupta, Shashi Tharoor, and Meenakshi Lekhi, to attend the Asian Parliamentary Meeting in Pakistan.





Apart from overtures from the Indian side, Islamabad has also taken some steps which to some extent indicate a change of heart, though one will have to wait and watch. These include the house arrest of Jamat Ud Dawa (JUD) chief and co-founder of Lashkar-E-Tayyeba (LET) Hafiz Saeed in January 2017. Some senior Pakistani politicians have also made remarks against the JUD chief. For instance, the Pakistan Defence Minister Khwaja Asif while speaking at a Munich counterterrorism meeting in February 2017 said that Hafiz Saeed is a threat to Pakistan.





India would do well to maintain diplomatic niceties and keep certain channels open. Exploring common ground in connectivity projects, giving a fillip to commercial ties and ties between civil society which are dismissed by many certainly does no harm. In this context, New Delhi has spoken in favor of Pakistani participation in the Islamabad-Teheran-Islamabad (ITI)-Delhi-Kolkata-Dhaka (DKD) train corridor. Originally this corridor was to connect Islamabad and Teheran, and when UNESCAP recommended the extension of this corridor, New Delhi lapped up the proposal. A meeting for the same was held in New Delhi on March 15, 2017. Pakistans response to this proposal has been lukewarm so far.





Yet, India should avoid high-level engagement since it will only raise the stakes and generate unnecessary hype. In the past when high-level political engagement created a buzz, it fell flat.





While PM Modis position has considerably strengthened after the recent wins in UP and Uttaranchal, and after the BJP formed governments in four states, there still are two other key state elections in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. It remains to be seen whether the PM will utilize his capital for reaching out to Pakistan.





On the Pakistani side, Prime Minister and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif may not now be in a position to reach out to India, given the fact that general elections in Pakistan are due in 2018. New Delhi in any case, would do well to not put all eggs in the PML-N basket.





Second, Pakistan is firmly aligned with China for its own strategic and economic interests. India-Pakistan engagement cannot really alter this equation. While there are dissenting voices in Pakistan, which have been continuously raising alarm bells about China virtually becoming a hegemon and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project being exploitative, these voices are not given much importance by the government, which is all in favor of the CPEC project and is projecting it as a game changer for Pakistans economy. Interestingly, Pakistan is trying to include Gilgit Baltistan as the fifth province. This move has been opposed not just by India, but even by separatist Kashmiri leaders. In a joint statement, Kashmiri separatist leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and Muhammad Yasin Malik declared: Any proposal to declare Gilgit-Baltistan as the fifth province of Pakistan is unacceptable as it tantamount to changing the disputed nature of Kashmir. The Government of India too has cautioned against such a move. It would be pertinent to point out that China has continuously opposed a proposal to impose a UN ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM) chief Masood Azhar, a dreaded terrorist who masterminded the Pathankot terror attack in January 2016. While the US moved the UN for such a ban in February 2017, China opposed it.





Fourth, India needs to see Pakistans bonafides and see whether Pakistan will actually take action against terrorist groups like JEM and LET. Many believe that the action which has been taken so far is a consequence of external pressure and lacks genuine intent. In fact, while on one hand some Pakistani politicians have spoken against Hafiz Saeed, others from the ruling PML-N have continued to defend Saeed. This includes senior ministers like Rana Sanaullah, the Law Minister of Pakistans Punjab province.





In conclusion, over the past two decades, India and Pakistan have moved from brief spells of bonhomie to a war-like scenario. It is time for the Indian leadership to be pragmatic and not get swayed either way. PM Modi too may be tempted to make one last attempt at peace with Pakistan, but would be advised against doing so at least in the near future. Keeping some channels open is not a bad idea, but until Pakistan takes substantive action, anything more than that is not advisable. Islamabad needs to change its approach towards terror, have a more independent foreign policy instead of one driven by China, and not remain steeped in the past. In spite of some bold and well-meaning scholars and analysts arguing for the same, this seems highly unlikely. New Delhis neighborhood policy, especially towards Bangladesh, may witness some significant developments, but no real changes can be expected in its Pakistan policy.
Update 6.45pm: The National Bus & Rail Union has today warned that only a limited window of opportunity remains to resolve the ongoing dispute.

Following on from yesterdays protest march at Dail Eireann, on day six of this unnecessary dispute, the palpable anger among Bus Eireann workers is making it extremely difficult for this Trade Union to hold the line with regards to preventing contagion across the entire public transport sector," said NBRU general secretary Dermot O'Leary.

The Minister, the Government, CIE and Bus Eireann management have a limited window of opportunity in which to resolve this dispute before the control we have been able to exercise will inevitably evaporate.

The NBRU has been warning of the potential for this strike to spill over well in advance of its commencement.

It is becoming increasingly clear that the continuous build-up of frustration and pressure among our members is reaching volcanic proportions and may, despite our urgings to the contrary, erupt into the mother of all public transport disputes.

Update 4.40pm: The Government has again insisted the Transport Minister cannot get involved in the Bus Eireann dispute.

It is the 7th day of strike action, with no resolution in sight.

Earlier Sinn Fein dubbed Shane Ross "the invisible minister" for his lack of action on the issue.

But his cabinet colleague Richard Bruton came to his defence.

Earlier: Commuters across the country are facing travel chaos again this morning.

Workers at Bus Eireann are holding their seventh day of strike action. The dispute with management centres on the implementation of cost-cutting measures at the company without union approval.

Workers from across the sector held a protest yesterday to coincide with the Minister for Transport's appearance at the Oireachtas Committee.

Dermot O'Leary from the NBRU said Minister Shane Ross has a responsibility to ensure the public transport system is running on a daily basis.

At this stage people are getting very, very frustrated. One would hope that the Oireachtas Committee would put a focal point in relation to Shane Ross and his requirement to create an environment where people can engage.

The unions have been saying from from the start that we are willing to engage with an efficiency-based agenda.
Notorious Limerick criminal Wayne Dundon has failed in his attempt to get a different panel of judges to hear an appeal against his conviction for the murder of innocent businessman Roy Collins next week.

Wayne Dundon (aged 39), of Lenihan Avenue, Prospect and Nathan Killeen (aged 27) of Hyde Road, Prospect, in Limerick had pleaded not guilty at the non-jury Special Criminal Court to the murder of Roy Collins at Coin Castle Amusements, Roxboro Road Shopping Centre on April 9, 2009.

Mr Collins, a 35-year-old father of two, who was engaged to be married, was shot in the chest on the date in question.

The three-judge Special Criminal Court found Wayne Dundon had ordered the murder from prison and that Killeen was the getaway driver for the gunman, James Dillon.

Mr Collins father, Steve Collins, was believed to have been the intended target of the murder, due to his involvement in a previous successful prosecution against Dundon for a threat to kill.

Following a 29-day trial, Wayne Dundon and Killeen were found guilty of the murder. Ms Justice Iseult O'Malley, presiding, spent almost two hours outlining the three-judge court's reasons before delivering its verdict.

Accordingly, Wayne Dundon and Killeen were given mandatory life sentences on July 15, 2014.

Both men are due to open appeals against their convictions for murder on Monday.

But in an application before the Court of Appeal today, Wayne Dundon's lawyers sought a differently constituted court  made up of different judges  to hear his appeal.

Lawyers for Nathan Killeen supported the application.

Dismissing the application as being without merit or validity today, Mr Justice George Birmingham said no reasonably informed or objective person could conclude that members of the Court of Appeal would not be in a position to bring an open and judicial mind to the matter.

It was necessary to note, Mr Justice Birmingham said, that Wayne Dundon had been convicted alongside his brother John Dundon of making threats against members of the Collins' family  not the family of the deceased, but members of a family with which the Dundons have had associations in the past.

Members of this family included Alice Collins and April Collins who gave evidence against the Dundons in separate trials.

The Dundon brothers appealed their convictions for making threats against the Collins family and a division of the Court of Appeal comprising Mr Justice Birmingham, Mr Justice Alan Mahon and Mr Justice John Edwards dismissed the appeal.

In an affidavit grounding an application for the court to recuse itself ahead of his appeal on Monday, Wayne Dundon says there is an overlap of factual matters in the threats to kill and murder case and both trials involved members of the Collins family.

Of considerable relevance to Wayne Dundon's argument, it was claimed, was that certain observations were made of April Collins in circumstances where she wasn't relied upon in the second Special Criminal Court trial.

One fact a reasonably informed and objective person would have regard to, Mr Justice Birmingham said, was the very different roles of an appeal court and a court of first instance.

He said an appeal court ruled on legal issues raised in an appeal and was not involved in forming views on whether witnesses were credible, incredible, impressive or otherwise.

That difference was further distinguished by the role of the Special Criminal Court in which members of that court were not just judges of law but judges of fact.

Undoubtedly, he said, if there were reasons to believe impartiality could not be brought to bear then members of the court should recuse themselves.

But at the same time, a court should not recuse itself if there was in fact no objective bases for concern.

Doing so would invite forum shopping, he said, adding that members of the Court of Appeal had a positive duty to hear cases to which they were assigned.

Mr Justice Birmingham, who sat with Mr Justice Alan Mahon and Mr Justice John Edwards, said the court would refuse the application and was ready to take up the appeal scheduled for Monday.

Neither Wayne Dundon nor Nathan Killeen were in court for the application.
Owners of luxury brands have been fighting with online retailers for the last decade, arguing they should have the right to choose who distributes their products to protect their luxury image and exclusivity. Online platforms dispute this, saying that such restrictive distribution deals are anti-competitive and hurt consumers. The dispute is in the spotlight now because of the European Commissions push for more cross-border online sales to boost growth and jobs, and catch up with the US and Asia.

The case before the Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union (ECJ) concerns the German subsidiary of US beauty products maker Coty, which wants to stop a retailer from selling its goods on online marketplaces such as Amazon.
Retail Excellence, which represents more than 1,600 companies across the country, told TDs and Senators at a crime briefing in Leinster House criminals are targeting Dublin for weekend theft sprees to steal thousands of euro worth of iPhones, before leaving the country undetected.

Lorraine Higgins of Retail Excellence said anecdotal evidence from store owners as well as information obtained from loss prevention professionals highlighted how criminal gangs were targeting one or two stores at a time, grabbing lucrative merchandise and leaving the country in a highly organised fashion. Other issues highlighted include the use of children by adults to steal goods, and violent acts carried out on retailers.
We are sold a particular package offering specific download and upload speeds and bandwidth but we seem to have ongoing problems getting what we have been led to believe we were paying for. Indeed, oftentimes the providers will sell us a package that they know that they cannot deliver at all or on a sustainable basis.

Invariably, when we complain, the providers offer excuse after excuse. In some cases, they will even charge us for putting us back on to our old package if we havent complied with the terms of the package.

This week, it was reported that a judge had imposed a fine of 16,500 on Eirs holding company, Eircom, for its failure to connect telephone lines to a convent nursing home which had no connection for a three-week period. Eircom had overcharged the home and had also misinformed it about the need for a new line.

For those of us who sought and obtained a telephone connection 40 or so years ago, a three-week delay in getting a connection would have been a godsend. In those days, an 18-month delay would not have been unusual. Expecting companies to deliver on their commitments is very much to be welcomed. Earlier this week it was announced that BT will incur a huge bill of 342m (395m) in Britain for delays incurred in installing high-speed cabling for its wholesale customers such as Vodafone and Sky.

The bill includes a 42m fine imposed by British watchdog Ofcom for breaking rules on how customers should be treated if it failed to deliver on time. BT also used loopholes to avoid or reduce the amount of compensation it paid and it is estimated that correcting this will cost BT 300m. And there we thought that it was only consumers who were being taken advantage of.

Interestingly, Ofcom, which had been investigating these issues at BT since 2015, has also fined BT 300,000 for providing inadequate information to the regulator.

There are lots of lessons for us on this island to be learned on how the UK regulators deal with their brief.

But there is another more fundamental issue arising from both the BT and the Eircom cases: Who exactly pays these fines and compensation?

The management of these companies either made a decision on how their customers should be treated or alternatively their highly paid executives did not put effective operating procedures in place to ensure that their customers were treated properly.

We have yet to hear how the executives who made such decisions are being dealt with. Have they been sanctioned? Have their bonuses been reduced or even taken back? Or, are their structures so opaque as to make it impossible to find who actually was responsible?

For most of us, however, the issue that arises from these fines is who exactly pays them. In the absence of any information to the contrary, we can be fairly sure that ultimately the customers will pay.

Sure, the money will come from the companies coffers. But lest their shareholders are overly upset or remunerations affected, a way will be sought to increase charges on the consumer to maintain the status quo.

Such charges should correctly come from the bottom line and the companies accounts should clearly show these. Regulators should be mandated to ignore any demand for increased charges where such increases are based on inappropriate activities or actions by the company.
The threat to millions of pounds in annual farmland payments from the EU makes Brexit a bitter pill for some of the richest people in the UK.

Exiting the EU will leave them at the mercy of the British taxpayer, who is unlikely to stand for huge annual farm subsidies to the countrys wealthiest families.

The UKs top recent beneficiaries include Lord Iveagh (915,709.97 per year), who lives on the 22,486-acre Elveden Estate in Suffolk.

Sandringham Farms, the estate owned by Queen Elizabeth, has received more than half a million pounds per year (557,706.52).

Other big earners from the EUs rural development, direct aids and market schemes include the Duke of Northumberland (475,030.70); and the Duke of Westminster (427,433.96).

Conservation organisations also stand to lose millions.

The National Trust (2,666,880.26); the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2,002,859.51); and Natural England (970,580.50), are among the top recent annual British recipients of EU farm subsidies.

CAP direct payments in the UK on 2015 totalled 2.8 billion, of which (2.2 bn) was the Basic Payment (BPS) to landowners (known as the Single Payment, or SFP, from 2005 to 2015).

Other payments largely comprise agri-environment support, such as protection of wildlife habitat, and special payments for farming in disadvantaged (hill) areas of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

On average, 50-60% of UK farm income comes in the form of EU subsidies, paid to 86,000 farmers. These subsidies make up more than half the total public spend on UK agriculture.

Taxpayers might be happy to continue annual payments to the average farm, but will probably baulk at payments like the more than 400,000 a year going to the Newmarket, Suffolk farm of Khalid Abdullah al Saud (owner of the legendary racehorse, Frankel, said to be worth over 100m for breeding).

The Saudi Prince is among the top 100 recipients of EU farm grants in the UK.

So far, no-one in the UK government has said farm subsidies will be taken away; in fact, Prime Minister Theresa May has promised to match them up until at least 2020, following the expected 2019 Brexit.

Other Brexit supporters who are now in top positions in the Government said during the Brexit campaign that farmers subsidies would be protected after Brexit.

However, the TaxPayers Alliance campaigning group says taxpayers shouldnt be handing out land subsidies, often to extremely wealthy individuals.

And there are many Brexiteers who want redirection of the UKs multi-billion pound annual SFP/BPS subsidies, more towards protecting the environment, for example.

The loss of these payments would trigger significant consolidation at farm level, as many farms become unviable and unsustainable.

The more efficient farmers are likely to welcome this opportunity to expand, when more land becomes available, if BPS payments are cut or axed.

As income support for which there is no public benefit in return, SFP/BPS subsidies may not be a priority for the UK government after Brexit.

Most of these subsidies go to farmers in England (1.4bn), with 190m in Wales, 348m in Scotland, and 238m in Northern Ireland.

They represent 8.2% of all money accruing to the UK agricultural industry, other than non-farm income, investment earnings, and pensions.

No welfare case can be made for these payments, in a country where farm households are an exceptionally relatively wealthy group (and low-income farmers could be catered for instead by the national social welfare policy, not by agricultural policy).

The case for payments related to farm area can only be made for parts of the country facing environmental or social problems (such as remote hill areas).

Thats why Brexit is likely to hit the pockets of landowners as diverse as Conservative MP Richard Drax, or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, better known as the Mormons.

Mr Drax is one of the UKs top 100 EU farm subsidy beneficiaries, with his jointly-owned farm having qualified for up to 351,752.29 per year.

He is not the only well-known politician to benefit from the EUs Common Agricultural Policy.

Lord Gardiner of Kimble, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Rural Affairs and Biosecurity declares an interest as a partner in CM Robarts & Son, which nets 45,479.19 in farm payments.

And another minister in the governments environment department, Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food George Eustice, is a director of a Cornish farm receiving 2,313.

As for the Mormons, they have become one of the biggest foreign landowners in Britain, thus qualifying for annual payments from the EU of up to 785,058.94.

The top 100 beneficiaries are estimated to have pocketed payments from the EU in 2015 totalling 87,927,951.

This included 61,194,962 given in the single payment scheme, from which the top 100 recipients were paid more than the bottom 55,000 combined.

About 80% of the payments go to around a quarter of landowners, those with the biggest land holdings.

Millions of pounds per year are at stake for them, unless environment secretary Andrea Leadsom will go beyond her promise to match the payments up until at least 2020, by leaving them in place on a more permanent basis.

In the campaign for Brexit, which she supported, she appeared to guarantee the single farm payment would continue at current levels, if she were elected leader, when she addressed the Countryside Alliance last summer.

However, she was subsequently defeated by Theresa May in the Conservative leadership race.

Leading Brexit supporter Boris Johnson told a Treasury select committee that all farmers will continue to receive the current levels of subsidy, and Farmers for Britain, led by George Eustice, said that the subsidy would be maintained or even increased after Brexit.

Their promises at the time were interpreted as an attempt to boost Brexit support in rural areas, and would have been welcomed by supporters and donors of Vote Leave, such as the JCB machinery company owner, Lord Bamford, one of a group of prominent Brexit campaigners estimated to have received over 4m in total in EU farm subsidies in 2015.
The news comes after the last of three objections to its construction was withdrawn.

The OCallaghan Properties (OCP) development, in four blocks on Albert Quay, facing the Port of Cork, is on the site first proposed by OCP for an events centre.

After the company lost out in the events centre tendering process to BAM/Heinekens Brewery Quarter site, it quickly changed focus given the appetite for new city offices for mobile foreign direct investment employers.

An Bord Pleanala confirmed the withdrawal of appeals to Navigation House, in which eight observations culminated in three third-party objections.

A spokesperson for OCP said there had been a lengthy process of engagement between OCP and the objectors individually; all of the concerns that had been raised were dealt with in detail and people were reassured.

The spokesperson said the objectors view overall was that the project was beneficial for Cork and OCP is grateful that it has been facilitated.

Those discussions havent meant significant physical changes to the plans, and it is anticipated the work can commence by summer, employing 350 construction workers. The first phase of the four blocks, totalling 310,000 sq ft, is to be delivered late 2018, with lettings han-dled by Savills and CBRE.

Designed by Henry J Lyons, who also did the adjacent, fully occupied One Albert Quay for John Cleary Developments (JCD), Navigation Square is on 2.25 acres and is one of two quayside OCP office sites assembled by developer Owen OCallaghan, who passed away in January.

His son, Brian OCallaghan, welcomed the clearing of hurdles as great for Cork and for the region.

Mr OCallaghan described it as a flagship, ambitious development that further confirms that Cork City is capable of hosting large-scale multinational and indigenous investment projects.

It makes a big statement for Cork and, taken in conjunction with other projects developed and planned for the city, really affirms our capacity to be a viable counterbalance to the Dublin region.

Buildings will run up to six floors, over two basement levels, with 100,000 sq ft of parking for cars, motorbikes, and bicycles.

Just 200m from City Hall, the development  which continues the progression of new fourth-generation offices down from the city centre towards the docklands  will include roof terraces and two standalone restaurants.

Further office developments are proposed by OCP at Andersons Quay, by the rail and bus station, and at South Mall by JCD.
Donal Buggy, head of services and advocacy for the Irish Cancer Society, said it had taken real political leadership to see this through, and credit must also go to former Health Minister James Reilly who spearheaded this legislation.

Mr Buggy said there was evidence that standardised tobacco packaging, together with increases in excise duties, had reduced the smoking rate in Australia to 12.8%, compared to the 19% rate in Ireland.

From September, all forms of branding, trademarks, logos, colours, and graphics will be removed from tobacco packs.

The brand and variant names will be presented in a consistent typeface, and a plain neutral colour will be used for all packs.

While all tobacco for sale in Ireland from September must be in standardised retail packaging, there will be a wash through period allowed. Any products on the market before the September date can remain for a 12-month period.

As well as Australia, similar legislation for enforcing standardised tobacco packaging has been introduced in Britain and France.

Anti-smoking lobby Ash Ireland is hoping the plain packaging will come into effect sooner than the September 30, 2018, deadline.

Chairman Patrick Dooley said the tobacco industry did not need the 12-month wash-out period in Australia and Britain.

Irish Medical Organisation president John Duddy said Ireland should be proud of the role it has played in taking on the global tobacco industry.

However, smokers pressure group Forest said the plain packaging is gesture politics and does not work.

There is no evidence that standardised packaging stops people smoking or encourages them to quit, said Forest spokesman John Mallon.

Instead, by stigmatising the product you potentially stigmatise hundreds of thousands or ordinary, law-abiding consumers.

Tobacco is a legal product. The health risks are very well known, so theres no justification for a measure that treats people like idiots.
Two of the whistleblowers who raised concerns about claims have been suspended since early 2015, and the third is a former employee who left UL in 2010.

HEA officials told the Dail public accounts committee (PAC) that the report it commissioned from consultants Mazars into the processes engaged by UL to deal with the allegations cost 69,000.

A further 7,000, plus Vat, was spent on an unsuccessful attempt by external facilitator Jane Williams to resolve staff issues resulting from the issue.

HEA chief executive Graham Love told TDs the two UL employees remain suspended, in receipt of full pay, pending the outcome of a process with the Workplace Relations Commission. He said the protected disclosures to the authority about claims of irregular expense claims were made after the two staff were suspended.

After several efforts to resolve issues between the parties, he said the HEA has exhausted its powers.

We have raised the matter with the Department of Education, and I understand it has had engagement with the university very recently on the matter, said Mr Love.

UL representatives will be at the PAC to discuss its 2014/15 accounts today.

Independent Galway TD Catherine Connolly asked if she understood correctly that the whistleblowers claims were substantiated.

Not the actual money paid out because I think the problem was caught in time, but the actual issues raised in terms of claims being made for travel, I think they were substantiated, she said.

Mr Love said aspects of the allegations had been upheld.

As you absolutely said, inappropriate claims were initially made but then they were appropriately challenged, he said.

Ms Connolly said it was bizarre that the staff issues remain unresolved following the February 2016 Mazars report and the facilitation process.

I think there were a number of other claims and instances in the institution, allegations from staff that became the subject of this WRC process, said Mr Love.

The Mazars report showed that irregular expense claims by staff were appropriately identified and challenged, and that UL followed the formal processes to deal with the allegations.

** The HEA has subsequently written to the PAC to state that the disclosure by the two whistleblowers was made to the HEA before they were suspended in 2015, and not the other way around as indicated to the meeting on March 29, 2017, by Mr Love.
In March 2015, Michael OConnell of Clonmore, Newtownshandrum, Co Cork, was dismissed by An Post after he was caught stealing post and cash from envelopes. He was subsequently convicted at Mallow District Court where he pleaded guilty. He claimed at Cork Circuit Court his dismissal was unfair.

Judge Gerard OBrien noted the misconduct had been admitted and cited evidence the plaintiff had a history of depression, alcohol addiction, and gambling.
According to the latest rent index report by the Residential Tenancies Board, the average rent in the area is 1,040.51, compared to the national average of 986.50.

The RPZ designation, as implemented by new legislation, means rents will only be able to rise according to a specific formula and by a maximum of 4% per year.

It was announced by Housing Minister Simon Coveney yesterday and applies to not just the town of Cobh but to surrounding areas such as Glanmire and Carrigtwohill.

Mr Coveney told the Irish Examiner that population growth and new jobs contributed to the area being designated as an RPZ.

Its a supply shortage essentially, a very strong demand, a population growth, a lot of new jobs coming to Cork, which is great but with that and with population growth comes a demand for houses and many people cant afford to buy because there arent enough houses for sale so lots and lots of people are relying on the rental market either for temporary solutions or long-term solutions for themselves and their families and that is driving up demand in the rental market and we are not seeing increase in supply, he said yesterday.

As of today, both Maynooth in Kildare and Cobh are now RPZs.

The rent index report also shows that in the private sector, rent grew by 7.8% across the entire country in the last quarter of 2016.

In Dublin, where the homelessness crisis is at its worst, private rents are now 8.7% above the 2007 peak level, but 2.7% below the national peak for the same year.

For example, Stillorgan, which is 11km south of Dublin city centre, has an average rent of 2,062.34 compared with the national average of 986.50.

Niamh Randall, the national spokeswoman for the Simon Communities, said the figures from yesterdays rent index report are concerning.

The report from the Residential Tenancies Board today is particularly concerning given that the latest emergency accommodation figures show that the numbers of people trapped in emergency accommodation have reached almost 7,500, said Ms Randall.

She said that a significant number of people who are becoming homeless are as a result of the squeeze in the rental sector.

Many people entering into homelessness are coming from the private rental sector where they have been unable to keep pace with rising rents.

Keeping people in the homes they already have is key to stopping the flow of people into homelessness, said Ms Randall.

People renting their homes must have the security of knowing that their rents are in line with real market rates and index-linked, for example, to the Consumer Price Index.

Fine Gael Cork East TD David Stanton said the Government is working on increasing supply of housing stock.

Over the medium term, the Government is increasing the supply of housing to ease pressure on the rental market, said Mr Stanton.

[On Tuesday], for example, we announced just over 45m in funding to deliver the infrastructure that will support the building of 3,000 new homes in Cork, 520 of which will be in Midleton.
The six-strong opposition group issued the demand despite the Government and rival parties saying that while the St Jamess site is not ideal, families have already waited for decades to see the facility built.

Speaking during a Dail private members motion yesterday which was watched from the public gallery by a large number of families of sick children, Independent TD Mattie McGrath said it is a national disgrace that trophy projects were taking precedence over those in need.
For decades, Michele Callan knew little about her father-in-laws early life. That he was, at the age of just 16, a British Merchant marine travelling to every far-flung corner of a vast Empire was fascinating enough. But when she went on to discover how the Derryman had spent the Second World War she felt she had a story that had to be shared.

In January 1941 their ship was attacked off the coast of Africa, says Michele, Just off the Camp Verde Islands. They were taken on board and were prisoners at sea from January to March.

At that point Harry Callan, now 93, was with one other Irishman, Billy English. The pair were taken to a PoW camp named Milag near Bremen in north-west Germany. They spent two years learning to box, play cards, and barter with cigarettes. It seemed that was how they would see out the rest of the war until one day their prisoner numbers were called out and they were told to go the prison gate.

A prisoner climbs scaffolding. The three pipes to his left pump cement to the waiting prisoners above. Picture via Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin  The Harry Callan Story by Michele Callan, published by Collins Press.

What happens after that is the subject of Micheles absorbing book Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin: The Harry Callan Story.

When they got to the gate, he realised that all 31 there were Irish, says Michelle. The other prisoners in the camp thought they were going to be repatriated but that wasnt the case. Germany actually wanted them to work for free because they were from a neutral country. But they stuck together and refused.

The Germans were now in a quandary. Having taken the prisoners out of camp, they could not bring them back without losing face. Repatriation was not an option either.

In the end they were put into an arbeitserziehungslager, says Michele. Basically, people who were put into these places for lengthy periods were worked to death.

Usually, an arbeitserziehungslager was used for political prisoners or Germans who had somehow insulted the Reich. For mild infractions, prisoners spent 28 days being reprogrammed and were then sent home, often broken. Harry and his Irish fellow prisoners, who now numbered 32, would be there for 28 months and it soon became clear what their purpose was.

They were the first to turn the sod on a place called Bunker Valentin, explains Michele. It was a huge structure the Germans were building near the arbeitserziehungslager to assemble submarines in; the size of four football pitches. The plan was to put together five to seven submarines a week from this place.

Conditions were harsh and compounded by the cruelty of one man in particular, a Kommandant Schauwacker, a sadist who would rub salt in prisoners wounds or sometimes shoot them as they tried to get to the medical centre. For five of the men, the workload was too much, and they perished at the camp.

Amid the darkness, there was some light, however. Towards the end of the war, and perhaps with the Allies relentless march towards Berlin in mind, the commandant and camp doctor declared the prisoners unfit for work. To stave off boredom the men were offered the chance to help out in the local village. This was something that was not considered working for frei as it did not contribute to the Nazi war machine. Harry opted to work for the camp doctor, a Dr Heidbreder, doing odd jobs and chores around his garden. While there, Frau Heidbreder would cook soup for Harry and instructed her children to refer to him as their uncle.

Harry wearing one of Dr Heidbreders shirts in 1944. Picture via Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin  The Harry Callan Story by Michele Callan, published by Collins Press.

It was surreal for him, says Michele. If you can imagine during the day he was just a worker in a garden and he was treated well but at night time he had to go back to the camp and that was confusing for him.

From the summer of 1944 to beginning of April 1945, Harry worked for the Heidbreders and formed a bond with the family. Obviously when the war ended they lost touch, says Michele. But in 2006, on one of his visits to help the local historians, he was told that they had traced them and they were reunited.

Although the doctors children are all now in their seventies, they still refer to their former gardener as Uncle Harry.

A few weeks before liberation, Bunker Valentin was shut down and the nearby prison camp cleared out. The surviving Irish prisoners were returned to Milag. After a tense couple of weeks among the other prisoners, who suspected them of working for free, they returned to Ireland. Their welcome home was frosty.

Billy English gave an interview to an Irish newspaper, says Michele. Nobody believed him. They were ridiculed and so the men agreed that none of them were going to talk about it. They kept in touch for a short while but then they needed to move on with their lives.

For Harry, that involved moving back to Derry. Upon his return it was discovered he had tuberculosis and as a consequence was effectively imprisoned again for a year. After his recovery, he returned to sea but as the numbers of cargo ships docking in Derry declined, he moved to Dublin. While on shore leave, he met his wife and settled on the northside of the city where he still lives today.

Harry Callan in 2013 with Enno Heidbreder. Harry worked for Ennos family in 1944 when he was a PoW in Germany. Picture via Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin  The Harry Callan Story by Michele Callan, published by Collins Press.

Michele, now Harrys carer, says her father-in-law was unable to speak about the brutality he experienced. He had nightmares and some nights he would cry himself to sleep.

Into his eighties, he had said nothing and then, in 2002, he agreed to revisit the site of his incarceration under a programme run by the British Navy called The Heros Return . When he discovered that local historians had no evidence of the Irish prisoners, it galvanised him. He was now determined to give his comrades recognition and began working to preserve their memory.

When he finally began to tell his story, we were shocked, says Michele. Shortly after he went back the first time, I sat down with him and suggested that because there were only two of the men left, the story needed to be told and he agreed.

Five years on from that conversation, Harrys remarkable story is now being told. Theres a school over there that have taken this story on as their project, says Michele. Since 2005, theyve run a commemorative race along the route the men would take from the bunker to the prison in memory of the men. I think its great that the generations are carrying on their memory. There was 32 men in this story and there are 32 counties in Ireland and all four provinces are represented. Its an important story.
The Senate, as expected, has voted to cancel changes to rules concerning use of personal data collected online. This is an important issue for consumers and for the companies that are trying to use that data for sales and marketing.

The law, if signed by President Trump, will kill legislation that, as of now, is set to go into effect later this year. Those rules were adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) last year. Among other things, they mandate that consumers give their permission (opt in) for their location, browsing history and perhaps other data to be shared, according to New York Magazine.

The legislation has now cleared the House and the Senate. The White House has signaled that the president will sign the law, according to TechCrunch. The most sweeping way to look at the news is that the government is working to wipe away consumer protections. In the final analysis, that indeed may be the case. The reality is a bit more nuanced and slightly less frightening, however.

Guarding peoples privacy is traditionally the purview of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In 2015, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) were redefined as a public utility under Title II of the Communications Act. Oversight of their behavior, including handling of data, was taken over by the FCC. The Consumer Reports piece notes that online non-ISP edge providers, such as Google and Amazon, are regulated by the FTC and face far less stringent requirements.

The rollback is an effort to equalize rules governing ISPs and edge providers along the lines of the less controlling FTC approach. Indeed, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai would be fine with the FCC getting out of the privacy game altogether. After the House vote to roll back the FCC rules, he was quoted by Multichannel News that the best path is to return jurisdiction to the FTC.

The New York Magazine piece provides good context. The most important realization is that the rollback does not mean that massive invasions of privacy will occur immediately. One of the rationales given by telecommunications companies for the move is that privacy is already protected:

[T]he hypothetical doomsday scenario  that ISPs will sell your whole browsing history, tied to your name and identity, to whoever wants it, the minute this vote is completed in Congress  will not come to fruition.

The more likely scenario, the story said, is that anonymized data will be put up for sale. This is a bit more than equalizing the rules, however, because ISPs inherently have more data. An edge provider such as Google only controls consumer data from sites with which it is associated. An ISP has access to full browsing history.

Clearly, the cancellation of the changes promulgated by the Obama administration by its successor is big news. Hopefully, the conversation about how to safeguard citizens data will continue.

Carl Weinschenk covers telecom for IT Business Edge. He writes about wireless technology, disaster recovery/business continuity, cellular services, the Internet of Things, machine-to-machine communications and other emerging technologies and platforms. He also covers net neutrality and related regulatory issues. Weinschenk has written about the phone companies, cable operators and related companies for decades and is senior editor of Broadband Technology Report. He can be reached at [email protected] and via twitter at @DailyMusicBrk.
The Android-powered smartphone maker, Huawei, has reached a significant milestone in its total worldwide sales of its P9 and P9 Plus handsets. The number one smartphone maker in China, and third largest in the world, have sold over 12 million units globally. Admittedly, 12 million units do not seem an achievement compared with Apple and Samsung's sales, but the Chinese smartphone manufacturer has a large portfolio of handsets that are also widely sold.

Currently, the company is launching it's newest product in the P-phone lineup. The P10 and P10 Plus have been recently released with much public enthusiasm that the company is expected to sell more than 10 million combined units. The staggering worldwide sales information was announced recently during the P10 launching event in China.

Huawei P9 and Huawei P9 Plus were released in April last year, making them available out in the market almost a year at this point. When they were launched, the P9 and P9 Plus served as the companys flagship smartphones. According to the WCCFTech, by December last year, 10 million P9 units were already sold in the market.

This means that even though the two phones were available out on the market for over half a year, they were still selling like pancakes. The smartphone company has also sold 2 additional million units in the last couple of months. This is despite the fact that its successor, the Mate 9, has been out on the market for quite some time now.

According to the Android Headlines, Huawei made no sales report announcement regarding the Mate 9. This could be because the unit has not been sold in larger quantities as the P9 duo that was announced before it. The company might be soaring high in sales among avid smartphone users, but it still is having difficulty in making its mark in the U.S.
HTCs next flagship, the HTC Ocean, is rumored to be a technological centerpiece for the company with its touch-sensitive frame and an AI Sense Companion. The Taiwan-based smartphone maker is said to have taken the new features from what was once a concept and turns it into a reality. The company's new flagship and third smartphone in the U series is set to be launched next month.

The newest handset developed by the company was tipped to come with a touch-sensitive frame known as Edge Sense. This new feature enables users to control numerous customizable actions with gestures such as squeezing the frame. The novel input method is made possible by embedding sensors in the devices metallic frame.

According to the Deccan Chronicle, the HTC Ocean could feature a 5.5-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440) display. Similar with the two previously released models, it could also come with 4GB RAM and 64GB/128GB of internal storage. In terms of camera, it is likely to sport a 12MP rear camera with Sony IMX362 and a 16MP IMX351 front camera.

Unfortunately, the upcoming model is unlikely to feature a headphone jack since the smartphone company ditched the headphone jack in the U. However, an interesting feature is added, called the HTC Sense Companion. It is rumored to function by helping enhance the smartphones performance learning from customers usage.

According to the XDA, HTC Ocean will have the Sense Companion to help users save battery life by reminding them to charge the phone during the day that are most likely busy. It gathers this information by acting on the data the user inputs on the phone's calendar. Interestingly, it can also make suggestions such as packing extra clothing and leaving more time to travel if a bad weather forecast is indicated.
Eighteen months ago, President Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping announced, with considerable fanfare, an agreement aimed at curbing economic espionage.

According to the Sept. 25, 2015 White House press release, neither countrys government will conduct or knowingly support cyber-enabled theft of intellectual property, including trade secrets or other confidential business information, with the intent of providing competitive advantages to companies or commercial sectors.

So, with Xi due to meet with President Trump in early April, an obvious question is: Has the agreement been effective?

The reviews on that are mixed, but there is general agreement that while it hasnt stopped, the theft of intellectual property (IP) by the Chinese against the US is not as rampant as it was several years ago when The Commission on the Theft of American Intellectual Property estimated total losses, including jobs, competitiveness, stock value, market share, in the hundreds of billions, and former National Security Agency director Gen. Keith Alexander famously called it, the greatest transfer of wealth in human history.

Robert Silvers, writing on the Lawfare blog, called the statement, a landmark concession by the Chinese, and said in the months since, multiple researchers and analysts had concluded that the agreement, coincided with a significant downturn in Chinese hacking activity.

Not exactly. A report last June by FireEye iSIGHT Intelligence, concluded that while unprecedented action by the US government was a factor in the decline, it actually began in the middle of 2014  more than a year before the Obama/Xi agreement  and was also due to political and military reforms in China, as well as widespread exposure of the countrys economic cyber espionage.

A high-profile example of that exposure came more than two-and-a-half years before the agreement, in February 2013 when Mandiant (since acquired by FireEye) issued a report that named a specific unit of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) dedicated to cyber espionage, which it said had been targeting 141 organizations in the US and other countries, in some cases since 2006.

And it was in May 2014 that the US Department of Justice indicted five members of that PLA Unit 61398.

That and other factors have given John Quinn, former Far East specialist for the CIA, a more tempered view of the impact of the agreement. I would characterize it as a work in progress, but a good start, he said.

It certainly can, and should, be refined and improved. There are several obvious issues regarding the lack of enforcement mechanisms, including the problem of monitoring compliance, he said, noting that President Ronald Reagan, when dealing with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1986, adopted the well-known trust but verify posture.

Indeed, according to another report, released earlier this year by Cybereason, monitoring compliance (as in, trust but verify) is, if anything, more difficult now due to what the company says is a trend toward nation states outsourcing cyber espionage to private firms.

According to the report, most countries, including US allies, do it, but in a more limited way than China and Russia, which, outsource wholesale hacking operations to individual groups and companies.

The use of what are called, cutouts and sympathetic agents to collect information on their behalf, makes attribution of the attackers more difficult and also gives the governments plausible deniability, the report said.

That trend, said Israel Barak, CISO of Cybereason, means the conclusion that economic espionage has decreased is problematic.

Fewer attempts might mean they already have access, he said. The amount attributed to cyber crime in manufacturing, health care and other industries is constantly on the rise.

Barak said the trend is worrisome on another level as well, since these private hacking operations are expanding their attacks well beyond what they do for government. Were starting to see a tipping point here, he said. Hackers who contract with the government are making (through other freelance cyber attacks) four to five times what those working for the government make.

The only thing that restrains them is the fear that they will be caught and punished for using their skills outside government. If that fear is lessened, it will expand exponentially, he said.

All of this has some experts suspecting that cyber espionage hasnt decreased in any meaningful way  that it has just become less visible and more targeted.

As Kevin Murray, director at Murray Associates, put it, once someone starts closely watching the cookie jar, the thief is forced to become more crafty.

Once someone starts closely watching the cookie jar, the thief is forced to become more crafty.

Kevin Murray, director at Murray Associates

That would align with what former Department of Homeland Security secretary Michael Chertoff, now chairman of the security consultancy Chertoff Group, reportedly said at last summers Aspen Security Forum  that the word from the Chinese government to hackers was likely along the lines of, If theres something worth stealing, do it, but do it in a way thats not so obvious.

Quinn added that, it would be naive to expect the PRC to abandon economic espionage efforts entirely. The Chinese have engaged in espionage for more than 2,000 years, dating back to the time of Sun Tzu, who lived from 544496 BC.

While he doesnt think it will become quieter, Quinn said he thinks it will be, more advanced and low key.

He said the relatively open nature of American society is a major reason US corporations are vulnerable to theft of their IP. Much of the intelligence collection is still open source (OSINT), he said, and comes from visiting academics, students, scientific gatherings and commercial trade fairs. When analyzed properly the OSINT is used to develop a more target list for further exploitation. This is where the more clandestine methods begin.

Quinn and others note that while China and Russia remain the prime practitioners of economic espionage, it needs to be noted that other countries  including US allies  do it as well.

Quinn referenced Friendly Spies, a book by Peter Schweizer (also author of the more recent and much more controversial Clinton Cash) published 24 years ago, in 1993, that is subtitled, How Americas allies are using economic espionage to steal our secrets.

In that book, Schweizer quotes Pierre Marion, Frances first director of the Directorate-General for External Security, saying that being military or diplomatic allies does not extend into the economic sphere. In economics, we are competitors, not allies, he said.

If economic cyber espionage against the US is to be stopped, or even brought under control, it will take both domestic and international efforts, experts say.

Barak said the problem, really has to be tackled through international norms. The vast majority is outside the hands of the private sector, which cant deal with it.

Quinn said he thinks a review of more serious Chinese espionage cases should be used to, create a study or compilation of lessons learned. Additionally, create an awareness of Chinese intelligence gathering activities and suggested countermeasures for US commercial firms.

He said Trump could suggest intelligence sharing between the US and China, and perhaps create a bilateral group, to conduct regular reviews of economic and cyber espionage cases. The same group should also have counterparts appointed in China.

Murray, however, contended that the private sector needs to be much more effective in protecting itself. He pointed CSO to a 2015 blog post in which he declared: We fight like hell for our freedom, but we let the world pick our intellectual pockets.

Murray said the punish-the-spy model isnt enough  that corporations should be held accountable as well, for failure to protect their assets.

We need a law creating business counterespionage security standards, with penalties for inadequate protection, he said, arguing that the US already, successfully employs the same concept with medical and financial record privacy.

Ultimately, Quinn said, the US should not depend on agreements  especially with adversaries. He cited a quote attributed to McDonalds founder Ray Kroc: "Contracts, like hearts, are meant to be broken.

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The sale of tech publishing pioneer International Data Group to China Oceanwide Holdings Group and China-based IDG Capital is final.

The deal for China Oceanwide Holdings Group to acquire a majority stake in International Data Group was first announced in January. Tech analyst firm IDC and venture capital firm IDG Ventures are included in the deal.

China Oceanwide hosted an event in Bejing Wednesday to announce the closing of the deal. The companies did not disclose the terms of the sale.

China Oceanwide has said it will focus on growth at IDG and IDC.

IDG publishes PCWorld, Computerworld, CIO, CSO Macworld, InfoWorld, CSO, Network World, IDG.tv, and hundreds of other publications worldwide. IDG, which operates in 97 countries, is also the parent company of the IDG News Service.

IDG was founded in 1964 by Patrick McGovern, who died in March 2014. Since then, the company has been run by a board of directors, which has been seeking a buyer for about a year.

China Oceanwide is a privately held international conglomerate founded by Chairman Zhiqiang Lu in 1985. The company operates businesses in the financial services, real estate assets, media, technology, and strategic investment markets, and it has more than 12,000 employees globally.

The company purchased a stake in Lenovo's parent company, Legend Holdings, in 2009. It has continued to expand globally and in October last year, it agreed to buy U.S.-based insurance firm Genworth Financial for US$2.7 billion in cash.

IDG Capital is an independently operated investment management partnership, with IDG as one of many limited partners. It was formed in 1993 as Chinas first technology venture investment firm.

China Oceanwide will be the controlling shareholder of IDG's operating businesses, including IDC and IDG Communications, while IDG Capital will become the controlling shareholder of the IDG venture business.

IDG will continue to be headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, and managed by its current team.
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Local author, illustrator collaborate on book A local woman has turned her digital cross-country teatimes with her granddaughter into a childrens book. Tuesday Tea, written by Debby Furness Saletin and illustrated by Maryann England, both of...

Local group asks for rental rules changes A group of residents is expected to present its recommendations on how to improve the ordinance that governs short-term rentals. Member Ron Ratcliffe said the item is scheduled to be...
EAST CHICAGO, Indiana, March, 2017 Hoist Liftruck has officially entered the terminal tractor business. Already firmly established in the high-capacity forklift manufacturing industry, Hoist plans to start building the T-Series terminal tractors in the second quarter of 2017.

Designed to move semi-trailers within cargo yards, distribution centers, warehouse facilities, and intermodal facilities, the T-Series will further expand sales and establish Hoist in new industries. Many of the components of the T-Series will be supplied by existing Hoist vendors such as Cummins and AxleTech. Other components will be sourced from reputable Indiana manufacturers such as Allison and Hendrickson, further supporting the local economy.

Along with the rest of Hoist Liftruck's production, the T-Series will be manufactured in-house at the state-of-the-art 550,000 sq ft. East Chicago, Indiana facility. The terminal tractor will be manufactured on a dedicated assembly line and necessitate an increase in the company's workforce. As it has from the onset of the move, the city of East Chicago will continue to provide a talented labor force for the ever-growing needs of Hoist.

The T-Series will combine durability, innovation, efficiency, and performance for an overall improved user experience. Hoist's terminal tractor will include Hendrickson Air Suspension, providing superior comfort, improved handling, reduced maintenance costs, and an overall outstanding ride. The T-Series features lower operating costs, as well as less strain on the drivetrain and chassis thanks to our Patent-Pending 5th Wheel Vertical Lift.

Customers can continue to expect Hoist Liftruck's industry best lead times, as already evidenced by the cushion tire line's 12-14 week delivery versus competitor's delivery of up to a year. Hoist estimates at least 5 terminal tractors manufactured at the Midwest facility per day, with plans on increasing production in the near future.

To speak in more detail about the T-Series launch, as well as other exciting Hoist Liftruck product updates, Hoist Liftruck will host a press conference on the first day of the Promat Show in Chicago, IL Monday, April 3 at 10:30 a.m. in room N427BC.

For more information on the T-Series terminal tractor or other Hoist lift trucks, please contact Colleen Burke at colleen@hoistlift.com.
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A Winston-Salem teenager was arrested after investigators linked him to two robberies in February, authorities said Wednesday.

Mikesse Ahimad Gainey, 17, of Village Place was charged with common law robbery and robbery with a dangerous weapon, Winston-Salem police said.

The first incident happened on Feb. 10 when Alfredo Ramirez, 30, of Ramseur told police that he arranged to meet someone he met through the website OfferUp.com to buy an Apple iPhone.

Ramirez met two men in the 2200 block of Old Salisbury Road.

One man handed Ramirez a cellphone and asked Ramirez to count his money in front of them for the purchase, police said.

Ramirez kept his money because the phone wasnt charged. Ramirez then complied with the mens request that he take them to a nearby home to retrieve the charger.

Ramirez drove the men to a church parking lot in the 1400 block of West Clemmonsville Road, and the men got out and went to an unknown location, police said. One man returned with a charger and the phone, police said.

While Ramirez was looking at the phone and charger, the other man returned, threatened him with a handgun and ordered Ramirez to turn over his money.

The men took the money and the phone and fled, police said.

The second incident happened on Feb. 26.

A female juvenile told officers that she had arranged to meet a person whom she also met on OfferUp.com, to buy an Apple iPhone.

The girl met with a man in the 1500 block of East 21st Street. He handed her the cellphone and asked to the count the money for the purchase, police said.

The girl gave the money to the man to count and he shoved her to the ground, taking the phone and fleeing in a vehicle, police said.

Gainey was being held Wednesday in the Forsyth County Jail with a $55,000 bond, police said.
Many people are saying that its great that Winston-Salem has a needle-exchange program meant to reduce health risks for drug users, but many are also asking whether the service or others like it belongs in residential neighborhoods.

Thats a question the city will wrestle with over the coming months, even as the Twin City Harm Reduction Collective continues to operate the exchange program from Green Street United Methodist Church in the West Salem neighborhood.

Colin Miller, the founder of the collective, told Winston-Salem City Council members recently that the service here has distributed more than 4,000 clean syringes and collected almost 2,800 dirty ones in the programs short existence since December.

Legislation passed in 2016 by the N.C. General Assembly authorized the creation of exchange programs like the one here. In addition to clean needles, the program also provides kits to treat drug overdoses and multiple treatment referrals.

Miller himself is a former drug user.

The public-health benefits speak for themselves, Miller said, adding that statistics show that people are more likely to look for treatment if they have access to exchanges such as the one here. I could never have gotten sober if it were not for the people who work in harm-reduction clinics. ... I needed a heck of a lot of help.

Miller said people in the neighborhood have no reason to fear the needle-exchange. For starters, he said, theres little walk-in traffic because most users drive cars. Some users who live in the neighborhood may come on foot, but on a busy day, he said, a total of four or five people might come in for needles.

People get their stuff and leave, Miller said. They dont hang around, and people walk them back to their car.

The city is considering an ordinance that would restrict needle exchanges to certain business or campus zoning classes, keep them out of residential neighborhoods and give programs such as the one at Green Street church about two years to move.

Another option is to allow needle-exchange sites through special-use permits.

John Larson, the South Ward council member who represents West Salem, said he asked the city to put together the zoning proposal after people in the neighborhood expressed their concerns.

Salvator Patino, the president of the West Salem Neighborhood Association, said, We have a lot of people on both sides of the issue.

We have a lot of people who support (the exchange) and a lot of people who are (ambivalent) about it, Patino said.

I personally support it. I have not heard too many voices completely opposed. I do hear people say that they are for the program, but wish it wasnt at Green Street or wish there was a path for them to move out at some point. That might be the majority (view).

One thing people talk about is how West Salem has tried to rid itself of such problems as drugs and prostitution.

West Salem used to have a lot of issues, and slowly but surely we are improving, Patino said. There is a group of residents who feel it could potentially bring back a little bit of what we thought to get rid of.

The needle-exchange effort comes at a time of a growing number of deaths related to opioid drugs  a class of drugs that includes heroin and prescription pain killers.

According to North Carolina state health officials, Forsyth County experienced 401 opiate deaths between 1999 and 2015. In 2013, there were 31, rising to 44 in 2014 and 53 in 2015. Statewide, drug-overdose deaths increased 14.5 percent from 2014 to 2015, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Miller said the harm-reduction collective is providing a basic level of preventive care.

There are people who feel completely isolated because of their addictions or because they are sex workers, he said. The collective provides condoms as well as syringes.

Actually, Miller said, most of the needle distribution takes place far from the church at some agreed-upon site.

The concern is based on a lot of negative stereotypes that you see of drug users, he said. Most people who didnt know there was a syringe exchange would not notice.

Kate McFarland, who lives beside the Green Street church, said she was initially concerned when she found out about the exchange but had many of her fears allayed when she learned the program would make sure clients werent hanging around or leaving needles around. She said there has been no increase in foot or car traffic that she has noticed.

Still, McFarland said she favors the ordinance Larson has proposed and notes that it would give the exchange time to find a new spot. She said some people are now afraid to voice their concerns because of the strong emotions about the issue.

To speak out in favor of a zoning ordinance is being painted as being a bad person, being anti-needle-exchange and that is not true, she said.

West Salem resident Melissa Vickers said she is on the fence about the exchange. People in West Salem have worked hard to clean up their neighborhood, she said.

Theres been an incredible change in the neighborhood and that is why people are unsure about the clinic, and it coming into the neighborhood, she said.

Vickers said the exchange is a great program, but it would be better to have it elsewhere. On the other hand, she added, she would be opposed to any ordinance that had the effect of shutting down the exchange.

Larson said the issue isnt about one needle exchange in West Salem. Its about how the city is going to manage a service that didnt exist until the recent legislation.

There are guidelines and established policies on registration, licensing and reporting procedures, he said, referring to the law that made the exchanges legal. The one thing that was not explained was that it was a new activity that is being implanted in the landscape of cities. There was no guidance as to how these things would be placed.

Moving isnt an option unless the space is free, Miller told city leaders this week, pointing out the volunteer nature of the collective. The supplies are all donated, he said.

In the meantime, the city is also looking at another approach to regulation: Allowing needle exchanges in more places through the process of getting a special-use permit, a process that would also require a public hearing.

Although it is currently in West Salem, there are going to be more, and where are they going to go? Larson asked. If it works (through) a special-use permit so there is no adverse impact on the neighborhood, that would be justified.
The advice from Forsyth Countys legislative delegation to the Winston-Salem City Council on a proposed Welcoming City resolution could be boiled down to this Wednesday: Dont do it.

The warning came from Democrats and Republicans in the N.C. General Assembly, who said the city could be punished for pursuing a resolution that some legislators will likely see as a sanctuary city resolution in all but name.

I cant even begin to tell you how unwise this would be, state Sen. Joyce Krawiec, R-Forsyth, told the members of the Winston-Salem City Council. My colleagues are going to see this as a sanctuary bill. They have told me that there will be consequences if Winston-Salem does this. There wont be anything I can do about it.

The Welcoming City resolution is being sponsored by Council Member Dan Besse, who put forward the resolution as an alternative to calls from local activists to have the city declare itself a sanctuary for unauthorized immigrants.

North Carolina law forbids cities from passing sanctuary ordinances, which are defined in state law as rules that would forbid police from asking about citizenship status, or which would have the city take a stance of noncooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Besse insisted Wednesday that his resolution proposes nothing illegal, but legislators who represent the city in the General Assembly said the resolution is a bad idea.

State Rep. Ed Hanes, D-Forsyth, said that the city should do what the General Assembly does to bills that are not ready for prime time.

What we are telling you is that right now this (resolution) isnt ready and you should send this to your version of the rules committee  where some bills go to die and where some bills get revived again at another time.

Proposals would penalize cities

Besse said after the meeting with legislators that he will continue to press for the approval of the resolution.

This is one of those moments when silence will be taken as capitulation to fear and intimidation, Besse said. I will press for approval if I am the only vote on the council for it.

Mayor Allen Joines and all the city council members except James Taylor were able to make the trip to Raleigh to meet with the countys legislative delegation. Ordinarily such meetings are held to discuss routine local legislation, but this time legislators said they also wanted to talk to the city about Besses resolution.

Krawiec didnt say what would happen if the city goes forward with the Besse resolution, but there are several bills in the legislative hopper that penalize cities financially for being found in sanctuary status.

Legislators present for the meeting in addition to Krawiec and Hanes were state Sen. Paul Lowe, D-Forsyth, and state Reps. Debra Conrad, R-Forsyth; Julia Howard, R-Davie; Donny Lambeth, R-Forsyth; and Evelyn Terry, D-Forsyth.

Besses resolution comes at a time of intense national debate over immigration policy spurred on and brought to the fore by the election of Donald Trump as president.

Besse said his resolution is not intended to cross the limits set by state or federal law but is meant to reassure residents that the city is a welcoming place for everybody.

The last paragraph of Besses resolution directs city officials to look at ways to take additional and appropriate lawful steps  to reinforce our commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment to immigrants and others.

But Robert Clark, the only Republican on the city council, said it looked as if the resolution was very artful language (that) opens the door wide open to say, What can we do to legally stop (immigration authorities) from enforcing the law.

I do think this is a sanctuary city resolution and Im not sure who we are fooling with the name change, Clark said.

Council Member Derwin Montgomery said that he disagreed with Clark about what the resolution is asking for but noted that the discussion about the resolution has to deal with how it is perceived.

Several legislators said Winston-Salem should stick to showing its welcoming attitude by actions instead of a resolution.

Words are important, but actions speak louder than words, Lambeth said. Winston-Salem has many positive attributes. Lets not get diverted by something that is on a piece of paper. Let our actions show our respect for other people.

Resolutions main backer

extremely disappointed

Several legislators made reference to recent efforts by Joines to tackle high poverty levels in the city with a thought force convened to brainstorm ideas.

Keep doing that, the legislators said.

I dont have any issue with the language of your welcoming resolution, but it is not going anywhere here, Terry said. So why should we expend energy when we have an issue of poverty among a permanent underclass in our city?

Conrad and Krawiec said Winston-Salem shouldnt want to be seen in Raleigh as a city testing the limits of the law.

Bury this right now, Conrad said. It is the right thing to do right now.

Council members are scheduled to continue their discussion of Besses resolution in April. Lambeth said he would offer suggestions on how the resolution might be changed. Joines said the legislators gave the city good advice and said he has some changes he would like to make.

Besse said after the meeting that he was extremely disappointed in the reaction to his resolution.

Im hearing that it doesnt matter what we say, it will be heard as an attempt to violate the law, he said. What I hear is that we will be punished regardless of our intent, and that is dead wrong.
The film Life is a test-tube baby, born from a blend of old-school monster-movie DNA and state-of-the-art digital effects. At times silly  yet surprisingly satisfying  this tale of sci-fi suspense and horror, set in the weightless environment of the International Space Station, gives Emmanuel Lubezkis Gravity cinematography a run for its money, with dizzyingly deft camera choreography and long, unbroken takes shot by Seamus McGarvey (Nocturnal Animals, The Avengers) that may remind viewers of his work on Atonement.

In this floating environment, an international crew of six astronauts are retrieving soil samples collected from Mars, in the not-too-distant future. As the films title implies,  and as the trailers make explicit  that Martian dirt contains a microscopic organism that, when fed oxygen and stimulated by an electric prod, begins to develop so quickly  both in motor skills and what might be called personality  that the British microbiologist examining it, Hugh (Ariyon Bakare) gives it a name: Calvin.

Calvin proves all-too-receptive to Hughs nurturing pokes and tickles, and soon goes looking for real food, in a series of spectacularly gruesome scenes, one of which makes gorgeous use of the space stations weightlessness, and what might happen to a human who is bleeding out under those conditions.

The CGI critter  which goes from looking like a wad of colorless, chewed-up gummy bears to a wet orchid to an angry squid-like thing  quickly has the dwindling supply of astronauts running scared, from one airlocked pod to the next, as they try to contain and/or kill it. But Calvin, who can hold his  er, its  breath for long periods, and whose every cell is both a muscle, a brain and an eye, as Hugh puts it, prolongs their extermination efforts, at one point even running around on the outside of the station, like a misbehaving pet that will eat you if you let it back inside.

While this ever-more-nerve-racking game of cat-and-mouse is well calibrated by director Daniel Espinosa, the films real interest derives from the human interactions. The excellent cast includes Jake Gyllenhaal as something of a shellshocked ex-military doctor, whose wartime service has left him slightly misanthropic; Rebecca Ferguson as a quarantine-obsessed CDC scientist; Ryan Reynolds as a wisecracking engineer/space cowboy; Hiroyuki Sanada as the jaded old-timer; and Olga Dihovichnaya as the crews no-nonsense Russian commander.

The sometimes conflicting dynamics of their individual temperaments lead occasionally to poor decision-making. While this may be bad for their health, its great for the movie. Like its antecedents in more terrestrial horror, Life depends on characters going into the basement, as it were, when everyone in the audience knows darn well they should not.

The screenplay (by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick of Deadpool) limits its actual japes to Reynolds dialogue, opting instead for a more sober overall approach to storytelling.

Life has cool effects, real suspense and a sweet twist. It aint rocket science, but it does what it does well  even, one might say, with a kind of genius.
When Ari Issler was 12, his mother took him to see Spike Lees Do The Right Thing, a searing examination of race set on one of the hottest days in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood in Brooklyn, N.Y.

A year later, Issler went with his father to see Stanley Kubricks A Clockwork Orange, a futuristic tale of a young psychopath who is in jail for murder and must submit to behavior modification in order to win his freedom.

Both movies left a mark on Isslers imagination and set him on the path of eventually becoming a filmmaker.

Those movies really had the ability to say so much about the world and to be artistically interesting, he said last week from New York. He said he decided he wanted to do what Lee and Kubrick were able to achieve in their filmmaking  tell stories.

I wanted to say something, he said.

Now 37, Issler is saying something with the film, 11:55, that he co-directed with Ben Snyder, his friend and longtime writing partner. The film will be featured at this years RiverRun International Film Festival. It is part of the festivals Altered States: New Directions in American Cinema category, which showcases new, independent filmmakers like Issler and Snyder who are pushing creative boundaries in story telling. The film will be released in major markets, such as New York and Los Angeles, and to video-on-demand on June 9.

11:55 is the first full-length feature film that Issler and Snyder have directed. Before that, they directed short films, including Nobodys Nobody.

The movie is set in Newburgh, N.Y., an hour north of New York City. Issler, Snyder and lead actor Victor Almanzar wrote the screenplay, loosely based on Almanzars own life.

In the film, Almanzar plays Nelson Sanchez, a U.S. Marine who is returning home after active duty. What should be a time of celebration turns dark quickly when Sanchez finds out that the brother of a man he fatally shot years ago is looking for revenge. Hes coming into town on the 11:55 p.m. bus that night. All Sanchez wants to do is settle down with his girlfriend, Livvy, and start a family. But now, he has a stark choice  go back to his violent ways or forge a new path.

Chris Holmes, a program coordinator at RiverRun International Film Festival, said Issler, a friend, shared the film with him via a video link after it premiered at the LA Film Festival last summer. The film was named the Audience Favorite Feature at the Aspen Filmfest.

Its very gripping, Holmes said. Its very suspenseful. ... Its just very old-school, solid, sturdy storytelling with no artifice and no real visual distractions.

The film has a predominantly Latino cast. Holmes said the film tells a story about a place and a community that is rarely depicted on the big screen.

Holmes said its the kind of film that the festivals Altered States likes to highlight.

Issler and Snyder shot the film in 22 days.

Snyder and Issler brought their experience to the set  Snyder has a theater company called Labyrinth and Issler has worked as either a camera operator or a cinematography in television and movies for years. Snyder and Issler have known each other since they met at New York University, where Issler was attending film school. Issler graduated in 2001.

They soon became friends over their mutual interest in music and social-justice issues, Issler said.

Issler said the cast and crew really worked well together. He and Snyder had known some of the actors for years. The cast also includes actress Julia Stiles, who worked with Snyders theater company, and actor John Leguizamo. Issler said that he and Snyder were working with Leguizamo on another screenplay when he became interested in 11:55.

We got to make a movie with a lot of people who are like family, he said.

That doesnt mean it was always easy, he said. Making a movie can be a challenge when you are ambitious, Issler said. It was important to be decisive.

Ben and I know what we want, he said. Every day on set was about making something good or great, Issler said.

He likes how the movie has been received at various film festivals. He demurs when asked what he wants people to get out of the movie. The important thing is hes doing what he always wanted to do.

I wanted to tell stories, he said. I didnt know I would get a chance to do it.
JURIST Guest Columnist Erika Wilson of University of North Carolina School of Law, discusses the potential perils of Kentuckys new charter school law 

On March 21, 2017, Kentucky governor Matt Bevin signed into law House Bill (HB) 520, a bill that will allow charters schools to operate in Kentucky for the first time in the states history. Beginning with the 2017-2018 academic year, school boards in Kentucky will have the authority to approve an uncapped number of charter schools. The bill adopts the same rhetoric commonly used in support of charter school proliferation, namely that charters schools will allow for innovation, flexibility and provide an opportunity to reduce socioeconomic, racial and ethnic achievement gaps. Yet, as seen in other states that allow for an unlimited number of charter schools, the realities of uncapped charter school growth are often very different from the rhetoric. As Kentucky embarks on its charter school odyssey, three important warnings are worth heading.

The Perils of Limited Regulation and Schools

First, the very nature of charter schools changes the dynamics of what is supposed to be a system of public education. Though charter schools are public schools, a private charter operator under a contract with the state essentially runs them. Charter schools are also exempt from many state and local regulations. They are afforded wide latitude on matters that traditional public schools are not; issues such as hiring and firing practices, curriculum design, teacher pay and qualifications. The inevitable result of giving private charter operators license to run public schools with relaxed regulation is the introduction of elements of privatization into the system of public education. Case in point, Kentuckys HB 520 allows teachers, parents, school administrators, citizens, public organizations, non-profit organizations or a combination of the aforementioned, to become charter school operators. Only local school boards and the mayors of Louisville and Lexington can approve contracts with charter operators. Importantly however, once the local school board or mayor approves the charter contract, there is nothing in HB520 that precludes the charter school operator from contracting out the management and operation of the school to a third-party for-profit Education Management Organization (EMO). Indeed, EMOs run a sizeable percentage of charter schools nationwide. EMOs have long elicited concerns that given the regulatory latitude afforded charter schools, they may enact educational policies with the goal of maximizing profit, rather than sound educational policies aimed at student learning. Indeed, a study of for-profit charter schools in Florida found that charters operated by for-profit EMOs schools spent less money overall, less money on instruction and achieved lower student proficiency gains. Failure to include clear limits or prohibitions on the use of for-profit charter EMOs leaves some subset of Kentucky public schools vulnerable to the possibility of the charters run by for-profit entities emphasizing financial gains over student gains.

Unsavory Competition for Students

Second, another potential danger raised by HB520 is the possibility of unrestricted growth of the charter school. Under HB520, charter schools will receive state money based on how many students are enrolled in the school. Put another way, the money follows the student. As seen in places like Detroit and New Orleans, unrestricted charter growth can lead to predatory competition for students and the public dollars that follow them. Proponents of charter schools contend that removing caps on the number of charter schools permitted to operate in a state leads to increased competition amongst schools for students and increases the number of good school options available to students. Again, the realities of how that competition plays out for the most-vulnerable studentspoor and minority studentsbelies such rhetoric. In states that do not have caps on the number of charter schools, stories abound of schools competing for students through unsavory enticements such as cash gift cards for example. They do so for purposes of having the student in the building on the day enrollment is counted for purposes of receiving the government funding that follows the students to charter schools. Once the enrollment count day has ended, concerns about maintaining enrollment erode, children deemed academic or discipline problems can be easily dismissed.

Further, allowing an uncapped number of charter schools prohibits charter schools from collaborating with public schools in ways that might be useful to both the charter and public schools. The initial charter school movement began with the premise that charter schools could serve as useful laboratories of experiment. Relaxed regulations would allow new teaching methods and techniques that could be tried, tested and imported back into traditional public schools. It was a model that envisioned collaboration rather than competition. Yet the influx of charter schools is more likely to cause competition between charter and traditional schools rather than collaboration. The possibility of competition rather than collaboration is particularly likely in Kentucky given the language of HB520, which allows an existing public school to be converted into a charter school if (among other things) sixty percent of parents in the school and the majority of the school board in the district in which the school is situated approve the conversion.

Racial and Socioeconomic Equity Issues

Lastly, key concerns raised by charter schools are related to issues of racial and socioeconomic equity. Kentucky has shown a steadfast commitment to maintaining racially and socioeconomically integrated schools. Most notably, the Jefferson County school district maintained a voluntary integration plan for years after their court ordered desegregation plan ended, until the Supreme Court struck their plan down as relying upon an unconstitutional use of race in Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School District No. 1. Even after the decision in Parents Involved, Jefferson County continued to rely on a bussing plan between urban and suburban areas in the County in order to maintain racial and economic balance in its schools. However, the introduction of charter schools to the public education landscape in Kentucky may jeopardize racial and socio-economic integration in Kentuckys schools, particularly the urban schools. Recent research has shown that charter schools undoubtedly influence patterns of racial segregation in schools. In many ways, charter schools can represent an opt-out for parents in suburbs or urban areas who are tired of having their children bussed. Indeed, the rise of charter schools in states like North Carolina provided a vehicle for white parents to secede from more racially and economically diverse schools. A proliferation of neighborhood based charter schools could change the balance of racial integration in Kentucky schools. In approving charter applications, serious attention should be paid to the racial and socioeconomic implications of citing a new charter school.

Ultimately, the success (or failure) of HB520 will depend upon the Kentucky Board of Education. HB520 charges the Kentucky Board of Education with implementing regulations to support the implementation of the law. The Kentucky Board of Education would be wise to heed the aforementioned warnings regarding limited regulation, unsavory competition and racial and socio-economic equity.

Erika Wilson is an assistant professor of law at the University of North Carolina who concentrates on civil rights and education policy. Professor Wilson served as the George N. Lindsay Fellow for the Education Project at the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law where she engaged in a broad range of litigation and law reform projects involving school desegregation, the No Child Left Behind Act, special education, school discipline and federal funding to Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Suggested citation: Erika Wilson, Kentucky and the Charter School Movement: Caveat Emptor (Buyer Beware), JURIST  Academic Commentary, Mar. 29, 2017, http://jurist.org/forum/2017/03/Erika-Wilson-Charter-School.php

This article was prepared for publication by Kelly Cullen, a JURIST Assistant Editor. Please direct any questions or comments to him at commentary@jurist.org
[JURIST] The US Supreme Court [official website] on Wednesday heard argument in Turner v. United States and Honeycutt v. United States [SCOTUSblog backgrounders]. In Turner [argument transcript], the court heard argument on the Brady rule [LII backgrounder], a rule requiring that prosecutors provide a criminal defendant with all evidence that is favorable or material to his defense, even if the defendant does not ask for it. In this case, eight men, including Christopher Turner, were convicted of a murder that occurred in 1984, with their defense being what Justice Elena Kagan referred to as circular firing squad in which each defendant accused someone else. What defense attorneys had not been told at the time was that other witnesses had seen James McMillan, a man with a history of similar crimes, acting suspiciously at the scene. Prosecutors also failed to provide information on witness Carrie Eleby, who encouraged another witness to lie in support of Elebys story. Had the defense been given this information, they argue, the defense would have been based on an alternative suspect theory, and Elebys testimony would have been impeached.

In Honeycutt v. United States [argument transcript], the court heard argument on the law of asset forfeiture and whether a defendant, who did not receive assets from a crime, could be nonetheless forced to forfeit assets under 18 U.S.C.  853(a) [text]. Terry Honeycutt worked for his brother at a hardware store, selling, among other things, a water-purifying product that can also used to make methamphetamine. The store made a profit of $270,000 on the sale, and when Terry and his brother were indicted for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, Terrys brother forfeited $200,000 in a plea agreement. Terry was convicted at trial, and after sentencing, the US sought to obtain the remaining $70,000 from him. The statute in question requires forfeiture of proceeds the person obtained in violation of the law, a burden Terry argues was not met. The government did not argue otherwise, instead relying upon precedent that prosecutors can seize assets of co-conspirators regardless of what amount was directly attributable to them. Although not necessarily indicative of an outcome, the Justices were decidedly more wary [SCOTUSblog report] of the prosecutions argument.
The Trump administration on Tuesday asked [motion, PDF] the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit [official website] to postpone ruling on the Obama administrations climate change regulations. This request came after President Donald Trump signed [JURIST report] an executive order [text] rolling back the Obama administration policies. The Clean Power Plan [text, PDF] was challenged during Obamas presidency by certain states and industry groups that rely on the coal industry. There is concern that a positive ruling by the court in favor of the Clean Power Plan will give environmental groups ammunition to oppose Trumps new order.

A priority of the Trump administration has been to roll back regulations and alter the countrys energy and environmental policies, which the current administration claims have hurt jobs and the growth of the economy. In February Trump signed legislation [JURIST report] that rolled back coal mining regulations implemented by the Obama administration. Also that week the president signed a repeal of regulations [JURIST report] that required energy companies to disclose their payments to foreign governments. Shortly after his inauguration, Trump signed orders advancing the construction [JURIST report] of both the Keystone XL pipeline and Dakota Access Pipeline.
[JURIST] William Baroni and Bridget Kelly, former high-ranking officials in Chris Christies [official website] New Jersey Governorship, were sentenced on Wednesday for their roles in what has come to be known as Bridgegate. Baroni, former deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey [official website] was sentenced to two years in prison, while Kelly, former deputy chief of staff for Christie, received a sentence of one and a half years. Baroni and Kelly were found guilty [JURIST report] in November of closing access to the George Washington Bridge for a week in 2013, in retribution for Fort Lee, New Jerseys Democratic mayors refusal to back Chris Christie in his re-election bid. Baroni and Kelly attempted at trial to establish that David Wildstein, another Port Authority official, told them the lane realignment was a legitimate traffic study. Wildstein, who pled guilty, testified for the defense and refuted those claims. Based on this outrageous display of abuse of power, US District Judge Susan Wigenton sentenced Baroni and Kelly to jail time, rather than probation as the defendants requested.

Christie has denied having any knowledge that the closures, implemented under the guise of a traffic study, were to be used as political retaliation. In October 2016, a New Jersey judge signed a summons accusing [JURIST report] Christie of misconduct for his alleged role in the closure of the bridge lanes. Christie was not charged by federal prosecutors or held responsible by other investigations into the George Washington Bridge lane-closure. The charges in the summons come from a citizens misconduct complaint. The complaint alleges that Christie knowingly refrained from ordering that his subordinates take all necessary action to re-open local access lanes.
#prosecution Prosecution raids bakery giant SPC in probe into alleged unfair practices Prosecutors raided the offices of the nation's largest bakery chain SPC Group on Tuesday as part of an investigation into alleged unfair practices of awarding business contracts to...
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Kashi Company, the US natural food business owned by Kellogg, is increasing its focus on organic products. With just 1% of US farmland dedicated to organic production, the group has come up with an innovative way of supporting farmers make the switch through its certified transitional programme. Katy Askew caught up with Tina Owens, senior manager of procurement and sustainability at Kashi, to find out more.

US snacks-to-cereal giant Kellogg acquired Kashi back in 2000. Under Kelloggs early stewardship, the business experienced significant declines in sales. Misjudged steps such as the decision to move away from GMO-free ingredients damaged Kashis relationship with its core customer base.

Kellogg adjusted its approach to try to re-build bridges. Kellogg made Kashi more of a stand-alone entity, relocating the business back to its roots in California, and the group restored the units namesake brand to GMO-free ingredients. Kashi is now moving a step further by increasing its focus on the organic sector. Kashi acquired US snack bar maker Pure Organics in June last year and the group has decided innovation behind its brands will be focused on the organic sector.

Speaking earlier this month at the Natural Products Expo West trade show in Anaheim, California, procurement and sustainability manager Tina Owens tells just-food Kashi is shifting its range towards the organic sector.

We are dedicated to moving as much of our portfolio towards organic as possible, Owens says. We are talking about some renovation on our heritage stuff. Even if we cant make it all the way certified organic, [we are] taking some of the commodities and transitioning them. But our innovations will be what takes over the future. Some of those existing products, we might renovate some portions but we are really looking to manage them through their life-cycle. In our innovations, we are trying to have certified transitional or organic at every innovation that is going out the door.

She said Kashis decision to shift its portfolio towards organic and transitional products is a reflection of US consumer demand. According to the Organic Trade Association, organic sales in the US have increased from US$3.6bn in 1997 to $43.3bn in 2015. During 2015, organic food sales increased by 10.8% compared to a food sector average of 3.3% growth.

An important plank for Kashis expansion in organic is the certified transitional project the group developed in collaboration with Quality Assurance International, an organic certification body.

Under the system, Kashi pays farmers who embark on the three-year process of gaining US Department of Agriculture organic accreditation a premium for the ingredients they supply. Kashi hopes that, by offering additional support to farmers during the transition to organic production, it will encourage more US producers to take up organic methods.

Currently farmers are responsible for taking on all of the risk for that three-year transition [to organic] so they have to figure out what new pesticides and fertilisers to use, they have to come up with their business plans, they might have to get additional loans for new equipment, they might have to have new seed organisations they work with versus their conventional seeds, Owens explains. There is a lot of extra cost and change during that time. It is a hurdle that people have stopped going through even though the demand for organics has never been stronger. Farmers have stalled out. So we want to incentivise them by giving them a premium to help offset the costs.

Owens insists the scheme is not about locking up organic supply for Kashi in a market marked by supply constraints. At the end of that [transition period] they can certify organic and they are free to sell to anybody. We are not locking up supply that is just for us, either through the certification or through the farmers. It is really empowering them.

While Kashi would not be drawn on the size of the premium, Owens concedes it is somewhere between conventional and organic prices.

The company launched its first certified transitional product  shredded wheat biscuit Cocoa Karma  in May last year. The SKU, Owens says, has been Kashis best-performing innovation in cereal for the last five years. Following on from this success, the group rolled out four new certified transitional bars in January  coconut cashew macaroon, salted chocolate, trail mix and snickerdoodle. They are already doing as well as the category average and, at some of our customers, they are doing off the charts, Owens says.

Communicating the meaning of certified transitional to consumers is described as tough by the companys marketing executives but Kashi is leading with delicious bars.

Owens says: We have these cookie inspired names, amazing ingredients, and through all of those touch points we also link back to telling the transitional story we have really seen an understanding develop over the past year about what certified transitional stands for.

She claims certified transitional products carry many of the same benefits associated with organic consumption. Farmers are following the national organic process during those three years. We are not telling them to do anything different from what the USDA has already set out. But there are different things they have to do in year one, year two and year three. They are organics in training. That farmer is already behaving like an organic farmer they just havent made it to the point where the USDA says OK you are certified. We like to think they have the same benefits as their organic [counterparts].

Kashis certified organic bars are also offered at a comparable price point to snack bars that are certified organic. While some ingredients [in the range] are certified transitional the rest are organic. We are using fair trade cocoa, the other ingredients are all organic. So we are also asking the consumer to help with that premium to support the organic producer. We are actually line pricing the Dark Cocoa Karma with the rest of our shred line, which is all certified organic, Owens says.

Retailers have responded positively to the project. We have had a lot of retailer interest. This concept has actually opened doors at retailers anew for us. They have been very excited about it, Owens claims. The company has therefore been able to feed its certified transitional products into its existing distribution channels. Our normal retailers, we are at Wal-Mart, we are at Target, we are in the natural and organic space, in Sprouts. We have national distribution. It is a very mainstream product in major national grocers, Owens said.

Through the programme, Kashi hopes to increase the acreage in the US dedicated to organic production. Only around 1% of US farmland is organic. However, if organic production levels had kept pace with demand, she says organic acreage would account for 5-6% of US production.

Even if we were to double for the next few years we still wouldnt be at what the market needs, she continues. That growth is currently being propped up by imports. That means, in the long run, the imports set the price for where the commodity is sold and our conventional farmers in the US are going to find it increasingly difficult to enter the organic market at a price that gives them the benefit of moving to organic. And conventional farmers are very challenged right now in the marketplace Conventional farmers need something to move to and we think they can be part of the solution for organic.

On a consumer level, domestic organic production is also necessary to make organic foods accessible, Owens argues. We want to open access for organics to all consumers. We want to make sure that organics are affordable.

Farmers have been keen to take up Kashis programme. We started with 860 acres on the wheat. Then all together, all my farmers, we are now at 3,774 acres this year. We have quadrupled our entire acreage number from year-one to year-two by adding other products [to the line]. And actually we are going to go almost double this year for this product line, that is how well it is doing. We expect that to increase quite nicely this year and then again next year, Owens predicts.

Kashi has witnessed such a positive response to the certified transitional programme that the group anticipates it could expand into an industry standard. We are hoping demand is beyond just the Kashi brand. We want that supply chain there available for other people to pick up. Grow the whole pie, not just your own piece, Owens explains.

We would like to see much broader use of certified transitional programme. We have been inviting brands. When we launched the programme, we sent out a tonne of care packages to other industries, competitive, friendly brands, anyone, inviting them into it. The response has been really positive. We cant say more on who we have been talking to but we can say yes [we expect uptake to grow] with a big smile.
Photo Credit: Mike Wilson / unsplash.com

Parents or not, we could all use some kid-free time for a quiet, relaxing (or not) getaway. At these adults-only villas, the only screaming youll hear is, well, from your neighbours.

Photo Credit: Anantara Veli Maldives Resort

#1 Anantara Veli Maldives Resort in the Maldives

Whats more romantic than being surrounded by miles of turquoise waters in an over-water bungalow? The Anantara Veil Maldives Resort promises the privacy and tranquillity of an adults-only island getaway, replete with soft white sand and azure waters. Unwind on a sun deck overlooking pristine coral reefs, take a dip in your own private pool, or be blissfully pampered at the resorts Ayurvedic Spa.

Photo Credit: One Eleven

#2 One Eleven in Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia

A stylish and luxurious adults-only villa resort in the heart of bustling Seminyak, One Eleven is a secluded yet convenient escape for lovebirds. The resort offers spacious villas plus the first- class treatment you deserve, from 24-hour butler service to private in-villa spa pavilions. For travelling foodies, One Eleven also houses one of Seminyaks finest restaurants, an authentic Japanese sushi/sake bar headed by Chef Shiro San.

Photo Credit: The Amala

#3 The Amala in Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia

Quietly tucked away in an unspoilt natural enclave in Seminyak, The Amala gives you the best of both worlds: a calm and intimate atmosphere where you still have easy access to Balis most vibrant neighbourhood. The resorts adults-only policy is intended to allow couples to rejuvenate and reconnect with each other in a serene setting, where they can enjoying an extensive selection of Balinese-inspired spa and wellness programmes.

Photo Credit: Kahanda Kanda

#4 Kahanda Kanda in Galle, Sri Lanka

From sun-kissed beaches to lush mountains, the landscape of Sri Lanka exudes romance. Nestled on a peaceful tea plantation and surrounded by sweeping jungle views, Kahanda Kanda is a boutique adults-only resort with just eight individually designed villas, a sanctuary of serenity, privacy, and personalised five-star service. Unwind with a relaxing couples massage or take a romantic stroll through the resorts own working tea plantation.

Photo Credit: The Pavilions Phuket

#5 The Pavilions Phuket in Phuket, Thailand

Perched high above Layan Beach, The Pavilions is an intimate escape from the hustle and bustle of Phukets tourist hotspots. Popular for honeymoons, the adults-only resort treats guests to commanding ocean views, luxurious interiors by the world famous designer Rene Ozorio, and an alluring atmosphere that encourages warmth and affection. From champagne breakfasts to sunset cocktails, love is in the air.

Photo Credit: Villa Samadhi

#6 Villa Samadhi in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Discreetly hidden from street view in the heart of Malaysias capital is Villa Samadhi, an upscale hideaway and Kuala Lumpurs best-kept secret. The adults-only sanctuary offers the biggest suites in town, each with their own over-sized plunge hot tub for sultry nights in. With a gorgeous lagoon-style pool, delicious restaurant thats exclusively for in-house guests, and a chilled-out atmosphere, theres no reason to ever leave.
LEXINGTON  A Cozad man accused of hitting two people with his car outside a Cozad bar in October pleaded guilty to amended charges from the incident.

According to court records, Christopher Twine, 29, pleaded guilty last week in Dawson County District Court to third-degree assault, a Class I misdemeanor; first offense willful reckless driving, a Class III misdemeanor; and criminal mischief of $500 to $1,500, a Class II misdemeanor. The first two charges were amended from second-degree assault, a Class IIA felony, and leaving the scene of an injury accident, a Class IIIA felony. Twine also faced a second-degree assault charge, a Class IIA felony, that was dropped in a plea deal.

A sentencing has been set for Twine on May 8.

Twines charges stem from a hit-and-run accident outside a Cozad bar in the early morning of Oct. 23. Court records say Twine allegedly hit two people with his car then ran it into a wooden fence, breaking the fence and a water line located behind it. Christopher Twine and his alleged passengers Stacy Twine, 31, and Curtis Porter, 37, both of Cozad, allegedly left the scene of the accident without aiding the victims or furnishing insurance information to the property owner, court records say.

Earlier, Stacy Twine allegedly punched a man whom she told police was harassing her at the bar, court records say.

Court records say Porter allegedly punched and knocked out another man at the bar. Porter told law enforcement that when the man woke up, he allegedly threatened to harm Porter. The man whom Porter allegedly punched was also allegedly hit by Christopher Twines car, court records say.

Stacy Twine, 31, pleaded no contest to assault by mutual consent, a Class II misdemeanor, which was amended from third-degree assault, a Class I misdemeanor.

A person making a no-contest plea neither admits nor denies guilt, but the plea is treated the same as a guilty plea.

Stacy Twine was sentenced at the time of her plea in February. Her sentence includes a fine of $100.

Porter was originally charged with third-degree assault, a Class I misdemeanor. His charge was amended to assault by mutual consent, a Class II misdemeanor. He pleaded guilty to the amended charge in January and was fined $200.
OVERTON  Theres a burly, red-bearded man parked in one of the two-person booths at this central Nebraska hole in the wall.

He quietly orders a plate of chicken tikka korma, a Budweiser  and a pen, please, for the newspaper crossword puzzle folded on the petite table in front of him, its edge pressed against his plaid-covered barrel chest.

A few minutes later, his fork scrapes audibly across his plate.

All finished? Shelly Chaudhary asks.

I love authentic Indian food, he says. So thank you.

A few seconds later  and just 20 minutes or so after he first sat down  he pays Shellys husband, Harry, at the counter. Then hes off, back to his semi parked in the lot at the Overton exit, headed back on to Interstate 80.

So goes every day at the Jay Bros., a stop along the road east of Lexington where there are no houses. There is no Subway or Starbucks, and hardly any people.

There are only the Chaudharys and their most unlikely version of the American dream: a central Nebraska Punjabi-style Indian restaurant, Taste of India, inside a truck stop.

Its a combination that doesnt seem like it should work but somehow does. That starts with their menu, a long list that includes dishes you might know and a handful you might not.

The most popular dish at Taste of India is probably butter chicken, a mildly spiced curry dish, Harry said. Its a staple of their menu.

So are chicken tikka masala, goat and lamb curry and many vegetable dishes.

I was particularly excited to see a handful of dishes that Ive never seen at an Indian restaurant in Nebraska before: aloo tikki, a sweet-spicy potato cake scented with fresh herbs, cheese and a hint of spice; and shahi paneer, huge pieces of Indian cheese nestled in a creamy, nutty sauce.

The house specialty is chole bhature: a bowl of chana masala  a saucy chickpea dish with big hunks of fresh-chopped ginger  served with fried bread called bhatoora for scooping. The dish is one of the most well known of Punjabi cuisine.

Harry and Shelly decided to serve Punjabi-style food because its served the same way worldwide, and is similar to the food in northern India, specifically Gujarat, where the couple met and got married.

They moved to California in 2007. Harrys uncle bought a gas station in Paxton, Nebraska, and asked if he wanted to come and run it. So the Chaudharys came to Nebraska.

Harry did well at the gas station in Paxton, and soon he bought a hotel in Cozad and a dollar store in Kearney, both of which hes since sold.

As he drove back and forth between his businesses, he would notice a busted-up truck stop at the Overton exit, one that had been closed and abandoned for years.

He had an idea. He tracked down the owner and made a deal.

In 2012, Harry bought himself a truck stop. He sighs.

You want to see the pictures? he asks.

He comes back, a thick, beat-up laptop in hand, and rolls a few videos: Broken glass. Water-damaged ceilings. Piles and piles of trash. Weeds 3 feet tall. A trashed kitchen and bathroom stalls. And even a handful of black cows roaming the open pasture that abuts the gas station.

It took Harry and his two sons four months just to clean up the convenience store side of the shop. He opened in December 2012 with just himself and one other employee who worked a few hours in the morning.

He sat in the shop alone most of the time, through the new year and into 2013. He added diesel pumps to try to attract truck drivers off the Interstate to his small mom-and-pop shop.

But he knew he needed another thing to draw those truckers in: food. Hamburgers and french fries, he thought. Thats the ticket.

I tried it for three months, he said. It didnt work.

But Harry is a stubborn man. He placed an ad in a newspaper in California: cook wanted. And not just any cook. A cook to help him open a new Punjabi-style Indian restaurant inside a truck stop in the middle of nowhere.

You will not be surprised to learn that a lot of people doubted Harrys new plan.

There is no community around here, not even a small one, he said. Overton is 4 miles from here. Lexington is 11. Elm Creek is 9 or 10. Kearney is 25. Many local people thought it couldnt work.

Harry decided he didnt care. He and Shelly, both vegetarians, started the menu without meat. Once chef Suren arrived from California, he encouraged them to add meat to the menu.

Everyone likes beef, Harry says.

Now Taste of India also serves chicken, fish, goat and lamb (still no beef, though). Most ingredients come from markets in Lexington, and some come from Omaha and Lincoln. Harry orders spices in bulk from Chicago, and all the naan is baked in-house.

The kitchen keeps the meat separate from the vegetarian dishes, and Harry is staunchly anti-buffet. Who wants to eat food that sits all day? he asks.

Harry made all those changes, and a funny thing happened: Truckers stopped to eat. They told other truckers about it, and they stopped, too. Harry hired a second chef, this one from Chicago. On weekend nights he would peek out of the kitchen and see his impossible dream of a restaurant nearly full.

I saw lots of people from Kearney start coming in on Friday and Saturday nights, Harry said. And then from Holdredge. From Lexington and Cozad and McCook. From Ogallala. From North Platte!

He shakes his head.

First I was thinking, You are coming from North Platte? That is too far for food. But they literally just came here for food. Now, lots of people know.

After Suren left, Harry hired another chef, also from California, who will arrive this April. And his nephew, Roy, works many hours in the restaurant, as well as the rest of the business, now that things are so much busier.

Travelers from Omaha and Lincoln, Iowa and Minnesota, headed to Denver or other places make the pilgrimage to Taste of India.

Many of those people  and truckers, too  call ahead for their orders, so food will be ready when they arrive. Some eat there, some take it home. And for some diners, its their first taste of India.

As it was for a couple dining the same evening I did, who didnt realize what they were in for.

Do you like Indian food? Shelly asked them.

Ive never had it, the woman said, then almost immediately asked, Is it real spicy?

Shelly said it can be made medium or mild, and the woman ordered a chicken dish.

After Shelly walked away, the woman looked at her husband.

You sure as heck didnt say Indian food!

Newbies aside, the restaurant has attracted lots and lots of regulars.

Some are professors at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where the couples sons  ages 21 and 26  both study, the younger as a computer science student and the older as part of a masters program. They lined their father up to cater events for international students, and many of those families are now regulars as well.

Harry and Shelly said theyve found a few fellow Indians in Cozad, where they live, but not many. A few others, from southern India, live in Kearney.

But I have good Indian customers driving trucks from California, New York and Chicago, Harry says, smiling. Some of the customers, even though they are from New York, they like this more than the New York restaurants.

As far as Harry and Shelly know, they might be running the only roadside Indian joint in the Midwest. Certainly they are the only one in Nebraska.

We have tried hard, Harry said, sitting in the dining room of his restaurant. And now, four years after he bought this place, its working.

Restaurants are a hard business, and to me, if you dont have the proper guidance then you should do something else other than food, he says. But this is one good adventure I have done in my life. I see that and I become proud of myself. I have done something good.
NORTH PLATTE, Neb.  Two people have been arrested in connection with a homicide Tuesday morning in Ogallala. A third person is still being sought for questioning by authorities.

According to an arrest affidavit, Nebraska State Patrol investigators arrested Larry Derrera, 32, and Raylynn Garcia, 28, on suspicion of felony accessory to murder in the death of John Fratis, 25. The two were also arrested on suspicion of child abuse.

According to the affidavit:

Fratis, Garcia and Derrera shared a residence with two children. The three adults were watching television while drinking alcohol and consuming drugs in front of the children.

Fratis and another man got into an altercation. Fratis was injured and later died at Ogallala Community Hospital.

When Garcia found Fratis bleeding, he told her that Chris had stabbed him. Before Fratis was taken to the hospital, Garcia left with her two children and met the man, Chris, at a convenience store. With the children still in her vehicle, Garcia gave Chris a ride to Holyoke, Colorado.

In the affidavit, State Patrol Sgt. Clint Elwood said both Derrera and Garcia lied or withheld information relating to Fratis death, which has hindered the case investigation.

Keith County Attorney Randy Fair confirmed that the homicide was a stabbing. As of late Wednesday afternoon, he said authorities were still searching for the third person in the affidavit  Chris  for questioning.

Both Derrera and Garcia were being held without bail Wednesday in the Keith County Jail. Their next court date has yet to be determined.
LINCOLN  Nebraska lawmakers advanced legislation Wednesday that gets much tougher on sex trafficking even as some senators said the bill is poorly written and could disproportionately punish certain offenders.

Supporters of Legislative Bill 289 said the time has come to send the message that Nebraska wants to shut down an insidious underground industry that profits off of children and vulnerable adults. Senators voted 42-0 to advance the bill to the second of three rounds of debate.

There is no question, my friends, these penalties need to be increased, said State Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks of Lincoln, the sponsor of the bill. We have stories about children who are being tortured and raped.

Legislative Bill 289 raises penalties for sex trafficking to a minimum of one year in prison and a maximum of 50 years. It would apply to those who engage in trafficking as well as those who hire people forced into prostitution.

Under current law, the penalties for the offenses range from no prison time to a maximum of four years.

Those who use force or the threat of harm to coerce minors into sex trafficking would face 20 years to life in prison under LB 289, compared with the current maximum of 20 years. Anyone convicted of inflicting physical harm on victims of sex trafficking could be locked up for as long as 50 years, from the current maximum of four years.

Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha argued the bill could entrap those who do not intentionally engage in what they know to be criminal behavior. He also criticized the bill because Attorney General Doug Peterson had a significant role in drafting it.

Chambers argued some of the penalties the bill attaches to sex trafficking would be more severe than prison terms for those who commit homicides such as manslaughter, motor-vehicle homicide or child abuse resulting in death.

I will not be derailed by suggesting because I want sanity in sentencing that I ignore the suffering of victims, Chambers said.

Sen. Burke Harr of Omaha said the bill creates a new class of offenses that carry mandatory minimum prison sentences. That goes against the work of the Legislature in recent years to address the prison-overcrowding crisis, he said.

We cant continue to throw people in jail without consequence, Harr said.
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A cat's claws are trimmed by a technician Thursday, Jan. 16, 2003 in West Hollywood, Calif. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association has strengthened its stand against declawing domestic cats, saying the practice causes unnecessary and avoidable pain. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Damian Dovarganes
Conservative leadership candidate Kevin O'Leary waits to speak to students at Queen's University, in Kingston, Ont., on Thursday, March 16, 2017. Kevin O'Leary will attend the Conservative party's final formal leadership debate in Toronto on April 26. But the celebrity businessman-turned-leadership-front-runner told The Canadian Press on Thursday that he's still not convinced there's any point to being there. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Lars Hagberg
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Spoiler alert: I am biased. I graduated from St. Georges University, a medical school in Grenada that graduates more physicians annually than any other medical school in the world. It is a school comprised of people who are so determined to become doctors that they are willing to move to a different country  some taking their families with them, some leaving everything behind  to study medicine. My peers came from all over the United States and Canada and had prior graduate degrees, prior jobs and life experiences. Eventually, we all came to the same conclusion: No career would make us happier than a career in medicine.

We fought for our medical education. I was lucky to have supportive deans and clinical instructors, but certain things are out of administrative control. Power outages, tropical storms, water shortages. Alumni from earlier classes remember sitting in lecture halls post-hurricane Ivan, with rain falling through gaping holes in the roof onto their notepads. Ill never forget the time (which turned out to be multiple times) when the local airline workers went on strike, and I slept and studied in the airport in Trinidad for two days. We joked that our school was like Hogwarts from Harry Potter  the elusive school that could only be reached by magic. Most significantly, we were all thousands of miles from friends and family, our support systems, our rocks.

All of this in fear of Match Day. International medical graduates (IMGs) have less success matching to PGY1 residency positions than do U.S. medical graduates. Ive mentored third- and fourth-year students through the application process. They are so afraid that all the hard work and sacrifice will yield to the demeaning claim of IMGs as inferior medical professionals.

Because of our struggle, there are a number of professional advantages to having been an IMG:

1. We work hard. I remember interviewing with some U.S. grads who barely passed the USMLEs and still didnt doubt they would match into a residency program. As IMGs, we had to achieve higher grades, higher USMLE scores and publish more research to be considered on the same level as U.S. applicants. We also applied to at least three-times the number of programs, knowing that the odds of an interview invitation were against us. By the time we reach residency, our determination is so well-developed that it is part of our normal work ethic. In the end, I pitied the students who were never asked to prove themselves. Ultimately, our need to be competitive is what made us realize our potential.

2. We never developed a sense of entitlement. Everyone  especially anyone whos ever been a patient  can agree theres nothing worse than an arrogant doctor who feels entitled to respect. As IMGs, nothing was ever guaranteed to us except a tough road ahead. We were told from the very beginning that even if we got high grades and scored above the 90th percentile for USMLEs, we still might not match into a residency program. While there are bound to be complainers in any group, I have found my peers (now colleagues) to be grateful for work. Period.

3. It takes a lot for us to complain. Because of the aforementioned wringer weve been through, and the gratitude we feel for being granted our dream job, it would take a severely morbid work environment to make us complain. I remember when the electricity ran out in our main library, no one even blinked; we learned to save all our documents off-line, and the light from our laptops collectively allowed us to finish our work. In resource-poor, inner city hospitals, we make do with what we have and move forward. This tends to be a favorable personality in team work. We know there is no point to complaining when theres work to be done.

4. We are trained to know our patients. From day one, studying in a developing country, we are trained to understand the context in which we practice. We met diabetic amputees who lost their limbs because they could afford either shoes or insulin, but not both. In our third and fourth years of medical school, most of us trained in high-volume, inner city community hospitals. There we saw similar, morbidly advanced stages of disease among the homeless and uninsured. The medicine we know is medicine for people with limited access to care. That skill  the skill of eliciting context and socioeconomic origins of disease  not only make us more thorough, but also more compassionate.

5. We are dreamers. The from the moment we stepped on a plane wondering what the next four, or eight, or 12 years would entail, we began to develop our own version of a dream worth defending for the rest of our careers. Its not a dream we let go of. Whether its owning our own private practice, improving medicine in hospitals or whole health care systems, or improving health care in our home communities, the dream of practicing medicine is something weve reinforced throughout our challenges.

In a time of severe physician shortage, growing health care disparities, millions of people without health insurance, and additional millions who may have their health care rights taken away, it is critical now than ever to enlist hard-working, compassionate physicians to the health care workforce. The professional qualities of grace, gratitude, hard work and determination so well-cultivated among IMGs can be encouraged throughout the medical profession as a whole. I am clearly proud and clearly biased. Nonetheless, I stand by my humble, small statement that Im sure no one will argue with: International medical graduates will save the U.S. health care system.

Jenna T. Nakagawa is a resident physician who blogs at her self-titled site, Jenna T. Nakagawa.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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Imagine while driving into work, you drive through a green light. When you look to the right, you see a car barreling through the intersection, and then everything goes black. You vaguely remember being taken into the emergency room of a prestigious hospital nearby. In the ED, you hear a doctors voice yelling at nurses to give you medications, and then everything goes black. You wake up in a hospital bed. As you open your eyes, there is someone in a white coat standing over you. The person says, Youre going to be just fine. Im your surgeon.

I gave this scenario to a few close friends in New England and asked them what they saw. Was the person a man? Was the person white? If they had to guess  was the person straight, gay, or other? This last question got weird looks. But interestingly, even in liberal New England, most saw a white male surgeon. If pressed, they guessed he was probably straight.

I dont think they saw this because theyre prejudiced. I think they pictured this because its what we tend to see in the hospital. If you were to walk through the surgery department at Yale School of Medicine where I am a medical student, you would primarily find white men. Walk outside of the surgery department into the emergency room, and youll hear patients throwing around assumptions. Female doctors are without fail called nurses. Black men and women are often assumed to be medical assistants. But why is this? How is it that even at a place with the best intentions like Yale, this stereotype pervades?

A series of research studies published over the past several months showed that medical culture holds pervasive elements that perpetuate these stereotypes.

A group from Yale School of Medicine published a manuscript this month in the Journal of the American Medical Association looking at membership in the national honor society Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA), the Phi Beta Kappa of medicine. They found that, after correcting for medical board scores, research productivity, community service, and leadership activity, that white medical students were six times more likely to be granted membership than black students. This has ongoing consequences for medical students, as competitive residency training programs filter applicants by AOA membership, preferentially interviewing those with membership.

Another group last year looked at what happened to LGBT medical students applying for residency. The researchers created a measure of specialty prestige, based on how competitive each specialty is and the mean pay for that specialty. They found a linear relationship between specialty prestige and whether LGBT students went into that specialty. The more prestigious a specialty, the less likely an LGBT student was to join. While a gay or lesbian medical student may become a pediatrician or psychiatrist, he or she is unlikely to become an orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon.

In yet another manuscript published last week, researchers found that women were invited to speak at grand rounds only 28.3 percent of the time. These events are held by each department, typically weekly, and an esteemed physician is invited to speak to the doctors in that specialty. Those who speak at these events are typically considered to be role models for training physicians. The authors speculate that this lack of female grand rounds speakers may lead female physicians to think prestigious academic medicine is not for them. While 46 percent of resident physicians are women, 85 percent of department chairs are men.

So if you pictured a white male at your bedside and presumed him to be heterosexual, it may not be because you are prejudiced. It may be because medicine is. Hopefully, this new research will open the eyes of our profession to make things better.

Jack Turban is a medical student.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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President Trump campaigned on making health care better, cheaper and available to all Americans, regardless of ability to pay. Once Mr. Trump was safely in the White House, the Republican thought leaders in Congress were quick to supply him with their stale and superficial plans to repeal and replace Obamacare, which were written in protest to President Obamas policies and were never meant to be implemented. When scrutinized by the rank and file of the Republican Party, it turned out that the Ryan/Price American Health Care Act was neither repealing enough for some, nor replacing enough for others. Nevertheless, Mr. Ryan felt a sense of urgency to ram his pet bill down the throats of not only the opposition party and the public at large, but also the throats of his own party and its rookie President.

The Democratic Party lost no time in whipping up public frenzy against the Ryan/Price bill, and Speaker Ryan lost no time in generating a sense of false urgency to pass his bill now, now, now, because for Paul Ryan this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to begin dismantling the welfare state. From the left, it looked like the bill will be withdrawing billions of dollars in health care benefits from the most vulnerable citizens who also happen to be Trump supporters. From the right, the bill looked like Obamacare Lite because it didnt throw all the poor people under the bus fast enough.

These were the cards President Trump was dealt. If he signs the bill, he breaks his campaign promises and loses his base. If he comes out against the bill, he confirms the worst fears of all Conservatives and loses Republican support in Congress. There is zero chance for this President to appeal to another set of voters anytime soon, and currently, there is zero chance that even one Democrat in Congress will support anything President Trump proposes, no matter how liberal and beneficial that proposal might be. It was a difficult hand to play, but he played it brilliantly, in my view. Or maybe it was just beginners luck.

Right now the Democratic Party and its echo-chamber media are celebrating the defeat of the would-be destroyers of Obamacare. The Republicans are in disarray again. Paul Ryan has been humiliated. Trump, the closer, the grand deal maker, lost big league. Nancy Pelosi declares victory without having to fire one parliamentarian shot. The President in the meantime calls the New York Times and Washington Post reporters and doesnt sound angry at all. No irate tweets. No below-the-belt punches. No fighting back. No nothing. How weird is that? Think about it. Is this how a beaten Donald Trump sounds like? Nope. Thats how a winning Donald Trump sounds like  calm, collected, magnanimous and low-keyed. President Trump passed his first test.

Whats not next?

According to my Twitter list of health care policy experts, the Big Bad President Trump will now sabotage Obamacare, so it fails spectacularly, right before the mid-term elections, dragging millions of poor people down with it. Sabotage, espionage, life is good when you are kibitzing from the sidelines. Now, why would a Trump administration want to create huge hardships for millions of people right before the mid-term elections? The thought process here is that if Obamacare collapses, the people will blame the Democratic Party, because as long as Republicans do not repeal and replace anything, Democrats continue to own health care. Therefore, the GOP will finally have a mandate to get rid of Obamacare any way they see fit, and will likely increase their majorities in both houses in 2018. There is only one little problem with this logic: when things go wrong, most people blame the currently governing administration, not the previous ones, and rightfully so.

Deliberately blowing up the health care system is a criminal endeavor that must be executed in the public eye, because Secretary Price cannot promulgate secret regulations. No administration can afford to do something like this, and expect to survive. Every new President in recent memory insisted that he inherited a mess, and every President then gives a State of the Union Address taking credit for fixing said mess. President Trump will be no different. Obamacare may not be in a death spiral, as detractors love to decry, but for millions of people, including those who receive generous subsidies, Obamacare is already a monumental mess. No sabotage needed.

Here is a tiny example. Remember that poor 64 year old, making $26,500 per year who, according to the CBO, ended up paying $1,700 under Obamacare and would have had to pay $14,600 under the Ryan plan? Well, thats only part of the story, because those dollar amounts are just for premiums. Thus a fully subsidized healthy 64 year old is indeed paying only $1,700 for the cheapest Silver plan currently available on the Obamacare marketplace (in my zip code). A sicker 64 year old, making $26,500, with high medical expenses is projected to have over $7,500 in total yearly costs, which is almost 30% of his gross income. I would like to humbly suggest to the Washington DC jet-setters that for this gentleman, there is no difference whether he needs to pay $7,500 or $14,600, or $140,000 or $14,000,000. He cant come up with any of this. He is uninsured for all practical purposes. The only difference is that under Obamacare, they may have talked him into donating $1,700 to some insurance company.

What is next?

I know conservatives and libertarians abhor the sheer existence of Medicare and Medicaid, but a savvy Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) could use the girth and might of these government programs to nurture the reemergence of a relatively free market in medical services, and minor bi-partisan legislation could create a relatively less predatory market in medical products. These two efforts will do more to reduce the price (and costs) of health care than any Obamacare folly or any Obamacare repealing and replacing idiocy. Furthermore, the effects could be framed in terms of freedom, choice, access and even deficit reduction, in addition to quality and affordability for those less fortunate, pleasing people on both sides of the ideological aisle.

Here is my very modest wish list for Secretary Price. All Im asking for is that from this point onward, we start practicing evidence-based health care reform.

Independent evaluation. Between CMS itself, CMMI, HRSA and other agencies, HHS has billions of discretionary dollars in its budget to try new things, and even more billions to implement statutory experimentations. Traditionally, large sums of money have been spent on health system transformation to patient-centered, team-based, coordinated, value-based, managed care (feel free to insert your favorite buzzword if I left something out). Many, but not all, of these demonstration programs, pilots, innovation models, etc. include evaluation studies to assess performance and so far the results have been tepid at best, but artfully spun as inconclusive. I want independent evaluations of all CMS funded initiatives, and I want programs that do not deliver on promised fantasies to be wound down immediately and the money reallocated to better thought out projects.

Practice research. For the last decade or more, it has been the unequivocal position of HHS that better health care at lower costs necessitates large integrated delivery systems. There is not one iota of bona fide research to support this assertion. And yet, the Federal government has engaged in massive direct and indirect efforts to dismantle the so-called cottage industry of small independent physician practices. I want CMS to fund several serious comparative-effectiveness studies across various medical practice models before its too late and we have nothing left but monopolistic chains for medicine. And I want CMS to follow through and undertake the deconstruction of all infernal medical factories where nobody knows your name, but everybody knows your risk score.

Hospital research. I remember reading something a couple of years ago about someone trying to study the effectiveness of hospitalist care compared to community doctors who are allowed to admit and care for their own hospitalized patients. Hospitalists are another pre-Obamacare innovation based solely on hospital profitability arguments. As such, it caught on like wildfire and we have very few community physicians left who follow their patients inside the hospital walls. I want to see that study performed immediately, before the last dinosaurs die off and we forget that continuity and coordination were once built into health care, by default.

Thats it. Thats all I want for Christmas. Disappointed? Dont be. A comprehensive, well-researched report on our health care delivery models (shall we call it The Price Report?) could change the trajectory of health care in America and the entire world. I did not forget about Medicaid, the ludicrous deductibles, the device taxes, the pharma bidding and all those big huge things every pundit is reciting on cable news channels. These are important things of course, but they are temporary solutions at best. Single payer, if implemented tomorrow, is going to implode just as quickly as Obamacare did, and end up rationing care worse than the British system does. The various free market solutions are even more vulnerable to the ominous crescendo of unchecked profit extraction and incompetence engulfing our health care system.

Health care cannot be sustainably fixed in broad political strokes. If we want a real and lasting solution, we will need to step away from the political theater and engage in painstakingly detailed work on fundamentals. Health care is about medicine, and medicine is about applying science to the bodies and souls of people. We know how to do it. We do have the best health care in the world. We just forgot where it is, so now we have to systematically look around until we find it again. Hopefully Dr. Tom Price understands the historic moment he finds himself in.

Margalit Gur-Arie is founder, BizMed. She blogs at On Healthcare Technology.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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I am always fascinated by my colleagues stories about why they became physicians and when they knew medicine was the path for them. Some describe a longing to heal, some a love of science, and others a desire for respect. For me, medicine was a calling that revealed itself in my sophomore year of undergraduate studies and was the perfect culmination of my personal passions for teaching, service, and community involvement.

I grew up in Mountain Grove, Missouri, which has a population of about 5,000 people. I graduated from the local high school and went off to college with the expectation of becoming a math teacher. But I did better than I expected academically and realized that medicine, not math, may be my greatest teaching opportunity. After all, if I could teach people about their health and help them lead longer, more active and happier lives, wouldnt that be the best calling of all?

I became a family physician and moved with my wife, an obstetrics nurse, back to Mountain Grove to open my own practice. We saw a real opportunity to improve health care in our rural community, and we have been rewarded with very rich experiences, such as watching children we delivered grow up and have children of their own.

I was born to do what I do, and I am not alone physician to feel that way. Tens of thousands of physicians in the United States feel exactly the same innate calling, though their individual passions, motivations and inspirations are uniquely their own. The American Medical Association (AMA), of which I am proud to be president-elect, recently conducted a survey of 1,200 medical students, residents and physicians to better understand what brings people to the medical profession, what fuels them in the advancement of their careers, and what challenges that might prevent them from truly enjoying their work.

The survey found that nine out of 10 physicians, residents, and medical students are satisfied with their career choices, and the majority (78 percent of medical students and 62 percent of residents and physicians) consider the practice to be a calling. In fact, a quarter of survey respondents knew they wanted to be doctors before they were teenagers, many citing as motivation personal experiences with a family members illness or their parents medical careers. Seventy-five percent of all respondents indicated that the desire to help people was a top motivator in selecting the profession.

However, the AMA survey also revealed the challenges physicians face in the current health care environment. More than 60 percent of both residents and physicians ranked administrative burden as one of the top three challenges they face, and nearly half ranked stress. Fifty-two percent of residents cited long hours and their on-call schedules as challenging.

I can certainly relate to these challenges, given my dual roles as family physician and physician executive in a large integrated group. That is why I am passionate about finding ways to restore and maintain the unique joy to the practice of medicine. This has been a major driver in my involvement with the AMA, which works on behalf of all physicians in America and helps them shape their medical lives even as we work to enhance the changing health care environment to make it better for patients and physicians.

Physicians have told us that focusing on their patients and prioritizing patient care are their top priorities at every phase of their careers. Their priority is the AMAs priority. The AMA provides essential resources to empower physicians and help them reclaim their time throughout their medical lives.

Of all the survey results, a finding that struck particularly close to home was that the majority of respondents would encourage others to pursue a career in medicine. This year, my son graduates from medical school. He matched in family medicine and eventually plans to move home to Mountain Grove to join my family practice. It means the world to me that he sees the value of my lifes work and has the desire to carry it forward.

When I speak at his upcoming commencement, I will be full of pride and hope for him, his classmates and medical school graduates across the nation. I will tell them medicine is the most fulfilling profession in the world, and that Im grateful for the next generation of physicians, the teachers, and the healers who were born to do this. I will invite them to stand with me as part of a community of hundreds of thousands of physicians, and to be a strong and united voice for our patients and our profession.

David O. Barbe is president-elect, American Medical Association.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
BRASILIA, March 29 (Reuters) - The Brazilian government on Wednesday announced a larger-than-expected spending freeze while opting for smaller tax breaks to meet its fiscal deficit goal. Finance Minister Henrique Meirelles said the government will freeze 42 billion reais ($13.45 billion) in spending as tax revenues continue to disappoint as the economy slowly emerges from its worst recession in a century. He said the freeze was larger because the government decided to temporarily drop plans to correct the calculation of debts owed by the federal government. ($1 = 3.1225 reais)

(Reporting by Alonso Soto; Editing by Leslie Adler)

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
NEW YORK, March 29 (Reuters) - A slowdown in U.S. business loan growth reflects a hangover from the energy sector contraction of 2015 and 2016 rather than a fall in investment demand, analysts at Goldman Sachs said in a note on Wednesday.

The sharp deceleration in Commercial & Industrial (C&I) lending has caused concern among some market watchers. Such lending tends to correlate to the market, although it lags equities, according to official data analyzed by Thomson Reuters.

Goldman said that explanations for a slowdown, such as a step-down in investment demand or a sudden tightening in credit conditions "seem at odds with recent growth and financial indicators, including a strong start to the year for corporate debt issuance."

"An alternative explanation is that C&I bank loans represent yet another casualty of the energy sector contraction of 2015 and 2016," Goldman economists including Jan Hatzius wrote.

After rising consistently from its low point in 2010, C&I loan growth stalled in late 2016 and has fallen in 11 of the last 17 weeks, Federal Reserve data shows. Since hitting a record of more than $2.1 trillion in November, total C&I loans outstanding have fallen about 0.7 percent to $2.09 trillion as of mid-March.

John Williams, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco told reporters in New York on Wednesday: "It's early days on the data but I don't see it as worrisome for a number of reasons."

"I talk to a lot of people both on the lending and the borrowing sides and I've not heard any accounts that it's somehow harder to get credit, or that the demand for credit has slowed a lot," Williams said.

Goldman said that in late 2015, debt markets seized up as oil prices fell into the mid $40 range. Many firms lacked access to capital markets and their ability to generate cash was impaired by lower commodity prices. They turned to pre-existing credit facilities, accelerating C&I lending.

"Following a brief acceleration in C&I lending in early 2016, bank loan growth waned in late 2016 and early 2017 once capital markets reopened and banks renegotiated and restructured credit lines," Goldman wrote.

The bank said that "the credit line payback story is the most likely explanation of the current C&I loan shortfall, which we peg at roughly $100 billion."

(Reporting by Megan Davies and Jonathan Spicer, Additional reporting by Dan Burns; Editing by Alistair Bell)
(Adds comments and quotes from Barrick and the provincial mining authority)

BUENOS AIRES, March 29 (Reuters) - The decoupling of a pipeline at Barrick Gold Corp's Veladero mine in Argentina on Tuesday posed no threat to the environment, the company said in a statement on Wednesday while local authorities investigated the incident.

The rupture of the pipe carrying gold and silver solution was reported to the mining ministry of San Juan province late on Tuesday. "A detailed report will be made, explaining all the circumstances of the incident, its consequences and the measures that will be taken," a statement from the ministry said.

Barrick Argentina also issued a statement saying leakage from the pipe rupture had been contained.

"Occurrences of this nature are typical to this type of operation and do not cause damage to health, people or the environment," it said.

Operations at the mine were temporarily suspended last September after falling ice damaged a pipe and spilled some ore saturated with cyanide solution over a berm, or raised bank. One year earlier, there was a spill of cyanide solution at the mine, due to an equipment failure.

(Reporting by Maximilian Heath and Juliana Castilla,; additional reporting by Susan Taylor in Toronto; Editing by Andrew Hay)
Mar 30 (Reuters) - Below are the ratings awarded by Credit Analysis and Research Ltd. (CARE) for local debt instruments as of March 29, 2017.

COMPANY INSTRUMENT RATING AMOUNT MOVEMENT

(RS.MLN) ------- ---------- ------ ------- --------- SHORT TERM RATINGS: ------------------- Aastha Society ST Bk Fac CARE A4 50 Reaffirmed Aditya Auto Engineering Pvt Ltd ST Bk Fac CARE A4 35 Issuer not

cooperating Angel Fibers Pvt Ltd ST Bk Fac CARE A4 15 Assigned Anik Industries Ltd ST Bk Fac CARE A4 1750 Revised from

CARE A3 Associate Builders And Traders ST Bk Fac CARE A4 10 Issuer not

cooperating Atul Ltd. ST Bk Fac CARE A1+ 920 Reaffirmed (enhanced from 88.00 CR) Atul Ltd. CP (CP) CARE A1+ 3000 Reaffirmed (enhanced from 200.00 CR) Dashmesh Rubber Industries Pvt Ltd ST Bk Fac CARE A4 5 Revised from

CARE D Delfina Ceramic Pvt Ltd ST Bk Fac CARE A4 12.5 Issuer not

cooperating Emcee Engineering Works ST Bk Fac CARE A4 60 Issuer not

cooperating Firestone Tvs Pvt Ltd Short ST Bk Fac CARE A3+ 10 Revised from

CARE A3 Galaxy Bearings Ltd ST Bk Fac CARE A4+ 23 Assigned Garg & Company ST Bk Fac CARE A4 63 Issuer not

cooperating Gaurav Contracts Co ST Bk Fac CARE A4 70 Assigned Heavy Metal And Tubes Ltd ST Bk Fac CARE A4 120 Reaffirmed Jsw Steel Ltd ST Bk Fac CARE A1+ 170370 Reaffirmed (Enhanced from Rs.12,737.00 crore) Jsw Steel Ltd CP (CP) issue CARE A1+ 50000 Reaffirmed

(standalone)* * JSWSL shall ensure that the aggregate utilisation of fund based and non-fund based limits from working capital consortium lenders plus the outstanding Commercial Papers shall not exceed the total sanctioned and available limits by the working capital consortium banks at all times when Commercial Papers are outstanding Kaygaon Paper Mills Ltd ST Bk Fac CARE A4 87.5 Reaffirmed Malladi Drugs And Pharmaceuticals Ltd ST Bk Fac CARE A2 325 Revised from

CARE A3 Manoj Vaibhav Gems 'N' Jewellers Pvt ST Bk Fac CARE A3 890 Issuer not Ltd [Erstwhile Vaibhav Empire Pvt Ltd] cooperating Medical Products Service ST Bk Fac CARE A4 150 Assigned Oswal Cables Pvt Ltd ST Bk Fac CARE A4+ 850 Assigned Prince Corp Pvt Ltd ST Bk Fac CARE A3 730 Reaffirmed Remi Electrotechnik Ltd ST Bk Fac-NonFB-BG CARE A3+ 29.4 Reaffirmed Sharma Metalloys Pvt Ltd ST Bk Fac CARE A4; 150 Issuer not

cooperating Souza Engineers And Contractors Pvt LtST Bk Fac CARE A4 40 Reaffirmed Sri Raja Vinyagar Mills ST Bk Fac CARE A4+ 30 Issuer not

cooperating Suman Autos ST Bk Fac CARE A4 10 Issuer not

cooperating Thenpandian Spinning Mills India Pvt LST Bk Fac CARE A4 60 Issuer not

cooperating Vijay Ship Breaking Corporation ST Bk Fac CARE A4 337.5 Reaffirmed Vishal Fashions Pvt Ltd ST Bk Fac CARE A3 7.5 Issuer not

cooperating LONG TERM RATINGS: ------------------- Aastha Society LT Bk Fac CARE BB- 51.4 Reaffirmed Aditya Auto Engineering Pvt Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE BB- 57.5 Issuer not

cooperating Alfa One Hi-Tech Infra Pvt Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE C 50 Issuer not

cooperating Amar Cottex Pvt Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE D 70 Issuer not

cooperating Angel Fibers Pvt Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE B+ 481 Reaffirmed Anik Industries Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE BB+ 940 Revised from

CARE BBB- Arkade Developers Pvt Ltd LT Bk Fac - - Withdrawn Ashwani Goyal LT Bk Fac CARE B+ 93.8 Revised from

CARE B Associate Builders And Traders LT Bk Fac CARE B+ 71.5 Issuer not

cooperating Atul Ltd. LT Bk Fac CARE AA+ 4380 Reaffirmed (enhanced from 342.00 CR) Balaji Ginning And Pressing LT Bk Fac CARE B+ 90 Reaffirmed Bidar Solar Power Pvt Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE D 760 Revised from

CARE BBB- Business Broadcast News Holdings Ltd NCD-1 CARE AA+(SO) 600 Removed from

credit watch

and rating

revised from

CARE AAA (SO) Business Broadcast News Holdings Ltd NCD-2 CARE AA+(SO) 300 Removed from

credit watch

and rating

revised from

CARE AAA (SO) Business Broadcast News Holdings Ltd NCD-3 CARE AA+(SO) 250 Removed from

credit watch

and rating

revised from

CARE AAA (SO) Chandigarh Roller Flour Mills Pvt Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE B 120 Assigned Dashmesh Rubber Industries Pvt Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE B 68 Revised from

CARE D Delfina Ceramic Pvt Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE BB- 48.2 Issuer not

cooperating Elite Motors Pvt Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE B+ 73.9 Issuer not

cooperating Emcee Engineering Works LT Bk Fac CARE B 190.3 Issuer not

cooperating Firestone Tvs Pvt Ltd Long LT Bk Fac CARE BBB+ 70.1 Revised from

CARE BBB Galaxy Bearings Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE BB+ 16.9 Assigned Galaxy Bearings Ltd LT Bk Fac/ ST Bk CARE BB+ /CARE 141.5 Assigned

Fac A4+ Garg & Company LT Bk Fac CARE B+ 37 Issuer not

cooperating Gaurav Contracts Co LT Bk Fac CARE BB- 100 Assigned Giriraj Exim Pvt Ltd Long/ST Bk Fac CARE BBB- 700 Reaffirmed

/CARE A3 Green Mirror Buildcon Pvt Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE D 115 Issuer not

cooperating Haigreeva Infratech Projects Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE BBB- 1850 Issuer not

cooperating Heavy Metal And Tubes Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE B 224.9 Reaffirmed Jk Hitech Rice Mill Pvt Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE B+ 100.5 Reaffirmed Jsw Steel Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE AA- 238430.6Reaffirmed (Enhanced from Rs.23,242.12 crore) Jsw Steel Ltd Various NCD (NCD) CARE AA- 113571.6Reaffirmed

issue Jsw Steel Ltd LT Bk Fac/ ST Bk CARE AA- /CARE 72531.6 Reaffirmed

Fac A1+ Kajjehally Estate LT Bk Fac CARE BB 190 Issuer not

cooperating Kaygaon Paper Mills Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE BB 339.3 Reaffirmed Kunvarji Warehousing And Logistics PvtLT Bk Fac CARE BB+ 58.8 Revised from Ltd CARE BBB- Madhya Pradesh Road Development Issuer Rating# CARE A - Reaffirmed Corporation Ltd # the above 'Issuer Rating' is subject to MPRDC maintaining an overall gearing not exceeding 0.50x Malladi Drugs And Pharmaceuticals Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE BBB+ 1135.2 Revised from

CARE BBB Manoj Vaibhav Gems 'N' Jewellers Pvt LT Bk Fac CARE BBB- 962.8 Issuer not Ltd [Erstwhile Vaibhav Empire Pvt Ltd] cooperating Manoj Vaibhav Gems 'N' Jewellers Pvt LT Bk Fac/ ST Bk CARE BBB- 160 Issuer not Ltd [Erstwhile Vaibhav Empire Pvt Ltd]Fac /CARE A3 cooperating Meghmani Finechem Ltd. LT Bk Fac (TL) @ CARE BBB+ 1450.1 Issuer not

cooperating @ CARE has been seeking information from MFL to monitor the ratings vide e-mail communications/letters dated November 11, 2016, November 15, 2016, November 18, 2016, November 23, 2016, December 30, 2016, February 02, 2017, February 20, 2017 and February 21, 2017 and numerous phone calls. However, despite our repeated requests, the company has not provided the requiste information for monitoring the ratings. In line with the extant SEBI guidelines, CARE has reviewed the rating on the basis of the publicly available information which however, in CARE's opinion is not sufficient to arrive at a fair rating. The rating on MFL's bank facilities (i.e. term loans) will now be denoted as 'CARE BBB+; ISSUER NOT COOPERATING'. Meghmani Finechem Ltd. LT Bk Fac (Fund CARE BBB+ 340 Issuer not

based) * cooperating * CARE has placed the outstanding ratings assigned to the fund based long term bank facilities of MFL on 'Notice of Withdrawal' for 90 days at the request of the company and upon receipt of 'No objection Certificates' from its bankers towards the withdrawal of these ratings. The aforesaid ratings would continue to remain on 'Notice of Withdrawal' for a period of 90 days, after which they would stand withdrawn. Meghmani Finechem Ltd. Proposed ST Bk Fac CARE BBB+ - Withdrawn

(Non fund based) # # CARE has withdrawn the rating assigned to the proposed short-term bank facilites of Meghmani Finechem Ltd. (MFL) with immediate effect, based on company's request, as MFL has not used the rating assigned by CARE for mobilizing any funds and as such there is no amount outstanding against the rated facility. Meritra Homes Pvt Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE BB 100 Reaffirmed Meritra Homes Pvt Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE BB 50 Reaffirmed Nice International Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE BB- 60 Reaffirmed Nice International Ltd LT / ST Bk Fac CARE BB- 40 Reaffirmed

/CARE A4 Oswal Cables Pvt Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE BB+ 41.6 Assigned Oswal Cables Pvt Ltd LT Bk Fac/ ST Bk CARE BB+ /CARE 400 Assigned

Fac A4+ P.A.R.K Industries Pvt Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE BB+ 15.2 Revised from

CARE BB P.A.R.K Industries Pvt Ltd LT/ST Bk Fac CARE BB+ 50 Revised from

/CARE A4+ CARE BB Paradise Polymers Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE D 81 Issuer not

cooperating Paradise Polymers Ltd LT/ST Bk Fac CARE D 20 Issuer not

cooperating Pride Purple Builders Pvt Ltd LT Bk Fac - - Withdrawn Prince Corp Pvt Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE BBB 965.9 Reaffirmed Ramayani Creations LT Bk Fac CARE B+ 150 Issuer not

cooperating Remi Electrotechnik Ltd LT Bk CARE BBB 110 Reaffirmed

Fac-Fundbased- CC Sandcity Autotec Pvt Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE B+ 67.8 Issuer not

cooperating Satya Sai Builders & Contractors LT Bk Fac CARE B+ 70 Assigned Satya Sai Builders & Contractors Long-term/ST Bk FacCARE B+ /CARE 80 Assigned

A4 Shiv Gram Udyog Sansthan LT Bk Fac CARE B 110.2 Reaffirmed Sintex Infra Projects Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE A 2416.7 Credit watch

with

developing

implications Sintex Infra Projects Ltd LT/ ST Bk Fac CARE A /A1 6150 Credit watch

with

developing

implications Souza Engineers And Contractors Pvt LtLT Bk Fac CARE BB 22 Reaffirmed Sri Raja Vinyagar Mills LT Bk Fac CARE BB+ 240.7 Issuer not

cooperating Suman Autos LT Bk Fac CARE BB 47 Issuer not

cooperating Tata Motors Ltd NCDs CARE AA+ 5000 Assigned Tata Motors Ltd NCDs CARE AA+ 65500 Assigned Thenpandian Spinning Mills India Pvt LLT Bk Fac CARE BB- 240 Issuer not

cooperating Udupi Developers LT Bk Fac CARE BB- 147.5 Issuer not

cooperating Underwater Services Company Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE A+ 490 Reaffirmed (reduced from Rs.50 crore) Unitech Cotspin Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE B+ 150 Assigned Universal Auto Gears Llp LT Bk Fac CARE B 78.4 Assigned Vaibhav Cotex Pvt Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE B+ 67.3 Reaffirmed Vcarve Renewable Energy Pvt Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE BB- 150 Issuer not

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cooperating Vkt Pharma Pvt Ltd LT Bk Fac CARE BB+ 590 Reaffirmed -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $: Rating watch with positive implication #: Rating Watch with Developing implications @: Rating Watch with Negative Implications %: Rating under Credit Watch wd -Rating Stands Withdrawn sp -Rating Suspended pp -Principal Protected pn -Principal Not Protected CARE may apply + or - signs for ratings to reflect a comparative standing within the category. BG-Bank Guarantee; CC-Cash Credit; CCPS-Cumulative Convertible Preference Share; CD-Certificate of Deposit; CLO-Collateralized Loan Obligation; CPA-Claims Paying Ability; CP-Commercial Paper; CPS-convertible preference shares; CRPS- Cumulative Redeemable Convertible Preference shares; DDB-Deep Discount Bond; EPBI-Exchange premium bond; FBL-Fund Based Limits; FRB/FRN -Floating Rate Bond/Note; ICD -Inter Corporate Deposit; ITD-Immediate Term Debt; LOC-Letter of Credit; LT -Long Term; LTB -Long Term Borrowing; LTD -Long Term Debt; MOCD-multiple option convertible debenture; MTD -Medium term Debenture; MTN-medium term notes; NCD(SO) - Non-Convertible Debenture-(Structured Obligation); NCD-Non-convertible Debentures; NCRB-Non Convertible Redeemable Bonds; NM-Not Meaningful; OCD-optionally convertible debenture; OD-Over Draft; OFCD-Optionally Fully Convertible Debenture; PCD-Partially Convertible Debenture; PCN-partly convertible notes; PCPS-Partly Convertible Preference Share; POCD-partly optional; PP-privately placed; PSPC-Post Shipment & Packing Credit; PS-Preference Shares; PTC-Pass Through Certificates; RPS-Redeemable Preference Shares; SCPN-secured convertible preference notes; SDO-Structured Debt Obligation; SLR-Statutory Liquidity Ratio; SO-Structured Obligation; SPCD - Secured Partly Convertible Debentures; SPN-secured premium notes; STB-Short Term Bond; STD-Short Term Debentures; ST-Short Term; Sub. Bonds-Subordinate Bonds; TB-Taxable Bond; TFB-Tax Free Bond; TL-Term Loan; TOCD-triple option convertible debentures. (Mumbai Rate Reporting Unit + 91 22 6180 7222/3317 7222, E-mail at rru.data@thomsonreuters.com)

Keywords: CARE RATINGS/
(Kitco News) - The El Salvadoran governments decision to ban all mining for gold and other metals wont have a major impact on the sector in the short term since there is little, if any, production anyway.

Further, while the move was taken to protect water resources in the nation, it could also mean the loss of potential jobs and modern amenities  such as electricity -- for many poor El Salvadorans, said Jeffrey Christian, managing director of CPM Group, in an interview with Kitco News. But then, he pointed out, other nations that initially frowned upon mining have been known to change their minds.

Lawmakers voted to prohibit mining Wednesday, making the country the first in the world to impose a nationwide ban. The vote in essence turned a decade-old moratorium into a law.

I dont think there is any significant mining in El Salvador, Christian said. However, he added, there have been exploration efforts over the years.

The bottom line is there will not be a bunch of mines shut down, so there will not be an impact on the current supply pipeline. But this does limit potential economic expansion in the country.

It means that a lot of people in rural El Salvador who would have gotten electricity, plumbing and jobs wont get electricity, plumbing and jobs, Christian said.

Supporters of the ban said it was needed to protect the countrys water supply. The New York Times reported that a number of nations do have bans on the use of cyanide to extract gold from ore, and Costa Rica has a ban on open-pit gold mining.

Christian pointed out that a number of nations over the years have been lukewarm toward mining, before some eventually actively sought out the industry to bolster the local economy.

This is the first one (El Salvador) Ive heard of that seems to be an all-out ban on mining, he said. There are many countries that waver back and forth on restrictions on mining.

Some government regimes have imposed restrictions that basically precluded effective development of mining and energy resources, he said. And then you can find other countries that have changed their laws and all of a sudden have to start generating large amounts of revenue and taxes for the government and export earnings.

As a specific example, he cited an effort by the Ecuadorian government to clamp down on mining a decade or so ago. But now the Ecuadorian government has a large program to try to foster foreign direct investment in the mining sector to try to rebuild and undo the damage it did, he said.

According to news reports, a number of international gold and silver companies have expressed an interest in El Salvador. One such effort nearly a decade ago led to a court case in which the producer lost.

In October, a World Bank tribunal dismissed a $250 million claim against the country filed by OceanaGold Corp. The company had filed the claim demanding compensation after the country refused to allow it to dig for gold. The original claim had been made by another company, Pacific Rim, which eventually was acquired by OceanaGold. Not only did OceanaGold lose the case, but it was ordered to pay $8 million to cover El Salvadors legal costs, according to news reports.
(Kitco News) - According to updated reports, German investigators believe that it took only about 25 minutes for thieves to make off with a 100 kilogram pure gold coin earlier in the week.

The coin, created by the Royal Canadian Mint in 2007, dubbed the Big Maple Leaf, had been on display in Berlins Bode Museum since 2010, was stolen around 3:30 a.m. local time Monday. Police said that it appears the thieves gained access to the museum from the city tram tracks, which were shut down at the time. The thieves used a ladder to bridge the distance between the tracks and a museum window, which they jarred open.

There was still no mention how the thieves bypassed the museums security system.

After breaking bulletproof glass, the burglars (police suspect there was more than one person involved because of the sheer size of the coin) exited the museum the same way they came in. The coin was then moved along the tracks to the Hackescher Markt, a popular market square in the city, and was then lowered to the ground using a pulley system.

Its definitely a case that involved a high amount of criminal energy, Bernhard Weisser, the director of the Bode Museums Numismatic Collection, was quoted by the Canadian newspaper the Globe and Mail as saying.

While the coin has a face value of $1 million, at current prices the coin is worth around $4 million as gold was hovering around $1,245 an ounce Thursday. Gold prices have fallen more than 1% since the coin was first stolen; the same day prices hit a one-month high.

Investigators expect that the coin will be melted down so it can be sold and transported easier.

In his interview with the Globe and Mail, Weisser, said that the theft has been an absolute catastrophe for the museum. The Bode Museum has one of the worlds most extensive collections of modern and ancient coins.

The Royal Canadian Mint created only six Big Maple Leaf; the coin holds a world record for its purity. The mint keeps one of them in its safe. Another is owned by the Queen of England, two are in the United Arab Emirates and the final coin could be yours for the right price as Kitco Metals has put its coin up for sale.

Just remember to have top of the line security as the coin is apparently in hot demand.
HANOI, March 30 (Reuters) - Here's a snapshot of Vietnamese dong exchange rates in the official and unofficial markets, indicative SJC gold prices in Hanoi and interbank offered rates at 0402 GMT.

March 30 USD/VND mid-point 22,265 USD/VND interbank 22,770/22,780 USD/VND unofficial 22,760/22,775 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 36.40/36.62

Interbank offered rates Overnight 4.7-5.1

1 week 4.8-5.3

1 month 4.9-5.3

3 months 5.0-5.3

NOTES: As of Jan. 4, 2016 the State Bank of Vietnam has begun setting the mid-point rate on daily basis, allowing dollar/dong transactions to move in a band of +/- 3 percent around the mid point. The dong's exchange rate against other currencies is not restricted by a band. Interbank offered rates are the latest indicative bid/ask prices, quoted from market sources.

One tael is equivalent to 37.5 grams or 1.21 troy ounces. SJC gold prices are quoted by state-owned Saigon Jewelry Co.

For more interbank rate fixings released at 0400 GMT, click on .

For Vietnam market overview click on: Vietnam's bonds market auctions: Bonds auction results: (Compiled by Hanoi Newsroom; Editing by Amrutha Gayathri)
(Adds mine production data, analyst comment, stock price, background)

BUENOS AIRES/TORONTO, March 30 (Reuters) - Argentina's San Juan province ordered Barrick Gold Corp to suspend some activities at its Veladero mine after a pipe carrying gold-bearing solution ruptured on the leach pad, state-run news agency Telam reported on Thursday.

Reuters could not immediately reach the provincial government to confirm the report. A spokesman for Barrick said the Toronto-based company was confirming its understanding of the order.

Barrick said on Wednesday that a monitoring system at the mine had detected a rupture on the pipe on Tuesday night. The issue was "quickly corrected," it added, following procedures to contain and mitigate the situation.

All solution was contained within the operating facility and there was no impact to people or the environment, Barrick said in the statement. Barrack experienced similar issues in September 2016 and September 2015. Last September, mine operations were suspended after falling ice damaged a pipe and spilled some ore saturated with cyanide solution over a berm, or raised bank.

One year earlier, authorities suspended operations after a cyanide solution spill, which was caused by equipment failure.

The open pit mine is expected to produce 770,000 to 830,000 ounces of gold in 2017, at an all-in sustaining production cost of $840 to 940 per ounce of gold. Spot gold was trading at $1,243.68 an ounce on Thursday afternoon.

Veladero accounts for about 14 percent of Barrick's total gold production, RBC Capital Markets analyst Stephen Walker estimated in a note to clients.

"While we view this latest issue as a slight negative for Barrick's shares, the company has stated that there has been no impact on production at this time," Walker wrote.

Barrick shares were down 2 percent at C$25.06 on the Toronto Stock Exchange on Thursday afternoon, amid broad declines for gold miners as the price of bullion slipped alongside a stronger dollar. (Reporting by Caroline Stauffer in Buenos Aires and Susan Taylor in Toronto; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and Peter Cooney)
A gongbi (meticulous brushwork) painting by artist Jiang Hongwei. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Changing natural scenery has always been a favor of landscape painters, whatever techniques and methods they employ.

Beijing-based artist Jiang Hongwei has created a lithograph series, in which he uses the gongbi (meticulous brushwork) skill to depict dynamic scenes of four seasons. He names the series 24 Solar Terms, a knowledge system that ancient Chinese developed to summarize different climate phenomena. The system provides a time frame for people to conduct agrarian activities, everyday life and festive events.

Now art lovers can purchase the series on China Everbright Bank's online store and via its WeChat account.

The products are on offer under a five-year cooperation between the bank and Phoenix Link, a creativity company affiliated to Hong Kong-based Phoenix Television, according to their joint announcement on March 20 in Beijing.

The two sides will launch more similar products relating to Chinese cultural traditions on China Everbright Bank's digital platforms. For example, they plan to work with Beijings Palace Museum and a dozen of artists to create more creativity objects showing the cultural depth of 24 Solar Terms.

Related:

China's antique and art auction market up 13 percent in 2016

Art-house film struggles to find screen space despite winning acclaim
KCCI Chairman Park Yong-maan

By Lee Hyo-sik

The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) is moving to more actively represent the interests of family-controlled large business groups to fill the void left by the scandal-hit Federation of Korean Industries (FKI).

The country's largest business association with 160,000 member companies said Thursday that it will set up a "large business committee" to more effectively speak for conglomerates.

The KCCI, headed by Chairman Park Yong-maan, has already been running separate committees advocating the interests of small- and medium-sized enterprises.

The move comes at a time when the FKI, the primary conglomerate lobby for the past 55 years, has pledged to abandon its role as a "chaebol spokesperson" and transform itself into a think tank, following its involvement with Choi Soon-sil, a close friend of ousted President Park Geun-hye, who is at the center of a huge corruption scandal.

The FKI, headed by GS Group Chairman Huh Chang-soo, has been facing calls for dismantlement for pressing 19 business groups to donate 77.4 billion won to the Mir and K-Sports foundations, which were established and controlled by Choi. Instead, it decided to downsize its organization and cut its budget by 40 percent as it struggles to survive the biggest crisis in its history.

"Some large business groups asked us to arrange a place where they could gather and discuss their concerns," a KCCI official said. "Conglomerates are also our members and given that we have been operating committees for small companies, we decided to accept their request."

As many as 40 large businesses will take part in the envisioned consultation body, according to the official, who also said the KCCI will strengthen its role in easing unfavorable public sentiment toward conglomerates, as well as reflecting their concerns in its policy suggestions.

"Committee members will likely be made up of business groups with over 5 trillion won in assets. But those with less can also be part of the body if they want to," he said. "We will actively promote exchanges among our members and stand for their interests."

Ahead of the May 9 presidential election, the KCCI has become more aggressive in demanding political parties tend more to concerns raised by businesses and introduce more corporate-friendly policies.

The association has delivered its policy proposals to the Democratic Party of Korea and four other parties that will field presidential candidates. Under three principles: a fair society, market economy and future prosperity, it presented a nine-issue national agenda, asking each party to introduce policy tools to achieve them.

Some of the issues include restoring trust among market players, overhauling corporate governance structure in a market-friendly manner, ensuring government policy consistency and nurturing services industries.

"Based on opinions we gathered from our member companies nationwide, we came up with the nine issues," KCCI Chairman Park said. "We demand presidential candidates pay more attention to our opinions and introduce economic policies that reflect our concerns. Their policy vision matters because it determines the future of this country and people living in it."
Company denies allegations of fraudulent bookkeeping; stock plunges 3.5%



By Nam Hyun-woo



The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) said Thursday it will look into allegations that Samsung BioLogics falsified its accounting books to facilitate the company's initial public offering (IPO).



The financial regulator made the decision earlier this week and is now checking internal protocols to launch the special inspection of the company, officials said.



"Following reports from civic groups and politicians, the FSS examined the audit report on Samsung BioLogics done by the Korean Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and decided that it needs more clarity," an FSS official said.



The announcement immediately prompted investors to dump Samsung BioLogics stocks, which closed at 177,000 won Thursday, down 3.54 percent from the previous day.



Regarding the regulator's move, Samsung BioLogics said in a statement that it has not yet received any official notification from the FSC regarding a special audit.



It denied all allegations circulating on the market.



"We believe our bookkeeping standards are clear. We have reviewed the standards with several accounting firms and five global securities firms and have fully explained the legality of our standards to the relevant authorities and our investors," it said.



"Should there be a review, the company will fully cooperate and expects to clarify that our standards were appropriate."



The People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy, a progressive civic group here, has claimed that the company's report of 1.9 trillion won ($1.7 billion) in net profit in 2015 was problematic.



Samsung BioLogics had been reporting deficits from 2011 to 2014 but turned profitable in 2015, which was possible because it changed the accounting method for its subsidiary Samsung Bioepis.



According to a Samsung BioLogics statement, the swing to earnings came from "a one-off profit as Bioepis was no longer accounted for as a consolidated subsidiary and instead became an investment in an associate."



The change in accounting method allowed Samsung BioLogics, which holds a 91.2 percent stake in Bioepis, to book a surge in Bioepis' stock value as its earnings.



"Taking out the amount already reflected in the financial statements, the valuation gain amounts to 4.45 trillion won."



However, the civic group has raised doubts on the legitimacy of the change in the accounting method ahead of the IPO.



Samsung BioLogics carried out its IPO on the main Seoul bourse in 2016.



In response, the company said that it did not commit any wrongdoing.



"Samsung BioLogics did not want to change its valuation method as it could be misleading, due to large-scale valuation gains," the company said.



"However, we accepted a change to the valuation method because we respected the recommendation of our external auditors who advised us that it should be strictly evaluated according to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), enhancing accounting transparency as a global company."



The company added Samjong KPMG believed that the company should carry out a fair value evaluation under the IFRS, and Deloitte Anjin, its designated external auditor in 2016, determined that the accounting was correct.



The FSS move came after a number of lawmakers questioned Gov. Zhin Woong-seob over the issue last month. Then, Zhin said the regulator would make a decision after consulting with related institutions. Some market observers raised suspicions that the financial authorities were acting under pressure from the political sector.




Mao Havannal, right, Cambodia's secretary of state for civil aviation, gives an appreciation plaque to Park Soon-chun, a sales director at the Korea Airports Corp., during an opening ceremony for an aviation training center. / Courtesy of the Korea Airports Corp.



By Jung Min-ho

Korea's years of effort to pass on its aviation knowhow to Cambodia came to fruition last week when the latter opened its first Civil Aviation Training Center (CATC) in Phnom Penh.

According the Korea Airports Corp. (KAC) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), about 1,000 people, including Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Banh and Secretary of State for Civil Aviation Mao Havannal, attended the opening event March 23 to celebrate the accomplishment.

The KAC teamed up with KOICA in 2013 to provide the Southeast Asian country with facilities and education programs to train its future aviation experts.

The KAC hopes the training center will enable Cambodians to train their own aviation safety managers and technicians without depending on overseas training programs.

Civil aviation safety management requires sophisticated control and technology both from within the aircraft and on the ground. But many developing nations lack the knowhow and technology to train people for the job.





Air traffic control simulators are installed at the Civil Aviation Training Center in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. / Korea Times photo by Jung Min-ho



So the two organizations' world-class human resources were put toward helping Cambodia. They allocated a budget of 11 billion won ($10 million) to support the project.

Citing the $600,000 that Korea received from the United Nations in 1984 to build its civil aviation training center, KAC President Sung Il-hwan said he is glad to "give back."

"Korea was a beneficiary of such help 30 years ago. It is great that we finally gave it back to another country," he said in a statement. "We want to continue to share our knowhow with more countries in Southeast Asia and Africa."

In recent years, tourism has grown into one of the most important sectors in Cambodia's economy, drawing people from around the world to its cultural attractions such as Angkor Wat. Meanwhile, the issue of enhancing its aviation management and educational systems has become increasingly important to maintain the upward trend.

According to Cambodian media, the number of visitors arriving at Cambodia's international airports grew at an average of 8 percent per year from 2008 to 2016, increasing from about 2.5 million to 7 million people.

KOICA said it expects the training center to help the country's tourism industry.

With cutting-edge air traffic control simulators installed at the center, trainees can prepare for emergencies, such as misleading information, foreign objects, lightning and bird strikes.

The KAC and KOICA said they will continue to help the CATC to enhance its systems.
Ecuador on Wednesday called off a visa waiver program for North Korea in an apparent response to U.N. sanctions on the North's nuclear and missile tests.

The step took effect immediately after a foreign minister order requiring North Koreans to get a visa to enter Ecuador was announced in the official gazette on the day.

Up until now, North Koreans could stay in the South American nation without a visa for up to 90 days.

The visa restrictions are viewed as unusual given that Ecuador is one of the nations whose visa policies are the most lenient in the world. In addition, North Korea has been endeavoring to open diplomatic relations with Ecuador since anti-U.S. leftist Rafael Correa took the presidency in 2007.

Ecuador strongly guarantees the universal freedom of movement in its Constitution revised in 2008, allowing all nationals of all nations around the world, except for 11 countries, to enter visa-free.

The 11 nations are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cuba, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal and Somalia.

The Ecuadorian step against the North is the second of its kind this year, following Malaysia.

On March 6, Malaysia excluded Pyongyang from its visa waiver program in a punitive step against the North's alleged murder of Kim Jong-nam, a half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, at Kuala Lumpur Airport early last month.

In July last year, Singapore also ended a visa-free program for the North as part its measure to implement the U.N. Resolution 2270 against Pyongyang's fourth nuclear test in January and a long-range missile launch the following month.

Now North Koreans can travel to only 38 nations visa-free. (Yonhap)
A ranking North Korean defector has claimed that the two Koreas' unification cannot be delayed further in the face of the North's mounting nuclear threats, a South Korean political party said Thursday.

Thae Yong-ho, a former North Korean diplomat, made the remark during a closed-door forum hosted by the Liberty Korea Party on Tuesday, according to party officials.

"If we don't unify, and if the Kim Jong-un regime doesn't collapse, we will die," he was quoted as saying. "The issue of unification must be discussed as a matter of life or death."

Pyongyang has reportedly completed preparations to conduct a sixth nuclear test.

Thae noted South Koreans' apparent complacency about the possibility of a nuclear strike.

"Think about Kim Jong-un's character," he was quoted as saying. "He has executed his relatives. Would he hesitate to use (a nuclear weapon) against the South Korean people?"

The North Korean regime must be brought down by its own people with the help of outside information, he added.

Thae worked as a minister at the North Korean Embassy in London before he defected with his family to South Korea last year. (Yonhap)


By Ko Dong-hwan, Park Si-soo



South Korea's parliament has endorsed an impeachment motion against President Park Geun-hye with overwhelming support of opposition lawmakers and defiant members of Park's ruling Saenuri Party.

The motion was endorsed on Friday 4:13 p.m. by 234 lawmakers, with 56 voting against, 7 invalid and 2 abstaining in the 300-member unicameral National Assembly.



Park's presidency was formally suspended at 7:03 p.m. when she received an official letter of the result from the National Assembly. Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn has taken the post as interim leader according to the Constitution.
By Jun Ji-hye



South Korea and the United States will push for new U.N. Security Council (UNSC) sanctions to curb oil supplies to North Korea in the event of the North conducting additional nuclear tests, sources said Thursday.



The move comes as Pyongyang is increasing activity at its Punggye-ri nuclear test site, sending strong indications that it is ready for a sixth test.



"Curbing oil exports to the North can add to existing sanctions," a source said, asking not to be named.



This, however, is virtually impossible if China refuses to cooperate.



Nuclear envoys of South Korea and the United States agreed in Seoul, March 22, to toughen punitive measures against Pyongyang if it continues provocations.



At the time, U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy Joseph Yun and South Korea's Representative to the six-party talks Kim Hong-kyun, said they will push for harsher measures through the UNSC and also will introduce a new set of unilateral sanctions.



Oil supplies are regarded as a "lifeline" for Pyongyang. Cutting them off would mean that sanctions against the Kim Jong-un regime would increase to their maximum level.



But the plan will require cooperation from China as the country, the North's only major ally, is its largest oil supplier.



"China holds the key to curbing oil exports to the North," the source said, adding that it remains uncertain whether Beijing will accept such a plan.



Seoul and Washington will also consider a measure preventing the Kim regime from sending its workers overseas who are pressed to send hard currency to the regime.



The North carried out its first nuclear test in 2006 and four more in 2009, 2013 and January and September of last year. In response to the previous tests, the UNSC has adopted tougher and tougher sanctions including placing a ceiling on the North's exports of coal, a major source of money suspected to be used in advancing its nuclear weapons capability.



Some observers are raising the possibility that the North could carry out multiple tests in a day this time to show off its nuclear capability as Pakistan did when it conducted three tests in a day in 1998.



A military official said, on condition of anonymity, that multiple tests in a day are not impossible in theory, given that the North has 50 kilograms of weapons-grade plutonium, sufficient to manufacture about 10 nuclear weapons. But he added: "Nobody can speak conclusively as a number of complicated technologies will involve such tests."



U.S.-based North Korea monitoring website 38 North said Wednesday that satellite imagery of the North's test site showed up to 100 people gathered at its main administrative area, an unusual scene last observed ahead of the North's fourth nuclear test in 2013.



The previous day, the website also cited satellite imagery showing the continued presence of three to four vehicles or equipment trailers at the North Portal, an entrance to the underground site.




By Rachel Lee

The Peruvian Embassy in Seoul has launched a fundraising campaign to help people of the South American country devastated by catastrophic flooding in January.

Peruvian Ambassador Jamie Pomareda opened an account at KEB Hana Bank, asking Koreans to give "generous and humanitarian donations," which will be used to help victims of El Nino Costero, the embassy said Thursday.

At least 90 people have died and more than 122,000 have been left homeless as Peru's rainy season has delivered 10 times more rainfall than usual. It also left more than 4,000 km of highways, 5,000 km of rural roads, and more than 200 bridges destroyed.

"This is one of the worst disasters that has ever stroked the north of Peru," an embassy spokesman said.

According to the embassy, the Peruvian government has increased its budget by $764 million (850 billion won) for its reconstruction plan with priority set to save lives, clear roads, rescue people and contain the advance of rivers.

The embassy also named Piura, Lambayeque and La Libertad as the most affected areas, adding that the main tourist attraction areas in Peru have not been affected, including Cuzco, Machu Picchu, the Nazca Lines, Arequipa, Colca Canyon and the Amazon.

El Nino Costero is a sea warming phenomenon that takes place off the Peruvian coast, generating an exponential increase of water evaporation and dark clouds.
By Lee Han-soo

Seoul's private high schools that accept students through application are planning to take foreigners next year, according to a new Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education policy announced Wednesday.

Schools affected include: autonomous private high schools (not subject to government curriculum standards and that allow more freedom to students than conventional schools); science high schools (that nurture gifted students in science), and international high schools (that nurture gifted students with expertise in international relations).

The policy will allow the schools to admit a "small" number of foreigners, with the exact number not specified.

Schools that want foreign students can submit a study plan to the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education for review.

A Seoul education authority official said authorization for foreign student enrollments will be given "after our review on certain criteria, such as whether the institution has a dormitory or a Korean language curriculum."
Former President Park Geun-hye walks into the Seoul Central District Court to attend a hearing over her arrest on Thursday morning. The prosecution requested the arrest warrant on multiple charges, including bribery, coercion, abuse of power and the leak of state secrets presumably in 13 cases implicating her close friend and scores of aides. She has denied any wrongdoing. / Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk









Former President Park Geun-hye walks into the Seoul Central District Court to attend a hearing over her pre-trial detention on Thursday morning. / Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk





Former President Park Geun-hye walks into the Seoul Central District Court to attend a hearing over her pre-trial detention on Thursday morning. / Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk



By Jung Min-ho



Former President Park Geun-hye attended a court hearing to review the validity of a warrant to arrest her on corruption charges, Thursday.



This was the first time a former president has attended a court hearing on an arrest warrant since the system was adopted in 1997.



Judge Kang Bu-young, 43, is expected to decide whether to issue the warrant Friday morning.



The hearing finished at 7:10 p.m. after eight hours and 40 minutes  the longest on record.



After the hearing, the court ordered her to stay in a room on the 10th floor of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office to wait for the decision.



Park appeared at the court at around 10:20 a.m. Unlike her previous public appearances, she seemed nervous, and did not say a word to reporters who asked her a barrage of questions.



After getting out of her black sedan, she hurried into the courthouse, which was surrounded by 2,000 police officers.



The two senior prosecutors who interrogated her last week  Han Woong-jae and Lee Won-seok  clashed with her lawyers  Yoo Young-ha and Jung Jang-hyun  in the hearing.



Park was also given time to respond to the 13 charges against her, including bribery, abuse of power and the passing of confidential state information to an unauthorized person.



She denied all of the charges, claiming none of her actions came from bad intentions.



Her lawyers said Park did not do anything illegal or order her aides to do so in order to help her confidant Choi Soon-sil, claiming the former president was unaware of her friend's criminal activities.



However, it is unclear whether the court will accept her claims. The Constitutional Court has already acknowledged her abuse of power for her friend Choi's personal gain when it upheld her impeachment, March 10.




Three Russian nationals have been arrested on charges of smuggling North Korean medicines into South Korea for online sales, police here said Thursday.

The Russians, including a 47-year-old woman, are accused of importing North Korea-made medicines and health supplements via Russia by airmail and selling them without a permit to South Korean consumers through social media sites, Geumjung Police Station in this port city said.

It said the unauthorized import of North Korean goods violates the Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Act that strictly regulates trade between the two Koreas. Under the act, imports of North Korean medicines and other goods require the approval of the South Korean unification minister.

The North Korean goods smuggled here by the Russians included 205 boxes of six kinds of drugs, worth about 9 million won ($8,080), police said, adding they were bought in the North and airmailed to South Korea via Russia.

The smuggled medicines, all produced by the North's Pugang Pharmaceutic Co., include erectile dysfunction drugs and health supplements touted by its manufacturer as effective in treating various adult diseases, police said.

Police said they will continue to crack down on illegal imports of North Korean products. (Yonhap)
The U.S. Embassy in South Korea on Thursday posted a photo of a magnolia tree that former President Barack Obama dedicated to a high school three years ago to pay tribute to the victims of the country's worst maritime disaster.

Obama gave the tree as a gift to Danwon High School when he visited South Korea in April 2014, right after the 6,825-ton ferry Sewol capsized and sank off the country's southwest coast on April 16, leaving more than 300 people dead or missing. Many students from the high school in Ansan, south of Seoul, were among the dead.

"The U.S. honored the Sewol Ferry victims, with the gift of a magnolia tree, and now the tree is ready to bloom," the embassy said on its official Twitter account, along with its photo taken in April 2014. "Our thoughts are still with them."












Ousted former Korean President Park Geun-hye enters Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, Thursday morning, to face a court hearing over 13 charges including bribery, coercion, abuse of power and the leaking of state secrets. / Yonhap



By Ko Dong-hwan

Ousted former Korean President Park Geun-hye entered Seoul Central District Court Thursday morning for a review of the prosecutor's arrest warrant for her filed three days ago.

She headed straight to the court without calling at the prosecutors' office, unlike her aides involved in the presidential corruption scandal, including former presidential chief of staff Kim Ki-choon and former culture minister Cho Yoon-sun, and vice chairman of Samsung Electronics Lee Jae-yong.

As the case unfolded, questions about how the unmarried woman facing 13 criminal charges will be treated during and after the hearing arose. These included how far her bodyguards can accompany her in the court, where she will be incarcerated after the hearing and what will happen to her following the review's result.

While media access to the court was blocked, most experts guessed Park will not be accompanied by her bodyguards during the hearing at West Building court No. 321. Bodyguards were not allowed to stay by her side during questioning at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office last week.












Recognize us:

Bereaved family members of two teachers who died aboard the sunken Sewol ferry hold a press conference in front of the Seoul Administrative Court, Thursday, demanding that the government recognize their loved ones as having died while on duty. / Yonhap



By Lee Kyung-min

Recovery crews are putting in last-ditch efforts to move the Sewol ferry to Mokpo New Port, South Jeolla Province, today, before favorable weather conditions end later in the day, maritime authorities said Thursday.

According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, two buoyancy tanks, part of six initially installed to help the recovery ship stay afloat while the Sewol was loaded onto it, will be removed Thursday.

The crews are welding 50 parts of the Sewol to secure it firmly to the giant vessel to prevent it from being detached while sailing, a task expected to end later in the day.

"We are working under the assumption that the transport vessel will be able to start moving the Sewol early Friday," an oceans ministry official said.

"The necessary process was halted yesterday when wave heights reached almost 2.2 meters, 0.2 meters higher than the maximum height allowable. But it has remained below 1 meter the entire morning and is expected to stay at such a height for the time being."












By Kim Se-jeong



A Korean-American businessman who spent eight years in prison for a stock-rigging scandal that had implicated former President Lee Myung-bak criticized Lee for corruption and vowed to fight for the truth.



Kim Kyung-joon, the owner of the now-defunct BBK, said, "There's so much corruption to be unveiled, and this includes former President Lee Myung-bak and his administration." Kim made the remark arriving at the Los Angeles International Airport Wednesday (local time).



Asked if he had crucial evidence against Lee, Kim answered, "I am too tired to talk. I will tell you everything in one week."



He flew back to LA where his family lives, immediately after being released  he stayed one night at a detention center waiting for his flight.



Before his departure, Kim met Rep. Park Beom-kye of the Democratic Party of Korea. "He promised to share the legal documents involving the scandal with me," Rep. Park told Yonhap News Agency, confirming Kim's will to fight.



In 2009, Kim was convicted of embezzling 32 billion won ($28.6 million) in corporate funds, manipulating his firm BBK's stock prices, forging passports and company documents, and spreading rumors about Lee. The Supreme Court upheld an eight-year prison sentence and 10 billion won ($8.9 million) fine.



Kim defended himself at the LA airport. "When it comes to the BBK scandal, people think I am guilty, but I am not. In fact, I have won many legal cases related to this scandal. It was the fault of the then ruling party and the real beneficiary was the Lee Myung-bak administration." He briefly mentioned the former President Park Geun-hye, in connection with corruption.



BBK was an investment consulting firm owned by Kim.



Leading up to the presidential election in 2007, Kim who was under investigation for stock-rigging revealed the then-presidential candidate was the secret owner of the company and that Lee had amassed wealth through his clandestine business association.



The revelation rattled the country and hurt Lee's campaign team.



Kim's wife even held a press conference revealing a secret business contract between him and Lee, which later turned out to be fabricated.



An independent counsel team was formed to look into the allegations and eventually cleared Lee but indicted Kim. By then, Kim had been additionally charged with spreading false rumors about Lee, a violation of the Election Law.




Roh Tae-woo and Chun Doo-hwan during their first trial on Aug. 26, 1996. / Korea Times file



By Lee Han-soo

Park Geun-hye is the country's fourth former president to be questioned over criminal allegations, following Roh Tae-woo, Chun Doo-hwan and the late Roh Moo-hyun.

If a warrant is issued, Park will be the third former president to be arrested. Presidents Roh Tae-woo and Chun Doo-hwan were arrested and sent for trial.

Roh Tae-woo was the first former Korean president to wear a prison uniform.

The Supreme Prosecutors' Office on Nov. 1, 1995, investigated him for receiving over 200 billion won ($179 million) in bribes from conglomerates, including from then Daewoo Group chairman Kim Woo-jung.

"I will carry all the distrust and conflict," Roh said before he was jailed at a Seoul detention center. "I will accept any form of punishment."












Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo raises his fist while speaking at a convention of the People's Party in Daegu Gymnasium, Thursday, ahead of the party's fourth primary election. / Yonhap



Latest poll shows him surpassing An Hee-jung





By Kim Hyo-jin



Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo, the most likely presidential nominee of the third-largest People's Party, has overtaken South Chungcheong Province Governor An Hee-jung as the second-favorite potential contender in the presidential race, according to the latest poll.



According to a Realmeter poll conducted between March 27 and 29, Ahn had support of 17.4 percent, up 4.8 percentage points from the previous week, following frontrunner Moon Jae-in of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) who garnered 35.2 percent.



Governor An, another DPK contender, dropped to third, with 12.5 percent, down 5.1 percentage points from a week earlier.



Seongnam Mayor Lee Jae-myung, also from the DPK, took fourth place with 9.5 percent, followed by Hong Joon-pyo of the former ruling Liberty Korea Party (LKP) at 7.7 percent.



Ahn bounced back to second in the weekly poll for the first time in 10 months. Analysts say the poll reflects a "bandwagon effect," a tendency of voters to flock to a likely winner when the outcome of the election is viewed as a foregone conclusion.



Ahn has boasted a strong lead in his party's primary race. In three consecutive primary elections, he won overwhelming victories with 65.6 percent of the total votes, emerging as the most likely presidential candidate of the People's Party.



His rise was also helped by Governor An losing steam in the DPK's primary race, analysts said. An, who had been noted as a strong contender against Moon, suffered two disappointing defeats in the primary polls on his home turf in the Chungcheong region and the traditional liberal bastion of the Jeolla provinces.



The support base of the governor is known to overlap that of former party leader Ahn. An has touted the need to form a coalition government even with the former ruling party, taking flak from liberal competitors, and yet drawing support from centrist and conservative voters. Ahn, a software mogul-turned-politician, is categorized as a left-leaning centrist.



Buoyed by the results of the poll, Ahn's camp expects that a two-way competition between Moon and Ahn will take shape once all parties nominate their final candidate.



"Ahn's popularity will receive a further boost after An and Lee drop out of the presidential race," an aide said. "The aim is to secure over support of 25 percent by early April."



Moon's camp downplayed the significance of Ahn's increasing support, calling it a "temporary" shift.



"It's merely a transitory change seen in the course of the primary race. Moon still boasts twice the support compared to him," an aide of Moon said.



The aide remains skeptical of a two-way competition frame, saying conservative voters will soon rally behind the final LKP candidate. The party is scheduled to nominate its candidate today.



The pollster found that, in a presumed three-way competition between candidates from the top three parties, the DPK's Moon secured 47.2 percent, leading People's Party's Ahn with 25 percent and the LKP's Hong 12.3 percent.
By Moo-jong Park





The sad history of former presidents of the Republic of Korea continues to break the hearts of the people.



Disgraced Park Geun-hye, the first-ever head of state impeached for bribery three weeks ago, will stand criminal trial either under or without physical detention sooner or later.

She is one of the 11 former presidents who lived or are living unfortunate lives after their forced or legal retirement, except for her father, Park Chung-hee (1917-1979) who was assassinated by his top intelligence officer while in office.

Nineteen years ago in 1998, the caption of an AP photo read: "President Clinton, among others, looks on as Nancy Reagan, wife of former President Ronald Reagan, speaks during the dedication ceremony for the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington D.C. The 87-year-old Reagan, who has been battling Alzheimer's diseases, did not attend."



The photo of the dedication ceremony on May 8, for the first federal building in the U.S. capital for governmental and private organizations in honor of the former president, had reminded me of the unhappy ex-presidents of our nation.

The post-White House life of Jimmy Carter who served from 1977 to 1981 also makes a good comparison with those of our former presidents.



President Jimmy Carter failed, but former President Carter succeeded.



As a mediator for international conflicts, an esteemed human rights crusader and a contributor to the Habitat for Humanity movement in his leisure time, Carter won the coveted Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.



Armed with a hammer and nails, the former leader with his silvery hair and toothy smile has devoted himself to helping homeless people around the globe and working for world peace and enhancing human rights.



Our presidents _ Syngman Rhee, Yun Po-sun, Park Chung-hee, Choi Kyu-hah, Chun Doo-hwan, Roh Tae-woo, Kim Young-sam, Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye  also ended their political careers in failure, but they were or are not successful, too, as former presidents.



Though feeling so bad, let's look back on the lives of our former presidents, from whom we have not taken any lessons yet.



The founder of the ROK, Dr. Syngman Rhee (1875-1965) was ousted from his 12-year presidency over his suppression of democracy by the April 19 Students' Revolution in 1960. He flew to Hawaii on May 29 and died there five years later.



Rhee's successor Yun Po-sun (1897-1990), elected president under the parliamentary cabinet system, was forced to resign less than a year after then-Major Gen. Park Chung-hee seized power in the May 16 coup in 1961.



After Park's shocking death on Oct. 26, 1979, Choi Kyu-hah (1919-2006), who took over the presidency unexpectedly, was pressured to quit several months later by Gen. Chun Doo-hwan who came to power in the May 17 coup in 1980. Choi lived in seclusion, isolating himself from the outside world until his death.



Chun (1931-) and his Korea Military Academy classmate and successor Roh Tae-woo (1932-) spent two years behind bars after their retirement. Chun was sentenced to death for treason and Roh was given 22 and a half years in prison for corruption, but their sentences were commuted.



Their successor Kim Young-sam (1927-2015), who sent his predecessors to prison through retroactive legislation and retaliation against his political foes, was the target of public anger for the unprecedented financial crisis that forced the nation to the brink of moratorium in 1997, the final year of his term.



The next president Kim Dae-jung (1924-2009) was "successful" in his early years in office by winning the 2000 Nobel Peace Prize, but his "Sunshine Policy" toward North Korea eventually failed and his sons' corruption convictions outraged the public.



Kim's successor, Roh Moo-hyun (1946-2009), the sensational winner in the 2003 presidential election, committed suicide in May 2009, 15 months into his retirement, by jumping from a cliff behind his home, over suspicions of bribery while in office.



Many U.S. presidents, including Bill Clinton, were troubled by various scandals while in office. But Americans chose to focus on their achievements after they left the White House. As for their wrongdoings, they are recorded in history and continue to exist as lessons for newcomers to the presidency.



That Clinton sent Air Force One to pick up Nancy Reagan and facilitate her participation in the ceremony makes us think of many things.



When will we be able to see such a beautiful scene? Such gestures will never occur without respect and reconciliation.



It is so sad to see Park Geun-hye "keep the unhappy tradition" of our former presidents.



When will we be able to see a former president like Barack Obama who enjoys his life after retirement, visiting the National Gallery of Art in Washington wearing a brown leather jacket and Levis jeans?



The new president will be elected in 38 days on May 9.



It's the role and responsibility of the people to find a new leader who should not follow in the footsteps of his predecessors.





Park Moo-jong is the Korea Times adviser. He served as the president-publisher of the nation's first English newspaper founded in 1951 from 2004 to 2014 after he worked as a reporter of the daily since 1974. He can be reached at moojong@ktimes.com or emjei29@gmail.com.
By Gwynne Dyer



Thirty years ago most of Southeast Asia was run by thuggish dictatorships. Then the Philippines showed the rest of the world how to get rid of the dictators without violence, and its non-violent example was watched and copied around the world. But now the thugs are coming back where it all started.



The democratic revolution in the Philippines in 1986 was quickly followed by the non-violent overthrow of the generals in Thailand in 1988(though they continued to intervene every few years), and then by the fall of Suharto's 30-year dictatorship in Indonesia in 1998. By then the example had also spread through the rest of Asia (democratic revolutions in Taiwan and South Korea and even an attempt at one in China).



The democratic wave swept across the rest of the world too: Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union in 1989-91, South Africa in 1994, a large number of Latin American and African countries in the past quarter-century, and even a brave (but failed) attempt at democratisation in several Arab countries. More people now live in democratic countries than in dictatorships.



But in the cradle of the non-violent revolutions, things are going backwards. Rodrigo Duterte, president of the Philippines, is a self-proclaimed murderer who boasts about how many people his death squads kill. "If you are corrupt, I will fetch you using a helicopter to Manila and I will throw you out," he declared in December. "I have done this before, why would I not do it again?"



"Duterte Harry" (as he is called in homage to Clint Eastwood's film portrayal of lawless cop "Dirty Harry") was elected to the presidency with a massive majority last year, and he is still hugely popular with ordinary Filipinos. But this is not democracy; it is populist demagoguery of the most extreme kind.



About 8,000 suspected drug dealers and users have been killed by police and vigilantes, with Duterte's warm approval and encouragement, since he was elected last June. And the fate of Thai democracy is equally disheartening, although the strongmen there wear military uniforms.



Thai democracy, deeply polarised by a long-running political battle between the urban middle class and the rural poor, fell to a military coup in 2014. Two years later, the Thais ratified a constitution that grants the army permanent power over the political system, including the right to appoint all 250 members of the Senate. And even so the military have now postponed the promised election from this year to 2018.



Indonesian democracy still survives, and the latest president, Joko Widodo, is a genuinely popular figure of unimpeachable honesty. In the 2014 election he saw off his opponent, a former general and ex-son-in-law of the old dictator Suharto, with ease. But there are signs of rising extremism in the world's biggest Muslim-majority country.



The hard-line Islamic Defenders' Front (FPI), which demands a sharia state in a country where 15 percent of the population are not Muslim, has been leading violent demonstrations against Basuki Purnama, the ethnic-Chinese Christian governor of Jakarta. He is facing spurious charges of "insulting Islam", but the FPI's real objection is that non-Muslims should not hold positions of authority over Muslims.



There is clearly support for this view among some of the capital's Muslims  and to make matters worse many senior military and police officer have had close links with the extremist organisation. Indonesian democracy is certainly the healthiest in the region, but it faces serious threats.



And then there is Burma, the latest convert to democracy in Southeast Asia. After half a century of almost continuous military rule Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Prize-winning leader of the democratic opposition, is finally the effective leader of an elected civilian government.



But she still operates under a military veto, and she has to close her eyes to the brutal attacks on the Rohingya, a Muslim minority that the army and other Burmese ultra-nationalists insist is not really Burmese at all. The army is using this conflict to burnish its own nationalist credentials and undermine the fledgling democratic government, and "The Lady", as she is universally called, dares not defy it.



There is no country in Southeast Asia where democracy is really secure, and in most cases the main reason is the overweening power of self-serving military and police forces. Power struggles between the old political and economic elite and "new" politicians like Widodo in Indonesia and the brother and sister Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra in Thailand, both overthrown by military coups, play a large role too.



But there are many other new democracies with over-mighty militaries and privileged elites that do not want to let go, and yet the failure rate is significantly lower everywhere else except the Middle East. There may be some common cultural factor that unites the Southeast Asian countries, but it's unlikely: they are variously Buddhist-, Christian-, or Muslim-majority.



So what's the matter with them? Maybe it's just bad luck. After all, they aren't actually a statistical sample.





Gwynne Dyer is an independent journalist whose articles are published in 45 countries. Contact gwynne763121476@aol.com.




By Henry M. Seggerman





Secretary of State Rex Tillerson toured Asia recently, and on March 17 finally got the nerve to say something. Regarding North Korea, he said, "If they elevate the threat of their weapons program to a level that we believe that requires action, that option is on the table." A few hours later, boss Donald Trump tweeted "North Korea is behaving very badly." Pretty strong words, guys, though not as colorful as W's "Axis of Evil" 15 years ago. Anyway, it just words  not deeds  all over again.



We've heard the warnings escalating year after year, "North Korea will weaponize missiles with nukes soon," "They can only hit Tokyo," "They can only hit Guam," and more. Well, Kim, Jong-un is not fooling around. It's very likely he will soon have the firepower to incinerate New York City and Washington, D.C. That was Kruschchev's plan during the Cuban Missile Crisis.



But it's tough getting tough with North Korea. North Korea knows the U.S. is the ultimate paper tiger. Why? Because North Korea has 11,000 cannons and rockets a 40-minute drive from Seoul, and can still turn the city into a "sea of fire" if the U.S. or South Korea launch any kind of attack. In short, the U.S. will never dare try a pre-emptive strike against North Korea.



JFK was tough with Cuba, which is why he prevailed. Not sanctions tough, but blockade tough. If sanctions fail with Russia and Israel, you really have to be naive to expect them to work with the world capital of juche, North Korea. But another extremely important reason North Korean sanctions fail is that, despite its head-fake Security Council votes, China continues to prop up North Korea with free grain and fuel oil, and coal purchases that take place every day in Chinese coastal cities.



By now, everybody should be sick and tired of U.S. presidents bleating, "China has to get tougher on North Korea." Haven't these guys figured out yet that nothing is going to change? Trump was pretty smart flashing the Taiwan card for a day or two just to show China there's a new sheriff in town. So, if he really wants to "Make a Deal" with China on North Korea, what will it look like?



JFK's blockade  euphemistically re-branded a "quarantine" _ was indeed tough, but it was part of a deal where the U.S. also agreed to remove its missiles from Italy and Turkey. That's what a deal is: both sides have to give a little. So, what might be the terms and conditions the U.S. and China might swallow so they can once and for all solve the North Korean crisis?



Full naval and border blockade



China should stop its charade, really and truly ending all financial and resource grants to, and trade with, North Korea. The U.S., China, South Korea, and Japan should prevent any ship from leaving or entering North Korea. The U.S. should shut off North Korea's access to the world banking system. China should cut off all bridges to North Korea, and police the Yalu River to prevent crossings.



Regime change and reunification



The only successful examples of denuclearization, South Africa and the Ukraine, involved regime change. If you believe a country like North Korea will change that pattern, you are fooling yourself. Reunification will be hugely expensive, and the U.S., China, and South Korea should agree to provide financing for it.



Amnesty for Kim Jong-un

Human rights nannies have long wanted to see Kim Jong-un (and before him, his dad, Kim Jong-il) on trial like Ratko Mladic in the International Criminal Court. But it's not realistic to expect any nuke-armed despot to just perp walk out of his palace. China is brazen enough to conduct cyberhacking on a worldwide scale, so get some elderly generals on both sides to ease out the current Kim regime as the embargo becomes airtight. China can surely find a swank mansion for Kim Jong-un in Beijing. If not, Idi Amin Dada's luxurious Jeddah digs have been available for a few years now.



Refugee preparedness



Today, North Korea is in reality a chessboard pawn for China, like those airstrips built on the South China Sea. But Chinese officials keep repeating their "deep concern" that reunification would lead to a huge influx of refugees across the Yalu River. That's nothing but a cover story. There are already two million ethnic Koreans living in China. If there are refugee flows into China, the U.S., South Korea, and China should just transport them for re-settlement in South Korea, with costs borne by all three partners.



Maintaining the U.S. alliance

South Korea is very important to the U.S. If North Korea or anyone else ever attacked South Korea, the U.S. (not to mention Australia) would respond with massive military might. However, a land invasion in such a scenario would require hundreds of thousands of U.S. troops  not the minuscule 27,000 in South Korea today. The U.S. should agree to remove its pointless and symbolic troops, and discontinue its military exercises. The U.S. should also agree that, after reunification, it will remove the THAAD missiles.



Will any of the above steps be taken tomorrow morning? I doubt it. But surely all agree that the U.S. North Korea policy has been a dismal failure for decades, and that new thinking is desperately needed.





Henry Seggerman managed Korea International Investment Fund from 2001 until 2014. He has written for, or been interviewed by, the Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, Bloomberg Television, Reuters, and FinanceAsia.
The other day a man fell out of a fourth-floor Moscow apartment and suffered serious head injuries. The real surprise is not that Nikolai Gorokhov had an accident but that he survived. People who dare to challenge Russian President Vladimir Putin often don't. Gorokhov's fall came just a day before he was to appear in court on behalf of the family of Sergei Magnitsky  who died in a Russian prison cell where he languished after, yes, daring to challenge Putin.



Two days after Gorokhov's hard landing, a former Russian parliamentarian was shot to death in broad daylight in Kiev. It may not surprise you to learn that Denis Voronenkov had defected to Ukraine last year, had criticized Putin's seizure of Crimea and was planning to testify in a corruption case against a Putin ally. "This was the demonstrative murder of a witness, common for the Kremlin," charged Ukraine's prosecutor general, Yuri Lutsenko.



Episodes like these are not rare: The Washington Post has counted 10 Putin critics who met sudden ends, often in mysterious or violent circumstances. The deaths make it appear someone wants to deter people from speaking out against the corruption, repression and brutality of the Russian president. They send the message that no dissenter is safe. But on Sunday, Putin learned that some people are not easily cowed. In more than 90 cities, marchers turned out to protest corruption, with particular regard to Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev. He was the subject of an incriminating video put out by Alexei Navalny, an anti-corruption crusader who has said he will run against Putin in 2018. Some protesters chanted "Shame!" and some brandished rubber ducks, a reference to the house for ducks Medvedev reportedly had built in a pond on one of his ill-gotten estates.



A Moscow radio station estimated that more than 60,000 Russians had taken part in the demonstrations. In any case, they were reported to be the biggest unauthorized rallies in five years. Stiff sentences given to many protesters back then had discouraged dissent. But the revelations about Medvedev stirred new outrage that soon erupted into the streets.



This is not the only cause for Putin to worry. Hobbled by international sanctions, the economy is limping. Truckers are also planning a campaign of protests against new highway tolls.



These marches were notable for the large number of young people, who may have yet to absorb the full danger of defying the regime. Hundreds of protesters were arrested, others were beaten and Navalany got a 15-day sentence for supposedly resisting arrest. Worse may be in the offing, given Putin's brutal tendencies.



The West can't prevent Putin from dealing harshly with critics, but it can let him know his abuses won't be ignored or excused. In light of President Donald Trump's friendly attitude toward the Kremlin, it was a pleasant surprise to hear the U.S. State Department issue a statement condemning the mass arrests.



"Detaining peaceful protesters, human rights observers and journalists is an affront to core democratic values," said spokesman Mark Toner, who also decried the arrest of Navalny and the raid on his anti-corruption group's office.

Maybe Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and others in the administration are willing to judge Putin on the basis of his vicious record, not on Trump's foolish hopes. And it may be that the investigations and questions around the Trump campaign's contacts with Russian officials have left the president little room to cozy up to the Kremlin. Anything he might do to ingratiate himself with Putin would feed suspicions  particularly after the spectacle of Russian demonstrators being hauled off to jail.



Amid his growing international isolation and signs of discontent at home, Putin may hope for sympathy or a show of support from the White House. He shouldn't get it.





This editorial appeared in the Chicago Tribune and was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.




Tepid response to provocation is no longer tenable



There are clearer signs that North Korea may conduct another nuclear test ahead of the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping April 6 and 7.



The U.S.-based North Korea monitoring website 38 North said Tuesday that its satellite imagery of the Punggye-ri nuclear test site indicates that the North's nuclear test preparations are in their final stages. The images, taken March 25, showed up to four vehicles or equipment trailers continuously present at the entrance to the underground test site, with communication cables laid on the ground, 38 North said.



Seoul's military also confirmed this view, noting that Pyongyang is capable of carrying out a nuclear or missile test whenever Kim Jong-un orders one. If the rogue state conducts the test, it will be its sixth. Some pundits here speculate that the North might detonate multiple nuclear bombs simultaneously as Pakistan did in 1998.



With another blast, North Korea could try to rattle the South in the run-up to the May 9 presidential election. Or the North might seek to embarrass the new U.S. president who has tweeted that its goal of possessing an intercontinental ballistic missile "won't happen," before his meeting with Xi.



But it's too early to hastily conclude that there will be another nuclear test. The chance is that the reclusive regime in Pyongyang could act after assessing the outcome of the Trump-Xi meeting by ramping up tensions with its intentional exposure of nuclear test preparations.



In that case, the North might conduct its sixth nuclear test around the 105th anniversary of the birth of its founder Kim Il-sung on April 15 or a meeting of its rubber-stamp Supreme People's Assembly on April 11. Kim Jong-un could aim to maximize the North's nuclear blast yield before a new administration is in place in Seoul.



South Koreans cannot help but feel frustrated at the fact that there is little they can do, though another blast is imminent.



Seoul, Washington and Tokyo can join forces to get the United Nations to issue a strong prior warning by suggesting concrete evidence that the North is about to violate U.N. resolutions. One can hope that the imminent test will be averted if China, North Korea's de facto sole ally, acts decisively. But if the past is any guide, these expectations are dubious.



Given that the North's other provocation is intolerable, our approach to this tormenting issue should be totally different after the sixth nuclear test. Our tepid response, relying solely on the U.N.'s tougher sanctions, is no longer tenable.



There must be stepped-up efforts to enhance our anti-missile shield across the board. This is, of course, not to say that we have to exclude dialogue. The bottom line is that we have to at least brace for the North's nuclear-tipped missiles.












Samsung unveiled its new flagship smartphone in New York's Lincoln Center Thursday. The Galaxy S8 smartphones, which will be available starting April 21, have been advertised as quicker, smarter and more stylish than their predecessors.



This is the first time for the electronics giant to unveil a new phone since its fire-prone Note 7 which resulted in a disastrous global recall and cancellation. Samsung's brand image was further tainted after its de facto leader Lee Jae-yong, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics, was arrested in a bribery case involving former President Park Geun-hye.



The introduction of the new phone seems to have succeeded in capturing global media attention. The positive responses are centered on new technologies that were not seen in its predecessors. The "infinite display" gives users an unprecedented full screen experience with an expanded glass screen that covers nearly the entire front of the device. Its digital assistant Bixby also gained a lot of attention with upgraded functions by using artificial intelligence.



The smartphone market is becoming saturated and it is becoming harder to wow consumers. To stay ahead of global competitors, it is crucial to constantly upgrade devices with new technologies and designs. From the Note 7 debacle, Samsung surely would have learned that packing a phone with new technologies is meaningless if the product is unsafe and prone to malfunctions.



It remains to be seen whether its new generation of smartphones reflect Samsung's renewed commitment to quality and safety. Consumers who were hugely inconvenienced after buying the Galaxy Note 7 smartphone will not easily forget their frustration with the Samsung device and its substandard customer service. To redeem itself and regain customers' trust, Samsung will have to convince them that its future products are reliable and that it will never forgo safety issues for the sake of technological innovation.



With Chinese manufacturers such as Huawei quickly catching up, Samsung cannot afford to be complacent if it wants to maintain its lead in the global smartphone war.




By Yoon Sung-won



Korea is stepping up support for researchers who seek cooperation with European countries, according to the National Research Foundation (NRF), Wednesday.



The foundation is hosting a two-day R&D fair between Korea and the European Union (EU) in Seoul and Daejeon which started yesterday.



"We have continued to push for collaborations between researchers in Korea and Europe to meet the rising demand for cooperation in the last decade," NRF Secretary General Kim Jun-dong said during his opening speech of the event in Seoul, Wednesday.



"On the government level, the two parties have organized five meetings as of 2015 geared toward boosting cooperation in information, communication, nano, bio and energy technologies."



Kim added the sixth meeting is scheduled to be held in the latter half of this year.



Alongside science and technology researchers, domestic and foreign funding agencies, officials from the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning, Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology, EU delegation to Korea and representatives of European embassies have joined the event.



The NRF said the event mainly aims at promoting awareness on cooperative R&D programs between Korea and the EU such as Horizon 2020, an EU funding program for innovative research projects.



The fair also seeks to build networks between researchers in Korea and Europe in selected areas such as information, communication, bio and energy technologies. The agenda was discussed during governmental talks between Korea and the EU in 2014.



"We expect the fair will provide researchers here with actual help in establishing contact with their European counterparts and building a consortium for projects," an NRF official said.



The NRF is headed by President Cho Moo-je, who took charge of the state-backed institute midway through last year.



"As a trusted partner for researchers and the public, the NRF is committed to establishing a researcher-friendly support system that helps researchers achieve more successful outcomes and accelerate the emergence of a creative economy," he said.



"Furthermore, the NRF is blazing new paths through which researchers can expand their prospects in the world and fuel our ongoing growth towards a future society in an effort to realize a more prosperous tomorrow for both research and the nation."




By Kang Seung-woo

NEW YORK  Samsung Electronics expects its new Galaxy S8 smartphone to outsell its successful predecessor, the S7.

The new handset is drawing rave reviews after it was unveiled Wednesday (local time) in two different models  the standard S8 with a 5.8-inch display and a larger Galaxy S8 Plus with a 6.2-inch screen.

Samsung sold about 50 million Galaxy S7s and Galaxy S7 edges in 2016 after releasing them in March, with the lineup working overtime to fill the void left by its jumbo smartphone, the Galaxy Note 7 that was recalled late last year due to battery fire issues.

"I am looking forward to hearing good news," said Koh Dong-jin, the president of Samsung Electronics' mobile communications business, in a press conference. "After collecting opinions from many people, including consumers and clients, I can guess that the S8's sales tally could top that of the S7."

However, Koh did not elaborate on how many he anticipates to move.

Even ahead of the S8 launch, market watchers forecast that the latest phone would surpass its previous model in terms of global sales.

"The global sales of the Galaxy S8 are expected to top 60 million. It will establish itself as a successful model," said Noh Kyeong-tak, an analyst at Eugene Investment and Securities, earlier this month.

In order to achieve this, Samsung needs to put on a good show in China which accounts for 30 percent of the global smartphone market.












SHOCK: Toxic vaccines are now being produced by supporters of Jihad

Millions of Americans do not view Saudi Arabia in the way our government does, as a benevolent monarchy in the middle of the worlds largest sand pit with a lot of oil that just wants great relations with its trading partners and natives.

In fact, most Americans who were alive on 9/11 and old enough to understand what was going on, remember that 15 of the 19 hijackers who destroyed the World Trade Center and killed nearly 3,000 Americans, were originally from Saudi Arabia.

Our intelligence community and foreign policy apparatus have long known that factions within the Saudi Arabian government support terrorism, and in particular, jihadists known to target the West. As noted by the CATO Institute, a libertarian-leaning think tank, in 2001:

The Saudi government has been the principal financial backer of Afghanistan s odious Taliban movement since at least 1996. It has also channeled funds to Hamas and other groups that have committed terrorist acts in Israel and other portions of the Middle East.

Worst of all, the Saudi monarchy has funded dubious schools and charities throughout the Islamic world. Those organizations have been hotbeds of anti-Western, and especially, anti-American, indoctrination.

Now, it seems, this state sponsor of jihad and terrorism is set to supply vaccines to the world, having bought a vaccine manufacturing operation from the Danish government, as reported by the Gatestone Institute, which tracks global jihadist operations. (RELATED: Dave Chappelle intelligently questions mandatory vaccines in new Netflix special.)

Selling the crucial manufacture of vaccines to an ideologically hostile country, which might  for whatever reason  suddenly decide to shut down production, does not sound like a good idea Those who say that the Saudis are merely interested in profit, just like everybody else, should know better, said Rachel Ehrenfeld, an expert on the financing of terrorism.

A year ago, Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the creation of the Public Investment Fund, which eventually plans to control some $2 trillion in a bid to help move the countrys economy away from its primary source  oil. To do that, the Prince announced that the monarchy would sell shares in the parent company of Aramco, the Saudi oil giant, in a bid to transform it into a conglomerate of other companies and interests. Its likely that the purchase of the Danish State Serum Institute by the Aljomaih Group is part of that portfolio diversification.

The problem is, the purchasing group has given donations to the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamic extremist organization.

Interestingly, the Gatestone Institute notes, Saudis boycotted Danish goods in 2006, after the publication of cartoons depicting Mohammad. What changed is anyones guess.

But it does make you wonder how much trust Danish consumers should have in Saudi-manufactured vaccines.

More about the purchaser: The Aljomaih Group is a Saudi family dynasty, Gatestone notes, and is led by Sheikh AbdulAziz Hamad Aljomaih, the largest stockholder in Arcapita Bank in Bahrain, where he is also the chairman. The bank features a so-called Sharia Supervisory Board, which consists of Islamic scholars who ensure the banks dealings and transactions comply with Sharia law. (RELATED: The Clinton Foundation has scored about $50 MILLION in donations from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait.)

There are a number of concerns here. First, while it may seem as though the Saudis diversification is afoot with this purchase, it could also be a way for a supporter of strict Sharia law to control the flow of vaccines into the West, which is currently inundated with Muslim migrants fleeing the war-torn region. As we have seen for the past two years, terrorist incidents have begun to increase in many countries, including France, Germany and Belgium, as more unvetted Islamists continue to pour into the continent.

Another possibility: Would the Saudis intentionally taint already toxic vaccines bound for Western countries as a means of poisoning the population? If that sounds crazy to you, imagine what you would have thought before 9/11 if someone had told you that Saudi terrorists were plotting to fly commercial planes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

Explore more headlines on violence in our world at Violence.news.

J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for NaturalNews.com and NewsTarget.com, as well as editor of The National Sentinel.

Sources:

StraightLineLogic.com

CATO.org

NaturalNews.com
Visitors to Samsung Electronics' unpacked' event for its flagship Galaxy S8 smartphone join a hands-on demonstration session at the Lincoln Center in New York, Wednesday (local time). / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics



New phones to be available on April 21



By Kang Seung-woo

NEW YORK  Samsung Electronics' new flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S8, is receiving rave reviews around the globe.

The long-awaited smartphone was finally unveiled at New York's Lincoln Center, Wednesday (local time), with more than 20,000 in attendance. The unveiling was also livestreamed.

Given that the S8 was the first major phone since the ill-fated Galaxy Note 7, there had been plenty of talk about the device, but the anticipation for the phone was so high, as evidenced by a long queue of people awaiting entrance  even two hours before the event was supposed to start.

For the two-hour event  one hour for a presentation by Samsung staff, including Mobile Communications Business President Koh Dong-jin, and the other for a tryout time  25,000 people visited the venue to get their hands on the high-end phone in advance of its release and they were satisfied.

"It is a really good phone. It is more than what I expected from Samsung. We can really see that the company is bringing new specifications and new functionality to the smartphone market," said Bruno Martinez of Brazil's Showmetech, a website specializing in information technology (IT).

"I am guessing it is going to be a great success in the world."












By Jhoo Dong-chan



A senior engineer of General Motors demonstrated his confidence in the recently introduced Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle (EV), claiming the model is superior to its competitors.



GM Chevrolet Bolt EV Chief Engineer Michael Lelli also said that the model, which was well received here for its long range on a single battery charge, will dominate the Korean market. Still, most customers are reluctant to buy EVs for the lack of charging infrastructure.



"With its drive range of 383 kilometers, you don't need to charge the Bolt EV every day. I also drive the Bolt EV in the U.S., and only charge it once a week. With a model like the Bolt EV, you don't need to look around to find charging stations every day," Lelli told The Korea Times in an interview on the sidelines of the Seoul International Motor Show 2017 held at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, Thursday.



"The model is a revolutionary product that was developed based on the deep expertise of GM engineers worldwide and years of customer feedback and innovative partnerships. With its affordability, long range and exciting new technologies, it will enable more customers to experience a true EV life."



He also guaranteed that the Bolt EV will dominate the Korean market in quality against its rivals, including the Hyundai Motor Ioniq EV.



"An EV needs four things _ affordability, drive range, functionality and technology. The Hyundai Ioniq doesn't deliver all four," Lelli said.



"The Bolt EV has 56.6 cubic feet of cargo space when folding the rear seats. I understand the Ioniq EV is a bit cheaper than the Bolt EV. Considering its quality, however, the price gap is acceptable."



In metric, 56.6 cubic feet is equal to 1.60 cubic meters.



With LG Electronics, GM jointly developed a new cell and battery pack consisting of 288 lithium-ion cells that include 10 modules and 96 cell groups for the Bolt EV. Its motor produces up to a maximum of 204 horsepower. It takes less than seven seconds to reach 100 kilometers per hour.



The Bolt EV is priced at 47.79 million won, but end consumers would pay less than 30 million won thanks to government subsidies for EVs, which the Bolt EV managed to meet.



GM started to receive preorders for the Bolt EV on March 17, and all 400 cars available were sold out in two hours.








Shawols (SHINEE fans) are angry at another Shawol that became aggressive during SHINee's arrival in Los Angeles. The aggressive shawol was caught in a video pushing a SHINee bodyguard.

SHINee recently arrived in Los Angeles for their "SHINee World V" tour. As expected, avid SHINee fans, or "Shawols" were already at LAX to wait for their idols.

SHINee arrived quietly at the airport and was surrounded by their bodyguards as were at the airport's arrival area when suddenly, a shawol shoved one of the bodyguards. Koreaboo reported it was all caught on video.

In the video, the SHINee bodyguard was seen politely (and softly) pushing the "aggro" shawol. After all, it was just the bodyguard's job to do so. The aggro shawol retaliated and shouted "Don't touch me" repeatedly.

Just moments after in the video, the aggressive shawol can then be seen pushing the bodyguard. SHINee's bodyguard looked back but to her, it was all nothing because she thinks it's part of his job.

International shawols however, were enraged by the incident. Mainly because as fans, it is their duty to behave well because if they don't, their idols (not them) will be put to shame.

The fan has not made an appearance yet to share her side of the story. SHINee has also not released their opinion on the matter.

In other news, SHINee visited Vancouver and Toronto, Canada for their "SHINee World V" tour. As previously reported, SHINee members tried to bridge the language gap between them and the fans.

During their concert in Vancouver, SHINee's Jonghyun and Tamin admired Minho's English speaking skills. Member Key then pointed at Minho's clothes that had holes in them to which Minho replied "No money" and stirred the fans.

SHINee members were also communicating in English when they noticed Taemin just being quiet in the back. The members then forced Taemin to introduce the next songs for the group.

SHINee's next concert will be on Friday, Mar. 31 in Dallas, Texas. Stay tuned here at KpopStarz for more SHINee and K-pop news.
Sandara Park is reported to be in a dilemma as to which path she would choose between her acting career and music career. And because of this, most peers of Dara say that she should choose the former.

During a recent press conference for Sandara Park's latest movie, "One Step," the movie's director, Jeon Jae Hong, says that she should instead stay and develop her acting career. "One Step" is a Korean remake of the original Hollywood music drama film. "Begin Again."

It is with this that Sandara Park has grabbed the opportunity to showcase both her prowess in singing as well as in acting. Her recent movie was indeed a big thing for her as this has propelled her career into greater heights.

According to Korea Portal, Sandara Park was also praised for her acting skills as Director Jeon Jae Hong says that Dara has easily memorized all the lines. She is also commended for having very minimal mistakes during the movie's filming.

Sandara Park is also compared to Yoon Kye Sang who left his previous boy band, "g.o.d.", as he opted to pursue his acting career. Director Jeon Jae Hong managed to work with Sang in the 2011 indie film, "Poongsan Dog."

To further stress the level of praise that Sandara Park received in "One Step," she was even considered as one of the best rookie actresses in the industry. Because of this, she is highly recommended to instead pursue her acting career and leave her musical path in the sidelines.

Sandara Park's upcoming movie, "One Step" will premiere in theaters on April 6. This will surely catapult her career into more popularity and success in the coming months and years.

Should Dara just stick to acting or is she better doing songs? Could she pull off being great in two career paths? Sound off in the comments below.
The 10 La Jolla subdivisions developed in the 1920s  Barber Tract, Prospect Park, El Pueblo Ribera, Lower Hermosa, La Jolla Shores, Country Club Estates, Upper Hermosa, Ludington Heights, The Muirlands and La Jolla Hills  were showcased in summer 2016 at the La Jolla Historical Society (LJHS) exhibit From Jazz Age to Our Age: Landmark Homes in La Jolla.

Now, LJHS has taken their story one step further by turning the exhibit catalog into a book titled, Jazz Age to Our Age: Architects and Developers of 1920s La Jolla, available starting April 15 at Wisteria Cottage, 7846 Eads Ave., and at Warwicks bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., for $25 to LJHS members and $30 to non-members.

Author Seonaid McArthur told La Jolla Light that the book is comprised of exhibit visuals. The idea came about when La Jollan Ann Zahner visited the exhibit and said it would be a shame if there wasnt a catalog derived from it. She came forward and offered to fund it, McArthur explained. Zahner is listed in the book as one of the many donors whose contributions made it possible.

Jazz Age to Our Age chronicles the architects, lifestyle, geography, transportation and culture that shaped the outskirts of The Village in the 1920s. By 1920, the resources, the funding and the money were available and the people were poised in developing all the land surrounding The Village of La Jolla. The Panama Canal had opened, so there was more investment coming into California, and the 1915 Panama-California Exposition celebrated that, she said.

Another factor in the development of historical La Jolla homes was the architects. Many had arrived in San Diego for the Panama-California Exposition, and were readily available to build custom homes near La Jolla beaches or on top of Soledad Mountain, the book reports.

McArthur explained that when putting the exhibit together they originally wanted to pay tribute to La Jolla historical buildings and we found that the 20s were such an important time period that we should take that time and make the whole exhibition about it.

LJHS, publisher of Jazz Age to Out Age, has ordered 500 copies so far. Director Heath Fox told the Light they used professional designers and printers in the process.

When asked what LJHS wanted to accomplish with the book, Fox said, To document and promote public awareness of the property owners, the architects, the architectural styles and the neighborhoods that grew up around these 1920s homes, which we still know today.

One of the most remarkable things about the period, according to McArthur, is the variety of styles that manifest in La Jollas constructions. The architects were so inventive  from the Pueblo Ribera Native American look to Spanish and Tudor Revival and from California Craftsman to Modernism  the whole spread is really spectacular.

For her, the best thing about the book (and the exhibit) was the willingness of many families to volunteer their historical materials. It was really fabulous that the people who own these homes are so proud and wanted to share their information. What I enjoyed was their enthusiasm to bring material forward. To me, that was the exciting part of the project!

But, McArthur added, what surprised her was the need for historical research in La Jolla. The cataloging of La Jollas history has a long way to go. There needs to be a lot more work done in interviewing architects who are alive and helped build the town. There needs to be a lot more work done in gathering historical material, and its thanks to this exhibition process that these things are brought forward.

She highlighted the importance of families coming forward to help historians figure out the past of La Jolla. Often times, we dont have the identities of the people in photographs, and it takes their families to come forward, she said, encouraging private collection owners to donate to the LJHS.

 La Jolla Historical Society can be reached at (858) 459-5335 or 7846 Eads Ave. lajollahistory.org
Historic ties of north Meck span throughout region Though the north Mecklenburg area didnt see significant population growth until a few decades ago, its rich history dates back to the Revolutionary War. That was the basis of...

An easier-than-expected first mammogram experience HUNTERSVILLE  Scheduling a cancer screening probably ranks somewhere on your to-do list between "clean out the garage" and "donate those clothes that don't fit." Sure, you'll get to it at...
PRESS RELEASE

Anti-Trump Cabal Wants Third World War, Prominent German Warns

March 29, 2017 (EIRNS)Wolfgang Bittner, prominent author of books and articles in Germany, has harsh commentaries on NATO and on the anti-Trump campaign in an interview with Deutsche Wirtschaftsnachrichten. He warns that the ongoing NATO build-up in Europes East is not to be taken lightly, that there is always the danger of direct confrontation with Russia, and confirms that Mikhail Gorbachov has with good reason warned that a nuclear Damocles sword hangs over the globe.

The most dangerous acute threat originates in the United States, Bittner warns:

"One must fear that the hardliners and the lobbyists of the military industry in the U.S. Congress are actually going for war. After the change of government in Washington D.C., a change of the relationship to Russia has been hinted. Whether the new President Donald Trump can realize his ideas, is, however, a very big question. Already now, a few weeks into his term in office, it is evident that his enemies whom he charged with mismanagement and corruption in his inaugural address, are preventing the promised thaw and continue to pour fuel on the fire again and again. "Apparently, there is a kind of separate government in the United States, consisting of high finance in connection with the military-industrial complex, the intelligence agencies, the Federal Reserve and other institutions of the power apparatus. They do not want peace in the world nor a peaceful and prosperous Europe either."

Geopoliticians like John McCain, former NATO Commander Gen. Philip Breedlove, Hillary Clinton, and George Friedman have always had this strategy, Bittner says, pointing to a speech that Friedman once gave in which he openly stated that the United States had gone into two world wars to prevent an alliance between Germanys technology and Russias vast raw materials.

Bittner attacks the mainstream media for their propaganda drive against Russia, saying that many journalists are employed by, or are at least close to, NATO propaganda networks such as the Atlantic Bridge, Goldman Sachs Foundation, American Interest, German Foreign Policy Association, Atlantic Initiative, and Munich Security Conference.
PRESS RELEASE

Intelligence Professionals Warn: Trump and Nunes Must Not Back Down to Deep State Actors

March 29, 2017 (EIRNS)In an article published today in Consortium News, former intelligence professionals Ray McGovern and William Binney issue what is, in effect, a policy statement: In order to force into the open the illegal activities of the "Deep State," of intelligence officials engaged in constant surveillance of all elected officials, key appointees of the government, and of course Trumps campaign team, President Trump and Rep. Devin Nunes, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, must not back down.

Trumps response, in particular, is crucial, they warn. Will he choose the road less traveled by?

"His choice may decide whether there is a future for this constitutional republic."

The issue, they assert, was never wiretapping but surveillance. Wiretapping is passe, so when Trump used that term, the intelligence agencies could self-righteously claim they never did such a thing. But, "were Trump and his associates surveilled? Wake up America...the reality is that everyone, including the President, is surveilled." The fear these surveillance capabilities strike in the hearts of U.S. government officials, was reflected in Sen. Chuck Schumers (D-N.Y.) warning to MSNBC-TV host Rachel Maddow, that the intelligence agencies "have six ways from Sunday at getting back at you" if you dare buck them.

In the House Intelligence Committee hearing March 20, much to the discomfort of FBI director Comey, Rep. NunesMgGovern and Binney note he has a healthy independent streakzeroed in on the "dragnet" deployed by intelligence agencies to pick up communications by Trumps advisors and then "unmask" the names before leaking them to the media. After appealing to anyone with knowledge of this to come forward, Nunes got a call from an intelligence source on March 21 while riding in his car, and went to the Old Executive Office Building, where he was shown the intercepts intelligence.

According to informed sources, Nunes source was someone in a position to know that former DNI director James Clapper and former CIA head John Brennen used the British spy agency Goverment Communications Headquarters (GCHW) for surveillance purposes. McGovern and Binney note that Nunes didnt take this information to ranking committee member Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), but rather directly to the President, even though this involved "a high political cost." The real threat isnt from the Democrats, they underscore, but from the "Deep State actors" waging war on the Presidency.
PRESS RELEASE

Putin, Tsipras Confirm Participation in Beijing Belt and Road Forum

March 29, 2017 (EIRNS)It is now confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras will take part in the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation on May 14-15 in Beijing.

"Beijing will host the Silk Road Forum on May 14-15," Russian Ambassador to China Andrei Denisov said today. "The leaders of more than 20 countries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, are expected to take part in it."

The office of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras announced that he will attend the conference and will meet with leading government officials in his bid to further strengthen ties and to promote Greece to become Chinas main entry point into Europe.
PRESS RELEASE

State Department Confirms Trump-Xi Summit Next Week

March 29, 2017 (EIRNS)An April 6-7 meeting of Presidents Trump and Xi has now been officially announced by the U.S. State Department. This came in a State telephone briefing to press yesterday. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will participate, and that was actually the substance of the announcement.

The Beijing-based CCTV-English also announced the summit today, in the process of promoting an immediately upcoming interview with U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chow. CCTV stressed that Ms. Chow is one of the most influential Asian-Americans, and that she would be centrally involved in plans for infrastructure investmentswhich could involve Chinese participation.

Many articles about U.S.-China collaboration on the Belt and Road Initiative, and in rebuilding American economic infrastructure, are appearing in Chinas English-language press. One striking piece on CCTVs site begins by citing the great scientist and American System founder Benjamin Franklins extraordinary respect for Confucianism.

"The great inventor and diplomat Benjamin Franklin was pondering an "American Civilization" that would be based on his readings of Chinese civilization. He exhorted the virtues of Confucianism. In 1737, he introduced to readers of the Pennsylvania Gazette newspaper a series of essays, From the Morals of Confucius. He wrote Confucian philosophy was, the gate through which it is necessary to pass to arrive at the sublimest wisdom and most perfect."

On the summit, South China Morning Post reported, citing a U.S. Secret Service source, that President Xi will not make other stops in the United States (i.e., will not meet Members of Congress). The paper also speculated that the unusual official quiet about the summit means that preparations of issues and possible agreements are going on up to the last point before the meeting.
What would it look like if America went to war with itself over oil, against a backdrop of devastation from the effects of climate change? The dystopian American War, a debut novel by journalist Omar El Akkad, makes such catastrophic what if? scenarios personal via an intimate portrait of a family in peril in the 2070s through 2080s.

The novels hero is Sarah T. Chestnut, known as Sarat. At age 6, Sarat, her twin sister Dana, her older brother Simon and mother Martina must weather the death of their father Benjamin and make their way from St. James, La., to the Displaced Persons of the Free Southern States refugee camp in Iuka, Miss.

The political context in 2075 is fraught and fractured along energy lines, with the South  represented by the rebel states of Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee and South Carolina  having seceded from an already crumbling Union to maintain the right to continue to extract fossil fuels from the ground. Biological warfare further destabilizes the political situation. In terms of the wider world, the Bouazizi Empire, from its capital of Cairo, looks askance at a United States sliding ever further into chaos and backwardness  a welcome corrective on the tired and sometimes racist idea of the Middle East being consigned to a future of failed states and war-fueled instability.

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The reader grows attached to Sarat and Simon not merely because of their perilous situation but because El Akkad is skilled at capturing the details that make them into real, flesh-and-blood people. Working against this nuance are jumps in time as long as a decade that interrupt the arc of the narrative.

After a particularly jarring leap to 2084, American War returns to Sarat at age 12, making friends with Marcus Exum, a boy from another section of the camp. They become inseparable, and befriend a turtle as a pet. All things in nature interest them, much to the derision of other kids in the camp. Sarat is especially made fun of as she is tall and awkward. She also refuses to back down from a dare, even if it makes her look or act ridiculous, or is dangerous (such as wading through a creek full of waste).

This semi-stable if sometimes fraught existence  the authors evocation of the camp is both lived-in and at times tense  changes when Sarat meets Albert Gaines, a Northerner who fought for the South and who bribes the guards so he can freely enter and leave the camp. Gaines makes her see the world in a more complex wayand in addition to bringing her books gives her a gun that she names Templestowe after a Union general. He also introduces her to his friend Joe, who hails from the Bouazizi Empire and has his own agenda. But while Sarat is receiving an education, she suffers two blows: Simon joins the rebels and Marcus escapes the camp, seeking a better life in the North.

Sarats life is upended when Union soldiers come to root out rebels in the camp; she must kill to defend herself during the resulting massacre, which hardens her. Although compensated by the federal government, Sarats life doesnt get any easier  in part because she takes up Simons cause.

American War is a worthy first novel, thought-provoking, earnest and mostly well-wrought.

In a prescient earlier scene, pivotal to the novels themes, Sarat feels something new stirring inside her: Somewhere deep in her mind, an idea had begun to fester  perhaps the longing for safety was itself just another kind of violence  a violence of cowardice, silence, submission. What was safety anyway, but the sound of a bomb falling on someone elses home?

Just two years later, the innocent times with Marcus seem lost forever. A more world-wise Sarat joins the Southern cause, is captured and sent to a detention facility that recalls Marcel Therouxs novel Far North, although Therouxs approximate inspiration, Soviet-era gulags, is different from El Akkads more recent war-on-terror influences. Almost a decade afterward, Sarat tries to make a life for herself  buoyed by a reunion with an old friend  and to live with double-crosses and betrayals, only to find herself with one last life-or-death decision to make, which could destroy what remains of her family.

The pacing trucks on at the same steady rate whether theres action or conversation, while frequent transcripts of diaries, political speeches and journalistic accounts attempt to add more context for the civil war. Most of the time, however, entries like Final Compensation Ruling Archive, A Northern Soldiers Education in War and Peace or Diary of a Former Southern Recruiter are dishwater dull. These sections also seem oddly beholden to the original Civil War, and not in an illuminating way. In combination with the time-shifts, in fact, they render choppy what should be simple: Sarat is a fascinating character and any time the author sticks with her, the novel picks up considerably.

In addition to skimming the nonfictional excerpts, readers may need to think of American War as starting at least two decades earlier than 2074, the year El Akkad begins his story. Although more detailed than in some near-future novels, much of what plays out in American War with regard to climate change is exceedingly optimistic. For example, there is little explanation for how industrialized agriculture has survived to feed people  or, if it hasnt, what has taken its place  nor is the weather extreme enough for the time period, among other simplifications.

Strangely, too, attitudes about many aspects of life, toward food and toward the environment, seem largely the same 50 years in the future as they are today. A scene in which Benjamin impaled [worms] on hooks to teach the children a ritual from the days when the river still carried fish feels like a strained nod toward the effects of climate change. By 2074, its likely that those worms would be a good source of protein and no one would be wasting time on food-as-ritual. At the very least, they would be vital to preserving arable soil.

Whereas a surrealist or fabulist novel can substitute signs and symbols, or psychological truths, for some kinds of explanation case in point, Aprils The Book of Joan by Lidia Yuknavitch  American War is very much in a realist mode and must meet a much different set of criteria for suspending reader disbelief.

Despite these flaws  which may register to some readers as quibbles  American War is a worthy first novel, thought-provoking, earnest and mostly well-wrought. It is at its best depicting the lives of ordinary people caught up in terrible circumstances and how those ordinary people are, in the crosshairs of crisis, forever changed, and how some can become extraordinary or at least affect history.

We should be thankful for this alone, as there is little enough in an American near-future context on this score that convinces. El Akkads formidable talent is to offer up a stinging rebuke of the distance with which the United States sometimes views current disasters, which are always happening somewhere else. Not this time.

Jeff VanderMeer is the author of the Southern Reach trilogy. His latest novel, Borne, will be published by MCD/Farrar, Straus and Giroux in late April.

American War

Omar El Akkad

Knopf: 352 pp., $26.95
It is the most famous street in one of Los Angeles most coveted neighborhoods.

High up in the hills above the Sunset Strip, Blue Jay Way is home to several A-list celebrities who enjoy panoramic views from glassy estates that can cost $10 million or more.

But a property on Blue Jay Way is now at the center of legal proceedings involving actor Dustin Hoffman and Jeffrey Yohai, a real estate developer who is the son-in-law of Paul Manafort, the former chairman of Donald Trumps presidential campaign.

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The Graduate actor and his son Jacob Hoffman invested $3 million with Yohai, who planned to raze a modest home on the street and build a $30-million mansion in its place, according to real estate records and Bankruptcy Court documents.

The deal has foundered as companies owning four of Yohais L.A.-area residential properties each went into foreclosure and then bankruptcy last year, including the Blue Jay Way parcel in the Bird Streets neighborhood. Hes also fighting a lawsuit in New York from an investor who alleges that he operated a Ponzi scheme. Yohai, 35, said in a filing that the allegations are fabrications.

The struggles of Yohais L.A. ventures and the presence of notable investors who put money into his properties offer a window into the citys high-stakes residential development scene. In recent years, a flood of money has poured into building estates in locales such as Malibu, Brentwood and the Hollywood Hills.

The identities of the backers of these projects are increasingly being obscured via opaque ownership structures, which typically rely on limited liability companies to hold assets. Such was the case with the Hoffmans business with Yohai: their investment came through an LLC called DJ Blue Jay Way.

The Hoffmans werent the only high-profile investors in Yohais business. Manafort, his wife Kathleen and daughter Jessica  who is married to Yohai  invested $4.7 million in the developers L.A.-area projects, according to bankruptcy filings. The biggest of those investments was a $2.7-million loan made by Manafort last year to the now-bankrupt company that owns a property on Stradella Road in Bel-Air, documents show.

Manafort has had another real estate headache in recent months: Reports surfaced this week that he staved off the foreclosure of his Brooklyn, N.Y., townhouse after receiving $16 million in loans from a bank headed by a former Trump advisor.

The property on Blue Jay Way that Jeffrey Yohai planned to redevelop. It is located in the Hollywood Hills Bird Streets neighborhood, a favorite enclave among A-list celebrities. (Daniel Miller / Los Angeles Times)

That Dustin Hoffman and Manafort would have each given millions of dollars to Yohai makes them strange  albeit distant  bedfellows. Manafort, a longtime Republican political consultant, has come under intense scrutiny for his work for former Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovich, who has been accused of orchestrating the mass killings of protesters. Manafort resigned from the Trump campaign last summer in part over his work in Ukraine. Hoffman, meanwhile, has been a longtime supporter of Democrats, including former President Obama.

Representatives of Yohai and the Hoffmans did not respond to requests for comment. Manafort, his wife and daughter declined to comment on their investments with Yohai.

Companies controlling Yohais four L.A.-area properties  the ones on Blue Jay Way and Stradella Road and two others in Los Feliz  filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in December. The properties each entered foreclosure proceedings last year after Yohai defaulted on loans attached to them, real estate records show. They had been scheduled to be sold in trustees sales late last year, but that was delayed by the bankruptcies.

As part of Yohais bankruptcy proceedings, the Hoffmans DJ Blue Jay Way alleged that it invested $3 million in a company controlled by Yohai in June 2015. The money was claimed to be used to purchase the property on Blue Jay Way. A month later, Yohai completed the acquisition of the quarter-acre lot and 3,000-square-foot home for $7.5 million. The Hoffmans entity believed that the house would be torn down and replaced by a luxury residence  having an ultimate sale of price of approximately $30 [million], DJ Blue Jay Way contended. Renderings show a three-story modern home planned for the site.

DJ Blue Jay Way claimed that it received assurances from Yohai that he would not spend certain project funds without consent, but that some money was withdrawn by Yohai without the prior knowledge or approval of the Hoffmans company. The property went into default in August after Yohais LLC fell behind on its mortgage payments, and a notice for a trustees sale was filed in November, according to property records. There is no record of the Hoffmans being repaid and their company has asked the court to oppose a creditors motion to end the case quickly.

It is not clear how the Hoffmans came to know Yohai. A photograph from January 2015 shows Yohai and Jacob Hoffman, 36, at a live-music venue in Brooklyn. The younger Hoffman is also an actor whose credits include I Heart Huckabees and The Wolf of Wall Street.

Dustin Hoffman, left, and son Jacob Hoffman attend the NBA game between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 12. (Elsa / Getty Images)

As with many celebrity real estate transactions, the Hoffmans investment with Yohai was carefully shielded. In a filing with the California secretary of State, DJ Blue Jay Way lists as its address the office of a business management firm known to work with Dustin Hoffman. The filing makes no reference to the Hoffmans.

The Hoffmans also are not named in any of the bankruptcy proceedings. However, the father and son are named as managing members of DJ Blue Jay Way on an April 15 document related to a deed of trust on the property.

The Blue Jay Way parcel is in a prime location in the Bird Streets neighborhood, which gets its name from its avian-themed ways, drives and lanes. Blue Jay Way was immortalized in a psychedelic Beatles song of the same name, which was written by George Harrison in a house on the street in 1967. The Bird Streets have long attracted the rich and famous, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Jodie Foster and Keanu Reeves.

On a recent afternoon, the street was abuzz with construction: Workers trudged in and out of job sites and trucks towing equipment rumbled up and down the narrow roadway, whose curbs were dotted with a smattering of Porta Potties.

Yohais real estate investments have extended well beyond the Hollywood Hills. But, as in California, at least one of his ventures in New York has soured.

Guy Aroch, a Manhattan-based fashion photographer, has claimed in a lawsuit that he invested $2.9 million in two of Yohais residential real estate projects, including a condominium, but never got his money back. Instead, according to the lawsuit, Yohai allegedly used most or all of Arochs investment for personal travel; lavish purchases; and/or speculative ventures outside the investment mandates. The lawsuit alleges that Yohai defaulted in October on a promissory note.

The complaint claims that Yohai promises his investors a quick and large return on their investments, but when financial performance fails to materialize and investors express their concerns, he recruits new investors and uses their funds to repay earlier ones. In this regard, Yohai is believed to be operating a Ponzi scheme, the lawsuit claims.

In a December filing, Yohais attorney asked the court to throw out the case on the grounds that it didnt have jurisdiction to hear the matter, or strike scandalous, immaterial and impertinent matter from Arochs complaint. Yohai argued that Arochs lawsuit included extremely derogatory allegations.

Yohais filing also said that a reference in the lawsuit to him being a relative of Manafort is irrelevant and meant to embarrass the former Trump aide and attract publicity.

Aroch and his attorney, Joshua Abraham, declined to comment.

Los Angeles Times researcher Scott Wilson contributed to this report.

daniel.miller@latimes.com

@DanielNMiller

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A Senate committee on Thursday narrowly approved R. Alexander Acosta to be Labor secretary, moving to fill one of President Trumps few remaining vacant Cabinet posts.

The nomination of Acosta, a law school dean and former Justice Department official, was approved by a 12-11 vote by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. All of the panels Republicans supported the nomination; all of the Democrats were opposed.

If confirmed in a full Senate vote, which is expected soon, Acosta will be the only Latino in Trumps Cabinet. A date for the final vote hasnt been set.

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The Labor secretary is one of two Cabinet department head positions yet to be filled. The other is Agriculture secretary, whose nominee, Sen. Sonny Perdue (R-Ga.), was confirmed Thursday by the Senate Agriculture committee.

In addition, Robert Lighthizer has yet to be confirmed for the Cabinet-level position of U.S. Trade Representative.

Acosta was Trumps second choice for Labor secretary. Trump tapped Acosta on Feb. 16 after the withdrawal of the initial nominee, Southern California fast-food executive Andy Puzder.

Puzder, the chief executive of Carls Jr. and Hardees parent company, CKE Restaurants Inc., withdrew a day before his Senate confirmation hearing after a series of controversies led to waning support from GOP senators.

Acosta was a more traditional choice than the outspoken Puzder, who this month stepped down from CKE in a move he said he had been planning for about a year.

But Democrats still had problems with the nomination.

Im glad this is not Andrew Puzder, Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) told her committee colleagues before the vote. But she said she did not support his nomination because he had not shown a willingness to stand up to the Trump administration on workers rights issues.

At his March 22 confirmation hearing, Acosta frustrated Democrats on the committee by dodging questions about how he would handle some key workplace rules.

Acosta would not commit to positions on Obama administration initiatives to expand overtime pay, place new requirements on retirement advisors and protect workers from exposure to potentially deadly silica dust.

The son of Cuban immigrants, Acosta has been dean of the law school at Florida International University in Miami since 2009.

Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), the committee chairman, said Acosta has had an impressive career.

We are fortunate to have a presidential nominee for Labor secretary who understands how a good-paying job is critical to helping workers realize the American dream for themselves and for their families, Alexander said. Hes been confirmed by the Senate three times  and I expect that well confirm him a fourth.

Acosta was a member of the National Labor Relations Board from 2002 to 2003. He then served as assistant attorney general for the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division under former President George W. Bush from 2003 to 2005.

Acosta was the first Latino to serve as an assistant attorney general. He left that job to become U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida, a position he held until 2009. All three jobs required Senate confirmation.

Twitter: @JimPuzzanghera

jim.puzzanghera@latimes.com

UPDATES:

9:05 a.m.: This article was updated with comment from Sen. Lamar Alexander, as well as noting that Sonny Perdues nomination to be Agriculture secretary was approved by a Senate committee Thursday. It also clarifies that some Cabinet positions that are not the heads of executive departments are still vacant.

This article originally was published at 8:50 a.m.
Fast-food burger chains Carls Jr. and McDonalds are getting back to the basics: hamburgers.

Carls Jr. and its sibling, Hardees, rolled out a new advertisement Wednesday branding themselves as pioneers of the great American burger. And on Thursday, McDonalds announced that it would switch to fresh beef from frozen beef in Quarter Pounders at a majority of its U.S. restaurants.

For more than a decade, Carls Jr. and Hardees have distinguished themselves with ads that featured scantily clad models and celebrities eating dripping hamburgers. On Wednesday, they launched a campaign that specifically eschews the old ads and positions the company as a food innovator.

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The new commercial spot, produced by advertising agency 72andSunny, introduces the fictional Carl Hardee Sr., who has returned to reclaim the brand from his son, Carl Hardee Jr., a goofball, partying type who had taken the leadership role and run amok. The video shows Carl Sr. returning to headquarters, tearing down huge pictures of swimsuit models and replacing them with framed portraits of hamburgers.

The companys racy ad campaign was championed by CKE Restaurant Holdings Chief Executive Andrew Puzder, who served in the top job for 16 years before announcing his resignation last week. Puzder had been nominated to serve as President Trumps Labor secretary but withdrew from consideration in February.

While those provocative ads generated a lot of buzz for our brands  it was very difficult for that kind of an ad to tell a more comprehensive story about the long list of things we do to make better food than anyone else in our space, Brad Haley, chief marketing officer for CKE, said in a news release. CKE is the parent company of Carls Jr. and Hardees. (CKE was formerly headquartered in Carpinteria, Calif., but completed a move to Franklin, Tenn., this month.)

John Stanton, a professor of food marketing at St. Josephs University in Philadelphia, said the sexist advertisements are out of place in todays world. That strategy did not have enough total appeal, Stanton said.

In addition, Stanton said, fast-food companies couldnt ignore that Americans preferences have shifted away from processed foods and toward more fresh food and high-quality ingredients.

McDonalds, the worlds largest hamburger chain, has already taken some steps in this direction. It has added cage-free eggs to its menu, removed artificial preservatives from Chicken McNuggets and done away with high fructose corn syrup in its buns.

Now it plans to offer fresh beef at most of its 14,000 U.S. locations, with the exception of restaurants in Alaska and Hawaii and at some airport locations. By the middle of 2018, customers who order a Quarter Pounder can expect to have an employee cook up a fresh beef patty on a grill.

Todays announcement is part of a continuing food journey for McDonalds, McDonalds USA President Chris Kempczinski said in a news release. Were just getting started.

Pushed by its franchisees, McDonalds Corp., based in Oak Brook, Ill., tested the fresh beef Quarter Pounders at more than 400 restaurants in Dallas and Tulsa, Okla., for about a year before rolling out the changes nationally.

The company has faced stiff competition from traditional fast-food rivals such as Wendys, which touts its fresh beef patties, as well as fast-casual hamburger restaurants such as In-N-Out Burger and Shake Shack. Last year, McDonalds revenue fell for the fourth year in a row.

McDonalds has always argued, Well, were super-convenient, Stanton said. But now the company is asking, How do we get people that actually want a hamburger to come in?

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

nina.agrawal@latimes.com

Twitter: @AgrawalNina

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FILE - In this Jan. 25, 2016, file photo, a passenger talks on the phone as American Airlines jets sit parked at their gates at Washingtons Ronald Reagan National Airport. American Airlines has agreed to pay $200 million for a stake in China Southern Airlines, the biggest of Chinas three major state-owned carriers, in a bid for a bigger share of the countrys growing travel market. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File) (Susan Walsh / Associated Press)

When you buy a plane ticket, here's what you have to agree to

United Airlines is on the defensive again for its treatment of passengers, following an incident captured on video of an overbooked passenger being dragged out of the cabin by airport police after he refused to leave.

The incident follows a controversy that erupted last month after the Chicago-based carrier refused to let two teenage girls board a plane because they were wearing leggings put a spotlight on the regulations that airlines impose on employees and customers.

The terms and conditions that apply to the general public are lengthy  as much as 50 pages long for one airline  and are known as an airlines contract of carriage or condition of carriage. Although airlines usually dont discuss the specific terms until a dispute with a passenger arises, the conditions can be found on airlines websites.

Here are a few of the most unusual and unexpected rules and policies listed in the contract of carriage agreements for the nations four biggest carriers: American, Delta, United and Southwest.

What can get you booted On all four of the airlines, you may be refused a seat on the plane if you have an offensive odor that is not caused by a disability or illness.

On United, you can be removed from the plane or asked to buy a second seat if you cannot fit in one seat, with the seat belt secured; if you cant put down the armrests for the entire flight; or if you significantly encroach on the adjoining passenger.

On United, passengers can be booted from a plane if they are unwilling to end a cellphone call after the aircraft doors close.

A JetBlue passenger checks his cellphone before disembarking at Long Beach Airport. (Robert Nickelsberg / Getty Images) (Robert Nickelsberg / Getty Images)

If the flight is overbooked If Delta overbooks its flight and cant get enough passengers to voluntarily give up their seats, the airline may remove passengers in coach first before turning to travelers in first class or business class or to loyalty reward members with elite status. United has a similar policy.

American considers several factors when deciding who to boot, including the fare a passenger paid.

On domestic flights, federal rules require airlines to offer compensation to passengers who are involuntarily removed from a flight at a rate of 200% of the original fare (or a maximum of $675) if they are put on a flight that gets them to the destination between one and two hours later than the planned arrival time of the overbooked flight. If the alternative flight arrives more than two hours after the planned arrival time of the overbooked flight, the airline must pay a rate of 400% of the original fare, with a maximum of $1,350.

United passengers wait to deplane at Chicagos OHare International Airport . (Richard Derk / Los Angeles Times) (Richard Derk/LAT /)

Pets on a plane Delta does not accept snub-nosed or pug-nosed pets as checked baggage under any circumstances. (Studies suggest snub-nosed dogs have difficulty breathing on planes.)

United does not accept pit bulls in the cabin.

United will not accept snakes, other reptiles, ferrets, rodents or spiders as service animals in the cabin.

Southwest, which accepts cats and dogs in carriers as carry-ons, says the animals must be healthy, harmless, inoffensive, odorless, and require no attention during the flight  and warns that oxygen masks and first aid wont be available for them.

Chris Populus, 8, sees off the family dog, Dodger, as a United Airlines employee loads the pet for its flight from John Wayne Airport. (Julia Cheng / Los Angeles Times) (Julia Cheng / Los Angeles Times)

What you can pack

On Southwest, a bicycle packed in a hard-sided box will be accepted as one of the two free checked bags allowed for each passenger but only if the box is under 62 inches in total dimensions and weighs 50 pounds or less.

If you want to bring a musical instrument onto a Southwest plane but it is bigger than a normal carry-on baggage, you must pay the childs fare for the adjoining seat that holds your instrument. United makes you pay the adult fare under those circumstances.

On United, passengers are allowed to check one container holding up to 10 liters of Zamzam water at no extra charge. The water, which comes from the Zamzam well in Mecca, is considered holy by Muslims.

On Delta, antlers may be accepted as checked baggage with a charge of $150 each way.

Passengers check in luggage at the Delta counter at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. (John Amis / Associated Press) (John Amis / AP)

Airlines obligations

If you find a super-low American Airlines fare that was posted online due to a computer error, the airline reserves the right to cancel your reservation and refund your money.

On Delta, if you forget a carry-on bag on the plane, the airline is not responsible for finding or replacing it.

Delta assumes no obligation to verify the identity of the person who picks up the luggage at the baggage claim area once you land.

A traveler shows frustration at Ontario International Airport in the aftermath of a canceled flight. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

hugo.martin@latimes.com

Twitter: @hugomartin

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UPDATES:

April 10, 11:05 a.m.: This article was updated to include information about an incident in which a United passenger was dragged off an overbooked flight and details about federal rules requiring compensation for passengers who are involuntarily removed from a flight.

This article was originally published March 30 at 11:15 a.m.
It took Jaclyn Bentley nearly three years to prove she didnt burn her house down for the insurance money, allegations she and her lawyer say were born of the junk practice of analyzing cellphone-tower data.

She was camping with her husband and co-workers at least 17 miles from her Iowa home in May 2014 when the house burned down, she says. An investigator for State Farm Fire and Casualty Co. said cell-tower data showed Bentleys phone was 5 to 12 miles from the campsite in the direction of her home just after the fire was reported  the suggestion being she could have been heading back to camp after starting the blaze.

Her claim was denied, and she was arrested on arson and insurance fraud charges. But she was acquitted after questioning State Farms analysis of the tower data, and she has a lawsuit pending against the company for failing to pay her claim.

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Despite acquittals such as Bentleys and expert testimony that cellphone-tower data should not be used to pinpoint peoples locations, insurance companies continue to use the information to deny claims by casting doubt that customers were where they said they were.

The problem, experts say, is that a cellphone can be up to 20 miles away when it pings, or connects with, a tower.

Ive gone through hell, said Bentley, 37, of Clinton, Iowa, who cares for people with brain injuries and mental illness. Its ridiculous what happened. Youre innocent until proven guilty. Ive never felt like I was treated like I was innocent. As far as the insurance company was concerned, I was guilty.

State Farm does not comment on pending litigation or specific claims, spokesman Justin Tomczak said.

We handle each claim on its merits and conduct a diligent investigation to determine what we owe under the policy, he said. That work can include many things, including phone records, that become pertinent to completing our investigation. While I cannot comment on a specific claim, I can tell you that we rarely obtain phone records.

The records can be obtained only by a court order or a customers consent.

A private investigator, Tim Wilcox, chief executive of International Investigators Inc. in Indianapolis, said he believes cell-tower data analysis can be fairly accurate in tracking someones movements, within half a mile. He said the information is just one of many pieces of evidence needed for a strong fraud case.

Michael Cherry has testified in successful cases to free people who were imprisoned based in part on cell-tower evidence. Among the early design team members of the Apollo 11 moon trip, Cherry is now chief executive of Cherry Biometrics, a computer and cellphone data analysis firm in Falls Church, Va.

Phones can be miles away when they ping towers, Cherry said, because calls are not simply routed to the nearest cell tower or to the cell tower with the strongest signal. Rather, a number of factors decide which tower handles the call, including which has the clearest signal and is the most cost effective, he said.

Theyre misinterpreting it, and its not very reliable to begin with, said Cherry, who played no role in Bentleys case.

Bentley, who spent three days in jail  including her birthday  after being arrested, said the insurance company claimed cellphones can be only up to 3 or 4 miles away when they ping towers. But she was able to disprove that claim with her cellphone records.

Hours after the fire was out and she had returned to the campground, she checked her voicemail and her phone pinged a tower near the campground. A few minutes later, her mother called her, and her phone pinged a tower back in Clinton, 17 miles away. Minutes later, her husband called her, and her phone pinged a tower about 20 miles away, she said.

That information, she believes, resulted in the verdict of not guilty.

A couple Cherry is helping  Monica and Ali Almazni of Perris, Calif.  are facing trial in April on insurance fraud charges, stemming from the theft of their car in 2013. Their insurer, Progressive, said that before the car was reported stolen, the Almaznis cellphones pinged a tower near where the car was later found.

The Almaznis say that Progressives take on the cellphone data is wrong, and that they didnt stage the theft to get the insurance money. Cherry said the couple could have been where they said they were  Ali Almazni at a mall where the car was stolen, and his wife at home  based on the tower information.

Jeff Sibel, a spokesman for Progressive, said the company collects a variety of information when investigating insurance claims. He said he would check into the Almaznis case and provide a response, but he did not follow up with the Associated Press.

Another California couple, Linda and Eric Norwood of Hemet, said they gave up on pursuing an insurance claim for their stolen pickup after State Farm used cell-tower information to insinuate they were involved. They said they couldnt afford a lawyer to try to fight State Farm, and no criminal charges were filed against them.

Tomczak, the State Farm spokesman, declined to discuss the case.
La La Land didnt bring home the best picture Oscar, but the musical filmed in Southern California is expected to bring the region another valuable prize: a bump in big-spending tourists.

Like previous films set in the City of Angels, the hugely popular movie has boosted the citys profile worldwide, raising the prospects of drawing new visitors to eat, sleep and shop in Los Angeles, tourism industry officials say.

The film starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling is a love story with cameo appearances from several tourist spots, including the Griffith Observatory, Chinatown, the Watts Towers and Angels Flight.

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The city may be the films biggest star, said Don Skeoch, chief marketing officer for Discover Los Angeles, the citys tourism agency. We believe fans will become inspired by what they see and want to visit and learn about the iconic locations.

Los Angeles tour guides, restaurant managers and at least two visitor surveys show that La La Land may already be helping to boost the regions surging $20.6-billion tourism industry.

People are just asking about it, Danny Roman, who operates the Hollywood-based Bikes & Hikes tour company, said of the movie. They are curious about it. They say, Where did they film this? Where did they do that? 

As a result, Romans tours have added a stop at the hilltop in Griffith Park where Stone and Gosling danced overlooking the lights of Burbank.

A survey conducted by the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board of nearly 400 adults in the U.S. who saw the movie found that 86% described themselves as more likely or much more likely to visit L.A.

Another survey by Fandango, the nations largest online movie ticket seller, found that 64% of the more than 1,000 millennials who were questioned said the movie made them want to visit Los Angeles.

Both surveys were taken in February  about the time that La La Land won six Academy Awards including best lead performance by an actress for Stone.

Hopes for a tourism bump come amid concern by travel industry representatives that potential business and pleasure travelers from foreign countries are being turned off by the Trump administrations travel restrictions on six Muslim-majority countries, its temporary ban on all refugees and its plan to build a wall on the border with Mexico.

Global Business Travel Assn., a trade group for the worlds business travel managers, surveyed 324 corporate travel managers recently and found that 37% of U.S. respondents and 47% of European managers said they expected travel to the U.S. to decline because of the travel ban.

Los Angeles tourism has been growing, setting records six years in a row. Last year, L.A. County hosted 47.3 million visitors in 2016, a 4% increase over the previous year.

If La La Land is a tourism hit, it wouldnt be the first time that a movie has lured sightseers.

Just as product placements will influence a viewers attitude toward a brand, so too will films have an impact on destination images if the location plays a part in a film, University of Calgary professors Simon Hudson and J.R. Brent Ritchie wrote in a research paper on film tourism that was published in the Journal of Travel Research in 2006.

In 1986, the movie Crocodile Dundee, about a bushman from the land Down Under, was credited with helping boost visits to Australias Northern Territory, where the parts of the comedy were filmed.

Last year, during the 30th anniversary of the release of the film, Australian tourism officials reported a 20% jump in visits for the year to Kakadu, the area in northern Australia where many of the backcountry scenes were filmed. U.S. and British visitors represented the biggest increase in international visitors, according to Australian tourism officials.

New Zealand also reported steady growth in visitors following the release in 2001 of the first of several Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies, which featured panoramic outdoor New Zealand vistas.

The three Lord of the Rings movies opened in 2001, 2002 and 2003, followed by three Hobbit movies in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

As recently as 2013, a tourism study by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research concluded that an ongoing marketing campaign, dubbed the Middle-earth campaign, continues to draw in visitors from Britain and the United States who want to see the film locations from those movies.

Visitation numbers grew 6.1% in 2013 over the previous year, the fastest rise in a decade.

Tourism continues to grow so fast in New Zealand that news reports say the country faces a shortage of hotel rooms to accommodate all the visitors.

In the region north of Santa Barbara, tourism flourished after the release of the 2004 Oscar-winning film Sideways, a movie about the misadventures of two friends in wine country.

Las Vegas, one of the nations top tourism towns, has benefited from the release of films that feature Sin City, such as the 1988 movie Rain Man starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise, the 1992 comedy Honeymoon in Vegas, starring Nicholas Cage, and the 2009 flick The Hangover, with Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifianakis

At Caesars Palace, visitors still request the suites that were shown in Rain Man and The Hangover, hotel spokeswoman Celena Haas-Stacey said. After the movie was released, the hotel offered an Ultimate Hangover Experience that included multiple rooms featuring blow-up tigers as decorations.

Since December, Discover Los Angeles has ferried groups of reporters from China, Australia, Britain, Canada and the U.S. to some of the sites shown in La La Land, including Griffith Park and Grand Central Market in downtown Los Angeles.

Discover Los Angeles has even has created a La La Land website, which guides visitors to landmarks from the movie.

On tour buses operated by Hollywood-based Starline Tours, visitors have mentioned the film so often that Southern Californias biggest tour company is considering creating a tour specifically to feature La La Land sites, Starline Tours spokeswoman Susan Wilson said.

I think there are opportunities all over the place, she said.

Guests on Starline tours often ask to see Angels Flight, the iconic funicular in downtown Los Angeles that was shown in the film, and Griffith Observatory, where Stone and Gosling performed a fantasy dance sequence. (The railway has been closed since a derailment accident in 2013 but plans are in the works to reopen the line by Labor Day.)

The Jar, a hip, retro restaurant on Beverly Boulevard, was featured in the movie in a scene where Stones character dumps her boyfriend to see a movie with Goslings character.

The eatery is known for its pot roast and pork chops, but lately guests come looking for the exact table where Stone sat during the scene, restaurant manager Rosie Sanchez said.

It literally happens three or four times a week, she said.  La La Land has had quite an impact for us.

hugo.martin@latimes.com

To read more about the travel and tourism industries, follow @hugomartin on Twitter.

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday reversed an Obama administration recommendation to ban a pesticide linked to nervous system damage in children.

Newly installed EPA administrator Scott Pruitt signed an order that would allow farmers to continue using chlorpyrifos, which is sprayed on more than a dozen crops, including tree nuts, soybeans, corn, wheat, apples and citrus.

The Obama administration had announced in 2015 that the agency would adopt a zero tolerance policy for residue of the chemical on food, a move that effectively would have ended its use.

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By reversing the previous administrations steps to ban one of the most widely used pesticides in the world, we are returning to using sound science in decision-making  rather than predetermined results, Pruitt said of the decision.

Pruitts action came in response to complaints by the agricultural and chemical industries that the Obama administration had cut short a review of the scientific evidence about the chemicals effects on humans. The administration was under pressure from an order by the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to speed up its ruling on the safety of the chemical.

The oft-heard statistic that it takes one gallon of water to produce one nut doesnt take in all the other parts of an almond, such as the shell and dead trees, that are used. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

The court order sprang from lawsuits by the Pesticide Action Network and Natural Resources Defense Council, which had petitioned the EPA in 2007 to ban the chemical. Pruitt denied that petition Wednesday.

Kristin Schafer, policy director at Pesticide Action Network, accused EPA of caving to corporate pressure.

The new administrations agency ignored their own findings that all exposures to chlorpyrifos on foods, in drinking water, and from pesticide drift into schools, homes and playgrounds are unsafe, Schafer said.

The Natural Resources Defense Council said Thursday it would fight Pruitts action in court.

If the EPA refuses to protect the American people from this hazardous pesticide, well take them to court. The health of our children depends on it, said Miriam Rotkin-Ellman, a senior scientist at NRDC.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture praised Pruitts action.

This frees American farmers from significant trade disruptions that could have been caused by an unnecessary, unilateral revocation of chlorpyrifos tolerances in the United States, said Sheryl Kunickis, director of the USDAs Office of Pest Management Policy. It is also great news for consumers, who will continue to have access to a full range of both domestic and imported fruits and vegetables.

About 5 million to 10 million pounds of chlorpyrifos, the bulk of it manufactured by Dow AgroSciences, are used annually on crops nationwide. The chemical is an organophosphate, a class of chemicals originally designed as a nerve agent weapon.

Chlorpyrifos has been banned from consumer products and residential use nationwide for more than 15 years. Several studies have suggested it can impair cognitive development in children. A UC Berkeley study found that 7-year-old children in the Salinas Valley who were exposed to high levels during pregnancy had slightly lower IQ scores than their peers. A Columbia University study showed similar effects at lower exposure.

In 2006, the EPA revised its tolerance levels for the chemical and limited the crops on which it can be applied.

In California, the Department of Pesticide Regulation restricted use of chlorpyrifos in 2015, requiring licensing, training and oversight by county agriculture commissions. It also tightened buffer zone requirements around fields where the chemical was applied, and banned its use near schools and other facilities when winds exceed 10 miles per hour.

Use of the chemical in California declined from a peak of more than 2 million pounds in 2005 to about 1.1 million in 2012, but rose to nearly 1.5 million pounds in 2013, the last year for which complete data were available, according to the state Department of Pesticide Regulation.

Environmental activists attribute the increase to the rise in almond production, which has been increasing rapidly in counties where the chemical is most heavily applied, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

More than 500,000 pounds of the chemical were applied to crops in Kern and Fresno counties in 2013, by far the biggest users of the pesticide, according to the state Department of Pesticide Regulation.

geoffrey.mohan@latimes.com

Follow me: @LATgeoffmohan

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This article was originally published at 4 a.m.
United Airlines has taken a heap of criticism from celebrities and other air travelers over its decision last week to bar two teenage girls from boarding a flight from Denver because they were wearing leggings.

Actress Patricia Arquette posted a message on Twitter, saying Leggings are business attire for 10 year olds. Their business is being children.

The airline has explained that the girls were pass holders, who were flying as a guest of an employee and failed to abide by an employee dress code that prohibits form-fitting lycra/spandex tops, pants and dresses.

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But the Chicago-based airline has also taken a few shots from its rival airlines.

Delta Air Lines posted a message on Twitter on Monday, saying Flying Delta means comfort. (That means you can wear your leggings.)

Flying Delta means comfort. (That means you can wear your leggings. )  Delta (@Delta) March 27, 2017

Florida-based Spirit Airlines on Tuesday posted an ad declaring Let them wear leggings, along with a one-day offer of 75% off on flights to specific destinations, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only.

Clicking the link led to a message saying, Well at least at Spirit, were united (cough) about letting young girls dress how they want. If you want to fly with us, get your leggings on ladies. Or even gentlemen. No judgments here.

Both Spirit and Delta impose a dress code on employees that forbid revealing clothing but do not specifically ban lycra, spandex or otherwise stretchy pants.

hugo.martin@latimes.com

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Given Abigail Ratchfords social media prowess  the model has about 11 million followers between Instagram, Twitter and Facebook  her method of documenting the renovation of her Beverly Hills home is not surprising.

I put Snapchat videos up on the whole process  while walls were being painted and furniture was being delivered, she said. (Those videos were seen by up to 500,000 people a day.)

Ratchford, originally from Pennsylvania, moved into the 2,200-square-foot town house in July. Previously occupied by a family with young children, it was in good condition and nicely decorated.

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But Ratchford, whose scantily clad photos are far from family-friendly, wanted to amp things up a bit.

The place was plain, with not a lot of personality, she said. I knew exactly what I wanted. I hired a designer to source things I needed. But everything else I was very hands on with.

1 / 7 The dressing room. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 7 New paint, furniture and shelving were part of the plan. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 7 The foyer. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 7 The dining room, with the kitchen in the background. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 7 Master bedroom. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 7 The master bath. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 7 The parlor. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

She spent about six weeks and $50,000 on the transformation. Although no major construction was done, she gave the town home a top-to-bottom aesthetic makeover: repainting the walls, installing shelves in the living room, swapping out all of her furniture and custom-making a large vintage-style vanity mirror.

She also converted two smaller bedrooms into a walk-in closet and dressing area; she occasionally uses the space for photo shoots.

When she needed additional inspiration, she took to social media.

I typed in frame walls on Pinterest and got all these ideas, she said, indicating a wall on which she had mounted a series of black and white celebrity photos in matching white wood frames.

She managed to stick to her budget by choosing pieces wisely. She shopped at Target, Overstock.com, flea markets and thrift stores but splurged on substantial furniture.

I invested in certain pieces I knew Id keep with me, like the couch and bed  especially if I one day buy a house, she said.

Most of her furniture came from Restoration Hardware, West Elm and Z Gallerie, where she bought the Cloud modular white sectional (its called that because you sit on it and sink into it).

Ratchford said she was drawn to the town houses open floor plan and natural light, which suited the paint and wallpaper colors she used: pale gray, white and silver.

I loved the way the space runs through the living and dining rooms and to the kitchen, she said. It felt free-flowing and a nice environment for my guests. I wanted the home to feel relaxing, light and airy but still be feminine and glamorous.

hotproperty@latimes.com

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It has been 44 years since the Supreme Courts landmark Roe v. Wade decision decriminalized abortion, but the debate has hardly been settled. The rhetoric has only grown more inflammatory, and the vitriol of activists has given way to violence.

American political life is still being held hostage over a womans right to choose. We could use a smart abortion drama right now to release us from the ideological stalemate. Unfortunately, Lisa Loomers Roe at Berkeley Repertory Theatre isnt up to the challenge.

The problem isnt a lack of fair-mindedness. Loomer is if anything too respectful to history and too cautious toward the competing points of view. She doesnt want to editorialize, but she doesnt find a way to effectively dramatize her story.

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Roe, directed by Bill Rauch, began at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (where Rauch is the artistic director) as part of the American Revolutions: the United States History Cycle. Earnest to a fault, the play wears its commission on its sleeve.

Loomer theatricalizes the legal, historical and biographical material in a manner that can seem dutiful  the playwriting equivalent of a term paper. In making sure every side gets heard, she spreads the drama too thin. No one plot line is able to hold our attention for long. Worse, the cursorily sketched characters come off as cartoons.

The play begins by introducing us to the two Texan women who are central in the story: Sarah Weddington (Sarah Jane Agnew), the brilliant, big-haired young lawyer who successfully argued Roe, and Norma McCorvey (Sara Bruner), the plaintiff who took the legal pseudonym Jane Roe in the case that came to define a life that was too wild, sloppy and sad to satisfy anyones programmatic agenda.

Loomer seems to recognize from the outset that neither woman is able to serve as protagonist of her drama. Sarah is an accomplished figure, but she is viewed only from the standpoint of her professional identity. Norma, in what turns out to be the plays most bracing insight, isnt able to personally live up to the weighty public role she has been cast in.

Depicted as a flighty, hard-drinking lesbian who often seems a stranger to herself, Norma (nicknamed Pixie for her short stature) allows herself to be led by anyone who can help her. But so accustomed to being taken advantage of, she is quick to switch sides when sensing something better might be awaiting her.

Norma temporarily leaves her lover, the patient and loyal Connie Gonzalez (Catherine Castellanos), so she can accept hotshot lawyer Gloria Allreds invitation and move to California, where shell be better able to maximize her newfound celebrity in the womens movement. After moving back to Texas, Norma finds work in an abortion clinic only to be converted by the religious protesters who treat her with a mix of fanaticism and kindness. (The real McCorvey died in February, and the play makes it seem as if her fate was to be a shifting pawn in the chess match between church and state.)

A play about a woman caught up in a drama that is too large for her limited character could be intriguing. But for Loomer the conflict between Norma and history is incidental to the abortion legal saga Roe broadly synopsizes.

The way a play breaks off at intermission can reveal the trouble a writer is having in locating the dramatic crux. At the end of the first act of Roe, Norma, adjusting to the blazing spotlight after her legal victory, assures Sarah that she can handle the madness just as a man starts hollering from the side of the theater.

Norma McCorvey, you are responsible for the death of 20 million babies, and God has sent me to stop the genocide! he booms, before introducing himself to the audience as Flip Benham (Jim Abele), minister of the Free Methodist Church and future head of Operation Rescue.

The scene culminates in a manner that seems more appropriate for a caption in a social studies students diorama. Loomer likes to step back and assess the larger societal picture. (Her play Distracted, about a child with symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder, attempts to make a more widespread cultural diagnosis.)

Here, however, she doesnt get close enough to her characters to allow them to live beyond what has already been reported of them. And the abortion debate simply retreads, in goofy accents, the unending cacophonous battle.

Agnew and Bruner maintain our sympathy for their characters, whose dignity is under relentless misogynistic attack. Their roles are only sketched but the actors find moments here and there to convey what it must have felt like to perform these parts on the national stage.

Bruners Norma hints at an embarrassed awareness that shes not up to this level of public scrutiny. The devotion of Castellanos Connie is a compelling mystery that begins to make human sense. Normas shortcomings are flamboyantly displayed, but so too is her vulnerability  a subject worthy of its own play.

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One of the most striking sequences in Ghost in the Shell, a dystopian noir-thriller with no shortage of striking sequences, shows a female cyborg being assembled in mid-air, piece by piece. The circuitry pulses exquisitely. A fleshy pink brain snaps neatly into place. The body, once built, is submerged in a milk-white liquid, forming a hard, glossy shell that splinters open to reveal the impeccably sculpted form and features of Scarlett Johansson.

While this birth sequence closely follows the one that kicks off Mamoru Oshiis 1995 animated tour de force of the same title, that full-body cream bath cant help but take on vivid new significance this time around. Talk about a whitewash!

Could the director, Rupert Sanders, be engaging in some sly auto-critique, possibly in response to the Internet furor over the casting of a white actress in a role immortalized by Japanese pop culture? Whether or not he is, its hardly the only moment that finds the movie assuming a half-apologetic, half-defensive pose.

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Can a ghost retain its identity when implanted in a new shell? Can a shred of authentic experience  call it life, or call it art  survive the transplant?

But to Ghost in the Shells credit, its fascination extends beyond the matter of its irksome racial politics. In recombining elements from Masamune Shirows groundbreaking sci-fi manga series and its various film and TV reincarnations, and reconstituting them in a CG-heavy live-action framework, Sanders and his three screenwriters have subjected some of the materials most salient mysteries to a daunting aesthetic test.

Can a ghost retain its identity when implanted in a new shell? In an industry built on synthetic reproductions, can a shred of authentic experience  call it life, or call it art  survive the transplant from one vessel to the next? This craftily fleshed-out movie may not move you to answer with a decisive yes, but its ability to inspire those questions in the first place is no small testament to its sophistication.

Not unlike many Hollywood treatments of highly regarded source material, Sanders movie is neither a rigidly faithful adaptation nor a bold departure. What it offers is a glossy and accessible users guide to Shirows world, one that may drive purists mad with its hand-holding narrative approach even as it dazzles newcomers with its luridly beautiful visual palette, awash in eye-tickling shades of Blade Runner neon.

The philosophical concepts pondered here  the intersection of mankind and machinery, the troubling, anesthetizing spread of mass technology  are no longer as startling as they were in an era before The Matrix, to name the most significant beneficiary of Ghost in the Shells influence. But in sensitive-enough hands, as this movie demonstrates, they can still prove worthy of an audiences rapt contemplation. Your head might not be spinning as you exit the theater, but your senses will be deeply and thoroughly ravished.

Some of that ravishment arrives courtesy of the movies setting, a stunning pan-Asian metropolis that makes boldly inventive use of the Hong Kong skyline, its tightly stacked buildings tricked out with enormous holographic billboards. (The cinematography and production design, both staggering, are by Jess Hall and Jan Roelfs, respectively.) In a few hallucinatory shots, dazzlingly tactile information streams seem to mimic the flow of water: Were not just consumed with data, were swimming in it.

Should it bother us, then, that the face of a white woman was clearly perceived as the most desirable  an upgrade, even?

But the chief source of visual excitement here is Johansson, whose pale complexion, dark hair and otherworldly allure are far too arresting to simply blend into the scenery (except on those occasions when her character avails herself of the latest in thermo-optic camouflage technology). Referred to only as the Major  truncated from the characters original full name, Major Motoko Kusanagi  this woman-machine hybrid represents a bold and unprecedented feat of engineering from the brightest (and darkest) minds at Hanka Robotics, a leading corporation in the booming field of cybernetic body enhancement.

The Majors original human body was damaged irreparably in an accident, but her surviving ghost  another word might be mind or soul, as suggested by Hanka surgeon Dr. Ouelet (a touching Juliette Binoche)  was carefully implanted in a state-of-the-art new body, custom-tailored for heavy-duty fighting and detective work. Now she investigates crimes and shoots bad guys alongside her burly, dog-loving fellow cyborg Batou (a fine Pilou Asbaek) on behalf of Section 9, an elite government anti-terrorism unit overseen by the formidable chief Aramaki (played with an invaluable measure of gravitas by the great Japanese director and actor Beat Takeshi Kitano).

The murders of several Hanka scientists sends the Major and her diverse team on a series of carefully planned and meticulously choreographed raids, staged with much the same proficiency that Sanders brought to Snow White and the Huntsman, if also a bit more razzle-dazzle. The first of these gonzo action sequences pits Section 9 against a few white-faced, red-lipped geisha robots, likely inspired by the sex dolls in Oshiis magnificently impenetrable 2004 sequel, Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence.

Theres more intrigue afoot, including eerie premonitions, skillfully targeted identity thefts perpetrated by a master cyber-hacker named Kuze (Michael Pitt), and some troubling visual and sonic glitches that suggest the Majors complex hardware is beginning to malfunction. To err is human: Like Jason Bourne or Total Recalls Douglas Quaid in a curvy, flesh-toned body suit, the Major soon realizes that the deeper she dives, the closer she gets to solving the riddle of her true identity and subsequent makeover as a government killing machine.

That personal history lends this Ghost in the Shell an emotional surge that its 1995 predecessor lacked, though perhaps it would be more accurate to say that it had little use for it. Refusing to soothe its audience with easy emotional comforts or narrative footholds, Oshiis coolly detached movie regarded its largely affectless heroine with a decidedly Eastern sense of equanimity.

The new movie, by contrast, is a Western construct through and through; its determined to pump some warm blood into all this moody cyber-abstraction. In gently massaging his movie into submission, Sanders has smoothed over a few narrative bumps and visual kinks (the Majors nipples, a pert fixture of her past representations, stay under wraps here), and inevitably leached away some of the storys haunting ambiguity.

Chilly and robotic as it may seem, the movie projects something that few other Ghost in the Shell derivations have: a palpable yearning for the audiences understanding and acceptance.

Im not ready to leave. I belong here, the Major declares, and you can just about hear the defiance in Johanssons voice, perhaps addressing those who may have prejudged her performance sight unseen. Having now seen it myself, I can express my satisfaction, if not my surprise, that Johansson  after her superb renditions of a disembodied voice (Her), a supremely intelligent fighter (Lucy) and a voluptuous extraterrestrial stalker (Under the Skin)  should rise to the challenge of playing a butt-kicking bionic woman. Its a near-perfect piece of acting even as it exposes the profound imperfection of the system.

One of the insights of Oshiis movie was that a cyborgs consciousness must merge with others, even risking the loss of its own identity, in order to flourish  a lesson that sounds a bit more sinister when filtered through the cruel commercial logic of the movie industry. In the typical Hollywood studio mindset, the casting of a highly bankable, globally recognized white movie star over a lower-profile Asian or Asian American actress requires no justification, especially when the goal is to bring a cult hit into the mainstream.

Putting those economic imperatives aside, the fact that the Major can and does assume different shells throughout the Ghost in the Shell canon lends some credence to the argument  one supported by many, including Oshii himself  that she should, theoretically, be able to look however her makers desire. Should it bother us, then, that the face of a white woman was clearly perceived as the most desirable  an upgrade, even?

Or does that add a meaningful layer of subtext about the highly selective commodification of beauty in the machine age? If you thought the whole mankind-vs.-machines binary was tricky to parse, where does artistic license end and representational integrity begin?

Ghost in the Shell seems to have spent some time considering these questions before calmly setting them aside. Its both amusing and faintly troubling that the filmmakers have cooked up a few additional twists, plus a crucial supporting role for the Japanese actress Kaori Momoi, to explain away the Majors appearance  a solution that, without giving away too much here, feels at once maddeningly evasive and ingeniously self-aware.

The Majors true form, we learn, has been hijacked and deleted from the system. Presumably her nonwhite backstory was of some dramatic interest, but you wont see much of it here. Johanssons face, once an avatar of celebrity privilege, is now presented to us as an emblem of victimhood. Dont blame her, or Hanka; blame Hollywood.

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Ghost in the Shell

MPAA rating: PG-13, for intense sequences of sci-fi violence, suggestive content and some disturbing images

Running time: 1 hour, 46 minutes

Playing: In general release

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justin.chang@latimes.com

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Artistic, obsessive and intoxicating, I Called Him Morgan is a documentary with a creative soul, and that makes all the difference.

Its not just that this is a haunting, deeply moving jazz tragedy, dealing with the life and untimely 1972 death of fabled trumpeter Lee Morgan, who was shot at age 33 by his common-law wife, Helen, with the gun he gave her.

Its also the way Swedish filmmaker Kasper Collin  a one-man band who wrote, directed, produced and co-edited  has told this poignant story. Using a dazzling blend of cinematic tools, aural as well as visual, Collin recreates both individual lives and an entire world.

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As a slice of recovered and illuminated time, I Called Him Morgan has few peers.

Given Morgans status as one of the great bebop trumpeters, its to be expected that the films soundtrack, featuring cool, piercingly played spectacular cuts from dozens of his albums, would set an impeccable tone.

But Collin, a prodigious researcher who has been working on this film for years (including several spent editing), would not rest until he secured interviews with the storys hard-to-find key players, friends, family and bandmates like Wayne Shorter, who was so reluctant to revisit the past that it took four years to convince him to talk.

The films centerpiece interview is an arresting one-of-a-kind narrative that Helen Morgan herself recorded on a cassette-tape recorder a month before she died. Speaking with writer and teacher Larry Reni Thomas, she details her difficult life, her relationship with Morgan and how and why she came to shoot him at a Manhattan jazz club named Slugs in the midst of a blizzard so terrible that it delayed ambulances, contributing to her husbands death.

What makes Morgan such an exceptional film is that Collin, with a combination of good fortune and great skill, has built on this excellent verbal foundation with transfixing visuals that set a powerful mood.

Though he didnt know the extent of the material when he began working, Collin has made excellent use of thousands of black-and-white stills shot by Francis Wolff, the co-founder of jazz mainstay Blue Note Records along with Alfred Lion (the musicians called them the animal brothers.)

Just as compelling is filmed material newly created by Collin and wizardly cinematographer Bradford Young (Arrival, Selma). The director, who dislikes re-creations, opted instead for 16 mm film manipulated to look like snippets of home movies. The results, especially in footage shot during a pair of wintry New York blizzards, are evocative.

None of this would matter as much as it does without a great story to tell, and Collin, who stumbled on Morgan through a random YouTube clip, has shrewdly decided to go back and forth between the two principals as he tells their tales.

The film begins with Helen Morgan and her eerie beyond-the-grave recollections of a particularly hard life. Growing up in rural North Carolina, with two out-of-wedlock children by the time she was 14 (that disillusioned me from a lot of things), she left her offspring behind and ended up in New York City. With an arresting, street-wise manner, Helen unapologetically describes herself as sharp, which was what you had to be. I looked out for me.

Lee Morgan, by contrast, at first led the charmed life of a musical prodigy. Hired by Dizzy Gillespie when he was but 18, he astonished his bandmates. He was confident to the point of being cocky. He knew he was talented, recalls bass player Paul West, with drummer Charli Persip, adding, there was never no doubt in anybodys mind, Lee was going to be a star.

Though he moved onto more success with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Morgan also succumbed to the drug culture that surrounded the music. He became addicted to heroin, once showing up barefoot for a gig at Birdland because he had sold his shoes to pay for drugs.

Though Helen Morgan was 14 years older than Lee when they met in 1967, the connection was immediate. My heart went out to him, she says movingly on the tape, and she proceeded to turn his life around, seeing that he detoxed, managing his career, even carrying his trumpet to gigs. His life was restored by Helen, one friend says, and Al Harrison, her son from early in her life, says simply, They needed each other.

How and why their relationship fell apart is a story best left to the film itself, and Collin, a jazz buff whose previous work was 2006s My Name Is Albert Ayler, is ideally suited to tell it.

Regardless of whether you care deeply about jazz, the poetry of Collins filmmaking and the poignancy of the couples story will win you over. As a piece of history and a personal journey, I Called Him Morgan is cinema to cherish.

###

No MPAA rating. Running time; 1 hour, 31 minutes. Playing Laemmles Monica, Santa Monica, Playhouse, Pasadena.

Critics Choice. I Called Him Morgan. Artistic, obsessive and intoxicating, this documentary on the tragic story of jazz trumpeter Lee Morgan has a creative soul, and that makes all the difference. Whether you care about jazz or not, the poetry of the filmmaking and the poignance of the story will win you over.  Kenneth Turan

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kenneth.turan@latimes.com

@KennethTuran
Director Shamim Sarifs Despite the Falling Snow begins with promise, featuring the titular precipitation with an almost jaw-dropping beauty. Rebecca Ferguson appears on screen in the Cold War romantic spy drama clad in lush period costume. Unfortunately, the strong cinematography from David Johnson and costume design by Momirka Bailovic cant overcome a lifeless, poorly structured script from Sarif, based on her own well received novel.

Despite the Falling Snow jumps between the years 1959-1961 and 1991, moving from Moscow to New York and back again. In one of a number of bad directorial choices, Ferguson inexplicably appears as both the heroine, spy Katya, and her niece, Lauren. In Moscow in 1959, Katya pursues rising Soviet politician Alexander (Sam Reid) at the encouragement of their friend Misha (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) so that she can share his secrets with the Americans.

However, she soon falls in love with him, complicating her mission. Fast-forward to New York in 1991, and an older Alexander (Charles Dance) laments his wifes disappearance 30 years earlier, while Lauren tries to discover what happened to her aunt.

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Though the film is filled with Russian characters, everyone speaks with a British accent. It serves largely as a distraction, but even a decision this odd cant animate a movie this dull and inert. Despite the Falling Snow is ostensibly a love story set against a Cold War thriller backdrop, but it features no heat and little tension.

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Despite the Falling Snow

Rating: PG-13, for some sexuality and violence

Running time: 1 hour, 33 minutes

Playing: Laemmle Playhouse 7, Pasadena

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On a sunny afternoon in Hollywood, three figures strolled through a residential neighborhood just south of Sunset Boulevard. As they paused to chat, a stranger clad in black and sporting a walkie-talkie made a beeline for them on a bicycle.

Hello, he said. Do you need help with anything today? Fresh faced and exceedingly polite, he focused his attention on one member of the trio, a tall and bespectacled Brit in his 40s. No, were just walking around.

If you need anything, the young man said, holding out his hand expectantly, my names Alex.

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Im Louis, answered the Brit, warily returning the handshake. Seemingly satisfied, Alex smiled, remounted his bike and rode off down the sidewalk without bothering to address the mans companions.

What seemed like a curiously odd exchange did not surprise the Brit. Documentary filmmaker Louis Theroux was days away from the U.S. debut of My Scientology Movie, and the encounter occurred on a public street outside the Church of Scientologys sprawling West Coast headquarters.

Do you think that Im drawing the attention?  My Scientology Movie filmmaker Louis Theroux

Theroux, who lives in London, didnt think the church had been tracking him as he made his most recent stateside return. But after the encounter with the young man on the bicycle, he wondered if his face was plastered somewhere on a Scientology security wall, a suspicion hed felt years ago when guards turned him away from the Celebrity Centre on Franklin Avenue after hed first approached the church to propose a documentary.

Do you think that Im drawing the attention? he asked.

The afternoon had begun innocuously enough when Theroux strode into a Hollywood cafe a few blocks away from Scientology headquarters.

I used to wander around here when I was making my film, not secretly but as a normal citizen, just to feel the vibe and chat with Scientologists, he said, taking a seat as a Muzak version of Nessun Dorma (None Shall Sleep) played softly from the overhead speakers. He flashed back to the time when, living in Los Angeles, he wandered into a Scientology building and took in an orientation video only to find himself buying a copy of Dianetics he didnt know he was being sold.

I wouldnt say it was totally normal, he said. Its like going into a used car lot. It was this conversation about, how can I get more out of life? And you realize its a sales pitch for why you need to sign up for Scientology.

The churchs close monitoring of any outside coverage or portrayal of the group has become as iconic as its bright blue building. Many journalists, filmmakers and former Scientology members who have investigated or spoken against the organization have experienced pushback from church officials, both legally and personally.

Several times during the making of My Scientology Movie, which is now available on demand and on Amazon, Theroux and his fellow filmmakers unexpectedly found themselves in the sights of Scientology members who showed up outside their sets and started filming them  a meta-movie curiosity that lends the documentary the kind of surreal, humorous jolt absent from more sober fare like Alex Gibneys Going Clear or A&Es Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath.

Theroux, 46, is known for an immersive style of filmmaking thats placed him into intriguingly uncomfortable proximity to criminals, addicts, neo-Nazis and members of the Westboro Baptist Church for his British television documentaries.

In My Scientology Movie, his first theatrically released feature documentary  produced by Oscar winner Simon Chinn (Man on Wire and Searching for Sugarman) and directed by John Dower  he attempts an inquiry into the self-protective religious organization. He ends up with a curiously personal film about the psychological intimidation tactics the church allegedly exerts on its members, even years after they have left the organization.

Theroux had long been interested in deep-diving into Scientology, but after a decade of requests for access and interviews, the filmmakers instead interviewed high-profile apostates, gathering accounts of Scientology practices and alleged abuse among the higher echelons of the organization.

In 2012, the filmmakers approached former Scientology executive Mark Marty Rathbun, who left the church in 2004, to join the film and share insights from his experience as a high-ranking official under church leader David Miscavige.

Inspired by the documentary The Act of Killing, they hired actors to play Scientologists, including Miscavige and his most famous A-list acolyte, Tom Cruise, reenacting firsthand accounts from former members for the camera in a production studio in Los Angeles.

The film is as much an excavation of Marty and his personality as it is of Scientology, Theroux said of Rathbun, a complex figure in the ex-Scientology community at the center of the film, and who denounced the documentary on his personal blog shortly after its film festival debut last year.

Rathbun declined to comment on the film for this article, but pointed The Times to his blog review in which he accuses the filmmakers of using him as bait to incite the wrath of the Church of Scientology. According to Rathbun, Chinn initially promised that the documentary would break the cookie-cutter mold of Scientology projects to that date, which relied on the lazy method of highlighting and rehashing what has been alleged before ... to provoke aggressive responses.

Theroux maintains that Rathbun was supportive of the film when he first saw it. He saw the movie and his first reaction was positive, he said some nice things about it.

According to Scientology spokesperson Karin Pouw, the church has not yet screened My Scientology Movie.

We did notice several reviews saying things like it was far from his finest hour or nothing more than a desperate bid to get in on the hype, and that Theroux was also accused of deception by the individual he cast as the star of his film, she wrote in an email, quoting two negative reviews of the film, which holds an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and a Yahoo article referencing Rathbuns blog post.

Theroux said that his motive for making the film was to explore and engage, not merely bait Scientology.

Im always interested in the irreducible contradictions that exist in certain subjects, he said. [Scientology is] a spiritual practice, but it seems to model itself on McDonalds. David Miscavige, the pope of Scientology, his official title is chairman of the board  and hes actually in charge of preserving the copyrights. Theyre more like protecting a kind of corporate brand. (According to a Scientology website, Miscavige heads the nonprofit Religious Technology Center formed in 1982 to preserve, maintain, and protect Scientology.)

In the film, Rathbun helps cast the role of Miscavige after an audition in which Rathbun ends up pinned against a wall by actor Andrew Perez playing a physically and verbally abusive fictionalized version of the Scientology leader.

The role goes to Perez, who brings intensity to his big Rathbun-directed performance: Terrorizing a roomful of fellow actors playing his underlings while in character as Miscavige in a reenactment of The Hole, a reported punishment facility located on the organizations Gold Base in Riverside County.

Its a scene Rathbun has since criticized as a creation. But another powerful  and unstaged  moment in the film is captured when Rathbun is accosted on his way back home to Texas by Scientology members who taunt him mercilessly at LAX: Youre a loser  youre nothing  Why dont you just stop committing suppressive acts and live a real life?

That scene, said Theroux, packs an enormous power. Suddenly everything you see [reenacted] in the Hole feels totally plausible.

I feel no animosity towards Scientologists, said Theroux, who is currently working on three documentaries about crime in America. I do believe Scientology does real damage, in the way in which it separates families and uses psychological techniques to keep people in a system in which they are abused and exploited  they deny that, but thats my take on it.

[Theroux] has no knowledge qualifying him to make this opinion, Scientologys Pouw responded. The churchs beliefs and practices very much include the building blocks of strong family ties.

The communication Theroux has had with Scientologys representatives has varied wildly over the course of the project. Legal letters from Scientology lawyers streamed in during filming, but while editing the film, Theroux says, he also received a packet of testimonials from 100 members of Scientologys elite Sea Organization order extolling Miscaviges virtues.

Each of them was an individual account of how much they loved being in the Sea Org, how rich and full their lives were, and how everything Id got in my movie was wrong, he said. But none of them had seen my movie, which was still in production.

According to Theroux, a bizarre threat materialized one day when police arrived at his London home while he was making pancakes for his children.

Theroux recalled how authorities relayed secondhand word of a plot to do him harm. They said, We only know about the threat because it was passed along to us by the Church of Scientology in East Grinstead. They were concerned for your safety. I thought, hang on. Is that a real threat, or is that the Church of Scientology finding a really weird roundabout way of sending a message?

He paused. In a funny way I found that much less worrying than the legal letters. It felt like old-school, almost primitive Scientology tactics.

Via email, Pouw confirmed that the church received an anonymous threat of harm to Theroux in 2015 that was then relayed to law enforcement: We have no other details, including who made the threat.

Leaving the cafe, as Theroux and I decided to walk north two blocks toward the perimeter of the 500,000-square-foot former hospital campus that has housed Scientologys West Coast headquarters since 1977, he admitted he was curious to see if hed be recognized.

The hydraulic whirring of a nearby garbage truck cut through the air as Theroux offered his dream interviewee (R. Kelly!) and downplayed recent reports that hes working on a documentary about President Donald Trump.

I would think not, he smiled. He doesnt even seem to give access to the White House press corps half the time. Maybe I need to sign up with Breitbart!

As the afternoon traffic started to back up along Fountain Avenue, we passed a man wearing a shirt emblazoned with the phrase, Im staying through OT V. A sign at the entrance of the organizations flagship building enticed visitors in with a promise: All are welcome.

We ambled along a side street adjacent to the grounds peopled with the occasional local walking a dog and uniformed Scientology members bustling to and fro. As we passed a building entrance, two men seemed to fix their gaze on Theroux. Half a block later Alex wheeled up on his bike.

When asked about Therouxs interaction with Alex, Pouw responded: Our security personnel at all of our churches are very friendly and offer people assistance or directions when they appear to need them.

Rounding the corner onto Sunset past a sprawling Scientology parking lot filled with cars, Theroux mulled whether or not his documentary, which has scored positive reviews, was a successful investigation into the insular organization.

I think its successful, he answered. I think theres also something about the journey we go on, the fact that it isnt just a stunt or a kind of prank  its grounded in something very real, and that is what Scientology is and how it engages with us while were making the film.

We walked back toward the cafe, several blocks away from the Scientology compound and I bid Theroux goodbye. A few minutes later I noticed that Alex, still on his bike, had followed us. He watched Therouxs car leave and scribbled something on a piece of paper, and headed back from the direction he came, toward the big, blue building.

jen.yamato@latimes.com

@jenyamato

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Belief begets belief, and the faith that star Jessica Chastain and director Niki Caro have in The Zookeepers Wife turn this World War II drama into an emotional experience that is straight-ahead but satisfying.

The story of Antonina Zabinska (Chastain), who along with her husband Jan hid some 300 Jews on the grounds of the Warsaw zoo they ran, may sound like a standard Holocaust tale of rescue and redemption, but even if there was such an animal, The Zookeepers Wife is not it.



For the record: An earlier version of this story misspelled Andrij Parekhs last name as Parkh.

As adapted by the veteran Angela Workman from Diane Ackermans based-on-fact bestseller, this film has its share of Nazi atrocities, but it is not really about recreating wartime horrors.

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Rather, with Caro and Chastain as its lodestars, the film concentrates on the wrenching personal cost that being heroic extracted from all involved, how much it took out of everyone to survive years of life-and-death situations. Zabinska may have been someone who, in Ackermans words, performs radical acts of compassion, but nothing about doing that was easy.

The chameleon-like Chastains all-in quality of commitment she invariably brings to her work is very much in evidence here.

 Jessica Chastain and Daniel Bruhl star in The Zookeepers Wife.

Perhaps because it focuses on a woman and has a female writer and director, Zookeepers story took 10 years to make it to the screen, but, especially where Caro and Chastain are concerned, its clear that the right choices were ultimately made.

Best known as the director of Whale Rider and the underappreciated McFarland, USA, Caro is something of a moviemaking throwback in her belief in expressive storytelling that hugs the sentimental line but does not go over it.

As for the chameleon-like Chastain, the all-in quality of commitment she invariably brings to her work is very much in evidence here, giving Antoninas story a lived-in quality that is invaluable.

The real-life Antonina was very much an animal whisperer, shy with people but capable of real and direct bonding with beasts of all sorts, so it helps that Chastain is herself a committed animal lover, completely at ease interacting with the numerous flesh-and-blood zoo denizens shes photographed with.

Zookeepers Wife opens in the summer of 1939, a tranquil calm before the storm that shows us the special life Antonina, her husband Dr. Jan Zabinski (Johan Heldenbergh) and their young son share on the grounds of the zoo.

On this particular night, the family is host to a colleague from Germany, Lutz Heck (top German actor Daniel Bruhl), the head of Berlins zoo, who manages to combine a commitment to preservation with the zeal of the big game hunter.

After a demonstration of how effectively Antonina deals with animals in trouble, a human-made crisis occurs. Germany invades Poland, leading to death and chaos. One of the films most effective sequences, showing wild zoo animals on the loose in the citys streets, is a splendid metaphor for the world-turned-upside-down universe the Zabinskis now live in.

Very soon Heck, who has been appointed the Third Reichs chief zoologist, returns to the zoo. He wants to take Warsaws best animals back to Berlin with him for safekeeping, but he also clearly feels an attraction to Antonina, a dynamic that Bruhl and Chastain expertly play out for the entire film.

Though her husband Jan is involved in the resistance, it takes some time for Antonina to become comfortable with the idea of hiding Jews on the premises, and that gradual process helps make the decision believable.

To keep the zoo open during the occupation, Jan comes up with the idea of raising pigs, and when he offers to use garbage from the Warsaw ghetto to feed them, it is because he wants access to that closed-off area so he can help rescue its residents.

Key to this plan succeeding is Antoninas ability to placate and distract Heck, who has reasons for frequent visits because of arcane animal breeding schemes he is involved in. How to be nice but not too nice to a powerful, ruthless man who acts as if Antonina were unmarried illustrates Zookeepers notion that there is a cost to doing the right thing.

Movingly photographed by cinematographer Andrij Parekh, Zookeepers Wife is filled with haunting images: ashes from the burning ghetto fall on the zoo like out-of-season snow, small children trustingly raise their hands to be lifted onto trains that will take them to their death, while orphanage director Janusz Korczak (Arnost Goldflam) refuses to abandon them.

Moments like this, and Chastain and Caros joined passion, ensures that we live this couples wartime experience both with and through them. Zookeepers Wife is not a hard-edged film, but its impact is there. Even when the war ends in 1945, a sense of the demands of what theyve done never goes away.

-----------------

The Zookeepers Wife

MPAA rating: PG-13 for thematic events, disturbing images, violence, brief sexuality, nudity and smoking.

Running time: 2 hours, 6 minutes.

Playing: In general release.

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 

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kenneth.turan@latimes.com

@KennethTuran

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Elena Ferrantes bestselling book My Brilliant Friend is headed to the small screen, courtesy of HBO and RAI, Italys national public broadcasting company.

Set in Naples, My Brilliant Friend centers on Elena Greco, as she recalls her lifelong relationship with dear friend  and dear enemy  Lila, beginning with their first year of primary school in 1950 and through the next 60 years of their lives.

Production is scheduled to begin on the eight-episode drama series this summer, with Italys Saverio Costanzo directing all eight episodes.

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We are thrilled to partner with Wildside, RAI and Fandango to bring the powerful, epic storytelling of Elena Ferrante and her Neapolitan novels to life, said Casey Bloys, president of HBO programming, in a statement released Thursday.

Through her characters, Elena and Lila, we will witness a lifelong friendship set against the seductive social web of Naples, Italy. An exploration of the complicated intensity of female friendship, these ambitious stories will no doubt resonate with the HBO audience.

The exploration of complicated female friendships comes on the heels of the premium cable networks success with Big Little Lies, a miniseries based on the novel of the same name by Liane Moriarty.

My Brilliant Friend, an adaptation of the first book in Ferrantes four-part series, will be written by Ferrante, along with Francesco Piccolo, Laura Paolucci and director Costanzo.

The HBO-RAI series will be produced by Wildside and Fandango with FremantleMedia International handling distribution.

In February 2016, Wildside and Fandango announced intentions to adapt all four of Ferrantes Neapolitan novels into a series featuring four eight-episode seasons. At the time, the companies were looking for international co-production partners that they seem to have found in HBO.

Plans for adapting the other three books in the Neapolitan series have yet to be announced.

The international co-production is the latest for HBO, which debuted The Young Pope in January, a collaboration with Sky Atlantic and Canal also filmed in Italy.

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 

libby.hill@latimes.com

@midwestspitfire

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Sothebys is no stranger to the rare, beautiful or historic. But one particular lot the auction house will have going up for sale next week here has collectors buzzing the world over at a level thats unusual for such rarefied circles.

The Pink Star, a 59.6-carat oval mixed-cut pink diamond, and the largest internally flawless fancy vivid pink diamond that the Gemological Institute of America has ever graded, will be auctioned off on April 4.

While the specimen itself is nothing short of impressive, the stone carries a back story that makes it even more intriguing. In 2014, Sothebys thought it had sold the diamond for a record-setting $83.2 million. However, its winning bidder, a diamond dealer by the name of Isaac Wolf, failed to pay up after his investors backed out, leaving Sothebys in a lurch.

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The usual custom would be to approach the second-highest bidder, but for undisclosed reasons, the Pink Star  among the most spectacular and rare diamonds ever to surface  ended up remaining in the auction houses inventory instead.

A model displays the Pink Star diamond at Sothebys on March 20, 2017 in London, England. (Ian Gavan / Getty Images for Sothebys)

In the three-year interim, Sothebys has shopped it around privately, and also taken on two investors, Diacore and Mellon Inc., to derisk the stone.

It was decided that having a partner would be the most sensible thing to do, and the fact that people were invited to buy into the stone gave a very healthy indication of the market, said Quek Chin Yeow, Sothebys head of international jewelry in Asia.

Then, with relatively little notice, the diamond was put up again for sale at public auction. The return is a move that Tobias Kormind, founder of 77 Diamonds, Europes largest online jeweler, calls brave, given the stones history. But its also one hinged on good timing.

I think that the diamond market as a whole has had a couple of wobbly years, he said. White diamonds have declined a bit over the last three years, and thats got to do with nervousness about luxury goods purchasing from China, oil prices that have affected Middle East purchasing and theres been crises in Russia.

Sothebys failed to move the Lesedi la Rona, a 1,109-carat rough diamond, the second-largest rough diamond to be discovered in more than a century, in London last June. It was estimated to sell for $70 million, but couldnt find a buyer. Similarly in April 2016, the Shirley Temple, a polished blue diamond with Hollywood credentials thought to be worth $35 million, also didnt sell, which, according to Kormind, prompted gasps of shock in the Sothebys New York sales room.

But all those issues have eased now  and an improving American economy plus a Trump presidency has the superwealthy feeling more bullish, prompting Sothebys to bring the pink diamond back out, although at a conservative estimate of $60 million.

Theyve put the threshold valuation so low, theres no way theyre not going to achieve it, said Kormind, who believes the stone could break past the $100 million mark.

Its also no coincidence that the sale is marked for Asia, instead of Geneva, where it was held in 2014.

Its really the top collectible and investment-level, said Chaoqiu He, who owns the Chinese fine jewelry brand Qiu. They know Asians still have quite strong purchasing power compared to the rest of the region. Thats why they put the auction here.

In Hes experience, the ultra-luxury market for Chinese never dipped. I know in 2015 the economy wasnt that strong, but I have to say from our side, people are more interested in the real good stuff, He continued, differentiating between mere conspicuous consumption versus a store of wealth. This product doesnt actually really hurt. They dont spend money on the usual, but they still want to spend the money on the really good stuff. Thats what I experienced in the last two years.

Rich Chinese have always had to grapple with the dilemma of where to store their wealth, faced with currency depreciation, an overvalued property market in many cities and a volatile stock market.

If you have tons of cash, you dont want to put it in the bank. And if you buy real estate, in a lot of cities in China, its ridiculously high, and all those buyers already have property outside of China anyway. What else can they invest in? Art, gemstones, theres just a few categories, she said.

Comparable quality pinks have been going for about $3 million per carat in the last three years, He said. While the immense size of the Pink Star means it would not yield that kind of a per-carat rate  even at its low threshold  the sale is set to mark a world record.

Patrick Coppens, who manages sales for Rio Tinto Diamonds, agrees, saying that demand for rare fancy colored diamonds  pinks, reds, violets  in Asia is very strong. This truly top end of the luxury market continues to defy gravity, he said.

There is definitely a supply gap emerging for fancy colored diamonds, as these diamonds are a diminishing natural treasure, continued Coppens. With regard to costs, certainly as you go deeper into a diamond pipe and move from an open pit to an underground mine, there is an additional capital investment required.

That said, the Pink Star did not come from Rio Tintos Argyle mine in Australia, which is the worlds only consistent producer of rare pink diamonds, responsible for 90 percent of such stones worldwide.

Now as to who the stones lucky purchaser might be: Hong Kong tycoon Joseph Lau is known to buy record-setting colored diamonds for his young daughters, typically naming the stones after them. In 2015, he acquired what was then the worlds most expensive diamond for his seven-year-old daughter, paying $48.4 million for the Blue Moon of Josephine, the day after he scooped up a pink diamond for $28.5 million that he renamed Sweet Josephine.

However, it should be noted that Lau has been in and out of the hospital for poor health recently. His retreat from usual business dealings and the public limelight even had local press speculating on whether hed passed away this month until the executive was sighted at his company headquarters. Meanwhile, Mexican business magnate Carlos Slim is also a known collector of rare reds, but a company such as Graff Diamonds or a consortium of investors are likely to be in the running, too.

The buyer could also be a complete dark horse  or one never known before.

Much of what we do is behind closed doors and out of the public eye, Sothebys Quek said.

You may see a few people who are not known to have bought large, expensive stones, as well, Kormind said. Its an awesome marketing tool, if you want to get your name out there, to declare yourself part of the new elite. It would make Trump jealous.

A model displays the Pink Star diamond at Sothebys on March 20, 2017 in London, England. (Ian Gavan / Getty Images for Sothebys)

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South Korea election: In the March 19 Section A, an article about South Koreas upcoming election quoted Lee Ji-soo, a spokesman for South Korean presidential candidate Moon Jae-in, as calling North Korea a partner of South Korea. Lee, a native Korean speaker who was being interviewed in English, said he meant to call North Korea a counterpart, not a partner.

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USC names retired aerospace executive Wanda Austin as acting president, announces Nikias departure By Harriet Ryan USC appointed a retired aerospace executive as interim president and laid out a detailed plan for selecting a permanent leader Tuesday, ending speculation about whether outgoing President C.L. Max Nikias might remain in the post. Nikias, embattled over his administrations handling of a campus gynecologist accused of sexually abusing patients, relinquished his duties after a meeting of USCs board. The trustees tapped one of their own, Wanda Austin, an alumna and former president of the Aerospace Corp., to temporarily run the university. The trustees also approved the formation of a search committee and the hiring of firm Isaacson, Miller to coordinate the selection of a successor. A second search company, Heidrick & Struggles, will also advise trustees. Read More Facebook

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Ex-student sues elite Brentwood School after teacher is charged with sexually abusing him By Richard Winton A former student sued the elite Brentwood School on Monday in the wake of a female teacher being charged with repeatedly having sex with the minor, alleging that other faculty members encouraged the unlawful behavior and failed to report it to authorities. The lawsuit accuses the private school, whose students include the children of many of Hollywoods elite and L.A.s powerful, of acting negligently and allowing Aimee Palmitessa to abuse and batter the teenager sexually. The suit alleges that the student was abused in summer 2017 after one of the schools counselors offered words of encouragement to the then-17-year-old, identified in the suit as only John Doe, to engage in an illegal relationship with the teacher. Read More Facebook

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Civil jury vindicates fired Montebello school executives in whistleblower case By Howard Blume The Montebello school district is in dire straits  at risk of insolvency and under apparent criminal investigation. An outside audit in July found some teachers earning more than $200,000 a year, as well as improper raises, excess paid vacation time and inappropriate overtime, sick leave and car allowances. Fixing the district and pinpointing blame could take time. Read More Facebook

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L.A. schools fall short on safety measures, new report warns By Howard Blume After the mass shooting at Floridas Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February, Los Angeles school officials reassured parents that much had been done to keep local schools safe. California had tougher gun laws, after all, and the school district paid close attention to students mental health. But a new report issued Monday by a panel convened to take a close look offers some cause for concern, flagging inconsistent campus safety measures, thinly spread mental health staff and inadequate coordination between the school district and other public agencies. With the stakes this high, we must strive to do better, said L.A. City Atty. Mike Feuer, who assembled the panel. Read More Facebook

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L.A. school district says more are graduating, but rate may not show it By Howard Blume The L.A. Unified School District has hopes of continuing its winning streak this year with another record graduation rate, but the official numbers may not show it. A senior district administrator warned the board Tuesday that graduation rates were likely to decline 2% to 3% across the state, even though L.A. Unified is likely doing better than ever in producing graduates, he said. The issue is that the state will now count high school students who transfer to adult school as dropouts, said Oscar Lafarga, who heads the districts office of data and accountability. Previously, schools treated these students as though they had simply enrolled in another high school, he said. Read More Facebook

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Betsy DeVos to California: Not so fast on that federal education plan By Joy Resmovits In April, Californias top education officials breathed a sigh of relief. After months of debate and back-and-forth with Betsy DeVos staff, they had finalized a plan to satisfy a major education law that aims to make sure all students get a decent education. The state focused on aligning its plan to fulfill the requirements of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act with Californias Local Control Funding Formula, which gives extra money to districts to help students who come from low-income families, are in the foster system or are English learners. But this week, DeVos team said not so fast. Jason Botel, the U.S. Department of Educations principal deputy assistant secretary, sent California education officials a letter asking for more information in such areas as measuring student progress, graduation rates and English learners. In an unsigned statement, the California Department of Education declared itself surprised and disappointed because officials thought  after a meeting with federal officials in Washington  that they were on the right track to get approval. Now the Every Student Succeeds Act plan will be up for discussion once again at the July meeting of the State Board of Education. The U.S. Department of Education has already approved most state plans. Every Student Succeeds is the Obama administrations 2015 replacement for the No Child Left Behind Act. Facebook

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L.A. school board sets a new goal: prepare every grad to be eligible to apply for Cal State or UC By Sonali Kohli Last month, Los Angeles school board president proposed a spate of highly ambitious mandates aimed at ensuring that every district graduate be eligible to apply to one of the states public four-year universities by 2023. By the time the L.A. Unified school board unanimously approved the resolution Tuesday, the original language had been watered down. The goal is no longer that in five years 100% of students meet the long list of benchmarks, which include not just college eligibility for graduates but first-grade reading proficiency and English fluency by sixth grade for all students who enter the district in kindergarten or first grade speaking another language. The original college-readiness goal, for example, called for 100% of all high school students to be eligible to apply to one of the states four-year universities. Now the goal seems to offer more wiggle room: Prepare all high school graduates to be eligible to apply to a California four-year university. Read More Facebook

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We have been hurt. More women say they were mistreated by USC gynecologist By Richard Winton USC student Anika Narayanan says she vividly recalls her first appointment with Dr. George Tyndall at the campus health center, alleging that he made several explicit comments during an examination she felt was inappropriate and invasive. When she came back for a second visit in 2016 after a nonconsensual sexual encounter, he allegedly chastised her, she said in a civil lawsuit and at a press conference Tuesday. He asked me if I had forgotten to use a condom again,  said Narayanan, 21. At one point, she said, Tyndall asked if I did a lot of doggy style,  she said. Read More Facebook

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L.A. Unified gives inspector general brief contract extension By Howard Blume The Los Angeles school board on Tuesday extended the contract of Ken Bramlett, its inspector general, by three months, though his job is far from secure and questions remain about the future direction of his watchdog office. Board members also unanimously promoted Vivian Ekchian, who had been the runner-up for the superintendents job, to deputy superintendent  the districts No. 2 position. Both moves had elements of peacemaking between different factions on the board. Read More Facebook

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USCs handling of complaints about campus gynecologist is being investigated by federal government By Harriet Ryan The U.S. Department of Education announced Monday that it has launched an investigation into how the University of Southern California handled misconduct complaints against a campus gynecologist, the latest fallout in a scandal that has prompted the resignation of USCs president, two law enforcement investigations and dozens of lawsuits. In revealing the inquiry by the departments Office of Civil Rights, officials rebuked USC for what they alleged was improper withholding of information about Dr. George Tyndall during a previous federal investigation. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, who has been criticized for taking a less vigorous approach to examining sexual misconduct than predecessors, called for a systemic examination of USC and urged administrators to fully cooperate. Read More Facebook

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Judge to sentence woman and her boyfriend for the murder of an 8-year-old that led to L.A. child welfare reforms By Marisa Gerber A woman and her boyfriend are expected to be sentenced Thursday for the torture and murder of an 8-year-old boy whose killing in 2013 provoked public outrage, prompted sweeping reform of Los Angeles Countys child welfare system, and led to unprecedented criminal charges against social workers who handled the childs case. Pearl Sinthia Fernandez, 34, faces life in prison without the possibility of parole for her role in the death of her son, Gabriel. A jury decided last year that her boyfriend, Isauro Aguirre, 37, should be executed. When paramedics arrived at the boys Palmdale home in May 2013, Gabriel had slipped out of consciousness. He had a fractured skull, broken ribs, burned skin, missing teeth and BB pellets embedded in his groin. A paramedic would later testify that every inch of the boys small body had been abused. Read More Facebook

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L.A. Unifieds spending out of step with similar school systems, task force says By Howard Blume The Los Angeles school district is out of step with similar school systems, spending more on teachers pay and health benefits and less on activities that could enhance student learning, according to a new report by an outside task force. The L.A. Unified School District Advisory Task Force did not make specific recommendations, but instead posed a series of questions it said the district needs to answer to make sure its funding is aimed at providing a full opportunity for all students to succeed. What were trying to say is: Lets put the data on the table. Lets look at the truth. Lets be transparent and here are the numbers, said task force member Renata Simril. This is not to say that  we should cut teachers salaries. Read More Facebook

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Top USC medical school official feared dean was doing drugs and alerted administration, he testifies By Paul Pringle A former vice dean of USCs Keck School of Medicine testified Tuesday that he feared the schools then-dean, Dr. Carmen A. Puliafito, could be doing drugs and expressed concerns about his general well-being to the universitys No. 2 administrator before Puliafito abruptly left his job in 2016. Dr. Henri Fords testimony at a hearing of the state Medical Board marks the first suggestion that any USC administrator had suspicions about Puliafitos possible drug use before he stepped down. A Times investigation in 2017 found Puliafito led a secret second life of using illegal drugs with a circle of young criminals and addicts. Puliafito testified about his behavior at the hearing Tuesday, saying he took drugs with one young woman on a weekly basis. Ford said that he decided to alert USC Provost Michael Quick after receiving reports in early 2016 that Puliafito was partying in hotels with people of questionable reputation, and that he came to worry about his mental stability. Read More Facebook

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Why L.A. Unified may face financial crisis even with a giant surplus this year By Jessica Calefati With more than half a billion dollars socked away for next school year, the Los Angeles Unified School District hardly seems just two years from financial ruin. Its a scenario that is especially tough to swallow if youre a low-wage worker seeking a raise or a teacher who wants smaller classes. But budget documents show that todays $548-million surplus cannot be sustained  and that even basic services face steep, seemingly unavoidable cuts because of massive problems barreling the districts way. Theres a disconnect between the rosy short-term picture and what we know is coming, said board member Kelly Gonez. Read More Facebook

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We have failed: Top USC officials try to reassure students amid gynecologist scandal By Joy Resmovits Top administrators at USC are reaching out to students in the wake of misconduct allegations against the universitys longtime gynecologist, acknowledging failings and vowing reforms as they try to address growing outrage over the revelations. Several USC deans have sent out messages trying to reassure students and faculty that the university is committed to changing. We have failed, wrote Jack H. Knott, dean of USCs Sol Price School of Public Policy, in a May 24 letter. What happened is antithetical to everything we know is right. Read More Facebook

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Rick Caruso is named chair of USCs trustees, vows swift investigation of gynecologist scandal By Thomas Curwen The University of Southern Californias board of trustees has elected mall magnate Rick Caruso to be the new chair of the board, giving fresh leadership as the university navigates a widening scandal involving a longtime campus gynecologist. The move marks the latest effort by USC to address the case, which has sparked a criminal investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department and dozens of civil lawsuits. More than 400 people have contacted a hotline that the university established for patients to make reports about their experience with Dr. George Tyndall. In his first act as chairman, Caruso announced that the white-shoe L.A. law firm OMelveny & Myers would conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the gynecologists conduct and reporting failures at the clinic. He set an ambitious timeline for the review, pledging it would conclude before students return for the fall semester. Read More Facebook

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UC Berkeley students persistence helps win more liberal rules for in-state tuition By Teresa Watanabe Ifechukwu Okeke thought shed be a shoo-in for in-state tuition when she was admitted to UC Berkeley for fall 2016. She had moved to the United States from Nigeria in 2012 to go to Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga. By the time she got her acceptance to transfer to UC to study molecular and cell biology, she had lived in California four years. She had a California drivers license, bank account and rental records as proof. UC Berkeley, however, ruled she was a nonresident  which meant she would have to pay nearly $27,000 more. Read More Facebook

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State medical board calls former County-USC doctor a sexual predator, suspends his license By Matt Hamilton A UCLA cardiologist has been temporarily stripped of his medical license after state regulators described him as a sexual predator who assaulted three female colleagues when he was working and training at L.A. County-USC Medical Center. Read More Facebook

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Global California 2030 aims to get more students learning more languages By Joy Resmovits Tom Torlakson (Andrew Seng / Associated Press) Outgoing state Supt. of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson on Wednesday announced a new statewide effort to encourage students to learn more languages. Called Global California 2030, its goal is to help more students become fluent in multiple tongues. Torlakson said that by 2030, he wants half of the states 6.2 million K-12 students to participate in classes or programs that lead to proficiency in two or more languages. By 2040, he wants three out of four students to be proficient enough to earn the State Seal of Biliteracy. Torlakson announced the initiative at Cahuenga Elementary School, which offers a dual-language immersion program in English and Korean. Californias public school students speak more than 60 languages at home, and 40% come to school with knowledge of a language other than English. Torlakson called his plan a call to action that invites parents, legislators, educators and community members to pool resources to expand language offerings in schools and get more bilingual teachers trained. He said the state already is working with Mexico and Spain to expand a teacher-exchange program. Fluency, the plan argues, can help students succeed economically  and language acquisition can help their overall critical thinking. The initiative builds on Proposition 58, a ballot initiative passed in 2016 that undid an earlier requirement that English learners be taught in English-immersion classes unless their parents signed waivers. Torlakson recently visited Mexico and met with that countrys education secretary. They later signed a pact to increase collaboration, particularly in language education. This [Global California 2030] is great follow-through on Toms part and very important, Patricia Gandara, a UCLA education professor who hosted the Mexico meeting, said in an email. It hands over a plan to move forward in an area in which California has a unique advantage, but must seize the opportunity. Facebook

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Jury convicts man of murder in 2015 slaying of UCLA student found inside her burning apartment By Marisa Gerber A jury on Tuesday convicted a man in the 2015 slaying of a UCLA student found dead inside her burning apartment  a gruesome stabbing case that led to a fierce rebuke of the police response amid concerns that the killing could have been prevented. The panel deliberated for about six hours before finding Alberto Medina, 24, guilty of murder, arson, burglary and animal cruelty. On Sept. 21, 2015, firefighters found the charred body of Andrea DelVesco inside her apartment after responding to the complex a block from campus. The 21-year-old student  an Austin, Texas, native known to her sorority sisters as a fearless giver who befriended others with ease  was stabbed at least 19 times, authorities said. Read More Facebook

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LAPD begins sweeping criminal probe of former USC gynecologist while urging patients to come forward By Adam Elmahrek The Los Angeles Police Department said Tuesday it is investigating 52 complaints of misconduct filed by former patients of USCs longtime campus gynecologist as detectives launch a sweeping criminal probe into the scandal that has rocked the university. LAPD detectives also made an appeal for other patients who feel mistreated to come forward, noting that thousands of students were examined by Dr. George Tyndall during his nearly 30-year career at USC. More than 410 people have contacted a university hotline about the physician since The Times revealed the allegations this month. Tyndalls behavior and practices appear to go beyond the norms of the medical profession and gynecological examinations, said Asst. Chief Beatrice Girmala. We sincerely realize that victims may have difficulty recounting such details to investigators. We are empathetic and ready to listen. Read More Facebook

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At L.A.'s only school for the deaf, parents want leaders who speak the same language By Anna M. Phillips Ever since her son was 6 months old, Juliet Hidalgo has been bringing him to the Marlton School, a low-slung building in Baldwin Hills that for generations has been a second home for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in Los Angeles. Marlton staff taught Hidalgos brother and sister, both of whom are deaf. The school was where her deaf son learned to make the signs for milk and food. Hidalgo had planned to enroll her daughter, taking advantage of a popular program that allows hearing children to learn American Sign Language alongside their deaf siblings. But after more than a decade of involvement, she and other family members are considering withdrawing their children. They are not alone. Read More Facebook

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Fueled by unlimited donations, independent groups play their biggest role yet in a California primary for governor By Ryan Menezes An unprecedented amount of money from wealthy donors, unions and corporations is flowing into the California governors race, giving independent groups  unrestricted by contribution limits  a greater say in picking the states chief executive than ever before. The groups have already spent more than $26 million through Thursday, the most ever spent by noncandidate committees in a gubernatorial primary, according to a Times analysis of campaign finance reports. California elections have always been expensive, and the future is even more expensive, said Jack Pitney, a political science professor at Claremont McKenna College and a former state Republican leader. The stakes are very real. Read More Facebook

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2 hurt in Indiana middle school shooting; suspect in custody, authorities say By Associated Press Authorities say two victims in a shooting at a suburban Indianapolis school are being taken to a hospital and the lone suspect is in custody. Bryant Orem, a spokesman for the Hamilton County Sheriffs Office, said in a news release that the victims in Friday mornings attack at Noblesville West Middle School are being taken to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis and their families have been notified. He says no other information is available about the victims. Orem said the suspect is believed to have acted alone and was taken into custody. No additional information about the suspect was made public. Read More Facebook

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For new L.A. schools chief Austin Beutner, some key unions are giving no honeymoon period By Howard Blume In the less than two weeks since Austin Beutner took charge of Los Angeles schools, unions representing teachers and administrators have staged a job action and a protest. Theyve made it clear that they will not give the new superintendent the traditional honeymoon period, and they are bashing him for his wealth and lack of experience running either a school or a school district. Beutner is a billionaire investment banker with zero qualifications, local teachers union President Alex Caputo-Pearl told members in a phone alert urging them to participate in a Thursday afternoon rally in Grand Park. The board is saying that billionaires who made their money blowing institutions up and making money off it know best  not the education professionals who have dedicated our careers to working with students. Read More Facebook

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Pressure grows on Board of Trustees amid USC gynecologist scandal By Paul Pringle USCs large and powerful Board of Trustees is coming under growing pressure to provide a stronger hand as the university faces a crisis over misconduct allegations against the campus longtime gynecologist that has prompted calls for President C.L. Max Nikias to step down. Allegations that Dr. George Tyndall mistreated students during his nearly 30 years at USC have roiled the campus, with about 300 people coming forward to make reports to the university and the Los Angeles Police Department launching a criminal investigation. USC is already beginning to face what is expected to be costly litigation by women who say they were victimized by the physician. So far, the trustees to whom Nikias reports have expressed sympathy for the women who have come forward and launched an independent investigation while also publicly backing the president. Read More Facebook

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UC regents approve leaner budget for Janet Napolitano By Teresa Watanabe University of California regents on Thursday unanimously approved a leaner, more transparent budget for President Janet Napolitano, moving to address political criticism over the systems central office operations. The $876.4-million budget for 2018-19 reflects spending cuts of 2%, including reductions in staffing, travel and such systemwide programs as public service law fellowships, carbon neutrality and food security. Napolitano shifted $30 million to campuses for housing needs and $10 million to UC Riverside to support its five-year-old medical school. She also permanently redirected $8.5 million annually to help enroll more California students, as required by the state. Read More Facebook

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USCs Academic Senate calls on university president to resign after a series of scandals By Matt Hamilton The body that represents USCs faculty called on President C.L. Max Nikias to resign Wednesday in the wake of relevations that the universitys longtime gynecologist faced years of accusations of misconduct by students and colleagues at the campus health clinic. The Academic Senate took the vote late Wednesday afternoon after a fiery town hall meeting attended by more than 100 faculty members, many of whom voiced outrage over Nikias and the Board of Trustees leadership. The vote came a day after the trustees executive committee stood firmly behind Nikias, saying it has full confidence in his leadership, ethics and values. At the town hall meeting, Senate President Paul Rosenbloom said he did not think Nikias or Provost Michael Quick committed wrongdoing but that the university president deserved criticism for a lack of transparency. Read More Facebook

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Californias public universities on the way to getting a big longed-for boost in funding By Teresa Watanabe The University of California and California State University systems are poised to get major funding boosts that will help them enroll thousands of additional state students and eliminate the need for tuition increases in the coming school year. A key Assembly budget panel on Wednesday approved $117.5 million in new funds for the UC. A Senate panel approved a similar sum last week. The same committees recently approved even more funding for the Cal State system. Read More Facebook

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UC regents to scrutinize Janet Napolitanos office budget in a step toward stronger oversight By Teresa Watanabe University of California regents this week plan to scrutinize the budget of President Janet Napolitano, whose office came under political fire last year for questionable spending and murky accounting. Regents will vote on the proposed $876.4-million budget for 2018-19 during their two-day meeting, which starts Wednesday, at UC San Francisco. They also will discuss state funding, financial aid, online education and transfer student policies. Board Chairman George Kieffer said regents are stepping up to exert stronger oversight of the presidents office after a blistering state audit last year found financial problems including an unreported $175 million budget reserve. Read More Facebook

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State legislative panels approve major funding boost for Cal State By Teresa Watanabe After months of intensive lobbying, Cal State University has convinced two key legislative panels to approve funding to enroll nearly 11,000 more students, hire more faculty and expand housing aid to those without shelter this fall. An Assembly budget panel on Tuesday approved $215.7 million more for Cal State, adding to Gov. Jerry Browns proposed $92.1 million general fund increase. A Senate budget panel approved a similar increase last week. The extra funding  which went beyond Cal States own request to the Legislature of $171 million  is still subject to final budget negotiations with Brown. But the actions by the Senate and Assembly panels amount to a demand from Democrats that the governor hike higher education spending. Cal State University is the workhorse undergraduate university serving hundreds of thousands of Californians, said Assemblyman Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), who heads the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance. We need more graduates for the California workforce and higher education is the ticket to the middle class. Cal State Chancellor Timothy P. White hailed the actions, but said it was too soon to celebrate. The CSU has a singular focus on helping students earn high-quality degrees sooner, and the entire university community has rallied to reinforce that message to our states lawmakers, he said in a statement. The actions taken thus far by the Assembly and Senate are promising and show that our message is being received, but there is still work to be done. Funding for the University of California was not taken up Tuesday as originally scheduled. McCarty would not comment on sticking points but said he was confident that a resolution would be reached this week. Were looking to provide resources above whats in the governors budget, but negotiations are ongoing, he said in an interview. State per-student funding is not what it once was, leaving both Cal State and the UC in a tough financial squeeze. Both systems raised tuition last year after a six-year freeze on higher costs. For this year, Cal State had asked for funding to enroll an additional 3,621 students, but both the Senate and Assembly panels approved three times that amount. Cal State, the largest public university system in the nation, turned away 32,000 eligible students last year because its campuses werent able to accommodate them. The panels asked that at least $50 million of the extra funding be used to hire more tenure-track faculty to help boost graduation rates. The Assembly panel also approved one-time funding of $5 million to ease hunger on campuses and $14 million for rapid rehousing pilot projects at three campuses, offering needy students rental support and short-term case management. Other items approved include $5 million to support the CSU Long Beach Shark Labs research on sharks and beach safety and $2 million for equal employment opportunity practices. This post has been updated to include comments from Assemblyman Kevin McCarty and Cal State Chancellor Timothy P. White. Facebook

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Faculty members call for USC president to step down: He has lost the moral authority to lead By Matt Hamilton Two hundred USC professors on Tuesday demanded the resignation of university President C. L. Max Nikias, saying he had lost the moral authority to lead in the wake of revelations that a campus gynecologist was kept on staff for decades despite repeated complaints of misconduct. Read More Facebook

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Gun battle, negotiations lasted 15 minutes before Texas school shooter was apprehended, sheriff says By Molly Hennessy-Fiske Minutes after a school shooter opened fire in an art class last week, killing 10 people and wounding 13, including a local police officer, fellow officers returned fire in a protracted gun battle before isolating the suspect, the local sheriff said Monday. Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochesset praised first responders as well as Santa Fe Police Officer John Barnes, who was working as a resource officer at the school the day of the shooting. Their actions, he said, prevented the attack from spreading to other classrooms and potentially claiming additional victims. As officials continue to probe last Fridays shooting at Santa Fe High School, students are worried about returning to the scene of the attack when classes resume next week. Read More Facebook

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6 women sue USC, alleging they were victimized by campus gynecologist By Richard Winton Six women filed civil lawsuits Monday alleging that a longtime gynecologist at the University of Southern California sexually victimized them under the pretext of medical care and that USC failed to address complaints from clinic staff about the doctors behavior. One woman alleged Dr. George Tyndall forced his entire ungloved hand into her vagina during an appointment in 2003 while making vulgar remarks about her genitalia, according to one of the lawsuits. Another woman alleged that Tyndall groped her breasts in a 2008 visit and that later he falsely told her she likely had AIDS. A third woman accused the doctor of grazing his ungloved fingers over her nude body and leering at her during a purported skin exam, the lawsuit states. The wave of litigation comes as USC continues to grapple with the scandal, which legal experts said could prove costly to the university as scores of former patients come forward about their experiences with the gynecologist. Read More Facebook

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Fatalities reported in Texas high school shooting; suspect arrested, officials say By Associated Press Houston-area media citing unnamed law enforcement officials are reporting that there are fatalities following a shooting at a local high school Friday morning. Television station KHOU and the Houston Chronicle are citing unnamed federal, county and police officials following the shooting at Santa Fe High School, which went on lockdown around 8 a.m. The Associated Press has not been able to confirm the reports. The school district has confirmed an unspecified number of injuries but said it wouldnt immediately release further details. Assistant Principal Cris Richardson said a suspect has been arrested and secured. Read More Facebook

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This student followed the new L.A. schools chief on his first-day tour Melissa Barales-Lopez, a senior at Garfield High School followed Supt. Austin Beutner on his first day on the job, as he toured a variety of programs around the Los Angeles Unified School District. Heres what she took from the experience. LAUSD students and staff alike are looking for a personal champion, someone who will address and improve the difficulties afflicting their education.  What LAUSD students need is someone whos willing to listen and learn, someone who can understand the current issues affecting their schools and act to efficiently amend them, someone who can unlock the full potential of LAUSD students and enable them to reach their goals. During the entirety of his first day, superintendent Austin Beutner did indeed demonstrate a willingness to learn. Posing questions to teachers and students, Beutner engaged with the student communities he encountered to gain a better comprehension of the minutiae and nuances that distinguish each school inside an overwhelmingly large district. From inquiries about Grand View Boulevard Elementary Schools dual language program to questions regarding the services of LAUSDs after-school program, Beyond the Bell, Beutner revealed he has a lot to learn about the system. But, Beutner also showcased a willingness to tackle challenges head-on on his first day. Read More Facebook

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USC let a gynecologist continue treating students despite years of misconduct allegations By Matt Hamilton For nearly 30 years, the University of Southern Californias student health clinic had one full-time gynecologist: Dr. George Tyndall. Tall and garrulous with distinctive jet black hair, he treated tens of thousands of female students, many of them teenagers seeing a gynecologist for the first time. Few who lay down on Tyndalls exam table at the Engemann Student Health Center knew that he had been accused repeatedly of misconduct toward young patients. The complaints began in the 1990s, when co-workers alleged he was improperly photographing students genitals. In the years that followed, patients and nursing staff accused him again and again of creepy behavior, including touching women inappropriately during pelvic exams and making sexually suggestive remarks about their bodies. Read More Facebook

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Cal State trustees to discuss Browns latest budget proposal, which they say still falls $171 million short By Joy Resmovits Just how much money does California State University need to serve its students? In recent years, this question has been front and center for the nations largest public university system. Cal States leaders say that to keep their campuses quality from slipping, they need much more money than the state is giving them. This year, theyre also at odds with Gov. Jerry Brown on the question of whether any extra money should come in one-time bursts or be ongoing. Read More Facebook

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On his first day as L.A. schools chief, Beutner plans a day of visits across the district By Howard Blume L.A. Unifieds new superintendent, Austin Beutner, will kick off his first day of work on Tuesday with a choreographed tour of the nations second-largest school district, from the San Fernando Valley to Carson. His day is scheduled to begin at 5:15 a.m. at a school bus depot and end more than 12 hours later at a parent meeting at Garfield High School. Along the way, Beutner is expected to be joined by school district administrators, L.A. Unified board members and the vice president of the union that represents school bus drivers. Though he will be covering a lot of ground, Beutners tour has him skipping Tuesdays school board meeting, when board members are expected to discuss labor negotiations in closed session. Read More Facebook

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Cal State trustees to discuss Browns latest budget proposal, which they say still falls $171 million short By Joy Resmovits Just how much money does California State University need to serve its students? In recent years, this question has been front and center for the nations largest public university system. Cal States leaders say that to keep their campuses quality from slipping, they need much more money than the state is giving them. This year, theyre also at odds with Gov. Jerry Brown on the question of whether any extra money should come in one-time bursts or be ongoing. Read More Facebook

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Why a handful of rich charter school supporters are spending millions to elect Antonio Villaraigosa as governor By Ryan Menezes California voters have seen a barrage of sunny television ads in recent weeks touting former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosas record on finances, crime and education, aired by Families & Teachers for Antonio Villaraigosa for Governor 2018. But the group is, in fact, largely funded by a handful of wealthy charter-school supporters. Together they have spent more than $13 million in less than a month to boost Villaraigosas chances in the June 5 primary  at a time when his fundraising and poll numbers are lagging. Reed Hastings, the founder of Netflix, jump-started the group with a $7-million check, by far the largest donation to support any candidate in the election. Their efforts are part of a broader proxy war among Democrats between teachers unions  longtime stalwarts of the party  and those who argue that the groups have failed low-income and minority schoolchildren. Read More Facebook

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Talking schools with L.A. Unifieds new superintendent By Anna M. Phillips Austin Beutner, who officially starts Tuesday as the new superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, is taking on a famously difficult job at a particularly difficult time. The school board is divided and did not back him unanimously. The nations second-largest school district has deep-seated problems, including declining enrollment, lagging academic achievement and rising pension and healthcare costs that eat away at its budget. The 58-year-old former investment banker and former L.A. Times publisher has years of experience in the financial world but none as an educator. Earlier this week, he sat down with the Times education team to discuss the challenges facing the district, which has about 60,000 employees and 500,000 students in traditional public schools. He did not talk about his plans  saying repeatedly, stay tuned  but he spoke in broad terms about his mindset in approaching the tough decisions ahead. Read More Facebook

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Suspect detained, authorities search campus after reports of armed man at Palmdale high school By James Queally One person has been detained after a report of an armed man at a Palmdale high school sparked a massive law enforcement response Friday morning. The suspect was spotted at 7:05 a.m. on the campus of Highland High School in Palmdale, according to Sheriffs Department spokeswoman Nicole Nishida. The person was detained in a nearby parking lot, according to Nishida, who did not know whether that person was an adult or juvenile. Deputies at the scene are clearing the school methodically, and students will be transported home via school buses once the campus is deemed safe, Nishida said. Read More Facebook

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The education of Bertha Perez: How a UC Merced custodians disenchantment led to a political awakening By Robin Abcarian Its the third day of a three-day strike, and UC Merced custodian Bertha Perez is taking a break from a picket line at the universitys unremarkable entrance, an intersection with stop lights. Photos from other UC campuses this week have shown big crowds of striking service workers  members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees  marching and chanting pro-labor slogans as they try to force the University of California back to the negotiating table. But here, at UC Merced, whose handful of big buildings rise from a flat expanse of farmland, the picket line is tiny, maybe two dozen workers and a few students. Its not a big-city-style show of force. Then again, a union sympathizer is banging relentlessly on a snare drum, so its noisier than youd expect. Read More Facebook

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Ref Rodriguez resigns from teacher credentialing commission By Howard Blume Ref Rodriguez appears during a court appearance. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) Los Angeles school board member Ref Rodriguez has resigned from the states Commission on Teacher Credentialing, which oversees the integrity and quality of Californias teachers. Rodriguez faces felony and misdemeanor charges for political money laundering. Separately, his former employer, a charter school organization, has accused him of improperly authorizing checks to a nonprofit under his control. Rodriguez has denied wrongdoing. Rodriguezs resignation from the state body was effective May 4, days after he cast a crucial vote as part of a narrow majority that voted to authorize contract negotiations with Austin Beutner to become superintendent of the L.A. Unified School District. Beutners first official day on the job is Tuesday. Rodriguez remains in his $125,000-a-year position on the Los Angeles Board of Education. The mission of the state body is to ensure integrity, relevance, and high quality in the preparation, certification, and discipline of Californias teachers. Critics had questioned Rodriguezs continued service on the commission, given that teachers can be suspended from work if they face criminal charges. They also can lose their jobs for lapses in personal behavior, such as excessive drinking, with the potential to affect their performance. Police in Pasadena arrested Rodriguez on a Friday afternoon in March for public drunkenness. He was not charged in the incident and has apologized. The state commission reviews teacher discipline cases and can take action to remove a teachers credential to work in a California classroom. The commission has 15 members. Rodriguezs departure was disclosed in a one-sentence announcement on the agencys website. Facebook

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School board members request for restraining order against blogger is rejected By Priscella Vega An Orange County Superior Court judge on Wednesday denied a school board members petition for a permanent restraining order against a Huntington Beach blogger. Attorney Jeffrey W. Shields filed the petition on behalf of Ocean View School District trustee Gina Clayton-Tarvin, 46, who alleged in court documents that Charles Keeler Johnson, 56, has threatened her on social media and at school board meetings, causing her to fear for my own safety and for that of my immediate family members. Johnson, who goes by Chuck and publishes HBSledgehammer.com, said the trustee tried to stifle his freedom of speech. He also contended that Clayton-Tarvin took his blog posts and Facebook comments too seriously and out of context, saying anyone who is afraid of metaphors has serious issues. Read More Facebook

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Deal with workers averts one-day strike that could have shut down L.A. schools By Howard Blume Los Angeles school district and union officials announced a contract agreement Tuesday night that averted a one-day strike planned for next week. The pact, which runs through June 2020, removes one labor problem from the desk of incoming Supt. Austin Beutner  whose first day on the job would have coincided with the strike. Plenty of other challenges remain. Read More Facebook

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UC labor strike expands with show of support from more unions By Teresa Watanabe Fong Chuu is a registered nurse who has assisted with countless liver transplants, kidney surgeries and gastric bypasses during 34 years at UCLA. Working with her are scrub technicians who sterilize equipment, hand medical instruments to the surgeon and dress patient wounds. They are a team, Chuu says, which is why she walked off her job Tuesday in support of those technicians and other members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299. The 25,000 member AFSCME local, the University of Californias largest employee union, launched a three-day strike Monday. Read More Facebook

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We are humans too: Voices of UCLAs striking custodians, hospital aides and imaging technicians By Joy Resmovits Demonstrators parade in front of Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) This week, thousands of UC employees are staging a three-day strike for better pay and working conditions. On Monday, more than 20,000 custodians, cooks, lab technicians, nurse aides and other members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299 walked off their jobs. By Tuesday, two more unions joined in sympathy strikes. The union and UC reached a bargaining impasse last year. The university has said it wont meet the workers demands. The strikers said they wanted better pay, more equity in the allocation of work, stable healthcare premiums and an end to the universitys use of contract workers. These are their stories. Read More Facebook

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Massive UC workers strike disrupts dining, classes and medical services By Joy Resmovits A massive labor strike across the University of California on Monday forced medical centers to reschedule more than 12,000 surgeries, cancer treatments and appointments, and campuses to cancel some classes and limit dining services. More than 20,000 members of UCs largest employee union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299, walked off their jobs on the first day of a three-day strike. They include custodians, gardeners, cooks, truck drivers, lab technicians and nurse aides. Two altercations involving protesters and people driving near the rallies were reported at UCLA and UC Santa Cruz. At UCLA, police took a man into custody Monday after he drove his vehicle into a crowd, hitting three staff members. They were treated for minor injuries at the scene and released, said Lt. Kevin Kilgore of the UCLA Police Department. Read More Facebook

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Sen. Kamala Harris to skip UC Berkeley commencement in support of striking workers By Teresa Watanabe California Sen. Kamala Harris has canceled plans to deliver UC Berkeleys commencement address this weekend in support of UC workers who are on strike over wages and health benefits. Due to the ongoing labor dispute, Sen. Harris regretfully cannot attend and speak at this years commencement ceremony at UC Berkeley, said a statement from Harris office issued Monday. She wishes the graduates and their families a joyous commencement weekend and success for the future. They are bright young leaders and our country is counting on them. UCs largest employee union, the 25,000-member American Federation of County, State and Municipal Employees Local 3299, launched a three-day strike Monday and had earlier called for a speakers boycott. The union and university reached a bargaining impasse last year and subsequent mediation efforts have failed to produce an agreement. The union is asking for a multiyear contract with a 6% annual pay increase while the university is offering 3% annual increases over four years. UC Berkeley Chancellor Carol Christ will deliver the keynote address instead, the university announced. About 5,800 students are expected to participate in the ceremony Saturday. Facebook

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School mural depicting Trumps bloody, severed head sparks controversy By Gary Warth A Chula Vista school mural that depicts the bloody, severed head of President Trump on a spear sparked a controversy that prompted officials to cover it and issue a response distancing themselves from the work. The statement also said the artist will alter the painting. We understand that there was a mural painted at the event this past weekend that does not align with our schools philosophy of non-violence, read the statement from MAAC Community Charter School director Tommy Ramirez. We have been in communication with the artist  who has agreed to modify the artwork  to better align with the schools philosophy. Read More Facebook

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New blackface incident at Cal Poly prompts calls for state investigation By Kim Christensen Cal Poly San Luis Obispo officials have asked the state attorney generals office to investigate after a new photo of a white student in blackface surfaced on a fraternity groups private Snapchat. I am outraged, Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong said in a video address Friday to the campus. These vile and absolutely unacceptable acts cannot continue. We must not allow these acts to define us as an institution. Armstrong said the latest photo was intended to imitate an incident last month in which a white member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity was photographed at a party wearing blackface. Read More Facebook

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More than 50,000 UC workers set to strike this week but campuses will remain open By Teresa Watanabe More than 50,000 workers across the University of California are set to strike this week, causing potential disruptions to surgery schedules, food preparation and campus maintenance. The systems 10 campuses and five medical centers are to remain open, with classes scheduled as planned. UCs largest employee union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299, plans to begin a three-day strike Monday involving 25,000 workers, including custodians, gardeners, cooks, truck drivers, lab technicians and nurse aides. Read More Facebook

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New L.A. schools chief Beutner pledges to listen, learn and take action By Howard Blume New Los Angeles schools Supt. Austin Beutner proved Wednesday that hes a quick learner even without an education background. Like countless public officials before him, he appeared at an important event  his first speech and news conference  with a photogenic background of students. His message  that he would put those students first  seemed heartfelt if hardly original. Nor was it a huge surprise that he pledged to push cooperatively but unflinchingly to improve the districts academic performance and stabilize its finances. As an introduction, Beutner, a former investment banker who made a fortune on Wall Street, offered little flash, but that was partly the point. Read More Facebook

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In a school lockdown, one student takes stock of the stressful scene At the beginning of lunch one day late last month, Duarte High School, Northview Middle School, and California School of the Arts-San Gabriel Valley were advised by the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department to go into lockdown mode due to police activity in the immediate area. Phalaen Chang, a junior at the California School of the Arts, wrote a series of notes on her iPhone while she sat in a room with her classmates. By the time the lockdown ended an hour later, she wrote, she knew which of her friends would hold open the door for others, be the ones calming others down, be the ones barricading the doors. She knew that all of them have the potential to be such strong people. Read More Facebook

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Tale as old as time: L.A. Unified superintendent pick follows a historical pattern of outside-the-box choices By Joy Resmovits L.A. Unified has long gone back and forth between picking insiders and outsiders to run the nations second largest school district. The choice of Austin Beutner, announced Tuesday, places the district squarely back in the outsider camp  months after a consummate insider, Supt. Michelle King, announced that she had cancer and would not return to the job. Check out this timeline of former L.A. superintendents to see how the school board members have changed their minds, sometimes favoring leaders who come from the world of education and sometimes executives from elsewhere, recruited to shock the system into change. At one point, the district hired someone from the military  retired Navy Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, who served as superintendent from 2006-2008. In hiring Brewer, board members had opted for a non-educator  largely because they sought a fresh thinker, unwedded to the bureaucracy, unafraid to make bold, even unorthodox moves, reads a 2008 Times story. Facebook

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Austin Beutner named superintendent of Los Angeles schools By Howard Blume Austin Beutner, a philanthropist and former investment banker, on Tuesday was named superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, the nations second-largest school system. His selection was the biggest move yet by a Los Angeles school board majority elected with major support from charter school advocates. The decision came after lengthy public testimony, most of it in support of the other remaining finalist, interim Supt. Vivian Ekchian, who is well known within the school system. Beutner, 58, has no background leading a school or school district. Less than 2 years ago, a school board with a very different balance of power named Michelle King, a former teacher who rose through the district throughout her career, to L.A. Unifieds top job. Read More Facebook

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Hearing delay gives both sides more time in Ref Rodriguezs potential trial By Howard Blume Ref Rodriguez and his attorneys will have more time to prepare their defense against charges of political money laundering, a judge ruled Monday. The preliminary hearing in the case had been scheduled to begin May 9, but that date will now be pushed back to July 23 per the ruling from L.A. Superior Court Judge Deborah S. Brazil. Rodriguez, 46, faces three felony charges of conspiracy, perjury and procuring and offering a false or forged instrument, as well as 25 misdemeanor counts related to the alleged campaign money laundering. Read More Facebook

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L.A. school board poised to name Beutner as superintendent By Howard Blume The Los Angeles Board of Education is poised to select philanthropist and former investment banker Austin Beutner to be the next superintendent of the nations second-largest school system. Barring a last-minute development, the only mystery is whether Beutner emerges with four or five votes from the boards seven members. Terms of his contract already have been under discussion, according to sources close to the process who requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak. The selection of Beutner, 58, who has no experience managing a school or a school district, would be a signal that the board majority that took control nearly a year ago wants to rely on business management skills instead of insider educational expertise. Read More Facebook

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Teacher walkouts in Arizona and Colorado continue national debate on money for schools By Michael Livingston Following the lead of teachers who walked off the job in other states in recent weeks, thousands of teachers and their supporters took to the streets in Arizona and Colorado for the second day in a row to demand better pay and more funding for education. Read More Facebook

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Three decades before the #MeToo movement, UC San Diego led the way against sexual assault By Teresa Watanabe When Nancy Wahlig first started her fight against sexual assault, one company was marketing a capsule for women to stash in their bras and then smash to release a vile odor. Because of the very nature of society, the only person who can prevent rape is the woman herself, read a 1981 advertisement for the Repulse rape deterrent. Ideas about how to prevent sexual violence have come a long way since then, and Wahlig has helped lead that evolution on college campuses. In 1988, she started UC San Diegos Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC), the first stand-alone program at the University of California. Today, she remains the systems most senior specialist. Read More Facebook

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Andres Alonso withdraws from consideration for L.A. schools job By Howard Blume Andres Alonso, believed to be one of three remaining finalists to lead the Los Angeles school system, has withdrawn from consideration. The remaining known candidates in the confidential search are former investment banker Austin Beutner and interim Supt. Vivian Ekchian. Alonso, 60, announced his decision on Twitter on Thursday night, saying he had notified the L.A. Unified School District on Monday. The exit of Alonso, the former Baltimore schools chief, seems to solidify the front-runner status of Beutner, who also was a former L.A. Times publisher and a Los Angeles deputy mayor. He held each of those positions for about a year. Read More Facebook

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Heres why the apparent increase in autism spectrum disorders may be good for U.S. children By Karen Kaplan The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among American children continues to rise, new government data suggest. And that may be a good thing. Among 11 sites across the U.S. where records of 8-year-olds are scrutinized in detail, 1 in 59 kids was deemed to have ASD in 2014. Thats up from 1 in 68 in 2012. Normally, health officials would prefer to see less of a disease, not more of it. But in this case, the higher number is probably a sign that more children of color who are on the autism spectrum are being recognized as such and getting services to help them, according to a report published Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read More Facebook

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UC shelves tuition increase for now, in hopes of getting more state funding By Teresa Watanabe University of California regents will not vote on a tuition increase next month, shelving the plan for now in hopes that state lawmakers will come through with more funding. Raising tuition is always a last resort and one we take very seriously, UC President Janet Napolitano said Thursday in a statement. We will continue to advocate with our students who are doing a tremendous job of educating legislators about the necessity of adequately funding the university to ensure UC remains a world-class institution and engine of economic growth for our state. Last week, Cal State Chancellor Timothy P. White said the 23-campus system no longer would consider a plan to raise tuition for the 2018-19 academic year. But unlike Cal State, UC officials have not taken a tuition increase off the table entirely. Read More Facebook

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A chemical spill, unchecked eyewash stations, poor training: Audit details Cal States lax lab safety By Joy Resmovits In May 2016, two bottles tumbled off a poorly supported shelf and broke, leading to a chemical spill in a Sacramento State University lab. The liquid got onto one students legs and soaked anothers feet. Five employees cleaned up the mess, even though no one knew for sure what it was and whether it was dangerous. They called fellow employee Kim Harrington, their union representative, to let her know what happened. Read More Facebook

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After blackface incident, minority students at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo say they dont feel welcome By Hailey Branson-Potts Aaliyah Ramos was walking through the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus last year when a prospective student approached her. Ramos was the only black person, the young woman said, that she and her mother had seen that day. They asked about the quality of education and the diversity of the student body. Ramos, a mechanical engineering student, didnt want to sugarcoat the truth: Cal Poly long has been predominantly white. But she told the young woman  who also was black  that she didnt want to discourage her from applying, because that wouldnt help with diversity at a school where only 0.7% of students are African American  the lowest percentage of any university in the California State system. Read More Facebook

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El Camino Real Charter High School in Woodland Hills wins the 2018 U.S. Academic Decathlon By Carlos Lozano El Camino Real Charter High School in Woodland Hills has won the 2018 U.S. Academic Decathlon, officials said. The winner was announced early Saturday at a ceremony in Frisco, Texas. More than 600 students from the U.S., Canada, China and the United Kingdom gathered there over the last three days to compete in the 37th annual U.S. Academic Decathlon. Congratulations to El Camino Real Charter High School for another impressive victory, said Vivian Ekchian, interim superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Your academic stamina and competitive spirit to win is remarkable. The entire L.A. Unified family is so proud of you. Read More Facebook

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Anticipation mounts as L.A. school board meets over superintendent selection By Howard Blume The Los Angeles Board of Education is reconvening in closed session Friday at noon as anticipation mounts about the choice of the next leader of the nations second-largest school system. The presumed front-runner is former investment banker and philanthropist Austin Beutner, but interim Supt. Vivian Ekchian and former Baltimore Supt. Andres Alonso also are in the running. Most district insiders appear to be rooting for Ekchian, who has spent her entire career in education within the school system. After her 10 years as a teacher, her roles have included head of human resources, chief labor negotiator and regional administrator for campuses in the west San Fernando Valley. Shes managed the district since September, when then-Supt. Michelle King went on medical leave and chose Ekchian to fill in for her. King, who is battling cancer, never returned and announced her retirement in January. Numerous influential civic leaders have urged  and pressured  the board to select Beutner. Also lending their weight have been advocates for charter schools, which are independently operated, growing in number and competing for students with district-operated campuses. Four of the seven board members  enough to control the outcome  were elected with major financial support from charter supporters. Beutner has two ongoing connections with the L.A. Unified School District. The first is his leadership of an outside task force that is making recommendations on how to improve the school system. The second is his charity, Vision to Learn, which supplies glasses to low-income students. The charity and the school system are in a dispute at the moment over who is responsible for delays in providing services to students as part of a $6 million contract, half of which is paid for by L.A. Unified. Unlike Ekchian and Buetner, Alonso, who currently teaches at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, has no deep-seated local constituency, but the prospect of his selection has generated some excitement. While in Baltimore, Alonso was recognized for pushing for progress at low-performing schools, and for being willing to take strong action. While in Baltimore, he also weathered a test-score cheating scandal and occasionally rocky relations with the teachers union. But by the time he resigned, after six years, he and union leaders seemed to be working together without rancor. Leaders of some community groups have split from the pro-Beutner camp. They worry that Beutners approach to confronting the districts financial problems could shut out their voices or involve severe economic cutbacks that would undermine programs that are helping students. Some prefer Ekchian; some Alonso. Theyve been reluctant to speak out publicly because theyll have to work with whoever is selected, but they have tried to get the ear of board members. On Friday morning, one leader of a community group decided to come out in favor of Alonso. L.A. Unified has the opportunity to bring in an instructional leader of color with a history of success, said Alberto Retana, president and chief executive of Community Coalition, which works on behalf of low-income students and families in South Los Angeles. If we have a shot at that, we should go for it  because its in the best interests of our kids and of our community. Retana said his statement was not meant to criticize Beutner or Ekchian but to alert board members that there also is community support for Alonso. Facebook

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Cal State leader shelves proposed tuition hike: Its the right thing to do, but its not without risk By Joy Resmovits Cal State, the nations largest public university system, will no longer consider a plan to raise tuition for the 2018-19 academic year, Chancellor Timothy P. White announced Friday. The decision is a bet that Sacramento will come through in the end. If Cal State loses that bet, it could mean cuts to campus programs. White said in an interview that Californias economy is strong enough that families should not be shouldering the burden of higher college costs. Read More Facebook

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L.A. students to participate in national walkout activities on Friday By Joy Resmovits Students are taking to the streets again Friday to protest gun violence on the 19th anniversary of the Columbine school shooting. Starting at 10 a.m., students at many schools will spend 13 seconds honoring the 13 people  12 students and one teacher  killed on that day in Littleton, Colo. After that, theyll participate in a host of different activities. Within L.A. Unified, one school is having an open-mic event for students to talk about school violence, and lawmakers are visiting campuses to hear students thoughts. According to a central hub for organizing the protests  written by the students of Ridgefield High School in Connecticut  the walkouts are intended to drive the political change necessary to curb school violence. The day is also a time for students to interact on an elevated platform they have never had before, the site states. It is a day of discourse and thoughtful sharing. Bringing together communities and students to get a national discussion rolling. Organizers have suggested using the event to convey the importance of curbing gun violence to legislators. They are encouraging students to push legislation that would ban assault weapons and tighten up rules around who can buy guns and how. Over 2,500 schools nationwide are expected to participate. In L.A., some students  at campuses including Eagle Rock High School, the Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts and Bravo Medical Magnet  plan to walk out. Students from various schools expect to join area marches, including those in Santa Monica and Huntington Park. Other schools are hosting career days and voter registration drives. At 1 p.m., students plan to start a rally in front of L.A. Unified headquarters. For the record: An earlier version of this article stated that 12 teachers and one student were killed in the Columbine shooting. The opposite is true: twelve students and one teacher died. Facebook

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Stabbing of popular student devastates South El Monte High School; teen friend suspected in slaying By Sonali Kohli When administrators at South El Monte High School called Jeremy Sanchezs parents to say he never showed up for class Wednesday, his father began to worry. It was unusual for the 17-year-old junior to miss school, so his father filed a missing persons report and assembled two of Jeremys close friends to look for the popular student-athlete. Their search took them to a scenic stretch of the San Gabriel River Trail, where one of the friends  a 16-year-old boy  made a tragic discovery. Among the bushes in the riverbed near Thienes Avenue and Parkway Drive was Jeremys body, punctured with stab wounds, according to Lt. John Corina of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. Read More Facebook

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Racist fliers spark outrage at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo By Alene Tchekmedyian Soon after Neal MacDougall arrived on the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus Tuesday, the professor noticed university police standing outside a restroom near his office. A racial slur against African Americans had been scrawled in red marker on a stall wall. Later, he discovered a series of racist fliers pinned up next to his door. Someone had also slashed posters hed hung outside his office supporting students in the country illegally. The discovery was the latest controversy on the prestigious campus  which the president said is less than 55% white  that MacDougall said demonstrates a culture of racism at the university. Last week, photographs emerged of white fraternity members, including one in blackface, flashing gang signs. Read More Facebook

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The superintendent waiting game, paying for L.A.'s College Promise, Princetons slave history: Whats new in education By Joy Resmovits Acting LAUSD superintendent Vivian Ekchian is a finalist for the permanent job. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) In and around Los Angeles: The L.A. Unified school board spent 10 hours interviewing and discussing candidates for superintendent. When they adjourned after 10 p.m., they said they would reconvene on Friday. Who is paying for Mayor Eric Garcettis much-touted College Promise, a program that promises two years of community college for LAUSD grads? In California: The Legislature is considering a proposal that would boost K-12 education funding for black students. When the cost of living is taken into account, California has the highest rate of child poverty. Nationwide: The families of two children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School are suing Alex Jones and Infowars for saying the school massacre never occurred. Princeton will name two spaces  an arch and a garden  after slaves who lived or worked on the campus. Facebook

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L.A. school board meets privately with finalists and debates choice for school district leader By Howard Blume The Los Angeles Board of Education adjourned late Tuesday after spending more than 10 hours interviewing candidates and trying to reach a decision on who would be the next leader of the nations second-largest school system. When the meeting finally recessed at 10:11 p.m., a spokesman announced only that the school board would reconvene Friday at noon. Going into the days meetings, there were apparently four finalists, according to sources who could not be named because they were unauthorized to speak. Read More Facebook

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Two Sandy Hook families sue Alex Jones and Infowars for saying the school massacre never happened By David Altimari Families of two children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School have filed lawsuits in Texas against controversial radio host Alex Jones for continually claiming the massacre never happened. Neil Heslin, the father of Jesse Lewis, and Leonard Pozner and Veronique De La Rosa, whose son Noah Pozner died in the massacre, filed separate lawsuits late Monday in Travis County, Texas. The lawsuits allege that Jones defamed the parents by constantly calling them crisis actors and insisting the shooting was a false flag operation; they also claim Jones accusations have led to death threats against the Sandy Hook families by Jones followers. Read More Facebook

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Beutner emerges as a top pick for L.A. schools superintendent amid last-minute jockeying By Howard Blume Austin Beutner has emerged as a leading contender to run the Los Angeles school district, with backers saying he is smart enough and tough enough to confront its financial and academic struggles. Though he does not have a background in education, the former investment banker has in the last year examined some of the districts intractable problems, serving as co-chair of an outside task force with the support of then-Supt. Michelle King. Sources inside and outside the school district said Beutner appears to have more support on the seven-member board than other finalists, and his name could come up for a vote as early as Tuesday. Read More Facebook

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Challenge at Chicago school construction site: Watch for 38,000 unmarked graves By Nereida Moreno A 15-year effort to build a school in Chicagos Dunning neighborhood is underway with an unusual complication: Construction workers are taking careful steps to avoid disturbing human remains that may lie beneath the soil. The $70-million school is to be built on the grounds of a former Cook County Poor House, where an estimated 38,000 people were buried in unmarked graves. Among the dead are residents who were too poor to afford funeral costs, unclaimed bodies and patients from the countys insane asylum. There can be and there have been bodies found all over the place, said Barry Fleig, a genealogist and cemetery researcher who began investigating the site in 1989. Its a spooky, scary place. Read More Facebook

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Oklahoma teacher walkout winds down despite lawmakers failure to meet demands By Washington Post Oklahomas largest teachers union has announced an end to a walkout that has drawn thousands of educators out of classrooms and to the state Capitol demanding greater investment in the states schools, which have endured the nations steepest funding cuts. The announcement Thursday from the Oklahoma Education Assn. does not necessarily end the protests at the Capitol, as teachers not affiliated with the union vowed to stay longer. Instead of a walkout, the union and school districts across the state have said they plan to send delegations of teachers to Oklahoma City to keep the pressure on lawmakers. Teachers and their supporters have also promised to push education issues to the forefront of November elections, when the state chooses a new governor. As school districts begin to reopen, the protests may lose steam. The Legislature is not in session Friday, and observers are waiting to see what happens Monday, when lawmakers return. Read More Facebook

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Most Californians are worried about school shooting threats and oppose arming teachers, survey finds By Joy Resmovits Hamilton High School student Aiyana Dabriel holds a sign during a March 14 walkout in support of the Parkland shooting victims. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Most Californians are worried that a school shooting like the one that occurred in Parkland, Fla., in February could shed blood closer to home, a new survey found. Some 73% percent of adults and 82% of public school parents said they were very concerned or somewhat concerned about school shootings. The Public Policy Institute of California surveyed 1,704 adults in the state by phone just after the March for Our Lives protest against gun violence. Latino and black respondents were significantly more likely to be concerned about school violence than white or Asian respondents, the institute found. Two-thirds of adults and public school parents said they opposed letting more educators carry weapons in school. The response differed across party lines, with 86% of Democrats and 69% of independents voicing their opposition, while 60% percent of Republicans said they would support a measure to arm educators. The poll, which had a margin of error of 3.2% in either direction, also asked Californians about school funding, educational issues in the governors race and the impact of immigration enforcement on students. You can find the full results here. Facebook

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Californias largest virtual charter school network agrees to contract with its teachers By Anna M. Phillips Nearly four years after teachers at Californias largest online charter school voted to unionize, they have reached a deal to increase pay and create job protections, according to a spokesman for the California Teachers Assn. The contract, which is still tentative and subject to ratification, is a victory for the teachers union. Although charter schools are publicly funded, most are privately managed and their employees arent protected by labor contracts. Under the terms of the contract  the result of years of negotiation and legal wrangling  approximately 500 teachers working for California Virtual Academies will no longer be at-will employees who can be dismissed for almost any reason. Their average salary will rise to just over $45,000, according to union estimates, a figure that remains far below the norm for traditional public school teachers. Still, it is an improvement over the previous average of $38,000. The accord also places a limit on the number of students each teacher is responsible for monitoring in online homeroom classes. Were very satisfied with the gains we made, said teacher Brianna Carroll, president of California Virtual Educators United. I think were going to see some extraordinary changes in our schools. According to Carroll, teachers at California Virtual Academies  better known as CAVA  had grown frustrated with the organizations foot-dragging and were making preparations to go on strike when CAVAs leadership agreed to the deal. CAVA and K12, the Virginia-based for-profit company linked to its schools, did not immediately respond to an email Tuesday asking for comment. The network currently operates nine virtual charter schools across California. In 2016, the charter network agreed to pay $8.5 million to settle claims of false advertising, misleading parents and inadequate instruction. The state attorney generals office had also accused K12 of controlling the charters for its own financial benefit. Neither CAVA nor K12 admitted to wrongdoing in the settlement. A year later, the state imposed a $2-million fine on CAVA after an audit found that it had misspent public funds. The network disputed the findings. Facebook

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School board approves a new formula for funding high-need schools By Sonali Kohli L.A. schools will soon get more money if they are located in neighborhoods with such problems as high levels of gun violence and asthma. The Los Angeles Unified school board voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt a new formula to determine how to dole out some funding to schools, based not only on the characteristics of the student populations but on the traumas that affect the communities around campuses. The new formula will be applied to $25 million in funding next fiscal year and about $263 million annually in future years  a small part of the districts $7.5 billion annual budget. Read More Facebook

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Protesters demand Ref Rodriguez resignation outside school board meeting By Sonali Kohli Students, parents, teachers and UTLA marching outside the board meeting chanting "Ref resign" pic.twitter.com/W0LRWZSIXY  Sonali Kohli  (@Sonali_Kohli) April 10, 2018 A few dozen parents, students and teachers marched outside the Los Angeles Unified School Board meeting Tuesday, some calling for board member Ref Rodriguez to resign the week after news broke that he was taken into custody on suspicion of being drunk in public at a Pasadena bar and restaurant. Rodriguez was not cited or charged in that incident, but was held for more than five and a half hours before being released. The school board member faces felony and misdemeanor charges for political money laundering. He is accused of getting more than two dozen people people to donate to his campaign for his school board seat with the understanding that he would reimburse them. He stepped down from his post as school board president after he was charged last fall, but he did not give up his seat on the board. He has pleaded not guilty to three felony counts of conspiracy, perjury, and procuring and offering a false or forged instrument, as well as 25 misdemeanor counts related to the alleged campaign money laundering. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May. He cant give his full focus to our students, said Rebecca LaFond, a Highland Park parent whose three children marched with her as she chanted, Ref resign. One daughter marched in front of her, using a drum stick to hit the bottom of a gallon-size empty water jug. Our kids deserve someone who has the utmost ethical standards representing them, LaFond said. The protests continued into the board meeting, where some addressed Rodriguez directly, calling on him to step down during public comment portions of the meeting. Rodriguez, through his chief of staff, declined to comment. Some parents outside the board meeting did not know about the charges against Rodriguez but came out to protest the possibility of sharing their school campuses with charter schools. Protesters also oppose colocation  not all of the parents are here to ask Ref Rodriguez to step down pic.twitter.com/1Co8zQ9zSi  Sonali Kohli  (@Sonali_Kohli) April 10, 2018 Cynthia Martinez said her son, who goes to Christopher Dena Elementary School in Boyle Heights, has been bullied in the past by students from a charter school sharing the campus. She said she didnt know who Rodriguez was. Some parents and teachers are worried about losing computer labs, robotics rooms and fitness centers if they are required to share their campus with charter schools, said Ilse Escobar, a parent community organizer for United Teachers Los Angeles. The issues of Rodriguez and colocation are related, Escobar said. Rodriguez is part of a majority on the school board elected with financial backing from charter school supporters, and many parents, she said, feel that the school board is compromised if he is a part of it. Staff reporter Howard Blume contributed to this post. Facebook

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Delaine Eastin tries to gain momentum in the California governors race, one voter at a time By Seema Mehta Delaine Eastin was a sophomore in high school when a drama teacher urged her to try out for a part in The Man Who Came to Dinner. She hesitated until he told her: This is a metaphor for your whole life. If you never try out, you will never get the part. Eastin auditioned and won the role. Decades later, the advice sticks with the former state schools chief, this time in her unlikely run for governor. Despite calls for more women in leadership roles in state politics following sexual misconduct allegations in Sacramento, Eastin has been largely overlooked in the race, lagging far behind her Democratic rivals in fundraising and the polls. Read More Facebook

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Arizona high court rejects in-state tuition for DACA recipients By Associated Press Young immigrants granted deferred deportation status under a program started by President Obama are not eligible for lower in-state college tuition, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled Monday. The unanimous ruling will affect at least 2,000 students attending the states largest community college district and hundreds more at other colleges and the states three public universities. The Maricopa County Community Colleges District and state universities said they would begin raising tuition immediately for the coming school year. Read More Facebook

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New York high school students injured when bus strikes overpass By Associated Press A charter bus carrying teenagers returning from a spring break trip Sunday night struck a bridge overpass on Long Island, seriously injuring six passengers and mangling the entire length of the top of the bus. The crash happened shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday on the Southern State Parkway in Lakeview, according to New York State Police. One of the six injured passengers had very serious injuries, said State Police Maj. David Candelaria. Thirty-seven other passengers suffered minor injuries. Read More Facebook

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Some good news for California in national student test scores By Joy Resmovits Every two years, the nations fourth- and eighth-graders are tested in math and reading  and newly released results from last years tests give California at least a little reason to be pleased. The 2017 results  out Monday night  were mostly flat nationwide compared with 2015, though the average score in eighth-grade reading went up. But while that improvement largely came from the increased scores of the highest-performing students, California eighth-graders showed some reading progress from the lowest levels to the highest. Read More Facebook

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Under state control, Inglewood school districts financial picture worsened By Anna M. Phillips When Eugenio Villa agreed to return to the Inglewood schools for a second tour last summer, he knew the district remained one of Californias most troubled. Inglewood Unified had been nearly insolvent when it was taken over by the state Department of Education in 2012. Six years later, its enrollment was still declining. Its school buildings were tired  some edging into decrepitude. Its test scores and graduation rates were still below the state average. And the public was out of patience. Still, Villa, who had signed back on as the districts chief business official, was shocked at what he found when he arrived in June 2017. Two years earlier, he had left the school system on what he thought was firm ground. Read More Facebook

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Charter school group drops two lawsuits against L.A. Unified By Howard Blume A charter schools advocacy group last week announced that it would end two long-running lawsuits in which it was seeking more classroom space and construction money from the Los Angeles school district. The decision, the California Charter Schools Assn. said, reflects better relations between charter schools and the L.A. Unified School District. But the move also suggests that the litigation, which already contributed to significant gains for area charters, was unlikely to produce much more. It takes time, money and effort to litigate, said Ricardo Soto, general counsel for the charter group. Maybe its better to see if we can find the time and opportunity for collaboration. Read More Facebook

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L.A. school board member Ref Rodriguez is arrested on suspicion of public intoxication By Richard Winton Los Angeles school board member Ref Rodriguez was arrested recently on suspicion of being drunk in public at a Pasadena restaurant, the latest trouble for an elected official who faces political money-laundering charges. Pasadena police took Rodriguez into custody on March 16, according to city spokeswoman Lisa Derderian. Officers arrested Rodriguez at about 4:30 p.m. at the Yard House restaurant and bar at the Paseo Mall and held him in jail for more than five-and-a-half hours. Rodriguez was ultimately released without being cited or charged, Derderian told The Times. Other details about the arrest were not available, she said. Read More Facebook

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Kentucky teachers rally at Capitol over state budget By Associated Press Thousands of Kentucky teachers filled the streets near the state Capitol in Frankfort on a cold, overcast Monday to rally for education funding. Teachers and other school employees gathered outside the Kentucky Education Assn. a couple of blocks from the Capitol chanting, Stop the war on public education and holding or posting signs that say, Weve Had Enough. Were madder than hornets, and the hornets are swarming today, said Claudette Green, a retired teacher and principal. Read More Facebook

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Three people were injured and nine were displaced early Thursday when a truck crashed into a downstairs apartment in Anaheim. Police are searching for the driver who fled the scene.

Anaheim police officers responded to a call at about 3:10 a.m. at 3070 E. Frontera St. about a vehicle that had crashed into an apartment.

When officers arrived, they saw a black Nissan Titan wedged deep inside a downstairs apartment.

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It had penetrated deep in the apartment, actually into two bedrooms of the same apartment, literally within inches of people sleeping, said Daron Wyatt, an Anaheim police spokesman.

Two women and one man suffered minor injuries and were taken to a local hospital, Wyatt said. The truck caused significant damage to the apartment building, forcing the unit and upstairs unit to be red-tagged. Nine people, including two children, were displaced.

Wyatt said they are searching for the driver, described only as a Hispanic man in his 20s.

ruben.vives@latimes.com

For more Southern California news, follow @latvives on Twitter.

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Would you like to ride a bike or walk across the 2.1-mile Coronado Bay Bridge and enjoy the views at your own pace?

A report headed for a San Diego Assn. of Governments committee Thursday says the concept  dreamed of even before the bridge opened in 1969  contains no fatal flaws except perhaps this one:

It could cost as much as $210 million and might require bringing back toll charges that ended 15 years ago.

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San Diego County Supervisor Greg Cox, a longtime champion of a bikeway circling San Diego Bay, said the cost was about four times what he originally expected and he will now leave it to others to pursue the idea as money becomes available.

It was really just an opportunity to look at possible alternatives, Cox said. I think, based on the study weve done here, its good, useful information.

As for bringing back the $1-per-car bridge toll, Cox did not endorse a new toll or a specific amount. But he thought any such idea would be a hard sell, especially in Coronado, and that perhaps cyclists and pedestrians should be charged instead just as they are on other bridges around the world.

The San Diego Assn. of Governments Bayshore Bikeway Working Group will meet at 2 p.m. Thursday at the associations downtown office to review the 66-page feasibility report. Since the report will be presented as an information item, no official action can be taken but the group can place an action item on a future agenda.

Funded by a $75,000 county grant, the study was conducted by architectural firm HNTB and outlined three ways to cross the bridge on bike or feet:

Build a tube through the bridges arch supports and include observation decks on the north and south sides. The tube would be 15 feet in diameter with the interior height at 8 feet and the riding/walk surface 10 feet wide.

Locate the tube alongside the top of the bridge piers, just below the riding surface. But the tube would be on only the north or south side, leaving users no chance to experience the opposite view. And the bridge painting and maintenance equipment system would have to be relocated.

Add the tube at the same level as the driving deck. But this might impede the view enjoyed by motorists on the side of the bridge where the tube is located.

Navy and Caltrans officials raised various issues in comment letters, such as blocked passage of Navy ships between two of the central piers in addition to security and safety concerns. Caltrans said 13 agencies would have some say in permits and permission.

Cox, who was in high school when the bridge was being designed in the early 1960s, said the bridge was narrowed as a cost-saving measure, which may explain why pedestrian and bike lanes were never included. Over the years, many people have lobbied to retrofit the bridge to complete a bikeway around the entire bay and Cox persuaded his fellow county supervisors to commission the study.

The tube concept was advanced by retired architect Lew Dominy and the good news, according to the study, is that the bridge can be structurally modified. But as Caltrans said in its comment letter, the bridge will become historic in 2019 and a visual impact analysis is needed to determine whether the original sleek, award-winning look would be diminished.

Another concern was whether the 195-foot clearance could be retained for Navy ships and cargo traffic. One of the passages would not be clear because the tube would have to be lowered 30 feet to meet accessibility standards for the disabled. Cox said the tube could be routed around the affected piers to avoid that problem.

But cost appears to be the biggest impediment.

It is a big number and there are clearly going to be higher priority projects, Cox said. This is not going to cut in front of anybody.

roger.showley@sduniontribune.com

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Arne Duncan, who was secretary of Education under President Obama, has endorsed Kelly Gonez and Nick Melvoin for the Los Angeles Board of Education, giving the candidates a counterpunch against opponents attempting to link them ideologically with the Trump administration.

Like President Trump and his Education secretary, Betsy DeVos, Melvoin and Gonez strongly support privately operated, publicly funded charter schools. But so does Duncan. And so did the administration of President Obama, who also maintained close ties with leaders of teachers unions critical of charters.

The union message to liberal Los Angeles voters has been that Melvoin and Gonez will pursue the Trump education agenda. But the candidates insist the more apt association is with Obama.

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Duncan praised the background of Gonez, a charter school science teacher who worked for about two years during Obamas presidency in the U.S. Department of Education.

As the only Democrat in the race with professional education experience  from the classroom to President Obamas administration  Kelly Gonez is by far the best candidate in the race to fight for California kids, Duncan said in a statement released by a campaign firm working with both candidates.

In praising Melvoin, Duncan referred to the two years the candidate for District 4 spent teaching at an L.A. Unified School District middle school before attending law school and working for charter-friendly education reform groups.

Based on his experience as a teacher, Melvoin testified in two lawsuits: Reed vs. California sought to eliminate the last in, first out seniority system for teacher layoffs; Vergara vs. California attempted to weaken a range of teacher job protections.

Vergara was unsuccessful. In the short term, the Reed outcome prevented mass layoffs at schools staffed mostly by early career teachers. Its had a modest longer-term impact.

Nick Melvoin has shown his commitment to education as a teacher in Watts and a true fighter, even in the courtroom, for kids in this community, Duncan said.

Gonez is running to represent District 6 in the east San Fernando Valley against community and labor organizer Imelda Padilla.

This is a local race that will be decided by local voters based on which candidate understands local issues, Padilla said. Im the only candidate in the runoff who grew up in this district, has worked in the district with our youth for many years during my time as a youth program coordinator, then started my own nonprofit to help youth think about college and career planning.

Both candidates have solid financial backing, Padilla from the teachers union and Gonez even more so from charter school supporters and pro-charter philanthropists. Campaign spending in their race has surpassed $1.79 million.

In a March primary with six candidates, Gonez received 37% of the vote; Padilla 31%.

Melvoin is trying to unseat school board President Steve Zimmer in a district that stretches from West L.A. to the west San Fernando Valley. Spending in the often brutal contest has exceeded $4.7 million, with charter forces behind Melvoin and unions backing Zimmer, who also has support from the local Democratic Party and L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti.

In a primary with four candidates, Zimmer received 47% of the vote; Melvoin 33%.

I am surprised and saddened by this announcement, Zimmer said. It is disappointing that Secretary Duncan would inject himself into this battleground.

Zimmer met periodically with Duncan during the Obama years. The two had some disagreements over policy. Duncan placed a stronger emphasis on standardized testing and using those results as a substantial portion of a teachers evaluation. They both supported federal efforts to improve funding and services to low-income minority students.

I had a strong working relationship with Secretary Duncan, Zimmer said.

United Teachers Los Angeles President Alex Caputo-Pearl said the endorsement simply underscored the ties between Duncan and charter backers, who he said support policies that undermine the public education system.

To read the article in Spanish, click here

howard.blume@latimes.com

@howardblume
Federal agents in San Diego have arrested the attorney general for the Mexican state of Nayarit on charges that he conspired to smuggle heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine into the U.S.

Edgar Veytia, 46, was detained Monday at the U.S. border in San Diego on an indictment handed down by a grand jury in New York, Ralph DeSio, a spokesman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, said Wednesday.

The indictment was filed March 2 in the Eastern District of New York  the same jurisdiction where federal prosecutors have charged Sinaloa cartel commander Joaquin El Chapo Guzman  and a U.S. magistrate judge in Brooklyn unsealed the charging papers on Tuesday.

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As attorney general, Veytia is the top law enforcement official in Nayarit, a state in western Mexico between the cities of Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta.

The indictment accuses Veytia of conspiring to manufacture and distribute illicit drugs and import them into the U.S. from 2013  the year he became attorney general  until February of this year. Court papers refer to Veytia by a range of aliases, including Diablo, Eepp and Lic veytia.

Federal officials did not release additional details about the inquiry except that it involved agents from the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.

Mexican media reported allegations of ties between Veytia and the Jalisco New Generation cartel. In 2011, Veytia was the target of an unsuccessful assassination attempt later linked to those affiliated with the Sinaloa cartel, local media reported.

After his arrest, Veytia appeared before a federal magistrate judge Tuesday and was being held in the Metropolitan Correctional Center in San Diego, according to custody records.

Defense attorney Guadalupe Valencia said he was retained to represent Veytia for removal proceedings to New York, where the criminal case was filed. The removal hearing is scheduled for April 11.

Its a brand-new case, Valencia said. No one has any info other than the indictment.

Roberto Sandoval Castaneda, the governor of Nayarit, issued a statement pledging to uphold public safety. At a news conference, he also announced that Carlos Alberto Rodriguez Valdez would assume the duties of attorney general.

I want to make it very clear to the people of Nayarit, men and women, as your governor, I will personally take care of security, Sandoval Castaneda said. We will not lower our guard; we will remain one of the safest states.

matt.hamilton@latimes.com

Twitter: @MattHjourno

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UPDATES:

8:50 p.m.: This article was updated with additional background information.

This article was originally published at 7 p.m.
An intense search is underway for the body of a missing Northern California woman whose husband confessed to tying a cement block to her corpse, then dumping it in a lake, authorities said.

Search crews have been scouring the waters surrounding Brandy Creek Marina, 14 miles west of Redding, for days, looking for the body of Bridget Marie Jacobs. Her husband directed detectives to the location, according Sgt. Brian Jackson of the Shasta County Sheriffs Office.

On Tuesday, Philip Jacobs was arrested on suspicion of murder after he reportedly told deputies that his wife died during an argument.

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Authorities began to investigate the case March 15, when deputies received a frightening 911 call from the couples home. A woman could be heard screaming before the line was disconnected, Jackson said.

Deputies arrived at the couples home in the 3800 block of Westridge Road in Cottonwood at 11 p.m. When they entered, no one was home, but two dogs were lying on a couch.

Investigators checked phone records and determined the call came from Philip Jacobs cellphone, authorities said. The call was made in the area of Cottonwood, a historic frontier town about 57 miles north of Chico.

Five days later, Bridget Jacobs father reported her missing. Deputies also discovered she missed two days of work.

When deputies went to the couples home again, Philip Jacobs said he made the 911 call during an argument with Bridget Jacobs. He told them his wife had left home with her purse, cellphone and 4-year-old Pomeranian/Yorkshire-mix dog, Abijah, Jackson said.

Detectives with the Sheriffs Offices Major Crimes Unit took over the investigation and began searching the couples neighborhood.

Detectives also searched the couples home and found Bridget Jacobs phone in a safe as well as other items of evidence indicating foul play, sheriffs officials said.

They also discovered Philip Jacobs had driven to Whiskeytown Lake on the night of March 19 with a blue boat in tow, Jackson said.

Throughout the probe into Bridget Jacobs whereabouts, Philip Jacobs maintained that his wife had left their home after the argument on March 15, he said. According to deputies, the couple had marital problems.

On Tuesday however, the case took a new turn.

In an interview with detectives, Philip Jacobs revealed details surrounding his wifes death and explained that he needed to talk about how accidents happen, Jackson said.

He told deputies that Bridget Jacobs fell down a flight of stairs, possibly broke her neck and died during the March 15 argument, the sergeant said.

Philip Jacobs admitted to keeping his wifes body inside the home until March 19, when he placed her in the blue boat and drove to Brandy Creek Marina at Whiskeytown Lake, Jackson said.

Jacobs rowed to an area of the lake and dumped the corpse, which he anchored to a cinder block, and then drove home, Jackson said.

During the interview with detectives, Jacobs showed detectives the area where he dumped his wifes body, but declined to give details, Jackson said.

Bridget Jacobs dog is still missing.

According to Jackson, Philip Jacobs has declined to say to what happened to the dog.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

Twitter: VeronicaRochaLA

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Newport Beach officials failed to adequately review a large proposed development on the coastal Banning Ranch oil field before approving it, the California Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

The unanimous decision, written by Justice Carol A. Corrigan, was another blow for the developers whose project was rejected last year by the California Coastal Commission.

Sam Singer, a spokesman for the companies involved, said the ruling would delay the project by a year or two but would not kill it.

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Newport Banning Ranch is not going away, said Singer, who represents Aera Energy, Cherokee Investment Partners and Brooks Street, a real estate firm.

He called the ruling a dramatic change in how coastal projects will have to be analyzed in the future and defended Newport Beachs review as thorough.

The 401-acre Banning Ranch is one of the largest parcels of undeveloped coastal property in Southern California. Developers want to build hundreds of houses, a hotel and shops on the property, which is now pockmarked by drilling equipment and hundreds of abandoned wells from decades of oil extraction.

The ruling stemmed from a lawsuit by the Banning Ranch Conservancy, a group that wants to buy the property and keep it as open space. An appellate court in Orange County sided with Newport Beach, and the conservancy appealed the decision to the state Supreme Court.

Justices decided Thursday that Newport Beach suppressed information about environmentally sensitive habitat on the property.

Protection of such habitat is a core element of the California Coastal Act, but the citys review did not consider the habitat despite ample evidence of its existence at the site, the court said.

The public was deprived of a full understanding of the environmental issues raised by the Banning Ranch project proposal, Corrigan wrote.

The failure to discuss the legal requirements for dealing with such habitat and the likely impacts the project would have on it was neither insubstantial nor merely technical, the ruling stated.

The omission resulted in inadequate evaluation of project alternatives and mitigation measures, Corrigan wrote.

The public was deprived of a full understanding of the environmental issues raised by the Banning Ranch project proposal.  Justice Carol A. Corrigan, California Supreme Court

John G. McClendon, an attorney for the conservancy, said the ruling returned the law to what it had been before an activist appeals court sided with the developers. He called the decision a huge loss for the project.

McClendon also questioned whether the developers could proceed with a lawsuit they filed against the Coastal Commission, which denied the project a construction permit in September. The case, which is pending in Orange County Superior Court, seeks $490 million in damages.

That lawsuit just evaporated with this ruling, McClendon said. They dont have an approved project so nobody has taken anything from them, and they are back at Square One.

Steve Ray, the conservancys executive director, said he hopes the developers will walk away when they realize how little of the property can be developed. The Coastal Commission staff has said only about 20 acres of the tract is suitable for development.

They got the gut punch from the Coastal Commission. Now they got the right hook from the Supreme Court, Ray said.

Newport Beach City Manager Dave Kiff defended the citys review, noting that the environmental impact report was more than 600 pages and contained a detailed analysis of issues involving wetlands, protected species and critical habitat.

He said the city doesnt know the developers plans at this point, but any future action by the city would be conducted at an open and public meeting with ample opportunities for public participation.

Deborah Sivas, a Stanford University professor of environmental law, said the decision affirmed standing legal doctrine. This court is not stepping out, she said. Its in the mainstream.

Sivas added that the Banning Ranch decision signaled that the Supreme Court is going to be pretty sympathetic in interpreting requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act, the states key environmental law.

Oil companies have long wanted to develop Banning Ranch, which has expansive views of the Pacific Ocean. Part of the land lies within the boundaries of Newport Beach.

In 2012, the city approved the construction of 1,375 homes, a 75-room resort hotel and a retail complex atop the bluff portion of the parcel.

But the proposal ran into roadblocks at the Coastal Commission after the agencys scientists concluded that despite the history of oil production, the land provided valuable and rare wildlife habitat that deserved protection under the Coastal Act.

In response, the development team eliminated hundreds of homes, reduced the footprint of the retail complex and increased the size of a nature preserve that would be open to the public.

Nevertheless, the commission staff continued to argue that the development was far too big and environmentally destructive.

maura.dolan@latimes.com

Twitter: @mauradolan

bettina.boxall@latimes.com

Twitter: @boxall

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5:30 p.m.: This article was updated with additional information.

12:40 p.m.: This article was updated with response from the Banning Ranch Conservancy.

The story was originally published at 10:35 a.m.
A 16-year-old girl who ran away from a group home in Santa Ana on Feb. 14 has been found safe and returned to her family, police said Wednesday.

Esli Samaria Vasquez stayed in contact with her father to let him know she was safe, police said.

She was seen Tuesday outside a liquor store in Anaheim, when she called her father to tell him she could not return home because someone was threatening her.

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An employee of the liquor store confirmed seeing Vasquez arguing with an unknown male outside the store in the 1800 block of West Katella Avenue.

The teenager was located Wednesday.

This is not the first time Vasquez has run away, authorities said.

jeff.landa@latimes.com

Twitter: @JeffLanda

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An actor who once held a starring role in one of the Power Rangers series was sentenced to six years in prison Thursday for killing his roommate with a sword, officials said.

Ricardo Medina, 38, received the sentence two weeks after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the 2015 slaying of Josh Sutter, with whom he shared a home in Green Valley, according to Greg Risling, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County district attorneys office.

Medina was charged with first-degree murder in 2016, one year after the fatal clash with Sutter. Prosecutors have said Medina and Sutter became embroiled in an argument, and Medina grabbed a sword he kept in his room and stabbed his roommate several times after Sutter attempted to break down his door.

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Medina initially claimed that he acted in self-defense.

Aside from one-off appearances on CSI: Miami and ER, Medina was mostly known for portraying the Red Lion Wild Force Ranger in the childrens show Power Rangers Wild Force from 2002 to 2003. He also played the villainous character Deker in Power Rangers Samurai in 2011 and 2012, according to his IMDb.com profile.

Sutter, 36, moved to Los Angeles in 2011 to help his sister, Rachel Kennedy, open a business specializing in the sale of rescued dogs. The home where the stabbing took place was meant to be a haven for the dogs, Kennedy said, and Medina began living there after she hired him to care for the animals.

james.queally@latimes.com

Follow @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California.

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An Encino attorney who was accused last year of making racist threats against Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson now faces a criminal charge for illegally possessing an assault weapon, the city attorneys office said Wednesday.

Wayne Spindler, who frequently appears at City Council meetings, was arrested last year after turning in a public comment card that included drawings of a burning cross, a stick figure hanging from a tree, and a sign labeling Wesson with a racial slur.

Wesson, who is African American, described the card as a threatening reminder of the history of racist attacks on the black community. Spindler said that his drawings were satirical, arguing that images such as the hanging person symbolized the Department of Water and Power lynching Angelenos with high rates.

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Prosecutors in the district attorneys office ultimately declined to file charges against Spindler, saying there wasnt enough evidence to prove his comment card was a threat. But city lawyers obtained a restraining order that barred Spindler from coming near Wessons home, vehicle or city office.

That restraining order also required Spindler to surrender his firearms. Rob Wilcox, a spokesman for City Atty. Mike Feuer, said in a statement that Spindler had turned in three handguns and an AK 47 assault rifle  a weapon that is illegal for unregistered possession in the state of California since 1991.

Spindler was charged with a misdemeanor and is scheduled to be arraigned in April, Wilcox said.

Spindler did not immediately respond to a phone call seeking comment Wednesday afternoon. He filed a federal lawsuit against the city in January alleging that his free speech and other constitutional rights had been violated, calling the arrest and restraining order a bogus attempt as a free speech suppressant.

In that lawsuit, he also said that his guns and all ammo were taken and destroyed by the malicious actions of city officials.

emily.alpert@latimes.com

Twitter: @LATimesEmily
Osmar Epifanio Gonzalez-Gadba left his home in Matagalpa, Nicaragua, last October without saying goodbye to his mother.

Five months later, on Tuesday, she got word that he had died from injuries sustained in a suicide attempt at a Southern California immigration detention center.

Through tears, she told Nicaraguas TN8 news that she hadnt known where her son was until she was told of his death.

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He was going to run an errand in Managua and didnt return, his sister Estela Gonzalez-Gadba told the news outlet.

She told another media outlet in Nicaragua that he had left home without a suitcase or any other belongings.

Gonzalez-Gadba, 32, was found hanging in his cell March 22 by an employee during a routine evening check. After cutting Gonzalez-Gadba down, the employee alerted medical staff at the Adelanto Detention Facility and the inmate was taken to the nearby Victor Valley Global Medical Center.

(At least one media outlet in Nicaragua spelled his name Gonzalez Gadea).

He died after almost a week on life support. His is the first detainee death connected to the facility since December 2015 and he is the fifth detainee to die in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement this fiscal year.

Adelanto is the largest ICE facility in California, with a daily population averaging more than 1,900 detainees, said ICE spokeswoman Virginia Kice.

Kice said Gonzalez-Gadba requested to be placed in segregation but declined to say why or when pending further investigation. ICE facilities have administrative and punitive segregation. According to the agencys detention standards, detainees can be placed in administrative segregation for their safety or the safety of others, for medical reasons or other factors related to security.

Detainees typically request protective custody if they are victims of assault by other detainees, are informants or witnesses, are sexual predators, are victims of alleged intimidation, appear to be in danger or claim to be former law enforcement officers. They can also decline to provide a reason.

Kice said Gonzalez-Gadba had no criminal history.

ICE statistics show that Nicaraguans make up less than half of 1% of all deportations. Last fiscal year, 795 people were deported to Nicaragua, compared with 149,821 who were deported to Mexico. Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador held the second-, third- and fourth-highest removal rates, respectively.

Despite the surge of Central Americans at the U.S. border in recent years, Nicaraguans have migrated in much tinier numbers. The country does have many of the same problems as other Central American countries, including extreme poverty, joblessness, violence and government repression.

But the brutal gangs and drug traffickers that control large swaths of Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico havent permeated Nicaragua. The country is also next to Costa Rica, the most stable Central American nation, and many Nicaraguans have emigrated there for better-paying jobs.

Gonzalez-Gadba was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents Dec. 29, 2016, while attempting to reenter the country. He was just north of the U.S.-Mexican border in the Otay Mesa neighborhood of San Diego. He had previously been deported to Nicaragua in April 2016, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

He made three attempts to enter the U.S. without documents, according to the TN8 report. Before that, he had been self-employed in Nicaragua.

After his death, ICE officials asked Nicaraguan consular representatives for help notifying his family. Reached by phone, a consulate representative declined to provide any information about Gonzalez-Gadba.

But his mother and other family members expressed their gratitude to the government for their help, according to the TN8 story. The news outlet reported that Gonzalez-Gadbas repatriation is in process.

andrea.castillo@latimes.com

@andreamcastillo
An enraged 19-year-old, William Powell holed up in the bowels of the New York City Public Library and pored through every shred of mayhem he could find  declassified military documents, Army field guides, electronic catalogs, insurrectionist pamphlets, survivalist guidebooks.

The material formed the bedrock for The Anarchist Cookbook, a crude though clever how-to book for aspiring terrorists, troublemakers and would-be revolutionaries.

Published as the Vietnam War continued to boil and the Summer of Love faded in the distance, the book became a bestseller and an instant manifesto of dissent in America, as ubiquitous in a college dorm room as a Che Guevara poster or a copy of the Whole Earth Catalog.

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But as the decades passed, Powell came to see the book as a misstep, a vast error in judgment.

Confronted late in life by the makers of the documentary American Anarchist, Powell seemed to buckle at the thought that his book had been tied to Columbine, the Oklahoma City bombing, and a litany of other atrocities.

But if there was blood on his hands, he didnt fully acknowledge it.

I dont know the influence the book may have had on the thinking of the perpetrators of these attacks, but I cannot imagine it was positive.

Long an expatriate, Powell died of a heart attack July 11 during a vacation with his wife, children and grandchildren in Halifax, Canada. His death only became public when it was noted in the closing credits of American Anarchist, which premiered Friday. . His death was also disclosed on a Facebook page devoted to Powells work as a special education teacher in Africa and Asia. He was 66.

The Anarchist Cookbook, which has sold at least 2 million copies  printed, downloaded or otherwise  and remains in publication, was originally a 160-page book that offered a nuts-and-bolts overview of weaponry, sabotage, explosives, booby traps, lethal poisons and drug making. Illustrated with crude drawings, it informed readers how to make TNT and Molotov cocktails, convert shotguns to rocket launchers, destroy bridges, behead someone with piano wire and brew LSD.

The book came with a warning: Not for children or morons.

In a foreword, Powell advised that he hadnt written the book for fringe militant groups of the era like the Weathermen or Minutemen, but for the silent majority in America, those he said needed to learn the tools for survival in an uncertain time. Powell himself was worried about being drafted and was an outspoken critic of the Vietnam War and President Nixon.

This book is for anarchists  those who feel able to discipline themselves  on all subjects (from drugs to weapons to explosives) that are currently illegal or suppressed in this country, he wrote.

Critics brushed the book off both as reckless and pointless; the FBI took note but decided any intervention would only stoke further interest in the book. Activists associated with militant groups branded it a transparent attempt to profit off the discord in America.

Powell said he received death threats and retreated to Vermont. He held only one press conference after the book was published, and it had been interrupted when someone hurled stink bombs toward the author.

In more recent publications, the book appears to have grown shorter and readers on Amazon have complained that it has been heavily edited. One reader said he was gravely disappointed to find out that a recipe for napalm had been cut from the book.

Powell eventually found a more conventional life, returning to college, earning a masters degree in English, becoming a teacher, getting married and raising a family. He also led a nomadic life, teaching special needs children as he roamed the world with his wife and children, traveling from China to Tanzania.

The book itself never made him rich. He conceded years later than the copyright had been held from the start by the books original publisher, Lyle Stuart Inc., and that at best he had made $50,000 off the book.

Powell said he became a Christian and found himself increasingly uncomfortable with the book, which had tailed him like a shadow, sometimes standing in the way of a job or testing a friendship. In the late 1970s, he asked the publisher to take The Anarchist Cookbook out of publication. His request was rejected.

The author did, though, add a cautionary note to would-be buyers on Amazon, condemning his own book as a misguided product of my adolescent anger. He said the book should no longer be in print. He stopped short of urging people not to buy it, though his feelings were clear.

The central idea to the book was that violence is an acceptable means to bring about political change, he wrote. I no longer agree with this.

In 2013 he wrote a first-person story for the Guardian, again expressing remorse for the book and noting that he had more than atoned for it with decades of teaching and public service in the poorest and least developed countries in the world. He concluded that as a teen, he had accepted the notion that violence could be used to prevent violence.

I had fallen for the same irrational pattern of thought that led to U.S. military involvement in both Vietnam and Iraq, he wrote. The irony is not lost on me.

On a Facebook remembrance page, filled with condolences and fond memories from students, fellow teachers and family members, there is no obvious mention of the book that made him noteworthy. There is, though, evidence Powell had carved out a far different reputation in the classroom.

If I have made any difference or had any impact on students lives since I began teaching overseas it is because Bill was the catalyst, wrote Kenny Peavy. He was the first one to take the time to truly see.

steve.marble@latimes.com

twitter.com/stephenmarble
A former nurses aide dubbed the Angel of Death after he admitted killing three dozen hospital patients in Ohio and Kentucky died Thursday, two days after he was attacked and beaten in his prison cell.

Donald Harvey, who was serving multiple life sentences, was found injured in his cell Tuesday afternoon at the state prison in Toledo, officials said. A patrol report said the 64-year-old was beaten when an unnamed person entered his cell.

Harvey pleaded guilty in 1987 to killing 37 people, mostly while he worked as a nurses aide at hospitals in Cincinnati and London, Ky. He later claimed he was responsible for killing 18 others while working at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Cincinnati.

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A relative of one of Harveys victims expressed some regret but also suggested his death might be comeuppance.

Im kind of sad to hear it. But he was involved in about 50 peoples deaths, and I guess maybe the good Lord gave him what he deserved, said Larry Bellamy, of Louisville, Ky., whose father-in-law is believed to be Harveys second victim.

Hamilton County, Ohio, Prosecutor Joe Deters, who was an assistant on the case decades ago, said Harvey caused a great deal of pain.

It may sound harsh, but the reality is that I do not have any compassion for Donald Harvey, Deters said.

Harvey told his former attorney the killings began in 1970 when was at Marymount Hospital in Kentucky.

Many of his victims were chronically ill patients and he claimed he was trying to end their suffering.

Harvey used arsenic and cyanide to poison most of his victims, often putting it in the hospital food he served them, prosecutors said. Some of the patients were suffocated when he let their oxygen tanks run out.

Twenty-one of the people Harvey killed were patients at the former Drake Memorial Hospital in Cincinnati, where he worked as a nurses assistant.

He was caught after a medical examiner smelled cyanide while performing an autopsy on a victim.

Harvey told a newspaper after he pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty that he liked the control of determining who lived and died.

Former Hamilton County prosecutor Arthur Ney Jr., who prosecuted the cases in Cincinnati, said Harvey was not a mercy killer.

He killed because he liked to kill, Ney said.

ALSO

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Spacewalking astronauts lose a piece of shield needed for International Space Station
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper signed a bill Thursday repealing the states contentious law that limited transgender bathroom access, shortly after both houses of the General Assembly voted to approve it.

The repeal bill was the result of a compromise between Cooper and Republican legislative leaders after a bitter yearlong standoff over lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights that involved boycotts by artists and sports leagues, resulting in severe economic losses.

We are a welcoming state. Our people are welcoming. HB 2 was not, Cooper said in a statement, referring to the so-called bathroom bill. This law Im signing today is not just about North Carolinas reputation  or jobs and sports. Its about working to end discrimination.

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Todays law not only provides for LGBT protections, but opens the door for more, he said. Now, transgender kids arent subject to a horrible requirement and embarrassment that could put them in even more danger of being bullied or preyed on.

The new bill had drawn sharp criticism from some lawmakers, while others indicated that it was a solid compromise that would bring back sporting events and create jobs.

If youre a transgender individual, this bill is better than HB 2, said Rep. Darren Jackson, a Democrat.

Opponents said the move amounted to selling out to the NCAA, which a week ago indicated North Carolina would not be considered as a host for championships through 2022 absent any change of the law. Its unclear whether the repeal will affect the associations stance.

Cooper said in a statement Wednesday that the bill is not a perfect deal, but it repeals the controversial law and begins to repair our reputation.

The bill passed the Senate in a vote of 32 to 16, and later passed the House, 70 to 48.

The new law blocks local jurisdictions from approving nondiscrimination laws until Dec. 1, 2020, and requires state lawmakers to be involved in multiple-occupancy bathroom regulations.

Both conservative and liberal community groups criticized the new legislation.

Today, the leaders of our state have let the people of North Carolina down, Tami Fitzgerald, executive director of the conservative NC Values Coalition, said in a statement. The truth remains, no basketball game, corporation, or entertainment event is worth even one little girl losing her privacy and dignity to a boy in the locker room, or being harmed or frightened in a bathroom.

Gay rights advocates said the change fell short of protecting the LGBT community. Some called it a backroom deal made to avoid losing out on bids for NCAA championship games.

This bill does nothing to repeal HB 2, Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said in a statement. Instead, it institutes a statewide prohibition on equality by banning non-discrimination protections across North Carolina and fuels the flames of anti-transgender hate.

The standoff over LGBT rights began early last year when Charlotte, the states largest city, approved an ordinance that expanded nondiscrimination protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity and allowed people to choose restrooms according to the gender with which they identify.

In response, Republicans rushed through HB 2, a state law ordering schools and public agencies to require multiple-occupancy restrooms to be used by people based on the sex listed on their birth certificate.

Sports leagues, musicians and corporations refused to host events in North Carolina, staining the states reputation.

Charlotte officials estimated the city lost nearly $100 million when the NBA moved its 2017 All-Star Game to New Orleans.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

ALSO

Newport Beach improperly approved Banning Ranch project, state Supreme Court rules

Putin: Read my lips, there was no Russian meddling in U.S. vote

Spacewalking astronauts lose a piece of shield needed for International Space Station

UPDATES:

2:55 p.m.: This article was updated to include the governor signing the bill to repeal the so-called bathroom bill and add comments from lawmakers and activists.

11:40 a.m.: This article was updated to include vote counts by state lawmakers.

10:44 a.m.: This article was updated with news that that state lawmakers voted to approve the repeal.

10:05 a.m.: This article was updated throughout with staff reporting.

This article was originally published at 8:50 a.m.
Twelve people were killed and three others injured Wednesday when a van carrying 14 church members collided with a pickup on a two-lane Texas highway, authorities said.

The group of senior citizens from First Baptist Church of New Braunfels, Texas, was returning from a retreat when the crash occurred, a church statement said.

The vehicles collided about 12:30 p.m. on U.S. 83 outside Garner State Park in northern Uvalde County, said Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Conrad Hein. The area is about 75 miles west of San Antonio.

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It wasnt immediately clear whether the lone person in the pickup was among the victims killed or how many of the church members were among the dead, Hein said. The cause of the crash hasnt been determined, he said.

Photos and video of the scene showed heavy damage to the front drivers sides of the small white church van and the pickup. The vehicles appeared to have collided on those sides of the vehicles.

The back of the van was up on a guardrail and debris was scattered onto the grass below.

Church officials said in a statement on the First Baptist website that the members were returning from a three-day retreat at the Alto Frio Baptist Encampment in Leakey, about nine miles north of where the crash happened.

Church officials were ministering to family members to help them deal with this tragedy, according to the statement. Counselors also were scheduled to be available at the church Thursday.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and his wife, Cecilia, offered their condolences.

We are saddened by the loss of life and our hearts go out to all those affected, their statement said. We thank the first responders working on the scene in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy, and ask that all Texans join us in offering their thoughts and prayers.

ALSO

Dreamer threatened with deportation in Seattle is released after weeks of detention

Arrest warrant issued for Florida woman who allegedly threatened parent of Sandy Hook victim

California isnt waiting on Trump  Gov. Brown wants $5.2 billion a year in new taxes and fees to fix roads
Good morning and welcome to the Essential California newsletter! Its Thursday, March 30, and heres whats happening across California:

TOP STORIES

California vs. two antiabortion activists

Two antiabortion activists were charged this week with felony invasion of privacy. The case, which was brought by Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra, appears to be on solid ground, according to several legal experts. They also said they knew of few criminal prosecutions like the kind Becerra has filed. Los Angeles Times

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Ex-deputy treasurer charged

The former deputy treasurer of Compton has been charged with stealing $3.7 million from the city over more than six years. Salvador Galvan, 47, of La Mirada, was arrested in December of last year and had worked for the Compton treasurers office since 1994. Los Angeles Times

Farmworkers union underpaid its own employees

A Monterey Superior Court judge ruled earlier this week that the United Farm Workers America failed to pay two dozen of its organizers for some of the hours they worked, including overtime and meal periods, for more than four years. Remember, this is the union thats supposed to be protecting farmworkers from wage abuse. Los Angeles Times

L.A. STORIES

Earthquake retrofit passes: The Santa Monica City Council has passed the nations most extensive seismic retrofitting effort, which will require safety improvements to as many as 2,000 buildings suspected to be vulnerable in an earthquake. Los Angeles Times

Stephen and the Jews: Trump advisor Stephen Miller is a son of Santa Monica, and his support for Trumps controversial immigration policies has divided his childhood synagogue where he learned Hebrew and Judaism. Hollywood Reporter

Oil refinery controversy: The Torrance City Council is being called spineless for not taking a tougher stand on a troubled local oil refinery. On Wednesday, the council chose not to endorse a plan to phase out use of hydrofluoric acid. Daily Breeze

IMMIGRATION AND THE BORDER

Wrong side of the border: In Tijuana, people like Jose Mares who have recently been deported are trapped in purgatory. LA Weekly

Who may build the wall? A number of Bay Area businesses have thrown their hats in the ring to build Trumps border wall. The owners of these businesses may not agree with the policy, but they dont want to miss out on the payday. San Francisco Chronicle

Sanctuary city popularity: A new poll finds that so-called sanctuary cities arent as popular in California as one might expect. Sacramento Bee

POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT

Money for the roads: Gov. Jerry Brown and Democratic legislative leaders announced a $5.2-billion road-funding package that raises gas taxes and user fees on motorists. This proposal will probably involve a major political struggle to pass it in the Legislature. Los Angeles Times

The rebellion speaks: How do Californians see themselves and their state in this strange and dangerous historical moment? One writer speaks to people around the state in an effort to answer that question. The Nation

New lieutenant governor candidate: Los Angeles physician Asif Mahmood, a Democrat and supporter of a Medicare for all national healthcare plan, has announced hell run for California lieutenant governor. Los Angeles Times

More time to get tenure: A new assembly bill would give teachers more years to prove they deserve tenure. Associated Press

Fight over retirement payments: California and Congress are heading for another confrontation. This time its about a program that would create a state-sponsored individual retirement accounts program. Bloomberg

CRIME AND COURTS

Official arrested: Federal agents in San Diego have arrested the attorney general for the Mexican state of Nayarit on charges that he conspired to smuggle heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine into the U.S. Los Angeles Times

Death penalty sought: The state will seek the death penalty against Scott Dekraai, who killed eight in a Seal Beach rampage in 2011. Los Angeles Times

Police confrontation examined: After a confrontation with Sacramento police, a man was left with severe brain damage. Hes currently not under arrest but could end up being charged with obstructing an officer. Sacramento Bee

Fossil footprints stolen: A set of ancient fossil footprints has been stolen from Death Valley National Park. Associated Press

CALIFORNIA CULTURE

New zoo resident: The Sacramento Zoo is asking guests to please be quiet, because its newest resident  a 4-year-old Sumatran tiger  is still settling in. Sacramento Bee

That dang line: Disneyland is still searching for a way to reduce the thing that people hate the most about the park: the lines. Orange County Register

Its a bird, its a plane, its a UFO? For whatever reason, California leads the nation in the number of UFO sightings recorded each year. The state has had more than 12,000 reported sightings of unidentified flying objects. Los Angeles Times

Make a reservation: A Breaking Bad pop-up restaurant has opened in downtown Los Angeles. ABC7

What wed lose: If the National Endowment for the Arts funding disappeared, events like the free summer shows at California Plaza, which are called Grand Performances, would likely disappear too. Los Angeles Times

CALIFORNIA ALMANAC

San Diego and Los Angeles area: sunny Thursday and Friday. San Francisco area: cloudy Thursday, sunny Friday. Sacramento: sunny Thursday, cloudy Friday. More weather is here.

AND FINALLY

Todays California memory comes from Derek Humphry:

When I immigrated from England to California in 1978, I bought a little house on 18th Street in Santa Monica. As we were unpacking, neighbors kept coming up to us with pies  meat, apple, fruit. Soon our fridge was bursting. I was pleased but puzzled. After making some inquiries, I learned that this was an old American custom, providing food for a new arrival at a disturbing time when it is difficult to cook. It helped that this was a tight-knit community  nearly everybody on 18th Street had worked at the Douglas aircraft plant at Santa Monica Airport at the end of the road.

If you have a memory or story about the Golden State, share it with us. Send us an email to let us know what you love or fondly remember about our state. (Please keep your story to 100 words.)

Please let us know what we can do to make this newsletter more useful to you. Send comments, complaints and ideas to Benjamin Oreskes and Shelby Grad. Also follow them on Twitter @boreskes and @shelbygrad.
The U.S. Senate is gearing up for one of the biggest investigations in years. Im Davan Maharaj, editor-in-chief of the Los Angeles Times. Here are some story lines I dont want you to miss today.

TOP STORIES

Will the Senate Get to the Bottom of Russiagate?

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With the House investigation stalled and the FBIs wall of relative silence, the Senate Intelligence Committee will take the spotlight today when it holds its first public hearing in its probe of Russian election meddling and any potential ties to Donald Trumps campaign. Avoiding the Houses partisanship, at least for now, senators have vowed to take the high road to go wherever the intelligence leads us, as Chairman Richard Burr said, with ranking Democrat Mark Warner at his side.

In a Trade Fight With Trump, Mexico Has a Corn Bargaining Chip

In Iowa, where the tall corn grows, farmers are looking on with concern as President Trump threatens Mexico with drastic changes on trade. Iowa exported about 75% of its corn to south of the border last year, but Mexican leaders are weighing a boycott of U.S. corn, considering Argentina and Brazil as suppliers and talking of becoming self-sufficient in the long run.

More Politics

-- A federal judge in Hawaii has extended his order blocking Trumps revised travel ban.

-- GOP lawmakers in North Carolina say they have a deal with the Democratic governor to resolve a standoff over the states bathroom bill.

-- Ivanka Trump is taking on a more formal White House role with a title but not a paycheck. The move is meant to quell ethics concerns.

-- Seattle has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its threat to cut off funds to so-called sanctuary cities.

Islamic State or Not? Check the List

Thousands of civilians are still fleeing Mosul as Iraqi forces try to retake the city from Islamic State. That poses some extreme vetting challenges. Before being allowed to enter a camp for displaced people, men must turn in their IDs, which are checked against a spreadsheet containing names of more than 40,000 Islamic State suspects. Sometimes unreliable informants come into play, as do tensions between the fleeing Sunnis and the mostly Shiite government.

Men fleeing Mosul get their ID cards back after they are screened and cleared of being Islamic State militants. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

No Need to Wait for Trump to Fix Californias Roads, but ...

Are you willing to pay 12 cents a gallon more for gas and a new yearly vehicle fee to fix Californias roads and increase mass transit? Thats what Gov. Jerry Brown and other Democrats are proposing, and theyre not waiting to find out how much President Trumps infrastructure plans might give the state. But with many Republicans in opposition, its not clear if theyll get the two-thirds vote needed in both houses of the Legislature to proceed.

How Did That Civil Servant Get the Fancy Wheels?

At Compton City Hall, workers said they noticed one colleague always had the newest cellphone, paid for office parties and drove a black Audi sedan. How did Salvador Galvan, a former deputy city treasurer, do it? Prosecutors allege he skimmed more than $3.7 million over the last six years off parking tickets, trash bills and other municipal fees.

CALIFORNIA

-- Pomona leaders are wrestling with a homelessness dilemma: Enforce or assist?

-- Federal agents in San Diego have arrested the attorney general for the Mexican state of Nayarit on charges that he conspired to smuggle drugs into the U.S.

-- The Santa Monica City Council has approved the nations most extensive seismic retrofitting effort, which will require safety improvements to as many as 2,000 buildings.

-- Legal experts say the states prosecution of two antiabortion activists on felony charges of invasion of privacy appears to be on solid ground, but it will test some limits.

HOLLYWOOD AND THE ARTS

-- Cheech Marin, a singular Renaissance man, talks about comedy, pottery, pot, art and his new memoir.

-- Absinthe, the naughty circus from Las Vegas, is now at L.A. Live. Its a bit like Cirque du Soleil on Red Bull and vodka.

-- The Classic West rock festival has announced its lineup and ticket prices (and no, theyre not exactly cheap).

-- Frank Gehrys archives are headed to the Getty.

CLASSIC HOLLYWOOD

Shall we dance? The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The King and I opened on Broadway this week in 1951. Five years later, the lavish film version came out. Yul Brynner would win a Tony and an Oscar for playing the King of Siam.

NATION-WORLD

-- A longtime State Department employee was charged with lying about her contacts with Chinese businessmen who allegedly paid to receive inside economic policy information.

-- Now that the clock is running on Brexit, heres what you need to know.

-- A federal judge ordered the release of a Seattle man who is thought to be the first Dreamer swept up in the Trump administration crackdown on immigration violators.

-- In Mumbai, university students from African countries have been advised to stay indoors after attacks by roving Indian mobs.

-- Interviewed in jail, Philippine Sen. Leila De Lima remains defiant and critical of President Rodrigo Duterte, a man who once suggested that she just hang herself.

-- What gives the kingsnake the edge in snake-to-snake combat?

BUSINESS

-- SpaceX hopes to hit a milestone today by launching a recycled rocket. Can it cut the turnaround to a couple of days?

-- Gender-neutral figures, a mermaid and a T. rex are among the new emoji coming soon.

SPORTS

-- After the Rams, Chargers and Raiders, what is the NFLs next move?

-- While the Dodgers roster is nearly set, the Angels are still examining their options heading into todays Freeway Series.

OPINION

-- Felony charges for the duo behind the Planned Parenthood sting videos are a disturbing overreach.

-- How news outlets smear black victims of crime.

WHAT OUR EDITORS ARE READING

-- Black women at work, white men apologizing (or not). (The Atlantic)

-- The complicated narrative around the Charging Bull and The Fearless Girl statues on Wall Street. (Artnet)

-- Ideas for living a meaningful life beyond work. (Science of Us)

ONLY IN CALIFORNIA

State bird? The California quail. State gemstone? Benitoite. State dinosaur? If Assemblyman Richard Bloom of Santa Monica has his way, it will be Augustynolophus morissi  a duck-billed dinosaur from 66 million years ago. The dino already has its own Twitter feed too: Vote for me!!! Ive been starved for recognition eons!! Remind you of anyone?

Please send comments and ideas to Davan Maharaj.

If you like this newsletter, please share it with friends.
Theres no question that anti-abortion activist David Daleiden surreptitiously recorded healthcare and biomedical services employees across the state of California with the intent of discrediting the healthcare provider, Planned Parenthood  something his heavily edited videos failed to do. Theres also no question that its against state law to record confidential conversations without the consent of all the parties involved.

But that doesnt mean that California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra should have charged Daleiden and his co-conspirator, Susan Merritt, with 15 felony counts  one for each of the 14 people recorded, and a 15th for conspiracy. Its disturbingly aggressive for Becerra to apply this criminal statute to people who were trying to influence a contested issue of public policy, regardless of how sound or popular that policy may be. Planned Parenthood and biomedical company StemExpress, which was also featured in the videos, have another remedy for the harm that was done to them: They can sue Daleiden and Merritt for damages. The state doesnt need to threaten the pair with prison time.

The videos  recorded in California and elsewhere  were published online nearly two years ago by Daleidens organization, the Center for Medical Progress. They caused an uproar, energizing anti-abortion activists and prompting threats against abortion providers. Officials of Planned Parenthood, whose staff members were seen on some of the recordings, denied any wrongdoing and were outraged that the tapes appeared edited to make it sound as if they were selling fetal tissue.

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Its disturbingly aggressive for Becerra to apply this criminal statute to people who were trying to influence a contested issue of public policy.

Daleiden describes the effort as journalism, although his methods were decidedly not those employed by respectable reporters. He and Merritt allegedly concocted fake identities and business records to dupe Planned Parenthood officials into taking the pair into their confidence, and misrepresented themselves throughout. Nevertheless, as misguided as they were, their aim was to change peoples views on important and controversial issues  abortion and fetal tissue research.

In similar cases, we have denounced moves to criminalize such behavior, especially in the case of animal welfare investigators who have gone undercover at slaughterhouses and other agricultural businesses to secretly record horrific and illegal abuses of animals. That work, too, is aimed at revealing wrongdoing and changing public policy.

Thats why the state law forbidding recording of conversations should be applied narrowly, and to clear and egregious violations of privacy where the motive is personal gain.

In this case, we dont believe the videos revealed any wrongdoing on the part of Planned Parenthood. Nothing in the activists recordings proved that anyone was trafficking in fetal tissue. Nor is there any public policy that needs to be changed. A womans right to an abortion is well established, even if some like Daleiden continue to wish it away. And important research into the science of numerous illnesses and diseases is done with stem cells obtained from fetal tissue. The public policy in the U.S. on the use of this tissue is sound. Fetal tissue may not be sold or bought.

Still, the online posting of the edited tapes triggered more than a dozen different state investigations  all of which ultimately found Planned Parenthood not guilty of any wrongdoing  and several now concluded congressional investigations into whether fetal tissue was being sold. Even without evidence of wrongdoing, the tapes and the subsequent investigations have had an unfortunate chilling effect on the use of fetal tissue for groundbreaking scientific research.

There are avenues in civil courts for officials of Planned Parenthood and the biomedical service providers to strike back. And, in fact, Planned Parenthood has filed a lawsuit in federal court accusing Daleiden and his organization of fraud, breach of contract, and several other offenses.

But Becerras attempt to take this to the level of a criminal felony is misplaced here.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook
On St. Patricks Day, Maryland white supremacist James Harris Jackson drove to New York City for the express purpose of killing black men, authorities say. After wandering around the city for a few days, he did just that, approaching Timothy Caughman, a 66-year-old African American, and repeatedly stabbing him in the chest with a 26-inch katana sword, according to police reports. As revelations about Jacksons motives broke, two major New York outlets chose not to dig into the past of the 28-year-old suspect, but to smear the victim.

[Caughman] has 11 prior arrests, including for marijuana, assault, resisting arrest and menacing, the New York Daily News reported of the victim, after describing the assailant as dapper.

Caughman, who has 11 prior arrests, walked for about a block after the stabbing and staggered into the Midtown South Precinct, looking for help, the New York Post said. Police sources said the career criminal was refusing to talk to police about the incident and acting combative before his death.

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Career criminal  this is how the seventh-largest paper in the U.S. saw fit to describe a hate crime victim mere hours after his slaying. The Daily News also bizarrely brought up the 2014 killing of NYPD police Officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos in an attack attributed to Baltimore resident Ismaaiyl Brinsley, an African American. The implication being that these two crimes were, somehow, related.

Police often will provide the criminal history of those theyve been accused of killing, while the officer in question hides snugly behind anonymity.

Social media was understandably outraged. This innocent Black man was randomly killed by a white supremacist terrorist, and the NY Daily News chose to mention the VICTIMS record, Tariq Nasheed tweeted. Even Daily News columnist Shaun King would go on to condemn his employer, writing: I am utterly disgusted to see stories here in the Daily News reporting the criminal history of 66-year-old Timothy Caughman.

But the damage was already done, and such treatment of black victims is far from uncommon.

In the case of Trayvon Martin, the 17-year-old shot to death in 2012 by a neighborhood watch volunteer, Fox News criticized the victims clothing choices, while the Miami Herald felt the need to dredge through his school suspension records.

A now-infamous New York Times profile of Michael Brown, the unarmed teenager killed by a police officer in Ferguson, Mo., insisted the victim was no angel, despite no one ever having suggested he was.

When the LAPD shot and killed homeless man Charly Africa Keunang on skid row, this newspaper brought up the victims prior bad behavior and published his mugshot on its website.

The day after Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke was charged with first-degree murder for the 2014 killing of Laquan McDonald, CNN said on Twitter that the victim had led a turbulent life and noted that the teen had been abused.

Just one more example: After Otis Byrd was found hanging from a tree in Mississippi in what some feared was a lynching, CNN noted that hed been convicted of murder 35 years previously. His death later was ruled a suicide.

The inverse is also true: White terrorists or mass shooters are reflexively humanized and shown in shades of gray. Dylann Roof, convicted of fatally shooting nine church goers in South Carolina, was said to have drifted off track. He was called a quiet loner who was simply caught in internet evil.

One major problem, especially in the case of police shootings, is that theres an information imbalance in the victims disfavor: His identity is known, while the police officers is sealed. This encourages the media  absent any solid information about the case  to dig into the victims past. How else can reporters fill their column inches? The police often will provide the criminal history of those theyve been accused of killing, while the officer in question hides snugly behind anonymity.

Police departments, moreover, often have millions of dollars at their disposal for public relations, while the families of those killed do not. Law enforcement also has existing relationships with local media, while, again, the families of those who have been killed have no such advantage.

Yet another factor is the undeniable undercurrent of racial bias, both conscious and subconscious. Newsrooms remain overwhelmingly white  roughly 83%  which means those who are responsible for making quick judgment calls about editorial priorities and headlines may fall back on lazy, racist assumptions.

Its darkly fitting that media coverage is one reason why Jackson, who stands accused of such a heinous crime, chose New York over his native Maryland: Jackson told police that he picked New York, CNN reported, because it is the media capital of the world and he wanted to make a statement. As it turned out, New York media provided him better coverage than he probably expected.

Adam H. Johnson is a media analyst for Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook
Its been almost exactly six years since the opposition to the Keystone XL pipeline went national, with climate scientists and environmental activists joining Native Americans and Nebraska ranchers whod begun the battle against transporting tar sands from Alberta, Canada, to the Texas Gulf Coast. The fight tipped into victory in late 2015 when President Obama and his State Department rejected the pipeline on the grounds it didnt advance U.S. interests. Last week, President Trump reversed that decision. It was his most specific climate move so far, though the executive order issued this week  essentially an attempt to end government action on climate change  will doubtless yield more such rulings down the road.

In between pretending to drive a big truck and losing on healthcare, Trump, signed a permit Friday giving TransCanada Corp. the right to cross the American border with its pipe. As he showed off the order (against the now-familiar backdrop of many white guys in ties), he turned to the companys CEO and said, When does construction start?

The answer is, no time soon.

The immediate problem for Trump and TransCanada is that theres no approved route for the pipeline through Nebraska, where organizers and citizens are hunkering down again for spirited resistance. Dozens of landowners along the route are refusing to let their land be taken, and the states public utility commission hasnt granted a permit.

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The deeper problem is that an awful lot has changed over the six years since Keystone became a national cause.

[Trump] loves Keystone for the same reason he loves that truck he sat in: Its big and made of shiny steel.

For one, the price of oil has fallen by more than half. Combined with activists throwing up one protest and legal challenge after another against other pipeline plans in the U.S. and Canada, the cost of oil has sent investors scurrying away from the Alberta tar sands. The once-confident plans to quadruple production in those oil fields have vanished, as new projects have been scuttled. Earlier this year Exxon wrote off its huge tar sands reserves, conceding they cant be profitably developed.

And even deeper forces are at play:

For starters, the price of a solar panel has plummeted over those six years, falling by more than half. When people went to jail in 2011 to block the Keystone pipeline, electric cars were obscure playthings of the rich. This fall, the Tesla Model 3, price tag $35,000, is scheduled to roll off Fremont assembly lines, with hundreds of thousands already sold. Norway has announced that its citizens wont be able to even buy an internal combustion vehicle there in a few years time.

More crucially, the world set a new heat record in 2014, which was smashed in 2015 and smashed again in 2016. Last summer saw the highest reliably recorded temperature ever measured on our planet, 129.2 degrees (Death Valley at its hottest), reported in a big city in Kuwait. In late 2015, the planets nations signed an accord in Paris promising to try to hold temperature increases on our Earth to 1.5 degrees Celsius. With Arctic sea ice diminishing to an all-time low this month, were clearly near the breaking point for the planet weve known.

In a rational world, the evidence for global warming would have us running as fast as we can from projects like Keystone. The pipelines economic rationale rests on its functioning for decades to come  it locks us into at least 50 more years of taking oil out of the tar sands and refining it into gasoline, slowing down the pace at which wed install the renewable energy on which our future as a planet (and as an economic power) depends. The only reason  the only reason  for building Keystone XL or for ending other Obama-era climate rules is to help the fossil fuel industry. But since that industry owns the GOP, the Trump administration will do its bidding  he is, after all, the president who once announced that climate change was a Chinese hoax and hired Exxons CEO to run his State Department.

Trump is doing his best to increase not just the supply but the demand for oil. He said in Detroit earlier this month that he wanted to gut new mileage standards mandated in the Obama years, and it seems likely hell try to force a showdown over the exemption that lets California set its own emissions rules. If so, hell be doing his best not just to break the electric car industry but also to return the Golden State to its brownish, smoggy past.

In fact, everything about Trumps energy policy involves a return to olden days. He rhapsodizes endlessly about coal miners as if they were a massive part of Americas workforce, though theyre now greatly outnumbered by solar installers and wind technicians. He loves Keystone for the same reason he loves that truck he sat in: Its big and made of shiny steel. Hes thrilled by the wrong things  a 21st century leader would be tweeting about the news out of California on Sunday, when the state set a new record with more than half of its electricity coming from renewables.

Americans dont share Trumps archaic outlook. According to the Pew Center, a majority oppose the Keystone pipeline. Huge percentages of Republicans, independents and Democrats want more solar power. The level of worry about global warming is at an all-time high. Thats why so many fossil fuel projects have been fought and beaten in the last few years, from drilling in the Arctic to fracking in New York, to building coal ports in the Pacific Northwest to running oil trains in San Luis Obispo. The Keystone protests kicked off a resistance to fossil fuel infrastructure that will not flag. In this battle between the past and future, theres simply too much at stake.

Bill McKibben is founder of 350.org, the global climate campaign, and Schumann distinguished scholar in environmental studies at Middlebury College.

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To the editor: This article makes clear that Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare) must be removed from the chairmanship of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. (Devin Nunes plot thickens as his spokesman concedes he met source for surveillance claim at White House, March 27)

All his running back and forth to the White House makes him look like a tool  if in fact he is not one already. By any standard of impartiality, his conduct with regard to his committees investigation of Russian involvement in the presidential campaign is insupportable.

Wed best remember Watergate: Better men, for a better president, all went down. In that unhappy scandal we can see the danger, and likely outcome, of Nunes chairmanship.

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S.R. Willen, Beverly Hills

..

To the editor: The thing is, how do we know that Nunes spokesman is telling the truth about who his boss met with at the White House? And how do we know that Nunes told his spokesman the truth?

Nunes is now part of the matter under investigation, and he needs to testify under oath about what he knows.

President Trump said weeks ago there would be a revelation about his wiretapping allegations, and last week evidence purporting to vindicate him was shared with Nunes on White House grounds. This is too much of a coincidence.

Keith Herried, Los Angeles

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TV ads target lawmakers on the fence over Gov. Jerry Browns plan to raise gas taxes to repair roads By Patrick McGreevy Gov. Jerry Brown talks to Steve Glazer in 2011, when Glazer was still an advisor to the governor and before he was elected to the Senate. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) With supporters of a road repair bill still counting votes, a coalition of business and labor leaders on Friday began running television and radio ads that target eight legislators who have not yet committed to vote for the measure. The Fix Our Roads Coalition is spending $1 million on a statewide, week-long ad blitz that urges legislators to vote next week for Senate Bill 1. The bill would raise gas taxes and vehicle fees to generate $52 billion the first 10 years to repair crumbling roads, highways and bridges, and expand mass transit. We are closer than ever to finally passing a transportation funding package to fix our long-neglected and crumbling roads, said Michael Quigley, executive director of the California Alliance for Jobs, which is co-funding the commercials. These new ads are part of an all-out grassroots, earned media, advertising and social media campaign to support passage of this bill by next week. In addition to ads that call on legislators to support the bill, eight advertisements call on legislators by name to support the plan. Those targeted include Sens. Steve Glazer (D-Concord) and Anthony Cannella (R-Ceres), and moderate Democratic Assembly members Adam Gray of Merced, Rudy Salas of Bakersfield, Sabrina Cervantes of Corona, Sharon Quirk-Silva of Buena Park and Al Muratsuchi of Torrance, as well as Republican Catharine Baker of San Ramon. The bill needs a two-thirds vote in both houses, which would require all of the Democrats to support the measure. Cannella and Baker are being wooed by Gov. Jerry Brown and legislative leaders to step in if one of the Democrats gets cold feet. Representatives of Cannella and Glazer said earlier this week that they were still weighing the issue. Brown and legislative leaders have called for the Legislature to act by Thursday, after which time the lawmakers head out on spring break. Facebook

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Former Assembly Speaker John A. Perezs views on the L.A. congressional race he dropped out of By Christine Mai-Duc (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Before he suddenly dropped out of the running citing health reasons, former Assembly Speaker John A. Perez was widely considered the favorite to replace Xavier Becerra in the 34th Congressional District. With Perez out, the race is wide open and isnt likely to be decided Tuesday, when 24 candidates compete in the primary. Instead, the top two vote-getters regardless of party are expected to advance to a June 6 election. (If any one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote Tuesday, its all over). Perez offered his thoughts on the race in an interview published Friday by Politico. Some of his major points: Perez said he thinks state Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez is significantly ahead of the pack and will make the runoff.

A cluster of candidates, including Alejandra Campoverdi, Wendy Carrillo, Arturo Carmona, Maria Cabildo and Robert Lee Ahn, are in a close enough race that any one of them could advance.

If Carrillo were to move forward, Perez says, the narrative in the runoff would be about which candidate is more progressive and whos an insider versus an outsider.

Perez says if he were the front runner, Campoverdi is the one Id be most concerned about running against due to her connections in Washington and her national profile, which could create a new level of viability. Facebook

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To fight against human trafficking, this state senator wants to train motel employees to spot signs of abuse By Jazmine Ulloa Former Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins (D-San Diego). (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times) State Sen. Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) wants to increase services for human trafficking survivors and make it easier in court to put away their abusers. Flanked by prosecutors and hotel industry officials at a news conference Friday in San Diego, the former Assembly speaker announced new housing and mental health assistance for victims and introduced legislation that would require hotels and motels to train their employees to spot signs of human trafficking. Another of her proposals would expand the character evidence that prosecutors can bring forth at trial against defendants charged with selling victims for sex or labor. The bills are meant to attack a multibillion-dollar trade that has a wide sweep in California, home to three cities on the FBIs list of 13 top human trafficking destinations: San Diego, San Francisco and Los Angeles. National human trafficking hotline calls across California generated 1,323 cases in 2016  nearly twice as many as any other state. Atkins is among lawmakers pushing the issue at the Capitol, where legislation has focused on targeting traffickers, protecting victims and addressing what advocates say is a law enforcement culture in which child survivors sometimes are treated like criminals. But funding for victims services and programs has been an obstacle. A bill by Atkins to develop pilot projects in three counties to address the commercial sexual exploitation of youth sailed through the Legislature without opposition last year only to be vetoed by the governor. Her second bill for a statewide task force died in the Senate appropriations committee. Atkins latest proposal to provide training for motel employees follows a similar bill by Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens). It failed in the last legislative session amid opposition over costs to businesses. That hasnt stopped Atkins from trying again. Hotels are ground zero for sex trafficking in this state, she said in a statement. Sex traffickers are exploiting some of the most vulnerable people in our society, including children. These victims are often hiding in plain sight, and traffickers take advantage of the fact that many hotel employees dont recognize the signs. Facebook

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State Controller Betty Yee says Californias tax collection agency has been mismanaged and needs a complete overhaul By Patrick McGreevy Citing a review that found widespread mismanagement at the state Board of Equalization, State Controller Betty T. Yee on Friday called for stripping the panel of responsibilities for tax administration and audit and compliance functions so it can focus on handling taxpayer appeals. Yees proposal came in response to an evaluation by the state Department of Finance that found board officials were improperly redirecting resources and employees to pet projects in their districts. In order to rebuild taxpayer trust, meaningful reform is essential, said Yee, who serves as an ex-officio member of the board. I urge the Legislature and the governor to strip the board members of all statutory functions and permanently move these duties and assigned staff to a separate new department under the governor. The Department of Finance review found the board had difficulty providing complete and accurate documentation in response to inquiries, and various levels of management were not aware of and could not speak to certain actions, including the informal establishment of a call center, creating an unofficial office location and inconsistent use of community liaisons. The evaluation said personnel records showed workers assigned to administrative jobs that they were not doing, having been transferred to help board members in their districts. Even though each elected board member has a $1.5-million budget to cover office costs, some members borrowed workers from the head office, taking them from jobs that involved bringing in tax money and having them instead reach out to board members constituents, the review found. The redirection of workers violated state budget rules. In addition, the reviewers said the board provided 11 different versions of its proposed sales and use tax allocation adjustment and the Department of Finance found errors and omissions throughout. Facebook

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Sen. Kamala Harris has opened a gubernatorial fundraising account  but she has no plans to run for governor, aide says By Seema Mehta (Patrick T. Fallon / For The Times) Sen. Kamala Harris opened a campaign fundraising account to run for governor in 2026, but that does not mean Californias newest U.S. senator has any plans to seek the office. Harris plans to use the account to store the $1 million in leftover funds from her successful 2014 reelection campaign for attorney general, said Sean Clegg, Harris political spokesman. Harris left her post as state attorney general mid-term when she was elected in November to the Senate seat opening created by the retirement of Barbara Boxer. She faced a March 31 deadline to shutter the attorney general account, and under election law cannot mingle money raised for state campaigns with funds raised to run for federal office. Its purely political bookkeeping, Clegg said. The 2026 date could raise eyebrows because after the 2018 gubernatorial election, that will likely be the next time the governors office is open because its occupant is termed out. But Clegg said Harris did not open an account for a lower office like lieutenant governor  as politicians in similar situations typically do  because, he said, we werent interested in being cute about it. So we designated the only potential future office one could conceivably contemplate, although were not contemplating it, he said. Were focused on the job were doing. Facebook

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This California lawmaker wants to crack down on toys and electronics that pick up conversations and personal information By Jazmine Ulloa State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara), left (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press ) A California state senator wants to prevent companies from selling products that can listen in on conversations and collect personal information from unknowing consumers. Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) has filed legislation that would require manufacturers to equip their Internet-connected devices, including toys, clocks, kitchenware and electronics, with certain security and privacy features. Dubbed the Teddy Bear and Toaster Act, Senate Bill 327 takes aim at the so-called Internet of Things, the inter-networking of everyday devices that some tech and privacy experts say amounts to a growing industry with little oversight. The more we know and the more we learn about the Internet connection of all sorts of devices, many are realizing that we dont know the extent to which these devices are invading our lives, Jackson said. Under her proposal, companies would have to design their products so that they alert consumers  through visual, auditory or other cues  when they are gathering data. They would have to obtain user consent when they intend to transfer the information. And they would have to disclose at point of sale whether the devices are capable of sweeping up sensitive data, so that customers can take that into account while shopping. Most states, including California, have privacy breach laws to protect personal information. The proposal, which would extend those provisions to consumer devices, could be the first of its kind nationwide. But it is expected to garner wide opposition from retailers and manufacturers. A My Friend Cayla doll (AFP/Getty Images) Still, supporters point to growing privacy concerns. Some toys, like the My Friend Cayla doll banned in Germany, prompt children to give personal information, such as their parents names and their addresses, and their manufacturers reserve the right to target young buyers in direct marketing campaigns. Other smart devices lack the most basic security features that make them vulnerable to a hack or coordinated cyberattack. In a statement, James P. Steyer, CEO of Common Sense Kids Action, which is sponsoring the bill, said such toys and electronics can put consumers at risk. These products get rushed out to the market without the privacy issues being addressed in advance, and then consumers end up paying the price, he said. Facebook

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President Jerry Brown? Dont rule it out, governor quips By Patrick McGreevy Gov. Jerry Brown and state legislative leaders appealed Thursday for support for a proposed gas tax and vehicle fee increase to fix the states roads and bridges. (Patrick McGreevy / Los Angeles Times) In arguing for approval of a new transportation package on Thursday, Gov. Jerry Brown appeared to enjoy himself in refusing to shoot down a supporters suggestion that he run for president  even as he noted his 79th birthday is next week. Standing next to other elected officials and construction workers at the rally in in Concord, Brown argued that gas tax and vehicle fee increases are needed to address a backlog of much-needed repairs to Californias crumbling system of roads, highways and bridges. Im telling you the truth because why would I lie to you? Brown said. I dont think Im running for office. All Ive got left is lieutenant governor, treasurer and controller. Or president, someone in the crowd shouted. Brown responded that he would be 82 when the next presidential election comes around. But you know, dont rule it out, he quipped, drawing laughter and applause. Lest the comment turn into a national story, an aide later clarified the governors intentions: He was joking. Facebook

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Gov. Jerry Brown is making appeals to legislators for votes on his new transportation plan  one district at a time By Patrick McGreevy Gov. Jerry Brown stumps for the new transportation funding plan on Thursday in the Bay Area city of Concord. (Patrick McGreevy / Los Angeles Times) Gov. Jerry Brown and legislative leaders on Thursday took their campaign for higher transportation taxes and fees to the Bay Area district of state Sen. Steve Glazer (D-Concord), one of the holdouts in the state Senate who has not yet committed to vote for the package. Surrounded by dozens of construction workers, Brown warned that if the transportation bill unveiled on Wednesday isnt approved this year, it may not happen in the foreseeable future. There is nothing more fundamental in the business of government than making sure the roads and bridges dont fall apart, and they are falling apart, Brown said. Glazer recently withheld his vote from a bill proposing a similar plan for repairing state bridges, roads and highways, and on Wednesday, a spokesman said he had still not committed to any plan but wanted to review the detailed proposal before taking a position. Construction workers at the rally held signs that pictured crumbling roads and said, Senator Glazer Fix This Now. Vote for SB 1. Brown said Glazer, his former senior advisor, does not disagree with the intent of the bill. He loves this plan, but he has another idea on his mind and he wants to marry the two and see if he can get some outcomes that I dont want to get into at this particular place, Brown told reporters. Sen. Jim Beall, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, said Glazer wants the transportation funding bill to include a clause barring employees of Bay Area Rapid Transit from going on strike. Beall said that is a labor-relations issue that cannot be included in the bill raising taxes. You cant do that, Beall said. A spokesman for Glazer said the senator is still undecided on the bill. The senator is continuing to have conversations with the principals, said Steve Harmon, a spokesman for Glazer. He declined to comment on Bealls statement. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) said there may be similar rallies in Los Angeles and Riverside in the coming days. Two other Democrats who have not yet committed to the plan are Riverside Sen. Richard Roth and Woodland Hills Sen. Henry Stern. Brown acknowledged that there is work to do to secure the two-thirds vote needed in both houses of the Legislature to raise the base excise tax on gasoline by 12 cents per gallon, to a total of 30 cents per gallon, and to create a new annual vehicle fee that would average $51 based on the value of the car or truck. Rendon said approval of the transportation bill would cost the average California motorist an extra $10 per month, which he said is a deal compared to the current cost of $720 in annual vehicle repair costs required because of running over potholes and other rough road conditions. Hoping to force a Senate vote on the package early next week, Brown was accompanied to the Concord news conference by Rendon and Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles). They urged lawmakers to support the bill, which would generate $5.2 billion annually for the first 10 years for road and bridge repairs, mass transit improvements and other projects to reduce congestion. Glazer, known as a maverick in the Legislature, was Browns campaign manager during the 2010 gubernatorial election and remained a senior advisor to the governor before running for the state Senate in a special election in 2015. ---- 1:23 p.m.: This article was updated with a statement from a representative for state Sen. Steve Glazer. This article was originally published at 12:42 p.m. Facebook

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Who will be Californias next governor? New poll shows Newsom leads with 1 in 3 voters undecided By Seema Mehta (Nick Ut / Associated Press) In the race to replace termed-out Gov. Jerry Brown, the largest number of voters in a new statewide poll does not favor a candidate in the race. About 1 in 3 voters said they were undecided, according to the survey by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies. Among candidates who have entered the race, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom holds a strong lead with 28% of the vote, followed by Republican businessman John Cox with 18%, according to the poll, which was released Wednesday. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa clocks in at 11%, state Treasurer John Chiang at 8% and former state schools chief Delaine Eastin at 3%. Because the race is far away and public campaigning has not yet started in earnest, the poll could primarily be an indicator of name recognition. The field of candidates is also likely to grow. Newsom has several natural advantages: He was the first person to enter the race in 2015 and has a large fundraising edge. He has perhaps been the candidate most in the spotlight among the Democrats running, notably for his support of the marijuana legalization measure on the November ballot. Cox may have benefited from being the lone Republican in that version of the poll. Pollsters conducted a second version of the poll with five additional potential candidates, none of whom have announced a run for governor in 2018  San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer, California Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon and former state Controller Steve Westly. Newsom still led the pack to come in at 24%. The two Republicans, Faulconer and Cox, tied at 11% each. Faulconer has said he does not plan to run for governor. Garcetti, Villaraigosa, Chiang, Steyer, De Leon, Westly and Eastin all placed in the single digits. Steyer and Westly have the personal wealth to self-fund a campaign, giving them time to decide whether to enter the race. Westly unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2006, losing in the Democratic primary to state Treasurer Phil Angelides. In the 2018 contest, the two candidates who receive the most votes in the June primary will move onto the November general election. The poll of 1,000 registered voters in California was conducted online in English and Spanish between March 13 and 20, and has a margin of error in either direction of 3.6%. Facebook

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California legislators team up to expand John Muir National Historic Site By Sarah D. Wire Californias senators and Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-Concord) filed legislation Thursday to add 44 acres to the John Muir National Historic Site. The John Muir Heritage Land Trust has offered to donate the additional land to the National Park Service, which operates the site, and the bill would authorize the agency to accept the parcel. The time John Muir spent with his daughters at their scenic home and its neighboring property played a major role in launching the national parks movement. Expanding the existing park to preserve more of this history and beauty is a fitting tribute to Muirs legacy of protecting land for all to enjoy, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) said in a statement. Located about 30 miles east of San Francisco, the John Muir National Historic Site consists of Muirs Alhambra Valley home and 325 acres outside of Martinez. DeSaulnier said in a statement that expanding the property is a fitting celebration of his legacy, and will offer nature-goers greater access to enjoy the beauty of the East Bay. DeSaulnier sponsored the same bill last year, which passed the House unanimously but was not considered by the Senate. Feinstein and former Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) carried the Senate version, which died after a committee hearing. Such bills often take a few attempts to pass, even without major opposition. Muirs writings helped inspire the creation of the National Park Service, starting with his lobbying of Congress to protect the Yosemite Valley from dams. He also was a founding member of the Sierra Club. Californians owe him a debt of gratitude, Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) said in a statement. Facebook

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Californias attorney general could investigate local police shootings under new legislation By Liam Dillon Attorney John Burris, center, comforts Robert and Deborah Mann, family members of Joseph Mann, who was killed by Sacramento Police in July, after a news conference on Oct. 3, 2016. (Rich Pedroncelli / AP) Californias attorney general could investigate local police shootings under a new bill authored by a Sacramento lawmaker. Democratic Assemblyman Kevin McCartys Assembly Bill 284 would allow local police departments or district attorneys to ask Atty. Gen. Xavier Becceras office to independently investigate police shootings of civilians. The legislation was prompted by high-profile police killings of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., Eric Garner in New York City and last summers police shooting of Joseph Mann, a mentally ill homeless man, in Sacramento, according to McCartys office. In all three cases, local prosecutors declined to charge the officers. There is a growing skepticism and a perceived conflict of interest, of the current process of local district attorneys investigating local police, said a fact sheet on the bill provided by McCartys office. Given that they work so closely, it is a valid question of whether this is the most transparent process for the public. There is a growing appetite, both at the national and local level, to create a better and more transparent system for [police shootings] that is fair to police, families, and the community in order to restore public trust. McCartys bill would make state investigations voluntary in these cases and would be implemented only if lawmakers also give Becceras office money to pay for the effort. In 2015, McCarty tried to pass legislation that would have made state investigations of local police shootings mandatory, but that bill failed to make it out of legislative committees. This year, lawmakers have generally scaled back prior efforts to change the states rules governing police discipline and transparency. Facebook

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Former offenders will help award millions in Proposition 47 grants to rehabilitate inmates By Jazmine Ulloa We have listened to law enforcement talk about how horrible Prop. 47 is, said Vonya Quarles, an advocate for the formerly incarcerated. Now we have a chance to help the people who are hurting. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)) California officials will begin the process this spring of awarding $103 million in grants to programs for inmates centered on rehabilitation, substance abuse and reentry into society. The efforts will be funded with dollars saved from prison spending under Proposition 47, the sweeping 2014 ballot measure that downgraded six drug and theft crimes to misdemeanors and allowed defendants to renegotiate their punishments. For the large coalition of criminal justice advocates that poured millions into getting the proposition passed and that has closely tracked its implementation, this is a long-awaited step. Other states have passed similar laws, but California is the only state to invest those savings into services meant to help people stay out of prison. On the executive committee helping award the grants are formerly incarcerated people who know the system from the inside. Read More Facebook

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What would single-payer healthcare look like in California? Lawmakers release new details By Melanie Mason Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) A proposal in California for a single-payer healthcare system would dramatically expand the state governments presence in medical care and slash the role of insurance companies. New amendments released Thursday fill in some key details on the universal healthcare measure proposed by state Sens. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) and Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), although the biggest political question  how it would be paid for  remains unanswered. Under the proposal, which was announced in February, the state would cover all medical expenses for every resident regardless of their income or immigration status, including inpatient, outpatient, emergency services, dental, vision, mental health and nursing home care. Insurers would be prohibited from offering benefits that cover the same services as the state. The program would eliminate co-pays and deductibles, and patients would not need to get referrals to see eligible providers. The system would be administered by an unpaid nine-person board appointed by the governor and the Legislature. A universal healthcare system run by the government has long been a dream of liberals, with many rallying behind insurgent Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders proposal for Medicare for all in the 2016 race. After a GOP effort to replace Obamacare stalled last week, Sanders said he intends to introduce a nationwide single-payer bill in the U.S. Senate. Proponents in California, who are no longer playing defense to preserve the Affordable Care Act, also touted a broader healthcare plan. With Republicans failure to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Californians really get what is at stake with their healthcare, Lara said in a statement. We have the chance to make universal healthcare a reality now. Its time to talk about how we get to healthcare for all that covers more and costs less. The cost  sure to be the biggest hurdle for the measure  so far remains unknown. The authors say they intend to pay for the program through broad-based revenue, but details of a funding proposal have not been hashed out. Gov. Jerry Brown sounded wary of a sprawling single-payer plan while speaking to reporters last week on his trip to Washington D.C. Where do you get the extra money? This is the whole question, Brown said. The bill is sponsored by the California Nurses Assn., which already has been rallying its members in support of the bill, SB 562. There has been a seismic shift in our political system through grassroots activism; we have an inspired, motivated base that will make its voice heard, RoseAnn DeMoro, the labor groups president, said in a statement. Facebook

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California backs San Francisco court challenge of Trump administration threat to withhold funds from sanctuary cities By Patrick McGreevy Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra said Wednesday he has filed an amicus brief supporting San Franciscos court challenge to President Trumps order targeting so-called sanctuary cities and counties that refuse to enforce federal immigration laws. The move marks a half-dozen times the state has filed briefs supporting legal challenges to various Trump orders. Last week, Becerra filed papers supporting a lawsuit by Santa Clara County. That case and San Franciscos challenge the legality of the Trump administrations threats to withhold federal funds from states and local jurisdictions that the administration deems to be sanctuary jurisdictions. Becerras brief cites Californias interest in protecting state laws and policies that ensure public safety and protect the constitutional rights of its residents. Threatening to take away resources from sheriffs and police officers in order to promote misguided views on federal immigration policy is reckless and puts public safety at risk, Becerra said in a statement. It is the right and responsibility of California and each state under the Constitution to determine how it will provide for the safety and general welfare of its residents and to safeguard their constitutional rights. Facebook

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Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti asks the federal government to define a sanctuary city By Sarah D. Wire View Instagram post Amid a new call from the Trump administration to cut off federal funds to so-called sanctuary cities, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and LAPD Chief Charlie Beck had a question for the head of Homeland Security on Wednesday: What exactly is a sanctuary city? Garcetti and Beck joined a bipartisan handful of mayors and law enforcement leaders from across the country in Washington to air their concerns about President Trumps recent executive orders on immigration to Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly. Los Angeles is among the jurisdictions  often called sanctuary cities  that dont assist with federal immigration enforcement. State and local leaders in California have said they will continue to protect people in the country illegally despite the Trump administrations threats. After the closed-door meeting, mayors and police chiefs said their main request for Kelly was for a firm definition of what the federal government considers a sanctuary city. We think that as long as were complying with federal law then we shouldnt be labeled with whatever label intimates that were not, Beck said. Were looking for clarification; we are looking to be involved in the conversation so that decisions arent made that affect us without our input. Homeland Security spokesman Dave Lapan said the department is working on a definition but does not have a timeline for when it would be finalized. Although there is no legal definition of the term, the administration has seemed to define sanctuary jurisdictions as ones that dont comply when Immigration and Customs Enforcement asks them to detain prisoners after they have served their sentences so they can be picked up for deportation. Multiple federal courts have said the detainer orders differ from an official warrant and are not legal justification for holding someone who has served his or her sentence or is no longer under arrest. Los Angeles is one of several cities in California that does not hold people for immigration officials without a warrant, and Garcetti said that is going to continue. We see it as abiding by the Constitution, because there is case law that says we cant hold people for longer than permitted, Garcetti said after the meeting. Lapan said the Department of Homeland Security is working on ways to address concerns about the legality of holding someone for immigration officials, as well as the concerns of mayors of cities that have laws instructing law enforcement officers not to comply with immigration officials. Part of having this discussion is to find out, How can we get around this? Lapan said. If we are dealing with a criminal alien, somebody who is both in the country unlawfully and has committed crimes, the best place for us to take them into custody is in a jail or prison. Thats the safest for everyone, both our officers and the communities. Garcetti also disputes the administrations assertion that it can withhold federal funds from cities that dont comply with ICE orders. Garcetti pointed to a 2012 Supreme Court decision that said the government couldnt withhold Medicaid funds if states chose not to expand access to the program under the Affordable Care Act. I think we all feel on very strong constitutional and legal footing that it was decided in the Obama administration you cant put a legal gun to the head, a financial gun to the head of jurisdictions, whether its states or localities, and take their money if you dont agree with what they are doing in a different area, he said. Garcetti invited Kelly to visit Los Angeles. We need to make sure that we also are showing the perspectives of everyday people in cities like Los Angeles, he said. Garcetti also attended California congressional Democrats weekly lunch and met privately with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) before appearing on an immigration panel hosted by House Democrats. Facebook

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Anti-discrimination measure or blow to religious freedom? California bill sparks debate on employer codes of conduct By Melanie Mason Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (D-San Diego) (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) A measure that would bar employers from firing workers for having an abortion or giving birth to a child out of wedlock is getting pushback from religious groups who say such a bill would prevent them from requiring employees to act in accordance with their faith. Under the bill by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (D-San Diego), employers would not be able to discipline or fire workers for any reproductive health decision, such as pregnancy, in-vitro fertilization or abortion. What this bill does is make sure that people can make the best healthcare decisions for themselves and for their families without the fear that theyll risk their livelihoods in doing so, Rebecca Griffin of NARAL Pro-Choice California, a sponsor of the measure, said at a Wednesday afternoon hearing at the Capitol. A teacher at a Christian college in San Diego was fired in 2012 for becoming pregnant while unmarried. The school said her pregnancy violated its employee code of conduct, which prohibited premarital sex. In 2015, San Francisco Archibishop Salvatore Cordileone sparked a backlash when he proposed a new morality clause in the faculty handbook and contract for local Catholic schools that opposed same-sex marriage and certain reproductive medical procedures. With employees being fired for code of conduct violations in other states, proponents said California should set an example for the country, Right now, while were facing a federal government that is attacking reproductive freedom at every turn and condoning the type of discrimination that this bill prohibits, we feel like this is the time for California to take a stand for our values and make sure that our workers have the best protections possible, Griffin said. But the proposal faces opposition from religious groups, who argue such codes of conduct are integral to the relationship with their workers. The bill would specifically deny religious employers our 1st Amendment protections to infuse our codes of conduct with the tenets of our faith, said Sandra Palacios of the California Catholic Conference. The reaction from religious groups was not uniformly negative. The Rev. Rick Schlosser, executive director of the California Council of Churches, which represents mainline Protestant and Orthodox denominations, pointed to the diverse positions on reproductive issues among his groups members to explain his support for the bill. Any legislation that limits peoples ability to make their own moral decisions is harmful to religious freedom, said Schlosser. But other religious groups said the measure threatened to undermine the very purpose of requiring their employees to abide by a code of conduct. An organization specifically chartered to support or oppose a specific set of beliefs or actions cannot fulfill its mission without requiring adherence to a code of conduct, wrote Jonathan Keller, president of the conservative California Family Council, in an opposition letter. Assemblyman Tony Thurmond (D-Richmond) asked why such codes of conduct should govern a personal decision an employee makes out of the workplace. Our community covenant does say that our employees are required to uphold our biblical values, and that certainly is a round-the-clock priority for us, responded Phillip Escamilla, the public policy chair of William Jessup University, a Sacramento-area evangelical Christian college Gonzalez Fletcher, herself a practicing Catholic, said she was not trying to unfairly target religious institutions. But, she said, she was trying to combat an inherent sexism that comes with enforcing such codes of conduct. A female employees reproductive decisions  such as entering an abortion clinic or being pregnant out of wedlock  can be seen by her employer, Gonzalez Fletcher said. A males decisions to whether or not theyre going to abide by a conduct never rise to that level, she said. So that inherent difference in how women and men are treated with these types of decisions just show how little privacy women are able to maintain. The bill, AB 569, cleared the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee, its first legislative threshold, on a 4-2 vote. Facebook

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Gov. Jerry Brown, legislative leaders propose raising $5.2 billion annually to repair Californias roads and bridges By Patrick McGreevy (Joe Raedle / Getty Images) Acknowledging that the states transportation system has been neglected, Gov. Jerry Brown and legislative leaders on Wednesday announced a proposal to raise gas taxes and vehicle fees to generate more than $5 billion annually for repairing Californias crumbling system of streets, highways and bridges, as well as to increase mass transit. It remains uncertain whether Brown will be able to muster the two-thirds vote in both houses of the Legislature needed to approve the new revenue sources, which include a 12-cent-per-gallon increase in the existing 18-cent base excise tax on gasoline. The package also includes a new, annual vehicle fee that would average about $48 based on the value of the car. The package was announced at a news conference on the Capitol steps attended by Brown, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) and Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles). California has not approved an increase in the base excise tax on gas for 23 years, according to Brian Kelly, secretary of the California State Transportation Agency. As a result, the state faces a $130-billion backlog of repairs to state highways and bridges and local streets. There is sizable money here to make things better, Kelly said. People are going to get improved neighborhood streets. They are going to get improved highways and bridges, more faith that they are traveling on safe structures. And we are going to invest to improve the congestion into our trade corridors and congestion on their commute. Assembly and Senate Republicans released a joint statement opposing the plan. Californians already pay some of the highest gas taxes in the nation, the statement said. The transportation proposal announced by the Capitol Democrats is a costly and burdensome plan that forces ordinary Californians to bail out Sacramento for years of neglecting our roads. Brown has set a deadline of April 6, the day before the Legislature leaves on its spring break, to have the new package voted on by lawmakers. Because Republicans have generally opposed the tax increases, the package may need the vote of every Democrat to get the two-thirds majority for passage. Three Democratic senators had been holding off their support before the new plan was released. Read More Facebook

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Election officials say mistake on Korean language ballots substantially smaller than previously thought By Christine Mai-Duc (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) Los Angeles County election officials say a mistake made on Korean-language sample ballots in the upcoming 34th Congressional District race likely affected fewer than 780 voters. The error, which listed the races 23 candidates in the wrong order on some Korean-language sample ballots, was discovered last week after Korean American voters pointed out their mail-in ballot materials looked different than English-language sample ballots sent to the same home or apartment building. Initially, election officials said they didnt know how widespread the problem was. As a precaution, they sent bilingual notices and corrected sample ballots to all 8,251 voters in the district who received Korean-language sample ballots. None of the sample ballots enclosed with actual mail-in ballots were affected, officials say. In a letter to election officials and L.A. County supervisors Tuesday, the Korean American Coalition called it a violation of federally protected voting rights. The letter asked officials to host a 24-hour hotline for Korean-speaking voters until election day, provide more information on the scope of the error and extend the mail-in voting deadline for those who had received the misprinted ballots. In a response sent Wednesday morning, County Registrar Dean Logan said the error was limited to a small number of sample ballots in a single print run of 777 sample ballots. Based on the agencys review, Logan wrote, it appears that substantially fewer than the 777 voters were affected. The registrars office says it is extending the hours of operation for its voter hotline and staffing it with Korean-speaking operators. Voters concerned that they may have been affected can call 1-800-815-2666 and select option 3 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. this weekend. Voters will also see additional signage at polls addressing the issue and Korean-speaking poll workers will be instructed to remind voters to check their ballots. Facebook

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Talks at Capitol focus on boosting California transportation funding by some $5.2 billion annually By Patrick McGreevy On Highway 1 in Big Sur, the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge has buckled, cutting off a community of hundreds from schools and isolating renowned businesses from customer traffic. (Robin Abcarian / Los Angeles Times) With a deadline looming, Gov. Jerry Brown is winding up negotiations with legislators in hopes of reaching an agreement on a plan that would provide at least $5.2 billion annually for a transportation backlog that includes repairing Californias aging and crumbling system of streets, highways and bridges, officials said Tuesday. Those close to the talks said an agreement on the package could be announced as early as Wednesday afternoon. The question remains whether Brown and leaders can muster the two-thirds vote needed to approve a phased-in gas tax increase of up to 12 cents by the April 6 deadline set by the governor. Key senators remained uncommitted to any plan as of Tuesday. And a new voter-approved rule requires a bill to be in print for 72 hours before it can be passed. The bill needs approval in both houses. Assembly Democrats were briefed on the evolving plan behind closed doors on Tuesday and some officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment, said talks are progressing on a plan that would provide the bulk of money to a fix-it first program of road repairs divided evenly between state projects and those of cities and counties. Money would also be dedicated to mass transit, bicycle, pedestrian and trucking routs for ports. The proposal also would include reforms proposed by lawmakers, including Republicans, that would hold officials accountable for proper use of the money, including a requirement for regular audits, creation of an inspector general position and a ballot measure requiring new money to be spent on transportation projects. Sen. Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) authored a bill that would put a measure on the ballot, saying Tuesday such guarantees are required given the urgency of the deferred maintenance backlog, and the additional burden we are asking Californias taxpayers to carry. John Myers contributed to this report. Facebook

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Watch: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement director attends community meeting in Sacramento Facebook

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Gov. Jerry Brown calls for countermovement against Trumps colossal mistake on climate change By Evan Halper California Gov. Jerry Brown warned that President Trump has just made a colossal mistake in gutting the federal governments effort to combat climate change, which will ignite a response Trump is unprepared to handle. It defies science itself, Brown said in a call to The Times shortly after Trump signed an executive order that aims to bring an abrupt halt to the United States leadership on global warming. Erasing climate change may take place in Donald Trumps mind, but nowhere else. Yes, there is going to be a countermovement, Brown vowed, predicting Trumps actions will mobilize environmentalists in a way President Obama never could. I have met with many heads of state, ambassadors. This is a growing movement. President Trumps outrageous move will galvanize the contrary force. Things have been a bit tepid [in climate activism]. But this conflict, this sharpening of the contradiction, will energize those who believe climate change is an existential threat. Brown and other big-state governors and mayors are moving swiftly to fill the global leadership vacuum Trump created with Tuesdays directive, which stops short of officially pulling the U.S. out of the Paris climate accord of 2015. I see Washington declining in influence, but the momentum being maintained by California and other states aligned with China and those who are willing to do something, said Brown, who will be traveling to China soon for meetings on climate. There is a growing activism on the part of millions of people who will not stand by and let Donald Trump effectively tear up the Paris agreement and destroy Americas climate leadership and jeopardize the health and well-being of so many people. In the face of Trumps retreat on climate change, Brown said California will step up its own efforts to push others toward clean energy. We are not fully meeting the challenge of climate change yet, he said. We are doubling down on our commitment. We are reaching out to other states in America and throughout the world and other countries.  We have plenty of fuel to build this movement. This is real, Brown said of the threat created by climate change. The nations of the world have recognized it in Paris.  I will continue doing my best to work with and rouse the world community, whatever the politicians in Washington do or dont do. Facebook

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California and its allies hint at new legal battles over Clean Power Plan By Chris Megerian California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) President Trumps effort to roll back the Clean Power Plan could quickly run into legal challenges from California and its allies across the country. State Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra and his counterparts from states including New York, Massachusetts and Oregon said they wont hesitate to protect those we serve  including by aggressively opposing [Trumps actions] in court. The joint statement was also issued by Chicago, Philadelphia, New York and other cities. Californias stance isnt surprising because the state joined Obama administration efforts to defend the Clean Power Plan in 2015. Further legal action could underscore the determination of local and state governments to push forward with fighting climate change even as Trump withdraws federal regulations. Read More Facebook

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Meeting climate change goals will require billions for transportation and housing improvements, reports say By Liam Dillon A major push to get Californians out of their cars and onto their feet, bikes and public transit is essential if the state wants to meet its aggressive goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions 40% below 1990 levels by 2030, according to new reports from the state and UC Berkeley researchers. Californians will have to drive an average of 1.6 miles less a day  and regional government agencies believe it will cost billions of dollars to make the mass transit and housing improvements needed for that to happen. UC Berkeley researchers argue in a new study that a boom in dense housing across the state will bring major greenhouse gas reductions and economic growth. Read More Facebook

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California expects to be unscathed as Trump targets Clean Power Plan By Chris Megerian A solar farm in Kern County (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times) Although Californias leaders may protest President Trumps announcement Tuesday that hes scrapping the Clean Power Plan, his decision is expected to have little effect on a state already marching toward renewable energy. In fact, greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation in the Golden State are already below what the federal government would have required by 2030, and theyre expected to drop even further. Rollback of the Clean Power Plan is pretty much irrelevant to California, said Frank Wolak, a Stanford University economist who has advised state leaders on climate regulations. The federal rules, enacted by former President Obama as part of his campaign against climate change, were intended to push states away from coal and toward cleaner energy sources. But that was already underway in California. Los Angeles, one of the last places in the state to rely on coal, was already planning to stop importing electricity from out-of-state coal plants by 2025. In addition, state law requires California to generate half of its electricity from renewable sources such as solar and wind by 2030, and state Senate leader Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) has suggested pushing even further. When it comes to fighting pollution and climate change, there are some areas where California relies on the federal government. For example, they share authority on regulating vehicle emissions, and Trumps preparation to roll back federal rules has caused alarm here. However, theres less of a concern when it comes to generating electricity. Trumps moves have caused some anxiety among California companies that are developing clean energy technologies and looking for new markets to sell them. Bob Keefe, executive director of Environmental Entrepreneurs, said the Clean Power Plan would have been a huge economic catalyst. President Trump is basically telling Californias more than 40,000 clean-energy businesses and the 500,000 workers they employ that they dont matter to him, he said. Rail cars filled with coal in Wyoming (Ryan Dorgan / Associated Press) Its an open question how Trump could affect various efforts for California to integrate its electricity grid with neighboring states, an idea that has failed to gain traction so far. Advocates of the concept say regional cooperation could expand the market for renewable energy, but the lack of federal pressure to cut emissions could dampen enthusiasm in places such as Utah and Wyoming, which rely on coal. They dont have the Clean Power Plan bearing down on them, said Don Furman, who directs the Fix the Grid campaign thats seeking closer relationships among West Coast states. Ralph Cavanagh, an attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said he doesnt expect changes to the Clean Power Plan to harm efforts to create a regional electricity grid, because of the falling cost of renewable energy. The rationale is stronger today than it was yesterday, he said. Facebook

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California GOP lawmakers introduce bills to boost healthcare and jobs for veterans By Liam Dillon Sen. Janet Nguyen (R-Garden Grove) speaks at a press conference introducing a package of bills aimed at helping California veterans. (Liam Dillon / Los Angeles Times) Republican state lawmakers unveiled a package of six bills Tuesday aimed at improving job training and healthcare services for California veterans. Our veterans have served this country bravely and it is only right for us to recognize their contribution and see that when they do come home they receive the care and assistance they deserve, said state Sen. Janet Nguyen of Garden Grove, who authored three of the measures. The six bills are: Senate Bill 410 from Nguyen and Assembly Bill 353 from Assemblyman Randy Voepel of Santee, which would expand hiring preferences. for veterans.

SB 409 from Nguyen and SB 485 from state Sen. Jim Nielsen of Gerber, which would increase mental health services and oversight at state veterans homes.

SB 411 from Nguyen, which would pay some military reservists $100 a month once they turn 50 if theyve served for 10 years or more.

SB 197 from Sen. Pat Bates of Laguna Niguel, which would waive state and local sales taxes for nonprofits that donate facilities to the U.S. Department of Defense  a measure aimed at helping construction of a mental health care facility at Camp Pendleton in San Diego County. Facebook

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These Los Angeles girls went to Capitol Hill to ask the Senate to fight new immigration enforcement efforts By Sarah D. Wire Fatima, left, and Yuleni Avelica, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y) and Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) during a news conference on Capitol Hill. (Zach Gibson/Getty Images) Fatima Avelica, 13, was training for the Los Angeles Marathon with her father before he was arrested by immigration agents last month after dropping Fatimas sister off at her Lincoln Heights school. Fatima had to pause repeatedly, pressing her fingers to her eyes, as she told the story to reporters at a news conference in the Capitol on Tuesday. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) handed handkerchiefs to Fatima and her sister Yuleni Avelica, 12. The girls had medals from completing the marathon dangling around their necks. Democratic senators held the news conference to urge their Senate colleagues to reject President Trumps request for $3 billion to hire thousands of new immigration agents, expand detention facilities and build a wall among the southern border as part of his pledge to deport millions of people in the country illegally. The White House has characterized the moves as necessary for public safety. Californias Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris said Trumps immigration enforcement orders are too broad, sweeping up nonviolent offenders or people accused of the civil offense of being in the country illegally. She called the executive orders, which vastly broadened who can be targeted for deportation and leaves a lot of discretion to local immigration officials misguided and misinformed. Its irresponsible to paint a whole population of people as racists and murderers and bad hombres, she said, referencing one of Trumps own lines about immigrants. Its actually ignorant and we cant afford to run our country that way. The girls father, Romulo Avelica-Gonzalez, a Mexican citizen, has lived in the U.S. for 25 years. ICE officials cited two misdemeanor convictions as the reason for his arrest. His four daughters were all born in the U.S. Fatima said the family is waiting for word every day on whether he will be deported. Fatima said she now wants to become an immigration lawyer. Its like a new marathon for me, and I know I can finish it, Fatima said, tears welling up again. But, I need my coach there. I need my dad. Facebook

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Gov. Jerry Brown, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo blast President Trump on climate change By Chris Megerian California Gov. Jerry Brown (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Gov. Jerry Brown joined with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday to criticize President Trumps pending announcement to roll back climate regulations and insist that their states will push forward anyway. Dismantling the Clean Power Plan and other critical climate programs is profoundly misguided and shockingly ignores basic science, they said in a joint statement. With this move, the Administration will endanger public health, our environment and our economic prosperity. Brown and Cuomo represent the two largest states with the most ambitious goals for fighting global warming, and theyve already set equivalent targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Theyre also pushing to generate half of all their electricity from renewable sources by 2030. With or without Washington, we will work with our partners throughout the world to aggressively fight climate change and protect our future, Brown and Cuomo said. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (Spencer Platt / Getty Images) Facebook

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To stem rising prices, a California lawmaker is taking on how hospital chains craft their contracts By Melanie Mason Amid concern that sprawling hospital chains are leading to higher prices, a California state senator is trying to clamp down on how hospital networks craft their contracts to win market dominance. Sen. Bill Monning (D-Carmel) is offering a measure that would prohibit hospitals from certain contracting practices he sees as anti-competitive, such as requiring health plans to contract with all affiliates of the hospital or mandating that health plans agree to binding arbitration for antitrust claims. Weve lost a level of transparency thats affected affordability and access and fairness, Monning said in an interview. Multi-hospital chains are becoming prominent throughout the country, with proponents saying such mergers make care more efficient and better coordinated. But a recent USC study found that while hospital prices in California have grown overall, the costs are higher in the states largest chains. Once you control a market, you can artificially increase costs, said Monning, adding those higher prices can spill over to neighboring hospitals, too. Competitors think if they can charge this much for a hip replacement, were going to as well, Monning said. Another study by the Bay Area Council Economic Institute found premiums in Northern California were 30% higher than those in Southern California, in part because of the dominance of a few healthcare systems in the north. Micah Weinberg, the institutes president, said hospital consolidation was a logical issue to look at, particularly because healthcare coverage expansion under the Affordable Care Act is now under less threat from Congress following the failure of the House Republicans replacement bill. We have to double down on the real work, which is getting people access to quality healthcare and affordable costs, said Weinberg. One of the biggest barriers to that is the lack of competition among healthcare providers. Weinberg said much of the question is a matter of federal antitrust enforcement. Its really difficult to do things at the state level that are effective here, he said. Still, consolidation has increasingly come under scrutiny in California. The state attorney generals office under Kamala Harris, now serving as U.S. senator, investigated consolidation of hospital and physician groups, and the effect on consumer prices. Last year, the healthcare trust for the United Food and Commercial Workers union, sued Sutter Health, alleging antitrust violations. The Pacific Business Group on Health, an organization that represents major companies such as Wells Fargo and Chevron, also raised alarms on Sutters requirement that firms use arbitration to resolve disputes--or face higher rates for Sutters healthcare services. The business group is a supporter of Monnings bill, as well as the California Labor Federation. The California Hospital Assn. has not taken a position on the bill. ------------ FOR THE RECORD March 29, 2017, 1:52 p.m.: A previous version of this article reported that the Pacific Group on Health sued Sutter Health. The United Food and Commercial Workers healthcare trust filed the suit. Facebook

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Los Angeles assemblyman returns to work in Sacramento after more than two-week absence By Melanie Mason Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles) (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) After more than two weeks away from the state Capitol, Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles) was back at work Monday, with his staff blaming the absence on unspecified medical reasons. Im not going to comment on what the illness was, said his chief of staff, Darryl Lucien, who added that the legislator was feeling better Monday. Ridley-Thomas, 29, was not available for an interview to discuss his absence. He originally went on leave March 7. At the time, he did not specify an illness and so Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendons office considered him to be on personal leave. Under legislative rules, those absences did not allow him to receive per diem payments  a subsidy intended to offset the costs of traveling and living in Sacramento. On March 21, he informed Rendons office that he was on medical leave, thus becoming eligible for the $183 per diem. Lucien said the original personal leave request was an error and that all of Ridley-Thomas time away from work was for health reasons. Its medical leave, Lucien said. He has a doctors note that was submitted, excusing him for the time he was out. Ridley-Thomas was not entirely absent from legislative work during that time. While on leave, he yanked one high-profile piece of legislation  a measure that would exempt tampons and other feminine hygiene products from sales tax  from a hearing in the Assembly Revenue and Taxation committee, which he chairs. The bills author, Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens), said she spoke directly to Ridley-Thomas about a request to amend her bill days before that committee hearing. Lucien said Ridley-Thomas was working on a very limited basis, fielding calls from members to the extent he was able to speak with them. A fellow Democrat, Assemblyman Bill Quirk of Hayward, stepped in to chair the Revenue and Taxation panel during a March 13 hearing. A subsequent hearing on March 20 was canceled. Facebook

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Adam Schiff calls on Devin Nunes to remove himself from Russia investigation By Sarah D. Wire Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank) on Monday urged fellow Californian Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare) to remove himself from their investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election. Before late last week, Schiff had gone out of his way not to be critical of Nunes throughout the fledgling investigation. They have held the top positions on the House Intelligence Committee for two years, and have served in Congress together for more than a decade. This is not a recommendation I make lightly, as the Chairman and I have worked together well for several years; and I take this step with the knowledge of the solemn responsibility we have on the Intelligence Committee to provide oversight on all intelligence matters, not just to conduct the investigation, Schiff said in a statement. After much consideration I believe Chairman should recuse himself from involvement in investigation/oversight of Trump campaign & transition pic.twitter.com/jpfA1x80Si  Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) March 27, 2017 Nunes last week surprised many when he told reporters that conversations between Trump and his transition team may have been accidentally picked up during legal intelligence gathering. Nunes briefed the media and President Trump before informing his committee. A spokesman for Nunes, who was a member of Trumps transition team, said Monday he obtained the information from a source on White House grounds, which raised even more questions. Nearly a week after Nunes announcement, committee members still havent seen the evidence, Schiff said. There was no legitimate justification for bringing that information to the White House instead of the committee. That it was also obtained at the White House makes this departure all the more concerning, Schiff said. Nunes spokesman would not comment on calls for the chairman to recuse himself. House Democrats have called for an entirely independent investigation, but short of that were coalescing around the call for Nunes to step aside. Among others, Schiffs Intelligence Committee colleagues Reps. Jackie Speier (D-Hillsborough) and Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin) have also called for Nunes to step aside from the investigation. The House and Senate intelligence committees are both investigating allegations that Russia tried to interfere with the presidential election and what, if anything, the Trump campaign knew about it. So far, too many people in the White House and administration, and now the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, have betrayed their duty to conduct an independent, bipartisan inquiry into the Trump teams ties with Russia, Swalwell said in a statement. Chairman Nunes should no longer be anywhere near this investigation, let alone leading it. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) said in a statement that Nunes had tarnished the chairmanship. She also said it was long overdue for House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) to ask him to recuse himself from the investigation. Facebook

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Blasting federal action on immigration, Californias chief justice warns the rule of law is under threat By Patrick McGreevy California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye warned Monday that the rule of law in state is under threat. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye did not mention President Trump by name in her annual State of the Judiciary speech Monday, but she blasted federal actions on immigration and warned that the rule of law in the state is under threat. In addressing the Legislature, she also called on members to end years of underfunding of the state court system. The chief justice said the rule of law has failed repeatedly in the state, including when her husbands parents were among 120,000 Japanese Americans put in internment camps during World War II. Simply put, the rule of law means that we as a people are governed by laws and rules, not by a monarch, she said. People take the rule of law for granted until it is under threat, she added. I submit to you today that the rule of law is being challenged, she said. We are living in a time of civil rights unrest, eroding trust in our institutions, economic anxiety and unprecedented polarization. Cantil-Sakauye cited a report by the Southern Poverty Law Center that California was home to 79 ethnic hate groups  more than any other state. Our values and our rules and laws are being called into question, and all three branches of government and the free press are in the crosshairs, she said. Without naming Trump, the chief justice criticized recent federal enforcement of immigration laws in which agents have gone into courthouses to take immigrants into custody. She said it was concern over the rule of law that caused her to write to the U.S. attorney general and the Homeland Security secretary recently, asking them to refrain from conducting immigration raids at or near courthouses. When we hear of immigration arrests and the fear of immigration arrests in our state courthouses, I am concerned that that kind of information trickles down into the community, the schools, the churches. The families and people will no longer come to court to protect themselves or cooperate or bear witness, she said. I am afraid that will be the end of justice and communities will be less safe and victimization will continue. The chief justice also repeated her concerns about the lack of sufficient funding for the judiciary even as legislators are adding laws by the thousands. Since 2011 when I became chief justice, 6,408 bills have become law in California, while the judicial branch budget has been shrinking, Cantil-Sakauye said. I have said before that we are on the wrong side of justice when it comes to funding our courts. Facebook

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Its not just Berniecrats: Korean voters could also swing L.A.'s congressional race in a big way By Christine Mai-Duc Robert Lee Ahn, center, is the only Korean American candidate running in a field dominated by Latinos in the 34th Congressional District race. (Christine Mai-Duc / Los Angeles Times) The crowded race to replace Xavier Becerra in the 34th Congressional District, which includes most of Los Angeles Koreatown, appears to be bringing Korean American voters out in large numbers. Thats in part because in a field dominated by Latinos, Robert Lee Ahn has a shot at becoming the only Korean American in Congress and the first Korean American Democrat to be elected to the body. Ahn, a businessman and former L.A. city planning commissioner, has raised a formidable amount of money in a short period of time, much of it from donors in the Korean American community. His campaign spent weeks helping register voters at Koreatown malls and restaurants, and says they registered more than 600 new voters so far. Part of our campaign is to build awareness and get the community more civically engaged, Ahn said on a recent Friday morning as his campaign embarked on a 34-hour voter registration drive outside the BCD Tofu House restaurant. As a Korean American, obviously thats a natural base of mine. Inside, Ahn shook hands with supporters and navigated the lunchtime rush to ask for voters support table side. Some of it may be paying off. More than a quarter of the 10,841 mail-in ballots turned in for the race so far were cast by Korean American voters, according to an analysis of surnames, birthplace and translated ballot materials by Political Data. Koreans make up just 6% of registered voters in the district. Nearly half of Korean American voters who have already cast a ballot in the race did not vote in the March 7 city elections. Ahn, who has said hell bring a business sensibility and common sense to the office, says he has been running a campaign that reaches out to all kinds of voters. But the fact that there hasnt been a Korean American in Congress for more than 20 years means his candidacy has gotten plenty of attention from the Korean American press. I think people recognize the importance and historic nature of this election, Ahn said. I think theres a hunger for a voice ... and theres a palpable frustration of not being heard, not being properly represented, and I think thats what were seeing in the early returns. But the result of those early votes so far is unclear, particularly after elections officials disclosed that a number of Korean-language sample ballots had been misprinted with the candidates listed in the wrong order. Those who used the faulty sample ballots to cast their vote could have inadvertently voted for a candidate they didnt intend to support, and officials still dont know how widespread the problem is. Ahn isnt the only Korean American candidate to energize the community in recent years. David Ryu, the first Korean American elected to the L.A. City Council, rode to victory in 2015 with the help of a wave of support from Koreatown leaders. I believe a political awakening is occurring in the Korean American community all over the nation, but especially here in L.A., said Joon Bang, executive director of the Korean American Coalition. Our community is evolving and its beginning with understanding the power of their vote. Facebook

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Nothing short of blackmail: California Senate leader denounces plan to cut funding from sanctuary cities By Jazmine Ulloa California Senate Leader Kevin de Leon. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) California Senate leader Kevin de Leon on Monday called U.S. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions move to cut federal funding from so-called sanctuary cities nothing short of blackmail. In a statement, De Leon (D-Los Angeles) said Sessions and the Trump administration stuck to alternative facts when describing immigrants and sanctuary counties and cities, where local policies limit the cooperation of law enforcement agencies with federal authorities on immigration laws. Instead of making us safer, the Trump administration is spreading fear and promoting race-based scapegoating, he said. Their gun-to-the-head method to force resistant cities and counties to participate in Trumps inhumane and counterproductive mass-deportation is unconstitutional and will fail. De Leon was responding to an earlier announcement made by Sessions at a White House press briefing. Sessions urged all states and local jurisdictions to comply with federal immigration laws and said it would be a condition for receiving federal grants. Jeff Sessions: "countless Americans would be alive today. And countless loved ones would not be grieving" if sanctuary cities were ended. pic.twitter.com/sEgH3bvPwi  BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews) March 27, 2017 State leaders are still calculating the fiscal impact of the move in California, where the Senate leader has filed a bill that would prevent state and local law enforcement agencies from using resources to enforce federal immigration laws. Data shows sanctuary counties have lower crime rates than comparable nonsanctuary counties #SB54 https://t.co/rKZDsB8x8E  Kevin de Len (@kdeleon) March 27, 2017 Facebook

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California National Guard official tells legislators forced bonus repayments will be resolved by mid-summer By Melanie Mason A top official for the California National Guard told state legislators Monday that he hopes lingering issues from the soldiers being forced to repay enlistment bonuses will be resolved by mid-summer. A Times investigation last year found that the Pentagon demanded thousands of soldiers repay enlistment bonuses up to a decade after going to war in Iraq or Afghanistan. The claw-back came after audits revealed vast overpayments of bonuses, due in part to mismanagement and pressure to hit enlistment targets. The Times story prompted outcry that soldiers, who were not at fault for accepting the bonuses, were now facing financial hardship. Matthew Beevers, the deputy adjutant for the California National Guard, told a joint hearing of the Senate and Assembly Veterans Affairs committees that just over 1,000 soldiers currently hold debt due to the bonus recoupment. Soldiers who are affected by the repayment demand must go through a federal waiver adjudication process, which Beevers described as unnecessarily long, complex and resource-intensive. He said the state-run Soldier Incentives Assistance Center was working with those who need to navigate the complex process to get those debts waived. "[If] you got a bonus and you completed your obligation and for some reason, you werent entitled to it, weve done everything we can do ensure that those soldiers get to keep those bonuses and we continue to do that today, Beevers said. Beevers said the state is trying to locate all soldiers who may be carrying debts due to the enlistment bonus. For those who complete the federal adjudication process, around 50% get their debts waived, he said. At the end of the day, there might be 600 or so soldiers out of 16,000 who might have to pay money, which is a very very small number, he said. Facebook

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Former California legislator Henry Perea will lobby for the oil industry in Sacramento By Chris Megerian (Tomas Ovalle / For The Times) As lawmakers debate the future of Californias climate policies, the oil industry is boosting its lobbying firepower with a former Democratic assemblyman from Fresno who has bedeviled environmentalists in the past. Henry Perea resigned his Assembly seat to work for a pharmaceutical group. Now hes jumping to the Western States Petroleum Assn. as a senior vice president, a role hes scheduled to start on May 1. Henry brings us unique expertise, said a statement from Catherine Reheis-Boyd, the associations president. He understands our state, our industry and how smart public policy can ensure Californias continued leadership in environmental protections while maintaining a diverse, vibrant economy. While serving in the Assembly, Perea led the so-called moderate caucus of business-friendly Democrats. He played a key role in stalling 2015 legislation that would have created tough new targets for reducing oil consumption. Environmentalists have made progress since then, successfully pushing through legislation to lower greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Now these issues are being debated again as lawmakers consider whether to extend the states cap-and-trade program, which is intended to provide a financial incentive to reduce emissions. The oil industry supports extending the program, but its working to ensure favorable terms and to loosen the states other regulatory plans. Facebook

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Democrats out with ads targeting Rep. Mimi Walters for supporting GOP healthcare bill By Sarah D. Wire Republicans didnt vote on their plan to replace the Affordable Care Act on Friday, but Democrats already have ads out criticizing vulnerable GOP House members like Rep. Mimi Walters of Irvine for backing the bill. The Internet ads, paid for by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, will target 14 Republicans who voted for the bill in the House Budget, Ways and Means, and Energy and Commerce committees. The ads will run for at least a week on social media sites, including Facebook and Instagram. Walters knowingly voted for a bill to raise premiums and deductibles, slap an age tax on older folks, and rip insurance away from 24 million hardworking Americans. Its critical that voters in Californias 45th District know where Walters stood on this harmful legislation, DCCC Chairman Ben Ray Lujan said in a statement. Walters, who serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee, was one of the earliest supporters of the bill among the California Republican delegation. Rep. Walters is committed to improving and expanding healthcare choices, lowering costs and protecting taxpayers. Her votes in the House reflect those principles and she will not be deterred by campaign ads created in Washington, D.C., by Nancy Pelosis political committees, said her campaign consultant, Dave Gilliard. The DCCC has already announced plans to target Republican representatives of the seven California congressional districts that backed Hillary Clinton for president. Clinton won Walters Orange County district by 5 percentage points. Walters was elected for a second term with 58.6% of the vote. Facebook

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Gov. Jerry Brown says California wont be running to the courthouse every day to fight President Trump By John Myers With many of his fellow Democrats demanding multiple challenges to President Trumps proposals, Gov. Jerry Brown said this week he will continue to support a more measured approach. Were going to fight very hard. But were not going to bring stupid lawsuits or be running to the courthouse every day, Brown said during an appearance Sunday on NBCs Meet the Press. Were going to be careful. Well be strategic. The governors interview, taped on Thursday in Washington, came at the end of a four-day visit where he sought common ground on issues ranging from transportation to disaster relief. Brown also took aim in a visit to Capitol Hill at the now-failed Republican healthcare proposal. In the interview, Brown acknowledged that he is seeking a different path forward than Californias legislative leaders and other Democrats who are aggressively pushing back on a variety of Trump proposals. Well, if everythings a lawsuit, yeah, were in trouble here. I do curb the exuberance on either side, he said. People like to escalate. Republicans do that, and Democrats also do that. So Im there somewhat as the senior statesman now, and Im going to keep everything on an even keel. The governor used the national television interview to repeat recent suggestions that California has a number of projects that are ready to go should Trump make good on his promises to fund a major infrastructure effort. But Brown staunchly defended Californias acceptance of immigrants, including those who are in the U.S. illegally. He argued that immigration has been a major boon to the states economy and invoked the teachings of Christianity to criticize Trump and his fellow Republicans. Trumps supposed to be Mr. Religious Fellow, and I thought weve got to treat the least of these as we would treat the Lord, said Brown, who trained to become a Jesuit priest in his youth. So I hope he would reconnect with some of these conservative evangelicals, and theyll tell him that these are human beings, theyre children of God. They should be treated that way. The programs host, Chuck Todd, asked Brown whether he could offer national leadership for Democrats in the Trump era. The governor, who ran unsuccessfully for president three times, said he was willing to speak out in any way he could be helpful. Following last weeks historic defeat of a bill to replace the Affordable Care Act, Brown also offered Trump advice on how to help the economically struggling states whose voters put him in the White House. Its going to take some income support from the federal government, the governor said. Its going to take healthcare. Its going to take the kind of programs that the Republican Party traditionally doesnt like. So heres the dilemma. Yes, Obama was not able to help those people in the way they felt they had a right to. But Mr. Trump, now the burden is on you. And you better figure it out, or youre not going to be there again. Facebook

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Small donations play big role in the 34th Congressional District By Christine Mai-Duc Congressional candidate Kenneth Mejia raised 90% of his money from small donors in the most recent campaign finance filing. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) More than 17% of individual contributions to all candidates in the 34th Congressional District came in small donations of less than $200, according to the latest campaign finance reports. The reports, which cover fundraising and spending between Jan. 1 and March 15, show that more than $250,000 of the $1.4 million raised by the candidates in the race came from un-itemized small donors, or those who gave less than $200 and are not named in campaign finance reports. Three candidates who raised a significant chunk of money from small donations were Arturo Carmona, Wendy Carrillo and Kenneth Mejia, all of whom are vying for votes from supporters of former presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, who has preached the need to rid politics of special interest money. Many of the candidates have sent email pitches to supporters asking for donations of $10, $20 or $27, the amount made famous by Sanders, who often cited the number as the average donation given to his presidential campaign. Carmona, a former Sanders campaign advisor, raised the most in small donations, with $57,125, or 52% of his total. Small donors gave Carrillo $25,948, about 32% of her fundraising total and Mejia, an accountant and Green Party candidate, received nearly 90% of his total funds, or $31,957, in amounts of $200 or less. Federal law does not require candidates to itemize, or report the names of, donors who give below that amount. Alejandra Campoverdi raised $44,210 from small donors, who made up 28% of her haul, while Raymond Meza raised 48%, or $14,764 of his money from small-dollar contributions. UPDATE: 7:45 p.m. This post was updated to clarify that the numbers reported are based on un-itemized donations of $200 or less to candidates. Facebook

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Robert Lee Ahn raised the most money by far in latest campaign finance reports for L.A.'s congressional race By Christine Mai-Duc Robert Lee Ahn, left, and Vanessa Aramayo, second from left, join the other candidates for the 34th Congressional District. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles TImes) Congressional candidate Robert Lee Ahn far outstripped some of the top fundraisers in the 34th Congressional District, taking a surprise lead in campaign finance reports filed Thursday. The reports cover fundraising and spending between Jan. 1 and March 15 and will be the last numbers well have before the April 4 primary election, in which 24 candidates are running. Ahn, a former L.A. city planning commissioner, raised a whopping $338,702 in contributions and loaned himself an additional $295,000, bringing his total to more than $630,000 raised since January. Ahn, an attorney and the only Korean American candidate in the race for a district that includes Koreatown, got more than $100,000 in contributions from donors with Korean surnames. The closest behind Ahn was Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez, who raised $244,766 over the same period, the majority of it from political action committees, including many donations from fellow legislators in Sacramento. Sara Hernandez, a former teacher and L.A. City Hall aide, was close behind Gomez with $224,783 raised. Alejandra Campoverdi, a former White House staffer and former Los Angeles Times employee, raised $156,432. Ahn has also spent the most money so far this year, at $352,538, and has $271,271 in the bank, more than any other candidate. Gomez ended the period with $274,830 cash on hand, while Hernandez and Campoverdi have $149,990 and $122,961 left to spend, respectively. Facebook

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Dispute in California Senate leads to ethics complaint against leader Kevin de Leon By Patrick McGreevy Then-state Sen. Isadore Hall III, left, talks with Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon in Sacramento last year. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Republican state Sen. Andy Vidak on Friday filed an ethics complaint asking for an investigation into whether Democratic Senate leader Kevin de Leon engaged in an improper cover-up of threats allegedly made by former state Sen. Isadore Hall III against a group of farmers. Anthony Reyes, a spokesman for De Leon, defended the decision not to investigate allegations against Hall. With due respect, the state Senate doesnt waste taxpayer resources investigating dubious hearsay accounts of private conversations held in hotel lobbies  and thats what Senator De Leon clearly and politely communicated to Senator Vidak, Reyes said. Any suggestion otherwise is patently ridiculous. Hall, a Democrat from Compton, was appointed in January to the state Agricultural Labor Relations Board by Gov. Jerry Brown. The appointment was opposed by farm industry groups, including the Western Growers Assn., which complained he received contributions from the United Farm Workers for his unsuccessful campaign for Congress last year. Vidak said that he had heard from multiple people that on Feb. 28, the evening before Halls confirmation hearing in the Rules Committee, Hall allegedly made threats in an obscenity-laced tirade in the lobby of the Sacramento Hyatt Hotel that he would get the farmers opposing his appointment, the senator wrote in a letter to the Senate Legislative Ethics Committee. The board is a quasi-judicial agency that rules on disputes between farm worker organizations and growers. The alleged threats were made to four farmers who are members of the California Fresh Fruit Assn., Vidak said. Vidak said he had formally asked De Leon, as chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, to have the panel investigate the allegations and report the findings to the Senate. On Thursday, Vidak said, De Leon allegedly informed him that there would be no investigation. Senator De Leon told me yesterday that he and the leadership of the CFFA have worked things out so Hall wont be investigated,'" Vidak said in a statement Friday. Is this really how the Senate handles reports of threats and intimidation by someone pending a Senate confirmation vote? The association called the allegation that it worked out an agreement with De Leon baseless and false. The group said in a statement that Vidak did not talk to its members before he filed the complaint. If he did, he wouldve learned there is no agreement and that CFFA remains opposed to the confirmation of Senator Hall, the group said. Hall declined to comment on Vidaks complaint, said J. Antonio Barbosa, the boards executive secretary, responding on his behalf. Further, his testimony at his Senate Rules Committee confirmation hearing makes clear that he will be fair and impartial, make sound decisions, and speak to growers and farmworkers, Barbosa said. Reyes disputed Vidaks allegations. Chasing goofy conspiracy theories might fly on President Trumps Twitter feed, but it has no place in the California Legislature, Reyes said. In his letter to the ethics panel, Vidak says his complaint is that the Senates confirmation process of gubernatorial appointees may have been compromised in this situation. He asked for an investigation into whether credible information about potential criminal activity by an unconfirmed gubernatorial appointee has been intentionally ignored/withheld, and whether a member of the Senate Rules Committee is making arrangements with representatives of private organizations to bury investigations of gubernatorial appointees. Updated at 4:40 p.m. to include a comment from the California Fresh Fruit Assn. Facebook

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L.A.'s GOP congressman: It is hard to find a consensus on something that impacts more than 1/6th of our economy By Sarah D. Wire A handful of California Republicans had declined to take a position on the House GOPs healthcare bill, and now they wont have to. Rep. Steve Knight (R-Palmdale), the only Republican who represents L.A. County, said he was conflicted up until the vote on the bill was canceled Friday afternoon. In the past two weeks my colleagues worked to build a consensus on how best to repair our flawed healthcare system and build a patient-centered system that works for the American people, Knight said in a statement after the vote. We learned that it is hard to find a consensus on something that impacts more than 1/6th of our economy and the lives of almost every American. Saying they didnt have enough votes to pass it, House Republican leaders canceled a vote on their healthcare bill minutes before vulnerable Republican members like Knight would have had to vote on the effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Knights district is among seven Republican districts being targeted by Democrats in 2018, and several of the members who represent those districts never took a stance on the bill, saying they were worried about the effects on their districts and were still hearing from constituents. Experts estimated millions of Californians would have lost insurance under the bill. Just two of the targeted members, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Costa Mesa) and Rep. Mimi Walters (R-Irvine), said they would vote for the bill. Walters had no comment after the bill was pulled, but the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee came out swinging, with committee spokesperson Evan Lukaske saying, Walters now owns this until election day. Other targeted members seemed to brush off President Trumps plan to let Obamacare go its way for a little while. Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford), who didnt take a stance on the bill, said afterward Congress needs to keep working on healthcare. Congress must come together to enact legislation to stabilize our healthcare market, reduce federal spending, and ensure we are able to maintain access to healthcare for Americas most vulnerable populations. Any potential solution must be thoughtfully considered, he said in a statement. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista) flirted with voting against the bill, saying he was not yet prepared to support it, but never committed either way. The [GOP bill] was an imperfect approach and I believe that we can do better, he said in a statement. We will go back to the drawing board and get this right for each and every American concerned with high costs in their healthcare and ever-dwindling choices and access to care. Facebook

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Despite threat of legal battle with Trump, California stays the course on vehicle emission rules By Chris Megerian Electric cars charge at a San Diego utility. (Rob Nikolewski / San Diego Union-Tribune) California will keep pushing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, state regulators decided Friday, even though President Trump is preparing to roll back rules in Washington. The restrictions represent a key part of Californias battle against climate change, and theyre intended to force automakers to build cleaner cars and sell more electric vehicles. Environmentalists cheered Fridays decision from the Air Resources Board. Were very disappointed by what were seeing at the federal level, so today feels warm and welcoming, said the Sierra Clubs Kathryn Phillips. California has the unique ability to set tougher standards than the federal government, but Fridays decision could put the state on a collision course with Trump. Under the presidents direction, federal officials are examining whether to loosen vehicle rules that were finalized in the waning days of the Obama administration. The California Air Resources Board meeting in Riverside this week. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) At risk is the existence of a national standard on vehicle emissions, something the auto industry has prioritized to reduce the complexity of its manufacturing operations. We should all be getting back to work on this, said John Bozzella, who advocates for international car companies as head of the Assn. of Global Automakers. Mary Nichols, chair of the Air Resources Board, questioned the industrys commitment to higher standards given their request for Trump to review the rules. What were you thinking when you threw yourself upon the mercy of the Trump administration? she said. A dozen other states have adopted Californias standards as their own, and environmentalists hope Fridays decision will foster a broader market for electric cars. This agency has seen federal administrations come
A longtime State Department employee was arrested Wednesday and charged with repeatedly lying about her contacts with Chinese businessmen who had plied her with thousands of dollars in cash and gifts to glean inside information about U.S. economic policy, U.S. officials said.

Candace Claiborne, 60, has training in Mandarin and a top secret clearance. She worked for the department for 18 years, rotating on assignments in China, Sudan, Libya, Morocco and most recently in Washington in the departments office of Caucasus affairs.

The case offers a window into Beijings efforts to gain an advantage in its economic jockeying with the United States, and how business owners in China often double as agents for state intelligence.

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While stationed in China in 2007, Claiborne began dealings with two Chinese businessmen, including a Shanghai importer  not identified in the documents  who federal authorities believe was gathering information for Chinese state security.

Clairborne used her position and her access to sensitive diplomatic data for personal profit, said a statement by Mary B. McCord, acting assistant attorney general for national security.

In 2011, the importer wired $2,500 to Claibornes U.S. account and a month later asked her for information about how the U.S. government was evaluating economic negotiations with Beijing, the affidavit says. She responded with publicly available information.

What they are looking for is what they cannot find on the Internet, the businessman responded, according to the affidavit.

Claiborne received about $3,000 cash for herself, authorities say. Most of the rest of the gifts went to a younger family member who was not identified. He wanted to study fashion in China but Claiborne could not afford it on her State Department salary, officials said.

The relative received plane tickets, dinners, an apartment and tuition at the Raffles Design Institute in Shanghai, the affidavit says. When he was charged with a serious crime in China in 2013, the two businessmen helped him leave the country, a sign of their influence, the government says.

Worried that she could get in trouble, Claiborne asked the younger relative to cut ties with the men, authorities said. I really dont want my neck or your neck in a noose regarding another party/person that has made this possible for you, she wrote at one point, according to the affidavit.

In interviews with State Department and law enforcement officials, Claiborne repeatedly failed to report the contacts.

Two months ago, the FBI sent an undercover ethnic Chinese agent to her door pretending to seek assistance. He mentioned the names of the businessmen and identified himself as an agent of Chinese intelligence.

Claiborne didnt deny her previous work, but refused to help him or accept his money, authorities say. She did not report the encounter.

Later, upon questioning by the FBI, Claiborne acknowledged that she eventually realized the two were trying to get information for the government. She said she also passed them information about a dissident who was living at the U.S. Embassy, but insisted that she always provided unclassified information.

Times staff writer Del Quentin Wilber contributed to this report.

joseph.tanfani@latimes.com

Twitter: @jtanfani

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Senate Republicans needed Vice President Mike Pence to dash to the Capitol twice on Thursday to cast tie-breaking votes to pass legislation that will make it easier for states to restrict federal funds for Planned Parenthood and other providers of family planning services.

Calling in the vice president, a longtime opponent of abortion, was a remarkable moment for Republicans, who have a 52-seat majority in the Senate. After two female Republican senators objected to the bill, the party had to scramble to muster support for passage.

The measure is now headed to the White House for President Trumps signature.

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We just saw a historic moment, said Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), one of several Democratic senators who spoke against the measure. It is a sad day for the United States Senate.

The legislation rolls back an Obama-era regulation that was designed to protect clinics from attempts by conservative states to eliminate their funding.

Under long-standing practice, no federal funds can be used for abortions, except in cases of rape, incest or a threat to the mother. But federal family planning money can flow to clinics for other reproductive and healthcare services.

Some states in recent years had blocked the federal Title X family planning funds to health clinics, including Planned Parenthood, if they also provided abortion services.

The regulation issued in the final days of the Obama administration said that states were not allowed to withhold the funding unless the provider failed to meet standard healthcare criteria.

The attack was seen as a political strike at Planned Parenthood, one of the nations largest providers of family planning services and abortions. The group is also a major recipient of Title X funding.

Theres a reason [Republicans] could barely get enough votes to get this bill through a procedural step: People are sick and tired of politicians making it even harder for them to access healthcare, said Dawn Laguens, executive vice president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Four million people depend on the Title X family planning program, and this move by D.C. politicians would endanger their healthcare.

The legislation, which already cleared the Republican-controlled House on a largely party-line vote, is part of a series of bills being passed by Congress under the so-called Congressional Review Act, which allows federal regulations put in place during the final days of the previous administration to be undone by simple majority passage.

Pence motored to the Capitol first to cast the tie-breaking vote that pushed the measure past a procedural hurdle and then later for final approval after another 50-50 tie.

The vice president wasnt the only Republican to help salvage the effort in the face of opposition from the two Republican women, Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.

Republicans also relied on recovering Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), who has been home after surgery, to return to the Capitol in a wheelchair to provide support.

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), the bills sponsor, acknowledged on the Senate floor that she is no fan of Planned Parenthood, but said the measure merely empowers states over a Washington-knows-best mentality. It ensures local control.

I look forward to President Trump signing it, she said.

White House aides who wrote Trumps travel ban see it as just the start 

How the Senates once-revered traditions are falling victim to partisan divide 

lisa.mascaro@latimes.com

@LisaMascaro

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One of Senates most serious jobs  confirming the presidents choice for a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court  has devolved into a game of political chicken.

Senators are heading toward an institution-defining showdown next week as Democrats promise to try to block President Trumps nominee, Judge Neil M. Gorsuch, with a filibuster, a rarely seen maneuver for high court appointments.

Republicans are threatening to respond by changing long-standing Senate rules to circumvent the 60 votes that would be needed to overcome a filibuster. Instead they would allow confirmation with a simple majority.

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The outcome has the potential to not only shape the future of the Supreme Court  which has been without a full bench since the sudden death of Justice Antonin Scalia last year  it also could crush one final vestige of bipartisanship in the Senate, altering the upper chamber for years to come.

It churns our stomach, said Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) as senators weighed their options this week.

Pressed if they were really ready to invoke the so-called nuclear option to ensure Gorsuch is confirmed, many Republican senators this week demurred.

Can I answer you that in a couple days? said Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.).

But others  notably seasoned institutionalists, including Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah, the senior-most Senate Republican  appear ready to overhaul the rules for Trump.

Judge Gorsuch is going to be confirmed. By any means necessary, Hatch said in a statement.

The battle over the Supreme Court seat was always expected to be a partisan affair in todays heated political climate. But the polemics intensified after the Republican majority denied President Obamas nominee, Judge Merrick Garland, a confirmation hearing ahead of last years presidential election.

Now the Gorsuch nomination is being viewed as a must-win for Republicans, as Trumps first 100 days have faltered. For Democrats it has become a proxy for a broader opposition to Trumps administration and the Republican agenda.

Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) is trying to hold the Democratic minority together to deny Republicans the 60 votes needed to advance Gorsuch past a filibuster.

Republicans, with their 52-seat majority, must peel off eight Democrats to overcome the filibuster. If they are unable to so, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is expected to do as former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) did in 2013, when he used the Democratic majority to change Senate rules to allow a simple majority vote for other types of judicial nominations. Reid said the move was needed to overcome Republican filibusters.

Once they let the genie out, its not going back, said Rounds. It never should have been done, but now that is the precedent in the United States Senate.

Neither McConnell nor Schumer will say, exactly, how many senators they have on their side. Each suggests the other is bluffing.

McConnell has repeatedly promised that Gorsuch will be confirmed April 7, before the two-week spring recess. Im confident hell be confirmed, he said.

Judge Gorsuch is going to be confirmed. By any means necessary.  Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah

Schumer was equally certain. Its going to be a real uphill climb for him to get those 60 votes, he said.

The test vote is expected next week.

Republicans went into the court fight thinking their task would be easy enough. Gorsuch, the affable Colorado appellate judge, was viewed as a conservative who might be able to attract some Democratic votes.

Republicans also expected the politics would be on their side. Democrats from the red states that Trump won, particularly those up for reelection in 2018, they reasoned, would be more interested in bucking their party than crossing the new president.

But since Trump nominated Gorsuch, the dynamics have dramatically shifted.

Trumps approval rating continues to nosedive amid the FBI probe into possible collusion between his campaign and Russia, and his own missteps over the botched travel ban and failed repeal of the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare.

At the same time, Democrats quickly shifted from being chastened by their November electoral loss to emboldened  even pressured -- by the sudden outpouring of liberal resistance to Trumps presidency, particularly street protests that erupted in the weeks after the inauguration.

The base really cares about this, and I think people understand that going along with someone as extreme as Neil Gorsuch is not just bad for the country, its bad politics, said Drew Courtney, spokesman at the liberal advocacy group People for the American Way. This is the first opportunity for senators to show they will stand and fight. Nothing will do more to dampen enthusiasm than for Democrats to fold on this.

More coverage of politics and the White House 

Some of the more centrist Democrats in the Senate, including Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), have kept their options open.

The risk for Democrats, of course, is that not only might they lose the confirmation battle, but their filibuster could trigger a chain of events that changes the operations of the Senate in perhaps irreparable ways.

Experts say moving away from a 60-vote threshold to overcome filibusters of Supreme Court picks would make it easier for presidents in the future to select more ideologically extreme justices.

It may also open the door in the Senate for passage of legislation by simple majority. It currently typically takes 60 votes. The use of filibusters for legislation encourages a dose of bipartisanship since rarely does one party count that many senators.

More than a decade ago, a group of senators, the so-called Gang of 14, negotiated a compromise when there was a previous attempt to invoke the nuclear option over filibusters of lower-court nominees. But no such effort appears to be underway this time.

More coverage of Congress 

Of the three senators still remaining from the gang, Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.), none seems poised to stop it this time.

Ads are pouring on both sides, from liberal groups as well as special interests, including the National Rifle Assn.s political arm.

The conservative Judicial Crisis Network has run more than $4 million in ads, and has been criticized for not disclosing its donors, which it is not legally required to do.

As tensions rise ahead of the vote, the groups chief counsel, Carrie Severino, expects McConnell is not bluffing.

Democrats have been attempting to just throw sand in the gears, she said. Leader McConnell doesnt want to participate in their gridlock.



lisa.mascaro@latimes.com

@LisaMascaro

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Even as the U.S. military takes on a greater role in the warfare in Iraq and Syria, the Trump administration has stopped disclosing significant information about the size and nature of the U.S. commitment, including the number of U.S. troops deployed in either country.

Earlier this month, the Pentagon quietly dispatched 400 Marines to northern Syria to operate artillery in support of Syrian militias that are cooperating in the fight against Islamic State, according to U.S. officials. That was the first use of U.S. Marines in that country since its long civil war began.

In Iraq, nearly 300 Army paratroopers were deployed recently to help the Iraqi military in their six-month assault on the city of Mosul, according to U.S. officials.

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Neither of those deployments was announced once they had been made, a departure from the practice of the Obama administration, which announced nearly all conventional force deployments.

The decision appears to be making good on Trumps promise as a candidate to insist on more of an element of surprise in battle tactics.

In order to maintain tactical surprise, ensure operational security and force protection, the coalition will not routinely announce or confirm information about the capabilities, force numbers, locations, or movement of forces in or out of Iraq and Syria, said Eric Pahon, a Pentagon spokesman.

That move deprives the public of information it has a right to know about the wars in which the U.S. is engaging, said Ned Price, National Security Council spokesman under Obama.

The position of the Obama administration was that the American people had a right to know if servicemen and women were in harms way, he said.

Its truly shocking that the current administration furtively deploys troops without public debate or describing their larger strategy.

In addition to the number of troops being larger, American forces are now nearer to the front lines in both Iraq and Syria than they have been since the war against Islamic State began nearly three years ago.

The deployment of Marines to Syria was confirmed for the first time publicly this week by Gen. Joseph Votel, the top commander in the Middle East, in response to a question at a congressional hearing from a member of the House Armed Services committee who asked whether there were additional Americans inside the country.

They have deployed, Votel said, adding that there were likely more troops headed for deployment.

Under the Obama administration, Pentagon policy was to announce conventional deployments after they occurred. That administration even took the unusual step of revealing in 2015 that 200 special operations forces  whose missions often are classified  had been sent to Syria.

Thats now changed, according to Pentagon officials.

The coalition commanders intent is that ISIS be first to know about any additional capabilities the coalition or our partner forces may present them on the battlefield, Pahon said, using an acronym for Islamic State.

Even when news of a deployment leaks, officials will confirm only the broad description of the unit size being deployed  such as a brigade, which can be between 3,200 and 4,000 troops.

The military does reveal whats been dubbed a force management level  the number of full-time troops deployed, which is currently about 5,200 in Iraq and 500 in Syria. Pentagon officials acknowledge, however, that the number significantly understates the size of the U.S. troop presence because it does not include troops that are deployed on what the military considers a temporary basis.

More than 1,000 troops are currently in the two countries in that status, which applies to troops deployed for less than about six months and security personnel. The count also excludes civilian contractors, several thousand of whom are in Iraq and Syria.

The Obama administration created and used the force management level in a way that undercounted U.S. forces, although it did announce most deployments.

There were exceptions. Staff Sgt. Louis F. Cardin, 27, of Temecula, died on March 19 2016 after coming under Islamic State rocket fire in northern Iraq. At the time of Cardins death, the U.S. military had not disclosed the presence of American troops in the region, raising questions about the Obama administrations transparency.

Michael E. OHanlon, a military analyst at the nonpartisan Brookings Institution in Washington, said limiting announcements of incremental deployments could be justified to avoid giving information to hostile forces.

Broad contours of an operation should be debated openly, and publicly understood, but specific raids or other modest changes in capabilities and deployments should not be telegraphed in advance, he said.

But officials of previous administrations said that approach limits debate over military policy.

Syria is a complicated environment, so if youre sending Americans in harms way over there, people need to know what the overarching goal is, said Lawrence Korb, a former assistant secretary of Defense under President Reagan and current fellow at the Center for American Progress Action Fund.

Its important to have a public debate, he said. Congress must have a role in deciding what happens next, otherwise this is a slippery slope.

Congress has not debated the additional deployments, and the Trump administration has yet to explain what its longer-term policy is for Iraq or Syria.

In the absence of a specific authorization for use of troops in those two countries, the Pentagon for years has been relying on legal authority granted by Congress in 2001 to combat Al Qaeda and its affiliates. That authorization predated the existence of the Islamic State by more than a decade.

Defense Secretary James N. Mattis told Congress last week that he favored a more specific authorization.

I think it would be a statement of the American peoples resolve if you did so, he said.

Some members of Congress have raised concerns about the deployments.

Rep. Niki Tsongas (D-Mass.) told Votel she was concerned that additional deployments may lead to an expansive, open-ended commitment in Syria.

Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, said Thursday that a new use of force authorization could be up for debate once the White House settles on its strategy for combating Islamic State.

Theyre developing an ISIS strategy. They sent one to the president a month ago; he hasnt accepted it. When they finish that, we plan to have hearings on all of these issues, Corker said. My guess is after that, we may in fact try and do an AUMF, he said, referring to an authorization for use of military force.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), a member of the Armed Services Committee, said the appetite in Congress has grown for taking a fresh look at the issue.

The worlds changed a bit, Tillis said. The nature of the threats changed too.

That would be an important step, said Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.).

I do not think it is right for the U.S. military to become involved in the Syrian civil war based on the 9/11 AUMF, he said. I voted for that AUMF as a House member. I never imagined that vote being used to justify U.S. ground troops in Syria in the year 2017. And I dont think anyone else who voted in favor of it did either.

Times staff writer Lisa Mascaro contributed to this article.

william.hennigan@latimes.com

Twitter: @wjhenn

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Democratic politicians want California to be a sanctuary for immigrants here illegally. OK. If theyre hard working and obeying the law, fine.

But if theyre thugs? Call the feds and boot their butts back across the border.

Thats my view. And its also the opinion of most sane people, I suspect. Even Democratic office holders must think this down deep. So why is it so hard for them to say it?

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Being mushy just makes Democrats easy targets  not only for the hotheads who are constantly riled up about all illegal immigration, but ordinary citizens who may be sympathetic toward struggling undocumented families, but wonder why California seems to tolerate the few hoodlums among them.

This came to mind Tuesday as I watched a perfectly sensible Republican bill killed by majority Democrats in the Assembly Public Safety Committee. It was on a straight party-line vote.

As legislation goes, AB 298 was pretty simple. Under it, if an undocumented felon who previously served time was apprehended  perhaps on suspicion of committing another crime  local law enforcement could contact immigration agents and hold the ex-con for up to 48 hours.

Presumably the felon already had been deported at least once and then sneaked back into the country. Now, hed be lined up to be deported again.

If I were allowed to make laws, Id require locking up the guy for a while just because hes a convicted criminal who reentered the country illegally after having been deported. But immigration law is set by Congress. If the ex-con were charged with another state crime, Id certainly try him. And if he were found guilty, Id throw the book at him.

But none of that had anything to do with the bill by Assemblyman James Gallagher (R-Yuba City), a lawyer whose family grows rice in the Sacramento Valley.

When it comes to convicted felons, Gallagher told me, we should be cooperating with the federal government. We should all be able to agree on that. No sanctuary for felons.

It seems to me, he continued, that a lot of committee members and the chairman were getting caught up in the politics stuff and [President] Trump calling names. And thats not what the bill was about. I was only fixed on convicted felons.

At the committee hearing, Gallagher pleaded: Dont let this get wrapped up in politics.

Were talking about people convicted of a felony and undocumented  a very small percentage of the population, he said. Theyre victimizing the very immigrant community youre talking about. It happens more often than you think.

Gallagher mentioned two infamous cases commonly cited by opponents of sanctuary cities.

One was the 2015 fatal shooting in San Francisco of Kate Steinle, 32, by a Mexican national who had served three federal prison terms for felony reentry into the country. The shooter had been under the San Francisco sheriffs custody on a drug charge, but was released without notifying federal agents, as theyd requested. San Francisco is a longtime sanctuary city.

The other case was the 2014 slaying of two sheriffs deputies in Sacramento and Placer counties, allegedly by a convicted felon who had twice been deported to Mexico. He currently is awaiting trial on a murder charge.

We should make sure that sort of thing never happens again, Gallagher told the committee.

But Democrats never addressed the bill head-on. They skirted all around it, empathizing with struggling law-abiding immigrants and denouncing Trump. The hearing was symptomatic of how personal this subject is for millions of Latinos and how polarized much of the entire population is.

The term illegal alien is extremely offensive, Assemblyman Miguelo Santiago (D-Los Angeles) said. Yes, my father came here illegally. He came several times and he was deported. But thats the story of many of us.

The bill, however, didnt have anything in it about illegal aliens.

Updates from Sacramento 

Gallagher said cooperating with immigration agents to help them deport convicted criminals could avoid the federal funding cuts to sanctuary cities that Trump has threatened.

But committee Chairman Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles) said the bills 48-hour hold provision was problematic and possibly unconstitutional.

Then he started alluding to Trump talk and fascism. Referring to anti-illegal immigration rhetoric, he said: Weve seen that playbook in the 30s and 40s. We should learn from the past. Unfortunately your bill gets wrapped up in all this.

So a rational discussion about illegal immigration and crooks doesnt seem likely.

The major immigration bill currently pending is by Senate leader Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles). It would make California a sanctuary state.

De Leon did tell me recently: We do not want serious felons in our communities. We want them removed immediately.

But his bill doesnt go far enough toward doing that for Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell. He opposes it.

De Leons bill, SB 54, would prohibit state and local law enforcement agencies from helping enforce federal immigration laws.

But it would allow a sheriff to notify the FBI before releasing someone jailed for a misdemeanor who had previously been convicted of a violent felony. And it would require prison officials to notify the FBI before freeing a violent felon.

Republicans argue thats not good enough. Agreed.

The last thing California needs is more dangerous criminals. Send them packing. And Democrats should say that clearly.

george.skelton@latimes.com

Follow @LATimesSkelton on Twitter

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Adam Schiff views documents White House says back Trump surveillance claim By Michael A. Memoli (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / Associated Press) Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) traveled to the White House Friday to view documents President Trump has said partially vindicate his claim that his predecessor ordered surveillance of him during the campaign. In a statement, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee said he was told they were precisely the same materials viewed previously by the committees chairman, Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare), which Schiff said should now be shared with the full panel membership. Nothing I could see today warranted a departure from the normal review procedures, Schiff said, adding that he could not discuss the contents of the documents, which remain classified. Nunes was shown the documents last week by White House officials surreptitiously, then announced to reporters the next day that he needed urgently to go to the White House to brief Trump about them. Schiff, in his statement, said that the White House has yet to explain why senior White House staff apparently shared these materials with but one member of either [Intelligence] committee, only for their contents to be briefed back to the White House. Schiff also had a brief but cordial meeting with Trump during his time at the White House, a spokesman said. White House spokesman Sean Spicer told reporters earlier Friday that other Democrats have been invited to the White House to view the materials, which he said would shed light on their investigation. Both the House and Senate Intelligence Committees are conducting separate reviews of Russian interference into the 2016 election; Trump has asked each panel to also probe his own claim that his predecessor engaged in wire tapping of his phones at Trump Tower during the campaign, an assertion that has been denied by Nunes as well as the heads of the FBI and intelligence agencies. Facebook

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Mnuchin regrets plugging The Lego Batman Movie, pledges to exercise greater caution in the future By Jim Puzzanghera Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Friday told a top government ethics official he should not have publicly plugged The Lego Batman Movie  a film in which he has a financial stake  and promised to exercise greater caution in the future. I take very seriously my ethical responsibilities as a presidential appointee and the head of the Department of the Treasury, Mnuchin wrote to Walter Shaub, director of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics. On Monday, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) asked Shaub to determine whether Mnuchin had committed an ethics violation last week when he discussed the movie during an event hosted by the Axios news website that aired on C-SPAN2. Read More Facebook

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Rep. Adam Schiff says its too early to consider an immunity deal for Michael Flynn By Associated Press The top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee says its too early to consider an immunity deal for President Trumps former national security advisor. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) says that Michael Flynn even discussing possible immunity in exchange for protection from prosecution is a grave and momentous step because of the seniority of his former position. Schiff says the House Intelligence Committee is interested in hearing Flynns story, but there would have to be coordination with the Senate Intelligence Committee and the Justice Department on the terms. The House and Senate intelligence committees and the FBI are investigating Russias meddling in the 2016 election. The investigation includes scrutiny of Flynns ties with Russia. Read More Facebook

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Trump administration admonishes California chief justice over claim that agents are stalking immigrants By Del Quentin Wilber U.S. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions (Mark Wilson / Getty Images) The Trump administration on Friday fired back at Californias top judge, disputing her characterization this month that federal immigration agents were stalking courthouses to make arrests. In a letter to Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, leaders of Trumps Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security objected to her description of federal agents conduct. As the chief judicial officer of the state of California, your characterization of federal law enforcement is particularly troubling, wrote Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, objecting to Cantil-Sakauyes use of the word stalking. They said agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were using courthouses to arrest immigrants in the U.S. illegally, in part, because California and some of its local jurisdictions prohibit their officials from cooperating with federal agencies in detaining such immigrants under most conditions. Sessions and Kelly told Californias top judge that she should consider taking her concerns to Gov. Jerry Brown and the cities and counties that limit local law enforcements involvement with immigration agents. Cantil-Sakauye, a former prosecutor who rose through the judicial ranks as an appointee of Republican governors, said through a spokesman that she appreciated the Trump administrations admission that they are in state courthouses making federal arrests. Making arrests at courthouses, in my view, undermines public safety because victims and witnesses will fear coming to courthouses to help enforce the law, she said Friday. She expressed disappointment that courthouses, given local and state public safety concerns, were not listed as sensitive areas offlimits to agents. Federal policy lists schools, churches and hospitals as sensitive areas. The letter from the Justice Department officials defended the arrests of immigrants at courthouses. By apprehending suspects after they have passed through security screening at courthouses, federal agents are less likely to encounter anyone who is armed, the letter said. The arrest of individuals by ICE officers and agents is predicated on investigation and targeting of specific persons who have been identified by ICE and other law enforcement agencies as subject to arrest, they wrote. Cantil-Sakauye had asked the Trump administration on March 16 to stop immigration agents from seeking immigrants at the states courthouses. Courthouses should not be used as bait in the necessary enforcement of our countrys immigration laws, she wrote in a letter to Sessions and Kelly. Her letter did not say which courthouses had been the location of such stalking, but judges and lawyers in Southern California have complained of seeing immigration agents posted near courts. She said she feared the practice would erode public trust in the state courts. Sessions and Kelly urged Cantil-Sakauye to speak to Brown and other officials who have enacted policies that occasionally necessitate ICE officers and agents to make arrests at courthouses and other public places. Facebook

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Back in the spotlight, Hillary Clinton takes aim at Trumps budget By Evan Halper Hillary Clinton stepped back into the spotlight this week after laying relatively low since the election, and she had some advice for President Trump: Tear up the White House budget plan. Clinton was at the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security to bestow an award named in her honor to Colombian leaders who helped bring an end to war in that country and elevate the role of women in the peace process. She spoke of the progress the world has made in advancing womens rights since she spoke forcefully on the issue two decades ago when the U.N. gathered world leaders to address it in Beijing. But she warned that progress is threatened by Trump. We are seeing signals of a shift that should alarm us all, Clinton said. This administrations proposed cuts to international health, development and diplomacy would be a blow to women and children and a grave mistake for our country. Clinton then raised the letter signed by 120 former generals and admirals beseeching the Trump administration not to make the cuts. These distinguished men and women who have served in uniform recognize that turning our back on diplomacy wont make our country safer. It will undermine our security and our standing in the world. A lot has changed since Clinton was on the campaign trail, but some things about her style on the stump havent. She pulled out a favorite line from last year as she began to talk about a study that backed up her point about the damage Trumps budget plan could do. Here I go again, Clinton said to whooping and cheering from an audience of mostly female students, talking about research evidence and facts. Facebook

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Seeking a way forward, Trump increasingly finds himself at odds with his own party By Michael A. Memoli (Evan Vucci / Associated Press ) President Trump won his office in spite of the best efforts of some in his party. Now, the tenuous nature of the bonds between Trump and the GOP are increasingly on public display as the president openly feuds with conservatives and White House officials debate whether to reach out to Democrats in order to restart his domestic agenda. The latest and strongest evidence came Thursday as Trump escalated his political battle against the members of the House Freedom Caucus, the conservative lawmakers who helped block the healthcare bill he backed. Early in the morning, he said on Twitter that the caucus would hurt the entire Republican agenda if they dont get on the team. We must fight them, & Dems, in 2018! he added. It was an extraordinary message, suggesting that Trump might try to back challengers in primaries against lawmakers of his own party  something few presidents have tried, none with much success. Read More Facebook

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Tillerson tells NATO allies to pay more, do more to fight terrorism By Catherine Stupp Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Friday promised NATO allies that the United States will stand by their side but also expected them to spend more on defense and do more to fight terrorism. Tillerson participated in a day of discussions with foreign ministers from the 27 other NATO member nations, his first with the full roster of allies, who were sent scrambling last week to accommodate the top U.S. diplomat after he said he could not attend the meeting originally planned for early April. The United States is committed to ensuring NATO has the capabilities to support our collective defense. We understand that a threat against one of us is a threat against all of us, Tillerson said. But, he added, as President Trump has made clear, it is no longer sustainable for the U.S. to maintain a disproportionate share of NATOs defense expenditures. The United States is amping up pressure on NATO members to increase their defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product, in line with a 2014 agreement among the alliances 28 member countries to meet the target by 2024. Only five NATO countries meet the 2% threshold. The U.S. spends 3.61% of its GDP on defense, more than any other member of the alliance. Tillerson said that if countries have not met the 2% spending goal by the end of the year, they should at least have a concrete plan that clearly articulates how, with annual milestone progress commitments, the pledge will be fulfilled. Pressure to meet that strict deadline is likely to upset some allies. German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel told reporters before Fridays meeting that he thinks it would be completely unrealistic for Germany to bring its military defense spending up to 2% of GDP. I dont know any politician in Germany who thinks that this would be reachable or desirable, Gabriel said. Germany is increasing its military spending this year to $39 billion, or 1.2% of its GDP. Gabriel rejected the Trump administrations focus on military expenditures, arguing that humanitarian aid and Germanys spending to take in refugees should be considered part of the defense budget. Tillerson also called on allies to take a greater role in the fight against terrorism. NATO can and should do more, he said. Fighting terrorism is the top national security priority for the United States, as it should be for all of us. Tillersons earlier announcement that he would skip the meeting struck a nerve among the alliance members, coming at a sensitive time when tensions between the Trump administration and NATO allies have soared. The schedule change caused an awkward protocol shuffle, with a handful of foreign ministers unable to make it to Brussels. What was supposed to be a two-day meeting was compressed into half of a day. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg tried to cast optimism on the last-minute schedule change, calling it a sign of the strong transatlantic unity and flexibility of our alliance that we were able to find a date. The foreign ministers meeting is crucial because it lays the groundwork for a NATO summit with heads of state in May, which will be President Trumps first overseas trip since taking office. Tillersons day of talks at NATO headquarters in Brussels follows visits from Defense Secretary James Mattis and Vice President Mike Pence, who attempted to dispel fears that the Trump administration will seek to loosen ties with the alliance. Trump called NATO obsolete in an interview published days before his inauguration. He later insisted, during German Chancellor Angela Merkels visit to the White House earlier this month, that the U.S. will maintain its strong commitment to the alliance. Tillerson arrived in Brussels on Friday morning after meeting Thursday in Ankara, Turkey, with that countrys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu to discuss terrorism and Syria, though the leaders failed to reach an agreement on how to combat Islamic State. Facebook

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Trump weighs in on Michael Flynns request for immunity President Trumps former national security advisor, retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, is seeking immunity from prosecution in return for testifying to the House and Senate intelligence committees, a congressional aide said. The development was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. Gen. Flynn certainly had a story to tell, and he very much wants to tell it, should the circumstances permit, his lawyer, Robert Kelner, said in a statement. No reasonable person, who has the benefit of advice from counsel, would submit to questioning in such a highly politicized, witch-hunt environment without assurances from unfair prosecution. On Friday morning, Trump tweeted his support for Flynns request. Flynn was ousted as Trumps national security advisor last month after news reports disclosed that he had misled Vice President Mike Pence about phone conversations with Sergey Kislyak, Russias ambassador to the U.S. The calls were picked up by U.S. surveillance targeting the Russian envoy, and a description of the contents was leaked to the Washington Post after the Justice Department warned the White House that Flynn could be subject to blackmail. Read More Facebook

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Former national security advisor Michael Flynn seeks immunity By David S. Cloud President Trumps former national security advisor, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, has been seeking immunity from prosecution in return for testifying to the House and Senate intelligence committees, a congressional official confirmed Thursday. The negotiations were first reported by the Wall Street Journal. In a statement, Flynns lawyer, Robert Kelner, said Gen. Flynn certainly had a story to tell and he very much wants to tell it, should the circumstances permit. No reasonable person, who has the benefit of advice from counsel, would submit to questioning in such a highly politicized, witch-hunt environment without assurances from unfair prosecution. Trump fired Flynn three weeks into the new administration after news reports disclosed that he had lied to White House colleagues, including Vice President Mike Pence, about his contacts with Sergey Kislyak, Russias ambassador to the U.S. In December, Flynn had telephone conversations with Kislyak in which he discussed sanctions that the Obama administration had recently imposed on Russia to punish Moscow for its interference in the 2016 presidential election. Flynn denied to Pence and other officials that he had discussed the sanctions with Kislyak. So far, the committees, which are investigating Russian interference and whether anyone close to Trump colluded with Moscow, have not taken Flynn up on his offer, the Journal reported. Facebook

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Trump administration appeals Hawaii judges order against travel ban By Jaweed Kaleem The Department of Justice has appealed a Hawaii court order that brought President Trumps travel ban to a national halt. The government has argued that the president was well within his authority to restrict travel from six Muslim-majority countries and put a pause on refugee resettlement. The appeal Thursday to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals came a day after U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson in Honolulu refused to dismiss his temporary block of the travel ban that he issued on March 15. With the appeal, the government is now fighting to reinstate the travel ban in two appeals courts on opposite ends of the country. That increases the likelihood that one of the cases will make it to the U.S. Supreme Court. Earlier this month, the Department of Justice appealed a Maryland district judges order against the travel ban to the U.S. 4th District Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va. Both rulings in Hawaii and Maryland said Trumps executive order discriminated against Muslims. Watson and U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang in Maryland cited Trumps campaign promises to suspend Muslim travel to the U.S. as proof of his orders anti-Muslim bias. The Hawaii ruling is broader than the Maryland one. It blocks a 90-day pause on travel to the U.S. from nationals of six majority-Muslim countries and a 120-day moratorium on new refugee resettlement. The Maryland ruling only halted the ban on travel into the U.S. by citizens of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. The 9th Circuit, which has jurisdiction over nine Western states, is the same court where a panel of three judges denied a government request last month to reverse ruling against the first travel ban by a federal judge in Washington state. Trump, in turn, lambasted the bad court and signed a new executive order on travel on March 6 that was modified in an attempt to survive court challenges. Facebook

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Senate heads for nuclear option if Democrats filibuster Gorsuch nomination By Lisa Mascaro One of the Senates most serious jobs  confirming the presidents choice for a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court  has devolved into a game of political chicken. Senators are heading toward an institution-defining showdown next week as Democrats promise to try to block President Trumps nominee, Judge Neil M. Gorsuch, with a filibuster, a rarely seen maneuver for high court appointments. Republicans are threatening to respond by changing long-standing Senate rules to circumvent the 60 votes that would be needed to overcome a filibuster. Instead they would allow confirmation with a simple majority. The outcome has the potential to not only shape the future of the Supreme Court  which has been without a full bench since the sudden death of Justice Antonin Scalia last year  it also could crush one final vestige of bipartisanship in the Senate, altering the upper chamber for years to come. The battle over the Supreme Court seat was always expected to be a partisan affair in todays heated political climate. But the polemics intensified after the Republican majority denied President Obamas nominee, Judge Merrick Garland, a confirmation hearing ahead of last years presidential election. Read More Facebook

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Scalias seat has been vacant longer than any Supreme Court justices in nearly 50 years By Colleen Shalby (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) Its been more than 400 days since Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalias death left his seat vacant. With Republicans having blocked a vote on then-President Obamas nominee, Judge Merrick Garland, and with Senate Democrats now making plans to filibuster President Trumps nominee, Judge Neil M. Gorsuch, it could take even longer to replace Scalia. Its not unheard of for a justices seat to remain empty for a considerable amount of time. Pew Research Center did the math and found that the longest gap was 841 days, in the mid-1840s, from the time of Henry Baldwins death to his replacement Robert Griers confirmation. But the last time in recent history that a vacancys duration in this range occurred was after Abe Fortas resigned in 1969. It took 391 days to fill that seat, an interval that ended in 1970 when Harry Blackmun  the justice who authored the courts landmark opinion in Roe vs. Wade  was confirmed. Blackmun was President Nixons third pick to fill that seat. The second-longest vacancy in recent years occurred in 1988. It took 237 days to fill Lewis Powells seat after he retired, with Anthony Kennedy succeeding him. Its been 58 days and counting since Trump nominated Gorsuch. Heres how his waiting time from nomination to confirmation stacks up against the current justices: Elena Kagan: 87 days

Sonia Sotomayor: 66 days

Samuel A. Alito Jr.: 82 days

John G. Roberts Jr.: 23 days

Stephen G. Breyer: 73 days

Ruth Bader Ginsburg: 50 days

Clarence Thomas: 99 days

Anthony M. Kennedy: 65 days If Gorsuch is confirmed soon, he wont start considering cases until the courts new term in October.

And if hes not confirmed? Trump would nominate another successor to Scalia  theres no limit on how many times he can do that. Until Scalias seat is filled, lower courts decisions serve as tie-breakers. Facebook

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Sens. Manchin and Heitkamp become first Democrats to announce support for Gorsuch By David Savage Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota became the first Democrats to say they will vote for Judge Neil Gorsuch and not support the effort to filibuster his confirmation to the Supreme Court. Their announcements came as no surprise. Both are centrists who have to run for reelection next year in states that voted overwhelmingly for Trump. After considering his record, watching his testimony in front of the Judiciary Committee and meeting with him twice, I will vote to confirm him to be the ninth justice on the Supreme Court, Manchin said. I have found him to be an honest and thoughtful man.... I have not found any reasons why this jurist should not be a Supreme Court justice. Heitkamp said she was impressed with Gorsuchs record as a judge. This vote does not diminish how disturbed I am by what the Republicans did to Judge [Merrick] Garland, referring to the GOP-led Senates refusal last year to consider President Obamas choice to fill the seat of the late Justice Antonin Scalia. But I was taught that two wrongs dont make a right, she said. The Republican majority in the Senate needs six more Democrats to join with them if they hope to stop the expected filibuster of President Trumps Supreme Court nominee. It takes 60 votes to end the debate under the Senates current rules. But the 52 Republicans may vote to simply eliminate this requirement if the Democrats stand firm against Gorsuch. On Monday, the Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to approve Gorsuch on a party line vote and send the nomination to the Senate floor. A final vote is expected April 7. Facebook

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White House invites lawmakers to see intelligence material after New York Times report By Noah Bierman The White House has invited House and Senate intelligence committee chairs to review documents that it says were recently discovered by national security staff that could help determine whether information gathered about American citizens was mishandled. White House spokesman Sean Spicer would not say whether these are the same documents that Rep. Devin Nunes, the Tulare Republican who chairs the House intelligence committee, said he reviewed last week. Nunes has refused to identify his sources. Some saw his disclosure as an attempt to give credence to President Trumps widely refuted claim that President Obama had ordered wiretaps on his phone during the campaign. Nunes said the material he reviewed suggested that intelligence agencies had incidentally collected information about Trump or his associates. He has declined to be more specific or share the information with the committee. But the New York Times reported Thursday, citing unnamed sources, that two White House officials helped Nunes get access to the documents. And now the same information may be provided to other members of the Intelligence committee. In a letter to the bipartisan group of intelligence leaders sent Thursday, White House Counsel Donald McGhan said administration lawyers would supervise the review given the sensitivity of the documents to protect the extremely sensitive intelligence sources and methods. The letter calls on the committee to investigate the possibility that classified information was inappropriately gathered and handled and whether civil liberties of American citizens were violated. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank), the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, told reporters that he welcomed the chance to review the materials, though he said he would be obligated to share them with the rest of his committee. More troubling to Schiff, he said, was the cloak and dagger stuff and circuitous route that the White House national security staff appears to have used to disseminate the materials in that secret meeting with Nunes. Schiff said White House staff may have been trying to launder information through the committee, rather than simply providing it directly to the president. If that was designed to hide the origin of the materials, that raises profound questions about just what the White House is doing, Schiff said. We need to get to the bottom of whether this was some sort of stratagem by the White House. In a letter to McGhan, Schiff said answering the White Houses questions would require asking intelligence agencies how the information in the documents was gathered. I hope you will confirm to the committee whether these materials are the same as those first shared with Nunes, Schiff wrote. 2:11: This story was updated with staff reporting Facebook

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Trumps team: A network of ties to Russia By Angelica Quintero The FBI is investigating possible coordination between people associated with the Trump campaign and Russian authorities during the 2016 election. The U.S. intelligence community has said it is confident that the Russian government directed hacking operations and intended to interfere with the U.S. election process. Take a look at how some high-profile people have been drawn into the investigation. See the graphic  Facebook

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Former RNC official is first to depart senior West Wing staff By Michael A. Memoli A former top Republican National Committee official and ally of White House chief of staff Reince Priebus will depart her West Wing post in the first significant shake-up of President Trumps senior staff. Politico first reported that Katie Walsh, the deputy White House chief of staff, will leave to take on an advisory position with political groups that were formed to support the presidents agenda from the outside. Walsh had served as chief of staff at the RNC when Priebus was party chair. At the White House, she served in a similar capacity under Priebus, tasked with overseeing the senior staff and the scheduling operation. Though White House officials denied the move was a signal of disharmony within the senior ranks, her departure spoke to issues dogging the new administration  a top-heavy operation in the West Wing and also the inability of the president to sustain the kind of grassroots support for his agenda that proved key to his electoral win. It was abundantly clear we didnt have air cover when it came to the calls coming into lawmakers, and nobody can fix this problem like Katie Walsh, Priebus told reporters later, according to Time. Facebook

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Putin: Read my lips, there was no Russian meddling in U.S. vote By Ann M. Simmons Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto during the International Arctic Forum in Arkhangelsk, Russia, on Thursday. (Sergei Karpukhim / AFP/Getty Images) Calling the accusations lies, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday denied that Moscow meddled in last years U.S. elections. Read my lips, no, Putin said during a panel moderated by CNBC, according to a report on the news agencys website. All those things are fictional, illusory and provocations, lies, the Russian president said. All these are used for domestic American political agendas. The anti-Russian card is played by different political forces inside the United States to trade on that and consolidate their positions inside. Putins comments came as the Senate Intelligence Committee was set to begin a hearing entitled Disinformation: A Primer in Russian Active Measures and Influence Campaigns, which will focus on understanding the method of Russias active disinformation campaign and assess the extent of Moscows interference. FBI Director James Comey confirmed earlier this month that his agency was investigating Russias intrusion into the 2016 poll and whether there was any collusion between Moscow and President Trumps campaign. Read More Facebook

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Trump levels extraordinary threat against GOP conservatives; Ryan says he understands presidents frustration By Noah Bierman House Speaker Paul D. Ryan commiserated with President Trump Thursday after the president launched a Twitter assault on the group of rebellious Republicans known as the Freedom Caucus. I understand the frustration, I share the frustration, Ryan told reporters Thursday, when asked to respond to Trumps threat to campaign against fellow Republicans. Freedom Caucus members, who back limited government and have defined themselves in opposition to the Washington establishment, have been a major headache for GOP leaders. Ever since the Republicans took control of the House in 2010, conservative refusal to back key bills to fund government agencies has forced GOP leaders to negotiate with Democrats for the votes they need. Freedom Caucus members helped lead the charge against former Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio). The caucus was blamed by many Republicans last week for torpedoing the leaderships plan, backed by Trump, to make significant changes to Obamacare. Still, Trumps threat to fight them in the 2018 elections was an extraordinary step. Trump had previously made electoral threats against wayward members of his party, but Thursdays tweet was especially direct, threatening to treat them the same way as Democrats. The Freedom Caucus will hurt the entire Republican agenda if they don't get on the team, & fast. We must fight them, & Dems, in 2018!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 30, 2017 Freedom Caucus members have begun pushing back aggressively. A spokeswoman for the group argued on Twitter that Trump did not have his facts right and that Republican moderates were equally responsible for sinking the healthcare bill. View Twitter post Finding Trump supporters to challenge Republicans in a primary would be hard and could further thrust the GOP into civil war. Trump, despite low poll numbers nationally, remains popular in core Republican districts. Many members of Congress, however, ran ahead of him in their districts in the last election. The president has also suggested he might be open to cutting deals with Democrats, something the White House has discussed but not followed through on. That would also be difficult, given the rancor on the left. Ryan said Thursday that the best path is for Republicans to come together on healthcare and other issues About 90% of our conference is for this bill to repeal and replace Obamcare, and about 10% are not. And thats not enough to pass a bill, he said. What I am encouraging our members to do is to keep talking with each other until we can get the consensus to pass this bill. But its very understandable that the president is frustrated that we havent gotten to where we need to go, because this is something that we all said we would do. Facebook

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Pence casts tie-breaking vote to advance bill that would let states withhold federal funds from Planned Parenthood By Lisa Mascaro Republicans needed Vice President Mike Pence to cast a tie-breaking vote Thursday in the Senate to advance legislation that rolls back rules preventing states from withholding certain federal funds to Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers. With opposition from two Republican women, Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Republicans did not have enough votes with their slim 52-seat majority to advance the bill. Pence, a longtime opponent of abortion, arrived to cast the vote breaking the 50-50 tie  and will be expected to do so later Thursday on final passage. We just saw a historic moment, said Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) It is a sad day for the United States Senate. The measure rolls back a regulation finalized at the end of President Obamas administration that explicitly prevented states from denying federal Title X family planning funds to clinics, like Planned Parenthood, that also provide abortion services. Under longstanding practice, no federal funds can be used for abortions, but federal family planning money can flow to the clinics to provide other healthcare services. Some Republican-led state governments had been moving in recent years to choke off Title X funds from any clinics that offered abortion service. The Obama rule sought to prohibit such practices. The bill Thursday, sponsored by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), has already cleared the House. It is part of a series of bills being passed by Congress under the so-called Congressional Review Act, which allows federal regulations put in place during the final days of the previous administration to be undone by simple majority passage. Passage by the Senate later Thursday would send it to the White House for President Trumps signature. Busy day in D.C., but always happy to make time to meet visitors touring the Capitol. pic.twitter.com/4q6JG8wP0E  Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) March 30, 2017 Facebook

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Senate committee narrowly approves Acostas nomination to be Labor secretary By Jim Puzzanghera (Manuel Balce Ceneta / AP) A Senate committee on Thursday narrowly approved R. Alexander Acosta to be Labor secretary, moving to fill one of President Trumps few remaining vacant Cabinet posts. The nomination of Acosta, a law school dean and former Justice Department official, was approved by a 12-11 vote by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. All of the panels Republicans supported the nomination; all of the Democrats were opposed. If confirmed in a full Senate vote, which is expected soon, Acosta will be the only Latino in Trumps Cabinet. A date for the final vote hasnt been set. Read More Facebook

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Follow the money and the trail of dead Russians, expert urges senators By Del Quentin Wilber (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) The Senate Intelligence Committee hearing Thursday into Russian efforts to influence the November elections has been a long history lesson, tracing Moscows decades-long efforts to use misinformation to undermine democracies. But Clinton Watts, of the Center for Cyber and Homeland Security at George Washington University, provided a roadmap to better understanding the Kremlins efforts. He urged senators and the U.S. government to follow the money to figure out how misinformation websites and social media outlets are being funded. While the Russians conducted their hacking in the Internets shadows, their efforts to influence the election was hardly a secret, he said. You can hack stuff and be covert, but you cant influence and be covert, he said. You have to ultimately show your hand. And thats why we have been able to discover it online. The second way to trace Russian influence was more ominous: Follow the trail of dead Russians, he said. There have been more dead Russians in the past three months that are tied to this investigation, he added. They are dropping dead, even in Western countries. Watts didnt finish the thought but was likely referring to a spate of deaths of high-profile Russians, some of which appeared to be assassinations although others appear to have been from natural causes. With the daytime execution of a Russian politician in Ukraine last week, at least eight Russian politicians, activists, ambassadors and a former intelligence official have died since the U.S. election. Facebook

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Russia has stepped up efforts to influence elections, experts tell Senate panel By David S. Cloud (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) Moscow has stepped up its interference in U.S. and European elections, using social media, hacking and other tools to undermine public confidence and to raise doubts about the U.S as an ally, Russia experts told the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday. The committee was taking testimony from experts in Russian propaganda and intelligence operations as part of its investigation into Moscows meddling in the 2016 election. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), the top Democrat on the panel, emphasized that in addition to examining the broad topic of Russian efforts to influence the election, the panel also must seek to answer whether President Trumps campaign had contact with Russian officials last year, noting the the FBI has opened its own probe. I will not prejudge the outcome of our investigation. We are seeking to determine if there is an actual fire, but there is clearly a lot of smoke, Warner said. Dr. Eugene Rumer, Director of the Russia and Eurasia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told the panel that Russian President Vladimir Putin probably viewed Moscows meddling in the U.S. election as an unqualified success. Facebook

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Tillerson meets Turkish officials to seek support for battle against Islamic State in Syria By Umar Farooq Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Thursday met for more than two hours with Turkeys president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as they hoped to shore up troubled relations between their nations. Making his first trip to Turkey, Tillerson became the highest-ranking Trump administration official to hold a face-to-face session with Erdogan, an increasingly authoritarian leader who is also a NATO member and key ally in the fight against Islamic State in Syria. The meeting went longer than planned. Turkey and the United States disagree sharply on how to combat Islamic State: Washington supports Kurdish militias that Erdogan regards as an arm of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which Turkey and the U.S. consider a terrorist organization. Trying to fight against Daesh through terrorist organizations such as ... extensions of the PKK, would be like shooting yourself in the foot, Erdogans senior advisor, Ibrahim Kalin, said ahead of Thursdays meeting. Daesh is a pejorative Arabic acronym for Islamic State. Read More Facebook

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Hawaii judge extends national halt on Trumps travel ban By Jaweed Kaleem Donald Trump in San Diego in May. (John Gastaldo / San Diego Union-Tribune)) The Hawaii federal judge who brought President Trumps revised travel ban to a national halt this month extended his order blocking the bans enforcement. The move Wednesday sets the stage for the Justice Department to appeal to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to reverse the ruling. U.S. District Judge Derrick Watsons original order halting the travel ban was issued March 15, a day before the ban was to go into effect, in the form of a temporary restraining order. At a hearing in Honolulu on Wednesday, federal lawyers asked Watson to either dismiss that order or narrow the restrictions to apply to fewer parts of the travel ban. Instead, Watson said he would turn the order into a preliminary injunction, which has the effect of extending his order blocking the travel ban for a longer period. Watson said he would keep intact the restrictions on the travel ban -- a block of its 90-day moratorium on travel to the U.S. from nationals of six majority-Muslim countries and its 120-day pause on new refugee resettlement. If the Justice Department appeals the case, it will be heard in the same court that upheld a national halt to Trumps first travel ban last month after a Seattle federal judge ruled against it. The administration has already appealed to the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals a Maryland judges more limited March 16 ruling that stopped enforcement of the travel orders country-specific ban. Both the Hawaii and Maryland judges found Trumps executive order to discriminate against Muslims. They used the presidents campaign statements promising to suspend Muslim travel to the U.S. as evidence of the orders anti-Muslim bias. Government lawyers have argued that the president is not singling out Muslims but instead acting within his power to restrict immigration and safeguard national security while better vetting procedures are developed to prevent potential terrorists from entering the U.S. Trump has said hell take the case over the travel ban to the U.S. Supreme Court. Facebook

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Ivanka Trump gets formal White House role, with ethics obligations but no pay By Michael A. Memoli (Brendan Smialowski / AFP-Getty Images) Ivanka Trump is taking on a more formal White House role  with a title but not a paycheck  a move intended to quell ethics concerns raised about her status in her fathers administration. In a statement, the White House noted that the presidents elder daughter already had an unprecedented role in the administration different from that of previous presidential children. She now will take the title of special advisor to the president, and therefore assume the same responsibility to abide by ethics standards that other federal employees have, the statement said. The decision demonstrates the administrations commitment to ethics, transparency and compliance, the administration said. Although Ivanka Trump already had a West Wing office  as does her husband, senior advisor Jared Kushner  she now will have increased opportunities to lead initiatives driving real policy benefits for the American public that would not have been available to her previously, a White House spokesman said. The announcement came on a day when President Trump sought to promote his administrations commitment to empowering women. He delivered remarks at an East Room event that included other top women in his Cabinet, including U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and Small Business Administration head Linda McMahon. Ivanka Trump held a roundtable with female business owners earlier, Press Secretary Sean Spicer said. Earlier Wednesday, leading Senate Democrats sent a letter to the Office of Government Ethics raising concerns about the increasing, albeit unspecified position Ivanka Trump had held and the potential conflicts of interest that her government position might trigger with her personal businesses, including a retail clothing brand. The letter from Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Tom Carper (D-Del.) asked the agency whether Trump would be required to divest herself of personal assets or if she could be required to recuse herself from certain functions. Trumps new position was first reported by the New York Times. In a statement to the paper, Trump said she was acting in response to ethics concerns, but noted she already had been voluntarily complying with all ethics rules. Facebook

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Russia inquiry one of the biggest congressional probes in decade, senators say By David Lauter Sens. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), right, and Mark Warner (D-Va.). (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) The Senate Intelligence Committees probe into Russian involvement in the 2016 U.S. presidential election will be one of the biggest investigations in years and has already involved an unprecedented level of cooperation between Congress and U.S. spy agencies, the panels chairman said Wednesday. At a Capitol Hill news conference, the committee chairman, Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina, and its ranking Democrat, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, emphasized the bipartisan nature of the panels efforts, drawing a determined, though unstated, contrast with the partisan dysfunction of a parallel investigation in the House. The committee will go wherever the intelligence leads us, Burr said. And he pointedly refused to endorse White House statements that investigators inevitably will find that there was no collusion between President Trumps campaign and the Russians. It would be crazy to try to draw any conclusions at this point, Burr said. We know that our challenge is to answer that question to the American people, Burr said, referring to the issue of Trumps involvement. Warner said he had confidence in Richard Burr to run a fair investigation and produce a bipartisan conclusion. Warner said Americans should not lose sight of what the investigation is about: An outside foreign adversary effectively tried to hijack the election and favor one candidate over the other. They didnt do it because it was in the best interest of the American people, he said. "[Russian President] Vladimir Putins goal is a weaker United States. The Russian action should be a concern of all Americans regardless of party affiliation, he added. The committee staff already has reviewed thousands of pages of intelligence documents and has begun scheduling interviews with a list of 20 preliminary witnesses, who will be questioned in private before the panel holds public hearings, Burr said. He strongly implied that one of the potential witnesses is retired Gen. Michael Flynn, who was fired from his post as national security advisor to Trump after the disclosure that he had misled Vice President Mike Pence and others about his contacts with Russias ambassador to the U.S. You would think less of us if the committee had not talked with Flynn, Burr told reporters. The witnesses, including Jared Kushner, the presidents son-in-law and advisor, will be questioned when the committee is ready, he said. Facebook

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Justice Department watchdog finds DEA cash seizure program may pose risk to civil liberties By Del Quentin Wilber A Ukiah, Calif., police officer works with a dog to search for drugs or cash in a motorists car on May 14, 2014. (Francine Orr/ Los Angeles Times) The way the Drug Enforcement Administration seizes cash and other assets may pose a risk to civil liberties, the Justice Departments internal watchdog reported Wednesday. The Justice Departments inspector general also determined that the agency does not measure or track how its asset seizure activities advance criminal investigations. Over the last decade, more than $28 billion has been seized through the departments asset forfeiture program. The effort and others in states have generated intense controversy in recent years, with critics contending that many seizures are unfair because some who lose their assets are never charged with crimes. Law enforcement officials, however, say that seizing property and cash is a key tool in disrupting criminal organizations and compensating the victims of crimes. Former Atty. Gen. Eric Holder in 2015 limited how state and local authorities can obtain seized funds by working with federal agents. In its report released Wednesday, the inspector general examined 100 cases in which the DEA seized cash. Eighty-five of the cases involved interdiction at transportation hubs, such as airports or parcel centers. Nearly 80 of those seizures resulted from the direct observation of agents or local police. The inspector general and the Justice Department have raised concerns in the past about such stops and searches, in part, due to the potential for racial profiling. Of the 100 cases, the DEA could verify that only 44 advanced ongoing investigations, led to a new investigation, or resulted in an arrest or prosecution, the inspector general found. When seizure and administrative forfeitures do not ultimately advance an investigation or prosecution, law enforcement creates the appearance, and risks the reality, that it is more interested in seizing and forfeiting cash than advancing an investigation or prosecution, the report said. The inspector general also found that the Justice Department does not provide enough training or require state and local officers working on federal task forces to be trained on asset forfeiture policies. The Justice Department responded in a letter to the inspector general that its analysis was flawed and its sample significantly underreported the amount of seized funds that are ultimately returned. In a statement, Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said, Asset forfeiture is a powerful and effective law enforcement tool, allowing the department to compensate victims, deprive criminals of the proceeds of their crimes, remove the tools of crime from criminal organizations, and deter crime. The department believes that the ongoing public debate about asset forfeiture is healthy, she added, but as outlined in our formal response, we strongly disagree with large swaths of this report and its flawed methodology that failed to address the essential role asset forfeiture plays combating some of the most sophisticated criminal actors and organizations, including terrorist financiers, cyber criminals, fraudsters, human traffickers, and drug cartels. 9:23 a.m.: This story was updated with Justice Department comment. Facebook

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Hoax. Con job. Chinese plot. Trump tweets have bashed climate science for years By Michael Finnegan President Trump signs an executive order Tuesday to rescind Obama administration policies on climate change. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / Associated Press) As President Trump moved to halt federal efforts against global warming on Tuesday, he avoided an important phrase: climate change. It was the same story during his campaign for president; Trump rarely mentioned it. When he pledged in May to withdraw the United States from the Paris treaty, a pact among nearly every nation on Earth to reduce the carbon emissions that cause global warming, it was one of the few occasions when Trump broached the topic. Trumps muted approach made political sense. To reject science is to risk alienating millions of moderate voters who support action to stop global warming. But before Trump started running for president, he often bluntly attacked climate science. Some highlights from his Twitter feed: Read More Facebook

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Supreme Court rules in favor of merchants who want to advertise credit card fees By David Savage Supreme Court rules on swipe fees (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press)) Merchants may soon have the right to tell customers that they will pay a surcharge if they use a credit card rather than pay with cash. The Supreme Court cast doubt Wednesday on laws in California, New York, Florida and seven other states that make it illegal for sellers to impose a surcharge on credit card sales. In a 8-0 decision, the justices said these laws regulate speech and may be challenged as violations of the 1st Amendment. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. said these laws do not prevent merchants from offering a discount for those who pay cash. Rather, they simply forbid disclosing that a posted price includes a surcharge of 2% to 3% for using a credit or debit card. Merchants want to pass the fees along only to their customers who choose to use credit cards, he said. They also want to make clear that they are not the bad guys -- that the credit card companies, not the merchants, are responsible for the higher prices. But the ruling Wednesday was only a partial victory for the five New York businesses, including a hair salon and an ice cream parlor in Brooklyn, that sued to challenge the ban on advertising or disclosing surcharges for using credit cards. The U.S. 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals in New York had upheld the law on the grounds it was a price regulation, not a speech restriction. Roberts and the high court disagreed. What the law does is regulate how sellers may communicate their prices, he said. A merchant who wants to charge $10 for cash and $10.30 for credit may not convey that price any way he pleases. He is not free to say '$10, with a 3% credit card surcharge. But the justices did not strike down the state laws, instead sending the case back to the New York court to decide whether this speech regulation could be justified. Sometimes, laws are used to regulate the words of commercial transactions to prevent buyers from being fooled or confused. Until recently, the major credit card companies had imposed contract restrictions that prevented merchants from disclosing surcharges. But those provisions have challenged and knocked down. That in turn led to new legal challenges against the state laws which forbid sellers from disclosing these surcharges. The case decided Wednesday was Expressions Hair Design vs. Schneiderman. Facebook

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Trumps poll numbers are low. But the people who put him in office say its not time to judge him  yet By Noah Bierman Its been five months since the euphoria of a Donald Trump rally at the local arena brought optimism to this former Democratic stronghold. The snow from a long winter has begun melting into the rocky soil, and the digital sign in a torn-up parking lot blinks hopefully: Warm days are coming. President Trump has yet to deliver jobs or the repeal of Obamacare. But here, in an area crucial to his unexpected election victory, many residents are more frustrated with what they see as obstruction and a rush to judgment than they are with Trump. Give him six months to prove himself, said an information technology supervisor. Give him a year, said a service manager. Give him four years, said a retired print shop owner. Give the man a chance, said Crystal Matthews, a 59-year-old hospital employee. Theyre just going to fight him tooth and nail, the whole way. Read More Facebook

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To fight womans defamation claim, Trump cites the Bill Clinton-Paula Jones case  which the president lost By David Savage President Trump is citing Bill Clintons famous sexual harassment battle in his effort to block a California womans lawsuit claiming Trump lied about groping her in the Beverly Hills Hotel in 2007. Problem is, Clinton lost that bid for legal immunity when the Supreme Court ruled unanimously in 1997 that the chief executive is not shielded from responding to a civil suit regarding his private behavior. Read More Facebook

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House sends Trump bill to kill landmark broadband privacy regulations By Jim Puzzanghera Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) sponsored the repeal bill. (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images) The House voted Tuesday to kill landmark privacy restrictions for Internet service providers and sent the bill to the White House, which indicated President Trump would sign it and invalidate the rules before they go into effect. The measure, approved largely along party lines, repeals tough new Federal Communications Commission regulations that would require broadband companies to get explicit customer permission before using or sharing most of their personal information. The data include health information, website browsing history, app usage and the geographic information from mobile devices. The rules also tighten data security requirements. Republicans, along with AT&T Inc., Charter Communications Inc., Comcast Corp. and other providers of high-speed Internet service, strongly opposed the rules. They argued that the restrictions are tougher than those for websites and social networks that also collect and use the highly valuable consumer data, which companies use to target advertising. Read More Facebook

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U.S. commander says theres a fair chance that coalition airstrike is responsible for civilian casualties in Mosul By W.J. Hennigan Rescuers are still recovering bodies from a suspected U.S. airstrike in the Iraqi city of Mosul. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) The top U.S. general commanding the fight against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria said that the U.S.-led coalition was probably responsible for a blast that killed more than 200 people. If we did it, and I would say theres at least a fair chance that we did, it was an unintentional accident of war and we will transparently report it to you, Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend told reporters Tuesday via teleconference from Baghdad. He made the comments in response to witness reports that an airstrike by the U.S.-led coalition leveled a large apartment block and killed scores of civilians, including women and children, in west Mosuls Jadidah neighborhood on March 17. My initial assessment is that we probably had a role in these casualties, Townsend said. But investigators are still trying to determine whether other factors -- possibly including repeated airstrikes in the neighborhood or an explosive device accidentally or deliberately planted near the building -- could have led to its collapse. The fact that the whole building collapsed contradicts our involvement, Townsend said. The munition that we used should not have collapsed an entire building. So thats one of those things were trying to figure out in the investigative process. Read More Facebook

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Gov. Jerry Brown calls Trump energy plan a colossal mistake that will galvanize climate change activists By Evan Halper Gov. Jerry Brown. (Gregory Bull / Associated Press) California Gov. Jerry Brown warned that President Trump has just made a colossal mistake in gutting the federal governments effort to combat climate change, which will ignite a response Trump is unprepared to handle. It defies science itself, Brown said in a call to The Times shortly after Trump signed an executive order that aims to bring an abrupt halt to the United States leadership on global warming. Erasing climate change may take place in Donald Trumps mind, but nowhere else. Yes, there is going to be a counter-movement, Brown vowed, predicting Trumps actions will mobilize environmentalists in a way President Obama never could. I have met with many heads of state, ambassadors. This is a growing movement. President Trumps outrageous move will galvanize the contrary force. Things have been a bit tepid [in climate activism]. But this conflict, this sharpening of the contradiction, will energize those who believe climate change is an existential threat. Brown and other big-state governors and mayors are moving swiftly to fill the global leadership vacuum Trump created with Tuesdays directive, which stops short of officially pulling the U.S. out of the Paris climate accord of 2015. I see Washington declining in influence, but the momentum being maintained by California and other states aligned with China and those who are willing to do something, said Brown, who will be traveling to China soon for meetings on climate. There is a growing activism on the part of millions of people who will not stand by and let Donald Trump effectively tear up the Paris agreement and destroy Americas climate leadership and jeopardize the health and well being of so many people. In the face of Trumps retreat on climate, Brown said California will step up its own efforts to push others toward clean energy. We are not fully meeting the challenge of climate change yet, he said. We are doubling down on our commitment. We are reaching out to other states in America and throughout the world and other countries . We have plenty of fuel to build this movement. This is real, Brown said of the threat created by climate change. The nations of the world have recognized it in Paris  I will continue doing my best to work with and rouse the world community, whatever the politicians in Washington do or dont do. Facebook

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Trump orders government to dismantle Obamas climate change policies By Evan Halper  President Trump ordered an abrupt halt to Americas crusade against climate change. (March 29, 2017) (Sign up for our free video newsletter here http://bit.ly/2n6VKPR) President Trump on Tuesday ordered the federal government to retreat from the battle against climate change launched by President Obama, issuing a directive aimed at dismantling the core policies that have made the U.S. a global leader in curbing emissions. The plan unveiled by Trump reflects an about-face for the U.S. on energy, and it puts into jeopardy the nations ability to meet the obligations it agreed to under the global warming pact signed in Paris with 194 other nations. It would shelve the landmark Clean Power Plan that mandates electricity companies reduce their emissions. It seeks to dislodge consideration of climate throughout the federal government, where it has been a factor in every relevant decision in recent years. My administration is putting an end to the war on coal, Trump said. I am taking historic steps to lift the restrictions on American energy to reverse government intrusions and to cancel job killing regulations. Under the order, the government will abandon the social cost of carbon that regulators had painstakingly calculated and begun factoring into their decision on permit applications and rulemaking. Restrictions on methane releases at oil and gas drilling facilities would be eased. Agencies will also stop contemplating climate impacts as they launch into new projects, and restrictions on coal leasing and fracking on federal lands will be lifted. The directive, for which progressive states and environmentalists have been preparing for months, is certain to set off years of litigation and conflicts between Washington and state capitols. Some of the most far-reaching policies Trump is seeking to bring to a halt cannot be canceled unilaterally and require lengthy administrative proceedings. But others he can end with the stroke of his pen. Smoke rises from the Colstrip Steam Electric Station, a coal-burning power plant in Colstrip, Mont., on July 1, 2103. (Matt Brown / Associated Press) Facebook

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A trade war is brewing inside the White House between rival camps By Don Lee Soon after President Trump took office, an executive order was quietly drafted to suspend talks with China on an obscure but potentially far-reaching treaty about bilateral investment. After eight years and two dozen rounds of negotiations, the treaty terms were almost in final form. Pulling out after so much time and effort would send a clear message that the Trump administration meant to take a new and tougher approach to China. But the executive order never even got to the presidents desk. It was quietly shelved, according to sources inside and outside the White House, at the behest of former Goldman Sachs President Gary Cohn, now Trumps top economic advisor. Killing the order was a small victory for a White House faction that supports free trade and the global economy. But it was only an opening skirmish in what promises to be a long and bitter struggle over trade policy that so far is being waged behind the scenes in the Trump administration. Read More Facebook

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Supreme Court reverses death sentence for Texas inmate who could not tell time or name the days of the week By David Savage The Supreme Court set aside a death sentence on Tuesday for a Texas inmate who as a 13-year-old could not tell time or name the days of the week, concluding he should not be executed in light of his mental disability. In a 5-3 decision, the justices reversed the Texas state appeals court that had restored a death sentence given to Bobby James Moore, a 57-year old prisoner who shot and killed a store clerk in a botched robbery in 1980. At issue was whether Moore had a mental disability that would make his execution cruel and unusual punishment under the 8th Amendment. The justices banned states from executing prisoners with a mental disability, but they left states some flexibility to set the standards. But three years ago, the justices faulted Florida authorities for relying almost entirely on I.Q. scores. In the Texas case decided Tuesday, the justices said state judges had ignored ample evidence that Moore had severe mental disability as a child. That evidence was not overcome by the fact that he had adapted well in prison, they said. At 13, Moore lacked the basic understanding of the days of the week, the months of the year and the seasons; he could scarcely tell time or comprehend the standards of measure, said Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. After failing every subject in the ninth grade, Moore dropped out of high school. Cast out of his home, he survived on the streets, eating from trash cans, even after two bouts of food poisoning. After fatally shooting the clerk in the 1980 robbery, he was sentenced to death. The Texas courts reexamined his sentence after the high court abolished capital punishment in 2002 for defendants with a mental disability. A state judge listened to experts and set aside Moores death sentence, But the states criminal appeals court disagreed. Its judges said Moore had demonstrated adaptive strength by living on the streets and carrying out a robbery, and therefore did not qualify as having a severe mental impairment. Ginsburg said the state judges had relied on an outdated understanding of mental disability, and her opinion in Moore vs. Texas said the state court must reconsidere its decision. Justices Anthony M. Kennedy, Stephen G. Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan agreed. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. dissented. While he agreed the states authorities may have used outdated standards, Moore had I.Q. scores ranging from 69 to 79 that show he did not have the significantly sub-average intellectual functioning that would exempt him from the death penalty. Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel A. Alito agreed. Facebook

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The Freedom Caucus roars back to relevance to challenge Trumps agenda and strategy By Lisa Mascaro When House Speaker Paul D. Ryan pulled the plug on the GOPs Obamacare overhaul, lawmakers spilled out of the Capitol basement, angry, frustrated and stunned. But Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), leader of the conservative and rebellious House Freedom Caucus that led the fight against the bill, was uncharacteristically quiet, downplaying his political victory and mulling over the next move. After coming together to battle President Obama and becoming a driving force in the Republican Party, this 30-member-plus bloc of deficit hawks and right-flank conservatives had appeared for a while to be pushed aside by the movement that swept President Trump into office. But after helping defeat the GOP healthcare overhaul, the Freedom Caucus has roared back to relevance as a political power in the Trump era. It has reasserted itself as not just a renegade assemblage of mostly back-bench lawmakers, but as a core block of votes that Trump will need to push past the healthcare debacle to tax reform, budget battles and other issues. These guys saved the Republicans, said Adam Brandon, president of FreedomWorks, a group that organized a North Carolina rally on Monday in honor of Meadows. As beaten and battered as they are, weve got a group thats willing to take the hard decisions. If youre going to drain the swamp, these are the guys who are going to do it. Read More Facebook

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White House stopped Yates testimony about Russian meddling in presidential election, lawyer says By Associated Press A lawyer for former Deputy Atty. Gen. Sally Yates said in letters last week that the Trump administration had moved to squelch her testimony in a hearing about Russian meddling in the presidential election. In the letters, attorney David ONeil said he understood the Justice Department was invoking further constraints on testimony she could provide at a House Intelligence Committee hearing that had been scheduled for Tuesday. He said the departments position was that all actions she took as deputy attorney general were client confidences that could not be disclosed without written approval. The Washington Post first reported the letters. A person familiar with the situation confirmed them as authentic to the Associated Press. The White House called the Post story entirely false. Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare), chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and part of Trumps transition team, last week announced that the committee was canceling the planned public hearing with Yates and two former Obama administration intelligence officials  the former director of national intelligence, James Clapper, and former CIA Director John Brennan. Read More Facebook

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Did Mnuchin cross an ethical line in plugging The Lego Batman Movie? A senator wants to know By Jim Puzzanghera (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / Associated Press) A Democratic senator wants to know if Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin committed an ethics violation when he publicly plugged The Lego Batman Movie, a film in which he has a financial stake. A former Hollywood financier, Mnuchin was asked at the end of a question-and-answer session on Friday hosted by the Axios news website to name a movie people should see. Well, Im not allowed to promote anything that Im involved in. So I just want to have the legal disclosure, youve asked me the question and I am not promoting any product, Mnuchin said at the event, which aired on C-SPAN2. But you should send all your kids to Lego Batman,  he said. The crowd laughed. But Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, wasnt amused. Hes asking the U.S. Office of Government Ethics to look into the comments. Read More Facebook

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Venezuela hits back in showdown with OAS, U.S. over democracy By Tracy Wilkinson The Venezuelan foreign minister had harsh words Monday for the regional organization that is considering sanctioning her country for its failure to hold democratic elections. Delcy Rodriguez, the foreign minister, accused the Organization of American States of wanting not to punish Venezuela but to destroy it. Rodriguez appeared at an OAS panel convened in Washington. D.C., after the United States and 13 other of the hemispheres nations united to demand the leftist Venezuelan government free political prisoners and set a date for long-overdue elections. Failure to do so, the 14 countries warned, could trigger a decision to suspend Venezuela from the 69-year-old regional body. OAS Secretary-General Luis Almagro, a former Uruguayan foreign minister, has been especially critical of Venezuelas embattled government. He noted that President Nicolas Maduro canceled both a referendum that could have recalled his government and later regional elections, after the opposition made huge gains in parliamentary voting in 2015. In addition, thousands of people have been arrested for their political beliefs, Almagro said, including opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, who has been in jail for three years. But Rodriguez, in a speech to the OAS panel, said Venezuelas revolution continues strong. She accused Almagro of being a stooge of the U.S. government, a lying mercenary who is a traitor to everything a Latin American diplomat should represent. He lacks independence when he voluntarily bows to the wishes of the most powerful nation of this organization -- and becomes its spokesman, Rodriguez said. Although the OAS has often been accused of pro-Washington tendencies, 13 nations in addition to the United States have joined to condemn Venezuela, a significant shift in Latin America away from populist regimes. Other leftist-ruled countries, like Bolivia, have said they will support Venezuela. Rodriguez said the accusations against her government were unilateral, unjustified and biased. She called on the OAS to suspend discussion of Venezuela, but another session was scheduled to proceed on Tuesday -- the same day Maduros Socialist Party is planning big anti-imperialism marches at home. All of the countries most critical of Venezuela, including the United States, say suspension of the oil-rich, Caribbean country from the OAS should be a measure of last resort. Despite its oil wealth, Venezuela is in the throes of an economic and humanitarian disaster, with severe shortages of food and medicine and skyrocketing inflation and homicide rates. Facebook

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Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions criticizes sanctuary cities but offers no new policies By Michael A. Memoli  Decrying the safety risk posed when cities dont cooperate with federal immigration authorities, Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions repeated previous statements that the Trump administration would seek to deny so-called sanctuary cities some federal grant fun Decrying the safety risk posed when cities dont cooperate with federal immigration authorities, Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions repeated previous statements that the Trump administration would seek to deny so-called sanctuary cities some federal grant funds, but offered no new policies. Despite his high-profile appearance at the White House briefing room, Sessions merely reiterated Obama administration policy related to immigration. Justice Department officials said any new measures would be weeks or months in the future. The Obama administration issued instructions last July that required any cities applying for Justice Department grant programs be in compliance with federal law requiring cooperation between local, state and federal agencies with requests from the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Sessions noted that any jurisdiction applying for grants from his department would have to certify that compliance. The Justice Department already has been requiring that, which indicates that police and sheriff departments which currently have Justice Department grants already have been asserting that they are meeting the requirements of federal law. Although many cities have policies that they, or critics, characterize using the label sanctuary, those policies do not necessarily mean they are violating the law. Sessions did say that the Justice Department could in the future institute additional requirements, but announced none. Fundamentally, we intend to use all the lawful authority we have to make sure that our state and local officials, who are so important to law enforcement, are in sync with the federal government, he said. He did offer a warning to jurisdictions considering adopting sanctuary status. The California legislature is considering a proposal to institute the designation statewide; Sessions, though, singled out Maryland for a similar proposal. That would be such a mistake, Sessions said, while noting Marylands Republican governor opposes the change proposed by the heavily-Democratic legislature. Sessions cited a high-profile case in San Francisco where a 32-year-old woman was killed by man who had been previously deported multiple times despite a request by immigration authorities to continue his detention to illustrate the administrations case against such policies. Countless Americans would be alive today and countless loved ones would not be grieving today if these policies of sanctuary cities were ended, Sessions claimed. Facebook

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Devin Nunes plot thickens, as his spokesman concedes he met source for surveillance claim at White House By David S. Cloud The day before the House Intelligence Committee chairman revealed that conversations by Trump transition officials may have been inadvertently picked up by U.S. surveillance, he met with the source of the information at the White House, his spokesman said Monday Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare), went to the White House because there was a facility there for reviewing classified information, said Jack Langer, a spokesman for Nunes, who has refused to divulge the identity of his source. Chairman Nunes met with his source at the White House grounds in order to have proximity to a secure location where he could view the information provided by the source, Langer said. The latest news added another twist to a bizarre series of events last week: On Monday, FBI Director James Comey testified before Nunes committee that his investigators were looking at possible coordination during the presidential campaign between Russian officials and people close to Preisdent Trump. Tuesday night, Nunes went to the White House where someone showed him documents related to U.S. intelligence surveillance, according to his statement. On Wednesday, Nunes announced to reporters that he had seen evidence indicating that people close to Trump had been subjects of surveillance during the transition. He then went to the White House, saying that he needed to brief Trump about the revelations. On Thursday, Nunes apologized to committee members for not having shown the evidence to them before briefing the president. Later that day, his spokesman conceded that Nunes did not know for sure that any Trump aides had actually been subject to surveillance, just that their names had appeared in intelligence reports, which could have resulted from other people talking about them. That sequence of events could buttress Democrats claims that the episode last week was a White House ploy to shift attention away from the FBI investigation. Democrats already have been saying Nunes should be disqualified from heading an inquiry into whether Trumps aides had improper contacts with Russia. Nunes statement left several questions unanswered. One is why he would have had to go to the White House unless his source worked there, because members of Congress have access to a secure facility at the U.S. Capitol. Asked to explain Nunes actions, Langer said in an email, The information comprised executive branch documents that have not been provided to Congress. Because of classification rules, the source could not simply put the documents in a backpack and walk them over to the House Intelligence Committee space.  He added: The White House grounds was the best location to safeguard the proper chain of custody and classification of these documents, so the Chairman could view them in a legal way. Last week, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer had dismissed speculation that the White House had supplied Nunes with the information, saying that the suggestion did not pass the smell test. He added, however, that he did not for sure what Nunes had told Trump or where his information came from. After Nunes apologized to members of his committee Thursday and promised to thoroughly investigate the surveillance, several lawmakers said Nunes had promised to provide them the surveillance information he had received. That has not occurred yet. In his first statement last week, Nunes said he was concerned that some Trump transition officials identities might have been improperly revealed in intelligence reports, despite rules requiring them to be kept confidential in most cases. The Chairman is extremely concerned by the possible improper unmasking of names of U.S. citizens, and he began looking into this issue even before President Trump tweeted his assertion that Trump Tower had been wiretapped, Langer said. Whether any officials names actually were unmasked is unclear. The ranking Democrat on the committee, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) has questioned Nunes assertions about improper unmasking. But Schiff noted that he has not seen the documents Nunes claims to have seen. Schiff had no comment on the news that Nunes had seen the documents at the White House. UPDATES 10:20 a.m.: This article was updated with staff reporting. This article was originally published as an Associated Press report at 9:06 a.m. Facebook

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Venezuela in showdown with OAS, U.S. over political prisoners By Tracy Wilkinson The besieged leftist government of Venezuela is under mounting pressure after the United States and 13 of the hemispheres other leading nations demanded the release of political prisoners and other pro-democracy concessions. The Organization of American States, the regions main collective body, has threatened to suspend Venezuela because of what it called the autocratic repression imposed by President Nicolas Maduro. Maduros foreign minister, Delcy Rodriguez, will appear Monday before an OAS panel in Washington to plead her governments case. This comes after members of the Venezuelan delegation stormed out of OAS meetings last week, according to diplomats. OAS Secretary-General Luis Almagro, in a report on Venezuela, noted that Maduro canceled both a referendum that could have recalled his government and later regional elections, after the opposition made huge gains in parliamentary voting in 2015. A Maduro-controlled Supreme Court then stripped the parliament of much of its power. In addition, thousands of people have been arrested for their political beliefs, Almagro said, including opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, who has been in jail for three years. The OAS is demanding Venezuela hold elections or risk suspension from the group, a drastic measure. The last time a country was suspended was when the military and right-wing politicians staged a coup against the elected president in Honduras in 2009. Under OAS regulations, a country can be suspended when the democratic order is altered. Venezuela is in the throes of a devastating economic and humanitarian crisis. The oil-rich country has among the highest homicide and inflation rates in the world and suffers from severe shortages of food and medicine. The Maduro government angrily condemned the OAS actions as imperialist interference and vowed to resist. Adan Chavez, brother of the late Hugo Chavez, the socialist strongman who set Venezuela on its revolutionary path, claimed the OAS was plotting a coup against Maduro. Maduro views much of his opposition as right-wing oligarchs who have long repressed the poor. Although the OAS has often been accused of pro-Washington tendencies, it is significant that 13 nations in addition to the United States are united in condemning Venezuela. This marks a shift away from populist regimes in much of Latin America. The Trump administration, which has shown little interest in Latin America beyond Mexico, did issue instructions to diplomats to find ways through the OAS to put pressure on Venezuela, according to people familiar with the matter. Those instructions came despite parallel administration plans to slash funds to the OAS and other multilateral institutions like the United Nations. Trump recently spoke by telephone to the presidents of Chile and Brazil and in both cases discussed Venezuela, the White House said. And he met at the White House with Lilian Tintori, the wife of Lopez, the jailed opposition leader, as she lobbied for her husbands freedom. The Treasury Department earlier this year slapped sanctions on Venezuelas vice president, Tareck El Aissami, alleging he was a major drug trafficker, charges he denied. Were not pushing for Venezuelas expulsion from the OAS at this time, State Department spokesman Mark Toner said late last week. However, we do think the OAS is the appropriate venue to deal with the ongoing situation in Venezuela, he said. Elections are essential to securing accountability, and the Venezuelan people deserve a voice in creating solutions to the myriad economic, political, and social and humanitarian challenges that they face. Facebook

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Trump takes to Twitter to blame GOP hard-liners over healthcare failure By Laura King (Mandel Ngan / AFP-Getty Images) President Trump on Sunday blamed fellow Republicans and two influential conservative advocacy groups for last weeks failure of the GOP healthcare plan. The president had said on Friday that it was the fault of Democrats that House Speaker Paul D. Ryan pulled the measure from consideration rather than putting it forth for a floor showdown that the GOP leadership would have lost. In a Sunday morning tweet, the president appeared to shift culpability to the House Freedom Caucus, a conservative group of GOP lawmakers who were key to depriving Trump and his camp of the votes needed for passage. Democrats are smiling over the bills failure, Trump declared on Twitter. The Freedom Caucus, he said, had saved President Obamas Affordable Care Act with the help of Heritage Action and the Club for Growth, two organizations that had opposed the GOP measure. The chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), declined to engage in any sparring with the White House, instead predicting that a Trump-led Republican effort to overhaul Obamas signature healthcare legislation eventually would move ahead. At the end of the day, the most valuable player will be President Trump, he said on ABCs This Week. Meadows also insisted there had been no conversation about any attempt to force out Ryan, who is being blamed for failing to marshal sufficient support for the measure he had spearheaded. Trump so far has refrained from public criticism of the speaker, but  again on Twitter  he specifically urged followers to watch a Fox News segment on Saturday night, featuring commentator Jeanine Pirro excoriating Ryan and calling for him to be ousted. That gave rise to speculation that Trump would seek to force the speaker to take the fall for the debacle. Read More Facebook

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After the GOP healthcare bill fizzles, Trump blames the Democrats and says he learned a lot about loyalty By Brian Bennett  President Trump addresses the cancellation of a vote Friday on the GOPs plan to overhaul the Affordable Care Act. After failing to land a deal on the healthcare bill, President Trump on Friday blamed Democrats, even though the GOP controls Congress and the White House, and made few overtures across the aisle when pushing the bill. When you get no votes from the other side -- meaning Democrats -- it is really a difficult situation, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office after a revolt by Republican lawmakers forced House leaders to stop a vote in their bid to overhaul the Affordable Care Act. Trump insisted that the current healthcare law, commonly known as Obamacare, will collapse under its own weight, and then Democrats will want to make a deal with the White House. I truly believe the Democrats will come to us, Trump said. In the meantime, Trump is moving his attention to pushing through a tax reform bill, he said. We will probably be going really hard for the big tax cuts and tax reform -- thats next, he said. Trump, who has spent decades negotiating real estate deals and seeing many of them fall through, seemed sanguine discussing the effort he put into getting a healthcare reform bill passed. This was an interesting period of time, Trump said. We learned a lot about loyalty and we learned a lot about the vote-getting process. Trump stopped short of blaming House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) and avoided singling out the group of conservative Republican lawmakers, who dug in their heels in opposition. Lawmakers in the House Freedom Caucus that largely stood against the bill are very good people and friends of mind, he said. I was disappointed because we could have had it, he said. Im a little surprised, he said. When asked by a reporter if he would reach out now to Democrats for ideas on how to get a deal, Trump said, No, I think we need to let Obamacare go its way for a little while. Then well see how things go. Facebook

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Tillerson will meet with NATO counterparts, after all By Tracy Wilkinson Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will meet with NATO allies next week in Brussels, a move that could quell controversy over his earlier decision to skip a long-planned summit of the transatlantic alliance. The State Department said Friday that Tillerson added a stop at NATO headquarters in Brussels to a previously scheduled trip to the Turkish capital of Ankara. Tillerson will be in Ankara on Thursday to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other senior Turkish officials to discuss the fight against Islamic State militants in Syria and to reaffirm Turkeys important role in ensuring regional stability, the State Department said. The next day, he will go to NATO, the State Department said. NATO officials were attempting to put together a session with the other 27 allied nations. Earlier this week, news that Tillerson would miss the NATO ministerial meeting set for April 5-6, roiled the alliance. Administration officials said Tillerson would have to be in Washington to attend President Trumps first face-to-face meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping on April 6-7. At the same time, Tillersons aides announced he would be traveling to Moscow the following week. Criticism was swift from European allies but also from several former American diplomats and key U.S. lawmakers, who said the decision raised questions about the Trump administrations commitment to NATO. During his campaign, Trump called the alliance obsolete, although more recently he has voiced support for it while also demanding members spend more money on defense. In response, Tillersons aides said they were exchanging possible alternative dates with NATO to attempt to arrange a meeting in which all parties could participate. It was not yet clear if next Fridays meeting will take the place of the April 5-6 session, which as of late Friday remained on NATOs formal calendar. Diplomats considered the ministerial meeting as especially important because it will lay the groundwork for a May 25 NATO summit of heads of state and government, which Trump has said he will attend. Facebook

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Charter promises Trump something new ($25-billion investment) and something old (20,000 jobs) By Jim Puzzanghera Charter Communications Chief Executive Thomas Rutledge. (Mandel Ngan / AFP/Getty Images) The chief executive of Charter Communications committed in a meeting with President Trump on Friday to invest $25 billion on broadband infrastructure while joining a trend of business leaders touting previously announced job creation at the White House. In the case of Charter  Southern Californias dominant cable-TV and Internet service provider  Chief Executive Thomas Rutledge said he expected to hire 20,000 new U.S. employees over the next four years. Charter had made the hiring promise in 2015 when it was purchasing Time Warner Cable. The new development was the time period in which it will occur. Nevertheless, Trump indicated the job creation was triggered by his election. Read More Facebook

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Threats made against Hawaii judge who ruled against travel ban By Jaweed Kaleem (George Lee / The Star-Advertiser via AP) The Hawaii federal judge who brought President Trumps revised travel ban to a national halt last week has become the target of threats. U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson has received the threats since his March 15 ruling, according to FBI spokeswoman Michele Ernst. Ernst said the FBI is ready to assist but declined to provide more information. The U.S. Marshals Service also said it would not give details. The U.S. Marshals Service is responsible for the protection of federal judicial officials, including judges and prosecutors, and we take that responsibility very seriously, the agency said in a statement. While we do not discuss our specific security measures, we continuously review the security measures in place for all federal judges and take appropriate steps to provide additional protection when it is warranted. Watson, a judge in the U.S. District Court of Hawaii in Honolulu, issued a scathing 43-page opinion against the travel ban the day before it was to go into effect. He wrote that, despite the bans stated secular purpose, Trumps own words marked the executive order as a fulfillment of the presidents campaign promise to temporarily bar Muslims from coming to the U.S. The illogic of the governments contention is palpable, Watson said. In response, Trump said Watsons ruling was terrible and makes us look weak. Trump has vowed to take the travel ban case to the U.S. Supreme Court. An appeal of a separate Maryland federal judges ruling against the travel ban is currently pending in the U.S. 4th District Court of Appeals. Facebook

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House GOP gives up on healthcare bill as Trump suffers first legislative defeat By Lisa Mascaro Unable to muster enough support from his own party, House Speaker Paul D. Ryan again postponed a vote Friday on the GOPs plan to overhaul the Affordable Care Act. The move came at the request of President Trump, who just Thursday night issued an ultimatum that lawmakers should hold the vote regardless of the outcome. It was the second time House GOP leaders had to delay a final reckon
The 17 weathered cottages sit behind a fence at the base of a bluff that runs parallel to the ocean at the northern tip of Crystal Cove State Park.

Remnants of a wooden boardwalk lean up against the base of the fence, while iceplant covers nearly all of a dirt path.

Its hard at this moment to envision the beach parties that would draw people from the movie industry to these now-historic rentals for days of playing volleyball and sipping sodas at the beachfront soda fountain. Laura Davick, who spent much time at the cove, remembers being among those who kept horses at a nearby stable for taking rides up and down the coast.

The seaside paradise attracted Hollywood filmmakers, artists and families  even before the 46 cabins were constructed, primarily in the 1920s and 30s. The 1918 movie Treasure Island was filmed at Crystal Cove.

The completion of Pacific Coast Highway in 1926 brought a new wave of explorers. They started taking over the movie-making remnants or building their own housing out of stray materials, including lumber from the 287-foot schooner named Ester Buhne that wrecked at Balboa Point in 1927, according to KCET.

Families claimed the cottages year after year, even though they had no official rights to the land. For a time cottage dwellers had year-to-year leases on their structures, though that changed to 10-year agreements in 1940, Davick said.

On a recent visit to Cottage No. 12, built in 1929, Davick, founder and vice president of the nonprofit Crystal Cove Alliance, removed a rubber porch mat that had nails sticking out of it. Ends of inactive electrical wires could be seen peeking through a wall near the front door.

Inside, the plywood floor gave way a little with each step, causing one to question its stability. A row of windows facing the ocean had become so clouded that it was impossible to see the water.

A narrow staircase leads to the upstairs bedrooms, which sit empty. A light fixture hangs from the ceiling in one room. The original sinks in the bathrooms came from the Hotel del Coronado in Coronado, Davick said.

Not far away are 29 cottages that have been restored and are being rented, but this one, like 16 others, have been vacant since 2001, when a developer proposed a plan for converting the sites 46 cottages into what the Los Angeles Times called high-priced hotel cabins at the seaside enclave between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach.

The state had purchased the land from the Irvine Co. in 1979, intending to preserve the area as a state park.

The fight begins

Davick recalled the date: Jan. 18, 2001.

That night, at Lincoln Elementary School in Corona del Mar, the California Department of Parks and Recreation and developer Michael Freed, from San Francisco-based Passport Resorts, were ready to present their plan for converting 46 cottages into 73 units, adding three swimming pools and building a 150-seat restaurant at Crystal Cove State Park.

But a group of advocates, including Davick, whose family leased one of the cottages for 41 years, pushed back.

As Davick told the story, Freed never got a chance to present the plan to the hundreds gathered at the school.

People would not let them talk, said Davick, who two years earlier founded the Alliance to Rescue Crystal Cove, which is now the Crystal Cove Alliance. For more than a year before the meeting, Davick had developed an alternative plan that would keep the cottages, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, intact and make them available to the general public for overnight use.

That night, the history for Crystal Cove changed. As I drove away, I thought, This resort is not happening.  Laura Davick, vice president of the nonprofit Crystal Cove Alliance

That night, the history for Crystal Cove changed, Davick said recently as she sat at a picnic table, steps from the sand along the 3.2-mile stretch of coastline. A father threw a Frisbee with his son, while others walked along the sand admiring the gently crashing waves.

As I drove away, I thought, This resort is not happening.

The California Coastal Conservancy eventually voted to spend up to $2 million of taxpayer money to buy back a 60-year lease the state signed with Freed in 1997, according to The Times.

Thus began a quest to restore the cottages to their former glory. In the last 16 years, the alliance, in partnership with the state, has brought back to life, in two phases, 29 of the 46 cottages.

Now comes the final stage: restoring the remaining 17 time-worn structures and making them habitable again.

The latest restoration will involve a partial dismantling, with every effort made to reuse the original materials, according to a California Coastal Commission staff report.

Each cottage has its own personality, its own unique stories, Davick said.

Earlier this month the alliance and state received a coastal development permit from the commission for the work, which involves adding utility lines, building a 650-foot-long boardwalk on caissons, and constructing a 20-foot-high, 120-foot-long wall to protect two of the cottages from potential erosion.

Alliance officials said the project could cost $30 million, adding that firm estimates will be determined in the coming months. About the half the cost will cover infrastructure, such as utilities, while the remainder will cover restoration of the cottages, said Alix Hobbs, the alliances president and chief executive.

Educational component

With the approval, the alliance received $5 million that had been earmarked for Crystal Cove.

In September 2007, the commission approved a town home project in Newport Beach upon the condition that the developer contribute the money for lower-cost, visitor-serving uses, such as affordable lodging on the coast, commission spokeswoman Noaki Schwartz wrote in an email.

Of the $5 million, $1 million will go into an endowment for a coastal engineering educational program. Junior high and high school students, primarily from low-income families, will travel to the coast to learn and conduct experiments on topics such as sea-level rise, climate change and erosion.

The $1 million will help pay for student transportation and any needed equipment and supplies, said Hobbs.

Alliance staff, and faculty from UC Irvines Henry Samueli School of Engineering will design the curriculum, lessons and experiments.

The excursions will eventually go beyond single-day field trips. Students will spend two nights in one of the refurbished cottages and step outside into their classroom  on the beach.

Some of these students have never been to the coast, Hobbs said.

The goal is to engage students in hands-on projects and encourage students to pursue careers in scientific disciplines, Hobbs added.

We want to introduce students to what it means to be an environmental scientist, Hobbs said.

Brett Sanders, chairman of UCIs Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, called Crystal Cove a prototype for studying how man-made structures interact with the natural environment.

How do we strike a balance of protecting natural systems and the California quality of life? Sanders said rhetorically.

The alliance and UCI currently partner on offering students opportunities to gather research from a boat on the ocean, known as the Marine Protected Area Citizen Science Cruise.

Students conduct fish counts with underwater cameras, do plankton tows behind the boat and are also on the lookout for marine mammals, Hobbs said.

The educational component was an important part of the overall vision of Crystal Cove, Davick said.

When people think about Crystal Cove, they think about [cottage] rentals and the Beachcomber [a restaurant on the property], Davick said. Last year, [students in the educational programs] grew by 57%.

Rentals are the tip of the iceberg.

The alliance expects to raise the estimated remaining $22 million. It has $3 million from an anonymous donation.

Infrastructure work, which could start next year, will occur before restoration of the cottages begins. Once started, restoration of the the remaining 17 cottages is expected to take five years.

For those itching to get a glimpse of the restored cottages and surrounding environs, Davick leads free, two-hour tours from noon to 2 p.m. on the third Sunday of every month, except December.

For more information about the alliance, visit crystalcovealliance.org.

bryce.alderton@latimes.com

Twitter: @AldertonBryce
Bishop J. Jon Bruno did commit to selling St. James the Great Episcopal Church in Newport Beach.

But it simply never happened.

That is one of Brunos key defenses as a panel of fellow Episcopal Church officials conducts a disciplinary hearing to determine whether he was deceptive and unbecoming of a clergyman when he tried to sell the church site at 3209 Via Lido to a developer, locked congregants out and then kept the gates closed even after the sale fell through.

Bruno took the stand Wednesday on the second day of his hearing at a Pasadena hotel. The five-member panel potentially could determine whether he is suspended or defrocked.

As bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, Bruno leads a sprawling jurisdiction of about 135 churches, 44 schools and 18 other organizations that stretch over six counties, from San Clemente to the south and Santa Maria to the north, the Pacific coast to the west and the Arizona and Nevada borders to the east.

Though the diocese is property-rich, Bruno testified Wednesday, it is cash-poor.

Still, the diocese did not actively market the St. James church after it transitioned back to an Episcopal parish in 2013 following a social-theological schism at the national level that led more-conservative Anglicans to break away from the Episcopalians.

Bruno said he rejected a couple of propositions before a broker told him about a $15-million cash offer from Legacy Partners, a developer that sought to build multimillion-dollar townhomes on the site.

I said, I have to pray about it and I have to speak with my advisors, he said.

He accepted the offer a few days later and in April 2015 signed a purchase agreement.

He said it was the best use of money for the ministry and that he acted on information he had at the time, which he said showed that St. James was struggling financially.

When Bruno announced the sale to the church congregation in May 2015, he said $6.3 million would go toward the poor and needy, $1 million would go to the displaced St. James the Great members to make a community without walls, and the rest would go toward diocese-wide missions.

During cross-examination, congregation lawyer Jerry Coughlan displayed a handwritten note from one of Brunos advisors titled NPB  use of funds. Out of the expected $15 million, the aide wrote 6.3 Anaheim.

In other words, $6.3 million would go toward a real estate purchase the diocese wanted to complete in Anaheim. The commercial property, long partially owned by the diocese as a bequest, could belong to it completely.

Bruno said he was not familiar with the note, though he readily acknowledged that the diocese had long wanted to complete its interest in the Anaheim property. Proceeds from the St. James the Great sale constituted just one possible funding option, he said.

The diocese took out a loan instead.

Dedicating funds to the poor and needy also was a plan if the church property sold, Bruno said.

But Legacys investment partner in the deal, AIG Global Real Estate, decided not to proceed, and Legacy also dropped out.

The fact of life is, the sale never took place, the money was never received from Legacy, the loan from First Republic Bank was obtained and we are servicing that loan today and we own 100% of the Anaheim property, Bruno said.

Newport Beach City Councilwoman Diane Dixon, whose district includes the Lido Isle area, testified to her early support of keeping the St. James property as a church.

When developers showed her their townhouse concept, as a council member she was neutral, she said. But she described being taken aback, especially since a nearby Christian Science church had just been demolished for a separate townhome development.

Dixon, who at the time was mayor pro tem, said she suggested talking to the community first. The community was speaking to her; at one of her town hall meetings, church supporters in red shirts packed the chamber.

Coughlan played a video of a June 2015 City Council meeting where Dixon said churches make the community special and zoning rules give people a sense of security about the land use in their neighborhoods.

Then-Councilman Keith Curry said he was concerned about availability of land for new churches and wanted to preserve what they had. On a personal note, he said the way Bruno dealt with the St. James congregation was deplorable.

The audience at Wednesdays hearing stirred, and diocese attorney Julie Dean Larsen objected to the clip, calling it irrelevant.

Coughlan said it speaks to the communitys involvement and interest and to Brunos reputation for his conduct.

The Right Rev. Herman Hollerith, the panel chairman and bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia, overruled the objection.

The hearing is scheduled to conclude Thursday.

hillary.davis@latimes.com

Twitter: @DailyPilot_HD
What they consider a lack of accessible information explaining three proposed boundary maps for Newport-Mesa Unified School District trustee areas was a main concern voiced by parents at Rea Elementary School during a public hearing Wednesday night.

About a dozen parents attended the hearing at the Costa Mesa campus to hear Bruce Terry, director of client support for DecisionInsite, an Irvine-based demographic consultant, discuss and answer questions about the three maps proposed for redrawing the boundaries of the seven trustee areas.

Fred Navarro, Newport-Mesa superintendent; Spencer Covert, legal counsel for the school district; and Ashley Anderson and Charlene Ashendorf, members of a district committee that helped the demographic consultant select the map options, also attended.

It was the first of four public hearings planned on the topic. The second will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the lecture hall at Corona del Mar High School, 2101 Eastbluff Drive.

As the district moves to electing trustees by zones instead of the district at large, the first step is realigning the boundaries of the trustee areas to give them populations of about 27,000 each, Navarro said.

Data presented to the board last year indicated some trustee areas had as many as 46,000 residents while others had around 16,000. The areas havent been altered since the school district formed 50 years ago, though the populations in each area have changed.

The realignment of trustee areas would not affect school attendance boundaries.

In creating the three new maps, six guidelines were followed, Terry said:

Areas should contain a nearly equal number of residents based on population estimates.

Areas will be drawn to comply with the Federal Voting Rights Act, based on estimates of people eligible to vote.

Areas should be compact and contiguous.

Areas should consider communities of interest.

Areas should consider man-made and natural geographic features.

Areas may reflect other local considerations, such as school attendance and city boundaries.

Based on those guidelines, Terry said, Map B is preferred by the seven-member district committee because it aligns with city boundaries where possible and provides a clean look overall.

During the nearly hour-and-a-half hearing, many residents said they were frustrated with a lack of detailed map information available to the public before the meeting.

Currently, the district website displays the three proposed maps, which are color-coded to show how the trustee zones would be adjusted. But parents didnt see detailed statistics, graphs and pie charts accompanying the three maps until the meeting.

Earlier this month, the school board approved a change in its election system to voting by trustee areas instead of the district as a whole. The change is to take effect by November 2018.

The decision helped settle a lawsuit that alleged the districts current at-large voting system disenfranchises Latino voters by keeping them from electing representatives of their choice.

In Area 7, more than half the population is Latino, unlike the six other areas. Area 7 includes five Westside Costa Mesa elementary schools, including Rea, and has a population of nearly 40,000.

Rosa Medina, a parent with two children who attend Rea Elementary, said after the meeting that she believes the district is trying to give Latinos a voice only because of the lawsuit.

We dont have a leader, Medina said in Spanish, referring to Area 7. Its the same people on the board. There hasnt been any change.

Navarro said the district had already begun the process of realigning trustee zones before it was served with the lawsuit.

We got sued anyway, despite the fact we started committee applications and ways of how we were going to do it, Navarro said.

Parents criticized the district for relying on the four planned public meetings to gather information rather than creating an online forum where parents who cant attend the meetings can submit comments.

Navarro said meeting notices were placed in the Daily Pilot and in La Opinion for Spanish-speakers. In addition, school principals helped distribute fliers to spread the word.

One parent from Newport Harbor High School defended the district, saying in Spanish that many parents knew about the meeting but simply didnt show up.

Medina said she knew about the meeting because of a flier given to her children at school.

Comment cards were passed out at the end of the hearing, and parents were encouraged to note their comments and even draw their own maps for possible consideration.

After the second meeting Thursday, comment cards will be taken to the board with a recommendation, Navarro said.

Then two more public hearings will be scheduled in coming weeks before the board votes on a final map.

priscella.vega@latimes.com

Twitter: @VegaPriscella
A Costa Mesa man in Orange County Jail on suspicion of conspiracy also is suspected of stealing $30,000 worth of items from a San Luis Obispo home this month.

The San Luis Obispo Police Department launched an investigation into a residential burglary March 9. During the investigation, detectives learned a man had tried to pawn several pieces of jewelry that police suspected had been stolen in the burglary.

Police began circulating a photo of the man taken by a pawn shop security camera. Police in Northern California contacted the San Luis Obispo department after seeing the photo and matching the man with a suspect they had arrested in connection with a similar crime.

Joseph Hopkins, 29, had posted bail in connection with the Northern California burglary but was arrested again March 24 in Orange County on suspicion of conspiracy, police said.

San Luis Obispo investigators questioned him in Orange County and are expected to forward their case to the San Luis Obispo County district attorneys office, police said.

hannah.fry@latimes.com

Twitter: @HannahFryTCN
A Huntington Beach man was sentenced Tuesday to two years in state prison for shooting a BB gun at a Huntington Beach Police Department substation, shattering a window while officers were inside.

Antonio Padilla, 29, pleaded guilty Tuesday to a felony count of vandalism with damage over $400 and a misdemeanor count of grossly negligent discharge of a BB device, according to Orange County Superior Court records. He was immediately sentenced to prison and ordered to pay restitution, though the amount was not clear.

According to authorities, Padilla shot a BB gun at the Oakview police substation in an outdoor strip mall at Beach Boulevard and Slater Avenue at about 1 p.m. March 16. He fired four shots at the glass window and fled, authorities said.

Two metal pellets shattered the window, causing nearly $1,000 in damage, officials said.

hannah.fry@latimes.com

Twitter: @HannahFryTCN
Ocean View School District officials are asking parents to review safety precautions with their children after a man reportedly tried to coax a young girl into his car as she walked to Spring View Middle School in Huntington Beach on Monday morning.

The girl, who was not identified by police, was walking to the school at 16662 Trudy Lane shortly before 8:30 a.m. when a man in a car pulled up beside her and asked her to get in the vehicle, said Officer Jennifer Marlatt, spokeswoman for the Huntington Beach Police Department.

The girl rebuffed him and the man asked again. When she declined a second time, he drove away, Marlatt said.

The girl described the man as in his 30s with facial hair, police said. He was driving a black four-door sedan with tinted windows and paper plates, the girl told police.

The incident prompted Spring View Principal Jason Blade to send an email to parents Monday reminding them to review safe routes and practices with their children who walk to and from school.

Please also remind your student to alert school administrators of any suspicious and/or unusual activity or persons, Blade wrote.

Ocean View School District officials said they plan to send a notice to all district parents to notify them of the incident.

hannah.fry@latimes.com

Twitter: @HannahFryTCN
Attorneys for former La Canada Unified principal Christine Castillo, who filed a lawsuit against the school district in December for pregnancy discrimination, said Wednesday theyre amending their suit to include wrongful termination, after an employment document declared Castillo had been terminated.

Further, attorneys plan to update the suit to reflect retaliatory comments they claim LCUSD Supt. Wendy Sinnette made after the Dec. 28 filing at a gathering of the La Canada High School Boosters Club  at which Castillos husband, LCHS Principal Ian McFeat, was present  encouraging parents and staff to side with the district in the dispute.

Ben Meiselas, an attorney representing the former La Canada Elementary School principal through Los Angeles-based firm Geragos & Geragos, said his client recently requested tax documents and received a form sent by a district secretary declaring her status as terminated.

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Its possible Supt. Sinnette didnt even know the secretary had sent the document, said Meiselas, whose understanding was Castillo was on indefinite leave.

A statement issued Wednesday by school board member Ellen Multari, acting as a spokesperson for the LCUSD Governing Board, said Castillo and McFeat requested tax documents on March 24.

Due to the urgency of the request and the temporary unavailability of copies of their previously sent W-2 forms, 2016 earnings reports printed from the Los Angeles County Office of Educations payroll system were sent instead, according to the statement.

The LACOE payroll system shows Ms. Castillo as terminated, since she is no longer in a paid status, i.e. she is inactive on the payroll system, the LCUSD statement said. Ms. Castillo was not terminated by the District, and has not been terminated by the District. She remains on the LCUSD certificated 39-month rehire list, eligible to return at any point during that time to a teaching position for which she is credentialed and qualified.

Castillos attorneys say they also plan to either amend their previous suit or file a new document through the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing to address the occasion at which Sinnette allegedly addressed the LCHS Boosters Club and unfairly prejudiced stakeholders by speaking against the former principal in the wake of the suit.

She read a written statement to the Boosters Club and  this is the audacious part  in front of Christines husband, Meiselas said.

Meiselas said his client would not be returning to La Canada Unified, which he described as an intolerable work environment, and that the legal team would continue to push for a jury trial.

Ive been contacted by multiple other teachers, in this school district and others who worked under Wendy Sinnette, who have made claims against Ms. Sinnette for almost identical conduct, he said. Im prepared to present those witnesses in our case.

--

Sara Cardine, sara.cardine@latimes.com

Twitter: @SaraCardine
A foodie road trip to Tijuana? On a recent foray, my husband, Paul, and I ventured beyond the tchotchke shops, discount pharmacies and street-corner zonkeys, donkeys painted to look like zebras. We discovered terrific new restaurants serving delectable organic Baja fare, wine and craft beers, and artisanal mescals that are becoming the connoisseurs alternative to tequila. One bonus: The road part of the trip stopped at the border. We parked our car in a lot on the U.S. side ($20 a day) and joined the line of pedestrians walking into Mexico. We showed our passports, got them stamped, took 10 more steps, and we were in Mexico. We got around easily with using Uber and taxis in sprawling TJ. Value was another trip bonus: Food, lodging and transportation cost about half of what we would have paid in the States. The tab: $105 a night for a good hotel; $50 for a great meal for two with wine; and $7 max for an Uber or taxi ride.

The bed

The best hotels in Tijuana belong to American or Mexican chains, none of which approach the luxury of a Four Seasons or the hipness of a W. We stayed in a clean and spacious king-bed room at Hotel Lucerna (10902 Paseo de los Heroes; 011-52-664-633-3923, www.hoteleslucerna.com/tijuana). The recently remodeled high-rise features a palm tree-shaded courtyard with a swimming pool and friendly, helpful service.

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The meal

Before hitting newer dining spots, we paid homage to Tijuanas only old claim to culinary fame: The Caesar salad was invented, so they say, at Caesars Restaurant & Bar (Avenida Revolucion between 4th and 5th streets; 011-52-664-685-1927, www.caesarstijuana.com) in 1924. The dark paneled walls of this historic eatery are decorated with photos depicting its glamorous heyday during Prohibition, when Hollywood celebrities escaped to TJ to party. One taste of the famous salad and we understood why Caesars still serves hundreds a day, each prepared with theatrical fanfare at tableside. The buzzy, industrial-chic Verde y Crema (3034 Calle Orizaba, Colonia Neidhart; 011-52-664-681-2366, www.verdeycrema.com) proudly lists the names of its local providers for everything from the grass-fed beef to the firewood used to grill the meat. Even if youre not a vegetarian, sample the roasted beet tacos sprinkled with fresh cheese.

The find

Vegan carne asada? Octopus tacos? Kim-chi fried rice? Telefonica Gastro Park (2036 Avenida Melchor Ocampo, 011-52-664-200-2155, www.lat.ms/gastropark) is an unexpected haven for food lovers with 12 colorful food trucks owned by top Tijuana chefs, parasol-shaded tables and a bar. The fresh seared ahi tuna from Ottos Grill epitomizes what Baja-Med flavor is all about.

The lesson learned

It took us 20 minutes to walk into Mexico at the San Ysidro pedestrian border crossing, but an hour to walk back. I learned from regulars that it is faster to return by using the new, northbound-only PedWest pedestrian crossing on the west side of the 24-lane vehicle crossing. Next time.

To read the article in Spanish, click here
After years of using a pacifier in his anti-smoking talks aimed at young people, Alex Andres expanded his lectures to include adult audiences. He reached adults by lecturing on the negative effects smoking could have on their sex lives.

In a Nov. 4, 1979, Los Angeles Times story, staff photographer Ken Lubas, reported:

The man puckered as he popped a pacifier in his mouth and glared at the classroom of giggling teen-agers.

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He had their attention.

Pulling it out, he said, Imagine it was a cigarette. Smoking is a carryover from infant sucking days. Its kid stuff  

Alex Andres, 68, of Woodland Hills, has been using a pacifier as an attention grabber for the past 17 years while delivering his anti-smoking message in classrooms as a volunteer lecturer.

Now he is carrying his campaign to adults too, at service club gatherings and fraternal meetings, but theres no pacifier.

Instead, theres a word  SEX.

Its salesmanship, said Andres, a retired insurance broker, who has received many awards for his anti-smoking work.

An adult smoker just isnt interested in hearing about the effects of smoking on health, but talk about sex and sexuality and, more often than not, youve got a captured audience.

Its an automatic response to equate cancer and lung disease with something that happens to the other guy and let it go at that, but talk about sex appeal and performance  thats something else.

The last mention of Andres in the Los Angeles Times was in a June 20, 1996, story. Ed Bond wrote that, Andres dislike for tobacco goes back to a welding accident he had as a college engineering student at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. The accident injured his eyes, making them extremely sensitive to smoke.

He said he approaches his work to reduce smoking with almost a religious fervor.

But the best reward I got is the satisfaction in knowing I saved lives, he said. I helped people quit.

Bonds story: Crusader Takes a Tough Stand on Tobacco is online.

The above photo accompanied Ken Lubas story in the Nov. 4, 1979, Los Angeles Times.
South Korean authorities on Friday arrested former President Park Geun-hye in connection with the corruption investigation that led to her ouster, saying she abused her office and participated in a bribery scheme involving at least one of the nations largest companies.

In an extraordinary scene that played out before dawn on live nationwide TV, Park was taken in a long police motorcade to a detention facility just south of Seoul.

The scandal-marred former leader  the daughter of an iconic former South Korean military dictator  already has been impeached, removed from office and stripped of public support. She now will lose her freedom as prosecutors seek a formal indictment in the next 20 days.

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The decision to jail Park resulted from an eight-hour court hearing in Seoul on Thursday after which a judge determined that the evidence compiled by prosecutors in recent months warranted detention.

The court made its decision early Friday morning local time. Most charges have been vindicated and there is a concern over destruction of evidence, so the grounds and need for arrest is acknowledged, said Judge Kang Bu-young.

South Koreas Yonhap news agency reported that Park looked grim-faced as she was ordered sent to the detention facility. It is the same jail where many others arrested in connection with the case are held pending trial.

Neither prosecutors nor her defense lawyers were immediately available for comment after the courts decision.

On Thursday morning, Park, looking stern and dressed in a dark blue suit, had arrived at the Seoul Central District Court complex for the hearing. She entered through the same door as everyday defendants, but her arrival included an array of cameras. She offered no statement.

Ousted South Korean President Park Geun-hye leaves after a hearing on a prosecutors request for her arrest at the Seoul Central District Court on March 30, 2017. (Song Kyong-Seok / AP)

Last week, before being questioned at length by prosecutors, she flashed a respectful smile as she entered an adjacent building in the justice complex. I feel apologetic toward the nations citizens, she said then. Ill cooperate in the questioning sincerely.

Her arrest is the latest dramatic twist in a national saga that began unfolding in October when a South Korean news report revealed that Park allowed a friend outside the government to edit her speeches. The case since has ensnared more than two dozen people.

After the report, the case quickly snowballed. In recent months, two sets of prosecutors have pursued Park during what evolved into a sprawling public corruption investigation that has gripped the nation. It has altered presidential politics here, with the potential to change the countrys relationship with its neighbors and the United States  and prompted historic street rallies not seen since the pro-democracy movement in the late 1980s.

A presidential election to replace Park is set for May 9, and political analysts say the scandal could end nearly a decade of control by the ousted presidents former ruling conservative party.

The National Assembly already had impeached Park, but she remained protected by presidential immunity until a constitutional court validated that decision on March 10, making her a civilian. Park then moved back to her home in Seouls trendy Gangnam district. Soon after, prosecutors made their move.

The first step was getting Park to sit for questions last week, and prosecutors said the former president denied most of the criminal allegations. Then, earlier this week, they sought to detain the former president in an effort to prevent what they worried could be the destruction of evidence  and to show that the disgraced leader would be treated just like numerous other South Koreans whove been swept up and jailed in the investigation.

Those charged include a close confidant at the center of the case, as well as several of her top aides and the de facto leader on the nations largest conglomerate, Samsung Group. Other corporate titans also have faced related scrutiny in recent weeks.

The case centers on Parks friendship  dating back to the days of her fathers tenure in the 1960s and 70s  with Choi Soon-sil, the daughter of a deceased South Korean cult leader. Prosecutors have said that Choi, who had no government position, used her clout with Park to receive millions of dollars in payments from the nations top companies to firms she controlled.

They allege that Park was complicit in the scheme and that she directed aides to find official ways to reward the donors. In one case, authorities have said that Samsungs de facto leader, Lee Jae-yong, directed funds to Choi and received presidential support for a controversial merger. He remains jailed, and the company has denied any wrongdoing.

Lee Hu Seop, a Seoul resident, was among the South Koreans who attended the candlelight vigils by the hundreds of thousands calling for Parks ouster, week after week, since last fall. He said the criminal turn in Parks case this week could help lead to a heightened sense of justice in the country, which has a history of collusion between government and businesses and a culture that favors elites.

South Koreans gather with candles during a rally against President Park Geun-hye on a main street in Seoul on March 4, 2017. (JUNG UI-CHEL / EPA)

I believe that symbolically the candles beat government authority, said Lee, 32, of the street rallies, some of which stretched more than a mile across a wide central thoroughfare in Seoul. It was a terrible incident, but the younger generation was able to take more interest in politics. I hope that the next president rebuilds the system.

The arrest makes Park the third former president to be jailed in connection with criminal wrongdoing since the country began allowing direct elections of presidents in the late 1980s. Another former president committed suicide in 2009 after questioning by prosecutors and scrutiny of his family.

Park is the daughter of Park Chung-hee, a former South Korean general who ran the country as a strongman dictator. He is credited with starting the countrys transition from a poor, agrarian society in the decade after the Korean War to the export-driven economic success it is today.

Park Chung-hees spy chief assassinated him in 1979, five years after his wife and Park Geun-hyes mother, Yuk Young-soo, was killed in a botched attempt on his life  an event that brought Park back to South Korea from school in Europe as a young woman.

After her mothers death, the younger Park served essentially as acting first lady and helped her father host dignitaries in the presidential complex, known as the Blue House for its distinctly colored roof. She returned there in 2013 after winning the election, only to see her presidency begin to unravel last fall  as it has for other leaders and their families over the years.

Many Korean ex-presidents have been indicted, arrested and even convicted, said David Kang, an international relations professor at USC who directs the universitys Korean Studies Institute. However, it is a tragic next chapter to a tragic life.

Stiles is a special correspondent.

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Tillerson warns of possible military strike on North Korea

UPDATES:

12:50 a.m.: This article was updated with Park being taken to detention facility in motorcade, judges remarks.

This article was originally posted at 11:30 a.m.
It has been described as the most complex divorce in history, but Wednesday afternoon, the breakup began in earnest as Britain formally launched its move to leave the European Union.

Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, received a letter in Brussels hand-delivered by Sir Tim Barrow, Britains ambassador to the EU, which triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, setting off a two-year withdrawal process.

Minutes later, British Prime Minister Theresa May, who sent the letter to Tusk, announced in the House of Commons that her government was acting on the democratic will of the British people, who in June voted 52% to 48% to split from the 28-nation union.

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The move Wednesday signifies one of the greatest political changes the continent has faced since the end of World War II.

The letter delivery kick-started a period of intense, probably fraught, negotiations that ultimately are expected to bring the end of a four-decades-old partnership and sever complex trade, immigration, legal and financial ties.

Some European leaders have emphasized that Britain cannot expect to have deals as good as the remaining 27 nations in the bloc. And EU leaders do not want to do anything to encourage other nations to follow Britains lead, weakening the group.

One sticking point is a potentially costly divorce bill based on future spending commitments that Britain could face, which, by some estimates, would be more than $60 billion.

The deals struck over the next 24 months are expected to fundamentally reshape Britain and Europe for generations to come.

In her speech to lawmakers, May declared that there can be no turning back from this historic moment, describing it as a great time of opportunity for Britain and evoking the notion of the indomitable British spirit.

At moments like these  great turning points in our national story  the choices we make define the character of our nation, she said. We can choose to say the task ahead is too great. We can choose to turn our face to the past and believe it cant be done. Or we can look forward with optimism and hope  and to believe in the enduring power of the British spirit.

She also implored all sections of society to come together after a fractious referendum campaign that bitterly divided the nation into two camps: Remain and Leave.

That task appears difficult to achieve as the very future unity of the United Kingdom  comprising England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland  is in question.

In Scotland, where 62% of voters in the June referendum favored remaining part of the EU, the Scottish parliament voted Tuesday in favor of an independence referendum within two years, once the terms of Britains exit deal are known.

In Ireland there are concerns about the future stability of the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement as the Republic of Ireland will remain in the EU, while Northern Ireland will be part of post- Brexit Britain.

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny has warned that two decades of peace talks could be undermined if new border checkpoints go up and Britain potentially breaks from an EU customs agreement.

May, in her six-page letter to Tusk, included the Ireland-Northern Ireland issue as one of seven principles that British negotiators want high on the agenda in Brexit talks.

Political leaders and many observers say the status of the 3 million EU citizens living in Britain and more than 1 million Brits living abroad should be decided quickly.

The most upsetting thing for any expat at the moment is that these rights could have been guaranteed, said Adam Bowering, a British citizen working in the European Parliament in Brussels. But now theyre being used as a bargaining chip in the negotiations.

May does not want Brexit to be seen as Britain turning its back on its European neighbors, but instead as finding a new way to exist as an independent, sovereign nation while maintaining robust economic, trade and intelligence ties with the continent.

But she has also stressed that she would be willing to walk away from the negotiations at the end of two years with no deal, if the only option on the table is a bad one.

European leaders have set their own red lines and made clear that Britain cannot cherry pick the best parts of EU membership and reject the others as it seeks to forge a new relationship.

It will never be outside the union better than inside the union, Guy Verhofstadt, a European Parliament official and former Belgian prime minister, said in a Brussels news conference Wednesday.

That is not a question of revenge, he said.

The tone across the Channel on Wednesday was far from celebratory and Tusk struck a regretful tone during a news conference soon after receiving Mays letter.

There is no reason to pretend this is a happy day, neither in Brussels nor in London, Tusk said. There is nothing to win in this process, and I am talking about both sides. In the essence, this is about damage control.

What can I add? We already miss you, he said.

EU leaders also sought to dispel fears that Britains departure from the bloc will create a domino effect, but there are looming threats to the unions unity.

France will hold presidential elections in April and May, and Marine Le Pen, one of the front-runners from the far-right National Front party, has vowed to hold a referendum on Frances membership in the EU.

Brexit has made us, the community of 27, more determined and more united than before, Tusk said.

Mays letter comes on the heels of a celebration in Rome last weekend, where leaders from the remaining 27 EU countries pledged their commitment to a unified Europe.

But some cautioned that Britain will suffer outside the EU and should brace for an exit deal that will bruise foreign trade and cripple the nations economy.

Brexit would be economically painful for Britain, French President Francois Hollande warned.

In her letter, May seemed to imply that failing to reach an agreement could compromise Europes ability to fight crime and terrorism, which some EU leaders took as a veiled threat.

Europes security is more fragile today than at any time since the end of the Cold War, May wrote. Weakening our cooperation for the prosperity and protection of our citizens would be a costly mistake.

The prime ministers office was quick to deny that was any sort of ultimatum.

The final deal will be put to the British Parliament for a vote and can also be vetoed by the European Parliament.

But there are already doubts a robust agreement can be delivered within two years.

This is obviously one of the biggest blows that the EU has ever suffered, said John Curtice, professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde. We will discover how much unanimity there is on this subject.

Special correspondents Boyle reported from London and Stupp from Brussels.
Calling the accusations lies, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday denied that Moscow meddled in last years U.S. election.

Read my lips, no, Putin said during a panel moderated by CNBC, according to a report on the news agencys website.

All those things are fictional, illusory and provocations, lies, the Russian president said. All these are used for domestic American political agendas. The anti-Russian card is played by different political forces inside the United States to trade on that and consolidate their positions inside.

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Putins comments came as the Senate Intelligence Committee was set to begin a hearing titled Disinformation: A Primer in Russian Active Measures and Influence Campaigns, which will focus on understanding the method of Russias active disinformation campaign and assess the extent of Moscows interference.

FBI Director James B. Comey confirmed this month that his agency was investigating Russias intrusion into the 2016 poll and whether there was any collusion between Moscow and President Trumps campaign.

Members of Trumps transition team, including his former national security advisor, Michael Flynn, who has since resigned, met Russias ambassador to the U.S., Sergey Kislyak, before Trump took office.

Trump has called accusations that his campaign somehow conspired with Russia a hoax.

During the CNBC panel, which was moderated by the networks co-anchor Geoff Cutmore at the International Arctic Forum in the Russian city of Arkhangelsk, Putin said the role of an ambassador was to communicate with people. But when it came to the Russian ambassador to the United States, there are restrictions.

Any meeting he has is seen negatively, like some kind of a spy operation, Putin said. Isnt it nonsense? Whats the ambassador here for? To communicate with people, to maintain contacts with the political elite, with businessmen, with members of the Congress and the Senate, with government and administration members. Why did he come there? These are commonly accepted diplomatic practices.

Putin said he hoped one day, the sooner, the better, the situation would normalize.

It is not in the interests of the American people to get Russia-U.S. ties to an absurd point for the sake of a domestic political calendar, Putin said. What do we want? To wrap up our ties altogether; they are at a zero point anyway.

Do we want to sever diplomatic ties? To get to the situation of the 1960s, to the [Cuban] missile crisis? he said. And then what?

Putin said there was evidence of mutual respect between Russia and America.

We know  and polls show it  that there are many friends of Russia in the U.S. And I would like to tell them first of all that we see the U.S. as a great power with which we want to establish good partnership relations.

Special correspondent Mansur Mirovalev reported from Moscow.

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These camps take those fleeing that hell of Mosul. First, prove youre not Islamic State

UPDATES:

2:45 p.m.: This post was updated with additional comments by Putin during the CNBC panel discussion, and additional background.

This post was originally published at 8 a.m.
A Mexican judge has been suspended after his controversial acquittal of a man accused in a high-profile sexual assault case.

Mexicos Plenary Council of the Federal Judiciary said Wednesday that it had indefinitely suspended Judge Anuar Gonzalez Hemadi and would carry out an investigation into his handling of the case.

On Monday, Gonzalez issued a verdict in which he said the 22-year-old defendant, Diego Cruz Alonso, should be freed because although Cruz touched the victim without her consent, he did not enjoy himself and did so without lascivious intent.

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The ruling was widely criticized in Mexico, where many held it up as an example of the countrys failure to deliver justice in cases of sexual assault and of the impunity of Mexicos powerful elite.

Cruz, like two other men accused in the case, comes from a privileged background.

The incident happened in early 2015 in the affluent city of Boca del Rio, in the coastal state of Veracruz.

The victim, a 17-year-old senior at an exclusive Catholic high school, had attended a party at a club with some classmates. As she prepared to depart, she said she was forced into a black Mercedes by Cruz, then 19, and three of his friends.

She said she was assaulted in the car by Cruz and Jorge Coahuila. She accused them of reaching under her shirt and shorts. She said she was later raped by Enrique Capitaine Marin at his home in an affluent neighborhood a few blocks from the Gulf of Mexico.

The case drew notoriety nationally after the girls father made public two videos that he recorded after the incident in which Cruz and the other men appear to confess to sexually assaulting his daughter. Later, Cruz and the others put out a statement saying they were innocent and had been coerced into the apology.

The judges ruling is now on hold as the case is reviewed.

kate.linthicum@latimes.com

Twitter: @katelinthicum

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Mexican officials have announced $10 million in new funding to support binational research projects on energy efficiency with the University of California.

The money, announced in Mexico City on Thursday after Mexican energy officials met with UC President Janet Napolitano, will go to projects led by Mexican research institutions in collaboration with UC researchers.

Napolitano, who is meeting with a variety of Mexican officials this week, has been vocal about her desire to press ahead with academic collaborations with Mexican academics and institutions despite rising tension between Mexico and the U.S. under President Trump. That includes research related to climate change, an area of research that is under threat under the new U.S. administration.

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Napolitano, who served as Homeland Security secretary under President Obama, said the energy efficiency research will help Mexico and California achieve a common long-term goal of finding solutions to the biggest challenges that humanity faces.

What works in Mexico will help Californians, she said in a statement. Just as what works in California will benefit Mexicans.

She met Thursday with Mexican Energy Secretary Pedro Joaquin Coldwell, who is seeking proposals from Mexican researchers on a host of projects, including those involving lighting technology, energy, water efficiency and smart building. Up to $10 million will be awarded.

In order to be eligible for funding, projects must include the active participation of UC researchers.

Napolitano is visiting Mexico several days this week to promote the UC-Mexico Initiative, which she launched in 2014 to bring together U.S. and Mexican academics and institutions in several key areas, including energy, the environment, education, health, and arts and culture.

The initiative has addressed a range of issues, including how Mexican schools are absorbing an estimated half a million students who spent time in U.S. schools but have since returned to Mexico. The initiative organized a conference on the issue in Mexico City last fall.

kate.linthicum@latimes.com

Twitter: @katelinthicum

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Tillerson, Turks fail to agree on next moves in fight against Islamic State in Syria
Men kneel silently as they wait for their names to be called by Iraqi police screeners south of Mosul. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

We think he may be Islamic State, the Iraqi police officer said.

The officer was seated behind the window of a trailer outside a United Nations displaced persons camp 20 miles south of Mosul. A laptop computer in front of him displayed a spreadsheet containing names of more than 40,000 Islamic State suspects.

Among them was the name of the bearded man standing before him, Ahmed Hussein Hasan. It is fairly common in Iraq.

Hasan, 32, had just fled from west Mosul with his family and neighbors. Before they could enter the camp, the men had to clear police screening  were they legitimate refugees, or insurgents hiding among fleeing civilians?

Six months into the Mosul offensive, thousands of civilians are still fleeing the city, with a recent surge of up to 15,000 a day passing through Hamam Alil. That has raised the stakes of security screenings, which need to proceed quickly to avoid a bottleneck but also sensitively to prevent displaced Sunni Muslims from becoming alienated from the central government, dominated by rival Shiites.

Our task here is to show people we came to help and take them out of that hell, Gen. Basem Khaled said as he supervised screening last week. We act according to the rules like anyone else. Weve been told human rights are the most important.

The police officer outside the United Nations camp scrutinized Hasans laminated government identification card, issued before Islamic State captured Mosul in 2014. On it, he appeared cleanshaven.

What are your brothers names? the officer demanded.

Hasan told him the names. Then he smiled and shrugged ruefully in his brown canvas jacket, insisting he was not a militant. He seemed caught in a bind, one, he insisted, that was the doing of Islamic State.

They told me to have a beard, he said. Now I come here and they  the police  say Im Daesh, the Arabic acronym for Islamic State. I dont know what to do.

Police checked his fathers name against that of the suspects father, then his grandfathers name. They didnt match. They handed Hasan his ID card back. He was free to go.

But thats not always the case. Dozens of suspected Islamic State militants have been detained over the last two weeks as officers examine those flooding into the camps.

As soon as the displaced civilians of Mosul arrive, the men are rounded up and made to turn in their identification cards. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Police check identification cards against their database at the displaced persons camp in Hamam Alil. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Left: As soon as the displaced civilians of Mosul arrive, the men are rounded up and made to turn in their identification cards. Right: Police at the camp check ID cards against their database of Islamic State suspects. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

The government faced criticism after past offensives against Islamic State for allowing Shiite militias to screen Sunni men, some of whom were later tortured and disappeared, according to reports by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International.

The militias, now government-sanctioned and responsible to the prime minister, were enlisted to participate in the Mosul offensive. A spokesman said they had learned from past mistakes and were fighting professionally on the outskirts of the mostly Sunni city.

But Belkis Wille, a senior Iraq researcher at Human Rights Watch, said the militias, known as Popular Mobilization Forces, or PMF, should not be involved in screenings.

We are concerned about how this process works and what happens to those detained, she said. The concern is even greater in remote areas that we do not have access to, particularly those areas where only the PMF are present.

No militia members appeared to be at the Hamam Alil camp screening area on a recent day. Instead, community police from Baghdad assisted federal police and national security service officers with screenings.

Were here to try to change the mind of the people about the police, officer Saad Mahmoud said. We try to get people to understand we are here to help them.

They stopped 50 suspected militants in the last 10 days, based mostly on the government list of suspicious names compiled from official records, Iraqi forces and local informants.

They get tips from confidential informants at the camp, some of whom come to the trailers, scarves hiding their faces, scan the crowd and point out militants to police.

Incoming civilians to Hammam Al-Alil camp are checked for weapons as part of Community Policings effort to screen for ISIS members. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Members of Community Policing, a part of the Baghdad government, ask questions of civilians as they check identifications with their database. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) National Security Service members stand guard outside the camp at Hammam al-Alil. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Top: Incoming civilians to Hammam Al-Alil camp are checked for weapons as part of Community Policing's effort to screen for ISIS members. Bottom left: Police question people at the camp as they check names against their database. Bottom right: National security service members stand guard outside the camp at Hamam Alil, Iraq. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Relying on such informants can be dangerous, police acknowledged: In at least one case, an informant fingered men he had grudges against.

He was hating some people so he was telling us about them, said community police officer Ali Nor Rahman, adding that officers were not fooled.

But police said they have found reliable informants who help them root out militants.

A man approached the trailers in dress slacks and leather shoes with a black-and-white scarf wrapped around his face.

This guy has been very helpful, Rahman said. We listen to what he says, but we check it.

Iraqi forces brought a group of 70 men to the fenced screening area, some barefoot and shivering. After the mens identification cards were collected, police pulled a thin, bearded 27-year-old man aside. They led him by the collar of his black quilted jacket into an empty trailer.

Im not Daesh. This is wrong. I didnt do anything. Check everything, the man protested quietly as he stood in a corner of the trailer.

Were not saying youre Daesh, but your name is on the list, a police officer said.

I swear to God I didnt do anything, the man insisted.

Police asked the informant to come into the trailer; he agreed only when they allowed him to keep his face covered. It wasnt clear whether he identified the suspect, but police kept the man in the trailer and said he was being held as a suspected militant.

A man suspected of being an ISIS member, right, is put in a holding room before being sent to another facility for further questioning. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

After detaining suspects, police say they turn them over to security forces. In some areas outside Mosul, suspects are held by military intelligence in abandoned houses as they await hearings before Iraqi judges. If convicted, they face stiff penalties: from 15 years for assisting militants up to a death sentence for violent crimes.

A 20-year-old in an orange Texas Longhorns sweatshirt arrived at the screening area with his tearful mother, who complained that her son, Saif Ali Ahmed, provided police with his ID card and they never returned it.

Police were skeptical.

Most of the time Islamic State is taking their ID, so they come here and say they lost it, community police officer Saad Mahmoud said of militant fighters.

Police didnt find Ahmed on their list. Still, they said he needed to get a new identification card before he could enter the camp. He said he didnt know how. He and his mother stood waiting for help. None came.

Ashraf Mohammed Nouri, 21, arrived cradling his 11-month-old daughter, Manara, having survived an attack by militants that killed his wife and other relatives.

He said militants had warned civilians not to trust Iraqi security forces.

They told us the police and army would cut our heads off because theyre Shiite and were Sunni, he said. Now I see its not true.

The police are, as Nouri said, largely Shiite, although they insist that the screening process is nonsectarian.

Some of the mostly Sunni men arrived having not eaten for days, and when one young man collapsed, police brought him inside, gave him water and a hot plate of chicken until he revived (his name was not on the list). His family said they appreciated the army rescuing them from Islamic State and treating them with respect during screening.

Outside, Abdul Ghani Taha Ahmed, 65, sat with a cane propped against his rain-soaked Lakers duffel bag as family awaited him outside the camp. He said police had treated him well, but he was still hungry and tired of waiting in the mud. Even when done quickly, and with respect, the screening process is debilitating.

Its like purgatory, he said, before police cleared and allowed him to pass through the gate toward the scrum of waiting buses packed with other displaced families.

Lead photo: Men wait silently for their names to be called by members of Community Policing, a part of the Iraqi government, screening incoming civilians in case Islamic State members are hiding among them at the displaced persons camp in Hammam Alil. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

molly.hennessy-fiske@latimes.com

Twitter: @mollyhf

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A top Iraqi military officer said Wednesday it was clear that the devastating explosion on the west Mosul neighborhood of Jadidah this month was a U.S. airstrike, but he insisted the troops that requested it didnt realize civilians were present.

With as many as 200 people killed  the largest civilian death toll in decades from a U.S. airstrike  the March 17 attack has become a public relations nightmare for the internationally backed effort by the Iraqi military to drive Islamic State militants out of the countrys second-largest city.

In an interview in Baghdad, Gen. Talib Shaghati Kenani, the leader of Iraqs elite counter-terrorism service, said Iraqi forces that ordered the airstrike didnt know about civilians in the area and were focused on killing the militants.

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Sharwan Kamil Waely, a security policy advisor to the Iraqi president, called the airstrike a mistake and a tragedy for Iraqis that had created an obstacle for us.

He said Iraqi officials intended to question the U.S. military about why the pilot followed through on the request for the airstrike. At the final minute, the final instant, the pilot has the authority to act because it is a moving target, he said.

Neighbors and volunteers watch as bodies are pulled from the rubble. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

The Iraqi officials backed away from earlier claims that Islamic State bombs caused the explosion. Still, the terrorist group appears to have engineered the devastation in what officials said is a new strategy. Mounting evidence from the scene and witness testimony suggest that militants herded civilians into an apartment block, then placed a sniper on the roof to provoke an airstrike.

From his hospital bed this week, Abdullah Xalil Mutar told Iraqi military investigators what he saw moments before the massive blast leveled an entire city block.

It was an airstrike, he said. We heard the sound of the jet fire and we heard the rocket.

The 47-year-old truck driver and his family survived the blast that destroyed their house. He remained hospitalized Wednesday in the city of Irbil, 50 miles from Mosul, for a series of surgeries to treat burns on his back and foot.

Another witness, 37-year-old Mubishar Thanoon, who was visiting his brother in the hospital Wednesday, said Iraqi soldiers were fighting militants in the neighborhood before the blast and so had to have known that civilians were still in the area.

U.S. officials have said that the coalition was probably responsible for the blast but did not rule out other possibilities. American and Iraqi investigators were still sifting through the rubble in Jadidah on Wednesday.

U.S. military analysts were reviewing more than 700 videos recorded over a 10-day period before, during and after the airstrike for footage of Islamic State forcing people into the building.

Islamic State has long used civilians as human shields to deter airstrikes. Its commanders walk alongside children while in public, dart through holes and tunnels carved in civilian homes and set up headquarters in mosques, hospitals and schools.

Gen. Joseph Votel, the top U.S. commander in the Middle East, told a congressional panel Wednesday that the strategy is a way to distract our campaign.

As we move into these urban environments, it is going to become more and more difficult to apply an extraordinarily high standard to prevent civilian casualties, he said.

When civilians are killed, Islamic State uses the deaths in propaganda efforts to turn the population against the Iraqi army and the international coalition.

On Monday, a news agency affiliated with the group released a video that claimed to show unarmed civilians injured by a recent coalition airstrike on a maternity hospital in west Mosuls Zanjili neighborhood. The strike has not been substantiated.

An old man, his face bloodied, stares at the camera, which then turns to dead bodies, including an infant with a hole above his heart.

We didnt have any weapons or anything, says a young man leaning against a wall.

Meanwhile, the fighting in west Mosul has intensified, with more than 1,100 munitions from the air and ground launched over the last week. At the same time, Iraqi military officials said the destruction in Jadidah had caused them to be more cautious in requesting airstrikes.

Our main goal is to keep the civilians alive, Kenani said. Thats our main mission.

Waely said Iraqi forces were now rearranging the plan for how they used intelligence information to order airstrikes.

Hennessy-Fiske reported from Baghdad and Hennigan from Washington.

molly.hennessy-fiske@latimes.com

william.hennigan@latimes.com

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For more than 800 years, the leaning minaret of Great Nuri Mosque had called Muslims to prayer. A beloved landmark in west Mosul, its nickname, the Hunchback, has become synonymous with what was once Iraqs second largest city.

But as Iraqi forces punched their way to within a few hundred yards of the mosque Thursday, they had its more recent history in mind.

It was there, one month after Islamic State overran Mosul in an audacious offensive in mid-2014, that Islamic State leader Abu Bakr Baghdadi took to the pulpit to proclaim the rise of a new Islamic caliphate over large swaths of Iraq and Syria. Mosul would be its de facto capital in Iraq.

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If you see that I am right, assist me, he said.

That made the mosque, located in west Mosuls Old City, an especially coveted and symbolic target for Iraqi forces.

Federal Police and Rapid Response units tightened the noose on the elements of Daesh in the areas surrounding the Nuri Mosque, Lt. Gen. Raed Shaker Jawdat, head of the Iraqi federal police, said in a statement Thursday, referring to the extremist group by its Arabic acronym.

Jawdat added that troops were closing in on the mosque from three sides, and that Islamic State had lost its supply routes and there was confusion in its ranks.

This month, the Old City became the epicenter of a large-scale U.S.-backed campaign to oust the jihadists from Mosul.

Baghdadis choice of the Great Nuri Mosque for his first (and only) video appearance was no accident. The mosque, built sometime around 1172, is named after Nur Al-Din Zenki, the scion of the Turkish Zengid dynasty that once controlled both northern Syria and Iraq.

Nur Al-Dins ambitions, however, went further; he sought to bring together all Muslim forces between the Euphrates and the Nile to fight as one against the Crusaders. He brought not only Damascus but also Egypt and parts of modern-day Lebanon under his grip. It was Saladin, however, the indefatigable military commander and future Sultan, who would eventually realize Nur Al-Dins dream of unification of Muslim lands.

But Nur Al-Din remains an important figure in Islamic history, held in high esteem for his adherence to the edicts of Islamic law. His efforts to strengthen the Sunni strand of Islam (he once ousted Shiite scholars from Aleppo, Syria) made him a hero for the Sunni-dominated insurgency against Syrian President Bashar Assad. One of the top opposition factions operating around Aleppo was named after him.

It was that history that Baghdadi chose to evoke when he placed himself as caliph even though he claimed he was not the best of you to the militants who crowded into the mosque for his inaugural speech.

That the Nuri Mosque still stands, despite almost three years of Islamic State rule, is a surprise. The group, which espouses a particular harsh interpretation of Islamic law, believes archaeological sites promote apostasy. The jihadists have smashed and blown up some of Mosuls most cherished sites: the Prophet Yunus Shrine, the citys central library, even the statues in its museum.

But for Muslawis, as Mosul residents are called, destroying the Nuri Mosque was a transgression they could not accept. Local media outlets reported that Islamic State militants had already mined the structure and were about to blow it up when residents gathered around the minaret while others remained bunkered inside the building.

Yet years of neglect, not to mention damage from decades of war in Mosul, may do the militants work for them. The iconic minaret, which stands at more than 148 feet with ornamental bands of brickwork adorning its cylindrical shaft, was already listing in the 14th century.

Locals say it gained the tilt when it bowed to the prophet Muhammad as he ascended to heaven.

Experts blame the leaning on more quotidian factors, including powerful winds buffeting the minaret and irregular expansion of the bricks in its base. It now leans more than 9 feet off the perpendicular axis, despite repeated attempts over more than 40 years to stabilize it.

Bulos is a special correspondent.

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This article was originally posted at 2:55 p.m.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson held a day of longer-than-planned meetings with Turkish leaders in Ankara on Thursday, but the most senior Trump administration official to visit the crucial NATO ally seemed to make little headway in salvaging an increasingly troubled relationship.

Washington and Ankara disagree sharply over how to wage war against Islamic State militants in Syria, with the U.S. backing Kurdish militias whom the Turks disdain as terrorists.

Although Tillerson sought to put the best face possible after the days drawn-out talks, it was clear no agreement was reached. He acknowledged that difficult choices have to be made.

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Let there be no mistake, Tillerson told reporters after more than two hours behind closed doors with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, There is no space between Turkey and the United States in our commitment to defeat [Islamic State]. 

There is more discussion yet to be had regarding the way forward, Tillerson added. They are difficult options, let me be very frank. These are not easy decisions.

In their meeting, Erdogan reportedly warned Tillerson that Washington must rely on right and legitimate actors in the fight in Syria, code for Turkish demands that Kurdish militias be sidelined. Turkey believes that the Kurdish-dominated Peoples Protection Units and Syrian Democratic Forces, backed by the U.S. in northern Syria, are merely extensions of the Kurdistan Workers Party, a separatist group considered by Turkey and its allies  including the U.S.  to be a terrorist organization.

Turkeys role is especially crucial as a battle looms to recapture the Syrian city of Raqqah, occupied by Islamic State and the groups self-declared capital.

Turkey sent hundreds of troops and heavy armor into Syria last summer to back thousands of rebels with the Free Syrian Army, another militia that has carved out a swath of land along the Syrian border and is now poised to expand into two Kurdish enclaves. American troops aiding the Kurds are in those same enclaves, which sit between Turkish forces and Raqqah.

Turkey has said it could provide boots on the ground in an offensive on Raqqah  if the Kurdish forces are kept away.

Heavy use of the Kurdish forces was part of an Obama administration plan to re-take Raqqah, which now appears to be the blueprint for what would shape up as a Trump administration offensive. Turkish officials had held out hope that President Trump would make a clean break with the Obama-era alliance with Kurdish forces.

Standing at Tillersons side on Thursday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu blasted the Obama strategy and claimed that even American officials recognized that the militias were in cahoots with Kurdish terrorists.

Tillerson remained blank faced as Cavusoglu railed. And Americas top diplomat repeatedly sidestepped questions about support for the Kurdish militias.

In an apparent effort to appease his Turkish hosts, Tillerson congratulated Turkey for clearing Islamic State from its shared border with Syria and for stopping the flow of foreign fighters into Syria. And he offered condolences to Turks for the thousands of deaths caused by the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, in Turkey.

The PKK attacks remind us how close to home the threat of terrorism is for Turkey, Tillerson said.

But Tillersons sympathetic remarks seemed to be lost on his Turkish audience. Extreme anti-American sentiment is on the rise in Turkey, especially following a violent coup attempt on July 15. Turkish newspapers  and several Cabinet members  accuse Washington and the CIA of orchestrating the coup, in which 260 people were killed; headlines also routinely allege that the U.S. is deliberately backing the PKK.

Much of the animosity traces to Ankaras charge that an Islamic cleric exiled in Pennsylvania, Fethullah Gulen, ordered the coup and is now being sheltered by the U.S. Turkey is demanding Gulens extradition, and Turkish officials broached the topic repeatedly with Tillerson. But, aides said, the secretary responded with the U.S. position that any extradition must work its way through a Justice Department review.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, center, attends a wreath-laying ceremony at Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Turkeys modern founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, in Ankara. (ADEM ALTAN / AFP/Getty Images)

Turkey has handed over thousands of pages and dozens of boxes of evidence on Gulen, and on Thursday Cavusoglu repeated a demand that the cleric be detained pending a final decision. We are expecting some concrete steps on [Gulen] some temporary arrest should be made, he said.

Cavusoglu went on to repeat remarks from the justice minister, as well as Turkish tabloids, on another claimed Washington link to the coup attempt, to the visible consternation of Tillerson and U.S. diplomats in the room.

Six days after the coup attempt, officials at the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul telephoned a fugitive allegedly involved in the rebellion, Adil Oksuz. U.S. Ambassador John Bass has repeatedly told Turkish media the call was a routine procedure, made with the knowledge of Turkish authorities, and was meant to inform Oksuz his U.S. visa had been cancelled.

We dont know if the consulate managed to get in touch with Oksuz, Cavusoglu said alongside Tillerson, as Ambassador Bass, seated in the audience front row, gritted his teeth and shook his head. Of course we want to believe the explanation [from U.S. officials], but we would like more details.

Tillersons visit came at an especially sensitive time in Turkey. In slightly more than two weeks, Erdogan, widely seen as an increasingly authoritarian leader, is holding a nationwide referendum that would give him even broader powers. And in the wake of the coup attempt, his government has arrested some 40,000 people, including journalists, teachers and military officers, and fired another 125,000 from state jobs.

Tillerson made no public comments about the jailings or human rights or Erdogans move away from democracy.

As the largest Muslim-majority member of NATO, Turkeys cooperation is highly valued by Washington and other Western partners. The icy relations between Washington and Ankara have recently pushed Erdogan closer to Moscow.

Later Thursday, Tillerson was heading to Brussels for his first session with the full roster of NATO leaders, where Russia and Syria, along with U.S. commitment to the transatlantic alliance, will fill the agenda.

Special correspondent Farooq reported from Ankara and staff writer Wilkinson from Washington.

tracy.wilkinson@latimes.com

For more on international affairs, follow @TracyKWilkinson on Twitter

UPDATES:

2:25 p.m.: This article has been updated with additional background and reaction.

This story was originally published at 8:35 a.m.
All material is subject to strictly enforced copyright terms & conditions and cannot be repurposed or reproduced.  19882022 Latin American Financial Publications Inc.
Mexico mass grave sites hints irregularities committed by local authorities in handling drug cases and unending violence that continues to rock the country. Recently, a huge grave site was uncovered in the central Mexican state of Morelos with 45 bodies unearthed. This was in the Pedro Amaro district in Jojutla City. Another mass grave was found last week in Veracruz with 47 skulls discovered in the town of Alvarado.

The recently discovered Mexico mass grave sites were rumored to be a result of the local governments' failed plans to control drug cases. The bodies found in Morelos had markings and tags that are being used by crime scene investigators. Morelos Attorney General Javier Perez said that an investigation would be done to determine the origins of the tags found, the Latin American Herald Tribune reported.

The bodies found in Mexico mass grave sites in Morelos were transferred to the Jardines del Recuerdo cemetery located in Cuautla. DNA specimens were also taken from families and relatives of missing people in the hopes of identifying their family members from the dead. A report from the Autonomous State University of Morelos (UAEM) in 2016 showed that there was questionable handling of the Telecingco case. Six bodies related to the case were found in the site.

Meanwhile, Mexico mass grave sites in eastern Mexico reveal that there was an unusual high number of dead bodies found in Veracruz. BBC reported that among the bodies that were dug in Veracruz were the remains of a family that were on vacation in 2016. Forensic experts are still investigating the identity of the bodies that were found here.

Veracruz state Attorney General Jorge Winckler said that the state is one huge grave site citing the 250 skulls that were discovered in Veracruz. Winckler also revealed that drug traffickers were partly to blame for Mexico mass grave sites since the state was used as dumping ground of dead bodies over the years.
A new patent for what appears to be a future handset from Samsung has just been spotted doing rounds online. And some tech enthusiasts believe it could be for the next-generation Samsung Galaxy Note 8 that could come out in late 2017.

The schematic, presumably for the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, depicts a dual-camera setup that will most likely be located on the phone's back. The two sensors, according to Phone Arena, is going to be housed in a thin chassis. This new setup will be able to collect more photons that will help improve the phone's camera performance in low-light situation.

This is apparently not the only leaked patent that has been released for the future handset, Samsung Galaxy Note 8. A post on Slash Leaks showed some of the possible key specifications for the smartphone. It says there that the next-generation device could come with either a Snapdragon 835 System on Chip (SoC) or an in-house built Exynos chip.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 processor is also going to be supported by 6 GB of RAM with storage capacity reaching up to 256 GB. Furthermore, the phone will sport a 6.4-inch screen either with Quad HD display resolution or even higher, possibly 4K Super AMOLED.

It should be noted that the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 has yet to become official as Samsung hasn't released any statement yet. With that being said, it is highly advisable for the fans to take this with a pinch of salt and consider it as mere rumors until proven otherwise.

Meanwhile, the South Korea-based tech giant has seemingly announced its plans to release a refurbished version of its previous Note flagship. It is still unclear, though, if the company would still push the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 this year. More news and clarification about the matter should probably emerge in the coming months.
This will be a great opportunity for Apple fans who wanted to purchase iPhone 6s as Daily Steals is offering a good deal for the handset. The iPhone 7 predecessor has obtained 40% discount but there is a catch.

According to Phone Arena, numerous tech enthusiasts are likely to purchase a refurbished iPhone series that can be obtained in online stores. It was noted that Daily Steals are offering great value deals for iPhone devices. The said leading deal site is delivering its patrons great bargains of selections basically from smartphones, gadgets, and other things.

DailySteal is now offering the iPhone 6s that comes with a 16 GB of memory at $269.99 which is 40% off its original price of $499 that is listed on Apple in its online store. This handset is obtainable in various color options like Silver, Gray, Gold and even Rose Gold.

Nevertheless, Droid Report has learned that the iPhone 6s units that are being sold in Daily Steals are not new. But even though the smartphones are not new, these are cautiously inspected, prepared and restored by the online site dealer. This is to ensure that these iPhones are functioning well. The website also guaranteed the buyers that there will be no difficulties while using the handset

In addition, the iPhone 6s are reportedly working well with all major US carriers since these are factory unlocked. It was also worth mentioning that the iPhone does not come with a SIM card. Moreover, this great buy is accessible with a power block and a charging cable. Daily Steals is also offering warranty services that can be purchased at $74.99 for one-year and $99.99 for two-year warranty.

The iPhone 6s has been one of the best-selling iPhone that Apple Inc. has launched and it has generated a lot of sales for the company. Now, it was being offered at Daily Steals with 40% discount but buyers should keep in mind that the smartphones being sold in the retailer are just restored.
The city of Allentown is opening a new office to combat what officials said is mounting fear in the wake of the president's recent immigration policies.

Mayor Ed Pawlowski said as news of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests have made headlines, he has been flooded with calls and messages from concerned residents seeking information.

Pawlowski said he heard from a woman who co-owns a home with her husband, and while the husband is a citizen, she is not. The woman wanted to know what would happen to the property if she was detained.

Some undocumented residents have stopped going to work, or stopped sending their kids to school, for fear that ICE agents will be waiting, said William Asayag, with the Peruvian Cultural Association of the Lehigh Valley.

On Thursday, Pawlowski announced the creation of a new city office of immigration, offering a safe place for immigrants to ask questions and get information.

"There's just a lot of uncertainty and fear from a lack of information," the mayor said at a news conference in City Hall.

Officials have no control over what happens in the federal government, the mayor said, but can do things on the local level.

"Something has to be done here," Pawlowski said.

Kathryn Albarelli, an immigration attorney with Albarelli and Sturba, is one of the attorneys offering their services pro bono through the office.

She said the legal services can show people "you don't have to go through removal processes, immigration processes alone."

The office allows people to prepare legal documents for a "worst-case scenario" of being deported, but also to inform them that deportation is not a given.

"People have an overarching fear they no longer have any rights, but due process remains," Albarelli said.

The immigration office will be in Alliance Hall, and is expected to open in the next 30 to 60 days. In the meantime, the city has already created a website here and an assistance hotline at 610-437-7773.

Twelve people already signed up for appointments via the website, Pawlowski said.

The office will use volunteers, including interpreters and attorneys. Pawlowski said they are always looking for more volunteers, especially people who can interpret Spanish, Arabic or Vietnamese.

The city is also planning a Citizenship Day with Catholic Charities, to help immigrants apply for citizenship.

Asked about city police checking for people's immigration status, Palowski said the city does not have the resources to deputize police officers into ICE agents.

If a person is charged with committing a crime, officers do check on their immigration status, Pawlowski said. But officers won't be looking for undocumented immigrants on traffic stops.

"Then no one will talk to the police," Pawlowski said.

Attorney Kevin Santos said undocumented immigrants were fearful of reporting violent crimes, and then being deported after calling police.

Santos, who is also volunteering with the office, said he has dealt with U visa cases, which covers violent crime victims. The victims must assist in the investigation or prosecution of a crime to be eligible for the visa. If approved, the visa last for three years, after which the person can apply for a green card.

The new office comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to withhold federal grants from sanctuary cities and municipalities. Allentown is the county seat of Lehigh County, which is a sanctuary municipality.

The mayor said the order gives officials a false choice, and that "I'm going to choose the rights of our citizens every day over a grant."

Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A man suffered a head injury on Wednesday evening in a two-vehicle crash in the Bethlehem Square Shopping Center off Route 191 in Bethlehem Township, police said.

Two people in a Volvo weren't hurt in the crash, township police Chief Dan Pancoast said.

Christopher Peter Kline, 46, driving the other vehicle in the 6:14 p.m. wreck at a four-way intersection, was taken for treatment of the head injury to St. Luke's University Hospital in Fountain Hill, Pancoast said.

Kline's hometown and the names of the people in the Volvo were not immediately available because the report is not yet complete, the chief said.

The hospital had no record of Kline being a patient as of Thursday morning.

"Charges are pending the results of a blood test," Pancoast said.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Two East Hills Middle School seventh-graders who were "not authorized" to be in school Thursday showed up anyway, leading to a 10-minute lockdown, a Bethlehem Area School District official said.

School personnel led a search near the start of the school day that involved the city school's resource officer and other city and township police, Assistant Superintendent Jack Silva said.

Other students were at no point in danger and there was no violence, Silva said.

Once found, the two students gave the resource officer "lip" and were taken into custody, Silva said.

They were removed from the school but Silva couldn't say if they were turned over to Northampton County juvenile authorities.

Due to student privacy issues, Silva said he couldn't say what gender the students were or explain why they were "unauthorized" on Thursday.

The main issue early on was authorities "didn't know where (the students) were," Silva said. They were eventually found in a part of the school where they shouldn't have been, he added.

Communication between school officials and the resource officer was "instantaneous" throughout the incident, he added.

The incident came two days after a student was arrested at adjacent Freedom High School in Bethlehem Township on weapon and drug charges.

Township police were assisting city police during the incident, a township police official said. City police couldn't be reached Thurdsay morning for more information.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A former Easton Area School District administrator left the district to avoid being fired for pornographic images found on his computer, according to a school district attorney.

The revelation came Monday during opening arguments for Stephen Furst's trial. The former director of assessment and accountability sued the district, claiming he was forced to resign because he blew the whistle on former school district technology director Thomas Drago.

Drago allegedly had pornography on his computer and cyber-spied on other employees. But school district attorney Jonathan Huerta claimed Monday that Furst also had porn on his computer.

Furst is seeking $4 million to cover back pay, lost pension, benefits and attorney fees.

Furst's attorney James Reich said the photos of a naked baby in a bathtub were on an old hard drive transferred to Furst's computer from another employee's computer. The photos were innocent photos of the other employee's child, Reich said.

Photos of scantily clad women in bathing suits were from advertisements alongside articles Furst downloaded from Yahoo.com, Reich said.

Reich said Furst was the one who brought the photos to the attention of administrators when he complained about a glitch with his email.

"Their only goal was to terminate him regardless of the truth," Reich said.

Huerta said other pornographic photos were found linked to Furst's laptop through iPhoto and Dropbox. Those photos could only have gotten on the laptop through Furst, he said.

Huerta said Furst quit his job because he knew Superintendent John Reinhart "would have proceeded with charges for immorality."

Furst maintains he was forced to resign in 2013 because he reported Drago cyber-spying on Furst through his computer and for pornography allegedly found on Drago's computer.

The school district conducted an internal investigation that resulted in Drago's resignation with a severance agreement. When Furst and others went to police, Drago was charged with illegally recording a private school district meeting and admitted to a special program for first-time criminal offenders.

Huerta said Drago was permitted to look in other employees' computers as part of his job duties.

Human Resources Director John Castrovinci testified Thursday that an examination of Drago's computer turned up pornographic images of naked women concealed in a second operating system on Drago's computer. Castrovinci testified Drago had a photo of the bare breasts of one of his female subordinate employees on his computer.

Castrovinci testified about a closed-door meeting with the school board after Forks police executed a warrant to search Drago's computer. He said board members immediately suspected Furst went to police and were angry.

He said former school board member William Rider, the retired high school principal, called Furst a "jackbag" during that meeting. Asked what that means, Castrovinci said, "I really do not know. I hate to guess at that."

According to Castrovinci, former school board members Janet Matthews and Kerri Leonard-Ellison called Furst a bully and board member Frank Pintabone wanted him fired.

Furst got a job with the district in 1985 and rose through the ranks to become director of teaching and learning by 2009. He was demoted to 7/8 grade principal in 2013 after he blew the whistle on Drago, Reich said. He was promoted up to director of assessment and accountability but then forced out in December 2015, Reich said.

Furst was earning $116,569 a year when he left the district.

Huerta said Furst was paranoid that the school district information technology department was planting evidence on his computer to build a case against him when he reported an email irregularity in 2015.

His case is based on "off-the-cuff and isolated remarks by school board members," Huerta said.

Castrovinci admitted he and other administrators wanted Drago fired but the school board allowed him to quit. Reich said that set the stage for later bias against Furst.

The state education department, however, determined the school board demoted Furst in 2013 as part of an administrative reshuffling, not out of revenge.

Giordano said the state decision means he can't rule that Furst was demoted out of revenge, only that he was forced to resign out of revenge.

Reich plans to call the following witnesses during the trial: former Superintendent Susan McGinley, Director of Human Resources John Castrovinci, Superintendent John Reinhart, Assistant Superintendent Alyssa Emili, Chief Operating Officer Michael Simonetta, school board members Robert Fehnel and Frank Pintabone, Forks Township police officer Philomena Kelly, Northampton County Detective Robert Righi, computer investigator Michael Nelson and school district technology employees Sue Stem and Eric Evans.

The non-jury trial is expected to last seven days.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.
A truck early Thursday morning struck a support beam that helps hold up an overhang outside the Quality Inn near the 25th Street Shopping Center in Palmer Township.

The metal beam twisted in the incident just after 6 a.m. but didn't fall. The truck from the Penhall Co. in North Carolina had minor damage to its top. Some plaster covering the beam fell to the pavement.

The overhang had signs on either end saying the clearance was 8 feet 6 inches.

Driver Michael Cashwell, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, wasn't immediately cited by township police and the investigation is continuing.

Cashwell declined comment outside of saying he wasn't hurt and another crew member said Cashwell was "shaken up" by the incident.

The concrete company crew was staying at the hotel while doing a job in Bangor, township fire department Assistant Chief Jim Alercia said.

The fire department inspected the damage but it didn't appear to impact the hotel structure, Alercia said. The township codes department arrived to do a more through review and work with the hotel on "damage assessment and repair requirements," Alercia said.

The hotel remains open -- it's the former Comfort Inn -- but will use alternate entrances, Alercia said.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
NEWARK -- Vowing to appeal her case and the 18-month prison sentence handed down by a federal judge on Wednesday, former Gov. Chris Christie senior staffer Bridget Anne Kelly said she refuses to be "the scapegoat" for the George Washington Bridge lane closure scandal.

Kelly, speaking near the steps of Newark's federal courthouse, was sentenced Wednesday along with former Port Authority deputy executive director Bill Baroni, who was ordered to spend two years behind bars.

"I want to ensure my kids and everyone else that this fight is far from over," Kelly said.

In the courtroom earlier, Kelly and Baroni were chided by U.S. District Judge Susan Wigenton in Newark for a case that "from the beginning ... was and is about the abuse of power."

Kelly and Baroni were convicted in November of fraud and conspiracy in connection with the scandal that cast a dark shadow over Christie's administration and loomed large over his failed presidential bid.

Baroni, who declined to speak to reporters after the sentencing at the advice of his attorney, Carlos Ortiz, also plans to challenge the November verdict.

"We plan to appeal several aspects of this matter," Ortiz said, refusing to answer any questions.

Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick said the convictions served as proof the justice system works.

"This was a case about the abuse of power," Fitzpatrick said. "I think the system worked exactly the way the system should work."

The two former members of Gov. Chris Christie's inner circle were charged with helping orchestrate the deliberate shutdown of several local toll lanes at the George Washington Bridge in a plan aimed at causing massive traffic gridlock to punish Fort Lee's mayor for his refusal to endorse the Republican governor for re-election.

Both Kelly and Baroni were also sentenced to 500 hours community service. They will remain free on bail while they appeal their convictions.

Ted Sherman may be reached at tsherman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TedShermanSL.

Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or on Facebook.
UPDATE: Missing federal judge found safe

A 91-year-old federal judge, made famous by the "kids for cash" case that sent two judges to jail, has gone missing from his northeastern Pennsylvania home, according to published reports.

Edwin Kosik. (Pennsylvania State Police via AP)

Edwin Kosik, of Covington Township in Lackawanna County, was last seen early Wednesday morning, the Times-Tribune of Scranton reported.

The gray-haired judge, who stopped hearing cases in recent months due to health issues, is 5 feet 8 inches tall and might be wearing a blue winter coat, the newspaper said. He could be driving a silver 2015 Acura with the Pennsylvania plate JNC 1450.

He was taking medication for memory loss, but foul play has not been ruled out, philly.com reported after an 11 a.m. U.S. Marshals Service news conference on Thursday.

The marshals are looking for the judge, authorities said.

"Authorities believe this person may be special at risk of harm or injury," Pennsylvania State Police said in a Facebook notification.

Anyone with information on Kosik is asked to call 911 or contact the U.S. Marshals at 570-346-7277 Ext. 0.

The former county judge was appointed in 1986 to the federal bench for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the newspaper said.

He jailed Luzerne County Judges Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan for taking money from the developer and owner of two for-profit juvenile detention centers in return for "harsh adjudications" on juvenile offenders to keep the centers well stocked.

Kosik refused a plea arrangement that would have sent the judges to prison for about seven years, instead shipping Conahan off for 17-and-a-half years and giving Ciavarella 28 years, the newspaper said.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent on Friday is holding his first town hall community meeting of the 115th Congress convened in January.

It's scheduled 10 to 11 a.m. at the Hanover Township Community Center, 3660 Jacksonville Road in Hanover Township, Northampton County.

Dent, in his seventh term, has emerged as one of the most prominent moderate Republicans in Congress and has made headlines both last year and this year for refusing to always go along with President Donald Trump.

First, Dent didn't vote for his fellow Republican, opting instead to back former CIA officer Evan McMullin. Leading up to Trump's inauguration, Dent said he'd be willing to work with the president.

"My goal here is to help the president-elect," Dent told lehighvalleylive.com in January. "When I agree with him, I'm going to support him. I want to help the president-elect when he's on the right track and doing things that I feel are in the best interests of the nation."

Since then, Dent called Trump's bungled first immigration order "ridiculous." This week, The Associated Press reports Dent corroborated a New York Times report that Trump told him he was destroying the party by opposing the failed bid to repeal and replace the 2011 Affordable Care Act.

"Well, it's just another day at the office for me, I guess," Dent told the AP.

Dent represents Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District that covers Lehigh and parts of Northampton counties.

Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for Friday's town hall, and there's room for 500 people, said Shawn Millan, a spokesman for Dent.

On the legislative front, Dent this week announced the reintroduction of a bill targeting synthetic drugs.

Synthetic drugs are a public safety threat & should be kept off the streets. Proud to join @jahimes & @RepLouBarletta in sponsoring #HR1732. pic.twitter.com/RZ77XJqSh6  Charlie Dent (@RepCharlieDent) March 28, 2017

His last town hall was held last July, before the federal 90-day exclusion rule blocked mass communications from lawmakers up for re-election in November, Millan explained.

Fellow Republican U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance, whose 7th Congressional District in New Jersey includes Hunterdon and parts of Warren counties, got an earful at a town hall last month from constituents demanding that Obamacare be saved and voicing their concerns about Trump.

Dent on Wednesday suggested the Senate, not the House in which he serves, take the lead on Congress' investigation into possible ties between the president's camp and Russia during last year's election, The New York Times reports.

Following the failure of the Trump-backed health-care overhaul, Dent said any successes in fixing or undoing portions of Obama's law will have to happen on a bipartisan basis, and in bits and pieces at a time, according to the AP.

"The question is, 'how much of a reform can we do?'" Dent reportedly said after speaking at the Pennsylvania Press Club in Harrisburg. "I suspect we're going to be ending up doing more incremental reforms to the law, as opposed to a massive overhaul."

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
For the first time in her life, Victoria Kleiner celebrated St. Patrick's Day knowing for sure that she shared some Irish heritage.

Her family lineage is primarily German and French, with some Scandinavian also thrown in. But after years of on-and-off searching for her biological family -- a process involving DNA tests, genealogy websites, anxiously awaiting birth records in the mail, and some awkward emails and phone calls -- she finally knew.

"I just found out my true nationality. At 54 years old," said Kleiner, Phillipsburg's municipal clerk, after a weekend meeting with blood relatives she never knew until a month ago.

Photos of biological sisters Karen Stum, left, and Victoria Kleiner on their wedding days. Karen was 22 at the time of her photo, while Kleiner is 25 in hers. The two met for the first time in February. (Courtesy photos)

Kleiner, who turned 55 this month, was adopted at birth and as a child lived a good life with a sister, though she wasn't blood-related. Things most people take for granted, like a family medical history, were a mystery to her.

Changes to New Jersey records laws allowed Kleiner to obtain her original birth certificate this year, which she used with DNA testing from a genealogy website to find her relatives and prove their connection. After contacting and networking with her apparent cousins, Kleiner met her sister, Karen Stum, for the first time last month in Chambersburg, Pa.

Stum introduced her to the rest of the family -- Stum's husband, children, grandchildren and a half-sister.

"It was quite an array of emotions, a roller-coaster ride," Stum told the Chambersburg Public Opinion. "I was filled with doubts at first."

Vicki and Karens parents died with a secret: "They must have thought there was no other way." Posted by Public Opinion on Sunday, March 19, 2017

And there were many questions. Their parents, Charles and Lavinia Stiffler, died years earlier without telling Stum of her younger sibling, according to the Public Opinion report. Why they gave Kleiner up for adoption may never be known.

"My mother was battling illness with all of her childbirths, and each of us were premature," Stum told the Public Opinion. "They must have thought there was no other way."

Since that initial meeting, the sisters talk for at least an hour a day, Kleiner said. They realized that they share many traits, from similar mannerisms (they both have a compulsion, Kleiner said, to separate M&Ms by color) to allergies and medical history.

Kleiner's search ended happily. They don't always, she said, especially when an adoption arose out of difficult circumstances. But as the overseer of vital records at Phillipsburg town hall, Kleiner said she is eager to help any who may embark on a similar journey to learn their past.

"For me to find this, it's like a great weight has been lifted," Kleiner said of her newfound family. "There's breast cancer on both sides of the family. I never would have known that. ...

"It's crazy," she continued. "But you can be excited you have history. Even if it's not good news, at least you know."

Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
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Protesters are to gather outside council offices today to protest about the construction of a new 170m prison at Glen Parva.

Members of the local action group Leicester Prison Resistance are to demonstrate outside Blaby District Council at 3.30pm.

The group is making its opposition known to the plans to create the new prison as councillors arrive for a planning committee meeting at the council offices in Desford Road, Narborough .

Glen Parva's ageing jail will close in June when the last of its inmates are transferred to other prisons.

Prisons minister Sam Gyimah has told South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa that the 1970s young offenders institution will close within the next few months and be demolished.

Mr Costa, in whose constituency the prison sits, has been tracking the progress of a project to replace the jail with a new Category C prison complex.

A spokesman for the group said: "Come and demonstrate outside the council offices to influence the planning committee to the new mega-prison at HMP Glen Parva.

"The government are in the process of trying to build a new mega-prison in Leicester at the site of HMP Glen Parva.

"It will lock up more than 1600 people."

Leicester Prison Resistance are staging a public meeting about the proposed new prison at 7pm today at the Secular Hall in Leicester city centre.
A few inconsiderate drivers are still parking up on the footpath at the Summerhill campus in Portlaoise, prompting local councillors to call for gardai to patrol the area issuing on the spot fines.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley proposed a motion, calling on Laois County Council to install extra traffic calming and safety measures in the vicinity of Gaelscoil, Educate Together, and Maryborough School.

She said she had received emails and photos showing cars parked on the footpath at the entrance to the school campus.

It beggars belief, she said, going on to say that you could go to any school in the county and see the same problem, such as on the Borris Road.

She said there were bollards on the footpath, but the gaps were so wide that cars could get through them. She went on to say that these motorists were showing no concern for prams or wheelchair users, and there were concerns if cars were going to mount a footpath where children were walking.

Id call on parents to have a bit of savvy, she said.

Cllr Willie Aird said he would prefer to see extra railing on the footpath rather than a bollard.

You cant blame the local authority for people parking on footpaths, he said.

Cllr Aird said there was a huge presence of gardai in the town and it would be a great help if there were gardai at the schools in the morning, even once a fortnight.

Cllr Noel Tuohy suggested a fine for illegal parkers.

Anybody guilty of parking dangerously, especially with children there, a 40 fine would soften their cough, he said.

Director of services, Kieran Kehoe, said that a meeting will be arranged between representatives from the schools, Laois County Councils road safety officer and area staff.

He said he had visited the school and the bulk of people are driving in accordance with the traffic laws, but there are still three cars choosing to drive up on the curb and park illegally.

99% are in accordance with the design of the scheme, he said.
Two State watchdogs have been given the power to investigate complaints from asylum seekers and refugees living in 'Direct Provision' at the former Montague Hotel in Laois.

From Monday, April 3 the Ombudsmans Office will be accepting complaints from people living in Direct Provision, while complaints from children or on behalf of children, can be made to the Ombudsman for Childrens Office.

This is a change that has been long called for by both Offices and which will provide equal access to complaints procedures for people in Direct Provision.

The former hotel has been the sight of a number of protests by its residents. The centre is home to families some of whom have live there for a number of years. Several nationalities are represented among the asylum seekers. The families live in the old hotel rooms.

Until now residents in the former hotel in Emo on the old Dublin Road, and other direct provision centres could complain to the Reception and Integration Agency, a body of the Department of Justice and Equality.

Now residents who have raised an issue with the manager of the accommodation centre, and the Reception and Integration Agency, and who are not satisfied with the outcome, will be able to make a complaint to the Ombudsman or the Ombudsman for Children.

Ombudsman Peter Tyndall said: The direct provision system has rightly been criticised both nationally and internationally. While the government will shortly implement a more streamlined system for asylum applications those still living in direct provision accommodation should receive all the services to which they are entitled. Introducing an independent complaints process will help to ensure that those services are delivered to the highest standard possible. My staff have already met with residents across the country and they very much welcome this development

Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon, who will be able to investigate complaints about children and young people under 18, said: Children in Direct Provision will now have equal access to the Ombudsman for Childrens Office. This will enable my Office to make a constructive contribution to the overall welfare of children living in Direct Provision accommodation. Young people in Direct Provision can now be assured that there is a safe, secure and independent place they can come to make a complaint.

The Ombudsman and the Ombudsman for Children have a Memorandum of Understanding in place to ensure an effective service for those making complaints. Complaints can be made about services provided by direct provision centres such as:

 standards of accommodation

 meals

 cleaning

 facilities

Residents in the Laois and other direct provision centers, like everyone else in Ireland, can also now raise issues relating to the actions of public bodies including schools, health services, social work services, local authorities, government departments and agencies.

The Office of the Ombudsman has produced a Factsheet for residents explaining how to complain. During March 2017 staff from the Office of the Ombudsman met with residents from a number of centres across the country and other stakeholders to explain the Ombudsmans role.
Two public meetings are being held tonight for businesses across Kildare, who have seen commercial rate rises of up to 300%

Crookstown businesswoman Marcella OReilly has organised a meeting in the Clanard Court Hotel in Athy at 8pm tonight, (Thursday March 30).

Dep James Lawless has also organising a meeting for ratepayers with the head of the Valuations Office, Declan Lavelle, in Maynooth this evening.

The meeting will take place in the Glenroyal Hotel at 6.30pm.

A futher meeting will take place at the County Kildare Chamber of Commerce offices in Naas on April 6 at 6.30pm.

Meanwhile, Ceann Comhairle, Sean OFearghail has arranged an information workshop next Monday April 3 at 4.30pm in the Church of Ireland Hall, Carlow Rd, Athy.

Brian Bagnall of BDM Property, an expert in rates and valuations, will be present.

The commercial rates were decided by the Valuations Office based on a number of factors including the square footage of the business and rent values.

The rates earmarked for some businesses, such as nursing homes, were calculated by the number of beds they have.

The valuation figure is reached by the Valuations Office and that figure is then multiplied by .24%  the Annual Rate on Valuation (AMV), which has been set down by the council.

Businesses have until April 18 to make an appeal to the Valuations Office.

Some businesses have experienced decreases but County Kildare Chamber said it has been contacted by a large number of businesses facing increases of up to 300%. Some businesses fear they may have to shut down as they fear they can't afford to pay the bill, which is due next January.
Dublin Shakespeare Society present Staging McGahern at The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon on Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1.

The Dublin Shakespeare Society are delighted to present for Leitrim audiences their stage adaptations of two stories from John McGaherns Getting Through collection.

Described as a triumph by the acclaimed academic Declan Kiberd (a former student of McGaherns), these stage adaptations of 'A Slip Up,' 'All Sorts of Impossible Things' explore how we try to cope with the conflict between desire and reality.



In 'A Slip Up' Michael and Agnes give up their farm in rural Ireland to emigrate to London. The effects of this sundering from the land and community are powerfully revealed through the ordinary but fragile routines of married life.

In 'All Sorts of Impossible Things', the experience of a stubborn romance and a precious friendship yield life-changing possibilities - but will they be grasped?



Presented by The Dublin Shakespeare Society, the adaptations were conceived and scripted by Maire Doyle and devised for performance with George Carroll.

This will be a wonderful night for all those who have enjoyed reading McGahern somewhat fitting that these acclaimed adaptations should be staged in Leitrim the county of his birth and the location which informed much of his best writing.

Tickets on 0719650828 or on line at www.thedock.ie
The virtual ink was barely dry on Geoff Crockers harrowing piece about his sons PIP interview when a comment from Sarah Olney on the damning report by the Independent Reviewer of the PIP implementation, Paul Gary, popped into my inbox.

The report is highly critical and outlines that the fundamentals are just not working.

A key conclusion of the Review is that public trust in the fairness and consistency of PIP decisions is not currently being achieved, with high levels of disputed award decisions, many of them overturned at appeal My findings point to the need to build very considerably on current action to improve the way PIP is administered, continuing the direction of travel proposed in the first Review. They include recommendations to improve the way the right type of evidence is obtained, used and tested in assessments; to strengthen transparency; and to broaden audit and quality assurance in assessment and decision-making.

In other words, theres not a lot thats going right.

Imagine, for a moment, that youve gone through the stress that Geoff describes just going for the interview. Then you find that you have been denied PIP. Then you have to endure the further stress of an appeal just to get the help that you desperately need to get on with your life, to work. PIP is not a luxury. Its there to help people with long term conditions with the extra costs that these pile on.

The only time between the end of September and Christmas last year that I went somewhere that wasnt a hospital or a supermarket was to attend a fringe meeting at the Scottish Liberal Democrats conference in Dunfermline. I spoke at a fringe meeting held by RNIB Scotland at which PIP was discussed. One of the speakers, who has no sight at all, told of sending off her form, which took about a day to complete with the help of a friend. The response was a huge pile of bumph to READ from the DWP. Not what you would call accessible. This was all talked about in the context of the Scottish Government setting up a system to distribute these benefits which have been devolved to them. How do you establish a system that is accessible, fair and has the trust of all those who use it and those who advocate on their behalf?

The problem is that the Scottish Government is moving fairly slowly on this. They have the powers now, but they are building the system over the next 3 years. Their social security bill will be published in the Summer and they are generally going about it in the right way. At the moment they are recruiting a couple of thousand people to go on experience panels to help shape the new system in a way that works for people and is easy to navigate.

The report into PIP shows that disabled people in Scotland are being let down by both governments, though. The fault is with the Tories for desperately shoddy and inhumane implementation, but you just wonder if the Scottish Government shouldnt just step up and get the new system in place a bit quicker  especially if were going to be having the push for another independence referendum dominate the political landscape for the foreseeable future.

Of course, we Scots going off and doing our own thing doesnt help people south of the border. This is a system that is in dire need of fixing. Weve seen already this week that the Liberal Democrats tried to kill off Government cuts in eligibility but the Labour Party in the Lords didnt support them.

In her comment today, Sarah Olney said:

This report is damning. It shows that the government are betraying the most vulnerable in our society. Running through this report like a stick of rock is the the lack of trust. When even tribunal Judges say they are sceptical about the thoroughness of the process you need to listen. This has to be a wake up call. Enough is enough.

The SNP Government may be slow, but their general approach and attitude to this is in the right direction, which is much more than can be said for the Tories running the DWP. Both Governments need to act to stop the real suffering endured by disabled people trying to navigate an opaque system that doesnt understand their needs.

* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings
Good news from party HQ. Its barely 3 weeks since our membership reached 85,002, double our low point during the coalition years. Now, its shot up again and has just gone over 87,000. While we have had 5000 new member since the beginning of February, Labours membership, according to LabourList, is falling at the rate of almost 3000 members every week at the moment.

Party President Sal Brinton welcomed the news.

The clear message to this Government is we have not given up the fight against a hard Brexit, and thousands of people across the country agree with us. This is not the time for despair, its the time for action. Jeremy Corbyns Labour may have given Theresa May a blank cheque to pursue her divisive Hard Brexit. But the Liberal Democrats will not stand by and watch as this country is torn out of the Single Market and young people are left with a future they did not vote for. We are the natural home for all those who oppose a hard Brexit and believe the people must be given the final over what comes next.

There is, of course, no room for complacency. Tim Farrons target of 100,000 members is in sight, but we need to work hard to make sure that we engage and retain these members.

You could follow no greater example than the lovely lady in the photo here. Elaine Ford is the Membership Secretary of Edinburgh North, East and Leith Lib Dems. She is so good at getting in touch with people. I was speaking to someone who had joined the party last week and had contact from Elaine almost immediately. She won the Membership prize at the recent Liberal Democrat conference for that reason.

* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings
A couple of days before Theresa Mays ill-judged ultimatum in her Article 50 letter over trade and security, Brian Paddick wrote for the Guardian about how hard Brexit could damage our security. Thats right. If Theresa May gets her way, we will be less safe.

He started off by talking about last weeks attack at Westminster in which 4 people, PC Keith Palmer, Aysha Frade, Leslie Rhodes and Kurt Cochran were murdered. How do we balance the need to keep Parliament accessible with the safety of those in and around it?

That security must be balanced with an obligation to keep parliament open to the people. We shouldnt turn Westminster into Fort Knox, even if such a thing were possible. But we can improve security, for politicians, staff and, crucially, police on the frontline. Those officers are not armed. Armed support is a distance away. No one wants an ostentatious display of force, which would only increase that sense of alienation many feel about Westminster. But this attack shows, alas, that armed officers should be directly behind that frontline. Otherwise lives will be lost that could be saved. In this attack, I gather, it was only because a ministers armed close protection officer happened to be close by that the assailant was stopped. While millions are spent on surveillance powers and the security services, over the past six years 1bn has been cut from the Metropolitan police budget. Thats huge.

He went on to talk about how a hard Brexit could compromise our security effort both in cost and co-operation.

Apologies for being so Lib Dem as the anti-hard Brexit party  but if we avoid a Brexit that will cost the public finances 100bn, we could afford better security, while also working closely with our friends across the Channel through the pooling of intelligence and the European arrest warrant. I struggle to see how you can have a hard Brexit and safer streets. The governments plan to collect and store all our web histories for a year is expensive, ineffective and disproportionate. The creation and maintenance of this system is likely to cost over 1bn, money that could be better spent restoring police numbers in our community. Whether it is working with communities or other intelligence agencies, we should work together. Terrorists want division, and we should not be so foolish as to give it to them. Let us remain open, tolerant and united.

You can read the whole article here.

* Newshound: bringing you the best Lib Dem commentary in print, on air or online.
Lib Dem MEP Catherine Bearder has been providing some advice to the prime minister over on the Huffington Post:

Dear Prime Minister, This weekend I had the pleasure of joining the tens of thousands of people marching in London against your vision of a Britain after Brexit. A sun-soaked Parliament Square provided a brilliant back drop to what was also a celebration. As you know, this weekend marked the anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, and while we marched in London your European contemporaries met in Rome to mark 60 years of peace in the EU.

Our celebrations in London were of course tinged with sadness and fear as we prepared ourselves for you to hit the self-destruct button by triggering Article 50 to formally begin the Brexit process. Your version of Brexit  a so called Hard Brexit  does nothing to unify the 48% with the 52% and shows you are willing to take our country into an unknown land without even considering meaningful negotiations with the EU.

Catherine continues:

If I may, Prime Minister, I would like to give you one tip: European politics is a different ball game to British politics. Europeans form coalitions, work with people and thats how the EU has effectively built free trade agreements with 53 markets across the world. In order to get any sort of good deal for Britain we need friends, not enemies; you should be reaching out, not turning your back or stamping your well shod feet. British expectations should be realistic from the outset. The most worrying part of your speech back in January was your assertion that no deal was better than a bad deal  but as all businesses, banks, governments and the WTO have said  this would be a disaster for Britain and our economy. Please Mrs May, consider the perils of a no deal and take the advice from a fellow British politician experienced in European politics. Instead of threatening, work constructively and cooperatively and you will be met with a readiness to negotiate a deal that works for both sides.

You can read the full piece here.
A PROSPECT man who admitted his role in a shooting incident during which another man was injured walked free from court this week after he received a suspended prison sentence.

John Lysaght, aged 27, who now has an address in Askeaton pleaded guilty to recklessly discharging a firearm at Byrne Avenue, Prospect on December 12, 2013.

During a sentencing hearing on Tuesday, Sergeant Brian OConnor said the victim  Sean Finnan (30)  was smoking at the front door of his home when two men approached the house at around 9.30pm.

While another man discharged two shotgun blasts in his direction, it is State case that Mr Lysaght was present and that the offence was one of common design.

Judge Tom ODonnell was told another man was previously prosecuted but was found not guilty by a jury of charges relating to the shooting.

While not seriously injured Mr Finnan sustained more than 20 pellet wounds to his hand, chest and abdomen.

His partner, Leanne Casey, and their two young children (including a four-week old baby) were in the house when the shooting happened.

Sgt OConnor told John OSullivan BL, prosecuting, that while several people heard the gunshots nobody was able to identify the suspects. He also agreed that there was no forensic evidence linking Mr Lysaght to the shooting.

During interview following his arrest more than a month after the shooting, Mr Lysaght told gardai a car was supposed to get destroyed and that things went totally AWOL.

He told gardai that he had been drinking prior to the shooting as he was a bag of nerves and that afterwards he returned to a house in the area where he burned the clothes he had been wearing when the shooting took place.

Mark Nicholas SC said there would not have been a case against his client but for his admissions and guilty plea.

He said Mr Lysaght had been affected badly by the death of his father died a number of months before the shooting.

Urging the court to be lenient, he said is not regarded as a risk to the public and that there is a low risk of him reoffending.

Imposing sentence, Judge ODonnell said Mr Lysaght was an active participant in what happened.

It is a very serious incident, a firearm was discharged and injury caused, he said adding that consequences could have been fatal.

However the judge said he was willing to give Mr Lysaght a substantial chance in the circumstances.

He imposed a four year sentence which he suspended for four years.
SENIOR representatives of the University of Limerick will be examined across a number of financial issues before the Public Accounts Committee in Leinster House in Dublin this Thursday afternoon.

Witnesses from UL who have been called upon to answer questions by the committee include president of UL, professor Don Barry, who will be stepping down this May; John Field, director of finance; Callista Bennis, corporate secretary, and Tommy Foy, director of human resources at UL.

Among the items on the agenda will include the most recent set of financial accounts, for the end of 2015, which details the payment of 209,600 to a former service provider in connection with the termination of that persons employment by the university.

ULs financial relationship with the UL Foundation will also come under scrutiny.

While the Foundation is not controlled by the university, its main purpose is the furtherance of education and research carried out by UL.

During 2015, UL received 9,205,000 from the Foundation, down from 11,191,000 in 2014.

The board of the UL Foundation is chaired by Loretta Brennan Glucksman, wife of the late Lewis, who was a major donor to UL, and which relies on donations and gifts from the public for its revenue base.

Leona OCallaghan, who formerly worked in ULs finance department, and is one of three whistleblowers from that department to make claims regarding inappropriate expenses, brought her concerns to the PAC in 2012. However, they never went to a full hearing.

Earlier, chairman of the PAC, Fianna Fail deputy Sean Fleming told the Limerick Leader that while a number of universities will be questioned, Limerick has specifically come up as a big issue.

A report by the office Comptroller & Auditor General last year highlighted that UL did not comply with good practice in offering two employees severance packages amounting to over 450,000 between them, following a review of high-value discretionary severance payments.

A footnote in ULs financial accounts for UL, for the relevant period, during the year end September 2012, states that wages and salaries include severance payments of 220,331 and 231,506 respectively to two staff, amounting to a total of 451,837.

Following this, the Department of Education confirmed that UL did not seek prior written approval in relation to an additional 150,000 severance payment to a staff member.

The department was only informed of this severance package, made in 2014, subsequent to it being paid.

The session before the 13-member committee, chaired by Fianna Fail deputy Sean Fleming, will start at 2.30pm and is expected to last up to three hours.

Two whistleblowers remain suspended from ULs finance department for nearly two years with pay.
A MAJOR study on the potential impact of the M20 from Cork to Limerick is underway.

Cork Chamber and the Limerick Chamber have teamed up to commission Indecon economic consultants and RedC research to undertake a study into the proposed 1bn road.

In advance of the autumn 2017 mid-term review of the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Plan, the Chambers believe the M20 must take priority with additional funding and a clear timeline allocated towards the project.

When complete, the M20 would create a seamless Atlantic motorway corridor between Irelands second and third cities and on to Galway, helping to create an economic complement to the east coast.

The original need to upgrade the N20 was identified as far back as 1998 and, according to the chambers, the road is now at capacity and posing safety concerns. Transport Infrastructure Ireland, (formerly the National Roads Authority) had previously submitted the scheme to An Bord Pleanala in 2010, which was subsequently withdrawn due to financial constraints.

Transport Minister Shane Ross has reignited the project, and told Transport Infrastructure Ireland it may proceed with early activities at a cost of approximately 1m.

The report is due to be finalised in May and will be jointly presented to Government by the two Chambers with a view to see additional funding allocated towards the M20 in the Capital Plan.

Limerick Chamber chief executive Dr James Ring said: This motorway would have a hugely beneficial impact on our city regions. With the right road network linking them, they would effectively become one large labour and customer marketplace. Its a game changer for the corridor and all the more important because of the looming uncertainty about Brexit.

Dr Ring added the joint approach heralds a new and necessary approach to regional development: By coming together, our cities and towns, together with Galway, are creating a dynamic and formidable Atlantic corridor.
LIMERICK can look forward to finally being linked up with the hugely successful Wild Atlantic Way, thanks to a new tourism strategy.

It is hoped that the strategy will attract over a million visitors and generate 300 million to the local economy.

I am delighted to announce that Failte Ireland will examine, as part of the Wild Atlantic Way strategy for 2015 to 2019, the development of a series of loops off the Wild Atlantic Way to encourage greater spread of visitors, alleviate pressure from high traffic areas and present complementary visitor experiences, said Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Patrick ODonovan.

Failte Ireland will identify opportunities to present the regions cultural and sporting heritage to visitors, in line with key strategic areas such as the Wild Atlantic Way and Business Tourism and Events, he added.

There are currently 709,000 combined overseas and domestic visitors to Limerick annually, generating 206m in revenue for the local economy, according to the Limerick minister.

Tourism is a large employment sector in Limerick, with approximately 8,000 people at work in over 850 enterprises in the tourism industry.

The aim of this tourism strategy is to consistently grow annual tourism visitor numbers to over one million for Limerick and increase visitor revenue to over 300m per annum, he said.

We want to make Limerick a must-visit destination for both domestic and international visitors.

We look forward to the implementation of the strategy in the coming years which will maximise Limericks potential as a tourism destination, thereby supporting job creation, investment opportunities, and economic growth, he added.

With the strategy, Minister ODonovan hopes to connect to national brands, increase visitor stay, address seasonality issues, and work with Shannon Airport as well as all tourism trade partners on marketing channels.

He also hopes that it will help to develop new tourism products, to deliver new festivals and events, and to help Limerick to exploit all its tourism assets, particularly the River Shannon.

"Other initiatives will include enhancing the existing Great Southern Trail by extending the Greenway from Rathkeale to Ballinagrane, he added.

Earlier this year, Minister ODonovan launched the Shannon Estuary Drive, a loop around the estuary for tourists already travelling the Wild Atlantic Way.

The new tourism strategy, which aims to offer visitors a choice of loop roads along the Wild Atlantic Way, should further connect the city with the coastal route.
THERE were heated exchanges in the Dail this Wednesday evening as the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) accused the Minister for Finance of threatening to injunct the committee over its Project Eagle report.

During a debate on the report, which was published earlier this month, Minister Michael Noonan said he was disappointed that PAC had "conjured up ane leaked to the media what he described as unjustified and unfounded criticisms of both him an his officials.

The minister also criticised Mr Fleming for saying during an interview on RTE radio that he had "chosen not to be open and upfront" over a meeting he had with Cerberus - the successful bidder for Project Eagle.

"I and my department refute absolutely the claims in the report that I and my officials acted inappropriately in meeting with Cerberus in March 2014," Mr Noonan told the Dail.

Responding to the minister, Mr Fleming called on the minister to consider his position adding that he had threatened to injunct the committee prior to the publication of the report.

"Shame on the Minister for Finance to threaten the Public Accounts Committee  I would go so far as question your fitness for office when you threaten the chair of the Public Accounts to injunct him for doing his job," Mr Fleming said.
A HANDGUN was pointed through the tellers window during an attempted robbery in County Limerick, the Leader has learned.

The terrifying incident for staff and customers occurred at St Ailbe's Credit Union in Caherconlish.

Gardai have arrested one male and he has been charged in connection with the attempted robbery on Friday, March 24. No money was taken.

It is understood that at 3.20pm two males, armed with handguns, entered the Credit Union and threatened staff, while a getaway driver waited outside. The perpetrators left the premises, empty handed, shortly after entering the Credit Union.

According to a number of local sources, one of the males pointed a handgun through the tellers window and threatened staff. There was three women working behind the counter at the time.

The staff followed security protocols to a tee. That Credit Union has been robbed twice before, that I know of, and they spent a lot of money upgrading their security systems and alarms. The two males wore masks. They were shouting and roaring and looking for money. They took off fairly quickly and got nothing, said a local.

Nobody was physically hurt but obviously the poor staff and customers, who were in the Credit Union going about their business, at the time are very shaken by the whole episode, they added.

Garda Louise Jordan said gardai are particularly interested in a red/wine coloured Ford Focus that was seen in the area in the lead up to this robbery.

We have information that the partial registration number of this vehicle was 00- C. This vehicle then was observed driving up the hill towards Bohermore shortly after the robbery. Gardai at Roxboro Road are investigating this incident.

They are very keen on receiving information regarding this vehicle particularly. Maybe some of the locals from the area may have seen this vehicle acting suspiciously in the area a short time before the robbery or observed the occupants in it after the robbery, said Garda Jordan.

This vehicle was later found burnt out in Meanus area. There are reports it was originally stolen in Oola.

Another local, who spoke to the Leader under the proviso of not identifying them, said the whole parish has been shocked by what transpired.

It is the talk of the place. In a village, when anything like that happens and you hear of guns and robbery, it would shock you.

You would be more concerned for the staff than anything else and the customers and for the people in the street. You can imagine what could have happened if gardai arrived on the scene and there was a shoot out or chase. It happened at a time when children would be coming out of school as well, said the local, who added that St Ailbes Credit Union is a huge part of this parish.

One male was arrested shortly after the incident and was charged with attempted robbery at Limerick District Court on Monday. He has been remanded in custody. Garda sources say he was not one of the males who entered the Credit Union. Roxboro gardai, 061-214340, are investigating
NOTORIOUS Limerick criminal Wayne Dundon has failed in his attempt to get a different panel of judges to hear an appeal against his conviction for the murder of innocent businessman Roy Collins next week.

Wayne Dundon, aged 39, of Lenihan Avenue, Prospect and Nathan Killeen, aged 27, of Hyde Road, Prospect had pleaded not guilty at the non-jury Special Criminal Court to the murder of Mr Collins at the Coin Castle amusements arcade, Roxboro on April 9, 2009.

The 35-year-old father of two, who was engaged to be married, died in hospital a short time after he was shot.

In July 2014, the three-judge Special Criminal Court found Wayne Dundon had ordered the murder from prison and that Killeen was the getaway driver for the gunman, James Dillon.

Mr Collins father, Steve Collins, was believed to have been the intended target of the murder, due to his involvement in a previous successful prosecution against Dundon for a threat to kill.

Following a 29-day trial, Wayne Dundon and Killeen were found guilty of the murder.

Ms Justice Iseult O'Malley, presiding, spent almost two hours outlining the three-judge court's reasons before delivering its verdict.

Accordingly, Wayne Dundon and Killeen were given mandatory life sentences on July 15, 2014.

Both men are due to open appeals against their convictions for murder on Monday.

But in an application before the Court of Appeal this Thursday, Wayne Dundon's lawyers sought a differently constituted court  made up of different judges  to hear his appeal.

Lawyers for Nathan Killeen supported the application.

Dismissing the application as being without merit or validity, Mr Justice George Birmingham said no reasonably informed or objective person could conclude that members of the Court of Appeal would not be in a position to bring an open and judicial mind to the matter.

It was necessary to note, Mr Justice Birmingham said, that Wayne Dundon had been convicted alongside his brother John Dundon of making threats against members of the Collins' family  not the family of the deceased, but members of a family with which the Dundons have had associations in the past.

Members of this family included Alice Collins and April Collins who gave evidence against the Dundons in separate trials.

The Dundon brothers appealed their convictions for making threats against the Collins family and a division of the Court of Appeal comprising Mr Justice Birmingham, Mr Justice Alan Mahon and Mr Justice John Edwards dismissed the appeal.

In an affidavit grounding an application for the court to recuse itself ahead of his appeal on Monday, Wayne Dundon says there is an overlap of factual matters in the threats to kill and murder case and both trials involved members of the Collins family.

Of considerable relevance to Wayne Dundon's argument, it was claimed, was that certain observations were made of April Collins in circumstances where she wasn't relied upon in the second Special Criminal Court trial.

One fact a reasonably informed and objective person would have regard to, Mr Justice Birmingham said, was the very different roles of an appeal court and a court of first instance.

He said an appeal court ruled on legal issues raised in an appeal and was not involved in forming views on whether witnesses were credible, incredible, impressive or otherwise.

That difference was further distinguished by the role of the Special Criminal Court in which members of that court were not just judges of law but judges of fact.

Undoubtedly, he said, if there were reasons to believe impartiality could not be brought to bear then members of the court should recuse themselves.

But at the same time, a court should not recuse itself if there was in fact no objective bases for concern. Doing so would invite forum shopping, he said, adding that members of the Court of Appeal had a positive duty to hear cases to which they were assigned.

Mr Justice Birmingham, who sat with Mr Justice Alan Mahon and Mr Justice John Edwards, said the court would refuse the application and was ready to take up the appeal scheduled for Monday.

Neither Wayne Dundon nor Nathan Killeen were in court for the application.
THE PRESIDENT of the University of Limerick has told the Public Accounts Committee that he accepts personal responsibility for any failures in the financial control systems at the university, which has led three whistleblowers from the finance department to make allegations regarding inappropriate expenses.

One of those employees has since left the university, while two others remain suspended for nearly two years with pay, with costs to the State amounting to over 200,000 to date, including suspension payments and the costs of two independent reports commissioned by the Higher Education Authority.

However, at the hearing this Thursday afternoon in Leinster House, president of UL, Professor Don Barry, said he rejected any statement that there was any corruption going on in the university in the strongest possible terms.

He did not accept that there was any wrongdoing or abuse of the expenses system, but accepted that there were financial control failures.

In relation to the payment of expenses to UL staff while on sabbatical, specifically one staff member and a spouse in Sydney at a cost of 15,000, he told the committee that UL staff were not going off sunning themselves in the Bahamas, but to strengthen links with other universities overseas.

However, he conceded that their sabbatical policy at the time was wrong and that it has since been revised.

Deputy leader of Sinn Fein, Mary Lou McDonald, a graduate of UL, said at the hearing that there were an astonishing amount of complaints in relation to expenses in what could be described as a VIP system.

At worst, it represented corruption within the system, she said.

She said Person A  Leona O'Callaghan, the original whistleblower in the case  found it almost impossible to get management to sign off on what she described as fraudulent expense claims.

She said that Ms O'Callaghan exercised due diligence in her role in the finances department but hit a brick wall in finding a system that showed favouritism to some senior staff members.

In relation to the seven sample expense claims which Ms O'Callaghan brought to the PAC in 2012  which did not go to a public hearing at that time  Ms McDonald said the employee was left to hang out to dry in respect of these claims.

President Barry said Ms O'Callaghan, who was not named in the hearing but earlier identified herself as Person A, was not ignored or blanked..and was a key member of the department.

He added that she did correctly identify improvements to be made in the processing of expenses claims.

He said that Ms O'Callaghan went on sick leave for a time and accepted an early retirement package from UL.

But she was leaned on for having the temerity in coming forward, said Ms McDonald. She got sick as a consequence of all of that...she was punished and kicked to the curb.

President Barry said that his understanding of the case and Ms McDonald's would be miles apart.

She put it to him that if expense claims for spa treatments were actually processed by Ms O'Callaghan, who was presented with them, they would set Limerick alight among the chattering classes.

I see a cultural problem of people being leaned on, not supported, possibly people getting sick as a result of the stress of that, she said.

She said the fact that three of 38 people in the finance department made complaints against the university was quite a high percentage.

I'm left with the sinking feeling that all was not well, or is not well, to have three people fall foul of the system. For you to say it's not the fault of the university is quite extraordinary. There's more to this than meets the eye, said Ms McDonald.

She told the PAC that the highest standard of governance must be applied to public monies, and put it to president Barry that has not been the case on your watch.

Prof Barry said he did not accept that statement and that as a result of the Mazars review into the processes and procedures employed by UL in dealing with the case of three whistleblowers, 12 of 15 recommendations have been implemented.

The three remaining recommendations to be implemented include changes to be made to UL's grievance procedure, which is awaiting formal approval with the trade union; the selection of the disciplinary panel to include independent, external members, and the criteria for suspending staff.

Some of these will necessitate changes to be made under the Universities Statute, under the 1997 Act, and UL is addressing these with its legal advisors.

Prof Barry, who is due to step down next month after a ten-year term in office, could not give a specific time-frame in which these remaining recommendations would be implemented.

Ms McDonald said an independent agency should have been employed to conduct a full investigation into the claims of all three female whistleblowers, citing the narrow terms of the Mazars' report, which was commissioned by the HEA.

It would have been a more credible approach to things, she added.

The recently appointed new chief executive of the HEA, Dr Graham Love, agreed that a wider probe was needed.

John Field, director of finance in UL, said that Persons B and C in the Mazars report identified 69 specific transactions, which differed from Person A.

Person A was replaced by Person B in the finance department.

Both the roles of Persons B and C, who remain suspended with pay for two years this June, have been filled, UL confirmed.

Chairman of the PAC, Fianna Fail deputy Sean Fleming said: If this was a private company, with people's own money involved, people would have taken a very different approach.

Deputy Fleming said that in no private company would four people be paid to do the work of two people.

He said there appears to be no incentive to conclude this on any side to bring a resolution. It can go on indefinitely with the taxpayer paying the bill.

President Barry said that UL wishes to bring it to the conclusion as rapidly as possible.

President Barry also confirmed that Mr Field's predecessor in the role of director of finance  following an interim 12-month vacancy  also received a severance package from UL, but he denied that this was offered on the basis of that person raising questions in relation to capital expenditure.

- More to follow in next week's editions of the Limerick Leader
KEITH Duffy is looking forward to returning to his second home of Limerick on May 4 to perform at the University Concert Hall with Brian McFadden as part of their acclaimed Boyzlife partnership.

Off the back of a sold-out UK tour last October, Boyzlife return with a unique show that blends theatre, stories, old songs and banter from the two famous pop-stars' careers.

Speaking to the Limerick Leader, Brian and Keith explained about how Boyzlife came to be.

Its funny because we put the show on sale before we even figured out what the format of the show was going to be. We sold it out in four hours and were sitting there saying what the hell are we going to do?. laughed Brian.

At one of the shows one woman in the second row got sick while another woman went into labour, making it pretty eventful, remembered Keith.

But the show was brilliant, the content was so good, weve been in the business for so long, you dont realise how much you learn over the years, this is our craft . We may doubt ourselves but really there's nothing to doubt, he added.

Initially planned to be a one man show featuring only Keith, he admitted that he was beginning to feel insecure and self-conscious about certain parts of the show.

This all changed on November 4 in Whelan's, Dublin, when Keith went to Brian McFaddens headline gig and said imagine the two of us together on stage. So after the show we went for a few beers and I explained the idea to him which eventually evolved into a sell out show.

With Keith Duffy describing Limerick as his second home, it's clear why Boyzlife picked the UCH, with the former Boyzone member starring in panto at the venue in recent years.

Growing up in Dublin, Limerick unfortunately had a bad name. Only a small minority of people in the city are to blame. But the people of Limerick are so hospitable, every bar and every restaurant I walked into people went out of their way to accommodate me and I thought wow, they are so real, said Keith about the Treaty City.

Limerick represents Irish heritage in a great way. Dublin has become more cosmopolitan but Limerick has solid, old school people that still embrace the culture.

I know the UCH very well. Limerick will be our first theatre to do the show in so it will very different for us. This will be the first time we are actually up on the stage. UL has a fantastic campus as well, he added.

Expect a show that will be packed full of untold stories, further Westlife and Boyzone hits not yet performed by the duo together, as well as many favourites from the previous tour and a few surprises.

See www.uch.ie for tickets.
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Samsung Galaxy S8: Any more wow factor than Google Pixel XL? Samsung's new Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8+ are gorgeous to look at, but what is the story beyond them? /news/talking-point/samsung-galaxy-s8-any-more-wow-factor-than-google-pixel-xl-111646883530951.html 111646883530951 story

The highlight of Samsung Galaxy S8 is its almost bezel-less 5.8-inch Super AMOLED screen which also curves around the edges just like the Galaxy Edge series of smartphones.

Samsungs flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S8 is going to be bigger and lot more powerful than the predecessor. It will be available in the US from 21 April onwards at a starting price of $720 (approximately Rs46,774).

It is not the only phone that the company will be launching this year. There is a S8+ with an even bigger 6.2-inch display, the prices for which start at $840 (Approx Rs54,560). The South Korean company understands that big screen phones are in vogue these days.

Also, after the Note 7 debacle there is still some uncertainty about the Note series of smartphones, but with the two new Galaxy S8 launches, there is hope that itll be able to regain the consumer confidence.

Also read: Samsung seeks to lure back buyers with Galaxy S8 smartphone launch

The Galaxy S8 with its 5.8-inch display is the more mainstream device and is likely to be compared to the Apple iPhone 7 Plus. However, it is going to face a stiff competition from the likes of HTC U Ultra (Rs59,999) and Google Pixel XL (Rs67,000 onwards), in the Android smartphone space.

Truly big screen

The highlight of the Galaxy S8 is its almost bezel-less 5.8-inch Super AMOLED screen which also curves around the edges just like the Galaxy Edge series of smartphones. The display has a resolution of 2,560x1,440p and pixel density of 570ppi.

It is protected against scratches by Gorilla Glass 5 which can also survive drops from height of 1.6metres.

The Google Pixel XL offers the same resolution of 2,560x1,440p on a slightly smaller 5.5-inch AMOLED screen but has a lower pixel density of 534ppi. It uses Gorilla Glass 4 for protection against scratches.

The HTC Ultra has a 5.7-inch Super LCD5 display with screen resolution of 2,560x1,440p. It uses Gorilla Glass 5 on 64GB variant and Sapphire Glass on the 128GB model.

Big yet smaller than rivals

Samsung has managed to fit in a big display without compromising on the phones form factor. The Galaxy S8 is just 148.9 mm tall and weighs only 155g. How is that possible, considering the Pixel XL despite is slightly smaller screen stretches to 154.7mm in hand and weighs 168g while the U Ultra looks even bigger at 162.4mm and tips the scales at 170g. Also, the phones bezels are thinner than on any other phone we have seen.

The S8 has a shiny metal finish on the back and it provides better protection against dust and water compared to its two rivals. It comes with IP68 certification which means it can survive dips of up to 1.5 metres for 30 minutes.

More muscle power but available to few

The other area where the Galaxy S8 towers over its rivals is the latest Snapdragon 835 octa-core chip. It is Qualcomms newest and first 10nm architecture based chip. It can also be considered as one of the reasons for the S8s sleek form-factor. The Pixel XL and U Ultra run on a powerful but slightly older 16nm architecture based Snapdragon 821 quad-core chip.However, the S8 with Qualcomm chip is likely to be available only in US. In other countries including India, Samsung often uses its proprietary Exynos chipset.

Built-in assistant

The Galaxy S8 runs Android Nougat 7.0 with Touch Wiz and an AI ready personal assistant called Bixby which can be activated in any app using the dedicated physical button on the phone. It will exist with the Google Assistant side-by-side and can be controlled through both voice commands and touch input.

Also read: Samsungs AI-powered Bixby assistant will go beyond just smartphones

HTC U Ultra runs Android 7.0 with its own AI enabled personal assistant called Sense Companion. The Pixel XL uses Google Assistant which can be accessed by pressing the home button. What we like more about the Pixel XL is that its runs the latest Android 7.1, with a clutter-free Pixel launcher, and will receive all Google updates on time.

Single camera

The Galaxy S8 uses a 12-megapixel camera with an aperture of f/1.7 and has useful features like optical image stabilisation. It can save photos in RAW file format and record 4K videos at 30fps. The U Ultra also uses a 12-megapixle camera with aperture of f/1.8 and has optical image stabilisation too. it can record 4k videos too. The Pixel XL comes with a 12.3-megapixel camera with aperture of f/2.0 and can record 4k videos.
Humpback whales are enormous creatures  about the size of a school bus. They are known for their haunting and melodic songs and for breaching the water with amazing acrobatic abilities.

Humpbacks don't normally have a hump on their backs; the name comes from the large hump that forms when they arch their backs before making a deep dive into the ocean. The scientific name, Megaptera novaeangliae, means "big-winged New Englander" because the population that swam off New England was the best known to Europeans, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Size

Humpback whales are not the biggest whales  that's the blue whale. Humpbacks can grow to 60 feet (18 meters) long, and they can weigh a whopping 40 tons (about half the size of a blue whale), according to the NOAA. Their flippers can grow up to 16 feet (5 m) long, which is the largest appendage in the world. Their tails are also massive and grow up to 18 feet (5.5 m) wide. Like most whales, females are larger than males.

Humpbacks' heads are broad and rounded and covered with knobs, called tubercles. Each knob contains at least one stiff hair, according to the American Cetacean Society (ACS). The purpose of the hairs is not known, but it is thought that they may be motion detectors.

Humpbacks are black on the upper (dorsal) side and mottled black and white on the under (ventral) side. Ventral pleats run from the tip of the lower jaw to the belly, according to the ACS. They have a dorsal fin on their backs. The shape and color pattern on the dorsal fin and flukes is unique to each individual, like human fingerprints. That discovery has helped researchers identify, catalog and monitor humpback whale migration, population size, sexual maturity and behavior patterns.

Habitat

Humpbacks roam all over the world, but exactly where they may be found depends on the time of year. In the summer, many humpbacks spend their time in high-latitude feeding areas such of the Gulf of Alaska or the Gulf of Maine, according to the NOAA. During the winter, they swim to the warm waters closer to the Equator, around Hawaii, South America and Africa.

The exception is the humpbacks that live in the Arabian Sea. They stay there year-round, eating and mating all in the same area, according to the ACS.

Breach of humpback whale. (Image credit: Operation cetaces)

Habits

Humpbacks typically travel alone or in small groups, called pods, consisting of two or three whales, according to Whale Facts. When together, they communicate with each other and travel together, and moms and their young even touch fins as a possible sign of endearment. Sometimes they even help each other hunt.

Humpback whales migrate farther than any other mammal on Earth, according to the NOAA. They can travel around 3,000 miles (5,000 kilometers) between their breeding and feeding grounds on a regular basis. The longest ever recorded migration was 11,706 miles (18,840 km), a trip that went from American Samoa to the Antarctic Peninsula.

Breaching

Humpbacks often propel themselves above the water and then splash back down, according to National Geographic (opens in new tab). This is called breaching. Some scientists think that they may do this to splash off parasites, but they may just do it because it's fun.

They also slap the water with their tails or flippers, according to the NOAA. These behaviors may be used to communicate with one another. They may also be used to show dominance and health during mating season, according to Whale Facts.

Whale Songs

Humpback whales are known for their haunting songs, which are complex sequences of moans, howls and cries that often continue for hours, according to National Geographic. Only male whales sing, so scientists think they are trying to attract potential mates.

A male may sing for hours, repeating the song several times. All males in a population sing the same song, but the songs of each population are different. For example, whales in the North Atlantic sing one song, while whales in the North Pacific sing another song, according to the NOAA. Songs gradually change from year to year.

Songs can be heard 20 miles (30 km) away, according to the NOAA. The whale sounds typically have an audio frequency between 80 and 4,000 hertz (opens in new tab), according to National Geographic. In 2015, researchers reported hearing humpback vocalizations around 40 hertz. The low limit for human hearing is 20 hertz.

But these marine giants don't just bellow out loud songs. Turns out, they also have "indoor voices" when the situations calls for it, according to a study published April 25, 2017, in the journal Functional Ecology. The researchers found that during their migrations of calves and their mothers to feeding grounds, the young ones made very quiet vocalizations; these calls were about 40 decibels quieter than those created by singing whales and up to 70 decibels lower than social vocalizations of adult humpback whales. The researchers suspect the "whale whispering" may be a way for the mother-calf pairs to stay under the radar of nearby killer whales.

Diet

Humpback whales are baleen whales. Rather than teeth, they have 270 to 400 fringed overlapping plates hanging down from each side of the upper jaw, called baleen plates. The plates are made of keratin, which is the same thing human hair and nails are made of. Baleen plates are black and about 30 inches (76 cm) long, according to the NOAA.

Humpbacks mostly dine on small fish, krill (tiny crustaceans) and plankton. To eat prey, they take large gulps of water. Below the mouth are 12 to 36 throat grooves that expand to hold the water. The baleens filter the water, and the two blowholes on the whale's back expel the water. The fish and other goodies remain in the whale for digestion.

These whales hunt and feed in the summer, and they will fast during mating season and live off the blubber reserves so they can focus on migration and mating, according to Whale Facts. A hunting method unique to humpbacks is called bubble netting. Humpbacks hunt in groups and use air bubbles to herd, corral or disorient fish. Humpbacks can eat up to 3,000 lbs. (1,360 kilograms) of food per day, according to the NOAA.

Offspring

A female humpback has a baby every two to three years. She carries her young for a gestation period of about 12 months, according to the ACS. Babies, called calves, are born live, like most mammals. The newborns are between 10 and 15 feet (3 to 4.5 m) long and weigh up to a ton (907 kg).

The calves nurse for almost a year. Their mother's milk is 45 to 60 percent fat content, according to the ACS. Calves can drink about 158 gallons (600 liters) of milk per day. Though they double their length in the first year, calves keep growing until they are 10 years old.

Humpbacks live around 50 years, according to the NOAA.

Classification/taxonomy

Humpbacks are one of 12 species of baleen whales, characterized by their baleen plates and paired blowholes, according to NOAA Fisheries. They are also called rorqual whales. Rorqual whales are relatively streamlined and have pointed heads and fins. They can be distinguished from other whales by the deep grooves along their throats.

Here is the taxonomy information for humpback whales, according to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS):

Kingdom: Animalia Subkingdom: Bilateria Infrakingdom: Deuterostomia Phylum: Chordata Subphylum: Vertebrata Infraphylum: Gnathostomata Superclass: Tetrapoda Class: Mammalia Subclass: Theria Infraclass: Eutheria Order: Cetacea Suborder: Mysticeti Family: Balaenopteridae Genus: Megaptera Species: Megaptera novaeangliae

The first word of the humpback whales scientific name, Megaptera, means "big wing." Humpback whales have the longest flippers in the whale world  or the longest arms on the planet. Their flippers can grow to 19 feet long. (Image credit:  Dr Ingrid Visser, Orca Research Trust)

Conservation status

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies humpbacks as least concern on its Red List of Threatened Species. However, as recently as 1988, humpback whales were listed as endangered. Populations have recovered, to between 30,000 and 40,000, which is about 30 to 35 percent of the population in 1940, according to the American Cetacean Society. The IUCN has a higher estimate of around 60,000 animals.

Commercial whaling of humpback whales is prohibited by the International Whaling Commission. Nevertheless, some humpbacks are still hunted, for subsistence purposes, in Greenland. Native people are allowed to kill a limited number of whales because whaling is a major part of their culture, according to Whale Facts. Norway, Iceland and Russia kill large numbers of whales each year. Japan also continues to hunt humpbacks, for scientific reasons.

Additional reporting by Reference Editor Tim Sharp. Follow him on Twitter @TimothyASharp.

Additional resources
Today marks the 150th anniversary of a historic event: On March 30, 1867, the United States agreed to pay Russia $7.2 million for Alaska. That's about 2 cents an acre.

A year later, the check was made out to Edouard de Stoeckl, the Russian minister to the United States, who negotiated the deal with then-Secretary of State William Seward. (Critics of the deal called it "Seward's Folly.")

According to the U.S. Department of State, this purchase "marked the end of Russian efforts to expand trade and settlements to the Pacific coast of North America." It also was a step toward America's "rise as a great power in the Asia-Pacific region," the department said. [In Images: Maps of Alaska Help Track Climate Change]

In a letter about the purchase, released on May 12, 1968, Joseph S. Wilson, commissioner of the General Land Office, described the importance of the purchase, writing:

"The acquisition of this territory is essential to the full success of that career of wonderful progress upon which the United States have lately entered. Its continental position commands the navigation and commerce of the North Pacific, placing us almost in contact with the massive and hoary continent of Asia, whose garnered wealth, the product of her peculiar industry during the entire period of human history, it has ever been the ambition of Western nations to absorb by means of a monopoly of her trade."

Alaska remained the "ugly stepchild" of sorts for three decades, governed by "military, naval, or Treasury rule or, at times, no visible rule at all," according to the Department of State. It wasn't until years later that Seward was vindicated: Alaskans struck gold, literally. In 1896, a major gold deposit was found in the Yukon, leading to the gold rush, when 100,000 people rushed to the Klondike gold fields through southeast Alaska. The region became the 49th state on Jan. 3, 1959.

Today, Alaska is known for its pristine glaciers and mountains  including Denali National Park and Glacier Bay National Park  and its wealth of natural resources.

Original article on Live Science.
Virgin Group founder and billionaire Sir Richard Branson thinks that instead of raising cows, farmers in New Zealand should grow cannabis, he said in a recent interview with Newshub.

During a visit to the country to speak at a charity fundraiser, Branson said he predicts that within the next 10 years, marijuana use will be just as acceptable as drinking wine, he told Newshub. In New Zealand, it is currently illegal to grow, possess or use cannabis.

During the interview, Branson said that the war on drugs has failed and that legalization of marijuana would be an economic benefit.

"We've done a lot of studies on the war on drugs, and it's been an abject failure," Branson told Newshub. "What is absolutely clear to us is that drugs should be decriminalized, and people who have drug problems should be helped."

Branson said that legalizing marijuana would be economically advantageous, both for the farmers to grow it and for the government to tax and regulate it. [25 Odd Facts About Marijuana]

Dairy farming is the main agricultural industry in New Zealand, with more than 5 million dairy cows being milked the country, according to DairyNZ, an organization of New Zealand dairy farmers. In 2015, about 6,950 square miles (18,000 square kilometers) were used for dairy farming, according to DairyNZ.

Branson suggested that rather than expanding current dairy operations, New Zealand should look to cannabis farming as an alternative, saying that it would have a smaller environmental impact.

"I think that would be wonderful, because obviously, the amount of dairy cows that New Zealand has is damaging the rivers; if you could put some of that land over into growing cannabis, [it] would be just as profitable for them, if not more profitable," Branson told Newshub.

Although cows used for beef are often cited as a major drain on environmental resources, dairy cows also damage the environment. According to the EPA, the runoff from cow excrements can affect the ecological health of rivers and other freshwater.

Cows are also a major source of methane, a greenhouse gas that traps infrared radiation, which contributes to global warming.

Newshub asked William Rolleston, national president of New Zealand farmer advocacy group Federated Farmers, if farmers would act on Branson's idea to choose cannabis over cows.

"Farmers welcome any opportunity to add another string to their bow, and would look at that option only if it was legal and profitable to do so," Rolleston told Newshub. "But that is a long way down the track."

Original article on Live Science.
Micro-CT scans of <i>Meiacanthus grammistes</i>, the fang blenny, reveal the size of its enlarged venom-transmitting fangs when its mouth is open.

Fang blennies  colorful Pacific region fish  in the Meiacanthus genus may be small, but they pack a very serious bite.

There are five genera of fang blennies, and all sport large, hollow canine fangs on their lower jaws, which slot neatly into holes inside the upper part of their mouths. But only species in the Meiacanthus genus have fangs that are grooved, connected to special glands and capable of delivering a dose of venom.

In a new study, researchers analyzed venom samples from the fishes' tiny fangs. They found a chemical cocktail loaded with opioid peptides that perform like morphine or heroin, making blenny attackers dizzy and sluggish when bitten. The cocktail is unique to the fang blenny, the researchers said. They added that the compounds, which are recognized for pain-inhibiting properties, could be used to develop novel painkillers. [Pick Your Poison: 7 Creatures With Healing Venom]

Fang blennies, also known as saber-toothed blennies, were already known to thwart predators with their venom. Scientists reported observing blennies engulfed by the mouths of larger fish, which then experienced a "quivering of the head" and spat the blenny out unharmed, the study authors wrote.

The use of venom purely for defensive purposes is highly unusual in the animal kingdom, the researchers said. However, the presence of venom in fish is not unusual at all. Over 2,000 fish species living in marine and freshwater environments are venomous, though the overwhelming majority  about 95 percent  deliver their toxins through spines that protrude from their backs.

A unique chemical blend

When the scientists tested venom samples from the fang blennies, they noticed it produced a very different effect from venom delivered by fish through spines, which usually sparks excruciating pain out of proportion to the initial puncture. They analyzed fang blenny venom components, noting a combination that would likely dull a predator's coordination and affect its ability to swim, enabling the blenny to escape.

Meiacanthus grammistes is also known as the poison-fang blenny and sabre-tooth blenny, due to its oversize fangs. (Image credit: Courtesy of Bryan Fry)

Fang blennies' evasive techniques are so successful they inspired copycats  species that resemble venomous blennies, but don't have any venom.

These "deceitful imitations," the study authors said, are practicing mimicry, an evolutionary strategy that drives species to look like other species sharing their habitat that have better defenses against predators  such as toxins.

"Other fish mimic blennies to get the benefit of larger fish avoiding fang blennies because of their toxicity," study co-author Bryan Fry, a biochemist and molecular biologist and an associate professor at the Australian Academy of Science, told Live Science in an email.

"The mimicry aspect is an incredibly complex angle, and there is an astounding amount going on just with this one aspect," Fry said.

But time may be running out for reef fish like the fang blennies. Warming oceans and rising acidification levels threaten the reefs that blennies and many other species call home. A recent survey of the Great Barrier Reef warned that sizable parts of the reef were dead or dying, after it experienced severe coral bleaching following record-breaking high temperatures in 2016.

"This study is an excellent example of why we need to protect nature," Fry said.

"If we lose the Great Barrier Reef, we will lose animals like the fang blenny and its unique venom that could be the source of the next blockbuster pain-killing drug," he added.

The findings were published online today (March 30) in the journal Current Biology.

Original article on Live Science.
David Lentink of Stanford University stands next to a bird inside the test section of the wind tunnel.

A specially designed wind tunnel for birds could help scientists learn the secrets of avian aerial abilities and translate them into drones that are masters of flying through rough-and-tumble conditions.

Unmanned aircraft called drones are unreliable in heavy turbulence, said David Lentink, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Stanford University. Birds, meanwhile, seem to sail through such conditions with ease.

"We thought, why not look at animals that have no problem doing this," Lentink told Live Science. "If we can figure out which principles they are using, we should be able to turn those principles into engineering design rules that we can apply in our robots. That's our goal." [Biomimicry: 7 Clever Technologies Inspired by Nature]

Solving the issue of flying in high turbulence will be crucial before the much-talked-about drone deliveries can go ahead in cities, Lentink said.

Making a wind tunnel

Designing and constructing the facility has taken Lentink more than five years. Trained as both a biologist and an engineer, his lab investigates animal flight and uses its findings to create advanced flying robots.

The wind tunnel is unique as it can recreate both the smooth airflows that occur high in the sky and the turbulent ones typical of forests and urban canyons, where tall buildings channel air through narrow streets. It can also generate gusts of wind.

This wind tunnel could reveal some of birds' flight secrets. (Image credit: David Lentink)

The walls surrounding the test section of the wind tunnel, where the bird or drone is flying, can also be removed. In that way, the researchers can use

high-speed stereo fluoroscopy, a type of X-ray video, to image the movements of the birds skeleton at 1,000 frames per second within the wind "tunnel," or airflow. This is the first high-quality wind tunnel for animals to enable such high-speed video, Lentink said. He added that the technology will allow them to map how birds' joints move as they are buffeted by turbulence.

Bird-like drones

The facility is described in a paper published in the journal Royal Society Open Science yesterday (March 29) that includes its performance on key metrics like turbulence and acoustic properties. Lentink says sharing these details is vital so that experiments done in different animal wind tunnels can be more easily compared.

Lund University in Sweden has an animal wind tunnel with an incline that allows scientists to simulate gliding and climbing bird flight. And Western University in Canada has one that allows humidity and pressure to be altered to simulate the high-altitude flight of migratory birds.

Lentink said he didn't want to duplicate the efforts of these facilities, but to complement them. This facility, rather than aiming to simply understand animal flight, was designed to also help engineers use this knowledge to craft more efficient flying robots.

"An engineer asks very different biological questions than a biologist," he said. "We always have an application in mind."

Dario Floreano, a professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne who works on aerial robots, said the ability to switch between calm and turbulent airflow could be extremely useful for drone designers.

"Sudden wind gusts and turbulent air can destabilize small drones and make them fall or deviate from the intended trajectory," Floreano told Live Science.

The wind tunnel "could be very useful for improving drone autopilot software and also for helping the design of new drones partly made of soft, sensorized and compliant materials that could match birds' amazing flight capabilities in a large variety of air conditions," said Floreano, who was not involved in the current study.

It could be some time before the lessons learned from the wind tunnel are applied by engineers, though. Developing animal experiments and training birds to fly in the wind tunnel are no easy tasks, Lentink said.

"They're not robots," he said.

The new wind tunnel is described online March 29 in the open-access journal Royal Society Open Science.

Original article on Live Science.
One hundred and fifty years ago, on March 30, 1867, U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward and Russian envoy Baron Edouard de Stoeckl signed the Treaty of Cession (opens in new tab). With a stroke of a pen, Tsar Alexander II had ceded Alaska, his country's last remaining foothold in North America, to the United States for US$7.2 million.

That sum, amounting to just $113 million in today's dollars, brought to an end Russia's 125-year odyssey in Alaska and its expansion across the treacherous Bering Sea, which at one point extended the Russian Empire as far south as Fort Ross, California, 90 miles from San Francisco Bay.

Today Alaska is one of the richest U.S. states thanks to its abundance of natural resources, such as petroleum, gold and fish, as well as its vast expanse of pristine wilderness and strategic location as a window on Russia and gateway to the Arctic.

So what prompted Russia to withdraw from its American beachhead? And how did it come to possess it in the first place?

As a descendant of Inupiaq Eskimos, I have been living and studying this history all my life. In a way, there are two histories of how Alaska came to be American  and two perspectives (opens in new tab). One concerns how the Russians took "possession" of Alaska and eventually ceded it to the U.S. The other is from the perspective of my people, who have lived in Alaska for thousands of years, and for whom the anniversary of the cession brings mixed emotions, including immense loss but also optimism.

Russia looks east

The lust for new lands that brought Russia to Alaska and eventually California began in the 16th century, when the country was a fraction of its current size.

That began to change in 1581, when Russia overran (opens in new tab) a Siberian territory known as the Khanate of Sibir, which was controlled by a grandson of Genghis Khan. This key victory opened up Siberia, and within 60 years the Russians were at the Pacific.

The Russian advance (opens in new tab) across Siberia was fueled in part by the lucrative fur trade, a desire to expand the Russian Orthodox Christian faith to the "heathen" populations in the east and the addition of new taxpayers and resources to the empire.

In the early 18th century, Peter the Great  who created Russia's first Navy  wanted to know how far the Asian landmass extended to the east. The Siberian city of Okhotsk became the staging point for two explorations he ordered. And in 1741, Vitus Bering successfully crossed the strait that bears his name and sighted Mt. Saint Elias, near what is now the village of Yakutat, Alaska.

Although Bering's second Kamchatka Expedition brought disaster for him personally when adverse weather on the return journey led to a shipwreck on one of the westernmost Aleutian Islands and his eventual death from scurvy in December 1741, it was an incredible success for Russia. The surviving crew fixed the ship, stocked it full of hundreds of the sea otters, foxes and fur seals that were abundant there and returned to Siberia, impressing Russian fur hunters with their valuable cargo. This prompted something akin to the Klondike gold rush 150 years later.

Challenges emerge

But maintaining these settlements wasn't easy. Russians in Alaska  who numbered no more than 800 at their peak  faced the reality of being half a globe away from St. Petersburg, then the capital of the empire, making communications a key problem.

Also, Alaska was too far north to allow for significant agriculture and therefore unfavorable as a place to send large numbers of settlers. So they began exploring lands farther south, at first looking only for people to trade with so they could import the foods that wouldn't grow in Alaska's harsh climate. They sent ships to what is now California, established trade relations with the Spaniards there and eventually set up their own settlement at Fort Ross in 1812.

Thirty years later, however, the entity set up to handle Russia's American explorations failed and sold what remained. Not long after, the Russians began to seriously question (opens in new tab) whether they could continue their Alaskan colony as well.

For starters, the colony was no longer profitable (opens in new tab) after the sea otter population was decimated. Then there was the fact that Alaska was difficult to defend and Russia was short on cash due to the costs of the war in Crimea.

Americans eager for a deal

So clearly the Russians were ready to sell, but what motivated the Americans to want to buy?

In the 1840s, the United States had expanded its interests to Oregon, annexed Texas, fought a war with Mexico and acquired California. Afterward, Secretary of State Seward wrote (opens in new tab) in March 1848:

"Our population is destined to roll resistless waves to the ice barriers of the north, and to encounter oriental civilization on the shores of the Pacific."

Almost 20 years after expressing his thoughts about expansion into the Arctic, Seward accomplished his goal.

In Alaska, the Americans foresaw a potential for gold, fur and fisheries, as well as more trade with China and Japan. The Americans worried that England might try to establish a presence in the territory, and the acquisition of Alaska  it was believed  would help the U.S. become a Pacific power. And overall the government was in an expansionist mode backed by the then-popular idea of "manifest destiny."

So a deal with incalculable geopolitical consequences was struck, and the Americans seemed to get quite a bargain for their $7.2 million.

Just in terms of wealth, the U.S. gained about 370 million acres of mostly pristine wilderness  almost a third the size of the European Union  including 220 million acres of what are now federal parks and wildlife refuges. Hundreds of billions of dollars in whale oil, fur, copper, gold, timber, fish, platinum, zinc, lead and petroleum have been produced in Alaska over the years  allowing the state to do without a sales or income tax and give every resident an annual stipend. Alaska still likely has billions of barrels of oil reserves.

The state is also a key part of the United States defense system, with military bases located in Anchorage and Fairbanks, and it is the country's only connection to the Arctic, which ensures it has a seat at the table as melting glaciers allow the exploration of the region's significant resources.

Impact on Alaska Natives

But there's an alternate version (opens in new tab) of this history.

When Bering finally located Alaska in 1741, Alaska was home to about 100,000 people, including Inuit, Athabascan, Yupik, Unangan and Tlingit. There were 17,000 alone on the Aleutian Islands.

Despite the relatively small number of Russians who at any one time lived at one of their settlements  mostly on the Aleutians Islands, Kodiak, Kenai Peninsula and Sitka  they ruled over the native populations in their areas with an iron hand, taking children of the leaders as hostages, destroying kayaks and other hunting equipment to control the men and showing extreme force when necessary.

The Russians brought with them weaponry such as firearms, swords, cannons and gunpowder, which helped them secure a foothold in Alaska along the southern coast. They used firepower, spies and secured forts to maintain security, and selected Christianized local leaders to carry out their wishes. However, they also met resistance, such as from the Tlingits, who were capable warriors, ensuring their hold on territory was tenuous.

By the time of the cession, only 50,000 indigenous people were estimated to be left, as well as 483 Russians and 1,421 Creoles (descendants of Russian men and indigenous women).

On the Aleutian Islands alone, the Russians enslaved or killed (opens in new tab) thousands of Aleuts. Their population plummeted (opens in new tab) to 1,500 in the first 50 years of Russian occupation due to a combination of warfare, disease and enslavement.

When the Americans took over, the United States was still engaged in its Indian Wars, so they looked at Alaska and its indigenous inhabitants as potential adversaries. Alaska was made a military district by Gen. Ulysses S. Grant with Gen. Jefferson C. Davis selected as the new commander.

For their part, Alaska Natives claimed that they still had title to the territory as its original inhabitants and having not lost the land in war or ceded it to any country  including the U.S., which technically didn't buy it from the Russians but bought the right to negotiate with the indigenous populations. Still, Natives were denied U.S. citizenship until 1924, when the Indian Citizenship Act was passed.

During that time, Alaska Natives had no rights as citizens and could not vote, own property or file for mining claims. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, in conjunction with missionary societies, in the 1860s began a campaign to eradicate indigenous languages, religion, art, music, dance, ceremonies and lifestyles.

It was only in 1936 that the Indian Reorganization Act authorized tribal governments to form, and only nine years later overt discrimination was outlawed by Alaska's Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945. The law banned signs such as "No Natives Need Apply" and "No Dogs or Natives Allowed," which were common at the time.

Statehood and a disclaimer

Eventually, however, the situation improved markedly for Natives.

Alaska finally became a state in 1959, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Alaska Statehood Act, allotting it 104 million acres of the territory. And in an unprecedented nod to the rights of Alaska's indigenous populations, the act contained a clause emphasizing that citizens of the new state were declining any right to land subject to Native title  which by itself was a very thorny topic because they claimed the entire territory.

A result of this clause was that in 1971 President Richard Nixon ceded 44 million acres of federal land, along with $1 billion, to Alaska's native populations, which numbered around 75,000 at the time. That came after a Land Claims Task Force that I chaired gave the state ideas about how to resolve the issue.

Today Alaska has a population of 740,000, of which 120,000 are Natives.

As the United States celebrates the signing of the Treaty of Cession, we all  Alaskans, Natives and Americans of the lower 48  should salute Secretary of State William H. Seward, the man who eventually brought democracy and the rule of law to Alaska.

William L. Iggiagruk Hensley, Visiting Distinguished Professor, University of Alaska Anchorage

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
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Politics can get really ugly, something were reminded of regularly these days.

However, when it comes to tragedy, its hard to imagine any political family ever suffering as much cumulative heartache as the Kennedys: two assassinations; untimely deaths; a car accident that left a young woman dead; a child with bone cancer.

Its no wonder Matthew Perry was absolutely terrified to enter that realm  specifically, tackling the role of Ted Kennedy  in the new TV miniseries The Kennedys: After Camelot.

The four-hour television event, based on J. Randy Taraborrellis best-selling book After Camelot: Personal History of the Kennedy Family 1968 to the Present, premieres at 8 p.m. Sunday on the Reelz Channel and concludes at the same time April 9. Its the sequel to Reelzs award-winning miniseries The Kennedys.

Drama, scandal and pain surrounded the Massachusetts senator, and Perrys background mainly has been in light comedy: from Chandler Bing on NBCs Friends to his recent turn as Oscar Madison on CBS The Odd Couple.

I read the first four scripts, and the portrayal scared me, Perry told TV critics. There was a lot of emotion and tragedy to be played, and just the age range.

The role takes the actor, 47, from a careless, womanizing Teddy of 38 to a scrappy and passionately committed senior senator with a leonine head of white hair in his mid-60s.

Actors look for good material. This was good material. And I thought it was a really good challenge for me, Perry said. Once we got rolling, then I was in, and, hopefully, turned in a good performance.

Maybe all that anxiety worked in his favor. Perrys performance as the youngest Kennedy brother is not just good, its excellent.

Perry and Katie Holmes, who makes a poignant return as Jackie Kennedy, are the two best reasons to watch the miniseries, which otherwise comes through as a standard television biopic.

It opens on the summer of 1968, nearly five years after President Kennedys assassination, with a second national tragedy: Middle brother Robert Kennedy, a Civil Rights activist and favorite to win the Democratic nomination, is mortally wounded by a gunman.

The mini briefly covers RFKs assassination and the mourning that followed, then switches gears to focus on the lives of two Kennedy survivors, Ted and Jackie.

We see both struggle with what is soon characterized as the Kennedy curse.

Jackies coping mechanism is escape  into the arms of much-older shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis (Alexander Siddig) and his privately owned Greek island, where she hoped to find safety for herself and her two children.

She marries him in 1968, not long after the slaying of RFK and the relapse of the depression she suffered after Jacks death. Holmes effectively depicts the change in Jackie. Accompanied by Onassis at his Greek oasis, she seems relaxed, younger, reborn.

Back home in Massachusetts, Ted and his wife, Joan, are having a much rockier time. His philandering has taken its toll on their marriage, and she sinks further and further into alcohol addiction.

Then came the tragedy that he and his family couldnt quite shake: Chappaquiddick. The car accident resulted in the drowning death of Teds passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne. Kennedy pleaded guilty to a charge of leaving the scene and received a two-month suspended sentence.

Meanwhile, we watch death strike Jackies life as well. Onassis 24-year-old son is killed in a plane crash, and Onassis himself dies soon after. Left emotionally shaken once again, Jackie throws herself wholeheartedly into raising her two children and working in the world of publishing until her death from lymphoma in 1994.

Like Perry, Holmes, 38, plays a role spanning multiple decades  but whats different is she greeted the opportunity with excitement rather than fear.

I really feel so honored to play Jackie for the second time, she said.

Though she felt the pressure of living up to her original performance in The Kennedys, she said she loved the fact that Jackie was going through so many different things, in this second half of her life. The amazing wardrobe and accessories helped, too.

I really enjoyed that, Holmes said. I mean, there is nothing like Jackie Kennedys closet. She had this very distinct black leather Cartier watch, and we got a vintage one. And there is something so classic about that, and so embodied her style  understated but elegant.

Perrys physical transformation into Ted Kennedy was much more involved.

There were a lot of prosthetics used, a lot of wigs. So I had fake ears and fake nose and fake hair, Perry said.

However, he said, it was Kennedys life transformation from a younger guy, who had a lot of bad habits, to somebody who really helped a great many people that helped the actor not only relate to the character but do him justice.

Though the Chappaquiddick scandal irrevocably ruined Kennedys chances of ever successfully running for president, he went on to become one of the most respected and effective U.S. senators in history  particularly in his tireless fight for universal health care. He was inspired by a hospital encounter with a grieving mother who couldnt afford the kind of care for her daughter that saved Kennedys 12-year-old son.

As a man who has been forced to transform his life many times, Perry said, I really admire the changes he made. And thats depicted very well in this movie, the moment that you see him have a cause. And to then know that he spent the next 40 years following up that cause is pretty impressive.

Jeanne Jakles column appears Wednesdays and Sundays in mySA.

jjakle@express-news.net
In the opening moments of The Zookeepers Wife, director Niki Caro introduces us to a pocket paradise of every glorious form of creation  animals of every size and description  overseen by a team of benevolent human beings. This is a zoo, but an idyllic zoo. And then the subtitle is flashed onto the screen, Warsaw, 1939, and a feeling of dread settles in.

It is a difficult thing to make an audience feel the awfulness and terror of World War II as if it were something new. Though the war was and remains the greatest calamity ever to befall the planet, it has been the subject of too many movies, good and bad. Yet The Zookeepers Wife grabs us from its first seconds. Here is life, at its most splendid and miraculous. And here, on the other side, are the enemies of life.

This sense of the situation is emphasized in one of the first scenes, when Jessica Chastain, as the title character, hurries away from a fancy reception and assists in the birth of an elephant. Apparently, theres some sort of problem. The mother elephant needs help, and the father elephant is hovering and getting aggressive. But the zookeepers wife calms the father elephant and helps out the mother. In the process, she wrecks her evening gown and establishes herself as a great woman in the eyes of the audience.

The Zookeepers Wife is based on the nonfiction book of the same name by Diane Ackerman, which tells the story of Jan and Antonina Zabinski. The Zabinskis owned and ran the Warsaw zoo and, after the German invasion, used it as a transit point and refuge for Jews escaping the Warsaw ghetto. Just watching their story for two hours is a stressful experience. Imagine living with the real-life tension, every minute and for years on end.

More Information The Zookeeper's Wife **** Quick take: Shining humanity amid the terror of war See More Collapse

This is a film that gives you brand new reasons to hate the Nazis. When the invasion comes, an invasion that everyone expects and dreads, its a calamity for the animals, too. Caro conveys the terror of the bombing by filming them from above, starting in panic as explosions are heard on the soundtrack. Soon kangaroos and llamas are running down city streets in terror.

Just to see something like that is to feel sick and want to apologize for the whole human species.

But then there are people like the Zabinskis to show that human beings are capable of profound goodness. For Chastain, Antonina is an ideal vehicle that crystallizes what she has been bringing to the screen since Zero Dark Thirty  portraits of strength and heroism. There was the angry version (Miss Sloane), the flawed version (A Most Violent Year), the parody version (The Huntsman: Winters War) and the horror movie version (Mama), but the heroism is the same. With Chastain, we believe that shed do the difficult thing, but we also feel that it costs her everything she has.

For Antonina, Chastain adopts the obligatory Polish accent that movies insist on (even though people dont speak with accents in their own language), but she also alters her mannerisms so she seems Eastern European. Most of her scenes are played opposite Johan Heldenbergh as her husband, Jan, and Heldenbergh is a remarkable presence. A Flemish actor seemingly incapable of a false moment, his essence suggests a combination of irascibleness and decency. Jan doesnt do the right thing because hes a saint, but because he cant stop being angry.

Jan is contrasted with Lutz Heck, a German naturalist who is also a Nazi officer. Hes played by Daniel Bruhl, who was the German sniper in Inglourious Basterds. As in the Tarantino film, Bruhl strikes an unsettling balance. Theres some humanity inside him, but the Nazi within looms large, and its impossible to know which side of his nature will dominate.

Director Niki Caro has talked about The Zookeepers Wife as a womans take on World War II. Not just directed by a woman, it stars a woman and was written by a woman (Angela Workman) based on another womans book.

To ascribe the movies virtues to the gender of the filmmakers would be to minimize their individual achievements, but there are touches throughout that are not the usual thing. These range from the sensitive, even empathetic, filming of the animals to tiny moments, such as the sight of a man picking his eyeglasses up off the ground as German soldiers hustle him off.

The Zookeepers Wife achieves its grandeur not through the depiction of grand movements, but through its attentiveness to the shifts and flickers of the soul. The war was a great external event, but Caro reminds us that it was experienced internally, by the people and the animals that had to try to live through it.

Running time: 124 minutes

MPAA rating: PG-13 (violence)
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The Cesar Chavez Memorial Alliance of South Texas will hold its 14th annual March for Justice in downtown Laredo on Saturday.

The march will begin at Bruni Plaza and end at San Agustin Plaza. The meeting time is 8:30 a.m., and the march will commence at 10 a.m.

This annual march is held in remembrance of the efforts made by Chavez for migrant workers. Chavez had organized a large march in 1966 from Delano to Sacramento, California to peacefully protest the low wages and deplorable housing situations for migrant workers.

We follow his legacy, said Manuel Bocanegra, founding president of the Cesar Chavez Memorial Alliance of South Texas.

RELATED: Court order triggers emergency meeting for Webb County Commissioners Court

The march promotes education for the children of Laredo who do not know who Chavez was or the struggle involved with migrant work, said Bocanegra.

The United and Cigarroa high school bands will be attending the march along with a performance by a group of matachines. A special guest, Robert Bustos, from California and representing the Cesar Chavez Foundation, will also be present.

Our mission is to get involved with programs like both districts magnet programs to give the students scholarships, said Bocanegra.

Five scholarships were awarded last year.

At the march, the Cesar Chavez Award will be presented to Justice of the Peace Danny Dominguez and Juan M. Carrizales, IRS senior tax consultant and education and communication specialist.

The Cesar Chavez Award is presented to someone who did migrant work when they were young, gained an education and are now professionals.

READ MORE: UISD worker suspended in wake of kids' basketball game fight

Every year, I try to recognize somebody who went through that kind of work (migrant work), said Bocanegra. I have recognized Congressman Henry Cuellar, his family was also part of that culture, and Judge Joe Lopez.

Bocanegra was a migrant worker as well. At 5 years old, he would go with his parents to North Dakota and Minnesota where they picked beets. His mother would exchange tortillas for cupcakes with the Anglo owners. In his teens, he would pick cotton or onions on his knees for as little as 25 cents an hour.

The Si Se Puede Award will be presented to Bocanegra on Saturday. The award was created by Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the Farm Workers Union along with Cesar Chavez. Bocanegra is receiving this award for his work to better the working conditions of migrant workers such as the time he spent as a union member.

In Spanish they called it la causa, the cause, because thats what the whole idea was  to do something, to get better wages for the farm workers, Bocanegra said.

Click through the gallery above to see photos remembering Cesar Chavez.
DANBURY, CONNECTICUT - Police arrested two men in connection with a human trafficking ring based in the city.

Danbury police detectives and special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation  New Haven Office arrested Bruce J. Bemer, 63, of Glastonbury, and William Trefzger, 71, of Westport, police announced Thursday.

Police believe the ring, which operated in Danbury but reached other cities, targeted young males with mental health issues, gave them to wealthy clients throughout the state and forced the men to have sex for money.

The investigation began in January of 2016, but police believe the operation may have been going on for decades. During the investigation, police previously arrested Danbury resident Robert King, who was charged with promoting prostitution and witness tampering.

Bemer and Trefzger were charged with patronizing a trafficked person. Their bonds were set at $500,000 each.

Both men were arraigned and held at Danbury Superior Court Thursday. The Danbury States Attorneys Office is prosecuting the case.

Danbury Police Detective Bureau, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Danbury States Attorneys Office investigated the case with significant assistance from the United States Marshal Service and the United States Attorneys Office for the District of Connecticut. Also assisting were the Glastonbury Police Department, the Westport Police Department and the Connecticut Department of Adult Probation.

This investigation is continuing and additional arrests expected.
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An anonymous tip led Laredo police to seize over 370 pounds of pot and arrest one man in connection with the case, according to authorities.

Juan Lorenzo Reyes, 21, was charged with felony possession of marijuana Monday.

At approximately 8:40 p.m., police responded to reports of gray 2003 Ford Expedition involved in narcotics activity. Police obtained the license plate number and went to the vehicles registered address in the 3900 block of Convent Avenue.

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There, a woman stated that Reyes had the vehicle. He arrived later at the house. He allegedly told police he had driven the Expedition to the parking lot of a restaurant in the 4400 block of McPherson Road.

Asked about the narcotics, Reyes stated the bundles were in the vehicle. Police went to the location and confirmed what Reyes told them when they located the drug-laden vehicle.

Surveillance footage from the area allegedly showed Reyes dropping off the vehicle there to be loaded with the bundles of marijuana, LPD said.

Police seized 376.6 pounds of pot with an estimated street value of $301,280.

View the gallery above to see the biggest drug busts ever at the Texas-Mexico border.
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An arrest warrant for attempted capital murder has been issued for the man who was shot and wounded by a police officer in an exchange of gunfire in west central Laredo, authorities said Wednesday.

LPD said the suspect, 22-year-old Marco Guadalupe Cruz, was on probation after being convicted of felony possession of a controlled substance. Cruz, who was shot in his lower body, was airlifted to a San Antonio hospital for further care. He remained there under police guard.

The 14-year veteran cop has been medically cleared after injuring his ankle. As per procedure, the officer was placed on administrative duties pending the outcome of the investigation. His name was not released.

Police said they have learned that moments before exchanging gunfire with the officer, Cruz had allegedly fired shots at a red Cadillac occupied by a woman and at least three children in the 2200 block of Madison Street.

RELATED: Name revealed of man involved in west central Laredo shooting

Cruz then hung to the cars hood as the woman drove off. The officer saw Cruz on top of the hood in the area of Eagle Pass Avenue and Pierce Street.

Cruz then jumped off the hood and started running. He allegedly dropped what appeared to be a knife and an ammo clip, authorities said. The officer pursued Cruz in his patrol unit until he reached the 3700 block of Santa Isabel Avenue, where he exited the unit.

The officer engaged the subject (and) asked him to drop his weapon after noticing he had a weapon. The subject engaged with the officer. There was an exchange of gunfire, said Acting LPD Chief Gabriel E. Martinez Jr.

It is my understanding that the individual fired at the officer first, and the officer returned fire.

Martinez said the suspect was shot several times in his lower extremities. The officer was not shot but complained of pain to his right ankle, according to reports.

RELATED: At least 13 dead in crash involving Central Texas church group near Garner State Park

Police said they recovered several spent casings from the scene and a semiautomatic handgun allegedly belonging to Cruz.

An internal investigation is underway, as well as an investigation into the shots allegedly fired by Cruz on Madison, according to police.

Authorities said they have obtained surveillance video from area. However, police are encouraging people to come forward with more videos or other information pertaining to the case.

To provide information, call police at 795-2800 or Laredo Crime Stoppers at 727-TIPS (8477).
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1984: More than 90 theaters nationwide, including Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and the Balboa Theater, will present showings of the 1984 dystopian film based on George Orwells 1949 novel, starring John Hurt as Winston Smith, on Tuesday, April 4. A portion of the proceeds will benefit charities. The screening was organized by the Art House Convergence and United State of Cinema, whose mission statement encourages theaters to take a stand for our most basic values: freedom of speech, respect for our fellow human beings and the simple truth that there are no such things as alternative facts. For information on the San Francisco screenings, see www.ybca.org/whats-on/1984 or www.cinemasf.com/balboa.

 Leba Hertz

Frantz: Director Francois Ozon reimagines Ernst Lubitschs 1932 antiwar film from the perspective of the young German woman (Paula Beer) who has lost her fiance in World War I and meets a mysterious Frenchman. Beautifully filmed and acted. Rated PG. 113 minutes. In French and German with English subtitles.

 Mick LaSalle

T2 Trainspotting: The sequel to Trainspotting, the 1996 film about heroin addicts in Edinburgh, is a likable and sumptuously filmed comedy, delightful to watch from start to finish. Rated R. 113 minutes.

 Mick LaSalle

Related Video: 'T2 Trainspotting' makes $180,000 at SXSW week indie box office

The Sense of an Ending: Well-acted, understated and British to the core, this drama is based on Julian Barnes novel of the same title, charting what happens when the past abruptly catches up with an aging Londoner. Jim Broadbent does a fine job as a man who is old-school but not a caricature. Good supporting work from Charlotte Rampling, Harriet Walker and Michelle Dockery. Directed by Ritesh Batra (The Lunchbox). Rated PG-13. 108 minutes.

 Walter Addiego
1 Ryans warning: House Speaker Paul Ryan warned Republicans to unify around a new push to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act or risk tempting President Trump to cut a deal with Democrats that runs counter to Republican goals. Ryan, in an interview with CBS that aired Thursday, said he fears that if we dont do this, then hell just go work with Democrats to try and change Obamacare. And thats not, thats hardly a conservative thing.

2 Trump poll: More than 6 in 10 Americans disapprove of the way President Trump is handling health care, according to a new poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research in Chicago. Most oppose key elements of the short-circuited GOP proposal to overhaul former President Barack Obamas health care law, including Medicaid cuts and surcharges for people whose coverage lapses.
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Cypress Assistance Ministries, a faith-based organization that serves individuals and families dealing with financial crisis, homelessness, unemployment, and elderly in need, has created a need-based scholarship for area students.

The Operation Jobs scholarship aims to recognize students at Lone Star College-CyFair who have demonstrated academic success while working on a part-time basis. It is valued at $500 a year and is to be used for tuition, books, and fees.

The initial recipient will be selected this summer and the first scholarship will be awarded for the fall semester to a student attending LSC-Cy-Fair.

"Our goal is to help these hard-working people obtain the education they are striving for," said Janet Knott, CAM director of development. "Operation Jobs programs exist to equip people with the skills necessary for employment - from resume and cover letter preparation, teaching interview skills, and providing appropriate clothing if needed, to providing job leads on a weekly basis. This scholarship is a logical next step in helping to equip individuals so they can secure jobs."

Criteria for the scholarship includes that a student be part-time and enrolled up to 12 hours, demonstrate financial need, have a minimum GPA of 2.5, and show proof of employment. Additionally, workforce certification students are eligible along with degree-plan students.

Operation Jobs counselors will work with people who want to take classes, both in the certificate program areas in addition to those wishing to transfer to a university, who do not have the funds to support their educational goals.

The Operation Jobs programs assists community members with the skills necessary for employment such as resume and cover letter preparation, interview skills, and providing appropriate clothing if needed, and providing job leads on a weekly basis.

Currently, the Cypress Assistance Ministries Operation Jobs scholarship is a one-time scholarship for the fall semester.

"Our goal is to award that scholarship to a deserving student that aligns with the criteria set forth by the donor Cypress Assistance Ministries, with the hope that they will have the ability and interest to create an annual tradition of investing in our students with a scholarship," said Nicole Robinson Gauthier, executive director of the Lone Star College Foundation. "The ultimate goal of any foundation in higher education is to create scholarship endowments that provide for funding for scholarships in perpetuity. Providing for our students today, tomorrow and in the future is always top of mind in our office."

CAM's goal is to provide help to those experiencing temporary crisis. The organization strives to offer financial support, food, sick goods and other services. The nonprofit organization works to guide individuals and families into a better self-sufficient life.

Assistance through CAM's client services are offered to those in need with rent or mortgage, utilities, food, clothing, household goods/furniture, special delivery, operation jobs, and GED/ESL Classes.

The not-for-profit organization offers families opportunities to receive food out of their pantry. The items the food pantry needs include boxed cereal, jelly/jam, chili, spaghetti o's, spaghetti sauce, rice, dried beans, canned meat, and toiletry items. Families must see a case manager; then they are allowed to shop in the pantry. CAM reminds the community that individuals receiving assistance from any of these programs must be "qualified" financially.

There are plans to grow the Operation Jobs scholarship program to include additional scholarships. In addition, the ministry would like to implement additional programs to help with certifications and licensing such as for TWIC cards, CDL licensing, and GED exams.

Lone Star officials believe that scholarships further assist students in the community with the appropriate tools needed for success in the professional field.

"Ninety-one percent of Lone Star College students remain in the community and this combination of higher student incomes and increased business productivity add $3.1 billion to the Houston economy," Gauthier said. "In the 2015-16 academic year, Lone Star College Foundation provided $2 million in student scholarships, student emergency assistance, and program support."

Cypress Assistance Ministries

Address: 11202 Huffmeister, Houston, TX 77065

Mailing address: PO Box 2336, Cypress, TX 77410-2336

Assistance office: 281-955-7684

Assistance information line: 281-955-7440

Online: www.cypressassistance.org

Lone Star College Cy-Fair (LSC-CyFair)

Address: 9191 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress, TX 77433-1383

Phone: 281-290-3200

Online: http://www.lonestar.edu/cyfair.htm
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We are in Day 2 of County Judge Craig Doyal's motion to dismiss hearings.

Visiting 221st state District Court Judge Randy Clapp began to hear arguments on a motion to dismiss misdemeanor charges from Montgomery County Judge Craig Doyal on Wednesday. Today's proceedings will begin with more witnesses from Doyal's Houston-based defense attorney Rusty Hardin.

Doyal, Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley and consultant Marc Davenport allegedly conspired to circumvent the Texas Open Meetings Act regarding the November 2015 road bond referendum. Precinct 4 Commissioner Jim Clark also was charged with conspiring to circumvent the act; but on March 13, he was granted a pretrial diversion in exchange for his testifying for the prosecution.

Follow this story for live updates from within the courtroom. Catch up from Wednesday's hearing here.

12:15 p.m. UPDATE: Hardin clarified he did not mean to say members of the Texas Legislature were intentionally or nefariously violating Section 143.

Hardin passed the witness to Houston-based special prosecutor Joe Larsen, who will pick up questioning Riggs for the prosecution after a lunch break at 1:30 p.m.

12:10 p.m. UPDATE: Hardin is now bringing into the discussion the Texas Legislature, saying state legislators violate Section 143 as its written, albeit without the intent to violate the act.

"If we take the plain language here," Hardin asked, "is there any way on God's green earth, with good intent perhaps ... to argue they are not violating with the language of this statute?"

Earlier in the day, Riggs said it is commonplace for legislators to deliberate with their colleagues outside of the House or Senate chambers in Austin in order to get work done.

Hardin then questioned the contradictions between TOMA's definition of "deliberation" and how it is used in Section 143. TOMA's Section 001 defines "deliberation" as "a verbal exchange during a meeting between a quorum of a governmental body." (Emphasis added)

But in Section 143, elected officials are barred from "meeting in numbers less than a quorum for the purpose of secret deliberations." (Emphasis added)

Hardin is arguing Section 143 does not make sense, seeing that elected officials are only in violation with a number less than a quorum for "deliberations," which can only happen if there is a quorum, according to the statute's definition.

11:55 a.m. UPDATE: McKinney passes Riggs to Hardin, who moves from defense table to jury box in order to give Clapp a view other than the "back of Riggs' head."

Hardin again reiterates, for at least the third time since these hearings commenced Wednesday, that the motion he filed on Doyal's behalf only targets Section 143 rather than TOMA in its entirety. He is claiming Section 143 unconstitutionally bars protected speech from elected officials.

"Because of its breadth," Riggs said, "it is content based."

11:35 a.m. UPDATE: Following a short break, testimony is back on.

11:15 a.m. UPDATE: Riggs and McKinney are discussing issues with TOMA training.

Riggs is arguing that certain levels of government, from local to state-wide offices, received different amounts of training and might not be too familiar with TOMA as a whole.Earlier in the day, Riggs testified that some training sessions provided by the Texas Municipal League are about an hour-long and only dedicate about a minute-and-a-half on Section 143.

10:55 a.m. UPDATE: Jackson passed Riggs off to Houston-based defense attorney Troy McKinney for questioning.

10:45 a.m. UPDATE: Jackson asked Riggs about a possibility of two commissioners, for example, who go to meet with constituents in a homeowners association.

And, in the example, Jackson said the commissioners purposefully excluded a third commissioner from the HOA meeting in order to not be in violation of TOMA. Riggs said the exclusion of the third commissioner could be considered "conspiracy to circumvent" TOMA in order to hold a secret meeting, as Section 143 is currently written.

"The very act of trying of keep it legal could be what helps prove under (Section) 143 conspiracy," Riggs said. "That doesn't make sense."

10:30 a.m. UPDATE: Riggs said she believes Section 143 is unconstitutional.

"It prohibits an entire category of speech," Riggs said, "and it does not do so in a way narrowly tailored to affect a legitimate government purpose."

She believes the Texas Legislature was well-intended when it passed Section 143, and believed they did so to criminalize a "daisy chain" or "walking quorum." Those are terms used when an elected official meets with one of their fellow officials at a time to gauge opinion and persuade the individuals to vote a certain way prior to an open meeting.

"That's what the legislature intended," Riggs said. "In so doing, they kill all the communications with constituents."

10:15 a.m. UPDATE: Riggs, echoing the concerns of two small-town mayors who testified yesterday, said the wording of the Section 143 of the Texas Open Meetings Act can be confusing and contradictory.

Section 143 states "A member or group of members of a governmental body commits an offense if the member or group of members knowingly conspires to circumvent this chapter by meeting in numbers less than a quorum for the purpose of secret deliberations in violation of this chapter."

Riggs said she believes Section 143 was over-broad.

"Section 143 is broad enough not to only to reach members of a governmental body, it's broad enough (for a member of a governmental body) to (apply to talking) to a member of the public, their constituents," Riggs said. "... It's that broad."

9:55 a.m. UPDATE: Riggs is talking about Texas AG opinions, which she has helped write for the AG's office on TOMA.

"You don't really have certainty (in the law) just by following opinions," Riggs said.

9:45 a.m. UPDATE: The witness, Austin-based attorney Jennifer Riggs, has taken the stand, and testimony has begun.

Riggs is a private attorney but worked with the Texas Attorney General's Office early in her career and helped author a handful of editions of the AG's Handbook on the Texas Open Meetings Act, according to her law office's website.

She has also helped written opinions on TOMA cases with the AG's office.

9:10 a.m. UPDATE: Clapp sat on the bench but put the hearings in recess until Davenport's Conroe-based attorney Steve Jackson's first witness shows up. The witness is reportedly stuck in Houston traffic.
Submitted photo

State Rep. Mark Keough, R-The Woodlands, is out of the hospital after escaping what could have been serious injuries in a head-on crash with a cement truck Tuesday morning.

Keough's chief of staff, Jason Millsaps, told The Courier that Keough was released from the hospital Thursday morning. He had been hospitalized since his Lexus SUV collided with the truck at the intersection of South First and West Mary in Austin.
SAN ANTONIO  Thursday deputies with the Bexar County Sheriff's Office identified a suspect wanted in connection with a double shooting that left his wife dead and his teenage daughter critically injured.

James E. Cardona, 31, is currently at large and wanted on a charge of murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Donald Trump becoming the president of the United States was surreal for many, including for one former president himself.

President George W. Bush made headlines during Trump's inauguration when he struggled to secure his poncho in the rain. Bush, like other presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, were present for the transfer of power to Trump.
1 Syrian refugees: The number of Syrians who have fled their country after six years of civil war has surpassed the 5 million mark, the U.N. refugee agency said Thursday. UNHCR announced the milestone a year after participating countries at a Geneva conference pledged to resettle and facilitate pathways for 500,000 refugees from Syria  but only half of those places have been allocated so far. In the six years of war, nearly 400,000 people have been killed, and half of the countrys population has been displaced.

2 New settlement: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus Security Cabinet approved Israels first new settlement in two decades to compensate for the court-ordered demolition of a settler outpost. Netanyahu said Thursday that the decision passed unanimously to replace Amona, honoring a promise he made after it was destroyed this year. He said it will be built close to the Palestinian city of Ramallah in the West Bank. For the past two decades, the international community has backed a two-state solution to the conflict where a Palestinian state would be established alongside Israel in territory it captured in the 1967 war.
Local News, Business & Finance, Community, Charity & Cause, Health & Wellness

By Long Island News & PR Published: March 30 2017

AARP Delivers Petitions to Senate Leader Flanagan, State Leaders.

AARP today delivered more than 3,500 petitions from New Yorkers to state leaders urging the establishment of an independent utility consumer advocate.

Albany, NY  March 30, 2017 - As state budget negotiations enter the homestretch, AARP today delivered more than 3,500 petitions from New Yorkers to Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan and other state leaders urging the establishment of an independent utility consumer advocate to fight for overburdened residential customers.

AARP also delivered the petitions to Governor Andrew Cuomo, Senate Independent Democratic Conference Leader and Coalition Co-Leader Jeff Klein and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie at the State Capitol as they and Senator Flanagan negotiate the budget for the fiscal year that begins Saturday.

We need an independent advocate who could stand toe to toe with the utility industry and go to the courts to fight unfair rate hikes; that would save consumers real money, said AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel. Thousands of our members are telling state leaders that its time to act.

Long Islanders regularly pay among the highest residential electric bills in the nation, yet New York remains the largest of just 10 states without an independent utility consumer advocate to push back when utility companies spend over $10 million a year in ratepayers own money to push for rate increases.

AARP surveys consistently show high utility bills put a strain on the finances of Long Islands Generation Xers and Baby Boomers. The need for a strong, independent advocate is particularly high for retirees and those on fixed incomes who must devote a higher portion of their income than younger New Yorkers to this basic life necessity.

The Assembly included funding for an independent utility consumer advocate office in its one-house budget proposal earlier this month. Neither the Senate nor the Governor included an advocate in their budget proposals.
Tech & Science, Nature & Weather, Local News, Business & Finance, Health & Wellness

By Long Island News & PR Published: March 30 2017

The public deserves absolute transparency and accountability, said Senator Brooks.

This legislation requires that each gas corporation file an annual gas safety report with the Department of Public Service.

Albany, NY  March 30, 2017  Long Island Senator John E. Brooks (SD-8) is calling on his Senate colleagues to act on his bill S.4715, which requires gas corporations to file annual gas safety reports, after it overwhelmingly passed the Assembly this week.

The public deserves absolute transparency and accountability, said Senator Brooks. By requiring annual gas safety reports, not only will we be able to identify areas of improvement, but we will assure the public that every measure is made to ensure safe delivery of natural gas.

This important legislation requires that each gas corporation file an annual gas safety report with the Department of Public Service (DPS), determines what is to be included in the report including pipeline replacement projects and priorities, and directs DPS to notify the Commission of any deficiencies. It is currently in the Senates Energy and Telecommunications Committee, but has not appeared on the committees agenda for a vote.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (AD-81), who carries the bill in the Assembly (A.2320), joined Senator Brooks in echoing the need for this safety report.

Natural gas must be used and delivered in the safest possible manner. An annual gas safety report by each gas corporation will be an additional tool for the public, the Public Service Commission, and the Legislature to ensure that every possible effort is being made to ensure the safe delivery and use of natural gas. This bill addresses one of my biggest concerns, which is public safety, said Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz.
School & Education, Local News, National & World News, Community, Charity & Cause, Arts & Culture

By Long Island News & PR Published: March 30 2017

With the motive of giving back, "KB Operation Hope" brought five students-ambassadors from The Knox School to Guyana to distribute collected goods, advocate for children, and more.

Smithtown, NY  March 30, 2017  In the winter of 2009, students Kyle and Brandon Persaud met an orphan boy named Jason on a family trip to Guyana, whose story made a strong impact on their lives. During this trip, the Persauds delivered healthcare goods and educational items to an orphanage in the Guyanese town of Berbice and had an opportunity to spend time with the orphaned children. After speaking with Jason and hearing about his hardships, the Persaud boys realized these impoverished communities desperately need a helping hand. It was through this inspiration that KB Operation Hope was formed.

With the mission of providing over the counter medical necessities, educational supplies, and advocacy for poverty-stricken children and children whose lives have fallen into peril due to natural disasters, the Persauds organized and registered the not-for-profit organization, KB Operation Hope. This organization maintains the firm belief that children are the future; and with proper care, resources, and attention, they will ensure a greater future for all. This belief system is the guiding force which drives the Persaud boys to collect donations, organize campaigns within schools and communities in the US, and host collection drives, which will help empower the lives of young individuals who are struggling on a daily basis.

Knox Students Join the Cause

With the motive of giving back, KB Operation Hope brought five students-ambassadors from The Knox School to Guyana, in an effort to distribute collected goods, advocate for children to governmental agencies and more. Students Kyle and Brandon Persaud, Hannah Bogart, Hailey Schwartz, and Silvia Hernandez-Benito traveled to Guyana in late January, for a week-long charitable tour. On their trip, they visited several orphanages, met with the Minister of Social Protection, the US Embassy, and other organizations who have signaled their intent to help their organization grow.

On this recent trip, the student-ambassadors made plans with two organizations, an orphanage in Berbice, and the Kamal Home, to develop a room for teaching basic life skills to the orphaned children, so that these children may have brighter, more independent futures. They also solidified an agreement with US Embassy officials to arrange for the goods sent by KB Operation Hope and other organizations, to be sent to indigenous communities and shelters.
Last week, the Taliban overran the Sangin district center in Helmand province after Afghan forces retreated in the dead of night. Resolute Support attempted but failed to spin the defeat as a victory by claiming that the withdrawal from Sangin was planned long in advance and the Afghans left the Taliban rubble and dirt. The Taliban later described the district as strategic and symbolic  for both sides and explained that its operations in the region would benefit.

On March 25, the Taliban released a statement on Voice of Jihad entitled The Strategic Victory of Sangin. The most important part of the statement is the last paragraph, and particularly the last sentence [emphasis ours]:

Sangin is both a strategic and symbolic district for both sides. The British  who were initially allocated Helmand province  fought tooth and nail to defend this district and admit to having lost over a hundred soldiers in this district. For the Islamic Emirate the victory of Sangin symbolizes the unwavering spirit of the uprising against invaders and makes them the unchallenged masters of northern Helmand. With this important victory, the Mujahideen have opened up operational lines between Kandahar, Helmand and Uruzgan provinces and can throw its brunt at a time and place of its choosing.

FDDs Long War Journal has noted for some time that, in the south, the Taliban has been working to control a belt of districts that can be used to pressure other areas of the country. From Oct. 2015, when the Taliban took control of Ghorak district in Kandahar province (note, the district remains under Taliban control to this day):

The Taliban control or contest a belt of districts in the south spanning from Farah to Helmand, Uruzgan, and now Kandahar. The Taliban may use its presence in this belt to threaten Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital of Helmand, or Kandahar city. The loss of either city would be a major blow to the Afghan government.

For years, US military commanders have dismissed the Talibans control of remote areas of Afghanistan as insignificant as these far-flung districts have low population densities and are disconnected from what they perceive to be the center of gravity in Afghanistan: the large cities.

Yet the Taliban, which is fighting a classic guerrilla war in Afghanistan, recognizes the importance of establishing what Mao Tse-tung once described in On Guerrilla Warfare as a key tactic: their bases are not just located in Afghanistan, but also in Pakistan, where the Afghan and US military cannot or will not reach them.

The Taliban have effectively used this belt of bases in the south to sow chaos in the region. If you look at the Taliban control map (below), the black, red, and orange belt of districts that spans from Farah in the southwest to Ghazni in the southeast have allowed the Taliban to threaten all of the south. Large areas of Nimroz and Farah are Taliban controlled or contested. All of Helmand is Taliban controlled or contested and the provincial capital has been under siege for more than a year. All of Uruzgans districts are contested; the Taliban controls all of the ground except for the district centers. Half of Kandahar is Taliban controlled or contested. The Taliban does admit the central areas of Kandahar are beyond its control and it is only conducting guerrilla attacks there. Much of Zabul and Ghazni are Taliban controlled or contested.

The Talibans statement about its victory in Sangin is more than mere propaganda. The group is outlining its strategy in southern Afghanistan. Sadly, Resolute Supports only response was to pretend its loss in Sangin and the great south was really a win.

Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
Jeff Newman Download Image: Web

Jeff Newman, Ph.D., professor of biology at Lycoming College, has been selected for a Fulbright Grant to help increase the use of cutting-edge technology for DNA analysis in South Africa and to further the use of the technology in the field of bacterial classification.

During 2018, Newman will teach a graduate level course in microbial genomics, lead faculty development workshops and conduct research on novel bacterial species at University of the Free State (UFS) in Bloemfontein, South Africa. The Fulbright Scholar Program is funded by the U.S. State Departments Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.

Newmans research focuses on studying the genome, or DNA, of an organism. The DNA stores information about how and when an organism produces proteins that carry out various functions and contribute to particular traits. Because a single bacterium has about 4,000,000 pieces of information arranged into about 4,000 genes, technology has greatly simplified the ability to identify how genes work. Newmans specialty is in phylogenomics, which integrates genetic findings into the field of microbial classification and naming.

Advances in DNA sequencing technology have revolutionized many areas of biology. Training is essential to build the capacity for genomic analysis in Sub-Saharan Africa where this new technology can provide renewed opportunities for discovery. The ability to work with large amounts of DNA sequence data is now as important to a 21st-century biologist as the ability to use a microscope.

Newman will be working with Celia Hugo, Ph.D., UFS microbiology professor, whose research group studies bacteria from the same family as many of the novel species discovered by Newmans microbiology students. Over the past decade, Newmans microbiology students have discovered more than 100 novel types of bacteria. Hugos experience with these type of organisms will provide additional insight and suggest new approaches and experiments with these organisms. He also will help her edit and review papers submitted to the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology (IJSEM) where she serves on the editorial board.

Through increased involvement with the field, Newman will model best practices for other research groups to incorporate genomics into their investigations, even in low-resource settings.

This experience will help me appreciate the different perspectives that diverse students bring to an institution, said Newman, who attended a microbiology conference in India with students in 2016. My involvement with researchers around the world and the upcoming year in South Africa will have a profound influence on topics I emphasize in future courses.

Lycoming College will also benefit from having a connection to South Africa for exploring study abroad and exchange opportunities in the sciences as well as other disciplines, he said.

A major component of Lycoming Colleges strategic plan is to increase the number of enhanced academic experiences like study abroad, internships and research. Building the relationship with the South African university will expand the diversity of Lycomings study abroad affiliations. The opportunity to bring South African students to Lycoming and vice-versa will enhance the understanding of globalization and appreciation for diverse perspectives in students at both institutions.
Dr. Richard Alley and Julie Burns, a senior ecology major who introduced Alley to the audience. Download Image: Web

The average American eats about 2,000 calories per day, creating the equivalent of about 100 watts of energy. Each American uses more than 10,000 watts of energy in heating, cooling, lighting, and other beneficial energy use. Currently, 83 percent of that energy usage is created by fossil fuels.

Richard Alley, Ph.D., the Evan Pugh Professor of Geosciences and Associate of the Earth and Environmental Systems Institute at The Pennsylvania State University, used those statistics to introduce his presentation at Lycoming College on March 22. His presentation, titled The big picture on energy and climate, discussed the dynamics between money, jobs, national security, ethics and the environment, and how those forces influence perceptions and decisions about energy.

Alleys presentation strikes a balance between understanding the importance of energy to a thriving society and the need to address climate change caused by the use of fossil fuels, which will eventually run out.

Alley presented a brief history of energy sources starting with the use of lumber and whale oil. When these resources began to run out, demand for coal and oil increased. Unlike trees and whale populations that can replenish in 100 years, fossil fuels require millions of years to form.

So we must learn while we burn, or burn then learn. Regardless of how long we use them, [fossil fuels] will run out, Alley said. Through the burning of fossil fuels, the average American releases about 19 tons of carbon dioxide into the air every year, which affects the climate. He highlighted the need to tap renewables, such as wind and solar, which are limitless sources of energy and do not release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Addressing climate change skeptics, Alley showed the basis for understanding the realities of global warming is based on physics, observation, climate models and history.

For about a century, scientists have known about the insulating effect of the atmosphere, first introduced by Joseph Fourier about 1829, and the warming role of carbon dioxide, established by John Tyndell in 1859. Over the past century, thermometers in all parts of the world are showing a pattern of increasingly higher temperatures. The warming effects of carbon dioxide was observed by the U.S. Air Force during World War II. More recently, satellite images from around the world document less snow and ice and computer models have shown they can reliably predict climate changes.

To make science useful, we must solve the equations for issues we care about, Alley said. If you put the earth into computer models using what we know about physics, you get global warming. If you then pretend carbon dioxide doesnt warm, you will see the models create an Earth that freezes over into a giant snowball. Theres just no honest way for the physics to work without acknowledging the warming aspect of carbon dioxide.

Alley acknowledged that temperatures fluctuate over the years, but they clearly have been and are continuing to trend upward since the turn of the century. Despite what skeptics say, the majority of scientists agree on this point, he said.

You have to look at the temperatures over a long period of time. Skeptics tend to focus on only several years at a time, which show little movement in average temperatures, said Alley. That [focus on a narrow time frame] allows legislators and industry to deflect the need for real change.

Alley recognized that nature produces carbon dioxide on its own, but stated humans create about twice as much carbon dioxide as natural sources. If we dont restrain carbon dioxide, the coming changes are bigger than they have been in the past. The costs will rise faster and the changes will create global winners and losers.

Another issue related to climate change is the documented increase of human conflict with increases in temperatures. Social scientists have documented that as heat increases, so do shootings, rapes and social media shouting. They also noted that test scores go down. Sociologists have theorized that the increased drought conditions in Syria added stressors to that contributed to the conflict in that country. Because of this phenomenon, Alley notes that leaders of U.S. armed forces perceive climate change as a national security threat because the U.S. is called to help with military issues around the world.

When our students are old, our average temperatures will be hotter than our highest temperatures are now, Alley said. If we dont change what we are doing, the world will lose about 40 percent of its ability to work outside. By late in the century, computer models predict that there will be areas in the world where it will be too hot to survive.

Alley promotes turning to solar and wind energy sources because they are sustainable and have less environmental impact. He noted the economic potential of renewable energy sources with creating jobs  America already has twice as many solar workers as coal miners  and improving national security and the environment. He also noted conservation is an important aspect of the countrys approach to energy. Highlighting whats possible, he showed that recent carbon dioxide levels have flattened while the economy has grown.

He encouraged people to get involved. Surveys show that people believe there are solutions, but that no one is talking about them. If we speak with others in a respectful way, we can change our approach. We can build a better market. We can make money, and make the world better. We know how to fix this in a way that lasts a long time, Alley said.

Can we have a world with icebergs and rainbows? Yes we can, he said.

For interesting statistics used during Alleys presentation, see climatecommunication.yale.edu/visualizations-data/.
If the Republicans get a majority in the US House of Representatives, as is expected, theyll focus on lawsuit investment transparency and Chinas IP practices
Interview with Tareq M. Al-Bahar, Board Member & CEO of Kuwait Finance and Investment Company (KFIC)

What is your overall assessment of the provision of the investment sector in Kuwait? How do you see the sector in 2017, and where is it heading?

In Kuwait, the sector started very strong in January. The stock market was one of the best stock markets in the world in terms of volume. We can still see the effect of January now, but it is not as strong. Our analysis is that this will continue in 2017, though we cannot promise this. We will have a good year, a better one than we had the past three or four years.

To what do you attribute this growth and change that you see?

The government contributed in a large way to this growth. They injected funds and the local portfolios for their present worth. Some of the settlements of major customers contributed, such as the sale of Americana, which injected a large amount of money in the market and helped grow the volume of trading.

What is your overview of KFIC? What do you provide to your clients?

Since year 2003, we are in KFIC providing full-fledged financial services to our clients. We are providing portfolios and fund management through our Asset Management Team. Currently, we have approximately USD 1 billion of assets and funds under management. We also offer to our clients investment banking services and unique structured products that fit clients risk appetite. We provide to our clients a direct access on different stock markets including US, GCCs, Egypt, and Kuwait through our On-Line Trading Platform MUTADAWIL. We also provide retail and commercial finance to our clients, an activity that is subject to Central Bank of Kuwait Regulation.

Which of these business is the strongest?

The diversity of KFICs activities is differentiating KFIC from its competitors and enabling KFIC to explore the growth opportunity in each activity when market conditions become favourable for such growth. For example, during the financial crisis, we witnessed a steep decline in asset management and brokerage revenues, while a steady cash flows was generated from financing activity.

Our focus is to provide high quality services to our clients in asset management and wealth management fields and concentrate on investing that are diversified sector-wise and geographically.

How do you differentiate yourself from other asset managers here in Kuwait?

Integrity, Sustainability, and the High level of Quality in the services that we are providing to our clients are our key advantages in differentiating ourselves. We have maintained our client base compared to other asset managers, especially during the crisis from 2008 to 2014. Our number of portfolios and clients did not decline materially. Unlike other companies, which faced going concern issues, and others, which witnessed major deterioration, we have remained servicing our clients. The performance of our funds compared to other companies was one of the best.

Who are your clients in asset management?

We have a boutique asset management department. Our major clients are high net worth individuals and private institutions in Kuwait. Some of our clients also reside in GCC. It is good to mention that, KFIC does not have assets under management for the governmental bodies in Kuwait, unlike other companies, which rely mainly on the Funds deployed by Kuwaiti governmental bodies like (Kuwait Investment Authority).

You mentioned that, KFIC has diversity in activities. What are the areas of growth that you see for KFIC?

Our focus is to provide high quality services to our clients in asset management and wealth management fields and concentrate on investing that are diversified sector-wise and geographically. In asset management and wealth management, we bring products and opportunities to our clients and we do very thorough due diligence on what we offer to them. We offered to our clients several investment opportunities with acceptable level of risks and with excellent yield.

Can you describe your vision in terms of the real estate expansion here in Kuwait?

In general, I can say that currently we are not going to expand in the real estate business in Kuwait. Our real estate assets in Kuwait do not present a material amount in our balance sheet. We see the liquidity in the real estate market is declining, which affected and will continue affecting the prices in the real estate market. Nevertheless, if there is an opportunity in the market for us or for our clients that we can generate value from, we will definitely look at it.

We do very thorough due diligence. We are presented with many opportunities in real estate abroad. We have our team in Kuwait in the investment department who spends sufficient time doing the due diligence. They view more than one investment opportunity and they come to us, the committee, and the board to make sure that it fits our criteria. Then we present it to our clients. They have been with us during several investments in the past. We have the credibility and they trust that we went through all the proper channels before presenting these opportunities to them. This is what has made us successful in marketing those real estate investments to them.

What is your overall strategy for KFIC? Where would you like to see the company in the medium term, if everything goes well? What is your mission for what the company?

Two years ago, a five-year growth strategy 2015-2019 has been approved by the BOD. Part from our strategy has been achieved during the last couple of years. Going forward, we are striving to achieve the remaining targets of this strategy. Our focus is to concentrate more on the direct investment side and entering into investment opportunities with our clients that generate acceptable return with steady pattern of cash flows with potential of capital appreciation upon exiting. We want to increase the contribution of the direct investment to our revenues and net profits.

We aim to grow the assets under management volume that we currently have and to widen our customer base to have a mix of clients including institutions, governmental institutions, and high net worth individuals. We have a one-stop investment product where a client can come and open a portfolio, get finance, and go through our brokerage and trade. We will continue providing our financing services to retail and commercial clients with a very conservative approach taking into consideration the macroeconomic environment changes that we have been witnessing since 2014.

Geographically, what is your presence outside of Kuwait?

Our strategy several years ago was to start having a presence outside Kuwait and diversify the geographic allocations of our assets. We have indirect investment in the real estate markets in the region, namely Bahrain and Jordan. We have direct real estate investment in the US and the UAE.

Do you have any message for Kuwaitis, potential clients, and international investors?

The environment of doing business in Kuwait has changed to better and will continue evolving. The CMA came into effect in 2011 with lots of fears, but I can see now the financial market has started to absorb the necessity of the existence of a regulator. We can witness improvement in Kuwait Stock Exchange (Boursa Kuwait). Several improvements in the trading systems/mechanisms are announced and are taking place now. New products have been offered such as the license of Market Maker. This will definitely attract the foreign investors. I strongly believe the government should continue supporting the efforts of the CMA and Boursa Kuwait, so we can see a different financial market in Kuwait. We will see healthy volumes and a very liquid market.

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Mental health issues can be a tricky subject to discuss in Singapore, especially with the stigma that surrounds such conditions. For many, it is easier to skirt around such uncomfortable issues or brush them off as unimportant. As such, we have a long way to go in raising awareness of mental illnesses and its place in our community.

With World Bipolar Day falling today, we reached out to Dr Daniel Fung, Chairman of Research Committee for the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH), to answer some important questions regarding the condition to help readers understand the complexities that it can bring to the lives of those suffering from it.

Marie France Asia: How do you recognise the onset of bipolar disorder? Are there obvious signs to look out for?

Dr Daniel Fung: The most obvious and critical feature of bipolar disorder lies in the emotion or the mood of the person, most often being dependent on the feelings that the person experiences. From the highs of mania (euphoria) on one extreme to the lows of depression on the other, these serious shifts in mood, energy, thinking, and behaviour is very symptomatic of bipolar disorder. More than just a fleeting good or bad mood, the cycles of bipolar disorder last for days, weeks, or months. And unlike ordinary mood swings, the mood changes of bipolar disorder can be intense that they interfere with ones ability to function.

However, bipolar disorder can look very different in different people. The symptoms vary widely in their pattern, severity, and frequency. Some people are more prone to either mania or depression, while others alternate equally between the two types of episodes. Some have frequent mood disruptions, while others experience only a few over a lifetime. In children, the onset may be a bit more disruptive as it can be masked as behavioural problems  like anger issues and destroying things.

Some classic symptoms can include:

Unusually high or irritable mood for an extended period of time

Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity; thinking that one is more important than he really is

More talkative than usual

Feeling that the mind is racing

Increase activity to make grand and unattainable plans

Reckless behaviours such as spending sprees, delusional thoughts that they can fly and impulsive sexual indiscretions

MFA: What makes a person more susceptible to bipolar disorder?

DD: It appears that certain people are genetically predisposed to bipolar disorder, yet not everyone with an inherited vulnerability (for example: a sibling or parent with the illness) develops the illness, indicating that genes are not the only cause.

External environmental and psychological factors are also believed to be involved in the development of bipolar disorder. These external factors are called triggers. Triggers such as stress, alcohol or substance abuse, and lack of sleep can set off new episodes of mania or depression or make existing symptoms worse. However, many bipolar disorder episodes occur without an obvious trigger.

MFA: Is there a cure? How can it be prevented?

DD: Bipolar disorder is a chronic or what we call a lifelong condition that may include the risk of relapses. The biggest of these risks would be suicide as often times it is hard to predict and may go unnoticed in individuals especially those displaying euphoria. It can be managed with medication being the main treatment option. Mood stabilisers, antidepressants, anti-psychotics and sedatives can be used in different combinations, depending on individual presentations, to treat acute episodes and to help prevent a relapse.

Psychological therapy such as counselling and other rehabilitative services offered by organisations such as Singapore Association for Mental Health is an option for patients who are more stable, to help them with symptom recognition, management and reintegration into society. Ultimately, the treatment and management of this disorder is to help stabilise the mood so that it doesnt go into extreme peaks and troughs but rather a regulated pattern.

In order to get the most out of treatment, its important to educate oneself about the illness, communicate with doctors and therapists, have a strong support system, and help oneself by making healthy lifestyle choices that may reduce the need for medication. Stick to the treatment plan, reassessing with the doctor as changes in ones life occur.

MFA: What can people around someone with this condition/illness do to give practical help?

DD: Be supportive and understanding towards them by acknowledging that it is a condition that they cant easily snap out from. Instead, help them if possible in terms of ensuring that they take their medication or steer them away from stressful situations that you think would trigger an episode.

Provide a listening ear and if possible, try to help them regulate their moods so as to ensure that it doesnt go towards the extreme ends. Ultimately, we all one way or another benefit from those who look out for us.

MFA: What can we do to diminish the stigma that surrounds mental illnesses in general?

DD: Most often, stigma is the result of fear and ignorance by those who may not fully understand what mental illnesses is all about. Many may just draw upon from negative examples of those people suffering from such conditions in being violent, dangerous or unstable. This forms perceptions and may inadvertently lead to discrimination. For those suffering from mental health conditions, it may cause them to feel ashamed for something that is out of their control and prevents many from seeking the help they need and speaking out.

That is why it is important for us to strive towards becoming a more inclusive society by seeing the person beyond their mental illness; as they have many other personal attributes that do not disappear just because they also have a mental health condition. We see many people in society, even celebrities, who suffer from bipolar disorders and yet are leading mostly normal lives.

Stigma is not something that will go away on its own, but if we work together as a community, we can change the way we perceive mental illness in our society. Together, we can create robust systems, services and efforts all along the path of recovery and encourage early intervention and access to treatments without fear of labels or diminished opportunities. When that is achieved, we will know that our tireless efforts to diminish stigma have been successful.

Angela Goh

Photos: Getty Images, Singapore Association for Mental Health

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Alleviate Anxiety: Top 5 free smartphone apps for stress relief
MARTINSVILLE  In recent months, the lead local economic development organization has not suggested many sites in the city to companies interested in setting up operations in the area, its top employee admitted Tuesday.

Mark Heath, president and chief executive officer of the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp. (EDC), told Martinsville City Council that the organization suggested a site at Clearview Business Park to a transportation-related thing because it would work well for them.

Hopefully, that will get us somewhere in terms of attracting new jobs and taxable investments to the city, he said.

But that is probably the only site weve recommended in the city in the last six months, quite honestly, Heath said.

Could you tell us when was the last time you (the EDC) showed any of  the citys properties, Councilwoman Sharon Brooks Hodge asked him.

I cant tell you exactly the last time I did that, Heath replied.

Some companies involved in solar energy projects have looked at potential sites in Martinsville, he mentioned.

Although it has divisions charged with generating tourism and helping small businesses, the EDC focuses on recruiting industries to the community, helping existing ones to expand and encouraging ones that might think they could do better elsewhere to stay, officials have indicated.

Martinsville, unlike the county, lacks many vacant tracts big enough to accommodate a large factory. Therefore, the city may be more suitable for retail and service-oriented businesses, officials have said. The Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce helps the city with attracting such firms.

Patriot Centre at Beaver Creek, between Kings Mountain and Barrows Mill roads just north of the city, and Commonwealth Crossing Business Centre, under development off U.S. 220 south of Ridgeway at the North Carolina line, are the countys two largest industrial parks.

Referring to EDC employees, Heath told the council that every time we recommend Commonwealth Crossing or Patriot Centre, were recommending one of your sites basically because the county and city have agreed to share revenues from companies locating on properties in the parks in the future.

The EDC has contracted for marketing services for a shell building at Patriot Centre, Heath said.

He added that quite a few food processing companies have shown interest in coming to the park.

Commonwealth Crossing now has about 180 acres ready for industry. Lots there are being targeted for companies aiming to create at least 400 jobs and invest at least $250 million in facilities, Heath said.

With the Blue Ridge Mountains noticeable in the distance, Commonwealth Crossing is one of the most aesthetically pleasing industrial parks youll ever see, he said, adding he believes the beautiful scenery will help the park attract companies and/or their corporate headquarters.

Companies in various industries are showing interest in Martinsville and Henry County, Heath said. However, the EDC is pitching the community most to companies in the aerospace, food processing, plastics, rubber and advanced metal product manufacturing industries, he said.

The EDC currently is working, he said, with 11 active clients  companies that have sent executives to visit the community.

Council members did not press Heath to provide more specific information. Economic developers frequently are reluctant to publicly detail projects they are working on out of concern for offending companies  concerned about competitors knowing their inner workings  involved in projects.

I know you can only provide so much information about ongoing projects, Mayor Gene Teague told Heath.

In 2016, Heath said, the EDC was involved in successful projects in which companies plan to create 281 jobs and invest slightly more than $31 million in local operations.

Those companies include Starsprings, Drake Extrusion, Nationwide Custom Homes, Alcoa/RTI, Performance Livestock, Solid Stone Fabrics, Blue Ridge Aquaculture and Novatech, he mentioned.

Other matters

In another matter, council members learned that a draft ordinance dealing with problem landlords is being prepared and will be presented to them in the future.

Hodge brought up the need for such an ordinance during the councils December meeting.

I assumed you didnt want (to consider) it in the middle of budget time, said City Attorney Eric Monday. A budget proposal for the new fiscal year that will start July 1 will be presented to the panel during its next regular meeting on April 11.

Monday said the draft ordinance will focus on landlords who repeatedly ignore rules for rental properties.

We tend to know who our problem landlords are, he said.

The council also appointed its members and city officials to Virginia Municipal League (VML) policy committees for 2017.

City Manager Leon Towarnicki and Teague will serve on the finance committee. Teague served on the general laws committee for the past few years. He said he is ready for a change.

Vice Mayor Chad Martin, who began serving on the council this year, said he will serve on the general laws committee.

Hodge will serve on the community and economic development committee. Councilwoman Jennifer Bowles will serve on the human development committee, Councilwoman Kathy Lawson will serve on the transportation committee and Monday will serve on the environmental quality committee.

You always stick your lawyer with environmental quality, Monday moaned in jest.

Council members indicated that committee has to handle tough issues.

Lately, the committees focus has been on stormwater management and Chesapeake Bay issues  things that have little, if any, impact on Martinsville, according to Teague.

VML is a nonprofit organization representing the interests of Virginia cities and towns in state affairs.
COLLINSVILLE-A Martinsville man received sentences totaling seven active years in connection with an April 2016 car crash that seriously injured two people.

At a Wednesday sentencing hearing, Henry County Judge David V. Williams sentenced Rufus Daniel Martin, 55, to five years each on two felony charges of DUI maiming, with two years and six months of each sentence suspended on the condition of indefinite probation; 12 months for reckless driving, none suspended; and 12 months for DUI second offense (blood alcohol content between 0.15 and 0.20), none suspended.

In addition, Martin received a $1,000 fine in connection with the DUI second offense charge; a $50 fee for the Commonwealth of Virginias trauma fund; and his drivers license was suspended indefinitely.

Martin had previously been found guilty of the aforementioned charges at a November trial.

According to previous Martinsville Bulletin reports, the crash occurred at about 4:45 p.m. April 6, 2016 on the 3600 block of Figsboro Road. A Comcast bucket truck driven by Martin collided with a 2003 Ford Ranger pickup driven by Cody Layne Hale of Martinsville. Both Hale and his passenger, Rachel Lester of Martinsville, were severely injured.

At the sentencing hearing, Martins attorney Glenn Berger called upon 11 character witnesses, including Andre Martin, who attends church with Martin; his brother, Bobby Martin; his brother-in-law, Oscar Scales; his nephew, Floyd Martin; his brother and pastor, David Martin; and his friends Harry Hairston, Alex Holland, James Hairston, Robert Bowden, Todd Foster and Kimble Reynolds.

The witnesses, most of whom had known Martin for decades, characterized him as a fundamentally good, generous man and a hard worker who always found time to help people in need.

Oscar Scales said that when he was having health problems, he asked Martin if he would raise Scales son in the event that anything should happen and Martin immediately agreed. Scales said he did not ask anyone else, and Martin was the only person he wanted to ask.

David Martin said that not long ago, Rufus went to South Carolina to help a friend move. Even though it was his only day off, David said that sort of gesture was emblematic of Rufus Martins character and generosity.

David added that he had counseled Rufus and that Rufus Martin felt deep regret and remorse for his actions.

Bobby Martin meanwhile told the court that as a young man, his brother Rufus was committed to keeping him on the straight and narrow, avoiding cigarettes and alcohol. In his sole question to any of Martins character witnesses, Commonwealths Attorney Andrew Nester asked Bobby Martin what changed in his brothers life, considering that based upon the evidence, it appeared Rufus had an issue with drinking. Bobby Martin said he did not know, and he was unaware that Rufus Martin had a drinking problem prior to the April 2016 incident.

Prosecution presents its case

Nester called upon three witnesses at the sentencing hearing: Virginia State Police Trooper A.M. Metzger; Christina Hale, mother of victim Cody Hale; and Mark Lester, father of victim Rachel Lester.

Metzger, who was the responding trooper on the scene when the crash occurred, answered Nesters questions regarding the crash. Metzger said that when he spoke to Rufus after the collision, the man appeared disoriented and unsteady on his feet, adding that he could smell alcohol on Rufus Martins breath.

While Rufus refused a sobriety test, Metzger said, he was not rude or discourteous.

Metzger added that Rufus did comment that he hoped the victims in the collision were all right, and that he was concerned for them and praying for their safety. However, Metzger said, those comments came only after Metzger first mentioned the victims, and that the more immediate concern for Rufus appeared to be that he might lose his job if he were to get into trouble. When Martin made the comment regarding his job security, Metzger said he mentioned the immediate concern should be the well-being of the victims in the Ford Ranger he had struck, and Martin agreed that he was concerned for their well-being.

Update on the victims

Christina Hale characterized her son Cody Hale as a hard worker and the sort of person whose company everyone enjoyed. He worked with her at Mod-U-Kraf Homes, she said, and at night he attended classes at Patrick Henry Community College. His goal was to become an electrician and ultimately open his own business. He was engaged to his passenger in that Ford Ranger, Rachel Lester, she added.

A visibly emotional Christina Hale said that Cody Hale has been in a series of hospitals since the crash, and he did not even see the sun for the first six months. He is currently at the Shepherd Center for Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Rehabilitation in Atlanta.

Her son is in constant pain, she said, and while his same sweet spirit is still present, he is functionally locked in his body and cannot move under his own power. His brain injuries have affected his short term memory, and while he is aware of what is happening to him and maintains a positive demeanor, he is totally unable to take care of himself.

As a result of the situation, Christina Hale said, her family has been torn apart, and she spends most of her time in Atlanta. Wednesday marked the first time she had been in Martinsville in seven months, she said, which is difficult on her youngest son, who still lives at home in Martinsville.

Christina Hale said that the doctors could not tell her when or if her son would be able to return home.

Mark Lester said that prior to the crash, his daughter Rachel had graduated from high school with a 4.0 GPA and was planning to go to college to become a veterinarian. As a result of the traumatic brain injury she received, he said, she now has difficulty holding a conversation without getting sidetracked.

She suffered multiple injuries and broken bones in the crash, he said, and very little of her body was left unscarred. She is currently at a rehabilitation facility in Orlando, Florida, he added, and doctors predict she will require long-term care.

His family has been ripped apart, Lester said, adding that sometimes, I wish it was a nightmare, and I would wake up and it would all be over.

In his closing comments, Berger said that the crash was a tragic accident, and indeed was a nightmare for all involved. However, he said, Rufus Martin turned himself in, pleaded guilty, and expressed deep remorse.

There would be another day in court to measure the civil damages, Berger said, but Wednesday was intended to measure the criminal offense, and he argued that he felt a sentence of 1 year, eight months was fair, as that falls in the center of the sentencing guidelines for such an incident. Berger also agreed that it would be fair to revoke Martins drivers license.

In his own comments, Nester argued that the incident, while tragic, was not an accident, as it could easily have been avoided had Martin chosen not to drive a large vehicle while heavily intoxicated. He agreed with the assessment of the character witnesses that Martin is not an inherently bad or evil person, but nonetheless, Martin had permanently changed the lives of Hale, Lester and their families for the worse due to his poor decision making.

Nester added that Martin had been convicted of a DUI in 2011 and attended Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program classes, but obviously did not learn his lesson.

Considering all of the extenuating factors in the case, Nester said, he found the sentencing guidelines absurd and believed Martin deserved a more significant sentence.

Judge Williams said he had no doubt that Martin is a good fellow and a good neighbor. However, he said, no drunk driver gets into a car intending to cause a catastrophic accident. He added that when one considers that Martins blood alcohol content was still 0.19 when his blood was tested three hours following the accident, it is surprising that none of Martins character witnesses had picked up on the fact that Martin had a severe pre-existing problem with alcohol.

Prior to sentencing, Martin said that he was very, very, very sorry, and that he hoped no one else would ever have to deal with a situation like this one.
STUARTA Patrick County jury unanimously ruled Wednesday night in favor of former Stuart Elementary principal Muriel Waldron, giving her $500,000 of the nearly $6 million she sought in her defamation lawsuit.

Waldron had claimed that Patrick County Schools Superintendent William D. Sroufe maliciously made false statements against her in a performance evaluation letter when he removed as principal of Stuart Elementary on April 24, 2015, and reassigned her, which Waldron says hurt her reputation. Sroufe denied the allegations.

Im thankful the jury gave me my due process, Waldron said after the jurys ruling was announced. If the (Patrick County) school board had done that, it would have stopped right there. If it (referring to her lawsuit) helps one kiddo, it was worth these long two years.

One of Waldrons allegations was that Sroufe did not follow the school divisions principal evaluation and improvement process and that Waldron was not given due process with the school division to defend herself.

I look forward to the appeals process, Sroufe said Wednesday night, adding that he wanted to thank the jury for its service. He said he and others will continue to act in the best interests of students in Patrick County.

The trial began Monday focusing on approximately three allegedly false statements in Sroufes performance evaluation letter to Waldron. On Wednesday morning, immediately before the defense began to put on its case, Judge Martin F. Clark Jr. said the jurors would be allowed to consider only one of those three statements. He gave no reasons why and told the jury not to speculate why. The one statement from Sroufes letter that proceeded at trial Wednesday alleged that Waldron failed to ensure that the Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams understand Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP) participation criteria and apply them appropriately. That resulted in students taking Standards of Learning tests who would not have been required to do so.

According to a Virginia Department of Education website, the Virginia Alternate Assessment Program is designed to evaluate the performance of students with significant cognitive disabilities who are working on academic standards that have been reduced in complexity and in depth, compared with the regular academic standards called Virginia Standards of Learning. SOLs establish minimum expectations of what students should know and be able to do.

According to a Virginia Department of Education brochure, after a child has been found eligible for special education, a team will develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for the child.

Several defense witnesses testified that personnel at Stuart Elementary thought incorrectly there was a limit on the number of students who could be placed in the Virginia Alternate Assessment Program at that school because of what is called a 1 percent cap; and that some special education students at Stuart Elementary were taking and failing regular Standards of Learning tests but not being taught the regular curriculum and that some special education students were not being considered for Virginia Alternate Assessment Program.

Shannon Brown, who became principal of Stuart Elementary in 2015 after Waldron was reassigned, testified that personnel at the school misunderstood the 1 percent cap. According to trial testimony, the 1 percent cap applies at the school division or state levels, not for individual schools, and it is used only for state testing purposes, not to determine how many qualifying students may be placed in Virginia Alternate Assessment Program at a particular school. (The 1 percent cap is determined by dividing the number of VAAP proficient/advanced scores by the number of students tested at each grade level.)

However, Anita Epperly, a longtime special education teacher at Stuart Elementary, testified that a previous special education director for Patrick County Schools told her there was a certain limit on how many Stuart Elementary students could be placed in the Virginia Alternate Assessment Program because of the 1 percent cap. Epperly said she had been following that directive for years and that no one had ever told her to do anything differently until the matter involving Waldron came up.

Waldrons lawyer contended that significantly more students at Stuart Elementary have qualified for VAAP since Waldron was reassigned, arguing that Patrick County Schools wanted more students to be placed in VAAP in an effort to get schools test scores up on state measures. Sroufes lawyer and some school system officials denied that.

However, Karen Wood, formerly Patrick County Schools director of the Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS) program, testified that in late March or early April 2015 she overheard an office conversation in which she alleges Patrick County Schools Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Cyndi Williams expressed to Special Education Director Ann Fulcher that there were not enough students in VAAP in Patrick schools, especially at Stuart Elementary School. Wood alleged Fulcher then told Williams that she would see what she could do.

Williams denied ever discussing with anyone the possibility of moving students into VAAP as a way of getting schools test scores up, and she said no Patrick schools have improved their accreditation statuses by moving students into VAAP.

No limit

A deposition (testimony of a witness taken before trial) of John Eisenberg was read in court Wednesday. Eisenberg is the assistant superintendent of special education and student services for the Virginia Department of Education. Eisenberg said a number of factors, not just IQ, should be considered when an Individualized Education Program team is determining whether a student qualifies for the Virginia Alternate Assessment Program. Besides IQ, factors include such things as learning characteristics (such as how a child learns or learning style), and conceptual, social, daily living and occupational skills, among others. Eisenberg said there is subjectivity in making the determination of whether a child qualifies for VAAP and people can disagree.

Eisenberg said it would be a misunderstanding to say that there is a limit on how many Stuart Elementary students can be placed in the Virginia Alternate Assessment Program because of the 1 percent cap.For the specific Stuart Elementary special education students Eisenberg was provided information about, he said, I wouldnt rule any of these students out as to Virginia Alternate Assessment Program eligibility.

However, Eisenberg said he couldnt say -- without reviewing more documents and talking with members of Individualized Education Program teams at Stuart Elementary  whether they understood the Virginia Alternate Assessment Program criteria and applied it correctly in those cases.

Ann Fulcher, who became Patrick County Schools current special education director in December 2013, testified that about April 2015 she went to Stuart Elementary to talk with Waldron. Fulcher said she was concerned that only a small fraction of the students in a self-contained classroom (for special needs children) had been placed in the Virginia Alternate Assessment Program, and questioned why more students werent being considered. Fulcher said she was not suggesting that all the students be placed in VAAP but that they be considered for eligibility, and she wanted a certain VAAP form filled out to see if they qualify.

I never once said youve got to do a VAAP on a student, Fulcher said.

Fulcher also said she was concerned that special education students might be taking Standard of Learning tests but had not been taught the regular curriculum.

When questioned by Waldrons lawyer Roger Willetts, Fulcher said that at that point she had just looked at the IQs of certain special education students, but that she did not consider other factors. Willetts pointed out that was contrary to VAAP protocol.

Fulcher also testified at one point that she does not know the specific criteria the Individualized Education Program teams used at Stuart Elementary in determining students eligibility for VAAP or whether they applied the criteria correctly.

Sroufe takes the stand

Sroufe testified Fulcher expressed to him her concerns about the Virginia Alternative Assessment Program issue at Stuart Elementary, including Fulcher didnt think Stuart Elementary personnel understood the 1 percent cap, that a VAAP eligibility form had not been filled out for some children, and that she feared some children were not being considered for VAAP.

Sroufe said he discussed the VAAP and other performance issues involving Waldron with the Patrick County School Board in a closed session and that he also got advice from an attorney. Sroufe also said some school board members had gotten some calls months before related to Waldron, but Sroufe didnt say what they were about.

Sroufe indicated a last straw was when Waldron didnt turn in some special education students grades to him when he told her to. (Waldron has said circumstances prevented her from meeting Sroufes deadline but that she turned them in the next morning, on April 24.)

Sroufe said Waldron was told to come to his office on April 24, 2015, and he told her at that meeting that she was being reassigned and not to go back to Stuart Elementary. Sroufe said after that meeting, he went to Stuart Elementary and told the staff there Waldron was being reassigned. Sroufe said he was following the procedures an attorney advised him.

Sroufe said, based on what Special Education Director Ann Fulcher told him, I think Mrs. Waldron didnt understand VAAP (Virginia Alternate Assessment Program) criteria. He said he also felt Stuart Elementary was not following the correct VAAP protocol, that some special education students were not even being considered for VAAP, and that some special education students were taking and failing Standards of Learning tests (based on regular curriculum) having not been taught regular curriculum.

As Sroufe said he would appeal the ruling, the case now moves to another court. A first hearing for any appeal would not happen until the summer at the earliest.
BASSETT-It has been said that behind every successful man is a good, strong woman. And that is certainly true in several cases in and around Martinsville and Henry County.

In fact, several women throughout Martinsville and Henry Countys history broke through and served in what were traditional male roles, at least up to that point. If you look in the history books, youll find these women became the first, sometimes in all of Virginia, to hold these positions.

The first female sheriff

Not too many people would remember that Bessie Stultz Strickler was the one and only female sheriff in Henry County. Bessie was born in Martinsville, Virginia in 1895 to Benjamin Franklin and Sallie Townes Stultz. The wife of Roy McKinley Strickler, she became the Sheriff of Henry County in 1924

How did that happen? She was asked to fill the position when her father, who was sheriff at that time, passed away. Sheriff Strickler served in this position until 1926. She died at the age of 74 in Danville.

Serving in the Assembly

There was also Sallie Cook Booker, who was born on August 28, 1857 in Franklin County to Samuel Shrewsbury Cook and Mildred Dawson Cook.

At the age of 16, she began a career in education as a classroom teacher. She attended the Piedmont Institute in Franklin County which at that time was a school only for young ladies. Sallie Cook married Jesse Wooten Booker in 1877 and they moved to Martinsville early in their marriage.

Together they had a large family consisting of seven children, four boys and three girls. Between her duties as a mother and her teaching jobs, she attended both the State Teachers College in Farmville and the University of Virginia. She spent 25 years in the field of education, with Shady Grove near Martinsville being one of the schools in which she taught.

Sallie was also very active in her community, being involved in many organizations such as the United Daughters of the Confederacy the First Methodist Church.

But Sallie Booker broke ground in other ways later in life. At the age of 69, she became just the third woman in history to be elected to the Virginia General Assembly.

She was elected on the Democratic ticket to represent Martinsville and Henry County in 1926 and served in the House of Delegates for two terms.

The first time she ran in 1926, Booker was unopposed. The second time in 1928, she was challenged by Republican R.L. Stone

Booker would go on to defeat Stone and retired from politics after that second term was over.

After her retirement, she remained in Martinsville in a house located on East Church Street until her death in 1944 at the age of 87.

If the name sounds familiar, that might be due to the fact one of her seven children, Jesse Wootten Booker Jr., later went on to become a city council member and eventually mayor of Martinsville.

Creating a company

Nancy Pocahontas Hundley Bassett, the daughter of Captain Hiram B. Hundley and Martha Ann Edwards Hundley, was born on November 21, 1862 in the small town of Bassett on the Hundley family farm.

She attended public schools in Henry County and eventually became a classroom teacher, accepting a job at Graves Knob near the familys farm. One of her students, four years younger, was a man by the name of John David Bassett.

Mr. Bassett was known to say that she was the smartest woman he had ever met and he valued her opinion on pretty much everything. They were married on December 17, 1893, and had four children.

Mrs. Bassett helped run the family grocery store and later became the bookkeeper of her husbands new saw milling business. It is believed that she is the one who suggested that the family go into the furniture-making business.

Mrs. Bassett was very missionary-minded, and after joining the Missionary Baptist Church of Martinsville, she decided there needed to be a Missionary Baptist Church in Bassett which she and her husband founded in 1905.

In 1940, the couple founded the Pocahontas Bassett Baptist Church which still stands today on land given by J.D. and Miss Pokey.

Family history states that when Mr. Bassett sent his family to Florida due to a flu epidemic, Mrs. Bassett saw a great need for a grocery store there and so Mr. Bassett built one.

Nancy Pocahontas Bassett died on January 11, 1953.

Designing the salute

I salute the Flag of Virginia with reverence and patriotic devotion to the Mother of States and Statesmen which it represents  the Old Dominion where Liberty and Independence were born.

These words were written by Cassye Bonner Gravely in 1954 and were adopted as the Official Salute to the Virginia Flag, unanimously passed by both the House of Delegates and the Senate, before being signed by Governor Thomas B. Stanley.

Cassye was born in 1874 in Henry County to Benjamin Franklin and Mary J. Steagall Gravely.

She moved with her family to Martinsville in 1887 where she met her husband Thomas Eleanor Gravely.

Being a very active member of her community, Cassye was a faithful member of the First Methodist Church in Martinsville and was a charter member of the Womans Society of Christian Service.

Among many lifetime accolades, she was elected Honorary President of the Virginia Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy as well as Honorary President of the Mildred Lee Chapter, having served as the chapters historian for 30 years.

Henry County and Martinsville have produced many great female contributors to society  ranging from politics to masterminds of the world of business.

You never know if the next little girl that you pass on the street or seated in front of your pew in church may be the next CEO of her own company or President of the United States.

Pat Ross is the director and Fran Snead is the operational manager for the Bassett Historical Center. You can find the center at 3964 Fairystone Park Highway in Bassett. Information for this article was taken from the files at the Bassett Historical Center.
RIDGEWAYThe experience was slightly different than what students remembered from the movies. According to Hollywood, theres usually plenty of warning before a tornado touches down. In real life, thats rarely the case. Students throughout Henry County learned about what to do when a tornado hits on Wednesday morning, as the entire district took part in a drill.

They almost got out of it. Every year, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management selects a day to hold a Statewide Tornado Drill. This years event fell on March 21, however, while Henry County schools were on Spring Break.

Rather than skip it altogether, we elected to have it [Wednesday], Monica Hatchett, the districts director of communications and organizational learning, said.

And so, between 9:30 and 10 a.m., students and teachers across the district practiced how to act during a tornado.

The drill follows the same basic pattern each year. First, the National Weather Service sends a test tornado warning to weather radios operated by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The weather radios will sound a tone alert and show a test message akin to an actual tornado warning. Then, local media outlets broadcast the alert via the Emergency Alert System.

At Drewry Mason Elementary, Keith Scott, the districts director of facilities maintenance, sent out a system-wide alert, which Drewry Mason Principal Sherri Lewis then relayed to the occupants of the school.

We do ask that everyone in the school building participate, Hatchett said. Even if theyre visiting. That way, theyll know what to do if theyre in one of our schools if something happens.

Visitors are encouraged to participate not only in the annual tornado drill, but also in the bi-annual lockdown drills and monthly fire drills.

While tornadoes arent as prevalent in the Martinsville-Henry County area as they are in the mid-western states, it doesnt mean twisters dont touch down in Virginia.

Between 1950 and 2016, Henry County experienced six tornadoes, according to Anita Silverman, senior forecaster at the National Weather Service located in Blacksburg. Silverman also noted that the county annually experiences two days a year where conditions are favorable to produce a tornado.

Tornadoes form within thunderstorms in an unstable  the air is easily lifted and buoyant  environment that has abundant shear  large changes in wind direction and speed with height, Silverman said.

Movies like Twister give the impression there are multiple warnings and time to seek shelter before a storm hits, but Silverman said thats not usually the case.

There are no visual or audio warning signs that a tornado is on the way, Silverman said. Many tornados are masked by heavy rain. If you want to actually see the tornado, it may be too late to get to a safe shelter.

Oftentimes, meteorologists talk about tornadoes as they relate to the Enhanced Fujita Scale, or EF Scale.

The EF ranking is determined by the degree of damage, which is then converted to a wind speed, Silverman said. 96-percent of tornadoes in south-central Virginia are EF-2 or lower.

Measured in three-second gusts, the tornadoes that most frequently touch down in the area range from EF-0s, which are 65-85 mph gusts, EF-1s, which are 86-110 mph gusts and EF-2s, which are 111-135 mph gusts. EF-5 tornadoes achieve classification for tornadic activity exceeding 200 mph winds.

Looking back

Hatchett recalled a tornado that hit Henry County in 2004. Heeding meteorologists warnings about the storms scheduled to hit the area, county schools closed.

It was a beautiful day outside. A lot of people questioned why they were closing the schools, Hatchett said. Then, a tornado went right through that area. We were grateful students werent there when that happened.

Affecting the Bassett area, Hatchett remembered hearing accounts of the twister.

The tornado passed right over Stanleytown Elementary School, Hatchett said, noting she was unsure of whether or not the building sustained damage.

In the event that school is in session when a twister hits, HCPS practices being prepared.

Students come out to the hallways and get away from windows, Hatchett said. If its somewhere that the hallways have windows, students may get under their desks. We want them as far away from windows as possible.

Staying away from windows helps protect students from shattering glass that sometimes accompanies high winds and flying debris. Getting under their desks, if a hallway is deemed unsafe, helps protect students from falling matter.

Not dependent upon whether theyre in the hallway or under their desks, students assume a safe position on their knees with their head near the floor and their hands covering their heads. The position helps protect students from debris.

Following the drill, Dr. Lewis gave the all-clear and students returned to their classrooms. The principal gave specific instructions for teachers to debrief their classes about the procedure.

It gives them an opportunity to reflect on how the drill went, Dr. Lewis said.

Overall, Dr. Lewis seemed pleased over the outcome of the mock warning at DMES.

I think they did well. They took it seriously, Dr. Lewis said. Its helpful to do this to see areas where we can improve. Safetys very important.

While Silverman said that March through May presents the largest threat of tornadic activity, followed by a secondary peak of severe weather in the fall due to tropical systems, she warned that everyone should be aware that severe weather can occur at any time of the year.

One of the primary reasons for doing an annual drill is so everyone can plan ahead of time what they would do if severe weather is forecast or imminent, Silverman said. Now is the time to decide where you would seek shelter.
Editors note: The Martinsville SCORE chapter provides advice for local businesses every Thursday in the op-ed section.

Google Analytics is a highly effective website analysis platform that allows businesses to assess how well theyre doing with their online marketing efforts. But for small business owners who arent all that comfortable with technology, the thought of digging into the analytics can be intimidating.

According to Mark Boyd, SEO Director at MIND Development & Design, you dont have to be an SEO (search engine optimization) expert to glean valuable insight from Google Analytics. By familiarizing yourself with how to pull some basic information, you can gain an understanding of how well your website is performing for your business.

Not only can you track results, but you can also track how youve gotten those results, explains Boyd.

With Google Analytics, you can track:

 Traffic volumeView your daily and monthly traffic, and monitor ebbs and flows, and highs and lows.

 Average time visitors spend on your websiteSee the pages visitors viewed while on your site and how much time they spent on them.

 Bounce rateThis reflects the number of visitors who left your website after only visiting one page. Bounce rate and average time spent on a website are closely tied. When a visitor views multiple pages, the time onsite is typically longer than if they landed on one page and left.

 Number and percentage of new and repeat visitsKnowing this can help as you build engagement with your audience. You can see what percentage of your daily, weekly, monthly, and even yearly visits are new visitors versus repeat visitors.

 Traffic sourcesYou can see geographically where your website traffic is coming from and if the traffic sources are organic listings, pay per click ads, referrals (such as from social media), etc.

 Compare current traffic to that of previous months and yearsThis enables you to compare performance and detect trends.

All of these can help you understand how your website engages visitors and how effective your off-site digital marketing efforts are at driving traffic to your website. And these are only what are at the tip of the analytics iceberg; theres much more data available, but interpreting some of it requires a higher degree of knowledge about the platform.

My favorite part of Google Analytics is comparing current numbers to the previous year, shares Boyd. Its amazing how you can see the same traffic trends from year to year. Thats very helpful in planning your SEO, paid advertising, and social media efforts.

For guidance and resources to help you with your marketing strategy, reach out to your local SCORE chapter and talk with a small business mentor. Mentoring is free, and SCORE mentors have a broad range of expertise in all aspects of starting and growing a business.

The Martinsville SCORE chapter is located at 115 Broad Street. If you have any questions, SCORE members can be reached at (276)-632-6401.
TODAYS WORD is halcyon (hal-see-uh-n). Example: While in federal prison, Tom often looked back fondly on those halcyon days before he was busted for his massive pyramid scheme.

WEDNESDAYS WORD was bifurcate. It means divided into two branches. Example: As the snake flicked its bifurcated tongue at me, I realized that I should have rolled up my car windows last night.

Reception canceled

The opening reception for Christmas in April scheduled for Friday at Piedmont Arts Little Post Office has been canceled due to inclement weather. The event will be rescheduled at a later date. The exhibit will still open to the public on April 1 and remain on display through April 29.

Perriello in Henry County

Gubernatorial hopeful Tom Perriello will be at the Spencer Ruritan Club breakfast on Saturday at 7 a.m. Afterward, Perriello will be at a meet-and-greet at New College Institute from 8 a.m. until 8:45 a.m. The meet-and-greet is sponsored by Kimble Reynolds. Area residents are invited to attend either event and meet Tom Perriello.

TODAY IS: National Pencil Day

The majority of pencils in the U.S. are painted yellow. Why yellow? It is believed that the tradition began in 1890 when the L&C Hardtmuth Company of Austria-Hungary introduced their Koh-I-Noor brand, named after a famous diamond. This pencil was intended to be the finest and most expensive pencil in the world, and it was painted yellow to set it apart. Once that yellow color quickly became associated with quality in pencils, other pencil manufacturers began painting their own pencils yellow.

History Around Us

The Reynolds Homestead, in partnership with the Patrick County Historical Society, will host its bi-monthly History Around Us program on April 5 at noon. Local historian and Native American Debbie Uwohali Hylton Spencer will speak about the Cherokee Nation and their lives in Patrick County and the surrounding area. She will provide historical information, as well as stories and artifacts for show and tell, and she will be dressed in traditional Native American dress. Participants are encouraged to bring a bagged lunch; drinks will be provided.

Wine and Food Festival

The Town of Stuart will hold its Wine and Food Festival will be held Saturday from 3-7 p.m. at Rotary Field in Stuart.

Music night

Next week, Music Night returns to the Spencer-Penn Centre. On April 7, doors will open at 5 p.m., with an open mic contest at 5:30 p.m. Anyone is welcome to bring an instrument and join the group. At 6:20 p.m., the Wildmans will take the stage, followed by Mark Templeton and Pocket Change at 7:40 p.m. Concessions will be available and Centre officials ask that you give a $4 donation to be admitted. You can call the Centre at (276)-957-5757 for more information.

TRIVIA QUESTION: What animal has the highest blood pressure, and why?

WEDNESDAYS TRIVIA ANSWER: Gasoline rationing during World War II was about more than just saving gasoline; what else was it intended to save? The answer is rubber. There was a shortage of rubber for tires because the Japanese had conquered the rubber-producing regions of southeast Asia. While synthetic rubber had been invented before the war, it had not yet gained traction against the natural rubber industry in the U.S., so the U.S. did not have enough manufacturing capacity to produce enough synthetic rubber when World War II began.
In Defence of Marxism is committed to safeguarding your privacy. At all times we aim to respect any personal data you share with us, or that we receive from other organisations, and keep it safe. This Privacy Policy (Policy) sets out our data collection and processing practices and your options regarding the ways in which your personal information is used.

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The provision of your personal data to us is voluntary. However, without providing us with your personal data, you will be unable to (as appropriate): contact us; subscribe to our mailing list; subscribe to any of our publications; or receive information about In Defence of Marxism.

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WestfieldSchool.jpg

The site of the former Ashley Street School in March 2017. The city is trying to build the new Cross Street School on the site, but neighbors have challenged those plans all the way to the state's highest court.

(JIM KINNEY/ THE REPUBLICAN)

WESTFIELD -- Lawyers for the city of Westfield and for plaintiffs opposed to its plans to build a 600-student elementary school at the old Ashley Street School site will have their day before the state's highest court on Thursday, April 6.

A ruling is expected within 130 days following these oral arguments, according to the Supreme Judicial Court's website. Both sides get 15 minutes to defend their case to a panel of judges in Boston.

The case, while important for Westfield, has drawn interest and friend-of-the-court briefs from environmental and conservation groups worried that a ruling in Westfield's favor could jeopardize parkland across the state.

Westfield has been trying for more than five years to build a new school at the 1.3-acre site bordered by Ashley and Cross streets at the edge of Westfield's downtown. The city demolished the former and long-vacant Ashley Street School in November 2012, leaving only a vacant lot where construction on the new school was to begin.

But opponents -- including neighbors concerned the site is too small and that nearby streets are too small to handle bus and car traffic for the school -- sued repeatedly to block the city's plans.

At issue is Article 97 of the state Constitution, which protects parkland from development.

Westfield took the property for nonpayment of taxes in 1939 and created a playground a decade later. Westfield improved the Cross Street playground in 1979 using federal money, and at that time the city agreed to place parkland protections on the parcel.

But Westfield said it followed National Park Service rules and has designated replacement parkland to satisfy those protections -- and that Article 97 doesn't apply because paperwork making it a park was never field with the Registry of Deeds.

Opponents say the city did not do enough. Their lawyer, Thomas A. Kenefick III, said the city's argument relies on a very narrow definition of park space.

To build the school on the playground, the city should be forced to go through the cumbersome process of getting the approval of two-thirds of each chamber of the state legislature, as well as the signature of the governor.

The state Attorney General's office asked the high court to take up the case after a lower court ruled in the city's favor.

"It's a pretty important case for the protection of lands that are dedicated to public use," Kenefick said in an interview Thursday.

Conservation groups including the Trustees of Reservations, Massachusetts Audubon Society and Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition have filed their own friend-of-the-court briefs, arguing the land should be protected under Article 97.

The Audubon Society, Trustees and Land Trust Coaliton together in one document said citizens deserve to know that their parklands are proected from development.

"Article 97 assures citizens that the public parks,woodlands, stream sides, and other open spaces that they know and love cannot be converted to other uses

without an open and public process and legislative action affording citizens the opportunity to advocate for the land, and with mitigation if a disposition were

to happen," the groups wrote.

The city said that if it wins in court it will have to put the school project out to bid again. The new Cross Street school had a cost $35 million, of which $12 million would come from the city and the remainder from the Massachusetts School Building Authority. But prices have changed in the five years the case has been in the courts.

Westfield Mayor Brian P. Sullivan said it is hard for the city to plan when it doesn't know how the court will rule.

In the meantime, many of the youngsters who could already be going to the new Cross Street school are going to a school Westfield rents from the town of Russell. Russell officials have reduced the rent on that school form $250,000 to $100,000 for the upcoming school year, Sullivan said. This buys the Westfield schools some time to possibly change the elementary school districts.
thumbnail_Tolland Presentation2.jpg

03.07.2017 - Wade Jarvis of Berkshire Trail Riders (center) presents a grant check to Tolland Fire Chief Eric Munson (left) and Tolland FD 501c3 president Tom Paine (right).

(SUBMITTED)

The Berkshire Trail Riders Association has awarded grants to the fire departments of Granville, Blandford, Sandisfield and Tolland and Pine Meadows, Connecticut.

The grants, ranging from $750 to $1,000, will be used to purchase emergency rescue equipment such as rescue stretchers, communication radios, rope and emergency generators, according to a press release from the organization.

Over the past 15 years, the Berkshire Trail Riders Association has donated over $50,000 to both local and national charity organizations including local fire departments and EMT units, police departments, state forest and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection agencies, private and public land owners and The Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Founded in the early 1970s as the Foothill Trail Riders and later incorporated in 1992, the Berkshire Trail Riders Association advocates responsible off-road motorcycle riding, competition and local philanthropy in the greater New England region, according to the press release.

The group maintains the trails they ride and promotes their preservation through trail work parties several times a year, while working alongside various local, state and federal agencies, the release states. Other than those on private lands, the trails are open to the public for other uses.
Over 600 professionals are scheduled to attend the 11th Annual Fair Housing + Civil Rights Conference at the Sheraton Monarch Place Hotel in downtown Springfield from April 5-7.

(File Photo)

SPRINGFIELD -- More than 600 area professionals are expected to attend the 11th Annual Fair Housing + Civil Rights Conference next week.

Touted as the largest civil rights conference in New England, the event is the product of a collaboration between organizations like the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, Massachusetts Fair Housing Center and South Coast Fair Housing.

The event is set to kick off April 5 at the Monarch Place Hotel in downtown Springfield and will discuss the latest civil rights topics nationwide and best practices within the workplace and at the local and federal level.

New to this year's event is the addition of several pre-conference certification training sessions April 5 on topics like medical marijuana and the workplace, conducting an internal investigation and more that professionals can register for online for a special rate.

Conference proceedings on the follow two days are free to all registered participants.

There will be a series of keynote addresses from prominent civil rights figures like anti-racism writer Tim Wise, activist Diane Nash and retired Seattle Police Chief Norm Stamper.

Along with the presentations the conference will offer training workshops, panel discussions, breakout sessions, networking opportunities and more for attendees.

For more information, contact H. Harrison at 413-238-1222 or info@fhcrconference.com.
SPRINGFIELD -- A family that narrowly escaped the deadly Jan. 1 fire at a Holyoke apartment building is suing the property owner and local management company for negligence over the building's alarm system and conditions they say led to the blaze.

With the flames closing in, Briana Serrano dropped her 2-year-old daughter, Aubrey Albarran, from a window in the family's a third-floor apartment. A group of men holding a blanket caught the girl.

Serrano suffered spinal fractures and other injuries when she jumped from the same window, according to a lawsuit filed Feb. 16 in Hampden Superior Court. Her husband, Eric, suffered serious burns.

The family has racked up over $100,000 in medical bills, according to court filings, including more than $95,000 for Serrano alone.

The suit names as defendants building owner Irshad Sideeka of Brookline and his company, Naviah Investments, as well as Works Management Services, the building's Springfield-based property management company. State filings list Raquel E. Rodriguez of Springfield as the owner of Works Management Services.

Neither Sideeka nor a representative for Works Management Services could be reached for comment Thursday. A woman who answered a call to the phone number listed on the management company's website told an editor he had the wrong number.

The defendants failed to "maintain the property in a reasonable and safe manner by negligently allowing a condition to exist on the premises which resulted in a fire and by failing to have adequate fire alarms and fire suppression systems in place," the suit alleges.

Investigators determined the blaze at 106 North East St. started when a wall outlet in a third-floor apartment malfunctioned. The building did not have a sprinkler system -- but, under state law, it was not required to have one.

Officials also determined the building's alarm system lost the connection to its monitoring company about 32 hours before the fire. So, when the fire broke out, alarms sounded in the building but no signal went out to the monitoring company, which would have been required to immediately report the activation to the Holyoke Fire Department.

According to the state fire marshal's office, the monitoring company made repeated attempts to contact Works Management Services after the problem was detected at 11:47 p.m. on Dec. 30. The fire broke out shortly before 9 a.m. on Jan. 1.

The monitoring company was only required to contact the property manager -- and not the city's fire department -- about the problem, according to the state fire marshal's office. In such a situation, a property manager would typically put in a service call to have the problem fixed, the owner of the Holyoke-based company that installed the alarm system told The Republican in January.

Brian W. O'Connor, owner of Target Alarm Systems, said his company has not been involved in the system's maintenance or monitoring since 2012. Officials have not identified any companies involved in the system's monitoring or maintenance at the time of the fire.

Sideeka was issued a $100 noncriminal, first-offense citation for failing to have the system inspected annually, according to the state fire marshal's office.

Attorney John J. McQuade, who is representing Serrano and her family, was not immediately available for comment Thursday.

Killed in the fire were Maria Cartagena, 48, and Jorge Munoz, 55, both of Holyoke, and Trevor R. Wadleigh, 34, of Easthampton.
WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. -- They all used the same word.

A motorcyclist, a state trooper and an airport employee were among those expressing gratitude at the "honor" of being part of the effort on Wednesday to transport a casket containing the remains of Korean War soldier Jules Hauterman Jr.

The remains of Hauterman, a U.S. Army corporal, were transported from the tarmac at Bradley International Airport to a welcome-home crowd lining South and Northampton streets in Holyoke, Massachusetts, where Hauterman grew up.

"It's an honor to do it," said Steve Joyce, of Palmer, of the Patriot Guard motorcycle club.

"We're honored to do it," said Lt. Michael Pendleton of the Connecticut State Police.

Operating a belt loader, an open-seated vehicle used for hauling cargo from the undersides of airplanes, was Marc Alleyne, of Windsor Locks, Connecticut.

"I'm also ex-military, so this is kind of an honor for me," said Alleyne, who was in the U.S. Marines.

Alleyne drove and parked the conveyor belt in the shadow of a Delta airlines plane. A casket draped in the American flag emerged from a hatchway. It slowly moved on the belt to members of a U.S. Army honor guard who carried it into a waiting hearse.

Hauterman was 19 when he was listed missing in action Dec. 2,1950 in North Korea. That came after a fierce battle against an overwhelming and surprise attack from hundreds of thousands of Communist Chinese troops at the Chosin Reservoir.

Over 1,300 American troops were captured or killed after fighting that lasted three days and four nights in late 1950.

Hauterman was a medic with the Medical Platoon, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. His unit was attached to the 31st Regimental Combat Team as one of its infantry battalions for the mission at the Chosin Reservoir.

The U.S. Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency recently said testing had identified remains as Hauterman's.

Connecticut state troopers directed a motorcade of a dozen vehicles, including six Patriot Guard riders, around and outside the airport as they escorted Hauterman to Holyoke.

"We''re going to send him back to Massachusetts in a respectful manner," Pendleton said.
An investigation into a former jail guard charged last summer with improper sexual conduct with an inmate has revealed a scheme to distribute drugs within South Bay House of Correction, reports The Boston Globe.

Marlon Juba, 29, of Lynn allegedly collaborated with an inmate to bring cocaine, opiates, cell phones and groceries into the Boston prison.



Juba and his collaborator, inmate Zenon "Doughboy" Rodriguez, 27, of Chelsea, were both arraigned Tuesday on charges of three counts of unlawful delivery of items to or from an inmate, delivering or possessing with intent to deliver drugs, and distribution of a class B substance.



Rodriguez faced additional charges related to the scheme, including multiple counts of conspiracy to violate the state's drug laws, witness intimidation, making threats and violation of a restraining order.



The drugs and other items were allegedly supplied to Juba by friends of Rodriguez whom he collaborated with from inside the prison. Juba would pick up the goods at fast food restaurants during work breaks, according to the Suffolk District Attorney's office.

Juba is being held on $5,000 bail and Rodriguez on $25,000 bail. They will appear again in court on May 4.



In June 2016, Juba was fired and arrested after surveillance video captured at the jail showed him entering a female inmate's cell at 3 a.m., allegedly to engage in sexual relations.






Fleishner talk

Bob Fleishner (far left) speaking to a crowd about the warehousing of the mentally ill in jails and prisons in at Forbes Library in Northampton on Wednesday night.

(Phil Demers/MassLive)

Massachusetts continues to cut mental health funding while it pays ever-increasing prison bills, a Northampton attorney noted Wednesday in calling attention to the problem of "warehousing" mentally ill people in prisons.

"In the past decade in Massachusetts, support for mental health services has been declining in real terms," Center for Public Representation attorney Bob Fleischner said in a talk called "Real Madness" at Forbes Library in Northampton.

He added, "The most recent two budgets from the Baker administration are on the verge of restoring (the Department of Mental Health's) budget to where it was 10 years ago. That's not good."

Meanwhile, the state budget for prisons and probation increased by 12 percent -- $146 million -- between 2001 and 2016.

In the same period, the Department of Mental Health budget decreased by eight percent.

"So, we took the mental health money, and we put it into more prisons," Fleischner said.

The U.S. imprisons more people per capita than any other nation in the world -- 2.3 million, by the most recent count, almost one percent of the population.

The Prison Policy Initiative estimates that "56 percent of state prisoners, 45 percent of federal prisoners and 64 percent of jail inmates have a mental health problem."

Jails and prisons are no place for nonviolent people suffering mental illness, Fleischner said. He noted that prisons provide minimal rehabilitative services and mental health services.

Prisoners complaining of mental health issues often get pinned for fakers and sometimes receive disciplinary tickets. That's if they manage to speak up. Most don't.

The social atmosphere among prisoners provides a strong deterrent to admission of any kind of perceived weakness.

Acting out often earns the offender solitary -- which has been shown to worsen mental illness, possibly irrevocably, Fleischner said. Solitary confinement remains a common practice in Massachusetts jails and prisons.

It's a bad problem not only for prisoners, but also jail staff.

"It's not their mission (to deal with mental illness)," Fleishner said. "It's a terrible place to put people with mental illness. And we are asking something extraordinary of prison administrators and prison staff to be the mental health providers for people with serious illnesses in our society."

He added, "Nevertheless, that's where the people are. Many of them."

Fleischner ended by calling for an end to long-term solitary confinement, a bolstering of the parole network to provide real services -- including mental health and drug treatment programs -- to ex-convicts, among other reforms.

His talk was part of an ongoing program at Forbes Library on mass incarceration in the U.S.
A University of Washington professor started studying social networks to help people respond to disasters. But she got dragged down a rabbit hole of twitter-boosted conspiracy theories, and ended up mapping our political moment.

Danny Westneat

Full Story: http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/uw-professor-the-information-war-is-real-and-were-losing-it/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=article_left_1.1
"Big Dreams under the Big Sky"

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1883499319/big-dreams-under-the-big-sky-a-documentary is about the access to and success through higher education, and we aim to inspire other future students to continue with their big dreams in post-secondary education.

Montana College Access Network (MCAN) is working with a local Montana director, Randa Sublette from the film company, Art in Motion to create a documentary. The film is focused on the challenges and benefits of students that have continued into higher education in Montana, particularly those who have or are using programs like Upward Bound, GEAR UP or others that assist first-generation, low-income students.

We are now seeking support via a crowdfunding site

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1883499319/big-dreams-under-the-big-sky-a-documentary that will help us fund the next rounds of filming and editing. With your support, we can gather over a weeks worth of filming and, subsequently, the required editing, as well as supporting the crew and volunteers with food and travel. By the end of this project, we hope to have a 45-50 minute documentary that can be shown in high school classrooms, film festivals and across the state to increase awareness about these students stories.

Please contribute now: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1883499319/big-dreams-under-the-big-sky-a-documentary
Being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) is seen as a life sentence, as the disease can seriously affect a sufferers motor skills and cognitive abilities, but new hope might be on the way. This week, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new drug, called ocrelizumab, which fights MS by targeting the bodys B cells and is the first to have an effect on the more severe form of the disease.

Michael Irving

Full Story: http://newatlas.com/ms-drug-ocrelizumab-approved-fda/48682/?utm_source=Gizmag+Subscribers&utm_campaign=b2eea916c8-UA-2235360-4&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_65b67362bd-b2eea916c8-92465361
MWED crafting strategy for top economic projects, priorities

Does the Flathead Valley need a large assembly hall to host conventions? Should improving infrastructure and investing in industrial sites to attract technology businesses be priorities? What unique strengths can Flathead County build upon for economic development?

As the Flathead Valley experiences sizable growth, Montana West Economic Development https://www.dobusinessinmontana.com/ , the local economic development agency, is collecting community input https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FlatheadCEDS to identify priorities for the coming years. The effort is focused on crafting a new Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, which is established every five years to help steer public and private investment and leverage grants.

By Dillon Tabish

Full Story: http://flatheadbeacon.com/2017/03/30/economic-development-spikes-local-agency-collecting-input-community-priorities/
Downtown Marions taproom is ready to start pouring craft beer, local wines and hard cider.

Located at 13 N. Main St., Refinery 13 will hold its grand opening this evening after months of work and renovation. Co-owner Sarah Jacobs said she hopes her business will help bring Marion and McDowell County more into the craft beverage scene of western North Carolina, which is one of the biggest and best in the nation.

Refinery 13 is a venture by Jacobs, her husband Ryan and her father Avery Barrier. Their new business has 13 taps for craft beer and hard cider, all from North Carolina.

The craft beers on tap come from Tar Heel breweries like Highland, Green Man, Hi-Wire and Wicked Weed in Asheville; Appalachian in Boone; Sugar Creek and The Unknown in Charlotte; Lazy Hiker in Franklin; Full Steam in Durham; The Duck Rabbit in Farmville; Nantahala in Bryson City and Olde Hickory in Hickory. They include IPAs, porters and stouts.

There is also a tap for Bold Rock hard apple cider in Asheville.

This will change but this is our starting lineup, said Jacobs.

If you want to sample any of them, Refinery 13 has flight paddles crafted in the shape of North Carolina to hold the small glasses.

At the moment, the wines are from Lake James Cellars in neighboring Burke County but Jacobs said she plans to add some McDowell County wine as well. Nebo is home to both South Creek and Belle Nicho wineries.

We will expand our wine selection as we move forward, she said.

Refinery 13 is not a restaurant but food will be available there. Jacobs, who works as a health inspector, said she cannot be in the restaurant business. But customers at Refinery 13 will be able to eat hummus from Bruces Fabulous Foods and Leisas Kettlecorn, which are already prepared.

We want to support our other local businesses, she said.

In addition, patrons will be able to order food from other local eateries and bring them to Refinery 13 or have them delivered. There will be takeout menus at the taproom.

Even before it opened, Refinery 13 was getting some rave reviews on its Facebook page. A soft opening was held last weekend.

Great atmosphere! Can't believe we have something this cool in Marion! posted Chelsi Mentink Poteat.

The atmosphere is the best, posted Sarah Scoggins Siak. The owners are so welcoming. My husband loved the beer on tap, and I had the most amazing blueberry wine from Lake James winery. We can't wait to make this place a regular stop for date night!

I like to describe the feeling of this taproom as being as comfortable as my own living room, posted Joey Sacco. They have a great staff, and excellent selection of beer on tap! There were beers available that I had not heard of, and they were all great. They even let us order a pizza to eat there while we hung out and drank some beer!

This new business for downtown Marion is located in the space that used to be Hernandez Ice Cream parlor. But it looks nothing like what was in there before. Rarely has any building or space in Marion gone through such a transformation and improvement.

That is what everybody said during our soft opening that it looks like a place you would find in Asheville, said Jacobs.

The woodwork on the bar and the walls was handcrafted by Jacobs father Avery Barrier. Turtle Laboratories fashioned the metal legs for the tables and the impressive rusty sign out front. Refinery 13 will also feature artwork on its walls and you will be able to enjoy live music there.

Many taprooms and breweries have trivia nights where teams compete against each other. Jacobs said she hopes to have the same.

I think that would be so much fun, she added.

And like the craft breweries in Asheville and other places, Refinery 13 is open and welcoming to families. For example, many folks who go to Highland Brewing in Asheville and other places often bring their children and activities are available for them. Refinery 13 has games for kids and adults.

We want it to be a family-friendly atmosphere, said Jacobs. We had a lot of families bring their kids here for the soft opening.

Refinery 13 will be open from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The business can be booked for private parties and special events during the rest of the week.

But one issue remains. Marion is still under a restriction where the only places allowed to sell beer on-premises are hotels, motels and restaurants. Refinery 13 will have to get around this HMR restriction by opening as a private club.

Last December, Sarah and Ryan Jacobs said they dont want their business to be a private club but rather have it as all inclusive. They asked the Marion City Council to call for a referendum on removing the HMR restrictions, adding neighboring towns and cities have done the same thing. Such a move requires a vote of the people.

Most recently Morganton voted on this and they are seeing lots of economic growth and success specifically at a business like ours would be  Brown Mountain Bottleworks, said Jacobs to the council in December.

City Manager Bob Boyette said previously Brown Mountain Bottleworks in Morganton had to open first as a private club and then in 2015, voters there done away with the HMR restrictions.

The City Council voted unanimously to hold the special referendum to remove the HMR rule in Marion, which will be held in November.

For now, Refinery 13 is requiring patrons to fill out a form and pay a $1 fee, until the HMR rule is removed. And all of the money from the fees goes to support the Friendship Home operated by McDowell Mission Ministries.

We didnt want to profit of off that, said Jacobs.

Refinery 13 is the second in a series of other similar businesses that are expected to open in Marion during 2017 or early 2018. The store XYZ, which sells craft beer, wine and assorted spirits, opened for business on Monday, March 20. Keepers Cut Meadery should be open later in the year along West Henderson Street. Mica Town Brewery is planned for the small building on Brown Drive and it could be running by the end of this year or early 2018. There is also the possibility of a second taproom for Marion and this one would be a place for live music, according to city officials.

Theres definitely some plans for a second taproom that is a music venue, said Boyette on Wednesday.

Refinery 13 is located at 13 N. Main St. and has 13 taps. As she opens her new business, Jacobs said she, her husband and her father are not worried about that unlucky number.

Were tying it all together, she said. Im not too superstitious.

Business hours for Refinery 13 are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 5-10 p.m.
by Sarah Fay , March 30, 2017

Earlier this month, I co-moderated a roundtable with about a dozen prominent marketers and influencers from the Bay Area to discuss how AI is fitting into their plans.

While AI is still in the early stages of deployment for most of these marketers, it is high on their agendas, and they are actively figuring out their next steps.

Marketers at the roundtable -- hosted by Oracle's Data Cloud VP of marketing and partner solutions, Cory Treffiletti, and Digital Ascendants CEO and founder, Susan MacDermid -- ranged from B2C businesses such as banks and retailers to B2B organizations selling enterprise technology, data, and processing hardware.

Because this forum promised a private discussion for marketers to share their experiences, I am not attaching names to comments, but providing an overview of how the discussion played out.

Conversations among marketers can be useful in generating different perspectives, and this discussion did not disappoint. I was reminded of the Indian fable in which six blind men discover an elephant and try to describe the animal based on which part they have encountered. The first, holding the elephants trunk, says, The elephant is very much like a snake, while another who touches the leg says, No, its more like the trunk of a tree  and so on. The point of the story is that the elephant is something much larger and different than each of its collective parts, which takes further discovery to understand.

Like the elephant, AI is big -- much bigger than most people realize - and its various parts will come together in a holistic way that eventually will make sense in the marketing process. But marketers typically tackle one new thing at a time, so they seek to identify the most meaningful way AI can be used in the short term to improve business, and will work their way up to incorporating more. This is the natural order of technology adoption, and it doesnt happen overnight.

It was interesting to hear about the different paths each marketer planned as their first foray into AI. The B2C marketers seemed inclined to view AI first as an extension of customer service, and several were making plans to use chatbots to provide Web site assistance, answering frequently asked questions such as Where is my order? Marketers agreed that AI would help to elevate best practices in customer service, but there was some skepticism that significant ROI would result.

Discussion turned to ways AI could make a giant impact on revenues if applied to the core business model. An example of this thinking: Stitchfix.com is a retail disrupter that provides an AI-based personal shopping service. This approach leverages data along with user preferences to provide product recommendations that become more relevant over time. This led to a discussion of how consumers will increasingly expect services that understand them and predict their likes and dislikes, providing a friction-free environment that anticipates wants and needs.

A prominent B2B marketer countered that chatbots were well down his list of marketing initiatives, as he does not believe they will move the needle for his business in the near term. When he thinks of AI, his interest lies in using advanced algorithms that tap new data sets to achieve breakthrough results. The big question in his mind was, How can I be sure the data is of a high quality? (By the way, Mike Azzara wrote a column earlier this month about an AI-based data access platform called Narrative.io that will help answer this kind of question.)

Another B2B marketer said that his companys key to survival will be in collecting and making sense of data. We touched on myriad ways AI will leverage data to make faster and more efficient decisions, including the prediction of next best customer, omnichannel targeting, dynamic creative delivery, etc -- all ways to better target and recognize customers with relevant messaging and content.

Most in the room felt the need for a different mix of talent. At least one progressive marketer had reorganized the marketing function at her company to include more data scientists, in order to implement the companys personalization engine, which gathers and uses data to understand and communicate with customers and prospects.

There was some futuristic discussion of the question: How much will machines eventually do, versus us and our agencies? This was a humorous conversation with serious reality behind it -- not the first time Ive heard it, either. Machines are handling more and more jobs, and currently, no one knows exactly what machines wont be able to do. If you dont believe me, check out Albert.ai, an autonomous media buying platform that requires little to no human interaction.

Most hang on to the belief that creativity and ideas are still the human domain, and that someone will need to drive the AI bus.

As ever with this type of conversation, people came away with valuable ideas and motivation to keep moving on their AI strategies. The elephant in the room was that AI is much bigger than any of our specific linear areas of interest  and we know it.
by Jess Nelson , March 29, 2017

VerticalResponse has launched a translated email marketing service for Spanish speakers, citing the steady growth of Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States.

Owned by Deluxe Corp, VerticalResponse is a Web-based marketing platform for small businesses and nonprofits. The self-service platform has a range of marketing features, including email marketing, social media and direct mail.

Customers of VerticalResponse can select Spanish as their language of choice on the bottom right-hand corner of the log-in page. Once they are signed in, VerticalResponses email marketing services will be completely translated, including the companys email editor, contacts section, and campaign reporting.

With the increase in Hispanic-owned and operated businesses in the United States, its so encouraging to see marketing applications like VerticalResponse expanding their services to Spanish-language users, states Ruben Guerra, chairman and CEO of the Latin Business Association, in a blog post online. The Hispanic population is the largest ethnic minority in the U.S., and platforms that serve our communities, businesses, and consumers are increasingly vital.

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The United States is now the second-largest Spanish-speaking nation, according to a 2015 study by the Instituto Cervantes, an organization established in 1991 to promote the Spanish language. The report calculated that the United States was home to 41 million native Spanish speakers, plus an additional 11.6 million bilingual residents. The United States is second only to Mexico, with a reported 121 million native Spanish speakers.

In total, the Instituto Cervantes report estimates there are 559 million Spanish speakers worldwide, and that Spanish speakers contribute 9.2% of the worlds GDP. Spanish speakers are also substantially contributing to business growth in the United States.

Twelve percent of U.S. businesses are Hispanic-owned, according to a 2012 survey of business owners by the U.S. Census Bureau, with 3.3 million of the 27.6 million total businesses owned by Hispanic entrepreneurs.

While the national average for U.S. business growth was just 2% between 2007 and 2012, the number of minority-owned companies increased 38% to 8 million businesses according to Census data. Hispanic-owned businesses had an even higher growth rate during this timetable, increasing 46.3%.

Businesses owned by Hispanic women have also grown substantially in the last decade, growing 87% from 2007 to 2012 and now accounting for an estimated 1.5 million businesses.

The US Census Office estimates that the number of Spanish speakers in the United States will rise to 138 million by 2050.
by Tanya Gazdik , March 30, 2017





Google has replaced Apple as Americas (and the worlds) most valuable brand, according to an annual study by strategy consultancy Brand Finance.

The total value of Americas top 500 brands now exceeds $3 trillion dollars, having increased 11%, from $2.82 trillion in 2016 to $3.14 trillion this year, despite a turbulent year.

A brands strength is assessed based on factors such as marketing investment, familiarity, preference, sustainability and margins to determine what proportion of a businesss revenue is contributed by the brand. This is projected into perpetuity and discounted to determine the brands value. Americas 500 most valuable brands, classified by both their industry and their state, are featured in the Brand Finance US 500.

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Tech brands are increasingly dominant despite recent Google and Uber controversies. Californias brands have the greatest combined value, 23% of the national total.

President Trump, an experienced brand builder himself, appears to have fostered a conducive environment for continued brand value growth, said Brand Finance CEO David Haigh in a release. However, his longer term approach and objectives remain hard to pin down and 2017 could deliver as many, if not more, shocks than 2016.

Apple has seen nearly $40 billion wiped off its brand value. Apple has over-exploited the goodwill of its customers by failing to maintain its technological advantage and delivering tweaks to existing products rather than genuine innovation. Brand value has fallen 27% since early 2016 to $107 billion, meaning that for the first time in over five years, America (and the world) has a new most valuable brand.

Six years after it last held the title in 2011, Google is now the worlds most valuable brand with a value of $109 billion. Google remains largely unchallenged in its core search business, the mainstay of its advertising income. However the recent controversy over Googles placement of customers ads alongside undesirable content illustrates that even companies with apparently dominant market positions must be conscious of the risks to their most valuable asset, their brand, Haigh says.

Amazon's brand value is up 53% year on year as it continues to both reshape the retail market and to capture an ever larger share of it. With a brand value only fractionally behind Apple and Google already, Amazon could easily become the most valuable brand in the US and the rest of the world in 2018.

California remains Americas most valuable state by brand value. Its dominance in tech (the most valuable and fastest growing sector) has enabled California to pull well ahead of other states. Of the countrys top 500 brands, 71 hail from the Golden State, with a total value of $725 billion.

New York is in second place, but despite have just one fewer brand in the top 500 than California, New Yorks total is significantly lower, at $481 billion. Finance comprises a large share of New Yorks total brand value so New York has been disproportionately affected by the stalling values of financial services brands.

Only a handful of states have seen their number one brand change this year. KFC is no longer Kentuckys most valuable brand, falling 27% to $6.2 billion. As if to illustrate a growing focus on health, Humana is Kentuckys new most valuable brand. The health insurance businesss brand is now valued at $7.1 billion, supported by continued customer acquisition, revenue growth and improving brand strength.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, March 30, 2017

Internet services provider RCN and music publisher BMG have agreed to end a dispute over alleged copyright infringement by broadband users, according to court papers filed Wednesday.

The court papers came two weeks after the companies told U.S. District Court Judge Kevin Castel in New York that they had reached a settlement. The documents don't reveal any settlement terms.

The move ends a court battle that began last June, when RCN sought an order declaring that it had not infringed copyright. The broadband provider said that since 2012 it had received "millions" of notices from BMG's copyright enforcement agent, Rightscorp.

The initial notices were about alleged piracy by subscribers, but in April and May of 2016 BMG's counsel sent RCN letters accusing the provider of infringing copyright by failing to disconnect allegedly infringing subscribers, according to the complaint.

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Those allegations "cast a pall over RCNs business, placing RCN in the untenable position of incurring a growing potential liability for copyright infringement by continuing to conduct its business," the company said in its court papers.

The dispute between BMG and RCN landed in court several months after a jury sided with BMG in its copyright lawsuit against a different Internet service provider -- Cox Communications. The jury in that case found Cox liable for piracy by subscribers and decided the company should pay $25 million to BMG.

Cox is currently appealing that ruling to the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals. The company has drawn support from a broad array of groups, including advocacy organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation and Public Knowledge, as well as industry associations like the Internet Commerce Coalition.

"Just as a tenants water should not ordinarily be cut off when a landlord alleges nonpayment of rent, a subscribers connection to the Internet should not be terminated in response to alleged copyright infringement except in the most extenuating circumstances," digital rights groups EFF, Public Knowledge and the Center for Democracy & Technology argued in a friend-of-the-court brief filed in November with the 4th Circuit.
by Larissa Faw , March 30, 2017

Constellation Brands is introducing the second phase of its multi-faceted campaign to promote Victoria, considered Mexico's oldest beer. The inaugural campaign was launched last year through the character Gregorio, a gringo who loves all things Mexican.

The creative builds on this proudly Mexican ethos by celebrating unique Mexican traditions, including its gorgeous and provocatively dressed weather girls.

The Spanish-language spot with English subtitles features a group of friends crowded around a laptop as they watch Mexicos weather report. Another member of their group, Gregorio - the gringo who loves all things Mexican - enters the room carrying three bottles of Victoria beer and immediately becomes enthralled with the onscreen weather girl, Yanet. After a dreamy romance, Gregorios friends eventually snap him out of his daydream while he echoes, Mexico really has everything.

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Targeting U.S. Hispanic males ages 21-39, the campaign appears across all national U.S. Hispanic TV networks including Univision & Telemundo, while out-of-home runs in Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco. In addition, Victoria is now focusing new efforts in the social media and digital spaces  such as Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

Until last year, there had never been any advertising support for Victoria since Constellation first brought the beer brand to the U.S. in 2010. This changed when Constellation Brands tapped the community to introduce the iconic beer brand to U.S. audiences in 2016.

"The first campaign was well received amongst our target," says Erika Rivera, senior account executive, the community. "It connected emotionally with our consumers in a positive way due to the values it reflected, including camaraderie and acceptance. The lighthearted humor and Mexican customs and environments also added to its overall appeal and relevance with this consumer."

Marketing expenses for Constellation Brands, which also owns Modelo and Corona, is 8.5%-9% of net sales, according to financial results. "We track that very diligently to make sure that we are getting a return for it and we continue to see the returns as we invest in our brands," they say.
Sore throat, runny or stuffed nose, cough, headache  the symptoms of the common cold have gripped us all at one point or another. According to a new study, however, the severity of such symptoms may depend on ones feelings of loneliness.

Share on Pinterest Feeling lonely may exacerbate cold symptoms, new research suggests.

Led by researchers from Rice University in Houston, TX, the study found that people who felt lonely reported worse cold symptoms than individuals who did not feel lonely.

Study co-author Angie LeRoy, a graduate psychology student at Rice University, and colleagues recently reported their results in the journal Health Psychology.

According to a 2016 survey, around 72 percent of people in the United States report feeling lonely. Of these individuals, around 31 percent report feeling lonely at least once a week.

Feeling socially isolated can take its toll on psychological well-being, raising the risk of anxiety and depression, but its effects do not end there.

Loneliness can have serious implications for physical health, too. A study reported by Medical News Today in 2016, for example, associated loneliness with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Research has shown that loneliness puts people at risk for early death and other physical illnesses, LeRoy notes. But nothing had been done to look at an acute but temporary illness that were all vulnerable to  the common cold.

For their study, LeRoy and colleagues investigated how feelings of loneliness might affect the risk of catching the common cold, as well as the severity of cold symptoms.
Giving corticosteroid drugs to mothers at risk of preterm delivery - from as early as 23 weeks of pregnancy - is associated with a lower rate of death and serious illness for their babies, finds a study published by The BMJ.

Very premature babies seem to benefit the most, even those born at 23 weeks, the findings show.

Babies born early carry a greater risk of death and serious complications after birth such as breathing problems, bleeding into the brain or infection, compared with babies born at term. These problems tend to be more severe the earlier the baby is born.

Corticosteroids have been shown to help with a baby's development and therefore increase the chance of the baby surviving, once born.

Current guidelines recommend giving corticosteroids to at risk women from 23 to 34 weeks of pregnancy (gestation). However, the benefits for reducing ill health (morbidity) during the 23rd week had been less clear.

So a team of US researchers analysed data for 117,941 infants born between 23 and 34 weeks of gestation from 2009 to 2013 at 300 neonatal intensive care units across the United States.

Death or major illness was analysed by gestational age and exposure to antenatal corticosteroids, adjusting for factors such as birth weight, sex, mode of delivery and multiple births.

The researchers found that exposure to antenatal corticosteroids was associated with a significantly lower rate of death before discharge from hospital at each gestation compared with infants without exposure.

They also found that the number of infants needed to treat with antenatal corticosteroids to prevent one death before discharge increased from six at 23 and 24 weeks of gestation to 798 at 34 weeks of gestation, suggesting that infants born at the lowest gestational ages benefit most, even those born at 23 weeks.

The rate of survival without major illness while in hospital was also higher among infants exposed to antenatal corticosteroids at the lowest gestations.

"Among infants born from 23 to 34 weeks' gestation, antenatal exposure to corticosteroids compared with no exposure was associated with lower mortality and morbidity at most gestations," say the authors.

"This study highlights for the first time that infants at the lowest gestations seem to benefit the most from exposure to antenatal corticosteroids," they add.

The authors point out that this is an observational study, so no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect, and they outline some limitations could have introduced bias.

Nevertheless, they conclude that this study "supports the administration of antenatal corticosteroids in women with threatened preterm labour from 23 to 34 weeks' gestation."

In a linked editorial, Professor Sarah McDonald at McMaster University in Canada agrees that the administration of antenatal corticosteroids to women at risk of early preterm birth "has been one of the most effective interventions to improve premature infants' outcomes."

However, she points out that that timing is critical to maximising benefits for very premature babies. Ideally corticosteroids should be administered within approximately one week of birth, she explains, and this remains the biggest challenge for clinicians.

Article: Exposure to any antenatal corticosteroids and outcomes in preterm infants by gestational age: prospective cohort study , Colm P Travers, Reese H Clark, Alan R Spitzer, Abhik Das, Thomas J Garite, Waldemar A Carlo, The BMJ, doi: 10.1136/bmj.j1039, published 28 March 2017.
Insufficient sleep during the week, and attempts to catch up at the weekend lead to 'social jet lag', study finds.

Delaying school start times in the UK is unlikely to reduce sleep deprivation in teenagers, research from the University of Surrey and Harvard Medical School has found.

Delaying school start times in the UK is unlikely to reduce sleep deprivation in teenagers, research from the University of Surrey and Harvard Medical School has found. The research, conducted in collaboration between mathematicians and sleep scientists, predicts that turning down the lights in the evening would be much more effective at tackling sleep deprivation.

Teenagers like to sleep late and struggle to get up in time to go to school. The commonly accepted explanation for this is that adolescents' biological brain clocks are delayed. It has been suggested that to remedy this, school start times should be delayed for older teenagers so that they are again in tune with their biological clock.

The study, which is published in Scientific Reports, used a mathematical model that takes into account whether people are naturally more of a morning or evening person, the impact of natural and artificial light on the body clock and the typical time of an alarm clock, to predict the effects of delaying school start times.

The mathematical model showed that delaying school start times in the UK would not help reduce sleep deprivation. Just as when clocks go back in the autumn, most teenagers' body clocks would drift even later in response to the later start time, and in a matter of weeks they would find it just as hard to get out of bed. The results did, however, lend some support to delaying school start in the US, where many schools start as early as 7am.

The mathematical explanation has its roots in the work of the 17th century Dutch mathematician Huygens. He saw that clocks can synchronise, but it depends on both the clocks and how they influence each other. From research over the last few decades we know that body clocks typically run a little slow, so they need to be regularly 'corrected' if they are to remain in sync with the 24-hour day. Historically, this correcting signal came from our interaction with the environmental light/dark 'clock'.

The mathematical model shows that the problem for adolescents is that their light consumption behaviour interferes with the natural interaction with the environmental clock - getting up late in the morning results in adolescents keeping the lights on until later at night. Having the lights on late delays the biological clock, making it even harder to get up in the morning. The mathematics also suggests that the biological clocks of adolescents are particularly sensitive to the effects of light consumption.

The model suggests that an alternative remedy to moving school start times in the UK is exposure to bright light during the day, turning the lights down in the evening and off at night. For very early start times, as in some US regions, any benefit gained from delaying school start times could be lost unless it is coupled with strict limits on the amount of evening artificial light consumption.

Lead author Dr Anne Skeldon said: "The power of the mathematics is that we are able to use existing knowledge about how light interacts with the biological clock to make predictions about different interventions to help reduce 'social jetlag'.

"It highlights that adolescents are not 'programmed' to wake up late and that by increasing exposure to bright light during the day, turning lights down in the evening and off at night should enable most to get up in time for work or school without too much effort and without changing school timetables."

Co-author Dr Andrew Phillips said: "The most interesting part of this analysis for me was the counter-intuitive finding that the most extreme evening types are predicted to derive the least benefit from a delay in school start times, because they tend to use evening artificial light for a longer interval of time.

"For evening types, it is critical to keep evening light levels low to derive any of the potential benefits of a delay in morning alarm times, otherwise their bed time is very prone to shifting later. Understanding these individual differences, and how they are influenced by light consumption, is necessary to maximize the effects of any policy change."

Co-author Prof Derk-Jan Dijk said: "Just as mathematical models are used to predict climate change, they can now be used to predict how changing our light environment will influence our biological rhythms.

"It shows that modern lifestyles make it hard for body clocks to stay on 24 hours, which shifts our rhythm of sleepiness and alertness to later times - meaning we are sleepy until late in the morning and remain alert until later in the evening.

"As a result, during the working week our alarm clocks go off before the body clock naturally wakes us up. We then get insufficient sleep during the week and compensate for it during the weekend. Such patterns of insufficient and irregular sleep have been associated with various health problems and have been termed 'social jet lag'."

The mathematical understanding of biological clocks suggests that adolescents are particularly sensitive to the effects of light consumption. However, the model can be applied to other age-groups as well. It can be used to design new interventions not only for sleepy teenagers but also for adults who suffer from delayed sleep phase disorders or people who are not synchronised to the 24-hour day at all.

The research draws attention to light, light consumption and darkness as important environmental and behavioural factors influencing health. This has implications for how we design the light environment at work and at home in our modern light-polluted societies.
One of the biggest challenges in studying Down syndrome is finding the right research model. Animals and established cell lines are limited in their ability to mimic human disease, and results don't always translate to patient populations. Stem cells hold enormous potential as research tools that can be collected directly from patients and grown into innumerable cell types. But harvesting stem cells can be tricky and invasive - a tough sell to institutional review boards when dealing with children or patients with intellectual disability.

Now, researchers from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have developed a breakthrough technique to harvest cells directly from urine, and grow them into durable, clinically relevant stem cells to study Down syndrome. The non-invasive technique, described in the journal Stem Cells Translational Medicine, helps creates urgently needed research models for Down syndrome, and can also be used to model other neurologic conditions.

"For the first time, we were able to create induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPSCs, of persons with Down syndrome by cells obtained from urine samples," said Alberto Costa, MD, PhD, study lead and professor of pediatrics and psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. "Our methods represent a significant improvement in iPSC technology, and should be an important step toward the development of human cell-based platforms that can be used to test new medications designed to improve the quality of life of people with Down syndrome."

Costa's technique overcomes ethical challenges related to harvesting stem cells that have previously been collected via skin biopsies. According to the paper, "Although only mildly invasive, there have been anecdotal reports that a few IRBs or ethical committees have rejected research proposals for wide-scale use of skin biopsies in individuals with Down syndrome. There has also been anecdotal reports of a significant percentage of persons with Down syndrome or their parents/guardians rejecting the procedure, which has limited the establishment of Down syndrome iPSC banks." The new technique allows researchers to more easily build collections of stem cells for use in future studies.

Stem cells generated from urine also appear to be more stable than those generated via skin biopsies. Since skin cells are exposed to sunlight, they often have DNA damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. The stem cells generated by Costa's team did not involve cells exposed to the sun, and were manipulated using methods designed to limit DNA damage. The resultant iPSCs can be reliably grown into many cell types relevant for Down syndrome research, including neurons and heart cells. The study is the first to successfully generate such cells from urine cultures.

In total, Costa's team generated iPSCs from urine donated by 10 individuals with Down syndrome that can be used by his team and other researchers interested in modeling Down syndrome disease states. The new technique can also be used to generate countless additional cell lines from Down syndrome patients or other vulnerable populations. The new research models offer an ethically sound, clinically relevant, and highly translatable means to study human disease.

Funding for the study was provided by grants from ALANA USA Foundation (Contracts 124124 and 200381), the Alana CWRU/MIT Collaborative Fund, a grant from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, and charitable contributions from the Awakening Angels Foundation. Bruna Zampieri, PhD was supported by a Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico, Brazil (CNPq/MCTI, 202237/2014-1).
Rehabilitation is important for people with dementia as it is for people with physical disabilities, according to a leading dementia expert.

Linda Clare, Professor of Clinical Psychology of Aging and Dementia at the University of Exeter, said people with dementia have a right to cognitive rehabilitation - and it is as relevant for them as physical rehabilitation for people with physical impairments.

Writing in the journal PLOS Medicine, Professor Clare said both share a goal to enable people to participate in everyday life, and in their families and communities, in a way that is meaningful to them.

Professor Clare said: "We tend to think of rehabilitation in terms of people with physical impairment following an injury, but it is equally important in people with cognitive impairment. As a society, we now have a much greater recognition that people with physical disabilities have the right to access services and opportunities, but there it still a long way to go for people with "hidden" disabilities such as dementia, in a landscape where the numbers of people with dementia are expected to rise from 44 mill in 2015 to 117 million by 2050.

Professor Clare oversees the GREAT trial, which is assessing the success of cognitive rehabilitation in more than 500 people across eight sites in the UK. It focuses on tailor-made approaches to the specific, individual problems people encounter at different stages of dementia. Examples may include people wanting to use email to stay in contact with family and friends, gain confidence to go outside, or manage daily tasks better. For people in the more advanced stages of dementia, approaches may focus on being able to dress independently or engage in pleasurable activities.

Professor Clare believes the positive rehabilitation approach may be partially funded through redeploying some of the spend on dementia, through preventing physical difficulties, limiting the costs of managing distressing symptoms, and delaying institutionalisation. She stressed the need to develop service systems that train staff and involve families.

Article: Rehabilitation for people living with dementia: A practical framework of positive support, Linda Clare, PLOS Medicine, doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002245, published 7 March 2017.
Researchers from the Turku Centre for Biotechnology (BTK) in Finland have discovered that a cellular fuel sensor, known to control energy processes in the cells, is involved in the regulation of the contact of cells with their surrounding environment. This unexpected link could help scientists better understand life-threatening diseases, such as cancer and tissue fibrosis.

The researchers found that a cellular fuel sensor called AMPK controls integrin function and the production of extracellular matrix.

This is a significant finding, since the rather cheap and widely used drug called metformin activates the AMPK sensor in particular and inhibits diabetes, cancer, fibrosis and cardiovascular diseases, and promotes longevity. Our discovery opens up new therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of these diseases, says Academy Professor Johanna Ivaska, senior author of the study.

The space between the cells of human tissues is filled with a meshwork of different proteins called the extracellular matrix. The cells are connected with the extracellular matrix through protein complexes called adhesions. The main proteins in those adhesions are the integrins which link the cytoskeleton with its environment. The researchers have found that in the absence of the fuel sensor AMPK, fibroblasts activate their integrins increasing their adhesion and matrix production. This increase is attributed to a protein called tensin.

AMPK is known to control energy homeostasis. In our study, we have shown that this fuel sensor can also regulate integrin signaling and matrix formation, suggesting that AMPK serves as a general master switch in our body. Our aim was to identify potential novel targets to treat diseases associated with excessive matrix formation, such as cancer and fibrotic diseases which are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, reports Maria Georgiadou, first author of the work.

Article: AMPK negatively regulates tensin-dependent integrin activity, Johanna Ivaska et al., Journal of Cell Biology, doi: 10.1083/jcb.201609066, published 13 March 2017.
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"We found that the CCS-based classifications provided better correlations between clinical and imaging stroke features and were better able to discriminate among stroke outcomes than were two conventional, non-automated classification methods."There are more than 150 different possible causes or etiologies of ischemic stroke, and approximately half of patients exhibit features suggesting more than one possible cause. This leads to considerable complexity in determining the cause of a stroke and, in roughly one of two patients, can lead to disagreements among physicians about the cause.The CCS software helps to reduce this complexity by exploiting classification criteria that are well defined, replicable and based on evidence rather than subjective assessment. The CCS software does this in several ways.it weights the possible etiologies by considering the relative potential of each to cause a stroke.in the presence of multiple potential causes it incorporates the clinical and imaging features that make one mechanism more probable than others for an individual patient.it determines the likelihood of that cause by taking into account the number of diagnostic tests that were performed. Andit ensures that data is entered in a consistent manner.The software can also serve as an important research tool, by providing investigators with both the ability to examine how stroke etiologies interact with one another and the flexibility to define new etiology subtypes according to the needs of the individual research project.Ay noted, "The information the software provides not only is critical for effective stroke prevention but also could increase the chances for new discoveries by enhancing the statistical power in future studies of etiologic stroke subtypes. We estimate that, compared to conventional systems, the use of CCS in stroke prevention trials testing targeted treatments for a particular etiologic subtype could reduce the required sample size by as much as 30 percent." The study is published online inSource: ANI
Having your phone double up as a full-blown computer has been something weve only seen in science fiction movies, however, it is finally becoming a reality thanks to Samsung DeX.

This feature would be something that you would expect from Microsoft as they have an ecosystem with Windows 10 that already exists. However, due to Microsoft having no market share and smartphones that never really made it to peoples hands, the feature got lost in translation over the course of time.

However, Samsung has recognised the importance of making our lives easier by announcing DeX (Short for Desktop Experience). It works while using a dock, which also serves the purpose of working as a stand for the phone.

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The dock can be connected to any screen that has an HDMI port and also connects to a keyboard and mouse via Bluetooth or USB. The dock also has an Ethernet port in case you want to use broadband instead of the phones LTE services.

Once you unlock the phone and fire up the feature, the screen is then transformed into an Android interface, which is similar to any computer, but it is mouse-friendly and is optimised for a desktop display. It works like any desktop you have used before, for example, shortcut commands like Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V work exactly like you would expect them to.

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Samsung has also worked with Microsoft and Adobe to optimise their apps, especially for DeX so that you can use it to edit documents and pictures. The entire Microsoft Office Suite is available, which means you can work on your documents, presentations and Excel files too. In fact, it looks so similar; that you might even mistake it for the desktop version you might be using every day.

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DeX will only work with the new Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ and will be sold separately. It will also have two versions i.e. the basic variant and one with fast charging. There is no word as to how it will be priced in India but it seems like it will be sold anywhere between INR 10,000 to INR 15,000.
Hating the job comes naturally to us. It's our pet sorrow to return to every night after a day's work and torturous traffic jams. It's the new weather talk, the difference being it always sucks. The whole purpose of having drinks with friends after work is to bitch about your boss or colleague or about the shitty work you do. It's fashionable. It's therapeutic. Let's face it, even if you've chosen the work you do, it's a pain in the ass. And it's not profession-dependent; from bankers to artists, to engineers to salespeople (okay, sales people are allowed to bitch about their jobs)  everybody hates his/her job.

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Sometimes it's the boss we hate, sometimes it's a colleague, sometimes it's the long commute to work (if I have to travel for 4 hours again in the rain to come back home from office, I swear I'll take up a job at the paanwala's shop near my house). It's even worse when you have a nice boss; your hatred is directed towards the work you do because there's no nasty boss to direct the misplaced frustration to.

Standing by the local paan shop outside office, you breathe out silent puffs of smoke in the air and wonder what meaning all of this has. This was never the plan. Get up in the morning, come to work, sit on a chair and type numbers all day and then head back to home braving the city traffic, or head to the local bar and down a couple of beers before retiring to your flat. You stub your cigarette out and head back to finish that half-written presentation.

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The point is any work when done as work will get boring; it will have its low points; it will be trying. Even if you are a porn star and you love sex, it will lose its charm after some time; doing something you love day in and day out will get mundane and THIS may be the hardest saddest truth about life. You could be a movie star and love what you do, but it doesn't mean you will never have bad days, even bad moments in a single day.

Even the most fun jobs have their challenges; a standup comic might bask in the glory of booming claps from the audience but he still spends his nights and days bent over his desk trying to write the funniest content. The grass is always greener on the other side and someone else's life will always seem happier and more fun to you. An engineer keying in codes on his screen might envy an artist who plays the guitar and gets to go on music tours, but the truth is the artist probably spends his spare time polishing his skill, his fingers swollen from too much practice, his neck hurting, as he worries about getting the next project that'll pay his rent on time.

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There are all kinds of jobs in this world. When you feel suffocated in your 9-to-5 cushy job which requires you to sit in an air-conditioned room in front of a computer, think of all those who have worse jobs than you. A doctor working in a government dispensary sits under a fan, attending to long queues of patients from all walks of life and with all kinds of ailments. Look at the cleaning guy suspended from the roof and wiping the glass windows of your swanky office as you sit inside and get a clearer view of the city's skyline from the window. If everybody was to quit their jobs because they were too darn difficult or boring, the world would come to a standstill.

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It's a positive shift that unlike the previous generations, we are choosing our own paths, often unconventional ones. Unlike our parents who often spent their whole lives in one job, we have the freedom and the will to opt out of something we no longer like, and we move on. The definition of success and financial stability has changed and changed in our benefit. We don't put up with bullshit and we don't believe in suffering.

But along with the freedom has come a restlessness, an impatience to find the perfect life. We have found easy escape routes. We have forgotten that there is no such thing as the perfect job, the perfect relationship and the perfect career. We have to make it happen, we have to slog our asses off and make it happen. At the end of the day, it's about working hard.

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You don't have to work in a 9-to-5 job, toiling over someone else's dream if you don't believe in it. Do your own thing, start an enterprise, sell something, teach, travel and make money out of it if you can figure out how, be an athlete, volunteer, a theatre actor, a standup comic  do whatever you want, but remember every kind of work will have hours of hard work, patience, dull days, sprained necks and hurt egos.

Often it's not the job you hate, it's the institutionalized ritual of sitting at a desk from 9 in the morning to 7 in the evening, typing day in day out. Freelance, take travel breaks, join a company that lets you work according to your own pace and comfort, make friends in office, find your comfort space in the concrete jungle and know when to get out of it regularly.

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Choose something you love and give it your 100 percent. Do we really want to spend our lives cribbing about our jobs and being miserable? If you are really miserable, switch  find a better job, find your own sweet spot and give it your best. If you are already doing something you wanted to, stop being miserable and find a way around it.
Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias will attend the Meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers taking place in Brussels tomorrow, Friday, 31 March.

The meeting of Foreign Ministers will focus on the importance of transatlantic cooperation, consolidation of regional and global security, and preparation for the May 2017 NATO Summit Meeting. There will also be a discussion of the challenges the Alliance in facing in the "Southern Neighbourhood" region, during which Foreign Minister Kotzias will highlight Greece's key role in regional stability.

During the working luncheon, which will also be attended by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms. Mogherini, there will be a discussion of NATO-Russia relations. Subsequently, the NATO-Ukraine Commission will convene, with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Klimkin in attendance.
I thank His Beatitude for inviting me to come to Cyprus and set out my thoughts, my debt to Cyprus.

Orthodoxy was always a religion, a faith, with an ecumenical voice, forced, under the Ottoman empire, to fragment into national churches and disseminate its theological message through the struggle for national revival. This is why Orthodox patriotism was always, at the same time, ecumenical.

Many people, trapped in a western mindset, wonder how the Church can be patriotic in a way that is compatible with political patriotism, even a leftists patriotism.

Those who wonder are making (in my opinion) two mistakes. They sometimes have trouble grasping the patriotic struggle, and they identify it with rampant nationalism, what we call chauvinism.

Patriotism is completely different from chauvinism. Patriotism is part of the citizen's identity, as is his religious sentiment. The struggle for this identity is an integral part of what we call the cultural struggle. The "culture wars" are an integral part of the great social struggles and strife, mainly in 19th century Germany and in the U.S. during the 20th century. Today they are present everywhere.

Patriotism is about defending the space where the citizen's day-to-day life is safeguarded; where there is pride in the achievements of the community to which he belongs. It is the continuation and creative development of civilisation, of the principles and values that are the foundation of a national entity organized into a political entity, more often than not as a state.

In contrast, chauvinism is the false sense of the superiority of the race, the tribe, to which one belongs, over the culture and identity of another. If patriotism is a positive outlook on the self, chauvinism is the denial and rejection of the other, of difference. The most extreme form of chauvinism is racism, hatred of what is different. Every patriot must draw a line against such phenomena and mindsets.

I deeply believe it to be a mistaken view that  in the name of the struggle for the homeland, culture, history, traditions  shows tolerance for extreme nationalism. Just as it is profoundly counterproductive and dangerous to reject patriotism in a well-meaning desire to counter chauvinism.

Greece and Cyprus belong to Western and European civilisation. They are producers of this civilisation; gave birth to it. They were part of the great democratic ancient Greek culture. Torches that lighted the path of history. They were the West, but not just the West. They were the crossroads that produced culture that influenced the East and the West. They were the melting pot recasting the cultures that came from the east and the south. In the age of feudalism and the creation of great territorial and maritime empires, this position they had as productive crossroads evolved into a crossroads of great geostrategic importance. Greece suffered the rule of the Ottoman Empire, and Cyprus both the territorial Ottoman empire and the more recent British maritime empire.

I want to underscore this self-evident historical reality, because as much as we are linked by multiple ties to the West, we are not exactly the same as its states. Two thirds of them were agents and practitioners of colonialism. But we weren't. So we not only have no reason to apologize, with the rest of the west, for the crimes of colonialism, but at the same time we mustn't forget that we were victims of colonial empires. By extension, based on international law, on the morality of the age of the creation of nation states  the belief in common principles and values  and even on current metaphysical and religious morality, we do not owe them, but they owe us. And it is proper  their debt  that they should refrain from exercising real or, even more so, non-existent rights over Cyprus and Greece. That they should refrain from behaving arrogantly towards us and, much more, from exercising any form of violence.

Unlike in 1821 and 1960, Greece and Cyprus are no longer states that are being formed. They are strong, independent states, members of many of the greatest organizations of today's world. States that contribute, along with all of the EU, to shaping the policy on Turkey's accession to the EU, on strengthening the regime of the Turkey-EU customs union, as well as on the UK's withdrawal from the EU. We are now judges, and not the judged. We share in the decision making on the highest national/state interests of third countries, as do the states I mentioned. With regard to the latter, in particular  with the negotiations on the fulfilment of their aspirations to start soon  I will state my assessment publicly: Their stance on us, and on the Cyprus issue, will significantly impact our future choices.

In the current age, they cannot invoke ties, rights, demands from a bygone era when Greece and Cyprus were still their colonies. That is why we are waiting for everyone to show us the requisite respect. The requisite respect for the principles of international law and the sense of justice and equity.

Greece was one of the first regions of great empires that pursued and, through persistent struggle, won its national independence. Long before the great empires collapsed. With its revolution of national liberation, which is considered to have begun on 25 March 1821, it showed peoples that there needs to be unity in the soul, desire in the mind and heart, with resolve. Any lack of the above qualities, in the form of civil conflict  brother against brother  or less enthusiastic philhellenism, which was vital to the success of the revolution, jeopardised the Revolution itself. The price was very high: collapse of the country, indebtedness, high borrowing costs throughout the history of the modern Greek state.

The history of the Greek revolution continued with the expansion of the Greek state and the inclusion of more and more regions that were historically Greek and where the majority of the population was Greek. When Greece stopped discerning its integration into a state from expansion into foreign spaces, it was led into the Asia Minor catastrophe. When it moved towards conducting itself in the manner of the states that had territorial empires, it was defeated and surrendered its rights. In the end, its geographical extension and the expansion of its population remained incomplete.

This had been preceded by another mistaken choice on the part of Greece's ruling class: The refusal, in 1914, to join the Alliance of powers fighting the Austro-German Central Powers. When, in exchange for this participation  or at least concession of Greek rights over an Ionian island  Great Britain offered the unification of colonized Cyprus with Greece. Greece participated in World War I in the end, after 1916, but without the considerations of 1914.

The Asia Minor Catastrophe and the misstep of 1914 were the result of one-sided orientations of the country's dominant forces toward specific alliances and dependencies.

Today we know that Greece is part of the West, but at the same time it is a bridge between the East and the West. We know that it needs to have a multidimensional and proactive democratic foreign policy with a plethora of initiatives. That it needs to bear the international balance of power in mind and not ignore the aspirations and desires of others.

We know that, as Greeks, we need to develop our capabilities  capacities, I call them  for understanding the current problems, for formulating alternative solutions and always implementing the best possible solution.

The Second World War was catalytic. It ushered in the age of the end of empires, including maritime empires, such as Britain's. The fight to resolve the national issue was linked with the social issue. The armed combat of peoples with mass movements demanding solutions to day-to-day and structural problems. The struggle for self-determination with the inclusion of the rights of smaller communities and minorities. Wherever this combination did not occur, long-term problems took shape; problems impacting a number of states to this day.

After the Second World War, thanks to the struggle of citizens and mass movements, history once again put the Cyprus issue on the Agenda. As a problem of liberation and, at the same time, regulation of state and social relations.

It is a fact that the sense of historical continuity played an important role in Cypriots' self-consciousness. On the other hand, the inclinations of the Turkish Cypriots and the ways in which they might collaborate in the struggle for self-determination were not borne adequately in mind, and the Turkish factor was sometimes overestimated, and at other times underestimated. Unilateral perspectives led to problems with the Turkish Cypriot community, which utilised the British factor with "exceeding skill".

Turkey and certain Turkish Cypriot leaders were "incorporated" with great ease into the British plans for instigating opposition between the two communities of Cyprus.

The British made Turkey a player again in a game in which the latter had officially and "irreversibly" renounced (then and only then) any rights with regard to Cyprus.

The foreign player, as in 19th century Greece, intensified the domestic strife in Cyprus. They capitalised on every mistake made by the self-determination movement. They tried to transform the Cyprus issue from a matter of self-determination, social justice and national liberation into a matter of relations within Cyprus.

They treated the island's swelling liberation movement harshly. They tortured and killed members of the struggle who chose, starting on 1 April 1955, to resist by every means, including armed means, pointing up the courage, self-sacrifice and tragic end of a number of heroes of the Cypriot struggle.

In 1956, they banned AKEL, thus pointing up the link between the movement for the liberation of Cyprus and the social issue, the issues of democracy, equality and freedom.

The Cyprus problem became an issue at the UN and was internationalised. The mistakes that were made gave a "foothold" to London, which endeavoured:

- to involve Turkey as a "third player" in the Cyprus issue,

- to impose itself as the promoter of the "castrated independence" of the Cypriot republic, and

- to make Turkey once again a player on and within the Cyprus issue.

Neither of the two  Turkey or the UK  wanted a fully independent democratic Cyprus. At the same time, in Greece  as among the Greek Cypriots  there was self-deception as to the role of the UN. The old colonial powers, rather than the emerging world of independence and the liberation movement, were still dominant within the UN.

Our side expected a great deal more from the UN than what the UN could actually give. At that time, too, the UN proved necessary to the resolution of the Cyprus problem. But it did not lead automatically and in every case to a just and functional solution.

On the Cyprus issue, there often wasn't a clear assessment of the international balance of power at a given time or the geopolitical changes arising from the balance of power. Turkey's weaknesses and capabilities were not accurately assessed. Whereas the British plans for the utilisation and involvement of Turkey in any resolution of the Cyprus issue were underestimated.

The chain of events is well known. The founding of the Republic of Cyprus was accompanied by two Treaties that were anything but helpful: the treaty of guarantee, and the treaty of alliance.

When the junta yes-men decided to depose Makarios in the name of unification, but in reality to serve the interests of third parties, the Cypriot state entered upon a course of great anguish.

I would like, Your Beatitude, Dear Mr. President,

To apologize on behalf of all of us, here in this special place, for the crimes of the junta of Athens.

Today, the Cyprus problem is one of the most complex problems of international politics. Multiple players are involved, with different and often conflicting objectives.

The Cyprus problem includes multiple and multi-level problems: the social and intercommunal issues, the issues of history. But from the perspective of international relations and international law, the Cyprus problem is first and foremost a problem of the occupation of Cyprus by a foreign army.

Turkey's armed and violent intervention in Cyprus, on the pretext of protecting the Turkish Cypriots, violated the treaties of London and Zurich. It was and is illegal. Is violated the UN Charter and all of the rules and provisions of international law.

The Turkish intervention uprooted thousands of Cypriots from their homes. It made refugees of tens of thousands of Greek Cypriots and forced the Turkish Cypriots to live under a de facto military regime. The majority of the latter were forced to leave Cyprus. Turkey put more and more pressure on them through its military presence and through transporting settlers to the eastern region, making life unbearable for the Turkish Cypriots. This fact is not covered up by Turkey's public demand for the rights of the Turkish Cypriots. Moreover, in no way is Turkey prepared to give similar rights to all of its own populations. Essentially, Ankara is not interested in the Turkish Cypriots, but in securing its own geostrategic "rights".

In contrast with Turkey, Greece is not involving itself in the negotiations on the internal aspect of the Cyprus problem, because it fully respects the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus. Whatever opinion we might have on these aspects of the negotiations, we never stated them, publicly or privately. Our respect for the Republic of Cyprus is absolute and unmitigated.

Greece involved itself in the Cyprus issue via the assistance it provided towards Cyprus's accession to the EU. Together with the late Giannos Kranidiotis, we fought for Cyprus's accession to the EU. After the 1997 veto in Luxembourg, we  Greece and the other members of the EU  moved towards the honest and progressive compromise of Tampere, in the fall of 1999, which took shape in the Helsinki decisions and the opening of Cyprus's path to European accession.

Today, Greece is involved in the external/international aspect of the negotiations on the Cyprus problem. Regarding the two aforementioned Treaties in which, for better or for worse, it participated and has undertaken international commitments and responsibilities.

In this context, the international aspect of the Cyprus issue is made up of three interrelated problems: the system of guarantees, the supposed third-party rights of intervention in Cyprus, the presence of foreign troops on Cyprus.

As soon as the new government of Greece came into office in January 2015, we immediately informed the UN and every international player involved in the Cyprus issue that our position is that this system and these treaties should be abolished, with no ifs or buts. And this is because such a system is illegal according to current international law and all of the UN resolutions. Because this system was used to employ violence  and armed violence, at that  which international law prohibits. Because it is an anachronistic system that does not reflect the realities of the Republic of Cyprus.

Many sides tried to keep the issues of the guarantees and rights of intervention in Cyprus from being put on the agenda of the Cyprus negotiations.

This was also clear in Geneva. Turkey was not in a position, or did not want, to make any proposal. Perhaps it had been caught up in the delusion that we don't mean what we say. But we mean it, and we mean it categorically. Because how can you say you are solving a problem when you want to leave the problem's substance and foundation intact?

It is no coincidence that, following the first day of talks in Geneva, the Turkish Foreign Minister stated that he had supposedly more important things to do than discuss the Cyprus problem, saying he had to go to Ankara due to the election campaign and the developments in Syria. In this way, he refused to stay for the second day of the talks. Subsequently, consciously lying, he stated that we left Geneva, while we were still there with the UN Secretary General.

The main thing, of course, is that the Turks left Geneva because they didn't want to, or couldn't, discuss what is, from an international perspective, the core of the Cyprus problem: the elimination of guarantees and of any potential for intervention, and the withdrawal of the occupation army.

It was obvious that, the day after the Geneva talks, they were looking for an excuse to divert the negotiations to other issues. They are now very well aware that they cannot convince anyone in the world that they have the right to a military presence, or to intervene, in Cyprus. That is why they chose a win-win option: to raise new, irrelevant issues in order to cover for their inability or unwillingness to discuss the main issue, or, in the best case, to gain the potential to control Cyprus through non-military means, in order to compromise on other issues. This is how we got to the demand concerning the "four freedoms" for the Turks.

Simultaneously, people in institutional positions in occupied Cyprus, like the pseudo-prime minister, referred to a 'plan B' and the potential for Turkey's annexing occupied Cyprus. Others in occupied Cyprus talked about a "Gibraltar model". It is remarkable that the international players, who are so sensitive on other issues, act as if they didn't hear any of that.

The Turks demands for the four freedoms do not concern the Cyprus problem. It is a demand being made to the EU in the name of the Cyprus problem. In reality, that is, Turkey is demanding that those involved in the Cyprus issue take care to satisfy the aforementioned demands if they want to see the Cyprus problem resolved. Thus, once again, Turkey is trying to cover up the issue of the Occupation and promote its own rights as a supposed central issue of the Cyprus problem. It does this by asking, on the one hand, for a military base  for reasons that have to do with the Middle East issue  and, on the other hand, for the "four freedoms", which have to do with the rights of Turks in the EU.

Personally, after Geneva, I expected the Turks to raise irrelevant issues as a form of leverage. They didn't surprise me. I was more impressed by the conduct of the international mediator. What did this mediator do? Did he, perhaps, instead of mediating between the two communities, proclaim himself mediator between Turkey and the EU? I ask myself, does he have such a mandate, and from whom? If Turkey wants something from the EU, Turkey should go to the EU and negotiate for it. They will be welcome. But the others have no business believing that, because of the Cyprus issue, they are obliged to contribute to satisfying Turkey's demands, which have to do with its relations with the EU.

And I ask myself, did they undertake to resolve the Cyprus problem following the violations of the previous agreements, or did they undertake the better implementation of the old agreements and their most pro-Turkish interpretation?

Is it perhaps advocacy, rather than mediation, when they undertake to explain to them how to best phrase their demands to the EU?

Are they perhaps functioning as lobbyists in the service of Turkey?

In closing, Greece's struggle in the 19th century and the Cypriot struggle for self-determination in the 20th century did not take place to serve the interests of third parties. These were struggles for independence and sovereignty. So that our peoples could live in peace and not in slavery.

Today, Greece supports every choice made by Cyprus concerning the internal aspect of the negotiations on the Cyprus problem. Greece supports a Cyprus not controlled by foreign armies, outdated systems of guarantees, any kind of external guarantees from the invaders. Prohibition of any third-party intervention or any infringement of international law or use of violence in international relations, wherever that violence may come from.

Greece supports the granting of rights to the three minorities (Maronites, Armenians, Latins). The maximum possible rights for the Turkish Cypriots, so that they too can dream of Cyprus as their homeland, their children's homeland, far from injustices and foreign interventions. The maximum security for the Greek Cypriots, in a unified and creative Homeland.

Thank you.
BAD AXE  The Huron County Board of Commissioners appointed three new faces to the Huron County Planning Commission Wednesday.

Newcomers Charles Bumhoffer, Robert McLean and Ken Walker, along with incumbent planner Bernie Creguer, will have three-year terms on the planning board, starting next week.

Jeff Smith, county building and zoning director, told the board that according to state law, one planner must be a current school board member or school administrator.

But the board voted to choose from its remaining applicants rather than posting the position again to specifically target a school official.

"(It's) such a good pool," said Commissioner John A. Nugent. "Why throw it away?"

The board can revisit appointing a school official later, he said.

The board voted 5-2 to rescind a January decision to put a board of commissioners member on the planning commission, and to appoint another planning commission member to the nine-member board.

Creguer was the final member appointed.

Sami Khoury, who chairs the board of commissioners, said he had received a lot of phone calls over the past week, all in favor of multiple candidates.

"These are very tough choices," he said.

Khoury first tried to appoint Bumhoffer, McLean and Mike Lorencz. Nugent made the motion to do so, and Commissioner Steve Vaughan supported it. The vote failed, 3-4.

Khoury then substituted Walker for Lorencz on that slate, and that vote passed 4-3.

During final board comment, the board decided to appoint the fourth planner.

According to the state law, the board "shall make every reasonable effort" to appoint a school official to the planning commission, Smith said.

Once the board decided to appoint the fourth planner, Khoury suggested appointing Lorencz to the seat, and Nugent made a motion to do so. But no one supported the motion.

Khoury then tried to appoint Bill Renn.

The vote on a motion to appoint Renn failed 2-5.

Keith Iseler was Khoury's next appointee, and the board voted against that appointment. Khoury cast one of the "no" votes.

Creguer's appointment then passed unanimously.

Bumhoffer, of Sebewaing, has experience in business and automotive manufacturing.

McLean is a member of the Paris Township Planning Commission. He was a member of the former Huron County Wind Energy Zoning Committee.

He worked as a technician in the dental field.

Walker is a veterinarian. He is a former member of the Sand Beach Township Board of Trustees, as well as the Sand Beach Planning Commission.

Creguer, who is the Meade Township supervisor, begins his fourth term on the county planning commission.

The planners will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the County Building.
CARO  The Tuscola County Sheriff's Office is warning people of a scam letter brought into the department by several residents over the past few days.

According to the sheriff's office, the letterhead reads Investec Financial Incorporated and says the recipient is a prize winner and includes a check for the prize money. However, to claim the money, the recipient must pay for a sizeable processing fee.
Neal Urwitz is director of External Relations at the Center for a New American Security, where Amy Schafer is a research associate in the Military, Veterans, and Society Program.

Following almost every crisis and scandal, the person, company or government entity responsible is tempted chalk it up as "just a PR problem."

"If only they knew the real us," they say, "they'd never think we were irresponsible or immoral. We just need to sell ourselves better."

The inclination is easy to understand -- PR problems are easier to solve than "real" ones. Yet that approach almost always makes matters worse. Take how Ferguson, Missouri hired a PR firm after the shooting of Michael Brown to talk about how the city was a great place to raise a family. It backfired, to say the least.

Facing the Marines United scandal, the Marine Corps is at the same crossroads. It must resist the temptation to treat this is as just a PR crisis. If it doesn't address the root issues, it won't just harm its operational and recruiting capabilities; it will, ironically, also lose the PR war.

Thus far, both the commandant and the sergeant major of the Marine Corps appear to be taking this incredibly seriously, but when the current news cycle passes, there will be pressure to return to the status quo.

As Leona Lansing said to Lucas Pruitt in HBO's "The Newsroom," "You have a PR problem because you have an actual problem."

That the Marine Corps has an "actual" problem should not be up for debate. This "scandal" is indicative of broader problems  and it's nothing new. According to the most recent RAND study on sexual harassment and sexual assault in the military, women in the Marine Corps are the most likely military demographic to experience any type of sexual assault.

Both Military Times and Task & Purpose reported as early as 2012 on the use of social media by Marines to harass and degrade women, both inside and outside the Corps. Each time, the Marine Corps salutes smartly and promises change, citing the Department of Defense's zero-tolerance policy, yet these order and discipline issues re-emerge.

As Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) asked Gen. Robert Neller, "Why should we believe that it's going to be different this time?"

The difference must be that the Marine Corps takes this seriously as a problem within the Corps, and not a PR nightmare to be papered over.

Further, this is a strategic issue in addition to a moral issue, though the immorality of sharing nude photos of your "sisters in arms," shouldn't be lost on anyone. This could cause tremendous long-term damage to the Marine Corps' efforts to recruit women.

Neller has testified as to the increased strength women bring to the Marine Corps, setting recruitment goals to hit 10 percent female accessions -- a feat that will likely be unachievable in the wake of this scandal.

In recent Senate Armed Services Committee hearings, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) called this "devastatingly bad" for the Corps' ability to recruit women, pressing both the commandant and sergeant major of the Marine Corps on whether they could in good faith tell a daughter to join the service right now.

If the Corps doesn't handle the underlying issues, it will get hammered when a similar scandal inevitably breaks, losing the PR war and yet again breaking faith with the women Neller is asking to trust him.

It will not be able to rely on the crisis communications playbook, which is to point to all of your efforts to combat the problem and show the world that you take the issue even more seriously than they do. Rather, it will face damning questions such as, "Why have you still not addressed this issue?" and "Why did something as awful as Marines sharing naked pictures of their brethren not spur you to action?"

Such questions, of course, would put the Corps in a no-win situation.

This isn't to say that the Marine Corps shouldn't pursue a PR reclamation project in addition to its efforts to address underlying issues. It should absolutely let Congress, the media and the public know about its efforts to fix the problem by taking proactive steps to counteract the command climate and culture in which these issues arose.

This must begin with real change -- strongly considering the integration of basic recruit training, retraining current members of the Corps on acceptable language and behavior toward women, and aggressively punishing Marines who continue to perpetuate these attitudes.

The cornerstone of any efforts will be punishing the guilty and holding commanding officers accountable in the wake of this and similar scandals. That is the only way the Corps can reassure the women it wants to recruit that it will be a place where talent and service is valued more than gender.

If Marine Corps leadership, however, wraps itself in the comfortable belief that all it needs to do is communicate better, it will make the problem far worse. It will fail in its mission.

-- If you would like to submit your own commentary, please send your article to opinions@military.com for consideration.
Camp Lejeune Town Halls Aim to Help Those Exposed to Toxic Water. Heres How You Can Go.

Retired Marine Master Sgt. Jerry Ensminger made it his mission to tell the world that if they lived or served on Camp Lejeune...
Gen. Carlton Everhart II is head of the Air Force's Air Mobility Command.

The U.S. Air Force's Air Mobility Command plays a crucial role in U.S. national defense, but it also serves as an extension of international diplomacy.

Mobility airmen provide our nation unfaltering airlift, air refueling, en route support and in-flight medical care -- so unfaltering that our nation is in danger of viewing these mobility capabilities as national birthrights rather than an enduring strategic investment.

Rapid global mobility is the kind of airpower our nation requires and our joint and coalition partners expect. The United States is the only nation able to mobilize and project power globally within a moment's notice, providing a game-changing national defense advantage. These multi-role international effects are at risk.

The need for airlift, air refueling, en-route support and aeromedical care will remain in demand, but will face increased vulnerability in a rapidly evolving global dynamic. Unpredictable budgets, an aging aircraft fleet, pilot shortages and playing catch-up to an evolving threat environment are several pressing challenges Air Mobility Command faces.

Air Mobility Command, headquartered at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the steward of these vital national mobility capabilities. It also flies the president of the United States aboard Air Force One. These capabilities are pillars of U.S. military strength, global reach and a key part of what makes the United States a military power.

Expeditionary Mobility Airmen are deployed to 77 locations in 23 countries and their hard work enables AMC aircraft to take off every 2.8 minutes somewhere around the globe. In 2016 alone, our airmen flew 75,000-plus sorties, transported 913,000 passengers and warriors, moved more than 4,000 patients and transferred 1.2 billion pounds of fuel to thirsty aircraft. For the year, AMC activity touched 173 countries and resulted in more than 577,000 hours in the sky. This is roughly equivalent to 24,000 days or nearly 66 continuous years in the air.

While we provide a daily impact to global, kinetic missions, the mission value extends beyond traditional military effects.

U.S. mobility aircraft represent "gray-tail diplomacy" with our airmen creating critical first impressions and the U.S. flag proudly displayed on our aircraft. Our airmen are often the first ones on the ground conducting humanitarian assistance after a natural disaster, and the people they're helping see the U.S. flag on our aircraft. That same flag is displayed on our presidential airlift platform -- Air Force One. When we put our aeromedical evacuation teams to work, the patients they care for see that flag on the crews' shoulders and their actions demonstrate the values in the hearts of mobility airmen. AMC, U.S. Air Force airmen and families serving are making a difference.

As impressive as this may be, these effects are being achieved with far less capability than we had in the 1990s, prior to budget constraints.

Let's consider the tanker fleet. In the 1990s, the AMC tanker fleet stood at 600 aircraft strong. Today, there are 455 total force active-duty, Guard and Reserve tanker aircraft available to the nation. Demand for this capability hasn't gone down, placing significant stress on the fleet.

Consider that mobility tankers alone comprise 40 percent of the total U.S. Air Force contribution to fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, with our airmen refueling one aircraft every five minutes in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Mobility airmen airlift equipment, supplies and people into places such as the Middle East. AMC airmen, for example, established the airfield at Qayyarah West, enabling the fight against ISIS in Mosul.

Mobility airmen are required to overcome the tyranny of distance and ensure timely response to any crisis around the globe. Over the years, uncertain access to foreign soil has resulted in enhanced reliance on airlift and refueling capability.

Our airmen sustain an incredibly high operational tempo and have for a long time. Service is in their hearts and they are producing tremendous effects in aircraft considered antiques in civilian terms. The average age of KC-135s is 55 years old; some are 60-plus years old. The world continues to change at a rapid pace, but some of the platforms we expect airmen to operate remain fixed and dated.

The civilian industry continues to heavily recruit our highly trained pilots and maintainers. We've had to cut our maintenance ranks and now we're paying the price.

To mitigate a very real risk to our national security, we're going to have to modernize our fleet, work with the civilian aviation industry to seek the best way forward on the pilot shortage without decimating our ranks and utilize technology and maintenance practices existing in the airlines to position the force for the future.

We have already started collaborating with our airline partners in search of strategic solutions. It's imperative that we find a way forward. In the next four years, 1,600 mobility pilots will be eligible to separate from the service.

We must overcome our struggles with modernizing our capabilities and position our aircraft and people to operate and deliver in increased threat environments.

To that end, we are co-sponsoring a High Value Airborne Asset Assessment with the Defense Department to explore improving the survivability of the mobility fleet. We must learn with our industry partners, exploring concepts across the total active-duty, Reserve and Guard force to reduce wear-and-tear on our aging fleet.

We're at a point where we are making tough choices as our capacity to support ever-evolving global missions drives increased demand -- and without a strong mobility presence, the ability to achieve strategic military and diplomatic effects is eroded.

We're simply too small for the missions our nation and the world expects us to deliver.

-- If you would like to submit your own commentary, please send your article to opinions@military.com for consideration.
Army equipment officials said Thursday that the service's newest combat helmet will feel significantly lighter to soldiers while providing the same protection.

The Advanced Combat Helmet Gen II will replace the legacy Advanced Combat Helmet, which was fielded about 15 years ago.

The service earlier this month awarded Revision Military, based in Essex Junction in Vermont, a contract worth about $98 million to make 293,870 of the new helmets.

Made of high-density polyethylene instead of the current helmet's Kevlar, the ACH Gen II weighs about 2.5 pounds in size large -- about a 24-percent weight reduction, officials from Program Executive Office Soldier said at Fort Belvoir in Virginia.

For small and medium sizes, the Gen II is about 21-percent lighter than the standard ACH, making the new helmet an average of 22-percent lighter, Maj. Brandon Motte, assistant product manager for Soldier Protective Equipment, told reporters Thursday.

Despite being lighter, the ACH Gen II provides the same protection against fragmentation and 9mm projectiles as the current helmet, equipment officials maintain.

The Army has come a long way in head protection since the steel pot, which was replaced in the early 1980s by the Kevlar Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops, or PASGT, helmet.

The weight reduction from the ACH to the ACH Gen II is "double and triple" what was achieved when the ACH replaced the PASGT, said Jacob Hopping, chief system engineer for the program.

"This is the largest weight reduction we have ever had on a head protection item," he said. "We have never had this big of a jump and maintained the same protection level. This is a truly revolutionary move."

Soldiers wear a helmet 12 to 18 hours a day in training and combat situations. Over an extended period of time, it causes a lot of fatigue and stress on the body that can reduce a soldier's overall effectiveness, Motte said.

The ACH Gen II is an example of how the service is working to reduce the soldier's combat load.

"What we have been able to demonstrate to the Army and to our fellow soldiers is that the Army can and will continue to get after weight reduction and to give them a solution that they can ... definitely feel the difference," said Lt. Col. Kathy Brown, product manager for Soldier Protective Equipment. "And you can tell with these helmets. You can truly feel the difference in the weight."

But the ACH Gen II isn't the first helmet to use high-density polyethylene fibers.

The Army also fields the Enhanced Combat Helmet to soldiers for high-threat combat situations such as Iraq and Afghanistan. The ECH is about the same weight as the standard ACH but provides increased protection and is capable of stopping rifle rounds, Brown said.

"You do have some more high-intensity conflicts such as Iraq and Afghanistan than where as we were going out to the Horn of Africa or other contingencies that are not as high threat," Brown said, explaining that the ECH is currently on the Rapid Fielding Initiative list for deployments.

The ECH will also form the bridge in technology to the Integrated Head Protection System, which the Army hopes to begin fielding by 2020.

It features a base helmet with add-ons such as a visor, a "mandible" portion that protects the lower jaw, and a "ballistic applique" that is much like a protective layer that attaches over the base helmet.

Eventually, all deploying soldiers will get the IHPS with the base helmet, which is the standard configuration. Other soldiers, vehicle gunners in particular, will also get the mandible portion and the ballistic applique, known as the turret configuration.

The goal is to refine the polyethylene helmet to maximize both weight reduction and increased protection.

"This really was a focused effort to see how far we could push the weight reduction and maintain the same level of protection" Hopping said. "We pushed the technology as far as we could."

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.
Two Marine Corps noncommissioned officers who died protecting others during a 2015 terrorist shooting rampage in Chattanooga, Tennessee, will receive a medal the service reserves for acts of non-combat heroism.

Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan and Staff Sgt. David Wyatt will be posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal in a May 7 ceremony in Chattanooga, Capt. Andrew Chrestman, a spokesman for Marine Forces Reserve, told Military.com. The news was first reported by local station WRCB. The Marines' medal citations will be made available closer to the award date, officials said.

The Navy and Marine Corps Medal, the service's highest award for non-combat heroism, is reserved for troops whose actions save the lives of others at risk to their own. Previous recipients have included troops who shielded others from live grenades in training, and a sailor who sacrificed his own life to protect a security guard who was under fire. Only about 3,000 of the medals have been awarded.

Sullivan and Wyatt were two of the five troops killed July 16, 2015, when Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez fired on two military installations: first a recruiting center, then a Navy Reserve Center. In the chaos and terror, both Marines relied on split-second judgment and bravery to save lives, according to multiple accounts.

Wyatt, a 37-year-old artilleryman assigned to Mike Battery, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marines, a Chattanooga-based Reserve unit, was at the Navy Reserve center when the shooter used his vehicle to ram through a security gate. He directed his junior Marines to go to a nearby park, round up the children there, and lead them to shelter, according to documents obtained by Marine Corps Times in 2015. Wyatt and three other Marines would be shot in a fenced motor pool area at the back of the complex, shortly before police shot and killed the murderer.

Sullivan, 40, was a two-time Purple Heart recipient and Iraq veteran also assigned to Mike Battery. He was running to save wounded colleagues in the Reserve center motor pool when he was felled by the shooter, according to an account from a fellow Marine, Sgt. Amanda Vincent, published in Masslive.com.

In messages shared with the Sullivan family and later published, Vincent said Sullivan had a chance to jump the fence and run to safety, but opted to stay back and wait until the other Marines had gotten away. He and another Marine had been about to enter the center, but got word that the gunman was coming out and changed course.

"They ran back to the Marines outside and [Sullivan] made sure they all jumped over the fence and got away," Vincent said, according to the report.

This will be the second posthumous honor for Wyatt and Sullivan. In 2016, they and four other service members were honored with the Purple Heart after the FBI determined that Abdulazeez was "inspired by a foreign terror organization," a criterion for non-combat recipients of the award. Also honored were Sgt. Carson A. Holmquist, Lance Cpl. Squire D. "Skip" Wells and Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall Smith, who were all fatally wounded by the shooter; and Sgt. Demonte Cheeley, a recruiter who was wounded in the leg but was able to return to work the same month.

In a statement to WRCB in December 2015, Wyatt's widow, Lorri Wyatt, said she grieved that her husband would not be there to receive his award and urged the government to take action to prevent future domestic terrorist attacks.

"When I heard he was receiving the Purple Heart, I completely crumbled," she wrote. "I am glad he is being given this award, for the bravery that he showed that horrific day. I broke down, knowing he wasn't going to be able to see it, this wasn't going to be presented to David, because he is no longer with us."

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at@HopeSeck.
No film better encapsulated the patriotic fervor of the Reagan era than John Milius 1984 cult classic Red Dawn. Its a flag-waving, National Anthem-singing, gun-clutching, commie-killing masterpiece of propaganda that spoke to the hearts of every red-blooded American who spent the Cold War fantasizing about the day their love of country would be put to the ultimate test.

When the film begins, our heroes  a group of high school students calling themselves Wolverines retreat into the wilderness after Soviet paratroopers descend on their small Colorado town. The year is 1989 and World War III is underway. Thanks to the Second Amendment, the Wolverines are able to launch an armed insurgency against the communist invaders. The stakes are high: A third of the United States is under Soviet control and civilians are being massacred in droves. The ensuing battle for Americas future is bloody  so bloody, in fact, that upon its release Red Dawn earned condemnation from the National Coalition on Television Violence as the most violent movie ever made.

Of course, the world is a much different place in 2017. As far as film violence goes, Red Dawn is laughably mild compared to what is currently considered acceptable. Also, the Russians might be our friends now. Were not sure. Still, the films legacy lives on. In 2009, the National Review included Red Dawn on its list of Best Conservative Movies of the Last 25 Years, and there was enough hype around the 2012 remake starring Chris Hemsworth to help the film gross more than $48 million, despite terrible reviews. Maybe Red Dawn was just too much a product of its time to make much sense in the post-Cold War world, but its still a timeless film.Here are eight more interesting behind-the-scenes facts about Red Dawn that may deepen your appreciation of the film  or at least help prepare you for your next trivia night.

1. An actual military operation was named after the movie in 2003. The U.S. military mission that led to the capture of Saddam Hussein in 2003 was codenamed Operation Red Dawn. Operation Red Dawn was so fitting because it was a patriotic, pro-American movie, Army Capt. Geoffrey McMurray, who picked the name, told USA Today.

2. In 1984, tensions between the U.S. and the USSR were so high that the Soviets boycotted the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, citing security concerns as the primary reason. Chauvinistic sentiments and an anti-Soviet hysteria are being whipped up in the [United States], read a statement released by the Soviet National Olympic Committee when the boycott was announced. The fact that Red Dawn premiered that year probably didnt help alleviate their fears.

3. Red Dawn was directed by John Milius, who at the time was best known as the screenwriter of Apocalypse Now. In his 20s, Milius tried volunteering for military service during the Vietnam War, but was rejected because he had asthma. It was totally demoralizing, he later recalled in an interview. I missed going to my war. It probably caused me to be obsessed with war ever since. Milius was known to carry a loaded pistol with him on set, according to IMDB. He was also the inspiration for John Goodmans character in The Big Lebowski.

4. The Red Dawn remake was filmed in 2009, but didnt premiere until 2012. Part of the reason for the delay was the decision to cast China, instead of Russia, as the villain. This raised serious concerns among potential distributors, who feared the choice would alienate the Chinese market. As a result, Chinese flags and military symbols were digitally erased from the film and dialogue was altered. When the film finally premiered, North Korean troops made up the bulk of the invading force. In a 2014 interview with Crave, Milius said he hadnt seen the remake and had no intention of ever seeing it. I dont think theres many kids sitting around thinking about Korea landing on our schools, he said.

5. The cast of the original Red Dawn underwent eight weeks of military training before filming began. The movies technical advisor was quoted in the films production notes saying, we took them out into the hills and ran them from sunup to sundown. Patrick Swayze, who played the leader of the Wolverines, was also quoted saying, I learned things I shouldnt know. I know how to make bombs out of household good, according to AMC.

6. Red Dawn is rated PG-13 thanks to Steven Spielberg. Up until 1984, there were only four film ratings: G, PG, R, and X. Spielberg changed that with a phone call. I remember calling Jack Valenti [then the president of the Motion Picture Association] and suggesting to him that we need a rating between R and PG, because so many films were falling into a netherworld, you know, of unfairness, Spielberg told Vanity Fair in 2008. Unfair that certain kids were exposed to Jaws, but also unfair that certain films were restricted, that kids who were 13, 14, 15 should be allowed to see. The first film to receive the PG-13 rating? Red Dawn.

via GIPHY

7. Red Dawn launched the careers of Patrick Swayze, Lea Thompson, Jennifer Grey, and Charlie Sheen. In fact, it was Sheens first feature film. However, in 1987, Sheen told ET that he wasnt all that impressed with how Red Dawn turned out. The film is such a comic book, he said. It was such a great concept on paper, but I think if Milius had paid more attention to his actors than his tank, we mightve had something. I thought it was detrimental to the final outcome of the film.

8. A key scene may have been deleted because of a real-life mass murder. The original trailer for the film included a scene of a tank rolling up to a McDonalds where enemy soldiers are eating, according to IMBD. Its speculated that the scene never made the final cut because of the so-called San Ysidro McDonalds massacre. On July 18, 1984, a 41-year-old man named James Huberty walked into a McDonalds in the San Diego neighborhood of San Ysidro and shot and killed 21 people and injured 19 others.

Adam Linehan is a senior staff writer for Task & Purpose. Between 2006-2012, he served as a combat medic in the U.S. Army, and is a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan. Follow Adam Linehan on Twitter Task & Purpose,. Follow Task & Purpose on Twitter.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (center) poses for a photo with Ford and Canadian government officials Thursday, March 30 at the Essex Engine Plant in Windsor, Ontario. (Benjamin Raven)

WINDSOR, ONTARIO -- In what has been a busy week, Ford announced a C$1.2 billion investment into its Canadian operations with C$600 million going to the Essex Engine Plant in Windsor.

The C$1.2 billion in investments (US $903 million) have all come in the last six months.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in attendance for the Thursday, March 30 announcement in Windsor, and said the federal and Ontario government will make matching investments of C$102.4 million.

The investments will add 300 software and hardware engineers to a newly established Ottawa Research and Engineering Centre. One-hundred additional jobs will be based in the United States to support the new Ottawa team.

Ford's new Ottawa research center will focus on "advanced engineering for telematics software and connected vehicle service." Meaning it will hone in on vehicle modems, new driver-assist features and autonomous vehicles. The center will have hubs in Waterloo and Oakville, Ontario, in addition to U.S.-based operations in North Carolina and Florida.

The investments will help create 800 "good, middle class" jobs and protect thousands more for Canadians, Trudeau said during the news conference.

"This is about positioning Canada as a global centre for automotive innovation, creating better opportunities for Canadians, and keeping Canada's automotive manufacturing sector competitive," he said. "These are the kind of things that can happen when we all work together."

These investments will also add a new global engine program to the fold, which has a 15-day launch goal.

Earlier in the week, Ford announced $1.9 billion in investments at home in Michigan. Tuesday's announced investments include $850 million to the Michigan Assembly Plant, $150 million to support 130 jobs at its Romeo Engine facility, and $200 million to add an advanced data center to support the automaker's future with mobility.

This investment combined with Ford's January investment of $700 million into the Flat Rock Assembly plant. Combining those investments is how we get to the $1.9 billion figure for the company's new investments in Michigan in 2017.

For Ford of Canada, the C$1.2 billion of investments in the last six months alone comes from a C$700 million investment in November combined with the C$500 million announced Friday.

For Trudeau, it was somewhat of an emotional return to the plant his father helped break ground on while he was Canada's Prime Minister back in 1978. He called it an emotional day, as he was able to hold the shovel his father held the day officials broke ground on Ford's Essex Engine Plant.

It was also an emotional day for Unifor president Jerry Dias and Local 200 president Chris Taylor, who negotiated a new labor agreement with Ford at the conceptual buzzer back in November 2016.

Dias, who gave a fist pump ripped his tie off the moment he stepped to the podium, displayed his passion for the Windsor workers in attendance by telling them umpteen times that this was "their day."

"I would like to congratulate the PM as I like him a hell of a lot more than the other guy," Dias said to a room packed full of Canadian government and Ford officials. "This signals that Canada knows how to create real jobs. We have 1.2 billion reasons to be here today."

After the event, Joe Hinrichs, Ford President of the Americas, declined to comment on the specific nature of the engine program and any possible ties to the hotly-anticipated return of the Ford Bronco and Ranger.
People & Achievements

From new hires and promotions to industry awards, here's a roundup of achievements by businesses and individuals in the greater Ann Arbor area:

 Ann Arbor Carpets Flooring America employees Jenny Mrozinski and Doug Mitchell headed to Guatemala to participate in a home build operation through Habitat for Humanity Guatemala Global Village Trip. Ann Arbor Carpets Flooring America employees have also participated in local home builds through Habitat for Humanity Huron Valley and will be sponsoring two Women Build activities in April and May where a team of 12 women will be building one home for a deserving family in the Ann Arbor community.

 Koch & White Heating and Cooling of Ann Arbor has been awarded the Carrier(r) 2017 President's Award -- Carrier's highest honor for its dealers. This annual award is designed to encourage self-analysis and reward individuals who have exceeded high expectations, not only as a Carrier dealer, but also as one of Carrier's Factory Authorized Dealers. The selection criteria for 2017 focused on dealer expertise, leadership, management, integrity and performance.

 Weichert Realtors(r) ) - Infinity is proud to announce Brett Heflin has joined their Saline office. Heflin joins a dedicated team of knowledgeable agents at Weichert who bring many years of combined real estate expertise to their clients.

 Identity, an integrated public relations firm based in Bingham Farms, announced that it has added Pinkerton to its diverse client portfolio. Identity is partnering with Pinkerton to provide expert guidance in the areas of media relations and marketing and social media services. Pinkerton, based in Ann Arbor, is a leading provider of corporate risk management services.

To enter your business event in the Mlive events calendar, visit http://myevent.mlive.com/web/event.php.
Story by Edward Pevos of MLive | epevos@MLive.com

He became the first artist to win Album of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year at the same awards show at the 49th annual CMAs. Chris Stapleton now has two concerts planned for Michigan in 2017.

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"Chris Stapleton's All-American Road Show" will be at DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkston on Sat., August 19, 2017 at 7pm. Tickets (on sale now) are $30.75 - $70.75.

The country superstar will also be at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at 7pm.

Tickets for that show go on sale on Friday, April 7 at 10am. Tickets prices are $35.75, $50.75, and $70.75.

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About Chris Stapleton

The CMA New Artist of the year is 38 years old. He has one album to his name, "Traveller." But it's a huge album, becoming the first to re-enter the Billboard 200 all-genre album chart at No. 1, where is stayed for two straight weeks. It went on to win multiple Grammy and ACM Awards and was the #1 selling Country album of 2016 and the fourth-highest selling album of 2016 across all genres.

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The biggest concert announcements of 2017... so far

BELOW are the biggest shows coming to Michigan this year.

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Def Leppard, Poison and Tesla at Van Andel Arena on Monday, April 17.

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Chris Rock at the Fox Theatre on Friday, April 28, Saturday, April 29, and Sunday, April 30.

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NKOTB, Paula Abdul and Boyz II Men at Van Andel Arena on Saturday, May 13 at at The Palace of Auburn Hills on Thursday, June 29.

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Hall and Oates & Tears for Fears at Joe Louis Arena on Wednesday, May 17.

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Neil Diamond at The Palace of Auburn Hills on Friday, June 2.

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Tool at DTE Energy Music Theatre on Wednesday, June 7.

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Dave Matthews with Tim Reynolds at DTE Energy Music Theatre on Tuesday, June 13.

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Tim McGraw & Faith Hill at Van Andel Arena on Thursday, June 15 and The Palace on Friday, September 8, 2017

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John Legend at Meadow Brook Amphitheatre in Rochester Hills on Friday, June 16.

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Nickelback and Daughtry at DTE Energy Music Theatre on Saturday, June 24.

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Train with O.A.R. and Natasha Bedingfield at The Palace of Auburn Hills on June 25.

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Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull at The Palace of Auburn Hills on Wed., June 28.

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Jimmy Buffett at DTE on July 1.

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Common Ground Festival with Alessia Cara and Toby Keith in Lansing July 6-9.

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Metallica, Avenged Sevenfold and Volbeat at Comerica Park on Wednesday, July 12.

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Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at DTE Energy Music Theatre on Tuesday, July 18.

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Queen with Adam Lambert at The Palace of Auburn Hills on Thursday, July 20.

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Vans Warped Tour at The Palace of Auburn Hills on Friday, July 21.

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The Who at Van Andel Arena on Tuesday, July 25.

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Bell Biv DeVoe, En Vogue and SWV at Chene Park in Detroit on Saturday, July 29.

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Mo Pop Festival at West RiverFront Park in Detroit on July 29 and 30.

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Rod Stewart & Cyndi Lauper at DTE Energy Music Theatre on Tuesday, August 1.

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I Love the 90's tour featuring TLC at Soaring Eagle Casino on Wednesday, August 2 and at DTE Energy Music Theatre on Sunday, August 6.

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Howard Jones, English Beat, Men Without Hats, Modern English, Paul Young and Katrina (ex-Katrina And The Waves) at Van Andel Arena on Tuesday, August 1 and at Meadow Brook Amphitheatre on Friday, August 4.

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Goo Goo Dolls & Phillip Phillips at Meadow Brook Amphitheatre on Thursday, August 3.

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James Taylor and Bonnie Raitt at DTE Energy Music Theatre on Tues., Aug. 8.

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Carlos Santana at Freedom Hill in Sterling Heights on Wednesday, August 9.

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Bruno Mars at The Palace of Auburn Hills on Saturday, August 12.

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Brantley Gilbert with Tyler Farr and Luke Combs at DTE on Sunday, August 13.

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Ted Nugent at Freedom Hill on Friday, August 25.

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Depeche Mode at DTE Energy Music Theatre on Sunday, August 27.

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John Mayer at DTE Energy Music Theatre on Friday, September 1.

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Deep Purple and Alice Cooper at DTE Energy Music Theatre on Sunday, September 3.

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Kid Rock - Debut concerts at Little Caesars Arena in Downtown Detroit on Sept. 12, 13, 15 and 16.

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Matchbox Twenty and Counting Crows at Soaring Eagle Casino in Mt. Pleasant on Thursday, September 14 and at DTE Energy Music Theatre on Saturday, September 23, 2017.

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Ed Sheeran at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, September 27.

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Lady Gaga at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, November 7.

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Andrea Bocelli at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, December 3.

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The full list of April 2017 concerts in Michigan

CLICK HERE to see all of the big shows for April

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The MOST FAMOUS person from each of Michigan's 83 counties

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26 MICHIGAN SPECIES in danger of disappearing

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These are the eerie remnants of BOBLO ISLAND

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Ann Arbor Public Schools board of education member Patricia Manley (left) speaks during the board's discussion on the district's Schools of Choice policy during a meeting on Wednesday, March 29, 2017.

(Lauren Slagter | The Ann Arbor News)

ANN ARBOR, MI - After wrestling with the financial and regional implications of accepting Schools of Choice students, Ann Arbor Public Schools trustees decided to accept as many as 750 students who live outside the district for the 2017-18 school year.

The board of education voted 6-1 on Wednesday, March 29 to continue the same Schools of Choice policy the district has adopted in recent years. AAPS received 670 Schools of Choice applications for the 2016-17 school year and ended up enrolling 445 new Schools of Choice students this school year, putting the total number of AAPS students who live outside the district at 1,301, according to a report from Superintendent Jeanice Swift.

Board secretary Jeff Gaynor opposed the Schools of Choice proposal, citing several reasons he believes school choice ultimately creates damaging competition between schools at the expense of acting in the best interest of students in all public schools.

Gaynor laid out his thoughts on the pros and cons of Schools of Choice for various stakeholders in a 1,540-word statement prepared in advance, which he read aloud Wednesday.

"In summary, I feel we are facing a decision when we decide between a 'me-first' competitive approach, with winners and losers, or a more equitable and cooperative system in which the public good is the primary goal," Gaynor read. "While I expect that I am voicing a minority view here tonight, and will certainly accept the vote of the majority of the Board, I do feel it is important to examine these complex issues in a complete and objective manner, fully cognizant of the consequences of our policies."

Board parliamentarian Simone Lightfoot said she wished she had more time ahead of the meeting to formulate a response to Gaynor's statement and board vice president Susan Baskett agreed, before pushing back on some of his assertions.

One thing Baskett took issue with was Gaynor's comment that "some of the data released by the administration is slanted to make the district's case." She said his saying Schools of Choice contributed to "white flight" also sent a "bad signal" to her. Reports show school choice is a factor in exacerbating school segregation.

"I think you have a concerted effort to be in denial of the data. ... I don't understand how your no vote will help anyone," Baskett said to Gaynor.

She also referenced comments made earlier in the meeting that some Schools of Choice families who send their children to AAPS do not consider their home school districts a viable option.

"The home district will not be receiving these families," Baskett said. "If we say no to them, we won't be receiving these families. These families will go elsewhere, and in some cases, will travel farther to again get the best education that they can for their families. I still am not understanding your position of voting no. Of course I respect it, I just don't understand it."

Gaynor's reservations with supporting Schools of Choice related to the negative effects on neighboring school districts who lose students to AAPS, especially Ypsilanti Community Schools, where 50 percent of the school district's resident students opt to attend school elsewhere.

Under Michigan's school funding formula, state dollars follow the student. The 1,301 Schools of Choice students who enrolled at AAPS this fall brought an additional $12 million to the district, and those students' home districts lose the foundation allowance for students who transfer elsewhere.

"In the end, if the loss of a few hundred students jeopardizes our district's finances with its 17,500 students, it has a severely damaging effect on a district with fewer than 4,000," Gaynor said.

Trustee Jessica Kelly said she appreciated the thought Gaynor put into his statement and his concern for equity among regional schools. She asked him whether he would still oppose the Schools of Choice proposal if he thought enough trustees agreed with him to the point where their vote would actually change the policy.

"My concern is that your vote is going to become a political statement rather than a vote on how you think the issue should go," Kelly said.

Gaynor said he would have to think about that and then added that he stood by his initial statement.

Other trustees pointed out the value in offering families more options in finding the best educational fit for their children. Baskett and board treasurer Harmony Mitchell shared personal stories of how the fear of having to change schools because their families moved negatively impacted them as teens.

The board members also noted that other Washtenaw County schools - with the exception of Chelsea School District - also participate in Schools of Choice, so AAPS would lose students to those districts without any mechanism to boost its own enrollment if it didn't accept Schools of Choice students.

The idea of competition among schools isn't going away, said board president Christine Stead, noting U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos' support for expanding charter schools and voucher programs. Stead said Michigan's current school funding model doesn't provide adequate resources for public schools, and she plans to continue her work with groups trying to create more equity in opportunity for students across Washtenaw County.

"We will continue to work toward that. If we can't change the state law, we will work as a community to make things better for this area," Stead said. "That being said, we are - I am - elected by the community in this district. I am responsible for this district, and I support School of Choice for the reasons I've articulated this evening. And I look to our community to see if they are picking us."

Trustee Patricia Manley asked about the number of Schools of Choice students at four elementary schools that are so crowded the board approved purchasing modular classroom buildings for them earlier this month. Manley said she's heard from community members who are concerned the district is accepting more Schools of Choice students than it has room to accommodate.

Swift replied that the four elementary schools in question - Burns Park, King, Mitchell and Thurston - have enrolled few Schools of Choice students in recent years.

Resident students are guaranteed a spot at their neighborhood school and in-district transfer students have the first chance to apply for available seats before the spots are opened up to Schools of Choice students, Swift said.

"What I would say to folks is we're never going to open a class for Schools of Choice," Swift said. "We might fill in a few seats in a class, but we would not create a class."

AAPS will accept Schools of Choice applications from April 18 to May 12, and another in-district transfer application window will run from April 13 to May 12.

The school district is advertising 100 open seats in kindergarten, including Young 5s; 70 seats in first grade; 50 seats each for second through sixth grade; 25 seats each for seventh and eighth grade; 150 seats in ninth grade; 100 seats in 10th grade; and 30 seats in 11th grade only for Huron High School's International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

If more the district receives more applicants for a certain grade level than it has seats available, a lottery will randomly decide which students are accepted.
MLive file photo

Ann Arbor school board debates school choice

The Ann Arbor Public Schools board of education debated the pros and cons of Michigans school choice policy on Wednesday, March 29, before ultimately deciding its in AAPS best interest to continue enrolling students who live outside the district.

Prior to the boards discussion, Superintendent Jeanice Swift presented details on Ann Arbor Public Schools open enrollment policies. Open enrollment includes both in-district transfer students - who live within the AAPS district and attend a school other than their neighborhood school - as well as Schools of Choice students, who live outside AAPS geographical boundaries.

Scroll down to see five key takeaways about AAPS Schools of Choice population.

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mischooldata.org

1. AAPS loses more students through Schools of Choice than it gains

In the 2015-16 school year, Ann Arbor Public Schools lost a total of 1,638 resident students to charter schools (1,129 students), other traditional public schools (290) and intermediate school district programs (219), according to the most recent data available from the state.

By comparison, AAPS gained 1,234 non-resident students from other traditional public schools that year.

Here's a closer look at movement of students between AAPS and other Washtenaw County school districts:

Chelsea School District: sent 10 students to AAPS

Dexter Community Schools: sent 68 students to AAPS, gained 21 students from AAPS

Lincoln Consolidated Schools: sent 159 students to AAPS, gained 17 students from AAPS

Manchester Community Schools: sent nine students to AAPS, gained one student from AAPS

Milan Area Schools: sent 17 students to AAPS, gained 34 students from AAPS

Saline Area Schools: sent 45 students to AAPS, gained 116 students from AAPS

Whitmore Lake Public Schools: sent 51 students to AAPS, gained 15 students from AAPS

Ypsilanti Community Schools: sent 776 students to AAPS, gained 56 students from AAPS

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Provided by AAPS

2. About 30 percent of Ann Arbor's Schools of Choice students have been there since kindergarten

In the fall of 2016, AAPS enrolled 1,301 Schools of Choice students. More than 30 percent of those students have attended AAPS since kindergarten or first grade. Another 22.4 percent of those students used to live in the AAPS district, then their families moved out of the district and they wanted to keep attending AAPS.

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Provided by AAPS

3. Non-resident students made up 7.2 percent of AAPS' 2015-16 enrollment

Non-resident students - which includes Schools of Choice students, children of non-resident employees and students who have been released by their home districts - made up 7.2 percent of Ann Arbor Public Schools' enrollment in 2015-16.

Milan Area Schools enrolled the largest percentage of non-resident students, who accounted for 22.1 percent of its total enrollment.

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Provided by AAPS

4. AAPS doesn't hit its Schools of Choice cap

The AAPS board approved accepting as many as 750 Schools of Choice students for the 2017-18 school year, which matches the cap the board has set in recent years. The number of seats available varies by school and grade level.

For the fall of 2016, AAPS received 670 Schools of Choice applications and subsequently enrolled 445 new Schools of Choice students this school year. Of those 445 students, 112 previously were resident AAPS students and had moved outside the school district's boundaries in the previous school year.

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Provided by AAPS

5. Student mobility also is a factor in AAPS' growing enrollment

In the fall of 2016, Ann Arbor Public Schools enrolled 748 new students who recently moved into the school district.

Also, AAPS enrolled 317 new students this fall who had been district residents but previously attended charter schools, private or parochial schools or were homeschooled.

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Junfu Han

More on school choice

Ann Arbor school board OKs 750 Schools of Choice seats for 2017-18

23% of Michigan public school students opt for school choice

School choice producing segregation in districts across the state

Ypsilanti's football season ends, but school-of-choice battle continues

'I can't sacrifice my children,' mom says in opting for Schools of Choice
Vawters_Smith_Wright.jpg

Deshawn Vawters, Raymon Smith and Tracy Wright

(Courtest WCSO)

ANN ARBOR, MI - A 21-year-old man who pleaded no contest in a gang-related Ypsilanti shooting was sentenced to serve up to 15 years in prison Wednesday, March 29.

Raymon Smith was led away in cuffs, shouting obscenities after Washtenaw County Trial Court Judge Archie Brown denied Smith's request to withdraw his plea and sentenced Smith to 10-15 years.

Smith told the judge that he didn't understand the plea deal when he signed it.

"My paperwork is not correct," Smith said several times.

On Feb. 22, Smith pleaded no contest to four counts of assault with intent to murder, a count of conspiracy and a count of felony firearm. He claimed he didn't understand the plea deal.

"I was misguided through my plea," he said. "This is not what I want to do."

Smith's court-appointed attorney, David I. Goldstein, asked to adjourn the sentencing because Smith made him aware of witnesses who were recanting their statements to police.

Assistant Washtenaw County Prosecutor Arianne Slay and Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office Detective Mark Neumann told Judge Brown they were not aware of any witnesses withdrawing statements.

Brown denied the adjournment and proceeded with the sentencing. Smith interrupted the judge to voice his frustration about the plea deal.

Judge Brown went through Smith's plea deal again and said he could not find any grounds to allow Smith to withdraw his plea.

Smith became irate and started cussing in the courtroom.

"There's no evidence I did anything," he muttered at one point. "This is (expletive). (They) put this (expletive) on me for nothing."

A witness at a previous court hearing testified that he saw Smith, 19-year-old Tracy Wright and 21-year-old Deshawn Vawters shoot at four people in a car parked outside a home in the 700 block of Oswego in Ypsilanti Township around 11 p.m., March 14, 2016, according to court records.

There were about 40-50 people at the house attending a party celebrating the life of Keandre Duff, who was killed at a party almost a year earlier, records show.

The three men were said to have been wearing hoods, carrying guns and flanking a slow-moving car coming down the street, approaching the party. The witness said the three men opened fire on a parked car.

The shooters then fled, the man testified.

One man, Damon Etchinson, was shot in the head and was unconscious. He was later taken to the hospital in critical condition. A second man, Javaunte Mackson, was shot in the buttocks, records show.

The victims did not appear in court Wednesday to provide a statement, but Judge Brown read snippets of the written statement Etchinson provided. Etchinson wrote the court he was in the hospital for three months following the shooting and that he is still suffering from physical and emotional pain.

Witnesses at the preliminary examination referenced the dispute between two Ypsilanti gangs, Rakk Life and Finesse, as a possible motivation for the shooting. The gang clash has played a part in two previous homicides: 17-year-old Keon Washington in 2014 and Duff in 2015. Duff was charged in Washington's murder, but the charges were dismissed for lack of evidence.

Tariq Jackson, 18, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in Duff's case in February.

Wright, Smith and Vawters initially were charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, four counts of assault with intent to murder, possession of a firearm by a felon, felony firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and conspiracy to assault with intent to murder.

The counts of carrying a concealed weapon were dismissed early in the court proceedings, records show.

Smith was sentenced to terms of 8-15 years on the assault with intent to assault to murder charges, to run at the same time. He was sentenced to an additional two years on the felony firearm, which is mandated by the state.

Vawters has been sentenced 15-30 years in prison in the case.

Wright's sentencing is set for April 5.
PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI -- A 38-year-old Lima Township mom accused of having sex with a 14-year-old boy is headed to circuit court for trial.

Brooke L. Lajiness waived her preliminary examination and was bound over to circuit court by Judge J. Cedric Simpson in 14A-1 District Court Thursday, March 30 on 13 counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct.

She is also facing one count of accosting a minor for immoral purposes and one count of furnishing obscenity to a child, district court records show.

Lajiness is accused of first exchanging nude photographs with the 14-year-old, Michigan State Police Trooper Donald Pasternak testified at a March 3 hearing where he swore to the contents of the arrest warrant.

According to a transcript of that hearing, Pasternak testified that the mother of a victim walked in to a Michigan State Police post in February to lodge a complaint about Lajiness having sexual relations with her son.

The majority of the incidents charged in the case are alleged to have occurred in the backseat of Lajiness' car in a Lima Township driveway, Pasternak testified.

Lajiness confessed to having sex with the 14-year-old between eight and 15 times and exchanging naked pictures with him over the Internet, Pasternak testified.

"They started conversing and exchanging nude photographs while he was still in middle school," Pasternak said, according to the transcript.

They began having sex in the summer of 2016 while the teen was between middle school and high school, the trooper testified.

Authorities have said they are looking into the possibility of more victims.

Lajiness briefly appeared in district court Thursday with her attorney, Ypsilanti-based David I. Goldstein, and her husband for what was scheduled to be a probable cause hearing. Goldstein told Judge Simpson that Lajiness was waiving both the probable cause hearing and her right to a preliminary examination, which was scheduled in district court for April 13.

Lajiness will instead appear in the Washtenaw County Trial Court before Judge David Swartz for a pretrial on May 8.

She remains free on bond after posting $50,000 in cash, records show.

Lajiness is not allowed near school property or any minors except her own children per the conditions of her bond. She also is not allowed to use any computers or social media websites, drink alcohol or use drugs.

The video below is from a previous court appearance:
Ypsilanti Community Middle School

Ypsilanti Community Middle School, located at 35 Spencer Ln, Ypsilanti, MI, on Wednesday, MArch 29, 2017. Hunter Dyke | The Ann Arbor News

YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP, MI - Police used pepper spray to detain a student on March 29 at Ypsilanti Community Middle School.

An Ypsilanti police school resource officer was called to the school Wednesday at 235 Spencer Lane in Ypsilanti Township for a report of a disorderly female student, Ypsilanti police Lt. Deric Gress said.

Though the school is in the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office's jurisdiction, an Ypsilanti school resource officer works out of the school.

Gress said the student, who was known to the officer, began to physically resist when the officer placed a handcuff on her. Based on the physical resistance and the student's size, the officer deployed her pepper spray to take the student into custody, he said. That was about 2 p.m. Wednesday.

The circumstances of the incident and initial call are under investigation and further information was not immediately available.
The premium robotics and power grid solutions provider, ABB Ltd ABB, recently clinched a contract from Bombardier Transportation. This entitles ABB to supply 42 Effilight roof-mounted traction transformers for the latters TALENT 3 electric multiple unit (EMU) platform. These transformers will be installed on 21 trains that run between rural and urban areas in Austrias Vorarlberg region.

The contract happens to be the first major Effilight transformer order ever since its launch by ABB in September last year. In particular, this order is part of a frame contract which requires ABB to deliver up to 600 traction units for 300 trains by the end of 2024. Designed to supply power at safe voltages, these traction transformers facilitates critical train functions like traction, brakes, lighting, heating and ventilation.

The Austrian railway network is the third busiest one in the world, after Japan and Switzerland. Going forward, the government has plans to fortify the network to support 500 million passengers a year and 150 million tons of freight by 2020. Touted to slash about 70% of current oil use without compromising functionality, Effilight transformers will cater to Austrias energy efficiency needs. It can also reduce load by 25% compared to other substitutes in the market.

ABBs shares have gained 10.9% over the past three months, surpassing the Zacks categorized Machinery-Electrical industrys average gain of 8.8%. The company remains confident its three major marketsutilities, industry, and transport and infrastructurewill continue to witness impressive investments and boost long-term growth.

Considered one of the best managed industrial infrastructures, power and automation companies in the world, ABB stands to benefit from investments made on reduction of energy intensity across all end-markets. The Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company remains positive that urbanization and economic development will fuel the need for efficient mobility. This, in turn, bodes well for the company, thanks to its Effilight technology which is well equipped to support sustainable mobility.

ABB has had a remarkable earnings surprise history and has achieved an average positive earnings surprise of 14.3% over the trailing four quarters, beating estimates all through. Please note that brokers are on the sidelines for the stock as its earnings estimates remained unchanged over the month. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for full-year 2017 remained unchanged at $1.21 over the same time frame.

Stocks to Consider

Better-ranked stocks in the broader sector include EnerSys ENS, Barnes Group, Inc. B and Middleby Corp. MIDD. All three stocks hold a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

EnerSys has a positive average surprise of 4.4% for the trailing four quarters, beating estimates throughout.

Barnes Group has a solid earnings surprise history for the trailing four quarters, having beaten estimates thrice, for an average beat of 4.4%.

Middleby beat earnings in each of the trailing four quarters, resulting in an average surprise of 14.1%.

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Zacks Investment Research
[March 30, 2017] Nokia selected by ALTAN Redes to build and manage nationwide LTE wholesale network in Mexico

Press Release



March 30, 2017 Turnkey agreement to design, build and operate nationwide LTE network over 700 MHz band for ALTAN Redes, a new Mexican carrier supported by international and local investment

Agreement underlines strength of Nokia portfolio with planned deployment of complete, fully virtualized core network, RAN, IP backhaul, OSS and NOC; it is Nokia's largest-ever contract win by scale in Latin America

The innovative and unique "Red Compartida" public-private project is the first of its kind worldwide and expected to attract more than USD $7 billion in investment over nine years

Companies from all segments in Mexico, not only telecom services providers, will benefit from a wide range of connectivity services and IoT applications "Over the Network" Espoo, Finland - Nokia announced today that it has been selected by ALTAN Redes to design, build and operate a new nationwide LTE and 5G-ready wholesale network in Mexico in what will be Nokia's largest-ever contract win by scale in Latin America. Known in Mexico as Red Compartida, the Shared Network project is a unique, innovative program that will provide wireless broadband nationwide to 92% of the population in Mexico, reducing the digital divide and strengthening the country's productivity and competitiveness in digital services.



The contract with Nokia includes provision of the heart of the network - 100% of the fully virtualized core network and 40% of RAN, IP backhaul, OSS and NOC. This will be deployed in five regions of Mexico out of a total of nine, including Guadalajara and Monterrey, the country's second and third largest cities. The project also includes a full-range of services that will allow Nokia to deliver a turnkey project: site acquisition, construction, deployment, Network Integration, network planning and optimization, master system integration (core), operation and maintenance and managed services.



The deployment, which will utilize the 700 MHz frequency band, will generate operational efficiencies as it requires fewer sites to reach a wider coverage. It is a greenfield project that is designed to have the application of state-of-the-art technologies.



The Shared Network project is a public-private international partnership led by the Mexican Ministry of Communications and Transport (SCT) and the Office for the Promotion of Investments in Telecommunications (PROMTEL) in coordination with the Federal Institute of Telecommunications (IFT). The project will generate a total investment of more than USD $7 billion over nine years, financed by international and local investors ranging from financial institutions and development institutions to industrial partners in Mexico.



Via the project, Mexico will join a growing number of countries deploying a 700 MHz APT network. It also marks Nokia's first deployment of a 100% virtualized core network in Latin America.



ALTAN Redes is a new wholesale carrier supported by international investors and several Mexican shareholders. The international consortium won the tender process to build and operate the Shared Network, which will serve as a new platform for the deployment of mobile and Internet services for existing mobile network operators(MNOs), as well as existing and new mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs).







ALTAN's next generation network will be able to provide enterprises with ubiquitous ultra-broadband wireless connectivity, subscription and device management, and security and analytics - all over the country. Companies from all segments in Mexico, not only the telecom services providers, will benefit from a wide range of connectivity services and IoT applications "Over the Network", as it will also serve as a platform for government communications and services such as public safety, VoLTE and next generation IoT vertical/industrial applications in financial services, health, energy and transport.



Products and services to be delivered by Nokia are:

Virtualized core network

Master system integration (core) and lab management solutions



VoLTE and EPC (Air Frame)

RAN: 4.5G Pro radio access based on AirScale

ION: IP and optical backhaul

DWDM 100G and IP Routing for aggregation

Microwave transmission

Sites acquisition, construction and deployment

Network Integration

Public safety broadband features

NPO: network planning and optimization

Operation and maintenance, managed services

Joaquin Coronado, Managing Director of ALTAN REDES, said: "It has been a very demanding selection process, since the Shared Network is, up to now, the most ambitious telecommunications project worldwide. The quality of technology, experience, deployment capacity and financial strength are aspects that we have taken very much into account. With Nokia as one of our technology partners, I'm sure the Shared Network will have a service of unmatched quality and scope. We trust Mexico will have soon the best mobile broadband network of the world with 4G-LTE technology."



Dimitri Diliani, head of Nokia Latin America, said: "Building a brand new, end-to-end LTE network is a dream for a company like Nokia, and shows the strength of our innovation and our product portfolio. This project will allow ALTAN and the Mexican government to exceed consumer expectations, providing more wireless broadband services, speed, coverage and quality at a lower cost per bit. Such a state-of-the art network will benefit all mobile operators in Mexico - the existing and the new ones - and also their customers."



Resources:  Mexico Shared Network Official Website Connect with Nokia:  Subscribe to receive information on specific areas of interest  Website  Blog  LinkedIn  Twitter  Facebook  Instagram  Periscope  YouTube  Glassdoor



About ALTAN Redes:

ALTAN Redes is a multinational consortium that has some of the largest investment funds as well as the most important Mexican private, institutional and industrial partners which have provided us with the capacity to present immediate resources as well as show our commitment to develop the Red Compartida aligned with our highest of standards. About Nokia

Nokia is a global leader innovating the technologies at the heart of our connected world. Powered by the research and innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we serve communications service providers, governments, large enterprises and consumers, with the industry's most complete, end-to-end portfolio of products, services and licensing. From the enabling infrastructure for 5G and the Internet of Things, to emerging applications in virtual reality and digital health, we are shaping the future of technology to transform the human experience. www.nokia.com

Media Enquiries:

Claudia Roman

Nokia Latin America Communications

Phone: +55 11 95257 6290

E-mail: [email protected]



Nokia

Communications

Phone: +358 (0) 10 448 4900

E-mail: [email protected]

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The landmark Supreme Court ruling of yesterday banning sale of old and polluting Bharat Stage III (BS-III) vehicles has kick-started a discounting frenzy at bikes, three-wheelers, trucks and buses dealerships.

Desperate dealers are giving away three to four fold higher discounts compared to normal conditions as there is an eagerness to liquidate the BS-III inventory which will become obsolete after April 1.

Honda Motorcycle and Scooters India, the second largest domestic two-wheeler seller, is offering discounts of up to Rs 22,000 on the CBR 250 and on CBR 150. On other bikes it is offering Rs 18,500. Honda has the second largest stock of unsold BS-III vehicles which could be around 150,000 units.

Hero Motocorp, the countrys largest two-wheeler company, is giving away discounts of Rs 12,500 in addition to free insurance. Hero is believed to have the largest stockpile of BS-III vehicles which could be in the region of 200,000 units.

Bajaj Auto, the third largest domestic two-wheeler seller, has assured its dealers it would take back each of the unsold unit of motorcycle or three wheeler. These will be later exported to markets like Africa where BS-III is in practice.

Trucks and buses are also at the center of the discount storm with dealers handing out anywhere between 4-12 percent discounts to buyers depending on the order size. This translates to Rs 50,000-400,000.

A West Bengal-based dealer of Ashok Leyland said, There is a general discount of 4-5 percent with can go up by another 1-2 percent depending on the order on the BS-III stock. We have had good support from the manufacturer. We are focussed on liquidating our current inventory and based on the unsold stock as of March 31 we will take a call on what needs to be done with it.

Tata Motors the countrys largest commercial vehicle maker, carries the biggest stock of unsold BS-III inventory which is understood to be around 30,000 units worth between Rs 3500-4000 crore.

According to the SC ruling buyers can register the BS-III vehicle after April 1, 2017 if they show proof of purchase dated before April 1.

As per an earlier data submitted to the SC by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers there were more than 600,000 two-wheelers, 95,000 commercial vehicles and around 30,000 three-wheelers on unsold BS-III stock lying with manufacturers and dealers.

Two-wheeler makers have been able to reduce their inventory significantly during the festive days this month.
By CNBCTV18.COM

Russia President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that climate change doubters "may not be at all silly."

Russia President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that climate change doubters "may not be at all silly."

"Those people who are not in agreement with opponents (of climate change) may not be at all silly," Putin replied via an interpreter.

Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday to reverse regulations imposed by the Obama administration that had been designed to curb the devastating impact of climate change.

Trump's Energy Independence Executive Order effectively suspends over six measures ratified by his predecessor, and though businesses have welcomed the move, environmental campaigners and many world leaders have condemned the action.

While Putin reaffirmed Russia's commitment to the Paris climate agreement, he also agreed with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto's comments regarding the inevitability of global warming. It would "continue anyway and anyhow," Putin said of climate change.

As a compromise to Washington's environmental position, Moscow would attempt to meet the US halfway to find a solution.

"It is about trying to reach each other half way and seeking trade-offs," he said. "I would not dramatize things and I wouldn't use these global factors for the domestic American political struggle."

Arctic boosts Russian GDP by 10%

Russia's president also pointed to the economic importance of the Arctic region as he argued global warming and ice melting in the area created beneficial conditions for economic improvement.
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After UCO Bank twice requested Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) to invest in tier-II bonds of the bank, the insurer has finally agreed to invest Rs 1,000 crore, a source told Moneycontrol.

Earlier this month, a Moneycontrol exclusive story had reported that the state-run UCO Bank had written to LIC requesting it to invest Rs 1,000 crore in tier-II bonds of the bank. This letter was submitted to the insurer on March 15.

According to sources, the largest insurer LIC has given an in-principal approval to the bank and will invest Rs 1,000 crore in tier-II bonds. However, this investment will be subject to documents that the bank needs to provide within seven days.



Information memorandum duly signed by the person authorised by the board

Latest rating letter along with rating rationale

Trustee content letter

NSEs in-principal approval letter for listing of bonds

Certified copy of resolution passed by the shareholders authorising borrowing

Certified copy of Board resolution accepting terms and conditions and executing documents

Application forms for subscription

Detail of bank account with IFSC code for disbursements



UCO needs to submit the following documents:

In January, too, Kolkata-based UCO Bank had written LIC seeking investments in tier-2 bonds of the bank. However, LIC did not respond to it.

Kolkata-based UCO Bank is raising capital to meet Basel III norms. Banks are required to maintain a capital adequacy ratio of 10.25 percent at the end of March 31, 2017 as against 9.62 percent required on March 31, 2016.

Indian banks are expected to fully comply with Basel III standards by March 2019 to improve and strengthen their capital planning processes. The norms are being implemented to allay concerns on potential stresses in asset quality and their impact on profitability.

The bank had raised tier-1 capital from the market raising Rs 750 crore in November, 2016.

In November, 2016, LIC had also infused equity capital of Rs 270 crore in the bank.
Two-wheeler majors Hero MotoCorp and Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India are offering discounts of up to Rs 12,500 on BS-III models to liquidate stocks, a day after the Supreme Court banned sale and registration of such vehicles from April 1.

With 6.71 lakh two-wheelers affected out of the total of over 8 lakh BS-III vehicles impacted by the ban, dealers said the immediate effort is to sell as many units as possible before the deadline by offering "unheard of discounts" in the industry.

Market leader Hero MotoCorp is offering discounts of up to Rs 12,500 on its BS-III two-wheelers.

According to dealers, the company is offering rebate of Rs 12,500 on its scooters, Rs 7,500 on premium bikes and Rs 5,000 on entry level mass market motorcycles.

On the other hand, the number two player Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) is offering a straight discount of Rs 10,000 on its BS-III scooters and motorcycles.

Both the companies said the offer will be valid till stocks last or up to March 31.

"These are unheard of discounts ever in the two-wheeler industry," Federation of Automobile Dealers (FADA) Director-International Affairs Nikunj Sanghi told PTI.

When asked about what actions were dealers taking following the apex court verdict, he said: "Our energy is focused on selling as much stock as possible before the deadline. Our people are calling up potential customers informing them about the offers."

He said the dealership community was hoping for some relief from the court in the form of more time to sell their stocks but with that not happening, the focus has shifted to liquidating the stocks.

Afterwards, it will have to be discussed with the manufacturers what to do with the unsold inventories, if at all any are left, he added.

Observing that health of the people is "far, far more important" than the commercial interests of the manufacturers, the apex court observed yesterday that automobile firms have declined to take "sufficient pro-active steps" despite being fully aware that they would be required to manufacture only BS-IV compliant vehicles from April 1, 2017.
In a landmark judgment the Supreme Court Wednesday banned sale and registration of BS-III vehicles after March 31, 2017.

To discuss the impact of this on the auto industry and dealers, CNBC-TV18 spoke to John k Paul, President, Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA).

He said in the two days before March 31, dealers and manufacturers are trying to sell out as many vehicles as possible by offering special discounts.
Auto_car_cars_vehicle

The National Green Tribunal today directed public sector oil companies to stop plying Bharat Stage-I and Bharat Stage-II vehicles for transporting petrol or petroleum products in the national capital.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar ordered Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd and Hindustan Petroleum to immediately ban such vehicles.

The green panel also directed the joint commissioner of police to ensure the compliance of the order.

The green panel had in December last year issued notices to the oil companies and asked them to inform whether they use any diesel vehicle more than a decade old for transporting petrol or diesel to fuel stations.

The direction came while hearing a batch of petitions filed by various contractors seeking registration of new BS-IV compliant diesel vehicles purchased for transport of petrol from company depots to identified petrol pumps in Delhi-NCR.

In a blow to automobile firms, the Supreme Court had yesterday banned sale and registration of vehicles, which are not BS-IV compliant, in India from April 1 when the new emission norms come into force.
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The governments scheme to connect the under-served and unserved areas via flights is set to take off with five airlines, including the listed SpiceJet Ltd, today getting the mandate to fly on these routes with government support. The scheme entails subsidy from central and state governments via viability gap funding (VGF) and covers both plane and helicopter flights.

The other airlines which won the bids to operate flights under the scheme are Air India subsidiary Airline Allied Services (known as Alliance Air), Deccan Charters Pvt Ltd, Turbo Megha Aviation (brandname TruJet) and Air Odisha. Captain Gopinath, the man behind Deccan Aviation, Indias first low-cost airline which he sold off to Vijay Mallyas Kingfisher Airlines), is the chairman of Deccan Charters.

Under the first phase, the five airlines have been awarded 128 routes (most of them exclusive) connecting 43 airports. The companies will have a three-year exclusivity on the routes.

The regional connectivity scheme with the acronym UDAN  which stands for Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik  places a cap of Rs. 2,500 on the fare for an hours plane journey of approximately 500 km and a 30 minute helicopter journey. No airport charges and state levying lower value added tax on aviation turbine fuel are the other steps taken to make the scheme viable.

The selected airline will provide 50 percent of the flight capacity  with a minimum of 9 and maximum of 40 seats for planes and a minimum of 5 and maximum of 13 seats for helicopters under the regional connectivity scheme.

We have added 2 percent to our domestic capacity at a very low cost of Rs. 205 crores, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha said at a press conference called today to announce the award of routes to the airlines.

Spicejet has not asked for any VGF, its promoter Ajay Singh, present at the meet to collect the letter of award for the contract, said.

The companies selected under the first bidding round of UDAN scheme will get a support of Rs 205 crore as viability gap funding in the first year of operation. The VGF is being provided to keep the airfares affordable and the airlines operations viable.

The airlines will operate 19- to 78-seater turbo props on the routes.

Speaking at the same press meet, Civil Aviation Secretary Rajiv Nayan Choubey said seeing the enthusiastic response to the first phase, the government would not wait too long and instead shortly call for bids under the second phase of the UDAN scheme. The first flight is likely to take off next month with all of them to be operational by September, he said.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 30, 2017 / Ashanti Gold Corp. (AGZ.V) ("Ashanti" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has exercised its right to proceed with an option on the Anumso property (the "Project") under the terms of the Anumso Option Agreement (the "Option Agreement") with Goldplat PLC ("Goldplat") announced on September 15, 2016. See the Company's press release on September 15, 2016 - "Ashanti Gold Signs Formal Option Agreement for Anumso."

Ashanti has the right to earn a 75% interest in the Project by expending US$3.0M on exploration over 2.5 years. An initial 51% interest will be earned through expenditure of US$1.5M in the first 18 months, which started with and included a six-month review period. This review period is now over and Ashanti has elected to continue with the Option Agreement and is now obligated to either expend US$1.5M on the Project or pay the deficiency to Goldplat. An additional 24% interest can be earned through expenditure of an additional US$1.5M in the following 12 months or paying the deficiency to Goldplat.

The government of Ghana has a carried 10% interest in all minerals and mining concessions in Ghana, thus the 75% interest in Goldplat's 90% interest will reflect a 67.5% net interest for Ashanti. Ashanti will be the operator of the exploration and development program during the option period. Upon completion of its earn in rights, Ashanti and Goldplat will form a joint venture whereby each party will contribute proportionally to the Project's development, or have its interest diluted. If either party's interest is reduced to 10%, that interest is then converted into a 1.5% net smelter return royalty (the "NSR") which the other party can purchase by paying US$100,000 for each 0.1% of the NSR.

Ashanti filed a NI 43-101 report on Anumso in October 2016, which is available on www.sedar.com and the Company's website.

The Anumso Gold Project is a 29.63 km2 Mining Lease within two blocks that cover  5 km of strike length of the well-known auriferous Tarkwaian Banket strata within the highly productive Ashanti Belt of Ghana. The colonial Ntronang Mine, 7 km to the east of Anumso, lies along laterally continuous strata and is the only location outside of the famous Tarkwaian gold deposits in the southern Ashanti Belt where gold has been produced. In addition, since colonial times, artisanal miners have been engaged in producing gold from within the Anumso Mining Lease. These host rocks are famous in the southern Ashanti Belt for gold produced from the Iduapriem and Teberebie mines of AngloGold Ashanti and the Tarkwa and Demang mines currently in production by Gold Fields Ltd. Gold in these rocks is considered genetically similar to that in the conglomerate-hosted gold deposits of the ~2,800 million-year-old Witwatersrand deposits of South Africa, except these rocks are younger, being approximately 2,115 million years old.

Story continues

Ashanti's CEO Tim McCutcheon said, "We are very excited about Anumso. Historic and Ashanti drill results have demonstrated very positive results. I strongly encourage our followers to review the NI 43-101 report on the Project."

ABOUT ASHANTI GOLD

Ashanti is a gold-focused, exploration and development company with projects in the northern Ashanti Belt of Ghana and the Kinieba Belt of Mali. The Company targets projects where it has a competitive advantage due to past work experience of the team and specific project know-how.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of

ASHANTI GOLD CORP.

"Tim McCutcheon"

Tim McCutcheon

CEO

For further information, please contact:

Ashanti Gold Corp.

2300 - 1177 West Hastings Street

Vancouver BC, V6E 2K3

Phone: 604-638-3847

Qualified Person and Quality Control/Quality Assurance

Dr. Paul Klipfel, CPG (AIPG certification #10821), Ashanti's COO and Chief Geologist is a Qualified Person as defined by Canadian NI 43-101 and has supervised the preparation of the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release. Dr. Klipfel is responsible for all aspects of the work including the Quality Control/Quality Assurance programs. Dr. Klipfel is not an Independent Person, as he is a shareholder of Ashanti.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated content, commencement, timing and cost of exploration programs, anticipated exploration program results, the discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/reserves, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the state of the financial markets for the Company's equity securities, the state of the commodity markets generally, variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, variations in the market price of any mineral products the Company may produce or plan to produce, the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required, including TSXV acceptance, for its planned activities, the inability of the Company to produce minerals from its properties successfully or profitably, to continue its projected growth, to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's latest interim Management Discussion and Analysis and filed with certain securities commissions in Canada. All of the Company's Canadian public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedar.com and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to the Company's mineral properties.

SOURCE: Ashanti Gold Corp.
A shopkeeper arranges signs with prices on bags of rice at a shop in Mumbai March 19, 2009. Indian inflation headed towards zero in early March and analysts tipped it would soon turn negative, opening the way for the Reserve Bank of India to cut interest rates further to prop up demand and growth. The wholesale price index, India's most widely watched inflation measure, rose 0.44 percent in the 12 months to March 7, sharply lower than the previous week's 2.43 percent and below a forecast of 0.89 percent in a Reuters poll. REUTERS/Arko Datta (INDIA BUSINESS FOOD DRINK) - RTXCYWA

Basmati rice exports is likely to grow to Rs 22,00022,500 crore and volume to around 4.09 million tonne mainly supported by an increase in average realisations, rating agency ICRA said in a report today.

"We expect the export volumes in FY17 to be around 4 million tonne (almost similar to the volumes in FY2016). However, muted average realisations are expected to keep the value of these exports to under Rs 21,000 crore, against Rs 22,718 crore in FY16," said ICRA Assistant Vice President Deepak Jotwani.

"In FY18, the value of exports is likely to grow to Rs 22,00022,500 crore, with export volumes growing to around 4.09 million tonne and supported by an increase in average realisations," Jotwani added.

This is likely to push up Basmati rice prices in the next fiscal, he said.

Resumption of imports by Iran will be keenly watched by the industry as it has the potential to provide an impetus to exports, he added.

"Going forward, the coming financial year is expected to witness better revenue growth supported by a rise in average realisations, as paddy prices firm up during the current procurement season. Moreover, resumption of imports by Iran will also be crucial for driving industry growth in the next fiscal," Jotwani said.

The basmati rice industry witnessed moderation over the last few years on the back of subdued international demand, partly attributable to the delay in resumption of imports by Iran.

However, 2016-17 has seen some stabilisation in demand, ICRA said, adding after peaking at Rs 29,300 crore in FY14, the value of basmati rice exports went on a downward trajectory.

While volumes saw some growth over the last few years, the decline in value is primarily owing to continued pressure on average realisations (declined from a high of Rs 77,988 per tonne in FY14 to Rs 56,149 per tonne in FY16) in the light of moderation in demand in the global market, ICRA said.

Nevertheless, the export volumes in the current fiscal have largely been in line with last year, being supported by the increasing domestic demand for basmati rice, the report added.

It said, the industry has registered milling gains on paddy procured at a fairly low rate in the last procurement season and favourable foreign exchange rate movement.

For the next fiscal, the industry is expected to benefit from the rising paddy prices, ICRA said.

After declining considerably during the procurement season in FY16, basmati paddy prices have firmed up by 20-25 per cent across various varieties, primarily due to the relatively lower production, in the recent procurement season - October to December 2016, the agency noted.
There has been much debate on the idea of a Universal Basic Income (UBI)  a concept put forth by the Economic Survey, 2016-2017. The idea of UBI is that everybody would be entitled to a basic minimum income under the scheme, which wont be considered compensation for work.

A lot of economists have argued that Indias economy is not ready to take the burden of a UBI. That the country does not have enough fiscal space to accommodate basic scheme alongwith its existing subsidies.

According to the Economic Survey, UBI of Rs 7,620 per person will be needed.

However, a recent report by economists Sudipto Mundle and Satadru Sikdar at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy suggests that the government can balance its subsidies and still implement UBI. The study says that this can be done if the government removes its non-subsidy elements.

The study defines merit subsidies as those for food, education, health, sanitation and water supply. On the other hand, other subsides like petrol and fertilisers fall under the non-merit category.

The combined subsidies of  centre and state governments  have gone down by 10.6 percent of the gross domestic product on 2011-12. There also has been an increase in share of merit subsidies to 5.6 percent in 2011-12 from 3.8 percent in 1987-88.

During the same period, non-merit subsidies declined to 5 percent of GDP from 9.2 percent. According to the economists, share of demerit subsidies is likely to have fallen further since 2012 on back of falling petroleum subsidy.

Considering the earlier UBI of Rs 7,620, it will amount to 4.9 percent of the GDP  a number close to what it is been spent on the non-merit subsidies.

However, since the bulk of non-merit subsidies are spent by the states, they will have to take the cut equally. Some sharing agreement between the states and Centre will be needed to shift to the UBI system while removing the non-merit subsidies, which will be a tough task for the government.

According to the economic survey, UBI will not only promote social justice, nit also empower the poor of the country and give them a chance to make their own economic decisions. While the survey has tried to explain how India can adapt to UBI, the path for it looks difficult.
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi waves following a joint statement to the press with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, in Los Pinos presidential residence in Mexico City, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Modi met with the Mexican President Wednesday evening during a short working visit to the country.(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the passage of GST supplementary bills by the Lok Sabha.

"Congratulations to all the countrymen over passage of the GST bills. New Year, New Law, New Bharat," he said in a tweet in Hindi soon after the legislations were passed.

With the Lok Sabha approving four supplementary legislations, the historic GST regime came a step closer to meet its July 1 target of rollout.

The Central GST Bill, 2017; The Integrated GST Bill, 2017; The GST (Compensation to States) Bill, 2017; and The Union Territory GST Bill, 2017 were passed after negation of a host of amendments moved by the opposition parties.

Replying to the seven-hour-long debate, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the GST, which will usher in a uniform indirect tax regime in the country, will make commodities "slightly cheaper".
The Parliament Thursday passed the Finance Bill 2017, even as the Lok Sabha rejected the amendments to the Bill suggested by the Rajya Sabha.

On Wednesday, the government had to face embarrassment in the Parliament when the Opposition party MPs forced five amendments to the Bill, post which the Bill was brought back to Lok Sabha today.

Earlier this week, Lok Sabha had passed the Finance Bill as a money bill with 40 amendments including stringent penalty for delays in tax returns and more power to the Income-Tax department.

The Rajya Sabha had suggested amendments that were adopted in the upper house on Wednesday with significant margin. Digvijay Singh of Congress moved three of the five amendments while the other two were moved by Sitaram Yechury of CPI (M).

In Rajya Sabha, BJP has 56 seats and NDA combine has 74 seats.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said that the Parliament cannot accept the amendments suggested by the Rajya Sabha.

Key amendments in the Finance Bill 2017

> The Centre has included amendments to the Income Tax Act, which gives more power to the tax officials. The I-T department will not be required to disclose reasons for carrying out I-T raids or check.

> The Finance Bill also entails unlimited and anonymous corporate funding for political parties. Earlier, the upper limit for donations was capped, which has been removed now.

> Also, the donations will remain anonymous. Donations from foreign entities too will not be disclosed.

> The Bill has also amended the Representation of Peoples Act, which governs election.

> Another amendment merges various tribunals (quasi-judicial bodies), which examine appeals of regulatory decisions. The government can now provide for qualification, appointments, removal, etc. for the tribunal members  this means the government will have arbitrary power over the tribunal.

> The Bill also makes Aadhaar mandatory for getting a PAN card and for filing income-tax returns.

> The Bill also reduced cash transaction limit to Rs 2 lakh from earlier Rs 3 lakh.

The Opposition has called the Finance Bill 2017 an act of terrorism with government trying to bring back the inspector raj with changes to the Income-Tax laws. They also said that many of the provisions were passed surreptitiously by passing the bill as a money bill.

A money bill can only be voted in the Lok Sabha, where the ruling party has a majority. Rajya Sabha can only suggest changes to a money bill.
Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna has said the US needs to "remain open" to immigrants who contribute to creating jobs and help shape the economy, as he called for "common sense" reforms in the H1B visa system.

Khanna, who represents the Silicon Valley where a large number of Indians and other immigrants work, said many Americans believe the H1B visa programme needs to be reformed.

"Of course, we have to end the abuses. We shouldn't have companies that have more than 50 per cent H-1B visas and we should make sure that they are paid the prevailing wage," Khanna, a first-time Congressman, told PTI in an interview.

"These are common sense reforms that even people like Venk Shukla (TiE Silicon Valley leader) and many Americans believe in, let's fix the system, end the abuses but make sure we recognise the role of immigrants in creating jobs," he said.

The H1B is a non-immigrant visa that allows American firms to employ foreign workers in occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. It is highly popular among Indian techies and the technology companies depend on the programme to hire tens of thousands of employees each year.

Khanna, who was elected to the US House of Representatives last November and was sworn in as a Congressman this January, said, "We have to remain open to immigration, people coming here who can contribute jobs and help the economy."

Khanna also pushed for strong relations between India and the US, in particular the trade ties.

"There's a strategic partnership in advancing market security interests. India provides a large export market for American products with a large growing middle class. That can help create jobs in the United States," he said.

"They both share values of democratic pluralism of a respect and tolerance for different faiths, a respect for dissent, a respect for robust journalism, a respect for spirituality. I think that there is the common values also," Khanna said, adding he looks forward to visit India soon.

Condemning the recent hate crimes against Indian-Americans and Indians, he said the community has tremendously contributed to jobs, innovation, and service to the armed forces.

"There's been an outpouring of support, both from Democrats and Republicans, to say that hate crimes and hate speech have no place in the United States," he said.

Khanna is working with other Indian-American lawmakers Pramila Jayapal and Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ami Bera, and with Congressman Joe Crowley to make sure they have a federal task force that deals with hate crimes.

"We've had tremendous support in a coalition, republican and Democrat colleagues, from people like John Lewis, and from the Hispanic-American caucus. It's a broad coalition.From the Jewish-American community, there's concerns about anti-semitism. It's a broad coalition that believes that this country doesn't have any place for hate, or hate speech," he said.

The election of a record number of five Indian-Americans to the Congress for the first time, is giving the community a lot of confidence, he said. "A sense of inspiring young people to seek careers in public service, to go into the military, to go into foreign service. It has really inspired, I think, many young folks to answer the call to service," Khanna said.
IPO

The bull-run has just begun which could fuel a lot of fundraising by India Inc. Indias primary market could well see Rs 35,000-Rs 40,000 crore being mopped up from the primary market in the financial year 2018, say experts.

The prerequisite of massive fundraising from the primary market is always dependent on the health of the secondary market. In the financial year 2017, bulls charged on the D-Street and took the index to record highs which fuelled a lot of activity in primary markets.

Riding on the bullish sentiments, 25 main-board IPOs hit D-Street collectively raised nearly Rs 29,000 crore in the financial year ended 2017, compared to 24 IPOs which raised Rs. 14,500 crore in FY16.

The benchmark indices hit a fresh record high in the financial year 2017. The Nifty50 rallied over 16 per cent in the same period and the S&P BSE Sensex reclaimed mount 29,000.

The financial year 2016-17 witnessed a raising of Rs 51,288 crore through the public equity markets, 5 per cent higher than Rs 48,991 crore that was raised in the preceding year, said a PRIME Database report. The year, of course, fell short of Rs.86,710 crore, the highest amount that has ever been raised in 2009-10.

The government raised Rs. 40,997 crore which was 90 percent of the revised targeted amount of Rs. 45,500 crore and 73 percent of the original target of Rs. 56,500 crore for the year in the same period.

The primary market has just been awakened from the state of hibernation. Considering the size of the economy, Rs 50,000 crore raised is just the normal capital needs that are met by the capital (primary) market, Jimeet Modi, CEO, SAMCO Securities told Moneycontrol.com.

The firming up of the bull market will bring in the real vibrancy in the primary market. The government has set the target for itself of Rs 62,000 crore for divestments, plus considering the private sector beeline, we think upwards of Rs Rs 40,000 crore would be raised by India Inc. from the primary market, provided there are no headwinds from the developed economies, he said.

The amount raised from mainboard IPOs almost doubled in the financial year 2017 to Rs 28,211 crore, compared with Rs 14,500 crore raised in the FY16, and Rs 2,770 crore raised in FY15.

The domestic institutional (DIIs) investors played a significant role as anchor investors, with their subscription amounting to 14 percent of the amount, almost the same as the 16 per cent from FIIs.

The appetite of retail investors jumped in the current financial year which most experts think was the driving force in oversubscription of most of the IPOs which hit D-Street in FY17.

IPO market in India has been witnessing fresh momentum in the recent past with many interesting stories coming up with public issues. The participation level from retail investors in many of the issues were good and especially post ASBA being made mandatory, K V Sanil Kumar, Associate Director at Geojit Financial Services told Moneycontrol.com.

We believe the primary market will thrive in a vibrant economy and India has been the most favoured market for many investors, with many new Entrepreneurial ventures coming and business enabling policies from Govt of India. The fund raising by India Inc. is estimated to be around Rs 25,000 crore to Rs 35,000 crore, he said.

Govt sets high divestment target:

The Government has set an ambitious target of Rs 72,500 crore for 2017-18 which most investors think is achievable. This target is achievable. Reduction in the Governments holding in 18 listed CPSEs to 75 per cent alone can contribute to Rs. 20,678 crore, Pranav Haldea, Managing Director, PRIME Database said in a report.

Further, the Government has also placed a roadmap for over 110 unlisted profit making CPSEs to get listed in the next two financial years which includes several large companies for insurance and railways sector. Lastly, the Government has also already identified 15 CPSEs for a strategic sale, he said.

Top Hot IPOs to watch in FY18:

While the IPO market is termed as the primary market, the fact is that the activity here gets rolling only with a lag when the secondary market is active or in some kind of excitement stage.

Considering that FY17 has been a good year for Indian equities with an equally positive outlook for FY18, we believe that the primary market would continue to see the considerable positive action going forward, Hitesh Agrawal, EVP & Head  Retail Research at Religare Securities Ltd told Moneycontrol.com.

There are several IPOs in the pipeline, which are expected to get offered to investors in FY18. Some of the notable ones amongst these include the IPOs of NSE, GoAir, Hudco, CDSL, SBI Life, Aster DM Healthcare, Security & Intelligence Services, Continental Warehousing, Nakshatra World etc., he said.

It is pertinent to note here that the government has set an ambitious divestment target of Rs72,500 crore for FY18, and state-run insurance companies like General Insurance and New India Assurance are also contemplating IPOs, he said.

According to Haldea, 2017-18 looks very promising. Already at the beginning of the year, there are 13 companies holding SEBI approval wanting to raise over Rs. 9,230 crore and another 10 companies wanting to raise about Rs. 16,736 crore awaiting SEBI approval.

Stars of FY17:

According to Prime Database, 15 IPOs received mega response of more than 10 times such as Advanced Enzyme, followed by Quess Corp, Avenue Supermarts, Thyrocare Technologies, RBL Bank, Mahanagar Gas, Shankara Building Products, GNA Axles, BSE, Endurance Technologies, Ujjivan Financial, Music Broadcast etc. 5 other IPOs were oversubscribed by more than 3 times. The balance 5 IPOs were oversubscribed between 1 to 3 times.

Retail investors were eager to lap up fresh issue of shares which highlights bullish sentiments on D-Street. The highest number of applications received from retail investors was for Avenue Supermarts at 17.40 lakh followed by BSE (11.32 lakh), Larsen & Toubro Infotech (10.25 lakh), ICICI Prudential Life Insurance (10.24 lakh) and RBL Bank (10.16 lakh), said the Prime database report.

The largest IPO was from ICICI Prudential Life Insurance for Rs.6,057 crore. The average deal size was a high Rs. 1,128 crore. A notable feature of the year again was that several companies that hit the market had a prior PE/VC investment, highlights Haldia.

This was true for 11 out of the 25 IPOs. Offers for sale by such PE/VC investors at Rs.4,244 crore accounted for 15 percent of the total IPO amount. Offers for sale by promoters at Rs. 10,953 crore accounted for a further 39 per cent of the IPO amount, he explains.
Pakistan: History of assassinations | Imran Khan: Victim of an endless cycle of violence| World News
As the National Stock Exchange (NSE) prepares for an initial public offering (IPO), allegations of its trading systems being prone to manipulation could prove to be a major hurdle.

The exchange has been under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) scanner for violation of fair norms in algorithmic trading practices.

The issue had come to the fore after a whistle-blower wrote a letter to a business publication about unfair access to a few brokers in algorithmic trading. Select traders made quick bucks by using the co-location facility at the exchange with access to a server with the least load. This helped such traders trade faster than others who availed the same facility.

To look into the matter the regulator had hired Deloitte that confirmed some of the allegations.

In a letter to Sebi, dated February 14, the whistle blower had said, "I am glad to note finally some action has taken place on the complaints.

However, the matter has not concluded and NSE continues to send notices to a host of brokers.

Why is it important for NSE to bring this case to a conclusion?

It is critical for NSE to lay this matter to rest to ward off any trouble for its upcoming IPO.

When a company offers its shares to the public, peoples confidence matters the most. With cases of unfair trade practices and system manipulation, mistrust can influence judgement.

Also, Sebi has been reserved on the whole issue which may not go down well with market participants as they expect a speedy trial.

After the regulator took matter in its hands, it directed NSE to set aside revenue generated from its co-location services. NSE reported monthly revenue of around Rs 55 crore from co-location services coupled with transaction charges linked to co-located servers.

As the matter of unfair algorithmic trading not winding up, NSEs profits are at risk.

Investors hope the new NSE chief, Vikram Limaye will take requisite action against those accused as per the investigations, close this matter and prepare the exchange for its IPO, which is expected to be the biggest since 2010.

Another aspect to pay heed to is the trading practices in algorithmic trading, shortcomings in the system and the use of its co-location facility.
From the side-lines of Credit Suisse 20th Annual Asia Investment Conference in Hong Kong, Mickey Doshi, CEO India, Credit Suisse shared his views on global and Indian markets.

"Two main overweight markets are China and India and that continues to be the theme and the focus", he said in an interview to CNBC-TV18.

He added, "The recent state elections tell you that the government has got a clear majority, the mandate is getting stronger. There will be other reasons to get more bullish on the region. So, even if it has had a good run, it stabilises but optimism still remains".

Commenting on consolidation in the banking space in India, he said, "Consolidation globally is never easy, leave aside in India and especially when it is happening into a public sector space. Firstly, it involves human issues which is very hard to overcome and there is a lot of overlap in terms of bank branches, in terms of people, technology and integrating technology platforms," adding that it is not easy
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah arrived in Gujarat on Wednesday to a rapturous welcome by the Gujarat BJP.

While he is expected to hold a series of meetings with state office bearers to finalise the election strategy for each of the 182 Assembly seats, he did set the tone for the campaigning by taking on the Opposition and predicted that Modi's Vijay Rath will roll into Gujarat as well.

The Congress dream of winning the Gujarat assembly elections were dashed on the day results for the recent elections in five states were declared. No 'Aaliya, Maaliya, Jamaaliya stands any chance of defeating the BJP in Gujarat," said Amit Shah at Vijay Vishwas Karyakarta Sammelan in the city.

Amit Shah also took a dig at Rahul Gandhi for not being able to see the changes taking place in the country.

Rahul Gandhi said in a meeting that the situation in Kashmir hasnt changed after Modi became PM. He will not be able to see the change because he has put Italian spectacles on. Earlier Pakistanis fired the first and last bullet. Now, Pakistanis still fire the first bullet but Indian soldiers fire the last bullet, Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani, too, echoed what Shah said.

The government will further tighten the anti-cow slaughter law and make it more stringent. We will ensure that 'gau mata' is protected zealously. We will clamp down the practice of cows being illegally and clandestinely transported for slaughter," said Rupani.

Meanwhile, the BJP president hinted that the Gujarat Assembly elections will be held as per schedule in November-December later this year.

Although state leaders kept insisting through the day that the BJP is all geared-up to face elections anytime, Shah said: Narendra Modis winning chariot, that has enabled victories in several states, will arrive in Gujarat as well in November.But one can never be too sure.
DailyFX.com -

Talking Points

Most Asian stocks slipped back on Thursday, with quarter end now in sight

Falls came despite a stronger US Dollar, European political risk seems to have kept heroics to a minimum

The bullish ASX stood out as a resolute gainer

.

Asian stocks fell on Thursday as the end of 2017s first quarter loomed. The US Dollar gained, a sight which usually buoys the regions bourses, but uncertainties such as those surrounding Brexit seemed to keep the bulls cautious.

The Nikkei ended down 0.8%, with stocks in South Korea, mainland China and Hong Kong also under pressure. Shanghai stocks took a big, 1.1% hit, on continued liquidity worries and a muted earnings season. New local listings were especially heavy.

Australias ASX 200 was the standout contrarian performer, rising 0.4% as its energy sub-index gained with oil prices. The ASX has managed to be a little more independent than most of late, and has staged a strong turnaround from last week. The economic data have also been supportive with one survey showing that job vacancies rose 1.8% between December and February, for the best showing since May 2011.

The US Dollar also rose, with its position against a basket of widely traded rivals rising to nine-day highs. The Euro had slipped on Wednesday following a report that European Central Bank policymakers were wary of stepping away from monetary easing.

Crude oil prices edged up again extending gains into a second day thanks to supply disruptions in Libya. Well-stocked US inventories reportedly continue to weigh, but some drawdown rates are now increasing. Gold prices headed lower, likely thanks to a stronger greenback. However, rising European uncertainties such as the Brexit process, now officially started, and upcoming French elections kept its losses in check.

Theres plenty of economic life left in the global session after Asia/Pacific trade winds down. Investors can look forward to official German consumer price data for March, another shot of US growth in the final quarter of 2016, along with weekly and continuing jobless claims.

Story continues

There are a few central-bank speakers coming up too. Dallas Federal Reserve President Robert Kaplan, New Yorks William Dudley and San Franciscos John Williams are all due to talk.

Would you like to know more about trading the financial markets? DailyFXs trading guide should be your first stop.

--- Written by David Cottle, DailyFX Research

Contact and follow David on Twitter:@DavidCottleFX



original source

DailyFX provides forex news and technical analysis on the trends that influence the global currency markets.

Learn forex trading with a free practice account and trading charts from IG.
Blistering heat right from mid-March marked the onset of an early arrival of summer. This, coupled with a below normal monsoon forecast has set the tone for brutal heat wave conditions and an elongated season.

A town in Maharashtra has already witnessed the temperature soaring to 46 degrees and the Met department has warned of heat wave conditions in parts of central, West and South India, according to a media report.

While individuals will face the heat, quite literally, one sector to be a big beneficiary is the fan and air conditioning industry. And that has already been reflected on the stocks of these firms, some of which clocked 52-week highs on Thursday.

Moneycontrol takes a look at stocks that saw an uptick in trade on Thursday.

1. Voltas

The air conditioning major rose nearly 3 percent intraday as investors bought into AC stocks due to better business prospects. Analysts also have an upbeat stance on the stock. Citi has a buy rating on the stock with a target price of Rs 429. It believes below normal monsoon forecast will help room air conditioners (ACs) industry to do well and will continue to stay in vested in the stock.

The stock has risen over 12 percent in the past one month, while its three-day gain stood at 7.3 percent. At 10:46 hrs, the stock was quoting at Rs 420.35, up Rs 7.50, or 1.82 percent on the BSE. It touched a 52-week high of Rs 424.90.

2. Blue Star

The stock has risen over 4 percent intraday and has seen a steady uptrend since the morning session. The companys management told CNBC-TV18 that it has been seeing robust demand in the last two weeks and feels the summer will be as good as the previous year. The company also expects industry to grow 20-25 percent this summer, while its own AC segment will go up to 35 percent in FY17. It also believes that GST will push up the prices of AC by 2-3 percent.

The stock rose over 18 percent in the past one month, while its three-day gain stood at 8 percent. At 10:48 hrs, the stock was quoting at Rs 670.00, up Rs 18.00, or 2.76 percent on the BSE. It touched a 52-week high of Rs 681.30.

3. Hitachi

The stock touched its 52-week high on the back of better business prospects due to extended summer conditions.

Keeping up with the trend in other stocks, the scrip rose a whopping 27 percent in the past one month, while in the past three days, it gained 11 percent.

At 11:10 hrs Johnson Controls -Hitachi Air Conditioning India was quoting at Rs 1,793.25, up Rs 54.30, or 3.12 percent. Its 52-week mark was seen at Rs 1,830.90.

The rally in AC stocks spilled over to fan and cooler manufacturers as well.

1. Symphony

The companys stock rose nearly 2 percent intraday as an overall rally in AC stocks spilled over to this scrip. In an interview to the channel, the management expected a harsh summer this year.

"We had great summer last year. We were sold out; most of the industry was sold out. So expectations are that this is going to be a good summer", he said. We are confident that margins will be sustainable at current levels, said Bakeri in an earlier interview to the channel.

The stock saw strong movements in the past one month, posting a gain of 15 percent. In the past three days, it gained over a percent.

At 11:10 hrs, Symphony was quoting at Rs 1,522.35, up Rs 10.45, or 0.69 percent on the BSE. It touched an intraday high of Rs 1,538.40 and an intraday low of Rs 1,520.00.

2. Havells

The fan manufacturer also saw an upsurge of over 2 percent based on the climatic conditions.

In the past one month, the stock rose 17 percent, while its three-day gain stood at 5.3 percent.

At 11:20 hrs Havells India was quoting at Rs 472.70, up Rs 11.45, or 2.48 percent on the BSE. It touched a 52-week high of Rs 474.30.
Graphics,Colour,Paint

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Shares of Berger Paints India rose nearly 2 percent intraday Thursday as it commenced production at Assam plant.

The company's British Paints division has commenced commercial production of its paint and putty plant at Nalbari, Assam on March 29.

This plant has a capacity of 6600 K/MT per annum of solvent and water based paints and 7200 MT per annum of putty and distemper.

The company is present in all segments of paint including decorative, automotive, industrial, protective and powder coatings.

The company had commenced commercial production of its automotive and general industrial paints production plant having a capacity of 4,800 KL/MT per annum at Jejuri near Pune in Maharashtra on March, 27.

At 11:23 hrs Berger Paints India was quoting at Rs 238.55, up Rs 3.85, or 1.64 percent on the BSE.

Posted by Rakesh Patil
Bull's Eye, CNBC-TV18's popular game show, where market experts come together to dish out trading strategies for you to make your week more exciting and compete with each other to see whose portfolio is the strongest.

Remember these are midcap ideas not just for the day, but stocks that look attractive in the medium-term as well.

This week, Ruchit Jain, Sumeet Jain and Ashish Kyal battle it out for top honours.

Below their top stock picks and analysis:

Ruchit Jain of Angel Broking

Buy PTC India with a stoploss at Rs 86 and target of Rs 96

Buy Federal Bank with a stoploss at Rs 87 and target of Rs 99

Buy Shriram Transport with a stoploss at Rs 1025 and target of Rs 1150

Buy Bajaj Corp with a stoploss at Rs 370 and target of Rs 410

Sumeet Jain of Destimoney Securities

Buy Gruh Finance with a stoploss at Rs 381 and target of Rs 424

Buy Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) with a stoploss at Rs 71 and target of Rs 79

Buy VIP Industries with a stoploss at Rs 182 and target of Rs 201

Buy Ipca Laboratories with a stoploss at Rs 589 and target of Rs 632

Ashish Kyal of Waves Strategy Advisors

Buy Britannia Industries with a stoploss at Rs 3320 and target of Rs 4470

Sell Bharat Forge with a stoploss at Rs 1060 and target of Rs 985

Sell Engineers India with a stoploss at Rs 151 and target of Rs 139

Sell Union Bank of India with a stoploss at Rs 160 and target of Rs 147
ss_world_gold_holdings_euro_central_bank_99967447

Angel Broking's currency report on EURINR

Euro currency spot traded lower by 0.4 3 percent (EURUSD) and 1.15 percent (EURINR) yesterday owing to mounting fears over Brexit negotiations and Greeces debt deals. Greece and its international creditors are discussing on some main issues like labor reforms, spending cuts and energy issues. The IMF has asked the debt - ridden nation to adopt strict labor reforms as a condition to join an 74billion (86 billion) bailout program, so far funded only by Euro - zone creditors. Both the parties move closer to clinching a deal before a meeting of euro zone finance ministers on 7 th April 2017. Due to all the above factors, EURINR spot is expected to trade lower.

Due to all the above factors, EURINR spot is expected to trade lower.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts/broking houses/rating agencies on moneycontrol.com are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

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Auto_car_cars_vehicle

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The country's largest automaker Tata Motors said the Supreme Court's ban on selling BS-III models was "unexpected and unprecedented penalty" on the entire industry.

"The Supreme Court order banning sale of all BS-III vehicles from April 1 is an unexpected and unprecedented move that will have a material impact on the entire automotive industry, OEMs' and dealer networks and is a penalty to the entire automotive industry," Tata Motors said in a statement.

The largest commercial vehicles maker noted that the industry planned the current transition into BS-IV in line with the accepted practice of stopping production of earlier emission standard vehicles effective from the transition date and is also under the prevailing laws.

Before the court verdict, Tata Motors managing director Guenter Butschek had told reporters that if the verdict went against the industry, he would have to explore export opportunities to clear the unsold inventory to markets like like Africa, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

He also categorically said "there is no technology available to upgrade a BS-III vehicle into a BS-IV one."

On its passenger vehicles business, he said it has been producing BS-IV compliant vehicles across our entire product range and are fully BS-IV ready.

Without quantifying the losses or the volume of banned units, the company said it is assessing the impact of the order that are lying unsold on April 1, at both company and dealerships.

In a statement, the second largest commercial vehicles makers Ashok Leyland's managing director Vinod K Dasari said he has only minimal BS-III inventory.

"We have been making BS-IV vehicles since 2010 and has sufficient capability and capacity to make these vehicles. However, since BS-IV commercial vehicles cannot run properly on BS-III fuel, and such fuel is not available nationwide, our customers continued to buy BS III vehicles," Dasari said.

On the BS-III inventory, he said most of the unsold units will be sold in the next couple of days. "Of the little inventory that we expect to remain beyond this, we will export them to other markets, where we have significant presence and still operate on BS III norms. For any other vehicles still leftover, the company confirms that it will be able to easily upgrade them to BS IV at minimal cost.
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Thermax through its step down subsidiary in Denmark, has agreed to acquire 100 per cent stake of Barite Investments, Poland.

With this (transaction) Barite will become a step down subsidiary of Thermax, the company said in statement.

According to the statement, as par of the definite agreement with Weiss Sp. z.o.o. in Poland, Thermax will acquire certain assets and production activities related to boiler manufacturing.

The agreement was singed on March 28, 2017 and the transaction would be completed after fulfilling certain conditions.

The statement said that the acquisition is of strategic advantage to Thermax since it provides the company additional manufacturing capacity for future expansion and for advancing its business in Eastern Europe.

Thermax is an energy and environment solution provider.
SpiceJet and Alliance Air were among the five airline companies that won bids to fly to far-flung locations at subsidised rates under the first phase of the government's Udan Regional Connectivity Scheme on Thursday. Others to receive the license included regional airlines Air Deccan, Turbo Megha and Air Odisha.

The government also approved a total of 45 airports that will be a part of the scheme on 128 routes.

The government had received a total of 43 applications from scheduled and non scheduled operators to fly regional routes.



#UDAN network will cover the whole country, giving a major economic boost to hinterland areas. New routes announced today #TransformingIndia pic.twitter.com/oOUHHrJWo7

 Ashok Gajapathi Raju (@Ashok_Gajapathi) March 30, 2017

Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju, addressing the media, said the total seats on these routes will be around 13 lakh. He added that the scheme will become active in the next 4-6 months.

Under Udan (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, airlines will receive a viability gap funding in which 80 percent of the subsidy will be provided by the state government and the remaining by the Centre.

Raju said for instance, that 50 percent of the seats under the RCS for a one hour flight will be available under Rs 2,500.

Analysts feel that SpiceJet's fleet, with 17 Q400s which are 78 seaters, are perfect for all RCS routes. Although the RCS was already priced in and the stock has rallied a lot. So analysts feel the stock may not rally on this development one.

While AAI airports in regional locations are ready to take the extra traffic, the airports run by State governments will still need some more work. The Cabinet had on March 5 agreed to pump in Rs 4,500 crore to revive 50 underserved airports.

Many states are planning to cut aviation turbine fuel tax to 1 percent for flights that originate from their airports. Delhi and Goa have already cut ATF tax.

In the financial years 2018 and 2019, plans are to revive 15 airports each, with 20 airports slated to be reworked in FY20.

The second phase of the RCS is expected to begin in six months.

Here is the complete list of the airports that will be a part of the scheme.
Donald Trump

Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold his first summit with US counterpart Donald Trump in Florida next week during which the two leaders are expected to set the tone for bilateral ties amid tensions over various issues like trade and the South China Sea dispute.

"Xi will meet Trump at Mar-a-lago, Florida from April 6 to 7," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang announced at a daily press briefing here today.

"China-US share trade and economic linkages which are highly complementary," Lu said.

"China hopes to make joint efforts with the United States to expand trade cooperation, properly settle trade frictions through dialogues and maintain healthy and stable growth of trade and economic ties," he said.

A host of contentious issues in bilateral relations, including Trump's claims about China's unfair trade practices, curbing North Korea's nuclear ambitions and American concerns about Chinese military ambitions in the South China Sea are expected to be discussed between the two leaders.

China-US trade in goods amounted to USD 519.6 billion in 2016. China has large share in the bilateral trade with its exports to the US amounting to over USD 400 billion.

This will be the first meeting between Xi and Trump since the US billionaire's inauguration as president.

The meeting will follow a recent trip to China by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

The two leaders had spoken by phone on Febraury 9 during which Trump had told Xi that he would honour the 'One China' policy.

Ahead of the summit with Trump, Xi will visit Finland and hold talks with his counterpart Sauli Niinisto, Lu said.
India's reaction to an Amazon.com website selling doormats resembling the country's flag involved an unprecedented public and private offensive against the US company by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, a document shows.



Indian High Commission in Canada : This is unacceptable. Please take this up with Amazon at the highest level. https://t.co/L4yI3gLk3h

 Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) January 11, 2017

Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj publicly threatened in January to rescind visas of Amazon employees if the doormats were not removed from its Canadian website.



If this is not done forthwith, we will not grant Indian Visa to any Amazon official. We will also rescind the Visas issued earlier.

 Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) January 11, 2017

But a document seen by Reuters shows the government went even further in private, asking its US and Canadian embassies to raise the matter "strongly" with Amazon's senior leadership.

India also escalated the matter to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and prompted a global audit by the company to "ensure that such products are not listed on any of its other" websites around the world, according to the document.

Amazon, which removed the products within 24 hours and apologised to the government, declined to comment.

Much is at stake for Amazon in India, where it plans to invest more than USD 5 billion as it takes on home-grown Flipkart and Snapdeal for a bigger share of the internet services market in the world's fastest growing major economy.

Amazon has now made Indian laws that govern the use of the national flag and other emblems "an integral part of the global compliance process," the document said, outlining the steps Amazon and India have taken since the incident.

India's reaction underscores the risks governments run by nationalist leaders are posing for businesses around the world. US President Donald Trump, for example, has also taken an aggressive stance on Twitter against individual companies.

Last year, Modi presented a global leadership award to Bezos at a US-India Business Council summit in Washington.

Amazon told the government that it had strengthened its in-house compliance units that monitor products sold by third-party vendors on its websites, the document said.

"Amazon India has conveyed that it is fully committed to respecting Indian laws and customs," the document said.
Arunabh Kumar: YouTube content channel The Viral Fever (TVF) was in the news in 2017, not for its videos. Founder Arunabh Kumar was accused of sexual harassment and had to resign as CEO of the company. (Image: Twitter)

TVF Founder and CEO Arunabh Kumar has been booked for molestation on the basis of a complaint filed by a victim. A case was lodged against him on Wednesday at the Andheri Police Station, reported Hindustan Times.

On March 12th, a post on medium.com by a former employee of TVF, who chose to call herself the Indian Fowler, accused Kumar of sexual harrasement. The post instantly went viral, and while both TVF and Kumar denied the allegations, more women spoke out accusing Kumar of sexually harassing them.

Supreme Court Lawyer Rizwan Siddique had filed a third party complaint against Kumar and the police had asked Kumar to record his statement on the matter. No FIR was filed against him as the complaints were from anonymous women. Both Police and Siddiqui (through his Facebook post) urged the victims to come out and speak.

TVFs casting director Nidhi Bisht had also urged women to speak out. Come forward without fear and lodge a formal complaint,Nidhi wrote for those who had faced similar ill-treatment at the TVF workplace. Bisht, who had earlier dismissed the allegations against Kumar as baseless, admitted that she was shocked by the number of women speaking out against the TVF chief since Indian Fowlers post went viral on social media.

In an official statement issued soon after the first blog post went viral, TVF denied hiring any person from Muzaffarpur- Indian Fowler had mentioned she hailed from that place- and added We take a lot of pride in our team and in making TVF a safe workplace that is equally comfortable for women and men. We will leave no stone unturned to find the author of the article and bring them to severe justice for making such false allegations.

Having faced severe criticism over their insensitive tone in the statement, TVF later issued another statement admitting that they should have handled the response better. We did send out an instant response, which may have been a bit too quick & emotional. We recognise that we should have handled that response better, the statement read.
Barclays PLC BCS is in talks to sell 68% stake in its Zimbabwe unit  Barclays Bank of Zimbabwe (BBZ)  to Malawi-based First Merchant Bank. The company had placed Zimbabwe unit along with its other African operations (Barclays Africa and Egypt unit) under its Non-Core division last year.



Notably, the remaining 32% stake in BBZ is traded on the Zimbabwe stock exchange. The unit employs nearly 1,000 workers and has 38 branches. Per Thomson Reuters data, the unit has market capitalization of more than $60 million.



Further, with deposits of $391.7 million and total assets worth $476.2 million as of Dec 31, 2016, BBZ is an attractive investment opportunity. Hence, Barclays decision to divest stake in it has attracted significant interest among local and foreign investors.



Both the companies have confirmed the ongoing talks. While First Merchant Bank revealed the same in a statement on its website, Barclays spokeswoman affirmed the news.



Nonetheless, the deal value was not disclosed by either of the parties. Moreover, the deal, if finalized, will require approvals from the regulators of Malawi and Zimbabwe.



Notably, Barclays is on track to wind down its Non-Core division by mid-2017, driven by continued divestiture of non-core operations world-wide. Last year, the company divested its 12% stake in Barclays Africa Group. Furthermore, it plans to lower the stake to below 20% and intends to keep a minority interest in the unit.



Also, Barclays has agreed to sell its Retail and Corporate Banking business in Egypt to Attijariwafa Bank S.A. Apart from these, the bank sold several operations across the globe, thereby simplifying its business and improving efficiency.



Driven by these efforts, investors seem to be bullish on the stock. Barclays shares increased 29.5% over the last one year, outperforming the gain of 23% for the Zacks categorized Foreign Banks industry.









Currently, Barclays carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 (Strong Buy) Rank stocks here.



Several other major global banks including HSBC Holdings plc HSBC, Deutsche Bank AG DB, Credit Suisse Group AG CS and UBS Group AG have been also restructuring and simplifying operations to improve efficiency and increase profitability.



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A Bitcoin (virtual currency) logo is pictured on a door in an illustration picture taken at La Maison du Bitcoin in Paris May 27, 2015. British authorities have come out in support of digital currencies in the name of promoting financial innovation, while proposing that regulations should be drawn up to prevent their use in crime. But it is technophiles who are leading the drive to make London a real-world hub for trade in web-based "cryptocurrencies", of which bitcoin is the original and still most popular. Picture taken May 27, 2015. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier - RTX1EWRL

An inter-ministerial committee set up to study the legality of bitcoins will give its response on April 20.

A government official privy to the developments on the digital currency told Moneycontrol that it was highly unlikely that a final decision on the fate of bitcoin in India would be announced on the April 20 meeting.

"There will be more discussions; a verdict will be declared soon on the legality of the cryptocurrency in India," the official said, adding that transactions in bitcoins have surged since demonetization, stoking concerns that it (bitcoin) could be a store for unaccounted money.

If the government declares Bitcoin to be illegal in India, then the exchanges will have to shutdown, the source added.

Some countries have clearly defined rules under which Bitcoin businesses function, the regulations are hazy in most others.

In India, bitcoins have drawn flak from the Reserve Bank of India and many politicians, but there is no prohibition to bitcoin mining, trading or transfer of it.

Recently, after being called as pyramid-ponzi scheme by BJP MP Kirit Somaiya, the fate of the digital currency has been a major concern for businesses and people who have bought some of it on various Indian exchanges.

Minister of State for Finance, Arjun Ram Meghwal said on Tuesday that the use of virtual currencies like Bitcoins is not authorised by the RBI and could result in a breach of anti-money laundering provisions.

Policy makers and bureaucrats are wary about bitcoins on concerns that it could be a conduit for siphoning money out of the country, and also for laundering undisclosed income, the source said.

Last month, bitcoin startups in the country joined hands to form Digital Asset and Blockchain Foundation of India (DABFI) to promote virtual currency market.

They had approached the government but are yet to get a response.

When asked if there is hope for these ventures, the source said that if the government and DABFI workout a proper compliance framework and documentation requirements for customers then these businesses might survive.

Jaideep Reddy, Technology Lawyer at legal and tax consulting firm Nishith Desai, which has been appointed by DABFI to develop self-regulations for the industry, said: "The Minister of State's statement in the Rajya Sabha seems to have been widely misinterpreted. He only indicated that the use of virtual currency for illegal purposes is illegal, and not that bitcoin per se is illegal."

"It is not likely that the government, in promoting technology, innovation, and financial inclusion, will resort to a knee-jerk ban of bitcoin as such. No major economy has done this. However, if there is a ban, all parties will have to comply with the same, subject to their remedies under law," he added.

When asked what will happen in the worst case scenario, if bitcoin is banned in our sovereign borders, he said: "Just like with the encryption and back doors debate, bad actors will continue to find means of using bitcoin through circumvention technologies, and law-abiding users of virtual currencies will bear the brunt of the action."

"Rather, through self-regulation with KYC, AML, CFT, STR, certification, and prudential norms, the industry can minimize fraud and co-operate with the government in law enforcement," he added.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today said 'surya namaskar' was similar to 'namaz' (prayers) offered by Muslims and those opposing the yogic exercise wanted to divide the society on religious lines.

Aditynath, who had in the past lashed out at a section of Muslims for terming the practice of 'surya namaskar' as un-Islamic, said the sun salutation was a beautiful example of religious harmony. "The namaz offered by Muslims resembles different postures and asanas of surya namaskar including pranayam.

"What a beautiful example of harmony (between two religions). But some 'bhogis' who do not believe in yoga, indulged in dividing the society on lines of caste, creed, religion and region among others," he said. "All asanas (postures) in surya namaskar, pranayama activities are similar to the way Namaz is offered by our Muslim brothers. But nobody ever tried to bring them together because few people were interested only in 'bhoga' not yoga," he said. Aditynath was addressing a gathering on the inaugural day of the three-day UP Yoga Mahotsava here.

Taking a jibe at the previous governments at the centre and in the state, he said, "If permission for a similar programme was sought, it would had been dubbed as communal." "Before 2014, even talking about Yoga was considered communal. But things changed after Modi took steps to make Yoga popular across the world," he said, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

After various state governments decided to make yoga and surya namaskar compulsory in schools, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) had launched a nationwide campaign against it. Aditynath had come out full throttle in support of surya namaskar after a controversy erupted over the inclusion of the exercise in the government's yoga protocol with a section of Muslims saying that their faith does not allow them to practise it.

He had then said that those who see communalism in even Sun God should drown themselves in the sea or live in a dark room for the rest of their lives.

Adityanath, a Hindutva mascot, has pledged after taking charge as Chief Minister that there will not be any discrimination on the basis of religion.

Showering praise on the Prime Minister for making yoga a global phenomenon, Adityanath said, "Modi deserves all the credit for the global recognition which yoga has got" and referred to the UN declaring International Yoga Day on June 21. "The number of countries which participated in the International Yoga Day celebrations in 2015 was 175, which went up to 192 in the subsequent year," he said.
Representative Image (REUTERS/Jayanta Dey)

India will become the the third largest employer of flexi-staff, behind US and China, by 2018, reports Business Standard. According to the Indian Staffing Federation (ISF), India will grow to 2.9 million people working as flexi-staff from 2.2 million presently.

Flexi-staffing is when a worker enters a short-term contract with a flexi-staffing company (FSC) which sends the worker out to work in another company under a separate contract.

China currently has a strength of 8.1 million flexi-staff while US has almost six times India's strength at 14.4 million.

In times when hiring in companies across sectors has slowed down, the flexi-staffing industry has seen phenomenal growth of around 12-15 percent annually. Some leading players in the flexi-staffing business like Innovsource and TeamLease have seen more than 20 percent growth.

The flexi-staffing have gained more business after the Centre's decision to ban high denomination currency in November last year. Earlier, most micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) would hire cheap labour from the informal sector and pay by cash. However, after demonetisation, they are opting for flexi-staff companies.

According to ISF, out of India's total workforce of 406.4 million, around 50.8 million are under formal employment, out of which 28.4 million are working in temporary employment.

With companies gaining interest in this form of hiring, the FSCs see good employment opportunities for the 5.7 million educated unemployed in the country.

ISF has made an estimation that with every one percent shift from the informal sector to flexi-staff, around 1.5 million people get access to social security as they shift to the formal sector.
People make their way on main Syntagma square as the parliament building is seen in the background, in Athens, Greece, February 28, 2017. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis - RTS10SQ7

Greece has agreed with its lenders on key labour reforms, spending cuts and energy issues, moving closer to clinching a deal before a meeting of euro zone finance ministers on April 7, sources close to the talks said on Wednesday.

The European Commission could not immediately confirm the report of a preliminary deal. The report drove Greek government bond yields to multi-week lows.

Negotiations between Athens, the European Union and the International Monetary Fund -- which has yet to decide if it will participate in Greece's current bailout -- have dragged on for months, rekindling fears of a new crisis in Europe.

The latest progress is expected to help allow the return of EU and IMF mission chiefs to Athens in the coming days to finalise details with Greek finance and labour ministers before the Eurogroup meeting in Malta.

The main focus of the talks has been pension cuts, energy and labour reforms. Athens agreed last month to adopt more measures, worth 2 percent of GDP, to help convince the IMF to participate in the bailout, which is sought by EU countries including Germany.

Greece will cut pension spending by up to 1 percent of GDP in 2019, two officials told Reuters on condition of anonymity. Lowering the tax-free threshold would raise roughly another 1 percent of GDP has also been agreed, an EU official said.

"I believe there will be a staff level agreement by the April 7 Eurogroup," one of the officials said.

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

On labour reforms, Greece will not be forced to ease present restrictions on collective redundancies initially sought by the IMF, another official said.

Collective bargaining, which was weakened as part of bailout reforms in 2012, is expected to be revived after the country's current bailout programme expires in 2018. Greece and lenders are still negotiating other labour issues.

Slashing the market share of state-controlled Public Power Corp through the sale of coal-fired units, has also been agreed, another official said. However, an energy ministry official said the issue was still under discussion.

Any PPC move to sell assets is likely to stir controversy, and labour unions have already warned of industrial action if it goes ahead. Energy Minister George Stathakis was due on Friday to tour northern Greece, where PPC is a big employer.

Greece will start legislating for the reforms agreed once the deal is sealed, a government spokesman said, adding that the negotiation was still ongoing. On Tuesday the government submitted to parliament a bill on an out-of-court settlement of non-performing corporate loans.

Greece hopes that wrapping up the second review of bailout progress will pave the way for crucial talks on post-bailout debt relief. Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos has said debt restructuring would help the country return to markets before its bailout expires.

Earlier, a spokesman for the European Stability Mechanism, the euro zone's bailout fund said that possible additional debt relief for Greece could be decided only at the end of the bailout programme.
Education

Montgomery County Community College will present the spring installment of the interview/talk show program Issues and Insights April 20 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Science Center room 214, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The programs will be simulcast to the Colleges West Campus in South Hall room 216, 101 College Drive, Pottstown. Dr. Kolsky will offer a humorous presentation, Carrots, Sticks and Politics: A State of the Nation and the World Message. In this speech, he will provide his interpretation of domestic and international politics and then welcome questions from the audience for discussion. Issues and Insights, is free and open to the public. For information, contact Dr. Thomas Kolsky, professor of political science, at 215-641-6380 or tkolsky@mc3.edu.

Montgomery County Community Colleges STEM Scholars Program will host a STEM Jam! open house April 25 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Advanced Technology Center at the Colleges Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The drop-in event is designed for students interested in learning more about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Activities will include STEM program information and career advising, STEM speakers throughout the day from industry and academia, micro-helicopter and robotics competitive obstacle courses and demonstrations and static models of STEM student and faculty work. For more information about STEM Jam! or STEM programs at MCCC, contact William Brownlowe at wbrownlowe@mc3.edu or 215-641-6644, or Robin Zuhlke at 215-619-7440 or rzuhlke@mc3.edu.

Temple Ambler, located at 580 Meetinghouse Road, presents the following events:

International Club Global Bazaar April 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Ambler Campus International Club invites all students, faculty, staff and the community to celebrate a multitude of diverse cultures, which will be showcased at the organizations Global Bazaar. This family friendly event will highlight cultural traditions and celebrations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South American, North America and Africa through music, entertainment, food and informative displays developed and presented by students at the Ambler Campus. Young visitors will be provided with passports, which they may get stamped at each country they visit. Prizes will be awarded to world travelers who talk to cultural representatives, answer questions about the countries theyve visited and take part in fun-filled activities designed to help them learn about the rich diversity of cultures found throughout the world. Refreshments will be served. The event is free. For more information, call 267-468-8108 or e-mail tuc36466@temple.edu.

EarthFest 2011 April 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 75 exhibitors, including the Philadelphia Zoo, The Franklin Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Elmwood Park Zoo and the Insectarium, will take part in EarthFest 2011. School students of all ages are invited to attend and develop displays of their own. EarthFest partner the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society also offers its Kids Grow Expo, featuring the Junior Flower Show, as part of the event. For more information, call 267-468-8108 or e-mail duffyj@temple.edu.

Annual Spring Plant Sale May 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The plant sale  an Ambler Campus tradition dating back to the early 1900s  will feature woody plants and perennials in portable sizes, hardy trees, shrubs, and vines, native plants that are attractive to wildlife, herbs, and hanging baskets. There will also be numerous special plants for sale to highlight Amblers special anniversary year. Garden books and garden tools will also be available for sale. Students, staff, and volunteers from the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture and the Ambler Arboretum Advisory Committee will be available to answer questions. All proceeds from the Spring Plant Sale will support the Ambler Arboretum Fund and the Pi Alpha Xi National Honor Society. Information: 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary.

June Homecoming/Louise Bush-Brown Garden Dedication June 5 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. (June Homecoming), Bright Hall Lounge; 2 p.m. (Garden Dedication), Ambler Campus Formal Perennial Gardens. Tickets  June Homecoming: Participant  $18 per person; Sustainer  $25 per person; Benefactor  $40 per person. The 2011 June Homecoming, sponsored by the School of Environmental Design Alumni Association, will include the Alumni Association annual meeting and luncheon. June Homecoming will be followed by the formal dedication of Temple University Amblers Formal Perennial Gardens as the Louise Bush-Brown Formal Gardens. During this 100th anniversary of the campus, Temple University Ambler and the Ambler Arboretum of the Temple University is honoring Louise Bush-Browns many contributions to the history of the campus by formally dedicating the gardens in her honor. During the program, campus Executive William Parshall will welcome guests, Ambler Arboretum Director Jenny Rose Carey will speak about the Bush-Browns and the history of the garden, and an official ribbon cutting will be held for the Louise Bush-Brown Formal Garden. Following the ribbon cutting, guests are invited to take a tour of the gardens, which will wend their way to the Campus Greenhouse for the School of Environmental Designs annual Plant Auction. Information (Garden Dedication): 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Information (June Homecoming): 215-482-0722. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary.

Northview Garden Tour and Fundraiser for the Ambler Arboretum June 12 from noon to 5 p.m. Call for reservations. Tickets: $15 per person or $20 at the door. In addition to the gardens of the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University, Arboretum Director Jenny Rose Carey has a garden oasis all her own right in Ambler  Northview. Visitors will have the opportunity to take self-guided tours throughout the many gardens, where garden experts will be available to answer questions about the various designs. The Ambler Keystone Chapter of the Womans National Farm and Garden Association will also provide tea and refreshments. All proceeds from the tours will support the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University. Information or to register: 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary.

The Senior Adult Activities Center of Montgomery County, 536 George Street, Norristown, will hold the following events:

SAAC Adult Day Care, an alternative to Nursing Home Care is available  for information call 610-275-1960

Volunteers are needed for Meals on Wheels Program (call the number above)

SAACs Fifth Avenue Boutique opens Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Exercise with Theresa will be held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1 p.m.

Dance class is held every Monday at 10 a.m.

Tai Chi is held every Monday at 10 a.m.

Yoga is held every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.

Line Dancing is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

Dancing with Joan is held every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

Sculpture Class is held Wednesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Why Should I Learn Spanish? will be held Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Generations On-Line computer classes for seniors will be held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.  4 p.m.  computers are available during those hours.

Health Living will be held every Tuesday at 1 p.m.

Boomer U will hold the following events. Boomer U is located at 45 Forest Avenue, Ambler. Registration & payment is required for all events: 215-619-8863.

Pilates Class is held Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. First class is free; please bring a mat. For information call 610-291-5376.

Blue Bell School of Dance, 921 Penllyn Blue Bell Pike, Blue Bell, hosts Argentine Tango Classes and a Milonga dance party every Friday evening. Lessons start at 8:30 p.m. followed by dancing at 9:30 p.m. Andrew Conway, master Argentine Tango dancer, instructor and performer and his partner Linda Chase will instruct. All levels welcome and no partner is needed. Refreshments will be served. Fee is $12 per person and includes lesson and dancing. Information: 215-634-1101 or www.amoretango.com.

The Montgomery Hospital Medical Center will offer the following classes:

Childbirth Education Class- all parents are invited to participate, including those who are delivering at

other hospitals. For more information on maternity services or classes, call 610-270-2020.

CPR and First Aid Courses are offered for beginners to experiences health care providers. Call 610-270-2313.

The Ambler SAAC (Senior Adult Activities Center), located at 45 Forest Ave in Ambler will hold the following events:

Tai Chi every Monday and Thursday at 11 a.m.

Yoga is every Tuesday at 1 p.m. and Friday at 10:30 a.m.

Strength and balance training every Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Armchair Aerobics is held every Monday at 10 a.m.

Gourmet Weight Wise every Thursday at 12:30.

Fitness Center and Pool Room open daily 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Diabetes Education Center will offer day and evening classes each month. Health insurance pays for diabetes education classes. Preregistration is required. Call 610-270-2301.

For Kids & Families

The Ambler Kiwanis Club will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt April 26 at 10 a.m. in Ambler Borough Park, located just off of the intersection of Hendricks Street and Valley Brook Road. Members of the Wissahickon Key Club will assist Kiwanians in hiding thousands of wrapped chocolate eggs in a designated area of the park. Also hidden will be plastic colored eggs, which are redeemed for prizes. Elementary school children are separated by age.

Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation will hold its 21st annual Storybook Egg-Stravaganza April 15 fom 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Upper Dublin Township Building. Toddlers and preschoolers love this annual event where photo opportunities with favorite friends abound! Treasures are collected from UDP&Rs assortment of lifesize cutouts of favorite cartoon characters from Disney, Sesame Street, Nickelodeon and other well-known animation. Children can have their picture taken with Bugsy OHare; bring your own camera. And dont forget a basket for goodies! $7 for UD residents; $12 for non-residents. Pre-register at 215-643-1600 ext. 3443.

Splash Week is a free week-long program that teaches children and families basic swimming skills and water safety practices. All YMCA branches will host multiple classes each day from April 11 to 15. For more information, contact the Ambler Area YMCA at 215-628-9950.

Healthy Kids Day is April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day is filled with fun, engaging and artistic activities that cultivate healthy living as part of the YMCAs larger efforts to help more kids and families become physically active. All activities are free and open to the community. For more information, contact the Ambler YMCA at 215-628-9950. No reservation is required.

The Ambler Area YMCA has added several new programs for area youngsters. Classes are held late afternoons or evenings on various weekdays. For more information, visit philaymca.org or call 215-628-9950.

Basic Beading: Ages: 10+. Wednesdays 7 to 7:45 p.m. This class will teach you the fundamentals of wiring and stringing along with how color can be used to create unique and vibrant beadwork design. You will create various jewelry including earrings, bracelets, charm pendants and much more! Supplies will be provided. Bringing your own jewelry pliers or tools would be a plus.

Messin with the Masters: Ages: 8-12. Thursdays 7 to 7:45 p.m. Learn about some of the worlds greatest artists. You will be inspired to create your own Starry Night with oil pastels and tempera paints, a tissue paper painted Monet garden, a Picasso head using scraps of paper, a Georgia OKeeffe clay flower bowl and a Rousseau jungle collage.

Super Scientist: Ages: 5-7. Mondays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Well be concocting chemistry experiments such as making slime, mixing potions and having fun with magnet magic. Your budding little scientist will enhance his/her creative thinking and motor skills and to top it off will learn that science can be serious fun.

Wacky Junk Art: Ages: 8-12. Thursdays 6 to 6:45 p.m. Why throw it away! Instead join us to make household junk into aliens from outer space, wacky specs, crazy hats, body masks or a recycled train.

Globe Trotters: Ages: 4-6. Tuesdays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Youre never too young to start thinking globally. Each week, we explore a new country through crafts, games, music, stories and even some taste-testing. A perfect introduction to our great big world!

Crazy about Crafts: Ages: 5-7, Thursdays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Let your childs creative juices flow with our fun arts and crafts projects each week. Fine motor skills and creative thinking skills will be enhanced with this crafty class.

Come out and join the Ambler Area YMCAs Teen and Junior Leaders Club. Participants are given the freedom to plan community service projects year round and truly make a difference in the lives of people in need. Those in Teen and Junior Leaders also attend leadership retreats all along the East Coast three times a year and meet other leaders who are doing the same great work in their respective areas. Dont miss out on this inspiring opportunity. Teen Leaders, ages 13-17, meet every Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Junior Leaders, ages 10-12, will begin in the spring and will meet every Monday. For more information, contact Mike Miles, Teen Director, 215- 628-9950 x 1540 or mmiles@philaymca.org.

Did you know that the new Ambler Area YMCA holds childrens birthday parties at its site for members and non members as well. The Ambler Y does all the work from start to finish and birthday parties include a personalized cake, ice cream, beverage and paper products. Parties are held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and include two party hosts to lead activities, set-up, clean-up and assist with serving. You can have a Splash Party for children ages six to 12 in the new zero depth entry pool with water slide and spray fountains. Up to 25 children have exclusive use of the pool area with 30 minutes in the party room. Sports Parties are offered for kids ages four to 12 with age appropriate activities and games, and sports such as floor hockey, soccer, basketball or dodge ball. Children ages three to five years of age will enjoy parties in the Family Active Center with use of the Moon Bounce and organized activities, such as parachute play and songs. For information, 215-628-9950 ext. 1583.

Community Events at the Ambler Y:

-YAchievers YMCA Achievers is a developmentally based, extracurricular, educational and team mentoring program designed to help students in grades five through 12 prepare for fulfilled livelihoods in college and beyond. Participation is free and all students in this program receive a free YMCA membership. Registration for the 2009 program begins now. You do not need to be a YMCA member to utilize these special services. Call 215-628-9950 to register.

Greater Norristown Art Leagues Childrens Weeklong Summer Art Camps will be held at 800 West Germantown Pike in East Norriton, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday throughout the summer. The cost per session is $125 per student for ages 6 and up. Jo Ann Cooksey Bono teaches an introduction to basic drawing skills and techniques from 10 a.m. until the lunch break each day. In the afternoon sessions, Mary Vogel Lozinak involves the students in hands on projects such as collage, papermaking, T-shirt printing, 3D design and sculpy clay. Fridays Graduation Day includes an art show, awards ceremony and reception for parents, siblings, grandparents and friends. All supplies are included. Students provide their own lunch. A refrigerator is available and the building is air-conditioned. This is the 15th year to run this successful program. Both instructors are professional artists with State Police and Child Abuse Clearances. To register, call Jo Ann at 610-279-1008, or register on-line at www.gnal.org.

Health

Dresher Physical Therapy is hosting an interactive seminar discussing its Golf Assessment Progam April 30 from 10 a.m. to noon at Dresher Physical Therapy, 1075 Virginia Drive, Suite 200, Fort Washington. Physical therapist Chris Miller, certified through the Titleist Performance Institute, will discuss why your body may be the most important piece of golf equipment you invest in and how this can drastically improve your game. $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Call 215-619-4545 to reserve your spot.

The Chestnut Hill Center for Enrichment, Center on the Hill and Chestnut Hill Hospital will host a Senior Health and Resource Fair April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Chestnut Hill Presbyterian Church, 8855 Germantown Ave. The event is free. For more information, call 215-248-0180 or e-mail chseniors@cavtel.net.

The Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center is hosting Help Yourself to Health, a new six-week workshop for older adults with ongoing health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, heart disease and others. The free workshop will take place at the Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center, 45 Forest Ave. on six Thursdays, May 12 through June 16 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Although there is no charge to participate, registration is required. To register, call 215-619-8863.

The Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center is sponsoring an eight-week program called A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls. Presented by the Montgomery County Health Department, this workshop will be held on Tuesdays, May 3 to June 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ambler Center, 45 Forest Ave. If you pre-register by April 27, the fee is only $5! Registration at the first class is $10. (Checks should be payable to SAAC and will benefit our Meals on Wheels program that serves homebound seniors.) A workbook will be provided and refreshments will be served. Call 215-619-8863 to register or for more information.

Fort Washington Wellness Center classes are ongoing. There are several offered during lunch or right after work, for your convenience: Boot Camp from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday; Zumba is MWF from 11 a.m. to noon and Friday at 4 p.m.; there are 25 cycling classes; Ashtanga and Vinyasana Yoga and Pilates; and a group Womens Strength Training class M-F from 10 to 11 a.m. Questions, call Cathy DeMarco at 215-641-1245.

Following the success of other local area programs, Impact Sports and Upper Dublin Parks and Recreation are delighted to team up again to offer a spring program for the 2011 season! Upper Dublin area children ages 3-5 years old can attend a Sports Program featuring their favorite sports games; soccer, rugby, hockey, track and field, basketball, and more. The program will start on April 27 and run through June 1. Cost for the program is $85 for the six weeks. The classes will be running 12- 1 p.m.; 1- 2 p.m.; 2- 3 p.m. For more info or to register, call Upper Dublin Township on 215 643 1600 or visit their website a http://www.upperdublin.net.

Spring Aquatic Programs  UDHS Pool:

-Summer is just around the corner  Community Aquatic Programs at the UDHS Pool can help get you into shape! Programs begin in March; preregistration is required.

 Shallow Water Aerobics  Two 5-week programs, Wednesday nights, 8-8:45 p.m., $40R/$50NR.

 Adult Swim Instructions  Two 5-week programs, Wednesday nights, 7-8 p.m., $50R/$60NR

-Open Rec Swims are fun for the whole family! Come out on Fridays from 7-9 p.m. or Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. and enjoy use of the pool and diving area. Fridays are offered through June 17; Saturdays are offered March 12-May 21.

-Join a growing group of adult lap swimmers and water walkers. Lanes are set aside evenings and weekends for use; lanes are shared. Monday  Thursday from 7:30-9:30 p.m.; Fridays from 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays (March 12-May 21) from 1-4 p.m.

-Private Swimming & Diving Lessons for ages 3-adult are offered at the UDHS Pool through a partnership with the Upper Dublin Aquatic Club (UDAC). Visit the UDAC website for more information, www.udac.us, and click the link to UDHS Private Lessons.

-Looking for local programs for US Masters Swimming (adults) or Water Polo (all ages)? UDAC and UDSD are working together to develop programs that will be offered at the UDHS Pool. Add your name to Interest Lists by emailing slohoefer@upperdublin.net. emails will be sent about clinics and program start dates.

Questions about Community Aquatic Programs at the UDHS Pool, group use of the pool or pool rental? Contact Susan Lohoefer, Facility & Community Affairs Manager at slohoefer@upperdublin.net or call 215-643-8800 x8994.

SilverSneakers Fitness Program. The Healthyways SilverSneakers Fitness Program is a result-oriented program that enables older adults to take charge of their health. The program is an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle and socially oriented programing. Members of the program are eligible for a free YMCA membership, with use of the pool and exercise equipment, along with customized classes designed for older adults who want to improve their strength, flexibility, balance and endurance. If you are a subscriber to Independence Blue Cross (Personal Choice 65 PPO) or Keystone 65 HMO, Bravo Health, or Health Options Programs (HOP), call the Ambler Area YMCA, 215-628-9950 or Hatboro Area YMCA, 215-674-4545. You can also visit www.silversneakers.com.

Zumba Fitness offers Zumba dance/fitness classes at Academy of Dance and Music/BBAD Studio located at 1524 DeKalb Pike in Blue Bell (behind Sherwin Williams). Classes are offered three times a week: Tuesdays at 6 p.m., Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. For a free trial pass for your first class, email us at info@danceandmusic.biz or call 610-277-2557. For more info, visit our site at www.academyofdanceandmusic.org.

Chestnut Hill Health Systems presents the following Health Education Programs:

FITNESS CLASSES

Golden Yoga: A Breathing, Stretching and Relaxation Class. Fridays, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Lea Auditorium, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. Registration for four classes at a time required. Golden Yoga is Classical Yoga, adapted by the SKY Foundation, to accommodate those who have difficulty getting up and down from the floor. The program includes postures, breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques, all performed while sitting in a chair and standing. Registration required. Call 215-247-3029. Cost: $20 for 4 classes per month.

Tai Chi: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:30  9:30 a.m. Springfield Residence, 8601 Stenton Ave. Classes, for the novice or beginner/intermediate student, are designed to improve balance, power, posture, coordination, flexibility and mental focus. Slow, gentle movements are modified to most everyones abilities. For more information or to sign up for a free introductory class, call 215-882-2804. Cost: $8 per class/paid monthly.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Weight Loss Surgery Support Group: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 7-8 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. Join us for a monthly get-together where well share information for those interested in weight loss surgery, learn from guest speakers discussing current news on issues including lifestyle modification, nutrition and exercise and provide ongoing support for those who have completed surgery. Registration required. Call 215-753-2000.

Breast Cancer Networking Group: Fourth Tuesday of the month 5:30  7 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. A free, confidential support group for women living with a diagnosis of breast cancer designed to provide a forum for sharing information, feelings and concerns associated with breast cancer. Facilitated by Tish Wakefield, LCSW, Oncology Social Worker. Registration required. To register or for more information, call 215-248-8047.

New Moms Support Groups Tuesdays 10:30 a.m.  12 p.m.; contact Jeanine ORourke, MSW or 2:30  4 p.m.; contact Susan Schack, Ph.D Volunteer Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. The Center for Postpartum Depression at Chestnut Hill Hospital is pleased to offer two new support groups to support new moms. Both groups will be run by experienced mental health professionals who really get it when it comes to new motherhood and juggling relationships, extended family, work/family balance and self-care. If you are experiencing new mom challenges that often heighten anxiety and involve hormonally driven depression, join us for an informative and supportive forum to connect with other moms. Infants are welcome. $30 per session (flexible based on need). Registration is required. Call Dr. Schack, 646-265-2484, or Ms. ORourke, 215-206-2931.

Man to Man Prostate Cancer Support Group Third Thursday of the month 8-9 a.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. A networking group for men diagnosed with prostate cancer designed to provide education, support and encouragement. Spouses and partners welcome. Harry M. Baer, MD, Chief, Urology Division, will host Ask the Doctor. Registration required. Call 215-248-8325.

Contact the Senior Center by phone 215-248-0180 or email (chseniors@cavtel.net) with your questions about these programs or any of our on-going activities and classes.

Holy Redeemer HomeCare and Hospice seeks compassionate and emotionally mature volunteers to provide support to local hospice patients and their families in Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. Volunteers may also assist with pet therapy and administrative work within the hospice department and are requested to have daytime availability. Hospice patient care volunteers visit with patients in their homes or nursing facilities once a week for two to three hours. They provide emotional support and companionship to patients and family members, assist with errands or provide respite for caregivers. Bereavement volunteers support the families of hospice patients following the loss of a loved one, while administrative volunteers assist with typing, mailings and/or filing. Hospice care workers provide a great service to families and loved ones of hospice patients. Many volunteers also report a great deal of personal satisfaction as a result of their services. Patient care and bereavement volunteers complete an application and attend an 18-hour volunteer training program that covers the medical, psychological and spiritual aspects of hospice volunteering. Day and evening training programs are offered. To sign up for volunteer opportunities in Pennsylvania, contact Holy Redeemer Volunteer Coordinator Jean Francis at 215-698-3737 or email jfrancis@holyredeemer.com.

Librarytalk

Upper Dublin Public Library, 805 Loch Alsh Avenue, Ft. Washington, 215-628-8744

www.upperdublinlibrary.org

APRIL CHILDRENS PROGRAMS:

Storytimes: Please register in the library.

o Wee Ones: 0 to 23 months Thursdays and Fridays 10:30 to 10:50 a.m.

o Tiny Tots: age 2. Wednesdays 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. and Fridays 11 to 11:20 a.m.

o Jr. Book Lovers: ages 3 to 6. Tuesdays 10:30 to 11 a.m.

o Bedtime Storytimes: 7 to 7:30 p.m. April 20 and 27. Wear your jammies, bring your teddy & hear Miss Barbara read bedtime stories! For ages 3 to 6.

APRIL TEEN PROGRAMS:

North Hills Library Teens April 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. Movie Matinee

APRIL UDPL ADULT PROGRAMS:

NEW! ESL Conversation Group. Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. Interested in practicing your English in a safe and caring environment? Come to our conversation group and improve your skills! Please register with Kay Klocko at 215-628-8744 or kklocko@mclinc.org.

One-on-One Computer Mentoring. Get personalized assistance from experienced computer volunteers! Sign-up for a one-hour session. Limit one session per month. Please register  contact info above.

Book Groups Please register with Kay Klocko 215-628-8744.

o Daytimers: April 21 at 1:30 p.m. Tired of book groups where you all read the same book? Read any fiction or non-fiction book on this months theme: Explorers. Please register.

Meetings:

Annual Meeting of the Friends of UDPL: April 14 at 1 p.m.

Board of Directors: April 20 at 7 p.m.

Blue Bell Library www.wvpl.org Upcoming Events: The Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 650 Skippack Pike (Route 73) in Blue Bell, is diagonally across from the Blue Bell Inn. Call 215-643-1320 or visit their website at www.wvpl.org.

For children and teens at Blue Bell:

* Story times with guitar music by Miss Michelle, the singing librarian.

* Mondays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages.

* Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. for all ages.

* Fridays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages.

* Family Movies, new releases, second Saturdays of the month at 1:30 p.m.

* May 14  Despicable Me

* June 11  Alpha and Omega

* Special Events

* April  watch for date of spring/Easter events

* April 14 at 4:30 p.m.  Junior Lego Club for children ages 3 through 5. Parents and caregivers need to stay with children.

* April 14 at 7 p.m.  Jeopardy for ages 11 to 18. Test your book and library knowledge for prizes. Sign up to be a contestant. No sign up to be in the audience. Snacks provided.

* April 16 at 1 p.m.  Adult Mystery Book Group discussing The Beekeepers Apprentice by Laurie King.

* April 16 at 1:30 p.m.  Childrens event for One Book, Every Young Child celebration. Story and craft for book Whose Shoes?

* April 19 at 7 p.m. and April 26 at 1:30 p.m.- Adult book group discusses The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester. Group led by Adam Button.

* April 30 through May 3  Friends book sale with about 10,000 items for sale for children, teens and adults.

* May  sign up for Science in the Summer

* June  sign up for Enrichment Programs for Elementary-Age children

* June  sign up for Summer Reading, all ages

For adults at Blue Bell:

* Daytime Book Discussion Group  fourth Tuesday, Jan  April at 1:30 p.m.

* April 26  The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester

* Night-time Book Discussion Group  third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.

o April 19  The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester

* Art Series with Dr. Sheldon Weintraub, docent at The Barnes and speaker at local colleges

o April 27 at 2 p.m. The Art of Looking at Art-Is She Nude or Is She Naked?

*Mystery Book Discussion Group, third Saturday of the month at 1 p.m.; new mystery theme each month; www.wvpl.org/programs

* Yoga on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. $20 for eight classes; $5 per drop-in class.

* Tai Chi on Mondays at 3 p.m. with Dr. Kurt Findeisen. $20 for eight classes; $5 per drop in class.

* Philadelphia Museum of Art presents class on their Marc Chagall exhibit, April 13 at 2 p.m.

* Giant Book Sale, April 29  May 3

o Starts with almost 10,000 items for children and adults!

o Held during library hours.

o Preview for members of the Friends of the Library, April 28 at 7 p.m.

o Join the Friends and attend the preview sale. Modest fee to join.

* Blooms at Blue Bell Gardening Series

o May 11 at 1 p.m.  Summer Bulbs by PA Horticultural Society

* Knitting group Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Work on your project or observe and learn. The groups continue year-round in the community room.

* Socrates Cafe discussion group every Monday at 7 p.m. You pick the topic to discuss each week. No sign-up, nothing to read.

* Bridge every Friday at 12:30 p.m. New players welcome.

* Mah Jong every Wednesday at 1 p.m. New players welcome.

*Chess every Wednesday at 7p.m. for adults and teens 14 and older.

* Movie Matinee showing recent releases every Thursday at 2 p.m. April 14: Maos Last Dancer; April 21: Welcome to the Rileys; April 28: Conviction; May 5: Inception; May 12: Inside Job; May 19 The Kings Speech; May 26 The Fighter; June 2 Rabbit Hole; June 9 Black Swan; June 16 127 Hours

* Ongoing like-new, year-round book sale for adults & children during library hours

* Library opening at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday!

Ambler Library, a branch of the Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 209 Race St., 215-646-1072. www.wvpl.org. All the following events occur at the Ambler Library.

* Story times with guitar music by Miss Michelle, the singing librarian.

* Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages.

* Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. for all ages.

* For adults:

* Beading Group meets the first and third Monday of every month at 1 p.m. Work on your own projects or come to watch and learn.

* Free Family History Lookup with Connie Briggs. Email Connie for an appointment at the Ambler Library. conniebriggs@comcast.net

* Special Events:

* April 14 at 1:30 p.m.  Book Group discusses Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian.

* April 19 at 7 p.m.  Travel to Paris with world traveler Harry Balin. Tea and scones at 6:30 p.m.

* April 21 at 7 p.m.  Art with Sara for children in fourth through seventh grades.

*May 2 at 6:30 p.m.  Discuss the movie Lone Star with Temple Professor Lisa Hawkins. Watch the movie ahead of time.

*May 10  Robert Capucci discusses Art into Fashion. Tea and scones served at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m.

*May 12 at 1:30p.m.  Book Group discusses The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman.

*May 17  Tour the gardens of Devon and Southwest England with Lois McMullen. Tea and Scones at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m.

*June 13 at 6:30 p.m.  Discuss the movie Blade Runner with Temple Professor Lisa Hawkins. Watch the movie ahead of time.

Meetings and Lectures

The Unisys Blue Bell Retiree Group will meet in the Church on the Mall in the Plymouth Meeting Mall April 14 at 1:30 p.m. Kathy Sacket Young, director/trainer with the North Penn YMCA, will speak on Keeping Fit in Retirement. For more information, contact Membership Committee Chairperson Jerry Feldscher at 610-275-3538 or President Al Rollin at 215-368-4833.

The next FWBA meeting will be April 28 at the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Washington. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m.; meeting from noon to 1 p.m. Leon Singletary, Principal, First Contact HR and FWBA Executive Board, will present: Social Media: How to Use It To Get More Business. Lunch is provided courtesy of the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Washington. Members are welcome to bring a guest. An RSVP is requested by return email or 215-628-0313.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern PA is hosting a information sessions over the next few weeks on how to become a Big Brother. The information sessions will take place: April 16 at noon, April 19 at 8 a.m. and April 28 at 6 p.m. All sessions will be held at the groups Norristown Office,t 530 DeKalb St., Norristown. For more information, call 610-277-2200.

The North Penn Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) normally meets on the third Tuesday of each month from now until May. Meetings are held at the William Penn Inn on Route 202 and Sumneytown Pike, Upper Gwynedd, PA. Social hour starts at 5:30 p.m., dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., and the technical program begins at 7 p.m. Cost with reservation is $28 for members. Members without reservations and guests pay $30. Students with reservations pay $15. Reservations may be made by noon on the Monday preceding the meeting by phoning 215-371-1854 or emailing the reservation to northpennima@yahoo.com northpennima@yahoo.com. Information about the North Penn Chapter is available at http://northpenn.imanet.org/.

LeTip, a professional organization of men and women who are dedicated to the highest standards of competence and service meets every Tuesday at Cedar Brook Country Club, 180 Penllyn Pike, Blue Bell at 7 a.m. -meeting officially starts at 7:16 a.m. and ends at 8:31 a.m. Our purpose is the exchange of business tips, leads, and referrals. Each business category is represented by one member and conflicts of interest are disallowed. Guests are welcome to visit any of our breakfast meetings.

Every third Thursday of month, Sunrise Assisted Living of Blue Bell (795 Penllyn Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422, 215-619-2777) serves as a satellite site to 148th Legislative district PA congressman Mike Gerber from 10 a.m. to noon. Stop by for help needed with things such as disability placards and license plates, vehicle registration, utilities issues, birth/death certificates,property tax/rent rebates, etc. Notary services arranged by appointment.

The Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is an action-oriented organization dedicated to promoting its members and the economic health of eastern Montgomery county. The Chamber is committed to serving as a catalyst by uniting business, community agencies, government and education to make our county a great place to live and work. For information, call 215-887-5122 or visit www.emccc.org.

Do you have a fear of public speaking? Blue Bell Toastmasters Club can help. We meet from 7 to 9 p.m., on the second and fourth Tuesday at the Marriott Courtyard, located on Route 202, directly across from the Montgomeryville Mall. Learn how to improve communication and leadership skills in a friendly and supportive environment. Guests are welcome. Admission fee: $5. For more info, visit www.bbtoast.org.

The PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce will hold the following meetings (for reservations to any of the following, email info@PennSuburban.org)

-Breakfast News Network, 7:30-8:45 a.m. at Normandy Farm Hotel (1401 Morris Road, Blue Bell, PA 19422) $15 members, includes full buffet breakfast. Join us for a networking program at Normandy Farm Hotel every Thursday morning for breakfast, business news, informative speakers, and plenty of networking. The cost includes a full breakfast buffet. Copies of the business cards will be made available to those who would like them.

The BNI, Fort Washington Chapter meets every Monday at The Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Pennsylvania Ave., Fort Washington for a networking meeting. Meetings are from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Visitors are welcome. The only cost to attend is the cost of your meal. For information or a reservation to attend, please call Luanne Cram at 215-947-7784, or visit our Internet site at: http://www.BNIDVR.Com and click on the menu item Find a Chapter.

For the past seven years, people have enjoyed participating in WVWAs Adopt-a-Tree program. Individuals can support the Association in its reforestation efforts by purchasing native trees to be planted. Supporters can plant their adopted tree or have WVWA volunteers will plant it. Trees cost $30 each. If you would like to volunteer or purchase a tree(s), please contact: Bob Adams at Bob@wvwa.org or call: 215-646-8866 for more information. Check www.WVWA.org for directions and maps.

Sustainable Upper Dublin, http://sustainableupperdublin.org, meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at the Upper Dublin Township Building, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington, PA 19034. Please send any questions to suec@sustainableupperdublin.org or call 610-996-6316. To learn more about Sustainable Upper Dublin, view or join the discussion at http://googlegroups.com/group/sustainableupperdublin.

Special Events

The Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard will hold its first nutrition class April 19 at 10 a.m. at the Community Cupboard, 150 N. Main St., Ambler. Lynne Sinclair, a nutritionist from Abington Memorial Hospital specializing in diabetic nutrition, will conduct the class. Topics will include healthy eating, beneficial foods, recipes, making meals with every day foods, and how to use unfamiliar produce. A healthy snack will be provided.The class is is open to all residents in Montgomery County.

The Historical Society of Fort Washington presents The History of Conshohocken April 19 at 8 p.m. at the Clifton House, 473 Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington. Jack Coll will present an illustrated program on the history of the Borough of Conshohocken. Coll is a longtime resident of Conshohocken and a member of the Conshohocken Historical Society. He is co-author with his son, Brian, of the Arcadia Then and Now Series book Conshohocken. He has also done books Conshohocken and West Conshohocken Sports and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Italian Feast. He has taken many photos for the Conshohocken Record and the Norristown Times Herald. This program is free. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, call 215-646-6065.

Taste of the White House Soiree featuring former White House Chef Walter Scheib will take place April 29 at 6 p.m. at Manufacturers Golf & Country Club in Fort Washington to celebrate HealthLinks 10th anniversary and honor its founders, the Eugene Jackson Family. The evening will heat up with a Chef Meet & Greet, followed by a specially selected presidential menu. Gala tickets are $150 per person. Proceeds benefit HealthLink, a free clinic providing compassionate, quality medical and dental care to uninsured, working adults in Bucks and Montgomery counties who fall in between the health care cracks. Go to http://tasteofthewhitehouse.charityhappenings.org to make reservations online or lend support through sponsorship. For event information, call 267-699-0124 or email jmarushak@healthlinkmedical.org.

The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association will hold an open house at the Evans-Mumbower Mill April 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. The Mill is at the corner of Swedesford and Township Line Roads in Upper Gwynedd. The open house is free but donations are welcome. For more information, call 215-646-8866 o email info@wvwa.org.

The Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce will host Breakfast With Your County Commissioners and State Representatives April 21 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Fort Washington, 432 W. Pennasylvania Ave. Commissioners: James R. Matthews (Chairman), Joseph M. Hoeffel (Vice Chair), State Representatives: Todd Stephens (District 151) and Josh Shapiro (District 153). Register onlineat www.emccc.org. $10 for EMCCC member; $20 for non-members.

Upper Dublins Districtwide Allied Art Show will be held April 27 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in the Upper Dublin High School Athletic Complex.

The Rev. Alfred Muli, chaplain at Fort Washington Estates, will be the featured speaker at the Kiwanis sponsored breakfast observing the National Day of Prayer May 5 at 7 a.m. at the William Penn Inn. The breakfast is open to the public ($15). Reservations can be made by calling 215-646-4356 or by emailing georgesaurman@Juno.com.

The Upper Dublin Shade Tree Commission invites people to participate in its spring bare root planting events, sponsored in part by Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation and Friends of Robbins Park. On April 9, zix trees will be planted at the Evelyn B. Wright Park & Community Pool, 401 Logan Ave., North Hills, at 9 a.m., followed by the planting of 10 trees at Sheeleigh Park, Loch Alsh Avenue and Douglas Street, Ambler, at 10:15 a.m. On April 29, students from Upper Dublin High School will join the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to plant 16 trees in Robbins Park, Butler Pike and Meetinghouse Road, Ambler, to help launch the societys Million Trees campaign. This event will occur in conjunction with Temple Amblers EarthFest. Experienced tree-tenders are sought to assist the students. For more information,contact Ron Ayres at 215-653-0421 or 215-483-4348.

The Friends of the Wissahickon and the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association are teaming up once again to clean the Wissahickon Creek from top to bottom April 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. This spring marks the 41st anniversary of Wissahickon Valley Watershed Associations annual Creek Clean Up, and the second year that FOW has teamed up with WVWA. Volunteers of all ages will clean the creek, the surrounding trails and the many tributaries of the Wissahickon Creek. Armed with bags, volunteers will be assigned to sections of the creek. Following the clean up, all volunteers are invited to WVWAs Talkin Trash picnic in Fort Washington State Park, with food provided by Whole Foods Market of North Wales. The pavilion is located on Mill Road in Flourtown. To help out in Montgomery County, all volunteers must be pre-assigned a section of the Wissahickon Creek to clean. Please contact Bob Adams, WVWA director of stewardship, at 215-646-8866 ext. 14 or bob@wvwa.org. To work with the Friends of the Wissahickon in Philadelphia, meet at the pavilion along Forbidden Drive, a short distance south of the intersection of Forbidden Drive and Northwestern Avenue. Limited parking is available along Northwestern Avenue and other nearby streets. Volunteers are encouraged to bike or carpool to the event. To participate, register at www.fow.org. Contact Kevin Groves with questions at 215-247-0417 ext. 105 or groves@fow.org.

Montgomery County Community Colleges International Club invites the community to the second annual International Festival April 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The rain date is April 26. The International Club will transform the outside quad area into multicultural celebration with various performances by dancers, singers and musicians. Artists will share their artwork at various display tables. Activities include games, raffles, Easter egg decorating and henna tattoos. Students will have samples of international cuisine at tables representing different countries and will serve food from various local ethnic restaurants. Throughout the evening, volunteers will accept donations and will raffle gift baskets and prizes to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity. Donations of food, international clothes and prizes are needed. Volunteers, including artists and performers, are welcome. For more information or to sponsor an activity, contact Gillian Nel, International Club president, at gnel9277@students.mc3.edu or 267-974-0163.

The Arts and Humanities Division at Montgomery County Community College is partnering with the Philadelphia Writers Conference to host Memoirs Matter: How Life Stories (Including Yours) Can Transform Your Relationship to Literature April 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Advanced Technology Center room 101, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The event is free and open to the public. In the first part of this two-hour seminar, professor and author Robert Waxler will explain how writing his two memoirs affected his life as well as his relationship to literature. In the second part, blogger and workshop leader Jerry Waxler will present a sequence of steps to help writers find their own story. For information, contact Dana Resente at dresente@mc3.edu.

The Maple Glen Garden Club will hold its fourth annual Plant Sale on May 7 from 8 to 11 a.m. Perennials, shrubs, vegetables and native plants grown by the club members will be sold. The club uses the plant sale proceeds to fund community projects, a college scholarship and community plantings. The sale will be held in the 500 block of Coach Road, Horsham, as part of a neighborhood garage sale. Plants will be sold at bargain prices. For more information, email MapleGlenGardenClub@gmail.com.

The Relay for Life Craft Show is looking for local crafters to participate in show, which will be May 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Wissahickon High School track, 521 Houston Road, Ambler. There is a $10 entry fee, and 20 percent of sales are donated to the American Cancer Society. Participants will receive a 6-foot table under a tent. For information, contact Joanne at joannescoles@comcast.net or Mindy at mcamsilver@comcast.net.

Spring House Estates is hosting its annual book fair on April 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. and April 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Included will be hardback and paperback used books. Spring House Estates is located at 728 Norristown Road, Lower Gwynedd.

The PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce will present the Penn Suburban/Hatfield Joint Business Card Exchange April 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Univest Bank Lansdale Area Financial Service Center, 120 Forty Foot Road, Hatfield. The event is free. To make reservations, visit PennSuburban.org/Events. Join Univest National Bank and Trust Co. for a spring-inspired Business Card Exchange at its newest office in the Hatfield Pointe Shopping Center. Come out and meet members of Univests executive management team while enjoying fine food and beverages.

13th Annual Community Reading Day Kick-off Breakfast Get Together April 26 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the North Wales Area Library, 233 Swartley St., North Wales. The event is free. To make reservations, visit PennSuburban.org/Events. For more information, contact the chamber office at 215-362-9200 or info@pennsuburban.org. Join presenting sponsor Verizon, chamber staff and fellow members for the Community Reading Day volunteer get together. The Community Reading Day program allows volunteers to read a designated book to second-grade students throughout 38 area public and private schools and present the book as a gift to each class. Even if you are not a volunteer, you are cordially invited to stop by to network, enjoy coffee and pastries.

Ambler Mennonite Church is hosting a Spring Craft Show and Flea Market May 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rain date will be May 28. The community is invited to shop the great craft booths, find some gifts and deals, as well as enjoy home baked goods and tasty lunch specials. Childrens activities are planned. All vendors are encouraged to contact the church at 215-643-4876 or AmblerMennonite@verizon.net. Advertising, signage, customer parking and a shuttle to auxiliary parking at nearby lots for vendors will be provided. 10 foot by 10 foot spaces can be rented for $5 each and tables for an additional $5 each. All proceeds from space and table rentals go toward school kits for children around the world. The church is located at the corner of East Mt. Pleasant Avenue and North Spring Garden Street, Ambler.

The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association presents The Life & Times of Aquatic Insects in the Wissahickon Creek April 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. Join WVWA for a hands-on program. RSVP required: www.wvwa.org or 215-646-8866. WVWA member fee: $5 per person / $15 per family. Non-WVWA member fee: $10 per person / $20 per family.

The photography exhibition Natures Palette by photo-artist Judy Miller will run March 18 to May 19 at the Art in the Storefront gallery, 41 E. Butler Pike, Ambler.

JPRN  Networking For People in Transition & People Who Can Help Them  Unemployment remains high. JPRN, the Jarrettown Professional Relationship Network can help. Are you trying to network your way to a new job? Do you have expertise or contacts that can help people in transition? Is your company or organization looking for people in the area? This is a free outreach program to support those seeking work, involve people with contacts and networking know how, and involve local companies. Meetings held monthly at Jarrettown United Methodist Church, Limekiln Pike.

Pennsylvanias Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) grant program is now open for the 2010-11 heating season. Grants are based on income, family size, type of heating fuel and region. Additional information, such as specific income limits, and applications for LIHEAP grants are available online via the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) website at www.compass.state.pa.us. Applications are available at most public officals district offices, county assistance offices, local utility companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies.

Begin your holiday shopping at Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation! Entertainment books for 2011, Philadelphia North, are now on sale at $30 each. Regal/United Artists movie tickets are on sale for just $7.50 each, and tickets to the Adventure Aquarium, Baltimore Aquarium, and the Philadelphia Zoo are also available. Discounted ski vouchers to area mountains will be arriving in December; call 215-643-1600 x3443 for more information. Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

RSVP of Montgomery County and the Wissahickon Valley Public Library have partnered again to offer the public their popular free mock interview sessions. The mock interviews are conducted by RSVP volunteers who are retired professionals, some of whom were in hiring positions themselves. Packets of information which include a sample employment application and interviewing tips with mock interview questions are available at the library to pick up prior to a scheduled mock interview or will be sent via email once the interview is scheduled. To schedule your interview, please contact Janis Glusman at RSVP 610-834-1040, ext. 16. The library is also offering a free resume review service. Bring in your current resume and the professional reference staff will assist you with hints and tips on capturing your work history accurately.

Registration for Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation summer playgrounds, Camp B.I.G. and Small Folks, X-Zone, and sports camps has began. Register online at www.upperdublin.net/store, or at the UDP&R office, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington. Call 215-643-1600 x3443 for more information.

Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation and Danielles Espresso Cafe presents Mornings at Mondaug Bark Park April 16 and May 21 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Meet fellow dog lovers. These events include complimentary coffee, treats for people and pups and raffles/giveaways.

Upper Dublins Annual Spring Flea Market will be held June 4 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reserve a table, or come and shop. Tables are $15 for UD residents, $20 for non-residents. This successful event occurs rain or shine. Refreshments available. Call 215-643-1600 ext. 3443 to register for a table.

Regal movie tickets available for purchase at Upper Dublin Township Parks & Recreation. Reduced rate: $7.50 per ticket. Some restrictions apply. Call 215-643-1600 x3443.

Whitpain Township Parks & Recreation movie tickets $7.50 Regal Cinemas, United Artist & Edwards Cinemas on sale throughout the year Monday  Friday from 9 a.m.  4 p.m.

Whitpain Township Parks & Recreation Camp Sign-ups for Stony Creek Day Camp  Stony Creek Tracers and Park n Tots. Register on-line at www.whitpaintownship.org OrCome to Township Building with check or Visa MasterCard Monday  Friday from 9 a.m.  4 p.m. For additional information call 610.277-2400 ext. 374

Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation offers exciting new programs for the fall:

-Returning favorites include UK Elite Petite Soccer, Tiny Dancers, Kiddie Tennis, Fun-nastics, Messy Playtime, Little Chefs, and more. Babysitters Training will be offered in November and December. Continuing Adult Fitness Classes include Cardio Circuit, Core & More, Yoga, Boxing, and Adult G.Y.M. For more information call 215-643-1600 x3443. Register for programs online at www.upperdublin.net/store.

Music and Theater

The community is invited to a Cantors Concert April 16 at 8 p.m. Congregation Beth Or, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen. Listen and hum-along to the Yiddish, pop tunes and classical music performed by Congregation Beth Ors own Cantor David Green and his special guest, Cantor Irvin Bell, from Temple Beth Israel in Deerfield Beach, Fla. The cantors will be accompanied by Mark Sobol and his Klezmer musicians. Tickets are $18 in advance and $25 at the door. RSVP with payment to Barb Murtha, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen, PA 19002, or call 215-646-5806 ext. 220.

Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse will host the Jameson Sisters May 14. Doors open at 7:30 pm, performance at 8:00 pm. Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse is located at the corner of Rte. 202 & Sumneytown Pike, Gwynedd. $5 suggested donation. Light refreshment available at a modest cost. For further information, call 215-393-9576 or visit gwyneddmeeting.org/coffeehouse.html.

Celebrate patriotism through song with Gwynedd-Mercy Colleges choir, the Voices of Gwynedd, as it presents Hear America Singing April 15 at 8 p.m. The choir will perform song selections from all over the country, including Georgia on My Mind, New York State of Mind, and a medley including Philadelphia Freedom and Allentown. The performance will end with When the Saints Go Marching In to acknowledge the choirs upcoming tour in New Orleans. Hear America Singing will take place in the Julia Ball Auditorium, located in St. Bernard Hall. Parking is available in lots A, C and D. Admission is free.

The Choristers will present Anton Dvoraks Stabat Mater April 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church in Ambler. The choir will be accompanied by a 41-piece orchestra. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens, $10 for students and children are free. Tickets will be sold in advance or at the door. For more information, call 215-542-7871 or visit TheChoristers.org

Religious News

The Staircase Gallery at Or Hadash: A Reconstructionist Congregation in Fort Washington will feature the work of Emily Ennuat-Lustine. The artist will be showing paintings and graphics inspired by her own personal spiritual journey and quest for meaning. Some of the works to be shown have been inspired by Biblical Psalms and writings. Her work has been shown at Abington Art Center, Cheltenham Arts Center and Old City Gallery of Jewish Art among others. The exhibition is open Friday evenings starting Feb. 18 after Shabbat services. Gallery hours are: Mondays through Thursdays 10-4:30, Fridays 10-3 and following Shabbat Services and Sundays 10-1. The synagogue is located at 190 Camp Hill Road in Fort Washington. For additional information contact the synagogue office at 215-283-0276.

Reunions

St. Matthews High School Conshohocken Class of 1961 is looking for classmates. For details, contact Greg Marincola at 215-646-2239, 215-740-1296 or gregcola@comcast.net.

Olney High School Class of 1971 is Lloking for classmates for a 40th reunion Oct. 28. For details, contact Judy at ohsclassof71@yahoo.com or 215-870-7572.

Abington High School Class of 1961 is seeking classmates for a 50-year reunion to be held Oct. 14-15, 2011.Visit the website, www.abington61.com, for details or call 215-947-1779.

Overbrook High School class of January 1956 is having a 55 year reunion on May 22, 2011 at the Bala Golf Club in Philadelphia. For information please contact overbrookreunion56@comcast.net

Germantown High School Class Of January 1961 is looking for classmates for 50th year reunion to take place in May of 2011. Please contact: 215-362-9148, 856-577-0659 or samdelcomo@comcast.net

The June 1961 class of Germantown High School is holding their 50th reunion on May 15, which will be a brunch. For further details please contact Linda Dorfman Alten at lindaalten@yahoo.com or call 215-441-8411.

Support

New Life Presbyterian Church in Dresher, will host GriefShare, a special seminar and support group which will run on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m., from March 7 through June 6. At each meeting there will be a DVD about the grief process, discussion and reference to a grief workbook. Preregistration is required to secure a place in the group and to purchase a GriefShare notebook (for a one-time fee of $15). The notebook goes along with the 13-week schedule covering such topics as: living with grief, the effects of grief, and stuck in grief. For more information or to register, call: Sandy Elder at 215-884-5149.

PUPS (People Understanding Parkinsons) A self-help group for those adjusting to a new diagnosis or dealing with the early stages of Parkinsons Disease. Meets fourth Tuesday of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m., at Abington Health Center, Schilling Campus, Willowood Building, 2510 Maryland Road, Suite 251, Willow Grove. For more information or to RSVP, contact Lorna at 215-542-2931.

The North Penn Visiting Nurse Associations Meals on Wheels program is looking for volunteers to pack or deliver meals to the elderly and infirmed. Meals are packed and delivered mornings, Monday through Friday. You can volunteer for as many days per week or month as you would like. Packaging meals requires approximately 2-1/2 hours of your time each day and involves making sandwiches, packaging food into individual serving containers and packing coolers with the meals. Delivering meals requires approximately 1-1/2 hours of your time each day and involves loading coolers into your car and delivering a route of approximately 10 to 15 stops. The Meals on Wheels program is also in need of emergency, winter-weather volunteers to pack and deliver meals in bad weather. North Penn VNA is located at 51 Medical Campus Drive in Lansdale and delivers meals in the Lansdale, North Wales and Blue Bell areas. For more information or to volunteer, please call Bridget, North Penn VNA Meals on Wheels coordinator at 215-855-8296.

Elkins Park Area CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) meets the first Tuesday of every month, 7- 8:30 p.m., at Einstein at Elkins Park Hospital in Elkins Park. For information on CHADD or ADHD, please see our website www.chadd.net/249 or call Claire Noyes at: 215-779-6656.

Center for Loss and Bereavement, 3847 Skippack Pike, Skippack (610-222-4110) www.bereavementcenter.org Offers professional counseling for individuals, couples, children and families dealing with issues of loss and bereavement. Six-week adult support groups: Newly forming young adult grief support group  every other Wednesday, 7  8:15 p.m. (free of charge); Monthly loss of child support  second Mondays, 7-8:15 p.m.; Six-week young loss of spouse/partner  Thursdays, 10-11:15 a.m.; Other groups scheduled as interest is shown for suicide loss support, adult loss of parent, motherless daughters, adult loss of sibling, coping with chronic illness and disability and mens loss of spouse. Nellos Corner Family Bereavement program offers peer grief support groups for ages 4 through teen and their caregivers  Every other Tuesday or Wednesday (free of charge) Local chapter of Parents of Murdered Children also meets at the Center. Registration required. Call for further information.

CHADD is a national organization for children & adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder, providing education, advocacy and support for individuals and their families with AD/HD. Einstein at Elkins Park Hospital, 60 Township Line Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027, will host children & adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder on the First Tuesday of each month 7  8:30 p.m. Free, no childcare provided.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphias Kehillah of Old York Road is sponsoring a free Caregiver Support Group for individuals who care for an elderly person with cognitive and/or physical impairments. The group meets at SarahCare Adult Day Care Center, 101 Washington Lane, Suite G-6, Jenkintown, Pa., on the first Wednesday of each month. Patty Rich,
Friends In Pink is still on the radar and growing every year
March 30, 2017

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Nearly two dozen wells in San Martin may have been contaminated with harmful bacteria after two substantial sewage spills occurred during heavy rains this winter. While the City of Morgan Hill is trying to accelerate the necessary upgrades to its system to prevent future spills, San Martin residents are miffed about not having a seat at the table.

The citys sewer line through San Martin exceeded its capacity during this winters heavy rains at least twice, resulting in more than 250,000 gallons of sewage spilled into a nearby creek and surrounding properties, according to city staff. Another spill occurred in the city limits during one of the storms that affected San Martin.

At the March 15 city council meeting, the council approved an extension of a contract with Alpha Analytical Laboratories to expand its water testing duties to the private water wells in San Martin surrounding the areas of the spills. City staff estimate this scope of work includes at least 22 wells that might have been exposed to sewage contamination.

The fear among San Martin residents is that harmful bacteriaparticularly E. colithat thrive in raw sewage might make its way into the groundwater, San Martin resident Sara Nicolson told the council.

How do you take a shower in possibly contaminated water? Nicolson said. Imagine raw sewage in your well. This issue is really important to us.

Meanwhile, a state agency is investigating the sewage spills, and will soon determine what amount of fines and other penalties the city owes.

Others who spoke thanked the city for reaching out to San Martin in response to the spills in January and February, including a March 7 meeting hosted by city staff. But they also criticized Santa Clara County officials for being unresponsive, and urged the city to improve its communication efforts by developing a quick response plan for future spills.

I ask the city to put together an immediate response when you have issues like this come up, Nicolson added.

The contract extension with Alpha Analytical was approved at a maximum cost of about $208,000. The existing contract also includes routine testing of the citys supply of drinking water to ensure it is safe, according to a city staff report.

Property owners with private wells at risk will be contacted and offered to have their wells tested for bacterial contamination, read the staff report.

The council also unanimously directed city staff to do what they can to complete a $3 million secondary (sewer) trunk line that will provide the wastewater collection capacity to meet the citys growth over the current General Plan horizon (until 2035), says the staff report. The 30-inch line will be built in phases, with the last two phases on schedule for completion by 2019.

The new line will run from Highland Avenue to Las Animas Avenue, and connect to the South County Wastewater Treatment plant in Gilroy.

Morgan Hill Public Works Director Karl Bjarke told the council that the city has already applied for permits from Santa Clara County to complete the trunk line. The project site is in the countys jurisdiction. Bjarke added that the city is at 30 percent design on the next phase of the new trunk line, and he expects to have permits by this fall.

Hefty fines on the horizon?

The Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board is the state agency that regulates incidents like sewage spills. The board is currently in the process of investigating the spills emanating from Morgan Hills infrastructure, according to RWQCB Environmental Scientist Jill North.

The city will likely be on the hook for fines and penalties related to the spills, one of which flooded West Little Llagas Creek with about 190,000 of raw sewage during a Jan. 8 storm. That spillage took place on Harding Avenue just north of Highland Avenue in San Martin.

Another spill on Jan. 8 occurred in the city limits, at Monterey Road and Ciolino Avenue, according to Morgan Hill Deputy Director for Utilities Dan Repp. That incident spilled about 62,000 gallons of sewage.

Then on Feb. 20, a third spill of about 70,000 gallons of sewage occurred, during another heavy downpour, also on Harding Avenue. This spill occurred despite the city placing a mobile pumping and capture system to enhance capacity after the Jan. 8 storm, Repp added.

We were able to recover some of that release, so the total (spillage) is about 55,000 gallons, Repp said.

Repp explained these sewage system failures are due to infiltration and inflow of stormwater and groundwater into the existing pipes, which cannot hold the capacity of combined sewage and outside water during significant storms.

Inflow consists of non-wastewater entering the sewer system through manhole covers, while infiltration is groundwater entering through broken pipes, joints and other system components. This combination of factors is directly related to heavy rainfall, said Repp, added that the city has about 169 miles of wastewater pipe in it system, in various states of repair.

The maximum total fine that RWQCB could impose on the City of Morgan Hill due to these spills is about $3 million, Repp said.

However, city staff are hoping to negotiate with RWQCB by spending funds on the new trunk line and other system improvements, in an effort to reduce the potential monetary fines.

The city will work with the RWQCB to invest our resources in projects that permanently resolve the issue for the benefit of all involved, and especially the residents of San Martin, City Manager Steve Rymer said in a statement. He added that the new trunk line is a high priority for the city.

But between now and 2019, when the new sewer line is scheduled to be completed, were still vulnerable to situation, Repp told the council.

San Martin Neighborhood Association President Trina Hineser was one of three San Martin residents who addressed the council March 15. She said residents feel neglected, particularly by county officials who have been largely unresponsive to requests to place the spillage on a meeting agenda.

The residents shouldnt have to be begging for help, Hineser said. Its really important that we communicate as best we can. I ask the council to ask (County Supervisor Mike Wasserman) to put this on the agenda for the next (San Martin Planning Advisory Committee) meeting.
 Raydene Little Jr., 31, of 135 Oak Forest Drive, in Morganton, was charged with two counts of felony trafficking methamphetamines and one misdemeanor probation violation. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $525,000 secured bond. His trial date was set for April 17.

 David Lee Benfield, 32, of 3537 Pea Ridge Road, in Morganton, was charged with one felony count each of failure to appear on felony and habitual felon. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $100,000 secured bond. His trial date was set for April 17.

 Arturio Shevigo Littlejohn, 39, of 512 Bonny St. Apt. W, in Shelby, was charged with felony first-degree burglary and misdemeanor assault on a female. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $100,000 secured bond.

 Joseph C. Rhubright, 36, of 4860 Parks Creek Drive, in Morganton, was charged with one felony count each of manufacturing methamphetamines and possession or distributing meth precursor. He was served at the Burke-Catawba jail where he was being held on previous charges. He was issued a $100,000 secured bond for these charges.

 Jennifer Denise VanHorn, 40, of 15 Archer St., in Glen Alpine, was charged with misdemeanor failure to appear or comply. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $60,000 secured bond. Her trial date was set for April 17.

 Bryan Keith Kelley, 45, of 1845 Hilferty Road, in Hickory, was charged with two counts of felony larceny by trick and one felony count of possession of stolen goods. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $50,000 secured bond. He was also issued an additional $50,000 secured bond and a trial date was set for April 17.

 Gail Smart Phillips, 52, of 3272 Mineral Springs Mountain Road, in Connelly Springs, was charged with two counts of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance, one felony count each of possession of a weapon by felon and maintaining a dwelling, vehicle or place for drugs or controlled substance and one misdemeanor count each of possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to appear or comply. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a total of $46,000 in secured bonds. Her trial date was set for April 17.

 Brian Keith Long, 36, of 151 Deadman Road, in Ellenboro, was charged with one felony count each of larceny by defeat of antitheft device and failure to report change of address while being a sex offender. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $30,000 secured bond.

 Reginald Allen Miller, 48, of 4219 Chambers Ave., in Morganton, was charged with one misdemeanor count each of assault on a female, failure to appear or comply and driving during revocation. He was issued a $30,000 secured bond and released. His trial date was set for April 3.

 Karen Renee Harris, 34, of 1414 N. Green St., in Morganton, was charged with one felony count each of manufacturing methamphetamines and possession or distributing meth precursor. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $30,000 secured bond.

 Richard Todd Frady, 33, of 2670 Mount Home Church Road, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor probation violation. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $25,000 secured bond. His trial date was set for April 17.

 Jerrie Whaley Pugh, 42, of 1363 Airport Rhodhiss Road Lot 2, in Hickory, was charged with one felony count each of breaking and entering and larceny after breaking and entering. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $20,000 secured bond. Her trial date was set for April 17.
SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwired - Mar 29, 2017) - California Water Service Group (NYSE: CWT) will award $60,000 in college and higher-education scholarships this summer through the company's annual College Scholarship Program to eligible students residing in the company's service areas. Two grand-prize winners in the 2017-2018 cycle will receive $10,000 each, with additional recipients receiving smaller awards for study in the next academic year.

Scholarship recipients will be determined by academic achievement, community service, and financial need. These contributions are part of the company's philanthropic giving program and are not paid by Cal Water's customers. The scholarship is administered by Scholarship Management Services, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

To be eligible for a scholarship, students or their parents must live in a California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, or Washington Water Service service area; plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college or vocational-technical school; and not already possess a degree or diploma from an accredited two- or four-year college or vocational-technical school.

"Year after year, we are amazed by the caliber of students who apply for our scholarship program; we have seen trailblazers, students who are the first in their families to attend college, people with a heart for community service and helping others, and some impressive scholastic achievements," said President and CEO Martin A. Kropelnicki. "We are committed to improving the quality of life in the communities we serve, and we are delighted to continue to play a part in helping these impactful young men and women pursue a higher education and make a difference in their communities."

California students interested in learning more about the scholarship program or applying should visit www.calwater.com/scholarship. Hawaii students may visit www.hawaiiwaterservice.com/community, and Washington students should go to www.wawater.com/community. The application period for the Group's fourth annual scholarship will close on May 1, 2017.

California Water Service Group is the parent company of California Water Service, Washington Water Service, New Mexico Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, CWS Utility Services, and HWS Utility Services. Together, these companies provide regulated and non-regulated water service to approximately 2 million people in more than 100 California, Washington, New Mexico, and Hawaii communities. California Water Service was ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Water Utilities in the West" in 2016 by J.D. Power in its inaugural Water Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study. Group's common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "CWT." Additional information is available online at www.calwatergroup.com.

1720 North First Street

San Jose, CA 95112-4598
Sarah Knighton started investing almost 20 years ago, following a job move. She wanted to take advantage of her new roles workplace pension scheme, because she did not want to miss out on employer contributions. But when Knighton switched to a new company she reinvested this pot of money into a SIPP.

SIPPs were relatively new at the time. It gave me a lot more flexibility on where to invest my money, she said: I found that with my company pension the contributions all went into one generic scheme, and I found it difficult to tell where this money was invested, or how it was performing.

Knighton, who is now in her 40s, works as a general manager in the insurance industry. She has moved jobs several times in the last few years, and each time has moved she consolidated these company pensions into her SIPP.

She adds: Im not an expert, but am reasonably well-informed about financial issues. Investing in SIPPs has meant I have done research and looked at different investment options.

Keeping Investment Costs to a Minimum

Knighton, who lives in Oxfordshire, is predominantly saving for retirement, but also invests in ISAs, as well as share save schemes. These might not be such long-term investments, but hopefully they will give me a bit of flexibility about my finances, and provide some sort of financial safety net, should I ever need it, she says.

Knighton is keen to keep investment costs to a minimum, and for this reason she has tended to focus on ETFs in recent years. She mainly invested in ETFs provided by iShares, saying: To me these seemed to be the ideal way to access different markets, whether its the FTSE 250 or the S&P 500.

Globally Diversifying a Retirement Portfolio

Knighton started with a couple of UK and US equity ETFs, and then decided to diversify: I realised I still had quite a few years to go before retirement so I wanted to be a little bit more adventurous with my investments.

To this end, Knighton invested in an ETF tracking the Japan market, one tracking the gold price and another tracking stock markets in the BRIC economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China.

She says: While I was comfortable taking a bit more risk with my money, these werent necessarily the right investment decisions at the time. They all turned out to be very rocky and started falling significantly in value after I invested.

Knighton invested in the iShares Physical Gold ETC (IGLN) after several years of rising gold prices. But during 2012 the gold price peaked, and after a volatile 12 months prices fell fairly consistently between 2013 and 2016.

Knighton says: Eventually I decided to sell this holding, which did mean I made a loss on the investment. Fortunately, I had only invested a relatively small amount of money.

She added: Im comfortable buying ETFs that invest in the FTSE-All Share or S&P 500. But I realised I simply dont have the knowledge  or the time to do the proper research  when it comes to investing in riskier areas of the market.

I concluded that while I was probably right to look for investments that were a bit more exciting, I was almost certainly the wrong person to choose what these should be  and how much I should invest in them.

Investing Help from the Professionals

As a result, Knighton decided to get help building a more diverse investment portfolio. She says: I looked at getting help from a financial adviser or wealth manager, but the size of their fees mean its not cost-effective with a portfolio of my size.

If youve got a portfolio worth several million then it would be great to get personalised advice and a tailor-made portfolio. Unfortunately, advice fees of 1%, plus platform fees and underlying investment charges means this doesnt seem a viable option for someone like me.

Instead, she switched part of her SIPP into the Vanguard LifeStrategy 80% Equity Fund.

This fund has a five-star rating from Morningstar, reflecting its strong performance in recent years against peers. This is a global fund which builds a growth orientated portfolio, that is 80% in equities, 20% in fixed income.

The Vangaurd managers decide the allocation across different equity markets, and invest in them through a mix of low-cost ETFs and Vanguards own passive funds. This has helps keep costs to a minimum: ongoing charges on this fund are now just 0.22%, following Vanguards decision to trim fees again in January this year.

Knighton says: Vanguard has a good reputation. I liked the fact that this is a mutual company, so seems more geared to delivering good returns for its customers rather than enriching shareholders.

This investment is managed through her AJ Bell SIPP. She has also invested some of her existing savings into a pension and an ISA run by Nutmeg. Knighton says: Here I select the risk profile I wanted, but I am not making the decisions on asset allocation within this risk profile.

This has enabled her to have different profiles for her pension and her ISA, which she says is investing over a slightly shorter time-frame. She adds that she has be pleased to date with the returns from both these investment options.

Company Share Save Scheme

Elsewhere Knighton has built up a reasonable portfolio of shares in the company she works for. These are usually three-year savings plans, allowing employees to buy company shares at a discount.

Knighton adds: Ive participated in several of these schemes. In most of them Ive seen the money Ive invested almost double in value, although it does depend on stock market movements over this period.

Knighton says she is wary of putting all her eggs in one basket. But says she is confident if she holds the company shares for the long-term she will see a decent return on her money.
When it comes to investing for your children, getting the balance right is crucial.

The best approach is to blend several funds into a portfolio that meets your objectives and your attitude to risk, advises Charlie Musson, spokesman at AJ Bell, the investment platform.

This doesnt mean that if you are a cautious investor, all of your holdings need to be in cautious investments, as by combining lower risk investments with slightly higher risk investments it is possible to benefit from diversification that lowers the overall risk of the portfolio.

Experts agree that the longer your investment horizon, the more short-term volatility you can stomach. In many cases, whether you are saving for up to 18-years in a Junior ISA, or over many decades in a pension for a child, that means focusing on equities. Parents and guardians would do best not to allocate to lower risk assets such as government bonds or cash until much later, when approaching a point when the money may be used and capital preservation becomes a priority. Funds Suitable for a Junior ISA As a guide, Musson suggests that those at the lower end of the risk scale, should consider equally weighting three different strategies, namely a corporate bond fund, an absolute return fund and an equity income fund. He tips Royal London Short Duration Credit, which has a two-star performance rating from Morningstar, and Henderson UK Absolute Return and Artemis Income, both which have been awarded a Bronze rating by Morningstar analysts. For those with a longer time scale, he says, you might consider some higher risk overseas equity funds such as: Schroder US Mid Cap and Jupiter India, which Morningstar analysts gave Silver and Bronze ratings respectively. Go Global for Diversification Jason Hollands, managing director at Tinley Investment Management advises investors to take a global approach, either through constructing portfolios of regional funds, or investment funds within an international brief. He tips Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust (SMT), rated Gold by Morningstar analysts who describe it as a high-conviction choice for long-term global equity exposure. For a more diversified and team based approach, another option  and one I invest in for my two children  is the venerable Foreign & Colonial Investment Trust (FRCL), which has been around since 1868 and is built to last, says Hollands. Morningstars Manager Research team has awarded a Bronze rating for this fund and points out that the fund's objective is to grow capital and income, and in both respects it has delivered  paying dividend increases for the last 45 years with the expectation that this will continue. But whatever approach you choose, says Musson, it is important to review the investments you have made at least annually to check they are performing in line with your expectations and that your expectations or the market context have not changed.
Ontarios request to the federal government to address housing affordability went largely ignored  but that means the province will likely take matters into its own hands.Something should be done, Ron Butler , a broker with Butler Mortgage, told MortgageBrokerNews.ca. Lets face it: If 25% goes on for two years or two-and-a-half year, the collapse will be much bigger  if you go up 70% over the course of two-and-a-half years, then the drop would have to be 50% instead of 25%.Itd be nice if something is done.Ontario Finance Minister Charles Sousa urged the federal government to address housing affordability in Toronto prior to the release of the federal budget, arguing in favour of a special tax on home speculators.My primary focus is to address the concerns of middle class Canadians who are worried about buying their first home, Sousa wrote in a letter to Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau earlier this month. Additionally, it is important that the housing market remains stable, meaning that borrowers and lenders are resilient and able to withstand economic shocks.For his part, Butler questions just how effective such a measure would be.[One] consideration might be a speculation tax. But how do you frame that? he said. How do you word it and how do you make it work?Still, the government is expected to do something  and Sousa said as much.Just what that policy looks like remains to be seen. Many, however, are suggesting a foreign buyer tax, similar to the one implemented in Vancouver last year.There is no rational way that a housing market can increase in excess of 25% year-over-year, thats not possible. Its not survivable; its economic madness. Its just hopeless, Butler said. Something needs to be done. Foreign buyers tax worked in Vancouver to the extent that purchase volume dropped a lot, like 45%.My instinct is they will do something. It might turn out to be a nothing. Theyre headed for an election, the premier has a 14% approval rating; so my thought is things will be said, policies will be approved, but whether it will actually do anything, I dont know. You can bring in a lot of things that look good but dont actually do anything.
Mount Pleasant, SC (29464)

Today

A few passing clouds. Low around 65F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few passing clouds. Low around 65F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
Wells Fargo just keeps hemorrhaging money over its fake-accounts scandal. Its already paid $185 million in penalties to state and federal agencies  including a $100 million CFPB fine, the largest penalty of its kind ever imposed. And now the banking giant will have to fork over another $110 million to settle a class-action suit filed by customers affected by the scandal.

Wells Fargo found itself in hot water last year when it was revealed that its employees had opened 2 million unauthorized accounts in order to meet sales goals. The bank has announced that its reached a settlement in a suit filed in 2015 in California.

The settlement class will consist of all persons who claim that Wells Fargo opened an account in their name without consent, enrolled them in a product or service without consent, or submitted an application for a product or service without their consent, the bank said in a statement. Wells Fargo said it expects the settlement to resolve claims in 11 other pending class-action suits.
WASHINGTON  Democratic Rep. Beto O'Rourke of Texas said Wednesday he is preparing for a campaign announcement in El Paso and insisted GOP Sen. Ted Cruz is beatable.

"He's been running for president for four years while he should have been serving the people in Texas," said the 44-year-old third-term congressman, who would enter next year's contest against Cruz as a considerable underdog in Republican-leaning Texas.

O'Rourke declined to specifically confirm a report in the Houston Chronicle that he would be announcing his candidacy Friday, saying he owed it to Texas voters to tell them first.

But he sounded like a candidate as he spoke with several reporters at the Capitol, and several Democratic colleagues shouted encouragement as they passed by or even addressed O'Rourke as "senator."

Cruz has national name ID and a fundraising network as a result of his presidential race, and won with 56 percent of the vote in his first Senate race in 2012. He has already filed papers to run for re-election, but his campaign spokeswoman declined comment on O'Rourke's plans.

Democratic Rep. Joaquin Castro also has been discussed as a potential challenger to Cruz. In a statement Wednesday Castro's political director Matthew Jones said, "It's no secret that Joaquin is heavily weighing a Senate run, and he will continue to have those discussions with his family, friends and supporters across Texas. He plans to make his decision in the coming weeks."

O'Rourke said he has spoken with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, who oversees the party's recruitment efforts. Asked how he could hope to pick off an entrenched incumbent, O'Rourke noted that he joined Congress in 2013 after beating a longtime Democratic incumbent, Silvestre Reyes, who had chaired the Intelligence Committee.

"So you don't know until you do it," O'Rourke said.

O'Rourke recently got attention for going on a bipartisan road trip with fellow Texas Rep. Will Hurd, a Republican, after their flights to Washington, D.C., were canceled in a snowstorm. They rented a Chevy Impala and streamed the 16-hour trip on Facebook live.

Democrats have scant prospects to pick up Senate seats next year, with Republican Sen. Dean Heller of Nevada seen as the only truly vulnerable GOP incumbent, and it's not clear whether the party would devote many resources to O'Rourke's longshot bid. Republicans currently control the Senate 52-48.
We are collating signatures to petition ...
The local Vietnam Veterans of America chapter 391 is hosting their first ever Bike and Car show this Saturday.

Larry Bramblett, President of the local Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 391, was Thursdays KVML Newsmaker of the Day.

Spectator admission is free from 10 AM to 4 PM. Food, drinks, music and prize drawings will all be a part of the event.

All makes, models and years of cars and motor bikes are welcome. The show will be held at the Tuolumne County Sheriff Posse Grounds on Rawhide Road in Jamestown.

The vehicle entry fee is $20 single or $25 for two persons, which includes a meal, commemorative pin (first 300) and Peoples Choice judging.

At this late date, online registration is encouraged at www.vietnamveterans391.org or contact Larry at 209-533-1575.

All of the proceeds from Saturdays event will support local veterans, community outreach and scholarships.

The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML.
Governor Jerry Brown announces transportation plan View Photos

Sacramento, CA  Flanked by Democratic leaders Governor Jerry Brown unveiled a $52.4 billion plan Wednesday in Sacramento to fix Californias roads.

Brown was Fridays KVML Newsmaker of the Day.

Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon summed up the situation this way, For decades transportation in California has been getting worse and the funds to fix it has been drying up  Lets be clear our roads suck [clapping and laughing].

Acknowledging that the state has not increased the gas tax in 23 years, while during that time the population has grown by eight million, Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de Leon stated, Fourteen legislatures have kicked the can down the crumbling and pot hole filled roadsThe costs to our economy and to our livelihoods due to dangerous roads conditions are staggering and growing. This deal provides funds for every community in California.

The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, SB 1, would be paid for with a big increase in the gas tax, higher car registration fees and a $100 charge on emission-free vehicles. Governor Brown says the $5 billion-a-year program would cost most drivers less than $10 a month, will fix existing infrastructure and comes with strict new accountability provisions to ensure funds can only be spent on transportation. He argues waiting will cost taxpayers more, insisting, Delay it and youll pay a lot more later. So, this actually saves money in comparison to delay and it does put people to work. These are American jobs [clapping] with good pay. So its all good. The only objection is political and I think that objection is weak.

One of those objecting to the plan is Board of Equalization Vice Chair George Runner who counters, Leave it to elite, cosmopolitan Democrats to try and raise the gas tax on working-class and poor Californians who must travel further distances to work.

The leadership is pushing to have the measure voted on by Thursday, April 6. It will need two-thirds majority in the Assembly and Senate to pass because it raises taxes.

The Governors office released this breakdown of the proposal:

Fix Local Streets and Transportation Infrastructure (50 percent):

$15 billion in Fix-It-First local road repairs, including fixing potholes

$7.5 billion to improve local public transportation

$2 billion to support local self-help communities that are making their own investments in transportation improvements

$1 billion to improve infrastructure that promotes walking and bicycling

$825 million for the State Transportation Improvement Program local contribution

$250 million in local transportation planning grants

Fix State Highways and Transportation Infrastructure (50 percent):

$15 billion in Fix-it-First highway repairs, including smoother pavement

$4 billion in bridge and culvert repairs

$3 billion to improve trade corridors

$2.5 billion to reduce congestion on major commute corridors

$1.4 billion in other transportation investments, including $275 million for highway and intercity-transit improvements

Ensure Taxpayer Dollars Are Spent Properly with Strong Accountability Measures:

Constitutional amendment to prohibit spending the funds on anything but transportation

Inspector General to ensure Caltrans and any entities receiving state transportation funds spend taxpayer dollars efficiently, effectively and in compliance with state and federal requirements

Provision that empowers the California Transportation Commission to hold state and local government accountable for making the transportation improvements they commit to delivering

Authorization for the California Transportation Commission to review and allocate Caltrans funding and staffing for highway maintenance to ensure those levels are reasonable and responsible

Authorization for Caltrans to complete earlier mitigation of environmental impacts from construction, a policy that will reduce costs and delays while protecting natural resources

Guided by the principles set forth by President Ronald Reagan when he increased the federal gas tax in 1982, this transportation investment package is funded by everyone who uses our roads and highways:

$7.3 billion by increasing diesel excise tax 20 cents

$3.5 billion by increasing diesel sales tax to 5.75 percent

$24.4 billion by increasing gasoline excise tax 12 cents

$16.3 billion from an annual transportation improvement fee based on a vehicles value

$200 million from an annual $100 Zero Emission Vehicle fee commencing in 2020

$706 million in General Fund loan repayments

The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML.
Sonora Held A Parade In 2010 Honoring Vietnam Veterans View Photos

Sonora, CA  In recognition and gratitude of those that served, today is officially Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day in both Tuolumne and Calaveras counties.

On this day in 1973 the US Armed Forces completed the withdrawal of combat troops from Vietnam. It was a period where the country was divided politically about the war, and many armed service members returning did not receive the proper embrace for serving the country, which has prompted the creation of Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.

A proclamation approved by the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors earlier this month is transcribed below:

Whereas, the Vietnam War was fought in Vietnam from 1961 to 1975, and involved North Vietnam and the Viet Cong in conflict with the United States Armed Forces and South Vietnam; and

Whereas, the United States became involved in Vietnam because policymakers in the United States believed that if South Vietnam fell to a Communist government then Communism would spread throughout the rest of Southeast Asia; and

Whereas, members of the United States Armed Forces began serving in an advisory role in the South Vietnamese in 1961; and

Whereas, as a result of the Gulf of Tonkin incidents on August 2, 1964, and August 4, 1964, Congress overwhelmingly passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, on August 7, 1964, which effectitely handed over war-making powers to President Johnson until such time as peace and security had retured to Vietnam; and

Whereas, in 1965, United States Armed Forces ground combat units arrived in Vietnam; and

Whereas, by the end of 1965, there were 80,000 United States troops in Vietnam, and by 1969 a peak of approximately 543,000 troops was reached; and

Whereas, on January 27, 1973, the Treaty of Paris was signed, which required the release of all United States prisoners-of-war held in North Vietnam and the withdrawal of all United States Armed Forces from South Vietnam; and

Whereas, on March 30, 1973, the United States Armed Forces completed the withdrawal of combat troops from Vietnam; and

Whereas, more that 58,000 members of the United States Armed Forces lost their lives in Vietnam and more than 300,000 members of the Armed Forces were wounded; and

Whereas, in 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated in the District of Columbia to commemorate those members of the United States Armed Forces who died or were declared missing in action in Vietnam; and

Whereas, the Vietnam War was an extremely divisive issue among the people of the United States; and

Whereas, members of the United States Armed Forces who served bravely and faithfully for the United States during the Vietnam War were caught upon their return home in the crossfire of public debate about the involvement of the United States in the Vietnam War; and

Whereas, the establishment of a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day would be an appropriate way to honor those members of the United States Armed Forces who served in Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

Now, therefore be it resolved that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Tuolumne does hereby recognize March 30, 2017 as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day, as proclaimed by the President of the United States and the United States Congress. The Board of Supervisors further honors and recognizes the contributions of veterans of the Armed Forces who served in Vietnam.
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The springs at Wekiwa Springs State Park is a favorite spot for many people in Central Florida.

"I come here year round now that I am retired," said Connie Fisher.

Florida State Parks seeking input on improvements

3 parks that make up Wekiva River Basin State Park among the parks involved

The clear water, wildlife and picnic area are perfect for a little getaway from the everyday hustle and bustle.

Every 10 years though, state parks must update plans for changes and improvements, and the three parks that make up the Wekiva River Basin State Park are going through that process currently.

Those parks are the Wekiwa Springs State Park, Rock Springs Run State Reserve and the Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park.

The current plans will improve and update things like parking, pavilions and even areas for wildlife.

"Well definitely take down the orange signs and maybe a little more stairways, and somewhere for kids to play," said visitor Brittany Rogers.

Some people though are concerned those changes may cause more crowding.

"A larger parking lot means more people will be in here and it is too much wear and tear. See the bank up there now," said Fisher as she points to a worn grassy hillside.

To make sure everyone is heard, Florida Park Service invited people to Sorrento Elementary School Wednesday night to give feedback for the newly-proposed plan.

"This is the chance for the public to come out and tell us, 'hey, we would like to see this in the park.' Because if it's not in the unimanagement plan, we generally don't do it," said Roberts Brooks, Park Manager, Wekiva River Basin State Park.

Boards set up around the room showed the changes for all three different parks. And people were eager to speak up.

"I want more trail heads in the Mount Plymouth area because I live in Mount Plymouth, and we have to drive to Markham Woods Road," said Helen McCormick, an avid cyclist.

"To be open also, like a multi-purpose trail, because not it is only hiking. We also want to run bicycles there," said Antonio Hernandez.

To see all the proposed changes go to the Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection website.

You can also email in suggestions by April 14. The email address is FLStateParkPlanning@dep.state.fl.us.
A death row inmate convicted of slaying Brevard County Deputy Barbara Pill five years ago this month will get a new sentencing hearing.

The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday ordered a new sentencing hearing for Brandon Lee Bradley because the ruling from the jury that recommended death was not unanimous. The jurors voted 10-2.

Another death-row inmate, Dwayne White of Deltona, also will be resentenced. He was convicted in the August 2011 stabbing death of his estranged wife, Sarah Rucker, whose body was found in the parking lot of a Longwood Miami Subs.

Pill pulled over Bradley during a traffic stop March 6, 2012. A dashboard camera showed that Pill repeatedly ordered him to get of his car, and he refused. When she reached into his car to turn off the ignition, he shot her multiple times.

"Do they really want people to stop killing cops? If we began executing them in a timely manner, it might take targets off cops' backs," said Steve Pill, Barbara's husband, after hearing news of the death penalty case.

At a news conference at the Brevard County Jail on Thursday, law enforcement officials had strong words for the ruling.

Bradley "is a thug who deserves to die for taking the life of Barbara Pill, someone who had given her life for protecting others," Brevard Sheriff Wayne Ivey said.

State Attorney Phil Archer said he hasnt made a decision on the case yet and wants to get input from the Pill family. But he added it's very likely he'll seek death.

"My office will carefully and thoroughly review the available evidence, obtain input from family survivors and law enforcement, and then make a determination on whether to again seek the death penalty in each of these cases. However, as it pertains to the Brandon Bradley case, it is hard to imagine a scenario in which my office would not continue to seek the death penalty," Archer said in a statement.

"I am waiting to see what the State Attorney's Office will do," Steve Pill said.

The convictions of both Bradley and White were upheld. Both cases were sent back to the 18th Judicial Circuit for resentencing hearings.

If a new jury's recommendation isn't unanimous, Bradley will receive life without parole.
The Melbourne Air and Space Show is about to crank up this weekend, and a Brevard County defense company is showcasing its involvement in the military's newest fighter plane coming to the event for the first time.

F-35 Lightning II is military's latest fighter plane

Malabar-based Harris manufactures parts for the jet

F-35 will fly at Melbourne Air and Space Show

Harris Corporation is responsible for manufacturing 1,700 parts for the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet, such as power supplies, antennas and equipment for fiber optic communication within the plane.

Some 200 employees work on the project at the company's Malabar facility.

Most have never seen the plane they helped build fly in action -- until now, when the F-35 takes to the skies over the airshow this weekend.

"They are very excited to go to the show and see the F-35 performing and to know that we have worked on all of those parts and are part of the success," said Bruce Barton, Harris' F-35 program director.

The F-35 is combat ready after years of design and testing. A single plane costs nearly $100 million.

For more on this weekend's Melbourne Air and Space Show, including a lineup and event times, head to their website.
Two Seabreeze High School students are accused of bringing part of an AR-15 and ammo to school and made a hand-drawn map in a plot to rob a closed hotel.

2 students accused of plotting to rob closed hotel

Police: Boy had portion of AR-15 at Seabreeze High

No charges have been filed

According to a Daytona Beach Police report, the school's resource officer was called to the boys' locker room Monday, where he met with Mark Tweedy, the school's dean of discipline, and a 15-year-old student from Ormond Beach.

The student was overheard saying he he had a gun and was planning to raid a closed hotel, the report said.

When the officer looked into the student's green backpack, the following items were discovered:

A lower portion of an AR-15;

Two 30-round magazines;

1 10-round magazine;

29 12-gauge shotgun rounds.

The report said the student told the officer that he also took his father's disassembled AR-15 and shotgun, met another student, a 14-year-old, at the pavilion on the east side of the Granada Bridge on Thursday. The older teen is accused of handing the younger boy the materials.

The upper portion of the AR-15 and shotgun were found in the 14-year-old boy's bedroom, the incident report said.

The two male students told officials they planned to go to La Playa Resort & Suites and steal televisions from the hotel, which was closed due to Hurricane Matthew, according to police.

The 14-year-old boy, also of Ormond Beach, had a notebook and map of the hotel, the report added.

"Within this notebook there are 5 pages of notes pertaining to this plan, which also include the location of cameras and a possible direction of their getaway," the incident report stated.

The students have not been charged.

Due to the ages of the students, News 13 will not be identifying in accordance with the station's crime guidelines.
HART -- After a contentious discussion of City Secretary Monica Guzmans request to approve a payment by the city to the Texas Municipal Retirement System, a unanimous vote of the Hart City Council to pay the citys and Guzmans portions was made at the March 20 regular meeting of the council at Hart City Hall.

Council members present were Mayor Eleazar Castillo, Vickie Ethridge, Ezekiel Barron, Mary Reyna, Johnny Carrasco and George Chapa Jr.

Guzman had been a part-time assistant city secretary for four years before she became the city secretary in November 2016, upon the resignation of then City Secretary Marsela Marin.

Guzman told the council that when she was completing the application to TMRS, she noted that an employee who works not less than 1,000 hours per year (which she did) is required to participate in the retirement plan. Current and previous Hart City Council members apparently had mistakenly thought that part-time employees did not participate. The retirement program began in 2003.

A letter to Guzman from TMRS, dated Jan. 25, 2017, explained that once the error of non-participation is discovered, retroactive correction of no more than four years from the date written application is received in the TMRS office in Austin is required. Guzman told the council that the total amount (her contribution and the citys contribution) is estimated to be $4,866.11. According to a preliminary TMRS report Guzman provided the council, her portion of the total amount is $2,758.87 (5 percent) and the citys is $2,107.54 (3.82 percent).

Council member Vickie Etheridge told Guzman at the meeting: You should pay your part and the city should pay its part.

However, Guzman said that a TMRS representative told her by phone that the city is required to pay both portions to TMRS. She also checked with the citys fiscal auditor at Doshier, Pickens and Francis, LLC, in Amarillo, and he had said the city should pay her portion. No council member voiced having the city pay Guzmans portion. It was, however, eventually voiced in a motion by Etheridge for the city to pay the full amount, and for Guzman to reimburse the city at $10 a week. Chapa seconded the motion.

In other business, the council voted to give employees a 3 percent raise, effective May 1. The total increase for the fiscal year is $3,860.32. Voting against the increase was Carrasco. Also approved was a credit for water usage for the mayor and council members of $20.50 a month, for a total of $1,476 per year.

City Administrator Adrian Rosas said he had been approached by a citizen regarding vandalism in Hart. This citizen reported damage to her vehicle. Council member Etheridge said she has been told that one citizen had left keys to a vehicle overnight and discovered the next morning that the keys had been taken. The city relies on the Castro County Sheriffs Department for law enforcement protection. In the past, the City of Hart and Castro County had an agreement that one deputy was assigned to spend more than the usual time in Hart. The citys cost, including a vehicle and the employees retirement and health insurance benefits, was $50,000 a year. Some council members said that they did not think the deputy spent enough time in the city.

During its meeting, the council noted that Hart Volunteer Fire Department has been seeking a siren that could be heard across most of the community if a tornado alert is sounded. The current system is not powerful enough to be heard in all parts of the community7. The City of Dumas has a siren system it will donate to Hart. No amount was discussed to install the system, and no action was taken.

The council approved a negotiated resolution between West Texas Cites Steering Committee (WTX Cities) and Atmos Energy regarding rate reviews. The resolution notes that pursuant to the 2013 agreement to increase rates, WTX Cities and the Atmos have worked to develop a new rate review mechanism tariff that allows for an expedited rate review process.

Also a proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year was discussed.
A residence in the 700 block of Beech was burglarized between 8 a.m. Monday and 2:20 p.m. Wednesday. A list of stolen items was not released.

--A 51-year-old man was held in Hale County jail Thursday on $1,500 bond for displaying the wrong, fictitious or altered license plate. He was arrested about 7:20 p.m. Wednesday in the 2300 block of Joliet for operating a vehicle displaying a tag issued to another vehicle.

--Property valued between $100 and $750 was taken from a business in the 1500 block of North I-27 by an unknown person about 9:25 p.m. Monday. The crime was reported Wednesday.

--A 34-year-old man was held in Hale County jail Thursday without bond on an outstanding municipal warrant for possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the 600 block of Parkway Drive.

--Property valued between $100 and $750 was taken from the 1500 block of Yonkers about 8 p.m. Wednesday.

--A 34-year-old man was held in Hale County jail Thursday on three outstanding Justice of the Peace warrants, for disregarding an official traffic control device, expired commercial motor vehicle inspection certificate and failure to appear. Bond had not been set. He was arrested about 7:40 p.m. Wednesday in the 2100 block of West Fifth Street. Police arrested a 34-year-old woman at the same time, also for outstanding Justice of the Peace warrants. She was held in Hale County jail Thursday without bond. Both warrants were issued for the charge of failure to attend school-parent/guardian.

--A 17-year-old man was held in Hale County jail Thursday on $1,500 bond for theft or property between $100 and $750. He was arrested about 6:20 p.m. Wednesday in the 2200 block of West Fourth after being observed by an officer removing property from a yard.

--Property valued between $100 and $750 reportedly was stolen from a vehicle in the 1000 block of Denver between 2:30-8:45 a.m. Wednesday.

--A known individual intentionally cause unwanted physical contact with another, which is classified as simple assault, about 5 p.m. Wednesday in the 900 block of West 25th Street. In connection with that incident, police are investigating a terroristic threat directed to a family member.

--A 29-year-old man was held in Hale County jail Thursday on $1,500 bond on a charge of possession of marijuana under 2 oz. That arrest was made by police late Wednesday.

(Anyone with information on crime in Plainview and Hale County may contact the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 293-8477 or 293-TIPS.)
By Wilda Asmarini

JAKARTA, March 30 (Reuters) - Freeport McMoRan Inc's Indonesian unit is close to reaching a deal that will allow the mining giant to temporarily resume copper concentrate exports from its Grasberg mine in Papua, Indonesia's mining minister said on Thursday.

Indonesia stopped Freeport's concentrate exports in mid January in an effort to improve revenues from mining resources and create jobs.

But the stoppage resulted in Freeport shelving billions of dollars of planned investments and has threatened to unsettle business sentiment in Southeast Asia's biggest economy.

The latest change in tone from Jakarta could signal a near end to a more than 10-week stoppage of exports from the world's second-biggest copper mine.

"Freeport Indonesia has entered the final stage of discussions with the government," Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Ignasius Jonan told parliament, referring to talks over mining rights with the world's biggest publicly listed copper miner.

Indonesia wants Freeport to switch from its long-term operating contract to a new special mining license that includes new provisions on taxes and mineral processing. Freeport has said it will only do this when the government provides it with an alternative with the same fiscal and legal guarantees.

"If they agree on the special mining permit, they can export, as long as they put forward a proposal to develop a smelter within five years," Jonan said, adding that Freeport has agreed to adopt the new permit in principle.

Freeport would be allowed to resume exports for the next six months while continuing to negotiate fiscal terms for the new permit, Jonan said, adding that the discussions would be handled by Indonesia's finance ministry and would focus on its request for a "nailed down" tax rate and guarantees that other fiscal terms won't change.

"Hopefully soon we will reach an agreement."

Indonesia also wants Freeport to divest a 51 percent stake in its Indonesian unit, up from 30 percent previously. To date, it has divested 9.36 percent, and has said the divestment rules were "a form of expropriation."

Story continues

Jonan said on Thursday that a valuation for the stake would be made "at commercial or market value" but this would not include the value of Grasberg's mineral resources.

"This must happen," he said.

Freeport Indonesia spokesman Riza Pratama told Reuters on Thursday that the company continued to engage in a "constructive" dialogue with the government.

"We hope in the near future we will reach a solution that is acceptable to both sides," Pratama said, declining to comment further.

Freeport warned in February that if the issues were not resolved by June 17 that it could take the dispute to arbitration and seek damages, and said there was "no returning to business as usual" at Grasberg.

(Reporting by Wilda Asmarini; Writing by Fergus Jensen; editing by Susan Thomas)
LONDON (AP)  Britain filed for divorce from the European Union on Wednesday, with fond words and promises of friendship that could not disguise the historic nature of the schism  or the years of argument and hard-nosed bargaining ahead as the U.K. leaves the embrace of the bloc for an uncertain future as global Britain.



Prime Minister Theresa May triggered the two-year divorce process in a six-page letter to EU Council President Donald Tusk, vowing that Britain will maintain a deep and special partnership with its neighbors in the bloc. In response, Tusk told Britain: We already miss you.



Mays invocation of Article 50 of the EUs key treaty sets the clock ticking on two years of negotiations until Britain becomes the first major nation to leave the union  as Big Ben bongs midnight on March 29, 2019.



The U.K.s departure could not come at a worse time for the EU, which has grown from six founding members six decades ago to a vast, largely borderless span of 28 nations and half a billion people. Nationalist and populist parties are on the march across the continent in revolt against the blocs mission of ever-closer union. And in Washington, President Donald Trump has derided the EU, NATO and other pillars of Western order built up since World War II.



This is an historic moment from which there can be no turning back, May told lawmakers in the House of Commons, moments after her letter was hand-delivered to Tusk in Brussels by Britains ambassador to the EU, Tim Barrow.



In the letter, May said the two sides should engage with one another constructively and respectfully, in a spirit of sincere cooperation.



But for all the warmth, the next two years will be a tough test of the notion that divorcees can remain good friends.



May is under pressure from her Conservative Party and Britains largely Euroskeptic press not to concede too much in exchange for a good trade deal with the EU. For their part, the other 27 members of the bloc will need to stick together and stand firm as they ride out the biggest threat in the unions history.



Brexit has been hailed by populists across Europe  including French far-right leader Marine Le Pen  who hope the U.K. is only the first in a series of departures. EU leaders are determined to stop that happening.



The European Union is a historically unique success story, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in Berlin. It remains one even after Britains withdrawal. We will take care of that.



Britons voted 52 percent to 48 percent in favor of leaving the bloc in a referendum nine months ago, and they remain deeply divided over Brexit.



In the pro-Brexit heartland of Dover on Englands south coast  whose white cliffs face toward France  some were jubilant as May pulled the trigger.



Im a local church minister, and I said to my wife, All I want to do before I die is see my country free from the shackles of Europe, said 70-year-old Mike Piper, buying a copy of the Sun tabloid with the front-page headline Dover and Out.



Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage, who campaigned for years to take Brexit from a fringe cause to a reality, said Britain had passed the point of no return.



I can still, to be honest with you, scarcely believe today has come, he said.



But many young Britons  who have grown up in the EU and voted overwhelmingly for Britain to remain a member  worried about how much they would lose.



Im really anxious about it. It was a bad idea, said Elaine Morrison, an 18-year-old who was traveling to Barcelona with friends. I like traveling to other countries And it will be a trouble now. The pound is weaker so it will cost more to buy the euros, and the costs of travel will be more expensive. And there will be red tape.



People in Londons financial district, the City, were anxious about the uncertainty.



No one knows how this is going to go, said City worker Nicola Gibson. Its a gamble, its a risk.



Mays six-page letter to Tusk was conciliatory, stressing that Britons want to remain committed partners and allies to our friends across the continent.



But there was a hint of steel in Mays assertion that without a good deal, our cooperation in the fight against crime and terrorism would be weakened.



That could be seen by some in Europe as a threat to withdraw British security cooperation if the U.K. does not get its way.



European Parliament Brexit coordinator Guy Verhofstadt responded diplomatically: I cannot, as a gentleman, even imagine that a lady as Mrs. May is using blackmail, is thinking of blackmail.



Tusk said he will respond by Friday with draft negotiating guidelines for the remaining 27 member states to consider. Theyll meet April 29 to finalize their platform. Talks between the EUs chief negotiator, French diplomat Michel Barnier, and his British counterpart, Brexit Secretary David Davis, are likely to start in the second half of May.



As in many divorces, the first area of conflict is likely to be money. The EU wants Britain to pay a bill of as much as 50 billion euros ($63 billion) to cover pension liabilities for EU staff and other commitments the U.K. has agreed to.



Britain acknowledges it will have to pay something, but is sure to quibble over the size of the tab. May did not indicate Wednesday how much Britain would be willing to pay, saying only that it will no longer pay significant sums of money on an annual basis to the EU.



But, May added: Were a law-abiding nation. We will meet obligations that we have.



Negotiations will also soon hit a major contraction: Britain wants to strike a bold and ambitious free trade agreement with the bloc of some 500 million people, but says it will restore control of immigration, ending the right of EU citizens to live and work in Britain. The EU says Britain cant have full access to the single market if it doesnt accept free movement, one of the blocs key principles.



Both Britain and the EU say a top priority will be guaranteeing the rights of 3 million EU citizens living in Britain, and 1 million Britons living elsewhere in the bloc. In her letter, May said we should aim to strike an early agreement about their rights  but for now they remain in limbo.



The two sides also appear to disagree on how the talks will unfold. EU officials say the divorce terms must be settled before negotiators can turn to the U.K.s future relationship with the bloc, while Britain wants the two things discussed simultaneously.



Britain wants to seal a new trade deal within two years, but Verhofstadt told The Associated Press there would have to be a further transition period of no more than three years to discuss, to detail the content of this future.



A final deal must be approved by both the British and European parliaments  and Verhofstadt said EU lawmakers will use our veto power if they do not like the outcome.



Brexit has profound implications for Britains economy, society and even unity. The divisive decision has given new impetus to the drive for Scottish independence and shaken the foundations of Northern Irelands peace settlement. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who says the Brexit vote means Scotland should get a referendum on independence, accused May of making a reckless gamble.



But anti-EU politicians saluted Wednesday as the day Britain regained its sovereignty from Brussels bureaucrats.



If youve been locked inside a dark and cramped dungeon and you step out into sunlight, its going to be a bit intimidating, pro-Brexit lawmaker Douglas Carswell said. We as a country have got to rediscover the art of self-governance.







Follow Jill Lawless on Twitter at http://Twitter.com/JillLawless







Casert reported from Brussels. Associated Presss Danica Kirka, Siobhan Starrs and Jonathan Shenfield in London, Lorne Cook in Brussels, Geir Moulson in Berlin, Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen and Monika Scislowska in Warsaw contributed to this report.






HARTFORD  The legislatures Judiciary Committee is considering legislation that would protect state residents from judgments in libel suits filed in other countries.



Proponents say the bill is a needed response to the Internets global reach, which opens authors, journalists, and others who publish their work to potential lawsuits anywhere in the world.



If adopted, foreign judgments in libel cases could only be enforced in Connecticut if the decisions come from countries with similar free speech standards.



The legislation is modeled after Rachels Law, which the New York legislature adopted in 2008 after resident Rachel Ehrenfeld was ordered by a judge in the United Kingdom to pay $225,000 as the result of a libel suit.



Ehrenfeld published a book examining the funding of terrorism, and a Saudi businessman filed a lawsuit in London, where a few copies of the book were purchased, after a chapter accused him of the activity.



Jane Bate, a Cheshire resident and chapter leader with ACT For America, warned that if Connecticut doesnt follow New Yorks lead  several states have since adopted similar laws  residents could find themselves subject to lawsuits like the one filed against Ehrenfeld.



She also said the lawsuits are intended to scare others from making similar statements, and thus could ultimately silence free speech.



My concern is that if we dont preserve the freedom of speech, were going to be all reduced to the level that is the lowest on the planet, she said.



Defamation of character laws in the United States are viewed to be among the most favorable for those accused of libel or slander.



Bate said laws can vary greatly in other countries, including on aspects like who has the burden of proof, what are acceptable defenses, and whether reputation is valued more than free speech.



U.S. laws, for example, place a higher threshold for public figures, requiring actual malice or complete disregard for truth.



With U.S. courts being a difficult venue for a libel victory, free speech advocates have complained for years about so-called libel tourism, or, as Bate said, the act of shopping for a more favorable court system for lawsuits.



The internet makes libel tourism easier than ever, Bates said. Congress passed a similar bill in 2010, but Bates said it is too broad and offers no real protection.



Bates brought the issue to Sen. Joe Markley, R-Southington, who introduced legislation this session.



A public hearing was held Monday on a separate bill modeled after Markleys proposal.



I havent seen anything yet to think theres real opposition to it, Markley said, adding hes working to get a committee vote before April 7.



Rep. Craig Fishbein, R-Wallingford, one of a handful of Republicans who have co-sponsored the legislation, said Connecticut should make sure foreign judgments meet domestic standards before enforcement.



Certainly our activities are guided, and they should be grounded by, the Constitution, and thats a level of expectation that all Americans should enjoy, Fishbein said. I think thats a fundamental reason for these bills.



He also raised concern that Connecticut residents may receive no notice that they are a defendant in a foreign court system, preventing them from offering a defense.



While the bill received broad support, Rep. Arthur ONeill, R-Southbury, questioned whether the refusal to enforce foreign judgments might lead to similar stances from foreign governments on decisions in Connecticut courts.



Markley said Connecticut has the ability to review what other states have done on the issue.



msavino@record-journal.com 203-317-2266 Twitter: @reporter_savino






San Franciscos favorite pot party has finally gotten the official go-ahead from the city.

The Recreation and Park Department is issuing its first-ever permit for next months 4/20 marijuana-smoking blowout on Hippie Hill in Golden Gate Park. For years, the event has drawn tens of thousands of weed aficionados to the park and the city has been stuck with the costs, including paying for hauling away tons of trash that the crowds leave behind.

This year, a handful of Haight Street merchants and local cannabis businesses, including the Diamond Supply Company, Cookies SF and the Green Door dispensary, have taken on the job of sponsoring the festival. They will pay for fences and gates, portable toilets, and traffic and emergency plans for the formerly unsanctioned celebration April 20. The permit fee will also help cover policing and trash-removal costs.

The way it used to be was a free-for-all, said Alex Aquino, a sponsor who owns Black Scale, a clothing shop on Haight Street. He declined to say how much the sponsorship cost, only that it was very expensive. A typical permit for an event of 4/20s size costs around $100,000, according to Rec and Park figures.

Im just a guy in the neighborhood trying to do my part, Aquino said. The partys not going anywhere. Its not going away. I think building infrastructure will keep it safe and clean. It will preserve the park and keep our neighbors happy. How can we not benefit from that?

Last year, revelers left behind 22,000 pounds of trash, including a childrens wagon loaded with a keg. The garbage pickup alone cost the city $50,000, and with police, transit and other expenses, the total bill came to more than $80,000.

The marijuana party was also a buzz kill for nearby merchants and residents whose streets were crammed with cars with out-of-state plates and whose doorways were used as bathrooms.

This is an event that I, like most people in the neighborhood, dread every year, said Ted Loewenberg, president of the Haight Ashbury Improvement Association. When its all done, there is an enormous amount of garbage, and there are traffic jams. Im delighted that somebody has come forward to sponsor this event and take some responsibility for keeping it organized and absorb the cost so it doesnt impact taxpayers.

Although it is technically still illegal to light up in public parks, California voters decision to legalize the recreational use of marijuana has made city officials change their stance.

Love it or hate it, the 4/20 festival is not going away, and it has a significant impact on our city, on our district and on the park system, said Board of Supervisors President London Breed, whose district borders Golden Gate Park. Every year, the event leaves the park and surrounding neighborhood a mess. Its not safe to allow people to party in the park without adequate security, facilities and medical aid.

Breed acknowledged that the mass smoke-in was still illegal and said City Hall didnt want to sanction the event. But she added that it was irresponsible to ignore it.

Rec and Park officials agreed.

We are trying to be creative and nimble and understand that people are going to keep doing this no matter what, said department spokeswoman Sarah Madland. The goal is to try and see if we can increase public safety. Its not about saving money in year one. The hope is that if this provides the necessary stability, then there may not be as much of a burden to all of the city departments.

Violence and use of hard-core drugs have also plagued the event. Last year, eight people were arrested, and two teenage boys were robbed by a man wearing brass knuckles. In 2015, an assailant smashed a bottle on a park rangers head, and two groups of men violently robbed people in Golden Gate Park. Five people were arrested that year. In 2014, 11 people were arrested.

Madland hopes the sponsorship will lessen that kind of trouble.

The intention is that the actual event will be controlled by the organizers, she said. No one under 18 will be allowed in. Its exciting that this is happening and we can manage the impacts on the neighborhood and the park.

Lizzie Johnson is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ljohnson@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @LizzieJohnsonnn
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A new study shows that Bexar County is second in Texas for solar jobs after the number of workers in the sector almost tripled last year.

A study by the Solar Foundation, a trade group based in Washington, D.C., estimated that 1,665 workers in Bexar County were employed in the solar industry in 2016, up 191 percent from 572 in 2015. Only Harris County has more solar jobs at 1,916.

Ben Rodriguez, director of commercial development Advanced Solar, attributed the surge in San Antonio to a program promoting solar energy by CPS Energy that provided homeowners and business owners with $30 million in rebates last year. The program provides tax rebates to help cover the costs of installing solar panels.

The initial $30 million, which was supposed to last through 2018, was almost depleted within 12 months. CPS added an additional $15 million to the rebate program in January.

Charlie Hemmelin, executive director of the Texas Solar Power Association, said the CPS rebate and other solar programs shows the area has a real commitment to boosting the industry.

The study estimated that Texas solar industry as a whole produced $2.5 billion in direct sales in 2016 and added 2,366 jobs with 46 percent of those in Bexar County. The Solar Energy Industries Association reported that Texas installed 672 megawatts of solar power in 2016, bringing the total to 1,215 megawatts and making it No. 9 in the country for solar power generation.

A solar job is classified as any person who works more than half of his or her time in a solar-related business, Hemmelin said, and he estimated that 90 percent of the jobs were full-time solar industry positions.

He did not know if the 2016 solar job figures took into account the layoff of 87 workers by San Antonio-based solar panel manufacturer Mission Solar in October. The company laid off another 170 employees in January as it shut down some of its solar panel production. The layoffs forced the company to repay tens of thousands of dollars in tax incentives it received from San Antonio and Bexar County as part of an agreement to create local jobs.

Rodriguez said Mission Solars 400-megawatt deal with CPS was lucrative and allowed them to expand rapidly but left them open to problems when the deal was complete.

They had such a fruitful trough for so long that it might have blinded them to the idea that maybe that trough would run out of food one day and they needed to start thinking ahead and go find a new trough, he said.

Hemmelin said the Mission Solar layoffs were a result of solar being a very competitive business.

It is a global competition, Hemmelin said. Local supply chain and dynamics across the board come into play. I think what we can do here is make sure the demand is strong in the U.S. and Texas and industry will respond to that appropriately.

CPS spokesman Paul Flaningan said in an email that more than 600 people are employed under the utilitys New Energy Economy initiative, which seeks to create a self-sustaining clean energy in San Antonio.

rdruzin@express-news.net

@druz_journo
More troubles are surfacing at Vysk Communications Inc., the San Antonio maker of smartphone cases designed to prevent eavesdropping and hacking.

Vysk already has misfired on its goal of creating a manufacturing, distribution and headquarters operation that would employ more than 300. Now the company is dealing with tax liens and legal battles, along with the departure of its co-founder.

Vysk owes more than $1.9 million in unpaid payroll taxes, IRS tax lien notices show. The state also has issued a tax lien notice for more than $3,000 in unpaid unemployment taxes.

CEO Victor Cocchia declined to comment when reached by phone Thursday. He referred questions to his San Antonio lawyer, Steven Chiscano, who didnt respond to a request for comment.

On top of the tax liens, two new lawsuits were filed against Vysk earlier this month. Former landlord Emet sued Vysk, Cocchia and his father-in-law, Jerry Gore, for more than $1 million that was allegedly due under a lease and related agreements. The lease was for space in the Phipps building at 102 Ninth St. Cocchia and Gore guaranteed the payments, the suit added. Vysks office now is on East Basse Road.

Consultis of San Antonio Inc., an IT staffing company, also sued. Its seeking at least $84,000 in services it allegedly provided to Vysk.

Vysk co-founder Michel Fiske, meanwhile, stepped down as its chief technology officer last month. Fiske confirmed he resigned as CTO but wouldnt elaborate on his reasons. He remains a director and a major stockholder, he said.

I dont want to say why because theres things going on at the company and Im still on the board, Fiske said. I want the company to be successful. I, obviously, have my opinions on what needs to happen for it to be successful.

Fiske, a mathematician, added that he was the one who brought all this technology to Vysk. Cocchia told the San Antonio Express-News in 2014 that he had taken Fiskes work and mathematical prowess and applied it to private communications. Vysk is a combination of Cocchias first and Fiskes last names.

The pair worked together to devise a sophisticated smartphone case featuring voice encryption and a lockdown mode that blocks microphones and shutters front and rear cameras for privacy.

The case, known as the QS1, has yet to catch on and has generated only minimal sales, according to a person familiar with the company but who did not want to be identified. The source added that Vysk has been burning through cash.

In a December court filing in a legal battle with San Antonio financial backer and angel investor Peter Selig of Acequia, Vysk addressed its financial constraints.

Although Vysk has been tremendously successful in its infancy, it is still growing company having enormous demands on its cash flow to meet its world-wide growth, the court filing stated.

The court filing came after Vysk missed the second of three payments due to Acequia. It made the first payment of almost $1.6 million on Nov. 1 but didnt make a second payment of $367,000 due on Nov. 30.

State district Judge Renee Yanta in late December ruled in an Agreed Final Judgment that Acequia could recover the $367,000 from Vysk. She also ruled that Acequia could foreclose on collateral belonging to Vysk.

But Vysk moved to have the judgment voided. Vysk argued that Yanta erred in her ruling because the company revoked its consent to the agreed judgment after the judge did not rule on a dispute over attorneys fees.

On March 6, Judge Antonia Arteaga vacated Yantas order and granted Vysks request for a new trial.

Vysk has accused Acequia of trying to gain control of the case maker and its intellectual property. Acequia has alleged that Vysk falsified and concealed critical information to persuade the investment firm to loan money to the company.

The IRS tax liens, recorded in December, show Vysk has not paid payroll taxes from the latter half of 2014 through the first half of 2016. As of early Thursday afternoon, no lien releases had been recorded.

As for the dispute with Emet, the landlords attorney, Meagan Talafuse, said in an email, We look forward to working with Vysk to resolve this matter quickly.

pdanner@express-news.net

Twitter: @AlamoPD
A new service company has opened in the Permian Basin, drawn by the regions rising oil field activity.

Calgary, Alberta-based STEP Energy Services has just opened a service center at 3403 East County Road 44 in Midland to serve Permian Basin operators.

Brock Duhon, the companys vice president, coiled tubing, said in a phone interview that the company had noticed a huge increase in unconventional drilling activity in the Permian.

We did a presentation in March 2016 at the Petroleum Museum and got great attendance and a number of clients, so in April we decided to open in the Permian Basin, he said.

The Midland service center, the companys second in Texas, is a 5,000- square-foot facility that houses two coiled tubing units that are fitted with 2 5/8-inch tubing string and related pumping and pressure control equipment. The service center includes two full mechanics bays with a wash bay and six offices. It employs 35 people, and Duhon said it is essentially fully staffed with just a couple of openings.

Once a well is fractured, we go in and drill out the composite plugs and clean up the well and get it ready to put on production, Duhon said.

Clients include BHP Billiton, Pioneer Natural Resources, Brigham Resources, Jagged Peak Energy and Diamondback Energy.

Coiled tubing has been used in the oil fields for decades, but Duhon said as horizontal drilling became more prominent, legacy coiled tubing equipment became unfit for the job.

We built new fit-for-purpose equipment for the shale plays, he said. We couldnt find a purpose for legacy equipment.

The company is looking to build two or three more units by the end of the year, which would bring its total to six or seven coiled tubing units in Texas. Where those new units will be deployed will depend on which market has more demand, he said

Well watch the market and see what happens with activity, Duhon said.

STEP is also active in the Eagle Ford, where it has two coiled units.

Were also looking to move into the Haynesville Shale in East Texas and Louisiana, he said.

Duhon estimates equipment in both the Permian and Eagle Ford are at 80 percent utilization.

He said STEP sees the Permian as a center for the companys future growth.

We expect continued growth and will focus on the Permian, he said.

As part of the celebration of the Midland centers opening, guests were asked to bring donations for the West Texas Food Bank. Duhon reported that donations filled a truck bed.
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Dr. Priscilla Chan described when she first recognized the needs of children in disadvantaged communities and the frustration she felt, not knowing how to help.

She was tutoring in an after-school program in Massachusetts, she told the few hundred people attending a fundraising gala for Teach for America on Wednesday.

I was supposed to help with homework in a windowless basement that flooded every time it rained, said Chan, wife of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.

One of the students she tutored stopped coming and was missing school. Chan found her on the playground alone, missing teeth.

I was suddenly struck by how vulnerable children are, she said. I felt powerless.

Chan would go on to be a teacher and later a physician, but felt that in each world, she was unable to address all the needs of children.

Both in the classroom and the hospital, I felt I was coming up short, she said.

As the child of refugees, Chan told the Teach for America crowd at the Design Center in San Francisco, she was prodded by her teachers to attend Harvard University, the first in her family to attend college.

I was lucky, she said. Luck is not scalable. Luck is not a national strategy.

Chan said she and Zuckerberg want to learn from organizations like Teach for America, which has been funneling teachers into thousands of lower-income communities across the country for 25 years.

This is hard work, but important work, she said. Theres simply no other choice.

Chan and her husband have focused their own philanthropic efforts on education and science, vowing to spend most of their vast Facebook fortune on those efforts during their lifetimes. They created Chan Zuckerberg Initiative in 2015, and last year committed $3 billion to cure, treat or prevent all human disease within the next century.

The power couple also opened a private school in East Palo Alto, the Primary School, to provide a free education that incorporates health care into the services provided to students.

Some of the staff and administrators at the school have a background in Teach for America, or TFA, which currently has nearly 300 teachers in Bay Area schools.

The TFA teachers dont have full credentials, but are billed as top college graduates who want to spend at least two years teaching in some of the countrys poorest communities. Yet in recent years, critics  including teachers unions  have condemned the organization, saying its filling the countrys neediest classrooms with inexperienced and cheap labor.

The San Francisco school board voted to not renew its contract with the organization this school year, saying it wanted to focus on hiring qualified teachers with long-term commitments.

Chan, however, lauded the program as an example of an organization to model after.

Teach for America has helped us understand what works and what doesnt, she said. TFA is more than just a few steps ahead of us here.

Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com

Twitter: @jilltucker
It's almost time to clear your schedule for a worthy cause  ice cream.

Ben & Jerry's is giving away free ice cream cones next week around the world, and San Antonio is included.
The Thai Lao Orchid business in Leon Springs is for sale.

Owner Hip Wynn is asking $230,000, a price that would include everything: the business, furniture, lease, etc.

"I just want to move to a different business," Wynn said. "I've been in the restaurant business a little too long. The passion's no longer there, you know?"

Thai Lao Orchid, which is still in operation, is at 23535 W. Interstate 10, Suite 1104, 210-310-3919.

There is another Thai Lao Orchid in downtown San Antonio on Broadway. Wynn does not own that location, and it is not part of the sale.
warner burr

WASHINGTON  The Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday held its first public hearing about its investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election.

The hearing focused on Russia's hacking and disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining Hillary Clinton and boosting President Donald Trump.

"As the intelligence community unanimously assessed in January of this year, Russia sought to hijack our most cherished democratic process: our presidential election," said Sen. Mark Warner, the committee's ranking Democrat, in an opening statement. "As we'll learn today, Russia's strategy and tactics are not new, but their brazenness certainly was."

The hearing, titled "Disinformation: A Primer in Russian Active Measures and Influence Campaigns," featured testimony from former National Security Agency Director Keith Alexander, also a former commander of US Cyber Command; the CEO of the cybersecurity firm FireEye, Kevin Mandia; and Thomas Rid, a Professor at Kings College London's War Studies department.

Also testifying were Clint Watts, a senior fellow at George Washington University's Center for Cyber and Homeland Security; Eugene Rumer, the director of the Russia and Eurasia program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; and Roy Godson, a professor of government at Georgetown University.

Warner said his hope is that "our witnesses today will help us understand how Russia deployed this deluge of disinformation in a broader attempt to undermine America's strength and leadership around the world."

burr and warner

Watts, in his opening statement, did not mince words: "Today, Russia seeks to win the second Cold War through the force of politics as opposed to the politics of force. The final piece of Russia's modern active measures surfaced in the summer of 2016 as hacked materials from previous months were strategically leaked."

Story continues

Republican Sen. Marco Rubio chimed in later, asking the witnesses if they thought the US was "in the middle of a blitzkrieg conducted by Putin-led Russian trolls to sow instability and pit Americans against one another."

Rumer replied that Rubio had "hit the nail on the head."

Rubio dropped somewhat of a bombshell when the hearing resumed after a brief recess, telling the committee that his campaign staff had been targeted by IP addresses based in Russia during the primaries  and that it had happened again in the past 24 hours.

"In July of 2016, shortly after I announced I would seek reelection to the United States Senate, former members of my presidential campaign team, who had access to the information of my presidential campaign, were targeted by IP addresses with an unknown location within Russia," Rubio said.

"That effort was unsuccessful. I would also inform the committee that within the last 24 hours, at 10:45 a.m. yesterday, a second attempt was made against former members of my presidential campaign team again targeted from an IP address from an unknown location in Russia. That effort was also unsuccessful."

Rubio revealed the efforts after Watts said that the Russians "win because they play both sides"  targeting both Democrats and Republicans  and that they had probably targeted Rubio while he was running for president against Trump.

Russia's state-sponsored news agency, Russia Today, has also been known to "play both sides." When asked by Sen. Susan Collins if the network had been used in the US to promote the interests of both the far left and the far right, Rumer replied that it was "in the interests of Russian propaganda to play up major fault lines in our society," wherever those fault lines fell on the political spectrum.

"The best propaganda has a grain of truth in it," Rumer said.

'There is a great deal of smoke'

Sen. Warner said in his opening remarks that "in addition to what we know" about Russia's efforts to undermine the election, "any full accounting must also find out what, if any, contacts, communications, or connections occurred between Russia and those associated with the campaigns themselves."

"We are seeking to determine if there is an actual fire, but so far there is a great, great deal of smoke," Warner said.

Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden asked witnesses about Russia's "corruption problem," and if they could help the committee "follow the money" in its investigation.

"How can the committee track this fuzzy line between the Russian oligarchs, Russian organized crime, and the Russian government?" Wyden asked.

Watts, a counterterrorism expert and former FBI agent, replied that "there is a money trail to be discovered" and that the committee should also "follow the trail of dead Russians."

Eight high-profile Russians have died over the past five months, including Denis Voronenkov, a Putin critic who had fled to Ukraine, and Oleg Erovinkin, a former Russian law enforcement official who had close ties to Russian intelligence.

Voronenkov

Watts added that while Russia's disinformation campaign in the US began as early as 2014, its active measures were particularly effective during the 2016 election because Trump "used these active measures against his opponents."

Watts cited Trump's tendency to push conspiracy theories like claims the election was rigged  which was "the number one theme pushed by RT"  and that President Obama was not a US citizen. He also referred to a rally last year when Trump appeared to cite a Sputnik report that later "disappeared" from the Russian news agency's website.

Sen. Kamala Harris asked the panelists if they thought Russia's interference was "an act of war." Watts replied that it was "definitely part of Russia's Cold War system," and the US does not yet have its "most talented" hackers dedicated to offensive and defensive cyber operations as Russia does.

"We need to invest in people," Watts said. "The reasons the Russians are winning is because they have great propagandists, and the best hackers out there."

Keith Alexander, the former NSA director, echoed that claim in the second half of the hearing. "We need to have the right people in place to prepare" for this kind of attack, he said.

When asked if the cyberattacks could have been a "false flag" operation staged by someone other than the Russians, Kevin Mandia, of FireEye, said that his company has been observing Russian hacking activity since 2007.

"I am confident" the hacking group that breached the DNC "is sponsored by the Russian government," Mandia said.

A slow, but steady, start

The Senate intel committee's work is off to a slow start. The House Intelligence Committee said it was further along than its Senate counterpart before it reached an impasse earlier this week stemming from Rep. Devin Nunes' excursions to the White House the week before.

Still, the senators have said they are trying to gather all of the appropriate information before interviewing the more high-profile witnesses, including former national security adviser Michael Flynn, former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, and former Trump foreign policy adviser Carter Page.

Warner listed Manafort, Flynn, and Attorney General Jeff Sessions as subjects of interest to the committee, describing them instead of referring to them by name.

"A campaign manager, who played such a critical role in electing the President, was forced to step down over his alleged ties to Russia and its associates," Warner said. "And since the election, we have seen the Presidents national security advisor resign  and his Attorney General recuse himself  over previously undisclosed contacts with the Russian government."

Warner also alluded to former Trump adviser Roger Stone, who he described as "an individual associated with the Trump campaign" who "accurately predicted the release of hacked emails weeks before it happened" and "admits to being in contact with Guccifer 2.0, the Russia intelligence persona responsible for those cyber operations."

Stone told Business Insider earlier this month that he had a private conversation on Twitter with Guccifer 2.0, and that the interaction was so "brief and banal, I had forgotten it."

"Not exactly 007 stuff even if Gruccifer 2.0 [sic] was working for the Russkies," Stone said. "Meaningless."

NOW WATCH: Trump appears to ignore requests for a handshake with Angela Merkel during their first meeting





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Dear Mr. Premack: My father passed way in Bell Co. Texas intestate August 2003. I am his child from his first marriage, and he had two children from his second marriage. Three years after he died, his second wife filed and Affidavit of Heirship. It lists all three children, but does not show me as being a child from his first marriage. There have not been any court proceedings, so last month I filed an Affidavit listing me as a child from his first marriage. I was told that if she makes a Will she could leave everything to her two children and exclude me. Do I have any rights or recourse? MBC

When a person dies intestate, there are two factors that must be considered. First: what arrangements has that person made contractually for the disposition of their property? Second: what does Texas law say about passage of title to other assets?

Your father may have died without a Will, but that does not mean he died without leaving legally binding instructions. For instance, if he had a bank account he could have signed a pay on death (POD) designation at the bank. Under the law, when he died that account became the property of whomever he designated. Or he may have owned a retirement account (like an IRA) which named his wife as beneficiary. If so, she owns that account even though he died without a Will and there have been no court proceedings.

Title to any asset that does not have a contractual designation is likely to pass under the Texas laws of intestacy. For instance, if they owned a home  even a community property home  his half interest would pass via intestacy in equal shares to his children (including you). However, the children would have no right to possess or control the home until such time as his wife voluntarily abandons the homestead or decides to sell it.

The fact that she filed an Affidavit of Heirship indicates that the home should have passed under Texas intestacy law. Such an Affidavit provides evidence of the family history of the decedent, so that the law can be applied to the facts in order to determine how title passed. Sadly, the Affidavit she filed misrepresented the facts; instead of listing you as a child from a prior marriage she listed you along with the other children. Under the law, the mere existence of children from a prior marriage alters the pattern of inheritance.

Her misrepresentation of the facts would have induced third parties (like a potential buyer of the home) to ignore your legal rights. Fortunately, Texas law allows any heir to file a correction to the facts in an Affidavit of their own, which you have done. The correction Affidavit was your best recourse under the circumstances, and re-asserted your right to be treated as a partial owner of your father's homestead (subject to her legal homestead occupancy rights).

Could she have made a Will leaving everything to her own two children? Yes, but we have to define "everything". She always has the legal right to devise her entire estate to anyone she selects but she cannot dispose of any asset that she does not own. Even if she made a Will saying that she leaves "all of her estate" to her two children, your legal right as heir under your father's estate per Texas law makes you an active partial owner of the house. She cannot take away your rights or give them to someone else so long as you prove they belong to you and assert their validity.

Paul Premack is a Certified Elder Law Attorney with offices in San Antonio and Seattle, handling Wills and Trusts, Probate, and Business Entity issues. View past legal columns or submit free questions on legal issues via www.TexasEstateandProbate.com or www.Premack.com.


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Rensselaer

A week ago, Republican Congressman Paul Ryan conceded defeat of his party's proposal to replace the federal Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare, declaring it "the law of the land."

Six days later, on Thursday, local health industry officials and consumer advocates were wondering anew whether that would remain true for, in Ryan's words, "the foreseeable future," as President Donald J. Trump has returned to speaking of a possible deal on the Republicans' American Health Care Act.

At a forum of AHCA opponents at the Healthcare Association of New York State's offices off I-90, HANYS Chief Medical Officer Dr. William Streck quipped that the bill could not be characterized as either alive or dead, but more like a zombie waiting to be revived, "living in the realms of the undead."

"A tweet or email can send us careening down pathways of urgency, advocacy or anxiety," Streck said of the vigilance among his colleagues as they wait for signals from the Trump administration of what's coming.

So while Thursday's forum was originally billed as an exploration of Obamacare's future in the wake of the Republican proposal's defeat, it became the second local event in a week where experts mused over how to move forward in the face of uncertainty.

The group assembled  representing the hospital and long-term care industries, as well as advocates for low-income New Yorkers and seniors  all opposed the American Health Care Act, particularly provisions that could result in benefit cuts to Medicaid and Medicare, government insurance programs for the poor and seniors, respectively.

But they conceded that Obamacare needs fixing, as premiums have risen and health insurers have left the online exchanges established by the law to allow individuals to buy insurance.

Jim Malatras, president of the Rockefeller Institute of Government, said research by the Albany-based think tank into the law's implementation in 40 states showed issues needed to be addressed nationwide. The question was how to modify the law to make it work.

"Do you use a scalpel or do you take a meat cleaver?" Malatras asked. "The American Health Care Act was a meat cleaver approach."

Forum participants predicted that even if Obamacare moves forward, Republicans in Washington will work to undermine the health insurance law, as they seek other budget cuts that will affect Americans of modest incomes, including nutrition and housing programs.

Bea Grause, president of HANYS, which represents hospital-based health systems, said regardless of the fixes attempted, the challenge will be educating Americans that the desired reductions in health-care spending will take years.

"It will take time, and I think we have to reset those expectations that they're not going to see a dramatic drop in health spending in the aggregate or for their particular health spending," Grause said.
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Albany

If you want to know what legislative leaders said Wednesday about their ongoing budget negotiations with Gov. Andrew Cuomo, copy and paste what they said on Tuesday.

Once again, the leaders huddled in hopes of hashing out an all-encompassing deal before the end of the current fiscal year on Friday. And once again, there were different iterations of the same quote offered in response to questions about the policy issues baked into the spending plan.

"There's an agreement to keep talking," Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said after emerging from Cuomo's suite offices Wednesday afternoon.

"Nothing's done until everything's done," said state Sen. Patrick Gallivan, R-Erie County, a key player in negotiations regarding raising the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 18 years old.

"We're all on the same page," Senate Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein said following the afternoon leaders' meeting. " ... We're very confident we're gong to pass an on-time budget."

Translation: The April 1 deadline for a new budget is either very close, or immeasurably distant.

Only one piece of budget legislation had been printed and approved by lawmakers as of Tuesday: the non-controversial debt service bill, just one of a package of 10 core pieces of legislation.

Tuesday was the deadline for the submission of any legislation that would have "aged" the required three days (at least a minute of Tuesday, plus Wednesday and Thursday) in order to be ready for voting in both houses on Friday. That means every piece of budget legislation remaining will need a message of necessity to waive the aging period, unless Cuomo and lawmakers opt to blow Friday's deadline. The Legislation requests such messages, which are then issued by the governor.

With the debt service bill out of the way, there are nine pieces of legislation that have to pass in order for the budget to be approved  four appropriations bills and five Article VII bills (aka "language bills").

That means that details remain elusive on the status of, among other things, expanding ride-hailing outside of New York City, offering free tuition to SUNY and CUNY schools for middle-class students, and requiring local governments to come up with shared services plans.

There is a general rule of thumb at the Capitol that complex budget negotiations  which usually involve a variety of non-fiscal items  blow up before a deal comes together. There have not been any angry public walkouts from the negotiating room to this point, but there have been the usual grumbling about the stickiest issues, which this week include talks on "Raise the Age," workers compensation reform and support for charter schools.

But the leaders generally were optimistic in their Q&As with reporters.

Klein said all the players were "talking about the big-ticket issues in a bipartisan way."

"My (Senate) Republican colleagues, colleagues in the IDC, the Assembly, really everyone has been engaged (on Raise the Age)," he said. " ... I'm very confident we can all come together and get something done, which unfortunately they're not doing in Washington when it comes to important issues."

There were increasing signs of consensus Wednesday. Heastie said water infrastructure funding "is probably settled on  but again ... I wouldn't say because we have that done we're ready to move on (the larger budget)." The Speaker did not have an exact agreed-upon price tag; Cuomo has proposed $2 billion in spending over five years for water system improvements.

Capital Region Assembly members John McDonald and Patricia Fahy emerged from an evening conference with their Democratic colleagues confident that major items were being locked down at last.

"It's looking more promising than it was 12 hours ago," McDonald said. " ... We've been told to expect a long day Thursday and a long, long day Friday into Saturday."

The Cohoes lawmaker said the only remaining major areas of disagreement were the specifics of the college affordability plan and Cuomo's shared-services mandate scheme. But major progress had been made on Raise the Age, including consensus on what crimes would automatically result in a young offender being redirected to family court instead of an intermediate "youth court" for more serious crimes.

The details that remain, McDonald said, came down to things like the definition of an injury that would amplify the seriousness of the charge.

On a matter of pressing local concern, McDonald and Fahy said they were optimistic the city of Albany would see the $12.5 million it was seeking in additional state aid to close its budget gap.

The pressure to wrap things up doesn't appear to have pushed the needle into the red zone.

"It's only Wednesday  2:45," Heastie said following the afternoon meeting in Cuomo's office. "We have two days of eternity."

mhamilton@timesunion.com  518-454-5449
Troy

The Troy Community Land Bank will use its latest round of state funding to stabilize and rehabilitate properties in the city's North Central neighborhood.

The city's land bank received $701,587 in operational funding. This brings to nearly $2 million the amount that the land bank has obtained through the state Attorney General's Office. The new round of funding will be supplied by Enterprise Community Partners.

The land bank paid for 10 full demolitions and a partial demolition in 2016 in North Central to address the city's major concerns, Chris Brown, the land bank's planning and operations manager, said Tuesday.

With the latest infusion of money, Brown said the emphasis will be place on stabilizing and rehabilitating properties.

"The land bank has been gaining momentum over the past year, and we are going to continue to work with the community, the city and our nonprofit partners to strengthen our neighborhoods," Joe Fama, land bank executive director, said.

To date, the land bank has bought 29 buildings and sold three.

The Troy Community, Albany County and Capital Region (Schenectady and Amsterdam) land banks received their latest funding from $21 million distributed statewide from legal settlements with banks reached by Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.

kcrowe@timesunion.com  518-454-5084  @KennethCrowe
GREENWICH  Greenwich Public Schools announced the appointment of Jill Gildea of Illinois as the new Superintendent of Schools effective July 1, 2017 on Thursday morning.

After conducting an extensive national search, we are confident in our appointment of Dr. Gildea as a recognized leader in improving student performance for all students through personalized learning and evidence-based management, said Board of Education Chair Peter Sherr.
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Albany

The State University of New York found something alarming, but not entirely surprising, when it commissioned a task force to study mental health issues across its 64 campuses two summers ago.

Nearly half of the more than 19,000 students who responded to a survey reported having an anxiety disorder. More than one-third of the students reported having depression. And more than one-quarter indicated they had some other significant mental health disorder, including but not limited to schizophrenia, and bipolar, dissociative, eating, obsessive-compulsive and post-traumatic stress disorders.

"The need was vast," said Dr. Riccardo Azziz, chief officer of Academic Health and Hospital Affairs for SUNY. "And we knew it was affecting retention and graduation."

Over an 18-month investigation, the task force was also able to confirm what members had long suspected  that every campus was having trouble keeping up with the demand for help, whether through full-fledged counseling centers or advising and referral services.

In hopes of meeting the demand statewide, SUNY trustees voted this month to move forward with a $1.5 million plan to pilot a telecounseling program at five campuses this fall with a goal of eventually expanding the service to every campus. The program would rely on trained mental health professionals at SUNY's four health centers to provide support via phone or video to students who are in crisis and can't get an appointment nearby.

"We know problems and crises don't confine themselves to a 9-to-5 schedule," said Paul Marthers, associate vice chancellor for enrollment management and student success at SUNY. "As these technologies become more refined, what really is the difference between sitting across the room from someone or talking to them on a screen? That's how most of the kids on our campuses communicate already."

More Information By the numbers A survey of 19,000 SUNY students revealed that: 49% self-identified as having an anxiety disorder 36% self-identified as having depression 26% self-identified as having another major mental health disorder See More Collapse

The idea was developed by the task force with help from the SUNY Board of Trustees Student Life Committee, which formed last fall to provide the system's governing body with perspective and policy input directly from students.

"We sent a survey to our student leaders last summer and asked ... what issues do you care about? What should we advocate for? And we heard, of course, about affordability, about increasing community college funding, but at the very top of the list for everyone was mental health resources," said SUNY Student Assembly President Marc Cohen. "The need is just so great."

The telecounseling plan won the support of Sen. Kenneth LaValle, who helped get a $1.5 million appropriation into the Senate's one-house budget this month. It remains to be seen whether the final state budget, due Friday, will include the funding.

SUNY is also seeking grant funding for the project from the New York State Health Foundation's Special Projects Fund, with hopes of getting a pilot running at five campuses by September. The campuses have not been selected, officials said.

"This is a relatively inexpensive way to make a huge change on our campuses," Cohen said. "If this pilot works the way we hope it will, it will be responsible for creating a shared network of counseling services across our 64 campuses."

At SUNY Adirondack, a two-year college in the North Country, the number of students who made a counseling appointment increased 8 percent from 1,095 in fall 2015 to 1,187 in fall 2016. That represents 12 percent of the student body.

At SUNY Cobleskill in rural Schoharie County, the need is even greater  with one out of every five students seeking mental health services in a given year.

Resources to serve these students vary by campus, the task force found.

SUNY's four-year colleges usually house counseling and health centers that are staffed by certified professionals. Community colleges, which have fewer resources and often no students living on campus, offer advising or referral services. The ratio of mental health professionals to students at SUNY campuses varies from 1 to 1,000 to 1 to 5,000, the task force found. The ideal is 1 to 1,400.

A nationwide shortage of psychiatrists is also affecting college campuses, said Estela Rivero, director of counseling and psychological services at the University at Albany.

"There are insufficient mental health resources nationwide, whether you're looking on college campuses or in communities," she said. "We're all struggling to keep up with the need."

At UAlbany, the number of students seeking counseling services has grown more than 40 percent over the past five years to 1,500, she said. That represents 8.5 percent of the student body.

Because the need is likely higher than the data show, the university has made attempts in recent years to expand services and educational programming for both mental and behavioral health issues (drug, alcohol addiction). Last year, nearly 37,000 students were served in some way by these programs.

"Some people always mention cost, as if the cost is a reason not to expand services," Rivero said. "But it makes sense from an economic perspective to provide students with mental health services. Studies show they will do better academically, are more likely to finish college, and get better jobs with better salaries. You're producing more productive members of society."

bbump@timesunion.com  518-454-5387  @bethanybump
ProPublica, working with Investigative Post and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, has built a searchable database of nearly 16,000 economic development deals statewide. See for yourself how state and local officials are dishing out subsidies.

State and local economic development agencies in New York give away billions of dollars in subsidies to businesses every year but do little to assess what taxpayers are getting for their money.

"What politician doesn't want to stand there with a shovel in their hand and a hard hat on their head to announce new jobs coming to their district?" said Ron Deutsch, executive director of the Fiscal Policy Institute, a labor-backed think tank.

"The problem is that we lack follow up on whether those jobs actually materialize and whether it is cost effective to be employing that type of strategy."

New York's corporate subsidy programs have been plagued by allegations of corruption and waste. Although critics say that more transparency would help prevent such problems, New York lags behind many other states in making basic data available to the public.

Indeed, study after study by watchdog groups, the state comptroller's office and Gov. Andrew Cuomo's tax-reform commission has reached the same conclusion: the way agencies track the subsidies they hand out makes it difficult to determine whether the programs are effective and companies have lived up to their promises.

"There are no real measures to determine if taxpayers are getting their bang for the buck," said Andrea Miller, a policy analyst with state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.

Empire State Development Corp., the state's primary economic development agency, "makes no public assessment of whether its disparate programs work effectively together, whether such initiatives have succeeded or failed at creating good jobs for New Yorkers, or whether its investments are reasonable in relation to jobs created and retained," the state comptroller's office reported in 2015.

In response, Cuomo said he disagreed "fundamentally" with the comptroller's findings.

ESD officials declined an interview request for this story.

An examination by the Investigative Post, ProPublica and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism built a database of nearly 16,000 economic development deals between 2011 and 2014 that revealed the limitations of the state's recordkeeping.

Much of the data was hidden in state reports, only obtainable through public records requests, or spread across different agencies, and took several months to gather. One data set often varied widely from the next.

The limitations made it difficult to determine which companies received subsidies and whether they lived up to the commitments they made in exchange for financial assistance.

State legislators raised similar concerns in February when they questioned Howard Zemsky, president and CEO of Empire State Development, at a joint budget hearing.

"I struggle every year in hopes that when looking at these reports I can say, 'Oh, the state of New York spent this much money, we got this many jobs, so the cost per job was ...' " said state Sen. Liz Krueger, D-Manhattan. "I would love a report that showed that across programs."

State programs number in dozens

Just trying to grasp the size of New York's economic development spending can be a challenge. New York offers incentives through dozens of programs to companies looking to move to, or expand in, New York, each with its own admission standards and reporting requirements.

"The reporting is very uneven and reporting requirements vary considerably from program to program, from relatively strong reporting requirements to a complete lack of reporting requirements," said David Friedfel, director of State Studies at the Citizens Budget Commission, a nonpartisan group that tracks state spending.

A 2016 report by the commission found the state was expanding economic development programs without demonstrating their effectiveness or improving the ways that job creation is tracked.

"More robust reporting requirements are necessary so that project outcomes can be evaluated and ineffective programs modified or eliminated," the report concluded.

The Tax Reform and Fairness Commission created by Cuomo also lamented the lack of critical analysis, specifically about tax breaks, in its 2013 report.

"Despite good intentions, these credits may not result in a good return on investment for the state," the report said. "They are not subject to the annual appropriation process, and more efforts are needed to measure their effectiveness."

The state comptroller's office has occasionally been stymied when it attempts to evaluate programs. An audit of the Excelsior Jobs Program released last July noted said Empire State Development took steps to thwart the comptroller's work. Excelsior, established in 2010, allows companies to receive 10 years of refundable tax credits for meeting job and investment thresholds. The state has already committed at least $625 million to companies through the program.

"Although ESD asserts that it supports programs' transparency and accountability, it continued a pattern we observed in recent audits in which officials were far less than forthcoming in responding to auditors' requests for meetings, project files and other necessary information," the report said.

It went on to detail what it said was a "pattern of actions to delay and impede our audit work." ESD disputed the comptroller's findings, saying the findings were based on a "fundamental misunderstanding" of how the program works and is governed.

Efforts to hinder transparency aren't limited to that report.

Many of the governor's most ambitious economic development projects in Buffalo, Syracuse and Albany were administered by two state-affiliated nonprofit development corporations that initially said they were not subject to state open meetings and freedom of information laws. The development corporations have become more transparent in the face of the filing of corruption charges against Alain Kaloyeros, who directed the two organizations until his indictment last fall.

Struggle to ensure that data accurate

The 109 industrial development agencies spread across the state report some of the most comprehensive and readily available information on the incentives they provide to spur local business.

The availability of the data is partly a result of two rounds of reform legislation, including the creation of an independent oversight body, the Authorities Budget Office, as well as changes to the law championed by the state comptroller.

Still, with 12 employees overseeing 580 public authorities, including the IDAs, the Authorities Budget Office struggles to ensure the information the IDAs are reporting is accurate. The number of staff has barely increased since 2010, when a governor's task force found the state would need to create 30 positions "as a start."

The staff perform high-level checks on the data that each IDA reports, but do not review the accuracy of information on individual projects, such as how many jobs a project created or how much a company's tax breaks were worth.

The agency frequently chastises individual IDAs for their failure to report basic information about job creation and tax breaks accurately, or even report on some projects at all.

"The reliability of the data has gotten far better," said Michael Farrar, the ABO's deputy director for compliance and enforcement. "But it's still not close to 100 percent accurate."

Auditors at the state comptroller's office came to a similar conclusion in a 2014 review, calling the information reported by the IDAs "incomplete and inconsistent."

Reform prospects remote

Last December, six good-government groups demanded reforms to the state's process of awarding and monitoring economic development contracts. They were responding to the indictments of 10 state officials and developers who were charged by state and federal prosecutors with bid-rigging and bribery in connection with the awarding of state contracts for projects in Buffalo, Syracuse and Albany.

"Until there are major reforms, billions of dollars in taxpayer handouts to businesses remain ripe for corruption and abuse. The public still does not know exactly who is getting our money and what they are doing with it  and Albany seems to like it that way," said John Kaehny, executive director of Reinvent Albany.

Among their proposed reforms was the state's publication of a "Database of Deals," allowing the public to see the costs and benefits of all subsidy deals. A handful of states have robust databases, including Illinois and North Carolina, said LeRoy of Good Jobs First.

"Taxpayers should know if they're getting their money's worth," he said.

A Good Jobs First study in 2014 examined how states published information about their economic development deals. New York scored only 38 out of 100, but nevertheless ranked eighth best among the 50 states.

In 2014 and 2015, the Pew Charitable Trusts worked closely with six states to evaluate ways that states could improve their policies. It found that states needed to maintain updated, accurate data, share it among agencies and use it for evaluation purposes.

In New York, "there's analysis that's going on, but it isn't consistent, so lawmakers don't have the full picture of the state's incentives," said Josh Goodman, an officer with Pew's Economic Development Tax Incentives project.

Since the state captures local data, it already has the framework for a comprehensive database, LeRoy said.

"New York already has a better than average architecture," he added. "It would have a much lighter lift to create a truly functional database because it already publishes local data."

Still, Assemblyman Robin Schimminger, D-Kenmore, chairman of the state assembly's economic development committee, said it's an unlikely prospect.

"I would think it would be remote only based upon the general reluctance of the agency (ESD) to be transparent," he said. "Perhaps in a different time, ESD would be that transparent, but I don't see it happening now."

Charlotte Keith is an Investigative Post reporter. Masako Melissa Hirsch is a graduate of Columbia University's Journalism School and her work for this project was supported by The New York World and the Stabile Center for Investigative Journalism.
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DANBURY - A prostitution ring that exploited young men with mental disabilities for more than 20 years unraveled this week when police arrested two men authorities say were clients of the operation.

William Trefzger, a previously convicted sex offender from Westport, and Bruce J. Bemer of Glastonbury, the owner of the Waterford Speedbowl and New England Motor Sports, were both charged Wednesday with patronizing a trafficked person.

Authorities said Danbury resident Robert King, who had been arrested earlier, was at the center of the ring, which served as many as eight wealthy men in Connecticut and Massachusetts. King would befriend troubled young men, including one he found prowling through a Dumpster, get them hooked on drugs including cocaine and heroin and, when they had run up debts, pushed them into prostituting themselves, arrest affidavits show.

Police said the ring had been under investigation since January 2016, but Bemer told them King had been sending him young men for more than 20 years. King has been charged with second-degree prostitution and tampering with a witness. Bemer declined to comment Thursday after he was released from custody at Superior Court in Danbury.

At least 15 young men in their early 20s with illnesses including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder were exploited as part of the scheme, court records state. Some of the victims had severe disabilities and were living in group homes.

King sometimes drove the young men to his clients, who typically paid $250 for sex, of which King took $50, the affidavits said. Clients also came to his mobile home on Miry Brook Road near the Danbury Fair Mall.

Several neighbors at the mobile home park said King had a nasty temper and would often have groups of teenage boys hanging out around his house and running up and down the street. Some of the youths appeared to be high on drugs, neighbors said.

One of the kids was running around like he was pretending to be a bird, said one neighbor who declined to be identified by name. "Needless to say, were happy (Kings) gone.

Another neighbor, who also declined to be identified, said he and others would often call the police to complain about loud music coming from Kings trailer in the middle of the night.

There was a lot of young people coming and going," the neighbor said. Bob was really bizarre. Were happy to be rid of him.

A woman who answered the door at Kings home declined to comment.

One of the young men victimized by King told police he met the older man while he was looking for bottles in a Dumpster. King offered to pay him to cut his grass, the man said, and the two began doing drugs together at Kings home, court documents state.

A short time later, King introduced the victim to Bemer, who showed the young man his collection of antique cars and motorcycles, according to court records.

He asked for a ride in his helicopter, but it never happened, the affidavit states.

The investigation got its start when health-care workers at Bethel-based Ability Beyond, which operates a group home where two of the victims lived, told a probation officer that King about the prostitution ring, records show.

Investigators approached King in August 2016. He admitted to Danbury detectives that he knew the young men but said he only brought the boys to the clients, according to one affidavit.

Im just a gay guy trying to help people, he said, according to the warrant, before asking for his attorney.

Police also interviewed one of the victims, who days later recorded a conversation he had with King, the warrant states:

What if they ask me about the..., the victim asked.

The prostitution? King replied. Say you dont know anything about it.

King later told the victim to tell investigators they there were longtime friends and that he knew nothing about prostitution, the affidavit states.

When approached by police, Trefzger at first denied involvement in prostitution, but later admitted to having sex with boys King delivered to his home, records show. He also admitted knowing that the young men had mental health problems.

Trefzger also admitted to police that he had been convicted in the past of sexual assault for an incident involving a young Chinese boy." He pleaded guilty in July 2010 to fourth-degree sexual assault and was sentenced to a six-month suspended prison sentence and 18 months of probation.

No one answered the door at an address listed as owned by Trefzger in the Greens Farms area of Westport Thursday. The house, set back from the road between Hillspoint Road and Sherwood Island Connector off Greens Farms Road, had a blue Honda Accord parked in the driveway.

An American flag flew at the house and the front door was adorned with several bumper stickers, one picturing a Confederate Flag and another a symbol of the Third Reich.

Trefzger is being held on a $250,000 bond. Bemer was released Thursday on a $500,000 bond. King is being held in custody on a $200,000 bond.

dperrefort@newstimes.com
A 12-year-old Pearland boy reported missing March 25 has returned home safely, police said.

Family members said Benito Chaidez was last seen riding a bicycle south in the 5600 block of Fite Road around 11 p.m. March 25. Texas Search and Rescue was activated, and the boy was found around 7:30 a.m. the next morning.

CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

Police investigated possession of child pornography reports March 20 in the 2500 block of South Fairway and 1100 block of Live Oak.

INDECENCY WITH A CHILD

Indecency with a child reportedly took place between March 25 and March 26 in the 3200 block of McLean Road, police said.

BURGLARY

A construction site was burglarized between March 19-20 in the 2100 block of Business Center Drive, police said.

Police investigated a vehicle burglary March 20 in the 10000 block of Hidden Falls Drive.

Police investigated after the front door of a residence was kicked in March 21 in the 2700 block of Sun Valley Court. The homeowner was home and the suspect reportedly fled.

A 47-year-old man reported a motor vehicle burglary March 21 in the 2600 block of Pearland Parkway, police said.

Burglary of a habitation was reported March 21 in the 27000 block of Sun Valley Court, police said.

A 37-year-old man reported a motor vehicle burglary March 24 in the 10000 block of Broadway Street, police said.

Police filed a motor vehicle burglary report March 26 in the 10100 block of Forest Spring Lane.

A man and woman reported a motor vehicle burglary March 26 in the 3100 block of Manvel Road, police said.

THEFT

A license plate was reported stolen March 20 in the 4200 block of Seminole Drive, police said.

Rims and tires were stolen from two vehicles March 22 in the 2500 block of Business Center Drive, police said.

Police arrested a man and woman March 22 for shoplifting from Sunglass Hut in the 11200 block of Broadway Street.

A 36-year old man reported unauthorized use of a motor vehicle between Feb. 1 and March 23 from the 2400 block of John Drive, police said.

Police arrested three shoplifting suspects March 24 in the 11200 block of Broadway Street.

Two men reportedly shoplifted March 24 at Academy, 2804 Business Center Drive, police said.

A woman, 19, reported an iPhone 6 Plus was stolen March 25 at Longhorn Steakhouse, 2809 Business Center Drive, police said.

AGGRAVATED ROBBERY

Two men attempted armed robbery March 25 in the 3500 block of Broadway Street, police said.

ASSAULT

Police arrested a man for assault March 20 in the 2900 block of Broadway Street.

A 37-year-old woman reported she was assaulted March 20 in the 11300 block of Windy Creek Drive, police said.

Police arrested a woman for assault March 20 in the 3100 block of Decker Field Lane.

A 9-year-old boy said he was assaulted March 20 in the 9700 block of Fair Brook Way, according to a March 21 police report.

Police filed an assault-family violence report on behalf of a 28-year-old man March 22 in the 2500 block of Cullen Parkway.

A woman said she was assaulted Dec. 17, 2016, in the 1000 block of East Brompton Drive, according to a March 23 police report.

Police arrested a woman for assault March 25 in the 2500 block of Johnston Street.

Police arrested a man for assault-family violence, possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest March 26 at Houston Methodist Pearland Emergency Care Center, 11500 Broadway St.

A 23-year-old woman said she was assaulted March 24 in the 2900 block of Village Brook Lane, according to a March 26 police report.

FRAUD

A man, 32, said a Sprint account was opened in his name without authorization Dec. 3, 2016, according to a March 21 police report.

A woman, 51, reported a credit card was opened using her identity between March 14 and March 17 in the 1000 block of St. John Drive, police said. The card was to be mailed to an address in Magnolia.

A man, 51, reported an electronic checking account was opened in his name without permission sometime between March 17 and March 21, police said.

A man, 60, said $7,900 was withdrawn from his checking account without permission between March 17 and March 24, according to a police report from the 9800 block of Excaliburs Court.

A Pearland woman, 41, reported her identity was stolen and an account opened without her authorization March 25 from the 3500 block of Broadway Street, police said.

A Pearland woman 44, reported an identity theft March 25 from the 2000 block of Shore Breeze Drive, police said.

NARCOTICS

Police arrested a woman on a warrant and possession or delivery of drug paraphernalia March 20 in the 3200 block of Broadway Street. A man also was arrested on a warrant.

A woman was arrested for possession of a controlled substance March 20 in the 4600 block of Main Street, police said.

Police took a suspect into custody for possession of marijuana in a drug-free zone March 21 in the 2300 block of Old Alvin Road.

Police arrested a man for possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and no driver's license March 22 in the 1600 block of Main Street.

A man was arrested for DWI and possession of marijuana March 22 in the 2400 block of South Texas Avenue, police said.

Police took a man into custody for possession of marijuana and unlawful carrying of a weapon following a traffic stop March 22 in the 3200 block of Dixie Farm Road.

A March 23 traffic stop at the intersection of Hughes Ranch Road and Country Place Parkway led to the arrest of a 22-year-old man for marijuana possession, police said.

A suspect was arrested for criminal trespass and possession of a controlled substance March 23 in the 11100 block of Shadow Creek Parkway, police said.

Police took two men into custody for possession of marijuana March 23 in the 8400 block of Broadway Street.

Police made an arrest for possession of marijuana and unlawful carrying of a weapon March 24 in the 11000 block of Broadway Street.

DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED

Police arrested a man for DWI March 22 in the 3800 block of County Road 59.

Police arrested a woman for DWI March 26 in the 20700 block of Texas 288.

PUBLIC INTOXICATION

A man was arrested for public intoxication March 24 in the 4700 block of Pecan Grove Drive, police said.

Police arrested a man for public intoxication March 25 in the 2500 block of Dixie Farm Road.

Police arrested a man for public intoxication March 26 in the 1800 block of Pearland Parkway.

A man was arrested for public intoxication March 26 in the 2500 block of Pearland Parkway, police said.

WELFARE CONCERN

Police investigated possible abuse of a 55-year-old woman March 21 in the 2900 block of Broadway Street and reported findings to Adult Protective Services.

CRIMINAL ACTIVITY

A Pearland woman, 65, reported her mail opened March 22 in the 12100 block of Chisel Ridge, police said.

A man, 37, reported criminal mischief March 24 in the 8800 block of Broadway Street, police said.

Police issued a citation to a man who reportedly damaged his ex-girlfriend's vehicle March 25 in the 3500 block of Broadway Street.

A man was arrested for criminal trespass March 24 in the 3600 block of Dorothy Lane, police said.

TRAFFIC

A hit-and-run incident was reported March 20 in the 10000 block of Broadway Street, police said.

Police arrested a man for driving while license invalid March 22 in the 2200 block of Sterling Drive.

Police arrested a woman for driving while license invalid March 23 in the 11000 block of Broadway Street.

Police arrested a man for driving while license invalid and failure to maintain financial responsibility March 23 in the 1700 block of Main Street.

Police cited a woman for wrong, fictitious, altered or obscured insignia, expired vehicle registration and driving while licensed invalid March 25 in the 10700 block of Shadow Creek Parkway.
A new restaurant, Ocean Seafood & Wings, will soon occupy 3717 Center St., in the former location of Mooyah Burger.

Somethin' Sweet Bakery has relocated to 118 Dixie Drive, the former location of Sweet Peas Children's Boutique, across the street from the post office. The bakery has a variety of offerings, including cupcakes, daily lunch specials and coffee.

Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurant is scheduled to open May 13 at 8035 Spencer Highway, located next door to 1000 Degrees Pizza.

Murphy USA plans to reopen the gas station in the Walmart parking lot by mid-May. It will feature six kinds of gasoline at every pump.

Altar'd Market recently remodeled and changed their business hours. They are now open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday at 122 W. San Augustine. They also have recently opened a second location in Mt. Belvieu.

Planet Fitness is under construction at 3601 Center St. in the old H-E-B building, which is being redeveloped into Deer Park Marketplace shopping center at the corner of Center Street and Pasadena Boulevard. Planet Fitness is a "judgement free zone;" so even if your legs have never seen a squat machine, you will be cheered on just for showing up. Look for their grand opening in late May or June.

Credeur's Cajun Cookin' recently relocated from their Pasadena location to 6915 Spencer Highway, near the corner of Spencer and Glenwood Drive. Owner Barry Credeur is originally from Lake Charles, La. He and wife Tracy say everything is made fresh each morning and served cafeteria-style. They have crawfish etouffee, shrimp creole, fried shrimp, smothered pork steaks and much more, but be sure to get there early while the food lasts. They serve lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. During crawfish season, they will be open on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a crawfish boil and live music out on the patio. Be sure to "like" their Facebook page in order to get invites for these events. You can also see their full menu on Facebook or call them at 281-930-7268.

Local business

Entrepreneurs abound in Deer Park. The city has more than 500 home-based businesses, according to the State Comptroller's office.

These local businesses contribute to the success of Market Days of Deer Park. However, the location has changed because of Dow Park's construction.

Market Days is now held at 1201 Center St., right behind the Maxwell Senior Center.

Founded by two Deer Park locals, Becky Geck and Miranda Brown, Market Days gives residents a place to sell their homemade, homegrown or ready-made items including food, clothes, jewelry and plants.

This monthly event takes place on the third Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you would like to reserve a booth or get more information, find them on Facebook or email Becky Geck at marketdays@yahoo.com.

According to the Houston Association of Realtors, Deer Park ranked No.1 on the list for the fastest home sales in 2016, with the average Deer Park home staying on the market only 27.4 days. The average sales price for a Deer Park home in 2016 was $198,045.
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / March 30, 2017 / The Board of Directors of Roscan Minerals Corporation (ROS-H.V) ("Roscan" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Gregory Isenor (P. Geo) has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Company. Mr. Isenor was an integral part of the teams that discovered gold deposits in West Africa and his expertise significantly advances the Company's objective of becoming a successful gold exploration company focused on West Africa.

Mr. Isenor is a professional geologist and businessman. Mr. Isenor holds a B.Sc. geology, (1970) from Acadia University and is a member of the Association of Professional Geologists of Nova Scotia. Since 1970, Mr. Isenor's career path has been augmented by working for various companies on exploration projects in the energy and mineral resource industries.

Recently, Mr. Isenor was President, CEO and Director (2005 to 2017) of Merrex Gold Inc., up until Merrex was taken over by Iamgold Corporation. During that time, Merrex discovered two significant gold deposits in Mali (West Africa): the Siribaya deposit; and, with joint venture partner Iamgold, the Diakha deposit. To date, these two deposits represent a combined resource approaching approximately 2 million ounces of gold.

Previously, Mr. Isenor was the President, CEO and Director (2003 to 2005) of Jilbey Gold Exploration Ltd., until Jilbey was acquired by High River Gold Mines Limited. During Mr. Isenor's time with Jilbey. Mr. Isenor led the team that identified the Bissa gold deposit in Burkina Faso (West Africa), which was placed into production by Nord Gold SE and has a reported resource exceeding 5 million ounces of gold.

In addition, from 1979 - 2003, Mr. Isenor worked as an independent consulting geologist on mineral exploration projects in Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Africa. As well, Mr. Isenor founded: Jubilee Minerals Inc, to develop the Jubilee zinc deposit; and, Glencoe Resources Inc. to develop the Glencoe limestone deposit. Both of these deposits are located in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Story continues

To accommodate Mr. Isenor's appointment, Mr. Chris Irwin resigned as President and CEO. Mr. Irwin remains as a director of the Company.

About Roscan Minerals Corporation

Roscan is a Canadian-based mining company focused on the exploration of gold properties in West Africa. Roscan's initial prospective gold exploration property is the Dormaa Project in Ghana, a joint venture with Pelangio Exploration Inc., whereby the Company has an option to earn a 50% interest by spending Cdn $2 million over a 3 year period. In addition to Mr. Isenor, two Roscan directors, Mr. David Mosher and Mr. Don Whalen, led High River Gold Mines Limited, where High River discovered and built the Taparko Gold Mine in Burkina Faso (West Africa). The Company's shares are listed on the NEX board of the TSX Venture Exchange, trading under the symbol ROS.H

For further information, please contact:

Mark McMurdie,

Chief Financial Officer

Tel: (416) 293-8437

Email: info@roscan.ca

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

SOURCE: Roscan Minerals Corporation
Friendswood ISD trustees have mounted an effort to find candidates to replace Superintendent Trish Hanks, who announced plans to retire Feb. 6 after 15 years on the job.

Hanks announced her retirement Feb. 6, turning the page on a career in education spanning more than three decades.

Almost immediately, the board began movement on the search tasks involved in finding the person who will fill the position Hanks has held for 15 years. They enlisted the help of the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), a non-profit organization which has a branch of service for assisting school districts in their searches when looking for new superintendents.

"All of us (the people involved in helping Friendswood ISD) are retired superintendents," said Marian Strauss, executive search services with TASB.

After listing the soon-to-be-vacated position, the TASB executive search team began their process, which includes comprehensive interview sessions with current employees throughout campuses within the district.

"We take a few days, go to these campuses, talk to employees and find out what they'd like to see in a superintendent," said Strauss.

These district-wide interviews serve to get a feeling for what district educators think might be beneficial in a leader as well as providing TASB with a clear picture of how employees perceive the district in which they work.

TASB representatives were present for a board meeting March 22 to ask the same questions of board members that they had of other district employees to gauge what the expectations of the board were for the incoming superintendent. Following this interview session and two days of interviews at campuses around the district, TASB will report back to the board with a preliminary, comprehensive job description based on the information they garnered.

"What we've learned so far," said Dr. Bob Smith, executive services for TASB, "is that your educators and administrative staff are very proud of your district, and they should be. We found that people felt that the district cared for employees and children alike."

Friendswood ISD board president Rebecca Hillenburg agreed with the initial district assessment.

"We have a very unique situation here," she said. "Friendswood is a small community where we want to protect and nurture each other. From city government to the police department all the way down the chain, we want to preserve what we have here while also moving forward. We are very lucky to live in Friendswood and be surrounded by the community that we have, and I think we want our new superintendent to feel the same way."

When board members were asked what stood out about the district to them, integrity, desire to work for the benefit of the children and adaptability to change were all salient topics. When tasked with listing qualities they wanted the new superintendent to have, Hanks was used as a benchmark.

"We've all been really spoiled by (Hanks), I think," said Hillenburg. "We have complete trust in her abilities and her desire to do what's right for the children in this district. I'd like someone who has the same integrity and passion that she does."

Representatives noted that whoever steps into the position should be prepared for the job to span longer than Monday through Friday.

"This isn't a nine-to-five job," said Robert McCabe, who holds position 5 on the board of trustees. "It's constant. Whoever is in this position has to be fine with knowing that they'll be approached when they're out with their family at dinner; a superintendent never really stops being a superintendent."

They also expressed an interest in the new superintendent having some prior experience in a large leadership role within a district of their own.

"I don't really want to take a chance on a rookie," said McCabe.

Position 7 trustee David Montz agreed. Hanks, the members agreed, will be leaving large shoes to fill.

"We want our kids to have the best," he said. "We've been really lucky to have (Hanks) and we don't want that to be interrupted."

On March 29, the TASB team presented the board with their findings regarding the qualifications and characteristics the district would find highly desirable in a new superintendent. They are:

A team builder that is committed to work in partnership with the Board of Trustees, students, staff, parents and community to build a climate of transparency, mutual trust, and cooperation and who is committed to the continued long term success of Friendswood ISD.

A visible leader of high moral standing who resides in the district, embraces the culture and character of our community, and is actively engaged at school functions and community events

A progressive visionary that has had success in implementing instructional technology and proven innovative strategies in today's classroom.

An effective delegator who empowers staff members to carry out their responsibilities independently while remaining knowledgeable and accountable for the district's overall progress in carrying out its mission.

A motivational leader who is attentive to staff morale, and has a proven ability in building an effective management team engaged in collaborative planning, consensus building, problem solving, and decision making.

A highly effective communicator with keen insight, strong interpersonal skills and a proven record of maintaining effective two-way communication with the Board, staff, students, parents and the community at all levels.

An experienced leader who motivates the district to continually improve its academic and extracurricular performance and plan for the district's future.

A leader with a proven record of successful management of school finance, personnel management and assessment and accountability, who can make and defend difficult decisions that are best for all students and the district.

The district will continue their search for a new superintendent, and applicants who were previously waiting for these descriptions to be accepted by the board have proceeded with their application process.
The Pasadena Police Officer's Union has endorsed John Moon Jr. from among seven candidates seeking to be the city's next mayor.

"Experience matters," said police Sgt. James Anderson, the union's president. "We felt that the new mayor should have previous experience in business management and running a corporation or a company. After interviewing all the candidates, we believe that John Moon Jr. offers the most experience of all the candidates."

Moon, a certified public accountant and former bank executive, is vying to replace Mayor Johnny Isbell, who is stepping down due to term limits. Moon is ending his second term on the board of regents for San Jacinto College.

The other mayoral candidates in the May 6 election include two City Council members - Pat Van Houte, who serves as the at-large member for District G, and Jeff Wagner, who represents District E - David Flores, a construction company manager; and Gloria Gallegos, an assistant superintendent for Pasadena ISD.

Also running for mayor are two former state District 144 representatives: Gilbert Pena, who served from 2015 to 2017 and Robert Talton, who served from 1993 to 2009.

"It was a very difficult decision," said Anderson, whose union has 300 members. "but nevertheless when you look at the endorsements as a whole and consider what is best for the police department, we felt that over the long run that having someone with business experience like Mr. Moon who in the past has dealt with human resources issues and has dealt with corporations, would be best qualified to run the city."

Despite a 47 percent increase in calls for service to the police department and a 2.6 percent population increase, the number of officers on the force has dropped from 282 to 257 since 2010, according to city police officials. The drop is related to a statewide shortage of new police officers and increased competition for cadet recruits from nearby communities.

Police recruitment, salary and benefits were among the top issues discussed during candidate interviews at a forum hosted by the union's political action committee on March 9.

"You have to weigh what benefits you have versus the cost," Moon said when asked about automatic salary increases for officers every four years. "You have to balance the needs of the police department with the needs of the city and the taxpayers. We will have to look at the entire package, because it's not just pay, although that plays a major function. At this point, we do a very good job of paying our officers."

New officers who graduate from the Pasadena Police Academy and become certified earn from $55,680 to $56,966 annually, making them the second-highest-paid officers in the greater southeast Houston area. League City offers new officers $61,345 annually.

In light of numerous mix-ups and problems related to insurance coverage for city employees that caused problems for officers last year, union leaders asked Moon about the possibility of hiring a certified insurance broker.

"We have to take a look at what other cities are doing. In addition, we have to start the process (of negotiating coverage packages) earlier," Moon said. "The health insurance market is chaotic at best. So, I'm not sure yet if the problem last year was due to a chaotic market or starting the process too late in the year," Moon said. "If the (city's) human resources department needs assistance, we need to get them some assistance, whether it's finding someone who is licensed or providing training or licensing in order to meet our employees' needs."

The union also released candidate endorsements for City Council election races.

"These endorsements represent a message to the community that our organization thinks these candidates can do the best job for the police department and the city," Anderson said.

PPOU endorsements of candidates for City Council positions are as follows:

District A: Daniel Vela

District B: Bruce Leamon

District C: Don Harrison

District D: Sammy Casados

District E: Cody Wheeler

District F: Larry Peacock

District G: Cary Bass

District H: Thomas Schoenbein
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The Woodlands community often is described as a "bubble," sheltered away by the pine trees that are at least symbolic of the many perceived protections provided residents in the master-planned community. Its safe neighborhoods, highly ranked schools, career opportunities and extensive retail shops have steadily attracted international visitors and residents for many years to the community established in the 1970s.

While The Woodlands residents may feel some type of comfort from outside influences, many believe internal conflict has reached a critical point in the community as claims of racism and discrimination against minorities are surfacing  from the schoolchildren on campuses to adults in local shopping centers.

More than a hundred concerned residents showed up at The Woodlands Township meeting March 22 to voice their concerns. Township board members listened, and at least took figurative action with the potential for more significant progress in the future.

While last November's presidential election may have emboldened some in the community to act on their anti-minority views, some believe the aggression has being growing as The Woodlands has become more diverse in recent years.

A report from The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership showed that in 2016, the second-largest Woodlands race/ethnicity (Woodlands ZIP codes only) was those of Hispanic origin, accounting for 15.4 percent of the population. This percentage has increased from 2010, when 12.3 percent of the population was of Hispanic origin. Looking at The Woodlands area (defined in the report as Shenandoah, Oak Ridge North and The Woodlands), those of Hispanic origin account for 18.1 percent of the population.

Maitane Tidwell, who previously lived in Tennessee but is now a Woodlands resident, said she never heard about The Woodlands when she was in Tennessee. It wasn't until she visited Mexico that she learned about the community.

"People came to a community that was very welcoming, where people looked like them, spoke like them," Tidwell said. "So it didn't feel as if you were going so far away."

But now, Tidwell said, there's been a recent shift in inclusiveness on a local, state and national level. As a current resident with extensive experience in cultural diversity training, Tidwell spoke about recent discrimination in the community during public comment at The Woodlands Township board meeting in February.

She told the board that because of the national rhetoric surrounding immigration and Hispanics, some people are hesitant to travel to the United States. Moreover, Tidwell also said some immigrants and minorities living in The Woodlands have told her that they feel the community is becoming less accepting of other cultures. When diversity isn't praised, she said, it affects everybody: adults, children and the economy.

"It's not good for all the visitors that are coming, because when they leave, their investments and also all the money that they poured into the community is leaving too," Tidwell said.

Woodlands resident Perla Soto has lived in the community for seven years and is a frequent advocate of The Woodlands among the Latino community, even writing a book called "Exodo de Mexicanos a The Woodlands," which focuses on assimilating Hispanics into the local community. But now Soto's family is moving this summer.

"The main reasons for us moving are professional and personal, but the last push is because we don't feel welcome anymore," Soto said. "We're feeling like if we speak Spanish, now it's not good, it's bad. We didn't feel like this before, and I don't want this for my kids, I don't want my kids to feel like second-class citizens."

Other reported incidents from community members about alleged discrimination range from rude mumbles in local supermarkets and the mall to a car with a foreign license plate being egged. Parents also reported that children in local schools were chanting "build that wall" and telling classmates to "go back to where you came from."

Conroe ISD stated the administration has not been notified about any of the alleged acts of discrimination. Communications Director Sarah Blakelock released an official CISD statement, stating that the district prohibits bullying, discrimination and harassment of any kind.

"The district takes each report of bullying and discrimination seriously," the statement read. "We encourage students and parents to let campus administration know of any concerns immediately."

The Woodlands Township said it did not hear of any discrimination claims before the February meeting, but ensured such claims would be taken seriously. Following the meeting, Township Chairman Gordy Bunch met with other residents who had similar concerns.

"It's disturbing to hear that, whether it's happening here or anywhere," Bunch said. "I followed up with them and met with a few folks to get a better idea of what they're experiencing and feeling. I think it's a reaction to the national and statewide experience.  Some of it is not happening here. But that (national and statewide experience) bleeds over into what they experience in their daily lives."

In the next few weeks, the township members prepared a proclamation in support of diversity, in which it stated that the community and township stands behind the founder's initial dream of an inclusive, accepting community.

At the March 22 township meeting, Tidwell addressed the board again, this time with a five-step plan for communitywide diversity. Some steps included formation of a Diversity and Inclusion board, hiring a public relations company to communicate the message of inclusion in The Woodlands at a national and international level, and creating a multicultural celebration to recognize and celebrate the different communities of The Woodlands.

But Tidwell was not alone; the boardroom was packed wall-to-wall with more than 100 people. Roughly 15 individuals of various races, nationalities, religions and ages spoke up about expelling racial discrimination and celebrating diversity.

Public comment at board meetings have a collective allotted time of 30 minutes. However, Bunch allowed the residents to comment past the allotted time, reaching a total of approximately one hour.

Speakers shared their stories, their experiences and their hope for the future of The Woodlands. The proclamation passed unanimously, after the suggested edit was made of adding sexual orientation, gender expression and socioeconomic status to the nondiscrimination policy.

The proclamation's passing gained an enthusiastic response from the audience; applause and cheering were heard.

Moving forward, Bunch said the township is looking to other government entities and municipalities to learn about the possibility of a Diversity and Inclusion Board. The board also is considering working directly with local nonprofit groups who already focus on diversity and inclusion, in an effort to continue having all members of the community feel heard and appreciated.

Tidwell praised the quick action of the township board members and said she hopes the board will continue to take steps in the right direction.

"In being proactive and embracing diversity, in a way you are shutting off the racists' (rhetoric)," Tidwell said. "We can kind of shut off the haters and say, 'This is who we are. This is who The Woodlands is. This is what we stand for.'"
The large, nearly impossible-to-read sign behind the bar of the Stud nightclub offered a hint at what was to come. Written in neon pen, the list of non-alcoholic cocktails was themed to heavy metal music and yoga references. I ordered the Dead Mans Pose, a blend of rosemary, lemon and sparkling water, and balanced my rolled-up yoga mat between my knees. A gentleman covered in tattoos and a backpack that implied he was about to hike the Appalachian Trail walked up behind me and inquired, Is this Heavy Metal Yoga?

Indeed. Popular in other parts of the country and Bay Area, a yoga class set to heavy metal music had never been held in San Francisco before  at least not that Dottie Lux had ever heard of. Lux is an employee-owner for the Stud cooperative, the producer of Red Hots Burlesque, and the impetus for the class. It was my idea, Lux explained before the hour-long yoga lesson started. I found the teacher and someone to create a playlist and someone to create the mock-tail list and Im super stoked.

Lux doesnt teach yoga herself. She helps run a nightclub and puts on wildly popular burlesque shows. But the ageless San Franciscan has been practicing yoga for years and wanted to find a way to utilize the Studs space in a creative way through nonjudgmental yoga. My goal is to make Heavy Metal Yoga for people who might feel like yoga isnt accessible to them.

She posted a date and a time on Facebook and let the chips fall where they may. I showed up, along with about 20 other curious classmates. When instructed, we moved past the bar and into the Studs small dance floor. Lux asked as all to remove our shoes. Im afraid to ask anyone to go barefoot in the Stud, she joked, looking around the dive nightclub, famous for its raucous crowds and avant-garde drag shows, but I did a lot to clean that room today. I Swiffered.

If the floor was still a bit dirty, no one could tell. Located on a rather dingy corner of SoMa, the walls and ceiling of the Stud are painted black. Even at 5 p.m., the only real light was from hanging lamps that glowed a changing red, green and blue. It smelled like a mostly empty nightclub, a mix of stale beer, sweat and freshly cut limes. A disco ball slowly rotated overhead as we laid out our yoga mats precariously close to one another. One gentleman prepared to perform his yoga on a Kiss beach towel.

At 39, I was probably on the older side of our class demographic. And with an iPhone full of Adele and Broadway musical soundtracks, I was certainly the afternoons metal music rookie. But this didnt matter. As the event listing stated, everyone is welcome at Heavy Metal Yoga. No one is turned away unless they show up late. Due to limited space, the class is first come, first served.

Three of my classmates, including Lux, set up their yoga mats on the stage to make room for the rest of us. Glitter curtains were pushed out of the way as our yoga guide, Laurie Stalter, repeatedly informed us that we could sit in childs pose with our heads on the mat for the entirety of class if we wanted. Honestly, I was tempted. The last yoga class I went to was with my mother  and she was noticeably better at it than me.

Lux kicked off the metal music, and class began. Both the darkness and the elevated noise of the music put me at ease, not because I particularly like either but because as a novice, I found myself less insecure of classmates judging my poor poses and weird body noises.

Midway through class, a bar patron popped a nose into our yoga class and asked, Is this a Burning Man thing?

We werent supposed to look at anyone elses yoga practice, but I watched Lux. Shed applied eyeliner and dark lipstick in honor of the class theme and seemed to be a master of the simple poses we were performing. Before the class, Lux said she had no expectation for the first Heavy Metal Yoga. Afterward, Lux collected a suggested donation of $10 from the students and answered the oft-repeated question, Whens the next one?

With one clear success under her hard-rock studded belt, Luxs answer is April 13.
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A parent claims Conroe High School bus drivers are endangering drivers and students as the buses move along Texas 105 after leaving the campus.

Conroe High School buses are "jockeying" for position while traveling from the CHS campus east on Texas 150 to access the Interstate 45 southbound feeder road, according to Conroe parent Kavin Barringer. The buses exit CHS from Wilson Road and turn left onto Texas 105 around 2:35 p.m. At that point, Barringer said, the buses have the opportunity to get all the way over into the right-hand lane. However, he said, the buses are traveling in the left lane or middle lane for about a mile to bypass the backed-up traffic in the right lane before forcing their way into that right turn lane closer to the I-45 access road.

"They are cutting cars off and forcing people to let them over to get on ..." said Barringer, who said his and his wife's vehicles were almost struck by a bus on separate days. " Not only are they putting other drivers in danger, but they are putting kids in danger by driving the way they are driving."

Last Thursday, Barringer said, a bus ran a red light at Texas 105 and Sgt. Ed Holcomb Boulevard while he was picking up his daughter.

"I had to brake and let him off," he said.

Concerned about student and driver safety, Barringer called the Conroe Independent School District, which informed him a school official would be in the parking lot near Target to observe the school buses, which did not happen.

While he understands school officials responded to a couple of accidents that affected their availability to monitor his concern, he said the officials assured him they had spoken to the bus drivers to address the issue.

But a CHS bus driver cut off his wife Monday after she picked up their daughter. It occurred in the same spot where he previously experienced an issue, Barringer said.

"Not only did the bus almost wreck into her, it was the same bus (number)," he said.

Since then, Barringer has reached out and left messages for the Conroe ISD Superintendent's Office, Conroe ISD Police Department and Conroe Police Department. He received an update Monday from the school district, which informed him the concern would be communicated to the bus drivers. However, he remains concerned that the bus drivers may be ignoring instructions or the school district may not actually be communicating to the bus drivers.

Barringer wants the school district to speak to the drivers.

"Make them (the bus drivers) understand somehow that they need to use a little bit of common sense when driving," he said. "You don't drive school buses like you're driving a (passenger) vehicle. I think something needs to happen to protect drivers and children. Get in right lane and don't try to race up to (Interstate) 45."

Conroe ISD did not specifically comment on Barringer's concern, but stated to The Courier that its buses travel 41,000 miles and transport over 33,000 students each day; and no accidents involving school buses have occurred at the intersection of Interstate 45 and Texas 105 in the last five years, according to CISD.

"Any time we receive a concern from a parent or member of the community, we take the concern seriously and research the matter," Conroe ISD Communications Director Sarah Blakelock stated in the email.

Since 2004, there have been three accidents in the area involving school buses, according to Conroe ISD. Two of those accidents were on the east side of Interstate 45 and one was on the west side of Interstate 45. The accidents occurred in November 2004, April 2005 and February 2011, Conroe ISD stated.

Conroe ISD bus drivers participate in safety training upon being hired by the district and annually thereafter, according to Blakelock, who said whenever a concern is received or a violation occurs, the matter is investigated and addressed in accordance with district and department practices.

"The growth and construction in Montgomery County often present unique challenges and situations that our drivers must navigate," she stated. "CISD's Transportation Department regularly reviews the over 370 routes and 2,000 runs made by our buses daily in an effort to increase the efficiency of the routes and minimize the impact on the surrounding community."

Conroe ISD encourages anyone who may have a transportation concern to contact the Transportation Department, child's campus, or the District.

"We are committed to transporting students safely each and every day," Blakelock stated in the email.
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THE WOODLANDS -- Fire officials are confident a lightning strike during Wednesday's storm ignited a two-story brick home that was about to be put on the market.

At the tail end of the storm around 11:50 a.m., The Woodlands Fire Department battled the blaze at 146 Arrow Canyon, located in The Woodlands' Village of Creekside Park in Harris County. Nobody was injured in the fire, according to EMS on scene. The family has moved to Oklahoma, a neighbor said, and the was going to be put up for sale Thursday.

It took about 20 minutes for firefighters to control the heavy fire that rose through the roof on the left side of the home, according to Battalion 101 Chief Jeff Johnston. The flames damaged the attic and second story, as well as caused extensive smoke damage throughout the home, he said.

"The Harris County Fire Marshal's Office will conduct an investigation to determine the official cause," said Johnston, who believes the home will be habitable again after repairs. "Based on a preliminary investigation, I feel strongly, given the type of storm, that it was probably caused by lightning."

Neighbor Kris Nishimura, 48, lives next door to the home and made the call to 911. She initially noticed a smell, then received a knock at the door by a postal carrier and sanitation worker.

"I screamed bloody murder," Nishimura said under a still cloudy sky. "I have five animals in my house. I thought my house was on fire. I knew something wasn't right."

She ran outside to a thick cloud of smoke drifting above and away from her neighbor's home.

"I thought the whole thing was destroyed," said Nishimura, who believes firefighters saved the home. "(The owners) live in Oklahoma. They just moved and were putting the house on the market tomorrow. I'm glad they weren't in there."

Entergy Repairs Outages

Entergy worked swiftly Wednesday to repair more than 5,000 outages, including many in South Montgomery County, caused by the morning storms that swept through the area.

As of 11:30 a.m., Entergy reported 5,063 customers without power and 7,014 statewide in its coverage area. Of those, 3,875 outages were reported off Texas 242 and affected customers from Harpers Landing to Rivers Oaks Drive and Wood Hollow Drive to Huntington Estates.

Power was expected to be restored by noon, according to Entergy's outage map, and only a handful of locations remained without power as of 2 p.m.

"The severe weather in the area has resulted in several outages across Entergy's service territory," Entergy stated in a release earlier today. "As of noon, there are around 4,000 customers without power in Montgomery County. Crews are out working to restore power as quickly as possible." Customers can keep up to date with estimated restoration times by visiting the Entergy Texas Outage Map at http://www.etrviewoutage.com/external/tx.aspx?_ga=1.176241894.2111194826.1475861751.
WESTPORT  A Staples High School junior has taken it upon himself to raise money for the millions of Syrians displaced from the conflict that has been raging for six years.

Sixteen-year-old Kion Bruno, who is of Iranian descent and has a lot of family living in Iran, has been dismayed by the way Iranians are depicted and wanted to do something to combat xenophobia.

Iranians are portrayed so badly by the media, and thats part of what made me do this, Bruno said.

At the start of the school year, he organized a club at school, Building Bridges. Its first speaker was a man named Mohammed, the father of a Syrian refugee family resettled in Norwalk with the help of the Westport community. Mohammeds story touched Bruno, who decided to help in any way he could.

After hearing that talk about his experiences in Syria, about how his village was completely killed, his family and his friends  Its just so bad and I wanted to do whatever I could to help, so I thought a fundraiser would be a good way to start, Bruno said.

The Support for Syrian Refugees fundraiser starts at 3 p.m. on Saturday in the Staples auditorium. As part of the event, Bruno will screen Salam Neighbor, a documentary co-directed by Chris Temple, a Fairfield native and graduate of Greens Farms Academy in Westport. Temple, along with co-director Zach Ingrasci, were the first filmmakers to be granted access by the United Nations to a Syrian refugee camp in Jordan.

Following the movie, there will be a panel discussion. U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., and First Selectman Jim Marpe, along with Westport-sponsored refugees, will be in attendance.

Donations are suggested at $10 and will go to the International Institute of Connecticut and Nu Day Syria, organizations dedicated to helping Syrian refugees.

Im super excited. I want this to work. I think it will be a great event, Bruno said.

@chrismmarquette; cmarquette@bcnnew.com
ELK TOWNSHIP  Two people were injured in a two-vehicle, head-on crash that took place on South Sandusky Road south of Stilson Road Thursday morning.

According to the Sanilac County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called to the scene around 9:30 a.m., where a 42-year-old Croswell woman was south bound on Sandusky Road when she lost control and entered the northbound lane.
Proving that altruism can begin at any age, San Antonio preschoolers are selling their artwork to raise money for other local children.

Engaging children at an early age not only shows the value of participation, it teaches that there are many ways to be involved and make an impact, said Lesley Balido-McClellan, Pre-K 4 SAs assistant director of research and innovation.

Today, Pre-K 4 SA is hosting its annual Gracias San Antonio art opening, which will feature more than 100 works of art created by the programs preschoolers. The profits support Any Baby Can, a nonprofit that provides free services to families with children that are disabled, chronically ill or developmentally delayed.

The gallery opening is from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Southwest School of Arts Santikos Gallery

The Pre-K 4 SA held an election in November to decide which local nonprofit would benefit from the sales of their artwork. The preschoolers overwhelmingly picked Any Baby Can from a small pool of other candidates at around the same time that adults around the country were electing Americas next president. The preschoolers cast ballots similar to how adults do in general elections  a similarity that Pre-K 4 SA educators hoped would instill a sense of civic duty in the preschoolers.

Educating the whole child goes beyond math, reading and writing. It also includes building a strong foundation in civic engagement, Balido-McClellan said.

Pre-K 4 SA is hoping to raise $20,000 for Any Baby Can. After the opening, San Antonians can still purchase artwork through an online auction for two more weeks.

Any Baby Can is an amazing organization that provides a critical safety net to so many San Antonio families, Balido-McClellan said. Purchasing a Gracias San Antonio piece of art helps to support those families and sends a message to Pre-K 4 SA students that their efforts can make a difference in the life of others.

sfosterfrau@express-news.net
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Two prominent Houston doctors facing removal by immigration officials to their native India have been granted a temporary, 90-day reprieve while they try to sort the paper-work that will allow them to continue living and working legally in the United States.

The married couple are both neurologists and faced removal Thursday after immigration officials refused at the last minute to extend their temporary permission to stay in the U.S., potentially jeopardizing the care of dozens of patients who have specialized surgeries scheduled with the two doctors in coming weeks.

It's the latest example of the government taking an unusually hard line on immigration and declining to consider cases on an individual basis.

"I have 50 patients today and 40 patients tomorrow," said Dr. Pankaj Satija, a neurologist who helped found the Pain and Headache Centers of Texas. "I'm just concerned they'll be left in a lurch. They could land up in the emergency room."

The couple has been here legally for more than a decade after coming here from India to do research and complete their medical residencies. The Houston Methodist Hospital System sponsored Satija for his green card around 2008 and the Labor Department certified that no Americans could perform his job in 2010.

But because of rules limiting how many immigrants can actually receive permanent residency each year and a tremendous backlog in the process, the couple was provided a provisional status until their green cards become available. The category for India is currently so behind that only immigrants who applied for the labor certification before June 2008 are receiving their green cards.

Satija and his wife, Dr. Monika Ummat, who is also a neurologist specializing in epilepsy at Texas Children's Hospital, renewed their temporary work authorizations and their travel documents every two years as required. They bought a house in West University Place and had two children, Ralph, who is 7, and 4-year-old Zooey.

The problem began last year when for some reason their travel document was issued for only one year, unlike the typical period of two years like their employment authorization.

Further confusing the issue was that Customs and Border Protection officials stamped their travel document saying that it expired in June this year, when in fact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services noted that their document actually expired in June 2016.

The surgeons did not notice the discrepancy. They had an unusually busy year and were not planning international travel. Then last October, Satija's brother called from Delhi and said that their father was extremely ill and had been admitted to intensive care. The family needed to go right away.

They immediately bought plane tickets and packed their bags. Upon returning to the United States about a week later, a Customs and Border Protection official at the airport noted the discrepancy on their travel document and that in fact it had already expired four months previously.

"The officer looked at it and said it's a common mistake, that it was no big deal," Satija said.

They were allowed in through a program known as deferred inspection, which allows certain travelers without the correct paperwork to enter the country so that they can fix the error.

The Satijas immediately applied to renew their expired travel document, which is known as advanced parole and allows immigrants waiting on their green cards to leave the country while their applications are processing.

As required, they checked in with Customs and Border Protection officials every month to extend their temporary permission to stay while they awaited the more permanent approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

They were informed Monday that they had been approved, but that the paperwork was still in the mail.

Later when they again checked in with Customs and Border Protection officials, they were told the agency now had a new policy and was no longer able to extend their temporary permission to stay.

"Somebody up there has decided you have to leave the country in the next 24 hours," the agent told the couple as he gave them one more day to sort out their affairs.

In two expansive immigration memos the Trump administration issued in February, it directed the nation's three main immigration agencies to "sparingly" use the practice of parole, though it hasn't yet detailed the new regulations.

Neither the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or Customs and Border Protection responded to questions on the case Thursday.

The Satijas had appealed to Customs and Border Protection to extend their temporary permission for at least a few weeks so they can reschedule all their surgeries and arrange for their children to skip school.

"There's been a technical error made here and our situation is completely an oversight, an error made in innocence," said Satija, wearing his surgical scrubs Thursday as he furiously juggled phone calls. "But taking me and Monika away from our patients right now jeopardizes so much for the citizens of this country. We understand we need to take care of this but that should allow them to give us some time."

Their lawyer, Gordan Quan, said the dilemma illustrates not only the black-and-white view the Trump administration has taken on immigration matters, but the harshness of the system, the complexity of which most Americans who urge legal immigration don't understand.

"These are not tough decisions. These are not criminals, not a threat to society," he said. "It's just the rigidity of the system ... and instead of trying to work with people, the new administration is just trying to force them out, no matter what."

If they are removed, the Satijas will be able to return  but it could take weeks. Tuesday Satija has a surgery to remove hardware from a woman's spine.
A fugitive sex offender was arrested Wednesday after falling down a manhole on the sidewalk in front of Houston's criminal courthouse.

Robert Lee Brooks, 56, was walking in front of the downtown courthouse during a downpour when he stepped on a utility box cover that had been dislodged because of the pressure of the rain, said Alan Bernstein, a spokesman for the Precinct 1 Constable's Office.
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A somber mood surrounded Garner State Park Thursday after the area was rocked by a car crash that left 13 people dead and two hospitalized.

"There's some emotional aftermath," said Stephanie Salinas, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department spokeswoman.

RELATED: What we know about the fatal South Texas bus crash that killed 13 members of a church group

Around 12:23 p.m. Wednesday, a Dodge dually pickup truck collided with a bus carrying 14 senior adults home from a church retreat on U.S. Hwy. 83 outside the park. Eleven passengers and the bus driver died at the scene, and one succumbed to her injuries at University Hospital in San Antonio.

One passenger remained in critical condition Thursday and the pickup truck driver was stable at the hospital.

Salinas said park employees were the first ones to arrive at the scene, assisting in anyway they could.

READ ALSO: Photos: Church camp where Garner State Park crash victims spent their final days

Despite the dramatic scene that unfolded outside its doors, no reservation cancellations were made at Garner State Park Thursday, Salinas said.

"Everything has been going on as it has been," she said, adding everyone was attempting to "keep trucking on."

"We're just doing our best to keep on going about business."

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @kbrad5
Thirteen lives ended in a head-on collision on Highway 83 near Garner State Park Wednesday as a church group made its way back to Central Texas after spending time at a retreat in Leakey.

Before the 14 members of First Baptist Church in New Braunfels made their fateful trip down the highway, they were on their annual retreat at Alto Frio Baptist Camp and Conference Center.
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Prayers and statements of support flooded social media as word spread that at least 13 people were killed Wednesday when a New Braunfels church group returning from a choir retreat collided with a truck near Garner State Park.

RELATED: Members of S.A.-area church choir killed in tragic bus crash near Garner State Park

The bus carrying members of the First Baptist Church and a Dodge dually pickup truck collided head-on at 12:23 p.m. on U.S. 83 North, just south of Ranch Road 1050 when the truck crossed the center line, according to Lt. Johnny Hernandez, DPS spokesman.

RELATED: Photos: Chaotic scene unfolds at site of fatal bus crash new Garner State Park

The church's small bus, driven by Murray Barrett, a semi-retired middle school math teacher, was carrying 13 passengers, all members of the church's choir group. They were part of a group of about 65 choir members who had attended a retreat at Alto Frio Baptist Camp in Leakey and were heading home to New Braunfels.

Gov. Gregg Abbott tweeted a public statement saying "Cecilia and I extend our deepest condolences to the victims and the families of those involved in today's tragic event. We are saddened by the loss of life and our hearts go out to all those affected. We thank the first responders working on the scene in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy, and ask that all Texans join us in offering their thoughts and prayers."

RELATED: First Baptist in New Braunfels grieves over loss of 13 congregation members in highway wreck

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San Antonio Police Chief William McManus took the stand Thursday in the fourth day of the Marquise Jones wrongful death trial and told a jury he didnt believe race was a factor in a 2010 incident in which officer Robert Encina drunkenly tried to fight black customers while off-duty at another eatery where he worked private security.

The lawsuit, meanwhile, claims the city and SAPD failed to properly discipline Encina for the prior incident, leading to Jones death on Feb. 28, 2014 at the Chachos and Challucis on Perrin-Beitel Road. Encina has maintained he shot Jones, who was African-American, in self defense.

The implication I get from this is officer Encina was drunk and running his mouth and shouldnt have been, McManus said of the 2010 incident. He could have run into a group of nuns and he still would have approached them.

In 2010, McManus proposed serving Encina an indefinite suspension for the incident, which is tantamount to firing, but later reduced the disciplinary action to a 45-day suspension, the most days allowed by the police unions collective bargaining agreement.

Due to the nature of the incident, Encina was automatically referred to a program called Officer Concerned, in which an officer meets with a department psychiatrist who determines what additional action needs to be taken.

McManus defended his disciplinary decision, explaining that the police unions collective bargaining agreement limits what actions hes allowed to take. He told the jury he has the final say in disciplinary actions, but later admitted that ultimately an arbitrator has the last word.

He also defended the departments internal investigation into the 2010 incident, despite repeated questions from a lawyer for the plaintiffs. During the investigation, a witness told a police detective that Encina had been drunk at least six times at the Mama Margies on the Northwest Side where he occasionally worked private security.

Because there was only one person who claimed Encina was drunk on multiple occasions, McManus said he couldnt say definitively if that was true. He said it wasnt necessary to open another internal investigation to look into those incidents, and that all the complaints were taken into consideration during the discipline process.

That charge  being intoxicated six times  it was all considered in this investigation, McManus said.

The police chief did admit that portions of the internal investigation into the 2014 officer-involved shooting were not as thorough as they should have been, but he maintained that no cover-up exists, contrary to what an expert hired by the plaintiffs said earlier in the day.

I cant specifically recall any case of that happening, McManus said. Looking back, in 42 years as a police officer, I cant remember a case where an officer has covered up and it has come to light in a disciplinary hearing that I have been involved in.

Lawyers for Encina and the city of San Antonio did not cross-examine McManus. Instead, they will call him to the stand when they present their case early next week.

Later in the afternoon, Marquise Jones mother, Cheryl, delivered an emotional testimony in which she described how her daughter called her four hours after Jones had been shot to tell her what had happened.

I automatically got sick to my stomach, Cheryl Jones said through tears. I just couldnt breathe. I ran out of the house and screamed. I didnt know what to do. I just prayed he wasnt dead.

At times defensive during the cross-examination, Jones said she didnt know her son had used cocaine the night he died until she heard it on television.

I feel like Im on trial, Jones said. I would never wish this on anyone, even someone who has committed the worst crime. I only have one son and hes gone.

Staff Writer Guillermo Contreras contributed to this report.

eeaton@express-news.net

Twitter: @emilieeaton
Breastfeeding advocates and supporters on social media are applauding New Braunfels, Texas, where the local Target store is being praised for providing an "awesome" feeding station.

Two chairs topped with throw pillows, a nursing shawl and a Boppy may not seem like much, but it has made all the difference to women working to #NormalizeBreastfeeding. They've used Facebook and Instagram to thank Target with a photo of the setup at 135 Creekside Way.
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Two men allegedly shot each other as an ongoing family dispute reached its boiling point Wednesday night on the West Side.

San Antonio Police Department Sgt. Samuel Hernandez said officers found a man in his 70s shot in the chest at about 8:30 p.m. in the 300 block of Hidalgo Street.

When he was put in the ambulance, he started coming to and speaking, Hernandez said.

Family told police the man had been in a fight with a 40-year-old relative when they shot each other.

The bullet went straight through the elderly mans chest and out the other side, Hernandez said.

Police said he is expected to be okay because it missed his vital organs. He was taken to San Antonio Military Medical Center for treatment.

Moments after the shooting, a man showed up with a gunshot wound to the chest at Santa Rosa Childrens Hospital.

Hernandez said that man may be the relative involved in the exchange of bullets.

It was not clear who took the first shot, but Hernandez said it may be a case of self-defense.

Once detectives have had a chance to interview them both theyll connect the dots, he said.

jbeltran@express-news.net
SAN ANTONIO  Police are asking for the public's help in locating and identifying a man accused of robbing a bank while dressed as a cyclist.

The suspect walked into the IBC bank in the 16000 block of Huebner Road around 2:20 p.m. Monday while wearing a bicycle helmet, sunglasses and cyclist shorts.
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Deputies with the Hays County Sheriff's Office say they responded to a third report of a suspect impersonating a police officer on a rural road about 20 miles south of Austin.

The report was made around 8:30 a.m. Monday, when the victim told police that a man in a pickup truck began following him and turned on red and blue emergency lights. The driver pulled over, but he sped away when he saw the suspect was wearing shorts and a T-shirt.

Hays County deputies describe the suspect as a white man who is approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall with a medium build and medium length dark hair.

READ ALSO: At least 13 dead in crash involving Central Texas church group near Garner State Park

Monday's incident was the third such incident of a suspect impersonating a police officer on Farm to Market Road 2001 in March.

On March 16, a woman said a man pulled her over using emergency lights around 11:45 p.m. near Goforth Road, but she took off when she saw he was dressed in all black.

On March 23, a man told police he was pulled over by a person in a white pickup truck with emergency lights, but he fled the location when he noticed the truck didn't have police markings.

READ ALSO: La Vernia police: 9 students arrested for sex assault, give 'black eye' to city with hazing scandal

"There's a lot of close similarities," said Lt. Dennis Gutierrez, a spokesman for the Hays County Sheriff's Office. "We believe there's a possibility that the same suspect is doing this."

Gutierrez declined to comment on the steps the sheriff's office is taking to catch the suspect, but he said citizens should be aware of who is pulling them over when driving in the area. He advises drivers to head to the nearest lighted area if they are unsure about who is conducting the traffic stop.

Deputies currently have no leads on the suspect responsible for the impersonations. Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to call the Hays County Criminal Investigations Division at 512-393-7896 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-324-8477. Information that leads to the arrest of the suspect may be rewarded with $1,000 cash.

cdowns@mysa.com

Twitter: @calebjdowns
Federal officials sentenced a pair of convicted pimps who are brothers to more than a dozen years each in prison for their participation in a sex-trafficking ring earlier this month, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced Monday.

Audry Lane, who goes by "Spud," and his brother, Alvin Lane, or "Spank," each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in the sex trafficking of children in November and October 2016, respectively, according to an ICE news release.
Odessa police arrested a 33-year-old man accused of kidnapping his girlfriend, binding her hands with a phone cord, and attempting to light her on fire earlier this month, the department said Thursday.

Luis Carlos Medrano-Ortiz faces a first-degree felony charge of aggravated kidnapping.

The 33-year-old victim contacted police in Odessa and said her boyfriend took her against her will and assaulted her, according to a news release.

RELATED: Police: West Texas man doused wife with lighter fluid, tried to set her on fire

The kidnapping incident allegedly occurred at around midnight on March 17 after she got into an argument with Medrano-Ortiz.

He allegedly picked her up and put her in his vehicle against her wishes. While they were driving under the Interstate 20 overpass on South Dixie, she tried to jump out of the vehicle but Medrano-Ortiz forced her back inside, the news release said.

The woman said they drove for about 15 minutes before they arrived in an unknown location, where he allegedly said he was going to kill her. He made her exit the vehicle, then threatened to shoot her and attempted to light her on fire, according to the news release.

He then stated he was going to burn her alive, the release said.

RELATED: Man accuses girlfriend of cheating; she jumps out of car

Medrano-Ortiz then used a phone cord to tie the victims hands together and tried to drag her, putting one end of the cord through the drivers door while he slowly drove away, according to the release.

The suspect was arrested at about 6 p.m. Wednesday in Odessa.

twhite@mysa.com

Twitter: @tylerlwhite
A motorist ran over a 3-year-old girl on South Padre Island beach last weekend, prompting law enforcement to remind visitors of safety precautions to take when visiting the area.

The incident occurred Sunday when the toddler was walking away from the water near Beach Access 5 when a GMC pickup ran over the girl with one of its front wheels, Cameron County Parks Police Chief Horacio Zamora said in an interview with mySA.com and ValleyCentral.com.

RELATED: Driver involved in crash with church bus, killing 13, was 20-year-old former football player

Zamora said the toddler was transported to a hospital in San Antonio for a broken pelvis, but she was in stable condition as of Wednesday afternoon.

The driver who struck the toddler willingly submitted to a breathalyzer test and blood draw, and it was determined she was not intoxicated during the accident. Police also believe the motorist was driving the speed limit and did stop to render aid to the child, Zamora said.

Zamora said this is a great learning opportunity for motorists and visitors on the beach. People should watch out for vehicles coming and going from the beach areas.

RELATED: What we know about the fatal South Texas bus crash that killed 13 members of a church group

Be very vigilant of your kids, he said. Youre playing on the edge of the water and cars are driving by.

He said a young child may not realize a vehicle is nearby and easily get struck by an oncoming car.

As for drivers, motorists need to travel at 10 mph at all times and be aware that there are a great number of people on the shoreline.

RELATED: Officials release names of victims in fatal bus crash near Garner State Park; two remain in hospital

While drinking alcohol is allowed on the beach, motorists are reminded that they should not drink and drive and can still be arrested for a DWI on the beaches, Zamora said.

twhite@mysa.com

Twitter: @tylerlwhite
Hired as a clerk typist by the civil service in 1942, Elizabeth S. Dolly Hudson, who died March 13 at 99, advanced quickly.

Transferred to Wright-Patterson AFB to work for the Department of Defense, Hudson later settled in San Antonio, working at Kelly AFB, where she eventually oversaw three separate requirements systems.

By 1959 she had been promoted to a GS-11, said longtime friend Doris Slay-Barber, referring to the civil service pay scale. She acquired that totally in a mans world.

Retiring in 1974, Hudson was one of the first women to attain the grade level of a GS-12 at Kelly, Slay-Barber said.

Unable to stay idle, Hudson began a second career with the now defunct Northrop Worldwide Aircraft Services Inc.

Her role was to recommend logistics management actions to the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense, Slay-Barber said. When Dolly analyzed something and said what was needed, nobody questioned that.

Leaving Northrop after its San Antonio office closed in 1980, Hudson moved to the South San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, working as an administrative assistant until 1987, when she retired for good.

That didnt last for long.

More Information Elizabeth S. "Dolly" Hudson Born: March 4, 1918, St. Louis, Missouri Died: March 13, 2017, San Antonio Preceded by: Husband Ray Hudson; sister Naomi Schulte. Survived by: Stepbrother Don Gunlich and sister-in-law Joan; two nephews; a niece; and several great nieces and nephews. Services: Celebration of life at 2 p.m. Saturday at Colonial Hills United Methodist Church, 5247 Vance Jackson Road. See More Collapse

She was one of those people who, if she didnt have something to do, she was totally miserable, Slay-Barber said. Which led to her community activism.

A longtime member of what is now the Texas Business Women of San Antonio, serving as both president and district director, Hudson had a talent for getting her members to meet project deadlines.

She was excellent at organizing people, Slay-Barber said.

For 22 years, Hudson also helped coordinate the Yellow Rose of Texas Education Award luncheon, a fundraiser for the Constance Allen Heritage Guild for Lifetime Learning Inc., which awards scholarships to non-traditional students.

When Hudson was unable to make table assignments for the luncheon attendees this year because of her health, it became obvious to her replacement just how well she did her job.

I thought I had my act together, Slay-Barber said. But people walked in and complained about where they were assigned; when Dolly was doing it and the same thing would happen  they did what they were told.

mheidbrink@express-news.net
White House officials are preparing to brief President Donald Trump Thursday on options for comprehensive tax reform, according to a Bloomberg report.

As far as is known, the presentation will include House Speaker Paul Ryans Better Way plan featuring a destination-based cash flow tax, as well as the 2014 tax reform draft of former House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp.

Odds On The Camp Plan

Height Securities suggested the voice of National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn, an alleged opponent of a border adjustment tax, could diminish appeal for Ryans plan.

At this point, the firm considers the Camp blueprint a viable possibility. Not only are Senate staffers evaluating it as an alternative to the House GOP proposal, but Republicans are warming to the concept of tethering tax reform to infrastructure, which could enhance prospects for passage in 2017.

The Camp draft has political problems lingering from 2014, and there are also procedural problems with passing it under reconciliation, Height wrote. But the Camp proposal (or at least pieces of it, particularly on international anti-base erosion measures) remains a sleeper alternative in our view.

A Likely Timeframe

Despite the diversity of opinion yet hindering a unified Republican plan, rumors suggest the House GOP could release a tax proposal sooner than the anticipated mid-May report in an effort to precede White House announcements and hasten the approval process.

The drawback of that approach is that the FY18 budget resolution is unlikely to be completed by that point, Height wrote. Therefore, release of the tax bill could complicate efforts to round up the votes for the budget plan if the latter is considered the means to fast-track the House tax bill through reconciliation.

There has been some discussion of using the FY17 reconciliation bill shell left over from the wreckage of the American Health Care Act (AHCA), but that would require a deficit-neutral tax plan in the first 10 years as well as beyond, and there are also rumblings that healthcare may get a second look.

Story continues

Height maintains equally low optimism regarding Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchins plan to enact a tax reform bill prior to or shortly after the August Congressional recess.

[It is] a timetable which we consider unrealistic (we think year-end is more doable) particularly with ongoing divisions within the Administration, the firm wrote.

Related Link:

Analyst Sees Odds Of U.S. Border Tax Passage Increasing To 75%

How Trump's Plan For Taxes And Infrastructure Is Really A Resurrected Obama-Era Concept

Image: Emily Elconin

See more from Benzinga

 2017 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Our lowest points can also be turning points.

Thats worth remembering now that Bexar County Commissioner Kevin Wolff has pleaded no contest to his embarrassing summer DWI charge. Wolff drove intoxicated to a Whataburger drive-thru about 3 a.m. in July, and he then rear-ended another car in line not once, but twice. Dressed only in a T-shirt and boxer shorts, he staggered his way through a sobriety check before toppling to the ground.

Hes on probation for the next year, and hell have to use a breath monitor for six months. No doubt, the sting of the DWI will hover over him beyond this. Recently released dashcam footage could dog him in some future political race, and some voters have probably written him off for good. But it could have been much worse. He could have killed or injured someone, including himself.

That makes him lucky.

Looking beyond the DWI, Wolff has handled an embarrassing and startling situation with grace and dignity. Voters shouldnt judge him solely on the DWI but the response to it as well. So far, so good.

RELATED: Video shows Wolff in underwear stumbling, falling over during arrest

Immediately after his arrest, a shaken Wolff held a press conference where he announced his plan to plead no contest. There would be no special treatment, he said. He took responsibility for his actions.

But he was also surprisingly open about his struggles with anxiety, depression and sleeplessness. He took Ambien to sleep. He took anti-anxiety medication to calm his mind. His blood pressure was racing. And, yes, he mixed these pills with alcohol, a terrible mistake.

His press conference was incredibly genuine, human and public. He didnt have to open up about his mental health with all of San Antonio. But he did, and that has made all the difference.

This is how Wolffs DWI story shifted from sneer-inducing  a politician drunk in his boxers at a drive-thru  to honest empathy about a person living with mental health pressures. Who cant relate? Everyone is touched by mental health, either in their own lives or in the lives of friends and loved ones. The shame of it is, we rarely talk about this.

I have been, and currently see a psychiatrist, Wolff said during an interview after his plea. And its my understanding from him, its a chemical imbalance. Thats part of it.

Of course, another part of it is the drinking. Wolff said he has had some drinks since the DWI, but I mean few and far between. Whereas before I would have a drink a night.

RELATED: Wolff pleads 'no contest' to DWI charge

He said he thought about Alcoholics Anonymous but instead is working with his psychiatrist. He won't be drinking while he has the breath monitor. He no longer takes Ambien.

I fully admit that I have a drinking problem, and I think I am addressing it appropriately, he said.

I must admit, it felt disjointed to hear Wolff say he has a drinking problem but also that he has had some drinks since his arrest. In my mind, those two statements dont jibe. But its his life and his puzzle to put together. What works for some doesnt work for others.

He said he realizes if there is another drinking incident, his career is done. But more important, he said his biggest source of anguish is the toll this has taken on his family. Public officials walk a high wire, and this was one big misstep.

It broke my heart more than anything else knowing that I let them down, he said.

At first blush, a moment like this can really box in a person, and the anonymous online comments about Wolff have been unsurprisingly harsh. But, really, who hasnt made mistakes, big or small, in their lives?

The true measure is how a person responds to those mistakes. In that sense, Wolff has an opportunity. He can be an honest advocate for mental health awareness, and a political leader who can speak up about the dangers of drinking and driving. He can take his required community service of 24 hours and turn it into lifelong community service.

The dashcam footage of the DWI is one part of the story. What matters more is what comes next. Our lowest points can make for incredible turning points.

RELATED: Bexar County Commissioner Wolff arrested, charged with DWI

jbrodesky@express-news.net
Texas lawmakers in the current legislative session have filed at least 25 bills that promote or even require discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

This is wrong.

These divisive, mean-spirited bills betray a teaching common to many faiths, which we find first in the book of Leviticus 19:18 and repeated in Mark 12:31: Love your neighbor as yourself. The first-century Jewish sage Rabbi Hillel expanded this idea when he taught That which is hateful unto you do not do to your neighbor.

This aspiration, commonly known as the golden rule, is simple: We should treat others as we want to be treated.

But of all the hateful legislation that has been filed, the most disturbing bills are 17 that  taken in total  would allow government officials, private individuals and businesses to use religion as justification to discriminate against LGBT people in virtually every aspect of their lives.

These bills authorize unequal treatment under the law, whether its a gay student seeking counseling services or a job; a same-sex couple seeking to marry or to provide a loving home to a foster child; or a transgender person needing basic medical care or trying to rent an apartment.

Religious freedom is one of our most fundamental rights as Americans. But we, as faith leaders, are troubled when we see politicians trying to redefine that freedom to mean the right to hurt people who are different.

Religious liberty has never meant the right to impose our beliefs on others. Nor does it give us the right to refuse to obey laws on so-called religious principle. And it certainly does not mean the right to hurt people because we dislike them or are offended by who they are or whom they love.

That is discrimination, not religious freedom.

We know all too well how some have used religion to justify discrimination against Jews, African-Americans and others in our countrys history. In some small Texas towns, we can still see the telltale colored signs on the sides of historical buildings. Those signs remind us of our troubled past, when African-Americans were singled out  marginalized and hated  because the law sanctioned separate but equal.

When the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. marched, he did not march alone. Clergy and laity from Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities joined him. They came to stand as one against discrimination, marching forward together.

Now some in the Legislature would drag us backward by declaring that yet another class of people should be singled out for discrimination. Have we not yet learned that when one groups liberties are constrained, we all suffer the consequences?

What is to stop government officials or businesses from using religious objections to subject others to their personal moral agenda? If any of these bills becomes law, people would have license to wield their religious beliefs as a weapon and impose their own form of moral punishment on anyone who doesnt share their beliefs and practices.

This is fundamentally wrong and antithetical to our values as Americans and as people of faith. Those in government who profess a deep religious faith would be wise to go back to their Bible and internalize the truths that have been the core of our beliefs for thousands of years.

We are obligated to protect the weak and vulnerable in our midst, and we are called upon to treat each person we meet with the recognition that they, too, are created in the image of God.

The great African-American poet and writer Audre Lorde has written, I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.

Perhaps it is time for those who would shackle LGBT folks to remember that the God they claim to serve privileges love above all things and sets captives free.

Rabbi Mara S. Nathan, senior rabbi at Temple Beth-El in San Antonio, and Valda Jean Combs, who has served as a pastor and chaplain in Waco, Fort Worth and Dallas, are part of Texas Believes  a coalition of faith leaders who support equality for LGBT Texans. TexasBelieves.org.
Without a viable health care agenda of their own, Republicans now face a choice between two options: Obamacare and a gradual shift toward a single-payer system. The early signs suggest they will choose single payer.

That would be the height of political irony, of course. Donald Trump, Paul Ryan and Tom Price may succeed where left-wing dreamers have long failed and move the country toward socialized medicine. And they would do it unwittingly, by undermining the most conservative health care system that Americans are willing to accept.

Youve no doubt heard of that system. Its called Obamacare.

Let me take a step back to explain how we got here and how the politics of health care will most likely play out after last weeks Republican crackup.

Passing major social legislation is fantastically difficult. It tends to involve taking something from influential interest groups  taxing the rich, for example (as Obamacare did), or reducing some companies profits, or hurting professional guilds. Those groups can often persuade voters that the status quo is less scary than change.

But when big social legislation does pass and improves lives, it becomes even harder to undo than it was to create. Americans are generally not willing to go backward on matters of basic economic decency.

Trump seemed to understand this during the campaign and came out in favor of universal coverage. Once elected, though, he reversed himself. He turned over health care to Price, a surgeon and Georgia congressman with an amazing record, and not in a good way.

Price had spent years proposing bills to take away peoples insurance. He also had a habit of buying the stocks of drug companies that benefited from policies he was pushing. Federal prosecutor Preet Bharara was investigating Price when Trump fired Bharara this month, ProPublica reported.

Price and Ryan were the main architects of the Republican health bill. They tried to persuade the country to return to a more laissez-faire system in which if you didnt have insurance, it was your problem.

But Price may not be finished. This weekend, Trump tweeted that ObamaCare will explode, and Price, now Trumps secretary of health and human services, has the authority to undermine parts of the law. Heres where the irony begins.

Obamacare increased coverage in two main ways. The more liberal way expanded a government program, Medicaid, to cover the near-poor. The more conservative way created private insurance markets where middle-class and affluent people could buy subsidized coverage.

The Medicaid expansion isnt completely protected from Price. He can give states some flexibility to deny coverage. But Medicaid is mostly protected. The private markets are less safe. They have had more problems than the Medicaid expansion. Price could try to fix those problems, or he could set out to aggravate them, which he has taken initial steps to do. Above all, he could make changes that discourage healthy people from signing up, causing prices to rise and insurers to flee.

Now, think about the political message this would send to Democrats: Its not worth expanding health coverage in a conservative-friendly way, because Republican leaders wont support it anyway.

So if voters like government-provided health care and Republicans are going to undermine private markets, what should Democrats do? When they are next in charge, they should expand government health care. They should expand Medicaid further into the working class. They should open Medicare to people in their early 60s. They should add a so-called public option to the private markets. They should push the United States closer to single-payer health insurance. It will take time and involve setbacks, but they are likely to succeed in the long run.

Until then, the future of socialized medicine is in the hands of Dr. Tom Price.

David Leonhardt writes a column for the New York Times.
Texas voters overwhelmingly approved the allocation of a small portion of sales tax revenue for roads  Proposition 7  in the 2015 election. The 83 percent support sent a clear message to invest more of our resources in roads and bridges to make highways safer and to address ever-growing traffic congestion.

Now, Texas legislators are considering a measure to pull back more than $2 billion of this incremental highway funding  even before this new funding begins to flow. Doing so would completely disregard the voters. Its time to remind our elected officials in the Texas Capitol to keep the promise.
By Liz Lee

KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 (Reuters) - Maybank Islamic Bhd, the Islamic unit of Malaysia's largest bank, is turning to what it considers its home markets for growth, in particularly Indonesia where it manages $2 billion worth of assets and is aiming to compete head-on with domestic Islamic banks.

The bank could grow beyond its core markets of Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, but expansion in other markets would be opportunistic, chief executive officer Mohamed Rafique Merican told Reuters.

He said that the bank will focus on domestic growth in the three core markets "while drawing liquidity and funding from opportunistic markets such as the Middle East, Turkey, and other ASEAN markets...such as Brunei and the Philippines".

Presently, Maybank Islamic has not tapped the Philippines market although its parent, Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) already has a presence there.

"We expect ASEAN's growth will generate significant demand for sharia-compliant products and services especially within the core economies of Indonesia and Malaysia in which we are present and are leaders in this industry," he added.

Indonesia remains a key market for the bank, after Malaysia which accounts for 90 percent of the bank's business.

"We see quite a number of positive developments for the sharia banking industry there," Rafique said, noting that the Indonesian government intends to grow Islamic assets in the banking industry from a five percent share to about 15 percent.

"We already have representation there, and we feel that we have a compelling proposition, so we would want to have the ability to compete as if we are a local player," Rafique said.

As part of wider integration efforts through the ASEAN banking integration framework (ABIF), Indonesia and Malaysia have agreed in August to give their banks greater access to each other's markets.

The move would give Malaysia's Islamic banks a potential lead to tap into the world's biggest Muslim-majority country, and one that continues to restrict to foreign lenders.

Story continues

Rafique said the bank has also had discussions with regulators around ASEAN, who are keen to promote Islamic banking products in specific regions where the communities are largely Muslim.

In Malaysia, Islamic banking assets made up 23 percent of the total industry assets at end-2016. Maybank Islamic leads with a 30 percent market share.

The bank also takes top spot globally as a ringgit-denominated sukuk issuer, with a global market share of 27 percent. It has a 13 percent global market share of all sukuk issuance.

"(As our) outlook for 2017 is better, growth should be stronger, like in the years prior to 2016," Rafique said. Maybank Islamic saw total financing growth of 20 percent in 2015.

(Reporting by Liz Lee; Editing by Eric Meijer)
By Lambert Strether of Corrente

Trade

According to an administration draft proposal being circulated in Congress by the U.S. trade representatives office, the U.S. would keep some of Naftas most controversial provisions, including an arbitration panel that lets investors in the three nations circumvent local courts to resolve civil claims. Critics of these panels say they impinge on national sovereignty [Wall Street Journal]. The document appears to be a compromise between the desires of trade hawks to use Nafta renegotiations as a way to set a new trade agenda and moderates who back the U.S. traditional commitment to free trade. The Congress is split along those lines as well.

The decades-long rising wave of globalization that remade the world economy is receding. The recent rise of nationalist politicians and protectionist trade rhetoric is the culmination of a broader push against global business since the financial crisis thats left global trade barely growing when compared with overall economic output, international capital flows pulling back and managers of multinational companies starting to dismantle the sprawling supply chains that theyve built up over decades. The overall picture, from Brexit to Beijing, shows a trading world undergoing fundamental, long-term changeMaersk Chief Financial Officer Jakob Stausholm calls it a deflationary mindset. Thats left merchandise exports contracting and global supply chains no longer growing. China is helping drive the trend with its push to produce more goods for domestic consumption, and big industrial players are following [Wall Street Journal]. So Trump isnt leading. Hes following.

The Trump administration is poised to demonstrate its promised tough approach to trade rules in a long-simmering dispute with the European Union over beef and has a menu of goods lined up for punitive tariffs of 100% that could roll out in the White Houses first formal push in a trade dispute. The beef case, which has been simmering in the World Trade Organization for years, may provide a window into how aggressive the administration will be with trading partners. The value of imports involved is relatively small, amounting to only around $100 million, but the potential impact on light motorcycles and high-end groceries is also already prompting a backlash. U.S. importers say tariffs on products from paprika to foie gras and fine cheeses would be tough for their customers to swallow [Wall Street Journal].

Politics

New Cold War

The BBC has learned that US officials verified a key claim in a report about Kremlin involvement in Donald Trumps election  that a Russian diplomat in Washington was in fact a spy [BBC]. Ah, just like British intelligence has learned. Moving on: So far, no single piece of evidence has been made public proving that the Trump campaign joined with Russia to steal the US presidency  nothing. But the FBI Director, James Comey, told a hushed committee room in Congress last week that this is precisely what his agents are investigating. Hushed! Fancy. And this is the key claim (and the verification): But sources I know and trust have told me the US government identified Kalugin as a spy while he was still at the embassy. Sort of amazing nobodys willing to go on the record on this, given that  if liberals are to be believed  its a case of treason. Or let the public see any evidence. Why doesnt the intelligence agency drop the other shoe and fake some evidence? After all, theyre experts at that. Who is Source D? The man said to be behind the Trump-Russia dossiers most salacious claim [WaPo]. [T]he Trump administration remains unable to shake the Russia story. While some of the unproven claims attributed in the dossier to Millian are bizarre and outlandish, there are also indications that he had contacts with Trumps circle. Hard to see how any administration could shake this story, given how easy it must have been to write. (As per Water Cooler yesterday, Id pursue the New York Real Estate angle. But that would take reporting, not access journalism.)

2016 Post Mortem

Creating a National Precinct Map [Decision Desk HQ]. Interesting, but unfortunately the interactive version isnt online now because of server load.

Trump Transition

President Donald Trump says hes willing to work with Democrats to craft a new health-care plan, but that idea doesnt appeal to House Speaker Paul Ryan [MarketWatch]. I dont want that to happen, the Wisconsin Republican said in an interview with CBS This Morning. Ryan continued: You know why? I want a patient-centered system. I dont want government running health carewe should give people choices. House Republicans pulled a bill to repeal and replace Obamacare last week after it became clear they did not have the votes. Shopping for health care. Its the American Dream! Well, this blew up fast: The Freedom Caucus will hurt the entire Republican agenda if they don't get on the team, & fast. We must fight them, & Dems, in 2018!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 30, 2017 Boom:  It didn't take long for the swamp to drain @realDonaldTrump. No shame, Mr. President. Almost everyone succumbs to the D.C. Establishment. https://t.co/9bDo8yzH7I  Justin Amash (@justinamash) March 30, 2017 With the Republican caucus fractured and even moderate Senate Democrats feeling feisty, the road to legislation now runs through minority leaders Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Nancy Pelosi [Politico]. Gridlock is our friend. And this, IMNSHO, is why the story isnt Trumps tweets, or the Russian nonsense, but what Trump and the Republican caucus can do all on their own: Executive branch personnel, Executive Orders, regulations, international negotiations. And whoever in Congress or the administration thought to leverage the Congressional Review Act wasnt stupid or incompetent; quite the reverse. Why Democrats Should Work With Trump [Will Marshall, New York Times]. Unlike depriving millions of Americans of health insurance, revamping Americas outdated tax code and modernizing our run-down infrastructure are progressive causes Democrats should be for. And unlike Republicans, whose ideological rigidity and strident partisanship often border on nihilism, Democrats still hew to the quaint notion that the people elected them to solve problems, not prevent them from being solved. McConnellism is not in the partys DNA. Marshall is from the Progressive Policy Institute, and what a loon. You dont work with Baby Hitler! Until you do! (I mean, health care What if (liberal) Pelosi could do a few deals with the (conservative) devil to stave off (the lefts) #MedicareForAll for another election cycle or two? Would that be so very wrong? In modern times Congress moves slowly. It took George W. Bush 166 days to win bipartisan approval of Medicare Part D, the prescription drug benefit for older Americans. It took 187 days for Barack Obama to get the Affordable Care Act passed on party lines [Lou Cannon, RealClearPolitics]. But the replacement bill known as the American Health Care Act, proposed by House Speaker Paul Ryan, lasted only 17 days How did this happen? There are many explanations, but the most obvious one is that the AHCA did not go through the usual legislative process.

Realignment and Legitimacy

Heres why Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are wearing leather jackets [Moneyish]. I dont know when rocking came into vogue, or why. I wish it would go away. A Liberal Fantasy Ripped from a Hollywood Script [Politico]. No, Democratsthe 25th Amendment wont save you from Donald Trump. Now that Hitler couldnt get a bill passed, perhaps its time for some of the other liberal fantasies to be laid to rest.

Stats Watch

Corporate Profits, Q4 2016: Corporate profits rose 22.3 percent year-on-year in fourth-quarter 2016 to $1.741 trillion from $1.423 trillion in fourth-quarter 2015 [Econoday].

GDP, Q4 2016 (final): An upgrade for consumer spending gives a boost to the third estimate for fourth-quarter GDP, now at 2.1 percent annualized growth vs 1.9 percent in the second estimate [Econoday]. Nonresidential fixed investment is downgraded to 0.9 percent from 1.3 percent. But: It seems GDP keeps getting better. Personal consumption is now stronger and in the normal range historically since the Great Recession. I have been a doubter on GDP improvement continuing into the 4th quarter, but this was a relatively strong quarter (charts) [Econintersect]. A particularly telling representation of slowing growth in the US economy is the year-over-year rate of change. The average rate at the start of recessions is 3.35%. Nine of the eleven recessions over this timeframe have begun at a higher level of real YoY GDP. [T]he Q4 GDP Third Estimate of 2.1% topped forecasts but is well below the 3.5% GDP for the previous quarter. And but: In her press conference following the March Federal Reserve Open Market Committee meeting, Fed Chair Yellen stated that GDP was a noisy indicator, especially with underlying doubts surrounding seasonal estimates, and the data is also subjected to considerable revisions [Economic Calendar].

Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index, week of March 26, 2017: Erasing a month of steady incremental gains, the consumer comfort index fell [Econoday]. The week included the administrations unsuccessful efforts to repeal Obamacare. The nearly 50 level, though, still points to unusual strength in consumer confidence.

Jobless Claims, week of March 25, 2017: Initial jobless claims did fall 3,000 in the March 25 week but the level of 258,000 is higher than expected and, next to the prior weeks 261,000, is the highest so far this year [Econoday]. After last weeks report, the Labor Department issued seasonal corrections to this years data which lowered rates early in the year at the expense of March.

Housing: It is now official that the United States has turned into a renters paradise. Think that is hyperbole? Fifty-two of the 100 largest cities in the U.S. are now majority renter in terms of household composition. And there is no clear pattern here. You have places with incredibly affordable housing like Detroit tipping over into the renter majority category at the same time places like affluent Irvine have tipped over as well. Bottom line, more renter households are forming at a time when real estate values are once again peaking [Dr. Housing Bubble].

Retail: Canal Street was never a high-end retail experience. But, like many streets in New York City and in cities across the US, it is becoming increasingly desolate. Boarded-up stores line the thoroughfare that bisects much of lower Manhattan. Many stores that are still open for business also display signs that read for lease or for rent' [Guardian]. Its not Trump, said one downcast store-owner recently. Its not the economy. Something else is happening. People arent spending.' Yves keeps mentioning stores in Manhattan that are closing. Whats happening in retail where you are?

Commodities: The Great Nevada Lithium Rush to Fuel the New Economy [Bloomberg]. The lightest metal on the periodic table of the elements and a superb conductor, its what gives the lithium ion batteries in our cell phones, laptops, newer Priuses, and Teslas the ability to recharge more times, last longer, and provide more energy per weight or volume than other battery chemistries. And its cost-effective: The lithium in a Tesla costs around $500, less than a roof rack. Its also what makes devices explode.

Shipping: UPS Inc. said today it has added six locations to its full-container load and less-than-container load multimodal rail service between Europe and China [DC Velocity]. The company touts that the service can save shippers up to 65 percent compared to the cost of airfreight, while improving transit times by 40 percent over slower ocean freight services.

Shipping: Hong Kong registered online booking portal Freightos has raised $25m in funding from a group of investors led by GE Ventures [Air Cargo News]. Since its July 2016 launch, Freightos Marketplace orders have increased 600%, said the company, and there are now over 10,000 registered users, including top 20 global freight forwarders, and dozens of sellers. Clients include including Nippon Express, CEVA Logistics, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics and Sysco Foods.

Shipping: The number of idle boxships has fallen to its lowest level in six months, with demolition activity continuing at a pace and previously dormant vessels being given a new lease of life as carriers scramble to meet their alliance obligations [Lloyds List].

The Bezzle: Ubers autonomous cars drove 20,354 miles and had to be taken over at every mile, according to documents [Recode]. The metric is miles per intervention.

The Bezzle: One of Chinas top bike-sharing startups is now paying users to ride its bikes [Quartz]. How can Mobike afford to pay users to ride its bikes? The company has received over $300 million in venture capital funding recently, including from a recent funding round led by Chinese tech giant Tencent and private equity firm Warburg Pincus, which gives it plenty of money to burn on growth.' Travis? Hey, Travis!

The Bezzle: Airbnb Bribes Host With Cash Under NDA After 200 Partiers Destroy Apartment Complex [Observer].

The Bezzle: Munchery Stiffs Early Backers and Cuts Staff in a Bid for Survival [Bloomberg]. Any time you see a startup with one of those cute names, run a mile.

The Bezzle: Rover and DogVacay merge to dominate the pet-sitting market [TechCrunch]. Both had a very similar model, with a marketplace for pet sitting, dog walking and other pet-care services. Each take about a 20 percent cut from bookings. Total bookings on the combined sites amounted to $150 million for 2016. The growing businesses are not yet profitable. As I said

The Bezzle: [Google and the Center for Financial Services Innovation] have been collaborating on ways to help customers wade through financial apps in the Google Play store. They are also trying to guide developers on building better consumer tools [American Banker]. The big vision is to help bridge the gap in the underserved community and bring the best financial tools to help them manage their day-to-day finances, said Ashraf Hassan, partner development manager at Google Play.

The Bezzle: What makes economics a science? [Lars P. Syll]. [I]f we are to believe most mainstream economists, models are what make economics a science. Well worth a read, all the way to the conclusion: Mainstream economic models are nothing but broken pieces models. That kind of models cant make economics a science. But I never date models, so I wouldnt know.

Labor Power: There are now twice as many solar jobs as coal jobs in the US [Vox]. It all adds up to a lot of jobs. Even though solar power still provides just a fraction of Americas electricity  about 1.3 percent  the industry now employs more than 260,000 people, according to a new survey from the nonprofit Solar Foundation. And its growing fast: Last year, the solar industry accounted for one of every 50 new jobs nationwide.

Political Risk: The Gap Between Sentiment and Certainty Is Stunning' [Wall Street Journal]. The gap between hard and soft data measuring the U.S. economy has never been more disparate, according to a new report from Morgan Stanley, which means investors who have been putting too much weight on the soft data may be in for a rude awakening in a matter of weeks. Thats typical of the way the soft data has been running lately: far above expectations, and pointing to an economy that should be growing sharply. The hard data, on the other hand, is coming in pretty much as expected, and pointing to an economy that is stuck in its familiar, unsatisfying rut. Readers who have been following stats will have seen this playing out daily and weekly. Morgan Stanley produced a chart:

Political Risk: [T]he GDP trackers that measure actual economic activity are much weaker than the NY Feds, which incorporates soft data [Business Insider].

Political Risk: How long will the soft data support Donald Trump? [WaPo]. Still, each day the hard data doesnt match the soft data, the latter will be more likely to converge towards the former. What Mohamed El-Erian calls The Confidence Economy will come to an end.

Todays Fear & Greed Index: 43 Greed (previous close: 34, Fear) [CNN]. One week ago: 30 (Fear). (0 is Extreme Fear; 100 is Extreme Greed). Last updated Mar 30 at 11:49am. Apocalypse Later?

Our Famously Free Press

If you publish serious claims without any basis that mislead readers, and then refuse to acknowledge new evidence that disproves your original claims  all because you dislike the people you originally smeared with falsehoods too much to correct your error or because you hope the embarrassment will disappear faster if just you ignore it  why should anyone view you as being different than Macedonian teenagers or alt-right conspiracy sites? What are the cognizable differences? [Glenn Greenwald, The Intercept].

Big Brother Is Watching You Watch

Appflash will come pre-installed on all Verizon Android handsets; its a Google search-bar replacement, but instead of feeding telemetry about your searches, handset, apps and activities to Google, it will send them to Verizon [Boing Boing].

The vote by the U.S. Congress to repeal rules that limit how internet service providers can use customer data has generated renewed interest in an old internet technology: virtual private networks, or VPNs [Reuters]. VPNs cloak a customers web-surfing history by making an encrypted connection to a private server, which then searches the Web on the customers behalf without revealing the destination addresses. VPNs are often used to connect to a secure business network, or in countries such as China and Turkey to bypass government restrictions on Web surfing.

Imperial Collapse Watch

As the U.S.s top tech brands ramp up operations in India, they are running into unexpected resistance: Their Chinese equivalents are stepping in to bolster their Indian competitors with billions of dollars in investments and expertise [Wall Street Journal]. Good thing the chips in our weaponry all are US-made, since that seems to be all well have left. Oh, wait

Class Warfare

Unauthorized workers in the US now earn almost as much as those who work legally [Quartz]. George Borjas, a veteran labor economist at Harvard, just made a strange discovery. Since the early 2000s, unauthorized immigrants have gotten paid around 9% less, on average, than legal workers with the same skills and backgrounds, he found. Then all of a sudden in 2008just as the American economy tipped into the abyss of the Great Recessionthe average hourly wages of unauthorized immigrants started to climb. And as their pay rose, that wage penalty started shrinking, falling under 6% in 2010. By 2014, unauthorized immigrants, on average, earned only 3.4% less than their legal peers. Indeed, Borjas research turned up an intriguing pattern that suggests the policy and legal environment could play a key role. Contrary to the sanctuary cities springing up in some states, a handful of other statesArizona, Alabama, Mississippi, and South Carolinahave instituted aggressive policies requiring businesses to check employment eligibility of their prospective hires, starting in 2008. In these states, Borjas found, the wage penalty widened by a whopping 40%. I like unauthorized, if only because, at the systemic level, these immigrants clearly were authorized. Again, they call it class warfare for a reason

The picture is particularly dark at the bottom of American society. Death rates of people with no more than a high school education have increased at least twice as fast as the national average in every age group. Poorly educated Americans are also much more likely to say they are in bad health than in the past, or compared with their more successful compatriots [Breaking Views]. Something is going seriously wrong. It cannot simply be the economy, because the U.S. experience of growth, unemployment and de-industrialisation is shared by other prosperous countries, which have not suffered an increase in deaths of despair. There must be some other reasons for this grim variation on American exceptionalism. It makes sense that anomie, alienation and the loss of communities are doing more damage in the United States than in other modern lands. Loneliness comes especially easily in a country that has always valued rugged individualism. It also makes sense that the damage is greatest among the Americans who have been most dislocated by the social devaluing of less-skilled labour. The economic pain of this group has been amplified by the fragmentation of families and the decline of what was once another example of American exceptionalism among rich nations: deep religious belief. They call it class warfare for a reason

Drugs, Alcohol, and Suicide Represent Growing Share of U.S. Mortality [Shannon M. Monnat, University of New Hampshire Carsey School of Public Policy]. Researchers have identified multiple physiological, pain-related, psychosocial, family and interpersonal, socioeconomic, and neighborhood environment factors that are associated with substance abuse and suicide.12 Recent academic and journalist workalso suggests ties to declining social supports and rising income inequality, economic distress, and instability that have followed from decades of declines in secure and livable wage jobs for those in the working class.13 Although there are political and economic constraints to implementing comprehensive policies that address the underlying causes of high rates of drug, alcohol, and suicide mortality, such policies are likely to provide the best chance for reducing these deaths.

News of the Wired

76% of high-performance employees say trade mastery, not money, most important in career decisions [Medium]. So, not being alienated from your labor makes you happy. Who knew?

Does Science Advance One Funeral at a Time? (PDF) [Pierre Azoulay, Christian Fons-Rosen, Joshua S. Graff Zivin, NBER Working Paper No. 21788]. To our surprise, it is not competitors from within the field that assume the mantle, but rather outsiders that step in to fill the void created by a stars absence. Importantly, this surge in contributions from outsiders draws upon a different scientific corpus and is disproportionately likely to be highly cited. Thus, consistent with the contention by Planck, the loss of a luminary provides an opportunity for fields to evolve in new directions that advance the frontier of knowledge within them. The rest of the manuscript tries to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon. It does not appear to be the case that stars use their influence over financial or editorial resources to block entry into their fields, but rather that the very prospect of challenging a luminary in the field serves as a deterrent for entry by outsiders.

* * *

Readers, feel free to contact me with (a) links, and even better (b) sources I should curate regularly, and (c) to find out how to send me images of plants. Vegetables are fine! Fungi are deemed to be honorary plants! See the previous Water Cooler (with plant) here. And heres todays plant (JM):

Because its been a gnarly week!

Readers, Water Cooler is a standalone entity, not supported by the very successful Naked Capitalism fundraiser just past. Now, I understand you may feel tapped out, but when and if you are able, please use the dropdown to choose your contribution, and then click the hat! Your tip will be welcome today, and indeed any day. Water Cooler will not exist without your continued help.
By Nick Cunningham, a Vermont-based writer on energy and environmental issues. Follow him on Twitter @nickcunningham1. Originally published at OilPrice

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday that will begin a lengthy process of dismantling former President Obamas signature achievement on climate change  regulations that put limits on greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. Trump boasted about a new era of American energy, telling coal miners standing behind him, You know what it says, right? Youre going back to work.

The Clean Power Plan aimed to reduce CO2 emissions from power plants by 32 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. But removing the Clean Power Plan is not as easy as signing an executive order. It will take years even if things go well. The EPA cant just ignore or scrap the rule; the administration will have to craft a repayment plan and justify it with science. And the rulemaking process is not always a smooth one. With environmental groups promising legal action, it will likely be a bumpy road, meaning the process might stretch beyond Trumps term in office.

The Clean Power Plan was indeed targeted at coal-fired power plants  and for good reason. Burning coal is twice as carbon-intensive as natural gas and is a main contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. Under any reasonable scenario, achieving climate objectives depends heavily on reducing coal consumption.

That put a lot of focus on Tuesdays executive order. Vice President Mike Pence declared that the war on coal is over.

Indeed, it is. But coal lost that war years ago. Cheap natural gas has been undermining the business case for coal for nearly a decade now, well before former President Obama took aim at power plant emissions. Coals real enemy has long been the shale gas revolution. More recently, renewable energy has piled on the pain. Rapidly expanding installations of solar and wind power are grabbing more market share, putting deeper pressure on coal.

(Click to enlarge)

Competing with cheap natural gas and renewables is vastly more difficult because the nations coal fleet is rapidly aging. The Sierra Club says that in recent years some 250 coal plants have been retired or are preparing for retirement. In 2016, the industry shut down 14,000 megawatts of coal-fired power plant capacity, a year after a record loss of 17,000 megawatts of coal capacity in 2015, according to Reuters.

Even with a friendly administration, the plants will continue to shutter. Just a few weeks ago, for example, Dayton Power & Light said that it would shut down 2 large coal plants in Ohio, accounting for a massive 3,000 megawatts. The plants employ hundreds of people, but the company said the plants are not economically viable beyond mid-2018.Trumps executive order will do nothing to save these plants.

Still, the Clean Power Plan would have accelerated coals decline, providing a boost to natural gas and renewables. With the CPP, natural gas would overtake coal generation by 2024, and renewables would surpass coal by 2029. Those timelines could be pushed off into the future without the CPP.

The coal industry is euphoric with President Trumps move. Coal stocks soared on Tuesday in the hopes of a revival. But make no mistake, coal is still in terminal decline  its only the speed of decline that is up for debate. The best that Trump can do is delay the closure of aging coal plants. That will not bring back coal jobs in any meaningful way, however. Even Robert Murray, the CEO of Murray Energy, the largest private coal miner in the country and major Trump supporter, admitted as much. Murray told The Guardian a few days ago that President Trump should temper his expectations about new coal jobs. I suggested that he temper his expectations. Those are my exact words, Murray said. He cant bring them back.

(Click to enlarge)

The markets will continue to hammer coal. Not only is natural gas often a cheaper source of electricity, but increasingly renewable energy is competing with coal on strictly a cost basis. On top of that, policies at the state level will push renewable energy forward. California is leading the way, but dozens of other states are following. Just this week the state of Maryland boosted its 2020 renewable energy target from 20 to 25 percent, for example.

Moreover, the loss of coal jobs has been going on for decades. Automation has been the real job killer  only recently has the decline in coal production compounded those job losses. U.S. coal production has declined in six out of seven quarters before the middle of last year.

(Click to enlarge)

Today, the solar industry employs more people than the coal industry, a disparity that will only grow over time. President Trump, despite his promises of sending miners back to work, wont be able to change that. The promise of bringing coal jobs back is one of the most cruel deceptions in politics right now, says Rep. John Yarmuth, a Kentucky Democrat from coal country.
Legos and origami inspire next-generation materials (Nanowerk News) Inspired by the fun of playing with Legos, an international team of researchers from Tianjin University of Technology and Harvard University have used the idea of assembling building-blocks to make the promise of next-generation materials a practical reality.

Publishing online in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences ("Decoupling local mechanics from large-scale structure in modular metamaterials"), Nan Yang from the Laboratory for the Design and Intelligent Control of Advanced Mechatronical Systems and Jesse Silverberg from the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering removed a key bottleneck slowing down the translation of scientific progress to commercial applications.

This image shows how two types of origami-inspired materials can be woven into a single structure. The orange and (semi-transparent) green portions each have their own distinct properties and allow the composite to exhibit unique behavior not possible with just the one type of building-blocks. (Image: Nan Yang, Jesse L. Silverberg)

Silverberg described it like this: "Metamaterials are driving a revolution in material science. The current approach of building every-day stuff turns out to be limited because the materials we work with have a relatively narrow range of properties and capabilities."

Metamaterials go beyond what's found in nature by assembling simple elements into repeating patterns. At large scales, these smaller components influence the larger construction in unusual ways. Yang noted "The variety of applications is growing. Today we see mechanical metamaterials used to shape the flow of vibrational waves like earthquakes to protect buildings. Tomorrow, who knows what will be next."

The researchers, however, were concerned that these discoveries haven't been moving from the lab to the market fast enough. A challenge they noted was the time and difficulty of designing for real-world applications.

A few years ago, origami - the art of paper-folding - was recognized for its ability to rapidly convert flat sheets into 3D patterns with unusual metamaterial properties. "While easy to fold, the time required to find good designs for practical problems is often too costly," said Silverberg. "Suppose you wanted a mechanical metamaterial to absorb impact during a car crash. What's the best design for that? And even if you find a good folding pattern, does it even fit with the car's chassis?"

Both Yang and Silverberg have young children. They described their 'ah-ha' moment like this: "We were working late one night over Skype and we realized the solution was literally on the floor in front of us. What if we could build metamaterials like our kids build with Legos?"

This insight led the researchers to design a standard set of building-blocks. "We started designing a basic unit, kind of like the classic 2-by-4 Lego brick, but instead of making them in different colors, we gave them different mechanical properties. A stiff one, a soft one, etc," said Silverberg. Once designed, the team was able to create larger and more elaborate structures the same way their children were creating multi-colored ships and robots.

As examples, the researchers showed how to assemble two different types of mechanical `cloaking materials.' They also gave examples of how a pre-determined set of properties can be engineered into arbitrary 3D structures, a highly elusive challenge since the beginning of metamaterial research.
Researchers can track hazardous chemicals from fast-food wrappers in the body

(Nanowerk News) Research teams from the University of Alabama at Birmingham's School of Medicine and the University of Notre Dame have developed a new method that enables researchers to radiolabel three forms of perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances and track the fate of these chemicals when they enter the body.

This is a significant and timely advancement in identifying and tracking these PFASs, which are known to be harmful to the human body, and just last month were found to be used extensively in fast-food wrapping paper at many popular chain restaurants.

The novelty of the newly designed method is that one of the fluorine atoms on the PFAS molecule was replaced with a radioactive form of fluorine, the same radioisotope fluorine-18 that is used for medical positron emission tomography scans in hospitals around the world.

"For the first time, we have a PFAS tracer or chemical that we have tagged to see where it goes in mice," said Suzanne Lapi, Ph.D., senior author of the study published in the Journal of Environment Science and Technology ("Radiosynthesis and biological distribution of [ 18 F]-labeled perfluorinated alkyl substances"). Lapi is an associate professor in UAB's Department of Radiology and Chemistry, and director of UAB's Cyclotron Facility. "Each of the tracers exhibited some degree of uptake in all of the organs and tissues of interest that were tested, including the brain. The highest uptake was observed in the liver and stomach, and similar amounts were observed in the femur and lungs."

This is a look inside UAB's Cyclotron, which makes radioactive molecular imaging agents for nuclear medicine using a type of particle accelerator that moves protons, a kind of charged particle, along a spiral path to strike a material to produce radioisotopes. (Image: UAB)

Key points to know about this discovery, recent findings

A study released in February showed that, of the more than 400 samples of packaging materials tested from many popular fast-food restaurants, PFASs were found in 56 percent of dessert and bread wrappers, 38 percent of sandwich and burger wrappers, and 20 percent of paperboard. Exposure to PFASs is linked to kidney and testicular cancer, elevated cholesterol, decreased fertility, and thyroid problems in adults. Exposure to PFASs is linked to adverse effects on growth, learning and behavior and decreased immune response to vaccines in children. A new radio tracing method developed by UAB Radiology enabled researchers to discover that highly fluorinated, potentially toxic chemicals known as perfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFASs, were found in all body organs tested, including liver, stomach, leg bone, lungs, kidney, heart, skin, muscle, brain and other organs. Because tracing PFAS compounds conventionally is difficult, UAB Radiology developed a method to tag the intact PFAS compounds with a fluorine-18 radio tracer so researchers could see where the compound was going in the body and make sensitive measurements for the first time.

PFASs are often used in stain-resistant products, firefighting materials and nonstick cookware and not meant for ingestion. Previous studies have shown PFASs can migrate, contaminating the food and, when consumed, accumulating in the body.

Now that it appears likely that any PFASs that can be synthesized and isolated could be radiolabeled and used to directly measure uptake and biodistribution kinetics in biological systems, it opens the possibility of directly measuring uptake in human subject volunteers.

"This is possible since trace amounts of the compounds are easily measurable and the radioactivity short-lived," said Graham Peaslee, Ph.D., the study co-author and professor of experimental nuclear physics in the College of Science at the University of Notre Dame. "It's an important discovery because PFASs are a really persistent chemical that, once in the bloodstream, stays there and accumulates, which is not good."

Diseases including kidney and testicular cancers, thyroid disease, low birth weight and immunotoxicity in children, and other health issues have been linked to PFASs in previous studies.

Now that researchers have for the first time identified which PFASs initially accumulate -- and in which specific organs -- and with some surprising differences, the authors say there are health implications far beyond this initial study.

"We are very excited about this technique, which borrows from our current work developing nuclear medicine imaging agents," said Jennifer Burkemper, Ph.D., scientist in UAB's Cyclotron Facility and the first author on the study. "This work can enable rapid screening of PFAS compounds to gain key insights into their biological fate."

PFASs in the news

Fluorinated chemicals have been in the news a lot recently, especially PFASs. There have been industrial accidents like those uncovered near the Hoosic River in New York this past fall, and the Dupont settlement of $670 million last month related to the dumping of the toxic chemical C8, also known as perfluorooctanoic acid, into the Ohio River.

Another source of exposure to these chemicals was reported in February, when a survey found that one-third of fast-food wrappers had been treated with these fluorinated chemicals.

"There was concern that these chemicals might directly enter the food that was wrapped with treated packaging," said Peaslee, who used particle-induced gamma-ray emission to make the findings reported in February. "A larger concern is that, because these chemicals persist for a long time in the environment, when the treated consumer products enter the landfill, these chemicals will re-emerge into our drinking water. These overall results already call into question the safety of these alternative shorter-chain PFAS compounds."

Lapi says the new novel tool developed by the research teams can be used for studying PFAS behavior in environmental remediation studies to measure the fate of radiolabeled compounds in environmental treatment systems.

"This is a tremendous first step," Lapi said, "and it underscores the need for further studies to aggressively investigate different PFAS compounds in different biological and environmental systems to assess the full impact of this novel radiosynthetic method."

In addition to kidney and testicular cancer, scientists have previously found high cholesterol, thyroid disease, pregnancy-induced hypertension and ulcerative colitis to be correlated to the amount of perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, found in the blood of people who were exposed to the tainted water.

As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. manufacturers reached a compromise to voluntarily remove two specific "long-chain" PFAS from the U.S. market by 2015 -- including PFOA. However, industry has switched from these "long-chain" forms of PFAS to shorter-chained versions of the same chemicals, Peaslee says. There are no toxicology data available for most of the alternative short-chain PFAS compounds used commercially.

Additional importance, future steps

Lapi's team makes radioactive molecular imaging agents for nuclear medicine using the UAB Imaging Facility's cyclotron, a type of particle accelerator that moves protons, one kind of charged particle, along a spiral path to strike a material to produce radioisotopes. These radioisotopes can be chemically attached to molecules created to home in on biological targets of interest. These targets typically include certain receptors on cancer, and lung and heart function. They also look at different tracers for neurology.

When researchers looked at the PFAS chemicals and saw their structure, Lapi says, her group thought the chemistry of the compound was amenable enough to do radiolabeling with their techniques.

"Conventionally, tracing these PFAS compounds is very difficult," Lapi said. "These compounds are not UV active, and they're very difficult to detect. There are some techniques where you can detect total fluorine concentration, but that does not give you an idea of which compound the fluorine is attached to. With our method, we can actually tag the intact compound with a fluorine 18 radio tracer, and it gives us a handle so we can see where that compound is going and make very sensitive measurements. These sensitive measurements are probably the most important thing, because it's so difficult to detect in other methods, where you would have to take the liver out, homogenize it, extract the chemical out and do mass spectrometry to see how much of the chemical is in there. And you'd have to do it with every single organ. For us, we can take the whole mouse, image it, and we're done. Or we can take the tissues and we can count it, and we're done. It's a much quicker and less time-consuming method to look at where these go."

So far, Lapi says, the group has looked at three compounds, far short of the hundreds of PFASs that have been identified.

"While I don't think we will look at all of these PFASs, we would like to look at different families of these compounds and see how they are distributed in the body," Lapi said. "Because even with very small changes in these compounds, we were able to see differences in brain uptake, which is important because these may have neurological impacts. We saw different clearance patterns, blood binding and other things. We want to look at different classes of compounds, how they're excreted from the body, how they accumulate, and see if we can really say something about how you would get rid of these compounds."

The next step after that would be to identify how this newly discovered technique could be used to clean up compounds in environmental situations where there is a contaminate issue.

"We want to know if, say, we have a huge contaminated water supply full of PFASs, how do we make techniques to get PFAS out of the water supply," she said. "Perhaps we can take a bucket of water, spike it with our radioactive substance, put it through filters and different types of cleanup technologies, and see how we can effectively extract that compound from the water supplies."

Lapi and her team are excited that they have been able to show how to take techniques from nuclear medicine and previous UAB imaging studies and apply them to environmental compounds -- a significant achievement moving forward.
Wrong-way asteroid plays 'chicken' with Jupiter

(Nanowerk News) For at least a million years, an asteroid orbiting the "wrong" way around the sun has been playing a cosmic game of chicken with giant Jupiter and with about 6,000 other asteroids sharing the giant planet's space, says a report published in the latest issue of Nature ("A retrograde co-orbital asteroid of Jupiter").

Asteroid Bee-Zed avoids colliding with Jupiter and with the Trojan asteroids with every wrong-way pass it makes. (Image: Western University (Canada), Athabaskan University, Large Binocular Telescope Observatory)

The asteroid, nicknamed Bee-Zed, is the only one in this solar system that's known both to have an opposite, retrograde orbit around the sun while at the same time sharing a planet's orbital space, says researcher and co-author Paul Wiegert of Western's Department of Physics and Astronomy.

All but 82 of the million or so known asteroids in our solar system travel around the sun in what's called a prograde motion: that is, counter-clockwise when visualized from above. But asteroid 2015 BZ509 ("Bee-Zed" for short) circles clockwise, in a retrograde motion -- moving against the flow of all other asteroids in the giant planet's orbital entourage.

Put another way, it's as if Jupiter is a monster truck on a track circling the sun, and the asteroids in Jupiter's orbit are sub-compact cars all whizzing along in the same direction. Bee-Zed is the rogue -- driving around the track in the wrong direction -- steering between the 6,000 other cars and swerving around the monster truck. And it does so every single lap, and has done so for thousands of laps for a million years or more.

So how does it avoid colliding with Jupiter? Jupiter's gravity actually deflects the asteroid's path at each pass so as to allow both to continue safely on their way, Wiegert says.

Professor Wiegert explains the rogue asteroids odd orbit, and why it keeps avoiding annihilation on its apparent collision course with Jupiter.

Little is known about the asteroid, which was discovered in January, 2015. It has a diameter of about three kilometers and it may have originated from the same place as Halley's comet, which also has a retrograde orbit. The team hasn't been able to determine yet if Bee-Zed is an icy comet or a rocky asteroid.

But their analysis -- based on complex calculations and on observations through the Large Binocular Camera on the Large Binocular Telescope in Mt. Graham, Arizona, during a span of 300 days -- show Bee-Zed is somehow able to maintain a stable orbit even as an outlier.
'It wasn't meant to be': Chandler Smith comes up short in third Chandler Smith talks about what more was needed tonight and what could've been done differently as he puts a cap on the season.
Find the newest releases to watch from National Geographic on Disney+, including favourite documentary series and films Free Solo, The Rescue, Shark Beach with Chris Hemsworth and The World According to Jeff Goldblum.
Barsey (also Varsey) is a wildlife sanctuary in West Sikkim. At a height of 10000 ft, Barsey has to be reached by trekking. It's quite an offbeat destination and therefore doesn't have a lot of tourist/commercial activities. Barsey shares a border with Nepal and is a home to an exquisite flora and several endangered species of animals including the elusive Red Panda, Himalayan Brown Bear, and Musk Deer.

Spring is a perfect time to visit Sikkim and enjoy the clear mountain views and the abundant pink blossoms. Rhododendron is the state tree of Sikkim and plenty of trees can be seen throughout the state. But the best place to experience the beautiful riot of spring colours is Barsey due to its large concentration of rhododendron trees.

PC: Mathias Appel

Getting There

Of the three access points from Hilley, Dentam and Soreng, Hilley is the most preferred one because it can be reached by a motorable road. Barsey can be reached by walking for 5 km from the sanctuary gate at Hilley.

Also Read : 9 Exotic Animals Found In Himalayas

Sikkim does not have its own airport or railway station. The nearest airport at Bagdogra (160 km) and nearest railway station New Jalpaiguri (150 km) are both in West Bengal. A state transport bus or shared jeeps can be taken up to Jorethang. From Jorethang shared jeeps can be taken to reach Hilley or Okhrey.

Best Time To Visit

To see the spring bloom, March and April are the best months to visit Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. May sees a little blossom and June through September experiences rainfall. The wet months are best to be avoided as the damp forest houses numerous leech colonies and it's not a pleasant experience.

The next trekking season commences in October and runs up to December. You won't see any rhododendrons during this period but the clear weather makes trekking comfortable and pleasant. The autumn-winter weather also facilitates stunning views of Kanchenjunga and other snow-capped mountains and is quite an experience.

Permit Required

A permit is required to enter the sanctuary. A nominal fee and camera/video camera charges have to be paid at the Sanctuary gate. If you are hiring a porter for your luggage, there'll be porter charge.

Where To Stay

There's a basic trekker's hut, Guras Kunj, inside the sanctuary that can be booked for an overnight stay. It has no electricity and has basic arrangements. Many trekkers prefer to stay overnight inside the sanctuary to experience the tranquillity, clear skies, mountain views and a spectacular sunrise. Alternatively, there are plenty of simple homestays at Hilley or Okhrey, which is a small Sherpa village around 9 km from Hilley.

The Trek

The hike from Hilley to Barsey is a short 4 km trek. The route is easy and can be covered in 1-2 hours in a moderate pace. Most tourists start early, reach Barsey, explore the forests and return on the same day. It is recommended to camp overnight to view a sunrise over the Kanchenjunga, famed for being the third highest mountain in the world and highest in India.

PC: wikimedia.org

The trail inclines gradually through the colourful rhododendron forest. In the short walk, you will walk past many glacial streams. The slightly wider streams have wooden bridges over them. The forest explodes with a burst of colours with the pink and white flowers dotting the entire route.

Also Read : Attractions In Sikkim

With subtly changing landscapes, the grassy trail ascends and descends slightly, never too much to leave you breathless if you a moderately fit person. The splendid Kanchenjunga range constantly accompanies the trek unless a sudden hailstorm or thunderstorm decides to show up in the mountains covering the peaks under gray clouds.

A camping ground on the premises of the Guras Kunj is where many seasoned trekkers prefer pitching tents. If you are lucky and the weather is still clear, a small trek to a nearby hillock can be undertaken to witness a spectacular sunrise.

Things To Carry

A sturdy backpack, extra pair of clothes, socks, warm clothes, rain jacket, food and water bottle, sunglasses and a cap. Carry a camera (fully charged and with extra batteries) to capture the stunning views of Kanchenjunga and the heavenly pink bloom.
(As delivered)

Prime Minister,

It is a pleasure to welcome you again at NATO Headquarters. And I was very helpful how we addressed several issues addressing how we developed further the partnership between Moldova and NATO.

The Republic of Moldova is a close partner to NATO.

I thank you for your different contributions especially that you contribute to our KFOR mission in Kosovo.

It shows that your country is a responsible contributor to international security.

We are committed to Moldovas independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty.

And we fully respect Moldovas constitutional neutrality.

But neutrality does not mean isolation.

We cooperate closely with other partners that are neutral countries  such as Switzerland and Austria.

NATO and Moldova have jointly agreed a framework for working together.

And all our cooperation activities have been requested by the government of Moldova.

Many of our programmes benefit ordinary Moldovan people. We have helped destroy dangerous pesticides, anti-personnel mines, surplus munitions and dangerous rocket fuel.

We are helping Moldova with cyber defence training. And every year we welcome Moldovan students at NATO courses on issues such as logistics and border security. So these are examples of practical cooperation, where NATO helped, educated and trained Moldovan students personal, which I think will be a benefit for Moldova and for NATO. Because when our NATO is stable, we are more secure.

Our partnership also supports Moldova in undertaking reforms to build good governance and strong institutions. Including the effort to fight corruption.

We are now working on a Defence Capacity Building programme to help the Moldovan armed forces become more effective.

As requested by the Moldovan government, we will soon open a NATO Liaison Office in Chisinau.

It will be a small diplomatic mission with only civilian staff.

Just like in other partner countries like Georgia, our Liaison Office will facilitate our support for Moldovas ongoing reforms.

So Prime Minister,

I once again welcome you. It is a great pleasure to meet with you again and I welcome that we are in the process of strengthening and developing the partnership Moldova and NATO. Welcome once again.

OANA LUNGESCU (NATO Spokesperson): Moldovan State TV.

Q: [Inaudible] TV Moldova One. My question is for Mr. Stoltenberg. How difficult is it to have efficient dialogue with State of Moldova when the different leaders promoting very different messages? And the one question is for Mr. Filip, [speaking with translator] and now the question for Mr. Filip, at what stage actually is the opening of the NATO Liaison Office and what will be the priorities of Moldovan Government regarding this cooperation? Because the experience of Ukraine and Georgia show that the NATO Liaison Office is based on the necessity of the hosting country. Thank you.

JENS STOLTENBERG (NATO Secretary General): NATO is an alliance of 28 democracies so we are very used to that there are different views, different opinions also within the political system. So thats nothing new. What we do is that we relate to governments, to parliaments, to those who are responsible for taking decisions and all our efforts, all our projects when it comes to our partnership with Moldova is based on requests from Moldova, from the Moldovan Government supported by the Moldovan Parliament. But of course NATO will never enforce any activities or any programs upon a country which dont want it. Its absolutely voluntary partnership, we respect the limitations and of course we totally respect the neutrality of Moldova. Some of our closest partners are neutral countries. Switzerland, Austria, Finland, Sweden are neutral countries but we have an extensive and strong partnership with them. And therefore we think its absolutely possible to further strengthen our partnership with Moldova, totally fully respecting the neutrality of Moldova and actually the neutrality of Moldova is explicitly mentioned in the document that forms the basis for our partnership. So there is absolutely no contradiction between being a neutral country as the Republic of Moldova is and at the same time working with NATO. And we have to remember also that a NATO Liaison Office in Chisinau is a civilian, small civilian diplomatic office, we have that kind of offices in other countries including in Russia actually, in Moscow. So this is not a military base, this is a small civilian office, which then can help to facilitate our practical partnership.

PAVEL FILIP (Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova): [Speaking with translator]. I think that there is still this mentality, Soviet mentality, which is still present in a part of Moldova that NATO represents just a big military base and everything is related to army and munitions and heavy military. Lets not forget that we live in the 21st century informational era. We talked today about a creation of a centre to, reaction to cyber-attacks. We talked today about creation of such a lab to ensure or reaction to ensure cyber security. So these things have to be seen in a broad manner. Our cooperation with NATO is, and I think is normal, to want to learn from those who have the necessary expertise. Republic of Moldova wants to be a modern state and if we talk about the national army we want to have an army that is well trained. Regarding the opening of the liaison office, NATO Liaison Office in Chisinau, we did everything necessary so everything is coming along fine and as I mentioned I hope very much that this summer this liaison office will be a functional one. Another very important thing concerning communication, Id like to mention that if we will talk directly, and we will, to the people and will not come with scary arguments then people will understand what NATO means and through the liaison office in Moldova I hope we will complete this goals.

Q: [Inaudible] for Europe. Question for NATO Secretary General. What do you expect from todays NRC? Do you hope that we could get some progress when it comes for example to risk reduction? And for Mr. Filip, are you worried about reports that Mr. Dodon wants to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Eurasian Economic Union? Do you think that this will harm your relationship with the European Union, that this will jeopardise for example the association agreement and the trust that your western partners such as NATO you have in Moldova?

JENS STOLTENBERG: We will have a meeting of the NATO Russia Council later on today. I welcome the fact that we were able to convene the three meetings last year and now we will have the first meeting this year and we will discuss, address different issues of common concern, like the crisis in and around Ukraine, Afghanistan including the regional terrorist threat. And we will also then discuss military activities, transparency and risk reduction. And Im looking forward to the meeting because we are going to have reciprocal briefings on our military posture on the three new divisions in the western military district of Russia. But also on the four battle groups that NATO is going to deploy in the Baltic countries, or we are in the process of deploying in the Baltic countries and Poland. And for me this is an important step towards more predictability, more transparency which is especially needed now when we have increased military activity along our borders. I hope that this can be further strengthened with more briefings, more, more reciprocal briefings on exercises, on military activities and also a good platform for discussing how we can move on when it comes to strengthening our military lines of communications and mechanisms for risk reduction. But what will happen today is that at least well have a reciprocal briefing on military posture both from the Russian side and from the NATO side.

PAVEL FILIP: [Speaking with translator]. Regarding this memorandum with Eurasian economic community I have to mention that we have a very firm position in this regard. It was already transmitted to Mr. President Dodon, more than that I passed to him a documented opinion elaborated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that this agreement does not have any juridical power, it cannot and I will tell you why. Fortunately the Republic of Moldova has a parliamentary regime, according to its constitution the parliament is a representative body, supreme body in the country that approves the internal and external policies. It is true that according to the constitution the President, who is not the owner of the state, he has the right to negotiate and to sign international treaties. But according to the, according to the law on international treaties, and this law supposes that any document, a memorandum or international treaty, in order to have juridical effect, has to be ratified by the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova. Of course the President, when he signs international treaties is not obliged to represent the full powers. But this does not mean that representing the state he can impose his own opinion or his own vision. He is obligated to consult and to present for ratification in front of the Moldovan Parliament. That is why this memorandum, even if it will be signed, I will declare once again and also the Speaker of Moldovan Parliament will declare that this is a, a zero sum document, doesnt have any juridical power. That is why the President has to be sincere in relation to those who sign this memorandum and to tell them that this document does not have a juridical power.

OANA LUNGESCU: This concludes this press point. Thank you.
(Natural News) Will raw milk finally be coming to a store near you? Twelve states across the US are considering adopting new legislation that would permit the sale of raw milk products in some form or another. While the bills to allow the sale of raw milk have been met with quite a bit of skepticism, the fact that the idea has even made it to paper inspires hope for the future.

As it stands, public health officials view raw milk as hazardous because it isnt pasteurized to remove potentially harmful pathogens, even though many people feel the benefits of raw milk seem to outweigh any possible risk. And with the outbreak of Listeria linked to Vulto Creamerys raw milk cheese, it is not really that surprising that many lawmakers have abandoned their raw milk crusade for this legislative season.

Currently, 42 states have some type of legislation that permits the sale of raw milk in some way. In the current 2017 session, some states have sought to expand legal access to raw milk, while others are just looking to at least make the sale and distribution of the product legal. Here are the states that have at least introduced some type of raw milk bill in 2017:

Alaska: House Bill 46 recently dropped raw milk and replaced it with a substitution. It is now about state and municipal procurement of agricultural products. HB46 will include fish and other products that are sold under the Alaska Grown trademark.

Hawaii: House Bill 257 intended on permitting the retail sale of raw milk, but did not make it out of the House, after a committee voted for the bills deferment on January 27th.

Illinois: There are currently three bills pertaining to raw milk in the state of Illinois. House Bills 2820 and 3063, as well as Senate Bill 1469.

Iowa: Two raw milk bills sprung up in Iowa, but both have missed the deadlines for advancement, which may suggest that the bills have died.

Montana: HB 325 passed the House in late February, and is still awaiting a vote in the Senate. The bill seeks to create a new category of small dairies, and would exempt said small dairies from being required to have their milk pasteurized.

Massachusetts: Senate Bill 442 is an agricultural omnibus bill that would legalize herd share agreements and allow off-farm deliveries of raw milk by licensed dairies.

North Dakota: House Bill 1433 has already passed the House and is awaiting a decision from the Senate. HB 1433 would allow producers to sell raw milk directly to citizens who will assume the risks.

Virginia: House Bill 2030 to permit the sale of raw milk was taken down in the Committee for Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources.

Rhode Island: Senate Bill 247 to allow the sale and handling of raw milk was assigned to a Senate committee in late February, but Food Safety News reports that the bill has not seen much action since then.

Texas: House Bill 57 intends to expand the sale of raw milk. Current law only permits the sale of raw milk on farms, but HB 57 would allow the sale of raw milk at the permit holders place of business, a farmers market, or the consumers residence.

Raw milk is known to provide a number of health benefits, especially in regards to immunity. Studies have shown that raw milk consumption can help to prevent respiratory infections, viruses and colds in children when compared to conventional pasteurized milk.

While not all of these bills regarding the sale of raw milk may come to fruition, the fact that any legislation to permit the sale of raw milk has been drafted shows that at least things are headed in the right direction. Beyond the health benefits of raw milk, the fact remains that it is not for the government to decide what free individuals should be able to consume, especially in regard to natural foods and medicines.

Sources:

FoodSafetyNews.com

FarmToConsumer.org

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Last February, an immense asteroid, dubbed 2013K flew by Earths orbit. Researchers at InsuranceQuotes said the meteor  which measured 328 feet wide  could kill more than 2.5 million people if it crashed into a city like New York. This conclusion was made after researchers sifted through NASAs database of more than 36,000 near-Earth encounters. Researchers said buildings would be instantly flattened to a pulp for 2.14 miles around, while a collapse radius may reach over 4.5 miles. The study also revealed that the fireball caused by the impact will have a total coverage of 1.36 mile radius, while radiation may stretch to up to 1.84 miles in all directions. Residues of thermal radiation can be felt by people some 12.05 miles away. This means that residents of Yonkers, Queens and Newark will suffer skin burns in the process. The asteroid was bound to fly by the planets orbit once more in 2021.

Currently, there are approximately more than 300,000 still-unidentified asteroids located too close to the Earth, which could cause extensive damage by crashing into the planet or exploding in the sky. Just this January alone, the University of Arizonas Catalina Sky Survey discovered a massive asteroid flew by Earth at about 50% the distance to the moon. The asteroid, dubbed 2017 AG13, was easily the size of a 10-story building at 15 to 34 meters long and whizzed past the planets orbit at a record speed of 16 kilometers per second.

Astronomy broadcast provider Slooth made a live broadcast of the flyby at 7:47 am E.T. on January 9, Saturday. Astronomer Eric Edelman said the asteroid crossed the orbits of Venus and Earth in the process. While a simulation by Purdue University claimed that the impact would have been underwhelming, experts at Slooth said the size of 2017 AG13 was roughly the same as the 17-meter asteroid that struck Chelyabinsk, Russia in 2013. The effects of the 2013 asteroid impact left the Russian city with shattered windows, dented buildings and personal injuries. In 1908, a massive asteroid about 40 meters wide struck a Russian forest flat with a force similar to detonating about five to 10 megatons of TNT.

Recent study unveils catastrophic damages if asteroid strikes

Data also showed that if an asteroid the size of the 984-foot-wide 2015 BN509 hit San Francisco, the resulting deaths would total to more than 7 million, while the fireball radius may stretch over eight miles. Researchers said buildings located at 26 miles from the site will be instantly flattened, while radiation can be imminent in areas up to 9.38 miles from the impact site. Thermal radiation may extend up to more than 217 miles, easily affecting residents of Reno and Lake Tahoe. Building within 26.25 miles were expected to be instantly demolished. In this scenario, researchers inferred that half of the probable impact may occur in the pacific Oceans, which in turn may generate massive tsunamis with enough power to wipe out coastal areas.

In another scenario, researchers found that a 1,805-foot-wide asteroid hitting Chicago would account for more than 9.5 million deaths, generating a thermal radiation radius of 267.94 miles. This is enough to cover a wide area of land that may stretch as far as the Cedar Rapids, Milwaukee, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, St. Louis and Louisville. The impact will instantly demolished buildings within 31.07 miles, and may continue to affect infrastructure within an 82.03 mile radius. The fireball radius was estimated to be at 10.10 miles, while radiation radius was expected to stretch to up to 10.33 miles.

Discover more stories about space weather and space events at Space.news.

Sources:

InsuranceQuotes.com

DailyMail.co.uk

BusinessInsider.com
(Natural News) Can too much structure kill creativity? According to researchers at the University of Torontos Rotman School of Management, the answer is yes. In a series of experiments, authors of the study found that an organized structure of activities can place limitations on creativity and inhibit innovation among adults. It has long been believed that structure and organization add clarity and efficiency, but Yeun Joon Kim, co-author of the study, warns: A hierarchically organized information structure may also have a dark side. The paper, entitled Ideas rise from chaos: Information structure and creativity, was published in the January edition of Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes.

Structured thinking leads to a static brain

To better process information, we tend to group data into bite-sized manageable pieces, which prevents us from becoming overwhelmed. We have extended this into all aspects of our lives. The emphasis on organized structures has made managerial strategies entirely focused on efficiency. However, this flat way of thinking reprograms the brain to be inflexible. Kim and his co-author Chen-Bo Zhong conclude that society has become too focused on order, effectively cutting off our natural predilection towards cognitive flexibility. (RELATED: Read more news about the mysteries of the mind at MIND.news.)

The researchers ran a series of three experiments to test their theory. The first two experiments had participants make as many sentences as they could from a group of nouns. In one experiment, the participants were given the nouns in neatly organized categories. In the second, the nouns were not organized in any particular way. In the final experiment, participants were tasked to make an alien out of a box of organized or unorganized bricks. Participants in the organized category were not allowed to dump the bricks onto the table, while those in the unorganized group could do as they pleased with the blocks.

Results show that those who fell under the organized group tended to follow preconceived patterns. They were typically faster than the unorganized group but showed no variation in their wording style or how they built the alien. Authors classified this type of thinking as a hierarchically organized information structure which organizes data based on what is known. This type of structure builds patterns based on familiarity, area of expertise, or discipline. The other form of thinking, flat information structure, sees information without any form of category and therefore has no hindrance to how it can be used.

Put simply: Practice makes perfect  but then we plateau and are no longer able to give new ideas.

The importance of creativity

So why is this important to learn? Science proves that the brain is constantly adapting to situations. Neural connections are strengthened or destroyed based on what it receives every day. So, the brain of a firefighter for example would be much different from the brain of a lab technician. Our brains take in the necessary information and categorizes it to give us the best chance for survival. Learning creativity  or rather, encouraging cognitive flexibility  keeps the brain elastic and pliable. This proves essential during disaster preparedness or experiencing new things.

A Harvard Business Review paper argues that we place too much stock on the term creativity. The ideas that we judge as creative are often based on how novel they are rather than their usefulness. In terms of business, rewards are given to the most innovative without thinking of its implementation. Ted Levitt, who wrote the 2002 article says, A powerful new idea can kick around unused in a company for years, not because its merits are not recognized but because nobody has assumed the responsibility for converting it from words into action. What is often lacking is not creativity in the idea-creating sense but innovation in the action-producing sense, i.e., putting ideas to work.

With the latest study, Kim and Zhong define creativity not as the propensity to generate ideas but how quickly participants were able to shift ideas and thought patterns. This may be a better  and perhaps more accurate  way of defining creativity and its importance in the workplace.

Sources:

ScienceDaily.com

HBR.org

FPSPI.org

CNN.com
(Natural News) Software billionaire Bill Gates, the worlds wealthiest globalist, is funding research into male birth control through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Although the international husband-and-wife charity that targets healthcare, family planning and poverty spends massively on a wide range of female contraception methods to prevent unintended pregnancies, the Microsoft founders organization devotes some resources ($600,000 in 2016) to the male equivalent.

The New York Times reported in November that the Gates Foundation has donated more than $1 billion for family planning efforts and will spend about $180 million more this year as part of its goal of providing birth control access to 120 million additional women pursuant to the Family Planning 2020 campaign, a United Nations-allied, public-private global partnership.

India recently cut ties with the vaccine-pushing Gates Foundation over an alleged conflict of interest with Big Pharma. The issue apparently revolved around dangerous HPV vaccines that reportedly bring with them extreme side effects.

In a 2010 Ted Talk, Bill Gates stated, The world today has 6.8 billion people thats headed up to about 9 billion. Now if we do a really great job on new vaccines, healthcare, reproductive health services, we could lower that by perhaps 10 or 15 percent.

Gates apparently never explained how vaccines in and of themselves would play a role in population reduction, however. (RELATED: Read about more population control at Depopulation.news.)

In their annual open letter to Gates Foundation endower and fellow billionaire Warren Buffett, Bill and Melinda dont mention male contraceptives, but Bill does assert, Like vaccines, contraceptives are one of the greatest lifesaving innovations in history.

The organization is on record as saying that contraception is one of the most effective ways to lift families out of poverty in developing nations while reducing childhood mortality. This link between saving lives, a lower birthrate, and ending poverty was the most important early lesson Melinda and I learned about global health, Bill Gates writes in the 14 February 2017, Buffett letter.

Last month, Bill Gates expressed criticism over President Trumps decision to defund international abortion efforts through Planned Parenthood and other similar groups. The Trump executive order reversing an Obama policy merely prevents taxpayer dollars from being used to pay for abortion procedures and promotion overseas, and has no effect on what private entities such as the Gates Foundation do with their money, however.

According to the MIT Technology Review, the Baylor College of Medicine is one of the Gates-backed facilities that has rebooted efforts to develop a male birth control technique in the form of an easy-to-take pill thats safe, fast-acting, and reversible.

Baylors Martin Matzuk is using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) genetic-engineering biotechnology to delete mouse genes that are active in the testes one by one, the MIT publication explains. These mice are allowed to mate, and if their female partners dont get pregnant after three to six months, it means the gene might be a target for a contraceptive.  His next step, he says, will be a novel screening approach to test whether any of about two billion chemicals can disable these genes in a test tube. Promising chemicals could then be fed to male mice to see if they cause infertility.

Researchers at the University of Georgia, another Gates-funded institution, are testing contraceptive drugs on human stem cells that look and act like the sperm-making factory cells in the testes.

In 2012, Natural News founder Mike Adams nicknamed Bill Gates the Sperminator because of his alleged obsession with destroying human sperm and depopulating the planet.

According to a 2015 article in Natural News, the Gates Foundation likes to cover all its bases. It donated at least $26 million to the Clinton Foundation, Bill and Hillarys alleged money laundering, pay-for-play operation that collected big bucks from foreign governments and multinational corporations while Hillary, the failed 2016 Democratic presidential nominee, was U.S. secretary of state.

Sources:

GatesNotes.com

NYTimes.com

NaturalNews.com
Wednesday, March 29, 2017 by: Ethan Huff Tags: slave labor , Subway , Wages This article may contain statements that reflect the opinion of the author

(Natural News) Officials in the United Kingdom have launched a new program that aims to educate more young people and better facilitate their transition into the workforce through paid apprenticeships. But the program is already being exploited by multinational corporations like Subway, which was recently exposed for offering pittance wages to young people willing to make sandwiches and clean restaurants.

The U.K.s Independent says advertisements on a government website, which have since been removed, offered to pay young people the U.S. equivalent of about $4 per hour to assume positions at Subway restaurants as Apprentice Sandwich Artists. Its a classy-sounding title, but the description basically describes an average Subway employee throwing meat on a hoagie, scrubbing the bread ovens, and calling the whole thing healthy.

A screenshot of the now-removed Subway advertisement for the apprenticeship positions can be viewed online.

Successful candidates, the advertisement went on, would be paid a whopping $150 per week to work nine-hour shifts from 8a.m. to 5p.m., five days per week. Using traditional math, this adds up to 40 hours per week, minus a one-hour lunch break per day. But on the advertisement, Subway attempted to use some kind of crazy common core math, enticing potential applicants with promises of only having to work 35 hours per week.

The entire charade caught the attention of the media because it showed that Subway is hardly interested in training the next generation and offering young people a leg-up into the emerging workforce. Instead, Subway had attempted to take advantage of a program meant for good by turning it into a cheap labor pool, from which it might draw unwitting individuals into the sandwich-making scheme. (RELATED: More groundbreaking news on industry and government corruption is available at Corruption.News.)

National officer Rhys McCarthy from the U.K. labor union Unite wasnt too keen on Subways abuse of the program, having told The Independent that the Subway advertisement stretches the definition of apprenticeship to a breaking point.

The multi-national sandwich maker is looking more like a rip off artist, he added.

Multinational corporations will stop at nothing to exploit humans for profit

The purpose of an apprenticeship is to teach young people the ropes of a new industry so that by the time they graduate from school, they are ready to enter the workforce with usable skills. Being sucked into Subways sandwich assembly line for mere pennies per day hardly qualifies as a honest apprenticeship, and this is precisely the type of thing that U.K. officials and labor unions like Unite want to stamp out.

We certainly dont expect rich multi-nationals like Subway to be exploiting young people in this way, McCarthy emphasized.

Part of the problem is the way the U.K. government set up the apprenticeship program, which outlines merely the number of new apprenticeships that it hopes to see created. There is no distinction made between quality of apprenticeships versus quantity of apprenticeships; or, in other words, which beckons predatory industries like fast food to weasel their way into the program.

The U.K.s National Audit Office isnt happy with the program either, at least in its current form. If nearly $2 billion worth of public money is going to be funneled into this type of program, then it needs to have proper accountability built into it to ensure that young people are actually learning new skills and being given a real education into their respective industries. Apart from these important metrics, there is no way to assess whether or not the program is a success, nor to evaluate the draw such a flawed system will have for multinational corporations to take advantage of for profit.

Sources for this article include:

Independent.co.uk

FoxNews.com
(Natural News) The rusty patched bumblebee was, at one time, an ordinary bee with a substantial population across the US. But the once-common bee has fallen prey to human action, and the number of these little pollinators has declined drastically. Over the last two decades, the rusty patched bumblebee population has declined by a staggering 90 percent, rendering them the first bee species to be declared endangered in the contiguous United States. On March 21, 2017, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service listed the rusty patched bumblebee as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.

There are many factors in the decline of bee populations: Habitat destruction, disease, pesticides and GMO agriculture are all thought to play a role in the decimation of one of our most needed species of insects. Bees are essential to the pollination of many crops grown for food, and it is doubtful that the loss of these little critters will come without consequences.

The decimation of what was previously a widespread and common bee species shows just how damaging human impact can be. And while many pesticide and herbicide manufacturers, like Monsanto, claim that their products are bee safe, it is clear that simply is not the case.

Monsanto and their ilk have indeed played a substantial role in the devastating decline in bumblebees. Research has shown that glyphosate, which is the most widely used herbicide in the states, can be very harmful to bees.

How Monsanto harms bees

Past research has shown that glyphosate is capable of doing serious damage to bees, even at sub-lethal doses that are equivalent to what may typically be found in the environment. In 2014, researchers from Argentina found that Roundup can actually cause bees to starve by interfering with their senses.

In the study, the researchers used field-relevant doses of glyphosate to examine its effects, and what they found was shocking. Glyphosate exposure actually decreased the bees sensitivity to sucrose, which resulted in a decreased ability to find food. Exposed bees also exhibited poor memory and decreased learning capacity. The researchers noted that bees that come into contact with glyphosate were also more likely to experience Colony Collapse Disorder, most likely because the herbicide renders them unable to find their way back to the hive.

The team also found that indirect exposure to the herbicide occurred as well. After being exposed to glyphosate while gathering nectar, the bees then brought traces of the toxic chemical back to their hives, poisoning the rest of the colony as well. The researchers found that exposure to glyphosate from tainted nectar reduced the entire colonys ability to function normally.

In the studys abstract, the researchers wrote, [W]e speculate that successful forager bees could become a source of constant inflow of nectar with GLY [glyphosate] traces that could then be distributed among nestmates, stored in the hive and have long-term negative consequences on colony performance.

Given that glyphosate is one of the most widely used agrochemicals in the world, the fact that it can cause bees to lose their hives and impair their foraging abilities is quite concerning. While glyphosate is not the only chemical that is known to harm bees, it certainly may be the most common.

Glyphosate, of course, is not the only item produced by Monsanto that has had catastrophic effects on the environment. For example, the nitrogen fertilizers used for Monsantos GM crops have seriously depleted soil quality across the country, and has reduced the soils ability to soak up carbon. In essence, these fertilizers are turning farmland into veritable deserts where nothing useful can grow. GM crops are also associated with a loss of biodiversity, and the elimination of flowering weeds that many pollinators use as a source of nectar.

So in addition to their grievously harmful herbicide, Roundup, being sprayed across the US, Monsanto also contributes to bee deaths in other ways, such as reducing pollinator food sources and habitats. Being that glyphosate is the most-used herbicide in the country, it stands to reason that the harmful effects of this herbicide cause more harm, simply because it is used more often than other chemicals. But, the fact remains that many types of pesticides and agrochemicals can harm bees.

Sources:

Independent.co.uk

FWS.gov

Glyphosate.news

OrganicConsumers.org

OneGreenPlanet.org
Italy might be the first European country to enact a revolutionary law supporting women's rights with the paid menstrual leave. Members of the parliament proposed the bill last March 13.

Four lawmakers from the Democratic Party proposed the bill and the whole parliament is currently deciding whether or not to approve it. The decision will be released in the next few months.

The proposed law states that women should be granted three days of paid leave each month during their menstrual period. The proposed law aims to help women who experience painful cramps during that time of the month.

Reports say that the lower house of the parliament is already discussing the "menstrual leave" policy, according to Fortune. Local media and women's rights groups applaud the proposed bill. However, critics emphasized the would-be implications of the new bill to the workforce.

According to them, the bill might "backfire" and might result in companies' desire to hire women workers. This means companies will favor men when hiring due to the additional paid menstrual leave that the female workforce will be entitled to.

Italy is not short of women-friendly policies; thus, it is not surprising to see the paid menstrual leave policy being proposed to become a law. Currently, women in Italy enjoy a five-month maternity leave with 80 percent of their salary. This includes a right to extend parental leave for both parents with 30 percent paid salary.

However, the already imbalanced men-to-women workforce ratio is not looking to improve if the bill is made into a law. An obvious reason is the maternity leave and the hesitation of employers to hire back new mothers.

"Women are already taking days off because of menstrual pains, but the new law would allow them to do so without using sick leaves or other permits," Daniela Piazzalunga, an economist at research institute FBK-IRVAPP, said in an interview. "The demand for female employees among companies might decrease, or women could be further penalized both in terms of salary and career advancement."

The Italian parliament has a socially crucial and equally controversial topic to discuss. With women's rights groups and employers' points of view to consider.
Snakes, especially king cobras (Ophiophagus Hannah), are notorious for being dangerous predators. However, a video currently circulating online proves otherwise.

In the video, a 12-foot king cobra was seen calmly drinking from a bottled water offered by a compassionate villager. While the villager is holding the bottled water on his right hand, his other hand is holding a snake catcher to protect himself just in case the snake decides to go aggressive on him.

King cobras are known to avoid humans as much as possible. The snake might have been too thirsty that it seek help in the village.

The unbelievable scene is definitely something that we do not witness in a lifetime.

The caption reads:

"The 12-foot-long cobra was rescued from a village in Kaiga township - where it has strayed, apparently looking for water. Some parts of southern India have been hit by drought, making water scarce. Wildlife officials say the drought has severely affected wild animals in the region."

According to Yahoo News, after providing the cobra water to drink, the team brought it to a rescue facility.

National Geographic describes king cobra as among the most venomous on the planet. They can reach 18 feet (5.5 meters) in length, making them the longest of all venomous snakes. Most of their species live in India, and they are currently classified as vulnerable.

South India is currently facing water crisis because of the extended drought. As mentioned by Hindustan Times, chief minister O Panneerselvam had already declared all 32 districts drought-affected in his memorandum to the Prime Minister. All of which are receiving deficit rainfall, with the deficit ranging from 35 to 81 percent.

The agriculture sector had been the most affected as they cannot produce crops for living. Narada News said in Tamil Nadu, 144 farmers ended their lives between October and December, 2016 because of drought

As the earth faces the detrimental effects of global warming, we must remember that more than humans, animals are most affected. The video just goes to show that no matter which species do we belong to, we all need each other to survive the challenges of Mother Nature.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland is currently investigating alleged human waste found in Coca-Cola cans manufactured by the Hellenic Bottling Company in Lisburn, North Ireland.

A source from Belfast Telegraph said the company's machines were turned off for 15 hours after the Coca-Cola cans, which apparently came from Germany, clogged them. The Helllenic Bottling Company halted their night-time operations after discovering what looked like human waste in a number of Coca-Cola cans.

Fortunately, no contaminated cans with human waste were released for consumer consumption.

Detectives are investigating an incident at commercial premises in the Lisburn area following reports that a consignment of containers delivered to the premises had been contaminated," the local police told The Guardian.

Read Also: WHO Calls for 20 Percent Tax on Sugary Drinks to Fight Obesity, Diabetes

Meanwhile, Coca-Cola has released a statement, saying that they are taking this matter seriously and are in full coordination with the Police Service of Northern Ireland for the investigation.

The problem was identified immediately through our robust quality procedures and all of the product from the affected production was immediately impounded and will not be sold. This is an isolated incident and does not affect any products currently on sale," Coca-Cola said as quoted by Belfast Telegraph.

Meanwhile, in another part of the world, a Nigerian court has ruled that Coca-Cola products, such as Fanta and Sprite, are poisonous. The ruling said that these Coca-Cola products contain excessive levels of sunset yellow and benzoic acid, which are known to be carcinogenic, and could be deadly when drank with vitamin C.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) was awarded costs of two million naira ($6,350) for failing to meet health standards.

Read Also: Soda Boycott: Coca-Cola Products Are Poisonous, Court Rules
Newborn twins in California are preparing for a long trip to their new home in New Hampshire with their dad after their mom died just hours after giving birth.

"She was awesome, a big smile always," Willow Coigny of Pelham said of her brother's late girlfriend, Jamie Snider.

Coigny is printing pictures to make a photo album for Snider's newborn twins, who will never remember meeting their mother.

"She's definitely changed our lives forever," Coigny said.

Coigny's brother, Heath, was living with Snider in Fresno when she got pregnant. She was diagnosed with cancer at the same time. In order to keep her babies safe, she refused treatment for herself.

"It's just crazy," Coigny said. "She was really selfless."

Camila and Niko were born premature, but healthy. Twenty-four hours after giving birth, Snider went into cardiac arrest and doctors couldn't save her.

"Her body just couldn't take it," Coigny said.

Now, Heath a single dad of twins, is planning to move back home to New England with his sister and her kids.

"He's pretty devastated and overwhelmed," Coigny said. "The thing that makes it alright is I am excited to have little babies in my house, excited to be a part of their life every day."

And every day, Coigny and her brother promise to keep Snider's legacy alive through the lessons she's left behind.

"Life is really short and precious and family is everything," Coigny said.

The twins are still only about 3.5 pounds each, so before they can make the cross-country trip home to Pelham, they'll need weeks, maybe even months, to grow stronger.
How Water Gets From the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the Rest of California

Strong storms and cold temperatures are the right ingredients for a deep snowpack in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, which provides water for about 23 million Californians from the Bay Area to Southern California. So how does all that water actually travel hundreds of miles through the Bay Area and Central Valley to Southern California?
Thirteen people were killed and two others were injured Wednesday when a van carrying 14 church members collided with a pickup truck on a two-lane Texas highway, authorities said.[[417508163,C]]

The group of senior adults from First Baptist Church of New Braunfels was returning from a retreat when the crash occurred, a church statement said.

The vehicles collided at about 2 p.m. on U.S. Highway 83 outside Garner State Park in northern Uvalde County, said Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Conrad Hein.

The area is about 75 miles west of San Antonio.

One passenger in the bus and the lone person in the truck were the two survivors.

The cause of the crash hasn't been determined, Hein said.

Photos and video of the scene showed heavy damage to the front drivers' sides of the small white church van and the pickup truck. The vehicles appeared to have collided on those sides of the vehicles.

The back of the van was up on a guardrail and debris was scattered onto the grass below.

Church officials said in a statement on the First Baptist website that the members were returning from a three-day retreat at the Alto Frio Baptist Encampment in Leakey, about 9 miles north of where the crash happened.

"Our church family is doing what church families do. They're coming together, they're crying together, they're praying together," said senior pastor Dr. Brad H. McLean, senior pastor at First Baptist Church in New Braunfels.

The church officials were "ministering to family members to help them deal with this tragedy," according to the church statement. Counselors also were scheduled to be available at the church on Thursday.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and his wife, Cecilia, offered their condolences in the hours after the crash.

"We are saddened by the loss of life and our hearts go out to all those affected," their statement said. "We thank the first responders working on the scene in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy, and ask that all Texans join us in offering their thoughts and prayers."
After many months plotting, an Italian drug gang was finally ready to dig up the body of the founder of automaker Ferrari and hold it for ransom, NBC News reported.

But police swooped in Tuesday, arresting 34 people before they could raid the ornate tomb of Enzo Ferrari at San Cataldo cemetery in central Italy, the Italian carabinieri announced.

Officers were staking out Ferrari's tomb when the bandits arrived, after learning about the plot from an investigation of a legendary Italian kidnapper, police said.

"The gang had prepared everything in detail," said Col. Saverio Ceglie.
As Seen On
The suspect who police were previously calling a person of interest in the death of a pizza delivery man in Lynn, Massachusetts, was charged with murder on Wednesday.

According to the Essex District Attorney's Office, Brian Brito, 21, of Manchester, New Hampshire, was charged with one count of first degree murder.

On Monday evening, police believe Brito shot and killed 24-year-old Sina Zangiband, from Salem, Mass., who was a delivery driver for Atha's Famous Roast Beef.

It is believed Zangiband was a victim of road rage.

After Brito allegedly killed Zangiband, police say he robbed a convenience store on Chickering Road where he ordered the store clerk at gunpoint to lock the doors and took her to a back room, where she was sexually assaulted.

On Wednesday, family and friends of Zangiband turned out at a makeshift memorial at the spot where he was killed. Zangiband's father, Ali Zangiband, clutched a utility pole with his son's picture and wept.

"This first time he met my son, just in car, killed him. Five times he shot him," he said referring to the alleged killer. "I want him to die. Hes killed my son."

Zangiband's mother, Shahin Rezaeimogahdam, who couldn't even visit the murder scene, says Brito robbed her son of his future.

"My son, he was my handsome son," she said sobbing. "How can I live without him? He was my baby."

Brito will appear in Lynn District Court on Thursday.

He was previously charged with aggravated rape, armed robbery while masked, and kidnapping and will appear in Lawrence District Court on those charges on April 3.

He is currently being held without bail at the Middleton House of Corrections after he was arraigned on a firearms charge in Peabody District Court on Tuesday.
Teachers often have to reach into their own pockets to finance classroom supplies, but one teacher in Kingston, Massachusetts, has reached out online to some Bay State celebrities for financial support.

"Theres not always a ton of money to go around to bring new material into the classroom," said technology teacher Shawn Avery. "A lot of times teachers go out and are buying materials on their own."

Now, thanks to Avery and generous celebrities, students in a third grade class in Kingston Intermediate School have innovative technology at their fingertips.

"Its awesome, I mean we get to use 3D, we get to go in the VR," said student Michael Reiche.

"I think the technology is really cool because Ive never seen something like it," added student Bryn Lally.

Through Donors Choose, teachers like Avery can request help funding school projects or purchasing supplies that would otherwise be unattainable.

For an annual #BestSchoolDay initiative on Wednesday, Donors Choose matches every donation made to teachers. It prompted Avery to reach out on Twitter to actor and Newton, Massachusetts, native John Krasinski for help late Tuesday.

"I just sent a tweet out to him saying is there anything we can do to rally some support," Avery recalled.

Krasinski not only responded, but asked some of his famous friends from Massachusetts for help too.

Those famous friends, including Cambridge native Mindy Kaling, answered the call.

"Just to see the support and see that even though they have so much going on in their own lives, that they can still take the time to try and rally for communities that they grew up in," said Avery.

Over the past five years, Avery says he has gotten about $70,000 in funding through Donors Choose which has allowed him to purchase iPads, Chromebooks, drones and 3D printers for his classroom.
A recent University of Chicago study concluded the majority of men and women who carry out terrorist attacks on U.S. soil are homegrown  a stark contrast from the past.

Dr. Robert Pape, Director of the Chicago Project on Security and Threats (CPOST), and a team of researchers studied cases of 125 people who have been indicted in the United States for ISIS-related offenses or who carried out attacks for ISIS since March 2014.

Of the 125 indictees profiled, the American Face of ISIS report found 83 percent are American citizens and 65 percent were born in the U.S.

Pape said these homegrown terrorists look more like average Americans than commonly misunderstood. Two-thirds attended college, the study found, and many were not loners or outcasts. About a half had been engaged, married or divorced.

Pape said one of the most important findings in the report was that an overwhelming majority  85 percent  were inspired by watching ISIS videos.

This is not radicalization of established Muslim communities within the United States, said Pape. This is radicalization of a much broader swath of American society, and its very important to also see that radicalization is coming from online propaganda.

Pape said the rise of online propaganda was the terrorists response to tightened immigration controls in the U.S. after the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center.

On 9/11, the 19 hijackers were all foreign nationals who essentially slipped through the cracks in our immigration system. We have sequentially tightened those cracks year after year, said Pape. Now the terrorists are not trying to smuggle in one or two people or in groups. What theyre doing is radicalizing people here in the United States. Theyre using social media and online propaganda to leap over our immigration controls.

CPOST researchers pointed to a local case as an example.

The Edmonds cousins from Aurora, who were born in the U.S., were convicted in 2016 of plotting to shoot up the Joliet Armory and to travel overseas to join ISIS fighters. Hasan Edmonds, a former Illinois National Guardsman, admitted he was led astray by hateful rhetoric.

Similar to the Edmonds case, the CPOST study found a third of indictees were recent converts to Islam.

One of the most significant takeaways of this report is that Islam is not the problem. ISIS propaganda is, said Ahmed Rehab from the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

Rehab said this study undercuts the Trump administrations recent travel bans. The White House said an executive order barring citizens of six Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States is a matter of national security.

But Pape said the travel bans fuel ISIS messaging.

A lot of the videos focus on the harm that America is doing to Muslim populations, said Pape. There is nothing amplifying ISIS propaganda more than the current administrations travel ban.

Pape said what policy makers should do is continually act on specific pieces of intelligence.

Officials have just banned electronics larger than a smart phone in the cabin of flights into the U.S. from ten airports. Sources told NBC News those restrictions were put into place after extremely sensitive intelligence suggested ISIS operatives were seeking to plant explosives on planes.

Pape said the CPOST study should serve as a fact-based, non-partisan report to help policymakers tackle the true threat.

Itll help us develop better counter messaging and counter diversion strategies to deal with ISIS propaganda, said Pape.
Just one day after what police said was a "rare" collision between a car and a wild turkey in northwest Indiana, Indiana State Police reported another collision, this time involving a state trooper.

The department reported Trooper Tia Deaton had a close call when a turkey flew into her windshield Wednesday night.

"'Thankfully' she was OK," Sgt. Stephen Wheeles tweeted Thursday morning.

Close call for Trp. Tia Deaton as a turkey flew into her windshield last night. 'Thankfully' she was ok. pic.twitter.com/l62OEzTPnX  Sgt. Stephen Wheeles (@ISPVersailles) March 30, 2017

Police were already warning drivers in northwest Indiana after a wild turkey collided with a vehicle in LaPorte County Tuesday morning.

The LaPorte County Sheriffs office said the incident happened on US 20 near Wilhelm Road, where they found a large wild turkey lodged in the windshield of a 2016 GMC Yukon.

The vehicle was being driven by a family who was visiting the University of Notre Dame following their teenage sons acceptance.

They had just finished visiting Notre Dame and were in the process of driving back to OHare International Airport in their rental vehicle, police said in a release.

The family suffered minor cuts from the glass and refused medical treatment at the scene.

While vehicle versus deer crashes are common place, it is very rare to see a vehicle strike a turkey, police said in a statement.

Authorities noted, however, that mating season has begun and, during this time, more turkeys are spotted close to roadways.
Raven Osborne has an amazing story to tell.



The 18-year-old high school senior at 21st Century Charter School in Gary will earn a bachelor's degree in sociology with a minor in early childhood education from Purdue University Northwest on May 5, the same month she will earn a high school diploma from the charter school.



Osborne said it was tough going to high school and taking college classes. There were times when she wanted to quit, but her mother, Hazel Osborne, constantly encouraged her and told her she could do it.



Osborne, who attended Bethune and Brunswick schools in the Gary Community School Corp., has been at 21st Century Charter School for six years.



As a high school freshman, she began taking dual credit classes at Ivy Tech Community College Northwest in Gary and earned an associate degree in general studies.



"I wanted to try for the bachelor's, but I wasn't sure if I could do it," she said.

"My mother told me to talk to Mr. (Kevin) Teasley. I was nervous about it. The worst he could tell me was no."



Teasley is president/CEO of the Indianapolis-based GEO Foundation, which operates 21st Century Charter School in Gary, and he serves as school superintendent.



Teasley said Osborne told him she had a problem and would be earning her associate degree by the end of the summer before her junior year. She said she wanted to stay in school and graduate with her peers.



"I checked with the state," he said.



"The state said it's fine for her to keep taking college classes. There is no upper limit on college courses. So she enrolled at Purdue, and we have been paying her tuition each semester. Students take classes in the summer to free up their schedule during the school year for college classes. Raven takes a few classes at 21C, and she is currently interning in our elementary school."



In August 2015, Osborne enrolled at Purdue University Northwest's Hammond campus. She needed to earn another 60 credits; over the next two years, she did just that.



Each semester, she has taken five classes, or 15 hours, at Purdue, while simultaneously taking classes at the charter school, though she's only needed to take two or three classes at the high school.



Purdue associate professor of sociology Ralph Cherry, who had Osborne last spring in research methods, did not know Osborne was a high school student. He said she performed better than almost all the high school students he's ever had in class.



"That's very impressive. Research methods is the most demanding class that I teach," he said.

Purdue spokesman Wes Lukoshus said the university is proud of Osborne's achievements.



"She not only is academically gifted, but (also) has demonstrated amazing intellectual maturity in her pursuit of a baccalaureate degree at Purdue Northwest. She is joining a small number of students who have come to our university at a relatively young age to complete a baccalaureate degree program," he said.



Osborne isn't the only senior who has excelled at the charter school.



There also are Gregory Clark, Shantaniese Davis, Raven Skinner, D'Nesha Young and Chene Hightower, who have all earned associate degrees in general studies from Ivy Tech Community College Northwest.



They will graduate May 13, and all have been accepted to universities.



Seniors Ashley Burton and Mya Stipe earned a Professional Technical Certificate, a one-year degree, in general studies.



As for Osborne, she never told anyone at Purdue that she also was a high school student, she said. She doesn't drive, and her mother took her back and forth to university. This school year, the charter school transported her.



"It was very hard," she said.



"At one point, I also tried to work a job. I was working a midnight shift at a day care center. I just had to watch the children while they were sleeping, then feed them breakfast when they woke up. It was a daycare for parents who worked a night shift. It just got to be too stressful, and I had to resign in December."

21st Century's Teasley said, "The key thing about Raven and the others is that they were able to achieve more than traditional schools expect of them."



"We believe all students can achieve more and they will, if we support them. Imagine the impact on Indiana if all schools believed and operated the way we do. Our belief in our kids helps them stay in school and complete high school. The college experience they receive while attending our high school gives them the confidence to ... complete college, too. It's pretty cool accomplishments."



Osborne is doing an internship now at 21st Century Charter School's elementary building with the intervention team.



"I really like it," she said.

She has been hired by the school and will be called an early interventionist, working in the elementary building this fall. She will earn $32,000 per year. Osborne will be 19 Aug. 22.



The charter school's guidance counselor, Krishelle Murphy, said the general studies pathway was the only one Ivy Tech would allow high school students to take, but it still gives them a "jump start" to a bachelor's degree. All the college credits are transferable to Indiana colleges and universities.



All 21st Century's dual-degree students also are 21st Century Scholars. The 21st Century Scholarship program, now called the Evan Bayh 21st Century Scholarship program, was launched in 1990 and provides a student up to four years of undergraduate tuition at any participating public college or university in Indiana.

The students got together this week in an upstairs school lounge to talk about their journey and future goals.



Burton has been accepted to Indiana State University in Terre Haute, and has several scholarships. She plans to become a forensic scientist.



"I want to come back home and work. I hate to say it but we have a high crime rate and I want to help out with that," she said.



"Last year was really rigorous for all of us," Burton said. "We were on the (Ivy Tech) campus a lot. We were all working to get our credits completed. Some of us also had online classes. It's teaching us that college is no joke but we've come this far. It's taught us we can make it in college."

Hightower will attend Ball State University majoring in music performance and child development/psychology. He also was accepted to several other schools including Valparaiso University.



Young will attend Indiana University-Purdue University in Fort Wayne and major in psychology. Young also operates a house cleaning business with her sister. In addition, she works with other family members who assist people released from jail in finding a job.



"Being in college forced us to be really independent," Young said, adding she'd like to return to the area and start another business in her hometown.



Skinner has been accepted to Indiana University at Bloomington, and will major in social work and minor in psychology, with the goal of becoming a social worker. She's also doing an internship at 21st Century Charter School's elementary school in the social work department.



Principal Anthony Cherry said the students are all "super personalities."



Cherry said the school, which grew by 270 students this fall, now has 895 students; the high school has 420 students. All 43 seniors will graduate in May. The school has been rated a C by the Indiana Department of Education. It is authorized through the Office of Charter Schools at Ball State University.
Bernie Sanders

Sen. Bernie Sanders lashed out at President Donald Trump on Thursday afternoon, calling the executive order Trump signed on Tuesday to repeal the Obama-era Clean Power Plan "nonsensical."

"That is such a nonsensical, and stupid, and dangerous, approach," the Vermont senator told CNN's Wolf Blitzer. "It's almost indescribable."

The Clean Power Plan, negotiated by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Obama Administration, was designed to put strict limits on carbon emissions from power plants.

Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday  surrounded by coal miners and fossil fuel executives  to direct Scott Pruitt, the new EPA administrator, to begin the process of scrapping the regulations. The fossil fuel industry has long maintained that the regulations have caused job losses and profit contractions throughout the energy industry.

Sanders rejected that notion, and didn't hold any punches.

"While Trump and his friends may think climate change is a hoax, scientists are telling us it is real, it is caused by human activity, and it is already causing devastating problems," Sanders said.

Sanders added that "far more" jobs are being created in sustainable energy than in the fossil fuel industry. Reports have shown that clean energy is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the US economy, and a Sierra Club analysis of official jobs data showed that clean energy jobs outnumber fossil fuel jobs nationally 2.5 to 1.

Trump scott pruitt EPA

"You have the absurdity of Exxon, the largest oil company in America, telling the president he should not withdraw from the Paris agreement," Sanders said.

Exxon sent a letter to the White House on March 22, urging Trump to keep the agreement, which seeks to limit global carbon emissions. Exxon said the US was "well-positioned to compete" under the terms of the agreement, reports CNN.

Story continues

"This is very dangerous, because if the United States does not lead the world in transforming our energy system, I worry very very much about the nation and the world that our kids and our grandchildren will be living in," he added.

Sanders said he will try to do "everything he can do" to reverse Trump's executive order.

"I think you are seeing states all over this country, cities all over this country, understand how dangerous and absurd his ideas and his actions are, and they're going to go forward trying to combat climate change," Sanders said.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor of New York City and chair of the Global Covenant of Mayors, said in November that he would urge the mayors of the the US's largest cities to join the Paris agreement if Trump decides to pull the federal government out. As well, the Mayors National Climate Action Agenda wrote a letter to Trump after he signed the executive order saying they would not assist with enforcing the rollback.

In a hypothetical 2020 election match-up, Sanders would beat Trump 52 - 41%, according to recent polls.

Watch the exchange here:

Bernie Sanders: Trumps order that dismantled climate change regulations is nonsensical, stupid, and dangerous https://t.co/qY3WOdC7ZW  CNN (@CNN) March 30, 2017

NOW WATCH: A reporter asked Spicer if hes confident that no one in the White House is a foreign agent





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A registered sex offender from Kentucky has been deemed a sexually violent person by a jury.

Craig Childress, 50, was ruled sexually violent and will remain in the custody of the Illinois Department of Human Services for treatment, according to a statement from Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigans office.

This offender has a long history of committing violent attacks on women, and he should not be released back into the community, Madigan said.

In 1987, Childress was serving in the U.S. Navy when he was convicted by a Quebec civilian court for raping a woman he met in a bar, according to the attorney generals office. This resulted in Childress receiving a bad conduct discharge in lieu of court martial.

Childress then attacked and threatened to rape a woman in Kentucky within three months of his discharge, the attorney generals office said. Hours later, he sexually assaulted another woman after coercing her into his apartment.

In 1989, he was convicted on charges of rape, attempted sodomy, burglary and unlawful imprisonment stemming from those attacks, the attorney generals office said. He was sentenced to 10 years in the Kentucky Department of Corrections.

Childress was released from prison in 1994 and charged less than two years later with attacking a woman in Chicago while visiting a friend, the attorney generals office said. He was convicted of attempted aggravated criminal sexual assault and sentenced to 29 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Under the Sexually Violent Persons Act, people who have been convicted of sexually violent offenses and also suffer from a mental disorder can be committed to IDHS custody, the attorney generals office said. Prosecutors must prove that such offenders are likely to commit future acts of sexual violence if released from custody.

Childress was returned after the jurys decision to the IDHS SVP Treatment and Detention Facility in downstate Rushville.
The most forgetful American Uber users are found on either coast, the company said Wednesday, and they leave behind some weird things.

Los Angeles and New York City are the two most forgetful cities in North America, according to the ride-sharing company's "Lost and Found Index," a catalog of commonly forgotten items found in its cars and SUVS announced as Uber rolls out a new tool for recovering lost belongings.

Phones, rings and keys are what people most commonly leave behind, but Uber also gave a look in a news release at some of the most surprising items left in its vehicles.

One rider got out of an Uber without their sweet potato care package. Others left behind valuable Nordic walking poles, an elf cut-out and a violin, the company's release said, without getting into detail.

According to a new study released by AAA, most people still feel afraid to ride in a self-driving vehicle.

The index also shows that items are most commonly reported lost on Sunday, Saturday and Friday, in that order, and the day before Halloween, October 30, ranks as the "most forgetful day in 2016."

Uber even went as far as looking into the frequency that some lost items were reported missing, and when theyre most likely to be reported.

For example, Sundays see the highest spike in lost wedding dresses, while Saturdays hold the crown for the biggest spike in lost plane tickets. On Tuesdays, Uber's data shows a lost swimsuits making the biggest wave.

Uber rolled out the data as it announced a new feature on its app that allows users to retrieve their lost items. Users can click "help" on the app's menu and select "report an issue with this trip." From there, they can contact their driver directly to arrange a time and place to pick up whatever's been left behind.
What to Know A small twin-engine Piper PA 34 plane crashed in East Hartford on Oct. 11, 2016 around 3:30 p.m.

Arian Prevella, the flight instructor struggled with flying student, Feras Freitekh over the controls

The documents state that Freitekh was laughing and joking, making Prevella uncomfortable, the instructor told police.

An attorney representing the surviving pilot in that deadly plane crash in East Hartford believes police violated department policy when they released a report on Tuesday.

NBC Connecticut has repeatedly reached out to American Flight Academy owner and flight instructor, Arian Prevalla and his attorney, New Haven-based Kevin Deghani.

On Tuesday, a report revealed that Prevalla and student, Feras Freitekh, struggled over the controls before the crash in East Hartford last fall.

Prevalla suffered serious burns after the plane came crashing down near Pratt and Whitney on October 11, 2016. Early on federal investigators called the crash intentional.

Freitekh did not survive, and according to East Hartford police reports, Prevalla told police police Freitekh was doing everything "wrong" the day of the crash, laughing and joking, which made Prevalla feel uncomfortable.

Prevalla said he had to scream at his student and even hit his left hand, to give him the controls, as Freitekh fought with him.

A doctor at the hospital told East Hartford police that according to Prevalla, the Freitekh was, "making mistakes and may have done this on purpose."

An e-mail from attorney Kevin Deghani said police releasing this report seems to be a violation of department policy.

Deghani further said they have no comment on the investigation but going on to point out that, "some of the contents of the documents you forwarded me contain false and defamatory statements against Mr. Prevalla, which we are very disturbed about, Deghani stated.

NBC Connecticut has asked East Hartford police to respond to Deghani's allegations.

The FBI calls this an open-classified investigation. The NTSB had no conclusion on their report, and placed it in the hands of the FBI. NBC Connecticut reached out on Wednesday.

On Feb. 22, 2017 another student pilot was killed in a plane crash at the American Flight Academy in East Haven.
One Connecticut State Police officer accused of being involved in the kidnapping and assault of a man who says two troopers beat him for hours in a Wethersfield home has pleaded not guilty.

Xaxier Cruz, 30, pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to six counts, including with kidnapping in the first degree with a firearm, deprivation of rights by force of threat, assault second degree with a firearm and conspiracy.

Cruz, of Wethersfield, and trooper Rupert Laird, 30, of Manchester, were both charged and suspended from the Connecticut State Police Department after they were accused of brutally beating the victim because the man touched a woman the state troopers know. The troopers allegedly went as far as making the man kneel on a metal grater.

The alleged assault happened at Cruzs Wethersfield home when both state troopers were off-duty.

Police began investigating on Monday, Feb. 20 after a nurse from Saint Francis Hospital reported that a man arrived there to be treated and said hed been beaten on Saturday.

After speaking with the nurse, police officers met with the victim, who was in pain and covered in dark purple bruises on his chest, back, thighs, stomach and buttocks, according to court documents.

When police spoke with the victim, he provided a detailed description of the alleged attack and said Laird punched him at least 20 times, kicked him as many times and struck him with a police baton at least 15 times.

The night started at Club Karma, on Airport Road, the victim said. Hed been there with Cruz and other people, drinking and smoking hookahs. After the club closed, the group went to Cruzs house, where they had more drinks, according to the arrest warrant application.

At one point, the victim flirted with a woman and grabbed her buttocks. When he asked if she minded, she said, no, according to the victim.

The woman had a different version of events. When police spoke with her, she said the man was more aggressive. She relayed to officers that she felt the man crossed the line and said she told him he was bothering her, court documents state.

The man who accused Laird of the assault said he left Cruzs early Saturday morning but returned around 8 a.m. because his girlfriend locked him out of the house.

When he got back to Cruzs, Laird showed up and blocked him in the driveway, the victim told police.

Inside the house, Laird allegedly pulled a gun, pointed it at the victim and said, You know I can kill you, right? according to the victim.

You know what, Im not even going to do this because Im a cop, but Ive got connections, Laird said, according to the victim. If I was going to kill you no one would find your body, he added.

After putting the gun on a shelf, Laird grabbed a police baton and told the victim he would pay for touching the woman, according to police documents.

Then Laird said, Were gonna settle this the old school way and ordered the victim to take off his glasses and to strip down to his underwear, according to the victim, who said he did what he was told out of fear.

The victim went on to tell police that Laird bashed him into sheetrock, forced him to his knees and kicked him in the chest, hit his thighs and buttocks with the police baton and made him kneel on a metal grater.

During the alleged beating, Laird got winded and took breaks to drink beer. At one point he whispered, You dont think this is the first time Ive done this? the victim told police.

After the beating, Laird handed napkins to the victim and ordered him to clean up the blood that was splattered all over the floor, on the wall and on the refrigerator, according to the victim.

When he was done clearing, Laird told Cruz to take video.

Then Laird hit the victim again twice with the baton, forcing him to fall down, and took photos of the victims license, the man told police.

Before leaving, Laird warned the man not to tell people what happened and instead say the bruises were from being drunk and falling down, court paperwork says.

When police spoke with Cruz, he wasnt willing to speak about what happened in his house, according to the court paperwork. While in the basement, investigators noticed what appeared to be drops of blood, including on the carpet and on the refrigerator.

Cruz and Laird turned themselves in to police in February, according to Wethersfield police.

Cruz was released last night after posting $750,000 bond.

Both state troopers have been arrested on six counts and charged with kidnapping in the first degree with a firearm, deprivation of rights by force of threat, assault in the second degree with a firearm, conspiracy and coercion.

Laird and Cruz have been placed under house arrest and were ordered to surrender their firearms, permits to carry and passports.
Volkswagen is paying more than $157 million to 10 states to settle environmental lawsuits over the company's diesel emissions-cheating scandal and the state of Connecticut will receive more than $14.8 million.

The company said the money will go to Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.

All 10 states follow California's clean air standards.

"Volkswagen lied to consumers and to regulators by stating that its vehicles were not only fuel efficient but also clean, when in reality they were neither," Attorney General George Jepsen said in a statement. "This settlement resolves claims that Volkswagen violated Connecticut's environmental protection laws that govern air pollution and conduct related to emission controls when it sold vehicles that it knew were equipped with devices designed to circumvent emission tests."

The settlement, which Jepsen said needs court approval, covers three-liter six-cylinder diesel engines and is separate from a $603 million agreement reached last year with 44 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico that covered 2-liter engines.

Volkswagen has admitted to programming its diesel engines to activate pollution controls during government treadmill tests and turning them off for roadway driving.

VW has paid out more than $20 billion to buy back or repair cars and pay criminal and civil fines and legal settlements related to the scandal.

Jepsen said Connecticut will receive $14,846,465 and nearly all of Connecticut's share of the settlement funds will go to the state's General Fund. A yet-to-be determined portion might be set aside for an environmentally beneficial purpose consistent with the settlement.

You can see the settlement agreement here.
The Trump administration told Congress on Wednesday it plans to approve a multibillion-dollar sale of F-16 fighter jets to Bahrain without the human rights conditions imposed by the Obama administration.

If finalized, the approval would allow the Gulf island to purchase 19 of the jets from Maryland-based Lockheed Martin Corp., plus improvements to other jets in Bahrain's fleet. Though Congress has opportunities to block the sale, it is unlikely it will act to do so, given the Republican majority's strong support for the sale.

The decision is the latest signal that the Trump administration is prioritizing support for Sunni-led countries seen as critical to opposing Iran's influence in the region over human rights issues that President Barack Obama had elevated. Under Obama, the U.S. withdrew approval before the deal was finalized because it said Bahrain hadn't taken steps it had promised to improve human rights.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker's office said the committee was told Wednesday by the State Department that it plans to proceed with the sale. The State Department declined to comment.

The notice triggers a 40-day "consultation" period in which committee staff can review a draft of the Bahrain approval, ask questions about the sale and raise any concerns. Then the State Department will send a formal notification to Congress, setting off a final, 30-day review period, during which Congress could pass a joint resolution or take other steps to stop the sale.

Lockheed had lobbied strenuously for the sale's approval, even as rights groups and pro-democracy activists urged the administration not to jettison human rights conditions. Brian Dooley of the Washington-based group Human Rights First said decoupling the sale from such conditions would "encourage further repression" and fuel instability during a tense period for Bahrain.

"The sale will send exactly the wrong signal to the dictatorship: that the White House thinks the political crackdown is not just morally acceptable but also not dangerous, when in fact it's what's fueling the country's instability," Dooley said.

But Corker, R-Tenn., praised the move and said the caveats would have been "unprecedented and counterproductive" for security and human rights.

"There are more effective ways to seek changes in partner policies than publicly conditioning weapons transfers in this manner," Corker said in a statement.

Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet and an under-construction British naval base, is a predominantly Shiite island off the coast of Saudi Arabia ruled by a Sunni monarchy. Government forces, with help from U.S. allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, crushed the 2011 uprising by Shiites and others who sought more political power.

Among the steps the Obama administration had sought from Bahrain was the release of Nabeel Rajab, a famed human rights activist who helped lead the 2011 protests. Rajab, whose trial has been repeatedly delayed, awaits sentencing on a charge of spreading "false news" via Twitter over his posts about the ongoing Saudi-led war in Yemen, as well as allegations of torture by authorities at a local prison.

The State Department said as recently as this week that it was calling for Rajab's release. The U.S. has said Bahrain lacks evidence against him.

Since the beginning of a government crackdown nearly a year ago, activists have been imprisoned or forced into exile. Bahrain's main Shiite opposition group has been dismantled. Lawmakers recently approved military tribunals for civilians while its feared domestic spy agency regained some arrest powers. Independent news gathering on the island also has grown more difficult.

Meanwhile, a series of attacks, including a January prison break, have targeted the island. Shiite militant groups have claimed some of the assaults. Bahrain has accused Iran's Revolutionary Guard of training and arming some militants, something the Shiite regional power has dismissed as a "futile and baseless lie."

Bahrain's government and Lockheed could not be immediately reached for comment.
Two brothers, ages 11 and 12-years-old, were electrocuted by downed power lines in Fort Worth Wednesday after strong winds tore through the area, fire officials said.

Family members have identified the boys as Alex and Isaiah Lopez.

The Fort Worth Fire Department was called to the 1500 block of Oakland Place at the Oakland Lake Park just after 6 p.m.

Firefighters said the children were in a heavily wooded area of the park when they encountered the live power lines on the ground. A third child who was with them was able to go call for help.

Stay informed during the severe weather season with our local news and weather app. Download NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth for Apple or Android and pick your alerts.

A grass fire was also ignited by the lines, and fire crews were able to extinguish the flames before they spread.

Oncor crews were not at the scene at the time the fire department first arrived, but the fire department issued an emergency request. The power company arrived soon after to help make the scene safe for fire crews to access.

Strong winds are likely the cause of the downed power lines. Thunderstorms that moved through North Texas early Wednesday caused widespread power outages in several communities, most notably across Tarrant County.

As of 8:30 p.m. there were still more than 26,000 Oncor customers affected by outages in Tarrant County.

"We can't talk about enough the need for safety around downed power lines. We're just starting the storm season and this is something we'll continue to deal with," said Fort Worth fire spokesman Lt. Kyle Falkner.

In a statement released Wednesday evening, Oncor said:

"A tragic accident has occurred. Oncor is currently working with authorities to determine the cause. The safety of our customers and employees is the foundation for everything we do. Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers go out to the family. We urge all our customers to treat every power line as if its energized."
A family member of two of Scott Dekraai's victims appealed to state prosecutors Thursday to drop a death penalty quest against the worst mass killer in Orange County's history.

Bethany Webb made her appeal to officials from the Attorney General's Office following a hearing in Dekraai's case. Her sister, Laura Webb Elody, was among those killed in the 2011 deadly ambush at a Seal Beach beauty salon, which their mother, Hattie Stretz, survived.

Webb also told Orange County Superior Court Judge Thomas Goethals during the hearing that she appealed to state prosecutors prior to Wednesday's announcement that they will continue to pursue capital punishment for Dekraai.

She said she had asked that they take the death penalty off the table and let the defendant be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

"They are not doing this for my family," Webb said of the decision to keep pursuing death for Dekraai. "They're doing this to my family."

Webb said Dekraai killed eight people and attempted to kill her now 78-year-old mother because he wanted a spotlight, and will continue to get attention as state prosecutors grind out the legal proceedings.

Dekraai has pleaded guilty in May 2014, so the only issue to resolve is his punishment. A penalty trial is pending, in which a jury will determine whether he gets locked up for the rest of his life or is sent to death row.

"We won't get release from his death. This is a waste. It's unbelievable," Webb said.

She added, "We're no closer today than we were six years ago" to resolving the case against Dekraai, which is "fatally flawed and everybody knows it."

Because Dekraai has pleaded guilty, there would be no more appeals if he is sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, Webb noted to reporters after the hearing. It would also end legal proceedings regarding allegations of abuses of a jailhouse informant program that Dekraai's attorney, Scott Sanders, has pursued for the past several years.

Sanders told Goethals Thursday that he would continue to push for a dismissal of the death penalty in the case as a sanction stemming from the jailhouse informant issues. Informant Fernando Perez gave investigators information about Dekraai's comments that led prosecutors to have the defendant's cell wired.

Orange County District Attorney prosecutors wanted to use insensitive comments Dekraai made about the murders in the penalty phase of his trial, which triggered Sanders' pursuit of information about Perez, which, in turn, led to the informant scandal.

Goethals booted the District Attorney's Office from the case, leaving the Attorney General's Office in charge of prosecuting Dekraai's penalty phase.

Sanders asked Goethals for a narrowly tailored court order to bar sheriff's officials from the destruction of any records involving the jailhouse informant program, but Goethals said he has already issued a more broad order and warned that if anyone violates it, "people are going to jail, folks."

After the hearing, Webb said the death penalty in California is "beyond repair'' and questioned keeping the case against Dekraii going when no one on death row ever gets an execution date.

"The Attorney General's Office had an opportunity to be the big person in the room and acknowledge that this case is fatally flawed and can't be fixed," Webb said. "But the Attorney General's Office told us that if any case deserves it, it's this case. Well, that may have been true in October of 2011, but not any more."

Webb also opposes the death penalty in the case because she does not believe her sister would have approved of it.

"It's a slap on her to excuse murder of anyone," Webb said.

She directly implored California Attorney General Xavier Becerra to stop pursuing capital punishment for Dekraai.

"You know this is never going to happen," she told reporters. "You know it's fatally flawed. Please stop doing this to our families."

Some of the victims' family members still support the death penalty because they believe he may someday be executed, Webb said. Some just oppose the death penalty on principle, and some just don't see the point in pursuing it when it appears to be a practical impossibility at this point, she said.

Goethals said that when all of the attorneys return to court next month, they will discuss the scheduling of evidentiary hearings related to the usage of informants. Sanders' motion to dismiss the death penalty will be part of those discussions and will be decided in part based on evidence from the hearings.

Dekraai had an argument with his ex-wife, Michelle Marie Fournier, over the phone before he went on his deadly rampage against her and the other victims at the Salon Meritage on Oct. 12, 2011.

Dekraai drove to the salon at 500 Pacific Coast Highway about 1:20 p.m., walked up to his 48-year-old ex-wife -- with whom he was embroiled in a child support dispute -- and shot her multiple times.

After he gunned down Fournier, he turned his gun on 47-year-old Christy Wilson because she had testified against him in a child support hearing.

The shop's owner, 62-year-old Randy Lee Fannin, ran up to try to stop him with a pair of scissors, so Dekraai opened fire and killed him, as well, then started shooting random people inside the salon.

Elody, 46, Victoria Ann Buzzo, 54, Lucia Berniece Kondas, 65, and Michele Dashbach Fast, 47, died at the scene.

Dekraai gunned down his last victim, 64-year-old David Caouette, as the victim sat in his Range Rover, which was parked next to the gunman's vehicle outside the salon. Dekraai told investigators he thought Caouette was an off-duty or undercover police officer.
A waiter at an IHOP in Springfield, Illinois, is earning praise from thousands of strangers after a photo of him serving up an act of kindness earned national attention.

Keisha Dotson, 26, was eating at the restaurant on Saturday when she spotted her server sitting with a woman in a wheelchair, helping her eat.

The lady was a couple of seats away from us. Im not sure what her disability was, but she was coughing really loud, Dotson told NBC News, adding, The entire restaurant was dead quiet. The waiter cracked a joke about it, and it made her smile.

My mom noticed it. We watched. As he was feeding, I decided to snap the picture, Dotson said. She posted the photo on IHOPs Facebook page, where it was shared more than 4,000 times by Tuesday night. [[417378353, C]]

My faith in humanity has been restored a little today, she wrote in the post about what she called a very touching moment.

Dotson, an adult programs coordinator at a library in nearby Rochester, said she is a regular customer at the Springfield IHOP but this was the first time she had encountered the server, whose name is Joe Thomas.

Thomas told NBC affiliate WAND that he was raised to practice compassion, and was simply doing what he could for a regular customer.

My mother and father always told me to treat everybody as equals, no matter what race, creed, color, whatever, Thomas said. Treat everybody equal.

"I just love helping people," he added. "Every Saturday they'll come in and they don't even need menus or anything. I know exactly what they want." [[415397193, C]]

His co-workers praised his work ethic, with one saying Joe has been doing it for a long time with these customers, and they are really great.

Ever since I started working here every weekend that couple comes in and he feeds her every single weekend, said another.

Dotson, along with hundreds of people commenting on her photo, was in awe of the gesture.

Im completely blown away. I shared it because I worked in retail and in the service industry, no one takes the time to give positive feedback, she explained.

I wanted the company to know they have an amazing employee that is doing service to their patrons, Dotson added.
Three South Florida college students are facing prostitution charges after they were arrested in an undercover sting at a Coral Gables hotel, authorities said.

Samara Pamela Charlotin, 19, Acacia Jerico Friedman, 23, and Maury Noun, 21, were arrested Wednesday on numerous prostitution charges, according to Coral Gables police arrest reports.

NBC 6 was the only news station there as Charlotin covered her face as she bonded out of jail Thursday. The 19-year-old didn't say anything to our cameras as she got into a car and drove away.

An undercover Coral Gables police detective negotiated with Noun to have sex with Friedman and Charlotin in exchange for $5,000 for each, an arrest report said. Noun wanted more money for unprotected sex, according to an arrest report. Friedman and Charlotin met the detective at the Colonnade Hotel on Aragon Avenue in Coral Gables, where they were arrested, the reports said.

The reports said Friedman, who is from San Diego, is a student at the University of Miami. Noun's Facebook page also says he is a UM student, while Charlotin's Facebook page says she attends Florida International University.

Records showed Noun was charged with deriving support from prostitution, aiding or abetting prostitution and directing another to prostitution, and was released on bond. Friedman was charged with engaging in prostitution and also released from jail, records showed.

Charlotin was charged with engaging in prostitution, cannabis possession and possession of Oxycodone. She was released from jail Thursday night on $9,000 bail after appearing in court, where she was appointed a public defender.

During the court appearance, Charlotin told Judge Mindy Glazer she's majoring in biology and minoring in criminal justice at FIU.

"You're a smart girl, if you want to live to see age 20, you need to find a new line of employment," Judge Glazer said. "A very risky thing you were doing, for somebody with a lot of potential such as yourself."
Two Connecticut men have been arrested in connection with a Danbury-based human trafficking ring that police say exploited young men with mental health issues, delivering them to wealthy clients to have sex for money.

Danbury Police and the New Haven office of the FBI announced Thursday they arrested 63-year-old Bruce Bemer of Glastonbury and 71-year-old William Trefzger of Westport, charging them each with patronizing a trafficked person.

Bemer owns the New London-Waterford Speedbowl and Bemer Petroleum Corporation in Glastonbury. The Hartford Courant reports he admitted to investigators in court document that he's been paying "boys" for sex for 20-to-25 years. A call to his home went unanswered.

No phone number was listed for Trefzger.

Hearst Connecticut Media reports at least 15 men in their early 20s were involved.
What to Know Bridget Kelly and Bill Baroni were convicted on counts including wire fraud, conspiracy and misusing the bridge for improper purposes

Both Kelly and Baroni had filed briefs arguing they should receive some combination of probation, home confinement and community service

They were sentenced Wednesday to 18 months and 24 months in prison, respectively

A spokesman for Gov. Chris Christie has issued a searing rebuke of a judge's comment at the sentencing of former aide Bridget Kelly that suggested the 44-year-old mother of four got caught up in a misguided work environment.

"We must conclude that the judge's ill-advised remark is based on the perjurious testimony of three convicted felons," spokesman Brian Murray said early Thursday. "The work of the people who have been employed by the governor's office has been honest, honorable, bi-partisan and effective. The actions of the felons was the sad and unacceptable exception to the way the office has conducted itself for seven years."

Kelly, Christie's former deputy chief of staff, was sentenced to 18 months in prison Wednesday for her role in the politically motivated 2013 lane closures at the George Washington Bridge. Bill Baroni, another former Christie ally convicted in the scandal, received a 24-month sentence in a separate hearing. Former Port Authority executive David Wildstein, the governor's star witness, admitted to conceiving the retaliation plot and previously pleaded guilty.

Trial testimony described angry tirades by Christie and detailed his subordinates using the Port Authority as a source of political favors for politicians whose endorsements they sought.



At Kelly's sentencing, U.S. District Judge Susan Wigenton said she didn't believe her to be a victim, as Kelly claimed in court, but did in part blame the political culture in Trenton.

"It's very clear the culture in Trenton was 'you're either with us or you're not,'" Wigenton said, telling Kelly that she "got caught up in a culture and an environment that lost its way."

Kelly and Baroni were both convicted in November of all counts against them. They are appealing their convictions.

Christie was never charged in the case and consistently said he had no knowledge prior to or during the lane closures, but the scandal sank the Republican's White House bid. Christie has since turned his attention in his final year in office to addressing the state's opioid epidemic, and on Wednesday he was at the White House, where he was selected to lead a drug addiction task force. While his press office hyped up the White House event, it did not comment on Wednesday's sentencing.

Christie, who is term-limited, has seen his approval ratings hover around 20 percent recently. His future after politics is unclear, although he has said he plans to make money in private life after nearly two decades in the public spotlight. He was U.S. attorney for New Jersey before running for governor in 2009.




Your weekend subway ride just got a bit complicated: due to construction, the MTA is implementing changes for 10 subway lines starting from Friday night and ending Monday morning. But don't worry, we've got you covered.

The 3, 4, 5, D, E, F, J, M, N and R lines will observe the following changes from Friday, March 31 to Monday, April 3:

3 Line:

From 11:45 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday, 3 service operates to/from New Lots Avenue all weekend, replacing 4 line service in Brooklyn.

Trains skip Sutter Avenue-Rutland Road and Junius Street in both directions.

For service to/from Sutter Avenue-Rutland Road, free shuttle buses operate between the Sutter Avenue-Rutland Road station and the Crown Heights-Utica Avenue station at all times.

For service to/from Junius Street, free shuttle buses operate between the Junius Street station and the Rockaway Avenue station at all times.

4 Line:

From 11:45 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday, 4 trains are suspended in both directions between New Lots Avenue/Crown Heights-Utica Avenue and Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall.

For service between Manhattan and Brooklyn, take the N, Q, or R trains.

For service to/from Fulton Street and between Borough Hall and Franklin Avenue, take the 2 or 3 trains, or use the J train at the near by Broad Street station.

For service between Franklin Avenue and Crown Heights-Utica Avenue, take the 3 train.

For service to/from Wall Street and Bowling Green, use the R and w trains (or the N train overnight) at the nearby Rector Street or Whitehall Street stations.

Trains run local between 125th Street and Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall.

Trains skip Sutter Avenue-Rutland Road and Junius Street in both directions at all times until Spring 2017.

For service to/from Sutter Avenue-Rutland Road, free shuttle buses operate between the Sutter Avenue-Rutland Road station and the Crown Heights-Utica Avenue station at all times

For service to/from Junius Street, free shuttle buses operate between the Junius Street station and the Rockaway Avenue station at all times.

5 Train:

From 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, trains are suspended in both directions between Bowling Green and Grand Central-42nd Street.

Trains run every 20 minutes between Eastchester-Dyre Avenue and Grand Central-42nd Street.

Downtown 5 trains will run local from 125th Street to Grand Central-42nd Street.

For service between Grand Central-42nd Street and Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall, take the 4 or 6 train.

For service to Fulton Street, Wall Street and Bowling Green, use nearby R train stations at Cortlandt Street, Rector Street, or Whitehall Street.

You can transfer between 4 and 6 trains and R trains at Canal Street.

D Train:

From 11:30 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday, D trains are suspended in both directions between 59th Street-Columbus Circle and Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue.

Service operated between Norwood-205th Street and 59th Street-Columbus Circle.

Service is rerouted onto the C line between 59th Street and West 4th Street-Washington Square and via the F line to/from the Second Avenue Station.

N trains replace the D in Brooklyn between Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center and Stillwell Avenue.

For service to Brooklyn, take the N train. You can transfer through a passageway at Times Square-42nd Street/Port Authority.

For service to/from Seventh Avenue, use the N at the nearby 57th Street-Seventh Avenue station. You can also catch the D train at the nearby 50th Street station on Eighth Avenue.

For service to 47-50th Streets, 42nd Street-Bryant Park and 34th Street-Herald Square, use the N train or take the F train by transferring at West 4th Street-Washington Square.

Free shuttle buses will be provided between West 4th Street-Washington Square and Grand Street, stopping at Broadway-Lafayette Street.

E Train:

From 11:45 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday, E trains are rerouted on the F line in both directions between 21st Street-Queensbridge and West 4th Street-Washington Square.

From 11:45 p.m. Friday to 6:30 a.m. Sunday and from 11:45 p.m. Sunday to 5 a.m. Monday, Jamaica Center-Parsons Archer bound E trains run express from the 21st Street-Queensbridge F station to Forest Hills-71st Avenue.

From 11:45 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday, Jamaica Center-Parsons Archer bound E trains skip 75th Avenue and Briarwood.

Free shuttle buses run between Court Square-23rd Street and 21st Street-Queensbridge, stopping at Queens Plaza.

For service to/from Queens Plaza, use the R instead during days and evenings, or the 7 and N train at the nearby Queensboro Plaza station.

For service to/from Court Square-23rd Street, take the 7. You can transfer between the E and 7 trains at 74th Street-Roosevelt Avenue and/or between 7 and A or C trains at Times Square-42nd Street/Port Authority.

For service to/from Lexington Avenue/53rd Street, use the 4 local or 6 at 51st Street.

For service to/from Fifth Avenue/53rd Street, use the 4 or 6 train at 51st Street.

For service to/from Seventh Avenue, use the nearby F train at 57th Street, the N, Q or R at 57th Street-Seventh Avenue or the N or R at 49th Street.

Transfer between the E and the N, Q, R trains at 34th Street-Herald Square, between the E and R at Roosevelt Avenue or between the E and Q at Lexington Avenue/63rd Street.

F Train:

From 11:45 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday, Jamaica-179th Street-bound F trains skip 75th Avenue, Briarwood and Sutphin Boulevard stations.

Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue-bound F trains skip Avenue I, Bay Parkway, Avenue N, Avenue P, Avenue U and Avenue X at all times until early 2017.

For access to these stations, take a Coney Island-bound F train to Kings Highway or Neptune Avenue and transfer to a Jamaica-bound F.

For access from these stations, take a Jamaica-bound F train to Kings Highway or 18th Avenue and transfer to a Coney-Island bound F.

J Train:

Until summer 2017, Manhattan-bound J trains skip 121st Street and 104th Street.

For service to these stations use the nearby 111th Street or Woodhaven Boulevard stations instead.

You can also take the Q56 bus and transfer to/from J train service at nearby 111th Street.

Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer-bound J trains skip 104th Street and 121st Street between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on weekdays. You can take the Q56 bus or the Z train instead.

M Train:

From 11:45 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday, service is suspended in both directions between Middle Village-Metropolitan Acenue and Myrtle Avenue.

Free shuttle buses as well as J and L trains provide alternate service, making all M line station stops between Middle Village-Metropolitan Avenue and Myrtle Avenue. Transfer between shuttle buses and M trains at Myrtle Avenue.

For direct service to/from Manhattan, transfer to the L train at Myrtle-Wyckoff Avenues.

N Train:

Astoria-Ditmars Boulevard-bound trains skip 86th Street, Avenue U, Kings Highway, 20th Avenue, 18th Avenue, New Utrect Avenue and Fort Hamilton Parkway at all times until spring 2017.





Trains skip 53rd Street in both directions at all times until fall 2017. Take the B37 or B63 to the nearby 45th Street or 59th Street stations for N or R service.

From 11:30 p.m. Friday to 5:00 a.m. Monday, trains are rerouted on the D line between Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue and 36th Street.

Free shuttle buses will make all N line stops between Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue and 36th Street. You can transfer between trains and shuttle buses at 36th Street, 62nd Street-New Utrect Avenue and/or Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue.

You can also transfer between R trains and shuttle buses at 59th Street.

From 11:45 p.m. Friday to 6:30 a.m. Monday and from 11:45 p.m. Sunday to 5 a.m. Monday, Manhattan-bound trains run express from 36th Street to Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center.

Trains will stop at Bay Parkway and Eighth Avenue.

For service to 86th Street, Avenue U and Kings Highway, take the Astoria-bound N to Bay Parkway and transfer to a Coney Island-bound N.

For service to 20th Avenue, 18th Avenue, New Utrecht Avenue and Fort Hamilton Parkway, take the Astoria-bound N to Eighth Avenue and Transfer to a Coney Island-bound N train.

For service from these stations, take a Coney Island-bound N to Bay Parkway or Stillwell Avenue and transfer to an Astoria-bound N.

For New Utrecht Avenue-62nd Street, take the D train and transfer to an Astoria-bound N train at 36th Street.

R Train:
A man used a fire escape to slip into a Brooklyn apartment, where a woman woke up to find him exposing himself at her bedside, police said.

Neighbors were startled to hear of the home invasion near Greene and Irving avenues in Bushwick Saturday morning.

After climbing up a fire escape, the man snuck into the third-floor apartment through an unlocked window. Once inside, he exposed himself to the 30-year-old woman and then tried to get into bed with her, police sources told NBC 4 New York.

The woman screamed for her roommate, who came face to face with the intruder before he escaped through the front door of the building, police said.

The woman was not hurt, but neighbors were unnerved.

Its shocking, Al Schwartz said. Very, very shocking. Theres no words.

Natalie Gomer said she just moved to the neighborhood from the East Village and was surprised to hear about the home invasion.

I'm definitely going to lock both my locks, that's for sure. I'm glad I have gates on my building, Gomer said.

Resident Brian Abbott said people have to be careful, especially as the weather warms and people crack their windows for a breeze.

You have to keep your doors and window locked and be conscious of your own safety in your own home, Abbott said.
An attorney general from a Mexican state was arrested at the U.S.-Mexico border south of San Diego for allegedly smuggling and trying to distribute drugs over a period of years, according to charges filed by the state of New York in early March.

The State of New York filed drug trafficking charges against Edgar Veytia, Nayarit's state prosecutor, on March 2, which led to his arrest on Monday, according to the indictment and authorities.

Veytia was taken into custody Monday at the Cross Border Xpress bridge, which links Tijuana Airport to the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection representative Ralph Desio confirmed.

Veytia, also known as Diablo, Eepp, and Lic Veytia, was indicted on charges including international conspiracy to illegally import, manufacture and distribute heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana and cocaine.

A lawyer for Veytia told NBC News he was just learning about the case and couldn't comment. Law enforcement sources told NBC News that Veytia was on their radar for some time and he was arrested as soon as possible.

Veytia allegedly smuggled the drugs between January 2013 and February 2017. The indictment, filed in the U.S. District Court of Eastern New York, links Veytia with at least one kilogram of heroin, five kilograms of cocaine, 500 grams of methamphetamine and 1,000 kilograms of marijuana smuggled into the country.

During that same, Veytia allegedly knew of and would attempt illegal importation of those drugs outside the U.S. as well.

Federal prison records show Veytia remains in a San Diego lock-up, with a hearing scheduled Aprill 11 for removal to New York.

If convicted, the U.S. would seek at least $250 million from Veytia in property linked to drug manufacturing and distributing, according to the indictment.
A 28-year-old man died late Thursday after he was apparently shot by police officers in both Philadelphia and Delaware only hours apart.

Leroy Brown Jr., a father of three, was identified by family members.

In preliminary accounts of what happened, Philadelphia police and New Castle County, Delaware, police described two incidents that occurred roughly two hours apart and which both involved police discharges.

About 5:45 p.m. in the Kingsessing section of Southwest Philadelphia, officers responded to a call of a "person with a gun" at 56th Street and Whitby Avenue. When they arrived, they allegedly found Brown getting into the driver's seat of a minivan.

Officers also allegedly saw a woman in the front seat, but did not see four children in the back seats of the van, according to the city police account.

When officers tried to stop Brown from driving away, he allegedly accelerated the van in reverse, striking an officer. That same officer, described as "positioned at the open driver's door area," allegedly then saw Brown reaching under his seat. The officer then shot Brown in his left side.

But Brown allegedly managed to drive away, according to the account.

He was able to steal another vehicle a few blocks away and get the woman and all four children into the vehicle before fleeing, police allege in the account.

Two hours later, New Castle County, Delaware, police went to a neighborhood in Wilmington after a call that Brown was there.

Police found him in the 100 block of Carriage Way and chased him to a parked car, where Brown allegedly scuffled with an officer, who shot him, according to the New Castle County police account.

Brown died a short time later at Christiana Medical Center. The New Castle County officer who fought with Brown was also injured. He was treated and released from a nearby hospital.

Both police departments said both shootings remain under investigation.
A Pennsylvania nurse grieving the recent loss of her own mother saved the life of a baby boy after the child's mom flagged her down.

Mary Henry was driving in Washington Boro, Lancaster County Monday when she noticed her 1-year-old son Easton wasn't breathing. Henry pulled into a parking lot and flagged down passing vehicles for help. That's when Alexis Allen spotted her and stopped her vehicle. Allen, who happens to be a nurse, performed CPR. Within a minute the boy started breathing again. The child, who suffered a seizure, was taken to the hospital and released after a few hours.

"God puts people in the right place at the right time," Henry said. "I couldn't thank her enough from the bottom of my heart."

Henry says she is also a certified nursing assistant.

"We are trained for that kind of stuff," she said. "But it's different when it's your son and you're first hand."

Allen says her mother, who was a nurse as well, had recently passed away and she had attended her funeral a day before Monday's incident.

"I feel like I gave everything and then some," Allen said. "And I feel like that was my mom. If I could breathe that last breath into this little boy, that's definitely what I did."




A plan to fix California's roads by raising the state's gas tax, raising registration fees and adding a $100 charge on emission-free vehicles did not sit well with some San Diegan drivers, who had harsh words about a possible tax increase.

"We're already paying highest tax in the nation," said Charles Langley, Executive Director of Public Watchdogs. "Now we're going to make it higher. What guarantee do we have these taxes are going to be used wisely?"

The 10-year plan, first reported on Wednesday, would boost gasoline excise taxes by 12 cents a gallon -- a 43 percent increase.

The plan also includes a sliding fee on vehicles, with owners of cheaper vehicles paying less. For the first time, owners of zero emission vehicles would pay a $100 annual fee, since they use public roads but don't pay gasoline taxes.

But some San Diegan drivers were hesitant.

"What have we been paying for in years past?" asked Shaunti Richardson, a driver.

Richardson was upset to learn of the plan because she has not seen improvements in years past, despite paying taxes.

"I don't see any improvement," said Richardson. "So where's that money going? Look at streets now."

In a news release about the plan, Gov. Jerry Brown's office called it "a landmark road repair and transportation investment package" that would fix roads, freeways and bridges, with other money spent on mass transit.

Assemblymember Todd Gloria, who serves the City's 78th District, said he supports the bill because it would bring down the cost for local drivers to maintain their vehicles.

"It's too much for too many of our working families to have to pay for flat tires and broken axles caused by the poor conditions of our roads and potholes in all our communities," Gloria said. "What we're doing today is a down payment to try and fix roads that will cost taxpayers less money because we're fixing our roads correctly as opposed to letting them deteriorate."

According to Gloria's office, San Diego County could expect to receive between $70 million to $80 million.

At the same time, the City of San Diego is pushing to fix a thousand miles of streets over five years.

A 2016 study found that conditions have improved in recent years; the study gave city roads a grade of 72 percent, beating out cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. However, the study found there was still much work to be done. Learn more about that study here.
With monumental landmarks, world-class museums and cutting-edge food, fashion and art scenes, the Eternal City is a must-visit destination for any world traveler. From the Colosseum to the Roman Forum to the Vatican, Rome brims with historical attractions and UNESCO World Heritage sites. But while there's plenty to see and do once you arrive, visiting Rome requires plenty of determination to make sure any stay -- be it a weekend getaway, a weeklong jaunt or a longer adventure -- fully encapsulates its splendor.

[See: 10 Beautiful Underrated Places in Italy.]

For Americans on a tight budget, a top hurdle for organizing a quick weekend trip to Rome is snagging affordable international plane tickets. Unless you live in a major hub such as New York City or Atlanta, there are few direct flights to Rome. If you want to trim costs, consider flying with Alitalia, Italy's flag carrier, which recently unveiled no-frills low-cost fares on flight to the U.S. to compete with legacy airlines such as Delta, United and British Airways. Aside from flying with a budget carrier to trim transportation costs, there are a variety of other tactics to pull off an affordable and unforgettable trip.

Here's how to make the most of your next Roman holiday.

Where to Stay

For a stay to remember, consider retreating to the Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria, which is set high in the hills of a residential community near Piazza Barberini and is home to La Pergola, the only three Michelin-starred restaurant in Italy. Helmed by the acclaimed executive chef Heinz Beck, La Pergola offers gourmet seven- and 10-course menus with delicious bites such as smoked scallop tartare and cod with celery sauce and curry crust. Relax in the hotel's luxurious atmosphere, complete with soaring ceilings, marble furniture and velvet accents. If you're looking to splurge, consider shelling out for the penthouse suite, which boasts sweeping city views from its private Jacuzzi.

If you would rather stay in a boutique hotel, consider retreating to the 30-room J.K. Place Roma. Located in the heart of Rome's fashion district, just steps off of Via Condotti, the property is a 30-minute walk away from top attractions such as the Colosseum and the Vatican, and a quick 10-minute stroll away from the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and the Parthenon.

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If you're looking for a more cost-effective alternative, consider retreating to the Le Meridien Visconte Rome. Situated near the Villa Borghesa as well as the Vatican, this Le Meridien outpost has transformed itself into a modern hotel with a variety of creature comforts (think: complimentary Wi-Fi access, minibars and access to a fitness center and a rooftop pool terrace ), with nightly rates starting at around 200 euros.

[See: 12 Great Destinations in Europe You Can Afford.]

Where to Eat

With a cutting-edge culinary scene, Rome has no shortage of classic trattorias and avant-garde eateries. If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, enjoy top-notch gelato at Giolitti, the oldest ice cream parlor in Rome that was founded in 1890 by Giuseppe and Bernardine Giolitti. While there are two Giolitti locations, make sure to make your way to the original outpost on via Uffici del Vicario, which is conveniently situated near the Pantheon.

For dinner, Osteria delle Coppelle offers delicious staples such as fresh ricotta with honey and carbonara and grated truffles at an affordable price, and is located in Piazza delle Coppelle, a historic Roman square. For an elevated dining experience, reserve a table at the Michelin-starred Il Convivio Troiani, helmed by executive chef Angelo Troiani. Located near Piazza Navona, the restaurant features innovative twists on classic dishes, such as spaghetti carbonara and risotto with hazelnut, oyster sauce and pepper. Plus, all dishes are sourced and prepared with organic materials.

[See: 10 Money-Saving European Travel Tricks.]

What to Do

When it comes to can't-miss sites in Rome, you can't miss visiting legendary attractions such as the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. To maximize your time in Italy, make sure to buy tickets in advance to get into the Vatican (without tickets, the line can take more than two hours). And its best to take in the the Spanish Steps in the early morning before the crowds arrive. Also keep in mind, the Trevi Foundation is best seen at night when the crowds start to dwindle and bright lights illuminate the iconic baroque fountain.





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A federal judge in Hawaii decided Wednesday to extend his order blocking President Donald Trump's travel ban.

U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson issued the longer-lasting hold on the ban just hours after hearing arguments.

Hawaii says the policy discriminates against Muslims and hurts the state's tourist-dependent economy. The implied message in the revised ban is like a "neon sign flashing 'Muslim ban, Muslim ban'" that the government didn't bother to turn off, state Attorney General Douglas Chin told the judge.

This is an important affirmation of the values of religious freedom enshrined in our Constitutions First Amendment," Chin said in a statement after Watson's ruling. "With a preliminary injunction in place, people in Hawaii with family in the six affected Muslim-majority countries  as well as Hawaii students, travelers, and refugees across the world  face less uncertainty. While we understand that the President may appeal, we believe the courts well-reasoned decision will be affirmed.

Extending the temporary order until the state's lawsuit was resolved would ensure the constitutional rights of Muslim citizens across the U.S. are vindicated after "repeated stops and starts of the last two months," the state has said.

The government says the ban falls within the president's power to protect national security. Hawaii has only made generalized concerns about its effect on students and tourism, Department of Justice attorney Chad Readler told the judge via telephone.

The Trump administration had asked Watson to narrow his ruling to cover only the part of Trump's executive order that suspends new visas for people from six Muslim-majority countries. Readler said a freeze on the U.S. refugee program had no effect on Hawaii.

Watson rejected that argument, preventing the administration from halting the flow of refugees.

Watson said in court that the government only argued for that narrower interpretation after a federal judge in Maryland blocked the six-nation travel ban but said it wasn't clear that the refugee suspension was similarly motivated by religious bias.

Watson noted that the government said 20 refugees were resettled in Hawaii since 2010.

"Is this a mathematical exercise that 20 isn't enough? ... What do I make of that?" the judge asked Readler.

The government attorney replied that 20 is simply a small number of refugees.

"In whose judgment?" Watson asked.

Hawaii was the first state to sue over Trump's revised ban. The imam of a Honolulu mosque joined the challenge, arguing that the ban would prevent his Syrian mother-in-law from visiting family in Hawaii.

In his arguments, Chin quoted Trump's comments that the revised travel ban is a "watered down" version of the original.

"We cannot fault the president for being politically incorrect, but we do fault him for being constitutionally incorrect," Chin said.

Earlier this month, Watson prevented the federal government from suspending new visas for people from Somalia, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen and freezing the nation's refugee program. His ruling came just hours before the federal government planned to start enforcing Trump's executive order.

Trump called Watson's previous ruling an example of "unprecedented judicial overreach."

Hawaii's ruling would not be directly affected by a decision siding with the federal government in the Maryland case, legal experts said. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals set a hearing for May 8 to consider the administration's appeal.

"What a ruling in 4th Circuit in favor of the administration would do is create a split in authority between federal courts in different parts of the country," said Richard Primus, a professor of constitutional law at the University of Michigan law school.

"Cases with splits in authority are cases the U.S. Supreme Court exists to resolve," he said.
President Donald Trump threatened to defeat members of the House Freedom Caucus in the midterm elections in a tweet Thursday morning, continuing an inter-party spat that emerged after they helped scuttle his bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

Trump's tweet warned Republicans that the group of about 30 congressman congressmen will hurt the party's agenda if they don't get in line, and urged a fight against them, along with Democrats, in the midterms.

The Freedom Caucus will hurt the entire Republican agenda if they don't get on the team, & fast. We must fight them, & Dems, in 2018!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 30, 2017

The House Freedom Caucus' Twitter account responded Thursday afternoon by retweeting caucus member Rep. Jim Jordan's, R-Ohio, quote during an interview on the changing conventional Washington politics.

.@Jim_Jordan: "The Freedom Caucus is trying to change Washington & do what we told the voters we would do." https://t.co/SNsoFYzLKZ  House Freedom Caucus (@freedomcaucus) March 30, 2017

Within an hour of Trump's tweet, another member of the caucus Rep. John Amash, R-Mich., fired back on Twitter by saying Trump had already succumbed to the establishment in Washington, something the president railed against during his campaign.

It didn't take long for the swamp to drain @realDonaldTrump. No shame, Mr. President. Almost everyone succumbs to the D.C. Establishment. https://t.co/9bDo8yzH7I  Justin Amash (@justinamash) March 30, 2017

Later in the day, Rep. Raul Labrador reminded President Trump in a tweet of the support the Freedom Caucus lent during difficult times, without mentioning specific issues.

Freedom Caucus stood with u when others ran. Remember who your real friends are. We're trying to help u succeed.  Raul R. Labrador (@Raul_Labrador) March 30, 2017

A spokeswoman for the president, asked by NBC News if his tweet meant the president was pushing for primary challenges to members of his own party, said "the tweet speaks for itself."

In the evening, President Trump got back on Twitter and called out on Freedom Caucus members Reps. Mark Meadows, R-North Carolina, Jim Jordan, R-Ohio and Raul Labrador, R-Idaho, in back to back tweets.

If @RepMarkMeadows, @Jim_Jordan and @Raul_Labrador would get on board we would have both great healthcare and massive tax cuts & reform.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 30, 2017

Amash was one of the rebels against the Republican plan to repeal President Barack Obama's signature health care bill, along with others in the Freedom Caucus and some moderates. House Speaker Paul Ryan pulled the bill, the American Health Care Act, from the floor Friday when it was clear he didn't have enough votes for it to pass. Even if it had, several Republican senators had expressed reservations about it.

While House Speaker Paul Ryan believes the American Health Care Act will have the votes it needs to pass the House, other Republicans are speaking out against the bill.

Defying President Donald Trump on the seven-year Republican Party promise to repeal and replace "Obamacare" could appear to be political suicide, especially in the congressional districts Trump won handily. Yet in Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee and Iowa in the bitter aftermath of the GOP's epic failure, Republicans who blocked the legislation have won praise from constituents for stopping what many saw as a flawed plan, either in the legislation's substance or strategy.

Conservatives opposed the bill because it didn't go far enough in getting the government out of health care while moderates worried that tens of millions of Americans might be left without insurance.

One of the House Republican rebels, Kentucky Rep. Tom Massie, who wasn't just "no" on the bill but a "hell no," tweeted to Trump Thursday that they both came to D.C. to drain the swamp.

His vote won over Mary Broecker, president of the Oldham County Republican Women's Club and a strong proponent of a full-blown repeal of the 2010 law.

Following the withdrawal of a Republican-backed health care bill, President Donald Trump on Friday urged Republican and Democratic lawmakers to work together on "a better bill."

"When he came out against this bill, I thought, 'I trust him so this must be the right way,'" the 76-year-old retired teacher said of Massie this week as she sat at a coffee shop near her LaGrange home.

Nationwide, an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll released Wednesday found that 62 percent disapprove of the way Trump is handling health care, his worst rating among seven issues the poll tested, including the economy, foreign policy and immigration.

The same poll found negative views of five of the six changes Republicans envisioned for the bill, including allowing insurers to charge older customers higher premiums than is now allowed, reduced funds for Medicaid and denying federal dollars to Planned Parenthood.

Yet the same voters who backed their local lawmaker for opposing the bill showed patience with Trump.

[NATL] Donald Trump Through the Years

"I think he's going to be a great president," Broecker said. "I think he'll figure it out."

In the districts of the bill's foes, Republican voters and activists faulted Ryan, who on Thursday said it's understandable that the president was venting frustration with the tweet.

Some argue Ryan was too willing to accept pieces of "Obamacare."

"We've been hearing repeal-and-replace for seven years and finally we get control, and they say, 'Let's just kind of fix it,'" said 31-year-old Justin Wasson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who runs a small business. "We gave them everything. Now, I want this thing gutted."

With midterm elections coming next year, Wasson said he planned to vote again for his congressman, Rep. Rod Blum of Dubuque  a sentiment echoed by other voters whose representatives opposed the bill.

Kelly Stanger of Lowell, Michigan, argued that conservatives were prevented from contributing to the bill, and said she'd vote again for Amash.

"He has no problem taking heat," the 50-year-old cafe waitress said. "I don't think just because you belong to a party that you have to agree."
The Arizona Game and Fish Department says a Flagstaff man has set an inland waters hook-and-line state record for channel catfish.

They say Carson Pete caught a catfish that weighed more than 33 pounds Sunday evening at Upper Lake Mary in Flagstaff.

The previous record was set in 1987 by a Sierra Vista man who caught a 32-pound, 4-ounce channel catfish at Parker Canyon Lake.

Pete's record-setting fish was measured at 39 1/2 inches by the state Game and Fish Department in Flagstaff on Monday morning.

The previous record catfish was 38 3/4 inches in length.

Pete says he actually was targeting northern pike on Sunday.

He also says his 7-year-old daughter predicted he was going to catch a big fish and how he has a picture to prove it.

What was the bait? The department said Pete was using a few frozen anchovies hed dipped in a homemade fish oil/garlic mix.
Thick traffic and a growing number of speed cameras are not stopping extreme super speeding in the Washington, D.C.-area, according to an investigation by the News4 I-Team.

A review of state and city court records shows almost 200,000 cases of reckless driving above 80 mph or driving more than 30 mph above the speed limit during the past five years.

In some communities, including Arlington County, Virginia, and Prince Georges County, Maryland, the number of reckless or extreme speeders has risen in recent years despite the deployment of speed cameras to reduce speeding.

In Fairfax County, Virginia, court records show about 7,000 cases of drivers charged with driving more than 80 mph. They show about 2,000 cases in Prince William County.

In several cases reviewed by the I-Team, extreme speeding was recorded by the speed cameras themselves. In recent months, drivers were clocked exceeding 90 mph by cameras in Montgomery County, Maryland, along Germantown Road in Germantown and Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase.

Montgomery County Police Capt. Thomas Didone said the department will respond whenever extreme speeding is reported.

Super speeding is an extreme danger, Didone said. We have to enforce for safety.

The I-Team, alongside a Maryland State Police Forestville barracks trooper, also reviewed Beltway traffic on an autumn weekday afternoon. Trooper Roy Preau clocked several cars exceeding 85 mph.

If you're not in bumper-to-bumper traffic, it's routine out here, Preau said. The speeds are in excess of 20 mph over the speed limit."

Excessive speeding is responsible for a recent series of fatal accidents in the Washington, D.C.-region. In 2013, a driver exceeded 100 mph and crashed into a pedestrian near Baltimore City Hall, state police said.

In Upper Marlboro, investigators cited excessive speed in a double-fatal crash along Woodyard Road. The driver, who police said crossed a double-yellow line to pass another car, crashed head-on into a vehicle driven by Gail Cook near the Clinton Christian School, killing Cook.

Cooks daughter, News4 producer Sam Akinduro, told the I-Team drivers should know Woodyard Road is winding and dark and an unsafe street on which to speed.

Everybody feels they have somewhere to go, faster than anyone else, she said.

Reported by Scott MacFarlane, produced by Rick Yarborough, and shot and edited by Jeff Piper.
The day started like any other for Catrena Hunter and her children.

Hunter dropped off two of her daughters at the elementary school her youngest attends, leaving her teenage daughter, Katherine Hunter, to walk to her high school up the block.

By 6 p.m., Catrena's world was upside down.

Katherine didn't pick up her sister from school the afternoon of March 20, and the 17-year-old hadn't been seen since her first-period class. At midnight, she was added to the list of missing people in Washington, D.C.

As police searched for Katherine, Catrena conducted a search of her own, worried that something horrible may have happened to her child.

"Thinking that someone has done something to your child and that you will never see them again," Hunter said. "As a mother, I've been dying."

Fortunately, Katherine came home a few days later. But the situation between the mother and daughter remains complicated.

Katherine won't reveal where she was while she was gone, but she says many missing teens just "want out."

"They're leaving. They don't know what they're looking for. They don't know what they're trying to find," Katherine said.

'Cry for Help'

The issue of missing teens in D.C. exploded on social media last week when a post claiming 14 girls disappeared in a single day went viral.

Police confirmed the post was inaccurate. But no matter the number, there's no denying the danger young people who leave home are in.

According to the National Runaway Safeline, problems in the family are the number one reason youth reach out to the hotline.

"It could be something like there's been a divorce in the family, there could be a remarriage, they may feel like, 'Where do I belong in this new family structure?'" said Maureen Blaha, the executive director of the National Runaway Safeline.

In D.C., many young people who leave home are escaping socioeconomic problems, according to Jim Beck, a spokesman for Sasha Bruce, the only youth-specific emergency shelter in the District.

"The young people we see often come from families that are experiencing a lot of stresses, economic stresses, the stress of raising a family in D.C. on a low income," Beck said.

But a number of other issues can factor into a child's decision to leave home.

Blaha said the National Runaway Safeline also gets calls from children who are being bullied at school or feel like they don't belong.

Abuse is also among the top reasons children reach out to the national hotline.

The National Runaway Safeline, which was founded in Chicago, went national in 1974 when the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act was established to create resources to keep young people out of the "criminal justice system" and address their "cry for help," Blaha said.

So far this year, the District has logged a total of 558 cases of missing juveniles, many of them black or Latino, according to the police department. As of March 30, 17 were still missing.

All of the juveniles reported missing in 2017 left voluntarily, police spokeswoman Karimah Bilal said.

"It's a telltale sign that our city has a long way to go to really fix some of the inequality faces some parts of our city," said Markus Batchelor, who started a campaign called Save Our Sisters. "My main concern is that we get to the cause of why young women and some of our young men in our community as well feel like the only option to feel safe is to leave home."

D.C. Police Department

Nationally, the statistics are even more staggering.

Between 1.6 and 2.8 million juveniles will run away from home in a year.

But not much else is known about runaways.

"Here's the reality: There is not a lot of research that goes into this population," Blaha said. "There hasn't been a lot of studies that take a look at that annually."

Runaways at Greater Risk for Human Trafficking

There are 20.9 million victims of human trafficking globally and hundreds of thousands of victims are right here in the United States, according to the International Labor Organization.

While there's no evidence to suggest that any of D.C.'s current missing person cases are related to human trafficking problem, there's no denying the increased risk to teens who run away.

"Homeless youth are most vulnerable of being recruited," Blaha said. "To survive, some will do whatever it takes."

According to the National Network for Youth, 28 percent of youth living on the street and 10 percent of those living in homeless shelters exchange sex for food, shelter or money.

"This is why it's so important to try to help prevent family breakups in the first place and help young people know how to get help," Beck said.

In recent years, the public has become more and more aware that human trafficking is something that can happen in our backyard.

"It's a terrible circumstance, but this awareness may be a silver lining," Beck added.

Getting Help

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced six new initiatives Monday to address missing young people in Washington.

She outlined steps to locating the missing people, provide better resources to address issues that cause young people to run away from home and support those who may be considering leaving home.

"One thing that we've done differently is to say that every critical missing person report deserves attention, deserves the public's attention and deserves all of us trying to make sure that these kids are reunited with their families," Bowser said.

The National Runaway Safeline also offers a number of resources to young people who have run away.

"We have a database of resources across the country to help them get in touch with a shelter," Blaha said. "We will offer to make the transfer and stay on the line with them so they know what to expect."

The hotline can also help open the line of communication between a child and a parent and eventually facilitate a reunion. Through a program with Greyhound, the National Runaway Safeline has reunited 16,000 families by providing free bus tickets home.

But the community can also help.

"In order to find out the root cause of this issue and ensure that our runaway numbers decrease, then we have to work together," Commander Chanel Dickerson, the new leader of the Youth and Family Services division, said during a Facebook Live broadcast Friday.

Blaha suggests getting involved at local homeless shelters or donating money to organizations who support runaways and homeless youth.

It's also important that the community educate themselves on the issue.

"People need to understand that this is a serious issue in our country. They need to do what they can," Blaha said. "We need to get the word out that this is an issue that can happen to your child or your child's friends."
A bill before the Montgomery County Council would require vending machines on county property to follow strict nutritional guidelines, with most of the snacks sold in them meeting limits on calories, trans fat and sodium.

The proposed rules are a variation on rules which already exist for vending machines in Montgomery County Public Schools. These rules would apply to vending machines in county owned buildings such as courts, libraries and county offices.

That's between 150 and 200 vending machines, the county said.

The vending-machine snacks must have 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving and no more than 200 milligrams of sodium per package.

Drinks would have to be less than 250 calories and less than 20 ounces.

In addition, at least half of the snacks sold must contain no more than 200 calories per package and have less than 35 percent of total calories from fat.

And the healthy snacks would have to be placed where they have the "highest selling potential," said Councilman Craig Rice -- that is, at eye level.

County Council will vote on the measure April 18, and it is expected to pass. Sugar-Free Kids Maryland helped write the bill.

"I think they should add more healthy options to vending machines," said a woman who identified herself only as Melissa. "It's annoying when you're on the run and you can't get good options. You usually only get chocolate bars and stuff like that."

The Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Beverage Association said the bill isn't needed. "We have voluntarily placed clear calorie labels on the front of all of our bottles, cans and packs," the group said in a statement. "We are placing calorie awareness signs on vending machines, fountain equipment and retail coolers in Maryland." (Click here to read the entire statement.)

Those rules would apply to new contracts the county enters. Councilman George Leventhal said most of the county-owned vending machines already meet the proposed healthy snacks requirements because the county has negotiated contracts this way with vendors for years.

After July 1, 2018, 65 percent of vending-machine snacks would be required to meet the health guidelines.

Statement by the Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Beverage Association

"The beverage industry and Montgomery County are already doing an extraordinary job providing beverage choices for vending machines," said Ellen Valentino, executive vice president of the Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Beverage Association.

"Our members are already doing their part providing many options for consumers that include waters, juices and low and no-calorie beverages," Valentino said. "We have voluntarily placed clear calorie labels on the front of all of our bottles, cans and packs. We are placing calorie awareness signs on vending machines, fountain equipment and retail coolers in Maryland and other states.

"The good news is we are providing consumers with more choices, smaller portion sizes and fewer calories than ever before so that they can make the choice that is best for them and their families," Valentino said.
Twenty-three years after the O.J. Simpson trial, Ron Goldmans sister Kim is advocating for compassionate treatment of victims and their families.

On Wednesday, Kim Goldman spoke to a room of prosecutors and law enforcement officials in Northern Virginia.

When you come in to my world in my moment of trauma, I need you to be present, Goldman told prosecutors ahead of National Crimes Victims Rights Week. I need you to be sensitive. I need you to be kind. I need you to be compassionate. Please dont tell me its going to all be ok because it might not be.

Goldman was invited to speak by Fauquier County Commonwealths Attorney Jim Fisher.

One of the best partners you can have is a victim who has been through it and who has the courage to stand up and speak and advocate for the victim who so often can get lost in the process, Fisher said.

In 1994, Simpson was acquitted of killing his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.

Simpson's trial has received renewed interest in recent years, being the topic of a slew of documentaries and the award-winning show The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.

In 2007, Simpson was arrested and convicted of armed robbery in Las Vegas. He was sentenced to 33 years in prison but will be eligible for parole later this year.

Im starting to get anxious because I do believe that he will be paroled, Goldman said about Simpson. And Im trying to prepare myself because I remember what is was like before he was incarcerated where my nerves were high alert because I never knew where he was going to pop up.
When a star scientist dies, outsiders often tackle mainstream questions in the field by leveraging new ideas that arise in other domains.

Knowledge accumulation  the process by which new research builds upon prior research  is central to scientific progress, but the way this process works is not well understood.

In Does Science Advance One Funeral at a Time? (NBER Working Paper 21788), Pierre Azoulay, Christian Fons-Rosen, and Joshua S. Graff Zivin explore the famous quip by physicist Max Planck. They show that the premature deaths of elite scientists affect the dynamics of scientific discovery. Following such deaths, scientists who were not collaborators with the deceased stars become more visible, and they advance novel ideas through increased publications within the field of the deceased star. These "emerging stars" are often scientists who were not previously active within that field. The results suggest that outsiders to a specific scientific field are reluctant to challenge a research star who is viewed as a leader within that field.

The authors tracked the publication records of scientists  both collaborators and non-collaborators  before and after a "research superstar" died. To narrow the scope of their study, they focused on academics in the life sciences, a sector which is heavily supported by National Institutes of Health funding and produces a high volume of research. They established a list of 12,935 elite scientists using criteria such as the amount of research funding received, publication citations, number of patents, membership in prestigious organizations, and career awards and prizes. They then examined records of 452 of those elite scientists who died prematurely  before retiring or becoming administrators  between 1975 and 2003. Publication data was gathered from the National Library of Medicine's PubMed service, which indexes and tracks articles by research topics, names of authors and coauthors, citations, related articles, and other information from 40,000 publications.

The findings confirm previous work showing that the number of articles by collaborators decreased substantially  by about 40 percent  after the death of a star scientist. Publication activity by non-collaborators increased by an average of 8 percent after the death of an elite scientist. By five years after the death, this activity of non-collaborators fully offset the productivity decline of collaborators. "These additional contributions are disproportionately likely to be highly cited," the researchers found. "They are also more likely to be authored by scientists who were not previously active in the deceased superstar's field."

Few of the deceased scientists served as editors of academic journals or on committees overseeing the issuance of research grants, so the researchers rule out the possibility that the deceased scientists used their influence to limit who could or could not publish their work or receive grants within their field. Instead, they say, the evidence suggests that outsiders were reluctant to challenge the leadership within research areas in which an elite scientist was active. While entry occurs after a star's passing, it is not monolithic. Key collaborators left behind can regulate entry into the field through the control of intellectual, social, and resource barriers.

"While coauthors suffer after the passing of a superstar, it is not simply the case that star scientists in a competing lab assume the leadership mantle," the authors conclude. "Rather, the boost comes largely from outsiders who appear to tackle the mainstream questions within the field but by leveraging newer ideas that arise in other domains. This intellectual arbitrage is quite successful  the new articles represent substantial contributions, at least as measured by long-run citation impact."

Jay Fitzgerald
A Massachusetts man is still recovering after being pulled by firefighters from his burning apartment building in Brockton.

Seconds after being called to the Madrid Square Apartments on Oak Street Tuesday, firefighters had to use a ladder to pull 82-year-old Paul Mulloy down from the second floor.

The dramatic rescue was caught on video.

"As a 20 year veteran of this department, to watch that video it almost gives me goosebumps," said Brockton Fire Deputy Brian Nardelli. "It doesn't happen everyday. When it does happen, we are fortunate to have the training."

Before first responders even arrived, Nardelli said firefighters were already preparing.

"Buildings like Madrid Square where the fire was yesterday, we pre-fire plan those buildings," he said. "We understand the building's construction."

Once firefighters are inside a burning building, Nardelli said the smoke can make it incredibly difficult for them to see what's in front of them.

"The movies don't do it justice. We communicate through bump contact," he said. "We communicate through getting right into each other's faces and talking to one another."

According to Mulloy's family, he remains hospitalized in critical condition due to burns over 35 percent of his body.

"I cannot believe how brave the firefighters are to go up that ladder and to carry him down," said his daughter-in-law Michelle Mulloy. "Theyre amazing, theyre really heroes."

Mulloy's wife, who was not home at the time, has seen the dramatic video of the rescue.

"She wanted to know what happened," said Michelle Mulloy. "She wanted to see him being taken out... she was horrified. She said he must have been so scared."

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the Mulloy's as the family will have to start from scratch because of the devastating fire. Theres also concern about medical bills with a long road to recovery.

"Theyre retired and on a fixed income," said Michelle Mulloy. "They lost virtually everything they own."

Two firefighters were also hospitalized for burns.

There's still no word on what caused the fire but investigators believe it started in the kitchen.
Business leaders and law enforcement officials in Vermonts largest city are trying to reassure the public about safety on one of the states most-visited attractions, a day after the destination became a murder scene.

Wednesday afternoon, police responded to the intersection of Cherry and Church Streets in downtown Burlington following the report of a stabbing on the Church Street Marketplace.

Thursday morning, 36-year-old Louis Fortier pled not guilty to stabbing 43-year-old Richard Medina to death.

Judge James Crucitti ordered Fortier jailed without bail.

According to a police report, Medina suffered several knife wounds to the neck and back.

Both the suspect and victim were homeless, police said.

Medina had more than 125 involvements with Chittenden County police agencies, according to Burlington Police Chief Brandon del Pozo, for intoxication, as a suspect in assaults, mental health calls, and other concerns.

Investigators said Fortier had a long criminal record from the Boston area before he came to Burlington as a transient, and that his attack on Medina was a targeted, not random, act.

A day after the killing, del Pozo said he is confident the Church Street Marketplace district is a safe place for locals and visitors alike.

Nobody should have hesitation about coming to the Church Street Marketplace, del Pozo said. Its where I bring my familymy young childrento do their shopping and dining all the time.

Del Pozo said his department and street outreach partners have had success lately in cutting complaints of vagrancy, aggressive panhandling, and public drunkenness, especially in the area of Cherry Street.

Still, many in the city see mental health services in the Burlington area as stressed from an increase of calls.

I bring young children here, said Patrice McDonough, an educator from Vermonts Northeast Kingdom who was visiting Church Street with a group of students Thursday. Its home. Vermont is home, so it is where I feel safe.

McDonough said learning of the killing on the marketplace does not change her overall sense of safety visiting Burlington.

The downtown, overall, has been really, really safe in the last 20 to 30 years, said Ron Redmond, the executive director of the Church Street Marketplace. These kinds of situations are, again, terrible, and shocking, and I cant apologize or excuse them. But at the same time, I can reassure [visitors] that the downtown is well-protected; theres lots of people looking out for peoples safety and security.

Chief del Pozo said his officers are about to increase their foot patrols of the marketplace, as they do every year when the weather gets nicer.
March 30 (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

* UK health targets threaten size of chocolate bars http://on.ft.com/2oiM9Gn

* El Salvador becomes first country to ban metals mining http://on.ft.com/2oiABD3

* Ireland PM says Brexit talks should not distract from EU priorities http://on.ft.com/2oiSoKr

* May confirms role of security in any Brexit deal http://on.ft.com/2oiGQqq

Overview

- According to a report by Public Health England, if manufacturers are to meet government-set targets to cut sugar by 20 percent then the sizes of chocolate bars and sweet packs in the UK will get smaller.

- Central America's smallest nation El Salvador became the first country in the world to enforce a ban on metals mining nationwide. The ban threw out a $300 million suit filed by Pac Rim Cayman, a unit of Canadian-Australian company OceanaGold over a gold project in the north of the country.

- Ireland prime minister Enda Kenny said Brexit talks should not distract EU from pursuing priorities for further integration.

What Britain is looking for is a very close working relationship with the European Union in a new framework, he said. We support that strongly in Ireland and we will remain as a member of the 27 and negotiate these terms.

- British Prime Minister Theresa May said Intelligence-sharing and Europol, the joint European policing system, will be part of the package of negotiations, in a BBC interview. May confirmed that Britain was likely to pay some form of compensation to the EU when it leaves. (Compiled by Sangameswaran S in Bengaluru)
Authorities say they've found the parents of a 3-year-old boy who was found wandering alone outside in a New Hampshire neighborhood.

Londonderry police thanked the public for its help in identifying the boy, whose first name is Jayden, and his parents.

His mother tells us Jayden was supposed to be staying with his father when he was found Thursday morning walking alone in a neighborhood near Fieldstone Drive by someone out for a walk.

She said she was shocked when she got the call her son was at the police department.

Londonderry police say Jayden was found without shoes, socks or a shirt.

"His feet were wet, pants were wet," Detective Chris Olsen said. "He was out there at least a half hour."

Police immediately posted a photo of Jayden on social media and identified his parents within an hour and called his mother to pick him up.

Londonderry police say Jayden's dad didn't know he was missing, and will be facing child welfare endangerment charges.
The owner of two pit bull terriers that attacked three people outside a New Hampshire shopping plaza has had the animals euthanized and pleaded guilty to charges.

The Portsmouth Herald reports that Richard Janvrin pleaded guilty Tuesday to two violation-level dog at large charges in Seabrook. He will pay a $280 fine.

Authorities say the dogs ran to the shopping plaza March 21 and attacked two men and one woman. Animal control Officer Jeff Baillargeon says the woman was unharmed but the two men were hospitalized with severe bites. They are recovering.

Janvrin says the dogs had escaped his home when a relative entered and left the door open. The dogs were put down on March 23. Baillargeon says the dogs didn't have rabies.
A major snowstorm is barreling toward New England and could bring up to a half a foot of snow for some this weekend.

Thursday is the calm before said storm, as abundant sunshine is on tap as high pressure crests over New England. Highs will reach into the upper 40s to near 50 degrees along the south coast. Clouds increase Thursday night ahead of an approaching warm front.

This warm front will usher in increasing moisture overhead. This moisture will fall in the form of rain, snow and sleet on Friday.

Lows drop into the low 30s Thursday night, low 20s north. Developing low pressure system moves in from the Great Lakes on Friday, bringing early spring mixed precipitation to New England.

Light snow moves into New England during the early morning along the New York state line, but takes its time filling in east. By midday Friday, snow is likely to be falling all the way east into Boston's MetroWest, but intensity will be light at first.

Snow intensity picks up during Friday afternoon. The impact of this will be somewhat offset by temps above freezing. Near the coast, a developing east wind on Friday ensures our 40-degree ocean will play a role, encouraging very wet snow and rain.

Deeper inland, air only marginally cold to support snow, surface and aloft. Just one or two degrees are important for snow versus sleet versus freezing rain versus rain.

In a case like this, unfortunately not much trust can be put in computer forecasts of precipitation type. They vary greatly from run to run. Particularly when it comes to sleet versus freezing rain, the difference in cold layer depth required is quite small, but important.

For snow, typically, we'd be looking at a 10-to-1 or 13-to-1 ratio of snow to water. That is, 1 inch of rain equals 10 to 13 inches of snow. Not this time. The relative warmth not only at ground level but also deep through the cloud layer will really cut back on snow to water ratios in this event.

Low ratios means wet snow means sloppy snow means not very good accumulation for most, not all. There comes a point in northern extent where you hit enough cold to stay mostly snow, and that's probably extreme north central Massachusetts/Route 2 northward. From that point north, elevation makes a difference and increases snow amounts.

Farther south, keep in mind the warmth aloft, so hills don't matter as much. Another point for Friday - relatively light intensity coupled with temperatures above freezing means limited daylight road impact central/east.

Interestingly, it's during the day Friday, before the warmth aloft changes precipitation type, where elevation mattersand roads slicken in hills/mountains.

Once you get toward evening Friday, sun angle decreases, then sunset, and this allows temperatures to fall. Roads worsen and snow sticks better. Expect the heaviest precipitation to fall overnight Friday night into early Saturday morning.

Precipitation begins to wane west to east during the afternoon on Saturday as developing low moves east of New England.

Snow may wrap back around across eastern areas as colder air fills in behind the departing low. Right now, we're expecting a little snow to mix across the south coast before changeover, a couple inches, then sleet along the Massachusetts Turnpike and over half a foot of snowfall possible across interior New England in Vermont and New Hampshire.

Gusty northeast winds develop during the day on Saturday, gusting over 40 mph. A high pressure system moves overhead on Sunday. We're expecting mostly sunny skies with highs in the upper 40s to near 50 degrees.

Looking ahead to the start of the work week, sunny skies look to prevail, with high pressure located over Quebec.

Were keeping an eye on the potential of a storm system impacting the region on Tuesday. This storm would bring additional rainfall to the region, with highs in the mid to upper 40s, near-normal for early April.
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. - National Doctors Day was established to recognize physicians and their contributions to the health and welfare to their community.

National Doctors Day falls on March 30 each year. Though the holiday was officially signed into U.S. law in the early 1990s by President George H.W. Bush, observance of the day began in the early 1930s.

The Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada active duty, dependents and retiree community rely on physicians from the 99th Medical Group to keep us well.

National Doctors Day is a time for the Nellis community to say thank you and recognize the diverse team of dedicated active duty and contractor physicians at the Mike OCallaghan Military Medical Center.

As we celebrate National Doctors' Day, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all our physicians who are critical component of our healthcare team," said Col. Virginia A. Garner, commander, 99th MDG. The care they provide has a profound impact on patients both here locally and on the missions we support across the globe. Placing the health and wellness of our nation's heroes and their families in the hands of these professionals takes trust and I truly believe the 99th Medical Group has amongst the best in the business who provide that exceptional care.

The 99th MDG recognized the following dedicated professionals.

Lt. Col. (Dr.) Wesley Abadie

Otolaryngologist

Dr. Abadie is an Otolaryngologist assigned to the 99th Medical Group. After graduating from the U. S. Air Force Academy, he earned a degree of medicine from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

He was honored to be chosen as the flight surgeon for the USAF Weapons School, and also during this time deployed to Kirkuk, Iraq in 2006. Following this, he was selected to complete his residency in Otolaryngology at the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium, and five years later returned to Nellis.

He led the Surgical Specialties Flight as flight commander and has performed more than 700 operations at Mike O'Callaghan Military Medical Center.

Currently, he is the Chief of Surgery. Abadie finds the most rewarding thing about military medicine is the contribution to the mission. Having a medical center on base adds tremendous mission support capability to the Nellis AFB community and allows active duty personnel and their families access to a full range of medical services that they might not even be able to receive downtown.

Also, the relationships with the patients are very rewarding on a personal and professional level. The greatest compliment is when a cancer patient drops by in December simply to say thank you for taking care of them for another year and for giving them the opportunity to spend another Holiday season with their families.

Col. (Dr.) Paul Crawford

Professor of Family Medicine Program Director

Nellis Family Medicine Residency not only provides comprehensive patient care to Air Force beneficiaries, and provides 10 board-certified family physicians for the Air Force every year.

Dr. Crawford grew up in rural Pennsylvania and took advantage of the Air Force Health Professionals Scholarship to become a doctor. I had a desire to show compassion to people, Crawford said when asked what motivated him to become a doctor.

I have a constant desire to improve the care I provide, the way we do business, the education of our learners, he added.

Crawfords most memorable or rewarding experience as a doctor is Seeing people develop from wet-behind the ears medical students to resident physicians maturing into outstanding patient care providers and leaders to young faculty and, eventually, commanders and Residency Program Directors.

Crawford deployed to Kirkuk, Iraq, from 2005 to 2006, and completed short, humanitarian deployments to Peru and Paraguay. Additionally, he has made multiple volunteer trips to Thailand, Cambodia and Ecuador.

Lt. Col. (Dr.) Mary Kiel

Pediatrician

Dr. Kiel is currently one of six pediatricians at the Mike OCallaghan Military Medical Center.

I have been stationed at Nellis AFB for three and a half years, she said. This has been the most challenging, yet most rewarding, position of my career thus far.

I have the privilege of helping care for 7,800 children and teenagers, providing inpatient care to sick children and newborns, as well as teaching pediatric medicine to Family Medicine residents and Physician Assistant students. I work with a spectacular staff of enlisted members, in addition to outstanding officers and civilians.

Kiel is the daughter of a retired Air Force medic, first sergeant and considers herself extremely fortunate the Air Force helped fund her undergraduate education.

I was later selected by the Air Force for a Health Professions Scholarship to attend medical school, she said. Now I feel it is my responsibility to give back to the institution that supported me growing up and in my education. I became a pediatrician because I wanted to make a difference in childrens lives, to help make them healthy and successful in their journey toward adulthood. Kids are so imaginative and fun! In the Air Force, taking care of kids means taking care of their parents who work hard to carry out the mission. If their children are healthy and safe, then parents have the peace of mind and focus required to do their jobs. Our Pediatric Clinic works hard to provide quality, thorough and timely care at every visit. We strive to carry out all of a patients needs at each appointment to minimize unnecessary trips to the hospital.

Our staff is passionate about child health, and we hope our patients (and their parents) realize how much we care about them and how hard we work to meet their needs.

Lt. Col. (Dr.) Alexander Servino

Podiatrist

Dr. Servino is a podiatrist with the 99th Surgical Operations Squadron at Nellis and has been stationed here for almost two years.

Originally from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Servino has been married for 23 years to my best friend, Grace and they have three children. He received his degrees from Boston College and Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine.

To me joining the Air Force was a leap of faith, Servino said. I was seven years in civilian practice, but realized I wasnt ready to settle down and itching for a change. I knew I could handle military life again after serving my Army obligation as a podiatrist right after residency, but said if I was ever to go back in the military, I would go Air Force this time. Luckily, my better half agreed to our new adventure.

After 18 years and five tours, I can honestly say it was all well worth it, he added. Certainly, the positives have outweighed the negatives. Im not so sure I would have had the same travel and professional opportunities in civilian practice not to mention the camaraderie of being part of something bigger than just myself or my profession. There is no greater calling than to help our fellow man and no higher profession held in such high regard in our society as the military. Ive had the privilege of being part of both.

Take time to say thank you to your doctor for their dedication and commitment to this sacred service, and wish them a Happy National Doctors' Day!
A two-day artificial intelligence (AI) conference could overlook the opposing point of view, especially held in San Franciscothe epicenter of technology innovation and the center of over-hyped technology.

But by adding Gary Marcus to the speaker roster of the MIT Technology Reviews EmTech Digital conference, we got a balanced view about AI, including engaging criticism about where AI works, where it does not, and why Marcus says the direction of R&D in the AI field will not lead to artificial general intelligence (AGI). AGI is a theoretical machine intelligence that equals human intelligence.

Marcus, a neural science professor at New York University and a leading figure in AI, had a special credibility as a critic because he just sold his 2-year-old AI startup Geometric Intelligence to Uber.

3 things AI can do:

Speech recognition

Image recognition, when the number of objects in the image is limited

Natural language understanding in narrowly bounded domains

6 things AI cannot do:

Conversational interfacesask Siri something off script, and it breaks down

Automated scientific discovery

Automated medical diagnosis

Automated scene comprehension for blind people

Domestic robots

Safe and reliable driverless cars

A couple of Marcus points are arguable, such as using image understanding to read radiological charts to diagnose disease or read retinal images to diagnose diabetic retinopathy that has achieved equal and, in some cases, superior accuracy to human clinicians. But generally, he is correct. He chose these six areas to make a point of comparison: for these problems with machine intelligence, machines will have to learn more like a child learns language than the way machines are trained today.

Marcus used the example of his nearly 3-year-old daughter Chloes common sense to explain what a child can do, that artificial intelligence cannot do. He describes a conversation with his daughter in which he tells her that he will put her artwork into mommys armoire. Chloe deductionmama does not see the artwork, but when she opens the armoire she can see itas an example of the limits of machine intelligence. He asserted that Chloe could infer what he meant with just a few words without having been trained on 10 million similar situations like most AI systems are trained today.

AI based on machine learning

With the exception of a few examples of reinforcement learning, such as the Libratus pokerbot and Googles AlphaGo-bot, most of the AI is based on machine learning that predicts a result using neural networks.

A good example of this is image recognition. Millions of images are shown to a neural network that puts them into categories to train the computer model. Then a set of correctly categorized images is shown to the computer model that mathematically corrects errors made by the neural network using gradient descent, a sophisticated form of averaged error reduction, to improve the precision of the model to correctly predict the objects in an image.

For dramatic effect, Marcus reworded a quote from AI luminary Andrew Ng categorizing the capability of machine intelligence to imitate human intelligence.

MIT Technology Review and Gary Marcus

Marcus qualified Ngs statement that anything a person can do in one second can be automated with neural networks and machine learning today. But thats possible only when there is an enormous corpora of training data to create models to understand topics such as images, translate one language to another, or recognize the meaning of natural language. If the model is to work with high precision, though, the models should be applied to fairly narrow applications that are also not subject to too much change requiring frequent retraining, and the application of the models must have a tolerance for errors, albeit sometimes very low error rates. These systems do not really understand, asserted Marcus, but predict the most likely meaning.

The state of the art in machine learning prediction is about 98 percent. Marcus said this type of precision is OK for systems such as Amazons machine learning recommendation system that might recommend another one of his books to someone who bought one of his other books. If the recommendation does not lead to a satisfying read 2 percent of the time, the consequential cost is just $20. He questions the consequences, though, of a self-driving cars pedestrian detector that is 98 percent accurate or an eldercare robot that drops geriatric patients only 2 percent of the time.

The talk was not all criticism. Marcus says one day intelligent machines will be able to perform complex tasks such as read research papers about a disease like bladder cancer and propose a novel treatment, but not yetand perhaps not in his lifetime.

Marcus recommends a worldwide, government-funded AI research program like CERN to focus on the long-term AI research needed to create an AGI. CERN operates a nuclear accelerator that cost $4.6 billion to build and is shared among researchers studying particle physics.

Fundamental scientific questions that might take a decade or two of research to produce results need to be answered before an AGI can be created. Blue-sky researchers engaged in fundamental AI research are limited in budget and computational resources. Private sector research is too focused on the technologies that achieve shorter-term financial goals, which Marcus says will not lead to machines with common sense and AGI.
Group joined tens of thousands of fellow campaigners to show support for EU

A GROUP of pro-EU campaigners from Newbury joined tens of thousands of fellow protesters on the streets of London on Saturday for the Unite for Europe march.

More than 30 members from West Berkshire Stronger Together attended the mass event to show their discontent over the Governments handling of the referendum result.

The march was timed to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, which led to the creation of what is now the European Union.

Sarah Lowes, of West Berkshire Stronger Together, said: We attended to celebrate this partnership of European nations and all the ways it has benefitted Britain, especially the foundation for peace and prosperity that it provided following the Second World War.

The march also gave us the opportunity to pay our respects to the victims of the terror attack in Westminster on March 22.

Many brought flowers, either to leave in Westminster or to give to the police officers on the route, to show our gratitude for all they do for us.

Police estimate that up to 100,000 people attended the event to show their solidarity with Europe and air their concerns about the effect that a hard Brexit will have locally and nationally.

The march came just days before Prime Minister Theresa May triggered Article 50 yesterday (Wednesday), thus beginning the process of Britain leaving the EU.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today commenced hearing on a batch of pleas seeking a relook at its verdict banning liquor vends within 500 metres of national and state highways across the country from April 1, saying that the issue is "serious" and it cannot shut its eyes.

The court categorically said that the interim applications for modification of the December 15, 2016 order were not proper as no application before it has stated that which areas on national and state highways were prone to accident.

It said the verdict has specifically mentioned that drunken driving on such stretches have resulted in fatality.

However, a bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar said that it was "very conciously thinking" about what to do in the matter and for this it needed to continue the hearing tomorrow as the "matter is serious and it cannot shut its eyes".

"We are very conciously thinking what we should do. We are keeping the hearing for tomorrow. Let us be very clear. What we understand in law, the IAs (interim applications) are not proper but the issue is serious, therefore we cannot be shutting our eyes," the bench, also comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and L N Rao, said.

"We will not shut you (applicants) down also and we will hear the matter tomorrow. We may or may not have a relook at the issue. We are keeping our mind open. For forming our opinion, we need to hear the matter in detail," it said.

During the hearing, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi said that two high courts -- Madras and Punjab and Haryana -- had said that highways mean not only the national but also the state ones due to which liquor vends along highways across the country were on the verge of shutting down on March 31.

He said the state highways across the country "criss-cross" through small towns and almost every district of a state and "if you will take 500 metres as a universial barrier" it will create problems in various states.

Rohatgi said as per the verdict of December 15 last year, the licences of existing liquor vends which fall within 500 metres of the national and state highways will not be renewed after March 31.

"If they are removed from commercial area then they would enter residential areas," he said, adding that "sale of liquor, which is a major source of revenue for the states, will take a huge toll". Rohatgi further suggested that states should be asked to identify the "trouble spots" where accidents occur due to drunken driving and the court, while passing the order, had not considered the geographical nature of each states.

"It is not a logical solution. It has to be different for different states. It cannot be same for everyone," he said, adding, "By a fiat, it is starting from April 1. It (order) has to be tweaked for different states."

However, the court said, "The number of deaths due to drunked driving is phenomenal and the number of injured is much higher. The figure is much higher than what is actually recorded as most of the cases are not registered as drunked driving cases."

During the arguments, the attorney general said a "right balance has to struck" and if the order is enforced, "it will cause an incalculable loss to the busines and also the states".

He said after March 31, more than 20,000 liquor vends across the highways would get shut causing a huge loss to the revenue.

"Some balance is required as the trade is not illegal. It is a legal trade and millions of employees are there. Please keep it (operation of order) deferred for at least a month and hear the matter in detail," he said.

A battery of senior advocates appearing for the private parties and few states echoed the arguments of the attorney general and spoke about huge loss of revenue.

To this, the bench said, "Just imagine the family which are suffering because of those who have died in such accidents. When the bread earner goes, it is disastrous for a family. We are not averse to anybody making revenue. You suggest to us the alternatives."

The counsel appearing for parties said that some states have imposed a ban on serving liquor in bars and restaurants along the highways, including some five-star hotels, despite the attorney general giving the opinion that it does not came under the ambit of the court's order.

Besides some liquor vendors' associations and states like Kerala, Punjab and Telangana have approached the apex court seeking modification of the December 15, 2016 judgement.

The apex court had ordered a ban on all liquor shops along the national as well as the state highways across the country and had made clear that licences of existing shops will not be renewed after March 31 next year.

The verdict had come on a PIL alleging that nearly 1.42 lakh people died per year in road mishaps and that the drunken driving is a major contributor.

It had also directed that all signages indicating the presence of liquor vends will be prohibited along national and state highways.

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today commenced hearing on a batch of pleas seeking a relook at its verdict banning liquor vends within 500 metres of national and state highways across the country from April 1, saying that the issue is "serious" and it cannot shut its eyes. The court categorically said that the interim applications for modification of the December 15, 2016 order were not proper as no application before it has stated that which areas on national and state highways were prone to accident. It said the verdict has specifically mentioned that drunken driving on such stretches have resulted in fatality. However, a bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar said that it was "very conciously thinking" about what to do in the matter and for this it needed to continue the hearing tomorrow as the "matter is serious and it cannot shut its eyes". "We are very conciously thinking what we should do. We are keeping the hearing for tomorrow. Let us be very clear. What we understand in law, the IAs (interim applications) are not proper but the issue is serious, therefore we cannot be shutting our eyes," the bench, also comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and L N Rao, said. "We will not shut you (applicants) down also and we will hear the matter tomorrow. We may or may not have a relook at the issue. We are keeping our mind open. For forming our opinion, we need to hear the matter in detail," it said. During the hearing, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi said that two high courts -- Madras and Punjab and Haryana -- had said that highways mean not only the national but also the state ones due to which liquor vends along highways across the country were on the verge of shutting down on March 31. He said the state highways across the country "criss-cross" through small towns and almost every district of a state and "if you will take 500 metres as a universial barrier" it will create problems in various states. Rohatgi said as per the verdict of December 15 last year, the licences of existing liquor vends which fall within 500 metres of the national and state highways will not be renewed after March 31. "If they are removed from commercial area then they would enter residential areas," he said, adding that "sale of liquor, which is a major source of revenue for the states, will take a huge toll". Rohatgi further suggested that states should be asked to identify the "trouble spots" where accidents occur due to drunken driving and the court, while passing the order, had not considered the geographical nature of each states. "It is not a logical solution. It has to be different for different states. It cannot be same for everyone," he said, adding, "By a fiat, it is starting from April 1. It (order) has to be tweaked for different states." However, the court said, "The number of deaths due to drunked driving is phenomenal and the number of injured is much higher. The figure is much higher than what is actually recorded as most of the cases are not registered as drunked driving cases." During the arguments, the attorney general said a "right balance has to struck" and if the order is enforced, "it will cause an incalculable loss to the busines and also the states". He said after March 31, more than 20,000 liquor vends across the highways would get shut causing a huge loss to the revenue. "Some balance is required as the trade is not illegal. It is a legal trade and millions of employees are there. Please keep it (operation of order) deferred for at least a month and hear the matter in detail," he said. A battery of senior advocates appearing for the private parties and few states echoed the arguments of the attorney general and spoke about huge loss of revenue. To this, the bench said, "Just imagine the family which are suffering because of those who have died in such accidents. When the bread earner goes, it is disastrous for a family. We are not averse to anybody making revenue. You suggest to us the alternatives." The counsel appearing for parties said that some states have imposed a ban on serving liquor in bars and restaurants along the highways, including some five-star hotels, despite the attorney general giving the opinion that it does not came under the ambit of the court's order. Besides some liquor vendors' associations and states like Kerala, Punjab and Telangana have approached the apex court seeking modification of the December 15, 2016 judgement. The apex court had ordered a ban on all liquor shops along the national as well as the state highways across the country and had made clear that licences of existing shops will not be renewed after March 31 next year. The verdict had come on a PIL alleging that nearly 1.42 lakh people died per year in road mishaps and that the drunken driving is a major contributor. It had also directed that all signages indicating the presence of liquor vends will be prohibited along national and state highways.
Man Rolling a Marijuana joint

In a sun-filled room overlooking a smattering of palm trees, power lines, and cement-and-terracotta bungalows, a 73-year-old recovering alcoholic rolls a joint.

Frank, whose name has been changed for this story, doesn't particularly like the feeling he gets from smoking cannabis, but he doesn't hate it either. And he admits it helps him sleep.

High Sobriety, the southern California rehab center where Frank is staying, incorporates cannabis into its treatment regimen for people with drug and alcohol addiction. Frank hasn't touched scotch, his former drink of choice  or any other alcoholic beverage, for that matter  in 30 days.

A month ago, he was living alone and drinking around the clock, despite repeated warnings from his physicians about negative interactions between alcohol and the medications he takes for high blood pressure and other age-related health issues. During a bender over the holidays, Frank knocked over the carriage holding his daughter's 10-month-old baby. Concerned, his family took him to Alcoholics Anonymous. Nothing stuck, and Frank's health continued to decline.

One day last year, his daughter called Joe Schrank, High Sobriety's founder, and asked if he could help.

High Sobriety common area

The idea behind High Sobriety is simple: Help addicts stop abusing the substances that are causing them the most harm, using cannabis as a tool to do so.

"Our retention rates are so much better with being able to give them something," Schrank, a trained social worker who has spent the last 15 years working with addicts, told Business Insider. "The truth is a lot of these people are deep, deep, deep into the weeds with drug and alcohol use, and to think there's a light switch and they can just turn it off ... I mean, you're dealing with a different person when you talk about cessation of drug use."

Schrank's unconventional approach has put him at odds with many people in the recovery community. But his strategy is part of a new and growing movement that aims to treat addiction like any other mental illness  with science. The approaches coming out of this movement share the belief that we should stop treating addiction as a moral issue and start treating it as a medical one.

Story continues

Reducing harm

Schrank disapproves of AA and other similar programs that portray drinking and using drugs as moral problems. That approach is out of touch with science, he says.

"I never think of drug use as any kind of moral thing," Schrank said. "Actually, I like drug use, although it didn't really work out for me."

Maia Szalavitz, a neuroscience journalist and the author of "Unbroken Brain: A Revolutionary New Way of Understanding Addiction," agrees.

"This stuff that emphasizes this morality, we don't have anything else like that in medicine," said Szalavitz, a former heroin addict and AA member. "And the 12-step thing talking about 'defects of character,' that's not exactly helpful for someone who already has a lot of self-hatred."

High Sobriety room 8401

Like Schrank, Szalavitz believes that for many addicts, giving up their drug of choice is necessary for recovery, but giving up all drugs may not be.

"This whole idea that total abstinence is the only route to recovery has been incredibly damaging to the addiction field," she said.

Instead, a better approach might be to identify addicts' problem drug  which Szalavitz describes as "that one partner that you long for but if you get them you'll go crazy"  and remove that substance.

This idea is in line with decades of research in a field called harm reduction, which accepts that drug use is a part of daily life. Instead of trying to get people to give drugs up altogether, it aims to improve people's safety by reducing the negative consequences that can be linked with using drugs. This, Szalavitz believes, could save the lives of the many people who have struggled with AA's hardline approach.

"Addiction is compulsive behavior despite negative consequences," she said. "If you're using a substance responsibly and not having negative consequences, why should anyone care?"

Research seems to suggest that partial abstinence may help some people who've struggled with substances like alcohol. Keith Humphreys, the section director for mental-health policy at Stanford's department of psychiatry, published a paper in 2003 that reviewed an approach called "moderation management." He concluded that making the method an option for people with drinking problems "seems on balance a benefit to public health."

'To say there's only one option ... is wrong'

Six years ago, Schrank's friend Gregory Giraldo was found unconscious in a New Jersey hotel room after overdosing on cocaine and Valium. He died shortly after.

Schrank, 48, says that if he could see Giraldo today and offer him cannabis instead of the drugs he died taking, there'd be no question about it.

"I'd say, 'Smoke up there, Gregory, go ahead,'" Schrank said.

Giraldo, a comedian, had been to rehab and tried the abstinence-only route several times. But the 12 steps didn't save him. Schrank thinks his new program might have.

High Sobriety Joe Schrank

"He was a brilliant dude," Schrank said. "Maybe he wouldn't have been as functional as an abstinent-only person. I don't know. But when I hear people tell others that [abstinence-only] is 100% of the pie  they're wrong."

Schrank has also gone through AA. He got sober that way 20 years ago and hasn't touched a drink or a drug  even cannabis  since. (He doesn't even like the smell of pot.)

While he says AA helped him "immensely in a lot of ways," Schrank takes issue with the idea that addicts are given only two choices: complete abstinence or nothing.

"To say there's only one option and to present people with only one option is wrong," Schrank said. "It's like saying, 'I have a moral objection to insulin, so I'm just not going to take it.' It's malpractice if you ask me."

Schrank and other critics of AA's methodology cite its dismal success rates as one of many reasons new approaches are necessary.

"About one of every 15 people who enter these programs is able to become and stay sober," Lance Dodes, a retired professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, wrote in his well-known 2014 book, "The Sober Truth: Debunking the Bad Science Behind 12-Step Programs and the Rehab Industry."

A large 2006 review of eight trials involving more than 3,400 people in total also concluded that "no experimental studies unequivocally demonstrated the effectiveness of AA ... for reducing alcohol dependence or problems."

Abstinence-only approaches are untenable for people like Frank, Schrank says.

"The truth is he's 73 years old, he's alone, and the idea that we're gonna make him go to AA and stop drinking, it's fantasy  that's not compassion," he said.

Still, there is some evidence that AA can help some people. A study of more than 400 people found that "some of the association between treatment and long-term alcohol-related outcomes appears to be due to participation in AA."

A 29-year-old recovering alcoholic who has been sober for eight years put it to me this way: "If it wasn't for the rooms [of AA], I'd be lying in a gutter somewhere. That's my reality."

Does cannabis help curb addiction?

There aren't many studies on whether cannabis works for those struggling with addictions.

The research that exists suggests that cannabis may be a helpful tool in reducing the use of opioids by people who use them for long-term pain relief. It also could help reduce the physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal. And it might help some addicts stop using other substances like nicotine, although a large report published in January by the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine said that "only one randomized trial assessing the role of cannabis in reducing the use of addictive substances" exists.

marijuana weed pot 2

In addition to these studies being few and far between, each suffered from at least one research error. In some cases, the sample was too small to extrapolate; in other cases, the data was based only on surveys, which can't provide scientific answers. In others, people in the study knew which drug they were taking, which might have contaminated the findings.

Clearly, more research is needed.

"I think ideally you'd study it before you just go and do it," Szalavitz said. "I think it's an intriguing idea that we need more research on."

But many researchers say the idea of using cannabis to treat addiction is absurd.

"Marijuana has exactly no role in the treatment of any mental illness, especially substance-use disorders," Thomas McLellan, who founded the Treatment Research Institute and served briefly as the deputy director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy in the Obama administration, told The Guardian.

These issues put Schrank in a tough spot.

"It's not the easiest place. AA people hate me. Rehab people hate me," he said. "I'm OK with that."

NOW WATCH: This is how long drugs actually stay in your system





More From Business Insider


Jonathan Ananda By

CHENNAI: Shaking up the complacent auto sector with a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that it would not allow sale or registration of vehicles manufactured under Bharat Stage-III (BS-III) emission norms from April 1. With the deadline ending on Friday midnight, manufacturers are stuck with more than 8.2 lakh obsolete vehicles across segments, worth more than Rs 12,000 crore.

Health of the citizen is more important than commercial interest of auto manufacturers. We cannot allow polluting vehicles to ply on roads, the court said. While the notification to shift to BS-IV standards by April 1, 2017 was given way back in 2015, manufacturers argued the deadline was only for halting production and not sales.

However, the Environment Pollution Control Authority has been giving repeated warnings to scale down production for the last six months. But the production continued steadily, even after January.

Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) president and Ashok Leyland managing director Vinod Dasari stated that this means utter chaos for dealers and finance companies which have sold BS III. But, SIAM would abide by the verdict, he added.

Dealers claim the total worth of inventory that cannot be sold in the Indian market after April 1 is over Rs 12,000 crore. Unsold BS-III inventory stood at 8,24,275 as of March 20. Some of these are stock with dealers. If we add that, the inventory goes up to as much as 11 lakh units, pointed out John K Paul, president, Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA).

SIAM and FADA are yet to decide on who would absorb the losses. Discussions on that would begin immediately, said Paul, adding that many dealers are small fries who cannot take these losses.

There arent too many options for automakers.

The only one with minimal losses is to off-load the stock in export markets with older emission norms, say analysts. Ashok Leyland will do so, after fulfilling current customer orders over the next two days. This, according to Darsari, would nearly exhaust inventory. The rest would be refitted with BS-IV parts. Others are also likely to follow suit.

However, refitting will be an expensive affair. It is likely to cost anywhere between Rs 4,000 and Rs 5,000 for a Rs 40,000 two-wheeler, said Abdul Majeed, of PwC.

CHENNAI: Shaking up the complacent auto sector with a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that it would not allow sale or registration of vehicles manufactured under Bharat Stage-III (BS-III) emission norms from April 1. With the deadline ending on Friday midnight, manufacturers are stuck with more than 8.2 lakh obsolete vehicles across segments, worth more than Rs 12,000 crore. Health of the citizen is more important than commercial interest of auto manufacturers. We cannot allow polluting vehicles to ply on roads, the court said. While the notification to shift to BS-IV standards by April 1, 2017 was given way back in 2015, manufacturers argued the deadline was only for halting production and not sales. However, the Environment Pollution Control Authority has been giving repeated warnings to scale down production for the last six months. But the production continued steadily, even after January. Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) president and Ashok Leyland managing director Vinod Dasari stated that this means utter chaos for dealers and finance companies which have sold BS III. But, SIAM would abide by the verdict, he added. Dealers claim the total worth of inventory that cannot be sold in the Indian market after April 1 is over Rs 12,000 crore. Unsold BS-III inventory stood at 8,24,275 as of March 20. Some of these are stock with dealers. If we add that, the inventory goes up to as much as 11 lakh units, pointed out John K Paul, president, Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA). SIAM and FADA are yet to decide on who would absorb the losses. Discussions on that would begin immediately, said Paul, adding that many dealers are small fries who cannot take these losses. There arent too many options for automakers. The only one with minimal losses is to off-load the stock in export markets with older emission norms, say analysts. Ashok Leyland will do so, after fulfilling current customer orders over the next two days. This, according to Darsari, would nearly exhaust inventory. The rest would be refitted with BS-IV parts. Others are also likely to follow suit. However, refitting will be an expensive affair. It is likely to cost anywhere between Rs 4,000 and Rs 5,000 for a Rs 40,000 two-wheeler, said Abdul Majeed, of PwC.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Murugappa Group firm Tube Investments of India (TII) on Wednesday launched a range of bicycles under the new Brooks brand exclusively for the online market.

According to L Ramkumar, managing director, TII, the brand is focused toward attracting millennials to the fold.

They see the world very differently and they are a large number in India. We realised that we needed to build a brand exclusively aimed at this demographic, Ramkumar pointed out.

Launched in the three southern metros of Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad, the Brooks range offers city, off-road and kids bicycles and will be available for sale on the e-store,

BrooksBicycle.com. To begin with, nine models have been launched in the price range of `5,299-10,625 for both sexes across age-groups. The brand will also be made available through horizontal e-commerce portals  Flipkart to begin with.

This demographic is used to shopping online, and has so far been enjoying hassle-free, doorstep delivery of high-value purchases, like furniture, jewellery and electronics. We are only taking the bicycle segment to that space, said Ramkumar.

The company is expecting the range to yield unit sales of more than 10,000 during the first year.

We will monitor feedback from customers, there is an app that is also being launched along with the line, and we will tailor our future product launches based on the insight we gain, he said. The firm is also building a strong support network, not widespread in the bicycle segment, to attract and retain customers.

CHENNAI: Murugappa Group firm Tube Investments of India (TII) on Wednesday launched a range of bicycles under the new Brooks brand exclusively for the online market. According to L Ramkumar, managing director, TII, the brand is focused toward attracting millennials to the fold. They see the world very differently and they are a large number in India. We realised that we needed to build a brand exclusively aimed at this demographic, Ramkumar pointed out. Launched in the three southern metros of Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad, the Brooks range offers city, off-road and kids bicycles and will be available for sale on the e-store, BrooksBicycle.com. To begin with, nine models have been launched in the price range of `5,299-10,625 for both sexes across age-groups. The brand will also be made available through horizontal e-commerce portals  Flipkart to begin with. This demographic is used to shopping online, and has so far been enjoying hassle-free, doorstep delivery of high-value purchases, like furniture, jewellery and electronics. We are only taking the bicycle segment to that space, said Ramkumar. The company is expecting the range to yield unit sales of more than 10,000 during the first year. We will monitor feedback from customers, there is an app that is also being launched along with the line, and we will tailor our future product launches based on the insight we gain, he said. The firm is also building a strong support network, not widespread in the bicycle segment, to attract and retain customers.
By Reuters

KARACHI/LAHORE: Kamal Amjad Mian thought China's decision to invest $36 billion in the Pakistani power sector would benefit his electricity cable business, and, anticipating increased demand, his family spent nearly $30 million on a second plant to double output.

But Mian's Fast Cables and some other Pakistani manufacturers have yet to reap rewards from Beijing's huge "One Belt, One Road" (OBOR) project, a modern-day "Silk Road" network of trade routes across land and sea.

Power stations built as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $57 billion project involving energy, road and rail infrastructure, are being kitted out with Chinese cables exempt from import duty and sales tax.

Such exemptions, more generous for CPEC projects than others, threaten to undermine local industry, according to Mian, one of a growing number of executives now questioning an initiative long portrayed as the key to Pakistan's prosperity.

"The government, instead of giving us a level playing field, gave them an advantage," Mian said in the eastern city of Lahore.

A Water and Power Ministry official, who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak to the media, said "there were question marks about whether the local cable industry could fulfil the demands under CPEC and we worried it would slow down projects."

Beijing's CPEC splurge and a drop in Islamist militant violence have reinvigorated Pakistan's sluggish economy, driving growth to about 5 percent for the first time since 2008.

The public and political parties broadly support Chinese investment, while cement and steel companies who bagged early CPEC contracts are embarking on aggressive expansion.

Executives also say Chinese investors are poised for an acquisitions spree in Pakistan.

TROJAN HORSE OR SAVIOUR?

But not everyone is happy. Critics say CPEC projects are opaque and expensive, and question Pakistan's ability to repay the costs over time.

Some firms fear they will struggle to compete with Chinese companies with deeper pockets, economies of scale and vastly cheaper credit lines.

"We have to make sure (CPEC) doesn't become a Trojan Horse and start hurting existing industry," said Ehsan Malik, chief executive of the Pakistan Business Council.

There is plenty still up for grabs for local players. The next phase of CPEC involves the creation of Special Economic Zones where Chinese state-run enterprises would open factories and help develop Pakistan's industrial base.

But Fast Cables' Mian said that, while domestic producers have been benefiting from broad economic growth, he fears his business will end up "dying a slow and painful death" if Chinese rivals setting up in Pakistan receive preferential tax breaks.

Mian and other cables makers are reviving a defunct industry association in order to lobby Islamabad, amid concerns Beijing will use its leverage over Pakistan to obtain those sweeteners.

"Very soon, if we are not nimble enough to recognise the issues, we could be in trouble," said Fahd Chinoy, whose family runs Pakistan Cables.

China, for which CPEC is a key part of its Silk Road ambitions, sought to assuage such fears.

"The dividend, the well-being delivered by the corridor will benefit the people of both China and Pakistan, as well as of the region," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular briefing, when asked about concerns in Pakistan.

The government in Islamabad was also keen to reassure domestic producers.

"We are not (so foolish) as to not protect our local industry," said Miftah Ismail, a state minister charged with setting up CPEC Special Economic Zones.

"I want to assure people we will never give greater protection to our Chinese investing friends," Ismail added. "It will never be an uneven playing field."

The Pakistani government, citing local worries about being crowded out, said in January it would prioritise domestic companies over Chinese ones in the forthcoming sell-off of state-run companies.

WINNERS AND LOSERS?

Pakistan's struggling textiles sector, which account for 60 percent of the country's exports, is watching nervously.

China is offering vast incentives and ploughing billions of dollars into the Western region of Xinjiang to build a textile industry, which will rely on CPEC road and rail links to export goods via Pakistan's Arabian sea port of Gwadar.

The Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry and other organisations worry that Pakistan will become a dumping ground for Chinese goods once the Xinjiang-Gwadar transit route becomes operational and traffic volumes soar.

"If those products end up on the domestic market without duties, it will devastate the local industry," said Aamir Fayyaz, chairman of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA).

Wang Zihai, president of the Pakistan-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, compared Pakistan to China three decades ago, when its nascent industries faced competition from more advanced Japanese and American companies.

"Chinese companies did not die," Wang said. "Chinese are not here to take over everything, they want partners. They need a local party to work together."

And for early CPEC winners, optimism abounds.

Hussain Agha's family-run steel business has bagged several CPEC contracts and is planning an initial public offering (IPO) to raise cash to expand.

"Those who are geared for the economic renaissance of Pakistan will thrive, and those who are not will miss the bus," said Agha, an executive director at Agha Steel Industries.

"We are getting ready for the 'Roaring 20s'."

KARACHI/LAHORE: Kamal Amjad Mian thought China's decision to invest $36 billion in the Pakistani power sector would benefit his electricity cable business, and, anticipating increased demand, his family spent nearly $30 million on a second plant to double output. But Mian's Fast Cables and some other Pakistani manufacturers have yet to reap rewards from Beijing's huge "One Belt, One Road" (OBOR) project, a modern-day "Silk Road" network of trade routes across land and sea. Power stations built as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $57 billion project involving energy, road and rail infrastructure, are being kitted out with Chinese cables exempt from import duty and sales tax. Such exemptions, more generous for CPEC projects than others, threaten to undermine local industry, according to Mian, one of a growing number of executives now questioning an initiative long portrayed as the key to Pakistan's prosperity. "The government, instead of giving us a level playing field, gave them an advantage," Mian said in the eastern city of Lahore. A Water and Power Ministry official, who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak to the media, said "there were question marks about whether the local cable industry could fulfil the demands under CPEC and we worried it would slow down projects." Beijing's CPEC splurge and a drop in Islamist militant violence have reinvigorated Pakistan's sluggish economy, driving growth to about 5 percent for the first time since 2008. The public and political parties broadly support Chinese investment, while cement and steel companies who bagged early CPEC contracts are embarking on aggressive expansion. Executives also say Chinese investors are poised for an acquisitions spree in Pakistan. TROJAN HORSE OR SAVIOUR? But not everyone is happy. Critics say CPEC projects are opaque and expensive, and question Pakistan's ability to repay the costs over time. Some firms fear they will struggle to compete with Chinese companies with deeper pockets, economies of scale and vastly cheaper credit lines. "We have to make sure (CPEC) doesn't become a Trojan Horse and start hurting existing industry," said Ehsan Malik, chief executive of the Pakistan Business Council. There is plenty still up for grabs for local players. The next phase of CPEC involves the creation of Special Economic Zones where Chinese state-run enterprises would open factories and help develop Pakistan's industrial base. But Fast Cables' Mian said that, while domestic producers have been benefiting from broad economic growth, he fears his business will end up "dying a slow and painful death" if Chinese rivals setting up in Pakistan receive preferential tax breaks. Mian and other cables makers are reviving a defunct industry association in order to lobby Islamabad, amid concerns Beijing will use its leverage over Pakistan to obtain those sweeteners. "Very soon, if we are not nimble enough to recognise the issues, we could be in trouble," said Fahd Chinoy, whose family runs Pakistan Cables. China, for which CPEC is a key part of its Silk Road ambitions, sought to assuage such fears. "The dividend, the well-being delivered by the corridor will benefit the people of both China and Pakistan, as well as of the region," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular briefing, when asked about concerns in Pakistan. The government in Islamabad was also keen to reassure domestic producers. "We are not (so foolish) as to not protect our local industry," said Miftah Ismail, a state minister charged with setting up CPEC Special Economic Zones. "I want to assure people we will never give greater protection to our Chinese investing friends," Ismail added. "It will never be an uneven playing field." The Pakistani government, citing local worries about being crowded out, said in January it would prioritise domestic companies over Chinese ones in the forthcoming sell-off of state-run companies. WINNERS AND LOSERS? Pakistan's struggling textiles sector, which account for 60 percent of the country's exports, is watching nervously. China is offering vast incentives and ploughing billions of dollars into the Western region of Xinjiang to build a textile industry, which will rely on CPEC road and rail links to export goods via Pakistan's Arabian sea port of Gwadar. The Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry and other organisations worry that Pakistan will become a dumping ground for Chinese goods once the Xinjiang-Gwadar transit route becomes operational and traffic volumes soar. "If those products end up on the domestic market without duties, it will devastate the local industry," said Aamir Fayyaz, chairman of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA). Wang Zihai, president of the Pakistan-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, compared Pakistan to China three decades ago, when its nascent industries faced competition from more advanced Japanese and American companies. "Chinese companies did not die," Wang said. "Chinese are not here to take over everything, they want partners. They need a local party to work together." And for early CPEC winners, optimism abounds. Hussain Agha's family-run steel business has bagged several CPEC contracts and is planning an initial public offering (IPO) to raise cash to expand. "Those who are geared for the economic renaissance of Pakistan will thrive, and those who are not will miss the bus," said Agha, an executive director at Agha Steel Industries. "We are getting ready for the 'Roaring 20s'."
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Projects worth USD five billion are expected to be discussed during the India visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, which started today, as the two sides look at inking more than a dozen business deals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Najib will hold wide- ranging talks on April one during which the two sides will also try to take forward their cooperation in key areas of security, defence and counter-terrorism.

Briefing reporters on the six-day visit, Jaideep Mazumdar, Joint Secretary (South) in the External Affairs Ministry, said, "Projects under discussion during the visit would amount to around USD five billion," and about 15 business agreements are also expected to be signed during a business event on April 3.

The Malaysian prime minister is scheduled to attend Trade Expo by MalaysiaIndia Business Council Business Forum and 7Th Global Science and Innovation Advisory Council Meeting.

Asked if the two sides will ink a pact in the defence sector, he said the two sides will try to take forward the decisions taken in key strategic areas of security and defence in 2015 during Modi's visit to Malaysia. He also described the bilateral ties in security, defence and counter-terrorism as robust.

On whether the two sides will discuss the threat of ISIS, he said international terrorism and terrorism in the region would be an important subject of discussion.

Najib, who will be here on his third visit, is accompanied by his spouse Datin Sri Rosmah Mansour. His delegation consists of several cabinet ministers and senior officials. A delegation comprising 80-100 business leaders is also part of his team.

The Malaysian leader will visit Chennai and Jaipur.

NEW DELHI: Projects worth USD five billion are expected to be discussed during the India visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, which started today, as the two sides look at inking more than a dozen business deals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Najib will hold wide- ranging talks on April one during which the two sides will also try to take forward their cooperation in key areas of security, defence and counter-terrorism. Briefing reporters on the six-day visit, Jaideep Mazumdar, Joint Secretary (South) in the External Affairs Ministry, said, "Projects under discussion during the visit would amount to around USD five billion," and about 15 business agreements are also expected to be signed during a business event on April 3. The Malaysian prime minister is scheduled to attend Trade Expo by MalaysiaIndia Business Council Business Forum and 7Th Global Science and Innovation Advisory Council Meeting. Asked if the two sides will ink a pact in the defence sector, he said the two sides will try to take forward the decisions taken in key strategic areas of security and defence in 2015 during Modi's visit to Malaysia. He also described the bilateral ties in security, defence and counter-terrorism as robust. On whether the two sides will discuss the threat of ISIS, he said international terrorism and terrorism in the region would be an important subject of discussion. Najib, who will be here on his third visit, is accompanied by his spouse Datin Sri Rosmah Mansour. His delegation consists of several cabinet ministers and senior officials. A delegation comprising 80-100 business leaders is also part of his team. The Malaysian leader will visit Chennai and Jaipur.
Shruthi HM By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: Auto dealers and manufacturers are offering bumper discounts for BS-III vehicles to offload as much stock as possible before April 1. According to dealers, discounts are being offered for models, primarily two-wheelers, from companies including Hero Motocorp, Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI), and TVS Motor Company.

The Supreme Court has banned sale and registration of BS-III vehicles from April 1.

As of March 20, auto-makers had an inventory of 8,24,275 units, including 6,71,308 two-wheelers.

A lot of dealers in Bengaluru sold vehicles at discount prices on Wednesday and Thursday, to ensure stock clearance before the deadline. Discounts offered range between Rs 3,000 to as high as Rs 22,000 for two-wheelers.

Honda Motorcycles is offering a flat cash back of Rs 22,000 and TVS, discounts up to Rs 20,150 on a wide range of two-wheelers.

An employee of Millennium Motors in the city said their showroom offered up to Rs 12,000 off on scooters and up to Rs 5,000 on bikes on Wednesday and Thursday, clearing all their stocks. The deadline for registration is Friday and hence the offer was limited only for two days, the employee said. Manjunath of Access Motors said the discounts are not being decided by the dealers. Companies are intimating customers through SMSes, he said.

The discounts varied depending on the brands and the corresponding number of BS-III vehicles remaining in the market. Largely, the discounts were for two-wheelers while car showrooms had begun to get BS-IV compliant vehicles in January 2017 or earlier.

We started getting BS-IV vehicles last year since everyone was aware that the regulations would be implemented from this year, said Sharath, an employee at Sireesh Auto.

The bumper discounts offered by Auto dealers and manufacturers for BS-III vehicles to offload as much stock as possible varied depending on the brands and the corresponding number of BS-III vehicles remaining in the market. Largely, the discounts were for two-wheelers while car showrooms had begun to get BS-IV compliant vehicles in January 2017 or earlier.

However, these discounts are unlikely to make a dent on existing inventory. They can help close customers who walk in. But they cannot attract enough of them inside showrooms, said John K Paul, president, Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations. He said there would not be much impact on growth of the sector on account of this shift. Anyway April is a slow month. By the end of the month, things will roll again.

Meanwhile, in a contrasting view, Vinod K Dasari, MD and CEO, Ashok Leyland stated that BS IV Commercial Vehicles could not run properly on BS III fuel and such fuel was not available nationwide.

Given the current demand, majority of the vehicles in the pipeline have already been sold, he said, adding the rest of the inventory will be exported to markets that still operate on BS III norms.

Hero MotoCorp, with the largest inventory of BS-III stock as of March 20 (2,97,577 units) is giving a rebate of Rs 12,500 on scooters, Rs 7,500 on premium motorcycles and Rs 5,000 on other models. HMSI, with the second largest inventory (2,25,599 units) is offering a flat Rs 10,000 discount on all its BS-III merchandise. Discounts are being offered in certain regions by TVS dealers ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000. All discounts are valid only until March 31.

BENGALURU: Auto dealers and manufacturers are offering bumper discounts for BS-III vehicles to offload as much stock as possible before April 1. According to dealers, discounts are being offered for models, primarily two-wheelers, from companies including Hero Motocorp, Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI), and TVS Motor Company. The Supreme Court has banned sale and registration of BS-III vehicles from April 1. As of March 20, auto-makers had an inventory of 8,24,275 units, including 6,71,308 two-wheelers. A lot of dealers in Bengaluru sold vehicles at discount prices on Wednesday and Thursday, to ensure stock clearance before the deadline. Discounts offered range between Rs 3,000 to as high as Rs 22,000 for two-wheelers. Honda Motorcycles is offering a flat cash back of Rs 22,000 and TVS, discounts up to Rs 20,150 on a wide range of two-wheelers. An employee of Millennium Motors in the city said their showroom offered up to Rs 12,000 off on scooters and up to Rs 5,000 on bikes on Wednesday and Thursday, clearing all their stocks. The deadline for registration is Friday and hence the offer was limited only for two days, the employee said. Manjunath of Access Motors said the discounts are not being decided by the dealers. Companies are intimating customers through SMSes, he said. The discounts varied depending on the brands and the corresponding number of BS-III vehicles remaining in the market. Largely, the discounts were for two-wheelers while car showrooms had begun to get BS-IV compliant vehicles in January 2017 or earlier. We started getting BS-IV vehicles last year since everyone was aware that the regulations would be implemented from this year, said Sharath, an employee at Sireesh Auto. The bumper discounts offered by Auto dealers and manufacturers for BS-III vehicles to offload as much stock as possible varied depending on the brands and the corresponding number of BS-III vehicles remaining in the market. Largely, the discounts were for two-wheelers while car showrooms had begun to get BS-IV compliant vehicles in January 2017 or earlier. However, these discounts are unlikely to make a dent on existing inventory. They can help close customers who walk in. But they cannot attract enough of them inside showrooms, said John K Paul, president, Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations. He said there would not be much impact on growth of the sector on account of this shift. Anyway April is a slow month. By the end of the month, things will roll again. Meanwhile, in a contrasting view, Vinod K Dasari, MD and CEO, Ashok Leyland stated that BS IV Commercial Vehicles could not run properly on BS III fuel and such fuel was not available nationwide. Given the current demand, majority of the vehicles in the pipeline have already been sold, he said, adding the rest of the inventory will be exported to markets that still operate on BS III norms. Hero MotoCorp, with the largest inventory of BS-III stock as of March 20 (2,97,577 units) is giving a rebate of Rs 12,500 on scooters, Rs 7,500 on premium motorcycles and Rs 5,000 on other models. HMSI, with the second largest inventory (2,25,599 units) is offering a flat Rs 10,000 discount on all its BS-III merchandise. Discounts are being offered in certain regions by TVS dealers ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000. All discounts are valid only until March 31.
By PTI

MUMBAI: Scrapped banknotes in over Rs 1.5 crore were seized from a car in suburban Ghatkopar and four persons were arrested, police said today.

The bills in old denominations of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 were seized when they were being taken for exchange with new currencies, ostensibly for a commission.

"We got a tip-off that the fake scrapped currency was being carried in a taxi for exchange last night," the DCP (Zone VII) Sachin Patil told reporters at a press conference.

The vehicle was intercepted at LBS Marg Road in Ghatkopar after a brief chase, the officer said. The police found two bags placed on rear seats of the cab, containing Rs 1,51,78,500 in old notes.

The occupants of the vehicle were arrested as they could not explain the source of money, Patil said, adding that the police are investigating the intended recipients of the money.

"Police are probing whether any NRIs were involved in the matter as the deadline for exchange of invalid notes by residents who were abroad during the cash ban is ending tomorrow," the officer said.

The accused have been identified as Rizwan Qazi, the driver of the car who had fetched the money from Gorai, Rehman Sheikh, Danish Rafi and Aiyaz Akthar. Police suspect that Sheikh, Rafi and Akhtar are middlemen, who had boarded the taxi near Mumbai Dockyard.

The accused have been booked under section 124 of the Maharashtra Police Act, the officer said, adding that further investigation is on.

MUMBAI: Scrapped banknotes in over Rs 1.5 crore were seized from a car in suburban Ghatkopar and four persons were arrested, police said today. The bills in old denominations of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 were seized when they were being taken for exchange with new currencies, ostensibly for a commission. "We got a tip-off that the fake scrapped currency was being carried in a taxi for exchange last night," the DCP (Zone VII) Sachin Patil told reporters at a press conference. The vehicle was intercepted at LBS Marg Road in Ghatkopar after a brief chase, the officer said. The police found two bags placed on rear seats of the cab, containing Rs 1,51,78,500 in old notes. The occupants of the vehicle were arrested as they could not explain the source of money, Patil said, adding that the police are investigating the intended recipients of the money. "Police are probing whether any NRIs were involved in the matter as the deadline for exchange of invalid notes by residents who were abroad during the cash ban is ending tomorrow," the officer said. The accused have been identified as Rizwan Qazi, the driver of the car who had fetched the money from Gorai, Rehman Sheikh, Danish Rafi and Aiyaz Akthar. Police suspect that Sheikh, Rafi and Akhtar are middlemen, who had boarded the taxi near Mumbai Dockyard. The accused have been booked under section 124 of the Maharashtra Police Act, the officer said, adding that further investigation is on.
S Subhakeerthana By

Express News Service

Naam Shabana, starring Taapsee Pannu, is set to follow a recent list of Bollywood films with strong female protagonists, including Piku, Tanu Weds Manu Returns and Neerja. Taapsee in conversation about the film, and the lack of such characters in Tamil cinema:

Whats different about Naam Shabana?

I doubt there have been any films in Indian cinema about female spies. My character in Baby resulted in this spin-off. Also, just because its a female protagonist, we havent gone easy on the action sequences. Its an action thriller, and theres plenty of action, like in a James Bond film. Neeraj Pandey has put together many original stories into the film.

You reportedly underwent rigorous training for the action sequences.

I was trained in three forms of martial arts: Krav Maga, Aikido, and mixed martial arts. Most of the fight sequences involve hand-to-hand combat. The main issue I had was that I cant hit anybody in real life. Im a pacifist by nature. To overcome this was quite a challenge for me. Now though, I know a fair bit of self-defence; I urge other women to learn to protect themselves too.

This is the second time youre acting with Akshay Kumar after Baby.

Hes done a special appearance in this film. Im privileged to be playing the main role even though actors like Akshay Kumar, Manoj Bajpayee and Prithviraj are all part of the cast. Also, its a bit intimidating to do action sequences in a film that also has Akshay Kumar.

Though hes known for his stunt sequences, hes the calmest person Ive ever met.

Is it true that Neeraj Pandey approached you for this film before Pink?

Yes. Neeraj didnt worry about how successful I was in Bollywood. Hes a man of very few words, and sensible. He believed in me. That means a lot.

Why the long absence in Tamil cinema after Vai Raja Vai?

I got a few offers in Tamil, but couldnt take them up due to date issues. Ive done some Telugu films in the meantime; so theres no reason for me not to do Tamil films. I definitely want to do at least one every year.

I am actively listening to scripts.

Why do you think these films arent really being made in Tamil cinema? Ask this to the fi lmmakers perhaps?

(Laughs) But yes, Bollywood is open to doing more women-centric fi lms. I never believed Id be part of a project like Pink. Here, almost every top heroine does women-centric fi lms, including Deepika, Priyanka, Kangana, and Vidya Balan. If Tamil heroines insisted on such scripts, I think the trend will change.

How about doing an action film in Tamil?

Why not? However, I think the Tamil audiences know me as a girl-nextdoor. If I get the right script, Im game.

Naam Shabana, starring Taapsee Pannu, is set to follow a recent list of Bollywood films with strong female protagonists, including Piku, Tanu Weds Manu Returns and Neerja. Taapsee in conversation about the film, and the lack of such characters in Tamil cinema: Whats different about Naam Shabana? I doubt there have been any films in Indian cinema about female spies. My character in Baby resulted in this spin-off. Also, just because its a female protagonist, we havent gone easy on the action sequences. Its an action thriller, and theres plenty of action, like in a James Bond film. Neeraj Pandey has put together many original stories into the film. You reportedly underwent rigorous training for the action sequences. I was trained in three forms of martial arts: Krav Maga, Aikido, and mixed martial arts. Most of the fight sequences involve hand-to-hand combat. The main issue I had was that I cant hit anybody in real life. Im a pacifist by nature. To overcome this was quite a challenge for me. Now though, I know a fair bit of self-defence; I urge other women to learn to protect themselves too. This is the second time youre acting with Akshay Kumar after Baby. Hes done a special appearance in this film. Im privileged to be playing the main role even though actors like Akshay Kumar, Manoj Bajpayee and Prithviraj are all part of the cast. Also, its a bit intimidating to do action sequences in a film that also has Akshay Kumar. Though hes known for his stunt sequences, hes the calmest person Ive ever met. Is it true that Neeraj Pandey approached you for this film before Pink? Yes. Neeraj didnt worry about how successful I was in Bollywood. Hes a man of very few words, and sensible. He believed in me. That means a lot. Why the long absence in Tamil cinema after Vai Raja Vai? I got a few offers in Tamil, but couldnt take them up due to date issues. Ive done some Telugu films in the meantime; so theres no reason for me not to do Tamil films. I definitely want to do at least one every year. I am actively listening to scripts. Why do you think these films arent really being made in Tamil cinema? Ask this to the fi lmmakers perhaps? (Laughs) But yes, Bollywood is open to doing more women-centric fi lms. I never believed Id be part of a project like Pink. Here, almost every top heroine does women-centric fi lms, including Deepika, Priyanka, Kangana, and Vidya Balan. If Tamil heroines insisted on such scripts, I think the trend will change. How about doing an action film in Tamil? Why not? However, I think the Tamil audiences know me as a girl-nextdoor. If I get the right script, Im game.
By ANI

NEW DELHI: Terming the Greater Noida incident in which several people of Nigerian origin were injured as deplorable, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Gopal Baglay said that law enforcement authorities of the district have made arrests and are investigating this matter.



The External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath regarding the incident, said Baglay.



He said authorities are taking necessary steps to keep the situation under control.



Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar informed Nigerian envoy Sola Enikanolaiye about the steps being taken by local authorities for the safety and security of Nigerian nationals.



The government is committed to ensuring safety and security of all foreigners in India. People from Africa, including students and youth, remain our valued partners, he said.



Earlier in the day, as many as five persons were arrested in connection with the assault on four Nigerian nationals in Greater Noida.



Swaraj had yesterday sought report from the Uttar Pradesh Government over the attack on four Nigerian students, who sustained severe injuries after being assaulted by a group of local residents in Greater Noida's Pari Chowk area.



The incident came as locals protested following the death of a Class 12 student in Greater Noida's NSG Black Cats Enclave due to suspected drug overdose and five Nigerian students living in the neighbourhood were booked - and later detained - in connection with the case.



The students were later released for lack of evidence.



Over 100 locals held a protest at the busy junction demanding that all Africans living in residential colonies in Greater Noida be asked to vacate their rented houses immediately.

NEW DELHI: Terming the Greater Noida incident in which several people of Nigerian origin were injured as deplorable, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Gopal Baglay said that law enforcement authorities of the district have made arrests and are investigating this matter. The External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath regarding the incident, said Baglay. He said authorities are taking necessary steps to keep the situation under control. Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar informed Nigerian envoy Sola Enikanolaiye about the steps being taken by local authorities for the safety and security of Nigerian nationals. The government is committed to ensuring safety and security of all foreigners in India. People from Africa, including students and youth, remain our valued partners, he said. Earlier in the day, as many as five persons were arrested in connection with the assault on four Nigerian nationals in Greater Noida. Swaraj had yesterday sought report from the Uttar Pradesh Government over the attack on four Nigerian students, who sustained severe injuries after being assaulted by a group of local residents in Greater Noida's Pari Chowk area. The incident came as locals protested following the death of a Class 12 student in Greater Noida's NSG Black Cats Enclave due to suspected drug overdose and five Nigerian students living in the neighbourhood were booked - and later detained - in connection with the case. The students were later released for lack of evidence. Over 100 locals held a protest at the busy junction demanding that all Africans living in residential colonies in Greater Noida be asked to vacate their rented houses immediately.
NEW DELHI: The government today said there have been 24 air accidents in the last three years in the country that resulted in 28 fatalities.

There have been no air accidents so far this year.

"24 accidents took place in the country in the last three years and the current year (till February)," Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha told the Lok Sabha.

Last year, there were seven accidents and the number stood at 10 in 2015. As many as seven such accidents happened in 2014, as per data provided in the written reply.

"28 fatalities have occurred in these accidents," Sinha said. In a separate written reply, the Minister said nine cases of "unauthorised entry at Indira Gandhi International Airport" in the national capital have been reported till date in the current year.

The figure is from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). In another written reply with regard to Air India, Sinha said as per Turnaround Plan (TAP) the government has to infuse Rs 30,231 crore up to 2021.

Till date, the government has infused a total of Rs 24,745.21 crore.

Air India had sought a total amount of Rs 3,901.49 crore as equity infusion in the current fiscal but the government approved Rs 2,465.21 crore under the TAP. "This includes Rs 1,713 crore allocated in the Budget of FY 2016-17 and an additional amount of Rs 752.21 crore allocated in the Supplementary Grants for FY 2016-17," he said. PTI RAM

NEW DELHI: The government today said there have been 24 air accidents in the last three years in the country that resulted in 28 fatalities. There have been no air accidents so far this year. "24 accidents took place in the country in the last three years and the current year (till February)," Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha told the Lok Sabha. Last year, there were seven accidents and the number stood at 10 in 2015. As many as seven such accidents happened in 2014, as per data provided in the written reply. "28 fatalities have occurred in these accidents," Sinha said. In a separate written reply, the Minister said nine cases of "unauthorised entry at Indira Gandhi International Airport" in the national capital have been reported till date in the current year. The figure is from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). In another written reply with regard to Air India, Sinha said as per Turnaround Plan (TAP) the government has to infuse Rs 30,231 crore up to 2021. Till date, the government has infused a total of Rs 24,745.21 crore. Air India had sought a total amount of Rs 3,901.49 crore as equity infusion in the current fiscal but the government approved Rs 2,465.21 crore under the TAP. "This includes Rs 1,713 crore allocated in the Budget of FY 2016-17 and an additional amount of Rs 752.21 crore allocated in the Supplementary Grants for FY 2016-17," he said. PTI RAM
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Opposition in Rajya Sabha on Thursday demanded sacking of a Rajasthan minister for questioning a gang-raped student's integrity as the Centre assured the Rajya Sabha that it would convey the concerns to the state government for corrective steps.

After a brief adjournment during Zero Hour over the issue, JD(U) leader Kahkashan Perween, who had raised the matter during Zero Hour, again raised it and demanded that the Centre should immediately take steps to sack the Rajasthan minister who had made the "irresponsible" remarks.

"I am confident that the Prime Minister gives lot of respect to women. If he does so, then this (Rajasthan)minister should be sacked immediately," she said.

It is unfortunate that the state Home Minister has made such remarks, Parveen added.

Responding to JD(U) member's demand, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukthar Abbas Naqvi said "any such statement cannot be justified. It should be condemned if it ismtrue. The National Women Commission has given a notice."

"Simulataneously, the Centre will convey the sentiments of this House to the state government so that it takes corrective steps," he said.

Earlier during Zero Hour, the opposition parties, including Congress, forced a brief adjournment of proceedings in Rajya Sabha over the Rajasthan minister questioning the integrity of a student who was allegedly gangraped.

Parveen had raised the issue of state Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria's reported remark that it was unlikely that eight men gangraped the girl and she did not complain.

The JD(U) member was supported by women Congress members including Viplove Thakur who displayed what appeared were newspaper reports of the minister's remarks.

As Deputy Chairman P J Kurien disallowed her saying it was not a point of order, the women lawmakers trooped into the Well of the House raising slogans against the "insensitive" remarks. Soon male members too joined them in the Well, raising slogans.

"Without notice I cannot allow (a discussion)," Kurien said. "No notice is received (on the subject)." With members unrelenting and refusing to go back to their seats, he adjourned the House for 10 minutes.

Joining the bandwagon of Indian politicians who have made controversial statements on rapes, Rajasthan home minister Gulab Chand Kataria put the proverbial foot in his mouth by making contentious remarks on alleged rape of a 13-year-old girl in Bikaner.

Kataria came under fire in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday for his remarks after opposition parties, staged a protest raising slogans against the "insensitive" remarks, following which deputy chairman P J Kurien adjourned the House for 10 minutes.

The home minister reportedly raised questions over the delay on part of the family in reporting the alleged rape of a minor by eight teachers in Bikaner last year.

I do not find it normal that a young girl raped by eight men would fail to inform her parents of the incident the same day. It does not make much sense to me and I say this after years of experience, Kataria had said to media persons Saturday.

The alleged incident occurred in April 2015. However, the matter came to light only last Friday after the girl's father alleged in a complaint to the Bikaner superintendent of police that his daughter was raped by eight teachers of a private school, who also made a video of the act.

Ironically, Kataria, a teacher and lawyer by training with a postgraduate degree in Geography, has five daughters.

As the case sparked outrage on social media, it has come to light that the 13-year-old victim was suffering from cancer.

Incidentally, this is not the first time that an Indian politician has stirred up a hornets' nest with outrageous statements on attacks of women and children in the country.

10 shocking statements by Indian politicians on rape

1. Asaram Bapu

Amid the fury In the Spiritual leader and alleged rapist Asaram Bapu about the 2012 Delhi gang-rape and murder The victim is as guilty as her rapists. She should have called the culprits brothers and begged before them to stop. Had she recited the Saraswati mantra, she would not have boarded any bus after watching a movie with her boyfriend.

2. Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh supremo Mohan Bhagwat

"Rapes take place in cities and not in villages. Women should refrain from venturing out with men other than their relatives. Such incidents happen due to the influence of western culture and women wearing fewer clothes."

3. Samajwadi Party lawmaker Abu Azmi

"If you keep petrol and fire together then it will burn. There should be a law to ensure that there should be no 'nangapan' (nudity). Those who wear less clothes should also be banned."

4. Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav

"Should rape cases lead to hanging? Boys are boys, they make mistakes. Two or three have been given the death sentence in Mumbai. We will try and change such laws. ... We will also ensure punishment of those who report false cases."

5. BJP politician Babulal Gaur

"Rape is a social crime which depends on the man and the woman. It is sometimes right and sometimes wrong."

6. Andhra Pradesh Congress leader Botsa Satyanarayana on the Delhi gang rape

"Just because the country attained independence at midnight, is it proper for women moving at midnight?"

7. Trinamool Congress leader and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee

"Earlier, if men and women would hold hands, they would get caught by parents and reprimanded, but now everything is so open. It is more like an open market with open options. Rapes happen because men and women interact freely."

8. Haryana Khap Panchayat leader Jitender Chattar

Chowmein leads to hormonal imbalance evoking an urge to indulge in such acts.

9. Kiran Bedi, BJP leader and former IPS officer

Male pigeons always chase female pigeons. Its an animal instinct.

NEW DELHI: Opposition in Rajya Sabha on Thursday demanded sacking of a Rajasthan minister for questioning a gang-raped student's integrity as the Centre assured the Rajya Sabha that it would convey the concerns to the state government for corrective steps. After a brief adjournment during Zero Hour over the issue, JD(U) leader Kahkashan Perween, who had raised the matter during Zero Hour, again raised it and demanded that the Centre should immediately take steps to sack the Rajasthan minister who had made the "irresponsible" remarks. "I am confident that the Prime Minister gives lot of respect to women. If he does so, then this (Rajasthan)minister should be sacked immediately," she said. It is unfortunate that the state Home Minister has made such remarks, Parveen added. Responding to JD(U) member's demand, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukthar Abbas Naqvi said "any such statement cannot be justified. It should be condemned if it ismtrue. The National Women Commission has given a notice." "Simulataneously, the Centre will convey the sentiments of this House to the state government so that it takes corrective steps," he said. Earlier during Zero Hour, the opposition parties, including Congress, forced a brief adjournment of proceedings in Rajya Sabha over the Rajasthan minister questioning the integrity of a student who was allegedly gangraped. Parveen had raised the issue of state Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria's reported remark that it was unlikely that eight men gangraped the girl and she did not complain. The JD(U) member was supported by women Congress members including Viplove Thakur who displayed what appeared were newspaper reports of the minister's remarks. As Deputy Chairman P J Kurien disallowed her saying it was not a point of order, the women lawmakers trooped into the Well of the House raising slogans against the "insensitive" remarks. Soon male members too joined them in the Well, raising slogans. "Without notice I cannot allow (a discussion)," Kurien said. "No notice is received (on the subject)." With members unrelenting and refusing to go back to their seats, he adjourned the House for 10 minutes. Joining the bandwagon of Indian politicians who have made controversial statements on rapes, Rajasthan home minister Gulab Chand Kataria put the proverbial foot in his mouth by making contentious remarks on alleged rape of a 13-year-old girl in Bikaner. Kataria came under fire in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday for his remarks after opposition parties, staged a protest raising slogans against the "insensitive" remarks, following which deputy chairman P J Kurien adjourned the House for 10 minutes. The home minister reportedly raised questions over the delay on part of the family in reporting the alleged rape of a minor by eight teachers in Bikaner last year. I do not find it normal that a young girl raped by eight men would fail to inform her parents of the incident the same day. It does not make much sense to me and I say this after years of experience, Kataria had said to media persons Saturday. The alleged incident occurred in April 2015. However, the matter came to light only last Friday after the girl's father alleged in a complaint to the Bikaner superintendent of police that his daughter was raped by eight teachers of a private school, who also made a video of the act. Ironically, Kataria, a teacher and lawyer by training with a postgraduate degree in Geography, has five daughters. As the case sparked outrage on social media, it has come to light that the 13-year-old victim was suffering from cancer. Incidentally, this is not the first time that an Indian politician has stirred up a hornets' nest with outrageous statements on attacks of women and children in the country. 10 shocking statements by Indian politicians on rape 1. Asaram Bapu Amid the fury In the Spiritual leader and alleged rapist Asaram Bapu about the 2012 Delhi gang-rape and murder The victim is as guilty as her rapists. She should have called the culprits brothers and begged before them to stop. Had she recited the Saraswati mantra, she would not have boarded any bus after watching a movie with her boyfriend. 2. Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh supremo Mohan Bhagwat "Rapes take place in cities and not in villages. Women should refrain from venturing out with men other than their relatives. Such incidents happen due to the influence of western culture and women wearing fewer clothes." 3. Samajwadi Party lawmaker Abu Azmi "If you keep petrol and fire together then it will burn. There should be a law to ensure that there should be no 'nangapan' (nudity). Those who wear less clothes should also be banned." 4. Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav "Should rape cases lead to hanging? Boys are boys, they make mistakes. Two or three have been given the death sentence in Mumbai. We will try and change such laws. ... We will also ensure punishment of those who report false cases." 5. BJP politician Babulal Gaur "Rape is a social crime which depends on the man and the woman. It is sometimes right and sometimes wrong." 6. Andhra Pradesh Congress leader Botsa Satyanarayana on the Delhi gang rape "Just because the country attained independence at midnight, is it proper for women moving at midnight?" 7. Trinamool Congress leader and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee "Earlier, if men and women would hold hands, they would get caught by parents and reprimanded, but now everything is so open. It is more like an open market with open options. Rapes happen because men and women interact freely." 8. Haryana Khap Panchayat leader Jitender Chattar Chowmein leads to hormonal imbalance evoking an urge to indulge in such acts. 9. Kiran Bedi, BJP leader and former IPS officer Male pigeons always chase female pigeons. Its an animal instinct.
By PTI

SRINAGAR: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah today held the Centre responsible for the Kashmir problem and demanded a beginning of dialogue with Pakistan and Kashmiris people for the "solution".

"If successive governments in New Delhi would not have betrayed the people of Kashmir by not keeping their promise, the situation would not have come to prevailing passe," he said addressing an election meeting at Budgam in central Kashmir.

Abdullah is contesting the upcoming bypolls from Srinagar parliamentary constituency. Stressing on the need for dialogue to resolve Kashmir issue, he cautioned the Centre against "excessive use of force and repression" against the people, saying "unless Kashmir is recognised as a political problem peace will remain elusive." "For lasting peace and stability, dialogue process needs to be initiated," he said, adding that Kashmir issue has been recognised at the international level and therefore, talks should be initiated with Pakistan and the people of Kashmir for judicious solution.

He called for involving all stakeholders to find out a way forward so that the current spell of bloodshed is stopped. "Our heart bleeds when the blood of young man is spilled during broad daylight clash with the security forces. Use of disproportionate force will take us nowhere.

There is need to understand that young people's urges and aspirations have to be met, who feel pushed to the wall," the NC leader said. He said the government at the Centre, in "mistaken belief", prefers "force over compassion and understanding" towards the problems of youth.

"If New Delhi thinks that use of pellet guns would help restore peace, they are living in fools world," he said while holding New Delhi squarely responsible for the "current morass". Abdullah expressed dismay over "political instability, economic disaster and above all fear" among the people.

Attacking Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, the National Conference President wondered over her "hypocrisy", saying "when out of power she used to shed crocodile tears while visiting the slain militants houses but now she underplays, and unfortunately mocks the peaceful protests by the people".

He said "Valley is passing through most difficult phase and unless immediate measures are not taken to assuage the political aspirations of the people, Kashmir will continue to bleed".

SRINAGAR: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah today held the Centre responsible for the Kashmir problem and demanded a beginning of dialogue with Pakistan and Kashmiris people for the "solution". "If successive governments in New Delhi would not have betrayed the people of Kashmir by not keeping their promise, the situation would not have come to prevailing passe," he said addressing an election meeting at Budgam in central Kashmir. Abdullah is contesting the upcoming bypolls from Srinagar parliamentary constituency. Stressing on the need for dialogue to resolve Kashmir issue, he cautioned the Centre against "excessive use of force and repression" against the people, saying "unless Kashmir is recognised as a political problem peace will remain elusive." "For lasting peace and stability, dialogue process needs to be initiated," he said, adding that Kashmir issue has been recognised at the international level and therefore, talks should be initiated with Pakistan and the people of Kashmir for judicious solution. He called for involving all stakeholders to find out a way forward so that the current spell of bloodshed is stopped. "Our heart bleeds when the blood of young man is spilled during broad daylight clash with the security forces. Use of disproportionate force will take us nowhere. There is need to understand that young people's urges and aspirations have to be met, who feel pushed to the wall," the NC leader said. He said the government at the Centre, in "mistaken belief", prefers "force over compassion and understanding" towards the problems of youth. "If New Delhi thinks that use of pellet guns would help restore peace, they are living in fools world," he said while holding New Delhi squarely responsible for the "current morass". Abdullah expressed dismay over "political instability, economic disaster and above all fear" among the people. Attacking Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, the National Conference President wondered over her "hypocrisy", saying "when out of power she used to shed crocodile tears while visiting the slain militants houses but now she underplays, and unfortunately mocks the peaceful protests by the people". He said "Valley is passing through most difficult phase and unless immediate measures are not taken to assuage the political aspirations of the people, Kashmir will continue to bleed".
By Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: The Unified Command of the State on counter-Maoist strategies on Thursday has decided to double the ex-gratia for the Odisha police personnel killed during anti-Left wing extremist violence.

The command, represented by top police officers, senior officials from administrative departments as well as central paramilitary outfits held its first meeting of the year where important issues were taken up for discussion. It was chaired by Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi.

The meeting decided that ex-gratia for police personnel, above the rank of Inspector, will be raised to Rs 20 lakh. For officers of the sub-inspector rank and below, it has approved a raise to Rs 16 lakh.

At present, the ex-gratia for personnel up to SI rank stands at Rs 8 lakh and for Inspector and ranks above that, it is Rs 10 lakh. It was last revised in 2008.

A proposal for enhancement of the ex-gratia is pending with the State government. In fact, such compensation awarded to the next of kin of Odisha Police personnel killed in Maoist violence is less compared to neighbouring states like Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh where it extends to Rs 25 lakh. Similar is the compensation structure in the central armed police forces like Border Security Force.

Besides the ex-gratia, the next of kin of policemen attaining martyrdom in Naxal violence are also entitled to an insurance of Rs 10 lakh, another Rs 4 lakh from welfare fund besides other compensations. Last year, three security personnel were killed in Naxal violence whereas in 2015, the number was four.

Another important decision taken in the meeting was constitution of a Contingency Fund for meeting the medical treatment expenses of policemen injured in anti-Naxal operations. Currently, such expenses are met from the Central Police Welfare Fund which is a fund pool created through contribution from every police personnel-from DGP to constable levels. The contribution is made annually by way of one-day salary which is paid in two installments.

However, the treatment expense comes in the form of a loan, which can be repaid in easy interest-free installments.

The issue had come to fore when eight police drivers were killed in a landmine blast near Sunki in Koraput in February. The government had announced Rs 2 lakh towards treatment of each of the five injured.

The Unified Command also took stock of the progress of Gurupriya Bridge that connects the cut-off areas of Malkangiri.

Padhi told mediapersons that the project is expected to be ready by July and would greatly benefit the locals.

BHUBANESWAR: The Unified Command of the State on counter-Maoist strategies on Thursday has decided to double the ex-gratia for the Odisha police personnel killed during anti-Left wing extremist violence. The command, represented by top police officers, senior officials from administrative departments as well as central paramilitary outfits held its first meeting of the year where important issues were taken up for discussion. It was chaired by Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi. The meeting decided that ex-gratia for police personnel, above the rank of Inspector, will be raised to Rs 20 lakh. For officers of the sub-inspector rank and below, it has approved a raise to Rs 16 lakh. At present, the ex-gratia for personnel up to SI rank stands at Rs 8 lakh and for Inspector and ranks above that, it is Rs 10 lakh. It was last revised in 2008. A proposal for enhancement of the ex-gratia is pending with the State government. In fact, such compensation awarded to the next of kin of Odisha Police personnel killed in Maoist violence is less compared to neighbouring states like Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh where it extends to Rs 25 lakh. Similar is the compensation structure in the central armed police forces like Border Security Force. Besides the ex-gratia, the next of kin of policemen attaining martyrdom in Naxal violence are also entitled to an insurance of Rs 10 lakh, another Rs 4 lakh from welfare fund besides other compensations. Last year, three security personnel were killed in Naxal violence whereas in 2015, the number was four. Another important decision taken in the meeting was constitution of a Contingency Fund for meeting the medical treatment expenses of policemen injured in anti-Naxal operations. Currently, such expenses are met from the Central Police Welfare Fund which is a fund pool created through contribution from every police personnel-from DGP to constable levels. The contribution is made annually by way of one-day salary which is paid in two installments. However, the treatment expense comes in the form of a loan, which can be repaid in easy interest-free installments. The issue had come to fore when eight police drivers were killed in a landmine blast near Sunki in Koraput in February. The government had announced Rs 2 lakh towards treatment of each of the five injured. The Unified Command also took stock of the progress of Gurupriya Bridge that connects the cut-off areas of Malkangiri. Padhi told mediapersons that the project is expected to be ready by July and would greatly benefit the locals.
NEW DELHI: The Shiv Sena today said airline companies were behaving like "goons" by letting terrorists take flights but imposing restrictions on the common man as it remained defiant on domestic airlines' blanket ban on its MP Ravindra Gaikwad.

The Shiv Sena MPs, ahead of their meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on the fly ban issue, said that dictatorship has not yet started in the country and asked whether Air India will first tender an apology to the MP as they had started misbehaving first.

"What has he (Gaikwad) done? The behaviour of the airline companies is like mafia and goons. In your companies, what is happening under your chair, you should see that. I would not say much as we are now going to meet the Lok Sabha speaker. "But an FIR has been lodged against the MP. The MP has also lodged an FIR. The investigation is going on," party leader Sanjay Raut told reporters outside the Parliament.

Asked whether there should be a fly ban on Gaikwad, he said, "There should not be a fly ban on him. Is he a terrorist? Terrorists, underworld dons, corrupt people can fly in your airlines, but an MP, who is a common man, he would not fly.

"And moreover, the FIR has been lodged and the investigation is not yet complete. Who has done what, it will only be clear after the completion of the investigation. In this country, till now, dictatorship has not yet started. If they are doing it under pressure from someone, this pressure will also not work for long," he said. State carrier Air India had recently barred Gaikwad, who had allegedly assaulted its staffer, from its flights and even cancelled his return ticket to Pune from Delhi.

Raut said that during the meeting, the MPs will tell the Speaker that democracy is still there in this country and if such dictatorship continues, "there will be one day, when these airlines will ground the Prime Minister as well as the Lok Sabha speaker."

"I will not speak much now. I will open up facts about the misdeeds (kala chitta kholunga) of these airline company owners. Who has relationship with whom in Dubai, Pakistan, whose money is travelling from one destination to the other, I will come out with it," he said. Asked whether Gaikwad should apologise, Raut said, "Will Air India apologise? Let them start. Who started misbehaviour first. The airline company started it," he said.

Another party MP Shivaji Patil said that the inquiry should be conducted "freely and fairly" to determine who is at fault, whether Air India staff or the MP. "We do not want to shield anybody," he said before going into the meeting. Asked about his meeting with Jayant Sinha earlier, the MP said, "He (Sinha) has assured that he will try his best to lift the ban particularly for the member to attend the Parliament proceedings.

"He told us that efforts were on to find out a way out of the situation. The party has not asked Gaikwad to stay away from Parliament." Another MP Shrirang Barne said that the statements of both the sides should be heard as a case has been lodged on the issue.

"I will not support the mistake which Gaikwad did, but being an MP, he too has some right," he said.

NEW DELHI: The Shiv Sena today said airline companies were behaving like "goons" by letting terrorists take flights but imposing restrictions on the common man as it remained defiant on domestic airlines' blanket ban on its MP Ravindra Gaikwad. The Shiv Sena MPs, ahead of their meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on the fly ban issue, said that dictatorship has not yet started in the country and asked whether Air India will first tender an apology to the MP as they had started misbehaving first. "What has he (Gaikwad) done? The behaviour of the airline companies is like mafia and goons. In your companies, what is happening under your chair, you should see that. I would not say much as we are now going to meet the Lok Sabha speaker. "But an FIR has been lodged against the MP. The MP has also lodged an FIR. The investigation is going on," party leader Sanjay Raut told reporters outside the Parliament. Asked whether there should be a fly ban on Gaikwad, he said, "There should not be a fly ban on him. Is he a terrorist? Terrorists, underworld dons, corrupt people can fly in your airlines, but an MP, who is a common man, he would not fly. "And moreover, the FIR has been lodged and the investigation is not yet complete. Who has done what, it will only be clear after the completion of the investigation. In this country, till now, dictatorship has not yet started. If they are doing it under pressure from someone, this pressure will also not work for long," he said. State carrier Air India had recently barred Gaikwad, who had allegedly assaulted its staffer, from its flights and even cancelled his return ticket to Pune from Delhi. Raut said that during the meeting, the MPs will tell the Speaker that democracy is still there in this country and if such dictatorship continues, "there will be one day, when these airlines will ground the Prime Minister as well as the Lok Sabha speaker." "I will not speak much now. I will open up facts about the misdeeds (kala chitta kholunga) of these airline company owners. Who has relationship with whom in Dubai, Pakistan, whose money is travelling from one destination to the other, I will come out with it," he said. Asked whether Gaikwad should apologise, Raut said, "Will Air India apologise? Let them start. Who started misbehaviour first. The airline company started it," he said. Another party MP Shivaji Patil said that the inquiry should be conducted "freely and fairly" to determine who is at fault, whether Air India staff or the MP. "We do not want to shield anybody," he said before going into the meeting. Asked about his meeting with Jayant Sinha earlier, the MP said, "He (Sinha) has assured that he will try his best to lift the ban particularly for the member to attend the Parliament proceedings. "He told us that efforts were on to find out a way out of the situation. The party has not asked Gaikwad to stay away from Parliament." Another MP Shrirang Barne said that the statements of both the sides should be heard as a case has been lodged on the issue. "I will not support the mistake which Gaikwad did, but being an MP, he too has some right," he said.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: On a day when Nigerian Government summoned Indian High Commissioner to protest against the attacks on its students in Greater Noida, the Indian government refused to qualify the attacks as racially motivated and termed them criminal acts.

Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj also assured Parliament of action in the attack on four Nigerian students in a Mall in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

It is clear that such criminal acts are completely unacceptable and have been condemned. We are engaged with the concerned authorities as well as the students, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Gopal Baglay said in the weekly press briefing. He added: Such acts represent the action of uninformed and misguide few. They do not detract from the deep belief of the Government and the people of India of Vasudeva Kutumbkam.

The MEA, he said, is in constant touch with the District Administration of Gautam Buddha Nagar. District Administration has enhanced the security in the area immediately.

Earlier in the day, Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria Ambassador Nagabushana Reddy was called in by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria Ambassador Olushola Enikanolaiye. The Nigerian media quoted Enikanolaiye as saying that the prosecution of culprits was necessary to serve as a deterrent to others and to forestall future occurrences.

Expressing concern on the incident, the Enikanolaiye said: We think this should not have happened considering the excellent relationship between two of us  the two countries have things in common and have been great friends." The Nigerian government while hoping that the incident would not take its toll on bilateral ties with India but reminded the Indian Ambassador that the attack was not first of its kind.

And we want to see diligent prosecution so that it would serve as a deterrent to those who think they can take laws into their hands and harass students who are going about their studies," Enikanolaiye is reported to have told the Indian Ambassador.

In India, the District Magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar held a meeting of the residents, Foreign students associations in presence of the representatives from Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi. Swaraj has also spoken to Uttar Pradesh CM for action into the incident and Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar spoke to the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria.

NEW DELHI: On a day when Nigerian Government summoned Indian High Commissioner to protest against the attacks on its students in Greater Noida, the Indian government refused to qualify the attacks as racially motivated and termed them criminal acts. Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj also assured Parliament of action in the attack on four Nigerian students in a Mall in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. It is clear that such criminal acts are completely unacceptable and have been condemned. We are engaged with the concerned authorities as well as the students, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Gopal Baglay said in the weekly press briefing. He added: Such acts represent the action of uninformed and misguide few. They do not detract from the deep belief of the Government and the people of India of Vasudeva Kutumbkam. The MEA, he said, is in constant touch with the District Administration of Gautam Buddha Nagar. District Administration has enhanced the security in the area immediately. Earlier in the day, Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria Ambassador Nagabushana Reddy was called in by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria Ambassador Olushola Enikanolaiye. The Nigerian media quoted Enikanolaiye as saying that the prosecution of culprits was necessary to serve as a deterrent to others and to forestall future occurrences. Expressing concern on the incident, the Enikanolaiye said: We think this should not have happened considering the excellent relationship between two of us  the two countries have things in common and have been great friends." The Nigerian government while hoping that the incident would not take its toll on bilateral ties with India but reminded the Indian Ambassador that the attack was not first of its kind. And we want to see diligent prosecution so that it would serve as a deterrent to those who think they can take laws into their hands and harass students who are going about their studies," Enikanolaiye is reported to have told the Indian Ambassador. In India, the District Magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar held a meeting of the residents, Foreign students associations in presence of the representatives from Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi. Swaraj has also spoken to Uttar Pradesh CM for action into the incident and Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar spoke to the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The woman from Kenya according to the Noida police might have actually lied about the entire incident of being attacked by locals on Wednesday evening.

According to the police there was some problem with her friend who might have hit her and no local person was involved in the incident.

It is very much clear that no local was involved in this particular incident, we have checked the GPS data of the cab also but it completely contradicts what the lady said in her complaint. The only witness of the incident, the cab driver has said that he dropped her at her destination said Dharmendra Singh, SSP Gautam Buddh Nagar.

Further the police said that there was a difference between the time the lady made a PCR call and the time of the incident. We believe after witnessing all the incidents and hearing from her friends about attacks she panicked and fabricated this story.

READ MORE: Kenyan woman pulled out of cab, assaulted in Greater Noida

Earlier, the victim from Kenya complained that the Ola cab in which she was traveling was stopped by four local people, after that she was pulled out of the cab and beaten up. The incident came to light when three Nigerian nationals were attacked by 500 plus mob in the Greater Noida area.

NEW DELHI: The woman from Kenya according to the Noida police might have actually lied about the entire incident of being attacked by locals on Wednesday evening. According to the police there was some problem with her friend who might have hit her and no local person was involved in the incident. It is very much clear that no local was involved in this particular incident, we have checked the GPS data of the cab also but it completely contradicts what the lady said in her complaint. The only witness of the incident, the cab driver has said that he dropped her at her destination said Dharmendra Singh, SSP Gautam Buddh Nagar. Further the police said that there was a difference between the time the lady made a PCR call and the time of the incident. We believe after witnessing all the incidents and hearing from her friends about attacks she panicked and fabricated this story. READ MORE: Kenyan woman pulled out of cab, assaulted in Greater Noida Earlier, the victim from Kenya complained that the Ola cab in which she was traveling was stopped by four local people, after that she was pulled out of the cab and beaten up. The incident came to light when three Nigerian nationals were attacked by 500 plus mob in the Greater Noida area.
Aishik Chanda By

Express News Service

KOLKATA: Noted Sahitya Akademi award winning Bengali poet Mandakranta Sen lodged a complaint with the Cyber Crime Cell of Kolkata Police on Wednesday night after she was allegedly threatened to be gang-raped for her poem against religious extremism. An FIR would soon be lodged.

The incident comes within a week after another Bengali poet Srijato Bandopadhyay was booked under non-bailable charges for allegedly hurting Hindu sentiments in his poem slamming Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Sen was vocal in supporting Srijato's freedom of speech.

Eshob magi guloi desh ke shesh korche, eke bina condom a gono chodon dewa dorkar (These sluts are destroying the nation, they should be gang-raped without condoms), read the threat comment by one Raja Das on Mandakranta Sens poem against Hindutva and Islamic fanaticism, which was posted on Facebook on March 27.

They had faced similar reaction when she was in Bengal to return her Sahitya Akademi award in October 2015 after the murder of Kannada poet M M Kalburgi and the Dadri beef lynching incident. These attacks are a result of religious extremism ignited by a political ideology. The attacks on Muktomona (free-thinkers) of West Bengal and Bangladesh are not because the religious fundamentalists do not understand our poems but because they want to interpret the poems according to their political needs, Mandakranta Sen told New Indian Express.

Several atheist bloggers of Muktomona movement have been hacked to death in Bangladesh in the past two years for criticising aspects of all religions, including majority Islam. Since then, many poets in West Bengal have become part of the free-thinking movement and have come under cyber attacks of several Hindutva proponents.

Several Bengali poets were booked with sedition charge and arrested for obscenity during the Hungryalist movement in 1960's. However, Mandakranta refused to draw a comparison of the contemporary attacks with the Hungryalist movement. Arrests of Hungry poets were not motivated by politics but attacks on us are clearly politically-motivated. The Hungry poets used the language of their choice as a political assertion but the obscene language used by us, Srijato and me, are a reaction to the political scenario of the country. We do not force obscenity in our poems. It comes from within in response to the socio-political degradation that we are witnessing in our country, she added. The noted poet indicated that a rally attended by Bengali litterateurs would soon be organised in Kolkata to condemn the attacks on Bengali poets.

KOLKATA: Noted Sahitya Akademi award winning Bengali poet Mandakranta Sen lodged a complaint with the Cyber Crime Cell of Kolkata Police on Wednesday night after she was allegedly threatened to be gang-raped for her poem against religious extremism. An FIR would soon be lodged. The incident comes within a week after another Bengali poet Srijato Bandopadhyay was booked under non-bailable charges for allegedly hurting Hindu sentiments in his poem slamming Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Sen was vocal in supporting Srijato's freedom of speech. Eshob magi guloi desh ke shesh korche, eke bina condom a gono chodon dewa dorkar (These sluts are destroying the nation, they should be gang-raped without condoms), read the threat comment by one Raja Das on Mandakranta Sens poem against Hindutva and Islamic fanaticism, which was posted on Facebook on March 27. They had faced similar reaction when she was in Bengal to return her Sahitya Akademi award in October 2015 after the murder of Kannada poet M M Kalburgi and the Dadri beef lynching incident. These attacks are a result of religious extremism ignited by a political ideology. The attacks on Muktomona (free-thinkers) of West Bengal and Bangladesh are not because the religious fundamentalists do not understand our poems but because they want to interpret the poems according to their political needs, Mandakranta Sen told New Indian Express. Several atheist bloggers of Muktomona movement have been hacked to death in Bangladesh in the past two years for criticising aspects of all religions, including majority Islam. Since then, many poets in West Bengal have become part of the free-thinking movement and have come under cyber attacks of several Hindutva proponents. Several Bengali poets were booked with sedition charge and arrested for obscenity during the Hungryalist movement in 1960's. However, Mandakranta refused to draw a comparison of the contemporary attacks with the Hungryalist movement. Arrests of Hungry poets were not motivated by politics but attacks on us are clearly politically-motivated. The Hungry poets used the language of their choice as a political assertion but the obscene language used by us, Srijato and me, are a reaction to the political scenario of the country. We do not force obscenity in our poems. It comes from within in response to the socio-political degradation that we are witnessing in our country, she added. The noted poet indicated that a rally attended by Bengali litterateurs would soon be organised in Kolkata to condemn the attacks on Bengali poets.
By ANI

MUZAFFARNAGAR: As the abattoirs in Uttar Pradesh are on indefinite strike under the Yogi Adityanath Government, the meat shop owners are coerced to sell tea now.

My meat shop has been forcefully closed even when I had proper license, forced to sell tea now, said Nazakat, a resident of Muzaffarnagar.

Another meat shop owner said that the administration forcefully shut down their shops.

The meat shop owners are force to sell tea now as they dont have any other option. They dont have any experience to do this work, said Dilshad, a customer.

He further said that a number of families are suffering from the ban on slaughter houses and a number of them changed their business for survival.

The restriction of the slaughter house has affected the lives of number of people in Uttar Pradesh.

The business is suffering a lot and number of people has started looking for different option to earn money.

Earlier, in an official release, the state government issued orders to close all illegal slaughter houses to ensure public order, safety and the health of the general public.

The slaughter house owners and meat sellers in Uttar Pradesh responded by going on an indefinite strike.

According to reports, slaughter house owners and meat retailers are also protesting against raids conducted by the municipal authorities and the police.

They have complained that they are being raided by police despite possessing valid licenses.

Fish vendors were also claimed to have resolved to join the stir which has seen non-vegetarian delicacies go off the menu in several parts of the state.

MUZAFFARNAGAR: As the abattoirs in Uttar Pradesh are on indefinite strike under the Yogi Adityanath Government, the meat shop owners are coerced to sell tea now. My meat shop has been forcefully closed even when I had proper license, forced to sell tea now, said Nazakat, a resident of Muzaffarnagar. Another meat shop owner said that the administration forcefully shut down their shops. The meat shop owners are force to sell tea now as they dont have any other option. They dont have any experience to do this work, said Dilshad, a customer. He further said that a number of families are suffering from the ban on slaughter houses and a number of them changed their business for survival. The restriction of the slaughter house has affected the lives of number of people in Uttar Pradesh. The business is suffering a lot and number of people has started looking for different option to earn money. window.__ventunoplayer = window.__ventunoplayer||[]; window.__ventunoplayer.push({video_key: 'OTEzNzA3fHw4fHw2fHwxLDIsMQ==', holder_id: 'vt-video-player', player_type: 'vp', width:'100%', ratio:'4:3'}); Earlier, in an official release, the state government issued orders to close all illegal slaughter houses to ensure public order, safety and the health of the general public. The slaughter house owners and meat sellers in Uttar Pradesh responded by going on an indefinite strike. According to reports, slaughter house owners and meat retailers are also protesting against raids conducted by the municipal authorities and the police. They have complained that they are being raided by police despite possessing valid licenses. Fish vendors were also claimed to have resolved to join the stir which has seen non-vegetarian delicacies go off the menu in several parts of the state.
By Online Desk

NEW DELHI: The Centre has accorded the top category 'Z+' VVIP armed security cover to newly-appointed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The cover will be provided by a special commando team of the CISF along with a small contingent of the Uttar Pradesh police.

"The Chief Minister's security has been bolstered and he will now be secured by a strong team of CISF commandos everytime he moves across the country. A similar commando contingent will be deployed at his official residence," a senior officer said.

As part of the new and upgraded security paraphernalia, Adityanath will have about 25-28 commandos accompanying him with sophisticated weapons at all times he is mobile and his convoy will have pilot and escort vehicles armed with jammers. The review in security category of Adityanath comes after the Intelligence Bureaus threat perception report flagged upgradation of his protective cover.

Under the 'Y' cover, he was accompanied by about 2-3 commandos when he travelled, officials said. A Central Industrial Security Force squad from its Special Security Group (SSG) has recently taken charge of his security in Lucknow, they said.

Adityanath who is known for his controversial statements on minorities, Kairana, and even figures such as Mother Teresa and Shah Rukh Khan, was till now enjoying the smallest category of 'Y' category VVIP cover by the CISF in his capacity as a BJP MP from Gorakhpur. However, officials said with his taking charge as CM, a threat perception report of central security agencies required his security paraphernalia to be upgraded.

The issue of Z Plus security was raised in December last year when it was withdrawn from the three-time former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) leaving his party Congress, enraged. Following MHA's decision, all the NSG commandos, attached to Gogoi, were withdrawn from his security cover. The decision had come months after the protection review group had recommended to the MHA to withdraw the Z Plus security cover to Gogoi and several other politicians.

The 82-year-old Gogoi was provided the elite security cover more than a decade ago for the perceived threat to his life from extremist elements in the state. (READ HERE)

With Yogi Adityanath being given Z plus security, he joins an elite club of 450 people on the VIP security list, according to media reports.

According to a report in the Hindu, as many as 50 new names have been added to the list of people being given VIP security since the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government came to power in 2014.

Some of these VIPs include BJP State presidents O.P. Mathur (Rajasthan) and Jugal Kishore Sharma (Jammu and Kashmir), wife of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani and owner of IPL team Mumbai Indians Nita Ambani, Yoga guru Ramdeo Baba, to name a feww.

After much drama, even the Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal was also given the Z category security, despite his refusal. Some of the news reports also say that P Chidambaram, who was home minister in the Congress-led government, tried to bring the number of VIP protectees down to tackle criticism over massive funds and resources invested in providing security to a few.

NEW DELHI: The Centre has accorded the top category 'Z+' VVIP armed security cover to newly-appointed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The cover will be provided by a special commando team of the CISF along with a small contingent of the Uttar Pradesh police. "The Chief Minister's security has been bolstered and he will now be secured by a strong team of CISF commandos everytime he moves across the country. A similar commando contingent will be deployed at his official residence," a senior officer said. As part of the new and upgraded security paraphernalia, Adityanath will have about 25-28 commandos accompanying him with sophisticated weapons at all times he is mobile and his convoy will have pilot and escort vehicles armed with jammers. The review in security category of Adityanath comes after the Intelligence Bureaus threat perception report flagged upgradation of his protective cover. Under the 'Y' cover, he was accompanied by about 2-3 commandos when he travelled, officials said. A Central Industrial Security Force squad from its Special Security Group (SSG) has recently taken charge of his security in Lucknow, they said. Adityanath who is known for his controversial statements on minorities, Kairana, and even figures such as Mother Teresa and Shah Rukh Khan, was till now enjoying the smallest category of 'Y' category VVIP cover by the CISF in his capacity as a BJP MP from Gorakhpur. However, officials said with his taking charge as CM, a threat perception report of central security agencies required his security paraphernalia to be upgraded. The issue of Z Plus security was raised in December last year when it was withdrawn from the three-time former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) leaving his party Congress, enraged. Following MHA's decision, all the NSG commandos, attached to Gogoi, were withdrawn from his security cover. The decision had come months after the protection review group had recommended to the MHA to withdraw the Z Plus security cover to Gogoi and several other politicians. The 82-year-old Gogoi was provided the elite security cover more than a decade ago for the perceived threat to his life from extremist elements in the state. (READ HERE) With Yogi Adityanath being given Z plus security, he joins an elite club of 450 people on the VIP security list, according to media reports. According to a report in the Hindu, as many as 50 new names have been added to the list of people being given VIP security since the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government came to power in 2014. Some of these VIPs include BJP State presidents O.P. Mathur (Rajasthan) and Jugal Kishore Sharma (Jammu and Kashmir), wife of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani and owner of IPL team Mumbai Indians Nita Ambani, Yoga guru Ramdeo Baba, to name a feww. After much drama, even the Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal was also given the Z category security, despite his refusal. Some of the news reports also say that P Chidambaram, who was home minister in the Congress-led government, tried to bring the number of VIP protectees down to tackle criticism over massive funds and resources invested in providing security to a few.
Aditi Hingu By

Abraham Lincoln defined democracy as a government of, by and for the people. The word democracy itself stems from the Greek word Demokratia which literally means the rule of commoners.

What does it say about democracy when an elected representative of the people, chooses to physically and verbally abuse an employee for simply doing his job? We all are aware of the behaviour exhibited by our esteemed MP, Ravindra Gaikwad during the Pune-Delhi flight on March 23.

Despite his staff being informed about the craft AI 852 being an all-economy flight, Gaikwad took offence over denial of a business class seat and hit the AI duty manager Sukumar Raman with his slippernot once, but 25 times. He even boasted about the same. When politely reprimanded by an air hostess, he mentioned that he has many cases pending against him and one more wouldnt really make a difference.

This shameful incident leads one to wonder about a few facets of the democracy practiced in our country. First and foremost, what does this say about usthe people? India is not a dictatorship where we have a leader thrust upon us. We choose our leaders. How could a man like Gaikwad, who has at least three criminal cases against him including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and criminal intimidation, be elected by mature, conscientious adults?

Unless of course, it is a fallacy that all voters are mature and conscientious. Maybe at heart, we are all still primal beings and the moment we get power, our thin veneer of social norms and behaviour is discarded. It is worth wondering if ultimately we Indians, havent really evolved much from the 'Early Man' days when the primal instinct was dominant.

Maybe we appreciate our leaders misusing power and developing an exaggerated sense of self  because we ourselves want to do it. The moment we get power (even if vicariously), we revert to being and behaving like animals. The other thought that comes to mind is, are we truly deserving of the right to vote? Rights and responsibilities go hand in hand and we dont know how to deal with responsibilities. We form opinions based on religion, caste, loyalty and sell our vote for a few freebies. As voters, we do not even know the job our representatives are supposed to do and whether they have the qualifications and aptitude for the same. What are the odds that this case of physical intimidation will not take a hue of assault on Marathwada pride with Gaikwad projecting himself as the protector of the Marathwada identity? And who knows, he may win the next elections with a thumping majority because the voters will see a hero in him.

Equally shameful has been the official response of Shiv Sena. The party has supported him with the Sena spokesperson Raut mentioning that any personbe it a minister or a common manis likely to lose his temper if someone misbehaved with them.

One doubts if Raut would have been so philosophical in his approach had Sukumar lost his temper and hit the MP. Sena politicians have also said that Gaikwad ought to have been treated with respect. Pray, what does respect mean? He was given the best seat available in the plane.

He was requested multiple times to deplane. Did the AI staff not deserve respect? Were the 115 passengers waiting to board the plane for its next journey, not deserving of any respect? Respect has to be earned. It cannot be forced. It is wrong for any MP (and his party) to think that he deserves respect at the cost of others. It is people like Sukumar and the employees of AI, who pay taxes and actually fund the fat salaries and perks our incompetent MPs get. Instead of assaulting them, Ravindra Gaikwad should have fallen at the feet of the AI staff in sheer gratitude.

It is no wonder that our Parliament is worse than a dysfunctional familythe poor, hapless MPs are forced to react to all the provocations they are subject to.

Hence the shouting, the breaking of furniture, the roughing up of each other where is the time for quality debates, productive ideations and issue-based discussions? For MPs of Gaikwads calibre, it is far easier and more natural to beat up a person than it would be to study the impact of GST on the economy of Maharashtra or the ways to combat the agrarian crisis in Osmanabad. It seems that MPs like him neither know their responsibility in the Parliament nor are they capable of fulfilling it. Lastly, if there has been any hero in this incidentit has been Air India and the Federation of Indian Airlines. In a show of solidarity, the FIA has shown courage in refusing to let Gaikwad fly on any of its member airlines flights. Typical to its street arm tactics, Shiv Sena has taken offence at this and warned AI of possible black listing.

Thankfully, the other political parties have been unanimous in condemning his behaviour. However, it is only when strict disciplinary action is taken that the people will possibly start having faith in the political system again. Mere words and token apologies wont suffice. This is a wakeup call for all citizens of India. We elect goons, we get hammered. When we vote for criminals, we will become the victims. The equation is as simple as what we choose is what we get. Ultimately the Parliament is a reflection of the society and the choices it makes. If our Parliament has respected members like Gaikwad, what does it say about us?

Today, I, a voting citizen of India, hang my head in shame.

The author is an IIM-C alumnus and a corporate professional

Email: aditikhingu@gmail.com

Abraham Lincoln defined democracy as a government of, by and for the people. The word democracy itself stems from the Greek word Demokratia which literally means the rule of commoners. What does it say about democracy when an elected representative of the people, chooses to physically and verbally abuse an employee for simply doing his job? We all are aware of the behaviour exhibited by our esteemed MP, Ravindra Gaikwad during the Pune-Delhi flight on March 23. Despite his staff being informed about the craft AI 852 being an all-economy flight, Gaikwad took offence over denial of a business class seat and hit the AI duty manager Sukumar Raman with his slippernot once, but 25 times. He even boasted about the same. When politely reprimanded by an air hostess, he mentioned that he has many cases pending against him and one more wouldnt really make a difference. This shameful incident leads one to wonder about a few facets of the democracy practiced in our country. First and foremost, what does this say about usthe people? India is not a dictatorship where we have a leader thrust upon us. We choose our leaders. How could a man like Gaikwad, who has at least three criminal cases against him including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and criminal intimidation, be elected by mature, conscientious adults? Unless of course, it is a fallacy that all voters are mature and conscientious. Maybe at heart, we are all still primal beings and the moment we get power, our thin veneer of social norms and behaviour is discarded. It is worth wondering if ultimately we Indians, havent really evolved much from the 'Early Man' days when the primal instinct was dominant. Maybe we appreciate our leaders misusing power and developing an exaggerated sense of self  because we ourselves want to do it. The moment we get power (even if vicariously), we revert to being and behaving like animals. The other thought that comes to mind is, are we truly deserving of the right to vote? Rights and responsibilities go hand in hand and we dont know how to deal with responsibilities. We form opinions based on religion, caste, loyalty and sell our vote for a few freebies. As voters, we do not even know the job our representatives are supposed to do and whether they have the qualifications and aptitude for the same. What are the odds that this case of physical intimidation will not take a hue of assault on Marathwada pride with Gaikwad projecting himself as the protector of the Marathwada identity? And who knows, he may win the next elections with a thumping majority because the voters will see a hero in him. Equally shameful has been the official response of Shiv Sena. The party has supported him with the Sena spokesperson Raut mentioning that any personbe it a minister or a common manis likely to lose his temper if someone misbehaved with them. One doubts if Raut would have been so philosophical in his approach had Sukumar lost his temper and hit the MP. Sena politicians have also said that Gaikwad ought to have been treated with respect. Pray, what does respect mean? He was given the best seat available in the plane. He was requested multiple times to deplane. Did the AI staff not deserve respect? Were the 115 passengers waiting to board the plane for its next journey, not deserving of any respect? Respect has to be earned. It cannot be forced. It is wrong for any MP (and his party) to think that he deserves respect at the cost of others. It is people like Sukumar and the employees of AI, who pay taxes and actually fund the fat salaries and perks our incompetent MPs get. Instead of assaulting them, Ravindra Gaikwad should have fallen at the feet of the AI staff in sheer gratitude. It is no wonder that our Parliament is worse than a dysfunctional familythe poor, hapless MPs are forced to react to all the provocations they are subject to. Hence the shouting, the breaking of furniture, the roughing up of each other where is the time for quality debates, productive ideations and issue-based discussions? For MPs of Gaikwads calibre, it is far easier and more natural to beat up a person than it would be to study the impact of GST on the economy of Maharashtra or the ways to combat the agrarian crisis in Osmanabad. It seems that MPs like him neither know their responsibility in the Parliament nor are they capable of fulfilling it. Lastly, if there has been any hero in this incidentit has been Air India and the Federation of Indian Airlines. In a show of solidarity, the FIA has shown courage in refusing to let Gaikwad fly on any of its member airlines flights. Typical to its street arm tactics, Shiv Sena has taken offence at this and warned AI of possible black listing. Thankfully, the other political parties have been unanimous in condemning his behaviour. However, it is only when strict disciplinary action is taken that the people will possibly start having faith in the political system again. Mere words and token apologies wont suffice. This is a wakeup call for all citizens of India. We elect goons, we get hammered. When we vote for criminals, we will become the victims. The equation is as simple as what we choose is what we get. Ultimately the Parliament is a reflection of the society and the choices it makes. If our Parliament has respected members like Gaikwad, what does it say about us? Today, I, a voting citizen of India, hang my head in shame. The author is an IIM-C alumnus and a corporate professional Email: aditikhingu@gmail.com
She was from Hatton, in the hill country. Like all small facts that paint big pictures, it immediately told us her history  or at least as much of the history of another that can be gauged, sometimes unfairly, by data. She was a nurse, and we were next of kin, waiting in a hospital corridor. After a few minutes she asked us, Where are you from? Here, we replied, because it was simpler. Her expression showed she was not convinced. You sound Sri Lankan, said the nurse. But you look Indian. We asked her what she meant. Your pottus, was all she said  and instantly another picture fl ooded back, of grand-aunts wiping their foreheads clean of kungumam as they fl ed the Tamil neighbourhood of Wellawatte in the riots of 1983 of 30 years of war.

The realisation was chilling. If I had always lived in Sri Lanka, I would probably think of the huge pottus I love the way I think of certain dresses I also love, living in India. Semiotically charged, to be worn at ones own risk. I didnt always love wearing pottus. As a child, made to by parents, I was sometimes bullied for it (I wont forget the boy who called me Headgear). I wondered why my international school classmates couldnt make the connection between Gwen Stefanis glittering bindi in the Dont Speak video we watched hundreds of times in 1998 and the small black sticker on my face. Sometimes the sticker was red; other kids asked if I was married because thats what theyd heard. Black for the nonmarried, red for the married.

A teacher gently said it represented the third eye then looked at me for validation  but honestly, I had no idea. I cannot remember whether I grasped the pottus political power or its beauty fi rst. Its spiritual import only came to me much later. When I, proudly nevermarried, sometimes streak excess vermilion into the parting of my hair its in praise of all three possibilities. Prudes respond as they did to the metti I bought myself and wore for some years. Im hardly the fi rst, though. Actor Rekha caused a sensation in 1980 when she attended a wedding wearing the marital sindoor, a statement she then repeated many times. There are many original ways to utilise the pottu.

During the last couple of years, the Iodine Bindi has been distributed for free by NGOs in areas where women suffer from a defi ciency of the mineral. The artist Bharti Khers work features the accessory as a central motif. Stickers of various shapes and sizes are meticulously layered over objects, creating the visual effect of texture. Spermshaped sticker pottus cover a fi breglass elephant sculpture in a painful slump on the fl oor. This famous installation is called The Skin Speaks A Language Of Its Own.

What does my big pottu (sindoor or sticker, it doesnt matter) convey to dangerous men wearing tilaks? How long before the reverse of that conversation in Sri Lanka happens  when people will be forced to wear them rather than forced to not, concealing themselves, hoping for safety on buses arbitrarily stopped, trains suddenly invaded? (The Chennai-based author writes poetry, fi ction and more) THE VENUS FLYTRAP The pottu and its

She was from Hatton, in the hill country. Like all small facts that paint big pictures, it immediately told us her history  or at least as much of the history of another that can be gauged, sometimes unfairly, by data. She was a nurse, and we were next of kin, waiting in a hospital corridor. After a few minutes she asked us, Where are you from? Here, we replied, because it was simpler. Her expression showed she was not convinced. You sound Sri Lankan, said the nurse. But you look Indian. We asked her what she meant. Your pottus, was all she said  and instantly another picture fl ooded back, of grand-aunts wiping their foreheads clean of kungumam as they fl ed the Tamil neighbourhood of Wellawatte in the riots of 1983 of 30 years of war. The realisation was chilling. If I had always lived in Sri Lanka, I would probably think of the huge pottus I love the way I think of certain dresses I also love, living in India. Semiotically charged, to be worn at ones own risk. I didnt always love wearing pottus. As a child, made to by parents, I was sometimes bullied for it (I wont forget the boy who called me Headgear). I wondered why my international school classmates couldnt make the connection between Gwen Stefanis glittering bindi in the Dont Speak video we watched hundreds of times in 1998 and the small black sticker on my face. Sometimes the sticker was red; other kids asked if I was married because thats what theyd heard. Black for the nonmarried, red for the married. A teacher gently said it represented the third eye then looked at me for validation  but honestly, I had no idea. I cannot remember whether I grasped the pottus political power or its beauty fi rst. Its spiritual import only came to me much later. When I, proudly nevermarried, sometimes streak excess vermilion into the parting of my hair its in praise of all three possibilities. Prudes respond as they did to the metti I bought myself and wore for some years. Im hardly the fi rst, though. Actor Rekha caused a sensation in 1980 when she attended a wedding wearing the marital sindoor, a statement she then repeated many times. There are many original ways to utilise the pottu. During the last couple of years, the Iodine Bindi has been distributed for free by NGOs in areas where women suffer from a defi ciency of the mineral. The artist Bharti Khers work features the accessory as a central motif. Stickers of various shapes and sizes are meticulously layered over objects, creating the visual effect of texture. Spermshaped sticker pottus cover a fi breglass elephant sculpture in a painful slump on the fl oor. This famous installation is called The Skin Speaks A Language Of Its Own. What does my big pottu (sindoor or sticker, it doesnt matter) convey to dangerous men wearing tilaks? How long before the reverse of that conversation in Sri Lanka happens  when people will be forced to wear them rather than forced to not, concealing themselves, hoping for safety on buses arbitrarily stopped, trains suddenly invaded? (The Chennai-based author writes poetry, fi ction and more) THE VENUS FLYTRAP The pottu and its
The telecom industry had a steady run on the bourse last week with most of the key stocks trading in the green. A few developments even made it to the headlines.

U.S. telecom behemoths AT&T Inc. T and Verizon Communications Inc. VZ have decided to suspend their marketing campaign on Googles YouTube site. The reason behind the decision is the appearance of their ads alongside offensive and highly controversial videos promoting adult contents, terrorism and hate speeches. Notably, Google is a division of Alphabet Inc. GOOGL.

According to Reuters, Comcast Corp. CMCSA  the largest cable multi service operator in the U.S. and a media giant - is considering a strategic decision to rebrand its existing TV streaming service, Stream. The company intends to make it available across its footprint. The new service called Xfinity Instant TV will be available in larger U.S. markets such as Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Chicago. It is expected to start in the third quarter of 2017.

Notably, as per a recent Bloomberg report, Comcast has gained rights from several unnamed cable networks to offer online TV services nationwide. The cable MSO reportedly got the rights using the most favored nation clauses in contracts. This, for the first time, allows Comcast to sell video services to new cities outside its regional territories, like New York and Los Angeles.

Media reports suggest that AT&T is planning to stop support for parts of its long-standing U-verse brand by the end of May. The brand consists of fiber-based triple-play video (TV), voice (telephony) and high-speed broadband (Internet) offerings. This move is in line with AT&Ts strategy to focus on streaming development application development on core platforms.

By venturing into the over-the-top (OTT) space, AT&T joined the likes of DISH Network Corp.s DISH Internet TV service - Sling TV and Sony Corp.s SNE Playstation Vue. The U-verse move is expected to involve ending support for U-verse streaming through the XBOX ONE, Windows and U-verse.com applications.

Story continues

Meanwhile, as per a recent report by FierceCable, U.S. telecom behemoth Verizon Communications has collaborated with Luxembourg-based satellite operator, SES, to test the latters Ultra High Definition (UHD) platform in order to deliver 4K content to FiOS customers.Verizon currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Outside the U.S., BCE Inc.s BCE subsidiary, Bell Canada on Mar 27, announced plans to invest $854 million in a project that aims to connect millions of homes and businesses in Montreal with their fastest broadband fibre technology. This investment, one of the largest-ever communications infrastructure project in Quebec, is likely to generate almost 2,700 direct and indirect jobs along with an additional $2.2 billion for other economic development purposes.

Read the last Telecom Stock Roundup for Mar 23, 2017.

Recap of the Weeks Most Important Stories

1. The decision of Verizon and AT&T to pull backall their advertising from Google's non-search platforms, including YouTube as well as third-party websites that Google partners with, issignificant as telephone operators are among the biggest block of advertisers in corporate America. The two companies together spent $6.6 billion in advertisement in 2015. According to Kantar Media, Verizon and AT&T were the third and fourth largest ad spenders in the U.S. respectively, in 2016. (Read more: AT&T & Verizon Suspend Marketing Advertisements from YouTube)

2. A major difference between Comcasts streaming services and other companies offering is that Xfinity Instant TV will be available solely to the companys high-speed broadband (Internet) subscribers. The service wont count against Comcast subscribers Internet data caps unlike other competitors services. As a result, Comcasts high-speed Internet customers will gain significant advantage over the customers of its rival firms. (Read more: Is Comcast Planning to Relaunch TV Streaming?)

3. AT&T plans to shift some U-verse customers to satellite TV service provider DIRECTV, while some will be transferred to its OTT online streaming service, DirecTV Now. This strategic move bodes well with U-verse brand performance wakening compared with the improved business of DIRECTV. Moving forward, this in turn is expected to free up crucial bandwidth on its fiber-optic network, which AT&T can utilize to offer higher data transmission speeds to high-speed broadband users. (Read more: What's Going on with AT&T's U-verse Service?)

4. Bell Canada has partnered with a number of local suppliers such as Asplundh, Effigis Geo-Solutions, G-Tek, Infrastructel, Telecon, TCI and TRJ Telecom to complete the Montreal project. The company will install more than 7,000 kilometres of new fibre and upgrade 25 central offices across Montreal. Further, more than 90% of Bell's network in the city is on aerial structures which will help speed up the deployment of the new fibre links. (Read more: BCE's Arm Invests $854M, Boosts Fibre-Optics Network Suite)

5. Verizons FiOS' fiber network, with its adequate bandwidth, is apt for delivering 4K UHD to customers. The collaborative agreement between SES and Verizon marks an important milestone in the development of Ultra HD solution. The trial will eventually help Verizon offer the next generation of HD programming to FiOS TV customers throughout the U.S. and prepare for a wider 4K rollout in the near future. (Read more: Verizon Teams Up with SES, 4K Content for FiOS TV Customers)

Price Performance

The following table shows the price movement of major telecom players over the past week and the last six months.

Company Last Week Last 6 Months VZ -1.66% -5.48% T -0.69% 2.07% S 1.68% 27.90% TMUS 2.40% 38.57% CHTR 1.52% 20.73% TEF 0.72% 11.41% AMX 3.94% 27.80% CMCSA 0.19% 12.21% DISH 2.36% 14.99%

In the last five trading sessions, share price movement of most of the major telecom stocks was positive. America Movil (3.94%) gained significantly in the same time frame. Likewise, in the last six months, the price performances of the major telecom stocks were positive barring Verizon. Among the stocks that gained substantially are T-Mobile US (38.57%), Sprint (27.90%), America Movil (27.80%), Charter Communications (20.73%), DISH Network (14.99%) and Comcast (12.21%).

Whats Next in the Telecom Space?

We do not foresee any significant changes in the telecom industry or overall global economic factors that can affect the industry in the coming week. However, U.S. personal consumption expenditure data, personal disposable income data and the third estimate of the fourth-quarter 2016 U.S. GDP are set to be released in the coming week. We believe these data will be closely monitored by investors for a peek into the current U.S. macroeconomic picture.

Where Do Zacks' Investment Ideas Come From?

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In yet another crackdown on religious strife in the farwestern province of Xinjiang, China has prohibited abnormal beards, veils in public places and the naming of children to exaggerate religious fervour. The new legislation passed by local lawmakers on Wednesday also says citizens cannot reject or refuse radio, television and other public facilities and services, marry using religious rites only or use the name of Halal to meddle in the secular life of others.

Parents should use good moral conduct to influence their children ... and refuse and oppose extremism. Employees at parks, stations and airports must dissuade women in burkhas or veils from entering and report them to the police, say the new rules which come into effect April 1.



These restrictions add to earlier curbs on ostentatious display or promotion of religion. Though Beijing denies using repressive measures, the rise of terrorist acts in the region has led to a crackdown on the restive Ughyur community.

In one district, officials were quoted as saying we have forbidden ... anyone drawing a salary from the state, from praying or fasting during Ramadan, and dont allow students or anyone under the age of 18 to enter the mosques. Several hundreds have died in the region in violence attributed officially to Islamist terrorists and separatists.

But Beijing strongly denies using repressive measures against the Uyghurs. The Uyghurs however say the massive influx of Han Chinese is an attempt to subdue their local traditions.



In May last year, India burnt its fingers by inviting a Uyghur leader to a conference in Dharamshala and then cancelling his visa following howls of protest from Beijing. In November, India quietly decided to send three Uyghurs arrested and jailed in Kashmir in 2013 to China.

New Delhi now needs to convince Beijing that blocking Indias move at the UN to declare Pakistani terrorist Mazhood Azhar a terrorist is not just hypocritical, it also dilutes its crackdown in Xinjiang.

In yet another crackdown on religious strife in the farwestern province of Xinjiang, China has prohibited abnormal beards, veils in public places and the naming of children to exaggerate religious fervour. The new legislation passed by local lawmakers on Wednesday also says citizens cannot reject or refuse radio, television and other public facilities and services, marry using religious rites only or use the name of Halal to meddle in the secular life of others. Parents should use good moral conduct to influence their children ... and refuse and oppose extremism. Employees at parks, stations and airports must dissuade women in burkhas or veils from entering and report them to the police, say the new rules which come into effect April 1. These restrictions add to earlier curbs on ostentatious display or promotion of religion. Though Beijing denies using repressive measures, the rise of terrorist acts in the region has led to a crackdown on the restive Ughyur community. In one district, officials were quoted as saying we have forbidden ... anyone drawing a salary from the state, from praying or fasting during Ramadan, and dont allow students or anyone under the age of 18 to enter the mosques. Several hundreds have died in the region in violence attributed officially to Islamist terrorists and separatists. But Beijing strongly denies using repressive measures against the Uyghurs. The Uyghurs however say the massive influx of Han Chinese is an attempt to subdue their local traditions. In May last year, India burnt its fingers by inviting a Uyghur leader to a conference in Dharamshala and then cancelling his visa following howls of protest from Beijing. In November, India quietly decided to send three Uyghurs arrested and jailed in Kashmir in 2013 to China. New Delhi now needs to convince Beijing that blocking Indias move at the UN to declare Pakistani terrorist Mazhood Azhar a terrorist is not just hypocritical, it also dilutes its crackdown in Xinjiang.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: THE Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Karnataka police to investigate the role of former chief ministers N Dharam Singh and HD Kumaraswamy in the iron ore mining case and file a report within three months.

However, the court extended a stay on the investigation against another former chief minister S M Krishna. Krishna joined BJP on March 22 after quitting the Congress.

A bench comprising Justices P C Ghose and RF Nariman restrained all other courts, including the High Court, from passing any order in the case. The case dates back to the time when Krishna, Singh and Kumaraswamy held the office during their chief ministerial terms in Karnataka and allegedly gave away illegal mining contracts in the State.

The Karnataka High Court in 2012 directed the Lokayukta to initiate an inquiry pertaining to awarding mining contracts while Krishna was the CM of the state between 1999 and 2004. Krishna then moved the high court seeking relief but was denied the same. According to the complainant TJ Abraham, the former chief ministers colluded with several bureaucrats and others in de-registering a huge tract of forest land and allowed illegal iron ore mining on a large scale.

Abraham, a right to information (RTI) activist, had filed complaints against Krishna, Kumaraswamy and Singh seeking their prosecution for alleged irregularities in allotment of forest areas to private persons.

He had cited former Karnataka Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegdes report that had named many politicians, bureaucrats and others, to contend that Krishna and others had allowed de-reservation of forest land in violation of the apex courts order.

Earlier in January this year, a special Lokayukta court issued summons to Kumaraswamy and his wife for misusing his office to renew mining licence to a firm.

NEW DELHI: THE Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Karnataka police to investigate the role of former chief ministers N Dharam Singh and HD Kumaraswamy in the iron ore mining case and file a report within three months. However, the court extended a stay on the investigation against another former chief minister S M Krishna. Krishna joined BJP on March 22 after quitting the Congress. A bench comprising Justices P C Ghose and RF Nariman restrained all other courts, including the High Court, from passing any order in the case. The case dates back to the time when Krishna, Singh and Kumaraswamy held the office during their chief ministerial terms in Karnataka and allegedly gave away illegal mining contracts in the State. The Karnataka High Court in 2012 directed the Lokayukta to initiate an inquiry pertaining to awarding mining contracts while Krishna was the CM of the state between 1999 and 2004. Krishna then moved the high court seeking relief but was denied the same. According to the complainant TJ Abraham, the former chief ministers colluded with several bureaucrats and others in de-registering a huge tract of forest land and allowed illegal iron ore mining on a large scale. Abraham, a right to information (RTI) activist, had filed complaints against Krishna, Kumaraswamy and Singh seeking their prosecution for alleged irregularities in allotment of forest areas to private persons. He had cited former Karnataka Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegdes report that had named many politicians, bureaucrats and others, to contend that Krishna and others had allowed de-reservation of forest land in violation of the apex courts order. Earlier in January this year, a special Lokayukta court issued summons to Kumaraswamy and his wife for misusing his office to renew mining licence to a firm.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: Get ready to pay Rs 2 more per litre for Nandini toned milk from April 1 as the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) hiked prices on Thursday due to drought conditions in the state.

In southern Karnataka, including Bengaluru, Mandya, Kolar, Tumakuru, Mysuru, Hassan and Shivamogga, toned milk would cost Rs 35 per litre, up from Rs 33. The price of half a litre of curd would now be Rs 21 against the existing Rs 20. "The procurement of new packing film with new MRP requires time. The present milk packing film with old printed rates will be used till packing film with new MRP is sourced. Nandini milk and curd with new MRP will be available in the market in old packing film, so public are requested to co-operate,'' KMF authorities said.

In some districts of North Karnataka, including Belagavi, Raichur, Ballari and Dakshina Kannada, milk price hike is Re 1 (Rs 34 to Rs 35). In Dharwad, Haveri, Uttara Kannada, Vijayapura and Bagalkote, price would be Rs 36 per litre (against the present Rs 35) while in Kalaburagi, Bidar and Yadgir, price will be hiked from Rs 36 to Rs 37 per litre.

KMF said the price rise was necessitated by the drought conditions prevailing in the state and resultant scarcity of drinking water and fodder. With cattle owners finding it difficult to maintain the animals, the price rise was inevitable, said the KMF release. It added that price of Nandini milk was low compared to other milk brands, even after the hike. Prices of other milk brands in Karnataka range between Rs 38 and 42 per litre.

The rise in milk prices is likely to result in a corresponding increase in the price of tea and coffee. Ravindra Bhat, who owns SLV Darshini near Mysuru Road, said that if the price of milk was increased, they would be forced to increase the price of coffee and tea. "We are charging Rs 10 per cup now, which will be increased to Rs 12."



BENGALURU: Get ready to pay Rs 2 more per litre for Nandini toned milk from April 1 as the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) hiked prices on Thursday due to drought conditions in the state. In southern Karnataka, including Bengaluru, Mandya, Kolar, Tumakuru, Mysuru, Hassan and Shivamogga, toned milk would cost Rs 35 per litre, up from Rs 33. The price of half a litre of curd would now be Rs 21 against the existing Rs 20. "The procurement of new packing film with new MRP requires time. The present milk packing film with old printed rates will be used till packing film with new MRP is sourced. Nandini milk and curd with new MRP will be available in the market in old packing film, so public are requested to co-operate,'' KMF authorities said. In some districts of North Karnataka, including Belagavi, Raichur, Ballari and Dakshina Kannada, milk price hike is Re 1 (Rs 34 to Rs 35). In Dharwad, Haveri, Uttara Kannada, Vijayapura and Bagalkote, price would be Rs 36 per litre (against the present Rs 35) while in Kalaburagi, Bidar and Yadgir, price will be hiked from Rs 36 to Rs 37 per litre. KMF said the price rise was necessitated by the drought conditions prevailing in the state and resultant scarcity of drinking water and fodder. With cattle owners finding it difficult to maintain the animals, the price rise was inevitable, said the KMF release. It added that price of Nandini milk was low compared to other milk brands, even after the hike. Prices of other milk brands in Karnataka range between Rs 38 and 42 per litre. The rise in milk prices is likely to result in a corresponding increase in the price of tea and coffee. Ravindra Bhat, who owns SLV Darshini near Mysuru Road, said that if the price of milk was increased, they would be forced to increase the price of coffee and tea. "We are charging Rs 10 per cup now, which will be increased to Rs 12."
By Express News Service

KOCHI: The CBI on Wednesday arrested Uthup M Varghese, prime accused in the nursing recruitment scam, from the Nedumbassery airport.

Uthup came to the State from Abu Dhabi in an Etihad Airways flight at 3.10 am after the Kerala High Court on Tuesday directed him to surrender before the investigation officer on Thursday.

The Immigration Department officers intercepted Uthup and handed him over to the sleuths waiting at the airport. The lawyers appearing for Uthup, a 50-year-old native of Puthuppally, said they had informed the CBI about his arrival on Tuesday. He was taken to the CBI office in Kathrikadavu. Uthup was produced before the CBI court around 3 pm. The agency filed two petitions - seeking further investigation in the case and Uthups custody for two days.

CBI court judge Kalam Pasha said a petition was not required to conduct further investigation in the case and remanded Uthup to judicial custody till Thursday. The CBI request seeking his custody and Uthups bail petition will be considered on Thursday.

Uthup M Varghese needs to be questioned to unearth the end use of money extorted from the nursing emigrants. Further, he needs to be questioned to trace out the blank cheques and signed stamp papers extorted by him from the emigrants. For this purpose, further investigation under CrPC section 173(8) is essential in the case, the CBI said in the petition.

The background

Interpol had included Uthup in the most wanted list in 2016 and issued a red corner notice against him. Uthup approached the High Court to grant him time to surrender after the Supreme Court dismissed his anticipatory bail petition last year.

The CBI registered a case against Uthup, proprietor of Al-Zarafa Travels and Manpower Consultants, Protector of Emigrant (POE) L Adolfus and six others in March 2015 after it was found the recruitment agency charged Rs 19.5 lakh as service charge from nursing recruits instead of Rs 19,500 recommended by the Ministry of Overseas Affairs.

The CBI said Uthup and his company collected Rs 117 crore from the 1,291 recruits for the Ministry of Health, Kuwait, on December 29, 2014 and March 25, 2015. The CBI said Uthup sent Rs 97 crore to Abu Dhabi through hawala channels with the assistance of some forex agencies.

KOCHI: The CBI on Wednesday arrested Uthup M Varghese, prime accused in the nursing recruitment scam, from the Nedumbassery airport. Uthup came to the State from Abu Dhabi in an Etihad Airways flight at 3.10 am after the Kerala High Court on Tuesday directed him to surrender before the investigation officer on Thursday. The Immigration Department officers intercepted Uthup and handed him over to the sleuths waiting at the airport. The lawyers appearing for Uthup, a 50-year-old native of Puthuppally, said they had informed the CBI about his arrival on Tuesday. He was taken to the CBI office in Kathrikadavu. Uthup was produced before the CBI court around 3 pm. The agency filed two petitions - seeking further investigation in the case and Uthups custody for two days. CBI court judge Kalam Pasha said a petition was not required to conduct further investigation in the case and remanded Uthup to judicial custody till Thursday. The CBI request seeking his custody and Uthups bail petition will be considered on Thursday. Uthup M Varghese needs to be questioned to unearth the end use of money extorted from the nursing emigrants. Further, he needs to be questioned to trace out the blank cheques and signed stamp papers extorted by him from the emigrants. For this purpose, further investigation under CrPC section 173(8) is essential in the case, the CBI said in the petition. The background Interpol had included Uthup in the most wanted list in 2016 and issued a red corner notice against him. Uthup approached the High Court to grant him time to surrender after the Supreme Court dismissed his anticipatory bail petition last year. The CBI registered a case against Uthup, proprietor of Al-Zarafa Travels and Manpower Consultants, Protector of Emigrant (POE) L Adolfus and six others in March 2015 after it was found the recruitment agency charged Rs 19.5 lakh as service charge from nursing recruits instead of Rs 19,500 recommended by the Ministry of Overseas Affairs. The CBI said Uthup and his company collected Rs 117 crore from the 1,291 recruits for the Ministry of Health, Kuwait, on December 29, 2014 and March 25, 2015. The CBI said Uthup sent Rs 97 crore to Abu Dhabi through hawala channels with the assistance of some forex agencies.
By PTI

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan today said it has allowed 70 international NGOs to work and operate in the country under a new revised system of registration. In 2015, Pakistan had asked all international charities to get registered under a new system. Interior Minister Ch. Nisar Ali Khan was informed at a high level meeting that "almost 70 INGOs have been granted approval under the new INGOs registration policy framework."

The new system was devised on the directives of Interior Minister Khan. Appreciating landmark achievement, Khan directed Interior Ministry for expeditious completion of pending applications of INGOs, according to an official statement. He also directed for establishment of a robust INGO facilitation cell in the interior ministry with technical support from national data registration authority called NADRA.

"We will welcome INGOs to operate freely and independently in Pakistan, let me also make it very clear that now there would absolutely be no margin or space for any INGO to misuse its permission. We would not allow anyone to work against our national security interests under the facade of INGO," he told the meeting. Pakistan's tiff with the INGOs started in 2011 after it surfaced that CIA used the services of local NGOs to hire Dr Shakil Afridi to get blood samples of Osama bin Laden through a fake vaccination drive. Afridi was later arrested and sentenced to jail.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan today said it has allowed 70 international NGOs to work and operate in the country under a new revised system of registration. In 2015, Pakistan had asked all international charities to get registered under a new system. Interior Minister Ch. Nisar Ali Khan was informed at a high level meeting that "almost 70 INGOs have been granted approval under the new INGOs registration policy framework." The new system was devised on the directives of Interior Minister Khan. Appreciating landmark achievement, Khan directed Interior Ministry for expeditious completion of pending applications of INGOs, according to an official statement. He also directed for establishment of a robust INGO facilitation cell in the interior ministry with technical support from national data registration authority called NADRA. "We will welcome INGOs to operate freely and independently in Pakistan, let me also make it very clear that now there would absolutely be no margin or space for any INGO to misuse its permission. We would not allow anyone to work against our national security interests under the facade of INGO," he told the meeting. Pakistan's tiff with the INGOs started in 2011 after it surfaced that CIA used the services of local NGOs to hire Dr Shakil Afridi to get blood samples of Osama bin Laden through a fake vaccination drive. Afridi was later arrested and sentenced to jail.
By PTI

BEIJING: India sees China's Silk Road initiative as a geopolitical competition and is using the Kashmir issue as an "unfounded excuse" to oppose the ambitious project, Chinese state media today alleged and asked New Delhi to "abandon" its "cliche mentality".

"The official reason the Indian government rejected the offer to join the initiative (Silk Road) is that it is designed to pass through Kashmir. However, it is just an unfounded excuse as Beijing has been maintaining a consistent position on the Kashmir issue, which has never changed," one of the two articles on India by state-run Global Times said.

"India sees the Belt and Road initiative as a geopolitical competition," the article said, criticising India for hindering Beijing's push into South Asia and the world with multi-billion Silk Road project which is also known as the 'Belt and Road' (BR).

"Whether to continue to boycott or join the Belt and Road remains a conundrum for New Delhi," it said adding that, India is the only one which can help itself.

The article said that India should give up its "biased" view on the BR initiative.

"It is high time to abandon the cliche mentality of associating everything with geopolitics. India will surely see a different world if it does," the article said.

Referring to India's reservations to attend the BR summit called by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the article said it may be an "embarrassing occasion" for India as the meeting is backed by "China's peripheral countries, notably Russia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan and Pakistan".

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently said 20 heads of state will attend the summit, together with over 50 leaders from international organisations, over 100 ministerial officials and more than 1,200 guests from around the world.

The article referred to a comment by Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar during his visit here last month to co-chair the upgraded India-China strategic dialogue, saying India is examining China's invitation to attend the summit and "how a country whose sovereignty has been violated can come on an invitation".

In the meantime, however, state-run Chinese media stepped up campaign to pressurise India to join the summit.

China apparently is keen about India's participation in the summit as the project struggled to make headway in the region except the USD 46 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) where both Beijing-Islamabad are putting all efforts to show early harvest.

Media reports here said that Xi plans to invite his US counterpart Donald Trump to attend the meeting during their first summit early next month in Florida.

BR consisted of maze of roads, including CPEC, Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic (BCIM) Corridor and 21st Maritime Silk Road besides road network to connect China with Eurasia.

The article also said, "it seems that the mainstream opinion throughout India is that the connectivity brought about by BR initiative is geopolitically significant. Therefore, India cannot allow the initiative to expand further into South Asia".

"This could also explain why the BCIM has seen no progress since its proposed by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in 2013, and also why New Delhi has been keen on Japan's investment in the Iranian port of Chabahar," it said.

"New Delhi may also feel embarrassed as Moscow has actively responded to the Belt and Road initiative and will build an economic corridor with China and Mongolia," it said, adding Russia and Iran seeking to join the CPEC putting "India in a more awkward position".

It said, "Beijing has expressed, on various occasions, its anticipation to see New Delhi join the grand project and to make concerted effort with India in building economic corridors involving China, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar".

Another article in the same daily said a "benign" competition between India and China may help development in South Asia but they should avoid "cut-throat" rivalry.

"The so-called dragon-elephant contention is perhaps a blow against strategic mutual trust between Beijing and New Delhi, but may be conducive to development in South Asia," it said.

Accusing India of not being "generous" to its neighbours, it said "a yawning infrastructure funding gap in South Asian countries creates space for China and those nations to strengthen economic cooperation".

"Bangladesh and China signed 27 deals worth billions of dollars during President Xi Jinping's visit last year," it said, adding China's BR initiative has received an increasing amount of attention from Bangladesh.

"Only by investing more resources in regional integration and extending the benefits from India's rapid economic growth to other South Asian countries can New Delhi maintain its influence in the region," it said.

"Benign competition between China and India will be conducive to development in South Asia. The question remaining is how to avoid cut-throat competition as Beijing and New Delhi jostle for influence. India and China should seek common ground while strengthening cooperation with South Asian countries to promote regional integration," it said

BEIJING: India sees China's Silk Road initiative as a geopolitical competition and is using the Kashmir issue as an "unfounded excuse" to oppose the ambitious project, Chinese state media today alleged and asked New Delhi to "abandon" its "cliche mentality". "The official reason the Indian government rejected the offer to join the initiative (Silk Road) is that it is designed to pass through Kashmir. However, it is just an unfounded excuse as Beijing has been maintaining a consistent position on the Kashmir issue, which has never changed," one of the two articles on India by state-run Global Times said. "India sees the Belt and Road initiative as a geopolitical competition," the article said, criticising India for hindering Beijing's push into South Asia and the world with multi-billion Silk Road project which is also known as the 'Belt and Road' (BR). "Whether to continue to boycott or join the Belt and Road remains a conundrum for New Delhi," it said adding that, India is the only one which can help itself. The article said that India should give up its "biased" view on the BR initiative. "It is high time to abandon the cliche mentality of associating everything with geopolitics. India will surely see a different world if it does," the article said. Referring to India's reservations to attend the BR summit called by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the article said it may be an "embarrassing occasion" for India as the meeting is backed by "China's peripheral countries, notably Russia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan and Pakistan". Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently said 20 heads of state will attend the summit, together with over 50 leaders from international organisations, over 100 ministerial officials and more than 1,200 guests from around the world. The article referred to a comment by Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar during his visit here last month to co-chair the upgraded India-China strategic dialogue, saying India is examining China's invitation to attend the summit and "how a country whose sovereignty has been violated can come on an invitation". In the meantime, however, state-run Chinese media stepped up campaign to pressurise India to join the summit. China apparently is keen about India's participation in the summit as the project struggled to make headway in the region except the USD 46 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) where both Beijing-Islamabad are putting all efforts to show early harvest. Media reports here said that Xi plans to invite his US counterpart Donald Trump to attend the meeting during their first summit early next month in Florida. BR consisted of maze of roads, including CPEC, Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic (BCIM) Corridor and 21st Maritime Silk Road besides road network to connect China with Eurasia. The article also said, "it seems that the mainstream opinion throughout India is that the connectivity brought about by BR initiative is geopolitically significant. Therefore, India cannot allow the initiative to expand further into South Asia". "This could also explain why the BCIM has seen no progress since its proposed by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in 2013, and also why New Delhi has been keen on Japan's investment in the Iranian port of Chabahar," it said. "New Delhi may also feel embarrassed as Moscow has actively responded to the Belt and Road initiative and will build an economic corridor with China and Mongolia," it said, adding Russia and Iran seeking to join the CPEC putting "India in a more awkward position". It said, "Beijing has expressed, on various occasions, its anticipation to see New Delhi join the grand project and to make concerted effort with India in building economic corridors involving China, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar". Another article in the same daily said a "benign" competition between India and China may help development in South Asia but they should avoid "cut-throat" rivalry. "The so-called dragon-elephant contention is perhaps a blow against strategic mutual trust between Beijing and New Delhi, but may be conducive to development in South Asia," it said. Accusing India of not being "generous" to its neighbours, it said "a yawning infrastructure funding gap in South Asian countries creates space for China and those nations to strengthen economic cooperation". "Bangladesh and China signed 27 deals worth billions of dollars during President Xi Jinping's visit last year," it said, adding China's BR initiative has received an increasing amount of attention from Bangladesh. "Only by investing more resources in regional integration and extending the benefits from India's rapid economic growth to other South Asian countries can New Delhi maintain its influence in the region," it said. "Benign competition between China and India will be conducive to development in South Asia. The question remaining is how to avoid cut-throat competition as Beijing and New Delhi jostle for influence. India and China should seek common ground while strengthening cooperation with South Asian countries to promote regional integration," it said
By AFP

UNITED NATIONS: The US ambassador to the United Nations said Thursday that Washington is no longer focused on ousting President Bashar al-Assad as it seeks ways to end Syria's civil war.

"You pick and choose your battles," Nikki Haley told reporters. "And when we're looking at this it's about changing up priorities and our priority is no longer to sit and focus on getting Assad out."

Haley was speaking after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had signalled a change in the US stance by admitting that Assad's eventual fate was up to the Syrian people.

Speaking at the US mission to the United Nations, which is about to assume the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council, Haley said Washington will focus on the push for a political solution.

"Our priority is to really look at how do we get things done? Who do we need to work with to really make a difference for the people in Syria," she said.

"We can't necessarily focus on Assad the way the previous administration maybe did. Do we think he's a hindrance? Yes," she said.

"Are we going to sit there and focus on getting him out? No."

Haley said she would focus on ways to remove the influence of Assad's ally Iran, which has supported him in his civil war against rebel forces.

And she said Washington would work with other players in the conflict, including Turkey, to seek a long term solution.

UNITED NATIONS: The US ambassador to the United Nations said Thursday that Washington is no longer focused on ousting President Bashar al-Assad as it seeks ways to end Syria's civil war. "You pick and choose your battles," Nikki Haley told reporters. "And when we're looking at this it's about changing up priorities and our priority is no longer to sit and focus on getting Assad out." Haley was speaking after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had signalled a change in the US stance by admitting that Assad's eventual fate was up to the Syrian people. Speaking at the US mission to the United Nations, which is about to assume the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council, Haley said Washington will focus on the push for a political solution. "Our priority is to really look at how do we get things done? Who do we need to work with to really make a difference for the people in Syria," she said. "We can't necessarily focus on Assad the way the previous administration maybe did. Do we think he's a hindrance? Yes," she said. "Are we going to sit there and focus on getting him out? No." Haley said she would focus on ways to remove the influence of Assad's ally Iran, which has supported him in his civil war against rebel forces. And she said Washington would work with other players in the conflict, including Turkey, to seek a long term solution.
By PTI

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said his administration will work to ensure America becomes a place where woman can work and thrive "like never before", as he praised his women colleagues, including Indian-Americans Nikki Haley and Seema Verma.

At a White House panel discussion on women empowerment, Trump said US ambassador to the United Nations Haley, 45, is a tough competitor and is doing her job "fantastically well".

The discussion was joined by Indian-American Seema Verma, who holds a key healthcare position in the administration, and First Lady Melania Trump made a rare appearance at the event.

"My Cabinet is full of really incredible women leaders. Administrator Linda McMahon, who has been a friend of mine for a long time. She's done an incredible job in business. Administrator Seema Verma, Secretary Betsy DeVos, and, of course, my good friend from South Carolina who is a very tough competitor - Nikki Haley," Trump said.

"My administration will work every day to ensure that our economy is a place where women can work, succeed, and thrive like never before. That includes fighting to make sure that all mothers and all families have access to affordable childcare," he said, adding "We want every daughter in America to grow up in a country where she can believe in herself, believe in her future, and follow her heart and realise her dreams."

US Vice President Mike Pence described Haley as "cool" and said she is a favourite of one of his two daughters.

"We are so honoured to have you in this administration," Pence said.

He also praised Verma - the new administrator for the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services. "The truth is, American women are making a difference in our administration, in our economy, and in our communities every single day."

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters that the Trump administration is "committed to empowering women in the workplace."

Trump had made women empowerment a priority throughout his presidential campaign, when he spoke on affordable childcare and paid family leave, investing in women's health, and the barriers faced by female entrepreneurs and business owners, Spicer claimed

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said his administration will work to ensure America becomes a place where woman can work and thrive "like never before", as he praised his women colleagues, including Indian-Americans Nikki Haley and Seema Verma. At a White House panel discussion on women empowerment, Trump said US ambassador to the United Nations Haley, 45, is a tough competitor and is doing her job "fantastically well". The discussion was joined by Indian-American Seema Verma, who holds a key healthcare position in the administration, and First Lady Melania Trump made a rare appearance at the event. "My Cabinet is full of really incredible women leaders. Administrator Linda McMahon, who has been a friend of mine for a long time. She's done an incredible job in business. Administrator Seema Verma, Secretary Betsy DeVos, and, of course, my good friend from South Carolina who is a very tough competitor - Nikki Haley," Trump said. "My administration will work every day to ensure that our economy is a place where women can work, succeed, and thrive like never before. That includes fighting to make sure that all mothers and all families have access to affordable childcare," he said, adding "We want every daughter in America to grow up in a country where she can believe in herself, believe in her future, and follow her heart and realise her dreams." US Vice President Mike Pence described Haley as "cool" and said she is a favourite of one of his two daughters. "We are so honoured to have you in this administration," Pence said. He also praised Verma - the new administrator for the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services. "The truth is, American women are making a difference in our administration, in our economy, and in our communities every single day." White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters that the Trump administration is "committed to empowering women in the workplace." Trump had made women empowerment a priority throughout his presidential campaign, when he spoke on affordable childcare and paid family leave, investing in women's health, and the barriers faced by female entrepreneurs and business owners, Spicer claimed
By AFP

BAGHDAD: UN chief Antonio Guterres called Thursday for protection of civilians to be the "absolute priority" as he visited Iraq, where hundreds of thousands are caught up in the battle for Mosul.

More than 200,000 people have fled west Mosul since the operation to oust the Islamic State group began last month, and officials and witnesses say that air strikes have taken a devastating toll on civilians who remained in the city.

Guterres said he would "focus on the dire humanitarian situation on the ground. Protection of civilians must be the absolute priority," in a post on his official Twitter account.

After his arrival in Baghdad, Guterres met Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, President Fuad Masum, parliament speaker Salim al-Juburi and Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari.

"Iraq is in the final stages of its fight against terrorism. We are strongly hopeful that the liberation of Mosul will soon be completed," Guterres said alongside Abadi, according to a copy of his remarks.

He will next visit Arbil, the capital of Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region.

Guterres's visit comes at a critical time for Iraq, which is fighting to retake Mosul in a battle that has sparked myriad humanitarian concerns.

Jaafari highlighted the issue of reconstruction in talks with Guterres -- a major challenge in areas that have been devastated by heavy fighting to retake them from IS.

"Iraq needs a plan similar to the Marshall Plan... to present assistance to Iraqis and support development and overcome the effect of war against (IS) terrorist gangs," Jaafari said, according to his office.

The Marshall Plan was a major US effort to help Western Europe recover from the devastation it suffered in World War II.

Widespread displacement is another issue, with Iraqi authorities saying that more than 200,000 people have fled west Mosul since February.

Camps have been set up around the city to provide shelter for the displaced, while others are staying with relatives, renting accommodation or residing in makeshift shelters or unfinished buildings.

Displacement from Mosul has not reached the worst-case scenario of a million or more people that had been feared, but that has come at the cost of huge numbers of civilians being trapped in the middle of the battle.

- Civilians killed in Mosul -

The UN said earlier this month that some 600,000 civilians were still in west Mosul, 400,000 of them trapped in siege-like conditions in the Old City.

Remaining in the city has posed deadly danger to residents -- the UN human rights office said that more than 300 civilians were killed in west Mosul in a little over a month.

Gunfire, shelling, bombs and air strikes have all taken their toll.

The US-led coalition carrying out strikes against IS said it had "probably" played a role in civilian deaths in west Mosul, while the Iraqi government has sought to blame the casualties on the jihadists.

Both the UN and Amnesty International have called on Iraqi forces and the coalition to do more to protect civilians in Mosul.

Amnesty's Donatella Rovera said field research in east Mosul -- which was recaptured from IS in January -- showed "an alarming pattern of US-led coalition air strikes which have destroyed whole houses with entire families inside".

IS overran large areas north and west of Baghdad in 2014, but Iraqi forces backed by US-led air strikes have since regained much of the territory they lost.

The jihadists still pose a threat, however, even in the capital, and would continue to do so even if they no longer controlled significant territory.

Illustrating the danger, a suicide truck bombing claimed by IS killed at least 14 people at the main southern entrance to Baghdad on Wednesday evening.

Iraqi forces launched a major operation to retake Mosul in October, retaking its eastern side before setting their sites on the smaller but more densely populated west.

The fighting has inflicted heavy casualties on the Iraqi security forces, according to the head of US Central Command, General Joseph Votel.

Votel told a congressional committee that 490 Iraqi security personnel were killed and more than 3,000 wounded in the battle for east Mosul, while 284 have been killed and more than 1,600 wounded in fighting for the west.

BAGHDAD: UN chief Antonio Guterres called Thursday for protection of civilians to be the "absolute priority" as he visited Iraq, where hundreds of thousands are caught up in the battle for Mosul. More than 200,000 people have fled west Mosul since the operation to oust the Islamic State group began last month, and officials and witnesses say that air strikes have taken a devastating toll on civilians who remained in the city. Guterres said he would "focus on the dire humanitarian situation on the ground. Protection of civilians must be the absolute priority," in a post on his official Twitter account. After his arrival in Baghdad, Guterres met Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, President Fuad Masum, parliament speaker Salim al-Juburi and Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari. "Iraq is in the final stages of its fight against terrorism. We are strongly hopeful that the liberation of Mosul will soon be completed," Guterres said alongside Abadi, according to a copy of his remarks. He will next visit Arbil, the capital of Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region. Guterres's visit comes at a critical time for Iraq, which is fighting to retake Mosul in a battle that has sparked myriad humanitarian concerns. Jaafari highlighted the issue of reconstruction in talks with Guterres -- a major challenge in areas that have been devastated by heavy fighting to retake them from IS. "Iraq needs a plan similar to the Marshall Plan... to present assistance to Iraqis and support development and overcome the effect of war against (IS) terrorist gangs," Jaafari said, according to his office. The Marshall Plan was a major US effort to help Western Europe recover from the devastation it suffered in World War II. Widespread displacement is another issue, with Iraqi authorities saying that more than 200,000 people have fled west Mosul since February. Camps have been set up around the city to provide shelter for the displaced, while others are staying with relatives, renting accommodation or residing in makeshift shelters or unfinished buildings. Displacement from Mosul has not reached the worst-case scenario of a million or more people that had been feared, but that has come at the cost of huge numbers of civilians being trapped in the middle of the battle. - Civilians killed in Mosul - The UN said earlier this month that some 600,000 civilians were still in west Mosul, 400,000 of them trapped in siege-like conditions in the Old City. Remaining in the city has posed deadly danger to residents -- the UN human rights office said that more than 300 civilians were killed in west Mosul in a little over a month. Gunfire, shelling, bombs and air strikes have all taken their toll. The US-led coalition carrying out strikes against IS said it had "probably" played a role in civilian deaths in west Mosul, while the Iraqi government has sought to blame the casualties on the jihadists. Both the UN and Amnesty International have called on Iraqi forces and the coalition to do more to protect civilians in Mosul. Amnesty's Donatella Rovera said field research in east Mosul -- which was recaptured from IS in January -- showed "an alarming pattern of US-led coalition air strikes which have destroyed whole houses with entire families inside". IS overran large areas north and west of Baghdad in 2014, but Iraqi forces backed by US-led air strikes have since regained much of the territory they lost. The jihadists still pose a threat, however, even in the capital, and would continue to do so even if they no longer controlled significant territory. Illustrating the danger, a suicide truck bombing claimed by IS killed at least 14 people at the main southern entrance to Baghdad on Wednesday evening. Iraqi forces launched a major operation to retake Mosul in October, retaking its eastern side before setting their sites on the smaller but more densely populated west. The fighting has inflicted heavy casualties on the Iraqi security forces, according to the head of US Central Command, General Joseph Votel. Votel told a congressional committee that 490 Iraqi security personnel were killed and more than 3,000 wounded in the battle for east Mosul, while 284 have been killed and more than 1,600 wounded in fighting for the west.
By AFP

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump's deputy chief of staff is leaving her post, a senior US official said Thursday, in a significant White House shake-up after a series of political setbacks.

"Katie Walsh has accepted a position with an outside organization," an official told AFP, signalling the departure of a staffer who had been key to the day-to-day running of the White House.

Walsh was seen as an ally of chief of staff Reince Priebus and more orthodox Republicans in Congress.

"She has been a tremendous asset to the president and we are confident she will be so in her new role as well," the official added.

Walsh's departure comes as the Trump adminstration is mired in controversy over ties to Russia and after the failure of Trump's first major legislative action, despite Republican control of both houses of Congress and the White House.

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump's deputy chief of staff is leaving her post, a senior US official said Thursday, in a significant White House shake-up after a series of political setbacks. "Katie Walsh has accepted a position with an outside organization," an official told AFP, signalling the departure of a staffer who had been key to the day-to-day running of the White House. Walsh was seen as an ally of chief of staff Reince Priebus and more orthodox Republicans in Congress. "She has been a tremendous asset to the president and we are confident she will be so in her new role as well," the official added. Walsh's departure comes as the Trump adminstration is mired in controversy over ties to Russia and after the failure of Trump's first major legislative action, despite Republican control of both houses of Congress and the White House.
By Associated Press

CARACAS: Venezuelans have been thrust into a new round of political turbulence after the government-stacked Supreme Court gutted congress of its last vestiges of power, drawing widespread condemnation from foreign governments and sparking calls for protests.

Governments across Latin America on Thursday condemned the power grab, with the head of the Organization of American States likening it to a "self-inflicted coup" by socialist President Nicolas Maduro's "regime" against the opposition-controlled congress.

In a surprise decision, the magistrates ruled late Wednesday that as long as lawmakers remain in contempt of past rulings, the high court, or an institution it designates, can assume the constitutionally assigned powers of the National Assembly, which has been controlled by the opposition for nearly a year and a half.

The ruling and one earlier in the week limiting lawmakers' immunity from prosecution capped a feud that began when the long-marginalized opposition won control of the legislature by a landslide in December 2015 and then mounted a campaign to force Maduro from office. The leftist leader, who has seen his approval ratings plunge amid widespread food shortages and triple-digit inflation, responded by relying on the Supreme Court to unseat several lawmakers and then routinely nullify all legislation voted there.

"This isn't any old sentence. It marks a point of no return on the road to dictatorship," said Freddy Guevara, the No. 2 leader in congress.

Peru's government immediately recalled its ambassador in protest of what it called "a flagrant break in the democratic order." Chile's left-of-center president, who has been reluctant to openly criticize Maduro, said she was deeply worried by the ruling and ordered her ambassador to return home for consultations.

The U.S. State Department reiterated its call for Maduro to free political prisoners and hold immediate elections to resolve the crisis, saying the court decision to "usurp" the National Assembly's powers represented a "serious setback for democracy in Venezuela."

OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro called for an emergency meeting of the regional group, which held two angry sessions on Venezuela earlier this week. That meeting ended with 20 governments led by the U.S. and Mexico voicing deep concern about the Venezuelan situation but no concrete actions to hold Maduro accountable.

Luis Vicente Leon, a Caracas-based pollster, said that while the ruling completely "pulverizes the separation of powers," Venezuela long ago stopped operating like a normal democracy with a clear rule of law and independent institutions. He sees the government hardening its position in the face of mounting economic woes and international pressure, further dashing hopes for dialogue and an electoral solution.

"It's perfectly predictable that the government is going to keep radicalizing," he said.

The main opposition alliance said it was holding around-the-clock meetings to determine its next steps, but some leaders were already calling for protests as early as Saturday. Meanwhile, some hard-liners called for the military, the traditional arbiter of political disputes in Venezuela and an important crutch for Maduro, to intervene.

While the capital was generally quiet Thursday, as night fell a few people in wealthier eastern Caracas gathered on balconies and in front of homes banging pots and pans and shouting "Get out Maduro!"

"The 30 million Venezuelans need to take to the streets and confront the dictatorship," said Daniela Tani, a coordinator for one of Venezuela's opposition groups who joined about 50 people briefly blocking one of major roadways in Caracas. The protesters waved flags and stopped traffic until being surrounded by police trying to clear the street.

But it was not clear if critics of the government were in the mood for another street fight after past attempts fizzled or ended in bloodshed with little to show. Weeks of unrest in 2014 resulted in more than 40 deaths and dozens of arrests, while a mass protest last September was followed by authorities a few days later cancelling a recall petition campaign seeking to force Maduro from office before his term ends in 2019.

The Supreme Court's ruling stemmed from congress' refusal to authorize Venezuela's state-run oil company to form joint ventures with private companies, including Russia's Rosneft. State media said the ruling was not seeking to supplant congress but rather to guarantee the rule of law so long as legislators remains obstructionist by refusing to sign off on a budget and key economic decisions.

Maduro kept out of the debate, appearing twice Thursday on state TV but leaving to his aides to denounce his critics.

"We denounce the conspiracy by the region's right-wing to attack Venezuela's democratic system," Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez said on Twitter.

CARACAS: Venezuelans have been thrust into a new round of political turbulence after the government-stacked Supreme Court gutted congress of its last vestiges of power, drawing widespread condemnation from foreign governments and sparking calls for protests. Governments across Latin America on Thursday condemned the power grab, with the head of the Organization of American States likening it to a "self-inflicted coup" by socialist President Nicolas Maduro's "regime" against the opposition-controlled congress. In a surprise decision, the magistrates ruled late Wednesday that as long as lawmakers remain in contempt of past rulings, the high court, or an institution it designates, can assume the constitutionally assigned powers of the National Assembly, which has been controlled by the opposition for nearly a year and a half. The ruling and one earlier in the week limiting lawmakers' immunity from prosecution capped a feud that began when the long-marginalized opposition won control of the legislature by a landslide in December 2015 and then mounted a campaign to force Maduro from office. The leftist leader, who has seen his approval ratings plunge amid widespread food shortages and triple-digit inflation, responded by relying on the Supreme Court to unseat several lawmakers and then routinely nullify all legislation voted there. "This isn't any old sentence. It marks a point of no return on the road to dictatorship," said Freddy Guevara, the No. 2 leader in congress. Peru's government immediately recalled its ambassador in protest of what it called "a flagrant break in the democratic order." Chile's left-of-center president, who has been reluctant to openly criticize Maduro, said she was deeply worried by the ruling and ordered her ambassador to return home for consultations. The U.S. State Department reiterated its call for Maduro to free political prisoners and hold immediate elections to resolve the crisis, saying the court decision to "usurp" the National Assembly's powers represented a "serious setback for democracy in Venezuela." OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro called for an emergency meeting of the regional group, which held two angry sessions on Venezuela earlier this week. That meeting ended with 20 governments led by the U.S. and Mexico voicing deep concern about the Venezuelan situation but no concrete actions to hold Maduro accountable. Luis Vicente Leon, a Caracas-based pollster, said that while the ruling completely "pulverizes the separation of powers," Venezuela long ago stopped operating like a normal democracy with a clear rule of law and independent institutions. He sees the government hardening its position in the face of mounting economic woes and international pressure, further dashing hopes for dialogue and an electoral solution. "It's perfectly predictable that the government is going to keep radicalizing," he said. The main opposition alliance said it was holding around-the-clock meetings to determine its next steps, but some leaders were already calling for protests as early as Saturday. Meanwhile, some hard-liners called for the military, the traditional arbiter of political disputes in Venezuela and an important crutch for Maduro, to intervene. While the capital was generally quiet Thursday, as night fell a few people in wealthier eastern Caracas gathered on balconies and in front of homes banging pots and pans and shouting "Get out Maduro!" "The 30 million Venezuelans need to take to the streets and confront the dictatorship," said Daniela Tani, a coordinator for one of Venezuela's opposition groups who joined about 50 people briefly blocking one of major roadways in Caracas. The protesters waved flags and stopped traffic until being surrounded by police trying to clear the street. But it was not clear if critics of the government were in the mood for another street fight after past attempts fizzled or ended in bloodshed with little to show. Weeks of unrest in 2014 resulted in more than 40 deaths and dozens of arrests, while a mass protest last September was followed by authorities a few days later cancelling a recall petition campaign seeking to force Maduro from office before his term ends in 2019. The Supreme Court's ruling stemmed from congress' refusal to authorize Venezuela's state-run oil company to form joint ventures with private companies, including Russia's Rosneft. State media said the ruling was not seeking to supplant congress but rather to guarantee the rule of law so long as legislators remains obstructionist by refusing to sign off on a budget and key economic decisions. Maduro kept out of the debate, appearing twice Thursday on state TV but leaving to his aides to denounce his critics. "We denounce the conspiracy by the region's right-wing to attack Venezuela's democratic system," Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez said on Twitter.
By Associated Press

WASHINGTON: Russian experts painted a sinister picture of Russian meddling in the 2016 election Thursday, telling the Senate intelligence committee about fake news, cyber trolls, smear campaigns and even slayings they say could have ties to the Kremlin.

The hearing focused on tactics Moscow is thought to employ in spreading disinformation to influence the opinions of Americans and U.S. policy. There were a few unexpected revelations in the more than four hours of testimony from historians, cyber experts and former intelligence officials.

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., told his colleagues on the committee that during the previous 24 hours, his former presidential campaign team was unsuccessfully targeted  for the second time  by hackers at an unknown internet address in Russia. House Speaker Paul Ryan also was targeted by internet hackers recently, said Clint Watts of the Foreign Policy Research Institute.

All the witnesses stressed the magnitude of the Russian disinformation campaign not only in the U.S. but Europe as well. Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the ranking Democrat on the committee, called it Russian propaganda "on steroids." Committee chairman Sen. Richard Burr said the problem is going to require a global response.

"We're within 30 days of what is a primary election in France. It could be that the Russians have done enough to make sure that a candidate that went to Russia recently, a socialist, made the runoff. We could end up with a pro-Russian government in France," said Burr, R-N.C. "We don't know what the effects are going to be in Germany. But we've actually seen them (Russia) build up a party in Germany."

Eugene Rumer from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said the Russian work is not always conducted in the shadows.

"That Russian effort is before us in plain sight  in state-sponsored propaganda broadcasts on RT (Russia Today) in countless internet trolls, fake or distorted news spread by fake news services," Rumer said.

Watts also said no one is talking about the cache of information that Russia still has.

"They hacked 3,000 to 4,000 people. This hacking was pervasive," Watts said, lamenting how the American people have focused too much on the election season hack of the Democratic National Committee. "They have our information" and could use it later for political purposes.

As the hearing got underway in Washington, President Vladimir Putin weighed in from Russia. He dismissed the allegations as "endless and groundless," telling reporters that they are part of a U.S. domestic political struggle.

"This anti-Russian card is being played in the interests of some political forces inside the United States with an aim to strengthen and consolidate their positions," Putin said, without naming anyone.

He also said he is ready to meet President Donald Trump at an upcoming arctic summit.

Watts, who also is a senior fellow at George Washington University's Center for Cyber and Homeland Security, said Trump himself sometimes  apparently unwittingly  repeats propaganda put out by Russian sources. Russian outlets also parrot the president's own remarks, he said. Watts cited three examples when Trump claimed his campaign was wiretapped and his statements that "election is rigged" and "voter fraud" is rampant.

"You can pick almost any of these stories, which have no truth in them, and they show up back in Russian propaganda," Watts said. "What's hard to distinguish sometimes is did the Russians put it out first, or did Trump say it and the Russians amplify it."

Watts said all the Republican candidates, including Trump, were targets of the disinformation campaign.

"If you added it up, I would say it's probably 90 for, 10 percent against" Trump, Watts told reporters after the hearing. "This is out of a three-year snapshot. They (the Russians) were promoting him at such a volume that it drowns out other organic support for the other Republican candidates."

Watts also said he believes that the contents of the Democrats' emails hacked by the Russians and distributed by WikiLeaks were shared ahead of time with state-sponsored news outlets in Russia. They filed their reports before traditional news organizations, he said. "They knew what was in the contents  at least that's what I believe," Watts said.

Kevin Mandia, chief executive officer of FireEye Inc., a cybersecurity firm, said that Russian hackers were constantly evolving their cyber toolkits and have tried to exploit ways to gain access to personal data. Those included ways to bypass what's called two-factor authentication  when users have to enter a separate code, generated by their cell phone, in addition to their passwords to access their account.

Warner focused on disinformation being spread in the final weeks of the campaign through key states such as Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. One question he is looking to answer in the committee's investigation is whether Russia would have the knowledge to do this without the assistance of someone with a deep understanding of American politics  a theme he appears to be focused on as part of the committee's investigation.

Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., urged his colleagues to "follow the money" to ascertain Russian connections to the Trump campaign.

Watts, who fears for his own safety for speaking out on Russian activities, urged the committee to "follow the dead bodies." He said Russians tied to the investigation into Kremlin disinformation activities have been killed in the past three months  not only in Russia, but in western countries as well.



WASHINGTON: Russian experts painted a sinister picture of Russian meddling in the 2016 election Thursday, telling the Senate intelligence committee about fake news, cyber trolls, smear campaigns and even slayings they say could have ties to the Kremlin. The hearing focused on tactics Moscow is thought to employ in spreading disinformation to influence the opinions of Americans and U.S. policy. There were a few unexpected revelations in the more than four hours of testimony from historians, cyber experts and former intelligence officials. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., told his colleagues on the committee that during the previous 24 hours, his former presidential campaign team was unsuccessfully targeted  for the second time  by hackers at an unknown internet address in Russia. House Speaker Paul Ryan also was targeted by internet hackers recently, said Clint Watts of the Foreign Policy Research Institute. All the witnesses stressed the magnitude of the Russian disinformation campaign not only in the U.S. but Europe as well. Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the ranking Democrat on the committee, called it Russian propaganda "on steroids." Committee chairman Sen. Richard Burr said the problem is going to require a global response. "We're within 30 days of what is a primary election in France. It could be that the Russians have done enough to make sure that a candidate that went to Russia recently, a socialist, made the runoff. We could end up with a pro-Russian government in France," said Burr, R-N.C. "We don't know what the effects are going to be in Germany. But we've actually seen them (Russia) build up a party in Germany." Eugene Rumer from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said the Russian work is not always conducted in the shadows. "That Russian effort is before us in plain sight  in state-sponsored propaganda broadcasts on RT (Russia Today) in countless internet trolls, fake or distorted news spread by fake news services," Rumer said. Watts also said no one is talking about the cache of information that Russia still has. "They hacked 3,000 to 4,000 people. This hacking was pervasive," Watts said, lamenting how the American people have focused too much on the election season hack of the Democratic National Committee. "They have our information" and could use it later for political purposes. As the hearing got underway in Washington, President Vladimir Putin weighed in from Russia. He dismissed the allegations as "endless and groundless," telling reporters that they are part of a U.S. domestic political struggle. "This anti-Russian card is being played in the interests of some political forces inside the United States with an aim to strengthen and consolidate their positions," Putin said, without naming anyone. He also said he is ready to meet President Donald Trump at an upcoming arctic summit. Watts, who also is a senior fellow at George Washington University's Center for Cyber and Homeland Security, said Trump himself sometimes  apparently unwittingly  repeats propaganda put out by Russian sources. Russian outlets also parrot the president's own remarks, he said. Watts cited three examples when Trump claimed his campaign was wiretapped and his statements that "election is rigged" and "voter fraud" is rampant. "You can pick almost any of these stories, which have no truth in them, and they show up back in Russian propaganda," Watts said. "What's hard to distinguish sometimes is did the Russians put it out first, or did Trump say it and the Russians amplify it." Watts said all the Republican candidates, including Trump, were targets of the disinformation campaign. "If you added it up, I would say it's probably 90 for, 10 percent against" Trump, Watts told reporters after the hearing. "This is out of a three-year snapshot. They (the Russians) were promoting him at such a volume that it drowns out other organic support for the other Republican candidates." Watts also said he believes that the contents of the Democrats' emails hacked by the Russians and distributed by WikiLeaks were shared ahead of time with state-sponsored news outlets in Russia. They filed their reports before traditional news organizations, he said. "They knew what was in the contents  at least that's what I believe," Watts said. Kevin Mandia, chief executive officer of FireEye Inc., a cybersecurity firm, said that Russian hackers were constantly evolving their cyber toolkits and have tried to exploit ways to gain access to personal data. Those included ways to bypass what's called two-factor authentication  when users have to enter a separate code, generated by their cell phone, in addition to their passwords to access their account. Warner focused on disinformation being spread in the final weeks of the campaign through key states such as Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. One question he is looking to answer in the committee's investigation is whether Russia would have the knowledge to do this without the assistance of someone with a deep understanding of American politics  a theme he appears to be focused on as part of the committee's investigation. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., urged his colleagues to "follow the money" to ascertain Russian connections to the Trump campaign. Watts, who fears for his own safety for speaking out on Russian activities, urged the committee to "follow the dead bodies." He said Russians tied to the investigation into Kremlin disinformation activities have been killed in the past three months  not only in Russia, but in western countries as well.
DLF Emporio Design Awards'17 celebrates emerging fashion talent

New Delhi , Mar. 29 : DLF Emporio's Design Awards, in their fifth year, honored promising young names in fashion with a glittering awards ceremony.





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India's finest luxury retail destination lends a platform for aspiring fashion designers, as leading names in the industry come to spot creative brilliance.The theme for this year's awards was 'Glam Chic', where contestants were asked to design a red carpet look for the modern woman for an exclusive, black-tie event.A discerning jury comprising of designer duo Shantanu and Nikhil, FDCI President Sunil Sethi, Harper's Bazaar India Editor Nonita Kalra, and Senior Vice President, DLF Luxury Retail & Hospitality, Dinaz Madhukar, announced the winners at the ceremony.The list of winners are as follows:-Anurag Gupta of NIFT- Mohali, Winner- Apparel category-Disha Ahuja of Indian Institute of Fashion and Designing, Runner Up- Apparel category-Ishant Goyal of Pearl Academy, Winner- Accessory category-Yashaswini Verma of Pearl Academy, Runner Up- Accessory categoryThe coveted People's Choice Award went to Sunil Chauhan of NIFT. All the winners will now get the exclusive opportunity to retail out of DLF Emporio.Dinaz Madhukar, Senior VP, DLF Luxury Retail & Hospitality, says, "We have been actively engaged in encouraging promising designers find the right audiences through the DLF Emporio Design Awards for the last five years. The Awards have become a platform that helps young talent showcase its creativity for one month at DLF Emporio which gives them incomparable exposure and helps emerging artists mature into confident, unique voices."In this year's chapter, DLF Emporio narrowed down 17 finalists in the apparel category and 5 finalists in the accessories category.This year, they received almost 400 entries from students of institutions such as Pearl Fashion Academy, NIFT, GD Goenka School of Fashion, IIFT, Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery and Raffles Millennium International, among others. In the past, winners of the Design Awards have gone on to build their own successful paths. For instance, the winner of Design Awards 2014-15, Anubha Jain, now retails her collection at Pernia's Pop-Up Shop.
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Sanskrit Board will teach students about ethics: UP Dy CM

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) , Mar. 29 : Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma on Wednesday said that implementation of Sanskrit Board in Uttar Pradesh education system will enlighten students ethically and therefore develop their mindset.





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"Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev said that Sanskrit Board should be built up. He also suggested for the inclusion of Yoga which will be introduced as a different subject other than physical education," Sharma told ANI.He further said the matter will be discussed with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to come to a conclusion as the education system of the country needs a change."People will get to know about Sanskrit language. These steps should have been taken earlier," he added.Meanwhile in Gujarat, demanding an independent "State Sanskrit Education Board", the state wing of Sanskrit Bharati has launched a campaign for the "development and revival" of the ancient language in Gujarat.Sanskrit Bharati, the RSS-affiliated organisation dedicated to the language, has launched a "21-point" signature campaign and roped in general public and Sanskrit experts and educationists in each district.
MCD Polls: Congress' 'positive' manifesto will not attack those in power, says Tharoor

New Delhi , Mar. 29 : Ahead of the upcoming Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) elections, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday asserted that his party will be approaching the people of Delhi soon with a positive agenda and unprecedented professional manner.





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"The Congress party is trying to approach this election in an unprecedented professional manner where 39,000 workers have been contacted and voices recorded in order to understand their preference for the choice of candidate. So it's with a positive agenda and manner that we will be approaching the people of Delhi," Tharoor said.Tharoor further stated that the MCD elections will cater to issues like finance, environment, health and many more that Delhi want to resolve."We are also going in with a positive manifesto not criticizing those in power or attacking the failures and deficiencies of those who are there. We are instead talking in terms on what we can achieve with very specific proposal, like Salman Khurshid on health and me on education others will speak on finance and environment issues that Delhi want to resolve," said Tharoor.The date for the elections to the three municipal corporations was postponed by a day to April 23, keeping the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) board examination in mind.The date for counting of votes has also been extended to April 26.
In Jordan, UN chief calls for 'new Arab world,' united to tackle common challenges

New York, Mar 30 : Addressing the League of Arab States Summit in Jordan on Wednesday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the importance of unity among the countries in the region to confront the challenges it is facing.





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Divisions in the Arab world have opened the door to foreign intervention and manipulation, breeding instability, sectarian strife and terrorism, said Guterres.At this time of transition and upheaval, unity will be critical, he said, emphasizing: I appeal to your leadership in shaping a new Arab world able to address and solve, by itself, differences through dialogue and cooperation.In his remarks, the Secretary-General also underscored the importance of partnership between the UN and the Arab League and said that it was his responsibility to use his good offices, in cooperation with Member States, as an added dimension for conflict resolution.It is time to end the fighting in Syria, he said, expressing hope that the Astana process can achieve an effective ceasefire.By now it should be clear to all involved that while fighting terrorism is essential, any success will prove ephemeral without a political solution that allows the Syrian people to freely decide their own fate, he added, underlining the need, also, to support Syrian refugees in their hour of need.Further, welcoming the progress in retaking territories held by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Daesh), the UN chief expressed hope that the violence in Yemen and Libya can be resolved soon.Turning to the peace process in the Middle East, Guterres underscored that the two-state solution is the only path to ensure that Palestinians and Israelis can realize their national aspirations and live in peace, security and dignity.There is no Plan B, he stated.Concluding in his address, the Secretary-General highlighted the importance of addressing youth unemployment as well as empowerment of women both as a matter of human rights as well as a spur to human development.Let us recognize the power and responsibility that lies in our hands to improve the lives of the people we serve.Photo: UN NewsSource: www.justearthnews.com
Pro-poor urbanization, sustainable infrastructure can unlock Asia-Pacific's prosperity - UN

New York, Mar 30 : Some 400 million people in Asia and the Pacific still confront poverty as part of their daily lives due to widening income inequality, despite the region's impressive gains in reducing poverty in recent decades, a United Nations-backed report has found.





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As outlined in the report, a renewed strengthening of the social contract is critical for addressing multi-dimensional poverty and the high marginalization and exclusion of people, the Executive Secretary of ESCAP, Shamshad Akhtar, told the Asia Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD 2017), according to a press release from ESCAP.Titled Eradicating Poverty and Promoting Prosperity in a Changing Asia-Pacific , the report notes that on top of the 400 million people, or one in 10, living in extreme poverty, more than one in four people in the regions developing countries experience poverty in multiple dimensions, including additional deprivations that impact their health, education, and standard of living.The report underscores the importance of addressing poverty through pro-poor urbanization, effective management of rural-urban transitions, and investment in sustainable infrastructure.Although people in extreme income poverty are more likely to live in rural areas, they are increasingly found in cities, therefore provision of high quality, low-carbon, and resilient infrastructure is essential.Asias infrastructure needs are large and will only grow, with our recent report suggesting that the region will need $1.7 trillion annually in climate-resilient infrastructure investments, said ADBs Vice-President for Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development, Bambang Susantono.How our region chooses to bridge the infrastructure gap will have profound global implications. Concerted efforts, as highlighted in the tripartite report, can help us cover the last mile for infrastructure towards inclusive and sustainable development, he added.Also addressing the forum was Haoliang Xu, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific.As urbanization booms across Asia and the Pacific, its cities are powering innovation, economic growth, and prosperity, lifting many out of poverty. But there has also been an increase in inequality and exclusion in some regions, he said.To be more inclusive and to leave no one behind, cities must adopt innovative policies that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and prioritize building the resilience of the most vulnerable groups, he added.ESCAP, ADB, and UNDP also launched a new SDG Data Portal on Wednesday to provide up to date data on SDG indicators for governments and stakeholders in Asia and the Pacific, along with an outlook assessment on SDGs in the region.APFSD 2017 is being held by ESCAP in Bangkok from 29 to 31 March 2017. The conclusions and recommendations at the forum will inform discussions of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at the global level, to be convened in New York in July 2017.Photo: Dominic Chavez/World BankSource: www.justearthnews.com
GST will benefit all, says Oscar Fernandes

New Delhi , Mar. 30 : Going against the party line, which expressed displeasure over the passage of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill, Congress leader Oscar Fernandes on Thursday supported the Centre's move and said that the country would be benefitted under the new tax regime.





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"We have been very particular that we should pass the GST bill and it was UPA government under Dr. Manmohan Singh, Sonia ji, Chidambaram ji they had moved this bill. But the opposition was not willing cooperate with us. It would have revolutionized the whole regime, the business would have been picked up but unfortunately we could not do that. But the BJP having moved it, we have supported the move and I am sure the country will benefit out of this," Fernandes told ANI.Meanwhile, Condemning the Finance Bill, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was acting headstrong in the matter and not heeding the Opposition, adding that the amendments are against the economy."Earlier the Income Tax Commissioner and the director had the authority to give the permission for search and seizure. Now in these two amendment, 132 A and 133, they have given the authority to the Assistant Commissioners to do the income tax raid without any search warrant. These amendments are against businessmen and economy at large," Singh told ANI.The Congress has also expressed its disappointment calling the development as a violation of the Constitution."It is not at all convincing because the law should be made by the Parliament. First time this has been abrogated. This is absolutely in the violation of the provisions of the Constitution," Congress leader Veerappa Moily said.Union Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh said even though the BJP has won in amendments, it will not make the system transparent neither will benefit the public.All bills related to GST was on Wednesday passed in Lok Sabha with voice votes by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who tabled the bills on Monday, briefed the BJP MPs about GST's impact at the party's parliamentary board meeting on Tuesday."As far as benefits are concerned, you can produce Aadhar. If you don't have one, you can produce other ID and simultaneously apply for it," said Arun Jaitley.He further said that the Government will issue electoral bonds."There are lot of wild information going around over the authority of assessment officers over search and seizure," added Jaitley."Let me clarify this under section 132, a satisfaction note must be submitted before search and entering premise and that has to be submitted in the court," he added while notifying that the Finance Bill protects the source of information for tax evasion.Earlier, Jaitley moved four Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bills for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha, which then took them up for discussion. The Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Bill, 2017, along with three other GST Bills were moved for consideration in the Lower House.
Blac Chyna slams ex Tyga for 'not paying child support'

New Delhi , Mar.30 : Seems like nothing is well between Blac Chyna and her former beau Tyga.





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In a series of angry posts, the 28-year-old video vixen took to Snapchat and blasted the 27-year-old rapper for failing to pay child support for their son, King Cairo.She began by saying, "It's funny now to me !!! But when Tyga and side n***a kicked me out !!! And they wanted to see me fail ! lol. Lol...And 2 grind from the dirt!!!!! No child support! "N---a is like h**s! So I'mma treat u like that! Not playing Jenny! Wow."Her Snapchat attack on Tyga was filled with seemingly random references.She also called out Tyga and dragged the Kardashian clan into the middle of their financial battle."So go tell Kylie, and Rob ! About our son Account ! Cause that's the only reason I'm contacting ur f** ass!"For the unversed, the duo broke up in 2014, when Tyga allegedly kicked her out and called it "quits."Recently, Tyga, in an interview with E! Online, said that he is "trying to cut back" on the gifts for him because the child is "very spoiled."Blac Chyna slams ex Tyga for 'not paying child support'New Delhi , Mar.30 : Seems like nothing is well between Blac Chyna and her former beau Tyga.In a series of angry posts, the 28-year-old video vixen took to Snapchat and blasted the 27-year-old rapper for failing to pay child support for their son, King Cairo.She began by saying, "It's funny now to me !!! But when Tyga and side n***a kicked me out !!! And they wanted to see me fail ! lol. Lol...And 2 grind from the dirt!!!!! No child support! "N---a is like h**s! So I'mma treat u like that! Not playing Jenny! Wow."Her Snapchat attack on Tyga was filled with seemingly random references.She also called out Tyga and dragged the Kardashian clan into the middle of their financial battle."So go tell Kylie, and Rob ! About our son Account ! Cause that's the only reason I'm contacting ur f** ass!"For the unversed, the duo broke up in 2014, when Tyga allegedly kicked her out and called it "quits."Recently, Tyga, in an interview with E! Online, said that he is "trying to cut back" on the gifts for him because the child is "very spoiled."
Bihar: Mentally challenged woman dragged around in Arrah Hospital, no stretchers available

Arrah (Bihar) Mar. 30 : Bhojpur district's one and only hospital certified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in Arrah is continuously in news these days for raking up controversies.





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In an unfortunate incident, a mentally challenged woman was dragged around by her relatives in the Sadar Hospital's premises in search of a stretcher, here on Wednesday.On being questioned about the matter, the hospital administration said 32-year-old Shakuntala Devi is mentally disturbed therefore every now and then she tries to escape the building.The hospital has, however, denied having received any request for a stretcher, which it said was available.The woman's husband Anil Shah said his wife had to be taken to the Out-Patient Department (OPD) for administering an injection.His request to the paramedical staff for a stretcher was turned down saying the hospital did not have one available."I was left with no option therefore I requested a hospital staff and a female attendant of another patient to carry my wife back to the ward," said Shah."There is no reason why a patient admitted to a ward, will be taken to the OPD for administering an injection. The patient had wandered into the OPD. Her husband, with the help of some others, held her by her limbs and brought her back to the ward. We never received any request for a stretcher, which we have aplenty," Hospital deputy superintendent Dr. Satish Kumar Sinha said.Devi was admitted to the medical ward of the Arrah Sadar Hospital four days back when she developed complications related to her mental illness.However, this is not the first incident which has come into light. Earlier in the month, four pregnant women were carried on a single stretcher in a state government hospital in Karnataka's Hubli district.When questioned to speak on the incident, Superintendent Dr. Shivappa Anur Shetty said, "There's no shortage of stretchers, it's only the inability of hospital staff to manage them accordingly."Last year, in a shocking incident, a woman was forced to drag her ailing husband on the ramp of a government hospital in Andhra Pradeh's Anantapur district after hospital staff allegedly expressed their inability to provide her a stretcher.
No Indians have lost jobs yet: Swaraj on H1B visa policy

New Delhi , Mar. 30 : External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday assured Indians that the Central Government is in talks with the United States administration to ensure that Indians living are not at loss due to the new H1B visa policy.





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"We are in talk with the U.S. administration and Congressmen. No one has lost job till now. No policy has been announced till now," Swaraj said in the Rajya Sabha.Swaraj earlier last week said there was no reason to worry about the curbs on H1B visas or the job security of Indian IT professionals working in the U.S. for the time being as the Indian government is in talks with the U.S .regarding this."Currently there are four bills in the US Congress about curbs on H1B visas. We are engaged (in a dialogue) with the US at very high level regarding this... We are making all efforts (through diplomatic channels) to ensure these bills are not passed," Sushma said in the Rajya Sabha."So there is no reason to worry about it as of now," she added.The Minister also informed the house that the visa facility extended to the spouse of the Indian professionals has not been withdrawn by the U.S. so far.
BJP chief Amit Shah returns to hero's welcome in Gujarat

Gandhinagar, Mar 30 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members in Gujarat accorded a grand welcome to their National Party President Amit Shah, when he arrived at the state assembly in Gandhinagar on Thursday, according to media reports.





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Shah, a legislator from Naranpura constituency in Ahmedabad, is attending the state assembly session on Thursday, after two years. His last attended a Gujarat assembly session in March 2015.The BJP chief was accompanied by his wife and son.BJPs state chief Jitu Vaghani and Chief Minister Vijay Rupani welcomed the national party chief with flowers.Shah arrived in Gujarat on Wednesday to a heros welcome, with the party felicitating Shah for BJPs successful bid for the Uttar Pradesh state assembly.Gujarat is scheduled to hold its state assembly election in November this year.According to media reports, Shah has set a target of winning minimum of 150 seats in the 180-seat state assembly in the upcoming election.Image: JituBhagani Twitter
Parliament passes Finance Bill 2017

New Delhi , Mar. 30 : The Parliament has passed Finance Bill 2017 with the Lok Sabha today negating all the five amendments made by the Rajya Sabha.





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Replying to a debate on the amendments of the Rajya Sabha , Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the government cannot accept the amendments of the Upper House.Initiating a discussion on it, Dipendra Hooda of Congress supported the amendments made by the Rajya Sabha.He questioned the government for proposing 40 amendments in different laws through the Finance Bill.He demanded separate law for political funding. BJD leader Bhartruhari Mahtab demanded transparency in funding to the political parties.Saugata Roy of TMC also supported the amendments. Badaruddoza Khan of CPI (M) and A. P. Jithender Reddy of TRS demanded complete ban on corporate funding to the political parties.Yesterday, the Rajya Sabha had returned the Finance Bill 2017 to the Lok Sabha with five amendments moved by the opposition.Of the five amendments, three were moved by Digvijay Singh of Congress and two by Sitaram Yechury of CPI-M.The bill gives effect to the financial proposals of the central government for the financial year 2017-18.
There will be no discrimination against opposition: Adityanath

New Delhi , Mar. 30 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday called for unanimity between the ruling government and the opposition, adding that there would not be no discrimination against the latter.





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"The government and the opposition should work together to live up to the expectations of the people. Keeping aside the grudges, we should think for 22 crore people who have voted us to power. We should work together to fulfil the promises of people," Adityanath said while addressing in Legislative Assembly.He further assured that any kind of discrimination against the opposition leaders would not be endorsed in the Parliament."During the elections campaign the parties had hit out at each other, but I can assure that there will be no discrimination against the opposition parties in the House," he added.Adityanath further appealed to the opposition to co-operate with the government to bring development in the state and added, "We hope that peace in the assembly will be maintained.""The people of the state have given us the opportunity for the development of which we should take advantage. If we see the growth rate and development in the state then we can evaluate where we are standing today. So we need to work together to make this House a forum of discussion and an ideal of high democratic values," Adityanath said.Adityanath was addressing his first speech in the Lower House after being appointed as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
Sonowal calls for long term vision for Indo-Japan partnership to complement NE's development

Guwahati, Mar 30 : A long term vision holds key for India-Japan Partnership towards economic development in North Eastern Region and the success of Act East Policy, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said while delivering the key note address in the workshop on India-Japan Partnership for Economic Development in North Eastern Region of India at Kaziranga on Wednesday evening.





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The Assam CM said that the state government is taking a series of initiatives ranging from discussion with Japanese Ambassador to interaction between the top officials of Assam and Japan to understand the mutual requirements of both the entities and accordingly taking steps to bolster economic development.He also said that Assam and Japan share core strengths of partnership in tourism, culture, education, trade and organic farm products.Referring to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of making North East as an organic hub of the country, Sonowal said, Beauty of Assam exists in nature and I profess to bring in economic development of the State in sync with the nature and seeks Assam-Japan cooperation towards helping North East go organic.If we closely look at North Eastern Region in its entirety ranging from anthropological, geographical, economic and cultural setting vis-a-vis Japan, we will realise that partnership of India and Japan would find a sound platform with this region as a springboard, Sonowal said.He also said that the relationship between north eastern region and Japan is very deep rooted except in the area of current level of economic development of Japan and North East.However, Sonowal said that the present State Government after taking over the power has taken several pro-active steps to bring back business confidence and revive the investment cycle in the State.Sonowal informed that Assam became the first state in the country to ratify the GST constitutional Amendment Bill.The present government also passed the Assam Ease of Doing Business Bill-2016 in the very session of the Assembly.He also informed the gathering that his government would set up a World Class Global Business Centre in Guwahati which would act as a business hub of the entire north East as well as neighbouring countries.Drawing a parallel between Act East Policy, South East Asian Nations and North Eastern Region, Sonowal said that North East is not just a window for ASEAN in the context of Act East Policy.We need to see NER as teeming thoroughfare between mainland of India and ASEAN countries. To bring this point home, State Government has announced a separate department on Act East Policy matters, Sonowal said.Citing a plethora of initiatives to the Japanese delegates, Sonowal said that State Governments decision to create State Capital Region encompassing Guwahati and its peripheral areas, short listing Guwahati as one of the first 20 cities where Smart City Project has been launched, creation of Skill, Employment and Entrepreneurship Development Department and launching of hief Ministers Samagra Gramya Unnayan Yojana with an outlay or Rs. 30,000 crore envisaging all round development of all villages in the State are some of his governments important schemes to bring in economic development of the State.Embellishing his vision for Assam and North East, Sonowal said that his government with the help of the Centre would turn Assam and North East into the epicentre of Act East Policy with three Cs as three pillar namely communication, commerce and culture.Drawing Japanese policy makers attention, Sonowal said that the State Government would hold the first ever Global Business Summit in the last part of 2017 to showcase immense opportunities to invest in Assam.He also said that the workshop would unveil the inherent potentiality, prosperity and possibility of Assam to Japan and the discussion in the workshop would hamper out a road map for bolstering economic partnership between North East and Japan.Minister Political, Embassy of Japan in India Hideki Asari while speaking at the workshop said that Assam is important for Japan as the country draws a synergy between Japnas policy towards ASEAN and Indias Act East Policy and Assam.He also underlined the importance of exploiting constant people to people exchange between India and Japan for strengthening partnership between the two countries.Organised by India Foundation in association with Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) the inaugural programme was also attended among others by Water Resources Minister Keshab Mahanta, Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, Chief Ministers Media Advisor Hrishikesh Goswami, Director Nehru Memorial Museum and Library Shakti Sinha and several delegates from both India and Japan.(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Malaysian PM Najib Razak meets TN Governor

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) , Mar. 30 : Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak who arrived yesterday in India, met Tamil Nadu Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao at Raj Bhavan here on Thursday.





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Razak who is on a five-day visit to India will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow to boost bilateral relations between the two nations.This will be his third visit to India as Prime Minister, the last one was in 2012.His visit follows the highly successful visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Malaysia in November 2015."I'll be travelling to India for a 5-day visit. A country that's been our friend since 1957. Looking forward to meeting PM @narendramodi again," Razak tweeted.Responding to this, Modi tweeted, "India is delighted to welcome you, Prime Minister. Your visit will further boost India-Malaysia ties."Modi and Razak will sign a number of bilateral agreements which are expected to cover a range of issues.Razak is accompanied by his spouse Datin Sri Rosmah Mansour and a large business delegation consisting of many of the top companies and businessmen of Malaysia.
HONOLULU (AP)  A federal judge in Hawaii decided Wednesday to extend his order blocking President Donald Trump's travel ban, preventing the government from suspending new visas for people from six Muslim-majority countries and halting the U.S. refugee program.

U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson issued the longer-lasting hold on the ban several hours after hearing arguments.

Hawaii says the policy discriminates against Muslims and hurts the state's tourist-dependent economy. The implied message in the revised ban is like a "neon sign flashing 'Muslim ban, Muslim ban'" that the government didn't bother to turn off, state Attorney General Douglas Chin told the judge.

Extending the temporary order until the state's lawsuit was resolved would ensure the constitutional rights of Muslim citizens across the U.S. are vindicated after "repeated stops and starts of the last two months," the state has said.

Watson's ruling is an affirmation of America's value of religious freedom and allows Muslims and refugees to face less uncertainty, the state attorney general's office said in a statement. Chin was traveling to Mexico for a western states attorneys general meeting and heard about the ruling while boarding a plane, said Deputy Attorney General Joshua Wisch, special assistant to Chin.

The government argued the ban falls within the president's power to protect national security. Hawaii has only made generalized concerns about its effect on students and tourism, Department of Justice attorney Chad Readler told the judge via telephone.

The Trump administration had asked Watson to narrow his ruling to cover only the part of Trump's executive order involving the six-nation ban. Readler said a freeze on the U.S. refugee program had no effect on Hawaii.

Watson rejected that argument, preventing the administration from halting the flow of refugees.

"It makes little sense to do so," he wrote. "That is because the entirety of the Executive Order runs afoul of the Establishment Clause, where 'openly available data support a commonsense conclusion that a religious objective permeated the government's action."

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Watson said in court that the government only argued for that narrower interpretation after a federal judge in Maryland blocked the six-nation travel ban but said it wasn't clear that the refugee suspension was similarly motivated by religious bias.

Watson noted that the government said 20 refugees were resettled in Hawaii since 2010.

"Is this a mathematical exercise that 20 isn't enough? ... What do I make of that?" the judge asked Readler.

The government attorney replied that 20 is simply a small number of refugees.

"In whose judgment?" Watson asked.

Hawaii was the first state to sue over Trump's revised ban. The imam of a Honolulu mosque joined the challenge, arguing that the ban would prevent his Syrian mother-in-law from visiting family in Hawaii.

In his arguments, Chin quoted Trump's comments that the revised travel ban is a "watered down" version of the original.

"We cannot fault the president for being politically incorrect, but we do fault him for being constitutionally incorrect," Chin said.

Earlier this month, Watson prevented the federal government from suspending new visas for people from Somalia, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen and freezing the nation's refugee program. His ruling came just hours before the federal government planned to start enforcing Trump's executive order.

Trump called Watson's previous ruling an example of "unprecedented judicial overreach." The Department of Justice didn't immediately comment on the latest ruling.

Watson wrote that he won't suspend his ruling if the government appeals. Enforcement of both provisions of the ban is prohibited nationwide until he orders otherwise.

Hawaii's ruling would not be directly affected by a decision siding with the federal government in the Maryland case, legal experts said. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals set a hearing for May 8 to consider the administration's appeal.

"What a ruling in 4th Circuit in favor of the administration would do is create a split in authority between federal courts in different parts of the country," said Richard Primus, a professor of constitutional law at the University of Michigan law school.

"Cases with splits in authority are cases the U.S. Supreme Court exists to resolve," he said.
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Trump border

President Donald Trump looks set to ask Congress for more than $4 billion for his much-touted border wall, and proposal requests issued by the Department of Homeland Security have asked for a "physically imposing" wall at least 30 feet high.

But recent comments from Trump's interior secretary, Ryan Zinke, cast doubt on just how imposing parts of that wall would be  if they get built at all.

"The border is complicated, as far as building a physical wall," Zinke told the Public Lands Council, which represents Western ranchers, on Tuesday in comments first reported by E&E News.

"The Rio Grande, what side of the river are you going to put the wall?" he said. "We're not going to put it on our side and cede the river to Mexico. And we're probably not going to put it in the middle of the river."

Some areas may be more amenable to electronic defenses, Zinke told attendees. Other spots with imposing physical features may end up not needing additional barriers. The border is already dotted with sensors and monitors, as well as about 700 miles of fencing.

Since Trump first began touting his wall idea on the campaign trail, numerous observers have pointed out how the terrain along parts of the 2,000-mile border either negated the need for a wall or would make building it difficult if not impossible.

Donald Trump Scott Pruitt Mike Pence Ryan Zinke EPA

Parts of the frontier in Arizona are wild and treacherous, making crossing dangerous. (The US border patrol has been accused of using these areas as a "weapon" against crossers.)

Parts of Texas' border with Mexico, which covers about 1,200 miles, are marked by high cliffs and deep canyons. The Rio Grande, a river that delineates most of the Texas-Mexico frontier and marks the actual border in some places, widens into the 154-mile Falcon International Reservoir in eastern Texas.

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Texas legislators have criticized the idea of a solid, physical barrier on the border or even the idea of a wall itself. (Trump surrogates suggested the wall could be technological during the campaign, but Trump's camp backed away from that idea at the time.)

Border wall

"I don't know how that would work," Sen. John Cornyn, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate, told The Dallas Morning News. Cornyn opposes a full-length border wall. "When I hear the president talk about a wall, to me I think he's speaking metaphorically," he said.

"Building a wall is the most expensive and least effective way to secure the border," Texas Republican Rep. Will Hurd said in late January. "Each section of the border faces unique geographical, cultural, and technological challenges that would be best addressed with a flexible, sector-by-sector approach that empowers the agents on the ground with the resources they need."

Texans on the border whose land could be in the path of a wall have also praised electronic measures, as well as personnel on the ground, as the better way to go.

Texas Big Bend Terlingua Heath Canyon Rio Grande River

Previous attempts to erect a barrier on the border have been stymied by the geography of the region as well as by the rugged legal terrain surrounding land use.

Parts of the border lie on floodplains where building is prohibited by a US-Mexico treaty, though the US organization that oversees management of that land dropped its objections to wall construction in the floodplain in 2012.

President George W. Bush's border-fence construction efforts in the mid-2000s created a no-man's land between the fence and the river, and gaps in the barrier were left to allow property owners access to their land south of the fence.

texas border gate

"This is definitely not secure," Robert Cameron, a Trump supporter who runs a tour company along the Texas-Mexico border, told CNN earlier this year while driving along portions of that fence.

"I don't know how that impenetrable wall is going to be built," he said. "People need access to their land."

Zinke's comments also raised the complicated rights issues concerning the Rio Grande, which provides water to people and industry on both sides of the border.

Some have interpreted his remarks as a hint that some or all of the wall could be constructed on Mexican territory, but given Mexicans' strong rebuke of Trump's insistence they pay for the wall, such a proposal is almost certainly a nonstarter.

Trump's administration, however, appears to be gearing up to solve one of the land-use issues confronting it.

On January 12, Texans along the Rio Grande received notices from the US government offering them money for their land. They have the right to refuse the offer, but the government could then be able to seize it through eminent domain.

NOW WATCH: A new Pew survey finds that the closer Republicans live to the border, the less they support Trumps wall





More From Business Insider


Determining the cause of an ischemic stroke - one caused by an interruption of blood supply - is critical to preventing a second stroke and is a primary focus in the evaluation of stroke patients. But despite that importance, physicians have long lacked a robust and objective means of doing so. Now a team of investigators at the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and the MGH Stroke Service have developed a software package that provides evidence-based, automated support for diagnosing the cause of stroke. Their study validating the package - called Causative Classification of Stroke (CCS) - was published online in JAMA Neurology.

"This was a much-needed study because, although stroke classifications systems are often used in research and clinical practice, these systems are not always able to produce subtypes with discrete pathophysiological, diagnostic and prognostic characteristics," says Hakan Ay, MD, a vascular neurologist, Martinos Center investigator and senior author of the JAMA Neurology paper. "We found that the CCS-based classifications provided better correlations between clinical and imaging stroke features and were better able to discriminate among stroke outcomes than were two conventional, non-automated classification methods."

There are more than 150 different possible causes - or etiologies - of ischemic stroke, and approximately half of patients exhibit features suggesting more than one possible cause. This leads to considerable complexity in determining the cause of a stroke and, in roughly one of two patients, can lead to disagreements among physicians about the cause. The CCS software helps to reduce this complexity by exploiting classification criteria that are well defined, replicable and based on evidence rather than subjective assessment.

The CCS software does this in several ways. First, it weights the possible etiologies by considering the relative potential of each to cause a stroke. Second, in the presence of multiple potential causes it incorporates the clinical and imaging features that make one mechanism more probable than others for an individual patient. Third, it determines the likelihood of that cause by taking into account the number of diagnostic tests that were performed. And finally, it ensures that data is entered in a consistent manner. The software can also serve as an important research tool, by providing investigators with both the ability to examine how stroke etiologies interact with one another and the flexibility to define new etiology subtypes according to the needs of the individual research project.

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The MGH team previously showed that use of the CCS algorithm reduced the disagreement rate among physicians from 50 percent to approximately 20 percent. The recently published JAMA Neurology study further established the utility of the algorithm by demonstrating its ability to generate categories of etiologies with different clinical, imaging and prognostic characteristics for 1,816 ischemic stroke patients enrolled in two previous MGH-based studies. Based on patient data, CCS was able to assign etiologies to 20 to 40 percent of the patients for which two other systems were unable to determine a cause. It also was better at determining the likelihood of second stroke within 90 days.

"The validity data that have emerged from the current study add to the utility of the software-based approach and highlight once again that careful identification and accurate classification of the underlying etiology is paramount for every patient with stroke," says Ay, who is an associate professor of Radiology at Harvard Medical School. "The information the software provides not only is critical for effective stroke prevention but also could increase the chances for new discoveries by enhancing the statistical power in future studies of etiologic stroke subtypes. We estimate that, compared to conventional systems, the use of CCS in stroke prevention trials testing targeted treatments for a particular etiologic subtype could reduce the required sample size by as much as 30 percent."

The MGH-licensed CCS is available at https:/ / ccs. mgh. harvard. edu/ and is free for academic use. The software was designed to be a "living algorithm" and can accommodate new information as it emerges. New etiology-specific biomarkers, genetic markers, imaging markers and clinical features that become available can be incorporated into the existing CCS algorithm to further enhance its ability to determine the underlying causes of stroke.
They may seem rigid and set in their ways, but your bones are actually under constant construction and deconstruction. They give up their nutrient treasures (calcium) to the body and then rebuild in a constant give-and-take sort of rhythm.

When that rhythm shifts with advancing age or the onset of osteoporosis, the rebuilding process decreases. Bones lose density and strength and become more prone to fracture.

More than 10 million people in the United States live with osteoporosis and the resulting fractures demand more than $17 billion in related health care each year.

Now two University of Delaware researchers and their students have joined forces - applying the mathematical modeling expertise of one to the biological inquiry of the other - to point the way to a promising remedy.

The biologist - Anja Nohe - has shown that treating a mouse with a peptide known as CK2.3 increases bone mineral density. The mathematician/engineer - Prasad Dhurjati - has calculated estimated dosages for human beings.

According to their model, injections of CK2.3 can raise bone mineral density of bones badly degraded by osteoporosis back to healthy levels.

Their work has just been published in Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology.

Bone mineral density is affected by two processes: bone formation and bone degradation. Current drug treatments, especially bisphosphonates, address the cells involved in bone degradation (osteoclasts). Only the approved drug PTH addresses the cells involved in bone formation (osteoblasts) but doctors must prescribe bisphosphonates with it to target bone degradation simultaneously. The peptide used in this research -- CK2.3 -- is the only one that decreases bone degradation while simultaneously increasing bone formation.

Mathematical modeling

Dhurjati has published mathematical models for many different systems. The professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering (with a joint appointment in mathematical sciences and biological sciences) has 40 years of research experience and is an often-cited author. His recent modeling work in biological sciences has included: autism spectrum disorders, leukemia, spinal muscular atrophy, dosages of lithium for pregnant women who have bipolar disorder, the gut microbiome and plant disease.

Models can be of many different kinds -- conceptual models, simple pictorial connection maps, a set of rules or a complex set of mathematical equations. Dhurjati looks at various types to make sense of the time-varying interactions between variables in the entire system. This allows for meaningful analysis of the enormous amount of data researchers are generating in almost every field.

"My focus is on converting data to knowledge using models," he said. "I want more students to work in this domain."

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High-speed computers are sophisticated tools that are made more valuable with good models, he said. Reliable models based on good data can save time, money and many laboratory animals.

"A math model cannot capture the full complexity of a mouse or a human," he said. "I'm not claiming that; however, as you interface math with experiments and as you interface math with reality, the models become better and more reliable."

In this case, the work included students from four departments - Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Biological Sciences, Mathematical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering -- some at graduate-level study, some undergraduate.

Nohe's team designed the mimetic peptide CK2.3 and showed that it increased bone mineral density in a mouse model by blocking the CK2 protein's interaction with the BMPR1a protein -- an interruption that allows the cells that form new bone (osteoblasts) to increase. Subcutaneous (below the skin) injection increased bone formation in the crown of the skull (known as calvaria), while systemic injection decreased bone degradation and increased bone mineral density.

Dhurjati's team used that information to calculate ideal dosages for healthy humans and those with osteoporosis. A mouse and a human are different in many ways, Dhurjati said, so calculating a dosage is more complex than just adjusting for differences in weight, for example.

Dhurjati developed part of the model using the concepts in physiology-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models pioneered by the late Kenneth Bischoff, UD professor of chemical engineering for many years. Such models can be used to calculate how a pharmaceutical molecule distributes in different parts of the body.

In this case, Dhurjati needed to know what the local concentration of CK2.3 would be at the site where bone is formed. Once this was determined, another math model was used to calculate bone mineral density.

These considerations prevent a proposed remedy from becoming a toxin, and the model can address such questions as how much to take, how often, whether it should be taken by mouth or injection and how to adjust for age, gender, ethnicity, height, weight, overall health. The collaboration between Nohe and Dhurjati has been underway for some time and has produced other insights into biological questions.

"She's a believer in models," he said. "These are two different cultures. Biology emphasizes qualitative details, and engineering relies more on mathematical models. But if the two cultures can communicate, that brings new ways of looking at the same problem."
Although depression is common during a woman's transition to menopause, understanding who is at-risk of experiencing major depressive disorder (MDD) during this period of hormonal fluctuation were previously unknown. Now, a new study shows that women who experience multiple traumatic events during childhood or adolescence have a significantly increased risk of depression in the years leading into menopause (known as perimenopause). In particular, women who experienced their first traumatic event in their teens are especially susceptible to depression during perimenopause, even if they had previously never had depression. Conducted by researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, the study is the first to focus on the role of childhood adversity in the onset of MDD during the menopause transition, and how the onset of MDD might be affected based on when the traumatic event occurred. Results are published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

"Our results show that women who experience at least two adverse events during their formative years - whether it be abuse, neglect, or some type of family dysfunction- are more than twice as likely to experience depression during perimenopause and menopause as women who either experienced those stressors earlier in life, or not at all," said lead author C. Neill Epperson, MD, a professor of Psychiatry and Obstetrics & Gynecology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and director of the Penn Center for Women's Behavioral Wellness. "This suggests that not only does early life stress have significant and long-lasting effects on the development and function of the regions of the brain responsible for emotions, mood, and memory, but the timing of when the event occurs may be equally as important."

In the study, 243 women between 35 and 47 years old at enrollment (all deemed premenopausal with normal menstrual cycles) underwent behavioral, cognitive, and endocrine evaluations at predetermined intervals from 1996-2012. Over the 16 years, each woman also completed roughly 12 assessments for cognition and mood, as well as blood samples to measure hormone levels. "Following these women for so many years allowed us to track the significant changes many of them experienced with the onset of the transition to menopause" said Mary Sammel, ScD, a professor of Biostatistics in Penn's Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and a co-author on the study. Between study years 14 and 16, phone interviews were conducted to assess menopause status, and in year 16, researchers used an Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACE-Q) to assess the relationship between stressful or traumatic events experienced in adolescents and health outcomes.

In the sample, 39.5 percent, 22.2 percent and 38.3 percent of women reported having experienced 0, 1 or 2 or more ACEs, respectively. The most commonly reported ACE were emotional abuse, parental separation or divorce, or living with someone with alcohol or substance abuse. Most ACEs had occurred before the onset of puberty, suggesting that these traumatic and stressful events typically begin quite early in development.

Results of the study showed that 52 women (22.4 percent) were diagnosed with MDD prior to experiencing any menstrual irregularity (premenopause), while 48 (20.7 percent) experienced their first MDD during perimenopause. Notably, women who reported two or more ACEs after the onset of puberty were 2.3 times more likely to have their first experience of MDD during perimenopause, compared to those who did not experience any ACEs, but were not more likely to have been diagnosed with MDD previously.

The authors say the finding suggests that the hormonal changes that occur during menopause may unmask previously undetected risk for depression in women who experienced ACEs, particularly when the events occurred after puberty.

"There's clearly a strong link between childhood adversity and risk of depression, throughout a woman's life, but particularly during the transition to menopause," said senior author Ellen W. Freeman, PhD, a research professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Penn, noting that dramatic changes in hormone levels are experienced during both puberty and menopause. "Our study points to the need for more research examining the long-term brain effects of childhood adversity, particularly around the time of puberty."

The authors say that although the study is based on nearly 3,000 assessments, further research is needed to determine the effects of frequency and severity of ACEs, and the potential impact of hormone therapy on the risk of MDD during menopause.
Virtual reality therapy is effective in significantly reducing pain for hospitalized patients, according to a new Cedars-Sinai study.

In the study, published online today by JMIR Mental Health, a sister publication of the Journal of Medical Internet Research, investigators examined 100 hospitalized patients who reported pain scores of greater than 3 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale from zero to 10.

Fifty patients received virtual reality therapy consisting of wearing virtual reality goggles to watch calming video content such as helicopter rides over scenic portions of Iceland, or imagery of swimming in the ocean with whales. Those patients reported a 24 percent drop in pain scores after using the virtual reality goggles.

Another 50 patients viewed a standard, two-dimensional nature video, depicting relaxing scenes with a calming music audio track, on a close-proximity screen. Although those patients also experienced a reduction in pain, the decrease of 13.2 percent was less dramatic.

"Results indicate virtual reality may be an effective tool along with traditional pain management protocols," said Brennan Spiegel, MD, director of Cedars-Sinai's Health Service Research. "This gives doctors and patients more options than medication alone."

While it remains unknown exactly how VR works to reduce pain, Spiegel attributes the benefit to what he calls "immersive distraction." In other words, when the mind is deeply engaged in an immersive experience, it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to perceive other stimuli, including pain.

"We believe virtual reality hijacks the senses, but in a good way," Spiegel said. "It creates an immersive distraction that stops the mind from processing pain, offering a drug-free supplement to traditional pain management."

Because the VR intervention was only 15 minutes long and included only one visualization, it is possible that pain could rebound after completion of the therapy session, Spiegel said adding that longer-term pain reduction might require sustained and repeated exposure to varied virtual reality content.

"Based on this study, we're now conducting a larger trial to measure the impact of virtual reality on the use of pain medications, length of hospital stay and post-discharge satisfaction scores," Spiegel said.
FINEST KIND CLINIC AND FISHMARKET.... Discussing medicine, culture, and the joys of cooking Pansit.
An interview with Dr. Celia Sanchez-Ramos conducted by April Cashin-Garbutt, MA (Cantab)

Prior to your recent study, how much was known about the eye damage light emitted from digital screens can cause?

The study carried out by the Complutense University of Madrid (Spain) UCM  is the first to evaluate retinal damage using tablets with LED screens available in the market with living animals.

Previously, our research team had conducted studies of in vitro retina tissue where the effects of cell damage and even the mechanisms of action were demonstrated in this experimental situation. Other research groups have worked in-vitro and even in-vivo (with animals and LEDs but not with screens).

What did your research involve?

Its all about knowing the effect of the light of LED screens that are commercialized on the retina of living experimental animals (pigmented rats with eyes similar to the eyes of humans).

The animal cages were surrounded with 6 tablets. The exposure was performed for 3 months in daily cycles of 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness.

The animals were divided into 3 groups: a control group (not exposed to LED screen light), a second group exposed to the light of LED displays and a third group exposed to the same protocol of performance as group 2, but eliminating a percentage of violet and blue light by means of the Eye protector Reticare on the screens. The animals had normal food and drink on demand.

Their retinas were analyzed by two means: first, the quantification of the number of neurons present in the retinas of the animals exposed to light without and with protection was carried out and the results were compared with the control animals (without LED screen exposure). In addition, a study of gene expression was performed that explains the process of cell death in the retina.

What were the main findings?

When the screens emitted less amount of blue light due to the absorption produced by the Reticare eye protector, the cell death of the animal retinas was similar to that of control animals (not exposed to tablets).

However, retinas of animals exposed to unprotected LED screen showed a 23% retinal cell death. In addition, all factors involved in the process of apoptosis (programmed cell death) were inhibited or neutralized by the use of the Reticare protector.

Were you surprised by the results?

We did not expect such high cell death. It should be taken into consideration that the life expectancy of these animals is 10 years and that they were only exposed to light for 3 months.

At that time both dead neurons (23%) and indicators of the death process were very high compared to the control animals and the expected results.

How different are rats eyes to our own and do you think the results would hold true in humans?

According to current legislation it is mandatory to initiate scientific studies of in-vitro cells, then in experimental animals and finally in humans (clinical trials). As it is known, the results in animals are not directly extrapolated to humans. However, they indicate, in general, the process that can occur in other living beings as it is the case of humans.

What can people do to protect their eyes from the damage of LED screens?

It is important to act using preventative measures before needing to use curative treatments. To do this, different solutions must be used to make the protection as efficient as possible.

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First of all, Reticare eye filters should be used on the screen, so that the emitted light can be the healthier as possible. Periodic breaks should also be performed using the 20/20/20 rule (ie, every 20 minutes rest 20 seconds looking at 20 feet).

The use of artificial tears periodically improves the symptoms of eye fatigue. Any additional precautions must be carried out.

Are these protection methods scientifically validated?

The UCM has worked over the last 15 years in the study of the effects of light on different eye structures. The research projects carried out have been funded by different public and private institutions.

The results of the retinal effect of the LEDs have been published, among others, in:

Chamorro, E., C. Bonnin-Arias, M. J. Perez-Carrasco, J. Munoz de Luna, D. Vazquez and C. Sanchez-Ramos (2013). "Effects of light-emitting diode radiations on human retinal pigment epithelial cells in vitro." Photochem Photobiol 89(2): 468-473.

Chamorro E, C. S., Bonnin-Arias C, Perez-Carrasco MJ, de Luna JM, et al. (2013). "Photoprotective effects of blue light absorbing filter against LED light exposure on human retinal pigment epithelial cells in vitro." J Carcinog Mutagen S6: 1-7.

Why are children particularly at risk of eye damage?

Human physiology defends itself from light in general by natural pigments in the fundus of the eye (macula) and by chromophores in the lens. Children, up to 4 years old, do not develop the macula ie the fundus.

Furthermore, the natural protection against the light of greater energy is developed over the years. For this reason, children have a transparent crystaline whereas the crystaline of adults contains yellow chromophores that block both blue and violet lights. They can focus much closer and their arms are shorter so more light reaches their eyes.

What further research is needed to understand screen risks to eye health?

Its always necessary to continue doing research on the damage processes in different eye structures to try to prevent future irreversible damage to the retina.

Its important to understand that when the eyes stare at a screen illuminated by light, they look directly at the source whereas the eyes usually look at objects illuminated by light in general. The fact of looking directly at objects that emit such energetic light (LED screen) is a completely new situation.

What do you think the future holds for the use of LED screens?

LED screens should be renewed so that we ensure that they emit a less energetic and higher quality light. Meanwhile it is necessary to protect the screen with a Reticare filter, which is a blocking element of high energy light.

Where can readers find more information?

More information is available on www.reticare.com and in the following articles:

Behar-Cohen, F., C. Martinsons, F. Vienot, G. Zissis, A. Barlier-Salsi, J. P. Cesarini, O. Enouf, M. Garcia, S. Picaud and D. Attia (2011). "Light-emitting diodes (LED) for domestic lighting: any risks for the eye?" Prog Retin Eye Res 30(4): 239-257.

Chamorro, E., C. Bonnin-Arias, M. J. Perez-Carrasco, J. Munoz de Luna, D. Vazquez and C. Sanchez-Ramos (2013). "Effects of light-emitting diode radiations on human retinal pigment epithelial cells in vitro." Photochem Photobiol 89(2): 468-473.

Chamorro E, C. S., Bonnin-Arias C, Perez-Carrasco MJ, de Luna JM, et al. (2013). "Photoprotective effects of blue light absorbing filter against LED light exposure on human retinal pigment epithelial cells in vitro." J Carcinog Mutagen S6: 1-7.

Jaadane, I., P. Boulenguez, S. Chahory, S. Carre, M. Savoldelli, L. Jonet, F. Behar-Cohen, C. Martinsons and A. Torriglia (2015). "Retinal damage induced by commercial light emitting diodes (LEDs)." Free Radic Biol Med 84: 373-384.

Shang, Y. M., G. S. Wang, D. Sliney, C. H. Yang and L. L. Lee (2014). "White light-emitting diodes (LEDs) at domestic lighting levels and retinal injury in a rat model." Environ Health Perspect 122(3): 269-276.

And at www.celiasanchezramos.com and www.celiasanchezramos.com.

About Dr. Celia Sanchez-Ramos

Celia Sanchez Ramos holds a PhD Degree in Preventive Medicine and Public Health (1994), she obtained a PhD Degree in Vision Science in European University of Madrid (2010), a Bachelor degree in Pharmacy and a Bachelor degree in Optics & Optometry at University Complutense of Madrid (UCM).

Since 1986, she is a Professor in UCM teaching Physiologic Optics, Visual Perception and Neuro protection. Currently, she leads the Optometry and Vision Department and directs four Expert University Degrees relating to the visual function. She has been managing public and private research projects, both national and international, during the last 25 years being leader of knowledge transfer.

She is PhD supervisor in several projects and collaborates in the publication and edition of various books, chapters, and scientific papers in her area of knowledge, in addition to the attendance of multiple national and international Congresses, meetings and conferences.

She is one of the founders of Neuro-Computing and Neuro-Robotics Research Group in the University Complutense of Madrid. Currently, her research is based in animal experimentation and clinical trials about neurodegeneration, prevention and protection of the neuronal system.
Pittcon, the worlds leading conference and exposition for laboratory science, is pleased to announce the selection of eight finalists in the first ever Pittcon Today Excellence Awards conducted by CE Communications, official publishers of Pittcon Today and Pittcon Buzz.

These awards were designed to recognize innovations at this years exposition and offer a new channel for exhibitors to showcase their scientific advancements. From a UV spectrometer, to cutting-edge tools advancing biology, to robotics facilitating more efficient medical practices, judges viewed all types of scientific innovations and selected finalists out of a diverse pool of more than 80 submissions.

Gold, Silver and Bronze awards were categorized in three groups based on company reported sales. The winning companies and products were:

Less than $10,000,000 in sales

GOLD  Biovendor Instruments - MALDI COLONYST

SILVER  Elemission Inc.- Mission Coriosity

Bronze was withdrawn

$10,000, 000  $100,000,000 in sales

GOLD  Hirschmann Inc. - Opus Dispenser

SILVER  Metrohm - Process Ion Chromatograph

BRONZE  Tosoh Bioscience LLC - TSKgel Protein A-5PW HLPC Column

More than $100,000,000 in sales

GOLD  Waters Corporation - ACQUITY QDa Mass Detector

SILVER  Phenomenex - -Gone -Glucuronidase Removal products

BRONZE  Beckman Coulter Life Sciences - New Optima AUC Analytical Ultracentrifuge

A blue chip panel of judges, consisting of thought leaders from across academia, industry and trade media selected this years winners based on submissions ingenuity, creativity, implementation and outcomes, as well as the products projected impact on the industry and wider public.

When asked to comment on their winning the Bronze, Beckman Coulters Chad Schwartz, AUC Product Manager stated:

We are beyond excited to be considered as one of the eight finalists for Pittcon's Excellence Award. Such a prestigious honor validates all of the hard work and passion that went into the development of this new technology. Beckman Coulter continues to be on the forefront of innovation and the Optima AUC is only the latest example in a storied history of products that have contributed to diagnosing and curing many of the world's diseases."

Gold recipient, Jonathan Scott, Product Manager, ACQUITY QDa Detector for Waters commented, "Since the introduction of the ACQUITY QDa Detector in 2013, we at Waters have been delighted to see the positive impact that mass detection has had on scientists across different disciplines. The main objective behind the ACQUITY QDa project was to remove the barriers that typically prevented scientists having immediate access to mass data, specifically in chromatography laboratories."

"Whether used for reducing method development times, improving the efficiency of compound purification workflows or even for teaching the fundamentals of MS to undergraduates, the ACQUITY QDa continues to broaden the accessibility of mass data to our LC customers.

This years finalists are among nearly 800 exhibitors at the Chicago event. Pittcon attracts attendees from industry, academia and government from 90 countries worldwide. Pittcon 2018 will be held February 26 through March 1, 2018, in Orlando, Florida.
More than 20,000 nurses currently serve as volunteers with the American Red Cross, supporting victims of natural and man-made disasters. Many tens-of-thousands more nurses are also informally promoting healthy behaviors in community-based settings where people live, work, learn, and play by volunteering and fostering a day-to-day culture of health in their communities.

"If you have a nurse in your family, a friend, or even a coworker, chances are that you have asked that individual for healthcare advice," says Meriel McCollum, BSN, RN. "You might ask a nurse to help with a health decision about exercise, breastfeeding, or vaccines."

Nurses are gaining increasing visibility as disaster respondents and international aid volunteers. Little attention is paid to how nurses promote a culture of health daily in their communities whether as volunteers or for pay as a part of their jobs.

A new study, "Nurses Improve Their Communities' Health Where They Live, Learn, Work, and Play," published in the journal Policy, Politics, & Nursing Practice co-authored by McCollum, a researcher at the University of North Carolina School of Nursing at Chapel Hill, and New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing (NYU Meyers) Professor Christine T. Kovner, PhD, RN, FAAN, addresses this paucity of information. The authors describe nurses' perceptions of how they promote health in their communities through a whole lot of both formal and informal volunteer work.

The researchers' data came from using 315 written responses to an open-ended question, ''Please tell us about what you have done in the past year to improve the health of your community," which was included in a 2016 RN Workforce Study, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. In their survey of the career patterns of nurses in the U.S., the researchers utilized conventional content analysis methods to code and thematically synthesize responses.

Two broad categories of nurse involvement in volunteer activities arose from the participants' responses: 17% identified job-related activities, and 74% identified non-job-related activities; only 9% of respondents indicated they do not participate in volunteer work.

"Job-related activities included patient education, educating colleagues," said Dr. Kovner. "Non-job-related activities included health-related community volunteering, volunteering related to a specific population or disease, family-related volunteering, church activities, health fairs, raising or donating money, and travelling abroad for volunteer work."

"We found that nurses are committed to promoting a culture of health in their communities both at work and in their daily lives," said McCollum. "Leveraging nurses' interest in volunteer work could improve the way nurses engage with their communities, expand the role of nurses as public health professionals, and foster the social desirability of healthful living."

Source: https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2017/march/nurse-volunteer-activities-improve-the-health-of-their-communiti.html
Certain white blood cells play an important role in bringing a harmful virus under control after kidney transplantations. The results of a research group at the Department of Biomedicine at the University of Basel and University Hospital Basel could contribute to improving control of immunosuppression, avoiding transplant rejection and developing relevant vaccines.

Celine Leboeuf and Sabrina Wilk, from Professor Hans H. Hirsch's research group, reported the results of a collaboration between Swiss transplant centers in the latest issue of the American Journal of Transplantation. The researchers investigated the blood of 96 patients immediately after a kidney transplant, and then six and twelve months afterwards. The virus was active in 28 patients; the remaining patients formed the control group.

BK polyomavirus infection occurs following a kidney transplant in up to 15% of cases, often leading to serious problems for the patients. The complications can cause a deterioration in function or even the loss of the new kidney. There is currently no effective drug available to combat the BK polyomavirus.

Increase of lymphocytes

The Basel researchers have now found that certain white blood cells - BK virus-specific CD8 killer T lymphocytes - significantly increased in those patients who were able to bring the virus under control. These blood cells were detectable in patients with different tissue types and could be propagated in cell cultures. "Our results open up new opportunities for improved control of the reduction in immunosuppression and contribute to the development of vaccines and adoptive T-cell therapy," says Hirsch.

The harmful BK polyomavirus was first identified as a cause of early transplantation failure more than ten years ago at the University and University Hospital Basel. Current treatment relies soley on viral load in the blood in order to guide the use of immunosuppressive medication and prevent a transplant rejection.
The World Health Organization warned Tuesday of large measles outbreaks in countries where immunisation has dropped, after more than 500 cases of the highly contagious disease were reported across Europe in January.



"With steady progress towards elimination over the past two years, it is of particular concern that measles cases are climbing in Europe," the agency's regional director for Europe, Zsuzsanna Jakab, said in a statement.



"Today's travel patterns put no person or country beyond the reach of the measles virus," she said.

The respiratory disease, characterised by high fever and small red spots, usually triggers only mild symptoms, but it remains one of the leading causes of death among young children globally.



Severe complications can occur, however, leading to miscarriage in pregnant women, brain swelling or the risk of death by pneumonia.



The virus is spread by coughing and sneezing, and by close contact with infected individuals.



France, Germany, Italy, Romania, Poland, Switzerland and Ukraine were the most affected, accounting for 474 of the 559 cases reported for January.



In these countries, national vaccination levels against the virus are below the 95 percent threshold considered necessary for protecting the entire population.



Preliminary figures for February indicate that the number of new infections is rising sharply, the WHO said.



The figures cover the agency's entire European region, covering 53 countries including Israel, Kazakhstan and Russia.



"I urge all endemic countries to take urgent measures to stop transmission of measles within their borders, and all countries that have already achieved this to keep up their guard and sustain high immunisation coverage," Jakab said.



"Outbreaks will continue in Europe, as elsewhere, until every country reaches the level of immunisation needed to fully protect their populations," she added.



Currently, the largest outbreaks are occurring in Italy and Romania.



The number of measles cases in Italy has tripled this year, largely because parents are not getting children vaccinated because of fears of a link between the combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination shot and autism, the health ministry said last week.



Several major studies, however, have shown no evidence of such a link.



In Romania, a measles outbreak has killed 17 children and infected thousands more since September, the result of both poverty and an anti-vaccination movement, local media reported Saturday.



In poor countries, many people do not have access to the $1 vaccine (94 euro cents), but the WHO has pointed out that children in affluent countries have a greater risk of infection because of scepticism about immunisation.
New Delhi: The Centre has accorded the top category Z+ VVIP armed security cover to newly-appointed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.



The cover will be provided by a special commando team of the CISF along with a small contingent of the Uttar Pradesh police.

Adityanath was till now enjoying the smallest category of Y category VVIP cover by the CISF in his capacity as a BJP Member of Parliament from Gorakhpur but officials said with his taking charge as CM, a threat perception report of central security agencies required his security paraphernalia to be upgraded.



"The Chief Ministers security has been bolstered and he will now be secured by a strong team of CISF commandos everytime he moves across the country. A similar commando contingent will be deployed at his official residence," a senior officer said.



As part of the new and upgraded security paraphernalia, Adityanath will have about 25-28 commandos accompanying him with sophisticated weapons at all times he is mobile and his convoy will have pilot and escort vehicles armed with jammers.



Under the Y cover, he was accompanied by about 2-3 commandos when he travelled, officials said.



A Central Industrial Security Force squad from its Special Security Group (SSG) has recently taken charge of his security in Lucknow, they said.
Last-mile air connectivity could soon become a reality, with the first bunch of flights under the Udan scheme set to get operational by next month.The scheme  acronym for Ude Desh Ki Aam Naagrik (May the Common Man Be Able to Fly )  was announced by the Centre last October to connect tier-two and tier-three towns to metros.The Civil Aviation Ministry on Thursday has handed over licences to five operators who won the bid to operate on regional routes. The first towns to be connected will be Bhatinda and Shimla by April, while other small towns  from Kandla and Porbander to Salem, Bidar and Hosur  will be connected in a phased manner latest by September.With peoples per capita income steadily rising the past few years, the aviation market in India has been soaring -- in 2016, the sector saw a whopping 26% growth in passenger traffic. It is to cash in on this demand that the Ministry decided to implement a long-pending recommendation of connecting regional tier 2 and 3 cities.A decade back flying was a rich mans prerogative and today the scenario is changed. A common man can afford air travel, Minister for Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapathi Raju.Five airlines  Alliance Air, Air Odisha, TruJet, Spicejet, Air Deccan - will be a part of the regional connectivity model which is based on viability gap funding'. Under this, 80% of the cost will be borne by the state government and the rest by the centre. The Centre as of now has allotted Rs 205 crore to start of the process."The RCS is a unique and innovative program designed by the government to connect unutilised and under-utilised airports in the country and bring them into the national aviation mainstream, said Mr. Ajay Singh, CMD, SpiceJet.The first flight under Udan will take off in April from Shimla to Delhi, operated by Alliance Air. About 43 under-served airports will start to see small-capacity commercial jets in the next six months. Routes like Mysore-Chennai, Agra-Jaipur, Kullu-Delhi, Nanded-Mumbai and many more have been chosen by the airlines.The fare for a one-hour journey of about 500 km on a fixed-wing aircraft or a 30-minute journey on a helicopter is capped at Rs 2,500, with proportionate pricing for routes of different lengths and duration.The Central government, in order to make operations on such routes financially viable, will provide a range of tax concessions.The subsidy will continue for the next three years, while the Udan scheme will remain for next 10 years.Many have welcomed the long-pending demand of regional air connectivity. Former Director General of Civil Aviation Kanu Gohain told News18 he hopes more private airlines would step forward to take advantage of this scheme.The government has set the ball rolling in aviation policy. The business model will be definitely not be lucrative, but will be viable. If there is no passenger traffic, there will be revenue from the cargo, Gohain said.Most airlines will deploy a turbo-prop aircraft on such routes  a 20 to 60-seater craft. Spicejet already has 70-seater Q400 planes which are apt for such routes. The Union cabinet on March 5 approved a Rs 4,500-crore plan to develop or upgrade 50 under-served or unserved airports and airstrips in the country.
New Delhi: Giving strategic interests a further push, the Centre is exploring feasibility to connect Sino-India border district Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh with the railway network.



The Centre has asked Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha and Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, who is also an MP from Arunachal West seat, to explore the feasibility of the rail network in the remote area.



The two ministers will tour the state on Saturday to study the viability of connecting Tawang with Bhalukpong which is the last station of Indian Railways on Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border.



Sinha and Rijiju will be visiting Arunachal Pradesh from April 1 in connection with commencement of final location survey of new broad gauge line connecting Bhalukpong with Tawang which is a distance of 378 kilometres.



It takes 18 hours from Guwahati in Assam to reach Tawang through road. Guwahati is the nearest major city and citizens of Tawang depend on it for any medical emergency.



Other new broad guage railway lines which will be part of the survey will be 249-kilometre North Lakhimpur-Bame -Silapathar which is between Pasighat airport and Rupa in Arunachal Pradesh.



Sinha and Rijiju will also be meeting citizens, elected representatives and senior railway officers during the visit. Tawang is of immense strategic importance to India as it is located on the Sino-India border and China has been laying claim to it.



China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of Tibet and routinely objects to any visit by top Indian leaders, officials and diplomats to the area.



It had recently objected to a proposed visit of the Dalai Lama to Arunachal Pradesh.



The government has said the Dalai Lama is going to visit the state as a religious leader and there is no reason to stop him as his followers are demanding he should come.Tawang was one of the regions where Indian Army had come under attack from China in the 1962 war.



Ignoring China's protests, the government had earlier allowed then US ambassador to India Richard Verma and Tibetan spiritual leader Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje's visit to Arunachal Pradesh last year


In the exchange, Capt Pillay had been grievously injured. He had taken a bullet to the chest and three to his forearm; a grenade exploded over his foot, and he suffered a spinal fracture. All in a days work for a soldier you could say. But what happened next is what legends are made of.

It was an unusual retirement for an unusual man. It all started with a gunfight in Manipur 23 years ago.In 1994, Captain DPK Pillay, a young platoon commander of 8th Guards, was tasked with hunting down a group of hardcore NSCN (IM) insurgents who were planning to blow up a vital bridge and communication tower to hamper troop movement in Manipur.After four days of searching through the jungles, the hideout was tracked to a remote and isolated village called Longdipabram in Tamenglong.In the three-hour firefight that followed, a few militants were killed while a couple were apprehended.As he lay grievously bleeding, waiting for a helicopter to evacuate him, Capt Pillay noticed two children, a boy and girl, who had been wounded in the crossfire.I had to make a choice in those few moments between taking responsibility for my own life and that of the people we were meant and sent to protect. I felt if anyone deserved to live in that moment it was those two children who did not know what the fight was about, Pillay told CNN-News18.Capt Pillay had a choice to make. And he made it without any hesitation. He commanded his troops to ensure that the two children were airlifted to medical help before him.Lying in a pool of blood, barely conscious, Capt Pillay also extracted a promise from his platoon not to seek revenge from the village in case he died. In that one moment, the young captain who had come to raze the village to the ground became its saviour.As he fell unconscious, he thought of his mother. He hoped his fauji father would be proud of him. The last sounds he heard were of village women wailing in gratitude for what he had done. He was 26.Capt Pillay was evacuated an hour later. Miraculously, he lived to tell the tale. For displaying exemplary courage under fire, the young captain was conferred a Shaurya Chakra in 1995.But Longdipabram didn't know. They thought their hero was dead.Long after the incident, as Pillay rose up the ranks in the Army, he often thought of the place that had taught him the real meaning of being a soldier. "The entire episode was etched my memory just as the battle wounds on my arms and chest. When I saw my own children, I often thought about the two kids in the village. Had they survived? I didn't even know their names," he said.He got a chance to find out 14 years later. Capt Pillay, by then Colonel Pillay, chanced upon a friend commanding a brigade in Tamenglong who sent up a patrol to Longdipabram."That is how the village found out I was alive. The village head man told the patrol that I had saved them from calamity. Both the children had survived and the village wanted a reunion, he told CNN-News18.Col Pillay had never expected to see Longdipabram again. But there he was, a decade and a half later, at the very courtyard where he lay bleeding. This time, he didn't have to break in. The grandmother of the house welcomed him with open arms, weeping between words of gratitude he didn't understand. But he knew he was home.The two children, who he had last seen with blood streaming down their skin, were now young adults  Masebiliu and Dingamang. As they were growing up, they had often wondered why a soldier from an "occupational force" was willing to die for them. The answer left them in tears.As a soldier, I knew I could lose my life defending the ideals of my country, and the values of our Constitution. But I could not transfer this liability to both of you. For me, and many other soldiers like me, you were worthy of any sacrifice, irrespective of our differences," he told them.There were more differences to melt in this emotional reunion. The insurgent who had lobbed a grenade at Col Pillay almost costing him his leg came out to hug him. They had both come close to killing each other all those years ago. But, that day, all was forgiven and forgotten. He told Col Pillay that his act of kindness had inspired him to surrender."For us, Col Pillay is god. Our village had many underground workers and active insurgents. We were number one on the hit list of security agencies. When the gun battle was on, we had heard clear instructions on the radio set that our village should be burnt down. But Col Pillai saved us that day. We are all alive because of him, said Atanbou, the village head.For Longdipabram, Col Pillay had done what only a family member would have. The only way to reciprocate was to make him family. In an unusual show of respect, Col Pillay and his children were adopted by the village and given land and voting rights. The villagers now call him Pillay Pamei. Pamei is the surname of the people of the Zeliangrong community who live in the village.Since his return, Pillay Pamei has moved mountains to do whatever he can to give back to his new clan. Now, everyone in Longdipabram is looking forward to the new 100 km national highway from Manipur to Nagaland that will pass through their village and end their isolation. It took Pillay six years to get it sanctioned. It is something that will change the topography and politics of this strife hit region forever, he says.We have to make our institutions work for our people. All our people. I would like to see young people from my village feel and believe that they are as much part of this country as anyone else; that they have the right to work, study and travel without being attacked or labelled. We cannot have peace without development. We also cannot have any development without peace. It is where the road ends that insurgencies begin," Pillay said.On March 31, Col Pillay will hang his boots after 29 years in service. But before that, he is back in the village where he almost died, this time with the gift of light. He is carrying 500 solar lights, one for every home in the village along with 100 solar lanterns sponsored by the Assam Rifles.For Col Pillay, it is a pilgrimage before he ends one journey and begins another. For Longdipabram, he continues to be god.
New Delhi: The Opposition in the Lok Sabha on Thursday accused the Government of running roughshod by opening the doors to "political extortionism" and passing "draconian" provisions in the Finance Bill.



The Opposition criticism came as the Lower House took up Finance Bill 2017 to consider the five amendments carried out by the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.



After Finance Minister Arun Jaitley moved the amended Finance Bill for consideration by the Lok Sabha, Deepender Hooda (Cong) said this was a "historic" occasion as never in the past had the Rajya Sabha amended the Finance Bill.



Initiating the discussion, Hooda said the Government was amending 40 laws through the Finance Bill and has brought all these amendments before the House as a Money Bill in which the Upper House has not much say.



"The process of change in electoral funding has nothing to do with the Consolidated Fund of India," Hooda said, observing that the Finance Minister through these amendments has made the Rajya Sabha "incidental".



The Government without cleansing the system of political funding is trying to push it under the carpet, he said.



"A complete opacity has been created... These measures will benefit shell companies... It is opening the doors for political extortion," Hooda said, adding that the government should have brought a separate bill for transparency in political funding.



Saugata Roy (TMC) said the powers given to taxmen under the Finance Bill 2017 were "draconian" and went against the rights of individuals.



He said in a bicameral set-up, there are checks and balances. "The procedures of House is being violated and the Finance Bill is being made a compendium... Just because they have a majority in the House, they should not run a roughshod," Roy said.



The government on Wednesday had faced a major embarrassment in the Rajya Sabha as five amendments moved by the Congress and the CPI(M) to the Finance Bill were adopted and approved by the House.



The amendments proposed to delete the provisions relating to the powers given to taxmen like power to requisition books of account, power to survey and more powers to more officers.



The Rajya Sabha approved that there should be a cap of 7.5 per cent of net profit of the last three financial years for donation to political parties. It also approved provision to disclose the name of political parties to which contribution has been made by a company.
New Delhi: Tension arose in Bulandshahr district's Arnia village after the carcasses and remains of seven cows, which had allegedly been slaughtered, were found near a small stream near the village. Police have registered an FIR in the matter and assured locals that action would be taken against the culprits.



Bulandshahr District Magistrate (DM) AK Singh spoke to News 18 and confirmed the news. "The discovery was made on early Wednesday morning. Some locals found the remains of what seemed to be cows. A police team rushed to the spot and collected the remains. Prima facie, they appeared to be cows and we have deduced that these remains belong to seven separate cows. This seems to have been a large operation. These cows were slaughtered and then dumped out in the open, he said.



The DM added, Police have seized the remains of the cattle and registered a case. The locals were getting agitated and there was a lot of shouting but soon, senior officials from the police and the administration reached there to pacify them. As of now, the situation is under control. We also requested locals not to link this crime to any particular community as that would lead to communal tension. Those responsible for this crime will be booked under the stringent National Security Act (NSA). We will also act against any officials or cops who may have been either complicit in this crime or it not remained vigilant. A crime of this scale could not have happened without the ignorance of some officials. All those responsible will be brought to justice.


Kolkata: Two people were killed when a fire broke out at the Golden Park Hotel in the heart of the city on Ho Chi Minh Sarani close to Chowringhee.



The fire which broke out around 3am in the kitchen spread to the adjacent rooms, damaging property.



Many broke windows in a bid to escape, while the guests were evacuated. The two persons who were declared brought dead at state-run SSKM hospital were employees of Tata Steel from Odisha and Gujarat. Five others were injured and admitted to hospital.







Fire engines reached the spot but it took four hours for the fire to be doused. The two died due to asphyxiation.



The hotel management was yet to make a statement at the time of filing this report, nor was any FIR registered.
#Sabyasachi #SpringCouture2017 #AliaBhatt @aliaabhatt @toryburch #StyledBySabyasachi #BazaarIndiaturns8 #HarpersBazaarIndia #HandCraftedInIndia #TheWorldOfSabyasachi Photograph by Suresh Natarajan A post shared by Sabyasachi Mukherjee (@sabyasachiofficial) on Mar 14, 2017 at 9:57am PDT

#AnushkaSharma @anushkasharma in a #Sabyasachi #SpringSummer2017 #HandPainted #HandPrinted #Lehenga #HandCraftedInIndia Styled By @alliaalrufai #TheWorldOfSabyasachi A post shared by Sabyasachi Mukherjee (@sabyasachiofficial) on Mar 12, 2017 at 6:31am PDT

The one-of-a-kind silver fringed pants and asymmetric hemmed blue kurta with floral embroidery is paired with our limited edition 3D floral potli bag, exactly what this summer needs! #SummerCouture2017 #TheFrontRowShow #SecondEdition #UnapologeticGlamour #ManishMalhotraLabel @manishmalhotra05 A post shared by Manish Malhotra World (@mmalhotraworld) on Mar 24, 2017 at 12:14am PDT

Ivory and pastel floral embroidered dress with sheer bell sleeves. #TheFrontRowShow #SummerCouture2017 #ManishMalhotraLabel #UnapologeticGlamour @manishmalhotra05 A post shared by Manish Malhotra World (@mmalhotraworld) on Mar 8, 2017 at 3:38am PST

#SummerCouture2017s trend highlights the signature fringe top with floral embroidery and a matching embroidered skirt which marries contemporary and classic. #TheFrontRowShow#SummerCouture2017#ManishMalhotraLabel#UnapologeticGlamour @manishmalhotra05 A post shared by Manish Malhotra World (@mmalhotraworld) on Mar 16, 2017 at 4:34am PDT

Ever gorgeous Malaika Arora Khan looking total Shahebzadi, in our outfit coupled with @musaddilalgemsjewels chokar. #lakmefashionweek #lakmefashionwk #summerresort2017 #breathablefabric #handoom #elegant #indian A post shared by Divya Reddy (@divyareddyofficial) on Feb 5, 2017 at 9:36pm PST

#AnitaDongre #AnitaDongreBridalCouture #AnitaDongreBride #HandwovenBenaras #Repost @sonalibarthwal A post shared by Anita Dongre (@anitadongre) on Mar 29, 2017 at 9:48am PDT

#AlchemyByAnitaDongre #AnitaDongre #SpringSummer2017 #Jaisalmer #Rajasthan @sujanluxury @ranipinklove #chanderi #mul #gotapatti A post shared by Anita Dongre (@anitadongre) on Mar 28, 2017 at 11:43pm PDT

Come spring and there is this freshness of flowers in the air. And this season, designers too, have incorporated the vibrancy, rejuvenation and freshness associated with spring into their collection. Ace designers like Sabyasachi, Manish Malhotra, Anju Modi, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla and others have made use of florals on their garments in abundance, experimenting with floral embroidery, hand-painted floral designs and even 3D florals on dresses, bomber jackets, jumpsuits, lehengas and more.Recently, Bollywood divas including Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Anushka Sharma were spotted flaunting floral outfits straight out of Sabyasachi's Spring/Summer collection.While Deepika's bold floral printed khadi saree complimented her looks, Alia's deep-necked floral top paired with elaborate red earrings was like a breath of fresh air. On the other hand, both Sonam and Anushka looked nothing less than ethereal sporting Sabyasachi's floral hand painted lehengas.Ace designer Manish Malhotra's recent Summer Couture 2017 collection features a lot of fringes and florals. From floral printed kurtas, floral embroidered tops to 3D floral potli bags, Malhotra's collection has everything involving flowers this season.Be it Malaika Arora Khan's red bralette paired with a yellow tiered, pleated lehenga with floral embroidery and matching yellow georgette dupatta or Adah Sharma's organic cotton peach and red lehenga with floral embroidery, Reddy's collection too are dominated by florals this season.Anita DongreDongre's Summer/Resort 2017 collection Alchemy, inspired by Rajasthan's soft, golden sand and lush green vegetation, includes a lot of earthy, natural, off-white hues, pastel pinks, blush-peach, aqua and textural gold on the colour palette. And as far as embellishments are concerned, zardosi, dori and tonal embroidered intricate motifs, gota patti embroidery, and flora and fauna prints dominate the collection.Mishra's Paris Fashion week collection is full of luscious sunflowers as he paid a tribute to Van Gogh and pointillism.Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla's collection titled The Enchanted Forest collection is defined by a palette of greys and black embellished with multi-coloured silk thread embroidery. Skirts, long jackets and capes create the magic with floral embroidery on them. Take a look.
New song from Srijit Mukherji's Begum Jaan called Azaadiyan depicts the hefty price India and Pakistan had to pay to get freedom from British rule. The song, sung beautifully by Sonu Nigam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan shows how people got affected, lives got destroyed, generations got scarred due to the painful partition. The film narrates the story of a brothel run by Vidya Balan which comes right where the new border between India and Pakistan has to be drawn. The occupants are asked to empty the brothel in a month's time and how Begum Jaan and her girls fight for their rightful place is what the film is about. A remake of Bengali film Rajkahini, the film is scheduled to release on 14th April in theaters.
Panaji: The BJP-led coalition in the state will not last the full term, Leader of Opposition Chandrakant Kavlekar said on Thursday, adding that the Congress bloc of 16 legislators was intact and will work as an effective opposition.



"This government will not stay in power for the full term. This current government has been founded on deceit and will not last the distance," Kavlekar told reporters, after a meeting of the Congress state executive committee in Panaji.



Asked if more Congress lawmakers are expected to quit the party on the lines of Valpoi legislator Vishwajit Rane, who resigned from the party earlier this month, Kavlekar said: "None of our 16 MLAs will leave the party. All of them are intact."



The Congress won 17 seats in the February 4 state assembly polls and emerged as the single largest party, and the Bharatiya Janata party won 13 seats.



The BJP, however, managed to cobble together a coalition government with support from independent lawmakers and regional parties. The Congress alleged horse-trading and accused Goa Governor Mridula Sinha of being biased towards the BJP, after she invited former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, now Chief Minister, to form a government.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's much-awaited visit to Israel later this year is in the "right order," senior congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Thursday said and hoped he will travel there with a "bipartisan" delegation.



Delivering the keynote address at an international conference here, he also said terrorism has become a "major cementing factor" contributing to growing Indo-Israeli ties.



"We have the PM's (Modi) visit to Israel coming up. (Israeli) President has set a precedent (by visiting India) and for this PM to undertake this visit this time after he has shored up his relationship with the Arab world in the Gulf countries, is in the right order, the right way to do it.



"Many expected the order to be reversed, but that would have been a mistake because of India's dependence on the Middle East for oil, and the 6-7 million Indians working in the Gulf countries, those positions should not have been jeopardised," Tharoor said.



Israeli President Reuven Rivlin's visit to India last November had set the stage for Prime Minister Modi's historic visit to the Jewish state which is likely to take place in the middle of this year.



"Having shored up the position of Indian government in those areas, I think the PM can travel with confidence to Israel, feeling in many ways that what he is doing is something that speaks for India's independent foreign policy without in anyway compromising its relationship with anybody else.



"And, I certainly hope that he travels with a bipartisan delegation of people from across the political spectrum," Tharoor said.



The Lok Sabha member also shared that he had once joked with an Israeli ambassador that "our's is a love that dare not utter its name".



"So much being done quietly and not acknowledged and PM's visit would finally bring in that public acknowledgment," he said.



Tharoor said besides shared history, other factors have contributed to boosting ties, like terrorism.



"What started off initially as a tactic of the Palestinians, as a people...To explicitly Islamist colouration, with some of the other entrants and variants in the terrorist cause.



"In India, similarly, some Kashmiris claiming greater autonomy, few arguing independence, took on explicit Islamist colouration, with the flourishing of groups like LeT, JEM, which drew inspiration much more from what they described the tenets of radical Islam or rather radical interpretation of Islam, rather than some national cause.



"So, the sense that we are facing similar threats from similar sources, this certainly contributed to the growing closeness, enhanced defence cooperation, increasing intensification of cooperation in areas of counterterrorism and intelligence sharing and sale of weapon systems from Israel to India, of which the most famous example is the Phalcon," he added.
New York: The United States warned on Wednesday that it would use its presidency of the UN Security Council to review the performance of peacekeeping missions worldwide.



The council is due to vote in the next few days on whether to extend or to cut back the 19,000-strong UN mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo.



And US President Donald Trump made it clear in his first budget request to Congress that he hopes to cut America's funding to the United Nations.



US ambassador Nikki Haley will become president of the council for the month of April, and she made it plain that peacekeeping will be under the microscope.



"I came to the UN with the goal of showing the American people value for their investment in this institution," she told the Council on Foreign Relations.



Haley insisted that Washington's aim was to make the missions more effective and with a clear exit strategy, not only to save money.



But she was clear that the US share of the $ 7.9 billion UN peacekeeping budget would have to fall from 29 to at most 25 percent.



"The United States is the moral conscience of the world," she said.



"We will not walk away from this role, but we will insist that our participation in the UN will honor and respect this role."



Haley said she had already begun work with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to identify ways to streamline UN military commitments.



"We're going to wind down the peacekeeping mission in Haiti, it's not needed anymore," she said. Guterres has proposed ending this mission by October.



"We're going to wind down in the Ivory Coast. We're going to wind it down in Liberia. But guess what? We're going to work harder on those areas that truly don't have peace."



But the next mission to be reviewed will be the biggest, that in the DRC. A vote on renewing its mandate had been due today, but has been put back.



Some, including permanent council member France, have warned against dramatic cuts to the mission, with the country still in political and military turmoil.



But Russia has endorsed the idea of a smaller force, and Haley's remarks to the CFR were a stark warning about its performance so far.



"In the Democratic Republic of Congo, for example, the government is corrupt. It preys on its citizens," she said.



"At the same time, the UN peacekeeping mission is mandated to partner with the government, to consolidate peace and security," she said.



"In other words, the UN is aiding a government that is inflicting predatory behavior towards its own people. We should have the decency and the common sense to end this."



The dangers facing the DRC were underlined this week when two UN contractors -- American Michael Sharp and Swedish-Chilean Zaida Catalan -- were found dead after going missing while conducting an expert study.



The country is due to go to the polls before the end of the year, and Guterres has asked for a small increase in UN police numbers rather than a cut.
Lahore: Five Al-Qaeda and Taliban terrorists, who were plotting to target security agencies and important buildings, were on Thursday killed by security forces in Pakistan's Punjab province.



According to the Counter Terrorism Department of Punjab Police, security forces received information that around eight terrorists were hiding in a house at Gunjah in Gujrat district, some 150 km from Lahore, and were planning to commit major terror strikes in Gujrat and Kharian.



"A CTD team along with police raided the hideout of the terrorists in the wee hours today and challenged them to surrender but were fired upon. The raiding team returned fire and killed five terrorists. Three managed to escape taking advantage of darkness," a CTD spokesman said



The terrorists belonged to the Al-Qaeda and Tahreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and were plotting to target security and law enforcement agencies and important buildings, he said.



The CTD has recovered a large number of weapons, including hand grenades and explosive material, from the site.


Accra: Ghana's new gender minister has warned schoolgirls that what they wear can attract rapists, sparking controversy and debate in a traditional but evolving society.



Otiko Djaba told girls at a senior school in eastern Ghana they should demand respect and equality but added short dresses "can attract someone who would want to rape or defile you.



"You must be responsible for the choices you make," she said during a visit last week.



The minister's comments have been widely criticised, with many arguing they wrongly place the blame for rape and sexual assault on the victim rather than the perpetrator.



Djaba joins a growing list of political figures around the world who have caused outrage by making a direct link between what a woman wears and rape.



Ghana, which has seen rapid growth in recent years, remains socially conservative: in a 2012 survey, 96 percent of Ghanaians described themselves as religious.



Clothing for girls and women is a mix of Western imports and traditional print fabrics that are used for tailor-made outfits.



Above-the-knee dresses and skirts are not uncommon, particularly in cities such as the capital, Accra.



But feminist and sex educationalist Nana Akosua Hanson said women who wear short skirts still attract unwanted attention.



Conservative views



On the street, many women said the fear of being judged and leered at, as well as advice from church, stopped them from wearing less, even in temperatures that rarely dip below 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).



"If I do it, I know it will attract men," said retail worker Stella Brew, 19, wearing a white, knee-length dress.



The teenager said her church also preached against "provocative" clothing. "It makes the one who gets attracted to you to sin," she told AFP.



Boatemaa Akua Benedicte, a 24-year-old nursing graduate wearing a flared dress with an African print headband, said a woman was responsible if she was attacked while wearing a short skirt.



The rapist should shoulder only some of the blame, she added.



High school student Maria Abdullha, 17, also shied away from short dresses. "If you wear short clothing, people will think bad about you," she said.



Hanson said Djaba's comments -- and those of the women in the street -- showed such views remained pervasive in Ghanaian society.



But she said the outcry, particularly on social media, indicated there had been a "serious rise in consciousness" about the issue of rape and sexual assault.



Hanson runs sex education workshops for young people in Accra, focusing on consent and tackling rape culture.



She said the minister had at least opened up a public debate about the issue.



Shifts burden



Accra-based journalist Nana Ama Agyemang Asante has spoken out against Djaba on social media and radio programmes.



She told AFP she understood Djaba was trying to ensure girls' safety but described the theory that clothing prevents or invites rape as "sexist and stupid".



It "absolves the rapist of any responsibility for his actions (and) shifts the burden of preventing rape to the woman", she added.



The comments did little to change the reluctance among Ghanaian women to report rape for fear of being shamed or blamed, she said.



The results of a 2015 government survey suggested that 30 percent of women would face some form of sexual violence in their lifetime.



The same study indicated nearly two-thirds of women believed a woman was to blame for rape if she wore revealing clothes: just over half of all male respondents (56.2 percent) agreed.



Statistics for sexual and gender-based violence were not immediately available but last year the previous administration reportedly said only 4.4 percent of cases made it to court.



Djaba, who has two daughters and a son, has defended her comments, telling local media she was dispensing "strong advice from a mother to her children".



"I wasn't in anyway encouraging rape with my comments," she added.
Washington: First Lady Melania Trump made the case for women's "empowerment" at a ceremony on Wednesday honouring a dozen activists who have overcome great odds to advance human rights around the world.



In a rare public speech, Melania Trump called for an embrace of diversity, appearing as a "special guest" at the International Women of Courage event at the US State Department.



"We must begin now to challenge old fears, and fight for justice and stand up against evil and injustice wherever it may be," she said as she paid tribute to the 13 women honorees, all but one of whom were present.



"As leaders of our shared global community, we must continue to work towards gender empowerment and respect for people from all backgrounds and ethnicities, remembering always that we are all ultimately members of one race, the human race."



The first lady's vocal support of diversity appeared somewhat at odds with the stance of President Donald Trump's administration, whose "America first" worldview has often cast outsiders as a threat.



Three of the honorees Wednesday were from countries targeted by Trump's thwarted travel ban on refugees and travelers from Muslim-majority nations: Iraq, Syria and Yemen.



Praising the strength and courage of the laureates who have fought against gender bias and discrimination, Melania Trump said it is women like them who will "ignite a global battle against inhumanity."



"Together, with the international community, the United States must send a clear message that we are watching," she said.



President Trump's military-dominated budget blueprint, however, calls for State Department funding to be slashed by a third, with "soft" aid programs that promote democracy and human rights seen as under threat.



The Slovenian-born former model turned first lady is so low-profile that a paparazzo in New York called her, in an interview with The Washington Post, "the great white whale."



The first lady, who lives at the family's New York City penthouse, should move to the White House or pay for the cost of protecting Trump Tower, an online petition said at the same time she spoke.



"The US taxpayer is paying an exorbitant amount of money to protect the First Lady in Trump Tower, located in New York City," the Change.org petition says.



"As to help relieve the national debt, this expense yields no positive results for the nation and should be cut from being funded," it adds.



More than 210,000 people signed the petition as of midday Wednesday, the group said.



Melania Trump has said she will stay in New York to allow her 11-year-old son, Barron, to finish the year. She will then move to the White House, she has said.



The New York Police Department says it has spent more than $24 million to protect the Trump family between election day in November and Inauguration Day in January.



That breaks down to a hefty $127,000-$146,000 per day, the city's police commissioner said last month.



Signatories voiced some less than warm-and-fuzzy opinions.



"Living in the White House is what you do when you are married to the president," said one, Sheila Forsyth, of Newport, Rhode Island.



"The tax money saved by eliminating these extra protection expenses can be used to feed senior citizens. Why is our tax money being spent on people who already have more than their fair share?" she asked.
"But how amazing for her to watch her daughter become governor of South Carolina and US ambassador to the UN," she added.

UN Ambassador is a cabinet-level position in the US and Haley is the first Indian-American to reach that position. A Republican, she was the elected Governor of South Carolina state in 2010.

Nikki Haley, the US Permanent Representative to the UN, has claimed that her mother was not allowed to be a judge in India because she was a woman, while in fact women have been judges in the country since at least 1937.Answering a question about the role of women at a meeting of the Council on Foreign Relations on Wednesday, she said, "When you didn't have a lot of education in India, my mother actually was able to go to law school. And she was actually put up to be one of the first female judges in India, but because of the situation with women, she wasn't allowed to sit on the bench."Haley's parents, Ajit Singh and Raj Kaur Randhwa, reportedly emigrated from India in the 1960s. But more than two decades earlier a woman, Anna Chandy, had become a judge in Travancore in pre-Independence India.Chandy was promoted to District Judge in 1948, the year after Independence, and became a High Court judge in 1959. Chandy was able to sit on the bench and function as a judge all through  years before Haley's parents left India.Haley said that she is "proud" to be the daughter Indian immigrants who believe the family is "blessed" to be American.Prefacing her answer to a question about President Donald Trump's attempts to temporarily restrict people from six Muslim-majority countries and refugees coming to the US, she said, "I am the proud daughter of Indian immigrants, who reminded my brothers, my sister and me every day how blessed we were to be in this country.""I do believe that the fabric of America is legal immigration. That is what makes the US so fantastic," she said.Haley's father is an agricultural scientist and a professor, while her mother is a businesswoman.Haley denied that Trump's attempts to restrict people coming in from the six countries was based on religion and pointed out that several Muslim-majority countries were not covered by it."I don't think that's what this is," she said."If that were the case, there are another dozen, you know, Muslim countries that could have been on the list."She said that nothing should be banned based on religion."We will never close our doors in the US. We won't. But what we did do was take a pause."Because of the difficulty to properly vet people from those six countries and the refugees, Trump had wanted the temporary ban."This is not about not wanting people in," she said adding that it was about keeping the terrorists out.She noted that her husband, Michael Haley, a captain in the Army National Guard who served in Afghanistan, helped two Afghan interpreters and their families immigrate to the US.The difference was that they could be properly vetted, but it was not possible in all refugees cases and the administration was stopping them till the problem could be resolved.A US court has stayed Trumps orders temporarily banning people from six countries coming to the US.
Caracas: Venezuela's Supreme Court took over legislative powers Thursday from the opposition-majority National Assembly, a dramatic tightening of leftist President Nicolas Maduro and his allies' grip amid a devastating economic crisis.



The opposition attacked what it called a "fraudulent court" packed with Maduro loyalists bent on keeping him in power in the South American oil giant, where a three-year recession has caused food shortages, riots and an epidemic of violent crime.



The high court, whose judges have staunchly backed Maduro in a power struggle with the legislature, made the decision late Wednesday night, citing an earlier ruling that the opposition majority was in contempt of court.



"As long as the National Assembly's contempt of court and invalidity persist, parliamentary powers shall be exercised directly by (the Supreme Court's) constitutional chamber or by the body it stipulates to safeguard the rule of law," it said.



The court ruled in August 2016 that the National Assembly leadership was in contempt for swearing in three lawmakers who were suspended over alleged electoral fraud. The opposition condemns the fraud charges as a trumped-up bid to curb its power.



The main opposition coalition, the Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD), won a landslide in legislative elections in December 2015 with a promise to oust Maduro.



That forced the president and his allies in the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) to share power for the first time since its founder, Hugo Chavez, surged to power in 1999.



But the Supreme Court scuttled the opposition's powerful two-thirds majority when it barred the three investigated lawmakers from taking their seats.



Since then, the court has overturned every law passed by the legislature.



'We were elected'



Opposition lawmaker Henry Ramos Allup bitterly condemned the ruling.



"This is a fraudulent court whose interpretations of the constitution violate the document itself," he said in a radio interview.



"We must continue... doing our jobs despite the risk, because no one person gave us our titles as lawmakers. We were elected."



The ruling came a day after the high court stripped lawmakers of their legislative immunity, clearing the way for them to face prosecution.



Maduro has accused opposition lawmakers of treason for asking the Organization of American States to consider suspending Venezuela for violating democratic norms.



Treason carries a prison sentence of up to 30 years in Venezuela.



Oil deals at stake



The court's sweeping expansion of its own powers came midway through a ruling on a technical matter involving the law governing Venezuela's state-run oil industry.



Under the law, the government needs the legislature's approval to launch joint ventures with private oil companies.



The court ruled that the National Assembly's "legislative omission" left it no choice but to take over congressional powers itself.



The stakes are potentially enormous for the struggling state oil company, PDVSA, where debts have soared and production has plunged amid a sharp decline in global oil prices since 2014.



Venezuela has the world's largest oil reserves, but the price collapse has laid bare its overwhelming dependence on its chief export.



Lacking the oil dollars it once used to import nearly everything else, the country has been hit by severe shortages of food, medicine and basic goods like deodorant and toilet paper.



In a sign of how desperate the situation has become, Caracas and several other cities have recently been hit by shortages of the one thing Venezuela was supposed to have in abundance: gasoline.


Late last week, Megan Emanuel sat in Brookville High Schools theater, staring up at the brightly colored set for their latest production, Seussical the Musical.

The backdrop features rolling green hills, light blue skies and touches that come straight out of Dr. Seuss books  giant flowers you might recognize from The Lorax; rounded, whimsical buildings from Horton Hears a Who, the main storyline in Seussical; and book spines featuring some of the actual titles themselves.

I told the freshmen, This is the coolest set youll have in high school, Emanuel said, laughing.

Its a long way from Pirates of Penzance Jr., the first musical Emanuel, a 1997 Brookville graduate, led at the high school during the spring of 2008.

We literally had a rock onstage, she said. It was a papier-mache rock we created. [And] we got all our costumes from Lynchburg College.

To sit back and see what weve become  she added, not finishing the thought. But you have to start somewhere.

For Brookville Theatre, that start came in 2007, when then-principal, the late Jim Whorley, called Emanuel into his office and asked her to take over the theater program.

Or, perhaps more accurately, build it from the ground up.

It was not really a program, Emanuel said. It was more in-class [work].

Daryl Knott, Brookvilles longtime former choral teacher, had been at the school for about two decades when Emanuel took over the program. Until that point, she said, theyd only done two musicals.

She came to me and said, We really need to do something. Do you want to do musicals? said Knott, who retired last year. I said, Ive been dying to do musicals.  Its one of my loves.

Knott had already been laying the groundwork in her music classes.

As a chorus teacher, I didnt do just straight singing. I did some skit work. I did some play work, she said. So I could see kids who did the acting part as well, who were dancers. I could tell her, This kid is a really good dancer.

Emanuel minored in theater at Lynchburg College but always had more of a dance focus (shes been director of LCs Dance Works for 13 years). And during her time at Brookville, she actually took music classes from Knott.

She was in music at Brookville with me until she graduated, Knott said. She never did theater, either, which is kind of cool. She didnt do theater at the high school because there wasnt really theater to do. She had the choreography background. She never really got into dramatics until she got out in the world and started doing stuff with Lynchburg College as a choreographer.

Knott called that first production of Pirates a success, and a preview of what was to come.

It was just me and the piano, and she did great choreography and the kids acted well. It was a great success at that point, because nobody had seen anything there like that.

They did one production a year for the first several years, Emanuel said, as she recruited more students into the program. Pirates featured 25 in the cast and crew, a number thats grown to as many as 100, in Decembers production of Hairspray.

For the majority of the last 10 years, Emanuel continued teaching a few English classes in addition to theater.

Now in her third year of full-time theater, she teaches five classes: Theater 1 and 2, Tech Theater 1 and 2 and Advanced Acting.

Its theater all day, she said. That has allowed us to expand.

Introducing the technical theater classes two years ago also made a big difference, allowing for in-class time to build and paint sets.

Last year, they also added a theater program at the middle school, which will feed into the high school. The Brookville Middle Drama Club meets once a week and, after Seussical closes this weekend, Emanuels attention will turn to their production of Schoolhouse Rock Live, set for mid-May.

Senior Hurst Templeton, who is starring as the Cat in the Hat in Seussical, first appeared on the Brookville High School stage as a Von Trapp child in The Sound of Music when he was in sixth grade, before the middle school had an official program.

By eighth grade, he had a starring role in Guys & Dolls and says getting involved at an early age made a difference for him  just [to] feel welcomed by all these high schoolers, who I wanted to be.

Now he and the programs other upperclassmen are returning the favor; Emanuel said many of them are involved behind the scenes in Schoolhouse Rock.

In addition to an annual spring musical, the high school program also produces a dinner theater show every year and organizes Brookvilles Got Talent and Miss Brookville, both of which act as fundraisers for the program. They also produce one-act competition pieces for the Virginia Theatre Association (VTA) conference and other state festivals; this fall, Brookvilles tech and improv teams won third place at VTAs conference in Norfolk.

Every year, shes done more, Knott said.  We dont have a big auditorium. We dont have a big stage, so theres only so much you can do. But shes added more people. Shes added more costuming.  The kids have been phenomenal, just getting involved.

Knott said she feels like the program is on the cusp of a new horizon.

The new chorus teacher has jumped in and been great, I think, at helping to transition to these new shows.

Emanuel chose to do two musicals this year  Hairspray and Seussical  to highlight her current crop of seniors, some of whom, like Templeton, started appearing in shows while they were in middle school and have been mentored by Emanuel.

Ive known her almost half my life, Templeton said.  Its crazy to see the amount of people who are coming in and have an interest and who are coming to see our shows.

After years of doing classic musicals like Annie, The Sound of Music and My Fair Lady, Emanuel said they were ready for something more contemporary this year.

We just wanted to do fun, lively, she said.

She also liked their underlying messages.

Seussical, which opens tonight, begins with a child finding a hat, out of which pops Templetons Cat, Emanuel said. He then relays the story of Horton the elephant, who discovers a speck of dust thats home to an entire world of Whos and sets out to protect the Whos from those who dont believe in their existence because they cant be seen.

I feel like this is just a really nice message, that nobody is alone, and be yourself. Be who you are, Emanuel said.  And use your imagination.
A routine traffic stop led to a multi-jurisdictional police chase Wednesday night that ended in a head-on collision with a Virginia State Police trooper.

According to officials, at least one person was injured in the crash, and two individuals were arrested.

Joshua Montgomery Wood, 18, of Roanoke, has been charged with grand larceny of a motor vehicle, felony eluding law enforcement, possession of a concealed firearm and abduction of an 18-year-old woman who was in the car, Vinton Police Chief Tom Foster said. He is being held at the Roanoke County-Salem Jail. He was arraigned Thursday morning, and a preliminary hearing is set for 11 a.m. May 18.

A passenger, Anthony Edwin Reynolds, 18, of Bedford, was charged with receipt or transfer of a stolen vehicle, according to jail records, and currently is being held at the Western Virginia Regional Jail. He was arraigned Thursday morning, and a preliminary hearing is set for 11 a.m. May 18.

There is no connection between the pursuit and the March 27 homicide investigation being conducted by the Bedford County Sheriffs Office, according to the release.

The hourlong car chase started in Vinton after a patrol officer tried to stop a silver Honda sedan near the intersection of Elm Street and Gunn Avenue at 8:18 p.m. for improper display of license plates. When the officer began to approach the Honda, it fled, Foster said in a news release.

The fleeing driver rapidly turned around and nearly struck the Vinton officer before traveling east on Washington Avenue, Foster said.

During the pursuit, Foster said Roanoke County Emergency Communications Center confirmed the sedan was reported stolen from Maryland. He said the chase continued onto Turner Branch Road in Bedford County, where a Virginia State Police trooper and a Franklin County sheriffs deputy joined, Foster said.

The Honda turned onto Goodview Road, where Bedford County authorities had placed a tire deflation device, deflating at least two of the sedans tires, Foster said.

However, the Honda continued its attempt to evade police, driving on the rims of multiple tires. The pursuit became slower toward the end of the chase, with speeds below 30 mph at times. The pursuit went from Vinton to Roanoke to Bedford County to Franklin County and back to Bedford County, Foster said.

The pursuit ended when the Honda was driving eastbound on Jordantown Road and collided head on with a state troopers car traveling westbound.

Foster said the trooper was not injured.

Following the crash, the woman and Reynolds both were held in the back of a state trooper vehicle while Wood was transported to the Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital with minor injuries. When Reynolds and the woman were escorted from the vehicle, at least one appeared to be handcuffed and was released. Officials with the Shady Grove emergency medical service treated the two for shock, wrapping them in white blankets.

Foster said it is unknown how the woman is related to either Wood or Reynolds at this time.

The Roanoke Times and the Associated Press contributed.
Lynchburg residents learned details about the citys newest project to tackle aging waterlines at a meeting Monday.

More than a dozen people attended the community meeting to discuss the Tinbridge Hill project at the Yoder Center on Jackson Street.

In early April, work will begin on the installation of eight-inch ductile iron water mains to replace old and undersized water mains in the Tinbridge Hill neighborhood. The city also will install new water mains and water services to properties in the construction zone, and fire hydrants will be installed at each intersection. The project also calls for repair work on a few existing sewer lines.

Representatives from the city and the contractor answered questions from residents that included an inquiry as to whether water pressure will increase or decrease to pipe size.

For normal water consumption, the pressure will not change at all, Parkins said in response to a question.

The Tinbridge Hill utilities improvements project will encompass an area that begins at the intersection of Hollins and Federal streets. From Hollins Street, work will progress to include portions of Taylor, Garland, Polk, 1st, Jackson and 2nd streets before concluding on Monroe Street in December.

The total project cost is about $1.1 million, and work is being performed by Lynchburg-based contractor F.L. Showalter Inc.

There will be block-to-block street closures during the construction period, said Construction Project Manager Greg Blair, of the Lynchburg Department of Water Resources.

During the construction period, residents will have access to their properties, and through traffic in active construction zones will be detoured to parallel streets, Lynchburg Utilities Engineer Scott Parkins said in an interview prior to the meeting.

Residents will be notified in advance of water shut-offs, Blair said.

When water service is transferred from an old main to the new main, water service will be disconnected for about 30 to 60 minutes.

The hours of construction generally will be weekdays from about 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Its a fairly shallow dig, which means its not going to be near as destructive as some of the projects youve seen around town in the past, Blair said.

Aubrey Barbour, the president of the Tinbridge Hill Neighborhood Council, was among the people who attended the meeting.

Anything thats concerning the neighborhood, I try to get involved, Barbour said.
I really miss liberal Republicans. People like Mitt Romney.

No doubt the former Massachusetts governor would be aghast at being called such a thing. Of course Romney is not a liberal in any conventional sense. But 11 years ago  it now seems like a lifetime  Romney acted in the great tradition of liberal Republicans. He saw a problem and tried to solve it in the most business-friendly way possible. The result was the Massachusetts health care plan.

At a celebration for the new law, as recounted in a 2011 New Yorker piece by Ryan Lizza, Romney tried to explain why his approach was in line with his partys history. Its a Republican way of reforming the market, he declared. Because, let me tell you, having 30 million people in this country without health insurance and having those people show up when they get sick, and expect someone else to pay, thats a Democratic approach.

A bit demagogic? Sure, especially when one of the politicians who helped Romney pass his bill was the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, for whom universal health coverage was the cause of his political life.

But Romneys definition of a plausible path for his party on health care was compelling. The Republican approach is to say, You know what? Everybody should have insurance. They should pay what they can afford to pay. If they need help, we will be there to help them, but no more free ride.

Yes, requiring everyone to buy health insurance on the private market and providing adequate subsidies so lower-income citizens could afford it really was a conservative idea. It was an alternative to liberal calls for a single-payer approach that would have the federal government take over the health care system.

The mandate was seen not as oppressive, but as an endorsement of personal responsibility. If you can be required to buy car insurance (because everybody is at risk of getting into an accident), why not require people to buy health insurance (because everybody is at risk of getting sick)? But since health coverage is financially out of reach for so many, the fair thing is to ask them to pay what they can and have government fill in the rest.

The debacle that is Trumpcare, aka Ryancare  both President Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan own this thing  is a reminder that conservatism has gone haywire. Romney looks like a liberal because conservative Republicans (with a few honorable dissenters) have largely abandoned trying to solve social problems, except for offering free-market bromides as if they are solutions.

Even Romney usually played down the greatest achievement of his governorship when he ran for president in 2012 because President Obama had the nerve to learn from the Massachusetts experience: The Affordable Care Act is rooted in the principles and policies of Romneycare. This was awkward for a Republican presidential candidate because repealing Obamacare had become GOP dogma. So, like a repentant heretic, Romney dutifully bowed to the new orthodoxy.

We already know that any promise Trump makes is meaningless (my colleague Eugene Robinson memorably observed, He even lies about his own lies), but its worth remembering that Trump has consistently tried to cast himself as more 2006 Romney than 2017 Ryan. Were going to have insurance for everybody, Trump told The Washington Post in January. There was a philosophy in some circles that if you cant pay for it, you dont get it. Thats not going to happen with us.

Actually, that is exactly what happened when Trump found himself issuing ultimatums on behalf of a bill that deprives an estimated 24 million Americans of health coverage (while cutting taxes on the affluent). Thus has Trump betrayed the working-class supporters he hides behind while pursuing the interests of his rich friends  as well as his own.

The United States is the only wealthy democracy in the world that doesnt provide health coverage to all its people. Republicans used to recognize this as a problem. Now, their ideology forces them to pretend it doesnt exist.

In his definitive piece on Romneycare, Lizza noted that in the hardcover edition of Romneys book No Apology, he had said of his health plan: We can accomplish the same thing for everyone in the country. Lizza observed that in the paperback, that line had been deleted.

A lot of Republicans seem ready to edit out part of their partys conscience.

Dionne is a columnist for The Washington Post and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. Email him at ejdionne@washpost.com or follow him on Twitter @EJDionne.
Tyler Bryant 'afflicted' to death

As president of Central Virginia Training Center (CVTC) Families and Friends, I was not surprised by the predictable death of Tyler Bryant on March 17 after his January eviction from CVTC, caused by the deplorable actions of the state agency entrusted with his care.

Officials at the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) surely must have known that they were sending profoundly afflicted Tyler to his death when over his mothers strong objections they forced him from his superior home of 20 years, CVTCs 5-star nursing facility, and admitted him to a 2.8-star facility that has been penalized for the last two years by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Hiram Davis Medical Center (HDMC.)

They contorted or flatly violated several laws to do it, claiming an anticipated future nurse shortage at CVTC. To them, illegally ousting Tyler and five others was worth any potential risk in order to hasten their rigid and long-cherished plan to close CVTC in 2020. As Tylers post-eviction health precipitously declined leading to his weeks-long admission to two different hospital ICUs, DBHDS never made a move to return him to safety, even when HDMC refused to take him back. They wouldnt even return his mothers calls.

DBHDS has stubbornly resisted every rational and well-documented effort to show that CVTCs residents are gravely imperiled by its cookie-cutter ideology of community care for all. Deb Smith, DBHDS director of community integration, perfectly summed up the departments callous attitude toward CVTCs fragile population with the following quote: People with intensive medical support needs will eventually pass away. So Im not seeing this as out of the ordinary.

Tyler Bryant was discarded as so much expendable human wreckage, a sacrifice to the God of Universal Deinstitutionalization which DBHDS has demonstrated it prioritizes over all else, even life itself.

JANE POWELL

Richmond

Ive seen the light

After an adult lifetime as a Democrat, I have decided to become a Republican. The election of Donald Trump has persuaded me to switch parties and embrace better, stronger principles.

With courageous local leaders like Rep. Bob Goodlatte and Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. solidly supporting Trumps agenda, this is a righteous movement that I cannot ignore.

Our nation must be protected from the scourge of immigration that allows people different from us to come here in droves  many presenting a threat to our safety, others taking jobs from real Americans. This is our country!

We cannot allow non-Christians like Muslims and atheists to teach our vulnerable children in public schools and sow the seeds of our countrys demise. Only private schools, especially Christian schools, can properly prepare our children for the pure future of America First!

We must reject the sick agenda of the LGBT folks who would impose their perversions on us under the guise that such things are natural. The Bible clearly says otherwise.

We must stand strong against the college professors and other liberal intellectuals who spread lies such as climate change, an earth that is millions-of-years-old, and the right of a woman to control her reproductive decisions.

Federal agencies such as the EPA, OSHA, EEOC and CDC must be dismantled in order for free enterprise to prosper uninhibited by stifling regulations. Likewise, the socialist notion of national healthcare must be rejected in any form it may be proposed. Insurers will take care of us.

As a Republican, I will no longer fret about the less fortunate. Why support handouts for these people. Most of the poor and sick and unemployed have only themselves to blame: bad eating habits, not going to doctors regularly, having too many children. They should get off their lazy butts and get a job.

As a male Republican, I feel empowered by our president to relegate the women around me to their proper place. As he has personally shown, grabbing what you want without reproach is the new reality. Viva the alpha male!

I urge my Democratic friends to join me in converting to the far-right Republican Party. As many have pointed out, it is Gods will that Donald Trump is our president. God bless America!

BILL BLACKWELL

Lynchburg

A lesson of history

Buried in The News & Advance on March 28 was a quote worth repeating and sharing with everyone, especially given todays political climate and president.

Section C, page 4, in the Bridge game for the day was this quote by Abba Eban, an Israeli politician and diplomat who was raised and educated in England: History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives.

I sincerely hope so and will definitely keep the faith.

CAROLYN F. BOSIGER

Forest
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Revisit the founding of the JSA and foreshadow its future in The New Golden Age #1 preview

And see what lies ahead in the future of the DC Universe
Chinese Baptists A deeper look

Few might be aware of the fact that this faith has been in existence since 1949 in TT.

According to Sterling Belgrove, co-founder of the Rose Foundation who worked closely with the Chinese Baptist community under the Patrick Manning-led administration, while the faith is conservative and even secretive members had no problem integrating with the wider TT community since they believed in the notion of, every creed and race find an equal place. In many ways the Chinese Baptist church had similar roots to those of the Spiritual Baptists in TT. In Journal, Baptist Identities, Studies in Baptist History and Thought: International Studies from the Seventeenth to the Twentieth Centuries edited by Ian Randall, Tovio Pilli and Anthony Cross it said: With the increasing Chinese participation in the Southern Baptist Missions, the nature of the missions began to change to become more and more a service for the Chinese.

Superficial adaptation was no longer enough. The increasing number of Chinese Baptists demanded qualitative transformation to make the Baptist faith and practice more fully a Chinese faith. Gradually, the Chinese Baptists took control of the leadership, finance, and the operation of Baptist work. As a result, a Chinese Baptist identity was established. When the Chinese came to TT, this practice was brought with them, Belgrove said. In fact, there is a Chinese Baptist church on the Eastern Main Road, Curepe.

There are many similarities between the Spiritual Baptist faith and the Chinese Baptist faith in TT, he added.

Belgrove, who visited the worshipping spaces of the faith many times said, much like the Spiritual Baptist faith, the Chinese Baptists used gowns, water, joss sticks (incense), and members of the faith also speak in tongues and like the Orisha faith worship their ancestors. Like how the Spiritual Baptists would use incense and different herbs, they use all those things, he added.

In an interview with Newsday Belgrove said: The Chinese first arrived here in 1806 as a response to the need for workers to work the sugar cane fields, post emancipation. Subsequently, the first democracy in Asia was established around 1911. That allowed an opportunity for higher levels of migration and the seeking of more opportunities in other parts of the world by Chinese nationals. He said in 1949 when Mao Zedong began the Long March many Chinese Christians fled mainland China. It is more around 1949 that the Chinese Baptist became domicile in other parts of the world namely Trinidad, he said.

While the faith is Christian in the main and bases its belief is in Jesus Christ, there is an understanding of Jesus Christ that is very different from Western belief systems.

The faith, he said, believes, That he [Jesus Christ] is indeed the Son of God and he is the saviour of mankind and no matter what journey you take there is only one way you can get to salvation that is through Jesus Christ.

They believe in their culture that the principles of Jesus Christ is manifested through different deities and devotionthey believe in a more eclectic type of approach just like the Spiritual Baptists. Even the Spiritual Baptists embody Christianity, African traditions, Hindu traditions, Chinese traditions and ancient traditions from Syria and so on.

So they understand the universality of God through his son Jesus Christ and that Jesus Christ was not a person, in that sense, but a way of life, a principle, and a consciousness.

It is not religious dogma but it is universality of all creation the inter-relationship, the co-relation, the interdependence, that everything created by God and everything therefore is our brother and sister.. He said there are about 200 Chinese Baptists in TT today.

Belgrove said the Rose Foundation got involved with the faith years ago when the organisation acted as advisers to the late prime minister Patrick Manning.

He said there was a large contingent of Chinese Baptist around the world. In a visit to a Chinese Baptist church in Hong Kong, in 1993 there were many services, during one day and there were at least 8,000 to 10,000 parishioners passing through the church on that one day, he said.

Since then, he said, the faith has grown.

They would use their gowns, their joss sticks, use water, when they get into prayer and devotions there are manifestations and speaking in tongues. They believe in the spirit world and their souls can go to that spirit world. They believe in the worship of their ancestors, he said.

He said the relationship between Afro-Trinidadians and Chinese has always been a very close one.

Not one that originated in TT but rather it started from an association with Africa.

The Rose Foundation was very much in the interfaith dialogue and when we co-ordinated inter-faith events, we would have had them integrated in the events and have them participating.

Historically, we were the first ones to integrate them and have them involved in other aspects of faith expressions in TT . He admitted that they were a conservative group of people and very confidential and almost secretive in what they do. He added that the group does not really like publicity but if called upon there was no objection to their participation.

Belgrove said the group wanted to contribute to a TT that lives up to its national anthem. The Chinese Baptists have participated in Emancipation celebrations, attended a Hindu mandir in St James and join the Spiritual Baptists in celebration, he said.

He recalled there was a Chinese choir that would go visiting different spiritual Baptist churches throughout the country. Many of the people have migrated to North America due to the countrys crime problem, he said. The group often regarded TT as a very special place.

They consider [us] to be a very blessed place and a very special place. They consider that Trinidadians and Tobagonians do not understand how blessed they are with the country and that we should be more responsible with the way we take care of each other and the country, Belgrove said.

They consider that all the cosmic indicators show that TT has an opportunity to have a long and prosperous life as a nation. They believe that even the fact that the leatherback turtles nest here is a symbol of longevity.

If, as a people we understand these blessings that we have then we would adopt a higher value toward each other and the nation. The Rose Foundation continues to do work with the Chinese Baptist community and in engaging with inter-religious dialogue with others.

He said there is a Chinese mutual support society in TT and the Government should engage in more dialogue with them which could be mutually beneficial to all citizens, he said, noting the China mutual support society was a way to start Not only in a faith expression kind of view but also a technology skill set, he said.

To go to one of the services, one has to be invited, he said. Once invited it is fine but simply walking off the street into the church was not allowed since many of its members were subjected to very brutal robberies. He said there was no reservation, however, to Trinbagonians being participating.

The Spiritual Baptist faith and Chinese Baptist faith were not religions but faiths, often misunderstood over so many years, he said. Therefore, its resilience is very evident, they have been able to weather all the trials, all the tests of life and preserve. TT needs to sit back, get rid of our metaphorical prejudices and pay closer attention. It is very meaningful, very deep, it is very focused and it is not engaged on hocus pocus as some people think. It is based on very sound doctrine, doctrine that is universal and straddles all the various faith expressions based on different ethnicities all around the globe.
The allure of cinema under the stars

Through its community development programme, the ttff has presented over a 100 free film screenings to various communities nationwide, using film as a vehicle for social transformation and education and impetus for discussion.

According to the festivals director of community development, Melvina Hazard, while the festivals free outdoor screenings are popular, well attended and lots of fun for family and friends, they provide an opportunity for so much more.

Open air cinema also plays an important role in social inclusion and community cohesion, reaching far flung and under-served communities that might not otherwise attend festival screenings in Portof- Spain. Community cinema can also be used to provide learning opportunities, improve skills, knowledge and sometimes even self esteem, Hazard said in a media release.

This April however, we are asking people to join us outdoors for the pure joy of a great night out under-thestars with family and friends. Admission to all screenings is free.

Film details and screening times are as follows: April 1, 7 pm Trinidad and Tobago Sailing Association, Chaguaramas All Oceans Blue Documentary/GA/ English Told through family footage and La Bordes own voice, this is the thrilling story of how in 1969, legendary local sailor and adventurer, Harold La Borde, his wife Kwailan and fiveyear- old son Pierre set off on an epic adventure, circumnavigating the world, including the Galapagos Islands, the Cook Islands, Tahiti, Tonga, Fiji, The Solomon Islands, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Bali,the Indian Ocean and South Africa.

April 8, 7 pm Lange Park Recreation Grounds, Lange Park, Chaguanas The World of Goopi and Bagha Animation/GA / Hindi with English subtitles Goopi and Bagha is a modern-day adaptation of master Indian director Satyajit Rays beloved 1969 comic fable. It follows the hilarious adventures of Goopi and Bagha as they embark on a journey towards musical harmony to win a princess hand in marriage. Ray also composed the music and songs for this original musical. The lush and gorgeously textured illustrations were produced by Shilpa Renade.

April 15, 7 pm San Fernando Hill Miles Ahead Dir: Don Cheadle/18+/English In his directorial debut, Don Cheadle plays a flawlessly flawed Miles Davis.

The fictionalised story set in the 70s at the lowest point in Daviss life and career, is presented in an explosive, eclectic mix of styles that resonate with the music of the legendary jazz musician.
Gasparee Caves and Monas Island tour

What makes the cave, so appealling is the unique translucent blue pond, which has a depth of ten to 20 feet. Seawater emerges into the cave through an underground source to form a natural clear water pool.

The islands geological features consist of sedimentary rocks of limestone formed under the sea from a composition of coral, oolites, seashells and other marine creatures.

The cave originated from water deposits of carbon dioxide, which dissolved the limestone into crystals of calcium carbonate.

This chemical formula known as CaCO3 is a compound of calcium, carbon, and oxygen.

Over time, the accumulations of crystals created stalagmites, which extend upward from the cave floor and stalactites, which extend downward from the roof. Those that stem all the way from the ceiling to the ground are called pillars.

Some of the crystals transformed themselves into fascinating shapes and some resemble a dinosaur head, a chandelier, two lovers hugging and even flowers.

There is a lot of history that surrounds Gaspar Grande Island.

In 1783, Governor Don Jose Maria Chacon granted the island to Gaspar De Percin Roque to plant cotton.

At Point Baleine during 1826 to 1864, there was a flourishing whaling station.

However, when the whaling industry declined, Cannings of the Queens Park Hotel the acquired the land and built a luxurious hotel.

During World War II (1939-1945) the islands and lands on the western peninsula were given to the Americans to set up a defence against enemy attack. Gigantic historical guns are still positioned above the cave at the highest point (399 feet).

The Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA) manages the cave and conducts daily tours to the island.

Inside the cave there is a staircase and electricity.

Leading to the cave, there is now a concrete footpath with signs and at the top of the hill is the refurbished gunnery. After the tour, the group sails to Monas Island to spend the day relaxing at Biscayen Bay.

On Sunday Island Hikers explore Gasparee Caves Assembly: 7 am at KFC car park, West Mall.

Depart: 7.45 am to Salt Factory Road Rating: 2 easy Finishing time: 3 pm What to bring: 1 bottle of water, two drinks, a hat for sunshade, sandwiches, snacks, medication, etc.

Note: Boat return time from Monos Island begins at 2 pm.

Parking available at Salt Factory Road.

For more info visit www.islandhikers.com
ISIS EYE IN THE SKY

On Tuesday, minutes before a gunman opened fire at mourners attending the wake for murder victim Sylvan Alexis, the drone was seen hovering above Alexis house.

Police believe it recorded images of mourners and pinpointed the target for the attack  Patrick Isles  whom ISIS members believe witnessed Alexis murder last Friday.

Police believe the drone was also used to monitor the movements of lawmen and information relayed to the gunman who then made their move. The Unruly ISIS gang member in question, has been featured in videos posted to social media in which he threatens bloodshed and mayhem and also boasts that ISIS fears no one.

On Tuesday night, Isles was at the wake when he was gunned down. Two other mourners, Selwyn Warner and Roy Brown, were also shot but survived. Alexis murder touched off fiery riots and was the first of four murders committed in Enterprise in a five-day period.

Contacted yesterday on the ISIS drone issue, Minister of National Security Edmund Dillon said, If any type of equipment is used to spy on police, the police must be concerned and take the necessary action.

CITIZENS MUST HELP The public in Enterprise will see an increase of police in the area and I am urging people to partner with the authorities, as the officers are there for their security and they should assist in ridding the community of criminal elements.

Many people in Enterprise are good, upright citizens and they must assist law enforcement.

We are going to take this fight straight to the criminal elements and the police and other arms of law enforcement will be targeting those persons who are bent on illegal activities. Inspector Michael Seales, president of the Police Social Welfare Association said, Officers are in fact concerned and in some instances infuriated because of the response by the community (to) the presence of the officers, and that the community is not willing to partner with the officers, so that is where a lot of the confusion exists for the officers.

The officers are concerned that a lot of bad things are taking place in the Enterprise area, but no one from the community is coming forward to give information that they can use to rid the Enterprise environment of the persons who are involved in criminal activity. On the use of drones, he said, Nothing debars the intelligence agencies from deploying overt measures that can take care of situations such as this. The association is quite aware of the various technologies which are available to the Ministry of National Security, and the Ministry of National Security must take the lead and provide the necessary support through its intelligence and its technology so that officers on the ground will not have concerns with regards to the drones or any overt actions by the criminal elements in Enterprise.

POLICE AFRAID Newsday understands that Head of the Central Division Senior Supt Kenny McIntyre yesterday met with soldiers and officers on the ground at Lions Gate, where anti- crime initiatives were addressed and future exercises planned to tackle crime in Enterprise where eight people have been killed for the year, five of them this month.

The murder toll for the year yesterday stood at 122.

Police sources told Newsday although additional resources from other divisions have been added to existing manpower in Enterprise, police are afraid to work there because they feel their lives are at risk. Police who spoke to Newsday said gang members have high-calibre weapons and appear to be bloodthirsty and have no respect for the law.

An officer who spoke to Newsday on condition of anonymity, said he is seriously thinking of applying for leave because he is the father of several young children and he is quite aware that his life could be in danger every time he goes on foot or mobile patrol in the Enterprise area. He was eager for the authorities to declare a limited state of emergency in Enterprise.

The officer said he has often seen the drone being used and although this was brought to the attention of senior divisional officers, their hands appeared tied, because there is no law preventing civilians using drones except near the airport. In January 2016, the Ministry of National Security revealed that it was clamping down on the use of aerial drones to record personal and public events.

The Government said people using drones should register them with the Civil Aviation Authority as unmanned drones are being used in a way that could cause danger to people and property and might be an invasion of privacy.
Two teens go missing

In Thomas case, she was reported missing to the Central Police Station by her mother Camille Thomas. She was last seen along Independence Square, Port-of- Spain, at about 4.30 pm last week Thursday.

She is described as being 5 feet, 6 inches tall, of African descent with a brown complexion. She was last seen wearing blue jeans and a white tank top.

Villaroel was last seen leaving her home at about midday last Sunday.

Newsday understands she left home to attend classes at her school, SWAHA Hindu Primary.

Villaroel is of mixed descent, with a heavy build, has a brown complexion and long, curly, black hair.

She was last seen wearing a blue top, black pants and gold coloured sandals.

Police reported that a 16-yearold boy of Crown Trace in Enterprise, Chaguanas who was reported missing by his mother Charlene Francis last Sunday, has been found and is safe.

Ronald Willams was found by police yesterday and is said to be with his family.

The police, in a press release thanked all those who assisted in his safe return. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the missing girls are asked to call 800-TIPS or contact the police at 555, 999, 911 or any police station
Tom Brady Just Became

First NFL Player to Do This
In the late 1980s, Danny Rubin, who was writing industrial film scripts at the time, made a list of his 10 best ideas. The final entry on the list read, "A man lives the same day over and over." After the No. 2 idea on Rubin's list got sold and made into Hear No Evil starring Marlee Matlin, an agent wanted another script, and Rubin chose that No. 10 ideawhich became Groundhog Day. Why did Rubin choose to center the movie around a holiday, which he decided to set on Feb. 2? He was hoping, as S.I. Rosenbaum explains in an extensive piece for the New Yorker, that the film would become a "holiday cable perennial." It worked. Rosenbaum traces the film's journey, from Rubin's first draft to the final draft, from the movie's initial modest success to its current cult status. Despite its insane popularity, Rubin never went on to have another hit.

Hollywood people kept trying to get him to make another movie, but he didn't want to make just a standard rom-com, and he turned them all down. "I was always thinking, Im not a one-hit wonder, Im not a one-hit wonder!" he tells Rosenbaum. "But even if I amOK, thats more than most people get." Then, in 2012, Rubin's own life began to resemble Groundhog Day when Tim Minchin and Matthew Warchus approached him about turning the film into a musical. They had to convince him they weren't going to ditch him along the way, and they didn'tRubin has been a part of the entire process, which resulted in the beloved movie becoming a beloved musical. "I'm the guy who wrote Groundhog Day," Rubin says, but he's not bitter about it. "Its delightful to be so associated with something so well loved." The full piece is worth a read. (Read more Longform stories.)
An Arizona yoga instructor found not guilty of exposing herself to a bunch of underage boys at a bar mitzvah is now suing her accusers for $5 million, KTVK reports. According to KPNX, prosecutors charged Lindsey Radomski with flashing a group of boys between the ages of 11 and 15, letting them touch her breasts, then performing a sex act with one of them during a bar mitzvah in 2015. After a seven-week trial, the 35-year-old Radomski was found not guilty of sexual assault and molestation in September, the AP reports.

The lawsuit filed by Radomski, a friend and employee of the parents hosting the bar mitzvah, alleges they failed to supervise the youths, who were drinking alcohol. She claims one of the boys drugged her. She passed out in a bedroom after telling the host she wasn't feeling well, and that's when she says the boys sexually assaulted her. Radomski is seeking $5 million in damages plus $100,000 in legal fees from the family who hosted the bar mitzvah. "Lindsey was the victim, but she was treated as a criminal," KTVK quotes Radomski's attorney as saying. (Read more bar mitzvah stories.)
Despite a weeklong suspension, a Fox News analyst is sticking to his story that former President Obama "went outside the chain of command" and used British intelligence to help wiretap Trump Tower. Legal analyst Andrew Napolitano, benched by Fox News after making the claim based on what he says sources told him, returned to the network Wednesday to defend it, reports CNN. "The American public needs to know more about this rather than less" in order to have "a great debate about how much authority we want the government to have to surveil us," he told Fox host Bill Hemmer, per the AP.

Fox News previously said it has no evidence to back up Napolitano's claim, which Trump has cited as proof that Obama spied on him. Neither does the FBI or Department of Justice, according to FBI Director James B. Comey. British intelligence have likewise blasted the report as "utterly ridiculous." Why Napolitanoa former New Jersey Superior Court judge who has been an analyst at Fox for nearly two decadesis now repeating an unsubstantiated claim that got him removed from the network is unclear, CNN points out. A Fox rep tells the Los Angeles Times only that the "matter was addressed internally." (Read more Andrew Napolitano stories.)
An American Airlines captain safely landed a Boeing 737 on his own Wednesday after his co-pilot collapsed and died while they were on the final approach. The Federal Aviation Administration says the flight from Dallas-Fort Worth was just 2 miles away from landing in Albuquerque, NM, when the captain declared a medical emergency, CNN reports. Medics boarded the plane after it landed without incident, but they were unable to revive First Officer William "Mike" Grubbs, WFAA reports. American Airlines is "deeply saddened by the death," an airline spokeswoman said. "We are taking care of First Officer Grubbs' family and colleagues and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time." (Read more American Airlines stories.)
Tad Cummins, the Tennessee teacher believed to be on the run with 15-year-old student Elizabeth Thomas, may have fled to Mexico with the girl, investigators say. Maury County District Attorney Brent Cooper tells ABC News that the 50-year-old Cummins, who allegedly kidnapped Elizabeth more than two weeks ago, is a "religious man" who might be posing as a missionary. "He planned this in such a way that he had a 24-hour head start, easily enough time for him to make it to Mexico," Cooper says. He urges members of the public to share the Amber Alert with family members in Mexico and Central America. More than 1,100 tips have been received in the US, but none have panned out, investigators say.

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director Mark Gwyn said it would be a mistake to describe the relationship between Cummins and Thomas as "romantic," the Tennessean reports. "Let me be clear. She is 15, a child. He is 50, a grown man," Gwyn said. "This is, and was not, a romance. This was manipulation solely to benefit Tad Cummins. This is not a fairy tale. This is a case of kidnapping." Sarah Thomas, Elizabeth's 17-year-old sister, tells People that she knew something was wrong the morning of the disappearance. She says Elizabeth shook her awake and said, "I'm going to be gone," with "a strange edge to her voice." Sarah says her sister told her to call the police if she wasn't home by 6. (Elizabeth's family says she once hid from Cummins.)
It's been five years since former Massachusetts State Police chemist Annie Dookhan pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence while working on tens of thousands of criminal cases. But 24,000 people left with questionable convictions as a result of her fraud are still waiting to see if their names will be cleared. Not for much longer, though. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has until April 18 to decide who among the group will be re-prosecuted without evidence touched by Dookhan. And though prosecutors are still deciding on cases, a rep for the Middlesex County District Attorney says the number of convictions that will be kept on the books will likely be "in the hundreds," per NBC News. In other words, more than 95% of them will be vacated, reports the Boston Globe.

"There are no words for it  It's absolutely stunning," says a member of the National Commission of Forensic Science. While this means some who did commit crimes may see their convictions overturned, it also means those wrongfully convicted will finally get justice, including non-citizens who've been threatened with deportation, defense lawyers say. The ACLU of Massachusetts says that about 90% of the convictions are for misdemeanors or minor felonies, usually involving drug possession, and that most defendants have already finished their sentences. Dookhan herself was paroled last year. (Click for more on the scandal.)
President Trump's crackdown on "sanctuary cities" is making cities less safe and Seattle is going to fight it, Mayor Ed Murray says. The city filed a lawsuit in federal court Wednesday over Trump's Jan. 25 executive order, which withholds federal grants from cities that fail to comply with immigration officials, the Seattle Times reports. Murray slammed the Trump administration for trying to force cities to do the work of the federal government. "Let me be clear about the facts: We are not breaking any laws and we are prioritizing safety," he said, accusing Trump of declaring "war on cities." The mayor told reporters that the goal of the lawsuit is to have Trump's order declared unconstitutional.

"This administration has created an atmosphere of anxiety in cities across America," Murray said, per NBC News. "It is time for cities to stand up." Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes warned that the order was making people, including victims of domestic violence, afraid to report crimes. It's not clear whether Seattle, which could lose $150 million in federal funding this year, even qualifies as a sanctuary city, the Times notes: Police and other city employees have been directed to cooperate with immigration officials, but they are banned from asking about a person's immigration status unless legally required to. (US Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a warning to sanctuary cities on Monday.)
Catherine Fuller, 49, was found dead in a garage near Eighth and H streets in Washington, DC, having been beaten and sodomized with a metal pipe. Eight members of the "Eighth and H Street Crew" were eventually convicted of the Oct. 1, 1984, killing. But lawyers say they might not have been if prosecutors had disclosed a key piece of evidence: Witnesses near the crime scene had reported seeing another man, James McMillan, reports the New York Times. McMillan was convicted of assaults on two women in the area around the same time, and later of a woman's murder in the same neighborhood. "He is the reason that you should have doubt about this prosecution's case," a lawyer arguing for the convictions to be overturned told the Supreme Court on Wednesday, per the Washington Post.

Lower courts have backed up the lead prosecutor's assertion that the McMillan sighting was irrelevant. The eight crew membersone died in prison, one was released, and six remain incarceratedwent on to be convicted based on testimony of witnesses characterized by Justice Elena Kagan as "a couple of really drug-addled people and a 14-year-old boy," per the Guardian. Lawyers for the federal government say the outcome would have been the same even if prosecutors had disclosed the McMillan sighting, because police got crew members to confess. But Kagan suggested that another suspect might've prevented a "circular firing squad" of crew members accusing each other. "It would have been a completely different trial," she said. A decision is expected in June. (Read more US Supreme Court stories.)
The heads of the Senate Intelligence Committee set a ground rule before taking questions on their investigation into alleged Russian election interference: Don't ask about the increasingly chaotic House investigation. At a Wednesday press conference, Republican committee chairman Sen. Richard Burr and Democratic vice chair Sen. Mark Warner promised to conduct a thorough, impartial, and bipartisan investigation that would not shy away from looking into possible direct links to President Trump, Politico reports. Burr said he voted for Trump, but the investigation "overrides any personal beliefs that I have or loyalties that I might have." He promised that the "investigation's scope will go wherever the intelligence leads."

The committee will hold its first public hearing Thursday, with former NSA chief Keith Alexander among the witnesses, the Guardian reports. Amid partisan clashes on the House side, there have been calls for an independent commission to investigate the alleged Russian meddling, but senators have signaled that their investigation will be very different, the Hill reports. "I worry that the chaos on the House side has affected the public's view on whether Congress can credibly investigate this matter," said GOP Sen. Susan Collins, per the New York Times. "I believe the answer to that is still yes, and that the Senate is the place." House Republican Rep. Charlie Dent agreed, saying the Senate investigation is "moving on a better trajectory." (Read more Senate Intelligence Committee stories.)
An off-duty Tennessee sheriff's deputy celebrating his birthday with two other officers was shot dead by officers from a different force after the night took a disturbing turn, police say. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says Daniel Hendrix, a corrections officer for the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, became "agitated" and "enraged" while celebrating with two off-duty female Chattanooga police officers and threatened them with his personal firearm, the Times Free Press reports. After the female officers fled and called 911, Hendrix was shot dead by responding Chattanooga officers when he failed to obey orders to drop his weapon, the TBI says.

The shooting happened around 1:30am Wednesday at a Chattanooga home owned by one of the officers. Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond offered condolences to Hendrix's family for what he called an "unfortunate incident," the New York Daily News reports. The deputy, who had been celebrating his 26th birthday, joined the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office in 2013, WRCB reports. He was charged and suspended after allegedly assaulting a female inmate in 2015 but was later cleared of all charges. (Read more police shooting stories.)
EPA chief Scott Pruitt has decided not to ban a common pesticide, bucking the agency's own research that the compound posed a health risk to children and farm workers, the New York Times reports. Chlorpyrifos, or Lorsban, has been used for five decades on dozens of crops including broccoli and strawberries, the Washington Post reports. It was outlawed for indoor use in 2000, and the Obama administration proposed extending that ban to the 40,000 farms that rely on it. Citing research by Columbia University and others, EPA scientists determined that exposure to the pesticide through drinking water and other sources could lead to memory and learning problems. University of North Carolina researcher Stephanie Engel tells Mother Jones that babies and fetuses are particularly at risk, as well as adults who lack a gene for metabolizing the chemical.

In one of his first acts, Pruitt rejected those concerns, saying that the "public record lays out serious scientific concerns and substantive process gaps in the proposal." He added that by "reversing the previous administrations steps to ban one of the most widely used pesticides in the world, we are returning to using sound science in decision-makingrather than predetermined results." Farm groups and Dow Chemical, which makes chlorpyrifos, contended there was no conclusive evidence that it was harmful to humans. But environmentalists, who were pushing for a ban in federal court, reacted with outrage. Environmental Working Group president Ken Cook charged that Pruitt "in one of his first major decisions as head of the EPA  leaped into the warm and waiting arms of the pesticide industry." (Carbon dioxide is not the main cause of global warming, Pruitt says.)
Early in the summer of 2016, James Comey wanted to write an op-ed, likely for the New York Times, that would've detailed Russian tampering in the election way before the electionan idea shot down at a meeting with high-ranking Obama administration members, two sources tell Newsweek. Then-Secretary of State John Kerry was reportedly at that meeting, as were AG Loretta Lynch, National Security Adviser Susan Rice, and DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson, and they all balked when the FBI director held up what appeared to be a draft on what he knew about the tampering, one source notes. "I want to go forward," the source says Comey said, an idea dismissed by the others. Their reasoning, per the source: an op-ed "doesn't have the same stature" and wouldn't be as effective as a joint letter from multiple government agencies.

An ex-FBI special agent tells Newsweek this shows Comey's "determination to be transparent," especially since he's taken pen to paper and gone public before (he wrote a letter to the editor in the Times in 2014 defending the FBI's occasional use of deception). Either way, Comey probably won't be too flustered by any criticism he faces as this news filters out. On Wednesday, he spoke at an Intelligence and National Security Alliance dinner, explaining that the FBI was nonpartisan"We're not considering whose ox will be gored," he said, per the Weekand that people angry he went public with the FBI's investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails are "wearing glasses that filter the world" to match their point of view. He also noted what usually happens after a "hard decision. I know  a storm is going to follow," he said. "Honestly, I don't care." (Comey issued a "double blow" to President Trump.)
A flurry of new stories are out about the investigation of possible ties between Russia and President Trump, and specifically about the controversial dossier compiled by a former British intelligence officer at the heart of the matter. One name in particular is gaining prominence, that of Mikhail Kalugin, a Russian diplomat who worked in DC but is now back in Moscow. The BBC thinks he's a Russian spy who coordinated the financing of Russian hackers. A look at the coverage:

Overview: Vanity Fair has a lengthy primer on how Christopher Steele, the former British agent, compiled his dossier and then decided to put it in the hands of reporters when he felt it wasn't being taken seriously by the FBI. The piece also recounts a clandestine meeting between Steele and a former State Department official, who received the dossier and turned it over to John McCain, who in turn handed it over to the FBI. Read it here.

Vanity Fair has a lengthy primer on how Christopher Steele, the former British agent, compiled his dossier and then decided to put it in the hands of reporters when he felt it wasn't being taken seriously by the FBI. The piece also recounts a clandestine meeting between Steele and a former State Department official, who received the dossier and turned it over to John McCain, who in turn handed it over to the FBI. Read it here. Kalugin: Steele wrote of him in his dossier, though he misspelled the name: "A leading Russian diplomat, Mikhail KULAGIN, had been withdrawn from Washington at short notice because Moscow feared his heavy involvement in the US presidential election operation would be exposed in the media there."

Steele wrote of him in his dossier, though he misspelled the name: "A leading Russian diplomat, Mikhail KULAGIN, had been withdrawn from Washington at short notice because Moscow feared his heavy involvement in the US presidential election operation would be exposed in the media there." His role: A BBC report says it has confirmed that Kalugin was, in fact, no mere diplomat but a Russian spy. McClatchy previously reported that he went back to Moscow in August as federal investigators examined his role in the hacking. He allegedly hid payments to the Russian hackers through veterans' pension benefits, though he denies all of this.

A BBC report says it has confirmed that Kalugin was, in fact, no mere diplomat but a Russian spy. McClatchy previously reported that he went back to Moscow in August as federal investigators examined his role in the hacking. He allegedly hid payments to the Russian hackers through veterans' pension benefits, though he denies all of this. Trump connection? The BBC quotes anonymous sources as saying that once hackers got information on Democrats, along with voter rolls, the Russians would have needed to coordinate with the Trump campaign to disseminate the information to carefully targeted groups of voters. "This is the 'big picture' some accuse the FBI of failing to see," writes Paul Wood.

Source D: One of Steele's key sources, identified as "Source D" in his dossier, is Sergei Millian, a Belorussian-American businessman profiled by the Washington Post. He provided Steele with some of the more volatile accusations, including claims that Moscow was blackmailing Trump. How trustworthy is he? "By his own evolving statements, Sergei Millian is either a shrewd businessman with high-level access to both Trumps inner circle and the Kremlin, or a bystander unwittingly caught up in a global controversy," per the Post. Its conclusion is that "he is little of both." Read the full piece here.

One of Steele's key sources, identified as "Source D" in his dossier, is Sergei Millian, a Belorussian-American businessman profiled by the Washington Post. He provided Steele with some of the more volatile accusations, including claims that Moscow was blackmailing Trump. How trustworthy is he? "By his own evolving statements, Sergei Millian is either a shrewd businessman with high-level access to both Trumps inner circle and the Kremlin, or a bystander unwittingly caught up in a global controversy," per the Post. Its conclusion is that "he is little of both." Read the full piece here. Steele to DC? The Senate Intelligence Committee is negotiating to have Steele come to DC to testify, though Steele is apparently worried about his safety if he leaves London, reports NBC News.

(Read more Russia stories.)
A diplomatic dispute between Malaysia and North Korea appears to have come to an end with the release of Kim Jong Nam's body. The body of the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Unofficially identified earlier this monthleft Malaysia on a plane bound for Pyongyang via Beijing on Thursday "following the completion of the autopsy on the deceased and receipt of a letter from his family requesting the remains be returned to North Korea," Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak says. Nine Malaysians stranded in North Korea as a result of a travel ban following Kim's assassination at Kuala Lumpur airport on Feb. 13 also left North Korea on Thursday aboard a Royal Malaysian Air Force jet, reports Reuters.

North Koreans stuck in Malaysia are also allowed to return home, though it isn't clear if three suspects in Kim's assassination, believed to be holed up in the North Korean embassy in Malaysia, are exempt, reports the BBC. Reuters initially cited media reports suggesting the suspects were to leave Malaysia on the same flight carrying Kim's body, but those reports were unverified. While a statement from North Korea says "the importance of bilateral relations was reaffirmed," Najib says "our police investigation into this serious crime on Malaysian soil will continue. I have instructed for all possible measures to be taken to bring those responsible for this murder to justice." Two women have already been charged with murder. (Read more Kim Jong Nam stories.)
Wingman Talent-Razr Media

Los Angeles : In a bright move, Wingman Talent Management has tied up with the Digital Media Company, Razr Media - a division of Razr Corp based out of Mumbai, India.

The companies together will now manage manages some of Bollywoods biggest celebrities while specialising in development of diverse platforms like mobile and web (OTT - Video), artist management, ticketing, trading, publishing, virtual reality production, carpooling and much more.

First phase will see an app launch with a dedicated VR corner thus enabling fans to enjoy a plethora of content. Then there will be blogs, articles, videos, social media updates, images and lots more to keep you connected.

The second and third phase will eventually will have AI capabilities along with a dedicated personalized game followed by an app for smart TVs.

The companys goal is to be an independent web broadcaster with exclusive video content being churned out every week. Meanwhile, the app will help people make an entry in celebritys home, their journey and personal levels of connection with fans.

The platform will gradually extend support to social media influencers like sportspersons, writers, leaders with followers more than 5 million.

As per Anshul Gupta, Founder & Director Digital- Razr Corp, Imagine your favorite star motivating you daily to achieve your fitness goal, setting up your calendar, being like your Jarvis, we are going to bring this level of personalisation and customisation to the product. Wingman brings perfect synergies and help us accelerate the process of launching dedicated mobile apps and 360 degree platforms for some of the biggest Bollywood celebrities. With the best tech & associations we are going to provide a world-class experience and a whole new way to interact with your favorite stars.

Sonu Lakhwani, Founder Wingman Talent management adds, My company Wingman Talent Management manages some established and many of Bollywood's emerging Talent, the future is digital & Bollywood is gladly embarking on this journey and what better than having your favorite stars regular updates at the click of a button. It was but natural for us to extend our digital operations and partner with Razr.

The company has partnered with Realabs,Luxembourg- A VR software company, Cloudwalker Technologies, Elysian Studios- A VR production house, VIDGYOR- An on-demand VOD platform,AIVA, Paris- The AI music platform, Big Trunk-Digital agency & Nextalytics- for IT consulting.
China hopes New Delhi will cancel Dalai Lama's activities in India: Envoy

Kolkata : China on Thursday expressed hope that India will take "effective measures" on the Dalai Lama's "activities" and cancel his proposed visit to Arunachal Pradesh next month.

"China has expressed strong opposition to the decision by the Indian government regarding the activities of the Dalai Lama. We believe this type of activity goes against the promise made by the Indian government. ..We hope the India government will take effective measures and cancel such kind of activities," Chinese Consul general in the city Ma Zhanwu said here.

The envoy, however, said China is working for more cooperation from its neighbouring countries including India and Bangladesh.

"We are ready to work with all our neighbouring countries to contribute to the development and mutual benefit. China announced One Belt, One Road initiative to build infrastructure and share such infrastructure," he said.

Meanwhile, he said a 22-member business delegation from Shandong province in China would visit West Bengal next week for a B2B meeting with their Indian counterparts.

China has voiced its displeasure over the proposed visit of the Tibetan leader to Tawang next month for a Buddhist festival, saying by allowing it, India was risking "serious damage" in the ties between the two nations.

China considers Arunachal Pradesh to be a part of southernmost Tibet.

India has maintained that the Dalai Lama is free to travel anywhere in the country and has visited the northeastern state in the past too.
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Bengaluru:

Apple Inc will start assembling of iPhones in Bengaluru in less than a month said Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge on Thursday.

In less than a month, we will have something out - Apple will start assembling and making its high-end iPhones at its plant in the city. Taiwanese contract manufacturer Wistron Corp will help Apple in doing so, he told PTI.

Kharge said making iPhones in India would help Apple lower prices, which will help it gain a foothold in the fast growing Indian market.

Assembling and making of iPhones in Bengaluru will boost Apples chances of gaining a foothold in the fast growing Indian market because it will allow the company to lower prices, he said.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S8 launch: Specifications, price and all you need to know

Karnataka government has been in talks with the Centre for strengthening the ecosystem even as Apple is negotiating with it for its next level of production in India, he said.

Apple wants to bring its component manufacturers to India to make parts and export finished phones and is seeking tax concessions on import of key components. However the Indian government has rejected most of the demands of the US company.

Kharge said if the Centre was keen on taking on China, it should not give special treatment to Apple alone but to other players, including Samsung and Lenova, if they are desirous of opening a manufacturing units in India, especially Karnataka.

My position with the central government has been dont give special treatment to Apple alone, but treat other players equally. Open the entire eco-system for high-end manufacturing of electronics if you really want to compete with China and Taiwan, he said.

Kharge said government should also give companies, including Apple, certain timelines, subsidies and incentives to create a level-playing field for them.

The government should give companies a timeline, say in 10 years they should be able to manufacture 100 per cent of phones and its components by procuring them from the local market. Such a timeline should be given because we dont have that environment now, he said.

The government should also give companies subsidies and incentives to create a level-playing field for them to strengthen the Indian eco-system, Kharge said.

Asked about the Stayzilla case, whose co-founder Yogendra Vasupal was arrested for alleged non-payment of dues filed by a Chennai based advertisement agency, Kharge said it should be a learning curve for startups to work under the parameters of the Indian legal system.

Vasupal was arrested on March 15.

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New Delhi:

Days after some African students were attacked in Greater Noida , senior Delhi Police officers held a meeting with over 200 African nationals to allay the communitys apprehensions.

The meeting was held by DCP(South), Ishwar Singh, and Additional DCP-I (South) Chinmoy Biswal.

The officers assured the African nationals their concerns will be addressed and their safety and security ensured.

The meeting comes days after the Nigerian students were assaulted in an alleged racial attack. Also a Kenyan woman was allegedly pulled out of a cab and assaulted by some unidentified persons in Greater Noida on Thursday.

ALSO READ | Second incident in 3 days: Nigerian woman allegedly slapped in Greater Noida

The African nationals told the police they are not given rent receipts by landlords that could help prove they are residing here awaiting extension of visasin case it has expired.

They also said since the beat staff doesnt understand English, they face problems in communication. The police might hold a sensitisation session for landlord and a meeting with African students bodies.

Last year, a Congolese national was killed in the national capital which had triggered a massive outrage. Following the incident, a helpline number (8750871111) was launched for 24x7 help to African nationals living in India and joint commissioner of police (Southeast) was appointed the nodal officer for the purpose.

ALSO READ | Attack on Africans: After Sushma's intervention, five held in Greater Noida

The DCPs of different districts had conducted 19 meetings last year with African nationals to assure them of their safety and security.
Rajgir:

Following alleged incidents of sexual assault by two students, the interim Vice Chancellor of Nalanda International University, Pankaj Mohan resigned on Thursday.Out of the two students, one of the students was suspended.

The university's media in-charge Smita Polite said while one student was suspended on the charge of sexually harassing fellow students, another was shifted to a different hostel.

A complaint against the two was received a month back alleging they sexually harassed fellow students and action was taken against them following the set procedure, she said.

Also Read: NIFT Exam Results 2017 declared for CAT and GAT on its official site

An Internal Complaint Committee probed the matter and submitted its report on March 20 night, and after following the norms and approval of the Chancellor, one student was suspended on Thursday and another shifted out of his hostel on Wednesday she said.

Earlier, a group of students of the university staged a protest in front of Vice-Chancellor's office alleging that the authorities was not taking action against the two accused students though the complaint was lodged a month back. Superintendent of Police of Nalanda Kumar Ashish said he intervened and took a delegation for talks with the VC after which the stir was called off.

After going through the details of the complaints, he asked the university authorities to register a FIR against the student, who has been suspended. He was also accused of sending threat mails to classmates.

Also Read: Opposition protests in Rajya Sabha over Rajasthan minister Gulab Chand Kataria's reported remarks on rape

Meanwhile, late this evening the interim Vice Chancellor resigned owning "moral responsibility".

In a letter to Chancellor Vijay Bhatkar, Mohan wrote,"Dear members of Nalanda University Community, I express my sincere apology to the members of Nalanda University Community for my inability to uphold their trust. I take moral responsibility for the problems that the University experienced in the last three days".

"I have relinquished all the administrative positions and I have also advised the Chancellor to institute an inquiry into the period of my term as Interim Vice Chancellor. If I am found guilty of any willful error I will quit the university," he wrote.

Bhatkar, the man behind India?s first supercomputer-- theParam series-- was appointed as the chancellor of NalandaInternational University last month. Based on the vision of former President APJ Abdul Kalam, first academic the Nalanda International University came into existence on 25 November, 2010 in Bihar's Nalanda first academic session of the university started on September 1,2014.
New Delhi:

The government has rescued 29 Indian workers from Saudi Arabia and is also paying for their flight tickets, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Thursday night.



Swaraj was approached by Telangana minister K T Rama Rao who had sought her intervention in the rescue of the 29 migrant workers from the state held in captivity by a company in Saudi Arabia.



We have rescued those 29 workers from Saudi Arabia. We are paying for their air tickets as well, she tweeted.



Rao, who is Telanganas NRI Affairs and IT Minister, had written to Swaraj sharing a media report which said the workers were held in captivity without any food or basic amenities and that the company had demanded USD 50,000 from each of the employees before allowing them to leave.

We have rescued those 29 workers from Saudi Arabia. We are paying for their air tickets as well. https://t.co/wl5PJdJef7  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 30, 2017

'We should not consider every attack or killing in US as hate crime', says Sushma



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New Delhi:

Delhi Police team on Wednesday recreated entire crime scene of an alleged assault of an Air India employee by Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad to ascertain the sequence of events.

The Crime Branch team had on Wednesday visited the airport and recreated the crime scene to ascertain how the argument broke out between the MP and AI duty manager Sukumar.

Also Read | Ravindra Gaikwad-Air India row: Barred by all domestic airlines, Shiv Sena MP travels by road to Delhi

There is a possibility the MP might be questioned soon, a police official said.

A few days back, the team had questioned 15 AI staffers and collected CCTV footage to study the sequence of events.

The MP is accused of beating up an elderly AI staffer with his chappal last Thursday. The incident led to an outrage and a case was registered against Gaikwad last week.

Also Read | Ravindra Gaikwad row: Govt, Air India mull no-fliers list, other options to tackle unruly passengers

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New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on congratulated the people of India over the passage of all four GST related bills in the Lok Sabha.



The Prime Minister said, it is a new year, new law and new India. The passage of bills is seen as a major step towards implementation of Tax reform in the country from .



The introduction of a unified goods and services tax (GST) across the nation is a path-breaking indirect tax reform since Independence. It has taken almost 17 years from the date of inception of the idea, formation of a task force, to the passage of the bills in Parliament.

It truly represents the democratic fabric of the country which entails change of hands in government regime and factors into account multi-party consensus-building exercise for formulating and an implementing a revolutionary reform of the magnitude of GST.



In 2000, Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Govt set up a committee which was handed the task of facilitating the states to switch from sales tax to the value-added tax (VAT) regime. On , state-level VAT replaced sales tax in many states. Subsequently, the committee was mandated with facilitating states to switch to Goods & Service Tax (GST), in consultation with the Centre.



Even till the fag end of 2013, nearing the end of UPAs tenure, along with BJP states, few Congress states and few other states with Non-Congress Non-BJP Governments, were opposed to certain provisions in the UPAs version of GST. The UPA could not negotiate with the states on the above demands and hence GST could not be brought under the UPA rule.

ALSO READ | What is GST Bill? All about Goods and Services Tax, India's biggest tax reform since 1947



GST circumcircles many state and central taxes. It thereby reduces the power of states to tax their citizens. Hence it was essential that all the states and the centre were on the same page at every stage of the GST Act. This did not happen during the UPA rule. Expectedly, states were worried that they would lose a big pie of their revenue by getting into GST.



So here is detailed look at the 17 year long journey of Goods and Services Tax via a timeline



2000 - GST discussions begin and the Empowered Committee for GST is set up



The Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, opens the discussion on the Goods and Services Tax (GST). He appoints Asim Dasgupta, the Finance Minister of West Bengal, to head the Empowered Committee, which will focus on creating a GST model and implement the required logistics and technology.



The Finance Minister, P. Chidambaram, sets as the deadline for implementing the GST in India. Since the proposed GST would combine service tax and excise tax, he increases the service tax from 10 percent to 12 percent



2004 - The need for a comprehensive GST is highlighted



The Kelkar Task Force, a tax reform commission chaired by Vijay L. Kelkar, identifies the problems in the current tax structure.



- The first deadline for implementing GST is set



The Finance Minister, P. Chidambaram, sets as the deadline for implementing the GST in India.

Also Read: GST Bill gets Lok Sabha nod after 7-hour long debate in House | Who said what



- The GST discussion paper is published online



The Empowered Committee, headed by Asim Dasgupta, publishes the first discussion paper on GST online to encourage discussions with stakeholders



- Project launched to computerize commercial taxes



The Finance Minister, Pranab Mukherjee, postpones the GST deadline to . The government sets up a Mission-mode Project to computerize commercial taxes that will serve as the foundation for GST. The budget for this project is set at 1,133 crores.







Congress introduces the GST bill in Lok Sabha



The constitution amendment bill to implement GST is presented by Congress, the ruling party. The opposition party protests. The bill is passed on to the Standing Committee which will verify and examine the bill.







Finance Ministers set deadline to resolve problems related to the transition to GST



The State Finance Ministers and Union Finance Ministers announce that they will resolve problems that may arise during the transition to GST by .







Budget committee provides 9,000-crore CST compensation to make way for the GST



Since GST is expected to replace CST, the finance minister announces that a 9,000-crore compensation will be provided to the states in order to make up for the CST revenue loss.







Standing committee suggests amendments to the bill



After examining the GST bill, the standing committee submits its findings to the Parliament. The parliamentary panel approves the bill while recommending changes to the provision of tax structure and dispute resolution mechanism. The bill later lapses due to the dissolution of the 15th Lok Sabha.







The GST bill was reintroduced to the Lok Sabha



BJP, the ruling party's Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley, introduces GST in the Parliament. Congress, the opposing party, insists that the bill should be sent for review by the Standing Committee again.

Also Read - GST: FM Arun Jaitley tables GST Bill in Lok Sabha, says it will benefit all; Congress terms it 'draconian'







Lok Sabha passes the GST bill



The Lok Sabha passes the GST amendment bill with 352 votes.







The GST bill is introduced in Rajya Sabha







The GST Bill is passed in Rajya Sabha



SEPT 2016



16 States ratify the GST bill



SEPT 2016



The GST bill gets the presidential assent



The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, gives his formal agreement to the GST constitutional amendment bill.



Madhya Pradesh to serve as the country's supply hub



The Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley, announces that centrally-located Madhya Pradesh will be the distribution centre for the country, in order to facilitate free flow of goods and services throughout India.

ALSO READ | GST: New indirect tax regime to remove inter-state barriers, stimulate exports, says Nirmala Sitharaman







Four Tier GST Tax Structure Finalized



The GST council finalized the four tier tax structure. The new structure contains: a lower rate (5%), two standard rates (12% and 18%) and a higher rate (28%). An additional cess will be applied on demerit goods such as tobacco, pan, aerated drinks, etc.







GST portal becomes live



The registration schedule for existing tax payers has been released and the registration windows for 8 states and union territories have opened.



2016:



The GST Council headed by the Union finance minister is formed. The council decided on a four-slab rate GST structure of 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%. The so called sin or demerit products such as tobacco items, aerated drinks and luxury cars, would come under the highest tax slab and may attract a cess, which could increase the tax burden to 40%.







The historic Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime on came a step closer to meet its target of roll out with the Lok Sabha approving four supplementary legislations.



The Central GST Bill, 2017; The Integrated GST Bill, 2017; The GST (Compensation to States) Bill, 2017; and The Union Territory GST Bill, 2017 were passed after negation of a host of amendments moved by the opposition parties.

It has taken 17 long years for the landmark tax reform to get finally passed in the Parliament since its conceptualisation but the long wait is worth its weight in gold as the revolutionary reform aims to breach the discrepancies in the existing tax structures.

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New Delhi:

Pakistan High commissioner to India Abdul Basit said that India is not providing any concrete evidence against Jammat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed. He said Saeed has been taken under preventive arrest under anti-terror law.

While talking exclusively to NewsNations Ajay Kumar, Basit said Pakistan is ready for talks with India on each issue. He also declined Hurriyat as third party stakeholder.

Here are the highlights of the interview:

# We should leave an amicable atmosphere for coming generations in both the countries

# It is very significant that both nations should come to table and resolve all the outstanding issues between the two nations

# We are already a victim of terrorism, ho we can support it. We are with India on terrorism, but a cooperation from India will take things forward

# We would like to pursue it if an agreement comes in future

# Both nations should work for confidence building measures

# If India has any solid proof of his presence in Pakistan, it should give it to us

# We do not know Dawood Ibrahim lives in Pakistan as people say that he live in Gulf country

# I have already stated that there are negative elements in India and Pakistan who do not want talks to go ahead

# If India does not engage in talks, the negative forces get advantage of the situation

# India instantly draw conclusion and points finger at us

# I can also produce hand grenades Made in India

# We have made National action plan

# People across the globe have appreciated Pakistan for its efforts on terrorism

# I would have rather expressed my happiness if you read a few statements about our appreciation

# We cannot allow our soil to be used for terrorism

# Pakistan is also a victim of terror and we suffered a lot

# As the court had given verdict ion favour of Saeed, we had let him off

# We have put Hafiz Saeed under anti-terror law

# We need to wait for verdict as the matter is subjudice before the court in Pakistan

# Pakistan is serious about terrorism, and if any Pakistani national is guilty, he will face the law

# I admit that there is deficiency of mutual trust between the two nations

# India and Pakistan are in touch with each other, but India has to come forward for a proper dialogue

# Pakistan has already done introspection several times and we have initiated trial in Pakistan on 26/11

# If India will remain to say that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India then it is difficult for Pakistan to initiate a dialogue on what issue it would come to table

# The issue of Jammu and Kashmir will be resolved through talks, not with arms

# It is right of people of Gilgit to have a state

# We are ready to talk with India as per condition of before 1947 (demilitarise the borders)

# It is a human right issue for the people of Kashmir and no one can take it away

# Both nations cannot resolve the problems without Kashmiri people

# It is important to talk To Hurriyat and Kashmiri people

# India has admitted that Jammu and Kashmir is an issue and it has to be resolved

# India can not put red lines at any condition, despite it has a policy on Hurriyat

# I failed to understand why India has held the talks abruptly

# The problems have increased in past, and we have to take out solutions

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New Delhi :

A Delhi court on Thursday asked all nine students to appear before the court to give their consent or refusal for lie detector test in missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed case.

The chief metropolitan magistrate fixed April 6 as next date of hearing and asked all nine students to appear on the date.

On Monday, the court had said it will decide on Thursday whether nine JNU students can be asked by Delhi Police to give their consent for lie detector test in a case relating to the varsity's missing student Najeeb Ahmed.

JNU student Najeeb case:A Delhi court asks 9 students to appear before it & to record their consent or refusal to undergo lie detector test.  ANI (@ANI_news) March 30, 2017

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Sumit Dass, who was scheduled to pass the order, had deferred the matter saying that the order was not ready. The court had on March 15 reserved its order after the counsel appearing for the students submitted that the "lie detector test is unconstitutional and illegal unless it is voluntary".

Also Read | Only paperwork, no answer by cops in probe to trace JNU student Najeeb: Delhi HC

Delhi Police had clarified over media reports mentioning missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed links with ISIS, saying that any association has not come up in their investigation.

A top cop of Delhi police had informed that they did not find any links of ISIS with the missing students.

Also Read: Delhi Police denies any links of missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed with ISIS





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New Delhi:

Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit has said that Islamabad is ready for talks with India on every issue and that Hurriyat is not required as a third party stake holder.

In an exclusive interview with News Nations Ajay Kumar, he said that there are several non-state actors in Pakistan who do not want a friendly relationship between the two countries. On JuD chief Hafiz Saeed, he said that Pakistan wants India to provide concrete evidence against him.

Watch the exclusive interview today at 9:00 PM only on News Nation.

Below are the highlights of the interview:

#Pakistan ready for talks with India on every issue

#Terrorism is big problem for Pakistan

#Pakistan wants India to provide concrete evidence against Hafiz Saeed

#Hafiz Sayed is under preventive arrest under anti-terror law

#India is making delay in providing concrete evidence against Hafiz Saeed

#Hurriyat is not a third party stake holder

#There are many non-state actors in Pakistan who do not want Indo-Pak amity

#If India acknowledges that Kashmir is a disputed territory, then Pakistan will be ready for pre-1947 position

#Talks are the only process through which we can solve the issues. Pakistan is willing to talk to India without any pre-conditions

ALSO READ | Will positively consider if India proposes a bilateral meeting on HOA sidelines, says Abdul Basit

Watch HC @abasitpak1 interview with @AjayKumar_NN of News Nation tonight at 09:00 pm ( I.S.T) pic.twitter.com/k3b2Md4itw  Pak High Commission (@Paknewdelhi) March 30, 2017

Watch HC @abasitpak1 interview with @AjayKumar_NN of News Nation tonight at 09:00 pm ( I.S.T) pic.twitter.com/k3b2Md4itw  Pak High Commission (@Paknewdelhi) March 30, 2017

One the most explosive, dynamic, exhaustive, details and cordial interview till now. Do watch at 9 pm on News Nation. https://t.co/Ug36gcjS01  Ajay Kumar (@AjayKumar_NN) March 30, 2017

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New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's crucial visit to Israel later this year is in the "right order," senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Thursday said and hoped he will travel there with a "bipartisan" delegation.

Delivering the keynote address at an international conference, he also said terrorism has become a "major cementing factor" contributing to growing Indo-Israeli ties. "We have the PM's (Modi) visit to Israel coming up. (Israeli) President has set a precedent (by visiting India) and for this PM to undertake this visit after he has shored up his relationship with the Arab world in the Gulf countries, is in the right order, the right way to do it.

"Many expected the order to be reversed, but that would have been a mistake because of India's dependence on the Middle East for oil, and the 6-7 million Indians working in the Gulf countries, those positions should not have been jeopardised," Tharoor said.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin's visit to India last November had set the stage for Prime Minister Modi's historic visit to the Jewish state which is likely to take place in the middle of this year.

"Having shored up the position of Indian government in those areas, I think the PM can travel with confidence toIsrael, feeling in many ways that what he is doing is something that speaks for India's independent foreign policy without in any way compromising its relationship with anybody else.

"And, I certainly hope that he travels with a bipartisan delegation of people from across the political spectrum, "Tharoor said.

Also Read: Shashi Tharoor terms Indian education system as over-regulated and under-governed

The Lok Sabha member also shared that he had once joked with an Israeli ambassador that "our's is a love that dare not utter its name". "So much being done quietly and not acknowledged and PM'svisit would finally bring in that public acknowledgement," he said.

Tharoor said besides shared history, other factors have contributed to boosting ties, like terrorism. "What started off initially as a tactic of the Palestinians, as a people...to explicitly Islamist coloration, with some of the other entrants and variants in the terrorist cause.

"In India, similarly, some Kashmiris claiming greater autonomy, few arguing independence, took on explicit Islamist coloration, with the flourishing of groups like LeT, JeM, which drew inspiration much more from what they described the tenets of radical Islam or rather radical interpretation of Islam, rather than some national cause.

"So, the sense that we are facing similar threats from similar sources, this certainly contributed to the growing closeness, enhanced defence cooperation, increasing intensification of cooperation in areas of counterterrorism and intelligence sharing and sale of weapon systems fromIsrael to India, of which the most famous example is thePhalcon," he added.

Also Read: Shashi Tharoor declines online petition projecting him as UPAs PM candidate

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New Delhi:

Supreme Court on Thursday will hear a petition on the Constitutional legitimacy of triple talaq and polygamy in the Muslim community. All India Muslim Personal Board (AIMPLB) has urged the Supreme Court not to meddle with its personal laws.

The Board defended the practice, saying it is better to divorce a woman than kill her. The Muslim body has claimed that any order against Triple Talaq would be an infringement on their right to follow and profess any religion.

Also Read: Muslim women affected by triple talaq practice voted for BJP in UP, says Prasad

The Apex Court has been hearing a number of petitions against triple talaq demanding the banning of the same. A three-month pregnant woman in Saharanpur wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging to bring to end Triple Talaq after her husband abandoned her fearing she may give birth to a girl again.

Also Read: Over million Muslims sign petition to abolish divorce practice of 'triple talaq'

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New Delhi:

Foreign Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj assured the Rajya Sabha on Thursday of an impartial probe into alleged brutal attack on African students in Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh.

Replying to concerns raised by some Opposition members during the Zero Hour, Swaraj said the incident was unfortunate and the Centre has sought a report from the state government.

Both incidents are unfortunate. Firstly, 19 year-old boy died and thereafter there was an attack on a Nigerian student. ...On behalf of Uttar Pradesh CM and myself, I want to assure that there will impartial probe, she said.

ALSO READ | African nationals arrested for alleged role in class 12th student's death in Noida, Sushma Swaraj seeks report

The Minister said the state administration was taking steps to maintain law and order and the Nigerian student is being treated in a hospital.

As long as investigation is not complete, it is not proper to say anything more, she added.

The issue was raised earlier by Sharad Yadav (JD-U), while Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad and members like Anand Sharma (Cong) and Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M) associated with him in condemning the brutal incident.

Deputy Chairman P J Kurien too condemned the incident and said we are condemning racial attacks on Indians in other countries and at the same time racial attacks in our country cannot be justified. The government should be very vigilant and very strong action should be taken.

Yadav demanded that both External Affairs Ministry as well as Home Ministry should take steps in this matter.

We dont want others to face discrimination in our country. Steps should be taken on a war-footing. A wrong message is going outside the country, he said.

Sharma said India commands goodwill and its image is being sullied throughout the world with this incident. He demanded a special cell in External Affairs and Home Ministries to protect such students.

Yechury sought moving of a special resolution in the House in the matter.

ALSO READ | Noida student attack: Mob hit us with rods, bricks and knives, say Nigerian nationals

Normal excuse is given that there is peddling of drugs by Africans. These are law and order problems and the law and order machinery must take care of that. This is not the way to do it, sir.

If there is a cow protection law in some state, the law and order mechanism must take steps, but not the cow vigilantes. If eve-teasing is there, there cannot be private armies. The law and order machinery must take care, Yechury added.

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New Delhi:

Shiv Sena on Thursday accused airline companies of behaving like 'goons' by saying that its letting terrorists take flights but imposing restrictions on the common man as it remained defiant on domestic airlines blanket ban on its MP Ravindra Gaikwad.

The Shiv Sena MPs, ahead of their meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on the fly ban issue, said that dictatorship has not yet started in the country and asked whether Air India will first tender an apology to the MP as they had started misbehaving first.

What has he (Gaikwad) done? The behaviour of the airline companies is like mafia and goons. In your companies, what is happening under your chair, you should see that. I would not say much as we are now going to meet the Lok Sabha speaker.

ALSO READ | Ravindra Gaikwad row: Delhi Police recreates scene in Air India staffer assault case

But an FIR has been lodged against the MP. The MP has also lodged an FIR. The investigation is going on, party leader Sanjay Raut told reporters outside the Parliament.

Asked whether there should be a fly ban on Gaikwad, he said, There should not be a fly ban on him. Is he a terrorist? Terrorists, underworld dons, corrupt people can fly in your airlines, but an MP, who is a common man, he would not fly.

And moreover, the FIR has been lodged and the investigation is not yet complete. Who has done what, it will only be clear after the completion of the investigation. In this country, till now, dictatorship has not yet started. If they are doing it under pressure from someone, this pressure will also not work for long, he said.

State carrier Air India had recently barred Gaikwad, who had allegedly assaulted its staffer, from its flights and even cancelled his return ticket to Pune from Delhi.

Raut said that during the meeting, the MPs will tell the Speaker that democracy is still there in this country and if such dictatorship continues, there will be one day, when these airlines will ground the Prime Minister as well as the Lok Sabha speaker.

I will not speak much now. I will open up facts about the misdeeds (kala chitta kholunga) of these airline company owners. Who has relationship with whom in Dubai, Pakistan, whose money is travelling from one destination to the other, I will come out with it, he said.

Asked whether Gaikwad should apologise, Raut said, Will Air India apologise? Let them start. Who started misbehaviour first. The airline company started it, he said.

Another party MP Shivaji Patil said that the inquiry should be conducted freely and fairly to determine who is at fault, whether Air India staff or the MP. We do not want to shield anybody, he said before going into the meeting.

ALSO READ | Ravindra Gaikwad-Air India row: Barred by all domestic airlines, Shiv Sena MP travels by road to Delhi

Asked about his meeting with Jayant Sinha earlier, the MP said, He (Sinha) has assured that he will try his best to lift the ban particularly for the member to attend the Parliament proceedings.

He told us that efforts were on to find out a way out of the situation. The party has not asked Gaikwad to stay away from Parliament.

Another MP Shrirang Barne said that the statements of both the sides should be heard as a case has been lodged on the issue. I will not support the mistake which Gaikwad did, but being an MP, he too has some right, he said.

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New Delhi:

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been accorded the top category Z+ VVIP armed security cover by the Centre.



The cover will be provided by a special commando team of the CISF along with a small contingent of the Uttar Pradesh police.



Adityanath was till now enjoying the smallest category of Y category VVIP cover by the CISF in his capacity as a BJP Member of Parliament from Gorakhpur but officials said with his taking charge as CM, a threat perception report of central security agencies required his security paraphernalia to be upgraded.



The Chief Ministers security has been bolstered and he will now be secured by a strong team of CISF commandos everytime he moves across the country. A similar commando contingent will be deployed at his official residence, a senior officer said.

Read | UP CM Yogi Adityanath to police officials: Create a sense of safety among the public and fear among criminals



As part of the new and upgraded security paraphernalia, Adityanath will have about 25-28 commandos accompanying him with sophisticated weapons at all times he is mobile and his convoy will have pilot and escort vehicles armed with jammers.



Under the Y cover, he was accompanied by about 2-3 commandos when he travelled, officials said.



A Central Industrial Security Force squad from its Special Security Group (SSG) has recently taken charge of his security in Lucknow, they said.

Read | When Yogi Adityanath's motorcade was attacked by a mob in Azamgarh in 2008 | Video

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New Delhi:

Microscopic algae finds its way in the inhospitable region around the North Pole resulting from climate change that is gripping life in the Arctic Ocean as thinning sea ice allows in more sunlight, scientists said on Wednesday.

At the peak of the brief summer in July, the micro-algae may now be able to grow under the ice across almost 30 percent of the Arctic Ocean up from about five percent 30 years ago, they wrote. Blooms may become even more widespread.

The first massive under-ice bloom of algae was seen in 2011 in the Chukchi Sea north of the Bering Strait separating Alaska and Russia, a region until then thought too dark for photosynthesis.

Read more: Get ready to face fatal heat even if Paris climate objectives are met

"Recent climate change may have markedly altered the ecology of the Arctic Ocean", wrote scientists in the United States and Britain led by Christopher Horvat of Harvard University.

The scientists, writing in the open-access journal Science Advances, based their estimates on mathematical models of the thinning ice and ponds of melt water on the ice surface that help ever more sunlight perforate into the frigid waters below.

According to another study, the average thickness of Arctic sea ice fell to 1.89 metres (6.2 ft) in 2008 from 3.64 meters in 1980. When the sun disapears for months, sub-ice algae seem to become comatose in winter and are regenerated in spring.

As informed by the source it was unclear how the growth might have knock-on effects on the Arctic food chain, perhaps drawing more fish northwards.

Read more: Donald Trump signs executive order overhauling Barack Obama's attempts to slow climate change

This had raised qualms about the economic future of the region that is warming at about twice the average rate for the Earth as a whole. Almost all governments blame this trend mainly on a build-up of man-made greenhouse gases.

However, U.S. President Donald Trump has sometimes called man-made warming a hoax and signed an order on Tuesday to revoke climate change regulations issued by former President Barack Obama.

As the ice shrinks and thins, governments of nations around the Arctic Ocean, including the United States, have been working on rules for managing potential future fish stocks in the central Arctic Ocean. They last met in mid-March in Iceland.

For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Baghdad:

The Islamic State group on Thursday claimed responsibility for an overnight suicide attack in Baghdad in which at least 17 people were killed and 48 others were wounded.



The Site Intelligence group, which monitors extremist groups, reported the claim in which the IS group warns Iraqi Shiites that the flame of the battle in Mosul will come to them in Baghdad, Karbala, and Najaf.



Wednesday night, a suicide truck bomb targeted a police checkpoint on Baghdads main southern entrance. Three policemen were among the dead while the rest were civilians, police and health officials said on condition of anonymity under regulations.



The attack came as US-backed forces are launching fierce fighting in western Mosul. After the beginning the operation to retake Mosul in October, Iraqi authorities in January declared they have liberated eastern Mosul.

ALSO READ | London attacker fascinated by 'jihad', not linked to IS: Police

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Beijing:

Chinese Media on Thursday alleged India of using the Kashmir issue as an unfounded excuse to oppose Silk Road initiative. They asked New Delhi to abandon its cliche mentality.

The official reason the Indian government rejected the offer to join the initiative (Silk Road) is that it is designed to pass through Kashmir. However, it is just an unfounded excuse as Beijing has been maintaining a consistent position on the Kashmir issue, which has never changed, one of the two articles on India by state-run Global Times said.

India sees the Belt and Road initiative as a geopolitical competition, the article said, criticising India for hindering Beijings push into South Asia and the world with multi-billion Silk Road project which is also known as the Belt and Road (BR).

Also Read: China not to militarise disputed islands in the South China Sea, claims Chinese Premier Li

Whether to continue to boycott or join the Belt and Road remains a conundrum for New Delhi, it said adding that, India is the only one which can help itself.

The article said that India should give up its biased view on the BR initiative.

It is high time to abandon the cliche mentality of associating everything with geopolitics. India will surely see a different world if it does, the article said.

Also Read: China and US should handle sensitive issues in their bilateral ties, says President Xi Jinping

Referring to Indias reservations to attend the BR summit called by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the article said it may be an embarrassing occasion for India as the meeting is backed by Chinas peripheral countries, notably Russia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan and Pakistan.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently said 20 heads of state will attend the summit, together with over 50 leaders from international organisations, over 100 ministerial officials and more than 1,200 guests from around the world.

The article referred to a comment by Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar during his visit here last month to co-chair the upgraded India-China strategic dialogue, saying India is examining Chinas invitation to attend the summit and how a country whose sovereignty has been violated can come on an invitation.

Also Read: SM Krishna praises PM Modi, says India on par with US, China because of him

In the meantime, however, state-run Chinese media stepped up the campaign to pressurise India to join the summit.

China apparently is keen about Indias participation in the summit as the project struggled to make headway in the region except for the USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) where both Beijing-Islamabad are putting all efforts to show early harvest.

Media reports said that Xi plans to invite his US counterpart Donald Trump to attend the meeting during their first summit early next month in Florida.

BR consisted of a maze of roads, including CPEC, Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic (BCIM) Corridor and 21st Maritime Silk Road beside road network to connect China with Eurasia.

The article also said, it seems that the mainstream opinion throughout India is that the connectivity brought about by BR initiative is geopolitically significant. Therefore, India cannot allow the initiative to expand further into South Asia.

This could also explain why the BCIM has seen no progress since its proposed by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in 2013, and also why New Delhi has been keen on Japans investment in the Iranian port of Chabahar, it said.

New Delhi may also feel embarrassed as Moscow has actively responded to the Belt and Road initiative and will build an economic corridor with China and Mongolia, it said, adding Russia and Iran seeking to join the CPEC putting India in a more awkward position.

It said, Beijing has expressed, on various occasions, its anticipation to see New Delhi join the grand project and to make a concerted effort with India in building economic corridors involving China, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Another article in the same daily said a benign competition between India and China may help development in South Asia but they should avoid cut-throat rivalry.

The so-called dragon-elephant contention is perhaps a blow against strategic mutual trust between Beijing and New Delhi, but may be conducive to development in South Asia, it said.

Accusing India of not being generous to its neighbours, it said, a yawning infrastructure funding gap in South Asian countries creates space for China and those nations to strengthen economic cooperation.

Bangladesh and China signed 27 deals worth billions of dollars during President Xi Jinpings visit last year, it said, adding Chinas BR initiative has received an increasing amount of attention from Bangladesh.

Only by investing more resources in regional integration and extending the benefits from Indias rapid economic growth to other South Asian countries can New Delhi maintain its influence in the region, it said.

Benign competition between China and India will be conducive to development in South Asia. The question remaining is how to avoid cut-throat competition as Beijing and New Delhi jostle for influence. India and China should seek common ground while strengthening cooperation with South Asian countries to promote regional integration, it said.

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Lahore:

Five Al-Qaeda and Taliban terrorists, who were plotting to target security agencies and important buildings, were today killed by security forces in Pakistans Punjab province.

Five Al-Qaeda and Taliban terrorists were killed on Thursday in Punjab province of Pakistan. The terrorists had plans to target security agencies and important buildings in the province.

According to the Counter Terrorism Department of Punjab Police, security forces received information that around eight terrorists were hiding in a house at Gunjah in Gujrat district, some 150 km from Lahore, and were planning to commit major terror strikes in Gujrat and Kharian.

A CTD team along with police raided the hideout of the terrorists in the wee hours today and challenged them to surrender but were fired upon. The raiding team returned fire and killed five terrorists. Three managed to escape taking advantage of darkness, a CTD spokesman said

The terrorists belonged to the Al-Qaeda and Tahreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and were plotting to target security and law enforcement agencies and important buildings, he said.

The CTD has recovered a large number of weapons, including hand grenades and explosive material, from the site.

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Washington:

Commenting on crucial H1B visa system Indian-American Congressman RoKhanna has called for "common sense" reforms in the system as the US needs to "remain open" to immigrants who contribute creating jobs and help shape the economy.

Khanna, who represents the Silicon Valley where a large number of Indian techies and other immigrants work, said many Americans believe the H1B visa programme needs to be reformed. His remarks came amid increasing calls in the US to review the work visa programme, highly popular with Indian technology firms, and US President Donald Trump's campaign pledge to put "America First".

Apart from the Trump administration's crackdown on immigrants, the H1B visa programme has become a key issue in the tense ties between US tech firms and the White House.

When Trump signed a controversial immigration order inJanuary banning people from seven Muslim-majority nations -which had caused chaos and sparked protests before a US judge stopped its enforcement in February - tech firms had voiced their displeasure at the move.

Trump, however, persisted with his decision and issued a"revised" executive order with changes, excluding Iraq from the list of countries on which the travel ban was slapped.

Also Read: Two Indian-Americans prosecuted for H-1B visa fraud

"Of course, we have to end the abuses. We shouldn't have companies that have more than 50 per cent H-1B visas and we should make sure that they are paid the prevailing wage, "Khanna, a first-time Congressman, told PTI in an interview.

"These are common sense reforms that even people like VenkShukla (TiE Silicon Valley leader) and many Americans believe in, let's fix the system, end the abuses but make sure we recognise the role of immigrants in creating jobs," he said. The H1B is a non-immigrant visa that allows American firms to employ foreign workers in occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

It is highly popular amongIndian techies and the technology companies depend on the programme to hire tens of thousands of employees each year. Khanna, who was elected to the US House of Representatives last November and was sworn-in as a Congressman this January, said,

"We have to remain open to immigration, people coming here who can contribute jobs and help the economy." According to a report by The National Academies ofScience, Engineering and Medicine in September, immigrants contributed USD 2 trillion to the US economy in 2015-16 andIndians were the "most entrepreneurial" of all groups.

Khanna also pushed for strong relations between India and the US, in particular the trade ties. "There's a strategic partnership in advancing market security interests. India provides a large export market forAmerican products with a large growing middle class. That can help create jobs in the United States," he said.

"They both share values of democratic pluralism of a respect and tolerance for different faiths, a respect for dissent, a respect for robust journalism, a respect for spirituality. I think that there is the common values also, "Khanna said, adding he looks forward to visit India soon.

Also Read: Two Indian-Americans prosecuted for H-1B visa fraud

Condemning the recent hate crimes against Indian-Americans and Indians, he said the community has tremendously contributed to jobs, innovation, and service to the armed forces.

"There's been an outpouring of support, both fromDemocrats and Republicans, to say that hate crimes and hate speech have no place in the United States," he said. Khanna is working with other Indian-American lawmakers Pramila Jayapal and Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ami Bera, and with Congressman Joe Crowley to make sure they have a federal task force that deals with hate crimes.

"We've had tremendous support in a coalition, Republican and Democrat colleagues, from people like John Lewis, and from the Hispanic-American caucus. It's a broad coalition. From the Jewish-American community, there's concerns about anti-semitism.

It's a broad coalition that believes that this country doesn't have any place for hate, or hate speech," he said. The election of a record number of five Indian-Americans to the Congress for the first time, is giving the community a lot of confidence, he said.

"A sense of inspiring young people to seek careers in public service, to go into the military, to go into foreign service. It has really inspired, I think, many young folks to answer the call to service," Khanna said.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New York:

US envoy to the UN Nikki Haley said she believes that legal immigration is the "fabric" of America, pointing out that she is the "proud daughter" of Indian immigrants.

Haley also added that there should be no travel ban on the basis of religion but defended President Donald Trump's executive order banning immigration from six Muslim-majority countries, saying it is meant to keep the country safe.

"I'm the proud daughter of Indian immigrants who reminded my brothers, my sister and me every day how blessed we were tobe in this country," she said responding to questions after her speech at the think tank Council on Foreign Relations.

Also Read: Federal judge in Hawaii extends his order blocking President Donald Trump's travel ban

She was asked if Trump's immigration policies and vetting people coming in from Muslim-majority nations carry the risk of alienating the three million Muslim-Americans already in he country.

"We should never ban based on religion. Period. I don't think that's what this is," she said, adding that there are another dozen Muslim-majority countries that could have been on the list of the seven countries on Trump's executive order but are not.

Also Read: US hit-and -run case: Indian techie killed, wife injured in Columbus city

"We will never close our doors in the US but what we did do is take a pause and say how are we going to keep our people safe," she said while expressing hope that the vetting process gets better and the administration moves forward with it.

She said Trump's travel ban aimed to make sure that no danger comes to the US."This is not about not wanting people in. This is about keeping the terrorists out," she said.

Haley tried to further justify the ban by bringing up the recent terror attack in London. "When you look at situations like what happened in London, not just the President but everyone is trying to make sure we are keeping our people safe."

The attack on the UK Parliament was perpetrated by a man identified as Khalid Masood who, according to media reports, was not an immigrant but born in the county of Kent in southeast England.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Lahore:

Pakistani Nobel laureate Abdus Salam's relative and a major leader of minority Ahmadi community, Malik Saleem Latif was gunned down at Lahore on Thursday by Lashkar-e-Jhanghvi militant group which claimed to have sent another "infidel" to hell.

According to police, popular advocate Malik Saleem Latif and his son advocate Farhan were going to court in Nankana Sahib, some 80 kilometres from Lahore, when unidentified men opened fire on them, killing Saleem on the spot while seriously injuring Farhan.

He was taken to local hospital where his condition was stated to be critical. Saleem was the cousin of Nobel laureate scientist Abdus Salam. He was president of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiya Nankana Sahib. "A special squad of LeJ Riaz Basra Brigade today undertook the nobel cause of sending an infidel (Ahmadi) to hell.

Also Read: Pakistan: Security forces foil suspected terror attempt at Lahore airport

Saleem was spreading his sect's message in the area and he was wanted by Mujahideen of LeJ," Ali Bin Sufian, a spokesman of LeJ said on social media.

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiya spokesperson Saleemuddin said Saleem was killed for his faith. "Advocate Saleem has been targeted purely for his faith and the government has failed to rein in those elements spreading hate openly against the Ahmadi community," he said and demanded immediate arrest of the culprits.

The killing of Saleem puts the spotlight back on Pakistan's problem of Ahmadi persecution. The issue is deep-rooted and dates back to pre-Partition of India. In 2014, 11 Pakistani members of the Ahmadi community were reportedly murdered.

Also Read: Pakistan: 7 killed, 21 injured in Taliban suicide bombers attack

At least six Ahmadis were killed inPakistan in 2016 for their religious beliefs. In 1984, Ahmadis were restricted from "misusing" the epithets, descriptions, titles reserved for certain holy personages or places of Islamic origins. They could not call themselves Muslim or propagate their faith.

In 1974, the then Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's regime amended the constitution to include the definition of aMuslim and listed groups that were considered non-Muslim.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
kranos

M. Gen Christos Drivas was born in Agios Andreas, Mesolonghi, on Apr 08, 1962.He graduated from the Hellenic Army Academy in June 1984 as second Lieutenant Infantry Branch. Up to now he was appointed on the following assignments-duties: Company Commander (1985-1988) 297 Battalion Ops Officer (BS3) (1988 and 1992). UN Military Observer in the UN Kuwait-Iraq Observation Mission(1992 - 1993) 218 Battalion Ops Officer (BS3) (1994-5) 514 Battalion Deputy Commander (1996-7) Senior Operations Officer - United Nations Observation Mission in Kuwait & Iraq (UNIKOM), (1998) Multinational Exercises Staff Officer in B Army Corps (1999 - 2000) Chief Operations (CJ3) in 50th Mech Brigade (2001) JOC Director at NATO HQ Skopje (NHQS) (2001 - 2002) NATO Exercises Staff Officer at the Hellenic National Defense General Staff (HNDGS) (2002- 2004) Chief Analysis Division at NATO / JALLC (Lisbon) (2004 - 2007) 640 Mech. Battalion Commander (2007 - 2009) Chief of Staff of 96th Mech Brigade (2009 - 2011) Deputy Brigade Commander 96th Mech Brigade (2011 - 2012) Chief Influence Operations Directorate, Hellenic National Defense General Staff (2012-2014) Chief of Staff at EUFOR RCA OHQ (EU Military Operation in Central African Republic), Larissa, (2014) Commander JLSG/NRDC ITA (2015- 2017) COS NRDC-GR since Mar 2017He attended the basic and advance courses of the Infantry School in Greece (1988) and also theInfantry School at Fort Benning (GA), USA (1989).He graduated the War College, Thessaloniki (2000).He graduated the National Defense College, Athens (2010  2012).He attended several courses abroad such as Crisis Management in NATO School Oberammergau as well as Strategic Analysis related ones in Lisbon.He owns a MSc in Applied Strategy and International Security (UK / Plymouth). M. General Christos DRIVAS has been awarded the following medals: The Phoenix Golden Cross For Meritorious Command Officers Longevity Service Commendation Staff Officers Service Commendation The United Nations Medal (UNIKOM) The NATO medal for Kosovo The NATO medal for Skopje The Peace Support Ops Commendation Medal The EU Military Operation EUFOR RCA Medal The Gold Medal of the National Defense of FranceM. General Christos DRIVAS was commended for his distinguished service by the:Chief of the Hellenic Army (1996)Chief of the Hellenic Army (1998)NHQ Skopje Commander (2001)JALLC Director TU (A) General Mehmet Cetin (2007)JALLC Director (DNK) BDE General Jorgen Hansen  Nord (2007) Minister of Defence of France, Mr Jaques Yves Le DrianCOM NRDC-IT Lt Gen Roberto PerretiHe speaks English, Italian and French.He is married to Mrs Aggeliki Neamoniti and they have two children Konstantinos (29) and Despoina (21).
Soros plotting secret anti-Trump meetings in D.C.

Though his organizations are being investigated in his home country of Hungary due to suspected subversive Left-wing political activity aimed at undermining the countrys legitimate government, and though a university he founded in Hungary is facing closure due to a new law being considered specifically aimed at the institution, the man who would be global king continues his agitation  in the United States.

As reported by The Daily Caller, Soros, along with a cast of additional wealthy, Alt-Left socialists, are continuing to plot against the Trump administration, with the goal not only of thwarting its agenda, but also, perhaps, derailing the president himself. And they plan to meet right under President Donald J. Trumps nose:

A network of wealthy liberal donors aligned with billionaire George Soros are meeting in Washington, D.C. with left-wing activists and political players for four days this week to strategize how best to undermine the Trump agenda and restore progressive government.

For the record, the legal definition of this kind of activity is found under 18 U.S. Code Chapter 115, Treason, Sedition and Subversive Activities. Interestingly, Subsection 2381, Treason, states:

Whoever, owing allegiance to the United States, levies war against them or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort within the United States or elsewhere, is guilty of treason and shall suffer death, or shall be imprisoned not less than five years and fined under this title but not less than $10,000; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.

Granted, Soros likely isnt looking to hold any U.S. office himself, but all of this sure sounds like the textbook definition of treason, doesnt it? (RELATED: George Soros: the self-proclaimed God who should be in prison.)

Whats going on here isnt simple political opposition. What Soros is doing amounts to subversion of a legitimately elected U.S. government; disliking the leader of that government on personal and political grounds does not make that subversion any more legal or proper.

What hes doing is precisely the reason why the government of his native-born Hungary is out to shut him down and get him out of the country for good.

The Daily Caller noted that it obtained a copy of the agenda for the spring investors conference for the Democracy Alliance, which was closed to the media. The document was marked confidential.

The agenda noted that Womens March leaders, and others from anti-Trump protest group Indivisible, are meeting with Left-wing donors to map out their resistance to the president.

Theres more. Womens March organizer Linda Sarsour and the co-founder of Indivisible, Leah Greenberg, are scheduled to take part in an upcoming panel discussion titled, Fueling and Sustaining the Progressive Resistance. A noted Left-wing agitator, Sarsour also has multiple ties to radical figures. A Palestinian-American, she once spoke at an event with a convicted Palestinian terrorist and immigration fraud.

In February, The Daily Sentinel reported that Soros planned to finance groups who would engage in ongoing violent protests against the Trump agenda.

In calling for Soros arrest for seditious activities, the news site noted:

This man has sponsored destructive protests, interfered more in our democratic process than the Russians ever did, and has committed himself to changing our country from a democratic republic into some hellish Marxist nightmare, as he has stated in his own words: The main obstacle to a stable and just world order is the United States  Changing [the] attitude and policies of the United States remains my top priority.

And Democrats in Congress want to investigate Trump over a made-up narrative that he somehow colluded with Moscow to steal the election from Hillary Clinton? (RELATED: Senators Asking Tillerson To Investigate Obama Administration Meddling In Foreign Elections By Giving Taxpayer Funds To George Soros.)

Well, the Trump administration doesnt need Democratic approval to investigate a man who has hijacked their party and finances their pet anti-American causes. The Justice Department, now that it has an honest man running it in Attorney General Jeff Sessions, should waste no time in starting.

Soros is a menace to our republic. He actively seeks to undermine and change it from its current form. He has earned every bit of jail time I am hoping he gets. Learn more about Soros at Soros.News.

J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for NaturalNews.com and NewsTarget.com, as well as editor of The National Sentinel.

Sources:

DailyCaller.com

TheNationalSentinel.com

Submit a correction >>
U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty pledged her support of President Trumps commission to combat the opioid addiction epidemic.

Trump vowed to combat the nation's addiction crisis at a discussion on Wednesday with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, members of his cabinet, law enforcement heads, and recovering addicts, the Associated Press reported.

It was the first public event tied to the launch of a Trumps new addiction commission.

Esty, who represents greater Danbury and the 5th Congressional District, serves on the House of Representatives Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic.

Everywhere I go in Connecticut, I meet people whose families have been destroyed by addiction, Esty said in a prepared statement. I will gladly partner with this commission as well as with my colleagues in Congress to prevent more lives from being taken by the opioid epidemic, and to help those suffering from addiction to recover and move forward.
BETHEL - A Bethel man pleaded guilty in federal court this week to supplying the drugs that led to the overdose deaths of two women last year.

Paul Mignani, 51, was charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin and cocaine, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.
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TORONTO, March 29, 2017 /CNW/ - What's more compelling than a great story? How about a community coming together to tell a singular story with the breadth of many voices.

That's the aim of 150 Neighbours, a recognition program that includes a photo documentary series led by the University of Toronto Scarborough to mark the momentous occasion of Canada's sesquicentennial. Launching July 1st the social media-driven and crowd-sourced campaign will, over 150 days, feature 150 members of the community who are good neighbours, community and nation builders, past and present.

"The 150th anniversary of Confederation is an opportunity to come together and strengthen the bonds that unite our communities," says The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage. "150 Neighbours is a wonderful example of a project that will highlight the wealth and diversity of Scarborough's cultural heritage. The year 2017 is going to be a memorable one; take advantage of it to share your story!"

The City of Toronto's largest borough, Scarborough represents more than 20 per cent of the population. A popular destination for newcomers to Canada, it is one of the most diverse and multicultural neighbourhoods in the country.

"Scarborough is home to civic-minded community members whose unique and diverse stories represent all walks of life, and demonstrate the promising future of the Canada that's becoming," says Professor Bruce Kidd, Vice President University of Toronto and Principal, University of Toronto Scarborough. "By telling personal stories as a community, residents will be part of something bigger. And by engaging our community members in the creative process, everyone involved has ownership. That amplifies the narrative of this uniquely Canadian location."

150 Neighbours recognizes and acknowledges each individual, inspiring others by their contributions. Residents will be invited to contribute their stories directly online. Additionally local community organizations will organize storytelling events to celebrate good neighbours, and offer training for residents interested in developing their digital media storytelling skills.

"I am pleased to support the University of Toronto Scarborough's 150 Neighbours initiative to highlight the individual stories of hard work, perseverance and passion that builds up our community," says Gary Anandasangaree, Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Rouge River. "The diversity of Scarborough offers an array of unique experiences and untold stories of our neighbours and community members, and their contribution to our country as Canada celebrates its 150th birthday. Through the Canada 150 funding, our government is proud to support University of Toronto Scarborough and their endeavour to bring these stories to a wider audience and to inspire a new generation of Canadians."

150 Neighbours is one of 365 community projects supported to date by the Government of Canada that are at the heart of Canada 150.

SOURCE University of Toronto Scarborough

For further information: Don Campbell, University of Toronto Scarborough, Tel: 416-208-2938, [email protected]
American Express Recognized as a Leading Company that Supports Inclusiveness and Diversity in the Workplace

TORONTO, March 28, 2017 /CNW/ - American Express Canada is proud to be recognized for the second year in a row as one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers. This distinguished competition awarded Amex for its outstanding diversity and inclusion programs, including those that support the advancement and progress of women in the workplace.

"At American Express, we foster an inclusive work environment where differences are embraced and the full spectrum of diversity is recognized," says Catherine Finley, Vice President of Human Resources at American Express Canada. "We know that having a diverse employee base not only enhances the employee experience, but it also helps us better connect with and serve our customers."

American Express' Women at Amex initiative, which is aimed at supporting the development and advancement of women in corporate Canada, continues to be a key strategic driver for the company's focus on gender diversity. In support of this initiative, Amex holds various internal and external opportunities to help employees reach their full potential. Among the most recent include self-development workshops led by Women of Influence, company-wide panel discussions with female senior leaders, and ongoing mentorship and sponsorship opportunities at all levels of the company.

Currently, women represent 57 per cent of all Amex Canada employees, 43 per cent of the senior leadership team and 50 per cent of the board of directors. "It's clear that we have strong female representation amongst our talent pool, so giving senior leaders a chance to network and help build the next generation of female leaders continues to be an important focus for us," says Finley.

Employee networks at American Express also play an integral role in further building the company's inclusive culture. There are currently 9 employee network chapters at Amex Canada, which over 500 employees participate in, that actively support diversity Women's Interest Network, Women in Technology, HOLA (Hispanic Origin & Latin American), ANA (Asian Network at AXP), BEN (Black Employees Network), PRIDE, SALT (Christian Employee Network at Amex), Families at Amex, and the newly formed Millennial Network.

Externally, American Express continues to develop a range of partnerships with organizations that support its diversity initiatives, including Forward Together, Women of Influence, Catalyst, the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) and the Women's Executive Network (WXN).

About American Express Canada

American Express in Canada operates as Amex Bank of Canada and Amex Canada Inc. Both are wholly owned subsidiaries of the New York based American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc., the largest operating unit of the American Express Company. Amex Bank of Canada is the issuer of American Express charge and credit cards, with outstanding products like The SimplyCash Card from American Express, The American Express Gold Rewards Card, and the American Express AIR MILES* Credit Card. American Express opened its first offices in Toronto and Hamilton in 1853. For more information, visit AmericanExpress.ca or connect with us at Facebook.com/AmericanExpressCanada and YouTube.com/AmericanExpressCAD.

SOURCE American Express Canada

For further information: Jennifer Beckstead, American Express Canada, [email protected], 437-836-6856

Related Links

http://www.americanexpress.com/canada


CLOSED TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC BUT OPEN TO NEWS OUTLETS  LARGEST INDEPENDENT VIMY 100 EXHIBIT OFFERS UNIQUE INTERVIEW, CONTENT, AND MULTIMEDIA OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEDIA TRAVELLING TO FRANCE

MEDIA ADVISORY/ PHOTO OPP

ARRAS, France, March 29 /CNW/ -- EF Educational Tours has led a partnership of 20 Canadian education and history organizations to craft an immersive Vimy 100 experience for its 9,000 Canadian youth and educators headed to France for the historic milestone. The EF Vimy 100 Exhibition features an experiential journey that begins with a to scale recreation of a First World War trench. Programming also includes 4D and VR tech, interactive exhibits, and immersive workshops to allow visitors to follow in the footsteps of Canadian soldiers, reflect on how the country's role in the First World War has impacted Canada's place in the world (and in the context of its upcoming 150th), and be challenged to think about ways they can positively impact their own communities when they return home. Exhibiting partners include Historica Canada, Canadian Geographic Education, the Canadian War Museum, Invictus Games, SimWave, WE, the Rick Hansen Foundation, and Culinary Historians of Canada, among many others.

The EF Vimy 100 Exhibition offers news organizations an easy way to connect with EF Educational Tours travellers as well as the partner organizations that helped bring this "pop-up" museum to life, and capture Vimy 100-specific content to share with their readers, viewers, and listeners. Interested outlets are encouraged to visit the EF Vimy 100 Exhibition at the Artois Expo, a quick 15-minute walk from downtown Arras.

When: Saturday, April 8, 2017 and Monday, April 10, 2017

8AM  6PM



Where: Artois Expo

50 Avenue Roger Salgengro, 6223 Saint-Laurent-Blangy

Arras, France

Interview Opportunities:

Tim Cook (Keynote Speaker at the EF Vimy 100 Exhibition on 4/10)

Stephen Lewis (Keynote Speaker for EF Teachers in Lille on 4/9)

Student and Teacher Travellers

Cadet Groups

Exhibiting Partners

Additional Information/Contact:

For more detailed information about the EF Vimy 100 Exhibition and the specific exhibits on display, or to schedule a visit to the Exhibition, please contact:

Adam Bickelman

EF Educational Tours

+1-617-510-1240

[email protected]

SOURCE EF Educational Tours
New Strategic Innovation Fund supports high-growth sectors to create jobs of the future

VANCOUVER, March 30, 2017 /CNW/ - On March 22, the Government of Canada tabled its 2017 budget, outlining the next steps for the Innovation and Skills Plan. This is a long-term plan to create jobs and strengthen the middle class by helping Canada's highly skilled workforce develop the skills they need to evolve and keep up with the demands of a changing workplace.

Building on the Prime Minister's announcement today of an investment in Ford Motor Company of Canada in Windsor, Ontario, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, announced the new $1.26-billion Strategic Innovation Fund, which will ensure that Canada remains a top destination for businesses to invest, grow and create jobs.

This new business innovation fund will be available to aerospace and automotive firms and will be expanded to support high-growth sectors such as clean technology, information and communications technology, and agri-food. To support this program expansion, Budget 2017 proposes to build on the existing funding by providing an additional $200 million over three years, starting in 201718.

The fund is part of the Government's Innovation and Skills Plan to create well-paying jobs and grow the middle class by investing in high-growth sectors in which Canada has a globally competitive advantage.

Additional details about the Strategic Innovation Fund will be announced in the coming months.

Quote

"With the new Strategic Innovation Fund, the Government is expanding its capacity to support high-growth sectors across the economy in which Canada has a globally competitive advantage. This new fund will build on our innovative talents, streamline program delivery and help Canadian businesses to continue creating high-quality jobs for the future. That's how innovation builds a better Canada."

 The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence

Quick facts

Each year, Canadian businesses invest more than $15 billion on the research and development of new products and processes.

on the research and development of new products and processes. In addition to supporting key industries such as automotive, aerospace and defence, the Strategic Innovation Fund will extend support to other high-growth sectors such as digital industries, life sciences and clean technology.

Budget 2017 announced the Government's goal of doubling the number of high-growth companies in Canada from 14,000 to 28,000 by 2025.

from 14,000 to 28,000 by 2025. Budget 2017 also announced the Government's intention to launch six Economic Strategy Tables to identify innovation opportunities and promote the growth of Canadian companies. The sectors that have been identified are advanced manufacturing, agri-food, clean technology, digital industries, health and biosciences, and clean resources.

The Economic Strategy Tables will guide the Government in its efforts to provide relevant and effective programs for Canada's innovators. This strategy will identify sector-specific challenges and bottlenecks to innovation. It will also lay out specific strategies to help innovators build and expand their companies.

Follow the Minister of Defence on Twitter: @NationalDefence

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

For further information: Jordan Owens, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of National Defence, 613-996-3100, [email protected]; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]

Related Links

http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/icgc.nsf/eng/home


Budget 2017 addresses financial security, education and family support

EDMONTON, March 29, 2017 /CNW/ - Canada's women and men in uniform have served our country with bravery, honour and dignityputting their lives at risk to protect the values we cherish most. Our Veterans deserve our greatest recognition and respect for their service.

The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, met with Canadian Forces Members and their families at the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) in Edmonton today to provide details on Budget 2017 initiatives to assist Canada's Veterans and their families.

Budget 2017 builds on the foundation that was established in Budget 2016 and will recognize the important role of caregivers, help more families, support mental health and provide for the education and training Veterans need to find the work they want in their post-military lives.

Budget 2017 would expand access to the Veteran Family Program across all 32 MFRCs in Canada. A pilot project previously allowed access for medically released Veterans and their families to seven MFRCs across the country, and to the telephone-based Family Information Line and the www.CAFconnection.ca website. Previously these services were only for still-serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Minister Hehr also announced today that the Veterans Affairs Canada's Service Delivery Review, a detailed assessment of service delivery channels, is now complete. The recommendations developed will establish a new vision for an ideal service model focused on the Veteran.

Quotes

"When a member serves, the whole family serves along with them. Families and caregivers are the backbone of the support Veterans need during their service, their transition to post-military life and afterwards. Their mental health and well-being are a priority.

"The Service Delivery Review was an important step in making it easier for Veterans and their families to understand and access programs and services. They have earned our respect and gratitude. And as the Minister of Veterans Affairs, I will ensure that we continue to honour their service to our great nation."

The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of the Department of National Defence.

Budget 2017 highlights:

Expanding the Veteran Family Program across all 32 Military Family Resource Centres (MFRCs). The expansion of the program would result in medically released Veterans and their families having continued and uninterrupted access to all 32 MFRCs across the country, in addition to the other resources that were part of the initial pilot.

$133.9 million over six years to create a new Veterans' Education and Training Benefit. The new benefit would provide $40,000 in support for the costs of up to four years of College, University or Technical Education of their choice to all Canadian Armed Forces Regular Force and Reserve Force Veterans with at least six years of military service and $80,000 in support for those with at least 12 years of service.

over six years to create a new Veterans' Education and Training Benefit. The new benefit would provide in support for the costs of up to four years of College, University or Technical Education of their choice to all Canadian Armed Forces Regular Force and Reserve Force Veterans with at least six years of military service and in support for those with at least 12 years of service. Redesigning the Career Transition Services (CTS) program, which would include an expansion of current eligibilities; the removal of time limits for Veterans, reservists and survivors to access benefits; and simplification or elimination of the application process for participants.

Enhancing and simplifying support to Veterans' families and caregivers by replacing the Family Caregiver Relief Benefit with a $1,000 monthly, tax-free benefit paid directly to a Veteran's caregiver.

monthly, tax-free benefit paid directly to a Veteran's caregiver. $4 million over four years to establish a Veteran Emergency Fund to enable Veterans Affairs Canada to address unique and urgent veteran-specific situations.

over four years to establish a Veteran Emergency Fund to enable Veterans Affairs Canada to address unique and urgent veteran-specific situations. $13.9 million over four years to establish a Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund. This fund would be used for the development of new and innovative ways to support Veterans and their families by providing financial support to organizations to conduct research and implement initiatives and projects. These organizations can be non-profit, voluntary and, in some cases, for-profit as well.

over four years to establish a Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund. This fund would be used for the development of new and innovative ways to support Veterans and their families by providing financial support to organizations to conduct research and implement initiatives and projects. These organizations can be non-profit, voluntary and, in some cases, for-profit as well. Plans to create a new Centre of Excellence in Veterans' care, specializing in mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder and related issues for both Veterans and first responders.

Associated Links

Budget 2017: http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/about-us/department-officials/minister/budget

Service Delivery Review: Delivering Service Excellence: http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/about-us/reports/sdr-delivering-service-excellence

SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada

For further information: Sarah McMaster, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, 613-996-4649; Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468, [email protected]

Related Links

www.veterans.gc.ca


OAKVILLE, ON, March 30, 2017 /CNW/ - Building on its recent joint venture with SAS Sunrise, Loraxian today opened the doors on its new global renewable energy headquarters in Oakville, where it will employ senior level project management specialists to oversee operations around the world.

"It is good to be home," said Roland Kielbasiewicz, Founder and CEO of Loraxian, referring to his Canadian roots. "We could have located this key office almost anywhere in the world, but the conditions are right to be here in Ontario." Kielbasiewicz explained that Ontario is blessed with an abundance of trained renewable energy professionals due to the commitment of the Ontario government over the past decade to solar and wind power generation. "The knowledge, skills and experience that have been fostered in Ontario are marketable commodities in nations with rapidly emerging next generation renewable sectors," he said.

Loraxian intends to recruit more than 50 new senior level specialized employees for its Oakville location in the coming year. This highly skilled team will manage projects around the world, including its joint venture with SAS Sunrise in Southeast Asia, and new projects that are soon to come online.

Loraxian, an Ontario-based corporation, is a rising leader of energy and infrastructure solutions. Specializing in renewable energy production, infrastructure and energy conservation, the company can meet the needs of large and small scale projects utilizing its propriety project management system, which consistently delivers on time and below budget for its partners.

Quotes

"Ontario is fortunate to be home to many innovators in the energy sector, such as companies like Loraxian. Their success further strengthens Ontario's leading clean energy sector and shows that we are ready to thrive in today's low-carbon economy."

Glenn Thibeault

Minister of Energy

"Council is pleased to welcome Loraxian and looks forward to welcoming the skilled workers as they settle into Oakville. It is tremendous to see yet another worldwide innovator make Oakville their home."

Rob Burton

Mayor of Oakville

"Loraxian is one of the many innovative companies that has chosen Oakville for its global headquarters. As Ontario continues to build its strong international reputation in the renewable energy sector, Loraxian will be a key player in this arena and a shining example of why Oakville and Ontario are great places to establish a business."

Kevin Flynn

Member of Provincial Parliament for Oakville

"I am pleased to welcome Loraxian to our community of Oakville. Our government is committed to continual environmental stewardship through the use of renewable energy. I applaud Loraxian's intention to hire 50 specialized positions, which will contribute towards long-term economic growth and environmental stability in our community."

John Oliver

Member of Parliament for Oakville

SOURCE Loraxian

For further information: Media Contacts: Cary Kokkonen, Chief Marketing Officer, Loraxian Inc., 2630 Bristol Circle, Suite 600, Oakville, Ontario L6H 6Z7, 1-800-594-1365 ext.1246, [email protected]
TORONTO, March 29, 2017 /CNW/ - For too many families, the lack of affordable, high-quality child care means making a difficult choice. Some parents have to sacrifice retirement savings to pay for child care, while others may leave their career because child care is unavailable or unaffordable.

Recognizing the deep connection between child care and the economic security of families, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development was in Toronto today to highlight Budget 2017 investments in early learning and child care that will help Canadian children get the best start in life and support Canadian families who need it most.

To this end, Budget 2017 proposes to invest $7 billion over 10 years, starting in 201819, to support and create more high-quality, flexible, fully inclusive and affordable child care spaces across the country. A portion of this investment will be dedicated to improving access to culturally appropriate early learning and child care programs for Indigenous children living on and off reserve. Over the next three years, these investments could:

increase the number of affordable child care spaces for low- and modest-income families by supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces; and

make it more affordable for parents to return to work, with thousands of parents more likely to enter the labour force once child care is made more affordable.

Of this investment, $95 million will also go towards closing data gaps to better understand what child care looks like in Canada and track progress and $100 million for Early Learning and Child Care Innovation. These investments are in addition to the initial investment of $500 million in Budget 2016 for early learning and child care, including $100 million for Indigenous early learning and child care.

In the coming months, the Government will work in close collaboration with provinces and territories to finalize a federal, provincial and territorial Multilateral Framework on Early Learning and Child Care. The Framework will focus on best practices and new and innovative approaches to better serve families and help to improve outcomes for children. We will also work with provinces and territories, as well as other key experts, to improve data collection to expand our knowledge and research in early learning and child care. This will ensure better policy and evidence-based decision-making in the future.

Working with Indigenous partners, the Government will also co-develop a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care that will reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit and Metis children and families across Canada.

Quotes

"Too many Canadian families are struggling to have access to affordable, high-quality and fully inclusive child care. That is why families are at the centre of our government's Budget 2017 child care investments. We are providing this money to provinces and territories to help them deliver child care services that will improve the lives of Canadian children and families."

 The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

"The YMCA of Greater Toronto believes access to affordable, high-quality licensed child care is instrumental to the early development of young people, regardless of a family's financial circumstances. As the largest provider of licensed, not-for-profit child care in the GTA, we are pleased the Federal Government is addressing the urgent needs of Canadian families in the Federal budget. At the core of any quality licensed Child Care System is stable and predictable funding coordinated across all orders of Government."

 Linda Cottes, Senior Vice-President, Child and Family Development, YMCA of Greater Toronto

"Access to high-quality, licensed, accessible and affordable childcare is critical for families. We are pleased to see child care being prioritized in the federal budget, with subsidized spaces being created for low and modest income families."

 Peter Dinsdale, President and CEO, YMCA Canada

Quick Facts

Only one in four children in Canada has access to regulated child care.

has access to regulated child care. Intervening early to promote child development from the prenatal period to age six can have long-term benefits that can extend throughout children's lives.

Research shows that there are positive relationships between quality early learning and child care, parental labour market participation and child development outcomes. This is particularly true for vulnerable children.

An 11-percent increase in children aged 0 to 4 between 2006 and 2011 suggests growing demand for child care

Of children aged 0 to 5, 24.1 percent have access to regulated early leaning and child care.

Associated Link

Budget 2017

Follow us on Twitter

SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

For further information: Media Main Contact: Emilie Gauduchon-Campbell, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P., Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, 819-654-5546; General Enquiries: Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]
STRATFORD, PEI, March 29, 2017 /CNW/ - For too many families, the lack of affordable, high-quality child care means making a difficult choice. Some parents have to sacrifice retirement savings to pay for child care, while others may leave their career because child care is unavailable or unaffordable.

Recognizing the deep connection between child care and the economic security of families, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, was in Stratford on behalf of the Honourable JeanYves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, today to highlight Budget 2017 investments in early learning and child care that will help Canadian children get the best start in life and support Canadian families who need it most.

To this end, Budget 2017 proposes to invest $7 billion over 10 years, starting in 201819, to support and create more high-quality, flexible, fully inclusive and affordable child care spaces across the country. A portion of this investment will be dedicated to improving access to culturally appropriate early learning and child care programs for Indigenous children living on and off reserve. Over the next three years, these investments could:

increase the number of affordable child care spaces for low- and modest-income families by supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces; and

make it more affordable for parents to return to work, with thousands of parents more likely to enter the labour force once child care is made more affordable.

Of this investment, $95 million will also go towards closing data gaps to better understand what child care looks like in Canada and track progress and $100 million for Early Learning and Child Care Innovation. These investments are in addition to the initial investment of $500 million in Budget 2016 for early learning and child care, including $100 million for Indigenous early learning and child care.

In the coming months, the Government will work in close collaboration with provinces and territories to finalize a federal, provincial and territorial Multilateral Framework on Early Learning and Child Care. The Framework will focus on best practices and new and innovative approaches to better serve families and help to improve outcomes for children. We will also work with provinces and territories, as well as other key experts, to improve data collection to expand our knowledge and research in early learning and child care. This will ensure better policy and evidence-based decision-making in the future.

Working with Indigenous partners, the Government will also co-develop a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care that will reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit and Metis children and families across Canada.

Quotes

"Too many Canadian families are struggling to have access to affordable, high-quality and fully inclusive child care. That is why families are at the centre of our government's Budget 2017 child care investments. We are providing this money to provinces and territories to help them deliver child care services that will improve the lives of Canadian children and families."

 The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

"Budget 2017 is the next step in the Government's long-term plan to create jobs and strengthen the middle class and those working hard to join it. Through our budget, we are increasing support for early learning and child care, so that more Canadian parents can pursue new opportunities to learn and to work. With stronger skills and more work experience under their belts, families can focus on what matters mostbuilding a better future for themselves and for their children."

 The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Quick Facts

Only one in four children in Canada has access to regulated child care.

has access to regulated child care. Intervening early to promote child development from the prenatal period to age six can have long-term benefits that can extend throughout children's lives.

Research shows that there are positive relationships between quality early learning and child care, parental labour market participation and child development outcomes. This is particularly true for vulnerable children.

An 11-percent increase in children aged 0 to 4 between 2006 and 2011 suggests growing demand for child care

Of children aged 0 to 5, 24.1 percent have access to regulated early leaning and child care.

Associated Link

Budget 2017

Follow us on Twitter

SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

For further information: Media Main Contact: Emilie Gauduchon-Campbell, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P., Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, 819-654-5546; General Enquiries: Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]
WINNIPEG, March 29, 2017 /CNW/ - Canadians deserve the opportunity to raise their families the way they want, but far too many do not have access to the high-quality, affordable child care they need. With increased support for early learning and child care, more Canadian parents can pursue new opportunities to work and learn, and build a better future for themselves and their children.

That's why the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today highlighted that Budget 2017 proposes $7 billion over 10 years, beginning in 2018-19, to support and create more high-quality, affordable child care spaces across the country. This funding is in addition to an initial investment of $500 million announced in Budget 2016 for this upcoming year, 2017-18.

These investments would help increase the number of affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low- and modest-income families, and would make it easier for more parents to work or return to school. Over the next three years, this funding could support up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces.

The government is working with the provinces and territories to develop a National Framework on Early Learning and Child Care, focusing on best practices and innovative approaches to best serve families. A distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care will also be created in cooperation with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis children across Canada.

With Budget 2017, the government will continue to deliver the things that matter most to Canadians: good jobs, healthy living, strong communities, and better opportunities for future generations.

Quote

"The Canadian story is about the promise that, with optimism and hard work, a better life is possible for everyone. Access to affordable and quality childcare is too often a barrier for many Canadians who struggle with the need to work or return to school. That is not right. High-quality, affordable child care is critical for helping parents who want to join the middle class. This investment would provide important relief to hard-working Canadian parents across the country."

- Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts

Budget 2017 proposes to invest $7 billion over 10 years, starting in 2018-19, to support and create more high-quality, affordable child care spaces across the country.

over 10 years, starting in 2018-19, to support and create more high-quality, affordable child care spaces across the country. This investment is part of $21.9 billion announced in Budget 2017 to support social infrastructure in Canadian communities.

announced in Budget 2017 to support social infrastructure in Canadian communities. A portion of this $7 billion investment will be dedicated to early learning and child care programs for Indigenous children.

investment will be dedicated to early learning and child care programs for Indigenous children. This investment builds on measures from Budget 2016 that provided an initial $500 million in 2017-18 for early learning and child care.

Associated Links

This document is also available at http://pm.gc.ca

SOURCE Prime Minister's Office

For further information: PMO Media Relations: 613-957-5555

Related Links

https://www.canada.ca


QUEBEC CITY, March 29, 2017 /CNW/ - The Quebec budget delivered yesterday puts ups no new hurdles for the restaurant industry, but does little to alleviate current problems, such as the cumbersome alcohol licencing process.

"Our industry has long called for a more streamlined process to obtain a liquor licence," says David Lefebvre, Restaurants Canada's Vice-President Federal and Quebec. "With a solid surplus, Quebec could have taken a step further to reduce taxes paid by small businesses, especially as the federal government hikes alcohol taxes."

On the positive side, the government has raised the personal income tax exemption level. This is the right policy to put more money in the pockets of first-time employees.

"We commend the government for maintaining the limited planned tax reductions, while injecting money for employee training, apprenticeships, and help for immigrants and minorities to start new businesses," says Lefebvre. "As the number one first-time employer in Canada, our industry is especially happy with those measures."

Restaurants Canada is also pleased with the government's plans to invest more in tourism.

"We hope the government will acknowledge the role our industry plays in tourism, and develop strategies to enhance it," says Lefebvre.

With $14.9 billion in sales, the restaurant industry represents 3.8% of Quebec's GDP and employs nearly 300,000 Quebecers.

Restaurants Canada is a growing community of 30,000 foodservice businesses, including restaurants, bars, caterers, institutions and suppliers. We connect our members from coast to coast, through services, research and advocacy for a strong and vibrant restaurant industry.

SOURCE Restaurants Canada

For further information: MEDIA CONTACTS: David Lefebvre at 1-800-387-5649 ext. 6000 or [email protected]; Prasanthi Vasanthakumar, Communications Specialist at 1-800-387-5649 ext. 4254, or [email protected]

Related Links

https://www.restaurantscanada.org/


MONTREAL, March 29, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ -

Year ended January 28, 2017

Sales for the year ended January 28, 2017 were $952.0 million, an increase of $14.8 million or 1.6% over the year ended January 30, 2016, despite a net reduction of 90 stores as the Company optimized performance in select markets. Same store sales increased 7.6% with store sales increasing 4.6% and e-commerce sales increasing 50.7% as the Company continues to experience strong growth in its e-commerce channel.

Gross profit for the year ended January 28, 2017 decreased $4.7 million or 0.9% to $522.4 million as compared with $527.1 million for the year ended January 30, 2016. Gross margin was 54.9% for the year ended January 28, 2017 as compared to 56.2% for the year ended January 30, 2016 driven primarily by the adverse impact of approximately $19.0 million from the stronger U.S. dollar on U.S. denominated purchases. The Company continues to drive cost efficiencies through its global sourcing activities thereby helping to mitigate the negative impact of foreign exchange.

Results from operating activities for the year ended January 28, 2017 were $1.0 million as compared with a loss of $17.7 million for the year ended January 30, 2016, an increase of $18.7 million. Significant factors contributing to the improvement included:

a decrease in store operating costs of approximately $10.7 million (excluding depreciation and amortization) primarily due to the closure of Smart Set;

(excluding depreciation and amortization) primarily due to the closure of Smart Set; an impairment of goodwill of $4.2 million included in the prior year, related to the Thyme Maternity banner;

included in the prior year, related to the Thyme Maternity banner; a reduction in severance expense of $3.1 million as the prior year included severances related to the elimination of certain head office positions.

Net earnings for the year ended January 28, 2017 were $10.9 million ($0.17 basic and diluted earnings per share) as compared with a $24.7 million net loss ($0.39 basic and diluted loss per share) for the year ended January 30, 2016. Included in net earnings is a $9.6 million increase in the fair value of marketable securities ($16.1 million decrease for the year ended January 30, 2016).

Adjusted EBITDA1 for the year ended January 28, 2017 was $42.7 million as compared with $36.8 million for the year ended January 30, 2016, an increase of $5.9 million. The increase in adjusted EBITDA was attributable to reduced operating costs, as noted above.

Three months ended January 28, 2017

Sales for the three months ended January 28, 2017 were $248.4 million as compared with $242.2 million for the three months ended January 30, 2016, an increase of 2.6%, despite a net reduction of 90 stores as the Company optimized performance in select markets. Same store sales increased 7.9%, marking the eleventh consecutive quarter of positive same store sales. Store sales increased 3.5% and e-commerce sales increased 55.1% as the Company continues to experience strong growth in its e-commerce channel.

Gross profit for the three months ended January 28, 2017 decreased $4.0 million or 3.1% to $125.8 million as compared with $129.8 million for the three months ended January 30, 2016. Gross margin was 50.6% for the three months ended January 28, 2017 as compared to 53.6% for the three months ended January 30, 2016 driven primarily by the adverse impact of approximately $9.0 million from the stronger U.S. dollar on U.S. denominated purchases. The Company continues to drive cost efficiencies through its global sourcing activities thereby helping to mitigate the negative impact of foreign exchange.

Results from operating activities for the three months ended January 28, 2017 were a loss of $5.5 million as compared with a loss of $13.2 million for the three months ended January 30, 2016, an improvement of $7.7 million. The reduction in gross profit of $4.0 million was offset by reduced operating expenses of $11.7 million primarily attributable to:

an impairment of goodwill of $4.2 million included in the prior period, related to the Thyme Maternity banner;

included in the prior period, related to the Thyme Maternity banner; a decrease in store operating costs of approximately $3.3 million (excluding depreciation and amortization) primarily due to the closure of Smart Set and lower advertising costs due to timing of promotional activity;

(excluding depreciation and amortization) primarily due to the closure of Smart Set and lower advertising costs due to timing of promotional activity; a reduction in severance expense of $2.8 million as the prior year included severances related to the elimination of certain head office positions;

as the prior year included severances related to the elimination of certain head office positions; a decrease in the employee head office performance incentive plan expense of $2.4 million that is based upon the attainment of operating performance targets; partially offset by

that is based upon the attainment of operating performance targets; partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization for the three months ended January 28, 2017 of $2.1 million .

Net earnings for the three months ended January 28, 2017 were $0.3 million ($0.00 basic and diluted earnings per share) as compared with a $16.5 million net loss ($0.26 basic and diluted loss per share) for the three months ended January 30, 2016. Included in net earnings is a $5.5 million increase in the fair value of marketable securities ($5.4 million decrease for the three months ended January 30, 2016).

Adjusted EBITDA1 for the three months ended January 28, 2017 was $5.5 million as compared with $2.0 million for the three months ended January 30, 2016, an increase of $3.5 million. The increase in adjusted EBITDA was attributable to reduced operating costs, as noted above.

Dividends

At the Board of Directors meeting held on March 29, 2017, a quarterly cash dividend (constituting eligible dividends) of $0.05 per share on all outstanding Class A non-voting and Common shares of the Company was declared, payable April 27, 2017 to shareholders of record on April 13, 2017.

About Reitmans (Canada) Limited

The Company is a leading ladieswear specialty apparel retailer with retail outlets throughout Canada. The Company operates 677 stores consisting of 288 Reitmans, 127 Penningtons, 96 Addition Elle, 85 RW & CO., 62 Thyme Maternity and 19 Hyba.

1 Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company has identified several key operating performance measures and non-GAAP financial measures which management believes are useful in assessing the performance of the Company; however, readers are cautioned that some of these measures may not have standardized meanings under IFRS and, therefore, may not be comparable to similar terms used by other companies.

In addition to discussing earnings in accordance with IFRS, this press announcement provides adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("adjusted EBITDA") as a non-GAAP financial measure. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net earnings before income tax expense/recovery, dividend income, interest income, net change in fair value of marketable securities, interest expense, impairment of goodwill, depreciation, amortization and net impairment losses. The following table reconciles the most comparable GAAP measure, net earnings or loss, to adjusted EBITDA. Management believes that adjusted EBITDA is an important indicator of the Company's ability to generate liquidity through operating cash flow to fund working capital needs and fund capital expenditures and uses the metric for this purpose. The exclusion of dividend income, interest income and expense and the net change in fair value of marketable securities eliminates the impact on earnings derived from non-operational activities. The exclusion of depreciation, amortization and impairment charges eliminates the non-cash impact. The intent of adjusted EBITDA is to provide additional useful information to investors and analysts. The measure does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS. Although depreciation, amortization and impairment charges are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, as such, adjusted EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for these replacements. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as discretionary cash available to invest in the growth of the business and as a measure of cash that will be available to meet the Company's obligations. Other companies may calculate adjusted EBITDA differently. From time to time, the Company may exclude additional items if it believes doing so would result in a more effective analysis of underlying operating performance. The exclusion of certain items does not imply that they are non-recurring. Adjusted EBITDA should not be used in substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS or as an alternative to net earnings, net cash provided by operating, investing or financing activities or any other financial statement data presented as indicators of financial performance or liquidity, each as presented in accordance with IFRS. Although adjusted EBITDA is frequently used by securities analysts, lenders and others in their evaluation of companies, it has limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of the Company's results as reported under IFRS.

The Company uses a key performance indicator ("KPI"), same store sales, to assess store performance (including each banner's e-commerce store) and sales growth. Same store sales are defined as sales generated by stores that have been continuously open during both of the periods being compared and include e-commerce sales. The same store sales metric compares the same calendar days for each period. Although this KPI is expressed as a ratio, it is a non-GAAP financial measure that does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. Management uses same store sales in evaluating the performance of stores and online sales and considers it useful in helping to determine what portion of new sales has come from sales growth and what portion can be attributed to the opening of new stores. Same store sales is a measure widely used amongst retailers and is considered useful information for both investors and analysts. Same store sales should not be considered in isolation or used in substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.

The following table reconciles net earnings (loss) to adjusted EBITDA for the three and twelve months ended January 28, 2017 and January 30, 2016:







(in millions of Canadian dollars)



(unaudited) For the three months ended For the years ended

January 28, 2017 January 30, 2016 January 28, 2017 January 30, 2016 Net earnings (loss) $ 0.3 $ (16.5) $ 10.9 $ (24.7) Depreciation, amortization and net impairment losses

11.9

9.8

44.2

45.5 Dividend income

(0.6)

(0.6)

(2.5)

(2.6) Interest income

(0.2)

(0.2)

(0.7)

(0.6) Impairment of goodwill

-

4.2

-

4.2 Net change in fair value of marketable securities

(5.5)

5.4

(9.6)

16.1 Interest expense

0.1

0.1

0.2

0.3 Income tax expense (recovery)

(0.5)

(0.2)

0.2

(1.4) ADJUSTED EBITDA $ 5.5 $ 2.0 $ 42.7 $ 36.8 ADJUSTED EBITDA as % of Sales

2.21%

0.83%

4.49%

3.93%

Forward-Looking Statements

All of the statements contained herein, other than statements of fact that are independently verifiable at the date hereof, are forward-looking statements. Such statements, based as they are on the current expectations of management, inherently involve numerous risks and uncertainties, known and unknown, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Consequently, actual future results may differ materially from the anticipated results expressed in forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's expectations only as of the date of this Press Announcement. Forward-looking statements are based upon the Company's current estimates, beliefs and assumptions, which are based on management's perception of historical trends, current conditions and currently expected future developments, as well as other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. This Press Announcement contains forward-looking statements about the Company's objectives, plans, goals, aspirations, strategies, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, performance, prospects, opportunities and legal and regulatory matters. Specific forward-looking statements in this Press Announcement include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Company's anticipated future results and events, future liquidity, planned capital expenditures, amount of pension plan contributions, status and impact of systems implementation, the ability of the Company to successfully implement its strategic initiatives and cost reduction and productivity improvement initiatives as well as the impact of such initiatives. These specific forward-looking statements are contained throughout the Company's Management Discussion & Analysis ("MD&A") including those listed in the "Operating and Financial Risk Management" section of the Company's MD&A. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "foresee", "could", "estimate", "goal", "intend", "plan", "seek", "strive", "will", "may" and "should" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company and its management.

Numerous risks and uncertainties could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed, implied or projected in the forward-looking statements. Please refer to the "Forward-Looking Statements" section of the Company's MD&A for the year ended January 28, 2017.

Other risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that the Company presently believes are not material could also cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in its forward-looking statements. Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Company's materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities from time to time. The reader should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements included herein. These statements speak only as of the date made and the Company is under no obligation and disavows any intention to update or revise such statements as a result of any event, circumstances or otherwise, except to the extent required under applicable securities law.

The Company's complete financial statements including notes and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended January 28, 2017 are available online at www.sedar.com .

Montreal, March 29, 2017

Jeremy H. Reitman

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Telephone: (514) 385-2630

Corporate Website: www.reitmanscanadalimited.com

REITMANS (CANADA) LIMITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (Unaudited) (in thousands of Canadian dollars except per share amounts)







For the three months ended For the years ended

January 28, 2017 January 30, 2016 January 28, 2017 January 30, 2016









Sales $ 248,451 $ 242,156 $ 951,989 $ 937,155 Cost of goods sold

122,629

112,328

429,606

410,035 Gross profit

125,822

129,828

522,383

527,120 Selling and distribution expenses

120,914

130,665

478,541

498,650 Administrative expenses

10,390

12,363

42,824

46,154 Results from operating activities

(5,482)

(13,200)

1,018

(17,684)

















Finance income

6,346

1,926

12,820

7,998 Finance costs

1,037

5,469

2,716

16,443 Earnings (loss) before income taxes

(173)

(16,743)

11,122

(26,129)

















Income tax (expense) recovery

501

202

(190)

1,426















Net earnings (loss) $ 328 $ (16,541) $ 10,932 $ (24,703)

















Earnings (loss) per share:

















Basic $ 0.00 $ (0.26) $ 0.17 $ (0.39)

Diluted

0.00

(0.26)

0.17

(0.39)

REITMANS (CANADA) LIMITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (in thousands of Canadian dollars)







For the three months ended For the years ended

January 28, 2017 January 30, 2016 January 28, 2017 January 30, 2016

















Net earnings (loss) $ 328 $ (16,541) $ 10,932 $ (24,703) Other comprehensive (loss) income

















Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to net earnings:



















Cash flow hedges (net of tax of $549 for the three months and $2,889 for the twelve months ended January 28, 2017; $1,469 for the three months and $564 for the twelve months ended January 30, 2016)

(1,527)

3,974

(7,924)

1,488



Foreign currency translation differences

90

(276)

203

(395)



(1,437)

3,698

(7,721)

1,093

Items that will not be reclassified to net earnings:



















Actuarial gain on defined benefit plan (net of tax of $384 for the three months and twelve months ended January 28, 2017; $837 for the three and twelve months ended January 30, 2016)

1,039

2,355

1,039

2,355

















Total other comprehensive (loss) income

(398)

6,053

(6,682)

3,448

















Total comprehensive income (loss) $ (70) $ (10,488) $ 4,250 $ (21,255)





REITMANS (CANADA) LIMITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) As at January 28, 2017 and January 30, 2016 (in thousands of Canadian dollars)







2017 2016 ASSETS



CURRENT ASSETS





Cash and cash equivalents $ 120,265 $ 118,595

Marketable securities

54,764

45,189

Trade and other receivables

4,256

4,103

Derivative financial asset

1,386

14,405

Income taxes recoverable

3,480

3,301

Inventories

146,059

124,848

Prepaid expenses

6,846

8,921



Total Current Assets

337,056

319,362









NON-CURRENT ASSETS









Property and equipment

124,106

134,363

Intangible assets

23,110

24,347

Goodwill

38,183

38,183

Deferred income taxes

25,891

25,828



Total Non-Current Assets

211,290

222,721







TOTAL ASSETS $ 548,346 $ 542,083









LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY







CURRENT LIABILITIES









Trade and other payables $ 114,254 $ 98,135

Derivative financial liability

3,160

1,816

Deferred revenue

21,478

19,325

Current portion of long-term debt

1,655

1,896



Total Current Liabilities

140,547

121,172









NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES









Other payables

7,186

8,112

Deferred lease credits

8,230

10,640

Long-term debt

-

1,655

Pension liability

18,869

19,336



Total Non-Current Liabilities

34,285

39,743









SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY









Share capital

38,397

38,397

Contributed surplus

9,769

9,007

Retained earnings

326,675

327,370

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

(1,327)

6,394



Total Shareholders' Equity

373,514

381,168









TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 548,346 $ 542,083

REITMANS (CANADA) LIMITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) (in thousands of Canadian dollars)

Share Capital Contributed

Surplus Retained

Earnings Accumulated Other

Comprehensive

Income Total

Shareholders'

Equity











Balance as at October 30, 2016 $ 38,397 $ 9,570 $ 328,473 $ 110 $ 376,550





















Net earnings

-

-

328

-

328 Total other comprehensive income (loss)

-

-

1,039

(1,437)

(398) Total comprehensive income (loss) for the period

-

-

1,367

(1,437)

(70)





















Share-based compensation costs

-

199

-

-

199 Dividends

-

-

(3,165)

-

(3,165) Total contributions by (distributions to) owners of the Company

-

199

(3,165)

-

(2,966)





















Balance as at January 28, 2017 $ 38,397 $ 9,769 $ 326,675 $ (1,327) $ 373,514











































Balance as at January 31, 2016 $ 38,397 $ 9,007 $ 327,370 $ 6,394 $ 381,168





















Net earnings

-

-

10,932

-

10,932 Total other comprehensive income (loss)

-

-

1,039

(7,721)

(6,682) Total comprehensive income (loss) for the year

-

-

11,971

(7,721)

4,250





















Share-based compensation costs

-

762

-

-

762 Dividends

-

-

(12,666)

-

(12,666) Total contributions by (distributions to) owners of the Company

-

762

(12,666)

-

(11,904)





















Balance as at January 28, 2017 $ 38,397 $ 9,769 $ 326,675 $ (1,327) $ 373,514

REITMANS (CANADA) LIMITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) (in thousands of Canadian dollars)

Share Capital Contributed

Surplus Retained

Earnings Accumulated Other

Comprehensive

Income Total

Shareholders'

Equity











Balance as at November 1, 2015 $ 38,687 $ 8,809 $ 346,189 $ 2,696 $ 396,381





















Net loss

-

-

(16,541)

-

(16,541) Total other comprehensive income

-

-

2,355

3,698

6,053 Total comprehensive (loss) income for the period

-

-

(14,186)

3,698

(10,488)





















Cancellation of shares pursuant to share repurchase program

(290)

-

-

-

(290) Share-based compensation costs

-

198

-

-

198 Dividends

-

-

(3,166)

-

(3,166) Premium on repurchase of Class A non-voting shares

-

-

(1,467)

-

(1,467) Total (distributions to) contributions by owners of the Company

(290)

198

(4,633)

-

(4,725)















Balance as at January 30, 2016 $ 38,397 $ 9,007 $ 327,370 $ 6,394 $ 381,168











































Balance as at February 1, 2015 $ 39,227 $ 8,014 $ 368,581 $ 5,301 $ 421,123





















Net loss

-

-

(24,703)

-

(24,703) Total other comprehensive income

-

-

2,355

1,093

3,448 Total comprehensive (loss) income for the year

-

-

(22,348)

1,093

(21,255)





















Cash consideration on exercise of share options

2

-

-

-

2 Cancellation of shares pursuant to share repurchase program

(832)

-

-

-

(832) Share-based compensation costs

-

993

-

-

993 Dividends

-

-

(12,782)

-

(12,782) Premium on repurchase of Class A non-voting shares

-

-

(6,081)

-

(6,081) Total (distributions to) contributions by owners of the Company

(830)

993

(18,863)

-

(18,700)



















Balance as at January 30, 2016 $ 38,397 $ 9,007 $ 327,370 $ 6,394 $ 381,168

REITMANS (CANADA) LIMITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (in thousands of Canadian dollars)







For the three months ended For the years ended

January 28, 2017 January 30, 2016 January 28, 2017 January 30, 2016 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES









Net earnings (loss) $ 328 $ (16,541) $ 10,932 $ (24,703)

Adjustments for:



















Depreciation, amortization and net impairment losses

11,947

9,835

44,249

45,534



Impairment of goodwill

-

4,243

-

4,243



Share-based compensation costs

369

198

1,277

993



Net change in fair value of marketable securities

(5,494)

5,408

(9,575)

16,157



Net change in fair value of derivatives

-

-

-

12,335



Net change in transfer of realized loss (gain) on cash flow hedges to inventory

(714)

(1,322)

3,549

(2,334)



Foreign exchange loss (gain)

3,994

4,444

3,915

(2,353)



Interest and dividend income, net

(821)

(765)

(3,075)

(2,860)



Income tax expense (recovery)

(501)

(202)

190

(1,426)



9,108

5,298

51,462

45,586

Changes in:



















Trade and other receivables

1,838

341

(71)

(223)



Inventories

21,613

17,769

(21,211)

(18,408)



Prepaid expenses

587

1,035

2,075

3,227



Trade and other payables

(7,027)

4,543

15,877

6,099



Pension liability

287

173

956

560



Deferred lease credits

(823)

(767)

(2,410)

(2,538)



Deferred revenue

8,773

8,048

2,153

(1,748)







34,356

36,440

48,831

32,555

Interest paid

(31)

(61)

(170)

(286)

Interest received

174

158

706

650

Dividends received

632

631

2,457

2,515

Income taxes received

22

53

2,511

1,914

Income taxes paid

-

(643)

(438)

(2,578)

Cash flows from operating activities

35,153

36,578

53,897

34,770

















CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

















Additions to property and equipment and intangible assets

(9,126)

(5,835)

(34,370)

(33,354)

Proceeds on disposal of property and equipment and intangibles

-

63

416

63

Purchases of marketable securities

-

-

-

(5,660)

Proceeds on sale of marketable securities

-

-

-

1,678

Proceeds on sale of trademarks

-

1,038

-

1,038

Cash flows used in investing activities

(9,126)

(4,734)

(33,954)

(36,235)

















CASH FLOWS USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES

















Dividends paid

(3,165)

(3,166)

(12,666)

(12,782)

Purchase of Class A non-voting shares for cancellation

-

(1,757)

-

(6,913)

Repayment of long-term debt

(486)

(457)

(1,896)

(1,780)

Proceeds from issue of share capital

-

-

-

2

Cash flows used in financing activities

(3,651)

(5,380)

(14,562)

(21,473)

















FOREIGN EXCHANGE (LOSS) GAIN ON CASH HELD IN FOREIGN CURRENCY

(3,905)

(5,061)

(3,711)

1,620















NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

18,471

21,403

1,670

(21,318) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF THE PERIOD

101,794

97,192

118,595

139,913 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF THE PERIOD $ 120,265 $ 118,595 $ 120,265 $ 118,595

SOURCE Reitmans (Canada) Limited

For further information: Jeremy H. Reitman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Telephone: (514) 385-2630; Corporate Website: www.reitmanscanadalimited.com

Related Links

www.reitmanscanadalimited.com


Though the exact value of Chinas spending on its space programs remains shrouded in secrecy, many analysts peg its civilian space budget at around $3 billion annually in recent years, a fraction of the $19.3 billion the United States allocated to NASA in 2016. There a push within Chinas government to triple spending on space science (from $700 million to $2.1 billion) as well as the emergence of a small but growing group of privately backed space start-ups suggest that both Chinese industry and government see long-term economic benefits in their investments in space technologies.

In 2016, China launched more rockets than Russia for the first time, equaling the 22 rockets launched by the United States. Included among those missions was Shenzou 11, which carried a crew of two to dock with Chinas Tiangong-2 spacecraft, a temporary orbiting space habitat serving as a stepping stone for a larger, permanent Chinese space station in the early 2020s.

In the past year a number of Chinese space launch start-ups have emerged, largely with the backing of universities and hedge funds. Two-year-old OneSpace is developing a 59-ton launch vehicle that it plans to launch for the first time in 2018. ExPace, founded early last year, plans to market its solid-fueled Kuaizhou rocket to those looking to loft small satellites into orbit. Likewise, Landspace  launched in 2015  claims it will conduct its first commercial launch this year.

ExPaces Kuaizhou rocket is reportedly based on the launcher for Chinese antisatellite weapons and missile defense interceptors, while Landspaces rocket is based on the governments Long March 11 rocket (for its part, OneSpace was reportedly founded with support from the National Defense Science and Industry Bureau).

Launching small satellites atop rocket technologies borrowed from Chinas national space programs is simply a way into the market. OneSpace plans to eventually develop a manned space capsule, and Landspace is reportedly mulling a far more powerful, liquid-fueled rocket that could compete directly with the likes of SpaceX, Blue Origin or Frances Arianespace.

The current five-year plan (running through 2020) already calls for five major space exploration projects. These include a dark matter-seeking satellite that launched in December 2015 and an experimental quantum communications satellite that launched last year that could lead to significant breakthroughs in communications and cryptography. An ongoing build-out of geolocation and Earth observation satellites is also providing China with vast reserves of the currency that information technology companies trade in: data.

By building out its network of BeiDou satellites  Chinas equivalent of GPS  and Earth-imaging satellites like those in its Gaofen constellation, China can generate the kinds of data that companies can turn into high-tech service enterprises
New technologies, including better land mapping, prefabricated construction and cheaper solar power, have begun bringing the costs of housing down 20 percent to 30 percent, say experts.

At the low end of the scale, the changes may be most significant: There is a new market developing to serve 200 million households in slums in emerging markets.

A third of urban dwellers1.6 billion peoplecould struggle to secure decent housing by 2025. Here are four approaches that could help. If current trends in urbanization and income growth persist, by 2025 the number of urban households that live in substandard housingor are so financially stretched by housing costs that they forego other essentials, such as healthcarecould grow to 440 million, from 330 million.

In Pune, India, where the population density is seven times higher than in Manhattan, at 194,000 people per square kilometer, developers are building apartments between 396 and 794 square feet that sell for RS 10-25 Lakh, or $10,000$25,000. Spurred by the governments push to make affordable housing a priority, a growing number of developers and private equity firms are entering the market, including Janaadhar Infrastructure and Poddar Developers. India has a shortage of 18 million urban housing units.

Technology will make housing cheaper and land use better.

65 million people a year are moving into cities.

The construction industry employs about 7 percent of the worlds working-age population and is one of the world economys largest sectors, with $10 trillion spent on construction-related goods and services every year. But the industry has an intractable productivity problem and, according to Reinventing construction: A route to higher productivity, a new McKinsey Global Institute report, an opportunity to boost value added by $1.6 trillion.

If construction-sector productivity were to catch up with that of the total economyand it canthis would boost the sectors value added by an estimated $1.6 trillion, adding about 2 percent to the global economy, or the equivalent of meeting about half of the worlds infrastructure need.

Parts of the industry could move toward a manufacturing-inspired mass-production system, in which the bulk of a construction project is built from prefabricated standardized components off-site in a factory. Adoption of this approach has been limited thus far, although its increasing. Examples of firms that are moving in this direction suggest that a productivity boost of five to ten times is possible.

Better Mapping makes more land available for development

In every city, there are significant parcels of land, sometimes owned by the government or a quasi-government agency, that arent available for development. Because so much of the price of housing is driven by the land, big-data mapping that combines geography with databases on land ownership and zoning to identify more land for development indirectly has been bringing down the price of housing.

For instance, an analysis of a sample of parcels in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, found that 40 square kilometers zoned residential and have access to suitable infrastructure have remained idle for two decades, according to McKinsey.

In the least developed cities in the world, many in Africa, where much of the land isnt mapped at all and ownership isnt clear, mapping technology is laying the groundwork for change. If property is mapped, developers often pay slum dwellers for land they occupy, then borrow against the land to finance housing construction and sell or rent housing to the former slum dwellers.

Slum Dwellers international is using mapping technology to map settlements and give slum dwellers addresses.

New construction techniques

With land in greater demand in cities around the world, more developers and architects are designing tighter spaces with prefabricated materials that ultimately cost less and are the same or higher quality.

Computer modeling can more precisely estimate the strength and durability of different materials, like laminated timber and reinforced concrete, said London architect Simon Goode. That in turn is renewing interest in those materials, which may cost less to ship and takes less time to put together. A key to lowering costs is doing projects at scale: The incremental cost savings are small on an individual house but make a difference in sweeping affordable housing projects.

In the West Bank of Palestine, where land is at a premium, Goode developed plans for a community of houses selling for $40,000$60,000 instead of the typical $120,000. The houses were smaller, with dual-use spaces like those common in Europe, and the houses made less use of expensive stone and used modular piece.

Solar for slums

Costs for solar photovoltaics are expected to drop by 25 percent by 2020. India is spend $150 million on lighting in the slums in Kolkata.

Lower cost solar is now seeing return on investment within 5 years.

Digital communication and internet infrastructure is becoming affordable and transformative as well.
The Presidency said Thursday that President Muhammadu Buhari has not shelved his plans of seeing his doctors in London for further check ups.Online medium, Sahara Reporters citing an unnamed presidential source, had alleged that Buhari had chosen to bring his doctors to Nigeria instead of jetting out to see them in London. It alleged that the president has recalled an advance party which has already left the country.It is false news. We are not aware of the reported advance movements, said presidential spokesman Garba Shehu.The last time the president spoke about this, he said he would return to his doctors after some time. We are not aware that this has changed.On the day he returned to Nigeria following his 49-day medical vacation, Buhari had mentioned during a meeting with members of his cabinet that there would be a need for him to still visit his doctors in the United Kingdom. He said, I am feeling much better now, there may, however, be a need to have further follow-ups within some weeks.At the meeting, he did not give any indication of what illness he was suffering from but said I have received, I think, the best of treatment I could receive.I couldnt recall being so sick since I was a young man, he added, referring to blood transfusions, going to the laboratories and so on and so forth.However, the presidency is yet to state when the president is expected to see the doctors.
A dozen activists break through security at Stansted Airport in the UK and chain themselves together on runway to stop failed asylum seeke...

A dozen activists break through security at Stansted Airport in the UK and chain themselves together on runway to stop failed asylum seekers being deported.The left-wing activists were trying to stop a flight taking up to 100 immigrants back to Nigeria and Ghana.According to Mailonine, the runway was closed around 10pm, resulting in eight flights being diverted to other London airports, but by 11.30pm was running as normalThe protesters were part of three groups called End Deportations, Lesbians and Gays Support the Migrants and Plane StupidThey were heard chanting: No borders, no nations, stop deportations.One of the activists blocking the runway, Emma Hughes, said she was trying to prevent families from being separated.She told Huck Magazine: Weve taken this action because many people on this flight are being placed in serious danger by being callously deported back to Nigeria and Ghana.Theres been a lot of attention recently on Trumps racist Muslim ban, but whats happening in the UK is equally repellant.People are being rounded up in the middle of the night based on their perceived nationality, forced on to planes in undisclosed locations and strapped down in their seats with no one witnessing the violence theyre facing.Do we really want to live in the sort of society where these violent and secretive mass deportations are being normalised?It costs the UK taxpayer at least an average of 12,000 per year to house someone seeking asylum.A home office spokesman said he could not comment on operational activity but added: We respect everyones right to peaceful protest but we are clear that removal is an essential element of an effective immigration system.We expect those with no legal basis to remain in the UK to leave voluntarily but if they do not, we will seek to enforce their departure.
The embattled Akwa Ibom House of representatives member, Mr. Nse Ekpenyong currently facing a certificate forgery case, is allegedly re...

The embattled Akwa Ibom House of representatives member, Mr. Nse Ekpenyong currently facing a certificate forgery case, is allegedly remanded in Uyo prisons for failing to meet bail conditions.A source told revealed that, the lawmaker, who is facing nine count charges arising from the certificate forgery of a national diploma of Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, is now cooling off in prison for not being able to meet his bail conditions.Ekpenyong, who was arraigned at the Federal High Court, Uyo by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday over forgery saga, represents Oron Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. One of the suits brought against Mr Nse Ekpenyong read as follows;That you Nse Bassey Ekpenyong on or about November 22, 2012, at Uyo, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did make a document to wit: Abia State Polytechnic National Diploma Certificate in Business Administration with No. 001181 dated November 22, 2012 with intent that, it may be acted upon as genuine which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (2) (C) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M 17 of the Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) 2007 and punishable under section 1 (2) of the same Act.Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu, who presided over the matter has assured that, the matter would be accelerated hearing and, however granted the lawmaker bail in the sum of N10 million. Ekpenyongs lawyer, Mr. Emmanuel Isangedoho argued for his bail conditions, while the EFCC was represented by Mr. Ahmed Arogha.The accused person, Mr. Ekpenyong had pleaded not guilty to all the charges and, the case has been adjourned to April 12, 2017.
Yakubu Dogara, speaker of the house of representatives, says as a pensioner, President Muhammadu Buhari is concerned about issues related ...

Yakubu Dogara, speaker of the house of representatives, says as a pensioner, President Muhammadu Buhari is concerned about issues related to salaries and pensions.Turaki Hassan, spokesman of Dogara, quoted the speaker to have said this when he received a delegation from the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, led Abel Afolayan, its national president.He said since public office holders took an oath to defend the constitution, it would be a failure on their part if pensions are not paid.The president is a pensioner himself, he is and I know that he has always been concerned about issues related to salaries and pensions, Dogara was quoted to have said.He has been so concerned that he has extended assistance to state governments to bail them out with funds to pay for salaries and pension at state levels and I believe having taken such steps he wont be so unconcerned about his own responsibility to pensioners of the federal Republic.So, I believe there is a disconnect somewhere and that is what we have to connect now and to see that even if the last person in the state gets his salary and pension, if we dont address our pensioners at the federal level, we have failed. and that message will be delivered by Gods grace.The speaker said the government is not doing anybody a favour by paying pensioners their wage.If pension is a right and pensioners must be paid, it means that the federal government is indebted, it is in debt and if it is paid, the government is not doing a favour to anybody, we dont even deserve any thanks because pension earned is a right, he said.He also said that the lower legislative chamber would invite all key players in charge of pension to appear in plenary next week Thursday to speak on how they plan to clear the pension liabilities.On his part Afolayan, said the national assembly should offset the N200 billion pension liabilities owed pensioners across the country.He also appealed that pension should be put on first line charge to put an end to the traditional rigorous budgetary allocation process.
The Presidency on Thursday said President Muhammadu Buhari has not changed his plan to return to his doctors in London, United Kingdom for...

The Presidency on Thursday said President Muhammadu Buhari has not changed his plan to return to his doctors in London, United Kingdom for follow-ups.The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said this in an interview with journalists.Shehu said it was not true that Buhari had decided to bring his doctors to Nigeria instead of returning to London.The presidential spokesman however did not specify when Buhari will return to London.He said, It is false news (that Buhari is no longer going to London). We are not aware of the reported advance movements.The last time the President spoke about this, he said he would return to his doctors after some time.We are not aware that this has changed.Buhari had shortly after he returned to the country after his 49-day medical vacation in London admitted that he had never been that sick in his life.He then gave an indication that he will return to London for further checkup.I am feeling much better now, there may, however, be need to have further follow-ups within some weeks, the President had said.
Buhari Sends Osinbajo To France For Anti-corruption, Integrity Forum Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday left Abuja for Paris to att...

Buhari Sends Osinbajo To France For Anti-corruption, Integrity ForumVice President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday left Abuja for Paris to attend the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum.According to a statement issued by the Vice Presidents Spokesman, Laolu Akande in Abuja, Osinbajo is one of the speakers to feature at the global conference.The Vice President left for the forum after attending the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa.The forum is scheduled to hold from March 30 to March 31.The OECD forum brings together global leaders, ministers, business leaders and civil society representatives to discuss issues of governance.Such issues include the cost of corruption to society, the use of political donations to buy influence, developments in corporate liability for graft and the role of export controls to counter bribery.During the conference, Osinbajo would hold bilateral talks with the Secretary-General of the organisation Angel Gurria.The talk would review and explore relationship between Nigeria and the body, including how to further strengthen mutual cooperation in areas of good governance, integrity and anti-corruption efforts.While in Paris, the Vice President would also hold a number of meetings with the French Minister Mr Bernard Cazeneuve.Founded in 1961, OECDs mission includes the attainment of global economic development through supporting sustainable economic growth, boosting employment and raising living standards.The mission includes contributing to the growth of world trade and maintaining financial stability among other objectives.Osinbajo is expected back in Abuja at the weekend.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, has said the current face-off between the executive and the legislatur...

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, has said the current face-off between the executive and the legislature is normal in the democracy. Dogara, who spoke to Senior Editors in Abuja on Wednesday, said the nation stands to benefit from it.According to him, conflicts are a natural part of human beings and can be found even within the family unit.There will always be fractions. Where you have human and individual factors, even in a family, there is bound to be conflicts.In the relationship between the Legislature and the Executive, there will always be conflict. The only problem is that sometimes we cast conflicts as intricately bad, he said.Dogara said sometimes conflicts were necessary for a nation, adding that where you had a collection of conformists, chances were that they would never make progress.For you to have innovation and progress, people must be free to disagree, and it is only in disagreeing that progress is made.He said that the most important issue was that leaders of all arms of government interpret the issues so that they could lead to the nations progress.He said current political leaders must realise that Nigerians made a lot of sacrifices to ensure the enthronement of the current government, thus all sides of the government must close ranks and deliver on the promises that the people had sacrificed so much.Conflicts yes, we may have conflicts, but it shouldnt endure to the level that it offsets the friendly relationship with the Executive which is necessary to deliver on the goals of governance, that is key.He said the House had always been supportive of the executive and always overcome party differences to ensure passage of key legislations in the interest of the country.Dogara said the APC government had not disappointed Nigerians as it had strived to meet their expectations, especially in restoring security in the North East.This government, through various interventions has been able to ensure that the terrorists are not holding unto any spot of land. I believe this is one major thing that has given some hope to Nigerians.For the very first time, we are in a position to overcome this problem, and it is critical, even if its nothing else that our citizens in the Northeast down to Abuja can move around more freely than before.The Speaker also said the current government had made tremendous progress in tackling corruption as government officials now think twice before engaging in any corrupt act.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that corruption was responsible for the Boko Haram insurgency in the north or east. He also stated...

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that corruption was responsible for the Boko Haram insurgency in the north or east. He also stated that the vice has caused untold humanitarian disasters, promoted the death of 20,000 while displacing 2 million persons.Osinbajo made the revalations while speaking Thursday at the ongoing meeting of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, OECDs Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum in Paris, France. The vice president also said that illicit financial flows from Africa to other parts of the world were on the increase and had cost the continent a capital flight of USD50billion annually.He therefore called for a united against corruption and illicit follows especially from Africa. He said: Mr. Secretary-General, Your Excellencies, there is now hardly any credible opposition to the notion that corruption and Illicit financial flows constitute perhaps the gravest challenge to development. And this is especially true of developing countries. Besides, we have seen in Nigeria, in recent years, how corruption directly fueled the terrorist insurgency in the North-East.And how in turn that has led to one of gravest humanitarian disasters in the world; 20,000 fatalities and 2 million people displaced. Also the adverse implications for education, healthcare, social services, infrastructure and indeed quality of life no longer require making a case . Corruption and illicit financial flows are different.But they really must be twinned. This is because for practical purposes it is an eminently more sensible approach to treat most of the sources of illicit financial flows as corrupt activity, within a broader use of the term. It is also clear that most economies ravaged by corruption, usually-both as a cause and consequence-do have institutions that are too weak to fight corruption and illicit financial flows. International collaboration is therefore the smartest and most effective approach to apprehend and deter perpetrators, and ensure restitution of stolen assets. Of particular note on the continental level is the ground breaking work of the of the Thabo Mbeki Panel on illicit financial flows from Africa. The initiative which was sponsored by a joint commission of the AU and the ECA, alarmed at the prospect that most African States despite earnings and official development assistance, would still not meet MGD targets in 2015, noted that Africa loses USD50billion annually, in illicit financial flows.The Panels far reaching conclusions and recommendations again underscore the overwhelming importance of global collaboration, especially to bridge the huge capacity gap between the large corporations and organized crime identified as the foremost perpetrators and facilitators of corrupt activity in and illicit flows from Africa. Yet more needs to be done. Osinbajo noted that as a country committed to stamping out corruption, Nigeria has mapped out some measures to fight it.Some of these measures, he said, included establishing a seven man Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, the Anti-Corruption and Criminal Justice Reform fund with the support of three international Development Partners; Ford Foundation, MacArthur Foundation and the Open Society West Africa, the Whistleblower initiative launched barely eight weeks ago and signing of several bilateral mutual legal assistance treaties on collaboration on financial crimes and corruption with numerous countries. Regretting however that no frantic international efforts were made to assist African countries where mostly the funds were being ferried abroad, the vice president said that the countries where stolen funds were being stashed away should be held responsible. Secretary-General, We must work collaboratively to ensure transparency in financial transfers, and outlaw secrecy jurisdictions.There must be more rigorous enforcement of rules promoting transparency in the international banking and financial systems, especially more stringent KYC rules on customer identity, source of wealth, and even country of origin. Countries hosting global financial centers, and other usually targeted destinations of illicit flows must be held more accountable to enforce mechanisms which ensure transparency of ownership, control, beneficial ownerships, trusts and other legal contrivances that may be used to camouflage financial or other assets. Open contracting and information systems, are also crucial.Responsible government authorities ought to have information about which companies won what contracts, and what they have paid as taxes to governments in host and home countries. This is especially important for the extractive industry. Nigeria is committed to these standards having joined the Open Government Partnership in 2016.Tracing, freezing and Return of stolen assets has proved in many cases to be exceptionally difficult for most African countries. We in Nigeria have seen just how difficult it is to get back stolen assets from the international financial system, such as banks that ought not have received those funds in the first place if even the most routine questions were asked. A robust global framework on repatriation of stolen assets which ensures quick restitution to victim countries is long overdue.Your Excellencies, there is consensus that corruption and illicit financial flows out of Africa, inexorably delay the attainment of development goals, worsen practically all human development indices and trap the majority of her people especially the most vulnerable in a cycle of misery.Only a united global action has the power to reverse this trend. We respectfully urge that this power be exercised more vigorously and without further delay, Osinbajo said.
Popular Nigerian actress, Omotola Jalade was invited to speak on Brand Building for Global Relevance, The Omotola Story at the Business school, University of Ghana where she met full excitement and anticipation from fans as the hall was full to capacity and still overflowing.The mother of 4 who had just come off from a trip to Morocco with her husband Capt Ekeinde where she was a speaker alongside Rev Jesse Jackson at the Crans Montana forum, wore a grey silk shirt, black jeans and had words of wisdom for the yearning students.Organized by Unilever, Omotola who is also the Brand Ambassador for Knorr, had earlier in the day met with the Ghanian First Lady Mrs Rebecca Akufo-addo . Fielding questions on building and sustaining a powerful and consistent global brand, the outstanding actress gave quotes such as "The world is waiting for you to perfect yourself and present yourself".
The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom and his Rivers state counterpart had been on each others throat in the last one week and not yet t...

The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom and his Rivers state counterpart had been on each others throat in the last one week and not yet to shield swords.The two governors had been on each others throat in the last one week.Wike, last week, called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on Benue State over killings and destruction of property in the state.He further called on Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate the Paris Club refund to Benue State, accusing Ortom of not meeting the yearnings of his people.Ortom had replied to the calls stating that the killings in Rivers were far more than the ones in Benue and that Wike was using the Benue issue to divert attention from his failure in governance.Although, Mr. Ortom said he will not respond to the outbursts of Governor Nyesom Wike while speaking on Wednesday at the swearing-in of five permanent secretaries at Government House, Makurdi, but he ustylishly attacked the governor again.He said: tey are not happy because I am honest and transparent; union leaders sit on the table with us to do the sharing each time we receive allocation; they are against me because of all these.The governor said he would not exchange words with a governor who did not believe in the rule of law and assured Benue people that he would continue to resist temptations aimed at distracting his attention from good governance.
President Muhammadu Buhari's Personal Assistant on Social Media, Lauretta Onochie has described Nigerian Senators as a bunch of erran...

President Muhammadu Buhari's Personal Assistant on Social Media, Lauretta Onochie has described Nigerian Senators as a bunch of errant schoolchildren and turned the Nation's assembly to a chamber that works with blackmail.In a statement on her Facebook page on Wednesday, Onochie described the senators as clowns.She was reacting to the recent decision by the Senate not to screen INEC REC nominees sent by President Muhammadu Buhari until Ibrahim Magu is removed as acting Chairman of the EFCC.She wrote, At best, the Nigerian Senate has turned itself into a trade union of some sort. Not a patriotic trade union that cares and fights for the well being of the citizens, but a blackmailing self-serving trade union that work with blackmail!But there are many patriotic and people-oriented senators in that Chamber. Where are they? Why are they silent? Why are they succumbing to the bullying antics of a few clowns who are being manipulated by the head cabal? Yes, the cabal!What are the patriotic senators doing to let Nigerians know that they are not part of the unholy and demonic alliance of the awaiting-trial cabal?How can they sit pretty, and allow those who are either under criminal investigations or are awaiting trials to be the ones deciding the fate of Nigerians?She added that the senators have neglected their principal role of lawmaking.So, why is the Nigerian Senate acting like a bunch of errant schoolchildren in a playground?.
The management of Egbin Power Plc, Nigerias largest power plant, has threatened to shut down operation owing to non-payment of N110bill...

The management of Egbin Power Plc, Nigerias largest power plant, has threatened to shut down operation owing to non-payment of N110billion debt. This may throw a huge segment of the population into blackout.The plant has 1320megawatts (Mw) capacity.Its Managing Director, Mr. Dallas Peavey, yesterday in Lagos lamented that the huge debt has caused serious liquidity problem to the firm coupled with gas supply and transmission challenges. The problems, according to him, have stretched the company to its limit, adding that by next week, the firm may close shop, which will push the country into another round of blackout.Peavey told reporters that the plant was being gradually forced to shut down due to debt and adverse effect of grid instability that endangers its turbines. He identified inadequate gas supply to generate at optimal capacity as another challenge.According to him, the planned shutdown of the plant may cause Nigerias electricity supply, which recently witnessed improvement to get worse in the coming weeks.Peavey said: Egbin power plant is one of the biggest single power generating stations in Africa with an installed capacity of 1320 Mw consisting of six units of 220Mw each.Following the conclusion of the governments privatisation exercise in November 2013, the consortium formed by the partnership between New Electricity Distribution Company and the Korean Electric Power Corporation (NEDC/KEPCO) acquired Egbin Power. He added that the effect of the debt has become worse for the company.He said: We owe the gas companies and have others like our technical partners (KEPCO) to pay, and importantly our lenders, the banks. We have made massive investments in making the plant available to generate electricity sustainably but unfortunately, we cant break even due to the gross inefficiency in the value chain.The government guarantees to pay us for every megawatt we generate and sell to NBET but they have not done that. We just got paid for the month of December 2016, three months later and we were only paid a paltry 28 per cent out of the total 100 per cent of the verified and accepted invoice for that month.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday changed a plan by which he was due to return to London this weekend for another round of medical t...

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday changed a plan by which he was due to return to London this weekend for another round of medical treatment, barely two weeks after his return from a hospital there.Instead, his doctors will be arriving on Friday to carry out further medical examination on him.Sources at the Presidency informed SaharaReporters that the presidents advance party had already left Abuja earlier in the day by Ethiopian Airlines before they were recalled to Abuja.Our sources say the hawks within the presidency advised against taking the president abroad so soon after his seven weeks away, as that would begin to feed the rumor mill all over again about his ailment.In a short televised address upon his return, Buhari had hinted about returning to the hospital shortly, saying there might be a need for further follow-up within weeks. Given the topsy-turvy political climate in the country, however, his advisers felt it was unwise to allow him to stay away for too long.The president has traveled to London several times since coming to power for a medical reason before traveling earlier this year for a prolonged medical treatment. He had also traveled there in June 2016, reportedly consulting with an ear, nose and throat specialist after he contracted an ear infection.The latest developments come as pressure is mounting on the presidency to disclose how much was spent on his 49-day medical vacation in the United Kingdom, with Nigerians saying they have a right to know.Activists, including well-known lawyer Femi Falana, and civil society groups such as the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, and the Campaign for Democracy, among others, argue that the medical bill is of public interest because Buhari touted transparency and change in public affairs when he ran for the presidency.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has said the hitches being experienced with the e-PIN vending sale format will be over...





The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has said the hitches being experienced with the e-PIN vending sale format will be over in a matter of days.Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB registrar, gave the assurance on Wednesday during the opening ceremony of a strategic planning retreat on the monitoring, supervision and evaluation of 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).He advised the candidates to remain calm as the board was doing its best to tackle hitches being experienced during the registration.Emerging from the retreat at Abeokuta, the Board has innovated a contemporary sale of application method, which has led to the elimination of scratch cards, he said.The Board has adopted a cost saving procedure PIN Vending System. It is a secured system which has redressed the sharp practices associated with the use of scratch cards.We are aware of the teething problems attendant to the introduction of the new sale format, and as a responsive body, we have taken steps to ease the challenges and in a few days, the results would be a seamless registration exercise all over the country.Speaking in the same vein, JAMB acting zonal coordinator in Nasarawa state, Moses Akobu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the e-PIN was not introduced to create hardship for candidates.In the past, JAMB asked candidates to buy scratch cards from banks and do their registration in the cybercafe of their choice.But the board discovered that in the process, candidates encountered problems such as mismatching of names and passports.This mismatch often create problem on the day of the examination, Akobu told NAN.He said some cybercafes often exploit candidates by charging them excessive fees outside the JAMBs recommended N5,500.For example, some cybercafes charge fees ranging between N7,000 and N8000, which is not supposed to be.When the new JAMB registrar came on board, he identified these lapses and introduced the e-PIN vending in order to prevent fraud and solve the problem of mismatching.The system is good because it is error free and the JAMB will have a direct contact with all prospective candidates through their valid email addresses, he said.Akobu said the desire of JAMB is to serve the candidates better and it is ready to do.So the hitches they are experiencing now will be over in a matter of few days, he said.The zonal coordinator added that the major challenge of generating e-PIN for the candidates being faced by the banks was due to poor network.
The Nigerian Senate leadership have 5 conditions to end the rift with the Presidency, according to a recent report.

The Nigerian Senate leadership have 5 conditions to end the rift with the Presidency, according to a recent report.President Buhari yesterday set up a committee to end the rift also. The committee is headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.A senator close to the senate leadership, who spoke anonymously said there are 5 things the Presidency need to do for peace to reign.Saraki's trial: The trial of Saraki is central to the crisis because it is believed that they came up with it because he violated the interest of the presidency and the party (APC) to emerge the senate president. If his trial is stopped, there would be peace,Dissolution of Presidency Cabal. A camp in the presidency is using the senate against another. This is the second issue that must be addressed for peace to reign. Buhari should dissolve the camp, otherwise no serious progress would be made, he added.Buhari's cabinet members must respect the senate. If a resolution is passed, the executive doesnt respect it, there is general contempt against us. This must stop, he said.Buhari must start communicating with the APC. The president must be talking to the party for it to be talking to caucus. If the president is bringing anything to the senate, the party should be involved.Buhari must talk with the senate more. The fifth one is that there is no personal communication between the senators and the president. There is need for this, he said.The senate officially said it wasn't aware of these conditions. Senate spokesperson of the senate, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi said, "You are just telling me now. Im not aware of such committee and I dont know its terms of reference.
Yakubu Dogara, speaker of the house of representatives, says the planned relocation of Shell from the Niger Delta region may lead to viole...

Yakubu Dogara, speaker of the house of representatives, says the planned relocation of Shell from the Niger Delta region may lead to violence and insecurity.Shell had cited security concerns, especially militant activities as the reason it was considering leaving the region.On January 26, the house adopted a motion sponsored by Kingsley Chinda, a lawmaker from Rivers state, who asked the lower legislative chamber to prevail on Shell not to relocate from the Niger Delta.Speaking at the inauguration of the ad hoc committee mandated to investigate the planned relocation of the company, Dogara called attention to the outcry the Shells plan.The speaker said the federal government and the lower legislative chamber must ensure that justice in Niger Delta region was not denied.This is because the Niger Delta region sits atop oil wells where much of our revenue as a nation is derived from, he said.Relocation by the SPDC is said to be based on security concerns today. This has generated outcry and agitation by the people and if we as a house do not address it, it may escalate and result to violence and insecurity.On his part, Ishiaka Ibrahim, chairman of the ad hoc committee, said his panel would look into the reasons which informed Shells decision.We shall engage all relevant stakeholders in order to come up with report and recommendation that would stand the test of time, Ibrahim said.We shall also consider all factors surrounding the conception of the decision of the SPDC planned relocation from Port Harcourt.
President Jacob Zuma of South Africa is considering offering to step down in 2018, at least 12 months before his term ends, senior party s...

President Jacob Zuma of South Africa is considering offering to step down in 2018, at least 12 months before his term ends, senior party sources told Reuters n Thursday."The offer, is under a deal with opponents in his ruling party that would see Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan leave office now", two sources exclusively told Reuters.Mr. Zuma is due to be replaced as party leader at an African National Congress (ANC) party conference in December after serving his allocated two terms, but was expected to remain the countrys president until elections in 2019.Mr. Zumas spokesman did not respond to several calls for comment.The offer appears intended as a way out of an impasse over the countrys leadership within the divided ANC, but may not be enough to satisfy opponents of Mr. Zuma, who want the president out early anyway and urgently want Gordhan to stay.There is precedent for an ANC leader to leave the presidency early.Thabo Mbeki was removed by the ANC as South African president in 2008 after his time as party leader ended at the close of the previous year.A split in the ANC deepened on Tuesday after Mr. Zuma ordered Gordhan to return from an investor roadshow in Britain, raising expectations of a cabinet reshuffle that markets fear will include Mr. Gordhans removal.Source: Reuters
On March 28th a hitherto unknown northern group known as the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, through its spokesman, one Yerima Shetima, ...

On March 28th a hitherto unknown northern group known as the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, through its spokesman, one Yerima Shetima, had the nerve and effontry to accuse Afenifere and the Yoruba nation of a subtle campaign of ethnic cleansing and went on to threaten us with what they decribed as reprisals against the millions of Yoruba living in the north if we did not stop complaining about the fact that our people were slaughtered in Ile-Ife and that the police were handling the whole matter in a selective, inappropiate and unjust manner.It is clear that this is not an empty threat because for the last two weeks fake and horrendous videos and graphic pictures of what purport to be the killings of Hausa Fulanis by the Yoruba and the people of Ile-Ife are being circulated all over the internet and social media by those that seek to promote anarchy, violence and carnage and those that are set to kill.This is not the time to escalate the tension and we must do all we can to exercise restraint and keep the peace but clearly the stage is being set by some in the north for ethnic pogroms and reprisals against the Yoruba. Yet we are not in the least bit perturbed and someone should advise the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum and those that they represent that pulling the tail of the tiger can be a very dangerous thing indeed. Like Shakespeares King Henry V once said they must wake not our sleeping sword lightly.They and whoever sent them can be rest assured that the Yoruba are not intimidated or deterred by their boastful threats and that we will lose no sleep over their irresponsible and reckless words. Whether they and their sponsors like it or not we shall continue to complain and to protest and we eagerly await the full manifestation and execution of their cold-blooded and unwarranted threat. Yesterday evening the Arewa Consultative Forum itself, the body of elders and leaders that speaks for the north, chose to stop hiding behind their youths and waded into the ring. They issued a formal statement, through one Muhammadu Ibrahim, who is apparently their spokesman, cautioning Yoruba elders and leaders not to give ethnic coloration to the Ile-Ife crises and that if they continued to do so they should be mindful of and ready for what he described as reprisal consequences.This is yet another not so well-couched warning and veiled threat. They have made their point and we have taken our stand. The next move is theirs. Meanwhile I find it curious that not one prominent voice from outside Yorubaland, except for a handful of notable, insightful and deeply courageous essayists and political commentators like Reno Omokri and Jude Ndukwe, has spoken out against the evil and injustice that the people of Ile-Ife have been subjected to by both the Hausa Fulani community and the Nigerian Police Force.It appears that the Yoruba have been left to carry their cross on their own even though when the Fulani militants and herdsmen, or indeed anyone else, commit genocide and mass murder against innocent people in other parts of the country the Yoruba are always at the forefront of speaking up for the victims. Yet despite this wonderful quality of more often than not being our brothers keeper, the people of the south west still harbour a number of so-called leaders within their ranks who are more comfortable with sleeping with the enemy than in defending or speaking up for their own. Permit me to give just one example.A few renegades from the south-west, whom I regard as the enemy within and the sons of perfidy, have complained that my two part essay on the Hausa Fulani and Yoruba clash in Ile Ife (tltled The Hausa Fulani, The Yoruba and The Slaughter In Ile-Ife) was too harsh and that it may even have compounded the problem. They also complained about the follow-up that I wrote to that article titled The Sons and Daughters Of Ile-Ife: Butchered, Paraded and Now Prisoners Of War which came out last week. Frankly I am at a loss to comprehend their baseless concerns and criticisms or appreciate their warped logic.How can one compound the problem by speaking the bitter truth? How can one compound the problem by resisting evil and standing up for ones own? How can one compound the problem by standing against tyranny and ethnic domination? How can one compound the problem by objecting to mass murder, genocide, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity?How can one compound the problem by pointing out that the Hausa Fulani must stop killing other Nigerians wherever they go? How can one can one compound the problem by saying that we refuse to be sacrificial lambs or second class citizens in our own land?How can one compound the problem by asserting that it is ungodly and unacceptable for others to storm our territory, rape our women, burn our homes, occupy our land, steal our farms, desecrate our places of worship, kill our children and terrorise our people? How can one compound the problem by contending that it is not only a grave insult but also an affront to decency and justice that only the Yoruba were arrested by the police after the carnage at Ile Ife even though people from both sides were killed? How can one compound the problem by rejecting the conspiracy of silence, refusing to be a coward and saying enough is enough? How can one compound the problem by saying that if the brutal killings of our people does not stop that we will have no choice but to reconsider being part of Nigeria and no qualms about exercising our right of self-determination and thereby light the glorious flame of the sovereign state and independent nation of Oduduwa?Needless to say I offer no apology and neither do I have any regrets for any of the things that I have said or written even if the primitive and barely educated in our midst see things differently.Some of the things they wrote, particularly in the pro-Government newspapers and websites, were brought to my attention and frankly I saw nothing but unadulterated rubbish. I have never read so much puerile nonsense, infantile balderdash and disjointed verbiage before in my entire life. The traitors that joined hands with our collective enemies and led our people into the jaws of death and the poisonous fangs of the ravenous and insatiable Fulani monster still dont know who and what they are up against or who and what they are dealing with. They are slaves and cowards in body, spirit and soul.I have always known that but what I didnt know is that they would also go as far as to cast aspersions on the character and noble efforts of those of us that are risking our lives and liberty by confronting the beast. Instead of applauding us for doing what THEY ought to be doing they are denigrating us and belittling our efforts. They believe that if they say and do the right things the Hausa Fulani will leave them alone and allow our people to live in peace. Little do they know the monster.They have also said that the area known as Sabo where the Hausa Fulani live was the only place that their APC got votes in Ile-Ife during the governorship and presidential elections. Consequently they believe that they must protect the Hausa Fulani that live there and sacrifice the Yoruba. People that reason, think and talk like that are evil.They are nothing but vermin. They are scum and so are ALL those that share their views. They are traitors, cowards and cockroaches and they have sold the Ifes and the Yoruba down the river. They are playing politics with this grave and very serious issue whilst the blood of their people is being shed and their traditional rulers and sons and daughters are being falsely accused, detained and locked up in distant and dingy underground cells.They helped President Muhammadu Buhari to win power in 2015 yet they have remained silent as his Hausa Fulani kinsmen have slaughtered people all over the country in the last two years. Not one word of objection or protest did they offer when confronted with this monstrous outrage. They even applauded and encouraged the killings and patted the genocidal maniacs on the back. When the beasts were done with the people of Southern Kaduna, Benue, Enugu, Abia, Taraba, Delta, Plateau, Kogi, Kwara, Anambra, Imo, Edo, Ebonyi and elsewhere and the same thing was done to their own Yoruba kith and kin in Ile-Ife they were shocked beyond belief but they did nothing except beg their Hausa Fulani friends.They crawled and bowed before Rabiu Kwankwaso when he came to Ile Ife to insult our people asking for compensation after the massacre. They shivered and went on their knees before Abdulrahman Dambazau when he came to Ile Ife to intimidate our people saying the Ifes must behave themselves after the carnage.They trembled and bowed before the Nigerian police when they paraded our sons and daughters and a reverred traditional ruler before the television cameras, labelled them as murderers and common criminals and said they would prosecute them. They clapped with joy and shouted bravo when the security and intelligence agencies refused to arrest even ONE Hausa Fulani person after they slaughtered and beheaded our people in the sanctity of their own homes.They sang and danced with joy and servile adoration when the northern Inspector General of Police labelled the Yoruba as criminals and attempted to justify the fact that no Hausa Fulani person was arrested after the conflict. Now they have been commissioned by the same Hausa Fulani-led govermment to denigrate and insult those of us that have courageously stood up, resisted the evil, exposed the truth, called the murderers to order and encouraged our people to stand firm and stand tall. What a useless heap of dung these cowardly animals are.It is no wonder that so many people in our country WRONGLY label the Yoruba as cowards that cannot be trusted in a fight. They do not know that these cowardly dogs do not represent the Yoruba but only their own stomachs. The only thing that is worse than the evil agenda of those that slaughter others at will in Nigeria are the slaves that are prepared to work for them and destroy the destiny of millions of Yoruba for a pittance.Yet they can be rest assured of one thing: their plan to dampen our enthusiasm, break our resolve and destroy our efforts will not work.Whatever they do or say we shall continue to sensitise our people about the great evil that confronts them today and we shall strengthen our resolve to resist the Buhari administrations scurillous attempt to break our will, intimidate our people and destroy our future. (TO BE CONTINUED).By Femi Fani-Kayode
President Donald Trumps eldest daughter, Ivanka Trump, has announced that she would take up an appointment in her fathers administratio...

President Donald Trumps eldest daughter, Ivanka Trump, has announced that she would take up an appointment in her fathers administration.Ivanka, in a statement on Wednesday, said she will be a Special Assistant to the President but will not take a salary. This came as her unofficial role has grown in recent weeks, and she was granted security clearance and an office at the White House, according to reports. I have heard the concerns some have with my advising the president in my personal capacity while voluntarily complying with all ethics rules.And I will instead serve as an unpaid employee in the White House Office, subject to all of the same rules as other federal employees. Throughout this process, I have been working closely and in good faith with the White House Counsel and my personal counsel to address the unprecedented nature of my role, Ivanka said. Ivankas role as First Daughter in support of the President is unprecedented. Ivanka Trumps husband, Jared Kushner, has recently been confirmed a Senior Adviser to the President. The White House also released a statement about the new role to be played by Ivanka, saying that it is pleased by the move.Ivankas service as an unpaid employee furthers our commitment to ethics, transparency, and compliance. And it affords her increased opportunities to lead initiatives driving real policy benefits for the American public that would not have been available to her previously, the White House statement read. When her increased security clearance and White House office were announced, Ivanka acknowledged that there is no modern precedent for an adult child of the president.The official title made Ivanka existing role more formalized but she had been present for family events like the various inauguration celebrations as well as closed-door meetings and sit-downs with foreign leaders. In February, she met Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the White House, as part of a roundtable discussion on female entrepreneurs. She also met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when he visited the White House in February. When German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited the White House earlier this month, Ivanka was seated right beside her.When Trump held a listening session about domestic and international human trafficking on Feb. 23, he started his remarks by thanking Ivanka for her role. Ivanka involvement in business roundtable discussions has been attributed to her business background at her personal fashion label and her fathers real estate empire. (NAN)
The Nigerian Senate yesterday summoned The Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption Chairman Prof. Itse Sagay over some unco...

President Muhammadu Buhari had set up a committee to improve the relationship between the Executive and the Legislature.It can be recalled that The Senate refused to confirm 27 Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) over the retention of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu and Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal.The Senate yesterday resolved to invite Sagay to appear before its Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions Committee to explain why he allegedly described senators as childish and irresponsible for asking President Muhammadu Buhari to sack Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu within two weeks.Sagay is also to explain why he allegedly said that the Senate is filled with people of questionable character who put personal interest ahead of the nation.The lawmakers would like the professor of jurisprudence to name the questionable characters in the Senate.The resolution followed a motion of privilege by Senate Deputy Leader Bala Ibn NaAllah (Kebbi South) who told the Senate that Sagay infringed on his integrity, character and privilege as a Senator.NaAllah referred to a publication by a national daily which quoted Sagay to have said: But the Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), described the Senates action, calling on Buhari to sack Magu in two weeks, as childish and irresponsible.Sagay told newsmen in a telephone interview that the Senate was filled with people of questionable character, who put their personal interest ahead of that of the nation.NaAllah said: There is no dispute as to the fact that today, distinguished Senator NaAllah is a senator. If somebody in the standing of Prof. Sagay made this comment, it means this Senate is under obligation to invite Itse Sagay to come and name the questionable people that fills this Senate. It is very important at this stage of our political development. It is very important.Let me say with the greatest respect that if due diligence has been done in respect of who the person and personality of Prof. Sagay is, I am absolutely sure that he will not have been appointed in that position.But let me say with due respect that I, Bala Ibn NaAllah, am not a person of questionable integrity. Let me equally say that no senator here is a person of questionable integrity.For somebody in Itse Sagays position to come and call this Senate irresponsible and that we are childish and persons of questionable character, it behoves on this Senate to call upon him to appear before the Ethics and Privileges committee to say who are of questionable integrity because we came here by name and he should name names and Nigerians are entitled to know and we should know the basis of that.We will argue about this matter here and there but in conclusion the public will have the benefit of knowing where the irresponsibility lies and I hope I have made my point.Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan (Yobe North), who also felt maligned by Sagays alleged comments, said:I believe that if there is anything that this administration needs, is cordiality, a relationship between the legislature and the executive. It therefore behoves every presidential aide from ministers to the least in the ladder to behave responsibly to encourage and sustain the very cordial relationship between the National Assembly and the administration. Mr. President, we are elected people just like the president is an elected president.The Nigerian public has every right to criticise us, call us to order where we erred, proffer suggestions and way out where they think we need that. But I take special and serious exception when a presidential aide, instead of trying to bring people together, the two sides of government, would speak in this manner that is so divisive and unnecessarily creating tensions between the two arms of government and dragging and pulling down this administration from achieving those very noble and laudable campaign promises.I, therefore, take this opportunity to advise presidential aides, if you have to speak when you have to speak, if you must speak, to use the language that will bring the executive and the legislature into some understanding for us to achieve what Nigerians need most.We are not above board and I want to emphasise this, Nigerians have the right to speak because they brought us here, but a presidential aide hasnt got that right. He can only proffer suggestions on the way out. I therefore believe that what the deputy leader has raised is serious; it is fundamental and I hope it will be an eye opener.Senator Peter Nwaoboshi (Delta North) who prayed the Senate to ignore Sagay because it is in his character to cause confusion said:I want to create three scenarios so that this Senate will be able to understand the person we are talking of and for us to know if there is any need at all to invite him.Mr President, if you remember last year when the Supreme Court of Nigeria gave a ruling in a matter staying proceedings in an action, Prof. Sagay came out and cast aspersions on the judges of the Supreme Court and said everything he wanted to say about the judges of the Supreme Court that served in that panel.The Nigerian Bar Association then under Barrister Alegheh, SAN came out to apologise on behalf of NBA; he took on the NBA; he said all sorts of things about NBA.The same Prof. Sagay when he was a professor of law in University of Benin and a woman, Prof. Alele Williams, was appointed a Vice chancellor for the University of Benin from Delta. Prof Itse Sagay with two other professors became intransigent and tried to pull down the administration of this woman because a woman was appointed a first woman vice chancellor in Nigeria and that led to the government of Ibrahim Babaginda to sack him and the other two.Thats another Prof. Sagay. The same Prof. Sagay when he was asked to deliver a speech in Delta State after the creation of Delta State that the good people of Delta North where I represent, Sagay said the fact that we have a state capital we therefore have no right to aspire to the position of governorship of Delta State.I want to appeal, it is his trade mark, it is his trademark and like my friend said, if they had done some screening about him, there wont have been any need to have appointed him. He doesnt thrive where there is peace; his best is when there is confusion and trouble. He creates problems everywhere and that is why I have created three scenarios.I want to appeal, let us not waste our time on Professor Sagay. Let us face important issues, national issues than to talk about Prof Sagay because he will continue. If a man at almost 80 years, if not more than 80, is behaving like that, it is his trademark you cannot change him now.Let us just leave him; it is his trademark and those who appointed him, if they decide to bring him, he will continue to cause trouble, cause confusion and that is his trademark.However The Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) Chairman Prof Itse Sagay (SAN) yesterday said the Senate cannot summon him for expressing an opinion.He said the Senate lacks the authority to summon a private citizen.Sagay said the lawmakers were embarking on a futile exercise that could have embarrassing consequences.According to Sagay, he does not fall within the category of government officials that the Senate can summon.He said he only exercised his constitutionally guaranteed right to hold an opinion.However, Sagay said a government official can be summoned during an amendment of a law that affects the officials agency, or where the official is directly involved in spending monies appropriated by the National Assembly.The eminent professor of law said any senator who feels that his reputation was damaged by his comments could seek redress in court.He said the Senate was not a court of law before whom he could be ordered to appear.Sagay was reacting to a move by the Senate to summon him over comments he made on the lawmakers.Senate President Bukola Saraki referred the matter to the Ethics Committee, which is to report back in four weeks.Saraki said: I think this matter will be referred to the committee on Ethics and Privileges and to report back in four weeks.
Nazis created 'basic plan' for European Union,

Ukip MEP Gerard Batten saysMr Batten made the comments after Boris Johnson invoked Hitler to criticise the EUThe Nazis drew up the basic plan for the European Union decades before it was actually established, a Ukip MEP has claimed.Gerard Batten on Monday stepped up to defend Boris Johnson, who on Sunday attracted criticism for likening the EUs aims to those of Adolf Hitler.Mr Batten however suggested Mr Johnson had actually underplayed the connections between the EU and the Nazis, and that the bloc had closer links with the fascists than many realized.The Junkers (/jkr/ yuung-kr; German: [jk]) were the members of the landed nobility in Prussia. They owned great estates that were maintained and worked by peasants with few rights.[1] They were an important factor in Prussian and, after 1871, German military, political and diplomatic leadership. The most famous Junker was Chancellor Otto von Bismarck.[2]EURO menace Jean-Claude Junckers dad fought for Hitler in World War Two.And his father-in-law was a Nazi sympathiser who persecuted Jews in his homecountry.Juncker, 59, is tippedto be the European Commissions new president.But his plans for a bigger EU with less say for the UK have led to oppositionfrom David Cameron  and TheSun branding him the most dangerous man in Europe.Sources say the ex-Luxembourg PMs demands stem from shame over his dad.Steel worker Joseph was forced to join the German army and fight in Russiafrom 1941. Junckers EU colleague Henri Grethen said: The experience of hisfather had a big impact. He doesnt want the story repeated.Father-in-law Louis Mathias Frising  dad to Junckers wife of 35 yearsChristiane  was a teacher in Ettelbruck, Luxembourg, when the Germansinvaded in 1940.Frising volunteered to be a Nazi propaganda chief while banning spoken Frenchin favour of German.He was also responsible for enforcing a law which stripped Jews of theirrights and professions  the first stage of the Holocaust.After the war Frising had his teaching licence revoked and set up a DIY shop.He had two daughters before dying aged 89 in 2004.A neighbour said: I knew Louis for 30 years and had no idea he was a Nazisympathiser. He kept that quiet because presumably it would have beenpolitically damaging to Jean-Claude.The Junckers live in a 2million mansion near Luxembourg City. His campaignmanager declined to comment.just another snazi nazi like soros
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inform yourselves kids.President Trump took to Twitter this morning to remind Americans that theon the left may have been living inafter all...The story behind this Podesta-Russia link is explained in full gore by Mike Krieger via Liberty Blitzkrieg blog; dot connectors, Twitter diagram creators andfrom sea to shining sea take note.It relates to John Podesta, but The Daily Caller reports:That's not the end of the story though, as...Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, has confirmed that it hired the consultancy of Tony Podesta, the elder brother of John Podesta who chaired Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, for lobbying its interests in the United States and proactively seeking the removal of various Obama-era sanctions, the press service of the Russian institution told TASS on Thursday "The New York office of Sberbank CIB indeed hired Podesta Group. Engagement of external consultants is part of standard business practices for us," Sberbank said.Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, has confirmed that it hired the consultancy of Tony Podesta, the elder brother of John Podesta who chaired Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, for lobbying its interests in the United States and proactively seeking the removal of various Obama-era sanctions, the press service of the Russian institution told TASS on Thursday "The New York office of Sberbank CIB indeed hired Podesta Group. Engagement of external consultants is part of standard business practices for us," Sberbank said.Previously, The Daily Caller reported that Tony Podesta was proactively lobbying for cancellation of a range of anti-Russian sanctions against the banking sector. In particular, he represented interests of Sberbank and was paid $170,000 for his efforts over a six-month period last year to seek to end one of the Obama administrations economic sanctions against that country.according to Senate lobbying disclosure forms . His firm received more than $24 million in fees in 2016, much of it coming from foreign governments, according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics....Regular readers will recall that the Sberbank-Podesta relationship goes back many years., owned by one of Bill Clintons closest friends, Frank Giustra. Giustra and Bill Clinton lead the Clinton-Giustra Enterprise Partnership, an integral part of the Clinton Foundation.Consider if any or all of the above had taken place among any of the Trump administration - what would have occurred? How villified would the offender have been? As Mike Krieger concludes, personally, I doubt any of the above is a huge deal, and I certainly dont think Podesta is working for Vladimir Putin under the table.It wouldve been plastered on the front page ofandwith headlines like, More Financial Ties Emerge Between Those in Trumps Orbit and Putin.Naturally, you wont see this story hyped because
A demonstrator dressed as a polar bear joins others gather infront of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, March 28, 2017, during a rally against President Donald Trump's Energy Independence Executive order. Trump signed an executive order aimed at moving forward on his campaign pledge to unravel former President Barack Obama's plan to curb global warming. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
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.
Perfect Livin17 Welcome Gift Giveaway

Being one of the biggest home expos in Malaysia, the event will host more than 1,000 booths ranging from furniture boutiques to home appliance brands to renovation experts. Whats more? Win over RM400,000 worth of products and vouchers  guaranteed gifts included!



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To get workers' comp benefits for an on-the-job injury or illness, you need to follow your state's rules for reporting the injury and filing a claim. Learn how to file a claim and where to get more information and help.

If you've suffered a work-related injury or illness, you may be entitled to workers' comp benefits, including medical care, part of your lost wages while you're off work during your recovery, and permanent disability benefits if the injury left you with long-lasting limitations.

To get these benefits, you must report your injury and file a claim according to your state's procedures. While each state has its own workers' comp system, the procedures for filing a claim are generally similar. Below we'll discuss the workers' comp claims procedures that all states share.

Report Work Injury to Employer

In nearly all states, the first step to getting workers' compensation benefits is to report your injury or occupational illness to your employer. States have very different time limits for notifying an employer of a work injury or illness. The deadline is often 30 days or so, but it can be as short as a few days and as long as a year.

Regardless of how much time you have, you should inform your employer of your injury as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more skeptical your employer or its insurance company will be of your claim. And, the sooner you file your claim, the sooner you can receive benefits.

You should also get immediate medical attention if your injury requires it. For emergency treatment, you can go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care. For all other treatment, you will need to follow your state's rules for seeking medical treatment.

File a Workers' Comp Claim

Once you report your injury, your employer should give you any necessary forms to fill out. Typically, the employer will submit these forms to its insurance company and the state workers' compensation agency. In some states, this will be the official start to your workers' compensation claim. In these states, you will need to file official paperwork with the state workers' comp agency only if your benefits are denied and you want to appeal the decision.

In other states, you will also need to file an official workers' comp claim form with the state workers' compensation agency at the start of your case. The deadline for this step also varies from state to state. While workers often have a year to file the claim, the timeline could be significantly shorter in some states. (Learn more about the various time limits in workers' comp cases and details on the filing procedures for workers' comp claims in certain states.)

You can get information, forms, and assistance from your state's workers' compensation agency. In the unlikely event that your employer refuses to cooperate with you in filing a claim, a call to your local workers' comp office will usually remedy the situation.

Federal employees are subject to a completely different workers' compensation system. You can find forms and instructions for filing claims at the website of the Division of Federal Employees' Compensation.

What Happens After You File a Workers' Comp Claim

The insurance company will conduct an investigation before approving or denying your claim. The insurer must tell you what it decided, usually within two to four weeks. In some states, if your claim isn't denied by the deadline, it will automatically be considered approved.

If the claim is approved, you'll start receiving benefits. If your claim is deniedwhich often happensyou have the right to appeal.

When to Contact a Workers' Comp Attorney

If your claim has been denied, you should speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. There are many reasons for denials, from missed deadlines to disputes over whether your medical condition is related to work.

The appeals process is complicated, with strict deadlines. An experienced workers' comp attorney can help your case in many ways, from gathering evidence that bolsters your claim to negotiating with the insurance company or representing you in hearings.

And a lawyer usually won't cost you anything up front. In almost all states, workers' comp attorneys charge a percentage of your benefits if you winand nothing if you lose.
Welcome to non league daily news now - your number one spot for all things relating to the National League System. Our dedicated reporters have come straight from the sidelines to bring you news fresh from the dugout - but not before theyve stopped off at the burger van first!

We know that non league football fans are full of heart, passion, and belief. You trust the manager, you believe in the team, and, for some strange reason, you trust those rickety stands, too! Here at Non League Daily, we hope we can become your trusted non league news resource - a platform thats just as passionate about non league daily news now as you.

Come rain or shine, well be out reporting on the latest non league fixtures. Well also be scouring the news, refreshing social media, and sourcing information from team websites in the hopes of finding the latest breaking non league daily news for our readers.

As youll soon see, weve got exclusive match reports on the Vanarama National League, weve got transfer speculation thatll affect the National League South, weve found great stories thatll spice up the National League North, and weve even got news on the latest giant killers of the FA Cup.

We may not be able to agree on who is going up this year, but we can all agree that any news on the NLS worth knowing will be published here, at Non League Daily.
Clarrissa Newman has been the campus coordinator of the Charles E. Lakin Human Services Campus for more than two years.

The campus is home to the American Red Cross, Boys and Girls Club, Heartland Family Service, MICAH House and The Salvation Army.

Our mission is to provide a place where all children and families in need can find assistance, resources and training to better enable them to become productive and contributing citizens, Newman said.

For the second year, the Lakin Campus will open its doors to the Family Fun Fair to help bring awareness to child abuse prevention.

The campus has also most recently become a Safe Place location in collaboration with Youth Emergency Services, giving children a place to go when they feel they are in trouble. Campus workers can connect them with agencies and services to help get them out of these crisis situations.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. A free Family Fun Fair will be held from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday at the Charles E. Lakin Human Services Campus, 815 N. 16th St.

Prevent Child Abuse Pottawattamie County encourages the public to wear blue on April 7 and attend a mayoral proclamation and Pinwheels for Prevention Fun Run at 11 a.m. on April 8 on the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. Attendees at both events are encouraged to wear royal blue to help increase awareness.

For information, contact Jordan Morse at 712-355-2615.
OAKLAND  The effort to create watershed authorities for the West Nishnabotna and East Nishnabotna rivers continues.

About 60 people were on hand Wednesday at the Oakland Community Center to listen as organizers discussed progress on the Iowa Watershed Approach.

The five-year project is funded by a $96.6 million U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant. Leading the effort is the University of Iowa-based Iowa Flood Center and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

We hope to keep the momentum going here on the Nish, DNR representative Kyle Ament said as the meeting started.

The West Nishnabotna River watershed stretches from around Aspinwall in Crawford County to the north and down to Sidney in the south and touches about 27 towns and 10 counties.

The East Nish watershed stretches from Templeton in Carroll County south to Riverton in Fremont County and includes portions of 19 towns and nine counties.

The crowd included representatives from area counties and towns, along with those involved in conservation and community planning. There are a total of 84 potential partners on the project.

We cant do this from Iowa City, were academics, we cant do this from Des Moines, we cant do this from Washington D.C., Iowa Flood Center Director Larry Weber said. This work has to be done locally.

The stakeholders are working toward creating a Watershed Management Authority  essentially a committee, as the authority would have no taxing or land rights authority, including not being able to take land through eminent domain  for both rivers.

This approach is way overdue to address flooding, which causes a lot of damage, along with water quality, Pottawattamie County Supervisor Scott Belt said.

The goals of the Iowa Watershed Approach include reducing flood risks and improving water quality, according to Weber. The center will provide monitoring equipment for streams and other areas throughout the watersheds.

With Mills and Fremont county boards of supervisors in the lead, Watershed Coalition Articles of Agreement have been drafted, with three signees for the East Nishnabotna authority and four for the West Nishnabotna authority, according to Cara Morgan with Golden Hills Resource Conservation and Development.

Fremont and Audubon county supervisors and the Carroll County Soil and Water Conservation District have signed for both authorities, while the city of Manning has signed for the West Nishnabotna.

At the last two Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors meetings, supervisors have discussed signing the articles of agreement.

The Pottawattamie County Attorneys Office has suggested the change of some wording in the agreement, which DNRs Ament noted could be done as an amendment, since such a large number of governmental bodies were deciding on the agreement as currently worded.

The Pottawattamie County board tabled a vote until after Wednesdays meeting.

The overall program makes sense, Supervisor Tom Hanafan said, though he voiced concerns about the status of the Housing and Urban Development Department under the Trump administration.

Hanafan and Belt will discuss the watershed meeting at the next board meeting. A vote on whether to sign the agreement is expected.

Morgan said Golden Hills is hoping to have the agreements signed by May 1. She noted bodies can sign after that day, but on May 1 the leading partners on the project will file the documents with the Iowa Secretary of States Office to become a Watershed Management Authority.

Once formed, the authority will decide on an executive committee. Additionally, a project coordinator must be hired to guide both watershed authorities, with the salary covered by $75,000 in HUD funding annually for roughly the next four years.

For more information on the project go online to iihr.uiowa.edu/iwa and goldenhillsrcd.org/watershed-management.html.
A district court judge got it wrong when he allowed Gov. Terry Branstad to skip a scheduled deposition.

On Monday, Branstad praised District Judge William Kelly for ruling the governor does not have to face deposition in a lawsuit filed by a fired state agent who accuses Branstad of defamation, the Associated Press reported.

Former Division of Criminal Investigation agent Larry Hedlund had asked the judge to require Branstad to take questions under oath for two to three hours. But Kelly rejected the request Friday, mere hours before the videotaped deposition was scheduled to occur.

The judge said Hedlunds lawyers could get the information through less burdensome measures such as written questions for the governor, who is preparing to become U.S. ambassador to China and overseeing a fast-moving legislative session.

Branstad told reporters Monday that state lawyers felt the deposition would be really a waste of my time.

The whole case against me is that I gave an honest answer at a press conference, he said.

Hedlunds wrongful termination lawsuit alleges the governor defamed him during a 2013 press conference by saying Hedlund was fired for the morale and safety and well-being of the department, and that the termination was fair and just.

In contrast, Hedlund argues he was fired for reporting misconduct, including an incident in which a state trooper driving Branstad was clocked going 84 mph in a 65-mph zone but wasnt cited. Hedlund was removed from duty after complaining to superiors  who are also named as defendants  that Branstads security detail had a practice of speeding with impunity.

Hedlund, an award-winning criminal investigator who handled many high-profile cases, alleges the governors suggestion that he was a safety problem destroyed his career. Hes now a detective in Fort Dodge. The state has said Hedlund was fired for insubordination.

At the 2013 press conference, the governor denounced the former agents allegations as false accusations of retaliation and called on Hedlunds lawyer to make public a confidential 500-page investigation, saying the public should know the truth.

Hedlunds lawyers wanted to ask Branstad in a deposition about the basis for those comments. The Iowa attorney generals office, which is representing the governor, argued a deposition would significantly interfere with Branstads duties.

Kelly  who was appointed by Branstad in 2015  ruled that high-ranking government officials generally cannot be deposed for actions taken during their official duties. He found that Hedlund failed to show exceptional circumstances that would call for an exception, but said he may reconsider the issue if Hedlunds lawyers cant obtain information through other methods.

We acknowledge Branstad is a busy man, but governors arent above sitting down for a deposition. Kelly erred in granting Branstads request to avoid being deposed, but the issue shouldve never gotten to his desk.

When asked to meet with Hedlunds lawyers, Branstads answer could have and should have been simple: Yes.
The dedication for the new Blair Library and Technology Center will be on Saturday.

The flag raising ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. in front of the new facility at 2233 Civic Drive, off of North Highway 75 in the Deerfield Subdivision. It will be followed by the dedication ceremony at 10:45 a.m. in the new meeting facility.

Lt. Gov. Mike Foley will be making the keynote remarks. Mayor James Realph and Congressman Jeff Fortenberry also will be making comments. The official ribbon cutting and opening of the library will follow at about 11:45 a.m.

The dedication and open house are open to the public. The library foundation and library staff will give tours and demonstrate some of the new technology features of the facility during the open house from noon to 4 p.m. The foundation will serve refreshments during the afternoon.

The new facility is approximately 24,000 square feet and has wireless network available to the public, study rooms, expanded genealogy room, maker space room, youth gaming areas and public meeting rooms.

The $6,145,000 facility was built as a cooperative venture between the City of Blair and Blair Library Foundation, with funding from the State of Nebraska Community Facilitys Grant administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and the United States Department of Agriculture Community Facilities Program.

The library foundation owns the facility and the City of Blair has a 40-year lease with the option for a second 40-year extension. The library foundation has the ability to transfer the title to the City of Blair at any time in the future, upon paying off the USDA loan.
Trumps budget encouraging

The information released so far on President Trumps budget is very encouraging. It shows that the President is demonstrating a desire to move the United States back to constitutional government. For too long, the federal government has been spending hundreds of billions of dollars each year on unconstitutional programs, as shown by the annual Constitutional Budget report of The Conservative Caucus Foundation.

It appears that the president will increase spending on national security, a function which the Constitution clearly assigns to the federal government. Defense spending has suffered as money has been diverted to unconstitutional uses. The budget will also cut from unconstitutional programs. Prominent among these is the Department of Housing and Urban Development, whose programs cannot be derived from any of the powers delegated by the Constitution. While much of HUDs spending will remain in place for now, we can hope that this is a first step toward phasing it out entirely.

Finally, the president rightly insists that the federal government should continue to repay the money borrowed from the Social Security Trust Fund so as to maintain full benefit payments. These surplus funds, borrowed over almost a half century, came from a 1983 Social Security tax increase that was adopted explicitly for the purpose of making Social Security financially viable for a longer period. The money should be put to no other use.

Peter J. Thomas, president of Conservative Caucus Foundation, Warrenton, Virginia

___________________________________________________________

Iowans should lead nation in civility

Iowans take pride in showing respect and kindness to everyone. I always hear from out-of-staters how everyone is Iowa Nice. Whether its at a tailgate in Ames or a convention in Des Moines, our reputation is built and sustained on civility.

In this time of increased political rancor, Iowa is poised to be an example to the rest of the nation. We can show the country how to talk with neighbors and strangers about policy without resorting to the behavior and rhetoric that oozes out of campaigns and still govern effectively.

As a retired professor, Im disturbed by whats happening on college campuses, where the loudest voices can shut down free speech. Students rioted and lit fires to protest one controversial speaker, Milo Yiannopoulos, at UC-Berkeley last month. The same speaker was scheduled to appear at Iowa State in December, but the event was canceled at the last minute when police demanded $2,000 from the sponsoring student organization for added security.

Now were seeing members of Congress attacked at meetings in their districts. The town halls occur across the country, but one local group is giving tactical training to as many as 40,000 activists nationwide: Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement.

Iowa CCI is no newcomer to disruptive tactics. The groups executive director was arrested in January at a sit-in protest. For years, Iowa CCI has used the tactic of picketing outside the homes of people it views as political opponents. In one instance, they picketed the home of a political consultant  who actually didnt live there anymore, though his 9-year-old son became frightened.

We may live in a time of partisan divide, but both Democrats and Republicans in Iowa have condemned Iowa CCIs tactics. Whether or not we agree with whatever policy ICCI is pushing at a given moment, the tactics they use are detrimental to our decency and democracy. ICCI fails its causes and those who support them by employing reprehensible tactics and giving politicians a valid excuse to ignore them. Resorting to demonizing opponents, impugning character and shouting down adversaries wont win new supporters and it damages Iowas reputation for friendliness and hospitality.

By refusing to engage in conversations, let alone compromise, our national discourse is eroding before our eyes.

No matter our politics, we should all strive to disagree without being disagreeable. Its the Iowa way.

Rudy Daniels, Sioux City

___________________________________________________________

Minimum wage bill hurts workers

To assure good times for some folks and not necessarily for all, Iowa Republican politicians are intent on rolling back any local ordinances that increase a minimum wage over $7.25 an hour, and thats aplenty.

Aplenty as in the antebellum South where masters on the ole plantation could not live comfortably high on the hog in their fine mansions if they could not own some people as slaves and keep others down and in their place as white trash.

Apparently Iowa Republicans believe that in these times money changer capitalists will not be able to hoard a lions share of the states and nations wealth unless there are working poor folks doing all the dirty work, heavy lifting and attending to detail that keeps everything going for so little.

True, each and everyone is in business to secure for themselves and dependent loved ones food, clothing, shelter and enough rest and leisure to keep going and to find it worthwhile to do so, but some folks are apparently more worthily in business for themselves than are other folks.

The more worthy are the risk takers who must be legally protected against the possibility of failure because they are ... ah ... the risk takers that have to worry about paying all the bills and someone making $7.25 an hour does not? Hum, are these Iowa legislators that are bent on keeping the important folks comfortably in their business of the same party as candidate Abe Lincoln who, while running to be first Republican president said, A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free.

Sam Osborne, West Branch


A PIONEERING new project hopes to stop family breakdowns caused by the behaviour of adolescents.

The Multi Agency Rapid Response Service (MARRS) brings together outreach help from health, social services and education in Buckinghamshire in a bid to sort out family problems before they reach the point where youngsters are taken into care.

The project was officially launched at Orchard House, in the grounds of Lansdowne School, off Cressex Road, High Wycombe, on Monday.

Wycombe MP Sir Ray Whitney and children's ITV presenter Andy Collins opened the scheme which includes a family therapist, child psychiatrist and psychotherapist.

The 250,000 a year scheme hopes to help up to 250 families a year from all over Buckinghamshire and is thought to be one of the first schemes of its kind in the country.

Barry Kirwan, project manager, said: "There are many reasons why family relationships come under strain. It may be that a teenager is getting involved with crime, drink or drugs or excluded from school. Parents feel their child is out of control and they're at their wits' end and can't cope any more.

"The right kind of help at the right time can help to create better understanding and help parents and child come to an agreement about how to live with each other in future.

"Instead of having just one agency,as happened in the past, we know what is going on in the classroom and any mental health or welfare issue we will pick up very quickly."

Sir Ray said: " Having been a health minister and social security minister I do have some idea of the difficulties of co-ordinating the support structures that are available to get families together and applied where they are needed. I am delighted that High Wycombe has been chosen."
Earlier this month, a group of Logan View High School students got a chance to take in the history of Washington, D.C. and see government in action.

The group of 29 juniors took part in the trip from March 12 through the 17 and were able to visit the White House, Smithsonian Museum and several national monuments.

They also got a chance to meet with Senators Ben Sasse and Deb Fischer, as well as Congressman Jeff Fortenberry.

The Wednesday of the week is always Capital Hill Day so we got to spend a small amount of time with Senator Sasse and Senator Fischer, and we also got to spend a good half hour with Congressman Fortenberry, Logan View Principal Rochelle Clausen said.

The students met with Congressman Fortenberry and discussed current political issues and the atmosphere surrounding Washington since the presidential election in November.

Its always great to see young people come to the nations capitol, for those of us in the public office it is very important that we participate in the formation of the next generation so that they understand the gift of America and the responsibility that will shortly be theirs for stewarding our country, Fortenberry said.

Logan View High offers the trip to juniors each year through the Close Up Foundation. Since 1971, Close Up has partnered with educators from around the country to inform students through interactive civic education programs in Washington, D.C.

The goal of the Close Up trip is for students to learn about democracy and government outside of the classroom setting, specifically through experiences that are unique to D.C., such as visiting Capitol Hill.

Along with getting to see all the sites and sounds, a lot of their time is spent learning about the government. They do a lot of debate and discussion and they talk about political agendas and it really got our kids enthusiastic about the process, so they learned a lot and had a lot of fun, Clausen said.

For Fortenberry, when he was a young man, a similar to trip to Washington D.C. piqued his interest in public service.

I stood on the steps of the Capitol when I was young during a trip to D.C. with my congressman at the time, and it was probably my first inclination that public service was something that i might possibly be interested in. So I just think it is a wonderful opportunity for young people to come here, he said.

During the week, the students from Logan View were split up into eight groups with around 200 students from schools around the country. On the last night of the trip all the students gathered for a banquet and dance.

During the banquet, each student group nominated a speaker from their group to talk about their week in Washington, D.C.

Two Logan View students were chosen by their fellow group members to speak at the banquet  Joel Moeller and Jaycen Timm.

Two out of the eight speakers were from Logan View, so it was really cool to know that we had kids step up and show some leadership out there, Clausen said.

During the week Clausen and the two teacher sponsors, Bo Krivohlavek and Nick Hegge, also got the opportunity to visit different historical monuments with other teachers from around the country.

They took a bus trip to Richmond, Virginia to visit the White House of the Confederacy as well as Manassas National Battlefield Park to visit the place where the Battle of Bull Run took place during the Civil War.

We went to the National Air and Space Museum and the Enola Gay was there  the Concorde and Discovery. The place was just huge and it was great to see all those amazing air crafts, Clausen said.

According to Clausen, as the group boarded their plane to fly back to Nebraska a familiar face was on board.

When we were boarding the plane it turned out that Congressman Fortenberry was on the same flight back home with us. He immediately recognized us and came and said hello, it was great, she said.

I really do think they had a great week of learning about our political system and we were very fortunate to get to meet Congressman Fortenberry and really appreciative of the time he took to meet with the students.

For more information about Close Up programs visit closeup.org
Forest Service to give talk on tree selecting, care

Rachel Allison of the Nebraska Forest Service will talk about selecting, planting, caring for and maintaining a tree during the April Home Improvement 101 series.

It will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday in the meeting room of the North Platte Public Library, 120 W. Fourth St.

While some basic needs may seem simple, many lawn practices can compromise the health of a newly planted tree. Its important to see the tree as a living plant that will grow and has needs for its roots system as well as the trunk and crown.

The free, one-hour program gives people the chance to learn about something related to homes and ask questions from a local expert.

Past attendees have enjoyed learning about paint, plumbing and power tools since the program began in January.

No reservations are needed.

For more information, call 308-535-8036.

Meetings will identify bus needs for cities

The Nebraska Department of Roads, along with the University of Nebraska at Omaha, will hold public information meetings regarding intercity buses.

The meetings will be held during April in Beatrice, Lincoln, Omaha, Norfolk, ONeill, Scottsbluff, McCook and Kearney.

The meetings will provide information and gather input from the community to assess needs in intercity bus and public transit services.

The public is invited to attend the meetings and present relevant comments and questions.

For more information about dates, times and locations, visit nebraskatransit.com/ or contact Kari Ruse of the NDOR at 402-479-4694 or kari.ruse@nebraska.gov.

Celebrate Broken Bow rising from the fires ashes

Broken Bow will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the fire on the south side of the downtown square.

The event will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday in the square.

Festivities include a flag retirement by the Boy Scouts and a music video by the Girl Scouts that features Broken Bow businesses.

A dance party with smores will be held from 8:30 to 10 p.m.

In case of rain, the event will be postponed to April 8.

The April 1, 2007, fire, which destroyed five businesses in the historic Dierks Block building, was a major economic blow to the city.
The skills of man and canine will be on trial this weekend in Curtis.

Efficient and low-stress livestock handling will be displayed Saturday and Sunday during a dog trial hosted by the Outback Stock Dog Association and Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture Stock Dog Club.

Events will begin with a handlers meeting at 8:30 a.m. and a contest at 9 a.m. in the indoor arena of the NCTA Livestock Teaching Center.

NCTA Stock Dog Club President Kayla Reynolds of Litchfield encourages spectators to attend and see what a stock dog trial is all about.

Reynolds will show an 11-month-old pup, Dex, who shes training herself. The dog has made significant advancements in obedience and stock handling skills, she said.

The NCTA club receives support from the Outback Stock Dog Association, which is based in the Curtis area, and hosts nightly practices at the farm of president Kelly Popp or at the Frontier County Fairgrounds in Stockville.

In conjunction with the Saturday trial, the Outback Stock Dog Association will host its annual meeting at noon.

The NCTA student club has reorganized for 2017-18 with Reynolds as president; Jolene Chmelik of Grangeville, Idaho, as vice president; Kalli Hilker of Cambridge as secretary; and Brooke Blower of Arnold as treasurer.

Officers for 2016-17 were Sheila Reichmuth of Leigh, president; Reynolds, vice president; Kendra Rader of Grand Island, secretary; and Haley Pollak of Seward, treasurer.

For more information on the weekend stock dog trial, contact Popp at 308-367-7127, or NCTA Stock Dog Club Advisor Judy Bowmaster-Cole at 800-3CURTIS.
Congress voted to block restrictions, causing some consumers to worry

NEW YORK (AP)  Now that both houses of Congress have voted to block Obama-era broadband privacy rules , what does that mean for you?

In the short term, not so much. The rules, which would have put tough restrictions on what companies like Comcast, Verizon and AT&T can do with information such as your internet history, hadnt yet gone into effect. So if President Donald Trump signs the measure, as the White House has indicated he will, the status quo will remain.

But the absence of clear privacy rules means that the companies supplying your internet service  and who can see a great deal of what you do with it  can continue to mine that information for use in their own advertising businesses. And consumer advocates worry that the companies will be an enticing target for hackers.

Heres how that could play out and what it means.

Then what changes now?

Not much, at least immediately. For now, phone and cable companies remain subject to federal law that imposes on broadband providers a duty to protect the confidentiality of customer information and restricts them from using some customer data without approval.

What the rules would have changed?

Under the Federal Communications Commissions rules, Comcast and its ilk would have needed your permission before offering marketers a wealth of information about you, including health and financial details, your geographic location and lists of websites youve visited and apps youve used.

Republicans and industry officials complained that the browsing and app history restrictions would have unfairly burdened internet providers, since other companies such as Google and Facebook dont have to abide by them.

Thats important because the biggest broadband companies want to build ad businesses to rival those tech giants. This rule would have made that more difficult.

These rules also required broadband providers to take reasonable measures to protect customer information, although those werent spelled out.

Can you stop providers from collecting data?

Yes, but its not easy. Broadband providers today let you opt out of using their data, although figuring out how to do that can be difficult.

Instead, the digital rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation suggests you might pay to use a virtual private network, which funnels your internet traffic through a secure connection that your provider cant see into. But good VPNs arent free, you have to figure out which ones you can trust, and unless you go to the trouble of setting one up on your home router  not a straightforward task  you would need to set them up on every phone, tablet and computer in your home.

Does my state have my back?

Maybe. Many state laws bar unfair or deceptive practices, which they can use against privacy violations. Other state and federal regulations aim to protect medical and financial records, but may not apply to internet service providers.

Only a few states regulate specific practices by broadband providers, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, which tracks state laws.

The vast majority of states do require business and government to tell their residents when their information has been hacked, according to the NCSL, but they have different approaches. At least 13 states require businesses to have reasonable security practices .
Leroux is not in custody, according to a statement issued by the State Patrol on Thursday morning. Authorities are asking the publics help in locating him.

Authorities put out a bulletin on Tuesday evening asking for the publics help identifying a man captured by security cameras in a convenience store. The bulletin said the man was wanted for questioning in the death of John Fratis, 25.

Fratis was fatally stabbed in an altercation earlier Tuesday, according to court records.

On Wednesday, Larry Derrera, 32, and Raylynn Garcia, 28, of Ogallala were arrested on suspicion of felony accessory to murder and suspicion of child abuse.

According to an arrest affidavit, Derrera, Garcia and Fratis shared a residence in the 900 block of North Spruce Street in Ogallala, along with two young children.

The document said that the three were watching TV, doing drugs and drinking when Fratis and another man got into an altercation that left Fratis wounded.

Garcia found Fratis bleeding and he told her he was stabbed by someone named Chris. Before Fratis was taken to the hospital, Garcia left with her two children and met the man at a convenience store, the affidavit says. She than took Chris to Holyoke, Colorado, along with her children.

It is unclear whether Chris and Leroux are the same person.

Authorities believe Leroux may be in southwestern Nebraska or northeastern Colorado.

He is described as 5-foot-11 and 175 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone who sees Leroux is advised to contact the State Patrol at 308-535-8047 or dial 911 immediately. Leroux should not be approached.
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The United States imported 2.6 million tons of steel in February, a decline of 4.6 percent as compared to January, according to preliminary U.S. Census Bureau data.

That includes 2 million tons of finished steel products that require no further processing stateside, down 12.3 percent as compared to January. Steel imports snatched about 25 percent of the market share in February, which AK Steel Corp. Chief Executive Officer Roger Newport said was a historically high level.

In February, line pipe imports shot up by 51 percent, wire rods rose by 27 percent and tin plate increased by 17 percent, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute. South Korea, Turkey, Taiwan, Japan sent the most imports to the United States that month.

So far this year, the United States has imported 5.4 million tons of steel, accounting for 25 percent of the overall market share and up 11.7 percent from the same period last year. Finished steel imports totaled 4.3 million tons, up 1.1 percent as compared to last year.

"Foreign dumping and subsidies, circumvention and continuing growth and overcapacity in the sector worldwide, driven primarily by China, are persistent problems," USW International Vice President Thomas Conway said during testimony to the Congressional Steel Caucus Wednesday. "Without continued action, Americas steel sector will remain in peril."

Imports of oil country goods have skyrocketed by 87 percent so far this year, while imports of sheets and strip all other metallic coatings have jumped up by 60 percent, as compared to the same period in 2016. Cold rolled sheets, sheets and strip hot dipped galvanized, reinforcing bars, standard pipe and tin plate imports all have posted double-digit increases.

Imports from Taiwan have risen 107 percent for the first two months of the year, and imports from Vietnam are up 29 percent over that period. Imports from South Korea, which sends more steel to the United States than any other country, have declined by 8 percent so far this year.
The U.S. Congressional Steel Caucus held its most optimistic annual hearing in years in Washington D.C. on Wednesday.

Congressional Steel Caucus Chairman Tim Murphy, R-Pennsylvania, and Vice Chairman Pete Visclosky, D-Indiana, hosted America Rebounding: Steel in 2017 and Beyond to hear from steelmakers and union officials on the state of the U.S. steel industry.

"As we approach 2017 and beyond, I remain concerned about the staggering amount of excess steel capacity in the world and the predatory trade actions of foreign countries," Visclsoky said in his opening remarks. "This past year I testified before the International Trade Commission on eight separate occasions in support of American steelworkers and their families. These cases pertained to the illegal actions of 18 separate countries, including China."

State-owned enterprises that are protected against free-market pressures violate international trade laws, such as by using subsidies, Visclosky said. He called for Buy American requirements and urged Congress to support steelworkers through the appropriations process, trade cases, and potential infrastructure legislation this year.

"Additionally, as the ranking member of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, I know that steel is an essential component of our national defense," he said. "It is necessary to build our ships, submarines, military vehicles, vests, and countless other types of equipment. 22 tons of steel are used in every U.S. Abrams tank. 50,000 tons of steel are used in every U.S. aircraft carrier, and half of that steel is produced in Northwest Indiana."

AK Steel Corp. Chief Executive Officer Roger Newport testified the domestic steel industry has benefited from the new administration's policies.

The steel industry touches most facets of the American economy and we continue to make substantial investments to support the future needs of our customers through product innovation, Newport said. We made significant investments to create new grades of light-weight, high-strength steel for cars and trucks in order to help the automotive industry meet emissions standards. We were pleased that the Administration recently announced it would reinstate the mid-term CAFE Standards review."

Newport and other executives warned that trade threats remain. They encouraged strong trade enforcement and aggressively negotiated trade deals.

Imports continue to take about 26 percent of the U.S. market share  well above historical levels," Newport said. "Additionally, we are seeing substantial imports come in from countries not named in the trade cases. Meanwhile, domestic raw steelmaking capacity utilization has remained depressed with current levels still below 75 percent and thousands of employees still on layoff and over 14,400 jobs have been lost in the steel industry since the beginning of 2015."
Mary A. Bird Matern, co-director of Valparaisos Chicago Street Theatres production of The Rose Tattoo, hopes her production sheds light for area theatergoers on an often overlooked Tennessee Williams gem.

I hope people gain a little insight into Tennessee Williams as a playwright, she said. When you mention his name, its almost as a caricature now. I hope they see him with a little more depth. I hope they come out with a deeper appreciation for Tennessee Williams work.

Running April 7 through 22, Tattoo is the tale of Serafina Delle Rose, a resident of an Italian-American fishermans community on the American Gulf Coast who, after several years of mourning, searches for the truth about her late husbands extramarital activities and gain her footing in her community. In the process, she finds a friend in Alvaro, a truck driver, who helps her to come out of her darkness.

Tattoo made its Broadway debut in 1951, where it received Tony Awards for Best Play, Best Featured Actor for Eli Wallachs portrayal of Alvaro and Best Featured Actress for Maureen Stapletons role as Delle Rose.

Four years later, Tattoo was adapted for the big screen, starring Burt Lancaster and Anna Magnani, who won an Oscar for her performance as Delle Rose. The film also received a pair of technical Academy Awards and was nominated for five additional Oscars, including best picture.

Theres not a lot of things written about Sicilian immigrants on the Gulf Coast, said Matern, who is directing Tattoo with Justin Treasure. I think this is a historical look at (a locale that) most people arent aware of.

There are a lot of great comedic moments, which I dont think a lot of people identify with Tennessee Williams, she added. He has this cutting, sarcastic, biting side.

Lisa Formosa-Parmigiano is Delle Rose and Jim Henry is Alvaro in Chicago Streets production of Tattoo. They lead a cast of more than two dozen area thesps, including Relene Henry as Serafinas daughter, Rosa, William Hardin as Roses suitor, Jack Hunter, June Saavedra as mystery woman Estelle Hohengarten and Dan Matern as Father De Leo.

An opening night party is scheduled following the April 7 performance at Sage Restaurant, 157 W. Lincolnway, Valparaiso.

Next up for Chicago Street Theatre is a production of the comedy Incorruptible, scheduled to open May 19.
NEW YORK  At a news event celebrating his return to Broadway, Kevin Kline wanted to be crystal clear on one topic: He's not having a midlife crisis. He's PLAYING someone who's having a midlife crisis.

"I'm way past my midlife crisis. I'm in my third," the actor joked.

Kline is starring in "Present Laughter," Noel Coward's 1939 farce about an egomaniacal matinee idol in the midst of personal turmoil. It's all about dressing gowns, love affairs and witty repartee, but Kline says it's really hard work.

"One of my friends said, 'Noel Coward? That'll be a breeze for you.' But I've never done it before. It's not as easy as it looks," he said. "It's supposed to look easy but, in fact, it's threading a needle."

Kline, 69, plays Garry Essendine, an aging star who can't answer the door without first checking his hair in a mirror. The character is planning a trip to Africa but is interrupted by a love-struck ingenue, a producer, his estranged wife and crazed young playwright. The title comes from Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night"  "Present youth hath present laughter."

Described by the playwright himself as "a series of semi-autobiographical pyrotechnics," the play has now been revived five times on Broadway and many times in London, starring Ian McKellen, Albert Finney, Frank Langella, Victor Garber and Coward himself.

"It had always been on my list of parts because I saw it once and thought, 'What a funny play and what a great part,'" said Kline. "Someone who takes himself terribly seriously  those are funny characters."

Kline, an Oscar- and two-time Tony Award-winner, is being joined onstage at the St. James Theatre by Tony- and Emmy-nominee Kate Burton, Tony nominee Kristine Nielsen and, in her Broadway debut, Cobie Smulders.

The play marks the first time Smulders has worked with Kline but she said she's adored him in films like "In & Out" and "A Fish Called Wanda." She called him a dynamic and deeply interesting force onstage.

"I find him to be so fluid," said Smulders, who was a cast member on "How I Met Your Mother." ''I don't know if it's his physicality or just way that he is, he's so quick to change and move and switch."

Director Moritz von Stuelpnagel, who earned a Tony nomination directing "Hand to God," said the Coward play is timely despite being 78 years old. He said it's about how celebrity and success can change you. Getting Klein onboard was icing on the cake.

"I have asked him to do very little. He brings so many options and tools to the table that it has been a wonderful exploration. He can make the low-brow seem high-brow and the high-brow seem low-brow, but he also has a sensitivity in his sad-clown way that helps add depth to this play."

Kline has played an aging ham before  particularly in 1991's "Soapdish"  but said he relishes the chance to parody his art in a high-energy show onstage. "It's not falling off a log," he said. "I hope it'll look like it'll be falling off a log."
Karl Dennis, facilitator of Michigan Citys Southern Shore Art Associations Native Visions exhibit, hopes viewers of the exhibit will offer another view into Indianas origins.

Its very useful for them to think about the history of their state, and how Native Americans played a part in it. he said.

Celebrating the exhibit's opening with a reception April 7, Visions is a collection of works created by more than 40 Native American inmates at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City. The artists, who are members of a myriad of tribes, make up the ensemble Native American Circle at the prison.

Dennis, who is of Blackfoot Indian and Cherokee Indian descent and resides in Michigan City, is the former executive director of Kaleidoscope, Inc., a Chicago-based non-profit agency which provides services to children and families in need.

Dennis began volunteering with the prison more than two years ago with counseling and facilitating the members native ceremonies.

I fell in love with it, Dennis said. The men who were there, and most of them were doing quite a bit of time, still wanted to be able to give something back to the community. And I found that inspiring.

This year marks the third year the Circle and Southern Shore Art Association have come together to bring Visions to the gallery walls. The exhibit is made up of original two and three dimensional artworks and crafts.

Karls wife, Kathy Dennis, is also involved with the Circle and Visions.

Some of them are just really wonderful artists and craftsmen, which is really wonderful, she said. Its very interesting, the amount of study and time they put into their process.

Proceeds from the sale of the pieces that make up Visions will go to Camp New Happenings, an Indiana organization that provides camps to children of prisoners, and the Potawatomi Group at the Fulton County Historical Society in Rochester. Also, any art remaining following the exhibit will be donated to the Indiana Head Start Association.

Additionally, Southern Shore will host a lecture and a screening of the documentary, Like Birds in a Wind Storm, at 2 p.m. April 15. The film chronicles the hardships and tragedies faced by Potawatomi Indians who were forced to embark on the Potawatomi Trail of Death in 1838.

Southern Shore Art Association is open Noon to 5 p.m. Fridays through Sundays.
VALPARAISO  When Krista Stribling was deciding which college to attend, she felt it was important to choose one that not only offered a top-notch education, but also offered opportunities to serve her fellow man.

Stribling chose Valparaiso University, in part because of the Engineers Without Borders/Working Across Vocations Everywhere through Service (WAVES) program.

Through the program, the junior civil engineering major from Greenfield, Wisconsin, has traveled twice to Haiti and twice to Nicaragua.

"I picked Valpo because of its focus on service. I am service oriented," she said, adding she wanted to use the skills she was learning to help the world.

Jacob Yager, a senior mechanical engineering student from Prospect Heights, Illinois, agreed.

"I was looking for a place where my degree in mechanical engineering would intersect with humanitarian work," Yager said. He wants to be able to apply what he's learned in the classroom to benefit others.

WAVES began as the university's Engineers Without Borders chapter, founded in 2003. A year ago organizers decided to rebrand the group to encompass other majors in addition to engineering, said Daniel Blood, an engineering professor and WAVES advisor.

Blood said the group is involved in two projects.

Earlier this month, a half-dozen students traveled to a remote community in southern Nicaragua to continue a project started by the EWB chapter. The group has been working to improve the community's water distribution system since 2013. That project, said Blood, is nearly complete with the students installing a larger water storage tank to serve the area's approximately 200 residents.

The second project is in Les Cayes, Haiti. Initially, said Blood, they worked on taking a local orphanage "off the grid" by installing solar panels.

But when the program expanded to encompass additional majors, so did WAVES's goals.

Avery Jackson, a sophomore double majoring in physics and secondary education, joined the group and ventured to Haiti with WAVES in January.

While they repaired and reinstalled solar panels destroyed the previous October by Hurricane Matthew, they did more, said Jackson, of Plainwell, Michigan.

"We got to teach science lessons to the kids there. The idea is for them to get interested, to study and to help make Haiti a better place," said Jackson. "We are not always going to be there. A part of this is sustainability and allowing them to learn to make their world a better place without us."

All three students said their involvement with WAVES has changed their lives.

"It definitely humbles you and makes me grateful, and it has brought a passion to my career," said Yager.

"It puts things in perspective," Jackson said. The January trip was her first time outside of the United States. "You realize you can no longer take things for granted."
"Dangerous and impaired driving kills," said Lohse. "We all play a part in keeping Indianas roadways safe, and campaigns such as this ensure each and every driver and passenger understand their role and the importance of staying vigilant behind the wheel. Even one less dangerous or impaired driver off the road is a success in which we all can share."
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MICHIGAN CITY  Calling Tuesday's fatal shooting of a 15-year-old freshman a "senseless crime," Westville High School officials said Wednesday the community is saddened by the death of Kamilion Jenkins.

Someone opened fire shortly before 8:45 p.m. Tuesday at a vehicle in the area of Grace and Holliday streets, striking Jenkins, who died as a result of a gunshot wound, police have said. The vehicle fled the scene and arrived at Michigan City Police Department, where two officers provided medical aid, according to police.

School officials in a news release described Jenkins as "a bright and wonderful young lady" who was affectionately known to the school as Milly.

"We are choosing to not focus on how this happened but on what a great student and friend that Milly was and more importantly, that she was a member of the Westville Blackhawk family. Milly is fondly remembered for her smile, friendliness and outgoing personality," school officials said in the news release.

Counselors were on hand at Westville High School Wednesday and the the LaPorte County Sheriffs Office sent two chaplains to aid the school as students and staff grieve the death of Jenkins, officials said.

The Westville Blackhawks have tremendous pride in their students and staff and while this has shocked us to the core, we will pull together in our school community, lift each other up and remember Milly in a most positive light," Supt. Curtiss Strietelmeier said in the release.

Michigan City Police Chief of Services Royce Williams said a 28-year-old woman was transported Tuesday to Franciscan Health in Michigan City for treatment and has since been released. A second adult woman and a 1-year-old child also in the vehicle were not injured in the shooting, Williams said.

Police are asking anyone with knowledge of the incident, or who has possible video surveillance footage from their home or business, to contact the Michigan City Police Department at 219-874-3221. Residents can also contact lead detective Cpl. Tim Baker at 219-874-3221.
INDIANAPOLIS  Northwest Indiana cigarette smokers and retailers can breathe a little easier  for now.

The two-year state budget proposal unveiled Thursday by the Senate Republican majority eliminates the $1 per pack cigarette tax hike approved last month by the Republican-controlled House.

That extra money would have replaced approximately $300 million a year in gasoline sales tax revenue that the House road funding package called for pulling from the state's primary spending account and dedicating to road and bridge construction.

But since the gasoline sales tax shift was deleted Tuesday from House Bill 1002, state Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the cigarette tax increase in House Bill 1001 no longer was necessary.

"My feeling is if you don't need a tax, don't enact it," Kenley said.

Altogether, the Senate proposal appropriates $15.8 billion for the 2018 budget year that begins July 1, 2017, and $16.4 billion for 2019.

In both years, Indiana would take in more money than it plans to use with an estimated 2018 surplus of $66.4 million and a 2019 surplus of $144.7 million.

The state's budget reserve fund would remain at about 11 percent of annual spending or approximately $1.8 billion.

The budget increases funding for elementary and high school education by $358 million over the two-year period, a 2.4 percent boost compared to current levels and $85 million more than the House spending plan.

Most of that money would go toward providing schools a higher basic per-student grant, with the current $5,088 foundation level growing to $5,211 in 2018 and $5,274 in 2019  slightly less than the House figure.

But the Senate plan also includes $40 million in additional "complexity" funding to better address the needs of low-income students in both urban and rural school districts, and another $40 million for new teacher appreciation grants.

However, school funding, which comprises 52 percent of the two-year budget, still would follow the child, so corporations with declining enrollment would receive fewer state dollars despite the overall increase in education spending.

The sole exception to that policy is the School City of East Chicago.

The legislation maintains the district's 2015-16 student count through the 2017-18 school year, so as not to unduly penalize the city's schools after hundreds of students moved out of East Chicago when their homes were found to be contaminated by lead.

Only one major Northwest Indiana project is included in the Senate Republican budget: $6 million a year for double-tracking the South Shore Line between Gary and Michigan City.

The $35 million approved by the House for construction of the Bioscience Innovation Building at Purdue University Northwest in Hammond did not make the cut.

Kenley said he's satisfied the budget "is pretty much in conformance with the priorities and the agenda that we as a Republican Party have been expressing," even though it doesn't completely align with the preferences of the House or Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb.

House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, said his members aren't ready to give up on their efforts to ensure all taxes related to roads are spent only on roads  a policy that could require revival of the cigarette tax hike.

"We're going to try to find common ground; it may require a longer-term phase-in of the sales tax transfer than we would prefer, but we'll work with our Senate colleagues to try to get to yes," Bosma said.

State Sen. Karen Tallian, D-Ogden Dunes, said the Senate GOP budget insufficiently funds education at "recession-level" amounts.

"We are way under the percentage that the revenue forecast tells us that we could be," Tallian said.

Nevertheless, Tallian and the rest of the Appropriations Committee unanimously agreed to advance the budget proposal for a full Senate vote next week.
LAKE STATION  A leaking roof at Fire Station No. 2 has caused a mold issue that has caused the facility to primarily be used for storage.

Fire Chief Chuck Fazekas said the roof problems started during the past administration. There had been repairs done at the facility near Liverpool Road and State Street, but the city stopped completing them in 2015.

Fazekas said fire personnel later started noticing mold on the walls. Near the end of 2015, the department approached Dewey Lemley, who was serving as interim mayor at the time.

Fazekas said it was determined then to move out of the facility and operate the department solely out of the main fire station near City Hall.

Although the department is down to one functioning station, it hasn't affected response times in the community, Fazekas said.

The status of Station No. 2 was brought into question during a recent City Council meeting with Vic Vargas, a former city EMS employee, telling the council he has seen firefighters in the facility.

Vargas was concerned about people getting sick form the mold.

Fazekas said water has been shut off to Station No. 2, but the building is still being heated. He said Lake Station uses the facility to store seasonal equipment and other items, such as the first motorized fire engine the city purchased. The building also holds bunker gear and hoses no longer used by the department until Lake Station can dispose of them.

Fazekas said the building typically doesn't have people inside of it. When it's necessary for firefighters to enter the building to gather equipment, they wear masks to protect them from the mold, he said. The equipment removed from there also is cleaned before being used by the department.

Inside the station, there is insulation falling where water has damaged it. There also are wooden beams that appear to have mold on them and water spots left on drop ceilings and other areas.

Fazekas said being down to one station isn't an ideal situation, and he has spoken to Mayor Christopher Anderson about the matter.

They said they are exploring the possibility of renovating the existing station or creating a new one to serve that area of the city, but there hasn't been much progress with either of those possibilities because of the municipality's financial struggles.

Fazekas said if the City Council decides to sell Lake Station's water utility, some proceeds received through the sale could be used to address Station No. 2.

Indiana American Water Co. has offered nearly $20.7 million for the department. The council hasn't yet decided how it will handle the proposed sale and is currently contemplating a possible counteroffer.
NEWARK, N.J.  The sentencing of two former aides to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie for creating traffic jams at the busiest bridge in the U.S. for political revenge may not prevent the scandal from hanging over the Republican's final year in office.

"I will not allow myself to be the scapegoat in this case," Bridget Kelly told reporters after the sentencing Wednesday, where her attorney pointed out that testimony that she told Christie about the traffic jams while they were happening was never contradicted.

Kelly, Christie's former deputy chief of staff, was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Bill Baroni, Christie's appointee to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, was sentenced to two years. Both are appealing their convictions. They were convicted of conspiracy, wire fraud and other offenses for causing the gridlock near the George Washington Bridge in September 2013 to punish a Democratic mayor who didn't endorse Christie's re-election.

A spokesman for Christie, who was not charged, responded after Kelly's testimony in October that he had "no knowledge prior to or during" the lane realignment. She testified that he authorized what she claimed was a traffic study.

The scandal sank Christie's White House bid and likely cost him the chance to be President Donald Trump's running mate. Christie has since turned his attention in his final year in office to addressing the state's opioid epidemic, and on Wednesday he was at the White House, where he was selected to lead a drug addiction task force . While his press office hyped up the White House event, it did not comment on Wednesday's sentencing.

Christie, who is term-limited, has seen his approval ratings hover around 20 percent recently. His future after politics is unclear, although he has said he plans to make money in private life after nearly two decades in the public spotlight. He was U.S. attorney for New Jersey before running for governor in 2009.

U.S. District Judge Susan Wigenton said Wednesday it was clear there never was a legitimate traffic study, as Baroni and Kelly claimed during the trial, and said the defendants sought to mislead the jury with their testimony.

Wigenton also blamed the political culture in Trenton, the state capital. Trial testimony described angry tirades by Christie and detailed his subordinates using the Port Authority as a source of political favors for politicians whose endorsements they sought.

"It's very clear the culture in Trenton was 'you're either with us or you're not,'" Wigenton said, telling the 44-year-old Kelly that she "got caught up in a culture and an environment that lost its way."

Kelly and Baroni were sentenced the same month that another Christie ally, former Port Authority chairman David Samson, was sentenced to probation and a year of home confinement for using his position to pressure United Airlines to reinstate a money-losing flight route to give him easier access to his weekend home.

"I'm not surprised by anything," said Democratic state Sen. Loretta Weinberg, who co-chaired Legislature's inquiry into the political payback scheme. "The whole situation was sad. It was sad for New Jersey, and it gave us a real bird's eye view of the Christie administration that's also sad."

Kelly and Baroni were convicted in November of all counts against them. The government's star witness, David Wildstein, said he conceived the plot to retaliate against Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich, but that Kelly and Baroni were willing participants. Texts and emails produced at trial showed Sokolich's increasingly desperate pleas for help being ignored.

Kelly, who sent the infamous "time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee" email, wiped her eyes with a tissue and apologized during sentencing, saying she never intended to cause harm.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna called Kelly "the impetus behind the crime."

"If it was David Wildstein's idea, it was Ms. Kelly who greenlighted the idea," he said. "Without her instructions  'Time for traffic problems in Fort Lee'  the lane reduction would never have taken place."

Baroni also apologized before sentencing, saying he accepted responsibility and made "the wrong choice."

___

Contact Porter at https://www.twitter.com/DavidPorter_AP

___

Associated Press reporter Michael Catalini, in Trenton, contributed to this story.
CONCAN, Texas  Federal officials on Thursday began an investigation into a head-on collision between a pickup truck and small church bus in southwest Texas that crumpled the front of the bus and killed 13 senior adults returning from a church retreat.

The Texas Department of Public Safety refused to speculate on the cause of the Wednesday afternoon crash outside Garner State Park, about 75 miles (120 kilometers) west of San Antonio, although one spokesman said the truck driver appeared to have crossed the center line.

The fronts of both vehicles were heavily damaged in the collision and the bus was backed up onto a guardrail, with glass and debris scattered around.

Twelve bus passengers and driver Murray William Barrett, 67, died at the scene, DPS Lt. Johnny Hernandez said. Another bus passenger died at a San Antonio hospital. The pickup driver, Jack Dillon Young, 20, of Leakey, Texas, was in stable condition and the lone survivor from the bus remained hospitalized in critical condition late Wednesday, DPS said.

"We are still grieving and we're going to grieve for a while, and we will see what tomorrow looks like and then the next day," Brad McLean, senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of New Braunfels, Texas, told reporters Wednesday. "But we know this: We know the strength of the Lord is going to provide our next steps."

Ten of the people killed in the wreck were from New Braunfels, according to DPS, and they ranged in age from 61 to 87.

Authorities said the vehicles collided about 12:25 p.m. on U.S. 83 near the town of Concan. At a briefing near the crash site Wednesday night, DPS Sgt. Orlando Moreno said the wreck occurred along a curve in the road where the speed limit is 65 mph.

"For reasons unknown the truck veered into the southbound lane and struck the bus head-on," Moreno said.

Hernandez was more circumspect early Thursday, saying only that the collision remains under investigation.

The National Transportation Safety Board investigation is underway, NTSB spokesman Terry Williams said.

DPS Sgt. Conrad Hein said the small bus was a 2004 Turtle Top, though he did not know the specific model. Turtle Top's website features shuttle buses with capacities ranging from 17 to 51 passengers, which they bill as "a great alternative to the standard 15-passenger van." Safety concerns have long surrounded the 15-passenger vans, which are frequently used by churches and other groups, with advocates saying they can be difficult to control in an emergency.

The San Antonio-area church said on its website that the members were returning from a three-day retreat at the Alto Frio Baptist Encampment in Leakey, about 9 miles (15 kilometers) from the crash site.

Church officials were "ministering to family members to help them deal with this tragedy" and counselors will be available Thursday at the church, according to the statement.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and his wife, Cecilia, offered their condolences.

"We are saddened by the loss of life and our hearts go out to all those affected," their statement said. "We thank the first responders working on the scene in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy, and ask that all Texans join us in offering their thoughts and prayers."

___

This story has been corrected to show it was DPS Sgt. Orlando Moreno, not DPS Lt. Johnny Hernandez, who said the pickup truck crossed the center line Wednesday.
The Republicans lost. And the Democrats won. That's what is in the news today, but that's not the news we should be hearing.

This country is not about the GOP vs. Democrats. The news should be about health care for Americans. How did this failed bill affect American citizens? Did it fail because our countrymen opposed it, or did it fail because of political gamesmanship?

What I see in Washington is not what is best for America, but what is best for a political party. Who do these politicians work for? What is it they work for as a legislature?

To me, it looks more like gamesmanship and ultimately party loyalty.

President Donald Trump is angry at conservatives because a poorly crafted health care bill failed to pass. To me it looked like it was supposed pass only because the majority party pushed it, expecting party loyalty to get it done.

I thank the Republicans who had the courage to say no to a bad bill.

Maybe next time health care is on the docket legislators will actually look at the pros and cons in a bill and look to constituents to see if a bill is worthy of passage.

Legislators should get the same health care plan they are trying so hard to push down our throats. It might change their way of thinking. Are they really better than us?

Marcel Thomas, Hobart
President Donald Trump is trying to divert attention from his numerous political fiascos and programs that divert wealth from the middle class to the top 1 percent.

Jared Kushner was never elected by voters to perform any public service, nor has he ever worked in government. However, as head of the Office of American Innovation, he will be empowered to change the direction and operations of our federal government. What a farce!

Kuchner said, "Government should be run like a great American company. Our hope is that we can achieve successes and efficiencies for our customers, who are the citizens.

Americans vote for their major public leaders and (unlike for Jared) can remove them at will. Kushner may be the last straw atop the Russian connection camels back.

The U.S. presidency is not a family affair!

Karen Kroczek, Munster
SCOTTSBURG, Ind.  For the second time in two days, a wild turkey has flown into a motor vehicle's windshield in Indiana.

Indiana State Police Sgt. Stephen Wheeles says Trooper Tia Deaton wasn't injured when the bird flew into cruiser's windshield Wednesday night on State Route 56 near Scottsburg, about 30 miles north of Louisville, Kentucky. The collision partially caved in the glass.

The day before, a 30-pound turkey crashed through the windshield of an SUV in northern Indiana. The dead turkey was left lodged in the shattered windshield as driver John Tarabocchia of Emerson, New Jersey, pulled over along U.S. 20 near Rolling Prairie, about 25 miles west of South Bend.

LaPorte County Sheriff's Office Capt. Michael Kellems says Tarabocchia and his three passengers suffered minor cuts.
Mayor Bill de Blasio tried to calm fears about President Donald Trump's immigration policies at a town hall meeting in Queens.

Hundreds gathered in the gym of IS 61 in Corona.

The mayor was peppered with questions on everything from affordable housing and homelessness, to schools and transportation. But he began by pledging the NYPD will never come after undocumented immigrants.

"New York City made a decision a long time ago to respect all of our residents, regardless of documentation status," de Blasio said. "I remind you, some of the things we've seen coming out of Washington are directed at undocumented folks. Some of them are even directed at folks who are permanent residents, meaning green card holders. I think as New Yorkers, we have one common standard. You're a New Yorker, regardless of what your documents say."

The heads of several city agencies were also at the event.
Macon County may become a center of aviation training again.

Tuskegee Mayor Tony Haygood announced Thursday that Leonardo DRS will build its T-100 trainer jet in Tuskegee if it wins the bid for the $16 billion contract, known as the T-X program, from the U.S. Air Force.

"It's an opportunity to demonstrate what the Tuskegee Airmen laid the foundation for so many years ago," Haygood said.

The contract could mean a $250 million investment for Macon County and more than 750 jobs. If the contract is awarded, Leonardo DRS would begin production in two to four years, and production would last 20 years.

The new jet will replace the Air Forces current trainer jet, the T-38, which was designed in the 1950s. The Air Force will award the contract by the end of 2017.

Regional partnership

Gov. Robert Bentley, Auburn mayor Bill Ham and other officials attended the announcement.

"There has been a tremendous amount of work done over this project," Bentley said. "This project will be something that everyone can be proud of. I have faith that the United States Air Force will choose the correct plane, and its going to be that plane right there."

Joe Turnham, a strategic consultant for the Macon County Economic Development Authority, said the project to bring Leonardo to Tuskegee was a result of Macon County partnering with the city of Auburn to put together a request for information.

"This isn't just something you can keep in a bottle," Turnham said. "The biggest impact will be here but it will ripple throughout the region."

The deal to bring Leonardo DRS to Tuskegee includes more than $100 million in economic incentives from the state and local governments over a 30-year period, Turnham said.

Leonardo DRS, formerly known as DRS Technologies, is owned by the Italian defense contractor Leonardo.

"Building a factory on these grounds will be the fulfillment of a shared goal and the start of a long and productive partnership," said Bill Lynn, CEO of Leonardo DRS.

Moton Field was where the Tuskegee Airmen learned to fly and Lynn said it was appropriate that it should become the location where the next generation of trainer jets are built.

"As they trained and flew into battle from another field in Ramitelli, Italy, the Tuskegee Airmen came to know the warmth of the Italian people," Lynn said. "I'm proud that we will bring Italian technology back here to these historic grounds. Technology that will create American jobs."

Operationally proven

For the T-100 project, Leonardo DRS will partner with Honeywell which will build the T-100's two engines at a plant in Arizona. Another partner, CAE USA, based in Tampa, Fla, will develop the ground-based training system as part of the program.

CAE provides a training program to U.S. Army fixed-wing pilots at a $70 million center at the Dothan Regional Airport.

The Italian defense firm was previously partnered with Raytheon to build the T-100 at a new plant in Meridian, Miss. The two firms announced in January they would no longer work on pursuing the T-X contract together, and Leonardo would go alone through its U.S.-based company Leonardo DRS.

Raytheon had hosted Mississippi lawmakers for a ground breaking in December at the Meridian location featuring southern food and T-100 mason jars, according to a report from DefenseNews.

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant said the split was beyond the states control, according to The Clarion Ledger.

Lynn said Leonardo went through an extensive site-selection process after Raytheon left.

"We looked at a number of locations, and frankly, Tuskegee and Alabama put together the best package to bring us here," Lynn said. "It has a very strong workforce given the two universities, Tuskegee and Auburn, are very close. We think that this gave us the best opportunity to win that competition."

The T-100 jet is based on Leonardos M-346 advanced jet trainer which is flown by the Italian, Israeli, Polish and United Arab Emirates air forces.

"We offer the world's most operationally proven, the most cost effective and lowest risk integrated training system in the world today," Lynn said. "We have consistently beaten the competition worldwide."

Lynn said Israel pilots are using the M-346 to train for the new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter which is the purpose of the T-X program in the U.S.

"Of course, one of the major reasons we're going to win this program is the facility that you're helping build here that will give it a made in America product," Lynn said. "This is going to be an American trainer built by Americans. Built right here in Alabama."

The T-100 will face at least two competitors for the contract: the T-50 from Lockheed Martin and Korea Aerospace Industries which, as Leonardo noted on its website, it has beaten four out of five times in international trainer contract competitions; and a brand new design from Boeing and Saab called the T-X.

The Air Force will purchase 350 new planes from the winner of the contract.

"We just have to win the competition now," Turnham said. "We have to help this company compete against the giants of industry like Boeing and Lockheed in order to win. I think we can."
A group of production and maintenance employees at Auburns GE Aviation is seeking to unionize, claiming they are underpaid compared to the rest of the industry, something the plant's management discounts and says was fairly discussed before the workers became employed. Also, other employees have opposed the idea.

The employees knew the wage scale when they started, and we feel its competitive for the market in the area, GE spokesman Richard Gorham said.

The Auburn plant employs 179 people, 127 of which are in production and maintenance. Employees duties range, but many work to laser, grind or braze different parts to manufacture high-pressure turbine blades, turbine shrouds and turbine hangars, Gorham said.

Only about a third of the department has expressed support to be represented, according to documents.

Workers filed a petition earlier this month through IUE-CWA, the International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine and Furniture Workers-Communications Workers of America, to vote on unionizing the plants production and maintenance employees. More than 30 percent of the employees wanted to be represented by the IUE-CWA, according to the petition.

Workers will vote on April 12 from 6-8:30 a.m. and 2:30-4:30 p.m. Only full-time and regular part-time production and maintenance employees are allowed to participate.

Some of the workers contacted the union because of its work with other unions at GE facilities, none of which are in Alabama, according to Kevin Blair, a union organizer with the IUE-CWA. Blair has worked with the employees for the last two months to file the petition.

A big thing is that theyre severely underpaid compared to the rest of the industry, Blair said. Folks really want to just have a voice on the job. Right now, management makes decision about their working conditions, about everything about their work without getting any input from them. They want to have a voice, and they want to have some input into how their workplace is run.

Gorham said employees are paid a fair market wage that was established near the plants opening in early 2013.

Several employees in favor of unionizing declined to comment because they were afraid of retaliation from the company, Blair said.

Corey Wood, a manufacturing associate who has worked at GE Aviation for two and a half years, said he is opposed to joining a union.

Im a no because were a young facility right now. Weve got a lot of growing to do on our end. I just dont think a union fits what were trying to do right now, Wood said. They have big plans for the Auburn facility, and a union is not part of those plans. I dont think it will work.

Some of GEs legacy sites that have been in operation longer are unionized, but Gorham said the company prefers to keep direct communication open between the company and employees. The company tries to promote open dialogue and offer employees forums to discuss issues.

This is one of the things that were trying to communicate with the employees there is, just because the union proclaims that theyre going to be able to do this, that or the other thing, that its not a unilateral type of thing, Gorham said. Anything has to go through negotiations, which is a prolonged period. Again, thats why we prefer to deal more directly with our employees and kind of cut through all that and work on improving the plant.

If a majority of workers vote to unionize, they would elect local leaders that would bargain with GE to create a union contract over wages, hours, benefits and training, Blair said.

Gorham feels such communications should stay more direct.

From our perspective, a vote to unionize the site, we think it would have negative consequences on the facility and our employees and just in general the community, Gorham said. We think everybody should have the right to speak for themselves and, as I mentioned, that direct one-on-one communication mode that we think is the most effective way to run an organization.
BEIRUT  Residents of the northern Syrian city of Raqqa live in terror, trapped as a massive human shield in the Islamic States de facto capital ahead of the final battle with U.S.-backed opposition forces for the militant groups last major urban stronghold.

A belt of land mines and militant checkpoints circle the city. Inside, all the men have been ordered to wear the jihadis garb of baggy pants and long shirts  making it difficult to distinguish Islamic State militants from civilians.

Hundreds if not thousands of Syrians who fled from other parts of the country now live in tents in Raqqas streets, vulnerable to both warplanes and ground fighting. Enormous tarps have been stretched for blocks in the city center to hide the militants movements from spy planes and satellites.

The estimated 300,000 people trapped inside live in terrifying uncertainty over how to find safety. Airstrikes by the U.S.-led coalition shake the city almost daily, mainly hitting northern neighborhoods, amid reports of civilians killed by strikes in the nearby countryside.

Leaflets dropped by coalition warplanes give confusing directions  one suggests areas closer to the Euphrates River are safer, but then another warns that boats crossing the river will be struck.

Mass panic erupted on Sunday, when IS announced on mosque loudspeakers that U.S. strikes had hit a dam to the west of Raqqa. Residents were urged to flee imminent flooding, and thousands did. The militants allowed them into IS-controlled countryside nearby, as long as they left their possessions behind, according to an activist who is in touch with people inside the city. Hours later, the militants announced it was a false alarm and urged everyone to return.

The people really dont know where to go, said the activist, saying residents were caught between airstrikes, land mines and IS fighters mingling among civilians.

To get a picture of Raqqa, The Associated Press talked to more than a dozen people with knowledge of the city, including residents who were still there or who had recently escaped, and activists with organizations that track events through contacts inside, as well as diplomats, the U.S. military and aid groups. Almost all spoke on condition they not be identified, fearing for their own lives or the lives of their contacts.

Getting information is difficult. Militants constantly look for spies. One activist said two people had recently been put to death for suspected contact with the coalition. The only internet access is in a few approved cafes where patrons must give their names and addresses and endure spot checks by IS fighters, who burst in and order everyone to raise their hands so computer screens can be inspected.

Raqqa, a provincial capital on the northern bank of the Euphrates, is the next major battle against the Islamic State group as Iraqi forces push to complete the recapture of northern Iraqi city of Mosul after nearly six months of fighting. For the Raqqa campaign, a multi-ethnic force of Syrian fighters, dominated by Kurds and supported by U.S. special forces, artillery and air power, have been maneuvering to isolate the city.

Concerns over civilian casualties have become a significant issue in the fight for Mosul. Amnesty International said Tuesday a significant spike in civilian casualties suggests the coalition is not taking enough precautions in its airstrikes. The U.S. has said it is investigating the deaths, but American and Iraqi officials also suggested the militants blew up homes and blamed the coalition.

The Islamic State has sent most of its European fighters out of Raqqa farther east to the region of Deir el-Zour, deeper into its shrinking territory, according to Tim Ramadan, an activist with the group Sound and Picture, who remains in Raqqa, and Eyas Dass, editor of Al Raqqa Post, an opposition website that documents atrocities by IS and the Syrian government.

That is probably a sign it wants to protect the foreigners, either for a propaganda campaign or to send them to carry out attacks in their home countries, they said. Both spoke on condition they be identified by the aliases they always use in their activities to protect themselves and families.

Battle-hardened Syrians and Iraqis are leading the defense in Raqqa, bolstered by reinforcements from those who withdrew from Mosul and other parts of Iraq. Dass said about 2,000 fighters and their families are en route from Iraq, and Ramadan said many are already in Raqqa. Rami Abdurrahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, estimated over 4,000 fighters in the city.

Earlier this month, the militants used their artillery in the city for the first time, a sign of how close the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces have come. The SDF has positions to the north, west and east  their closest position is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) from Raqqa to the northeast.

Coalition aircraft have taken out 18 bridges, including the main ones out of the city across the Euphrates, according to the coalition. Airstrikes have also focused on the former base of the Syrian militarys 17th Division, north of the city, now a major IS base. Most of its buildings have been destroyed, activists say.

For days, dollar-bill-sized leaflets have fluttered from coalition planes to warn of impending strikes. More than 2 million have been dropped in two weeks, the coalition said.

One urged those living in tents to move closer to the Euphrates, according to a resident and the U.S. military in Baghdad. Another warned residents not to board the small boats that are the only way to cross the river, whether for daily errands or to flee Raqqa.

Daesh is using boats and ferries to transport weapons and fighters. Do not use ferries or boats, airstrikes are coming, the flyer said, using an Arabic acronym for the group.

Getting smuggled out is too expensive for most. Smugglers  most often IS fighters looking to make a profit  charge $300 to $500 a person and sometimes as high as $1,000 to get out of the city, according to several activists and a Western aid worker familiar with the situation. The aid worker also declined to be identified for fear of jeopardizing his groups work and safety.

Once outside, they face the danger of the land mines. The aid worker said one man who staggered into a camp for the displaced had lost a child from a roadside bomb and was himself gravely injured.

Those who make it to SDF-controlled areas risk being turned back unless they have someone vouch for them, according to Muhab Nasser, an activist from Raqqa province. He said some had been refused entry by SDF fighters, suspicious of IS infiltrators or sympathizers.

The cost of being smuggled out of Syria entirely is a prohibitive $3,000 to $4,000 a person, according to Sarmad al-Jilane, a Sound and Picture activist in Turkey. Turkey also is cracking down on crossings.

As a result, few from Raqqa are found in southern Turkey, where hundreds of thousands of Syrians have fled the civil war. The aid worker also said so far there is no refugee crisis from Raqqa  a chilling sign of how hard it is to leave.

Fighters in Raqqa have started to move in with families to hide among civilians. Residents must dig trenches, stack sandbags and build earthen berms for the citys defenses. Children have stopped going to school.

If you want lessons, you go to the mosques, said Hamad, a former resident of Raqqa province who keeps in regular contact with people in the city. He spoke from Beirut on condition he be identified only by his first name for fear of reprisals against relatives and friends there.

Food is still in adequate supply, though prices rose after the destruction of the bridges. Medical care is almost nonexistent since most doctors fled long ago, according to Hamad and others. Hospitals are short on equipment.

But underground clinics run by the Islamic State group for its fighters are well-stocked, said Hussam Eesa, one of the founders of the activist group Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, speaking from Turkey.

Loudspeakers on mosques or on vehicles used by the religious police warn the populace that the battle is coming.

They tell people  it is a battle against Islam, all nations are attacking us and the Prophet says we should be united, Eesa said. They are putting psychological pressure on residents.

Hinnant reported from Paris, along with Maha Assabalani. Associated Press writers Zeina Karam and Philip Issa in Beirut, Sarah El Deeb in Gaziantep, Turkey, and Deb Reichmann and Robert Burns in Washington contributed to this report.
Babies, for all their cuteness, joyful squeals and wonderful-smelling heads, are basically jerks.

Even worse if youre a big brother or big sister, dislodged from the center of the universe by a tiny being who doesnt have the sense to stop peeing in his own bath water.

The Boss Baby understands this well. And when it sticks to the core concept, the new entry from DreamWorks Animation is satisfying. But there are distracting side plots  and side plots to the side plots  that sabotage much of whats enjoyable about the movie. In infant care terms, this is a colicky film.

It must have sounded good on paper  having Alec Baldwin voice a baby, who upon his arrival is running the Templeton family like a company president. Director Tom McGrath wisely plays up Baldwins Glengarry Glen Ross connection, with the fast-talking baby announcing that Cookies are for closers.

Older brother Tim Templeton is the only one who can hear the baby talk, and they develop a sibling rivalry that amounts to a lot of Sylvester vs. Tweety Bird-style maneuvering. Each brother has a selfish agenda, trying to convince their oblivious parents (voiced by Lisa Kudrow and Jimmy Kimmel) that the other one needs to go.

With a strong director  DreamWorks MVP McGrath also co-directed the Madagascar movies and the underrated Megamind  and capable writing, this should have been a sure thing.

But the writers greatly complicate things with a war between infants and puppies, a secret new breed of dog and an unnecessary save-the-world plot. With each baby step away from the domestic story of the Templeton family and toward Puppy Co. and its evil CEO, The Boss Baby loses its way.

There are charming moments. The Templeton parents blindness to Boss Babys corporate attitude (He carries a briefcase  does anyone else think thats a little freaky? Tim Templeton gripes) plays well to the directors skill with comic timing. Like McGraths Penguins of Madagascar, theres a movies worth of humor to be mined from the ruthless capability of something so cute and cuddly.

And DreamWorks Animation, which moved its Bay Area operations south while The Boss Baby was still in production, is not lacking in resources. Hans Zimmer, arguably the greatest composer of movie music currently working, found time to finish the Boss Baby score between Hidden Figures and Christopher Nolans World War II movie Dunkirk.

But alas, we must detour to Puppy Co., an excuse to add cute animals and complicated motivations to the movie, while also sabotaging the pacing. The second half is one big heist and chase scene, piling on unnecessary tangents and struggling to find humor.

It doesnt help that there are strong similarities with Sonys equally disorganized yet superior 2016 film Storks. Both films work off the same premise  that humans dont bear live young.

A screening of The Boss Baby is not the worst way to spend a Saturday afternoon. But make sure to pair it with a nature documentary, or renewal of your subscription to National Geographic.
PASADENA  An attorney representing a Newport Beach Episcopal congregation that has been locked out of its church for about two years said Diocese of Los Angeles Bishop J. Jon Bruno had the intention to sell the Via Lido church property months before he informed congregants about it and planned to use $6.3 million of the proceeds to buy commerical real estate in Anaheim  not to serve the needy  as he had told his flock.

Bishop Bruno answered attorney Jerry Coughlans questions Wednesday, March 29, during a rare disciplinary hearing over misconduct charges against the bishop, which was presided over by five Episcopal Church officials in Pasadena.

Bruno was speaking publicly for the first time since he closed the 71-year-old St. James the Great Episcopal Church in July 2015. Bruno had entered into an agreement with a developer to sell the land on which the 40,000-square-foot building stands because he believed the church was not financially viable.

During his testimony, the bishop repeatedly said he wanted to give the St. James congregation a chance.

It was my intent to encourage people to do their best, but we didnt have the resources to pour into the congregation, he said, adding the diocese is property rich, but cash poor.

The bishop said he informed the churchs pastor, Rev. Canon Cindy Voorhees, on April 13, 2015, that he had accepted an unsolicited offer for $15 million in cash from developer Legacy Partners, which wanted to build luxury condominiums on the property.

On May 17, he told the congregation that their church had been sold and that a little more than $6 million of the sales proceeds would go to a fund for the needy; $1 million to rehabilitate the congregation; and the rest would be put in a trust fund.

Coughlan questioned the bishops intentions, citing internal emails and memos, including a handwritten breakdown of the sales proceeds by the dioceses chief operating officer, which showed that more than $6 million would go toward buying a piece of commercial real estate in Anaheim.

The bishop said the sale proceeds were just one of the funding options for the Anaheim property. The sale to Legacy eventually fell through and the diocese got a loan to fund the Anaheim propertys purchase, he said.

Coughlan also attempted to establish that the offer from Legacy Partners was not unsolicited and that the bishop had a conversation before April 2015 with a real estate broker telling him that he would consider good offers for the Via Lido property.

Bruno said he had no recollection of having a specific conversation about the Via Lido property before April 2015, but admitted at some point that it sounds like something I might have said.

Coughlan also asked Bruno why he did not ask Voorhees for the latest financials before making the decision over three days to sell the property in early April 2015.

Bruno said the congregation had not given him monthly financials, which he had requested.

I made the decision based on the financial information I had, which in St. Jamess case was not much, he said. I made the decision for the good of the diocese.

Voorhees and other congregants provided emotional testimony Tuesday and Wednesday.

Voorhees testified that she was devastated when the bishop informed her of his decision to sell the property in April 2015.

I was stunned, I felt deceived, she said. I felt emotions you cant even imagine after all the work wed put in. There was just no conversation. It was so cold and pretty brutal.

Voorhees said the bishop offered a her job within the diocese at a salary of $111,000 a year with benefits, pension and housing allowances. She initially accepted the job and even got her first paycheck, but later returned the money and turned it down, Voorhees said. She told the panel that she did not want to leave a parish in peril and not be able to give them pastoral care.

Congregant Kathi Liebermann said she felt heartsick and blindsided when she heard about the sale.

I felt we were (the bishops) faithful followers who grew the church and did exactly what he asked us to do and this happened without any warning, she said.

Bruno also testified that Voorhees did not tell him she was receiving payment from the congregation for her services as pastor, contrary to their verbal agreement that she would serve without a stipend for the first two years.

When Voorhees announced her resignation in a farewell letter to her congregation, the bishop said he saw that as a pastor or shepherd abandoning her sheep.

Voorhees, however, returned and continues to lead the 100-strong congregation, which meets at the Newport Beach Civic Center.

Bruno will continue his testimony Thursday, which is scheduled to be the last day of the hearing.

Contact the writer: 714-796-7909 or dbharath@scng.com
President Trump recently called for the creation of a new government agency to collect information on crime committed by illegal immigrants. Called the Victims Of Immigration Crime Engagement office, he said it will help those victims who have been ignored by our media, and silenced by special interests. More data should be collected on all criminals and their victims, but focusing on illegal immigrants will make them seem more crime-prone than they really are.

A new brief published by the Cato Institute found that, contrary to public perception, illegal immigrants are much less crime prone than native born Americans. By using a technique to identify illegal immigrants in the Census data, my co-author Michelangelo Landgrave and I find that they are about 44 percent less likely to be incarcerated than native-born Americans. Legal immigrants are even less likely to be incarcerated, at a rate 69 percent lower than that of natives.

When people think of crimes committed by illegal immigrants, they are especially outraged by murders, such as that of Kate Steinle in San Francisco. This was a tragedy, and all criminals deserve to be punished for their offenses, no matter where they are from or where they commit their crimes. Yet the numbers allow us to put these crimes in context. Because illegal immigrants are less crime-prone than natives, we can breathe a little easier to know that there is no illegal-immigrant crime wave.

As a percentage of their respective populations, about 1.53 percent of all native-born adults between the ages of 18 and 54 are incarcerated, compared to 0.85 percent of illegal immigrants and 0.47 percent of legal immigrants in the same age range. That illegal immigrant incarceration rate includes those in immigration detention and those incarcerated for immigration crimes. Excluding them brings the illegal immigrant incarceration rate down to 0.5 percent  within a smidge of legal immigrants.

Many might read this and think that illegal immigrants are all criminals by definition, so were really undercounting criminals, but that isnt true. Only some illegal immigrants actually committed the crime of entering the country without permission or illegally re-entering after being deported. New estimates by Robert Warren and Donald Kerwin at the Center for Migration Studies found that 64 percent of illegal immigrants who entered in 2013 did so by overstaying a visa, not by crossing a border illegally. These people are not criminals under current law, although they can be deported.

Criminal immigrants captivate the public when they commit real crimes that actually have victims, not when they cross a border in contravention of a bureaucrats order. Much of the public debate over immigration is concerned with economics and culture. Instead of arguing over how the government is going to micromanage immigration to achieve certain economic or social goals, they should focus all of their energy on keeping out immigrants who threaten the life, liberty and private property of Americans.

Illegal immigrants who commit violent and property crimes should be deported after serving their sentences. Although Americans are more likely to be victims of crime than other residents of developed countries, comparatively few of those crimes are committed by illegal or legal immigrants.

There are many reasons to be concerned about illegal immigration, but their low rate of incarceration compared to native-born Americans should put our minds at ease.

Alex Nowrasteh is an immigration policy analyst at the Cato Institute.
The U.S. Supreme Court will likely consider for a second time whether teachers unions should be allowed to force non-union members to pay them for collective bargaining services they dont want.

The Association of American Educators, the largest national, non-union teachers association, and eight of its California member educators filed a lawsuit last week against the California Teachers Association challenging the constitutionality of Californias agency shop law, AAE reported last month. Agency shop arrangements violate educators First Amendment guarantee to free speech and free association by forcing public school teachers to support powerful teachers union efforts to advance their political agenda through collective bargaining.

CTA contends its forced union fees are the non-union members fair share, but what is fair about strong-arming people into paying for services they dont want or need and in many cases violate their moral convictions?

Fair Share fees are the cost of union representation and bargaining, CTAs website states. No one is forced to join a union, but unions are legally required to represent all workers. Teachers and other public employees who dont want to belong to a union only have to contribute to the costs of representation they receive.

Since all workers enjoy the benefits, job security, and other protections the union negotiates, it is only fair that all contribute to the cost of securing those benefits and protections, CTA further claims. Its not fair for some to pay more for the benefits all workers enjoy. The current Fair Share system is a good compromise and common sense.

Notice the language: All workers enjoy the benefits  the union negotiates. How does the union know that? As Larry Sand, president of the California Teachers Empowerment Network, recently told a reporter for the Heartland Institute, for which I work as a research fellow, Not all teachers benefit from collective bargaining, which leads to wage compression, where mediocre teachers are overpaid and great teachers are underpaid.

Even if all teachers do benefit from unions work, why should they be forced to participate in a system if they dont want to? All people, in my mind, would benefit from reading C.S. Lewis Screwtape Letters, but that doesnt mean I should be able to mail everyone in the world a copy of the book and then charge them for its purchase price and delivery cost.

Its not as if the CTA is innocently bargaining on behalf of public school teachers to ensure they receive quality benefits, job protections and other protections. What an incredibly dishonest representation of the current state of affairs. As numerous lawsuits, reports and financial documents prove, CTA is a politically motivated organization with close ties to the Democratic Party, which it relies on to obtain favorable government deals that help keep union bosses fat and happy.

According to an AAE report, a lawsuit,Yohn v. California Teachers Association, asks the courts to respect the teachers First Amendment right to choose without fear or coercion whether or not to join or fund a labor union. The hundreds of dollars non-members are forced to pay to the union as a condition of employment in California schools is a clear violation of educators [sic] First Amendment rights, since the unions used those coerced payments to advance their policy agenda when bargaining with the government.

Terry Pell is president of the Center for Individual Rights, which is representing Yohn and his fellow plaintiffs and also represented Rebecca Friedrichs inFriedrichs v. California Teachers Association a nearly identical case that ended in a tied Supreme Court decision in 2016.

Unions have come armed to the financial teeth this election cycle to aid their Democratic friends and causes, Pell wrote in Forbes after CIR filed the Friedrichs case in November 2014. Pell noted despite CTA President Dean Vogel [making] much of the fact that the CTA is a bipartisan organization with 35 percent Republican membership, the CTA only endorsed two Republicans (both minority leaders that the union needs to smooth its legislative agenda) in this years California elections, while throwing their support behind almost 100 Democrats.

In 2015, National Review reported, An exhaustive new study from the Center for Union Facts crunched the numbers on union political spending, tracking down where members dues ended up. Nearly $140 million  about 99 percent of all union political contributions  went to Democrats and liberal causes, the study found.

During the 2016 election, 93 percent of teachers unions political contributions, to the tune of $33.2 million, were given to Democrats, Fox News reported in January.

So much for being bipartisan and spending union fees on bargaining.

The CTA, as well as nearly all teachers unions, is nothing more than a well-funded mob. The time to thwart the unions bullying tactics is long overdue, but, as the saying goes, its better late than never  and now that constitutionalist Neil Gorsuch is close to joining the Supreme Court, the timing is more ideal than its been since Justice Antonin Scalia died over one year ago.

Teresa Mull (tmull@heartland.org) is a research fellow in education policy at The Heartland Institute.
In recent months, as hes presided over hearings related to the role that jailhouse informants played in the case of admitted mass murderer Scott Dekraai, Orange County Superior Court Judge Thomas Goethals has appeared to grow visibly frustrated.

Goethals ire has been directed at Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens. He asked her four years ago to produce every document her department kept on jailhouse informants and, though she says shes turned them all over, he believes there are more.

Goethals has used words like liars, in reference to two O.C. deputies. He has threatened, among other things, to cite Hutchens with contempt of court.

Today, at a new hearing in Santa Ana, that frustration could reach a turning point. Goethals will hear arguments on the question of whether or not the Sheriffs Department illegally shredded paperwork.

And news came Wednesday that the hearing will be expanded to include a request from the California Attorney General that evidence gathered in a criminal investigation of the Orange County Sheriff be kept secret.

Legal briefs from the Attorney Generals office indicate that information developed in their investigation might be useful to Dekraais defense and, as such, are required to be shared. But the state doesnt want to hand it over without prohibiting Dekraais attorney, Assistant Public Defender Scott Sanders, from releasing the information to the public, either directly or in the form of any public brief.

The information apparently came from an interview by state prosecutors with attorneys representing the sheriffs department. That interview might be protected by attorney-client privilege.

Its not clear if the information suggests wrongdoing by the sheriff or anybody in the department.

The sheriffs department declined to comment.

Goethals, who has several times defended the publics right to know, is being asked to seal documents that would give the first preview of the states findings in a two-year criminal investigation of the local sheriffs department.

Goethals already has other unanswered questions in the Dekraai case.

For one thing, Goethals is bothered by a sheriff department document that referred to a second set of secret notes kept by deputies on their work with jailhouse informants. Hutchens attorneys have said the department has searched hard for that second set, but it doesnt exist.

Goethals isnt buying it. He says the department adamantly argued the first set of notes was so important to jail operations that it should not be released to the public. If thats the case, Goethals reasoned, how could that first set be discontinued in 2013 without creating a second set of notes?

Next, there is a gap of 5  months in the first set of secret notes. Where did those notes go?

And in the notes that were disclosed, deputies at least twice referenced disposing of old documents without any oversight  a potential violation of department rules and possibly of the law if, in fact, documents were shredded. What did those documents say? Were those or any shredded unlawfully?

Goethals wants to know.

He also is wondering whether it is a coincidence that the Orange County Board of Supervisors was asked by the sheriff to OK the destruction of old records, including informant documents, in 2014. At the time, the department had changed its terminology for jailhouse informants to persons of information. Goethals this year put a halt to the destruction of any informant-related documents by the sheriffs department.

The judge also is irked by Hutchens insistence that the department does not have a network of jailhouse informants cultivated to coax confessions from inmates, many of whom have attorneys.

Appellate justices say jailhouse informants are being used illegally in Orange County. The District Attorneys Office has conceded the sheriffs department is cultivating jail informants. The proof is so substantial that Judge Goethals has said there can be no more debate.

Despite its denials, the sheriffs department has put out a training manual entitled Custody Informant Program.

But Hutchens has said steadfastly that deputies dont spend their time cultivating jail informants and moving them to cells where they can work on targeted inmates.

Its unclear if getting answers today will end the growing sense of frustration in Goethals courtroom.

Before a hearing in February, a reporter asked a high-ranking sheriffs official this question: Is he going to take the switch to you?

Hes going to make us cut our own switch, the official responded.
Since 2007, federal drug agents have seized $3.2 billion in cash from Americans never charged with a crime as part of a controversial asset forfeiture program, according to a newly released Department of Justice report.

The report, by the DOJs Office of Inspector General, also noted that the Drug Enforcement Agency doesnt collect any data to determine whether the seizures are lowering crime or increasing civil rights violations.

Congressman Darrell Issa, R-Vista, has co-sponsored a bill to better regulate the asset forfeiture program.

In too many cases, civil forfeiture has wrongfully harmed innocent Americans through loss of property rights and due process, Issa said in a statement. What was once intended to ensure drug dealers couldnt keep the fruits of their illegal activities has now become distorted by the government to permanently seize property from innocent Americans, often with little recourse or proof of wrongdoing.

Issas bill raises the burden of proof for the government to keep the seized cash, gives claimants the opportunity to quickly contest seizures, improves transparency, and makes many long-overdue improvements to help rein in instances of misuse.

Forfeiture reform has quickly become one of our best opportunities for bipartisan achievement in criminal justice reform. I look forward to the swift passage of these important updates to protect due process, Issa said.

Issa is working with Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wisconsin.

The federal asset forfeiture program, known as equitable sharing, generated $688 million for California police between 2000 and 2013, according to an analysis by the Orange County Register. The money, confiscated in some cases during traffic stops without so much as a warrant, often ends up paying for police overtime. Those rules have prompted some critics to describe the practice as policing for profit.

Orange Countys drug task force received 8 percent of all California agencies, $53 million during the 13-year-period. The Anaheim Police Department alone received 3 percent, with $21.7 million.

Contact the writer: tsaavedra@scng.com
Authorities filed charges in a sex-trafficking operation Wednesday in Washington County which they say stretched across the U.S. to ensnare foreign-born women to work as prostitutes for clients who sometimes physically and sexually assaulted them.

Headed by two women described as boss ladies based in Irvine, authorities say the enterprise involved transporting women  mainly Chinese nationals  to businesses and private residences scattered around the metro area, including Oakdale, Cottage Grove, St. Paul, Blaine, Maplewood and St. Louis Park.

Women also were sent to more than 20 other states across the country.

Dongzhou Jiang, 28, of Blaine, served as the regional manager for the operations Minnesota and North Dakota service area, according to the criminal complaint, coordinating with his bosses in California to transport women advertised for sex on Backpage.com to residences in the Twin Cities.

Part of the ring operated out of the east metro. Thats where Cottage Grove police discovered a house purchased by traffickers that had nothing but two beds and a line of men waiting to have sex, said Washington County Attorney Pete Orput.

Orputs office headed up the investigation that led to the charges.

Kim Mohr, spokeswoman for the Irvine Police Department, confirmed that local officers assisted in the case but would not elaborate, citing the investigation was led by another department.

The women trafficked were made to work 12 to 14 hours a day and had to pay their traffickers housing fees, transportation costs and hotel expenses and provide their own food, authorities said.

None of them lived in the areas they were sold and some had to give over their passports, authorities said. If they didnt follow the rules, they risked being fired and feared deportation, authorities said.

Orput said the enterprise appeared to be headquartered in Irvine, where traffickers posted tens of thousands of ads for sexual services on internet sites such as Backpage.com.

Interested buyers from across the country contacted traffickers at the hub and were texted an address of the location nearest them within the rings service area, which stretched across 29 states, Orput said.

It seemed to me that this was the Uber of sex-trafficking  where you could order a human being, he said.

The investigation involved several law enforcement agencies, including the Washington and Ramsey county attorneys offices, as well as Woodbury, St. Paul, Oakdale, Cottage Grove and Minneapolis police.

Investigators discovered tens of thousands of dollars in traffickers bank accounts, authorities said. One account contained more than $850,000.

Those charged include Jiang; Fangyao Wu, 23, of Irvine; Sophia Wang Navas, 49, of Chino Hills, Calif.; and Hong Nmn Jing, 48, of Irvine.

Each faces six felonies, including racketeering, aiding and abetting in sex trafficking, aiding and abetting in the promotion of prostitution and aiding and abetting a business engaged in the concealment of criminal proceeds.

While describing the prosecutions as a victory in the fight to combat sex trafficking, Orput said agencies still have a lot of work in front of them.

We would like to stop this entire pipeline  but we have a lot of work to do.

Both he and Choi emphasized that part of the effort also needs to target and reduce the demand fueling the sex-trafficking market.

How we raise our boys really matters, Choi said.

Orput added that the johns who pay for sex were engaging in behavior that was not onlycriminal, but also immoral.

Authorities are hopeful news of the charges might reach the victims and help convince them to come forward.

Orput noted during the press conference that the majority of the women reached through the investigation were reluctant to work with law enforcement, largely out of fear of the consequences they might face from both immigration officials and their traffickers.

He added that he wasnt sure how the east metro became so entangled with the enterprise, but said he hoped the criminal charges filed Wednesday would send a message to those involved that they wont get away with it.
LAGUNA BEACH  City officials are stepping up plans to deal with illegal parking, rowdy behavior and trash  problems that have plagued South Laguna residents who live near Thousand Steps, West and Table Rock beaches.

City Council members on Tuesday, March 28, approved plans for more parking enforcement and beach patrols, made changes to the citys trolley routes in South Laguna and proposed a review of parking strategies after the summer.

They also asked city staff to look into what it would cost the city to take over the county-run South Laguna beaches and parking lots after this summer.

We are stepping up parking control, motor patrol and watching for people running across the road, Laguna Beach police Chief Laura Farinella told the council.

Last year we put beach patrol officers at the top of the steps (Thousands Steps Beach) saying, You dont have any beer in there do you? Just that mere conversation caused people to go back to their cars and off load what they shouldnt have had in the first place.

This year, she said, beach patrol officers will be walking the beaches. A community outreach officer will start in May.

The councils action follows a recent meeting of the South Laguna Civic Association where residents complained about more cars on already packed narrow streets. They also complained about noisy groups late at night, illegal beach fires, broken glass in the sand, drug deals, graffiti and people climbing fences into private property.

The lifeguards used to feel that, if you wanted action, you didnt want to be sent to South Laguna, said John Thomas, who lives near Table Rock Beach. It is totally the opposite today. These beaches are now busy almost all year long.

Thomas credits OC Lifeguards and Farinella for some improvement but says more resources are needed.

Some relief from the influx of visitors drawn to South Laguna beaches by their natural beauty and social media hype may come from the plans to change trolley services as part of a pilot program.

The Laguna Beach Visitors Bureau advocated a Ritz-Carlton stop in Dana Point as a way to get resort guests to downtown Laguna to dine and shop. But city surveys last summer showed the highest number of riders were teens, many heading to South Laguna beaches.

The trolleys are often packed when coming through South Laguna heading north, residents said, forcing them to wait for several trolleys before one is empty enough to board.

The Coastal Trolley route  now operating weekends and daily during the festival season  will be split, the council agreed. One route serving South Laguna residents will head north at Mission Hospital Laguna Beach. The other, from the Ritz-Carlton, will stop at Crown Valley Parkway, Three Arch Bay but avoid stops like 10th Street, West Street, Table Rock and Aliso Beach.

Mayor Toni Iseman opposed the changes.

South Laguna residents standing on a street (will) see a shuttle drive by with The Ritz on it, she said. I dont want to answer my phone about that.

Farinella said there have been discussions with the county to see if Lagunas ban on smoking at the beaches can be enforced on the county-run beaches. She also said two new city cameras are monitoring for illegal activities in the area.

The county has also hired a private security firm that last week started to monitor the beaches from 7 a.m. to midnight, she said.

Council members discussed parking strategies for South Laguna, including resident permit parking and parking meters that would provide three-hour parking in neighborhoods and six hours along Coast Highway. But any of those changes would require California Coastal Commission approval, they said.

Iseman asked city staff to look at ways of adjusting fines on parking meter violations. The council agreed to collect more data this summer for a future decision on parking strategies.

Councilman Steve Dicterow asked staff do a financial analysis on what it would cost for Laguna to take over the South County beaches and parking lots.

It could very well come out as a very negative idea, but I would like to look at it. he said.

Contact the writer: 714-796-2254 or eritchie@scng.com or Twitter:@lagunaini
Frasers Hospitality Group is expanding its global presence with eight new properties in the Middle East and Africa. The new properties will increase Frasers Hospitality Groups global footprint to more than 1,500 units across both regions.

The recent launch of Fraser Suites West Bay, Doha marks the first of eight properties to open, making it the groups second operating property in Qatar and the fifth in the Middle East. The groups operating properties in the region  Fraser Suites Diplomatic Area Bahrain, Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain, Fraser Suites Doha and Fraser Suites Dubai - all enjoy an average occupancy rate of over 75%.

Frasers Hospitality Group entered the Middle East when it opened Fraser Suites Seef, Bahrain in 2009. Since its entry into the region, the group has been named as Middle Easts Leading Serviced Apartments Brand and Best Serviced Apartment Company in the Middle East. The properties have also been individually awarded as Leading Serviced Apartments within the region.

Tapping into the regions business and tourism growth, Frasers Hospitality Group will also enter the Saudi Arabian market for the first time with properties in Jeddah, Khobar and Riyadh. The governments plans to develop tourist attractions and improve visa issuance for visitors to Saudi Arabia is forecast to boost tourism. Inbound tourism is currently projected to grow 6.1% per annum by 2020. Visitors from the leisure and the business sectors to Jeddah are projected to increase with the expansion of Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport and the development of Jeddah Economic City.

Openings in Nigeria and the Republic of Congo will mark Frasers Hospitality Groups first entry into Africa. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Sub-Saharan Africa remains a region of immense economic potential. The World Bank has forecast economic growth in the region to rebound to 2.9 percent in 2017, and rise above 3.5 percent by 2018. Given its growth potential, the continent is a key focus of the groups global growth strategy.

The Middle East and Africa are significant growth markets in our global expansion plans. As the regions continue to emerge as business hubs, our properties in key cities will be well positioned to cater to the needs of travelers. By 2026, international tourist arrivals are forecast to total more than 100 million in the Middle East and we are ready to meet the increased demand for Gold-Standard serviced residences. The recent opening of Fraser Suites West Bay, Doha is an example of our confidence in the region. Meanwhile, business spending in Africa is expected to grow from US$2.6 trillion in 2015 to US$3.5 trillion by 2025 , which is likely to see an increase in business travel to the region. We are targeting key business centres such as Nigerias capital Abuja and Africas largest city, and we look forward to expanding our footprint in the region in the coming years, commented Mr Choe Peng Sum, Chief Executive Officer of Frasers Hospitality Group.

Frasers Hospitalitys global portfolio, including those in the pipeline, stands at 140 properties in more than 80 cities with 23,400 keys worldwide.
A small group of residents in the Towers at Laguna Woods Village might have the best handwriting in the community.

Every Monday at 1 p.m., Edie Jaffe, Steve Handelman and Harriet Fillmore go the library to write letters. Each of them sits at a small wooden table ready to write personalized, heartfelt messages to active military and veterans.

We dont do enough for them, Jaffe, in her 90s, said. Our country is failing them, so somebody has to do something. Its my way of giving back.

The three write about 100 letters per week, with a total of nearly 5,000 letters per year, which are delivered to deployed troops, new recruits, wounded warriors and veterans.

Im glad you decided to join the armed forces, said Fillmore, 88, reading from a letter she just wrote to a new recruit. Your decision to join in keeping us safe and sound is greatly appreciated. Best wishes to you.

I always put hugs and kisses too, she added, displaying small Xs and Os on the inside of her card.

The letters go to a larger organization called Operation Gratitude, which puts them inside bigger packages to be delivered by the organization. The packages include small gifts and practical items.

The hand-written letters add a personal touch, Jaffe said.

They know were thinking about them and theyre not deserted in any way; our thoughts are there, she said. They love getting it, they feel very isolated but then they get their package and their letter.

The group in Laguna Woods started nearly two years ago, when Towers Activities Director Kristen Orr and Resident Services Coordinator Chelsea Sullivan wanted to find a new activities for residents.

Since its start, other people have written letters, but Jaffe, Handelman and Fillmore are the core team, Sullivan said. Rain or shine, the three come to write for an hour every Monday, and they also write from home.

I think its recognizing (the troops) and showing how much we admire and respect them, Handelman, 61, said.

Each of the core team has family who had served in the military, ranging from WWII to Vietnam. During and after WWII, Fillmore and Jaffe were volunteers at veterans hospitals.

There werent any men left; every man was gone  your uncles, your cousins, your neighbors, Fillmore said. So it sticks in your mind that were free and weve been lucky enough to reach this age because of the dedication of the servicemen all of these years.

Contact the writer: rasmussen.emily22@gmail.com
Influential businessman and philanthropist Charles Chuck Martin died of cancer early Tuesday morning, March 28, at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach. He was 80.

The longtime Orange County resident and business investor was known for the impact he had on numerous local businesses and institutions, including UC Irvine and Chapman University, with his business, philanthropy, educational and arts advocacy.

Growing up in poverty in a small Ohio town, Martin graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in engineering physics and five majors: physics, mathematics, chemistry, electrical engineering and business, according to the biography that accompanied his 2016 book Orange County, Inc.,  The Evolution of an Economic Powerhouse. Offered a job upon graduating with the Hughes defense electronics facility in Fullerton, Martin borrowed 300 dollars from his town doctor to take a train to Southern California.

After Hughes, Martin began a successful career as an entrepreneur, founding high-tech companies and managing and investing in numerous major businesses and firms.

Martin was well-known in the business world for his firm Enterprise Partners, which managed funds for the worlds top investors, including General Motors, AT&T, Harvard and Yale, and the finance company Westar Capital, which he co-founded with O.C.-based real estate magnate George Argyros. In Orange County, Inc., he provided a detailed history of the O.C. and the stories of the people that have helped make the county one of the nations leading economies.

Martin was a longtime trustee of UC Irvine, where he served as Chairman of the Board for the Graduate School of Management from 2000 to 2005 and was its first Chairman Emeritus and also created and sponsored the Polaris Investment Competition for students to receive scholarships to obtain MBA degrees. He was also a trustee for Chapman University, where he served as Chairman of the Investment Committee, donating $2 million with his wife, Twyla, to the universitys film and media arts program in 2005.

As an arts advocate, he served as the founding Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Orange County Museum of Art from 1996-2000 and continued as its Chairman Emeritus. Chuck and Twyla Martin also established the Martin Foundation and Charitable Trust for the Orange County Endowment for Intellectual Advancement, which supports higher education and the arts.

I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Chuck Martin over the years and have great admiration for his steadfast commitment to bettering both the business environment and the cultural life of Orange County, OCMA President Craig W. Wells said in a statement issued Wednesday. His years of service and dedication to the Orange County Museum of Art have been unsurpassed and he will be greatly missed.
WASHINGTON  Leaders of the Senate investigation into President Donald Trumps possible ties to Russia on Wednesday sought to distance themselves from the flagging House inquiry, eager to establish their work as credible in the face of growing doubts about Congress capacity to hold Trump and his associates to account.

In a conspicuous show of bipartisanship during a fraught moment at the Capitol, the top Republican and Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee pledged to forge ahead by interviewing key players connected to Trump and pressing intelligence agencies to provide all relevant information.

Their composed and seemingly unified display served as a contrast to the explosive and often bewildering statements from the Republican chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Rep. Devin Nunes of California, whose ties to the Trump White House have raised doubts about his ability to conduct an impartial investigation.

Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina, the Senate committees Republican chairman and a supporter of Trump during the campaign, on Wednesday suggested he would not shy away from a process that could damage the reputation of a Republican president.

This investigations scope will go wherever the intelligence leads, Burr said.

Asked later whether he could say yet whether Trump was directly involved in talks with the Russians, Burr was stern.

We know that our challenge, he said, is to answer that question for the American people.

Burr and his Democratic counterpart on the committee, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, left little doubt that they viewed the Houses unruly process as an afterthought, one that should not reflect on their own efforts.

Each senator offered some evidence of what they had reviewed so far, with Warner saying that there could have been 1,000 internet trolls in Russia who generated fake news stories and targeted them at swing states like Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania, and Burr noting that it was clear that Russians are actively involved in the French elections. On Thursday, the committee will hold a public hearing on Russian interference.

It was clear that Burr and Warner wanted to project a level of cooperation that has disintegrated in the House.

Let me set the ground rules real quick, Burr said on Wednesday before taking questions. Well answer anything about the Senate Intelligence Committees investigation. We will not take questions on the House Intelligence Committee.

Burr could not suppress a smirk. Warner laughed outright.

The congressional inquiries are not related, but their focuses overlap, leaving the Senate panel to defend itself in the face of Nunes assorted claims. While the vast majority of Republicans in the House have stood by Nunes amid calls for him to recuse himself, his furtive maneuvering  including bypassing his committee to brief the White House about relevant intelligence  has placed House committee members in an uncomfortable spot.

And at least one Republican lawmaker, Rep. Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania, suggested on Wednesday that the Senate should take the lead on Congress investigation into ties between the presidents orbit and Russia.

As a consequence, the Senate investigation amounts to a credibility test for Republicans under the Trump administration  a chance to prove their willingness to ask uncomfortable questions of a Republican president, even if the answers might weaken his and the partys standing.

Democrats are skeptical. But they are also mindful that the Senate likely remains their best hope on Capitol Hill for gathering information, making them disinclined to abandon the Senate Intelligence Committees investigation.

For months, the Senate majority leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has resisted calls for a special prosecutor or select committee to oversee the examination of Russian interference in the election.

Asked on Tuesday why the controversies involving Nunes had not caused him to change his mind, McConnell said, Because its not necessary.

Chairman Burr and Sen. Warner are working together well, he told reporters. The Senate Intelligence Committee, I trust and our colleagues trust to follow every lead, to come up at some point with a report. I hope itll be on a bipartisan basis and well find out exactly what happened.

When a reporter asked about the House investigation, McConnell was disinclined to engage. I serve in the Senate, he said tersely.

On the House side, a string of perplexing decisions by Nunes has threatened to unravel the panels inquiry altogether. A week after he abruptly announced he had obtained information indicating people associated with the Trump transition may have been incidentally caught up in legal surveillance of foreign operatives, tempers are still hot over his decision to bypass the committees top Democrat, Rep. Adam B. Schiff of California, and brief Trump.

The president seized on the information as evidence for his thoroughly debunked claim that former President Barack Obama had wiretapped Trump Tower  an allegation dismissed by not only senior law enforcement officials, like FBI Director James B. Comey, but also by the heads of the Senate and House investigations, including Nunes.

Another obstacle to bipartisanship came on Monday, with the revelation that Nunes had viewed the evidence, which he characterized as dozens of reports containing classified information, on the grounds of the White House.

The once cordial relationship between Nunes and Schiff has dissolved in recent days.

On Monday, Schiff led the Democratic calls for Nunes to recuse himself from the investigation, saying he had revealed himself to be too close to Trump to be unbiased.

At the same time, the Senate investigation has not been blemish-free. Last month, Warner publicly scolded his Republican counterpart after The Washington Post reported that Burr had spoken with the White House and engaged with news organizations to dispute reports that Trump associates had been in consistent contact with Russian intelligence operatives.

On Wednesday, each expressed full confidence in the other.

Mark and I work hand in hand on this, Burr said. Contrary to maybe popular belief, were partners.
Trademark Spitzer

Re: Former Spitzer aide sues county, alleging hostile work environment [News, March 28]: Based on Todd Spitzers past exhibitions of aggressively poor judgment (remember Spitzer arming himself with a firearm and handcuffing a patron at a restaurant because the patron talked to him about religion), one can easily believe the complainant in this case  fear and aggression are Spitzers trademarks.

 James H. McGee, Orange

No moral equivalence

Re: Trump brawl was politics at its worst [March, 29]: As one who attended the permitted MAGA march at Huntington Beach, I strongly object to the Register editorial which tried to make a moral equivalence between the two sides. It is against the law to block a roadway or walkway and prevent safe passage. None of the articles printed in the Register point out the criminal behavior of the protesters. Three protesters were arrested and charged with felony assault with pepper spray. When peaceful people are assaulted, does the Register expect people to meekly cave into the anarchists and stop a permitted peaceful march? What about the constitutional rights of those of us who were peacefully marching?

The protesters dressed in black with their faces covered were the provocateurs. A 64-year-old man told me he was hit in face by a protesters for no apparent reason. That is a provocation with a legal right to self defense. It is clear the Register editorial writer and reporter on the scene are sympathetic to the anti-President Trump protesters. That is disappointing. What group of people are the violent ones at events such as this? It isnt supporters of President Trump.

Im asking the Register to remain true to its roots of R.C. Hoiles and side with the constitutional rights of those being discriminated against by anyone trying to deny those constitutional rights. The moral equivalence of both sides did it is irresponsible reporting. There is a difference between self defense and provocation.

 Marvin Tuomala, Westminster

Why bother?

Reports show that 30 percent of American adults are overweight and 20 percent still smoke. Why am I asked to pay for their care through taxes and excessive premiums when they wont do their part to take care of their own health?

 Brian Bevilacqua, Orange
WASHINGTON  When some of President Donald Trumps aides were reassuring him over the past few weeks that he had enough votes to pass a health care bill, Vice President Mike Pence was skeptical.

Pence, a Hill-wise former Indiana congressman who is typically a palliative presence in an administration of piranhas, had been keeping tabs on conservatives, counseling the president not to take anything for granted, and he urged Trump to take a hard line against his ideological allies who were pushing for a far more radical rewrite of the Affordable Care Act.

During the course of the last two trying weeks, as less-experienced advisers floundered  and others skipped town  Pence emerged as an effective, if not ultimately successful, wingman for a president short on competent help.

The health care debacle was nothing if not a CT scan of a troubled and inexperienced West Wing  from the presidents sketchy grasp on policy, to the heavy-handed tactics of his chief strategist, Stephen K. Bannon, who issued a final ultimatum to a balky Freedom Caucus.

Pence was simply filling a vacuum. The presidents son-in-law and free-floating aide, Jared Kushner, who has described himself as a first among equals in the West Wing, was on a family trip to Colorado. This week, as the administration tried to pivot to tax reform, Trumps top economic adviser, Gary D. Cohn, has been away for a few days with his family, on hand for conference calls but out of Washington.

That has left Pence to carry out many of the functions that the White House chief of staff, Reince Priebus, would normally fulfill if he possessed more policy experience and legislative connections: sounding out lawmakers for inside information, providing the president with tactical counsel, quietly offering policy tweaks during negotiations.

Pences team has at times questioned whether Priebus was up to the demands of his job, according to one West Wing official close to the vice president, who was not authorized to discuss private interactions involving Pence. And Trump has made his own unhappiness known with Priebus, the former chairman of the Republican National Committee. Pences communications director, Jarrod Agen, insisted that it was categorically untrue for anyone to suggest that Reince has anything but the full support of the vice president.

Pence has been a utility infielder when the president needs him, and hes not trying to compete with the loyalists, said Tom Barrack, one of Trumps closest friends and chairman of the Trump-Pence inaugural committee. Hes doing exactly what he should be doing.

A straight man to Trump

At times, Pence can seem jarringly out of place, a clean-cut 1950s Republican cheerfully navigating the chaotic Mad Max landscape created by the disruptive duo of Trump and Bannon, trying to stay engaged while remaining discernibly aloof from the less-savory aspects of serving in the Trump White House.

That is the challenge he has faced since accepting the job of Trumps straight-man running mate last summer. Many Pence advisers, including his wife, Karen, were wary of the offer.

I come from a family of preachers, said Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, D-Md. who served with Pence in the House and still communicates with him regularly. He is an honorable man. He is a Christian man. But theres going to come a time when the Trump storm is over, and you have spent all this time defending him and repeating the stuff Trump has said. Whats he going to do when his credibility is shot?

Some members of his staff privately admit that Pence got off to a slow start. Until his emergence in the health care fight, his main role was as a kind of Trump translator to foreign leaders and lawmakers who needed a conduit to the White House on appointments or arcane issues. One area of particular focus in the first two months: stripping protections for the sage grouse to ease development of lands in the west.

And he has held his capital in reserve, choosing to tread lightly on certain issues, according to a person with direct knowledge of the discussions, not campaigning aggressively for defunding Planned Parenthood in the renewed health care bill discussions, for instance.

Much of the time he simply seemed out of the loop, Trumps man-who-knew-too-little sidekick. Pences philosophy, according to several White House staff members, is that he is a team player who has signaled that he needs to know only what Trump wants him to know.

Pence was among the last members of Trumps circle to learn that Michael T. Flynn, the now-departed national security adviser, had been talking with Sergey I. Kislyak, the Russian ambassador, during the campaign. The vice president had been similarly in the dark about the fact that Flynns son had been on the transition payroll when he was in charge.

When Flynn was fired in mid-February, Trump and White House officials said that he had misled the vice president about his conversations with Kislyak, which led to an embarrassing television appearance in which an oblivious Pence defended Flynns conduct.

In reality, Trump  convinced by Bannon, Priebus and Kushner  had already decided that Flynn was a liability, and was eager to find an excuse to get rid of him, according to three administration officials familiar with the episode.

But even as Pence steps up his activity as a go-between bridging the White House and Capitol Hill, it is clear he has adopted a far less ambitious approach to the job than predecessors Joe Biden and Dick Cheney, who despised being out of the loop and stocked their staffs with first-rate talent that often rivaled, and later replaced, their presidents West Wing teams.

His model, people close to him say, is the laid-back helpmate vice presidency of George H.W. Bush under Ronald Reagan.

During the first two months of the administration, Pence lingered on the periphery, with Bannon, and the policy advisers Stephen Miller and Andrew Bremberg occupying central roles. Over the past two weeks, Pence and Trumps budget director, Mick Mulvaney  another conservative former congressman  have taken on greater responsibility as the action has shifted to Capitol Hill.

Both men have tried to nudge the president to the right, and pressed Trump to make serious concessions to the Freedom Caucus over health care, advocating for an accelerated timetable for phasing out Medicaid at the behest of Republican governors.

Pence was a steady advocate, if ultimately not a successful one, during Trumps last-minute push, telling hard-liners that I would have been a member of the Freedom Caucus if I was still in Congress as part of his pitch.

When that did not work, he joined Bannon in pushing for a vote  to identify and shame dissenters  even as House Speaker Paul D. Ryan urged the president to think less about revenge than about stockpiling political capital for coming fights on the budget, tax reform and an infrastructure bill.
Powerful winds are threatening to scramble the afternoon commute Thursday, March 30, in much of Southern California.

The strongest winds will make an appearance between 3 and 8 p.m., so meteorologists and public safety officials alike are trying to get the word out about a potentially hazardous drive home.

A patchwork of high wind warnings and wind advisories across Los Angeles County and the mountains and deserts of Riverside and San Bernardino counties warn of sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts could hit 80 mph along mountaintops and 45-55 mph in other areas.

Lighter winds around 10 to 20 mph are expected to blow in the Inland valleys and Orange County, with gusts to 30 or 40 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

The Weather Services main concern is for motorists  especially those in high-profile vehicles  making their way through wind-prone areas like the Cajon Pass, said meteorologist Mark Moede.

Those are the areas that weve got the greatest concern for damaging winds, he said. Also a possibility is the winds are going to pick up a lot of dust and sand, reducing visibility.

The winds are coming from the west, Moede said, and will affect Southern California from the Mojave Desert down to Mexico.

Theyre expected to be at their highest in the afternoon and evening but the blustery weather was already affecting the mountains and High Desert on Thursday morning.

Wind gusts of 51 mph in Whitewater east of Banning, 35 mph in Tonner Canyon west of Chino Hills and 30 mph in the San Bernardino and San Gabriel mountains have been recorded, according to the National Weather Service.

The winds are expected to diminish overnight, but they wont go away completely.

Moede said Santa Ana-type winds are to be expected in some of the regions valleys on Friday morning  most likely between 7 a.m. and noon  but those winds wont be half as strong as the ones expected in the desert Thursday evening.

Places like Rialto and Fontana will see some north winds (Friday) morning (around) 15 to 20 mph in the area, he said.
Companies, c-suite executives and entrepreneurs spend billions annually in the hopes of building a brand, garnering media attention and raising their profile. Theres no better way to do this than to write a book and promote it. (2 reader comments)
Little Charlie Lynch from Offaly, who is in the UK awaiting a life-saving liver transplant, has been speaking to Will Faulkner on Midlands 103 today, Thursday, March 30.

Charlie discussed missing his friends and uncles at home in Tullamore, and said he just "gets his needles and then sits on the bed." The brave schoolboy says he uses a tablet and plays the Xbox to pass the time as he undergoes treatment at King's Hospital for the liver disease he was born with. Much like any other eight-year-old, he enjoys FIFA and WWE wrestling games.

SEE ALSO: Tullamore pub to host fundraiser to help save the life of dying Offaly boy

His mother Helen Lynch has previously told the Offaly Express that she worries Charlie's time is running out as he awaits a suitable living donor. She said, "we are waiting for a two legged miracle to come along." Helen moved to the UK temporarily with little Charlie as pediatric transplants are not carried out here in Ireland.

The doctors dont really talk to me, they talk to my mother," Charlie said. "She says sometimes I have to stay in hospital and theyve to look at my liver, he told the local radio station on Thursday afternoon. He told Will that he is looking forward to having a party with all his friends when he gets better.

His mother says an information flyer is being circulated around the midlands this week. It is a risk [to become a donor]. You are putting your life at risk. We are looking for a non-smoker, blood type O, with no serious illnesses or long term medication reliance," she said. Helen recently orchestrated a successful GoFundMe campaign to raise money in order to be able to afford to have a possible donor tested, but the tests are complex and time consuming as Charlie waits.

SEE ALSO: Mother makes desperate donor appeal for dying Offaly boy

He said he would like to be back with his old classmates in 3rd class in Tullamore, and admitted to sometimes worrying about himself being in hospital. He also said that his mother worries about him in a heartbreaking conversation with Will Faulkner, who wished him well and said, "I hope you get better very soon, God bless."

You can listen to Will Faulkner's full chat with Charlie by clicking here.
An American Airlines co-pilot died Wednesday while the plane was preparing for landing in New Mexico, The New York Daily News reported. The report said the pilot announced a medical emergency over the planes intercom.

Father-of-one William Grubbs, 57, announced a medical emergency over the intercom over Albuquerque, New Mexico, where his Boeing 737 was due to land.

Flight 1353, a Boeing 737, landed safely in Albuquerque at about 3:30 p.m. local time.

After landing, medics battled to save his life - spending 40 minutes performing CPR but sadly they could not revive him.

AA said it was 'deeply saddened' by Mr Grubbs's death and has sent a message of condolence to his loved ones.
Draft Of Martin Luther King Jr.s Birmingham Letter Going To Auction Elijah C. Watson Elijah Watson serves as Okayplayer's News & Culture Editor. When

A draft of Martin Luther King Jr.s Letter from Birmingham Jail will be auctioned off this week with an estimated value between $10,000 and $15,000.

Considered one of the most famous writings from the civil rights era, the letter is a part of a collection of items that will be auctioned at the Printed & Manuscript African Americana sale happening on Thursday at the Swann Auction Galleries.

King wrote the letter in April 1963, when he and a group of other Birmingham protesters were arrested. The draft was later typed into a formal letter by his staff and was published in magazines and newspapers, in hopes of drawing national attention to the racial inequality and mistreatment occurring in the South.

The item was acquired by antique collector James Allen three decades ago when he discovered it during an estate sale, that also included the papers of a former black minister from Alabama.

The words of King, as well as his wife Coretta, still resonate today. A speech that the latter gave against the nomination of Jeff Sessions for a federal district court judge for the Southern District of Alabama, resurfaced earlier this year when Sessions was nominated for attorney general by Donald Trump.

Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren attempted to recite Corettas speech in its entirety on the Senate Floor in protest of Sessions nomination but, was silence by Republicans. The speech was used again to protest Sessions when DC protesters recited the speech through a bullhorn at Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells home.

In the cover page of the nine-page letter King wrote, I write to express my sincere opposition to the confirmation of Jefferson B. Sessions as a federal district court judge for the Southern District of Alabama. My professional and personal roots in Alabama are deep and lasting. Anyone who has used the power of his office as United States Attorney to intimidate and chill the free exercise of the ballot by citizens should not be elevated to our courts. Mr. Sessions has used the awesome powers of his office in a shabby attempt to intimidate and frighten elderly black voters. For this reprehensible conduct, he should not be rewarded with a federal judgeship.
Agricultural News

Sen. Lankford Talks Agricultural Commerce with US Trade Representative Nominee Robert Lighthizer

Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma today met with Robert Lighthizer, President Donald Trump's nominee to be the US Trade Representative. From his office in Washington, D.C., Lankford spoke with Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays about his visit with Lighthizer.







According to Lankford, much of his conversation with the prospective trade representative centered around gaining access to Asia as well as Central and South America. He added that emphasis was placed on beating New Zealand and Australia in the Japanese market also.







"We spent a lot of time talking about his ag perspective, manufacturing perspective and how to actually open up markets in Asia," Lankford said about his meeting with Lighthizer. "Obviously, we're dealing with low commodity prices here in the United States and so it becomes exceptionally important to be able to open up additional markets and locations and be able to put our products out there."







One in nine Oklahoma exports is an agricultural commodity, including: wheat, beef, pork, and cotton. The total value of all agricultural exports from the state is valued at nearly two billion dollars.







"Trade is an essential part of the Oklahoma and American economy. We must continue to expand exports and market access for our nation's agricultural industry," stated Lankford in a release from his office. "We must also leverage our economy in trade negotiations to export our values and promote human rights with potential trading partners. I believe that Mr. Lighthizer is committed to ensuring US trade policy does not overlook the vital role that Oklahoma production plays at the global level. In the days ahead, I hope the Trump Administration will aggressively pursue bilateral trade agreements that benefit our state and the nation's future."







In 1983, Lighthizer served as deputy trade representative in President Reagan's administration. Equipped with the knowledge and experienced gained in that role and additionally in his work with former Senator Bob Dole of Kansas, Lankford insists he understands the importance of trade and the benefits agriculture has had through treaties like the North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement or NAFTA. The Senator says that while Lighthizer agrees with some of President Trump's trade preferences like bilateral agreements, he does appreciate NAFTA and would like to see it improved but without interruption.







For more on Lankford's discussions with Lighthizer on subjects including the confirmations of Sonny Perdue and Neil Gorsuch, plus talks to reform the Death Tax, click or tap the LISTEN BAR below to hear Hays' Q&A session with the Senator.























Click or tap the LISTEN BAR below to hear Hays' Q&A session with Senator James Lankford of Okla.

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Top Agricultural News
LINCOLN  Three more diseases would be added to the required screening tests for newborns under legislation that cleared first-round consideration Thursday by Nebraska lawmakers.

Current state law mandates every baby born in the state to be checked for 29 conditions.

As amended, Legislative Bill 91 would add X-ALD, a brain disorder that primarily affects men; MPS-I, a genetic disease that damages tissues and organs; and Pompe disease, which impairs muscles and leads to heart defects.

State Sen. Bob Hilkemann of Omaha, the bills sponsor, called the measure an investment in healthy babies.

In 2015, he said, 27,000 babies were checked for 29 conditions. Fifty-eight babies were diagnosed and treated.

Thats 58 children who otherwise would be facing unimaginable challenges, hardships and death at far too young of an age, Hilkemann said.

Its also 58 families who otherwise would have faced exorbitant health care costs that could have fallen to the state under its Medicaid program, he said.

Hilkemann said he introduced the measure after meeting with a constituent whose father  who didnt have early intervention  died from X-ALD.

Sen. Lydia Brasch of Bancroft raised concerns about a provision of the bill that would raise the cost of the newborn screening to up to $20 from up to $10.

But Hilkemann called the increase necessary, saying the fee was set when six diseases were part of the screening.

Sen. Sue Crawford of Bellevue said a mother of a child eventually diagnosed with Pompe disease told members of the Health and Human Services Committee that a $20 screening at birth could have saved the state nearly $300,000 in medical costs and the family months of testing.

Lawmakers voted 39-0 to give LB 91, Hilkemanns priority bill, first-round approval. It must make it past two more rounds of approval.
Editor's note: This piece originally was published on Nov. 18, 2007, as part of David Harding's "Everyday History" column in The World-Herald.

The Cuban missile crisis in 1962 jangled the nerves of Americans everywhere.

Knowing that President Kennedy and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev each had a finger on the nuclear trigger scared people into action.

Civil defense authorities stashed food and water supplies in the basements of public buildings and designated them as fallout shelters in case of attack. Schoolchildren rehearsed the famously pointless "duck and cover" routine of diving under their desks for protection.

J. Gordon Roberts, the owner of Roberts Dairy in Omaha, opposed the very thought of nuclear war. It spooked him enough that he had a large fallout shelter built at his company's Elkhorn dairy farm in 1963.

He wanted to be ready in case of attack, and he was thinking about more than his family if the missiles were ever fired.

Roberts proposed an experiment to the Office of Civil Defense in Washington, a two-week test to see how dairy cattle and their human handlers would survive the likely living conditions after a nuclear attack. Roberts would provide the cattle and the shelter; the feds would conduct the study.

Two students from the University of Nebraska's Dairy Science Department would care for the cattle in the underground shelter during the test period.

What may have been the nation's first bovine fallout shelter went into test mode in August 1963 as an air raid siren pierced the afternoon.

Thirty dairy cows and one bull were herded into the reinforced concrete shelter by keepers and college students Ike Anderson of Genoa, Neb., and Dennis DeFrain of Fairbury, Neb. Up above, an engineering team from the University of Florida monitored heat, humidity and other conditions.

DeFrain is now retired in Arizona, but he hasn't forgotten his two weeks as part of a Cold War science experiment.

"Ike and I were friends. We both grew up on farms, and we had worked together at the ag college, " DeFrain said. "I think we were chosen for this project mostly because we were available. It was a way to help pay our way through college."

The cows and their handlers settled into a routine pretty quickly. Research had shown that radioactive harm from a nuclear blast diminishes after two days, so the cows were let out briefly for exercise each day after that.

While indoors, the students fed the cattle, spread straw around to limit the odors, monitored the animals' vital signs, and made diary entries every half-hour.

"Other than that, it was pretty boring, " DeFrain said.

They lived in a separate, cramped room with a bunk bed, a hot plate and a small table. They ate canned stew or spaghetti, pop, peanut butter and emergency crackers called "Nebraskits."

They read books and played cards. They listened to the radio until the battery died. They swatted a lot of flies.

A flock of press was also on hand, including NBC News. More than 600 news stories were printed nationwide, according to Omahan Larry McNichols, who coordinated the experiment for Roberts Dairy.

Roberts' Elkhorn farm was later sold and subdivided as the town grew around it. A local VFW group used the fallout shelter as its clubhouse, and for a decade it served as a bar called Barry's Underground.

The government came away from the experiment with a list of ideas for improving cow fallout shelters.

But the two students didn't tell all in their official reports. It turns out the experiment was tainted in a way that hasn't been revealed until now.

According to DeFrain, the students pined for regular showers even more than they missed milk. After the first week, they began to sneak out in the middle of the night and take quick showers at a nearby employee shelter.

The hidden lesson of this underground experiment? It's not the odor of cows that will do you in.

Want more of this? Check out Omaha.com/history for more stories from our city's fascinating past.
Update: A 15-year-old wanted in connection with a Nebraska homicide turned himself in to Colorado authorities Thursday afternoon.

Amedeus L. Leroux, who was wanted on outstanding Nebraska and Colorado warrants, will be charged with second-degree murder in the Tuesday stabbing death of John Fratis, 25, of Ogallala.

The Keith County Attorneys Office is beginning the extradition process to have Leroux returned to Nebraska.

Lt. Tim Arnold of the Nebraska State Patrol expressed thanks to news media in Nebraska and Colorado and the public for their help. The media spreading the word, and tips from the public helped greatly in this investigation," he said.

------------------------------

NORTH PLATTE, Nebraska  Two people have been arrested in connection with a homicide Tuesday morning in Ogallala. A third person is still being sought for questioning by authorities.

According to an arrest affidavit, Nebraska State Patrol investigators arrested Larry Derrera, 32, and Raylynn Garcia, 28, on suspicion of felony accessory to murder in the death of John Fratis, 25. The two were also arrested on suspicion of child abuse.

According to the affidavit:

Fratis, Garcia and Derrera shared a residence with two children. The three adults were watching television while drinking alcohol and consuming drugs in front of the children.

Fratis and another person got into an altercation. Fratis was injured and later died at Ogallala Community Hospital.

When Garcia found Fratis bleeding, he told her that Chris had stabbed him. Before Fratis was taken to the hospital, Garcia left with her two children and met the young man, Chris, at a convenience store. With the children still in her vehicle, Garcia gave Chris a ride to Holyoke, Colorado.

In the affidavit, State Patrol Sgt. Clint Elwood said both Derrera and Garcia lied or withheld information relating to Fratis death, which has hindered the case investigation.

Keith County Attorney Randy Fair confirmed that the homicide was a stabbing. As of late Wednesday afternoon, he said authorities were still searching for the third person in the affidavit  Chris  for questioning.

Both Derrera and Garcia were being held without bail Wednesday in the Keith County Jail. Their next court date has yet to be determined.
Orozco, a peregrine falcon hatched in Lincoln in 2015, appears to be making Omaha its home.

The male falcon has been seen with another falcon near the north tower of St. Cecilia Cathedral, 701 N. 40th St.

Nature photographer Mike Benkis captured photographs that included an image of the birds leg band. The letters and numbers on the band correspond to a chick born in May 2015 atop the Nebraska State Capitol. The falcon had been named in honor of Omaha Police Officer Kerrie Orozco, who lost her life that month.

Omaha Police Sgt. Matt Manhart, who was one of four people to suggest the winning name, said he thinks he knows why Orozco is in Omaha.

She is watching over the citizens of Omaha and her brothers and sisters of the Omaha Police Department.

It is suspected that Orozco and his mate may be nesting at St. Cecilia, which would be the third peregrine falcon nesting territory in Omaha and the fourth in the state.
The explosion that destroyed the battleship USS Arizona on Dec. 7, 1941, blew out the eardrums of Howard Linn, a Navy petty officer from Omaha who was aboard the USS Nevada a few hundred feet away.

Despite absorbing a pounding from Japanese fighters and bombers, the Nevada started up its boilers and tried to leave Pearl Harbor. It caught fire, though, and the captain beached it near the mouth of the bay to prevent the ship channel from being blocked. Sixty men died on the ship. Howard Linn, then 20, was among the 109 wounded.

Linn saw the start of U.S. involvement in World War II, and he stayed in the Navy to the end. Before he died last week at an Omaha retirement home at age 95, he was one of the states last remaining eyewitnesses to the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Linn was born in Lyons, Nebraska, on May 19, 1921, and lived on a farm at nearby Oakland as a boy. His parents divorced when he was young, said his son, Duane Linn of Omaha, and Howard moved with his father, Arthur, to Omaha while he was still in grade school.

Those were really, really tough times, Duane Linn said. His father had a hard time getting jobs.

A few months shy of graduating from high school in 1939, Howard Linn opted for adventure and a steady paycheck and enlisted in the Navy. His father, a World War I veteran, also joined and was stationed in the Pacific.

After the attack, Duane Linn said, Howard helped recover bodies from the oily waters of Pearl Harbor. Later an officer asked Howard if he could do anything to help him.

I said I was doing fine but was concerned about my dad, as he was working in the fire room on a carrier, Howard Linn told The World-Herald in 2008. The officer made arrangements for my dad to come back to my ship and bunk with me until five or six weeks later. He then got him a job driving a car for an admiral.

Howard Linn returned to Omaha after the war and got a job with Northwestern Bell, eventually becoming a top engineer during a career that lasted nearly 40 years.

He married and fathered three children  raising the two youngest  Dwight, now of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Diane Djureen, of Omaha  largely on his own after his wife, Helen, developed chronic health problems, Duane Linn said.

Howard Linn also aided the United Way, and for decades was a devoted Red Cross volunteer.

On the holidays he would be out on the Interstate, giving out coffee, Duane Linn said. He loved it.

Howard Linn attended memorial services at Pearl Harbor a number of times and, in later years, would impress friends and families with his hard-won expertise on the attack.

He enjoyed good health into his 90s, his son said, but died last week after a bout with the flu and pneumonia. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Omaha National Cemetery, followed by a funeral at 11:30 a.m. at Roeder Mortuary, 2727 N. 108th St., and a luncheon immediately after at VFW Post 2503, 8904 Military Road.

He is survived by his three children; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.
Omaha City Council President Ben Gray faces a half-dozen opponents as he seeks to extend his representation of north Omahas District 2 to a dozen years.

First elected in 2009, the former television news host and photographer has served eight years on the City Council. Gray faced four challengers in 2009, ultimately winning the general election handily.

This time around, the primary field is even more crowded. Grays opponents are a neighborhood leader, a child care business owner, an emergency helicopter dispatcher, a high school senior seeking his first office scant months after he became old enough to vote and two people who have unsuccessfully run for multiple offices.

Gray said he doesnt know why so many candidates emerged. But he said he has had several successes on the council that benefit his district.

Gray cited a new ordinance requiring owners of abandoned buildings to register with the city and pay quarterly fees. Its aimed at getting the owners to repair the properties or sell them.

Gray also helped create the Omaha Municipal Land Bank, which has the authority to buy tax-delinquent, run-down, abandoned houses, vacant lots and other problem properties, then sell them for redevelopment.

He also cited his work on crime prevention and police-community relations.

And I would really highlight the fact that we have the historic designation for North 24th Street, Gray said.

He said he will press for more stringent enforcement of city housing and building codes.

We really have to continue to address these absentee landlords and slumlords who dont take care of their properties, he said. Were doing a better job of that, but Im going to be asking for an attorney to be dedicated full-time to address these slumlords, and I mean arrest and prosecution.

He estimated such an attorney position would cost the city upward of $120,000 a year, but they would pay for themselves in neighborhood renewal.

Tanya Cooper said she was motivated to run by a disconnect between neighborhoods and the city.

That needs to change, said Cooper, president of the OIC Neighborhood Association in the historic heart of north Omaha. The neighborhoods need to be involved with what the city does, and the city needs to be involved with what the neighborhoods do.

If elected, one of her top priorities would be to host a monthly meeting with all the neighborhood association leaders from her district.

She said she would press for better street maintenance and repair in her district. Cooper said she would try to get the Nebraska Legislature to devote more gas tax revenue to Omaha to fix streets.

Maurice J. Jones traced his candidacy to a trip he took in 2015 as a high school sophomore. He rode a bus with other Omaha Public Schools students to Selma, Alabama, for the 50th anniversary commemoration of the Bloody Sunday voting rights march.

Upon his return to Omaha, he took new notice of unemployment and the need for economic development and better transportation in north Omaha, he said.

My top priority would be to tackle the issues of economic and racial segregation in this city, Jones said.

He said he would use civic engagement to establish relationships across the city. He also said he would propose an ordinance that all organizations that receive money from the city for jobs or other social programs must meet monthly to coordinate their efforts and strategize to fill gaps.

We have all these organizations that are awesome, but theyre not working together to make Omaha a more welcoming, diverse city, Jones said.

Bradley D. Whitmore Jr. said hes running because hes tired of seeing where our City Council candidates get elected and we dont hear from them so much.

Whitmore said he would be more accessible. He said he would identify one or two people from each voting precinct in the district and meet with them regularly.

Whitmore, an emergency medical technician whose job is dispatching medical helicopters, said he would push for more funding for street repair and abandoned building demolition. He said he didnt know the cost and sources of money for those increased services but said he would work with the City Public Works Department to identify them.

He also said he would recruit private businesses to invest in District 2.

I want to bring north Omaha back to the great place it used to be, Whitmore said.

Krystal Gabel said Omaha needs new leadership.

I personally dont believe the leadership reflects me, and I see myself as a regular Nebraskan, she said.

If elected, Gabel said, she would advocate for legalization of cannabis in the city. She said the issue would attract more young people to vote and would be one source of something she said the city needs: new tax revenue that doesnt affect working families or working individuals.

Gabel ran for two elected offices in 2016: the Metropolitan Utilities District Board of Directors and the Omaha Public Schools Board.

A longtime advocate for decriminalizing marijuana, Gabel is co-chair of Legal Marijuana Now Nebraska, an organization supporting medical marijuana legalization.

Gwen Easter has owned and operated a child care business in Omaha for 17 years, according to her website. She has been involved in early childhood education and advocacy, founding the Safe Haven Community Center and Early Childhood Academy.

Easter was appointed by Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts to the Early Childhood Interagency Coordinating Council.

She has been critical of the growth of public-private partnership early childhood centers, such as Educare, saying they are driving small businesses such as hers out of business.

Dennis Womack ran for the City Council District 2 seat in 1993 and 2013, for Nebraska Legislature in 2008, and for the Douglas County Board in 2004.

Womack had a career in social services that included working with drug-addicted veterans, helping the disabled find and keep jobs, and helping people work their way off welfare.

He was employed in workforce development for the U.S. Department of Commerce, State of Nebraska and Urban League of Nebraska, among other agencies.

Gray is the only candidate of the seven who has filed campaign finance reports with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission. Candidates are required to file such reports when they raise or spend at least $5,000.

Grays report shows that he had raised about $16,000 during the election cycle. More than $5,000 of that came from real estate developers and attorneys, and another $4,000 came from labor unions.

District 2

Tanya Cooper

Age: 53

Party: Democrat

Occupation: Omaha Star subscription coordinator, commercial graphic designer

Home: Omaha

Public offices held: None

Education: Tech High; Bachelors degree, University of Colorado Denver

Family: Single, one daughter

Gwen Easter

Age: 47

Party: Democrat

Occupation: Child care business owner

Home: Omaha

Public offices held: None

Family: Single

Krystal Gabel

Age: 32

Party: Not affiliated

Occupation: Technical writer

Home: Omaha

Public offices held: None

Education: Bachelors degree, Briar Cliff University

Family: Single, no children

Ben Gray

Age: 67

Party: Democrat

Occupation: City councilman

Home: Omaha

Public offices held: City Council, District 2, 2009 to present

Education: Attended UNO

Family: Married, seven children

Maurice J. Jones

Age: 18

Party: Democrat

Occupation: Student

Home: Omaha

Public offices held: None

Education: Senior at UNO/OPS Middle College

Family: Single

Bradley D. Whitmore Jr.

Age: 37

Party: Not affiliated

Occupation: Emergency medical helicopter dispatcher

Home: Omaha

Public offices held: None

Education: Westside High School

Family: Married, three children

Dennis J. Womack

Age: 65

Party: Democrat

Occupation:

Home: Omaha

Public offices held: Deputy Douglas County Election Commissioner, 2004-2006

Education: Attended UNO and Metropolitan Community College

Family: Married, three children
Turkish commercial court has ordered the blocking of travel website Booking.com over alleged unfair competition its hotel and flight reservations platform may pose to local firms, announced by the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies, Tursab.

"The decision has been taken to halt the unfair competition activities of Booking.com. in a case brought by Tursab," the association said in a statement on its website.

Tursab said Turkey's competition authority had fined the Dutch-based internet operator, founded in 1996 and a subsidiary of Priceline Group since 2005, 2.5 million Turkish pounds (some $700,000).

The Hurriyet daily quoted Tursab secretary general Cetin Gurcun as saying anybody who had already made reservations on the site would not be penalised.
MOSCOW (AP)  President Vladimir Putin on Thursday emphatically denied allegations of Russian meddling in the U.S. presidential election and said Moscow would maintain hopes of improving relations while waiting for political infighting in Washington to stop.

Putin also said he is ready to meet with President Donald Trump in Finland if that country hosts an Arctic leaders' summit, but added that he would wait longer if needed.

"We are seeing what's going on. They are preventing the new president from fulfilling his campaign promises on many issues: health care, other issues, international relations, ties with Russia," Putin said in remarks at a forum in the northern Russian city of Arkhangelsk. "We are waiting for the situation to normalize and become more stable. And we aren't interfering in any way."

The Kremlin had hoped for a thaw in relations with the United States with Trump's election, but the congressional investigation of possible links between his campaign and Russia has dashed expectations of any quick improvement.

As the U.S. Senate intelligence committee opened a hearing Thursday on the allegations of Russian meddling on Trump's behalf, Virginia Democratic Sen. Mark Warner said Putin "ordered a deliberate campaign carefully constructed to undermine our election."

In his strongest statement yet on the subject, Putin dismissed what he called "endless and groundless" accusations against Russia.

Pressed about the allegations at the forum by CNBC's Geoff Cutmore, who hosted the discussion, Putin answered by quoting former President George H.W. Bush.

Putin said: "Read my lips: No."

For emphasis, he pronounced the last word in English.

"This anti-Russian card is being played in the interests of some political forces inside the United States with an aim to strengthen and consolidate their positions," Putin said, without naming anyone.

He also warned that the escalation of tensions would contradict American interests.

"I don't think it's in the interests of the majority of the American people to bring the U.S.-Russian relations to absurdity for the sake of domestic politics," he said. "Do we want to completely cut diplomatic relations? Do we want to bring the situation to what it was in the 1960s during the Cuban (missile) crisis? Where do people behaving in such an irresponsible way want to take us all, including the American people."

Pointing to the attention being paid in the U.S. to Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak's contacts with members of Trump's team, Putin criticized attempts to cast the interactions as "some sort of spy action."

"Isn't it nonsense?" he said. "What is the ambassador there for? He's there to speak to people, to maintain contacts with the political elite, with businessmen, with members of the House and the Senate, with administration officials."

Putin noted that U.S. Ambassador John Tefft to Russia was attending Thursday's forum and has a chance to meet with Russian government members there.

"We aren't obstructing it, just opposite, we are helping it," he said.

Putin praised Trump's pledge to fight terrorism, saying that Russia stands ready to cooperate.

"Only by pooling efforts can we efficiently combat terrorism," Putin said. "I hope that we will eventually come to constructive cooperation."

The Russian leader added that he's looking forward to discussing the issue with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson if he visits Moscow, noting that it's essential for the CIA and Pentagon to cooperate with their Russian counterparts.

No date has been set for Tillerson to travel to Russia.

Under President Barack Obama's administration, the U.S. cut defense and intelligence contacts with Russia in response to Moscow's action in Ukraine.

Putin also dismissed Western calls for the release of Russians who were arrested for participating in unauthorized anti-corruption protests in Moscow and dozens of other cities last weekend, calling the detentions a domestic issue. He noted that anti-corruption slogans were also used to topple the governments during the "Arab Spring" uprisings in 2011, as well as in Ukraine.

The rallies marked the largest public show of discontent in years, casting an open challenge to the Russian leader a year before he faces re-election.

Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said his country would be honored to host a summit of Arctic nations' leaders that could serve as the setting for a meeting between Putin and Trump.

In May, Finland is set to assume the rotating leadership of the Arctic Council, which also includes Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States.

Putin said he would be glad to go to such a meeting but added that he also would be ready to meet Trump in Germany at a July G-20 summit that they both plan to attend.

It wasn't the first time the Russian leader floated the idea of a meeting with Trump. Earlier this year, Putin thanked Slovenia for its offer to host a proposed meeting with Trump, but noted that it would depend on Washington.

He said Russia expects the U.S. political wrangling over the Trump team's connections to Russia to end at some point, opening the way for a constructive summit.

"There are many issues which long have come to a head in the economic and security fields and regarding regional conflicts," Putin said. "We are ready for that discussion. It's necessary for the other side to also show goodwill and readiness for constructive work."
Catastrophic wildfires have swept through parts of cattle country in Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma and Texas. Blazes across more than 1 million acres have killed at least seven people and thousands of cattle, burning prairie grass and destroying fencing.

The flames looked 30 and 40 feet tall, the Wichita Eagle reported last week about the Kansas fires, the largest in the states history. The wind pushed the fire so fast that firefighters driving 50, 60 or even 70 mph down the highway couldnt get in front of it. . . . Embers would ignite new fires a quarter mile away. Clark County, Kansas, had 400,000 acres of fire damage. One cattle producer lost 14,500 of his 14,800 acres of grassland.

There can be no quick turnaround from such devastation, but its encouraging that cattle producer organizations and other groups from around the country are stepping forward to offer aid.

The Nebraska Cattlemen Association is calling for donations to help meet the need for fencing supplies, feed, hay and trucking services. Donation addresses and contact information are on the associations website (www.nebraskacattlemen.org under newsroom). The Iowa Cattlemens Association will hold an online auction April 7 to provide assistance (http://www.iacattlemen.org/).

These producers are showing commendable solidarity in the wake of this devastation.
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Virat Kohli single-handedly powered India to an epic four-wicket win over arch-rivals Pakistan with a magnificent 53-ball 82 not out in their big-ticket T20 World Cup game on Sunday.

Virat Kohli single-handedly powered India to an epic four-wicket win over arch-rivals Pakistan with a magnificent 53-ball 82 not out in their big-ticket T20 World Cup game on Sunday.
Five years of demonetisation: Notes in circulation on rise; so are digital payments

PM Modi should admit that demonetistion a failure: Owaisi on cash seizure in UP

584% jump in digital transactions since demonetisation

India

ians-IANS

By Ians English

New Delhi, March 30: There has been an increase of 584 per cent in digital transactions done through the Unified Payments Interface since demonetisation in November last year, said an official release on Thursday.

"There has been a phenomenal 584 per cent increase (0.3 to 4.5 million) in transactions made through the Unified Payments Interface since demonetisation. In the same period, payments using Adhaar have also seen an unprecedented jump of 1352 per cent (0.7 to 2.7 million)," a NITI Aayog press release said.

The government is also keen to increase transactions through digital payment methods to 25 billion this year to reduce black money and fight shadow economy, it said.

"Today around eight billion transactions take place annually through digital payment methods. The government is planning to increase this to 25 billion transactions in the current year to bring an end to the shadow economy by reducing black money flowing into the system," it said.

The release said that more than 14 lakh consumers and 77,000 merchants have been rewarded Rs 226 crore for embracing digital payments under the two incentive schemes -- Lucky Grahak Yojana and DigiDhan Vyapar Yojana -- which were launched by the Aayog on December 25 last year.

It said that Rs 226,45,40,000 (over Rs 2.26 billion) -- Rs. 176,95,40,000 to consumers and Rs. 49,50,00,000 to merchants -- has already been disbursed so far under the two schemes and the winners are from various walks of life and diverse age and economic backgrounds.

The DigiDhan Melas are being organised in 100 cities as part of the government's initiative to popularise digital payments.

"Over 5,000 financial institutions have reached 15 lakh citizens through the melas and at least 16,000 government and private institutions have been declared cashles," the release said.

It said 100 days of the DigiDhan melas will end with a mega draw on April 14.

It said the BHIM App launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 30 last year has been downloaded a record 18 million times.

There also has been an increase of nearly 13 per cent in the number of PoS (Point of Sale) machines sold since October 2016, indicating that more merchants are willingly accepting digital payments, the release said.

It said there are 15,000 daily winners qualifying for total prize money of Rs 1.5 crore every day under the schemes.

In addition, there are over 14,000 weekly winners qualifying for total prize money of over Rs 8.3 crore every week.

IANS
Abatement of Jayalalithaa in DA case: SC to hear review on Wednesday

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Supreme Court will hear Karnataka's review petition against the abatement of Jayalalithaa in the disproportionate assets case on Wednesday. Karnataka had filed a review in the Supreme Court challenging a portion of the order in which Jayalalithaa was abated from the case.

As a result of the abatement, Karnataka is in no position to collect the Rs 100 crore fine that had been imposed on her by the trial court. The Supreme Court had convicted Sasikala Natarajan and two others and even upheld the fine imposed on them by the trial court.

In the review petition, Karnataka said that if a party dies after the conclusion of arguments and the judgment is reserved, an order of abatement cannot be passed. The judgment subsequently pronounced shall have the same force and effect as if the same was pronounced before the death took place, Karnataka has contended.

Further it has been contended that there is no provision in the Constitution or the Supreme Court rules for such an abatement of appeal. It was also pointed out that as per the 2013 rules of the Supreme Court in both civil appeals and election petitions there shall be no abatement if the death takes place after the conclusion of the hearing.

There cannot be an order of sentence since it is infructuous in the event of her death. However the SC should have ordered that the fine of Rs 100 crore which was levied by the trial court must be paid. The fine should be recovered from her estate, Karnataka has also contended.

Even though the question of A 1 (Jayalalithaa) undergoing further imprisonment does not arise, sentence to pay fine is legally sustainable which has to be recovered from the estate. This is particularly so where the offence alleged is of illegally acquiring disproportionate assets. Therefore, the finding that the appeal has abated is not correct, it was further argued.

Karnataka also pointed out that a criminal appeal involving offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act stand on a slightly different footing where the allegation is of acquisition of disproportionate assets by a public servant. In the circumstances, though the death of the accused no 1 [Jayalalithaa] renders sentence of imprisonment infructuous, the question whether any fine is liable to be imposed as also confiscation of illegally acquired property will survive for consideration.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, March 30, 2017, 17:31 [IST]
Honour for the new chief minister

When the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh attended the Yoga festival at Lucknow, Ramdev felicitated him.

Picture credit: PTI

Here comes a big hug

After the felicitation, Ramdev and Yogi hugged each other. The warm hug showcased the bonhomie shared between the two.

Picture credit: PTI

Ramdev speaks on Yoga and India

India has been built by saints, yogis and fakirs, not by any king or emperor, Yoga guru said at the festival.

Picture credit: PTI

Yogi, Ramdev address the audience

Surya Namaskar positions are very similar to Namaz, Uttar Pradesh chief minister said, stressing on the need to delink Yoga from religion.

Picture credit: PTI

Lets do some Yoga

In this file picture, Ramdev was seen having a fight against Olympic medalist Andrey Stadnik during a friendly wrestling bout ahead of the second semi-final match between Mumbai Maharathi and NCR Punjab Royals, in the Pro Wrestling League in New Delhi in January.

Picture credit: PTI
After meeting Yogi Adityanath, meat traders in UP want strike to be called off

India

oi-Anusha

Lucknow, March 30: A delegation of meat traders from Uttar Pradesh who met Chief Minister Adityanath Yogi claimed that the meeting was a success and appealed for the ongoing strike to be called off. Declaring that the government will only initiate action against illegal slaughterhouses, Sirajuddin Qureshi, who led the delegation claimed that licensed slaughterhouses would not be troubled.

Adityanath Yogi had called for a meeting with meat traders following the indefinite strike called for by those in the industry. The crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses and the consequent strike by meat traders and sellers had created a meat crisis in the state. "Our meeting with the Chief Minister was very successful. He assured us that licensed slaughterhouses will not be troubled. I appeal to the protesters to return to work and start working with a proper licence. The UP government will help you procure one," said Sirajuddin Qureshi after the meeting.

UP minister Siddharth Nath Singh who was also part of the meeting claimed that the delegates were happy to support the crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses and stood by the government. "All the delegates supported the Chief Minister and said that as citizens of India it was their duty to ensure that nothing illegal was allowed," he said. Singh also added that the ban was only on illegal slaughterhouses and anyone who troubled legally running meat shops and slaughterhouses would be punished severely.

The meeting took place on Thursday after traders' association members submitted a memorandum expressing their wish to meet with the Chief Minister to bring the standoff to an end. While an appeal has been made for the protest to be called off, it is to be seen if all associations respond to the same.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, March 30, 2017, 22:56 [IST]
Behaviour of airline companies is like mafia goons, says Shiv Sena in defence of Gaikwad

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

New Delhi, March 30: It seems the Shiv Sena is in no mood to apologise over the incident of assault on an Air India staffer by one of its Members of Parliament recently. Rather, after most of the airlines decided to bar Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad, who openly said he slapped an AI official 25 times with his slippers, from flying in their aircrafts, the Maharashtra-based party decided to attack the airline carriers.

On Thursday, senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut told ANI that the behavior of airline companies was like mafia goons. "Behaviour of airline companies is like mafia goons. Jaanch puri ho tab pata chalega kisne kya kiya (After the completion of investigation we will know who did what)," added Raut.

The leaders of the Shiv Sena met Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Thursday to demand action against AI, the only public carrier in the country. One more Shiv Sena leader, MP Anandrao Adsul, defending Gaikwad, said, "Ab kya chor dein raaste pe, kar rahe hain defend (We can't leave Gaikwad alone, so defending him)."

Although two FIRs have been filed against Gaikwad by AI, till now he is free. After several days of the incident, Gaikwad recently revealed that he had slapped the AI official as his 'victim' was abusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has condemned the attack on the AI staffer. But the ruling party said that banning a person from flying was little too harsh. Earlier, Mahajan had said that authorities of the AI and the Shiv Sena leaders should talk and resolve the matter amicably.

OneIndia News
Bhopal-Ujjain train blast: Handler was IS operative from Kashmir says NIA

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

An 18 year old from Kashmir is now under the scanner of the National Investigation Agency which is probing the Bhopal-Ujjain train blast. It has now come to light that an 18 year old handler from Kashmir had contacted had contacted members of the Islamic State inspired module through a Telegram channel and directed them to carry out the attack.

NIA sources say that the handler had also informed that he was into sharing videos of the IS. Following these revelations, the NIA conducted raids and searches in Kashmir. The 18 year old was however not found. NIA officials say that Atif Muzzafar an accused arrested in connection with this case came in contact with the handler when he had gone to Kashmir.

Atif was attempting to cross over into Pakistan and had stayed in Kashmir for a while.

Atif told his interrogators that he was also given the numbers of a Syrian based handler. He had tried to contact that person and even tried moving into Syria. However after repeated failed attempts, Atif decided that he would run an IS inspired module in India itself.

The NIA is also looking for a person in Hyderabad who too had contacted Atif through Telegram. The man from Hyderabad is said to have waited for the module members at a railway station after the blast.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, March 30, 2017, 7:26 [IST]
IT raids on businessman leads to seizure of mountains of cash

Businessman held with scrapped notes worth Rs 4.23 crore

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Mar 29: A Janakpuri-based businessman has been detained with old currency worth Rs 4.23 crore, police said on Wednesday. The businessman was detained Tuesday by the Crime branch.

He informed the police that two persons, who claimed to be working with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), had promised to convert his demonetised currency into legal money. The businessman was charging 50 per cent commission for getting the notes exchanged and it is suspected that he had promised to split half the commission with the two alleged RBI officials, police said.

The trio had a meeting at a city hotel few days back and the businessman was supposed to get Rs 20 crore in old currency for exchange.

He had received Rs 4.23 crore and had hired a cash van to take the amount, but was detained by the Crime Branch team, they said.

Further probe in the matter is being carried out by the IT department, police added.

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Story first published: Thursday, March 30, 2017, 10:31 [IST]
Citizens can fly high now, 128 new air routes under UDAN

India

oi-Anusha

The ministry of civil aviation on Thursday awarded 128 new air routes to five operators under UDAN. The fares for the new routes will be capped at Rs 2,500 for one-hour flights. The move is a push for regional connectivity flights under the government's Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik scheme.

Over 45 unserved and under-served airports would be connected under the scheme that seeks to make flying more affordable. "UDAN network will cover the whole country, giving a major economic boost to hinterland areas", said Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju. Addressing the press, he added that the UDAN scheme would have positive effects on the economy, in terms of employment and investment.

According to the ministry, routes have been awarded to Air India subsidiary Airline Allied Services, SpiceJet, Air Deccan, Air Odisha and Turbo Megha. The operators would be operating 19-78 seater aircraft. Bhatinda, Puducherry and Shimla airports would be connected under the scheme.

"The first flight under Regional Connectivity Scheme will take place in April. Criterion on the basis of which airlines were selected was the extent of viability gap funding demanded by them," said MoS Aviation Jayant Sinha.

50 per cent of the seats would have a cap of Rs 2,500 per seat for every flight under one-hour flight duration. Rs 205 crore per annum for is the current estimate for the operators chosen in the first round of bidding. The scheme provides for various benefits including no airport charges and three-year exclusivity on the routes.

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Story first published: Thursday, March 30, 2017, 18:16 [IST]
Delhi police chairs meeting with 200 Africans, assures safety

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Mar 29: Days after some African students were attacked in Greater Noida, senior Delhi Police officers on Wednesday held a meeting with over 200 African nationals to allay the community's apprehensions.

The meeting was held by DCP(South), Ishwar Singh, and Additional DCP-I (South) Chinmoy Biswal. The officers assured the African nationals their concerns will be addressed and their safety and security ensured.

The meeting comes days after the Nigerian students were assaulted in an alleged racial attack. Also a Kenyan woman was allegedly pulled out of a cab and assaulted by some unidentified persons in Greater Noida on Wednesday. The African nationals told the police they are not given rent receipts by landlords that could help prove they are residing here awaiting extension of visas-- in case it has expired.

They also said since the beat staff doesn't understand English, they face problems in communication. The police might hold a sensitisation session for landlord and a meeting with African students bodies.

Last year, a Congolese national was killed in the national capital which had triggered a massive outrage. Following the incident, a helpline number (8750871111) was launched for 24x7 help to African nationals living in India and joint commissioner of police (Southeast) was appointed the nodal officer for the purpose.

The DCPs of different districts had conducted 19 meetings last year with African nationals to assure them of their safety and security.

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Story first published: Thursday, March 30, 2017, 10:26 [IST]
Forced to shut business? Meat sellers turn Chai Wallahs in Uttar Pradesh

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Lucknow, March 30: The meat seller and butcher community across Uttar Pradesh is an unhappy lot, these days. After the new Bharatiya Janata Party government under chief minister Adityanath Yogi initiated crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses, many in the meat business allege that they have been denied their livelihood opportunities, in spite of possessing legal documents.

However, the Uttar Pradesh government has assured that those who are legally running the meat business won't be harassed and the crackdown is only against illegal ones.

In spite of all these promises by the state government, many butchers and meat sellers claim that they have become jobless now. According to a report by the news agency, ANI, three meat sellers in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, have turned tea sellers, after they were allegedly forced to close their parent business in spite of having all legal documents.

"Uttar Pradesh: Three meat sellers in Muzaffarnagar turn to tea business. Claim that their shops have been closed even as they had license," tweeted ANI. "My meat shop has been forcefully closed even when I had proper license. I am forced to sell tea now," Nazakat, a resident of Muzaffarnagar, told ANI.

Because of the action against illegal slaughterhouses, the entire state is facing meat and fish shortages. The meat sellers and butchers recently went on a strike, alleging that the action against illegal business has also impacted the legal ones.

They say 'over-enthusiastic' officials have also targeted the ones who had permit to run their respective businesses. Reports say the crackdown on illegal meat business in the state will leave millions jobless.

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Story first published: Thursday, March 30, 2017, 9:33 [IST]
Goa: Congress demands Amit Shah's apology

India

pti-PTI

Panaji, Mar 30: All India Congress Committee secretary Girish Chodankar has demanded that BJP president Amit Shah tender an apology to the electorate in Goa for dishonouring the people's mandate and forming a government against their wishes.

"Shah should apologise to the people of Goa for forcefully forming the government against the mandate of the people. His party was rejected but managed to have a back-door entry to form the government," Chodankar told reporters here last evening.

The Congress leader was reacting to BJP's public meeting scheduled on April 9, which will felicitate Shah after BJP secured power in four of the five states which went to polls recently. This would be Shah's first visit to Goa after the February 4 Legislative Assembly elections. More than 30,000 people are expected to participate in this meeting.

"BJP has no right to celebrate as they were pulled down from 21 seats, which they won in 2012 Goa polls, to mere 13 in the recently held assembly elections. This clearly indicates that the party has been outrightly rejected and leaders like Shah were not accepted by Goan voters," Chodankar said.

He said the BJP should introspect on its defeat and also learn lessons from his party which has been gaining ground in the state.

"Voters selected Congress during recent polls. Congress would have formed the government but for the misuse of the Governor's post," he alleged.

After the Goa election results threw a hung assembly, Congress emerged as the single largest party with 17 seats. However, the BJP, which finished second winning 13 seats, managed to form the government under Manohar Parrikar after cobbling together an alliance with regional parties like Goa Forward and Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party besides getting three Independent MLAs to back them.

PTI
Govt assures impartial probe into attack on African students

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, Mar 30: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday assured the Rajya Sabha that there will be an impartial probe into the alleged brutal attack on African students in Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh.

Replying to concerns raised by some Opposition members during the Zero Hour, Swaraj said the incident was "unfortunate" and the Centre has sought a report from the state government. "Both incidents are unfortunate. Firstly, 19 year-old boy died and thereafter there was an attack on a Nigerian student. ...On behalf of Uttar Pradesh CM and myself, I want to assure that there will impartial probe," she said.

The Minister said the state administration was taking steps to maintain law and order and the Nigerian student is being treated in a hospital. "As long as investigation is not complete, it is not proper to say anything more," she added. The issue was raised earlier by Sharad Yadav (JD-U), while Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad and members like Anand Sharma (Cong) and Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M) associated with him in condemning the brutal incident.

Deputy Chairman P J Kurien too condemned the incident and said "we are condemning racial attacks on Indians in other countries and at the same time racial attacks in our country cannot be justified. The government should be very vigilant and very strong action should be taken." Yadav demanded that both External Affairs Ministry as well as Home Ministry should take steps in this matter. "We don't want others to face discrimination in our country. Steps should be taken on a war-footing. A wrong message is going outside the country," he said.

Sharma said India commands goodwill and its image is being sullied throughout the world with this incident. He demanded a special cell in External Affairs and Home Ministries to protect such students. Yechury sought moving of a special resolution in the House in the matter.

"Normal excuse is given that there is peddling of drugs by Africans. These are law and order problems and the law and order machinery must take care of that. This is not the way to do it, sir. "If there is a cow protection law in some state, the law and order mechanism must take steps, but not the cow vigilantes. If eve-teasing is there, there cannot be private armies. The law and order machinery must take care," Yechury added.

PTI
GST bills passed: An explainer about what the new tax reforms mean

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

On Wednesday the Lok Sabha cleared all the four bills for the launch of the Goods and Services Tax. It is the country's biggest tax reform since 1947. The aim of the GST is to unify India into a common market and eliminate several central and state levies.

What do these tax reforms mean? The government says that the new indirect tax will increase government revenue and boost economic growth by 1 to 2 per centage points.

Here is an explainer:

There will be no tax on essential items like rice and wheat

Two standard rates of 12 and 18 per cent will cover most of the manufactured items and services.

New regime will had four slabs of 1, 12, 18 and 28 per cents

The lowest tax rate of 5 per cent will be for items such as spices, tea and edible oil while the highest at 28 per cent will be imposed on luxury cars, tobacco, aerated drinks and pan masala.

The centre and the state would both asses taxpayers with annual turnover of above Rs 1.5 crore. In Northeastern states, those businesses with annual turnover of Rs 10 lakh and below will be exempt from GST. In other states the limit is at Rs 20 lakh.

States will now have the power to assess taxpayers with turnover of below Rs 1.5 crore.

Compensation bill will ensure states are compensated for the first five years due to revenue loss after the GST rollout. This money would given from a fund created by the centre.

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Story first published: Thursday, March 30, 2017, 7:35 [IST]
Cut salaries instead of laying off staff: Karnataka govt to IT firms

'Responsible social ecosystem': New minister's first post on Koo on IT rules

New IT rules will make sure no unlawful content is posted online: Minister

Indian IT firms generating, not stealing, jobs in US, says Sushma

India

ians-IANS

By Ians English

New Delhi, March 30: The Indian information technology (IT) companies operating in the US are generating jobs and not stealing jobs of the Americans, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Thursday.

"We are not just talking with the US authorities (on H-1B visas), we are talking with logic and concrete statistics," Swaraj told the Rajya Sabha during the Question Hour.

"We have told them that it is not true that Indians are stealing their jobs. On the contrary, Indian companies in US are generating employment for the Americans. So far, Indian companies have given direct employment to 1.56 lakh Americans and supportive jobs to 4.11 lakh Americans," she said.

She added that between 2011 and 2015, the Indian companies have made an investment of $2 billion, paid taxes worth $20 billion and Indian workers have contributed $7 billion in social security scheme.

IANS
Irans Shite clerical regime is forming a strategic alliance with Afghanistans hard-line Sunni Taliban. Their covert coalition will have far-reaching consequences for Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, as well as rigid Islamist militant groups and regimes throughout the greater Middle East.

A few months ago, I began probing occasional media reports of growing cooperation between Tehran and the Afghan Taliban. What I found, mostly from Taliban insiders, is remarkable.

Tehran is not only openly engaging with the Taliban; it is also extending material support to their insurgency with training camps located inside Iran. This is an extraordinary development, not only because the two follow different sects of Islam but were archenemies. Tehran threatened to go to war with the Taliban in 1998 and attempted to assassinate their founding leader, Mullah Mohammad Omar, in 1999.

The budding relationship between the two first came to light when a U.S. drone killed former Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Muhammad Mansur. He was killed in southwestern Pakistan on May 21, 2016, after crossing over from Iran the same day. The Pakistani passport Mansur carried had several Iranian immigration stamps inadvertently documenting his trips to the country.

Tehran was first drawn to Mansur after he publically warned the Islamic State (IS) groups leader, Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, against extending his organizations operation into Afghanistan in June 2015.

Mawlawi Amin (name changed), a senior Taliban commander who was removed by Mansur, told me that after Mansur formally assumed the Taliban leadership in July 2015, the Talibans relations with Iran began to grow rapidly. By the end of the year, Amin says, Tehran helped the Taliban establish two military training camps on its soil. The camps in a remote part of Irans southeastern Sistan-Baluchistan Province were close to the countrys borders with Pakistan and Afghanistan to ease Taliban movements into the battlefield in southern Afghan provinces and minimize the potential of the Taliban to inspire local Sunni Baluch to radicalize.

Amin said Iranian officials were regularly sending weapons and money to the Taliban leadership council, called Quetta Shura after the southwestern Pakistani province based in Pakistan. Mansur used his relations with Iran to consolidate grip over the Taliban organization. He quickly sidelined Mullah Omar confidant Tayyab Agha, who had developed relations with Iran in the previous years and was formally responsible for keeping contact with Tehran. In a swipe at Mansur, Agha resigned as head of Taliban Qatar office in August 2015 after publicly questioning Mansurs reliance on foreign sponsors.

A Taliban commander in the western Afghan province of Herat said Mansur used to vet and approve commanders before officially introducing them to his Iranian contacts. This was his way of ensuring that only his loyalists could receive assistance and training from the Iranians.

Haji Mawin (name changed), a member of the Taliban leadership council, said that after Mansurs death most of the Iranian assistance now goes to Sirajuddin Haqqani and Ibrahim Sadar. Haqqani is the deputy head of the Taliban while Sadar is the current Taliban military chief. Such an unfair distribution angers Gul Agha Akhund, one of the key former loyalists to Mansur and head of the Taliban finance commission, he noted.

Iran's financial help would be a welcome relief for the Taliban, who are suffering from a slump in revenues. This is partly because decreasing international aid and a diminishing international presence in Afghanistan. The Taliban have indirectly benefited from international assistance. Many contractors in the countryside have paid Taliban cash to buy their protection and prevent them from attacking their convoys and projects.

The Taliban's alliance with Iran casts a shadow over the hard-line movement's future and public image in Afghanistan. After sweeping through most of Afghanistan in the 1990s, the Taliban openly challenged Iran for supporting its enemies. This prompted Tehran to view them as a major threat. The two nearly went to war after nine Iranian diplomats were killed during the Talibans recapture of the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif in September 1998. Tehran mobilized 200,000 army troops and 70,000 Revolutionary Guards near its border with Afghanistan.

The major Iranian assault on Taliban leadership, however, remained unreported. In August 1999, a massive truck bomb detonated outside Taliban leader Mullah Omars house in Kandahar. Omar remained unhurt from the explosion, but two of his half-brothers and five security guards were killed. A former Taliban minister, who is not a member of the insurgency now, investigated the attack recently told me that Tehran was behind the bombing.

Tehran's threat perception led it to be "comprehensively helpful" in supporting the U.S.-led military intervention in Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks. In the subsequent years, particularly after the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, Tehran saw the U.S.-led intervention as a threat and began viewing the Taliban in a different light.

In the initial years of the Taliban insurgency, Iran established contacts with some Taliban field commanders and began supporting their activities in southern and western Afghan provinces close to the Afghan border. Haji Lala, a senior Taliban figure who once commanded more than 300 fighters in the western Herat and Farah Provinces, told me that Tehran would finance his groups activities only if they targeted NATO troops.

Sepah Pasdaran [the Revolutionary Guard] invited me to Iran twice. In my first meeting in 2009 before the U.S. troops surge, I asked whether there would be a reward for attacking the Afghan government because it was comparatively easier for us, Lala said in September 2016. My hosts clearly said they want the U.S. [primarily] and other NATO [secondarily] to bleed in Afghanistan."

Iran now appears to be joining Russia in pushing back against the U.S. and NATO presence in Afghanistan. Tehran and Moscow appear keen on recognizing the Taliban as a legitimate party in the Afghan conflict. Its relations with the Taliban, however, come at a cost for both. It is destabilizing Afghanistan and fueling violence, which would eventually impact regional security affecting Iran.

Tehran is likely to be stung by its strategy to contain the Islamic State militants by bankrolling the Taliban. The Taliban are capable of providing a conducive environment for Sunni militants of all hues whose future aims will inevitably clash with those of Iran's clerical regime.

Support from Iran has eroded Taliban claims to be waging a just Jihad against the U.S. presence. It also concerns the senior generation of Taliban who founded the movement along with Mullah Omar. Moreover, it will negatively affect their relations with the Arab Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, who considered Iran as their archenemy.

The recent killing of diplomats from the United Arab Emirates in a bomb attack the southern Afghan city of Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taliban movement, has fanned perceptions that elements within Taliban carried it out at Irans behest. Arabs, in response, could choose IS as their new ally in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region.

Hekmatullah Azamy (@HekmatAzamy) is a research analyst with the Centre for Conflict and Peace Studies (CAPS) in Kabul, Afghanistan. These views are the author's alone and do not represent those of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty or his employer.

as/fg
Ist priority of Malaysian PMs India visit: To meet Kabali star Rajinikanth

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

New Delhi, March 30: Yes, the 'ultimate priority' of Malaysian Prime Minister Mohammad Najib Tun Razak and his wife Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor during their five-day-long India visit is to meet Tamil superstar, Rajinikanth. Both, the Malaysian PM and his wife are big Bollywood and Tamil movie-buffs and they are die-hard fans of Rajinikanth.

In fact, the Malaysian authorities have put in a request for meeting the actor in Chennai, reported The Telegraph. The Malaysian PM will begin his India tour by first visiting Chennai on Thursday. He is scheduled to stay in Chennai for two days, after which the Malaysian PM and his entourage will visit Delhi.

Reports say that Razak and his wife became fans of Rajinikanth after the actor shot his blockbuster Kabali in Malaysia. The actor's team is yet to give a nod to the special request put up by the Malaysian authorities. Reports say the film veteran is likely to meet the Malaysian PM by Friday. During his Chennai stay, PM Razak is set to meet Malaysian community staying in India.

Afterwards, he will visit Delhi and meet his counterpart Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital. "I'll be travelling to India for a 5-day visit. A country that's been our friend since 1957. Looking forward to meeting PM @narendramodi again," Razak tweeted.

Responding to this, PM Modi tweeted, "India is delighted to welcome you, Prime Minister. Your visit will further boost India-Malaysia ties." Razak will start his visit from Chennai and will reach Delhi on March 31. Modi and Razak will hold substantive talks on April 1 which are expected to cover a range of issues, particularly focusing on enhancing business ties.

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Story first published: Thursday, March 30, 2017, 10:54 [IST]
Imran Khan discharged from hospital, to resume long march from same point where he was shot

This cop from Pakistan became a millionaire overnight: Here is how

Jitendra Singh accuses Pak of instigating Kashmiri youth through social media

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, Mar 30: Pakistan's agencies are instigating youths in Kashmir through false propaganda in social media, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Thursday.

He asked the civil society and Jammu and Kashmir government to make the youths understand the reality, instead of getting instigated by false propaganda by few people.

"Pakistani agencies are using social media to instigate youths of Kashmir Valley through false propaganda in social media. I would appeal the youths there not to get carried away by such propaganda," the Minister told reporters in the national capital.

His assertion comes as normal life in Kashmir Valley had been affected for past few days allegedly by some separatist leaders to protest the killing of civilians there during a clash with security forces.

Singh, Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office, said these separatists are doing the politics of convenience.

"There are leaders who want to instigate the youths of Kashmir Valley to indulge in activities like stone pelting and violence. But these very leaders want their own children to become IAS and IPS officers. They want their children to study in good school. I feel that these leaders are doing the politics of convenience," he said.

Jammu and Kashmir police chief S P Vaid had also met Singh, a Lok Sabha member from Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur constituency, and apprised him about the security situation in the Valley.

The duo held a detailed discussion about the prevailing situation in Kashmir, in the aftermath of recent violence which resulted in the death of three persons and injuries to others, as well as to the security personnel. The Minister said that it is the responsibility of both the administration as well as the civil society to make the youth of Kashmir understand the reality.

PTI
Noida: Two held for cheating people of lakhs using 'magic ink' on cheques

Kenyan woman attacked: Glaring loopholes in her story, says police

India

oi-Madhuri

The UP police on Thursday said that the Kenyan woman who was allegedly slapped near knowledge park in Greater Noida is lying about the incident. The police said that the cab driver had dropped off the woman safely at an apartment building.

Alleged attack on Kenyan lady in Gnoida. Glaring loopholes in her story. Working to ascertain motive.  Javeed (@javeeddgpup) March 30, 2017

The woman was identified as Maria Burendi. According to the cab driver who was interrogated by the police, denied any attack against the woman and said that he dropped her safely at 5.47am and left.

After the allegations made by Burendi, a case was registered by the police under section 147, 148, 504, 506, 323 of IPC against 10 unnamed persons.

Uttar Pradesh director general of police said on the tweeter,'' Alleged attack on Kenyan lady in Gnoida. Glaring loopholes in her story. Working to ascertain motive.''

Maria Burendi is studying in Delhi and had gone to Greater Noida to meet a friend in Sector Pi 1&2.

Nigeria summons Indian envoy over recent attack

Following the severe assaults on Nigerian nationals in Noida, Nigeria's foreign affairs ministry summoned the Indian envoy and asked that the culprits be prosecuted immediately.

Since Monday, at least five Nigerian students have been assaulted by mobs in Greater Noida.

Meanwhile, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, has also advised Nigerians residing in India to remain calm and be watchful of their surroundings.

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Story first published: Thursday, March 30, 2017, 13:27 [IST]
Meat goes off menu at Aligarh muslim university

India

oi-Anusha

Following the crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses in Uttar Pradesh, meat has gone missing from the menu of Aligarh Muslim university. The university's student union has written to the Vice Chancellor complaining of only vegetarian food being served at hostels for well over a week. It was usual practice to serve meat twice a week but students claim that only vegetarian food was being served all week.

The university has blamed soaring prices of meat for the situation. "This is only temporary. We will hold talks with the students. Meat rates are very high and hence we have resorted to this temporary arrangement," said Omar Peerzada, Public relations officer, Aligarh Muslim university.

Yogi Adityanath's government started its massive crackdown on illegal meat shops and slaughterhouses soon after they assumed power in the state. Following the crackdown, thousands of meat sellers and traders have gone on indefinite strike resulting in a meat crisis across the state. The Rs 15,000 crore industry has taken a beating with the crackdown and consecutive strike.

OneIndia News
UP ATS picks up two more accused in Al-Qaeda radicalisation case

Meerut Mayor makes Vande Mataram compulsory during meetings, protests erupt

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

The Meerut Municipal Corporation has declared that it would not let councillors unwilling to sing the patriotic song 'Vande Mataram' to attend its meetings. This led to a protest by seven corporators who cited a Supreme Court order that says singing of Vande Mataram is not mandatory.

Mayor Harikant Ahluwalia, who from BJP leader, on Tuesday passed a resolution by voice vote to make the singing mandatory for all members, said reports.

Vande Mataram is being sung in in municipal meetings since long, but the protest broke out only after the Mayor passed a resolution making it mandatory. Earlier, those unwilling to sing were allowed to leave the hall and return after it was over.

Reports say that the Meerut Municipal Corporation is also mulling a proposal to terminate the membership of those councillors who do not sing the patriotic song.

During the protest, BJP councillors are said to have shouted slogans like, "Hindustan mein rehna hai to Vande Mataram kehna hoga (If you want to live in India, you have to sing Vande Mataram)."

Seven corporators protesting against singing Vande Mataram are from a particular community and are saying that they are hurt by Mayor's decision.

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Story first published: Thursday, March 30, 2017, 11:14 [IST]
Presidential elections: Can BJP appoint its candidate without the Shiv Sena?

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Shiv Sena has demanded that the chief of the RSS be made the President of India. For the NDA to elect a candidate of its choice the votes of the Shiv Sena are crucial. The total vote pool of the Shiv Sena is at 25,893. It may be recalled that the Shiv Sena had proposed the name of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat for the post of President. The Presidential elections are due in July.

Congress will not back Mohan Bhagwat as president

The NDA given the current status and strength of the electoral college may fall short by 20,000 votes in the Presidential polls. The BJP will depend on the votes from Tamil Nadu and Odisha. It is still unclear which way these states would vote. During the BJP's national executive meet in Bhubaneshwar this topic would come up for discussion. The names of L K Advani, Sushma Swaraj and Murli Manohar Joshi are doing the rounds for now.

If the Shiv Sena does not support the BJP, then the party would fall short by 20,000 votes. In the 288 member Maharashtra assembly the BJP has 122 MLAs apart from the support of 12 others. The SS has 63 MLAs. The value of a vote of an MLA in Maharashtra is 175. This means the value of votes of the BJP with the support of the Shiv Sena is at 34,475. The vote value of the Congress and its allies is at 15,575. If the SS decides to support the Congress then the vote value would be at 26,000.

From Maharashtra there are 67 MPs in the Lok Sabha and 19 in the Rajya Sabha. The vote value of each MP is at 708. The BJP and SS together have 52 MPs and the total vote share is at 36,816. The Congress and allies from Maharashtra have a total value vote of 10,620. If the SS decides to go with the Congress then the vote value would be at 25,488.

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Story first published: Thursday, March 30, 2017, 6:44 [IST]
Rahul Gandhi, Kejriwal to meet agitating TN farmers at Jantar Mantar

India

oi-Anusha

Vice President of Congress, Rahul Gandhi is expected to meet agitating farmers at Jantar Mantar on Thursday. AAP chief and Delhi Chief Miniter Arvind Kejriwal is also expected to meet the farmers after his party's in-charge in Tamil Nadu, Somnath Bharati met the protesters on March 28. Scores of politicians have met the farmers protesting for close to three weeks at Jantar Mantar over loan waiver and drought relief.

Close to 3000 farmers from various parts of Tamil Nadu are headed to Delhi to join the agitation. Meanwhile, protests were also witnessed in Tamil Nadu with students attempting to gather at Marina beach in Chennai to recreate the Jallikattu protest-like situation. With the police attempting to arrest protesters in Chennai, the farmers at Jantar Mantar threatened to self-immolate if students were arrested.

A host of celebrities and politicians have met the agitating farmers so far including union ministers Uma Bharati and Arun Jaitley. Cutting across party lines, politicians from Tamil Nadu have been visiting the farmers asking them to give up protests. Farmers have been resorting to novel ways of protests from going on fasts, sporting black bands, displaying rat and snake meat protest to mock funeral and suicide agitation.

While close to 100 MPs have met the farmers already, no assurance has come from the centre on the possibility of waiving off loans from nationalised banks. Yogendra Yadav, who met the farmers on Wednesday said that his party, Swaraj India would lead a yatra in drought-hit Tamil Nadu to express solidarity with the farmers.

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Story first published: Thursday, March 30, 2017, 12:51 [IST]
FM Nirmala Sitharaman hints at possibility of Centre considering restoration of state status to J&K

Those coming to encounter sites are 'committing suicide', says J&K DGP

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

With a recent rise in civilian casualities during operations against the terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, Director General of Police SP Vaid on Thursday appealed to youngsters to stay away from the encounter sites.

Speaking to ANI, Vaid said a 'bullet does not see who it is going to hit', adding that those coming to encounter sites were 'committing suicide'.

Expressing concern over the stone pelting at the security forces, the DGP said that some people are misleading the youths and provoking them to reach encounter sites and pelt stones.

One terrorist and three civilians were killed in an encounter that took place at Budgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.

As the encounter began, scores of locals came out on the streets and began pelting stones at the security forces. In the clashes, two civilians were killed.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has also appealed to the youth to not indulge in stone pelting.

Army Chief Bipin Rawat had earlier warned civilians who prevent the army from doing its job by reaching encounter sites and said that strict action would be taken against them.

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Story first published: Thursday, March 30, 2017, 12:12 [IST]
Explained: What the SC said and how is Talaq-e-Hasan different from triple talaq

Triple talaq: Constitution bench to hear matter from May 11 onwards

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

A constitution bench will hear the matter pertaining to triple talaq from May 11 onwards. The constitution bench will go into the legality of the law behind triple talaq after a petition seeking to ban the practise was filed.

Triple talaq is 'un-Islamic', 'inhuman', pregnant Muslim woman in letter to PM Modi

A constitution bench is one comprising more than five judges. This bench is formed to decide on a substantial question of law as to the interpretation of the Constitution of India.

A batch of petitions had been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the validity of triple talaq. It was stated that it is violative of the Constitution and needed to be banned. The All India Muslim Law Personal Board had however rejected the contentions and said that it is as per the Quran. It also argued that triple talaq was necessary for both men and women.

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Story first published: Thursday, March 30, 2017, 15:05 [IST]
Tripura's favourite plumber ferried terrorists across border for Rs 1,000

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Habib Miyan an accused in the Indian Institute of Sciences attack, Bengaluru was recently arrested from Tripura. He has been brought down to Bengaluru for investigation. A popular plumber in Tripura, this man was arrested by the Gujarat ATS which picked up intelligence on him.

Booked for conspiracy, the police say that he was undercover as a plumber in Tripura. He is alleged to have helped several terror suspects cross over to Bangladesh. He had also become a point man for terrorists wishing to cross over to India, police also say.

He had earned the trust of the people at Agartala. In fact when he was produced before the court, scores of people gathered and blocked the police from taking him. They wanted to explanation as to why their favourite plumber was being arrested.

During his interrogation, he told the police that he helped ferry terrorists across the border. I would charge Rs 1,000 for every infiltration, he told the police. It was the lure for money that made me get into this business, he also told the police. He also confessed that he was into this business since 2003 and had helped at least 45 terrorists get in and out of India through the Bangladesh border.

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Story first published: Thursday, March 30, 2017, 10:41 [IST]
Was Kerala minister Saseendran a victim of honey trap?

India

oi-Anusha

Former Kerala transport minister Saseendran may have been a victim of honey-trapping if a facebook post by a journalist is anything to go by. A former reporter with the channel that aired the audio clip of the former minister engaging in an inappropriate conversation with a woman claimed that the channel 'targetted' the minister along with other VIPs. Saseendran had quit from his post after the audio clipping was made public and now the police are on the hunt for the woman who he allegedly had the conversation with.

A group of women journalists in Kerala met Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday along with the facebook post of the channel's former employee who resigned questioning the channel's ethics. While the government has ordered a judicial probe into the matter, the police are also investigating complaints with regard to the case.

Investigating authorities are on the trail of the woman whose conversation with the minister was edited by the channel before airing the same. Police suspect that the woman may have led the minister to speak in a particular way and may have been suggestive. The investigation so far led the police to believe that the woman who had engaged the minister in a conversation may have been closely associated with the channel.

The police are also considering Al Neema Ashraf's Facebook post where she alleges that the channel's bosses had formed a team of five reporters to 'trap' the minister along with many other VIPs. Ashraf claimed that she quit the channel after she felt disgusted as a reporter and a woman. Police suspect that the plan to trap Saseendran may have been hatched over six months.

Police claim that the unnamed woman, whose conversation with the minister was made public, approached him on the pretext of covering the transport beat. The duo is said to have exchanged numbers after which they kept in constant touch. Police suspect that the controversial phone call was made when Saseendran was in Goa. The fact that the channel muted the woman's conversation make the police suspicious of whether she spoke in a suggestive manner.

OneIndia News
J&K: Why are terror attacks on policemen increasing

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Burhan Wani, the slain commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen had warned two months prior to his death in July 2016 that the fight was now against the local policemen in Jammu and Kashmir. It appears as though his orders are being followed very religiously in the Valley.

In the month of March, five incidents of terrorists barging into the houses of police personnel and threatening their family members have been reported. In some of the cases, they have snatched the rifles from the policemen and escaped.

Intelligence Bureau officials studying the pattern say that these attacks have a two-pronged strategy. In most of the cases, the militants end up threatening the family members. This is to send out a strong message that the policemen should stop supporting the Indian Army. In several operations, policemen have backed the Indian Army to nab or kill militants.

The other strategy is to snatch weapons and demoralise the force. When a weapon is snatched away from a policeman, he is normally demoralised. Terrorists get an upper hand psychologically in such cases. The other intent is to snatch away the rifle as terrorists have joined terror groups in large numbers but are falling short of weapons.

Zakir Rashid Bhat, the new commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen had said in a December video that the attacks should focus on the local policemen of Jammu and Kashmir. He had said that the police had blundered. You touch our families, we will attack yours. If you think your families are unsafe in Kashmir, try moving them to Kanyakumari. We will find and target them there as well, he had said in the video.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, March 30, 2017, 10:53 [IST]
Nitish Kumar, the 8th time Bihar CM in 22 years | A look at sushasan babu's turns and u-turns so far

Yogi Adityanath or Adityanath Yogi? Confusion surrounding UP CMs name continues

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Lucknow, March 30: Before he became the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Adityanath Yogi (yes, this is the name with which OneIndia is currently referring the chief minister) was addressed as Yogi Adityanath by all the media organisations. Even his party--the Bharatiya Janata Party--addressed him as Yogi Adityanath in all official communication.

However, confusion surrounding the exact spelling and placing of his first and second names started after he became the chief minister. According to reports, the name plate outside 5 Kalidas Marg, the official residence of Uttar Pradesh chief minister, has been regularly changing since Yogi became the head of the state.

First, the name plate read, Yogi Adityanath. Then it was changed to Aditya Nath Yogi. Now, the latest name plate reads, Yogi Aditya Nath. During his swearing-in ceremony he called himself Aditya Nath Yogi. His verified twitter handle goes by the name myogiadityanath. His Facebook account is Yogi Adityanath. However, he never used the word Yogi in any of his election affidavits, so far.

The confusion regarding his name was compounded after the information department sent government press releases to media houses with different names like Aditya Nath Yogi and Yogi Aditya Nath.

We don't know what is the real reason behind frequent change in name of the Uttar Pradesh chief minister. Few say it might be due to astrological reasons, as Yogi himself is a priest and head of the Gorakhnath Mutt.

Others say, he wants to place the word Yogi after his first name to avoid making him look more like a priest or spiritual leader than a politician, who currently heads the country's most important state.

The Gorakhpur Member of Parliament is well-known in his constituency as Chhotey Maharaj, Baba and Mahantji. Till, any official statement comes out in regard to the exact name of the chief minister, the confusion is surely going to continue.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, March 30, 2017, 8:28 [IST]
Chinese media accuses India of using Kashmir to oppose Silk Road project

International

pti-PTI

Beijing, Mar 30: India sees China's Silk Road initiative as a geopolitical competition and is using the Kashmir issue as an 'unfounded excuse' to oppose the ambitious project, Chinese state media on Thursday alleged and asked New Delhi to 'abandon' its 'cliche mentality'.

"The official reason the Indian government rejected the offer to join the initiative (Silk Road) is that it is designed to pass through Kashmir. However, it is just an unfounded excuse as Beijing has been maintaining a consistent position on the Kashmir issue, which has never changed," one of the two articles on India by state-run Global Times said.

"India sees the Belt and Road initiative as a geopolitical competition," the article said, criticising India for hindering Beijing's push into South Asia and the world with multi-billion Silk Road project which is also known as the 'Belt and Road'.

"Whether to continue to boycott or join the Belt and Road remains a conundrum for New Delhi," it said adding that, India is the only one which can help itself. The article said that India should give up its 'biased' view on the BR initiative.

"It is high time to abandon the cliche mentality of associating everything with geopolitics. India will surely see a different world if it does," the article said.

Referring to India's reservations to attend the BR summit called by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the article said it may be an 'embarrassing occasion' for India as the meeting is backed by 'China's peripheral countries, notably Russia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan and Pakistan'.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently said 20 heads of state will attend the summit, together with over 50 leaders from international organisations, over 100 ministerial officials and more than 1,200 guests from around the world. The article referred to a comment by Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar during his visit to Beijing last month to co-chair the upgraded India-China strategic dialogue, saying India is examining China's invitation to attend the summit and 'how a country whose sovereignty has been violated can come on an invitation'.

In the meantime, however, state-run Chinese media stepped up the campaign to pressurise India to join the summit. China apparently is keen about India's participation in the summit as the project struggled to make headway in the region except for the USD 46 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor where both Beijing-Islamabad are putting all efforts to show early harvest.

Media reports said that Xi plans to invite his US counterpart Donald Trump to attend the meeting during their first summit early next month in Florida.

BR consisted of a maze of roads, including CPEC, Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor and 21st Maritime Silk Road besides road network to connect China with Eurasia. The article also said, "it seems that the mainstream opinion throughout India is that the connectivity brought about by BR initiative is geopolitically significant. Therefore, India cannot allow the initiative to expand further into South Asia".

"This could also explain why the BCIM has seen no progress since its proposed by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in 2013, and also why New Delhi has been keen on Japan's investment in the Iranian port of Chabahar," it said.

"New Delhi may also feel embarrassed as Moscow has actively responded to the Belt and Road initiative and will build an economic corridor with China and Mongolia," it said, adding Russia and Iran seeking to join the CPEC putting 'India in a more awkward position'.

It said, "Beijing has expressed, on various occasions, its anticipation to see New Delhi join the grand project and to make a concerted effort with India in building economic corridors involving China, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar".

Another article in the same daily said a 'benign' competition between India and China may help development in South Asia but they should avoid 'cut-throat' rivalry.

"The so-called dragon-elephant contention is perhaps a blow against strategic mutual trust between Beijing and New Delhi, but may be conducive to development in South Asia," it said.

Accusing India of not being 'generous' to its neighbours, it said "a yawning infrastructure funding gap in South Asian countries creates space for China and those nations to strengthen economic cooperation".

"Bangladesh and China signed 27 deals worth billions of dollars during President Xi Jinping's visit last year," it said, adding China's BR initiative has received an increasing amount of attention from Bangladesh.

"Only by investing more resources in regional integration and extending the benefits from India's rapid economic growth to other South Asian countries can New Delhi maintain its influence in the region," it said.

"Benign competition between China and India will be conducive to development in South Asia. The question remaining is how to avoid cut-throat competition as Beijing and New Delhi jostle for influence. India and China should seek common ground while strengthening cooperation with South Asian countries to promote regional integration," it said.

PTI
Convert to Islam and I can guarantee an acquittal, prosecutor says

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Convert to Islam and I can assure you of an acquittal is a shocking statement made by a prosecutor in Pakistan. The prosecutor was dealing with a case in which 42 people belonging to Christianity were charged with lynching two men after March 2015's suicide blasts.

The Express Tribune reported that the prosecutor told the 42 men that if they renounced Christianity and convert to Islam, then their acquittal could be guaranteed. Joseph Franci, a rights activist who is assisting the accused said that the Deputy District Public Prosecutor Syed Anees Shah had made this offer to the accused persons.

Franci said that the accused were taken aback when the offer had been made. It was also reported that one of the accused said that he was ready to be hanged instead of renouncing his religion. The prosecutor however denied the allegations at first. However when he was told that they had video evidence of the same, he said he may have made such an offer.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, March 30, 2017, 12:26 [IST]
Malaysian PM on 5-day India visit, business, defence, infra projects on talks table

International

ians-IANS

By Ians English

Kuala Lumpur, March 30: The five-day state visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, his third to India as Prime Minister, will see both sides discuss projects worth $5 billion as well as hold discussions on infrastructure, defence cooperation, air services arrangements, tourism and cultural relations.

Prime Minister Najib, who arrived in Chennai earlier in the day, said in his blog that the friendship between India and Malaysia extends beyond the formalities.

"My visit to India couldn't have come at a more appropriate time. Our ties with India go way back. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Malaysia-India diplomatic relations, therefore marking the significance of the friendship between the two nations.

"Uniquely, India has contributed to the demographics of the Malaysia we see today. The Indian community makes up the third largest ethnic group in Malaysia and many Indian Malaysians still have family relations in India. We are quite literally connected to each other," he said in an entry on his blog www.najibrazak.com.

According to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement in Malaysia, the issues expected to be discussed during the bilateral meeting between the two sides include trade and investment, infrastructure projects, defence cooperation, air services arrangements, tourism and culture relations as well as issues of mutual concern on regional and international cooperation. Several Government-to-Government memoranda of understanding and documents are set to be signed and exchanged during the visit. The exchange of the documents will be witnessed by both Prime Minister Najib and Prime Minister Narendra Modi

At a briefing in New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the Malaysian Prime Minister's visit follows the highly successful visit of Prime Minister Modi to Malaysia in November 2015.

Jaideep Mazumdar, Joint Secretary (South) in the MEA, said business deals will be discussed during the visit. "In all, the projects that will be under the discussion during the entire visit could amount to $5 billion."

Prime Minister Najib is visiting India between March 30-April 4 and is accompanied by his spouse Rosmah Mansour.

Besides the bilateral talks, the Malaysian Prime Minister will be holding dialogue sessions with leaders and captains of industries from major business sectors in India. He is also expected to attend a business luncheon and the 7th Global Science and Innovation Advisory Council Meeting.

In Chennai, his programme includes official reception hosted by the Acting Governor of Tamil Nadu, Vidhyasagar Rao and a meeting with the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Edappadi Palaniswami. He will also hold a dialogue session with the Malaysian community, including the students, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement said.

He will travel to Jaipur later to oversee Malaysia's participation in India's infrastructure projects. He is scheduled to meet with the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Vasundhara Raje, and attend a high level discussion on the progress of Malaysian companies in infrastructure projects in Jaipur.

On the last day of the visit, the Prime Minister will also officiate the newly completed complex of the High Commission of Malaysia in New Delhi.

On the Jaipur leg of his visit, the MEA official said, "Malaysia has bid for several roads projects in Rajasthan totally about $1.2 to $1.4 billion."

Calling the bilateral relations as 'quite significant economic relations', Jaideep said, "The Malaysian investment to India are to the tune of about $6 billion and additional $ 6 billion worth of projects have been executed in India. Our own investment in Malaysia are about $ 2.5 billion."

Prime Minister Najib is accompanied by a large business delegation consisting of many of the top companies and businessmen of Malaysia.

Calling the cooperation between the two countries on counter-terrorism as "robust", Mazumdar said that a very real time exchange of information happens between the agencies on both sides.

Malaysia is home to 2.7 million people of Indian origin with a large majority of Tamil origin.

The Malaysian Prime Minister would arrive in Delhi on Friday and would be accorded a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday.

In his blog, Prime Minister Najib said that since his last visit to India in 2010, Malaysia-India relations has flourished and blossomed.

"We have established the Malaysia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement and India is among Malaysia's largest trading partners and largest export destination. We have also established partnerships in terms of defence cooperation, counter-terrorism, tourism and culture relations, IT and services as well as infrastructure projects," he said.

"I have mentioned previously that innovation is key to success and with India's booming business sector and its innovative nature, I look forward to exploring new opportunities in India. We must always have one eye on the future!

He also said that he looks forward to meeting Prime Minister Modi again. "I hope to exchange ideas and have fruitful discussions with Prime Minister Modi to further strengthen our bilateral ties. Insya-Allah," he wrote.

His maiden visit to India was in January 2010 and again in December 2012 to attend the Asean-India Commemorative Summit.

IANS
Satellite imagery shows North Korea preparing for another nuclear test

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Satellite images show that North Korea is readying for another nuclear test. The satellite images show a prolonged and heightened level of activity at its underground testing site.

The Washington Post while quoting Jon Wolfsthal, a senior nonproliferation adviser in the Obama administration who is now at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said, "They are trying to get a working arsenal, so the more they test, the more they learn. It's likely that they're trying to make a device small enough to achieve their goal of putting a nuclear warhead on a long-range missile," Wolfsthal said.

North Korea has often put up a performance for the satellites. It has been considered to be a ploy to escalate tension. North Korea has always made public its desire to make progress on its nuclear programmes. It has also said that it wished to built a missile capable of reaching the United States of America.

North Korea has also been launching medium and intermediate-range missiles apart from testing rockets. The country has often bragged about its progress with nuclear tests. In September last North Korea said that it had sucessfully miniaturised a warhead.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, March 30, 2017, 9:08 [IST]
What does the US actually want in Syria?

US strikes in Syria kill top 'IS' leaders

Syria: Over 11,000 killed in Russian airstrikes since 2015

International

ians-IANS

By Ians English

Damascus, March 30: At least 11,612 people have been killed in Syria in Russian raids, which began in September 2015, a UK-war monitor reported on Thursday.

According to data released by the Syrian Observatory Human Rights, among those killed were at least 5,013 civilians, including 714 women and 1,201 children, Efe news reported.

The airstrikes also killed at least 3,284 Islamic State militants.

Additionally, at least 3,315 fighters from rebel and Islamist factions have lost their lives in these bombings, according to the SOHR, which pointed out that Russia has used cluster bombs.

IANS
US lawmakers reach deal to repeal transgender bathroom law

International

ians-IANS

By Ians English

Washington, March 30: US lawmakers announced an agreement to repeal a controversial North Carolina state law that curbs legal protections for the LGBT people and sets rules that affect transgender access to public bathrooms, the media reported.

Republicans Phil Berger, the Senate leader, and Tim Moore, the House speaker, announced late Wednesday that they had reached the agreement with the state's new Democratic Governor Roy Cooper, the New York Times reported.

A bill repealing House Bill 2, which the legislature will consider on Thursday, was signed March 2016 by former North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory, a Republican.

One of the most contentious measures of the bill requires transgender people in public buildings to use the bathroom that corresponds with the gender on their birth certificate.

"Compromise requires give and take from all sides, and we are pleased this proposal fully protects bathroom safety and privacy," Berger and Moore said in a joint statement.

"I support the House Bill 2 repeal compromise that will be introduced tomorrow (Thursday)," Cooper said.

"It's not a perfect deal, but it repeals House Bill 2 and begins to repair our reputation," the New York Times quoted the Governor as saying. However, gay rights advocates raised objections, arguing that the agreement would continue to allow discrimination.

Chris Sgro, Executive Director of the gay rights group Equality North Carolina, said that the proposal "keeps North Carolina as the only state in the country obsessed with where trans people use the restroom through law."

The announcement on Wednesday came after months of acrimony over the bill and a seeming inability to find middle ground after numerous efforts.

Conservative legislators, citing safety concerns, have been worried about the idea of men using women's restrooms since the Charlotte city government, in February 2016, passed an ordinance that allowed transgender people to use the restroom of their choice, the daily said.

Charlotte officials repealed that ordinance in December as part of the efforts to broker a compromise in the state capital, but that effort failed dramatically during a special legislative session.

IANS


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Bailey McCann, Opalesque New York:

Starwood Capital Group is launching a new China-based joint venture with Shimao Property Holdings Limited. Shimao is a Chinese property developer and operator. Under the terms of the agreement, the venture will be owned 51 percent by Shimao and 49 percent by Starwood Capital Group.

Morgan Stanley, sole financial advisor in the transaction.

The joint venture plans to focus on developing, operating, and branding assets in the hotel market in China through both management contracts and leasing agreements. Both companies plan to use their long track records in real estate investment to build out the portfolio of the JV.

Shimao Hotels and Resorts China portfolio already includes the MiniMax, MiniMax Premier and Yu family of brands, a mix of 3, 4 and 5-star hotels. Starwood, for its part, will provide financial and operational support for Shimao Hotels and Resorts' future hotel expansion plans in China and throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Over the past few years, Starwood Capital Group has increasingly focused on investment opportunities in Asia particularly China and said in a statement it wanted to work with Shimao Hotel & Resorts on the JV because of the company's size and experience in the hospitality industry in Asia.

"As one of the world's fastest-growing economies, with a large and growing middle class with increasing disposable income, China represents an exciting market for us, and we are look......................

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Global LCD Glass Market SWOT Analysis Of Top Key Player Forecasts To 2022

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WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On  North America Commercial Aircraft Battery Market Manufacturers  Concorde Battery , Cella Energy , Saft , Sion Power , Gill Battery Analysis and Forecast to 2021.Commercial Aircraft Batteries are used to start engines while initiating taxiing and auxiliary power units (APUs) for a variety of functions, such as acting as a buffer in regulating DC network voltage, and ensuring acceptable power quality for the equipment connected to it. In case of in-flight general electrical failure, the aircraft depends on batteries to power the essential loads until landing and evacuation.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Commercial Aircraft Battery in North America market, especially in United States, Canada and Mexico. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, countries, type and application.Get a Sample Report @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comMarket Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversConcorde BatteryCella EnergySaftSion PowerGill BatteryAerolithium BatteriesEaglePitcherTrue Blue PowerGS YuasaMarket Segment by Countries, coveringUnited StatesCanadaMexicoMarket Segment by Type, coversLithium-based BatteryNickel-based batteryLead acid batteryMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoMain BatteryAPU BatteryEnquiry About Report @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the North America Commercial Aircraft Battery market.Chapter 1, to describe Commercial Aircraft Battery Introduction, product type and application, market overview, market analysis by countries, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the manufacturers of Commercial Aircraft Battery, with profile, main business, news, sales, price, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with profile, main business, news, sales, price, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the North America market by countries, covering United States, Canada and Mexico, with sales, revenue and market share of Commercial Aircraft Battery, for each country, from 2012 to 2017;Continue..Table Of Contents  Major Key Points2 Manufacturers Profiles2.1 Concorde Battery2.1.1 Profile2.1.2 Commercial Aircraft Battery Type and Applications2.1.2.1 Type 12.1.2.2 Type 22.1.3 Concorde Battery Commercial Aircraft Battery Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.1.4 Business Overview2.1.5 Concorde Battery News2.2 Cella Energy2.2.1 Profile2.2.2 Commercial Aircraft Battery Type and Applications2.2.2.1 Type 12.2.2.2 Type 22.2.3 Cella Energy Commercial Aircraft Battery Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.2.4 Business Overview2.2.5 Cella Energy News2.3 Saft2.3.1 Profile2.3.2 Commercial Aircraft Battery Type and Applications2.3.2.1 Type 12.3.2.2 Type 22.3.3 Saft Commercial Aircraft Battery Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.3.4 Business Overview2.3.5 Saft News2.4 Sion Power2.4.1 Profile2.4.2 Commercial Aircraft Battery Type and Applications2.4.2.1 Type 12.4.2.2 Type 22.4.3 Sion Power Commercial Aircraft Battery Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.4.4 Business Overview2.4.5 Sion Power News2.5 Gill Battery2.5.1 Profile2.5.2 Commercial Aircraft Battery Type and Applications2.5.2.1 Type 12.5.2.2 Type 22.5.3 Gill Battery Commercial Aircraft Battery Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.5.4 Business Overview2.5.5 Gill Battery News2.6 Aerolithium Batteries2.6.1 Profile2.6.2 Commercial Aircraft Battery Type and Applications2.6.2.1 Type 12.6.2.2 Type 22.6.3 Aerolithium Batteries Commercial Aircraft Battery Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.6.4 Business Overview2.6.5 Aerolithium Batteries News2.7 EaglePitcher2.7.1 Profile2.7.2 Commercial Aircraft Battery Type and Applications2.7.2.1 Type 12.7.2.2 Type 22.7.3 EaglePitcher Commercial Aircraft Battery Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.7.4 Business Overview2.7.5 EaglePitcher News2.8 True Blue Power2.8.1 Profile2.8.2 Commercial Aircraft Battery Type and Applications2.8.2.1 Type 12.8.2.2 Type 22.8.3 True Blue Power Commercial Aircraft Battery Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.8.4 Business Overview2.8.5 True Blue Power News2.9 GS Yuasa2.9.1 Profile2.9.2 Commercial Aircraft Battery Type and Applications2.9.2.1 Type 12.9.2.2 Type 22.9.3 GS Yuasa Commercial Aircraft Battery Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.9.4 Business Overview2.9.5 GS Yuasa News3 North America Commercial Aircraft Battery Market Competition, by Manufacturer3.1 North America Commercial Aircraft Battery Sales and Market Share by Manufacturer (2016-2017)3.2 North America Commercial Aircraft Battery Revenue and Market Share by Manufacturer (2016-2017)3.3 North America Commercial Aircraft Battery Price by Manufacturers (2016-2017)3.4 Market Concentration Rate3.4.1 Top 3 Commercial Aircraft Battery Manufacturer Market Share3.4.2 Top 5 Commercial Aircraft Battery Manufacturer Market Share3.5 Market Competition Trend..CONTINUEDFor more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comBuy 1-User PDF @ABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of rmaket research reports under these categories and sub-categories.Pune,India
Healthcare SCM 2017 Global Key Players - SAP SE, Oracle, Infor, Global Healthcare Exchange (GHX), McKesson, TECSYS Market Analysis and Forecast to 2022

Healthcare SCM

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Healthcare SCMReport Details:This report studies the global Healthcare SCM market, analyzes and researches the Healthcare SCM development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeSAP SEOracleInforGlobal Healthcare Exchange (GHX)McKessonTECSYSJump TechnologiesLogiTag SystemsClick here for sample report @Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaMarket segment by Type, Healthcare SCM can be split intoHardwareSoftwareMarket segment by Application, Healthcare SCM can be split intoHealthcare ManufacturersHealthcare ProvidersHealthcare DistributorsSome Major Points from Table of content:Global Healthcare SCM Market Size, Status and Forecast 20221 Industry Overview of Healthcare SCM1.1 Healthcare SCM Market Overview1.1.1 Healthcare SCM Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Healthcare SCM Market Size and Analysis by Regions1.2.1 United States1.2.2 EU1.2.3 Japan1.2.4 China1.2.5 India1.2.6 Southeast Asia1.3 Healthcare SCM Market by Type1.3.1 Hardware1.3.2 Software1.4 Healthcare SCM Market by End Users/Application1.4.1 Healthcare Manufacturers1.4.2 Healthcare Providers1.4.3 Healthcare DistributorsFor Detailed Reading Please visit @3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 SAP SE3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Healthcare SCM Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 Oracle3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Healthcare SCM Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 Infor3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Healthcare SCM Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 Global Healthcare Exchange (GHX)3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Healthcare SCM Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.4.5 Recent Developments3.5 McKesson3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.5.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.5.4 Healthcare SCM Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.5.5 Recent Developments3.6 TECSYS3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.6.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.6.4 Healthcare SCM Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.6.5 Recent Developments3.7 Jump Technologies3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.7.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.7.4 Healthcare SCM Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.7.5 Recent Developments3.8 LogiTag Systems3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.8.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.8.4 Healthcare SCM Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.8.5 Recent Developments..ContinuedBuy now @Contact Us:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)About UsWise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available.WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPh: +91 841 198 5042info@wiseguyreports.com
Author Virginia Austin Promotes Her Comedic Drama Faith - Hometown of Jesus Christ

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Author Virginia Austin Promotes Her Comedic Drama Faith - Hometown of Jesus ChristAuthor Virginia Austin is pleased to announce the promotion of her comedic drama, Faith - Hometown of Jesus Christ.Comedy, jealousy and intrigue take center stage as a small town prepares for an ACLU lawsuit over a sign that reads FAITH, Hometown of Jesus Christ. A lightning-fast read, the turn of the last page will have you wishing your stay in Faith could have lasted just a few more days, or at least that you had picked up a Jesus-in-the-Box or a poster of the town's super-hot mechanic Johnny Cain.The town of Faith has found religion, and no one is happier than Father O'Brien, who was down to one parishioner. Now the confessional lines are blocks long, and the oatmeal cookie crosses are selling like hotcakes. At the 4th of July parade the mayor's 12-year-old son survived the mock crucifixion with only a broken arm and mild head trauma. Everyone give it up for Faith, Hometown of Jesus Christ.Someone's plotting the town's first murder and the mill has just been robbed of an ungodly sum. There's a cross burning on a motel lawn and everyone is sleeping around. Yes, the town of Faith has got problems, but no one is more confused than Bobby Ray whose ex-girlfriend has just returned. Everyone, let us pray.Faith - Hometown of Jesus Christ is available for purchase in both print and ebook formats.Book Details:Faith - Hometown of Jesus ChristA Sinful Comedy & DramaBy Virginia AustinPublisher: Melting Salvation PressPublished: January 2016ISBN: 978-0979408595ASIN: B017COAYESPages: 200Genre: Drama, ComedyAbout the Author:Virginia Austin was born and raised in Chicago. When not writing, the author is an engineer for the nuclear plants in the Midwest. The author broke onto the scene in 1997 with the book, 'Fated.' After publication of 'American Jesus' by Cross Cultural Publications in 2001, Austin went on to write 'Her Seventh Death,' in which the screenplay was selected as a finalist in a Chicago independent film festival. She has also been published in Darker Times out of the U.K. Virginia Austin's two latest books are 'Faith - Hometown of Jesus Christ' and 'The Assassin and the Disciple.For review copies, author interviews, or more information please contact:Virginia AustinWebsite:Promo Link:PR Distribution provided by BookBuzz.net - We Believe Every Book Should Buzz!! Lets Create Some Buzz For Your Book!! #BookBuzzVirginia Austin was born and raised in Chicago. When not writing, the author is an engineer for the nuclear plants in the Midwest. The author broke onto the scene in 1997 with the book, 'Fated.' After publication of 'American Jesus' by Cross Cultural Publications in 2001, Austin went on to write 'Her Seventh Death,' in which the screenplay was selected as a finalist in a Chicago independent film festival. She has also been published in Darker Times out of the U.K. Virginia Austin's two latest books are 'Faith - Hometown of Jesus Christ' and 'The Assassin and the Disciple.BookBuzz.net59 Heritage Way DriveRome, GA 30165
ASEAN Smart Education and Learning Market: Product Differentiation to Remain Key Determinant of Success

Smart Education and Learning Market ASEAN Industry Analysis, Smart Education and Learning Market Size

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Owing to the presence of a large number of educational institutions offering similar products and the fragmented state of the competitive landscape, the intensity of competition in the ASEAN smart education and learning market is high, observes a recent report by Transparency Market Research. Government initiatives aimed at strengthening online education and smart education facilities through ICT infrastructure development policies and grants in several ASEAN countries have facilitated the entry of a large number of players in the market in the past few years. Focus on product differentiation will be crucial for companies wanting to make the most of the vast growth opportunities the market offers.The ASEAN Smart Education and Learning Market report provides analysis of the ASEAN smart education and learning market for the period 20142020, wherein the years from 2016 to 2020 is the forecast period and 2015 is considered as the base year.The report precisely covers all the major trends and technologies playing a major role in the smart education and learning markets growth over the forecast period. It also highlights the drivers, restraints, and opportunities expected to influence the market growth during this period. The study provides a holistic perspective on the markets growth in terms of revenue (in US$ Bn), across different smart education and learning delivery models and end-uses.Obtain Report Details @The market overview section of the report showcases the markets dynamics and trends such as the drivers, restraints, and opportunities that influence the current nature and future status of this market. Moreover, the report profiles the key players in the ASEAN smart education and learning market and provides the overview of various strategies adopted by them and analyzes their behavior in the prevailing market dynamics.In terms of country, the ASEAN smart education region has been divided into Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Rest of ASEAN countries (Cambodia, Laos, Burma & Brunei). Of these, Malaysia has a huge demand for English language learning courses and higher education courses. It is the largest segment as of 2015 in the ASEAN smart education and learning market. Malaysia is followed by Indonesia in terms of revenue share as a result of the developed state of ICT infrastructure in the country and availability of high speed internet. Additionally, high rate of smartphone penetration and the launch of AEC are also contributing factors towards the growth of the smart education and learning market in these countries.The report segments the ASEAN smart education and learning market on the basis of various delivery models such as classroom-based, desktop/ mobile-based and simulation-based. On the basis of end-use, the ASEAN smart education and learning market has been segmented into Higher Education, Transnational Education, TVET, Language Training (English), Early Childcare & Pre-School, Continual Professional Development, and Qualifications, Assessment & Standards.Make an Enquiry @Furthermore, government initiatives toward promoting the use of technology in education have resulted in the increased use of smartphones and desktops in delivering smart education to learners in the country. The market for in Malaysia is projected to remain the dominant regional market in the ASEAN smart education and learning market throughout the forecast period as well. Malaysia, along with Indonesia, is also expected to be one the most promising regions in terms of rate of growth of the smart education and learning market over the next few years. Both the countries are projected to exhibit a 20.3% CAGR over the forecast period.The launch of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) has bolstered the demand for English language courses in Indonesia. Additionally, high smartphone penetration and government initiatives towards delivering digitized education have further added to the growing market revenues in the smart education sector in Indonesia.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Browse market research blog:
CHARLES CITY | The investigation that led to the arrest of three Charles City Middle School students revealed comments a prosecutor described Thursday as "personal and graphic."

The teenagers, two 14-year-olds and a 15-year-old, were ordered to remain in custody after appearing separately in juvenile court early Thursday afternoon.

All had been referred to Juvenile Court Services for felony threat of terrorism, a charge described in Iowa law as using the threat of a dangerous weapon to intimidate or coerce a group of people or influence the conduct of government.

The Globe Gazette is not naming the teens or their parents, because the charges were filed in juvenile court.

The oldest, a boy, was removed from school and arrested last week after a mother reported what school officials deemed an "inappropriate comment" on social media.

The two 14-year-olds were arrested earlier this week.

School officials and police have refused to describe the messages, and almost all juvenile court records are now private by state law, but testimony from the 14-year-old girl's mother at Thursday's court hearing shed some light on the allegations.

The woman, a Charles City resident, testified in an effort to convince the judge to allow her daughter to be sent home while the case is pending.

The proceedings were detention hearings, which determine whether someone should remain in custody or be released.

Sitting at the witness stand, the mother told Judge Karen Salic she was one of the people who reported the comments to authorities.

She found the comments after receiving a Facebook notification on her cell phone. Her daughter's account is configured to send notifications about activity on the page to her mother's cell phone.

"I wanted to know what my child is doing at all times," her mother said.

The woman said she reported the messages to authorities because she feared for other children as well as her daughter.

"I didn't know that she was this far involved," she said. "I just want my kid home."

School officials say no one was hurt and the school campus was not placed in lock down as a result of the comments.

The girl, who has long, wavy hair, watched her mother testify from a large table on the left side of the courtroom. Handcuffed, she sat next to her attorney, Danielle DeBower.

Assistant Floyd County Attorney Randall Tilton questioned the girl's mother about comments her daughter allegedly made during an interview with Charles City police investigator Kevin Beaver.

He asked if the woman was shocked that her daughter told the investigator she wanted to "watch another individual die."

"Yes," she said.

In asking for the girl to remain in custody, Tilton said her comments were most disturbing of three in terms of the "personal and graphic" nature of the comments.

He didn't read the comments in court or further explain what they allegedly contained.

Calling the allegations "significant" and noting prosecutor's concerns the girl was a flight risk, the judge ordered the girl remain in custody. She cried as a deputy led her out of the courtroom, her mother and family trailing behind her.

Salic had ordered the same of the two boys also charged in the case.

One boy, who has light brown hair and glasses, was in court just before the girl had her hearing.

His family members sat in the front row of the courtroom. They did not testify.

His mother had no comment when approached in the hallway after her son's hearing. The girl's mother also declined to speak to a reporter.

The third student charged in the case, another boy, appeared after the girl's hearing was over.

His parents were not in the courtroom.

At the judge's urging, a Floyd County sheriff's deputy called his parent's names down the hallway. They did not appear.

The boy, who has dark brown hair and glasses, sat quietly in a swivel chair next to his attorney, Marilyn Dettmer. Also handcuffed, he wore a red, short-sleeved T-shirt and jeans.

After his hearing, the boy hunched forward in his chair as Dettmer spoke to him.

He walked out of the courtroom with the deputy.
Global Split Air Conditioning Systems Market: Rising Demand in Asia Pacific to Present Highly Lucrative Opportunities for Market Players

Split Air Conditioning Systems Market, Global Split Air Conditioning Systems Market

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The market overview section of the report showcases the markets dynamics and trends such as the drivers, restraints, and opportunities that influence the current nature and future status of this market. The market revenue shares and volume analysis of the split air conditioning systems market has been examined through cross-segmentation and sub-segment evaluations.Moreover, the report provides the overview of various strategies of the key players in the split air conditioning systems market and analyzes their behavior in the prevailing market dynamics. Additionally, the report provides cross segment analysis and revenue shares and sales volume across application types and distribution models and their sub-segments, based on equipment type.The report segments the global split air conditioning systems market on the basis of various equipment types such as mono-split, multi-split, variable refrigerant flow (VRF), and floor ceiling. By different applications, the market is classified into residential, commercial and others. Each application is further sub-segmented based on equipment types. By distribution channel, the market is divided into conventional stores and company-owned stores.This is done based on equipment types. Further, the conventional stores segment is classified into do-it-yourself (DIY) stores, furniture stores and supermarkets. This is again provided based on equipment types. Thus, the report provides in-depth cross-segment analysis for the split air conditioners market and classifies it into various levels, thereby providing valuable insights on macro as well as micro level.Obtain Report Details @The global market for split air conditioning systems market is driven by stringent government regulations regarding energy conservation and emissions, technological developments, increased demand from the residential sector, rising consumer expectations, and strong demand from Asia Pacific. Growing awareness regarding the importance of maintaining the quality of indoor air is also generating increased demand for split air conditioning systems globally.Moreover, ongoing trends such as the increased demand for products with green technologies, smart homes, and energy-efficient systems are also expected to provide several growth opportunities for split air conditioning systems market during the forecast period.Transparency Market Research states that the global split air conditioning systems was valued at US$79.72 bn in 2015 and will expand at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2016 to 2024, reaching US$ 127.27 bn by the end of the forecast period. In terms of volume, the market observed shipments of 107.81 mn units across the globe in the same year.Make an Enquiry @Europe is also expected to be a significant market for split air conditioning systems in the near future, exhibiting a 6.6% CAGR from 2016 through 2024. Increasing awareness about energy-efficient air conditioning systems will be the prominent growth driver of the Europe split air conditioning systems over the said period. Russia is expected to contribute significantly to the markets growth owing to factors such as improving economic conditions, uncertainty in climatic changes, and growing construction activities in the residential, industrial and commercial sectors.Some of the major players in the global split air conditioning systems market with most significant developments are Daikin Industries Ltd., Electrolux AB, The Midea Group., Carrier Corporation, Haier Electronics Group Co., Ltd., Hisense International Co. Ltd., Samsung Electronics, Hitachi Ltd., LG Electronics, Sharp Corporation, Panasonic Corporation, and Mitsubishi Corporation.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Browse market research blog:
U.S. Asset Management IT Solutions Market: Demand to Grow with Rise in Exchange Traded Funds

Asset Management IT Solution Market, Global Asset Management IT Solution Market

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The U.S. asset management IT solution market report provides an analysis of the U.S. asset management IT solution market for the period 2014  2024, wherein 2015 is the base year and the period from 2016 to 2024 is the forecast period. Data for 2014 has been included as historical information. The report covers all the prevalent trends playing a major role in the growth of the asset management IT solution market over the forecast period. It also highlights various drivers, restraints, and opportunities expected to influence the market growth during the said period.The study provides a holistic perspective on market growth, throughout the above forecast period in terms of revenue estimates (in US$ Mn), across different geographies in the U.S., which include Northeast, Midwest, West and South. The report provides cross-sectional analysis of the U.S. asset management IT solution market in terms of market estimates and forecasts for all the segments across different geographic regions. This research report provides in-depth analysis of the U.S. asset management IT solution market on the basis components, deployment model and geography. The report also includes U.S. asset Management player profile and asset managers IT viewpoint deploying IT solutions and services for managing assets.Some of the key analytical pointers in the research study include Porters Five Force Analysis, and key market indicators which include industry outlook of investment management firms (asset managers) in the U.S. and key mergers and acquisition in the field of asset management IT solutions from vendor as well as buyers point of view.Obtain Report Details @By component, asset management IT services dominate the U.S. market. The service segment is expected to retain its lead throughout the forecast period as asset managers are looking to hire third-party service providers to automate their business processes. Within this segment, enterprise data management services hold the major share, followed by reporting solution and services. This sub-segment is also projected to register strong growth by 2024.Based on application, the asset management IT solution market area is expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2016 to 2024 owing to the growing number of wealth managers in the U.S. Within this segment, portfolio management accounted for the leading market share in 2015, which can be primarily attributed to the expanding customer base of investment management firms in the country.The northeastern region of the U.S. is expected to lead the asset management IT solutions market, accounting for a share of over 42.0% in 2016. Retaining its dominance throughout the forecast period, this region is fueled primarily due to the presence of a large number of asset managers.Make an Enquiry @The asset management IT solutions market in the southern region of the country is expected to expand at a high CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the rise in number of investment management firms in order to meet the rising demand for asset management in the region. Furthermore, the adoption of Big Data in investment management supports the growth of the asset management IT solution market in the U.S.The U.S. asset management IT solution market is immensely competitive in nature and most companies have been strategically aiming for long-term alliances with investment management firms. Some of the key players offering asset management IT solutions in the U.S. are Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP, FundCount, SoftTarget Inc., SimCorp Inc, QED Financial System, eFront Financial Solutions, Broadridge Investment Management Solutions, ProTrak International, SunGard Financials and CreditPoint Software.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Browse market research blog:
Global High Resolution Dispensing Systems and Equipment Market: Integration of Automation across End-use Industries Contributing to Growth

High Resolution Dispensing Systems and Equipment Market, Global High Resolution Dispensing Systems and Equipment Market

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High resolution dispensing systems are high end dispensing equipment that are ideal for electronic applications and are capable of dispensing drop sizes as precise as ~300um-400um and above. Dispensing technology has come a far way in the last 50 years and the technological advancements have included the change from manual to semi-automatic or upgrade to robotic dispensing from the semi-automatic one. A key trend that has been observed in the recent years is the reduction in the drop size which is a key driver in the precision micro fluidic markets for the precision dispensing applications.A surge in demand for accuracy and precision coupled with the increasing usage of high resolution dispensing systems and equipment in electronic applications is driving the growth of the global market. These systems are being deployed in electronics to increase the productivity of electronic assembly, molding, shielding and encapsulating applications.High precision adhesive and sealant dispensing systems help to precisely dispense a diverse range of products for electrical and electronic component manufacturing, that include thin-line, intricate dispensing for highly miniaturized personal communication devices and also foam-in-place gasketing for comparatively large consumer electronics.Obtain Report Details @Additionally, rapid technological advances are fueling the global market growth. The introduction of robot dispensing, and technologies such as manual load and unload robotic dispensing system and fully integrated robotic dispensing system are augmenting the growth of the market. Thus, the conjoint effect of all these drivers is set to bolster the growth of the global high resolution dispensing systems and equipment market in the coming years.High resolution dispensing systems and equipment are designed to provide high-capacity performance while at the same time offering safe consumer operation and longer service life. These systems are being currently deployed mostly in electronic applications such as gasketing, encapsulating, electronic assembly, shielding, hot melt molding, and plastic bonding.The integration of automation in various industries such as automotive, oil and gas, aerospace and defense, and fluids is set to contribute to the growth of the global high resolution dispensing systems and equipment in the coming years. The need for control, accuracy, and customization across these end-user industries is expected to be a major factor boosting the market during the forecast period.Make an Enquiry @Based on type, the global market has been bifurcated into automatic and semi-automatic dispensing systems. Automatic dispensing systems acquired a larger share in the market in 2015 in terms of revenue. Manufacturers of high-resolution dispensing systems have embraced the automatic variants owing to the many advantages associated with them. Automatic dispensers also help prevent dispensing in the wrong location, thereby increasing the overall productivity, reducing costs, and lowering the chances of part failure. These dispensing systems are also easier to implement and have proven to be cost-effective in the long run.By application, the global market has been classified into electronics and others. The application of high resolution dispensing systems and equipment in electronics dominated the market in 2015. The electronics application segment comprises adhesive and sealant dispensers, glue dispensers, liquid material dispensers, and powder dispensers.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Browse market research blog:
Micro Guide Catheters Market Research Report by Regional Analysis : forecast 2024

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Global Micro Guide Catheters Market: Players Mentioned in the ReportKey market players profiled in this report include, Cardinal Health, Asahi Intecc Co., Ltd, Cook Medical, Boston Scientific Corporation, Penumbra, Inc., Merit Medical Systems, Inc., Terumo Europe NV, Medtronic Plc, Integer Holdings Corporation, Koninklijke Philips N.V. among others.Global Micro Guide Catheters Market: OverviewMicro Guide Catheters are used to treat difficult invasive lesion in hospitals, specialty clinics and ambulatory surgery centers etc. Micro guide catheters are designed with hydrophilic coating tip. The selection of micro guide catheter depends on the severity of lesion, location of lesion in human body. Micro guide catheters are available in different coating and different tip shape. The report on micro guide catheters market, analyzes the current and future prospects of the market. Micro guide catheters are used for treatment such as chronic total occlusion, brain aneurysm and other life style disease. The report consists of an executive summary that provides information about the products, its segments along with a market snapshot and comparative analysis by geography, in terms of revenue %, for 2015.A detailed overview of market dynamics, including the drivers, restraints, and opportunities of the micro guide catheters market, along with porters analysis, value chain analysis, of the global market, has been provided in this report. Market revenue analysis for all the above mentioned segments has been provided for the forecast period of 2016-2024, considering 2015 as the base year, and 2014 as the historical year, along with compound annual growth rate (CAGR %), for the forecast period of 2016-2024. Market share estimations were based on in-depth analysis and study of products, and their features etc.Browse full report on Micro Guide Catheters Market -Global Micro Guide Catheters Market: Research MethodologyThe research methodology is a combination of primary and secondary research. Primary research includes information collected via e-mails, and telephonic interviews of key opinion leaders (KOL), and forms the bulk of our research. Secondary research includes information collected from various sources, by study of company websites, annual reports, stock analysis presentations, press releases, and various national and international databases.This report provides in-depth analysis of the micro guide catheters market. The stakeholders for this report include companies involved in the manufacturing of micro guide catheters. Executive summary section is included snapshot on stakeholders in this report, which summarizes the market size, trends and competition in different regions. Market players and Market share analysis is analyzed to signify percentage share of the major players operating in the micro guide catheters market. Furthermore, the report includes market attractiveness analysis by geography that depicts the most attractive and significant region in the global market in 2015.Global Micro Guide Catheters Market: Scope of the StudyBased on product type, the micro guide catheters market has been segmented into over-the-wire micro guide catheter and flow directed micro guide catheter. Over-the-wire catheter is growing at a considerable CAGR from 2016 to 2014 due to it several advantages and application. Based on indication, the micro guide catheters are segmented into cardiovascular diseases, neurovascular diseases and others. The cardiovascular segment is expected to grow at a highest CAGR between 2016 and 2024. Based on end users, the market is segmented as hospitals, specialty clinics, and ambulatory surgery centers.Based on geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. The regions are further segmented into major countries which include, U.S., Canada, Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Spain, rest of Europe, China, Japan, India, Australia, Rest of Asia Pacific, Brazil, Mexico, Rest of Latin America, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Rest of Middle East & Africa. The report also comprises list of major players in the market, their SWOT analysis, market share of these players in the Micro guide catheters Diagnostic market, key business strategies, product portfolios, and recent developments.Request for Sample of this report -About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Insomnia Market Research Report : Current & Upcoming Trends Analysis with forecast upto 2026

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Global Insomnia Market: Geographical StudyFor the most part of the share in world insomnia market, the Americas including North America are foretold to showcase extensive dominance while offering some groundbreaking opportunities for global players. In the U.S., the OTC treatment market is anticipated to register a higher CAGR to address its growth in the insomnia pharmacological treatment sector. The OTC sleep aids market can be classified into valerian roots, melatonin, and antihistamines. An increasing number of patients are convinced to adopt OTC sleep aids because of the infamous side effects caused by prescription drugs and low prices and easy availability of OTC treatments. The U.S. insomnia market is predicted to gain support from the rising consumption of valerian roots and melatonin, owing to their crucial advantages such as decreased stress levels and less side effects.The Americas could be followed by Europe, the Middle East, and Africa on account of the augmenting interest in spreading health awareness through various programs and inflating geriatric population. The insomnia market in Asia Pacific is also looked upon as a decent opportunity for vendors to capitalize on with the elevating disposable income and upsurge in the occurrence of chronic diseases.Global Insomnia Market: Brief AccountThe world insomnia market is envisaged to recoup promisingly from its drowsy growth in the past with a number of worthwhile and well-timed opportunities to take advantage of. Insomnia drugs could find an application in the treatment of Parkinson and Alzheimers disease as sedatives. The younger population can increase the global demand as intensively as the geriatric group with rising stress levels and persisting diseases such as cancer at the forefront. The launch of new products such as E-2006 by Eisai Co. Ltd. and Belsomra by Merck & Co. Inc. is forecasted to stimulate the market growth handsomely.The global insomnia market could be segmented according to over-the-counter (OTC) treatment, non-pharmacological treatments, and pharmacological treatments, where each category is evaluated to contribute their part toward the global growth.The researchers who have authored this report prioritize painstaking primary and secondary research to compile statistical data and other analytics of the global insomnia market. Players in the market can gain a decisive insight into the guidelines required to extend their portfolio in the right direction and achieve a tangible success in the market.Browse full report on Insomnia Market -Global Insomnia Market: Key TrendsWith the two premier categorizations of the worldwide insomnia market into play, viz. non-pharmacological treatments and pharmacological treatments, manufacturers can expect lucrative prospects from both the segments. The cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) listed under non-pharmacological treatments extends the ability of physicians to heal patients or understand their health issues in a comprehensive manner. Such treatments including hypnotherapy can be employed by doctors to take multiple approaches during the treatment of their patients. There are other treatments such as aroma music, bright light, biofeedback, acupuncture, and yoga therapies which could contribute to the growth of the non-pharmacological treatments market.Likewise, pharmacological treatments are prognosticated to lay a strong platform for the global insomnia market to find more growth prospects on the back of key segments such as OTC sleep aids and prescription sleep aids.The international insomnia market could go through a downtime period due to inferior diagnosis rate, below par patient compliance, patent erosion, and ascendancy of generic products. Howbeit, the surging incidences of insomnia and unfulfilled medical needs, for instance, the inefficiency of central nervous system (CNS) drugs, are foreseen to compensate for the probable decline in growth.Global Insomnia Market: Top CompaniesSome of the prominent companies functioning in the international insomnia market are Purdue Pharma L.P., Pernix Therapeutics, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., Sanofi, Pfizer, Inc., Meda Consumer Healthcare Inc., Merck & Co. Inc., and Eisai, Co. Ltd.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)Request for brochure of this report -About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Post-menopausal Osteoporosis Market : Applications and Global Markets

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Factors such as aging population, decline in estrogen levels after menopause, lifestyle changes such as smoking and alcohol consumption, and increase in bone loss after menopause are projected to drive the post-menopausal osteoporosis market globally. Mergers & acquisitions and new product innovation are another fueling factors which are expected to add value to the post-menopausal osteoporosis market.On other hand, high standards regulatory approval of any new product launch into the market, competition from the emerging alternative technologies, and intense competition from generics are estimated to hinder the growth of the market.The post-menopausal osteoporosis market has been segmented by treatment, distribution channel, and geography. In terms of treatment, the market is classified into vitamin D, bisphosphonates, calcitonin, hormone replacement therapy, estrogen antagonist, parathyroid hormone, and combination therapy. In terms of distribution channel, the market is classified into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies.Osteoporosis is a progressive systemic skeletal disorder characterized by skeletal fragility, microarchitectural disruption, and low bone mass, resulting in decreased bone strength and an increased risk of fracture. Majority of post-menopausal osteoporosis occurs due to estrogen deficiency. Post-menopausal osteoporosis is a disease that ranges from asymptomatic bone loss to disabling hip fracture. Osteoporosis is a worldwide health issue because of the associated morbidity, mortality, and costs.The prevalence of the disease is not only in western countries but also in Latin America and Asia Pacific. According to World Health Organization, more than 75 million people suffer from osteoporosis fracture in Europe, Japan, and the U.S., and more than 2.3 million fractures occur annually alone in Europe and the U.S. Hip fracture is the most serious osteoporotic fracture, which results from falls, but some occur spontaneously. Women are highly affected than men, and there is an increasing incidence of the disease with age. The risk of hip fracture lies between 14% and 20% among women in the U.S. and Europe. In most cases, post-menopausal osteoporosis is a silent disease because no symptoms are seen until the fracture occurs. The combined risk for spine, hip, and forearm fracture has been estimated to be approximately 40%, which is similar to coronary artery disease. The risk of an osteoporotic fracture increases exponentially with age due to the decrease in bone density or bone mineral density (BMD) and the occurrence of other age-related accidents, e.g., increasing incidence of falls.Browse full report on Post-menopausal Osteoporosis Market Geographically, the post-menopausal osteoporosis market is classified into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa.Geographically, North America dominates the market due to growing number of geriatric population, and early adoption of treatment procedure, which in turn are likely to drive the post-menopausal osteoporosis market. The geriatric population represents about 14.5% of the U.S. population. According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services by 2060, the number is expected to grow to 98 million, which is twice of 2014 geriatric population in the U.S. Europe is the second largest market due to increase in research and development activities as well as new product innovation.Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a higher rate due to rise in health care expenditure and research & development activities, along with development in medical tourism. Latin America and Middle East & Africa are projected to create large opportunities for the post-menopausal osteoporosis market owing to increase in health care insurance policies, growth in awareness among people, and shift of more number of companies toward these regions due to untapped markets. These factors are likely to add value to the Latin America and Middle East & Africa post-menopausal osteoporosis markets.Major players operating in this market include Amgen Inc., Clonz Biotech Pvt Ltd, Eli Lilly and Company, Enteris BioPharma, Inc., Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Oncobiologics, Inc., Paras Biopharmaceuticals Finland Oy, BiologicsMD, Inc., and Radius Health, Inc.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)Request for brochure of this report About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Microfluidics Market Research Report by Regional and key player Analysis with forecast 2025

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Global Microfluidics Market: OverviewThis report on microfluidic market studies the current as well as future prospects of the market globally. The stakeholders of this report include companies and intermediaries engaged in the manufacture and commercialization of various microfluidics instrument and products as well as new entrants planning to enter this market. This report comprises an elaborate executive summary along with a market snapshot providing overall information of various segments and sub-segments considered within the scope of the study. This section also provides the overall information and data analysis of the global microfluidics market with respect to the leading market segments based on major products, applications, key materials utilized, end-users, and geographies.Key Players Mentioned in this Report are:The report also profiles key players operating in the microfluidics market based on various attributes such as company details, SWOT analysis, strategic overview, financials, and business overview. Major players profiled in this report include Danaher Corporation, PerkinElmer, Inc., Agilent Technologies, Inc., Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc, RainDance Technologies, Inc., and F. Hoffmann La-Roche Ltd.Browse full report on Microfluidics Market -Global Microfluidics Market: Segmentation AnalysisThe global microfluidics market has been studied based on major product segments, application segments, material segments, their end-users, and regional as well as national markets. Based on product type, the global market has been categorized into three major 4 segments: instruments, microfluidic chip, cartridges & reagents and others. On the basis of applications the microfluidics market is classified as peripheral vascular diseases, Wound care management, pharmaceutical & biotech Research, Invitro Diagnostics (IVD), Drug Delivery and Others. On the basis of material the segment has been classified in to Polymer based, Glass based and others. On the basis of end users the market has been classified as hospitals, diagnostic Lab, academics & research institutes, homecare settings and others.The market for these segments has been extensively analyzed based on their utility, effectiveness, sales, and geographic presence. Market revenue in terms of US$ Mn and market volume in terms of units for the period from 2016 to 2025 along with the compound annual growth rate (CAGR %) from 2016 to 2025 are provided for all segments, considering 2016 as the base year.Global Microfluidics Market: Scope of the ReportThe market overview section of the report explores the market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, and opportunities that currently have a strong impact on the global microfluidics market and could influence the market in the near future. Market attractiveness analysis has been provided in all the sections of the report in order to explain the intensity of competition in the market across different products/materials/applications/end-users/geographies. The competitive scenario among different market players is evaluated through market share analysis in the competition landscape section of the report. The section also includes completion matrix that analyzes the competition among some of the top global players operating in the market. All these factors would help market players to take strategic decisions in order to strengthen their positions and expand their shares in the global market.Global Microfluidics Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the microfluidics market has been segmented into five regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East & Africa (MEA), and Latin America. Each regional market for microfluidics has been further categorized into major product, applications, material, and end-user segments considered within the scope of the study. Key country (U.S., Canada, Japan, Germany, France, U.K., Australia, Canada, China, Brazil, Mexico, India, etc.) market revenues have also been provided in different regional sections within the report. Market revenue in terms of US$ Mn and volume in terms of units for the period from 2015 to 2025 along with CAGR % from 2016 to 2025 are provided for all the regions and nations considering 2016 as the base year.Request for Sample of this report -About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Bioprocess Technology Market : Global Markets & Advanced Technologies

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Global Bioprocess Technology Market: Trends and OpportunitiesThe bioprocess technology market is majorly gaining from the growth witnessed in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Given the scenario, the industry now witnesses rising research funding, novel drug launches, and increasing government support. These, coupled with the increasing incidence of chronic ailments, will keep the demand for bioprocess technologies high through the reports forecast period.Besides this, the market is also looking forward to the rapid growth in pharmaceutical and biotechnologies industries to gain more business. Rising R&D activities supported by favorable government policies are direct results of expansion witnessed in the pharmaceutical industry. Launch of novel therapeutics will ensue the trend. These factors will have a positive impact on the overall market thus helping it gain higher. Also the market will gain from the increasing pharmaceutical outsourcing to vendors operating in the bioprocess technology market.Global Bioprocess Technology Market: OverviewThe global bioprocess technology market is forecast to report a strong growth between 2016 and 2024. Besides the expansion of pharmaceutical industries across emerging nations, the market is seemingly gaining from the higher research and development funding. Furthermore, as pharmaceutical giants focus on their core competencies they are more likely to outsource a few crucial operations to vendors with expertise. This would further give impetus to the global bioprocess technology market.The report provides a detailed assessment of the market covering growth drivers, major restraints, and opportunities. It has segmented the market based on various parameters for the purpose of the study. The effect of Porters five forces on the overall market is studied in detail as well.Browse full report on Bioprocess Technology Market -Global Bioprocess Technology Market: Regional OutlookRegionally, Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and Rest of the World constitute the key segments in the global bioprocess technology market. Among these, North America exhibited highly lucrative opportunities till 2016 and the trend is likely to continue through the reports forecast period. As the region exhibits increasing demand for high quality biologics and the top players domiciled therein increase research funding, the bioprocess technology market in North America will continue showing steep rise.Likewise in Asia Pacific the market is expected to witness highly lucrative opportunities. Benefiting from the growing pharmaceutical industry and investments by key market players, the demand for bioprocess technologies will rise in Asia Pacific. Besides this, the market players in the region are also gaining from the rising outsourcing to Asian countries and easy availability of academic excellence in Asia Pacific.Global Bioprocess Technology Market: Vendor LandscapePolicies adopted by prominent companies have a significant impact on the overall market. The report therefore profiles some of the leading enterprises and studies the impact of their latest marketing strategies, mergers and acquisitions, and product launches. For the purpose of the study, a detailed overview of their product portfolio is mentioned as well. The strengths and weaknesses of the companies profiled are analyzed using SWOT analysis, which also presents insights into opportunities and threats these companies could face during the forecast period.Some of the companies included in this list are Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., GE Healthcare, Danaher Corporation, Merck Millipore, Dickinson and Company, Becton, Lonza Group AG, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Sartorius Stedim Biotech S.A, Corning, Inc., and Charles River Laboratories.This report gives you access to decisive data such as:Market growth driversFactors limiting market growthCurrent market trendsMarket structureMarket projections for the coming yearsKey highlights of this reportOverview of key market forces propelling and restraining market growthUp-to-date analyses of market trends and technological improvementsPin-point analyses of market competition dynamics to offer you a competitive edgeAn analysis of strategies of major competitorsAn array of graphics and SWOT analysis of major industry segmentsDetailed analyses of industry trendsA well-defined technological growth map with an impact-analysisOffers a clear understanding of the competitive landscape and key product segmentsRequest for brochure of this report -About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Injectable Anti-Wrinkle Treatment Market Analysis and Value Forecast Snapshot by End-use Industry 2017-2027

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Injectable anti wrinkle are the treatment that are injected into the treatment area to reduce the skin lines and wrinkles. It can also fill the sagging skin and tighten the skin, reduce the frown lines, and lines under the eyes etc. The injectable anti-wrinkle treatment can help in rejuvenation of the skin without undergoing any surgery. The treatment is relaxing, it is quick and requires minimal downtime, painless etc. Furthermore the anti-wrinkle treatment also help in treating excessive sweating. The anti-wrinkle injection are mostly of two types firstly the muscle relaxants which use botulinum toxin that blocks the nerve impulse which leads to contraction and secondly, the dermal fillers which are used to fill up the wrinkles. The treatment may have side effects like headaches, bruising and minor pain at the sitInjectable Anti-Wrinkle Treatment Market: Drivers & RestraintsRise in concern about beauty and physical awareness among the people is one of the major factor attributing to the growth of the global injectable anti-wrinkle treatment market. Increase in geriatric population is another major factor contributing to the growth of the global market. The baby boomer population progressing towards the age of retirement is the major contributing group for the growth of the global market. Furthermore, less time consuming, effective results, lower side effects, rise in demand from consumers, non-invasive, technologically advance procedure, rise in obesity are the other major factor attributing to the growth of the global injectable anti-wrinkle treatment market during the forecast period.Request Report Sample@Higher cost of the treatment, safety and efficacy concern are the major restrains that can hamper the growth of the global injectable anti  wrinkle treatment market through 2027.Injectable Anti-Wrinkle Treatment Market: SegmentationThe global injectable anti-wrinkle treatment market is classified on the basis of type, by skin condition treated.Based on type, the injectable anti-wrinkle treatment market is segmented into the following:Muscle RelaxantsBotox injectionsOtherHyaluronic Acid Wrinkle FillerBelotero BalanceJuvedermPerlaneRestylaneOthersSynthetic wrinkle fillersRadiesseSculptraSiliconeCollagen Wrinkle FillersArteFillCosmodermEvolenceFibrelOthersAutologous Wrinkle FillersBased on skin condition treated, the injectable anti-wrinkle treatment market is segmented into the following:Forehead linesFrown lines (between the eyes)Crows Feet (around the eyes)Bunny Lines (sides of nose)Upper lip lines (smokers lines)Sagging EyebrowsDimpled chinHyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)Based on geography, the injectable anti-wrinkle treatment market is segmented into following:North America (U.S., Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil)Western Europe (Germany, Italy, U.K, Spain, France, Rest of Western Europe)Eastern Europe (Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand)JapanMiddle East and Africa (GCC, S. Africa)Request For TOC@Injectable Anti-Wrinkle Treatment Market: OverviewInjectable anti-wrinkle treatment market is expected to expand at a significant growth rate across regions. Major players in this segment are operating strategies to develop a treatment with lower side effects, cost effective and highly efficient and long lasting. According to WHO, the number of aging population of age 65 years is estimated to grow from 524 million in 2010 to 1.5 billion in 2050 which will propel the growth of the global anti-wrinkle treatment market in the forecast period.Injectable Anti-Wrinkle Market: Region-wise OutlookA geographic condition regarding injectable anti-wrinkle treatment device market, it has been segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East & Africa.North America is the dominating region in the global market in terms of value which is followed by Europe. The factors attributing to the growth of the market in North America are rise in awareness among people about signs of aging, increase prevalence rate of unhealthy lifestyle, new technological advancement etc. Asia Pacific is expected to anticipate a higher growth in the global market due to factors like new technology, rise in disposable income, and prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle.Injectable Anti-Wrinkle Treatment Market: Key PlayersSome of the prominent players operating in the global anti- wrinkle treatment market is Laser & Skin, Maryland Dermatology Laser, Skin, & Vein Institute, LLC, Allergan, Galderma Laboratories, L.P, Merz North America, Inc., among the others worldwide.Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.compress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Microsclerotherapy Treatment Market Revenue, Opportunity, Segment and Key Trends 2017-2027

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The very thin and tiny veins that look like a spider web below the skin is known as spider veins or thread veins. Spider vein are also known as small varicose veins. They are caused because of the malfunctioning of the valves in the veins. The bloods gets backed up in the veins resulting into swelling. Microsclerotherapy is one of the best technique to treat spider veins. It involves injecting a substance called as sclerosant, which destroys the veins over a period of time and makes it disappear. The technique is most used on legs and other body parts and rare on face due to the minimal possibility of scarring. Normally the patients require about 2 to 6 session of treatment at 4 to 8 weeks of intervals, also depending upon the size of the veins.Microsclerotherapy Treatment Market: Drivers & RestraintsRising incidence of spider veins and varicose veins is one of the major driving factor that can influence the growth of the global microsclerotherapy market. Comparatively painless procedure, minimal invasion, highly effective, fewer post-operative complications, simple analgesic required during the procedure are the important factors that will propel the growth of the global market through 2027. The incidence of spider veins are more prevalent in aging population, therefore rise in geriatric population is another factor that can positively influence the global market. Furthermore, heredity, prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle, obesity are the factors that can influence the growth of the global microsclerotherapy market during the forecast period.Request Report Sample@Higher cost of the treatment, lack of training for surgeons, other alternative procedures, are few of the major factors that can restrain the growth of the global microsclerotherapy treatment market during the forecast period.Microsclerotherapy Treatment Market: SegmentationThe global microsclerotherapy treatment market is classified on the basis of material type and end-user.Based on material type, the global microsclerotherapy market is segmented into the following:SclerosantsSodium Tetradecyl sulphatePolidocanolChromated glycerinOthersMicro-NeedlesGraduated compression hosiery supportsOthers surgical productsBased on End-User, the global microsclerotherapy market is segmented into the following:Cosmetic and Skin ClinicsHospitalsCosmetic Training InstitutesBased on geography, the global microsclerotherapy market is segmented into following:North America (U.S., Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil)Western Europe (Germany, Italy, U.K, Spain, France, Rest of Western Europe)Eastern Europe (Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand)JapanMiddle East and Africa (GCC, S. Africa)Microsclerotherapy TreatmentMarket: OverviewMicrosclerotherapy treatment market is expected to expand at a significant growth rate across regions. Major players in this segment are working on their research and development process to build advanced products such as improved and effective sclerosants, improved after care and support. Microsclerotherapy is a widespread and a well-established technique for spider veins and with various organizations working to raise and maintain the standards of the treatment the global market is expected to anticipate a higher growth rate. Rise in prevalence of spider veins and varicose vein is one of the major factor attributing to the growth of the market. Furthermore, it is estimated that about 50 to 55 percent of the women in United States suffer from one or other type of vein disease which is one of the major factor that can accelerate the growth of the microsclerotherapy market in North America.Microsclerotherapy Treatment Market: Region-wise OutlookA geographic condition regarding microsclerotherapy treatment market, it has been segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East & Africa.North America is expected to dominate the global microsclerotherapy market which is then followed by Europe. Advance healthcare infrastructure, growing importance of aesthetics, continuous lifestyle associated changes, prevalence of spider vein, high disposable income etc. are few of the factors attributing the growth of the microsclerotherapy market in the North America. The Asia Pacific region is expected to register a highest growth rate during the forecast period due to increase in patient awareness and early treatments, increase in disposable income, improved technological advancement.Request For TOC@Microsclerotherapy Treatment Market: Key PlayersSome of the prominent players operating in the global microsclerotherapy market are The Vein Clinic, STD Pharmaceutical Products, Covidien, Kreussler Pharma, VASCULAR SOLUTIONS, Medicetics, and Skin Care Clinic, Maryland Dermatology Laser, Skin, & Vein Institute, LLC, among others worldwide.Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.compress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
MASON CITY | Crisis Intervention Service is hosting events during the month of April in Mason City for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Writing on the Wall, which honors survivors, victims, and their friends and family who have witnessed or encountered violence, will take place from 1 to 7 p.m. April 5 at Willowbrook Mall in Mason City.

Survivors and their supporters are encouraged to design a brick with either a message they feel must be heard about abuse or a message of encouragement to survivors. The bricks will used to build a wall will then be displayed in the community to help spread awareness about sexual abuse.

Advocates will be available to provide information and support during the event.

The Clothesline Project is from 1 to 7 p.m. April 19 at Willowbrook Mall.

Those affected by violence, either personally or by supporting a loved one, are invited to stop by and decorate a shirt. The shirts will be hung on a clothesline to be viewed by others as a testimony to the epidemic of violence against women.

The annual Take Back the Night walk also will take place from 7 to 7:30 p.m. on April 19, starting at the Willowbrook Mall entrance.

Everyone is invited to join other community members in support of survivors of sexual violence with a short walk, escorted by local law enforcement. Glow sticks and signs will be provided.

Cabin Coffee in Mason City will donate $1 to Crisis Intervention Service for every cup of brewed coffee served from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on Thursday mornings in April. Members of the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) will be available at Cabin Coffee at those times to chat with patrons and answer any questions.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Market Set for Rapid Growth And Trend, by 2027

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Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with autoimmune that causes inflammation in joints of the body further the disease affects the muscle, connective tissues, joints, fibrous tissue, and tendons. Rheumatoid arthritis has a major negative effect on the ability to perform health related quality of life daily activities, including work and household tasks, and it increases mortality.Rheumatoid arthritis strikes in the between the ages of 20 and 40, most productive years of adulthood, and is a chronic immobilizing condition often causing deformity and pain. The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis differs among 0.3% and 1% and is more common in developed countries mostly in women. Rheumatoid arthritis causes disability, premature death, and lowers the quality of life in the developing and industrialized world. Rheumatoid arthritis is a universal inflammatory disease that establishes itself in various joints in the body. This inflammation typically transforms the organs of the body, but can also affect the lining of the joints. This inflamed joint lining tends to disintegration of the bone and joint deformity and sometimes causes cartilage.Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Market: Divers and RestraintsThe major factor that will propel the growth of rheumatoid arthritis treatment market is the increasing geriatric population through the globe. Moreover, some indication proposes that people who smokes often are at high risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis treatment market is expected to grow in coming forecast period for increasing demand for more effective drugs and better medical facilities. Rheumatoid arthritis affects 1.3 million of Americans and people suffer from rheumatoid arthritis at the same rate through the globe. Factors such as high research and development and high cost treatment will hamper the growth of rheumatoid arthritis treatment market.Request Report Sample@Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Market: SegmentationRheumatoid arthritis treatment market is segmented on the basis of drugs, treatment and end users as following:On the basis of drugs type, Rheumatoid arthritis treatment market is segmented as following:Non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)CorticosteroidsDisease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)On the basis of drugs type, Rheumatoid arthritis treatment market is segmented as following:SynovectomyTendon RepairJoint FusionOn the basis of end users, Rheumatoid arthritis treatment market is segmented as following:HospitalDiagnostic CentersAmbulatory surgical centersRheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Market: OverviewGlobally, the rheumatoid arthritis treatment market is growing rapidly. Rheumatoid arthritis treatment market will show immense growth as there is rise in FDA approvals to the rheumatoid arthritis drugs, rise in share of biosimilars, and use of alternative and complementary medicines. There are several medications offered by the market participants that can be able to stop rheumatoid arthritis reduce your risk of further problems and getting worse. Rheumatoid arthritis treatment market will be driven by increasing awareness among the population, innovation, and developing modern technologies to treat the rheumatoid arthritis.Request For TOC@Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Market: Regional OverviewOn the basis of geography rheumatoid arthritis treatment market is segmented into five key regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia pacific, and Middle East & Africa. North America is dominating market in rheumatoid arthritis treatments owing to factors increasing prevalence of disorders related with rheumatoid arthritis and large number of rheumatoid arthritis patient. Europe has shown significant growth in last few decades in rheumatoid arthritis treatment market. Asia pacific will grow at highest CAGR over the forecast period in rheumatoid arthritis treatment market owing to factors like increasing healthcare expenditure, rising obese population, and increasing cigarette consumption in the region. Middle East & Africa will grow at moderate rate in rheumatoid arthritis treatment market owing to factor the treatment cost is high for the disease.Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Market: PlayersExamples of some of the market participants in the global rheumatoid arthritis treatmentmarket identified across the value chain include AbbVie Inc., Johnson & Johnson Services, Amgen Inc., Pfizer, Cadila Healthcare Ltd., Novartis AG., AstraZeneca, F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, GlaxoSmithKline, and Abbott. Increasing competition among the major participants in rheumatoid arthritis treatment market will drive the market growth over the forecast period.Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.compress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Neurovascular Guidewires Market Set for Rapid Growth And Trend, by 2027

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Neurovascular guidewire is a medical device used to carry stents, catheters and balloons to cure intracranial blood vessel diseases such as cerebral arteriovenous malformations and aneurysms. These guidewires are placed inside catheters for optimal visibility and navigability. The precise, safe, minimally invasive and durable nature of this neurovascular guidewire technology has made its use more promising. With the advantage of less trauma, lower costs and faster recovery time, neurovascular guidewire technology has replaced the high risk open brain surgery procedures. This technology has paved the way for new pioneering treatment possibilities. It can be used for vascular intervention or endosurgical application for reaching to the access point of surgery. Moreover, the risk of recurrent intracranial bleeding is slightly higher for a short time after the first bleed so instead of using conventional invasive treatment, neurovascular guidewires usage is soothing for the patient.Design and material are the considerations of the manufacturers for differentiation in the market. Either stainless steel or nitinol are used for the construction of neurovascular guidewires. Various range of models and configurations and models of different manufacturers are available nowadays.Request Report Sample@Neurovascular Guidewires Market: Drivers & RestraintsNeurovascular Guidewires market growth is likely to proliferate in the future with the advancement in medical field technology and demand of less invasive procedures. Moreover, there are various factors which drives its market including its high precision, quality, durability, deliverable capability, coating, tip control, push ability, high lubricous surface and various R&D activities in this area. Increase in the number of patients with hemorrhagic stroke and risk of death contribute to the market growth. Lack of reimbursement policies, poor healthcare facilities and skilled neurologists in some regions are some of the restraining factors for the market of neurovascular guidewires to grow.Point-of-Care Genetic Testing Market: SegmentationSegmentation by Overall length175 cm180 cm195 cm200 cm205 cm300 cmSegmentation by Core Wire MaterialStainless SteelNitinol (Nickel- Titanium Alloy)Segmentation by ApplicationDiagnosisTreatmentSegmentation by End UsersHospitalsEmergency Care CentersSpecialized Clinics and othersNeurovascular Guidewires Market: OverviewNeurological disorders are an important cause of mortality and constitute 12% of total death globally according to a WHO report on neurological disorder. There is increased detection of patients with neurological disorders such as cerebral arteriovenous malformations and aneurysms because of the frequent use of advanced imaging technologies. According to Brain Aneurysm Foundation there has been almost 500,000 deaths, there are almost 500,000 deaths worldwide every year caused by brain aneurysms. By being less expensive and more promising nature than open brain surgery, there has been an increase in the neurovascular guidewires market. More complex procedures are now being performed so the number of neurovascular guidewires used per procedure has increased, driving unit sales up.Request For TOC@Neurovascular Guidewires Market: Region-wise OutlookHigh fatality rate of stroke increases the demand of new innovations in this sector like the use of neurovascular guidewires in treatment. Advance healthcare system in North America, hub of many medical devices manufacturing companies and good reimbursement scenarios make it most prominent marketplace. Japan is also expected as the rising market because of being a developed country, availability of good healthcare facilities and increasing number of geriatric population. Eastern Europe have more prevalence of Neurovascular disease than Western Europe thus can be projected as a rising marketplace for use of Neurovascular guidewires. Developing countries experience more burden of deaths due to stroke because of non-availability of resources. Thus, can be a marketplace for neurovascular guidewires in future with increasing government initiatives towards healthcare sector these days.Neurovascular Guidewires Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players for Neurovascular Guidewires Market are Boston Scientific Corporation, Terumo International Systems, Medtronic plc., Asahi Intecc Co. Ltd, Integer Holding Corporation, Creganna Medical and others.Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.compress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Point-Of-Care Genetic Testing Market Volume Analysis, size, share and Key Trends 2017-2027

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Point-of-Care testing is defined as the clinical testing performed at or near the site where clinical care is being given to the patient. It can be performed by patients itself or any personnel. Consecutively, analyzing the DNA and finding out the best treatment option based on the genetic makeup of the patient constitute Point-of-Care genetic testing. This isa fast and quick technique based on personal genomics so to allow the efficient functioning of the drug. The idea behind this point-of-care genetic testing approach is to reduce the diagnosis time, inconvenience faced by patients and to follow personalized medicine approach for specific patient. Generally, all the diseases are combination of various genetic factors, and current genetic testing techniques require a lot of time in analyzing the problem. As a result, the use of Point-of Care genetic testing systems is prevalent in quickly diagnosing and guiding the doctors to head in a right direction.Point-of-Care Genetic testing involves amplification of genetic material and then real-time analysis to detect the genetic variations among people. The first point-of-care version of a real-time nucleic acid detection system is the Cepheids Xpert system, going to be launched this year. It combines fully integrated sample preparation for amplification and detection process. This system is designed to purify, concentrate, detect, and recognize targeted nucleic acid sequences delivering diagnosis using unprocessed samples approximately within 30 minutes.Point-of-Care Genetic Testing Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe point-of-care genetic testing technology possesses convenient and immediate action for a therapeutic condition. The growth is likely to continue with the aim of providing less costly and closer to patients care. The use of genetics has become prominent nowadays in almost every pediatric condition, and this technology overcomes the limitations and challenges of current molecular testing techniques. Pressure on healthcare budgets and the trend to patient-centered care might be perceived as problems confined to the developed world. Moreover, the increase in population and westernization in the developing countries like China and India links it with the increase in the healthcare problems. Due to poverty and lack of sources, Point-of-Care genetic testing technology has a major scope in these countries by providing diagnostics available at low prices and at patients bedside. There are some technological limitations like failure to detect abnormal results, standardization, technological expertise, algorithmic & software complications, higher cost of maintenance & repair, poor tests result in case of contaminated samples, and sample specificity in the use of point-of-care genetic testing systems. In addition, the high cost of Point-of-Care genetic test and limited reimbursement support is hindering the growth of point-of-care genetic testing market.Request Report Sample@Point-of-Care Genetic Testing Market: SegmentationSegmentation by Product TypePOCT Cancer kitsMolecular POC kitsPOCT in Antibiotic TherapiesAssay CartridgeSegmentation by End UserResearch LaboratoryDiagnostic labsBio-Pharmaceutical IndustryAcademic InstitutionsSegmentation by ApplicationDrug discovery and researchTreatment AnalysisDiagnosisPoint-of-Care Genetic Testing Market: OverviewA global trends of making healthcare service more patient-centeric than the service provider shows an expanding growing opportunities for point-of-care genetic testing, as there are lots of funding available from multiple sources including NIH, US Department of Defence as well as various private foundations and biopharmaceutical companies. The point-of-care genetic testing market includes various types of testing includes diabetes, hematology, oncology, infectious disease, and others indications.Point-of-Care genetic testing is going beyond the laboratory, as FDA granted its first CLIA waiver to a nucleic acid based test. The Alere I Influenza A&B and cobas Liat System and Strep A from Roche have received a CLIA waiver in 2015. In the cardiovascular domain, Spartan Biosciences received the approval from Health Care Canada for their Spartan RX CYP2C19 system in 2014, a genetic test that can be used to govern whether patients receiving the antiplatelet medication clopidigrel (Plavix) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have CYP2C19 mutations that may weaken their ability to metabolize the drug.Point-of-Care Genetic Testing Market: Region-wise OutlookBased on geography, the point-of-care genetic testing market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, APEJ, Japan and Middle & Africa. Sustained implementation of point-of-care genetic testing requires that new technologies address the need of targeted settings. The combined power of microfluidics and smartphone technologies will be going to boost the market of point-of-care molecular testing. The US is recognized at the top country in the sector of Point-of-Care genetic testing market because of technological advancement, awareness among the population and high per capita income. In Europe, Germany is also recognized as the market player in this industry. Asia-Pacific is expected witness significant growth rate in the coming years due to increasing investment in cancer research, increasing awareness and funding by government to curb the prevalence of infectious diseases and active participation of corporates in the healthcare technologies.Request For TOC@Point-of-Care Genetic Testing Market: Key PlayersCepheid, IQuum, Biocartis, Abbott, Idaho Technologies, ThermoFisher, Roche, Optigene, Lumora are some of the global key players in point-of-care genetic testing. In 2016, Biocartis Idyllas distribution rights were also granted to Thermofisher in the US. The Idylla platform is a fully integrated system enabling laboratories to perform a broad range of applications in oncology and beyond. But in 2014, Iquums Liat Analyzers rights were acquired by Roche Molecular Diagnostics.Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.compress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global Human Vaccines Market is Estimated to Reach US$72.5 bn by 2024

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The global human vaccines market is dominated by GlaxoSmithKline plc., Sanofi, Pfizer, Inc., and Merck & Co, Inc. These players collectively accounted for over 70% of the market in terms of revenue in 2015. Analysts at Transparency Market Research have identified some of the key strategies adopted by players in the human vaccines market in order to gain a competitive edge over the rest. These include mergers and acquisitions, collaborations and acquisitions for market penetration, the establishment of local production sites, the expansion of product portfolios, and expansion activities in regions with high growth potential.Browse Market Research Report @A focus on research and development is also a successful growth strategy, TMR finds. For instance, Pfizer, Inc. has always focused on R&D in order to improve innovation and productivity. It is presently working on various pipeline products for different therapies and innovating new capabilities that can position it for long-term leadership across the globe.The global human vaccines market was valued at US$28.3 bn in 2015 and is estimated to reach US$72.5 bn by 2024, registering an 11.2% CAGR during the forecast period.Hospital Pharmacies and Drugstores Prominent Distribution Channels for Human VaccinesBy age group, pediatric vaccines accounted for a 57.5% share in the global human vaccines market in 2015. Adult vaccines, on the other hand, are expected to expand at a 13.2% CAGR from 2016 to 2024. Based on product, the pneumococcal segment accounted for the majority share in in 2015, with the hepatitis segment exhibiting strong growth during the forecast period.On basis of vaccine type, the conjugate vaccines segment accounted for the majority share in the global human vaccines market in 2015. On the other hand, the combination vaccines segment is expected to expand at an outstanding CAGR from 2016 to 2024. By distribution channel, the hospital pharmacies segment led the global human vaccines market. However, the drugstores segment is projected to expand at a considerable pace through 2024.Geographically, North America dominates the global human vaccines market and is estimated to reach a value of US$28.0 bn by 2024. Asia Pacific is the most promising market for human vaccines and is expected to expand at a high CAGR of 12.5% during the forecast period.Minimal Side Effects of Vaccines Bolstering Large-scale AdoptionAn extremely low risk of serious and fatal side effects associated with vaccines is one of the primary factors driving the market for human vaccines around the world. Similar to other drugs, vaccines are associated with a few side effects; however, most of the times, these are rather mild. Soreness, swelling, redness at the site of injection, fever, rash, or itchiness are the most common side effects of vaccines. Several healthcare organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the US FDA, the American Medical Association (AMA), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend the use of vaccines owing to their safety.Complementing this factor is the growing awareness among patients and the general population regarding the benefits of vaccination. This can be attributed to a rise in awareness programs by government, private, and not-for-profit organizations. The celebration of the National Immunization Awareness Month in the month of August in the U.S., for instance, is a great way of spreading awareness and getting more people to opt for vaccination, the author of the report states.For more information on this report, fill the form @High Costs Deterring Market GrowthStrict regulatory requirements is a major hurdle for most players in the global human vaccines market. In addition to this, high costs pose a significant challenge. The discovery and development of new vaccines require immense capital. Moreover, the transportation, storage, and handling of vaccines can also be extremely heavy on the pocket, the TMR analyst reports. Apart from this, the containment of technical expertise in the hands of a few major players also acts as a deterrent on the growth of the human vaccines market.This review is based on the findings of a TMR report titled Human Vaccines Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact UsTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Antinuclear Antibody Test Market: Asia Pacific is Expected to Grow at a Higher Rate during the Forecast Period due to Rapid Rise in Population

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Antinuclear antibody test is a sensitive screening test used to diagnose autoimmune disorders. The test is used in symptoms such as low-grade fever, skin sensitivity to light, persistent fatigue, weakness and inflammation, and damage to organs and tissues. The test gives two types of results: positive result and negative result.A positive test indicates the presence of autoantibody. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) are the two types of tests commonly performed to detect antinuclear antibody test. ELISA test results are reported as arbitrary units, and IFA test results are reported as rations, for example 1:320, which indicates one part of blood sample was mixed with 320 parts of a diluting substance. About 95% of antinuclear test is used to test lupus autoimmune disease. Lupus disease is followed by scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) and Sjogrens syndrome which shows positive results in about 60% and 40% cases, respectively.Obtain Report Details @The prevalence of antinuclear antibody in healthy individuals is about 3% to 15% and production of autoantibody is age dependent, which increases from 10% to 37% over age 65. The antinuclear antibody test further provides additional diagnostic and prognostic information about the nature of the autoimmune process based on the targeted antigens. Other therapeutic conditions with modest frequency of antinuclear antibody are thyroid, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV, and hepatitis C.Factors such as growth in health care awareness among people and increase in prevalence of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and type I diabetes, are driving the global antinuclear antibody test market. According to WHO, the number of people suffering from diabetes has increased from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014, and it is expected to increase further in the near future. Other factors such as government health care insurance & reimbursement policies and increase in health care expenditure are projected to fuel the antinuclear antibody test market. However, factors such as stringent regulation for product approval, diagnostic errors, and unavailability of skilled labor are estimated to hinder the antinuclear antibody test market globally.The antinuclear antibody test reagents market has been segmented by test type, product type, end-user, and geography. In terms of test type, the antinuclear antibody test market is classified into ELISA, IFA, and Dot Blot test. In terms of product type, the market is classified into assay kits and reagents. In terms of end-user, the antinuclear antibody test market is classified into hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers, and research laboratories. The hospitals segment is expected to contribute a significantly large share due to developed infrastructure and safety test procedure. Geographically, the market is classified into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa.Make an Enquiry @Geographically, North America dominates the market owing to early disease diagnosis, growth in number of autoimmune diseases such as lupus, developed health care infrastructure, and large number of geriatric population. These factors are estimated to drive the antinuclear antibody test market in the region. According to Lupus Foundation of America, 1.5 million Americans and approximately 5 million people are living with lupus disease.North America is followed by Europe with a large market for antinuclear antibody test. Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a higher rate during the forecast period due to rapid rise in population, high prevalence of autoimmune disorders, increase in public awareness, and improvement in health care infrastructure, which in turn boost the antinuclear antibody test market. Growing number of government awareness campaigns is the driving factor boosting patients to seek clinical diagnostics even for disease symptoms. Other emerging countries such as Brazil and South Africa are anticipated to create a large opportunity for the antinuclear antibody test market.Major players operating in this market include Alere Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Trinity Biotech PLC, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Becton Dickinson and Company, Biocom Biotech, Erba Diagnostics, ZEUS Scientific, Inc., and F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact UsTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Rising Inclination of Patients toward Minimally Invasive Procedures and the Growing Acceptance of Innovative Technologies will Propel the Tumor Ablation Market

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According to a research report by Transparency Market Research (TMR), the global tumor ablation market is fragmented and highly competitive in nature, owing to the presence of a large number of market participants. As the market hold enormous potential for growth, pharmaceutical companies continue to enter in this market, intensifying the competition within.The leading players are expected to focus on product innovation and technological advancements in current offerings to strengthen their position in this market over the coming years. Jude Medical, BVM Medical, Boston Scientific, BTG International, and Medtronic are some of the key players in this market, mentions the research study.Obtain Report Details @TMR estimates the global market for tumor ablation to rise from US$7.02 bn in 2015 to a value of US$1.9 bn by 2024, progressing at a CAGR of 12.20% during the period from 2016 to 2024. The radiofrequency ablation technology segment, which has been dominating the global market over the last few years, is likely to retain its position throughout the forecast period.Advancements in Tumor Ablation Technology to Ensure Dominance of North AmericaThe report also analyzes the worldwide market for tumor ablation on the basis of geography. As per the study, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, North America, Latin America, and Europe are the key segments of this market, geographically. North America occupied the top position in this market in 2015 with a share of 30%, thanks to the early adoption of the tumor ablation technology. Researchers predict this regional market to continue its growth streak throughout the forecast period, supported by the technological advancements in ablation technologies, rising prevalence of cancer, and the increasing base of geriatric population.Europe and Asia Pacific are also anticipated to witness prominent growth in their market shares over the next few years, states the research report. The Europe market for tumor ablation is expected to be propelled further by the rising consumption of tobacco and alcohol, a large geriatric population base, increase in research activities, and the surging awareness level among people in this region.Asia Pacific, on the other hand, is projected to be driven by the presence of high unmet medical needs, escalating medical expenditures in emerging economies, increasing investment in research and development activities in the medical and healthcare sector, and the growing attention of key market participants on this region.Fill the form to gain deeper insights on this market @Rising Popularity of Tumor Ablation Technology to Reflect Positively on its DemandWith the significant rise in the incidence rate of cancer in humans, the market for tumor ablation has been gained substantial momentum across the world, states a researcher at TMR. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 8.8 million people died due to cancer in 2015, globally, establishing it as the second leading cause of death across the world. Since tumor ablations is a highly efficient treatment for cancer with minimal risk of side-effects, its popularity has increased manifolds among medical professional as well as patients, which, as a result, has been reflecting positively on its uptake. The continual advancements in ablation technology are also adding considerably to the growth of this market.In addition, the rising inclination of patients toward minimally invasive procedures and the growing acceptance of innovative technologies will propel this market remarkably over the forthcoming years. However, the lack of a favorable reimbursement scenario and the high cost associated with research and development may hamper the markets progress in the years to come, notes the study.The study presented here is based on a report by Transparency Market Research (TMR), titled Tumor Ablation Market (Technology - Radiofrequency Ablation, Microwave Ablation, Cryoablation, High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, and Laser Interstitial Thermal Ablation; Disease Indication - Liver Cancer, Lung Cancer, Kidney Cancer, Bone Cancer, Breast Cancer, and Prostate Cancer; End Users - Hospitals and Cancer Specialty Clinics) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2014 - 2024.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact UsTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Hajj Tourism in Saudi Arabia: Overview, Highlights, and Sector Outlook

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The Hajj is an annual journey to Mecca in Saudi Arabia and is the world's largest mass gathering. All the physically and financially able grownup Muslims make Hajj at least once in their lifetime. Around two million Hajjis travel to Saudi Arabia during September to visit Islam's holiest places, Mecca and Medina. Earlier, Hajj was a simply a traditional ritual in the Islamic world, but in recent days it has become a tourism destination because of the facilities evolved over the last few years. The Hajj signifies main tourism prospect for both national and international stakeholders, mainly tour operators and hotel groups. The Saudi Arabia government is also supporting this holy gathering by investing in hotels and renovating ancient religious sights. To promote Hajj tourism globally a landmark hotel named as Abraj Kudai Hotel is in the pipeline  this hotel is anticipated to be the world's largest hotel with 10,000 rooms. Hajj is emerging as a perennial flow of religious tourists and is a primary source of revenue generation from international pilgrims from countries with a large Muslim population. Domestic pilgrims are also contributing to the revenue generation. Some of the international pilgrims come from countries such as India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Morocco, and Algeria among many other Muslim countries.Hajj Tourism in Saudi Arabia: Drivers and OpportunitiesMainly, factors such as religious faith or established rituals to follow among spiritual Hajjis and the growth in per capita income are driving Hajj Tourism in Saudi Arabia by bringing Hajjis from all over the globe. The other drivers that trigger the demand for Hajji Tourism in Saudi Arabia are the comforts and facilities built for the devotees, ease in travel and accommodation. Besides, many historical monuments are renovated by the Saudi government which become add-on tourist spots and major attractions for the pilgrims.Request For Report Sample:Hajj Tourism in Saudi Arabia is an enormous opportunity for travel and hotel industry for future business prospects. Some opportunities listed are many domestic and international airlines including Qatar Airways, Qatar's Al Maha airlines that provide their services on domestic and international routes, and this will increase the competition. The rise in the volume of national and international Hajjis propell the demand for accommodation thereby boosting hotel rentals. Backpack concept in areas such as Riyadh, Jeddah and Medina is also coming up as a possible opportunity with a business and facility point at Hajj Tourism within the Saudi Arabia tourism industry.Hajj Tourism in Saudi Arabia: RestraintsAs Hajj is practiced from ancient time and is a tradition in Islamic region, persistence in the visit by devotees can be seen significantly, but some factors such as lack of facilities, chances of accidents, and lack of travelling provinces are slowing down the volume of pilgrims to an extent. Although the government and private sector have taken many initiatives to overcome the hindrances to some extent, certain restraints such as large rental car booking, shortage of rental vehicles, over occupancy of accommodation, serious crowding of the places and unorganised facilities hinder Hajj tourism in Saudi Arabia.Request For TOC:Hajj Tourism in Saudi Arabia: OptionsAs per the 2013 Saudi Tourism and Antiquities Committee (SCTA) count, there were around 160 tour agents in Saudi Arabia catering only to religious tours mainly Hajj tourism in Saudi Arabia. Some of the prominent Hajj tour operators who provide their services to tourists across the world include Flynn's Company LCC Accor KSA, Al Tala'a International Transportation Co. Limited, Fly Dubai Saudi Arabia, Al Tayyar Travel Group, Zamil Travel, Avis Saudi Arabia, Zahid Travel Group, Boudl Hotels & Resorts, Wyndham Hotel Group Saudi Arabia, Budget Rent a Car Saudi Arabia, InterContinental Hotels Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabian Airlines, EgyptAir Saudi Arabia, Saddik & Mohammed Attar Company, Elaf Group, Inc., SIXT-KSA, Emirates Airline Saudi Arabia, Kanoo Travel Saudi Arabia, and Europcar Saudi Arabia among many others.This comprehensive report equips readers with lucid information and analysis on the sector. Future Market Insights experienced travel and tourism analysts bring to you accurate and unbiased information to help you make crucial decisions with confidence.Browse Full Report:The report offers a 360 view  bringing to the fore key drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges prevailing in the sector. To offer readers actionable insights, detailed information on historical trends, current scenario, and future projections is provided in the report.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global Automotive Gear Oil Market to be at Forefront by 2020

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The gear oils are standardised by American Petroleum Institute (API STANDARDS) based on the viscosity level and their use in automatic and manual transmission based vehicles. The different classification of the API includes GL-1, API GL-2, API GL-3, API GL-4, API GL-5 and API GL-6 and, SAE 75W-90, SAE 75W-140, SAE 80W-90, SAE 85W-140 and LS- for limited slip. For maximum transmission efficiency, gear oils must lubricate, cool and protect complete gear systems. It also supposes to transfer damaged particles away from the contact areas, guarantee protection against extreme pressure and temperature and reduce noise in the transmission operation.TOC of this report is available upon request @North America is the largest market for automotive gear oil mainly attributed to large volume of motor vehicle in this region, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. The market is witnessing an escalating growth in Asia Pacific region. China, in recent years, has become the global hub for the automobile industry. Some of the other region in Asia Pacific such as India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines have emerged as the largest small cars markets in the world.Growing middle class, rising disposable income, developing surface transportation infrastructure, growing aspiration of owning private vehicles, increasing mobility due to development of satellite township near megacities and increase demand of goods carriers from micro, small and medium size enterprises are fueling the market for automotive gear oil in Asia Pacific region. Growing automotive aftermarket and do it yourself (DIY) culture in North America and Europe is fueling the growth of automotive gear oil in retail sector in these two region.A sample of this report is available upon request @Some of the major players operating in the automotive gear oil market include Saudi Arabian Oil Co., Total S.A, Gazprom, ROSNEFT, LUKOIL oil company, Royal Dutch Shell plc, Exxon Mobil Corporation, BP p.l.c, Statoil, Chevron Corporation., Sinopec Lubricant Company, JIANGSU LOPAL TECH. CO.,LTD and Ashland Inc.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Persistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd.305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com
Global Automotive Paint Market Plying for Significant Growth During 2020

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Asia Pacific is the largest market for automotive paint attributed to recent development in automotive OEM market in China, India and Japan. According to Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs dAutomobiles (OICA), 3,138,988 units of passenger cars and 741,950 units of commercial vehicle were manufactured by India and 18,085,213 units of passenger cars and 4,031,612 unit commercial vehicles were manufactured in China in the year 2013. Europe is the second largest market for automotive paint. Germany, Italy and France are leading vehicle producing countries in Europe. Europe is followed North America, where the U.S. accounts for the largest market.TOC of this report is available upon request @Rising middle class, improve living standards, changing buyers preferences, growing economy and increasing demand of luxurious vehicle are some of the dominant drivers for automotive paint in Asia Pacific region. Whereas the governmental norms against volatile organic compound (VOC) automotive paint in Europe and North America is expected to boost the Low VOCs automotive paint market in these regions.Some of the major players operating in the automotive paint market include AkzoNobel NV, Arkema SA, Axalta Coating Systems LLC, BASF SE, Bayer AG, Beckers Group, Berger Paints India Limited, Cabot Corporation, Clariant International Ltd., Deft Incorporated, Eastman Chemical Company, Jotun, KCC Corporation, Kansai Paint Co Ltd, Lord Corporation, NIPPONPAINT Co., Ltd, PPG Asian Paints Private Limited, PPG Industries Inc, Koninklijke DSM N.V, Sherwin-Williams Company, Solvay Group of Companies and Valspar CorporationFor more information, please e-mail us at: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comAbout UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Persistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd.305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com
Gastrointestinal Drugs Market: North America to Derive Growth from Increasing Geriatric Population

Gastrointestinal Drugs Market

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The rising prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases across the world is the main factor behind the growth of the global gastrointestinal drugs market. According to the World Gastroenterology Organization, the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), worldwide, is approximately 15% to 25%, and the pace of incidence is also quite high. This, as a result, is impacting the demand for gastrointestinal drugs greatly.Apart from this, the increasing investments in research activities for the development of these drugs and the growing awareness about the availability of the treatments are also adding substantially to the growth of this market. In addition to this, the technological advancements in the treatment therapies are likely to boost this market remarkably in the near future. The overall opportunity in the global gastrointestinal drugs market was worth US$45.5 bn in 2015. Expanding at a CAGR of 4.90% between 2016 and 2024, it is estimated to reach US$61.6 bn by the end of 2024.Read Full Report:Latin America, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa are the main geographical segments of the worldwide market for gastrointestinal drugs. North America has emerged as the leading regional market for gastrointestinal drugs across the world. Thanks to the presence of consumer-friendly reimbursement policies for the treatment of chronic diseases, it acquired a share of more than 41% in 2016 in the overall market. With the rising number of elderly people, who are prone to gastrointestinal diseases, the North America market for gastrointestinal drugs is likely to maintain its lead over the forthcoming years.Europe held the second position in the global gastrointestinal drugs market in 2016 and is anticipated to continue being in this position in the near future. The advent of biosimilars for patent-protected brands available for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease is anticipated to work in the favor of the gastrointestinal drugs market in Europe over the next few years.Asia Pacific is expected to surface as the most lucrative market for gastrointestinal drugs among others in the years to come. The improvement in the medical and healthcare infrastructure, rise in the private and public investments in life sciences research, and the technological advancements in the treatments of gastrointestinal diseases in emerging economies, such as India and China, are projected to propel the Asia Pacific gastrointestinal drugs market to great extents in the future.Download exclusive Sample of this report:Acid neutralizers, antiemetic and antinauseants, antidiarrheal and laxatives, anti-inflammatory drugs, and biologics are the key drug classes of gastrointestinal drugs. Thanks to the rising prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the demand for acid neutralizers has been higher than other gastrointestinal drugs across the world. Owing to its cost efficiency, the segment is likely to maintain the pace of demand over the forthcoming years.Abbott Laboratories, Allergan Plc, AstraZeneca, Bayer AG, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, GlaxoSmithKline Plc., Janssen Biotech Inc., Sanofi, Takeda Pharmaceutical, and Valeant Pharmaceuticals Inc. are some of the leading players in the global gastrointestinal drugs market.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Iowa Supreme Court justices will meet with students at two North Iowa high schools next week.

Justice Daryl Hecht will visit Hampton-Dumont High School at 8:15 a.m. Wednesday, while Justice Brent Appel will visit Charles City High School at 9:10 a.m. that day.

The other justices will visit with students in Tripoli, Fairbank, Iowa Falls, Dike, and Parkersburg on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Iowa Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in Charles City CHARLES CITY | The Iowa Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on April 4 in Charles City on

The justices will hear oral arguments in a special evening session at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the auditorium at the former Charles City Middle School. The public is invited.
Good Growth Opportunities in Global Disconnect Switch Market Till 2026

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Disconnect switch or isolator switch is used for the purpose to de-energize or cutoff the electric circuit, when the circuit is scheduled for servicing or maintenance. These switches have wide applications in large industries and power distribution applications, where high-powered machines have their own power source connected, in order to drive them and at a time of repairing or servicing, isolator or disconnect switch breaks the circuit and make machine isolated from the power source. On the basis of electric circuit requirement disconnect switch is categorized into three types; low voltage disconnect switch, medium voltage disconnect switch & high voltage disconnect switch, disconnect switches frequently work as enclosures for overcurrent safety when they have fuses. Some of them are also a part of larger safety scheme, when they are equipped with a shunt trip which is usually signaled by relays present at any place in the network.Disconnect Switch: Market Drivers and RestraintThe key trend responsible for the growth of global disconnect switch is the growth in distribution and transmission network worldwide, as electric power is an essential infrastructure for any developing and developed region, hence every region is trying to expand in the area of power systems.The key growth drivers of global disconnect switch market are rapid growth of urbanization and industrialization across the globe, and also increasing safety concern among the industrialist regarding their labors/workers, are some factors which are boosting up the growth of global disconnect/isolator switch market across the globe. On the other hand there are also some factors which are hindering the growth of global disconnect switch market, those restraints are fluctuating price of raw material being used to manufacture these disconnect switch, presence of low quality cheap products by other manufacturers in the market are key restraints of global disconnect switch market.Request For Report Sample@Disconnect Switch: SegmentationSegmentation of disconnect switch market is done on the basis of technology type, mount type, operating voltage, application & Geography. On the basis of technology type, global disconnect switch market is segmented as non-fused disconnect switch and disconnect switch. Among above segments, fused disconnect segment is the most popular segment has been used in most of the industrial applications. Furthermore, on the basis of mount type, global disconnect switch market is segmented into din rail mounted disconnect switch, panel mounted disconnect switch and other disconnect switch.By operating voltage, global disconnect switch market is segmented into low voltage disconnect switch, medium voltage disconnect switch and high voltage disconnect switch. On the basis of application, global disconnect switch market is segmented into industrial disconnect switch and commercial disconnect switch, from which industrial disconnect switch is further sub segmented into utility, manufacturing and inverter based generation and other application.Geographically, disconnect switch is segmented into seven regions which are ; North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), and Middle East and Africa (MEA). Among all the regions North America is the highest contributor in term of revenue in global Disconnect switch market followed by Western Europe & Asia Pacific and it is expected that same trend is being followed in near future as well.Request For TOC@Disconnect Switch Market: Key PlayersThe key players of global Disconnect switch market are ABB Limited, General Electric Company, Schneider Electric SE, Crompton Greaves Limited, Havells India Ltd, Siemens AG and others.Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global Smart Machines Market to Produce US $258.5 Billion by 2024

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In terms of value, the global smart machines market is projected to register a healthy CAGR of 18.8% during the forecast period. This is attributed to various factors, regarding which PMR offers vital insights in detail.A sample of this report is available upon request @On the basis of a component, the global smart machines market has been segmented into hardware, software, and service. Demand for smart machines is enhanced by increasing need to process and analyze big unstructured data among different sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace, and defense. On the basis of machine type, the global smart machines market has been segmented into robots, autonomous cars, drones, wearable electronics and others.On the basis of technology, the global smart machines market has been segmented into cloud computing, big data, internet of everything (IoE), robotics, cognitive technology and effective technology. Affective technology segment is expected to expand with a substantial CAGR over the forecast period. Various enterprises working on cognitive computing are facing glitches and errors in technology. This, in turn, is encouraging adoption of affective computing. Cognitive computing technology enables emotions linking to a robot, assisting the robot in making rational decisions and performing more complex tasks.Smart machines are deployed to enhance networked resources and implement distributed intelligence in manufacturing industries. Integration of devices provides more accessibility. Smart machines can be easily connected to a broader network of connected devices, enabling users to share data on numerous devices. This ensures users to connect/access their devices from anywhere and anytime. This is expected to fuel demand for smart machines in various industries. The market in Australia is expected to witness substantial growth in adoption rates of smart machines over the next five years. Autonomous robots are expected to find applications in agriculture and commercial sectors to overcome the lack of labor in the country. Australia-based companies have also been investing significantly in advanced technologies such as IoT.Smart machines are programmed to make intelligent decisions in a time efficient manner. They are built to learn from their interactions and their precision increases over time. Hence, new developments in operational intelligence are encouraging companies to adopt systems that are smarter and efficient. Narrative Science Inc., a company that offers analytical solutions uses its virtual assistant Quill, which is programed using natural language processing to provide relevant solutions.Request to view table of content @This report covers trends driving each segment and offers analysis and insights of the potential of the smart machines market in specific regions. The markets in Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific are expected to register high growth rates between 2016 and 2024. MEA is a small but significant market for smart machines as governments in the Middle East countries are investing in this sector to digitize government services. The market in Europe is expected to gain substantial market share in terms of revenue. This is attributed to increasing demand for smart machines from the automobile and manufacturing industries in countries such as Germany and France. The APAC accounted for the highest market share in 2015 and is expected to gain 232 BPS by an end of 2024.Key players in the global smart machines market include Apple Inc., Google Inc., Microsoft Corporation, BAE Systems, Creative Virtual Ltd., Digital Reasoning Systems, Inc., IBM Corporation, Narrative Science Inc., Rethink Robotics, ABB Limited, Rockwell Automation, Inc., and General Electric Co. others.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Persistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd.305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com
Market Research on Demand Signal Repository Solutions Market 2016 and Analysis to 2026

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The consumer goods companies today are into expansion of their geographical footprint and outsourcing their operations and manufacturing due to which supply chain has become a complex process. The consumers also have multiple choices to fulfil their demand through similar product offerings by large number of companies in the market. So, todays market is no longer based on traditional forecast methods or push type of supply chain but got converted to demand driven or pull type of market. Demand signal repository is a system that provides a demand driven supply chain concept. Demand signal repository eliminates the information latency amongst the partners in the supply chain and gives a single view of demand and supply position. Demand signal repository is like a central database that stores demand from sources like retails events & forecasts, distribution centre inventory, stores, and point of sale data. Demand signal repository systems harmonizes business data like shipments, sales, and forecasts with external data for business analytics. It also supports business monitoring and helps in supply issues by taking pro-active decisions through various analytic tools. The demand signal repository market is anticipated to grow at a modest CAGR in the forecast period.Global Demand Signal Repository Solutions Market:- Drivers and RestrainsThe growing prominence of end use industries like consumer goods industries is the major driving factor in the global demand signal repository market. Demand signal repository solutions provide the user with the real time access to the supply and demand scenario of its product across its distributors/ retailers. This feature is beneficial in the end use industries like pharmaceuticals and healthcare that can again bolster the demand signal repository market. Demand signal repository system also eliminates the information gap between the various nodes in the supply chain of any product, and that is the need of any logistics company. So, surging logistics industry is the key enhancer for demand signal repository market.Apart from the benefits of demand signal repository system there are even many challenges to it like, the retailers and distributors must be willing to collaborate with the system, the IT landscape is fragmented across the whole supply chain, the same data elements is used by multiple partners that may disparate its usage. All the above factors can lead to the slowdown of demand signal repository solutions market.Request For Report Sample@Global Demand Signal Repository Solutions Market:- SegmentationOn the basis of application,global demand signal repository solutions market can be segmented as follows:MarketingSalesBusiness intelligenceSupply chain managementReduced inventoryPromotion of productsForecastingOn the basis of end-use industries, global demand signal repository solutions market can be segmented as follows:-Consumer goodsHealthcarePharmaceuticalsChemicalsLogisticsGlobal Demand Signal Repository Solutions Market: - Regional OutlookThe global demand signal repository solutions marketcan be divided into seven regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan and Middle East and Africa. The Asia Pacific region is dominating the global demand signal repository solutions market, China continues to be the leader in demand signal repository solutions because of its ever increasing consumer goods and pharmaceuticals industries. India will represent a modest growth rate in global demand signal repository solutions marketdue to its expanding manufacturing sectors. North America will contribute significantly in the growing global demand signal repository solutions marketwith the increasing chemicals sector in the region. Latin America will witness an above average growth in the global demand signal repository solutions marketby its rising durable goods sector. The expanding automobile industry in Europe makes it a valuable market in global demand signal repository solutions. The Middle East and Africa is at a nascent stage, but is having a bright future prospects in global demand signal repository solutions market.Request For TOC@Global Demand Signal Repository Solutions Market: - Key PlayersSome of the key players in the global demand signal repository solutions market are:-Manta Media IncInfosys LimitedVendor Managed Technologies, IncOne NetworkTo-IncreaseToolsGroupRelational Solutions, IncManthan Software Services Pvt. LtdTeradataRetailSignalOracle CorporationFuture Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global Orthopedic Biomaterial Market is Expected to Reach USD 38,100.2 Million by 2020

Orthopedic Biomaterial Market

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Orthopedics is one of the most prominent applications of biomaterials. Orthopedic biomaterials are being increasingly used for treating various musculoskeletal and joint related disorders. This upsurge in the demand of orthopedic biomaterials is driven by augmenting hip and knee replacement surgeries, growing geriatric population, and rising aging population. Furthermore, rising awareness regarding orthopedic disorders and its treatment has also propelled the demand of orthopedic biomaterials. Moreover, citing the demand and potentials of orthopedic biomaterials, the governments of various countries are also providing funds and grants for developing new and advanced biomaterials. However, rising failure of joint implants and high cost of production of biomaterials are some factors which can hinder the growth of the market up to some extent.The global Orthopedic Biomaterials Market type is expected to reach $38,100.2 million by 2020 from $22,074.0 million in 2015 at a CAGR of 11.5% from 2015 to 2020.Report CoverageThe report provides comprehensive view about the Orthopedic Biomaterials Market. The reports includes four types of biomaterialsMetals Stainless Steel Titanium Alloy Cobalt and Chromium Alloys Precious MetalsMedical Ceramics Alumina Zirconium dioxide Calcium Phosphate Calcium Sulphate Carbon Bioactive Glass CeramicsMedical Polymers Polyethylene Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Silicone Polyester Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)Natural Biomaterials Collagen Chitin & Chitosan Hyaluronic AcidOrthobiologics Demineralised Bone Matrix (DBM) Growth Factor Proteins Bone Morphogenetic Proteins Stem CellsRequest a Sample Report @Metals are most widely used orthopedic biomaterial and find wide application in arthroplasty and fracture fixation devices. However, ceramics, polymers, and orthobiologics segments are poised to witness high double digit growth in the coming five years.List Of TablesTable 1 Growth Drivers: Impact AnalysisTable 2 Growth Barriers: Impact AnalysisTable 3 Growth Opportunities: Impact AnalysisTable 4 Global Orthopedic Biomaterial Market, By Type, 2013  2022 (Million$)Table 5 Global Orthopedic Biomaterial Market, By Region, 2013  2022 (Million$)Table 6 North America: Orthopedic Biomaterial Market, By Country, 2013  2022 (Million$)Table 7 Europe: Orthopedic Biomaterial Market, By Country, 2013  2022 (Million$)Table 8 Asia: Orthopedic Biomaterial Market, By Country, 2013  2022 (Million$)Table 9 Global Orthopedic Biomaterial Market For Metals, By Region, 2013  2022 (Million$)Table 10 North America: Orthopedic Biomaterial Market For Metals, By Country, 2013  2022 (Million$)Table 11 Europe: Orthopedic Biomaterial Market For Metals, By Country, 2013  2022 (Million$)Table 12 Asia: Orthopedic Biomaterial Market For Metals, By Country, 2013  2022 (Million$)Table 13 Global Orthopedic Biomaterial Market For Metals, By Type, 2013  2022 (Million$)Table 14 Global Orthopedic Biomaterial Market For Stainless Steel, By Region, 2013  2022 (Million$)Table 15 North America: Orthopedic Biomaterial Market For Stainless Steel, By Country, 2013  2022 (Million$)Table 16 Europe: Orthopedic Biomaterial Market For Stainless Steel, By Country, 2013  2022 (Million$)Table 17 Asia: Orthopedic Biomaterial Market For Stainless Steel, By Country, 2013  2022 (Million$)Table 18 Global Orthopedic Biomaterial Market For Titanium Alloy, By Region, 2013  2022 (Million$)Table 19 North America: Orthopedic Biomaterial Market For Titanium Alloy, By Country, 2013  2022 (Million$)Continue..Browse Report @List Of FiguresFigure 1 Natural Biomaterials Market To Witness The Highest GrowthFigure 2 Arthroplasty Application To Dominate The Market (Billion $)Figure 3 North America Holds Largest Share In 2015Figure 4 Market DynamicsFigure 5 Population Aged Above 60 Years In Major Regions, (2015  2050)Figure 6 USA: Musculoskeletal Procedures, 2011Figure 7 Obese Populations in Major Countries, 2012Figure 8 Health Expenditure (% of Gdp)Figure 9 Porters Five Forces AnalysisFigure 10 Supply Chain AnalysisFigure 11 Increasing Demand of Orthobiologics Triggers the Growth of Natural BiomaterialsFigure 14 Meniscus Repair Tracks Biomaterials: The Swiftly Growing Fracture and Tissue Fixation Devices ApplicationFigure 15 India, China, & Japan: Growth HotspotsFigure 20 Expansion Was the Key Growth Strategy Adopted By Orthopedic Biomaterial Players, 2010-2015Figure 21 Expansions: The Major Strategy Adopted By Purac Biomaterials, 2010-2015Figure 22 Agreements, Partnership, & Collaboration: The Major Strategy Adopted By Heraeus, 2010-2015Figure 23 Acquisitions: The Major Strategy Adopted By Purac Biomaterials, 2010-2015ContinueThe report also provides in-depth analysis of various applications in which orthopedic biomaterials are used. Furthermore, the report also provides detailed analysis of various geographies including North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World. These geographies have been sub divided into countries such as the U.S., Canada, Germany, France, Italy, the U.K, Spain, India, China, and Japan. The report also covers the Global Orthopedic Biomaterials market landscape and its growth prospects in the coming years.Related ReportGlobal Radio pharmaceutical Information, by types (Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radio pharmaceuticals) by application (cardiology, thyroid, oncology, neurology, others) by end users (hospitals, research centers, clinics)- Forecast to 2022About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Akash Anand,Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Industrial Operational Intelligence Solutions Market Regulations and Competitive Landscape Outlook to 2026

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Industrial operational intelligence is a business analytics and real time dynamic solution that provides greater insights and visibility for businesses. Operational intelligence is used by organisations for real time capabilities to take immediate decisions like stopping any business process or making changes in any traditional systems. Operational intelligence helps in improving and analysing business data through understanding the information related to shortfalls and finding simple ways of responding to any issues. Operational intelligence is simple and easy to be managed by skilled professionals. It helps to acquire information on financial performance of industries and enterprises, thus it has become a major trend in financial services sector. Another major trend observed in operational intelligence is adoption of mobile tools for its operations. Thus in short operational intelligence automated the process of decision making that eliminates delays in process, and improves market responses and decision making. The industrial operational intelligence solutions market is anticipated to expand at a modest CAGR in the forecast period.Global Industrial Operational Intelligence Solutions Market  Drivers and RestrainsFocus of companies to improve market responses and performance as well as the necessity to upgrade their processes are the major driving factors for the growth of global industrial operational intelligence solutions market. The ever increasing automobile and other manufacturing industries and their need to reduce the delays in decision making, automatic decision and real time access to the information are some factors that would bolster the global industrial operational intelligence solutions market.However, skilled professionals are required to operate the operational intelligence solutions and also they need to be trained for its handling and these can slowdown the growth of global industrial operational intelligence solutions market. Also the initial cost of operational intelligence solutions is very high and can act as a restraining factor for operational intelligence market.Request For Report Sample@Global Industrial Operational Intelligence Solutions Market  SegmentsOn the basis of types, global industrial operational intelligence solutions market can be segmented as follows:Enterprise Manufacturing Operational IntelligenceEnterprise Operational Intelligence SoftwareIT Service IntelligenceEnterprise SecurityOn the basis of applications, global industrial operational intelligence solutions market can be segmented as follows:Supply chain and logisticsAssembly line quality assurancePreventive maintenanceExploration & production optimisationSmart meter analysisOn the basis of end-use industry, global industrial operational intelligence solutions market can be segmented as follows:AutomobilesFood & BeveragesElectronicsLogisticsOil & GasAviationGlobal Industrial Operational Intelligence Solutions Market  Region Wise OutlookThe global industrial operational intelligence solutions market can be divided into seven regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan and Middle East and Africa. North America is anticipated to be the leader in the global operational intelligence solutions market owing to its services and other flourishing industries particularly in the countries of US and Canada. Asia Pacific is expected to be the next major region in global operational intelligence solutions market because of the upcoming food & beverages sector, electronics and logistics industries. China and India and supposed to be the countries in this region having major applications of operational intelligence solutions. Europe also contributes significantly in the global industrial operational intelligence solutions market due to its dominance in automobiles market and leadership in meat market. Latin America and Middle East and Africa are at a nascent stage and are projected to have a modest CAGR in the forecast period.Request For TOC@Global Industrial Operational Intelligence Solutions Market  Key PlayersSome of the key players in the global industrial operational intelligence solutions market are:APRISOIFSMapR Technologies, IncSiemens AGARC Advisory GroupAB&R (American Barcode and RFID)Flexeye LtdSplunk CorpStarview Inc.Vitria Technology IncFuture Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global Emerging Display Technology Market 2017-2021 - Features KEy Manufacturers ( RiTdisplay, Samsung, Pioneer, Segme, EON Reality, Lyncee Tec, etc... )

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Albany, NY, March 30, 2017: The displays on devices such as kiosks, portable display devices, TVs, monitors, laptops, and smartphones are one of the most significant components, forming a platform for user-interface. Display design and technological features enhance user experience. Rapid advances in technology in the display industry are associated with the advances in the electronics industry.The global emerging display technology market to grow at a CAGR of 24.38% during the period 2017-2021. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global emerging display technology market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the sale of display panels and the display system.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:- Americas- APAC- EMEAGet a Sample Research PDF with TOC:Technavio's report, Global Emerging Display Technology Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors- RiTdisplay- Samsung- Pioneer- Segme- EON Reality- Lyncee Tec- RealView Imaging- LEIA- Holoxica- Zebra Imaging- Ovizio Imaging Systems- Avegant- MicroVisionOther prominent vendors- AU Optronics- Futaba- LG Display- Nippon Seiki- OSD Displays- Accelink Technologies- AOC Technologies- Ascentta- Edmund Optics- Microwave Photonic SystemsEnquiry at:Key questions answered in this report- What will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?View more details of this report at:ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at:
Fuel Cell Technology Market Professional Survey: Global Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue and Gross Margin Analysis 2016 - 2027

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About Fuel Cell Technology SystemA fuel cell is a gadget that converts the chemical energy from a fuel into electricity through a chemical reaction of positively charged hydrogen particles of oxygen or another oxidizing agent. Fuel cells can be of different types such as, Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM), Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC), Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC), and many more differentiated ones on the basis of components used and type of reaction taking place within the cell.Key Players FuelCell Energy Hydrogenics Plug Power Ballard Ceramic Fuel CellGet a Sample Report @Growth InfluencersWith the increasing demand for clean and green energy due to continuous depletion of renewable resources such as oil and gas the demand for Fuel Cell Technology is bound to increase even further. Favorable policies and regulations towards such renewable energy sources is another reason which can boost the demand for the fuel cell technology market.Increasing Awareness among individuals is another factor which provides the Fuel Cell Technology with a platform which can result in generation of significant revenue from this segment.Market SegmentationApplicationso Stationaryo Portableo TransportationTypeso PEMFCo MCFCo SOFCo DMFCo PAFCo OthersBrowse Report @Regional AnalysisEurope:Europe has created a roadmap of reducing XX% CO2 emission by 2050. The EU2020 (Europe 2020  a strategy proposed by EU) focuses on improving the demand for the fuel cell by improving the infrastructure and decreasing the cost of the fuel cells. Germany has a strong value chain with a number of small and large companies like Siemens Westinghouse, Heliocentirs and SFC Energy, and represents around 75% of all European demonstration activities. Increasing awareness among European Individuals has also increased the demand for Fuel Cell Technology the European region provides a big scope for the Fuel Cell Technology to grow.Asia Pacific:The Asia Pacific region is one of the leading revenue generation for Fuel Cell Technology with Japan and South Korea being the major chunk of the revenue generation regions. Increase awareness among individuals in the Asia Pacific region has also induced a significant amount of demand for the Fuel Cell Technology. Favorable government policies and regulations is another factor that the Fuel Cell Technology Market is expected to have tremendous growth in this region.Table of Content1 Report Excerpts2 Market Definitions2.1 Scope of the study2.2.1 Research Objectives2.2.2 Assumptions & Limitations2.2 Market Structure3 Research Methodologies3.1 Research Process3.2 Primary Research3.3 Secondary Research3.4 Market Size Forecast3.5 Forecast Model4 Forecast Indicators4.1 Drivers4.2 Restraints4.3 Opportunity4.4 Trends4.5 Macroeconomic Indicators5 Market Analysis5.1 Value Chain/Supply Chain Analysis5.2 Porters' Five Forces Analysis5.3 Pricing Analysis in (2014-2027)5.4 Historical Market Analysis (2010-2015)6 U.S. & Global Fuel Cell Technology, Market Value & Volume Forecast (2011-2027) (USD $Million)6.1 Introduction6.2 Fuel Cell Technology (USD $Million) (2011-2015)6.3 Fuel Cell Technology (USD $Million) (2016-2027)6.4 Fuel Cell Technology Market Share Analysis by Price (2011-2015)6.5 Fuel Cell Technology Market Units (2011-2015)6.6 Fuel Cell Technology Market Units (2016-2027)6.7 Fuel Cell Technology Cost Analysis (2011-20156.8 Fuel Cell Technology Gross Margin Analysis (2011-2015)7 Fuel Cell Technology, by Industry market Value & Volume Forecast (2011-2027) (USD $Million)7.1 Introduction7.2 Oil and Gas7.2.1 Oil and Gas Market (USD $Million) (2011-2015)7.2.2 Oil and Gas Market (USD $Million) (2016-2027)7.3 Chemicals7.3.1 Chemicals Market (USD $Million) (2011-2015)7.3.2 Chemicals Market (USD $Million) (2016-2027)7.4 HVAC7.4.1 HVAC Market (USD $Million) (2011-2015)7.4.2 HVAC Market (USD $Million) (2016-2027)Continue..Market Research Future introduces about the Global Fuel Cell Technology during the forecast period 2017-2027 which mainly includes the growth drivers, trends and restraints and how the market will grow in the future across the globe. In this report, Market Research Future has focused on the current market scenario which includes market segmentation, market dynamics, and competitive landscape along with company profiles.Related ReportWell Test Market is expected to register a CAGR of about 6%;About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Akash Anand,Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
DNA Extraction Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Analysis, Trend & Forecast 2017-2022

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The Global DNA Extraction Market 2017 Industry Research Report is a professional and in-depth study. This study covers, Global DNA Extraction Sales and DNA Extraction Revenue by Regions and industrial review, market analysis, market demands, opportunities and forecast. Market overview is provided on the basis of definition, product overview, applications and future scope of DNA Extraction.The Global DNA Extraction Market report provides Production and Revenue Data of DNA Extraction Industry. Production means the output of DNA Extraction and Revenue means the sales value of DNA Extraction.Request for Sample of Global DNA Extraction Market Report @Some Major Key Points Covered in this report: This Report Studied on the basis of types, application, products, technology, etc. The Report Covered Market Segments by region:1. United States2. EU3. Japan4. China5. India6. Southeast Asia This Market Research Report of 2017 Global DNA Extraction provides market demand, market size and forecast for different regions. This Report Divides by product type, with production, revenue, price, consumption, market share and growth rate of each type can be divided into:1. Eukaryotic DNA2. Bacterial DNA3. Virus DNA4. Plasmid DNA5. Cell Suspension DNA6. Tissue DNA This Report Divides by application, this report focuses on consumption, market share and growth rate of Global DNA Extraction in each application, can be divided into :1. Biological Engineering2. Research Institutions3. MedicalBrowse The Complete Report @Topmost Leading Manufacturer Covered in this report:1. ALL.DIAG2. Analytik Jena3. Applied Biosystems4. Aurora Instruments5. Autogen6. Bee Robotics7. Biomerieux8. ELITech Group9. Hamilton Robotics10. Hangzhou Bioer Techonology11. MASMEC Biomed12. SeegenePlace Direct Purchase Order @Some Points Covered In List Of Tables:Chapter One: Industry Overview of DNA Extraction1.1 DNA Extraction Market Overview1.1.1 DNA Extraction Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global DNA Extraction Market Size and Analysis by Regions1.2.1 United States1.2.2 EU1.2.3 Japan1.2.4 China1.2.5 India1.2.6 Southeast Asia1.3 DNA Extraction Market by TypeChapter Two: Global DNA Extraction Competition Analysis by Players2.1 DNA Extraction Market Size (Value) by Players (2016 and 2017)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in FutureChapter Three: Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 ALL.DIAG3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 DNA Extraction Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 Analytik Jena3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 DNA Extraction Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 Applied Biosystems3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 DNA Extraction Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.3.5 Recent DevelopmentsReason to Purchase this Report:1. The report of Global DNA Extraction Market provides the detailed segmentation in terms of types, applications, manufacturers and regions.2. The current market scenario and future growth has also covered in this report.3. The research also offers manufacturing cost analysis, industry chain analysis in terms of upstream raw material sourcing and downstream buyers.4. Moreover, an extensive analysis of production, consumption, and revenue for each segment is offered for the forecast period.About Us:Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customized reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialization. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clients.Contact Us:Hector CostelloSenior Manager  Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas - 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +912064101019Email: sales@orbisresearch.comFor More PRs Visit @
Power Transmission Cables Market is Expected to Growth at a CAGR Of 6% by 2022

Power Transmission Cables Market

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Market Research Future published a half-cooked research report on Global Power Transmission Cables market. The global market Power Transmission Cables services are expected to grow at a CAGR of about 6% during the forecast period, 2016 to 2022.Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 85 market data tables and figures spread in more than hundred pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on Global Power Transmission Cables Market Research Report - Forecast to 2022"Market Highlights:Power Transmission Cables are the fundamental part of Power transmission infrastructure. Rising inclusion of renewable power resources, high quality and uninterrupted electricity, upgradation of aging grid infrastructure result in the growth of the power transmission cables market. Rapid urbanization and industrialization are the major factors in the Global Power Transmission Cables Market.Asia Pacific held the largest share within the Power Transmission cables market, and is expected to retain its majority by 2022. This region is expected to be fastest growing market for power transmission cables. China and India are the main drivers for the growth in Asia Pacific region. North America was the second largest market for power transmission cables in 2014. Hugh investments in power transmission infrastructure by Saudi Arabia and others countries are expected to drive the market in the Middle East. Middle East is expected to be second fastest growing market for transmission cables.Request a Sample Copy @Market Segmentation:Installation: Overhead Underground SubmarineVoltage: High MediumUsers: Utility IndustrialRegion: Asia-Pacific North America Europe Middle East and Africa Latin and Central AmericaKey Players of Power Transmission Cables Market: General Cable Technologies Corp. Southwire Co. LLC Zhejiang Shengda Steel Tower Co. Ltd. KEC International Ltd. Kalpataru Power Transmission Ltd. Nexans S.A. Prysmian S.p.A. Shandong DingChang Tower Co. Ltd. Nanjing Daji Iron Tower Manufacturing Co. Ltd. Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd.Scope of the Report:This study provides an overview of the global Power Transmission Cables industry, tracking market segments across the categorized five geographic regions. The report provides a six-year forecast for the market size in terms of value for North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin and Central America. The scope of the study segments the global Power Transmission Cables market based on services into Installation, voltage, and Users.Access Full Report @Brief TOC for Power Transmission Cables:1. Report Prologue2. Introduction2.1. Definition2.2. Scope of the Study2.2.1. Research Objective2.2.2. Assumptions2.2.3. Limitations2.3. Market Structure2.4. Market Segmentation3. Research Methodology3.1. Research Process3.2. Primary Research3.3. Secondary Research3.4. Market Size Estimation3.5. Forecast Model4. Market Dynamics4.1. Drivers & Opportunities4.2. Challenges & Restraints4.3. Value Chain Analysis4.4. Porters Five Forces Analysis5. Power Transmission Cables Market, By Installation5.1. Introduction5.2. Overhead5.3. Underground5.4. SubmarineContinueTarget Audience: Power Transmission cables service providers Industry Associations and Publications Investment bankers and M&A ConsultantsAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash AnandMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Innovation to Drive Cananga Odorata Flower oil Market 2024

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The market of Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) flower oil is expected to be driven by its high perfumery and medicinal values. Owing to its gentle fragrance, it has found wide application in the perfumes and aromatherapy treatments. It provides various health benefits such as relief from anxiety, stress, blood pressure and depression. The flower oil can also heal the wounds, and treated as a remedy in hair fall. Some of the macro-economic factors such as population growth, recovered GDP, and increased disposable income are fueling the growth of Cananga Odorata (ylang ylang) flower oil market during the reviewed period. Apart from this, rising demand of aromatic flavors in perfumes, shift from synthetic to natural products, and growing emphasis of preventive health care practices among health conscious consumers also propels the growth of Cananga Odorata (ylang ylang) flower oil.Cananga odorata is also known as the cananga tree, is a large evergreen tropical tree originated in the rain forest of various Asian and South Pacific Islands such as Indonesia, Philippines, Polynesia, Sumatra, Java, and Comoro. The essential oil of Cananga odorata can be extracted by the steam distillation of its fresh flowers called ylang ylang. The essential flower oil has found wide usage in aromatherapy owing to its pleasing fragrance. Cananga odorata (ylang ylang) flower oil has emerged as an essential perfumery ingredient with strong demand in floral and oriental compositions. Ylang ylang flower oil is of high medicinal value due to its properties such as an antidepressant, antiseptic, antiseborrhoeic, hypotensive, aphrodisiac, nervine, and sedative substance. The high growth of cananga odorata (ylang ylang) flower oil is attributable to its perfumery and medicinal applications.The segmentation of Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) flower oil market is based upon application, and geography. On the basis of application, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower oil market is segmented into food & beverages, medical, personal care, and others. Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower oil is used as a preservative and flavoring agent in the food and beverages application. The increasing health consciousness of consumers has escalated the demand of Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower oil in the medical segment. The personal care segment is expected to grow at a rapid pace in the Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) flower oil market owing to the rising demand of aromatic flavors as well as fragrances in personal care products such as perfumes and cosmetic products. Additionally, the increased demand of spa and relaxation applications due to the change in life-style is anticipated to fuel the market growth in upcoming years.Request to view table of content @On the basis of geography, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) flower oil market is segmented into five different regions namely North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Middle East and Africa. The market size of Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) flower oil is expected to be prominent in the European region owing to the rising awareness and increasing demand of cosmetics and beauty products, medicines, and nutraceuticals. Europe was followed by North America to emerge as the second major region in the Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower oil market. Factors such as highly developed industries, increasing per capita income, subsidies and tax benefits from the government, contribute vitally to growth of the market in the North America region. Asia Pacific region is projected to be the fastest growing market owing to the change in life style and increased awareness about health benefits of the products derived from natural sources.A sample of this report is available upon request @The players in the Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower oil market focuses upon the integration across the value chain to attain cost-benefit ratio in the longer run. Some of the key players in the Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower oil market include Biolandes SAS, doTerra International, Sydney Essential Oils Co., The Lebermuth Co., Inc., Young Living Essential Oils, Farotti Essenze, and Essential Oils of New Zealand, among others.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
MASON CITY | Mason City Schools is creating a new policy regarding negative student meal accounts.

The federal government expects school districts to have a lunch policy in place by July 1, according to Interim Superintendent Mike Penca.

"It describes how districts will handle situations for reduced or paid meal students who don't have money in their account," Penca said. "We are having some rich board, staff and community discussion about it."

Mason City in the past has allowed those receiving full- or reduced-price meals to continue receiving them until their account hits negative $15. After that, students received an alternative, sack lunch containing a sandwich, fruit and milk.

Since districts receive federal money for their nutrition programs, those accounts cannot run in the red. Under those guidelines, a school cafeteria must operate similarly to a restaurant, with payment due when food is served.

In a March 2015 Globe Gazette article, several parents criticized the district after their children's trays were thrown away when money was owed for meal accounts. Others offered donations to resolve negative balances.

As of March 20, the alternative lunch has been discontinued.

"We want kids to have the hot tray, reimbursable meal," Penca said. "The concern our staff have is if it looks different, there is a stigma ... we're conscious about the emotional effect on kids."

Although districts aren't required to provide an alternative meal for those who qualify to pay, Penca said Mason City wants to ensure "all kids will get a lunch."

"In Mason City, we believe eating a nutritious lunch is important," he said.

As for the threshold for negative accounts, Penca said that and the policy which will go through a second reading at an upcoming School Board meeting  may be subject to change.

"We want to have a policy that meets community values and desires," he said.

Penca noted the district notifies families when balances begin to dip but is willing to work with them to resolve negative balances. Families are also encouraged to apply for free or reduced-price meals, which are approved based on income.

"We're really trying to put policies and practices in place that don't create a stigma for kids or embarrass them," he said. "That's not how we treat kids."
Innovation to Drive Food Ingredients Sterilization Market 2024

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On the basis of regional segment, food ingredients sterilization market is segmented into five regions including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific & Japan and the Middle East and Africa. On analyzing the demand for food ingredients sterilization market, it is expected that North America and Europe accounts for the largest market share in the global food ingredients sterilization market in terms of value. Moreover, demand for food ingredients sterilization is also expected to increase in Asia-Pacific & Japan in near future due to an increasing number of food manufacturing plants in the region.Food ingredients sterilization equipment is used to sterile the food ingredients. There are different processes through which food ingredients are processed such as heat, moisture, radiation etc. in order to reduce or destroy the micro-organisms present in food ingredients. Increasing demand for and increasing demand for processed and packaged food from last few decades has led to increasing in demand of food ingredients in global food and beverage industry. In addition, the demand for food ingredients sterilization also rising to increase shelf life of treated food ingredients. Growing demand for spices, herbs, meat, poultry, cereals, pulses etc. in the food industry is expected to drive the growth of food ingredients sterilization in developing regions. In terms of value, it is expected that North America accounts for the majority of share in global food ingredients sterilization market and Asia-Pacific is expected as the fastest growing market.Some of the key drivers influencing the demand for food ingredients sterilization the global market are driven by the food safety and health protection. Proper sterilization of food keeps the food products safe and also increases the potential of food manufacturers to deliver quality food with extended shelf life. On the other side, the increasing trend of packaged and prepared food in developing region has led to increasing in demand for food sterilization among food manufacturers as it adds significant shelf life to food ingredients and keeps the packaged food safe for the longer period of time. Demand for food ingredients sterilization also increasing in the global market due to stringent food safety norms of government regarding the use of sterilization equipment in food and beverage industry. In near future, the demand for food ingredients sterilization is expected to create better opportunities in food industry as advancement in sterilization technology and development of new sterilization products is creating opportunities for the food manufacturers to develop new food products to meet growing demand of consumers.Request to view table of content @Food ingredients sterilization segment have been segmented on the basis of ingredients and sterilization method. Market segment by ingredients, it includes spices, herbs and seasonings, dried fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, seafood, dairy ingredients, cereals and pulses, tea blends and nuts. Market segmentation, on the basis of sterilization method, its market is segmented by heat, moisture, radiation and others. Further, on analyzing the demand for food ingredients sterilization market, it assessed that the demand for food ingredients sterilization equipment is expected to increase in spices, herbs and seasonings as they have wide application in food processing industry. On the other side, food ingredients sterilization by heat is expected to account largest share in the global market followed by radiation method. Moreover, the regulations of government regarding food safety and health concern led to support the growth of food ingredients sterilization equipment in the global food industry.A sample of this report is available upon request @Some of the key players in food ingredients sterilization market are Sterigenics International LLC, Croll Reynolds, Balchem Corporation, Global Sterilization and Fumigation, Wenda Ingredients, Namah Steam Sterilization, Napasol AG, Cosmed Group, Safe Spice and ATTEC Food Technology among others.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Innovation to Drive Soy Sauce Powder Market by 2024

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Soy sauce powder market is segmented on two different basis, on the basis of type and on the basis of application. Soy sauce powder market segment on the basis of by type, it includes fermented soy sauce powder and roasted soy sauce powder. Another market segmented for soy sauce powder is on the basis of by application, it includes soups, sauces, seasonings, snacks, meat items and others (salad dressings, gravies, and dips). The demand for soy sauce is primarily increasing from food manufacturers, food catering, households, and an increasing number of fast food chains as it has wide application in food products as it gives authentic flavor, aroma of soy sauce, color, crust formation and also function as umami food recipes. Soy sauce powder has become the ideal base for sauces, snacks, dips, dressings, gravies, instant seasoning food products for flavor enhancement purpose and to offer the better taste in food items.Soy sauce powder is prepared from soybeans to primarily satisfy the demand for food and beverage industry and one of the ideal ingredient which is used in food products to enhance the taste, tenderness, color and flavor. Soy sauce powder also includes ingredients such as maltodextrin, wheat and salt as it gives better flavor enhancement in food products. It is also known as dehydrated soy sauce. Soy sauce powder is easily dissolved in water to create liquid soy sauce or paste. Rising demand for fast food, snacks, meals, prepared food and many other products has influenced the demand for soy sauce powder in the global market. It is expected that North America and Asia-Pacific is expected to account largest market share for soy sauce powder in near future.Demand for soy sauce powder in the global market is driving from increasing demand for health conscious consumers as soy sauce powder is rich in protein, and amino acids. Due to health and wellness trends, soy sauce manufacturers are also introducing the new range of powders in the market to meet the consumer demands. Growing consumer concerns towards different flavor and taste preferences and changing consumer eating habits are the key factors increasing the demand for soy sauce powder. Currently, the demand for soy sauce is increasing especially among food manufacturers, fast food retail chains and restaurants as they use soy sauce powder for flavor enhancement, coating, seasoning, soups and for many other purposes. Food manufacturers also used soy sauce powder in dry or in rehydrated form which has wide application in seasoning mixes, sauces, dips, gravies, soups, snacks etc.A sample of this report is available upon request @On the basis of the regional segment, the market of Soy sauce powder is segmented into five regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Japan, and the Middle East & Africa. On analyzing the demand for soy sauce powder market in the graph, it is expected that Asia-Pacific and Japan account for majority of market share in the global market in terms of volume and in terms of value North America accounts the majority of share in global soy sauce powder market.Request to view table of content @Some of the key players operates in business of soy sauce powder are Nikken Foods USA, Inc., Shanghai Hensin Industry CO., Ltd., Chaitanya Group of Industries, SEEWOO FOODS LIMITED, Halcyon Proteins Pty. Ltd., La Herbal (india), AmTech Ingredients, PHILIPPINE AMINOSAN CORPORATION, YAMASA Corporation, and Kikkoman Corporation among others.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Gynecological Examination Chairs Market - Global Industry Insights 2024

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https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/gynecological-examination-chairs-market-114

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Gynecological examination chair is a chair used to seat the patient so as to aid unobstructed detection of gynecological related issues. These chairs have various features such as adjustable backrest, foamy, seamless, and adjustable seat. Advancements in technology and increasing spending on healthcare is favoring the adoption rate of novel products that can provide better assistance for the examiner. The designing efforts such as modifications in the previous products from manually adjustable rests and seats to automatically adjusting heights and inclination through wireless foot-controlled pedals are providing ease for gynecological examination. This new concept and modifications ensures the patients convenience and work-effectiveness. The rise in vaginal infections such as vaginitis, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer is expected to favor the growth in gynecological examination chairs market.Request For Report Sample:Gynecological Examination Chairs Market Segmentation:The Global market has been segmented on the basis of product type and end user:Type of gynecological examination chair:Electric gynecological examination chairNon-electric gynecological examination chairHydraulic gynecological examination chairEnd user of gynecological examination chair:HospitalsMaternity hospitalsDiagnostic centersMaternity clinicsAcute care centersElectric gynecological examination chairs offer various beneficial properties such as wide electromotive adjustment range, adjustment up to shock position, memory control, where examination positions may be stored and called up if requested and thus, are preferred over non-electric gynecological examination chairs. This is expected to be in favor for the growth of gynecological examination chairs industry in the near future.Increasing incidence of gynecological diseases supporting market growth:Increasing incidence of gynecological diseases in women is one of the largest factor fueling global market growth. For instance, in 2015, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in the U.S. was around 20cmillion in women between the age of 14 and 49. Also, rise in number of pregnancy cases worldwide, in turn increases need for gynecological examination chair, which ultimately is expected to positively affect the gynecological examination chairs market in the near future. According to CDC/National Center for Health Statistics, data published in 2015, number of births in the U.S.is around 4 million. Also, increase in awareness among women regarding the gynecological problems such as ovarian cancer, vaginal cancer, pregnancy related complications and issues is projected to fuel the market for gynecological examination chairs industry. Though vaginal and vulvar cancers are rare, due to large population pool it accounts for high volume. While all women are at risk of these cancers, its incidence rate is relatively low. In 2015, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaginal and vulvar types of cancers collectively accounted for 6 to 7% of all the gynecologic cancers diagnosed in the U.S. Obesity is another cause for gynecological cancers, such as endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer. Obesity modifies the hormonal system in female body, which can result in unwanted growth of cells and formation of tumor. According to WHO, in 2014, around 40% of women were overweight. This statistic is expected to favor the market in the near future. However, pitfalls such as less awareness of the various gynecological disease and poor healthcare infrastructure in less developed countries such as India and KSA is expected to impede market growth for gynecological examination chairs in the near future.Request For TOC:New and advanced gynecological examination chair:ATMOS Chair 41 Gyne (ATMOS MedizinTechnik GmbH & Co. KG), MUS4000 V GYN (medifa-hesse GmbH & Co. KG), DH-S104A gynecological examination chair, among others are some of the advanced gynecological chairs in the market. These chairs offer various advanced features such as fully flexible in height with any inclination in any position, these chairs can be quickly and gently moved into an anatomically optimum examination position at the touch of a button. Also, he advancement in technology and design is projected to support the gynecological examination chairs market.Key Market PlayersMajor players involved in the market of gynecological examination chairs include Moelis & Company, Wanrooe Medical, ATMOS MedizinTechnik GmbH & Co. KG, Medifa-hesse GmbH & Co. KG, Inmoclinc S A, Oakworks Medicals, Malvestio Spa, Harbin Howell Medical Apparatus and Instrument Co Ltd, Favero Heath Projects, and Combed, Mediwatch, TECNODENT S.R.L. Majorly players in this segment are doing their bit in every section such as increase in product portfolio, shortening of delivery time, offering services in a reasonable time and value, finances are given to the buyer to promote the product. According to Niall Dyer, Managing Director Plinth 2000, around 80% of their product sales are coming from personal recommendation and repeat business. This effective strategy will favor the adoption rate of the product, which in turn is expected to favor the gynecological examination chairs market over the forecast period.Browse Full Report:About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.CONTACT US:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave, #3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel : +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.comWebsite:
Radial Head Resection Implants Market - Global Industry Insights 2024

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Elbow is a complex joint and a crucial part for forearm function. It has a unique anatomy comprising limited ball-and-socket joint and a hinge type of synovial joint, which allows for hand movement and control. Though radial head fractures are usually not too complicated in nature, various devices and radial head resection implants are available in the market that help address any issues related to the same. Products used in radial head resection are approved and are widely used by orthopedic surgeon and few of the techniques are under section of limited study. However, there are couple of medical procedures that are executed in case of radial head fractures such as closed reduction with casting or early motion and open reduction with internal fixation or resection in which radial head resection implants are mainly used. According to National Center for Biotechnology Information, radial head fractures are common worldwide with around 2.5 to 2.8 per 10,000 of incidence per year. Also, due to the patient benefits in terms of no deformity and regaining normal functionality after a relatively short period following the surgery, the radial head resection therapy is gaining wide acceptance across the globe. The use of radial head resection implants are strictly recommended by the orthopedic surgeon by looking at the severity of type III and type IV fractures.Request For Report Sample:Global Radial Head Resection Implants Market TaxonomyThe global radial head resection market is classified on the basis of following segments:Product Type:StandardReconLateralFracture Type:Type IIIType IVMaterialTitaniumSiliconeEnd User:Orthopedic and Trauma CentersHospitalsOrthopedic ClinicsSignificantly accepted radial head implants: CO5 Series (IMECO), Solar (Striker), RHS (Tornier), Evolve (Wright), Explor (Biomet), etc.Limited data available regarding the upper extremity limb discrepancy under radial head resection implants market:Although the location of the fracture is very crucial in the upper extremity, data regarding the same is limited, which shortens the horizon for market growth in the radial head resection implants segment. However, rise in awareness among the population about consequences of limb deformity if not treated using appropriate implant is projected to support growth of the radial implants market. Furthermore, the concern is more on the altering length of the limb. However, lower extremity is more susceptible in terms of limb-length discrepancies, including abnormal body posture and various other problems. Deformity is a common phenomenon in upper limb fractures as compared to the limb length discrepancies. Furthermore, studies related to radial head fractures further highlight the importance of the radial head resection by the help of prosthesis and implants. Some such studies are short- to medium-term outcomes of radial head replacement Arthroplasty in posttraumatic unstable elbows mentioned in Chang Gung Med Journal in 2010 and resection of the radial head after mason type-III fractures of the elbow mentioned in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery published in 1998.Rising incidence of radial head fractures in geriatric population supporting radial head resection implants market growthWeakening of bones is a continuous process with the progression of age, which is further catalyzed by inappropriate healthcare infrastructure and unhealthy lifestyle, especially in emerging economies. Most economies are not balanced with either of the above mentioned criteria. For instance, most economies with a sound healthcare infrastructure have an unhealthy lifestyle and vice versa. In 2015, according to the Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, University of Freiburg Medical Centre, Freiburg, Germany, the radial head fractures contributes to around 4% of all types of fractures, and within all elbow fractures the radial fractures constitutes to around 30%. It is also diagnosed in around 75% of all proximal lower-arm fractures, securing an incidence of around 25 to 30 cases per 100,000 patients among the adult population. Rapidly aging population in the U.S., Japan, and China are projected position these as major markets for radial head resection in the near future. Incidence rate of radial head resection is especially high among people aged above 44 years.Request For TOC:Highly consolidated radial head resection implants market with high growth potentialThe global radial head resection implants market is less fragmented as major players account for major share of the market. High entry barriers and stringent regulations such as Medical Device Amendments of 1976 requires mandatory FDA approval to obtain reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness before marketing may hamper the entry of new players as only the well-established players can focus and invest on improving their existing radial head resection implants products, which further brings accuracy in the device. Furthermore, in 2013, there was a product recall for DePuy Synthes Companies, a Johnson & Johnson Company. The reason for recall as cited by the manufacturer was loosening trial head from the implant stem during manipulation of the arm during surgery. However, this incidence has not adversely impacted demand for radial head resection implants. However, it highlights the important checkpoints during production that need to be considered by market players in order to ensure sustainable growth. Major players involved in the radial head resection implants market include Biomet, Inc., Wright Medical Technology, Inc., Smith & Nephew Plc, and Stryker.Browse Full Report:About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.CONTACT US:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave, #3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel : +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.comWebsite:
Dental 3D Printing Devices Market - Current & Upcoming Trends Analysis with forecast upto 2024

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Dental 3D printing is additive manufacturing used to create 3-dimentional image for incorporating several layer of image for building material. These objects are produced from a digital 3D blueprint like a computer-aided design or MRI scan. These devices allow the designers to make changes in the design without any additional tool or equipment. Dental 3D printing combines high quality 3D printing technology with a wide variety of dental materials. This technology is adopted by dentists, orthodontists, and dental labs. It is cost effective and allows for extensive customizations that allow for better designing. This allows dental practitioners to design the product based on the various factors of patient like age, height, weight, and medical history. These methods can be used by dental practitioners to replace teeth, veneers, crowns, and inlays in a single sitting.Request For Report Sample:Global Dental 3D Printing Devices Market TaxonomyThe global dental 3D printing devices market is classified on the basis of the following segments product type, technique, application, and end user of the dental 3D printing device:Product Type:PrintersSoftwareComponentsTechnique:Digital Light Projection3D Jet PrintingStereo Lithography Apparatus (SLA) 3D PrintingSelective Laser Sintering (SLS)Direct Laser Metal Sintering (DLMS)Application Type:Orthopedic ImplantsDental RestorativesCrownsSurgical instrumentsOthersDental 3D printing allows designing of dental crowns, prosthetics, implants, bone replacement, and customized devices based on requirement.End Users of dental 3D printing devices:HospitalsDental ClinicsAmbulatory Surgical CentersOthersAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2012, prevalence of cavities was 6090% in children up to the age of 15 years and 100% in adults. Furthermore around 1520% of people aged from 3544 years were suffering from severe periodontal disease that could lead to loss of the affected tooth. This rise in prevalence of dental disorders globally is expected to favor rise in uptake of cosmetic and maxillofacial surgeries associated with mouth disorder, which in turn is increasing demand for dental 3D printing devices.Major dental 3D printing devices: Planmeca Creo (Planmeca), Form 2 (Formlabs), Mysint 100 (Sisma 3D), Moonray (SpintRay), Projet MJP 3600 (3D Systems), Project 6000(3D Systems), Roboze one (Roboze S.r.l.) etc.Increasing influx of dental tourists and cost-effectiveness of 3D printed devices to fuel market growthDeveloped economies such as the U.S., U.K., Germany, and France experience high rate of adoption due to better healthcare facilities and easy availability in these countries. As per the report of the American Academy of Periodontology, in 2012, around half of the adult population in the U.S. suffered from gum disease, of which 47.2% were reported to be suffering from periodontitis. This number is expected to increase significantly over the forecast period, owing to increasing changes in lifestyle and growing geriatric population Increasing number of dental clinics and hospitals and growing number of experienced dental practitioners in Asia Pacific region, supplemented by rising influx of dental tourists is expected to significantly boost growth of the dental 3D printing devices market in these regions.Request For TOC:Devices with comprehensive range of featuresCompanies are focusing on launching new devices to the market with advanced features and technology to provide better imaging facilities to the practitioners for service, for instance, GE Healthcare are prepared to utilize 3-D printing technology in ultrasound probes previously used in medical services for diagnosing the health of a fetus, although now the technique is useful where any type of noninvasive inspections are being carried out. Furthermore, in March 2015, Germany-based Bego launched a new system with a unique cartilage system that allow multiple materials to be used at the International Dental Show. In May 2016, Planmeca launched a new 3D printer with powerful 3D features that fulfills demands of cheap and high quality image of additive manufacturing in healthcare.Fragmented MarketThe global dental 3D printing devices market is highly fragmented, owing to the participation of many established and emerging players in the dental imaging market. Various players in the dental 3D printing devices market are integrating proprietary technologies of 3D printing to develop with novel products and product advancements in order to differentiate their offerings. For example, 3D System Corporation projet 3510 MP would use 3Shape Implant Studio, which includes implant planning and surgical guides for the patient that benefits the patients by reducing chair time and provides digital accuracy by reducing manual errors. The combination is expected to manufacture fully functional dental implants. Some of the major players involved in the dental 3D printing devices market are EnvisionTEC, Javelin Technologies, Formlabs Inc., 3D Systems GMBH, Stratasys, Prodways, Roboze, and ASIGA.Browse Full Report:About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.CONTACT US:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave, #3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel : +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Market Research Report 2017

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Smart Blood Glucose Monitors" to its huge collection of research reports.The global market for Smart Blood Glucose Monitors is going through a phase of a significant change in its dynamics since the past few years. In this research report, analysts attempt to understand these changes on the basis of the historical performance and the current status of this market and present an all-inclusive market assessment. Researchers also determine the markets attractiveness with the help of several analytical tools, such as investment return and market feasibility analysis, and make future projections on this market on the basis of the results attained by performing this research.Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingRocheJNJBayerAbbottOmronArkrayGraceB.BraunI-SENS,IncInfopia Co., LtdHainice Medical IncTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @This research report offers a holistic overview of the global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors market to the readers, enabling them to realize the opportunities offered by this market and create rewarding business strategies. The report also helps the market players in understanding the key trends in this market in a better fashion, in order to support them in seizing lucrative opportunities.Further, the market report assesses the global market for Smart Blood Glucose Monitors on the basis of the current industry chain, latest developments in import and export, and the dynamics of the demand, supply, and sales of Smart Blood Glucose Monitors across the world.At the end, the market report offers an analysis of the competitive landscape of the worldwide market for Smart Blood Glucose Monitors and the existing hierarchy prevalent in it by evaluating the profiles of the leading players operating in this market. The product portfolio, manufacturing capacity, and the revenue generated by each of the producers in this market have been reviewed thoroughly in this research report.Table of ContentsGlobal Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Market Research Report 20171 Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Smart Blood Glucose Monitors1.2 Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Photoelectric Type Blood Glucose Monitor1.2.4 Electrode Type Blood Glucose Monitor1.3 Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Segment by Application1.3.1 Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Hospital1.3.3 Clinics1.3.4 Home Care1.3.5 Others1.4 Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Smart Blood Glucose Monitors (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)2 Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.1 Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, ExpansionBrowse Complete Report with TOC @3 Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Capacity and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Production and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.3 Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.4 Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.5 North America Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.6 Europe Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.7 China Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.8 Japan Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.9 Southeast Asia Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.10 India Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)4 Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)4.1 Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Consumption by Region (2012-2017)4.2 North America Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.3 Europe Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.4 China Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.5 Japan Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.6 Southeast Asia Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.7 India Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)5 Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Production and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.2 Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.3 Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Price by Type (2012-2017)5.4 Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Production Growth by Type (2012-2017)6 Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Market Analysis by Application6.1 Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Consumption and Market Share by Application (2012-2017)6.2 Global Smart Blood Glucose Monitors Consumption Growth Rate by Application (2012-2017)6.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities6.3.1 Potential Applications6.3.2 Emerging Markets/CountriesAbout UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Breast Feeding Aid Market Lifts the Industry by 2017 - 2025

Breast Feeding Aid Market, Breast Feeding Aid, Breast Feeding Aids Market, Breast Feedings

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/13711

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Breast Feeding Aid Market: Drivers and restraintsThe rise in the population of working mother is one of the driving factors which is contributing to the growth of global breastfeeding aid market. Breast milk pumps are particularly popular among working moms, as they can ensure that their babies would get breast milk even when they are away from their babies at work for long hours. Increasing world population is also creating a positive impact on the breastfeeding aid market. Apart from this, technological advancement fast paced lifestyle, and favourable health care policies are creating robust development in global breastfeeding aid market. This market, however, has hindrances too and one of the major factors which are hampering the growth of global breastfeeding aid market is to launch a new device is a costly affair. The amount of investment in launching a new product is very high and even after investing this amount the approval process from FDA for these new products is tedious. Besides, there is a growing debate on the usage of breastfeeding aids which will act as a hindrance in the growth of global breastfeeding aids market.Request to view Table of Content @Breast Feeding Aid Market: Key playersPigeon, Tommee Tippee, Philips, Comotomo, Playtex, Nuby, Chicco, Medela and Summer Infant are some of the prominent players across the globe.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geographies, types and applications.The report covers exhaustive analysis on: Market Segments Market Dynamics Market Size Supply & Demand Current Trends/Issues/Challenges Competition & Companies involved Technology Value ChainRegional analysis includes: North America (U.S., Canada) Latin America (Mexico. Brazil) Western Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K, Spain) Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia) Asia Pacific (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand) Japan Middle East and Africa (GCC, S. Africa, N. Africa)Sample of this report is available upon request @The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
2017-2022 Infrared Ear Thermometers Report on Global and United States Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and Applications

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http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/2017-2022-infrared-ear-thermometers-report-on-global-and-united-states-market-status-and-forecast-by-players-types-and-applications.htm

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Infrared Ear Thermometers" to its huge collection of research reports.This research report on the global Infrared Ear Thermometers market provides in-depth and information on the key factors that influence the movements in this market. The prominent trends and the recent research and development in the field of Infrared Ear Thermometers have been studied thoroughly and analyzed in detail in this market study.Researchers have employed efficient analytical tools, such as market feasibility and investment return analysis to determine the attractiveness of the global market for Infrared Ear Thermometers while performing this research. Based on these results, experts have analyzed the growth of this market over the years and provided a deep insight into the crucial strategies and plans of the leading participants in this market, which they can implement in the forthcoming years for the further expansion of their business. Researchers have also predicted the future status of this market on the basis of results achieved.The major players in global and United States Infrared Ear Thermometers market, including 3M Company (US), A&D Medical/LifeSource (US), Geratherm Medical AG (Germany), American Diagnostic Corporation (US), Briggs Healthcare (US), Exergen Corporation (US), Hicks Thermometers (India) Limited (India), Kaz USA, Inc. (US), LCR Hallcrest LLC (US), Medtronic PLC (US), Omron Healthcare, Inc. (Japan), Mediaid, Inc. (US), RG Medical Diagnostics (US), Sanomedics International Holdings, Inc. (US).Enter your information below to receive a sample copy of this report @The market study further analyzes the global Infrared Ear Thermometers market on the basis of the availability of products. The manufacturing volume, the pricing structure, and the revenue garnered by these products are the prime factors, based on which the performance of this market has been determined. Moreover, it evaluates the manufacturing chain and the dynamics of demand, supply, and sales of Infrared Ear Thermometers across the world. The government norms and policies, fueling the demand for Infrared Ear Thermometers have also been explained at length in the report.At last, the research report presents an assessment of the competitive landscape prevalent in the global market for Infrared Ear Thermometers by reviewing the profiles of the leading participants and also lists key recommendations concerning the market from both, demand and supply perspective.Table of Contents1 Methodology and Data Source1.1 Methodology/Research Approach1.1.1 Research Programs/Design1.1.2 Market Size Estimation1.1.3 Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation1.2 Data Source1.2.1 Secondary Sources1.2.2 Primary Sources1.3 Disclaimer2 Infrared Ear Thermometers Market Overview2.1 Infrared Ear Thermometers Product Overview2.2 Infrared Ear Thermometers Market Segment by Type2.2.1 Ear Thermometers2.2.2 Battery Power2.2.3 Rechargeable2.3 Global Infrared Ear Thermometers Product Segment by Type2.3.1 Global Infrared Ear Thermometers Sales (K Units) and Growth (%) by Types (2012, 2016 and 2022)2.3.2 Global Infrared Ear Thermometers Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Types (2012-2017)2.3.3 Global Infrared Ear Thermometers Revenue (Million USD) and Market Share (%) by Types (2012-2017)2.3.4 Global Infrared Ear Thermometers Price (USD/Unit) by Type (2012-2017)2.4 United States Infrared Ear Thermometers Product Segment by Type2.4.1 United States Infrared Ear Thermometers Sales (K Units) and Growth by Types (2012, 2016 and 2022)2.4.2 United States Infrared Ear Thermometers Sales (K Units) and Market Share by Types (2012-2017)2.4.3 United States Infrared Ear Thermometers Revenue (Million USD) and Market Share by Types (2012-2017)2.4.4 United States Infrared Ear Thermometers Price (USD/Unit) by Type (2012-2017)Fill the form to gain deeper insights on this market @3 Infrared Ear Thermometers Application/End Users3.1 Infrared Ear Thermometers Segment by Application/End Users3.1.1 Household3.1.2 Hospital3.1.3 Clinic3.1.4 Public Health Department3.1.5 Others3.2 Global Infrared Ear Thermometers Product Segment by Application3.2.1 Global Infrared Ear Thermometers Sales (K Units) and CGAR (%) by Applications (2012, 2016 and 2022)3.2.2 Global Infrared Ear Thermometers Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Applications (2012-2017)3.3 United States Infrared Ear Thermometers Product Segment by Application3.3.1 United States Infrared Ear Thermometers Sales (K Units) and CGAR (%) by Applications (2012, 2016 and 2022)3.3.2 United States Infrared Ear Thermometers Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Applications (2012-2017)4 Infrared Ear Thermometers Market Status and Outlook by Regions4.1 Global Market Status and Outlook by Regions4.1.1 Global Infrared Ear Thermometers Market Size and CAGR by Regions (2012, 2016 and 2022)4.1.2 North America4.1.3 Asia-Pacific4.1.4 Europe4.1.5 South America4.1.6 Middle East and Africa4.1.7 United States4.2 Global Infrared Ear Thermometers Sales and Revenue by Regions4.2.1 Global Infrared Ear Thermometers Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Regions (2012-2017)4.2.2 Global Infrared Ear Thermometers Revenue (Million USD) and Market Share (%) by Regions (2012-2017)4.2.3 Global Infrared Ear Thermometers Sales (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)4.2.4 North America Infrared Ear Thermometers Sales (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)4.2.5 Europe Infrared Ear Thermometers Sales (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)4.2.6 Asia-Pacific Infrared Ear Thermometers Sales (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)4.2.7 South America Infrared Ear Thermometers Sales (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (2012-2017)4.2.8 Middle East and Africa Infrared Ear Thermometers Sales (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)4.2.9 United States Infrared Ear Thermometers Sales (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (2012-2017)5 Global Infrared Ear Thermometers Market Competition by Players/Manufacturers5.1 Global Infrared Ear Thermometers Sales (K Units) and Market Share by Players (2012-2017)5.2 Global Infrared Ear Thermometers Revenue (Million USD) and Share by Players (2012-2017)5.3 Global Infrared Ear Thermometers Average Price (USD/Unit) by Players (2012-2017)5.4 Players Infrared Ear Thermometers Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area, Product Types5.5 Infrared Ear Thermometers Market Competitive Situation and Trends5.5.1 Infrared Ear Thermometers Market Concentration Rate5.5.2 Global Infrared Ear Thermometers Market Share (%) of Top 3 and Top 5 Players5.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion6 United States Infrared Ear Thermometers Market Competition by Players/Manufacturers6.1 United States Infrared Ear Thermometers Sales (K Units) and Market Share by Players (2012-2017)6.2 United States Infrared Ear Thermometers Revenue (Million USD) and Share by Players (2012-2017)6.3 United States Infrared Ear Thermometers Average Price (USD/Unit) by Players (2012-2017)6.4 United States Infrared Ear Thermometers Market Share (%) of Top 3 and Top 5 PlayersAbout UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia E-Clinical Solution Market Size, Status and Forecast 2021

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "E-Clinical Solution" to its huge collection of research reports.This all-inclusive research report on the United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia E-Clinical Solution market carry out a detailed manufacturing and supply and demand and sales analysis of E-Clinical Solution across the world and presents deep insights into the overall performance of this market in terms of both volume and value.This research report on the worldwide E-Clinical Solution market deals with the historical data and information and the present statistics of this market and predicts its future growth on the basis of the comprehensive analysis of its overall performance. The market study concentrates on evaluating this market on the basis of a number of industry parameters in order to provide a clear picture of it to the readers.This report studies the global E-Clinical Solution market, analyzes and researches the E-Clinical Solution development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeBioClinicaPAREXELPerceptive InformaticsEClinical SolutionsEcrfplusClincaseMergeOracleMedidata SolutionsClinpalNTT DATADATATRAKOmnicommMedNet SolutionsPrelude DynamicsNextrialsDSGEnter your information below to receive a sample copy of this report @This research study has been based on the results obtained by employing several analytical tools, such as investment return analysis and investment feasibility analysis to determine the markets appeal. The SWOT analysis of the leading market participants has also been carried out to identify significant strategies adopted by them for the expansion of their businesses across the world.In this study, the United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia market for E-Clinical Solution has further been assessed by carrying out an analysis of the prevalent industry chain and the government regulations, policies, and initiatives to promote the adoption of E-Clinical Solution.Along with this, an in-depth study of the products manufactured in the United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia market for E-Clinical Solution, their production chain, and the pricing structure has also been provided in this report with a detailed list of key recommendations from the perspectives of both, demand and supply, for the readers.Table of ContentsUnited States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia E-Clinical Solution Market Size, Status and Forecast 20211 Industry Overview of E-Clinical Solution1.1 E-Clinical Solution Market Overview1.1.1 E-Clinical Solution Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global E-Clinical Solution Market Size and Analysis by Regions1.2.1 United States1.2.2 EU1.2.3 Japan1.2.4 China1.2.5 India1.2.6 Southeast Asia1.3 E-Clinical Solution Market by End Users/Application1.3.1 Application 11.3.2 Application 21.3.3 Application 32 Global E-Clinical Solution Competition Analysis by Players2.1 E-Clinical Solution Market Size (Value) by Players (2015-2016)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in FutureFill the form to gain deeper insights on this market @3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 BioClinica3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 E-Clinical Solution Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 PAREXEL3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 E-Clinical Solution Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 Perceptive Informatics3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 E-Clinical Solution Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 EClinical Solutions3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 E-Clinical Solution Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.4.5 Recent Developments3.5 Ecrfplus3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.5.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.5.4 E-Clinical Solution Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.5.5 Recent Developments3.6 Clincase3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.6.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.6.4 E-Clinical Solution Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.6.5 Recent Developments3.7 Merge3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.7.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.7.4 E-Clinical Solution Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.7.5 Recent Developments3.8 Oracle3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.8.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.8.4 E-Clinical Solution Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.8.5 Recent Developments3.9 Medidata Solutions3.9.1 Company Profile3.9.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.9.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.9.4 E-Clinical Solution Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.9.5 Recent Developments3.10 Clinpal3.10.1 Company Profile3.10.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.10.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.10.4 E-Clinical Solution Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.10.5 Recent Developments3.11 NTT DATA3.12 DATATRAK3.13 Omnicomm3.14 MedNet Solutions3.15 Prelude Dynamics3.16 Nextrials3.17 DSG3.18 DZS3.19 EClinForce3.20 Almac3.21 ArisGlobal3.22 DigiGenomics3.23 MobileMD SystemAbout UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia Operating Room Integration Market Size, Status and Forecast 2021

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Operating Room Integration" to its huge collection of research reports.The research report analyzes the Operating Room Integration in a thorough style that includes elucidating the key aspects of the market, especially the ones that are marked as likely to have a sizeable influence on its developments in the coming years. The key proponents of growth for the market, the major factors out restrain this overall growth rate, and the trends that are influencing the market are all examined in great detail in this report. Additionally, it includes a qualitative and quantitative enquiry on the factors that are likely to impact the projected growth rate of the Operating Room Integration in the near future.The copious amounts of data gathered on the market over the years has made it a tough task to boil it down to the absolute necessary facts and statistics that are indigenous to the relevancy of the problems faced by the market. Many entities are also known to lack the dedicated properties and abilities for taking up an exhaustive market research based on historical data, a task whose results this report provides in their entirety.Enter your information below to receive a sample copy of this report @The report is a concentrated explanation of a broad spectrum of information on the Operating Room Integration. This includes factors that can influence its scope of growth in the immediate future as well as over the given forecast period. The report makes for a valuable read that can effectively empower companies and investors in tackling the core issues that are currently restraining the market and strategically reap the most benefits.This report studies the global Operating Room Integration market, analyzes and researches the Operating Room Integration development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeStrykerKarl StorzSterisOlympusBecton DickinsonSynergy MedicalPhilips HealthcareBrainlabDoriconEIZOGetinge GroupIntegriTechOptimusSkytronThe report also provides information on the recent developments in products and technologies as currently observed in the market, along with an analysis of the overall effect that these advancements may have on the markets future developments.Table of ContentsUnited States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia Operating Room Integration Market Size, Status and Forecast 20211 Industry Overview of Operating Room Integration1.1 Operating Room Integration Market Overview1.1.1 Operating Room Integration Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Operating Room Integration Market Size and Analysis by Regions1.2.1 United States1.2.2 EU1.2.3 Japan1.2.4 China1.2.5 India1.2.6 Southeast Asia1.3 Operating Room Integration Market by End Users/Application1.3.1 Application 11.3.2 Application 21.3.3 Application 32 Global Operating Room Integration Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Operating Room Integration Market Size (Value) by Players (2015-2016)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in FutureFill the form to gain deeper insights on this market @3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 Stryker3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Operating Room Integration Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 Karl Storz3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Operating Room Integration Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 Steris3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Operating Room Integration Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 Olympus3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Operating Room Integration Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.4.5 Recent Developments3.5 Becton Dickinson3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.5.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.5.4 Operating Room Integration Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.5.5 Recent Developments3.6 Synergy Medical3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.6.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.6.4 Operating Room Integration Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.6.5 Recent Developments3.7 Philips Healthcare3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.7.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.7.4 Operating Room Integration Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.7.5 Recent Developments3.8 Brainlab3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.8.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.8.4 Operating Room Integration Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.8.5 Recent Developments3.9 Doricon3.9.1 Company Profile3.9.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.9.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.9.4 Operating Room Integration Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.9.5 Recent Developments3.10 EIZO3.10.1 Company Profile3.10.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.10.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.10.4 Operating Room Integration Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.10.5 Recent Developments3.11 Getinge Group3.12 IntegriTech3.13 Optimus3.14 Skytron4 Global Operating Room Integration Market Size by Application (2011-2016)4.1 Global Operating Room Integration Market Size by Application (2011-2016)4.2 Potential Application of Operating Room Integration in Future4.3 Top Consumer/End Users of Operating Room Integration5 United States Operating Room Integration Development Status and Outlook5.1 United States Operating Room Integration Market Size (2011-2016)5.2 United States Operating Room Integration Market Size and Market Share by Players (2015-2016)About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
BELMOND | The superintendent of Belmond-Klemme Schools has resigned after less than one year in his position.

The School Board during a special session Monday night accepted Abe Maskes immediate resignation, Interim Superintendent Sara Keehn said Thursday.

He was not asked to resign, according to Keehn, and was not accused of doing anything improper or illegal.

Maske, 42, was granted administrative leave  with full pay and benefits  through June 30 due to a serious health issue, according to School Board President Lynn Loux.

Loux on Thursday said paid leave was something the board decided to offer Maske, whose salary is $130,000.

Earlier this month, a March 20 board meeting was cut short due to Maske having a medical problem, Loux said.

Im not sure I can say what happened, Loux said, referring to the March 20 meeting.

Loux asked to defer questions regarding the incident to Maske, who did not return two phone messages Tuesday and Thursday from the Globe Gazette.

School Board members during Mondays special session appointed Keehn as interim superintendent.

Keehn, who is also the districts elementary principal, is a former superintendent of United Schools in Boone and was a finalist for Belmond-Klemmes superintendent position in 2016.

During the boards April 10 meeting, Loux said members will discuss whether to hire an interim or a permanent superintendent.

Its late in the year to be looking, he said, noting superintendent searches typically begin in January.

As for Keehn, Loux said the board is appreciative she was willing to step in and help out.

It came on real quick, he said of Maskes resignation.

Maske began working in Belmond July 1 and was under a three-year contract.

He was previously a principal at West Fork and the former Rockwell-Swaledale school district before becoming Postvilles superintendent in 2013.

He told the Globe Gazette in July 2016 he wanted to stay in Belmond-Klemme beyond his three-year contract.

You know, I moved from Postville here back to North Iowa for a reason, he said. I would like to stay. I would like to make Belmond-Klemme my home and be here for a long time.

Maske was Belmond-Klemme's fifth superintendent since 2005, according to district records, with his predecessors each typically working there about three years.
BAG on discrimination under Germanys General Equal Treatment Act

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Not every instance of disabled employees being treated differently constitutes illegal discrimination, as demonstrated by a ruling of the Bundesarbeitsgericht (BAG), Germanys Federal Labour Court, from January 26, 2017 (Az.: 8 AZR 736/15).GRP Rainer Lawyers and Tax Advisors in Cologne, Berlin, Bonn, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart and London conclude: According to Germanys Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz (AGG) [General Act on Equal Treatment], it is not permissible to discriminate against employees based on their race, gender, religion, disability or age, among other things. Notwithstanding this, not every instance of employees being treated differently constitutes a violation of the AGG. This is clear from a recent judgment of the Bundesarbeitsgericht.An action brought by an employee who was severely disabled in half of his body was heard by the BAG. The former had been employed at a mail-order firm with 27.5 weekly working hours since 2011. He had repeatedly sought to have his weekly working hours increased. In the summer of 2013, the mail-order company increased the working hours of 14 part-time workers and concluded amendment agreements to this effect with them. The plaintiff, who had only been hired relatively recently, was the only worker who was not considered in relation to this increase. The plaintiff felt that he was being discriminated against on the basis of his disability and raised a claim to have his working hours increased and, in the alternative, sued for damages corresponding to the remuneration he had lost out on.The Landesarbeitsgericht (Regional Labour Court) of Hesse granted the action with respect to the claim for damages. However, the BAG delivered a different verdict on appeal, stating that there can only be a presumption that discrimination has taken place pursuant to the AGG if there is evidence that indicates that one of the grounds listed in sec. 1 of the AGG, e.g. a disability, can in all probability be attributed to the discrimination in question. The BAG went on to say that it is not sufficient to proceed on the basis that one of the listed grounds might possibly be causally related to this. Due to the fact that it had not been possible to reach a conclusive decision based on the findings that had already been made to date, the matter was referred back to the Regional Labour Court for another hearing.Working hours, remuneration, holiday entitlements, dismissal as well as discriminatory treatment are common grounds for legal disputes between employers and employees. Lawyers who are experienced in the field of labour law can advise on all issues pertaining to the workplace, from drafting agreements to exceptional notices of dismissal.GRP Rainer LLPis an international firm of lawyers and tax advisors who are specialists in commercial law. The firm counsels commercial and industrial companies and corporations, as well as associations, small- and mid-sized businesses, self-employed freelancers and private individuals worldwide from offices Cologne, Berlin, Bonn, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart and London UK.Contact Michael RainerLawyer, Managing PartnerGRP Rainer LLPGurzenich-QuartierAugustinerstrae 1050667 CologneGermanyPhone: +49 221-27 22 75-0info@grprainer.com
Global Physician Dispensed Cosmeceuticals Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Physician Dispensed Cosmeceuticals Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024" to its huge collection of research reports.The report analyzes the current and future prospects of the physician dispensed cosmeceuticals market across the globe for the forecast period from 2016 to 2024. The research is a combination of primary and secondary research. Primary research formed the bulk of our research efforts, with information collected from telephonic interviews and interactions via e-mails. Secondary research involved study of company websites, annual reports, press releases, stock analysis presentations, and various international and national databases. The report provides market size in terms of US$ Mn and compound annual growth rate (CAGR %) for each product segment during the forecast period from 2016 to 2024, considering 2014 and 2015 as base years.The report also includes market size in terms of US$ Mn for the geography segment considering the macro and micro environmental factors. Growth rates for each segment within the global physician dispensed cosmeceuticals market have been determined after a thorough analysis of past trends, demographics, future trends, technological developments, consumer preferences, and regulatory requirements. The market report comprises an elaborate executive summary, providing market snapshot for various segments and sub-segments of the market. It also provides information and data analysis of the global physician dispensed cosmeceuticals market with respect to market dynamics, price trend analysis, value chain analysis, and competitive landscape in terms of key market players. Based on product type, the global physician dispensed cosmeceuticals market has been segmented into skincare (anti-aging products, acne treatment, skin whitening and hyperpigmentation, and dermal fillers), hair care (hair repair, anti-dandruff, anti-hair fall, and scalp repair), eye care (prescription drops, artificial tears, and other eye care products), injectable Botox, and other products (stretch marks, burns, scars or marks, etc.).To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Market size estimations involved in-depth study of product features of different types of cosmeceuticals prescribed by cosmetologists, trichologists, ophthalmologists, dermatologists, or any other skin or hair specialists engaged in medical practice. Additionally, increasing preference for cosmeceuticals to retain beauty and youth, eliminate aging signs, and demand for organic and innovative cosmeceuticals are considered key drivers in the physician dispensed cosmeceuticals industry analysis. Moreover, availability, access, and number of physicians engaged in skin and hair care research clinics and treatment centers have been taken into consideration while estimating the market. In addition, brand value of leading and innovative products entering the market and overall market dynamics of the industry were considered for product segment and sub-segment market trends in various geographies.Geographically, the market has been segmented into five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. The market size and forecast for each of these regions has been provided for the period from 2014 to 2024, along with their respective CAGRs for the forecast period from 2016 to 2024, considering 2014 and 2015 as base years. The report also provides with market size and forecast for select countries in the respective regions such as the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Germany, Japan, China, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia. A detailed qualitative analysis of factors responsible for driving and restraining the market growth and future opportunities has been provided in the market overview section. This section of the report also provides value chain analysis and price trend analysis.The report also includes market strategies adopted by leading players, providing a thorough analysis of the overall competitive scenario in the global physician dispensed cosmeceuticals market. A list of strategic recommendations has been provided for new entrants as well as existing market players. These recommendations would assist them in channelizing their business goals and resources to establish a strong presence in the market. The report also profiles major players in the market based on various attributes such as company overview, financial overview, product portfolio, business strategies, and recent developments. The global physician dispensed cosmeceuticals market is highly fragmented, marked by the presence of several global companies as well as local manufacturers. Key players in the global physician dispensed cosmeceuticals market include Allergan plc, Jan Marini Skin Research, Inc., Johnson & Johnson, L'Oreal S.A., Procter & Gamble Co., Valeant Pharmaceuticals Inc., Unilever plc, and ZO Skin Health Inc.The global physician dispensed cosmeceuticals market has been segmented as follows:Global Physician Dispensed Cosmeceuticals Market, by Product Type- Skincare Products- Anti-aging- Acne treatment- Skin Whitening and Hyperpigmentation- Dermal fillers- Hair Care Products- Hair Repair- Anti-dandruff- Anti-hair Fall- Scalp Repair- Eye Care Products- Prescription drops- Artificial Tears- Other Eye Care Products- Injectable Botox- OthersGlobal Physician Dispensed Cosmeceuticals Market, by Geography- North America- U.S.- Canada- Europe- U.K.- Germany- Rest of Europe- Asia Pacific- Japan- China- Rest of APAC- Latin America- Brazil- Rest of LATAM- Middle East & Africa- Saudi Arabia- Rest of MEAMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Leuprolide Acetate Market Analysis 2016-2027: Key Findings, Regional Analysis, Key Players Profiles and Future Prospects

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Market Overview:Leuprorelin or Leuprolide Acetate is a GnRH analog promoted under the exchange names Lupron among others. Uses include the treatment of breast cancer and prostate cancer. It is on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, the most important medication required in a fundamental wellbeing system.Regional Analysis:North America:Increasing population of aged individuals in North America is one of the key factors which will drive the demand for Leuprolide Acetate Market in this region. Heavy investment in Research and development and development of new techniques has resulted in better care for the patients and understanding for the medical professionals.Europe:With Europe topping the list of number of individuals suffering of prone to prostate and breast cancer published by World Cancer Research fund the European market for Leuprolide Acetate market becomes very lucrative. Increasing number of cancer patients in Europe, and steady increase in the number of medical professionals in Europe significantly contributes to the growth of the Leuprolide Market.Request a Sample Report @Key DriverIncreasing number of cases of Prostate cancer among individuals specifically aged individuals and breast cancer among females has been a key market driver for the Global Leuprolide Market. Increasing use for the purpose of pedophilia treatment has also stemmed a certain amount of demand, among others application in veterinary treatment is another factor which adds to the growth of Leuprolide Acetate market.Access the market data and market information presented through more than 25 market data tables and 25 figures spread over 122 numbers of pages of the project report Leuprolide Acetate Market - Forecast to 2027Market Segment:End Users Medical Institutions Clinics HospitalsDelivery Injection( 4 weeks) Depot (3 to 6 months) Vaidur (implant- 12 months)Access Report Details @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Global Caramel Market Projected to Register a Significant Growth Rate over 8.5% CAGR from 2016 to 2022

Caramel Market

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Market HighlightsGlobally, there has been increase in demand for caramel due to its versatility in applications. Its end use markets have widened up in confectionery to bakery foods and beverages due to its unique taste and appealing brown color. In-addition its preference has even extended from the traditional usage in food and beverage industries to newer applications in pharmaceutical and personal care products. Hence, Global Caramel Market is expected to grow at CAGR over 8.5% post the year 2022.Key Findings:o Secondary data reveals that the caramel sales is projected to grow more than 9% annually post the year 2022o The top 5 exporters of caramel includes France, China, Netherlands, the U.S and Belgiumo Inclusion of new flavors and rich calories are accelerating the growth of Caramel Market.Key Players Cargill, Inc. Kerry Group Sensient Technologies Corporation Puratos Group Sethness Caramel Color DDW the Color House Bakels Worldwide Nigay Metarom groupGet a Sample Report @Intended Audienceo Caramel manufacturerso Confectionary product manufacturerso Beverage product manufacturerso Dairy product manufactureso Bakery product manufacturerso Retailers, wholesalerso E-commerce companieso Traders, Importers and exportersThe report provides the insights, on various levels of analyses such industry analysis, market share analysis leading market players and their profiles. This report also helps in studying the target segments by providing views on emerging & high-growth segments and market conclusion. Together the market data comprise and discuss with the basic assessments on the competitive scenarios & strategies, of the global caramel market, including the high-growth regions, countries and their political, economic and technological environments. Furthermore the project report also provides the views over the historical market values as well as, pricing and cost analysis of the same.Table of Content1 Executive Summary2 Market Introductions2.1 Definition2.2 Scope of the study2.2.1 Research Objectives2.2.2 Assumptions2.2.3 Limitations2.3 Markets Structure2.4 Stakeholders3 Research Methodologies3.1 Research process3.2 Secondary research3.3 Primary research3.4 Forecast model3.5 Market Size estimation4 Market Dynamics4.1 Drivers4.2 Restraints4.3 Opportunities4.4 Challenges5 Market Trends5.1 Trends in Supply/Production5.2 Trends in Demand/Consumption5.3 Emerging Markets (Supply & Demand)5.4 Trade (Import + Export) Analysis5.5 Innovations in Products/Process5.6 Macroeconomic indicators Analysis for top 5 Producing countries6 Market Factor Analysis6.1 Introduction6.2 Value chain analysis6.3 Porters five forces6.4 Supply Chain Analysis7. MARKET-By Ingredient7.1 Introduction7.2 Market size (sub segments)7.2.1 Sugar (white, brown, cane or corn syrup)7.2.2 Milk solids7.2.3 Fat (butter, margarine or vegetable fat)Continue..Browse Report @Reasons to buyThis report includes in-depth study analysis of Caramel marketIt covers market segmentation by source, and nutrition per serving.It helps in identifying region-wise major suppliers and understand consumption patternsThe report will provide useful and premium insights that will support in investments for Caramel and allied companies providing details on the fast growing segments and regionsIn addition, it will provide key findings that will help the companies to improve profitability by using supply chain strategies, cost effectiveness of various products mentioned in the reportThe data used in the report is primarily based on primary interviews with the major producing companies and industry experts and also supported by authentic industry data from secondary sources.Related ReportGrated, Powdered & Blended Cheese Market Information-by type (American, Italian, Swiss, Blue, Brick, Muenster, and others), by form (grated, powdered, Mixtures/Blends and others), by applications (Ready to Eat Foods, creams, confectionery, sauces & dips, processed cheese, snacks, bakery products, flavors and others), and by Region - Forecast to 2022About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Bath Salts Market Professional Survey about Supply, Consumption and Sales 2016 Analysis and Forecasts to 2022

Bath Salts Market

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Market HighlightsGlobally, there has been increase in demand for bath salts due to its versatility in industrial use ranging from personal care to home care applications. Unique properties of bath salts including high concentrations when used with water that helps in relaxation of human body muscles are driving the demand for bath salts in aromatherapy sub-segment. Hence, global Bath Salts Market is expected to grow at CAGR over 2.7% post the year 2022.Market Research Analysis:Secondary data reveals that the bath salt sales is projected to grow more than 2.7% annually post the year 2022The top 5 exporters of bath salts include China, Germany , Italy, Malaysia and BelgiumInclusion of new aromas and ingredients is accelerating the growth of Bath salts marketThe bath salt market is driven by factors such as demand from the end users market mainly from beauty care segment, mainly for the body spas owing to unique properties of salts used in aromatherapies which relaxes the human body muscles. Secondary research reveals that the use of bath salts has been increasing in treatment of arthritis. Increasing wider applications of bath salts across various industries will have a positive impact on the market growth in the coming years.Key Players Bathclin Watsons Jahwa Kneipp L'occitane Relachee Prettyvalley Genlese Clarins Borghese Kanebo Shiseido Camenae Skinhealthy Stenders SakRequest a Sample Report @Intended Audience Bath salts manufacturers Skin care, home care manufacturers Salts manufacturers Retailers, wholesalers E-commerce companies Traders, Importers and exportersMarket SegmentsBy Typeo Dead sea salto Epsom salto Himalayan bath salto Bolivian saltBy Formo Granularo Powdero CoarseBy Applicationo Beauty Careo Healtho Wellnesso Aromatherapyo Therapeutico Home CareRegional AnalysisAPAC mainly China dominates the bath salt market by more than 65% estimated share in the year 2016 followed by Europe accounting 35% estimated market share and is expected to grow over CAGR 0.98% by 2022. North America is an emerging market for bath salt with growing demand from the downstream markets including beauty care, health and wellness, aromatherapy, therapeutic, home care and others.Browse Report @Table of Content1 Introduction1.1 Definition1.2 Scope of Study1.3 Research Objective1.4 Assumptions & Limitations1.5 Market Structure:2 Research Methodologies2.1 Research Process2.2 Primary Research2.3 Secondary Research3 Market Dynamics3.1 Drivers3.2 Restraints3.3 Opportunities3.4 Challenges4 Market Factor Analysis4.1 Porters five forces model5 Global Bath salt Market, By Type5.1 Introductions5.1.1 Dead Sea Salt5.1.2 Epsom Salt5.1.3 Himalayn Salt5.1.4 Bolivian Salt5.1.5 Others6 Global Bath Salt Market, By Form6.1 Introduction6.1.1 Granual6.1.2 Powder6.1.2 Coarse7 Global Bath Salt Market, By Application7.1 Introduction7.1.1 Beauty care7.1.2 Health and wellness7.1.2.1 Aromatherapy7.1.2.2 Therapeautic7.13 Home care7.1.4 OthersContinue.The report provides the insights, on various levels of analyses such industry analysis, market share analysis leading market players and their profiles. This report also helps in studying the target segments by providing views on emerging & high-growth segments and market conclusion. Together the market data comprise and discuss with the basic assessments on the competitive scenarios & strategies, of the global bath salts market, including the high-growth regions, countries and their political, economic and technological environments. Furthermore the project report also provides the views over the historical market values as well as, pricing and cost analysis of the same.Related ReportGlobal Caramel Market Information-by Ingredient (sugar (white, brown, cane or corn syrup), milk solids, and fat (butter, margarine or vegetable fat)), by Flavors (Vanilla, coffee, fruity, maple and buttery) by Application (confectionery, ice cream, syrup, pudding & desserts, beverage and others), and by Region - Forecast to 2022About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Semiconductor Production Equipment Market - Rising Application Of Internet Of Things (IoT) Has Been Some Other Crucial Factors Contributing To The Overall Demand

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Semiconductor is a material that acts as good conductor or insulator and conducts more electricity post addition of heat, voltage or light making changes in electrical properties. Silicon or germanium are used as semiconductor materials that has poor conductivity at low temperatures and is gradually improved with minute additions of certain substances. The electrical properties and conductivity of a semiconductor comes between that of a conductor and an insulator. After electricity is passed to semiconductors their state changes from conductive and non-conductive to reflective and non-reflective. Semiconductor manufacturing equipment are used for the fabrication of semiconductor chips. These manufacturing equipment are used for research and development as well as form fixtures for supporting semiconductor fabrication facility. The global market for semiconductor production equipment has been segmented on the basis of equipment type, application and geography. The global semiconductor production equipment market based on its equipment type has been segmented on the basis of assembly and packaging type, wafer processing type and test equipment among others. Automotive, consumer electronics and internet of things among others are some of the main application areas based on which the global market for semiconductor production equipment has been segmented.Global semiconductor production equipment market on the basis of geography has been segmented into , Asia Pacific, Latin America, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa.Browse Market Research Report @Increase in application of semiconductors across different industry verticals has been a major driver for the rise in demand of semiconductor production equipment market globally. Moreover it is the rise in demand for both electric as well as hybrid vehicles that has more semiconductor content than the traditional cars that is likely to have a positive impact on the global semiconductor production equipment market. Demand for the green hybrid vehicles is also increasing due to rise in stringent government policies for usage of eco-friendly vehicles that is also expected to have a great impact on the overall demand for semiconductor production equipment acting as another important driver for this market. In addition to this, it is the rise in demand for consumer electronics that is likely to further have a positive impact on the global semiconductor production equipment market that has huge applications in the electronics industry. Growing automotive industry along with rising application of internet of things (IoT) has been some other crucial factors contributing to the overall demand of semiconductor production equipment market. With all these drivers it is the dynamic changes in the industry that has posed as a major restraint for the global semiconductor production equipment market. The complex procedures along with the costs associated with the fabrication process has been some other major restrains that restricts the growth of semiconductor production equipment market globally. Expansion and advancement in the research and development facilities is expected to provide huge growth opportunities for the semiconductor production equipment market globally in the coming years.Geographically, it is Asia Pacific region that has been a major contributor to the global semiconductor production equipment market with China, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan being some of the major players. Presence of a large number of manufacturing facilities has been a major driver for this market in APAC region. North America and Europe has been some other major regions contributing to the growth for this market. Rising application of semiconductors across R&D and internet of things (IoT) has been some of the other major drivers for the rise in demand of this market.Some of the major players operating in the semiconductor production equipment market include Applied Materials (U.S.), Tokyo Electron (Japan), ASML Holding (Netherlands), LAM Research (U.S.), Mirle Automation (Taiwan), NIKON (Japan), Hitachi High-Technologies (Japan), ADVANTEST (Japan) and Teredyne (U.S.) among others that are present in the market globally.For more information on this report, fill the form @The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Transparency Market Research90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Electronically Scanned Arrays Market - Growing Preference For Technologically Advanced Radar For Providing All Weather Battlefield Surveillancet Is Expected To Propel The Demand

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Electronically scanned arrays refer to a phased array antenna which is used to electronically steer a beam of radio waves in different directions. This type of arrays are primarily utilized in radars. In order to provide an in-depth analysis of the market, the global electronically scanned arrays has been segmented on the basis of product type, end users, range and geography. Based on product type, the market is categorized into AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Arrays) also known as APAR (Active Phased Array Radars) and passive electronically scanned arrays (PESA) or passive phased array. Electronically scanned arrays also finds its application among various end-user segment of defense sector including land, naval and airborne. Moreover, the operational range of an electronically scanned arrays can be classified into long, medium and short. The market of electronically scanned arrays market is anticipated to witness a high growth during the forecast period from 2016 to 2024 owing to increasing investment in upgrading of the radar system in order to increase their operational efficiency.The primary requirement to replace the traditional radar system across different regions is the most important factor expected to boost the demand of technologically advanced electronically scanned arrays in the coming years. In addition, the growing preference for technologically advanced radar for providing all weather battlefield surveillance against incoming threat is also expected to propel the demand of electronically scanned arrays during the forecast period from 2016 to 2024.Obtain Report Details @However, long replacement cycle of the radar system is of the primary factor anticipated to negatively affect the demand of electronically scanned arrays to some extent in the coming years.Based on product type, the active electronically scanned arrays (AESA) is predicted to experience the highest growth in terms of revenue during the forecast period. AESAs are fitted with receivers and transmitters, which yet again consist of several small modules of transmitter/receivers. AESAs have high capability of spreading emissions across a very wide range of frequencies. Thus, it is utilized extensively across wide area for sea and land surveillance.On the basis of end user segment, the naval sector is predicted witness the most promising growth in the coming years. For tracking and detection of naval activities, naval radars are extensively used. The primary function of naval-based radar system is locating warships, offshore patrol vessels (OPV), submarine and various other vessels of naval vessel. Radar-based naval systems are also used extensively for detecting ammunitions and anti-ship missile.On the other hand, medium range category of the electronically scanned arrays is forecasted to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period. These radars are utilized to locate targets in the range of 50 km to 150 km. These radars work in the frequency of 8 to 40 GHz and are used efficiently in the management of warships, maritime activities, naval activities and management of air trafficGeographically, the market is segmented into North America, Asia Pacific (APAC), Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and South America. In 2015, North America held the largest share in the electronically scanned market among different regions. Huge concentration of electronically scanned manufacturers coupled with increasing investment in research and development activities is the primary factor behind this regions dominance. However, Asia Pacific region is anticipated to experience the highest growth in the coming eight years. The growing threats of terror activities in the region and is anticipated to drive the need for upgradation of surveillance capabilities. This in turn is predicted to accelerate the demand of electronically scanned arrays in Asia Pacific region. In addition, various territorial disputes across the borders of different countries in the Asia-pacific region and this has furthermore contributed to the increase in military budget to enhance capability of anti-missile. This has led to the increasing demand of AESA in the region of Asia-pacific.The global market of electronically scanned arrays is fragmented with many large and well-established players occupying a strong position worldwide. Also, many new players are also trying to enter the high electronically scanned arrays market owing to the expected high growth of the market.For more information on this report, fill the form @Some of the major players of the high voltage electronically scanned arrays market are Northrop Grumman Corporation (the US), Lockheed Martin Corporation (the US), Ericsson (Sweden), Saab AB (Sweden), Thales Group (France), Toshiba (Japan), Elta (Israel),The Raytheon Company (the US), Mitsubishi (Japan), Defence Research and Development Organization (India) amongst many others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Transparency Market Research90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Semiconductor Micro Components Market - The Emergence Of VLSI Technology For Technologically Advanced DSPs Is Anticipated To Fuel The Demand

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Semiconductor micro components form an integral part of any electronic devices such as smart phones, laptop, automated door locks, coffee maker, wearable devices, GPS-enabled pet trackers, mobile phones and other devices that are forming a network of connected devices. Demand for electronic devices across the globe directly affects the demand of semiconductor micro components. The global semiconductor micro components market is predicted to experience a steady growth during the forecast period owing to increasing popularity of internet of thing (IoT) devices during the forecast period from 2016 to 2024.For the purpose of providing detailed analysis of the market, the semiconductor micro components market is segmented on the basis of application, end use industry and geography. Based on application, semiconductor micro components are majorly used in digital signal processors (DSP), microprocessor and microcontroller. Semiconductor micro components are also used extensively across various sectors including consumer electronics, defense, automotive and industrial sector among others. In addition, in-depth cross sectional analysis of the above mentioned application and end use industry segment across different region such as Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Middle-East and Africa (MEA) and Latin America is also provided in this report.Obtain Report Details @Increasing adoption of embedded DSP (digital signal processors) in the manufacturing process of high performing smart phones in order to process more MIPS (million instructions per second) while consuming less power is one of the primary factor anticipated to boost the demand of semiconductor micro components in the coming years. In addition, the emergence of VLSI (very large scale integration) technology in order to satisfy the rising demand for technologically advanced DSPs required for power efficient smart gadgets, television and air conditioners among others is also anticipated to fuel the demand for semiconductor micro components market from 2016 to 2024. Moreover, increasing demand for microprocessors that can fetch and process various information within a short span of time in order to satisfy the rising demand for cellular standards and various IoT components is also expected to accelerate the demand of semiconductor micro components during the forecast period from 2016 to 2024.However, declining average selling price of the semiconductor micro components results in lower revenue inflow of the semiconductor micro components manufacturers. This in turn limits many semiconductor manufacturers to enter into the market and is anticipated to affect the market growth negatively during the forecast period.Among the different applications, the microprocessor segment held the largest market share in 2015 and is expected to maintain its leading position in the coming eight years. Rising demand for advanced microprocessors from various electronic device manufacturers across the globe in order to cope up with the growing demand of smart phones, tablets and IoT devices, is the most important factor behind this segments dominance. In addition, increasing demand for microprocessors from various automotive components manufacturers is also predicted to create a better opportunity for various semiconductor micro component manufacturers in the coming years.Geographically, Asia Pacific region generated the highest revenue across the different region in 2015. This region is also predicted to witness the highest growth in terms of revenue during the forecast period from 2016 to 2024. Majority of the revenue in Asia Pacific region is generated from the foundries in South Korea, Japan and Taiwan. In addition, large consumer base of various semiconductor devices in Asia pacific region also contribute towards the growing demand of semiconductor micro components during the forecast period.For more information on this report, fill the form @The global semiconductor micro component market is competitive in nature and is characterized by the presence of large number of semiconductor micro component manufacturers. Presence of large number of manufacturers coupled with increasing investment in research and development activities in the field of semiconductor components by various leading manufacturers in turn is anticipated to bring enhanced quality of semiconductor micro components having improved durability and superior performing features in the coming years. Some of the major players operating in the semiconductor micro components market includes Analog Devices Inc. (US), Intel Corporation (US), Qualcomm Technologies (U.S) and Panasonic Semiconductor Solutions Co. Ltd. (Japan) among others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Transparency Market Research90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Industrial Internet-of-Things Market Global Research Study 2017 Splits Into Key Regions, Production, Consumption, Revenue

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In our aim to provide our erudite clients with the best research material with absolute in-depth information of the market, our new report on Global Industrial Internet-of-Things Market is confident in meeting their needs and expectations. The 2017 market research report on Global Industrial Internet-of-Things Market is an in-depth study and analysis of the market by our industry experts with unparalleled domain knowledge. The report will shed light on many critical points and trends of the industry which are useful for our esteemed clients. The report covers a vast expanse of information including an overview, comprehensive analysis, definitions and classifications, applications, and expert opinions, among others. With the extent of information filled in the report, the presentation and style of the Global Industrial Internet-of-Things Market report is a noteworthy.Request a sample of this report @The Global Industrial Internet-of-Things Industry report provides key information about the industry, including invaluable facts and figures, expert opinions, and the latest developments across the globe. Not only does the report cover a holistic view of the industry from a global standpoint, but it also covers individual regions and their development. The Global Industrial Internet-of-Things Industry market report showcases the latest trends in the global and regional markets on all critical parameters which include technology, supplies, capacity, production, profit, price, and competition. The key players covered in the report provide a detailed analysis of the competition and their developments in the Global Industrial Internet-of-Things Industry. Accurate forecasts and expert opinion from credible sources, and the recent R&D development in the industry is also a mainstay of the Industrial Internet-of-Things Market report.The report also focuses on the significance of industry chain analysis and all variables, both upstream and downstream. These include equipment and raw materials, client surveys, marketing channels, and industry trends and proposals. Other significant information covering consumption, key regions and distributors, and raw material suppliers are also a covered in this report.Browse the complete report @Finally, the Industrial Internet-of-Things Market report ends with a detailed SWOT analysis of the market, investment feasibility and returns, and development trends and forecasts. As with every report on Orbis Research, the Industrial Internet-of-Things Industry is the holy grail of information which serious knowledge seekers can benefit from.If you have any enquiry before buying a copy of this report @Major Points from Table of Content:Chapter One: Industrial Internet-of-Things Market OverviewChapter Two: Global Industrial Internet-of-Things Market Competition by ManufacturersChapter Three: Global Industrial Internet-of-Things Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)Chapter Four: Global Industrial Internet-of-Things Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)Chapter Five: Global Industrial Internet-of-Things Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by TypeChapter Six: Global Industrial Internet-of-Things Market Analysis by ApplicationChapter Seven: Global Industrial Internet-of-Things Manufacturers Profiles/AnalysisChapter Eight: Industrial Internet-of-Things Manufacturing Cost AnalysisChapter Nine: Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter Ten: Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter Eleven: Market Effect Factors AnalysisChapter Twelve: Global Industrial Internet-of-Things Market Forecast (2017-2022)Chapter Thirteen: Research Findings and ConclusionChapter Fourteen: AppendixList of Figure:Figure Picture of Industrial Internet-of-ThingsFigure Global Industrial Internet-of-Things Production (K Units) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Types (Product Category) (2012-2022)Figure Global Industrial Internet-of-Things Production Market Share by Types (Product Category) in 2016Figure Product Picture of Private IoTTable Major Manufacturers of Private IoTFigure Product Picture of Public IoTTable Major Manufacturers of Public IoTFigure Product Picture of Community IoTTable Major Manufacturers of Community IoTFigure Product Picture of OtherTable Major Manufacturers of OtherFigure Global Industrial Internet-of-Things Consumption (K Units) by Applications (2012-2022)Figure Global Industrial Internet-of-Things Consumption Market Share by Applications in 2016Figure Aerospace & Defense ExamplesFigure Healthcare ExamplesFigure Energy ExamplesFigure Transportation ExamplesContinued..About Us:Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customized reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialization. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clients.Contact Us:Hector CostelloSenior Manager  Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas - 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +912064101019Email at: sales@orbisresearch.com
Retail Cloud Market is estimated to grow USD 30 billion by 2022

Retail Cloud Market

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Market Highlights:Software which is typically installed on PC type computers or more recently delivered via the internet. This software was delivered via physical data storage media sold to end consumer earlier. The software is typically sold under restricted licenses such as EULAs or in the case of cloud-based software sold as Software-as-a-Service model.The key drivers contributing to the growth of retail cloud market are rapid adoption of smartphones, need for compliance & collaboration and shift to omni-channel experienceHowever, the growing concerns regarding data security and privacy are the major restraints hampering the growth of the market.Also, mobile POS, internet of things and click & collect programs are expected to drive the retail cloud market in the future. Whereas, changing consumer preferences, reluctant of consumers to adopt cloud can act as barriers for the overall growth of the market.Major Key Players Oracle Corporation (California, U.S.), Cisco Systems, Inc. (California, U.S.), SAP SE (Wurttemberg, Germany), IBM Corporation (New York, U.S.), Microsoft Corporation (Washington, U.S.), Computer Sciences Corporation (Virginia, U.S.), Fujitsu Limited (Tokyo, Japan), Infor, Inc. (New York, U.S.), Epicor Software Corporation (Texas, U.S.), JDA Software group, Inc. (Arizona, U.S.), Syntel Inc. (Michigan, U.S.)Request a Copy of Sample Report @Intended Audience Retail cloud Manufacturers Distributors Research firms Consultancy firms Software Developers Vendors Semiconductor Manufacturers Stakeholders End-user sectors Research organizationsRetail software is computer software typically installed on PC type computers or laptops via the Internet (also known as cloud-based). Traditionally this software was delivered via physical data storage media sold to end consumer but very few companies still provide their software using physical media. The software is sold under various restricted licenses or in the case of cloud-based software sold as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model.Rapid adoption of smartphones, need for compliance & collaboration and shift to omni-channel experience are driving the retail cloud market. However, the growing concerns regarding data security and privacy are hindering the overall growth of the market.Also, mobile PoS, internet of things and click & collect programs are expected to drive the retail cloud market in the future. Whereas, changing consumer preferences, reluctant of consumers to adopt cloud can act as barriers for the overall growth of the market.Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 30 market data tables and figures spread over 100 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on Retail Cloud Market Research Report -Forecast to 2022.Access Report Details @According to Market Research Future Analysis, on the basis of type, service, deployment and region. By type, the market has been bifurcated into solution, service.On the basis of service, the market can be segmented as software as a service, platform as a service, infrastructure as a service.On the basis of deployment the market can be segmented public, private, hybrid. Further, the market has been segmented into four regions which include- North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and RoW.Out of this type, solutions accounted for the largest market share because it offers lowered risks, reduced complexity, and rising return on investment.By Region, MRFR analysis shows that, North-America accounted for the largest market share because organizations are shifting towards cloud-based solutions and services with the increasing adoption of digital business strategiesAsia-Pacific region is expected to grow over the forecast period, 2016-2022 especially in countries such as China and India countries because they are investing huge amount of money to adopt new technologies.Make an Enquiry @Brief TOC1 Market Introduction1.1 Introduction1.2 Scope of Study1.2.1 Research Objective1.2.2 Assumptions1.2.3 Limitations1.3 Market Structure2 Research Methodology2.1 Research Network Solution2.2 Primary Research2.3 Secondary Research2.4 Forecast ModelLIST OF TABLESTABLE 1 GLOBAL RETAIL CLOUD MARKET, BY TYPETABLE 2 GLOBAL RETAIL CLOUD MARKET, BY SERVICETABLE 3 GLOBAL RETAIL CLOUD MARKET, BY DEPLOYMENTTABLE 4 GLOBAL RETAIL CLOUD MARKET, BY GEOGRAPHYTABLE 5 NORTH AMERICA RETAIL CLOUD MARKET, BY TYPEContinued.Browse Related ReportUnified Network Management Market, By Type (Wired, Wireless), Solution (Traffic management, Application & Server Management), Services (Training & Support, Consulting), By Deployment (Cloud, On-Premise), By Organization Size (Enterprise, SME Business), By End-User - Forecast 2022About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
The congressional team of U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, is encouraging people to write letters to newspapers in support of work the 15-year lawmaker is doing.

A representative of King's district office in Sioux City recently sent an email with the subject line "Letters to support Steve King."

The email, a copy of which was obtained by the Sioux City Journal, begins, "Congressman King is being accused of not being effective for his district. Unfortunately, the media seldom publish the good work done by Steve King. You can use the following points in your support letters to the editor. Let me know when and where you send your support letter so we can track it. This year alone Steve King has promoted the following issues," then 15 bills are cited as examples to use.

The email seeking supportive letters comes on the heels of a period where King, who represents Iowa's 4th congressional district, was high in the national news cycle two weeks ago.

King on March 12 tweeted that America "can't restore our civilization with somebody else's babies." The tweet was in support of a Dutch politician who opposes immigration and has spoken against Islam. King tweeted that Geert Wilders "understands that culture and demographics are our destiny."

King followed the controversial social media post with several interviews on national outlets where he defended his comments. Critics accused King of racism and condemned the support the tweet received from some white nationalist leaders. Many also renewed charges that King was an ineffective congressman who should be focusing more on his district and less on national wedge issues like immigration.

An inquiry about the email to King's main office in Washington was not returned midday Tuesday.

The content of the email notes the congressman has introduced bills in the U.S. House involving issues in education, immigration and health.

Here are some of the bills King is touted for introducing, from the email:

 "Congressman Steve King introduced the Choices in Education Act of 2017. This bill would both promote and protect school choice by ensuring States the ability to carry out their education voucher program and by giving parents the ability to choose the best form of education for their children."

 "January 3: Washington, D.C.  Congressman Steve King introduced, in conjunction with his 100% repeal Obamacare Act also introduced today, a bill to prohibit the Supreme Court from Citing Obamacare in future decisions."

 "January 3: Congressman Steve King re-introduced four immigration bills at the start of the 115th Congress: Sarahs Law, Birthright Citizenship Act of 2017, Religious Worker Visa Reciprocity Act of 2017 and New IDEA Act."

 "January 12: Congressman Steve King introduced The Heartbeat Bill, that would require physicians to detect the heartbeat and prohibit the abortion of a baby with a beating heart."
United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia Laboratory Software Market Size, Status and Forecast 2021

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This report studies the global Laboratory Software market, analyzes and researches the Laboratory Software development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeCernerPhenom-WorldWaters Ges.m.b.HPsyche Systems CorporationCleaver ScientificB&W TekEUROIMMUN Medizinische LabordiagnostikaBruker DaltonicsBiochromBIOTEC-FISCHERBioTek InstrumentsCecil InstrumentsDAS srlEnnovJascoMICROS Produktions-u.HandelsgmbH.Velo Mobile HealthRequest for Sample of Premium Research Report @Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaMarket segment by Application, Laboratory Software can be split intoApplication 1Application 2Application 3Browse full table of contents and data tables of Report @Table of ContentsUnited States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia Laboratory Software Market Size, Status and Forecast 20211 Industry Overview of Laboratory Software1.1 Laboratory Software Market Overview1.1.1 Laboratory Software Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Laboratory Software Market Size and Analysis by Regions1.2.1 United States1.2.2 EU1.2.3 Japan1.2.4 China1.2.5 India1.2.6 Southeast Asia1.3 Laboratory Software Market by End Users/Application1.3.1 Application 11.3.2 Application 21.3.3 Application 32 Global Laboratory Software Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Laboratory Software Market Size (Value) by Players (2015-2016)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in Future3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 Cerner3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Laboratory Software Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 Phenom-World3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Laboratory Software Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 Waters Ges.m.b.H3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Laboratory Software Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 Psyche Systems Corporation3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Laboratory Software Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.4.5 Recent DevelopmentsQYResearchReports.com is an unimpeachable source of market research data for clients that comprise acclaimed SMEs, Chinese companies, private equity firms, and MNCs. We provide market research reports on various categories such as Energy, Chemicals, Alternative and Green Energy, Manufacturing, Machinery, Pharmaceuticals and Materials, and Glass.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Power Semiconductor Market: Dynamics, Sales and Revenue Analysis, Report Forecasts to 2022

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Market Highlights:The major growth driver of Power Semiconductor Market includes growth in renewable energy sectors such as wind and solar power generation, increasing urbanization especially in Asia-Pacific, growing consumer electronics market, and rise in domestic income in emerging market among others.However, worldwide financial uncertainty and macroeconomic situations such as currency exchange rates and economic difficulties are some of the major factors which are hindering the growth of Power Semiconductor Market.Major Key Players Infineon technologies AG (Germany) Texas instruments Inc. (U.S.) ST Microelectronics (Switzerland) Qualcomm Inc.(U.S.) NXP semiconductor (Netherlands) Fairchild semiconductor (U.S.) Renesas electronic corporation (Japan) Broadcom limited (U.S.) Toshiba corporation (Japan) Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan)Request a Copy of Sample Report @Industry News:1) Infineon technologies has announced in August 2016 that it is going to supply security chips for the electronic access control to the Korean airports who are implementing CIPURSE based security for the public environment. CIPURSE is an open standard system based on advanced encryption standards which provides rapidly access solutions which are secure, interoperable and cost efficient.2) ST Microelectronics has introduced a new product portfolio of wide creepage transistors with super junction MOSFETs in the arcing resistant package in August, 2016. These transistors is ideal for power transistors commonly used in products such as television sets, PCs among othersThe report for Power Semiconductor market of Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain the deeper insight of the market and industry performance.Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 50 market data tables and figures spread in 110 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on Power Semiconductor Market Research Report- Global Forecast to 2022Access Report Details @Objective of Power Semiconductor Market Study: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 10 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the Global Power Semiconductor market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To analyze the Power Semiconductor Market based on various factors- supply chain analysis, porters five force analysis etc. To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (ROW). To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective. To provide country level analysis of the market for segment by component, by materials, by application and sub-segments. To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the Global Power Semiconductor market.Make an Enquiry @Market SegmentsSegmentation by Components: Diodes, Switching devices, Power integrated circuits, Thyristors, Power MOSFETs RectifiersSegmentation by Materials: Silicon, Silicon Carbide (Sic), Gallium Nitride (Gan), Gallium Arsenide Silicon GermaniumSegmentation by Application: Automotive Consumer Electronics Military & Aerospace Industrial (Inverters, Wind/Solar Power Generation)The report gives the clear picture of current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value and volume, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report provides details information and strategies of the top key players in the industry. The report also gives a broad study of the different market segments and regions.Browse Related Reports:Global Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) Market, by Type (Outsourcing, In-house), by End-User (Automotive, Textile, Aerospace, Oil & gas, Petroleum, Food & beverage) - Forecast 2022About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Saudi Arabia Power Market Trends, Regulations, and Competitive Landscape Outlook to 2030, Update 2016

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Saudi Arabia Power Market Outlook to 2030, Update 2016 - Market Trends, Regulations, and Competitive Landscape" to its huge collection of research reports.This report elaborates Saudi Arabia's power market structure and provides historical and forecast numbers for generation, capacity and consumption up to 2030. Detailed analysis of the Saudi Arabia power markets regulatory structure, import and export trends, competitive landscape, and power projects at various stages of the supply chain is provided. The report also gives a snapshot of the power sector in Saudi Arabia on broad parameters of macroeconomics, supply security, generation infrastructure, transmission infrastructure, degree of competition, regulatory scenario, and future potential. Financial performance of the leading power companies is also analyzed in the report.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Scope- Snapshot of the countrys power sector across parameters - macro economics, supply security, generation infrastructure, transmission infrastructure, degree of competition, regulatory scenario and future potential of the power sector.- Statistics for installed capacity, power generation and consumption from 2000 to 2015, forecast for the next 15 years to 2030.- Break-up by technology, including thermal, hydro, renewable and nuclear- Data on leading current and upcoming projects.- Information on grid interconnectivity, transmission and distribution infrastructure and power exports and imports.- Policy and regulatory framework governing the market.- Detailed analysis of top market participant, including market share analysis and SWOT analysis.Reasons to buy- Identify opportunities and plan strategies by having a strong understanding of the investment opportunities in the countrys power sector- Identification of key factors driving investment opportunities in the countrys power sector- Facilitate decision-making based on strong historic and forecast data- Develop strategies based on the latest regulatory events- Position yourself to gain the maximum advantage of the industrys growth potential- Identify key partners and business development avenues- Identify key strengths and weaknesses of important market participants- Respond to your competitors business structure, strategy and prospects.1 Table of Contents1 Table of Contents 41.1 List of Tables 71.2 List of Figures 82 Introduction 92.1 GlobalData Report Guidance 103 Saudi Arabia, Power Market, Snapshot 113.1 Saudi Arabia, Power Market, Macro-economic Factors 113.2 Supply Security 133.3 Opportunities 143.4 Challenges 144 Saudi Arabia, Power Market, Market Analysis 164.1 Saudi Arabia, Power Market, Supply Structure 164.2 Saudi Arabia, Power Market, Key Market Players 164.3 Saudi Arabia, Power Market, Financial Deals 174.3.1 Deal Volume and Value Analysis, 2004-January 2015 174.3.2 Deals by Type, 2015 194.4 Saudi Arabia, Power Market, Demand Structure 194.4.1 Electricity Consumption by Sector, 2015 225 Saudi Arabia, Power Market, Regulatory Scenario 235.1 Saudi Arabia, Power Market, Key Electricity Policies 235.1.1 The Electricity Law 235.1.2 Private Participation and Reforms 235.1.3 Renewable Power Policy 245.2 Saudi Arabia, Power Market, Foreign Investment Scenario 256 Saudi Arabia, Power Market, Capacity and Generation Overview 276.1 Saudi Arabia, Power Market, Cumulative Installed Capacity by Fuel Type, 2015 276.2 Saudi Arabia, Power Market, Cumulative Installed Capacity and Annual Power Generation, 2000-2030 286.2.1 Cumulative Installed Thermal Capacity and Annual Thermal Power Generation, 2000-2030 316.2.2 Cumulative Installed Nuclear Capacity and Annual Nuclear Power Generation, 2000-2030 366.2.3 Cumulative Installed Non-hydro Renewable Capacity and Annual Non-hydro Renewable Power Generation, 2000-2030 367 Saudi Arabia, Power Market, Transmission and Distribution Overview 397.1 Saudi Arabia, Power Market, Transmission Overview 397.1.1 Planned Domestic Interconnection Projects 417.2 Saudi Arabia, Power Market, Distribution Overview 417.3 Saudi Arabia, Power Market, Grid Interconnection 427.3.1 Electricity Import and Export Trends, 2011-2015 437.4 Saudi Arabia, Power Market, Electricity Trading 44Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Global Electric Epilators Market 2017- Philips, Braun, Panasonic, Harvey Norman and Gillette

Electric Epilators

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This report studies Electric Epilators in Global market, especially in North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia and India, focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringPhilipsBraunPanasonicHarvey NormanGilletteThe market research report by QY Research provides detailed study on the overall Electric Epilators market size, its financial positions, its unique selling points, key products, and key developments. This research report has segmented the Electric Epilators market based on the segments covering all the domains in terms of type, country, region, forecasting revenues, and market share, along with analysis of latest trends in every sub-segment.Click Here to Request Sample Report @The qualitative segmentation of Electric Epilators market covered in the report gives in-depth information of the overall market. Furthermore, the market size, share, forecast trends, analysis, sales, supply, production, demand, major manufacturers, end-users, and many other vital factors are comprised in the Market Research Electric Epilators report by QY Research. By these comprehensive data, it is simple to take and make precise and accurate decisions taking into consideration the present market situation and the forecasts of the global market, which in turn may result into profitable step for our clients.A competitive landscape that identifies the major competitors of the global market and their market share are further highlighted in the research report. A deliberate profiling of major competitors of the Electric Epilators market as well as a inclusive analysis of their current developments, core competencies, and investments in each segment are also elaborated in the research report.Browse Full Report @The overall information of the Electric Epilators market provided in the report helps our client to make precise and accurate decisions in order to gain maximum profit in this cutthroat competition in the global market. The report comprises various elements such as table, figure, charts, TOCs, chapters, and so on so as to provide a crystal clear data to the client giving a brief of the market and its trends. Thus, the report provides in-depth information of the Electric Epilators market in terms of revenue, value, volume, region, and many more.About Us:QYResearch Group is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. QYResearch Group also carries the capability to assist you with your customized market research requirements including in-depth market surveys, primary interviews, competitive landscaping, and company profiles. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics. QYResearch Group is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air.Contact US:Joel John3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442,United StatesTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651
Dengue Vaccines Market - Global Industry Analysis 2024

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Dengue is a mosquito-borne flavivirus debilitating disease with high prevalence in most tropical and sub-tropical regions. Dengue is a painful disease that is also known as break bone fever due to the excruciating bone and joint pain associated with it. No therapeutics have been discovered for treatment of the disease caused by four closely related dengue viruses (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 and DEN-4). Therefore, focus has been mainly on prevention by controlling the vectors being borne. Severe dengue was discovered in the 1950s during dengue epidemics in Philippines and Thailand. The disease has since spread to Asian and Latin America countries and is one of the leading causes of hospitalization and deaths among children and adults in these regions.Get PDF Research Brochure for more Professional and Technical Insights:Prevalent Scenario in the Global Dengue Vaccines MarketMember states in three of the WHO regions regularly report the annual number of dengue cases. These statistic suggest that the number of dengue cases increased from 2.2 million in 2010 to 3.2 million in 2015. The actual number remains underreported. One recent estimate by Bhatt et al., (also quoted by the WHO) mentions that there are around 390 million dengue cases worldwide each year, with number of cases reported increasing each year. In 2015, 2.35 million cases of dengue were reported in the Americas alone, of which 10,200 cases were diagnosed as severe dengue that led to 1,181 deaths. Dengue is a pertinent health issue affecting people across South America, Europe, and Asia. A large number of dengue outbreaks were reported worldwide in 2015, with over 169,000 cases in the Philippines and over 111,000 suspected cases of dengue in Malaysia. This was a staggering 59.5% and 16% increase respectively in the number of cases compared to that in 2014. The global dengue vaccines market therefore, offers lucrative growht opportunities for vaccine manufacturers.Dengvaxia  the only approved product in the global dengue vaccines marketSanofi Pasteurs Dengvaxia, is the culmination of over two decades of scientific innovation and collaboration. The vaccine received its first marketing authorization in 2015, in Mexico. Dengvaxia is the worlds first licensed vaccine for prevention of dengue. It is a tetravalent dengue vaccine that prevents the disease from all four dengue viruses in people aged 9 to 45 years. Sanofi launched the worlds first public dengue vaccination program in the Philippines (2016), followed by Brazil. Dengvaxia is approved in 10 endemic countries worldwide, namely, Singapore, Mexico, the Philippines, Paraguay, Brazil, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Indonesia, Peru, and Guatemala. The global dengue vaccines market is thus, expected to expand with growing market approvals.India is however taking a precautionary approach in approving this vaccine due to lack of studies among the population in the country. A scientist in India has developed a dengue vaccine that was successfully tested in monkeys. If successful in human trials, this could be a breakthrough invention for prevention of dengue among the populace in the country. Moreover, various philanthropists and global organizations are investing in developing vaccines for malaria and dengue.Browse Global Strategic Business Report :Dengue Vaccines Market Outlook  Research PipelineThere are approximately five vaccine candidates under evaluation in clinical trials, including other live-attenuated vaccines, as well as subunit, DNA and purified inactivated vaccine candidates. Also, technological approaches, such as virus-vectored and VLP-based vaccines, are under evaluation in preclinical studies. In September 2016, Takeda announced the beginning of the phase 3 clinical trials of its dengue vaccine  TAK-003 vaccine. This vaccine is also aimed at prevention against all four dengue virus strains.About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.comVisit Coherent Market Insights Blog @Connect with us on LinkedIn @
China Polyurethane Crown Moulding Market 2017 : Metrie, Ekena Millwork, Alexandria, RapidFit

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Bigmarketresearch added Most up-to-date research on "China Polyurethane Crown Moulding Market Research Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.This report studies Polyurethane Crown Moulding in China market, focuses on the top players in China market, with capacity, production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringMetrieEkena MillworkAlexandriaRapidFitAmerican Pro DecorWoodgrain MillworkNMCOrnamental MouldingRequest sample report @Split by product Type, with production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoFor CeilingFor Door & WindowFor OthersSplit by Application, this report focuses on consumption, market share and growth rate of Polyurethane Crown Moulding in each application, can be divided intoConstructionDecorationOthersLay eyes on complete report @Fundamentals of Table of Content :3 China Polyurethane Crown Moulding Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis3.1 Metrie3.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors3.1.2 Polyurethane Crown Moulding Product Type, Application and Specification3.1.3 Metrie Polyurethane Crown Moulding Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2015 and 2016)3.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview3.2 Ekena Millwork3.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors3.2.2 Polyurethane Crown Moulding Product Type, Application and Specification3.2.3 Ekena Millwork Polyurethane Crown Moulding Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2015 and 2016)3.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview3.3 Alexandria3.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors3.3.2 Polyurethane Crown Moulding Product Type, Application and Specification3.3.3 Alexandria Polyurethane Crown Moulding Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2015 and 2016)3.3.4 Main Business/Business OverviewAsk for discount @About Company :Big Market Research uniqueness lies in its highly ethical reports at economical rates because we value your relationship and growth more than money. Your growth is our aim. With the arsenal of different search reports, we help you here to look and buy research reports that will be helpful to you and your organization. Our research reports have the capability and authenticity to support your organization for growth and consistency.Contact Us :5933 NE Win Sivers Drive,#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesDirect :+ 1-503-894-6022Toll Free : + 1-800-910-6452Email: help@bigmarketresearch.comWeb:
Cloud Infrastructure Market Worth US$ 206.93 Billion Globally by 2020

Cloud Infrastructure Market

https://www.marketresearchengine.com/reportdetails/global-cloud-infrastructure-market

https://www.marketresearchengine.com/requestsample/global-cloud-infrastructure-market

https://www.marketresearchengine.com/

New York, March 30: Market Research Engine has published a new report titled as Global Cloud Infrastructure Market.Global cloud infrastructure market is expected to reach $206.93 billion by the end of 2020 driven by all segments of the industry.Browse Full Report:"Global cloud infrastructure market is expected to reach $206.93 billion, mainly dominated by North America, particularly the US, will be the largest market among Latin America, Western Europe, Central Eastern Europe (CEE),Middle East & Africa and Asia-Pacific.The high growth has come mainly from the manufacturing industry followed by banking & financial services industry. The manufacturing industry is expected to reach $72.84 billion by 2020 at a CAGR of 13.7% for the forecast year 2015-2020.Cloud infrastructure will bring in a new era of functionality and opportunity by enabling organizations to do things which were not possible before. The cloud infrastructure will help smaller organizations to gain access to computing capabilities that were beyond their reach and budget in the past. Cloud infrastructure gives opportunity to large organizations to plan and support a broader portfolio of applications. Cloud services along with Software Defined Network (SDN) help to develop cost effective service offerings, which help in reducing the organisation's network cost.The ever-changing innovation environment in the internet of things (IoT) market gives a lot of scope to start-ups to offer new devices and services to its customers, which in turn helps in the growth of the cloud infrastructure market as the majority of these start-ups will use cloud services as it is cost effective and start-ups get access to the latest technology.Download Free Sample Report:Lot of changes is expected to be seen during the forecast year 2015-2020. Cloud infrastructure is one the important technology trends that has marked its way in the last 10 years. Software development will shift to the cloud and software companies will build the majority of the applications on cloud technologies. Cloud infrastructure services will help organizations to shift focus from their local technology maintenance to a business and customer satisfaction oriented tasks. Hybrid cloud service is set to be imperative with time. Hybrid cloud services will deploy unified integrated cloud model, which consists of internal and external cloud platforms that can be leveraged based on particular organizations requirements.Global Cloud Infrastructure Market Dynamics is as below;Drivers: Reduction in infrastructure cost New era of functionality Need for disaster protectionRestraints: Security and privacy concerns Legal/regulatory issues Migration from legacy systemsOpportunities: Creating new businesses models Customer satisfactionThe report provides an in-depth analysis of global cloud infrastructure market along with drivers and restraints as well as growth opportunities and best practices in the market. It also contains analysis and forecasted revenues, competitive landscape, company profiles and industry trends.About MarketResearchEngine.comMarket Research Engine is a global market research and consulting organization. We provide market intelligence in emerging, niche technologies and markets. Our market analysis powered by rigorous methodology and quality metrics provide information and forecasts across emerging markets, emerging technologies and emerging business models. Our deep focus on industry verticals and country reports help our clients to identify opportunities and develop business strategies.Media ContactCompany Name: Market Research EngineContact Person: John BayEmail: john@marketresearchengine.comPhone: +1-855-984-1862, +91-860-565-7204Country: United StatesWebsite:Address: 3422 SW 15 Street, Suite #8942, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, United States
Non Destructive Testing (NDT) Market Worth US$ 22.0 Billion Globally by 2022

Non Destructive Testing (NDT) Market

https://www.marketresearchengine.com/upcommingreport/non-destructive-testing-ndt-market-by-method-end-user-technique-application-and-region-global-industry-analysis-by-size-share-trends-growth-and-forecast-2015

https://www.marketresearchengine.com/

Florida, March 30: Market Research Engine has published a new report titled as Non Destructive Testing (NDT) Market by Method, End-User, Technique, Application & Region  Global Industry Analysis by Size, Share, Trends, Growth and Forecast 2015  2022The Global Non Destructive testing market is projected to reach USD 22.20 Billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 7.80% from 2015 to 2022.Browse Full Report here:Non Destructive Testing (NDT) is viewed as an essential need in commercial ventures, for example, in aviation industry, oil and gas industry, petroleum industry, and in construction sector. Developments in the NDT equipment market have expanded economically after the presentation of cutting edge X-ray equipment, for example, micro focus X-ray apparatuses, integrated X-ray tubes, glass X-ray tubes with window, radiation protected X-ray tools, etc.Over the past few years, demand for Non Destructive Testing (NDT) services has expanded rapidly. As the US economy has recovered from the depths of the recession and as a result of it corporate profit margins have expanded and fueled capital expenditure. NDT sector will get future boost from the growing technological innovation and as a result NDT services will become more cost effective and efficient for end users.Additionally, the forecast period offers huge potential growth for technologies such as computed tomography, phased array ultrasonic testing, and data management tools as these techniques are more efficient in terms of deriving accurate results.This report provides qualitative and quantitative information about the global NDT market. It identifies the market application gaps, emerging technologies, the need for new product launches, and high potential geographic regions and countries. It also provides a segmentation of the market, tracking the market size, market share, revenue projections, and financial portfolio, covering a broad spectrum of the different methods, end-user, applications, and techniques of NDT industry.Who should buy this report?Aerospace & Defense IndustryAutomotive IndustryOil & Gas IndustryPower PlantsNDT Equipment ManufacturersOriginal Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)Software Solution ProvidersComponent SuppliersTurbine ManufacturersShip Hull Manufacturers etc.Scope of the ReportThis research report categorizes the NDT market into the following segments and sub-segments:Global NDT Market, By Method Ultrasonic testing Radiography testing Liquid Penetrant testing Magnetic particle testing Eddy-current testing Visual inspectionGlobal NDT Market, By End-User Oil & gas industry Aerospace & Defense industry Automotive industry Infrastructure Industry Power generation industryGlobal NDT Market, By Technique Surface Examination technique Volumetric Examination Technique Condition Monitoring technique Integrity Examination technique Other non-destructive techniquesGlobal NDT Market, By Application Flaw detection Leak detection Dimensional measurement Estimation of physical properties Chemical Composition Determination Stress & Structure AnalysisGlobal NDT Market, By Geography G7 Nationso U.S.o Canadao Japano Italyo Franceo Germanyo U.K. BRICSo Brazilo Russiao Indiao Chinao South Africao U.K. Rest of the Worldo South Koreao Saudi Arabiao OthersAbout MarketResearchEngine.comMarket Research Engine is a global market research and consulting organization. We provide market intelligence in emerging, niche technologies and markets. Our market analysis powered by rigorous methodology and quality metrics provide information and forecasts across emerging markets, emerging technologies and emerging business models. Our deep focus on industry verticals and country reports help our clients to identify opportunities and develop business strategies.Media ContactCompany Name: Market Research EngineContact Person: John BayEmail: john@marketresearchengine.comPhone: +1-855-984-1862, +91-860-565-7204Website:Address: 3422 SW 15 Street, Suite #8942, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, United States
Photo Printer Market Research Report by Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Manufacturers, Trends and Forecast 2022

Photo Printer Manufacturers

https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/1138496-global-photo-printer-market-research-report-2017

https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/1138496-global-photo-printer-market-research-report-2017

https://www.wiseguyreports.com/check-discount/1138496-global-photo-printer-market-research-report-2017

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Photo Printer ManufacturersThe Photo Printer market provides detailed market segment level data on the international market. The Photo Printer market report addresses Industry Research, Sales, Share, Demand, forecast and growth patterns by Manufacturers , company, regions and type or application from 2017 to 2022.Browse Detailed TOC, Tables, Figures, Charts and Companies Mentioned in Photo Printer Market Research Report@Description:In this report, the global Photo Printer market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Photo Printer in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesEUChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwanGlobal Photo Printer market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingCanonHPLexmarkSonyEpsonBrother International CorporationHID Global CorporationDellLGMitsubishiFujifilmSamsungRICOHOkiXeroxOlympusVuPoint SolutionsLenovoKodakOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into300 DPI600 DPI1200 DPI2400 DPI4800 DPIOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate of Photo Printer for each application, includingHomeCommercialSample Report Request of Photo Printer Market Research Report@Table of ContentsGlobal Photo Printer Market Research Report 20171 Photo Printer Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Photo Printer1.2 Photo Printer Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Photo Printer Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Photo Printer Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 300 DPI1.2.4 600 DPI1.2.5 1200 DPI1.2.6 2400 DPI1.2.7 4800 DPI1.3 Global Photo Printer Segment by Application1.3.1 Photo Printer Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Home1.3.3 Commercial1.4 Global Photo Printer Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Photo Printer Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 United States Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 EU Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 South Korea Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 Taiwan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Photo Printer (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Photo Printer Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Photo Printer Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)2 Global Photo Printer Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Photo Printer Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.1 Global Photo Printer Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Photo Printer Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Photo Printer Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global Photo Printer Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers Photo Printer Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Photo Printer Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Photo Printer Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Photo Printer Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion7 Global Photo Printer Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Canon7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Photo Printer Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 Canon Photo Printer Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 HP7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Photo Printer Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 HP Photo Printer Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Lexmark7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Photo Printer Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 Lexmark Photo Printer Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 Sony7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.4.2 Photo Printer Product Category, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Product A7.4.2.2 Product B7.4.3 Sony Photo Printer Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 Epson7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.5.2 Photo Printer Product Category, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Product A7.5.2.2 Product B7.5.3 Epson Photo Printer Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.6 Brother International Corporation7.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.6.2 Photo Printer Product Category, Application and Specification7.6.2.1 Product A7.6.2.2 Product B7.6.3 Brother International Corporation Photo Printer Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.7 HID Global Corporation7.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.7.2 Photo Printer Product Category, Application and Specification7.7.2.1 Product A7.7.2.2 Product B7.7.3 HID Global Corporation Photo Printer Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.8 Dell7.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.8.2 Photo Printer Product Category, Application and Specification7.8.2.1 Product A7.8.2.2 Product B7.8.3 Dell Photo Printer Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.8.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.9 LG7.9.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.9.2 Photo Printer Product Category, Application and Specification7.9.2.1 Product A7.9.2.2 Product B7.9.3 LG Photo Printer Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.9.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.10 Mitsubishi7.10.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.10.2 Photo Printer Product Category, Application and Specification7.10.2.1 Product A7.10.2.2 Product B7.10.3 Mitsubishi Photo Printer Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.10.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.11 Fujifilm7.12 Samsung7.13 RICOH7.14 Oki7.15 Xerox7.16 Olympus7.17 VuPoint Solutions7.18 Lenovo7.19 Kodak..CONTINUEDAsk for Discount @CONTACT US:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations and Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.Office No. 528, Amanora Chambers, Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar, Pune  411028, Maharashtra, India
COSEC ARC DC100P /S

www.MatrixSecuSol.com

One/Two Door IP Controller with PoEFeatures: Connect Two Wiegand and/or RS-485 Readers Works in Two Operational Modes: Standalone Mode with built-in Software in COSEC PANEL LITE Network Mode with COSEC CENTRA, with or without COSEC PANEL LITE Built-In PoE to provide Readers and Locks with Power Connect Third Party Wiegand Readers 10,000 Users and 1,00,000 Events Storage Two Working Modes: One Door (with I/O Ports) Two Door (without I/O Ports) Industry Standard Din Rail Mounting Contact: MATRIX COMSEC394 GIDC, Makarpura, Vadodara+91 93744 74302More@MatrixComSec.comEstablished in 1991, Matrix is a leader in Telecom and Security solutions for modern businesses and enterprises. An innovative, technology driven and customer focused organization, Matrix is committed to keep pace with the revolutions in the telecom and security industries. With more than 40% of its human resources dedicated to the development of new products, Matrix has launched cutting-edge products like IP-PBX, Universal Gateways, VoIP Gateways and Terminals, GSM Gateways, Access Control, Time-Attendance and Video Surveillance solutions. These solutions are feature-rich, reliable and conform to the international standards. Having global footprints in Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Africa through an extensive network of more than 500 channel partners, Matrix ensures that the products serve the needs of its customers faster and longer. Matrix has gained trust and admiration of customers representing the entire spectrum of industries. Matrix has won many international awards for its innovative products.Matrix Comsec394 GIDC, Makarpura, Vadodara-390010
Top 5 Reasons to Move to Office 365

Top 5 Reasons to Move to Office 365

https://assets.microsoft.com/en-us/office365-financial-model.xls

https://assets.microsoft.com/en-us/office365-partner-value-proposition.pdf

http://www.vyapin.com/blog/?p=4897

http://www.vyapin.com

CLOUD - The most discussed topic in both Business and Technology worldsYou have been hearing and talking about moving to cloud and if you are a Microsoft enterprise, you are probably getting motivated to Take a closer look at Office 365 What TCO benefits being articulated by Microsoft Is it really time to pay serious attention to the cloud migration and its offerings? What will happen to existing systems that businesses are fully entrenched in? What happens to existing organizational policies?Topics we discussed Its all about Productivity and productivity means businessMore the productive work more the business and revenue growth. Its as simple as that. Cost of doing businessThis perhaps is the single biggest advantage that cloud providers tout big time to entice businesses to join the cloud bandwagon. Collaboration and increased participation among all stake holdersInstead of a select few, cloud opens up several interesting possibilities for collaboration among more number of people connected with the organization. Convenience of any type of access from anywhere with highly reliable securityThe convenience of working on the cloud is immense. Apart from just productivity, the ease of use in just doing stuffs  anytime anywhere communication, storage and organization of data and documents and so on Sooner the betterLate adoption to Office 365 causes more pain due to the disruptive nature of cloud.To know more about why to move to Office 365, please visit the link below:About VyapinVyapin Software Systems Private Limited is a long time Microsoft Gold ISV partner providing applications and solutions for Microsoft technologies and platforms such as SharePoint, Office 365, Windows, Active Directory, Exchange Server, IIS and NTFS.Vyapin Software Systems Private Limited2A, "K.G.Sunshine"New No. 48, 12th Avenue, Ashok NagarChennai  600083,Tamil Nadu, India.For enquiries mail to sales@vyapin.comFor technical details, please mail to support@vyapin.comYou may also contact Vyapin through the followingPhone: + 91-44-2471 7142Fax: + 91-44-2471 7095Website:
Pain Management Therapeutics - Development Industry with History - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2023

Pain Management Therapeutics

http://bit.ly/2ocv7wx

"Pain Management Therapeutics Market (Therapeutics - Anticonvulsants, Antidepressants, Anesthetics, Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS), Opioids (Oxycodones, Hydrocodones, Tramadol), Antimigraine Agents, Other Non-narcotic Analgesic; Indication - Neuropathic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Back Pain, Arthritic Pain, Migraine, Post-operative Pain, Cancer Pain) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2023" The Report covers current Industries Trends, Worldwide Analysis, Global Forecast, Review, Share, Size, Growth, Effect.Description-This report on the pain management therapeutics market studies the current as well as future prospects of the market globally. The pain management therapeutics market report comprises an elaborate executive summary along with a market snapshot providing overall information of various segments and sub-segments considered in the scope of the study. This section also provides the general information and data analysis of the global pain management therapeutics market with respect to the leading market segments based on major therapeutics, and geographies.Get Sample Report With TOC @The global pain management therapeutics market has been studied based on major segments by therapeutics, by indication and their regional as well as national markets. Based on therapeutics, the global market has been segmented into anticonvulsants, antidepressants, anesthetics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), opioids, other non-narcotic analgesic, and antimigraine agents. Further the market has been segmented according to its indication that includes neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, arthritic pain, chronic back pain, migraine, post-operative pain, and cancer pain. The market for these segments has been extensively analyzed based on their effectiveness, sales, and geographic presence. Market revenue in terms of US$ Mn for the period from 2014 to 2024 along with the compound annual growth rate (CAGR %) from 2017 to 2024 are provided for all segments, considering 2015 as the base year.The market overview section of the report explores the dynamics such as drivers, restraints, and opportunities that currently have a strong impact on the pain management therapeutics market and could influence the market in the near future. Market attractiveness analysis has been provided in the overview section in order to explain the intensity of competition across different geographies. The competitive scenario among different players is evaluated through market share analysis in the competitive landscape section of the report. All these factors would help market players to take strategic decisions in order to strengthen their position and expand their shares in the global pain management therapeutics market.Geographically, the pain management therapeutics market has been segmented into four regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World(RoW). Each regional pain management therapeutics market has been further categorized into major national markets such as the U.S, Canada, Germany, the U.K., Japan, China, Brazil, and Mexico. Market revenue in terms of US$ Mn for the period from 2014 to 2024 along with CAGR % from 2017 to 2024 are provided for all the regions and nations considering 2015 as the base year.The recommendations section included in the report would assist existing market players to expand their market shares, and new companies in establishing their presence in the global pain management therapeutics market. The report also profiles key players operating in this market based on various attributes such as company overview, financial overview, business strategies, product portfolio, and recent developments. Major players profiled in this report include Abbott Laboratories, AstraZeneca, Depomed, Inc., Endo Pharmaceuticals, Inc., GlaxoSmithKline plc, Johnson & Johnson, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Merck & Co., Inc., Novartis AG, Pfizer, Inc., Purdue Pharma L.P., and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited.**The global pain management therapeutics market is segmented as follows: Global Pain Management Therapeutics Market Revenue, by TherapeuticsAnticonvulsantsAntidepressantsAnestheticsNon-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS)OpioidsOxycodonesHydrocodonesTramadolOthers (Morphine, Codeine, Fentanyl, Meperidine, Methadone)Antimigraine AgentsOther Non-narcotic Analgesic Global Pain Management Therapeutics Market Revenue, by IndicationNeuropathic PainFibromyalgiaChronic Back PainArthritic PainMigrainePost-operative PainCancer Pain Global Pain Management Therapeutics Market, by GeographyNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaEuropeGermanyU.K.Asia Pacific (APAC)ChinaJapanRest of the World (RoW)BrazilMexicoResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Researchmoz Global Pvt. Ltd.90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States,Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free),Tel: +1-518-621-2074
Cable Management Accessories - Development Industry with History - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017 - 2024

Cable Management Accessories

http://bit.ly/2mSNiY6

"Cable Management Accessories Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017 - 2024" The Report covers current Industries Trends, Worldwide Analysis, Global Forecast, Review, Share, Size, Growth, Effect.Description-This report on the global cable management accessories market provides analysis for the period from 2014 to 2024, wherein 2015 is the base year and 2017 to 2024 is the forecast period. Data for 2014 has been included as historical information. The report covers all the prevalent trends and technologies playing a major role in the growth of the cable management accessories market over the forecast period from 2017 to 2024.Get Sample Report With TOC @It also highlights various drivers, restraints, and opportunities expected to influence the markets growth during the said period. The study provides a holistic perspective on market growth throughout the forecast period in terms of revenue estimates (in US$ Mn) across different geographies, which include North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East & Africa (MEA), and Latin America (LATAM). Major countries encompassed in the scope of study are the U.K., the U.S., Germany, France, China, India, Saudi Arabia, Brazil and others. A detailed synopsis has been included along with the growth trends under the country snippet segment.Cable management accessories are primarily used where large number of wiring connections are required, for instance, in IT, automation industry, telecom sector, and manufacturing and assembly plants. Continued investments in infrastructure and growing global energy demand have further increased the demand for cable management accessories across different industrial verticals. Moreover, renewal and up-gradation of existing networks in mature economies have further positively influenced the growth characteristics of the cable management accessories market. On the contrary, volatility in raw material prices and high fragmentation at regional levels are posing a significant threat for cable management accessories manufacturers.This research report provides in-depth analysis of the global cable management accessories market on the basis of end use industry encompassing following end-use industry verticals: IT & telecom, manufacturing, energy & utility, health care, logistics & transportation, mining, oil & gas, and construction. The construction sector is further sub-categorized into residential and commercial infrastructure. In addition, this research report also provides in-depth analysis of the global cable management accessories market based on following product types: cable lug, cable marker, and heat shrink tube.Based on geographical regions, the report segments the global cable management accessories market into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa (MEA), and Latin America; the regions are analyzed in terms of revenue generation. The report provides cross-sectional analysis of the global cable management accessories market in terms of market estimates and forecasts for all segments across different geographic regions.The report also includes competitive profiling of major players engaged in the development of cable management accessories. The major business strategies adopted by these players, their market positioning, and their recent developments have also been identified in the research report. This report also provides market positioning analysis of the major players in the cable management accessories market based on their 2015 revenues. Some of the major players profiled in the report include Schneider Electric SE, Legrand SA, Thomas & Betts Corporation (ABB Ltd.), HellermannTyton Group PLC, TE Connectivity Ltd., Chatsworth Products, Inc., Cooper Wiring Devices (Eaton Corporation), Gustav Klauke GmbH, Partex Marking Systems USA, CableOrganizer.com, LLC,. Cembre S.p.A., Anixter Inc., Weidmuller Interface GmbH & Co. KG, and Panduit Corp.The global cable management accessories market is segmented as below: Cable Management Accessories Market: By ProductCable LugCable MarkerHeat Shrink Tube Cable Management Accessories Market: By End-use IndustryIT and TelecomManufacturingEnergy and UtilityHealthcareLogistics and TransportationMiningOil and GasConstructionResidentialCommercial Cable Management Accessories Market: By RegionNorth AmericaThe U.S.Rest of North AmericaEuropeThe U.K.GermanyFranceSpainItalyAsia PacificJapanChinaIndiaIndonesiaRest of APACMiddle East & AfricaUAESaudi ArabiaSouth AfricaRest of Middle East & AfricaLatin AmericaBrazilRest of Latin AmericaResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Researchmoz Global Pvt. Ltd.90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States,Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free),Tel: +1-518-621-2074
Global Smart Appliances - Development Industry with History 2017-2020

Smart Appliances

http://bit.ly/2oeR6U7

"Global Smart Appliances Market 2017-2020" The Report covers current Industries Trends, Worldwide Analysis, Global Forecast, Review, Share, Size, Growth, Effect.Description- About Smart AppliancesThe global household appliances market is experiencing steady growth with the growing middle-class economy, improved disposable income levels in a number of countries, increase in labor costs, busier lifestyles, and the availability of a range of home appliances at competitive prices. With increasing digitalization, consumers have become tech-savvy and have strong knowledge regarding the use and benefits of all modern appliances. Also, the influence of social media on the Gen Y and the millennial population is further encouraging them to purchase appliances that can provide convenience and comfort.Get Sample Report With TOC @** Technavios analysts forecast the global smart appliances market to grow at a CAGR of 23.48% during the period 2017-2020. Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global smart appliances market for 2017-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the retail sales of smart appliances worldwide. The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:APACEuropeMEANorth AmericaTechnavio's report, Global Smart Appliances Market 2017-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market. Key vendorsElectroluxHaierLGSamsungWhirlpool Other prominent vendorsDacorFriedrichFUJITSU GENERALMideaMitsubishi ElectricPanasonicRobert BoschVideoconVoltas Market driverIncreased convenience and functional value of easily communicating with appliances remotely driving marketFor a full, detailed list, view our report Market challengeLack of technological exposure and awareness hindering mass adoption of smart connected appliancesFor a full, detailed list, view our report Market trendConnectivity and other attractive features in smart connected appliancesFor a full, detailed list, view our report Key questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Researchmoz Global Pvt. Ltd.90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States,Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free),Tel: +1-518-621-2074
Jobbatical & Premoderation brings a new product innovation to Jobbatical.com!

Hire the best. Anywhere.

Jobbatical product innovation continues with the release of a new product update making hiring top talent easier for employers.Jobbatical & Premoderation brings a new product innovation to Jobbatical.com! As a hiring manager, how often have you found yourself sifting through piles of spam or unqualified job applicants? No one has time for that! Recruiters are overloaded with not only attracting top talent, but also interviewing and negotiating with potential hires. Jobbatical is known for giving employers access to a global community of developers, designers and business professionals. Now with pre-moderation, we make pinpointing the perfect candidate faster than ever before.How Premoderation works to source qualified talent for Jobbatical employersYoure already bold enough to search the world for the best candidate for the job. Now, with pre-moderation, you can find that elusive unicorn of an employee with lightning speed. Jobbatical pre-moderation brings the best candidates to the forefront of your hiring campaign.Jobbatical's talent management team qualifies candidates to highlight the most relevant applicants in your employer dashboard. When a candidate applies, the keywords in their CV and profile are matched to the job description. If the applicant meets the minimum criteria, they appear in your "new" workflow tab. Candidates who are not a match are automatically migrated to the "filtered" folder.Rest assured, youll have access to all candidates who apply. However, the employer dashboard filters candidates so you can easily spot the top applicants. Everyone in the "filtered" or premoderated folder will be notified within 7 days that they were not a fit for the role - so you dont have to.Helpful? We think so. After all, Jobbatical makes the world a better place for talent and employers by bringing the best teams together. We achieve this one job at a time in the most efficient way possible. Youre welcome.About Jobbatical:Jobbatical is a disruptive leader in the hiring industry, providing employers with global exposure and exclusive access to top talent looking for opportunities to take their career abroad. Jobbatical sits squarely at the intersection of the future of travel, work and talent mobility.JobbaticalNiine 11Tallinn, Estonia 10414
Global LED Lighting - Development Industry with History for Horticulture Application 2017-2020

LED Lighting

http://bit.ly/2njKaQu

"Global LED Lighting Market for Horticulture Application 2017-2020" The Report covers current Industries Trends, Worldwide Analysis, Global Forecast, Review, Share, Size, Growth, Effect.Description- About LED LightingLighting sources such as incandescent lighting, fluorescent lighting, and tungsten photonic lighting were used. However, the industry is witnessing transition to the latest lighting technology like LED lighting. LED lighting devices provide high-intensity brightness, along with other advantages like low voltage requirements, low radiated heat, high reliability, negligible ultraviolet (UV) rays, and a longer life span over the conventional lighting sources.Get Sample Report With TOC @** Technavios analysts forecast the global LED lighting market for horticulture application to grow at a CAGR of 22.55% during the period 2017-2020. Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global LED lighting market for horticulture application for 2017-2020. To calculate the market size, the report presents the major vendors that manufacture LED lighting products for horticulture applications in the Americas, APAC, and EMEA. The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEATechnavio's report, Global LED Lighting Market for Horticulture Application 2017-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market. Key vendorsCreeFluence BioengineeringHeliospectraHubbell LightingIllumitexKessil LightingLemnis OreonLumiGrowOSRAM SYLVANIASmart Grow Technologies Market driverHigh electricity consumption and increasing power prices.For a full, detailed list, view our report Market challengeInsufficient horticulture infrastructure.For a full, detailed list, view our report Market trendDeclining manufacturing cost of LED.For a full, detailed list, view our report Key questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Researchmoz Global Pvt. Ltd.90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States,Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free),Tel: +1-518-621-2074
17th Annual Rescue Run to Benefit Homeless Cats and Dogs Across Franklin County

17th annual PetPromise Rescue Run 5k event in Columbus, OH

2017 marks 17 years running strong with PetPromise, Inc. at their annual Rescue Run event. Rescue Run takes place each year on Memorial Day weekend. This year, the 17th annual Rescue Run takes place on Saturday, May 27th 2017 at 9:00am.Located at McFerson Commons Park in the heart of the Arena District downtown, Rescue Run is a walk and run promoting awareness of the pet overpopulation problem and supporting efforts to change the future for all homeless pets through education, rescue, sterilization, and adoption. All proceeds benefit our lifesaving programs, including the Pet Food Pantry and City Kitty, as well as the homeless cats and dog fostered by PetPromise, Inc.This years Rescue Run course includes a 1k and 5k option for two- and four-legged participants. This event is family-friendly and pet-friendly. Walkers, runners, and friendly dogs are welcome to participate! The registration fee is $30.On the day of the race, registration will take place between 8:00am and 9:00am. The race will start promptly at 9:00am  rain or shine. Visit rescuerun.com to learn more about how to participate.About PetPromisePetPromise is a Columbus, Ohio-based nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to helping create a world where there are no more homeless pets through education, rescue, sterilization, and adoption. PetPromise does not support euthanasia as a method of population control.PetPromise rescues stray animals from the street or from death row at shelters. . All of our pets are cared for in volunteer foster homes until adoption. We are working to secure a no-kill sanctuary where rescued pets can be safely sheltered and rehabilitated until we can find them forever homes.Our City Kitty program provides spay and neuter services for feral cats in order to reduce the number of unwanted animals in our community. We also educate the community on the seriousness of the pet overpopulation problem. Our Pet Food Pantry provides temporary assistance of cat and dog food free of charge to pet owners who are experiencing economic hardship as well as caretakers of feral cat colonies.PetPromise is funded solely by donations and volunteer fundraising. If you have questions about PetPromise or would like to get involved, please contact: pets@petpromise.org, check out our website, or visit us on Facebook.PO BOX 14802 COLUMBUS OH 43214
Germany Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) Procedures Outlook to 2023

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/enquiry?report_id=15413

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/germany-transcervical-resection-of-the-endometrium-tcre-procedures-outlook-to-2023

ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Germany Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) Procedures Outlook to 2023 to its growing collection of premium market research reports.GlobalDatas new report, "Germany Bariatric Procedures Outlook to 2023", provides key procedures data on the Germany Bariatric Procedures. The report provides procedure volumes within market segments - Gastric Bypass Procedures, Gastric Banding Procedures, Sleeve Gastrectomy Procedures and Other Methods.The data in the report is derived from dynamic market forecast models. GlobalData uses epidemiology based models to estimate and forecast the procedure volumes. The objective is to provide information that represents the most up-to-date data of the industry possible.The epidemiology-based forecasting model makes use of epidemiology data gathered from research publications and primary interviews with physicians to establish the target patient population and treatment flow patterns for individual diseases and therapies. Using prevalence and incidence data and diagnosed and treated population, the epidemiology-based forecasting model arrives at the final numbers.Extensive interviews are conducted with key opinion leaders (KOLs), physicians and industry experts to validate the procedure volumes.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Scope of the Research Report- Germany Bariatric Procedures volumes by segments - Gastric Bypass Procedures, Gastric Banding Procedures, Sleeve Gastrectomy Procedures and Other Methods.- Projections for each of the market segments. Data is provided from 2009 to 2016 and forecast to 2023.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- Develop business and investment strategies by identifying the key market segments expected to register strong growth in the near future.- Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies.About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
France Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) Procedures Outlook to 2023

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/enquiry?report_id=15410

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/france-transcervical-resection-of-the-endometrium-tcre-procedures-outlook-to-2023

ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title France Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) Procedures Outlook to 2023 to its growing collection of premium market research reports.GlobalDatas new report, "France Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) Procedures Outlook to 2023", provides key procedures data on the France Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) Procedures. The report provides procedure volumes within market segment - Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) procedures.The data in the report is derived from dynamic market forecast models. GlobalData uses epidemiology based models to estimate and forecast the procedure volumes. The objective is to provide information that represents the most up-to-date data of the industry possible.The epidemiology-based forecasting model makes use of epidemiology data gathered from research publications and primary interviews with physicians to establish the target patient population and treatment flow patterns for individual diseases and therapies. Using prevalence and incidence data and diagnosed and treated population, the epidemiology-based forecasting model arrives at the final numbers.Extensive interviews are conducted with key opinion leaders (KOLs), physicians and industry experts to validate the procedure volumes.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Scope of the Research Report- France Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) Procedures volumes by segment - Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) procedures.- Projections for each of the market segments. Data is provided from 2009 to 2016 and forecast to 2023.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- Develop business and investment strategies by identifying the key market segments expected to register strong growth in the near future.- Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies.About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
Italy Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) Procedures Outlook to 2023

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/enquiry?report_id=15416

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/italy-transcervical-resection-of-the-endometrium-tcre-procedures-outlook-to-2023

ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Italy Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) Procedures Outlook to 2023 to its growing collection of premium market research reports.GlobalDatas new report, "Italy Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) Procedures Outlook to 2023", provides key procedures data on the Italy Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) Procedures. The report provides procedure volumes within market segment - Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) procedures.The data in the report is derived from dynamic market forecast models. GlobalData uses epidemiology based models to estimate and forecast the procedure volumes. The objective is to provide information that represents the most up-to-date data of the industry possible.The epidemiology-based forecasting model makes use of epidemiology data gathered from research publications and primary interviews with physicians to establish the target patient population and treatment flow patterns for individual diseases and therapies. Using prevalence and incidence data and diagnosed and treated population, the epidemiology-based forecasting model arrives at the final numbers.Extensive interviews are conducted with key opinion leaders (KOLs), physicians and industry experts to validate the procedure volumes.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Scope of the Research Report- Italy Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) Procedures volumes by segment - Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) procedures.- Projections for each of the market segments. Data is provided from 2009 to 2016 and forecast to 2023.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- Develop business and investment strategies by identifying the key market segments expected to register strong growth in the near future.- Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies.About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
Last week, the Nebraska Attorney General's office cited the four beer stores in Whiteclay with 22 violations of state liquor laws, including selling to bootleggers who transport the beer a few miles north into South Dakota to sell on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where alcohol is banned.

On April 6-7, the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission will be holding a hearing at the Capitol to determine whether law enforcement in Whiteclay is adequate to determine whether it will renew the licences of the beer stores in the unincorporated town of about a dozen people, where millions of cans of beer and malt liquor are sold each year, most of it consumed by people on the reservation.

The citations against the stores will not be considered by the commission until May or June, long after the license renewal decision has been made.

But the simple fact that the charges were filed, stemming from an audit of the stores begun in 2015, and came from the attorney general is, in itself, evidence that law enforcement in Whiteclay by Sheridan County has been far from adequate.

That should be and can easily be considered by the commission in April and, perhaps, serve as the linchpin of a decision to deny the renewal of the licenses and, at last, shut down the stores.

The charges, which also include keeping inadequate records and selling alcohol after hours, are in the words of Attorney General Doug Peterson "serious violations"  and should have been uncovered by the county sheriff.

Bootlegging, for example, has been far from a secret  to the point where a bootlegger was one of the main characters in "Songs My Brother Taught Me," a 2016 movie about life on Pine Ridge. But until last week's charges were filed, the stores had not been held accountable for supplying the bootleggers. We believe Peterson when he says evidence to support the charges is forthcoming.

As any Lincoln bar or liquor store owner will attest, it's easy enough to see if alcohol is being sold after hours. But law enforcement needs to actually be in Whiteclay to make those observations, and it has long been clear that there is rarely a sheriff's deputy in the town.

Lawyers for the stores are scrambling to try to get the licenses renewed, arguing in legal filings that a quick renewal is a constitutionally protected right. It is no such thing. The commission needs to take into account the Whiteclay evidence, including the filing of the charges. That should be sufficient to deny the renewal and shut down the stores.

This editorial appeared in the March 24 edition of the Lincoln Journal Star, another Lee Enterprises publication.
MediPoint Bariatric Surgery Devices - Global Analysis and Market Forecasts

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/enquiry?report_id=15398

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/medipoint-bariatric-surgery-devices-global-analysis-and-market-forecasts

ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title MediPoint Bariatric Surgery Devices - Global Analysis and Market Forecasts to its growing collection of premium market research reports.Bariatric Surgery Devices is an ever growing specialty area within General Surgery. This report focuses on the Bariatric Surgery Devices diagnostics market in the 39 markets (US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Japan, China, India, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Russia, South Korea, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, New Zealand, Taiwan, Argentina, Chile, Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and United Arab Emirates).In this report, GlobalData evaluates the currently marketed bariatric surgery devices products, identifies the unmet needs in each market, analyzes market dynamics, and provides an understanding of physicians' adoption trends for different types of bariatric surgery devices. This report covers bariatric stapling devices, gastric bands, and gastric balloon devices within the bariatric surgery devices market.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Key Questions Answered- What are the unmet needs with the current generation of devices? Device Effectiveness & Device Efficiency- With developing the next-generation of devices, what aspects of the technology are device manufacturers focused on optimizing? How will new entrants impact the global bariatric surgery device market?- What trends and events are affecting the global market?- Which are the key, high growth markets that device manufacturers should expand into? Which markets are growing the fastest, and what are the top-selling products?To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Scope of the Research Report- Competitive assessment: Currently marketed bariatric surgery devices and evolving competitive landscape- In-depth analysis of unmet needs and adoption trends of different bariatric surgery devices- Insightful review of the key industry drivers, opportunities, restraints and challenges. Each trend is independently researched to provide qualitative analysis of its implications- Annualized total bariatric surgery devices market revenue by segment and market outlooks from 2013-2023.- Other key topics covered include strategic competitive assessment, market characterization, identification of unmet needs, market dynamics, and implications of the emerging technologies on the market.Reasons to buyThe report will enable you to -- Develop and design your in-licensing and out-licensing strategies through a review of pipeline products and technologies, and by identifying the companies with the most robust pipeline.- Develop business strategies by understanding the trends shaping and driving the global bariatric surgery devices market.- Drive revenues by understanding the key trends, innovative products and technologies, market segments, and companies likely to impact the global bariatric surgery devices market in the future.- Formulate effective sales and marketing strategies by understanding the competitive landscape and by analyzing the performance of various competitors.- Identify emerging players with potentially strong product portfolios and create effective counter-strategies to gain a competitive advantage.- Track device sales in the global and country-specific bariatric surgery devices market from 2013-2023.- Organize your sales and marketing efforts by identifying the market categories and segments that present maximum opportunities for consolidations, investments and strategic partnerships.About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
MediPoint: Companion Diagnostic Tests in Oncology - Global Analysis and Market Forecasts

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https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/medipoint-ultrasound-systems-global-analysis-and-market-forecasts

ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title MediPoint: Companion Diagnostic Tests in Oncology - Global Analysis and Market Forecasts to its growing collection of premium market research reports.Companion diagnostics is synonymous with personalized, stratified, and precision medicine, and heralds a new era of treatment in which a patients' treatment will become increasingly individualized. A companion diagnostic test is defined as an in vitro diagnostic device or imaging tool whose use allows the safe application of a therapy. In practice, this involves measuring the expression or presence of a specific biomarker that is linked to a disease condition or therapy in order to ascertain how a patient will respond to a particular treatment. A relatively narrow range of core technologies is used for companion diagnostic tests, based around the detection of nucleic acids (such as DNA) or proteins (such as cell surface receptors).This report focuses on the companion diagnostic testing markets in the US, five major European markets (5EU: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK), Japan, and the future markets in China, India, and Brazil, to identify unmet needs in the global market, physician attitudes toward current companion diagnostic testing, and the future of companion diagnostic testing in the face of rapid technological advancement. The four major cancers covered in this report are breast cancer, colorectal cancer (CRC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and melanoma.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Key Questions Answered- What is the current and future companion diagnostics market outlook in the developed and emerging markets? What trends are affecting the global market?- What is the competitive landscape of major players in the companion diagnostics space across different regions?- What are the key, high growth markets that manufacturers should expand into? Which market segments are growing the fastest?- What are the unmet needs with the companion diagnostic tests currently on the market?- What are the key factors influencing a physician to use companion diagnostic tests? What is physician perception and market outlook of these devices?- What are the challenges and barriers that have hindered widespread adoption of companion diagnostic testing?To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Scope of the Research Report- Competitive assessment: Currently marketed companion diagnostic products and evolving competitive landscape- In-depth analysis of unmet needs and adoption trends of different companion diagnostic tests- Insightful review of the key industry drivers, opportunities, restraints and challenges. Each trend is independently researched to provide qualitative analysis of its implications- Pipeline analysis: Emerging products and technologies.- Annualized total companion diagnostic market volume and revenue by segment, and market outlooks by country from 2014-2023.- Other key topics covered include strategic competitive assessment, market characterization, identification of unmet needs, market dynamics, and implications of the emerging technologies on the market.Reasons to buyThe report will enable you to -- Develop and design your in-licensing and out-licensing strategies through a review of pipeline products and technologies, and by identifying the companies with the most robust pipeline- Develop business strategies by understanding the trends shaping and driving the global market- Drive revenues by understanding the key trends, innovative products and technologies, market segments, and companies likely to impact the global market in the future- Formulate effective sales and marketing strategies by understanding the competitive landscape and by analysing the performance of various competitors- Identify emerging players with potentially strong product portfolios and create effective counter-strategies to gain a competitive advantage- Track device sales in the global market from 2014-2023- Organize your sales and marketing efforts by identifying the market categories and segments that present maximum opportunities for consolidations, investments and strategic partnershipsAbout ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
Russia Bariatric Procedures Outlook to 2023

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/enquiry?report_id=15421

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/russia-bariatric-procedures-outlook-to-2023

ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Russia Bariatric Procedures Outlook to 2023 to its growing collection of premium market research reports.GlobalDatas new report, "Russia Bariatric Procedures Outlook to 2023", provides key procedures data on the Russia Bariatric Procedures. The report provides procedure volumes within market segments - Gastric Bypass Procedures, Gastric Banding Procedures, Sleeve Gastrectomy Procedures and Other Methods.The data in the report is derived from dynamic market forecast models. GlobalData uses epidemiology based models to estimate and forecast the procedure volumes. The objective is to provide information that represents the most up-to-date data of the industry possible.The epidemiology-based forecasting model makes use of epidemiology data gathered from research publications and primary interviews with physicians to establish the target patient population and treatment flow patterns for individual diseases and therapies. Using prevalence and incidence data and diagnosed and treated population, the epidemiology-based forecasting model arrives at the final numbers.Extensive interviews are conducted with key opinion leaders (KOLs), physicians and industry experts to validate the procedure volumes.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Scope of the Research Report- Russia Bariatric Procedures volumes by segments - Gastric Bypass Procedures, Gastric Banding Procedures, Sleeve Gastrectomy Procedures and Other Methods.- Projections for each of the market segments. Data is provided from 2009 to 2016 and forecast to 2023.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- Develop business and investment strategies by identifying the key market segments expected to register strong growth in the near future.- Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies.About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
South Korea Bariatric Procedures Outlook to 2023

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/enquiry?report_id=15424

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/south-korea-bariatric-procedures-outlook-to-2023

ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title South Korea Bariatric Procedures Outlook to 2023to its growing collection of premium market research reports.GlobalDatas new report, "South Korea Bariatric Procedures Outlook to 2023", provides key procedures data on the South Korea Bariatric Procedures. The report provides procedure volumes within market segments - Gastric Bypass Procedures, Gastric Banding Procedures, Sleeve Gastrectomy Procedures and Other Methods.The data in the report is derived from dynamic market forecast models. GlobalData uses epidemiology based models to estimate and forecast the procedure volumes. The objective is to provide information that represents the most up-to-date data of the industry possible.The epidemiology-based forecasting model makes use of epidemiology data gathered from research publications and primary interviews with physicians to establish the target patient population and treatment flow patterns for individual diseases and therapies. Using prevalence and incidence data and diagnosed and treated population, the epidemiology-based forecasting model arrives at the final numbers.Extensive interviews are conducted with key opinion leaders (KOLs), physicians and industry experts to validate the procedure volumes.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Scope of the Research Report- South Korea Bariatric Procedures volumes by segments - Gastric Bypass Procedures, Gastric Banding Procedures, Sleeve Gastrectomy Procedures and Other Methods.- Projections for each of the market segments. Data is provided from 2009 to 2016 and forecast to 2023.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- Develop business and investment strategies by identifying the key market segments expected to register strong growth in the near future.- Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies.About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
Air And Missile Defense Radar System Market,Its Important Values ,Platforms And Regional Analysis 2021

Air And Missile Defense Radar System Market

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1594

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/air-missile-defense-radar-system-market

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/1594

Market overview of Global Air and Missile Defense Radar System MarketThe Global Air and Missile Defense Radar System Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 7% during 2016-2021. The key factors driving the growth are territorial conflicts, demand for advanced battlefield surveillance radar, automation and modernization of defense surveillance systems, prevention from ballistic and stealth missiles, and growth in R&D investments. As per the MRFR analysis, factors restraining the market are complexities with the integration of new technologies, and threats due to growing cyber warfare. Advent of advanced airborne radar, growth in commercial off-the-self procurement, and new AMDR program are the ongoing trends which will impact the market during the forecast period.Request Sample Report as per your Requirement @Key PlayersSome of the key players in the Global Air and Missile Defense Radar System Market Lockheed Martin Corporation BAE Systems Airbus Group Almaz-Antey Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd Raytheon Company Finmeccanica Thales Group General Dynamics Northrop Grumman Corporation Reutech Radar Systems SAAB GroupBrowse Report @Study Objectives of Global Air and Missile Defense Radar System Market To analyse the Global Air and Missile Defense Radar System Market based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, porters five force analysis etc. To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 5 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the Global Air and Missile Defense Radar System Market To provide country-level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth To provide country-level analysis of the market for segment by range, application, and platform To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (ROW) To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analysing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market To track and analyse competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the Global Air and Missile Defense Radar System MarketMake an enquiry before buying this Report@Target Audience Potential Investors Radar OEMs Systems Suppliers Key executive (CEO and COO) and strategy growth managerRegional and Country Analysis of Global Air and Missile Defense Radar System MarketAs per the MRFR analysis, the Americas region will continue its dominance in the forecast period to reach billion, to grow at around 5%. Whereas, APAC and EMEA will grow significantly at a CAGR of 10%, respectively during the forecast period.The reports also cover country level analysis:Americas (North & Latin) Canada US Brazil OthersAsia  Pacific India China Australia/New Zealand Japan Rest of Asia-PacificEurope Germany U.K Italy France Spain Rest of EuropeMiddle East & Africa Kuwait UAE, Israel Rest of Middle East & AfricaThe market report for Global Air and Missile Defense Radar System Market of Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain the deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The report gives the clear picture of current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value and volume, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report provides details information and strategies of the top key players in the industry. The report also gives a broad study of the different market segments and regions.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+16468459312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Spain Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) Procedures Outlook to 2023

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https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/spain-uterine-fibroid-embolization-ufe-procedures-outlook-to-2023

ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Spain Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) Procedures Outlook to 2023 to its growing collection of premium market research reports.GlobalDatas new report, "Spain Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) Procedures Outlook to 2023", provides key procedures data on the Spain Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) Procedures. The report provides procedure volumes within market segments - Gastric Bypass Procedures, Gastric Banding Procedures, Sleeve Gastrectomy Procedures and Other Methods.The data in the report is derived from dynamic market forecast models. GlobalData uses epidemiology based models to estimate and forecast the procedure volumes. The objective is to provide information that represents the most up-to-date data of the industry possible.The epidemiology-based forecasting model makes use of epidemiology data gathered from research publications and primary interviews with physicians to establish the target patient population and treatment flow patterns for individual diseases and therapies. Using prevalence and incidence data and diagnosed and treated population, the epidemiology-based forecasting model arrives at the final numbers.Extensive interviews are conducted with key opinion leaders (KOLs), physicians and industry experts to validate the procedure volumes.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Scope of the Research Report- Spain Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) Procedures volumes by segments - Gastric Bypass Procedures, Gastric Banding Procedures, Sleeve Gastrectomy Procedures and Other Methods.- Projections for each of the market segments. Data is provided from 2009 to 2016 and forecast to 2023.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- Develop business and investment strategies by identifying the key market segments expected to register strong growth in the near future.- Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies.About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
United Kingdom Bariatric Procedures Outlook to 2023

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https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/united-kingdom-bariatric-procedures-outlook-to-2023

ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title United Kingdom Bariatric Procedures Outlook to 2023 to its growing collection of premium market research reports.GlobalDatas new report, "United Kingdom Bariatric Procedures Outlook to 2023", provides key procedures data on the United Kingdom Bariatric Procedures. The report provides procedure volumes within market segments - Gastric Bypass Procedures, Gastric Banding Procedures, Sleeve Gastrectomy Procedures and Other Methods.The data in the report is derived from dynamic market forecast models. GlobalData uses epidemiology based models to estimate and forecast the procedure volumes. The objective is to provide information that represents the most up-to-date data of the industry possible.The epidemiology-based forecasting model makes use of epidemiology data gathered from research publications and primary interviews with physicians to establish the target patient population and treatment flow patterns for individual diseases and therapies. Using prevalence and incidence data and diagnosed and treated population, the epidemiology-based forecasting model arrives at the final numbers.Extensive interviews are conducted with key opinion leaders (KOLs), physicians and industry experts to validate the procedure volumes.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Scope of the Research Report- United Kingdom Bariatric Procedures volumes by segments - Gastric Bypass Procedures, Gastric Banding Procedures, Sleeve Gastrectomy Procedures and Other Methods.- Projections for each of the market segments. Data is provided from 2009 to 2016 and forecast to 2023.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- Develop business and investment strategies by identifying the key market segments expected to register strong growth in the near future.- Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies.About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
United Kingdom Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) Procedures Outlook to 2023

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https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/united-kingdom-transcervical-resection-of-the-endometrium-tcre-procedures-outlook-to-2023

ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title United Kingdom Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) Procedures Outlook to 2023 to its growing collection of premium market research reports.GlobalDatas new report, "United Kingdom Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) Procedures Outlook to 2023", provides key procedures data on the United Kingdom Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) Procedures. The report provides procedure volumes within market segment - Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) procedures.The data in the report is derived from dynamic market forecast models. GlobalData uses epidemiology based models to estimate and forecast the procedure volumes. The objective is to provide information that represents the most up-to-date data of the industry possible.The epidemiology-based forecasting model makes use of epidemiology data gathered from research publications and primary interviews with physicians to establish the target patient population and treatment flow patterns for individual diseases and therapies. Using prevalence and incidence data and diagnosed and treated population, the epidemiology-based forecasting model arrives at the final numbers.Extensive interviews are conducted with key opinion leaders (KOLs), physicians and industry experts to validate the procedure volumes.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Scope of the Research Report- United Kingdom Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) Procedures volumes by segment - Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) procedures.- Projections for each of the market segments. Data is provided from 2009 to 2016 and forecast to 2023.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- Develop business and investment strategies by identifying the key market segments expected to register strong growth in the near future.- Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies.About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
United States Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) Procedures Outlook to 2023

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/enquiry?report_id=15404

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/united-states-transcervical-resection-of-the-endometrium-tcre-procedures-outlook-to-2023

ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title United States Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) Procedures Outlook to 2023 to its growing collection of premium market research reports.GlobalDatas new report, "United States Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) Procedures Outlook to 2023", provides key procedures data on the United States Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) Procedures. The report provides procedure volumes within market segment - Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) procedures.The data in the report is derived from dynamic market forecast models. GlobalData uses epidemiology based models to estimate and forecast the procedure volumes. The objective is to provide information that represents the most up-to-date data of the industry possible.The epidemiology-based forecasting model makes use of epidemiology data gathered from research publications and primary interviews with physicians to establish the target patient population and treatment flow patterns for individual diseases and therapies. Using prevalence and incidence data and diagnosed and treated population, the epidemiology-based forecasting model arrives at the final numbers.Extensive interviews are conducted with key opinion leaders (KOLs), physicians and industry experts to validate the procedure volumes.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Scope of the Research Report- United States Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) Procedures volumes by segment - Transcervical Resection of the Endometrium (TCRE) procedures.- Projections for each of the market segments. Data is provided from 2009 to 2016 and forecast to 2023.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- Develop business and investment strategies by identifying the key market segments expected to register strong growth in the near future.- Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies.About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
computer screens

If you're looking for ways to enhance your privacy in an era of loosened regulation, security experts say you could use a virtual private network. The best VPNs can hide your true location so that it looks like you're surfing the Web as somebody else, and encrypt your Internet traffic so that nobody outside of the VPN can tell what you're looking at.

(Parick Kovarik/Getty Images )

WASHINGTON -- After Congress handed President Donald Trump legislation this week that would wipe away landmark privacy protections for internet users, we received a lot of reader questions about what happens next. The legislation makes it easier for internet providers, such as AT&T and Verizon, to collect and sell information such as your Web browsing history and app usage.

But let's get into the details: You wanted to know whether the measure could help the government dig up dirt on people. You asked how to protect your privacy. And some of you even asked if it would be possible to buy up the online browsing histories of Trump or members of Congress.

To find out, I spoke to a number of privacy and security experts who have been following these issues closely in the public and the private sectors.

What did Congress vote on?

Congress voted to keep a set of internet privacy protections approved in October from taking effect later this year. The rules would have banned Internet providers from collecting, storing, sharing and selling certain types of personal information -- such as browsing histories, app usage data, location information and more -- without your consent. Trump must still sign the legislation, but he is widely expected to do so.

Without these rules, could I really go to an Internet provider and buy a person's browsing history?

The short answer is "in theory, but probably not in reality."

Many internet service providers (ISPs) have privacy policies that may cover this type of information. If an ISP shares or sells an individual's personal information in violation of its own privacy policy, a state attorney general could take the company to court, said Travis LeBlanc, a former enforcement bureau chief at the Federal Communications Commission. State attorneys general could also sue ISPs whose data practices could be construed as "unfair" to other businesses. Meanwhile, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission has said what's left of his agency's privacy authority still allows him to bring lawsuits against companies -- he just won't be able to write rules that look similar to what Congress rejected this week.

That said, if the providers relax their privacy policies or if the FCC chooses not to take action, ISPs could conceivably share detailed information about a person's Web usage that could be used to discover his or her identity.

"You may recall Verizon's supercookie program where they were tracking quite a bit," LeBlanc said. "And there were allegations they could share unique data sets. It may not have said 'Travis LeBlanc,' but it would have been substantial data points about me."

Based on how companies use and share data today, it's still relatively unlikely that an ISP would simply hand over data for cash, particularly about an individual, said Chris Calabrese, policy vice president at the Center for Democracy and Technology.

What generally happens in this industry is that a marketer will ask a company such as Facebook to advertise with a certain demographic -- say, men between the ages of 45 and 55. The two companies will settle on a deal, and the marketer's ads will be displayed on Facebook to that group, but the marketing company will never see specific information about those people, which will continue to be held by the data company (or in this case, the ISP).

"That's the most likely way you'll have your Web surfing history sold," said Calabrese - which means getting the raw data on, say, President Trump could be harder than you think. For that matter, other legal analysts said, it's not clear why internet providers would comply with consumer requests for data on the politicians that helped ease industry regulations in the first place.

Trade associations representing internet providers didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

How can I protect myself now?

If you're looking for ways to enhance your privacy in an era of loosened regulation, security experts generally recommend several steps.

First, use a virtual private network, or VPN. For a little bit of money, the best VPNs can hide your true location so that it looks like you're surfing the Web as somebody else, and encrypt your internet traffic so that nobody outside of the VPN can tell what you're looking at. Other tools, such as Tor, mask your identity by sending your Internet traffic bouncing through a whole bunch of other intermediary servers before arriving at its destination. Think of it as the online equivalent of losing a tail in a spy movie. These services are not cure-alls: They may cause your browsing speeds to drop, and some websites block VPNs altogether. That includes Netflix, which does this to defeat people who want to watch videos illegally. Finally, they don't thwart any snooping software that an internet provider may have installed on your own device, logging your activity locally.

Second, make sure that the websites you use take advantage of HTTPS. You can think of HTTPS as a more secure version of the normal websites you visit; your overall experience won't change, and Internet providers will still be able to see that you're on a particular site, but they will see less about what you're doing there. Try forcing your browser to use the HTTPS version of a site if there is one. Chrome users, for example, can do this by installing an extension from the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

What does the legislation mean for the government's ability to spy on me?

The measure doesn't give the government any more powers to gather information on people than it already had, although with ISPs getting into the data-mining business, LeBlanc said, that's another place government officials could theoretically go to find information about people of interest.

"I don't see any prohibitions on government as a market actor bidding for your personal data," he said. LeBlanc added that even foreign governments could conceivably buy data from ISPs to find out about people they're interested in.

There is some precedent for this. In fact, in 2013 the New York Times reported that the CIA had paid AT&T for records relating to its customers' phone calls.

But gathering information this way may be less efficient than certain tried-and-true methods, Calabrese said.

"If the FBI wants information from AT&T, they're going to get it the way they always have," he said, "which is to send them a subpoena or a warrant."

That's not to say law enforcement officials don't or won't find consumers' Internet data useful. What's likely to happen, Calabrese added, is that the new information ISPs collect on their users may find their way into databases that government officials are already mining. And that's how the government could indirectly gain even more information about you.

-- The Washington Post
Donald Trump

Donald Trump has said he would likely withdraw from NAFTA if Mexico does not agree to U.S. demands in renegotiations. But a draft letter sent to Congress does not include this threat and suggests that a reworked trade deal is possible.

(The Associated Press)

WASHINGTON -- The Trump administration will seek many modest -- but numerous -- changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement, according to a draft of a letter sent last week to Congress, displaying a much more conventional approach to trade negotiation than the dramatic changes President Donald Trump had suggested he planned to seek.

The draft letter, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, suggests a much more diplomatic tone than Trump has threatened to use during NAFTA renegotiations. It says, among other things, that the White House would look to strengthen cooperation under the World Trade Organization, an international group that the Trump administration had suggested in the past it might not abide by.

The draft letter also reinforces how Canada and Mexico are the U.S.'s two largest export markets and that the countries have "shared borders" and "shared goals, shared histories and cultures, and shared challenges."

NAFTA is a free-trade agreement that went into force in 1994 after the Clinton administration reached a deal with Canada and Mexico. NAFTA has dramatically expanded trade between the three countries, but Democrats and Republicans have said the agreement should be revisited and changed because they fear it has hurt U.S. workers. President Trump has complained that the trade agreement has allowed Mexico to take advantage of the U.S., causing an imbalance in the kinds of goods that are shipped across the border and luring away U.S. jobs in the process.

To renegotiate NAFTA, the White House must send a letter to Congress stating its intent, and the White House's Office of the U.S. Trade Representative began circulating a letter last week. The White House must formally notify Congress 90 days before it formally begins renegotiating the trade agreement, and when the letter is formally sent to Capitol Hill, that process will start.

"For reasons of scale alone, improving the NAFTA has the greatest potential to benefit the workers, farmers, and firms of the United States," the draft says, which was signed by Stephen Vaughan, the acting U.S. Trade Representative.

The eight-page letter outlines a number of categories where the U.S. will seek changes to NAFTA. They include things like "rules of origin" changes that would prevent companies from circumventing preferential duty rates. It would also seek to strengthen intellectual property rights and a commitment from Mexico and Canada not to impose customs duties on digital products.

Some of the proposed changes are generic and could be interpreted a number of different ways. The draft letter says, for example, that it would "address anticompetitive business conduct, and other competition-related matters, as appropriate."

Trump has said that if Mexico does not agree to the U.S.'s demands in the renegotiations, he would likely withdraw from NAFTA. But the letter does not include this threat and suggests that a reworked trade deal is possible.

"We are committed to concluding these negotiations with timely and substantive results for U.S. workers, consumers, businesses, farmers, and ranchers, keeping in mind U.S. priorities and negotiating objectives," the draft letter says.

Because the letter was just a draft, it will likely be changed before it is formally sent and received on Capitol Hill.

-- The Washington Post
Part of Ted Sickinger was itching to testify.

And part of him understood why it wasn't a good idea.

In a Salem courtroom last week, state attorneys argued that The Oregonian/OregonLive reporter should take the witness stand in a criminal forgery case the government had brought.

Sickinger, along with his colleague Jeff Manning, wrote a series of stories that launched the state's criminal case against former state consultant, Martin Shain.

Our reporters uncovered what appeared to be forgery and fraud by sifting through documents in a $12 million state tax credit application. They reviewed thousands of pages of records to determine that the state wrongly awarded the tax credits based on phony paperwork.

The reporting tipped off prosecutors. The governor called for an investigation. An audit ensued. And Shain was indicted for forgery. That's big-time journalistic impact.

The Department of Justice wanted Sickinger to testify about exchanges he'd had with Shain in January 2015 -- some of which we had already published online.

It may have bolstered the state's case. And therein lies the dilemma.

All journalists seek the truth. And Sickinger wanted the truth to come out. But he understood that subpoenas put journalists in a sticky spot.

"I'm also conscious that being enlisted to testify at trial could jeopardize my future reporting efforts, or those of others," said Sickinger, who was subpoenaed once before years ago.

You might be thinking, why not testify? What's the harm to the newsroom? After all it was our story that sparked this in the first place.

But it's not our job to help the state prosecute a case.

"If potential sources are concerned about reporters becoming tools -- willing or unwilling -- for the prosecution or defense in future legal actions, what kind of assurances can we really offer when trying to convince folks to share information with us," Sickinger noted. "Trust is often a big part of that equation, and while that may not sound particularly compelling in this circumstance, the principle is essential to the job."

As a matter of principle, we fight subpoenas to testify about what our sources give us. We don't want to be placed in a position where we're asked about confidential material we've uncovered during the reporting process. And as Sickinger notes, we're deeply concerned that if a reporter is compelled to testify, it could discourage sources from talking to us confidentially.

This case wasn't about confidential material. But we treat all our conversations with sources as sacred -- and fortunately state laws do too. We didn't want to run the risk of attorneys for either side asking us about unpublished material or about our news gathering process. If sources believe we're willing to talk about these kinds of details it could prove to be a chilling effect down the road. Testifying for one side or the other also imperils our independence.

It's in that context that we ended up in court in front of Marion County Circuit Judge Donald Abar, attempting to quash the state's efforts to get Sickinger on the stand.

The judge noted the protections for journalists were "very, very strong" but he wondered aloud if there, in fact, were some circumstances in which reporters should have to testify. "It seems to me," he said, "that an investigative reporter for The Oregonian broke this story. But for The Oregonian, I don't think this ever would have come forth."

After listening intently to the arguments, he ruled that Sickinger could not be compelled to testify.

Fortunately, we don't live in Wyoming.

It's the only state in America that doesn't have a shield law to protect journalists from taking the witness stand to talk about their news gathering process.

Every other state and the District of Columbia has a law on the books. Some state laws apply to civil cases -- but not criminal. Some protect confidential sources but don't apply to other types of information. Oregon has one of the nation's strongest shield laws. Its protections extend to civil and criminal cases. And it covers confidential sources and other information reporters gather for their stories.

I could think of few exceptions where we might handle things differently. If it were a life or death matter. Yes. If we had witnessed a violent crime. Yes. If we knew that serious harm could occur but for our testimony. Yes.

"This was hard because we started the investigation and we want the fullest truth to come to the light of day," said Therese Bottomly, our director of news. "But we have to be cognizant of the down side of appearing to join forces with one side or the other."

It's not every day that a subpoena lands in our mailbox. But it does happen from time to time.

We received four subpoenas in the newsroom last year. But Bottomly can recall only one time in the past 25 years when a reporter took the stand -- and it was under the most limited of scopes. The reporter confirmed she wrote the story in question and testified regarding its accuracy. That was that.

A similar issue garnered some attention in February when a former Oregon Public Broadcasting reporter was subpoenaed by the federal government. Attorneys wanted John Sepulvado to authenticate his January 2016 interview with occupation leader Ryan Bundy. The recording was made during the takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. OPB fought the subpoena on the same grounds -- worried that forcing a reporter to testify would "chill future sources, even non-confidential ones."

Although there is no federal shield law, OPB prevailed.

In making his ruling in our case, Judge Abar also noted that putting Sickinger on the witness stand could violate our First Amendment rights.

And we appreciate any decision that protects our independent watchdog role.

-- Mark Katches
The preliminary 2018 budget the Trump administration released earlier this month is supposed to give negotiators a starting point, but Oregon's largest universities already are rattled by the sweeping cuts in science and research spending it proposes.

The fiscal blueprint could upend or delay scientific study across the state -- from cancer research on Pill Hill in Portland to programs affecting coastal communities - and longtime observers of the political process say it's an ominous sign of where the administration's interests lie.

The uncertainty will stretch for months, as the federal budget-writing process will continue into the fall for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. Meanwhile, multiple media outlets reported Wednesday that the White House is now looking to slash federal research spending this fiscal year. Congress must pass a budget resolution by the end of April to continue funding the government until the end of fiscal 2017. However, experts say Trump's controversial proposal is unlikely to pass the Republican-controlled Congress.

The 2018 budget would strip nearly $6 billion from the National Institutes of Health, which would dramatically alter future cancer research at Oregon Health & Science University, as well as sidetrack its clinical trials on an AIDS vaccine.

"I've been a scientist for 40 years and an administrator for 22 years," said Daniel Dorsa, senior vice president of research at the Portland campus and who has held a similar position at research powerhouse University of Washington. "This is the worst starting point for a negotiation that I've seen."

Robotics research at Oregon State University could be slowed down, and a maritime education program that provides a vital connection to coastal communities would be all but eliminated under Trump's proposal. Portland State University, meanwhile, received more than $47.6 million in federal research funding last year, helping pay for drought research and other projects.

Officials at the University of Oregon worry that its School of Education, which accounts for more than one-third of the school's $98 million in federal research activity, would see new granting opportunities dry up.

"Part of the alarm is the uncertainty," David Conover, vice president of research and innovation at the Eugene school, said in an interview this month. UO President Michael Schill has made growing the Eugene university's research portfolio one of his top priorities.

But OHSU may have the most to lose.

OHSU received $234 million from the NIH in 2016 alone, an infusion that helped support research and clinical trials by thousands of doctors and scientists at the medical and bioscience hub in Southwest Portland. NIH grants accounted for more than 82 percent of OHSU's federal research dollars in 2016.

Though budget-writing responsibility falls to Congress, the president's budget sends a "concerning message" about his overall priorities, Dorsa said.

If passed, his proposal "would be devastating certainly to OHSU and to biomedical research broadly," said Dorsa, who estimates that 6,000 to 7,000 OHSU employees are involved in research.

One concern is that budget cuts would essentially cut off any new research funding, a move that would presumably protect existing grants that are doled out over several years.

Cutting new grants would affect younger faculty, Dorsa said, who are just coming into the system.

The proposed budget comes as OHSU continues building up its South Waterfront campus, where three buildings are slated for completion by 2019, including a 320,000-square-foot building that will house the Knight Cancer Institute.

Though some of that work is supported by a $500 million pledge from Phil and Penny Knight, Dorsa said the cancer center's future scientific success is "predicated on continued support from the federal government."

If the NIH budget is slashed to the levels proposed, "everything will be effected," he said.

OHSU, which reported $283 million in federal grants for research in 2016, is hardly alone in worrying about the future of scientific research funding.

OSU in Corvallis pulled in $212.6 million in federal research dollars last year, with the largest share coming from the National Science Foundation.

Though those running many federally backed initiatives have been left to wonder if they should expect the across-the-board 10 percent cut projected for most agencies outside of Defense and Homeland Security, one National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration-funded program was called out specifically by the administration.

The Sea Grant program, which has 33 branches across the country, is a $73 million initiative the president said should be scrapped entirely.

Oregon's Sea Grant, housed at OSU, receives most its annual budget from the federal government. Shelby Walker, the program director, said her 40-person staff is supported by a $2.4 million federal grant that is matched by the Corvallis school.

The proposed cuts would represent a "significant majority of the program."

Sea Grant staffers run the marine education program at OSU's Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport and have employees in extension offices up and down the coast. They work with community members on such issues as commercial crabbing concerns in Astoria, acting as a facilitator for often difficult local conversations.

Walker said it was disheartening to hear Trump call out her program specifically. "We've had a pretty strong record of being a presence in the community," she said.

UO is pushing lawmakers in Salem for $100 million in state bonds to help build two new science buildings on the school's planned Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact.

The university has a $500 million commitment from the Knights, spaced out over a decade, to help pay for two of the planned buildings.

UO hopes to break ground this fall, and was banking on a 30 percent increase in federal research dollars once the project is fully operational.

Patrick Phillips, the Knight campus' acting director, said in a statement that "the long-term success" of the six-month old initiative is dependent on federal support.

But then again, that's been the story of Post-World War II America, he said.

"This has served as the economic engine for the country for the last 70 years," he said of federal research funding. "We should not take that hard-fought leadership position for granted."

-- Andrew Theen

atheen@oregonian.com

503-294-4026

@andrewtheen
Gov. Kate Brown

Gov. Kate Brown fired a majority of the commission overseeing the state Department of Environmental Quality Wednesday, just more than a month after it hired her former advisor to be the department's leader.

(Stephanie Yao Long/Staff)

Gov. Kate Brown fired a majority of the commission overseeing the state Department of Environmental Quality Wednesday, just more than a month after it hired her former advisor to be the department's leader.

Brown replaced three members of the five-person Environmental Quality Commission, including one commissioner, Colleen Johnson, whom the governor had recently reappointed. Two other members, Melinda Eden and Morgan Rider, were also fired.

The commission oversees an agency that has struggled to regain public trust since last year's Portland air scare revealed just how little it had done to protect city residents from toxic air pollution.

The resulting crisis led to the resignation of its previous director, Dick Pedersen, and left the agency without a permanent leader for nearly a year.

The commission had not met since Feb. 14, when it unanimously chose Richard Whitman, a former adviser to Brown and Gov. John Kitzhaber, to be its director.

That recruitment process moved slowly. Commissioners interviewed three candidates in August 2016 but refused to name any as finalists. As the search dragged on, Whitman took over as interim director because the other temporary leader, Pete Shepherd, reached the maximum amount of time he was allowed to serve.

After announcing the shakeup in a prepared statement Wednesday, Brown's office quickly moved to quash suggestions that the governor didn't want her former adviser leading the agency.

"Their decision to hire Richard Whitman as DEQ director was not a factor," said Bryan Hockaday, a spokesman for the governor. "The process the EQC went through to solicit a diverse pool of candidates was something that led to the governor's decision. The governor is fully confident in Richard's ability to guide DEQ."

Whitman was one of just two finalists named for the job after the commission spent nearly a year on a national search. The only other long-standing member of the commission, Ed Armstrong, will remain, along with a commissioner, Sam Baraso, who joined the board in February.

The fired commissioners did not respond to requests for comment, though one, Colleen Johnson, told the Register-Guard newspaper that she was blindsided by the governor's decision and expected to release a statement soon.

Jane O'Keeffe, a former commissioner, called the firings a surprise. "I didn't think the governor would do that," she said. "I didn't think anything had happened that would result in removing three commissioners. That's pretty drastic."

The three new members, who must first be confirmed by the state Senate, are:

* Kathleen George, an elected member of the Grand Ronde Tribal Council and former Department of Environmental Quality employee.

* Wade Mosby, a founding member of the Forest Stewardship Council and former executive with Collins, a wood products company.

* Molly Kile, an associate professor at Oregon State University who studies how chemicals influence children's health.

If confirmed, they will oversee a significant overhaul of Oregon's air pollution rules ordered by the governor after last year's crisis.

-- Rob Davis

rdavis@oregonian.com

503.294.7657
Many Americans right now feel like society is on the brink of chaos. Public protests have become commonplace across the country, leading some political leaders to propose state laws to curb them.

A group of legislators in Iowa have sought to criminalize protests that hold up traffic. North Dakota lawmakers tried and ultimately failed to give motorists a pass for running down road-blocking demonstrators -- so long as their "intent" wasn't to injure. Here in Portland, Mayor Ted Wheeler is starting to take a hard line against disruptive protesters who have made commissioners and staff feel unsafe at City Council meetings.

This is serious stuff, but for people who were around 50 years ago, what's going on today is pretty weak beer. Americans didn't just protest in the 1960s, they embraced "Days of Rage." Riots tore through Los Angeles, Chicago, Newark, Detroit and many other major American cities. College campuses also faced large-scale disruptions, culminating in the deadly 1970 shootings at Ohio's Kent State.

Oregon was still a small, mostly rural state at the time, but, like today, it was far from immune.

Throughout the early years of the 1960s, college-age kids descended on Seaside for the Labor Day weekend, drank too much and ended up fighting with each other and breaking windows. "We face this problem every year with back-to-school kids," Police Chief John Yarmonchik told The Oregonian in 1962. "This year it was a little wilder than usual."

In 1967, a heavy police presence at a public meeting of black activists sparked two nights of tumult that paralyzed Portland's Albina neighborhood. Dozens of shop windows were smashed and fires started. "Officers Seal Off District In Albina To Curb Disorders By Teen Gangs," The Oregonian headlined.

Just over six months later, in March 1968, hundreds of prisoners rioted at Salem's Oregon State Penitentiary. They set fires, took over several buildings and held staffers hostage. In tense negotiations with state officials, they called for better medical care and the warden's resignation, among other demands -- and mostly got what they wanted.

A year later brought mayhem to Eugene -- this time with fake rioting. The Elliott Gould-Candice Bergen movie "Getting Straight," Columbia Pictures' publicity man claimed, "would be the first feature film to tell like it is; the first film to realistically depict what is happening today on our college campuses and the first to present in a clear and unbiased light some of the problems which lead to campus confrontations and riots." This was a point, the press agent told The Oregonian, "that Columbia wished to underline."

These handful of incidents only begin to tell the tale of this famously disruptive time in Oregon (see the photo gallery above), but the frequent public upheaval in the 1960s doesn't mean the decade was especially unusual. Protests and disorder have regularly cycled through American -- and Oregon -- history and will continue to do so. The right to free expression isn't always pretty, but it remains as necessary as ever.

-- Douglas Perry
By Eder Campuzano

Ducks vs. Tar Heels

The Oregon Ducks and North Carolina Tar Heels are heading to the Final Four this weekend.

Both schools have proven their mettle on the court, but what about other such important areas as science and the arts? Which school boasts the most Pulitzer winners? Academy Award wins?

We've combed through each university's list of notable alumni and rated them in 10 distinct categories, such as the aforementioned awards along with contributions to the fields of science, music and the managing of major beverage conglomerates.

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Photo by George Frey/Getty Images

1. The beverage makers

In the blue corner, we have J. Frank Harrison III, CEO of the Coca Cola Bottling Company. And in the green corner, weve got a tag-team duo in Kurt Widmer, president of Widmer Brothers Brewing and Jack Joyce, co-founder of Rogue Ales.

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Kurt Widmer, University of Oregon class of 1978.

Oregonian file photo by Kristyna Wentz-Graff

Winner: Oregon

Both of the Oregon alumns in this category are co-founders of their respective beer companies, while their North Carolinian competitor runs a bottling company.

Advantage: Oregon, 1-0

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Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

2. Actor: Drama

Ellen Page studied permaculture through the University of Oregon in Lost Valley. She's starred in such films as "Inception," "Whip It" and "Juno," which got her an Oscar nod for Best Actress.

Tar Heel Louise Fletcher is known for her work in "Flowers in the Attic," "Firestarter" and "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." The last film earned her a Best Actress statue at the 1975 Academy Awards.

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Oregonian file photo by Eilise Ward

Winner: North Carolina

Fletcher emerged from an Oscars ceremony with a statue in hand. Page did not.

And although the storied actress didn't attend any of Oregon's institutions of higher learning, she still has ties to the state. "Cuckoo's Nest" was filmed at the Oregon State Hospital in Salem.

Advantage: Tie, 1-1

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Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP

3. Actor: Comedy

"Community" stars Ken Jeong and Jim Rash are proud Tar Heels, as was the legendary Andy Griffith.

Oregon, however, boasts Kaitlin Olson of "The Mick" and "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" as well as Emmy-winner Ty Burrell of "Modern Family" fame.

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Winner: Oregon

While Community and The Andy Griffith Show will long be remembered as classics of their respective times, Dr. Ken brings North Carolinas batting average way, way down. Its Always Sunny and Modern Family take it home for Oregon.

Advantage: Oregon, 2-1

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Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images

4. Academy Awards recipients

How else do you quantify high art?

Louise Fletcher isnt the only alumn from either school to snag an Oscar. Both universities have a history of contributing to celebrated works both on and off-screen.

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Winner: Tie

Both the UO and UNC claim two alumni apiece with an Academy Award on a mantle somewhere. Dennis Gassner earned a statue for set design for Bugsy while Joe Hutshing won for editing JFK and Born on the Fourth of July.

Fletcher, of course, won Best Actress for One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest and Hughes Winborne won an Oscar for his editing work in Crash.

Advantage: Oregon, 2-1

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Oregonian file photo

5. Innovators

The University of Oregon claims Phil Knight, Bill Bowerman and Tinker Hatfield, the three of whom revolutionized the world of fitness apparel as we know it through Nike. Fellow Duck Paul Brainerd also went on to create Microsoft Pagemaker and is widely known as the father of desktop publishing.

Their Tar Heel counterparts would be ... William Dunn Moseley, first governor of Florida? Maybe?

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Oregonian file photo

Winner: Oregon

This one's not even close.

Advantage: Oregon, 3-1

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AP photo by James Kenney

6. Professional athletes

Oregon can count Heisman winner-turned NFL player Marcus Mariota, Heisman finalist-turned NFL player Joey Harrington and Heisman finalist-turned NFL player LaMichael James among its ranks of pro grads.

UNC, meanwhile, claims former Portland Trailblazer Rasheed Wallace, Olympic gold medalist Mia Hamm and  you may have heard of this last one  His Royal Airness, Michael Jordan.

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Winner: North Carolina

When your silhouette anchors a shoe line that's practically synonymous with the sport in which you're widely considered a GOAT, you might stand a chance against Jordan. Right now, nobody in Oregon comes close.

Advantage: Oregon, 3-2

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Photo by Andrew Toth/Getty Images

7. Journalism

Both UNC-Chapel Hill and Oregon boast alumni who have rocked the world of journalism.

From broadcast pros like former Duck Ann Curry to intrepid shoe-leather reporters like Nikole Hannah-Jones (formerly of The Oregonian, now at The New York Times Magazine), both schools have produced stellar purveyors of truth.

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Photo by Leigh Vogel/Getty Images

Winner: North Carolina

Both universities have produced their fair share of Pulitzer Prize winning reporters and editors.

But North Carolina takes the lead here with 13 individuals with a Pulitzer under his or his name to Oregon's 10. Most notably, Eugene Roberts led The Philadelphia Inquirer to 17 of the prizes under his leadership.

Advantage: Tie, 3-3

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Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images

8. Inventors

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill gave us the man who would invent Pepsi. Oregon's Walter Brattain was part of the team that brought us the transistor.

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Photo Illustration by Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Winner: Oregon

One of these inventions paved the way for portable radios and digital watches. The other is partly to blame for the root canal I have scheduled next week.

Advantage: Oregon, 4-3

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Oregon Governor Tom McCall shares a bath with Japanese Consul-General Keisuke Ochi Nov. 7, 1972.

Oregonian file photo

9. Politicians

Both the UNC-Chapel Hill and the UO have produced their fair share of men and women who went on to lead their home states, from current North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper to Oregon's legendary Tom McCall, who once approved funding for a music festival in an effort to divert protesters away from Portland during a visit by President Richard Nixon.

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Wikimedia Commons photo

Winner: North Carolina

Sheer numbers would give North Carolina the win, although to be fair, the school's been around much longer than the UO.

Thirty-one UNC grads went on to become governors of their home state, while only seven Oregon grads can say the same. Then again, a Duck has never been voted into the Oval Office. The Tar Heels claim James K. Polk as one of their own.

Advantage: Tie, 4-4

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YouTube video via mauicovenant

10. Musicians

North Carolina gave us the likes of Superchunk's Laura Ballance and Oliver, who wrote "Good Morning Starshine."

Oregon produced Cherry Poppin' Daddies frontman Steve Perry and The Decemberists' Colin Meloy.

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YouTube video via Miguel Rellego

Winner: Oregon

We'll stick with "Rox in the Box," thank you very much.

Advantage: Oregon, 5-4

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Ducks win this round ...

The Oregon Ducks just barely squeaked by the North Carolina Tar Heels in this battle of the alumni.

Will this clout help Oregon in its first Final Four appearance since 1939? We'll just have to wait until Saturday, April 1 at 5:49 p.m. to find out.
For immediate release

30 March 2017

Serabi Gold plc

("Serabi" or the "Company")

Audited Results for the year ended 31 December 2016

Serabi (AIM:SRB, TSX:SBI), the Brazilian focused gold mining and development company, today releases its audited results for the year ended 31 December 2016.

Key Financial Information

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATISTICS FOR THE THREE AND TWELVE MONTHS ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2016 3 months to

31 Dec 2016

US$ 12 months to

31 Dec 2016

US$ 3 months to

31 Dec 2015(1)

US$ 12 months to

31 Dec 2015(1)

US$ Revenue 10,472,823 52,593,751 8,042,431 35,086,113 Cost of Sales (7,077,485) (32,906,426) (4,235,007) (23,585,063) Depreciation and amortisation charges (1,832,637) (8,384,738) (2,236,959) (5,840,769) Gross profit 1,562,701 11,302,587 1,570,465 5,660,281 (Loss) / profit before tax (435,552) 1,870,179 285,221 476,294 Profit / (loss) after tax 2,958,630 4,430,292 (239,811) (48,738) Earnings / (loss) per ordinary share (basic) 0.423 cents 0.659 cents (0.036 cents) (0.01 cents) Average gold price received US$1,207 US$1,245 US$1,105 US$1,151 As at

31 Dec 2016 As at

31 Dec 2015 Cash and cash equivalents 4,160,923 2,191,759 Net assets 63,378,973 46,783,645 Cash Cost and All-In Sustaining Cost ("AISC") 12 months to

31 Dec 2016 12 months to

31 Dec 2015(1) Gold production for cash cost and AISC purposes (3) 39,390 29,841(2) Total Cash Cost of production (per ounce) US$770 US$677 Total AISC of production (per ounce) US$965 US$892

The Sao Chico Mine was only declared to be in Commercial Production with effect from 1 January 2016 and all costs and revenues relating to this mine were capitalised prior to this date. The Income Statements for 2015 therefore only reflect the revenues and costs arising from the gold produced from the Palito Mine and the Cash Cost and AISC for the 2015 comparative period therefore also only reflect the activities from the Palito Mine. Excludes gold production of 2,788 ounces from the Sao Chico Mine which was not in commercial production during 2015. Gold production figures are subject to amendment pending final agreed assays of the gold content of the copper/gold concentrate and gold dore that is delivered to the refineries.

2016 Financial Highlights

Cash Cost for the year of US$770 per ounce.

All-In Sustaining Cost for the year of US$965 per ounce.

Gross profit from operations of US$11.30 million for 2016 which represents an improvement of over 99 per cent compared to the same 12 month period of 2015.

Post tax profit of US$4.43 million compared with a loss of US$0.048 million for the same 12 month period of 2015.

Earnings per share of 0.66 cents for 2016.

Cash holdings of US$4.16 million at 31 December 2016 (31 December 2015 : US$2.2 million)

Average gold price of US$1,245 received on gold sales in 2016.

Negligible borrowings with secured debt facilities outstanding at 31 December of only US$1.37 million.

Borrowings of approximately US$8.50 million settled during the year.

Unit production costs per tonne reduced by 12.7 per cent in local currency terms year on year.

2017 Guidance

Forecast gold production for 2017 expected to be approximately 40,000 ounces.

Cost guidance for 2017 of an All-In Sustaining Cost of US$950 to US$975 per ounce.

Post Year End Highlights

Approximately 6,600 ounces of gold produced during the first two months of 2017.

2016 Operational Highlights

Record annual production of 39,390 ounces of gold, exceeding guidance and representing a 21 per cent improvement compared with the 2015 calendar year.

Plant capacity increased with installation of third ball mill. Average milled tonnage now approximately 500 tonnes per day ("tpd").

Total tonnage mined of approximately 159,000 tonnes, a 17 per cent increase compared with the preceding year.

Total tonnage processed of approximately 159,000 tonnes, representing a 22 per cent improvement compared with 2015.

Milled ore grades of 8.11 grammes per tonne ("g/t") of gold.

New exploration licences at Sao Chico have been acquired immediately to the east and west of the Sao Chico Mine deposit, offering excellent opportunity to expand the deposit, with exploration already underway.

Ground induced polarisation ("IP") survey undertaken at Sao Chico has identified some excellent targets within 500 metres of the current operation.

The Company has three additional gold discoveries within three kilometres of the Palito deposit providing further potential for near term resource and production growth.

At Sao Chico the main ramp has now been deepened to the 71mRL, some 170 vertical metres below surface.

Two new sectors brought into development at Palito, being Senna to the west and Chico da Santa to the east.

In the Palito Main Zone, the main ramp has now reached the -50mRL, where the G3 vein has been intersected and is ready to be developed.

Fourth quarter 2016 Operational Highlights

Gold production of 9,413 ounces for the fourth quarter of 2016 (Q3 2016 - 10,233 ounces).

Mine ore production totalled 44,579 tonnes for the fourth quarter (Q3 2016 - 43,133 tonnes):

34,611 tonnes at a grade of 7.38 g/t of gold from Palito.

9,968 tonnes at a grade of 14.38 g/t of gold from Sao Chico.

40,485 tonnes of ore processed through the plant during the quarter for the combined mining operations, at a combined grade of 7.60 g/t of gold.

2,624 metres of horizontal mine development completed in the quarter with 1,928 metres completed at Palito and 696 metres at Sao Chico.

During the quarter, the installation of a new carbon regeneration kiln was completed, this is now effectively regenerating 'fouled' carbon and early results suggest significant improvement in gold recoveries.

At Palito the development of the Senna vein is continuing, with sublevels being developed on 250mRL, 237mRL, 225mRL, 210mRL and ramping down to the 180mRL.

During the fourth quarter, a total of 2,814 metres of underground diamond drilling was completed across both sites. At Sao Chico, a combination of exploration and evaluation drilling totalling 1,267 metres was completed, mostly drilling the inferred resource blocks below the 86mRL. At Palito, a total of 1,547 metres of mostly exploration drilling was completed, principally drilling the inferred resource blocks on the Senna vein below the 200mRL.

At the year end, the combined surface stockpiles at Palito and Sao Chico totalled 21,000 tonnes of ore with an average grade of 4.0 g/t of gold.

Mike Hodgson, CEO of Serabi commented,

"2016 has been an excellent year for the Company. As announced on 23 January 2017 we produced 39,390 ounces of gold for the year, exceeding our production guidance. The financial results that we have released today reflect the strong operational performance with a gross operating profit reported of over US$10.6 million. With the cash generated we have been able to settle approximately US$8.50 million of debt that the Company had outstanding at the end of 2015 and significantly strengthen the balance sheet.

"We continue to look for efficiencies and improvements and it is pleasing to report that our unit production costs per tonne have decreased year on year by almost 13 per cent when looked at in local currency terms. Our results have been unavoidably impacted by the 20 per cent strengthening of the Brazilian Real over the past 12 months and, whilst many of the forecasts that we read indicate a weakening of the currency during 2017, we work on the principal of focussing on the items that we can control and therefore our simple objective is to reduce our costs to the lowest levels possible.

"2017 will, from an operational perspective, be a period of consolidation. Both the Palito and Sao Chico Mines are now in a reasonably steady state and at the current time we are forecasting production of 40,000 ounces for the year, similar to the output for 2016. Whilst opportunities may present themselves that could create gold production improvements at both Palito and Sao Chico, significant future production growth is most likely to come from establishing new mineable ore-bodies. I am hopeful that during 2017 we can re-invest surplus cash into exploration programmes that will generate these additional ore-bodies. With four discoveries already made at Palito and the Currutela discovery certainly looking as if it is a strike extension of the Palito deposit I am very confident that the probability of successfully increasing our production over the next 12 to 18 months is high.

"In addition, the Sao Chico Mine sits within what is a larger regional shear structure and having secured the exploration licences to the east and west and with numerous historic gold occurrences in the area, it seems likely that future exploration programmes will identify additional mineable resources within the vicinity of the existing Sao Chico deposit. Whilst the exploration here is less developed and, unlike Palito we have no existing drilled discoveries, considering the geological setting, we are of the view that the Sao Chico Mine, whilst smaller today than Palito, has the scope to expand significantly and ultimately host a larger mineral resource than Palito. Whilst the ground geophysics programme that we started at the end of 2016 had to be suspended due to an early onset of the wet season, the initial results were very encouraging and identified a number of significant anomalies that appear larger that Sao Chico itself. We want to restart and complete the programme as soon as conditions permit and, if successful, will look to follow this up with some initial surface drilling.

"When I look back to 12 months ago my priorities were to ensure that we met our production guidance and paid down our debt. I am pleased that we exceeded our initial guidance by 6.5 per cent and settled almost 75 per cent of our debt. For this next 12 months we will focus on identifying and developing the future production growth for the Group. Our target is to expand annualised production by the end of 2018 to 60,000 to 70,000 ounces and for a similar level of increase within a further two years. I strongly believe that we can achieve this from the opportunities that we have in our current tenements and I hope that before the end of this year I can present hard evidence that this growth plan is well underway to being realised."

Chairman's Statement

Serabi has successfully delivered another year of production growth, with gold production for 2016 representing a 21 per cent year on year improvement and a very satisfying 6.5 per cent improvement over the initial production guidance provided by management. With the Palito and Sao Chico Mines now operating at planned levels and 40,000 ounces of gold production is forecast for 2017. Therefore, our focus is now, very much, on evaluation of the existing discoveries and other exciting exploration opportunities that exist around both mines and successful development of these will bring a further opportunity to increase production and a significant step change in the Group's evolution.

Serabi's Board continues to see growth as the key to the long term success for the Company, although it will remain focused on maximising cash generation and it is not lost on the Board that small producers such as Serabi can generate greater levels of operational cash flow than larger producers by being focused on establishing high quality operations. Ultimately there should always be increased economies associated with scale. To maximise the Group's leverage in the short term on its existing skill, knowledge and contact base, Serabi remains very much a Brazilian focused producer and developer. We have established a loyal and experienced management team that has been together for several years. The extensive collective operational experience that they have has been a key factor in the ability to bring two mines into production, on budget and within a short time frame, and will be key to the Group's future growth.

The sentiment within the mining sector feels more positive than 12 months ago and it is evident to me that the larger mining groups having been focused on cost reduction for the past few years and getting their houses in order, are once again putting investment into their own exploration and have a renewed appetite for looking to the junior sector for opportunities to support their own growth. This, in turn, brings renewed investor interest and support for the sector to boost growth and new developments. After the last few difficult years it is a welcome indicator for renewed optimism.

However, as the last 12 months have shown, the world is an unpredictable place. Commodity price volatility is not a friend to the resource sector and for good reason can stimulate a cautionary approach. Your Board will therefore be judicious in its own strategy for growth as it seeks to maximise the value that it can achieve from each dollar spent. We will insist that management continue to follow its tested risk reducing formula and systematic approach to exploration activity. We continue to be very excited about the prospects that we have in our own tenements and whilst we insist on a pragmatic and risk reduction approach, we are also aware that we need to build value quickly and make the most of the Group's current position and strength. This needs to be balanced with the concurrent need to continue to improve the Group's working capital position and improve its resilience to short term market movements that can negatively impact on cash flow and margin.

We started the first phase of an increased exploration effort during the second half of 2016 with some initial geophysics programmes around the Palito and Sao Chico Mines. The results at Palito from the down the hole electromagnetic ("EM") programmes have helped us better understand the size and location of existing discoveries and will help us plan the next phase of evaluating these. At Sao Chico the work was suspended because of weather conditions but the initial signs have been very encouraging and continue to support management's belief that the current Sao Chico Mine is just a small part of a much larger regional feature and structure. In this respect the successful acquisition of the exploration rights, during 2016, over exploration tenements surrounding the current Sao Chico operations was very important. The weather in the early part of the year can limit the efficiency and nature of exploration programmes, but management is actively planning the next stages of work and considering the optimum solutions that will ensure the Group can properly finance these.

Management continue to actively assess other opportunities in Brazil and our track record of moving exploration projects into production makes Serabi an attractive partner for companies with less operational experience. However, it remains difficult to find the blend of project and price that makes an acquisition compelling and, whilst we recognise that Serabi needs to grow and make a step change that will be reflected in its valuation, the Board will only pursue opportunities that will bring strong, long term returns to our existing shareholders.

The next 12 months will continue to bring challenges but also, I am sure, rewards. I am optimistic about the outlook for gold and believe that we have now positioned Serabi to benefit from and grow on the back of it. We have built a strong platform for our longer term growth and will do all that we can to realise this growth quickly and efficiently.

On behalf of the Board of Directors I would like to extend my appreciation to the employees and management of Serabi for a job well done during the past year. Their hard work and determination to succeed means your Company is well positioned to reap the benefits of the higher gold price environment we expect during 2017 and beyond. Finally, thank you to our shareholders, large and small, for your patience during the last few years. I continue to believe the future is extremely bright for Serabi.

T. Sean Harvey - Chairman

Serabi's Directors Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2016 together the Chairman's Statement and the Management Discussion and Analysis, are available from the Company's website - www.serabigold.com and will be posted on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

This announcement is inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation 596/2014.

Enquiries:

Serabi Gold plc Michael Hodgson Tel: +44 (0)20 7246 6830 Chief Executive Mobile: +44 (0)7799 473621 Clive Line Tel: +44 (0)20 7246 6830 Finance Director Mobile: +44 (0)7710 151692 Email: contact@serabigold.com Website: www.serabigold.com Beaumont Cornish Limited

Nominated Adviser and Financial Adviser Roland Cornish Tel: +44 (0)20 7628 3396 Michael Cornish Tel: +44 (0)20 7628 3396 Peel Hunt LLP

UK Broker Matthew Armitt Tel: +44 (0)20 7418 9000 Ross Allister Tel: +44 (0)20 7418 9000 Blytheweigh

Public Relations Tim Blythe Tel: +44 (0)20 7138 3204 Camilla Horsfall Tel: +44 (0)20 7138 3224

Copies of this announcement are available from the Company's website at www.serabigold.com.

Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange, nor any other securities regulatory authority, has approved or disapproved of the contents of this announcement.

The following information, comprising, the Income Statement, the Group Balance Sheet, Group Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity, and Group Cash Flow, is extracted from these financial statements.

The Company will, in compliance with Canadian regulatory requirements, post its Management Discussion and Analysis for the year ended 31 December 2016 and its Annual Information Form on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. These documents will also available from the Company's website - www.serabigold.com.

Annual Report

The Annual Report has been published by the Company on its website at www.serabigold.com and printed copies are expected to be available by 15 May 2017. Additional copies will be available to the public, free of charge, from the Company's offices at 2nd floor, 30 - 32 Ludgate Hill, London, EC4M 7DR and will be available to download from the Company's website at www.serabigold.com.

The data included in the selected annual information table below is taken from the Company's annual audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016, which were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards in force at the reporting date and their interpretations issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") and adopted for use within the European Union (IFRS) and with IFRS and their interpretations issued by the IASB. There are no material differences on application to the Group. The consolidated financial statements have also been prepared in accordance with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS.

The audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016 will be presented to shareholders for adoption at the Company's next Annual General Meeting and filed with the Registrar of Companies.

Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended 31 December 2016

Group For the year ended 31 December 2016 For the year ended 31 December 2015 Notes US$ US$ CONTINUING OPERATIONS Revenue 52,593,751 35,086,113 Cost of sales (32,906,426) (23,585,063) Depreciation and amortisation charges (8,384,738) (5,840,769) Gross profit 11,302,587 5,660,281 Administration expenses (4,962,524) (4,379,770) Share-based payments (350,899) (404,075) Gain on disposal of fixed asset 34,742 - Operating profit 6,023,906 876,436 Foreign exchange loss (236,619) (71,280) Finance expense 4 (3,917,681) (1,533,008) Income on financial instruments - 1,203,023 Finance income 4 573 1,123 Profit before taxation 1,870,179 476,294 Income tax benefit / (expense) 2,560,113 (525,032) Profit / (loss) for the period from continuing operations(1) 4,430,292 (48,738) Other comprehensive income (net of tax) Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss Exchange differences on translating foreign operations 8,618,687 (20,490,243) Total comprehensive profit / (loss) for the period(1) 13,048,980 (20,538,981) Profit / (loss) per ordinary share (basic) 5 0.66c (0.01c) Profit / (loss) per ordinary share (diluted) 5 0.61c (0.01c)

(1) The Group has no non-controlling interests and all losses are attributable to the equity holders of the parent company

Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2016

Group 2016 2015 US$ US$ Non-current assets Development and deferred exploration costs 9,990,789 8,679,246 Property, plant and equipment 45,396,140 40,150,484 Deferred taxation 3,253,630 - Total non-current assets 58,640,559 48,829,730 Current assets Inventories 8,110,373 6,908,790 Trade and other receivables 1,233,049 6,133,284 Prepayments 3,696,550 2,429,506 Cash and cash equivalents 4,160,923 2,191,759 Total current assets 17,200,895 17,663,339 Current liabilities Trade and other payables 4,722,139 4,212,803 Interest-bearing liabilities 2,964,057 11,385,155 Accruals 635,446 226,197 Total current liabilities 8,321,642 15,824,155 Net current assets 8,879,253 1,839,184 Total assets less current liabilities 67,519,812 50,668,914 Non-current liabilities Trade and other payables 2,211,078 1,857,914 Provisions 1,851,963 1,898,714 Interest-bearing liabilities 77,798 128,641 Total non-current liabilities 4,140,839 3,885,269 Net assets 63,378,973 46,783,645 Equity Share capital 5,540,960 5,263,182 Share premium reserve 1,722,222 - Option reserve 1,338,652 2,747,415 Other reserves 3,051,862 450,262 Translation reserve (30,607,848) (39,226,535) Retained surplus 82,333,125 77,549,321 Equity shareholders' funds attributable to owners of the parent 63,378,973 46,783,645

Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity

For the year ended 31 December 2016

Group Share

capital Share

premium Share option

reserve Other

reserves Translation

reserve (Accumulated losses) / retained surplus Total equity US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ Equity shareholders' funds at 31 December 2014 61,668,212 67,656,848 2,400,080 450,262 (18,736,292) (46,520,559) 66,918,551 Foreign currency adjustments - - - - (20,490,243) - (20, 490,243) Loss for year - - - - - (48,738) (48,738) Total comprehensive loss for the year - - - - (20,490,243) (48,738) (20,538,981) Cancellation of share premium (67,656,848) - - - 67,656,848 - Cancellation of deferred shares (56,405,030) - - - - 56,405,030 - Share options lapsed in period - - (56,740) - - 56,740 - Share option expense - - 404,075 - - - 404,075 Equity shareholders' funds at 31 December 2015 5,263,182 - 2,747,415 450,262 (39,226,535) 77,549,321 46,783,645 Foreign currency adjustments - - - - 8,618,687 - 8,618,687 Profit for year 4,430,292 4,430,292 Total comprehensive income for the year - - - - 8,618,687 4,430,292 13,048,979 Transfer to taxation reserve - - - 2,690,401 - (2,690,401) - Shares issued in period 277,778 1,722,222 - - - - 2,000,000 Release of fair value provision on convertible loan - - - - - 1,195,450 1,195,450 Warrants lapsed - - - (88,801) - 88,801 - Share options lapsed in period - - (1,759,662) - - 1,759,662 - Share option expense 350,899 350,899 Equity shareholders' funds at 31 December 2016 5,540,960 1,722,222 1,338,652 3,051,862 (30,607,848) 82,333,125 63,378,973

Other reserves comprises a merger reserve of US$361,461 and a taxation reserve of US$2,690,401 (2015: merger reserve of US$361,461 and warrant reserve of US$88,801).

Cash Flow Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2016

Group For the

year ended

31 December

2016 For the

year ended

31 December

2015 US$ US$ Cash outflows from operating activities Operating profit / (loss) 4,430,292 (48,738) Net financial expense 4,153,727 400,142 Depreciation - plant, equipment and mining properties 8,384,738 5,840,769 Taxation (benefit) / expense (2,560,113) 525,032 Share-based payments 350,899 404,075 Interest paid (2,049,900) (1,006,508) Foreign exchange (1,045,460) (1,482,239) Finance charges (37,500) (171,500) Changes in working capital Decrease / (increase) in inventories 153,314 (1,617,365) Decrease / (increase) in receivables, prepayments and accrued income 4,177,110 (272,978) Increase / (decrease) in payables, accruals and provisions 195,845 1,831,710 Net cash flow from operations 16,152,952 4,402,400 Investing activities Sales revenues - capitalised - 3,337,071 Capitalised pre-operating costs - (5,422,606) Purchase of property, plant, equipment and projects in construction (3,042,043) (2,985,139) Mine development expenditure (2,366,486) (1,539,729) Geological exploration expenditure (525,444) - Proceeds from sale of assets 34,742 - Interest received and other finance income 573 675,643 Net cash outflow on investing activities (5,898,658) (5,934,760) Financing activities Convertible loan received and subsequent conversion to ordinary shares 2,000,000 - Repayment of short term secured loan (3,111,111) (4,000,000) Receipt from repayment of intercompany loan - - Payment of finance lease liabilities (755,858) (757,596) Receipts for short term trade finance 15,146,817 21,787,907 Repayment of short term trade finance (21,384,139) (22,899,024) Net cash (outflow) / inflow from financing activities (8,104,291) (5,868,713) Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 2,150,003 (7,401,073) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 2,191,759 9,813,602 Exchange difference on cash (180,839) (220,770) Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 4,160,923 2,191,759

Notes

1. General Information

The financial information set out above for the years ended 31 December 2016 and 31 December 2015 does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006, but is derived from those accounts. Whilst the financial information included in this announcement has been compiled in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") this announcement itself does not contain sufficient financial information to comply with IFRS. A copy of the statutory accounts for 2015 has been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and those for 2016 will be submitted for approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting. The full audited financial statements for the years end 31 December 2016 and 31 December 2015 do comply with IFRS.

2. Auditor's Opinion

The auditor has issued an unqualified opinion in respect of the financial statements which does not contain any statements under the Companies Act 2006, Section 498(2) or Section 498(3). The auditor has raised an Emphasis of Matter in relation to going concern and the availability of finance as follows:

"In forming our opinion, which is not modified, we have considered the adequacy of the disclosures made in Note 1(a) to the financial statements concerning the group's ability to continue as a going concern.

Whilst the Group expects to have sufficient cash flow from its forecast production to finance its on-going operational requirements, to repay its secured loan facilities and to, at least in part, fund exploration and development activity on its other gold properties, the Group remains a small scale gold producer with limited cash resources. It is therefore susceptible to any unplanned interruption or reduction in gold production, unforeseen reductions in the gold price or appreciation of the Brazilian currency all of which could adversely affect the level of free cash flow that the Group can generate on a monthly basis. In the event that the Group is unable to generate sufficient free cash flow to meet its financial obligations as they fall due or to allow it to finance exploration and development activity on its other gold properties additional sources of finance may be required. The Group is currently in negotiations to increase and extend its loan facilities, but they have not been finalised.

These conditions indicate the existence of a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt about the Group's ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include the adjustments that would result if the Company and the Group were unable to continue as a going concern."

NB: The reference to note 1(a) in the above is a reference to the Basis of preparation note contained within the financial statements from which the extract reproduced below referring to Going Concern is taken.

3. Basis of Preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") in force at the reporting date and their interpretations issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") as adopted for use within the European Union and with IFRS and their interpretations issued by the IASB. The consolidated financial statements have also been prepared in accordance with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS.

At the date of authorisation of the financial statements, the following standards and relevant interpretations, which have not been applied in these financial statements, were in issue but not yet effective (and some of which were pending endorsement by the EU):

IAS 12 (amended) Recognition of Deferred Tax Asset for Unrealised Losses

IFRS 16 Leases

IAS 7 Disclosure Initiative

lFRIC 22 Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration

lFRS 9 Financial Instruments

lFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts

lFRS 2 (amended) Classification and Measurement of Share-based Payment Transactions

lFRS 15 Clarification to IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

Annual improvements to IFRSs: 2014-2016 Cycle

The Group considers that the only standard that may have any impact is IFRS 9. The new standard will replace existing accounting standards. It is applicable to financial assets and liabilities and will introduce changes to existing accounting concerning classification, measurement and impairment (introducing an expected loss method). The Group considers that whilst IFRS 15 and IFRS 16 may impact on the Group the effect will not be significant. The operating leases held by the Company are of low value and revenue contracts usually contain a single performance criteria that is satisfied at a point in time. The Group will adopt the above standards at the time stipulated by that standard. The Group does not at this time anticipate voluntary early adoption of any of the standards.

Going concern and availability of finance

On 1 February 2016, the Group announced that, with effect from 1 January 2016, the Sao Chico Mine had achieved Commercial Production. The Palito Mine has been in Commercial Production since 1 July 2014.

The Directors anticipate the Group now has access to sufficient funding for its immediate projected needs. The Group expects to have sufficient cash flow from its forecast production to finance its on-going operational requirements, to repay its secured loan facilities and to, at least in part, fund exploration and development activity on its other gold properties. The secured loan facility is repayable by 31 August 2017 and at 31 December 2016, the amount outstanding under this facility was US$1.37 million (2015: US$4.0 million). The Group is currently in negotiations to increase and extend the terms of its loan facilities.

The Directors consider that the Group's operations are performing at the levels that they anticipate but the Group remains a small scale gold producer with limited cash resources to support any unplanned interruption or reduction in gold production, unforeseen reductions in the gold price or appreciation of the Brazilian currency, all of which could adversely affect the level of free cash flow that the Group can generate on a monthly basis. In the event that the Group is unable to generate sufficient free cash flow to meet its financial obligations as they fall due or to allow it to finance exploration and development activity on its other gold properties, additional sources of finance may be required. Should additional working capital be required the Directors consider that further sources of finance could be secured within the required timescale.

On this basis, the Directors have therefore concluded that it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis. However, there is no certainty that such additional funds either for working capital or for future development will be forthcoming and these conditions indicate the existence of a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt over the Group's ability to continue as a going concern and, therefore, that it may be unable to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business. The financial statements do not include the adjustments that would result if the Group was unable to continue as a going concern.

4. Finance Income and expense

Group For the For the year ended year ended 31 December 31 December 2016 2015 US$ US$ Interest on trade financing loan (256,898) (364,656) Finance cost on secured loan facility (672,331) (526,500) Interest payable on secured loan facility (281,333) (586,667) Interest payable on finance leases (36,194) (32,388) Interest payable on convertible loan (137,049) - Fair value provision on convertible loan (1) (1,195,450) - Expense from gold hedging activities (1,338,426) - Other finance-related expenses - (22,797) Interest payable (3,917,681) (1,533,008) Release of fair value for call options granted - 196,330 Release of fair value for warrants issued (2) - 332,173 Income from gold hedging activities - 674,520 Gains on financial instruments - 1,203,023 Finance income on short-term deposits 573 1,123 Net finance expense (3,917,108) (328,862)

The fair value provision relates to the implied value of the equity conversion right included as part of the loan terms. The value was estimated at the date of drawdown and updated until the date of exercise to reflect the price of the Group's ordinary shares and the remaining period during which the conversion rights may be exercised.

The release of fair value for warrants issued in 2015 relates to 100,000,000 warrants to subscribe for new ordinary shares issued by the Company on 3 March 2014. The Company accounted for the issue of these warrants in accordance with IAS32 and recorded a liability of US$1.68 million at the date of issue. As at 31 December 2015 the fair value of these warrants was assessed to be US$nil and the reduction in fair value was recognised through the income statement. The warrants expired on 2 March 2016 with none having been exercised.

5. Earnings per Share

For the year ended 31 December 2016 For the year ended 31

December 2015 Profit / (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders (US$) 4,430,292 (48,738) Weighted average ordinary shares in issue 672,502,757 656,389,204 Basic profit/(loss) per share (US cents) 0.659 (0.01) Diluted ordinary shares in issue 722,412,757 (1) 656,389,204 Diluted profit /(loss) per share (US cents) 0.613 (0.01)(2)

(1) Assumes exercise of all options and warrants outstanding as of that date.

(2) As the effect of dilution is to reduce the loss per share, the diluted loss per share is considered to be the same as the basic loss per share.

6. Post balance sheet events

On 23 February, the Group extended the term for repayment of its secured loan facility with Sprott to 31 August 2017. With this exception there has been no item, transaction or event of a material or unusual nature likely, in the opinion of the Directors of the Company, to affect significantly the continuing operation of the entity, the results of these operations, or the state of affairs of the entity in future financial periods.

Qualified Persons Statement

The scientific and technical information contained within this announcement has been reviewed and approved by Michael Hodgson, a Director of the Company. Mr Hodgson is an Economic Geologist by training with over 26 years' experience in the mining industry. He holds a BSc (Hons) Geology, University of London, a MSc Mining Geology, University of Leicester and is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and a Chartered Engineer of the Engineering Council of UK, recognising him as both a Qualified Person for the purposes of Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and by the AIM Guidance Note on Mining and Oil & Gas Companies dated June 2009.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are, or may be deemed to be, forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as ''believe'', ''could'', "should" ''envisage'', ''estimate'', ''intend'', ''may'', ''plan'', ''will'' or the negative of those, variations or comparable expressions, including references to assumptions. These forward looking statements are not based on historical facts but rather on the Directors' current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company's future growth, results of operations, performance, future capital and other expenditures (including the amount, nature and sources of funding thereof), competitive advantages, business prospects and opportunities. Such forward looking statements reflect the Directors' current beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to the Directors. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward looking statements including risks associated with vulnerability to general economic and business conditions, competition, environmental and other regulatory changes, actions by governmental authorities, the availability of capital markets, reliance on key personnel, uninsured and underinsured losses and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Although any forward looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon what the Directors believe to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such forward looking statements.

ENDS
RYAN3.JPG

House Speaker Paul Ryan, in a file photo

(AP Photo/File)

By Max Ehrenfreund

House Speaker Paul D. Ryan, R-Wis., has long had a reputation as a "serious" policymaker in Washington, a grown-up dedicated to the arcane details of how the federal government works and capable of crafting real solutions to the nation's problems. Conservatives raved about his commitment to putting their principles into legislation, and even liberals who loathed Ryan's goals would concede his intellectual chops.

President Barack Obama, visiting a Republican retreat in 2010 to call for interparty cooperation, praised Ryan's work on the budget as "serious" and "entirely legitimate."

But following the failure of a Ryan-championed bill to repeal Obama's Affordable Care Act that was panned by experts on the left and right, Ryan's reputation as a policy expert is under renewed assault.

"It's hard to make a case that his efforts have been all that serious," said Jared Bernstein, who was chief economist to Vice President Joe Biden. "His numbers never add up."

The New York Times Editorial Board this week wrote an even harsher assessment of the House speaker: "If he is the policy wonk of the Republican Party, then the Republican Party has no policy."

To critics, Ryan's health-care failure is proof of what they've said all along: Ryan always presented himself as a serious thinker, but his ideas are half-baked at best. To his defenders, Ryan's failure on health care has more to do with a fractious Republican caucus that wasn't ready to unite behind any measure, let alone a bill that President Donald Trump wanted to move through Congress in a matter of weeks.

A look at Ryan's record reveals that although he demonstrated far more expertise than the typical lawmaker, he has yet to confront fully the difficult compromises involved in making federal policy with a comprehensive plan that can achieve conservative goals on a major issue.

Ryan has courted his role as unofficial House policy nerd. It was recently on display in the lead-up to the health-care bill, when Ryan - amid the usual bellicose tweets from Trump, who seemed to have little interest in the details of the plan - invited reporters for what resembled a televised college lecture, complete with slides, earnest talk and detailed explanations about the need for a conservative approach to health policy.

Ryan spent more than 18 years in Congress churning out white papers, talking deficits with reporters and treating his Capitol Hill colleagues to fiscal policy presentations - again, with slides. Before serving as speaker, he chaired two House committees: budget and ways and means. And before joining Congress, Ryan worked for former congressmen Jack Kemp, R-N.Y., and Sam Brownback, now the Republican governor of Kansas - a pair of politicians committed to supply-side tax reform.

The speaker touts a lifelong interest in policy, telling the National Review's Rich Lowry this month that they had wanted to reform entitlements since they were young men. "Medicaid - sending it back to the states, capping its growth rate - we've been dreaming of this since I've been around, since you and I were drinking at a keg," Ryan said.

In 2003, Ryan gave a detailed explanation of his proposal to reform the congressional budgeting process to the Weekly Standard, which the conservative paper quoted at length. "Am I totally boring, or what?" Ryan was quoted as asking in the article, which ran under the headline, "Young, Wonky and Proud of It."

By 2013, Ryan was established enough to lead his party in a bipartisan compromise on the budget, working with Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., although the bill that Obama signed did not include the kinds of structural entitlement reform that Ryan had long advocated.

Douglas Holtz-Eakin, who served as director of the Congressional Budget Office when Ryan chaired the Budget Committee, called the Republican from Wisconsin "a very well-versed, sophisticated participant" in policymaking. "He knows this stuff inside and out," Holtz-Eakin said.

AshLee Strong, a spokeswoman for the speaker, in a statement: "No one has done more to develop and advance conservative policy over the last two decades than Paul Ryan. Now with a Republican president, he'll continue to work tirelessly to get additional conservative reforms into law."

That didn't happen on health care, but brokering a compromise was never going to be easy.

The CBO concluded that the GOP plan would result in as many as 24 million more Americans going without insurance by 2024, and that premiums would increase in the short term. Conservative Republicans who worried that the bill would do too little to reduce health-care costs and moderate GOP lawmakers who were concerned about the millions who would be uninsured refused to support the legislation.

Expanding the measure's provisions to guarantee insurance for a larger group of Americans might have increased the bill's fiscal cost as well as the federal government's authority over the insurance industry, alienating conservative lawmakers. Efforts to reduce costs through greater deregulation, as that group advocated, might have resulted in even more Americans becoming uninsured. Even Bernstein, a Ryan critic, conceded getting moderate and conservative Republicans to agree on a health-care bill would be like "herding cats."

Holtz-Eakin added: "The reality is that it is always going to be very hard to get a single bill that attracted votes from everyone from the Freedom Caucus to Susan Collins." He was referring to the very conservative House Freedom Caucus and the moderate Republican senator from Maine.

Conservative health-care expert Avik Roy said of Ryan: "It's not so much that he's not a policy wonk or anything like that."

Roy, who has advised GOP presidential candidates Marco Rubio, Rick Perry and Mitt Romney, has written critically about aspects of the bill that failed last week, but he said that if Ryan can unify the Republican conference, he still has an opportunity to put conservative ideas about American health care into effect.

"Everyone's learning, as they go along, how to govern," Roy said. "Hopefully it will lead to a better bill and a better policy down the road."

The bill's critics objected to specific provisions as well as its basic principles.

Republicans had said that the Affordable Care Act created a new entitlement by giving middle-class households financial help to buy insurance, but the GOP plan would have expanded that help to a larger group of Americans. Worse, analysts said the structure of that expansion would have made insurance less affordable, not less expensive, for many people.

The bill would not have repealed many of the regulations that conservative experts said were increasing prices for health care. Ryan and his allies worried that an attempt to repeal those provisions would have exposed the bill to a Democratic filibuster in the Senate, but observers on the right worried that a filibuster was a risk in any case.

It was not clear whether the measure was intended as a wholesale reform or an incremental, piecemeal change to the system that could survive the Senate's rules. It was unclear whether it was designed to reduce federal spending or to make insurance less costly for more people using public benefits.

The bill seemed designed to satisfy several competing conservative factions with contradictory aims for the legislation.

Previously, when Ryan had sought to please everyone in the GOP conference at the same time, he had succeeded.

Beginning in 2010, Ryan united House Republicans behind his proposals for the budget. Ryan's budgets, at least in theory, eliminated the federal government's shortfall over the long term - and are held up as the primary evidence that his reputation as a policy expert is well-earned.

Lining up lawmakers in support of a budget is always difficult, but Ryan's achievement was especially notable because his budgets called for extreme reductions to Medicare relative to current projections. In past Congresses, few Republicans might have been willing to vote for the cuts, but the tea-party movement had created a more conservative conference that was ready to support Ryan's plans.

Meanwhile, left-leaning observers praised his policy acumen: "Whether or not you like his answer, you have to give him credit for stepping up to the chalkboard," blogger Ezra Klein wrote in The Washington Post in 2010.

Yet that plan, and others Ryan subsequently released, relied on assumptions about future federal revenue and outlays that critics said were optimistic. For instance, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office's analysis of Ryan's budget in 2010, his staff assumed that the trend for revenue would not change even though the budget would have significantly reduced taxes on wealthy taxpayers. (His proposal the following year relied on similar assumptions.)

Resolutions on the budget such as the ones that Ryan wrote are often statements of a party's goals, not detailed legislation designed to be enacted and implemented. Bernstein, Biden's former economist, noted that many politicians in both parties have avoided difficult decisions about the budget by obscuring the arithmetic.

"That's a very typical Ryan tactic, but to be fair, he's not the only one who uses it," Bernstein said.

Paul Krugman, a liberal economist and Nobel laureate who is perhaps the most prominent of Ryan's skeptics, disparaged Ryan's work, saying it relied on a set of unfounded assumptions about a booming economy and inexplicably falling health-care costs.

"Swooning" commentators "lavished praise on Mr. Ryan, asserting that his plan set a new standard of fiscal seriousness," Krugman wrote in 2011. "In short, this plan isn't remotely serious; on the contrary, it's ludicrous."

The congressman from Wisconsin probably will have another chance to prove his critics wrong as Republicans pivot to reforming the tax code, the wonkiest work a lawmaker can do in Washington.

Trump is running into the Democrats' trap. Whether Ryan's proposal on taxes wins plaudits for seriousness may not entirely be a function of the proposal itself. The esteem many liberals' have for Ryan's policy ability seems to be strongest when Ryan has the least hope of putting any of those policies into action.

Back in 2010, when Obama praised Ryan's work on the budget, it had no chance of becoming law. Obama was in the White House, and Democrats controlled the Senate.

Praising Ryan was a nice way for Democrats to insist they weren't closed to Republican ideas, and Ryan was a useful contrast for Democrats looking to marginalize Obama's most strident critics. Those included the ascendant tea-party caucus and a reality-television star telling anyone who would listen that Obama was a secret Kenyan with a faked U.S. birth certificate.

It was very different two years later, however, when Ryan became Romney's pick for his vice presidential running mate.

Democrats tried to tie Romney to the "Ryan budget" and sink him with it, highlighting its cuts to the social safety net and massive tax breaks for the wealthy. Already by 2011, the president's admiration for Ryan's work vanished.

"There's nothing serious about a plan that claims to reduce the deficit by spending $1 trillion on tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires, and I don't think there's anything courageous about asking for sacrifice from those who can least afford it and don't have any clout on Capitol Hill," Obama said at George Washington University. "That's not a vision of the America I know."

(c) 2017, The Washington Post

Max Ehrenfreund is a staff reporter for The Washington Post.
Updated at 3:20 p.m.

Federal immigration agents arrested 23 people in the Portland area in a three-day operation spanning the Pacific Northwest that ended Monday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said Thursday.

ICE spokeswoman Rose Richeson said 84 undocumented immigrants were arrested in Alaska, Washington and Oregon, and 60 of them had criminal histories.

Seven people were arrested in Multnomah County, 13 in Washington County and three in Clark County, according to numbers provided by Richeson.

The operation targeted people who pose public safety threats and those who have violated federal immigration law, Richeson said.

Driving under the influence was the most serious criminal conviction for 19 of the 84 arrested, according to Richeson.

Some of those arrested had previous convictions for sex crimes, drug offenses and domestic violence, Richeson said. One person was charged with child rape, Richeson said.

Here is a breakdown of the convictions, according to Richeson:

CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS*

Driving under the influence 19 Weapon offense 1 Assault 7 Stolen property 1 Larceny 4 Dangerous drugs 1 Domestic violence 3 Lewd or lascivious acts with minor 1 Sex Assault 2 Damage property 1 Larceny from building 2 Drug trafficking 1 Cocaine possession 2 Sex assault carnal abuse 1 Possession of weapon 2 Marijuana possession 1 Amphetamine possession 2 Illegal entry 1 Fraud 1 Traffic offense other 1 Violation of a court order 1 Cocaine sell 1 Heroin possession 1 Meth possession 1 Indecent liberty with a minor 1 Forgery 1

*Note: arrestees with multiple prior convictions are categorized based on their most serious conviction.

At least three people who grew up in the Portland area were arrested during the operation, according to immigration rights groups. Emmanuel Ayala Frutos, 21, and Francisco Rodriguez Dominguez, 25, were both arrested Sunday.

Both have received deportation deferments through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivials program. The program, established under the Obama administration, protects undocumented immigrants brought to the country at a young age.

Ayala Frutos' DACA expired two weeks ago. He was in the process of renewing it.

Rodriguez Dominguez was released from detention on bail Monday.

Immigration agents also arrested a Beaverton resident who was brought to the country from Guatemala when she was a 1-year-old, her lawyer said. Alejandra Ruiz-Matias was arrested Sunday, lawyer Stephen Robbins said.

Immigration agents asked Ruiz-Matias to visit their local office, Robbins said. When she arrived, they told her she had a deportation order from 1988. She would be detained and deported to Guatemala within a week, they said, according to Robbins.

Ruiz-Matias did not know about the deportation order, Robbins said.

Immigration authorities should have scheduled regular check-ins with Ruiz-Matias to sort out her case instead of detaining her, Robbins said.

Another "Dreamer," as DACA recipients are often called, was arrested at the Washington County Courthouse last Thursday, according to his lawyer. Luis Gerado Zuzueta, 21, was recently been charged with driving under the influence of intoxicants, lawyer Maria Zlaveta said. He was at the courthouse for a hearing when immigration agents arrested him, she said.

Zuzueta hadn't renewed his DACA since 2014, after he was convicted of delivering marijuana, Zlaveta said.

Zuzueta has lived in Hillsboro since he was a young child, Zlaveta said.

"If he has to leave, which is a very strong possibility, he'll have to start from scratch in a foreign country," she said.

Zuzueta is currently being held in a federal detention center in Tacoma, Zlaveta said.

Immigration rights groups have decried tactics used by immigration authorities, calling them brutal and inhumane.

Since Sunday, the immigration rights group Causa has received dozens of calls from Oregonians panicked that their loved ones have been detained, Executive Director Andrea Williams said Wednesday.

"When ICE uses these types of brutal tactics, it just makes people who are part of our communities more scared to live their daily lives," Williams said.

This report will be updated.

-- Samantha Matsumoto

503-294-4001; @SMatsumoto55
American flag.

A 20-by-30-foot American flag is shown in this January 2017 file photo.

(Jacob Hamilton)

Staff Sgt. Austin Bieren

Updated 4:36 p.m. Thursday

A U.S. Air Force Airman from Umatilla died Tuesday from suspected natural causes while deployed in northern Syria, authorities announced.

Staff Sgt. Austin Bieren, 25, was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, whose goal is to eliminate the Islamic State, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.

Bieren was assigned to the 21st Space Wing at Colorado's Peterson Air Force Base and worked in security forces, according to the wing.

"Staff Sgt. Bieren was a valuable and beloved member of our team and will be sorely missed," Col. Douglas Schiess, 21st Space Wing commander said in a statement. "His dedication to his country was evident in his actions - he was a superb Airman."

His Facebook page states he lived in Colorado Springs, where the base is located. He had been stationed there since June 2014 and had been in the Air Force since November 2010, the wing said in a news release.

The wing said Bieren was the recipient of more than 15 awards and decorations, including aerial and Air Force achievement medals with one and two devices, respectively.

-- The Oregonian/OregonLive
The FBI and Oregon law enforcement agencies are asking for help identifying and finding a man dubbed the "Bandaged Bandit."

How has he garnered such a moniker, you ask?

The man is suspected in at least three Oregon bank robberies in just over two weeks, the FBI said in a news release. And he's worn bandages or a medical mask over his face each time.

Each of his known targets have been Chase Bank branches inside Fred Meyer stores: One on Southwest Barbur Boulevard in Portland on March 8, another in Albany on March 14 and a third in Salem 10 days later.

He wore a medical mask during both of the first two robberies and sported a large rain poncho for the second heist.

Donning a more inventive getup the third time around, he wrapped his head in bandages. His left arm was in a sling, and he wore a baseball hat and dark jacket with a big Nike swoosh on the back.

He wore gloves and silver sneakers in each robbery, according to the FBI. He entered and left each bank branch on foot, the FBI said.

The FBI asks anyone who has information about the robberies to call its Portland, Eugene or Salem office. Tipsters can call the Portland office, 503-224-4181, 24 hours a day.

-- Jim Ryan

jryan@oregonian.com

503-221-8005; @Jimryan015
graffiti.png

(Screenshot via KGW)

Updated: March 31, 8:36 a.m.

On Tuesday, Hasel Afshar, 33, returned from a trip to Canada to his home on Southeast 26th Court in Troutdale trashed and vandalized with hate-filled racist graffiti and death threats.

The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday that the graffiti they found in Afshar's house is "consistent with an Intimidation/Bias Crime."

Afshar is Iranian and a member of the Baha'i faith. According to The Outlook, he has lived in the United States since 2010, when he came here here as a refugee fleeing religious persecution.

Some of the graffiti refers to Muslims. "I'm not Muslim," Afshar told Pamplin. "I just grow a beard."

A Troutdale man returns home from vacation to find hateful graffiti inside every room of his house. https://t.co/6z2PLiEc8w pic.twitter.com/hsZAL4bCDM  Portland Tribune (@ThePortlandTrib) March 29, 2017

"My heart started beating so fast," he told KGW, about returning home to find his furniture slashed and messages of hate on his walls, tables and even on cars.

Afshar said he also found a note, weighted down by bullets in the shape of a cross.

"The note said if I see you here next month," He told KGW, "I will shoot you and burn your house."

Sheriff's office investigating after Troutdale man's home is spray-painted with death threats & anti-muslim graffiti #LiveOnK2 pic.twitter.com/y1HVIj95KZ  Bob Heye (@BobHeye) March 29, 2017

The Troutdale community has responded to the incident offering support to Afshar. Home Depot donated $200 worth of paint and a GoFundMe has been created.

K.C. Culver, on neighbor, told KATU he thinks the incident is "sick."

On Thursday, Troutdale Mayor Casey Ryan issued a statement calling the incident "a horrible attack."

"No one should have to experience the fear of being targeted or attacked based on their identity or for practicing their religion," Ryan said. "I regret that this violence has penetrated our community, and it underscores the importance of working towards establishing more connections and compassion in our communities."

KPTV reported Wednesday that the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office has informed the FBI of the incident.

Afshar told multiple outlets he plans to sell his house and leave the country.

Crime Stoppers of Oregon is offering a cash reward of up to $1000 for information in this case. Tips can be submitted anonymously by texting CRIMES (274637), then typing 823HELP, followed by the tip.

Tips can also be submitted online at http://crimestoppersoforegon.com/submit_online_tip.php or by calling 503-823-HELP (4357).

MORE: Here are just some of the images. Chairs/mattress also slashed, doors hacked w hatchet... @fox12oregon pic.twitter.com/YDnqGh1nrX  Kelsey Watts (@KelseyWattsKPTV) March 29, 2017

-- Lizzy Acker

503-221-8052

lacker@oregonian.com, @lizzzyacker
Ten public libraries in rural Douglas County are slated to shutter Saturday, following voters' rejection last year of a property tax increase to provide the branches with funding.

Douglas County commissioners said in a press release that shrinking timber revenues and reserve funds have squeezed their budget, leaving them with no option but to choose between keeping the libraries open or funding essential public safety services.

Library branches in Canyonville, Drain, Glendale, Myrtle Creek, Oakland, Reedsport, Riddle, Sutherlin, Winston and Yoncalla will close April 1. The Roseburg branch is expected to close by the end of May. The library system employs eight full-time and 28 part-time.

Libraries in Douglas County, which has 107,000 residents, are the latest casualties of protracted budget problems that have wracked Oregon's rural timber-dependent counties for years. Revenue from harvesting timber on federal public lands has historically kept county budgets afloat. But Congress cut off the lifeline in 2014, largely leaving counties to sink or swim on their own.

Compounding budget woes is area voters' perennial unwillingness to approve tax increases to fund public services. Residents of timber-dependent counties pay some of Oregon's lowest tax rates.

Douglas County voters rejected a November 2016 ballot measure that would have increased property taxes 44 cents for every $1,000 of assessed value to fund the libraries.

-- Gordon R. Friedman

GFriedman@Oregonian.com; 503-221-8209
A former Oregon Department of Justice investigator filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday against the state and its attorney general claiming he was fired in retaliation after reporting what he thought were anti-police postings on the personal Twitter account of the state's top civil rights attorney.

James R. Williams said in a lawsuit, which also names the deputy attorney general, that he was following the advice of his supervisors and the state DOJ's Human Resources Department when he filed a report in October 2015 on social media postings from Erious Johnson Jr., the state DOJ's civil rights director.

Williams was placed on leave a month later and fired in August 2016. An investigation recommended he not be disciplined and receive "additional training," the lawsuit said.

Williams said he landed on Johnson's Twitter account when he used state-approved computer software to search for possible threats against police and protests in the Salem area using the Twitter hashtags #BlackLivesMatter and other terms including a profane reference to the police, the lawsuit said.

The software was new, Williams claims, and he had been ordered to test it. He said he found "potentially racist and anti-police postings" on Johnson's Twitter page and was ultimately told by Special Agent in Charge David Kirby to write a memo to Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum about "the images and perceived threats and offensiveness of the content," the lawsuit said.

Johnson, who in October filed his own lawsuit against Williams, Rosenblum, Deputy Attorney General Frederick Boss and others, said his social media posts were searched without his knowledge and that the complaint stems from him tweeting a photo on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January 2015 of the logo of hip-hop group Public Enemy. He captioned the photo with the lyric "consider yourselves warned" from the group's song, Countdown to Armageddon.

The group's logo shows the silhouette of a man in the crosshairs of a gun. Williams mistook the man in the photo as a police officer, Johnson's lawsuit said, and reported the lawyer as a threat to law enforcement.

Johnson, who is black, is alleging racial profiling, free speech violations and other violations of his rights in his lawsuit. Williams, who is white, claims the state violated his due process rights and engaged in whistleblowing retaliation.

He lists damages including mental anguish and distress, humiliation and loss of reputation in the community.

Both men are requesting jury trials.

An outside investigation ordered by Rosenblum found in April 2016 the surveillance activity was an isolated incident that violated state law and department policies. The investigation determined that Williams' search wasn't tied to a criminal investigation nor belief of an existing threat in the Salem area and that Johnson's tweets were protected by his First Amendment rights.

Along with Williams' firing, Rosenblum announced in October that another investigator tied to the surveillance had quit the agency and that she demoted the former chief counsel of the department's criminal justice division, Darin Tweedt.

Williams, a former Klamath Falls police detective, was hired by the state DOJ in February 2010. He said his job up until he was fired included open source media searching and identifying potential threats by investigating the backgrounds of anti-government people and their activities.

Williams said he routinely received requests for background and social media investigations from Kirby on behalf of Rosenblum.

The Oregon Department of Justice declined to comment on Williams' lawsuit Wednesday.

In a response filed Wednesday in federal court to Johnson's lawsuit, Rosenblum and Boss asked a judge to find in their favor.

They deny Boss approved any recommendation that Williams provide a "threat assessment" about Johnson. They said they didn't have sufficient information to confirm or deny many of Johnson's allegations, including that no one spoke to him to ask about any of the tweets Williams was combing through his social media.

Rosenblum told Johnson about Williams' report nearly four weeks after he submitted it to Kirby, the response said.

Rosenblum and Boss deny Johnson's allegations that they failed to take timely corrective or disciplinary action, failed to investigate Williams' searching and that they violated policy by not performing regular audits of system protocol to make sure laws weren't being violated.

They also deny placing Williams on administrative leave only after negative media reports and didn't tell the former investigator that his conduct was improper.

They agreed that the investigation's determined there was a lack of training on anti-racial profiling and anti-bias in the workplace related to law enforcement activities as well as a lack of racial diversity and cultural competency within the state's criminal justice division. They deny Johnson's claim that none of the recommendations from the Rosenblum-ordered investigation has been put into place, but didn't specify in their response which ones have been implemented.

-- Everton Bailey Jr.

ebailey@oregonian.com

503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey
A 41-year-old man was sentenced Thursday to 25 years in prison for traveling with a girl across state lines with the intent of sexual abuse.

U.S. District Judge Marco Hernandez ordered Kilunnin A. Chivoski to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life and receive lifetime post-prison supervision when he is released from custody.

A federal jury found Chivoski guilty after a 10-day trial in September 2016 of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. He was initially accused of abusing two children, but a charge related to one of them was later dropped.

Evidence showed Chivoski repeatedly abused two preteen children during a nearly yearlong road trip around the U.S. that ended in Oregon in August 2010, prosecutors said. One of the motivating factors for the trip was to further the abuse, and Chivoski had taken steps to "isolate and brainwash" them, they alleged.

The girls first disclosed the abuse in 2013, while they were separated from Chivoski. He was indicted two years later.

Prosecutors sought a 30-year prison sentence, while the defense requested 10 years in prison.

-- Everton Bailey Jr.

ebailey@oregonian.com

503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey
elevator.JPG

A woman who says she suffered a heart attack while trapped in an elevator filed a $4 million lawsuit on March 24, 2017. (Aimee Green/The Oregonian)

A downtown Portland office worker filed a $4 million lawsuit last week after she says an elevator in which she was riding plummeted three or four floors, causing her to suffer a stress-induced heart attack.

Carol Thornberg's lawsuit states that when a rescuer tried to open the doors of the elevator, it began shaking violently and slipped downward -- and shook for more than 30 minutes until she was rescued.

Thornberg is suing elevator company Thyssenkrupp, claiming the company had knowledge of a problem with the elevator. The company declined to comment, citing the pending litigation.

But company spokeswoman Kellie Harris offered this statement: "At thyssenkrupp Elevator, the safety of everyone who uses the elevators, escalators and moving walkways we maintain is our first priority."

Thornberg also is suing the Executive Building, at 811 S.W. 6th Avenue, claiming management allowed people to use the elevator even though it had been experiencing problems earlier that day, July 9, 2015. A representative for the building didn't respond to a request for comment.

Thornberg works for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality as an assistant to an operations administrator.

According to Thornberg's lawsuit, she got into the elevator on the 11th floor and pushed the button for the lobby. That's when the elevator shook and abruptly dropped, falling rapidly and jolting to a halt, then plummeting twice more in that fashion, the suit states. The elevator became stuck between the 7th and 8th floors -- then shook and started slipping downward during the first attempt to rescue her, the suit states.

"When the elevator doors were finally opened, a large group of onlookers had gathered," the suit states. "(Thornberg) was extremely panicked and was having trouble breathing."

The suit states that DEQ's health and safety officer and the division administrator helped Thornberg to a stairwell, before she "collapsed and cried for a period of time" and then eventually walked down to the lobby.

The suit states that a co-worker helped her onto a MAX train to travel to the Portland Expo Center, where her car was parked. She drove home from there, then realized she needed to go to the hospital. Medical staff told her she suffered a stress-induced heart attack, and she underwent surgery, according to the suit.

Thornberg's suit states she is still being treated for the effects of the heart attack. Her suit seeks $2 million from the building and $2 million from Thyssenkrupp for her pain and suffering.

Attorneys for the Dolan Law Group in Portland filed the suit on behalf of Thornberg, in Multnomah County Circuit Court. Read the lawsuit here.

-- Aimee Green
Norwegian English

The Annual General Meeting of Orkla ASA will be held at Ingenirenes Hus, Kronprinsensgate 17, Oslo, on Thursday 20 April 2017 at 3 p.m.

Notice of attendance must be received no later than 3 p.m. (Norwegian time) on 18 April 2017. Attached you will find the notice to the General Meeting, including appendices.

The Notice is posted electronically or by mail to all shareholders. To order a printed version of the appendices to the Notice, see www.orkla.com.

Notice of the Annual General Meeting and other documents relating to items of business, as well as further information concerning the rights of shareholders, may be found at www.orkla.com.

The Annual General Meeting will be simultaneously interpreted to English, and both languages will be webcast at www.orkla.com.

Registration will open at 1:30 p.m. on the date of the General Meeting, after which a light meal will be served.



Orkla ASA

Oslo, 30 March 2017



Ref.:



Group Director Corporate Communications & Corporate Affairs

Hakon Mageli

Tel.: +47 928 45 828

Email: hakon.mageli@orkla.no



IR & Communications Manager

Elise A. Heidenreich

Tel: +47 951 41 147

Email: elise.andersen.heidenreich@orkla.no



For questions concerning the nomination committee recommendations, please contact:

Anders Christian Stray Ryssdal

Tel.: + 47 907 84 794
Updated Thursday at 3:40 p.m.

When Emmanuel Ayala Frutos left to talk with federal immigration agents Sunday morning, his family thought he'd only be gone for a few hours.

Instead, Ayala Frutos has been gone for four days. He's being held in a federal immigration detention center in Tacoma.

Ayala Frutos, 21, is one of three Portland area men who are part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program to be arrested in the past week, immigration rights groups say. The program, created under the Obama administration, allows undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children to defer deportation.

One of the men, Francisco J. Rodriguez Dominguez was also arrested Sunday. He was released on bail Monday.

The third man, Luis Gerado Zuzueta, was arrested in Hillsboro on Thursday, his family told the ACLU of Oregon. Details of his status could not be confirmed Wednesday night.

Ayala Frutos has lived in Portland since 2002, when he was 6 years old. He was arrested at his home in North Portland early Sunday morning by immigration agents without a warrant, said Mat dos Santos, the legal director for the ACLU of Oregon. Immigration agents told Ayala Frutos they needed to talk with him about his DACA status, dos Santos said.

Ayala Frutos' DACA had expired two weeks earlier, the ACLU said. He was in the process of reapplying.

Ayala Frutos, believing he would only be gone for a few hours, told his mother he would be back later that afternoon, dos Santos said. His family later found out he had been detained.

Ayala Frutos pleaded guilty Feb. 28 to displaying a weapon and possession of a dangerous weapon in Clark County, according to the Vancouver city attorney's office. He was carrying and showing a butterfly knife, the ACLU of Oregon said.

Rose Richeson, a spokeswoman for the federal agency Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said Thursday that Ayala Frutos was targeted based on prior criminal convictions.

At a news conference at the Holy Cross Episcopal Church on Wednesday afternoon, Ayala Frutos' sister voiced her worry about the detention center where her brother was being held. Rocio Ayala said her brother is recovering from multiple surgeries after a car hit him, breaking both his legs earlier this year. He was also recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder, she said.

She and her family worry that he is not getting the medical care he needs in the detention center, she said. When she spoke to him over the phone Tuesday, he said he was given some medication but had not received a wheelchair he requested.

"It's really hard for us right now because we want him home where we feel he's safest," Rocio Ayala said, her voice breaking.

Everyone entered the federal detention center receives medical, mental health and dental screenings, Richeson said. If a condition is identified, the detainee will have a full physical exam in 24 hours, and medications are ordered and provided through an onsite pharmacy, she said.

"ICE is committed to ensuring the health and welfare of all those in its custody," Richeson said in an email.

Immigration rights groups decried Ayala Frutos' arrest. They said it was inhumane to take an injured man with a mental illness from his family, especially when he grew up in Portland.

"The Trump administration is increasing its immigration enforcement in the name of making Americans safer," said Andrea Williams, executive director of immigration rights group Causa. "But detaining a 21-year-old Dreamer who has gone to Portland's public schools since he was in kindergarten and is recovering from an injury makes nobody more safe."

They said that same strategy led to Dominguez's release from jail on bail Monday.

After Rocio Ayala, Williams and dos Santos spoke, people gathered in the church to celebrate Dominguez's release.

Dominguez thanked everyone who called immigration authorities to ask for his release.

"I'm glad to be back with my family," he said. "I'm glad to be back in the loving community I grew up in."

However, he said, the work didn't stop with his release. Other Dreamers, as those involved in the DACA program are called, still need help, he said.

"We have to push forward and show them the same support the community showed me," he said.

Also this week, an Iranian woman denied entry into the U.S. at Portland International Airport was reportedly waiting at a Tacoma ICE facility while she seeks asylum by way of a credible fear hearing, according to KOIN-TV.

Jaime Ruiz, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesman, told The Oregonian/OregonLive the woman was stopped from entering the U.S. on Tuesday because of "an administrative situation" in which agents found information that made them doubt the woman's true purpose of trying to enter the U.S.

Ruiz said the woman not being allowed into the country is not related to any presidential travel initiatives.

-- Samantha Matsumoto

503-294-4001; @SMatsumoto55

Staff writer Jim Ryan contributed to this report.
MentorHQ2.jpg

Mentor says Siemens will retain its Wilsonville site, including its bucolic, 53-acre campus.

(Oregonian file photo)

Mentor Graphics completed its $4.5 billion sale Thursday, passing ownership of Oregon's largest pure technology company to German industrial giant Siemens.

Wilsonville-based Mentor had been under growing pressure from investors to sell or break up the company. Siemens' bid last November keeps the operation as one piece, at least for now.

Mentor Graphics' history

1981

: Nine employees leave Tektronix to start Mentor Graphics Corp. in Beaverton

1984

: Mentor raises $55 million in an initial public stock offering

1985

: Revenue hits $198 million

1986

: Mentor employment grows to 1,000 workers

1991

: Mentor moves to new campus in Wilsonville

1993

: Former Texas Instruments Vice President Wally Rhines named CEO

2006

: Citadel Investment Group takes a 9 percent stake in Mentor, says the company has "underperformed," and urges cost cuts and other reforms to boost shareholder return. The Chicago investment firm divests by year's end, following a 72 percent rise in Mentor's stock.

2008

: Mentor fights off a hostile takeover bid by rival Cadence Designs Systems

2009

: Share price hits an all-time low, $3.44 amid global recession

2010

: Billionaire activist investor Carl Icahn takes a 12 percent stake in Mentor

2011

: Icahn wins a proxy fight with Mentor management, installing three of his representatives on the company's board. He doesn't follow through with plans to sell or break up the company.

2016

: Icahn sells his piece of Mentor but another investor, Elliott Management, buys a stake and begins agitating for change. Mentor agrees to sell to Siemens for $4.5 billion.

Mentor makes electronic design automation software, which engineers use to design computer chips, airplanes, cars and other sophisticated electronics. Siemens said the deal gives it access to new markets, including the semiconductor industry.

"This segment offers exciting growth opportunities for Siemens and will expand even further with the rise of Internet of Things, high-speed communications and the cloud," the company said in a letter to clients Thursday. When it agreed to buy Mentor in November, Siemens paid a 21 percent premium on the Oregon company's share price.

Mentor employs nearly 5,700, including approximately 1,000 at its 53-acre headquarters campus in Wilsonville. Siemens hasn't given a detailed forecast for what will happen to the site after the sale, but longtime Mentor chief executive Wally Rhines said last fall that the new ownership would preserve operations there.

"Their intent is to invest in the company. They are planning to provide the resources that will allow us to grow faster," Rhines said in November. "Siemens has reaffirmed its confidence and plans for the Oregon site."

Nearly all of Oregon's large tech companies have sold in the past few years, part of a broad wave of consolidation across the chip industry. Last year alone, Cascade Microtech and FEI Co. both sold to bigger businesses based elsewhere. Lattice Semiconductor also announced plans to sell to a group of Chinese investors, but regulatory scrutiny has stalled that deal.

Former Tektronix engineers started Mentor in 1981, and it grew into the largest of Tek's many spinoffs. Mentor struggled intermittently, though, and investors in recent years had complained the company failed to match the profits of larger rivals Synopsys and Cadence Design Systems.

Last year was strong, though, with sales growing 8.5 percent to nearly $1.3 billion. Profits increased to $154.9 million, up from $96.3 million the prior year.

-- Mike Rogoway; twitter: @rogoway; 503-294-7699
Travel Ban Lawsuits

Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin speaks outside federal court in Honolulu, Wednesday, March 29, 2017. A federal judge in Hawaii questioned government attorneys Wednesday who urged him to narrow his order blocking President Donald Trump's travel ban because suspending the nation's refugee program has no effect on the state. U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson is hearing arguments on whether to extend his temporary order until Hawaii's lawsuit works its way through the courts. Even if he does not issue a longer-lasting hold on the ban, his temporary block would stay in place until he rules otherwise.

(Caleb Jones/Associated Press)

UPDATE: Judge in Hawaii extends order blocking Trump's travel ban

HONOLULU -- A federal judge in Hawaii questioned a government attorney Wednesday who urged him to narrow his order blocking President Donald Trump's travel ban after arguing that a freeze on the nation's refugee program had no effect on the state.



U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson heard arguments on whether to extend his temporary order until Hawaii's lawsuit works its way through the courts. He said he would issue a written ruling by day's end.



Hawaii says the policy discriminates against Muslims and hurts the state's economy. The implied message in the revised ban is like a "neon sign flashing 'Muslim Ban, Muslim Ban'" that the government didn't bother to turn off, state Attorney General Douglas Chin told the judge.



The government says the ban falls within the president's power to protect national security. Hawaii has only made generalized concerns about its effect on students and tourism, Department of Justice attorney Chad Readler said Wednesday.



Participating by telephone, Readler asked Watson to be guided by narrower rulings blocking only the part of Trump's executive order that suspends new visas for people from six Muslim-majority countries.



Watson said the government only argued for the narrower interpretation after a federal judge in Maryland blocked the six-nation travel ban but not the suspension of the refugee program. That judge said it wasn't clear that the refugee freeze was similarly motivated by religious bias.



Watson noted that the government said 20 refugees were resettled in Hawaii since 2010.



"Is this a mathematical exercise that 20 isn't enough? ... What do I make of that?" the judge asked Readler.



The government attorney replied that 20 is simply a small number of refugees.



"In whose judgment?" Watson asked.



Constitutional harm exists regardless of the number of people affected or for how long, Hawaii's attorney general said.



In his arguments, Chin quoted Trump's comments that the revised travel ban is a "watered down" version of the original.



"We cannot fault the president for being politically incorrect, but we do fault him for being constitutionally incorrect," Chin said.



Earlier this month, Watson prevented the federal government from suspending new visas for people from Somalia, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen and freezing the nation's refugee program. His ruling came just hours before the federal government planned to start enforcing Trump's executive order.



The judge, nominated to the bench by former President Barack Obama in 2012, had agreed with Hawaii that the ban would hurt the state's tourism-dependent economy and that it discriminates based on nationality and religion.



Trump called Watson's ruling an example of "unprecedented judicial overreach."



Hawaii's ruling would not be directly affected by a decision siding with the federal government in the Maryland case, legal experts said. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals set a hearing for May 8 to consider the administration's appeal.



"What a ruling in 4th Circuit in favor of the administration would do is create a split in authority between federal courts in different parts of the country," said Richard Primus, a professor of constitutional law at the University of Michigan law school.



"Cases with splits in authority are cases the U.S. Supreme Court exists to resolve," he said.

-- The Associated Press
German English

Sika is opening a new mortar production facility at Coatzacoalcos in southeast Mexico. The new plant will also take over the manufacture of concrete admixtures from the previous production site at Villahermosa. Through its five factories, Sika has now established a nationwide supply chain. With a population of 120 million, Mexico has one of the largest domestic markets in Latin America and is investing heavily in infrastructure expansion.

Jose Luis Vazquez, Regional Manager Latin America: "The new production site at Coatzacoalcos will strengthen our position in one of Mexico's four main business centers. From here, we can supply construction projects in the metropolis of Mexico City, as well as the booming tourist centers on the Gulf of Mexico. Sika has invested strongly in the expansion of its production capacities in Mexico in recent years and is recording good growth rates in the country."

Apart from supplying contractors with product technologies for major construction projects, Sika is also intensifying business in the builders' merchants sector. In 2016, sales of products to end users via building material stores rose by 25%. This is due, among other things, to the extensive training programs offered by Sika for merchants and end customers.

ROBUST GROWTH EXPECTED IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Mexico is Latin America's second biggest economy. The construction sector is benefiting from the 2014-2018 National Infrastructure Program and the associated CHF 600 billion of investments. The funds are spent on residential construction, urban development and infrastructure projects in the transport, energy and water sectors.

CONTACT

Dominik Slappnig

Corporate Communications &

Investor Relations

+41 58 436 68 21

slappnig.dominik@ch.sika.com

SIKA AG CORPORATE PROFILE

Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing and protection in the building sector and automotive industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 97 countries around the world and manufactures in over 190 factories. Its more than 17,000 employees generated annual sales of CHF 5.75 billion in 2016.

The media release and an image can be downloaded from the following links:
The Annual General Meeting of Hexagon Composites ASA will be held on Thursday 20 April 2017 at 13:00 (CEST), at the Company's office in Korsegata 4B, Alesund, Norway.

Please see the attached notice for Annual General Meeting. A complete version of the notice including the 2016 annual report is also available on www.hexagon.no.

For more information:

David Bandele, CFO, Hexagon Composites ASA

Telephone: +47 920 91 483 | david.bandele@hexagon.no
Come celebrate the launch of Security, Race, Biopower: Essays on Technology and Corporeality, a new collection from Palgrave MacMillan, edited by Dr Holly Randell-Moon and Ryan Tippet from the University of Otagos Department of Media, Film and Communication.



The book explores how technologies of media, medicine, law, and governance enable and constrain the mobility of bodies within geographies of space and race. It features chapters by scholars from New Zealand and Australia addressing topics as disparate as drone strikes, nursing homes, health motivation apps, and crown succession laws.



More information about the book

In order to link this academic work with the advocacy and issues that it examines, there will be a screening of a Call to Account video by the Australian group Researchers Against Pacific Black Sites, and a call for donations to the Refugee Legal charity which defends the rights of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants to Australia.



Visit the Refugee Legal website

There will be food and drinks provided.

The book launch follows a seminar on March 30 from 1:00-2:10pm, in St Davids Seminar Room 5, in which Holly, Ryan, and contributor Dr Brett Nicholls will talk about their chapters in the book.



More information on the seminar

Visit the Space Race Bodies conference website

Date Friday, 31 March 2017 Time 5:00pm - 7:00pm Audience Public Event Category Humanities Event Type Function

Campus Dunedin Department Media, Film and Communication Location Pequeno Lounge Bar, 50 Princes St, opposite Rialto Cinema

Save this event
Thursday 30 March 2017 8:46am



Wellington City Council play areas and parks often lack smokefree signage or use tiny signs.

Progress towards smokefree inner cities in New Zealand requires specific policies for places like building entrances, family areas, public seating, outdoor dining and for city events, say researchers.

A project by the University of Otago, Wellington used the capital city as a case study to explore the issues and options for progressing smokefree outdoor policies in urban public spaces.

The study, just published in the Australian New Zealand Journal of Public Health, reports that the Wellington City Councils own surveys had found high support for new smokefree policies, but often very low awareness of the current policies.

From the 2015 surveys, the authors found 89 per cent of the public supported smokefree entrances of buildings accessed by the public, and 82 per cent supported bus stops. However, lead author Associate Professor George Thomson says that only 32 per cent of those surveyed were aware that all sportsfields were already smokefree.

The researchers also found that using smokefree bylaws is legally and practically feasible, and most (75 per cent) of those surveyed preferred bylaws to the current educational approach.



We need local policies in New Zealand only because central government is sitting on its hands, compared to Australian states such as Queensland and many jurisdictions in North America, says Associate Professor Thomson.

The research found that smokefree outdoor policies for some areas could be achieved through licence and lease conditions (e.g. for cafe pavement area leases).

To be effective, policies would also require sufficient investment to communicate them and their rationale, even if these policies were backed by law. International experience has shown that the enforcement of smokefree bylaws can largely be by verbal information and warnings by venue managers or officials, says Associate Professor Thomson.

Potential new policies include a smokefree downtown area, which would send a powerful message about the values and image of the city. Associate Professor Thomson said that a smokefree downtown was entirely possible within the next five to 10 years, if Wellington was serious about helping smokers to quit.

The researchers note that the Wellington City Council is already moving on smokefree bus stop signs, but that other research has shown that the Councils play areas and parks often lack smokefree signage or use tiny signs. With some measuring 10cm by 10cm, these are some of the smallest outdoor smokefree signs in the world says Associate Professor Thomson.

A more detailed report is also available online at: http://www.otago.ac.nz/wellington/otago621647.pdf

For further information, please contact:

Associate Professor George Thomson

Department of Public Health

University of Otago, Wellington

Email: george.thomson@otago.ac.nz
Inivata and Gustave Roussy Publish Positive Results from Prospective Clinical Study in use of ctDNA Liquid Biopsy to Guide Cancer Treatment

Publication in Annals of Oncology Shows Benefit of Osimertinib in EGFR-mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients with T790M-Mutation Detected by InVisionTM ctDNA liquid biopsy platform

First Reported Study of Clinical Outcomes in Patients Whose Treatment was Based on ctDNA Profiling

Research Triangle Park, NC and Cambridge, UK, and Villejuif, France, March 30, 2017 -- Inivata, a global clinical cancer genomics company employing a revolutionary approach to circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis to improve personalized healthcare in oncology, and Gustave Roussy, a premier European Cancer Centre, today announce the publication in the journal Annals of Oncology of positive results from a study using the InVisionTM liquid biopsy platform to guide cancer treatment[i].

The study by a world-leading team of investigators led by Benjamin Besse, Chairman of the Thoracic Unit, Medical Oncologist at Gustave Roussy is the first to be published on the prospective testing of the efficacy of a cancer treatment based on ctDNA results in a real-world setting.

In this study, 48 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), who had been shown to have a common epidermal growth factor receptor EGFR mutation at an initial biopsy, and had developed tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) resistance, were tested using Inivita's InVisionTM ctDNA liquid biopsy platform for the presence of T790 mutations. The T790 mutation is a known mechanism of acquired resistance to the first and second TKIs used in the treatment of this patient cohort. Importantly, the patients in the study were not able to have a new tissue biopsy at the time of disease progression for reasons including lack of available tissue or the localisation of the tumour. The ctDNA T790M mutational status was detected in 50% of NSCLC patients, which is consistent with detection rates seen in tissue biopsies.

Benjamin Besse, Chairman of the Thoracic Unit, Medical Oncologist at Gustave Roussy said: "This Inivata test allowed us to rescue patients unable to undergo a biopsy. The latter situation is frequent in EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients. Indeed, recurrences during first line TKIs may be too small or in a site inadequate for molecular testing, such as bone metastases. Liquid biopsies are easy to manage in a real-life setting, and can be performed potentially in any centre. They are meant to become the upfront test, keeping tissue biopsy as a second line test. I foresee a future where liquid biopsy will not only be used as a diagnostic tool, but also as a dynamic test to prospectively monitor NSCLC evolution."

The T790M positive NSCLC patients within the study were treated with osimertinib (marketed as TAGRISSO(TM)), a third generation TKI recently approved by both the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) for patients with acquired EGFR T790M mutations. Among evaluable patients, osimertinib gave a partial response rate of 62.5% and a stable disease rate of 37.5%. All responses were confirmed responses. These results are comparable to the efficacy reported with osimertinib in patients with the T790M mutation detected in tumour tissue biopsy as seen in registration trials.

These results show, in a prospective clinical setting, that ctDNA from liquid biopsy can be used as a surrogate marker for T790M in tumour tissue and, more broadly, the potential for the technology to guide personalised cancer treatment.

Clive Morris, Chief Medical Officer at Inivata, said: "This study shows for the first time the clinical utility of our InVisionTM ctDNA liquid biopsy platform in guiding treatment decisions and delivering better patient outcomes. While a relatively small study, the fact that these patients were able to receive targeted therapy despite the unavailability of a tissue biopsy and the close comparability of mutation detection and treatment outcomes to standard practice based on tissue profiling is extremely encouraging. We are proud to have worked closely with Gustave Roussy, a world-renowned cancer centre, on this study. We have an extensive, international clinical validation programme ongoing and look forward to presenting further results as we advance towards commercialisation of our InVisionTM platform."

- Ends -

About Inivata

Inivata, a clinical cancer genomics company, is employing the precision of ctDNA analysis to improve personalized healthcare in oncology. Using a simple blood test, ctDNA analysis is a new tool for oncologists to detect cancer, stratify patients, and assess individual response to treatment. Inivata's proprietary technology is based on pioneering research from the Rosenfeld Lab at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK-CI), University of Cambridge. Inivata's InVisionTM ctDNA assay provides a highly sensitive analysis of a highly-select gene panel to identify actionable mutations for oncologists to treat their patients optimally. In 2016, Inivata opened a CLIA lab in Research Triangle Park, NC and launched a large-scale, prospective clinical validation study of the Company's ctDNA analysis in lung cancer. For more information and a full listing of investors, please go to www.inivata.com. Follow us on Twitter @Inivata.

About Gustave Roussey

Gustave Roussy is the leading Cancer Centre in Europe. It is a centre where all the skills in cancer care are focused on the patient. It comprises 3,000 professional staff who are engaged in care, research and teaching. www.gustaveroussy.fr/en

Media Contacts:

Consilium Strategic Communications

Chris Gardner/Laura Thornton

Email: inivata@consilium-comms.com

Phone: +44 (0)20 3709 5700

Karen Chandler-Smith

Karen.chandler-smith@inivata.com

Phone: +44 (0) 7900 430235













[i] Osimertinib benefit in EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients with T790M-mutation detected by circulating tumour DNA. J. Remon et al. (Ann Oncol 2017; 28-4: 784-790)




This time of the year I often think back to the time I spent in Austria. Home was in the southern state of Styria, a lovely area full of majestic mountains and hills. Like the rest of the country, Styria is steeped in tradition. And during the weeks that led up to the celebration of Easter people were busy preparing for that very important date on the Christian calendar.

During the weeks between Ash Wednesday and Easter, everyone I knew avoided eating meat on Fridays and on certain other special days during the Lenten season. Catholic traditions in the Alpine country run deep and even if some people are not particularly religious it is still usual to follow the old customs. For us, that meant preparing lots of Mehlspeisen or foods made with flour. Austrians have a long tradition and deep love of such food which can mean such things as dumplings, thin pancakes or strudels. Meals on meatless days often started out with a salad of greens, white beans and sliced cucumber. After that, we would enjoy some homemade sweet dumplings. The main ingredients were usually flour, eggs, milk and perhaps farmers cheese. My favorites, the ones made with the farmers cheese (something like dry cottage cheese) were poached in slowly simmering water and then rolled in a mixture of melted butter, sugar, breadcrumbs and sometimes a pinch of cinnamon before being served piled on top of each other on a huge plate. Back when I lived in Austria we didnt eat much that was not in season. But we did have a good supply of homemade foods that had been canned to get us through the cold months. So that meant eating the dumplings with homemade canned apricots or plums. Not exactly light food but I loved it!

Part of the preparation for Easter in many places around the world includes the coloring or painting of eggs. Local families in Styria would save onion peels for the occasion. Other vegetables such as red beets were also used to produce beautiful, naturally colored eggs. I remember boiling the onion peels until we got all sorts of different shades of brown and then mixing the colors with other natural ingredients to make our final product. They certainly werent flashy colors by any means but they were some of the most beautiful eggs I have ever seen.

It was traditional to take the foods that would be served for the Easter breakfast (literally snack) or Osterjause to the local parish priest to be blessed. This was done on the Saturday evening before Easter. This meant preparing a special basket filled with Selchfleisch or spiced and smoked pork, colored eggs, salt, fresh horseradish (a very typical food in many parts of Austria) and Osterbrot or Easter bread. Some families we knew actually spent time weaving their own baskets for the occasion. And in each basket was a special cloth with religious symbols on it used only for this day. The name in the local Styrian dialect is Weihtuach or blessed cloth. This cloth was also often embroidered at home. We purchased our meat from a local butcher and it was delicious. The horseradish came from the woods. Each family I knew seemed to have their own variation of the Easter bread. Some were prepared as braided breads whereas others ended up as plump, round loaves. But all were light and slightly sweet.

On the same day there was also a tradition of carrying the blessed fire to the homes in the village. Children would gather near the church where there was a large fire that had been blessed for the occasion. Children would then use special devices to take the fire from home to home on that Saturday before Easter. The tradition dates back before the days of matches and lighters. Hundreds of years of go villagers would couldnt allow their fire to go out. Indeed, even when I lived in Austria, I remember what it was like to wake up on a cold morning when the fire in my wood oven had gone out in the middle of the night. But on that special evening families would purposely allow their fires to go out knowing that children would be bringing the special blessed fire to their homes so the Easter foods could be prepared.

On my very first Easter morning in Austria I was surprised to be informed that the local parish priest had invited a friend and me to share the traditional Easter breakfast with him. The priests housekeeper had prepared a beautiful table with such foods as the Selchfleisch or smoked pork, slices of Easter bread and Austrian farmers (rye) bread, sausage, boiled eggs, freshly grated horseradish, radishes, butter, jams, salt, coffee and tea. It it is such a beautiful tradition. The three of us had a wonderful breakfast together and I soon found out that the priest had invited me to his residence to discuss the task I had accepted of taking care of a local chapel.

Many years have gone by since that first Easter in Austria. But I can say that most years my Danish wife, Susanne, and I have enjoyed preparing the traditional Styrian Easter breakfast. Once you get used to it, the Easter bread is not really complicated to make. And the smell of freshly baked bread in a home is just wonderful. At times it has been a little work to find a smoked ham similar to the one i enjoyed in Austria so many years ago. But nowadays local supermarkets and specialty food shops do carry smoked hams and one can often purchase them sliced. Perhaps you, too, will enjoy trying the recipe for the Easter bread. Have a wonderful and blessed Easter!

Greg Lopez is a Midlander who enjoys food and travel. He combines both in a monthly column for the Daily News.

Osterbrot - Austrian Easter bread

1 1/2 pounds unbleached all purpose flour

3/4 cups sugar

A pinch of salt

One package vanilla sugar (or 1 1/2 teaspoons pure liquid vanilla)

Finely grated peel of 1/2 of an organic lemon (use an organic lemon to avoid the chemicals used on non-organic lemons)

4 teaspoons granulated dry yeast

1 1/2 cups lukewarm milk (heat up the milk and then allow it to cool off until lukewarm)

2 egg yolks, slightly beaten

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter or margarine, melted and allowed to cool

1/4 cups raisins soaked in 1/4 cup warm water (and 1 tablespoon rum, if you like) (remove liquid and pat dry with paper towels before incorporating in the dough)

Oil spray

1 egg, to baste the loaf before baking

Place 2 tablespoons sugar, all of the yeast and 1/4 cup of the lukewarm milk in a small glass jar that has a tight fitting lid. Place the lid on tightly and then shake until all the ingredients are well blended. Remove the lid and allow the yeast to rise to about half way up the side of the jar. In the meantime, place the flour, the rest of the sugar, the pinch of salt, the vanilla sugar or liquid vanilla, the lemon peel, the rest of the milk, the 2 beaten egg yolks and the melted and cooled butter or margarine in a large mixing bowl. Carefully scrape all of the yeast mixture out of the jar into the middle of the ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Carefully blend all the ingredients in the bowl to form a dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about ten minutes, or until you have an elastic dough that is no longer sticky. You may need to add a bit more flour but only add a few tablespoons at a time. Lightly spray the mixing bowl with oil spray and place the dough in the bowl. Cover with a cloth and allow to rise until double in bulk  about an hour, depending on the yeast and the temperature of the kitchen. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and slowly incorporate the soaked (and dried) raisins and knead to form a large round loaf. Lightly spray a baking sheet with the oil spray and place the round loaf on the baking sheet. Baste the outside of the dough with the beaten egg. After the dough has risen for about 30 minutes carefully make a cross on the top of the loaf using a very sharp knife. The cross should not be deep at all - perhaps about 1/16 of an inch deep. Allow to rise about 15 minutes longer and then bake in a preheated 350 degrees F for about an hour or until the loaf tests done (if you tap on the bottom of the loaf it sounds hollow). If the loaf seems to brown too quickly cover it with aluminum foil and continue to bake until it is done. Cool the loaf completely before serving. Note: Vanilla sugar can usually be purchased at specialty food shops in this area.
Early in his tenure, Gov. Rick Snyder created the Office of Regulatory Reinvention to simplify Michigans regulatory environment by reducing obsolete, unnecessary and burdensome rules that are limiting economic growth. It has rescinded more than 2,000 rules. This is admirable. However, there remain in place more than 160 rules of the most economically pernicious type  occupational licenses.

Want to open a business selling hearing aids? Youll need to pass an exam, pay fees to the state and have 2.5 years of experience before you can hang your shingle. How about teaching people to drive? Prepare to complete a specialty course, pass a test and, of course, pay fees to the state.

Licensing reform advocates  like the folks at the Mackinac Center and my firm, the Institute for Justice  are often asked how occupational licenses come into existence and why they persist. In a recently published book titled, Bottleneckers: Gaming the Government for Power and Private Profit, a colleague and I explain: industry insiders themselves ask for such regulation and fight to maintain it.

At first blush, this seems counterintuitive. Why would people ask for more government intrusion into their business? They do it because licenses confer a valuable economic advantage  the ability to use government power to keep competitors out. We have a name for such regulatory enthusiasts: bottleneckers.

An occupational license, like any bottleneck, restricts free movement  in this case, the free movement of new entrants into an occupation. Keeping competitors out allows those already working in an industry to command artificially inflated prices and wages.

Such bottlenecks are almost always created by a Legislature at the request of industry leaders, who demonstrate classic special interest behaviors: coordinating letter writing campaigns, holding industry day events at the capitol, providing testimony at committee hearings, presenting special awards to legislators, making campaign contributions and personally lobbying legislators offices.

Their materials and testimony are routinely filled with scary-sounding claims about threats to the public from unlicensed practice or dire predictions about the consequences of repealing an existing license. In the rare event a legislator asks them to substantiate such claims, bottleneckers respond with a few anecdotes of harm but seldom any systematic, empirical evidence.

The clear losers in these schemes are those who wish to work or build businesses that would employ others. But research suggests consumers also suffer, paying higher prices for goods and services without necessarily enjoying greater quality or protection. Indeed, even the Obama White House, in a 2015 report, concluded the benefits of licensing rarely exceed the costs.

Nonetheless, new licenses continue to be introduced in the Michigan Legislature. A bill under consideration this session would license home inspectors, requiring 80 credit hours of education, completion of 200 home inspections and passage of an exam  plus fees to the state.

Rather than mulling yet another favor to a special interest, the Michigan Legislature would do better to consider bills to break open bottlenecks and expand economic liberty on behalf of interests too rarely served in regulatory discussions  Michigans workers, entrepreneurs and consumers.

Dick M. Carpenter II is the coauthor of Bottleneckers: Gaming the Government for Power and Private Profit.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) BLOSSOMS Program (Blended Learning Open Source Science Or Math Studies) today announced it has signed a first-of-its-kind partnership with the Atlantis Charter School in Fall River, Massachusetts. Under the agreement, the two institutions will work together to train high school teachers to use and create BLOSSOMS lessons, and make the engaging hands-on learning videos on various STEM topics a regular part of the curriculum.



Atlantis is the first school in the Commonwealth to give BLOSSOMS video lessons a leading role in the classroom. Its a forward-looking program we hope will serve as a model for other innovative schools across the state, said MIT Professor Richard Larson, Director of the MIT BLOSSOMS program. Adding BLOSSOMS to the curriculum will not only help improve STEM education for students, but will also expose current and aspiring teachers to new tools and techniques for engaging students in topics that are typically difficult to teach.

BLOSSOMS videos are designed to move educators away from the scripted lecture format with its emphasis on memorization for tests to one that promotes active learning and critical thinking. The 50-minute lessons, typically shown on a large-screen at the front of the classroom, are interspersed with breaks, during which students - guided by their teacher - engage in a variety of activities that challenge them to problem solve. But perhaps most importantly, the lessons demonstrate to students how many STEM topics relate to their everyday lives and are presented in a way students find both interesting and challenging.

The idea is get more young people interested in STEM and show them how the various topics relate to the real world. That way, more students will become engaged and motivated to pursue STEM careers, where employment opportunities will be in the highest demand. In that sense, the initiative will help advance our mission to spur economic development and revitalization in the region because it will connect more students to higher education and industry by promoting STEM study, said Michael Lauro, Associate Executive Director at Atlantis Charter School.

The partnerships kicks off next month with a training session during which teachers will be familiarized with the BLOSSOMS program and provided an overview of the best practice elements of the BLOSSOMS "teaching duet" pedagogy method, which enhances the teaching of certain lessons with the lively video presence of a guest lecturer. Teachers will eventually use their training to begin producing their own BLOSSOMS videos for use in the newly launched STEM and Education academies.

Atlantis Charter School is one of the longest-standing charter schools in Massachusetts. We currently serve 1,100 students in one of the most economically challenged regions of the state. This partnership with MIT BLOSSOMS embodies our schools mission to provide an education second to none, yielding academic excellence and lifelong learning skills. Our students and faculty will benefit tremendously. Whats more, the videos we create will be freely available online for use in other schools worldwide, said Robert L. Beatty, executive director of Atlantis Charter School.
LINCOLN, Neb.  Gordmans will live on, but at about half its current size, after a Texas-based retailer won a bankruptcy auction for the struggling retailer.

A bid by Stage Stores Inc., a Houston-based retailer that operates the Bealls department store chain and other store brands, was chosen by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Nebraska, according to documents filed Thursday.

Gordmans operates a store at the Shoppes at College Hills in Normal. Stage Stores has not released the list of stores that will remain open.

In a news release, Stage said it plans to assume the leases of 50 Gordmans locations and keep them open. It also has the rights to assume leases for an additional seven stores and a distribution center.

The company said the other 48 Gordmans stores locations will be liquidated and closed.

The locations remaining open were not identified, either in bankruptcy documents or by Stage Stores that won out over a competing bid by former Gordmans CEO Jeff Gordman.

Michael Glazer, president and chief executive officer of Stage, said the company will keep the Gordmans brand and will hire a significant number of the company's retail employees.

"We are pleased to enhance our store portfolio with the most desirable Gordmans locations, giving Stage a strong Midwestern presence in markets generally larger than those we serve today," he said in the release.

Stage has stores in 38 states, but the vast majority of them are in the South and on the East Coast, so it does not have much overlap with Gordmans stores. Glazer called them a "natural complement" to Stage Stores.

Gordmans filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy March 13, partnering with liquidators to present what is known as a stalking horse bid. The deal with Tiger Capital Group LLC and Great American Group LLC called for Gordmans creditors to get at least $74 million based on a projection that its inventory would sell for between $145 million and $153 million.
NEW OPENINGS

The Boss Baby

97 min.; 2-D/3-D; PG (mild rude humor)

A suit-wearing baby pairs up with his 7-year-old brother to stop the plot of the CEO of Puppy Co.

Ghost in the Shell

106 min.; 2-D/3-D; PG-13 (intense sci-fi violence, suggestive content, disturbing images)

The first human to become a cyber-enhanced soldier fights to stop the world's most dangerous criminals.

The Zookeeper's Wife

124 min.; PG-13 (thematic elements, disturbing images, violence, brief sexuality, nudity, smoking)

True WWII story of the Warsaw Zoo's keepers, who saved hundreds during the German invasion.

ONGOING

Beauty and the Beast

129 min.; 2-D/3-D; PG (action violence, peril, frightening images)

Live-action redo of the animated musical about a monstrous prince and a young woman who fall in love.

The Belko Experiment

88 min.; R (strong bloody violence throughout, language, sexual references, drug use)

Americans are locked in a Colombian high-rise and ordered to participate in a game of kill or be killed.

CHIPS

100 min.; R (crude sexual content, graphic nudity, pervasive language, violence, drug use)

Two California Highway Patrol motorcycle cops make their rounds on the freeways of L.A.

A Dog's Purpose

120 min.; PG (thematic elements, peril)

A dog looks to discover his purpose in life over the course of several lifetimes and owners.

Fifty Shades Darker

115 min.; R (strong erotic sexual content, graphic nudity, language)

Christian wrestles his inner demons; Anastasia confronts the anger and envy of her predecessors.

Get Out

103 min.; R (violence, bloody images, language, sexual references)

A young African-American man visits his Caucasian girlfriend's mysterious family estate.

Hidden Figures

127 min.; PG (thematic elements, language)

A team of African-American women becomes crucial to the launch of NASA's first successful space missions.

Kong: Skull Island

120 min.; 2-D/3-D; PG-13 (intense sci-fi violence/action, brief strong language)

A team of explorers and soldiers travels to an uncharted Pacific isle inhabited by a legendary giant.

Last Word

108 min.; R (language)

A retired businesswoman decides to write her own obituary with the aid of a young journalist.

Life

103 min.; R (language throughout, sci-fi violence/terror)

Scientists aboard a space station nurture a rapidly evolving life form that caused extinction on Mars.

Logan

137 min.; R (brutal violence, language throughout, nudity)

Logan's attempts to hide from his legacy are upended when a young mutant arrives, pursued by dark forces.

Power Rangers

124 min.; 2-D/3-D; PG-13 (sci-fi violence/action/destruction, language, crude humor)

High-school kids infused with superpowers harness their abilities in order to save the world.

The Shack

132 min.; PG-13 (thematic material, violence)

A grieving man receives a mysterious, personal invitation to meet with God at a place called The Shack.

AT THE NORMAL

My Life as a Zucchini

70 min.; subtitled; PG-13 (thematic elements, suggested material)

Animated story of a young boy who learns the meaning of trust and true love after being sent to a foster home. (March 31 and April 2)

The Lure

92 min.; subtitled; unrated

In Warsaw, a pair of mermaid sisters are adopted into a cabaret. (March 31-April 1)

Kiki

95 min.; unrated

Documentary look at a group of LGBTQ youths of color that unite to form a safe gathering space. (April 1)

Forbidden Planet

98 min.; unrated

An Earth space crew investigates a planet's colony, only to be warned away by one of its sole survivors. (April 4)

Blade Runner: The Final Cut

117 min.; R (violence, language, nudity)

A detective pursues replicants who stole a ship in space and have returned to Earth to find their creator. (April 5)
NORMAL  After months struggling to stay above water, Connect Transit is looking ahead to a still-cloudy financial future.

Despite fears that the Bloomington-Normal public transit system would shut down Jan. 1 due to delayed state funding, it now has enough money to operate through at least June, leaving officials to decide how to tackle a logjam of deferred costs, including the possibility of curtailing bus routes.

"Right now we have 23 of 42 vehicles on fixed-route (service) that have to be replaced in the next three to five years, preferably sooner," said interim General Manager Isaac Thorne. "How do we find the capital money to replace our aging fleet when most of our money is being used for operating?"

Thorne told the system's board of trustees last week that budget uncertainty has led officials to use money usually reserved for capital projects for day-to-day costs over decades, and that's unlikely to change soon.

"We've been successful in the past getting discretionary grants for buses. (In 2014) we got seven buses replaced with a grant ... But we don't know if the Trump administration is going to approve those funds," he said. "Last year they rolled them out in March or April, and we've heard nothing (in 2017)."

President Donald Trump's budget proposal discontinues the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act and Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant programs, which help fund bus systems. That budget plan is a blueprint only but shows the president's priorities.

"(Transportation) Secretary (Elaine) Chao has said she loves the FAST Act, so that's at least something," Thorne said.

State grants are in doubt as well. Thorne said the Illinois Department of Transportation told Connect Transit it received a grant for $3 million in 2013, but that was never delivered, dashing hopes to replace nine buses with it.

"That's indefinitely on hold," he said. "We may have to (reapply)."

Andrew Johnson, who was the system's general manager until Friday, told the board he's heard the state could do another capital program soon, but "in the three-to-five year window we've got, we can't really count on it."

Board member Jennifer McDade said she'd prefer to discuss solutions to the funding problem before it becomes critical. Thorne said Connect Transit should approve a budget in May, and the board has scheduled three special planning sessions in April.

"No one wants to have a conversation, and I'm not looking to start one, about cutting routes, but this is bleak," McDade said. "Which routes, for example, are the heaviest-utilized right now, and which ones are not? ... I know were starting to see some trends on the new routes.

Thorne said any route changes would likely be presented to the public after the budget is approved, over the summer. The system rolled out a new map and schedule last August intended to increase ridership, which has decreased year-over-year every month since April 2015.

"The top eight routes have 80 percent of the ridership," said Thorne  the Aqua, Green, Lime, Pink, Purple, Red, Redbird Express and Yellow routes.

Board member John Bowman noted farebox recovery  what percentage of system expenses is recouped by fares  has tumbled as well, and he said it needs to improve. That would mean either more riders or higher fares charged per rider.

The system's $1 base fare has not increased since 2007, Thorne said.

Board Chairman Mike McCurdy said the route restructuring was projected to increase riders more than 10 percent, and that could still happen. He suggested the system wait on changing fares until after tweaking routes.

Normal City Manager Mark Peterson said farebox revenue won't solve the system's funding problems regardless. Connect Transit gets 65 percent of its funding from the state, another 7 percent from Bloomington and Normal governments, and the rest from federal money and fares.

"The community needs to come together and decide what kind of transit services they want for the future," Johnson said.

"The board's going to have some heavy lifting to do," said McCurdy.
BLOOMINGTON  March is going out like a lion.

After steady rain all day Thursday, the Bloomington-Normal area is no longer at risk for severe thunderstorms, said Dan Smith, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Lincoln.

Severe weather, including hail and damaging winds, has shifted to southern and eastern Illinois according to NWS.

More showers will continue Friday morning and temperatures will be in the mid-40s with some gusty wind, said Smith.

The temperature will rise over the weekend. Saturday will be partly sunny with highs in the mid 50s. Rain will return Sunday with temperatures in the upper 50s.

Showers will start rolling in around dawn Sunday and continue on and off into the evening and into Monday, said Smith.

The Twin Cities saw nearly a half inch of rain Thursday and can expect a quarter of an inch from Sundays system, said Smith.

But there is no threat of severe weather over the weekend, said Smith, though there is a chance thunderstorms could return in the middle of next week.

The rain has been showing up every other day and that pattern will continue, said Smith.

After the warmest February on record for the state, Jim Angel, Illinois State climatologist, said this years weather has been a little upside down.

For the next couple of days things will be on the wet side, but were in a pretty typical pattern for March into April, said Angel. I dont see any future threat of drought or flooding.

Angel said the extended outlook for April shows a chance of above-normal temperatures.

He said the wetter weather will continue through April, May and June.

Thats the rainy season for Illinois, especially for the Bloomington area in particular, said Angel.
DALLAS, March 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blue Calypso, Inc. (OTCQB:BCYP), an innovator of mobile consumer activation, engagement and social advocacy solutions for product brands and brick-and-mortar retailers, has filed a Form 15 with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), to suspend its reporting obligations under Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.



The Company expects that the termination of its duty to file reports with the SEC will become effective within 90 days. However, as a result of the filing of the Form 15, the Companys reporting obligations with the SEC, including its obligation to file annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K are suspended immediately. The Company believes that the filing of the Form 15 will significantly reduce expenses associated with the preparation and filing of periodic reports with the SEC. The Company plans to evaluate whether to disclose its financial statements on a quarterly and annual basis through the OTC Markets reporting service.

The Companys common stock is currently traded on the OTCQB, operated by OTC Markets Group, a centralized electronic quotation service for over-the-counter securities. The Company expects that its common stock will continue to be quoted on the OTCQB until its periodic reporting obligations under Section 15(d) of the Act are suspended, at which time the Company anticipates its common stock will be traded on OTC Pink Market, so long as market makers demonstrate an interest in trading in the Company's common stock. However, there is no assurance that trading in the Company's common stock will continue on the OTC Pink Market or on any other securities exchange or quotation medium.

The decision of the Company's Board of Directors to deregister its common stock was based on the consideration of numerous factors, including the large costs of preparing and filing periodic reports with the SEC, the increased outside accounting, audit, legal and other costs and expenses associated with being a public reporting company, the burdens placed on Company management to comply with reporting requirements, and the low trading volume in the Company's common stock. After deregistration of the Companys common stock is effective, the Company will decide what level of reporting benefits the Companys shareholders and its operations.

After a thorough review by management and the board of directors, we have concluded that filing a Form 15 is the most expeditious path to cash flow neutral operations and ultimately to preserve shareholder value, said Blue Calypso CEO, Andrew Levi. Despite our investor relations efforts, we do not believe that the Companys market capitalization accurately reflects the value in our intellectual property, disruptive KIOSentrix and POPTrak solutions and our current backlog. While a much slower than expected adoption of our technology and ad-tech platforms with leading U.S. retailers has impacted our success in growing revenue, we believe the market remains large and the need for solutions like ours to be significant, but will only be captured by those companies with the persistence and means to remain in pursuit.

Starting in Q4 2016 and continuing through the first quarter of 2017, we have aggressively reduced our expenses which included significant cuts in sales, marketing, legal, public & investor relations expenses and a reduction in executive compensation. In fact, my cash compensation has been reduced to and will remain at $0 until certain milestones are achieved including strategic alternatives which we believe will accelerate the Companys path to profitability. We look forward to continuing our work toward profitability and periodic updates as we achieve meaningful milestones, concluded Levi.

About Blue Calypso, Inc.

Dallas-based Blue Calypso, Inc. (OTCQB:BCYP) develops and delivers an innovative location-centric mobile shopper engagement experience for brands, retailers and consumers. The Companys KIOSentrix platform connects consumers to brands, drives local in-store traffic, increases shopper spend and shortens the consumers path-to-purchase. The Company was recently selected to Retail CIO Outlook magazines Top 10 Merchandising Solution Providers  2016 and was named Shopping Marketing Editors Choice by the Path to Purchase Institute. For more information about the company, please visit www.bluecalypso.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other unknown factors that could cause the actual results of the Company to be materially different from historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to statements which explicitly describe such risks and uncertainties, readers are urged to consider statements labeled with the terms believes, belief, expects, intends, anticipates, will, or plans to be uncertain and forward-looking. The forward-looking statements contained herein are also subject generally to other risks and uncertainties that are described from time to time in the Companys reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
http://www.livescience.com/58456-1000-year-old-toy-viking-boat.html

I always find discoveries such as these  a little toy boat and a well-preserved shoe  very human, and somewhat touching. (It probably doesnt hurt that one of my ancestral lines goes back to Norway; my grandmother immigrated to the United States when she was eighteen.)

They seem so real, and they make those to whom they belonged very real in my mind. Not mere abstractions, but people not altogether unlike me and my family and my children.

Ive not been able to find his remarks online, but I seem to recall  and have long been impressed by  a comment made by Elder Boyd K. Packer at the World Conference on Records in 1980. Talking about the seeming impossibility of performing temple ordinances for all of those who have ever lived  because their names and identities and stories have been irretrievably lost from mortal records (if, indeed, they were ever recorded to begin with)  he answered his own question of what we can do now, pending further revelation and divine help: We can love them, he said, simply.

Curiously, contemplating a simple medieval shoe  or, perhaps even more, a little childs toy boat from a millennium ago  helps me, at least, to do that.
Patna: A Patna court on Tuesday rejected a regular bail petition of Jan Adhikar Party (JAP) leader and Madhepura MP Pappu Yadav who remains locked up at Patna's Beur Jail after being arrested in a case going back to January this year.

Not a stranger to life in a small cell, Yadav, who has spent a large portion of his life in various prisons including the maximum security Tihar Jail in Delhi on a host of charges, was being held at the Saraswati Ward at the Beur Jail after he failed to secure a place in the infirmary ward of the prison.

Yadav was arrested on Monday night from his home in Mandiri area in Patna just hours after he staged a massive protest in the state capital in which several of his supporters were injured during a police lathi charge.

The case relates to January 24, 2017 protest rally by Yadav and his men near the Kargil Chowk in Patna that led to an FIR against him for disrupting work in government offices.
Patna: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi has accused Bihar Labor Minister Vijay Prakash of making extortion demand from the owner of Shrenuj Group, the company that owned the only diamond cutting and polishing unit in Bihar, forcing them to shut down their operation and leave the state for good.

"The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader made an unofficial visit to the factory located in Pataliputra Industrial Complex in Patna last September. There was no need for him to go there but he did and in October, the company wrapped its business and left Bihar for good. When the media contacted the officials in Mumbai, they were told that the minister demanded a huge sum in extortion money. They were also threatened of dire consequences if the extortion demands were not met. As a result, the company folded its Patna operation and left," Modi said.

When asked, the minister admitted visiting the diamond cutting and polishing factory last September but denied the extortion charge saying it was a lie being spread by the opposition leaders to malign his image.

"I did go to the factory in September to settle a labor dispute over non-payment of wages. A number of workers were fired without any reasonable cause and since most labors were from Bihar, I felt it was my duty to intervene and bring both parties to the bargaining table. I did not make any demand for money," the minister said.

It may be recalled that it was Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who, amidst much hype, had inaugurated the Rs. 600 crore factory in May 2013 in the presence of the then Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, Labor Minister Janardan Singh Sigriwal, and Industry Minister Renu Kushwaha.

Kumar, who at the time had said that with the opening of the diamond processing factory in Bihar, he felt vindicated against those who were critical of him saying he could not even attract a needle factory in Bihar, is yet to weigh in on this latest scandal to hit his administration.
Assessing the Putin-Rouhani Summit

03/30/17

By Mark N. Katz (source: LobeLog)



Iranian President Hassan Rouhani meets Russian President Vladimir Putin

Moscow, March 28, 2017 (photo by Islamic Republic News Agency)



The successful meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Moscow on March 28 indicates that the two leaders have similar views not just on Syria, but on several other issues. Still, areas of disagreement between them remain, even when it comes to issues on which they're broadly cooperative.

Both Rouhani and Putin expressed support for the continuation of the Iranian nuclear accord in spite of the fact that U.S. President Donald Trump and some of his top associates have expressed disapproval of that deal. Putin and Rouhani also expressed their opposition to "unilateral sanctions"-another critical reference to American foreign policy, which has imposed just such sanctions on both of their countries. And the two leaders also expressed their disapproval of cyberattacks, mentioning by name the Stuxnet attack on Iranian nuclear facilities (they did not mention that it was the U.S. and Israel that reportedly launched that attack back in 2010). No mention was made, of course, about whether Russia or Iran conduct cyberattacks on other nations.

Putin and Rouhani both reiterated their commitment to providing anti-terrorist support to Afghanistan as well as to preserving Iraq's territorial integrity. The American military drawdown from both Afghanistan and Iraq has meant that these problems are now more urgent for both Russia and Iran to either deal with themselves or face the consequences of not doing so.

Putin and Rouhani also signaled their cooperation (along with other oil producers) in limiting oil exports in order to stabilize the global energy market (i.e., to prop up petroleum prices). But while it is impressive that Moscow and Tehran are cooperating in this endeavor, each would prefer not to have to limit its own exports. Moreover, if the export cut raises oil prices high enough to encourage more American shale oil production, which will then exert downward pressure on oil prices, then it will have failed to achieve its purpose.

Putin and Rouhani also agreed on other forms of cooperation, including Russian participation in the Iranian hydrocarbon sector, Moscow increasing export credits to Iran, further Russian participation in developing nuclear power plants in Iran, Russian export of civilian aircraft and helicopters to Iran, and the easing of visa restrictions between the two countries.

Their most important area of joint Iran-Russia cooperation at present, though, is in their common effort to defend the Assad regime against its opponents in Syria. Ever since Russia intervened in the Syrian civil war with its air force beginning in September 2015, Russia and Iran together have not only saved Assad from further losses, but have helped his regime to regain lost territory. Still, there appear to be important differences between Russia and Iran on Syria. Putin's willingness to work with Turkey, which has supported some of Assad's opponents, does not appear to be welcome to Iran, which has long seen Turkey as a rival in the region. Indeed, Moscow may be encouraging Turkish involvement in Syria as a way of limiting Iran's options there. It may anticipate that once the opposition to Assad has largely been defeated, there may then emerge a struggle over who has predominant influence in Syria. If Iran has to compete with Turkey in Syria, Moscow may calculate that Tehran will be unable to dispense with its Russian alliance.

But since the end of the Syrian civil war is not imminent, the necessity for Russia and Iran to cooperate in prosecuting the war serves to limit any potential competition between them for influence in Damascus at present. Their common opposition to various American policies also provides a basis for them to keep working together. The problem they face, though, is that even if the Trump administration does not intend to harm their (or, at least, Russia's) interests, the impact of its policies may well do so. In particular, Trump's efforts to encourage increased domestic American petroleum production will limit the oil and gas revenue that both countries rely on to support their faltering economies.

While Putin worried that former President Barack Obama would succeed in his goal of improving Iranian-American relations and thus drawing Tehran away from Moscow, Trump's hostility toward the Islamic Republic has allayed Putin's concerns about this. Similarly, while Tehran often fears that Moscow will make a deal with Washington at Iran's expense (a fear which was heightened by Trump's and Putin's initial expressions of regard for each other), the continuation of Russian-American disagreements since Trump's inauguration, as well as concerns in America about Russian interference in the 2016 elections limiting Trump's ability to collaborate with Putin, have allayed Iranian fears about this possibility. But this state of affairs does not allow Putin and Rouhani to do much to halt the negative impact on them both of rising American shale oil production or America's decreased willingness to deal with security problems impacting Moscow and Tehran in both Afghanistan and Iraq.

Thus, while the Putin-Rouhani summit showed that Russian-Iranian cooperation is developing, the truth is that both face difficult security and economic problems that joint cooperation between them will do little to overcome.





About the author:



Mark N. Katz is a professor of government and politics at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. He earned a Ph.D. in political science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1982. He is the author of many books and articles, including Leaving without Losing: The War on Terror after Iraq and Afghanistan (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2012).
IRAN: Faezeh Hashemi, Political Activist and Former Reformist MP, to be Tried on New and Undeclared Charges

03/30/17

Source: Center for Human Rights in Iran

Outspoken political activist and former reformist member of Parliament Faezeh Hashemi will face a new trial in April 2017 on undeclared charges, an informed source told the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI).





Faezeh Hashemi

artwork by Mohammad Tahani, Arman daily



Branch 1060 of the Tehran Court for Government Employees had previously sentenced the daughter of late former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani to six months in prison for "spreading falsehoods," "disturbing public opinion" and "propaganda against the state," the reformist Kalame website reported on March 17.

Now, Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court will convene on April 16 for Hashemi's trial on charges brought against her by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Tehran Prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dowlatabadi. Those charges have not been made public, according to CHRI's source.

The source added that Hashemi was not able to be present at her trial held at Branch 1060 of the Tehran Court for Government Employees.

"Ms. Hashemi was summoned to the court exactly five days after the passing of her father, Mr. Hashemi Rafsanjani (on January 8, 2017), and was not mentally prepared to study the case file," said the source. "She asked Branch 1060's presiding Judge Farshid Dehghani to postpone the trial, but he refused."

"An important objection to her case in Branch 1060 was that, based on the legal definition of political crimes approved by Parliament, she had to be tried in a court in the presence of a jury," the source told CHRI. "But this didn't happen."

"In fact, the assistant prosecutor Ms. (Zahra) Fattahi acted as judge and jury in the trial, which is absolutely against the law," added the source.

"There were other problems as well," continued the source. "Neither Ms. Hashemi nor her lawyer were ever told what she had specifically done wrong. Instead, the IRGC had wiretapped her classes (she taught on politics) and produced a CD of her lectures and accused her of slinging mud at the state. However, during the trial, the CD was not shared with the defense because it would have blown the IRGC's cover."

On November 16, 2016, the judiciary's official news agency, Mizan, accused Hashemi of "slandering the judiciary" in an interview with the Dorr online TV channel in which she repeated previously posed questions about state funds deposited into Judiciary Chief Sadegh Larijani's personal accounts.

The interview was posted on YouTube on November 19.

Hashemi served in Parliament from 1996 to 2000 as a reformist representative from Tehran, and published Zan, the first newspaper for Iranian women, in 1998 until it was banned a year later.

She was imprisoned for six months between September 2012 and March 2013 for "propaganda against the state" and barred from political and media activities for five years because of her support for the peaceful protests against the disputed result of Iran's 2009 presidential election.

In March 2016 a high-ranking member of the judiciary vowed to punish Hashemi for meeting with a leader of Iran's persecuted Bah'ai community and civil rights activists.
US should use 'military means' against Iran: CENTCOM chief

03/30/17

Source: Press TV

The United States should consider using "military means" against Iran, US Army General Joseph Votel says, calling Tehran "the greatest long-term threat to stability" in the Middle East.



US Central Command Commander Army General Joseph Votel



Votel, who heads the US Central Command (CENTCOM), made the hostile remarks while speaking before the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday.



"I believe that Iran is operating in what I call a gray zone, and it's an area between normal competition between states - and it's just short of open conflict," he told the panel.



Votel went on to accuse Iran of "destabilizing" the region through "lethal aid facilitation," using "surrogate forces" and cyber operations.



"We need to look at opportunities where we can disrupt [Iran] through military means or other means their activities," he said. "We need to look at opportunities where we can expose and hold them accountable for the things that they are doing."



The general's statements fall in line with the anti-Iran rhetoric of US President Donald Trump, who has accused Iran of supporting terrorism and said "nothing is off the table" in terms of a response to the country's defensive missile program. Trump has also said that his administration formally put Tehran "on notice" over its missile test.



As the commander of CENTCOM, Votel is tasked with leading Washington's military efforts in Central Asia and the Middle East. More than 80,000 US soldiers are stationed across the area under Votel's command.



The general also oversees the US-led coalition's airstrikes and other military operations against purported terrorist targets inside Syria and Iraq, a campaign that began in 2014 and has led to the death of many civilians without any meaningful achievement.



Votel's comments came less than two weeks after a deadly coalition strike that killed over 200 civilians in the Iraqi city of Mosul.



The Pentagon has admitted to carrying out such "unintentional" raids against civilian targets in Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Yemen as well.



Additionally, Washington has come under pressure for forging a close military and political alliance with Saudi Arabia, ignoring the regime's bloody war on Yemen and its clear support for extremist groups.

This is while the international community has constantly hailed Iran's active role in curbing the terrorism threat plaguing the region.

Persian Gulf encounters

In his testimony before the lawmakers, Votel also discussed the recent surge in Iran-US military encounters in the Persian Gulf, saying his team was "paying extraordinarily close attention" to the issue.



Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC)'s Navy has on several occasions forced US Navy vessels to change course before wandering into Iranian territorial waters.

The last of such encounters occurred earlier this month, when a US Navy ship and three British Royal Navy boats steered out of the course approved for international naval transit in the Persian Gulf and came within 550 meters (0.3 nautical miles) of IRGC vessels, drawing serious warnings from them.



Iran has repeatedly warned that any act of transgression into Iran's territorial waters would be met with an immediate and befitting response.
Could artificial intelligence make devices easier to use? According to Samsung, it sure can, and thats what it the company out to prove with its Bixby AI service.

Bixby is being loaded on the Galaxy S8 and S8+ smartphones, which were announced on Tuesday. Bixby is an agent that can help the smartphones talk, recommend, and remind, said Mok Oh, vice president of service strategy at Samsung.

The AI service is being positioned as a more intuitive way to use and interact with smartphones. For example, Bixby can help smartphones execute tasks with a voice command. It also brings cool features like image recognition and language translation on board the S8 smartphones.

Bixby isnt intended to be a service like Amazons Alexa, Microsofts Cortana, or Apples Siri, though it does have some of their features. Its also not a replacement for S Voice, which wont be present on S8 and S8+ but will live on in Tizen devices.

Samsung plans to Bixby-enable other devices, such as appliances made by the company, though it is unclear when that will happen, said Werner Goertz, research director at Gartner.

There is a dedicated Bixby button on the smartphones. Samsung didnt provide a chance to test Bixby and didnt say when the AI service would come on the new smartphones. It could be available on the smartphones as early as April 21, when the S8 handsets ship, or be pushed out in a software update. Samsung has said the service will mature over time.

Once you long-press the Bixby button, heres what the S8 handsets should be able to do.

Execute touch commands

Whatever you can do with touch, you can do with voice. Thats what Samsung is aiming for with Bixby.

Give the smartphone a commandlike to take a selfie, launch the photo gallery app, or to make a phone calland the device will be able to decipher it. You can speak out a command in multiple ways, and Bixby will understand it.

Image recognition

The Galaxy S8 smartphones will be able to take pictures, identify objects, and provide context to the images. Samsung provided the example of Bixby recognizing the Flatiron building in New York City and then providing recommendations on places to eat nearby.

This feature is also being linked closely to shoppingusers can take an image of a product and post it on Pinterest, which is partnering with Samsung. Users will also be able to take picture of a product and check pricing, shop, or see recommendations of the products from sites of retail partners.

Language translation

Samsung provided an intriguing example of Bixby being able to take a picture of text and translate it into different languages. Samsung didnt demonstrate how it worked, so theres no clear sense yet of how this will happen. Bixby supports 52 languages, but the service isnt based on Samsungs homegrown technology. Instead, the company using a partner to provide this service. Samsungs Oh didnt provide the name of the partner and didnt say if the company was also using a backend service like Google Translate for the capability.

Learn more about users over time

Over time, Bixby will learn about smartphone usage patterns and anticipate user needs. That feature will manifest in the form of the Samsung Galaxy S8 smartphones organizing and displaying cards based on anticipated actions.

For example, in the morning you may automatically see news and weather information, or Bixby may help fire up Uber to contact a cab to take you to work. In the evening, a reminder to set up the alarm may pop up. The goal is to contextualize use from commonly used apps in one single place, said Sriram Thodla, senior director at Samsung.

Which apps?

Bixby shines with the cameras in the S8 smartphones, bringing more context to images. But the bad news: Bixby wont work with all apps. It is initially being integrated into a few apps like Photo Gallery, with wider app support coming later. Later on, Samsung will provide a software development kit, and developers will get to work with Bixby APIs (application programming interfaces).

The APIs could be helpful to retailers looking to integrate their stores into the Bixby recommendation engine. They will also help internet-of-things device makers that want to create devices for Samsungs SmartThings device management system, which could get Bixby support later.
Arlington, VA, March 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a new report released today by Forbes Insights, "Best in Class: How Enterprises Succeed with Language Learning Programs," with more companies expanding globally, having a multilingual workforce has become a critical success factor and businesses are taking action to provide employees with language learning resources. Businesses with multilingual teams reported seeing a positive impact across various areas, such as improved reputation within specific geographic markets and on a global scale. Employees also reap the benefits of language proficiency with improved performance, confidence and increased engagement at work.



As companies look for a competitive edge in an increasingly globalized environment, its clear that multilingual employees offer their employers incredible value in multiple facets of their business, said Bruce Rogers, Chief Insights Officer at Forbes Media. Whether youre operating nationally or internationally, communication is the key to success and its critical that business leaders take action to overcome language barriers.

Conducted in conjunction with Rosetta Stone Inc. (NYSE: RST), the report shows that a multilingual workforce also plays a role in the overall perception of a company in the marketplace. At the C-Level, the value of language learning is clear with 92 percent of executives surveyed indicating that the entire company realizes the benefits of language training, though businesses in the customer service, travel and hospitality sectors are more likely to report this than other industries. Departments that see the most tangible and significant benefits from multilingual employees include sales, marketing, and customer service. Language training has the added benefit of also providing improved career prospects for current employees while attracting future talent.

Companies want people who can communicate in multinational teams in different languages, said Dr. Ben Voyer, LOreal Professor of Creativity Marketing at ESCP Europe Business School in London. This shows that people are prepared and capable of understanding the viewpoint of others.

In business, gaps in communication have a real impact on the bottom line. According to the report, miscommunication could have a direct impact on expansion and profitability. For example, an unsuccessful interaction with a customer could end a relationship, or a failed conversation with a supplier or key partner could have serious financial or strategic implications.

Companies know that expanding their operations and influence globally requires a workforce than can communicate effectively in multiple languages. And there is a clear market opportunity here for companies that provide language learning services, as two-thirds of business executives surveyed reported that less than 50 percent of their employees have professional proficiency in more than one language; 36 percent reported less than one in ten multilingual employees. This indicates that companies are underserving their employees and that the current state of language learning is ripe for disruption.

Additional key findings include:

Successful learning aligns with organizational goals . Companies that build language training into employee development plans and track KPIs are twice as likely to successfully link language learning goals to the organizations strategic priorities.

Companies that build language training into employee development plans and track KPIs are twice as likely to successfully link language learning goals to the organizations strategic priorities. Opportunity awaits . The proliferation of online learning is prompting organizations to rethink traditional learning approaches and adopt technology-based models for training and development.

The proliferation of online learning is prompting organizations to rethink traditional learning approaches and adopt technology-based models for training and development. Language training must become part of the corporate culture. While companies understand the necessity of language learning, incorporating it into the corporate culture remains a challenge.

While companies understand the necessity of language learning, incorporating it into the corporate culture remains a challenge. Management is seeing results. Nearly 60 percent of mangers cited improved customer feedback as the area most impacted by employees participating in language learning programs. Performance improvement and more confidence also ranked high at 46 percent and 51 percent, respectively.

In order to thrive in todays global marketplace, we need to make sure employees are equipped with the resources and skills they need to succeed, said John Hass, Chief Executive Officer, Rosetta Stone. Were seeing more and more global businesses recognize how imperative a multilingual workforce is and the clear need to provide employees with training that not only benefits the company, but improves employees as well.

About This Study

Forbes Insights surveyed more than 200 executives and managers around the globe that currently offer language training to their employees to examine how leading businesses are training their employees to speak and work in languages other than their native tongue. The report also looks at the impact language training is having at an individual and organizational level. Additionally, Forbes Insights conducted one-on-one interviews with experts and executives to add context to the findings. To download the full report and white paper, visit http://www.forbes.com/forbesinsights/rosetta_stone_enterprise/index.html. Additional information on Rosetta Stone can be found at www.rosettastone.com/business.





# # #

About Forbes Insights

Forbes Insights is the strategic research and thought leadership practice of Forbes Media, a global media, branding and technology company whose combined platforms reach nearly 75 million business decision makers worldwide on a monthly basis. By leveraging proprietary databases of senior-level executives in the Forbes community, Forbes Insights conducts research on a wide range of topics to position brands as thought leaders and drive stakeholder engagement. Research findings are delivered through a variety of digital, print and live executions, and amplified across Forbes' social and media platforms.

About Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone Inc. (NYSE: RST) is dedicated to changing peoples lives through the power of language and literacy education. The companys innovative digital solutions drive positive learning outcomes for the inspired learner at home or in schools and workplaces around the world.

Founded in 1992, Rosetta Stones language division uses cloud-based solutions to help all types of learners read, write, and speak more than 30 languages. Lexia Learning, Rosetta Stone's literacy education division, was founded more than 30 years ago and is a leader in the literacy education space. Today, Lexia helps students build fundamental reading skills through its rigorously researched, independently evaluated, and widely respected instruction and assessment programs.

For more information, visit www.rosettastone.com. Rosetta Stone is a registered trademark or trademark of Rosetta Stone Ltd. in the United States and other countries.








The Russian government used thousands of internet trolls and bots to spread fake news, in addition to hacking into political campaigns leading up to the 2016 U.S. election, according to one lawmaker.

Disinformation spread on social media was designed to raise doubts about the U.S. election and the campaign of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, said Senator Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat.

This Russian propaganda on steroids was designed to poison the national conversation in America, Warner said Thursday during a Senate hearing on Russian election hacking. The Russian government used thousands of paid internet trolls and bots to spread disinformation on social media.

The groups spreading disinformation appeared to target specific swing states in the weeks leading up to the U.S. election, Warner said. He questioned whether Russian operatives would have that level of U.S. elections expertise without outside help.

Most members of the Senate Intelligence Committee expressed little doubt that Russia tried to influence the U.S. presidential election through hacking and the spread of disinformation. Senators from both parties promised to investigate alleged ties between President Donald Trumps campaign and the Russian disinformation and hacking efforts.

Warner addressed repeated suggestions by Trump that Russian interference in the election is fake news.

This is not innuendo or false allegations, Warner said. This is not fake news, this is actually what happened to us.

Clinton wasnt the only presidential candidate targeted by Russia, said Clint Watts, senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute Program on National Security. Senator Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican, appears to have been targeted during the Republican primary because of his tough stance on Russia, Watts said.

Rubio, a member of the Intelligence Committee, confirmed during the hearing that his campaign staffers were targeted last July, after he dropped out of the presidential race, by a hacker using a Russia IP address. Former members of his presidential campaign staff were again targeted on Tuesday by an attempted hack coming from Russia, he said.

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin again denied the allegations that Russia targeted the U.S. election. The allegations are fictional, illusory and provocations, lies, Putin said during the annual Arctic Forum in Arkhangelsk, Russia.

Witnesses told senators that Russia has been waging disinformation campaigns in the West for decades.

The purpose of the recent Russian disinformation campaign is to stir up unrest in Western democracies, to shake their citizens faith in their governments and traditional media, and ultimately, to break up NATO and the European Union, said Eugene Rumer, director of the Russia and Eurasia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

The Russian disinformation and hacking campaigns were not a crisis, not something that will pass soon, Rumer added. It is the new normal. We will see Russia relying on this toolkit in the months and years to come.

While Russian disinformation campaigns are nothing new, Russian hackers seemed to change their tactics in mid-2014, said Kevin Mandia, CEO of cybersecurity company FireEye. Instead of covering their tracks, they continued their hacking campaigns even after being identified by security researchers, he said.

The Russian hackers also began operating at a scale and scope where you could easily detect them, Mandia added.

During the U.S. election, Russia operatives left behind more clues and more traces than ever before, added Thomas Rid, a professor in the Department of War Studies at Kings College London.

The Russian disinformation campaign goes even beyond elections, Watts said. An April 2014 petition on the U.S. White House website demanded the country give Alaska back to Russia.

The petition generated 39,000 signatures in a short time, with many signatures appearing to come from bots used to push Russian propaganda months earlier, Watts said.

Soviet-era disinformation tactics have been reborn and updated for the modern Russian regime in the digital age, he said.
A proof-of-concept exploit has been published for an unpatched vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Information Services 6.0, a version of the web server thats no longer supported but still widely used.

The exploit allows attackers to execute malicious code on Windows servers running IIS 6.0 with the privileges of the user running the application. Extended support for this version of IIS ended in July 2015 along with support for its parent product, Windows Server 2003.

Even so, independent web server surveys suggest that IIS 6.0 still powers millions of public websites. In addition, many companies might still run web applications on Windows Server 2003 and IIS 6.0 inside their corporate networks, so this vulnerability could help attackers perform lateral movement if they access such networks through other means.

Theres evidence that this IIS vulnerability has been known by a limited number of attackers since at least July or August of last year. However, the publishing earlier this week of an exploit for it on GitHub makes it accessible to a larger number of hackers.

Other threat actors are now in the stages of creating malicious code based on the original proof-of-concept (PoC) code, researchers from Trend Micro said in a blog post Wednesday.

According to the exploits authors, the vulnerability is a buffer overflow in the ScStoragePathFromUrl function of the IIS 6.0 WebDAV service. It can be exploited through a specially crafted PROPFIND request.

Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning (WebDAV) is an extension of the standard Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) that allows users to create, change and move documents on a server. The extension supports several request methods, including PROPFIND, which is used to retrieve the properties of a resource.

Since Microsoft wont patch this vulnerability, one possible mitigation is to disable the WebDAV service on IIS 6.0 installations. Security firm ACROS Security has also developed a free micropatch for this vulnerabilityan unofficial patch that can be applied without restarting the affected server or even IIS process.

However, the best course of action would be to migrate affected websites to a newer IIS and Windows Server version altogether, as there are probably other vulnerabilities out there that also affect this platform and wont get patched.

A March survey by web analytics firm Netcraft revealed that around 185 million websites are still hosted on over 300,000 web servers that run Windows Server 2003.
Microsofts invasion of Android phones just took a new turn. Up until now, the company has strong-armed device makers into pre-installing Microsoft apps on Android phones. With the Samsung Galaxy S8, however, Microsoft is selling its own version of the phone called the Samsung Galaxy S8 Microsoft Edition. (Theres also a Galaxy S8+ edition.)

The specialized phone comes with Microsoft customization that is applied when its unboxed and connected to Wi-Fi. Microsoft says the customization adds a best-in-class productivity experience with Microsoft applications such as Office, OneDrive, Cortana, Outlook and so on.

It sounds like these phones are just generic Galaxy S8 devices with a special script built-in that automatically downloads Microsofts various Android apps when you set it up. Its not clear if Microsoft also downloads its Next Lock Screen as part of the experience.

The Microsoft Edition phones are available for pre-order now and start shipping on April 21. You cant order them online, however. Theyre only available from Microsoft retail stores in the U.S. That suggests this is a trial program to gauge public interest in a Microsoft-centric Android phone. Its not known if Microsoft has ambitions beyond that.

The story behind the story: The Galaxy S8 Microsoft Edition is an interesting turn of events for the companys approach to Android. Samsung and Microsoft first signed a cross-license patent agreement in 2011 that resulted in Samsung paying licensing fees to Microsoft. A dispute over payments in 2015 changed that deal and although the terms of the new deal werent publicized, Samsung began pre-loading Microsoft apps on its phones and tablets soon after.

The deal with Samsung may have expired, forcing Microsoft to take a different approach. Thats just speculation, but the reality should become clearer if more Microsoft Edition Samsung phones show up in the coming years.
The art world years ago did not recognize Chicano art as real art, but Cheech Marin would have none of that, he said.

I wouldnt give up, Marin said. I kept insisting.

This is an American school of art and probably the most important or the only school of art to emerge in the last 80 years, he added. Its just us that did it.

Marin, who was half of the famous marijuana-loving comedy duo Cheech and Chong, visited the Riverside Art Museum on Wednesday, March 29, to discuss his memoir, Cheech Is Not My Real Name:  But Dont Call Me Chong.

During his stop here, Marin announced a donation to the museum of 26 archival-quality prints from his vast collection of Chicano art. This selection of prints is known as, The Chicano Collection, a school of American painting. There are 115 editions of the portfolio, and is found in the collections of the Smithsonian and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

The prints are dated between 1969 and 2001 and include reproductions of paintings by Carlos Almaraz, Frank Romero, and Patssi Valdez. One print is of Almarazs 1982 painting, Sunset Crash, that captures a violent traffic collision on a freeway overpass amid vibrant colors of a late afternoon sky.

My mantra has been you cant love or hate Chicano art unless you see it, Marin said. That has been my goal, to make it be seen all over the world.

Now its here, he said.

Drew Oberjuerge, executive director of Riverside Art Museum, said its unique for a complete body of work like this to be donated.

You may get one or two pieces, she said. Its exciting to get a donation like this where there is a coherent theme.

Especially, she said, to receive it from Marin, who she referred to as a premier collector of Chicano art.

The collection is a big step for the museum, she said.

Its showing a direction that RAM wants to collect and exhibit these stories  Were collecting diverse art to reflect the diversity in the region, she said.

Marin is widely known for his roles in movies and television, and now he has become one of the foremost collectors of Chicano art. In 1985 he purchased three Chicano art works that led to a collection that has now reached about 700 pieces.

Some of his collection is on display at the Riverside Art Museum. The exhibit, Papel Chicano Dos: Works on Paper, from the Collection of Cheech Marin will continue through May 7. The collection was first shown at the Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego, with Riverside being its second stop.

During the Wednesday lecture, Marin told a number of stories ranging from his first time smoking marijuana as a college student to how his family influenced his love of art.

He talked about moving to Canada to not only dodge the draft during the Vietnam War, but also to pursue a passion in pottery.

And he recalled his complicated relationship with his comedic partner Tommy Chong, who he described as his brother.

We have this synergy that is beyond my control, he said. The animosity stops right when we get on the microphone.

The conversation also touched on the political climate across the nation, and the important role art has in uniting people.

At the end of the day, art is the only thing we leave behind as a culture, he said.
Struggling electronics retailer RadioShack which filed for bankruptcy for a second time earlier this month plans to close 552 of its stores, including 75 California locations.

The first wave of 187 closures are already underway and the remaining 365 are expected to close by the first week of April.

Local closures will affect stores across Southern California  Newhall, Woodland Hills, Pasadena, Sylmar, Long Beach, El Monte, Covina, Riverside, Ontario and Anaheim will all see their stores close.

The company has nearly 5,900 employees according to its bankruptcy filing, but its unclear exactly how many jobs will be affected by the closures. A representative at one RadioShack store said three employees work there. Closures at just the Southern California could displace more than 1,650 employees.

The Pasadena location at 825 N Lake Ave. is scheduled to close by April 2, and Pasadena resident Manny Gee isnt happy about it. Gee, 67, has been a RadioShack customer for more than 30 years.

He likes the idea of walking into a store that stocks the kinds of electronic parts that wouldnt be found in most other outlets.

Ill come in to get a jack of some sort or batteries for my phone or flashlight, he said. Im going to miss this place because its convenient. I just live up the street.

The stores front window heralds the pending closure with signs that read, Store on sale! and Everything 40 to 90 percent off! Many of the stores shelves had already been picked over and a display rack near the front that had everything marked 50 percent off was totally empty.

Brandon Lamar stopped in at the Pasadena store on Wednesday to see what kinds of deals he could find.

Im just looking for  whatever, the 24-year-old Pasadena resident said.

A representative with another RadioShack store at 624 W. Holt Blvd. in Ontario said that location will be closing its doors on Friday. An answering machine at RadioShacks Anaheim store at 1005 N. State College Blvd. offers a message that seems to indicate that location may already be closed.

The person you are calling cannot accept calls at this time, the message said. Were sorry for any inconvenience they may cause.

The Fort Worth-based retail chain previously filed for bankruptcy in 2015, a move that resulted in about 2,400 store closures. Soon after, the company was acquired by General Wireless Operations Inc., a joint venture of hedge fund Standard General and Sprint, which ran the remaining 1,700 locations.

Earlier this month, RadioShack announced that it filed petitions under Chapter 11 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. The company initially said that it would be closing another 200 stores this time and evaluating another 1,300, but the number of targeted closures were subsequently boosted to 552 .

RadioShack President and CEO Dene Rogers noted recently that the company has made significant progress in stabilizing its operations in the wake of its initial bankruptcy. It reduced operating expenses by 23 percent, boosted gross profit by 8 percent and sold more than a million RadioShack private-brand headphones and speakers.

But in a March 8 bankruptcy announcement he acknowledged that the Chapter 11 process represents the best path forward for the company.

Rogers said the company will continue to work with its advisors and stakeholders to preserve as many jobs as possible while maximizing value for creditors. RadioShack officials could not be reached for comment.

Burt Flickinger III, managing director for the retail consulting firm Strategic Resource Group, said RadioShack has been walloped by the number of factors including bad management, a costly marketing campaign that hasnt resonated with consumers, stores that are outdated and increasing competition from both brick-and-mortar stores and online retailers.

This was kind of expected given what companies like Frys Electronics and Best Buy have done, he said. They have expanded their range of products with a lot of the same kinds of things RadioShack has.

RadioShack has been further pummeled by e-commerce retailers like Amazon.com and Newegg.com, which offer virtually any kind of electronic product a consumer might want  products that can be ordered from the comfort of home and shipped almost immediately.
Grace Sandlin was 5 years old when her uncle handed her a piece of charcoal from a camp fire while on a fishing trip at Lundy Lake in the Eastern Sierra. She became transfixed by the idea that anything can be used to make art. Coupled with her fascination of the rock paintings done by silent film actress-turned-Lundy Lake resort owner Nellie Bly, the young Sandlin was hooked on the arts.

While her formal training in the arts was limited, Sandlin continually put herself in environments to learn and pursue her passion.

She began working with Gemini, a gallery and artist management corporation in 1969. She spent a season working in the costume department at San Diegos Old Globe Theatre in 1972. The next year, she was a designer for a clothing manufacturer in Los Angeles. By 1974, she was working with street artists in San Francisco.

PREVIOUSLY: Could Lake Elsinore be the next Laguna Beach art scene?

And from 1995 to 2000, Sandlin and her husband owned a small coffee house in the Santa Ana Art Colony.

As a profession, Sandlin spent 30 years in the background investigation industry, consulting with and training organizations of all kinds, including the IRS, FBI and the American Federation of Teachers.

It wasnt until Sandlin and her husband moved to Lake Elsinore in 2010 that she began to put all of her lifes arts experiences together. She began teaching art out of her home and began meeting other artists in the community.

In 2012, a few of us artists started setting up every third Saturday on Main Street just doing art, she says.

Together, those artists completed a public art project that placed mosaic tiles on features along Elm Grove Beach on the north shore of Lake Elsinore.

PREVIOUSLY: How decorated doors will help start a Lake Elsinore arts colony

It would be the first steps toward creating STUDIO 395, a nonprofit organization that brings artists together for a common cause.

Sandlin was very specific that she did not want anyone to sell their art, but only to create and offer free art activities to the public.

People appreciate art more when they have tried to do it themselves, she says. Once we were more visible, opportunities arose for teaching and public art contributions. Soon we had signed some large public art jobs and had the funds to establish our nonprofit in 2013.

In 2014, the fledgling organization received their first grant from The Community Foundation. By the following year, they had been awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

I really love bringing artistic minds together to create, she says. I believe we are all a character in Tom Sawyer or Pollyanna. Basically we want to contribute to our community. Most people want to work with their neighbors to improve our physical and emotional conditions. Public art is a passive communication that enhances your experience. Most people just need to be given a chance to contribute and they will help paint the fence. 

Sandlin and STUDIO 395 are currently focused on developing an artist colony  a place for artists to exhibit and sell their work  known as ARTistDetour that evokes the feeling of the well-established Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach.

The organization is in the preliminary stages of building a kiosk on a site provided by Lake Elsinores Arts and Culture Subcommittee.

Additionally, Riverside County has granted the group the opportunity to operate a community center in Lakeland Village that offers arts and cultural activities.

For more information on STUDIO 395, e-mail villageongrand@studio395.org.

Patrick Brien is executive director of the Riverside Arts Council. Contact the council at 951-680-1345 or riversideartscouncil.com.
Three juveniles were arrested Monday, March 27, after they caused $10,000 damage by tagging a Moreno Valley school with graffiti, the Riverside County Sheriffs Department said.

The Moreno Valley Burglary/Robbery Suppression Team staked out Badger Springs Middle School on Monday after receiving reports of burglaries and vandalism, a news release said.

About 5:15 p.m., deputies saw five male juveniles loitering on campus. The deputies watched as three of them spray painted the campus. The deputies caught up the with juveniles, who the release said confessed to tagging the campus.

Investigators compared that graffiti with markings in a database and determined that the juveniles were responsible for $30,000 damage to city property.

The suspects were charged with multiple counts of felony vandalism and conspiracy to commit vandalism, the release said.
For a few hours, Judith Hernandez forgot she was dying of cancer.

Shes 22 years old, with fewer than six months to live.

But on Wednesday, March 29, she relaxed with a massage, a moisturizing treatment and by soaking in a salt pool.

Hernandez, her family and boyfriend enjoyed a spa day at Glen Ivy Hot Springs near Corona. The red-carpet treatment came courtesy of the Costa Mesa-based nonprofit Southern California Hospice Foundation, which grants final wishes, meals and other services to terminally ill patients.

The group spent nearly $2,000 for a limousine, spa treatments and lunch for Hernandez and the others.

Some dying patients want to meet a celebrity or take a trip somewhere exotic.

Hernandezs last wish was simple: She wanted quality bonding time with her loved ones in a peaceful setting.

Ive always wanted to go to the spa my whole life, Hernandez said while lounging in a cabana before lunch. I knew my parents would really love it. Its an opportunity to thank them for all the help theyve given me and all the times theyve taken care of me when Im sick.

Relentless cancer

Hernandez, who lives in Menifee, was diagnosed nearly seven years ago with synovial sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that started in her neck and spread throughout her body.

Over the years she had four surgeries and two rounds each of chemotherapy and radiation. But the cancer kept coming back.

She and her boyfriend, Tim Reynolds, were getting a couples massage at a massage business on Valentines Day in 2014 when Hernandez had a panic attack and couldnt breathe. She was rushed to the hospital. Doctors found the cancer had reached her lungs.

Last spring, Hernandez and her parents stayed nine weeks in a Tijuana, Mexico, hotel and received immunotherapy, which used her own own immune system, to fight the cancer. The tumor in one lung shrank a small amount, but the family couldnt afford to continue living there and returned home.

The situation worsened a few months later. She now has three tumors in her diaphragm, four inside her right lung, one pushing on her heart and another pushing on her liver.

Last summer, Hernandez decided she wanted to stop suffering.

Doctors told her that chemotherapy and radiation could damage other organs and were unlikely to work. She chose not to take part in a research study that doctors said offered slim hope of improving her condition.

I figured why would I do a clinical trial that would keep me in the hospital, in bed and sick when it had a 30 percent chance of helping me, she said. I chose quality over quantity.

Hernandez, who uses morphine to control the pain, recently went to Disneyland and Universal Studios. She spent last weekend in Palm Springs with her boyfriend. She loves eating sushi, dining at Guadalajara Mexican Grill in Temecula and going to see new movies. Her favorite films include Clueless, The Notebook and Across the Universe.

Sometimes, she thinks about living a normal life, studying psychology and working as a therapist or counselor. After graduating from Murrieta Valley High School in 2012, Hernandez enrolled and completed the dental assisting program at San Joaquin Valley College in Temecula last February.

She looked forward to the spa day to put her worries behind and get closer to her family before she can no longer walk or get out of bed.

Relaxing, resting

The experience began in the morning when a black stretch limo picked everyone up at her parents Menifee home. After stopping briefly in their air-conditioned cabana, they walked past the ponds and lounge pools amid the lush landscaping on the way to the massage rooms.

Hernandez got a specially designed oncology massage to meet her medical needs. Because the cancer has affected her neck and back she couldnt lie on her stomach during the therapy.

My mom says I have a lot of knots, Hernandez said as the masseuse glided her oil-covered hands behind her head.

Hernandez closed her eyes as the masseuse gently moved her hands across her face and pulled the skin back with her fingers.

I could sleep, she said.

Next was a trip to The Grotto, a cave-like setting where she and the group were painted from neck-to-toe in green moisturizing lotion. The experience continued with a visit to the nearly 100-degree hydration chamber and ended with a cool shower.

Our bodies feel like babies, Hernandez said as they sipped tea afterward.

Back at the cabana, the family talked as they munched on nachos. Hernandez ordered a chicken and avocado sandwich and a non-alcoholic pina colada. The day ended with a brief stop at the mud bath and the salt water pool.

This means a lot, Maria Hernandez, her mom, said before lunch. Maybe it will be one of the last good and relaxing times we will be together as a family with Judith. I know that sounds cruel.

Maria Hernandez said the family has received help from a therapist and sought strength from a higher power.

I meditate a lot, she said. I think about God. I believe in Angels. Maybe shell be happier in heaven.

Judith Hernandez said there are days when she questions her fate.

A good cry helps her get over it, she said.

Rather than feel sorry for herself, she wants to encourage others struggling with different illnesses.

Sometimes Im grateful to have had cancer because it made me who I am today, she said. I really love who I am. It made me very compassionate and understanding of others and taught me to be more loving.

Reach the reporter:

951-368-9292, stwall@scng.com or @pe_swall on Twitter
If you have a years-old traffic ticket that you havent been able to pay off because its been too expensive, there may be an option for you to whittle that cost down  but you have to act quickly.

A traffic ticket amnesty program that started a year and a half ago can help people to reduce their qualifying traffic and non-traffic citations by 50 or 80 percent, and to get their drivers licenses reinstated. However, the program is set to expire Monday, April 3.

Not paying traffic fines can result in an extra fee being added to your original fine amount. These are called civil assessments and can be up to $300, according to the California Courts website. Those who dont pay their fines also risk having their licenses suspended.

The amnesty program was designed to help people get out of such situations. Since it took effect in October 2015, the program has helped reduce more than 200,000 delinquent accounts statewide while collecting more than $35 million in revenue, and has gotten almost 200,000 licenses reinstated, according to data through Dec. 31.

People who had to pay for traffic citations or related failure to appear violations on or before January 2013, but hadnt made a payment as of Sept. 30, 2015 or later, are eligible for the program.

The program does not cover parking tickets or violations involving reckless driving and driving under the influence. People may not be eligible to have their citations reduced if they still have to pay victim restitution in a case, or have an outstanding misdemeanor or felony arrest warrant in the same county where they got the citation.

People who can certify that they make 125 percent or less than the federal poverty level are eligible for the 80 percent reduction, while everyone else is eligible for the 50 percent reduction.

To participate in the program, a person must contact the court in the county in which they received the citation, said Blaine Corren, a spokesman for the Judicial Council of California. The process for applying varies from county to county.

In Orange County Superior Court, a person must go to a courthouse in person, spokeswoman Gwen Vieau said. They must go to either collections or a traffic window to verify whether they are eligible, then fill out the necessary form.

The San Bernardino County Superior Court also requires in-person application at one of its courthouses. However, because there are only a few days left in the program, We may be able to make an exception and allow someone to mail in their request, said Debra Meyers, an employee of the court.

She encouraged people to call the county courts Chief Financial Officer Robert Fleshman at 909-708-8747 to work out those details.

Riverside County Superior Court spokeswoman Marita Ford said people can go to any court in Riverside County that handles misdemeanor and traffic infractions and fill out an application. The form can also be found online at www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/localfrms/ri-tr014.pdf, then mailed in or brought to court in person

Mailed forms must be postmarked by April 3, she said. One of the courts the forms can be sent to is the Riverside Hall of Justice, 4100 Main St., Riverside, CA 92501.

The Los Angeles County Superior Court allows people to fill out a participation form online before arranging payments with a company called GC Services. That form can be found by visiting https://amnesty.gcserv.com/Default.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f

People with LA County tickets can also call for information: 800-950-6280 for English or 800-939-8068 for Spanish.

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Cancer threw Matthew Tatsumis dream of being an aerospace engineer out of orbit before he determined to learn from it and right himself.

The initial news of having cancer immediately sent me into a depression, he wrote in college-application essays. I thought I was going to die.

Those essays helped the Riverside resident be accepted at all nine schools he applied to. He starts classes at Stanford University, his first choice, on Sept. 15.

Tatsumi was 16 in April of 2013 when he was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma. A sophomore at La Sierra High School at the time, he had never missed a day of school until then, when chemotherapy cut short his academic year.

Despite his initial dark thoughts, Tatsumi wrote, he knew deep down he would get better. He just had to fight those thoughts and the cancer that caused them.

That first month of chemotherapy, he convinced his doctor to let him return to school long enough to take an Advanced Placement exam. Over the summer, still in treatment, he prepped for junior year classes. By September he was back in school, chemotherapy behind him and radiation treatments ahead.

The hardest battles are not physical, the 18-year-old wrote. If I could mentally push myself to get through cancer, I knew that I could get through anything.

Tatsumi pushed. Upon returning to school, doctors warned he would tire easily and should go home early. He never did, determined to keep his grades up and sustain his dream of getting in a top college and becoming an engineer.

Cancer wasnt finished with Tatsumi. In September of 2014, a few months after celebrating his remission with his family in the Bahamas, Tatsumi learned his father, Marty, had terminal lung cancer.

Tatsumi spent a lot of time in the hospital the month his father was there, but he still kept up with schoolwork, asking for extra time on only one assignment. The day his father was taken off life support, he made sure to hand in an important assignment before going to the hospital.

Maintaining his academic focus, Tatsumi said, distracted him from sadness. He was also being just like his dad.

Matthew got the best of Marty, said Victoria Tatsumi, Matthews mother. Hes very determined. Hes been driven since he was a little boy.

Cancer provided another opportunity for Matthew Tatsumi. In March, the local chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation granted him a trip to NASAs Space Center complex in Houston.

Victoria Tatsumi, accompanying her son, watched the experience further resolve his career goals. Rockets had captivated him for years, yet the idea of being an aerospace engineer had only recently hatched when he discovered an aptitude for physics in high school. He took to it immediately.

I like figuring out how to solve problems, he said. If I cant figure it out Ill just try a different way until I can.

Tatsumi graduated first in a class of about 700 on June 2. After Stanford, he aims to build rockets for NASA or Space X, the spacecraft manufacturer founded by Elon Musk of PayPal and Tesla fame.

Though his cancer remains in remission, Tatsumi cant confirm he is cured. For a few more years he must return to the hospital every few months to be examined. He doesnt let it hold him back.

Once cancer showed life could end at any moment, he wrote, he knew that I had to make the best of the only life I will ever get.

Contact the writer: community@pressenterprise.com
TORONTO and BOSTON, March 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bionik Laboratories Corp. (OTCQX:BNKL) (Bionik or the "Company"), a robotics company focused on providing rehabilitation and mobility solutions to individuals with neurological and mobility challenges from hospital to home, announced today that it has entered into an option agreement with The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) with respect to certain of UT Dallas novel robotics and control systems technologies. The agreement establishes a one-year period in which Bionik can evaluate these technologies, and grants to Bionik an exclusive option to negotiate an exclusive, worldwide license under certain patent rights owned by UT Dallas, as well as an option to negotiate a non-exclusive license under certain technology rights owned by UT Dallas. Bionik is evaluating these technologies to determine whether they can be used to enhance the Companys planned assistive product line expansion.



Bioniks robotic solutions are currently contributing to effective and affordable patient care with respect to treatment of neurological disorders in 20 countries and in over 240 hospitals. Exoskeletons serve as one of the Companys primary focuses. Bionik has seven robotic products, of which three are FDA-cleared and in the market globally, and four products that are in various stages of development.

Mr. Michal Prywata, co-founder, chief technology officer and director of Bionik, has stated, Management is extremely pleased to forge this strategic relationship with the University of Texas at Dallas. Bionik has determined that possessing access to the worlds leading robotic technology is paramount to developing state-of-the-art robotics and establishing ourselves as a leader within the emerging medical device industry. We entered into this option agreement as our preliminary investigation has indicated that this infusion of technology and innovation will provide a strong, competitive advantage to our current technology platform, and that the Company can extend its exoskeleton robotic platform and improve our existing technology.

The technology has been developed by Dr. Robert Gregg IV and his two colleagues, Ge Lv and Hanqi Zhu, and their robotics lab at UT Dallas. Dr. Gregg is an assistant professor of bioengineering and mechanical engineering, and the director of the Locomotor Control Systems Laboratory at UT Dallas and the UT Southwestern Medical Center. He was previously a research scientist at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and a postdoctoral fellow at Northwestern University. His research and inventions concern the control mechanisms of human locomotion with applications to wearable and autonomous robots.

We are extremely pleased to work with an innovative company such as Bionik Laboratories so that the results of our research can benefit the most people, stated Dr. Gregg, at UT Dallas. These innovations in control systems and novel actuation technologies greatly improve robotic performance and will ultimately produce better mobility for a larger patient population. During Bioniks option period and on execution of the final license agreement, we will work closely with Bionik to advance the technology that will allow them to enhance and commercialize their assistive robotics solution and improve quality of life for persons with these disabilities.

About Bionik Laboratories

Bionik Laboratories (OTCQX:BNKL) is a robotics company focused on providing rehabilitation and mobility solutions to individuals with neurological and mobility challenges from hospital to home. The Company has a portfolio of products focused on upper and lower extremity rehabilitation for stroke and other mobility-impaired patients, including three products on the market and four products in varying stages of development. The InMotion Systems  the InMotion ARM, InMotion Wrist, InMotion Hand and InMotion AnkleBot  are designed to provide intelligent, patient-adaptive therapy in a manner that has been clinically verified to maximize neuro-recovery. Bionik is also developing a lower-body exoskeleton, ARKE, designed to allow paraplegics as well as other wheelchair users the ability to rehabilitate through walking. ARKE is designed to continually adapt to a patients ability and provide real-time feedback to the physiotherapist.

For more information, please visit www.bioniklabs.com and connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Forward-Looking Statements

Any statements contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements regarding (i) the plans and objectives of management for future operations, including plans or objectives relating to the design, development and commercialization of human exoskeletons and other robotic rehabilitation products, (ii) a projection of income (including income/loss), earnings (including earnings/loss) per share, capital expenditures, dividends, capital structure or other financial items, (iii) the Company's future financial performance, and (iv) the assumptions underlying or relating to any statement described in points (i), (ii) or (iii) above. Such forward-looking statements are not meant to predict or guarantee actual results, performance, events or circumstances, and may not be realized because they are based upon the Company's current projections, plans, objectives, beliefs, expectations, estimates and assumptions, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and other influences, many of which the Company has no control. Actual results and the timing of certain events and circumstances may differ materially from those described by the forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties. Factors that may influence or contribute to the inaccuracy of the forward-looking statements or cause actual results to differ materially from expected or desired results may include, without limitation, the Company's inability to obtain additional financing, the significant length of time and resources associated with the development of our products and related insufficient cash flows and resulting illiquidity, the Company's inability to expand the Company's business, significant government regulation of medical devices and the healthcare industry, lack of product diversification, volatility in the price of the Company's raw materials, and the Company's failure to implement the Company's business plans or strategies. These and other factors are identified and described in more detail in the Company's filings with the SEC. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements.
Dr Abdul-Nashiru Issahaku has explained that he resigned as Governor of the Bank of Ghana on personal grounds.



Confirming to Graphic Online that he has presented his resignation letter earlier in the day, Dr Issahaku said: They did not force me out. It was a personal decision".



Speculations had been rife that the 55-year-old economist was forced out by the new government but he told Graphic Online that was not the case and that it was a personal decision.



His last day of work would be Friday, March 31, 2017.



Dr Issahaku was appointed governor in April 2016 by former President John Dramani Mahama.



He replaced Dr Henry Kofi Wampah who took an early retirement four months before the end of his term in August 2016.



Dr Issahaku prior to his appointment as governor was the second deputy governor of the central bank since July 2013.



He holds a Masters in Agric Economics and a Post Graduate degree in Political Science from the University of Georgia.



He worked as a governance expert at the State University of New York, Center for International Studies and also at the African Development Bank and also headed the Export Development and Agricultural Investment Fund (EDAIF).

Source: Graphic Online









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 new Board Chairman of the Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod), Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, believes the slashing of the outrageous salaries of Cocobods top management is only a reasonable step to align the Board with the state remuneration structure.



Cocobod is a state institution. It cannot be taken out of the context of the overall remuneration structure and within the executive and those ancillary services, Mr. Owusu-Agyeman asserted on Eyewitness News.



Mr. Owusu-Agyeman has indicated that even after the planned cut in salaries, some of the top management will still earn more that the highest paid article 71 office holders which is pegged at GHC22,000.



For me, it is absolutely unthinkable that the gross salary of the Chief Executive Officer should be in the neighbourhood of GHC70,000 to GHC75,000 a month, and the net is about GHC55, 000 to GHC57,000 a month. If you even discount this by 50 percent, it would still be higher than anybody under article 71 of the constitution, he noted.



The new Cocobod Chair said the fact that the salary of the Cocobod Chief Executive Officer dwarfed the Presidents salary was problematic given that at the end of the day, we have to be able to say that the work that is being done is getting reasonable levels of remuneration commensurate with the work that they do, and also within the context of the Ghanaian economy.



The fact that Cocobod is not even making profits also compounds the issue and makes the cuts necessary, according to Mr. Owusu-Agyeman.



If they were making profits, it would have been a different story, but in the last three to five years, there has been deficit upon deficit. If you are making no profit and we begin to say we want to discipline and trim down expense and what have you, then you have to look at the whole thing.



Cocoa workers should see the most benefit



He also expressed concern about the fact that many cocoa farmers whose activities are being supervised by these managers, have rather become poor in many instances.



I saw one of the budgets where the amount of money allocated to cocoa farmers children amounted to basically GHC2 million and that is easily the total gross salary of the two or three persons at the top. All I am saying is those who do the work should benefit more than anybody else, he noted.



Mr. Owusu-Agyeman was sworn in today [Tuesday] by President Nana Addo as Chairman of the Board, together with other board members.

Source: citifmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Poor governance remains one of Africa's biggest challenges. In this regard, accelerating the continent's progress from the current state requires a rethink of development and governance issues.



As part of the Institute of Economic Affairs' (IEA) mission to promote good governance in Ghana and Africa at large, the institute held a roundtable discussion on the theme "Governance and Development in Africa".



The roundtable discussion was graced by the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK), Tony Blair.



Addressing a gathering at the Amb. Birgit Storgaard Dialogue Centre of the IEA in Accra, Mr. Tony Blair complimented Ghana for the peaceful transfer of power in the 2016 elections.



"With its recent election and peaceful transition of power, Ghana has once again shown itself to be at the forefront of democracy across Africa. Last years election, and the 60th anniversary of independence this year, are further milestones in the development of a great nation. I also know from personal experience the challenges of coming in as a leader after years in Opposition (though Labour had been out for longer than the 8 years since the NPP were last in Office). Expectations are high, sometimes unrealistically so, and it takes time to get to grips with the system. Leaders all over the world grapple with this gap between the expectations of the people and the capacity to deliver.



But to me, the quality of a countrys governance is the differentiating factor; between those countries able to seize the opportunities of the modern world and globalization and those who are not. Look around the world at these examples [your comparisons of Rwanda/Burundi; Columbia/Venezuela; Poland/Ukraine; South/North Korea]. That is why, 8 years ago when we started the work of the Africa Governance Initiative working with President Kagame in Rwanda, we focused on effective governance as the critical challenge: supporting leaders to build the capacity around them to deliver on their priorities, not those of the outside world, founded on a spirit of partnership and collaboration, not aid, he said.



According to him, effective governance is a key challenge to most leaders in Africa and so called on African leaders to build capacity of officials around them in order to deliver on their priorities.



He pledged his commitment to Africa's development stating that the future of Africa belongs in the hands of African leaders and the people; hence the need to look beyond aid to an era of partnership.



"In July, Chancellor Merkel will host the G20 and is looking to develop a new partnership for Africa. The world has moved on considerably  and Africa within it  since I hosted the G8 in Gleneagles in 2005, building on the work of the Commission for Africa, at which we reached historic agreements on debt cancellation. Now the focus, rightly, is on trade, agriculture, infrastructure, and job creation, whilst of course recognizing the ongoing scourge of conflict and radical extremism that hinders development."



Mr. Blair also commended President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his commitment to addressing the country's challenges.



He was hopeful that the nation will succeed in achieving its economic breakthrough.



"It is clear to me that for Africa to succeed in this journey, then Ghana must succeed too. The country is at a unique moment. Ive been here this week to discuss the work of my Institute with President Akufo-Addo. I sense a country and a President filled with optimism and determination who is also clear-sighted about the challenges ahead," he said.



Mr. Blair also thanked the IEA for its valuable role in promoting democratic values and political stability in Ghana.



Board Chairman of the IEA, Dr. Charles Mensa also commended the former British Prime Minister for the establishment of the Blair Institute for Global Change - an institute that is focused on strengthening effective governance.



Present at the event were Diplomatic Corps, Civil Society, Traditional Leaders, Government Officials, Parliamentarians among other dignitaries.







Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Seventeen people have been arrested after a protest at Stansted Airport in Essex temporarily halted take-offs and landings on Tuesday.



Police were called at 21:30 BST as a group entered a non-commercial runway and locked themselves in an aircraft.



Those involved were trying to stop a charter flight which they claim was due to deport people to Nigeria and Ghana.



A spokesman for the airport said the runway was closed as a "precaution" but reopened at 23.17 BST.



In total, 23 incoming flights were diverted to other airports, including scheduled arrivals from Naples, Cologne, Glasgow, Riga, Belfast and Bilbao.



The spokesman said the protest took place in a remote part of the airport used by private operators, away from the passenger terminal or runway.



'Quickly contained'



Essex Police said on Wednesday that officers were at the scene and in the process of removing protesters from the aircraft, which was destined for Nigeria.



Acting Assistant Chief Constable Sean O'Callaghan said police "quickly contained" the protesters in one area of the airport.



"We continue to work closely with our partners and the airport authority as we are working to apprehend the protesters quickly and effectively," he said.



He added that there was "minimal impact" on the airport. The force said three arrests had been made so far, but no more details were given.

The activists posted images of the protest on social media, including a photograph of people lying on the ground as they were surrounded by security staff and police.



In a Facebook post they said the flight was due to "forcibly deport dozens of people to Nigeria and Ghana" but this has not been confirmed.



One of the protestors, Susan James, said: "I don't want to stay silent in the face of mass deportations that are deliberately rushed and secretive."









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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Mortuary attendants at the Gakwegori Funeral Home in Kenya were left shocked when a pastor stormed the mortuary to resurrect his dead wife.



Pastor Robinson Karumba of Eagle Wings Prophetic Ministries, arrived at the Gakwegori Funeral Home with his members in the early hours of Wednesday, demanding the body of his wife released to him, Nairobi News reported.



The deceased, Ms. Polly Rosa Ng endo who died following an undisclosed illness on Sunday, was released to his husband, who then took her into a secluded room, laid her naked body on a table and applied anointing oil.



Sources say after the pastor applied anointing oil on his late wife, he and his members started singing praise songs accompanied with a guitar and keyboard.



According to the pastor, who brought along clothes and shoes for his wife, he was following the teachings of Jesus which, he claimed, directed the believers would be raised from the dead after four days.

'We believe she is not dead, but merely resting. She is a believer like me and has preached in many places and with prominent preachers. I had to do what I have always preached. Jesus was called to Lazarus home after he had died for four days.' he said.



Explaining while he brought along musical instruments to the Mortuary, he said:'Even my Daughter said her mother will come back on Wednesday and that is why I came today. We are playing guitar and other instruments because she was a musician.'



The preacher also said people are preparing for her burial scheduled for Saturday, but if she resurrects before then, he will stage up a thanksgiving ceremony instead. 'Back at home, people have been preparing for the burial. If she resurrects, Saturday would be a thanksgiving ceremony. We will be marking her resurrection,' he said.

Source: lindaikeji









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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A total of about 126 police personnel have been deployed on the campus of the University of Cape Coast, ahead of hall week celebrations following a recent violent clash between some students.



The police have been stationed at vantage points on campus and according to some students, the heavy police presence was making them a bit worried and expressed the hope that the hall week celebrations would pass without negative incidents.



The Central Regional Police Command has explained that they have called for more support from the Formed Police Unit, a special operations unit in Accra.



The move, according to the Central Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police David Ampah Bennin was to help prevent violence as was witnessed a few days ago.



Students of the Casely Hayford Hall (CASEFORD) started their week celebrations on Monday and the police administration says it is ready to ensure that there was law and order on campus.



DCOP Ampah Bennin at a press briefing warned that the police will deal drastically with student groups that commit offences.



Making reference to the recent students riots at the UCC, he said over 100 police personnel were constantly on campus to ensure sanity was maintained.



A total of 10 students sustained injuries in last weeks clashes at the UCC.



One of the students who sustained a spinal cord injury has been referred to the 37 Military hospital in Accra.



A doctor at the Central Regional Teaching hospital, Dr David Walawah said the student was stabbed twice in the spine.



A total of 22 students were invited for questioning and granted bail.



DCOP Ampah-Bennin stressed that the university would not be allowed to stand surety for any of the 22 students invited for questioning in relation to the recent disturbances.

Source: Daily Graphic









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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National Organiser of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Kofi Adams has conceded his party made some unpardonable mistakes in 2016 which led to their exit from government.



He expressed optimism that the NDC will bounce back in 2020 to rule the country but not until some issues are resolved amicably within the Umbrella fraternity.



Mr. Adams told host of NEAT FMs morning show host, Kwesi Aboagye that former President John Dramani Mahama did exceptionally well for the country but some misapprehensions among his party leadership led to his downfall.



Former President Mahama did really well in 2016 to have extended his leadership but some mishaps within the party caused him. Its very unfortunate and I know by now they have regretted [He failed to mentions those individuals], he said.



Speaking on NEAT FMs morning show Ghana Montie, the former NDC campaign coordinator however noted that, the NDC can only retain power if they build that unity again in the party.



If we stop this infighting and use the appropriate structures to resolve issues we will come back to power again, he said.



Adding that But victory will be much easier for us [NDC] if President Mahama accepts to contest for the NDC again. I have that faith that he will come back.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/ Twitter: @Washman5/ Instagram: Washman007









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Sekou Nkrumah, Son of Ghanas first President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah has responded rather harshly to a statement made by the Speaker of Ghanas Parliament Rt. Hon Aaron Mike Ocquaye that Kwame Nkrumah was not the founder of Ghana.



Responding to a Facebook post by Francis Ontonyin, a lawyer  whose post may be deemed as sarcastic after a section of the media reported the Speaker of Parliaments statement at an IEA organized forum, the former presidents son minced no words and went hard on the head of the legislative arm of government saying Hes a big fool.



He further posts on his page that Kwame Nkrumah led Ghana to independence and therefore he is the founder of modern Ghana! That is a fact.



If some people want to shove alternative facts down the throats of Ghanaians they must be prepared for a serious political confrontation, and I can assure them a humiliating defeat in the court of public opinion.



The post on his Facebook page Citifmonline.com reports that The Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye has described as palpable falsehood, claims that Dr. Kwame Nkrumah founded Independent Ghana.



The report further reports the Speaker saying that  today we celebrate one founding father which is palpable false, we have founding fathers.



This comes on the back of recent intense public debate after President Akufo-Addos independence day speech where some critics felt the President made attempts at skewing the history of Ghana, a claim the government has flatly denied.



Theres been a long-standing debate in the country as to who really founded Ghana  as to whether it was done single-handedly or done as a group with some holding the opinion that all those who played a role towards our countrys independence must be mentioned other than narrowing it to only one person.



It is expected that this latest outburst from the son of the former president will reignite this long-standing debate.

Source: ghanapoliticsonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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If youre going through a rough time, the best thing you can do is reach out. To speak to someone about mental health, or for 24/7 counselling, call BeyondBlue on 1300 22 4636. If you are in crisis or distress, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If it is an emergency, call 000.

Airport officials say the man, who held both Australian and Irish passports, fell from an escalator around 6:25am.

Medical personnel attempted to revive him on the scene before he was transported to Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital.

He was pronounced dead around two hours later.

The ABC reports Police Lieutenant Colonel Kawee Ratana said we checked the CCTV and there was no one else with him, he walked alone from the third floor to the fourth floor.

Ratana said it was their belief that it was his intention to harm himself, that nobody threatened him.

Airport safety director Kittpong Kittikachorn has instructed engineers to install more safety barriers, in addition to the 2.5 metre high glass walls which have already been implemented around the airport.

Its believed the Irish consulate has made contact with the mans family.

Source: ABC / The Age.

Photo: Jonas Gratzer / Getty.
Goldplat plc / Ticker: GDP / Index: AIM / Sector: Mining & Exploration

30 March 2017

Goldplat plc ('Goldplat' or 'the Company')

Ashanti Gold Corp Exercises Anumso Initial Option

Goldplat plc ("Goldplat"), the AIM quoted African gold producer, is pleased to announce that further to the announcement of 15 September 2016, Ashanti Gold Corp. ("Ashanti") has exercised its initial option to earn into the Anumso Gold Project in Ghana ("Anumso" or the "Project") under the terms of the option agreement (the "Agreement") between Goldplat and Ashanti.

Ashanti has the right to earn 75% of Goldplat's interest in the Project (giving Ashanti 67.5% of the overall Project interest) by expending US$3 million on exploration over a period of 2.5 years. An initial 51% share of Goldplat's interest will be earned through expending US$1.5 million in the first 18 months (the "Initial Option Period"), which includes a six-month review period. This review period is now over and Ashanti has elected to continue with the Agreement. Ashanti is obliged to either expend US$1.5 million on the Project within the Initial Option Period, or pay the deficiency to Goldplat.

Should Ashanti meet the expenditure condition within the Initial Option Period and receive 51% of Goldplat's interest in the Project (45.9% of the overall Project interest), it will have the option to earn an additional 24% share of Goldplat's interest (21.6% of the overall Project interest) by expending an additional US$1.5 million in the following 12 months period, or by paying the deficiency to Goldplat.

Gerard Kisbey-Green, CEO of Goldplat commented: "I am very pleased that after the initial six-month review period, during which Ashanti had the right to withdraw from the agreement, and based upon the work which they have done so far, Ashanti have taken the decision to continue with the initial option. The working relationship between the two parties is very good and the work done by Ashanti to date has already enhanced the understanding of the potential of the project. This agreement ensures we maintain strategic exposure to this prospective asset whilst Ashanti assumes the capital and operational responsibilities, and with their competencies already proven, we look forward to continuing to support Ashanti as they advance Anumso."

** ENDS **

For further information visit www.goldplat.com, follow on Twitter @GoldPlatPlc or contact:

Gerard Kisbey-Green CEO Goldplat plc Tel: +27 (71) 8915775 Colin Aaronson / Jen Clarke / Daniel Bush Grant Thornton UK LLP (Nominated Adviser) Tel: +44 (0) 20 7383 5100 Andrew Raca / Justin McKeegan VSA Capital Limited (Broker) Tel: +44 (0) 20 3005 5000 Charlotte Page / Susie Geliher St Brides Partners Ltd

(Financial PR) Tel: +44 (0) 20 7236 1177

The information contained within this announcement is deemed to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014. Upon the publication of this announcement, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

About Goldplat

Goldplat plc is an AIM quoted gold producer with two market leading recovery operations in South Africa and Ghana and an operational gold mine in Kenya. The Company produced 37,666oz gold FY 2016, and 21,317oz for H1 FY 2017, with expansion plans underway to further increase production.

The Company's strategy is focussed on utilising cash flow generated from its flagship gold recovery and mining operations to self-fund the sustainable growth and expansion of its niche gold recovery business model. The Company also holds a small exploration portfolio, which includes a 90% interest in the Anumso Gold Project in Ghana. Ashanti Gold Corp. has the right to earn 75% of Goldplat's interest in Anumso.
Former Speaker of the House and helicopter aficionado Bronwyn Bishop has said just give me a break, Ive done nothing wrong after being confronted with a recently unveiled  and notably incomplete  report into her parliamentary expenses.

Last night on Sky News, Bishop was confronted with the news The Herald Sun had obtained a copy of the investigation into her expense claims, which was launched after the infamous Choppergate fiasco.

The report details around $14,000 in travel expenses Bishop had reimbursed to the taxpayer after Choppergate, but indicates shed only offered the investigation three years of expense records from her decades-long political career.

It also claims the investigation was in large part, lacking in any details due to Bishop ending her co-operation with the Department of Finance last year, despite initially claiming shed assist em fully.

Faced with that information, Bishop said now give me a break. We are talking about the helicopter ride and some small expenses I also repaid and also 25 per cent.

Bronwyn Bishop: I did nothing wrong what I was doing was my job. MORE https://t.co/BxKJZ4SsPc pic.twitter.com/fp7k5R80SJ  Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) March 29, 2017

She also claimed I did nothing wrong, none of any of that had anything to do with my greed or my pleasure.

What I was doing was my job.

Bishop argued that attending the weddings of several other parliamentarians and the funeral of Kerry Packer necessitated thousands of dollars in expenses on account of it, well, being part of the gig.

She then went on to her favourite topic  those damn lefties  referencing the furore around one of Greens leader Richard Di Natales properties.

Where is the hue and cry? Oh, dare I say it? One rule for those on the conservative side and another rule for socialists.

Bronwyn Bishop says there is one rule for those on the conservative side and one for the socialists. MORE https://t.co/BxKJZ4SsPc pic.twitter.com/YFZigoz3rf  Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) March 29, 2017

You do you, Bronny.

Source: The Herald Sun.

Photo: Sky News / Twitter.
Three years worth of sooking and drama over Section 18C of Australias Racial Discrimination Act by media commentators and Coalition politicians has again slammed directly into a brick wall, with the Senate blocking the governments proposed changes to the law.

The changes, which would have stricken the words offend, insult and intimidate from the law and replace them with harass, was shot down by Labor and the Greens, with the assistance of Jacqui Lambie and the Nick Xenophon Team. Attorney-General George Brandis described it as a sad day.

Labor frontbencher Tony Burke said the defeat of the bill was a victory for anyone who had ever experienced racism in Australia:

This win will be felt by anyone who has experienced racism and knows that racism is more than just words. Those who attempted to trivialise the damage caused by racist hate speech should hear this message and find a cause that doesnt give licence for insults, offence and humiliation.

The Racial Discrimination Act has dominated the headlines over the past few weeks and months far beyond the actual seriousness of the issue  which is something even the most committed advocate of reforming the act would have to agree with. For some reason, the demands of media pundits that we change a race hate law took greater and more urgent precedence over issues like  you know  deepening income inequality, Indigenous rights, the future of work and housing affordability.

Funny about that.

James Paterson, the Liberal senator most in favour of reform, told Fairfax that he expects the bill we before Parliament again before too long. I strongly suspect well be back here debating this issue again when the next QUT students or Bill Leak case occurs.

Maybe therell be other bigger issues going on then too.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald.

Photo: Getty Images.
Private aerospace company Blue Origin plan on shooting tourists into space, and theyve got pictures of the vessel to prove it.

The New Shepherd is a reusable vehicle that will take tourists to the edge of space where theyll get to see proof of a round earth and also float around like a bunch of weirdos.

Unlike SpaceXs Crew Dragon craft that plans to ferry astronauts to and from the International Space Station (as well as send two very wealthy passengers around the moon), the New Shepherd is purpose-built for tourism.

Every seats a window seat, the largest windows ever in space, said CEO Jeff Bezos.

While theyve successfully launched and landed the rocket five times already, theyve yet to do it with people onboard. Jeff, if youre reading this, I will happily take the first flight if it means I get to go to space for free. Shit yeahhh.

The ship hasnt been physically built yet, but the company plan on mocking one up for media early next month.

Check out some more sick pics of the New Shepherd below.

Source: The Verge.

Photo: Blue Origin.
Barley Snyder.jpg

Barley Snyder managing partner Jeff Lobach, left, shakes hands with Scott Kelley of Stonesifer and Kelley.

(Photo provided.)

After a merger on Saturday, a midstate law firm will have 78 lawyers.

Hanover-based law firm Stonesifer and Kelley will merge with Lancaster-based Barley Snyder on Saturday.

Barley Snyder announced the merger in a statement on Thursday and said that negotiations between the two firms lasted a couple of months. After the merger, Stonesifer and Kelley will be known as "Stonesifer and Kelley, a division of Barley Snyder."

Stonesifer and Kelley is located at 209 Broadway in Hanover. Later this year, Barley Snyder and Stonesifer will consolidate the offices. Stonesifer and Kelley's attorneys and employees will move into the Barley Snyder office in Hanover at 14 Center Square.

Stonesifer and Kelley had been planning to open a Gettysburg office but put off the office's opening until its merger negotiations had been completed. Barley Snyder has a number of Gettysburg and Adams County clients and had been looking to expand into the Gettysburg area as well. Barley Snyder plans to open an office on Baltimore Street in Gettysburg in April.

In addition to the two offices in Hanover, Barley Snyder has offices in Lancaster, York and Reading as well as an office in Chester County. The firm also has an office in Hunt Valley, Md.

All six of Stonesifer and Kelley's employees will be retained by Barley Snyder during and after the transition. Harry G. Stonesifer began his practice in 1951 in Hanover, and partnered with Scott Kelley in 1981 to form Stonesifer and Kelley. The law firm has been at the Broadway location since its initial 1951 formation. Kelley, will take on a leadership position with Barley Snyder in the Hanover area. Attorneys Joseph E. Erb Jr. and Jennifer Stetter will also join Barley Snyder.

Barley Snyder serves businesses, individuals and organizations in all major areas of civil law including business, employment, immigration, employee benefits, intellectual property, real estate, tax, construction, education and more. The firm has about 160 employees. The firm's 78 lawyers will be an all-time high for the 61-year-old firm. Jeff Lobach is the firm's managing partner.
The flood of 1940 devastated areas across Pennsylvania.

In the pages of The Evening News, one headline after another on April 1 was about the rising Susquehanna River -

"FOUR UPSTATE CITIES MENACED BY FLOOD"

"15,000 DRIVEN FROM HOMES; 125,000 MORE READY TO FLEE"

"Steelton Filter Plant Closed by Rising Water"

"Rising Waters Threaten West Shore Boroughs"

"Families Flee at Duncannon"

"Water Covering Nearby Highways"

"Four cities along the raging Susquehanna River were threatened with complete evacuation today as rising flood waters inundated a 200-mile-long area extending from New York to the southern Pennsylvania border. Hardest hit were Wilkes-Barre, Kingston, Plymouth and Sunbury.

Nine persons were known dead. Three others were reported missing and feared drowned.

At least 15,000 persons were homeless. Some 125,000 were ordered to prepare to evacuate."

"Sunbury Is Hard Hit by Flood; 350 Homeless"

"Leaving Homes at Selinsgrove"

"Part of Easton is Under Water"

On April 2, 1940, The Evening News reported the most significant damage from the flood:

"WILKES-BARRE BRIDGES ARE GIVING WAY."

"PART OF SPAN CARRIED OFF, 12 DIE, 30,000 ARE HOMELESS"

"Bridges connecting Wilkes-Barre to Kingston and Plymouth began giving away today under the relentless pounding of flood waters from the torrent-choked Susquehanna River.

The center of the span linking this city to Plymouth was carried away by the 15-mph current of the raging river."

In central Pa., the Susquehanna River crested at 19.85 feet. Flood stage is 17 feet.

Pennsylvania Gov. Arthur James toured flood-damaged parts of the state. His own home in Plymouth was under water.

Pennsylvania Flood Situation at a Glance by United Press, April 2

Wilkes-Barre - Susquehanna reached crest of 31.6 and receding steadily. With warm weather and rain predicted Wyoming Valley was not sure that all danger had subsided. It will be tomorrow before safety can be predicted. Ten thousand homeless. Relief work underway. Schools and many business establishments closed. Wilkes-Barre unit of National Guard mobilized to assist in emergency work.

Sunbury - Susquehanna rising. Crest of 21 feet expected today. Half of 16,000 inhabitants forced to evacuate with one-third of city under water. Dike which protecting rest of city weakening. National Guard unit mobilized to assist local authority in patrol and rescue work. Food requested.

Plymouth - Most of city under water but Susquehanna receding. Home of Gov. Arthur H. James flooded. Most families forced to evacuate.

Williamsport - West Branch of Susquehanna receding and danger passed. Two hundred homeless.

Lock Haven - 200 homeless, water falling.

In The Evening News on April 3, it was reported that value of the flood damage could go as high as $10,000,000.
A California firefighter refused to give up when he found a seemingly lifeless dog inside a burning house.



Andrew Klein twice searched the house after being told by the owner the dog was inside, according to Today.com.



He found the dog on his second pass, and tried to give it air from his own face mask. Then he began mouth to mouth resuscitation and received help from another firefighter who applied chest compressions.



The firefighters worked intensively for 20 minutes before the dog was finally revived, prompting cheers from onlookers.



The dog, Nalu, inhaled smoke but wasn't burned, Today.com reported.
Finnish English

Helsinki/Berlin, 30 March 2017 - Ferratum Oyj (ISIN: FI4000106299, WKN A1W9NS) ("Ferratum") publishes this announcement pursuant to Chapter 8, Section 5 of the Finnish Securities Markets Act.

To the shareholders of Ferratum Oyj areholders of Ferratum Oyj

NOTICE TO CONVENE FERRATUM OYJ'S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

Shareholders of Ferratum Oyj are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting of the

Company on 4 May 2017, commencing at 10.00 a.m. (EEST, Finnish time) at Scandic

Grand Marina, Katajanokanlaituri 7, Helsinki, Finland. The reception of persons who

have registered for the meeting will commence at 9.00 a.m. (EEST, Finnish time).

The meeting will be held in the English language.

MATTERS ON THE AGENDA OF THE GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

At the General Meeting of Shareholders, the following matters will be considered:

(1)

Opening of the Meeting

(2)

Calling the Meeting to Order

(3)

Election of Persons to Scrutinize the Minutes and to Supervise the Counting of Votes

(4)

Recording the Legality of the Meeting

(5)

Recording the Attendance at the Meeting and Adoption of the List of Votes

(6)

Presentation of the Annual Accounts including the Consolidated Annual Accounts, the

Report of the Board of Directors and the Auditor's Report for the Year 2016

Review by the CEO

(7)

Adoption of the Annual Accounts

(8)

Resolution on the Use of the Profit Shown on the Balance Sheet and the Payment of

Dividend

The profit for the financial year 2016 of Ferratum Oyj amounted to EUR 17,877,502.

Distributable equity of the parent company at the end of the financial year stood at EUR

37,258,895.

The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that, for the financial

year ended 31 December 2016, the Company will distribute a per-share dividend of

EUR 0.12 to a total of EUR 2,589,331 after which distributable equity would stand at

EUR 34,669,564. No dividend is paid to the own shares held by the parent company.

Compared with year-end 2016 no significant changes in the Company's financial

position have taken place. The liquidity of the Company is sound and, according to the

assessment of the Board of Directors, the proposed payment of dividend does not

endanger the solvency of the Company.

The dividend will be paid to shareholders registered in the shareholders' register of the

Company held by Euroclear Finland Ltd on the dividend record date, 8 May 2017. The

dividend will be paid on 15 May 2017.

(9)

Resolution on Discharging the Members of the Board of Directors and the CEO from

Liability

(10)

Resolution on the Remuneration of the Members of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors proposes on recommendation of the Remuneration Committee

that the Chairman of the Board of Directors be paid EUR 2,000 per month and the other

members of the Board of Directors EUR 1,500 per month. Furthermore it is proposed

that no remuneration will be paid to the members who are employees or Managing

Director of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company.

(11)

Resolution on Remuneration of Auditors

The Board of Directors proposes on recommendation of the Audit Committee that the

Auditor be paid reasonable remuneration in accordance with the Auditor's invoice, which

shall be approved by the Company.

(12)

Resolution on the Number of Members of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors proposes that the number of members of the Board of Directors

be confirmed as six (6) ordinary members.

(13)

Election of the Members, Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors proposes that, in accordance with their consents, the current

members of the Board of Directors be re-elected all to serve for a term ending at the end

of the next Annual General Meeting: Pieter van Groos as Chairman, Jorma Jokela as

Deputy Chairman and Erik Ferm, Lea Liigus, Juhani Vanhala and Jouni Hakanen as

ordinary members.

The curricula vitae of the proposed members of the Board of Directors are available on

the Company's website at www.ferratumgroup.com.

(14)

Election of the Auditor

The Board of Directors proposes on recommendation of the Audit Committee that audit

firm PricewaterhouseCoopers Oy, which has stated that APA Mikko Nieminen will act as

the responsible auditor, be appointed as Auditor to serve for a term ending at the end of

the next Annual General Meeting. The Auditor proposed herein has given its consent for

the election.

(15)

Authorisation to the Board of Directors to Decide on the Issuance of Shares and Special

Rights Entitling to Shares

The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting authorises the Board

of Directors to decide to issue at maximum 500,000 new shares and to convey the

Company's 146,200 own shares held by the Company.

The authorisation also includes the right to issue special rights, in the meaning of

Chapter 10 Section 1 of the Companies Act, which entitle to the Company's new shares

or the Company's own shares held by the Company against consideration.

The amount of shares to be issued shall not exceed 646,200 shares, which corresponds

to approximately 3.0 per cent of the Company's total amount of shares.

not exceed 646,200 shares, which corresponds

to approximately 3.0 per cent of the Company's total amount of shares.

Shares potentially issued by virtue of the special rights entitling to shares are included in

the aforesaid maximum number of shares.

The authorisation entitles the Board to decide on a directed share issue and issue of

special rights in deviation from the pre-emptive rights of shareholders subject to the

conditions mentioned in the Companies Act. The Board can use the authorisation in one

or several tranches to all purposes decided by the Board of Directors.

The authorisation is proposed to be in force until the next Annual General Meeting,

however, no longer than until 30 June 2018.

(16)

Closing of the Meeting

2

MEETING MATERIALS

The proposals of the Board of Directors relating to the agenda of the General Meeting of

Shareholders as well as this notice are available on Ferratum Oyj's website at

www.ferratumgroup.com.

The Annual Report of Ferratum Oyj, including the Company's Annual Accounts, the

report of the Board of Directors and the Auditor's report, is available on the above-

mentioned Ferratum Oyj's website.

The proposals for the decisions on the matters on the agenda of the General Meeting of

Shareholders and the Annual Accounts are also available at the meeting.

Copies of these documents and of this notice will be sent to shareholders upon request.

The minutes of the meeting will be made available on Ferratum Oyj's website no later

than on 18 May 2017.

3

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE GENERAL MEETING OF

SHAREHOLDERS

3.1

Shareholders Registered in Shareholders' Register

Each shareholder who is registered on 21 April 2017 in the shareholders' register of the

Company held by Euroclear Finland Ltd, has the right to participate in the General

Meeting of Shareholders. A shareholder whose shares are registered on his/her

personal book-entry account in the book-entry system of Euroclear Finland Ltd is

registered in the shareholders' register of the Company.

A shareholder, who is registered in the shareholders' register of the Company, and who

wants to participate in the General Meeting of Shareholders, shall register for the

meeting no later than 28 April 2017 at 3.00 p.m. (CEST, Frankfurt time) by giving a

notice of participation. Such notice can be given:

(a) on the Company's website: www.ferratumgroup.com;

(b)

by telephone to +358 40 7248247 (Monday to Friday 9.00 a.m. -

3.00 p.m.

(CEST, Frankfurt time));

(c)

by e-mail to ir@ferratum.com;

(d)

by regular mail to Ferratum Oyj, Attn: "Annual General Meeting",

Ratamestarinkatu 11 A 00520, Helsinki, Finland.

In connection with the registration, a shareholder shall notify his/her name, personal

identification number or business identity code, address, telephone number and the

name of a possible assistant or proxy representative and the personal identification

number of the proxy representative. The personal data given to Ferratum Oyj will be

used only in connection with the General Meeting of Shareholders and with the

processing of related registrations.

3.2 Holders of Nominee-registered Shares

A holder of nominee-registered shares has the right to participate in the General

Meeting by virtue of shares, which he/she holds on the record date of the General

Meeting, i.e. on 21 April 2017 and would be entitled to have registered in the

shareholders' register of the Company held by Euroclear Finland Ltd. The right to

participate in the General Meeting requires, in addition, that the shareholder on the basis

of such shares has been registered into the temporary shareholders' register held by

Euroclear Finland Ltd at the latest by 28 April 2017 at 9.00 a.m. (CEST, Frankfurt time).

In case of nominee-registered shares, temporary registration in the shareholders'

register held by Euroclear Finland Ltd constitutes due registration for the General

Meeting.

A holder of nominee-registered shares is advised to request without delay the necessary

instructions regarding the registration in the shareholders' register of the Company, the

issuing of proxy documents and registration for the General Meeting of Shareholders

from his/her custodian bank. In order for a holder of nominee-registered to have the right

to participate in the General Meeting, the account operator of the custodian bank has to

register a holder of nominee-registered shares into the temporary shareholders' register

of the Company at the latest by the time stated above.

3.3 Proxy Representatives and Power of Attorney

A shareholder may participate in the General Meeting of Shareholders and exercise

his/her rights at the meeting by way of proxy representation. A proxy representative shall

produce a dated proxy document or otherwise in a reliable manner demonstrate his/her

right to represent the shareholder at the General Meeting of Shareholders.

When a shareholder participates in the General Meeting of Shareholders through

several proxy representatives representing the shareholder with shares on different

securities accounts, the shares by which each proxy representative represents the

shareholder shall be identified in connection with the registration for the General

Meeting of Shareholders.

A form of proxy is provided on Ferratum Oyj's website at www.ferratumgroup.com. The

form of proxy is provided for the shareholders' convenience and it is not necessary to

use the form provided on the website.

form of proxy is provided for the shareholders' convenience and it is not necessary to

use the form provided on the website.

Possible proxy documents shall be delivered in originals to Ferratum Oyj, "Annual

General Meeting", Ratamestarinkatu 11 A 00520, Helsinki, Finland before the last date

for registration.

3.4 Other Instructions and Information

Pursuant to Chapter 5, section 25 of the Finnish Companies Act, a shareholder who is

present at the general meeting has the right to request information with respect to the

matters to be considered at the Meeting.

On the date of this notice to the General Meeting of Shareholders, dated 29 March

2017, the total number of shares in Ferratum Oyj is 21,723,960 and each of these

shares carries one vote. Ferratum Oyj holds 146,200 of its own shares as treasury

shares. Accordingly, the number of voting rights carried by the outstanding shares is

21,577,760.

-------------------------

In Helsinki on 29 March 2017

FERRATUM OYJ

The Board of Directors

Contacts:

Ferratum Group

Dr. Clemens Krause, CFO

T: +49 30 88715308

F: +49 30 88715309

E: clemens.krause@ferratum.com

Ferratum Group

Paul Wasastjerna

Head of Investor Relations

T: +358 40 7248247

F: +358 20 741 1614

E: paul.wasastjerna@ferratum.com

European media enquiries:

Edelman.ergo, A Daniel J Edelman Company

Alexander Schmidt | Andreas Martin

T: +49 69 27 13 89 26

E: Alexander.Schmidt@edelmanergo.com

E: Andreas.Martin@edelmanergo.com
NEW YORK, March 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Attorney Advertising -- Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against JBS S.A. (JBS or the Company) (OTC:JBSAY) and certain of its officers, on behalf of shareholders who purchased JBS American Depositary Receipts between June 2, 2015 and March 17, 2017, both dates inclusive (the Class Period). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firms site: http://www.bgandg.com/jbs.

This class action seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, defendants made materially false and misleading statements and failed to disclose that: (1) JBS executives bribed regulators and politicians to subvert food inspections of its plants and overlook unsanitary practices such as processing rotten meat and running plants with traces of salmonella; and (2) consequently, defendants statements about JBSs business, operations and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

On March 17, 2017, several news sources reported that Brazilian federal police raided JBS offices and other meatpackers after a two-year investigation of regulators alleged bribery regarding the inspections of their facilities. The investigation, known as Operation Weak Flesh, exposed roughly 40 cases of meatpackers who bribed inspectors and politicians to overlook unsanitary procedures such as processing rotten meat and running plants with traces of salmonella. Brazilian police arrested two JBS employees, and 20 public officials. JBS said in a securities filing that three of its facilities and one of its employees were targeted in the probe. Following this news, JBS stock dropped $0.71 per share or over 9.2% to close at $6.96 per share on March 17, 2017.

A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint you can visit the firms site: http://www.bgandg.com/jbs or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Investor Relations Analyst, Yael Hurwitz of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 212-697-6484. If you suffered a loss in JBS you have until May 22, 2017 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.

Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a corporate litigation boutique. Our primary expertise is the aggressive pursuit of litigation claims on behalf of our clients. In addition to representing institutions and other investor plaintiffs in class action security litigation, the firms expertise includes general corporate and commercial litigation, as well as securities arbitration. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Finnish English

Helsinki, Finland, 2017-03-30 16:30 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PLC UUTECHNIC GROUP OYJ STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE March 30, 2017 at 17:30

THE RESOLUTIONS OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF PLC UUTECHNIC GROUP OYJ AND THE DECISIONS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

In the Annual General Meeting of Plc Uutechnic Group Oyj, held on 30 March 2017 in Helsinki, it was resolved as follows:

It was resolved to adopt the financial statements and the consolidated financial statements for the period 1 January 2016  31 December 2016 and to discharge the members of the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer from liability for the fiscal year ended on 31 December 2016.

It was resolved that in accordance with the proposal of the Board of Directors no dividend shall be paid and the profit for the period 1 January 2016  31 December 2016 shall be transferred to the retained earnings account.

It was resolved to elect Sami Alatalo, Hannu Kottonen, Kristiina Lagerstedt ja Jouko Peraaho to continue as the members of the Board of Directors. Hannu Kottonen and Kristiina Lagerstedt are independent from the Company and the notable shareholders of the Company. It was resolved that the elected Board members shall be paid during their next term as follows: 36 000 euros to the Chairman of the Board and 22 000 euros to other members of the Board. In addition to the yearly remuneration, no other remuneration is provided to the members of the Board (i.e. attendance allowance). If a member of the Board or the Chairman of the Board is a full-time employee for the Company, this person cannot receive remuneration set for these positions in the Board.

It was resolved to nominate as the auditor, to serve until the end of the following Annual General Meeting, the companys current auditor, public auditing firm Ernst & Young Oy, which has declared that it intends to appoint Osmo Valovirta, CPA, as chief auditor. It was resolved that the remuneration of the auditor would be paid according to the invoice.

It was resolved, to authorize the Board to decide on an issue of new shares as well as other special rights entitling to shares referred to in Chapter 10 Section 1 of the Finnish Companies Act in one or several lots. The number of new shares issued would be no more than 10 000 000, including shares to be issued based on the special rights. The authorization entitles the Board to decide about all terms of the share and special rights offerings, including the right to deviate from the right of pre-emption of shareholders. The authorization shall last until the next Annual General Meeting, unless the General Meeting decides to change or cancel the authorization prior to this date. This authorization revokes all the other unused share issue authorizations that have been given prior to this.

It was resolved that the right to the shares incorporated in the book-entry system and the rights that the shares carry have been forfeited with regard to the 3 480 shares being on the joint book-entry account in the name of the company and opened on the behalf of the shareholders whose rights have not been declared for registration during the registration period. The provisions on treasury shares shall be applied to the forfeited shares. The total amount of treasury shares of the company after the resolution is 3 480 shares.

The Decisions of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors has, in the meeting held on 30 March 2017 after the Annual General Meeting, elected Sami Alatalo as the chairman of the Board.

The Board of Directors decided to cancel the 3 480 treasury shares gained through the aforementioned decision of the Annual General Meeting. The company shall separately inform of the registration of the cancellation to the business register.

In Helsinki on 30 March 2017

PLC UUTECHNIC GROUP OYJ

The Board of Directors

Uutechnic Group is focused on improving the competitiveness of its customers by providing them advanced equipment technology and unique service concept worldwide. The product range includes agitators, different types of pressure vessels, process- and storage tanks, reactors and heat exchangers. Additionally different types of long welded and machined axially symmetrical parts as rolls, cylinders, tubes and cones.

The main industries are hydrometallurgy, mining-, pulp and paper-, food-, fertilizer-, other chemical industries and environmental technology.

Plc Uutechnic Groups subsidiaries are AP-Tela Oy, Japrotek Oy Ab, Uutechnic Oy and Stelzer Ruhrtechnik International GmbH.
In this March 2017 photo provided by Will Sword, a barred owl is lodged between the cab and the cargo hold of a truck after it was hit and became trapped there while he was traveling earlier this month from Massachusetts to New Hampshire. The owl is being treated at a rehabilitation center in New Hampshire and is expected to recover. (Will Sword via AP)
FILE Ai In this September 1987 file photo, serial killer Donald Harvey stands before a judge during sentencing in Cincinnati. A spokeswoman for Ohio's prison system says Harvey was found badly beaten Tuesday, March 28, 2017, in his cell at the state's prison in Toledo, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol said Harvey was in critical condition Wednesday. Harvey became known as the "Angel of Death" and pleaded guilty in 1987 to 37 murders of hospital patients while working as a nurse's aide in Cincinnati and London, Kentucky, during the 1970s and '80s, claiming he was trying to end his patients' suffering. He is serving multiple life sentences as part of a plea deal that allowed him to avoid the death penalty. (AP Photo/Al Berhman, File)
ANCHORAGE (AP)  An Alaska man suspected of killing two people during a robbery has been indicted on murder charges by a federal grand jury and prosecutors say they may seek the death penalty.

John Pearl Smith II, 30, is charged with attempting to rob people he believed were trafficking in drugs, said Bryan Schroder, acting U.S. attorney for Alaska, at a press conference Thursday.

Smith in home invasion cases tried robbing people at gunpoint in September 2015 and May 2016, Schroder said. Both were in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley north of Anchorage.

During his third attempt, on June 5, Smi...
Wilmington, Delaware, United States, March 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The report Global Jet Engines Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022, available on MarketIntelReports, estimates that a majority of technological advances will take in place North America during the forecast period.

Browse numerous Market Tables as well as Figures which are spread through 124 Pages and an in-depth TOC on the Jet Engines Market 2017 - 2022 http://www.marketintelreports.com/report/gir1319/global-jet-engines-market-by-manufacturers-countries-type-and-application-forecast-to-2022

Scope & Regional Forecast of the Jet Engines Market

Jet Engines is a reaction engine discharging a fast-moving jet that generates thrust by jet propulsion. This broad definition includes turbojets, turbofans, rocket engines, ramjets, and pulse jets. In general, jet engines are combustion engines.

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The Jet Engines Market can be broken down into various segmentations on the basis of -

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: Turbojet Engine, Turbofan Engine and Turboprop Engine. Application : Commercial Aircraft and Military Aircraft.

: Commercial Aircraft and Military Aircraft. Geographical Location: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa.

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MarketIntelReports (MIR) aims to empower our clients to successfully manage and outperform in their business decisions. We do this by providing Premium Market Intelligence, Strategic Insights and Databases from a range of Global Publishers.

MarketIntelReports currently has more than 150,000 plus titles and 100+ publishers on our platform and growing consistently to fill the Global Intelligence Demand  Supply Gap. We cover more than 15 industry verticals being: Automotive, Electronics, Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, Chemicals, Building & Construction, Agriculture, Food & Beverages, Banking & Finance, Media and Government, Public Sector Studies.

Media Contact:

Company Name: Market Intel Reports

Contact Person: Mayur S

Email: sales@marketintelreports.com

Phone: 1-302-261-5343

Address: 2712 Centerville Road, Suite 400

City: Wilmington

State: Delaware

Country: United States




Election explainer: How Michigan's university boards are determined

Michigan's process for determining the members of university governing boards is unique. The state is just one of four that uses a statewide vote.
Kemp's Column: Goldman takes on the Brent spreads

LONDON

Petroleumworld.com 03 30b 2017

Progress towards oil-market rebalancing and the need for an extension of production cuts by OPEC and non-OPEC countries has become the most contentious issue in the oil market.

"We believe that the rebalancing of the oil market is in fact making progress despite the record high U.S. crude inventories," Goldman Sachs analysts said in a note to clients on Sunday.

Goldman expects oil stocks in the OECD to fall to the five-year average in terms of demand cover by the end of 2017, even if OPEC brings production back on line in the second half.

Goldman projects crude prices will move into backwardation and an extension of the cuts would exacerbate the feared shortfall in supplies. ("Data dependent OPEC unwise to let the stock draws run hot", Goldman Sachs, March 26)

The bank says an extension would not be warranted and would ultimately be self-defeating if it pushed prices towards $65 per barrel and caused an even-faster recovery in oil drilling.

Goldman is one of the most influential banks in the oil market and among the hedge-fund community so the view of its respected research team carries considerable weight.

But the bank's confidence in rebalancing during the second half of 2017 without an extension of the production deal puts it in a minority.

Most traders have become much less sure the market will enter a persistent period of undersupply with a sharp reduction in oil inventories.

Brent calendar spreads for the six months between June and December have weakened sharply over the last four weeks

( tmsnrt.rs/2mLRatT ).

The calendar spread between June and December has shifted from a backwardation of 21 cents on Feb. 21 to a contango of 92 cents on March 27.

Contango is generally associated with a well-supplied market and high and/or increasing stocks, while backwardation is associated with an undersupplied market and low and/or falling stocks.

The calendar spread for the second half of 2017 is now trading at the widest contango since OPEC's deal was announced on Nov. 30.

The weakening of the spreads has not been concentrated in any particular month, with price differentials easing for every month during the second half ( tmsnrt.rs/2mLFPtL ).

The spreads have become the prime battleground for hedge funds and other traders betting on the timing and speed of oil market rebalancing.

Brent and WTI spreads seem to have attracted heavy interest from some big players in the market at the end of 2016 and the first two months of 2017.

But after a selloff that started after Feb. 21, the current Brent futures price structure is in something of a no-man's land.

Calendar spreads are barely wide enough to finance high levels of stocks through until the end of December but do not point to a fast draw down in stockpiles either.

From recent movements in the futures curve, many oil traders appear to believe the cuts need to be extended, and are unsure if that will happen, or if it will be enough.

If Goldman is right, however, the calendar spread for the second half of 2017 is currently undervalued and should strengthen significantly, so it presents a good buying opportunity.

If Goldman is wrong, and stocks remain high with or without an extension of the agreement, then most of the inter-month spreads are likely to weaken further as they near maturity to enable the stocks to be carried.
Green power law a boom for solar power but a nuisance to U.S. utilities

LOS ANGELES

Petroleumworld.com 03 30b 2017

In the last four years, North Carolina has become the second largest solar market in the United States, behind only California.

It has installed more solar energy than Texas, which has nearly three times the population; more than Arizona, which has twice as many sunny days; and more than New York, which has far more aggressive renewable energy targets.

North Carolina's solar boom is rooted in a federal law enacted four decades ago  one that has only recently had much impact.

The law is now emerging as a boon for many solar developers in select states, but a nuisance to many power companies, including North Carolina's top utility, Duke Energy Corp .

The federal Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA), passed in 1978, requires utilities in many states to buy renewable power from small providers  provided they can sell it at a price comparable to power from fossil fuels, such as coal or natural gas.

Because rates and contract terms are set by state utility regulators, that boom is focused on handful of markets - including North Carolina, South Carolina, Montana and Oregon. Sixty percent of the nation's current PURPA projects are in North Carolina, where state rates and policies favor solar companies.

Nationwide, about 28 percent of U.S. solar projects in development will benefit from PURPA mandates that utilities buy their power, according to industry research firm GTM Research.

For decades, PURPA was essentially irrelevant to the wind and solar industries because their technologies cost far more than power from fossil fuels. But the last decade has brought sharp declines in the cost of solar and wind power, encouraging a surge of renewable power projects from developers who can count on legally mandated contracts with utilities.

It's been really important, said Ben Van de Bunt, Chairman of Cypress Creek Renewables LLC, which has developed more solar projects under PURPA than any other company.

UTILITIES LOSE CONTROL, PROFITS

Utilities aren't pleased with the development. They say PURPA is upending their ability to plan, control and profit from new electricity generation being added to their territories.

In North Carolina, Duke Energy wants to slow down the breakneck solar expansion.

On sunny days, the utility now has more solar power in some places than the grid needs, overwhelming some circuits and threatening reliability, the company said. The state's terms for PURPA contracts, Duke said, require it to pay far more for solar energy than if contracts were let competitively.

Duke reported in a state filing that it is paying between $55 and $85 per megawatt-hour for the solar energy it must buy under PURPA. A typical solar contract in the United States falls between $35 and $50, according to GTM Research.

There is a better way to be proactive in figuring out where to put solar, and better pricing for our customers, said Rob Caldwell, Duke's president of renewable energy.

REGULATORY BATTLE GROUND

Duke is now seeking approval from the North Carolina Utilities Commission for shorter-term contracts with solar providers and lower prices for mandated power purchases under PURPA.

Both moves would give solar developers less incentive to build new projects in the state.

The NCUC declined to comment, saying it cannot publicly discuss matters pending before the commission.

In other states, including Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Montana, utilities such as NorthWestern Corp and Berkshire Hathaway Inc's Pacificorp have made similar pleas for relief in reaction to an influx of requests from solar and wind companies to connect projects to their grids.

Solar advocates argue that slashing contract terms to five years from the current 15 years, as Duke has requested, would eliminate the long-term predictability investors need to finance renewable energy projects. They contend that would undermine clean power development just as PURPA has begun to have the effect its drafters originally intended.

"It wasn't a problem until it worked," said Adam Browning, executive director of the advocacy group Vote Solar, which has lobbied to preserve PURPA contract terms in several states.

The battle in North Carolina will be hard fought because the state has led the way nationally for solar development under PURPA.

Solar power now accounts for about 3 percent of the state's electricity, compared with less than 1 percent nationwide. About 95 percent of the North Carolina's solar projects were developed under PURPA.

Duke has sparred with the solar industry before. Two years ago, solar companies objected when Duke requested shorter contract terms and limitations on the size of projects that would qualify for its standard contract. The state utilities commission denied Duke's request.

ONE FIRM'S SOLAR BOOM

North Carolina's boom in PURPA solar projects has been particularly good for one developer - California-based Cypress Creek.

The company started doing business in North Carolina in 2014, buying cheap land close to the grid from farmers and then building projects for a captive customer, Duke. The company owns about a quarter of the state's solar installations, and has another 2.2 GW in the works.

In January, Cypress filed a complaint with the state utility commission after Duke slashed its contract term for larger PURPA projects to 5 years. That dispute is unresolved, and Duke is separately seeking regulatory approval to lower the fixed contract price for smaller projects.

In a January filing, the NCUC said it would consider whether current economic conditions for utilities justify changes in rates and PURPA implementation.

Cypress Creek's Van de Bunt says the battle in North Carolina is critical.

"Duke has an extraordinary amount of power in North Carolina, he said in an interview. If they continue down a path to making solar development difficult to finance, we'll have a smaller path in North Carolina.

In another debate that could roll back gains for solar companies, Duke is also working with state lawmakers to introduce a competitive process for purchasing solar power.

Duke says it is committed to solar energy production, but will continue pushing for more control over project locations, power prices and the amount of solar needed overall for the grid.

"We've been growing and growing," said Rob Caldwell, president of renewable power at Duke. "Let's declare success, but let's find a more sustainable, balanced approach going forward."


Crude oil spill hits PDVSA Jose oil terminal in Venezuela

HOUSTON/CARACAS

Petroleumworld.com 03 30b 2017

Operations at Venezuela's main oil-exporting port Jose were hit by a crude oil spill on Tuesday, union sources and shipping agents told Reuters.

A break in a pipeline that runs from the oil terminal to a single buoy mooring (SBM) facility near Venezuela's eastern coast would have produced the spill, according to four sources familiar with the incident.

None of the sources could confirm the spill's magnitude but operators said there were no vessels docking at the SBM at the time of the incident.

The 36-inch pipe can transport up to 32,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil to the SBM facility, which is used by tankers to load oil for export.

State-owned oil company PDVSA did not immediately respond to a request for information about the incident. It is also unknown how loading and unloading of oil would have been affected.

"The spill on the coast is complex," said a shipping operator who asked that his name not be published.

Improved and diluted crude is shipped from the SBM facility, which serves PDVSA's San Felix project.

One of the terminal's three docks was out of action for two weeks until Sunday for unscheduled maintenance, which caused delays in the loading of crude.

These setbacks come just as PDVSA deals with a shortage of gasoline that generated queues at service stations in some cities in the country last week.
SAN FRANCISCO, March 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zignal Labs today announced its Summit 2017 conference, From Chaos to Control: Make Media Intelligence Central to Your Business, to be held May 18, 2017, in San Francisco. The one-day, invitation-only gathering for communications and marketing executives focuses on using media and social intelligence to build bulletproof brands and effectively drive business transformation.



Leaders from top brands and agencies such as Airbnb, Citrix, NVIDIA, Uber, Brunswick Group, FleishmanHillard, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Ketchum Public Relations, and The Jeff Eller Group will share how they use data-driven media and social intelligence to mitigate risk to their business and brand, understand changing consumer demands, and streamline crisis response.

Every day brings a fresh set of challenges for communication leaders, particularly in an era of hyper-empowered consumers, an always-on media landscape, and lightning-fast social platforms, remarked Josh Ginsberg, CEO of Zignal Labs. But when we use data science to drive real-time media intelligence, these professionals can amplify good opportunities, while mitigating reputational risks.

Zignal Labs Summit 2017 will include discussions on:

Ways corporate communications professionals can use data science to cut through the noise and deliver the analyses and recommendations valued by C-suite leaders.

How media intelligence can support data-driven decision making for crisis response, influencer identification, determining competitive share of voice and strategic planning.

Centralizing communications and social intelligence infrastructure in a Mission Control model, an emerging - and likely enduring - trend in large enterprise companies.

Future trends including artificial intelligence and deep learning and how these innovations will improve collaboration and decision making, and help predict the next crisis or opportunity.

This exclusive event is tailored for members of corporate communications, public relations, marketing, digital strategy, and public and government affairs teams. Learn more about Summit speakers, workshops, and request an invitation at:

www.zignallabs.com/summit.

About Zignal Labs

Zignal Labs turns media intelligence into a strategic asset for the worlds largest brands and enterprises. By analyzing the full media spectrum in realtime, Zignals centralized platform empowers corporate communications, marketing and executive teams to understand trends, pinpoint issues and make informed decisions. Headquartered in San Francisco with offices throughout the country, Zignal serves customers around the world including Airbnb, Citrix, IBM, PepsiCo, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, The Sacramento Kings, Brunswick Group and FleishmanHillard. To learn more, visit: www.zignallabs.com.
No impact on UK nuclear project from Areva issues - EDF Energy

HOUSTON/CARACAS

Petroleumworld.com 03 30b 2017

EDF Energy's nuclear project in Britain will not face any impact from issues related to the discovery of manufacturing irregularities at French nuclear group Areva, a supplier to the new plant, EDF's CEO said on Wednesday.

French nuclear regulator ASN and other international regulators inspected Areva's Le Creusot foundry in December after manufacturing irregularities were discovered last year.

Following the discovery, two EDF nuclear reactors have been halted for months, utilities worldwide have launched reviews of Areva-made parts and the Paris prosecutor in December opened an investigation into the suspected falsification of documents.

Asked about the implications for EDF Energy's planned new nuclear plant in Britain called Hinkley Point C, chief executive Vincent de Rivaz said there would be "no impact".

An internal document by Britain's Office for Nuclear Regulation seen last week by Reuters brought into question EDF's oversight of Areva, saying it would have to carry out a regulatory review before the end of the year.

De Rivaz said there has hardly ever been a project as heavily scrutinised as Hinkley Point C.

"We are ticking all the boxes in terms of being compliant on environment and safety. There is nothing to worry about," he told the Future of Utilities conference.

On the sidelines of the conference in London, EDF's de Rivaz said construction work had started at the site and the reactor would be built by Areva.

Asked whether it would be made at Le Creusot, he said: "It will be made at the right place and at the right time. I don't want to enter into the details."

An Areva executive also said on Wednesday irregularities at Le Creusot were no reason to close reactors.

De Rivaz also said if other countries in the European Union decided to follow Britain's lead and introduce a carbon price floor, "it would be good, providing it is at the right level."

Britain has a domestic carbon floor price, but there have been calls for an EU-wide one to encourage low-carbon investment, as the actual EU carbon price is too low at around 5 euros ($5) a tonne.

($1 = 0.9268 euros)
ExxonMobil to announce new Guyanas oil discovery, Trinidad pursuing its refining



ExxonMobil poised to announce another major find offshore Guyana; Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister to discuss refining Guyana's oil with Exxon

GEORGETOWN

Petroleumworld 03 30 2017

As ExxonMobil prepares to announce that it has found more hydrocarbons in commercial quantities at its latest exploration well offshore Guyana, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Keith Rowley is travelling to the United States to meet with top officials of that American oil giant to discuss refining Guyana's oil, according to well-placed sources.

Guyana's Ministry of the Presidency said Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman told Cabinet on Tuesday that ExxonMobil could make another significant announcement on its work in Guyana Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) within the next two weeks.

Well-placed sources said ExxonMobil's disclosure is expected to be about another oil find, this time at the well named Snoek, located more than 100 miles from the coast. More details about the previously drilled well, Payara, is also expected to be provided by the company.

ExxonMobil's Vice President  Investor Relations and Secretary, Jeff Woodbury is scheduled to host a discussion of First Quarter 2017 financial and operating results in late April.

With the state-owned Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago (Petrotrin) stating categorically that it is ready to refine Guyana's oil as part of a strategic alliance in the Caribbean Community (Caricom), the leader of that twin-island nation will be discussing regional partnerships when he meets with top officials of ExxonMobil and other American oil companies during his visit to the Houston, Texas.

The discussions will centre around strategies for navigating the challenges facing the energy sector and opportunities for growth and partnerships here at home (Trinidad and Tobago) and in the region, Rowley's office said in a statement on Tuesday. The Trinidad and Tobago leader's March 28 to 31 visit to Texas will include meetings with four energy companies- BP Amoco, Shell, ExxonMobil and EOG Resources.

Rowley will be accompanied in the several rounds of energy talks with leading companies in the industry by Minister in the office of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs, Stuart Young.

Guyana plans to begin commercial oil production in 2020.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of the Presidency said newly-appointed Presidential Advisor on Petroleum, Dr. Jan Mangal, briefed Cabinet about his role and plans against the background of President David Granger's vision for the development of the sector. It is to give Cabinet some comfort around the role itself, my experience and then also the vision of the President and the high level vision, which we will have to work on and Guyanese will have to work on. But it was really to give Cabinet a view of where we are starting for Guyana, said Mangal, an expert in offshore and civil engineering.

The oil and gas expert explained that as the Advisor to the President on Petroleum, he will be tasked with being the middle ground' between the Government and stakeholders to ensure that the necessary plans and policies are put in place. It is around bringing oil and gas expertise, someone from the industry like myself, in the position in the Ministry of the Presidency, who can speak to all stakeholders in Government and outside of Government. It is a position in the Ministry that can look at things holistically in terms of Guyana's energy sector; how oil and gas will affect Guyana as a whole. It is about how it will touch all areas of Guyana, business and all social issues. The role will touch on all areas and will try to stimulate the stakeholders input and I expect that it will grow over time, he said.

Dr. Mangal, whose appointment is funded through the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), noted that while his initial role is intended to last for a six month period, there is an intention to seek funding for the appointment to be extended and expanded to include other experts from the technical, legal and commercial areas of the oil and gas sector.

I envision a small team in the Ministry, about five or less and this is a team of experts from the industry and they will be there to assist the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Finance and to also work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. So under that five, there will be a commercial oil and gas expert, an oil and gas lawyer, an analyst and possibly a technical person but these will be persons who have been in the industry for a very long time, who know the industry very well and who are prepared to come and advise the Government of Guyana, the Presidential Advisor said.

Minister Trotman, in an invited comment, said that Dr. Mangal's presentation could not be more timely since ExxonMobil has been aggressively carrying out seismic and exploratory work, with an announcement expected in another week or two. This, he said, will help the Cabinet to act more definitively on matters in relation to this sector.

The presentation was about the technical aspects, where we would spend out monies and the kind of vision we would like to have for Guyana. So it was a good presentation; very timely and now I believe that Cabinet will examine it some more and look at the considerations some of which are political, some technical, some financial and we will ultimately come up with the blueprint if I can put it that way for the development of the oil and gas sector, he said.

Mangal holds a Doctorate in Offshore Geotechnical Engineering from the University of Oxford and a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Edinburgh, has worked in the marine and oil and gas industries for the past 18 years.

Minister Trotman noted that Government is working round the clock to put all systems in place to prepare Guyana for the first oil.' We are preparing every day at the Ministry and Dr. Mangal is joining the Government to prepare for the first oil' and so there is something happening everyday. We are looking at contracts, identifying persons to do things, assessing requests for permits. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), they are all working, he said in the Ministry of the Presidency's statement.

In January 2017, ExxonMobil announced positive results from its Payara-1 well offshore Guyana. Payara is ExxonMobil's second oil discovery on the Stabroek Block. The well was drilled by ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, and encountered more than 95 feet (29 meters) of high-quality, oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs. It was safely drilled to 18,080 feet (5,512 meters) in 6,660 feet (2,030 meters) of water. The Payara field discovery is about 10 miles (16 km) northwest of the 2015 Liza discovery.

According to ExxonMobil, in addition to the Payara discovery, appraisal drilling at Liza-3 has identified an additional high quality, deeper reservoir directly below the Liza field, which is estimated to contain between 100-150 million oil equivalent barrels.






Copenhagen, 2017-03-30 17:36 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

No. 5/2017



At the Annual General Meeting of ISS A/S (the Company) held today, the annual report for 2016 was adopted. In addition, the Annual General Meeting decided:

to distribute a dividend of DKK 7.70 per share of nominally DKK 1, and to allocate the remaining net profit for the year to retained earnings;

to grant discharge of liability to members of the Board of Directors and the Executive Group Management Board;

to authorise the Board of Directors in the period until 30 April 2018 to approve the Companys acquisition of treasury shares, on one or more occasions, with a total nominal value of up to 10% of the share capital of the Company, subject to the Companys holding of treasury shares after such acquisition not exceeding 10% of the Companys share capital;

to approve the remuneration to the Board of Directors for 2017 in accordance with the proposal by the Board of Directors;

to re-elect Lord Allen of Kensington Kt CBE, Thomas Berglund, Claire Chiang, Henrik Poulsen, Ben Stevens and Cynthia Mary Trudell as members of the Board of Directors; and

to re-elect Ernst & Young P/S as the Companys auditor in accordance with the recommendation from the Audit and Risk Committee.

After the Annual General Meeting was held, the Board of Directors constituted itself by electing Lord Allen of Kensington Kt CBE as Chairman and Thomas Berglund as Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors.

ISS A/S

Lord Allen of Kensington Kt CBE

Chairman





For investor enquiries

Nicholas Ward, Head of Group Investor Relations, +45 3817 6251

Martin Kjr Hansen, Senior Investor Relations Manager, +45 3817 6431

For media enquiries

Kenth Krhg, Head of Group Communications, +45 3817 6205

Lena Stennicke, Global Media Relations Manager, +45 38 17 65 03



About ISS

T he ISS Group was founded in Copenhagen in 1901 and has grown to become one of the world's leading Facility Services companies. ISS offers a wide range of services such as: Cleaning, Catering, Security, property and Support Services as well as Facility Management. Global revenue amounted to DKK 79.1 billion in 2016 and ISS has approximately 500,000 employees and activities in more than 75 countries across Europe, Asia, North America, Latin America and Pacific, serving thousands of both public and private sector customers. For more information on the ISS Group, visit www.issworld.com.



ISS A/S, ISIN DK0060542181, ISIN US4651472056

ISS Global A/S, ISIN XS1145526585, ISIN XS1330300341, ISIN XS1145526825
CALGARY, Alberta, March 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 2017 is expected to be a pivotal year for Canadas oil and gas industry, setting the stage for industry activity and job recovery over the next five years, according to the Labour Market Outlook 2017 to 2021 for Canadas Oil and Gas Industry report, released today by PetroLMI, a Division of Enform. The report provides labour market projections for the industry based on two scenarios, one if oil prices stabilize well above US$50 per barrel (/bbl) through 2017 and beyond, and one if oil prices retreat well below US$50/bbl.



The year has gotten off to a good start, with activity and hiring picking up, particularly in the services sector. In fact, some of these companies are already experiencing a shortage of skilled workers with substantially more drilling rigs operating as compared to this time last year. If oil prices remain stable and more favourable market conditions persist, a modest five-year job recovery will begin in 2017, says Enforms Carol Howes, Vice President of Communications and PetroLMI. If oil prices drop back for any length of time then many oil and gas companies are expected to delay more of their investment.

Based on the assumption that average oil prices stabilize in 2017 and increase steadily to 2021, the industry will require more than 17,000 new workers during the period, amounting to a Modest Recovery scenario. If oil prices slump and renewed activity slows, industry is expected to shed additional jobs in 2017 and overall employment growth will slow. In a Delayed Recovery scenario, the industry will create about 6,700 new jobs during the five-year forecast, according to the report.

More than 52,500 direct jobs were lost in Canadas oil and gas industry in 2015 and 2016, along with thousands of indirect jobs in oil and gas related construction, manufacturing, transportation and other technical and business sectors. At the end of 2016, the oil and gas industry directly employed an estimated 174,000 workers, 25 per cent fewer than at the industry peak of over 226,000 in 2014.

Based on production and investment projections for both of the reports scenarios, an estimated annual average of 510,000 to 550,000 direct and indirect jobs will be supported by Canadas oil and gas industry between 2017 and 2021. Indirect employment growth will be geographically widespread as the industry sources goods and services from across Canada.

A shrinking labour pool and a shortage of skilled workers is a concern, especially if renewed hiring is delayed another year to 2018, says Howes. As a result of the downturn, many displaced workers are looking to find jobs in other industries, and, there are fewer new entrants including graduates choosing to pursue a career in oil and gas.

Labour Market Outlook 2017 to 2021 for Canadas Oil and Gas Industry focuses on direct employment within key industry sectors, including conventional exploration and production (E&P), oil and gas services, oil sands and pipelines. Each sector is impacted differently and has its own unique challenges over the duration of the forecast period.

While oil and gas activity occurs in 12 of Canadas 13 provinces and territories, regionally the areas that are expected to benefit from new direct employment are those in Western Canada with reserves that are cost efficient to produce  that is, those that respond to technologies such as multi-pad horizontal drilling and multi-stage hydraulic fracturing and that have established infrastructure, including roads, pipelines and processing facilities.

The report also provides workforce projections for key occupations. In a Modest Recovery scenario, industry will experience hiring challenges beginning in 2017 but in both scenarios, hiring challenges are expected in 2018 and 2019 for occupations such as geologists and geophysicists, petroleum engineers and technologists, purchasing managers and agents (including landmen), trades, oil and gas drilling and services operators, as well as labourers.

An aging workforce could also add to the industrys workforce challenges. About one in every 10 workers is eligible to retire within the next five years, amounting to 4,000 potential retirements in 2017 alone. That said, companies surveyed for the report noted that not all job vacancies resulting from retirements will be filled; replacement will depend on the position, the type of work and alternate options to accomplish the job.

While the industry is on a path to some job recovery, even with some retirements the industry is not expected to fully regain all of the jobs lost in the last two years, says Cameron MacGillivray, President and Chief Executive Officer of Enform.

Heading towards 2021 and beyond, accessing world markets via new pipelines will be critical for full job recovery. Equally important will be investing in technology, innovation and a highly-skilled and technical workforce to sustain the productivity and efficiency gains achieved in the last few years. These things will be critical if the industry is to compete globally and make a transition through carbon regulations.

PetroLMIs labour market reports are available, for free, at careersinoilandgas.com.

The report is funded in part by the Government of Canadas Sectoral Initiatives Program.

The Petroleum Labour Market Information (PetroLMI) Division of Enform is a leading resource for labour market information and trends in the Canadian petroleum industry. PetroLMI specializes in providing petroleum labour market data, analysis and insights, as well as occupation profiles and other resources for workforce and career planning.
LONDON, March 30, 2017 - Stolt-Nielsen Limited (Oslo Brs: SNI) today distributed materials for the Company's Annual General Meeting, as attached, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 23, 2017, who will be entitled to vote at the meeting.

The Company's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders will be held at the registered office of the Company at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda, on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at 11:00 a.m.

For additional information please contact:

Jan Chr. Engelhardtsen

Chief Financial Officer

UK +44 (0) 20 7611 8972

j.engelhardtsen@stolt.com

Jens F. Gruner-Hegge

V.P. Corporate Finance

UK +44 (0) 20 7611 8985

j.gruner-hegge@stolt.com

About Stolt-Nielsen Limited

Stolt-Nielsen Limited (SNL or the "Company") is a leading global provider of integrated transportation solutions for bulk liquid chemicals, edible oils, acids, and other specialty liquids through its three largest business divisions, Stolt Tankers, Stolthaven Terminals and Stolt Tank Containers. Stolt Sea Farm produces and markets high quality turbot, sole, sturgeon, and caviar. Stolt-Nielsen Gas, through its investment in Avance Gas Holding Ltd., transports liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) with a fleet of very large gas carriers (VLGCs). Stolt-Nielsen Limited is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" based on information available to the Company on the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statement. These statements may be identified by the use of words like "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "will," "should," "seek," and similar expressions. The forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current views and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company does not represent or warrant that the Company's actual future results, performance or achievements will be as discussed in the those statements, and assumes no obligation to, and does not intend to, update any of those forward-looking statements other than as may be required by applicable law.
Oslo, Norway - March 30, 2017:

Today the Board of Directors of Aqualis ASA (the "Company") approved the 2016 annual financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS").

There are no changes in the income statement or equity compared with the preliminary annual figures disclosed 17 February 2017.

The Company will make available an electronic version of the 2016 annual report to shareholders at the latest three weeks before the Annual General Meeting scheduled for May 15, 2017.

For further information, please contact:

Kim Boman, CFO, Aqualis ASA

Telephone: +47 959 63 912

Email: kim.boman@aqualis.no

About Aqualis ASA

Aqualis ASA (OSE: Aqua) is a public company that, through its subsidiaries and associates, offers energy consultancy services to the global oil and gas, wind and solar sectors. The group employs experienced consultants in 21 offices in 15 countries worldwide. Aqualis ASA operates under three different brands: Aqualis Offshore, Offshore Wind Consultants and ADLER Solar. Aqualis Offshore is a specialized offshore marine and engineering consultancy firm, focusing on the shallow and deep-water offshore segments of the oil and gas industry. Offshore Wind Consultants is a globally focused consultancy providing independent services to the offshore renewables industry. ADLER Solar is a technical and engineering service provider for the global solar industry. Aqualis owns 49.9 percent of ADLER Solar.



This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5 -12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.


LOS ANGELES, March 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Miracle Project, a renowned autism and arts nonprofit, will be welcomed by the United Nations to present and perform during the celebration of World Autism Awareness Day at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on March 31, 2017, culminating with a performance at 12:30pm. It will be the Miracle Projects record fourth time participating in this event within a decade.



Current The Miracle Project performer Spencer Harte, a young adult with autism, will perform Aria Nella Fantasia with Miracle Project Founder Elaine Hall as part of personifying the self-determination panel The way forward: The 2030 agenda and the commitment to leave no one behind, as part of the World Autism Awareness Day celebrations. Harte has previously performed at the White House celebrating the 26th anniversary of the ADA.

Among the international panel presenters, United States representatives include panel presenters Barry M. Prizant Ph.D., Keynote Speaker Dr. Simon Baron Cohen, and President of the U.N. General Assembly Peter Thomson.

It is through the UN panel that the Miracle Project is able to complete one of the core missions of the organization, promotion of understanding, acceptance, and awareness of those affected by autism. "We are thankful to the U.N. for their longtime work creating bridges between all people of all nations to have a better understanding of autism, and including people of all abilities in this celebration, says Miracle Project Founder Elaine Hall.

Public information: The event is organized by the United Nations Department of Public Information and Department of Economic and Social Affairs, and co-sponsored by the Permanent Missions of Argentina, Armenia, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Denmark, Ecuador, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan and Poland. For more information: http://www.un.org/en/events/autismday/2017/events.shtml

ABOUT THE MIRACLE PROJECT: Founded in 2004, The Miracle Project is an evidence based, multi-platform socialization program that enables children, teens and young adults with and without autism to express themselves through music, dance, acting, story, and writing based in Los Angeles but serving and inspiring families across the country. The Miracle Project assists all children of all abilities to grow in skill and in spirit while creating and performing in original musicals. This acclaimed arts program was documented in the HBO double EMMY Award-winning documentary, AUTISM: THE MUSICAL. http://www.themiracleproject.org

ABOUT AUTISM: According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, autism now affects 1 in 68 children in the United States. Autism is a complex condition that affects a persons ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges.
Unibet Tour: Brighton Bounties

March 30, 2017 Aaron McBride

On Saturday I headed down to Brighton to play the first leg of the 2017 Unibet UK Tour. It was my first event of the year, and in fact, my first major live tournament for over 12 months.

Having concentrated on my previous career for two years, I was limited in my opportunities to play. But after last week's practice tournament, and the last eight months of full-time online poker experience behind me, I felt confident entering.

The price of the event was 220, which is great value for a tournament of its structure. My online buy-in range is usually up to $30, so I decided to get a stake from a family member. I could have pushed the boat out and paid for it myself, but that would have gone against my strict bankroll management.

Sitting down for Day 1B, I knew 1A ended with 137 registrations and 31 players making it through to Day 2, which meant only 63 entries were needed on Saturday to hit the 40,000 guarantee. The target was sure to be exceeded with such a large attendance on the first day and it was! With 261 total entries, the prize pool of 52,200 was set and announced as a record for the Unibet UK Tour.

As I mentioned in my last blog post, the Rendezvous is my favorite local casino to play in, so I was very happy they were hosting. As you would expect, the casino was decked out in Unibet logos, and all the tables had the Unibet felt, which made for an authentic feel to the event.

Before the action got underway, the tournament director welcomed us all and said he would like the event to be a "fun environment with positive etiquette," which I feel they achieved brilliantly throughout.

I had eight hours of play to ensure I had a solid stack for Day 2.

He joked about the media reporters and photographers being around the tables and for us to give them a "small nudge" out of the way if we needed too. He explained that all the Unibet ambassadors carried a bounty on their heads, so knocking them out would win you a 100 satellite ticket to a future UK leg.

I sat down excitedly with my 25K stack (500 big blinds) on a 25/50 blind level and a 40-minute clock. I was very aware of the blind structure and decided to play Day 1 quite conservative. I would be looking to play in position and utilize implied odds rather than get into big pots with immediate odds. I had eight hours of play to ensure I had a solid stack for Day 2.

The first level was about getting to know the table. It was likely I would be playing with these people for a good few hours at least, so I introduced myself and asked some useful questions.

The diversity of the event was clear to see: to my left sat a young guy who had won his seat from initially playing a 4.40 satellite and grinding up to win the 500 package and on my right was a German man who had also won his seat via the Unibet qualifiers.

The first table turned out to be a very chatty and a fun environment, with most people talking during hands. Quite early on we were ten-handed, due to a small dealer issue, this meant adapting my early position range knowing my raises had an extra person to get through.

The first hand of note I played came on level two. I looked down to see under the gun, so I made a 3x raise to 300. By this point, the table had made a note of my tight image and joked they would fold if I entered the pot, but I still got three callers...

The flop came down , I c-bet half pot and I got two calls.

After a on the turn, I continued for half pot once again and this time got just the one call.

The river was an insignificant ; no draws completed, so I bet 3,200 for value and got a quick fold.

Level 3 brought about my first real thinking spot. A loose player, who had lost a significant percentage of his stack already, limped UTG for 150 and got raised to 450 by a very tight player who had seen the flop just once before.

With in the big blind I called the raise, expecting the limper to call and see the flop, but instead, he shoved all in for around 5K.

His tight image made it a lot easier to fold my hand.

The limp and reraise looked very strong to me, either that or he was happy to gamble. The raiser called, and I folded. His tight image made it a lot easier to fold my hand, and my decision was justified when he showed and the limper showed .

So, at the end of the third level, and on the first break, I was sitting with 30K.

Unibet currently has several sponsored pros and ambassadors on their books. All these players are very active in promoting the brand on Twitter, Twitch and in the live arena. It was good to see them present and actively chatting with the players, as it made their ethos of "By Players, For Players" even more genuine.

At the start of level four, newly signed pro Daiva Barauskaite joined my table. The other players joked about her bounty now being in play, and that added to the atmosphere. But with the stacks still 150 big blinds deep I wasn't focused on that just yet.

A couple of hands into the level I got dealt in middle position. A loose aggressive player, who had limped and raised on occasions, made a 3x raise which I called. Both the button and small blind also called.

The flop was . The small blind checked, and the original raiser bets half-pot 1,200.

With second pair and a very strong draw, I had to decide whether it was best to call or raise. With two players behind me to act and my stack-to-pot ratio being very high, I decided to call and see the turn. Surprisingly, both the button and small blind called as well.

The turn was the . Any in this multi-way pot was the nuts, and it was very likely someone had it.

The action checked to the original raiser, and he made an overbet of 10K into the 7.2K pot.

I had a 25K (125 big blinds) stack at this point, facing a considerable bet, so I decided to fold. The hand had a lot of potential on the flop, but I wasn't prepared to go with it that early in the tournament.

By the end of level four, I had chipped up to 40K. My won at showdown on an board versus the same loose aggressive player after I called flop and turn bets to win the pot at showdown.

Interestingly, we were three-handed on the turn, but the player on my right folded. After the hand, he told me he folded . It was good information to know that my tight image had made him make that mistake.

It was good information to know that my tight image had made him make that mistake.

Five levels later and one table change, I was six hours into the day and sat with 45K. I had been patiently waiting for hands and spots to increase my stack, but they were few and far between.

Three levels were remaining; I needed to pick up the pace soon to have a healthy stack for the start of Day 2.

With 90 minutes left on the day, my chance came. With just over a 20 big blind stack, I was dealt in the cutoff. Unibet Pro Espen Uhlen Jrstad shoved his last 13 big blinds, allowing me to go all in.

His missed the board, so not only did I win a large pot but I also won his bounty! We took a quick photo together to use on the brand's website before I switched tables for the remainder of the day.

The final level was very kind to me. I won a three-bet pot on the flop with and also knocked out a small stack when my in the big blind hit top pair on the flop, and he was happy to get all his chips in with .

I ended the day with a respectable 119K (50 big blinds) and even more confidence going into Day 2.

Fast forward to 2 p.m. the next day, 67 players returned to play with 30 places paid and 14,000 going to the winner. The tournament was very much anyone's to win at this point. Only four people had a 200K-plus stack, and with the blind increases small, everyone had a lot of room to maneuver.

Former Sky player and current BearHugPoker Pro Jamie Burland was a notable name at my table. He was sitting with around 20 big blinds, so although he was a player to be aware of, I was confident I would be able to avoid any real tough spots against him.

An hour into play, with blinds at 1,200/2,400, I faced an early position limper with I decided to call and hopefully see a cheap flop. A young player who had been quite aggressive since the start of the day made a small raise to 6,500. After the limper folded, I decide to call and see the flop.

The rainbow came down giving me an up-and-down straight draw and a backdoor flush draw.

I checked and he c-bet for 12K. I called.

The turn brought a , so I checked again, and he decided to bet slightly larger this time to 26K.

I was in a tough spot out of position, but I didn't want to give up on the hand. I hadn't made any turn raises before this, so I felt confident it was a good spot to check-raise and see how he reacted. I raised to 56K leaving me 100K behind.

He was instantly thrown back and clearly wasn't happy with my raise.

After a couple of minutes of thinking, he decided to let the hand go and announced he folded top pair .

Other players at the table immediately said, "It must be nice to flop the set."

Their thinking was understandable by the way I had previously played and by my table image. It was a big pot to take down early on!

Just a few hands later, I looked down at UTG +1 and made a 2.5x raise.

I was three-bet by a 25-30 big blind stack in middle position. It was an easy four-bet shove for me with his stack size, and he called with .

A jack-high board followed, and in return, gave me the overall tournament chip lead with 45 people remaining.

I honestly felt like I would make the final table with the way I was playing.

I was highlighted on the Unibet social media as the 'chip leader' and was having my photo taken quite a lot while in hands. It was a confidence boost, and I honestly felt like I would make the final table with the way I was playing.

The money bubble burst quickly, and in no time, the field was cut down to 20 players.

Sat at a table with Unibet ambassadors Ian Simpson and David Vanderheyden, they would quickly do battle. Ian shoved in the small blind and was snap-called by David with in the big blind. The board brought Ian no help, and he was eliminated, leaving David as the last remaining pro with a second bounty on his head.

Having won one bounty already, I thought it would be quite funny if I somehow managed to win the double bounty... and I did!

David left the table for a level but returned with under 20 big blinds. He shoved UTG+1 and I reshoved in the cutoff with . He showed and the board came king-high, so I was lucky enough to win three bounties from just two pros! Not a bad return on my investment so far.

The chip leader was now two seats to my left, and in all honesty, was using his position very well. I was not picking up good hands, which caused me to open the action from the cutoff and button with off-suit connectors etc. a lot more. I faced three-bets both pre- and postflop quite often which made it very difficult for me to counter with only a 25 big blind stack.

My chance came when he raised UTG and I reshoved in the big blind with , but he showed the and mucked his hand.

My stack was taking a knock as I patiently waited for the right spots, but I eventually made it to the final table!

As we moved to the elevated table platform, we were asked to take some serious, and not so serious, pictures before sitting down to do battle for the 14K!

Despite the large amount money still to play for, everyone seemed relaxed. I guess in the bigger televised tournaments you might expect a more hostile atmosphere due to the tension and payout jumps, but this felt very friendly and comfortable to me.

Chip-wise I was seventh out of nine but immediately given a chance to triple up! The shortest stack limped in middle position with only 13 big blinds. I was dealt in the big blind and was praying the small blind, who had fewer chips than me, would go all in and luckily he did. I called, and to my surprise, so did the limper and revealed . It was an unfortunate spot for the small blind who turned over .

The flop was safe, but a fell on the turn.

The small blind bust, and luckily I only lost 3 big blinds overall by winning the side pot. I was a bit gutted as I knew winning the whole pot would have knocked both players out and I would have had a very good 35 big blind stack.

But with 11 big blinds behind me now, it was all in or fold.

But with 11 big blinds behind me now, it was all in or fold.

A brutal versus hand saw the table lose another player and I had laddered up to a guaranteed seventh place.

Having used an excellent shoving range tool this year, which I studied in preparation for Day 2, I was confident with the range of hands I should be playing and folding.

My all-in was called by , but luckily this hand ended in a split pot.

With 9 big blinds, I shoved with from middle position and was called by the small blind with .

My flush draw fell on the turn, and I jokingly said, "7 Diamonds" just before the river came down.

But I missed completely and was eliminated in seventh; taking home 1,720.

I was obviously disappointed not to go the whole distance but so happy with the deep run I made, and most importantly, how well I felt I played throughout the tournament, even if I did have more than my fair share of luck in the flips.

Grinding online and falling short can knock your confidence. So to have this live result under my belt will help me and build my determination.

Not only was the money a big boost to my bankroll, but I got to meet a lot of new people in the poker community too!

With the bounty tickets at my disposal, I'm aiming to qualify for another Unibet event soon and make another run for the trophy!

Follow Aaron McBride on Twitter @AMcBrideSJ.

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French English

Press release

2016 FULL-YEAR EARNINGS

Net income up 50% to 6.0 million

Revenues: 300.1 million

Net income: 6.0 million

Reims, 30th March 2017 - Vranken-Pommery Monopole's Board of Directors met on 30th March 2017, chaired by Paul-Francois Vranken and in the presence of the statutory auditors, to approve the Group's financial statements for 2016.

Consolidated accounts

In millions of euros 2016 2015 Change

(%) Revenues 300.1 296.6 +1.2% Operating income (*)

% of revenues 21.9

7.3% 22.4

7.6% - 2.2% Consolidated net income

% of revenues 6.0

2.0% 4.0

1.3% +50.0% Net income, Group share

% of revenues 6.0

2.0% 3.8

1.3% +57.9%

(*) After share in net income from associates for the Group's continued operations

Vranken-Pommery Monopole is moving forward with its development strategy

 Wine production

- In Champagne, the Group has achieved the "Viticulture Durable en Champagne" label

- In Camargue and Provence, work to convert over 600 hectares of vineyards to organic production continued in 2016

 Creation of the Sparkling Wines (Traditional Method) division:

- In the US, "Louis Pommery California" will start to be distributed in 2017

- In the UK, the Group has set up operations in Hampshire and will also start selling "Louis Pommery England" in 2017

- In France's Camargue region, at the Domaine du Bosquet vineyard which has been restructured to focus on Sparkling Wines, the first harvest will take place in 2017



Commercial commitments have been maintained on international markets, notably making it possible to develop Champagne sales

 In Europe, +7% in Germany and +12% in Italy

 On other Continents, +25% in Japan and +29% in Australia.

All the components within this strategy made it possible to achieve very good results despite a year marked by:

 The continued contraction in business for the restaurant sector in France and Belgium since 2015

 The Pound Sterling's sharp devaluation following the announcement of the Brexit

 The significant shortfall with the harvest in the "Sable de Camargue" region

 The deterioration in earnings for Listel SAS

Business analysis

Full-year revenues came to 300.1 million in 2016, compared with 296.6 million for 2015, up 1.2%. Champagne sales to customers totalled 230.8 million in 2016, versus 239.6 million in 2015.

In 2016, the Group consolidated its leading position in France's "Champagne" segment on the mass retail market by ramping up its investments and its presence through operations to strengthen its visibility.

In France and Belgium, Vranken-Pommery Monopole still faces the general decline in the tourism market and the lower number of visitors for both restaurants and hotels.

The drop in sales for these sectors accounts for nearly 40% of the overall contraction in Champagne revenues at

31th December 2016.

In the UK, the Brexit's announcement has led to the Pound Sterling's devaluation and triggered a sharp drop in Champagne shipments.

UK distributors have chosen to focus in priority on clearing their stocks.

For Vranken-Pommery Monopole, the decline in shipments to the UK represents 60% of the overall contraction in Champagne revenues recorded at 31th December 2016.



Financials

Operating income came to 21.9 million for 2016, compared with 22.4 million in 2015 (-2.2%).

To offset the contraction in sales in the UK following the Brexit and for the French and Belgian restaurant sectors following the terrorist attacks, a further 5.8 million of commercial investments have been rolled out for the French mass retail market to further strengthen the Group's leading position in this sector.

In addition, the renegotiation of social commitments led to the reversal of 6.2 million of provisions during the year.

Operating income was improved by the reduction in non-current net expenses for 3.8 million and reduced by

1 million for the share in earnings of the associate Listel SAS (industrial restructuring).

Financial income and expenses are stable, with -17.5 million for 2016, versus -17.4 million in 2015.

Corporate income tax benefited from the future reduction in tax rates in France and came in positive with 1.8 million at 31th December 2016.

Factoring in these various elements, net income, Group share, represents 6.0 million for 2016, up from 3.8 million in 2015.

The 651.1 million of net financial debt should be analysed taking into account the deferral of customer payments linked to trade sales over 2017 for 13.5 million.

Shareholders' equity (Group share) is up to 366.3 million from 361.4 million in 2015.

The processes to audit and issue the certification audit report on the consolidated accounts are underway.

Dividends

At the general meeting on 1st June 2017, Vranken-Pommery Monopole will propose a stable dividend of 0.8 per share.

This dividend will be paid out on 10th July, with a gross yield of 3.62% based on the share price from 27th March 2017.

Outlook

The investments made by the sales teams internationally in the past few years are expected to pave the way for a return to standard volumes in 2017, with around 18 million bottles of Champagne. In particular, these actions will benefit Pommery & Greno.

In the Champagne business, the creation of the "Brut Nature" (without any added liqueur) is expected to generate interest from new customers focused on purity and the essence of the Champagne region. The "Brut Nature" is one of the key areas for development mapped out by Vranken-Pommery Monopole.

Camargue and Provence roses, with the Pink Flamingo and Commandeur du Domaine Royal de Jarras vintages, and the Verite de Terroir and Chapelle Gordonne vintages from Chateau la Gordonne, have been listed with all the leading French and international retailers. In 2017, Grands Domaines du Littoral is expected to make significant progress with developing the Domaines et Chateaux brands.

Louis Pommery sparkling wines will be released in the US and UK in 2017, while French sparkling wines will drive further progress in this sector across European markets from 2018.

Next date

2017 first-quarter revenues: 27th April 2017



About Vranken-Pommery Monopole

Vranken-Pommery Monopole is the second largest Champagne group.

With sites in Champagne, Provence, Camargue and Douro, it is Europe's leading wine grower.

Its brand portfolio includes:

the leading Champagne brands VRANKEN, POMMERY, HEIDSIECK & CO MONOPOLE and CHAMPAGNE CHARLES LAFITTE;

the ROZES and SAO PEDRO ports and TERRAS DO GRIFO Douro wine brands;

the Sable de Camargue DOMAINE ROYAL DE JARRAS rose wines and Cotes de Provence CHATEAU LA GORDONNE.

In addition, it is the joint owner, with the Castel Group, of the LISTEL brand portfolio.

Vranken-Pommery Monopole is listed on NYSE Euronext (Paris and Brussels).

(Codes "VRAP" (Paris), and "VRAB" (Brussels); ISIN: FR0000062796).

Contacts
Arizona lawmakers on Tuesday engaged in a heated debate over whether they should approve a bill that would specify aggravated assault against off-duty police officers is a crime equal to assaulting an on-duty officer, reports the Associated Press.

Current law requires lengthier sentences for aggravated assault against on-duty officers. The measure by sponsor Sen. Steve Smith, R-Maricopa, would equally apply enhanced sentences for aggravated assault against officers who are off-duty.

On one side of the debate were lawmakers urging the protection of police officers at all times. On the other were legislators calling the measure unnecessary and a mockery of what has been happening across the country with the Black Lives Matter movement.

The bill is labeled the "Blue Lives Matter Law." Smith says it's necessary because directly assaulting an officer should not be tolerated on any level.
Photo: Louisville Metro PD Facebook page

A Louisville (KY) Metro Police Department officer who was in critical condition after a fiery crash in west Louisville on Tuesday night has died, reports WDRB.

Mayor Greg Fischer and LMPD Chief Steve Conrad said in a joint news conference at University Hospital that Officer Nick Rodman died at 3:40 p.m. Wednesday after suffering a severe head injury.

Rodman, who had been with the department for about three years, was pursuing a suspect around 8 p.m. Tuesday when his cruiser was hit and caught fire. He had to be extricated from the wreckage before being rushed to University Hospital.

Rodman leaves behind a wife, son, and newborn daughter. His father and brother are also LMPD officers.

Fischer called Rodman "a man of compassion and commitment ... and a wonderful public servant."

Conrad said the incident Tuesday started with a calls of shots fired just before 8 p.m. Three more calls came shortly thereafter, including one for an assault.

Once on scene, Rodman attempted to join the pursuit of a suspect at the intersection of 26th and Duncan Streets. He had a green light, and as he attempted to turn, his cruiser was hit in what Conrad called a "very violent" collision.

The suspect in the case faces numerous charges.
Police shot and killed an off-duty sheriff's deputy celebrating his birthday with friends after the man drew his gun, became agitated and refused commands to drop the weapon, authorities said Wednesday, reports the Associated Press.

Hamilton County, TN, Deputy Daniel Hendrix had just turned 26 on Tuesday and was celebrating with two female off-duty officers with the Chattanooga Police Department, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said.

"For reasons still under investigation," the bureau's statement said, "Hendrix appears to have changed his demeanor, became agitated, armed himself with a personal firearm, and threatened the two women, who later managed to flee the home during the exchange."

Witnesses, the statement said, reported that Hendrix would not drop his weapon, as commanded by one of two responding officers. The situation "further escalated and resulted in one of the two responding officers firing his service weapon at least four times, striking Hendrix," the release said.

Hendrix was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signed a law doubling the death benefit for families of Massachusetts first responders killed in the line of duty. (Photo: http://www.charliebakerma.com)

Surrounded by public safety officials, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker on Tuesday signed a law doubling the death benefit for families of Massachusetts first responders killed in the line of duty, reports the Republican.

The benefit will increase from $150,000 to $300,000. The change will be retroactive to March 15, so it will cover the family of Watertown firefighter Joseph Toscano, who died while fighting a fire on March 17.

Baker said the idea for increasing the death benefit came up at a memorial event days after Toscano's death. It took just eight days for lawmakers to pass the change as part of a supplemental budget bill.

"The daily life of those of us in public service for the most part comes with all kinds of surprises, but most of them are manageable," Baker said. "The first responder community, the public safety community, the surprises they have to deal with sometimes get significantly beyond what we deal with. This is one way for us ... to speak out and to support the families of those who put on the uniform every day."

The benefit is given to the family of any firefighter or police officer, full-time or reserve, as well as public prosecutors, municipal or public emergency medical technicians and correction officers who are killed in the line of duty or who sustain injuries on the job that directly caused their death.
Police groups helping to shape President Donald Trump's law-and-order agenda have their eyes on big prizes: military equipment banned by the previous administration and tougher laws on violence against officers, reports the Wall Street Journal.

In a contrast with the past eight years, the nation's biggest police unions say they now have the ear of the White House. Police unions expect the Trump administration to rescind former President Barack Obama's 2015 executive order that banned local police from acquiring tank-like armored vehicles, grenade launchers and other equipment from the federal government. Last year, Mr. Trump said he would rescind the Obama order.

"We're going to remind him of that promise and ask him to deliver," said Chuck Canterbury, national president of the Fraternal Order of Police. The union's executive board met Tuesday morning at the White House with Mr. Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

An executive order issued by Mr. Trump last month called for stiffer penalties for harming officers, echoing recommendations made by police unions to the Trump transition team, according to William Johnson, executive director of the National Association of Police Organizations.
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During an interview on CNNs The Situation Room, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) just took apart all of Committee Chair Devin Nuness excuses for not sharing the information that he claims shows Trump was spied on.

Video:

Rep. Schiff was asked by CNNs Wolf Blitzer if he knew who Devin Nuness source is, and if the source had proper security clearance. The ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee answered, Again, I dont know who the source is, so I dont what clearances they have or had, but I can say that the circumstances are so irregular. If this is information that somebody wanted the committee to have why hasnt this been presented to the committee? I can only conclude that it really doesnt show what its being purported to show. Again, were all speculating because the Chair has been unwilling to share it with Democrats or Republicans on the committee, and thats just not sustainable.

Schiff was asked about Rep. Nuness excuse that he is keeping the information secret to protect sources and methods. He also blew that claim to bits by answering, Sources and methods are what the agencies do in their tradecraft. Its not what the chairman of the committee does in meeting with someone on the White House grounds. That may be protecting something, but its not protecting sources and methods.

One gets the sense that Rep. Schiff and his colleagues on the House Intelligence Committee are tired of playing with Nunes. Rep. Nunes has no intelligence experience. He has no military experience. His attempts to protect Donald Trump have resulted in the chairman being in way over his head.

Schiff was right. It is common sense that if the information proved what he claims is proved, he would have made it public because it would prove Trumps claim that he was spied on. By refusing to make the information public and disclose his source, Rep. Nunes is verifying that the info came from the White House and that it doesnt back up Trumps claim that he was spied on in any way.

The whole cover-up is falling apart, and if Republicans want to save the House Intelligence Committee, Speaker Ryan must remove Rep. Nunes from the chairmanship.

Adam Schiff is eating Nunes alive, and in the process shining a light on a bungled Russia cover-up that isnt fooling anyone.
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Months before the election, FBI Director James Comey tried to reveal that Russia was interfering in Americas electoral process in order to help Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton.

A new report in Newsweek revealed that Comey wanted to write an op-ed about the Russian election meddling but was denied by the Obama administration.

More from the report:

Well before the Department of Homeland Security and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence accused the Russian government of tampering with the U.S. election in an October 7 statement, Comey pitched the idea of writing an op-ed about the Russian campaign during a meeting in the White Houses situation room in June or July. He had a draft of it or an outline. He held up a piece of paper in a meeting and said, I want to go forward, what do people think of this? says a source with knowledge of the meeting, which included Secretary of State John Kerry, Attorney General Loretta Lynch, Department of Homeland Security secretary Jeh Johnson and the national security adviser Susan Rice. The other national security officials didnt like the idea, and White House officials thought the announcement should be a coordinated message backed by multiple agencies, the source says. An op-ed doesnt have the same stature, it comes from one person. The op-ed would not have mentioned whether the FBI was investigating Donald Trumps campaign workers or others close to him for links to the Russians interference in the election, a second source with knowledge of the request tells Newsweek. Comey would likely have tried to publish the op-ed in The New York Times, and it would have included much of the same information as the bombshell declassified intelligence report released January 6, which said Russian President Vladimir Putin tried to influence the presidential election, the source said.

Its not clear why the Obama administration denied Comeys effort or why Comey himself didnt seek other avenues to make the information public, but the only major pre-election announcement revealing some information about Russian involvement came on October 7  too late in the election cycle for it to make much of a difference.

And despite Comeys reported behind-the-scenes effort to shed light on this scandal, his public behavior put a heavy emphasis on the non-scandal involving Hillary Clintons email use as Secretary of State, dealing the former Democratic nominee several blows at pivotal moments during the campaign.

This news also begs the question: If Comey was told he wasnt allowed to reveal explosive info about a foreign government helping one of the two major presidential candidates get elected, then why did he think it was acceptable to blow smoke about Clintons emails so close to voting day?

An op-ed wasnt a bad idea, but Comey could have also, you know, just approached a podium and given a statement to the public. He had no trouble doing that when it came to Hillary Clinton.
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No, this is not satire. Its real life.

In the latest GOP attack on the environment in the era of Donald Trump, Republicans in the House of Representatives voted Wednesday to limit the Environmental Protection Agencys use of scientific data in their work.

Let me repeat: the GOP is telling the agency meant to protect the environment  especially at a time when climate change is an urgent threat  that it cant use as much scientific data in its work.

The days of trust-me science are over, said anti-science Congressman Lamar Smith, who serves as chairman of the Science Committee, according to The Hill. In our modern information age, federal regulations should be based only on data that is available for every American to see and that can be subjected to independent review.

In other words, if Republicans dont like that results of scientific studies and data, they should have the freedom to ignore it and implement policy accordingly.

Something, of course, that Donald Trump has wasted no time in doing since taking off in January.

Just yesterday, in fact, the president signed an executive order rolling back regulations enacted by President Obama to protect the environment and fight climate change. Trumps move seeks to dismantle Obamas Clean Power Plan with the goal of curbing CO2 emissions at coal plants.

That executive order came a month after Trump signed into law another attack on the environment, allowing coal companies to pour their sludge into Americas waterways.

While Wednesdays House vote is troubling for Americans concerned with the environment, its important to remember that Republicans have been waging war against the environment for years. The difference now is that they just have control of both chambers of Congress and a White House occupied by a man who once tweeted that climate change is nothing but a Chinese-manufacture hoax.

Think of that the next time someone says voting doesnt matter.
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If it turns out that Donald Trumps campaign did, indeed, work with the Russians to defeat Hillary Clinton in last falls presidential election, a majority of the country  53 percent  thinks the president should resign.

According to the explosive new poll from Public Policy Polling (PPP), which debuted Wednesday night on MSNBCs Rachel Maddow Show, the American people said  by a 14-point margin  that Trump should step down if there was collusion.

Video:

Another result revealed on Maddows program found that a plurality of the country believes Trumps campaign did, in fact, work with Russia to swing the 2016 election in his favor.

If youre keeping score at home: The American people think both that Trumps campaign colluded with Russia and that the president should resign as a result.

While there is endless political polling released on a weekly basis asking about hypothetical scenarios, what should be terrifying to the White House is that the explosive Russia scandal is just one more investigation or one more small piece of evidence away from making the questions posed in the PPP survey a reality.

At that point, the president will have to face a country that doesnt just believe he isnt doing a good job, as polls repeatedly suggest, but also that he should no longer have the job at all.
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By a 50-49 vote, Senate Republicans have rolled back an Obama-era regulation that allowed states to create retirement accounts for low-income workers whose employers did not provide them.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell claimed that the rule undercut private sector business, Under the guise of helping more people save for the future, it undercut a system of private retirement savings that has served millions of Americans very well for decades. The end result would be more government at the expense of the private sector.

The truth is that the vote was really who the Senate works for.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) pointed out before the vote that Republicans have not put up a single piece of legislation to help working families in this Congress.

Video of Warren speaking on the Senate floor:

Warren asked, Why on earth are they now voting to make it harder for cities and states to help their own citizens to save for retirement? Why? Three words. Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce and the trade associations for the giant financial firms have been fighting tooth and nail to kill these retirement intiatives.All because the giant fiancial firms that the Chamber of Commerce and trade asssociations represent are worried that these city and state plans might actually offered better investment products with lower fees.

Helping low-income people save for retirement by offering them products that might be more affordable is not the Republican way. When Republicans talk about removing burdensome regulations for the American people, the people that they are helping are corporations and financial firms.

Small business owners are condemning the Republican vote, Small business owners wear many hats, but being investment advisers should not be one of them, said Lisa Hagerty, a small business owner in Stowe, Vermont. Programs like this that put small business owners in the best position care for themselves throughout their lives, while helping employees do the same, are a no-brainer. So why are Republicans in Congress dismantling them?

Republicans just made it more difficult for low income workers to save for retirement, and that is the way that they want the labor force to work.

In Republican economic ideology, there is no ladder of opportunity for the poor. Everything that this Republican Congress and President have done is designed to keep poor people poor.

An ample supply of low income workers is needed so that rich people can get even richer.

Senate Republicans sent the message that retirement is only an option for the wealthy. If you living paycheck to paycheck, Republicans are making sure that retirement isnt for you.
Cash position of 9.3 million, and net loss down 1% to 6.3 million

Strategic focus on high value-added applications in the healthcare, nutrition, and cosmetics fields

The operational and legal reorganisation has been completed, via acquiring full control of Deinobiotics, and the reorganisation of the Board of Directors.

Montpellier, France, 30 March 2017 (8:00 pm CEST) - Deinove (Alternext Paris: ALDEI), a biotechnology company that discovers, develops, and produces high-value added compounds from rare bacteria, including Deinococcus bacteria, announced today that its Board of Directors had reviewed and approved the 2016 annual financial statements. Furthermore, the Board has convened the General Meeting on 16 May 2017.

The net loss in 2016 was 6,279k, compared with a loss of 6,356k in the previous year. Income for the year increased, thanks to the completion of various milestones in the R&D programmes, and to the progress of the collaborative projects, while operating expenses remained unchanged.

The net cash position amounted to +9.3 million at 31 December 2016, compared with +12.4 million at 31 December 2015. Deinove received 3.4m in milestone payments from Bpifrance and ADEME (the French Environment and Energy Management Agency) during the 2016 financial year, as well as a total of 1.6m in R&D Tax Credit (CIR) for 2015. The Company also raised 0.8m via the equity line funding arranged with Kepler Cheuvreux in December 2014. Deinove believes that it has the necessary cash resources to guarantee its financing until the end of the 1st quarter of 2018, without resorting to Tranches 3 and 4 of the equity line funding.

The strategic decision to focus the Company's business activities on higher value-added applications in the healthcare, nutrition, and cosmetics sectors was reflected in two major operating changes:

The merger of R&D operations between Deinove and its subsidiary DEINOBIOTICS aimed at researching new antibiotics. The teams are now fully operational, while the acquisition of a 100% interest in Deinobiotics was finalised in early 2017.

Meanwhile, the bio-ethanol (biofuel) research programme was suspended, as this commodity product has been negatively affected by the low oil price level.

"After assuming the chairmanship in January, I was impressed by the responsiveness and resilience of Deinove's teams in 2016, when challenges were redefined, operations reorganised, employees reassigned and programmes launched, this in less than 6 months" said Charles Woler, the Chairman of Deinove. "Deinove is therefore beginning 2017 with a new look: the operational and legal integration of Deinobiotics has been completed, while the reorganisation of the Board of Directors, where the members' backgrounds are now much more focused on pharmaceuticals and specialty markets, adds the finishing touch to this change."

Emmanuel Petiot, Deinove's Chief Executive Officer, added: "The speed at which synergies between Deinove and Deinobiotics have emerged, together with the development of our industrial specialty projects in both the animal nutrition and cosmetics sectors over the past few months, has emphasised the sense of the decision that we took in December last year. Furthermore, this decision has been understood and encouraged by all of our partners. It was in keeping with both the economic environment and a major healthcare need. The threat posed to world health by increasing resistance to antibiotics is such that we are confident in our ability to find financial support for our developments. Our teams are motivated, and focused on achieving fast results. They are already working on discovering new antibiotics that will genuinely make a difference".

SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA

( '000s) 2016 2015 Total operating revenues 793 492 Total operating costs 8,486 8,457 o/w R&D costs 6,608 6,590 o/w G&A costs 1,877 1,867 Operating profit / loss -7,692 -7,965 Financial result 15 -14 Current pre-tax profit / loss -7,677 -7,979 Non-recurring items 283 -10 Income tax (R&D Tax Credit) -1,115 -1,633 Profit / loss for the year -6,279 -6,356 Net financial position 9,316 12,432 o/w financial investments1 0 0 o/w term deposits (maturity < 1 year) 0 0 o/w cash instruments (maturity < 3 months) 0 0 o/w cash on hand 9,316 12,432 (o/w financial debt) 0 0 Total assets 13,904 17,327 TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 11,748 14,593 o/w equity 2,570 8,096 o/w conditional advances 9,178 6,497 1 Excluding the liquidity agreement items (cash and treasury shares), deposits & guarantees, and ongoing security purchase costs.





FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE 2016 FINANCIAL YEAR

The 2016 net result is a net loss of 6,279k, which was a slight improvement compared with the loss of 6,356k in 2015.

Operating income

Deinove received 793k in operating income (492k in 2015), which came from invoices relating to collaborative research agreements with industrial partners, and from grants from Bpifrance relating to achieving the 4th key milestone in the Deinol Programme, as well as for the World Innovation Competition, where the Company received an award for its Deinoplast Programme.

Meanwhile, operating costs remained stable at 8,486k (8,457k in 2015). The sub-contracting expenses relating to the research programmes decreased, while operating expenses (primarily rents and salaries) increased, in line with the extension of the laboratories (in late 2015) and the rise in the headcount (average increase of 3 FTEs).

R&D expenditure accounted for 78% of total operating costs, a level that was equivalent to the one in 2015.

Net income

Net financial income showed a positive balance of 15k compared with a loss of 14k in 2015. It specifically included a negative balance of 31k relating to the liquidity agreement, and a positive balance of 50k from interest on investments and bonds.

Non-recurring items showed a gain of 283k, compared with a loss of 10k in 2015, and were primarily generated by the recognition of exceptional income (224k) relating to a write-off of receivables by Bpifrance following the acknowledgement that the Deinopharm Programme had failed, together with a capital gain of 50k resulting from the disposal of shares in Carbios on the market.

Corporate income tax related almost exclusively to R&D Tax Credit. The Company has estimated that credit at 1,115k compared with 1,641k in 2015. This difference is primarily explained by the fact that the Company received more public funding in 2016.

FINANCIAL POSITION

The financial needs during the year primarily concerned operating expenditure, which amounted to 7,750k (excluding provisions for depreciation amounts), and investments in equipment and software, which amounted to 770k. Deinove also granted a 500k loan to Deinobiotics SAS, via the subscription to ordinary bonds.

The Company received public funding (from ADEME and Bpifrance) amounting to 3,352k, and a R&D Tax Credit of 1,641k over the same period, and raised 780k (net of fees) via the equity line funding arranged with Kepler Cheuvreux in December 2014.

The Company's net financial position amounted to 9.3 million at 31 December 2016. Deinove believes that it has the necessary resources to ensure its financing until the end of the 1st quarter of 2018, without recourse to Tranches 3 and 4 of the equity line funding arranged in December 2014.

HIGHLIGHTS

DEINOVE continued to make the most of its strain bank, to develop its metabolic and fermentation engineering platform, and to advance its research programmes during the financial year.

Strategic focus and new organisational structure

Strategic focus

At its meeting on 27 September 2016, the Board of Directors decided to focus Deinove's business activities, and to concentrate its resources on high value-added applications in the healthcare, nutrition, and cosmetics sectors, with the aim of getting closer to the generation of income. This decision was specifically reflected in:

The reorganisation of DEINOVE's R&D teams in order to incorporate the operations relating to the DEINOBIOTICS Programme;

The acquisition of 100% of the shares in DEINOBIOTICS SAS by DEINOVE via a contribution in kind and a corresponding capital increase. This transaction was completed on 5 January 2017 (See post-balance sheet events);

The allocation of DEINOVE's other resources to continuing the development of carotenoids (Deinochem Project), programmes conducted in partnership with Avril and Flint Hills Resources, and other collaborative programmes, with the primary goal of generating income within as short a time frame as possible;

The launch of an extensive programme involving the screening of DEINOVE's strain library, which is expected to lead to the identification of specialty compounds in the healthcare, nutrition, and cosmetics sectors.

Operational integration of Deinobiotics

Cooperation between DEINOVE and DEINOBIOTICS was increased following this decision. A portion of the DEINOVE teams is now dedicated to identifying and developing antibiotic leads, with the main goals of:

Reinforcing the strain library by gathering and classifying new rare bacteria;

Identifying strains that are of interest in terms of their antibiotic activity;

Molecular biology, in order to optimise the strains and the compounds to meet the needs of DEINOBIOTICS' pharmaceutical teams;

Optimising the fermentation processes for strains that are of interest, and producing samples for effectiveness and pharmacology tests;

Developing protocols for extracting and purifying the compounds produced.

The DEINOVE teams are working closely with the DEINOBIOTICS teams and the Charles Viollette Institute (Lille 1 Science and Technology University), which are meanwhile responsible for:

Identifying the chemical structures of antibiotics of interest, in order to assess their innovative nature and their action mechanism;

Optimising molecules via enzymology and/or medicinal chemistry;

Assessing the antibacterial and anti-fungal effects, and the non-toxicity of the molecules identified, including conducting in vitro and in vivo tests.

This new organisational structure has been fully operational since late 2016.

Progress of the programmes

Antibiotics Programme (DEINOBIOTICS)

In 2016, the DEINOBIOTICS subsidiary identified a first candidate that displays a particularly interesting spectrum of activity and a novel chemical structure. This candidate has been the subject of two patent applications (See post-balance sheet events), which have been published, and is currently being optimised and assessed.

Research is continuing in order to identify other innovative antibiotic molecules using the strain library, in order to build a true pipeline effectively addressing the concern of multi-resistance. A preclinical project manager, Dr. Bernard Scorneaux, has been hired in order to coordinate the development of new drug candidates (See post-balance sheet events).

Carotenoid Programme (Deinochem)

In February 2016, DEINOVE announced that it had extended the number of target molecules, which now include five carotenoids produced at the lab scale, and yields that have been improved by a factor of 6 to 8 depending on the molecule. The Company aims to market its first batches of target compounds in 2018.

DEINOVE announced that it had validated the 2nd key milestone of the Carotenoid Programme in June, which gave rise to the payment by ADEME of a repayable advance of 1.5m. The deliverables achieved confirmed the progress made in the development of Deinococcus strains that are hyperproductive of carotenoids.

DEINOVE also announced that it had validated the 3rd key milestone of the Carotenoid Programme in December, which gave rise to the payment by ADEME of a repayable advance of 0.8m. This new key milestone validates the technical progress made in developing the carotenoid production process. The target thresholds for productivity and yield have been reached using optimized Deinococcus strains on the laboratory scale.

Accordingly, DEINOVE announced in November that it had selected Processium, an industrial process engineering firm headquartered in Lyon that works in the chemistry and biotech fields. The experts at Processium will have three major missions with DEINOVE:

finalising and validating an industrial process for extracting carotenoids from the fermentation medium, in order to obtain a marketable product;

transposing the production process developed by Deinove from the laboratory to industrial production;

identifying and selecting sub-contractors who can start production quickly.

Indeed, DEINOVE is aiming to market carotenoids directly to industrial companies in its target markets, but is not planning to develop its own manufacturing tool, and prefers to sub-contract production, including the large-scale fermentation, extraction, purification, and formulation stages.

Muconic Acid Programme (Deinoplast)

DEINOVE won the first phase of the second edition of the Worldwide Innovation Challenge for its R&D program Deinoplast (biobased production of muconic acid), and was therefore awarded a grant of 200k.

The World Innovation Competition was launched by the French Government in 2013, in order to enable the emergence of innovative projects in sectors that are strategic for France. Deinoplast was selected in the "Plant protein-based food products and new biobased materials" topic.

This award recognises the quality of DEINOVE's technology platform, and its innovative nature.

2 G Biofuels Programme (Deinol)

Following the Board of Directors' decision to suspend the Deinol R&D programme dedicated to 2G biofuels, the various partnerships relating to this programme were terminated, including the partnerships with Abengoa, SUEZ, MBI, Tyton, and Arbiom.

The employees and the R&D equipment dedicated to this programme have been reassigned to the other research programmes. The know-how and assets developed as part of this programme, including the very high level integrated and robotised genetic, metabolic, and fermentation engineering platform, are fully re-used and recovered for the high value-added applications.

Based on the successful development of a new bio-production chassis and a unique technology platform, Bpifrance nonetheless validated the achievement of the 4th key milestone of the Deinol project, which gave rise to the payment of a 309k grant and of a repayable advance of 64k.

Development of the technology platform

Collaboration with Toulouse White Biotechnology (TWB) in order to optimise the production of Deinococcus bacteria

Deinove has entered into a technological partnership with Toulouse White Biotechnology (TWB), a pre-industrial demonstrator in industrial biotechnology based on renewable carbon.

The aim is to map the metabolic fluxes of the Deinococcus chassis, i.e. to create an inventory of all the potentialities of the microorganism in the production of molecules of interest. The final goal is to further streamline its metabolic engineering projects and accelerate the industrial programs underway, including the carotenoid programme.

Strain library screening programme (Deinoscreen)

DEINOVE has launched an extensive programme involving the screening of Deinove's rare bacteria collection, with the aim of identifying specialty compounds of interest for the healthcare, nutrition, and cosmetics fields. This programme began with an in vitro screening stage in late 2016, in order to identify positive hits, which will be submitted to more advanced effectiveness tests that validate their interest for these sectors. The first positive results were announced in the 1st quarter of 2017 (See post-balance sheet events).

DEINOVE intends to enhance its portfolio of compounds of interest accordingly, in order to attract new industrial companies and commercial partners. This has already led to a partnership in the cosmetics sector with Greentech (See post-balance sheet events).

CORPORATE INFORMATION

Issuance of new patents

DEINOVE broadened its intellectual property portfolio via the issuance of 11 new patents during the 2016 financial year.

Share capital breakdown at 31 December 2016

The Company's share capital at 31 December 2016 consisted of 9,021,087 common shares with a par value of 0.40, 12,813 of which (i.e. 0.14% of the share capital) were held by the Company as part of the liquidity agreement entrusted to Kepler Cheuvreux.

As at 31 December 2016 - on a non-diluted basis Shareholders Number of shares Percentage held Voting rights Percentage Truffle Capital managed-funds 2,828,215 31.35% 5,493,433 46.44% Scientific founders 20,000 0.22% 40,000 0.34% Management and Directors 66,180 0.73% 84,921 0.72% Free float 6,106,692 67.69% 6,210,910 52.50% TOTAL 9,021,087 100.00% 11,829,264 100.00%

POST-BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

Deinove now holds 100% of Deinobiotics : the Extraordinary General Meeting held on January 5 approved the terms of the transaction involving the contribution in kind of Deinobiotics shares and the related share capital increase reserved to the contributors. The dilution resulting from this capital increase amounted to 10.15%.

Deinove strengthens its Board of Directors in line with its strategic focus : four Directors of international standing and experts in the pharmaceuticals and antibiotics industry, have joined the Company's Board of Directors, namely Bernard Fanget, Professor Vincent Jarlier, Doctor Yannick Pletan, and Doctor Charles Woler. Charles Woler was appointed Chairman of the Board while Philippe Pouletty, Michael Carlos and Christian Pierret remain members of the Board. This new governance brings DEINOVE invaluable medical, pharmaceutical and managerial resources and more specifically, expertise in drug development, including antibiotics. The four nominations will be submitted for ratification by the Annual General Meeting of May 16, 2017.

Publication of two patent applications covering the DNB101 antibiotic candidate : this first antibiotic candidate, which is currently under development, displays an innovative chemical structure. These patents are the first steps in building a strong intellectual property portfolio in the antibiotics field. Deinove is continuing its research, in order to identify other innovative antibiotic molecules from its strain library, and so build a true pipeline that effectively addressing the concern of multi-resistance.

Hiring of a preclinical project manager for the healthcare activities : Dr Bernard Scorneaux, a specialist in pharmacology and preclinical studies in infectious diseases, has conducted the studies on several drug candidates that are currently on the market or in advanced clinical development. His expertise extends to the entire development process, from design, implementation, and follow-up of preclinical and early clinical studies (Phase I) to the drafting of regulatory documents. He is joining Deinove in order to prepare and coordinate the preclinical studies on the antibiotic compounds developed by the Company.

Development of the product portfolio : the strain library screening programme (Deinoscreen), which is being conducted in collaboration with the Fluofarma CRO [Contract Research Organisation] has enabled the identification of several dozen strains with properties that can be used in the cosmetics or dietary supplements and healthcare fields, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, as well as molecules that influence the metabolism of fats. This means that Deinove now has a catalogue of strains with various and identified properties, in order to fuel the ongoing discussions and open up new opportunities with the industrial stakeholders.

Signing of a partnership in the cosmetics sector : the partnership aims to co-develop and market new active ingredients for skin care. The ambition is to bring to market a first ingredient within 18 to 24 months. GREENTECH, major player in the production and distribution of biotechnologically obtained ingredients, sells a hundred active ingredients to cosmetics manufacturers in over 30 countries.

Deinove is reorganising its Audit Committee and its Remuneration Committee: the Audit Committee is now chaired by Christian Pierret. Yannick Pletan and Michael Carlos have been appointed as members of the Audit Committee. Charles Woler has been appointed as a member of the Remuneration Committee, which remains chaired by Philippe Pouletty.

Capital increase performed by using the Kepler Cheuvreux equity line funding: the use of this line since 1 January 2017 has resulted in the issuance of 565,000 new shares, and in a capital increase of 226k (1.115,9k including the premium above par).

The 2016 annual financial report will be available at the following address:

http://www.deinove.com/en/investor-room/documentation-center/financial-reports

ABOUT DEINOVE

DEINOVE (Alternext Paris: ALDEI) is a biotech company that discovers, develops and produces compounds with industrial value from rare microorganisms, for the healthcare, nutrition and cosmetics markets.

These innovative production methods represent a sustainable and competitive alternative.

For this, DEINOVE relies on two key assets:

A unique strain bank with 6,000 rare bacteria that have not yet been exploited, mainly of the Deinococcus genus;

A genetic, metabolic and fermentation engineering platform that enables them to customize these natural micro-factories, transforming them into new industry standards.

Based in Montpellier, DEINOVE employs approximately 50 employees and has nearly 160 international patent applications. The Company has been listed on Alternext since April 2010.





www.deinove.com







twitter.com/Deinove







fr.linkedin.com/company/deinove

Contacts

Emmanuel Petiot

CEO

Ph.: +33 (0)4 48 19 01 28

emmanuel.petiot@deinove.com







Julien Coste

Director of Finance & Administration

Ph.: +33 (0)4 48 19 01 00

julien.coste@deinove.com



Coralie Martin

Communication and IR Manager

Ph.: +33 (0)4 48 19 01 60

coralie.martin@deinove.com ALIZE RP, Press Relations

Caroline Carmagnol/Wendy Rigal

Ph.: +33 (0)1 44 54 36 66

deinove@alizerp.com




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Democratic Leader Senator Chuck Schumer called Republicans out on the Senate floor Thursday for pearl clutching about the nuclear option for their SCOTUS nominee.

Republicans are threatening that they will have no choice but the nuclear option if Democrats dont vote for President Trumps supreme court nominee Judge Neil Gorsuch.

Schumer responded on the Senate floor Thursday, And for all the hand-wringing by my friends on the other side of the aisle that they cannot imagine Democrats voting against Judge Gorsuch; I would like to remind them that only three  three  of the current senators on the Republican side voted for either of President Obamas confirmed nominees.

Let me repeat that: only three of the current senators on the Republican side voted for either one of President Obamas confirmed nominees. Most voted for neither.

And every single one of them lined up to conduct an audacious partisan blockade of Merrick Garland, the top Democrat reminded Republicans.

Again, the Republicans are creating a false choice  Judge Gorsuch or a nuclear option  in an attempt to avoid the blame if they change the rules.

Schumer schooled Republicans that the only reason this vote is even an issue is because Republicans blocked this seat for Obamas pick for nearly a year, And they are the only reason that we are here today: they held this seat open for over a year so that this president could install someone handpicked by the Heritage Foundation and the Federalist Societya lifetime appointment for this president, whose campaign is under investigation by the FBI for potential ties to Russia

Schumer had a list of actual reasons Democrats are concerned about Gorsuch, but before that is even an issue, Republicans need to pick a lane.

If things are to work properly, Republicans have to be willing to play by the same rules they set for themselves to some degree.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on Tuesday that Gorsuch would be confirmed next Friday and Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) somehow managed to say this with a straight face, I hope it doesnt come to that but if the Democrats force our hand, then well be prepared to do what we need to do to confirm the judge.

So their judge will be confirmed no matter what, which is to flip off the entire idea of a process meant to vet, the constitutional job of advise and consent and the loyal opposition. Its also a joke given that they refused to even vote on President Obamas pick for almost 300 days.

Listening to Republicans whine about Democrats not confirming Justice Gorsuch yet, youd think that they hadnt obstructed President Obamas Supreme Court nominee for almost 300 days until they waited out his term.

Youd think that they hadnt lined up, each and every one of them, to block Obamas pick, Justice Garland- a bipartisan pick respected by both sides of the aisle. Youd also think that Gorsuchs confirmation was being delayed beyond reason.

McConnell wants a vote on Gorsuch before the April 7th two week recess.

And yet the fact is that the average confirmation time, if you take out Garland who was obstructed for no reason at all by Senate Republicans for almost a year, from the committee hearing beginning to a floor vote is 29 days. That means that McConnell and Republicans are howling about something that is not even delayed yet without their own unprecedented obstruction of Garland added into the equation.

What is happening here is what always happens with the modern day Republican Party, except this time Democrats are poised to not enable the Republican destruction of government.

The usual course of business is Republicans, like an abusive spouse, do something horrible like block Obamas nominee for 300 days so they can get fill the seat with an ideological, hard right pick.

Democrats do not change the rules to overcome Republican SCOTUS seat obstruction, trying desperately to hang on to some kind of order.

Republicans get the White House, and now their offer is they will stop abusing Democrats if Democrats will just give them what they want. (This never works, because the abuser just keeps moving the goal posts each and every time  meaning in this case that the demands for Republicans to play are their way or punishing dysfunction.) But if Democrats wont work with them, they will up the abuse to even further levels of destruction of government.

All of this will be the Democrats fault, according to Republicans.

This suggests that Republicans feel they arent in control of themselves, and are not accountable at all for what they did to Obamas pick, or the fact that their President is under multiple investigations for possibly colluding with a hostile foreign power to win the White House, which even with their help he barely won.

This is how an abusive partner behaves. And it is incorrect to say both sides do it and blame Democrats for not conceding to the abuse. Like an abusive partner in a marriage, Democrats are not perfect. But their imperfection doesnt excuse or justify Republicans refusing to be accountable to the people  and it is the people they are abusing here. The people are the children, in this case, being used as a weapon for force Democrats to concede time and time again.

Not only is Republican behavior morally wrong and unjust in general, but most importantly, rewarding this kind of destructive abuse of process only enables it. At some point, Democrats have to say no more and hold Republicans responsible for their own choices and behavior.

The media needs to realize that it is not incumbent upon Democrats to rescue Republicans from themselves and the standards they have set. The press must start holding Republicans accountable for their decisions and behavior.
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Press Secretary Sean Spicer didnt deny that the White House was the source of Devin Nuness information about Trump being wiretapped. Instead, he tried to direct media attention away from the Russia scandal.

Video:

What is interesting about the exchange in the video above is that Sean Spicer never denied the accuracy of The New York Times story that the source of Devin Nuness information was two White House officials. Spicer told reporters that they were assuming it was correct, but he never denied that it was correct. The Press Secretary never attacked the report, but he did say that a White House that calls everything it disagrees with fake news would not comment on the NYT story.

Spicers reaction was that of a White House thats been caught. The White House doesnt deny the story. They are trying to misdirect reporters away from Russia.

Press Secretary Spicer said, Your obsession with who talked to who and when is not the answer here. It should be the substance.

The substance according to Spicer is that Obama officials tried to harm the Trump administration by spreading the information around.

In other words, ignore our potential collusion with Russia, and pay attention to something that we think Barack Obama did.

Sean Spicer never denied The New York Times story, which is the strongest evidence yet that the White House has been busted.
Watchdog and Public Service reporter

Thad Moore is a reporter on The Post and Couriers Watchdog and Public Service team and a graduate of the University of South Carolina. To share tips securely, reach Moore via ProtonMail at thadmoore@protonmail.com or on Signal at 843-214-6576.
Kenneth Jackson (left) and William Jones (right) have been nominated by Gov. Henry McMaster for seats on the State Ports Authority's board of directors. Their nominations were delayed during a hearing on March 22. Andrew Brown/Staff
Andrew Ross Scott was booked into the Charleston County jail the evening of Nov. 6 on the charge of second-degree domestic violence. The 37-year-old man, who has been employed with the Mount Pleasant Police Department since 2009, has been placed on administrative leave, according to Inspector Don Calabrese. Read moreMount Pleasant police officer placed on leave after domestic violence arrest
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Novo Resources Corp. (Novo or the Company) (TSX-V:NVO) (OTCQX:NSRPF) is pleased to announce that it has appointed a syndicate of agents led by Red Cloud Klondike Strike Inc. and including Haywood Securities Inc. (collectively, the Agents), to sell by way of private placement, units (the Units) of the Company for gross proceeds of up to C$8,000,000 (the Offering). Each Unit is offered at a price of C$0.66 and will be comprised of one common share (a Common Share) of the Company and one transferable common share purchase warrant (a Warrant), each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to acquire one common share of the Company at a price of C$0.90 for a period of 24 months from the date of closing of the Offering. The Company has granted the Agents an option exercisable, in whole or in part, at any time up to 48 hours before the closing of the Offering, to place up to an additional C$2,000,000 of Units.



The net proceeds from the Offering shall be primarily used for exploration and development at the Beatons Creek project and for general corporate and working capital purposes.

The closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or about April 27, 2017 and is subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. The Units, including all underlying securities thereof, and any broker warrants issued with respect to the Offering will be subject to a four month hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.

This news release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements.

About Novo Resources Corp.

Novos focus is to evaluate, acquire and explore gold properties. Indirect subsidiaries of Novo hold a 100% interest in the Beatons Creek gold project, a 70% interest in properties surrounding Beatons Creek and Marble Bar, a 100% interest in the Blue Spec gold antimony project, and options covering approximately 400 square km over the Mosquito Creek Basin, all in the Pilbara region, Western Australia. Novo also controls a 100% interest in approximately 2 sq km covering much of the Tuscarora Au-Ag vein district, Nevada. For more information, please contact Leo Karabelas at (416) 543-3120 or e-mail leo@novoresources.com

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

Novo Resources Corp.

Quinton Hennigh

Quinton Hennigh

CEO and President

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Forward-looking information

Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information (within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation) including, without limitation, statements as to the expected use of proceeds of the Offering. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, without limitation, customary risks of the mineral resource exploration industry as well as Novo having sufficient cash to fund the planned drilling and other exploration activities.
It looks like South Carolinas first early voting general election went off really well, with more than 600,000 casting votes early, mostly in person but some by absentee ballot. That blows away pre-Election Day voting from any year except 2020, when nearly a million voters took advantage of Read moreEditorial: It's your last chance to cast your vote. We help make sure you don't blow it.
South Carolina voters head to the polls Nov. 8, casting ballots in midterm elections that will not only determine the state's next governor but will also act as the first major referendum on the Biden era. Read moreYour voter guide to top races, key issues in South Carolina's 2022 midterm elections
PINE ISLAND  The roster is full in Pine Island. But that doesn't mean Brandon Sather isn't looking for a few good firefighters.

"Right now, we're at the point where we could get two or three guys we'd like to bring on," said Sather, fire chief of the Pine Island Fire Department.

Sather does not want to let the roster get low. Pine Island, after all, already faces a couple of hurdles when it comes to answering the bell when there are fires, car accidents, medical calls or other emergencies requiring a first responder. Keeping rosters full on volunteer fire departments is becoming an increasingly difficult process.

Burning Issue

There are about 20,000 firefighters in Minnesota spread across 780 fire departments, said Minnesota State Fire Marshal Bruce West. Of those, 18,000 are either full volunteer or paid on-call firefighters. "Their full-time career is something other than firefighter," said Minnesota State Fire Marshal Bruce West.

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In each of those departments, the No. 1 issue is recruitment and retention of firefighters, he said.

"The time demands today on a firefighter are enormous," he said. "And you have to balance your family life." Those demands include not just responding to calls but a minimum of 24 hours of training each year to keep their certification, though many fire departments have more stringent requirements than the state minimum, he said.

All of those, West said, has led to a shortage of volunteer firefighters not just in Minnesota, but nationally. Within Minnesota, the problem isn't reserved to rural departments. Many Twin Cities suburbs use volunteer firefighters. In most of these cities - rural or suburban  the problem is more than just numbers. It's a matter of who is available when, mainly meaning who might be available during the day.

"There's not enough jobs in town here," Sather said. "We have four (firefighters) who work in town.

They're usually here a lot. November to March, if I'm not driving plow, I'm here because I'm a landscaper."

And that's about it. Most of the rest of Sather's crew works in Rochester. If a fire call comes in, that's a 20-minute drive just to get to the fire hall, and that's provided they work somewhere near north in Rochester or with quick access to U.S. Highway 52.

Ambulance runs require two or three first responders. Fire calls might require six or more. During the day, that could stretch the department's staff on a weekday in Pine Island, Sather said.

Dwindling Numbers

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In West Concord, the daytime runs are not quite as big an issue, as long as there isn't an ambulance call as well as a fire call at the same time.

"We would run into problems if we had an ambulance call and a fire call at the same time," said Fire Chief Chad Finne. "But I've been here 22 years, and we've never missed a call because we didn't have people around."

The city offers both fire and ambulance services, and responds to about 150 or so ambulance calls a year, while covering 10 to 20 fires a year, Finne said. With seven emergency medical technicians on its roster of 18 first responders, is dangerously small and likely to get smaller.

"It's hard to keep people," Finne said. "We've lost probably about five people in the last four years."

Some have moved, others have retired, and finding new firefighters or EMTs has not been easy.

"I think it's the younger generation," he said, adding that the West Concord roster includes just four people under the age of 40. "They don't want to volunteer, and they don't want to do nothing unless they're getting paid."

West said the state is in the third year of a 14-county pilot program to offer $500 for volunteer firefighters who stay on their department roster for a full year. Thus far, this financial inducement has not shown a significant increase in recruitment and retention, he said, but results are still coming in.

Instead, potential volunteers are hearing about increased cancer risks due to carcinogens, West said.

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"When they hear about cancer, they don't come back," he said. Still, knowing the problem, fire departments can address solutions and help mitigate fears among recruits.

Some departments are creating duty crews, a staff of three or four volunteers who are available for a shift during a time when staffing might be a problem.

"It's a step before hiring full-time staff," West said. "Adding full-time staff is a big cost."

Burning Out

While everyone works to keep to a schedule, staying in town when needed, Finne said that without new recruits the department will be hard-pressed to keep covering its 200-square-mile area as effectively as it has done in the past.

"We have a couple more close to retiring," he said. "In a couple of years, we'll be hurting."

West said some departments are banding together to create fire districts, joining together to handle calls. This is more than just mutual aid, it's departments working together from the start of a call.

"One department gets the initial page," he said. "But it may take two or three departments to handle that call."

Sather joined up at the age of 20. His grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle had all served on the Pine Island Fire Department.

"A lot of it is just giving back to the community," Sather said. "I've lived here my whole life."

The camaraderie gets him through when he's feeling burned out from too many calls and long hours of training.

"The guys are here to pick you up," he said.

But burn out is real, which is why Pine Island is holding an open house April 10 to  among other things  talk to potential recruits. Sather said finding people with experience as a firefighter would be great. Someone who has taken and passed their Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2 coursework would be nice. Otherwise, someone plans on staying in the community for at least five years. After all, a new recruit can cost upwards of $8,000 to get up to speed with turnout gear and training.

"People are just busier in general," Sather said. "It's a pretty big time commitment." There is training  Sather said 50 hours a year is on the low side in Pine Island  in addition to the calls. "You get woke up in the middle of the night and go to work after it," he said.
DENVER, March 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pax8, the leading value-added cloud distributor, today announced it was awarded Best in Show by MSPAlliance during the MSPWorld 2017 Conference that took place this week in New Orleans, Louisiana. In winning this award, Pax8 continues to demonstrate its commitment to enabling the managed service provider (MSP) transition to the cloud.



It was an honor to win Best in Show at MSPWorld, said Ryan Walsh, senior vice president of Partner Solutions at Pax8. MSPs are looking for a strategic partner to help them move their businesses to the cloud and identify the cloud-based solutions to drive new recurring revenue and future profits. As the leader in cloud distribution, this award validates that Pax8 is the ultimate Cloud Wingman for MSPs.

MSPWorld is the worlds premier managed services and cloud computing event. Since its inception, MSPWorld has been the only event with a single, vendor-agnostic focus on supporting MSPs and their respective ecosystems.

Hosted annually by MSPAlliance, the MSPWorld 2017 Conference was attended by MSPs, vendors, distributors, and media. Hundreds of attendees gathered at the conference to learn new strategies, collaborate, and network.

MSPWorld brings MSPs together to learn new ways to move into emerging markets and more about leading technology and services, said Charles Weaver, Co-Founder and CEO at MSPAlliance. Pax8s message clearly resonates with our community, demonstrated through the award. We congratulate Pax8 for their engagement, innovation, and creativity at MSPWorld.

Throughout the year, Pax8 has received numerous awards and recognitions, including Distributor of the Year by The ASCII Group, Best in Show at NexGen Cloud Conference & Expo, Biggest Buzz at IT Nation hosted by ConnectWise, named one of CRNs Coolest Cloud Application Startups, and a 2017 Coolest Cloud Vendor by CRN.

To learn more about Pax8, please contact the cloud experts at (855) 884-PAX8, email info@pax8.com, or visit www.pax8.com.

About Pax8

Pax8 is the leading value-added cloud distributor offering top cloud products and solutions to the IT channel. The company is driving the business transition to the cloud through its comprehensive enablement and technology. The Pax8 cloud marketplace provides efficient and intelligent cloud product configuration so service providers can easily create and customize bundled solutions for their customers. To fuel partners success, Pax8 offers on-demand marketing programs, sales assistance and training, provisioning automation, and subscription billing. As the experts in cloud innovation, Pax8 is well-engineered to sell, assemble, and deliver quality cloud solutions to its worldwide channel of service providers. For more information, please visit www.pax8.com. Follow Pax8 on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
A troubled audit has the Rochester Art Center looking for the right path, and the first step is studying the organization's current finances.

"We're in the very first phase of that," interim director Lee Koch, who joined the staff Jan. 20, shortly after an audit of the center's 2014 and 2015 financial statements was completed.

Koch said efforts are underway to get a better understanding of where the center stands financially after suffering setbacks. She said updated information could be ready for the center's May 24 annual meeting.

According to financial reports filed with the Minnesota Attorney General's office, the center lost $279,099 on a $1.1 million budget in 2015. In the two previous years, it lost $190,778 (2014) and $206,277 (2013).

Rochester City Council Member Michael Wojcik, who said the audit raises concerns, noted things are not as bleak as they could be.

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"It's not all gloom and doom," he said. "I think there is a path forward for the organization, even with the current level of funding that is available."

Wojcik has voiced concern that financial losses could jeopardize future funding from other sources but said it'll be a waiting game to see what happened in 2016 and 2017.

Rochester City Council President Randy Staver said solutions are already being discussed and could transform the center's future.

"We will work with the center over the coming months to figure out what are the real issues and where we go from here," he said.

The city of Rochester owns the building that houses the center and provides funding for basic needs, such as electric and heating services. In 2015, the city's contribution was $345,500, more than half the total $665,500 in public support the center reported.

Additionally, the city council approved a total of $162,000 in payments in 2015 and 2016 to offset rental losses due to ongoing construction at the neighboring Mayo Civic Center.

In August, when requesting the most recent extra payment of $97,000, former director Megan Johnston said she expected the rentals for wedding receptions would return to their previous rates, which were more than $180,000 in the years prior to construction. Those years included the period covered by the recently released audit.

At the time, Council Member Ed Hruska voiced concern about the center's inability to find new revenue. He said those concerns led to a private conversation with Johnston, but it failed to change his opinion about wanting to see the operation shift away from city support.

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"It would be nice to see that not fall on the taxpayers but the users," he said.

Koch noted that some shift is being sought. She said the center started charging admission again with the start to the recent Andy Warhol exhibit. While Thursday's are free, she said a $5 fee for individuals and $10 fee for families are changed other days.

She said waiving the fee made sense when construction made it difficult to find the center's front door, but it was time to switch back.

The daily free admission, as well as new public engagement efforts, were part of Johnston's outreach to build an art center following.

Kim Norton, a former board member, said the effort was making progress.

"There are some good signs with new memberships coming in this last year," said Norton, who left the board in January due to scheduling conflicts.

In August, Johnston cited 63 new memberships had been secured in the first eight months of the year.

Norton noted the 2015 audit came at a time of change for the center. Former director Shannon Fitzgerald resigned in July that year, and Johnston started in October. The months in between saw some costly staff turnover that comes with change in leadership, she said, calling it a year of transition.

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Koch noted the changes may have contributed to the issues cited in the audit but said further study of the following years still need to be completed.

Norton said she's confident such a review will show a desire to change.

"Megan had been working hard to turn it around," she said, noting some changes were well received while others saw mixed results.

Staver noted mixed results have also been seen in the messages he's received since news of the 2105 audit broke. He said some people are worried about the lack of transparency in the art center's budget, while others have been asking how they can help ensure the organization stays afloat.

He said it shows support and interest in local art efforts,

"We have a lot of desire for art  and a variety of art  in our community," he said.
ST. PAUL  Minnesotans wanting to board a domestic flight would no longer be able to use their driver's license as ID starting next year  unless state lawmakers take action.

So far, legislators have struggled to reach agreement on bills to bring Minnesota into compliance with the federal Real ID law. Here is a breakdown of what Real ID is all about and why it is tough to get it passed in St. Paul.

What is Real ID all about?

It all started in 2005 when Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 based on recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. It heightened ID requirements for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. Minnesota is one of four states that has not complied yet with those requirements. As such, Minnesotans can no longer use their driver's licenses to get into military bases and some federal facilities. Beginning Jan. 22, 2018, Minnesotans will no longer be able to use a driver's licenses to board domestic flights.

Wait a minute. I can't board a plane using my driver's license starting January 22?

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That's right unless  Minnesota lawmakers take action. And it remains to be seen whether lawmakers can reach a deal on a bill that would bring the state into compliance with Real ID. If such a bill passes, it is expected the federal government would grant the state an extension to allow more time to get the Real ID-compliant driver's licenses issued.

How would a Real ID be different from a standard driver's license?

These licenses look pretty similar to standard driver's licenses. They usually have a symbol, such as a star in the top right corner, to differentiate them. The big difference has to do with the proof of identity required to get a Real ID-compliant license. It requires verification of an individual's Social Security number, date of birth and lawful status in the country.

Are there any other forms of ID available that meet federal Real ID requirements?

Yes, there are several. Travelers can get a passport. Another option is something called an "enhanced driver's license." It costs $15 more than a standard driver's license and requires applicants to bring along lots of paperwork . Applicants have to prove their date of birth, full legal name, Social Security number, photographic identity, U.S. citizenship and proof of Minnesota residency. It also has a Radio Frequency Identification chip embedded in it. (The Real ID licenses being considered by lawmakers would not have that chip.)

So can I just go to any driver's license office and get one?

No. There are only 14 offices in the state that issue enhanced driver's licenses. The only one in southeast Minnesota is at 1633 N. Broadway in Rochester.

What's the big holdup at the Capitol about passing a Real ID bill?

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For starters, lawmakers got a late start on working on this. In 2009, the Legislature overwhelmingly passed a bill that prohibied the state from taking any steps to comply with Real ID. That means the Minnesota Department of Public Safety couldn't even talk about it. Last year, lawmakers passed a bill lifting the gag order. The biggest sticking point recently has to do with undocumented immigrants and driver's licenses.

How do undocumented immigrants and driver's licenses relate to Real ID?

The Republican-led House's bill would put into statute an existing Minnesota Department of Public Safety rule that prohibits undocumented immigrants from being able to get driver's licenses.

Democrats, including Rochester DFL Rep. Tina Liebling, don't want such a prohibition put into law.

"It's a public safety issue. It's not just an immigration issue and about those families that are in that situation," Liebling said. "It's about what do we want to make our roads safer?"

The Senate Real ID bill includes rule-related language that Democrats fear may make it difficult in the future to make changes that would allow undocumented immigrants to get licenses. As such, every Senate DFLer voted against the bill. It failed earlier this month by a vote of 38-29.

Where does the governor stand?

DFL Gov. Mark Dayton has said he would like to see a bill that would allow DPS to pass a rule allowing undocumented immigrants to get driver's licenses. He shared his view with Senate DFLers in a meeting before the Real ID vote in the Senate. However, he said he would sign a Real ID bill if it reaches his desk.

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So only Democrats are voting against these Real ID bills?

Nope. Several Republicans have also cast "No" votes  but for a different reason. Rep. Steve Drazkowski, R-Mazeppa, said he opposes complying with Real ID because he doesn't believe the federal government should be imposing these mandates on states.

"It's a usurpation of power by the federal government taking away the state's sovereignty, basically blackmailing our state into following this federal rule that we don't otherwise need to follow," Drazkowski said.

Other Republicans are concerned about how Real ID could impact individuals' privacy rights.

So now what?

Sen. Eric Pratt, who is sponsoring the Real ID bill in the Senate, said he has been negotiating with Democrats behind the scenes and is hoping to reach a deal.

The Prior Lake Republican declined to go into specifics, but a recent St. Paul Pioneer Press story quotes lawmakers who say the agreement would involve getting rid of the bill's rulemaking language altogether. Pratt said it is possible his Real ID bill could get another vote this week.

Still, even if the Real ID bill passes the Senate, members of a House-Senate conference committee would have to reach a deal on final bill language that could pass both chambers.
Im not sure that Fozia Dualeh of the Twin Cities suburb Fridley is an immigrant or refugee, but I think its a pretty good bet. She has been charged with bilking taxpayers out of fraudulently procured welfare benefits in the amount of $118,000 over a one-and-one-half year period.

That is an impressive accomplishment, but Ms. Dualeh seems to have had the invaluable assistance of her husband, Abdikhadar Y. Ismail. For reasons that will become apparent, Ismail was found hiding under the covers in the course of a search of the familys premises by law enforcement.

This almost unbelievable story is reported by the Star Tribune with the salient facts drawn from the criminal complaint. The story represents an outrage several times over. Viewed with detachment, however, it has the makings of a comedy of the welfare state, American style, combining elements of satire and farce:

Long suspicious that a Fridley mother of eight was cheating the state out of various welfare benefits, authorities have charged her Tuesday receiving more than $118,000 in government aid over roughly a 1-year period. Authorities say that as she collected benefits, Fozia S. Dualeh falsely claimed that the childrens father, who was gainfully employed, was not financially supporting or living with the family. Dualeh, 39, was charged by summons in Anoka County District Court with felony theft ahead of an April 12 initial court appearance. Dualeh illegally tapped three public benefits from January 2014 to August 2015: $85,582 in child care aid, $24,176 in food support and $8,996 in medical assistance overpayments, the complaint read. A search of the home by authorities in late October 2015 led to Dualehs husband, and the childrens father, Abdikhadar Y. Ismail, being found in bed under the blankets in the master bedroom, charges said. Mens clothing was in a dresser, and mail and other documents with his name on them were found throughout the residence. Messages were left Tuesday for Dualeh seeking her reaction to the allegations. Ismail said, We are very innocent but declined to say more. Dualehs attorney, Nahid Abuelhassan, disputed the criminal charge and said a civil effort last year by Anoka County to collect the money was thwarted by an appeals examiner. According to the complaint, Dualeh reported in March 2013 to Anoka County Human Services that Ismail had moved out and was not providing support. Case workers started looking into whether Ismail had indeed relocated about the time Dualeh was pregnant with her eighth child. Authorities also noted that Dualeh and Ismail made a down payment on a vehicle, providing drivers license and insurance information listing them both at the same address. Also, school records for their children listed Ismail as living with Dualeh, as did 10 bank accounts, though Dualehs application for public aid indicated she alone had one account. Ismail listed the familys address on two vehicles and with his employer, a home health care business. The complaint did not say whether Dualeh was employed. In October 2015, authorities twice spotted Ismails vehicle parked in the familys designated spot. Dualeh said Ismail sometimes visited but never slept there or shared meals. Later that month, the search found him under the covers.

Where was Ismail when the Star Tribune reached him for comment? The Star Tribune probably didnt ask and the story doesnt say. For some reason the Star Tribune has not enabled comments on the story.

Ismails claim that We are very innocent is a quotable quote, but probably not on grounds of veracity. From the guy found hiding under the covers, very is a tell. Very guilty is more like it.
The principle of equal treatment without regard to race is one that is close to my heart. Accordingly, one of my favorite books on a legal subject is Andrew Kulls The Color-Blind Constitution. (I learned of the book at the time of its publication through Judge Alex Kosinskis 1993 New Republic review/essay.) It is a book that is by turns inspiring and maddening. I recommend it without reservation to readers interested in the subject.

The principle of equal treatment was adopted as the law of the land in the great civil rights legislation of 1964 and 1965, or so we foolishly thought at the time. It may even have been the law for a minute or two. Then the federal government began building the whole edifice of affirmative action and racial preferences that we live with today and that has been addressed by the Supreme Court in a number of important cases. Certainly insofar as higher education is concerned, the affirmative action regime and the treatment of students based on the color of their skin are entrenched more deeply than ever under the shibboleth of diversity.

One of the lessons of Kulls great book is that the Supreme Court reserves for the judiciary the discretion to approve varieties of racial discrimination. The ideal of the color-blind Constitution remains permanently on the horizon. Kulls book essentially anticipates the Supreme Courts ultimate approval of the University of Texass affirmative action program in the Fisher case on its second trip to the Court last year. I thought the result in Fisher disappointing, if not farcical, but unsurprising. To adapt a phrase from George Wallace, affirmative action today, affirmative action tomorrow, affirmative action forever.

One of the unlovely side effects of the affirmative action regime is its discriminatory treatment of Asian students. The effects, which can be seen by comparison with universities that do not discriminate by race, are gross.

Disappointed Princeton applicant Jian Li filed a claim of discrimination against Princeton in 2006 that was resolved against him in 2015. Mr. Li, Jason Riley writes in yesterdays Wall Street Journal, had a perfect score on the SAT and graduated in the top 1% of his high school class.

Li, incidentally, ended up at Yale. The Yale Daily News covered Lis 2006 claim against Princeton in an article that provides more background here. The YDN article notes: Li said his case is based on a study of admissions processes published by three Princeton researchers in 2004, which found that while elite universities gave African-American applicants an advantage equivalent to 230 extra SAT points and Hispanic applicants 185 points while making admissions decisions, the schools placed Asian-Americans at a disadvantage equal to a loss of 50 SAT points.

Now Edward Blum of Students for Fair Admissions is awaiting the second batch of documents collected by the Department of Education in the course of investigating Lis claim. The documents are to be released to him under the Freedom of Information Act. The documents, however, reveal secrets that Princeton would prefer to keep swept under the rug. Princeton has therefore sued the department to prevent their disclosure. Politico reports on the lawsuit here.

The suit argues that the material being sought is exempt from FOIA, Riley explains, a claim that the government has rejected. The school also maintains that releasing the data would compromise student privacy [clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy makes out a FOIA exemption], and it likened its admissions process to trade secrets [another FOIA exemption] that, if exposed, would put Princeton at a competitive disadvantage in attracting students.

Oh, what a tangled web we weave.
I posit Senator Otis as my generic Senate Democrat  Amy Klobuchar, for example, who specializes in vacuous amiability, or Al Franken, who specializes in condescension and snark, to pick two nonrandom names. Senator Otis and his friends are prime subjects of the campaign to portray President Trump as a leader beyond the bounds of civilization. He is not legitimate. He is not to be treated as if he is.

Senator Otiss disdain of Trump aligns with the views and inclinations of the Resistance among the institutional and lunatic left at the heart of the Democratic Party. Senator Otis is not to accord President Trump the courtesies due his office. He is not even to accept his hospitality. Accordingly, when invited to a feel good event at the White House by President Trump, Senator Otis is apt to decline the invitation.

That is the lesson I take, perhaps mistakenly, from the Washington Times article on the Democratic no-shows at President Trumps spring soiree of music and fellowship featuring Army Chorus and Marine Band at the White House this past Tuesday evening. Dave Boyer and S.A. Miller report that 28 of 46 Senate Democrats snubbed the event.

At this point the no-shows hesitate to proclaim their disdain. They are a little shy about the project. Other matters called them:

Assistant Minority Leader Patty Murray said she had other plans. The Washington Democrat became defensive when pressed about what plans outshine an invitation to the White House. Oh my gosh, she said. Many presidents have invited me to the White House many times for Easter parties and receptions, and I have declined. Ms. Murray was among five of the 11-member Senate Democratic leadership team to skip the dinner, according to a guest list provided by the White House. Other members of the Democratic leadership who didnt attend included conference Vice Chairs Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Sen. Mark R. Warner of Virginia, Steering Committee Chairwoman Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Mr. Sanders, whos in charge of  wait for it  outreach. An aide to Mr. Warner said he was having dinner with Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson at Cafe Milano, an Italian restaurant in Washington known as a wine-and-dine power hub for diplomats, politicians and lobbyists. Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut said he had dinner plans with his children, who were in Washington for a visit. He said he didnt know why so many of his Democratic colleagues turned down the invitation from Mr. Trump. I can only speak for myself, Mr. Blumenthal said. I see my children little enough and knew they were going to be in town. Their trip was planned long ago, and thats my priority. * * * * * Sen. Ron Wyden, Oregon Democrat, said he was juggling too many obligations, including his duties as a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee probing the Russian meddling in the election and possible involvement of Trump campaign officials. I would have liked to go, he said.

Senate Minority Leader Schumer, did show, however, as did Senator Cardin. Senator Cardin asserts that the turnout represented situation normal. Perhaps I am mistaken, or perhaps they are preserving their options on behalf of their busy Democratic colleagues.

UPDATE: On Friday morning Senator Klobuchars spokesman wrote us with a correction: I wanted to let you know that Sen. Klobuchar attended  and stayed for the entirety of  Tuesdays event at the White House. I appreciate the correction and sincerely regret the error.
As President Trump moves to fulfill his campaign promises across a wide range of issues, the response from the left is always the same: you cant do that. Reduce immigration and travel to the U.S.? Left-wing judges purport to enjoin it. Try to build a southern wall? Forget it. Revoke by executive order the clean power plan that Barack Obama imposed by executive order? Multiple lawsuits have already been filed. Repeal Obamacare? Impossible.

Liberals cant deny that it is possible to cut foreign aid in favor of domestic spending, as the president has promised to do. But they will resist any change from Barack Obamas policies and, wouldnt you know it, the greatest humanitarian crisis since World War II has come along just in time to shore up their case:

The worlds largest humanitarian crisis in 70 years has been declared in three African countries on the brink of famine, just as President Donald Trumps proposed foreign aid cuts threaten to pull the United States from its historic role as the worlds top emergency donor.

What a coincidence!

If the deep cuts are approved by Congress and the U.S. does not contribute to Africas current crisis, experts warn that the continents growing drought and famine could have far-ranging effects, including a new wave of migrants heading to Europe and possibly more support for Islamic extremist groups.

I would call this a subtle form of blackmail, except it isnt subtle.

The conflict-fueled hunger crises in Nigeria, Somalia and South Sudan have culminated in a trio of potential famines hitting almost simultaneously. Nearly 16 million people in the three countries are at risk of dying within months.

This is an absurd claim, unless at risk means at almost no risk. Worldwide, only around 55 million people die each year, of all causes, mostly old age. That includes, as of 2011, approximately 9.5 million in all of Africa, of whom approximately 400,000 people died in Africa as a result of nutritional deficiencies in 2011. So it appears ridiculous to assert, as the Associated Press does, that 16 million may die of famine in just three countriesNigeria, Somalia and South Sudan.

But the Associated Press never lets facts stand in the way when bashing Donald Trump is at stake! The APs story goes on ad nauseam, but you get the drift. The AP turns to an authoritative source, a former Obama administration official:

Ive never seen this kind of threat to what otherwise has been a bipartisan consensus that food aid and humanitarian assistance programs are morally essential and critical to our security, Steven Feldstein, a former deputy assistant secretary of state in the Obama administration, told The Associated Press.

Individual Americans donate more to humanitarian efforts overseas than does our government. Americans give to responsible charities (i.e., not the United Nations) who do much more with the money than government programs can. I would encourage our readers to consider contributing to one or more of the excellent private charities that fight hunger in Africa.

But if you take seriously the APs claim that 16 million people are in danger of dyingapproaching three times the toll of the Holocaustthe moral case for military intervention is overwhelming. The AP explains that the projected famine in three African countries is not because rain isnt falling, it is because Islamic terrorist groups are making agriculture difficult:

South Sudan has been entrenched in civil war since late 2013 that has killed tens of thousands and prevented widespread cultivation of food. In Nigeria and Somalia, extremist groups Boko Haram and al-Shabab have proven stubborn to defeat, and both Islamic organizations still hold territory that complicates aid efforts.

Rather than trying to feed many millions of terrorized people indefinitely, why dont we go to the source and send in troops to kill the Islamic terrorists? I would support that policy, but somehow I dont think that is what the Associated Press or other elements of the Democratic Party have in mind. They just want to bash President Trump, relying on fake news and fake statistics.
ATLANTA, March 30, 2017 - The Board of Directors of Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI; "Company") today declared a quarterly dividend of 13 cents per share. The dividend is payable on May 1, 2017 to shareholders of record on April 17, 2017.

About Acuity Brands

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Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos has lifted the injunction that prevented the premiere and release of Omoni Obolis new movie titled Okafors Law.

In his ruling on Thursday afternoon, the presiding judge said the movie should not have been prevented from showing in the first place since the copyright claim suit is yet to be determined by a competent court of law.

Following the new pronouncement, Okafors Law will be screened nationwide in all cinemas from Friday, March 31, 2017.

An excited Omoni tweeted, Glory be to God!!!!!!!!!!! #OkaforsLaw is showing in all cinemas NATIONWIDE from tomorrow Friday.

A court injunction over copyright infringement allegations halted the screening of the film at the IMAX Cinema in Lekki, Lagos last week Friday.

After months of preparation and publicity, the actress was served a court injunction at 5P.M. just an hour before the premiere, because of a lawsuit filed by a third party over allegations that she infringed on a writers intellectual property.

In the injunction, which was obtained to prevent Okafors Law premiere and release on March 31, Omoni Oboli, Dioni Visions and Filmone Distribution are the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants respectively.

Omoni Oboli was accused of copyright infringement for the Okafors Law title she gave her movie, by a Canada-based writer, Jude Idada.

Jude accused Omoni of stealing his story and idea for her new movie, Okafors Law, in September 2016.

Jude revealed this in an interview with an online movie website, TNS. He also stated that Oboli copied his idea for her directorial debut, Being Mrs Elliott.

In September 2016, TNS published a 45-minute long interview with Jude who alleged that the actress infringed on his intellectual copyright by running with his script for the film.

Idada alleged that Oboli took the work he had done regarding Okafors Law and developed it without giving him due credit despite the fact that the only thing she had at the time she called him into the project was the name Okafors Law.

The actress/producer however maintained her silence and went on to promote and set a release date for the movie for March 31 with the premiere on Friday evening in Lagos, even after a demand letter was allegedly sent, and the matter was taken to court for the copyright infringement and trademark violation.

A star-studded movie, Okafors Law stars Richard Mofe Damijo, Toyin Aimakhu, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Ken Erics, Ufuoma McDermott, Kemi Lala Akindoju, Yvonne Jegede, Halima Abubakar, Mary Lazarus, Uche Nnaji, Betty Irabor, Tina Mba, Gabriel Afolayan, and Funke Bucknor.

Omoni is popular for hit Nollywood movies including Being Mrs. Elliott, Wives on Strike, The First Lady, The Figurine, Anchor Baby among others.

Okafors Law premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival as part of the City-to-City programme.

Jude is a winner of AMAA best screenplay award, ANAA prize for Drama, Goethe Institut AfrikaProjekt and the first runner up of the NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature.

Court ruling

Mr. Buba had on March 24, granted an interim order, stopping the premiere of Okafors Law scheduled to hold on the evening of same day.

But in short ruling Friday, Justice Buba vacated the interim orders, and paved way for the release and launch of the film, after entertaining arguments from both counsel to the plaintiff and defendants.

Mr. Buba held: The court shall resist the temptation of making any pronouncement on the substance of the matter at this interlocutory stage.

Suffice to say that surely what is exhibited by the plaintiff is a script The Bet and not Okafors Law and so this court has no doubt that the plaintiff/applicant cannot sustain this application.

Even though the applicant moved the court to grantg an order exparte, thank God the side of the defendant is heard.

I do not think that on the face of the counter affidavit, this court will exercise its discretion both judicially and judiciously in granting the motion for interlocutory injunction.

This court is unable to grant the interlocutory orders sought by the applicant; the prayer is hereby refused and the interim orders made on the 24th day of March is accordingly vacated.

Earlier, arguing for the grant of an interlocutory injunction, counsel to the plaintiff, A.K. Oragu, urged the court to grant the orders as prayed on the grounds that there was need to establish the legal rights of the plaintiff.

According to Mr. Oragu, Section 51 of the Copyrights Act, clearly establishes the right of the plaintiff, adding that the plaintiff had an assignment with respect to the script in question.

He argued that under the Act, an author is the owner of the copyright, adding that the art work in respect to the movie Okafors Law, belonged to Jude Idada, who later assigned same.

He submitted that the movie industry was the eye of morality, adding that if the movie Okafors Law is allowed to be launched in the wrong name, then the entire process is wrong.

He urged the court to grant the interlocutory orders.

Responding to the application, counsel for the defendant, Augustine Alegeh, urged the court to refuse the application for interlocutory injunction.

Mr. Alegeh argued that the applicant seeks to stop the premiere of an already completed film, Okafors Law whereas, his challenge is based on a script titled The Bet.

He argued that the script was clearly different from the movie.

He recounted the various losses suffered by the defendant as a result of the courts order, which led to a failed premiere of the movie on March 24.

He added that guests including children, were already seated at the Cinema, but were disappointed to hear about the injunction.

He urged the court to allow the scheduled release of the movie billed for March 31 (tomorrow), adding that where such grant was found to have been undeserving, then the various damages sought by the plaintiff would suffice.

Mr. Alegeh urged the court to vacate the interim orders and grant his prayer.

The court has fixed April 3 for hearing of the new suit. (NAN)

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President Jacob Zuma of South Africa is considering offering to step down in 2018, at least 12 months before his term ends, senior party sources said.

According to the two sources, the offer, is under a deal with opponents in his ruling party that would see Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan leave office now.

Mr. Zuma is due to be replaced as party leader at an African National Congress (ANC) party conference in December after serving his allocated two terms, but was expected to remain the countrys president until elections in 2019.

Mr. Zumas spokesman did not respond to several calls for comment.

The offer appears intended as a way out of an impasse over the countrys leadership within the divided ANC, but may not be enough to satisfy opponents of Mr. Zuma, who want the president out early anyway and urgently want Gordhan to stay.

There is precedent for an ANC leader to leave the presidency early.

Thabo Mbeki was removed by the ANC as South African president in 2008 after his time as party leader ended at the close of the previous year.

A split in the ANC deepened on Tuesday after Mr. Zuma ordered Gordhan to return from an investor roadshow in Britain, raising expectations of a cabinet reshuffle that markets fear will include Mr. Gordhans removal.

Mr. Gordhan is viewed favourably by investors and the rand fell sharply when he was ordered home.

One of the sources said: Zumas early departure after December conference is on the table. Its being discussed.

He could be forcibly removed so it makes sense for him to go on his own terms.

Mr. Zumas opponents have become increasingly vocal, and agreeing to stand aside early could help prevent a permanent split in the former liberation movement of Nelson Mandela, which in 2016 suffered its worst result in local elections since it swept to power with the end of apartheid in 1994.

Some senior members of the ANC are pushing for Mr. Zumas departure now, applying pressure on him to find a compromise.

He must just go. We dont need his offers. He must just go before destroying our country, one senior ANC member, who had not heard of Mr. Zuma discussing stepping down, told Reuters.

Mr. Zuma has the authority to hire and fire ministers such as Mr. Gordhan, but if senior party figures openly criticise him or resign it would weaken his position in the party.

Mr. Zuma and his allies want Mr. Gordhan replaced by someone more aligned to their plans which include more radical redistribution of wealth to address the legacies of apartheid and looser fiscal spending, the two sources told Reuters.

Mr. Gordhans removal is a key requirement in negotiations for Mr. Zumas faction.

They also want to choose Mr. Zumas successor at the national conference in December, the sources say.

Mr. Zumas supporters are believed to be backing his ex-wife Nkosozana Dlamini-Zuma, a former African Union chairwoman, as his replacement.

Another section of the ANC supports Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, viewed as more market-friendly.

Mr. Zuma, who was an underground anti-apartheid operative and was jailed with Mandela on Robben Island, is a determined leader but he has shown a willingness to compromise.

In December 2015, he bowed to pressure from within the ANC and appointed Mr. Gordhan as finance minister after markets tumbled when he replaced respected economist Nhlanhla Nene with little-known lawmaker David van Rooyen.

In a sign of how divided the party is, at the funeral of anti-apartheid stalwart, Ahmed Kathrada, on Wednesday, the congregation clapped and cheered as a letter written by Mr. Kathrada calling for Mr. Zuma to resign was read out.

Mr. Gordhan received a standing ovation when he was praised by another speaker during the service, including by some cabinet members, and was seen wiping tears from his eyes. Mr. Zuma did not attend at the request of Kathradas family.

The most senior ANC figures, known as the Top Six, are evenly split on whether to remove Gordhan, sources said.

(Reuters/NAN)

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Prime Minister Theresa Mays Conservative Government set out its plans on Thursday for a Great Repeal Bill to incorporate EU law into British law and end the supremacy of EU lawmakers after Britain leaves the European Union.

The government white paper lays out a pragmatic and principled approach to converting EU law into UK law on the day we leave the EU  giving businesses, workers and investors as much certainty as possible, Brexit Secretary David Davis told parliament.

It also means the negotiation over our future economic partnership with the EU will be unlike any other in history, because we will start from a point of exact equivalence, Mr. Davis said.

After that, it will be for parliament to determine what EU legislation it wants to amend, repeal or improve  finally ending the supremacy of EU lawmakers, he said.

The white paper was published one day after Ms. May formally notified Brussels of Britains intention to leave the EU, in a letter triggering two years of Brexit negotiations.

Ahead of the publication, the library of the House of Commons, parliaments elected lower house, warned that assimilating EU law into British law was potentially one of the largest legislative projects ever undertaken in the UK.

The parliamentary library estimated that more than 13 per cent of primary and secondary legislation enacted in Britain between 1993 and 2004 is EU related.

Human rights and trade union groups have raised concerns that some rights could be eroded in the legal transition.

(dpa/NAN)

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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Primary Health Care Development Board on Thursday confirmed the death of yet another person due to Cerebrospinal Meningitis in the territory.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported on Wednesday that the board recorded four deaths on Tuesday in Durumi area of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

The Executive Secretary of the board, Rilwanu Mohammed, told NAN in an interview in Abuja that another death from the disease occurred in Dakwa, a border village of Bwari Area Council and Niger state on Wednesday.

The four suspected cases we have were all in Durumi I and II in AMAC while one confirmed case of a child that just happened yesterday (Wednesday) in Dakwa of Bwari area council.

The four that died in Durumi showed all signs of meningitis but there was an autopsy carried out in the one at Dakwa and was confirmed to be meningitis at the University of Abuja Teaching hospital, Gwagwalada.

We have so far immunised all residents of Durumi that are within the ages of one year and 29 years and we are going to condone off Dakwa area today (Thursday) for a similar vaccination, he said.

According to him, the board had so far immunised 65,000 residents as against 70,000 targeted for vaccination against meningitis in FCT.

He said that since the disease broke out in Zamfara, Sokoto and Niger states, the board intensified effort to curtail its spread in the territory.

The Secretary disclosed that the board focused on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and barracks for the vaccination exercise because of their vulnerability.

Mr. Mohammed advised residents to avoid crowded places and ensure crossed ventilation in their homes to prevent the spread of the disease.

More than 200 people in different states have died from suspected Meningitis in the last weeks since the outbreak of the disease.

Meanwhile, Haruna Agwai, the Primary Health Care Coordinator of Kuje Area Council, says inadequate vaccines is hindering the progress of work at the ongoing immunisation of children against meningitis and polio in the area.

Mr. Agwai made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Kuje during the immunisation of children at the Primary Health Care Centre in the area.

Inadequate vaccines, weather condition, inadequate funding, difficult terrain, vehicles and manpower are slowing down the process of immunisation in the area, Mr. Agwai said.

He said that in spite the hindrance, the health workers are vaccinating children on Oral Polio Vaccines (OPV) from the ages 0 to 59 months and meningitis from 1 to 29 years.

The coordinator said the essence of the current exercise was to immunise children against the recent outbreak of meningitis in some parts of the country.

We are vaccinating the children and taking precautions against the outbreak of meningitis in some parts of the country.

He said about 7,763 children had so far been immunised out of about 17,000 children, representing 40 per cent.

Mr. Agwai commended some parents for cooperating with health workers for the progress of the exercise.

According to him, Kuje Area Council Administration is determined to ensure that children in the area are healthy.

He also praised the councils health personnel,traditional rulers and families for their support.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the council has 10 electoral wards while some of its communities lack adequate primary healthcare centres.

(NAN)

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A member of the House of Representatives, Nse Ekpenyong, was on Thursday arraigned at the Federal High Court, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for alleged forgery of a polytechnic diploma.

Mr. Ekpenyong represents the Oron Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State.

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, which arraigned the federal lawmaker on nine count charges, accused him of forging a national diploma certificate of the Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, Abia State.

That you Nse Bassey Ekpenyong on or about 22 November 2012, at Uyo, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did make a document to wit: Abia State Polytechnic National Diploma Certificate in Business Administration with No. 001181 dated 22nd November, 2012 with intent that it may be acted upon as genuine which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (2) (C) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M 17 of the Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) 2007 and punishable under section 1 (2) of the same Act, says one of the charges preferred against the lawmaker.

Mr. Ekpenyong pleaded not guilty to the charges. And from the accused box, he watched as his lawyer, Emmanuel Isangedoho, argued for his bail which was opposed by the EFCC.

The lawmaker, who wore a brown-coloured attire, cut the image of a dejected and lonely man. He occasionally wiped his face with a white handkerchief.

The presiding judge, Ijeoma Ojukwu, said the case would be treated speedily.

She granted the lawmaker bail in the sum of N10 million and adjourned the case to April 12.

The EFCC was represented by Ahmedu Arogha.

The case is coming amid a controversy over the genuineness of the university certificate of a Nigerian senator, Dino Melaye.

Mr. Melaye, a former member of the House of Representatives, from Kogi State, was accused of falsely claiming to have graduated from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

On Tuesday, ABU vice chancellor told the Senate Mr. Melaye graduated from the school with a third class bachelors in geography.

A Senate committee cleared Mr. Melaye of wrongdoing, basing its decision on the VCs testimony.

But the schools position has been questioned, with some Nigerians demanding evidence beyond an oral testimony by the vice chancellor.

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, has confirmed the outbreak of Cerebro Spinal Meningitis, CSM, in five states with at least 282 deaths related to the disease.

Chikwe Ihekweazu, the Chief Executive Officer of the centre, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr. Ihekweazu said that 1,966 suspected cases have been recorded while 109 have been confirmed and being treated since the outbreak of the disease in February in the country.

He said that the centre had deployed a response team to the affected states to vaccinate the residents and control further spread of CSM.

According to him, Zamfara has the highest number of confirmed cases of 44, followed by Katsina with 32, Sokoto 19, Kebbi 10 and Niger 4 confirmed cases.

He also said that there is an inter-agency response supporting the states to contain the outbreak through the primary mode of vaccination.

However, Mr. Ihekweazu explained that a new strand of meningitis called stereotype C has emerged in place of the previous known type stereotype A, which has disappeared.

He regretted that there was not yet commercially available vaccine for this new stereotype C meningitis.

There is a vaccine available but it is not commercially available for the stereotype involved in this specific outbreak and we have to make application to the World Health Organisation for the vaccines.

Thankfully the vaccines have arrived and we have started vaccination campaign in Zamfara. We are in the process of starting in Sokoto and Kebbi states.

We continue to advocate for scientists and for the global community to really try and push to develop a vaccine for meningitis `C, on the other hand all we can do is prevention, he said.

Ihekweazu said that prevention and early detection was key to combating the disease, if detected early, it could be treated with antibiotics.

He said that the centre was working with the states by supporting and ensuring they have the supplies to combat the disease.

Meningitis is a tough disease especially during this period and it is associated with over-crowding, understanding the living conditions in the country, people must keep their building ventilated, he said.

He urged Nigerians to avoid sleeping in overcrowded condition and if a lot of people must sleep together in the same room, the windows and doors must be open to allow enough ventilation.

The chief executive officer assured that the centre would work with state governments in the North West and North Central, where most cases were recorded, to ensure better preparation and avert similar outbreak next year.

The Abuja authorities had earlier confirmed five deaths in the Nigerian capital.

The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Primary Health Care Development Board on Thursday confirmed the death of yet another person due to cerebrospinal meningitis in the territory.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported on Wednesday that the board recorded four deaths on Tuesday in Durumi area of Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC.

The Executive Secretary of the board, Rilwanu Mohammed, said in an interview in Abuja that another death from the disease occurred in Dakwa, a border village of Bwari Area Council and Niger State on Wednesday.

The four suspected cases we have were all in Durumi I and II in AMAC while one confirmed case of a child that just happened yesterday (Wednesday) in Dakwa of Bwari area council.

The four that died in Durumi showed all signs of meningitis but there was an autopsy carried out in the one at Dakwa and was confirmed to be meningitis at the University of Abuja Teaching hospital, Gwagwalada.

We have so far immunised all residents of Durumi that are within the ages of one year and 29 years and we are going to condone off Dakwa area today (Thursday) for a similar vaccination, he said.

According to him, the board had so far immunised 65,000 residents as against 70,000 targeted for vaccination against meningitis in FCT.

He said that since the disease broke out in Zamfara, Sokoto and Niger states, the board intensified effort to curtail its spread in the territory.

The secretary disclosed that the board focused on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and barracks for the vaccination exercise because of their vulnerability.

Mr. Mohammed advised residents to avoid crowded places and ensure crossed ventilation in their homes to prevent the spread of the disease.

Meanwhile, Haruna Agwai, the Primary Health Care Coordinator of Kuje Area Council, says inadequate vaccines is hindering the progress of work at the ongoing immunisation of children against meningitis and polio in the area.

Mr. Agwai made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Kuje during the immunisation of children at the Primary Health Care Centre in the area.

Inadequate vaccines, weather condition, inadequate funding, difficult terrain, vehicles and manpower are slowing down the process of immunisation in the area, Mr. Agwai said.

He said that in spite the hindrance, the health workers are vaccinating children on Oral Polio Vaccines (OPV) from the ages 0 to 59 months and meningitis from 1 to 29 years.

The coordinator said the essence of the current exercise was to immunise children against the recent outbreak of meningitis in some parts of the country.

We are vaccinating the children and taking precautions against the outbreak of meningitis in some parts of the country.

He said about 7,763 children had so far been immunised out of about 17,000 children, representing 40 per cent.

Mr. Agwai commended some parents for cooperating with health workers for the progress of the exercise.

According to him, Kuje Area Council Administration is determined to ensure that children in the area are healthy.

He also praised the councils health personnel, traditional rulers and families for their support.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the council has 10 electoral wards while some of its communities lack adequate primary healthcare centres.

(NAN)

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Nigeria now comes close to using electronic voting system in the conduct of elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission, after the countrys Senate amended the Electoral Act on Thursday.

The amendment followed the adoption of the report of the alteration of the existing electoral law, Electoral Act 2010, by of the Senate committee on INEC, and subsequently, the passage of the amendment bill for third reading.

The report on the amendment was presented by Abubakar Kyari, APC-Borno, who stood in for the chairman of the INEC committee, Ali Ndume, APC-Borno, who is on a six-month suspension.

Mr. Kyari, now chairman of the defence committee, is the former chairman of the INEC committee who led most of the work on the amendment process before he was replaced by Mr. Ndume in February.

It took long deliberation before the report was adopted for third reading.

We have introduced electronic voting through any technology INEC deems fit, said Mr. Kyari, speaking after the bill scaled through.

The Senate also legalized the use smart card reader and any technological device for accreditation.

Card reader was deployed for 2015 general elections, but the Supreme Court, in its rulings on Delta, Rivers and Akwa Ibom State governorship elections, faulted the use.

Although INEC continued to use card readers to accredit voters in rerun elections that followed 2015 general polls as part of its guidelines, this is the first time the technology would be given legal backing.

The Senate also moved to give statutory backing to INECs newly unveiled electronic result and transmission system with the aim of eliminating manual collation of results in Nigerias electoral process.

Solving Kogi Debacle

Against the background of the crisis that followed last Kogi governorship election in which Audu Abubakar, candidate of the All Progressives Congress, who was leading the poll, died before return was made, the Senate also altered the electoral law to allow INEC suspend exercise, in the event of death of a governorship candidate in the course of the election, for 21 days.

The political party that suffers loss of candidate will then be allowed to conduct a fresh primary to replace the deceased, thereby ending controversy over who should continue on behalf of the party between a running mate or runners-up in the primary election that produced the deceased in the first place.

Then, the bill says that any new candidate from the fresh primary should inherit the votes already garnered by the deceased on behalf of the party.

With the passage of the Electoral Act 2010 Amendment Bill today, the Senate will now transmit the bill to the House of Representatives for concurrence before final transmission to the President for assent.

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A coalition of civil society groups, and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, on Wednesday held a rally to protest the siege laid last week by a group of protesters to the Abuja office of Amnesty International, AI, the global non-governmental organisation that defends human rights.

The rally, which was held at the Unity Fountain, Abuja and concluded with a solidarity march to the office of AI in Maitama district of the city, was led by Abdul Mahmud, the President of Public Interest Lawyers.

Last week, a group of protesters had barricaded the AI office, demanding that the international organisation vacate Nigeria within 24 hours. The Global Peace and Rescue Initiative, GOPRI, alleged that the global rights organisation was biased in its reports against the Nigerian military.

At the solidarity rally on Wednesday, Mr. Mahmud praised AI for its commitment to human rights as demonstrated throughout the world and especially in Nigeria.

Some of us are particularly interested in Amnesty International because of the good work they have done in Nigeria. Some of us are also beneficiaries of the campaign of Amnesty International.

Recently, Amnesty International initiated a campaign for those we describe as our brothers who used to have their house of worship in Zaria, who are here with us, who were exercising their religious right of worship, a constitutionally guaranteed right, who were killed by men of the Nigerian Army, the Islamic Movement of Nigeria.

Amnesty did a thorough campaign on its behalf and for the IPOB group, for the militant groups in the Niger Delta and for other minority groups across our country.

Last week, we read in our national papers and our televisions that sponsored and hired mobs stormed the offices of Amnesty here in Abuja to demand their repatriation from Nigeria and their forceful removal from Abuja. We were taken unawares, he stated.

Abdulmumuni Giwa, Secretary of the media forum of IMN under the free El-Zakzaky campaign, also addressed the rally.

On hearing that some hoodlums came to attack the office of Amnesty International, we decided to show solidarity. We are simply here to show solidarity.

We are still struggling to see that the leader of the Islamic Movement is set free from detention. After the massacre where innocent and unarmed civilians were killed by the men of the Nigerian military, some of them were buried alive. All these things that took place, the Amnesty International stood by us by exposing what the army did.

In its reports, Amnesty International detailed rights violations by the Nigerian Army including the extra-judicial killing of over 300 IMN members in December 2015 for blocking a road meant to be used by the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai. The leader of the IMN, Mr. El-Zakzaky, and his wife, has since then been held in detention without trial.

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The Akwa Ibom State government has responded to ExxonMobils explanation on why it cannot relocate its head office in Nigeria, from Lagos to Akwa Ibom where it drills oil.

The company had said in a correspondence exclusively published by PREMIUM TIMES that Mobil has three businesses in Nigeria which are managed by one Lead Country Manager. It is essential that the headquarters of each of those businesses be consolidated in one office where support services can be shared.

Lagos offers each of those businesses a convenient and well-suited hub from which all three businesses can be efficiently conducted and coordinated by that manager.

The three affiliates of ExxonMobil operating in Nigeria are Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (upstream), Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Ltd (upstream) and Mobil Oil Nigeria (downstream).

The argument over the years has been that Lagos, much more than any other state in Nigeria, has needed infrastructure to support the operations of large multinational oil companies like ExxonMobil, that have head offices there.

But critics slam the arrangement, saying it deprives oil-rich Niger Delta host states of huge tax revenue and job support for locals.

The governor of Akwa Ibom, Udom Emmanuel, on Wednesday said he knew what ExxonMobil wanted to relocate to the state, and said his government was prepared to meet that condition.

I know what you want to move your headquarters to the state. If you give me commitment of 24 months, I will provide it, he said in Uyo at an oil and gas fair.

He said the state deserves fair treatment in oil and gas business.

Let me say here, let our losses not be the gains of other areas who had never seen how crude oil look like, let our losses not be the gains of our neighbouring countries, let our losses not be the gains of the Western world but let our gains be shared among ourselves, Mr. Emmanuel said.

As an oil company operating in Akwa Ibom, if you need to hire a vessel, let it be that if Akwa Ibom person cannot provide the vessel, you can take it from a Niger Delta person and if somebody from Niger Delta cannot provide then you can hire it from any Nigerian. Let our people be given a chance.

The demands for International Oil Companies, IOCs, in Nigeria to relocate their head offices from Lagos to the Niger Delta region resurfaced recently during the Vice President Yemi Osinbajos tour of the troubled region.

During his visit to Akwa Ibom, Mr. Osinbajo directed the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, to engage with the IOCs on the way forward over the calls for their relocation.

The directive was seen as a major boost to campaigns by Niger Delta States to have oil companies relocate to their states of operation.

Today, all those impediments ranging from lack of airport, road network, housing, and accommodation have been conquered. They dont have any excuse not to move their headquarters to Akwa Ibom, Nduese Essien, a former minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, had said of Mobil during the town hall meeting in Uyo with Mr. Osinbajo.

The Commissioner for Information in the state, Charles Udoh, told PREMIUM TIMES that the state government was waiting for the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to inform it of the next action after Mr. Osinbajos directive.

Its a directive that was given by the acting president of Nigeria, and so every company who does business in Nigeria is subjected to the laws, regulations and directives of the of the government of the day, Mr. Udoh said.

If the federal government is hell-bent on making it work in line with our demand, then I strongly believe that the federal government will sit down with them (IOCs) and make it work. I strongly believe there will be a compromise somewhere that will make all parties happy at the end of the day, he said.

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After a keen contest, Nigeria on Wednesday clinched the position of President of the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions, ECONEC.

Nigerias representative and Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, garnered 10 votes to defeat Guinea, which received four votes. The Republic of Benin and Guinea Bissau emerged First and Second Vice Presidents respectively, while Burkina Faso clinched the position of Treasurer.

The election followed two days of intensive deliberations on how to deepen the conduct of free, transparent and credible elections and by extension strengthen democracy in the sub-region.

The three-day meeting, which began on March 27 in Cotonou, Republic of Benin and was organised by ECONEC, focused on constitutional and legal frameworks, civic and voter registration, register of voters, electoral logistics, results collation and transmission and technological innovations among others.

Participants discussed the need for member-states to prioritise the production of credible register of voters and consider the application of technological innovations in the electoral process only as a facilitator, rather than a remedy for achieving credible elections. The meeting implored member-states to boost the capacity and training of electoral officials with the overall goal of engendering efficiency in the conduct of free, fair and credible elections across the sub-region.

Besides, the meeting called on security agencies across the member countries to always remain neutral and respect the rights of citizens in the discharge of their sacred duty of safeguarding the electoral processes.

Participants also called on member states to recognise the contributions of and continually engage with Civil Society Organizations, Peace Councils, Community Based Organisations, traditional rulers, religious leaders and the media, in order to deepen confidence and trust in the electoral processes.

The conference was attended by Chairpersons, Vice Chairpersons and Members of Electoral Management Bodies; Representatives of ECOWAS and National Parliaments and Representatives of the Ministry in charge of elections in member-states.

ECOWAS was established in 1975 to foster economic integration among its member states. From the 1990s however, it expanded its focus to include the pursuit of political integration in the sub-region. And following the review of electoral processes, the Electoral Assistance Division (EAD) was set up within the ECOWAS Commission in 2006 to organise and coordinate the organizations electoral support to member states which, ultimately, led to the creation of ECONEC to promote credible elections and good practices among member states.

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NEW ORLEANS, March 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- McGlinchey Stafford will be recognized as part of the 2017 Tulane Alumni Awards with the presentation of the Dermot McGlinchey Lifetime Achievement Award.



McGlinchey Stafford has been a major player in the New Orleans legal market for more than 40 years. The firms attorneys remain committed to numerous professional, civic, and charitable endeavors in the city, with a focus on community modeled after that of the late Dermot S. McGlinchey, who co-founded the firm in New Orleans in 1974.

Mr. McGlinchey was a leading lawyer of his generation and noted civic activist, and received his undergraduate and law degrees from Tulane. He balanced his 35-year legal career with substantial commitments to professional, civic, and charitable endeavors in New Orleans, and received numerous accolades for his leadership within the legal profession and the greater community.

One of seven Tulane Alumni Association awards bestowed upon members of the Tulane community each year, the Dermot McGlinchey Lifetime Achievement Award was established in 1996 and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated service, volunteer involvement, and commitment to Tulane and their hometown communities.

E. Richard Yulman will receive the award from Tulane University and the Tulane Alumni Association on Saturday, April 1 at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans. Yulman is the former Chairman and owner of mattress manufacturing giant Serta International.

Past recipients and a full list of award criteria can be found on the Tulane Alumni Association website.

ABOUT MCGLINCHEY STAFFORD

McGlinchey Stafford is a full-service law firm providing innovative legal counsel to business clients nationwide. Guiding clients wherever business and law intersect, McGlinchey Staffords 200 attorneys are based in 13 offices in Alabama, California, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Texas, and Washington, DC. To learn more about McGlinchey Stafford, visit www.mcglinchey.com.
A leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday poured accolades on the Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, over his performance in the last 22 months, saying that the governor has made him proud.

Speaking while commissioning network of roads, link bridge and health centre in Alimosho area of the state as part of activities to mark his 65th birthday, Mr. Tinubu said the achievements of the governor in office was a reflection of a man who is not only a thinker but a doer, and expressed satisfaction that he was delivering on the promises to the people.

Akinwunmi Ambode has reflected that clearly here today, I want to say thank you because experience is a great teacher and I am experienced. I am on the spot and I have watched things in Lagos since my tenure ended, said Mr. Tinubu.

I was worried hell when you (Ambode) took over, not about your credibility, character or capacity, but because however wise or smart a man is, if there is no resources to back the ideas, production would be zero, progress would be zero.

When you (Ambode) took over, I know you inherited a burden of debt. The debt profile of Lagos was high, I was wondering how you will reengineer and face the challenges to make progress.

Today, I can see your report card, you have scored well, and you have shown prudency especially in the judicious use of resources of the State.

You didnt disappoint us. Ambode is silently achieving, meticulously planning, religiously executing and brilliantly giving results for Lagos State, the former Lagos governor said.

Mr. Tinubu said all over Lagos, the results of good governance was being felt by the people, and wished Mr. Ambode sound health and wisdom to continue to lead the State.

All over Lagos, we are seeing the results. At Oshodi, on our way down here, you can see what is happening there, that place is a construction site. It used to be a den of robbers but what is going on there now is developmental activities for the benefit of the entire country.

Ambode is very quiet, very peaceful, not a noise maker, but he is delivering on the job.

Today, you (Ambode) have given me a good birthday present. This is a great opportunity for me to be very proud again. Therefore, if we can continue in this direction of infrastructural development in the manner Governor Ambode is moving, Lagos will soon match international states or country anywhere in the world, Mr. Tinubu said.

In his remarks, Governor Ambode described the event as a historic day in the life of the people of Alimosho and the state in general.

He recalled his visit to the Aboru area in March 2016, saying that aside the state of the road which was totally unacceptable, there were reports of series of deaths and fatal accidents caused by the presence of a valley, adding that he immediately directed that work should commence in the area.

Exactly one year after, we are here to keep our promise to the good people of Aboru, Abesan and other communities and reaffirm our commitment that no community or area will be left behind. Every Lagosian counts. We are a government of inclusion, the governor said.

He said the 480 metres bridge linking Aboru to Abesan, both in the Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council of Alimosho Local Government Area would significantly ease the burden of travel between the two communities by reducing travel time and eliminating the risks associated with its non-existence.

Mr. Ambode said aside the bridge, additional adjoining inner roads to create an efficient road network that will aid connectivity permanently were also constructed.

He listed the roads to include Church Street, Giwa Street, Victor Fagbemi Road, Ogunfayo Road, Ogundare Street, Salami Kazeem, all totalling 5.5km with drainage, walkways and street lights adding that the road network would ease the pressure on the Abeokuta Expressway and links residents with Iyana Ipaja, LASU-Iba Expressway.

Mr. Ambode also flagged off the commissioning the construction of a network of roads within the boundaries of Lagos and Ogun States, saying that it was in honour of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as the brain behind the 21st century Lagos.

He expressed optimism that the roads which have been identified for immediate construction and rehabilitation would complete the new face of Alimosho constituency, saying that work would commence next week.

He listed the roads to include Ikola Road with Odo Obasanjo Bridge  6.4km (from Ipaja/Command to Ilo River); Ogunseye Road  1.75km (from Ajasa/Command to Ikola Road);Oko Filling Road  1.5km (from AIT to Ilo River); Osenatu Ilo road  620m (from Ibari Road to Ilo River); Amikanle road  3.1km (from AIT to Ogunseye Road); Aina Aladi road  1.9km (from AIT to Ilo River) and Aiyetoro Road with a bridge 1.4km (from New Market/Ishefun Road intersection to Ilo River).

He however appealed to the residents of the communities to cooperate with the contractors so as to enable them deliver the network of roads not later than the scheduled completion date.

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The presidency has urged Nigerian students in India to be calm and vigilant, amid reports of attacks on them.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, to President Muhammadu Buhari, said the call followed multiple distress calls from Nigerian students in India on concerns on their safety.

Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa said in a statement on Wednesday that the renewed attacks on Nigerian students in India was uncalled for.

While condemning the mob action as unwarranted and deplorable,the SSA commended India for immediate and prompt action and the arrest of five suspects.

Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa said though the situation was calm at the moment, the Indian government should protect Nigerian students there.

She said the Charge d Affairs in India, Queen Worlu, had promptly visited the scene of the incident and also visited the three patients in hospital .

She urged the Indian government to ensure that any suspects should be promptly prosecuted.

According to available reports, two of the victims are two brothers, Precious and Endurance Amalawa and Chukwuma Igboamalu.

She said other reports have it that nine Nigerians were attacked, all students of Noida International University in India.

I have also spoken with Mr Charles Kennedy, President of the Students association in Greater Noida where the attacks occurred. He said though a Kenyan girl who was walking alone in the early hours of today was attacked, more police patrol vehicles have been deployed to all areas.

He confirmed that the situation is calm and is pleased with the prompt actions of the Charge D Affairs in India and the Indian government so far, she said.

The presidential aide reiterated her calls to all Nigerians to be of good behaviour anywhere they find themselves as any form of crime and criminality is unacceptable and will have to face consequences.

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Nse Ekpenyong, a member of the House of Representatives, who was charged to court earlier Thursday in Uyo for alleged certificate forgery, has been remanded in Uyo Prisons for failing to fulfil the bail conditions.

Mr. Ekpenyong, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, represents Oron Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State.

The lawmaker was arraigned before Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court, Uyo, by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, on a nine-count charge for allegedly forging a national ordinary diploma certificate of the Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, Abia State.

He was granted bail in the sum of N10 million and a surety in like sum.

As part of the conditions bail, the court asked that the surety must deposit with the court the sum of N5 million which would be forfeited if Mr. Ekpenyong fails to appear in court twice in the course of the case.

The court also asked that the surety must provide a three-year tax clearance certificate from 2014 to 2016.

Ahmedu Arogha, the lawyer who appeared for the EFCC in the case, confirmed that the lawmaker was not able to meet up with the bail conditions and was sent to the Uyo Prisons by the time he (Mr. Arogha) left the court premises at about 1.30pm.

A senior Prisons officer also confirmed to this paper that the lawmaker had been remanded in the Uyo Prisons.

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The Nigerian militarys misguided adventure into politics, was responsible for the loss of the professionalism, discipline and patriotism of the armed forces, a former military ruler, Yakubu Gowon, has said.

Mr. Gowon spoke Thursday at the launch of a book, Vindication of a General, by a former Chief of Army Staff, Ishaya Bamaiya.

The book, a memoir of Mr. Bamaiyis experiences as head of the army under the Abacha military regime, and his incarceration, was launched at the Nigerian Air Force Conference Centre in Abuja.

The event had in attendance some past and present generals of the Nigerian Army, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported.

Mr. Bamaiyi said he decided to write the book for posterity and for people to be rightly informed about his unfair treatment and his eventual vindication.

He said, as Chief of Army Staff, I experienced the most turbulent tenure and challenges in history of Nigeria Army.

The most challenging of them is my unfair incarceration for eight years, but I overcame all these and came out in one piece.

I take responsibility for whatever is written in the book; I can defend it because it is the truth.

I therefore urge whoever that wants to criticise the book to be objective and honest in doing that.

The chairman of the occasion, Mr. Gowon, said although the book was essentially on personal experiences of Mr. Bamaiyi, leaders and policy makers would learn a lot from it.

While readers may only wish to focus on how Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi himself fell victim of power play and intrigues, he draws our attention to the compelling larger picture, he said.

He showed that the greatest casualty after all was the Nigerian military which lost its reputation of professionalism, discipline and patriotism as a result of misguided adventure into politics.

The 16-chapter book, with 252 pages, was reviewed by Sam Egwu, a professor of political science at University of Jos.

Mr. Egwu noted that the book addressed the need for respect for human rights in democracy, and the deplorable state of Nigerian prisons, among other social issues.

Mr. Bamaiyi, who served under the military administration of late Sani Abacha was on December 10, 1999 charged with attempted murder of Guardian Newspaper Publisher, Alex Ibru.

He was charged alongside former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to Mr. Abacha, Hamza al-Mustapha, and others by the Lagos State Government.

Mr. Bamaiyi was, however, discharged and acquitted on April 2, 2008 after eight years in detention. (NAN)

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The former managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and one-time presidential adviser on the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme, Timi Alaibe, recently joined the national debate on the desirability or otherwise of sourcing for external loan to fund the 2017 budget, when he took a stand against the move.

Speaking in an interview programme on Arise Television, Mr. Alaibe said with the positive signals coming from the Niger Delta region in the last one month or so, coupled with the relatively encouraging indices in the international oil process in recent times, the country can conveniently fund the budget without recourse to external borrowing.

Mr. Alaibe is not an economist, certainly, not one of the numerous experts or economists that we have in the country today whose views on the economy are as predictable as the rising and setting of the sun. But in these days of economic emergency triggered by a recession that was avoidable, a national debate on an issue that affects the very existence of all Nigerians cannot be left in the hands of people that are designated experts. As he himself said at an event where he gave a talk on what has come to be known as the Niger Delta Struggle, we must continue to talk. Indeed, this is the time for all of us to talk.

The federal government has recently been embroiled in a controversy with the National Assembly on the one hand and Nigerians on the other over its plan to borrow close to $30 billion to fund the 2017 budget and also finance infrastructural development in the country.

Two factors immediately stand out against this plan.

Firstly, the government has not been forthcoming on the specifics of the borrowing plan, that is, a breakdown of the projects and programmes it plans to spend the money on. It is the reason the government does not enjoy the encouragement and support of the International Monetary Fund on this venture.

Secondly, a combination of several variables such as favourable international oil prices and increasing oil production engendered by a relatively stable Niger Delta means that the countrys fortunes seem to be looking north, which makes the option of a foreign loan totally unnecessary.

One may also add the over five trillion naira reportedly saved on the single treasury account (an amount that is a little short of the entire budget itself), coupled with the various sums of money that are said to have been recovered from alleged treasury looters, as veritable sources of funding for the budget.

Some said it was his magic touch. Some said it was his body language. But there can be no dispute about the fact that Vice President Yemi Osinbajos shuttle diplomacy in the Niger Delta during the period of his acting presidency, when the president was away on medical vacation, dramatically changed the situation in a region where militants regularly hold the nation by the jugular.

Mr. Osinbajos decision to opt for the carrot, rather than the stick, by personally visiting the key states of the region with an olive branch in hand, went a long way in calming the restive militants and reassuring the people of the region of governments commitment to addressing the Niger Delta question. It is to the credit of the initiative that in the last one month or so, there hasnt been any report of oil pipeline vandalism or any act of sabotage on the countrys economic life wire. And correspondingly, there has been relative stability in oil production. Though latest statistics are not available (not surprising, in a country where crucial statistics are never available at any given time), there are indications that the country is currently not producing less than two million barrels of oil a day.

International oil prices have been encouraging, not going below $55 per barrel in the last one month. The situation has seen the country selling more oil and earning more foreign exchange. This is reflected in the continuous appreciation of the naira in the foreign exchange market.

Mr. Alaibe wants the government to maintain the current level of dialogue with stakeholders in the Niger Delta, not just for the purpose of ensuring that the prevailing peace is sustained but, most importantly, finding a permanent solution to the recurring restiveness in the region. He specifically suggests, as a permanent solution, a revisiting of the Niger Delta Master Plan which he authored during the tenure of former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, but which has apparently been forgotten in some shelf in Aso Rock.

Mr. Alaibe is in a position to know what will work for the Niger Delta. Apart from running NDDC as chief executive officer, he it was who handled the Amnesty Programme that incorporated the disarmament exercise that saw thousands of repentant militants turn in their arms in exchange for the rehabilitation programme of the federal government. He therefore knows how to deal with the problem.

With feelers coming out of Aso Rock to the effect that President Buhari intends to delegate more responsibilities to Mr. Osinbajo, it should be expected that the people of the Niger Delta will be brought on board the ongoing initiative to address the contending issues of marginalization, underdevelopment, neglect and deprivation that fuel crises that have so far defied the several interventions of government through agencies such as the NDDC and the Ministry of the Niger Delta.

The option of a foreign loan to fund the budget suggests a deliberate abandonment of the path to a permanent solution to the challenges that confront the countrys economic mainstay, which is the Niger Delta, for a respite that would leave the country saddled with more problems in the future. If it is possible to achieve peace for the period we havent recorded any act of vandalism so far, then it is possible to end the crisis once and for all. All that is required is sincerity on the part of the federal government, which Mr. Osinbajos initiative points to.

There is need to rejig the amnesty programme. The success of the various training programmes embarked upon by previous governments, including local and foreign training in various professions and vocations, suggests that there is opportunity for sustainable means of livelihood for militants who are ready to lay down their arms. It may be safe to assume that they do not see pipeline vandalism and economic sabotage as a better means of livelihood.

The fact must be stated that a permanently stable Niger Delta, as Mr. Alaibe suggested, will guarantee the continuous supply of the oxygen on which the country depends for existence. We dont seem to have much of an alternative now, not even with current optimism about the potential of agriculture to become a major foreign exchange earner.

Anibogwu, a public affairs commentator, lives in Abuja.

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The Police Command in Kogi said on Thursday that two of its officers were killed during an invasion of a commercial bank by suspected armed robbers.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, William Aya, told journalists in Lokoja that the officers died while warding off the armed robbers that stormed a branch of UBA at Odo Ere in Yagba East Local Government Area of the state.

Mr. Aya, an assistant superintendent of police, said that the incident occurred on March 28, saying that the two slain officers were sergeants.

He said the Commissioner of Police, Wilson Inalegwu, had set up a committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations to investigate the incident.

He also said that reinforcement had been sent to the town to enhance security of lives and property, saying that the robbers would soon be arrested.

(NAN)

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Eight women believed to be sex workers, who allegedly solicited sex at a public place, were on Thursday brought before a Surulere Chief Magistrates Court in Lagos.

They were, however, released on N400,000 bail.

The eight women  Jessita Nelson, 25; Chinyere Elon, 25; Cynthia Nwoke, 38; Taiwo Ali, 45; Abigal Moses, 29; Ifeanyi Okoro, 30; Chiwendu Anah, 40; and Ivie Osasa, 25  are facing a charge of soliciting for immoral purpose.



They all denied the charge.

The prosecutor, Christopher Okoliko told the court that Ms. Nelson and Ms. Elon committed the offence on March 27, at about 12.30 a.m. on Babs Animashaun Road, Surulere, while the six others committed the offence on March 27 at about 12.00 a.m. along Adeniran Ogunsanya Street, Surulere.

According to him, the eight women have been sighted at the various spots for alleged solicitation of prostitution.

The offence contravened Section 142 (b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015 (Revised).

The Chief Magistrate, A.A. Paul, granted the women N50,000 each with one surety in like sum.

He said surety must be gainfully employed and also provide evidence of tax payments to the government.

The case was adjourned until April 11for mention. (NAN)

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The Nigerian Slum/Informal Settlement Federation, a group comprising dozens of waterfront communities and scores of other informal settlements across Lagos, on Wednesday expressed regret at the decision of the Lagos State Government to withdraw from a court-ordered mediation process aimed at finding an alternative solution to the threat of forced eviction hanging over those living in waterfront communities across the state.

The group said the governments decision was sudden and unilateral.

We came to mediation process in good faith and put forward workable proposals regarding alternatives to demolition and forced eviction that could address the various excuses the State Government has tried to use to justify its intention to demolish our homes, the group said in a statement.

Even after the State Government went back to continue demolishing one of our communities, Otodo Gbame, forcibly evicting 4,700 residents in violation of a court order, we still came back to the roundtable on 29 March 2017 to at least hear what the State Government had to say.

It was, therefore, a great shock to us that the State Government decided to unilaterally withdraw from the mediation process and give up on the possibility of any resolution through dialogue.

In late October 2016, after trying to engage the Lagos State Government unsuccessfully, 15 waterfront communities approached the Lagos State High Court to seek protection of their fundamental rights against the threat of eviction issued by the Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

On January 26, Justice S.A. Onigbanjo of the Lagos State High Court issued a ruling finding that demolitions on short notice without providing alternative shelter for persons evicted constitutes cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment in violation of Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution, and ordered the parties to attempt mediation through the Lagos State Multi-Door Court House.

It is not immediately clear why the state government pulled out of the mediation process.

E-mails and phone calls to the states Ministry of Information were not responded to.

The governments decision came days after it returned to one of the waterfront communities to execute a fresh forced eviction.

In defending its action, the government had said it owed a duty to the entire population of the state to ensure maintenance of public health and safety.

Last Monday, Amnesty International condemned the governments action, insisting that Nigeria is a party to international conventions that require it to recognise the right to adequate housing and to refrain from carrying out forced evictions.

The waterfront communities accused the Lagos State government of offering excuses in order to destroy their homes and take over the waterfronts.

Waterfront communities across Lagos are home to hundreds of thousands of hard-working, law-abiding citizens, the group stated.

This is where we live and where many of us work. Our businesses  from fishing to sand dealing  and our labour add to the Lagos economy. We are the engine of the Lagos economy and we have a right to the city. We do not have any other home.

We have proffered alternative ways of resolving each of these concerns, but it seems the government is not ready to listen nor is it really dedicated to trying to find lasting, citizen-centered solutions to complex urban problems.

Evictions do not make Lagos safer. Instead, they push the urban poor into deeper poverty through homelessness and loss of livelihoods. Worsened poverty only exacerbates crime. Evictions are not the answer. We need to partner to find lasting solutions to insecurity.

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The judicial commission of inquiry set up by the Osun State Government on the Ife crisis on Thursday commenced its work, moving to the scene of the mayhem to interview victims and residents in the area.

Before then, it paid a courtesy visit to the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to acquaint him of its assignment.

Mr. Ogunwusi urged the panel to be neutral in carrying out the task of determining what happened during the March 8 clash.

The Justice Moshood Adeigbe-led commission was inaugurated by Governor Rauf Aregbesola, following calls by interest groups and the rejection of the investigation done by the Nigerian Police Force.

The panel was charged to unravel the causes of the crisis and proffer ways to forestall future occurrence.

Mr. Ogunwusi also appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience, noting that people of different tribes or religions should live together peacefully in the country.

According to him, he had conferred with other traditional rulers in the north such as the Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar, and the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido, as well as other leaders across the country in order to ensure the continuous peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians.

So far, so good. We have not seen any reprisal attack any where. We are one Nigeria irrespective of where we choose to live and I pray we will not witness this kind of tragic event again, he said.

Please, be neutral in order to get to the bottom of what triggered this unfortunate incident.

The crisis happens at the source of the Yoruba race but we thank God for his prompt intervention.

The chairman of the panel, M. Adeigbe, a judge, said they had no opinion than to get to the root of the matter.

According to Mr. Adeigbe, the panel would sit in Ife to make itself accessible to the victims and others who would want to testify before it.

Some of those who spoke to the commission said the crisis started on March 7, and became full blown the following day as attacks and reprisals followed.

They said the tragic clash could have been prevented if the police and other security agencies had not responded poorly to the situation.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn., March 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Horizon National Corp. (NYSE:FHN) will announce first quarter 2017 financial results in a news release prior to the market opening on April 13, followed by a conference call at 8:30 a.m. CDT when management will review earnings and performance trends. There will also be a live webcast accompanied by a slide presentation. The news release, call and slide presentation may involve forward-looking information, including guidance.

First Horizon plans to make the news release, financial supplement and slide presentation available in the events and presentations section of http://ir.fhnc.com by 6 a.m. CDT on April 13.

Conference call information

Callers wishing to participate may call toll-free, starting at 8:15 a.m. CDT on April 13, at 888-317-6003 and entering access code 2645251. The number for international participants is 412-317-6061.

Participants can also listen to the live audio webcast with the accompanying slide presentation through the investor relations section of www.fhnc.com. A replay will be available from noon CDT on April 13 until midnight CDT on April 28. To listen to the replay, dial 877-344-7529 or 412-317-0088. The access code is 10103873. The event also will be archived and available beginning April 14 by midnight CDT in the events and presentations section of http://ir.fhnc.com.

About First Horizon

The 4,300 employees of First Horizon National Corp. (NYSE:FHN) provide financial services through more than 160 bank locations across Tennessee and the southern U.S. and 29 FTN Financial offices across the U.S. The company was founded during the Civil War in 1864 and has the 14th oldest national bank charter in the country. First Tennessee has the largest deposit market share in Tennessee and one of the highest customer retention rates of any bank in the country. FTN Financial is a capital markets industry leader in fixed income sales, trading and strategies for institutional customers in the U.S. and abroad. First Horizon has been recognized as one of the nation's best employers by Working Mother and American Banker magazines and the National Association for Female Executives. More information is available at www.FirstHorizon.com.

FHN-G
SOMERS POINT  Spring is planting season, and students at St. Joseph Regional School have begun a second crop of peppers that last year were sold to area businesses and raised $920 for the school.

On Wednesday, Bill Hurst, chef and owner of Fitzpatricks, demonstrated how to make chicken, cheese and pepper quesadillas for the students, giving them a taste of whats to come from the seeds they planted.

The project was started last year by resident Bernie Laleyan, whose granddaughter attends the school. He said the staff was initially uncertain that students would like the peppers. But when he brought in samples of the small, sweet and colorful lunchbox peppers, the students enjoyed them.

The peppers are grown in buckets, and students help maintain and harvest them through the summer.

We had peppers all the way until the end of November, Laleyan said.

Laleyan said he is grateful to the many local businesses that supported the project and to the restaurants that bought the peppers and supported the students.

This kept the kids engaged all through the summer, he said. They picked, delivered and learned a little about business, too.
Atlantic Countys efforts to build an aviation industry and create high-paying technology jobs got the boost of a decade this month.

The Atlantic County Improvement Authority last week approved a $17.2 million contract for construction of the first building at the Stockton Aviation Research and Technology Park, a concept that struggled to get off the ground since plans were first announced in 2005.

The work, which could begin next month, is hailed by officials and politicians as a way to diversify a largely casino-dependent economy that has struggled as casinos closed and gambling spread to neighboring states.

Im absolutely thrilled, said U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd, praising county officials, the Federal Aviation Administration, Stockton University and everyone involved with the project. Unfortunately, the initial stages of this got tangled up with legal battles and bumps in the road, but this is now a reality.

LoBiondo helped secure more than $3 million in federal grants related to the project. He also helped convince officials from the FAA to lease 55 acres of land adjacent to the William J. Hughes Technical Center as a site for the park.

Originally called the NextGen Aviation Research & Technology Park, the project was plagued by legal issues and alleged fiscal mismanagement.

The effort to build the park was rekindled in the past few years by Stockton University and the county.

Construction of the first building, which is expected to be complete by next spring, is one phase of the project.

But the next phase will be critical  finding tenants.

Joe Sheairs, executive director of SARTP, said there has been a lot of interest for years from multibillion-dollar companies because of the parks unique relationship with the FAA.

The problem, however, was the county had nothing but an idea to sell.

We didnt have a building until Friday, Sheairs said. People on the industry side of this who were interested kept saying, show me.

Now, Sheairs is talking to four major companies that are inquiring about leasing space in the building, he said. Potential tenants must use the space for aviation research.

He declined to name the companies because nothing has been signed, he said.

When completed, the three-story building will feature 60,000 square feet of office space, a Federal Aviation Administration laboratory, classrooms, member laboratories and a rooftop lounge.

The building can be modified by any tenant that leases space there. All tenants will have to be approved by the FAA because the building is on FAA land.

The FAA also will be a tenant and occupy 5,000 square feet of laboratory space and 2,000 square feet of office space at the building.

Right now, the first lab is being designed generically with typical lab features such as raised floors, upgraded electrical panels, space for computers and racks that hold them, said Rick Breitenfeldt, a spokesman at the tech center. Since the ground has yet to be broken, modifications can still be made depending on what (or) who exactly occupies that space.

The building will be one of seven, multi-story buildings with more than 400,000 total square feet of research and development space at the park.

All the buildings will include high-speed connectivity to FAA laboratories, data and systems. The campus-like setting is designed to promote collaboration among business, academia and all major research arms of the federal government, according to a statement from the county.

There are no renderings or projected completion dates for the other six buildings.

The first building will be constructed by Hessert Construction Group LLC, of Marlton, Burlington County.

Hessert has completed projects at Stockton, Rutgers University, the Philadelphia Zoo and the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, among others.

As soon as we saw this, we knew it was a project we wanted, said Vic Lombardi, director of operations at Hessert. Were really excited to get started.
Thousands of people across New Jersey have stayed out of jail due to historic changes to the criminal justice system in the state.

The Bail Reform and Speedy Trial Act, which was officially enacted Jan. 1, aimed to decrease jail populations and save costs for counties by eliminating bail in most criminal cases. After three months, there are nearly 2,400 fewer people in jail awaiting trial than there were at this time last year, according to statistics from the state.

But reviews from law enforcement have been mixed.

A resolution passed by the Ocean County Association of Chiefs of Police last month called the new law dangerous, onerous and fiscally disastrous, referring to the cost it has taken to implement and the potential pitfalls of a new public safety assessment (PSA) score that helps a judge determine whether to release or detain a defendant.

The resolution came in the wake of the release of Christopher Wilson, a convicted sex offender, before his trial in a separate case involving the alleged solicitation of a 12-year-old girl on two occasions. Wilsons PSA score came in low because his first conviction came when he was a minor, which isnt counted by the new system.

This led to an uproar from the Police Department in Little Egg Harbor Township, where Wilson lives, and resulted in chiefs from around the county calling for an injunction against the new law.

Wilson was detained Thursday after a successful appeal by the Ocean County Prosecutors Office.

But judges can use other factors, beside PSA score, in deciding to hold or release a suspect, including previous convictions that dont register in the system and relevant factors in individual cases.

We can now have a direct conversation about whether the person is a threat to the community, said state Appellate Division Judge Glenn A. Grant, acting administrative director of New Jersey courts. The old system was more risky because it was solely based in money.

Grant added New Jersey has great information technology infrastructure for dealing with quick turnarounds for court hearings. After arrest, defendants must be given a detainment hearing within 48 hours, keeping the courts open on weekends.

Grant said the IT infrastructure can bring up someones file in a matter of seconds, so the 48-hour window should be enough time to prepare for a hearing.

Meanwhile, civil rights activists have praised the changes, saying the elimination of bail levels the playing field compared to an old system that disproportionately affected minority communities.

Some law-enforcement officials have concerns about the law but are willing to wait and see what happens when it is fully implemented.

We have to adapt, Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato said. Its more of a fluid system, and it does appear that less people are being detained.

Coronato said they will have a better idea how the system works within a few months, when prosecutors are required to bring cases to trial within 180 days of indictment, barring motions and delays filed by the defense.

Overall, Grant said there is no perfect system, and its going to take time for people to get used to dramatic changes.

There is nothing magical about any pre-trial system. They all have shortcomings, Grant said. But this system is more objective. Its a much more honest system.
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LOS ANGELES, March 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lundin Law PC , a shareholder rights firm, announces a class action lawsuit against DaVita Inc. (DaVita or the Company) (NYSE:DVA) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws between August 5, 2015 and October 21, 2016 inclusive (the Class Period). Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired shares during the Class Period should contact the firm prior to the April 3, 2017 lead plaintiff motion deadline.



To participate in this class action lawsuit, click here. You can also call Brian Lundin, Esquire, of Lundin Law PC, at 888-713-1033, or e-mail him at brian@lundinlawpc.com.

No class has been certified in the above action yet. Until a class is certified, you are not considered represented by an attorney. You may also choose to do nothing and be an absent class member.

According to the complaint, during the Class Period, DaVita made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose: that the Company purposefully steered patients into unnecessary insurance plans in order to maximize profits; that DaVita was using the American Kidney Fund as a vehicle to facilitate these improper practices; that the Companys revenues and profits were illegally obtained; that DaVita lacked effective internal controls over financial reporting; and that as a result of the above, the Companys statements about its business, operations, and prospects were false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When this news reached the public, the stock price of DaVita fell, causing investors harm.

Lundin Law PC was established by Brian Lundin, a securities litigator based in Los Angeles dedicated to upholding the rights of shareholders.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.
Juries should decide on public safety contracts

Regarding the March 18 story, State can break Atlantic City fire contract, judge rules:

I find it rather ironic that Superior Court Judge Julio Mendez or any state-appointed official can by themselves rule on such matters with little or no public input.

Judges always complain of backlogs in courts. How about instead of appointing more lawyers to judgeships we just increase their work schedule to 12-hour court sessions plus research time? Then to save more, eliminate their benefits and cut their staff along with other unilateral changes to reduce taxpayers costs.

Judges are not God; they should be required where public safety is at stake to have a jury hear the facts from both sides, then deliberate to make such decisions to authorize the state-appointed political hacks to do as the jury directs.

After all, politicians, judges and appointed positions are all political power brokers that separate themselves after the job is theirs.

This entire situation is costing millions so far and the hacks keep shafting the working people. Time for big change.

Bud Hughes

North Wildwood

Trump split from truth

The biggest wall President Trump is building is the one between him and the truth.

Alfred Harrison

Northfield

Backs daily prayers

Via a series of lawsuits, atheists, the ACLU, the Freedom from Religion Foundation and others sought to eliminate all mention of God in the public arena, i.e. from currency, national monuments, the Pledge of Allegiance, courts, schools, etc., in violation of the First Amendment to the Constitution.

To preserve Judeo-Christian heritage, a small group of House of Representatives members in early 2005 formed the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation to pray to God to heal America. On March 7, 2015, members of Congress and state legislators gathered for the purpose of calling the nation back to daily prayer via A call to prayer for America proclamation. Since its inception, the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation has grown to over 145,000 members.

Nationwide growth in a daily prayer to God routine would show Americans believe that if God is with them, no one can prevail against them.

Fred Laurenzo

Little Egg Harbor Township

Trump, LoBiondo unfit

Despite an ongoing investigation into the Trump campaigns connections with Russia, Rep. Frank LoBiondo voted against a bill requiring the president to show his tax returns. Yet another example of his being in lock step with partisanship instead of the concerns of his constituents. Neither man is fit for office.

Marcia Colman

Linwood

Draft can deter shootings

With President Trump looking to increase the military, this is a good time to institute the draft.

An additional benefit would be introducing to the military certain elements who are continually shooting one another, so they might think twice about it once they face the possibility of being shot at.

And the drill sergeants just might instill within them some discipline and respect for authority.

Ludwig Jaros

Egg Harbor Township

Preferred the Obamas

I miss the 2008 to 2016 era, with President Barack and Michelle Obama. I wish they could make America great again.

Kathi Williams

Atlantic City

Release in big drug case

Regarding the March 9 story, $1 million of heroin seized in Ocean County:

The man was released pending a court appearance. If I get in any trouble, I want his lawyer.

George Sherby

Woodbine
LONDON, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Luxury travel company Brown + Hudson, launches a new service called "A Journey around my room". For people who struggle to achieve a work/life balance, this concept provides all the benefits of travel without any of the inconveniences.

"The idea was inspired by a client who would commission us to design the most incredible trips, pay and then cancel at the last minute, to the disappointment of their family. So we decided to bring the destination to them," says Philippe Brown, founder of Brown + Hudson.

Strange though it may seem, it is possible to experience all of the psychological and physical benefits of travel without even leaving home.

People travel in search of different things: learning, the exotic, adventure, escape, relaxation, curiosity, breaking routine, celebration, challenge and even anonymity. Brown + Hudson's understanding of how travel satisfies these motivations allows them to recreate intensely memorable cultural experiences anywhere. Vietnam in London, India in Toronto, Morocco in Paris, Bhutan in Buenos Aires.

The company begins by confirming hotel reservations - just in case. They then create a "Brown Box" that the client will receive. This includes Oculus Rift VR headsets pre-loaded with destination footage, a week of menus and a Moroccan chef to faithfully recreate the street food of Fez at home, for example. To titillate the senses you'll receive a rare fragrance "Eau de Souq". If the missed trip was to the Galapagos or a safari, after-hours access to a wildlife reserve might be arranged with an expert like Randal Keynes, Charles Darwin's great grandson.

Busy executives who want their colleagues to think they are travelling, when in fact they are catching up on work at home, have been flocking to "Journey around my room". For them, the company provides clothing bearing the fragrance of the destination, souvenirs, photoshopped snaps, drone footage of "where they were", anecdotes, postcards sent to friends, geo-tagged social media posts and signed copy of Pierre Bayard's "How to talk about places you've never been". Of course, they also hold confirmed hotel reservations so that if someone calls them, reception can say that "X is at the pool".

The concept also opens up the benefits of travel to people who find travel deeply challenging. There is the hassle of preparation, possible fear of flying and jet lag. When they get there, there are language barriers, loss of control, unfamiliarity and unusual foods and people. And then there's the emotional rollercoaster of coming home. All of that can be avoided with "A Journey around my room".

So is this a travel company telling people not to travel? "No certainly not. We're in the business of creating amazing travel experiences, but our expertise and insight allow us to recreate the benefits of travel, wherever the client may be."

"Some clients have found their experiences so intensely memorable and transformational that they won't travel any other way," says Laura Mitchell the company's Marketing Manager.

A poor silly fad? Brown thinks not.

Laura Mitchell

Marketing Manager

Brown + Hudson

203 358 0110

laura@brownandhudson.com

This release was issued through WebWire(R). For more information, visit http://www.webwire.com.

This release is an April Fools' release and should be taken as such by readers and the media.

SOURCE Brown + Hudson
DUBLIN, Mar 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Anatomic Pathology Market - Forecasts to 2021" report to their offering.

The anatomic pathology market is expected to reach USD 21.9 Billion by 2021 from USD 16.2 Billion in 2016, at a CAGR of 6.1%.

The global anatomic pathology market is segmented on the basis of product & service and application. Anatomic pathology involves the diagnosis of various types of cancer, infectious diseases, and medical conditions through the examination of cells and tissue samples, which are collected from patients through biopsy. The market is witnessing high growth due to factors such as increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, growing aging population, and increasing healthcare expenditure.

On the basis of product and service, the market is segmented into instruments, consumables, and services. In 2016, the services segment accounted for the largest share of the market. This growth can be attributed to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the subsequent growth in the number of anatomic pathology tests.

On the basis of application, the anatomic pathology market is segmented into disease diagnosis, drug discovery & development, and others applications. In 2016, the disease diagnosis segment accounted for the largest share of the market. The growth in this segment primarily attributed to increasing prevalence of chronic diseases.



The market is dominated by North America, followed by Europe, Asia, and the Rest of the World (RoW). However, the Asian region is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period. The presence of emerging economies like China, India, and Japan; the large population and rising prevalence of chronic diseases in these countries; improving standards of living; growing demand for quality medical care; increasing healthcare spending and government initiatives; rising awareness about the use of anatomic pathology tests among physicians; and growth in the demand for diagnostics are some major factors driving the high growth of this regional segment.

Companies Mentioned



Agilent Technologies, Inc.

Bio SB

Biogenex Laboratories

Danaher Corporation

F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG.

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings

Neogenomics Laboratories, Inc.

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated

Sakura Finetechnical Co.

Thermo Fisher Scientific



Key Topics Covered:

1 Introduction



2 Research Methodology



3 Executive Summary



4 Premium Insights



5 Market Overview



6 Anatomic Pathology Market, By Product & Service



7 Anatomic Pathology Market, By Application



8 Anatomic Pathology Market, By Region



9 Competitive Landscape



10 Company Profiles



11 Appendix





For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/8kgrzd/anatomic

Media Contact:

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



Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com



SOURCE Research and Markets
SAN FRANCISCO, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The global antibody production market is expected to reach a value of USD 22.6 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Increasing demand for therapeutic antibodies including monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies is a major factor that drives growth of the market during forecast period. Antibodies are the dominant biopharmaceuticals that specifically target the abnormal cells. Thus, many pharmaceuticals and biotechnology companies have begun to focus on the development of advanced antibodies for the treatment of chronic diseases such as cancer, rheumatic heart disease, and arthritis.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150105/723757 )



Patent expiry of several blockbuster monoclonal antibodies in the near future, is another major factor supporting the growth of the antibody production market. Several antibodies such as Avastin, Herceptin, and Mabthera are going to lose their patents in a few years. For instance, the patent of Herceptin (trastuzumab) expired in Europe in July 2014 and will expire in the U.S. in June 2019. Many companies such as Amgen Inc., Synthon, Biocon, and Pfizer Inc. are developing biosimilar for trastuzumab, which is expected to propel the demand for antibody production products.

Browse full research report with TOC on "Antibody Production Market By Type (Polyclonal Antibody, Monoclonal Antibody), By Process (Upstream Processing, Downstream Processing, Filtration), By End-Use, And Segment Forecasts, 2014 - 2025" at: http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/antibody-production-market

Further key findings from the report suggest:

Downstream processing was the largest revenue-grossing segment of the antibody production market in 2016. It is also expected to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period, owing to large application of chromatography devices and resins in downstream processing

The monoclonal antibody segment was leading in 2016, due to its higher demand in treatment of chronic diseases including cancer, blood disorders, and growth hormone deficiency

The pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies segment dominated the overall market in terms of revenue in 2016, owing to the large production of therapeutic antibodies and high investment in R&D by companies for drug development

North America was the largest revenue-generating region of the market in the year 2016. This region is expected to maintain its position during the forecast period because of the presence of several leading biopharmaceuticals and biotechnology companies in this region

was the largest revenue-generating region of the market in the year 2016. This region is expected to maintain its position during the forecast period because of the presence of several leading biopharmaceuticals and biotechnology companies in this region Asia Pacific region is projected to be the fastest-growing segment over the study period, due to rapidly booming biotechnology industry and comparatively less stringent regulations for biologics development in APAC region

region is projected to be the fastest-growing segment over the study period, due to rapidly booming biotechnology industry and comparatively less stringent regulations for biologics development in APAC region Some of the key players include GE Healthcare; Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.; Sartorius AG; Merck KGaA; Pall Corp.; Eppendorf AG; Cellab GmbH; INTEGRA Biosciences AG; and FiberCell Systems Inc.

Browse related reports by Grand View Research:

Histology and Cytology Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/histology-and-cytology-market

DNA Sequencing Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/dna-sequencing-market

SNP Genotyping Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/snp-genotyping-market

Apoptosis Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/apoptosis-market

Grand View Research has segmented the antibody production market on the basis of type, process, end-use, and region:

Antibody Production Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025) Polyclonal antibody Monoclonal antibody Murine Chimeric Humanized

Antibody Production Process Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025) Upstream processing Bioreactors Largescale bioreactors Single-use bioreactors Consumables Media Buffers and reagents Downstream processing Chromatography systems Chromatography resins Filtration Filtration systems Filtration consumables and accessories

Antibody Production End-Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025) Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies Research laboratories Others

Antibody Production Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025) North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany UK Asia Pacific Japan China India Latin America Brazil Mexico MEA South Africa



Read Our Blog: Antibody Production Market Outlook: Analyst Perspective

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.



Contact:

Sherry James

Corporate Sales Specialist, USA

Grand View Research, Inc

Phone: 1-415-349-0058

Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519

Email: sales@grandviewresearch.com



Web: http://www.grandviewresearch.com

SOURCE Grand View Research, Inc.
RIO DE JANEIRO, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Corporate meetings have become an effective way to promote a positive and productive team work environment. Whatever the reason to organize these events, they are very profitable for companies and their executives, especially if the chosen location is a pleasant environment such as that proposed by Barcelo Group in their resort Bavaro beach located in the Dominican Republic.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161124/442827LOGO )

The main reason to organize corporate meetings is to discuss business issues. However, it is very beneficial for the assistants to enjoy the destination in the perfect company of their coworkers.

Events and meetings are highly effective communication tools, both internally and externally. Many studies confirm that these kinds of events encourage interpersonal relationships, improving motivation and work climate. Furthermore, they serve to reward achievements or to recognize professional success, and they help to enhance business and increase sales.

The Latin American region has great potential for the corporate meetings and events industry because of its touristic attractions and infrastructures. In countries such as Dominican Republic they have extensive experience in hosting international events and they are increasing the share, especially in big event celebrations.

In 2016, Barcelo Bavaro Grand Resort Hotel hosted more than 160 meetings, with a total of over 27 thousand participants, and became one of the Barcelo hotels with more events organized in Latin America.

Located at the exotic Bavaro beach, in the Dominican Republic, this great resort is the best option for business meetings and has the largest Convention Center in the country with more than 120,000 square feet divided in 13 multipurpose rooms that can be divided into 24 halls with a capacity of 5,000 people each. This large area is equipped with the most advanced information and audiovisual technology and can be used to organize gala dinners, thematic parties or meetings, among other exclusive services of the hotel.

During May and June, the resort has group discounts and it counts with all the necessary characteristics to motivate any team in a wonderful environment at a very competitive price!

CONTACT: Alfonso Lopez, alopez@3aww.com, +34-626-00-35-71

SOURCE Barcelo hotels
STOCKHOLM, Mar 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

"We are delighted that Catella Nordic Long Short Equity has won this award against tough competition. Our overall aim is to generate excess returns for our unitholders through a clear focus and excellent fundamental knowledge of the Nordic markets. The accolade is proof that we have succeeded in creating added value in the market," says Erik Kjellgren, who heads Catella's Swedish fund operations.

"We are humbled and grateful to receive this award. Our objective for the fund is to generate attractive risk-adjusted absolute returns, regardless of market conditions, through good stock selection and sound risk management. The success of the fund management during the period stems from going long in cyclicals on the basis of our fundamental analysis, which at the time were very attractively valued. We also shorted overpriced quality companies, a positioning that benefitted the performance of the fund as well," say the fund's managers Martin Nilsson and Ola Martensson.

Since 2004, The Hedge Fund Journal has conducted in-depth analysis spanning the entire spectrum of hedge fund strategies. Each year, The Hedge Fund Journal Awards nominate European fund managers that have stood out and have achieved good risk-adjusted absolute returns in a number of categories.

About Catella Nordic Long Short Equity

Catella Nordic Long Short Equity is an alternative absolute return equity fund with a Nordic focus that has the potential to perform in both rising and falling markets. The fund has a lower level of risk than the stock market and should deliver competitive risk-adjusted returns. It is managed by Martin Nilsson and Ola Martensson, who create a relatively concentrated portfolio of held and short positions in the Nordic region. The risk level of the fund is balanced with the help of derivatives.

For more information, please contact:

Erik Kjellgren

Head of Swedish Fund Operations

+46-8-614-25-12, +46-70-314-40-35

erik.kjellgren@catella.se

Press contact:

Ann Charlotte Svensson

Head of Communications

+46-8-463-32-55, +46-72-510-11-61

anncharlotte.svensson@catella.se

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

http://news.cision.com/catella---mutual-funds/r/catella-nordic-long-short-equity-named-best-fund-by-the-hedge-fund-journal,c2226612

The following files are available for download:

http://mb.cision.com/Main/7007/2226612/650156.pdf Press release http://news.cision.com/catella---mutual-funds/i/martin-nilsson-och-ola-martensson-pa-catella-,c2108365 Martin Nilsson och Ola Martensson pa Catella

SOURCE Catella - Mutual Funds
AMSTERDAM, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Recognizing that science benefits from communicating reliable, vetted findings as quickly as possible, Cell Press now offers authors the opportunity to surface their submitted manuscript as soon as it has been evaluated by an editor and sent out for peer review. The service is called "Cell Press Sneak Peek." For authors who elect to participate, manuscripts under consideration by peer reviewers will be uploaded on the authors' behalf to the Sneak Peak group on Mendeley, an academic social network, where it will be freely accessible to all interested readers. To have a look, visit https://www.mendeley.com/sneak-peek/cellpress/

"We hear every day from authors about how happy they are when their manuscript is sent out for review and also how frustrated they are about how long it takes to publish these days. Putting these two together, we have created an opportunity for authors to get recognition for their work being peer reviewed at a Cell Press journal," says Cell Press CEO Emilie Marcus.

"The new 'Sneak Peek' service from Cell Press is a great way for authors to gain visibility and credit for their work well in advance of formal publication," says Seamus Martin, the Smurfit Chair of Medical Genetics at Trinity College Dublin and a member of the Cell Reports editorial board. "Of course, readers will also benefit hugely by being able to read what's in the pipeline at a much earlier stage of the publication process. One thing is for sure, I shall certainly be sneaking a peek!"

"Cell Press Sneak Peek" is part of a series of new services Cell Press is offering researchers. Last year, the publisher premiered "STAR Methods," which promotes guidelines encouraged by reagent labeling and animal experimentation initiatives (http://www.cell.com/star-methods).

Cell Press (@CellPressNews), an imprint of Elsevier, is a leading publisher of scientific research and reviews. We drive science forward and promote cross-pollination of ideas with our passion for excellence and commitment to innovation. Our aim is to engage the scientific community by communicating important, exciting discoveries made today that will impact the future of research. Visit www.cell.com .

Elsevier is a global information analytics company that helps institutions and professionals progress science, advance healthcare and improve performance for the benefit of humanity. Elsevier provides digital solutions and tools in the areas of strategic research management, R&D performance, clinical decision support, and professional education; including ScienceDirect, Scopus, ClinicalKey and Sherpath. Elsevier publishes over 2,500 digitized journals, including The Lancet and Cell, more than 35,000 e-book titles and many iconic reference works, including Gray's Anatomy. Elsevier is part of RELX Group, a world-leading provider of information and analytics to professionals and business customers, in a wide range of industries. www.elsevier.com

Media contact

Joseph Caputo

Press Office, Cell Press

+1-617-397-2802

jcaputo@cell.com

press@cell.com



SOURCE Elsevier
Largest international gathering of Agilists to be held August 7 - 11 in Orlando, Florida

PORTLAND, Oregon, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Agile Alliance today announced the keynote speakers for AGILE2017, the largest annual global gathering of Agile practitioners. The conference is widely considered the premier international event for the advancement of Agile software development. It is dedicated to furthering Agile principles and practices while providing a venue for people and ideas to flourish.

This highly-anticipated event will feature keynotes by David Marquette (bestselling author of Turn the Ship Around ), Jez Humble (Founder and CTO, DevOps Research and Assessment LLC; Lecturer, UC Berkeley) and Denise Jacobs (Founder and CEO, The Creative Dose).

In its sixteenth year, the Agile Alliance global conference is the leading international, noncommercial conference on Agile methods in software development. At the heart of each Agile Conference is connecting and sharing. Attendees gather from around the world, many for consecutive years, to meet with peers and the foremost leaders in the Agile space. The relationships made, support received, and knowledge gained provide an enriching and long-lasting experience that fosters both individual success and the collective advancement of the industry. The conferences are open, engaging events that foster innovative ideas based on real-world Agile implementations.

"I am excited that David, Jez and Denise will be keynoting the most important event of the year for Agile practitioners," said Tricia Broderick, AGILE2017 conference chair. "With over 250 sessions, this conference offers the largest opportunity to learn cutting-edge skills and techniques that can be immediately leveraged for success at work. It is an unparalleled chance to participate in the global advancement of Agile. The staggering number of engaging sessions and conversations will encourage and motivate you to improve the world of software development."

The complete AGILE2017 program will be announced on April 19, 2017.

Group discounts are available.

For more information and to register for the event, please visit the Agile Alliance website.

About Agile Alliance

Agile Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the concepts of Agile software development as outlined in the Agile Manifesto. With nearly 35,000 members and subscribers around the globe, Agile Alliance is driven by the principles of Agile methodologies and the value delivered to developers, business and end users. Agile Alliance organizes and supports events to bring the Agile community together on a global scale.

Media Contact

Pam Hughes

Marketing Chief, Agile Alliance

press@agilealliance.org

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/161703/agile_alliance_logo.jpg

Related Links

http://www.agilealliance.org



SOURCE Agile Alliance
BOSTON, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

IDTechEx Research, a leading provider of independent market research, business intelligence and events on emerging technology, announces the availability of a new report, Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) 2017-2027.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140310/673848 )

Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) employs kites, tethered drones or turbines in balloons to make electricity, accessing more consistent, stronger winds above those reached by wind turbines on land. This new report comes as 50 developers seriously plan for viability partly because of onerous emissions laws driving replacement of diesel gensets, fossil fuel power stations and diesel ships.



Dr Peter Harrop, Chairman of IDTechEx and author of this new report says, "Four developers plan to commercialise their AWE systems in the next four years, others promise sales later. Several will succeed - the market may grow in a similar way to traditional wind turbines."

AWE is disruptive because it could be much less expensive and intrusive than the traditional wind turbine. Indeed, it is capable of much more with its uniquely low capital cost and easy transportability. AWE has moved from a hobbyist curiosity to attracting around $200 million initial investment from giants Google, EON, Shell, Schlumberger, Tata, Softbank and others.

Clearly things are changing and IDTechEx, after two years of interviews, visits and analysis by PhD level, multi-lingual researchers, can now make sense of it all in this new report, including giving profiles of 25 winners and losers. The report appraises what remains between the proponents and commercial success, including attracting the necessary level of next-stage finance and technical assistance.



The report Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) 2017-2027 is intended for CEOs, business planners, marketing VPs, academics, legislators, commentators, investors and others seeking a balanced, easily read, current analysis of this newly credible option. Emphasis is on commercialisation and the future.



Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) 2017-2027 is replete with infographics, tables and graphs clarifying the variety of opportunity and AWE technology. It takes a strictly analytical rather than evangelical approach. The report assesses which proponents will be the most promising investments, providing certain limitations are overcome, and how much funding lies between them and success.

For more see http://www.IDTechEx.com/awe.

IDTechEx provides companies with tools that can assist them in making essential strategic decisions in emerging technologies. IDTechEx offers research reports, subscriptions, consultancy, introductory services and events.

Contact:

Alison Lewis

Marketing Manager, Reports

a.lewis@IDTechEx.com

UK: +44-(0)1223-810290



SOURCE IDTechEx
AURORA, Ontario, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Magna International Inc. (TSX: MG; NYSE: MGA) today announced that its 2016 Annual Report, including Management's Discussion and Analysis and Audited Consolidated Financial Statements, Annual Information Form (AIF) and Form 40-F, are now available on the company's website, http://www.magna.com. Magna has also filed these documents with the Canadian Securities Administrators (accessible through its website at http://www.sedar.com) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (accessible through its website at http://www.sec.gov/edgar).

Magna will provide a hard copy of its audited financial statements as contained in our 2016 Annual Report to Shareholders, free of charge, on request through our website or in writing to Magna International Inc., Attn: Corporate Secretary, 337 Magna Drive, Aurora, ON, Canada L4G 7K1.

OUR BUSINESS [(1)]

We are a leading global automotive supplier with 317 manufacturing operations and 102 product development, engineering and sales centres in 29 countries. We have over 155,000 employees focused on delivering superior value to our customers through innovative products and processes, and world class manufacturing. We have complete vehicle engineering and contract manufacturing expertise, as well as product capabilities which include body, chassis, exterior, seating, powertrain, active driver assistance, vision, closure and roof systems and have electronic and software capabilities across many of these areas. Our common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (MG) and the New York Stock Exchange (MGA). For further information about Magna, visit our website at http://www.magna.com.

_______________________________

[1] Manufacturing operations, product development, engineering and sales centres and employee figures include certain equity-accounted operations.

INVESTOR CONTACT: Louis Tonelli, Vice-President, Investor Relations, louis.tonelli@magna.com  +1-905.726.7035; MEDIA CONTACT: Tracy Fuerst, Director of Corporate Communications & PR, tracy.fuerst@magna.com  +1-248.631.5396

SOURCE Magna International Inc.
MOSCOW, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

MTS has launched #CloudMTS, its cloud service offering for large corporate clients. The combination of MTS' market-leading cloud platform, its own data centers and unrivalled network of backbone and urban channels allow customers to access complex computing and data storage cloud solutions with advanced disaster recovery options. The new services will be available throughout Russia.

In order to provide uninterrupted cloud services, MTS has invested in building a distributed cloud system, unified by its own communication channels. MTS has used VMware technologies for its cloud platform and has re-equipped its data centers in Moscow, Saint-Petersburg and Novosibirsk with the most advanced and secure data storage systems and servers. MTS intends to re-equip data centers in other cities in 2017 and enable the implementation of IaaS-Projects (Infrastructure as a Service), as well as new SaaS (Software as a Service) and PaaS (Platform as a Service) services, such as Big-Data-as-a-Service[1].

"By adopting cloud services, companies can achieve a threefold reduction in their IT infrastructure costs. With such clear economic savings, as well as the flexibility and simplicity of cloud management, we see great demand for our corporate cloud services. Our solutions are not only multi-faceted, with the option to integrate both IT and telecom services, but also guarantee a high level of security and reliability," says Vladimir Khrenkov, Director of the MTS Innovation Center, which is leading the development of #CloudMTS.

Vasyl Latsanych, Vice President for Strategy and Marketing, added: "The launch of #CloudMTS is yet another step in delivering on our digital strategy. MTS is poised to expand well beyond its original mobile service into the tech segments, including Big Data, financial and banking services, internet of things, OTT, systems integration and e-commerce".

MTS previously offered data center services under the colocation model, where companies installed their own equipment in MTS data centers. MTS also offers cloud computing services for small and mid-size businesses.

* * *

Mobile TeleSystems PJSC ("MTS" - NYSE: MBT; MOEX:MTSS) is the leading telecommunications group in Russia and the CIS. We provide wireless Internet access and fixed voice, broadband and pay-TV to over 100 million customers who value high quality of service at a competitive price. Our wireless and fixed-line networks deliver best-in-class speeds and coverage throughout Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Turkmenistan and Belarus. To keep pace with evolving customer demand, we continue to grow through innovative products, investments in our market-leading retail platform, mobile payment services, e-commerce and IT solutions. For more information, please visit: www.mtsgsm.com.

[1] Big-Data-as-a-Service - cloud access to data analytics systems to clients

SOURCE Mobile TeleSystems (MTS)
Delticom, Amazon, and eBay have the strongest overall eRetailer portfolios in Europe, finds Frost & Sullivan's Mobility team

LONDON, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- European automotive aftermarket eRetailers are redrawing the boundaries of aftermarket service through innovative business models involving supplier collaboration, business-to-business expansion, subscription-based engagement, installer network development, service aggregation, technician outreach, and in-vehicle sales. These activities are creating unique value for customers.

"In a fiercely competitive and fragmented market, eRetailers must differentiate themselves by developing and offering new business models that provide unique value and convenience to their customers, such as value chain development, partnering with local garages, loyalty programmes, and building Big Data infrastructures," said Frost & Sullivan Mobility Research Analyst Vasanth Raj.

Competitive Profiling of Automotive Aftermarket eRetailers in Europe, recent research from Frost & Sullivan's Automotive & Transportation Growth Partnership subscription, provides an in-depth analysis of key trends and developments within the European automotive eRetailing aftermarket.

For complimentary access to more information on this analysis and to register for a Growth Strategy Dialogue, a free interactive briefing with Frost & Sullivan's thought leaders please contact Jana Schoeneborn (jana.schoeneborn@frost.com).

eRetail developments and trends encouraging transformation include:

Aggressive online channel expansion by traditional mobility players

Collaboration or mergers and acquisitions between eRetailers, suppliers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)

Online-to-offline (O2O) service networks with independent garages to create an aggregated physical footprint and attract do-it-for-me (DIFM) customers, and compete with service chains and fast fitters

Smart logistics and last-mile delivery options to provide innovative methods of delivery and enhanced customer services, such as delivering to the customer's car trunk and by drones

Delticom, Amazon, and eBay have the strongest overall eRetailer portfolios in Europe. Along with Allegro, eBay and Amazon lead the mass market in terms of the average number of visits and page views. Amazon is constantly innovating last-mile delivery options across all products. Rapid fulfillment is critical to auto parts growth as it will allow the company to be more competitive with traditional aftermarket sellers.

Other Retailers and their strategies include:

Yakarouler is targeting relatively uncontested areas in the eRetail market such as DIFM customer requirements through installer training and physical stores to gain market share.

is targeting relatively uncontested areas in the eRetail market such as DIFM customer requirements through installer training and physical stores to gain market share. MicksGarage is focusing on building a self-developed, robust IT platform for business growth and plans to expand across Europe in the next five years.

is focusing on building a self-developed, robust IT platform for business growth and plans to expand across in the next five years. Allopneus has a strong brand image and network coverage. Its range of tyres and partnership with Michelin are key strengths.

has a strong brand image and network coverage. Its range of tyres and partnership with Michelin are key strengths. Delticom is the highest revenue generator in the pure-play segment. It has positioned itself as a one-stop shop for all tyre requirements with competitive prices across all major European markets.

is the highest revenue generator in the pure-play segment. It has positioned itself as a one-stop shop for all tyre requirements with competitive prices across all major European markets. Oscaro is developing its Big Data capabilities to increase sales and compete with global eRetailers.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Contact us: Start the discussion

Competitive Profiling of Automotive Aftermarket eRetailers in Europe

MCA7-18

Contact:

Jana Schoneborn

Corporate Communications  Europe

P: +49 (0)69 77033 43

E: jana.schoeneborn@frost.com

Twitter: @Frost_Sullivan or @FS_Automotive

Facebook: FrostandSullivan

Linkedin: Future of Mobility  A Frost & Sullivan Forum

http://www.frost.com

Related Links

http://www.frost.com



SOURCE Frost & Sullivan
BELFAST, Northern Ireland, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Belfast is hosting the Routes Europe forum next month (23-25 April) to bring new flights and improved international connections to Northern Ireland.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150730/250177LOGO )



(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/484343/UBM_Routes_Giants_Causeway.jpg )



Routes Europe provides a meeting place for airlines, airports, tourism authorities and government bodies that want to plan new flights and increase existing services. It moves to a new city every year to highlight different aviation markets to Europe's leading airlines.

Increased investment in Northern Ireland and a tourism boom have helped to stimulate the demand for travel. Scheduled air traffic has increased by around 4% a year since 2013 - higher than the wider European region. Belfast International Airport and George Best Belfast City Airport handled 7.8 million passengers last year, and the numbers are forecast to rise during 2017.

Low-cost airlines are responsible for much of the growth. Ryanair's new base at Belfast International Airport has had the biggest impact, introducing flights to Berlin and Milan and a service to London Gatwick that operates four times a day. Thirteen additional routes will be operated during the summer 2017 schedule.

Belfast City Airport's new routes include Eastern Airways' regional UK flights and Icelandair's three-times-a-week service to Reykjavik (starting in June) which will provide easy connections to its network of destinations in the US and Canada.

City of Derry Airport has also secured a new airline to Northern Ireland - bmi regional. The carrier will launch a high-frequency service to London Stansted at the beginning of May.

Northern Ireland is welcoming more visitors every year, creating the scope for further route development. Visits to the country's attractions reached an all-time high of 17.5 million in 2015, with the most popular sites being the Giant's Causeway and Titanic Belfast. The numbers will continue to grow as tourism is developed into an industry that delivers 1 billion to the economy by 2020 (a target of the Northern Ireland Executive).

A greater choice of destinations would better serve local people as well as visitors -1.2 million Northern Ireland residents passed through Dublin Airport in 2015. In addition, as many as one million inbound passengers used Dublin as a gateway to Northern Ireland. New routes from North Ireland's airports would help to meet the demand that already exists in the market.

Mel Chittock, executive director of finance and operations at Invest Northern Ireland said: "Northern Ireland is an up and coming destination with huge aspirations for export, tourism and investment growth."

John McGrillen, chief executive of Tourism NI added: "Hosting Routes Europe will highlight the significant scope which exists for further route development from Northern Ireland and demonstrate why Northern Ireland is a great place to work, live, visit and do business."

Steven Small, brand director of Routes said: "Direct and convenient air access is vital for Northern Ireland's economy and future prosperity. Routes Europe is a brilliant opportunity to show the aviation industry why new services are needed."

Northern Ireland has a range of partners committed to the success of Routes Europe 2017 in Belfast. Stakeholders include the Department for the Economy and its agencies - Invest NI and Tourism NI - as well as Belfast City Council, Visit Belfast, Tourism Ireland, George Best Belfast City Airport, Belfast International Airport, City of Derry Airport and the Belfast Waterfront.

More information about Routes can be found at routesonline.com

Routes Europe 2017, 23-25 April, Belfast Waterfront, Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Notes to Editors:

A press conference will take place at Routes Europe 2017 on the morning of Monday, 24 April. Members of the media are also welcome to attend the event. Please contact Karen Reeves for more information.

Routes events are unique forums dedicated to the development of new air services. They revolve around pre-scheduled meetings, an exhibition and a conference. Four 'regional' route development forums are held between February and June in the Americas, Asia , Europe and Africa , with the flagship World Routes event taking place in September.

Routes events are organised by UBM plc. UBM is the largest B2B event organiser in the world. Our 3,750+ people, based in more than 20 countries, serve more than 50 different sectors. Our deep knowledge and passion for these sectors allow us to create valuable experiences which enable our customers to succeed.

Please visit http://www.ubm.com for the latest news and information about UBM.

Firmly established as one of the world's best conference centres, the newly expanded Belfast Waterfront (Home to Routes Europe 2017 conference) offers contemporary design, stylish interiors and state-of-the-art facilities, with spectacular riverside and city view.

For more information contact:



Karen Reeves

Communications & Content Marketing Manager

Routes, UBM EMEA

T: +44(0)161-234-2721

M: +44(0)796-6405-105

E: Karen.Reeves@ubm.com



Helen Smyth

PR and Media Relations Executive

Invest Northern Ireland

T: +44(0)28-9069-8840

M: +44(0)7817173513

Email: Helen.Smyth@investni.com







SOURCE Routes
OSLO, Norway, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The annual general meeting (AGM) of NextGenTel Holding ASA will be held on 20 April 2017 at 15:00 at the company's premises at Harbitzalleen 2A, Skyen, Oslo. See attachments for complete notice including attendance/proxy forms. A notice for the AGM will be sent to all shareholders and documents related to the AGM, including the annual report for 2016, are also available on the company's website (www.nextgentelholding.no/investor_relations).

IR contact:

Tom Nttveit

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

tom.nottveit@nextgentel.com

(+47) 4153 9714

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

http://news.cision.com/nextgentel-holding-asa/r/notice-of-annual-general-meeting,c2227038

The following files are available for download:

http://mb.cision.com/Public/1081/2227038/acdcfe7a2462c894.pdf Notice for annual general meeting 2017

Related Links

http://www.nextgentelholding.no/investor_relations



SOURCE NextGenTel Holding ASA
LE HAVRE, France, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Olivier Savin has been appointed as Safran Nacelles' Vice President - Customer Support & Services, heading the company's global network for airlines and aircraft operators utilizing its product line of Safran jet engine nacelles. He replaces Philippe Couteaux, who has assumed new responsibilities elsewhere in the Safran group.

Savin has been a member of the Safran group since 1992, holding multiple management assignments for engine programs at CFM International*, as well as several other Group subsidiaries in the areas of maintenance, repair, spares and after-sales service.

He started his career in the Group at Safran Landing Systems, where he most notably was Marketing Director for MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) services, as well as the head for joint ventures and subsidiaries in 1997.

Savin became General Manager of Safran Aircraft Engines Services Morocco in 1998, and was named General Manager of Safran Aircraft Engines Services' Chatellerault, France plant in 2002.

From 2008 to 2011, Savin was in charge of CFM56 and LEAP programs as Executive Vice President at CFM International.

Prior to joining Safran Nacelles, he was the Executive Vice President for Strategic Development and Research & Technology at Safran Landing Systems from 2012 to 2015, and then as Executive Vice President for the EGTS International joint venture created by Safran and Honeywell.

"Olivier Savin's hands-on expertise provides him the understanding and visibility for what customers require in support and services, especially with today's rapid growth of the worldwide operator base flying with our nacelles," said Safran Nacelles CEO Jean-Paul Alary.

Safran is a leading international high-technology group with three core businesses: Aerospace (propulsion and equipment), Defence and Security. Operating worldwide, the Group has 70,000 employees and generated sales of 17.4 billion euros in 2015. Safran is listed on Euronext Paris and is part of the CAC40 index, as well as the Euro Stoxx 50 European index.



Safran Nacelles is the world's second leading supplier of aircraft engine nacelles, with more than 17,000 in service, logging over 100,000 flight-hours per day. It supplies nacelles and components for all segments of the aviation market, from business and regional jets to mainline commercial jets.



For more information: http://www.safran-group.com and www.safran-nacelles.com / Follow @Safran and @SafranNacelles on Twitter



* CFM, CFM56 and the CFM logo are trademarks of CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between GE and Safran Aircraft Engines.

SOURCE Safran Nacelles
LONDON, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Key results for investors since IPO:

Fertilizer production capacity growth of over 50%;

PhosAgro GDRs included in MSCI Russia and other indexes;

Lowest cash cost of production for phosphate-based fertilizers worldwide (since the IPO, direct cash cost per tonne of DAP has declined 1.8 times);

PhosAgro's free float has increased from 10.7% to over 25%;

EBITDA margin of approximately 40%, which remains an unreachable goal for most of the largest and integrated phosphate-based fertilizer producers;

Increased market capitalisation.

Plans for next five years:

Expand production capacities by 20% to 8.7 million tonnes by 2020, following the launch of new ammonia and urea production facilities in 2017;

Further development of mining and beneficiation operations at Apatit;

Modernise sulphuric and phosphoric acid production capacities by 2018;

Construct new ammonium sulphate capacity;

Further improve the sales and marketing system, including developing the brand and entering new markets;

Increase fertilizer grade assortment from current 33 to 40-50 by 2020.

PhosAgro (Moscow Exchange, LSE: PHOR), one of the world's leading vertically integrated phosphate-based fertilizer producers, today held its Capital Markets Day in London, where the Company's achievements since its IPO in 2011 and plans to 2020 were discussed.

PhosAgro CEO Andrey Guryev said: "Since our IPO in 2011, we believe we have created significant value for our shareholders thanks to our strategy of organic growth by construction of new and modernisation of existing production capacities, as well as optimisation and increasing the efficiency of business processes.

"Our production capacity during this period increased by 50% to 7.4 million tonnes of fertilizers and feed phosphates. This includes 37% growth in phosphate-based fertilizers on the back of relatively small capital expenditure of just USD 95 million, or around USD 59 per tonne of additional capacity. This represents 5%-10% annual growth in fertilizer production, while remaining the lowest cash cost producer of phosphate-based fertilizers in the sector.

"While increasing production capacities, we have strictly adhered to workplace health and safety, as well as environmental protection requirements, using the newest technologies available to decrease our impact on the environment. In addition, UNESCO chose us as a partner for implementation of initiatives in the area of green chemistry.

"Looking beyond our investment programme and fulfilling the promises we made to investors during the IPO, we remain a socially responsible company that commits significant resources to social and charity programmes in the regions where we operate, with a focus on long-term sustainability. We invest in preparing highly-qualified engineering staff capable of working at our high-tech production lines, and we develop programmes to retain highly-qualified, results-oriented employees. Another area of focus has been introduction of best practices in corporate governance and transparency, increasing the liquidity of our GDRs and shares, and improving the Company's reputation among investors. PhosAgro's free float has increased to 25% since the IPO, and its GDRs were included in the MSCI Russia and other indexes.

"We see increasing interest in the Company among the investment community, which is the best rating of the work of management and the Board of Directors.

"We do not plan to rest on our laurels, and will continue to implement our strategy: this year the company will complete the biggest investment programme in its history, with the launch of ammonia production (annual capacity of 760 thousand tonnes) and granulated urea (annual capacity of 500 thousand tonnes) at PhosAgro-Cherepovets. Completion of these two large-scale investment projects in 2017 is expected to enable PhosAgro to increase its production capacity by another 20% by 2020, up to 8.7 million tonnes, which will help us to expand our presence on key markets and to strengthen our leading position in the global phosphate-based fertilizer sector. At the same time, our domestic market, which holds significant potential for growth even after PhosAgro increased sales twofold to 2.1 million tonnes in recent years, remains a key priority."

Notes to Editors

PhosAgro is one of the leading global vertically integrated phosphate-based fertilizer producers. The Company focuses on the production of phosphate-based fertilizers, feed phosphate and high-grade phosphate rock (P 2 O 5 content of not less than 39%).

The Company is the largest phosphate-based fertilizer producer in Europe, the largest producer of high-grade phosphate rock worldwide and the third largest MAP/DAP producer in the world (excluding China), according to Freetown. PhosAgro is also one of the leading producers of feed phosphates (MCP) in Europe, and the only producer in Russia. It is Russia's only producer of nepheline concentrate.

PhosAgro's main products include phosphate rock, 33 grades of fertilizers, feed phosphates, ammonia, and sodium tripolyphosphate, which are used by customers in 100 countries spanning all of the world's inhabited continents. The Company's priority markets outside of Russia and the CIS are Latin America, Europe and Asia.

PhosAgro's shares are traded on the Moscow Exchange, and global depositary receipts ("GDRs") for shares trade on the London Stock Exchange (under the ticker PHOR). Since 1 June 2016, the Company's GDRs have been included in the MSCI Russia and MSCI Emerging Markets indexes.

SOURCE PhosAgro
HONG KONG, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The research team of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed a system for three-dimensional (3D) fingerprint identification by adopting ground breaking 3D fingerprint minutiae recovery and matching technology, pushing contactless biometric technology into a new realm of speed and accuracy for use in identification, crime investigation, immigration control, security of access and forensic applications at an affordable cost.

(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/484546/PolyU_Dr_Ajay_Kumar.jpg )



Automated contact-based 2D fingerprinting identification is commonly used by law enforcement agencies to identify people. However, contact-based acquisition of biometric scans by rolling or pressing fingers against a hard surface such as glass, silicon or polymer often results in partial or degraded images due to skin deformations, slippages or smearing. This produces images that are not fully useful for the identification. Non-contact fingerprint systems, on the other hand, avoid direct contact between the imaging sensor and the elastic surface of the skin, and can thus reduce inaccuracies due to problems associated with contact-based systems. Although there are emerging contactless 3D systems, they tend to be very expensive and bulky due to their use of multiple cameras or structured lighting systems.

The research team led by Dr Ajay Kumar, Associate Professor of Department of Computing overcomes the limitations of contact-based 2D biometric scans and maximises the advantages from the contactless 3D systems.[1]

The minutiae features from the fingerprint ridges - such as ridge ending and bifurcation are universally considered to be the most reliable of fingerprint details, ensuring that each fingerprint is unique. About 40-45 minutiae points can be recovered from a fingerprint on an average. The more minutiae points are matched, higher is the confidence and reliability in the matching.

All fingerprinting systems commercially available today still recover the minutiae details in 2D form, i.e. by locating the minutiae position and minutiae orientation in 2D spaces. In Dr Kumar's research, 3D fingerprints are represented by minutiae height and minutiae orientation (i.e. gradient of minutiae ridges) in 3D spaces on top of the representations in 2D spaces named above. This means our 3D system can more uniquely represent fingerprints with the extra information given by describing two more measurements.

To achieve 3D fingerprint minutiae recovery and matching, firstly the team has shifted away from the standard use of multiple cameras in 3D fingerprint identification system to the innovative use of a single, low-cost digital camera coupled with a few LED light sources controlled by a computer. This allows researchers to efficiently acquire high-frequency information in 3D fingerprints using advanced proprietary 3D fingerprint template generation algorithms to recover 3D minutiae features. With such 3D minutiae details recovered, for the first time in the world, PolyU research team has been able to accurately and reliably match 3D fingerprints using its matching algorithms.

The compact size, high accuracy of around 97%, reduced cost of up to $780, the faster processing time of approximately 2 seconds, and reduced amount of equipment needed render the system better than the currently used commercial 3D counterparts. The contactless system is also more hygienic than contact-based 2D systems, an added advantage in a world increasingly concerned about the inadvertent spread of disease. Given its ultimate practicality, the system is ripe for commercialization with several US patents granted on its ground breaking technologies.

Media Contact:

Dr Ajay Kumar

Associate Professor

Department of Computing

Telephone: +852-2766-7254

Email: csajaykr@polyu.edu.hk



[1] This research is funded by the Research Fund Council with a General Research Fund grant of $500,000. (Project no: PolyU 5169/13E)

SOURCE The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
BASINGSTOKE, England, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SCHAEFER GmbH, a global leader providing premium quality elevator components, is pleased with the 5700% faster performance delivered by its next generation IT infrastructure comprising Infortrend storage systems and Intel server boards. The SCHAEFER team is now able to process 20% more orders, with 85% less power consumption and 70% smaller system footprint demands.

The outdated IT infrastructure was too complicated and costly to manage and sometimes made the SCHAEFER staff wait up to 30 minutes to proceed from one step to the next. To resolve these inefficiencies and migrate to Microsoft Hyper-V virtualization, SCHAEFER conducted extensive surveys and careful evaluations and selected Infortrend storage systems with SSDs for their excellent performance, simple management, and high availability.

To their full satisfaction, SCHAEFER's new IT system was up and running in just two weeks, including the system deployment and configuration, data migration, and transition from VMware to Hyper-V 2016. Now, SCHAEFER's primary storage, an Infortrend all-flash system (EonStor DS 4024B with Intel SSDs), provides 13,000MB/s throughput performance for their critical applications, while the backup system, Infortrend EonStor DS 3048, supports high capacity storage with 48 bays for HDDs.

"As a technology leader, we consciously selected an IT frontrunner. That's extremely important for us as our subsidiaries and offices, for example in Asia and North America, work in different time zones," said Michael Gubisch, CEO, SCHAEFER. "As IT forms the heart of our company, SCHAEFER can now work with greater speed, precision and efficiency. The new IT system also reduces our maintenance and operating costs without compromising our data security," added Joachim Pfeifer, Project Lead, SCHAEFER.

"We opted for the installed Intel components and Infortrend storage systems because they enable us to offer our customers the latest server storage technology in a budget-optimized manner," said Alexander Fuchs at Next Generation Solutions, SCHAEFER's external partner supporting their IT related matters.

Teddy Lin, General Manager of Infortrend Europe commented, "Infortrend is happy to play an important part in SCHAEFER's success and will strive to work with Intel or any other vendors to keep perfecting our solutions for customers."

For more details about this success story, click here or watch the testimony video here.

About SCHAEFER GmbH

Founded in 1964, SCHAEFER GmbH is a global player and a leader with several decades of history in producing components for the lift industry. SCHAEFER is able to provide one-of-a-kind products to customers worldwide thanks to its own in-house research and development, technical and design activities that demand nothing but the highest quality in every detail of the process. For more information, please visit http://www.ws-schaefer.de

About Infortrend

Infortrend (TWSE: 2495) has been developing and manufacturing storage solutions since 1993. With a strong emphasis on in-house design, testing, and manufacturing, Infortrend storage delivers performance and scalability with the latest standards, user friendly data services, personal after-sales support, and unrivaled value. For more information, please visit www.infortrend.com

Infortrend and EonStor are trademarks or registered trademarks of Infortrend Technology, Inc., other trademarks property of their respective owners.

Infortrend Europe Ltd.

Agnieszka Wesolowska

Tel:+44-1256-305-220

E-mail: marketing.eu@infortrend.com

Related Links

http://www.infortrend.com



SOURCE Infortrend Technology, Inc.
Workforce Solutions for an Uncertain Time

MOUNTAIN VIEW, California and LONDON, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) has announced the full program for the 2017 Contingent Workforce Strategies (CWS) Summit Europe: Workforce Solutions for an Uncertain Time, taking place this April in Berlin.

Now in its eighth year, the annual CWS Summit Europe is the premier conference for HR and Procurement professionals from Europe's largest organizations. This year's event brings current global developments, along with the rapid changes impacting the world of work and the talent landscape, into sharp focus in an exploration of the risks and opportunities at hand.

SIA's Bryan Pena, SVP Contingent Workforce Strategies, goes in depth into the climate of uncertainty in an introductory keynote that addresses Success in Trying Times: Five Workforce Strategies to Make a Difference as he shares how to align contingent workforce program activities for success along the path ahead.

Keynote panelists Yanis Varoufakis, Former Greek Minister of Finance, and Jens Spahn, Parlimentary Secretary at the Ministry of Finance and member of the CDU/CSU Party in Germany, debate Workforce Flexibility and the Future of European Union as they speak to the tremendous societal and business shifts at play and how they stand to shape the direction of European labor markets going forward.

The conference will also feature tracked sessions around the themes of:

Leading by Example

Preparing for Change

Evolving and Innovative

Research Focus

These sessions provide an intensive look at contingent workforce solutions from focused perspectives, and will cover topics and areas such as MSP/VMS implementation, pricing strategies, Total Talent Management, compliance, RPO and latest SIA research findings. The program also features a collaborative Think Tank, facilitated Roundtable discussions and dedicated networking sessions as delegates are invited to connect in interactive dialogue and informal conversation.

"Businesses today are operating in an environment that is more complex and more competitive than ever," said Barry Asin, President of SIA. "I am especially excited to welcome important perspectives, expert voices and thought leaders to the 2017 CWS Summit in Berlin. As companies seek to understand and navigate the evolving world of contingent work, they face an array of global influences, economic trends, recent political upheavals and technological advances. This year's conference aims to present insights that are directly relevant and crucial to strengthening strategic vision around contingent work and workforce solutions."

CWS Summit Europe: Workforce Solutions for an Uncertain Time will be held 26-27 April at Andel's by Vienna House Berlin, Germany. CCWP (Certified Contingent Workforce Professional) training will be held onsite preceding the conference, 24-25 April. For more information and registration, please visit www.cwssummitwe.eu

About Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA)

SIA is the Global Advisor on Staffing and Workforce Solutions

Founded in 1989, SIA is the global advisor on staffing and workforce solutions. Our proprietary research covers all categories of employed and non-employed work including temporary staffing, independent contracting and other types of contingent labor. As a division of the international business media company, Crain Communications Inc., SIA is headquartered in Mountain View, California, with offices in London, England. Read more about SIA here.

Media Contact

Jennifer Arcuni, Communications Director, Staffing Industry Analysts

jarcuni@staffingindustry.com | +1 650-390-6171 | www.staffingindustry.com

Related Links

http://www.staffingindustry.com



SOURCE Staffing Industry Analysts
Samsung's new Galaxy phones are the company's most innovative and bold yet, with extra-large upgraded screens and curved edges. Speck's best-selling cases, Presidio GRIP and Presidio CLEAR , are ready to protect these new cutting-edge devices. Presidio GRIP's raised rubber ridges offer a secure hold while watching videos, taking photos or gaming on the new large, curved screens, while the Presidio CLEAR options let the device shine through with brilliant clarity.

Speck's Presidio line is made with IMPACTIUM, a dynamic material that absorbs and disperses shock on impact. Presidio and Presidio GRIP feature the IMPACTIUM Shock Barrier, a band of ridges that lines the inside perimeter of the case, co-molded with the polycarbonate shell. When dropped, the ridges compress on impact to absorb and disperse shock. Presidio and Presidio GRIP offer 10-foot drop protection, and Presidio CLEAR, Presidio CLEAR + GLITTER and Presidio CLEAR + PRINT offer 8-foot drop protection.

Speck's Presidio cases are also slimmer than ever, offering the perfect balance of protection and style in one sleek package:

Presidio ( 19.95 GBP / 24.95 GBP ) - Superior slim protection with IMPACTIUM Shock Barrier

/ ) - Superior slim protection with IMPACTIUM Shock Barrier Presidio GRIP ( 19.95 GBP / 24.95 GBP )  Raised ridges provides a no-slip grip no matter how you hold the phone

/ )  Raised ridges provides a no-slip grip no matter how you hold the phone Presidio CLEAR ( 19.95 GBP / 24.95 GBP ) - #1 best-selling clear case* in the US

/ ) - #1 best-selling clear case* in the US Presidio CLEAR + GLITTER ( 24.95 GBP / 29.95 GBP )  Glitter crystals dazzles and won't flake off

/ )  Glitter crystals dazzles and won't flake off Presidio CLEAR + PRINT ( 24.95 GBP / 29.95 GBP )  Eye-catching embedded designs won't fade or scratch

ShieldView Glass, Speck's tempered glass screen protector, is also available for Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+. Engineered to perfectly fit these new devices, ShieldView Glass features a custom design that matches the phone's curved screen for precise edge-to-edge protection. ShieldView Glass provides superior protection against damage without interfering with the screen's sensitivity. A glossy finish resists fingerprints, dirt and smudges, keeping the screen looking clear. Paired with a Speck Presidio case, ShieldView Glass provides all-around protection.

All of Speck's cases for the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ are available today on speckproducts.co.uk . ShieldView Glass will be available for Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ on speckproducts.com in the next few weeks.

About Speck

Speck creates award-winning cases designed to make an impactand take one. Since 2001, they have been making distinctive products for the world's top smartphones, tablets, laptops, and watches. Speck delivers a balance of artful design and drop-tested protection. Their roots are in the heart of Silicon Valley, at the intersection of design and technology, inspiring them to craft masterfully-engineered products. Speck believes that excellence is in the details, so their cases go beyond superior protection with beautiful design, sleek lines, and purposeful features. They create cases with the purpose of bridging the gap between people and technology. Get to know Speck at speckproducts.co.uk .

*Source: The NPD Group / Retail Tracking Service / Cellphone Device Protection / September-December 2016 Total Sales / Based on Units and Dollars

Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/483978/Speck_UK_Samsung_Cases.jpg

Logo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/178443/speck_logo.jpg

Related Links

http://www.speckproducts.co.uk



SOURCE Speck Products
AC18, as the major role of this exhibition, is a dual-band router, which, in addition to its very good performance, features a distinctive, futuristic aircraft casing. Under its stunning exterior, AC18 is integrated with all 11AC series supported characters like supporting the latest 802.11ac protocol, the advanced technology like Beamforming+ and is compatible with 11a/b/g/n standard. On account of which, 11AC series shows a great progress in transmission rate and signal quality. As for the switches, which are capable of transmitting data as well as electricity in 250-meter cable, they are equipped with lightning proof and fast port speed. These are the key factors that clients will put much emphasis on, especially for security projects.

During the five days of exhibition, Tenda attracted lots of attentions like partners who have been working with Tenda for several years, consumers who have already used our products and though it may be the first time for some to hear about Tenda, they never ceased showing their interests of cooperation as well as the products, especially after they experienced the streaming and fast Wi-Fi set in the booth.

"This year at CeBIT, Tenda is looking forward to seeking more partners and promoting Tenda to every corner of Europe. CeBIT will be the stepping-stone to our success in Europe," said Tenda's senior executive for European market. "It is our vision to provide high-speed, safe, convenient and high-quality networking products and solutions for everyone who need WI-FI. We have every reason to believe that Tenda is going to shine not only in CeBIT but also in the whole European regions. Let's just wait for its blooming in Europe."

For more information contact: marketing@tenda.cn.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/484303/Tenda.jpg

SOURCE Shenzhen Tenda Technology Co., Ltd.
ITASCA, Ill., March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Mobile Mark, Inc. is pleased to announce an agreement in principle to acquire Comtelco Industries.

Comtelco manufactures a wide range of Land Mobile Radio (LMR) antennas for both mobile and site installations. Antenna styles include omni-directional base station antennas, directional Yagi and Folded Dipole Antennas, and in-building Panel and Ceiling mount antennas, as well as Cellular, ISM, UHF, VHF, and Low Band Mobile Antennas. Their antenna products are widely valued for their efficient performance and rugged construction.

Michael Berry, President & CEO of Mobile Mark, explained, "This is part of Mobile Mark's commitment to providing high quality antenna solutions for commercial wireless applications. We are pleased to welcome Comtelco into the Mobile Mark family of antennas. Their antennas embody reliability and high performance and complement the current Mobile Mark antenna line. We respect and value Comtelco's strong ties in the wireless industry and believe that together we are stronger."

Bob Scorza, President of Comtelco, added, "Customers satisfaction has been our highest goal and we believe that Mobile Mark will continue to bring value to our customers by investing in research and development. We know how they operate their business and we know their commitment to the industry. We have every confidence that they will continue to provide the highest quality products, offering the best performance and reliability, at a reasonable price."

Both Bob and his wife, Kathie, co-owner of Whisco, are pleased with the move, "We are deeply committed to both our customers and our employees and see the partnership with Mobile Mark as a way to honor both commitments. Mobile Mark's facilities are located only a few miles from our facilities. We will be working closely with Mobile Mark and our employees to ensure a successful transition and ongoing relationship with our customers."

The antenna manufacturing will be moved from Comtelco's Glendale Heights, IL location to Mobile Mark's Itasca, IL location allowing the "Made-in-the-USA" badge to continue with Mobile Mark.

The acquisition takes effect in June 2017. Contact Mobile Mark directly for details on product availability.

About Mobile Mark

Mobile Mark, Inc. designs and manufactures site, mobile and device antennas for 600 MHz  9 GHz. Applications include GPS Tracking & Fleet Management, Cellular 3G & 4G LTE, WiFi, RFID, Public Safety, Military and Machine-to-Machine (M2M). Engineering and custom design services available. Mobile Mark's global headquarters, which include research facilities and manufacturing plant, are located near Chicago, IL. An additional manufacturing and sales facility is located near Birmingham, UK. For further information visit our website: www.mobilemark.com.

About Comtelco

Comtelco was created as a division of Whisco Component Engineering, Inc. to distribute products that were designed by the parent company. This company eventually evolved into Comtelco Industries, a wholly-owned subsidiary that sells products, throughout the world, that are manufactured in our plant in Glendale Heights, Illinois. For further information visit our website: www.comtelcoantennas.com.

SOURCE Mobile Mark, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.mobilemark.com


ATLANTA, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- FotoIN Mobile Corporation (FotoIN) today announced that AECOM Tishman, one of the world's leading builders, is utilizing FotoIN's best-in-class business photo documentation solution to streamline and automate photo documentation. FotoIN saves users 75-percent of the time typically spent handling photos generated by project teams.

The FotoIN system provides the following benefits to users and project managers:

AECOM Tishman uses FotoIN to easily capture photos and information in the field and FotoIN automates the filing and organizing of photos to Oracle Primavera Unifier.

Easy to capture photos with automated project assignation, naming, data capture, photo filing and organization in Oracle's Primavera Unifier

Easy to establish and manage geo-fences for project identification and geo-mapping

Full configurability, including building own tags, report templates, and project permissions

Central and shareable photo documentation management with FotoIN's web admin console

AECOM Tishman is currently employing the system on several of its project sites, including a large reconstruction and restoration project with over 1,000 subprojects.

"With FotoIN, our field crew and supervisors save a lot of time and avoid filing errors by utilizing the automated and streamlined process," said Tom Walsh, assistant project manager, AECOM Tishman. "FotoIN makes it easy to comply with the project's photo documentation requirements, including ease of use in the field and direct automation to Oracle Primavera Unifier. We also appreciate FotoIN's excellent technical support team."

"FotoIN is designed as fully configurable and open, with our customers' needs at the forefront, including the ability to handle an unlimited number of photos and users, any project size and any level of complexity. We have built a powerful system that shines brighter on big and multifaceted projects, and for large organizations in the Construction, Restoration and Engineering industry, where this problem grows exponentially with size, just like for AECOM Tishman," said Sly Barisic, founder and Chief Executive Officer of FotoIN.

To learn more about how AECOM Tishman is currently using FotoIN, please access the case study by clicking here.

About FotoIN Mobile Corporation

FotoIN Mobile Corporation (FotoIN), the leading provider of business photo documentation solutions, provides customers with an end-to-end, best-in-class field photo documentation and reporting technology that is easy, actionable and open. Field users just snap and tag photos and reports, and FotoIN takes care of the rest, including automated filing to customers' existing storage directly from the field and integration with the CRM solution. FotoIN delivers significant cost savings through reduced dispute resolution costs, and increased productivity and efficiency across the organization in field heavy industries including Restoration, Construction, Engineering and Property Management. Used by AECOM Tishman, ATI Restoration and Regency Centers FotoIN has been recognized for its innovative solution by the Technology Association of Georgia. The mobile app is available for download in Apple's App Store and on Google Play.

For more information visit www.fotoin.com.

About AECOM Tishman

AECOM Tishman is one of the world's leading builders, responsible for managing construction of high-profile projects such as the 1,776-foot-high One World Trade Center in New York City, the new Oceanwide Center in San Francisco and the Metropolis mega development in Downtown Los Angeles. AECOM Tishman has built more than 600 million square feet  from luxury residential buildings to complex mixed-use mega-developments, first-class hotels, top-rated hospitals, and the world's most revered tall buildings, the AECOM Tishman legacy is one that is even stronger today as it continues to construct buildings that define city skylines and local neighborhoods.

More information on AECOM Tishman can be found at www.aecomtishman.com.

Media Contact:

Danielle Barisic

Phone: 678.329.8090

Email: [email protected]

Related Images

image1.jpg

image2.png

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com

SOURCE FotoIN Mobile Corporation
SAN DIEGO, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- AEM, Inc., announces that its FM12 line of solid body fuses have been selected by the European Space Components Coordination (ESCC) body for inclusion in the European Preferred Parts List (EPPL). The FM12 Series fuses, also included on the Defense Logistics Agency Qualified Products List (QPL), are intended for use in a wide variety of aerospace applications that require the highest level of reliability.

AEM's high-reliability FM12 solid body fuses feature a precision thick-film fusible element with a glass arc suppressing system that ensures that arc, plasma and vapor are contained within the fuse package during overload-current conditions. The positive temperature coefficient of the fuse element causes an increase in resistance (prior to opening), thereby preventing an absolute short circuit to the power source. The devices are rated for operation between -55 and +125 degrees Celsius. No current or voltage derating is required during vacuum operation.

"We are delighted to learn that our FM12 fuses are now included in the EPPL," said AEM's Marketing Director, Scott Sentz. "With over 30 years in orbit with zero reported failures, AEM fuses have long been recognized and utilized by every major producer of satellites and spacecraft hardware. And now we are also recognized by the European Space Agency as a qualified parts provider." Sentz added, "AEM has a proven commitment for supplying the highest quality components while meeting expectations for service and delivery."

AEM's MIL-STD-790 and AS9100 certified facility in San Diego, Calif., will continue to provide unique component solutions to meet mission critical program needs.

About AEM, Inc.

AEM, Inc. is a high reliability component solutions provider that continues to set the standard for quality, value and performance. AEM provides solutions and services to aerospace, defense, medical and other "Hi-Rel" industries that require the highest quality level for circuit protection, EMI signal filtering, as well as Sn/Pb and Au conversion applications of various niche passive and active electronic components. For more information, please go to www.aem-usa.com.

SOURCE AEM, Inc.
RIGA, Latvia, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- An AJC leadership delegation met with Latvian Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis and other leaders during a two-day trip to the Baltic nation's capital.



This latest AJC visit to Latvia came immediately after AJC Central Europe, the global advocacy organization's newest office in Europe, was launched at a gala evening in Warsaw, which was attended by over 500 government officials, senior diplomats, media representatives, and AJC leaders from across the U.S. and Europe.



Latvia is one of the seven countries in the region that AJC Central Europe is engaging. The others, in addition to Poland, are the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, and Slovakia. AJC delegations are visiting those countries as well, after a series of high-level meetings in Poland, where the office is based and led by Acting Director Agnieszka Markiewicz.



"AJC Central Europe enables us to deepen our engagement, at a critical moment in world affairs, with Latvia and other countries in the region," said AJC CEO David Harris, who led the 30-member AJC delegation. "This vital area is important to the Jewish people, as it is, of course, to the United States and Israel. Indeed, the Prime Minister said that 'Latvia's relations with Israel are excellent, if not exceptional.'"



"To a large degree, the Latvians and the Jewish people should understand each other instinctively," Harris added. "We have the same sense of vulnerability and the same enduring pride in our durability. When others discouraged it, AJC supported the rebirth of Baltic independence and accession to NATO. It was our expression of friendship and trust. Just think what the fate of the three Baltic states would be today were it not for their membership in NATO."

During the visit to Riga, in addition to meeting with Prime Minister Kucinskis, the AJC delegation met with Speaker of the Latvian Parliament Inara Murniece; Defense Minister Raimonds Bergmanis; State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Andrejs Pildegovics; and Israeli Ambassador Lironne Bar-Sadeh.

Moreover, the group was hosted by U.S. Ambassador Nancy Pettit at her residence for a briefing and luncheon.

The delegation was joined throughout the visit by top leaders of the Council of Jewish Communities of Latvia, with which AJC has maintained a longstanding and very fruitful association agreement.

Further, David Harris was hosted by the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address diplomats, faculty, and students at the University of Latvia. Valdis Zatlers, the former President of Latvia, introduced Harris, calling him a "longtime friend."

During the visit, among the principal topics discussed were: (a) Latvian-U.S. relations in the new political era; (b) Latvian-Israeli relations; (c) restitution of Jewish religious and communal properties from the wartime era; (d) developments in the European Union, including the United Kingdom's action on March 29th to begin the process of leaving the EU; and (e) threats to national and regional security from the east, which are absolutely foremost on Latvia's mind.



AJC engages with Latvian diplomats across the U.S. and Europe, and the global Jewish advocacy organization meets with senior Latvian officials each year on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The last AJC visit to Riga was in January 2016.



In August 1991, AJC became the only major Jewish organization in the world to call for American recognition of the reestablishment of independence for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Two weeks later, President George H.W. Bush took that historic step.



Moreover, again uniquely in the Jewish world, AJC later helped in the effort to expand NATO membership to include the three Baltic nations, and welcomed the full integration of the three countries into the EU in the same year, 2004.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee

Related Links

http://www.ajc.org


BRATISLAVA, Slovakia, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- An AJC leadership delegation met with the President of the Slovak National Council (Parliament), Andrej Danko, and State Secretary for Foreign and European Affairs Ivan Korcok during a two-day visit to the Central European nation's capital.

This latest AJC visit to Slovakia came immediately after AJC Central Europe, the global advocacy organization's newest office in Europe, was launched at a gala in Warsaw. The 34-member delegation's visit coincided with a four-day visit to Israel by Slovak President Andrej Kiska, accompanied by Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak and other officials.

Slovakia is one of the seven countries in the region that AJC Central Europe is engaging. The others, in addition to Poland, are the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, and Lithuania. AJC delegations visited those countries, too, after a series of meetings in Poland, where the office is based, prior to and the morning after the gala.

"AJC Central Europe enables us to deepen our engagement with Slovakia and other significant countries in the region," said AJC President John Shapiro, who led the delegation. The government of Slovakia has expressed enthusiastic support for AJC Central Europe.

In addition to discussions in the Foreign Ministry and at the Parliament, with President Danko and National Council vice presidents representing members of the governing coalition, the delegation met with leaders of the country's Jewish community and were hosted at a reception by U.S. Ambassador Adam Sterling.

Among principal topics discussed were the roles and specific concerns of the four Central European "Visegrad" countries within the European Union, the strategic vulnerabilities of Slovakia and its neighbors and NATO's responsibilities to defend against external threats, and the local and regional political appeal of extreme nationalism. Officials expressed support for the well-being of the Jewish community and strong interest in deepening ties with Israel.

AJC engages with Slovak diplomats across the U.S. and Europe, and the global Jewish advocacy organization meets with senior Slovak officials each year on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

Rabbi Andrew Baker, AJC Director of International Jewish Affairs, who accompanied the delegation, was involved in early negotiations with the Slovak government on compensation for former Jewish communal property, participated in NATO aspirant summits in Bratislava and neighboring countries, and visited last in 2012 at the invitation of Prime Minister Robert Fico.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee

Related Links

http://www.ajc.org


VANCOUVER, March 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Alexco Resource Corp. (NYSEMKT:AXU, TSX:AXR) ("Alexco" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce the amendment of the silver purchase agreement (the "Amended SPA") with Silver Wheaton Corp. ("Silver Wheaton"). In addition, Alexco announces the release of an independent technical report dated March 29, 2017 with an effective date of January 3, 2017 entitled "Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Keno Hill Silver District Project, Yukon, Canada" (the "PEA"). Note that all dollar amounts referenced herein are in Canadian ("Cdn") dollars unless indicated otherwise.

Highlights of the Amended SPA:

The per ounce production payment on streamed silver changes from US$3.90 per ounce ("/oz") of silver delivered to Silver Wheaton to a percentage of the spot silver price that increases with lower mill silver head grades and lower silver prices, and decreases with higher mill silver head grades and higher silver prices.





per ounce ("/oz") of silver delivered to Silver Wheaton to a percentage of the spot silver price that increases with lower mill silver head grades and lower silver prices, and decreases with higher mill silver head grades and higher silver prices. The increased production payments in lower silver price and/or lower silver grade environments increases the flexibility of Alexco to process lower grade ore and sustain mining operations during periods of lower silver prices and does so without limiting the upside opportunity of either Alexco or Silver Wheaton in higher price and grade environments.





The variable production payment will increase overall mining efficiency of the typically high grade silver deposits in the Keno Hill Silver District ("KHSD") while also accommodating lower grade deposits or discoveries which might otherwise be uneconomic.





As consideration, Alexco has agreed, subject to TSX and NYSE-MKT approval, to issue Silver Wheaton three million ("M") common shares of Alexco.

Alexco President and CEO, Clynton Nauman, commented, "The Amended SPA is an exceptional outcome for Alexco. Most importantly, it places the Keno Hill Silver District clearly on a path toward redevelopment and ultimately a production decision. Furthermore, we appreciate the endorsement of Silver Wheaton through its strategic shareholding in Alexco, an endorsement which we believe reflects confidence in a future of sustained silver production at Keno Hill as well as recognition of the proven exploration upside and highly prospective nature of the district."

"We have long felt that Keno Hill is one of the most prospective silver districts in the world, and the success Alexco has had with Flame & Moth and, more recently, Bermingham confirms our view," said Randy Smallwood, President and Chief Executive Officer of Silver Wheaton. "We believe that the amendments we have made today will be mutually beneficial to both Silver Wheaton and our partner Alexco and will result in silver once again being mined from Keno Hill."

Highlights of the PEA:

Alexco's project pre-tax and after-tax net present value ("NPV") is $104.3 M and $79.4 M (5% discount rate), respectively, and pre-tax and after-tax internal rate of return ("IRR") is 89% and 75%, respectively, at assumed silver prices of US$18.60 /oz in 2018 and US$19.35 /oz in 2019 through 2025.





and (5% discount rate), respectively, and pre-tax and after-tax internal rate of return ("IRR") is 89% and 75%, respectively, at assumed silver prices of /oz in 2018 and /oz in 2019 through 2025. At current spot metal prices and US/Cdn foreign exchange rate ( March 29, 2017 ), the project has a pre-tax and after-tax NPV of $121.1 M and $90.5 M (5% discount rate), respectively, and a pre-tax and after-tax IRR of 92% and 78%, respectively.





), the project has a pre-tax and after-tax NPV of and (5% discount rate), respectively, and a pre-tax and after-tax IRR of 92% and 78%, respectively. Average annualized mill throughput is 143,000 tonnes per year over an eight year period at an average feed grade of 843 grams per tonne ("g/t") silver ("Ag"), 3.3% lead ("Pb"), 4.6% zinc ("Zn") and 0.39 g/t gold ("Au").





Payable production is anticipated to be a total of approximately 25.1 M ounces of silver, 77.3 M pounds ("lbs") of zinc, 67 M lbs of lead and 4,870 ounces of Au over an eight (8) year mine life. Average annualized payable silver production is 3.5 M ounces per year, with the initial three years of annualized payable silver production averaging 4.1 M ounces per year.





Initial capital costs of $27 M are estimated to achieve production and positive cash flow with less than one year payback.

In addition, upon achieving commercial production, Alexco has calculated all-in sustaining costs ("AISC") (contained silver, by-product basis) over LOM to be US$13.51/oz of silver (including direct operating costs, sustaining capital, the Silver Wheaton stream, corporate general and administrative and ongoing surface exploration costs), and AISC over the first full three (3) years of production to be US$12.18/oz of silver.

Mr. Nauman commented, "The results reflected in this PEA are the culmination of three years of work conducted during a period of low silver prices and suspended operations, a period during which we continued systematic exploration and in-fill drilling to add approximately 900,000 tonnes of potentially mineable material at the Flame & Moth and Bermingham deposits containing more than 23 M ounces of silver at an indicated resource grade of approximately 800 g/t silver. It goes without saying that we intend to continue our exploration efforts in 2017 alongside increased surface and underground activity as we prepare the district for a production decision."

Preliminary Economic Assessment

The updated PEA includes current Mineral Resource statements for the Bermingham, Flame & Moth, Bellekeno, Lucky Queen and Onek deposits. The PEA also reflects the Amended SPA variable production payment imputed on the basis of the assumed pricing model. The PEA was compiled by Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. ("RPA") with contributions from a team of qualified persons, and assesses expanded operations for production of silver, lead, zinc and gold in the KHSD.

Key PEA metrics (and assumptions) are as follows:

Consolidated mine production 1,021,000 tonnes Consolidated production grade 843 g/t Ag, 0.4 g/t Au, 3.3% Pb, 4.6% Zn Mill throughput LOM (tonnes per day ("tpd") Average annual 390 tpd Mill recoveries LOM Average Ag 97%, Au 70%, Pb 94.7%, Zn 88% Concentrate produced (Dry Metric Tonnes ("DMT")) 49,243 DMT Pb con, 83,453 DMT Zn con Total payable metal production Ag 25.1M oz, Au 4,870 oz, Pb 67.0 M lbs, Zn 77.3 M lbs Production cost (mining, milling and G&A) $325 per tonne of ore Net Smelter Return per tonne of ore (after incorporation of Amended SPA) $565 per tonne of ore Total capital (life of mine) $102.5 M, including $55.4 M underground development Initial capital to achieve positive cash flow $27 M Net Cash Contribution Pre-Tax $139.7 M IRR Pre-tax 89% NPV Pre-tax (5%) $104.3 M Net Cash Contribution After Tax $107.7 M IRR After Tax 75% NPV After Tax (5%) $79.4 M Prices (2018  2025) Used in PEA Ag US$18.60/oz initially then $19.35/oz long-term, SLW Ag average US$6.16/oz, Pb US$1.00/lb initially then $0.94/lb long-term, Zn US$1.20/lb initially then $1.00/lb long-term, Au US$1,300/oz, USD/CDN 0.76 initially then 0.79 long-term

The 1,021,053 tonnes of the consolidated mine production includes 2% from inferred mineral resources. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. Furthermore, the PEA is preliminary in nature; it includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves; and there is no certainty that the PEA will be realized.

The PEA contemplates the sequential development and production from four (4) mines over a nine (9) year period, beginning with an advanced underground exploration program at Bermingham and followed in late 2017 by underground development of the Flame & Moth deposit. Commencement of development and construction remains dependent on a number of factors, including receiving all appropriate permits and regulatory authorizations, Alexco's expectations regarding market prices for Ag, Pb and Zn as well as the US-Canadian dollar exchange rate, and the availability of development capital. Additionally, a production decision, which is made without a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability, carries additional potential risks which include, but are not limited to, the risk that additional detailed work may be necessary with respect to mine design and mining schedules, metallurgical flow sheets and process plant designs, and the inherent risks pertaining to the inclusion of approximately 2% inferred mineral resources in the mine plan.

Mining

The PEA lays out a mine plan centered on Flame & Moth production which provides 67% of total LOM mill feed. Supplemental mine production is sourced from the Bellekeno deposit early in the production period followed by the Bermingham mine and Lucky Queen mine production later in the period. The LOM production schedule includes an annualized average of 390 tpd over an eight year period. Nominal production rates are 250 tpd for Bellekeno, 130 tpd for Lucky Queen, 140 tpd for Bermingham and 260 tpd for Flame & Moth. Mining methods are predominantly mechanized cut and fill with a trend toward long hole and drift and fill mining methods in areas of increased deposit thickness.

Processing and Infrastructure

The Keno District Mill Facility has a nameplate capacity of 408 tpd and employs conventional crushing, grinding, differential flotation and dewatering processes to produce a Pb concentrate, a Zn concentrate and a filtered tailings product for storage in an established Dry Stacked Tailings Facility or used underground as backfill. Ag and Pb minerals are recovered together in the Ag-Pb bulk concentrate and Zn minerals in a separate Zn concentrate.

Prior to resumption of plant operations an additional 1.8m x 3m, 130 kW ball mill (purchased, on site) will be installed to provide expanded grinding capacity ahead of the flotation circuit. Locked and open cycle flotation tests on all deposits plus prior operating performance results indicate that average lead concentrate grades during commercial production will be in the order of 65% Pb and 17,000 g/t Ag.

Capital Costs

Initial capital costs of $27 M are estimated to achieve production and positive cash flow. The primary components of this include approximately $12 M of the initial capital to establish access and underground infrastructure at the Flame & Moth deposit and $8.7 M to complete the advanced exploration program at Bermingham, including underground equipment rebuilds and purchase.

Other

All of the regulatory approvals required for mining and processing activities associated with the Bellekeno and Lucky Queen deposits are currently in place. With the exception of the Water-Use License, all of the regulatory approvals required for mining and processing activities associated with the Flame & Moth deposit are currently in place. Preliminary mine planning has been completed for the Bermingham deposit, and permitting for the advanced underground exploration phase of the project is underway.

Silver Wheaton Amended Silver Purchase Agreement

On March 29, 2017 the Corporation and Silver Wheaton entered into an amendment agreement to the Silver Purchase Agreement, originally dated October 2, 2008 (the "Original SPA") as follows:

Silver Wheaton will continue to receive 25% of the life of mine payable silver from the KHSD. The production payment (originally US$3.90 per ounce) will be based on monthly silver head grade and monthly silver price;

per ounce) will be based on monthly silver head grade and monthly silver price; The actual monthly production payment will fall within a defined grade and pricing range governed by upper and lower numeric criteria (ceiling grade/price and floor grade/price) pursuant to the following formula:

(Ceiling Grade  Deemed

Shipment Head Grade) X (Ceiling Price  Deemed

Shipment Silver Price) X Market Price (Ceiling Grade  Floor

Grade) (Ceiling Price  Floor Price)













Floor Grade =

600 g/t Ag

Floor Price =

US$13/oz Ag

Ceiling Grade =

1,400 g/t Ag

Ceiling Price =

US$25/oz Ag

Deemed Shipment Head Grade =

Calculated monthly mill silver head grade

Deemed Shipment Silver Price =

Average monthly silver price

Market Price =

Spot silver price prior to day of sale



For clarification, using the PEA's average feed grade of 843 g/t and today's approximate silver spot price of $18 would result in the following production payment from Silver Wheaton:



(1,400g/t  843g/t) X (US$25 US$18) = 0.406 X US$18.00 = US$7.31/oz Ag (1,400g/t  600g/t) (US$25  US$13)







(Cdn equivalent - $9.78/oz Ag)

The 400 tpd mine and mill completion test date is extended to December 31, 2019 ; and





; and The Silver Wheaton area of interest remains one (1) km around existing Alexco holdings in the KHSD.

As consideration of the foregoing amendments, the Corporation has agreed, subject to TSX and NYSE-MKT approval, to issue 3,000,000 shares to Silver Wheaton with a fair value of US$4,934,948. The volume weighted average trading price of the Corporation's common shares for the five days prior to March 29, 2017 was $2.20 on the TSX.

Fort Capital Partners has acted as a financial advisor to Alexco in connection with the restructuring of the SPA.

National Instrument 43-101 and Qualified Persons

The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Torben Jensen, P. Eng. of RPA, an independent Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

The PEA was compiled by RPA with contributions from a team of Qualified Persons as defined by NI 43-101as follows:

Torben Jensen , P.Eng. and R. Dennis Bergen , P.Eng. of RPA

, P.Eng. and , P.Eng. of RPA Jeff Austin , P. Eng of International Metallurgical and Environmental Inc.

, P. Eng of International Metallurgical and Environmental Inc. Gilles Arseneau Ph.D., P.Geo. of SRK Canada Inc.

David Farrow , Pr.Sci.Nat, P.Geo. of Geostrat Consulting Inc.

All Mineral Resources are classified following the CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (May 2014), in accordance with the CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines and with NI 43-101 guidelines. The PEA is available under Alexco's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

About Alexco

Alexco owns the Bellekeno silver mine, one of several mineral properties held by Alexco which encompass substantially all of the historical KHSD located in Canada's Yukon Territory. Employing a unique business model, Alexco also provides mine-related environmental services, remediation technologies and reclamation and mine closure services to both government and industry clients through the Alexco Environmental Group, its wholly-owned environmental services division.

Please visit the Alexco website at www.alexcoresource.com

Statements in this news release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and the United States private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, "forward-looking statements").Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited, statements concerning the Company's anticipated results and developments in the Company's operations in future periods, planned exploration and development of its properties, plans related to its business and other matters that may occur in the future, made as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to future remediation and reclamation activities, future mineral exploration, the estimation of mineral reserves and mineral resources, the realization of mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates, future mine construction and development activities, future mine operation and production, the timing of activities and reports, the amount of estimated revenues and expenses, the success of exploration activities, permitting time lines, requirements for additional capital and sources and uses of funds and the proposed issuances of securities to Silver Wheaton and Fort. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, risks related to actual results and timing of exploration and development activities; actual results and timing of mining activities; actual results and timing of environmental services activities; actual results and timing of remediation and reclamation activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; future prices of silver, gold, lead, zinc and other commodities; possible variations in mineable resources, grade or recovery rates; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; First Nation rights and title; continued capitalization and commercial viability; global economic conditions; competition; and delays in obtaining governmental or regulatory approvals or financing or in the completion of development activities. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions that management believes are reasonable at the time they are made. In making the forward-looking statements included in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, the assumption that market fundamentals will result in sustained silver, gold, lead and zinc demand and prices; that all necessary approvals and consents, including regulatory approval of the proposed share issuances will be obtained in a timely manner and on acceptable terms. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation.

SOURCE Alexco Resource Corp.

Related Links

www.alexcoresource.com


EL DORADO HILLS, Calif., March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ameritech Financial, a Northern California-based student loan document preparation assistance company who has been an industry leader in assisting borrowers who are looking for help navigating the ever changing and volatile federal student loan landscape.

Reports show, this harrowing landscape saw no improvement for the 2016 with a reported 1.1 million borrowers entering into default for the year.

"We want to get the word out that there is help, real help," said Tom Knickerbocker, Executive Vice President of Ameritech Financial, "Last year, a record-breaking 4.2 million borrowers were reported to have defaulted on their student loans and the Department of Education just released a statistic showing that 3,000 more borrowers are going into default every single day. That's more borrowers going into default than coming out. The problem is only escalating, and we see it as the next financial crisis just waiting to hit the United States. You don't need a crystal ball to see what will happen next."

Looking at the numbers, 2016 wasn't a great year for federal student loan borrowers. According to the Department of Education, about 8 million borrowers have gone at least nine months without making a single payment on their student loans, despite other key economic indicators showing a growing economy and job market. About $137 billion went into default in 2016, which was a 14% increase from 2015.

So why, when all indications point to economic growth, is the student loan default deficit worse than ever?

"Speaking with our clients, it's evident that they don't know where to turn for help, and they don't know who they can trust," stated Knickerbocker, "They're unaware or confused by the programs available to them and the loan servicers are not providing their borrowers with the information they need to make educated decisions."

Knickerbocker continued, "What's worse, of the borrowers who do get into the right programs to help them, around half don't even make it to the second year, usually because they missed the cutoff for reapplication. It's a trap we see borrowers fall into time and time again."

Are you defaulting on your student loans?

Despite an uncertain future ahead, there is a silver lining in an otherwise cloudy sky. "For most federal student loan borrowers, there is hope," says Knickerbocker, "and that's why we are trying to get the word out about options that may be available to struggling borrowers across the country. We have helped thousands of people through the repayment process and can directly help almost anyone facing, or in, default."

Ameritech Financial offers financial analysis and document preparation services for people with federal student loan debt whether they are current, delinquent, or defaulted. After performing their analysis, the certified agents of Ameritech Financial work with the borrower in applying for loan forgiveness and rehabilitation programs offered through the Department of Education. For defaulted borrowers, the agents at Ameritech will assist in the application and enrollment process to help the borrower remove the default status from their loans and credit history, through different rehabilitation programs offered through the Department of Education and third party student loan collection agencies.

About Ameritech Financial

Ameritech Financial is located in El Dorado Hills, California, right next to the California state capital of Sacramento. Ameritech Financial has already helped many student loan borrowers with financial analysis and student loan document preparation services for federal loan forgiveness programs offered through the Department of Education.

Each representative on the phone is certified through the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA) and has received the Certified Student Loan Professional certification through Association for Student Loan Relief (AFSLR).

Ameritech Financial prides themselves on their exceptional 24/7 U.S based Customer Service.

Contact

To learn more about The Ameritech Financial Project, please contact:

Ameritech Financial ( www.ameritechfinancial.com )

1101 Investment Blvd Ste. 290

El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

1-800-792-8621

[email protected]

Related Links

Homepage

Related Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRza8MbLvuM

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com

SOURCE Ameritech Financial

Related Links

http://www.ameritechfinancial.com


HOUSTON, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- DNAtrix, a clinical stage biotechnology company developing virus-driven immunotherapies for cancer, today announced that results from four studies based on the DNAtrix armed virus platform, co-authored by Juan Fueyo, MD, a professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center Department of Neuro-Oncology, will be presented at the upcoming 2017 Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) in Washington, DC, from April 1st - 5th.

The DNAtrix armed virus platform combines the clinically effective and safe virus backbone of DNX-2401 with potent immune modulators. The studies to be presented demonstrate that DNAtrix armed viruses trigger antitumor immunity, immune memory, and an abscopal effect, ultimately leading to survival in various animal models of disease.

"Dr. Fueyo and collaborators have demonstrated the remarkable effectiveness of the DNAtrix armed virus platform," said Frank Tufaro, PhD, CEO of DNAtrix. "DNX-2440, which expresses OX40L, will enter the clinic soon for evaluation in a variety of solid tumors."

Details of the presentations (listed chronologically) are as follows:

Therapeutic potential of Delta24-ACT, a novel immunostimulatory oncolytic adenovirus, for the treatment of pediatric solid tumors: Initial study in pHGG, DIPG and osteosarcoma

Abstract Number: 704 / 21

Presenter: Marc Garcia Moure, PhD

Date: Sunday, April 2, 2017

Forced expression of GITRL in cancer cells enhances adenovirus-mediated in situ vaccination

Abstract Number: 4565 / 10

Presenter: Yisel A. Rivera-Molina, PhD

Date: Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Oncolytic adenoviruses expressing OX40L or GITRL immune modulators show antitumor effect on immune-competent mouse breast cancer models

Abstract Number: 3668 / 11

Presenter: Francisco W. Puerta Martinez, PhD

Date: Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Cancer-killing viruses combined with tumor-targeting immune checkpoint modulation elicits an in situ vaccination effect and expansion of tumor-specific T cells responsible for efficacious systemic anti-cancer activity

Abstract Number: 3680 / 23

Presenter: Hong Jiang, PhD

Date: Tuesday, April 4, 2017

For more information about DNAtrix clinical studies, please visit the website ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02798406 (DNX-2401 + pembrolizumab), NCT02197169 (DNX-2401  interferon gamma), and NCT01956734 (DNX-2401 + temozolomide).

About DNAtrix Armed Virus Platform

DNAtrix is developing oncolytic viruses featuring the backbone of DNX-2401 that express immune modulatory molecules following infection of tumor cells. The first candidates, expressing various members of the TNF receptor superfamily that enhance T cell activity, have shown remarkable efficacy in animal models of cancer, including breast, melanoma, brain and lung. The first virus of this platform, DNX-2440, which expresses OX40 ligand, will enter the clinic for evaluation in a variety of solid tumors.

About DNAtrix

DNAtrix is a privately held, clinical stage, biotechnology company developing virus-driven immunotherapies for cancer. DNAtrix's lead product, DNX-2401, is a conditionally replicative oncolytic virus being studied in clinical trials for recurrent glioblastoma, a brain cancer for which there is neither a cure nor adequate treatment. The company is backed by Morningside Ventures and Mercury Fund, and has been awarded a grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). For more information, please visit the company website at http://www.DNAtrix.com.

Contact

DNAtrix

Imran Alibhai, Ph.D.

S.V.P. Business Development

[email protected]

SOURCE DNAtrix

Related Links

http://www.DNAtrix.com


JERUSALEM, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

IDenta Corp. (OTC PINK: IDTA) today announces a new Chairman - Brigadier General (Res.) Shmaya Avieli. He has accomplished service of 30 years in the Israeli Air Force, his last position in the IAF was the Air Force attache in Washington DC. General Avieli was the liaison to the U.S Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps Aviation, Army Aviation and the Canadian Air Force. Recently he was the Director of the Israeli Ministry of Defense for International Defense Cooperation- SIBAT. He joined as a part of the company's restructuring with great confidence in the company's potential growth and development.

About IDenta Corp.

Since 2002, IDenta Corporation and its subsidiary IDenta Ltd recognized as a worldwide leader in the development of proprietary on-site Drug, Precursor of Drug and Explosive detection kits. IDenta develops, manufactures and distributes revolutionary products for both the professional and civil markets which consistently pass the highest qualifications and testing procedures of law enforcement and security agencies around the world.

Disclaimer

Certain of the statements contained herein may be, within the meaning of the federal securities laws, "forward-looking statements" that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations as of the date hereof, and the company does not undertake any responsibility to update any of these statements in the future.

Contact

Amichai Glattstein, COO

T: +972-2-5872220

E: [email protected]



SOURCE IDenta Corp
HOUSTON, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA), with the support of RE/MAX, LLC, is releasing the only major comprehensive report about Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) housing and economics.

One of the most surprising findings of the report is that AAPI, despite having the highest rates of education and income of any racial demographic in the US, typically having high credit scores, and low debt-to-income and loan-to-value ratios, there are still apparent systemic barriers that cause the community's homeownership rates to fall well below the national average. AAPI homeownership is still nearly 8% lower than the US average and 17% lower than non-Hispanic whites. "As the AAPI community continues to grow, it is important to have accurate and reliable data to help us better understand the unique set of challenges facing this group when it comes to homeownership," says AREAA National President Angie Lee. "We must find out why this gap exists, and work with our partners to close it."

"As a global network, RE/MAX understands and respects the cultural differences of diverse populations and how critical it is to have business analytics to guide you for effective strategies and policies," said Mike Reagan, Senior Vice President Business Alliances, RE/MAX, LLC. "The data in this report suggests untapped potential in the AAPI community, and we believe it will better prepare real estate professionals to help AAPI clients achieve the dream of homeownership."

AREAA and RE/MAX, LLC will be hosting a joint press conference on Friday, March 31st, at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Houston, TX, to formally announce the release of the report. Following the press conference will be a panel with leading industry experts to discuss the findings of the report.

The Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA), established in 2003, is a national business trade organization focused on expanding housing opportunities for Asian American communities and creating business opportunities for real estate business leaders who serve this growing market. With over 16,000 members in 37 chapters across North America, AREAA is the largest real estate trade association dedicated to promoting homeownership in the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

Media Contact:

SCOTT BERMAN, AREAA Communications Strategist

O: 619-794-2016

C: 619-770-9030



SOURCE Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA)
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- "We are honored to work with FirstNet to build and manage America's first-ever nationwide broadband network dedicated to public safety. Today marks a major step forward for public safety and the broadband network our Nation's first responders have fought for and deserve. Our approach to FirstNet is designed for states and for first responders. We look forward to working with Alabama's state and local public safety officials to build a strong and highly secure communications network that meets the unique needs of our state's first responders. It will provide the coverage, experience and next generation technologies our first responders require to help keep our citizens, our communities, our state and our country safe."
LOS ANGELES, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Silver Lake web agency Websites Depot will be hosting the next Google Partners Connect livestream event on Wednesday, April 19. This educational livestream will focus on online auto sales in particular. Although there are a limited number of spots, the event is free and open to those who RSVP.

Google's Head of Industry of Automotive Retail Sales, Peter Leto will speak live to all partner agencies and their guests about how to fine-tune online ad strategies and improve sales in the auto industry. Leto, who is based in Detroit, has worked with auto dealers and manufacturers across the U.S. in forming sales strategies in the digital realm.

The April 19 event is part of a series of industry-specific events that badge Google Partner Websites Depot will be hosting in the coming months. The May event will tailor to the home services industry, June will focus on classifieds advertising and local presence, and July's event will be geared towards YouTubers and other video-centric marketers. Future events in later months will cover retail, business-to-business and health care.

While Leto will share insights into his industry, Fred Vallaeys will share his broader, general insight into Google AdWords, performance measurements and online engagement with customers. Vallaeys, who has spoken at past Partners Connect events, was among the first 400 employees at Google, and was involved in the development of conversion tracking solutions like Google Analytics.

According to the Google Partners team, those who RSVP to the event by April 4 will be treated to free Google-branded swag direct from the company. Google badge partner agencies like Websites Depot are certified managers of mobile and AdWords campaigns for clients through extensive training in Google's best practices.

Websites Depot is located at 4343 Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. The livestream begins at 9am PDT, and refreshments will be provided courtesy of the company. Attendees should consider morning traffic when planning their commute.

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About AdWords

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This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com

SOURCE Websites Depot Inc.

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https://websitesdepot.com


Rankings are based entirely on anonymous employee feedback. Employees rated BHG high for levels of trust in management, as well as camaraderie and pride in what they do. An impressive average of 97% of BHG employees say the company offers great: challenges, atmosphere, rewards, pride, communication, and bosses.

"Every morning, we encourage our people to be in the right mindset, put in 100 percent, and be fully devoted to their team. To help them get there, we encourage them to hit the BHG gym or participate in one of the many charitable causes we support. All of this helps drive results, builds confidence, and keeps us energized," said BHG President Bob Castro.

BHG has about 300 employees. Its corporate headquarters are in Davie, Fla.; financial headquarters are in Syracuse, N.Y.; and sales headquarters are in New York City. Read BHG's Great Place to Work profile here: http://reviews.greatplacetowork.com/bankers-healthcare-group.

Fortune reported, "Companies on this year's list significantly outpaced competitors on measures of trust within the workplace and saw higher revenue growth." Team members at the Best Workplaces also hold them in high regard for the ways they give back to the community and the level playing field they create for employees to advance. This contributes to stronger loyalty among co-workers, as well as more robust revenue growth compared to companies that didn't make the list.

"Colleagues say their leaders at the Best Workplaces are consistent in their ethics and take an earnest interest in their teams' feedback when making decisions. This reflects the high level of integrity customers expect from a business entrusted with their money," said Great Place to Work Executive Vice President Kim Peters.

The Best Workplaces in Financial Services is one of a series of rankings by Great Place to Work and Fortune based on employee survey feedback from Great Place to WorkCertified organizations.

About Bankers Healthcare Group

Bankers Healthcare Group provides innovative, hassle-free financial solutions exclusively to healthcare professionals. Since 2001, BHG has funded more than $2.5 billion to satisfied customers nationwide and worked with more than 100,000 practitioners. BHG is proud to maintain partnerships with leading healthcare industry associations, and is continually recognized for innovation, continued growth and being a best place to work. BHG is partially owned by Pinnacle Financial Partners (PNFP). To learn more, visit www.bankershealthcaregroup.com, and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

About The Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance

The Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance rankings are based on feedback from 62,450 employees at Great Place to WorkCertified organizations in these sectors. Employees completed an anonymous Trust Index survey, answering questions about how frequently they experience the building blocks of a great workplace. Employees rated leadership strength and integrity, pride in their work and organization, opportunities for professional growth and support for work-life balance, among other factors. Results from the survey are highly reliable, having a 95 percent confidence level and a margin of error of 5 percent or less.

Earning a place on this list indicates a company has distinguished itself from peers by creating a Great Place to Work For All. Rankings reward organizations where not only the majority of their employees experience a great place to work, but these experiences are highly consistent regardless of who people are or what they do within the organization. Results are considered based on the complexity of the employee population and relative to peer performance.

About Great Place to Work

Great Place to Work is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through proprietary assessment tools, advisory services, and certification programs, including Best Workplaces lists and workplace reviews, Great Place to Work provides the benchmarks, framework and expertise needed to create, sustain and recognize outstanding workplace cultures. In the United States, Great Place to Work produces the annual Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work For" and a series of Great Place to Work Best Workplaces lists, including lists for Millennials, Women, Diversity, Small and Medium Companies and over a half dozen different industries.

Follow Great Place to Work online at www.greatplacetowork.com and on Twitter at @GPTW_US. When sharing on social media about the 2017 Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance, please use the hashtag: #bestworkplaces.

Media Contact:

Danielle Gerhart

315-930-3142

[email protected]

SOURCE Bankers Healthcare Group

Related Links

http://www.bhg-inc.com


CLEARWATER, Fla., March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With BayCare HomeCare's new telemonitoring service, homebound patients now have the opportunity see and talk to their homecare team without ever leaving the house. Featuring tablet-style devices, the service provides two-way video and audio communication.

BayCare HomeCare has expanded its telemonitoring program by adding an interactive video component and syncing home-based patient monitoring devices such as blood pressure monitors, scales and pulse oximeters to the system.

The focus of the program is on patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are at high risk for readmissions to the hospital. "Patients with these conditions require close observation of their health," said Jeffrey Held, MD, chief medical officer of BayCare's ambulatory services division. "A weight gain of just a few pounds can be an early sign that a CHF patient's disease is getting worse. Our goal is to give patients the opportunity to manage their care independently at their home rather than being readmitted to the hospital."

BayCare HomeCare has been using telehealth since 2005, monitoring a patient's weight, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation and transmitting these vital signs to an office. The difference in the new program is the added capability of video and the use of a software program to help monitor the data, allowing for virtual home visits or teleconferencing.

St. Joseph's Hospital patients were the first to use the new telemonitoring system, in the pilot program in September. The service is now available to qualified patients from Winter Haven, Morton Plant, St. Joseph's-North, St. Anthony's, Morton Plant and Morton Plant North Bay hospitals. It is expected to expand to patients cared for at all BayCare hospitals by the end of May.

Here's how the program works:

Each morning, the patient is prompted by the system to take their vital signs and answers several questions about how they are feeling. The information is automatically transmitted to a program. A cardiac critical care nurse at a BayCare HomeCare office then reviews each patient's information. If a patient's vital signs or the symptom screening questions are not within normal guidelines, the nurse can call the patient, to ask additional questions. With video conferencing, the nurse can go one step further and set up a virtual visit to actually see the patient while evaluating their condition.

If the patient's condition warrants a doctor's attention, the nurse can teleconference the doctor, a pharmacist or anyone on the care team who needs to be consulted. The patient's family also can be linked in so that everyone is seeing and discussing the same information at the same time. "With the monitor, we have the ability to improve care and have the family participate even if they are in another state,'' said Dr. Held.

Telemonitoring is considered a supplement to care and does not replace home visits. Patients continue to receive home visits by a nurse which are interspersed with virtual visits to help monitor their progress.

Patients are initially evaluated to determine their level of interest and ability to use the telemedicine device. When the nurse first meets with the patient, the patient is assessed to determine their acceptance/capability with the technology. A dedicated installer will go out to the home to set up the system and help the patient with the first virtual visit. On the following day, the RN will visit the patient in person have the patient participate in the second virtual visit with the telestation nurse. If the tablet isn't the best option for the patient, the non-interactive equipment can still be used.

This new HomeCare program is just one of a series of telemedicine solutions BayCare is using to enhance care and improve access. The solutions include:

HealthNav , a free mobile app that can help guide people with non-urgent conditions to convenient, quality medical services.

, a free mobile app that can help guide people with non-urgent conditions to convenient, quality medical services. eCare , an electronic patient monitoring system that uses remote computer monitoring technology to enhance the care of critically ill patients in the hospital intensive care unit (ICU.)

, an electronic patient monitoring system that uses remote computer monitoring technology to enhance the care of critically ill patients in the hospital intensive care unit (ICU.) BayCare Anywhere, a 24/7 non-emergency telemedicine service offering virtual doctor visits through a secure, interactive video and audio communications on a smart phone, tablet or computer.

Telemonitoring of patients in nursing homes or rehabilitation facilities

About BayCare HomeCare

Serving 13 counties, BayCare HomeCare is the second largest provider of homecare services within the state of Florida. As a comprehensive provider of homecare products and services, BayCare provides home health, durable medical equipment, respiratory services, pharmacy, pre and post mastectomy supplies, specialty beds, diabetic testing supplies, and more. A proud member of the community-owned BayCare Health System, BayCare HomeCare is dedicated to serving the needs of its patients.

About BayCare Health System

BayCare is a leading not-for-profit health care system that connects individuals and families to a wide range of services at 14 hospitals and hundreds of other convenient locations throughout the Tampa Bay and central Florida regions. Inpatient and outpatient services include acute care, primary care, imaging, laboratory, behavioral health, home care, and wellness. Our mission is to improve the health of all we serve through community-owned, health care services that set the standard for high-quality, compassionate care. For more information, visit BayCare on the Web at www.BayCare.org.

SOURCE BayCare Health System

Related Links

http://www.baycare.org


AUSTIN, Texas, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chase Sapphire Reserve is the top rewards credit card, according to CreditCards.com. Despite a $450 annual fee, card experts love the Reserve's generous 50,000 point sign-up bonus, lavish perks for travelers and flexible redemption policy, which can make it worth the initial expense. Click here for more information:

http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/best-rewards-credit-cards.php

Next up is the Barclaycard Arrival Plus, which comes with a more modest annual fee ($89, waived the first year) and considerable benefits of its own. The Arrival Plus card offers a sizable sign-up bonus of 50,000 points, as well as a flat rewards rate (two points per dollar on all purchases) and flexible redemption policy.

The Starwood Preferred Guest card rounds out the top three. Though its 25,000 point sign-up bonus is lacking compared to its competitors, its generously priced rewards points, travel benefits and a reasonable $95 annual fee (waived the first year) make this the ideal card for travelers who prefer the more luxurious Starwood properties.

To help consumers pick the best rewards card, CreditCards.com evaluated some of the top-rated cards in the rewards card category and asked a panel of judges to rate the CreditCards.com staff's top three picks. Judges for the Best Rewards Credit Cards of Spring 2017 were credit card expert Toby Sembower, Kiplinger's Personal Finance contributing editor Lisa Gerstner, personal finance expert Holly Johnson, CreditCards.com Editor-in-Chief Daniel P. Ray and CreditCards.com senior industry analyst Matt Schulz.

About CreditCards.com:

CreditCards.com is a leading online credit card marketplace, bringing consumers and credit card issuers together. At its free website, consumers can compare hundreds of credit card offers from America's leading issuers and banks and apply securely, online. CreditCards.com is also a destination site for consumers wanting to learn more about credit cards. Offering advice, news, features, statistics and tools, CreditCards.com helps consumers make smart choices about credit cards. In 2016, over 35 million unique visitors used CreditCards.com to find the right credit card to suit their needs.

For More Information:

Ryan Feldman

Public Relations Specialist

[email protected]

917-368-8637

SOURCE CreditCards.com
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Laboratory safety software company BioRAFT announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Stanford University to acquire the license to the ChemTracker brand and intellectual property. The agreement will enable BioRAFT to combine ChemTracker's powerful chemical safety and regulatory information database with BioRAFT's enterprise solution and user-friendly interface. Development will begin immediately on a ChemTracker module within BioRAFT.

BioRAFT's approach to laboratory safety: http://www.bioraft.com/company/what-we-do

"ChemTracker is a leader in chemical inventory and regulatory reporting. We are honored that Stanford University and the ChemTracker team decided that BioRAFT is a worthy steward of their remarkable work," says Nathan Watson, President and CEO of BioRAFT. "Intuitive, integrated safety for scientists is the only way organizations can effectively manage laboratory risk without unreasonable overhead costs and burden on scientific progress. The new ChemTracker module will further enhance BioRAFT's suite of research support tools that scientists need to be safe and productive."

BioRAFT provides an enterprise-wide safety solution for research institutions and life science companies that consolidates information and activities under one umbrella. The BioRAFT solution for laboratory safety is composed of the BioRAFT Platforman application infrastructure and data hubwith application modules that include inspection, equipment, training, biosafety, radioisotope, occupational health, facilities, and chemical safety management.

"Stanford EH&S is excited to be working with BioRAFT. The original vision for ChemTracker, developed at Stanford over 20 years ago, has been to evolve into a comprehensive and integrated EH&S system for research and teaching laboratories," says Larry Gibbs, Associate Vice Provost for EH&S at Stanford University. "With the planned migration of the ChemTracker system into the BioRAFT Platform, that original vision will now be realized. BioRAFT has a well-developed safety management platform for the laboratory environment, and with the incorporation of the ChemTracker chemical inventory and reporting system, BioRAFT will provide an even more robust and comprehensive solution for scientists and EH&S professionals."

ChemTracker Consortium members will continue to use their software and will continue to receive support through ChemTracker during the transition period. BioRAFT is working closely with the ChemTracker team on plans for the new software and a migration strategy for ChemTracker Consortium members.

For more information on the BioRAFT-ChemTracker partnership, contact [email protected].

ABOUT BIORAFT

BioRAFT is an innovative solution for enterprise laboratory safety, compliance, and training. Trusted by pharmaceutical, biotech, clinical, and academic organizations, BioRAFT streamlines and automates the training and compliance process while being easy for researchers to use, which reduces overhead and increases researcher productivity. Visit www.bioraft.com and follow @bioraft on Twitter.

ABOUT DIGITAL SCIENCE

Digital Science is a technology company serving the needs of scientific and research communities, at the laboratory bench or in a research setting. It invests in and incubates scientific software companies that simplify the research cycle, making more time for discovery. Its portfolio companies and investments include a host of leading and admired brands including Altmetric, BioRAFT, Figshare, GRID, Labguru, Peerwith, Overleaf, ReadCube, Symplectic, TetraScience, Transcriptic, and UberResearch. It is operated by global media company, the Holtzbrinck Publishing Group. Visit www.digital-science.com and follow @digitalsci on Twitter.

CONTACT: Charlie Wong, BioRAFT, 617-475-9217

SOURCE BioRAFT

Related Links

http://www.bioraft.com


FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- BioTrackTHC has partnered with the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) to be the first in the history of the cannabis industry to deploy a live seed-to-sale cannabis Traceability System in a FedRAMP authorized environment. This makes Hawaii the first state in the nation to benefit from the security offered by a cloud environment that has earned the highest federal cloud security endorsement possible for its medical cannabis dispensaries computer software tracking system.

"The BioTrackTHC team invested an incredible amount of time and effort into this high priority project, and we are excited to see it transform from last year's concept to clean execution," said Patrick Vo, President and CEO of BioTrackTHC. "We are grateful for the Hawaii Department of Health's trust in us to get it right the first time."

BioTrackTHC, utilizing Amazon Web Service's Government Cloud (AWS GovCloud), has met all necessary requirements to host its live government cannabis seed-to-sale Traceability Systems in one of the most secure cloud platforms in the world. Hawaii's state officials elected to launch their state's cannabis program with BioTrackTHC's new AWS GovCloud security offering, allowing Hawaii to reach this historic security feat first. This upgrade affords Hawaii's cannabis industry with the highest level of data security available and is also expected to increase the speed of the state's Traceability System.

"We're pleased to know that our state's seed-to-sale Traceability System is now housed in the most secure cloud server available," said Keith Ridley, chief of the DOH Office of Health Care Assurance. "This ensures safety and comfort for our licensees, business operators, and our patients, who can all be confident in knowing their business data and protected patient information is being stored in the most secure Traceability System in the world."

The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) is a government-wide program whose decision-making body is comprised of the Chief Information Officers (CIOs) from the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and the General Services Administration, with additional collaboration from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, National Security Agency, Office of Management and Budget, and the Federal CIO Council. The program provides a standardized approach to the assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring of a cloud product's security.

Amazon offers its AWS GovCloud to authorized government agencies and their contractors who have been properly vetted for eligibility. The AWS GovCloud has been granted a Joint Authorization Board Provisional Authority to Operate (JAB P-ATO) and multiple Agency Authorizations (A-ATO) under the FedRAMP High Baseline; this is the highest impact level attainable, and only four cloud service providers in the nation have met the requirements of this high-security model. This new FedRAMP High Baseline includes over 400 security measures and allows government agencies to use these and only these cloud environments for high-impact data where the loss of data confidentiality, integrity, or availability could be expected to have a severe or catastrophic effect on organizational operations, assets, or individuals. Agencies including the Department of Defense and NASA have utilized Amazon's GovCloud for its reliability and world-leading security measures.

In order for states to enforce compliance and cannabis businesses to remain compliant, it is imperative that these government cannabis activity tracking systems remain up-and-running while securely housing highly sensitive information such as patient data, plant and inventory data, and financial data; making security and redundancies of the utmost importance. Any downtime or outage of BioTrackTHC's Traceability Systems could put states and businesses at risk of non-compliance, not to mention that downtime or data loss could be detrimental, even catastrophic, to their daily operations.

"Security is the absolute highest priority for BioTrackTHC. The system stores and must protect patient datainformation coming in directly from the Department of Healthso maintaining this high level of security remains a top priority," said David Terrell, CTO of BioTrackTHC. "What we follow is C.I.A.: Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability. In the unlikely event of an emergency and a system goes down, we have multiple offsite encrypted backups that remain private and confidential, but can be put into place in a matter of minutes with the proper security keys."

Though FedRAMP is a federal government program, this does not mean that the data stored in a FedRAMP High Baseline authorized environment is accessible to federal agencies. It means that the cloud environment has met all of the highest security requirements of the program so any government agency or government contractor can utilize that environment to handle and store the government's most sensitive, unclassified data (such as health records). The data within the AWS GovCloud hosted BioTrackTHC Traceability System is secure and inaccessible unless an individual or agency is able to provide the proper security keys, which are exclusively held by BioTrackTHC executives and their security team.

Following the successful deployment of Hawaii's seed-to-sale Traceability System to the AWS GovCloud, BioTrackTHC is now in a unique position to deploy new solutions into the FedRAMP authorized environment faster than anyone in the industry. Due to the fact that zero re-tooling is required, the company expects the change to produce a net-positive impact on deployment timelines compared to a non-FedRAMP environment.

About BioTrackTHC

Bio-Tech Medical Software, Inc., through its BioTrackTHC division, develops and provides effective, cutting-edge technology solutions for the emerging medical and recreational cannabis industry. Visit www.biotrack.com/ for more information, email [email protected] or call 1-800-797-4711 to order software. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for important updates and relevant industry news. BioTrackTHC currently holds 6 government contracts and operates in over 2000 locations across 24 states, D.C., Canada and Puerto Rico. Bio-Tech Medical Software, Inc. is a privately-held company, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

CONTACT:

Jeff Gonring

BioTrackTHC

Phone: (303) 324-1022

Fax: (954) 206-0200

[email protected]

https://www.biotrack.com

SOURCE BioTrackTHC
LOS ANGELES, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Multifamily finance expert Brian Eisendrath of CBRE has been chosen among a group of respected peers as the #1 Capital Markets Rainmaker of 2017 by GlobeSt.com. Each year, GlobeSt.com and the nationwide trade publication, Real Estate Forum, honors the most successful capital market originators based on number of originations and total origination volume across the county. Eisendrath successfully executed 78 originations in 2016, totaling over $2.4 billion in capital.

Notable 2016 transactions include a $470 million portfolio financing on 10 assets in Las Vegas, a $163 million loan on a 544-unit property in Southern California and a $136 million construction loan in Santa Monica.

"Brian is always at the leading edge of the market and sourcing aggressive capital to help us maximize returns to our investors," says Bob Hart, President and CEO of TruAmerica Multifamily. "Our credibility with closing transactions depends on the strong market knowledge and high certainty of execution that Brian brings to the deal, as seen in the $1.1 billion we have closed with his team."

When asked about the current debt market and projections for 2017, Brian Eisendrath says, "In a volatile capital markets environment, our clients understand that they need a partner who knows how to source aggressive capital from a variety of sources. We work hard to understand the sponsor's business plan and find the best capital source for each opportunity."

Brian Eisendrath's team is able to quickly and effectively meet the needs of its clients by tailoring a financing solution that is unique to the client's property-specific business plan. Priding itself on having built the strongest lender relationships, it is able to source the most aggressive capital. By leveraging its direct relationships with Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, along with extensive life insurance company, bank, bridge, and joint venture equity relationships, the Eisendrath team is able to customize capital to maximize return on investment. Since 2007, Brian Eisendrath has arranged over $14 billion in capital across 400 transactions throughout the United States.

SOURCE CBRE

Related Links

http://www.cbre.com/


COLLEGE PARK, Md., March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science & Technology (CRESST II), a five-year, $87.5 million cooperative agreement with NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, has been awarded to the University of Maryland, College Park, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and their three partners: the Catholic University of America, Howard University and the Southeastern Universities Research Association.

First created as CRESST with an initial ten-year cooperative agreement in 2006, CRESST II will continue to facilitate collaborations between researchers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and space scientists from CRESST II partner institutions. CRESST II's science priorities will be to carry out observational, experimental and theoretical research in support of NASA Goddard's Sciences and Exploration Directorate, including the study of the solar system, stars, galaxies and the universe at large.

"This vital partnership will keep all of us at the forefront of space science research," said University of Maryland President Wallace D. Loh. "Our researchers will study the inner workings of the galaxy, and take our students to unimaginable heights. It is hard to imagine a more exciting endeavor."

As a part of its mission, CRESST II will work to increase the involvement of minority and women scientists in space science research and to facilitate undergraduate and graduate student participation in active research projects.

"I am pleased that NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center will continue to operate CRESST in collaboration with the University of Maryland and University of Maryland Baltimore County," said Maryland Rep. Steny H. Hoyer. "I am also glad that their work will expand to Howard University, the Catholic University of America, and the Southeastern Universities Research Association. This renewed and expanded partnership will not only strengthen the critical work done at Goddard, but will further promote diversity within the space science workforce by supporting the recruitment of underrepresented minorities and women. I look forward to the work produced through this important partnership, and I am confident CRESST will continue to serve as a leader in the space science industry in Maryland and across the nation."

CRESST II will continue to support access to critical space science data archives and the analysis of data from current and past NASA missions. CRESST II scientists will be involved in the construction and testing of instrumentation for missions, the planning of future missions and the development of new technology to enable future missions. The close association between NASA Goddard and the CRESST II partner institutions will enhance STEM education and diversity, creating opportunities to train a new generation of leaders in space science.

"This unique partnership allows Maryland students to get the very best education and creates a pipeline of new talent for NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and the scientific community," said Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen. "It has worked well for a decade, and it's exciting that the University of Maryland has decided not only to renew it, but to expand it. This partnership serves as a valuable model as we work to create good-paying jobs in our state and across the country, and to ensure we have the schools and training programs needed to fill those jobs with qualified Marylanders."

Going forward, CRESST II will work to achieve NASA's strategic goals in space science while building on the capabilities and strengths of each partner institution. By combining NASA Goddard's expertise and infrastructure with the educational capacity and demographic reach of partner institutions, CRESST II will provide unique opportunities for students and early career space scientists to be involved in active research and instrument development projects.

Over the past decade, CRESSTthe predecessor to CRESST IIenabled university scientists and students to be involved in NASA missions including the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope, the Swift Gamma-Ray Burst Mission, the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Mission and the Cassini Mission to Saturn.

"CRESST II continues a partnership that strengthens the ability of NASA Goddard and the universities to achieve their core missions and to foster the future of space science and science in general," said Lee Mundy, professor of astronomy at UMD and Director of CRESST II. "It is terrific to be able to engage the diverse next generation in the exciting science enabled by NASA."

University of Maryland

College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences

2300 Symons Hall

College Park, MD 20742

www.cmns.umd.edu

@UMDscience

About the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences

The College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences at the University of Maryland educates more than 7,000 future scientific leaders in its undergraduate and graduate programs each year. The college's 10 departments and more than a dozen interdisciplinary research centers foster scientific discovery with annual sponsored research funding exceeding $150 million.

SOURCE University of Maryland

Related Links

http://www.cmns.umd.edu


OKLAHOMA CITY, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Chesapeake Energy Corporation (NYSE:CHK) announced today that it is notifying holders of its 2.5% Contingent Convertible Senior Notes due 2037 (the "Notes") that they have the option, pursuant to the terms of the Notes, to require Chesapeake to purchase on May 15, 2017 (the "Repurchase Date") all or a portion of such holders' Notes (the "Repurchase Option"). The repurchase price is equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the Note, together with accrued but unpaid interest thereon, up to but not including the Repurchase Date (the "Repurchase Price"), provided that interest payable on May 15, 2017 will be paid to the holders in whose names the Notes are registered at the close of business on May 1, 2017, the record date prior to the Repurchase Date. Payment of the Repurchase Price will be made on May 16, 2017, which is the next succeeding business day following the Repurchase Date. If all outstanding Notes are surrendered for repurchase, the aggregate cash repurchase price will be approximately $14,760,000. Chesapeake intends to fund the Repurchase Price using available cash.

The Repurchase Option commences today and expires at 5:00 p.m., New York time, on May 10, 2017. Holders may exercise the Repurchase Option by delivering a repurchase notice to The Bank of New York Mellon, the paying agent, before 5:00 p.m., New York time, on May 10, 2017. Holders may withdraw their election to exercise their Repurchase Option at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York time, on May 12, 2017, which is the business day immediately preceding the Repurchase Date. In order to exercise the Repurchase Option, or withdraw Notes previously surrendered, a holder must follow the additional procedures set forth in the notice that is being sent to all registered holders of the Notes.

The Notes are convertible upon the occurrence of certain conditions into cash and a number of shares of common stock of Chesapeake determined as specified in the Notes and related indenture. However, the Notes are not currently convertible because the conditions have not been satisfied.

Chesapeake will file a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO with the Securities and Exchange Commission later today. Chesapeake will make available to holders of the Notes, directly or through the Depository Trust Company, documents specifying the terms, conditions and procedures for surrendering and withdrawing Notes for repurchase (copies of which will be attached as exhibits to such Schedule TO). Note holders are encouraged to read these documents carefully before deciding whether to exercise their Repurchase Option. Holders of the Notes and other interested parties may obtain a free copy of these documents at the Securities and Exchange Commission's website, www.sec.gov, or from the trustee, which is The Bank of New York Mellon.

The address for The Bank of New York Mellon is:

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.

2 N. LaSalle Street

Suite 1020

Chicago, IL 60602

Attention: Corporate Trust Administration

Fax: (312) 827-8542

This news release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to purchase, or solicitation of an offer to sell, any Notes. None of Chesapeake, its board of directors, or its employees makes any recommendation to any holder as to whether to exercise or refrain from exercising the Repurchase Option, and no one has been authorized by any of them to make such a recommendation.

Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Chesapeake Energy Corporation's (NYSE: CHK) operations are focused on discovering and developing its large and geographically diverse resource base of unconventional oil and natural gas assets onshore in the United States. The company also owns oil and natural gas marketing and natural gas gathering and compression businesses.

This news release includes "forward-looking statements" that give Chesapeake's current expectations or forecasts of future events, including the timing of the repurchase and the aggregate repurchase price. Although we believe the expectations and forecasts reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance they will prove to have been correct. They can be affected by inaccurate or changed assumptions or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties (including those stated in Chesapeake's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016), and actual results may differ from the expectation expressed. We caution you not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release, and we undertake no obligation to update this information, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Chesapeake Energy Corporation
SAN GABRIEL, California, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

ChineseInvestors.com (OTCQB: CIIX) ("CIIX" or the "Company"), the premier financial information website for Chinese-speaking investors, today announces its investment in Breakwater MB, LLC, a cannabis-focused investment and consulting company. Building on the success that CIIX enjoyed through its investment in early-stage firm Medicine Man Technologies, the Company is pleased to announce another strategic investment in the cannabis industry.

Breakwater MB was formed by CIIX board member and former CFO Paul Dickman as a means to invest capital in and provide consulting services to private, cannabis-focused companies as they transition into the public market. The invested capital will primarily be used to cover the costs of becoming a publicly traded company, a strategy CIIX expects will provide significant investment appreciation and opportunity for liquidity. All opportunities will be evaluated by the investment committee comprised of CIIX CEO Warren Wang, Medicine Man Technologies (OTCQB: MDCL) CEO Andy Williams, and Paul Dickman, the CFO of Medicine Man and managing member of Breakwater MB.

"By focusing on these transitional phase investments, it's our expectation that investors in Breakwater MB will enjoy significant capital appreciation in its investment due to the arbitrage in value between private and public companies, the growth through access to the capital markets, the firm's expertise and established network, as well as short-term liquidity due to investing in newly formed publicly traded companies," states Dickman.

According to a CB Insights report on Corporate Venture Capital (CVC), newly formed CVCs grew at 20% globally in 2016, with nearly half of CVC investments made in early-stage companies. By primarily focusing on the cannabis industry, the new venture is focused on the opportunity in one of the fastest growing industries in the United States.

"Given the dynamic state of the small company market in this space and the contacts that Breakwater MB already has in the cannabis industry, we expect to be able to see a great return on our capital and efforts through such investments," continues Dickman. "I am thrilled to have an investor with great reputation and proven market expertise such as CIIX, and I believe having an individual with Mr. Wang's experience on our investment committee will provide a tremendous value to the companies in which we invest."

"With the gradual opening up of the cannabis industry in the U.S., the potential development of cannabis companies will be huge in the future. U.S. states will continue to issue cannabis licenses to applicants, while licensed cannabis stores will continue to have long queues of consumers. As a result, I believe that CIIX will recognize generous returns from this investment in a cannabis-focused investment and consulting company," says Wang.

In addition, Mr. Wang stated, "Breakwater MB is managed by Mr. Dickman, who has extensive experience in the financial and capital markets. He served as the CFO of CIIX from July 2010 - October 2016 and has served as the CFO for companies in a variety of industries both domestically and abroad. As a licensed CPA since 2005, Mr. Dickman has successfully taken numerous companies through multiple fund raising transactions, including private placements of debt and equity and IPOs. Based on his rich experience in the financial market and unique investment vision, I am confident in this mutually beneficial cooperation."

CIIX made an initial investment of $250,000 in Breakwater MB's membership interest with the option of making an additional similar investment at CIIX's election. Paul Dickman did not participate in the board's decision for CIIX to invest in Breakwater MB securities.

About ChineseInvestors.com (OTCQB: CIIX)

Founded in 1999, ChineseInvestors.com endeavors to be an innovative company providing: (a) real-time market commentary, analysis, and educational related services in Chinese language character sets (traditional and simplified); (b) advertising and public relation related support services; and (c) retail and online sales of hemp-based CBD health products via its new website: http://www.ChineseCBDoil.com

For more information visit http://www.ChineseInvestors.com

Subscribe and watch our video commentaries: https://www.youtube.com/user/Chinesefncom

Follow us on Twitter for real-time Company updates: https://twitter.com/ChineseFNEnglsh

Like us on Facebook to receive live feeds: https://www.facebook.com/Chinesefncom

Add us on WeChat: Chinesefn or download iPhone iOS App: Chinesefn.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluating such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release and matters set in the company's SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.

Contact:

ChineseInvestors.com, Inc.

227 W. Valley Blvd, #208 A

San Gabriel, CA 91776

Investor Relations:

Alan Klitenic

+1.214.636.2548

Corporate Communications:

NetworkNewsWire (NNW)

New York, New York

http://www.NetworkNewsWire.com

212.418.1217 Office

[email protected]



SOURCE ChineseInvestors.com, Inc.
PHILADELPHIA, March 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- If you are a publisher, one of the things that might keep you up at night is reassuring your authors that their content will be found when someone searches for it. As a leader across the entire information services landscape and a company that collects, curates and indexes researcher content, Clarivate Analytics heard this message and others by bringing together over 50 of its publishing partners  some who are also clients and some who are even competitors  at its Publisher Forum, held here yesterday.

Keeping up with industry changes, trends and the competition were additional topics that attendees shared when they registered for the event, "What is the biggest challenge to your publishing program in 2017"? And, "What new trends in publishing should be on our radar"?

The forum covered how Clarivate Analytics is helping publishers navigate the changing landscape including development and investment plans for the Web of Science suite of products, content selection initiatives and a discussion about the data and analytics needed for making strategic publishing decisions. The group also heard from the new Clarivate leadership team.

This forum brings together both publishing colleagues and competitors. "Getting us together in the same room allows us to talk about real issues," said Vincent Cassidy, Director of Academic Markets for The Institute of Engineering and Technology. "For example, how should scholarly publishers better track and analyze open science? Open access is such a lively debate, whenever the topic was raised, you could see everyone sit up and pay attention."

Cassidy continued, "Knowing that Clarivate has the ability to use its data and analytics to paint a picture for us about our industry means we can count on them for insights that no one else has."

Jessica Turner, global head of scientific and academic research at Clarivate Analytics said, "We're pleased and excited to have so many of our publishing partners join us for this event. Hearing from them and planning for future collaboration with this community is critical to our success. We welcome this opportunity to facilitate research excellence."

Clarivate Analytics

Clarivate Analytics accelerates the pace of innovation by providing trusted insights and analytics to customers around the world, enabling them to discover, protect and commercialize new ideas faster. Formerly the Intellectual Property and Science business of Thomson Reuters, we own and operate a collection of leading subscription-based businesses focused on scientific and academic research, patent analytics and regulatory standards, pharmaceutical and biotech intelligence, trademark protection, domain brand protection and intellectual property management. Clarivate Analytics is now an independent company with over 4,000 employees, operating in more than 100 countries and owns wellknown brands that include Web of Science, Cortellis, Thomson Innovation, Derwent World Patents Index, CompuMark, MarkMonitor and Techstreet, among others. For more information, please visit clarivate.com.

Media Contact:

Heidi Siegel

Clarivate Analytics

Director, External Relations

+1 215 823 5646 (o)

+1 215 356 4504 (m)

[email protected]

SOURCE Clarivate Analytics

Related Links

http://clarivate.com


NEW YORK, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Credit Suisse AG announced today its intention to suspend further issuances of the following Exchange Traded Notes (the "ETNs"):

ETNs Exchange Ticker CUSIP Credit Suisse X-Links Long/Short Equity ETNs due February 19, 2020 CSLS 22542D878

Credit Suisse AG is suspending further issuances of the foregoing ETNs, effective as of March 31, 2017. Credit Suisse AG may subsequently resume issuing additional ETNs at any time, although it does not currently have any intention to do so.

This action does not affect an investor's ability to offer the ETNs to Credit Suisse AG for repurchase as described in the pricing supplement. Only the Credit Suisse X-Links Long/Short Equity ETNs due February 19, 2020 are affected by this announcement.

The pricing supplement can be accessed on the Securities and Exchange Commission website at.www.sec.gov as follows:

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1053092/000110465915033766/a15-10499_1424b2.htm

As disclosed in the "Risk Factors" section of the Pricing Supplement, the market value of the ETNs may be influenced by, among other things, supply and demand for the ETNs, which may be affected by this announcement, the suspension of further issuances of the ETNs, as described above, and any ETNs that may be issued in the future. Credit Suisse AG cannot predict with certainty what impact, if any, these events will have on the public trading price of the ETNs. Investors are cautioned that paying a premium purchase price over the indicative value of the ETNs could lead to significant losses. An investor that pays a premium for the ETNs, for example, may suffer significant losses if the investor is unable to sell the ETNs in the secondary market, if the investor sells at a time when the premium has declined or is no longer present in the secondary market, if Credit Suisse AG repurchases the ETNs at the investor's option or its option, or at maturity.

Credit Suisse AG

Credit Suisse AG is one of the world's leading financial services providers and is part of the Credit Suisse group of companies (referred to here as 'Credit Suisse'). As an integrated bank, Credit Suisse offers clients its combined expertise in the areas of private banking, investment banking and asset management. Credit Suisse provides advisory services, comprehensive solutions and innovative products to companies, institutional clients and high-net-worth private clients globally, as well as to retail clients in Switzerland. Credit Suisse is headquartered in Zurich and operates in over 50 countries worldwide. The group employs approximately 47,170 people. The registered shares (CSGN) of Credit Suisse's parent company, Credit Suisse Group AG, are listed in Switzerland and, in the form of American Depositary Shares (CS), in New York. Further information about Credit Suisse can be found at www.credit-suisse.com.

This document was produced by, and the opinions expressed are those of, Credit Suisse as of the date of writing and are subject to change.

Copyright  2017, CREDIT SUISSE GROUP AG and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

SOURCE Credit Suisse AG

Related Links

http://www.credit-suisse.com


SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Crown Bioscience, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crown Bioscience International (TWSE: ticker 6554) and a global drug discovery and development services company providing translational platforms to advance oncology and metabolic disease research, will showcase scientific expertise at the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) 2017 Annual Meeting April 1-5 in Washington, D.C.

CrownBio will present data on its latest scientific developments including the impact of intestinal microbiota on anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy, the development of primary tumor allograft models for preclinical testing of PARP inhibitors, and the validation of a panel of patient-derived xenograft and cell line models for prostate cancer, among others.

There will be 14 CrownBio scientific posters presenting their data from April 2nd to April 5th at AACR 2017 Annual Meeting.

Representatives from the CrownBio Business Development and Marketing teams will welcome delegates at booth 1847 for live demonstrations of the enhanced version of OncoExpress, the Company's one stop search engine for oncology models including proprietary data on PDX, syngeneics, and cell line derived xenografts.

"We are excited to present every year at AACR an increasing number of scientific posters with cutting edge data and technologies," said Laurie Heilmann, SVP of Global Strategy, Marketing and Business Development. "CrownBio continues to demonstrate both our deep commitment to global cancer research and our contribution as a leading provider of preclinical oncology solutions."

"This year we are particularly excited to debut our enhanced digital engagement platform including the OncoExpress mobile app which brings data into the hands of our clients," said Gavin Cooper, Executive Director of Marketing at CrownBio. "We continue to facilitate our clients' research with more groundbreaking tools throughout 2017."

About Crown Bioscience Inc.

Crown Bioscience is a global drug discovery and development solutions company providing translational platforms to advance oncology and metabolic disease research. With an extensive portfolio of relevant models and predictive tools, Crown Bioscience enables clients to deliver superior clinical candidates.

SOURCE Crown Bioscience Inc.

Related Links

http://www.crownbio.com


"As Tier One Supplier Partner, DENSO provided strategic direction in the development of the SAE World Congress Experience from the supply chain perspective," said Doug Patton, executive vice president, Engineering, and chief technology officer, DENSO International America, and 2017 SAE International president. "DENSO is proud of the exciting changes we've helped to make with this event, along with our OEM partner Ford Motor Company."

DENSO's WCX Participation

DENSO Unveils MDrive Electric Vehicle (EV) Car Share Study Results

DENSO will announce the results of the MDrive EV Car Share Study, which studied the benefits and challenges of developing an electric vehicle specifically for sharing, designed around a central location and set pool of users. The results will define key opportunity areas for car sharing and electric vehicles and the role they will both play in the future of mobility systems.

DENSO Recruits at the WCX17 Career Central, Booth #CF4

DENSO will continue to recruit for experienced and entry-level engineering and mobility roles in cyber security, HMI, computer vision, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and software and computer engineering, as well as co-op engineering students for its North American operations in the U.S. and Canada. DENSO is also pairing up students from local universities with engineer mentors from DENSO and Ford Motor Company to expose them to careers in technology in the University Program on April 4.

DENSO Sponsors Women's Reception

Tues., April 4, 5 p.m.: WCX participants are welcome to attend a structured networking and reception event in the Exchange, Exhibit Hall.

DENSO Speaking engagements 

WCX17 Learning Lab

Wed., April 5 , noon : Rob Brinker , director, Thermal Engineering R&D, DENSO International America, Inc.  Climate Control Impact to Battery Range

: , director, Thermal Engineering R&D, DENSO International America, Inc.  Wed., April 5 , 2:30 p.m. : Mike Bima , lead engineer, DENSO North American Research and Engineering Center, DENSO International America, Inc.  MDrive Car Sharing Project

: lead engineer, DENSO North American Research and Engineering Center, DENSO International America, Inc.  Thurs., April 6 , 1:30 p.m. : Doua Vang , senior manager, Elevate Lab, DENSO International America, Inc.  HMI

DENSO Leadership Summit participation 

Wed., April 5 , 8 a.m. : Patton, moderator for Keynote Presentation by Yu Kai , CATARC, president, China's Automotive Industry Development & Sustainable Innovation

for Keynote Presentation by , CATARC, president, Automotive Industry Development & Sustainable Innovation Wed., April 5 , 10:15 a.m. : Patrick F. Bassett , vice president North American Research and Engineering Center, DENSO International America Inc . , panelist in Vehicles as a Shared Economy and the Effects of Automated Technology

vice president North American Research and Engineering Center, DENSO International America Inc , panelist in Thurs., April 6 , 11:45 a.m. : Patton, moderator, CTO Roundtable  Automotive Industry Chief Technologists review the issues, ideas, and conclusions discussed during the week and share their personal insights into how it specifically impacts their business

Women's Program 

Wed., April 6 from 11:30 a.m. : Stacy Gallucci , SPHR, senior manager of Talent Acquisition of DENSO North America, panelist on Organic Diversity: How Inclusion Can Help You, Your Team and Company Grow.

About DENSO in North America

DENSO is a leading global automotive supplier of advanced technology, systems and components in the areas of thermal, powertrain control, electronics and information and safety. With its North American headquarters located in Southfield, Michigan, DENSO employs more than 23,000 people at 30 consolidated companies and affiliates across the North American region. Of these, 28 are manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Canada and Mexico. In the United States alone, DENSO employs more than 15,000 people in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Iowa, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. DENSO's North American consolidated sales totaled US$9.9 billion for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2016. For more information, go to www.densocorp-na.com. Connect with DENSO on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DENSOinNorthAmerica



DENSO Worldwide

DENSO Corp., headquartered in Kariya, Aichi prefecture, Japan has more than 200 subsidiaries and affiliates in 38 countries and regions (including Japan) and employs more than 150,000 people worldwide. Consolidated global sales for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2016, totaled US$40.2 billion. Last fiscal year, DENSO spent 8.8 percent of its global consolidated sales on research and development. DENSO common stock is traded on the Tokyo and Nagoya stock exchanges. For more information, go to www.denso.com, or visit our media website at www.denso.com/global/en/news/media-center/

SOURCE DENSO International America

Related Links

http://www.denso.com


CELEBRATION, Fla., March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Disney Institute will be hosting its Customer Experience Summit at Walt Disney World Resort. For decades, Disney has strived for excellence in the art of customer service, ensuring the guest is at the heart of everything. This one-of-a kind event will give participants a peek behind the unique brand of Disney magic and help transform the way they think about their own customer experience.

The Customer Experience Summit will take place at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa from May 23-26, 2017. The multi-day summit is a fully immersive learning event that will offer attendees a first-hand look at Disney business insights and best practices in leadership, service and employee engagement. Given this critical customer experience framework, guests will be inspired and enabled to adapt it to their own role or organization.

Disney senior executives will share real-world examples of how they bring the Disney approach to life every day. The Summit keynote speakers include:

George A. Kalogridis , president of Walt Disney World Resort

, president of Walt Disney World Resort Rachel Hutter , vice president of worldwide safety and health, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts

, vice president of worldwide safety and health, and Resorts Paul Richardson , senior vice president of human resources, ESPN

, senior vice president of human resources, ESPN Beth Scott , vice president of food and beverage experience planning & integration, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts

"Building on the success of our inaugural CX Summit last year, I am excited to host our next event for participants to learn key insights from Disney executives on how Disney Parks consistently exceeds Guest expectations," said Jeff James, vice president and general manager of Disney Institute. "This year's summit will include even more learning experiences with Disney executives from our parks and resorts operation teams."

The Summit will also offer guests exclusive field experiences throughout the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, where they will observe a world-renowned customer experience environment in action. Participants will get a chance to see the operation through the eyes of a Cast Member to enhance their perspective on service delivery. During these special experiences guests will:

Be immersed in the underground world beneath Magic Kingdom  Park to experience the supportive environment that enables Cast Members to serve their guests.

Park to experience the supportive environment that enables Cast Members to serve their guests. Gain insider knowledge of unique products and services that cast provide to guests and experience several of Disney's most renowned attractions.

Discover how the guest experience has evolved through customer touchpoints during an enchanting visit to Be Our Guest Restaurant in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom  Park.

Park. Adventure behind the scenes at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park to learn how systems can help to ensure the consistent delivery of exceptional service to guests.

For more details and to register, visit: DisneyInstitute.com. Registration fees include conference materials, guided field experiences within the operation and select meals.

To find upcoming Disney Institute business training and professional development experiences offered at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and the Disneyland Resort in California, visit: DisneyInstituteCourses.com.

About Disney Institute

As the trusted, authoritative voice on the Disney approach to customer experience, Disney Institute uses business insights and time-tested examples from Disney parks and resorts worldwide to inspire individuals and organizations to enhance their own customer experience using Disney principles as their guide.

For nearly three decades, Disney Institute has helped professionals discover ways to positively impact their organizations and the customers they serve through immersion in leadership, service and employee engagement. Unique to Disney Institute is the opportunity to go behind the scenes in a "living laboratory" to observe first-hand how Disney methodologies are operationalized and how they can be adapted and applied to any work environment.

SOURCE Disney Institute

Related Links

http://DisneyInstitute.com


SEATTLE, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Eddie Bauer alpinists Adrian Ballinger and Cory Richards will return to Mt. Everest this spring to provide an exclusive, unfiltered view of climbing the world's tallest peak through their Snapchat handle, EverestNoFilter.

Last year, viewer's around the world were able to watch the duo's attempt to summit Everest without the use of supplemental oxygen via an ongoing series of photos and videos live from the mountain through Snapchat, the first-ever "Snapumentary" from Mt. Everest. A breakthrough project for expedition journalism, EverestNoFilter provided viewers with a rarely seen look at the daily experiences, challenges, and risks associated with this climb. As fans followed along, their Snapchat account grew to hundreds of thousands of views per day.

While Richards made his first successful summit without supplemental oxygen, Ballinger was forced to turn back just 250 meters from the summit.

"I simply could not have accomplished what I did without Adrian last year," says Richards. "To say it was a successful partnership would be a massive understatement. It was a completely humbling experience and it was incredible to have been one-half of EverestNoFilter. We can't wait to go back."

This year's journey is about redemption. Ballinger, who has summited Everest six times with supplemental oxygen, will attempt the climb again without supplemental oxygen. Richards, a "National Geographic" adventure photographer, will pursue his second summit without supplemental oxygen, though his primary goal is seeing Ballinger succeed.

"I absolutely made the right decision for Cory and myself in turning back last year, but I know both of us standing on top together is possible. 2017 is the year!" says Ballinger, who is also founder and CEO of mountaineering company Alpenglow Expeditions. "Those who were invested in our journey last year can expect the same real look into our daily lives on the mountain, and we hope to introduce several new followers to the journey as well."

"Last year, Adrian and Cory gave the world a raw view of something few ever experience. They're continuing Eddie Bauer's tradition of "firsts" on Everest and we're proud to support their redemption climb," says Mike Egeck, Chief Executive Officer of Eddie Bauer.

To follow the expedition, visit www.everestnofilter.com, follow EverestNoFilter on Snapchat, @adrianballinger, @coryrichards, and @eddiebauer on Instagram, Ballinger and Richards on Strava, or search hashtag #EverestNoFilter on social media.

Assisting with Ballinger and Richards' 2017 Everest summit attempt are these sponsors:

Eddie Bauer: Having outfitted the first American to summit Mt. Everest, Eddie Bauer is the world's leading outdoor adventure outfitter. The brand has provided the #EverestNoFilter expedition with world-class technical outerwear and gear created by the foremost experts in the field. Ballinger and Richards are both members of Eddie Bauer's elite roster of guides and athletes.

Strava: Strava is the social network for athletes. Its website and mobile apps bring athletes together from all walks of life and inspire them to unlock their potential, both as individuals and as communities. Ballinger will upload his daily climbs to Strava putting his effort into context and giving followers a deeper look into what it takes to climb Mt. Everest. Visit www.strava.com/everestnofilter to learn more, and follow Ballinger and Richards on Strava.

About Adrian Ballinger:

Adrian Ballinger is one of the USA's premier high-altitude mountain guides, and the only American guide to have AMGA/IFMGA guide certification (one of 75 in the USA) and more than ten summits of 8,000-meter peaks (twelve total, including six summits of Mt. Everest). As founder and CEO of Alpenglow Expeditions, Adrian has been guiding full-time for fifteen years and has led over 100 international climbing expeditions on five continents.

About Cory Richards:

Cory Richards is an esteemed alpine athlete, as well as a National Geographic photography fellow and filmmaker, whose expeditions to the greater ranges of the world have made him a leader in adventure and expedition photography. His film work has won awards at nearly every major adventure film festival, including the grand prize at the Banff Mountain Film Festival. In 2011, he was awarded the National Geographic Adventurer of the Year award for his efforts as both a climber and visual storyteller.

About Eddie Bauer:

Eddie Bauer is an active outdoor brand offering premium-quality outerwear, apparel, footwear, accessories, and gear. For nearly 100 years, Eddie Bauer has been inspiring and enabling people to live their adventure. Eddie Bauer products carry a lifetime guarantee and are available online at www.eddiebauer.com, and at more than 400 stores in the United States, Canada, Germany, Japan, and other international markets.

About Alpenglow Expeditions:

Alpenglow Expeditions is a mountaineering guide company that specializes in high-altitude guiding worldwide. The accredited guide company provides the highest level of education-based expeditions focusing on technical skills, leadership, and decision-making in the Himalayas, Alps, and Andes, and in Africa and North America. Alpenglow fosters a community of climbers ready to achieve their dreams in the world's greatest mountain ranges. To learn more, go to www.alpenglowexpeditions.com .

SOURCE Eddie Bauer

Related Links

http://www.eddiebauer.com


"Normally with a merger, the goal is to grow the firm, increasing in size to be able to take on bigger clients," said President, Chad Cheek. "However, that's not why we're merging. Both firms have been doing great work with great brands for years. We benefit from being smaller in scale and more nimble. We intend to stay that way. ShapiroWalker shares our belief in creating great work. Our collected group of clients should expect an enhanced focus on their brands and an infusion of new thinking around what we can do for them."

SWD Partner, David Shapiro, will assume the role of Vice President at the new agency; and John Walker will stay on as a Designer. Staff from both firms will be retained. In the near future, the agency will incorporate more capabilities in social media, digital strategy and website development.

"The combined companies have an extraordinary amount of talent, ambition and drive," said Shapiro. "We are both informal and accessible. Both companies focus on thoughtful solutions that directly address communications needs, without any predisposition to the medium employed. We are both interested in clients and prospects that recognize and appreciate smart work when it's put in front of them. The two companies are collaborative partners with some of the best clients in our geography."

The two agencies have longstanding partnerships and have worked on various brands at Hanesbrands: for C9 Champion, Hanes, Playtex, Bali, Maidenform and other intimate apparel brands. Both firms support the work of various departments at Wake Forest University, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and the RiverRun International Film Festival.

"Both Shapiro Walker and Elephant In The Room have been pivotal players establishing Winston-Salem as a design hub, in this region and nationally," said Hayes Henderson, Creative Director/AVP Creative Communications, Wake Forest University. "David and John have been central to the design and marketing scene for 25+ years; while Chad has established himself in the business and creative communities with a level of engagement and outreach that has added new energy. His group's work for Wake Forest has helped expand our communication's reach across campus, as well as elevate our school's brand recognition."

Elephant In The Room will make its headquarters in Winston Tower at 301 North Main Street, Suite 2100, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. The phone number is (336) 725-0110. Visit ElephantInTheRoom.com for more information.

SOURCE Elephant In The Room

Related Links

http://www.elephantintheroom.com


LAS VEGAS, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The International Raelian Movement is officially announcing the timeline of the ET Embassy project; initiated more than 40 years ago by RAEL to welcome an advanced extraterrestrial civilization to Earth at an official embassy.

Daniel Turcotte, Rael's assistant for the ET Embassy Project, explains: "Phase 1 of the project is a diplomatic initiative that has been going on for many years now, culminating, on October 7th, 2016, with our submission to then Secretary General Ban Ki-moon of an optional protocol to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. This draft protocol sets out the diplomatic arrangements for embassies for extraterrestrials. We have also proposed that there be a conference of all interested nations for the purpose of discussing this draft protocol, a copy of which has now been posted on the www.elohimembassy.org website." Turcotte added that, "Phase 1 will be completed when two or more countries have ratified the optional protocol, and we expect that this should be achieved by 2019''.

He went on to explain that "Phase 2 will consist of analyzing possible sites in the three most suitable of the countries that have signed the diplomatic protocol and then choosing our preferred site. Phase 3 will then cover the negotiations for the transfer of the site to the International Raelian Movement, along with any necessary agreements for major off-site infrastructure. Each of these phases are expected to require 3 to 4 years."

Daniel Turcotte concluded with "Phase 4 will consist of detailed site analysis, planning, design, approvals, contracts, construction, landscaping and commissioning so that the Embassy can be fully operational and ready to welcome the ET civilization by 2030''.

Raelians believe that the extraterrestrial civilization, referred to by Turcotte, created all life on Earth, including human beings, and that it is very peaceful and far more advanced than we are, both scientifically and philosophically. They are known as the Elohim, and they will not officially return to Earth until we welcome them at an embassy and grant them appropriate diplomatic status, after which peace will prevail on this planet.

Worldwide this week, thousands of Raelians will again be in the streets and holding conferences and public hearings to further this awareness and the hope and peace it confers.

www.elohimembassy.org

All events : www.rael.org/ETembassyDay

SOURCE Raelian Movement

Related Links

http://www.rael.org


PHILADELPHIA, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- American Law Institute Continuing Legal Education (ALI CLE) has announced that Environmental Litigation: Navigating Complex Hazardous Substances and Toxic Tort Cases Under CERCLA, RCRA, and Common Law will be held on June 22-23, 2017, in Washington, DC. This course will concentrate on litigating cases that specifically involve hazardous substances or toxic tort violations, and what changes environmental litigators can expect under the Trump administration.

The Environmental Litigation conference will feature a faculty comprised of experienced practitioners from both sides of the bar, government attorneys, sitting and former federal magistrate judges, and environmental and scientific experts. The nationally-based faculty will offer insights and tips for developing effective case strategies from commencement to trial.

In addition to a collegial classroom setting, the program will include a unique mix of presentations, panel discussions, and demonstrations by the faculty, such as a trial simulation with a direct and cross-examination of an expert. Presenters will cover best practices for avoiding common litigation problems as well as a judge's perspective on the arguments and issues. There will be several networking opportunities to connect with the faculty and other attendees.

There will be a number of current topics addressed, such as:

The effect of the Trump administration on environmental enforcement and litigation, such as shifting more responsibility to the states

State-initiated and citizen suit litigation: the new "enforcement" mechanisms?

Spoliation of physical evidence or ESI under amended Rule 37(e)

How and when to make a Daubert motion to exclude an expert

motion to exclude an expert The use of jury advisors, mock juries, and similar techniques

Mastering the complex CERCLA case

Consent orders, voluntary clean up agreements, and contribution protection

Natural resources damages assessments

"This program is a must for lawyers who litigate, or want to litigate, environmental law  whether from the perspective of government, private practice, in-house counsel or NGOs," said planning co-chair Daniel Riesel of Sive, Paget & Riesel, P.C. in New York. "It offers a unique blend of judges and experienced practitioners from different practice areas distilling important practice issues and strategies. The program is a remarkable learning experience for environmental litigators."

About American Law Institute Continuing Legal Education

American Law Institute CLE is the continuing legal education division of the American Law Institute. American Law Institute CLE, a non-profit organization, is committed to the work of promoting continuing professional education for lawyers throughout the United States and to creating standards to ensure quality and relevance in CLE programs. American Law Institute CLE is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the legal profession, furthering a tradition of unparalleled service to lawyers. Follow the latest announcements and news at https://www.ali-cle.org/Press-Releases and on Twitter @ALI_CLE.

For press and media related inquiries please send us an email at [email protected].

CONTACT: Ian Shumard

ALI CLE | (215) 243-1662

SOURCE American Law Institute Continuing Legal Education

Related Links

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David Enriquez, Platinum's vice president of operations, stated that Gustafson hired Platinum for the sale of her personal horse property after becoming a believer in the auction process by watching her father participate as a bidder at the firm's first Wellington auction in the winter of 2013 - the sale of Two Swans Farm for nearly $7 million. In addition to applauding the auction's price, she was impressed that it lured her father's interest (although he was not the winning bidder).

"Her father was the type of buyer who could have purchased nearly anything he desired in Wellington at any time, but it wasn't until he received our luxury auction postcard and saw one of our television commercials that he went into action and actually considered a purchase," noted Enriquez. "It's certainly a powerful testimonial for the process."

The property offers 5.5 acres of manicured grounds within Wellington's prestigious Palm Beach Point community, a location that allows for a relatively modest hack to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, the host venue of the world-famous Winter Equestrian Festival, or "WEF." The minimum parcel size within the community is 5 acres, preventing crowded development and allowing for plenty of space for the residents and their horses to enjoy the neighborhood's miles of riding trails.

Built in 2000, the property features a 5,400-sf residence offering 4 bedrooms and 4 full baths. There is also an enclosed pool, bar, and an oversized master suite with a private veranda. The grounds include a 12-stall barn (which has its own full bath), 7 paddocks, and a 130-ft by 210-ft riding arena with new footing.

The property parcel was carefully designed in order to position its main structures  the residence, barn and arena  within comfortable proximity of one another while still allowing for a welcomed buffer between the residential and horse farm areas. This creates a serene environment for both homeowner and horse.

Wellington, Florida has a well-established reputation as one of the world's most prominent equestrian marketplaces. Its annual Winter Equestrian Festival is the world's longest-running horse show and competition. The event draws the Who's Who of the equestrian world to western Palm Beach County each year, many of whom lease or purchase property in Wellington. The city boasts residents such as Bill Gates, Tommy Lee Jones, Bruce Springsteen, Frank McCourt and billionaire media mogul John Malone.

The property is available for previews between the hours of 12 and 4pm (EDT) every Friday through Monday, until the auction. Additional information is available at EquestrianLuxuryAuction.com, or by calling Platinum's offices at 800.925.8231.

About Platinum Luxury Auctions

Platinum Luxury Auctions specializes in the non-distressed sale of multimillion-dollar properties within and beyond the United States. The Platinum team has closed more than $662 million in luxury real estate auction sales to date, while consulting on more than $2 billion in additional luxury properties worldwide. The firm is responsible for developing the luxury auction model for high-priced real estate auctions.

SOURCE Platinum Luxury Auctions LLC

Related Links

http://www.platinumluxuryauctions.com


HOUSTON, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- EVX Midstream Partners, LLC ("EVX") today announced that it is expanding its Eagle Ford asset base. EVX is constructing additional crude oil gathering infrastructure and has acquired additional strategic SWD facilities.

Herb Chambers IV, President and CEO of EVX said, "We are pleased to continue our multi-commodity development efforts in the Eagle Ford. The expansion of our crude oil and produced water assets will allow us to serve a broader base of customers and enhance services to our existing customer base. Our business model is to serve producers by handling all their crude oil, natural gas, and water related midstream needs."

Mr. Chambers continued, "Area activity has been strong and the strategic expansion of our assets will position EVX to provide additional gathering, storage and blending opportunities."

EVX is led by its three founders: Herb Chambers IV, President and CEO; Charlie Flynn, Chief Operating Officer; and Brian Kellar, Chief Financial Officer. The EVX leadership team has a demonstrated track record of success, with over 50 years of collective experience originating transactions and projects, structuring and developing midstream assets, and operating assets post-acquisition or project completion.

About EVX Midstream

EVX Midstream Partners LLC is a midstream development company focused on acquiring, developing and operating crude oil, natural gas, and produced water gathering, processing, treating and transportation assets in the Eagle Ford, Permian Basin, and Mid-Continent. EVX was founded by Herb Chambers IV, Charlie Flynn and Brian Kellar, in partnership with Five Point Capital Partners LLC. For more information, please visit www.evxmidstream.com.

About Five Point Capital Partners LLC

Five Point Capital Partners is a private equity firm focused on midstream energy infrastructure and energy sector investments across North America. Five Point's investment strategy is to partner with, develop and support strong management teams through buyouts and growth capital investments within the midstream energy sector. Based in The Woodlands, Texas, Five Point is currently investing from Five Point Capital Midstream Fund II L.P. and manages more than $450 million of capital commitments. For further information, please visit www.fivepointcp.com.

Media Contacts

Workhorse Marketing

Allie Higgs

512-910-7017

[email protected]

SOURCE EVX Midstream Partners, LLC

Related Links

http://www.evxmidstream.com


PITTSBURGH, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Expedient, a cloud computing and data center infrastructure as a service (IaaS) provider, today announced it was recognized during the City of Dublin, Ohio's annual Business Appreciation Week for its exemplary corporate citizenry and positive contributions to Dublin's economic environment.

Each March, the City of Dublin recognizes the businesses who call the Dublin-area home through a variety of celebrations and official events. This year, the City of Dublin's Economic Development team selected Expedient as an organization representative of the quality and caliber of Dublin-area businesses; Market Vice President Derek Hahn and Director of Market Strategy Steve Gruetter were invited to present to City Council during its Business Appreciation Week proclamation announcement.

"Business Appreciation Week is the city's opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to the businesses who make Dublin their home," said Jeremiah Gracia, Economic Development Administrator for the City of Dublin. "In a very short time, Expedient has made a significant impact on the Dublin business landscape, and we're proud to recognize them during Business Appreciation Week."

"We're honored to be recognized during Dublin's Business Appreciation Week, and proud to be positively contributing to Dublin's already stellar economic environment," said Derek Hahn, Expedient's Market Vice President in Columbus.

Expedient opened its Dublin data center in November 2015, creating 25 new jobs in the area. The data center is one of 11 operated by Expedient across the Midwest and East Coast, and is the second Expedient facility in the Central Ohio region. All of Expedient's data centers are interconnected with at least a 10Gbps private fiber backbone and feature 24x7x365 on-site support.

About Expedient

Expedient is a cloud and data center infrastructure as a service (IaaS) provider with local operations in Pittsburgh, PA; Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Cleveland, OH; Columbus, OH; Indianapolis, IN and Memphis, TN. Converged solutions enable clients to focus on strategic business innovation, while the Expedient team handles operation of the information technology needed to support it. Expedient data centers are compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) as well as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Service Organization Control (SOC) reports are published annually for all locations. Learn more at expedient.com.

SOURCE Expedient

Related Links

http://www.expedient.com


MIAMI, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Fathom, one of Carnival Corporation's (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) 10 global cruise brands, offers one of the travel industry's most unique experiences  a "Cultures of the Caribbean" cruise that visits the charming Cuban city of Santiago de Cuba and then travels to Amber Cove on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic for the Fathom brand's highly rated social impact activities.

Fathom's Adonia departs from PortMiami on April 9, April 23 and May 7, and the voyage takes travelers to two beautiful and memorable destinations.

The first port of call is Santiago de Cuba, the country's second-largest city, giving travelers a look at its colorful traditions, ranging from historic sceneries to remarkable memorials and a rare collection of cannons. Known for its legendary music scene and electric culture influenced by African, French and Spanish tradition and a bustling vibe, Santiago de Cuba is carving out a niche for itself as an "Alternative Cuba." With an energy considered by many equal to or even exceeding Havana, travelers will quickly understand the difference between the two cities as they walk through the colorful streets populated with unique street vendors and a vibrant community.

Some of the key highlights of this Cuban gem include San Juan Hill, the site of a pivotal battle during the SpanishAmerican War; Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca, a stone fortress perching high atop Bahia de Santiago de Cuba that took over 60 years to complete; and Cementerio de Santa Ifigenia, the final resting place of famed Cuban hero Jose Marti  the 19th century poet and political theorist  as he remains a figure central to Cuba's national identity.

"One of my favorite things about Santiago de Cuba is witnessing the rare beauty and charm of the city -- the people have great energy, the sights are captivating and the vibe is super cool. We want our travelers to walk away with lifelong memories, and Santiago de Cuba delivers," said Tara Russell, president of Fathom and global impact lead for Carnival Corporation. "With Fathom's people-to-people experiences, travelers have the opportunity to engage with the Cuban people and discover the sights and sounds of this magnetic country. The challenge won't be falling in love with Cuba; the challenge will be not wanting to leave."

After the visit to Santiago de Cuba, travelers head to Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic where they can be part of a bigger story while coming alongside new Dominican friends and communities. While there, travelers can participate in unforgettable impact activities alongside local residents and be a part of creating powerful and sustainable change.

Specific impact activities include building water filters for Dominican homes; helping a women's cooperative produce artisan chocolates; improving homes and common areas in impoverished communities; assisting arts and crafts entrepreneurs; participating in community English-language retention activities; and supporting reforestation efforts.

The Cultures of Caribbean itinerary includes:

Sunday  Depart from Port Miami at 4:30 p.m. ET

Depart from at Monday  At sea

At sea Tuesday  In Santiago de Cuba from 9 a.m. ET to 6 p.m. ET

In Santiago de from Wednesday  Arrive in the Dominican Republic at 7 p.m. ET

Arrive in the at Thursday  In the Dominican Republic

In the Friday  Depart the Dominican Republic at 1 p.m. ET

Depart the at Saturday  At sea

At sea Sunday  Arrive in Port Miami at 7:30 a.m. ET

Pricing for Fathom's seven-day "Cultures of Caribbean" itinerary to the Dominican Republic and Santiago de Cuba start at $399. The price includes all meals on the ship and lunch in Santiago de Cuba, lunch during Dominican Republic impact activities, onboard experiences and select on-the-ground activities. Taxes, fees, port expenses, gratuities and Cuban visa excluded. The required Cuban travel visa is $75 per person and gratuities are estimated at $80.50 per person.

To reserve a spot on future sailings, travelers may call Fathom toll-free at 1-855-932-8466 or work with a travel professional. Learn more at www.Fathom.org .

About Fathom Travel

Fathom pioneered a new category of travel designed to give travelers meaningful, engaging experiences that take people deep into the heart of a destination, inviting rich human connections between travelers and local people. Fathom currently offers uniquely different round-trip voyages from Miami into the heart of two of the Caribbean's most desired destinations  the Dominican Republic and Cuba  where travelers may explore the places and discover its people in unconventional ways and for longer amounts of time.

What sets Fathom apart is the deep human connections, along with the rich and playful onboard and onshore journey, that was created for travelers who want to engage deeply and experience new places in purposeful ways. Lighthearted localized and personal enrichment onboard activities are available for travelers of all ages, and prepare and inform them about the communities they will visit. Travelers will also find new ways to discover themselves through onboard activities such as "storytelling and curiosity workshops."

On the ground, Fathom helps travelers disconnect from the usual, and connect with new people and places to explore the world in unexpected ways. For example, in the Dominican Republic travelers may spend time alongside locals participating in activities that support and amplify existing programs that matter to the local communities, including planting trees, making chocolate and creating water filters. In Cuba, travelers get an up-close and personal look at the rich fabric of Cuban society as they enjoy people to people connections with local artists, musicians, business owners and families in the cities of Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba.

Late in 2016, Fathom began expanding and evolving to better serve the broader audience of travelers that sail with Carnival Corporation annually. Beginning in November 2016, the Fathom experiences on the ground in the Dominican Republic were made available as experiential excursions in the Dominican Republic aboard six other Carnival Corporation brands that call on Amber Cove, including AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises UK. Additionally, Fathom experiences will soon be offered onboard its sister brands, and in new and exciting ways in other parts of the world.

For more information about Fathom or to book a voyage, contact your travel professional, call Fathom toll-free at 1-855-932-8466 or visit www.Fathom.org.

SOURCE Fathom

Related Links

https://www.fathom.org


RIVERSIDE, Calif., March 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a lawsuit filed in the federal District Court in the Northern District of California in San Jose, the experience of one patient, Jonathan Davidson, puts a spotlight on the large companies Hewlett Packard Enterprise and United HealthCare seeking to manipulate healthcare payment systems by cutting off a patient's life-saving care, as alleged in the lawsuit in which Mr. Davidson's Jonathan Davidson Law Firm is representing him. Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HP) plans a merger this week with another giant computer services company, Computer Sciences Corporation, which has repeatedly been charged with systematically engaging in false or fraudulent practices in its business with Medicaid, the British National Health Service and others. In the merger, 120,000 or so HP employees are set to be "spun off" into a newly created HP-CSC merger company called "DXC Technology," with their prior HP sponsored health plan replaced by a "private exchange model" adopted for its "lower cost structure" for HP.

According to Jonathan Davidson, his case exemplifies the abuses that victimize millions of ill patients, including employees and others with company or group medical coverage, and also the public and taxpayers through inflated medical and health insurance costs.

According to Davidson's lawsuit, payment for the care and life support prescribed for him by his doctors was assured by HP and United HealthCare. But payments from Jonathan's care were cut off on January 19 by Hewlett Packard's medical benefits "administrator," United HealthCare (UHC), which is said to be the largest health insurance company in the United States. UHC in January generated a falsified medical record in an attempt to stop payment for Jonathan's care, which has been paid for through benefit arrangements with HP, his wife's employer. HP tried to cover the falsified medical information from UHC by claiming that the payment cutoff was merely sent "in error" and that "patient care management sent the standard computer generated letter without reviewing your case."

According to the federal lawsuit, from the diagnoses and orders of the physicians who have attended to his daily care, United HealthCare knows that Jonathan Davidson will die if he does not have the life support and skilled care that his doctors have prescribed for his disabling neurodegenerative disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. In defiance of Jonathan's attending physicians, UHC falsely claimed in its January 19 letter that the medical services prescribed for him "do not require special skills or training" or "trained medical personnel."

HP is again trying to cut off promised payment for Jonathan's life-saving medical care by transferring his wife on March 31 to the new merger company, DXC, that HP has created with CSC to buck up their IT and computing services businesses, which are targeted heavily on healthcare and government. The family is fighting to save Jonathan's life. They are taking his story to the media before HP, Computer Sciences Corporation and United HealthCare cut off the skilled medical care that keeps him alive.

Jonathan Davidson filed his amended federal complaint against HP and UHC in the federal District Court for the Northern District of California, in San Jose, on March 13, 2017.

SOURCE Jonathan Davidson Law Firm
WASHINGTON, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement after passage of House Bill 142:

"While this measure does not lead to the violation of the privacy of women and children by allowing the dangerous policies like Charlotte's to be re-established, it does signal that elected officials are ultimately willing to surrender to the courts and the NCAA on matters of safety and public policy. Lawmakers who voted for this legislation have no right to complain about activist judges. LGBT groups' fierce opposition to this compromise is very telling. For the Left, the only compromise they will accept is our total surrender," concluded Perkins.

SOURCE Family Research Council

Related Links

http://www.frc.org


AMSTERDAM, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- McDonough Innovation is helping move forward a global initiative to create more good in the apparel industry, as a founding member and visionary behind the newly-launched Fashion for Good - a joint-industry "open-source" initiative that aims to transform apparel culture toward a Cradle to Cradle1 inspired circular model.

Fashion for Good is a worldwide laboratory of innovation and practical action based in Amsterdam. Fashion for Good was created with an initial grant from founding partner C&A Foundation, and prior to launch the partners that built the foundation of Fashion for Good include: the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, IDH  The Sustainable Trade Initiative, Impact Hub Amsterdam, McDonough Innovation, The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), Plug and Play, C&A and Kering.

Fashion for Good aims to inspire the apparel industry to "fashion endlessly" where both people and planet flourish as we produce, use and recycle apparel in biological and technical cycles. It unites key players across all fronts of the fashion industry, including apparel producers, retailers, nonprofit organizations, innovators, and funders who share a common mission of transforming the apparel industry into a force for good. It supports the scale up of technologies, methodologies and business models with the potential to wholly transform the industry.

The apparel industry has struggled to realize holistic improvements in a global supply chain that is difficult to navigate, with materials that have been historically hard to source or verify. Guided by the Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Certified Product Standard, Fashion for Good espouses and supports five basic "goods," first articulated by architect, designer, thought leader and author William McDonough:

Good Materials: Good materials are safe, healthy and designed for reuse and recycling

Good Economy: A good economy is growing, circular, shared and benefitting everyone

Good Energy: Good energy is renewable and clean

Water: Good water is clean and available to all

Good Lives: Living and working conditions are just, safe and dignified

McDonough was present at the launch event, taking place at Fashion for Good's building at 102 Rokin, in the heart of Amsterdam, a dynamic hotspot combining the spirit of innovation and sustainability.

"Fashion for Good will expedite adoption more broadly in the supply chain, helping to overcome some of the greatest hurdles in aligning sustainability practices in a complex system of international vendors. Meanwhile, the values of the organization will be able to infuse best practices deeply within the industry," said McDonough. "The Five Goods represent an aspirational model we can all use to work towards a world in which we will fashion endlessly with grace and dignity."

C&A, one of Europe's leading fashion retailers, announced that they will be the first worldwide retailer to launch Cradle to Cradle Certified GOLD apparel as part of their 2017 summer collection. Developed in partnership with Fashion for Good, and with the guidance of MBDC, these affordable, compostable and fashionable garments served as the case study for the open-source Cradle to Cradle Certified 'How-To' Guide. Launching at the end of March, the online guide has practical tips, a self-diagnostic tool to show suppliers and manufacturers how to improve their products and production facilities and a step-by-step guide on how to produce Cradle to Cradle Certified products

Leslie Johnston, Executive Director of C&A Foundation said: "C&A Foundation is here to transform the fashion industry. As our largest partner to date, Fashion for Good will both inspire new ways of thinking and provide practical tools for a better global apparel industry. Open and inclusive, Fashion for Good will help the industry to bring innovations and new business models to scale."

About William McDonough/McDonough Innovation

Winner of the National Design Award, William McDonough, FAIA, Int. FRIBA, is an internationally recognized architect, designer, sustainable growth pioneer, and business strategist. He works at scales from the global to the molecular. Time magazine recognized him in 1999 as "Hero for the Planet," noting that "his utopianism is grounded in a unified philosophy thatin demonstrable and practical waysis changing the design of the world." For more than four decades, McDonough has defined the principles of the sustainability movement (through McDonough Innovation, William McDonough + Partners, and MBDC). He has created the movement's seminal buildings, products, and writings. He was the inaugural chair of the World Economic Forum's Meta-Council on the Circular Economy and in 2017 received The Fortune Award for Circular Economy Leadership given by the World Economic Forum. McDonough is co-creator of the Cradle to Cradle Design Framework.

William McDonough Architects published the The Hannover Principles: Design for Sustainability (1992) and McDonough co-authored, with Michael Braungart, the influential Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things (2002) and The Upcycle: Beyond SustainabilityDesigning for Abundance (2013). McDonough received both the inaugural Presidential Award for Sustainable Development (under President Bill Clinton) and the inaugural U.S. EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award (under President George W. Bush). In 2009, William McDonough led the founding of the nonprofit Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute to donate the Cradle to Cradle Certified Products Program to the public realm. In 2012, the Stanford University Libraries invited McDonough to be the subject of their inaugural "living archive"; since then, Stanford has been collecting and archiving his work and communications in real time for future historians.

Follow @billmcodnough on Twitter for the latest project news and events.

Subscribe to William McDonough's YouTube channel to see hear his latest insights.

Cradle to Cradle and C2C are registered trademarks of MBDC, LLC

Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Certified is a trademark licensed by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute

1 Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things by William McDonough and Michael Braungart, (North Point Press: 2002)

SOURCE McDonough Innovation
(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/483749/Professor_Tom_Goldstein__Founding_Dean_of_JSJC.jpg )



As a journalist, Professor Goldstein worked at AP, Newsday, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, and was also press secretary to New York City Mayor, Edward Koch. Professor Goldstein has also consulted with many non-profit and for-profit organizations on press practices, including the Ford Foundation, McKinsey, and most recently, Twitter.

Speaking on the occasion, JGU Founding Vice-Chancellor, Professor (Dr) C Raj Kumar, said, "I have great pleasure in announcing the appointment of Professor Tom Goldstein as the Founding Dean of the Jindal School of Journalism and Communication. Professor Goldstein brings to JGU an extraordinarily diversified set of experiences and perspectives."

Professor Kumar further observed, "As an intellectual visionary who understands the critical and evolving role of media and communications, his contribution and leadership will be invaluable in setting up the first interdisciplinary school of journalism and communication in the country."

Born in Buffalo, New York, Professor Goldstein is a graduate of Yale University, where he majored in English, and the Columbia University Law School as well as its Graduate School of Journalism.

Professor Tom Goldstein, Founding Dean, JSJC, said, "I am so pleased to be joining the extraordinarily vibrant academic community at O.P. Jindal Global University, I am looking forward enormously to become Dean of its journalism school. This is a once-in-a-career opportunity."

Over the years, Professor Goldstein had the honor of holding five 'named' chairs at the University of Florida at Gainesville (1983-84), the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University (1994), the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia (July 2000-June 2002), Stanford University (Fall 2002), and Arizona State University (2003 and 2004).

JSJC is the sixth school of O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU). The vision of the Jindal School of Journalism & Communication (JSJC) is to build a world-class institution in India that offers opportunities for education, research and capacity building in media and communication studies.

For more information, visit: http://www.jgu.edu.in





Media Contact:

Nagendra Gupta

Manager, Communication and Public Affairs

O.P. Jindal Global University

[email protected]



SOURCE O.P. Jindal Global University
"The transition to an all-electric, energy efficient transit system is well underway, so it's critical that America seize this moment to innovate, lead and cement local, high-skilled manufacturing jobs," said Jennifer Granholm. "I'm proud to support Proterra as it continues to bring more jobs, more dollars and more opportunities to the domestic transportation sector."

As the governor of Michigan, Granholm played a leading role in Michigan's economic recovery by diversifying local industry and creating a clean energy hub for the state. Granholm's novel approach to creating middle class jobs and incentivizing supply chains to co-locate in Michigan attracted leading manufacturers in energy storage, solar, wind and bio-energy. Her plan focused on fostering critical partnerships among industry, government and researchers, which catalyzed investment totaling $9.4 billion and created more than 89,000 clean energy jobs.

More Demand, More Deployments: Proterra's ramps up manufacturing

Already, more than 75 percent of the materials used to manufacture Proterra's high-performance Catalyst buses are American-made, exemplifying Granholm's vision for an infrastructure model that prioritizes domestic job growth and economic empowerment. With U.S. suppliers, manufacturing facilities in South Carolina and California, and a base of its battery-electric buses sold into 36 cities across the country, Proterra continues to demonstrate its commitment to both the U.S. transit market and domestic manufacturing sector that serves it. In 2016, Proterra more than doubled sales growth and expects to triple overall production in 2017.

"We believe that American market demand can be met by American supply, so it's a major win to have former governor and American manufacturing advocate Jennifer Granholm join the Proterra board as we ramp production," said Ryan Popple, CEO of Proterra. "Her policy leadership and industry success in growing high-end manufacturing will be invaluable to the company and the mass transit market, which we expect to transition to all-electric buses by 2030."

About Proterra:

Proterra is a leader in the design and manufacture of zero-emission vehicles that enable bus fleet operators to eliminate the dependency on fossil fuels and to significantly reduce operating costs while delivering clean, quiet transportation to the community. Proterra has sold more than 380 vehicles to 36 different municipal, university, and commercial transit agencies in 20 states across the USA. Proterra's configurable EV platform, battery and charging options make its buses well suited for a wide range of transit and campus routes. With unmatched durability and energy efficiency based on rigorous U.S. certification testing, Proterra products are proudly designed, engineered and manufactured in America, with offices in Silicon Valley, South Carolina, and Los Angeles. For more information, visit: http://www.proterra.com and follow us on Twitter @Proterra_Inc.

SOURCE Proterra

Related Links

http://www.proterra.com


LOS ANGELES, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- International Vintage Watch Company (IVWC), a Los Angeles Based Luxury and Vintage Watch Company, has announced that it has teamed up with Fundable.com to raise a minimum $ 1 Million to help expand its global e-commerce vintage watch sales. Click here for Fundable.com Vintage Watch Raise.

1965 Rolex Datejust 1601 18k Gold & Stainless Men's Swiss Made Automatic Vintage Watch on leather. 1990's Omega Automatic Speedmaster Michael Schumacher 39mm Stainless Steel Chronograph Swiss Vintage Men's Watch yellow dial on leather.

Based in the historic Downtown Los Angeles Jewelry District, IVWC has quickly become one of the largest vintage watch dealers in the USA. IVWC specializes in buying pre-owned classic, elegant timepieces in various conditions and meticulously breathing new life into their functions before making them available on several marketplaces worldwide. Featured vintage brands include Omega, Rolex, Cartier, Patek Philippe, IWC, Seiko, Longines and many others.

"Our team members each have over 25 years of experience in the jewelry industry. Paired with our own appreciation for classic, quality watches, our operation is a labor of love," said Jack Abramov, co-founder and CEO of International Vintage Watch Company.

IVWC reports that 50% of its sales are International, placing the company in a position to compete with other trusted, American watch dealers in the global market. The company expects to generate $ 3M in online sales in 2017, more than doubling its 2016 sales of $ 1.2M.

Offerings include 1930's  1950's collector pieces, 1960's retro models, 1970's classics and 1980's  2000's modern styles, all professionally cleaned, serviced and restored in stunning detail.

The company features collectable vintage premium Swiss and Japanese watches by the finest brands including: Rolex, Cartier, Patek Philippe, Omega, IWC, Vacheron Constantin, Piaget, Audemars Piguet, Franck Muller, Chronoswiss, Roger Dubuis, Universal Geneve, Bvlgari, Corum, Louis Vuitton, Tudor, Tiffany & Co., Panerai, Breitling, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Hublot, Chopard, Bell & Ross, Breguet, Glashutte, Girard Perregaux, Ulysse Nardin, Baume & Mercier, Sinn, Zenith, Rado, Seiko, Bulova, Gucci, Citizen, Orient, Enicar, Technos, Elgin, Richoh, Milus, Wyler, Fortis, Tag Heuer, Longines, Movado, Benrus, Tissot, Fendi, Ebel, Movado, Raymond Weil, Oris, Hamilton and others.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL VINTAGE WATCH COMPANY (IVWC)

International Vintage Watch Company (IVWC) is one of the largest vintage watch dealers in the United States. Based in the historic downtown Los Angeles Jewelry District, IVWC is world renowned for its expert restoration and supply of fine premium authentic vintage Swiss and Japanese made watches. The company has over 1,200 vintage watches in stock and sells its products globally on several e-commerce marketplaces including Chrono24 Germany, Ebay VividLily Store, Tradesy Online and others.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Jeff Cohen

IVWC

888-507-1705

[email protected]

SOURCE International Vintage Watch Company

Related Links

http://www.internationalvintagewatch.com


Dallas-based interior and architectural design firm, waldrop+nichols studio , was tasked to lead the charge formulating an interior design concept honoring the historic property's past, blending European luxury and elegance with impeccable Texas hospitality. To pay homage to the 5-star hotel's French Renaissance facade while upholding the vision of Caroline Rose Hunt and original architect and Pritzker Prize-winning Philip Johnson, waldrop+nichols draws cues from the world of hate couture and avant-garde ideals, as the hotel has radiated greatness since it's inception in 1985.

"Embarking on a design renovation for a hotel with renowned presence and pedigree requires a commitment to honor the heritage, yet still create an aesthetic for the next generation," said Andrea Waldrop, VP of waldrop+nichols studio. "Every design environment created provides an original platform that stirs a guest to engage and embrace the essence of the interior."

Project details include:

Full redesign and restoration of 195 luxury guest rooms and 31 suites  with the addition of four suites during the renovation  including all new bathrooms and vanity areas. The selected color palette of limestone, blush, taupe and mink allows the architecture of the rooms to be the feature, speaking to the classic French exterior.

Upgraded floor corridors and elevators. Already unique due to the curvature of the hotel, the corridors will reference French-inspired patterns through innovative techniques in textural wall panels, seeded glass sconce diffusers, rift-cut silver walnut millwork and a subtle palette that sets the scene as an entrance maker to the room.

Enhancement of hotel public spaces including a fully refurbished lobby with elegant furnishings in main-lobby bar and lounge, Beau's. The evolution will invite socialization that allows for ease of flow and circulation from the front door to the sunken courtyard connecting Stanley Korshak to the hotel. The addition of bar seating will infuse activity and generate buzz in the lobby.

to the hotel. The addition of bar seating will infuse activity and generate buzz in the lobby. Additional funds will be invested towards the membership program, including the remodeling of the 22,000 sq. ft. spa and fitness center.

The renovation of Hotel Crescent Court follows the return to its original name, after being purchased by Crescent Real Estate LLC (Crescent). "Hotel Crescent Court has played a critical role in Dallas' dynamic culture for three decades, always striving to be the face of unparalleled service," says John Goff, Chairman of Crescent. "This $30 million investment has been carefully designed to elevate the hotel to an even greater level of style, enriching the experiences of today's discerning travelers." Hotel Crescent Court's impressive upgrades will serve to evoke a sense of calm and stylish affluence, designed for a lifestyle where quality reigns and the absence of excess is the new luxury for a modern culture.

For more information, please visit www.crescentcourt.com or call 214-871-3200.

SOURCE Hotel Crescent Court
Side A:

Cygnus X-1  Book I: The Voyage

Side B:

Cygnus X-1  Book II: Hemispheres

Released in 1977, A Farewell To Kings is the studio follow-up to 2112 and is a continuation of Rush's musical growth, as they continued to push traditional rock boundaries and explore new ground, both musically and lyrically. Recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales, A Farewell To Kings was the band's first U.S gold-selling album, receiving the certification within two months of its release, and was later certified platinum.

www.Rush.com

facebook.com/rushtheband / instagram.com/rush

twitter.com/rushtheband

SOURCE UMe

Related Links

http://www.Rush.com


CHICAGO, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/-- Coming off a strong performance in 2015, Technomic's Top 500 chain restaurants experienced a deceleration in 2016 with cumulative sales growth checking in at 3.6%, down from 5.2% the prior year. Net unit growth stayed relatively stable at 1.7%, compared to 1.9% in 2015, pointing to declining customer traffic and weakening same-store-sales as the key reasons for the slowdown.

The Technomic Top 500 Advanced Chain Restaurant Report, now available for purchase prior to the full report's publication in mid-April, provides Technomic's exclusive one-year sales forecast by menu category, an expanded outlook and opportunities section, as well as key themes to help navigate the current industry landscape.

"Today's foodservice environment continues to create challenges for operators to build market share," states Darren Tristano, Technomic chief insights officer. "Innovative independent restaurants, emerging regional brands and expansion in the Fast-Casual market have pushed operators to be more nimble, focused and convenient. Big chains continue to see challenges with younger GenZ and Millennial consumer patrons who expect greater social corporate responsibility. Consumers will continue to look for quality and value in their foodservice experiences."

Full service chains within the Top 500 ranking took the biggest hit in 2016, seeing their total sales growth slow from 4% to 1.4% while unit growth also fell from 1.1% to 0.5%. While these declines can mostly be attributed to the lagging performance of the top casual dining chains, there were still bright spots to be found, with sales increases in fine dining chains by 4.9% and polished casual chains by 4.3%.

Relative to its full service counterpart, limited service fared better in 2016, growing its sales at a cumulative rate of 4.4% with unit growth of 1.9%. Propelling the segment forward was the continued success of fast casual which saw annual sales growth of 8.1%. However, signs of segment maturity are starting to become visible as sales growth for fast casual chains dropped under double digits for the first time in recent history. Quick service chains, who make up over 60% of the Top 500's total sales volume, chipped in sales growth of 3.7%, down from 4.6% in 2015 while unit growth was unchanged over the past two years at 0.9%.

To purchase or learn more about this and other industry reports from Technomic, please visit Technomic.com or contact one of the individuals listed below.

Note: The results reported here are preliminary and subject to revision.

About Technomic

Only Technomic, a Winsight company, delivers a 360-degree view of the food industry. We impact growth and profitability for our clients by providing consumer-grounded vision and channel-relevant strategic insights. Our services range from major research studies and management consulting solutions to online databases and simple fact-finding assignments. Our clients include food manufacturers and distributors, restaurants and retailers, other foodservice organizations, and various institutions aligned with the food industry. Visit us at https://www.technomic.com/

About Winsight, LLC

Winsight, LLC is a business-to-business media and information services company specializing in the convenience-retailing, restaurant and noncommercial foodservice industries. Winsight has an extensive media portfolio including four publications, CSP, Restaurant Business, FoodService Director and Convenience Store Products, a suite of digital products including websites, e-newsletters (Restaurant Business Daily and CSP Daily News) and webinars, plus video products, mobile and tablet apps and custom marketing solutions. The Winsight Events group produces six exclusive, large-scale executive-level conferencesRestaurant Leadership Conference, FARE Conference, Outlook Leadership, Convenience Retailing University, FSTEC and MenuDirectionsin addition to more than 12 major EduNetworking conferences and advisory meetings. Winsight recently acquired Technomic, Inc., a food industry provider of primary and secondary market information and advisory services. Winsight is a recognized leader in the markets it serves.

For more information on Winsight and its brands, go to http://www.winsightmedia.com/

Contacts:

Press inquiries: Darren Tristano, (312) 506-3850, [email protected]

Purchasing details: Patrick Noone, (312) 506-3852, [email protected]

SOURCE Technomic

Related Links

http://www.technomic.com


WASHINGTON, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At 10:00 a.m. on April 4, 2017, at the National Press Club, three former and current International Chief Prosecutors will announce the establishment of their consulting firm, Justice Consultancy International LLC. The firm will provide gold standard consulting services worldwide. The press and the public are invited to attend.

The firm's Principals, David M. Crane, Sir Desmond de Silva Q.C. and Brenda J. Hollis, are uniquely positioned to deliver professional, independent and discreet consulting services to governments, law firms, corporations, nongovernmental organizations and others. Broad ranging consulting services will include investigations, inquiries, fact finding missions, factual and legal analysis, audits and risk assessment, with corresponding conclusions, recommendations and advice.

JCI will also provide educative services in numerous areas ranging from international criminal law, corporate responsibility, law of war training, domestic prosecutions of international crimes.

With thousands of worldwide contacts, JCI will bring to the table the best and brightest experts in any particular field. Clients can expect precise and focused efficiency on the issues they wish to have investigated, audited, or simply wish to better understand.

The Principals of JCI are world renowned counsel with sterling reputations who enjoy the confidence of governments and leaders internationally:

David M. Crane: Founding Chief Prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Leading international figure in building a trial package against President Assad and his henchmen. Founder of Impunity Watch, the Syrian Accountability Project, the IamSyria Campaign. Co-author of the Caesar Report.

Sir Desmond de Silva Q.C.: One of the highest profile Queen's Counsel from Britain with vast experience of legal practice in the UK and Commonwealth jurisdictions. A former Chief Prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, he has been used by the UN to investigate and report on allegations of war crimes. He chaired the inquiry that led to the Caesar Report.

Brenda J. Hollis: Chief Prosecutor of the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone and Reserve International Co-Prosecutor of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia. As Chief Prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, she was responsible for the prosecution of the former President of Liberia, Charles Taylor. She has extensive consulting experience at the international level.

Website: jusconint.com

SOURCE Justice Consultancy International LLC

Related Links

http://jusconint.com


SUNNYVALE, California, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- JFrog, the leading DevOps accelerator, is announcing today that its Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) version of Artifactory is now available on Microsoft Azure. With this addition, JFrog Artifactory SaaS is now available for quick and easy provisioning on Microsoft Azure.

Shelly Landsmann - General Manager, Microsoft Israel and Kit Merker - VP Business Development, JFrog

JFrog Artifactory SaaS offers a multitude of features that developers and DevOps engineers require including the most important, having complete control, insight, and management of your binaries throughout the software development lifecycle. Artifactory SaaS provides out-of-the box integration with all leading CI servers including Jenkins, CircleCI, TeamCity, Bamboo, and TFS; and support for an enormous number of repositories and package formats including Docker registries, CocoaPods, Chef, Puppet, Bower, Conan, Vagrant, Git LFS, PyPi, Debian, npm, RubyGems, RPM, Opkg, NuGet, PHP Composer, and many more.

Moreover, Artifactory SaaS provides powerful REST APIs for release automation & deployment, LDAP authentication support, role based authorization, and the ability for developers to understand everything they need to know about their binaries associated with their builds through the use of Artifactory Query Language (AQL). Artifactory SaaS makes it easy for DevOps teams to have full transparency and control of the entire build and release process, all with the power of cloud-based development (immediate scalability with flexibility, up-to-date versions of Artifactory, automated backups, SLA-based support, among others).

The Microsoft Azure edition of JFrog Artifactory SaaS lets you keep your binaries on the cloud infrastructure of your choice. This means the power of Microsoft Azure for storage, compute, and networking are applied to this service. You can keep your binaries in the same environment as your production environment so it's all in one place, or choose to keep them in different environments for risk management.

"Together with JFrog, we want to help companies develop software as fast as possible." said Shelly Landsmann, GM of Microsoft Israel. "We understand the need to quickly develop, test, and deploy software and applications, and with JFrog Artifactory, we are providing global enterprises with a robust cloud computing service."

"Our customers care about rapid releases and reliable cloud infrastructure and the combination of JFrog Artifactory and Microsoft Azure addresses this exact need" said Kit Merker, JFrog's Vice President of Business Development. "No one wants just a single package repository; all of our customers expect one DevOps stop that supports their Docker, Debian or Maven packages, with this partnership they can run it on Azure's powerful infrastructure" Merker also added "We are committed to making DevOps available to everyone, everywhere and our new partnership with Microsoft Azure is a great milestone in this roadmap."

JFrog is essential to software development organizations, in all industry sectors, who need to release software updates at an ever-increasing pace to stay ahead in highly competitive markets. With release cycles getting shorter and shorter, JFrog's products empower organizations to adopt DevOps practices, allowing them to securely scale up and automate their binary artifact workflow at all stages of the development cycle, from development through distribution to end users and devices.

About Microsoft Azure:

Microsoft Azure is a growing collection of integrated cloud services that developers and IT professionals use to build, deploy and manage applications through a global network of data centers. With Azure, developers get the freedom to build and deploy wherever they want, using the tools, applications and frameworks of their choice, including cutting edge Container Services as a deployment option.

About JFrog:

JFrog is the leading Universal Solution for software binaries management and distribution for all DevOps needs. JFrog's four products JFrog Artifactory, the Universal Artifact Repository, JFrog Bintray, the Universal Distribution Platform, JFrog Mission Control, for Universal Repository Management, and JFrog Xray, Universal Component Analyser, are used around the world and available as open-source, on-premise and SaaS cloud solutions. Customers include some of the world's top brands, such as Amazon, Google, MasterCard, Netflix, Microsoft, CITI Bank,Cisco, Oracle, Adobe and VMware. The company received $50 Million in funding at the beginning of 2016, and is privately held and operated from California, Israel and France. More information can be found at jfrog.com.

Contact:

Alona Stein

[email protected]

SOURCE JFrog

Related Links

http://jfrog.com


LOS ANGELES, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Matthew R. Hanson, former managing director of institutional sales at John Hancock Investments, has taken on a new role as senior wealth advisor in the recently opened Boston office of Kayne Anderson Rudnick (KAR). He will report to Stephen A. Rigali, Executive Managing Director.

To learn more about KAR's wealth advisory services, visit, http://kayne.com/wm/homepage/.

"Matthew's impressive track record of working with the institutional market and his extensive knowledge of investment management makes him an ideal choice for KAR, which has built its wealth management reputation on the strength of its investment expertise, arming investors with much more than the standard tax and planning advice," said Rigali.

Hanson's appointment marks KAR's expansion to the East Coast, broadening its reach to Boston, Chicago, Connecticut and New York. The firm was founded in 1984 by Richard Kayne, a top investment manager, and John Anderson, a well-known businessman, Forbes 400 billionaire, and named benefactor of the Anderson School of Management at the University of California, Los Angeles. Over the years, KAR has built successful wealth advisory and investment management divisions.

Hanson joins KAR with over a decade of experience in business development and relationship management at John Hancock. He served in his previous role since 2011, focusing on the marketing and sales of mutual funds and separately managed accounts. During that time he significantly grew John Hancock's mutual fund and ETF Institutional advisory business on the west coast, developing sustainable, long-term business relationships for the firm.

"I have spent much of my career building and nurturing relationships with institutions and wealth management intermediaries in my sales role at John Hancock, observing how people connect to various investment strategies," Hanson said. "I'm now positioned to draw on that experience to work with investors here at KAR, where advisors have a long history of dynamic investment management expertise, including tax and financial planning."

Hanson received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Vermont. He is a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and holds the Series 6, 7, 63 and 65 FINRA licenses.

About Kayne Anderson Rudnick

Kayne Anderson Rudnick is a boutique investment and wealth advisory firm founded in 1984 to manage capital for its founders, including John Anderson (a Forbes 400 billionaire and the benefactor of UCLA's Anderson School of Management). With offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Denver and Boston, and $12.8 billion in assets under management, the company manages assets for both high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals as well as institutional clients. With over 30 years of experience, the firm is known for its commitment to high quality in its business practices, investment strategies and wealth solutions.

CONTACT:

Jenna Focarino

JConnelly

(646) 922-7763

[email protected]

SOURCE Kayne Anderson Rudnick

Related Links

http://kayne.com/wm/homepage


SYLVALITE 9000 has an initial solution color of less than 1 on the Gardner scale. Also, hot melt adhesives formulated with SYLVALITE 9000 show stability on aging comparable to today's premium adhesives based solely on petroleum derivatives. "SYLVALITE 9000 gives formulators a biobased solution to meet premium performance needs while addressing their customers' sustainability concerns," said Ken Lauffer, Pine Chemical Adhesives Business Unit Director.

Kraton will showcase SYLVALITE 9000 at the ASC Convention & Expo April 3-5, 2017 (booth 814) in Atlanta, Georgia and the European Coatings Show in Nuremberg, Germany (stand 1-311) April 4-6. For more information about SYLVALITE 9000 please contact us at [email protected].

About Kraton Corporation

Kraton Corporation (NYSE "KRA") is a leading global producer of styrenic block copolymers, specialty polymers and high-value performance products derived from pine wood pulping co-products. Kraton's polymers are used in a wide range of applications, including adhesives, coatings, consumer and personal care products, sealants and lubricants, and medical, packaging, automotive, paving, roofing and footwear products. As the largest global provider in the pine chemicals industry, the company's pine-based specialty products are sold into adhesive, road and construction and tire markets, and it produces and sells a broad range of chemical intermediates into markets that include fuel additives, oilfield chemicals, coatings, metalworking fluids and lubricants, inks, flavors and mining. Kraton offers its products to a diverse customer base in over 70 countries worldwide. Kraton, the Kraton logo and design are all trademarks of Kraton Corporation., or its subsidiaries or affiliates.

*SYLVALITE is a trademarks or registered trademarks of Kraton Corporation, or its subsidiaries or affiliates, in one or more, but not all countries.

Media Contact: Vaneese Bell; T: (281) 504-4792

Investor Relations Contact: Gene Shiels; T: (281) 504-4886

SOURCE Kraton Corporation

Related Links

http://www.kraton.com


NEW YORK, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ladders, Inc., a leading professional careers site, announced the launch of Referral Hiring today. This new program offers its more than nine million members the ability to earn up to $10,000 in referral hiring bonuses from their present employer. Referral candidates are often the best employees for an organization, which is why 88% of companies offer incentives through employee referral programs.1

More than 50 well-known companies are currently participating in Ladders' new program, including American Express, Bank of America, Johnson & Johnson, Macy's, The New York Times, Target, UPS, and Verizon Wireless.

"To help our members get ahead, we've built a beautifully simple tool to help them earn up to $10,000 from their current employer for qualified referral hires. For companies, getting a steady stream of qualified candidates can be a challenge. It can take weeks or months to find the right person to fill an open position," said Marc Cenedella, CEO of Ladders. "Often the best talent is found by current employees referring the people they already know. With Ladders' Referral Hiring, we've made it easy for our members, and their employers, to benefit from those connections."

According to recent data:2

70% of employers say referred hires fit the company culture and values better than external hires

40% of all employee referrals are hired

Nearly one in two (47%) of referred hires stay loyal to a company for three or more years

To participate, companies simply provide an email address for referrals. Ladders members will be notified of open positions within their company and will receive compensation, in an amount up to $10,000 from their employer, if their referral is hired.

Ladders continues to expand its innovative product base to improve its user experience, allowing customers to easily move up, market and manage their careers.

About Ladders, Inc.

Ladders, Inc. is a leading professional careers site that offers comprehensive, data-backed career tools and guidance to place members in top tier professional jobs. Founded in 2003 in New York, NY, Ladders now has more than 9 million members who use the platform to manage, market and move up in their careers. For more information on Ladders, please visit www.theladders.com.

1 CareerXroads 2016 Employee Referrals Review

2 Jobvite Index

SOURCE Ladders, Inc.
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Lear Corporation (NYSE: LEA) will hold a conference call to review the company's first quarter 2017 financial results and related matters on April 26, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. ET.

To participate in the conference call:

Domestic calls (800) 789-4751

International calls (973) 200-3975

The audio replay will be available two hours following the call at:

Domestic calls (855) 859-2056

International calls (404) 537-3406

The audio replay will be available until May 10, 2017. (Conference I.D.19652648)

You may also listen to the live audio webcast of the call, in listen-only mode, on the corporate website at http://ir.lear.com/.

Note: The first quarter 2017 slide presentation will be available on Lear's website before the market opens on April 26, 2017.

SOURCE Lear Corporation

Related Links

http://www.lear.com


BOTHELL, Wash., March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Leviton will deliver an exclusive technical session, Designing and Installing Fiber Optic TAPs in Your Network, at the AFCOM 2017 Data Center World Spring Expo in Los Angeles, California on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at 10:45 a.m. PT in room 515B.

"We're excited to have been selected by AFCOM to deliver a technical session on TAPs," said Dave Mullen, Senior Product Manager of Fiber Systems of Leviton Network Solutions. "In our presentation, guests will learn why TAPs are a smart option for checking network traffic for trouble spots and security risks, and how it can all be done through an existing cabling infrastructure."

Leviton experts will also be available at booth 949 during the expo to discuss data center trends and give guests a first-hand look at the latest network infrastructure solutions.

Leviton technologies on display will include:

Atlas-X1 , a premium category-rated system for mission-critical networks. This system is built on a unified connector form factor for simple, tool-free termination across Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6A and Cat 8. Atlas-X1 UTP and shielded connectors are independently tested and guaranteed to exceed component, permanent link and channel margins. Additionally, attendees can preview the Atlas-X1 Cat 8 connectivity.

, a premium category-rated system for mission-critical networks. This system is built on a unified connector form factor for simple, tool-free termination across Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6A and Cat 8. Atlas-X1 UTP and shielded connectors are independently tested and guaranteed to exceed component, permanent link and channel margins. Additionally, attendees can preview the Atlas-X1 Cat 8 connectivity. The Opt-X  HDX System , an ultra-high-density platform of cassettes, enclosures, panels and frame. The system supports cloud data centers and large enterprise networks with improved manageability while freeing up valuable space and reducing the patching footprint. The HDX TAP Cassette provides real-time monitoring in the network or SAN environment.

, an ultra-high-density platform of cassettes, enclosures, panels and frame. The system supports cloud data centers and large enterprise networks with improved manageability while freeing up valuable space and reducing the patching footprint. The HDX TAP Cassette provides real-time monitoring in the network or SAN environment. The Opt-X Unity 40/100G System, which supports 40/100G migrations and facilitates the deployment of longer multi-connection channels using new 8- and 12-fiber Ultra-Low-Loss MTP connectors. The system features pre-terminated MTP trunks, harnesses, array cords, adapter plates, and modules to help future-proof network infrastructures.

Complete information about the AFCOM 2017 Data Center World Spring Expo can be found at www.lacclink.com.

To learn more about recent Leviton network innovations, visit www.leviton.com/ns.

About Leviton

Leviton is the smart choice, delivering the most comprehensive range of solutions to meet the needs of today's residential, commercial and industrial customers in more than 90 countries across the globe. From simple switches and receptacles, to networking systems and smart home automation, Leviton exceeds market needs by delivering innovative products to create sustainable, intelligent environments through its electrical wiring devices, network and data center connectivity solutions, LED lighting and lighting energy management systems, and security and automation applications. For Leviton, it is clear the FUTURE IS ON. For more information, visit www.leviton.com, www.facebook.com/leviton, www.twitter.com/leviton or www.youtube.com/Levitonmfg.

About Leviton Network Solutions

Leviton Network Solutions delivers complete network infrastructure systems for enterprise, data center, government, education, health care and residential markets around the globe. Solutions include copper and fiber optic connectivity, power distribution units, and much more. All Leviton products are engineered to exacting standards, offer industry-leading performance and are backed by the industry's best service and support. Builders, contractors and other industry professionals consistently rank Leviton products as the most preferred brand in the industry. Make the smart choice for a better network. Learn more at leviton.com/ns or twitter.com/LevitonNS.

SOURCE Leviton

Related Links

http://www.leviton.com


Taking the campaign to the streets, quite literally, campaign chalk art is featured on the sidewalks along Santa Monica Blvd. in the historic "Boys Town" section of West Hollywood, and this week West Hollywood City Hall lights go blue (the color of the PrEP pill) to promote PrEP awareness. Also this week, the city's free trolley service along Santa Monica Blvd.known as The PickUpwill begin distributing free campaign-branded condoms that encourage people to visit PrEPHere.org to schedule a free PrEP consultation.

"The City of West Hollywood continues to be a bold leader in fighting HIV and promoting sexual health," said City of West Hollywood Councilmember John D'Amico. "One pill a day PrEP and regular condom use are powerful tools to protect people from HIV, but too few people who are at greatest risk of infection know about PrEP. By featuring targeted campaign artwork on city sidewalks in front of popular bars, we're reaching tens of thousands of people who live, work, and play in West Hollywood, and we're able to do it at no cost to the Center or to taxpayers. We're determined to end HIV transmissions hereand the Los Angeles LGBT Center, with its large sexual health facility in our city, is a great partner in helping us do that."

The Center's campaign has been effective in reaching those most at risk of HIV infectionyoung gay and bisexual men of color and transgender womenand combatting their misconceptions about the safety, effectiveness, and affordability of PrEP. Since its launch, the Center has doubled the number of people it's helping to get on PrEP each week.

"The Center and the City of West Hollywood are longtime partners in the fight against HIV and in advancing the health and well-being of LGBT people in general," said Jim Key, the Center's chief marketing officer. "The city's support, particularly by featuring campaign artwork on sidewalks, helps us reach many more people than we could ever afford to reach through other forms of advertising and is certain to prevent countless residents and visitors from a lifetime of infection with HIV. We're enormously grateful to West Hollywood's mayor, members of the City Council, and staff at City Hall."

PrEP is covered by most insurance plans, and for individuals who don't have insurance, there are patient assistance programs available through the Center that can help make it affordable. After a free consultation, which can easily be scheduled online at PrEPHere.org, most people can walk out with a prescription for PrEP. Transportation assistance is also available for individuals who don't live close to the Center's facilities in Hollywood and West Hollywood.

To learn more about the F*ck w/out Fear campaign, PrEP and to book a free PrEP consultation online, visit PrEPHere.org.

About the Los Angeles LGBT Center

Since 1969 the Los Angeles LGBT Center has cared for, championed and celebrated LGBT individuals and families in Los Angeles and beyond. Today the Center's nearly 600 employees provide services for more LGBT people than any other organization in the world, offering programs, services and global advocacy that span four broad categories: Health, Social Services and Housing, Culture and Education, Leadership and Advocacy. We are an unstoppable force in the fight against bigotry and the struggle to build a better world; a world in which LGBT people can be healthy, equal and complete members of society. Learn more at lalgbtcenter.org.

SOURCE Los Angeles LGBT Center
"Mono is an extraordinary device that makes Lyft the only rideshare service in the world to offer autonomous ride-hailing," said Melissa Waters, Lyft's Head of Marketing. "Some argue that the first ever rideshare passenger was a hitchhiker -- using his or her thumb to hail a ride -- and Mono draws from this origin to create today's most convenient ride-hailing experience."

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VP1Q5v0MT-4&feature=youtu.be

Features of the Mono include:

Motion triggered LED lights that blink to indicate a match, increase in speed when your driver is en route, and pulse when he or she has arrived

BLE technology communicates wirelessly and seamlessly, allowing users to request a ride hands-free

A micro-controller, working in conjunction with the Lyft API, reads gyroscope and accelerometer data to request a Lyft ride

Soft, durable neoprene maximizes flexibility for a snug fit

San Francisco-based Lyft community members can come check out Mono at the San Francisco Ferry Building Marketplace today until 5 p.m. PDT. The first 100 passengers** to use the ride code MONOSF will get a free ride to the demo location.

Visit lyftmono.com to learn more and have your name added to the waitlist.

Press Contact: Sunshine Sachs | [email protected]





*Happy April Fool's Day! While we don't have plans to sell Mono devices, it is both a real, working product, and an April Fool's prank that we hope made people laugh. The San Francisco event is real and we invite the San Francisco community to stop by the booth until 5pm PDT.

**For the first 100 new and existing users to redeem this code will be valid for up to $10 off one (1) ride in San Francisco (within a quarter mile of the Ferry Building), on March 30, 2017 between 8am and 5pm PDT. Cannot be combined with other discount codes. Does not apply to tips, cancellation fees, damage charges, or taxes. The Lyft Terms of Service apply: https://www.lyft.com/terms.

ABOUT LYFT

Lyft was founded in June 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer to improve people's lives with the world's best transportation. Lyft is the fastest growing rideshare company in the U.S and is available in more than 200 cities. Lyft is preferred by drivers and passengers for its safe and friendly experience, and its commitment to affecting positive change for the future of our cities.

SOURCE Lyft

Related Links

http://www.lyft.com


CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- MBDC proudly announces a collaboration with the newly-formed Fashion for Good initiative, a joint-industry initiative launching today which has the stated goal of transforming the global apparel chain into a force for good using Cradle to Cradle to define its quality. MBDC has joined with Fashion for Good to guide development and lead the certification process for the flagship products announced by the apparel industry accelerator program, the first Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Certified GOLD fashion garments, to be made available soon at C&A retail locations worldwide. MBDC is also supporting the organization with a detailed guide for innovation that will allow Fashion for Good innovators to continue to design products that align with the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard.

Fashion for Good is changing the apparel industry through innovation and new business models. It finds and funds early-stage ideas, and scales proven technologies to be adopted by the industry. Its Apparel Acceleration Fund catalyses access to finance, and its open-source Good Fashion roadmap shares knowledge to help the apparel industry transform. As a convenor for change, Fashion for Good enables conversation and collaboration. Fashion for Good takes a Cradle to Cradle1-inspired approach to circular economy product development, aligning product innovators with tools to design the best possible products that take a values-based path to creating value, and eliminate the concept of waste.

As part of its work with Fashion for Good, MBDC supported C&A, a leading European fashion retailer, in their work with two of their India based garment manufacturers  Cotton Blossom and Pratibha Syntex  to successfully develop and produce the Cradle to Cradle Certified GOLD shirts - an achievement level never before seen in a fashion garment. A noteworthy achievement in the design stages of the products was eliminating all of the sensitizing and halogenated dyes, and instead sourcing and utilizing dyes which MBDC determined would both create a healthy, safe and attractive product and meet Cradle to Cradle Certified standards on a high level.

"Receiving GOLD under the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard was not an easy feat, but ultimately, these products have both surpassed what many have thought possible, reshaping expectations for an apparel supply chain and showing evidence that it is indeed capable of producing widely-accessible products that can fully reenter the biological nutrient cycle and eliminate the concept of waste," said Howie Fendley, MBDC Director of Projects and Senior Chemist, who worked with supply chain partners to instruct on and assess the products prepared for certification.

"As a leading fashion retailer, we joined forces with Fashion for Good and MBDC to develop a garment that exceed all current levels of sustainability. But we know we can't change the industry alone and we want others to follow the example," said Jeffrey Hogue, Chief Sustainability Officer of C&A and C&A Foundation Board Member. "So we are happy to share these experiences through Fashion for Good to encourage other retailers to join our efforts to drive change in the supply chain."

Fashion for Good is encouraging other suppliers to begin getting their products C2C Certified by publishing a Cradle to Cradle Certified 'How-To' Guide, developed by MBDC and McDonough Innovation. The online guide has practical tips, a series of self-tests to show suppliers and manufacturers how to improve their products and production facilities and a step-by-step guide on how to produce Cradle to Cradle Certified products.

"Fashion for Good will be a beacon of leadership in sustainable apparel design for the circular economy, guiding the apparel industry to become a force for good in the world," said Ken Alston, CEO & President, Consulting & Education Services, MBDC. "We are reimagining how apparel is designed, made, worn and reused by providing the knowledge, tools and incentives to make it possible," he said. "We invite the entire apparel industry to join the initiative and remake the way we make things, inspired by Cradle to Cradle."

Leslie Johnston of C&A Foundation said: "Open and inclusive, Fashion for Good will share all knowledge and lessons learned from its work. Fashion for Good will inspire the fashion industry toward a future in which brands, suppliers, communities and our planet can all flourish."

Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Certified is an independent, third-party verified certification program that assesses products and materials for safety to human and environmental health, design for future use cycles, and sustainable manufacturing. Cradle to Cradle Certified products are evaluated for material health, material reutilization, renewable energy use, water stewardship, and social fairness. Product certification is awarded at five levels (BASIC, BRONZE, SILVER, GOLD, and PLATINUM), with each higher level imposing a more rigorous set of requirements. The lowest score in any quality category establishes the product's overall score.

ABOUT MBDC:

MBDC is a firm founded in 1995 by world-renowned architect William McDonough and chemist Dr. Michael Braungart. MBDC originated the Cradle to Cradle Design Framework and leads companies toward positive growth by integrating the framework into corporate strategy, communications, operations, supply chains, and product designs. Using the process of inventory, assessment, and optimization, MBDC provides technical expertise to develop solutions around material health, material reutilization, renewable energy use, water stewardship, and social fairness. MBDC partners with clients throughout various sectors and industries to provide scientific evaluations, spur innovation, and achieve leadership in sustainable design for the circular economy.

For more information on MBDC and how to begin the optimization process, please visit MBDC.com.

Follow @CradletoCradle on Twitter for the latest Cradle to Cradle news.

Subscribe to the William McDonough Live YouTube channel to see the latest Cradle to Cradle talks.

Cradle to Cradle is a registered trademark of MBDC.

Cradle to Cradle Certified is a certification mark licensed by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute.

1 William McDonough and Michael Braungart, Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things (North Point Press: 2002)

SOURCE MBDC

Related Links

http://www.MBDC.com


SAN DIEGO, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Medical Marijuana, Inc. (MJNA), the first publicly traded cannabis company in the United States, today announced that its subsidiary HempMeds Brasil will hold the Country's first-ever symposium dedicated to providing the Brazilian medical community with information about the medical value of cannabidiol (CBD) and how to legally import CBD into the country for patients.

The Company's first symposium on medical cannabis, which will take place on April 4 in Rio de Janeiro, is part of the Company's goal to educate health professionals on the therapeutic uses of cannabis and will feature renowned medical experts and pioneers in the field like Dr. Saul Garza Morales, pediatric researcher and neurologist in Mexico and Chief Executive Officer of Medical Marijuana, Inc. Dr. Stuart Titus. Both will share on the specific therapeutic benefits of CBD, as well as gaining access to medical cannabis for improving health and quality of life.

Dr. Garza will also share the positive results of a recent study he conducted on the effects of Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s Real Scientific Hemp Oil-X (RSHO-X) product in treating children with severe epilepsy, in which 86 percent of the 39 patients he studied experienced statistically significant (greater than 50%) reduction in motor seizures. Seventeen percent of the children were fully seizure free for a 4-month period, which is quite remarkable for this advanced epilepsy population ("the worst of the worst," according to Dr Garza).

"I'm looking forward to participating in this forward-thinking symposium held by HempMeds Brasil, which serves an invaluable purpose to those in Brazil who suffer needlessly in silence by helping the gain access to CBD hemp oil products," said CEO of Medical Marijuana, Inc. Dr. Stuart Titus. "We are proud of our Company for having educated thousands of doctors and patients alike on medical cannabis and are dedicated to not only continuing educating health professionals on the plethora of benefits that medical cannabis provides to treat several types of indications, but also how to best gain access to these products so that we can work together in strengthening the lives and livelihoods of those we serve."

"With the results of two studies performed in Mexico utilizing RSHO-X, we are thrilled to see the scientific validation of our proprietary products," Dr. Titus continued. "While other groups may offer CBD, we believe that the recap of the recent study by Dr. Saul Garza Morales puts us in a space where the medical community can potentially replicate his results with Brazilian and other Latino populations of epilepsy children. It is especially thrilling to note seizure reductions as well as other quality of life improvements for families - all which make their lives much easier. We look forward to ongoing scientific inquiry utilizing our products and this Brazil Symposium will hopefully kick off additional research on the therapeutic benefits of botanical CBD."

In May 2015, HempMeds Brasil became the first company to offer legal medicinal cannabis products to Brazil after receiving import approval for those suffering from specific medical conditions. The Brazilian government now waives import taxes for RSHO, subsidizes its cost and covers the product under the Country's health insurance. In addition, 2017 marked the first time that Brazil's National Health Surveillance agency ANVISA granted the filling of a prescription for RSHO to help patients combat the effects of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.

About Medical Marijuana, Inc.

Our mission is to be the premier cannabis and hemp industry innovators, leveraging our team of professionals to source, evaluate and purchase value-added companies and products, while allowing them to keep their integrity and entrepreneurial spirit. We strive to create awareness within our industry, develop environmentally-friendly, economically sustainable businesses, while increasing shareholder value. For details on Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s portfolio and investment companies, visit www.medicalmarijuanainc.com.

To see Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s video statement, click here. Shareholders are also encouraged to visit the Medical Marijuana, Inc. Shop for discounted products.

About HempMeds Brasil

HempMeds Brasil currently has three cannabis products approved for importation into Brazil as a prescription medication. The company had the first-ever cannabis product allowed for import into Brazil and its products are currently subsidized by the Brazilian government, under their health care system. As of 2015 ANVISA has allowed cannabidiol treatments for any medical condition a doctor sees could help the patient. HempMeds Brasil has had doctor prescriptions for Epilepsy, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Cancer, Autism, Multiple Sclerosis and Chronic Pain to date and is working on additional approvals for multiple indications.

FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLAIMER AND DISCLOSURES

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties.

The statements in this press release have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. The Company does not sell or distribute any products that are in violation of the United States Controlled Substances Act. The Company does sell and distribute hemp-based products.

CONTACT:

Public Relations Contact:

Andrew Hard

Chief Executive Officer

CMW Media

P: 888-829- 0070

[email protected]

www.cmwmedia.com

SOURCE Medical Marijuana, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.medicalmarijuanainc.com


MANCHESTER, N.H., March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- MegaFood, a leader in the natural supplement industry, recently donated a total of $30,000 to its Farm Fresh Partners' chosen charities at the Natural Products Expo West trade show in Anaheim, CA.

In addition to all of the work they put into their farms, each one of MegaFood's Farm Fresh Partners puts their time and energy into a local nonprofit in their community. MegaFood believes in all of the work that these organizations are doing to advocate for sustainable and organic agriculture and community programs, and supports them as part of its core value "Share the Love."

"It's such an honor to be able to donate to these amazing organizations that our Farm Fresh Partners support and care for in their communities," says MegaFood CEO Robert Craven. "From organic agriculture to art to community funding, we're proud that these dollars support a broad range of initiatives that align with our mission of improving lives."

"We're thrilled to continue our partnership with MegaFood that helps further our mission of educating farmers and consumers about the benefits of an organic lifestyle. Florida Organic Growers shares the same vision. We are excited to continue this partnership," says Matt McLean, CEO and Founder of Uncle Matt's Organic.

This annual donation is a portion of the profits from the MegaFood products that use whole foods from family farmers, such as: Complex C, Turmeric Strength, Pure Cranberry, Blood Builder and Balanced B Complex.

The following nonprofits were supported by a $5,000 donation from MegaFood:

Florida Organic Growers (Uncle Matt's Organics): The Florida Organic Growers (FOG) & Outreach Program projects generate knowledge, share resources and apply the expertise of FOG in ways that advance organic agriculture and healthy & just food systems.

The Florida Organic Growers (FOG) & Outreach Program projects generate knowledge, share resources and apply the expertise of FOG in ways that advance organic agriculture and healthy & just food systems. Farm Aid (Lundberg Family Farms): Farm Aid is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to ensure family farms not only survive, but thrive.

Farm Aid is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to ensure family farms not only survive, but thrive. The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (Stahlbush Island Farms): The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA) is the sole accredited academic museum in the state of Oregon , located at the University of Oregon . The donation will benefit the art and healthy eating curriculum.

The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA) is the sole accredited academic museum in the state of , located at the . The donation will benefit the art and healthy eating curriculum. Three Lakes Community Fund (James Lake Farms): Three Lakes Community Funds offers grants and funding to philanthropic projects within the town of Three Lakes, Wisconsin .

Three Lakes Community Funds offers grants and funding to philanthropic projects within the town of . Hawaiian Islands Land Trust (Kauai Organic Farms): Hawaiian Islands Land Trust (HILT) is committed to working with private landowners, community groups, community leaders and government partners to protect Hawaii's precious lands.

Hawaiian Islands Land Trust (HILT) is committed to working with private landowners, community groups, community leaders and government partners to protect precious lands. Dorothy's Place (Foxy Organic): Dorothy's Place, a multi-faceted nonprofit organization, operates on the principles of love, respect and compassion, with a central mission to provide "essential services and transitional support to people experiencing the injustice of homelessness and extreme poverty."

For more information on how MegaFood is involved with these nonprofits, please visit: https://megafood.com/friends-of-megafood/our-charities/

About MegaFood

Fresh from farm to tablet, MegaFood is as real as it gets. Since 1973, MegaFood has been committed to making products that use real food from family-owned farms to make a real difference, and has produced some of the most effective and award-winning supplements available today. A pioneer in the natural products industry, MegaFood was the first company to make their FoodState vitamin and minerals from scratch starting with farm fresh whole foods. MegaFood continues to innovate by manufacturing more than 36 individual FoodState Nutrients using their proprietary Slo-Food Process, all in their own facility in New Hampshire. You can watch the process live anytime on their 24/7 live cams at megafood.com/livecams. Their FoodState Nutrients are blended and combined to create over 65 handcrafted supplements that make up the MegaFood product line today, found in over 7,000 natural products retailers and vitamin specialty shops throughout North America.

SOURCE MegaFood
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- MegaplanIT, LLC, is the Platinum sponsor for the PCI SSC North America Community Meeting being held in Orlando, Florida, in September 2017.

MegaplanIT, LLC, a PCI QSC and premier provider of security and compliance solutions, has announced that it would be participating in the PCI SSC North America Community event this September, as a Platinum sponsor. The event, which takes place September 12-14, in Orlando Florida, is a principal conference bringing together stakeholders from the payment card industry to participate in discussions on the latest standards, technologies, and strategic initiatives shared by the PCI Council.

"We are excited for the opportunity to partner with the PCI Council as a Platinum sponsor in this year's PCI SSC North America Community Meeting. By sponsoring the event, we hope to display MegaplanIT's continued commitment to, and appreciation of, the PCI Council's hard work and guidance," says Managing Partner of MegaplanIT, Michael Vitolo. He goes on to share, "with this support of the Council, we're continually looking to develop strong relationships and work with other organizations to become a trusted partner within the payment card industry while offering the best services available to our customers."

By promoting the Platinum sponsorship, MegaplanIT believes that showcasing their brand during this PCI community event demonstrates their level of commitment and dedication to their clients in need of PCI and security related services.

For further details please contact:

Jerry Abowd

Principal Account Manager

MegaPlanIT, LLC

800-891-1634 ext 105

[email protected]

www.megaplanit.com

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com

SOURCE MegaplanIT, LLC

Related Links

http://www.megaplanit.com


BOSTON, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Merit Solutions, a global provider of digital solutions and consulting services, announces roadshow event co-sponsored by Microsoft Corporation. The event is on April 10th from 1-5pm EST at the Microsoft Technology Center in Burlington, MA.

During this afternoon event, attendees will discover ways growing organizations can leverage digital technologies to:

work smarter while improving decisions.

reduce operating costs while increasing volumes.

increase visibility while maintaining control.

rapidly deploy scalable systems while reducing upfront costs.

Attendance is free and lunch is provided. Registration required.

Digital Transformations for Growth

Monday, April 10th, 2017

1pm  5pm EST

Location:

Microsoft Technology Center

5 Wayside Road

Burlington, MA 01803

Learn more about the agenda on our event website.

Please contact Josh Richards with any event related questions: [email protected]

About Microsoft

Microsoft (@microsoft) is the leading platform and productivity company for the mobile-first, cloud-first world, and its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

About Merit Solutions

Merit Solutions is a global business consulting and IT services company with offices in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and Europe. Our clients are typically medium to large, global enterprises who are challenged by inefficient processes, disconnected data sources, and impaired decision-making capabilities.

Media Contact:

Josh Richards

Marketing Director

Merit Solutions, Inc.

+1(630) 614-7133

SOURCE Merit Solutions

Related Links

http://www.meritsolutions.com


CHAPEL HILL, N.C., March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- "#TakeUpSpace" is Morehead Planetarium and Science Center's $5.2 million building project to reimagine the North Carolina icon as a modern-day, technology-advanced science hub, to be unveiled at a launch party Thursday, April 6, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., 250 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, N.C. More than 200 invited community stakeholders are expected to attend.

The building was completed in 1949, thanks to the generosity of John Motley Morehead III, who gave the Planetarium to UNC-Chapel Hill out of gratitude for its contribution to his professional success. Despite Morehead's decades-long popularity as a destination for school groups and visitors, this beloved icon on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus has not had significant upgrades to its teaching and exhibit spaces since it opened.

"Morehead will retain its majestic exterior, while inside, it will soon provide the kind of experiences visitors and students expect today," said Todd Boyette, Morehead's director. "The results will be transformative. We will be solidly positioned among America's leading university-based science outreach centers. We are grateful to our generous partners who help Morehead "#TakeUpSpace. We still have a ways to go with fundraising, but with their help, we are confident we will reach our goal."

The #TakeUpSpace celebration will include an unveiling of plans for the renovation. They include moving the main entrance to the building's west end facing McCorkle Place; a modern, reconfigured lobby space; an exhibit hall that will pay tribute to UNC's history as a pioneer of science exploration; an interactive "maker space" that's part exhibit, part program; an updated science demonstration stage and expanded exhibit galleries showcasing the advances researchers are making in science, health and technology.

With #TakeUpSpace the theme of the evening and the building project, the launch event will celebrate science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Guests can:

Revel in the chance to #TakeUpSpace in a whole new dimension, virtual reality



Watch awe-inspiring live science demonstrations involving kids put on by Morehead informal science educators



Snap #TakeUpSpace selfies and send them out on social media, giving new meaning to Taking Up Space



Hear speakers address the importance of exposing children to science at an early age. They'll include Dr. Lisa A. Gillespie , chief medical officer, Rockdale Medical Center, Snellville, Ga. , and winner of the 2013 Harvey E. Beech Outstanding Alumna Award from UNC . Dr. Gillespie credits her school field trip to Morehead as pivotal to her career.



, chief medical officer, Rockdale Medical Center, , and winner of the 2013 Harvey E. Beech Outstanding Alumna Award from . Dr. Gillespie credits her school field trip to Morehead as pivotal to her career. Hear UNC Chancellor Carol Folt lend congratulations



lend congratulations Munch space-themed hors d'oeuvres



View the launch of the #TakeUpSpace website and ad campaign featuring students, members, donors and Morehead student alumni

Watch as the evening is topped by a stupendous blast off of thousands of colorful ping pong balls on the West lawn outside Morehead's soon-to-be main entrance

ABOUT MOREHEAD PLANETARIUM AND SCIENCE CENTER AND THE RENOVATION: Opened in 1949, Morehead was the first planetarium in the South, a landmark designed by the architects of the Jefferson Memorial. Morehead provided training for America's astronauts during the Space Race, counts 11 moonwalkers among its "alumni" and has hosted more than eight million visitors. It is also a science outreach center on a major research university, which gives it a special opportunity to connect with researchers and present their cutting-edge work to the public. Yet, while Morehead's programs have changed with the times, its facilities have not, severely limiting its ability to serve today's generation and the next. Project #TakeUpSpace is a plan to transform Morehead for the next generation. www.moreheadplanetarium.org

Contact:

Mary Molpus

(919) 843-7952 (O)

[email protected]

Special thanks to the Rivers Agency in Chapel Hill for conceiving of the #TakeUpSpace ad campaign.

Related Images

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image2.jpg

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com

SOURCE Morehead Planetarium and Science Center

Related Links

http://www.moreheadplanetarium.org


GREENBELT, Md., March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA has awarded the follow-on contract for Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) Support Services to NVI, Inc., of Greenbelt, Maryland.

This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract with a total value of $12 million. The period of performance is from April 1 through March 31, 2022.

VLBI is a geodetic technique that uses Earth-based antennas to precisely measure radio waves from distant quasars, determining the Earth's orientation relative to the stars and contributing to precise measurements of position on the Earth's surface. These measurements help define and improve the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF), which is critical for accurate GPS positioning, spacecraft navigation, satellite orbit determination, and measuring deformation of the Earth's crust.

NVI will coordinate and analyze VLBI observations; develop, implement, document and maintain related software; support the activities of the International VLBI Service (IVS); and support the NASA Goddard Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory and the next generation VLBI stations.

For more details on VLBI, visit:

https://lupus.gsfc.nasa.gov

For information about NASA's Space Geodesy Project, visit:

https://space-geodesy.nasa.gov/index.html

SOURCE NASA

Related Links

http://www.nasa.gov


NEW YORK, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund Inc. (NYSE MKT: NRO) (the "Fund") announced today the results of its initial measurement period under its tender offer program.

For the 12-week measurement period ended March 28, 2017, the Fund's common stock traded at an average daily discount to net asset value per share of -9.86%. Accordingly, the Fund will not conduct a tender offer. The Fund will announce the dates of the second measurement period under the tender offer program at a later date.

The Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company that invests primarily in securities issued by real estate companies, including real estate investment trusts (REITs). The Fund's primary investment objective is high current income with capital appreciation as a secondary investment objective. The Fund's investment strategy seeks to develop a portfolio with a broad mix of real estate securities through superior stock selection and property sector allocation.

About Neuberger Berman

Neuberger Berman, founded in 1939, is a private, independent, employee-owned investment manager. The firm manages equities, fixed income, private equity and hedge fund portfolios for institutions and advisors worldwide. With offices in 19 countries, Neuberger Berman's team is more than 1,900 professionals and the company was named by Pensions & Investments as a Best Place to Work in Money Management for four consecutive years. Tenured, stable and long-term in focus, the firm fosters an investment culture of fundamental research and independent thinking. It manages $255 billion in client assets as of December 31, 2016. For more information, please visit our website at www.nb.com.

Statements made in this release that look forward in time involve risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the adverse effect from a decline in the securities markets or a decline in the Fund's performance, a general downturn in the economy, competition from other closed-end investment companies, changes in government policy or regulation, inability of the Fund's investment manager to attract or retain key employees, inability of the Fund to implement its investment strategy, inability of the Fund to manage rapid expansion and unforeseen costs and other effects related to legal proceedings or investigations of governmental and self-regulatory organizations.

Contact:

Neuberger Berman

Investor Information

(877) 461-1899

SOURCE Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund Inc.

Related Links

http://www.nb.com


FELTHAM, England, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Nomad Foods Limited ("Nomad Foods" or the "Company") (NYSE: NOMD), today issues the following trading update for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2016.

Nomad Foods is presenting consolidated operating results and financial information for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2016.

Highlights for the three months ended December 31, 2016

Revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2016 was 485.2 million, resulting in a 2.1 million loss after tax, which includes exceptional items and share based payment charges of 22.2 million and 0.4 million, respectively. For the three months ended December 31, 2015 , revenue was 475.9 million, resulting in a profit after tax of 53.0 million, which includes exceptional items of 20.3 million.

was 485.2 million, resulting in a 2.1 million loss after tax, which includes exceptional items and share based payment charges of 22.2 million and 0.4 million, respectively. For the three months ended , revenue was 475.9 million, resulting in a profit after tax of 53.0 million, which includes exceptional items of 20.3 million. For the three months ended December 31, 2016 , loss per share was 0.01 compared to an earnings per share of 0.30 in the three months ended December 31, 2015 .

, loss per share was 0.01 compared to an earnings per share of 0.30 in the three months ended . EBITDA, which includes exceptional items and share based payment charges, was 39.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2016 compared to an EBITDA of 42.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 .

Highlights for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016

Revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 was 1,927.7 million, resulting in a 36.4 million profit after tax, which includes exceptional items and share based payment charges of 134.5 million and 1.2 million respectively. For the nine months ended December 31, 2015 , revenue was 894.2 million, resulting in a loss after tax of 337.3 million, primarily resulting from exceptional non-cash charges related to the Founder Preferred Shares Annual Dividend Amount of 349.0 million.

was 1,927.7 million, resulting in a 36.4 million profit after tax, which includes exceptional items and share based payment charges of 134.5 million and 1.2 million respectively. For the nine months ended , revenue was 894.2 million, resulting in a loss after tax of 337.3 million, primarily resulting from exceptional non-cash charges related to the Founder Preferred Shares Annual Dividend Amount of 349.0 million. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 , earnings per share was 0.20 compared to a loss per share of 2.32 in the nine months ended December 31, 2015 .

, earnings per share was 0.20 compared to a loss per share of 2.32 in the nine months ended . EBITDA, which includes exceptional items and share based payment charges, was 189.2 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 compared to an EBITDA loss of 292.3 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2015 , primarily from the exceptional non-cash charges related to the Founder Preferred Shares Annual Dividend Amount of 349.0 million.

As Adjusted and Pro Forma As Adjusted Results

Financial information highlights for the three months ended December 31, 2016

Nomad Foods is presenting As Adjusted financial information, which is considered non-IFRS financial information, for the three months ended December 31, 2016. As Adjusted financial information for the three months ended December 31, 2016 reflects the reported results of Nomad Foods for such period, adjusted for share based payment charges, exceptional items and non-cash foreign currency translation charges/gains.

For comparative purposes, Nomad Foods is also presenting Pro Forma As Adjusted financial information, which is considered non-IFRS financial information, for the three months ended December 31, 2015. Pro Forma As Adjusted financial information for the three months ended December 31, 2015 includes the reported results of Nomad Foods for such period, which includes the results of Findus Sverige AB and its subsidiaries (the "Findus Group") from November 2, 2015. The Findus Group results for the one month ended October 31, 2015 have been derived using unaudited carve-out financial information prepared by the Seller and adjusted for information received post-acquisition relating to the pre-acquisition period, as set out in Appendix 1. The Pro Forma As Adjusted results for the three months ended December 31, 2015 have been normalised for transaction-related items, share based payment charges, exceptional items, foreign currency translation charges/gains and taxation.

For further comparison, Nomad Foods is also providing As Adjusted Like-for-Like financial information at constant currency, which is considered non-IFRS financial information, for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, as set out in Appendix 2.

Please see on pages 9 to 18, the non-IFRS reconciliation tables attached hereto and the schedules accompanying this release for an explanation and reconciliation of the As Adjusted and Pro Forma As Adjusted financial information to the most directly comparable IFRS measure.

 in millions, except per share data

As adjusted for the

three months

ended December

31, 2016

Pro Forma As

Adjusted for the

three months ended December 31,

2015

Difference %















Revenue

485.2

520.8

(35.6) (6.8%) Gross profit

135.9

137.9

(2.0) (1.5%) Gross profit margin

28.0%

26.5%

1.5% - As Adjusted EBITDA

62.1

71.2

(9.1) (12.8%) As Adjusted EBITDA margin

12.8%

13.7%

(0.9%) - As Adjusted profit for the period

23.6

30.5

(6.9) (22.6%) As Adjusted basic and diluted earnings per

share

0.13

0.17

( 0.04) (23.5%)

Revenue was down 35.6 million or 6.8%, year-on-year. Adjusting for currency impacts and chart of account alignments, the like-for-like decline was 2.7% - a further improvement on the rate of decline in the third quarter and a significant improvement on the same quarter in the prior year. Within this, Germany grew 6.0% on a like-for-like basis, and UK and Italy saw reduced rates of decline year-on-year compared to the prior quarter, as the Group activated core "Must Win Battles".

grew 6.0% on a like-for-like basis, and UK and saw reduced rates of decline year-on-year compared to the prior quarter, as the Group activated core "Must Win Battles". Gross profit declined 2.0 million year-on-year. Adjusting for currency impacts and chart of account alignments, like-for-like growth was 3.7 million, driven by an improved mix from the growth of "Must Win Battles" and overlapping increased promotional investment in the three months ended December 31, 2015 .

. Gross margin increased by 1.5% driven by higher margin "Must Win Battles" sales and channel mix.

Advertising & promotions ("A&P") investment was 10.4 million higher year-on-year. Adjusting for currency impacts and chart of account alignments, A&P was 12.7 million higher year-on-year as the Group invested heavily, as planned, in the three months ended December 31, 2016 to support activation of "Must Win Battles".

to support activation of "Must Win Battles". Indirect costs were 2.5 million lower. Adjusting for currency impacts and chart of account alignments, indirect costs were flat year-on-year.

Resulting As Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended December 31, 2016 was 62.1 million, representing 12.8% of revenues. The year-on-year decline of 9.1 million is predominantly driven by the increased A&P in the three months ended December 31, 2016 .

was 62.1 million, representing 12.8% of revenues. The year-on-year decline of 9.1 million is predominantly driven by the increased A&P in the three months ended . As Adjusted Earnings per Share decreased by 4 Euro cents year-on-year, due to the decline in As Adjusted profit for the period.

Financial information highlights for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016

Nomad Foods is presenting As Adjusted financial information, which is considered non-IFRS financial information, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016. As Adjusted financial information for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 reflects the reported results of Nomad Foods for such period, adjusted for share based payment charges, exceptional items and non-cash foreign currency translation charges/gains.

For comparative purposes, Nomad Foods is also presenting Pro Forma As Adjusted financial information, which is considered non-IFRS financial information, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 for the combined results of Nomad Foods, the Iglo Group and the Findus Group. Pro Forma As Adjusted financial information for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 includes the reported results of Nomad Foods for such period (which includes the results of the Iglo Group from June 1, 2015 and the Findus Group from November 2, 2015) and have had (i) the reported results of the Iglo Group for the five months ended May 31, 2015 added to them; (ii) the unaudited consolidated carve out results of the Findus Group for the ten months ended October 31, 2015 added to them, as set out in Appendix 1. The Pro Forma As Adjusted results for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 have been normalised for the differential in trading days (excluding the additional day for the leap year in 2016) between year-on-year periods, share based payment charges, transaction-related items, exceptional items, foreign currency translation charges/gains and taxation.

For further comparison, Nomad Foods is also providing As Adjusted Like-for-Like financial information at constant currency, which is considered non-IFRS financial information, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, as set out in Appendix 2.

Please see on pages 9 to 18, the non-IFRS reconciliation tables attached hereto and the schedules accompanying this release for an explanation and reconciliation of the As Adjusted and Pro Forma As Adjusted financial information and the As Adjusted Like-for-Like financial information at constant currency to the most directly comparable IFRS financial measure.

 in millions, except per share data



As adjusted for

the twelve

months ended

December 31,

2016

Pro Forma As

Adjusted for the

twelve months ended December

31, 2015

Difference

%















Revenue

1,927.7

2,051.7

(124.0) (6.0%) Gross profit

571.0

604.7

(33.7) (5.6%) Gross profit margin

29.6%

29.5%

0.1% - As Adjusted EBITDA

324.9

331.7

(6.8) (2.1%) As Adjusted EBITDA margin

16.9%

16.2%

0.7% - As Adjusted profit for the year

154.9

158.1

(3.2) (2.0%) As Adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share

 0.84

0.88

( 0.04) (4.5%)

Revenue was down 124.0 million or 6.0%, year-on-year. Adjusting for currency and the like-for-like impacts of the exit from Russia , an additional trading day in 1Q 2016 due to the leap year , chart of account alignments and the business acquisition of La Cocinera in Spain , the decline was 4.0%. As has been the case throughout the year, the decline in sales was driven by the Group's three largest markets, namely the UK, Italy and Germany , although each of these markets has shown a steady improvement each quarter in the rate of decline year-on-year, with Germany returning to growth in the three months ended December 31, 2016 .

, an additional trading day in 1Q 2016 due to the , chart of account alignments and the business acquisition of La Cocinera in , the decline was 4.0%. As has been the case throughout the year, the decline in sales was driven by the Group's three largest markets, namely the UK, and , although each of these markets has shown a steady improvement each quarter in the rate of decline year-on-year, with returning to growth in the three months ended . Gross profit declined 33.7 million driven primarily by lower sales volumes. Adjusting for currency impacts and the like-for-like impacts of the exit from Russia , an additional trading day in 1Q 2016 due to the leap year , chart of account alignments and the business acquisition of La Cocinera in Spain the decline was 18.7 million, driven by lower sales volumes, the operational issues in Sweden in the first half of the year, the raw material shortage in Italy until the end of the third quarter and the weakening of the Euro against the US Dollar. Better pricing and promotional management provided considerable mitigation to these impacts.

, an additional trading day in 1Q 2016 due to the , chart of account alignments and the business acquisition of La Cocinera in the decline was 18.7 million, driven by lower sales volumes, the operational issues in in the first half of the year, the raw material shortage in until the end of the third quarter and the weakening of the Euro against the US Dollar. Better pricing and promotional management provided considerable mitigation to these impacts. Gross margin increased by 0.1%, driven by pricing year-on-year, improved trade terms management, offset by an adverse mix, the impact of the lower harvest volumes and the dilutive effect of the La Cocinera acquisition.

Advertising & promotions investment was 6.4 million lower year-on-year. Adjusting for currency impacts and the like-for-like impacts of the exit from Russia and chart of account alignments, A&P was flat year-on-year.

and chart of account alignments, A&P was flat year-on-year. Indirect costs were 20.5 million lower year-on-year. Adjusting for currency impacts and the like-for-like impacts of the exit from Russia and the business acquisition of La Cocinera in Spain , indirect costs were 14.3 million lower year-on-year. This reduction was due to synergy realisation, the benefits from the Group's lean reorganisation programme and the year on year impact of zero bonus payout in 2016.

and the business acquisition of La Cocinera in , indirect costs were 14.3 million lower year-on-year. This reduction was due to synergy realisation, the benefits from the Group's lean reorganisation programme and the year on year impact of zero bonus payout in 2016. Resulting YTD 2016 As Adjusted EBITDA was 324.9 million, representing 16.9% of revenues.

As Adjusted Earnings per Share decreased by 4 Euro cents year-on-year, due to the decrease in As Adjusted profit year-on-year.

Management Comments

Stefan Descheemaeker, Nomad Foods' Chief Executive Officer, stated, "2016 marked an important milestone for Nomad Foods. We made meaningful progress against our objectives: firstly stabilising sales by progressively slowing the rate of decline in the top line through the execution of our "Must Win Battles" strategy, secondly delivering on our synergy commitments from the Findus acquisition, and thirdly generating strong cash flow to drive consolidation within the global food industry. We believe our ability to generate significant cash flow, along with an improving operational foundation, positions us to consider strategic acquisitions in 2017 and beyond. We continue to make excellent progress with like-for-like sales moving into positive territory in 1Q17, an encouraging development that we expect will continue throughout 2017."

Noam Gottesman, Nomad Foods' Co-Chairman and Founder, commented, "We delivered growth in our core portfolio during 4Q 2016 and will stabilize our top-line during 1Q 2017. Our strategy is clearly working. We look forward to growth during 2017, as we continue our journey to build a leading, global consumer foods company."

Conference Call

A conference call with members of the executive management team will be held to discuss the results with additional comments and details.

The conference call is scheduled to begin at 8:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time on Thursday, March 30, 2017. To participate on the live call listeners in North America may dial 888-442-4145 and international listeners may dial 719-325-2237.

Additionally, there will be a presentation to accompany the conference call and the call is being webcast and both can be accessed at Nomad Foods' website at www.nomadfoods.com under Investor Relations. A replay of the conference call will be available on the Company website for two weeks following the event and can be accessed by listeners in North America by dialing 844-512-2921 and by international listeners by dialing 412-317-6671; the replay pin number is 1485879.

As Adjusted, Pro Forma As Adjusted, Like-for-like and Constant Currency Financial Information

As Adjusted financial information presented in this press release reflects the historical reported financial statements of Nomad Foods, adjusted for share based payment charges, exceptional items and non-cash foreign currency translation charges/gains.

Pro Forma As Adjusted financial information presented in this press release is based on the historical financial statements of Nomad Foods and assumes full period contribution of the Iglo Group and the Findus Group for the period presented. The Pro Forma As Adjusted financial information has been prepared to reflect the acquisition of both the Iglo Group and the Findus Group and the changes in the financing structure associated with the acquisition of both Groups.

The Pro Forma As Adjusted financial information was not prepared in accordance with the SEC's rules and standards relating to pro forma financial information and does not reflect the cost of any integration or benefits from the acquisition of the Iglo Group and Findus Group that may be derived in the future.

Like-for-like ("LFL") is an adjusted measurement of our operating results. This comparison of current and prior period performance takes into consideration only those activities that were in effect during both time periods. Like-for-like is a method of valuation that attempts to exclude any effects of expansion, acquisitions, disposals, closures, chart of account ("CoA") alignments, trading day impacts or any other event that artificially impact the comparability of our results.

Constant currency financial information presented in this press release discloses certain financial measures on a constant currency basis, such as revenue, gross profit, other operating expenses and As Adjusted EBITDA that are not prepared in accordance with IFRS and are therefore, considered to be non-IFRS financial measures. Constant currency financial information is primarily used by management to assist in making financial, strategic and operating decisions and is calculated by translating data of the current and comparative periods using a budget foreign exchange rate that is set once a year as part of the Company's internal annual forecast process.

EBITDA is profit/(loss) before tax for the period before net financing costs, depreciation and amortization. As Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA adjusted to exclude (when they occur) exited markets, trading day impacts and chart of account alignments and remove the impact of share based payment charges, exceptional items, charges relating to the Founders Preferred Shares Annual Dividend Amount, charges relating to the redemption of warrants and other similar items. Pro Forma As Adjusted EBITDA is As Adjusted EBITDA further adjusted to add the results of the Iglo Group and Findus Group to the reported results of Nomad Foods for periods when the Iglo Group and the Findus Group, respectively, were not owned by Nomad Foods.

As Adjusted, Pro Forma As Adjusted, like-for-like and constant currency financial information should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements of Nomad Foods included in this press release as well as the historical financial statements of the Iglo Group and the Findus Group previously filed with the SEC.

The As Adjusted financial information, Pro Forma adjustments, like-for-like and constant currency financial information presented herein are based upon certain assumptions that Nomad Foods believes to be reasonable. As Adjusted, Pro Forma As Adjusted, like-for-like and constant currency financial information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the combined financial position or results of operations that would have been realized had the acquisition of the Iglo Group or the Findus Group occurred on an earlier date, nor is it meant to be indicative of any anticipated combined financial position or future results of operations that the combined group will experience. Consequently, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these results and information as they may not be representative of our actual or future results as a consolidated company.

Nomad Foods also utilizes certain additional key performance indicators described below including EBITDA, As Adjusted EBITDA, As Adjusted EBITDA margin, As Adjusted operating profit, As Adjusted profit/(loss) before tax, As Adjusted profit/(loss) for the period, As Adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share, revenue adjusted for certain items, Pro Forma As Adjusted financial information and As Adjusted operating cash flow before tax. Nomad Foods believe its non-IFRS financial measures provide an important additional measure with which to monitor and evaluate the Company's ongoing financial results, as well as to reflect its acquisitions. Nomad Foods' calculation of these financial measures may be different from the calculations used by other companies and comparability may therefore be limited. You should not consider the Company's non-IFRS financial measures an alternative or substitute for the Company's reported results.

About Nomad Foods Limited

Nomad Foods (NYSE: NOMD) is a leading frozen foods company building a global portfolio of best-in-class food companies and brands within the frozen category and across the broader food sector. Nomad Foods produces, markets and distributes brands in 17 countries and has the leading market share in Western Europe. The Company's portfolio of leading frozen food brands includes Birds Eye, Iglo, and Findus. More information on Nomad Foods Limited is available at http://www.nomadfoods.com.

Nomad Foods Limited As Reported

Statements of Profit or Loss (unaudited)

Three months ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015



Three months ended December 31, 2016  millions Three months ended December 31, 2015  millions Revenue 485.2 475.9 Cost of sales (349.3) (352.0) Gross profit 135.9 123.9 Other operating expenses (87.5) (72.3) Exceptional items (22.2) (20.3) Operating profit 26.2 31.3 Finance income (0.6) 20.1 Finance costs (21.6) (16.0) Net financing costs (22.2) 4.1 Profit before tax 4.0 35.4 Taxation (6.1) 17.6 (Loss)/profit for the period attributable to Parent Company (2.1) 53.0











Basic (loss)/earnings per share



(Loss)/profit for the period in  millions (2.1) 53.0 Weighted average shares outstanding 183,640,353 176,990,448 Basic (loss)/earnings per share in  (0.01) 0.30

















Diluted (loss)/earnings per share



Profit for the period in  millions (2.1) 53.0 Weighted average shares outstanding 183,665,976 176,990,448 Diluted (loss)/earnings per share in  (0.01) 0.30

Nomad Foods Limited As Reported

Statements of Profit or Loss (audited)

Twelve months ended December 31, 2016 and Nine months ended December 31, 2015



Twelve months ended December 31, 2016  millions Nine months ended December 31, 2015  millions Revenue 1,927.7 894.2 Cost of sales (1,356.7) (663.0) Gross profit 571.0 231.2 Other operating expenses (298.4) (138.6) Charge related to Founder Preferred Shares Annual Dividend Amount & Warrant Redemption Amount - (348.6) Exceptional items (134.5) (58.1) Operating profit/(loss) 138.1 (314.1) Finance income 24.2 8.7 Finance costs (86.3) (44.2) Net financing costs (62.1) (35.5) Profit/(loss) before tax 76.0 (349.6) Taxation (39.6) 12.3 Profit/(loss) for the period attributable to Parent Company 36.4 (337.3)











Basic earnings/(loss) per share



Profit/(loss) for the period in  millions 36.4 (337.3) Weighted average shares outstanding 183,518,743 145,590,810 Basic earnings/(loss) per share in  0.20 (2.32)











Diluted earnings/(loss) per share



Profit/(loss) for the period in  millions 36.4 (337.3) Weighted average shares outstanding 183,528,621 145,590,810 Diluted earnings/(loss) per share in  0.20 (2.32)

Nomad Foods Limited As Reported

Statements of Financial Position (audited)

As at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015





As at December 31, 2016  millions As at December 31, 2015  millions

Non-current assets





Goodwill 1,745.6 1,676.8

Intangibles 1,726.6 1,729.6

Property, plant and equipment 298.2 318.2

Other receivables 0.4 -

Deferred tax assets 64.9 60.6

Total non-current assets 3,835.7 3,785.2









Current assets





Cash and cash equivalents 329.5 618.7

Inventories 325.0 319.6

Trade and other receivables 135.7 118.7

Indemnification assets 65.5 77.8

Capitalized borrowing costs 5.0 5.0

Derivative financial instruments 13.1 4.7

Total current assets 873.8 1,144.5

Total assets 4,709.5 4,929.7









Current liabilities





Bank overdrafts - 432.6

Derivative financial instruments 1.4 1.4

Current tax payable 162.3 97.7

Trade and other payables 472.7 422.3

Provisions 116.7 86.7

Total current liabilities 753.1 1,040.7









Non-current liabilities





Loans and borrowings 1,451.8 1,491.1

Employee benefits 190.9 168.9

Trade and other payables 1.0 1.6

Provisions 77.0 -

Deferred tax liabilities 333.2 339.3

Total non-current liabilities 2,053.9 2,000.9

Total liabilities 2,807.0 3,041.6









Net assets 1,902.5 1,888.1

















Equity attributable to equity holders





Share capital - -

Capital reserve 1,800.7 1,762.4

Share based compensation reserve 1.0 0.1

Founder Preferred Share Dividend reserve 493.4 531.5

Translation reserve 84.0 84.5

Cash flow hedging reserve 8.4 1.1

Accumulated deficit (485.0) (491.5)

Total equity 1,902.5 1,888.1

Nomad Foods Limited As Reported

Statements of Cash Flows (audited)

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 and the nine months ended December 31, 2015





For the twelve months

ended December 31, 2016  millions For the nine months ended

December, 31 2015  millions

Cash flows from operating activities Profit/(loss) for the period 36.4 (337.3)

Reconciliation of profit/(loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:





Exceptional items 134.5 58.1

Non-cash charge related to Founder Preferred Shares Annual Dividend

Amount and Warranty Redemption Amount - 348.6

Non-cash fair value purchase price adjustment of inventory - 37.0

Share based payment expense 1.2 -

Non-cash cash flow hedge reserve acquisition accounting adjustment - 4.9

Depreciation and amortization 51.1 21.8

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment 0.7 -

Finance costs 86.3 44.2

Finance income (24.2) (8.7)

Taxation 39.6 (12.3)

Operating cash flow before changes in working capital, provisions and

exceptional items 325.6 156.3

Increase in inventories (18.1) (15.9)

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables (8.8) 64.3

Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables 60.8 (44.0)

Decrease in employee benefits and other provisions (3.3) (1.5)

Cash generated from operations before tax and exceptional items 356.2 159.2

Cash flows relating to exceptional items (49.2) (91.6)

Tax paid (24.9) (19.6)

Net cash generated from operating activities 282.1 48.0









Cash flows from investing activities





Purchase of Iglo, net of cash acquired - (693.6)

Purchase of Findus, net of cash acquired - (556.9)

Contingent consideration for purchase of Frudesa brand (8.0) -

Purchase of property, plant and equipment (38.0) (19.3)

Purchase of intangibles (4.4) (2.1)

Redemption of portfolio investments - 312.1

Net cash used in investing activities (50.4) (959.8)









Cash flows from financing activities





Proceeds from issuance of Ordinary Shares - 1,171.8

Costs of admission - (5.3)

Proceeds from new loans and notes - 325.0

Repayment of loan principal - (490.0)

Net payment of finance leases (0.7) -

(Loss)/proceeds on settlement of derivatives (4.0) 4.3

Payment of financing fees - (14.0)

Interest paid (70.9) (40.8)

Interest received 7.9 1.5

Net cash (used in)/generated from financing activities (67.7) 952.5









Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 164.0 40.7

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 186.1 126.8

Effect of exchange rate fluctuations (20.6) 18.6

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period(a) 329.5 186.1











(a) Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank of 325.3 million and restricted cash of 4.2 million (December 31, 2015: cash at bank of 618.2 million and restricted cash of 0.5 million less bank overdrafts of 432.6 million).

Nomad Foods Limited

As Adjusted Financial Information

(In  millions, except per share data)

The following table reconciles As Adjusted financial information for the three months ended December 31, 2016 to the reported results of Nomad Foods for such period.

As Adjusted Statements of Profit or Loss (unaudited) Three Months Ended December 31, 2016



 in millions, except per share data As reported for the

three months

ended December

31, 2016 Adjustments

As Adjusted for the three

months ended December

31, 2016









Revenue 485.2 -

485.2 Cost of sales (349.3) -

(349.3) Gross profit 135.9 -

135.9 Other operating expenses (87.5) 0.4 (a) (87.1) Exceptional items (22.2) 22.2 (b) - Operating profit 26.2 22.6

48.8 Finance income (0.6) 0.2

(0.4) Finance costs (21.6) 3.7

(17.9) Net financing costs (22.2) 3.9 (c) (18.3) Profit before tax 4.0 26.5

30.5 Taxation (6.1) (0.8) (d) (6.9) (Loss)/profit for the period (2.1) 25.7

23.6



















Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 183,640,353



183,640,353 Basic (loss)/earnings per share (0.01)



0.13



















Weighted average shares outstanding  diluted(e) 183,665,976



183,665,976 Diluted (loss)/earnings per share (0.01)



0.13























(a) Adjustment to add back share based payment charge.

(b) Adjustment to add back exceptional items which management believes are non-recurring and do not have a continuing impact. See table 'EBITDA and As Adjusted EBITDA (audited) three months ended December 31, 2016' for a detailed list of exceptional items.

(c) Adjustment to eliminate 0.2 million of non-cash foreign exchange translation losses, 0.9 million foreign exchange loss on derivatives and 2.8 million of interest charges on provisions for tax exposures.

(d) Adjustment to reflect the tax impact of the above at the applicable tax rate for each adjustment, determined by the nature of the item and the jurisdiction in which it arises.

(e) Diluted weighted average shares outstanding has been adjusted by the dilutive impact of the 2016 Non-Executive Directors Restricted Stock Awards.

Nomad Foods Limited

As Adjusted Financial Information

(In  millions)

The following table reconciles EBITDA and As Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended December 31, 2016 to the reported results of Nomad Foods for such period.

EBITDA and As Adjusted EBITDA (unaudited)

Three Months Ended December 31, 2016



 in millions As reported for the

three months ended

December 31, 2016



Profit before tax 4.0



Net financing costs 22.2



Depreciation 10.5



Amortization 2.8



EBITDA 39.5











Exceptional items:





Transactions related costs 1.8 (a)

Cisterna fire net income (4.7) (b)

Investigation of strategic opportunities and other items 1.6 (c)

Supply chain reconfiguration 9.4 (d)

Other restructuring costs (0.9) (e)

Integration costs 4.6 (f)

Remeasurement of indemnification assets 10.4 (g)









Other Adjustments:





Share based payment charge 0.4 (h)









As Adjusted EBITDA(i) 62.1















(a) Elimination of costs incurred in relation to completed and potential acquisitions and one-off compliance costs incurred as a result of listing on the New York Stock Exchange. (b) Elimination of net insurance income offset by incremental operational costs incurred as a result of a fire in August 2014 in the Iglo Group's Italian production facility which produces Findus branded stock for sale in Italy. (c) Elimination of costs incurred in relation to investigation of strategic opportunities for the combined group following acquisition by the Company and other items considered non-recurring. (d) Elimination of supply chain reconfiguration costs, namely the closure of the Bjuv factory. (e) Elimination of a credit on release of provisions for restructuring activities associated with operating locations. (f) Elimination of costs recognized by Nomad Foods relating to the integration of the Findus Group. (g) Adjustment to reflect the remeasurement of the indemnification assets recognized on the acquisition of the Findus Group, which is capped at the value of shares held in escrow at the share price as at December 31, 2016. (h) Elimination of share payment charge relating to the Nomad Foods 2015 Long Term Incentive Plan and the 2016 Non-Executive Directors Restricted Stock Award. (i) As Adjusted EBITDA margin 12.8% for the three months ended December 31, 2016 is calculated by dividing As Adjusted EBITDA by revenue of 485.2 million per page 9.

Nomad Foods Limited

Pro Forma As Adjusted Financial Information

(In  millions, except per share data)

The following table reconciles Pro Forma As Adjusted financial information for the three months ended December 31, 2015 to the reported results of Nomad Foods for such period.

Pro Forma As Adjusted Profit or Loss (unaudited)

Three Months Ended December 31, 2015

 in millions, except per share

data As reported for

the three months

ended December

31, 2015 Add Findus

Group unaudited

results for the

month ended

October 31, 2015(a) Combined Adjustments

Pro Forma As

Adjusted for the

three months

ended December

31, 2015 Revenue 475.9 54.8 530.7 (9.9) (b) 520.8 Cost of sales (352.0) (48.7) (400.7) 17.8 (c) (382.9) Gross profit 123.9 6.1 130.0 7.9

137.9 Other operating expenses (72.3) (6.9) (79.2) - (d) (79.2) Exceptional items (20.3) (4.2) (24.5) 24.5 (e) - Operating profit/(loss) 31.3 (5.0) 26.3 32.4

58.7 Finance income 20.1 1.0 21.1 (19.5)

1.6 Finance costs (16.0) (0.4) (16.4) (4.0)

(20.4) Net financing income/(costs) 4.1 0.6 4.7 (23.5) (f) (18.8) Profit/(loss) before tax 35.4 (4.4) 31.0 8.9

39.9 Taxation 17.6 0.1 17.7 (27.1) (g) (9.4) Profit/(loss) for the period 53.0 (4.3) 48.7 (18.2)

30.5













Weighted average shares

outstanding(h) 176,990,448







179,936,692 Earnings per share 0.30







0.17







(a) Findus Group results for the month ended October 31, 2015 have been constructed using unaudited carve out financial information prepared by the Seller, adjusted for information received post-acquisition which related to the pre-acquisition period. See Appendix 1.

(b) Adjustments to (i) decrease revenue by (7.7) million for the differential in trading days between year-on-year periods, (ii) eliminate (2.1) million of intercompany trade between Findus and Iglo Groups for the three months ended December 31, 2015 and (iii) a Nomad Foods accounting policy alignment to reclassify (0.1) million of advertising and promotion expenses from other operating expenses for the Findus Group three month period.

(c) Adjustments to (i) decrease cost of sales by 3.4 million for the differential in trading days between year-on-year periods, (ii) add back 11.0 million non-cash charge related to the increase in inventory fair value recorded as part of the Findus Group's purchase price accounting (PPA); (iii) eliminate 2.1 million of intercompany trade between the Findus Group and Iglo Group for the three months ended December 31, 2015 and (iv) reverse a 1.3 million non-cash Iglo acquisition accounting adjustment relating to the discontinuation of hedge accounting on acquired derivatives.

(d) Adjustments to (i) reflect (0.2) million incremental amortization on the increase in the fair value uplift of brands and customer lists recorded as part of the Findus acquisition PPA; (ii) eliminate a 0.2 million Findus prior ownership corporate charge; and, (iii) adjustment to Findus for Nomad Foods accounting policy alignments to reclassify 0.1 million of advertising and promotion expenses to revenue and increasing expense by (0.1) million, net, relating to the capitalization of new product development costs and related amortization.

(e) Adjustment to add back exceptional items, which management believe do not have a continuing impact. See table 'EBITDA and Pro Forma As Adjusted EBITDA (unaudited) three months ended December 31, 2015' overleaf for a detailed list of exceptional items.

(f) The Company's adjustment of 9.6 million to restate net financing costs to reflect the new debt structure put in place with the Iglo Acquisition and the financing of the Findus Acquisition and eliminate 13.9 million of non-cash foreign exchange translation gains.

(g) The Company's adjustment to reflect the tax impact of the above at the applicable tax rate for each exceptional item, determined by the nature of the item and the jurisdiction in which it arises.

(h) Pro Forma As Adjusted weighted average shares assumes all shares issued in connection with the acquisitions or for which the proceeds were used to complete acquisitions were issued as of January 1, 2015. All other adjustments for weighting are based on actual issuance date.

Nomad Foods Limited

Pro Forma As Adjusted Financial Information

(In  millions)

The following table reconciles Pro Forma EBITDA and Pro Forma As Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended December 31, 2015 to the reported results of Nomad Foods for such period.

Pro Forma EBITDA and Pro Forma As Adjusted EBITDA (unaudited)

Three Months Ended December 31, 2015

 in millions As reported for

the three months

ended December

31, 2015 Add Findus Group

unaudited results for

the month ended

October 31, 2015



Pro Forma As Adjusted for

the three months ended

December 31, 2015



Profit before tax 35.4 (4.4)



31.0



Net financing income (4.1) (0.6)



(4.7)



Depreciation 10.1 1.4



11.5



Amortization 0.8 0.1



0.9



EBITDA 42.2 (3.5)



38.7



















Exceptional items:













Transactions related costs 6.7 -

(a) 6.7



Costs related to management incentive plans 1.6 -

(b) 1.6



Investigation of strategic opportunities and other items 6.6 -

(c) 6.6



Cisterna fire net income (3.4) -

(d) (3.4)



Restructuring costs 5.4 -

(e) 5.4



Integration costs 3.4 -

(f) 3.4



Other costs - 4.2

(g) 4.2



















Other adjustments:













Iglo (h)







(3.0)



Findus (i)







11.0



















Pro Forma As Adjusted EBITDA(j)







71.2









(a) Includes costs incurred in relation to completed and potential acquisitions.

(b) Adjustment to eliminate long term management incentive scheme costs from prior ownership.

(c) Costs incurred in relation to investigation of strategic opportunities for the combined group following acquisition by the Company and other items considered non-recurring.

(d) Net income received through payment of insurance policy claims as a result of an August 2014 fire in the Iglo Group's Italian production facility which produces Findus branded stock for sale in Italy.

(e) Costs relating to planned restructuring activities in the German, UK and Italian factories.

(f) Costs recognized relating to the integration of Findus.

(g) Costs recognized by Findus Group in October 2015 before the acquisition by Nomad.

(h) Adjustment to (i) decrease EBITDA by 4.3 million for the differential in trading days between year-on-year periods and (ii) eliminate a (1.3) million non-cash acquisition accounting adjustment relating to the discontinuation of hedge accounting on acquired derivatives.

(i) Adjustments to (i) add back 11.0 million non-cash charge related to the increase in inventory fair value recorded as part of the Iglo Group's purchase price accounting (PPA) and (ii) to reflect accounting policy alignments between Findus Group and Nomad policies; specifically expensing (0.2) million of capitalized new product development costs and internal labor costs and (iii) eliminate a 0.2 million prior ownership corporate charge.

(j) Pro Forma As Adjusted EBITDA margin 13.7% for the three months ended December 31, 2015 is calculated by dividing Pro Forma As Adjusted EBITDA by revenue of 520.8 million per page 11.

Nomad Foods Limited

As Adjusted Financial Information

(In  millions, except per share data)

The following table reconciles As Adjusted financial information for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 to the reported results of Nomad Foods for such period.

As Adjusted Statements of Profit or Loss (unaudited)

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2016

 in millions, except per share data As reported for the

twelve months ended

December 31, 2016 Adjustments

As Adjusted for the

twelve months ended

December 31, 2016









Revenue 1,927.7 -

1,927.7 Cost of sales (1,356.7) -

(1,356.7) Gross profit 571.0 -

571.0 Other operating expenses (298.4) 1.2 (a) (297.2) Exceptional items (134.5) 134.5 (b) - Operating profit 138.1 135.7

273.8 Finance income 24.2 (18.3)

5.9 Finance costs (86.3) 7.1

(79.2) Net financing costs (62.1) (11.2) (c) (73.3) Profit before tax 76.0 124.5

200.5 Taxation (39.6) (6.0) (d) (45.6) Profit for the period 36.4 118.5

154.9









Weighted average shares outstanding - basic(e) 183,518,743



183,518,743 Basic earnings per share 0.20



0.84









Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted(f) 183,528,621



183,528,621 Diluted earnings per share 0.20



0.84













(a) Adjustment to add back share based payment charge.

(b) Adjustment to add back exceptional items which management believes are non-recurring and do not have a continuing impact. See table 'EBITDA and As Adjusted EBITDA (unaudited) twelve months ended December 31, 2016' for a detailed list of exceptional items.

(c) Adjustment to eliminate (18.3) million of non-cash foreign exchange translation net gains, 4.3 million foreign exchange loss on derivatives and 2.8 million of other exceptional non-cash interest charges.

(d) Adjustment to reflect the tax impact of the above at the applicable tax rate for each adjustment, determined by the nature of the item and the jurisdiction in which it arises.

(e) Basic weighted average shares outstanding includes shares the Company is obligated to issue relating to the 2016 Non-Executive Restricted Stock Award shares granted in June 2016.

(f) Diluted weighted average shares outstanding has been adjusted by the dilutive impact of the 2016 Non-Executive Restricted Stock Award.

Nomad Foods Limited

As Adjusted Financial Information

(In  millions)

The following table reconciles EBITDA and As Adjusted EBITDA for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 to the reported results of Nomad Foods for such period:

EBITDA and As Adjusted EBITDA (unaudited)

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2016



 in millions As reported for the

twelve months

ended December

31, 2016



Profit before tax 76.0



Net financing costs 62.1



Depreciation 43.3



Amortization 7.8



EBITDA 189.2











Exceptional items:





Transaction related costs 4.8 (a)

Costs related to management incentive plans 1.9 (b)

Investigation of strategic opportunities and other items 8.8 (c)

Cisterna fire net income (4.3) (d)

Supply chain reconfiguration 84.3 (e)

Other restructuring costs (1.0) (f)

Integration costs 29.6 (g)

Remeasurement of indemnification assets 10.4 (h)









Other Adjustments:





Share based payment charge 1.2 (i)









As Adjusted EBITDA(j) 324.9























(a) Elimination of costs incurred in relation to completed and potential acquisitions and one-off compliance costs incurred as a result of listing on the New York Stock Exchange.

(b) Adjustment to eliminate long term management incentive scheme costs from prior ownership.

(c) Elimination of costs incurred in relation to investigation of strategic opportunities for the combined group following acquisition by the Company and other items considered non-recurring.

(d) Elimination of net insurance income offset by incremental operational costs incurred as a result of a fire in August 2014 in the Iglo Group's Italian production facility which produces Findus branded stock for sale in Italy.

(e) Elimination of supply chain reconfiguration costs, namely the closure of the Bjuv factory.

(f) Elimination of a credit on release of provisions for restructuring activities associated with operating locations.

(g) Elimination of costs recognized by Nomad Foods relating to the integration of the Findus Group.

(h) Adjustment to reflect the remeasurement of the indemnification assets recognized on the acquisition of the Findus Group, which is capped at the value of shares held in escrow at the share price as at December 31, 2016.

(i) Elimination of share payment charge relating to the Nomad Foods 2015 Long Term Incentive Plan and annual Non-Executive Directors Restricted Stock Awards.

(j) As Adjusted EBITDA margin of 16.9% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 is calculated by dividing As Adjusted EBITDA by revenue of 1,927.7 million per page 13.

Nomad Foods Limited

Pro Forma As Adjusted Financial Information

(In  millions, except per share data)

The following table reconciles Pro Forma As Adjusted financial information for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 to the reported results of Nomad Foods for such period:

Pro Forma As Adjusted Profit or Loss (unaudited)

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2015

 in millions, except per share

data As reported

for the nine

months ended

December 31,

2015 Add As

reported

for the

three

months

ended

March

31, 2015 Add Iglo

Group

unaudited

results for the

five months

ended May 31,

2015 Add Findus

Group

unaudited for the ten

months

ended

October 31,

2015(a) Combined Adjustments

Pro Forma As

Adjusted for

the twelve

months ended

December 31,

2015 Revenue 894.2 - 640.3 533.1 2,067.6 (15.9) (b) 2,051.7 Cost of sales (663.0) - (417.9) (421.6) (1,502.5) 55.5 (c) (1,447.0) Gross profit 231.2 - 222.4 111.5 565.1 39.6

604.7 Other operating expenses (138.6) (0.2) (109.5) (77.5) (325.8) 1.7 (d) (324.1) Founder Preferred Shares

Annual Dividend Amount &

Warrant Redemption Amount (348.6) (143.6) - - (492.2) 492.2 (e) - Exceptional items (58.1) (0.6) (84.3) (12.6) (155.6) 155.6 (f) - Operating (loss)/profit (314.1) (144.4) 28.6 21.4 (408.5) 689.1

280.6 Finance income 8.7 - 2.0 6.2 16.9 (8.3)

8.6 Finance costs (44.2) - (117.7) (20.3) (182.2) 98.4

(83.8) Net financing costs (35.5) - (115.7) (14.1) (165.3) 90.1 (g) (75.2) (Loss)/profit before tax (349.6) (144.4) (87.1) 7.3 (573.8) 779.2

205.4 Taxation 12.3 - (40.9) (4.9) (33.5) (13.8) (h) (47.3) (Loss)/profit for the period (337.3) (144.4) (128.0) 2.4 (607.3) 765.4

158.1

















Weighted average shares

outstanding(i) 145,590,810









179,627,131 (Loss)/earnings per share (2.32)











0.88









(a) Findus Group unaudited results for the ten months ended October 31, 2015 have been derived from the audited carve out accounts for the year to 30 September 2015, unaudited carve out financial information for the three month period to December 31, 2014 prepared by the Seller, unaudited carve out financial information for the month to October 31, 2015 prepared by the Seller, adjusted for information received post-acquisition which related to the pre-acquisition period. See Appendix 1.

(b) Adjustments to (i) eliminate (14.5) million of intercompany trade between the Findus Group and Iglo Group for the year ended December 31, 2015 and (ii) reflect accounting policy alignment between Findus Group and Nomad policies to reclassify (1.4) million of advertising and promotion expenses from other operating expenses for the Findus Group three month period.

(c) Adjustments to (i) add back 26.0 million non-cash charge related to the increase in inventory fair value recorded as part of the Iglo Group's purchase price accounting (PPA); (ii) add back 11.0 million non-cash charge related to the increase in inventory fair value recorded as part of the Findus Group's PPA; (iii) increase depreciation expense by (0.9) million net to reflect the Iglo and Findus PPA adjustments to the fair value of property, plant and equipment and (iv) eliminate 14.5 million of intercompany trade between the Findus Group and Iglo Group for the year ended December 31, 2015 and (v) reverse a 4.9 million non-cash Iglo acquisition accounting adjustment relating to the discontinuation of hedge accounting on acquired derivatives.

(d) Adjustments to (i) reflect (1.9) million incremental amortization on the increase in the fair value uplift of brands and customer lists recorded as part

of the Findus acquisition PPA (there was no increase in the value of definite life intangible assets as part of the Iglo Group PPA); (ii) reflect a reduction

of 0.5 million of amortization based on the fair valuation of intangible assets acquired with the Iglo Group; (iii) eliminate a 2.3 million Findus prior

ownership corporate charge; and, (iv) adjustment to Findus results for Nomad Foods accounting policy alignments to reclassify 1.3 million of

advertising and promotion expenses to revenue and increasing expense by (0.5) million net, relating to the capitalization of new product development

costs and related amortization.

(e) Adjustment to add back a Nomad Foods 492.2 million non-cash charge relating to the Founder Preferred Shares Annual Dividend Amount & Warrant

Redemption Amount.

(f) Adjustment to add back exceptional items, which management believe do not have a continuing impact. See table 'EBITDA and Pro Forma As

Adjusted EBITDA (unaudited) year ended December 31, 2015' overleaf for a detailed list of exceptional items.

(g) The Company's adjustment of 64.8 million to restate net financing costs to reflect the new debt structure put in place with the Iglo Acquisition and

the financing of the Findus Acquisition and eliminate 25.3 million of non-cash foreign exchange translation charges.

(h) The Company's adjustment to reflect the tax impact of the above at the applicable tax rate for each exceptional item, determined by the nature of the

item and the jurisdiction in which it arises.

(i) Pro Forma As Adjusted weighted average shares assumes all shares issued in connection with the acquisitions or for which the proceeds were used to

complete acquisitions were issued as of January 1, 2015. All other adjustments for weighting are based on actual issuance date.

Nomad Foods

Pro Forma As Adjusted Financial Information

(In  millions)

EBITDA and Pro Forma As Adjusted EBITDA (unaudited)

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2015

 in millions As reported

for the nine

months

ended

December

31, 2015 Add As

reported for

the three

months ended

March 31, 2015 Add Iglo

Group

unaudited as

reported for

the five months

ended May 31,

2015 Add Findus

Group

unaudited

results for the

ten months

ended October

31, 2015

Pro Forma As

Adjusted for the

twelve months

ended

December 31,

2015 (Loss)/profit before tax (349.6) (144.4) (87.1) 7.3

(573.8) Net financing costs 35.5 - 115.7 14.1

165.3 Depreciation 20.3 - 11.3 14.5

46.1 Amortization 1.5 - 1.2 1.2

3.9 EBITDA (292.3) (144.4) 41.1 37.1

(358.5)













Exceptional items:











Transactions related costs 34.1 0.6 3.8 5.8 (a) 44.3 Purchase price adjustments to intangible

assets - - 55.0 - (b) 55.0 Costs related to management incentive

plans 3.5 - 22.9 - (c) 26.4 Investigation of strategic opportunities

and other items 9.6 - 1.3 - (d) 10.9 Bargain purchase gain on La Cocinera - - - (11.5) (e) (11.5) Cisterna fire net (income)/costs (2.5) - 1.3 - (f) (1.2) Restructuring costs 8.9 - - 9.6 (g) 18.5 Integration costs 4.5 - - - (h) 4.5 Other costs - - - 8.7 (i) 8.7













Other Adjustments:











Founder Preferred Shares Annual Dividend Amount & Warrant Redemption Amount(j)









492.2 Iglo(k)









30.9 Findus(l)









11.5













Pro Forma As Adjusted EBITDA(m)









331.7















(a) Includes costs incurred in relation to completed and potential acquisitions. (b) Elimination of charges at the Iglo level related to the purchase price exercise on the acquisition of the Iglo Group. At the Nomad Foods level, this adjustment is recognized within goodwill, but at the Iglo Group level it is reported within profit or loss. (c) Adjustment to eliminate long term management incentive scheme costs from prior ownership. (d) Costs incurred in relation to investigation of strategic opportunities for the combined group following acquisition by the Company, the Iglo Group under previous ownership and other items considered non-recurring. (e) Bargain purchase gain recognized by the Findus Group on the April 2015 acquisition of La Cocinera. (f) Incremental operational costs incurred as a result of a fire in August 2014 in the Iglo Group's Italian production facility which produces Findus branded stock for sale in Italy. This is shown net of insurance income received from insurance claims. (g) Costs relating to planned restructuring activities in the German, UK and Italian factories as well as by the Findus Group in relation to various countries. (h) Costs recognized relating to the integration of the Findus Group. (i) Costs recognized by Findus in October 2015 before the acquisition by Nomad including a 3.2 million non-cash impairment of brands and 0.4 million one-time emission permit penalties. (j) Adjustment to eliminate a 492.2 million non-cash charge related to the Founder Preferred Shares Annual Dividend Amount & Warrant Redemption Amount. (k) Adjustments to (i) add back 26.0 million non-cash charge related to the increase in inventory fair value recorded as part of the Iglo Group's purchase price accounting (PPA) and (ii) eliminating a 4.9 million non-cash acquisition accounting adjustment relating to the discontinuation of hedge accounting on acquired derivatives. (l) Adjustments to (i) add back 11.0 million non-cash charge related to the increase in inventory fair value recorded as part of the Iglo Group's purchase price accounting (PPA) and (ii) to reflect accounting policy alignments between the Findus Group and Nomad policies; specifically expensing (1.8) million of capitalized new product development costs and internal labor costs and (iii) eliminate a 2.3 million prior ownership corporate charge. (m) Pro Forma As Adjusted EBITDA margin of 16.2% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 is calculated by dividing Pro Forma As Adjusted EBITDA by Pro Forma As Adjusted revenue of 2,051.7 million per page 15.

Appendix 1: Findus Group financial information for the ten months ended October 31, 2015 (unaudited)

The financial information of the Findus Group for the one month ended October 31, 2015 has been derived from the Seller's unaudited consolidated carve-out financial statements of Findus Sverige AB ("Findus Group") reported in British Pound Sterling and adjusted for information received post-acquisition which related to the pre-acquisition period.

This financial information has been presented in Euro for the one month ended October 31, 2015, converting from GBP:EUR at an average rate of 1.3619.

Findus Group unaudited results for the ten months ended October 31, 2015 have been derived from the audited carve out accounts for the year to September 30, 2015, deducting unaudited carve out financial information for the three month period to December 31, 2014 prepared by the Seller, adding unaudited carve out financial information for the one month to October 31, 2015 as described above. The derived nine months period to September 30, 2015 has been presented below in a three months ending format.

 in millions Findus Group

unaudited for

the three months

ended March 31,

2015 Findus Group

unaudited for

the three

months ended

June 30, 2015 Findus Group

unaudited for the

three months ended

September 30, 2015 Findus Group

unaudited

for the one

month ended

October 31, 2015 Findus Group

unaudited for the

ten months ended

October 31, 2015 Revenue 159.7 150.6 168.0 54.8 533.1 Cost of sales (124.2) (116.3) (132.4) (48.7) (421.6) Gross profit 35.5 34.3 35.6 6.1 111.5 Other operating expenses (23.0) (24.2) (23.4) (6.9) (77.5) Exceptional items (2.1) 3.3 (9.6) (4.2) (12.6) Operating profit/(loss) 10.4 13.4 2.6 (5.0) 21.4 Finance income 2.1 1.2 1.9 1.0 6.2 Finance costs (9.5) (4.3) (6.1) (0.4) (20.3) Net financing (costs)/income (7.4) (3.1) (4.2) 0.6 (14.1) Profit/(loss) before tax 3.0 10.3 (1.6) (4.4) 7.3 Taxation (0.9) (2.9) (1.2) 0.1 (4.9) Profit/(loss) for the period 2.1 7.4 (2.8) (4.3) 2.4

Appendix 2: Reconciliation from As Adjusted financial information to As Adjusted Like-for-Like ("LFL") financial information at Constant Currency

Year on Year Constant Currency impact (unaudited) Three Months Ended ended December 31, 2016 and 2015



Three months ended December 31, 2015

Three months ended December 31, 2016









(A) (B) (C) (D)

(E) (F) (G) (H)

(I)

(J)  in millions Pro Forma

As Adjusted LFL

adjustments Constant

currency

impact Pro Forma As

Adjusted LFL

at constant

currency

As

Adjusted LFL

adjustments Constant

currency

impact As Adjusted

LFL at

constant

currency

Year on year

currency

impact (C) - (G)

Variance adjusted

for LFL impacts

at constant

currency (H) - (D) Revenue 520.8 (1.4) 1.2 520.6

485.2 - 21.9 507.1

(20.7)

(13.5) Cost of sales (382.9) 1.0 (1.1) (383.0)

(349.3) - (16.5) (365.8)

15.4

17.2 Gross profit 137.9 (0.4) 0.1 137.6

135.9 - 5.4 141.3

(5.3)

3.7 Advertising and promotions (26.9) 0.6 - (26.3)

(37.3) - (1.7) (39.0)

1.7

(12.7) Indirect costs (52.3) (0.2) - (52.5)

(49.8) - (2.7) (52.5)

2.7

- Other operating expenses (79.2) 0.4 - (78.8)

(87.1) - (4.4) (91.5)

4.4

(12.7) Operating profit 58.7 - 0.1 58.8

48.8 - 1.0 49.8

(0.9)

(9.0) Add back depreciation & amortization 12.5 - - 12.5

13.3 - 0.4 13.7

(0.4)

1.2 EBITDA 71.2 - 0.1 71.3

62.1 - 1.4 63.5

(1.3)

(7.8)

The currency adjusted like-for-like revenue decline of 2.7% disclosed on page 2 is calculated as (J) divisible by (D) - (G).



Year on Year Constant Currency impact (unaudited)

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015



Twelve months ended December 31, 2015

Twelve months ended December 31, 2016









(A) (B) (C) (D)

(E) (F) (G) (H)

(I)

(J)  in millions Pro Forma

As Adjusted LFL

adjustments Constant

currency

impact Pro Forma As

Adjusted LFL

at constant

currency

As

Adjusted LFL

adjustments Constant

currency

impact As Adjusted

LFL at

constant

currency

Year on year

currency

impact (C) - (G)

Variance adjusted

for LFL impacts

at constant

currency (H) - (D) Revenue 2,051.7 5.8 5.2 2,062.7

1,927.7 (8.3) 62.1 1,981.5

(56.9)

(81.2) Cost of sales (1,447.0) (4.4) (4.0) (1,455.4)

(1,356.7) 7.4 (43.6) (1,392.9)

39.6

62.5 Gross profit 604.7 1.4 1.2 607.3

571.0 (0.9) 18.5 588.6

(17.3)

(18.7) Advertising and promotions (120.1) 2.3 1.2 (116.6)

(113.7) 0.7 (3.7) (116.7)

4.9

(0.1) Indirect costs (204.0) 0.8 (1.1) (204.3)

(183.5) (0.1) (6.4) (190.0)

5.3

14.3 Other operating expenses (324.1) 3.1 0.1 (320.9)

(297.2) 0.6 (10.1) (306.7)

10.2

14.2 Operating profit 280.6 4.5 1.3 286.4

273.8 (0.3) 8.4 281.9

(7.1)

(4.5) Add back depreciation & amortization 51.1 - - 51.1

51.1 (0.1) 1.0 52.0

(1.0)

0.9 EBITDA 331.7 4.5 1.3 337.5

324.9 (0.4) 9.4 333.9

(8.1)

(3.6)

The currency adjusted like-for-like revenue decline of 4.0% disclosed on page 3 is calculated as (J) divisible by (D) - (G).

Forward-Looking Statements

Forward-Looking Statements and Disclaimers

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements which are based on the Company's expectations, intentions and projections regarding its future performance, anticipated events or trends and other matters that are not historical facts, including expectations regarding (i) the Company's ability to expand its presence in the frozen foods market; (ii) the success of the Company's strategic initiatives; (iii) completion of successful acquisitions in the same and adjacent categories; (iv) the future operating and financial performance of the Company; (v) synergies from combining the Findus and Iglo businesses and (vi) the success of the unified Findus brand. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including (i) economic conditions, competition and other risks that may affect the Company's future performance; (ii) the risk that securities markets will react negatively to actions by the Company; (iii) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits to the Company of strategic opportunities; (iv) the successful completion of strategic acquisitions; (v) changes in applicable laws or regulations; and (vi) the other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's public filings and any other public disclosures by the Company. Given these risks and uncertainties, prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of such statements and, except as required by applicable law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

No Offer or Solicitation

This release and referenced conference call is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, or an invitation to subscribe for, purchase or exchange, any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, nor shall there be any sale, issuance, exchange or transfer of the securities referred to in this press release in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law.

The release, publication or distribution of this announcement in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law and therefore persons in such jurisdictions into which this announcement is released, published or distributed should inform themselves about and observe such restrictions.

SOURCE Nomad Foods Limited

Related Links

http://www.nomadfoods.com


DULUTH, Ga. and COPENHAGEN, Denmark, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health and Novozymes today announced a strategic collaboration to develop and commercialize probiotics for global poultry production. The parties will focus on developing products for hatcheries, the facilities where eggs are hatched before the chickens move to grow-out farms. As part of the agreement, Boehringer Ingelheim will market and distribute Novozymes' FloraMax probiotic product for the U.S. poultry industry. Boehringer Ingelheim plans on expanding to other markets globally in the coming years.

"Boehringer Ingelheim is continuously exploring new science, products and industry categories, to deliver a powerful range of innovative solutions with a focus on customer needs. Poultry producers are looking for improved ways to deliver on the growing global need for sustainable protein," said George Heidgerken, Global Head of Livestock at Boehringer Ingelheim. "Collaborating with Novozymes enables Boehringer Ingelheim to enter an exciting new segment of products to provide alternatives in an environment that is increasingly challenged by antibiotic bans."

Probiotics are naturally occurring, live microbes that can improve the gut flora of poultry and other animals. Robust gut flora can significantly improve animal health, thereby providing a natural alternative to antibiotic growth promoters. Rising global consumption of meat, and legislative and consumer-driven curbs on the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in animal farming have increased demand for alternatives such as probiotics.

"We are excited to collaborate with Boehringer Ingelheim to develop a range of probiotic solutions for poultry that will improve sustainability in the industry," said Susanne Palsten Buchardt, Vice President, Animal Health & Nutrition at Novozymes. "The collaboration is an important step in solidifying Novozymes' capabilities within probiotics and helping poultry producers deliver greater quantities of safe, affordable protein. Utilizing Boehringer Ingelheim's close relationships with large-scale producers, Novozymes will gain valuable access to new distribution channels and customers, many of which are seeking sustainable alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters."

About Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health

As the second largest animal health business in the world, Boehringer Ingelheim is committed to making the industry even better at improving animal health. With more than 10,000 employees worldwide, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health has products available in more than 150 markets and a global presence in 99 countries. For more information about Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, click here.

About Boehringer Ingelheim

Boehringer Ingelheim is one of the world's 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, Boehringer Ingelheim operates presently with a total of some 50,000 employees worldwide. The focus of the family-owned company, founded in 1885, is on researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing new medications of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine. In 2015, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of about 14.8 billion euros. R&D expenditure corresponds to 20.3 per cent of net sales. For more information, please visit www.boehringer-ingelheim.com

About Novozymes

Novozymes is the world leader in biological solutions. Together with customers, partners and the global community, we improve industrial performance while preserving the planet's resources and helping build better lives. As the world's largest provider of enzyme and microbial technologies, our bioinnovation enables higher agricultural yields, low-temperature washing, energy-efficient production, renewable fuel and many other benefits that we rely on today and in the future. We call it Rethink Tomorrow.

SOURCE Boehringer Ingelheim

Related Links

https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com


IRVINE, Calif., March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ATTOM Data Solutions, curator of the nation's largest fused property database, today released its Q1 2017 U.S. Home Affordability Index, which shows that one in every four county housing markets analyzed for the report were less affordable than their historic affordability averages in the first quarter of 2017.

A total of 95 counties out of 379 counties analyzed for the report (25 percent) posted an affordability index below 100 in Q1 2017  the highest share of markets below the normal affordability index of 100 since Q4 2009. An affordability index below 100 means that the share of averages wages needed to buy a median-priced home is above the historic average for a given market.

Nationally the affordability index in the first quarter of 2017 was 103, down from 108 in the previous quarter and down from 119 a year ago to the lowest level since Q4 2008  a more than eight-year low.

"Home affordability continued to worsen in the first quarter, not surprising given the continued strong growth in home prices combined with the recent rise in mortgage rates," said Daren Blomquist, senior vice president at ATTOM Data Solutions. "Stronger wage growth is the silver lining in this report, outpacing home price growth in more than half of the markets for the first time since Q1 2012, when median home prices were still falling nationwide."

More than 43 percent of average wages needed to buy a home in 97 counties

Average wage earners would need to spend more than 43 percent of their income  the maximum debt-to-income ratio allowed for a "qualified mortgage" under guidelines from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)  to buy a median-priced home in 97 of the 379 counties (26 percent) analyzed for the report.

"Many homebuyers have been priced out of the Seattle housing market, forcing them to buy in other counties and commute," said Matthew Gardner, chief economist at Windermere Real Estate, covering the Seattle housing market, where all three counties in the metro area posted worsening affordability compared to a year ago. "The data also shows that the affordability level in King County has eroded to levels we haven't seen since 2010. Moreover, I believe that it will get worse before it gets better thanks to our growing population, inadequate infrastructure, and land constraints."

Least affordable and most affordable counties

Average wage earners would need to spend more than 100 percent of their income to buy a median-priced home in five of the 379 counties analyzed. View full report for the list.

Average wage earners would need to spend less than 15 percent of their income to buy a median-priced home in 12 of the 379 counties analyzed. View full report for the list.

"Consumer confidence is increasing, as we are seeing a year-over-year wage increase. The wage increase, coupled with shortage of inventory, is creating a market where we are seeing median home prices increase over historic pricing," said Matthew Watercutter, senior regional vice president and broker of record for HER Realtors, covering the Dayton, Columbus and Cincinnati markets in Ohio. "This is good news for sellers, but there is still great news for buyers. The percentage of wages needed to buy have decreased, which shows the median wages are growing at a faster pace than the sales prices."

Wage growth outpaces home price growth in 53 percent of counties

Annual wage growth outpaced annual growth in median home prices in 199 of the 379 counties (53 percent) analyzed in the report. It was the highest percentage of counties with wage growth outpacing home price growth since home prices bottomed out nationwide in Q1 2012.

Affordability improves from a year ago in 9 percent of counties

Counter to the national trend, affordability improved compared to a year ago in 35 of the 379 counties (9 percent) analyzed in the report. Annual wage growth outpaced home price growth in all 35 of the counties with improving affordability.

View full report for more details and report methodology.

About ATTOM Data Solutions

ATTOM Data Solutions is the curator of the ATTOM Data Warehouse, a multi-sourced national property database that blends property tax, deed, mortgage, foreclosure, environmental risk, natural hazard, health hazards, neighborhood characteristics and other property characteristic data for more than 150 million U.S. residential and commercial properties.

Media Contact:

Jennifer von Pohlmann

949.502.8300, ext. 139

[email protected]

Data Licensing

The data is also available via bulk license or in customized reports. Contact us at 800.462.5125 or [email protected]

SOURCE ATTOM Data Solutions

Related Links

http://www.attomdata.com


"We quickly determined that Wisconsin is one of the most hunting-friendly states in the U.S.," said America Hunt founder and president Porter Briggs. "America Hunt wanted to begin its series with an elected official from the Badger State."

Kleefisch, married to Wisconsin state Rep. Joel Kleefisch, has been hunting only for two years but has become an enthusiastic turkey hunter. She is a strong advocate for the rights of hunters and firearms owners.

Briggs founded America Hunt to provide an objective source of news devoted to hunting, sport shooting and archery. While hundreds of sites devoted to hunting populate the Internet, none provide only original, objective material.

Briggs, an Army veteran and former hunter, recognized this niche in the hunting news market.

"Search online for hunting keywords and you'll get widely disparate results," he said. "There is no dedicated online hunting news service. Much of what you'll find in a search for hunting news is cluttered with items of little interest to hunters. America Hunt was launched to fill this gap. We understand the passion that drives America's hunters, because we love hunting and shooting ourselves."

In addition to the features with elected officials who hunt, America Hunt produces original news stories devoted to hunting, sport shooting, conservation and the political issues related to them. America Hunt also provides a directory of all hunting destinations, guides and outfitters in the U.S., whether on public land or private.

For more information, contact Porter Briggs at 501.891.5002 or [email protected].

About America Hunt

America Hunt, launched in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 2016, is devoted to providing an independent, objective source of national news related to hunting, sport shooting and archery. It also provides an online directory of every public and private hunting destination in the U.S.

SOURCE America Hunt

Related Links

http://www.americahunt.com


NEW YORK, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of financial markets for 10,000 U.S. and global securities, today announced Aurora Cannabis Inc. (TSX-V: ACB; OTCQX: ACBFF), has qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best Market. Aurora Cannabis upgraded to OTCQX from the OTCQB Venture Market.

Aurora Cannabis begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol "ACBFF." U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

"We are pleased to welcome Aurora Cannabis to the OTCQX family of companies," said Jason Paltrowitz, Executive Vice President of Corporate Services at OTC Markets Group. "OTCQX companies are distinguished by their high quality financial and operating standards and their commitment to providing a superior trading and information experience for their investors."

"We welcome the additional visibility with U.S. investors we believe trading on OTCQX will bring to Aurora," said Terry Booth, Aurora's CEO. "Upgrading is a logical consequence of our operational progress and our strong corporate governance practice, and we look forward to engaging more pro-actively with our U.S. investor base."

Aurora Cannabis was sponsored for OTCQX by McMillan LLP, a qualified 3rd party firm responsible for providing guidance on OTCQX requirements and recommending membership.

About Aurora

Aurora's wholly-owned subsidiary, Aurora Cannabis Enterprises Inc., is a licensed producer of medical cannabis pursuant to Health Canada's Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) and operates a 55,200 square foot, expandable, state-of-the-art production facility in Mountain View County, Alberta, Canada, as well is constructing an 800,000 square foot, 100,000 kg per annum next generation hybrid cannabis greenhouse facility, Aurora Sky, at the Edmonton International Airport, also in Alberta, Canada. Aurora trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "ACB", and on the OTCQX Best Market under the symbol "ACBFF."

About OTC Markets Group Inc.

OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates the OTCQX Best Market, the OTCQB Venture Market, and the Pink Open Market for 10,000 U.S. and global securities. Through OTC Link ATS, we connect a diverse network of broker-dealers that provide liquidity and execution services. We enable investors to easily trade through the broker of their choice and empower companies to improve the quality of information available for investors.

To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com

OTC Link ATS is operated by OTC Link LLC, member FINRA/SIPC and SEC regulated ATS.

Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

Media Contact:

OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, [email protected]

SOURCE OTC Markets Group Inc.

Related Links

http://www.otcmarkets.com


The signing of this agreement is the latest milestone in JD development of the PowerUp business and establishes JD as the top player in the domestic e-commerce market and also acts as a model for cooperation with foreign government organizations. At the same time, the signing of the partnership agreement also creates a new model for "promoting Sino-American trade cooperation through e-commerce, and promoting cooperation between American startups and the Chinese market".

According to the agreement, both parties will utilize their own respective advantages to complement each other and cooperate together for win-win results. The U.S. Commercial Service will help American domestic startups looking to expand overseas, and help American companies expand in the Chinese market. They will also provide business consultation about e-commerce channels; At the same time, the largest self-operated e-commerce platform in China -- JD, has been added to the list of strategic partners for the U.S. Commercial Service and will work together to promote new changes to the way American startup companies enter into China, promote cooperation between the companies and JD, expand retail and branding activities, and continue to increase the export of new technology products from American startups. Also, the U.S. Commercial Service will set up a special team to dock JD and assist in project implementation.

As a strategic partner, JD will provide logistics support to American companies that are entering the Chinese market, and simplify the process and channels for getting into the JD's logistics system. They will also provide instruction and training to help the companies understand the Chinese market and to help them quickly familiarize themselves with JD's platform and processes. As for American companies recommended by the U.S. Commercial Service, JD can provide continued support and service and utilize their diverse channels to help the American companies enter into the market. The combination of JD's resources and the marketing project from the U.S. Commercial Service will provide multiple channels for American companies to enter the Chinese market and create extremely advantageous development opportunities. At the same time, JD will leverage more opportunities to introduce domestic excellent science and technology enterprises to overseas markets in the future.

This strategic agreement is a major milestone in JD's PowerUp project. As one of the major projects from JD 3C business department, PowerUp is JD's experimental project to upgrade itself from a product retailer to a brand service provider intended to both market and retail domestic and foreign smart product brands and help related companies and products fast track their entry into the Chinese market. It is also the first time for the U.S. Commercial Service to reach such deep cooperation with Channels in 3C field. As the largest B2C self-operated e-commerce platform in China, JD has a daily active use number of 200 million and always believes in the concept of quality. The cooperation between the U.S. Commercial Service and JD is highly beneficial to both the JD platform and the PowerUp project and also reflects the ever increasing importance of JD as an international e-commerce platform in the international e-commerce market.

The strategic agreement will become a high benchmark for further partnership developments for both parties. Using this as an opportunity, the technologically driven JD will relentlessly carry out the PowerUp project, and perfect the integrated marketing and service platform to attract more new innovative foreign technology brands and products to enter the Chinese market. This will not only provide opportunities for domestic and foreign smart and innovative companies, but will also provide better quality and increase the diversity of products available to the large amount of users and fans on the platform, and allow more companies, brands, and users to experience the smart commerce and lifestyle made possible by JD technology.

SOURCE JD Technology
NEW YORK and SHANGHAI, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Payoneer, a leading cross-border payments company transforming the way businesses send and receive funds globally announced today its new Early Payments service at Wish's annual seller conference in Hangzhou. The service provides Wish high-volume eCommerce merchants the ability to receive payment for their sales within minutes, giving them crucial capital to drive their businesses forward.

The dynamic world of online selling requires a flexible and fluid cash flow in order to stay competitive and expand. Yet eCommerce businesses and sellers are often overlooked by traditional financial institutions, and are limited to bank loans, which can take days or weeks to be approved, if at all, creating debt. Payoneer's Early Payments service gives merchants who sell on the Wish platform, one of the fastest growing marketplaces in the world, the ability to receive their funds quickly and seamlessly, giving them the capital they need to grow their business. Merchants getting paid using Payoneer can now receive up to 80% of their Wish receivables at least a month earlier by using the Early Payments service. By selling their receivables, merchants are able to access their funds right away. Unlike a bank loan, Payoneer's Early Payments service is totally risk-free for the merchant who choses exactly how much to receive early and avoids taking on debt.

Scott Galit, CEO of Payoneer, stated "Working capital is the biggest challenge for fast growing eCommerce sellers. Payoneer's Early Payments service allows Wish sellers to access their funds right away, so that they can reinvest into their businesses; to buy more inventory or advertisements, pay salaries or rent, or invest in new growth initiatives so they can sell more products and increase their revenues. We know how hard our customers work to grow their businesses and how passionate they are about the products they sell, so we are happy that working capital constraints will no longer hinder their growth."

By selling their receivables early, merchants are able to access their funds within minutes, completely online, in just two clicks. "Payoneer has been a trusted partner of Wish.com since 2014 and has helped our merchants sell their products to the world in a fast, compliant, and cost-effective manner," said Rajat Bahri, Wish CFO. "We are thrilled that Payoneer is offering Early Payments to our merchants so that they can grow their businesses faster and keep doing what they love  building and selling innovative new products to customers around the world!"

About Payoneer:

Payoneer empowers global commerce by connecting businesses, professionals, countries and currencies with its innovative cross-border payments platform. In today's borderless digital world, Payoneer enables millions of businesses and professionals from more than 200 countries to reach new audiences by facilitating seamless, cross-border payments. Additionally, thousands of leading corporations including Airbnb, Getty Images, Google and UpWork use Payoneer's mass payout services.

With Payoneer's fast, flexible, secure and low-cost solutions, businesses and professionals in both developed and emerging markets can now pay and get paid globally as easily as they do locally. Founded in 2005 and based in New York, Payoneer is venture-backed, profitable and ranked in the top 100 of Inc. 5000's Financial Services companies. www.payoneer.com

About Wish:

Wish is the leading mobile commerce platform in North America and Europe with over 200 million global users and 5 million daily active users. Selected by Google as the Best Shopping Application of 2014, Wish creates a relevant, entertaining, and personalized browsing experience for each individual consumer through understanding consumer behavior and preferences. This translates into effective product exposure and better sales conversions for merchants.

Wish is backed by world class investors such as Temasek Holdings, DST Global, Founders Fund, Formation8, GGV Capital and Yahoo co-founder Jerry Yang. The company is based in San Francisco, CA and Beijing. To learn more about Wish or to download the Wish mobile app, visit www.wish.com.

SOURCE Payoneer

Related Links

http://www.payoneer.com


KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Pepper IoT, the Internet of Things platform and service provider, today announced a Series B investment round of $8.5 million from Leawood Ventures, the KCRise Fund, and Royal Street Ventures, joining current investors OpenAir Equity Partners and Comporium Communications. Additionally, Pepper has launched its Pepper IoT operating system, powering a new generation of IoT and connected home services.

The Series B financing will support the launch of several consumer IoT products to include the Pepper OS launching through global mass market channels in the coming months. Pepper continues its close partnership with world-class design firm argodesign, the product design consultancy and growth partner to entrepreneurs, which has been instrumental in the strategy and design of the Pepper platform.

"It's exciting to have an elite team of investors as well as our world-class design partner argodesign on board to help make our vision a reality," said Scott Ford, chief executive officer of Pepper. "Our goal is to put the user experience at the center of the Internet of Things. With dozens of connected devices invading each of our lives, we need a way to manage our connected lifestyles in a way that's easybut also takes advantage of the interoperability across IoT devices and services. We work with large, global enterprises to develop human-centered IoT experiencesfrom use cases that involve single devices to complex, holistic solutions like home automation and security."

With the unveiling of the new Pepper IoT brand and platform, the company will serve the Internet of Things and connected home markets in two ways:

Pepper IoT Enterprise

Pepper Enterprise partners are big companies like insurance carriers, utilities, telecom providers who want to develop services that incorporate strategic IoT and connected home solutions. For example, utilities might want to introduce energy management tools (thermostat, lighting controls, etc.) in a custom branded app that also provides information from the smart meter and other systems. If they choose to do so, these utilities can offer many more features to include whole home automation and monitored security. Pepper Enterprise capabilities offer the flexibility and customization to allow its partners to create solutions that bring value to their core businessat a fraction of the cost and time to build or otherwise outsource.

Powered by Pepper

Powered by Pepper partners desire to leverage IoT technologies to grow their business but want to avoid the overhead of software development sourcing, operations, and maintenance. A manufacturer of window blinds is likely to be interested in developing smart blinds that offer controls to enable time-of-day, temperature, or smartphone-based open/close commands. That manufacturer can use the Powered by Pepper platform to offer an application that brings a state-of-the-art user experience at a fraction of the time and cost of other options. Additionally, the Powered by Pepper platform allows partners to rapidly onboard new devices they manufacture and/or introduce third party devices and services into the experience as well.

"The Pepper team has developed an innovative way to provide a customizable interface in a simplified IoT platform," said Karl Gemperli, managing partner of Leawood Ventures and former CEO of global industrial IoT firm Elecsys Corp. "We are excited to partner with Pepper to launch their platform, which provides the best-in-class customer experience solution for a wide variety of IoT use cases."

"Kansas City is fortunate that the Pepper team has chosen our region to grow its IoT technology which will change the way we harness information to improve our lives," said Darcy Howe, managing director of the KCRise Fund. "Pepper is yet another great example of the diverse innovation happening in KC. KCRise Fund is delighted to be among its investors."

The maturing IoT market shows strong demand for a ready-made platform across industry verticalsfrom energy firms, to telecoms, to consumer tech firms, and OEMs. As referenced by Intel, IDC, and the United Nations, "Our IoT world is growing at a breathtaking pace, from 2 billion objects in 2006 to a projected 200 billion by 2020.1 That will be around 26 smart objects for every human being on earth."

Bain predicts that by 2020 total revenue of IoT hardware and software vendors will exceed USD 470 billion. Pepper is well positioned to respond with its early market experience, the strategic flexibility of its IoT platform, and its tile-based interface, which is easily customized to the needs of individual brands.

"Pepper is a platform for our partners to build great IoT products and services in the same way that iOS and Android enable a world of complex mobile solutions and in-demand content," said Mark Rolston, founder of argodesign and chief creative officer of Pepper. "First and foremost, we designed Pepper around a beautiful and flexible user experience, because we want people to feel that their 'Powered by Pepper' products fit seamlessly and intuitively into their lives. It's how technology should be, and we're confident it will keep our customers coming back for more."

About Pepper

Pepper IoT is a Kansas City-based start-up focused in the Internet of Things revolution. The company offers an operating system and service delivery platform that empowers enterprises to deploy sophisticated IoT solutions. The introduction of billions of new connected devices (and other "things") requires a new user-experience paradigmone that enables both consumers and enterprises the ability to effectively manage, control, and engage with their increasingly connected worlds. Pepper solves the problems associated with this increased complexity through the combination of user operating system and service delivery platform. You can learn more about Pepper IoT. www.pepper.me

About argodesign

argodesign is a product design consultancy that serves as a growth partner to entrepreneurs and an incubator of new products and experiences. Our team of experienced designers, expert technologists, strategic thinkers, and passionate makers responds to the changing design landscape with new ideasnot only in the work itself, but in how we engage our customers. As designers and as a business, we value doing something worthwhile, and deeper relationships with our clients enable that vision.

SOURCE argodesign

Related Links

http://www.argodesign.com


NEW YORK, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- 2015-2020 CAGR: 14.3%. Granulated by 36 Submarkets



Europe's 2.55 million police officers and 820,000 1st responders are facing ISIS terror attacks and threats coupled with the surge in entry of 1.8 million migrants (UN data) with far greater complexity than ever before.



Germany's police forces and other 1st responders (which include only 9% of the European police officers and 1st responders) are forecast by 2020 to procure 22% of the continent's market for police and 1st responder's related goods and services. The European police forces challenges were best stated in March 2016 by Mr. E. Walter, Chairman of the German Federal Police (DPoIG): "Germany's police (is) the first and last line of defense and response to any terror attack; they're simply not equipped for the challenge. Where we are not prepared is with the policeman on the street; normally the first to confront terrorists. (For example) we need modern weapons. We need armed helmets against shooting by a Kalashnikov. We have very old weapons in the German police force. The machine guns are the machine pistol MP5 it is about 50 years old".



Present European police agencies' capabilities simply can't meet Europe's Terror & Migration Crisis challenges. Following the Paris and Brussels terror attacks a major overhaul of the European police forces infrastructure and funding is already in progress.



The "European Police Modernization & First Responders Markets  2017-2022" report is the most comprehensive review of the market available today. It provides a detailed and reasoned roadmap of this growing market.



The market is set to undergo a major transformation from 2016-2022 through the following drivers:

- The Paris and Brussels 2015-2016 terror attacks shook the European police agencies, governments and public unlike any other recent homegrown or ISIS-Da'esh-inspired terrorist attacks since they were complex and well-planned.

- Western Europe, the largest economy in the world with a 2015 GDP of approximately $22 trillion (vs. the U.S. $17.5 trillion), can invest "whatever it takes" in its police forces to protect its citizens from the looming risks of terrorism and immigration.

- The Western European police forces are ill equipped to counter 21st century terrorists who use cutting edge encrypted communication, conduct remarkable pre-attack intelligence by jihadists who have been trained by ISIS ex-Iraqi military officers on planning and conducting modern day guerrilla warfare, and use modern weapons.

- Europol estimates that up to 11,000 European jihadists (5000 in Western Europe and 6000 in Eastern Europe) have returned to Europe after obtaining combat experience on the battlefields of the Middle East.

- The European Police Office (EUROPOL) estimates that there are 4 million unregistered illegal firearms in the Balkans, and over 30,000 military-grade weapons from the former Yugoslavia in circulation in Western Europe.

- The Law Enforcement, Police modernization & 1st Responder industry faces a considerable challenge in seeking to provide the necessary solutions to current and future threats. At the same time, this challenge presents immense opportunities for the defense and security industries able to deliver effective functions, integrate systems and maximize security and productivity per $ invested.

- The EU and the rest of the European police & 1st responders' market for products and services are served by local defense and security companies. Even with a preference for locally manufactured products, foreign products can usually strongly compete on the basis of cost-performance. They do not encounter any EU direct trade barriers or quotas. Non-tariff, indirect trade barriers may be the approval process of dual use goods, which include many security market products.



This report is a resource for executives with interests in the market. It has been explicitly customized for the security industry and other decision-makers in order to identify business opportunities, developing technologies, market trends and risks, as well as to benchmark business plans.



Questions answered in this 185-page report + one* report include:

- What will the market size and trends be during 2016-2022?

- Which submarkets provide attractive business opportunities?

- Who are the decision-makers?

- What drives the police and 1st responder agencies to purchase products and services?

- What are the customers looking for?

- What are the technology & services trends?

- What is the market SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats)?

- What are the challenges to market penetration & growth?



With 185 pages, 21 tables and 32 figures, the "European Police Modernization & First Responders Markets  2016-2022" report covers 12 countries and regions and 3 revenue source submarkets, offering for each of them 2015 data and assessments, and 2016-2022 forecasts and analyses.

* Customers who purchase a multi-readers license of the report will get the "Global Homeland Security & Public Safety Industry  2016 Edition" report free of charge. Single-reader license customers will get a 50% discount for the Industry report.



Why Buy this Report?



A. Market data is analyzed via 2 key perspectives:

With a highly fragmented market we address the "money trail"  each dollar spent  via the following 2 viewpoints:

- By 12 Country Markets:

1. UK

2. France

3. Holland & Belgium

4. Sweden, Norway, Finland & Denmark

5. Germany

6. Austria & Switzerland

7. Italy

8. Spain

9. Poland

10. Hungary & Czech Republic

11. Russia

12. Rest of Europe



- By 3 Revenue Sources:

1. Products Sales Revenues

2. After Sale Revenues Including: Maintenance, Service, Upgrades & Refurbishment

3. Other Revenues Including: Planning, Training, Consulting, Contracted Services & Government Funded R&D



B. Detailed market analysis frameworks for each of the market sectors:

1. Market drivers & inhibitors

2. Business opportunities

3. SWOT analysis

4. Competitive analysis

5. Business environment

6. The 2015-2022 market segmented by 36 submarkets



C. The report includes the following 4 appendices:

1. Appendix A: European Homeland Security & Public Safety Related Product Standards

2. Appendix B: The European Union Challenges and Outlook

3. Appendix C: Europe Migration Crisis & Border Security

4. Appendix D: Abbreviations



D. The report addresses over 300 European Homeland Security and Public Safety standards (including links)



E. The supplementary (*) "Global Homeland Security & Public Safety Industry  2016 Edition" report provides the following insights and analyses of the industry including:

- The Global Industry 2016 status

- Effects of Emerging Technologies on the Industry

- The Market Trends

- Vendor  Government Relationship

- Geopolitical Outlook 2016-2022

- The Industry Business Models & Strategies

- Market Entry Challenges

- The Industry: Supply-Side & Demand-Side Analysis

- Market Entry Strategies

- Price Elasticity

- Past Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Events



F. The supplementary (*) "Global Homeland Security & Public Safety Industry  2016 Edition" report also provides a May 2016 updated extensive data

(including company profile, recent annual revenues, key executives, homeland security and public safety products, and contact info.) of the leading 119 Homeland Security and Public Safety vendors including:

1. 3M

2. 3i-MIND

3. 3VR

4. 3xLOGIC

5. ABB

6. Accenture

7. ACTi Corporation

8. ADT Security Services

9. AeroVironment Inc.

10. Agent Video Intelligence

11. Airbus Defence and Space

12. Alcatel-Lucent (Nokia Group)

13. ALPHAOPEN

14. American Science & Engineering Inc.

15. Anixter

16. Aralia Systems

17. AT&T Inc.

18. Augusta Systems

19. Austal

20. Avigilon Corporation

21. Aware

22. Axis

23. AxxonSoft

24. Ayonix

25. BAE Systems

26. BioEnable Technologies Pvt Ltd

27. BioLink Solutions

28. Boeing

29. Bollinger Shipyards, Inc

30. Bosch Security Systems

31. Bruker Corporation

32. BT

33. Camero

34. Cassidian

35. CelPlan

36. China Security & Surveillance, Inc.

37. Cisco Systems

38. Citilog

39. Cognitec Systems GmbH

40. Computer Network Limited (CNL)

41. Computer Sciences Corporation

42. CrossMatch

43. Diebold

44. DRS Technologies Inc.

45. DVTel

46. Elbit Systems Ltd.

47. Elsag Datamat

48. Emerson Electric

49. Ericsson

50. ESRI

51. FaceFirst

52. Finmeccanica SpA

53. Firetide

54. Fulcrum Biometrics LLC

55. G4S

56. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.

57. General Dynamics Corporation

58. Getac Technology Corporation

59. Hanwha Techwin

60. Harris Corporation

61. Hewlett Packard Enterprise

62. Hexagon AB

63. Honeywell International Inc.

64. Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd

65. IBM

66. IndigoVision

67. Intel Security

68. IntuVision Inc

69. iOmniscient

70. IPConfigure

71. IPS Intelligent Video Analytics

72. Iris ID Systems, Inc.

73. IriTech Inc.

74. Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.

75. ISS

76. L-3 Security & Detection Systems

77. Leidos, Inc.

78. Lockheed Martin Corporation

79. MACROSCOP

80. MDS

81. Mer group

82. Milestone Systems A/S

83. Mirasys

84. Motorola Solutions, Inc.

85. National Instruments

86. NEC Corporation

87. NICE Systems

88. Northrop Grumman Corporation

89. Nuance Communications, Inc.

90. ObjectVideo

91. Panasonic Corporation

92. Pelco

93. Pivot3

94. Proximex

95. QinetiQ Limited

96. Rapiscan Systems, Inc.

97. Raytheon

98. Rockwell Collins, Inc.

99. Safran S.A.

100. Salient Sciences

101. Schneider Electric

102. SeeTec

103. Siemens

104. Smart China (Holdings) Limited

105. Smiths Detection Inc.

106. Sony Corp.

107. Speech Technology Center

108. Suprema Inc.

109. Synectics Plc

110. Tandu Technologies & Security Systems Ltd

111. Texas Instruments

112. Textron Inc.

113. Thales Group

114. Total Recall

115. Unisys Corporation

116. Verint

117. Vialogy LLC

118. Vigilant Technology

119. Zhejiang Dahua Technology

Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04795575-summary/view-report.html



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ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



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SOURCE Reportlinker

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DUBLIN, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The new research portal will provide visitors with unparalleled access to company research on Toyota, alongside comprehensive market research on their position within the global automotive industry.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160330/349511LOGO )



Toyota is one of the featured companies in the Global Automotive Aftermarket Products Market report. The automotive aftermarket products are the vehicle parts, chemicals, equipment, and accessories which are manufactured, distributed, retailed and installed after the sale of the automobile by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to the consumer. The market was valued at $643.10 billion in 2016 and is estimated to reach $847.15 billion by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period.

"Toyota is a leading player within the automotive aftermarket products market and the new portal provides easy access to information on their performance as a company and their impact on the overall automotive industry," says Ross Glover, CEO of Research and Markets.

For more information visit: http://www.researchandmarkets.com/companies/toyota-motor-corporation?cid=vc4frw

About Research and Markets

Research and Markets is the world's leading market research store.

With more than 1.5 million research resources, we deliver the largest collection of business information products on the market. We offer the most in-depth market analysis across a multitude of industries. Our products provide clients with an unrivalled understanding of their chosen market. No matter how specialist your field, we have the insights and market data to help you make efficient and effective decisions.

Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]

For E.S.T. Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716



SOURCE Research and Markets
BOSTON, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The nearly 1,200 registered nurses who work at Tufts Medical Center in downtown Boston, and who are represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), cast an overwhelming vote last night authorizing union leadership to call a one-day strike should hospital management continue to refuse to address several urgent contract issues that stand to affect RNs' ability to deliver quality patient care.

The Tufts RNs have been in talks with management for a new contract since April of 2016. 23 sessions have been held in total, but little headway has been made on the key issues RNs identify as being the most urgent, including: constant understaffing throughout the hospital; an end to the hospital's use of reassignment as a staffing mechanism; high turnover of new nurses due to uncompetitive wages and benefits; and efforts by management to cut senior nurses' pensions.

"None of us want to go on strike," said Barbara Tiller, co-chair of the MNA bargaining unit at Tufts and an IV/PICC/CRN nurse. "But after hundreds upon hundreds of hours sitting with management trying to discuss these urgent issues, it has become apparent that our concerns are not being heard. For the health and safety of our patients, for the futures of our newest nurses, and for the security of Tufts RNs, overall we needed to take this next step."

The strike authorization vote took place from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29, at the DoubleTree Hotel on Washington Street across from the medical center. Nurses cast their vote by secret ballot, with 95 percent voting in favor of the strike authorization. While the vote does not mean the nurses will strike immediately, it gives the nurses' negotiating committee authorization to call a one-day strike if and when they feel it is necessary. Should the committee issue an official notice to strike, the hospital will then have 10 days before the nurses go out on strike.

Long-Standing Concerns over Staffing, Safe Patient Care, and Fair Benefits Led to Vote

At the heart of these contract negotiations is the issue of patient safety. In the current environment at Tufts, nurses across all units and floors are contending with unsafe staffing situations on a daily basis, with many units reporting constant holes in shifts and with management regularly trying to fill those holes last minute by offering a costly and ineffective "OT incentive program." The result is too many RNs are regularly carrying patient assignments that are too large and unsafe. JAMA has long reported that for every patient in addition to four assigned to a nurse, the risk of death and failure to rescue increases by 7 percent. Many Tufts nurses are regularly carrying patient assignments beyond four.

Simultaneously, hospital management insists on using a fragmented and broken system of temporary reassignment as a way of trying to deal with its chronic staffing challenges. This results in RNs being directed to work on units and floors where they are unfamiliar and/or untrained on any number of items, from essential medical equipment and medication dispensary machines, to patient-care practices and protocols.

"Management insists on wanting the ability to reassign nurses as they see fit," explained Mary Cornacchia, bargaining unit co-chair and OR nurse. "They believe a 'nurse-is-a-nurse-is-a-nurse.' But we know that nursing is a highly skilled profession that requires a deep understanding of not just specific patient populations, but also of all the tools, protocols and practices that go along with caring for those populations. All of that is lost when RNs are inappropriately reassigned."

Challenges for the Newest of Nurses

The other challenge Tufts faces when it comes to staffing is the fact that it cannot recruit and retain new nurses, due in large part to the lack of competitive wages and benefits that Tufts offers. "Tufts RNs have the lowest wages of all the city's major teaching hospitals," explained Tiller. "We are a major trauma center in a city know globally for its health care expertise, but if a new grad can go three T stops further and get the same experience at a similar facility for more money, why wouldn't they?"

For new grads who opt to join Tufts, they often stay just long enough to get the necessary experience and then quickly move on. While they are working at Tufts, many find that their on-site training [precepting] is inconsistent and haphazard. "Traditionally, new nursing grads are hired in to a specific unit. They then train with a specific, experienced nurse who acts as their preceptor," Tiller explained. "It is a long-term collaborative relationship that has the best interests of the patients, the new grad, and the institution in mind. This, however, is not how Tufts approaches new hires and preceptors."

Preceptors at Tufts are not compensated for their work, which is markedly different from what happens at other hospitals. In addition, preceptors at Tufts regularly carry a full patient assignment. The result is precepting nurses are doing two jobs simultaneously and without fair compensation. "Not surprisingly, people aren't rushing to volunteer as preceptors," explained Cornacchia. "So instead, these new grads come in to work day after day and float from one overwhelmed temporary preceptor to another. There is no consistency. It's no surprise they leave as quickly as they do."

As part of the contract talks, the RN's bargaining committee has proposed to management that trained preceptors receive a mere $5 per hour extra while precepting. Management rejected that proposal.

Senior Nurses Losing Out Too

New hires at Tufts aren't the only group suffering under management. The hospital's most senior nurses, and the defined benefit (DB) pension plans they have long been promised, are also under assault. Management wants to freeze nurses' DB plans and instead institute a divisive, inequitable, and complex catchup/matching mechanism as part of a proposed higher-risk 403(b) matching program.

"Nurses on the cusp of retirement are now being told they're going to lose retirement dollars, will have to bear the risk of their retirement dollars in a higher-risk plan, or both," explained Cornacchia. "This proposal has sent a strong message to every nurse in the hospital, whether they have a DB plan or not: Tufts management has no loyalty to its nurses, even nurses who have invested 40-plus years in the hospital."

In addition, management has said at the table that discussions about wages and other monetary-based contract improvements will not be discussed until the nurses accept their language on taking away the existing DB plans.

"Management is burning the candle at both ends, so to speak," added Tiller. "At one end, they don't want to invest in younger nurses by offering competitive wages and benefits, and quality on-the-job training. At the other end, management is comfortable with seeing senior RNs lose out on long-promised retirement benefits. And in the midst of it all, nurses are given dangerous patient assignments daily due to the chronic understaffing in the hospital, while other RNs are reassigned to units they're not trained for. It's a broken system; one where everyone loses out. And it is on the verge of collapse."

Leapfrog Results Support Nurses' Concerns

Leapfrog, a nationwide nonprofit watchdog group that assesses the quality and safety of care in U.S. hospitals, gave Tufts Medical Center an overall grade of "C" in 2016. That score is based on Leapfrog's review of data that Tufts voluntarily submitted, and it covers multiple categories of data, including data on infections; problems with surgeries; practices to prevent errors; safety problems; and doctors, nurses, and hospital staff. In the last category, Tufts scored lowest in the subcategories of "having enough qualified nurses" and "training to improve safety."

The 1,200 unionized MNA nurses at Tufts saw their contract expire on July, 30 of 2016. They return to the bargaining table with management on April 3 and again on April 12.

MassNurses.org  Facebook.com/MassNurses  Twitter.com/MassNurses

Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the largest union of registered nurses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its 23,000 members advance the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Legislature and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.

SOURCE Massachusetts Nurses Association

Related Links

http://www.massnurses.org


CHICAGO, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On the fourth anniversary of his death next Tuesday, friends, family and fans of acclaimed film critic Roger Ebert will gather at his lone star in front of the Chicago Theatre to celebrate his life and legacy, and to champion one of his favorite principles: Empathy. And toward that end, the Ebert Foundation that he and his wife, Chaz, founded together will award grants in Roger's honor of $1,000 each to 21 organizations that are working to improve the lives of Chicagoans and advance the arts.

Award-winning documentary filmmaker Steve James (Kartemquin Films, Hoop Dreams), producer of the Ebert biopic Life Itself, will be among special guests to attend the memorial ceremony at 11 a.m. outside the theater at 175 N. State St. A private reception will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute across the street.

"Roger was often quoted as saying movies are machines that generate empathy," Chaz Ebert said. "He especially took note of those films in which hope and human action, as opposed to focusing on destruction and inaction, were the key takeaways. Four years after my beloved's transition, I want to recognize not only his life and legacy but people who inspire hope and empathy in others, because their actions ignite important conversations that can improve people's lives."

Other special guests will include Gordon Quinn of Kartemquin Films; Marlene Iglitzen, widow of Gene Siskel; Father Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church; Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times chief film critic; Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune chief film critic; Steve Cohen and Paula Froehle, co-founders of the Chicago Media Project; Nicole Bernardi-Reis, executive director, Independent Film Project Chicago; Dann Gire, board president, Chicago Film Critics Association; Rich Moskal, director of the Chicago Film Office; and Christine Dudley, director of the Illinois Film Office.

"The Illinois Film Office is delighted to participate in this remembrance of Roger's life," Christine Dudley said. "The grant announcement is certainly a fitting legacy of his enormous contribution to the community of Illinois and creative arts."

Representatives will be on hand from the grantee organizations, which include:

Ability Lab (Shirley Ryan), formerly the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, which helped to improve Roger Ebert's quality of life following his surgeries.

Afterschool Matters, which supports life- and skills-building programs for youth.

Chicago Film Critics Association, which supports professional, charitable and educational goals and takes a stand on important industry issues.

Chicago Media Project, which brings people together to connect them with great media, support and amplify films, and do so in innovative ways.

Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, known for vibrant productions that reflect Shakespeare's genius for storytelling, language and empathy for the human condition.

Crane Medical Preparatory High School, a magnet high school that will meet the growing demand for medical professionals by preparing a diverse student body to go on to the best colleges and universities. It is also Chaz Ebert's alma mater (when it was Richard T. Crane High School).

Creative Cypher, which champions diversity in the film industry to make it more accessible to independent artists.

Deborah's Place, which provides supportive housing to homeless single women.

Donda's House, which supports arts education and gives youth an outlet for creative expression.

Family Focus, which helps low-income families give their children the best start in life.

Free-Spirit Media, which offers hands-on, project-based media production opportunities for youth.

Independent Film Project (IFP) Chicago, which provides programming and services designed to strengthen diverse artistic visions and enable filmmakers to create sustainable careers.

Kartemquin Films, a collaborative center for documentary media makers who seek to foster a more engaged and empowered society.

Lookingglass Theater, which shares its ensemble-based theatrical techniques with Chicago area students and teachers through educational and community programs.

Love Foundation, whose founder Quentin Love feeds and clothes the needy every week at his West Humboldt Park restaurant.

Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, which helps boys and girls escape abuse, poverty and neglect.

Moms Against Senseless Killings, a neighborhood watch group that has helped make a block in Englewood violence-free.

Rainbow PUSH Coalition, a multi-racial, multi-issue, progressive, international membership organization fighting for social change.

St. Sabina Church, a predominately African American Catholic congregation on the South Side led by Father Michael Pfleger.

21st Century Dads, which improves the lives of children by raising awareness and resources for greater father involvement.

Urban Prep Academy, an all-black male high school with a 100 percent graduation and college attendance rate.

Roger Ebert was chief film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times for 46 years and co-star with Siskel, and later Richard Roeper, of the popular television series "At the Movies." He died April 4, 2013, after a long cancer battle. His legacy lives on through the premier film criticism website RogerEbert.com; the Ebert Foundation; and the Ebert Center being developed at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, his alma mater. The University of Chicago Press recently published the fourth and final edition of Roger Ebert's "Great Movies" book series, which consists of 62 of his favorite reviews.

The 19th annual Ebertfest, Roger Ebert's film festival, will take place April 1923 at the Virginia Theater in Champaign, Illinois. For the first time at Ebertfest, Chaz is bringing together the emerging writers, critics, filmmakers and technologists mentored through programs at the Sundance, Hawaii and Telluride film festivals, the Columbia College Links journalism program, the Chicago Urban League, and the University of Illinois to discuss empathy and compassion through the arts.

Media contact: Shawn Taylor | [email protected] | 312-371-6260 or Robin Beaman | [email protected] | 312-208-1212.

SOURCE Ebert Foundation
Inspired by the fighting spirit of Cincinnati's men and women, Sam Adams brewers utilized Warrior hops for the first time in any of their beers. This distinctive American hop variety contributes a smooth, pleasing bitter flavor as well as a mild, herbal and pine aroma not found in any other Sam Adams brews. The final official 513 recipe was decided upon by Cincinnatians themselves. At last year's Zinzinnati Oktoberfest, drinkers had the chance to sample three Cincinnati-brewed beers and voted on their favorite style. The Sam Adams brewers heard local residents' voices (and palates) loud and clear that day and went on to brew the crowd favorite lager recipe that is now known as 513.

It's not just the beer that was inspired by the great city, the unique tap handle pays homage to the Union Terminal with pigs paying tribute to the city's nickname "Porkopolis" which was coined in the 1800s.

"Cincinnati has such an amazing, rich brewing history and culture, and means a lot to me personally," said Samuel Adams founder and brewer Jim Koch. "It's been 20 years since we purchased our Cincinnati brewery and for those 20 years we've brewed hundreds of great beers, and have made them available for drinkers across the country. It's exciting that for the first time we are releasing a beer just for the Cincinnati Tri-State area as a way to pay homage to drinkers in my hometown. And we're excited to tap the first keg at the Great American Ball Park for the Reds' season opener!"

About Samuel Adams 513

Samuel Adams 513 is a classically dry-hopped American lager that blends a complex, malty backbone with bright hop notes for a refreshingly balanced beer. The beer's toasty, biscuity aroma and rich malt forward flavor finishes with a citrusy note and spicy bitterness  solidifying itself as a brew you're not soon to forget. The lager's crisp flavor pairs perfectly with Cincinnati chili, a bratwurst at Great American Park or a chili dog with cheese at Kings Island Amusement Park.

Samuel Adams 513 will be available on draft year-round, exclusively in the Tri-State area. To find where you can enjoy a pint of Samuel Adams 513, search the Beer Finder at www.samueladams.com/find-a-sam.

ABOUT THE BOSTON BEER COMPANY

The Boston Beer Company began in 1984 with a generations-old family recipe that Founder and Brewer Jim Koch uncovered in his father's attic. Inspired and unafraid to challenge conventional thinking about beer, Jim brought the recipe to life in his kitchen. Pleased with the results of his work, Jim decided to sample his beer with bars in Boston in the hopes that drinkers would appreciate the complex, full-flavored beer he brewed fresh in America. That beer was aptly named Samuel Adams Boston Lager, in recognition of one of our nation's great founding fathers, a man of independent mind and spirit. Little did Jim know at the time, Samuel Adams Boston Lager would soon become a catalyst of the American craft beer revolution.

Today, The Boston Beer Company brews more than 60 styles of beer. It relentlessly pursues the development of new styles and the perfection of classic beers by searching the world for the finest ingredients. Using the traditional four vessel brewing process, the Company often takes extra steps like dry-hopping, barrel-aging and a secondary fermentation known as krausening. The Company has also pioneered another revolution, the 'extreme beer' movement, where it seeks to challenge drinker's perceptions of what beer can be. The Boston Beer Company has been committed to elevating the image of American craft beer by entering festivals and competitions around the globe, and is one of world's most awarded breweries at international beer competitions. As an independent company, brewing quality beer remains its primary focus. Although Samuel Adams beer is America's leading craft beer, it accounts for only one percent of the U.S. beer market. The Boston Beer Company will continue its independently-minded quest to brew great beer and to advocate for the growth of craft beer across America. For more information, please visit www.samueladams.com.

Samuel Adams, Samuel Adams Boston Lager, and Boston Lager are registered trademarks of Boston Beer Company.

SOURCE Boston Beer Company

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn., March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Securities Service Network, Inc. ("SSN" or "the Firm"), a leading independent broker-dealer and registered investment adviser, today announced that Joe Simpson has been named to the newly-created position of Chief Information Officer, effective immediately. SSN is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. (NYSE MKT: LTS).

Wade Wilkinson, President and CEO of SSN, said, "We congratulate Joe Simpson on his richly-deserved promotion to his new position as Chief Information Officer. Joe's thorough understanding of the independent retail financial advice industry, combined with his in-depth knowledge of the diverse and growing technological needs of our organization, has been invaluable to us and the financial advisors we serve."

SSN reported that this promotion of Joe Simpson reflects the enhanced focus he will have on developing forward-looking technology strategies that best empower the Firm's affiliated financial advisors to effectively address escalating industry complexities, while increasing the efficiency and productivity of their businesses.

Formerly Vice President of Technology for SSN, Mr. Simpson will continue to head all of SSN's technology efforts and will represent SSN on Ladenburg Thalmann and industry technology-related committees. Mr. Simpson first joined SSN's Technology department in 1999 and progressed through a series of positions at SSN, including Assistant Vice President of Technology, and later, Vice President of Technology.

Mr. Simpson said, "I'm thrilled to be named to this new position and an enhanced level of strategic responsibility at SSN. My years at SSN have been intellectually stimulating and deeply satisfying as the complexity of the technological needs of our industry and our financial advisors have markedly increased. I look forward to continuing to serve SSN in delivering the best possible solutions to the advisors we're privileged to support."

Mr. Wilkinson concluded, "Joe Simpson's promotion reflects fifteen years of significant contributions to our firm, as well as our team's belief in the pivotal role that technology strategy will play in our organization's future. I'm privileged to work with Joe and his colleagues on our senior management team, who together comprise a deep bench of industry leaders that care, above all else, about driving the long-term success of the financial advisors we serve."

Mr. Simpson received a Bachelor of Science degree from Tusculum College in Greeneville, Tennessee.

ABOUT SECURITIES SERVICE NETWORK, INC. (SSN)

Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, Securities Service Network, Inc. is an independent broker dealer supporting over 400 independent financial advisory practices and approximately $13 billion in advisory and brokerage client assets. SSN provides a range of back and middle office services that drive the success of independent financial advisors, balanced with a longstanding commitment to empower independent advisors to reinvest in their own businesses by providing industry-leading payouts.

Founded in 1983 as one of the nation's first fee-based, independent broker-dealers, SSN was acquired by Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. (NYSE MKT: LTS) in 2015 and became a member of its family of independent broker-dealers. In 2016, SSN was honored, for the fourth year in a row, as one of the Top Independent BDs, as rated by financial advisors, on WealthManagement.com, a leading industry media outlet.

For more information, please visit www.joinssn.com.

Media Contacts

Matthew Griffes / Michael Dugan

Haven Tower Group LLC

424 652 6520 ext 103 or ext 106

[email protected] or [email protected]

SOURCE Securities Service Network, Inc.

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ALTOONA, Pa., March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sheetz, one of America's fastest-growing family-owned and operated convenience retailers for more than 65 years, today announced the opening of a fully-stocked beer cave at stores in York, located at 160 Leader Heights Road, and Hollidaysburg, at 1100 Blair Street.

With the opening of the York and Hollidaysburg beer caves, Sheetz now has 11 stores in Pennsylvania which offer beer sales. The store in Hollidaysburg also offers wine sales, for a total of 8 Sheetz locations in Pennsylvania where wine is available.

At each location which offers alcoholic beverages, Sheetz is committed to responsibly complying with all current laws and regulations, including the enforcement of a 100 percent proof-of-age policy. Employees will ask for proper identifications, a valid driver's license, passport or military identification card, from any customers wanting to purchase alcohol, regardless of age. Each location also abides by time-of-day sales restrictions on alcohol.

Sheetz currently sells beer in the five other states located in the company's footprint.

About Sheetz, Inc.

Established in 1952 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Sheetz, Inc. is one of America's fastest-growing family-owned and operated convenience store chains, with more than $5.6 billion in revenue and more than 17,500 employees. The company operates 546 store locations throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Ohio and North Carolina. Sheetz provides an award-winning menu of MTO sandwiches and salads, which are ordered through unique touch-screen order point terminals. All Sheetz convenience stores are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, Top 12 Best Places to Work for Women and Top 35 Best Workplaces for Millennials, Sheetz is committed to offering employees sustainable careers built on an inspiring culture and community engagement. For more information, visit www.sheetz.com or follow us on Twitter (@sheetz), Facebook (www.facebook.com/sheetz) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/sheetz).

SOURCE Sheetz, Inc.

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Turkeys Death Spiral

.

BISHKEK  The series of terrorist attacks that have struck Turkey over the last year are sending the country  once viewed as a democratic, secular model for the Middle East  into a death spiral at the very moment when its people are to vote on a new constitution next month. Tourism  which previously accounted for more than 10% of Turkeys GDP  is withering, and foreign direct investment is set to slow considerably. These outcomes will reinforce each other, producing a vicious cycle that will be difficult to halt.

Turkeys government-controlled media and large swaths of the population see the nefarious hand of the West in the countrys unraveling. Observers often blame Turkeys deepening plight on its inability to reconcile traditional Islam and modernizing Western tendencies, as well as on external events, such as the conflict in Syria. But decisions by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have also contributed to Turkeys vulnerability to terrorism.

Erdogans first such decision, motivated by his desire to see Syrian President Bashar al-Assads regime collapse, was to allow fighters, including recruits for the Islamic State, to cross Turkeys southern border into Syria relatively freely. He failed to recognize fully the danger these fighters posed to Turkeys own security, particularly as many of them joined Islamist-affiliated groups that are as hostile to Turkey as they are to Assad.

Erdogans second fateful decision was to re-launch the on-again, off-again civil war with Turkeys Kurdish population. In the early years of his presidency, Erdogan reached out to the Kurds and managed, more or less, to halt active hostilities.

But, in June 2015, Erdogans Justice and Development Party (AKP) lost its parliamentary majority, prompting the president to resume open hostilities with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) rebels. Erdogans gambit allowed the AKP to retake a parliamentary majority in a snap election that November, but at the cost of reopening the Pandoras box of civil war.

Despite these two decisions, it might have been possible for the Turkish security forces to continue protecting the country from both Islamist and Kurdish terrorism. But a third decision ruled that out: Erdogan chose to break with Fethullah Gulen, the expatriate cleric whose influential followers  the so-called Hizmet movement  had for many years been among Erdogans most important allies.

Over the course of roughly six years, the Gulenists had helped Erdogan to oust military and police cadres (among many other public-sector employees) who were loyal to Turkish secular and nationalist ideals, rather than to his own soft Islamism. But, in 2013, Erdogan, suspecting that the Gulenists had begun plotting against him, began turning on them.

The short-lived coup attempt last July spurred a vengeful Erdogan to organize a massive purge of the military and security services. While it certainly makes sense for a government to prosecute those who have attempted to overthrow it, Erdogan took matters significantly further, pursuing anyone with the slightest potential connection to Gulen. In the process, he severely weakened the capacity of Turkeys police and military.

At a moment when threats from Islamist and Kurdish groups were intensifying, that was the last thing Turkey needed. Perhaps Erdogan should have recalled Joseph Stalins purge of the Red Armys officer corps in the late 1930s, which left the Soviet Union almost defenseless, opening the way for Adolf Hitler to attack in 1941.

Turkey is now fully under the political control of a single individual  and incapable of dealing with the multiple crises that it faces. Even in the best-case scenario, Turkey will be severely weakened, no longer capable of sustaining the regional leadership role that it played for nearly a century. In the worst-case scenario, Turkeys economy will collapse, sending huge numbers of refugees  including Syrians and others currently in Turkey, as well as Turks themselves  to Western Europe.

Not everyone is distressed by Turkeys misfortune. Russian President Vladimir Putin is probably more than pleased with the countrys transformation. In Putins worldview, the most dangerous countries are successful democracies allied with the West. Turkey used to be precisely that: a democratic and reasonably prosperous country and a longtime NATO member, moving swiftly to deepen its ties with the West.

Now, Turkey is becoming an economically weakened autocracy, wracked by terrorism and unable to defend itself, much less to help NATO project power. This is a dream come true for Putin. (It is also good news for Russias ally Iran, which can only welcome the destabilization of its main non-Arab Sunni rival in the region.) If Turkeys downward spiral generates a new wave of refugees bound for Europe, further destabilizing the European Union, all the better.

This is not to say that Putin has planned Turkeys downfall. He didnt have to. Leaders like Erdogan easily fall for Putins brand of modern dictatorship, which relies on disinformation and the trappings of democracy to bolster the rulers personal power. All Putin has to offer is inspiration, and perhaps some advice from time to time.

Beyond Turkey, US President Donald Trump seems equally enamored of Putin. We shall see whether the United States  with its economic strength, relative geographical isolation, and strong institutions  is better protected than Turkey against the influence of Putins malign example.
WASHINGTON, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Businesses that use social listening tools to actively monitor online conversations benefit from access to real-time feedback to improve products and services (25%), attract new customers (24%), and improve customer service (21%). Other unforeseen benefits include monitoring content performance, recruiting and hiring new employees, and learning about the competition. Data is from a survey of 300 users of social listening software in the US, conducted by Clutch, a leading research and reviews platform for business services.

Primary Benefits of Social Listening Main Objectives for Social Listening

Social listening is the process of collecting social data by monitoring terms, names, and products associated with your brand and/or industry. While the top websites businesses monitor may be obvious  Facebook (93%) and Twitter (79%)  Q&A forums, like Reddit, news sites, and blogs are also strong sources of social data.

Social listening is about thoughtfully analyzing and reflecting on the social data collected and then taking action by adding value for your audience, the report says.

"People talk about their emotions and experiences online," says Magda Urbaniak, Global Community Manager at Brand24, a social media monitoring service. "Those who expect a reaction need to know that you're there and ready to engage."

Because social listening offers businesses a chance to collect insider information from existing and prospective customers, it's no surprise that nearly half of businesses surveyed (42%) say their main objective is to enhance the customer experience by improving customer service (21%) and reaching new clients (21%).

"These days, the Internet has become a place where people have discussions and share their experiences and opinions about brands and products," says Urbaniak. "Companies are becoming more and more aware of the importance of reaching the sources that mention them."

Engaging with both loyal followers and detractors is essential for forming trusting relationships with customers and continuously improving your business, says Clutch. The data confirms that most businesses monitor customer requests, questions, and concerns (86%) instead of their competition (77%).

Regardless of business size, resource availability, or overall business goals, you can learn a lot from both your competitors' and your brand's customers, says Clutch.

"Companies need to go beyond basic brand monitoring to get the entire dimensional social story of their consumers and their competitors' customers," says Paige Leidig, Chief Marketing Officer at NetBase, a California-based social media analytics platform.

A prospective customer's social story may explain why she's more likely to use a competitor's services. Clutch recommends first, listen to understand the underlying reasons behind her decision. Second, engage her to fill a gap. Did she reach out to a competitor and never receive an answer? Respond by answering her question and directing her to a helpful resource your business created.

Clutch's 2017 Social Listening Survey included 300 users of social listening software at companies with 100+ employees in the US.

Read the full report and source the survey data through this web address: https://clutch.co/agencies/social-media-marketing/resources/why-businesses-should-perform-social-listening-2017-survey.

For the raw data, a quotation on the findings, or an introduction to the expert interviewees included in the report, reach out to Sarah Patrick at [email protected].

About Clutch

A B2B ratings and reviews firm in the heart of Washington, DC, Clutch connects you with the agencies and software solutions that can help you enhance your business and meet your goals. Our methodology maps agencies and software solutions based on customer reviews, the type of services offered, and quality of work.

Contact

Sarah Patrick

[email protected]

(202) 350-4344

SOURCE Clutch
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., March 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- South Atlantic Bancshares, Inc. (OTCQX: SABK) (the "Company"), parent of South Atlantic Bank, today announced the closing of a stock purchase with various investors from which it raised aggregate gross proceeds of $20 million through the issuance of its common stock. The securities offered were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the securities laws of any state, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.

In making the announcement, South Atlantic Bancshares Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, K. Wayne Wicker said, "The capital raise will support the bank's continued growth and expansion. Since its opening in late 2007, the bank has grown to six offices, all located in some of the fastest-growing areas in the country. Additionally, improving economic conditions are fueling interest in expansion and new projects throughout our markets. Great opportunities for growth lie ahead for the markets we serve and our banking subsidiary. We are pleased to welcome our new shareholders and appreciate the confidence that they have in our Company."

FIG Partners, LLC, an employee-owned broker/dealer based in Atlanta, Georgia, acted as the Company's financial advisor in raising the new capital and Hunton & Williams LLP acted as legal counsel to the Company.

About South Atlantic Bank

South Atlantic Bank, the subsidiary bank of South Atlantic Bancshares, Inc. (OTCQX: SABK), is a $474.1 million financial institution that is locally owned, controlled, and operated. The bank is headquartered in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with additional offices in Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, Georgetown, North Myrtle Beach, and Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. South Atlantic Bank offers a wide variety of services for businesses and consumers, including South Atlantic Bank goMobile, its mobile banking app. The bank also offers internet banking, no-fee ATM access, checking, CD, and money market accounts, merchant services, mortgage loans, remote deposit capture, and more. For more information, visit SouthAtlantic.bank.

Important Information

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains, among other things, certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, (i) statements regarding certain of the Company's goals and expectations with respect to the private placement, and (ii) statements preceded by, followed by, or that include the words "may," "could," "should," "would," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "projects," "outlook" or similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current belief and expectations of the Company's management team and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various factors (many of which are beyond the Company's control). Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could prove to be inaccurate. Therefore, the Company can give no assurance that the results contemplated in the forward-looking statements will be realized. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be construed as a representation by the Company or any person that the future events, plans, or expectations contemplated by the Company will be achieved. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made, except as required by law.

Member FDIC

SOURCE South Atlantic Bancshares, Inc.
CHICAGO, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SPINS, the only source for consumer insights; digital applications for brands, consumers, and retailers; cross-channel retail analytics; health & wellness expertise; and industry-leading consulting services, announces record growth in both revenue and personnel since relocating to Chicago.

In November of 2015, SPINS made the strategic decision to relocate its office of more than 10 years from Schaumburg, IL to take advantage of the city of Chicago's abundant professional talent and join other growing entrepreneurs in food and technology in River North.

SPINS, working at the intersection of data, digital, and health & wellness, has expanded its workforce from 150 to over 200 employees, hiring 79 new employees in 14 months. In 2017, SPINS will further expand its workforce with 50 new positions with competitive total compensation and an exceptional corporate wellness program.

"There's no doubt about it  SPINS is on a roll," Mayor Emanuel said. "Thanks to the world-class talent and transportation in Chicago, the company is expanding even faster than its aggressive growth estimates, and I look forward to witnessing their continued success for years to come."

SPINS' Vibrancy360 offers a paradigm shift within corporate wellness initiatives. Promoting optimal health through vibrant living, the program offers employees access to a variety of programs on-site, including cooking classes with local chefs, massages, product demonstrations from SPINS' clients in the health & wellness industry, yoga, and more. With goals to Inspire, Move, Inform, and Nourish (I'M IN), Vibrancy360 empowers and encourages members of the SPINS team to share what activates their sense of vibrancy among each another and in the greater community.

In addition to their many individual volunteer efforts, SPINS team members have served the local community together several times over their first year in the new Chicago office as part of Vibrancy360's Inspire initiative. Team members have organized group outings to the Anti-Cruelty Society, Chicago Cares, and the Greater Chicago Food Depository, bringing SPINS mission to live vibrantly to life in their new downtown Chicago community.

About SPINS

SPINS is a passionate advocate of brands and retailers that promote healthy living. As the leading provider of retail consumer insights, analytics reporting, and consulting services for the Natural, Organic, and Specialty Products Industry, its business offerings are helping retailers in this high growth area to connect people with the brands that they need and love. Learn more at www.spins.com.

SOURCE SPINS

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http://www.spins.com


BRADFORD, England, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Eclipse Legal Systems, the sole Law Society Endorsed legal software provider, today announced the implementation of its Proclaim Practice Management Software solution at full service law firm, Taylor Bracewell Solicitors.

Taylor Bracewell is a dynamic and forward-thinking legal firm with offices in Doncaster and Sheffield. Established for over 100 years, and very well regarded in the legal sector, the practice has weathered the drastic changes in the legal landscape, and has emerged as one of the most vibrant and well-respected law firms in the region.

In the 6-figure deal, Eclipse's Proclaim Practice Management system will be rolled out firm-wide, serving to replace Taylor Bracewell's incumbent system with a fully integrated solution. To fit the firm's business requirements across all departments, case management modules will be implemented across Conveyancing, Employment, Family, Personal Injury and Probate work areas.

Sharon Beck, Managing Partner at Taylor Bracewell, comments:

"We put our longevity in the legal market down to a constant evaluation of our services and our ambition to offer something different to clients through innovative ways of working. Proclaim fits into this principle perfectly, providing us with a dynamic practice management system that develops and scales not only with us, but the legal sector as a whole."

To enhance efficiencies within its property team, Taylor Bracewell will benefit from Proclaim's integration with the LRBG, providing two-way integration for both data and documentation. The team will have instant access to the portal, serving to deliver optimum levels of operational effectiveness. On a larger scale, and to assist with practice-wide governance, the firm has opted to take Eclipse's Compliance toolset , providing an improved risk management strategy, and alignment with extensive SRA obligations.

Additionally, as part of the drive to further enhance client service, Taylor Bracewell will take advantage of the integrated Proclaim lead management system, empowering the firm to track new business enquiries, and offer a streamlined client inception process.

Sharon adds:

"Our team are passionate about providing a truly individual client service, and the range of tools and integrations on offer from Eclipse means we can be confident in the knowledge that our service is of the highest quality, simplifying processes both internally and externally. The time-saving tools integrated with our Proclaim system will further enhance this - enabling a genuine one-to-one approach to our clients' needs."

About Eclipse

Eclipse Legal Systems, part of Capita Plc, is the UK's leading provider of legal software solutions, employing over 160 staff at its Yorkshire HQ.

The firm's Proclaim software system is in use by 23,000 professionals within a vast range of market sectors, territories and work areas. Proclaim is Endorsed by the Law Society (the only solution of its type to hold this accreditation) and integrates all case management, accounting, document management, reporting, time recording, task and diary functions into one desktop solution.

TouchPoint+ is Eclipse's unique self-service system, providing an always-on, platform agnostic portal for law firm clients and business partners.

Proclaim clients include:

Eversheds

Usdaw

Co-operative Legal Services

Taylor Bracewell

Carillion plc

QualitySolicitors ( Howlett Clarke , Lockings, Oliver & Co, and others)

Eclipse's market territories include:

UK and Ireland

Latvia

Australia

Canada

Nigeria

Zambia

British Virgin Islands

For further information, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].

Alternatively, call +44-1274-704100 or visit www.eclipselegal.co.uk

SOURCE Eclipse Legal Systems
JACKSON, Tenn., March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading plaintiffs' firm Morgan & Morgan announces that a Tennessee appeals court has allowed attorney Kathryn E. Barnett's class action against 35 funeral homes in the state to continue, affirming class certification in a case seeking to hold the funeral homes accountable for alleged negligence in handling families' deceased loved ones.

In its ruling, the Court of Appeals of Tennessee at Jackson affirmed a lower court's ruling that granted attorneys Barnett and co-counsel Howard Manis of The Cochran Firm class certification in their case against the funeral homes. They filed the lawsuit on behalf of families who had contracted the 35 funeral homes for the funerals of their loved ones.

"This is an important ruling that means that all of the families impacted by this tragedy can stand together in seeking justice," Barnett said. "The defendants refuse to accept any responsibility whatsoever for what they did and so we look forward to trial."

The lawsuit alleges that for years, instead of insuring the proper, lawful burial of the remains entrusted to them by more than a thousand families, the funeral homes abandoned the remains at an unlicensed cemetery, Galilee, where the remains were lost, abused and desecrated  including by burying multiple bodies in a single grave and crushing caskets to make room for more burials in a grave.

The trial court had previously granted class certification, which the funeral homes appealed. However, the appeals court affirmed the lower court's ruling, saying "... we find no error by the trial court in granting class certification."

The plaintiffs seek money damages and equitable relief in the form of location and identification of their loved ones remains.

The case is Wofford, et al. v. M.J. Edwards & Sons Funeral Home, Inc., et al., case number W2015-02377-COA-R3-CV, in the Court of Appeals of Tennessee at Jackson.

ABOUT MORGAN & MORGAN



Morgan & Morgan, a national plaintiff's law firm fighting for the people, not the powerful, has recovered more than $4 billion for more than 200,000 clients. The firm has about 350 attorneys in 38 offices in 10 states. With the support of nearly 2,000 employees, the firm's attorneys represent clients in a wide range of practice areas  from personal injury, workers' compensation, and medical malpractice cases to labor and employment, mesothelioma, and product liability lawsuits to national mass torts and class actions.

For more information, contact:

Kathryn E. Barnett

Managing Partner, Nashville

Morgan & Morgan

[email protected]

615-490-0944

Or

Karine Lim / Erika Nedwell

[email protected] / [email protected]

212-738-6265

SOURCE Morgan & Morgan

Related Links

http://www.classaction.com


The Division of Evaluation, Planning and Performance (DEPP) at the French Ministry of Education has awarded Vretta the contract to deploy large-scale interactive assessments for their national tests at primary schools in France.

TORONTO, March 30, 3017 /PRNewswire/ - Ministries of education, across the world, share a common belief that digitization is the future direction of large-scale student assessments. This is a vision that is also strongly shared by the leadership teams at the French Ministry of Education who run several sample-based, large-scale assessments to evaluate the literacy and numeracy of students in primary and secondary schools across France.

Since 2014, the Division of Evaluation, Planning and Performance (DEPP) at the French Ministry of Education has piloted and implemented digital assessments for their national tests conducted in secondary schools. However, as is typical in most countries, infrastructure and the availability of devices is much stronger in secondary schools than in primary schools. This led the DEPP to carefully consider the new challenges they would face when extending digital assessments in primary schools.

In 2016, the DEPP, in partnership with Vretta, designed and developed a mobile assessment platform, which could be run in an offline environment, with about 300 interactive assessment items in Mathematics and French. Voice-enabled tutorials, custom tools, interactions, and questionnaires were also developed within the platform to engage and guide students through the assessment experience. A custom data structure was also created to allow for the offline collection of data. The application was successfully used by over 3 000 students at 100 schools, in partnership with l'Academie de Versailles, France. The navigation tools and tutorials guided students through the interactive assessments, and the built-in surveys demonstrated that students found the experience to be highly positive.

Dr. Thierry Rocher, Head of Office for Student Assessment at the DEPP stated, "This project has confirmed that large-scale interactive assessments benefit greatly when presented on mobile devices." He added, "The success of this pilot also provides great promise for digital assessments administered in an offline environment."

Based on the success of this pilot, through a request for proposal, the French Ministry of Education awarded Vretta the contract for the deployment of the assessments across all primary schools in the country. Currently, the teams at the DEPP and Vretta are collaborating for the official launch of the large-scale assessment on tablets, in an offline environment, across France.

Click here to learn more about the partnership between the DEPP and Vretta on the deployment.

ABOUT VRETTA

Vretta is a global education technology company that is transforming the way students engage with mathematics. Vretta's team of learning and assessment specialists design and develop award-winning interactive math resources that are re-defining what really matters for students in the 21st century, making sure that every student acquires meaningful quantitative skills that will serve them in their lives and professions. Vretta's vision is a world where everyone enjoys mathematics and they are achieving this by pushing the boundaries of technology to inspire and empower every learner in the world. To learn more about Vretta, visit www.vretta.com.

SOURCE Vretta Inc.
CHICAGO, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The horrific 1988 murder of four-year-old Barbara Jean Horn rocked the city of Philadelphia to its core. Plucked from her own front yard, Barbara Jean was found less than two and a half hours later in a cardboard TV box dragged to a nearby street curb, dead. After months of investigations with no strong leads, the case went cold. Four years later it was reopened, and Walter Ogrod, a young man with autism spectrum disorder who had lived across the street from the family at the time of the murder, was brought in as a suspect despite no physical evidence linking him to the crime. He was later given a death row sentence.

The Trials of Walter Ogrod: The Shocking Murder, So-Called Confessions, and Notorious Snitch That Sent a Man to Death Row (Chicago Review Press; April 1, 2017) by Thomas Lowenstein leads readers through the facts of the infamous Horn murder case in compelling, compassionate and riveting fashion.

The few descriptions witnesses had provided bore no resemblance to Walter Ogrod. When he was finally brought in for questioning he was held for 36 hours without sleep and was insistently fed details of how he killed Barbara Jean. Under such strenuous conditions and confusion, and further disabled by his autism spectrum disorder, Ogrod eventually signed a confession.

Nearly acquitted during his first trial, a single member of the jury changed his mind at the last minute and a mistrial was declared. As he waited in jail for a retrial, Walter's fate was sealed when an infamous jailhouse snitch was planted in his cell block and supplied the prosecution with a second supposed confession. As a result, Walter Ogrod sits on death row for the murder today.

Informed by police records, court transcripts, interviews, letters, journals and more, award-winning journalist Thomas Lowenstein makes the case for Walter Ogrod's innocence. In the style of "Serial" and "Making a Murderer," The Trials of Walter Ogrod reveals explosive new evidence that unearths a notorious "professional" snitch who sealed Ogrod's fate, and exposes a larger underlying pattern of prosecutorial misconduct in Philadelphia.

About the author:

Thomas Lowenstein, son of the late U.S. Representative for New York, 5th District, Allard Lowenstein, is the founder of the New Orleans Journalism Project, which works with journalism students on stories related to criminal justice issues. He was formerly the policy director and an investigator at The Innocence Project New Orleans, an editor at Doubletake magazine, and a teaching fellow at Harvard. He has contributed to the American Prospect magazine and the Philadelphia City Paper. He lives in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Book Details:

The Trials of Walter Ogrod:

The Shocking Murder, So-Called Confessions, and

Notorious Snitch That Sent a Man to Death Row

By Thomas Lowenstein

Published by Chicago Review Press, distributed by IPG

Price: $28.99 (CAN $38.99) | ISBN: 9781613738016

Cloth | 6 x 9 | 21 color photos | 368 pages

True Crime / Social Science

Available at bookstores everywhere and through IPG

814 N. Franklin, Chicago, IL 60610

Orders: 1-800-888-4741| ipgbook.com

SOURCE Chicago Review Press

Related Links

http://www.ipgbook.com


WASHINGTON, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new report published by the Center for Immigration Studies describes the undermining of federal immigration courts and outlines recommendations to fix the chaos. Under former President Obama, immigration adjudication nearly halted due to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policies that prosecuted fewer cases and removed fewer of those ordered removed from the United States, including criminal aliens. Lack of enforcement by DHS was matched by court evasion, resulting over the last 20 years in 37 percent of all aliens free before trial failing to appear for court.

Mark Metcalf, a former judge on the Miami Immigration Court and author of the report, writes, "From 1996 through 2015, removal orders for failure to appear numbered 918,098. Among those who absconded from court were 3,095 aliens from the 36 countries that promote terrorism. A disproportionate number  338 altogether  came from those countries the U.S. State Department labels state sponsors of terrorism: Iran, Sudan, and Syria."

Metcalf interviewed immigration judges across the country in writing "Courting Disaster: Absent attendance and absent enforcement in America's immigration courts": "They described a system plunged into turmoil by appointees at the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security who ignored statutes, precedent, and regulation and imposed policies that dramatically increased backlogs and nearly halted adjudication. Misusing the tools of 'prosecutorial discretion'  justifications for not prosecuting a case  and 'administrative closure'  continuances granted to avoid trial  prompted dismissals and ever-growing caseloads."

Congress and the public were misled by skewed numbers, painting a dishonest picture of court dynamics and displaying an indifference to public safety and national security. The high number of those abandoning their caseswithout fear of incarceration or removal was artificially reduced by a political numbers game. The difference between the actual absconding rate and the rate reported to Congress understated court evasion in some years by more than 100 percent.

Metcalf writes, "In a time of porous borders, drug cartels, alien smuggling, human trafficking, immigration fraud, and a still-raging War on Terror, gamed numbers conceal risk to national security and compromise to American neighborhoods. They disguise the actual weakness of courts and enforcement in addressing chaotic conditions entirely the making of those in charge."

Moreover, the actions of the Obama administration over the past 8 years were inconsistent with due process and equal protection among citizens and the foreign-born who reside here legally and illegally. "Were citizens, visa holders, or lawful permanent residents to commit crimes that ICE declared insufficient to arrest and remove an illegal entrant  crimes such as shoplifting and identity theft, low-level DUIs, misdemeanor assaults, and illegal voting  law enforcement response would be prompt and certain  Visa holders would be denied extensions of their U.S. stays or become inadmissible when applying to reenter. Lawful permanent residents would be subject to removal proceedings for committing crimes of moral turpitude or aggravated felonies. " In many instances, illegal aliens were simply released by ICE, despite committing crimes that would have landed others in jail.

Metcalf concludes his report with a list of recommendations to restore enforcement and bring integrity back to the U.S. immigration courts. His practical reforms include:

Absconding from immigration courts should result in removal orders that cannot be reopened or set aside.

Aliens ordered deported should be placed in ICE custody at the conclusion of proceedings pursuant to 8 CFR 241.4 and held through confinement or under strict monitoring until released due to a removal order being overturned or until removed from the U.S.

The discretion of ICE/ERO (Enforcement and Removal Operations) officials to grant administrative stays of removals that delay aliens' removal aliens from the U.S. should not be available to Level I and II alien offenders.

Immigration, asylum, refugee, and visa policies affecting Specially Designated Countries (SDCs) should be reexamined with the purpose of limiting entry of persons who have not passed the same background checks that visa applicants must undergo.

Contact: Marguerite Telford

[email protected], 202-466-8185

SOURCE Center for Immigration Studies
DAYTON, Fla., March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Daytona Beach, Florida Campus will launch a unique undergraduate aerospace physiology program, with Florida Hospital, for students who want to advance medical research and promote the well-being of pilots, astronauts, flight crew members and air or space travelers. It is believed to be the first undergraduate program of its kind in the nation.

"Our students will be on track for medical school or careers in the military and civilian sectors," said Karen Gaines, dean of Embry-Riddle's College of Arts and Sciences. "Studying cellular function in space can advance scientific research, human healthcare and life on Earth. Radiation, G force and other characteristics of extreme environments affect human physiology from the cellular to the whole-body level. Graduates of the new program will help inform healthcare, best practices in aerospace and our understanding of how cells age."

The need for aerospace physiologists and physicians specializing in aerospace medicine should increase: By 2024, healthcare employment could rise by 19% or about 2.3 million new jobs compared with 2014, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Worldwide space business was worth $330 billion in 2014, the Space Foundation reported.

Addressing ailments related to air or space travel is a critical goal for NASA, the U.S. Air Force, private aviation and commercial space flight operations. This is why NASA conducted a "Twins Experiment," by sending astronaut Scott Kelly on a year-long space mission while his identical twin brother, Mark Kelly, remained Earth-bound.

Florida Hospital Fish Memorial CEO Rob Deininger said: "We are excited to support Embry-Riddle in launching this new program. It is unique, and we are proud to play a role in these students one day advancing medical research and caring for the men and women who fly  whether it be here on Earth or in space."

Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center CEO Ed Noseworthy added: "Florida Hospital is delighted to partner with Embry-Riddle to better prepare students for careers in medicine and other health-related fields," said Ed Noseworthy. "Embry-Riddle is a leading aviation and aeronautics institution and is an important member of our community."

Philanthropist Dr. Helen M. Wessel provided a substantial gift for a new faculty position, the "Dr. Robert H. Wessel and Dr. Helen M. Wessel Endowed Chair for Aerospace Physiology."

Website: http://www.erau.edu/aerophys

CONTACT: Ginger Pinholster, 386-226-4811, [email protected]

SOURCE Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Related Links

http://www.erau.edu


WASHINGTON, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- U.S.-based Norwegian flight attendants voted today to join the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA). Last month the Executive Board of the Norwegian Cabin Crew Association agreed to join AFA pending a full membership vote. Today 59 percent of the voters elected AFA as their collective bargaining representative. In doing so the flight attendants rejected an intense campaign of management interference and union-busting during the vote.

"We are thrilled to welcome the U.S.-based Norwegian Flight Attendants to our Flight Attendant union," stated Sara Nelson, AFA International President. "We congratulate the Executive Board of NCCA on this successful vote. They become the twentieth member-airline in AFA, making us stronger and better than ever. Norwegian has fought the Flight Attendants' right to organize and bargain a contract for nearly two years, but that stops now. We will not allow Norwegian to pit crews against each other. We will support the Flight Attendants to negotiate an agreement that recognizes their commitment to Norwegian's success and maintains the rights of Flight Attendants both in the United States and the European Union. We also wish to thank Parat, the union representing the Flight Attendants based in Norway. They are incredible partners in standing up for Flight Attendants at Norwegian and around the world."

The U.S.-based Norwegian flight attendants formed an independent union, the Norwegian Cabin Crew Association (NCCA) in August 2016, after a year-long struggle by the Flight Attendants against Norwegian's efforts to deny them the right to even vote on union representation. Following the vote, Norwegian refused to participate in bargaining and NCCA was forced to file for federal mediation. It became clear at the first federal mediation session that the Flight Attendants would need the support and resources of AFA to ensure their collective bargaining rights are upheld and to negotiate a contract with Norwegian. The result of this vote affirms that AFA represents all of the U.S. based Norwegian Flight Attendants and the company will not be able to use a shell game or subsidiaries to pit flight attendants against each other.

"We are proud to join the Association of Flight Attendants," said Valentin Lorien, president of the Norwegian Cabin Crew Association. "With the backing of AFA, we now have the resources we need to negotiate a fair contract for our workgroup, the US-based flight attendants of Norwegian."

By way of background, Norwegian in 2016 attempted to thwart a union representation vote by arguing that it was not the Flight Attendants' employer. The company alleged that OSM, an HR agency, was the employer, and therefore there was no basis to hold a representation election. They were wrong. With the assistance of AFA's attorneys, the National Mediation Board (NMB) rejected the idea that the Flight Attendants didn't have an employment relationship with the airline.

The Association of Flight Attendants is the Flight Attendant union. Focused 100 percent on Flight Attendant issues, AFA has been the leader in advancing the Flight Attendant profession for 71 years. Serving as the voice for Flight Attendants in the workplace, in the aviation industry, in the media and on Capitol Hill, AFA has transformed the Flight Attendant profession by raising wages, benefits and working conditions. Nearly 50,000 Flight Attendants come together to form AFA, part of the 700,000-member strong Communications Workers of America (CWA), AFL-CIO. Visit us at www.afacwa.org.

SOURCE Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA)

Related Links

http://www.afacwa.org


PITTSBURGH, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Steelworkers (USW) International President Leo W. Gerard released the following statement today in response to the Department of Commerce's notice that it was seeking public comment on whether China is a non-market economy.

"Given that the last review of China's status as a non-market economy occurred in 2006, today's request is most appropriate. While more than a decade has passed, the USW's experience with China makes it clear that its non-market economy continues. Granting China market economy status would be contrary to the facts as well as serving to devastate domestic producers and workers.

"The preferential status China is seeking would allow them to dump more unfairly priced products into the market, while claiming to abide to market economics. Nobody who understands China's economic policies, and deals with the reality of those policies in the marketplace, can honestly argue that China is a market economy.

"A provision in China's original accession agreement to the World Trade Organization allowed member countries to automatically treat China as a non-market economy. It expired last December. Since the expiration, the only change was that the United Sates would utilize the existing statutory tests that determine whether a country is operating as a market economy. China continues to fail our legal test, providing no reason to grant it favorable, but undeserved treatment under trade law.

"If other countries decide to disregard the facts and bow to China's political pressure to grant them market economy (MES) status, we must evaluate whether new tools are necessary to address the market impact of those decisions. How other countries treat the unfairly traded imports from China has an impact on both our exports to and our imports from those marketplaces.

"The United States is on firm ground here. Nine of the top 10 users of the antidumping remedy continue to treat China as a non-market economy. The factual analysis and update that Commerce is undertaking will make it clear that China is not operating according to free market principles, which is the foundation of the world trading system.

"Domestic producers and workers in steel, aluminum, paper, rubber and many other sectors have suffered the consequences of China's policies. Ignoring the facts now will only devastate America's economy."

The USW represents 850,000 workers in North America employed in many industries that include metals, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining and the service and public sectors. For more information: http://www.usw.org/.

CONTACT: Wayne Ranick, 412-562-2444

[email protected]

SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)

Related Links

http://www.usw.org


LONDON, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

They say every young girl wants to be a Princess - but visitors to London can learn all about the real thing with the London Pass (www.londonpass.com).

The popular sightseeing card includes entry to more than 60 attractions, many of which have a strong connection to the Royal family and the lives of its best-loved Princesses.

Kensington Palace

Famously the home of Princess Diana, who lived here from the time of her wedding to Prince Charles in 1981 until her death in 1997, Kensington Palace is currently hosting an exhibition of Diana's most beautiful and significant dresses. The exhibit, 'Diana: Her Fashion Story', includes collections that allow visitors to follow her journey from Royal bride to People's Princess, to becoming one of the world's best-loved style icons. Don't miss the midnight blue velvet gown worn famously at the White House during a dance with John Travolta! The exhibition will run until 28 February 2018.

Visitors to Kensington Palace may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Princess Charlotte, the Royal family's youngest Princess, with her parents Prince William and Kate soon to move back into the Palace!

Normally priced at 16.30 per adult, entry to Kensington Palace is included with the London Pass.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey has been the coronation church of the British Royal family since the 11th century, but this UNESCO World Heritage Site is also famous for its Royal weddings. The Abbey played a significant role in the life of the young Princess Elizabeth in the mid-20th century. It was here that the 21 year-old Princess married her cousin Philip Mountbatten, the newly-created Duke of Edinburgh, on 20 November 1947; less than six years later, on 2 June 1953, she was crowned as Queen Elizabeth II in a ceremony watched by 27 million Britons.

Normally priced at 20 per person, entry to Westminster Abbey is included with the London Pass.

The Tower of London

In March 1554, with England in the grip of religious turmoil, an earlier Princess Elizabeth was imprisoned in the Tower of London by her own sister, Queen Mary. Here the 20 year-old daughter of Henry VIII stayed for more than two months, her life hanging by a thread as Mary's advisors attempted to gather evidence of her treason. They failed, and the Princess went on to succeed her sister as Elizabeth I, reigning for 45 years. Today visitors entering the fortress will pass the Bell Tower where the Princess was confined, and look up to 'Elizabeth's Walk' - the ramparts on which she was allowed to take exercise.

Normally priced at 22.50, entry to the Tower of London is included with the London Pass.

Windsor Castle

Known as the Royal family's favourite residence to this day, historic Windsor Castle has a particular association with the current Queen's younger sister, Princess Margaret. During the Second World War, with the family evacuated to Windsor, it was the vivacious Margaret who initiated their Christmas Pantomimes. These were performed by the family to an audience of friends in the magnificent Waterloo Chamber, which visitors can see today on a tour of the State Apartments. Margaret retained her affection for Windsor, returning there at various points in her life, and following her death in 2002 her ashes were placed in the castle's St George's Chapel, reckoned to be one of England's most beautiful buildings.

Normally priced at 20, entry to Windsor Castle is included with the London Pass.

Visitors using the London Pass to enjoy these and other London attractions save money on the cost of paying individually at each site. And at some of the most popular sites, like the Tower of London and Kensington Palace, they also save time with fast-track entry.

A one-day London Pass costs 62 per adult and 42 per child, but two-, three-, six- and even 10-day passes are also available.

For more information, please visit: www.londonpass.com

SOURCE London Pass
SEATTLE, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- WatchGuard Technologies, a leader in advanced network security solutions, today released the findings of its inaugural quarterly Internet Security Report, which explores the latest computer and network security threats affecting small to midsize businesses (SMBs) and distributed enterprises. The report covers the top network and malware trends from Q4 2016, examines the most notable cyber security stories, details new research from the WatchGuard Threat Lab, and provides practical defense tips for security professionals. The findings in the report are based on anonymized Firebox Feed data from WatchGuard's active unified threat management (UTM) appliances worldwide.

"We're incredibly excited to introduce WatchGuard's Internet Security Report," said Corey Nachreiner, chief technology officer at WatchGuard Technologies. "Our Threat Lab has been monitoring the most prevalent security industry threats and trends for years and now with the addition of the Firebox Feedanonymized threat analytics from Fireboxes deployed around the worldwe have firsthand, acute insight into the evolution of cyber attacks and how threat actors are behaving. Each quarter, our report will marry new Firebox Feed data with original research and analysis of major information security events to reveal key threat trends and provide defense best practices."

With cyber attacks like the Mirai Botnet, the SWIFT banking attacks, and alleged Russian interference in the presidential election, cyber criminals were busy in 2016, and Q4 was no exception. Ransomware attempts through phishing emails and malicious websites dominated the headlines, banks and healthcare organizations were targeted by increasingly devastating attacks, and nation-states continued to target one another with sophisticated cyber attacks.

The insight trends, research and security tips discussed in WatchGuard's quarterly Internet Security Report are designed to help companies stay educated and vigilant in such a dynamic threat landscape. Here are the top five key findings from the report:

Approximately 30 percent of malware was classified as new or "zero day" because it was not caught by a legacy antivirus (AV) solution. This confirms that cyber criminals' capability to automatically repack or morph their malware has outpaced the AV industry's ability to keep up with new signatures. Without an advanced threat prevention solution, which identifies malware proactively using modern detection techniques, companies would miss almost 1/3 of malware.

because it was not caught by a legacy antivirus (AV) solution. This confirms that cyber criminals' capability to automatically repack or morph their malware has outpaced the AV industry's ability to keep up with new signatures. Without an advanced threat prevention solution, which identifies malware proactively using modern detection techniques, companies would miss almost 1/3 of malware. Old threats become new again. First, macro-based malware is still very prevalent. Despite being an old trick, many spear-phishing attempts still include documents with malicious macros, and attackers have adapted their tricks to include Microsoft's new document format. Second, attackers still use malicious web shells to hijack web servers. PHP shells are alive and well, as nation-state attackers have been evolving this old attack technique with new obfuscation methods.

First, macro-based malware is still very prevalent. Despite being an old trick, many spear-phishing attempts still include documents with malicious macros, and attackers have adapted their tricks to include Microsoft's new document format. Second, attackers still use malicious web shells to hijack web servers. PHP shells are alive and well, as nation-state attackers have been evolving this old attack technique with new obfuscation methods. JavaScript is a popular malware delivery and obfuscation mechanism . The Firebox Feed saw a rise in malicious JavaScript, both in email and over the web.

. The Firebox Feed saw a rise in malicious JavaScript, both in email and over the web. Most network attacks target web services and browsers . 73 percent of the top attacks target web browsers in drive-by download attacks.

. 73 percent of the top attacks target web browsers in drive-by download attacks. The top network attack, Wscript.shell Remote Code Execution, almost entirely affected Germany alone. Breaking it down country by country, that attack targeted Germany 99 percent of the time.

WatchGuard's Internet Security Report is based on anonymized data from more than 24,000 active WatchGuard UTM appliances worldwide. These appliances blocked more than 18.7 million malware variants in Q4, which averages to 758 variants per participating device. They also blocked more than 3 million network attacks in Q4, which averages to 123 attacks per participating device. The report includes a detailed breakdown of the quarter's top malware and attack trends, the top security incidents, and web and email attack trends. In response to the rapid spread of the Mirai botnet, the WatchGuard Threat Lab has also launched an ongoing research project that analyzes IoT devices for security flaws. The research highlighted in this report evaluated Wi-Fi cameras, fitness accessories and network-enabled novelty devices. This includes a deeper look at vulnerabilities the Threat Lab found in a relatively popular wireless IP camera and steps consumers should take to secure IoT devices they purchase.

For more information, download the full report here: www.watchguard.com/security-report

About WatchGuard Technologies, Inc.

WatchGuard Technologies, Inc. is a global leader in network security, providing best-in-class Unified Threat Management, Next Generation Firewall, secure Wi-Fi, and network intelligence products and services to more than 75,000 customers worldwide. The company's mission is to make enterprise-grade security accessible to companies of all types and sizes through simplicity, making WatchGuard an ideal solution for Distributed Enterprises and SMBs. WatchGuard is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. To learn more, visit WatchGuard.com.

For additional information, promotions and updates, follow WatchGuard on Twitter, @WatchGuard on Facebook, or on the LinkedIn Company page. Also, visit our InfoSec blog, Secplicity, for real-time information about the latest threats and how to cope with them at www.secplicity.org.

Media Contacts:

Chris Warfield

WatchGuard Technologies

206.876.8380

[email protected]

Anthony Cogswell

Voxus PR

253.444.5980

[email protected]

SOURCE WatchGuard Technologies, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.watchguard.com


"One of the biggest obstacles of being a small, independent retailer is that you have all of the challenges of big retailers, but none of the resources they have to tackle these challenges," said Nikki Baird, Managing Partner, RSR. "In this new research, we identify the top hindrances for independent retailers and offer practical solutions that will empower them to make the most of the omni-channel selling environment."

Webgility's Unify is the first e-commerce solution that connects and unifies all revenue streams and expenses so multi-channel businesses can have better perspective, make smarter decisions, and run all operations from a single view. Unify allows e-commerce retailers to conquer the challenges that come with being multi-channel and lets them run and scale their businesses exactly the way they wantby unifying their business data rather than forcing them to switch platforms. To learn more and start a free trial of Unify, visit http://www.webgility.com/multi-channel-selling.

ABOUT WEBGILITY

Webgility, Inc. is the leading provider of e-commerce automation software for multi-channel companies, managing millions of transactions for 10,000-plus online stores every month. Webgility's mission is to empower online retailers to focus on their passion by simplifying operations. Its Unify software connects all revenue streams, expenses, and business systems so businesses can have better perspective, make smarter decisions, lower costs, and streamline operations. Webgility is a certified partner of Intuit, QuickBooks, Xero, and NetSuite, and works with more than 85 e-commerce platforms and SaaS providers (including Amazon, eBay, BigCommerce, Shopify, and Magento), payment processors (PayPal, Stripe, Shopify Payments, Square), and hosting providers. Founded in 2007, the company is headquartered in San Francisco with an international branch in Indore, India. For more information about Webgility, visit http://www.webgility.com.

For more information, please contact:

Eileen Conway

Zealot Communications for Webgility

650-245-9015

[email protected]

SOURCE Webgility

Related Links

http://www.webgility.com


Webgility will host a daily Amazon Echo giveaway at Booth 206 during exhibition hours for those who join the fun of their "Guess how many LEGOs" contest. In addition, Vice President of Sales Michael Mansour will also be giving onsite 15-minute demos of its market-leading Unify e-commerce automation solution and discuss the company's recommendations to build a Virtual ERP. These meetings can be easily scheduled now using this link .

An antidote to the "app fatigue" that plagues today's online sellers, Webgility's Virtual ERP will bring efficiency and order to otherwise chaotic workflows and business operations. By integrating best-of-breed e-commerce apps, the Virtual ERP will empower retailers to focus on doing the things they love while scaling more easily than ever. In addition, until businesses reach revenue of $50 million, the Virtual ERP will provide all the business intelligence, financial insight, and operational stamina of a larger, complex, and costlier integrated system.

"Imagine centers around the optimization of the e-commerce ecosystem, so there is simply no better place to talk about our Virtual ERP," said Parag Mamnani, Founder and CEO, Webgility. "With this new technology stack, we will bring scale and simplicity to online retailers, letting them focus on their business goals rather than operational headaches. Be sure to stop by in our booth so you can see this game-changing solution in person."

To discuss partnerships and marketing opportunities with Webgility, email Christina Del Villar, VP of Marketing and Partnerships, [email protected]. To set up interviews with Webgility leadership, contact Eileen Conway at [email protected] or (650) 245-9015. To schedule a live demo over the phone, please contact [email protected].

ABOUT WEBGILITY

Webgility, Inc. is the leading provider of e-commerce automation software for multichannel companies, managing millions of transactions for 10,000-plus online stores every month. Webgility's mission is to empower online retailers to focus on their passion by simplifying operations. Its Unify software connects all revenue streams, expenses, and business systems so businesses can have better perspective, make smarter decisions, lower costs, and streamline operations. Webgility is a certified partner of Intuit, QuickBooks, Xero, and NetSuite, and works with more than 85 e-commerce platforms and SaaS providers (including Amazon, eBay, BigCommerce, Shopify, and Magento), payment processors (PayPal, Stripe, Shopify Payments, Square), and hosting providers. Founded in 2007, the company is headquartered in San Francisco with an international branch in Indore, India. For more information about Webgility, visit http://www.webgility.com.

For more information, please contact:

Eileen Conway

Zealot Communications for Webgility

650-245-9015

[email protected]

SOURCE Webgility

Related Links

http://webgility.com


ORANGE, Calif., March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Western Dental has provided funds to 75 schools through its "Smiles for Schools" program since January and is on pace to reach this year's goal of giving out over $100,000 in support of schools.

Western Dental's "Smiles for Schools" sponsorship program pairs more than 200 offices of Western Dental & Orthodontics, and its affiliates Brident Dental & Orthodontics and Smile Wide, with neighboring intermediate and high schools.

Western Dental, one of the nation's leaders in accessible, affordable, high-quality oral health care, is a leading provider of orthodontic and family dentistry services in California, Texas and Arizona.

"Smiles for Schools helps support good oral health habits at an early age," said Dr. John Luther, Chief Dental Officer. "Western Dental is committed to partnering with schools to share our expertise regarding dental health, which is so important for young people to grasp."

Schools from across California, Texas and Arizona have signed up for the program, including Casa Grande Union High School and the Roskruge Bilingual Magnet K-8 School in Tucson, Arizona.

"Roskruge Bilingual Magnet and its 700 students greatly appreciate the contribution from Western Dental," said Roskruge Principal Jose Olivas. "The funds will go toward our 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC), which is an afterschool program that offers academic intervention and enrichment activities that supplement our school day program. In addition, educational services are offered to family members of students participating in the program."

"Smiles for Schools" funding, which is just one component of the program, is used by each school at their discretion. In addition, Western Dental will provide support at school events, sharing oral health information with students and their parents as part of an ongoing partnership with each school.

"We have found schools to be very receptive to our outreach, and creative in the ways they invite us to partner," said Josh Marder, Chief Marketing Officer of Western Dental and its affiliates. "We are really enjoying this opportunity to support local education and school activities while providing essential oral health information to children, teens, and their families."

To learn more about Western Dental, visit www.westerndental.com or call 1-800-6-DENTAL.

ABOUT WESTERN DENTAL

Western Dental (with its affiliates, Brident Dental & Orthodontics and Smile Wide) is one of the nation's largest dental providers and is the leader in accessible, affordable oral health care, serving over two million patient visits annually in more than 220 affiliated clinics throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, and Texas. Western Dental is the #1 provider of orthodontic services in California and last year expanded its network of orthodontists, oral surgeons, pedodontists, periodontists and endodontists, to better service patient needs all within the office. All of Western Dental's services are backed by a unique quality assurance system that electronically monitors all patient visits, treatments, dental staff and clinical performance to enable high-quality care. To learn more about Western Dental or inquire about an office in your community, visit www.westerndental.com or call 1-800-6-DENTAL.

SOURCE Western Dental

Related Links

http://www.westerndental.com


JERSEY CITY, New Jersey, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Xpress Money, one of the world's most dependable money transfer brands, is rapidly expanding its network in Latin America. Currently, the company has a sizable network across LATAM and will soon increase its presence to 40,000 locations by virtue of strategic partnerships that are underway. The company also opened conversations with a number of potential partners in the region at the recently concluded IMTC conference held in Guatemala.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151023/279887LOGO )



In a short span of 17 years, Xpress Money has built one of the strongest networks of 180,000 agent locations in 160 countries. The company is committed to working towards developing convenient payment solutions such as Cash Payouts, Account Credits, Cardless Payouts through ATMs, Credits to Remit Cards & Mobile Wallets and Door Delivery Services to support the growing expat community across the world. As part of its digital offerings, Xpress Money recently launched Xopoto, a social international money transfer app and will soon be launching its online money transfer service.

Talking about the expansion plans, Sudhesh Giriyan, COO, Xpress Money said, "Our aim is to make money transfers convenient for millions of expats residing away from their homes. With the growing number of people moving abroad and sending money to their home countries, it is imperative for international money transfer brands like ours to equip ourselves to cater to the growing needs of customers. Through our growing presence in Latin America, we aim to ensure a convenient and secure money transfer process, both for the sender abroad as well as the beneficiaries in the region."

Xpress Money provides its customers instant, secure and convenient ways to transfer money anywhere in the world through innovative technology, superior customer service and its extensive global network.

Notes to editor

About ' Xpress Money '

'Xpress Money' is a global money transfer brand with a thriving presence in more than 160 countries across all continents through 180,000 agent locations. 'Xpress Money' has come to be known as the most dependable international money transfer brand and provides its customers a simple, fast & safe way to transfer money through innovative technology, superior customer service and its extensive worldwide network. For more information, follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/XpressMoney, Twitter: @Xpress_Money or visit http://www.xpressmoney.com

SOURCE Xpress Money Services Ltd.
While he's in the clear for now when it comes to the two big investigations into his fundraising, Mayor de Blasio still has bills to pay, because it turns out lawyers don't just represent powerful public officials for free. What a world. The mayor announced that he'd raise money for his own legal defense fund instead of using city money to pay his lawyers, but that plan has run into a little snag now. Everyone's favorite social media-savvy city agency, the Conflicts of Interest Board, issued a ruling declaring that any donation to the mayor's legal defense fund that was larger than $50 would be a conflict of interest. Hey Mr. Mayor: Better call Saul!

Yesterday, the Conflicts of Interest Board ruled that "A public servant may not accept a valuable gift, that is, a contribution of $50.00 or more, or a series of contributions (or other gifts) over any twelve-month period worth $50.00 or more, from any person or firm having, or intending to have, business dealings with the City." In addition, the Board found that even if a total stranger just so happened to give a public servant a gift worth more than $50, even if they didn't have business before the city, "the Board will presume that the public servant is being offered contributions only because of his or her City position." The only good news for the mayor is that the board said he could accept as much money as he wanted from family or close friends, provided that they don't have any business before the city.

This of course puts a crimp in fundraising efforts because, from what I understand, lawyers are expensive. The Times points out that one of the legal firms the city used while the mayor's fundraising was investigating cost $850 per hour. According to the News, de Blasio hasn't paid lawyers from Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel for representing him during the investigations.

De Blasio put the best spin he could on the ruling, calling it "an initial view from the board," according to CBS and telling reporters that he would negotiate with the board based on past instances of legal funds for public servants. The mayor also suggested he'd be open to passing a bill changing the limit on donating to legal funds specifically, but City Council speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito said she was still looking at the COIB ruling, according to the Times. Also, not that anyone asked my advice, but that seems specifically like the kind of thing that would just cause a whole new round of fundraising investigations.
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
New Delhi, March 25 : The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Saturday reiterated its demand for the enactment of a law to facilitate the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.

VHP Working President Pravin Togadia said he was sure Prime Minister Narendra Modi and new Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Aditya Nath Yogi would bring in the required legislation to build the temple.

The new Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government was installed in Uttar Pradesh on March 19, after the party won a landslide victory in the assembly elections. It got 312 seats in the 403-member assembly.

"The BJP had passed a resolution on the temple construction in its 1987 meeting in Palampur in Himachal. I believe that PM Modi will fulfil the wishes of those who made efforts for the temple construction by bringing in a law in Parliament. He is a man of his word," Togadia said.

He was quick to add that he did not try to remind Modi about the issue but "just expressing my views".

The matter of the land title is at present pending in the Supreme Court, where the Allahabad High Court order in the case has been challenged.

Togadia skipped the question about the Supreme Court's recent suggestion for out-of-the-court settlement saying: "I have nothing to say on it. Whatever I wanted to say, I have said that."

Togadia said Hindutva was not against development and both can go hand-in-hand.

He said various programmes would be held at 5,000 talukas and blocks across the country from March 28 as part of 'Ram Navami' celebrations this year.

The VHP would also hold a religious march in Delhi on April 2, during which people will be administered an oath regarding the Ram temple construction at five locations -- Daryaganj, Gauri Shankar Mandir, Townhall, Prem Dhaba (Filmistan).

Togadia further said that VHP has organised a grand meeting of saints in Haridwar in May this year to discuss the Ram Mandir issue.
Panaji, March 27 : The Goa Police on Monday said the Supreme Court ban on liquor vends on state and national highways will help cut down on drunken driving and consequently road accidents in the coastal state.

The stand comes in the wake of Goa government's assurance to liquor vends located within 500 metres on either side of the highways in Goa of doing "something" to save them from shutdown.

On December 15, 2016, the Supreme Court ordered the state governments to not renew the licences of liquor vends operating within 500 metres of the highways after April 1.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Rupinder Kumar told media here that the Supreme Court order will act as a deterrent to drunken driving.

"In Goa, where highways are not wide enough, if the liquor vends are taken back 500 metres from the roads as per the apex court guidelines, it may act as a deterrent for drivers to get down and walk some distance to buy liquor," Kumar said.

According to an Excise Department survey, nearly one-third of the 11,000 licensed liquor stores in the state will have to close down in the wake of the Supreme Court order.
New Delhi, March 27 : Lawyers all over India will abstain from work on March 31 to protest against a proposed bill that bars advocates from going on strike, it was announced on Tuesday.

Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra said the proposed amendments by the Law Commission in the Advocates Act were "draconian, anti-lawyer, unconstitutional, undemocratic and anti-people".

"The recommendations of the Law Commission are against the legal profession and legal education of the country is in danger because of this proposed bill," Mishra said.

"The regulation and control of legal profession and legal education is proposed to be handed over to non-lawyers and the advocates will have to face disciplinary proceedings before people not connected with the legal profession."

According to the BCI website, there were some 12 lakh lawyers all over the country as of 2013.

However, the Supreme Court lawyers will not participate in the strike but they will extend their support to other lawyers.

"The strike will be observed by all the lawyers across high courts and district courts. However, Supreme Court lawyers will not participate in the strike, though will put a white ribbon on their coat as a mark of protest," said chairman of the Bar Council's Executive Committee and senior advocate Apurba Kumar Sharma.

The Council said there were chances that chartered accountants, architects, politicians, doctors and others would dominate the Bar Council due to the proposed legislation.

The Council also urged the government to reject the recommendations of the Law Commission.

It said the Commission appeared to have acted hurriedly without considering the recommendations of the BCI and instead considered the suggestions of only non-lawyers.

"It (proposed bill) has defined the misconduct in such a provocative manner that any judge, judicial official or a client can easily say that the behaviour of the lawyer was unlawful, disgraceful or dishonourable," the Council said.

"In a nutshell, the Council is of the unanimous opinion that the autonomy, democracy and the mandate of the Constitution of the country are proposed to be throttled by the said bill."

Judicial work in Delhi was paralysed on March 23 when some 6,000 lawyers went on strike to protest against suggestions that lawyers should be banned from going on strike and slapped with penalties if they do.
New Delhi, March 27 : Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad, facing criticism over assault on an Air India staffer, on Monday got support from Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury who said different airlines should not ban him from flying on their planes.

However, Congress spokesperson Sanjay Jha said it is the "discretion" of the airlines to act as per their will.

"Even I think he is at fault, but the airlines should not have behaved in this manner. Air India (staffer) is the victim, but other airlines should not have imposed a flying ban on him, when he has a ticket booked with them," said Chowdhury.

"Also, till today (Monday), no case has been registered. I think the matter is being stretched a bit too much. They (airlines) are crossing the limits, which I think is wrong," she added.

Air India and all private carriers have refused to fly Gaikwad after he repeatedly hit an Air India employee with a slipper many times last week.

"Shiv Sena MP behaved in an extremely irresponsible and violent manner; we strongly condemn that. He needs to face the legal consequences following an investigation.

"As far as the flying ban by various private airlines is concerned, they have their own discretion to their course of action," Congress leader Jha told IANS.

Another Congress spokesperson Shaktisinh Gohil said: "Political leaders are a role model for people. Hence, such behaviour is not right. He (Gaikwad) should do introspection and mend his ways."

Shiv Sena MPs on Monday said the ban imposed by all airlines on fellow member Ravindra Gaikwad should be lifted but the government said airlines had the right to refuse a passenger.

The issue was raised by Shiv Sena member Anandrao Adsul in the Lok Sabha.
Noida, March 28 : A day after an attack on African students in Greater Noida, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath Yogi had promised a "fair and impartial" probe.

"I have spoken to Adityanathji about (the) attack on African students in Greater Noida. He has assured that there will be a fair and impartial investigation into this unfortunate incident," Sushma Swaraj tweeted.

Sushma Swaraj spoke to Adityanath on Tuesday morning after an African student, Sadiq Bello, tweeted her to "act fast" as living in Noida, he said, was becoming a "life threatening issue" for Africans.

According to police, four African students were attacked by a group of residents in Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh on Monday.

"One African national was attacked in Ansal Plaza Mall while three more were attacked at different places near Pari Chowk in Greater Noida. The African students were attacked after protests over the death of Manish Khari, a Class 12 student in Greater Noida's NSG Society," Superintendent of Police Sujata Singh told IANS.

Khari reportedly died of cardiac arrest due to suspected drug overdose on Saturday.

Singh said three FIRs had been registered against seven people for rioting. "A few of them have been detained while a hunt is on for the others."

She added the deceased may have been depressed.

According to the police, Khari had gone missing on Friday evening and was found in an intoxicated state near his residence on Saturday.

"He was rushed to a hospital where he died during treatment. His family later lodged a complaint against five Nigerian nationals, accusing them of drugging Khari," Singh told IANS.

On Monday, the kin and neighbours of the deceased conducted a candlelight march from NSG Society to Pari Chowk, demanding the arrest of the accused.

"The march turned violet when the protesters spotted three Nigerians and beat them up. They also vandalised cars and other vehicles," Singh said.
Cape Town, March 28 : South African anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Kathrada, once jailed for defying a law that discriminated against Indian South Africans, died early on Tuesday. He was 87.

The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation said he passed away peacefully after a short period of illness and following surgery to the brain at the Donald Gordon Hospital in Johannesburg, Africanews.com reported.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the passing away of Kathrada. On Twitter he posted: "Dr Ahmed Kathrada will be remembered as a remarkable personality, whose life was devoted to creating a just & equal society. RIP."

"I was honoured to have interacted with an inspiring personality like Dr Ahmed Kathrada during my South Africa visit last year," he said in another tweet.

Neeshan Balton, Executive Director of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, said, "This is a great loss to the ANC (African National Congress), the broader liberation movement and South Africa as a whole."

"Internationally, he was staunch in his support for the Palestinian struggle. 'Kathy' was an inspiration to millions in different parts of the world," Balton added.

The foundation said Kathrada will "be buried according to Muslim religious rights."

President Jacob Zuma sent his condolences to Kathrada's family and described him as a "stalwart of the liberation struggle for a free and democratic South Africa".

Zuma declared a special official funeral and instructed that the national flag fly at half-mast at every station in the country until the evening of the official memorial service for "Kathy".

The African National Congress (ANC) described him as an extraordinary leader whose service to South Africa will forever be inscribed.

"May Ahmed rest in peace and rise in glory," Desmond Tutu, the former Cape Town Archbishop, said on Facebook.

"May he rejoice in many heavenly cups of hot chocolate with his old friends and comrades, Mandela, Sisulu, Mbeki, Motsoaledi and Mahlaba, among them," he said.

Born on August 21, 1929, to Indian immigrant parents in a town of northwestern South Africa, Kathrada was introduced to politics when he joined a non-racial youth club run by the Young Communist League, Xinhua news agency reported.

At 17, Kathrada participated in the 1946 Passive Resistance Campaign led by the South African Indian Congress.

He was part of 2,000 persons arrested and imprisoned for defying a law that discriminated against Indian South Africans.

Kathrada spent 26 years and three months in prison, 18 of which were on Robben Island where Nelson Mandela, who later became South Africa's first black President, was also imprisoned. Kathrada was one of Mandela's closest colleagues in the struggle against the white rule.

He has had an illustrious political career, having served between 1994 and 1999 as the parliamentary counsellor to then President Mandela.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Hogan, also an ANC stalwart.
New Delhi, March 28 : India on Tuesday condemned the violence against three Nigerian nationals in Uttar Pradesh as "deplorable" and assured that it is committed to ensuring the safety and security of foreigners in India.

"Yesterday's (Monday's) incident in Greater Noida, in which several people of African origin were injured, is deplorable," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said.

"Minister of State for External Affairs M.J. Akbar spoke to the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria and assured the foreign diplomat of the steps being taken by local authorities for safety and security of Nigerian nationals," Baglay said.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Aditya Nath Yogi had promised a "fair and impartial" probe.

"The government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all foreigners in India. People from Africa, including students and youths, remain our valued partners," Baglay added.

According to police, three Nigerian students were attacked by a group of persons in Greater Noida's Pari Chowk area on Monday.

"The attack took place at the Ansal Plaza Mall in Greater Noida. The African students were attacked after protests over the death of Manish Khatri, a Class 12 student in Greater Noida's NSG Society," Superintendent of Police Sujata Singh told IANS.

Khatri is said to have died of cardiac arrest due to suspected drug overdose on Saturday.

The SP said three FIRs had been registered against seven people for rioting. "A few of them have been detained while a hunt is on for the others."
Seoul, March 28 : Former South Korean President Park Geun-hye on Tuesday decided to appear in a court here to avoid arrest, which is being sought by prosecutors over a corruption scandal embroiling her.

The prosecutors' office here tasked with the probe into the scandal said Park's legal team informed the prosecutors of the former President's decision to appear in the court on Thursday.

The court would decide whether to take Park into custody after studying evidence provided by prosecutors and testimonies offered by her.

Prosecutors sought an arrest warrant for Park on Monday for multiple charges including bribery, abuse of power and the leakage of state secrets.

The court's decision is expected to be made late Thursday or early Friday.

If the court decides to issue the warrant, Park would become the third South Korean former leader to be detained. Two former military strongmen were arrested in 1995 on charges of mutiny and corruption.

A total of 13 charges were levelled by both state and special prosecutors against Park. Prosecutors have branded Park as a criminal accomplice to her long time confidante Choi Soon-sil.

Park was charged with receiving tens of millions of US dollars in bribes from Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, who is now in custody, in return for offering assistance in Lee's inheritance of management control of Samsung Group from his ailing father Chairman Lee Kun-hee.

The younger Lee had effectively taken the helm of the country's biggest family-controlled conglomerate after his father was hospitalised with a heart attack almost three years ago.

Choi was accused of extorting tens of millions of dollars from scores of conglomerates to establish two non-profit foundations she used for personal gains.

One of Park's former secretaries, who is now detained, is suspected of providing secret government documents to Choi on a regular basis to enable her to meddle in state affairs behind the scenes.
This April, Queens Library is celebrating the heritage and legacy of immigrants in America! Join craft workshops, concerts, dance, and theater from around the globe and within The Worlds Borough. Theres something for everyone to enjoysee a preview of some of the programs below! For a full listing of all immigrant heritage celebration programs at Queens Library, click here.

Gashford Guillame & Creole Fusion Ensemble

Saturday, April 1 @ 3pmCambria Heights Library (218-13 Linden Boulevard)

The music of Haitian American drummer & composer Gashford Guillaume is influenced by jazz, and blended with world and creole rhythms for a unique fusion sound. Its at once traditional, modern and soulful.



Folklore Urbano - El Barrio Project

Sunday, April 2 @ 3 pmCentral Library (89-11 Merrick Boulevard)

Pablo Mayor presents a new repertoire from his latest El Barrio Project, which crosses cultural boundaries by delving into the heart of NYCs ethnic neighborhoods. Hear high-energy salsa and Colombian music inspired by themes and sounds of NYCs Latin American communities.



The Evolution of Bollywood

Saturday, April 8 @ 3 pmSouth Ozone Park (128-16 Rockaway Boulevard) Saturday, April 29 @ 3 pm South Jamaica (108-41 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard)

Bollywood has become a popular form of Indian dancing, fusing traditional and classical Indian dances with the influence of some jazz, hip hop and other modern dance styles. Join the Payalia Dance Company for a live performance! Then, get up on your feet and learn this style of dance as well!



A Thousand More Nights: The Sequel

Saturday, April 29 @ 2 pmRidgewood (20-12 Madison Street)

Arabic music and dance, including Raks Sharqui (bellydance), take center stage in this performance with music by Ramitabla, Sami Abu Shumays, and Mariyah.

This post is brought to you by the Queens Library.
New Delhi, March 28 : The AAP on Tuesday said the BJP and the Congress are misleading people on the abolition of house tax by saying that it cannot be done.

Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Delhi Convener Dilip Pandey said both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress were giving false and misleading statements ever since the AAP announced to abolish house tax and waiver of the the arrears if it came to power in civic bodies.

"People in BJP and the Congress who used to make money on the pretext of house tax are rattled with this announcement. That is why both the parties are misleading Delhi people on the matter," Pandey said.

He said the AAP had made it clear that Delhi would be the first city where there would be no house tax.

"Delhi people are welcoming the AAP's promise of abolishing house tax, but BJP and the Congress are worried. Why are they against the interests of the people?" Pandey asked.

Elections to the 272 wards in three municipal corporations are scheduled for April 23. The results will be out on April 26.

The AAP is gearing up for intensive campaigning for the civic polls from March 31.

Kejriwal has planned several public meetings across the city for the municipal polls.
Islamabad, March 29 : The visiting members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation's (OIC) Human Rights Commission regretted denial of permission by India to assess the situation in Kashmir, saying they would continue to refresh their request, officials here said.

The OIC reaction came in response to a "demand" by Pakistan-administered Kashmir's Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider that the commission visit Kashmir at the earliest to review the situation there, Dawn online reported.

"The only weapon being used by the struggling Kashmiris are stones, but in response they are being hit by bullets and pellets which have left hundreds dead and thousands wounded," Haider said.

Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) Chairman S.K. Kaggwa said his organisation had been mandated by the OIC to "objectively highlight human rights violations".

"We show our concern over molestation, rape, use of pellet guns and enforcement of draconian laws in Indian-occupation Kashmir," he said.

He said the IPHRC had placed a request to the Indian authorities in July last year to allow it to visit Kashmir, but the request was not granted notwithstanding several reminders.

"However, we will not give up and continue to press them to grant us permission to visit occupied Kashmir," he said.

Kaggwa said the OIC had always supported right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people and it stood for settlement of the long-standing dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions.

Earlier, the delegation visited two camps of Kashmiri migrants on the outskirts of Muzaffarabad, where they also interviewed more than 20 refugees about the situation that forced them to flee their homes across the divide.
Noida, March 29 : A day after four Nigerian students were attacked, an African woman was on Wednesday morning dragged out of a cab and assaulted in Greater Noida, the police said.

According to the police, a woman coming from Delhi after meeting a friend was allegedly attacked near Knowledge Park area around 4.30 a.m.

The nationality of the woman has not been identified yet.

The police have registered a case and are investigating to identify and nab the woman's attackers.

"The woman did not register a complaint. We are trying to persuade her and get the FIR registered. We are also working on identifying those involved," Abhinandan, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Gautam Budh Nagar, told IANS.

Four Nigerian students were on Monday night attacked by a crowd near Pari Chowk in Greater Noida and two more were beaten up inside a shopping mall.

The attack took place after protests over the death of Manish Khatri, a Class 12 student in Greater Noida's NSG Society.

Khatri on Saturday died of cardiac arrest due to suspected drug overdose. The police said three FIRs were registered.

Five suspects have been arrested and over 1,000 booked, police officer Avinish Dixit told IANS.

According to Dixit, the police had received a complaint from an association of Nigerian residents in Greater Noida.

The two assaulted Nigerians -- Endurance Amarawa, 21, and Precious Amalcima, 24 -- were taken to a hospital with facial injuries and minor fractures. Doctors have ruled out any danger to their lives.

"We were shopping in Ansal Plaza on Monday evening when suddenly a mob attacked us viciously. We tried to enter a showroom to save ourselves," Precious Amalcima, who is pursuing graduation in political science from Noida International University (NIU), told reporters at the hospital on Tuesday.

Endurance is a first year BA-LLB student at the university.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay termed the incident "deplorable".

Baglay said Minister of State for External Affairs M.J. Akbar spoke to Nigeria's Acting High Commissioner and assured him of steps being taken for the safety and security of that country's nationals.

District Magistrate N.P. Singh in Gautam Budh Nagar on Tuesday held a "peace meeting" with some Nigerians, police and civil officials, local resident welfare associations, students and representatives of colleges and universities of the area.

Singh, according to a statement, assured them that the administration was committed to the safety of foreign students and said the incidents had "blemished the image of India where thousands of foreign students come to study".
Islamabad, March 29 : The decision to appoint Pakistan's former Army chief General Raheel Sharif to head the 39-nation coalition of Muslim nations is an administrative decision, Defence Minsiter Khawaja Asif said.

According to Asif, the force is "purely against terrorism" and not linked to the conflict in Yemen, Dawn online reported.

He said: "The decision was taken after much deliberation and I will stand by it in Parliament."

"They (Saudi Arabia) first wrote a letter to our government regarding the matter some six weeks ago, after which the government discussed the matter internally and sent a written agreement to the proposal after a week," he said.

The Defence Minister remained cryptic when asked which other nations will be contributing to the coalition, and said the details of the coalition will only be revealed after a meeting is held in May.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) Ali Muhammad Khan said the government needed to discuss the appointment.

"I want to hear it from the horse's mouth," Khan said, adding it was "strange" that Raheel Sharif remained silent on the issue.

The headquarters of the military alliance would be based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan had initially found itself in the crosshairs of Middle Eastern politics as Saudi Arabia named Islamabad as part of its newly formed military alliance of Muslim countries meant to combat terrorism, without first getting Pakistan's consent.

However, after initial ambiguity, the Pakistan government confirmed its participation in the alliance, but said the scope of its participation would be defined after Riyadh shared details.

The coalition was envisaged to serve as a platform for security cooperation, including provision of training, equipment and troops, and involvement of religious scholars for dealing with extremism.

The Saudi government surprised many countries by announcing that it forged a coalition for coordinating and supporting military operations against terrorism in Iraq, Syria, Libya, Egypt and Afghanistan.

Iran, Saudi Arabia's archrival for influence in the Arab world, was absent from the states named as participants, as proxy conflicts between the two regional powers rage from Syria to Yemen.
New Delhi, March 29 : Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak will arrive in Chennai on Thursday beginning a five-day state visit to India.

Welcoming his Malaysian counterpart to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a tweet on Wednesday, said: "India is delighted to welcome you, Prime Minister. Your visit will further boost India-Malaysia ties."

Earlier on Wednesday, the Malaysian Prime Minister in a tweet said: "I'll be travelling to India for a 5-day visit. A country that's been our friend since 1957. Looking forward to meeting PM @narendramodi again."

Razak would begin his India tour from Chennai on Thursday and is scheduled to meet Tamil Nadu Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao and Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami.

He would arrive in Delhi on Friday and would be accorded a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday.

On Saturday, Razak will call on President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj before meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for delegation-level talks.

On Sunday, the Malaysian Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Rajasthan and hold a meeting with Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.

During his stay on Monday, Prime Minister Razak will be attending a trade expo organised by the Malaysia-India Business Council Business Forum and 7th Global Science and Innovation Advisory Council Meeting.

He would leave for Malaysia on Tuesday.
Noida, March 29 : A day after India condemned an attack on some Nigerian students and said it was committed to safety of foreign nationals, a Kenyan woman was on Wednesday morning dragged out of a cab in Greater Noida by a group of men, and punched and kicked in the abdomen, police said.

The woman, whose name has been withheld, was attacked around 4.30 a.m. near Alstonia Apartments in Knowledge Park area while coming from Delhi Police Society in Greater Noida after meeting a friend.

The Kenyan student, in her 20s, alleged that she was pulled out of her Ola cab, slapped and kicked in her abdomen by 10-12 men.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Gautam Budh Nagar, Abhinandan told IANS that the men are yet to be identified.

"They attacked her when she resisted and tried to shout for help. We have registered a case and are investigating to identify and nab the attackers."

Police have registered a case under sections of rioting, unlawful assembly, criminal intimidation and voluntarily causing hurt of the Indian Penal Code.

She was taken to Greater Noida's Kailash Hospital and was discharged after first aid.

Investigators said they initially got information that five-six men were involved in the attack but the woman told them that 10-12 people attacked her.

"We are in touch with Ola officials and getting the details of the cab driver who fled from the spot during the attack," he said.

Greater Noida, which houses numerous colleges and universities where thousands of foreign nationals study, witnessed violence against African nationals on Monday night in which four Nigerians were injured.

The Nigerian students were attacked near Pari Chowk in Greater Noida and two more were beaten up inside a shopping mall.

The attack took place after protests over the death of Manish Khari, a Class 12 student in Greater Noida's NSG Society, due to suspected drug overdose. The mob accused the Nigerians of being involved in drug running.

On Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Gopal Baglay termed the incident "deplorable" and said the government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all foreigners in India. "People from Africa, including students and youth, remain our valued partners."
Agartala/New Delhi, March 29 : In a major setback to the Tripura government, the Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the Tripura High Court order terminating the jobs of over 10,000 teachers but allowed them to continue in their jobs till December 31, the state's Law Secretary said.

The apex court asked the Tripura government to initiate the fresh recruitment process and allowed the terminated teachers to participate in the selection process.

"A Supreme Court division bench of Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel and Justice Uday Umesh Lalit upheld the Tripura High Court's May 7, 2014, order terminating the jobs of 10,323 government teachers. However, the Supreme Court allowed them to continue in service till December 31," Tripura Law Secretary D.M. Jamatia told IANS over phone from New Delhi.

"The Supreme Court also asked the Tripura government to initiate a fresh recruitment process by May 31 and complete it by December 31 in compliance with the obligatory qualifications as mandated by the NCERT (National Council for Educational Research and Training)."

"The state government may consult with the union MHRD (Ministry of Human Resource Development) about the procedure of the recruitment process and procedure," he said.

The Supreme Court order came on three special leave petitions filed before it separately by the Tripura government, beneficiary teachers and terminated teachers.

Tripura Law and Education Minister Tapan Chakraborty said in Agartala that the state government would take its next course of action after receiving the certified copy of the Supreme Court judgment.

"The government would stand behind the government teachers," he told reporters.

A division bench of the Tripura High Court, comprising then Chief Justice Deepak Kumar Gupta (now elevated to the apex court) and then Justice Swapan Chandra Das (since retired) had passed the order and asked the state government to frame a new employment policy within two months.

Tripura's Left Front government recruited 1,100 post-graduate and 4,617 graduate teachers in 2010 and 4,606 under-graduate teachers in December 2013.

The main opposition parties, including the Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party and the Trinamool Congress, had welcomed the high court's verdict and sought fresh recruitments.
New Delhi, March 29 : Britain's High Commissioner to India Sir Dominic Asquith on Wednesday said Britain and India share common interests and have to work together to "tackle" the threats.

He also said Britain supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambition of smart cities, digital innovation and start-ups.

"We stand by what British Prime Minister Theresa May had said during her bilateral visit to India. We want to put the exchange of ideas, innovation and technology at the very heart of our relationship," Asquith said on the opening day of the LSE India Summit here.

"We support Prime Minister Modi's ambition of smart cities, digital innovation and start-ups. Both UK and India matter to each other. We have common interests and we have to tackle the threats of the future together," he said.

LSE India Summit is the annual summit of the South Asia Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science and it started here on Wednesday.

Titled "India at 70", the three-day event commemorates 70 years of India's independence and includes several discussions on core issues the country is facing in contemporary times.

The summit commenced with the inauguration of an exhibition from The Partition Museum, Amritsar, which showcases memories of one of the largest and most tragic displacements in history.

The exhibition offered a glimpse into the personal and public material available on the partition.

The audience were urged to share their stories, belongings and memories with the museum. This was followed by a dramatic reading of a letter written by a father to his son when they were separated during the partition by author Suhel Seth.

"The LSE-India Summit is a culmination of the strong ties between London School of Economics and India which have existed since the formation of the LSE," Mukulika Banerjee, Director of LSE South Asia Centre, said in her inaugural address.

"Marking 70 years of Indian Independence, we remember the difficult and great paths that the people of this nation have traversed in getting here and the exhibition of the Partition Museum is central to that," Banerjee said.

During the course of the day, panels with stalwarts from various walks of life debated issues, ranging from forced philanthropy to India's water security.

The day ended with a discussion between British academic and international relations scholar Michael Cox and historian Ramachandra Guha on the relationship LSE has had with India.

The discussions ranged from how the philosophies of early independent India were significantly influenced by the experience of the nation's founding fathers at the LSE to the modern day, when Indians constitute one of the largest body of foreign students at the university.

The three-day event is taking place at the India Habitat Centre here and would conclude on March 31.
New Delhi, March 29 : Observing that the health of people was "far more important", the Supreme Court on Wednesday said vehicles that do not comply with BS-IV emission norms cannot be sold in the country after April 1, 2017.

The bench of Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice Deepak Gupta also prohibited registration of BS-IV non-compliant vehicles from April 1 at all the vehicle-registering authorities.

"On and from 1st April, 2017, such vehicles that are not BS-IV compliant shall not be sold in India by any manufacturer or dealer, that is to say that such vehicles whether two-wheeler, three-wheeler, four-wheeler or commercial vehicles will not be sold in India by any manufacturer or dealer....," the court said in its order.

"All the vehicle registering authorities under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, are prohibited for registering such vehicles on and from 1st April, 2017, that do not meet BS-IV emission standards, except on proof that such a vehicle has already been sold on or before 31st March, 2017," it added.

Banning the sale and registration, the court said the health of the people was "far far more important than the commercial interests of the manufacturers".

Erich Nesselhauf, Managing Director and CEO of Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, in a statement said, "Today's decision of the Supreme Court reassures us in our belief that industry interests must go together with the interests of the society at large. The BS-IV standard will bring much needed improvements in terms of air quality, to the benefit of the people and the environment."

"We are now counting down for next week's launch of our all-new range of BharatBenz trucks, featuring our clean and fuel-efficient BS-IV technology package. We could not have chosen a better timing to introduce these fresh new products," he added.

Vinod K. Dasari, MD and CEO of Ashok Leyland Ltd, dismissing the reports on huge write-off of BS-III inventories by his company, said: "Ashok Leyland has been making BS-IV vehicles since 2010 and has sufficient capability and capacity to make BS-IV vehicles. However, since BS-IV commercial vehicles cannot run properly on BS-III fuel -- and such fuel is not available nationwide -- our customers continued to buy BS-III vehicles."

"Given the current demand, majority of the vehicles in the pipeline have already been sold."

"Of the little inventory that we expect to remain beyond this, we will export them to other markets where we have significant presence and still operate on BS-III norms. Finally, for any other vehicles still left over, the Company confirms that it will be able to easily upgrade them to BS-IV at minimal cost," Dasari added.

Speaking on the order, Nikunj Sanghi of Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) in an interview to BTVi said, "We are definitely sitting on huge inventories of BS-III vehicles."

"Since the manufacturer did see this coming, I am sure something will prevail upon dealers and manufacturers to work out a solution which mitigates the loss," Nikunj said.

Talking about the inventory of the BS-III vehicle with the industry, he said, "If I go by the affidavits filed by the manufacturers in the SC, I think the value of the inventory would be anywhere from Rs 12,000 to 15,000 crore."

Raj Panjwani, Senior Advocate, commenting on the judgment, said, "It is a very big order..it has got huge ramification as far as stocks are concerned... the question will now come up as to whether we can convert these BS-III into BS-IV vehicles."

"If you can't convert them, then the issue will come up that what do we do with these vehicles. When we have such huge stock, the question arises what will be the environmental cost of not being able to utilise or maybe scrapping them in some places," he said to BTVi.

"I hope the SC listens to the plea being made... If they don't do, then the dealers as well as the manufacturers are stuck with the stock," Panjwani added.

The central government earlier told the court on March 27 that March 31 was the deadline for stopping the production of BS-III emission norm vehicles but there were no curbs on their sale beyond the deadline or halting their manufacturing.
Yangon, March 30 : A total of 88 Myanmar fishermen, who were detained in India for violating the country's law, were sent home through diplomatic channel, a media report said on Thursday.

The fishermen, who were put into custody at the Open Distress Camp in India, arrived at the Yangon International Airport on Wednesday evening from Port Blair by a chartered flight, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Myanmar fishermen were provided with aid by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement and arrangements were being made to send them back homes.
Brooklyn prosecutors announced the indictment of 34 people on drug dealing-related charges on Wednesday, for allegedly taking part in a heroin, synthetic opiate, and cocaine-selling operation. The supply chain included Chinese chemists, a distributor in Arizona, small-time dealers from South Carolina and the hills of central New York, and a crew of dealers across Brooklyn and Queens, according to prosecutors. And as if actual heroin or its synthetic cousin fentanyl were not risky enough, some of what the dealers in the boroughs thought was heroin was actually furanyl fentanyl, a chemical analogue of fentanyl cooked up by back-room chemists to evade the authorities.

The investigation began in November 2015, and police said on Wednesday that they traced the drugs from China to New York. In making the arrests, cops netted 10 kilos of narcotics, 17 guns, and $300,000 in cash.

Brooklyn district attorneys accuse a man named Nigel Maloney, 49, of Phoenix, Arizona of being the primary supplier of the drugs being moved in the streets of eastern Brooklyn and southern Queens from June 2016 to this month. Maloney allegedly coordinated with a lieutenant in Jamaica, Queens. He in turn allegedly supplied two wholesalers, who worked with at least 10 lower-level dealers. Many of those involved were allegedly affiliated with the Bloods. Meanwhile, Joseph Raffone of Ridgewood, Queens, and Kristian Cruz of the East Village allegedly received kilos of narcotics through the mail, and sold large quantities to at least two other wholesalers. It's not clear who supplied the mailed drugs, but at least some of it was delivered via DHL, according to prosecutors. Cruz allegedly had a surrogate pick up one delivery of what he thought was heroin, and sent another to his mom's place.

The investigation apparently relied on an array of wiretaps and some visual surveillance. The probe purportedly revealed, among other things, that the Lindenwood Diner and a nearby Rite Aid parking lot in East New York are favored spots for drug transactions.

Both Cruz and Raffone allegedly sold furanyl fentanyl thinking it was heroin. Police say when they arrested Raffone in November on an earlier set of charges, they found him in an apartment with two loaded guns, 494 grams of heroin, and 2,292 grams of furanyl fentanyl, which prosecutors say is sometimes called White China. In early November, shortly before Raffone's arrest, he and Cruz both allegedly made calls to an unidentified person to discuss the quality of the heroin they were getting in bulk.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid created in 1960. It was originally intended to be used as an intravenous anesthetic in combination with other drugs. It is now also legally used to treat severe pain, usually coming in a patch. As they have done with synthetic marijuana and so-called bath salts, black market chemists, many of them in China, have concocted close chemical variations of fentanyl to try to stay one step ahead of legal classifications. The federal government only classified furanyl fentanyl as a controlled substance in November, and there is still not a state law addressing it. To navigate this, in some instances Brooklyn DAs charged alleged drug dealers in the recent bust with attempted sale of a controlled substancein other words, they thought they were selling heroin, which is itself a crime.

Maloney has yet to be apprehended, according to a law enforcement official. The indictment includes 357 counts, most of them felonies. The top charge carries as many as 20 years in prison. Cruz was arraigned last Thursday and released on $250,000 bail, court records show. Raffone has been incarcerated since his initial arrest last year, according to jail records. He pleaded guilty to drug and gun possession charges on March 1st, but now faces 18 more felony counts.

Lawyers for Cruz and Raffone did not immediately return calls seeking comment.

Black market drug vendors have come to favor fentanyl as well as its variants because it is around 40 to 50 times more potent than heroin, meaning more product can be moved with less effort. The flip side of this is that dosage is much more fickle, which has led to a spike in overdoses involving fentanyl (the musician Prince is among the victims).



The Naloxone anti-overdose kits that are supposed to soon be carried by every NYPD patrol officer. (Andrew Burton/Getty)

The indictment follows Mayor de Blasio's announcement of a $38 million per year plan to combat opiate addiction. Officials have said that 1,200 to 1,300 New Yorkers died from opiate overdoes last year. The plan calls for expanding treatment programs, prosecuting more drug dealers, equipping hospitals to better treat addicts, and equipping NYPD officers with overdose antidote medication.

Also on Wednesday, President Trump announced a plan to create a commission to look into this whole opioid thing, led by disgraced New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. On the campaign trail, Trump vowed to "give people struggling with addiction access to the help they need." As president, he has appointed lock-'em-up advocate and anti-marijuana hardliner Jeff Sessions as attorney general, and proposed cutting funding for public health research in favor of building the border wall that Mexico won't pay for.

"These people dont need another damn commission," an anonymous former Obama administration official who worked on the opioid crisis told Politico. "We know what we need to do. It's not rocket science."

At a roundtable on addiction with recovering addicts, Sessions, and Drug Enforcement Administration head Chuck Rosenberg on Wednesday, Rosenberg said "education, prevention, and treatment" are "crucial." Rosenberg is an Obama appointee who Trump has kept on. Summing up towards the end of the roundtable, Trump said, "Big issue. Very, very big issue."
Kolkata, March 30 : Warning that wheat blast could be "catastrophic" for South Asia, scientists from Bangladesh, which was ravaged by an outbreak of the disease in 2016, have offered to help their Indian counterparts tackle the deadly fungal foe, reported here for the first time this year.

Following the first sightings of wheat blast in India in Bengal, experts at the Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV) in the state have sought to fully understand the pathogen in collaboration with scientists at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU) in Bangladesh, given their experience in the matter.

"Through the collaboration with scientists from Bangladesh, we can step ahead as they are already continuing their studies from 2016. So their experience will help us. This kind of research will help even other countries of Southeast Asia where the disease is predicted to occur," Sunita Mahapatra, Assistant Professor, Plant Pathology, BCKV, Nadia, told IANS.

Mahapatra is waiting for the go-ahead from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

Wheat blast is caused by a fungus known as Magnaporthe oryzae although scientists are still debating its exact identity.

Mahapatra says the disease, that periodically devastates crops in South America, has been detected in wheat in the Bangladesh-bordering Murshidabad and Nadia districts of Bengal in February. Wheat on at least 1,000 hectare in the two districts has been riddled with the fungus.

"ICAR, Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research and the Agriculture Department of the state government took immediate measures and decided to burn all the infested fields to stop its spread as well as its survival for the next season," Mahapatra said, adding initial investigations have confirmed the presence of the fungus.

Now, with the wheat harvesting season knocking on the doors, there is an urgency to "know the enemy".

Wheat blast was first sighted in Brazil in 1985. In February 2016, the disease emerged in eight districts of Bangladesh and became an epidemic -- the first reported outbreak outside South America. In Bangladesh, the fungus led to yield loss of up to 90 per cent in more than 15,000 hectares of crops last year.

In its aftermath, Md. Tofazzal Islam and his team at BSMRAU developed a convenient and rapid molecular diagnostic tool for detection of wheat blast in seeds, asymptomatic plants and alternate hosts.

"Indian researchers are welcome to collaborate with us for precisely determining the genetic identity and origin of wheat blast in India. We are ready to help them analyse Indian samples by field pathogenomics analytic methods and molecular diagnosis that we have developed," Islam, Professor and Head of the Department of Biotechnology at BSMRAU, told IANS.

Pathogenomics refers to genomic research on pathogenic micro-organisms.

"This pathogen causes a destructive disease on rice and it would be disastrous if the same situation arises now in wheat," he warned.

Through genomic analysis and bioinformatics studies, Islam and 31 researchers from 14 institutes spanning four continents collaborated to trace the lineage of wheat blast in Bangladesh to South American Magnaporthe oryzae.

British and Bangladeshi teams are making raw genetic data for the wheat blast pathogen available on the Open Wheat Blast website. One of the key collaborators is Sophien Kamoun of Britain's The Sainsbury Laboratory in Norwich.

"Our ultimate goal is to develop a durable blast-resistant wheat variety for the farmers," Islam explained.

Mahapatra said genetic studies are crucial to strengthen (disease) resistance research and strategies.

"We also need to find out the ancestor of the pathogen, from where it came, study pathogen behaviour, distribution of the pathogen, immunity in the host or resistance and so many other aspects that we need to solve before the next season of wheat harvesting -- as soon as possible . So, if we work together, then our work will be faster as well as fruitful," reasoned Mahapatra.

Islam believes spores (reproductive units) of the fungus, that can travel via wind for six km or more, were responsible for the spread of the disease in Bengal.

Similarity of weather in the Bengal districts and across the border also favoured its dissemination, Mahapatra felt.

"Wheat blast needs no passport or visa for crossing geographical borders. It poses serious threat to future food and nutritional security of South Asia. If delayed, wheat blast can be catastrophic in South Asia," added Islam.

According to data on the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) website, South Asia is home to 300 million undernourished people and inhabitants consume over 100 million tonnes of wheat each year.

(Sahana Ghosh can be contacted at sahana.g@ians.in )
Washington, March 30 : Republican Senator John McCain said that he will do whatever it takes to make sure that military spending is increased even if that means shutting down the government, a media report said.

The Arizona Senator told CNN on Wednesday that he would not vote for a continuing resolution (CR), a funding bill that maintains the previous spending levels.

When asked how far he would go, McCain said he only had one vote, but that he would not rule out a shutdown.

"If that's the only option. I will not vote for a CR no matter what the consequences because passing a CR destroys the ability of the military to defend this nation, and it puts the lives of the men and women in the military at risk," McCain said, adding "I can't do that to them."

McCain's comments come as leaders are making a serious effort to negotiate the remaining appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2017 that would likely include some of the new military spending that McCain is pushing for.

Congress has to come to an agreement before the government runs out of money April 28, the CNN report said.

McCain has long been an advocate for increased military spending and has voted for continuing resolutions in the past, but this time, McCain said he "just won't do it" and that the military would be set back by another CR.
Ranchi, March 30 : Maoist guerrillas torched three vehicles involved in transporting coal in Jharkhand's Chatra district on Thursday, police said.

At least 10 to 15 militants raided a private company engaged by the Central Coalfields Ltd (CCL) at Tandawa. The incident took place at CCL's Magadh colliery project.

Denial of levy sought by Maoists is said to be the reason behind the attack.

In 2016, more than 50 vehicles involved in different development work were torched by the Maoists. Maoists are active in 18 of the 24 districts of Jharkhand.
Beijing, March 30 : Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the US next week for his first meeting with President Donald Trump, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang announced on Thursday.

Before arriving in the US, Xi will visit Finland at the invitation of President Sauli Niinisto from April 4 to 6, Xinhua news agency quoted Lu as saying.

Later, he will proceed to Florida from April 6 to 7.

Xi will meet Trump at the latter's private residence in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, where the two are expected to discuss bilateral commercial relations.

"China hopes to make joint efforts with the US to expand trade cooperation, properly settle trade frictions through dialogues, and maintain healthy and stable growth of trade and economic ties," Lu said.

The China-US trade in goods amounted to $519.6 billion in 2016, an increase of 207 times compared with that of 1979 when the two countries set up diplomatic ties, according to Lu.

Xi's visit to Finland will be his first trip to a European Union member state this year, and also his first visit to northern Europe as the President, Lu added.
Islamabad, March 30 : Pakistan on Thursday accused India of interfering in the country's internal affairs and claimed that New Delhi was involved in financing terror activities in the region.

"The entire world knows that India is interfering in Pakistan's internal matters," said Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria during a media briefing and added that "the arrest of Indian spy Kulbhushan Yadav from Pakistan's soil is a proof of this".

Indian national Kulbhushan Yadav was arrested in March 2016 in Balochistan on charges of being a RAW agent, fuelling the Baloch separatist movement and attempting to sabotage the CPEC project, Geo TV reported.

Earlier this month, Sartaj Aziz, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, told a Senate session that the First Information Report (FIR) on Yadav was registered and a case was being prepared.

The Pakistan Foreign Office also came out in support of Muslims in Indian Kashmir who, it claimed, were victims of "atrocities" by the Indian government, the Geo TV report said.

"Indian troops are opening fire at funerals of Kashmiri martyrs," spokesperson Zakaria said.

He asked the international community to urge India to stop the "genocide of innocent Kashmiris", Geo TV reported.
New Delhi, March 30 : Hailing the passage of four GST Bills in the Lok Sabha as a step closer to the implementation, industry stakeholders on Thursday said that the government needs to step up work on fitment of commodities in tax slabs to ensure a smooth roll-out by July 1.

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the much-awaited Central Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill, Integrated GST Bill, Compensation GST Bill and Union Territory GST Bill, 2017, after negating all the amendments put forward by the Opposition.

"The passage of key enabling laws by Parliament would bring the revolutionary Goods and Services Tax (GST) closer to becoming a reality," said Sandeep Jajodia, President, Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham).

"It is up to the industry, Centre and the state governments to work on a tight deadline for a smooth roll-out of the GST," Jajodia added.

"The GST Council and the government administration must now step up work on the final details and fitments of different tax brackets," he said.

Pratik Jain, Partner and National Leader - Indirect Tax at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) India, said that in terms of next step, focus would now be shifting to finalisation of rules which are to be taken up in the GST Council meeting on March 31.

"Finalisation of these rules is necessary for the businesses to prepare for the transition, particularly in terms of IT and systems related changes," Jain said.

"It is likely that suggestions of the working groups constituted last week for a few sectors would be taken into account while finalising the rules," he added.

Also, the industry would be keenly awaiting finalisation of GST rates, an exercise which may entail intense debate within the GST Council over next one month or so.

PwC lauded the passage of GST Bills with extensive debating in the Lok Sabha, despite some bit of political resistance. Being a Money Bill, concurrence of the Rajya Sabha is not needed for the bills to become effective.

"However, government should perhaps note the concerns raised by opposition, particularly those relating to tax administration, impact of multiple rate structure and possible impact on sectors which are to be excluded from GST -- like agriculture and petroleum," Jain said.

The comments come in as the Lok Sabha on Thursday rejected amendments to the Finance Bill.

Rajeev Dimri, Leader, Indirect Tax, BMR and Associates LLP, said, "GST Bills as passed by Lok Sabha should provide enough material to India Inc to start implementing GST for the business."

"Now it is important that supporting rules are finalised by the GST Council in its next few meetings, and should be released at the earliest to enable the businesses to align their compliance and regulatory processes," Dimri said.

For the businesses to precisely assess the financial impact, it is also essential for the policy-makers to provide clarity on the applicable tax rates for various sectors, he said.

Rakesh Bhargava, Director, Taxmann.com, said that as the government has decided to bring these bills in the Lok Sabha as Money Bills, the Rajya Sabha can only suggest changes to them. However, the Lok Sabha is not bound to accept.

"Now, it will be merely a formality to get final nod of Parliament to make the GST Law. The government has emphasised in the Lok Sabha that it wants the consensus of all parties to pass GST bills," he said.

"Since, this session of Parliament will end on April 12, it has to be passed in this Budget Session in order to get it implemented from July 1, otherwise this deadline will not be achieved," Bhargava added.

Anshuman Magazine, Chairman, India and South East Asia of the commercial real estate services CBRE, said: "This is a significant moment in our country's economic history. With the passage of India's biggest tax reform in decades, we will become a unified market, with one tax for all goods and services."

"Once implemented, GST will significantly ease the ambiguity around our taxation system, promote ease of doing business, encourage more Foreign Direct Investment and stimulate overall growth of the economy," Magazine said.

Sachin Sandhir, Global Managing Director - Emerging Business, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, said: "We congratulate the government for clearing the path for the roll-out of the GST from July 1. While GST was not fundamentally designed with the real estate sector in mind, the sector will gain from it."
Ankara, March 30 : US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Thursday arrived in Turkey where he will hold high-level discussions on how to tackle the Islamic State (IS) terror group, officials said.

Tillerson will met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and Foreign Minister MevlAt Cavusoglu in Ankara, Efe news reported.

The officials will discuss potential cooperative defence operations in the bid to oust the IS from their final Syrian bastion of Raqqa city.

On Tuesday, Yildirim announced that a Turkish military operation backing Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebels against the IS and Kurdish militias in northern Syria -- dubbed Operation Euphrates Shield -- had successfully ended, but did not rule out future military manoeuvres.

Ankara has proposed a joint operation with the US against Raqqa, using branches of the FSA as it had done in Aleppo province since August 2016.

Washington is yet to confirm whether or not it would collaborate with Turkey in the Raqqa offensive.

After Turkey, Tillerson will leave for Brussels for a meeting of NATO foreign ministers.
New Delhi, March 30 : The Modi government seems to be facilitating a corporate takeover of parliamentary democracy and the political system, the CPI-M has said.

An editorial in its journal "People's Democracy" said the government had taken another surreptitious step to harness corporate funding for the BJP and to subject the political system to the sway of big money.

While presenting the Union Budget, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced that the government would introduce "electoral bonds" to fund political parties.

Thus, anyone wanting to contribute money to a political party can, through a bank, purchase a bond for a specified amount. This can then be put into the account of a political party.

The donor's identity will not be revealed. The political party also need not identify to the Income Tax Department from whom they received the bond.

"Such an anonymous transfer of fund through bearer bonds will facilitate big money, including black money, being laundered through electoral bonds to political parties," the editorial said.

Now, companies can give funds to political parties up to 7.5 percent of the average of the net profits earned in the last three financial years.

An amendment was brought to remove this limit of 7.5 percent.

Secondly, the current law provides for disclosure of the name of the political party to which the company makes the contribution. The amendment has sought to do away with this too.

"The net result of this amendment, which has now been adopted by the Lok Sabha, is that companies can give unlimited amounts of money as contribution to a political party," the Communist Party of India-Marxist said.

"The limit of 7.5 percent of the net profit has been removed, nor will the company accounts have to show to which party the donation has been made.

"This will open the way for companies to be set up to funnel unaccounted money to a particular political party."

The CPI-M said this change had been made to facilitate corporate funding to the Bharatiya Janata Party.

"Companies will have now the incentive to provide huge contributions to the ruling party to earn its favour.

"The ruling party has another advantage... Though the identity of the company or donor will not be disclosed publicly, the government will have the means to find out the details of such donations as bank data can be accessed through governmental authorities.

"No company or big donor will risk the ire of the ruling party and government by giving donations to the opposition parties," it said.

The editorial added: "The Modi government has also opened the way for legitimising bribery and corruption. (It) has opened the floodgates for corporate money flowing into the ruling party's coffers.

"The Modi government seems to be facilitating a corporate takeover of parliamentary democracy and the political system, in full connivance with the Hindutva forces."
Kolkata, March 30 : A year after an under-construction flyover collapsed here snuffing out 27 lives and injuring over a hundred, despair and dread still stalk residents living within kissing distance of the remaining structure.

On March 31, 2016, around 12.30 pm the world came crashing down for hundreds of commuters and residents of Ganesh Talkies in north Kolkata where the partly-built flyover was winding its way through.

A 100-metre portion of the flyover, wedged between old buildings, sheared off and collapsed, flattening vehicles and trapping over a hundred people underneath it, triggering a political slugfest over corruption in the then assembly poll-bound West Bengal.

Over the past one year, the police have arrested engineers from Hyderabad-based construction company IVRCL -- responsible for constructing the Vivekananda flyover -- and two officials of the state-run Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) that had been tasked with monitoring the project.

One also saw a series of ongoing scientific inspections, but a decision on what to do with the remnant bridge is yet to be taken.

A senior official of the construction company had claimed the disaster was "an act of God" which was swiftly dismissed by engineering experts, who pointed to the lack of proper planning, delays, lacunae in design and bad tendering as the major reasons for the tragedy.

In the aftermath, citizens united under the "Flyover Hatao Abhiyaan" have repeatedly protested against letting the structure remain there in a precarious position. They have been demanding demolition of the "murder bridge".

"What change? There is no change. Nobody came to check on us," said the widow of a shopkeeper killed in the incident.

"People still fear that the rest of it may collapse any second. Children go to school and people are scared of a second mishap," said Sanjay Somkar, a resident.

Somkar and his neighbours were the first ones to rush to the spot when the incident occurred, alerted by the thundering sound of the collapsing flyover.

Blood-spattered faces in pain, crushed limbs, slippers peeping out from beneath the fallen steel girders and debris, made for a ghastly site, as locals made a mad dash to extricate those still alive.

The Indian Army was pressed into service in addition to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

Chaos reigned supreme as curious thousands poured into the narrow pocket of road, hampering rescue efforts.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, rushed to Kolkata after cancelling election rallies in West Midnapore district.

She announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the dead, Rs 2 lakh each for the critically injured and Rs 1 lakh for those who suffered minor injuries.

The long-delayed 2.5-km flyover was expected to tackle congestion in the Burra Bazar area -- the location of one of the largest wholesale markets in Asia -- up to Howrah station, the gateway to the city.

The flyover's foundation was laid in 2008 (during the Left Front regime) and work on the Rs 164-crore project began on February 24, 2009.

It was scheduled to be ready in 2012 but land acquisition issues delayed completion. The implementing agency too ran into financial troubles.

Over 50 families living in buildings near the accident site were asked to vacate temporarily for the safe removal of collapsed debris.

Eviction notices were sent out to at least 10 families to vacate buildings on K.K. Tagore Street -- right beneath the flyover. These buildings were earmarked as "vulnerable" and had to be demolished.

Most continue living under the flyover's shadow, hoping it will be brought down.

(Sahana Ghosh can be contacted at sahana.g@ians.in)
Noida, March 30 : A Kenyan woman who claimed she was assaulted by a group of men in Greater Noida may have lied about the attack, police said on Thursday.

Police officers in Greater Noida IANS spoke to said "no such incident" occurred on Wednesday morning and the victim may have made a "wrong statement" because she appeared depressed.

Maria Burendi, a student, alleged she was pulled out of an Ola cab around 4.30 a.m. near Alstonia Apartments in Knowledge Park of the satellite town near Delhi when she was returning home after meeting a friend.

The woman, in her 20s, alleged that she was slapped and kicked in her abdomen by 10-12 men at Greater Noida in Gautam Budh Nagar district.

Superintendent of Police Sujata Singh told IANS that it was a "false case".

She said since the matter pertained to a foreigner and involved the foreign offices of India and Kenya, "we are waiting for a government order to expunge the FIR".

Sujata Singh said they were also informed by the President of the Association of African Students in India that the woman may be "lying because of depression".

Circle Officer Abhinandan Singh said the woman was depressed due to a family problem and had a fight with one of her friends on the night she reported the incident.

"She fabricated the story and tried to relate the matter with the recent attacks on Nigerians," Abhinandan Singh told IANS, referring to a series of shocking attacks on Nigerian students in Greater Noida on Monday.

"The driver of the Ola cab, in which the Kenyan woman travelled on Wednesday morning, confirmed it was a fabricated story and refuted her allegations."

The Circle Officer said the woman has been constantly giving contradictory statements since "we questioned the cab driver to know the reality".

"The woman had alleged that the driver fled from the spot without taking the payment when she was attacked. But he gave us a Rs 120 invoice paid by the woman.

"She reported that the incident occurred around 4.30 a.m. while the driver's statement and the (Global Positioning System) GPS location of the cab revealed that she travelled in the cab between 5.50 a.m. and 6 a.m."

Abhinandan Singh said a policeman -- in charge of a checkpost -- found the woman on the street on Monday although the situation was tense in the area after the assault on Nigerians.

"The officer dropped the woman at her apartment and gave her his number for any emergency. Why didn't the woman call the officer when she was attacked?" he asked.

Police registered a case of rioting, unlawful assembly, criminal intimidation and voluntarily causing hurt of the Indian Penal Code after the incident was reported by the Kenyan woman.

She also reported injuries and was then taken to Kailash Hospital in Greater Noida, which houses many colleges and universities where thousands of foreign nationals study. She was discharged after a first aid.

(Rajnish Singh can be contacted at rajnish.s@ians.in)
Every day since Christmas, Team Smorgasburg has held tastings in their Crown Heights officeabout 75 in all, culled from some 300 initial applicantsto determine who would be joining the still-insanely-popular weekend food market, opening this Saturday in Williamsburg and on Sunday in Prospect Park. In the end, 26 new vendors made the cut, most of whom were on hand at Berg'n last night for a sneak preview.

As usual, I tried everything. Here are a few highlights:

 The Burger Supreme, which you may know from its stint as a pop-up at Mission Chinese, is serving a simple but perfect "griddle-steamed" Fleishers beef patty, cooked medium rare, with melted American cheese and a mustard-based sauce on a potato roll. Nothing flashy, totally delicious.

 Ube Kitchen has several Filipino classics on offer, but the one you'll be seeing all over your Instagram feed is the Classic Halo Halo, a hollowed-out dragon-fruit shell filled with ube ice cream, blackberries, mangos, dragon fruit chunks, tapioca, jackfruit, red mung beans, toasted coconut flakes and a coconut milk sauce. It's sweet, refreshing, and bursting with bold flavors.

 The Wisconsin natives behind Baked Cheese Haus ship in wheels of homemade stinky stuff from their native land for a first-rate Raclette sandwich, melted to order of course, and paired with a nice gamey prosciutto, cornichons, and scallions on a crusty roll.

 Belmere Catering is making several traditional Haitian dishes, including a rich and fiery pumpkin Freedom Soup and "Pigs on a Stick," which is basically deep-fried fatty chunks of well-seasoned pork belly.

 John's Juice serves pulpy beverages made by sticking a pulverizer right inside a whole piece of fruitdragon fruit, orange, pineapple, grapefruit, and watermelon are all plannedsmashing the hell out of it, squeezing in a bit of simple sugar, agave, or ginger syrup, putting in a straw, and done. It is indeed, "All Juice, No Cups".

 The duo behind Strange Flavor Burger is branching out from their shack in Bushwick's The Johnsons to feed Smorgasburg goers an excellent Mapo Brisket sandwich, topped with tofu crisps and served on a chewy sesame roll, among other full-flavored, decadent delights.

 Rutte's Dutch Waffles offers wonderfully large stroopwafels served just-made, fresh, warm, and gooey for maximum happiness.



Horchata Churro Ice Cream Sandwich from Dulcinea Churros (Scott Lynch/Gothamist)

Other new dishes of note include Spaghetti Donuts from Pop Pasta, which are gimmicky to be sure, but also taste good and are fun to eat; ice cream sandwiches from Dulcinea Churros (I had the horchata ice cream with a generous squirt of dulce de leche on a sweet churro "bun"); Cambodian street food from Kreung, including a memorable fermented fish paste called Prahok, served with rice and various root vegetables for dipping; and Prodigy from Mobb Deep's Commissary Kitchen, which cooks up dishes inspired by his three years in prison, teamed here with Eddie Huang's Baohaus crew.

This summer both the Smorgasburg and Brooklyn Flea markets will be "zero waste" events, said co-founder Eric Demby, which means all dishes and utensils are compostable, with no cans or plastic bottles allowed. So instead of vendors selling bottled water, there will be free filtered water filling stations located around the park.

And remember, as tempting as it may be to make fun of ramen burgers, raindrop cakes, and spaghetti donuts, these are all mom-and-pop-style small businesses, the kind everyone always complains there aren't enough of anymore in our city. Smorgasburg will feature some 100 different vendors every Saturday and Sunday, none of whom are getting rich by busting their ass out there trying to make something good in less-than-ideal cooking conditions, but all of whom are pursuing some sort of dream.

Smorgasburg Williamsburg is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Saturday beginning April 1, and is located at 90 Kent Avenue in East River State Park. Smorgasburg Prospect Park is open 11 to 6 every Sunday beginning April 2, and is located at Breeze Hill near East Drive and Lincoln Road.
New Delhi : New Delhi , March 30 (IANS) Amid speculations that the government will relax and dilute the norms for the emission standards, environment activists held a protest march outside Union Environment Ministry here on Thursday.

A group of activists from environmental NGO Greenpeace stood outside the ministry wearing huge lungs as props and sad-face masks, demanding not to dilute the emission standards of thermal power plants.

The ministry in December 2015 laid down the emission norms which for the first time included Nitrogen and Sulphur Oxides for the thermal plants.

It was later found that none of the 400 coal-based thermal power plants met the new set standards, after which the ministry reportedly decided to relax the deadline to be adhered to till December 2017 and also diluted the norms.

"The Joint Secretary of the Ministry, Arun Kumar Mehta, assured us that emission standards for thermal power plants will not be diluted," Jitendra Kumar from Greenpeace said.

The demonstrators also handed over a petition signed by over one lakh people for a 'Clean Air Nation'.
Ghaziabad, March 30 : The Uttar Pradesh Power Corp Ltd (UPPCL) has launched a massive drive to realize its pending bills before the close of the financial year on Friday.

UPPCL staffers have disconnected 2,000 connections, realized Rs 80,000 penalty from eight power thieves and lodged FIRs against 152 others.

UPPCL Chief Engineer S.K. Gupta told IANS that realizing the outstanding amounts was the priority.

"In the last two days, over 20,000 connections were disconnected for not paying outstanding bills," he said.
New Delhi, March 30 : Condemning the attacks on Nigerians in Greater Noida earlier this week, a senior official on Thursday said that the government is in touch with the Nigerian High Commission here in this connection.

"It is clear that such criminal acts are completely unacceptable and have been condemned," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said in his weekly media briefing here.

"We are engaged with the concerned authorities as well as the students," he said.

The spokesperson said that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has spoken to Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath about this while Minister of State for External Affairs M.J. Akbar spoke to the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria.

"Law enforcement authorities of the district have made arrests and a large number of people are under watch. The investigation is on and the law of the land will prevail," he stated.

The attack on Nigerian students took place on Monday night in Greater Noida, some 40 km from the Indian capital, following protests over the death of a Class 12 student of a residential colony there due to drug overdose. Some people who were holding a candle-light vigil for the student attacked the Nigerians suspecting them of drug running.

Five people were arrested for the attacks.

Baglay also said that the External Affairs Ministry was in touch with the district administration of Gautam Buddha Nagar which has enhanced the security in the area immediately and made it 24 by 7 for the time being.

He said that on March 28, the District Magistrate held a meeting of the residents and foreign students' associations in the presence of the representatives from the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi.

"We are in touch with the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi. The students who were hurt during the incident have been treated in a local hospital and have already been released."

The spokesperson said incidents like this "represent the action of uninformed and misguide few".

"They do not detract from the deep belief of the government and the people of India of Vasudeva Kutumbakam," he stated.

"We will continue to welcome African people including students and youth as valuable partners," Baglay said, adding that India's engagement with Africa would continue to grow.
Colombo, March 30 : Sri Lanka's immigration authorities has granted dual citizenship to 1,750 expatriates, a minister said on Thursday.

Internal Affairs Minister S.B. Navinna told Xinhua news agency that there were as many as 23,000 expatriates who applied for dual citizenship, but only 1,750 could secure the chance this time.

He said the government, formed after the 2015 presidential election, decided to give this right to Sri Lankans domiciled abroad so that they could stake a claim to their motherland.

The minister said these expats were forced to flee the country at different points in the past due to the conflict.

"Now the conflict is over. They can come and live here if they choose to. They are given all the rights as citizens of this country," he said.

A function was held in Colombo by the department of immigration and emigration on Thursday to mark the distribution of dual citizenship certificates.
Mumbai, March 30 : For the first time, Air India will connect New Delhi with Washington directly - The service will be launched on July 7, an official said on Thursday.

This will be the only direct flight connecting the two cities with a Boeing 777-200LR aircraft.

It will be Air India's fifth direct destination in the US after New York, Newark, Chicago and San Francisco.

As per the plans, Air India 103 will depart from New Delhi at 0115 hrs (IST) and arrive in Washington at 0715 (GMT).

The return service (AI 104) will depart from Washington at 1100 (GMT) and reach Delhi.

The services shall be operated thrice a week -- Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays -- and roughly be of 15 and half hour duration.

The flight will offer a three-cabin configuration with eight seats in first class, 35 business class and 195 economy class.

-- With inputs from IANS
New Delhi, March 30 : A determination to change the discourse on diversity and a plan of action to grow the network for change was visible at the She Leads India conference on Thursday here.

Organised by SheThePeople.TV and supported by UN Women India, the event aimed at lending a platform to women and focussed on women at work, achievers, women in public life, parliamentarians, CEOs, entrepreneurs, artists and culturists.

"The idea was to support a conference that brings together women at the forefront across spheres, who have consistently broken barriers to be change makers," said Nishtha Satyam, Head, Strategic Partnerships, Policy Impact and Public Relations UN Women Office for India, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka.

"There is nothing more foundational to the economic and social viability of our cities and country, than ensuring voice, choice, and agency of our women," she added.

She Leads India picked important subjects such as the role of women in public policy, equal pay for equal work, change through sport and the power of humour to influence gender equality.

Paralympian athlete Deepa Malik said: "Life is a festival that should be celebrated every day, and to celebrate it, we should have some creeds, goals, and objectives that bring value addition in our life and society as a whole."

"We should assign jobs and responsibilities to employees as per their caliber and capacities. She also insisted that disabled too can achieve their goals if they really have a dauntless spirit to pursue a passion. Besides, there is an urgent need to dispel the taboos and myths associated with physically challenged people. Both government and society should come forward to create facilities for them."

Some prominent speakers who participated in the conference included: Aruna Sundararajan (Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology), Ramesh Abhishek (Secretary of Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion Ministry of Commerce and Industry) and well-known comedian Radhika Vaz
New Delhi, March 30 : A wide range of issues that are crucial to contemporary India -- its foreign policy, its relationships with its neighbours and the constitution -- were elaborately discussed on the second day of the India at 70: LSE India Summit here on Thursday.

The day witnessed engaging conversations around the emergence of India as a significant power in the global context as well as iterations on the evolving relevance and expectations of the Indian Constitution.

The first session titled "India Abroad: From Third World to Regional Power," saw a host of distinguished speakers including former Indian ambassador to the US Meera Shankar, former diplomat and Director-General of the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses Jayant Prasad and journalistJyoti Malhotra, among others.

On India's rise as a regional power, Jayant Prasad stressed the need for greater commitment to building regional strength through civic infrastructure projects undertaken by India in Afghanistan and its grid connectivity partnerships with Nepal and Bangladesh. Former Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal also reiterated this sentiment.

Meera Shankar, on the other hand, extolled India's efforts at balancing the goal of development with democratic rights while emphasising how India's rise would set a great example for the world.

Former Indian diplomat and expert on foreign affairs Rakesh Sood remarked that the geopolitical centre of gravity was shifting from the Euro-Atlantic to the Asia-Pacific.

"It's not just that India is changing. It is changing against a changing backdrop, which makes it more challenging," he said.

Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Ashley J. Tellis felt that India's foreign policy since independence has been "remarkably successful".

The day also saw an engaging panel of legal experts exploring the history and future of the Indian constitution.

Speaking from her years of experience documenting and fighting injustice, Kalpana Kannabiran, author of "Tools of Justice: Non-Discrimination and the Indian Constitution" and Director of the Council for Social Development, Hyderabad expounded on the freedoms guaranteed by the constitution but not necessarily enjoyed by the people.

"Freedom of expression and the right to food covers beef," she said, explaining that banning beef is a violation of the constitutional freedoms of non-Brahmin Hindus. "What you eat is a part of a culture and is an intrinsic part of who you are," she added.

Additional Solicitor General Pinky Anand explained that "in spirit, the Indian constitution is native". A former Head of the BJP's All-India Legal Cell, Anand added that constitutionally enforced patriotism "emerges from a dark age of recent history and possibly would not be in cognisance with fundamental rights".

She also said that "it is high time we got away from the concept of rights and focused on the concept of duties".

In an extended question and answer session, the panel and the audience at the India Habitat Centre's Stein Auditorium discussed the nature of political dissent and enforced patriotism in the context of the recent events at Ramjas College, and the ruling on playing the national anthem before screening films at cinema theatres.

Moderating this discussion was Mukulika Banerjee, Associate Professor of Anthropology at LSE and founding Director of the LSE South Asia Centre.

The three-day event is taking place at the India Habitat Centre here and would conclude on March 31.
New Delhi, March 30 : Confirming the version of the police, a senior official said on Thursday that Kenyan authorities believe that a woman from their country who claimed to have been assaulted in Greater Noida may not actually have been.

"There has been a meeting earlier today with Kenyan diplomats," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said in his weekly media briefing here.

"It has been conveyed to us that the understanding of Kenyan authorities is that the reported incident of attack on the Kenyan woman in question does not correspond to reality," he said.

Maria Burendi, a student, alleged she was pulled out of an Ola cab around 4.30 a.m. near Alstonia Apartments in Knowledge Park of the satellite town near Delhi when she was returning home after meeting a friend.

The woman, in her 20s, alleged that she was slapped and kicked in her abdomen by 10-12 men at Greater Noida in Gautam Budh Nagar district.

Police officers in Greater Noida IANS spoke to said "no such incident" occurred on Wednesday morning and the victim may have made a "wrong statement" because she appeared depressed.

Superintendent of Police Sujata Singh told IANS that it was a "false case".

She said since the matter pertained to a foreigner and involved the foreign offices of India and Kenya, "we are waiting for a government order to expunge the FIR".

Sujata Singh said they were also informed by the President of the Association of African Students in India that the woman may be "lying because of depression".

Circle Officer Abhinandan Singh said the woman was depressed due to a family problem and had a fight with one of her friends on the night she reported the incident.

"She fabricated the story and tried to relate the matter with the recent attacks on Nigerians," Abhinandan Singh told IANS, referring to a series of shocking attacks on Nigerian students in Greater Noida on Monday.
New Delhi, March 30 : India reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral ties with the African nations of Zimbabwe and Zambia over the course of meetings held in the last couple of weeks, the External Affairs Ministry said on Thursday.

"The first round of Foreign Office consultations with Zimbabwe and the second round of Foreign Office consultations with Zambia were held on March 20 and March 24 respectively," the ministry said in a statement.

It said in each of the meetings, "the two sides discussed the entire gamut of issues, including high-level political exchanges, development cooperation programmes, projects under IAFS (India Africa Forum Summit) mechanism, discussion on international forums, cooperation in the multilateral forums and trade, economic and commercial matters".

"Both sides also exchanged views on issues of regional and global importance while acknowledging the commonality of positions on matters of reform of international institutions and cooperation in regional grouping," the statement said.

"The Foreign Office Consultations have also enabled to lay a roadmap for further enhanced cooperation in view of India's outreach to Africa post the IAFS-III Summit (held in New Delhi in 2015)."

External Affairs Ministry Joint Secretary Neena Malhotra, in charge of Eastern and Southern Africa, led the Indian side while the Zimbabwean side was led by Ambassador Jonathan Wutawunashe and the Zambian side was led by Chalwe Lombe, Permanent Secretary in the Zambian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
New Delhi, March 30 : Rajiv Kumar Chander, a 1983 batch Indian Foreign Service officer, was on Thursday appointed the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the UN offices in Geneva.

Chander, who at present is the Consul General in Vancouver, Canada, is expected to take up his new assignment shortly, the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

He will succeed Ajit Kumar at the Geneva office.

Chander earlier served as Deputy Permanent Representative in the Geneva office from 2006 to 2009.

His first assignment abroad was at the Embassy of India in Moscow, after which he returned to New Delhi to handle political work relating to Bangladesh. He was posted to Germany in the early 1990s where he worked as First Secretary/Counsellor (Political) and then in New Delhi as Director (UN).

Chander was posted to St. Petersburg as Consul General from 2000 to 2002, and then proceeded on deputation to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) headquarters based in Kathmandu for four years.

He was in-charge in New Delhi of political work relating to Gulf countries as well as Haj related matters.

Chander served as India's Ambassador to Ukraine from July 2011 to July 2015.
Kolkata, March 30 : The supplies of commodities are likely to be disrupted from the first day of the new financial year (2017-18) as some of the truck owners' associations have threatened to take their carriers off the road for indefinite period from April 1.

The strike has been called to protest the sharp increase in third-party insurance premium.

The South India Motor Transport Association has already gone for the indefinite strike from Thursday and the All India Confederation of Goods Vehicles Owners' Association (ACOGOA) has called for an indefinite strike across India for an indefinite period from April 1.

"We will remain off the road from April 1. We protest the exorbitant rise in premium of the third-party insurance, which has gone up by 800 percent from 2002 till date," ACOGOA's President Channa Reddy told IANS.

Protesting the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority's (IRDA) proposal to increase the insurance for the third-party insurance, All India Motor Transport Congress' (AIMTC) President S.K. Mittal said: "We have been demanding the category wise real time data from the insurance regulator but this has not been provided."

"Previously, the tariff advisory committee was an active body having representatives from all stakeholders. The committee must be reinstated and real time data should be made available to the committee to take the final decision on hike. Till then, the current arbitrary and unilateral third-party insurance premium hike should be kept in abeyance," Mittal told IANS.

According to Mittal, IRDA initially proposed 50 per cent increase but later it has asked to implement 41 per cent increase in third-party insurance premium effective from April 1.

"As many as 20 district level associations in West Bengal are going for the indefinite strike from April 1," Federation of West Bengal Truck Operators' Association's Joint Secretary Sajal Ghosh told IANS.

"As members of ACOGOA decided to keep their goods vehicles off the road from April 1, it will have impact not only in West Bengal but also Odisha, Assam, Tripura, Bihar, part of Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka," he added.

AIMTC called for the indefinite strike from April 20, Mittal said.

Bombay Goods Transport Association's President B.R. Poonia said: "We are supporting the cause of the strike and have planned to join the indefinite strike from April 20."

Truckers agreed that the strike decision would disrupt the supplies of commodities to cities and will result in increased prices of goods due to fall in supplies.

"The supplies of commodities will be hampered but what else we can do? We have been raising the issues for a long term. But nobody paid heed to our demand," Mittal said.
Accra, March 30 : Ghanas Minister of Business Development, Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, has appealed to Indian investors to follow the footsteps of their predecessors and help develop the country with more investment.

Speaking at the first-ever "Indian Business Day", jointly organised by the Indian High Commission and the World Trade Centre (WTC) in Accra, Awal said agri-business, information and communication technology as well as infrastructure are the areas where the government will welcome investments.

"We want India to help us in our drive to build one factory in every district under the government's 'One Factory One District' initiative, as this will help us create employment," he said.

Awal said that the government is creating the right business environment for investment and called on Indian investors to come to Ghana.

The minister said: "The government is offering tax cuts, free education to produce skilled labour and is creating the right atmosphere to turn Ghana into a preferred investment hub in the West Africa region."

Awal said Ghana has lot to learn from the development of the small and medium enterprises in India and that he would want to see more investors to help grow the country's economy in order to provide more employment to the country's youth.

Encouraging more investment from India, Awal said Indian investors who are ready to come to Ghana, have nothing to fear as the country is already home to several of their compatriots who pay taxes.

"We are doing all we can to find a way of increasing the current trade volume between the two countries from $2 billion to $6 billion," the minister said.

Ashok Mohinani, Chief Executive of the Mohinani Group and an Indian investor who has been in Ghana since many years, said that his firm is one of the several success stories of Indians who have turned Ghana as their home.

"Our company has been here for 50 years," he said.

Mohinani said that for Ghana to turn itself into the "preferred investment hub", there is a need to focus on neighbouring countries, especially Ivory Coast, and to learn from them ways to attract investors.

He also said that Ghana should find a way of aligning its political system with the country's economy, so that changes in the government does not affect economic programmes that have been put in place.

(Francis Kokutse can be contacted at fkokutse@ians.in)
Srinagar, March 30 : Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday alleged that the Election Commission and the state government failed to provide a congenial atmosphere for two parliamentary by-polls in the Kashmir Valley.

Speaking to media on the sidelines of a poll campaign meeting, Omar said: "It is for the political parties to take part in the elections, but it is the duty of the state government and the Election Commission to provide the right atmosphere for these elections."

The opposition National Conference Working President said the state police chief's recent statement that youths who pelt stones at the security forces engaged in gun battles with militants are attempting suicide, would add to the existing alienation and tension.

Addressing the National Conference poll meeting, Farooq Abdullah, said: "Unless India, Pakistan and the people of the state sit together to resolve it, there would be no solution to the Kashmir issue."

Abdullah is the joint candidate of the National Conference and the Congress for Srinagar-Budgam parliamentary by-poll, and is challenged by ruling Peoples Democratic Party's Nazir Ahmad Khan.

Voting for the Srinagar-Budgam parliamentary by-poll is scheduled on April 9. The Lok Sabha seat fell vacant when PDP's sitting MP Tariq Karra resigned from the party during the summer of unrest for aligning with the BJP.

By-poll is also being held to the Lok Sabha from the Anantnag constituency on April 12. The seat fell vacant in April last year when Mehbooba Mufti resigned from the Lok Sabha to assume the Chief Minister's office of the Jammu and Kashmir following her father Mufti Mohammed Sayeed's death.
Abuja/New Delhi, March 30 : India moved swiftly to assure Nigeria of action over attacks on four Nigerian students as Abuja summoned the Indian envoy to express displeasure over the incident and reminded that it was not the first such occurrence.

In Abuja, Sola Enikanolaiye, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, summoned Indian High Commissioner Nagabushana Reddy on Wednesday to voice displeasure over the attack.

He said the Indian High Commissioner "informed of concrete steps taken" by the Indian government to address the incident and also promised justice.

The Indian High Commissioner also expressed his regret over the "deplorable attacks" and promised that they would do all to prevent reoccurrence, according to the Nigerian Foreign Office.

Not mincing his words, Enikanolaiye told Reddy: "We think this should not have happened considering the excellent relationship between two of us - the two countries have things in common and have been great friends."

He also said that the concern of the ministry is that such a matter should not be allowed to cloud the relationship between the two countries.

"This is not the first time this would happen; Nigerians have suffered similar attack in the past; so, what we will like to see on this occasion is that the perpetrator should be arrested.

"And we want to see diligent prosecution so that it would serve as a deterrent to those who think they can take laws into their hands and harass students who are going about their studies," the top Nigerian official said.

The development comes as the 55-nation African Union (AU) on Thursday said it was extremely appalled by the attacks.

The pan-African bloc deplored the violence unleashed during the attack and welcomed the assurances of the Indian government to conduct a "fair and impartial" probe and urged the authorities to expedite the investigations.

The attack on Nigerian students took place on Monday night in Greater Noida, some 40 km from the Indian capital, following protests over the death of a Class 12 student of a residential colony there due to drug overdose. Some people who were holding a candle-light vigil for the student attacked the Nigerians suspecting them of drug running.

Five people were arrested for the attacks.

In New Delhi, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday assured of an impartial probe and promised action against the guilty. Sushma Swaraj said she has spoken to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath Yogi, in whose state the incident occurred.

India's Ministry of External Affairs reiterated its condemnation of the attacks on Nigerians and said the government is in touch with the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi in this connection.

"It is clear that such criminal acts are completely unacceptable and have been condemned," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said in his weekly media briefing.

"The students who were hurt during the incident have been treated in a local hospital and have already been released."

The spokesperson said incidents like this "represent the action of uninformed and misguide few".

"They do not detract from the deep belief of the government and the people of India of Vasudeva Kutumbakam," he stated.

"We will continue to welcome African people including students and youth as valuable partners," Baglay said, adding that India's engagement with Africa would continue to grow.

"Law enforcement authorities of the district have made arrests and a large number of people are under watch. The investigation is on and the law of the land will prevail," he stated.

The MEA spokesperson also said that Kenyan authorities believe that a woman from their country who claimed to have been assaulted in Greater Noida on Wednesday may not actually have been.

He said during a meeting with Kenyan authorities it was "conveyed to us that the understanding of Kenyan authorities is that the reported incident of attack on the Kenyan woman in question does not correspond to reality".

Amnesty International in Nigeria, reacting to the attacks, said in a Twitter post "Why would people face such terror because of the colour of their skin?... Living in India must not become a life-threatening issue for black people".
Kozhikode, March 30 : Communist party of India (CPI) Kerala unit secretary Kanam Rajendran has called on the CPI(M)-led left democratic front (LDF) government to act on the Kerala high court order of 2010 that directed the government to take stringent action against encroachers in Munnar town in Idukki district.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Mr. Rajendran said that the government should implement the high court order on encroachment in Munnar.

In an obvious reference to sub collector Sriram Venkitaramans plight, who is under fire from Devikulam CPI(M) legislator S Rajendran over his tough stance on illegal encroachment in Munnar, the CPI state secretary urged the government to give protection to officials acting in accordance with law.

Even as he flagged the need for amendments to the land reforms act, he said that the LDF coalition would hold discussions on a fresh legislation against illegal encroachment.

He chose to make light of the exchange of words between CPI(M) stalwart V S Achuthanandan and electricity minister M M Mani over the issue of encroachments in Munnar, saying that the two CPI(M) leaders had always been at daggers drawn with each other.

Kanam also came down on former chief minister Oommen Chandy over the latter blaming the previous Achuthanandan-led LDF government for not taking action against encroachers, saying that the Oommen Chandy-led UDF government, during the five years of its term, chose to sit on the high court judgment of 2010 that had asked the govt. to act against illegal encroachments.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala shot off a letter to chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan seeking a probe into CPI(M) Devikulam MLA S Rajendrans claim that he was in possession of original title deeds for eight cents of land in Munnar on which he has constructed a house.

The MLAs claim of being lawful owner of the property had come under the scanner after reports surfaced in the media alleging that the property belonged to the KSEB.

Chennithala has sought an enquiry at the level of revenue principal secretary into the issue.

The opposition leader has also called for a probe into how construction activities were continuing in full swing in Munnar despite stop memos having been issued.

Chennithala also alleged in the letter that CPI(M) leaders, from the local MLA to area secretaries, were complicit in the illegal encroachment on revenue land in the hilly town of Munnar.
New Delhi, March 30 : Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said as much as 39,710 MW capacity based on supercritical technology has already been added and 48,060 MW of super-critical power generation is in the pipeline.

"All ultra mega power projects (UMPPs) are required to use supercritical technology. Coal-based capacity addition during 13th Plan shall be through supercritical units," Goyal said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

The minister said indigenous research is being pursued for development of Advanced Ultra Supercritical Technology (A-USC) with targeted efficiency improvement of about 10 per cent over supercritical unit.

Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), National Thermal Power Corporation and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited signed an Memorandum of Understanding in August 2010 for the development of 800 MW A-USC indigenous demonstration plant.

According to the minister, supercritical technology has already been adopted for thermal power generation.

The design efficiency of Supercritical units is about 5 per cent higher than typical 500 mw subcritical units and these (supercritical) units are likely to have correspondingly lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in ambient air.

"A capacity of about 7751.94 MW of old and inefficient unit has already been retired till date," he said.

"To facilitate state utilities/IPPs (independent power pproducers) to replace old inefficient coal-based thermal units with supercritical units, Ministry of Coal, has formulated a policy of automatic transfer of LOA/coal linkage (granted to old plants) to new (proposed) super-critical units," he added.
Bhubaneswar, March 30 : A young journalist in Odisha was allegedly molested in a moving bus while she was returning from her village to the state capital.

The matter came to light when the woman took to the social media on Thursday to describe her ordeal.

The incident took place when the victim was returning from her village in Kendrapara to Bhubaneswar by a private bus on Wednesday night.

Surprisingly, while the fellow passengers and the bus conductor did not help her, even the frantic calls to police and women helpline went unattended.

"I was alone among 60 passengers in a moving bus, no one turned up... The conductor just consoled me saying 'I have asked him to be decent, please sit peacefully'. However, I called 100 but the answer was 'this number can't be reached'," she wrote on her Facebook account.

"I later called the so called woman helpline no. 1091 of Cuttack but no one took the pain of answering," she added.

She said the state government and police are answerable for the incident.

"Today, a rape could have been successfully attempted and the so called helpline numbers given to us for any untoward situation would have only helped the rapist to enjoy his misdeed... Am I responsible because I m a girl???? Shame on humanity!!!!!" she further wrote.
New Delhi, March 30 : A Delhi court on Thursday asked nine students to appear before it on April 6, to record their consent or refusal to undergo a lie detector test in the case of missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Sumit Dass asked the nine students to appear before it on April 6, the next date fixed for the hearing "without fail".

The court was hearing a Delhi Police plea for recording of consent or refusal of the nine Jawaharlal Nehru University students to undergo a lie detector test.

The court turned down the submission of the nine students, who said there was no law where a court could order the test.

As per the National Human Rights Commission, the lie detector test is not authorised by law and must be regarded as illegal unless it is voluntarily accepted, the student's lawyer said.

"Lie detector test or polygraph test has to be obviously in reference to the need or requirement in the investigation," the court said. "Same is the prerogative of the investigating agency."

The court said that there cannot be any better safeguard as the entire proceedings are before the magistrate, in the presence of the students, who have their own lawyer to represent them.

On December 22, the Delhi High Court directed police to conduct lie detector tests on these JNU students regarding Najeeb Ahmed, who went missing in October last year.

The Crime Branch told the court that the nine students had failed to join the investigation.

Ahmed, 27, an M.Sc. First Year student, went missing allegedly after a row with members of the RSS affiliated student wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).

The ABVP has denied involvement in his disappearance.
New Delhi, March 30 : African students in the capital are still shocked over the violent attack on some Nigerian students earlier this week in Greater Noida, which they say is a grim reminder of the "palpable hatred" which some Indians still harbour for the 'blacks'.

The Monday night incident they say has struck a mortal blow in the hearts of Africans and wonder that such "militant racism" could exist in the 21st century in a country which was in the forefront of the global anti-racism struggle.

"This (attack) was a very barbaric incident and this is not the first time something like this has happened. A few years back (in 2012), a black man was killed in Jalandhar, and he was brutally lynched by a mob," a Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) national Clovis, who is pursuing his Ph.D in Chemistry from the Jawaharlal Nehru University, told IANS.

He said the attack has filled him with anger and frustration.

"I am very upset. I have not gone out of the campus since the attacks... What is our fault? We are not here to do business, we are not stealing your job or money. We will go back once our courses are over...

"What if the same thing starts happening to Indians in other places...in Africa, where so many of them live!" he said and added that the episode does not bode well for the Indians living in Africa.

Another person from Kenya, a student of Environmental Sciences, said that he feared for his life after such open violence.

"I fear for my life, I have not gone out of the campus after the incident and have also received advice from the African students association not to venture out for a few days... I am shocked to hear that such attacks were carried out purely on the basis of rumours.. It's all about mentality," he told IANS.

Anthia of Zimbabwe wondered whether such acts of animosity can be take place only on the basis of hearsay.

"As far as I know, the accusations (of drug running) are yet to be substantiated. There must be a feeling of rancour gathering for a long time against blacks, otherwise these attacks couldn't have been carried out," the JNU student said.

Having been in India for only two months, Anthia said she hasn't faced any gross act of racism yet. But also confided that she is treated very differently at times and remembered being "handled terribly" at the hands of a hairdresser, who became very "frustrated" with her hair.

The attack on a Nigerian student took place on Monday night in Greater Noida, some 40 km from the national capital, following protests over the death of a Class 12 student of a residential colony there due to a drug overdose.

Another Nigerian, a student of JNU, who has been living in the national capital for the last one month, said that the violence has "betrayed the trust between the two countries" and may become a cause of "coolness" in future.

"How can people, who are treated as gods in my country, commit such an act," Edewale, a student of Global Studies Program, who is here for just one semester, told IANS.

"In Nigeria, Indians are a very well respected lot..but here the reality is a bit different," he added ruefully.

(Vishal Narayan can be reached at vishal.n@ians.in)
Shillong, March 30 : The Chief Minister-level talks on the inter-state boundary between Meghalaya and Assam has been preponed to Saturday, an official said on Thursday.

This follows "a request from Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal", Meghalaya Chief Secretary K.S. Kropha told IANS. He said the meeting would be held in Guwahati.

Sonowal will meet the Meghalaya Chief Minister for the first time since he assumed office in Assam in May last year.

A senior Assam government official said Sonowal desired to pre-pone the meeting due to the 1st Namami Brahmaputra Festival 2017, which will be inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday.

The five-day festival will be celebrated in 21 districts of Assam.

Sangma last held discussions with then Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on June 5, 2010.

In the past, Meghalaya has submitted documents and maps on its claim to the 12 sectors/areas of Upper Tarabari, Gizang Reserve Forest, Hahim, Langpih, Borduar, Boklapara, Nongwah-Matamur, Khanapara-Pillangkata, Deshdemoreah, Block I and Block II, Khanduli-Psiar and Ratacherra.

"We have submitted detailed documents and maps, created after a long study, in accordance with our claim on these areas, along with legal and constitutional back-up," a Meghalaya official said.

Sonowal had earlier exuded confidence about resolving Assam's decades-old border disputes with Meghalaya, Nagaland and Mizoram through consultations and mutual understandings.

The boundary row between Assam, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh is pending in the Supreme Court.
New Delhi, March 30 : The New Development Bank (NDB), also known as the BRICS Bank, should focus on small scale investments instead of large scale infrastructure projects, civil society members recommended on Thursday.

This view emerged at the day-long convention on the "People's perspectives on the New Development Bank" organised by the People's Forum on BRICS ahead of NDB's annual meeting here.

The NDB is having its second annual meeting here from March 31 to April 2.

"At this meeting, the NDB would discuss its strategic policy. Thus civil society is putting forward its vision that the bank should prioritize small scale investments instead of large scale infrastructure projects which often bring more negative impact, more exclusions and aggravate existing vulnerabilities rather than bring about actual development," Caio Borges, a lawyer from the Business and Human Rights project of Conectas (Brazil), told IANS.

Borges said that NDB should reduce export-led, economic-growth-oriented development approach and look for diversification of investments by focusing on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) instead of favouring big corporations.

Madhuresh Kumar of National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM) said while the NDB was set up as an alternative to West-focused World Bank, it was now pushing the same corporate-led development model.

"In India, this corporate-led development, or neo-liberal development, has led to impoverishment of people, farmer suicides, large scale privatisation, natural resource loot and environmental degradation.

"NDB is unfortunately pushing the same model which was earlier pushed by the World Bank group and other international financing institutions," Kumar told IANS.

Benny Kuruvilla from Transnational Institute agreed and added the BRICS was created immediately after the 2008 financial crisis by emerging powers which could challenge the West as well as the neo-liberal paradigm.

"But what we have seen nearly 10 years after its creation is that BRICS seems to be reiterating same sort of development model.

"We have heard from friends in South Africa that it has been accessing land, indulging in unsustainable mining where communities are being impacted and environment is being damaged. So it is the same old paradigm but now by a new set of actors," Kuruvilla told IANS.

Soumya Dutta from Beyond Copenhagen Collective said the dominant narrative presently was about economic development of India and Brazil as the emerging economies while the plight of people, especially at the bottom of the pyramid, was missing from this narrative.

He said with the neo-liberal development, not only the inequality in income distribution was becoming more defined, but people's access to minimum life support systems was also "going down tremendously" despite the fast growth of the economy.

"The NDB is projecting infrastructure projects as fundamental requirement for uplifting people when the focus should be on fulfilling the basic needs of people so they could secure access to services," Dutta told IANS.

He added that the majority of the funding by the NDB was given to two major sectors -- energy and infrastructure -- while other sustainable goals like alleviating poverty and providing basic healthcare were missing from its priorities.

"The investments made by the NDB are actually profit-oriented and not sustenance-oriented," he said.

Dutta added the organisation was more focused on safeguarding its investments rather than safeguarding the interest of the people, and that's why it was investing on big private corporates.

NDB, popularly known as the BRICS Bank, was set up by the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) based on an agreement at the BRICS summit in Brazil in 2014.

(Vishav can be reached at vishav@ians.in)
Lucknow, March 30 : A meat traders delegation met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath here on Thursday amid protests over closure of slaughter houses.

Sirajuddin Qureshi, one of the delegates, later said the meeting was held in a positive atmosphere and that they had withdrawn their strike.

All the delegates supported the Chief Minister on the drive launched by the government against illegal abattoirs and said they were in support of the move to weed out illegal meat trading.

Health Minister Siddharth Nath Singh, who briefed the media after the meeting said the Chief Minister assured the delegation that any action against legal slaughter houses will not be tolerated and that action would be initiated against officials indulging in such activity.

No discrimination will be allowed against anyone on the basis of community, caste or religion, the Chief Minister told the delegation.

The Allahabad High Court has also sought a response from the government vis-a-vis the action against slaughter houses in the state and has slated the next hearing on the matter for April 3.

Government records suggest that Uttar Pradesh has more than 375 illegal slaughter houses while the state pollution board says there are 185 abattoirs in the state of which 140 were operating illegally.

The action against shops selling meat and slaughter houses has led to a huge scarcity of meat in the state, leading to protests at many places.

The situation came to such a pass earlier this week that the world famous Tunde Kebab shop in old Lucknow was forced to down shutters, a first in more than 100 years, for lack of buffalo meat.

Rattled at the growing protests in the state against the action, BJP mandarins in New Delhi are learnt to have conveyed to the state government to "soften its stand" and "clarify the position" after which a meeting between Yogi Adityanath and the traders association was arranged.
Kuala Lumpur, March 30 : The Malaysian government on Thursday struck a deal with North Korea for the return of nine of its citizens previously barred from leaving Pyongyang, in exchange for the body of Kim Jong-nam, the slain half-brother of North Koreas leader.

Kim Jong-nam was assassinated at Kuala Lumpur Airport last month with a lethal nerve agent banned by the UN as a weapon of mass destruction.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said that nine Malaysians, three diplomats and their six family members, were expected to return on Friday, the Malay Mail Online reported.

"Many challenges were overcome to ensure the return of our fellow Malaysians. The safety and security of our citizens will always be my first priority," Najib, who is on a five-day working visit to India, said in a statement.

He said: "In addition, following the completion of the autopsy on the deceased and receipt of a letter from his family requesting the remains be returned to North Korea, the coroner has approved the release of the body."

The body will be returned to the family in North Korea, KCNA news agency said, adding that both countries would lift reciprocal bans on travel by citizens and guarantee their safety.

Kim's body was believed to be on Malaysia Airlines flight MH360 to Beijing, en route to North Korea.

The Malaysians left Pyongyang in a Royal Malaysian Air Force business jet, which headed immediately west out of North Korean airspace before turning south towards Malaysia, according to flight tracking website planefinder.net.

The agreement was reached after recent talks between the two countries in Kuala Lumpur, Najib's statement added.

A statement by the North Korean government released simultaneously said both countries managed to "resolve issues arising from the death of a North Korea national" in Malaysia at a meeting in Kuala Lumpur.
Kuala Lumpur/New Delhi, March 30 : The five-day state visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, his third to India as Prime Minister, will see both sides discuss projects worth $5 billion as well as hold discussions on infrastructure, defence cooperation, air services arrangements, tourism and cultural relations.

Prime Minister Najib, who arrived in Chennai earlier in the day, said in his blog that the friendship between India and Malaysia extends beyond the formalities.

"My visit to India couldn't have come at a more appropriate time. Our ties with India go way back. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Malaysia-India diplomatic relations, therefore marking the significance of the friendship between the two nations.

"Uniquely, India has contributed to the demographics of the Malaysia we see today. The Indian community makes up the third largest ethnic group in Malaysia and many Indian Malaysians still have family relations in India. We are quite literally connected to each other," he said in an entry on his blog www.najibrazak.com.

According to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement in Malaysia, the issues expected to be discussed during the bilateral meeting between the two sides include trade and investment, infrastructure projects, defence cooperation, air services arrangements, tourism and culture relations as well as issues of mutual concern on regional and international cooperation. Several Government-to-Government memoranda of understanding and documents are set to be signed and exchanged during the visit. The exchange of the documents will be witnessed by both Prime Minister Najib and Prime Minister Narendra Modi At a briefing in New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the Malaysian Prime Minister's visit follows the highly successful visit of Prime Minister Modi to Malaysia in November 2015.

Jaideep Mazumdar, Joint Secretary (South) in the MEA, said business deals will be discussed during the visit. "In all, the projects that will be under the discussion during the entire visit could amount to $5 billion."

Prime Minister Najib is visiting India between March 30-April 4 and is accompanied by his spouse Rosmah Mansour.

Besides the bilateral talks, the Malaysian Prime Minister will be holding dialogue sessions with leaders and captains of industries from major business sectors in India. He is also expected to attend a business luncheon and the 7th Global Science and Innovation Advisory Council Meeting (GSIAC).

In Chennai, his programme includes official reception hosted by the Acting Governor of Tamil Nadu, Vidhyasagar Rao and a meeting with the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Edappadi Palaniswami. He will also hold a dialogue session with the Malaysian community, including the students, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement said.

He will travel to Jaipur later to oversee Malaysia's participation in India's infrastructure projects. He is scheduled to meet with the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Vasundhara Raje, and attend a high level discussion on the progress of Malaysian companies in infrastructure projects in Jaipur.

On the last day of the visit, the Prime Minister will also officiate the newly completed complex of the High Commission of Malaysia in New Delhi.

On the Jaipur leg of his visit, the MEA official said, "Malaysia has bid for several roads projects in Rajasthan totally about $1.2 to $1.4 billion."

Calling the bilateral relations as 'quite significant economic relations', Jaideep said, "The Malaysian investment to India are to the tune of about $6 billion and additional $ 6 billion worth of projects have been executed in India. Our own investment in Malaysia are about $ 2.5 billion."

Prime Minister Najib is accompanied by a large business delegation consisting of many of the top companies and businessmen of Malaysia.

Calling the cooperation between the two countries on counter-terrorism as "robust", Mazumdar said that a very real time exchange of information happens between the agencies on both sides.

Malaysia is home to 2.7 million people of Indian origin with a large majority of Tamil origin.

The Malaysian Prime Minister would arrive in Delhi on Friday and would be accorded a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday.

In his blog, Prime Minister Najib said that since his last visit to India in 2010, Malaysia-India relations has flourished and blossomed.

"We have established the Malaysia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) and India is among Malaysia's largest trading partners and largest export destination. We have also established partnerships in terms of defence cooperation, counter-terrorism, tourism and culture relations, IT and services as well as infrastructure projects," he said.

"I have mentioned previously that innovation is key to success and with India's booming business sector and its innovative nature, I look forward to exploring new opportunities in India. We must always have one eye on the future!

He also said that he looks forward to meeting Prime Minister Modi again. "I hope to exchange ideas and have fruitful discussions with Prime Minister Modi to further strengthen our bilateral ties. Insya-Allah," he wrote.

His maiden visit to India was in January 2010 and again in December 2012 to attend the Asean-India Commemorative Summit.
Rome, March 30 : Police in Rome arrested a 38-year-old doctor on Thursday on suspicion of sexual abuse of female patients and said he had child pornography on smart phones and other devices found during a search of his home.

The doctor allegedly abused his patients during ultrasound cavitation, a weight-loss procedure, carried out in his private clinic in the Italian capital.

The doctor was under house arrest and faces charges of molestation, possessing child pornography and luring minors, according to police.

A probe of the physician began when one of his patients complained about his "unorthodox" methods, according to sources close to the investigation.
New Delhi, March 30 : Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday urged the people of Delhi not to vote for either the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or the Aam Admi Party (AAP) in the coming municipal polls.

Speaking at a civic reception organised by the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC), Amarinder said: "The CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) report had proved that Kejriwal had been spending the money of Delhi's citizens to further his ambitions in Punjab."

"The people of Punjab have defeated Kejriwal's nefarious designs and it is now the turn of the people of Delhi to finish off whatever is left of the AAP leader in the coming civic election," Amarinder said.

Elections to the 272 wards in three municipal corporations of Delhi are scheduled for April 23. The results will be out on April 26.

Warning the people of Delhi against trusting the BJP with their votes, the Punjab Chief Minister said: "BJP was an ally of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in Punjab and together they had looted the small state, leaving it with a huge debt of Rs 182,000 crore."

Amarinder said that the municipal polls victory would be another celebration for the Congress, which had to be restored to its pristine glory.

He said he was happy to have fulfilled his promise to Congress President Sonia Gandhi to ensure that the party flag flies high in Punjab.
United Nations, March 31 : The UN has denied that the Indian government was preventing the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan from making reports.

Asked by a reporter on Thursday if the UNMOGIP was not making periodic reports "because the Indian government does not allow them to," Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq denied that there were any constraints imposed by India.

He said the mission had different mandates and was not required to file reports like some of the other missions.

"Different peace-keeping missions have different mandates, and including different reporting mandates," Haq said.

"The earliest peacekeeping missions that include UN Monitoring Group India Pakistan (UNMOGIP) and the UN Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO), come from a different era where they have completely different reporting requirements."

Some of the recent UN operations submit periodic reports at three to six month intervals, in addition to others dealing with specific developments.

UNMOGIP, originally set up in 1948 as the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP), is tasked by the Security Council with monitoring the Line of Control.

Pakistan, though, has tried unsuccessfully to involve it in the internal matters of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.

While allowing the UNMOGIP to function, India has maintained that it no longer has any relevance because under the 1972 Simla Agreement New Delhi and Islamabad agreed to deal with their differences bilaterally.

UNMOGIP is headed by Swedish Major General Per Gustaf Lodin and has only 38 military personnel.

Haq said that Guterres was monitoring the situation in Kashmir and is concerned about the developments there, but has no plans for a visit.

Asked by a reporter in the context of the current visit by Guterres to Iraq to assess the situation there if he was concerned about the Kashmir situation, Haq said: "He can pay attention without necessarily visiting."

"Even when he does not visit countries, though, he is aware of the problems there and we have, as you know, many levels of officials, including country level officials who are there to deal with the various problems that arise."

"The basic point is we have concerns about the situation in Kashmir," Haq added.

"We do monitor the situation and we have different levels of contacts with governments of India and of Pakistan."

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in)
Kolkata, March 31 : West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress on Thursday protested against the alleged "witch hunting" against its leaders and BJP's "vendetta politics".

The protest rally, organised by the party's women's wing in the eastern metropolis, started from College Street and terminated at Dharamtala.

Led by the Trinamool Mahila Congress chief Chandrima Bhattacharya and state minister Shashi Panja, the rallyists shouted slogans against BJP, accusing it of conspiring against the Mamata Banerjee government.

The rally marked the start of three-day protests organised by the Trinamool to counter the state's opposition parties' aggressive campaign on the Narada issue.
Texas, March 31 : US President Donald Trump's immigration policy has sparked the creation of a new application to alert people about immigration raids by US authorities.

The new mobile app, called Notifica, will allow undocumented migrants to alert relatives, friends and attorneys if they become victims of immigration raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

"There have always been deportations, but after Trump's executive order signed during his first few days in office, almost all undocumented migrants are targets for the federal government," Efe news agency quoted app creator Adrian Reyna.

Reyna added that he and others thought it would be a good idea to provide the community with a tool of this kind.

According to Reyna, who is director of digital strategies for the pro-immigrant organisation 'United We Dream', the system, which will be available for iOS and Android starting April 10, will allow users to select a series of telephone contacts to be notified immediately if they are detained.

Using Notifica, one can select several contacts at the same time, with different personalised and predetermined messages, thus sending different messages to -- for instance -- one's relatives, one's attorney, the boss or the children's school principal.

All the messages will be sent simultaneously with the touch of a button and will be erased once they are opened, using a technology similar to that of the well-known app Snapchat.

Reyna stressed on the need of the app among undocumented families to make emergency plans before being deported, especially if there are children involved.

Although the technology will not stop deportations, it will help families who become targets of the authorities to know when to execute their pre-arranged plan for such an eventuality, said Reyna, who is the undocumented Mexican son of parents who also have no papers.

Thus, the issue is a "personal" one for him, having experienced several deportations, whether among his family members or friends, during the time he has lived in California.

The western coastal state, along with Texas, Illinois, Florida and New York City are the places having the most people -- so far -- who have registered on the app's Web site to receive notification when it becomes available.

The more than 8,000 people who have registered will be able to download Notifica free of charge in April and begin preparing detailed plans for the situation that could arise if they are detained and deportation proceedings are launched against them.

If a person has time, when confronted by immigration authorities, and can press the proper button for two seconds, the app will send the messages, but in unexpected and abrupt situations they can telephone 'United We Dream' from the detention centre and the firm will execute a prepared action plan when the user provides the correct password.
Spanish National Research Council Chooses Ex Libris Alma to Help Improve Support for Scientific Research in Spain

Ex Libris, a ProQuest company, is pleased to announce the Spanish National Research Council has selected the Alma library management service.

BARCELONA, Spain, March 30, 2017  Ex Libris, a ProQuest company, is pleased to announce that the Spanish National Research Council (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, or CSIC) has selected the Ex Libris Alma library management service to strengthen the Councils support for Spains scientific research endeavors. Alma will be integrated with CSICs implementation of the Ex Libris Primo discovery and delivery solution.

CSIC was the first Ex Libris Aleph customer outside of Israel and has been working with the Ex Libris SFX OpenURL link resolver since 2005 and the Primo solution since 2015. As CSIC addresses the changes in demand on its Network of Libraries and Archives (60 facilities that support the 3,000 researchers at CSIC) and the shifting nature of the Networks collections, the Council looks forward to the opportunity to position itself at the forefront of library services technology.

With the move to the cloud-based Alma platform and its SaaS model, CSIC staff will no longer have to implement software updates or manage hardware and network infrastructure upgrades, maintenance, and replacement. In addition, the unified management of resources via streamlined Alma workflows will help the CSIC meet the increasing demand for e-resources. The resulting reduction of the librarians workload will give them more time to provide enhanced services to end users.

Director of the Library Coordination Unit Agnes Ponsati said, This decision is aligned with our strategy of outsourcing purely IT responsibilities related to the work of CSICs Network of Libraries and Archives. In this way, we can focus on activities that are more directly involved with supporting scientific research processes. The workflow capabilities of Alma will help us disseminate our collections by integrating the management of electronic and printed resources with our Primo discovery solution. Intelligent use of the statistical data managed in Alma and Primo will enable us to better plan the development of our collections.

Ofer Mosseri, corporate vice president and general manager of Ex Libris EMEA, commented, I am delighted that CSIC, our loyal, prestigious customer, is joining the European Alma community. We look forward to continuing our long collaboration with CSIC, during which we have proven our ability to deliver leading-edge library solutions and provide top-quality support. I am confident that the scientific research community in Spain will benefit in many ways from the enhanced services and collections that CSICs implementation of Alma along with Primo will offer.

About the Spanish National Research Council

The Spanish National Research Council (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, or CSIC) is the largest public institution dedicated to research in Spain and the third largest in Europe. It has a workforce of more than 3,000 scientific researchers and generates about 20% of all Spanish scientific research output. The Network of Libraries and Archives of CSIC comprises 60 libraries located in the CSICs research institutes and supports scientific excellence by guaranteeing the scientific communitys access to information at the libraries and via a wide variety of online resources.

About Ex Libris

Ex Libris, a ProQuest company, is a leading global provider of cloud-based solutions for higher education. Offering SaaS solutions for the management and discovery of the full spectrum of library and scholarly materials, as well as mobile campus solutions driving student engagement and success, Ex Libris serves thousands of customers in 90 countries. For more information about Ex Libris, see our website, and join us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

About ProQuest (http://www.proquest.com)

ProQuest connects people with vetted, reliable information. Key to serious research, the companys products are a gateway to the worlds knowledge including dissertations, governmental and cultural archives, news, historical collections and ebooks. ProQuest technologies serve users across the critical points in research, helping them discover, access, share, create and manage information.

The companys cloud-based technologies offer flexible solutions for librarians, students and researchers through the ProQuest, Bowker, Coutts information services, Dialog, ebrary, EBL, and SIPX businesses  and notable research tools such as the Summon discovery service, the RefWorks citation and reference management platform, MyiLibrary ebook platform, the Pivot research development tool and Intota. The company is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with offices around the world.
The new Connected Learning Lab, based at UC Irvine, focuses on interdisciplinary research on learner-centered innovation in educational technology. The Connected Learning Lab will provide the leading experimental site for pushing the boundaries of connected learning.

The University of California, Irvine has launched the Connected Learning Lab (CLL), a new interdisciplinary hub dedicated to researching and putting into practice equitable learner-centered innovation in educational technology.

Emerging forms of personalized, networked, and game-based learning represents a massive new wave of innovation in educational technology that is already impacting millions of learners around the world, said Mimi Ito, CLL director. The CLL is dedicated to ensuring that these innovations are informed by robust research, and lead to positive outcomes for learners in all walks of life. The lab includes interdisciplinary networks of faculty members across the UCI campus, from informatics and education to the social sciences.

The lab is sponsored by UCIs Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, School of Education and School of Social Sciences, as well as the UC Humanities Research Institute. It supports interdisciplinary research and design, and partnerships with a broad network of educational practitioners and technologists. The CLLs focus is defined by the connected in connected learning, which refers to social relationships and emerging digital and networked technologies.

Connected learning happens when someone is pursuing a personal interest with the support of peers, mentors and caring adults, and in ways that open up opportunities for them, the CLL explains. It differs from technology and institution-centered approaches to educational technology in being people-first, prioritizing student interests, cultural relevance, and the life of communities. Connected learning also is a uniquely interdisciplinary approach that brings together the learning sciences, social sciences, design, informatics and computing to develop new research frameworks, engage in pressing real-world problems, and develop and test breakthrough innovations.

The creation of the CLL is a result of more than a decade of John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation investment in the Digital Media and Learning Hub at UC Irvine, and the research of the Connected Learning Research Network and the Youth and Participatory Politics Research Network. And, the Connected Learning Alliance, a project of the CLL, is dedicated to building a cross-sector network of organizations dedicated to the spread of connected learning.

CLL has grown out of the Digital Media and Learning Research Hub, based at UCHRI. It will provide the leading experimental site for pushing the boundaries of connected learning, on-campus and off, explained David Theo Goldberg, UCHRIs director. UCI is enormously fortunate to host the CLL.

As part of the transition from the DML Research Hub, the CLL will host the annual Digital Media and Learning conference at UCI. This years conference is set for Oct. 4-6.

CLLs lead researchers include:



Mimi Ito, CLL director

David Theo Goldberg, UCHRI director

Richard Arum, dean of UCI School of Education

Bill Maurer, dean of UCI School of Social Sciences

Kurt Squire, UCI professor of informatics

Constance Steinkuehler, UCI professor of informatics

They emphasize that the research is clear that young people learn best when actively engaged, creating and solving problems they care about, and when supported by peers who appreciate and recognize their accomplishments.

CLLs researchers also believe that all young people should reap the benefits of new technologies for learning, creating and connecting, but the reality is that more privileged youth tend to reap these advantages more successfully. Hence, educational programs and policies must address equity head-on in order to ensure that new technologies do not contribute to a widening equity gap.

The research projects they are working on include these themes:



Connecting Higher Education, a look at how massive open online courses and digital learning changes the landscape of higher education, and how university faculty can bring participatory and connected methods into their teaching.

Connected Learning for Informal Educators, a look at how informal educators  such as librarians, teaching artists, museum instructors, coaches, and after-school providers  are champions of interest-driven learning and mentorship.

Through Digital Equity, the CLL is working with the MIT Media Lab and Harvards Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society to bring the Scratch computer programming education environment to diverse populations and gear it toward young peoples interests. It also partners with the Institute for Money, Technology & Financial Inclusion to consider how to support connected learning and digital inclusion in the Global South.

Games and Participatory Learning, a push to bring the best of todays learning sciences to interactive gaming, with a focus on social, emotional and civic learning. The CLL is committed to growing the field of game-based learning by enabling and promoting cross-disciplinary and cross-sector knowledge-sharing and collaboration.

Open Learning for Youth, a move toward developing more peer-to-peer and interest-driven learning that leverages the power of open networks. Researchers are investigating the learning dynamics of interest-driven online groups that support academically-relevant knowledge seeking and expertise development.

Participatory Assessment and Modeling, an initiative to rethink how learning is valued, assessed and measured by leveraging the principles of participatory learning. The CLL is committed to assessments that are driven by students interests and passions, elicit authentic performances, and require meaningful participation in the world.

For more information about the Connected Learning Lab, visit connectedlearning.uci.edu.

About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UCI is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. The campus has produced three Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 30,000 students and offers 192 degree programs. Its located in one of the worlds safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange Countys second-largest employer, contributing $5 billion annually to the local economy. For more on UCI, visit http://www.uci.edu.

Media Contact: Mimi Ko Cruz, 949-824-4587, mcruz(at)hri(dot)uci(dot)edu
Minneapolis, MN: Open Access Technology International, Inc. (OATI) has successfully completed its National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 800-53 (NIST 800-53) examination, verifying its integrity and security of housed data.

NIST 800-53 sets forth recommended security controls for federal information systems and organizations. As a hosting provider for federal information systems, OATI underwent a full examination in 2016. The examination, conducted by Schellman & Company, LLC (SCLLC), formerly Brightline, inspected OATI Data Center operations against the NIST 800-53 standards. After a thorough examination, conducted in accordance with attestation standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, OATI was found in compliance with all Low baseline controls and some Moderate baseline controls across all OATI operations.

Through yearly audits, OATI software solutions have built a reputation for their unparalleled security and reliability in North America for exceeding the energy industry standards.

Each set of standards contain specific requirements related to business processes and controls, along with cyber and physical security. NIST develops and issues standards to support the implementation of the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002. Publication Series 800-53 encompasses the recommended security controls and risk management framework for federal information systems and organizations. Organizations select a baseline set of security controls and supplemental controls tailored to the organizations business processes. NIST 800-53 baseline controls are based on the impact level associated with each standard: low, moderate, or high.

About OATI

OATI provides innovative software solutions that simplify, streamline, and empower the operational tasks required in todays energy commerce and Smart Grid. With more than 1,800 customers in North America, OATI successfully deploys large, complicated, and diverse mission critical applications committed to industry standards and stringent NERC CIP guidelines.

OATI (http://www.oati.com) is a leading provider of Smart Grid, Energy Trading and Risk Management, Transmission Scheduling, Congestion Management, and Market Management products and services. OATI is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with an office in Redwood City, California. For more information, please contact sales(at)oati(dot)net.
Financial Executives Research Foundation (FERF), the independent, non-profit research affiliate of Financial Executives International (FEI), and Protiviti, a global consulting firm, today released a new research report discussing the role of chief financial officers (CFOs) and senior financial executives in start-up and early stage growth companies.

The research found CFOs and senior financial executives play key roles in not only managing a young and fast-growing companys finances, but also in setting broader strategic goals and establishing and achieving financial and non-financial milestones toward those goals. Further, as companies grow, the need for this financial and strategic acumen becomes more acute.

In early-stage companies, it is very common for company founders to handle a range of financial and strategic needs. Our research found identifying the right time to bring in a financial leader could be challenging for founders, said Dave Pelland, managing director, research, at Financial Executives Research Foundation (FERF). However, CFOs can play many critical roles such as exploring funding rounds, and establishing clear reporting systems, that can ultimately benefit a company over the long-term.

Other key findings include:



CFOs are critical to raising capital, either through venture capital funding, private investments or private equity investments

Establishing sound reporting systems and tools can allow for improved reporting metrics and communication to investors

CFOs are playing an essential role in setting and monitoring company strategy, and maintaining balance between investing in growth, building market share and preserving capital for future opportunities

Pelland continued, For CFOs and senior financial executives who are drawn to the fast pace and growth opportunities of emerging companies, providing outsourced services to compelling companies that are not quite ready to make a full-time senior hire can be a way to experience the benefits of entrepreneurship, without some of the risk inherent in start-up companies. This also allows start-ups to bring on financial expertise in a deliberate way and ensure theyve found the right mix of experience and cultural fit for their enterprise.

The research is based on interviews with 17 subject-matter experts about financial management best practices, company management and board advisors, across industries. Protiviti sponsored the research. The research report is available by visiting the online FERF bookstore at http://www.ferf.org/reports.

About Financial Executives Research Foundation, Inc.

Financial Executives Research Foundation (FERF) is the non-profit 501(c)(3) research affiliate of Financial Executives International (FEI). FERF researchers identify key financial issues and develop impartial, timely research reports for FEI members and nonmembers alike, in a variety of publication formats. FERF relies primarily on voluntary tax-deductible contributions from corporations and individuals, and publications can be ordered by logging onto http://www.ferf.org/reports.

About FEI

Financial Executives International is the leading advocate for the views of corporate financial management. Its more than 10,000 members hold policy-making positions as chief financial officers, treasurers and controllers at companies from every major industry. FEI enhances member professional development through peer networking, career management services, conferences, research and publications. Members participate in the activities of more than 65 chapters in the U.S. and a chapter in Japan. FEI is located in Morristown, NJ, and Washington, D.C. Visit http://www.financialexecutives.org for more information.

About Protiviti Inc.

Protiviti (http://www.protiviti.com) is a global consulting firm that delivers deep expertise, objective insights, a tailored approach and unparalleled collaboration to help leaders confidently face the future. Through its network of more than 70 offices in over 20 countries, Protiviti and its independently owned Member Firms provide clients with consulting solutions in finance, technology, operations, data analytics, governance, risk and internal audit.

Protiviti has served more than 60 percent of Fortune 1000 and 35 percent of Fortune Global 500 companies. The firm also works with smaller, growing companies, including those looking to go public, as well as with government agencies. Protiviti is a wholly owned subsidiary of Robert Half. Founded in 1948, Robert Half is a member of the S&P 500 index.
William G. Rutherford, one of the heroes of the Battle of Trafalgar. Illustrated here is the handsome Rutherford grasping his prized sword which will be sold at auction on April 11th, 2017. Of the 23 swords given for Trafalgar, the locations of two are unknown and most of the others are in institutions. After viewing this sword, it would be difficult to believe there could be a finer example, especially in private hands.

On Tuesday, April 11th, 2017, a rare, historic Naval treasure will be sold at auction in Fairfield, Maine by James D. Julia Auctioneers. The sword was presented to Captain William George Rutherford (1764-1818) and is lot #1231 in this sale. Rutherford was born in 1764 in Wilmington, NC to a loyalist family. His father was John Rutherford of Bowland, Stow and his mother, Francis, was widow of Gabriel Johnston, the late Governor. The family returned to Scotland where young William was educated at the University of St. Andrews and in 1788 was first sent to sea aboard the HMS Suffolk.

Rutherford had a successful Naval career. He was appointed by Englands all-time greatest Naval hero, Vice Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson. In 1805, he captained the 74 gun ship, Swiftsure, and later was dispatched to join the famous Battle of Trafalgar. Rutherfords actions at Trafalgar proved decisive. After the battle, he was awarded this extraordinary gold gilt and ivory sword.

On October 21, 1805, Lord Nelsons 27 ships of the line defeated 33 French and Spanish ships. This was not before his high-risk, but accurate strategy won the most decisive victory of the Napoleonic wars. This triumph gave Britain control of the seas and established the foundation for Britains global power for more than a century. The Franco Spanish Fleet lost 22 ships; the British lost none. Admiral Nelson was mortally wounded in the fight. He received his fatal shot as Rutherfords 74-gun ship, Swiftsure, was trying to tow the sinking French ship, Redoubtable, who had dueled with Nelsons HMS Victory. As Rutherford was towing the Redoubtable, he was forced to cut the line when the French ship suddenly sank. Five Swiftsure men were among the hundreds who drowned.

William Rutherford was the only American-born British Captain at Trafalgar. His cased sword is among the highest grade and expensive swords of its day, costing 100 at the time. Lloyds Patriotic Fund gave 23 such swords for valor after the most decisive Naval battle the world had ever seen.

The steel blade on this sword is 32 long, decorated in blue and gold and is inscribed FROM THE PATRIOTIC FUND AT LLOYDS TO W.G. RUTHERFORD ESQr CAPtn OF H.M.S. SWIFTSURE / FOR HIS MERITORIOUS SERVICES IN CONTRIBUTING TO THE SIGNAL VICTORY OBTAINED OVER THE COMBINED / FLEETS OF FRANCE AND SPAIN OFF CAPE TRAFALGAR, ON THE 21ST OF OCTOBER 1805". The secondary inscription on a brass plaque mounted on the casing reads "FROM THE PATRIOTIC FUND / LLOYD'S LONDON / to CAPTAIN WILLIAM GORDON RUTHERFORD / OF H.M.S. SWIFTSURE / 1805.

The swords ornate, gold gilt scabbard hilt and sword belt mounts are lavishly engraved and chased with detailed Naval patriotic motifs and details of the deeds of Hercules. There is no doubt that the Trafalgar victory was a Herculean task that ended Napoleons plans to invade England. To further honor Rutherfords contributions, the Royal Navy produced a Captain-class frigate bearing his name, the HMS Rutherford. This frigate served from 1943 to 1945.

Of the 23 swords given for Trafalgar, the locations of two are unknown and most of the others are in institutions. After viewing this sword, it would be difficult to believe there could be a finer example, especially in private hands. This sword has great provenance where it had stayed in the family for 157 years. It was brought to America in 1962 by Valmore Forgett, founder of the Navy Arms Company, and a collector of the finest early arms. This was his best and favorite sword; it will be offered publicly for the first time ever through James D. Julia.



This extraordinary historic treasure comes to auction with a presale estimate of $150,000-250,000 and is the first of its type to be offered at auction in a matter of years. More history, as well as numerous illustrations and details about this important sword is can be found on Julias website by clicking here.



Rutherfords sword is part of an extraordinary offering of rare firearms, including important Confederate arms, noted outlaw Cole Youngers Smith & Wesson revolver, Bowie knives, swords, historic Winchesters, rare military arms and headgear, and a spectacular diversity of superb high quality sporting arms, to be sold at the companys April 11th-13th Fine Firearms auction in Fairfield, Maine. The sale starts at 10am each day. All items will be available for preview on April 8th-10th from 9am to 5pm daily. For more information on this cant-miss sale, please see http://www.jamesdjulia.com.

About James D. Julia, Inc.

James D. Julia, Inc. is one of the top ten antique auction houses in North America as measured by annual sales and is the leading auction house in the world for high end, rare, and valuable firearms. The company conducts two extraordinary firearms auctions a year in Fairfield, Maine where clients from all over the world gather to compete on rare treasures such as this important sword. In business for over 45 years, the company routinely establishes new world records. Julias consists of three key divisions, including rare firearms and militaria; fine and Asian art and antiques; and lamps, glass, and jewelry. Each division is regarded for its excellence and is staffed with world-class specialists to insure fair and professional authentication, identification, and valuation services. For more information on James D. Julia, Inc., please visit http://www.jamesdjulia.com.
Primex appoints Jeffrey Burke This position was created to help all facets of our business build our presence in existing markets and explore new market opportunities.

Primex Plastics Corporation, the leader in custom extruded plastic sheet and roll products for thermoforming, fabrication and printing, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeffrey Burke to the new position of Commercial Applications Development Engineer. Burke has over 30 years of plastics industry experience in both resin and sheet extrusion sales. He has experience in a variety of sheet extrusion applications including food, medical, cosmetic, consumer and industrial packaging applications. He currently serves as a board member of the New Jersey Packaging Executives organization. Burke has a bachelors degree in communications from Kings College in Wilkes Barre, Penn. He will report to Vice President of Sales & Marketing Tim Schultz and be based out of Lebanon, N.J.

According to Schultz, this position was created to help all facets of our business build our presence in existing markets and explore new market opportunities. Jeff has the experience in both manufacturing and marketing to serve as a liaison between customer needs and our current and future manufacturing capabilities.

Primex is developing a virtually integrated supply chain with customers to assist in product development and market share growth.

Burke joins Primex during an especially aggressive growth period. I used to sell resin to Primex and was always impressed with their management style and customer-centric approach. I look forward to the opportunity to be part of an organization that is expanding its footprint in food, medical and consumer packaging, said Burke.

About Primex

Primex Plastics is the largest extruder of custom polystyrene sheet in the industry, ranging from monolayer sheet to tri-layer co-extrusion. Primex also extrudes many polyethylene resins, polypropylene, ABS, TPOs, TPEs and PETG.

Primex is a subsidiary of ICC Industries Inc. In addition to its extrusion business, Primex is the parent company of Primex Design & Fabrication and Primex Color, Compounding & Additives.

For more information visit http://www.primexplastics.com.
In business, the conventional wisdom is that innovation requires a spark of genius or magical alchemy. The truth is that disruptive innovations in business are not random acts of nature  there is a pattern to the phenomena. Mastering Innovation: From Idea to Value Creation is a new Wharton Executive Education program that offers an unconventional approach to exploring innovation. The program, which will be held for the first time June 11-15, 2017 on the Wharton School's San Francisco campus, is designed for executives who are leading innovation initiatives within their companies and want to become a catalyst for organization-wide change.

Wharton Professors Christian Terwiesch and Karl Ulrich lead the program, providing the tools and frameworks needed for managing innovation across an organization. They explore internal and external innovation, concrete methods for managing the risk inherent in any new endeavor, and creative problem-solving skill development to enable individuals at every level in the organization to become more innovative.

A highlight of Mastering Innovation is a structured approach for creating and selecting exceptional opportunities that was developed by Terwiesch and Ulrich. We developed a process that you can start using immediately, and teach to others in your organization," says Terwiesch, co-director of Whartons Mack Institute for Innovation Management. "Once you have a process in place, everyone who has a great idea can move it forward. In turn, that process will lead to you developing a more innovative culture.

That process, an Innovation Tournament, isnt relegated to a lecture or case study. Launched online before the in-person portion of the class begins in San Francisco, participants pitch and crowd source ideas with one another in an Innovation Tournament. When we meet in San Francisco, we are ready to roll," says Terwiesch. "Participants have already met (online) and begun working together. We narrow down their ideas and build teams around them. Then we work on commercializing those ideas as far as possible in five days.

The tournament is just one of many opportunities participants will have to put new knowledge to the test. More workshop than classroom-based experience, the program blurs the distinction between theory and practice, addressing participants real-world challenges. It also capitalizes on its location in San Francisco, CA and its proximity to Silicon Valley, known as the birthplace of some of the most innovative companies in the world. Some of the most successful innovators operating in business today will interact with participants outside of class, sharing why their strategies succeeded when others did not.

Ultimately, the success of the program lies in how well participants are able to change the way their organizations innovate. You dont need to be the next Elon Musk. Most organizations need to focus on and get the most out of their current business, their current customers, and their immediately adjacent business opportunities, says Terwiesch.

For more information on Mastering Innovation: From Idea to Value Creation, please visit WhartonForInnovation.com or contact Wharton Executive Education at +1.215.898.1776 or execed(at)wharton.upenn(dot)edu.
The integration between Symmetry and ARIES provides an ingenious mixed reality solution for AMAG end users who want to be on the cutting edge of technology,

AMAG Technology and CodeLynx announce an integration between AMAGs Symmetry Access Control software and CodeLynxs ARIES Mixed Reality platform. The innovative integration allows users to interface Symmetry access control functions via a Microsoft HoloLens. ARIES creates a Heads-Up display for the user to visualize video and access control systems on the move and execute Symmetry commands through voice recognition, hand gestures, or connected Bluetooth devices. AMAG Technology and CodeLynx have both tested and certified the integration.

ARIES allows users on the move to view camera feeds, grant access to doors, open gates and lockdown doors or gates by interacting with holograms that are only available and seen to the user wearing the heads-up display. The situational awareness that ARIES provides is second to none as users can interact with their physical environment while receiving and interacting with the Symmetry security system installed.

The integration between Symmetry and ARIES provides an ingenious mixed reality solution for AMAG end users who want to be on the cutting edge of technology, said AMAG Technology, Vice President of Product and Partner Programs, Dave Ella. We look forward to a growing partnership with CodeLynx to deliver state of the art security systems and be on the forefront of technology solutions.

This combination of Augmented Reality technology into the security space is the first step in the next evolution of our security landscape, said Jeff Heatley, CEO of CodeLynx. We are thrilled to be partnering with AMAG Technology to deliver new solutions for the security community. The ARIES technology will be a major game changer for the way we design, implement, maintain and operate spaces and security systems. We look forward to working with AMAG and delivering a new way of interacting with security technology.

AMAG Technologys unified Symmetry Security Management System provides advanced security solutions for access control, video management, policy-based identity management and visitor management solutions. Symmetry security systems are installed worldwide and designed for organizations of any size  from the largest multi-national or government agency through to schools and smaller office buildings. Renowned for having intelligent yet easy to use software, Symmetry delivers the latest technology in a proven, scalable, easily deployed, integrated system which can be managed from one central application.

About CodeLynx

CodeLynx is a software and security firm specializing in creating solutions that leverage emerging technology for applications in the Security and Compliance industries. CodeLynx has been recognized as one of the fastest growing private companies in the United States by Inc. Magazine for each of the last four years. CodeLynx has been providing solutions to the Security industry since 2003, and serves customers globally from headquarters in Charleston, SC. For more information on CodeLynx, visit http://www.codelynx.com

About AMAG Technology

AMAG Technologys Symmetry Security Management Solutions are deployed across a wide variety of market segments from commercial to government, education, healthcare, banking, transportation, utilities, plus many more. Headquartered in Torrance, California with sales and support located throughout the Americas, EMEA, APAC and LATAM, AMAG provides customers with industry leading unified security solutions. AMAG Technology is part of G4S plc, the worlds leading global integrated security company which has operations on six continents and 585,000 employees. As the industry leader, AMAG focuses on delivering the latest technology to meet market needs. Its next generation of Symmetry security solutions help organizations operationalize their business to mitigate risk, meet compliance requirements and save money.

About G4S

G4S is the leading global, integrated security company, specializing in the provision of security services and solutions to customers. Our mission is to create material, sustainable value for our customers and shareholders by being the supply partner of choice in all our markets.

G4S is quoted on the London Stock Exchange and has a secondary stock exchange listing in Copenhagen. G4S is active in around 100 countries and has 585,000 employees. For more information on G4S, visit http://www.g4s.com.

###

Media Contact:

Kim Rahfaldt

Public Relations Manager

920-245-1102

Kim.rahfaldt(at)amag(dot)com

Drew Weston

Director of Sales and Marketing

843-266-2330

Drew.weston(at)codelynx(dot)com
Realty Executives of Central Florida held their 2016 Annual Awards Lunch on March 10th, 2017

celebrating it's Top Producers.



Chairman Award Top Executive In Office.

Mel Bernstein - Lake Mary

Kris & Jenn LaPoint - Downtown Orlando

Steve Amburgey - Dr. Phillips

Diamond Club ~ $250,000+ Gross Commissions

Steve Amburgey - Dr. Phillips

Mel Bernstein - Lake Mary

100% Club ~ $100,000+ Gross Commissions

Kay Chang - Dr. Phillips

Jason Fulmer - Dr. Phillips

Linda Mieczkowski - Dr. Phillips

Jim Umstead - Dr. Phillips

Tae Harper - Dr. Phillips

Lois Bonacci - Lake Mary

Kathryn Knowles - Lake Mary

Sherry Zirakdjou - Lake Mary

Rodney Atkinson - Lake Mary

Mark & Kim Harrington - Lake Mary

Kris & Jenn LaPoint  Downtown Orlando

Executive Club ~ Top 10% of Executives

Judy Danner - Dr. Phillips

April Winters - Dr. Phillips

Brad Knuth - Dr. Phillips

The Jarvis Team - Dr. Phillips

Christine DiRienzo - Dr. Phillips

Melissa Duffy - Dr. Phillips

Michael Wood - Lake Mary

John Mansker - Lake Mary

Nivia Santos - Lake Mary

Kris Julian - Lake Mary

Jennifer Gonzalez - Lake Mary

Jesus Garcia - Lake Mary

Scot Prince - Lake Mary

Mike Post - Downtown Orlando

Rising Star

Edson Michel - Downtown Orlando

2016 Most Valuable Executive

Linda Mieczkowski

Orange Management Property Management Top Producers

Jane Sims

Maritza Westerveld

John Turner

Heidi Crofton

Realty Executives of Central Florida is a Top Real Estate Brokerage in Central Florida, established in 2008. Family Owned & Operated. Comprised of 100 Agents, it has taken many years of hard work to create a culture that meets the highest standards. We love what we do!

Realty Executives International, LLC is a Global Real Estate Franchise known Worldwide for its Strong Established Brand & Best in Class Customer Service. Founded 50 Years ago with nearly 10,000 Agents in more than 500 Franchises Worldwide. The Scottsdale, Arizona based privately held Company has a presence in 29 countries.
ResLife Portal, a web-based residential life management system, has launched a new Programming Pulse Report to aid administrators and RAs at colleges and universities to keep a pulse on the effectiveness of their residential life programming for students. Staff members can record and monitor attendance and participation of residents in residential life programs, such as welcome programs. "Our goal is to help residential life teams to gain insights to offer even better programs and events for their students and residents," stated Frank Garofalo, Principal Consultant for ResLife Portal.

At the top of the Pulse Report, quickly view the approval flow of Program Proposals and Program Evaluations. Across your categorical programming model, view the distribution of approved programming evaluations.

Under Program Attendance, easily see the number of female and male students who attend certain programs. Also shown is Program Funding, which displays the funds spent across programming categories compared to the estimated attendance.

As staff members have their submitted program evaluations approved by their direct supervisors, the information is fed into the Programming Pulse Report. As part of their program evaluation submissions, staff members can also digitally take attendance of resident participation on smartphones or tablets using a web-based sign-in sheet containing a checkbox for each of their residents.

Throughout the academic term, staff members can monitor each resident's level of engagement by indicating their participation in the residential life community through the residents attendance record as well as other noted interactions.

To learn more about the ResLife Portal product, visit the website at http://www.reslifeportal.com, or to book an interview, email press(at)garofalo(dot)co.

About ResLife Portal

ResLife Portal (http://www.reslifeportal.com) is a residential life management system which connects residents with residential life staff for colleges. You make a difference, we help you track it. Designed and built by Garofalo Enterprises, Inc. in Redlands, California; ResLife Portal is a web-based Software-as-a-Service product offering free and paid subscriptions. Garofalo Enterprises, Inc. (http://www.garofalo.co) provides web and digital services to organizations across the globe.

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Our team set out to build a simple and complete solution for clinical researchers to analyze tumor DNA and produce actionable findings; with COMPASS they have achieved that aim. said Wolfgang Daum, TOMA President and CEO.

American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2017

TOMA Biosciences launches the COMPASS Tumor Profiling System - a simple and efficient workflow pathway from tumor, library preparation, sequencing, data analysis, clinical annotation, through reporting. Now, clinical researchers have everything they need to find clinically meaningful changes in tumor DNA.

The core of the COMPASS Tumor Profiling System is the Oligo Selective Sequencing capture assay, TOMA OS-Seq, a patented technology invented at Stanford University. TOMA OS-Seq delivers unparalleled uniform sequence data of cancer genes from damaged DNA present in FFPE tumor specimens. The core offering of COMPASS allows the capture of tumor DNA from 130 cancer genes and can be customized to any genes of interest.

The COMPASS Tumor Profiling System includes:



a comprehensive set of DNA library preparation reagents

reference materials to assess sensitivity and specificity for validation

proprietary sequence data analysis software for somatic variant identification

options for annotation and reporting

COMPASS data analysis is performed through TOMA Stratus. Stratus is a simple to use, cloud-based service with a web interface to easily upload data and download results. Within Stratus, COMPASS Analysis uses a proprietary method constructed to identify changes specific to the tumor DNA and removes inherited changes that many laboratories report without a specific somatic link.

COMPASS is a complete solution for clinical researchers looking to implement cancer genomics with superior performance while reducing cost and complexity.

Our team set out to build a simple and complete solution for clinical researchers to analyze tumor DNA and produce actionable findings; with COMPASS they have achieved that aim. said Wolfgang Daum, TOMA President and CEO.

Finally, clinical researchers have what they need to simplify operations, improve accuracy and reduce costs. COMPASS can be implemented by clinical researchers and validation-ready in under a week. commented Dr. Daum.

In addition to the core offering which includes the reagents, reference materials, and secondary analysis software, COMPASS enables several downstream interpretation options for clinical researchers, including access to curated clinical annotation information and reporting tools.

"FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY"

To learn more: attend From Tumor to Action webinar.

About TOMA Biosciences

TOMA Biosciences Inc. is a genomics information company and the developer of the COMPASS Tumor Profiling System. COMPASS makes cancer genomics simple. The system includes everything a clinical laboratory needs to detect genomic changes in tumors including many missed by other methods. With its core sequencing technology invented at Stanford University, TOMA Biosciences provides a comprehensive solution to prepare tumor DNA for sequencing and reveal somatic variants. The company is led by innovative scientists, clinicians and technology developers to enable clinical laboratories, hospital systems and research institutions around the world to do cancer genomics. Headquartered in Foster City California, TOMA Biosciences is a commercial stage, private venture-backed company.
Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa We provide the best service at the lowest price without compromising our high standards.

Peak Planet- the premier outfitter for climbing Kilimanjaro- has recently added more features to its already robust operation. We have made improvements to every facet of our services, said Dana John Wentzel, Executive Director of Peak Planet. In doing so, we have created the finest company on Kilimanjaro.

The most important personnel on an expedition are the mountain guides. Peak Planet hires accomplished, experienced Kilimanjaro guides and enrolls them in coursework to become certified Wilderness First Responders  the Western industry standard for professional guides. Each climb is staffed with a 1:2 guide to climber ratio. Peak Planet guides conduct daily health checks by measuring each climbers pulse and oxygen saturation, which gives an indication of how well one is adapting to the decreasing oxygen on the mountain.

Peak Planets new safety and rescue protocols were co-developed with IFREMMONT, a European high altitude medical training organization with the most qualified high altitude doctors in the world. Each trekking party is tracked using handheld satellite communicators with GPS function. These devices can be used to initiate and coordinate rescue. Additionally, all Peak Planet clients are covered by AMREF Flying Doctors evacuation insurance. Injured or ill climbers can be transported quickly via helicopter off the mountain and to the hospital in case of serious emergency. ALTOX Personal Oxygen Systems are also available to reduce or eliminate symptoms of altitude sickness.

While on the mountain, Peak Planet clients rest and relax in tents made by Ferrino Equipment, an Italian company that has been making time-tested outdoor equipment since 1890. We dont use locally made tents, which have a tendency to topple over in the wind or leak in the rain, like some operators do, Wentzel noted. Our clients will love our warm, roomy tents and comfortable sleeping pads.

Hot breakfasts, lunches and dinners are prepared using fresh, local ingredients. We avoid using the box lunches that almost every other company gives to their clients, Wentzel stated. They are dry, tasteless and comprised of empty calories. Box lunches are a detriment to the success of the climb because they are unappetizing. Even if you manage to eat them, they arent nutritious.

Additionally, Wentzel stated that protein is a necessary macro nutrient for proper acclimatization. Peak Planet serves an average of 200 grams of meat per day over the course of the climb to meet clients protein requirements. This is not the norm, said Wentzel. Most operators serve much less.

Peak Planets high quality services do not come at a high price. As a midrange operator, their prices are thousands of dollars less than so called luxury operators who provide comparable services to climb Kilimanjaro. Wentzel explained that each and every expense was carefully evaluated to ensure that every cost incurred made a tangible difference in the climbers experience. We provide the best service at the lowest price without compromising our high standards, Wentzel stated. Thats why even though we offer so much more than competing operators, we also manage to keep prices affordable.

To sum it up, we have better guides, better equipment and better meals than our competitors. We operate on a higher level of safety and are more environmentally and socially responsible. And we do it all for less money, said Wentzel.

ABOUT PEAK PLANET

Launched in 2008, Peak Planet is an adventure travel specialist leading high quality climbs on Mount Kilimanjaro. Peak Planet is consistently recognized as one of the best operators on Kilimanjaro. Peak Planet is a member of Leave No Trace  an outdoor ethics organization  and a member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP)  a non-profit organization that monitors Kilimanjaro operators to protect the welfare of porters. Visit http://www.peakplanet.com for more information.
Global payment processing provider Payscout, Inc. is taking steps to fully integrate the former APS (Powered by Payscout) brand under the parent Payscout moniker. The brand consolidation means Payscout, Inc., will deliver top-tier services for all merchant services verticals under a single brand.

APS and Payscout were referral and processing partners for several years before Payscout took steps to acquire APS in October of 2015. The two companies combined resources to provide payment solutions that encompass all merchant risk verticals and to specifically serve the Accounts Receivable Management (ARM) industry more effectively.

The successful acquisition of APS was one sign that Payscout was well on its way to achieving a rare cultural synergy. This success was recently validated when Payscout ranked #17 on Entrepreneurs 2017 Top Company Cultures list among medium-sized companies.

Our goal is to be the best place to work in the world, said Payscout CEO Cleveland Brown. When we acquired APS, we knew combining our talents would benefit our clients and partners immediately, but we wanted to ensure the company cultures assimilated as seamlessly as possible. This prestigious award and our final brand consolidation step demonstrates the acquisition has come full circle and was carried out successfully.

Since acquiring APS, Payscout has seen rapid growth in the ARM industry, deemed one of its core markets. The success in this vertical is due, in part, to leveraging relationships with key partners, including Merchant e-Solutions.

Payscout and APS have well-deserved, strong reputations in the ARM merchant vertical, said Merchant e-Solutions CEO Tom Bell. We are excited to continue developing our relationship with Payscout as they consolidate all of their efforts under one great brand.

With a primary mission of supporting the entrepreneurial dream one transaction at a time, and recognition as one of the fastest-growing, privately-held companies in America for three consecutive years, Payscout expects to continue expanding through both organic growth tactics and portfolio acquisition.

About Payscout, Inc.

Payscout Supports the Entrepreneurial Dream One Transaction at a Time.

Payscout is a global payment processing provider covering six continents by connecting merchants and consumers via credit, debit, ATM, and alternative payment networks. What differentiates Payscout is its mission, to support the entrepreneurial dream one transaction at a time. Payscout achieves this by being a thought leader in the payments industry. Its Go Global Now technology platform gives merchants instant access to 100+ countries, billions of consumers and trillions of dollars. Payscout offers payment processing solutions for brick-and-mortar and ecommerce transactions, and has earned acclaim as a new-generation provider of merchant banking services, specializing in online/ecommerce retailers with a predominant proportion of card-not-present (CNP) transactions; it is one of the few providers to deliver a true global payment solution that encompasses all merchant risk verticals. Customers can access Payscouts credit card processing services via a state-of-the-art, web-based user portal and through direct interactions with highly-trained experts. In addition to supporting thousands of clients across a multitude of industries and all 50 American states, Payscout maintains global partnerships with VISA USA, Bank of America Merchant Services, VISA Europe, VISA Latin America, VISA Asia Pacific, MasterCard Worldwide, China Union Pay, Deutsche Bank, and First Data. Payscout was recognized as one of Americas fastest-growing privately-held companies in 2014, 2015, and 2016, ranking #2,416 in 2014, #434 in 2015, and #383 in 2016 on Inc. Magazines Inc. 500/5000 list. Within the financial services industry, Payscout placed #140 in 2014, #24 in 2015, and #27 in 2016. Payscout was also ranked #17 among medium-sized companies on Entrepreneurs Top Company Cultures list for 2017. For more information, visit http://www.payscout.com.
From left, Dunham Fund Advisor Mark Truemper; Pastor Danny Tutwiler;Aurora Mayor Robert OConnor; St. Paul Lutheran School Principal Diane Katz and Dunham Fund Chairman Robert Vaughn. The Dunham Grant has been a blessing to our church and school. It has given us the means to become a STEM integrated Christian school. The students will become better problem solvers and be better prepared for their future.

Filled with excitement during the schools very first STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Night, St. Paul Lutheran Schools staff added to the festive atmosphere by formally receiving a $192,000 grant from the Dunham Fund on March 21.

Among those participating were Aurora Mayor Robert J. OConnor, St. Pauls Senior Pastor Danny Tutwiler and St. Pauls Principal Diane Katz. Katz explained that the grant is being used to help the private Christian school finance a new science lab, new SMART Boards in all classrooms, a new updated computer lab with touchscreens, one-to-one Chromebooks from kindergarten up to eighth grade, new laptops for the staff and an improved infrastructure to handle all the technological equipment.

The Dunham Grant has been a blessing to our church and school, she said. It has given us the means to become a STEM integrated Christian school. The students will become better problem solvers and be better prepared for their future. This grant has also provided us the resources and technology that we can bless our community friends when they join us for Summer Camp.

Mark Truemper, Dunham Fund Advisor, was glad that the grant will financially support the schools STEM program.

The Dunham Fund looks for opportunities to enhance the quality of education provided to the children of Aurora so they will be able to adapt to the workforce of tomorrow, he said. We believe that through the integration of a STEM program to supplement the current core educational program at St. Paul, we will be helping to provide the tools necessary for these children to succeed in their future education and careers.

Additionally, the school received a $700 grant from NEED (National Energy Education Development Project). According to its website, NEEDs mission is to promote an energy conscious and educated society by creating effective networks of students, educators, business, government and community leaders to design and deliver objective, multi-sided energy education programs.

As part of this grants requirement, the school had to present a STEM night. So, the schools fourth through eighth graders used the knowledge they learned from their STEM classes and demonstrated many projects including an egg drop, working robotics and a mini-wind turbine.

Katz is grateful for the support from the church, parent volunteers and the organizations that provided the grants.

As a STEM integrated Christian school, the whole teaching staff that work with preschool through eighth grade have been focused on getting STEM into all areas of our curriculum this year, she said. I want to thank the Dunham Grant and the NEED Grant for making this possible.

When it comes to the infinite beauty, mystery and challenging questions that draw out the human curiosity that science presents, Pastor Danny Tutwiler gives overall thanks and praise to God.

The Creator is the author of science and we honor Him the more we grow to understand the complexities and beauties of His creation, Tutwiler said.

About the Dunham Fund:

Established by John C. Dunham in 1996; funded in 2007 in accordance with the provisions of Mr. Dunhams trust; and nurtured during the intervening years by Mr. Dunham and a board of personally appointed advisors, the Dunham Fund honors Mr. Dunhams life and philanthropy through grants to Aurora, Illinois area organizations that have the vision and programs to help fulfill Mr. Dunhams dream of making the world a more comfortable, safer place for mankind to live and prosper.

The Dunham Fund seeks grant applications from organizations that  like Mr. Dunham  encourage innovation and collaboration in educational and community development programs and projects to effect positive change in the Dunham Fund service area.

About St. Paul Lutheran Church and School:

St. Paul is a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregation and was founded by a group of German immigrants in 1857. The church offers a variety of weekend worship services in English and Spanish. Founded in 1865, St. Paul Lutheran School has provided a quality Christian education in Aurora and the surrounding Fox-Valley community. This long history demonstrates the commitment we have for nurturing and growing generations of leaders. St. Paul is a state-recognized school that also carries a voluntary accreditation through the National Lutheran Schools Accreditation, a rigorous process that requires verification of ongoing improvements. For more information, visit the schools website: https://www.stpaulauroraschool.org.

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Award recipient George R. Boggs with Terry OBanion, John E. Roueche, and Anne Kress

George R. Boggs, President and CEO Emeritus, American Association of Community Colleges, and Superintendent/President Emeritus, Palomar College, received the 2016 John E. Roueche & Terry OBanion International Leadership Award at the League for Innovation in the Community Colleges Innovations Conference in in San Francisco, California, March 12, 2017.

This award is presented to outstanding individuals whose accomplishments and professional contributions to higher education and the community college field are recognized as motivational, inspirational, and transformational.

Boggs continues to be an active consultant, teacher, author, and speaker. He currently teaches classes in emerging higher education issues in doctoral programs at San Diego State University and National American University, and is the author of more than 100 articles, books, and chapters on various aspects of higher education.

Rufus Glasper, President and CEO of the League for Innovation in the Community College, commends Boggs for his many years of exemplary service in the community colleges in the state of California and internationally.

The John E. Roueche & Terry OBanion International Leadership Award is presented annually at the Innovations Conference. This international conference is dedicated to innovative approaches for teaching, learning, and enhancing the community college experience.

About the League for Innovation in the Community College

The League for Innovation in the Community College (League) is an international nonprofit organization with a mission to cultivate innovation in the community college environment. The League hosts conferences and institutes, develops print and digital resources, and leads projects and initiatives with almost 500 member colleges, 100 corporate partners, and a host of other government and nonprofit agencies in a continuing effort to advance the community college field and make a positive difference for students and communities. Information about the League and its activities is available at http://www.league.org.
Iceland Greenland "Iceland and Greenland offer scenery, ice fjords, glaciers and icebergs for an unforgettable experience" Margret Margret Lindal Steinthorsdottir, Iceland ProTravel

Expedition Cruise to Iceland and Greenland hosted by Iceland ProCruises (Iceland ProCruises)

Offering discerning travelers unique experiences both on and off the ship, Iceland ProCruises announce two sailings which will visit the islands of Iceland and Greenland. On the voyage from Iceland to Greenland, discover the immense scenic and cultural variety of the worlds largest island. From the beautiful and fertile south with its fascinating Viking history and the modern capital of Nuuk in a traditional Inuit society to the town of Ilulissat with its floating icebergs and UNESCO World Heritage site, Ilulissat Ice Fjord. All these spectacles and more await your unforgettable journey aboard the Ocean Diamond.

Iceland and Natural Wonders of Greenland departs Reykjavik, Iceland July 27 and ends in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland August 7. Natural Wonders of Greenland and Iceland departs Kangerlussuaq, Greenland on September 2 and sails to Reykjavik, Iceland September 13. Spectacular scenery, activity-rich shore excursions and an enthusiastic expedition staff all make this trip memorable for everyone.

Thanks to two stabilizers that significantly reduce roll and an ice-strengthened hull (ice class 1D), the ship, OCEAN DIAMOND, is ideal for expeditions in the Arctic region. Due to the ships compact size, it can take passengers to places off the traditional cruise routes to experience all the highlights of both Iceland and Greenland.

With a maximum of 140 passengers, the OCEAN DIAMOND features a range of modern on-board amenities and is staffed with outstanding officers and crew, as well as bilingual expedition leaders and guides. The 107 cabins and suites, all of them elegantly designed, offer modern amenities and exterior views. The ships own Zodiacs are available for shore excursions. After a busy day of explorations, passengers can browse books or DVDs in the well-stocked Polar Library or enjoy views of the spectacular Arctic scenery from the panorama salon.

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About Iceland ProCruises

Iceland ProCruises is an Iceland based company and a part of the Iceland ProTravel family which is located in six countries and is a leading tour operator for incoming travelers to Iceland. Their office in Iceland includes: Iceland ProCruises, Iceland ProTravel--a local DMC, Iceland ProTravel Services and Iceland ProFishing. Owners Gudmundur Kjartansson, a native Icelander, and Anne-Cathrin Brocker from Luxembourg, have over twenty years of combined experience in Icelandic tourism and are owners of the whole Iceland ProTravel family.
Birds of Galapagos ""Flying in a small plane over the Galapagos Islands provides a birds-eye view of these volcanic formations," Allie Alimario, Myths and Mountains.

Myths & Mountains Vice President and Galapagos specialist, Allie Almario, just returned from her 14th scouting trip to the Galapagos where she discovered three growing trends.

1. Leaving ships behind, many are choosing to spend time on land in new luxury lodging including the new Galapagos Safari Camp on Santa Cruz Island.

2. Secondly, six-seater prop planes offer air taxi service for island hoppers. Galapagos By Air gives a birds-eye view of jaw-dropping volcanic islands and islets, as well as being a time-saver.

3. The third trend is evolving around the concept of more time on less islands, allowing visitors to explore an island more in-depth. More travelers are embracing the idea that less is more. By concentrating on a few islands and spending days on them rather than hours, visitors enjoy an in-depth, leisurely experience in the Galapagos. On longer stays, visitors stay overnight at a hotel on one of the four inhabited islands (Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, and Floreana) and explore nearby islands on day trips. There will even be time for a half-day kayak trip!

As a leading tour operator, Myths and Mountains have been taking travelers to the Galapagos for more than 20 years. They stay ahead of trends and curate the most ideal itineraries possible while maintaining strict standards for sustainability. Long-time relationships with local providers and wildlife conservationists assure guests a personalized and immersive experience.

For more information on Myths and Mountains tours, please visit http://www.mythsandmountains.com. You can also read Myths and Mountains blog and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Google +, Instagram and other networks.

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About Myths and Mountains

Veteran adventurer Dr. Antonia Neubauer founded Myths and Mountains in 1988 to foster intimate cross-cultural experiences and offer tours designed to take travelers to the very heart of the places they visit. The companys mission to provide handcrafted, experiential journeys has created a solid place for Myths and Mountains in the adventure travel industry. They were named Trusted Travel Experts on the 2017 Wendy Perrin WOW List. Allie Almario is the WOW expert for Ecuador and the Galapagos, while Dr. Neubauer is the WOW expert for Bhutan, Nepal and now Myanmar. Dr. Neubauer has also been Conde Nast Travelers Nepal and Bhutan Top Travel Specialist since 2011.

Achievements: Ultimate Adventure Outfitters From Around the Globe  Travel + Leisure Magazine, 2010; 50 Tours of a Lifetime  National Geographic Traveler, 2013 and 2015. Myths and Mountains was presented the 2015 Legacy in Travel Philanthropy Award from Tourism Cares.
Lee Zoppa The incidence and prevalence of hair loss and thinning among the adult population is growing for several reasons.

Hair Club is pleased to announce that Lee Zoppa has rejoined the company to head up the brands marketing and advertising team. Hair Club is the largest provider of all-proven hair loss solutions in North America, including the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

For more than 40 years, Hair Club has provided hair restoration services to nearly 600,000 people and has grown to 117 centers, employing more than 1,100 licensed cosmetologists and trained hair loss experts.

Zoppa, who has more than 25 years of brand and marketing experience, including 15 years in direct response marketing, will be based at Hair Club's corporate office at 1515 S. Federal Highway, Suite 401, Boca Raton, FL 33432.

Zoppa previously held the same position at Hair Club from early 2008 to mid-2013. In the intervening years, Zoppa continued to work in the beauty industry, advertising and promoting plastic surgery and cosmetic services as well as marketing skin and hair care products directly to consumers via multiple direct response channels. Most recently, she was VP of Brand Management for Keranique, a comprehensive topical program for womens hair loss that is sold directly to consumers via television, live shopping, ecommerce, and in retail outlets like Ulta and Sephora.

I am thrilled to be back at Hair Club after nearly 4 years. My personal mission is to help educate people on the hair growth cycle, the issue of hair loss and the growing number of treatments and solutions available now. Based on quantitative research I led last year, the incidence and prevalence of hair loss and thinning among the adult population is growing for several reasons. Hair Club offers options that help everyonemen and women of every age and ethnicity, with all hair types and levels of hair loss.

For more information about Hair Club, including services offered and driving directions to all locations, please view Hair Clubs website.

Hair Club offers proven hair loss solutions for women and men, including non-surgical hair replacement and laser therapies. Surgical hair restoration is offered through the affiliated physicians of Bosley Medical Group.

About Hair Club:

Founded in 1976, Hair Club is North Americas number one provider of proven hair loss solutions. For over forty years, Hair Club has helped hundreds of thousands restore their hair and transform their lives. Today, Hair Club has 117 locations throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo-based Aderans Co. Ltd., the worlds leading provider of total hair loss solutions. Aderans brands in the U.S. include Bosley Medical Group. Professional hair transplantation services provided by the affiliated physicians of Bosley Medical Group. Please note that no procedures are performed at Bosley until the patient has been examined, diagnosed and accepted for treatment by a Bosley physician.
Wake Foot Sanctuary, the wildly successful foot soaking spa in Asheville, North Carolina, announces plans to expand its successful brand by offering franchise opportunities for the first time. The company, demonstrating 50% year-over-year growth since opening its one location, is one of the few foot-soaking spas in the U.S. and the first to franchise. Its a unique, enticing offering in the $16.3 billion-dollar-a-year U.S. spa services industry which continues to grow at an explosive rate. The company, with more than $597,000 in annual sales in its one location and industry leading sales-per-square-foot performance, demonstrates a strong financial foundation.

Wake Foot Sanctuary falls within a new emerging category in the spa space offering upscale, one hour spa services as a quicker alternative to traditional full day spas. Wake offers customers luxurious, warm foot soaks with proprietary formulations, private label apothecary products, & uniquely procured goods for retail purchase. Customers have the option of a simultaneous massage of the feet and lower legs, hand and lower arm, or head, neck and shoulders. The spa also sells artisan crafted jewelry, natural hand-poured candles, handmade lavender and flaxseed neck wraps, and sensuous body care products.

Soaking in Success

The companys success is framed by powerful operational and marketing methodologies, soothing, white glove spa services delivered by passionate and empowered employees and a cult following of repeat visitors seeking a no judgement escape from a stress-filled world. The founders are Melissa and Brian Long, a married couple in Asheville with a passion to serve others. Now theyre ready to share their secrets of success with people who share a hands-on passion to do well by serving their local communities. Dont let the mushy stuff fool you. Behind this sincere kumbaya vibe is a determined couple with shrewd entrepreneurial minds looking for aggressive business partners who want to scale a thriving business.

We are excited to share this wonderful opportunity with energized people who want to bring our unique concept to their cities and watch their business grow beyond their wildest dreams, says Melissa Long. We are looking for owners who want to be hands-on to get the spa up and running and watch the amazing results you achieve when you deliver an atmosphere of personalized attention and care.

Wake Up a Dream!

Wake Foot Sanctuary opened its doors in 2013. Melissa was a disenchanted corporate sales and marketing executive on the fast track with a large consumer products company. Brian comes from a family of serial entrepreneurs and before starting Wake Foot Sanctuary, was a custom home builder. The Longs opened the spa in a shopping district of Asheville and it grew faster than they could keep up with. They often turn down customers because the schedule is jam packed.

Why Wake?

The Longs came up with the name after their beloved dog named Wake. They named him "Wake" because, one morning, like a long-lost friend, he appeared next to Brian's car. (The name Wake signifies finding him in the morning). He, like many dogs, treated people with the utmost kindness and respect. Wake has since died, but his kind, selfless spirit lives on every day in the spas red-carpet treatment of all customers.

We want to continue Wakes legacy of making everyone feel at home and at peace. says Melissa. We are looking for people to share the dream to spread kindness and tranquility, while building a successful business they can be proud of. 

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About Wake Foot Sanctuary  Wake Foot Sanctuary is a luxurious foot soaking spa founded in 2013 in downtown Asheville, North Carolina. The company, founded by married entrepreneurs, Melissa and Brian Long, is one of the few foot-spas in the U.S. and the first to franchise. Wake Foot Sanctuary offers customers luxurious, warm foot soaks with proprietary soak formulations private label products, & other luxurious procured goods. Customers have the option of a simultaneous massage of the feet and lower legs, Hand and lower arm, or head, neck and shoulders. The spa also sells artisan crafted jewelry, natural hand-poured candles, handmade lavender and flaxseed neck wraps, and sensuous body care products. The company began franchising in 2017 and is looking to expand its national footprint. For more information visit http://www.wakespa.com

Spa Industry Background

 The Spa services industry in the U.S. includes about 21,000 facilities with combined annual revenue of $16.3 billion, according to the International SPA Association.

 7 out of 10 spas are classified as day spas. Day spas account for more than half of industry revenue and are growing at 25% per year.

 Average rate for a spa treatment at luxury hotel spas in the U.S. is $137.

 The spa industry registers 155.8 million visits every year with a steady triple figure annual growth predicted within the next 10 years.

 The spa industry is growing at an incredible rate. The astonishing growth is attributed to the demand for the stress-free environment, a place where people can escape the frantic, daily grind.
Nurses using VRI technology to support communication between patients and healthcare providers report better communication with patients and their family members.

InDemand Interpreting, a technology-enabled language services performance improvement company and a leading video remote interpreting (VRI) provider within Healthcare, will be exhibiting at the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) 2017  50 Years of Inspiring Leaders Conference held March 29  April 1. The organization is dedicated to supporting global nursing leadership with a mission to shape healthcare through innovative and expert nursing.

InDemand Interpreting immediately connects nurses and healthcare professionals to medically qualified interpreters 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in more than 200 languages, including American Sign Language (ASL) across the care continuum. VRI technology enables nurses to provide greater language access for limited English proficiency (LEP), Deaf and hard of hearing patients, improving overall patient care.

Nurses using VRI technology to support communication between patients and healthcare providers report better communication with patients and their family members.

The first day we had VRI, in 2015, we had two pediatric cases, a four-year-old girl from Iran, and a Burmese family, and we were not able to communicate effectively with these patients in the ER, said Heather Telford, director of nursing for emergency and critical care services at Kenmore Mercy Hospital. It (VRI) worked beautifully. Removing the language barrier keeps everyone safer and more connected about their care.

We are excited to participate in AONE, an annual meeting addressing the current issues facing todays nurses, said InDemand Marketing Vice President Casey Zanetti. Its incredibly important to listen to the nurses and healthcare providers we serve to understand their challenges so that we can better support their language access needs.

InDemand Interpreting will be exhibiting in #1071 at the AONE Conference. For more information, visit: http://www.indemandinterpreting.com.

About InDemand Interpreting

InDemand Interpreting was founded in 2007 with the vision of ensuring that every patient receives the highest quality healthcare, regardless of language, cultural background or disability. By delivering the most experienced medical interpreters and highest quality video technology InDemand Interpreting provides doctors, nurses and clinicians the language access they need to provide the best possible care. Visit InDemand at http://www.indemandinterpreting.com

About the American Organization of Nurse Executives

The American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) is the national professional organization for nurses who design, facilitate and manage care. With more than 9,000 members, AONE is the leading voice of nursing leadership in health care. Since 1967, the organization has provided leadership, professional development, advocacy and research to advance nursing practice and patient care, promote nursing leadership excellence and shape public policy for health care. AONE is a subsidiary of the American Hospital Association. For more information, visit http://www.aone.org/.
Each year, the Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) hosts an all-day gathering of 700 science and technology leaders and professionals that highlights local companies, their breakthroughs and the people behind them. This years Spring Conference will be held on Tuesday, May 9 at the Minneapolis Depot Renaissance and feature more than 15 breakout sessions and 40 exhibitors in addition to keynote speakers. Conference tracks will focus digital transformation, innovation, and science and technology leadership.

Our conference will offer local science and technology professionals the opportunity to connect, share knowledge, and hear from some fantastic speakers, said Margaret Anderson Kelliher, president & CEO of MHTA. Were excited to bring everyone together to highlight the technology that is transforming the heartland.

Keynote Speakers

Neel Kashkari, President, Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank

Neel Kashkari is the 13th president of the Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank. He was born and raised Ohio and first worked as an aerospace engineer. Later he attended the Wharton School of Business and covered the technology security sector for Goldman Sachs. Ten years ago the Secretary of the Treasury tapped Kashkari to administer the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) during the financial crisis. Kashkari is currently a voting member of the Federal Reserves policy-setting panel.

Chris Wolf, VP & Global CTO, VMware  Empowering Business Innovation and Agility

These days, business innovation and agility mean faster time to market with cool new ideas. The introduction of new business models and alternative delivery channels. And, of course, a mobile-first approach with an app for everything.

Your business is counting on IT to deliver the modern data center and cloud technologies that will help the company stay nimble and inventive. And if IT isnt fast enough, business users will simply go to the public cloud for what they need. You want to deliver the IT environment and cloud flexibility the business needsbut with the visibility, security, and governance your company requires. How can you do both?

Join us to explore IT strategies that deliver the flexibility and control you need to empower your organizations innovation and agility.

Chris Wolf serves as CTO, Global Field and Industry at VMware. In that role, Chris is responsible for driving the execution and communication of the Office of the CTOs vision, internally and externally, supporting VMwares global field teams on all CTO evangelism and representing VMwares technical vision to customers, partners and analysts. He also owns and manages the field CTO activities and helps drive the CTO Ambassador (CTOA) programs and industry-vertical CTO activities.

Mainstage Session

From Agile to Devops  How can a science and tech company go from being a traditional box software company to a SaaS? Hear from Brian Harry, Product Unit Manager for Team Foundation Server, and explore Microsoft Visual Studios transition from a multi-year software release cadence to continuous delivery from the public cloud.

Breakout Sessions

Digital Transformation



The Technology Behind Digital Transformation: Digital transformation is all about the business, but it take technology to make it happen. In this session, leaders from VMware demonstrate how the cloud, data centers, workspaces, security and virtualization are all pieces of the puzzle.

Improve User Experience through Tech Collaboration: Join Crux Collaborative and experts from UnitedHealth Group, Medica & Zipnosis as they demonstrate how design aligns technical and marketing teams, saves time, budget and in the end produces a more successful user centric solution.

Tech Enabled Workplace: Empower the Business, Enhance the Experience: How do companies adapt, maintain, or reinvent themselves to integrate intelligent buildings, innovative environments and worker mobility into their organizations? Come learn from experts at Colliers, Cuningham Group, Parallel Technologies and 75F who work on the front lines of smart building design, workplace strategy and interactive technologies.

Create Your Digital Transformation Plan: Learn from the technology leaders at brightpeak financial about how they leveraged digital transformation to create a new business with a distinct audience and mission.

Innovation

Enterprise & Entrepreneurs: Innovating Together: In this lively session, U.S. Bankss Innovation Team leaders will discuss their criteria and process for partnering with startups to help drive innovation within the bank and Mobile Composers CEO will share how working with the U. S Bank innovation team helped launch their successful flagship SaaS product.

An Epic Transformation: How has a company started in the middle of a Wisconsin farm field grow to become a world leader in electronic health records? Hear from the local leaders who helped design and build an innovative campus that is home to 8000 Midwest tech workers.

Accelerate Digital with Mobile Technologies: Technology spending is catching up with mobile innovations. Local experts join MentorMate to demonstrate how mobile-first strategies and implantation can accelerate digital growth and the enterprise.

Science & Technology Leadership

Talent Alternatives in the Current Environment: A new budget, tax reform and immigration policy changes are all poised to have a big impact of science and technology companies. How could the current landscape change and what alternatives should local leaders consider when it comes to talent?

Leading Technology Transformation: The dev team and the business have to work better together. How do you balance security with automation, continuity and other business goals? This session will highlight strategies and tactics tech leaders must employ.

Cyber Liability: What the Board of Directors Need to Know: Join experts from Associated Benefits and Risk Consultants and local tech leaders for an overview of cyber threats and liabilities.

Those interested in speaking, submitting an idea or sponsoring Spring Conference can contact organizers at news(at)mhta(dot)org.

MHTA will continue to announce speakers and breakout sessions in the weeks to come. Additional details about the 2017 Spring Conference  including registration and sponsorship information-- are available at http://www.mhta.org/event/spring/.

MHTA appreciates the generous support of the sponsors who make the 2017 Conference possible:

Gold: Optum, Thomson Reuters, VMware

VIP Dinner: Eagle Creek Software Services

Silver: Implex, Manifest Technology

CIO Breakfast: Genesis10

Bronze: Associated Benefits and Risk Consultants, Crux Collaborative, Sagitec, Virteva

Next-Generation: Microsoft

Tech Talk: FRSecure, MentorMate, Tegile

About Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA)

MHTA is an innovation and technology association united in fueling Minnesotas prosperity and making Minnesota a top five technology state. We help bring together the people of Minnesotas technology ecosystem and lead the charge in directing technology issues to Minnesotas state capitol. MHTA is the only membership organization that represents Minnesotas entire technology-based economy. MHTA members include organizations of every size  involved in virtually every aspect of technology creation, production, application and education in Minnesota. Find out more online at http://www.mhta.org or follow MHTA on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MHTA.
This year, weve invited some of the most successful brand marketers working today to discuss how their email programs are pushing the envelope to generate breakthrough results.

Rising Media, Inc., a global events producer specializing in technology-related conferences and exhibitions, announced that it is partnering with Only Influencers, a community of over 500 of the worlds leading thought leaders and email marketing professionals, to produce Email Innovations Summit at the Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas from April 19-21, 2017.

Launched in May 2016, this will be the 3rd Email Innovations Summit event, with annual events in Las Vegas and London. From the latest advancements in acquisition techniques to going beyond responsive design, Email Innovations Summit explores the cutting edge of email marketing trends and the latest strategies that will drive tomorrows results, including the latest trends in data-driven subject lines to drive increased engagement, and much more.

Hundreds of email marketing professionals are expected to attend the event for two days of education, exhibits, and special events aimed at facilitating relevant training and industry updates as well as critical connection-building and networking opportunities amongst email marketing professionals and innovators. The event also features an additional post-conference day of workshops for deeper, interactive learning.

Email Innovations Summit is the only conference that literally continues year round, says Bill McCloskey, Chair of Email Innovations and founder of Only Influencers, the oldest and most trusted community for email marketers in the world. After the conference is over, every attendee is invited to join this long running community to expand the knowledge they gained at the conference. This year, weve invited some of the most successful brand marketers working today to discuss how their email programs are pushing the envelope to generate breakthrough results.

Keynote addresses include presentations by Jeanniey Mullen, Partner, Global Marketing Leader Innovation, Mercer, who will discuss emails rise to power; Morgan Stewart, Co-Founder and CEO, Trendline Interactive, Inc., who will address how to measure the impact of innovation; and David Daniels, CEO & Founder, The Relevancy Group who will speak on the future of relevance and one-to-one marketing. A complete conference agenda, including dedicated tracks on Innovations in Email and In the Trenches Career Track, schedule, and speaker list can be found online at emailinnovationssummit.com/lasvegas/2017/agenda.

The discussions and contacts forged at the Email Innovations Summit dont end with the conference. Every attendee will receive a 6 month complimentary membership to Only Influencers, a curated community for email marketing professionals.

In addition to the conference program, Email Innovation Summits exhibit hall will play host to the industrys most innovative companies showcasing the latest innovations, services, and tools for email marketers, including Diamond Sponsor CertainSource; Silver Sponsors Email Monks, Fluent, LLC, LiveClicker, Marapost, Zeta Global; and Sponsors LazBro, Inc., and Personic.AI. Companies interested in becoming a sponsor should visit emailinnovationssummit.com/lasvegas/2017/sponsorship.

About Rising Media

Rising Media is a global events and media producer excelling in Internet and technology-related events and content. Events include Inside 3D Printing, RoboUniverse, Virtual Reality Summit, Data Driven Business, Building Business Capability, Predictive Analytics World, Text Analytics World, eMetrics Summit, Conversion Conference, AllFacebook Marketing Conference, Search Marketing Expo, Affiliate Management Days, Influencer Marketing Days, Future of Immersive Leisure, Global Online Classifieds Summit, and Web Effectiveness Conference in the USA, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, India, China, Korea, Singapore, Australia, Brazil.

For more information, please visit http://www.risingmedia.com.

About Only Influencers

Only Influencers (OI) is the oldest and most trusted community of email marketers in the world. Launched in 2003 by industry pioneer Bill McCloskey (founder of eDataSource.com), Only Influencers has hosted daily discussions on email marketing for the last 14 years and revolutionized the industry. The community is a mix of 500 of the worlds leading Email Marketing brands, vendors, consultants and agencies, helping each other in a private, safe environment. OI also hosts a website (onlyinfluencers.com) with thousands of articles on email marketing written by the membership and available to the general public. OI also publishes a weekly newsletter with the latest Email Marketing news, jobs, tips, product reviews, and thought leadership. 
Robin Sol Lieberman, author and founder of TrueCharisma.com, has returned from the United Nations, where she moderated the Global Youth Panel, "Leading Beyond Fear," for IMPACT Leadership 21's 4th Annual Power of Collaboration event.

During her United Nations panel, Lieberman announced the release of her audiobook for the award-winning book, The Charisma Code: Communicating in a Language Beyond Words. This highly anticipated version is newly available on Audible and read by the author: http://www.audible.com/pd/Business/The-Charisma-Code-Audiobook/B01N6JKRMU

The Charisma Code inspires its readers to grow their personal power as a means of fearless and effective leadership. Her recent "Leading Beyond Fear" panel at the United Nations featured exceptional youth who are using their audacious authenticity to change the world. Lieberman's panel was broadcast to thousands globally through UN TV. This one-minute video featuring Lieberman's dance and announcing the release of her book in audiobook format was played as an introduction to her panel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUo5x1RouVw

"It was a great honor to announce the publication of my audiobook in the ECOSOC chamber at the United Nations Headquarters---the very room dedicated to economic and social justice worldwide. My hope is that The Charisma Code continues to inspire diverse populations spanning from the youth to the incarcerated to corporate teams to prioritize "looking for the value in others." If each of us genuinely did that in all of our encounters, we would live in a very different world, says Lieberman.

According to Audible reviewers, "Ms. Lieberman does a wonderful job of narrating. It feels as though she's sitting right there with you, and she's very interested in an authentic connection! She is wonderfully transparent and fun (she sings, laughs at herself, talks to you... all without breaking the spell...) Her own charisma comes through."
DATAMARKs Mumbai location significantly expands our capacity to provide our clients with a wide range of business services, from data processing to finance and accounting to customer contact.

DATAMARK, Inc., a global provider of business process outsourcing (BPO) and contact center services, recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its new service delivery center in Mumbai, India.

Located in the countrys commercial and financial hub, the new facility was opened to meet the growing needs of DATAMARKs domestic and international clients. The site, currently employing about 300 data processing staff, has capacity for 750 BPO and contact center employees across three shifts, allowing DATAMARK to offer clients around-the-clock service.

The ribbon cutting ceremony was held on February 15. The event was hosted by DATAMARKs U.S. and India teams, and attended by client representatives and other special guests from across the globe. The attendees enjoyed a tour of the state-of-the-art facility, a world-class lunch and even had an opportunity to do some sightseeing of Mumbais historic attractions.

DATAMARKs Mumbai location significantly expands our capacity to provide our clients with a wide range of business services, from data processing to finance and accounting to customer contact, said DATAMARK President Bill Randag. We are pleased to offer our clients a first-class operation in the economic hub of India, where we have access to a highly educated, talented and dedicated workforce.

With the opening of the Mumbai site, DATAMARK now has two facilities in India. DATAMARKs first India facility was opened in the city of Chennai in 2005. Combined, the two facilities have a capacity for 1,700 staff. The Mumbai site complements our Chennai location, which has a capacity for 950 staff and is led by an outstanding team of managers who average 15 years of experience in the BPO industry, Randag said.

The Mumbai site will provide backup and redundancy for the Chennai location as well as DATAMARKs other worldwide operations. The facility has space to accommodate the companys future growth in the BPO and contact center outsourcing sectors.

About DATAMARK

DATAMARK, Inc. is a leading business process outsourcing company specializing in high-volume digital mailroom management, document processing/document management, contact center services, and process improvement consulting for Fortune 500 companies and other large enterprises.

Headquartered in El Paso, Texas, DATAMARK employs nearly 2,000 people in its U.S., Mexico and India facilities. For more information, visit http://www.datamark.net or contact Marketing Manager Martin Rocha at info(at)datamark(dot)net.
Searching for some soulful illustrations? Monarch | Arredon Contemporary is honored to present Visual Jazz by San Diego county native Chor Boogie! The one-of-a-kind solo exhibition will feature over 20 original works on canvas, with an opening reception on Saturday April 29th 2017 from 5p to 8pm.

Critically acclaimed spray paint artist Chor Boogie, a.k.a. Joaquin Lamar Hailey returns to his roots after circling the globe to share his latest body of work: Visual Jazz. Chor Boogie was recently honored by Societe Perrier as being number three among the Top Ten U.S. Street Artists. His visionary murals and art exhibitions have appeared all over the world including venues such as the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, the Smithsonian, Museum of Public Arts in Baton Rouge, Museum of Art Puerto Rico, LA Art Fair, Scope Art Fair Miami Beach, Torrance Art Museum in Los Angeles, Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego, Museum of Man in San Diego, San Diego Museum of Art, Childrens Museum in San Diego, Syracuse University Museum, and the Vision Arts Festival in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.

In October, 2010 Chor Boogie's The Eyes of the Berlin Wall, sold for 500,000 euro, making history for the street art genre. Clients include Google, Ritz Carlton, MTV Arabia, Anthony Robbins, Heineken, the Blackstone Group, Zazzle.com, Playboy, Rock the Bells, and the TJ Martell Foundation.

Chor Boogie is recognized for having achieved a groundbreaking level of technical and emotional virtuosity in the medium of spray paint. He is primarily a self-taught artist, though he was first nurtured by the local street art culture of San Diego and Oceanside.

Visual Jazz celebrates the creative power of the human spiritand art as the intersection between the physical and the metaphysical. Vivid colors and multidimensional designs reverently embrace classic figures of jazz maestros. The composition and forms are unpredictable and yet harmonious, like jazz itself. The audience is invited to feel the music through the works.

A percentage of the sales will go to benefit Writerz Blok, a youth arts and social enterprise program of the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation, where Chor Boogie found community, support, and inspiration as an emerging artist. See JacobsCenter.org for more info. Visual Jazz will be on display at Monarch | Arredon Contemporary from April 29th to June 3rd, 2017.

Prep yourself for a night of perfectly crafted paintings at a unique gallery with canvas craftsman Chor Boogie! For more information on this event, visit https://monarchfineart.com.

MONARCH | ARREDON CONTEMPORARY is La Jolla's small and exclusive gallery founded on respect, passion and trust. The Gallery represents emerging and mid-career artists, offering high-quality crafted artworks along with the expertise and individual-focused approach to collectors, art professionals, and art enthusiasts. Monarch | Arredon Contemporary is located at 862 Prospect St, Suite A, La Jolla, CA 92037. We are open Thursday through Sunday 11 am to 5 pm, and by appointment Monday through Wednesday.
The 19th Annual Bonhoeffer Lectures in Public Ethics will be held at Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York, on April 7-8, 2017. Sponsored by Unions Bonhoeffer Chair of Theology and Ethics and the German Bonhoeffer Chair Foundation, the lectures will examine how the Reformation played out in Europe and America, with special attention to Bonhoeffers Germany. Speakers will focus on the role of churches in public life.

Western Christianity is in a state of decline, even crisis, said Clifford Green, Bonhoeffer Chair Scholar, Union Theological Seminary. In this conference we look to Luther and Bonhoeffer, and ask what we learn to help renew and re-form the church of the future.

The Bonhoeffer Lectures have always been both a scholarly and a practical endeavor. This year, in addition to examining Bonhoeffer as a public theologian, the conference commemorates the 500th anniversary of the birth of the Protestant Reformation in Germany. Under the title Re-Forming the Church of the Future: Bonhoeffer, Luther, Public Ethics, the two-day program of lectures and panel discussions will examine the theology informing the social ethics of churches, especially those deriving from the Lutheran Reformation. An accomplished roster of theologians, church leaders, and leading Bonhoeffer scholars from across the globe will provide insight into the ways in which churches and other civic institutions might best engage the public in the critical issues of our time. The two keynote speakers are:

Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, Presiding Bishop, Protestant Church of Germany, former Bonhoeffer Visiting Professor, Union Theological Seminary. Lecture topic: Reformation: Freeing the Church for Authentic Public Witness.

The Honorable Kevin Rudd, President of the Asia Society Policy Institute, New York, former Prime Minister of Australia. Lecture topic: Truth in Politics.

The Bonhoeffer Lectures alternate between German and North American universities, except in years when the International Bonhoeffer Congress convenes. The last time Union Theological Seminary presented the Bonhoeffer Lectures was in 2011 with the theme Bonhoeffer for Coming Generations.

Tickets are limited. For more information and to register, please visit http://www.utsnyc.edu/bonhoeffer.

About Union Theological Seminary

Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York is a seminary and a graduate school of theology established in 1836 by founders deeply impressed by the claims of the world upon the church. Union prepares women and men for committed lives of service to the church, academy and society. A Union education develops practices of mind and body that foster intellectual and academic excellence, social justice, and compassionate wisdom. Grounded in the Christian tradition and responsive to the needs of Gods creation, Unions graduates make a difference wherever they serve.

Union believes that a new interreligious spirituality of radical openness and love is the worlds best hope for peace, justice, and the care of Gods creation. Empowered by groundbreaking inquiry aligned with practical realism and a bias for action, Union is charting a profound new course for enduring social change. Union graduates make a difference wherever they serve, practicing their vocations with courage and perseverance, and speaking clearly and acting boldly on behalf of social justice in all its forms.

CONTACT:

Ian Rees

ianatgzandassociates.com | 215.869.9064

Kate Sann

kateatgzandassociates.com | 518.331.8671
Vishal Awasthi, CTO Dolphin Enterprise Solutions Corproation Dolphin is committed to keeping our products closely aligned with the SAP product roadmap. Our team works tirelessly to advance our solutions so that our customers can take full advantage of the latest innovations coming from SAP applications.

Dolphin Enterprise Solutions Corporation (dba Dolphin), an SAP partner and provider of solutions in support of SAP software, today announced that its Process Tracking System for Accounts Payable (PTS-AP), has achieved certified integration with SAP S/4HANA. This certification is one of several SAP-Certifications recently achieved by Dolphin, including the certification for PTS-AP Advanced Approvals on the SAP Cloud Platform.

The SAP Integration and Certification Center (SAP ICC) has certified PTS-AP as an ABAP add-on for SAP S/4HANA. This version of PTS-AP includes several new features that will enable Dolphin customers to leverage the new capabilities and advanced processing power available with SAP S/4HANA. It has a new UI5 user interface so that it looks and feels like the latest SAP S/4HANA applications. It also provides a new set of key performance indicators and graphical reports in the PTS-AP Launchpad, which will help our customers increase the speed, accuracy and transparency of Accounts Payable business processes.

We are pleased to announce that Dolphin has successfully completed yet another integration certification for our Process Tracking System, this time for PTS-AP on SAP S/4HANA, said Vishal Awasthi, Chief Technology Officer, Dolphin. Dolphin is committed to keeping our products closely aligned with the SAP product roadmap. Our team works tirelessly to advance our solutions so that our customers can take full advantage of the latest innovations coming from SAP applications.

Dolphins SAP-Certified Process Tracking System helps organizations lower the cost and improve the accuracy and speed of key business processes in SAP applications. It serves as the foundation of Dolphins Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Sales and Distribution, and Finance and Administration solutions, offering flexibility, advanced reporting abilities and optimized processing.

About Dolphin

Dolphin leads the way in business performance improvement for companies running SAP solutions and manages both data and processes. From data and information lifecycle management to end-to-end solutions for procure-to-pay and order-to-cash processes based on SAP software, Dolphin helps deliver a competitive advantage that drives cost savings, optimizes cash flows and fosters a lower total cost of ownership. Leveraging SAP technology, Dolphins data lifecycle and business process management solutions and add-on applications with SAP-certified integration have built-in flexibility, and are designed to be tailored to each customers specific business processes and IT environments.

The company was founded in 1995 and has offices in San Jose, CA, Philadelphia, PA, and Toronto, Canada. Dolphins smart, adaptable and proven solutions are implemented by hundreds of companies across North America and around the world. To learn more, email us at contact@dolphin-corp.com or visit http://www.dolphin-corp.com/

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SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please see http://www.sap.com/corporate-en/legal/copyright/index.epx#trademark for additional trademark information and notices.
The Republican candidates vying for nomination for Virginia Governor in the June 13th Republican primary will face off in a debate at Liberty University on Thursday, April 13, 2017 at 7 p.m. Candidates Ed Gillespie, Corey Stewart, and Frank Wagner have confirmed attendance. The event will be hosted by the new Center for Law and Government and will be held at the new state-of-the-art concert hall at Libertys Center for Music and the Worship Arts. The event is free and the public and media are invited to attend. Doors will open at 6 and the audience must be seated by 6:45.

We are very excited about hosting this important debate, said Robert Hurt, former Congressman and executive director of the Center for Law and Government. The race for Virginia Governor will be one of only a handful of statewide races held in this off-year election cycle and the eyes of the nation will be watching to see what happens here in November. As the inaugural event for the new Center, it is our hope that the citizens will benefit from what promises to be a fascinating and informative exchange of ideas among the three candidates on the ballot."

For the April 13 debate, Liberty will partner with WSET-TV in Lynchburg and Sinclair Broadcast Group to broadcast the debate live on TV stations throughout Virginia and DC. The event will also be live-streamed online. Libertys Executive Director of External Communications Len Stevens and WSET News Anchor Mark Spain will moderate.

Any media wishing to cover this debate should contact Len Stevens (contact information above) for credentials by Apr. 11 to make arrangements.

About Liberty University

Liberty University, founded in 1971, is the largest private, nonprofit university in the nation, the largest university in Virginia, and the largest Christian university in the world. Located near the Blue Ridge Mountains on more than 7,000 acres in Lynchburg, Va., Liberty offers more than 550 unique programs of study from the certificate to the doctoral level. More than 250 programs are offered online. Libertys mission is to train Champions for Christ with the values, knowledge, and skills essential for impacting tomorrows world.
Eyvind Earle (United States, 19162000) Concept painting, c. 1950 Sleeping Beauty (1959)

The Walt Disney Family Museum is pleased to announce the premiere of its eighteenth original exhibition, Awaking Beauty: The Art of Eyvind Earle. On view from May 18, 2017 to January 8, 2018, this original retrospective showcases the life and work of Eyvind Earle. Earle is best known as the lead stylist for Walt Disneys classic feature Sleeping Beauty (1959) and for concept art that shaped such enduring favorites as Lady and the Tramp (1955) and Peter Pan (1953).

Reflecting on his time at The Walt Disney Studios, Earle once said, I consider my six or seven years at Disney the greatest art school in the whole world, because I worked hard and fast with the very, very best men in the industry. Beyond his work at The Studios, Earles distinctive interpretation of iconic American landscapes as a fine artist and printmaker continues to impact and inspire generations of artists and designers.

Co-curated by Ioan Szasz, CEO of Eyvind Earle Publishing, and Michael Labrie, Director of Collections and Exhibitions for the Walt Disney Family Foundation and The Walt Disney Family Museum, the artists first-ever comprehensive museum retrospective will feature more than 250 works, including intricate thumbnail concept paintings for Lady and the Tramp and evocative large-scale concept artworks for Sleeping Beauty. Alongside Earles work for The Walt Disney Studios is an extensive showcase of his fine art, including elaborate and lush landscapes, unique scratchboards, rare examples of sculpture, companion poetry, and commercial illustrations. In addition to signature landscapes and enchanting illustrations that are characteristic of Earles style, the exhibition will feature his limited edition serigraphs and lesser-known pieces, including cartoon drawings from his time in the U.S. Navy and commercial advertisements for American brands. A special component of the exhibition is Earles own treadle-powered printing press on which he created some of his collectible holiday cards.

This retrospective provides unique insight into Earles colorful life story, his inspiration, and his creative approach to the art-making process. Combined, these elements fueled an extraordinarily diverse career across a spectrum of traditional fine art, commercial design, and filmmaking.

Eyvind was an honest and humble man, yet he was constantly challenging himself to push the boundaries of his own artistry with his enduring passion to explore, create and innovate, said Szasz, who began working with the artist in 1988. Whether it was through a modest snowy landscape for a Christmas card or a more intricate background concept for films like Sleeping Beauty, Earle brought magic to everything he touched.

In conjunction with the exhibition, the Walt Disney Family Foundation Press will publish a fully illustrated 176-page catalogue. This lavish art book will showcase an unprecedented collection of artworks spanning Earles entire life as an artistfrom his early sketches and watercolors to the ethereal oil paintings of his later career. Of the catalogues more than 250 pieces, 80 date from Earles time at The Walt Disney Studios; they include concept paintings for Sleeping Beauty (1959), Lady and the Tramp (1955), Academy Awardwinning short Toot, Whistle, Plunk and Bloom (1953), and more. The catalogue is available for purchase at The Walt Disney Family Museum Store.

You wont have far to travel in the Diane Disney Miller Exhibition Hall, or turn many pages in this catalogue, to discover the beauty and magic of Eyvinds work, said Labrie. From the scratchboards, cards, serigraphs, sculptures, and awe-inspiring landscapes, you get to ponder in a meadow, perch on a hillside, or soar above the towering cliffs captured, imagined, and shared by Eyvind Earle.

When Earle passed away in 2000, he left behind a legacy of prolific artwork depicting a lifes journey that spans more than seven decades. Awaking Beauty: The Art of Eyvind Earle will bring a far-reaching and much deserved recognition to his influential career and the enduring impact of Earles magnificent artwork.

This past year, the museum presented a comprehensive exhibition chronicling the exacting process that The Walt Disney Studios went through in the late 1930s to create the iconic film Pinocchio, said Kirsten Komoroske, Executive Director of The Walt Disney Family Museum. Now, with Awaking Beauty: The Art of Eyvind Earle, we are proud to provide our visitors with a deep look at Eyvind Earles intriguing and inspiring life and work, including his work at The Walt Disney Studios and his influence on a number of filmsmost notably, Sleeping Beauty.

This special exhibition follows Eyvind Earle: An Exhibit of a Disney Legend which was on view at Forest Lawn Museum in Los Angeles from May 20, 2016 to January 1, 2017. This new exhibition adds additional works to fully represent the evolution of the artists style and to provide a complete retrospective of his lifes work. Awaking Beauty: The Art of Eyvind Earle is organized by The Walt Disney Family Museum and is presented in the Diane Disney Miller Exhibition Hall from May 18, 2017 to January 8, 2018.

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ABOUT EYVIND EARLE

Born in New York City in 1916, Eyvind Earle began his prolific career at the age of 11 when his father gave him a challenge: read 50 pages of a book or paint a picture every day; Earle chose both. He traveled with his father to Mexico and throughout France for nearly four years, painting continuously while attending private schools. This dedication to his craft resulted in a small solo exhibition abroad at the age of 14. Earle returned to the United States in the early years of the Great Depression, and briefly worked as an assistant sketch artist for United Artists (UA). He left UA and traveled in Mexico for a year, painting and living on funds provided by a wealthy friend. After returning to the United States, he bicycled cross-country from Hollywood to New York in 1937, painting and selling watercolors to pay his way. A selection of those watercolors would comprise the first of many exhibitions at the Charles Morgan Gallery in New York City. Works featured in these early shows were strictly realistic, but, after studying a variety of masters such as Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cezanne, Norman Rockwell, and Georgia OKeeffe, Earle came into his own unique styleone characterized by simplicity, directness, and confidence in execution and delivery.

Earle applied for work at The Walt Disney Studios intermittently for the next 15 years. In the interim, he started a Christmas card company and created artwork for magazine covers while continuing to exhibit his art domestically. Earle finally joined Disney in 1951 as an assistant background painter, and worked his way up to the position of color stylist for Sleeping Beauty (1959). He left the company prior to the films release to work for John Sutherland Productions, and started his own animation company, Eyvind Earle Productions Inc., in 1961. Earle earned a reputation for innovation and creativity, producing trademark logos, film trailers, print advertisements, television commercials and animated specials for his company and as a contractor with a Chicago advertising agency throughout the 1960s.

After 15 years creating animated art, Earle returned to painting full-time in 1966 and continued working, to much acclaim, until the end of his life. In 1998, Earle received the Winsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement from the International Animated Film Society at its Annie Awards show in Glendale, California. In 2015, The Walt Disney Company posthumously awarded Earle the prestigious Disney Legend Award for his work on Sleeping Beauty and his contributions to animation.

ABOUT THE CURATORS

Michael Labrie is the Director of Collections and Exhibitions for the Walt Disney Family Foundation and The Walt Disney Family Museum, and co-curator of Awaking Beauty: The Art of Eyvind Earle. Labrie has more than 25 years of art management experience, having managed private art collections for 18 years before managing special projects for the San Francisco Airport Museum. Starting at the San Francisco Airport Museum in 1997, he prepared exhibits, worked in the collections department, managed preparator staff, and established relationships with the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Labrie has been with the the Walt Disney Family Foundation since 2003, working alongside Diane Disney Miller and her family, building the collections to tell the story of Walt Disney, his life, with focus on family and achievements. Labrie facilitated the move and installation of the collections for the opening of the museum in 2009 and took on management of the special exhibitions efforts in 2013. In addition to Awaking Beauty, Labrie curated Water to Paper, Paint to Sky: The Art of Tyrus Wong and co-curated Heinrich Kley: From Fantasy to Fantasia, The Lost Notebook: Secrets of Disney's Movie Magic and Leading Ladies and Femmes Fatales: The Art of Marc Davis for The Walt Disney Family Museum.

Ioan Szasz is CEO of Eyvind Earle Publishing and co-curator of Awaking Beauty: The Art of Eyvind Earle. When Szasz arrived in California in 1988, he responded to an ad in a Monterey newspaper for a position as a silkscreen printers assistant. While Szasz knew little about silkscreen printing at the time, his new boss, Eyvind Earle, taught him all about the process. Over the years, Earle became more than just a mentor and boss to Szaszhe also became a dear and beloved friend. Szasz worked alongside Earle for nearly 13 years, from 1988 until Earles passing in 2000. Szasz continues his work for Eyvind Earle Publishing LLC, publishing and representing Earles artwork in the US and worldwide.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM

The Walt Disney Family Museum presents the fascinating story and achievements of Walt Disney, the man who raised animation to the level of fine art, transformed the film industry, tirelessly pursued innovation, and created a global yet distinctively American legacy. Opened in October 2009, the 40,000 square foot facility features the newest technology along with a vast collection of historic materials and artifacts to bring Disneys achievements to life, myriad interactive galleries presenting early drawings and animation, movies, music, listening stations, a spectacular model of Disneyland and much more. The museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in the scenic Presidio of San Francisco.

The Walt Disney Family Museum has created many world-class exhibitions, such as Disney and Dali: Architects of the Imagination; MAGIC, COLOR, FLAIR: the world of Mary Blair; and Water to Paper, Paint to Sky: The Art of Tyrus Wong, several of which have traveled to other museums around the world. The most recent, Awaking Beauty: The Art of Eyvind Earle, is the eighteenth original exhibition originated by the museum since 2012. Also open at this time is Deja View: The Art of Andreas Deja, on view from March 23 to October 4, 2017.

Hours: 10am to 6pm, Wednesdays through Monday; closed on Tuesdays and the following public holidays: January 1, Thanksgiving Day, and December 25. Early closure at 4pm on December 24 and December 31.

Tickets: Museum admission is free for members and children under 5

General admission + special exhibition: $35 adults, $30 seniors and students, $15 youth ages 6 to 17

General admission: $25 adults, $20 seniors and students, and $15 youth ages 6 to 17

Stand-alone special exhibition ticket: $15 all levels, free for youth 17 and under.

Museum audio guide: free for members as download, $7 audio guide rental for members and non-members

Where: The Presidio of San Francisco, 104 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94129

Contact: 415-345-6800 | waltdisney.org | waltdisney.org/awaking-beauty

facebook.com/wdfmuseum | twitter & instagram: @wdfmuseum | #AwakingBeauty

Media Contact:

Victoria Rainone

p: 415.400.4214

press(at)wdfmuseum.org

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THE WALT DISNEY FAMILY MUSEUM DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC. |  2017 THE WALT DISNEY FAMILY MUSEUM | THE WALT DISNEY FAMILY MUSEUM IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
CheapOair

CheapOair, a leading flight-focused, hybrid travel agency, has launched Things To Do, a new online resource aimed at inspiring travelers to explore destinations with engaging guides for 10 cities around the United States.

The new microsite offers original content for Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, Orlando, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Denver, Dallas, New York, and San Francisco, with more destinations soon to come. This helpful feature makes CheapOair a one-stop shop for all travel needs, including inspirational content, researching, booking, and resources for during a trip.

Things to Do

Traveling to a major city can be daunting, especially if you dont know where to start. CheapOair kicks off each city guide with basic details on how to spend the first 48 hours and offers suggestions for cost-free activities.

Recommendations are then broken down by interest, such as dining and nightlife, shopping, outdoor activities, or arts and culture. To give travelers the most trustworthy advice, CheapOair leveraged the knowledge of locals to curate content for each destination. Many of CheapOairs suggestions also include video content for a deeper dive into the recommended listings.

A Personal Touch

Each destination features at least one personal story from an area native exploring their individual connection with the city. These stories give the reader authentic insights the typical traveler may not know about.

CheapOair also provides Community Recommendations and Reviews from other CheapOair customers for an added layer of validation during the planning process.

When to Go and How to Get There

Of course, the most important part is planning when to go and determining the best way to get there. CheapOair offers insight on when to experience the best weather, the cheapest months to travel, and the best ways to reach each city.

CheapOairs mission is to educate and aid consumers in both planning their travel and staying current on the most popular destinations. With a portfolio of products, including rate and schedule information from 450 global airlines, CheapOair is a great way to research and book the travel thats right for you.

For more information about booking travel to these destinations, please visit http://www.CheapOair.com, http://www.cheapoair.com/mobile, our blog, http://www.cheapoair.com/miles-away or our social media pages, http://www.Facebook.com/CheapOair and http://www.twitter.com/cheapoair.

About CheapOair

CheapOair is a next generation concierge travel agency (online/traditional) that enables consumers to book travel online, on its award winning mobile app, by phone or live chat. CheapOair bridges the gap between an online and traditional travel agency with certified agents available 24/7 to help find deals and offers to destinations worldwide on over 450 airlines, 150,000 hotels, and many car rental companies worldwide. Partner airlines benefit from access to CheapOair's broad customer base that books high yield international travel and add-on ancillaries. Follow CheapOair on Facebook and Twitter to learn how to travel the world for less or go to http://www.cheapoair.com or call 1-800-566-2345).
Throughout April, Dollar General will collect donations to benefit Autism Speaks, helping to increase understanding and acceptance for individuals and families affected by autism. At more than 13,300 retail locations, customers may donate any amount at checkout or click to donate online to support Autism Speaks efforts to enhance lives today and accelerate a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow.

Dollar General has been an unwavering partner, helping us provide resources for every stage of life, from early childhood diagnosis through adulthood, said Lisa Goring, chief program and marketing officer at Autism Speaks. Were grateful to the employees and leadership of Dollar General and share the companys commitment to innovative solutions that meet the needs of families and communities.

The fundraising drive is among many activities during World Autism Month, which promotes understanding and acceptance of the condition that affects 1 in 68 children. Donations to Autism Speaks fund cutting-edge research, advocacy initiatives and free resources. The long-standing partnership between Autism Speaks and Dollar General has raised more than $8.1 million to support the organization.

Part of our mission of Serving Others is our commitment to investing in organizations that extend help and hope to our customers and the communities we serve, said Denine Torr, senior director of community initiatives. During the month of April, we look forward to raising funds for Autism Speaks research and advocacy efforts.

Dollar General will join Autism Speaks other national partners including Game Stop and White Castle, along with several regional retailers including Modells Sporting Goods and Village Super Markets. Each company will raise funds and awareness in its stores throughout April.

About Autism

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. We now know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, most caused by a combination of genetic and environmental influences. An estimated 1 in 68 children is on the autism spectrum.

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. We empower people with autism and their families with resources, online tools and information covering the life span. To find resources, join a fundraising walk or make a donation, go to http://www.AutismSpeaks.org.

About Dollar General Corporation

Dollar General Corporation has been delivering value to shoppers for over 75 years through its mission of Serving Others. Dollar General helps shoppers Save time. Save money. Every day! by offering products that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids, cleaning supplies, clothing for the family, housewares and seasonal items at low everyday prices in convenient neighborhood locations. Dollar General operates 13,320 stores in 43 states as of February 3, 2017. In addition to high quality private brands, Dollar General sells products from America's most-trusted brands such as Procter & Gamble, Kimberly-Clark, Unilever, Kellogg's, General Mills, Nabisco, Hanes, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola. Learn more about Dollar General at http://www.dollargeneral.com.
2016 Commissioning of the Andrew Ampah-YFI Center in Abeaze-Dominase, Ghana I have sent my daughter on various programs and for the money spent and what she got out of this program, it was the best money we ever spent on our daughter.

Youth Futures International (YFI) premiered its Serve, Learn, & Empower program in 2009 and has had great success and feedback from high school and college students who have participated in the program every summer. The 2017 Serve, Learn, & Empower program is being held July 7-23 and YFI is now accepting applications for enrollment. Visit http://www.ghana.yfiexperience.org to learn more.

I have sent my daughter on various programs and for the money spent and what she got out of this program, it was the best money we ever spent on our daughter, said Doug Neal, parent of a 2013 participant.

Because of the programs success and importance to the community of Abeadze-Dominase in Ghana, Africa, YFI built a permanent presence in the village in 2016 with the Andrew Ampah-YFI Center, a community center that houses students while programs are in session during the summer and provides a base facility for YFIs year-round Peer Educator program.

The Serve, Learn, & Empower program was founded in the village of Dominase to provide public health education on a variety of issues important to the community upon invitation of the villages chief. Through the years, the program has also branched out into neighboring villages. Health is critical to youth development, growth, and success. Many youth in Ghana are not given health education in their school curriculum. It is our job as leaders to provide this basic human right to as many as we can, said Zoe Baylin, YFI Executive Program Director.

Youth Futures International is a shining example of inspiring a new generation of students by providing them with hands-on experiences in the communities where they serve. It is difficult for me to overstate the importance and impact of your program on participating students, said David Buchanan, DrPH, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

YFI participants go into schools and teach subjects to elementary school children through high school youth. Subjects are identified by YFI leadership and villages leaders. Curriculum is developed by graduate MPh student interns from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst School of Public Health and Health Sciences. Those interns also provide statistical tracking on the effectiveness of YFIs public health education. Topics have focused on both education and prevention and have included cholera, HIV/AIDS, good nutrition, malaria, personal hygiene, female empowerment, and the importance of education in general.

YFI participants gain important leadership skills as they lead peer meeting sessions each evening. They work with community health professionals, teachers, heads of schools, and village elders. Students help each other by providing valuable feedback on their classroom teaching skills and speak publicly before the community about what is being taught in schools. They perform their tasks under the supervision and tutelage of YFI staff from the U.S. as well as YFI Ghanaian staff.

This program has empowered and inspired me in ways I never thought possible. I now feel like I can take on the world and truly make a difference. And I have Youth Futures International to thank for that, said Kaitlin McClelland, a former participant.

In addition to wanting to make a difference in the world, YFI requires all high school students who apply to have a GPA of 3.0 or higher (or equivalent) and obtain a recommendation by a high school teacher.

We are proud to have sent three of our children to Ghana with YFIs Serve, Learn, & Empower project. The experiences our children had were unlike anything they ever encountered in their lives. Our children were completely immersed and accepted into the community and culture of the Ghanaian people. Our children were empowered, humbled, and challenged. They returned home with a completely new and different perspective on what living in a global world is like, said Ellie Pariseault, a parent of 2013 & 2015 participants.

Youth Futures International is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Amherst, Massachusetts and was founded by executive director David Butler. From its original purpose of providing summer camp programs to youth with HIV/AIDS in 1994, YFI changed focus in 2009 by creating its Serve, Learn, & Empower program in Ghana, Africa. Since 2009, YFI has hosted and developed unique international service-oriented and educational opportunities for high school and/or college students and has programs operating in Ghana, India, and the U.K. during summer 2017. YFI also partners with schools in Massachusetts, around the U.S., and around the world as it brings its unique message of inspiring students to become young global leaders.

Learn more about YFIs Serve, Learn, & Empower program by visiting http://www.ghana.YFIexperience.org and YFIs other programs at http://www.YFIexperience.org.

Contact:

David Butler, Executive Director, Youth Futures International

6 University Drive, Suite 206-181, Amherst, MA 01002

Tel: (413) 658-0224 ext. 101

Email: info(at)ghana.yfiexperience(dot)org

http://www.ghana.YFIexperience.org
Ono Hawaiian BBQ is celebrating its new restaurant with a Grand Opening Luau this Friday, March 31, 2017 at 30021 Haun Road, Menifee, California; expanding further southwest into Riverside County.

The Grand Opening Celebration will have special events including:



Ribbon cutting ceremony 10:45AM

Raffling of fifty $100 Ono Hawaiian BBQ gift cards 11:00AM to 1:00PM

50% off with a purchase of drink special all day

Hawaiian dance performance 12:00PM to 2:00PM

This Ono Hawaiian BBQ will feature newly implemented digital menu boards. The interior design incorporates the brands industrial chic design inspired by Hawaiis rustic elements; featuring reclaimed wood walls, rope lighting, aqua tiles, and tropical planters.

About Ono Hawaiian BBQ

Ono Hawaiian BBQ is a fast casual restaurant with locations in California and Arizona that serves Hawaiian Plate Lunches and other island specialties. All of Ono Hawaiian BBQ plates are created with fresh ingredients using authentic Hawaiian recipes, prepared daily in each restaurant and grilled fresh to order. Ono Hawaiian BBQ operates 62 restaurants throughout California and Arizona and have plans to open 10 more locations in 2017 with the next opening in Fullerton, California.

Fans can receive promotions and news by Liking Ono Hawaiian BBQ on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/OnoHawaiianBBQ or joining Club Ono. For more information please visit http://www.OnoHawaiianBBQ.com, @OnoHawaiianBBQ on Twitter or @OnoHawaiianBBQ on Instagram.

Ono Hawaiian BBQ  Menifee

30021 Haun Road

Menifee, CA 92584

Phone: (951)672-0288

Sun - Thurs: 11:00AM  9:00PM

Fri-Sat: 11:00AM  9:30PM

marketing(at)onobbq(dot)com
Catalent Pharma Solutions, the leading global provider of advanced delivery technologies and development solutions for drugs, biologics and consumer health products, today announced that Mr. Shailesh Patel, Global Director, Technology Strategy and Customer Integration, will be presenting at the upcoming ISPE 2017 Europe Annual Conference, to be held at the Crowne Plaza Barcelona - Fira Center Hotel, Barcelona, Spain, on April 3  5, 2017.

Mr. Patels presentation, on Wednesday April 5, at 4 p.m., is entitled What Technological Solutions Exist to Support the Clinical Supply Chain, Today and Tomorrow?, and will broadly discuss new developments within the supply chain industry that are designed to help overcome challenges in clinical materials distribution and patient compliance. These include innovative approaches to labelling, real-time tracking of clinical materials from storage to patient receipt, dynamic inventory monitoring, and automatic management alerts for events such as temperature excursions and potential stock-outs.

Additionally, he will discuss how new technologies, designed to support patient compliance with treatment regimens outside of the clinical setting, are quickly developing, including internet-connected packaging and smart pills, which transmit information from inside the body.

Shailesh Patel is responsible for technology leadership and adoption. He has more than 25-years experience in developing, implementing and selling software solutions, the last 12 spent directly within clinical supplies. Prior to joining Catalent, he was co-founder of Enigma Information Systems Limited, a software consultancy specializing in designing Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solutions and a systems integrator for a global ERP solution. Mr. Patel has a bachelors degree in Information Technology from De-Montfort University, Leicester, U.K., and is a member of the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) EU Investigational Products Community of Practice (IP COP) Steering Committee.

For more information on the ISPE conference, visit: http://www.ispe.org/2017-europe-annual-conference, and to arrange a meeting with Mr. Patel at the event, contact Richard Kerns at NEPR - richard(at)nepr(dot)eu

About Catalent

Catalent is the leading global provider of advanced delivery technologies and development solutions for drugs, biologics and consumer health products. With over 80 years serving the industry, Catalent has proven expertise in bringing more customer products to market faster, enhancing product performance and ensuring reliable clinical and commercial product supply. Catalent employs approximately 10,000 people, including over 1,400 scientists, at more than 30 facilities across five continents, and in fiscal 2016 generated $1.85 billion in annual revenue. Catalent is headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey. For more information, visit http://www.catalent.com

More products. Better treatments. Reliably supplied.
Police say a Helena man accused of arson left a charred paper with his name on it at one of the scenes.

In all the early Wednesday morning arson spree included a garage, a shed, a few dumpsters and trees. Two men have been arrested on felony charges.

A resident was sleeping in a home on Ptarmigan Lane where the attached garage was lit ablaze, court documents note. The damage caused by the fires is more than $1,500. The case remains under investigation.

William L. Carver Jr., 61, whose name was found on a burnt piece of paper at one of the locations, is jailed on a charge of arson as well as misdemeanor counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while suspended. He is being held on $50,000 bond.

Carver is accused of driving around town while his accomplice, Noah Matthew Province, lit the fires. The arson calls included a dumpster on North Montana and a shed on Gold Dust Drive.

Province, 27, is in jail on a felony charge of arson and being held on $10,000 bond.

Witnesses reported seeing Carver's vehicle stopped next to a fire on the 1300 block of Birch Street. Officers made a traffic stop and questioned the suspects.

Carver said Province started the fires as the two drove around and went to casinos. Court documents say Province told police he "had minimal recollection of what he had done that night."

Officers found a lighter on Province and a marijuana pipe on Carver, the documents state.
Top 25 Healthcare Consultants - Certificate Our value to healthcare providers is in achieving efficiency through a compliment of understanding the healthcare domain and the ability to source, deploy and develop the right resources efficiently. - Anurag Jain, Chairman, Access Healthcare

Access Healthcare was named by the Consultants Review magazine among the top 25 Healthcare Consultants in India for the work the company is doing in transforming Revenue Cycle Management.

Our winning consultants are truly game-changers, noted the magazine. The Top 25 Consultants are a distinguished group of companies. Through their extraordinary efforts, they are delivering transformational value for their clients, while developing the next generation of solutions and service offerings.

Access Healthcare offers end-to-end revenue cycle management solutions to healthcare providers on a differentiated model that applies automation, infuses scalability to the customers processes and by providing qualified resources on demand the magazine wrote. With complex algorithms and past data analytics, AH can reduce any unnecessary labor costs by predictive analysis determining when to follow up with the payers and prioritizing outreach.

Healthcare providers who choose to work with us are not only committed to quality care, they are committed to excellence in managing the revenue cycle, said Anurag Jain, Chairman of Access Healthcare. They must achieve efficiency in effort to support their financial priorities, which in turn supports their mission of providing care. As a dynamic Business Process Organization (BPO), our value to them is in achieving that efficiency through a compliment of understanding the healthcare domain and the ability to source, deploy and develop the right resources efficiently. At the core of that capability is Access Healthcare RPA (Robotic Process Automation), a solution built on Artificial Intelligence and machine learning technologies. The results tell a compelling story as customers are now experiencing a new level of revenue cycle performance.

Reflecting on the recognition, Shaji Ravi, President and Managing Director for Access Healthcare said, Six years ago AH (Access Healthcare) began with just three employees. We are now 7,000 and growing. While thats a compelling story of job creation and opportunity, its only part of the story. The catalyst for starting this journey was understanding that there was a market gap in the development and application of better technology to help solve the growing complexities and demands of revenue cycle management. Yes, people are still part of the equation. But the right people complimented by better technology is critical in achieving efficiencies that deliver tangible value for healthcare providers to use in pursuing their mission. Since the beginning, closing that gap has been foundational in who we are and why we are here.

ABOUT ACCESS HEALTHCARE

Exceptional healthcare organizations compliment the highest standards of care with a commitment to excellence in revenue cycle management. Billing companies and healthcare provider systems use Access Healthcare to bring excellence to their back-office Revenue Cycle Management enabling better focus on strategic priorities, like profitability and creating great patient experiences. By leveraging the Access Healthcare Best Practice Engine for Revenue Cycle Management, our focus on creating results enables not only improved profitability, but opportunity to cultivate growth through reduced costs, better productivity, and higher quality. For more information, check out accesshealthcare.org.

ABOUT CONSULTANTS REVIEW

Published from Bangalore, India, Consultant's Review is an excellent platform, which connects both consultants and organizations to work together for a better output. In addition to that, information about the latest trends, opportunities, developments and much more about the consulting from the experts makes Consultant Review a one stop destination for people such as CEO, COO, CFO, IT Managers, HR Managers, Recruitment heads, Training Heads and consultants who are interested to learn about the present scenario of consultancy market. For more information, check out consultantsreview.com

MEDIA CONTACT:

Peter Snell

psnell(at)illumeture(dot)com

214.810.6207

Sumitra Sundaram

info(at)accesshealthcare(dot)co

+91 98844 09349

Nandini Mukherjee (Managing Editor)

editor(at)consultantsreview(dot)com

+91-80-46441135

To view the press release online, Click https://www.accesshealthcare.org/news/2017/3/30/consultants-review-magazine-access-healthcare-named-among-top-25-healthcare-consultants
The Campus team was helpful and knowledgeable about school systems, which will make our jobs easier during implementation.

Infinite Campus was selected by Dove Public Charter Schools as its new student information system (SIS) to eliminate duplicate data entry and increase parental involvement in the educational process.

After 10 years of using a homegrown database, Dove Schools decided to search for an SIS with more functionality to benefit staff and parents. The charter reviewed four SIS vendors and collected feedback from administrators and teachers. We selected Infinite Campus for the products ease-of-use, said Ilhan Guzey, Assistant Superintendent. The Campus team was helpful and knowledgeable about school systems, which will make our jobs easier during implementation. We felt they would best fit our needs.

Dove Schools is looking forward to utilizing the Campus Portal and Mobile App. One of the main concerns we previously heard from parents was the lack of a mobile application to check their childrens grades and attendance, said Guzey.

The Campus Portal and Mobile App intelligently interact with the information stored in the schools Infinite Campus database. Parents and students can login from any device and from anywhere for real-time access to grades, assignments, and school and teacher communications. The portal and app will greatly increase parental involvement in their childrens education, which will also strengthen the parent-teacher-student triad, said Guzey.

Campus will help Dove Schools streamline administrative processes through the National Records Exchange tool, which will transfer student records from other Campus customers and reduce the security risk of a paper-based transfer. This will help us spend less time and effort to locate that information, said Guzey.

Reducing duplicate data entry was another objective of Dove Schools, which they will accomplish with Data Health Check (DHC), a Campus Premium Product. DHC detects errors and improves data accuracy in the SIS.

Dove Schools is scheduled to go live in July 2017.

About Dove Public Charter Schools

Serving students for over 15 years, Dove Schools promote disciplined, organized and vigorous education. The faculty and staff at each of four campuses (Dove Science Academy Elementary; Dove Science Academy OKC; Dove Science Academy Tulsa; and Discovery School of Tulsa) work diligently to mold responsive, productive and civic-minded individuals. Dove Schools provide STEM focused high-quality education to more than 1,800 students. http://www.doveschools.org

About Infinite Campus

As the most trusted name in student information, Infinite Campus manages 7.8 million students in 45 states. For more than 20 years, Infinite Campus has successfully implemented its solutions for customers of all sizes, from those with fewer than 100 students to those with more than 600,000 students. Infinite Campus customers include school districts, regional consortia, state departments of education and the federal government. http://www.infinitecampus.com
House Doctors is thrilled to be expanding into the Denver market. This is a unique opportunity to have two new owners opening their doors at the same time, providing great brand exposure.

After 20 years in business, House Doctors Handyman Service is expanding into Denver with not one, but two new franchises.

House Doctors offers professional handyman services focused on professionalism, service excellence and quality workmanship. Their goal is to make home improvements easier for their customers by being on time, doing the job right and offering a one year workmanship guarantee. Combined, the two new franchises  one owned by Jonathan and Maria Seay and the other owned by Richard and Audrey Bolanowski  will cover most of the Denver region, especially focused on the South, East and Metro areas.

House Doctors is thrilled to be expanding into the Denver market. This is a unique opportunity to have two new owners opening their doors at the same time, providing great brand exposure. I couldnt be more pleased with Richard and Jonathans enthusiasm for serving their communities in the home improvement industry. House Doctors prides ourselves in having high-caliber franchise owners, who want to make life easier for the families in their towns. The Seays and the Bolanowskis will represent the House Doctors brand well as we continue to grow, said Jim Hunter, CEO of House Doctors.

House Doctors background checked and uniformed handymen technicians will arrive at your residence in a decaled van. They will specialize in projects that take two hours to two days to complete, such as light remodeling and repairs of decks, doors, bathrooms and kitchens; repairing drywall; painting; exterior repairs; making home modifications and much more.

Heres a little more about the two new franchises, which will be open in early April:

House Doctors of Aurora and Denver South

Locally owned and operated by Jonathan and Maria Seay, House Doctors of Aurora and Denver South serves Aurora, Centennial, Greenwood Village, Cherry Hills Village, Dove Valley, South Denver, and Littleton as well as surrounding areas.

We arent just a handyman service  we are a professional handyman service. Our skilled technicians will be on time, experienced, and honest, and were backed by a national company, which I think provides peace of mind for customers who havent worked with us before. Also, since the company is locally owned and operated, if you have any concerns, my wife Maria and I are here in Denver and can help at any time, Seay said.

Seay has lived in the metro area since 1986. He is originally from Durham, NC. He met Maria  who is fluent in Spanish  in 1998 and they wed the following year. Ten years later, they welcomed daughter Maya into their lives.

After taking stock of my life, the idea of becoming an entrepreneur started to grow. We decided we wanted to buy a franchise and when we came across House Doctors, we knew it would be a great fit. A handyman business is something we really understood and we believe we can help fill the need in our community. A professional, trustworthy, skilled and insured handyman service is a business everyone can use at some point, Seay said. At the end of the day, we want to provide handyman services youd be happy to tell your friends and family about. We want to know youd be comfortable referring your loved ones to us for their next project, Seay added.

To learn more about House Doctors of Aurora and Denver South and to schedule services for your home, call (303)477-1088, email HD545(at)housedoctors.com or visit http://www.housedoctors.com/handyman-denversouth.

House Doctors of Denver East House Doctors of Denver East, locally owned and operated by retired Air Force Colonel Richard Bolanowski and his veteran wife Audrey, serves Denver, Aurora, Commerce City, Brighton, Thornton and Glendale as well as the surrounding areas. Bolanowski is a disabled veteran  he retired as a Colonel with the US Air Force. Audrey is also a veteran and served in the US Navy for 11 years.

After retiring from the service, I moved back to the Denver area and knew I wanted to start my own business. When I looked at the Denver market, I saw that there was a need for a high-quality, professional home improvement and maintenance service and I felt that House Doctors would be the perfect solution for myself and for my community, Bolanowski said. We are a professional handyman company with the support of a national franchise organization and that makes a difference. Were bonded and insured and our highly-skilled technicians will be professional, on-time and courteous. When you work with House Doctors, youll receive top-notch service and a one-year guarantee on repairs at a fair price.

In addition to opening the business, Bolanowski and his family are excited to be settling down in Denver and becoming part of the community.

I lived in Colorado 25 years ago and my family and I are so excited to be back. After a long career with the military that basically led me to be away from home for 12 years total, Im really looking forward to being rooted in this community and to making a positive impact through House Doctors. When Im not working Im very involved with my kids school and am an active dad.

To learn more about House Doctors of Denver East and to schedule services for your home, call (303)321-2535, email HD544(at)housedoctors.com visit http://www.housedoctors.com/handyman-denvereast.

About House Doctors

House Doctors Handyman Service has been helping homeowners across the United States with home repair and light remodeling projects for more than 20 years. Our friendly, insured and bonded craftsmen are scheduled to be there on time and are committed to complete customer satisfaction. Each of our technicians are experienced in home maintenance, product installations and a variety of home improvements. Were so confident in our team and products that every job we perform comes with a one-year guarantee.
Jonathan, Maya and Maria Seay At the end of the day, we want provide handyman services youd be happy to tell your friends and family about. We want to know youd be comfortable referring your loved ones to us for their next project.

After 10 years of owning and managing rental properties, Jonathan and Maria Seay formed a deep understanding of the infamous honey-do list. Between emergency repairs and regular maintenance, they realized having a trustworthy handyman service at their fingertips would have been a huge help. Now theyre looking forward to providing that service with their new business, House Doctors of Aurora and Denver South, which will open in early April.

House Doctors offers professional handyman services in Aurora, Centennial, Greenwood Village, Cherry Hills Village, Dove Valley, south Denver, and Littleton as well as surrounding areas. The team at House Doctors is focused on professionalism, service excellence and quality workmanship. Their goal is to make home improvements easier for their customers by being on time, doing the job right and offering a one year workmanship guarantee.

We arent just a handyman service  we are a professional handyman service. Our skilled technicians will be on time, experienced, and honest, and were backed by a national company, which I think provides peace of mind for customers who havent worked with us before. Also, since the company is locally owned and operated, if you have any concerns, my wife Maria and I are here in Denver and can help at any time, Seay said.

Seay has lived in the metro area since 1986. He is originally from Durham, NC. He met Maria  who is fluent in Spanish  in 1998 and they wed the following year. Ten years later, they welcomed daughter Maya into their lives. Finding himself between jobs, Seay was left in a quandary: did he want to go back into a situation where his familys future is dictated by others, or did he want to try and forge a future where they can have more control of their destiny?

After taking stock of my life, the idea of becoming an entrepreneur started to grow. We decided we wanted to buy a franchise and when we came across House Doctors, we knew it would be a great fit. A handyman business is something we really understood and we believe we can help fill the need in our community. Seay said. A professional, trustworthy, skilled and insured handyman service is a business everyone can use at some point.

House Doctors background checked and uniformed handymen technicians will arrive at your residence in a decaled van. They will specialize in projects that take two hours to two days to complete, such as light remodeling and repairs of decks, doors, bathrooms and kitchens; repairing drywall; painting; exterior repairs; making home modifications and much more. For the Seays, House Doctors is all about making trustworthy repairs while providing excellent customer service at a fair price.

At the end of the day, we want provide handyman services youd be happy to tell your friends and family about. We want to know youd be comfortable referring your loved ones to us for their next project, Seay added.

To learn more about House Doctors of Aurora of Denver South and to schedule services for your home, call (303)477-1088, email HD545(at)housedoctors.com or visit http://www.housedoctors.com/handyman-denversouth.

About House Doctors

House Doctors Handyman Service has been helping homeowners across the United States with home repair and light remodeling projects for more than 20 years. Our friendly, insured and bonded craftsmen are scheduled to be there on time and are committed to complete customer satisfaction. Each of our technicians are experienced in home maintenance, product installations and a variety of home improvements. Were so confident in our team and products that every job we perform comes with a one-year guarantee.
Leonard Salvaggio I look forward to leading our Dynamic Solutions International executive team towards evolving our superior storage products by developing and implementing a strategic plan built around innovation.

Dynamic Solutions International, a leading international provider of data storage solutions, today announced the promotion of Leonard Salvaggio to president. In this role, Salvaggio will formulate and implement strategic plans to guide the direction of Dynamic Solutions International, as well as lead the executive team to deliver innovative data storage technology.

During his tenure at Dynamic Solutions International, Salvaggio has played a critical role in defining and effectively communicating the direction of product development and sales.

Leo has proven to be a powerful leader for our organization over the last ten years, said Jim Tarbell, co-founder and member of the Dynamic Solutions International board of directors. He maintains an awareness of the competitive landscape while identifying opportunities for expansion and product development. It has been a true honor to watch Leo advance through the ranks at our company, and I look forward to watching him take on the role as president and exceed all expectations.

Salvaggio joined Dynamic Solutions International as a sales manager in 2006. From there, he worked his way up to executive vice president, and now president. Prior to joining Dynamic Solutions International, Salvaggio worked as a portfolio sales executive with Unisys for more than seven years.

For over 18 years I have been leading a team of sales professionals through the IT storage solutions landscape, said Salvaggio. I look forward to leading our Dynamic Solutions International executive team towards evolving our superior storage products by developing and implementing a strategic plan built around innovation.

Salvaggio holds a bachelors degree in computer information systems and a master of business degree from University Detroit Mercy. He was also recognized by ColoradoBiz Magazine as one of Colorados 25 Most Powerful Salespeople, and holds an EMC Velocity Affiliate Development for Sales certificate.

About Dynamic Solutions International

Dynamic Solutions International has been in the data storage business for over 45 years and is one of the leading providers of VTL storage solutions. The company provides customized data storage solutions for financial, government, healthcare and higher education entities. Through its industry partnerships, Dynamic Solutions International provides complete solutions that combine world-class hardware and software with exceptional service and support, so your information is both safer and easier to manage.

For more information about Dynamic Solutions International products and services, visit http://www.dynamicsolutions.com.
Diana Mendes, HNTB transit/rail practice leader and senior vice president, was named 2017 Training Professional of the Year Award by the National Transit Institute. She is recognized as a mentor to many individuals, particularly the new generation of leaders in our industry.

Diana Mendes, AICP, HNTB Corporation transit/rail practice leader and senior vice president, was named 2017 Training Professional of the Year Award by the National Transit Institute. The award was presented at the NTI 2017 Transit Trainers Workshop in Nashville, Tennessee.

I am honored to be recognized by the National Transit Institute and support its mission of providing training and educational resources to practicing transit professionals, Mendes said. Trainers play a critical role in the industry and peoples lives by opening new possibilities for our workforce, our customers and our organizations. It is through training that we can recharge, renew, refresh and recommit. We learn from each other, and remember we are better together.

Mendes has provided training nationwide for the NTI and the Federal Transit Administration for more than 15 years. She has aided personnel from transit agencies, state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations to better manage the environmental review process for federal transit projects. Mendes has reached more than 1,200 participants through more than 40 course offerings.

It is a great honor to give this award to Diana. She is an outstanding trainer for NTI and many other programs that she works with, said Paul Larrousse, NTI director. More importantly, she is recognized as a mentor to many individuals, particularly the new generation of leaders in our industry. Diana represents the best of those who are committed to advancing public transportation into the future.

According to NTI, the Training Professional of the Year Award recognizes the exceptional contribution and sustained impact of a transit training professional on his or her organization and the industry as a whole. The Training Professional of the Year is chosen based on an applicants innovation, impact, professional development and reference letters.

In her role as HNTBs transit/rail practice leader, Mendes is responsible for strategic planning and implementation, industry representation, business development, service delivery and client satisfaction. She is based in the firms Arlington, Virginia, office and works with transit clients across the country.

In addition to NTI, Mendes is active in a number of professional associations, including the American Public Transportation Association and the American Planning Association. She regularly speaks at a wide variety of conferences, including Womens Transportation Seminar, Transportation Research Board, Rail~Volution and the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials. She has delivered more than 40 presentations to share results of her project work and research.

HNTB is currently involved with many of the nations most high-profile transit programs, including the Los Angeles Metro Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor, Charlotte Area Transit Systems LYNX Blue Line in North Carolina, and the Bay Area Rapid Transit Warm Springs Extension in San Francisco.

About HNTB

HNTB Corporation is an employee-owned infrastructure firm serving public and private owners and contractors. With more than a century of service in the United States, HNTB understands the life cycle of infrastructure and addresses clients most complex technical, financial and operational challenges. Professionals nationwide deliver a full range of infrastructure-related services, including award-winning planning, design, program management and construction management. For more information, visit http://www.hntb.com.
Dr. Pierre Ihmle With its new leadership in place, Sommet Education has a solid foundation and an inspirational vision to strengthen a long-standing heritage gained in the hospitality and luxury sectors. I am very excited to join a group with the ambition to grow.

Sommet Education expands its management team with the arrival of Dr. Pierre Ihmle, Vice-President Strategic Planning, based in Clarens, Switzerland. Sommet Education encompasses Glion Institute of Higher Education and Les Roches Global Hospitality Education.

Dr. Pierre Ihmle started his career as a researcher in geophysics with Institut de Physique du Globe in Paris and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETHZ), before moving to McKinsey & Company. He founded two companies between 2001 and 2007, among them a tech start-up and a consultancy providing training to large corporations in the fields of strategy, innovation, finance and change management.

Over the past ten years, Dr. Ihmle has led the business development of Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) in Lausanne, developing institutional partnerships with corporations such as Dassault, Microsoft, and Nissan while managing a portfolio of over 45 prospective companies for EPFLs Innovation Park. Most recently, he worked with Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne (EHL) where he acted as Vice Dean and played a central role in the development of the Master of Science in Global Hospitality Business and strategic digital education initiatives. Dr. Ihmle is a graduate of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETHZ) and holds a Ph.D. in geophysics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

In his new role, Dr. Pierre Ihmle will bring his expertise to Glion and Les Roches in supporting them defining and designing innovative and digital academic content, methods and offerings. This will contribute to position our institutions as visionaries in their respective competitive landscape and will serve the constantly evolving needs of the Premium Service Industry.

With its new leadership in place, Sommet Education has a solid foundation and an inspirational vision to strengthen a long-standing heritage gained in the hospitality and luxury sectors. I am very excited to join a group with the ambition to grow and further develop its employer and academic reputations worldwide, says Dr. Pierre Ihmle.

We are delighted by the arrival of Dr. Ihmle to lead the business and partnership development of Sommet Education, highlights Benoit-Etienne Domenget, Chief Executive Officer. His vast knowledge of the higher education industry and proven experience in developing academic programs will be instrumental in supporting the growth and reputation of our institutions.

Sommet Education

Known for excellence in cultivating the hospitality leaders of tomorrow, Sommet Education encompasses a distinguished group of institutions united by a fundamental belief in the importance of academic rigor, skills-based learning and a dynamic multicultural outlook.

Sommet Education institutions Glion and Les Roches serve students from more than 100 countries, preparing them to be immediately effective in their professions  wherever in the world these may be  while delivering exceptional consumer experiences. Sommet Education is part of Eurazeo, one of the leading listed investment companies in Europe.

For more information, visit http://www.sommet-education.com

PRESS CONTACT

Alexia Lepage

Head of Communications

Sommet Education

Phone: +41 (0)79-3108193

alexia.lepage(at)sommet-education.com
Pagliuca Life Lab, Harvard University We are extremely pleased that the NRB team and our partners have earned these awards." Bob McNeil, President, NRB Inc.

The Modular Building Institute presented the awards at the 34th annual World of Modular convention held in Tucson, Arizona on March 20th, 2017. The MBI Awards of Distinction competition showcases the industrys most advanced and innovative commercial building projects.

Harvard Pagliuca Life Lab. NRB Inc. and our partner, Triumph Modular Incorporated were awarded Best of Show and First Place in the permanent modular educational category for Pagliuca Life Lab at Harvard University. Together with design firm Shepley Bullfinch, the Harvard Project Team and Shawmut Design & Construction this 15,000 square foot state-of-the-art wet lab building project was a collaborative effort from beginning to end. The lab building was built with its 34 modules together in a controlled environment at the NRB plant to about 85% completion, then it was disassembled and shipped to the Harvard site that had been prepared simultaneously. https://www.nrb-inc.com/permanent-modular-construction/projects/harvard-university-pagliuca-life-lab/

It was a pleasure working so closely with the entire team to bring this facility from design to the plant floor, and on to the Harvard site to have it completed in just 7 months. The Harvard Pagliuca Life Lab has all of the high-level design, engineering, program and systems complexity demanded in a wet lab application, and when combined with the distinctive features and finishes that were mostly pre-installed at the NRB plant prior to shipping to Harvard - demonstrate whats possible in off-site modular construction today said Scott Heckel, Director of Operations, NRB.

Harvards Pagiluca Life Lab, the newest member of the Harvard Innovation Labs ecosystem, incorporates highly sophisticated systems and equipment for advanced life sciences research. The first floor is designed for flexibility and connectivity in an open concept with a central ornamental staircase and floor to ceiling glass, a lounge, work tables, shared conference rooms and a kitchen  all to encourage cross-team collaboration. The second floor cantilevers out over the first floor by 14 and houses the complex lab spaces including 36 wet lab benches, tissue culture rooms, fume hoods, a chemical waste system and a walk-in environmental cold room.

We are honored to be recognized by the industrys leading professionals for our contribution to Harvard Universitys Pagliuca Life Lab, said Cliff Cort, President of Triumph Modular

NRB is very proud to be a part of this new Harvard Pagliuca Life Lab, that will provide teams of students, faculty, alumni and industry the vital resources needed for their important life-sciences research ventures said Laurie Robert, VP Sales and Marketing

NRB was the winner of the coveted Judges Choice Best in Show as well as First Place in the retail category / relocatable modular building designs for Adi Development Group  Stationwest Condominium Sales Pavilion. The stunning 1,696 sq. ft. sales center was built in 3 modules with steel framing and concrete floors, and is designed to match the quality and architectural vision of the new condominium development. The unique exterior design included floor to ceiling glazing on two full walls and angled flat aluminium panels  the combination produced a modern, eye catching Sales Pavilion. The building is designed for future relocations as Adi develops new residential communities.

https://www.nrb-inc.com/projects/adi-development-group/

As a real estate developer committed to building high-quality homes, it is imperative to our business that our Presentation Centres are impeccable and showcase excellence, and the NRB team worked closely with us to ensure that the end product was in line with our standards. Our Stationwest Sales Presentation Centre in particular is a real showpiece that we are extremely proud of, and NRB was excellent to work with to make it a reality said Samantha Sutton Sales and Marketing Manager Adi Development Group

This project also landed NRB an award in Multimedia with their innovative architectural visualization video on the Adi Development  Condominium Sales Pavilion that was developed in house by their own talented Design Team using Revit and Lumion. https://www.nrb-inc.com/projects/adi-development-group/

We are extremely pleased that the NRB team and our partners have earned these awards. We strive to build not only custom buildings that meet our clients expectations across all markets, but to build the business relationships that are the foundation of success. Said Bob McNeil, President, NRB.

This years Awards of Distinction contest was very competitive, with more than one hundred entries overall said Tom Hardiman, Executive Director of the Modular Building Institute. Our panel of independent judges had some tough choices to make, so I congratulate all of our winners on their awards.

About NRB

NRB is a leader since 1979 in off-site construction that designs and manufactures modular buildings for commercial, institutional, industrial and multi-family residential clients in Canada and the U.S. Were in the business of off-site construction, but were also in the business of changing minds. For more information, visit http://www.nrb-inc.com.

About Triumph Modular

Triumph Modular provides construction services from preconstruction strategies, design and coordination, procurement of modules to delivery and installation. For more information about Triumph Modular visit http://www.triumphmodular.com

About Modular Building Institute

The Modular Building Institute is the voice of commercial modular construction and the international trade association for the industry. For more information about MBI visit http://www.modular.org
Keystones market leadership in Omnichannel and Order Management and the strong management team leading the business, are strategic to Zensars plan to increase market share in Digital Commerce.

Zensar Technologies Limited, an RPG Company and the management of Keystone Logic today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for Zensar to acquire the business of Keystone Logic Solutions Private Limited.

In addition, Zensar Technologies Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Zensar Technologies Limited will acquire Keystone Logic Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary company in Atlanta, US of Keystone Logic Solutions Private Limited.

Under the terms of the agreements, Keystone Logic Inc. will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zensar Technologies Inc. and the business of Keystone Logic Solutions Private Limited will become a part of Zensar Technologies Limited on completion of the transaction. The deal will be financed by internal accruals, and will be EPS positive for the company.

Keystone Logic is a leading Omnichannel and Digital Supply Chain company, headquartered in Bangalore in India with an office in Atlanta, US. The company helps global retail and consumer brands with implementation of their Order Management and Warehouse Management. It also helps with their integration with the Digital Commerce and Omnichannel fulfilment strategy.

Announcing the acquisition, Harsh Goenka, Chairman of RPG Enterprises and Zensar said, Keystones market leadership in Omnichannel and Order Management and the strong management team leading the business, are strategic to Zensars plan to increase market share in Digital Commerce. The integrated proposition of the two companies will augment the value Zensar delivers to its Retail and Consumer clients.

A robust and digital supply network is quintessential for a commercial enterprise in todays times. We believe Keystone Logic is a critical piece in our Digital Commerce strategy and will go a long way in earning our Retail and Consumer clients interest and loyalty, said Sandeep Kishore, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Zensar. Keystone continues to augment the Zensar Omnichannel services portfolio by bringing Order Management and Warehouse Management expertise. With the deep skills in the dominant fulfilment solution in the retail market and expertise in direct to consumer fulfilment, this acquisition fortifies Zensars digital commerce offerings and furthers the companys ability to work with Retailers to improve outcomes for their customers, and to drive innovation through digital supply chain. It helps sharpen our focus on delivering Return on Digital to our clients, he added.

We have worked with innumerable Retailers to unlock their full potential by reinventing their supply chain strategy by digitally fortifying their supply network through our order management and warehouse management expertise. Joining forces with Zensar will give us access to greater resources, and will extend our global reach, to help us in our mission to enable Retailers worldwide to derive significant and sustainable value from their supply chain investments while transforming their supply chain as an engine of future growth, said Ravi Joshi, Founder and CEO at Keystone Logic.

With Keystone Logics leadership in enabling customers to derive significant and sustainable value from their supply chain investments and transforming their digital supply chain as an engine of future growth, combined with Zensars proven track record in digital commerce services, the company is well positioned to be an end-to-end Digital Transformation Services partner for its clients keen to maximize their Return on Digital by focusing on the key aspects of Omnichannel and Digital Supply Chain.

Keystone Logic brings marquee global brand clients into the Zensar fold. The addition of Keystone Logics 210 consultants, with knowledge and understanding in omnichannel fulfilment and digital supply chain will strengthen Zensars Digital Commerce capabilities. Keystone Logic will continue to be managed by Founder and CEO Ravi Joshi. Keystones management team and all their associates based in Atlanta and Bangalore will become a part of Zensars Global Digital Commerce Services business unit. Keystone Logic's financial advisors were Sett & Lucas. Zensar was advised by Nishith Desai Associates and KPMG.

About Zensar (http://www.zensar.com)

Zensar is a leading digital solutions and technology services company that specializes in partnering with global organizations across industries on their Digital Transformation journeys. A technology partner of choice, backed by strong track-record of innovation; credible investment in Digital solutions; assertion of commitment to clients success, Zensars comprehensive range of digital and technology services and solutions enable its customers to achieve new thresholds of business performance. Zensar, with its experience in delivering excellence and superior client satisfaction through myriad technology solutions, is uniquely positioned to help them surpass challenges around running their existing business most efficiently, helping in their legacy transformation, and planning for business expansion and growth through innovative and digital ways.

About RPG Enterprises (http://www.rpggroup.com)

Mumbai headquartered RPG Enterprises is one of India's largest industrial conglomerates. With over 15 companies in its fold, the group has a strong presence across core business sectors such as Infrastructure, Tyre, IT and Specialty. Established in 1979, RPG is also one of Indias fastest growing business groups with a turnover in excess of USD 3.2 Billion, 20000+ people and a global presence in over 100 countries.

About Keystone Logic (http://www.keystonelogic.net)

Keystone Logic is a focused, successful and skilled organization in the Omnichannel fulfilment space. The companys goal is to enable customers to derive significant and sustainable value from their supply chain investments while transforming their supply chain as an engine of future growth.

Follow Zensar via:

Zensar Blog: http://www.zensar.com/blogs

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Zensar

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zensar-technologies

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Zensar

PR Contacts (Global Headquarters - India):

Lavanya Jayaram

Chief Marketing Officer

Zensar Technologies

+91 9922243544

Aradhana Prabhu

Public Relations

Zensar Technologies

+91 9765999749

PR Contacts (US Region):

Julie Machnik

Director, Marketing, US

Zensar Technologies

+1 508.942.8290

Safe Harbour

Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects are forward-looking statements which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in earnings, our ability to manage growth, intense competition in IT services including those factors which may affect our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, withdrawal of governmental fiscal incentives, political instability, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, and unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our industry. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company.
Chantelle Taylor is a combat medic known as the first British female soldier to kill an enemy fighter in close quarter combat whilst on patrol in the district of Marjah, Helmand Province, Afghanistan]. In Battleworn: The Memoir of a Combat Medic in Afghanistan, (published by iUniverse), she shares a story of the hardship that the soldiers of B Company faced as a collective, offering insight into the physical and psychological struggles of soldiers at war.

A military memoir, the book reads like a soldiers journal and recounts, One of the bloodiest years of the campaign. Taylor tells of a routine patrol into the opium-saturated district of Nad-e Ali, which escalates into a seven-week siege; the underestimation of Taliban fighters culminates in the extraction of more than 66 casualties with four killed in action. Taylor would again take up arms as part of the company mortar line when casualty numbers spiraled out of control.

We are soldiers who carry medical packs, not medics who carry weapons. Taylor says. Battleworn gives the reader a perspective of war thats evocative and raw. Taylor provides a testament to combat medics worldwide and expounds upon the vital role they play on the modern battlefield.

Battleworn

By Chantelle Taylor

Hardcover | 5.5 x 8.5 in | 254 pages | ISBN 9781532008511

Softcover | 5.5 x 8.5 in | 254 pages | ISBN 9781532003851

E-Book | 254 pages | ISBN 9781532003868

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Chantelle Taylor joined the British Army in 1998 as a combat medical technician, twelve years and five deployments later she was recommended to take the Queens commission from the ranks but opted to leave the service. She returned to Afghanistan for a third time with the U.S. Department of State, where the former soldier developed from inception the trauma assistant program completing two years as an instructor in combat medicine. Her contribution to the world of tactical medicine continues with her experiences in the field shared through the interactive soldier exhibition at the British national army museum, London. Chantelle was formerly presented to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip during the official museum opening ceremony. Battleworn along with the authors poem Keep me Awake was featured as part of the British militaries contribution to the Warrior Care exhibition of art in Washington, D.C. Taylor recently advised technically on the short film Do No Harm in Los Angeles and her book has been named as a finalist in the Independent Foreword reviews book of the year awards.

iUniverse, an Author Solutions, LLC, self-publishing imprint, is the leading book marketing, editorial services, and supported self-publishing provider. iUniverse has a strategic alliance with Indigo Books & Music, Inc. in Canada, and titles accepted into the iUniverse Rising Star program are featured in a special collection on BarnesandNoble.com. iUniverse recognizes excellence in book publishing through the Star, Readers Choice, Rising Star and Editors Choice designationsself-publishings only such awards program. Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, iUniverse also operates offices in Indianapolis. For more information or to publish a book, please visit iuniverse.com or call 1-800-AUTHORS. For the latest, follow @iuniversebooks on Twitter.

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A surge in meth use is being linked to a greater demand for The Friendship Centers services over the past two years.

Traditionally, the Friendship Centers Empty Bowls benefit is when many in the community step up to help. And the time is fast approaching: 4:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 4.

Another group that steps up each year is local ceramic artists, who over several months time, create about 1,000 unique bowls.

Attendees get to select a special bowl for their delicious soup and then take the bowl home afterwards.

Artist Emily Free Wilson has been part of these efforts ever since attending her first Empty Bowls event in 2003, when it was held in the Cathedral of St. Helena basement.

Ill never forget, she said. There were so many bowls by my heroes -- Richard and Penny Swanson, Sarah Jaeger and George McCauley. Ive never seen such beautiful bowls.

Soon the event grew to fill a space at Carroll College. In recent years its been housed at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall, drawing close to 1,000 people.

On Wednesday morning Wilson stood at her potters wheel at Free Ceramics turning a mound of grey porcelain clay into a graceful, perfectly balanced bowl.

The magical evolution takes about seven minutes in her skilled hands and is mesmerizing to watch.

This year Wilson is donating 10 of her distinctive porcelain bowls with their cheerful, multicolored dot-and-line patterns.

Throughout the year I hear stories about my bowls, she said.

Whats more, shes bringing six pottery wheels to the Exhibit Hall where local artists will take shifts making bowls as the public watches.

Free Ceramics will also be offering kids clay activities that night, where they can play and carve and hand-build.

Local artists gift approximately 1,000 bowls annually for the event, with major donations of 300 to 400 by potters at both the Archie Bray Foundation and the Clay Arts Guild.

Both have artists working on bowls for months leading up to the event, she said.

Thats whats so cool about Empty Bowls, Wilson said. It brings together people, ceramics and food. And people cherish their bowls and collect them.

I think were really lucky to have the Friendship Center, Wilson said, adding that the town where she grew up in Oregon didnt have a shelter for domestic violence and sexual assault victims.

The fact that I can support this organization with something I love to do is very special for me as an artist.

The ceramics community is really appreciative we can give our skills, and thats why we support it, Wilson said.

Also making donations are 30 different restaurants cooking nearly 200 gallons of soup -- including curried apple squash soup with brown butter sour cream and toasted pepitas by The Montana Club; chipotle clam chowder by El Vaquero Taqueria; white chicken chili by The Legal Tender Pub and Bistro; and Hungarian mushroom by The Hub.

Local bakeries and businesses are donating fresh rolls and cookies.

The event includes a huge silent auction and music by The Wilbur Rehmann Quartet with special guest Sarah Elkins.

Were busy, said Friendship Center executive director Melinda Reed.

The shelters eight rooms upstairs for longer-stay residents and four rooms downstairs as emergency housing are getting a lot of demand.

The number of shelter nights or nights beds were slept in at the shelter or emergency housing was 6,868 in 2016, which is up from 5,439 in 2015 -- a 26 percent jump.

The number of people served was 833 in 2016, compared to 791 in 2015 --a 5.3 percent increase.

Reed attributes the rising numbers in part to a resurgence in meth use.

It comes at a time when the Friendship Center suffered a setback as a three-year federal grant wasnt renewed, said Reed. Despite that, the Friendship Center didnt cut back services and is fully staffed.

We have greatly attempted to diversify funding sources, she said.

The community has always funded it as weve needed. We have never had to reduce services.

It has reapplied for the federal grant, she added, and continues to seek funding from other sources.

The Friendship Center offers such services as a crisis line, shelter, emergency funding, counseling, support groups, legal advocacy and classes.

The Friendship Center was the first public shelter in Montana, said Reed, and is the only domestic violence shelter to serve the three county area of Lewis and Clark, Broadwater and Jefferson counties.

For more information, or to access the crisis line, call 442-6800.

Tickets are available at Birds & Beasleys, Leslies Hallmark, the Holter Museum, Helena Community Credit Union, Valley Bank, The Friendship Center, and at the door of the event on Tuesday, April 4.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana is this years Platinum sponsor. First Interstate Bank, St. Peters Hospital, Stockmans Bank and Wipfli are also event sponsors.
CastPlus logo From discovery, to scheduling and real time analytics, brands and podcasters will find it easy to execute ad campaigns efficiently and with clear ROI.

CastPlus, a podcast advertising platform, today announced a partnership with Australian podcast host, Omny Studio, to pair influential podcasters with brands and agencies seeking to monetize on the explosive growth of podcasting. Under terms of the partnership, podcasts hosted with Omny Studio will gain access to CastPlus extensive list of advertising partners.

This partnership means Omnys clients will be able to instantly monetize their shows without the challenges typically associated with drawing advertising partners to podcasts, said Uriel Zecharia, CEO and Co-founder of CastPlus. The explosive growth of podcasting and uniquely engaged nature of podcast listeners provides a tremendous monetization vehicle for multiple industries.

According to recent findings from Edison Research, more than 42 million Americans listen to podcasts every week and, unlike traditional radio, podcast listeners are highly engaged with their content: 88% of fans listen to all or most of the episodes of their favorite show, according to Midroll. Further, the Interactive Advertising Bureau released research in late 2016 that shows showing stats podcast ads increase purchasing intent for 65% of listeners. This has led to new market segments materializing for podcast advertising, including music publishers seeking to grow revenues for back catalogs, and radio broadcasters turning to podcast advertising to monetize repackaged shows from traditional broadcasts.

The difference between the CastPlus service compared to other podcast advertising marketplaces is that were an end-to-end platform, not just an index, said Zecharia. From discovery, to scheduling and real time analytics, brands and podcasters will now find it much easier to execute ad campaigns efficiently and with clear, measurable ROI.

Omny Studio noted that this partnership represents a key step in its plan to increase monetization options for podcasters on their hosting platform. Advertising dollars have been slower to flow-through to the podcasting space in Australia than in the States, but thats changing, said Sharon Taylor, CEO of Omny Studio. Were excited to be able to offer our podcasters easier access to brands who understand the power of podcasts, she said, adding that Omny Studio expects the partnership with CastPlus to bring more advertisers to the Australian market and help expand the reach of clients shows to the United States.

About CastPlus

CastPlus is a community-based, cross-promotion service that provides podcasters and advertisers with a better way to engage listeners. With CastPlus, podcasters are able to manage and target ads in real time, keeping ads relevant to their audience for increased income. Through its partnerships with top agencies, including Performance Bridge Media, Ad Results Media and Oxford Road, CastPlus enables podcasters and advertisers to collaborate seamlessly and efficiently.

About Omny Studio

Omny Studio is an all-in-one on-demand audio management solution that helps content creators grow and measure their audience, reduce production costs and monetize. Their hosting platform enables radio stations and podcasters to focus on publishing high-quality content for listeners.

Factoids

More than 42 million Americans listen to podcasts every week

The percentage of Americans listening to podcasts is growing steadily

88% of fans listen to all or most of podcast episodes

Podcast ads increase purchase intent for 65% of listeners

Nielsen now measuring podcasts as part of Digital Audio Rating service

Outlook for podcasting includes growing profits, better user experience
Kitagawa Dermatology - Honolulu Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology Practice Even for people with thick patches of hair, its possible to get smooth, supple, hair-free skin with laser hair treatments, Dr. Kitagawa

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), over one million laser hair removal procedures are performed each year, putting it among the top 5 most popular minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures in the country. With summer close, its safe to assume that a fair number those million-plus procedures will be performed over the next 8-10 weeks. For anyone considering a hair removal procedure, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Every year, it happens, Dr. Kory Kitagawa said. Patients begin jamming the phone lines in late April or early May trying to schedule appointments to get unwanted hair removed. Sun exposure must be avoided as much as possible both a month before and after a procedure, therefore, patients should really begin preparing and scheduling appointments no later than the beginning of April.

Getting sun exposure in the month before and, especially, in the month after a laser hair removal session not only disrupts results but can also negatively impact healing. When preparation and after-care are done carefully, however, laser hair removal is safe, permanent, and effective. In fact, although normally thought of as a treatment for women, it is fast becoming a popular treatment for men.

When you consider how precise the laser is at removing hair  the surrounding skin and tissue are untouched  it not too much of a surprise that more and more men are coming around, Dr. Kitagawa said, Common areas for men include their chest, legs, back, neck, ears, and shoulders. Laser treatment is ideal for those areas, though its no secret that its also popular for women in the bikini area, on their legs, and under their arms.

Laser hair removal is also versatile and safe enough for treating a variety of places such as above the lip or on the arms, eyebrows, and stomach. The procedure is also usually schedule-friendly, as most procedures last under an hour and downtime is virtually nothing. To learn more about laser hair removal, visit https://KitagawaDermatology.com/Laser-Hair-Removal/.

Even for people with thick patches of hair, its possible to get smooth, supple, hair-free skin, Dr. Kitagawa said. And when patients follow the after-care routine, including avoiding the sun for at least the first four weeks, the results are permanent. Once your skin is healed, you and your clear, smooth skin are ready for a summer of fun!

About Kitagawa Dermatology

Kory Kitagawa M.D. is a renowned board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist practicing in Honolulu, Hawaii. Dr. Kitagawa and his exceptional team have the expert training and skills to treat or manage your skin condition using the latest products and cutting-edge technology available. They provide top-quality medical and cosmetic dermatological services for effective relief from painful or stress-inducing skin conditions anywhere on your body.

Dr. Kitagawa and his staff pride themselves on providing friendly and compassionate service and care. His wife is the chief of marketing and business development while Rocco Laudadio, Jr., is a skilled board-certified physicians assistant. Together, they form an amazing team dedicated to providing the best dermatological care in Hawaii.

For either a medical or cosmetic skin care issue, such as skin cancer or wart removal, Honolulu patients will receive the best care and treatment from dermatology specialist Dr. Kitagawa, a current fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and dermatological consultant at Kuakini Medical Center.

For more information, please visit our website at https://KitagawaDermatology.com/

Kitagawa Dermatology

321 N Kuakini St #610

Honolulu, HI 96817

(808) 533-4434

KitagawaDerm(at)gmail(dot)com
DuPont, Purdue, and, most importantly, growers will benefit from outcomes that could include broader and deeper research insights and better products with consistently higher yields.

DuPont and Purdue University announced today that Purdue has been granted access to DuPont Pioneers proprietary phenotyping and ear photometry technology as part of an innovative research collaboration. To further enable the advancement of students pursuing agriculture-related majors and support plant sciences research, DuPont also will sponsor the Henry Wallace Chair in Plant Sciences in the Purdue University College of Agriculture.

We could not be more excited to have DuPont as a collaborator in our plant sciences program, said Jay Akridge, Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture. This investment will dramatically enhance our capabilities to improve plants and build on the momentum of the Purdue Moves investment in Plant Sciences.

Through this public-private effort, were shaping the future of agriculture by seeking to advance research and develop a rich talent pipeline of future employees, said John Arbuckle, vice president, DuPont Pioneer. DuPont, Purdue, and, most importantly, growers will benefit from outcomes that could include broader and deeper research insights and better products with consistently higher yields.

The technology from Pioneer will advance research at Purdues Indiana Corn and Soybean Innovation Center, a state-of-the-art, automated field phenotyping facility.

Phenotyping is the process of learning how the genetic makeup of a plant adapts and reacts to the environment to produce complex traits such as growth, tolerance and yield. Ear photometry technology, which quantifies yield on a single ear of corn, enables researchers to identify which key ear traits  such as ear size or number of kernels  affect overall performance.

The ear photometry toolkit will allow us to measure corn phenotype and understand how the environment impacts the genotype, said Karen Plaut, senior associate dean for research and faculty affairs and director of agricultural research, Purdue University. In Indiana, we plant more than 5 million acres of corn per year and research to understand how the environment impacts yield is critical to our farmers.

Endowed Chair Honors Henry A. Wallace

The newly endowed chair recognizes Henry A. Wallace, who in 1926 founded the Pioneer Hi-Bred Corn Company, now DuPont Pioneer. An advocate for farmers and the American people, Wallace also served as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture from 1933-1940 and as vice president of the United States from 1941-1945. Throughout his illustrious career, Wallace remained committed to advancing plant genetics.

The Henry A. Wallace Chair will support a faculty member who applies modern technology to plant breeding and will oversee research conducted by students, faculty, staff and industry professionals at the Indiana Corn and Soybean Innovation Center.

Its fitting for the endowed chair to be named in honor of Henry A. Wallace, said his grandson, David Wallace Douglas. He held a strong belief in the value of research and development to continuously improve crop performance, which would ultimately improve the livelihood of farmers.

DuPont Pioneer has pledged funding for the Henry Wallace Chair in Plant Sciences over a five-year period. This multi-year investment qualifies for the College of Agricultures Endowed Chair Challenge and will generate an additional gift of $1 million from a College of Agriculture alumnus.

The Indiana Corn and Soybean Innovation Center was developed as part of Purdues Institute for Plant Sciences, part of Purdue Moves, a series of university initiatives announced by Purdue President Mitch Daniels in 2013 to broaden the universitys global impact and enhance educational opportunities for its students.

DuPont Pioneer is the worlds leading developer and supplier of advanced plant genetics, providing high-quality seeds to farmers in more than 90 countries. Pioneer provides agronomic support and services to help increase farmer productivity and profitability and strives to develop sustainable agricultural systems for people everywhere. Science with Service Delivering Success.

DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders, we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit http://www.dupont.com.

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3/30/17

, , SM Trademarks and service marks of DuPont, Pioneer or their respective owners.
The GreenZone Hero Movement We admire these visionary businesses that are leading the way in their respective industries and see the value of being a veteran-friendly business."John Krotec, Founder of GreenZone Hero

GreenZone Hero enlists all 12 of Everglades Farm Equipment locations in Central and South Florida into the growing veteran-friendly commerce community. GreenZone Hero honored Everglades Farm Equipment with 4 of the 5 patented GreenZone Hero medals as Everglades Farm Equipment offers discounts to veterans, employs veterans, hires disabled veterans and is a business that makes donations of time, money, or other resources to organizations that serve veterans. The GreenZone Hero mission is to recognize businesses that honor our veterans and help those businesses succeed.

Everglades Farm Equipment President and CEO, John O. Schlechter, strives to serve the agricultural producers, farmers, nurseries, and commercial landscape management companies by focusing on customer service and satisfaction and treating customers right. Those values stem from family valuesto treat everyone like family. Schlechter is also a visionary and believes in grass roots American movements and joined GreenZone Hero as the first GreenZone Hero veteran-friendly farming equipment dealer in America. As one of the largest John Deere dealers in the world, Schlechter is proud to support the GreenZone Hero movement.

The total population of veterans in Florida is 1,640,900. This is the third largest population of veterans in the nation. The total veteran/military affinity market includes nearly 25 million potential consumers as Veterans, Active Duty Personnel, and their families who spend over 1 Trillion dollars annually in the U.S. Economy. And, 97% of surveyed Americans indicated they are more likely to spend their dollars with military/veteran-supportive companies.

John Krotec, founder of GreenZone Hero and Veteran himself said, We admire these visionary businesses that are leading the way in their respective industries and see the value of being a veteran-friendly business. Our mission is to recognize American Businesses that recognize our veteransthose men and women who answered the calling to defend our Great Nation.

For more information visit http://www.greenzonehero.com and http://www.evergladesfarmequipment.com.

About GreenZone Hero: The GreenZone Hero mission is to increase awareness of businesses that offer benefits to veterans and to help Member businesses grow commerce and prosper. GreenZone hero also works to raise the profile of veteran-focused nonprofit foundations and to help raise donations and support for our Ambassador organizations.

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Sample CEQ Analysis What's clear is that communities must have the right community managers in place, and these managers must have the right customization and automation tools at their disposal.

Higher Logic today announced its third annual Community Benchmarking Study on trends in the evolution of online communities. The study, which includes three years of data from more than 20 million users within 348 organizations, found that a communitys success depends heavily on the community managers ability to create an engaging ecosystem by having the tools to customize the community and member experience. Published by Higher Logic and Marketing General, Inc. (MGI), the report also includes a new Community Engagement Quadrant (CEQ) tool that provides concrete data on how to assess, measure, and move forward with engagement strategy. The Community Benchmarking Study can be downloaded for free from the Higher Logic website.

While engagement remains a subjective term, the 2016 Community Benchmarking Study presents a way that communities can begin tracking what engagement success looks like for their organizations, said Higher Logic President & Co-Founder Andy Steggles. Whats clear is that communities must have the right community managers in place, and these managers must have the right customization and automation tools at their disposal. This is what will position them to make progress toward their specific community goals.

Key Trends

At the highest level, the 2016 Community Benchmarking Study reveals the following key trends in online communities:



Community member satisfaction aligns with engagement. While engagement is a subjective metric, the right KPIs can reveal a path to member satisfaction for a specific community.

Automation is mainstream. The ability to automate communications and other tasks helps keep members of all types engaged, whether they are super users or more passive visitors.

Customization is key. The ability to customize the community and member experience is the key to increasing engagement. For example, customizations enable the creation of a frictionless experience to encourage more member participation.

The Community Engagement Quadrant

The Community Engagement Quadrant (CEQ) utilizes two primary metrics -- subscribers and messages -- to compare how one organizations community performs against similar organizations along two axes:



Engagement Axis: Designed to represent the number of engaged messages relative to the number of subscribers.

Reach Axis: Shows what percentage of the total known audience is subscribed to at least one discussion group.

A CEQ analysis enables an organization to plot the relative maturity of its community across four phases that correspond to the four quadrants:



Early Adoption (lower left quadrant). The organization is still working on getting subscribers and messagesits message engagement score is 5 or below, and its audience penetration is less than 50 percent.

Active Engagement (upper left quadrant). The organization is seeing an uptick in discussion messages but little traction in subscriber rateits message engagement score is above 5, but its audience penetration is less than 50 percent.

Active Members (lower right quadrant). The organization is experiencing a high member-to-subscriber ratio but messages are from a small concentration of subscribersits message engagement score is 5 or below, and its audience penetration is above 50 percent.

Mature Engagement (upper right quadrant). The organization has achieved a strong member-to-subscriber ratio and broad message engagementits message engagement score is above 5 and audience penetration is above 50 percent.

Higher Logic clients can download a new CEQ Worksheet within the study to calculate their organizations position in the Community Engagement Quadrant.

Added Steggles, Our observations in working with many of the organizations participating in the survey suggests that the key to successfully progressing to the upper right quadrant is based on combining three elements: creative techniques to engage a higher percentage of the target audience, a more mature approach to community management, and greater organizational buy-in.

About Marketing General, Inc.

Marketing General Incorporated (MGI) is a membership and marketing communications firm specializing in associations. With over 39 years of experience in association marketing, and over 60 staff offering a variety of marketing services, including data analytics, creative design, copywriting, e-marketing and more, they can assist you with driving member growth and engagement. Since the companys inception in 1978 they have recruited more than 4 million new members for hundreds of organizations resulting in billions of dollars in lifetime revenue. Learn more at http://www.marketinggeneral.com.

About Higher Logic

Higher Logic is an industry leader in cloud-based community platforms. Organizations worldwide use Higher Logic to bring people all together, by giving their community a home where they can interact, share ideas, answer questions and stay connected. Our goal is to help your organization with deeper engagement and meaningful interactions for your members, customers and prospects. Everything we do - the tools and features in our software, our services, partnerships, best practices - drives our ultimate goal of making your organization successful. Learn more at http://www.higherlogic.com.
We came to Washington to talk directly with the media in hopes they will recognize and report that many doctors and scientists support this commission. - Dr. Paul Thomas, AAP board certified pediatrician.

This morning, more than 275 medical doctors, Ph.D. scientists and organizations submitted a letter to President Trump expressing their support for an independent Vaccine Safety Commission. Five of the signers of the letter, including two medical doctors, two Ph.D. scientists and one medical journalist, will hold a press conference at 9:00 AM Friday, March 31 at the National Press Club to present scientific evidence documenting that vaccines not only cause autism but also cause numerous other medical conditions and death.

President Trumps call for a Vaccine Safety Commission has largely been derided by those who profit from vaccines and by the mainstream media, said Dr. Paul Thomas, AAP board certified pediatrician. We came to Washington to talk directly with the media in hopes they will recognize and report that many doctors and scientists support this commission.

Unlike with any other product sold in the United States, manufacturers of vaccines are shielded from liability for any harm their vaccines cause since the passage of the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986. Instead, the Acts National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) allows individuals to file a petition for compensation. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration, since 1988, more than $3.6 billion dollars in publicly funded compensation have been paid out to the injured.

The letter, which will be available on the groups website http://www.HonestyinMedia.org on Thursday, March 30, cites two recent Centers for Disease Control (CDC) whistleblowers actions as examples of why a vaccine safety commission is justified.

Specifically, instances like CDC whistleblower Dr. William Thompson, who came forth in 2014 and admitted he and several colleagues committed scientific fraud on a pivotal vaccine study, and more recently, a group of anonymous scientists at the CDC who formed the organization Scientists Preserving Integrity, Diligence and Ethics in Research (SPIDER) in response to rampant data destruction and research manipulation.

SPIDER writes, It appears that our mission is being influenced and shaped by outside parties and rogue interests. It seems that our mission and Congressional intent for our agency is being circumvented by some of our leaders. What concerns us most, is that it is becoming the norm and not the rare exception. Some senior management officials at CDC are clearly aware and even condone these behaviors.

Dr. Brian Hooker, father of a vaccine-injured child and a Ph.D. researcher, has fought to restore integrity at the CDC for more than 16 years, using the Freedom of Information Act to gather as much data as he could from the studies that the CDC has published that claim there is no link between vaccines and autism. If the media were truly doing their jobs, every newspaper in America would have covered the story of a CDC whistleblower who acknowledged that the CDC literally threw research proving an association between vaccines and autism in the trash.

The speakers, signing doctors and scientists, and the hundreds of organizations and individuals who make up the Honesty in Media movement, intend for this press conference and letter to President Trump to serve as the catalyst for increased transparency and accountability surrounding these important issues in the government and media, and that it will drive action towards creating a much-needed independent Vaccine Safety Commission.

Please visit the website http://www.HonestyinMedia.org or see the included attachment for the official letter to President Trump.

Schedule of speakers:

Speakers:

Paul Thomas, M.D.

Brian Hooker, Ph.D.

Judy Mikovits, Ph.D.

Jennifer Margulis, Ph.D.

Toni Bark, M.D.

Lori Martin Gregory

Moderator:

Del Bigtree

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For more information, please visit: [http://www.HonestyinMedia.org.

The press conference will be hosted on Facebook LIVE. https://www.facebook.com/Your-Baby-Your-Way-317063605077912/
At this years ASCE Southeast Student Conference (March 16-18, 2017) in Florida, civil engineering students competed in a variety of technical events, such as the remarkable concrete canoe competition. PENETRON was on hand as event sponsor and enthusiastic fan.

The ASCE Conference is where the PENETRON motto, Water Meet Your Match finds its most visible and entertaining expression through many challenging contests, exclaims Christopher Chen, Director of The PENETRON Group.

This years Southeast Student Conference was hosted by Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. This three-day annual event drew over 1,200 students from 26 universities across the Southeast region of the United States, including University of Florida, University of Alabama Huntsville, and University of Tennessee Chattanooga, as well as from as far away as Puerto Rico (University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez) and China (Tongi University).

Each year, a series of contests are designed to showcase student knowledge, both theoretical and practical. Among the challenges:



Concrete Canoe Competition  construct a functional canoe out of concrete

Steel Bridge Competition  design and build a bridge with steel structural elements

Concrete Frisbee Competition  construct and fly a concrete Frisbee

Wood Dam Competition  design, build and test a wooden dam

Mystery Competition  challenge is unveiled only on the day of the contest

This years Mystery Competition required a teams representative to move a raw egg from the top of a sand pile and place it on top of a separate sand pile using a small spoon fixed to a bucket tooth of a backhoe.

Of course, my favorite was the Concrete Canoe Competition, said Mr. Chen. This contest requires students to not only design, construct and race a concrete canoe, but also give a presentation on their design and construction efforts to a panel of judges. Winners of the regional event advance to the National Finals.

For over a decade, PENETRON has contributed both materials and technical support at the National, Regional, and Local levels to various ASCE Chapters around the country.

At PENETRON, we strongly believe the future of our industry lies in the knowledge and strength of the young designers, engineers, and producers now completing their education, adds Mr. Chen. Participating in the ASCE events confirms  time and again  that the coming generations not only have relevant knowledge of todays technology, but are also able to question traditional practices and identify new and more effective technologies and solutions. This mindset is the foundation of The PENETRON Group and we are committed to supporting the future of concrete by investing in the future of people.

The oldest national engineering society in the United States, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) represents members of the civil engineering profession worldwide. It is also the worlds largest publisher of civil engineering information and standards. Each year, the ASCE offers continuing education programs to over 55,000 engineers and hosts more than 15 annual and specialty conferences and more than 300 live Web seminars.

The PENETRON Group is a leading manufacturer of specialty construction products for concrete waterproofing, concrete repairs and floor preparation systems. The Group operates through a global network, offering support to the design and construction community through its regional offices, representatives and distribution channels.

For more information on PENETRON waterproofing solutions, please visit penetron(dot)com or Facebook(dot)com/ThePenetronGroup, email CRDept(at)penetron(dot)com, or contact the Corporate Relations Department at 631-941-9700.
Pooki's Mahi overhauls brand influencer outreach program Pookis Mahi partnered with discovery platforms to expand the brand through bloggers. None of the bloggers wrote quality content that drove a significant amount of new traffic which converted to sales and repeat customers.

Silicon Valley startup Pookis Mahi announced today it is aligning brand outreach activities to 2017 roadmap and cultural manifesto; drives a cohesive customer experience online and expand brand recognition from qualified brand influencers.

Pookis Mahi Founder/CEO Les Magsalay-Zeller explains, Pookis Mahi has been implementing the 2017 company roadmap which resulted in an increase in coffee subscribers, repeat customers from brand recognition for manufacturing luxury private label products. A top priority for Pookis Mahi is to integrate digital marketing, technology, and supply chain. Launching new products correctly the first time is part of Pookis Mahi cultural manifesto. New products launched correctly enables Pookis Mahi celebrities, brand advocates, athletes, top online retailers and over 1000 private label distributors to become better brand influencers. Pookis Mahi could not go to market with events, press, traditional media, TV sponsors, etc. if new or upgraded products like the prized 100% Kona coffee pods or private label tea pods are not ready.

The Silicon Valley executive explains, Pookis Mahi partnered with discovery platforms to expand the brand through bloggers. None of the bloggers wrote quality content that drove a significant amount of new traffic which converted to sales and repeat customers.

Pookis Mahi does not have an official brand influencer outreach program facilitated by the startup. Pookis Mahi partnered with product discovery platforms to identify bloggers who will write quality content to expand Pookis Mahi brand of luxury 100% Kona coffee pods, single serve tea pods and private label spice products.

The Silicon Valley company conducted a lengthy review on all product discovery platform vendors. Pookis Mahi terminated discovery platform vendors sending bloggers looking for free products or demanding a monetary fee to place products.

The private label brands program eliminates underperforming or wasteful customer acquisition tools. Pookis Mahi new brand influencer outreach program will measure the quality of writing, social media engagement and the security of the bloggers site architecture. Pookis Mahi brand influencer outreach program will launch in 2017 as part of the technology platform upgrade. The Silicon Valley startup will consider brand influencers that apply online. Pookis Mahi brand program is not open to companies, firms that provide digital marketing products.

What bloggers can expect from Pookis Mahi brand influencer outreach program:

1. Pookis Mahi brand influencer program will launch in 2017 as part of the technology upgrade.

2. Interested bloggers must apply to write about Pookis Mahi products.

3. The application accounts for 70% while the quality of writing is 30% of the overall grade.

4. Approved bloggers must pay $20 for shipping to the Lower 48 states, $100 for shipping to Alaska, Hawaii and market rate for shipping to other countries.

5. Bloggers will receive (1) box of variety pack of 100% Hawaiian Kona coffee pods or soon to launch custom tea flavored pods or newly launched products.

6. Pookis Mahi does not offer complimentary samples.

7. Bloggers are graded on sales conversions through a discount code specific to the blogger.

8. Blogger articles will be shared on Twitter, Facebook.

9. No press release.

10. Fedex is Pookis Mahi transportation partner.

Pookis Mahis Kona coffee pods, private label tea pods and private label spices are sold online and through approved resellers.

The Silicon Valley based private label products manufacturer is focused on improving customer experience without overwhelming existing customer base. Pookis Mahi implementing designs from creative and technology vendors that passed a lengthy vetting process in 2016.

Pooki's Mahi, The PMO Practice and Matcha Matcha Man are trademarks of Pooki's Mahi.

The Academy Awards is a registered trademark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The Gift Suites where Pookis Mahis products are show cased are not authorized by and is not associated with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, The Academy Awards, or any of its official partners or vendors.

About Pookis Mahi:

Pookis Mahi is a Silicon Valley-based private label coffee pods and custom promotional products manufacturer offering Hawaiian 100% Kona coffee and award-winning private label teas in sustainable single serve cups. Private label brands partner with Pookis Mahi for the efficient supply chain, go to market launch and new product introduction expertise. Since its online launch in 2013, Pookis Mahi products have been a favorite of customers, charities, celebrities and athletes and have been featured at red carpet events including Celebrity Gift Suites and athletes and seen on several television shows. Pookis Mahis mission is to revolutionize the supply chain ecosystem to make it efficient by using technology in bringing the highest quality Kona coffees into the market in a sustainable, compostable cup. Hawaiian coffees are harvested/roasted in Hawaii, single serve cup manufactured in US and distributed to several fulfillment centers in the US.

For more information on Pookis Mahi custom private label coffee, pods pricing, cost of single serve tea pods visit Pooki's Mahi Private Label Products platform. Buy Kona coffee subscriptions at http://subscriptions.pookismahi.com. Follow Pookis Mahi on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter to keep up with news insights to launching custom promotional products. Pookis Mahi has a zero tolerance for firms engaged in cyber-bullying, cyber-criminal, slander, negative reviews, or cultural discrimination. A single serve coffee maker of black / white cups and aloha islands competitors cyber-bullied Pookis Mahi Founder/CEO since 2014. The relentless negative campaigns, slander and IP bullying resulted in irreparable harm.

Contact Information

Pookis Mahi

support(at)pookismahi(dot)com

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ReachMD. Be part of the knowledge. Every day at ReachMD, we are humbled by the amazing insights offered by physicians who share the struggles and triumphs of daily medical practice.

ReachMD, the MM&M Award Winner for Best Healthcare Professional Media Brand, joins the nation today in celebrating National Doctors Day. For more than eight decades, March 30 has been a day to recognize the contributions of physicians across the nation for their delivery of care, their contributions to improving patient health and quality of life, their leadership in driving research and innovation, and their contributions to life-long learning across all specialties. With more than 10,000 interviews featuring medical experts, ReachMD congratulates all our physician hosts and guests for sharing their time and wisdom with our users.

Representative ReachMD interviews with physicians and other healthcare professionals can be seen on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHLHhcI1qrg.

Every day at ReachMD, we are humbled by the amazing insights offered by physicians who share the struggles and triumphs of daily medical practice, said Matt Birnholz, MD, Vice President of ReachMD. They truly model the very best of human potential for us all and make our communities healthier in an immeasurable number of ways. It has been a pleasure for us to work with such medical stars for the past 12 years.

About ReachMD

ReachMD lets healthcare professional Be part of the knowledge by discovering, participating in, and sharing medical education and clinical information across a powerful digital broadcast network. Its streaming radio and on demand programming is delivered through the websites and mobile apps of ReachMD, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, iTunes, and Stitcher. ReachMD has produced more than 10,000 broadcasts, making it the leading education resource for healthcare professional audiences.
SEOPRO for Digital Marketing "...seek out the right digital marketing solutions to match their organizations unique business goals.

SEOPRO by KO Websites launches a new multimedia website placing more focus on their 'All n1 Plan,' featuring full-service digital marketing in a single package. By integrating video content and clearly defining their digital marketing solutions, SEOPRO new website has once again pioneered how businesses think about and purchase their web-based digital marketing services.

With over 15 years of online internet marketing and website management experience, SEOPRO has built a strong reputation as one of the leading Web Design and Digital Marketing companies in the San Francisco Bay Area. KO Websites delivers exceptional search engine optimization (SEO) results, partnered with top-tier website design to provide conversions and brand awareness, which facilitates corporate growth.

The launch of the new SEOPRO website makes it easier for clients to understand and seek out the right digital marketing solutions to match their organizations unique business goals. Said Ken ODonnell, President of KO Websites, Inc. In addition to highlighting the availability of marketing services, the new site is also designed as an educational tool on the subject of digital marketing. By visiting the site http://www.seopro.pro, you can learn about the function of social media marketing, search engine optimization, content marketing, advertising, and reputation management, among many other concepts, continued Ken. Whether investing in digital marketing or gaining insights for yourself, http://www.seopro.pro is the perfect site to help guide your business towards its loftiest ambitions.

SEOPRO works to understand a clients business, and engages within their social media circles to build relationships. SEOPRO strives to understand these customers, direct them to the clients website, and in turn, be converted into loyal customers.

SEOPRO makes client satisfaction and performance its top priority, leading to a retention rate of over 98%, along with an unsurpassed reputation for quality and ROI.

Surely, a company that delivers outstanding SEO and web asset management services must have their own premier website that captures all relevant areas of expertise, services, testimonials, and blogs, in a seamless, mobile-friendly portal that provides a fantastic user experience, said Ken.

About the SEOPROs at KO Websites

SEOPRO is a division of KO Websites, a leading web design and search engine optimization firm, based in Castro Valley, CA. Since 2001, KO Websites has built fully-optimized websites for clients in the San Jose, Oakland and the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. The firm is grounded in the philosophy that building a functional, attractive website is not enough; a website needs to be designed with search engine optimization in mind to allow customers to find it easily and drive more sales. SEOPRO is the full-service content management and digital marketing side of the house. For more information, call 510-276-9902 or visit http://www.seopro.pro or http://www.KOwebsites.com
Lauren Roth, M.D., of Shady Grove Fertility's Frederick, MD and Harrisburg, PA locations I cannot underscore enough the importance of seeking an early fertility evaluation. It offers patients the best chances of having a baby.

Shady Grove Fertility, the largest fertility center in the United States, with more babies born than any other center in the nationhas launched a brand new event in response to the need that 30 percent of women of childbearing age have irregular menstrual cycles. And with problems with ovulation being the most common culprit when it comes to female infertilitywhich accounts for 40 to 50 percent of infertility causesits important to educate women about common irregular menstrual cycle warning signs, which could complicate trying to conceive if not addressed.

The new virtual event, What Your Menstrual Cycle Says about Your Fertility will address early warning signs seen in a womans menstrual cycle that may signal a problem with their fertility, in addition to provide a basic primer on what is considered normal vs abnormal.

Most women dont talk openly about their menstrual cycles with anyone, even their OB/GYN, and many dont realize that what is normal to them may not be normal when it comes to their reproductive health. Our aim is to educate women about early warning signs if they are trying to conceive, as ovulation disorders can pose a challenge when it comes to conception. Fortunately, with a proper and early fertility evaluation and treatment, we can overcome almost every case, but it does require a woman know her cycle and respond appropriately if something is not quite right, says Lauren Roth, M.D., of Shady Grove Fertilitys Frederick, MD and Harrisburg, PA offices. Dr. Roth will be hosting the Wednesday, April 5 webinar about menstrual cycles and infertility.

During Shady Grove Fertilitys Is it time to see a fertility specialist? event, physician experts will dispel some of the common fertility myths and discuss the causes of infertility and how early fertility intervention offers the greatest chances of success.

I cannot underscore enough the importance of seeking an early fertility evaluation. It offers patients the best chances of having a baby. While we cannot offer any guarantees that treatment will work, what we can guarantee is that time is better on your side when you seek an early fertility evaluation versus waiting, says Joseph Doyle, M.D., of Shady Grove Fertilitys Rockville, MD office. Dr. Doyle will be hosting the Is it time to see a fertility specialist? live event on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at 7:00 PM.

Shady Grove Fertilitys online and in-person physician-led events provide those who are struggling to conceive with the opportunity to learn the latest information about infertility from a fertility expert. Each event concludes with a question and answer session providing attendees with the opportunity to engage either in-person or virtually with a physician expert. Informed patients often have more favorable outcomes.

While all SGF in-person and online events are complimentary, interested parties must register to attend by visiting the Shady Grove Fertility calendar of events.

Upcoming April Seminars:

April 4 | Rockville, MD | Is it time to see a fertility specialist? | Dr. Joseph Doyle

April 5 | Rockville, MD | The Wellness Center: Mind & Body Health for Your Fertility

April 6 | Bala Cynwyd, PA | Is it time to see a fertility specialist? | Dr. Ryan Martin

April 6 | Leesburg, VA | Is it time to see a fertility specialist? | Dr. Naveed Khan

April 18 | Columbia, MD | Is it time to see a fertility specialist? | Dr. Stephanie Beall

April 19 | Towson, MD | Is it time to see a fertility specialist? | Dr. Ricardo Yazigi

April 20 | Reading, PA | Is it time to see a fertility specialist? | Dr. Kara Nguyen

April 25 | Baltimore Harbor, MD | Is it time to see a fertility specialist? | Dr. Howard McClamrock

April 27 | Woodbridge, VA| Is it time to see a fertility specialist? | Dr. Rachana Garde

Upcoming April Webinars

April 4 | Webinar | Seeking Donor Egg Treatment in America| SGF Donor Egg Team

April 5 | Webinar | What Your Menstrual Cycle Says about Your Fertility | Dr. Lauren Roth

April 6 | Webinar | Trying to Conceive Q&A | Dr. Jason Bromer

April 11 | Webinar | Is it time to see a fertility specialist? | Dr. Ricardo Yazigi

April 20 | Webinar | Become an Egg Donor | Egg Donor Liaison Team

April 26 | Webinar | Is it time to see a fertility specialist? | Dr. Naveed Khan

April 27 | Webinar | Egg Freezing | Dr. Andrea Reh

About Shady Grove Fertility

Shady Grove Fertility is a leading fertility and IVF center of excellence offering patients individualized care, innovative financial options, and pregnancy rates among the highest of all national centers. 2016 commemorated 25 years of Shady Grove Fertility providing medical and service excellence to patients from all 50 states and 35 countries around the world, and over 40,000 babies bornmore than any other center in the nation. Today, 39 physicians, supported by a highly specialized team of more than 700 Ph.D. scientists, geneticists, and staff care for patients in 19 full-service offices and six satellite sites throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Shady Grove Fertility physicians actively train residents and reproductive endocrinology fellows and invest in continuous clinical research and education to advance the field of reproductive medicine through numerous academic appointments and partnerships such as Georgetown Medical School, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the University of Maryland, and the National Institutes of Health. More than 1,700 physicians refer their patients to Shady Grove Fertility each year. For more information, call 1-888-761-1967 or visit ShadyGroveFertility.com.
Johan Gedde, a customer experience heavyweight, to fill the new position: Executive Vice President, Head of Customer Success at Surefire Local. All business to business brands today, like Surefire Local, are defined by the customer experience they deliver, Chris Marentis, Founder and CEO of Surefire Local

Surefire Local's rapid expansion of national to local marketing SaaS technology products to major brands and local business owners makes building a scalable customer relationship program vitally important. Surefire announces the hiring of Johan Gedde, a customer experience heavyweight, to fill the new position: Executive Vice President, Head of Customer Success. Gedde brings 25 Years of global customer support operations and technology strategy experience to newly-created role.

Gedde brings his international experience and a strong track record in leading multicultural professional services, customer success and customer support teams to Surefire Local. Gedde served over 10 years as VP of Client Services at Vocus, a global SaaS company providing cloud based PR and marketing software. Geddes expertise at envisioning new concepts and trends, and improving core processes to drive customer satisfaction and sustainable growth, is instrumental for his new position at Surefire Local.

Developing and executing customer-focused strategies, and defining core processes is crucial to ensuring Surefire Local consistently delivers an exceptional customer experience. I am thrilled to be joining the Surefire Local team as we continue our exciting growth, Johan Gedde, new EVP & Head of Customer Success at Surefire Local.

All business to business brands today, like Surefire Local, are defined by the customer experience they deliver, said Chris Marentis, Founder and CEO of Surefire Local. Johans passion for customers and leadership of the teams that serve customers is another addition to our goal to being a market leader.

Surefire has been included on the Inc. 5000 List of Americas Fastest Growing Companies for three years in a row. The companys SaaS technology products enable brands with franchises, affiliates, or contractors to reach their local customers more effectively and efficiently. In 2016, Surefire Local generated over 600,000 leads for brands and their local affiliates.

About Surefire Local:

Established in 2009, Surefire Local provides simple, accessible and cost-effective new customer acquisition products and services to help business owners reach their local customers more effectively. It has emerged as a top local marketing technology company and a top Google Premier Partner for home improvement businesses, medical practices and franchise owners. Large manufacturers like GAF, Renewal by Andersen, Wellborn Cabinets and Louisiana-Pacific also partner with Surefire Local to provide preferred local digital marketing services to their dealer and distributor networks. Surefire Local has been included on the Inc. 5000 List of Americas Fastest Growing Companies for three years in a row.
Hitting shelves next week are a nonfiction picture book for budding engineers, a middle grade novel about a boy and his dog, and a contemporary YA spin on Youve Got Mail.

The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray, $17.99; ISBN 978-0-06-234870-8. Albertallis follow-up to Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda follows a 17-year-old girl with no romantic experience, and the fissure that develops between her and her more confident sister.

The Inconceivable Life of Quinn by Marianna Baer. Amulet, $18.95; ISBN 978-1-4197-2302-5. In this YA novel, Quinn Cutler, the 16-year-old daughter of a writer running for U.S. Congress, is shocked to learn that shes pregnant. Shes never had sex, at least not as far as she can remember. The book earned a starred review from PW.

Rosie Reveres Big Project Book for Bold Engineers by Andrea Beaty, illus. by David Roberts. Abrams, $14.95 paper; ISBN 978-1-4197-1910-3. This spin-off of Beaty and Robertss Rosie Revere, Engineer aims to get children asking questions, finding treasure where others see trash, and dreaming up solutions for such real-world problems as figuring out how to open a door with ones elbow.

Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett. Simon Pulse, $17.99; ISBN 978-1-4814-7877-9. A year after her mother divorces to marry a lawyer, Bailey decides to leave Washington, D.C., to live with her father in California. One of her primary motives for going is to track down Alex, a boy she met online but has never seen in person, in this YA version of Youve Got Mail.

A Time to Act: John F. Kennedys Big Speech by Shana Corey, illus. by R. Gregory Christie. NorthSouth, $18.95; ISBN 978-0-7358-4275-5. Corey (The Secret Subway) and Christie (Freedom in Congo Square) celebrate the birthday centenary of John F. Kennedy with a picture book biography primarily focused on the former presidents evolving stance on the topic of civil rights.

The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors by Drew Daywalt, illus. by Adam Rex. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray, $17.99; ISBN 978-0-06-243889-8. Daywalts text, set in a range of expressive fonts, alongside Rexs dramatic battle scenes, tells the story of three worthy adversaries in competition. The book earned a starred review from PW.

Ashes to Asheville by Sarah Dooley. Putnam, $16.99; ISBN 978-0-399-16504-7. In this middle grade novel, a girl processes her grief over losing her mother with relatives in a new town. The book earned a starred review from PW.

Olivia the Spy by Ian Falconer. Atheneum/Dlouhy, $17.99; ISBN 978-1-4814-5795-8. Olivia is back after a five-year absence, and at first glance she seems as fierce as ever (Mommy, I know how to use the blender, she says, before wreaking blueberry smoothie havoc on the kitchen). But Olivia soon senses that in her mothers eyes, a kind of behavioral Rubicon has been crossed.

Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray. Little, Brown, $17.99; ISBN 978-0-316-39403-1. In this YA science fiction novel from Gray (the Firebird trilogy), resources are scarce, humans populate multiple planets, and a colony world called Genesis is battling Earth for independence. The book earned a starred review from PW.

Be Quiet! by Ryan T. Higgins. Disney-Hyperion, $17.99; ISBN 978-1-4847-3162-8. Rupert the mouse sets out to create a wordless picture book (Theyre very artistic), but his talkative sidekicks, Thistle and Nibbs, have more than a little trouble with the concept. The book earned a starred review from PW.

A Letter to My Teacher by Deborah Hopkinson, illus. by Nancy Carpenter. Random/Schwartz & Wade, $17.99; ISBN 978-0-375-86845-0. Hopkinsons epistolary text and Carpenters flashbacks chronicle the evolving relationship between an impulsive second grader and her life-changing teacher. The book earned a starred review from PW.

But Then I Came Back by Estelle Laure. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $17.99; ISBN 978-0-544-53126-0. If youre in a coma, where are you? Is there a place between life and death? Unanswerable questions, but not for 17-year-old Eden Jones, a type-A ballerina who hits her head and nearly drowns. When she wakes up after a month, she has another question to face: whats it like to get your old life back?

Touch the Earth by Julian Lennon, with Bart Davis, illus. by Smiljana Coh. Sky Pony, $17.99; ISBN 978-1-5107-2083-1. Lennons debut picture book, the first in a planned trilogy, asks readers to hop aboard a magical airplane, the White Feather Flier (a name inspired by his father and his own foundation), and go on a helping adventure to protect the planets oceans and water supply.

Lucky Girl by Amanda Maciel. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray, $17.99; ISBN 978-0-06-230533-6. The story of two friends with competing crushes on the same boy escalates during a drunken encounter after a tornado.

Balderdash!: John Newbery and the Boisterous Birth of Childrens Books by Michelle Markel, illus. by Nancy Carpenter. Chronicle, $17.99; ISBN 978-0-8118-7922-4. Lucky, lucky reader. Be glad its not 1726, begins this tribute to publisher John Newbery. Back then, writes Markel (Hillary Rodham Clinton), children read preachy poems and fables, but Newbery strove to publish exciting childrens stories, a prospect that frightened parents: Many mums and dads worried that if their little nippers read fun books, theyd turn wild as beasts! The book earned a starred review from PW.

Flowers for Sarajevo by John McCutcheon, illus. by Kristy Caldwell. Peachtree, $19.95; ISBN 978-1-56145-943-8. In this picture book, McCutcheon follows up Christmas in the Trenches with another powerful story of a musical performance that defied the horror of combat.

Chester and Gus by Cammie McGovern. Harper, $16.99; ISBN 978-0-06-233068-0. In this middle grade novel, Chester is a chocolate lab and Gus is a fifth grader with autism whose family hopes hell be more interactive at school with Chester around.

Geekerella: A Fangirl Fairy Tale by Ashley Poston. Quirk, $18.99; ISBN 978-1-59474-947-6. In this pop culture-saturated Cinderella retelling, 17-year-old Elle Wittimer, unhappy with her social climbing stepfamily, pins her hopes on winning a cosplay contest at a science fiction convention.

Royce Rolls by Margaret Stohl. Freeform, $18.99; ISBN 978-1-4847-3233-5. In this YA novel, Bentley Bent Royce, 16, is the attitude-laden bad-girl daughter of the Royces, a Kardashianesque famous for being famous family of reality TV royals. Its all an act, though, and Bent wants nothing more than to shed her TV persona and go to college.

Gem & Dixie by Sara Zarr. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray, $17.99; ISBN 978-0-06-243459-3. For most of her life, 17-year-old Gem has played parent to her younger sister, Dixie: their mother spends her meager salary on drugs instead of food, and their long-absent father offers no real support. Now that their father has unexpectedly returned to their hometown of Seattle, Gem is suspicious of his motives. The book earned a starred review from PW.

For more childrens and YA titles on sale throughout the month of April, check out PWs full On-Sale Calendar.
The Harry Ransom Center at The University of Texas at Austin, one of the world's leading archives of modern literature, will be using a $195,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to support a two-year project to organize, digitize and open the archives of PEN International and English PEN.

At this time, when freedom of expression is in peril all over the globe, the support from the NEH to safeguard PENs extraordinary history in defending literature and the right to speak and write freely is vital, said Jennifer Clement, president of PEN International, in a press release. Over the past 100 years in every place where censorship has tried to quiet voices, PEN has worked to support both the individual and collective truth.

Dubbed Writers Without Borders," the project will convert some 100,000 documents from the years 1912 to 2008; the documents address PEN's core issues, including the plight of imprisoned writers, free speech and international human rights.

The documents are also coming from a time period covering several flash-points when writers were in peril, such as during World War I and World War II. Among the authors who have correspondence featured in the archive are Chinua Achebe, Elizabeth Bowen, T. S. Eliot, Robert Frost, Nadine Gordimer, Gunter Grass, James Joyce, Arthur Miller, Octavio Paz, Salman Rushdie, Aung San Suu Kyi, Virginia Woolf and W. B. Yeats. Some 4,400 images will be also digitized and made free to use online.

That the grant comes just as the Trump administration has announced plans to potentially defund and eliminate the NEH and NEA is "entirely coincidental," said Steve Enniss, director of the Ransom Center. These archives offer unique insight into human rights crises and document important cultural, historical and literary debates of the last century. There has been demand from scholars to have better access to these documents and their digitization has been a top priority for some time."

Enniss, who is a veteran of Washington D.C., where he previously served as Eric Weinmann Librarian at the Folger Shakespeare Library, did note that he felt the threats to the NEH and NEA are not as dire as many people think.

"We survived the culture wars of the mid-90s and I think have evolved since then," he told PW. "At the Folger, we benefited from bipartisan support for the work we did to advance the humanities, and I still think that exists."

Enniss noted that the NEA and NEH were both founded in 1965 by President Lyndon Johnson, whose Presidential Library is part of the University of Texas' campus in Austin.

"The year the the Ransom Center itself was founded, 1957, is the same year Sputnik was launched into space," Enniss said. "That prompted significant investments in science and technology education, much in the same way money is being poured into STEM education today. But it was also acknowledged at the time that investments in the humanities could equally benefit our lives. I still believe the Congress understands that."
In 2009, David Chang, owner and chef of Momofuku, hit the streets of New York City to eat and drink with Vice Media. The ensuing video, which sees Chang plowing through fried chicken in Koreatown and preparing his famous pork buns for late night revelers, was the first in a series called Munchies, which documents what famous chefs eat and drink during boozy nights on the town. The videos were such a success that Vice eventually launched Munchies, a food website and media channel, in 2014. Now, Munchies is forging new ground with the announcement of a three-book print cookbook deal with Ten Speed Press, with senior editor Emily Timberlake editing.

The first book, Munchies: Late-Night Meals from the World's Best Chefs, by J.J. Goode, Munchies editor-in-chief Helen Hollyman, and the editors of Munchies, is due out in fall 2017. The book is based on the Munchies web series (since rechristened as Chef's Night Out), and features stories of chefs debauchery, as well as their go-to recipes to soak up alcohol.

When asked why Munchies, and Vice Media, which courts a digital, Millennial audience, decided to make the foray into print, Munchies publisher John Martin said the online content actually pushed them in the direction of a cookbook. We discovered that people were spending a really large amount of time on each page in the recipe section on Munchies, which means people were actually cooking from our recipes, said Martin. We view books as a platform, and if its one that our audience is on, well produce for it. Its a natural and smart brand extension, and in the food world a book is a real sign of having arrived.

With close to 150 videos in the Chefs Night Out series, the source material was in place. The book will include recipes and tales from 65 top chefs, including Anthony Bourdain, Dominique Crenn, Chang, Danny Bowien, Wylie Dufresne, and Enrique Olvera. San Francisco chef Brandon Jew's fried fish sandwich is inspired by the McDonald's Filet-o-Fish, a meal that reminded him of his grandparents and their times at Micky D's, according to Hollyman. Only this filet o' fish has a beer batter that fries up to an airy crunch, a crisp slaw, and a tangy seaweed spiked tartar sauce. There's more involved dishes, like Dufresne's Gemelli Pasta with Peas, Chicken, and Mushrooms, or Tien Ho's Lemongrass and Thai Basil Pork Pie (a Vietnamese inspired meat pie).

The book will be promoted through all of the Munchies platforms, and will be teased through trailers on the sites YouTube channel, which Martin estimates will have roughly 2 million subscribers come launch. Youll see a print ad in Vice magazine, and our staff, talent and friends will all be promoting on their socials too, said Martin. Were pretty good like that as a company, when we have a major announcement, everyone pulls together to promote the hell out of it. There are some fun contests and launch events planned too. We do like to party.
With the stream of "bashing" political ads crowding the air, I would like to offer my wholehearted support of Rob Quist for Congress.

I grew up with Rob in Cut Bank and can guarantee that, yes, there is something under that hat. He is highly educated and grounded in reality, a compassionate, committed person that has dealt with many of the problems we all have -- business, raising families, health issues. He loves this state, its wild places, and its people.
There are a number of important races on the ballot in Mercer County April 4 including several contested races for mayor.

In Aledo, incumbent Chris Hagloch is being opposed by Ryan Maynard for mayor. Jarod Dale is unopposed for city clerk; Sandy Bull is unopposed for treasurer; Ila Bertrand is unopposed in Ward 1; Randal Slater is unopposed in ward 2; Barry Cooper is unopposed in Ward 3; and Terry Bewley and Patti VanGetson are competing for the Ward 4 seat.

Only Mr. Hagloch responded to our election survey.

In Keithsburg Mike Robbins and Allen Henshaw are both seeking the mayors office. Terri Gibson is unopposed for city clerk and Cindy Diehl for treasurer. Four candidates are seeking election to three alderman at large seats. They are Jan Occhi, Gary Fues, William Pinger and Donnie Cox. None responded to our Election Survey.

In New Boston, mayoral candidates are Christopher DeFrieze and Rodger Raine. Other candidates in New Boston are unopposed and none responded to our Election Survey.

In Joy, Todd Heath and Kaylee Willits are seeking election as village president. There are also four candidates for three trustee seats. They are Ernest Dillie, Leslie Sheriff, Paul Hampton and Don Wilken.

In Alexis, Dixie McCreight and Dale Oberhaus are running for village president. Candidates running for trustee are unopposed.

In Matherville, Stephanie McMeekan is running unopposed for mayor and trustee seats are uncontested as well.

Carol Rogers is unopposed for village president of North Henderson and four trustee seats are unopposed too.

Joseph DeMarlie is the only candidate for village president of Reynolds as is Mark Allen for clerk. All trustee candidates are unopposed.

In Seaton, Scott Springer is the lone candidate for village president and three candidates are running for three trustee seats.

Delbert Henry is the only candidate for village president in Sherrard and trustee seats are unopposed too.

Kirk Doonan for village president and Marilyn Carrico for clerk are unopposed in Viola. There are three candidates and a write-in for three trustee seats. In New Windsor there is no candidate for mayor and other candidates are unopposed.

All townships and library districts in Mercer County also are having elections with few contested races.

In the Mercer School District, five candidates are running for four school board seats. They are Tyson Dillavou, B. Paul Svoboda, Talbert Balmer Jr., Don Yates and Julie Wagner.

In Alwood School District, four will be elected to the school board. Candidates are Mary Link, Scott Francis, David Althaus, Jake Johnson and Brian Kenney.

In the Rockridge district only Matt Brown is on the ballot and there are three certified write-in candidates to fill the four seats.

In the Sherrard School District there is no candidate to fill an unexpired 2-year term and five candidates for four 4-year terms. Candidates are Niels Dybro, Kimberly DeBlock, Robert Dan Helm, Rhys Fullerlove and Troy D. Wolford. Mr. Dybro and Mr. Fullerlove responded to our Election Survey.

In the United School District, five candidates are seeking four seats on the board. They are Kristin Dutton, Debbie Meeker-King, Henry Hank Shimmin, Sabrina Cook and Andrew Davis.

Chris Hagloch

Address: 310 N. E. 5th St, Aledo

Age: 49

Occupation: Sales & Marketing at Blick & Blick Oil, Inc.

Education: High School Diploma

Civic/Community involvement: 20 year past member of the Aledo Jaycees; current member Aledo Exchange Club; member of the Mercer County Better Together committee.

Previous Offices Held: Aledo city council 2005- 2009; city council 2011-2013; nayor 2013-current

Office for which you are running: Aledo Mayor

What special knowledge or experience do you have that qualifies you for this office?

As the incumbent I'm running again for the office of mayor because I believe we as a city and council have worked hard for the past four years to be fiscally responsible with the tax payers money, and think we have accomplished some great things, but there is still some more to work on. If re-elected, I will continue to work with the council to achieve the goals set forth in our current budget, and those we have earmarked as projects in our 5 year capital improvement list.

What are the key reasons you decided to run for this office at this time?

I have been involved with the city as an alderman and mayor for 10 years. I believe our city is moving in the right direction, and would like to continue down that path.

What do you believe are the top three priorities facing the city?

Our top three priorities today would probably be our city streets, downtown sidewalks, and creating new business. We have a street repair and replacement plan, but struggle to complete it in a timely manor with limited MFT funds. We are working thru the city's downtown sidewalk project in phases and hope to complete it in the next 4 years. But creating new business I believe is everyones struggle.

How should the city balance its financial needs with requests from taxpayers to lower assessments?

Taxes are a struggle for both sides. As a home owner we all believe we should pay a fair share. But what is that? I do believe you can over tax someone. As a city, you want the most you can get from taxes, because the more you have the more projects that you can complete. We still need to be responsible for what we receive and spend it wisely.

What is your vision for your community's downtown district?

Our downtown last year was designated a Historic downtown district thru the historic preservation commission. We have been working for the past 3 years on downtown street and sidewalk renovations to make all our downtown businesses handicap accessible. We continue to work on those efforts, and are in the process of putting together a campaign to fill our store fronts. Our community's downtown is vital to our city being successful.

What is your philosophy on whether city business should be conducted in public or private?

There should be no secrets in city business. There is confidential information that should be kept that way, but we need to be reminded often that the money that our city is spending was generated thru our city members and visitors to our community. We can not survive without them, and they need to be kept informed.

Why should residents vote for you and not your opponent?

If our residents believe that the city is moving in the right direction, and mine and the councils vision for their future is similar to theirs, than I would ask you to please vote for me, so we can continue to move those visions forward.

Niels Dybro

Address: 1246 Island View Dr., Sherrard

Age: 52

Family members: Kim, Kristen, Poul, Anna, Laura, Lena

Occupation: John Deere

Education: MSc-ME, MBA,

Civic/Community involvement: Fyre Lake Association Board president, 2016 - present

Previous Offices Held: Fyre Lake Association Board VP, 2011 - 2016

Office for which you are running: Sherrard School Board

Rhys Fullerlove

Address: 720 Alpine Dr., Sherrard

Age: 35

Family members: Wife, 2 children

Occupation: U.S. Army Sustainment Command

Education: BA Public Relations and Marketing - St. Ambrose University; Masters of Science in Communication - Purdue University (May 2017)

Civic/Community involvement: Sherrard School Board

Previous Offices Held: Sherrard School Board, May 2016  Present; Sherrard School Board president November 2016  Present.

Office for which you are running: Sherrard School Board

What special knowledge or experience do you have that qualifies you for the school board?

Dybro: I have served on the board of directors for Fyre Lake Association, a community of about 800 people since 2011 as vice president, and this past year as president. During my tenure, I have focused on bringing our means of communication and the rules governing the community into the 21st century. I have also focused on improving the looks of our community and strengthened our long-term financial outlook in order to fund the improvements. I have also held professional leadership offices internal to John Deere and in American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), as well as a number of different offices as student representative at college and high school, including national high school student association president for a year.

Fullerlove: I have a bachelors degree in Public Relations and Marketing from St. Ambrose and will complete my Masters of Science in Communication Degree from Purdue University in April. Over the last 12 years, I have worked in the communication fields at the Rock Island Arsenal and Deere and Company. Many organizations tend to overlook the importance of a communication specialist in the organization. They are often called in after something bad has happened. However, a communication specialist understands that every word that is either written or spoken can congregate a specific emotion in a person or stakeholder. They understand that it is important to look at the second and third order of effects before making a decision. One of the current projects we are working on is a strategic plan for the district. The new one we are currently working on has input from teachers, administrators, community members, parents, students and board members. The board will develop overarching goals to guide the district. This will allow the board to focus on strategic initiatives and not get into the weeds of running the district. The plan will have measurable metrics that are reviewed quarterly to ensure the district is on a path to increase educational opportunities for all students.

What are the key reasons you decided to run for school board at this time?

Dybro: I will seek to bring my broad perspective and experiences to bear for enabling improved quality and skill level of our graduates, so that they have the best possible base for becoming strong contributing members of our society in the most cost effective way.

Fullerlove: First and foremost, I have a daughter who is in 1st grade and a son who is a future tiger. I want to ensure that they have the best educational opportunities available to them. I graduated from Sherrard High School in the year 2000. Today, I am fortunate enough to work at the Rock Island Arsenal. There is no way I would have been able to achieve this if it wouldnt have been for a solid educational foundation that I received at Sherrard.

What do you believe are the top three priorities facing the school district?

Dybro: Improve the quality and skill level of the graduates so they have the best possible base for becoming strong contributing members of society. Find ways to achieve the first priority the most cost effective way. Work together with the communities served by the school district to a very attractive community where young families will want to call home, and thereby creating a vibrant community with higher enrollment in the schools than otherwise possible, allowing for better and broader academic options for the students.

Fullerlove: I would like to see an increase in communication, transparency and accountability across the district, not just with the school board. Communication  The board must be communicating constantly with the district. Over the past year we have increased communication by utilizing administrators, teachers, social media and stories in the media to tell the great things that are going on at Sherrard. Transparency  Transparency is key and a must for any form of public government. The school board needs to find more ways to show exactly what we are working on. The new strategic plan will have metrics that are posted to the school website so anyone can see exactly how the school district is doing on their main priorities. Accountability  We are a community school district and must be held accountable to our stakeholders. We are working to increase our input from the community, parents, teachers and students as we met last month with our first strategic planning session. For our district to move forward, everyone has to play a role beyond just the school board.

How should the school district balance its financial needs with requests from taxpayers to lower tax assessments?

Dybro: By considering most effective options for imparting needed knowledge to the students that they will need for best possible base for becoming strong contributors to our society, and implementing them. Also considering options for making extracurricular activities self funded through engaging supporting groups and entities in the community and the society at large.

Fullerlove: Sherrard has always been a financially responsible school district. Over the past years when the state has had a budget crisis, the district has been able to weather the storm without making drastic cuts that hindered students educational opportunities. The districts tax rate is on par or lower than many of the surrounding school districts. Because Sherrard has such a solid family and educational structure, we are able to give a higher quality of education for less money per student than other school districts down state and in the Chicago region (approximately 1500-6500 dollars cheaper).

What is your opinion on federal standards like No Child Left Behind and Common Core, standardized testing and their impact on our schools?

Dybro: Each of these initiatives need to be considered in terms of how they help in imparting knowledge to each student. Not all students learn the same way, so understanding how a student learns is important as a base for imparting knowledge to the individual student. Measuring how well the offered information and knowledge has been imparted to each student might not always be a standardized test. However test results from standardized tests carry a lot of weight when a graduate seeks to enter an institution of higher learning, and must therefore be prioritized accordingly.

Fullerlove: I only have a daughter in the first grade so I have recently been learning how these standards impact our district. The biggest thing for me is listening to the teachers and understanding how this impacts children in the classroom. They are on the ground level on seeing how these mandates affects learning. The feedback I have gotten is the more days we spend on standardized testing, the less time we have to teach our kids the curriculum in the classroom. We need to empower our teachers with more flexibility on how to tailor their teaching to their students. We dont need a one size fits all approach.

What is your philosophy on whether school district business should be conducted in public or private?

Dybro: The school district business can be divided up into two : Personnel/ legal issues, and budget/ policy/ application issues. Personnel and legal issues should be conducted in closed session, whereas budget, policy and their application should be conducted in open forum.

Fullerlove: The majority of our meetings need to be discussed in public. We are a public body and we should be transparent. There are a few exceptions such as personnel, individual student matters, legal matters, etc that need to be held in confidence. However, we have re-arranged our agenda for board meetings to ensure that the majority of our conversations are held in public. Now our Closed Door session is held at the end to ensure that school business is discussed openly in the public and only the matters listed above are discussed outside the public purview.

Why should residents vote for you and not your opponents?

Dybro: I would deliver and encourage a proactive attitude towards open communication, with a focus towards the creation of a vision for a brighter future, plans for its implementation, and execution of such plan. This will lead to greater opportunities for our students and provide them with the best possible base for becoming strong contributing members of our society.

Fullerlove: I am a proud Sherrard graduate. When I think of where my life is now, I owe a lot of it to the school I grew up in. I understand the everlasting impacts a small rural school district can have on a persons life. I have only been on the board for a year, but I am so impressed with all the opportunities that are offered to students at Sherrard. Whether they want to go to college, find a trade or vocational job, or join the military, this district has something to prepare them for that. Unfortunately, that story is not being told. Over the last two-three years, the school has received some unfavorable attention that has distracted from all the great things going on. With my communication background I feel I can help move those positive stories forward as to I truly believe that If you arent telling your story, then someone else is. It is time to start telling the Sherrard story again.
MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill. (AP)  Sitting in the kitchen of their Mount Prospect home, where the couple have lived for more than 50 years and raised two daughters, Erwin and Ursel Schmidt talked about raising two more children.

Tragedy vaulted them back into parenthood. The grandparents became parents again in February after a speeding Mercedes-Benz driven by a young man with a tainted driving record crashed into a car occupied by Kevin and Anita Crawford and their 20-year-old daughter Kirsten.

The collision killed all three family members and Piotr Rog, who was driving the Mercedes.

Last weekend, the Crawfords' younger children, Hailee, 16, and Christian, 10, moved into their grandparents' home.

The past month has been marked by the sorrow of burying three loved ones, the pain of reliving grisly details of the crash with investigators, and the bewilderment of starting a new life with two children.

"Everybody has offered to help us with the kids, and I think we don't know what to ask for," Ursel said. "We're doing the best we can."

Yet the family has also felt an outpouring of support -- from the hundreds who attended the funeral, the Des Plaines police who visited their home, and the many who donated to a GoFundMe page that has raised $130,154 for the kids.

"The generosity of those people is unbelievable, and it hasn't stopped," Erwin Schmidt said. Both Schmidts become emotional and have trouble speaking when telling of how much such efforts have meant to them.

In some ways, though, the biggest challenges come next. The grandparents, ages 78 and 74, recognize the difficulties they'll take on caring for the children, each busied with sports, school and the perplexity of preteen and teenage life.

Erwin recalled trying to help Christian hook up a Wii to the television. They sorted through a ball of cords tangled like spaghetti until Christian found the right one.

"That's beyond me, all that stuff," Erwin said. "Then he's got that iPad. His thumbs never quit. I mean, they go 150 mph."

Ursel agreed, saying, "You have no idea what he's talking about."

Hailee turned 16 last week and celebrated with friends who took her to the Sugar Factory in Rosemont. Then there's an upcoming driver's test, a notable rite of passage for a 16-year-old. Her father paid for a driving class before he died and courses start soon, but a new car is a few years away, her grandparents said.

For now, Hailee will continue taking the bus to high school and the grandparents will drive Christian to his school, because he no longer lives in the district. Whether he'll stay at the school next fall is undecided.

The family's home in Arlington Heights will go on the market, which has forced the children to pare back their belongings.

That includes giving one family dog, Lucy, to a friend. But they kept their smaller dog, Bella, and two cats, Elliott and Jax, whom Christian introduced during one of his occasional visits to the kitchen to check out what was going on. Add the Schmidts' own dog and the house has become a farm, Ursel said.

"I always said the stairs are going to keep us young, having to go up and down," Ursel said. "Now the kids have to keep us young."

The new household seems to be accepting the painful changes -- even if out of necessity.

"We shouldn't have been in this predicament, believe me," Erwin said. "But there is nobody here, so we have no choice."
COAL VALLEY -- Trustees on Wednesday heard Moline city officials make their best pitch for why the village should allow Moline to take ownership of their water system and in turn, supply water and sewer services to Coal Valley.

Residents crowded into the board room at village hall to hear a detailed presentation given by Moline public works director J.D. Schulte, utilities general manager Tony Loete and utility billing and customer service manager Randi Haley.

The proposal from Moline comes amid a controversial water infrastructure project estimated to cost $4.3 million which has residents strongly divided in favor of or opposed to incurring millions in debt to update the aging system.

Coal Valley currently charges customers $7.25 per 1,000 gallons. If the proposed water project goes forward, billing rates will increase to $11.25 per 1,000 gallons to help pay for the loan. The average household uses 4,000 gallons per month.

Mayor Emil Maslanka opened the special meeting by stating Moline officials sent a letter to Coal Valley in December 2016 pitching the idea of selling water to the village. Moline also is in discussions to sell their excess water supply to Milan and Silvis.

No decisions were made or votes cast during the work session. Public comments were not allowed, but Mayor Maslanka encouraged anyone with questions to email village administrator Annette Ernst, who will post questions and answers on the village website.

"The purpose of this meeting is to gather and exchange information among the board members.

This is a preliminary meeting, and probably the first of several meetings if the board pursues it further," Mayor Maslanka said.

Moline is asking for an initial six-year agreement. The city will assume ownership of the village's assets, including its four wells, storage tanks and distribution system. In return, Moline will alleviate Coal Valley of operations, maintenance and repair responsibilities, Mr. Schulte said.

Trustee Dick Stone said Moline would benefit more with such an agreement than Coal Valley would.

"I maintain that Coal Valley own their infrastructure. According to last audit, those assets are worth $12 million. That's a pretty good gain! I think we'd do better working out a long-term lease agreement. I'd rather own infrastructure we'll be pumping water through."

"We understand there is going to be a differential," Mr. Schulte said. "The lease idea will add another component. Our folks would be hesitant to have a lease agreement. We need Coal Valley to feel like a partner in this."

"Do you think it's worth Coal Valley to give to Moline a system that's worth $12 million?" Mr. Stone added.

Mr. Schulte said Moline would be spending $7 million to connect its water system to the village, among other investments.

Moline officials pitched a wholesale option and a retail option for trustees to consider and proposed that the six-year agreement eventually extend to a 25-year agreement.

"Under the retail model, there are certain responsibilities we will end up bearing," Mr. Loete said. "We will also take care of customer service, including 24-hour emergency response. It includes routine maintenance. Anything our customers would get, we would also provide to Coal Valley customers."

Mr. Loete said Coal Valley should continue to charge the current rate of $7.25 even if the city takes over the water and sewer system.

Trustee David Timmons said he was impressed with the information provided by the Moline city officials.

"I teach school for a living. I learned a long time ago how to spot people who don't do their homework," Mr. Timmons said. "It's obvious to me you've done your homework. You have certainly given us a lot to chew on. The water system here is not a profit center; we've had some real issues. The people of our community want to get their money's worth."
ROCK ISLAND -- Through the first quarter of the fiscal year, Rock Island County's austerity budget is on track with no further cuts planned, county administrator Dave Ross told the county board's budget committee on Wednesday.

However, he warned the situation will be quite different next year.

"There will be (employee) cuts in 2018 -- no ifs, ands or buts about it," he said. General Fund reserves are drying up, he said, and about $2 million in cuts -- the equivalent of about 40 employees -- will likely be needed.

"It's early. That's not policy; it's just giving a general idea there will need to be cuts in fiscal year '18," he said.

Mr. Ross said he will recommend the county board place another sales tax referendum on the ballot in the spring of 2018. The failure of a 0.5 percent sales tax referendum on Nov. 8 contributed to this year's projected $1.6 million General Fund deficit.

Since the county can't legally go into general fund debt, the deficit will be covered by reserves.

The county's General Fund reserves have steadily declined for nearly 10 years. According to unaudited figures, those reserves stood at about $2.1 million at the end of the 2016 fiscal year, Mr. Ross said.

This year's anticipated deficit will take the reserve figure down to about $500,000. More deficits in 2018 would take the balance to a place it legally can't go -- below zero. Hence the projected 2018 cuts.

Even if a spring 2018 sales tax referendum passes, Mr. Ross said it wouldn't provide relief until late that year.

"We will already be below zero in our fund balance (by then)," he said. "We can't allow that to happen."

Last year, Rock Island County took several measures to stem the fiscal bleeding -- wage freezes, staff cuts, deferred capital improvements and cost-saving county board reforms. Several county officials have said their current staffing is at bare-bones level. Mr. Ross has produced figures showing that staffing is below comparably sized counties, and the county's current sales tax of 0.25 percent is tied for lowest in Illinois -- but it can't be raised without voter approval.

"We aggressively reduced expenses and cut services in the process to the point that we are now 20 percent more efficient on a per capita financial outcome basis in our general fund operations as compared with the next three larger and one smaller county, by population, in Illinois," Mr. Ross said.

"Our residents pay less per capita for General Fund operations in Rock Island County than do residents of those other counties," he said. "But without something more than the 0.25 percent sales tax for county operations, there will be additional cuts to service levels by 2018."

The first quarter of the county's fiscal year ended Feb. 28, and Mr. Ross said he saw no number "that stands out as a red flag to me right now that's going to make me worry that we won't finish any worse than what we've anticipated."

So far, Rock Island County has borrowed about $750,000 against this summer's property tax receipts to help with cash flow. Another $2 million to $2.4 million in borrowing likely will be needed "to get us to the end of June," Mr. Ross said.
DAVENPORT -- The commanding general of the U.S. Army Materiel Command said Wednesday the Rock Island Arsenal plays a key role in the nation's military defense, adding "predictable and consistent funding" will allow the arsenal to maintain its roughly 6,500 employee workforce.

Gen. Gus Perna, one of a dozen active duty Army four-star generals, oversees several commands and units including those at the RIA: the Army Sustainment Command (ASC) and Joint Munitions Command (JMC).

Speaking at the Radisson Hotel in Davenport, Gen. Perna was accompanied by Maj. Gen. Edward Daly, RIA senior commander and commanding general of the ASC, and Brig. Gen. Richard Dix, commanding general of the JMC.

AMC provides warfighters the equipment, supplies and logistics support they need, according to an Army news release.

Gen. Perna commands a $50 billion global organization with an impact in all 50 states and 145 countries. He said sequestration, a 2011 law establishing budget caps, can severely impact military operations.

"What I need is predictable and consistent funding," Gen. Perna said. "And if I don't receive predictable and consistent funding, then we don't make the right decisions in the long run.

"We're not able to focus efforts properly," he said. "We have to make short-term decisions versus long-term decisions."

He said there are 60,000 Department of Defense employees in the AMC and another 60,000 contractors.

"The key to that is making sure we clearly understand what we have to achieve, knowing where we're at and understanding what resources, whether it's people, money or equipment, to make that come to fruition," the general said.

According to the ASC media advisory, "AMC produces and provides everything a soldier shoots, drives, flies, communicates with, wears and eats. From research and development to contracting and manufacturing, from supply and distribution to sustainment, retrograde and resale, AMC manages every phase of the material life cycle, ensuring U.S. soldiers remain the best-equipped fighting force in the world."

Gen. Perna lavished praise on the RIA workforce, saying their efforts are crucial to military personnel on the battlefield.

"The equipment still has to be there," he said. "Confidence in your equipment is incredibly important."

He said the RIA workforce consists of true artisans.

"You don't bring this type of workforce in overnight," Gen. Perna said. "They're trained, mature, experienced. They produce products others cannot produce."

The general said public/private partnerships enhance AMC's capabilities. Those partnership allow the AMC to develop the training and have the experience "that we might not have if we operated separately."

"The Army has placed enormous faith in the employees at this command located in the Quad-Cities to execute this vital mission," Maj. Gen. Daly said in a news release.

"The people here at Rock Island Arsenal manage a worldwide logistics organization, which has more than 36,000 personnel located in more than 20 countries and 32 states," he said. "If this organization was a publicly traded company, we would be a Fortune 500 company."

Gen. Perna headed the JMC from 2010 to 2012. Now headquartered at Redstone Arsenal, Ala., he said this was a quarterly visit with local commanders.
SAN DIEGO (AP)  A judge said Thursday he will issue a ruling at a later time on whether to accept an agreement for President Donald Trump to pay $25 million to settle lawsuits over his now-defunct Trump University.

U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel made the announcement during a hearing in San Diego. He did not say when he would make his decision.

Curiel gave preliminary approval to the deal in December.

The agreement is intended to end nearly seven years of legal battles with customers who claimed they were misled by failed promises to teach success in real estate.

It would settle two class-action lawsuits and a civil lawsuit by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.

Trump had vowed never to settle but said after the election that he didn't have time for a trial, even though he believed he would have prevailed. He acknowledged no wrongdoing.

Attorneys for the customers have said thousands of people would get at least 80 percent of their money back, based on the roughly 3,730 claims submitted.

When attorneys reached a deal 10 days after Trump's election, Curiel said he hoped it would be part of "a healing process that this country very sorely needs." A month later, he granted the preliminary approval.

But two customers have objected, and Curiel will also decide whether to allow one of them to opt out and sue the president individually.

Trump has paid $25 million into escrow to settle the cases.

The lawsuits allege that Trump University gave nationwide seminars that were like infomercials, constantly pressuring people to spend more and, in the end, failing to deliver.

Sherri Simpson, a Fort Lauderdale, Florida, attorney, said she and a partner paid $35,000 in 2010 to enroll in Trump University's "Gold Elite" program to be paired with a mentor who would teach them Trump's secret real estate investment strategies.

Simpson, who appeared in two anti-Trump campaign ads, said they got little for their money  the videos were 5 years old, the materials covered information that could be found free on the internet, and her mentor didn't return calls or emails.

"I would like an admission that he was wrong, an admission that, 'Oops, maybe I didn't handle it as well as I should have, I didn't set it up as well as I should have, that I didn't maintain it or oversee it as well as I should have,'" Simpson told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Attorneys for Trump and those suing him say the deadline to opt out was in November 2015 and Simpson missed her chance. Thirteen people opted out before that date, none of whom have shown a desire to sue the president.

Another customer, Harold Doe, objected to the settlement because he wants more money, according to court filings by attorneys for Trump and the plaintiffs.

Trump University dogged the Republican businessman throughout the campaign as rivals used Trump's depositions and extensive documents filed in the lawsuits to portray him as dishonest and deceitful.

Trump brought more attention by repeatedly assailing Curiel, insinuating that the Indiana-born judge's Mexican heritage exposed a bias.

The settlement was reached 10 days before a trial was set to begin, sparing Trump what would have been a major distraction. The trial would have been pinned on whether a jury believed Trump misled customers by calling the business a university when it wasn't an accredited school and by falsely advertising that he hand-picked instructors.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The White House refused to say on Thursday whether it secretly fed intelligence reports to a top Republican investigating possible coordination between Russia and the 2016 Trump campaign. Fending off growing criticism, the administration invited lawmakers from both parties to view classified material it said relates to surveillance of the president's associates.

The White House's invitation letter came amid a quickly rising storm over Rep. Devin Nunes, who heads the House intelligence committee. The New York Times reported that two White House officials  including an aide whose job was recently saved by President Donald Trump  secretly helped Nunes examine intelligence information last week.

The House panel's work has been deeply, and perhaps irreparably, undermined by Nunes' apparent coordination with the White House. He told reporters last week that he had seen troubling information about the improper distribution of Trump associates' intercepted communications, and he briefed the president on the material, all before informing Rep. Adam Schiff, the committee's top Democrat.

Speaking on Capitol Hill Thursday, Schiff said he was "more than willing" to accept the White House offer to view new information. But he raised concerns that Trump officials may have used Nunes to "launder information to our committee to avoid the true source."

"The White House has a lot of questions to answer," he declared.

Instead, the White House continued to sidestep queries about its role in showing Nunes classified information that appears to have included transcripts of foreign officials discussing Trump's transition to the presidency, according to current and former U.S. officials. Intelligence agencies routinely monitor the communications of foreign officials living in the U.S., though the identities of Americans swept up in that collection is to be protected.

Early last week, White House officials privately encouraged reporters to look into whether information about Trump associates had been improperly revealed in the intelligence gathering process. Days later, Nunes announced that he had evidence, via an unnamed source, showing that Trump and his aides' communications had been collected through legal means but then "widely disseminated" throughout government agencies. He said the collections were not related to the Russia investigation.

Trump spokesman Sean Spicer said Thursday the material the White House wants the House and Senate intelligence leaders to view was discovered by the National Security Council through the course of regular business. He would not say whether it was the same material Nunes had already seen.

A congressional aide said Schiff did not receive the White House letter until after Spicer announced it from the White House briefing room.

Spicer had previously dismissed the notion that the White House had funneled information to Nunes, saying the idea that the congressman would come and brief Trump on material the president's team already had "doesn't pass the smell test." The White House quickly embraced Nunes' revelations, saying they vindicated Trump's explosive and unverified claim that President Barack Obama wiretapped his New York skyscraper.

Nunes has said the information he received did not support that allegation, which has also been disputed by Obama and top intelligence officials.

The Times reported that Ezra Cohen-Watnick, the senior director for intelligence at the White House National Security Council, and Michael Ellis, a White House lawyer who previously worked on the House intelligence committee, played roles in helping Nunes view the materials.

Cohen-Watnick is among about a dozen White House officials who would have access to the types of classified information Nunes says he viewed, according to current and former U.S. officials. He's become a controversial figure in intelligence circles, but Trump decided to keep him on over the objections of the CIA and National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster, according to the officials. They spoke only on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly by name.

Cohen-Watnick and Rep. Nunes both served on the Trump transition team.

Stephen Slick, a former CIA and NSC official, said it would be "highly unusual and likely unprecedented" for a member of Congress to travel to the White House to view intelligence reports "without prior authorization."

Nunes has repeatedly sidestepped questions about who provided him the intelligence reports, though he pointedly has not denied that he sources were in the White House. House Speaker Paul Ryan, in an interview with CBS' "This Morning" that aired Thursday, said Nunes told him a "whistleblower-type person" provided the information.

A spokesman for Ryan later said the speaker was not aware of Nunes' source and continues to have "full confidence" in the congressman's ability to run the Russia investigation.
Id like to address the elephant in the room. That elephant being the Republican Party and their refusal to represent the majority of their constituents. Lets begin with stricter gun control (something that would help lessen the fears parents have when sending their children off to school), 53% of Americans favor this (Pew Research) yet the elephant in the room refuses to consider any such thing. Over 70% of Americans want stricter background checks yet again; the elephant in the room refuses to represent them. 61% of Americans say abortion should be legal. Again, the elephant in the room pushes laws that do the opposite. 74% of Americans do not want social security reduced in any way. But the elephant in the room pushes to do just the opposite, cut social security. 63% of Americans now prefer Medicare for all, but the elephant in the room fights it with all its might. 67% of Americans feel more needs to be done to reduce climate change, but not the elephant in the room. The elephant sides with the fossil fuel industry claiming its not a big concern. Given these few statistics (there are more like them) its obvious that the Republican Party is the party of minority rule, quite the opposite of what our founding fathers envisioned. The Republican Party has become a power cult, not a party that represents the majority of Americans. Remember this while you mark your ballot in this midterm election. Save Democracy! Vote Democratic!
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!
Each four-car class 1440 set will seat 230 passengers and the trains will be equipped with CCTV and toilets. The 160km/h trains will be assembled at Alstoms Salzgitter plant and maintained at DB Regio Bayerns Nuremberg Gostenhof depot. Delivery will take place in 2020.

In January Bavarian Railway Company (BEG) awarded DB Regio both lots of a contract to operate the Nuremberg S-Bahn network for 12 years from December 2018. DB Regio Bayern will operate 7.3 million train-km per year on the four existing S-Bahn lines and the new Line S5 to Allersberg.

Bombardier Talent 2 EMUs will be used on lines S1 and S2, while the new Alstom trains will operate on lines S3-S5.

BEG awarded National Express a contract to operate the Nuremberg S-Bahn in February 2015, but the British company subsequently withdrew from the concession in October 2016 claiming a protracted legal battle with DB had damaged the economic viability of the deal. National Express had intended to procure Skoda trains for the network.

For detailed data on rolling stock orders around the globe, subscribe to IRJ Pro.
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Crimean Tatar Majlis files appeal with ECHR over ban in Russia

MOSCOW, March 30 (RAPSI)  The Majlis of Crimean Tatars, an organization declared extremist in Russia, has filed an appeal with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), the Memorial human rights association announced on Thursday.

On April 26, 2016, the Supreme Court of Crimea granted a lawsuit filed by then republics Prosecutor Natalia Poklonskaya and banned the Majlis of Crimean Tatars as extremist organization. This ruling was upheld by the Supreme Court of Russia on September 29.

The appeal filed with the ECHR reads there were violations of Article 11 (Freedom of Assembly and Association), Article 18 (Limitations on use of restrictions on rights), Article 14 (Prohibition of discrimination), Article 6 (Right to a fair trial) and Article 7 (No punishment without law) of the European Convention of Human Rights.
Searches conducted in Russias Hermitage Museum

MOSCOW, March 30 (RAPSI)  The Federal Security Services (FSB) officers have conducted searches in the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, the museum announced on its website on Thursday.

Searches in the engineering departments buildings were related to a criminal case earlier launched against several individuals allegedly involved in embezzling money during construction of new facilities for the museums use, the statement reads.

Museum officials provided law enforcement authorities all information required including documents on two construction contracts, the museums press service said.

Earlier, Moscows Lefortovsky District Court placed deputy director of the Hermitage Museum Mikhail Novikov under house arrest. Novikovs arrest was reportedly connected with the so-called case of restorers opened against ex-Deputy Minister of Culture Grigory Pirumov and several other officials.

Investigators believe that defendants have stolen over 100 million rubles ($1.5 million) of public funds allocated for restoration of cultural heritage objects.

Investigation has presumably started basing on a report by the Auditing Chamber on restoration of the Izborsk Fortress in the Pskov region presented yet in 2013; however, it may also involve such cultural heritage sites as the State Hermitage in St. Petersburg and the Novodevichy Convent in Moscow, as well as works carried out at the Ivanovsky Convent in Moscow, and a theater in Pskov, as reported earlier.
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DECATUR  In just a few months, actors of Richland Theatre have lent their talents to two plays with the same name.

But the version of Antigone set to begin Friday differs in tone and setting from the Greek tragedy written by Sophocles in 441 B.C. While this version, written by French playwright Jean Anouilh, was originally set in Nazi-occupied France, Richland's production takes place in a more modern, American setting. Its characters display more personality and even humor than the Sophocles story.

It pokes fun of itself, director Michelle Stephens said. It has a surprising number of funny moments.

Richland Theatre performs the modern play for their spring show this weekend and next, March 31-April 2 and April 7-9 at Shilling Auditorium.

While the central conflicts and names of main characters remain the same  Antigone, Haemon, Ismene and Creon  their problems are made more relatable for audiences with modern dialogue and added depth.

What makes this play more interesting is the characters have much more dimension, Stephens said. In this play, you are able to see the characters as much more human instead of representing only power and control. Antigone is driven, but she is also uncertain. The audience may see her as much as a brat as she is a hero.

Stephens describes this version as a political play or a resistance play. The play was written in France at the time when Nazis heavily censored art. The message had to be concealed in the play.

It had to be hidden inside something else so it wouldn't be suspicious, Stephens said.

Genevieve Breitbach portrays Antigone. The actor said her character struggles with the same issues that teenagers do today.

She wants to make a statement and to be heard, Breitbach said. But she doesn't know how to go about that.

Similar to protagonist in the Greek play, the modern version of Antigone is willing to die for her beliefs and be humiliated of in front of her community. Along with the rest of the cast, she struggles with the levels of power.

Everyone wants to be absolute, that is what is powering the play, actor Phillip Finn said. That is why everyone is dead at the end of the play.

Other characters have also evolved. Creon, portrayed by Blake Burton, changes throughout the play. The audience may be confused about their opinion of him. According to Burton, his arguments and reactions, whether passionate or controlled, can alter others' feelings about him.

As I read the script I thought, 'OK, I'm a jerk', Burton said of his character. As I got further into the script, I realized I was not.

Humor is an element the cast was happy to add to this semester's play.

The words are very beautiful and clever, Breitbach said. However, the French writer made it more of like a modern TV-show style.
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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.
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HOME > The Amazing Race > The Amazing Race 29 'The Amazing Race' host Phil Keoghan: Season 29's cast is a completely different direction, I'm really glad we did it

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 03/30/2017



host



ADVERTISEMENT 's 29th season, which premieres March 30 at 10PM ET/PT on CBS, is starting from scratch after 16 years on the air. For the first time ever, pre-existing relationships are out the window and



"It's been talked about for years," Keoghan told TV Guide. "We've talked about lots of different things for years. We've talked about having all kinds of different types of people or different themes... This was a completely different direction and I'm really glad we did it."



The teams will not be picked by show producers; instead, the Racers must complete a challenge at the starting line during the show's premiere to determine the order in which they'll select their partners based only on first impressions.



The pairs will then reportedly travel to destinations including Panama City, Tanzania, Norway and Greece.



"It's truly unlike any season we've done before, but there's always fighting," Keoghan revealed. "That doesn't change. It's just a different kind... The beginning is really interesting because everybody is trying to tiptoe around each other trying to be nice... Then it gets to, 'You're really annoying me.'"



Teams will naturally fight differently because without a pre-existing relationship of some kind, there is no unconditional respect, love or friendship beneath the surface.



"There are a lot of fans that have said, 'Look, I wanna go on The Race, but I'm having difficulty tracking down somebody who can take time off work.' We've identified a lot of really good people before who on their own seem perfect. One of the challenges is sometimes working out who a great character is going to go with," Keoghan explained of the casting process.



"There are many times where we like one character but we don't necessarily like both of them. It's obviously a lot more challenging to find two people who are really incredible who happen to be on the same team than just finding an individual. It was just the idea of finding something new and different."



Keoghan continued in his interview with TV Guide, "The timing seemed right to try something coming off the back of [Season] 28, which was themed around the whole idea of people in social media. It was just, let's give it a go. It felt like it was time. You're always trying to come up with new things to keep things fresh."



Fans may make a connection between The Race's current season and Season 26, which featured half the teams paired up with someone of the opposite sex for an extreme blind date, but Keoghan noted the past edition was "more about people finding love."



"We dabbled with the idea of pairing people up for love, but this gave us much more scope because we really had the opportunity to put people together who had absolutely nothing in common at all. We weren't trying to guess why they might like each other as we did in that season," Keoghan said.



"This was much more about, let's see how different we can make this cast. When you have people with a pre-existing relationship, generally speaking, those two people have something in common... This is 22 individuals who come from different places, who are distinctly different from each other, and who represent the fabric of America?"

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The longtime host therefore reiterated how producers were all about casting "interesting individuals" for the new season. While there are many people with connections to law enforcement, the military and public service, Keoghan insisted that's no sign of a twist to come.



"If there's anything that any of them have in common, that's purely a coincidence, not one of those things where we go, 'Oh, we've got a great fireman. Let's find another fireman.' If a plumber had been more interesting than the other person who was a fireman, then we would've gone with the plumber. We went with the most interesting mix," Keoghan explained.



Keoghan also offered up a teaser for Season 29's first big challenge once the Racers gather on the starting line.



"They don't know each other's names. They don't know how old they are. They don't know where they went to school, where they live, what they believe in. They don't know if they're good runners... So you're standing there and you're thinking, 'Where do I start? That guy looks strong and fit, but how does he cope with stress? That person looks super brainy, but are they going to be able to withstand the physicality of the show?'" Keoghan told TV Guide.



"Knowing that, we gave them a challenge that allowed them to see each other perform a challenge that tested strength, endurance, agility, problem-solving -- as many of those factors as we could... Depending on how they perform in this challenge, that determined how those pairings were done."

About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON GOOGLE NEWS host Phil Keoghan is giving fans some insight into the big casting twist for Season 29.'s 29th season, which premieres March 30 at 10PM ET/PT on CBS, is starting from scratch after 16 years on the air. For the first time ever, pre-existing relationships are out the window and all 22 Racers will travel the world with a complete stranger."It's been talked about for years," Keoghan told TV Guide. "We've talked about lots of different things for years. We've talked about having all kinds of different types of people or different themes... This was a completely different direction and I'm really glad we did it."The teams will not be picked by show producers; instead, the Racers must complete a challenge at the starting line during the show's premiere to determine the order in which they'll select their partners based only on first impressions.The pairs will then reportedly travel to destinations including Panama City, Tanzania, Norway and Greece."It's truly unlike any season we've done before, but there's always fighting," Keoghan revealed. "That doesn't change. It's just a different kind... The beginning is really interesting because everybody is trying to tiptoe around each other trying to be nice... Then it gets to, 'You're really annoying me.'"Teams will naturally fight differently because without a pre-existing relationship of some kind, there is no unconditional respect, love or friendship beneath the surface."There are a lot of fans that have said, 'Look, I wanna go on The Race, but I'm having difficulty tracking down somebody who can take time off work.' We've identified a lot of really good people before who on their own seem perfect. One of the challenges is sometimes working out who a great character is going to go with," Keoghan explained of the casting process."There are many times where we like one character but we don't necessarily like both of them. It's obviously a lot more challenging to find two people who are really incredible who happen to be on the same team than just finding an individual. It was just the idea of finding something new and different."Keoghan continued in his interview with TV Guide, "The timing seemed right to try something coming off the back of [Season] 28, which was themed around the whole idea of people in social media. It was just, let's give it a go. It felt like it was time. You're always trying to come up with new things to keep things fresh."Fans may make a connection between The Race's current season and Season 26, which featured half the teams paired up with someone of the opposite sex for an extreme blind date, but Keoghan noted the past edition was "more about people finding love.""We dabbled with the idea of pairing people up for love, but this gave us much more scope because we really had the opportunity to put people together who had absolutely nothing in common at all. We weren't trying to guess why they might like each other as we did in that season," Keoghan said."This was much more about, let's see how different we can make this cast. When you have people with a pre-existing relationship, generally speaking, those two people have something in common... This is 22 individuals who come from different places, who are distinctly different from each other, and who represent the fabric of America?"The longtime host therefore reiterated how producers were all about casting "interesting individuals" for the new season. While there are many people with connections to law enforcement, the military and public service, Keoghan insisted that's no sign of a twist to come."If there's anything that any of them have in common, that's purely a coincidence, not one of those things where we go, 'Oh, we've got a great fireman. Let's find another fireman.' If a plumber had been more interesting than the other person who was a fireman, then we would've gone with the plumber. We went with the most interesting mix," Keoghan explained.Keoghan also offered up a teaser for Season 29's first big challenge once the Racers gather on the starting line."They don't know each other's names. They don't know how old they are. They don't know where they went to school, where they live, what they believe in. They don't know if they're good runners... So you're standing there and you're thinking, 'Where do I start? That guy looks strong and fit, but how does he cope with stress? That person looks super brainy, but are they going to be able to withstand the physicality of the show?'" Keoghan told TV Guide."Knowing that, we gave them a challenge that allowed them to see each other perform a challenge that tested strength, endurance, agility, problem-solving -- as many of those factors as we could... Depending on how they perform in this challenge, that determined how those pairings were done." THE AMAZING RACE 29 MORE THE AMAZING RACE 29 NEWS << PRIOR STORY

Vanessa Grimaldi reportedly "having a hard time" with Nick Viall's 'Dancing with the Stars' attention, fighting over rehearsals NEXT STORY >>

'The Amazing Race' eliminates Kevin Ng and Jennifer Lee in premiere

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DECATUR  William Shakespeare was 400 years ahead of his time when he wrote his play As You Like It.

The romantic comedy touches on current topics, including exiled citizens, gender bending and various versions of love.

Banishment and people being displaced from their homes is really pertinent to the times right now as well as the immigration problem, Crystal Prusek said.

Gender roles is another current topic, Meghan Bryan said. The female protagonist has fun and the power.

Prusek and Bryan are part of a large Millikin University student cast in the Shakespearean play being performed April 6-9 at the Albert Taylor Theatre in Shilling Hall.

The story follows a young woman, Rosalind, as she is exiled to the woods. She has fallen in love with Orlando, a heroic figure from her hometown who later attempts to rescue her. Instead of accepting defeat in the woods, the young maiden, along with her best friend Celia, becomes resourceful by dressing as a man. Her suitor searches for her in the woods only to find Rosalind, who appears to him to be a man.

Other conflicts and confusions intertwine with the story, including the power struggles of three sons after their father dies.

According to actress Kala Keller, the story covers different varieties of love. The brothers' darker shades of love; the friendship love between Celia and Rosalind, Keller said. Cousin love, romantic love, sibling love.

In order to protect themselves during their exile, many characters exchange clothing appearing as the opposite gender.

Because they can't go into the forest unprotected, Keller said.

Director Denise Myers utilized all the resources available to create a large Shakespearean production. Myers relinquished much of the creative control to student designers, including music, lighting, sets and costumes as well as the assistant director and the dramaturg.

All of these very important roles are being taken over by students, she said.

Dramaturg Jacob Shaffer assisted the director by providing background research and an eliminating unnecessary sections of the long script. He made sure the language stayed the same while retaining the poetic rhythm and main thoughts.

We kept things people can identify with, he said. We made it easy on a modern audience.

The designers work together to emphasize the large cast of 17 characters. Costumes are as simple as flannel shirts and khaki pants.

Sometimes we aren't portrayed as male or female, Prusek said. The clothing is timeless. It could have been worn 10 years ago or now or anytime really.

The set is filled with colorful abstracts pieces. The actors run and climb across shapes and slides at different levels.

Our set is kind of like a jungle gym, Prusek said.

The cast is excited about performing a physical and fast-paced comedy.

Having this experience has been beneficial to us doing Shakespeare, Bryan said.

It starts out bad and awkward, Shaffer said. But it ends with everyone coming back into their rightful place in the world and finding the love they deserve.
Momentum by Democrat Jon Ossoff in his bid for Georgias 6th congressional district has led some party members to believe Democrats can take the House of Representatives seat in the 7th congressional district. This district contains parts of Forsyth and Gwinnet Counties, and is located northeast of Atlanta.
Being a part of a country that has the abilities to help those in need makes citizens of the
DECATUR  Duan L. Lewis, a 23-year-old Decatur man, was arrested Wednesday on a preliminary charge of first-degree murder, for the death of a 5-month-old female infant.

He is being held without bond in the Macon County Jail.

At 5:22 p.m. Thursday, first responders from Decatur police and fire departments and Decatur Ambulance Service were sent to a residence in the 1100 block of East Division Street on the report of a 5-month-old child who was not breathing.

The infant was taken to Decatur Memorial Hospital and later transferred to HSHS St. Johns Hospital in Springfield.

She was pronounced dead Tuesday, said a news release from the Decatur Police Department.

It was determined that the child suffered injuries as a result of abuse and subsequently died from those injuries. She was on life support at the hospital and never regained consciousness.

Lewis, who has an extensive criminal history, has served three terms in the Illinois Department of Corrections since 2011. He was most recently released from prison on parole on Aug. 19, after serving six months of a one-year sentence for unlawful use of a weapon in a Will County case.
The S&P BSE Midcap and S&P BSE Smallcap indices hit a new lifetime high

The benchmark Nifty50 on Thursday settled the expiry of March futures & options at record high after the government moved a step closer to implementing a nationwide goods and services tax (GST) from July.

The S&P BSE Sensex ended at 29,647, up 116 points, while the broader Nifty50 closed at 9,173, up 30 points. The 50-share Nifty had hit its previous record closing high of 9,160 level on March 17.

In the broader market, the S&P BSE Midcap and S&P BSE Smallcap indices also hit a fresh lifetime high by rising 0.4% and 0.9%, respectively.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, depicted strength. There were two gainers against every loser on BSE. 1,734 shares rose and 992 shares fell. A total of 229 shares were unchanged.

"With rollovers at a healthy clip, markets held on to its gains, and it showed in the market breadth which was decidedly strong. Banking stocks continued to outperform, with realty also following suit on consideration of rationalisation of waiver of stamp duty for affordable housing projects.

Auto sector, which took a beating yesterday, recovered moderately, as the impact on Supreme Court ban order on BS-III sale will be varied across auto companies, said Anand James, Chief Market Strategist, Geojit Financial Services.

Sectors and stocks

Nifty Realty index was the leading sectoral gainer, led by gains in Indiabulls Real Estate (up 9%), HDIL (up 6%) and Unitech (5%).

Nifty Bank gained over 1% ahead of the Reserve Bank of India's monetary policy meeting due next week.

Among individual stocks, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) was the top gainer on Sensex and Nifty both. The stock surged 6% to hit its fresh 52-week high of Rs 339 on the BSE.

Axis Bank was the leading index loser and fell over 1% to Rs 497 after the company announced it has tied up with Wells Fargo to offer real time remittances from the Indian diaspora to their relatives back home.

RIL gained over 1% after the company said that they have completed sale of its entire 76% interest in its East African company GAPCO to Total SA of France for an undisclosed sum.

Subros moved higher to its record high of Rs 219, up 12% on BSE in intra-day trade, after the company announced that it has reopened its Manesar plant after a major fire accident in May 2016.

Logistics shares ended higher after the passage of the GST bills. Allcargo Logistics rose as much as 4.4% while VRL Logistics shot up as much as 4.3% and GATI gained as much as 2.5%.

Meanwhile, auto stocks including Hero MotoCorp and Ashok Leyland recovered from steep losses after the country's top court banned sale of new vehicles with older Euro III fuel technology from April 1.

Two-wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp rose as much as 1.4% while Ashok Leyland rose as much as 1.2%.

Global markets

European shares struggled for direction in early deals on Thursday as investors mulled implications of Britain formally beginning the process of leaving the European Union the day before. The pan-European STOXX 600 and Britain's FTSE 100 was down 0.1%, while France's CAC 40 was flat.

Asian shares turned lower on Thursday after touching near two-year highs.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was down 0.2%, stepping back from morning trade when it nudged close its loftiest levels since June 2015.

Australian shares firmed 0.4%, helped by an overnight gain in oil prices. China stocks ended lower for a fourth straight session amid worries over property market prospects, sharp declines in newly-listed stocks, and liquidity stress as the month-end approached. The CSI300 index was down 1%, while the Shanghai Composite Index lost 1.2%.

Photograph: Danish Siddiqui/Reuters
Saudi Arabia is insisting on In Kingdom total value-addition requirements

Make in India may feel the pinch of a global wave of protectionism. Launched in September 2014, the initiative aims to encourage multinational as well as local companies to manufacture in India. However, a growing number of countries has since adopted a similar approach.

Saudi Arabia is insisting on In Kingdom total value-addition requirements. Oman had a 30 per cent domestic value-add requirement for a petrochemicals project, said M S Unnikrishnan, managing director and chief executive officer (CEO), Thermax, an engineering, procurement and construction company.

West Asia is an important market for Indian capital goods manufacturers. In 2015-16, 34 per cent of Thermaxs total sales was from exports.

Capital goods is not the only sector witnessing protectionism.

Pharmaceuticals exports, which figure in Indias top 10 exports, are also facing the heat.

Drug quality is a major concern as you do not get access to those markets then. Russia is taking steps to encourage setting up local facilities, said Sujay Shetty, partner and leader, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, at PwC India.

In 2015-16, exports of drugs, pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals from India were Rs 1.06 lakh crore and India exports nearly half of its production.

Drug companies are trying to figure out how to respond to this global wave of protectionism. The strategy to tackle it will be individual and geography-specific, Shetty added.

International brokerage firm Jefferies in a March 1 report reviewing Chinas 13th Five-Year Plan concluded it contained more threats than opportunities, making the plan the most negative so far for foreign capital goods companies.

In April-September 2016, Indias engineering exports to China dropped by a sharp 45 per cent to $584.10 million from $1.06 billion in the first half of the previous financial year, said an EEPC India report released in September.

However, Madan Sabnavis, economist with CARE Ratings, is optimistic the impact will be limited to the services sector.

For manufacturing, this should not be a major issue, except adjusting to new laws. In services, this will be a challenge, he said.

Textiles, another of Indias significant exports, has not seen any major signs of distress over protectionism.

In Turkey the focus is higher on domestic manufacturing. But Turkey is a small market for India; Europe and the US are the large markets.

I expect the Trump Administration to focus on increasing domestic activity in more value-added sectors like manufacturing and he (US President Donald Trump) will not disturb the textiles-related trade, said Manish Mandhana, joint managing director, Mandhana Industries. In 2015-16, close to 16 per cent of the companys revenue was from exports.

Officials from the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) believe the demand and supply will finally decide the overall dynamics.

Protectionism is easier said than done. Countries will have to match up to the cost competitiveness that certain Indian exports offer, said S C Ralhan, president, FIEO.

Since many of the countries we operate in are not so developed, we prefer to work with the local people, thereby creating employability and contributing towards the economic development of these regions.

We have not seen any significant change so far. In any case, it makes economic sense to hire local talent and work with local subcontractors, said Vimal Kejriwal, managing director and CEO, KEC International.

There is consensus among officials and experts that the coping mechanism will be different, depending on market share in the respective geography and company strategies.

If there are restrictions in foreign investment in, say, the US, there will be problems. If our outflow of FDI (foreign direct investment) into the UK by a steel company faces restrictions, then it will be affected. But I do not see this happening. Brexit will affect the prospects of such companies, commercially, and hence, may force them to focus more on India, said Sabnavis.
Three hate crimes have deepened the fear among South Asians that Trump's rhetoric encouraged violence against them, but there is no evidence that Indians have been specifically targeted.

And as long as there is no systematic targeting of Indians or condonation of such attacks by government agencies, there is precious little India can do, says Ambassador T P Sreenivasan, who served as deputy chief of mission at India's embassy in Washington, DC, when the US imposed sanctions against India in May 1998.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

In this age of post truth, impressions rather than facts matter and there is a tendency to jump to alarming conclusions, based on signals.

So there is nothing surprising about the three attacks on Indians in the United States being put at the door of President Donald Trump.

After all, he is the one who has poisoned the minds of his people against foreigners, imposed restrictions on arrival of immigrants and restricted the H-1B visas, whose beneficiaries are mostly Indians.

But objective facts show that the Indians were unintended victims rather than targets.

The Kansas shooting that killed Srinivas Kuchibhotla and injured his friend Alok Madasani occurred in a bar, which they had adopted as a hangout.

A local man, who was known for his drinking habits and petty crimes, Adam Purington, was telling them -- half in jest -- that they did not belong to the US.

This irritated not only the Indians, but also other customers and they threw him out of the bar.

An enraged Purington returned after a while and shot at not only the Indians, but also a young white man, who tried to apprehend the culprit.

Purington was charged with premeditated first degree murder and attempted murder.

The authorities considered the attack a possible hate crime and it reverberated in the US and India, raising fresh alarm about a climate of hostility towards foreigners in the US, where President Trump had made clamping down on immigration a central plank of his 'America First' agenda.

The White House strongly rejected the notion that there might be any connection between the shooting and the new administration's sharp language about immigration and the US president expressed concern.

In his address to the United States Congress, President Trump said the 'shooting in Kansas City... remind us that while we may be a nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all its forms.'

'People are devastated,' said Somil Chandwani, a friend of the two victims who lives in Overland Park, Kansas. 'I wouldn't say they are angry. They have a sense of insecurity at the moment. People are trying to find answers.'

The charge sheet gave no details about the motive of the shooting.

The word, India, did not figure in the conversation between the two Indians and their attacker, but there was a mention of illegal migrants and the Indians said they were legal residents who had studied in the US.

It was the fact that the attacker was thrown out by the other customers that enraged Purington and not necessarily any words or action of the Indians.

The silver lining on the incident was that the young white man, who tried to rescue the Indians and took a bullet was duly rewarded by the local residents.

Kansas declared March 16 as an 'Indian American Appreciation Day'. The incident was clearly isolated and did not reflect a sentiment in the locality.

There were also reports that the attacker said later that he had shot two Iranians.

Within a few days, two more attacks took place.

One in Lancaster, South Carolina, where Harnish Patel, who had lived in the US with his family for 14 years, was shot and killed outside his home.

A Sikh man was also shot in Kent, Washington, while he was in his drive way, working on his vehicle. The victim, Deep Rai, was also allegedly told to go back to his country at one time.

These three attacks have naturally deepened the fear among South Asian and immigrant communities that President Trump's aggressive rhetoric and executive orders encouraged violence against them. But there is no evidence that Indians have been specifically targeted.

Average Americans are fairly ignorant of geography and the differences between various nationalities.

Similar incidents took place after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the victims were Sikhs, who apparently were mistaken for Muslims. The headgear was enough to make them look like Osama bin Laden!

They were unable to distinguish between Iraqis and Kuwaitis at the time of the Gulf war. An American was heard boasting to his neighbours that his son had gone to finish off the Arabs. He was not aware that the US was fighting to liberate one nation of Arabs from another nation.

Undoubtedly, immigrants have not been particularly popular in the US, except among the city dwellers, who knew their worth as doctors, teachers, intellectuals and more recently, IT experts.

Outsourcing was seen as an evil by the unemployed in the villages, prompting even President Obama to say that the US should have business in Buffalo, not in Bengaluru.

But he did not do anything to halt outsourcing, which was a win-win situation for both the US and India. Even President Trump will not be able to do without immigrants, particularly the Indians in the IT industry.

Many people have been asking what India can do to prevent tragic incidents involving Indians.

It can do precious little, except to condemn the incidents, insist on proper investigation and payment of adequate compensation. If the victims are US citizens, our leverage is even less.

As long as there is no systematic targeting of Indians or condonation of such incidents by government agencies, there is no reason even to protest.

The case was different in 1998, when the US government itself denied visas to Indians and repatriated scientists, in protest against our nuclear tests.

The Khobragade incident was also deplorable to the extent that an Indian diplomat was arrested and humiliated with US state department connivance.

Our concern about the possible implications of the present government policies shall remain unexpressed as this cannot be proved either way.

There are reports that fewer Indians are travelling to the US, even fewer are going for education there and alternate destinations are being explored.

Hopefully, normalcy will be restored, once the current period of uncertainty in US policies is over.

The American Dream will linger beyond the present dispensation for civilisational reasons.

T P Sreenivasan, (IFS 1967) former Ambassador of India and Governor for India of the IAEA, is Chairman, Academic Council and Director, NSS Academy of Civil Services, Director General, Kerala International Centre.
A Sikh doctor in the United States has received death threats from an anonymous caller in Indiana amid a series of hate crime incidents against Indian-Americans.

Amandeep Singh, a general internist at Monroe Hospital in Indiana, recently received the death threat through a text message on his cell phone by the unknown individual who claimed to have murdered the numbers previous owner, community leaders said.

The subject then indicated that Singh was next, Indianapolis-based Sikhs Political Action Committee said in a statement.

Bloomington Police found that the phones owner was alive and that the number had been hacked by a third party.

Singh said the local police was currently treating the incident as a racially motivated hoax.

Singh has been living and working in the US since 2003 after graduating from a medical school in India. He moved to Indiana three years ago to pursue an administrative position at Monroe Hospital.

This is one of several similar threats against Sikhs in Indiana in the last week including one incident which involved a handgun, PAC chairman Gurinder Singh Khalsa claimed.

He said that they have also received reports from a number of Sikh business owners of vandalism and intimidation.

The committee is currently working with Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill to address widespread harassment and violence against Sikhs in Indiana.

American society has no place for this type of violence, Khalsa added.

There have been a series of hate crime incidents against Indian-Americans. Weeks ago, Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla was killed when a US Navy veteran opened fire at him and his friend before yelling get out of my country in Kansas.

Earlier this month, a 39-year-old Sikh man was shot in his driveway in Washington state. The gunman had reportedly told the man to go back to your own country before pulling the trigger.
Delhi doesn't want Modi to invest his substantial political capital to help Trump without the visit yielding positive results for India.

Archis Mohan reports.

US President Donald Trump's Monday night phone call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi could pave the way for an early visit to Washington, DC.

The Trump administration is keen to host Modi. But South Block is looking at the potential deliverables from such a visit, particularly on H1B visas.

The PM's political stature has increased manifold after his recent electoral successes, while Trump's presidential tenure has moved from one problem to another.

Delhi doesn't want Modi to invest his substantial political capital to help Trump burnish his image, without the visit yielding positive results for the Indian side.

Modi is scheduled to visit New York to attend the UN General Assembly in September. But, the Trump-Modi telephonic conversation has indicated to South Block, and to those who look at foreign policy issues within the Bharatiya Janata Party, that the Trump administration is keen to host the Indian PM for a bilateral visit in the next couple of months.

Earlier this month, Foreign Secretary Dr S Jaishankar, accompanied by Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia, was in the US.

Last week, National Security Advisor Ajit Kumar Doval was also on a visit to the US.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and US Secretary of State Rex W Tillerson also recently spoke over the phone.

In his phone call, Trump congratulated Modi on his recent state election victories, expressed support for his economic reforms and said he had great respect for Indians, and said he looked forward to hosting the PM later this year.

The window for such a visit is available in May, as well as in June after the PM attends the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Kazakhstan in the second week.

The PM's US visit could take place before his visit to Hamburg, Germany, to attend the G20 Summit on July 7-8, and his bilateral visit to Israel around that time.

It will be the first-ever visit by an Indian PM to Israel.

The highlight of his policy changes will be the PM's outreach to the Indian Diaspora there. Israel has 85,000 Jews of Indian origin.

Jews are an influential community in the US, and some of these groups had engaged with Modi even during his time as Gujarat chief minister.

According to a source, Modi's visit to the US before Tel Aviv could help the PM engage with the Jewish community there, which would contribute to the success of his Israel visit.

On Tuesday, the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce urged an early visit to 'sort out the apprehensions' of Indian industry on the negative impact of tightening of visa rules relating to H1B and L1 visas.
Nigeria has called in the Indian envoy in the country to register its protest over an attack on four Nigerian students in Greater Noida and sought "diligent prosecution" against the perpetrators.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Olushola Enikanolaiye, sought action by the Indian government at a meeting with Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria Nagabushana Reddy in Abuja on Wednesday, state-run News Agency of Nigeria reported.

The Nigerian students were allegedly attacked by people during a candle-light march for a 17-year-old Indian boy, who died of suspected drug overdose last week in Greater Noida.

The boy's parents alleged that the foreigners had kidnapped him and given him drugs which led to his death.

Enikanolaiye said that the call for the prosecution of culprits was necessary to serve as a deterrent to others, the report said.

"We want to see diligent prosecution so that it would serve as a deterrent to those who think they can take laws into their hands and harass students who are going about their studies. That is why we felt we should register our concern to you on this occasion, and to please ask your government to take effective measures that this does not occur again," he said.

He said that the Indian high commissioner was called in to register the Nigerian government's concern over the incident.

He expressed concern that the incident was not the first of its kind as Nigerians had been attacked in the past by Indians.

"It is therefore, a concern to us that Nigerian students in that place were harassed, beaten up and many of them were seriously injured. We think this should not have happened considering the excellent relationship between two of us -- the two countries have things in common and have been great friends," it quoted Enikanolaye as saying.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said the government was taking immediate action and she had spoken to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who has assured her of a fair and impartial investigation into the "unfortunate" incident.

On Thursday, Swaraj assured the Rajya Sabha that there will be an impartial probe into the alleged brutal attack.

Replying to concerns raised by some Opposition members during the Zero Hour, Swaraj said that the incident was "unfortunate" and the Centre has sought a report from the state government.

"Both incidents are unfortunate. Firstly, 19 year-old boy died and thereafter there was an attack on a Nigerian student. On behalf of Uttar Pradesh CM and myself, I want to assure that there will impartial probe," she said.

The minister said that the state administration was taking steps to maintain law and order and the Nigerian student is being treated in a hospital.

"As long as investigation is not complete, it is not proper to say anything more," she added.
United States envoy to the United Nations Nikki Haley has said that there should be no travel ban on the basis of religion, but defended President Donald Trump's executive order banning immigration from six Muslim-majority countries, saying it is meant to keep the country safe.

Haley said that she believes that legal immigration is the "fabric" of America, pointing out that she is the "proud daughter" of Indian immigrants.

"I'm the proud daughter of Indian immigrants who reminded my brothers, my sister and me everyday how blessed we were to be in this country," she said responding to questions after her speech at the think tank Council on Foreign Relations in New York on Wednesday.

She was asked if Trump's immigration policies and vetting people coming in from Muslim-majority nations carry the risk of alienating the three million Muslim-Americans already in the country.

"We should never ban based on religion. Period. I don't think that's what this is," she said, adding that there are another dozen Muslim-majority countries that could have been on the list of the seven countries on Trump's executive order but are not.

"We will never close our doors in the US but what we did do is take a pause and say how are we going to keep our people safe," she said while expressing hope that the vetting process gets better and the administration moves forward with it.

She said that Trump's travel ban aimed to make sure that no danger comes into the US.

"This is not about not wanting people in. This is about keeping the terrorists out," she said.

Haley tried to further justify the ban by bringing up the recent terror attack in London. "When you look at situations like what happened in London, not just the President but everyone is trying to make sure we are keeping our people safe."

The attack on the UK Parliament was perpetrated by a man identified as Khalid Masood who, according to media reports, was not an immigrant but born in the county of Kent in southeast England.

During speech she also claimed her mother, who had studied to be a lawyer in India, was not allowed to sit on the bench as a judge because of the situation with women in the country during that time.

"I am a big fan of women. I think there's nothing they can't do. And I think any democracy that has allowed themselves to really lift up women has benefited from it," Haley said when asked about the role of women following her speech to the Council on Foreign Relations in New York on Wednesday.

She went on to briefly narrate the story of her mother's life in India where she was among the first female judges but was not allowed to sit on the bench as she was a woman.

"And so I think, this is near and dear to my heart because my mother -- you know, when you didn't have a lot of education in India, my mother actually was able to go to law school. And she was actually put up to be one of the first female judges in India, but because of the situation with women she wasn't allowed to sit on the bench. But how amazing for her to watch her daughter become governor of South Carolina and US ambassador to the United Nations," Haley said.

Haley was born Nimrata Randhawa to Ajit Singh Randhawa and mother Raj Kaur Randhawa, who had emigrated from India to Canada and then to the US in the 1960s.

However, Justice Anna Chandy was the first female judge in India and also the first woman in India to become a high court judge. She was was appointed as a munsif in Travancore in 1937.

Haley added that nations' goal should always be to empower women and show how they can be fantastic leaders, "and to help them get there -- and when they are successful, support them on it and encourage them on that."
Representatives of the agitating meat-sellers and exporters on Thursday met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on the fourth day of their indefinite strike against the crackdown on illegal abattoirs, but there was no immediate end to the deadlock.

IMAGE: A closed meat shop in Allahabad. Meat sellers are keeping their shops closed as part of their indefinite strike against the statewide crackdown on illegal and mechanised slaughter houses. Photograph: PTI Photo

The strike called by the mutton-sellers will continue at least till the end of Navaratra (April 5). It may be extended further if our demands are not met, Mubeen Qureshi, an office bearer of the Lucknow Bakra Gosht Vyapar Mandal, told reporters after the meeting with the chief minister.

State Health Minister Siddharth Nath Singh, who was present during the talks, said Adityanath assured the delegation that stern action would be taken if any officer acted against a legal and licensed slaughterhouse.

He said a firm assurance was given by the chief minister to the delegation that no adverse action will be taken by overenthusiastic officials while raiding the illegal

abattoirs.

A way to move forward has been found and the intention of the government and the delegation is the same that no illegal action is carried out in Uttar Pradesh, Singh said, claiming that both the sides were happy over the outcome of the meeting.

However, the mutton traders association was not very forthcoming on whether the strike would be called off in view of the chief ministers assurance.

Singh said the government has to pay attention to the constitutionality of any of its actions and the chief minister has assured the meat-sellers that nothing was being done in a prejudiced manner and there was no directive to any official to act on caste or religious lines.

The chief minister has made it clear that stern action will be taken against those flouting the rules and this will not be tolerated from now on, he added.

IMAGE: The mutton traders association was not very forthcoming on whether the strike would be called off in view of the chief ministers assurance. Photograph: Cathal McNaughton/Reuters

We are happy that the delegation has hailed the chief minister and his views, Singh said.

The effects of the state-wide strike have not been felt much in view of Navaratra, during which Hindus in north India generally abstain from consuming non-vegetarian food.

Shops selling fish, eggs and chicken were open in the state capital but there were not many buyers.

Representatives of the agitating meat-sellers and exporters had earlier met Singh on Tuesday in order to arrive at reconciliation.

The office bearers of their association had submitted a memorandum to the state government, seeking a meeting with the chief minister over their demands, which include allowing the slaughterhouses to operate as their closure was affecting their livelihood.
The Supreme Court on Thursday fixed May 11 for commencement of hearing on pleas challenging the validity of triple talaq, 'nikah halala' and polygamy practices among Muslims.

A bench comprising Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice D Y Chandrachud said the matter will be heard by a Constitution bench during the summer vacation.

On March 27, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board told the Supreme Court that the pleas challenging such practices among Muslims were not maintainable as the issues fell outside the realm of judiciary.

The board had also said that the validity of Mohammedan Law, founded essentially on the Holy Quran and sources based on it, cannot be tested on the particular provisions of the Constitution.

It had said there was a need for "judicial restraint" before going into constitutional interpretation of these unless such an exercise becomes unavoidable.

The apex court had earlier said it would decide issues pertaining to "legal" aspects of the practices of triple talaq, 'nikah halala' and polygamy among Muslims and would not deal with the question whether divorce under Muslim law needs to be supervised by courts as it falls under the legislative domain.

The Centre, on October 7 last year, had opposed in the Supreme Court the practice of triple talaq, 'nikah halala' and polygamy among Muslims and favoured a relook on grounds like gender equality and secularism.

The Ministry of Law and Justice, in its affidavit, had referred to constitutional principles like gender equality, secularism, international covenants, religious practices and marital law prevalent in various Islamic countries to drive home the point that the practice of triple talaq and polygamy needed to be adjudicated upon afresh by the apex court.

The apex court had taken suo motu cognizance of the question whether Muslim women faced gender discrimination in the event of divorce or due to other marriages of their husband.

Representative image
DECATUR  Daniya Lewis, who was just one day short of 6 months old, was found to be unresponsive by Decatur Fire Department paramedics on March 23 in her eastside home.

The paramedics called for assistance from the Decatur police, who arrived at the house in the 1100 block of East Division Street to investigate the incident, said a probable cause affidavit by Decatur police detective Erik Ethell.

Daniya never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead Tuesday at HSHS St. John's Hospital in Springfield.

Duan L. Lewis, a 23-year-old parolee, is being held in jail on a charge of first-degree murder.

Physicians who initially treated Daniya at Decatur Memorial Hospital told police that the results of a CAT scan showed Daniya possibly suffered head trauma, the affidavit said.

She was airlifted to the Springfield hospital for specialized emergency medical treatment.

Daniya's cause of death was listed as consistent with shaken baby syndrome, with injuries including bleeding of the retinas of her eyes, bleeding of the brain and a lack of oxygen to the brain.

Lewis appeared in bond court Thursday morning. Assistant Macon County State's Attorney Regan Radtke recommended that his bond be set at $2 million.

When Associate Judge Phoebe Bowers asked Lewis if he had anything to say about the amount of his bond, he responded that he would never be able to pay that amount. Bowers set his bond at $2 million.

Because Lewis is on parole, he will be held without bond because he violated terms of his parole, which overrides the amount set by the judge.

The courtroom gallery contained no spectators during Lewis's bond hearing.

Lewis is due in court for his arraignment by Thursday, April 6.

In a police interview, Lewis admitted that he became angry and forcefully threw Daniya onto her bed, which caused her to bounce up multiple times because he threw her so hard, according to the affidavit.

Duan stated that when he threw her he thought he may have 'broken her neck,' Ethell wrote in his statement. Statements and demonstrations from Duan showed Daniya's eyes rolled back in her head and her becoming lifeless at this moment.

After she was violently thrown, Daniya made choking noises and was spitting up a clear substance, Lewis told police. She quickly transitioned from choking and spitting to not breathing or responding.

According to the affidavit, when Ashley Young, 27, the baby's mother, returned home with a female adult relative a few minutes later, Lewis and Young decided to falsify a story to police about other adults, including Young, being present at the time the baby was injured.

Duan stated he 'knew' he caused the injury to Daniya that ultimately led to her death and because he was on parole he did not want the police to know he was left alone with Daniya and four other children.

Young's relative told police that when she arrived at the house, Daniya was blue and lifeless.

She told police that Young called 911 with Lewis's phone. Lewis asked Young to return his phone, because he wanted to leave.

Young told police that she and Duan formulated a plan to lie to police about who was present during the incident, Ethell wrote in his statement.

Young has been arrested on a charge of obstructing justice and given a notice to appear in court.

Lewis, who has an extensive criminal history, has served three terms in the Illinois Department of Corrections since 2011. He was most recently released from prison on parole on Aug. 19, after serving six months of a one-year sentence for unlawful use of a weapon in a Will County case.

Police and prosecutors who are continuing to investigate the case are considering charging other individuals who were involved.
Separatists in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday called for a general strike to protest Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to inaugurate the Chenani-Nashri tunnel, the longest in the country, on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway on April 2.

There should be a complete shutdown on April 2 to protest the proposed visit of Modi. All rhetoric about development or construction of tunnels and roads are futile and will not succeed in luring us, chairmen of the rival factions of the Hurriyat Conference, Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and Jammu-Kashmir Liberation Front chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik said in a joint statement.

They said the prime minister was visiting the state at a time when the situation was extremely gloomy.

The separatist leaders, who jointly spearheaded last years agitation following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani, which left 85 people dead and thousands injured, said calling or observing a shutdown does not meet the demands of the situation but there is no other option left by the authorities.

We do not harbour any animosity towards the Indian prime minister but it is frightening and painful that instead of taking notice of the genocide in the state, he is awarding and rewarding the assassins, they said, adding that Kashmir is a political issue and not a problem related to governance, economic packages, incentives or law-and-order.

Meanwhile, the hardline Hurriyat faction headed by Geelani defended stone-pelting by protesters saying stone-pelting is a tool in the hands of the deprived people and not sponsored by Pakistan.

Stone-pelting in Jammu and Kashmir has since long been used as a tool of resistance. It is ridiculous to blame Pakistan for instigating stone-pelting, the Hurriyat said in a separate statement.

Ours is an indigenous movement. People will pursue the struggle till their aspirations regarding the political destiny of the state are accorded due honour and ascertained through the right to self-determination, it added.
The Centre has accorded the top category Z+ VVIP armed security cover to newly-appointed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The cover will be provided by a special commando team of the Central Industrial Security Force along with a small contingent of the Uttar Pradesh police.

Adityanath was till now enjoying the smallest category of Y category VVIP cover by the CISF in his capacity as a Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Parliament from Gorakhpur but officials said with his taking charge as CM, a threat perception report of central security agencies required his security paraphernalia to be upgraded.

The chief ministers security has been bolstered and he will now be secured by a strong team of CISF commandos every time he moves across the country. A similar commando contingent will be deployed at his official residence, a senior officer said.

As part of the new and upgraded security paraphernalia, Adityanath will have about 25-28 commandos accompanying him with sophisticated weapons at all times he is mobile and his convoy will have pilot and escort vehicles armed with jammers.

Under the Y cover, he was accompanied by about 2-3 commandos when he travelled, officials said.

A CISF squad from its Special Security Group has recently taken charge of his security in Lucknow, they said.
Youths who storm the encounter sites in the valley to hurl stones at security personnel are committing suicide, Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday said and appealed to them to refrain from such activity.

"In the encounter, even security forces and police take cover of a bulletproof vehicle or a house. Youths coming to the encounter sites are committing suicide," Director General of Police S P Vaid told reporters in Srinagar.

He appealed to the youngsters not to rush to the encounter sites, saying they were being misled and misused by elements inimical to peace in the valley for their short-term political gains.

"A bullet does not whom it will hit. My appeal to all the young boys is that they should remain in their homes and not come to encounter sites. The youth must understand that they are being used by people for their short-term political gains," he said.

The DGP said that the inimical elements were misusing social media to instigate the youths to hurl stones at security forces to help militants flee.

"I would say this is misuse of social media by elements inimical to peace in the valley and to our country.

"The moment an encounter starts, they activate around 300 WhatsApp groups, each having more than 250 members, and other social networking websites like Facebook, instigating young boys to reach the encounter site and throw stones so that the terrorists escape from the spot," he said.

The J&K top cop said that these WhatsApp groups and other social media accounts were being monitored and action will be taken against people operating them.

"Some of these accounts have been traced across (the border). It is an attempt by the enemies of India to create problems. All these numbers are being monitored and we will take action against those operating them from here," he said.

The DGP urged the people to think about the families of those who lost their lives during the incidents of stone-pelting recently.

"Think of the mother, father, sister or brother of those who died two days ago. People will forget those who died after 10 days. Their family suffer the most. We all would be doing our jobs," he said.

Vaid said that the new trend was a challenge, but the security forces will deal with it.

"It is a challenging situation, but we keep evolving our strategy and I am sure with our experience of last 25 years, Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security forces will be able to handle a situation like this.

"In spite of grave provocation, we have been able to minimise collateral damage and civilian casualties," he said.

On the local boys joining militant ranks, the DGP said it was also a challenge.

"These boys are being brainwashed and radicalised. It is a challenge for all of us. Ultimately, where does it lead to -- death and destruction. Nothing will change other than death and destruction. What will they achieve out of it," he said.

On the likelihood of unrest during the forthcoming summer in Kashmir, Vaid said that he did not think people of Kashmir would want a repeat of last year's summer agitation.

"People of Kashmir do not want trouble this season. They have already suffered last summer," he said.

The DGP said the recent attacks on security forces and incidents of stone pelting were handiwork of the elements who work at the behest of the enemy of this country.

"This is an attempt to derail the democratic process as (by) elections are around the corner," he added.

IMAGE: A group of youth pelting stones on security forces during an anti-militant operation at village Durbugh in Chadoora area of central Kashmir's Budgam district on Tuesday. Photograph: S Irfan/PTI
DECATUR  Three Central Illinois men are each facing multiple felony charges, including Class X home invasion, for allegedly bursting into a westside home and punching a man until he passed out.

A 33-year-old man was in his apartment in the 800 block of West Main Street about 9:15 p.m. March 19 when he heard a "soft knock" on his front door.

When he opened the door, he saw three males standing outside.

"Two of the males pushed him backward into his apartment and entered the apartment without permission," said a probable cause affidavit by Decatur patrol officer Kimberley Chaney.

The victim told police that once inside, two of the males began striking him in the face repeatedly with closed fists. He believed he was struck about three or four times before he lost consciousness.

After witnesses saw the suspects leaving the scene in a silver-colored car, officers stopped the vehicle less than a block away.

Delle R. Wilson, 28, and Thomas A. Lawhead, 30, both of Decatur, and Michael E. Lawhead, 32, of Springfield were all found inside the vehicle. The victim and other witnesses identified them as the men who entered the apartment and battered the resident.

The victim suffered a bloody and swollen face, swollen lips, a swollen nose which the victim believed might be broken, and a loose front tooth.

The three suspects were arrested about 10:15 that night and booked into the Macon County Jail, where Wilson and Michael Lawhead are being held on $50,000 bond. Thomas Lawhead is being held on $51,000 bond.

They were each arraigned Tuesday on one count of home invasion, punishable by six to 30 years in prison, and two counts of mob action, punishable by one to three years. They are due in court April 12 for their preliminary hearings.
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Cote d'Ivoire: Simone Gbagbo Acquitted After Flawed War Crimes Trial

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 29 March 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Cote d'Ivoire: Simone Gbagbo Acquitted After Flawed War Crimes Trial, 29 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58dcff2c4.html [accessed 8 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The acquittal in Cote d'Ivoire of former Ivorian first lady Simone Gbagbo for crimes against humanity based on a process marred by fair trial concerns and a critical lack of evidence shows the importance of the International Criminal Court's case against her, Human Rights Watch said today.

Gbagbo was on trial for serious human rights violations during the bloody post-election crisis, which stemmed from Laurent Gbagbo's refusal to cede power to President Alassane Ouattara following the November 2010 presidential elections. The crisis degenerated into political violence and eventually a resumption of armed conflict. Between December 2010 and May 2011, at least 3,000 civilians were killed and more than 150 women were raped, with serious human rights violations committed by both sides.

"The acquittal by Cote d'Ivoire's high court of Simone Gbagbo for crimes against humanity reflects the many irregularities in the process against her, and leaves unanswered serious questions about her alleged role in brutal crimes committed during the 2011 post-election crisis," said Param-Preet Singh, associate international justice director at Human Rights Watch. "The poor quality of the investigation and weak evidence presented in her trial underscore the importance of the ICC's outstanding case against her for similar crimes, not least as an opportunity for victims of her alleged crimes to obtain justice."

In November 2016, Simone Gbagbo's preferred attorneys withdrew from her trial, ostensibly in protest at the court's failure to call high-profile witnesses they considered central to Gbagbo's defense. They had previously repeatedly denounced the trial as politically motivated. The court appointed Gbagbo new lawyers, but they also withdrew from the case on March 15, contending that the court was irregularly constituted as it included a judge appointed after the trial began.

In May 2016, on the eve of the trial, human rights groups acting on behalf of victims refused to participate, stating that the court, by trying Gbagbo in isolation from other former officials, would be unable to demonstrate her full role in her husband's administration. The human rights groups also said that, under Ivorian law, victims had the legal right to participate in the hearing confirming the charges against Gbagbo, but that they had been denied the opportunity to participate. This denied them the opportunity to express their concerns regarding the readiness of Simone Gbagbo's case for trial before it began.

Human rights groups observing the trial have also criticized the lack of evidence presented by the prosecution to justify Gbagbo's conviction. The criticism echoes those that followed Simone Gbagbo's March 2015 conviction and 20-year sentence in Cote d'Ivoire for crimes against the state during the post-election crisis. Similar concerns emerged in that trial about the lack of evidence presented to link her and other political leaders to violence by their supporters.

Simone Gbagbo, who has been in Ivorian custody since April 2011, has also been indicted by the ICC for crimes against humanity. Cote d'Ivoire has refused to transfer her to the ICC, in violation of its legal obligation under the Rome Statute, the ICC's founding document. Laurent Gbagbo, is currently on trial at the ICC with a close ally, Charles Ble Goude, for crimes against humanity.

Simone Gbagbo's acquittal, as well as the ongoing ICC trial of her husband, highlights the failure to hold pro-Ouattara commanders to account.

Although Cote d'Ivoire's Special Investigative and Examination Cell has indicted several high-level commanders from pro-Ouattara forces, none of these cases have moved forward to trial. A number of those indicted remain in senior positions in the Ivorian armed forces. Several were given significant promotions on January 26, sparking concerns among Ivorian victims' groups that progress in their cases has stalled. The ICC is also investigating crimes by pro-Ouattara commanders, but has yet to issue arrest warrants.

President Ouattara has repeatedly promised that all those responsible for human rights violations  no matter their political affiliation  will be brought to justice. To do so, Ouattara's government should maintain support for impartial and independent investigations into crimes committed during the 2010-2011 conflict, and ensure that, once investigations are complete, cases proceed without political interference.

"The absence of any domestic trials of pro-Ouattara commanders for the devastating abuses during the post-election crisis sheds doubt on Cote d'Ivoire's commitment to impartial justice," Singh said. "The ICC's ongoing investigation into crimes committed by the Ouattara side remains essential so that those most responsible do not escape the reach of justice."



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Iraq/Kurdistan Region of Iraq: Troops Shot at Protesters

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 30 March 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Iraq/Kurdistan Region of Iraq: Troops Shot at Protesters, 30 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58dcffe64.html [accessed 8 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) armed forces fired rubber and live bullets and teargas canisters at protesters in Sinjar on March 14, 2017, killing one person and wounding at least seven, Human Rights Watch said today. KRG authorities should investigate the use of lethal force against the protesters.

Three protesters told Human Rights Watch that they and the other protesters were unarmed and peaceful when the Rojava Peshmerga forces, Syrian fighters integrated into a unit under the KRG's Interior Ministry and stationed in Sinjar, opened fire. They said some protesters threw rocks at the Rojava Peshmerga forces, but only after armed forces opened fire. One Rojava Peshmerga commander told Human Rights Watch on March 26 that a small number of protesters were armed and fired live bullets which caused the death and injuries, but this was contradicted by the other witnesses.

"We have not seen any evidence that military forces in Sinjar had a legitimate reason to fire on protesters, who presented no apparent risk to their lives or others," said Lama Fakih, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. "The government should urgently investigate this apparently unwarranted use of deadly force."

Human Rights Watch has been unable to find any public statement by the authorities about the incident or explaining the use of force.

The three protesters told Human Rights Watch that on March 14, at about 10 a.m., hundreds of protesters, including women and children, gathered near Khanasoor, a town in Sinjar under the control of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). They were protesting the presence of the Rojava Peshmerga, a military force attached to the leading party in the KRG, the Kurdistan Democratic Party, in the area since it was retaken from the Islamic State (also known as ISIS) in late 2015.

The protesters said they travelled as a group in cars from Khanasoor toward the neighboring town of Snune, where a larger number of Rojava Peshmerga were stationed. At about 11:45 a.m., the protesters said, they approached a berm where the Rojava Peshmerga were stationed, with women in the lead, chanting against their presence. When some of the protesters were about 10 meters from the berm, about 10 fighters out of about 200 who were stationed there started firing tear gas canisters, which lasted about 15 minutes. The protesters said they and others didn't pull back or respond with violence, but about 10 minutes later, without any warning, the fighters fired live bullets to disperse the crowd.

One protester, Haji Hassan, said that he saw four protesters fall to the ground after being shot, including Naze Naif, 21, who he said had a bullet hole in her head and died on the spot. Another protester said he was only a few meters from Naif when she was shot, and he grabbed her and carried her with the help of others to a car. He said he saw another protester, a 25-year-old man, shot in his left leg, one young woman shot in her right hand, and another in her right leg. The protesters provided Human Rights Watch with the names of four other demonstrators who were wounded and a description of their injuries.

Soon after the death of Naif, the protesters said, a number of security vehicles arrived and about 10 riot police joined the Rojava Peshmerga. At that point, two of the protesters said, they saw about 10 protesters start throwing stones at the riot police, but then the crowd dispersed very quickly. The Rojava Peshmerga commander who spoke to Human Rights Watch said that his forces called for backup from the riot police once protesters arrived and that the protesters then started throwing stones at the riot police, who responded by firing rubber bullets, but that this did not lead to any casualties.

This is just the most recent crackdown after recent clashes in Sinjar between the PKK and the Rojava Peshmerga. Kurdish media reported that starting on March 3, 2017, the PKK-affiliated Democratic Union Party's security forces in northern Syria detained more than 40 members of the Kurdish National Council, a party affiliated with the KRG's President Masoud Barzani. On March 4, KRG security forces and local police detained 32 unarmed protesters in Erbil at a peaceful demonstration over the recent clashes in Sinjar. According to three protesters who were arrested, 23 people were released that same day, and three more within four days, but six, all foreign nationals, are still being held.

Under the United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, the authorities should "as far as possible, apply non-violent means before resorting to the use of force and firearms." The "intentional lethal use of firearms may only be made when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life." The Principles state that, in cases of death or serious injury, appropriate agencies should conduct a review and send a detailed report promptly to competent administrative or prosecutorial authorities.

The government should ensure that arbitrary or abusive use of force and firearms by law enforcement officials is punished as a criminal offense. Superior officers should be held responsible if they knew or should have known that personnel under their command resorted to the unlawful use of force and firearms but did not take all measures in their power to prevent, suppress, or report such use.

"KRG authorities should ensure all armed forces engaged in law enforcement duties are not using excessive force, especially lethal force, and hold accountable those who do, including commanders," Fakih said.

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At least 14 reporters arbitrarily arrested during Russian protests

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 30 March 2017 Other Languages / Attachments Russian Cite as Reporters Without Borders, At least 14 reporters arbitrarily arrested during Russian protests, 30 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58dd01584.html [accessed 8 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the arbitrary arrests of at least 14 journalists while trying to cover anti-corruption demonstrations in Russia on 26 March, and calls on the authorities to drop all charges against them and to punish the police officers responsible.





Both the protests themselves and the crackdown were without precedent since 2012. According to initial counts, between 32,000 and 93,000 people participated in demonstrations throughout the country and around 1,800 of them were reportedly arrested.





According to RSF's tally, at least 14 of those detained were journalists who had gone to cover the protests.





Alexander Plyushchev of Echo of Moscow, Pyotr Verzilov of Mediazona, Pyotr Parkhomenko of Kommersant-FM, Timofey Dzyadko of RBC, Sofiko Arifjanova of Otkrytaya Rossya and Alec Luhn, a US reporter for The Guardian, were arrested in Moscow and were held for several hours at a police station.





The last three were charged with participating in an unauthorized demonstration but the charge against Luhn seems to have been dropped later after the foreign ministry intervened.





Sergei Satanovski of Novaya Gazeta, Nadezhda Zaytseva of Vedomosti, Roman Pimenov of Interpress and freelancer Artyom Aleksandrov were arrested in Saint Petersburg.





Sergei Rasulov of Kommersant, Fayna Kachabekova of Kavkazskaya Politika and Vladimir Servinovski of Eto Kavkaz were arrested in Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan, in the Russian Caucasus. Alexander Nikishin of Otkrytyi Kanal was arrested in the southwestern city of Saratov and was sentenced the next day to four days of administrative detention for "refusing to comply with instructions from the police."





Alexei Alexeyev, the news website Chernika's correspondent in the northwestern city of Petrozavodsk, was hit by a policeman while filming a demonstrator's arrest. The unidentified policeman hit him in the face and legs, broke his glasses and insulted him.





"It is unacceptable that so many journalists were arrested although they were clearly identified," said Johann Bihr, the head of RSF's Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk.





"Even more disturbing is the fact that some may be prosecuted and one was given a beating. This behaviour by the police contravenes Russian law and the international treaties by which Russia is bound. We ask the authorities to respect media freedom, punish those responsible and ensure that the police are properly trained to respect journalists' rights."





I showed my press card [to a riot police officer] but he just said: "So what?". Sergei Satanovski

Sergei Satanovski told RSF: "I showed my press card [to a riot police officer] but that did not convince him. He just said: 'So what?'." Fayna Kachabekova said: "I showed the police officers my Kavkazskaya Politika correspondent's card and I asked them to give me back my phone. But again no one reacted."





The protests against corrupt practices within the political elite were held in more than 80 Russian cities in response to a call from opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Despite their size, the protests were largely ignored by the leading national media and were curiously absent from the main online news aggregators.





Russia is ranked 148th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index.
UN chief confirms the remains found in DRC those of the two missing experts

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 29 March 2017 Cite as UN News Service, UN chief confirms the remains found in DRC those of the two missing experts, 29 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58dd02834.html [accessed 8 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has confirmed the deaths of Michael Sharp and Zaida Catalan, two members of the Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo who had been missing since 12 March, and vowed that the Organization would do everything possible to ensure that justice is done.

In a statement late yesterday, the UN chief expressed his deepest condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of Mr. Sharp (United States) and Ms. Catalan (Sweden) and said that the Organization will honour their memory by continuing to support the work of the Group of Experts and the whole UN family in the DRC.

Michael and Zaida lost their lives seeking to understand the causes of conflict and insecurity in the DRC in order to help bring peace to the country and its people, said Mr. Guterres.

He also called on the national authorities to continue to search for the four Congolese nationals who were accompanying the experts and said that the UN would cooperate with them in the continuing search.

Also in the statement, the Secretary General underscored that the UN will conduct an inquiry into the deaths.

In case of criminal acts, the UN will do everything possible to ensure that justice is done, he stressed.

Mr. Guterres also expressed hope that the cause of their deaths will be determined following a thorough examination and that the Congolese authorities will conduct a full investigation into the incident.

On Monday, peacekeepers from the UN Mission in the country (MONUSCO) discovered the two experts' remains outside the city of Kananga in the DRC's Kasai-Central province.

The Group of Experts on the DRC has been supporting the work of a Committee established by the Security Council to oversee sanctions measures, including arms embargo, travel ban and assets freeze imposed upon armed groups in the country.
Disclaimer

This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Iran: Death sentence imposed on Sina Dehghan is an affront to Iran's own criminal code.

Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 29 March 2017 Cite as Article 19, Iran: Death sentence imposed on Sina Dehghan is an affront to Iran's own criminal code., 29 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58dd0e924.html [accessed 8 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

In January this year the Iranian authorities charged and imposed the death penalty on a young man called Sina Dehghan for insulting the Prophet and Q'uran on social media. He is now on death row, yet the imminence of the execution of Sina is an affront both to international standards and Iran's own criminal code.

While undertaking mandatory military service as a teenager, Sina was arrested on 21 October 2015 by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps at a barracks in Tehran, after making the comments on the LINE instant messaging application. He has been imprisoned in Arak Prison ever since.

Although Article 262 of the Islamic Penal Code states that insulting the prophet is punishable by death, Article 263 states that the accused can have their sentence reduced if they tell the court the insults were the result of anger or a mistake. The latter line of defense was one that Sina's attorney failed to take.

According to an anonymous source who spoke to Centre for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI), in the course of his interrogation, Sina was allegedly told that he would be pardoned if he signed a confession and showed remorse. His family were also told that his chance of being pardoned would increase if they kept quiet about Sina's case.

Both promises are now known to be false as Sina was sentenced to death for insulting the Prophet by Branch 1 of the Criminal Court of Arak, and later confirmed by the Supreme Court in January 2017. It is also clear that Sina was only given access to a court-appointed lawyer, who failed to adequately defend him in trial.

The death penalty imposed on Sina Dehghan and others illustrate how individuals are at the mercy of a system where forced confessions, false promises, and threats to family members undermine not only national judicial processes, but the international standards Iran has signed up to.

While Sina is on death row in Arak Prison, the Iranian authorities have an opportunity to act to stop the execution, and to take visible steps to implement their own codes of practice. We ask simply that a review of the case be undertaken immediately and the death penalty dropped.

Copyright notice: Copyright ARTICLE 19
Tanzania: President Magufuli must respect media rights and freedom of expression

Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 29 March 2017 Cite as Article 19, Tanzania: President Magufuli must respect media rights and freedom of expression, 29 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58dd0ebc4.html [accessed 8 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

ARTICLE 19 is concerned by the continuous threats and attacks on media freedom in Tanzania escalated by President John Pombe Magufuli of Tanzania and other public officials. Media houses, journalists and artists are currently operating under fear of closure, harassment or incarceration for expressing themselves. We call upon the President and the authorities in Tanzania to desist from threatening media houses, journalists and other media workers whose rights and freedoms are protected and guaranteed under the Constitution. Such acts are against national, regional and international laws that promote, protect and defend freedom of expression and access to information, to which Tanzania subscribes to.

In the most recent spate of such attacks, on 25 March, rapper Emmanuel Elibariki, a.k.a Nay wa Mitego, was arrested at a hotel in Morogoro, near Dar es Salaam, for allegedly 'insulting' the president in his newly released song, 'Wapo'. The police have claimed the lyrics "malign the government". The impugned Swahili song loosely translates as referring to a doctor who doesn't listen to advice or accept criticism.

Elibariki's arrest follows a recent warning to the media on 24 March by the President: "I want to tell media owners, be careful, and watch it! If you think you have that kind of freedom... not to that extent," Magufuli said during the swearing in ceremony of Harrison Mwakyembe, the new Minister of Information, who was appointed soon after he dismissed Nape Nnauye, the former Minister of Information on 23 March.

Nape was dismissed after he criticised the actions of Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda, who stormed into the offices of Clouds FM Media Group, one of the country's main private broadcasters on 17 March with six armed men to demand the station air a video making claims about a popular local pastor. Nape, who had earlier ordered a probe into Makonda's actions, was blocked by police officers later that day from holding a press conference at a hotel in Dar es Salaam.

During the swearing in of the new Information Minister, President Magufuli said that his government would not allow a few individuals to destabilise his country's economy and ordered the newly sworn-in Information Minister to clamp down on media organisations that publish or broadcast material deemed to incite unrest.

Since his election in 2015, President Magufuli has ordered the arrest of his critics, and the shutting down of newspapers and broadcast media.

The Constitution of the Republic of Tanzania, which is founded on the principles of freedom and justice, provides under Article 8(1)(d) for its people to participate in the affairs of their Government, specifically safeguarding their expression and access to information rights under Article 18(1) and also the right of people to freedom from interference with their communications. Article 18(2) further stipulates that every citizen has the right to be informed of events in the country and in the world at large which are of importance to the lives and activities of the people and society.

"ARTICLE 19 urges the President to ensure the protection of free speech, including criticism, and calls upon the Tanzanian Government to create an independent body to specifically investigate abuses by its officials against freedom of expression and media rights. It is imperative that the President and government adhere to constitutional guarantees on freedom of expression, media freedom and access to information, as stipulated in the Tanzanian Constitution as well as international law. We further ask the President to end the dismissal of government ministers for defending freedom of expression, and instead publicly condemn actions which restrict media freedom," said Henry Maina, Director of ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa.

Copyright notice: Copyright ARTICLE 19
New Gambia, new migration?

Publisher IRIN Author Louise Hunt Publication Date 30 March 2017 Cite as IRIN, New Gambia, new migration?, 30 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58dd0fc04.html [accessed 8 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

"I am very happy to be home," said 18-year-old Mohammed Nyabally, sitting on the steps of his uncle's house in Serekunda, a town near The Gambia's coast.

Just two weeks earlier, he was languishing in a prison near Tripoli; his third spell in detention during the nine months he spent in Libya trying to board a boat to cross the Mediterranean.

Nyabally's parents sold the family's land to send him the $5,600 he needed to pay his way out of his first and second stints in detention and the smuggling fee for him and another relative to take a boat to Italy. But after being robbed by a street gang, he landed up back in one of the squalid and brutal detention camps that have sprung up all over lawless Libya and are used to extort ever greater sums from young migrants trying to reach Europe.

"Prison is very difficult," the shy teenager told IRIN, speaking with a slight stutter. "I was beaten; many people were killed in that prison. I saw my friend shot dead because he tried to escape. Another Gambian boy I knew died too."

When the International Organization for Migration visited the detention centre where he was being kept and gave him the choice of staying there or going back to Gambia, he opted for freedom.

"I didn't want to stay in Libya," he said. "The treatment of black people is very bad. I came back because it was too dangerous."

Nyabally was one of 140 Gambians aboard IOM's first chartered flight from Libya to Banjul on 10 March. A second flight from Libya carrying 170 stranded Gambians is due to arrive on 4 April, while another 290 have signed up for IOM's EU-funded voluntary return programme.

Winds of change

The Gambia is one of Africa's smallest nations, with a population of just under two million. And yet its citizens have consistently ranked among the top five nationalities taking the Central Mediterranean route from Libya to Italy. Until recently, the potential for convincing Gambians not to risk the "back way" to Europe was limited. That changed in January, when the country's first democratically elected president Adama Barrow took office and former president Yahya Jammeh was exiled after a six-week political impasse.

Jammeh, who held onto power for 22 years, had viewed migration as unpatriotic and refused to accept that young people were leaving the country to escape poverty and his autocratic rule. Even those migrants who didn't find what they were looking for in Europe were reluctant to return home.

By contrast, the new coalition government has made tackling irregular migration a priority. It plans to focus on creating jobs and training opportunities to reduce the 40 percent unemployment rate among young people, the main push factor behind The Gambia's exodus.

"The improved political situation and stability in The Gambia is one of the factors that's helping migrants to take this decision [to return from Libya]," said Michele Bombassei, IOM regional migrant assistance specialist.

For the government, creating an environment that positively reduces migration is a matter of urgency. According to UNICEF, which analysed Italian immigration data, nearly 0.5 percent of The Gambia's population migrate every year  the highest rate in Africa.

The Gambia also ranks highest among sub-Saharan African countries in terms of the numbers of its migrants who are unaccompanied minors. In 2016, 13 percent of unaccompanied children arriving in Italy were Gambian, according to UNICEF. In total, nearly 12,000 Gambians arrived in Italy via the Mediterranean in 2016, a 36 percent increase from 2015.

"The back-way trend is only going to be addressed if there are policies to attract the young people to come back and fulfil their dreams," Employment Minister Isatou Touray told IRIN.

Rebuilding bridges

With an estimated inherited debt of more than $1 billion, the new government has been shoring up international donor support to kick-start development stalled for decades by Jammeh's isolationist policies.

This has included restoring cooperation with the EU. Jammeh expelled the EU's charge d'affaires in 2015 just as tentative talks were under way to restore aid frozen over human rights concerns.

"It made it impossible to roll out programmes," explained Attila Lajos, the EU's ambassador to The Gambia.

"Jammeh's government ignored the existence of migration now we have absolute engagement across the government. They are open to exploring avenues on how to address the root causes of migration."

Brussels has seized the opportunity to work with the new government on reducing the number of Gambians heading for Europe. It has already pledged a total aid package of 225 million euros, some of which will go towards projects aimed at encouraging economic growth and employment opportunities.

Neven Mimica, EU commissioner for international cooperation and development, made his first diplomatic visit to The Gambia in February, and on 16 March President Barrow met Mimica and foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini in Brussels to discuss the aid package and cooperation on migration.

Getting started

With 11 million euros in funding from the EU's Emergency Trust Fund for Africa, a four-year project to deter migration through vocational skills training has already been launched.

While jobs and skills creation programmes may only yield results after many years, Lajos suggested that work on increasing voluntary returns and re-admissions of Gambian migrants stuck in transit could have "an immediate impact on reducing migration to Europe".

Convincing migrants already en route to Europe to return home will be the focus of a regional project covering 14 countries expected to begin in May, also with funding from the Emergency Trust Fund. It will be the first of its kind run by IOM and will include a 3.9-million-euro programme targeting Gambian migrants.

But, if this approach is to succeed, much more needs to be done to support returnees, said Lamin Darboe, executive director of the National Youth Council.

The NYC runs an IOM-funded livelihoods programme for returnees that focuses on developing livelihoods from selling ocean-caught fish to communities inland where demand is high. But Darboe said, so far at least, its impact has been limited.

Ebrima Sisoho, 35, has been part of the programme since returning from Libya last September, after two failed attempts to reach Europe. He received a start-up grant to buy fish stocks and shares a refrigerated vehicle with nine other returnees. But after divvying up their weekly profits, what he earns amounts to little more than the price of a bag of rice.

"It's a nice project, but at the moment it's not really benefitting me," said Sisoho, whose main living is still selling second-hand clothes from a wheelbarrow. "It's given me ideas for making a business. If I could, I would buy a motorbike and do this on my own."

Short window

Effective reintegration needs to go deeper than start-up funds, said Darboe. Many returnees face stigma and blame from their communities for coming back empty-handed, often after having sunk their families into debt. Some are also suffering psychological trauma from their experiences in Libya and elsewhere along the route.

"The degree of reintegration support will go a long way in determining whether the returnees will stay here or plan to return," said Darboe, who noted that past initiatives have merely enabled some returnees to attempt the back way again.

He added that if the harrowing experiences of the recent repatriates from Libya could be shared with their communities, perceptions of the risks that accompany irregular migration might change.

Nyabally's uncle, Alieu, agreed: "I think experiences like Mohammed's will discourage others from taking the back way because the rate of failure is much higher than the success."

Time will tell whether becoming a democracy will reverse Gambia's back way trend or only temporarily reduce Europe's appeal.

"There is an overall feeling of 'let's stay here and do our bit for Gambia'," said Bombassei of IOM. "How long this will last will depend on how quickly the economic situation improves."
Turkey: US Secretary of State must call for the release of more than 120 jailed journalists

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 30 March 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Turkey: US Secretary of State must call for the release of more than 120 jailed journalists, 30 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58dd15bb4.html [accessed 8 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

As US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson visits Turkey to meet with President Erdogan and others in Ankara today, Amnesty International's Deputy Director for Europe and Central Asia, Gauri van Gulik said:

"During his visit, Secretary of State Tillerson cannot ignore the fact that Turkey is the world's biggest jailer of journalists. Nor should he overlook the plight of the more than 100,000 public sector employees, dismissed after the coup and the estimated half-a-million people displaced amid military operations and curfews in the south-east."

"He should urge President Erdogan to release journalists currently being held on pre-trial detention and call for an end to the ongoing crackdown against perceived government critics. Failure to do so sends the wrong message about the need to respect human rights and is a missed opportunity to remind the Turkish authorities that journalism is not a crime."

More than 120 journalists have been imprisoned in Turkey awaiting trial following the attempted coup in July 2016 which triggered a wide-ranging government crackdown. This has been coupled with the closure of more than 160 media outlets.

Amnesty International and other NGOs have recently launched a joint campaign urging journalists around the world to add their voices to the call for the release of journalists from detention in Turkey. The #FreeTurkeyMedia campaign will culminate on 3 May, World Press Freedom Day, and has already attracted the support of leading journalists including Peter Greste.

For more information about Amnesty International's action visit https://www.amnesty.org/en/get-involved/take-action/action-free-turkey-media/

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
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Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 67F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph..

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Two days of campaigning are left before the April 2 election that will decide the make-up of Armenias parliament.

Arakel Movsisyan, a candidate of the Republican Party of Armenia running to represent Armavir Province, has pulled out all the stops in the last days of the campaign.

Movsisyan, currently serving as a MP, has been making promises left and right in a bid to sway local voters to support him.

He has personally financed the renovation of several provincial and community roads. Movsisyan has work crews out filling potholes in the roads leading to the communities of Aghavnatoun and Doghs.

A few days ago, a provincial roadway winding its way between the communities of Hovtamej and Tziatzan was resurfaced with blacktop.

Tziatzan Mayor Vachik Grigoryan told Hetq that he didnt know who was paying for the roadwork.

The money didnt come from our community budget. We cant asphalt the road with our meager budget. We can barely repair our local streets, Grigoryan said.

Officials from the Armavir Provincial Government also said that the roadwork wasnt paid from state money.

Arakel Movsisyan also made a promise in the community of Tzaghkalanj to renovate the road.

Call that bum up right now, the asphalt guy. I want the entire village to vote for me. But before voting for me, youll see the result, Movsisyan said.

After the press picked-up on the story, the Central Electoral Commission stated that Movsisyan violated Article 19, Part 6 of the electoral code during his meeting with Tzaghkalanj residents. The article states that candidates and political parties cannot make promises of free services during the election campaign or on election day.

When roadwork was underway in Tzaghkalanj, Hetq asked mayor Manvel Mkrtchyan what funds were being used.

We are very happy that at least one person promised to do it. But they created so many problems for him that the guy pulled out, said Mkrtchyan, referring to Movsisyan.

Mkrtchyan said that a Tzaghkalanj native now living in Russia financed the roadwork.

It wasnt Arakel Movsisyan, the mayor said.
Cambodias Ministry of Interior on Thursday refused to recognize the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Partys (CNRP) new leadership, disputing claims by the party that the ministry had no objections to the appointments it made earlier this month during an extraordinary congress.



The announcement once again throws the CNRPs political legitimacy into question ahead of local commune elections slated for June 4.



In a statement issued Wednesday after a meeting between CNRP lawmaker Eng Chhai Eang and director-general of the Ministry of Interior Prak Sam Oeun, the opposition party said the ministry acknowledges the process of the CNRP extraordinary congress and does not object to the amendment of Articles 45 and 47 of the CNRPs statute.



On Thursday, the ministry refuted that claim, issuing a statement which said that the CNRP had made an attempt to misinterpret the real essence of what being discussed during the meeting and saying the talks centered on compliance with the laws  [not] any political solution.



The statement went on to explain the ministrys position that the CNRPs March 2 extraordinary congressduring which the opposition appointed Kem Sokha president, and Mu Sochua, Pol Ham and Eng Chhay Eang as party deputieswas against article 47 of the CNRPs statute, which is the supreme law of this party.



Ahead of the CNRPs appointments at the congress, the party had voted to amend articles 45 and 47 of its by-lawsremoving an 18-month moratorium on appointing a new president and changing the structure of the partys leadership.



On March 22, the Ministry of Interior ruled in a letter to the CNRP that the party had violated its own by-laws by holding the congress and appointing Kem Sokha, based on documents filed at the CNRPs launch in May 2013. On Thursday, the ministry reiterated its stance, again referring to the four-year-old statute.



Opposition officials contend that the CNRP was compelled to convene the congress and amend its statute before a new ruling party-initiated law on political parties went into effect, or risk being dissolved, because the law only provided it with 90 days to elect new leadership.



Former CNRP president Sam Rainsy resigned on Feb. 11 in order to preserve the party in the face of the new law that also bars anyone convicted of a crime from holding the top offices in a political party, among other changes. He has been living in self-imposed exile in France since 2015 to avoid convictions many see as politically motivated.



Contradicting claims



After Wednesdays meeting, Prak Sam Oeun appeared to contradict the CNRPs claims that the Ministry of Interior had no objections to the results of the opposition extraordinary congress while speaking with the media outside the ministry.



The director-general told reporters that the ministry will be keeping an eye on the CNRP to ensure the partys compliance with its by-laws, but made no mention of its stance on the oppositions extraordinary congress or amendments to Articles 45 and 47.



He also suggested that any violation would be forgotten if the CNRP abandoned its campaign slogan of replace the commune chiefs who serve the party with commune chiefs who serve the people, which the ministry has said goes against election laws and the spirit of democracy.



The CNRP has said it wont modify the motto and will permit party activists to use it while campaigning for commune elections this summer.



On Thursday, Sam Rainsy called those who have found the CNRPs extraordinary congress to be in violation of the partys by-laws naive and said they must learn to appreciate the right of the people to form associations and parties if they claim to respect the principles of democracy.



People are entitled to make their own decisions regarding any creation or amendment of their own statute or regulations, at their own willthey dont need to ask permission or seek approval [from the Ministry of Interior], the former CNRP president told RFAs Khmer Service in an interview.



A party congress represents the voice of all its members. Any decision rendered by the congress shall be abided by the partys members. At least, that is how democracy works. What the CNRP has done is correct and I support it.



Speaking to supporters on Thursday, Kem Sokha said that he would remain the rightful president of the CNRP no matter how others view the partys statute.



A report by the Phnom Penh Post cited Hang Puthea, spokesperson for Cambodias National Election Committee, as saying that even if Kem Sokha is only considered the acting president, the CNRPs candidate lists would remain valid for the June polls.



(From L-R) Sam Rainsys wife Tioulong Saumura, Sam Rainsy, Hun Sen and Hun Sens wife Bun Rany watch a performance in Siem Reap province, April 14, 2015. Credit: RFA RFA Defamation case



Also on Thursday, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court sentenced Sam Rainsy in absentia to 20 months in prison for incitement and defamation, adding to a previous five-year term, and ordered him to pay a fine of 10 million riel (U.S. $2,500) to the state and a symbolic fine of 100 riel (U.S. $0.02) to Prime Minister Hun Sen.



The sentencing coincided with the 20th anniversary of a grenade attack by still-unknown assailants on a rally led by Sam Rainsy, which killed at least 16 and wounded more than 100.



The case against Sam Rainsy stems from a lawsuit Hun Sen filed against the former opposition chief for suggesting that his ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) was behind the July murder of political analyst Kem Ley. Sam Rainsy had called the killing state-backed terrorism.



Sam Rainsy's defense lawyer, Sam Sokong, called Thursdays decision unjust.



The judgment is unfair to my client, he told RFA, adding that he would consult with Sam Rainsy about whether to appeal the ruling.



Ky Tech, a lawyer representing Hun Sen, said he was unsatisfied with the length of Sam Rainsys sentence.



I think the sentence is not commensurate with Sam Rainsys crime, he said, adding that the former CNRP president had caused great damage to our government and leader.



Kem Ley, 46, was gunned down on the morning of July 10, 2016 as he stopped for coffee in a Star Mart store at a gasoline station on a busy intersection in the capital.



Last week, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court sentenced a former soldier named Oueth Ang to life in prison as the sole perpetrator of Kem Leys murder, but observers have questioned his testimony and said the investigation did not go far enough bring the masterminds behind the plot to justice.



Just days before he was gunned down, Kem Ley had discussed on a RFA Khmer Service call-in show a report by London-based Global Witness detailing the extent of the wealth of the family of Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia for 31 years.



Political commentator Meas Ny told RFA Thursday that he was unsurprised by the courts ruling against Sam Rainsy, which he added had been long anticipated.



We have been aware from the beginning that [Hun Sen] would win, he said.



CNRP officials have warned that the CPP seeks to prevent the opposition from standing in the June elections through a variety of different measures, including the passage of the political party law.



The CPP won more than 70 percent of the vote and secured 1,592 of 1,633 communes in Cambodias 2012 local elections, held before the CNRP was formed. The opposition party won nearly half of the vote in the general election the following year.



Observers say the CNRP could give the CPP, which has ruled Cambodia for more than 35 years, a run for its money in the June pollsa race that many believe may foreshadow the general election in 2018.



Reported by Moniroth Morm and Vuthy Tha for RFAs Cambodia Service. Translated by Nareth Muong. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
A former activist with Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has become the first overseas NGO worker known to be detained in China since a draconian law gave police control over foreign non-government groups at the beginning of this year.



Community college manager and lifelong NGO activist Lee Ming-cheh, 42, was detained by the ruling Chinese Communist Party's state security police on suspicion of "endangering national security" on his arrival in the southern border city of Zhuhai on .



"The Chinese authorities detention of a Taiwanese NGO worker on vague national security grounds raises fears the authorities are broadening their attack against those carrying out legitimate activism," London-based Amnesty International said in a statement on its website.



The group called on Beijing to provide further details. Lee's location is currently unknown.



Chinese law allows police to detain those suspected of "national security" crimes and hold them under residential surveillance at a secret location for up to six months, with no access to lawyers or family visits.



"Lee Ming-chehs detention ... will alarm all those that work with NGOs in China," Amnesty International's East Asia director Nicholas Becquelin said. "If his detention is solely connected to his legitimate activism he must be immediately and unconditionally released."



"The unchecked powers the authorities now have to target NGOs and their partners are frightening," Becquelin said.



China's Overseas NGOs Domestic Activities Management Law, which came into effect at the start of this year, enables police to engage in daily supervision and monitoring of foreign civil society and rights groups operating in China.



The legislation hands full authority for the registration and supervision of foreign NGOs in China to the country's ministry of public security, and police across the country.



They have the power to cancel any activities, revoke an organization's registration, and impose administrative detention on its workers, as well as take part in the annual assessment of foreign NGOs required for the renewal their operating permit.

'Two birds with one stone'



Police can also blacklist NGOs deemed guilty of national security-related crimes like subversion or separatism, although definitions of such crimes remain vague.



Wu Fan, editor in chief of the overseas Chinese-language magazine Chinese Affairs, said he believes Lee's detention is linked to the new law, but that other factors are also at work behind the scenes.



"He's from Taiwan and he's a DPP member, which is like killing two birds with one stone [for the Chinese authorities]," Wu told RFA. "The Chinese Communist Party, in detaining him, is cracking down on NGOs, and also retaliating against the DPP for failing to recognize the 1992 consensus."



Lee, a manager at the Taipei Wenshan Community College in the Taiwanese capital, has been a long-term supporter of civil society organizations and activists in China for many years, as well as a lifelong DPP member and former member of a local party executive group.



The DPP once campaigned on a pro-independence platform, and while the party's rhetoric has softened in recent years, President Tsai Ing-wen has stopped short of endorsing a 1992 agreement with Beijing signed by her predecessors in the nationalist Kuomintang (KMT), angering Beijing.



Beijing-based rights activist Hu Jia agreed that the crackdown on NGOs and civil society groups appears to be widening with Lee's detention.



"Lee Ming-cheh was definitely not the only person in Taiwan who was doing things such as sending books to [activists] in mainland China," Hu said. "I think that anyone who did similar things is now going to be feeling very scared."



"I think in future we will see ... a cutting off of contacts on WeChat, Weibo and Whatsapp," he said, adding that current training and mentoring programs offered by activists like Lee to Chinese NGOs are unlikely to survive.



Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, confirmed Lee's detention and the charges on , saying he is in "good health," but gave no further details.



"Regarding Lee Ming-cheh's case, because he is suspected of pursuing activities harmful to national security, the investigation into him is being handled in line with legal procedures," Ma said.



Guarantee against torture sought

According to Amnesty, "endangering national security" can encompass a broad spectrum of charges with punishments ranging from three years to life imprisonment.



Cheng Shiowjiuan, who heads the Taipei Wenshan District Community College where Lee works, rejected the claim, however.



"We do not believe that Lee Ming-cheh did anything to break the law, so we hope that he will be released immediately," she said. "Until that time, they should guarantee that Lee Ming-cheh will not be tortured, and that he is allowed access to a lawyer, to family visits, and to adequate medical care."



Yang Sen-hong, who heads the Taiwan Association for China Human Rights, said there is no rule of law in mainland China.



"What is justice in Taiwan becomes a crime in mainland China," Yang said. "Taiwan and China are two very different places, and if the Chinese Communist Party keeps detaining people like this, that difference is going to become even more obvious."



"By directing such mafia-like methods at Taiwan people, they will only succeed in pushing Taiwan further and further away."



Taiwan began a transition to democracy following the death of President Chiang Ching-kuo, in , starting with direct elections to the legislature in the early 1990s and culminating in the first direct election of the island's president, Lee Teng-hui, in 1996.



Recent opinion polls indicate that there is broad political support for de facto self-rule in Taiwan, where the majority of voters identify as Taiwanese rather than Chinese.



But while the Chinese Communist Party has never ruled the island, Beijing regards it as part of Chinese territory and has threatened to invade if Taiwan seeks formal independence.



Reported by Ng Yik-tung and Lam Kwok-lap for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Lin Ping for the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Karaoke bars catering to foreign businessmen in the North Korean capital Pyongyang have become new sources of revenue for the sanctions-hit regime, with patrons being charged high for the personal attentions of female employees, sources in the capital say.



These employees are pretty and in their early 20s, and they keep their guests company by dancing and singing with them, a Chinese businessman and frequent visitor to the city told RFAs Korean Service.



No physical contact beyond hand-holding is allowed, though, the businessman said.



Karaoke bars set up in Pyongyang to attract foreign customers are clean and tidy and well-equipped with a sound system, and can be favorably compared with similar establishments in China, the source said.



And the employees who greet customers when they arrive are friendly and polite, so that one may doubt whether they are actually in North Korea.



Female employees will often pose for photos with their guests, another businessman told RFA.



However, the pleasure of these joyful moments shared together is momentary, since good humor vanishes as soon as one receives the bill, he said.



Though beer is inexpensively priced at about 10 Chinese yuan (U.S.$1.45) per bottle, with hard liquor charged at higher rates, guests also find themselves charged a service fee of about U.S.$100 for each female employee attending them.



We felt like we had been hit with a bomb, RFAs source said.



We thought that the service fee for three of us going to a karaoke bar in Pyongyang would be about the same as one charged in a Chinese bar, he said.



We couldnt fight over the fee, though, and ended up having to pay in order to keep our reputation.



The money from these higher fees is never shared with the female employees, though, the source added. The whole amount goes to the government.



The government is making young women serve drinks to foreigners to earn foreign currency, he said.



Reported by Joonho Kim for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Soo Min Jo. Written in English by Richard Finney.




A Royal Malaysian Police officer stands at the main gate of the forensics wing of the Kuala Lumpur Hospital, which housed the body of Kim Jong Nam, March 29, 2017.

Updated at 6:47 p.m. ET on 2017-03-30

Kuala Lumpur agreed Thursday to resolve a six-week-long feud with Pyongyang by sending the body of the North Korean leaders murdered half-brother to the communist state in exchange for nine Malaysians trapped there by an exit ban.

On Thursday evening (local time) the body of Kim Jong Nam was put on a flight to Beijing, and the nine Malaysians soon after boarded a plane in Pyongyang bound for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian officials said.

Two North Korean nationals, who had been identified by Malaysian police as suspects in the murder case and were thought to be hiding out in the North Korean embassy, were aboard an airliner carrying Kims body to China, a Malaysian government source told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on Thursday night declared an end to the bilateral crisis by announcing that his government had decided to allow Pyongyang to have custody of the body of Kim, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

[F]ollowing the completion of the autopsy on the deceased and receipt of a letter from his family requesting the body be returned to North Korea, the coroner has approved the release of the body, Najib, who was traveling in India, said in a statement following a series of very sensitive talks between the Malaysian and North Korean governments.

Najib also announced that the nine Malaysians, who had been barred from leaving North Korea, have now been allowed to return to Malaysia while Kuala Lumpur will now allow North Koreans to leave Malaysia.

I had a deep personal concern about this matter, and we worked intensively behind the scenes to achieve this successful outcome. Many challenges were overcome to ensure the return of our fellow Malaysians. The safety and security of our citizens will always be my first priority, he said.

The plane carrying the nine Malaysians  three staffers at the Malaysian embassy in Pyongyang and their families  touched down at Kuala Lumpur International Airport at around 5 a.m. Friday (local time).

Foreign Minister Anifah Aman was on the tarmac to greet the nine as they disembarked from a Malaysian government executive jet.

We are thankful that all nine have returned to us safe and sound, Anifah said

Najib said Malaysias investigation into the murder of Kim Jong Nam would go on.

Questions about who would have custody of Kim Jong Nams body, which had been kept for weeks in a morgue at Kuala Lumpur Hospital, following his assassination in the Kuala Lumpur area on Feb. 13, were central to the bilateral crisis. It saw both countries expel their respective ambassadors and impose exit bans on each others citizens.

The diplomatic crisis has ended, Najib declared on his Twitter account.

In mid-March, Malaysian officials revealed that DNA from Kim Jong Nams son who lives in Macau was used to confirm the dead mans identity. He was initially identified by Malaysia as North Korean diplomatic passport holder Kim Chol.

It remained unclear whether Kim Jong Nams wife and children, who live in Macau, had agreed to let Malaysia hand over his body to North Korea, or whether Najib, in Thursdays statement, was in fact alluding to Kim Jong Un as his family.

Late Thursday, North Koreas state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) published a statement issued by both countries that announced an end to the diplomatic impasse.

However, as was the case with previous statements made by North Korean officials regarding the case, the statement did not name Kim Jong Nam. It only referred to him as a DPRK national who died in Kuala Lumpur on Feb. 13.

As the DPRK has produced all necessary documentations related to the body of the deceased from the family, Malaysia agreed to facilitate the transfer of the body to the family of the deceased in DPRK, the joint statement said.

Both countries agreed to lift the travel ban imposed on citizens of the other country and guarantee their safety and security within their respective territory. This would allow the nine Malaysians presently in Pyongyang to return to Malaysia and the DPRK citizens in Kuala Lumpur to depart Malaysia, it went on to say.

Details on suspects

Kim Jong Uns hardline communist regime has been blamed for the murder of his older sibling after he was poisoned with a banned nerve agent, according to Malaysian authorities, while he prepared to board a flight at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2.

Two Southeast Asian women have been charged with Kim Jong Nams murder as co-assassins, and at least seven North Korean nationals have been identified by Malaysian police as wanted for questioning in the case.

Najib had earlier accused North Korean government agents of being behind the assassination.

Four of the North Korean suspects, who were spotted by a CCTV camera at the airport on the day of the assassination, had fled Malaysia, police said. Three other suspects included a second secretary at the North Korean embassy.

South Korea and the United States also blamed Pyongyang for the murder because Kim Jong Un reportedly had a standing order to kill his exiled half-brother.

But North Korea had stoutly denied this and slammed Malaysian investigations into the murder as an attempt to smear Pyongyang.

Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (C) visits the Ministry of State Security to congratulate security personnel during the anniversary of the institution's founding in Pyongyang, Nov. 21, 2012.

North Korean police have started to strictly control the movement of residents and throw those without proper documents into detention facilities as they try to fill a gap in monitoring residents activities neglected by state security agents, sources inside the authoritarian country said.

The countrys Stasi-like secret police have been trying to control North Koreans following the regimes purge of Kim Won Hong, the agencys minister, who was expelled from office in mid-January on charges of corruption, abuse of power, and human rights abuses, they said.

Five senior officials from Kim Won Hongs office were reportedly executed by anti-aircraft gunfire after they were charged with submitting false government reports that are said to have enraged dictator Kim Jong Un.

Police have issued an order prohibiting the movement of residents throughout the country as of April 1, a source from North Pyongan province told RFAs Korean Service.

The order says that people who have gone abroad for business trips or important matters must return to their residences by the end of March, he said.

The ban includes the prohibition of movement on April 5 when North Koreans hold memorial services to honor their dead parents and ancestors with Korean food, he said.

The detention facilities and waiting rooms in police stations are filled with people who were picked up for not carrying their proper documents with them, the source said.

The police have said that the measure will be enacted in April to prevent unexpected incidents on April 15, the birthday of North Koreas founder Kim Il Song (1912-94), who is the grandfather of the countrys current leader Kim Jong Un.

But he suggested that another motive was behind the recent move.

I think the police have cracked down on the control of residents because they want to have the privileges that the State Security Agency used to have, he said.

The Changjin county incident

A source from South Hamgyong province told RFA that the beating death of the head of a family by police in Changjin county earlier this month for not having the proper certificate required for travel on business has outraged residents across the country, the source said.

In all, police arrested six Changjin residents for lacking travel certificates, some of whom were beaten to death, he said. They sent the wife of the man beaten to death to a labor camp, and their young child to an orphanage.

News of the incident that occurred with Changjin countys police has been spreading throughout the country and has sparked the anger of residents, he said.

Central authorities have not taken any action against the officers, even though the families of those arrested have revealed the tyranny of the Changjin county police, he said.

I think these incidents are occurring because central authorities handed over part of the power of the State Security Agency to the police  [who are] taking control of judicial power, while the State Security Agency is struggling with the Kim Won Hong incident, the source said.

Citizens are becoming increasingly resentful of the police because of the harsh treatment they are meting out, he said.

With growing resentment, the police will also eventually be in a similar situation as that of the State Security Agency, which is generally feared and hated by North Koreans, he said.

Reported by Jieun Kim for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Soo Min Cho. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
Myanmar monks have been collecting signatures for a petition to take legal action against a domestic media reporter whom they accuse of insulting an outspoken and controversial figure in the countrys ultranationalist Buddhist movement.

Members of the Patriotic Myanmar Monks Union (PMMU) in the countrys second-largest city Mandalay have collected about 40,000 signatures from monks and nuns opposing Swe Win, editor-in-chief of the online news organization Myanmar Now, for allegedly insulting Ashin Wirathu, a prominent monk in the Ma Ba Tha movement, who is known for his fiery anti-Muslim rhetoric.

Swe Win said U [honorific] Wirathu is a criminal and not a monk anymore, said PMMU vice chairman Eaindawbatha.

Because U Wirathu is a patron monk from the Masoeyein Monastery in Myanmar, which is the biggest monastic school for young monks, his [Swe Wins] comments have insulted not only U Wirathu, but also all Buddhist monks, he told RFAs Myanmar Service.

We have collected signatures and will ask for legal action to be taken against Swe Win because all Buddhists are disappointed about what he said [about Wirathu], Eaindawbatha said.

The PMMU monks, who started collecting signatures on March 20, will end their activity on April 3 and submit the signatures to Mandalays Regional Religion Department the following day, he said.

In a Feb. 28 Facebook post, Swe Win criticized Wirathu for praising the brutal murder of Ko Ni, a prominent Muslim lawyer and critic of Myanmars powerful military, who was shot on Jan. 29 as he held his grandson outside Yangon airport.

The reporter said Wirathu had committed a major violation of parajika [the Buddhist monastic code] by doing so.

In response, Wirathu demanded an apology from Swe Win within a week.

Kyaw Myo Shwe, a Ma Ba Tha member and follower of Wirathu, then filed a lawsuit against Swe Win under Section 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law, which prohibits use of the telecom network to defame people and carries a jail sentence of up to three years and a fine for violators.

Kyaw Myo Shwe withdrew the complaint in early March after being pressured by his family to do so.

On March 10, the State Sangha Maha Nayaka (Ma Ha Na), a government-appointed body of high-ranking Buddhist monks that oversees and regulates the Buddhist clergy in Myanmar, barred Wirathu from making public speeches for one year for using hate speech against religions to cause communal strife and hinder efforts to uphold the rule of law.

Religious authorities in Mandalay warned Wirathu that if he did not adhere to the year-long ban on making public speeches, they would take action against him.

Reported by Thet Su Aung for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
A Uyghur businessman suspected by Chinese authorities of maintaining contacts with separatist organizations has died under police questioning in Chinas northwestern region of Xinjiang, Uyghur sources say.



Abdurishit Haji, 55, was taken into custody on Dec. 16, 2016, and died on Jan. 13, with his body returned to his family that same day, his son Hesenjan Abdurishit told RFAs Uyghur Service.



I dont know if my father had any health issues. We were not aware of any, the younger man said, adding, They said our father was accused of helping 81 Uyghurs get visas to travel to Syria.



Abdurishit Haji had worked in Kyrgyzstan about five years before, and had gone to Turkey two years ago to seek repayment of a loan, his son said.



He had been living in Atush city in Xinjiangs Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture for the last year, he said.



Maybe he helped some Uyghurs get Turkish visas while he was in Kyrgyzstan, and some may have then left for Syria after going to Turkey, he said. That is probably why my father was arrested. But we never asked the reason, since it would be pointless to do so.



Abdurishit Haji had been accused by Chinese police of recruiting and fundraising for Uyghur separatist organizations while traveling on business in Kyrygyzstan and Turkey, Litip IminCommunist Party secretary for Atush citys Azak villagetold RFAs Uyghur Service.



He used to conduct a business in fabrics in Kyrgyzstan, but I dont know what kind of business he did in Turkey, he said.



I was the first person who was informed about Abdurishit Hajis death, said Litip, who was told by authorities to accompany Abdurishits family to the Ulugqat county hospital to take charge of the body.



They said he had died of heart failure during interrogation, he said, adding, His relatives just sat there, hanging their heads. They looked absolutely terrified.



We were not allowed to take his body home, but had to bury him that same day under police supervision.



Others held, questioned



Friends and other community members came to the family home next day to express their condolences, but the house had been put under police watch, Litip said.



At least 28 people were detained and questioned. Some were later released, but the rest are still under investigation.



China has vowed to crack down on ethnic separatism in Xinjiang, the homeland of the Uyghur people, and regularly conducts strike hard campaigns including police raids on Uyghur households, restrictions on Islamic practices, and curbs on Uyghur language and culture.



While China blames Uyghur extremists for terrorist attacks, experts outside China say Beijing has exaggerated the threat from the Uyghurs and that repressive domestic policies are responsible for an upsurge in violence there that has left hundreds dead since 2009.



Reported by Jilil Kashgary and Shohret Hoshur for RFAs Uyghur Service. Translated by Mamatjan Juma. Written in English by Richard Finney.




A group of senior Democratic U.S. senators has asked the Treasury Department and the attorney general's office to investigate President Donald Trump's alleged business dealings in Azerbaijan, which they say may have violated U.S. sanctions against Iran.

Diane Feinstein (California), ranking member of the Judiciary Committee; Ben Cardin (Maryland), ranking member of the Foreign Relations Committee; and Sherrod Brown (Ohio), ranking member of the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, issued the appeal on March 30.

They said their concerns were raised by an article in The New Yorker magazine entitled Donald Trump's Worst Deal, which describes the Trump Organization's business dealings with Azerbaijani Transport Minister and oligarch Ziya Mammadov.

Mammadov is alleged to have ties with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, which is under U.S. sanctions for supporting terrorism.

The senators noted that, although Trump's firm withdrew from a proposed deal to build the Baku Tower skyscraper, "serious questions remain unanswered about the Trump Organization's potential criminal liability."

Trump has declined to divest himself of his business interests or to place them in a blind trust and, unlike all presidents and presidential candidates since the 1970s, he has refused to disclose his tax returns.


The death toll in a suicide truck bomb targeting a police checkpoint in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad has been raised to 15, with 45 injured.

Iraqi officials on March 29 said the attacker detonated an oil tanker truck filled with explosives as it approached the checkpoint.

At least three of the dead and many of the injured were police officers, officials said. The rest were civilians.

There has been no immediate claim of responsibility, but the Islamic State (IS) militant group has carried out similar attacks as their stronghold of Mosul comes under assault by U.S.-backed forces.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters
An initiative launched in the Bosnian capital on March 30 by hundreds of notables and NGOs marks a major effort to bolster the consensus that Croats, Serbs, Bosniaks, and Montenegrins all speak the same language.

It might seem uncontroversial to assert that these neighboring peoples, who until just decades ago shared a country, speak their own standard versions of the same polycentric language.

But word of the so-called Declaration on Common Language -- dubbed by some the Sarajevo Declaration and allying hundreds of personalities and experts from across the Balkans -- has been met with howls of official outrage across the region. Opponents see the initiative as reviving the ghost of the former Yugoslavia -- one of whose official languages was Serbo-Croatian, which is now variously designated as Bosnian, Croatian, Montenegrin, or Serbian. The declaration is therefore regarded by nationalist elites in Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, and Montenegro as a threat.

Since the dismantling of Yugoslavia through proclamations of independence and successive wars between 1991 and 1999, the politics of identity has taken center stage in each of these countries. Contrasts are emphasized as symbols of statehood -- and language, above all, is put forward as evidence of distinction.

Croatian 'Newspeak'

Croatia led the way in the early 1990s with the creation of "newspeak" in the best Orwellian tradition, eliminating words that were seen as being of Serbian, or generally foreign, origin and inventing new, irreproachably Croatian ones. Bosnia-Herzegovina increased the number of Turkish words in its vocabulary, while Montenegro even introduced a new letter of the alphabet.

Years of political pressure over the "purity" of language in all these countries provoked a reaction in the form of meetings that led to the Sarajevo Declaration. Those gatherings brought together writers, linguists, actors, directors, and artists from the region together to discuss the relationships between nationalism and language.

The result is the Sarajevo Declaration, which arguably just states the obvious -- that the people in these four countries (Bosnia, Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro) understand each other; that they can communicate without interpreters. The signatories did not promote a "Serbo-Croatian" language, which is generally associated with the former Yugoslavia, as they are comfortable with different versions of the same language having different names: Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, Montenegrin. But that simple statement about a shared language is seen by others as a form of heresy -- or treason.

'Producing Future Enemies'

One of the authors of the Sarajevo Declaration, Serbian writer Vladimir Arsenijevic, says the goal of the initiative is to neutralize the damage done by nationalist identity politics in the region.

"It is most visible within the Bosnian education system, where we have two schools under one roof [children of different ethnic groups learning 'different' languages, and a different version of history]. The two-school system is a project designed to produce future enemies," Arsenijevic says.

Miro Lompar, professor of Serb literature at the University of Belgrade, is among the opponents of the initiative. He has expressed concern that the declaration's real goal is to make Serbs in Bosnia and Montenegro less aware of belonging to a Serb nation. Lompar told the Russian state news agency Sputnik in Belgrade ahead of the text's publication:

They would like to insist on a common language, but the motive is to distance ethnic Serbs living in Bosnia and Montenegro from the natural right to claim that they speak the Serbian language. In my opinion, this quasi-Yugoslav initiative is yet another attempt to de-nationalize Serbs in Bosnia and Montenegro, and at the same time to undermine the already incoherent and weak language policy being implemented by Serbia itself.

Sputnik's headline above the Lompar interview was even more dramatic, claiming: Balkan Esperanto [Is Set] To Extinguish The Serbian Language.

A 'Wolf Howl' Of Nationalists

Asked about the declaration a day before it was made public, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic responded with questions about the need for such an initiative: "How could I support that [declaration]? Who in Croatia can support it?"

Plenkovic added: "The Croatian language is defined in our constitution. Croatian is one of the official languages of the EU. That's the only thing that matters to me. There is no need to waste words on sundry informal initiatives."

A former Croatian culture minister and an informal leader of that country's far-right, Zlatko Hasanbegovic, used stronger language to denounce the Sarajevo Declaration as "a wolf howl of Yugoslav nationalists for their lost country."

But a supporter of the initiative, Croatian journalist Ante Tomic, asked rhetorically in his regular column in Jutarnji List whether "we are so stupid that we cannot memorize more than one word for a certain thing." Tomic added that through a language policy based on "pure Croatian," the state is not only controlling its subjects but also creating confusion and stoking animosity against ethnic Serbs.

"I signed [the Sarajevo Declaration] because it is a measure of reconciliation and it recognizes and includes everyone. It affirms differences, and allows for the fact that one thing can be called by many names, and that we all speak the same language, which is variously named Croatian, Serbian, Bosnian, or Montenegrin," Tomic said.

The Sarajevo Declaration claims to be nothing more than a strong statement against language being used in any project of segregation -- like that of Bosnian schools -- and against political manipulation based on the restricted use of language.

The Declaration on Common Language will officially go online on April 1, after which the organizers are encouraging supporters to add their signatures to the list.

The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect the views of RFE/RL.


It was easy to get deja vu this past week.

Just like in 2011-12, there is a sense that something very important has happened and something important has changed.

Mass protests have caught Vladimir Putin's regime off guard and suddenly there's a sense that the Kremlin's aura of omnipotence has been pierced.

Suddenly there's a sense that Vladimir Putin's regime feels threatened. But there is also a sense that the regime is very dangerous when it feels threatened.

Because everybody knows how 2011-12 ended: with a harsh crackdown on dissent followed by a military adventure in Ukraine.

Aleksei Navalny unexpectedly managed to land a punch last weekend. And now we are awaiting the Kremlin's counterpunch.

So what happens next? Here are a few thoughts and possibilities:

1) Bolotnaya Redux: Crackdowns And 'Fifth Columns'

Apparently beating demonstrators with truncheons and arresting more than 1,000 people wasn't enough. Igor Zubov thinks it's time to get really tough.

The deputy interior minister told TASS that "if these provocations begin to happen more frequently, we'll put the whole expansive arsenal at our disposal into play."

The pro-Kremlin tabloid Komsomolskaya Pravda, meanwhile, suggested that police use water cannon, tear gas, stun grenades -- and even robocops -- to disperse future demonstrations

There is also renewed talk of bolstering "patriotic education" in schools and online patriotic campaigns targeting young people.

In addition to Navalny being handed a 15-day jail sentence over the protests, the Moscow offices of his anticorruption foundation have been raided by police and Federal Security Service agents.

And Putin himself weighed in on March 30, saying "those who act outside the law must be punished."

Russian state television is also busy setting the Kremlin's narrative, predictably claiming that tens of thousands of people took to the streets in scores of cities to protest corruption due to a Western plot to undermine Russia.

So the Kremlin appears to dusting off its greatest hits: repressive measures and allegations that protesters are fifth columnists.

It appears to be reviving the script it followed after the May 2012 protests on Bolotnaya Square on the eve of Putin's inauguration.

2) A New Legitimacy Crisis: The End Of The Post-Crimea Reset?

But will a crackdown work this time?

Writing in Yezhednevny Zhurnal, political commentator Igor Yakovenko called the Kremlin's response thus far "multifaceted but predictable."

But he added that it was "highly likely" that too harsh a crackdown could lead to more violent protests in the future.

Whether the Kremlin can regain the initiative by using force, or whether that will backfire, largely depends on whether something Denis Volkov of the Levada Center calls "the Crimea reset" has faded.

In a piece last September, Volkov argued that Putin's regime was suffering a legitimacy crisis between 2009 and 2013, a crisis that fueled the mass street protests of 2011-12 and led to Navalny's meteoric rise as an opposition leader.

This legitimacy crisis lasted despite the Kremlin's harsh crackdown on dissent that followed Putin's return to the Kremlin in May 2012. And it intensified into an existential threat when the Ukrainian Euromaidan of 2013-14 seemed to inspire Russia's opposition.

And then came the annexation of Crimea, the war in the Donbas, and the ensuing patriotic fervor that rejuvenated the regime. In that atmosphere, resistance was not only futile -- it was dangerous.

But there are some signs that this is fading.

A series of videos have appeared online of high school and university students pushing back against forced patriotism in the classroom.

And it is not just a youth rebellion. Prominent Russians are also becoming less shy about criticizing the authorities.

Russian filmmaker Aleksandr Sokurov, for example, used his acceptance speech at the Nika film awards this week to condemn police violence against the protesters.

Russian truckers, meanwhile, are continuing their strike against an unpopular road tax.

And this is all happening as the Kremlin prepares for presidential elections next March -- elections they had hoped to turn into a coronation.

"The more strain that is required from the power elite, and the more resources it has to accumulate during the process of preparing society for the 2018 election, the more rapid and less tractable the decline in the legitimacy of Putins regime will be thereafter," Volkov wrote.

Regimes like Putin's are not sustained by force alone, but also by a collective hallucination of omnipotence, invulnerability, and inevitability. And they get in trouble when the collective hallucination ends.

3) Kremlin Intrigue: A Deeper Game Afoot?

Not all the noises coming out of official Moscow about last weekend's protests have been hostile.

Federation Council speaker Valentina Matviyenko, for instance, has called on the authorities to listen to the protesters concerns about corruption.

And Federation Council member Vyacheslav Markhayev has suggested that the corruption allegations in Navalny's expose of Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev's property holdings -- the nominal cause of the demonstrations -- should be investigated.

The fact that Medvedev is being assailed as Russia prepares for next year's presidential election suggests that, in addition to the genuine popular anger that drove last week's protests, there might also be some Kremlin intrigue afoot here as well.

That is, somebody may be trying to use the Navalny report and last weekend's protests to remove Medvedev from office.

"In a police state like Russia, investigative journalism is something that happens only when powerful interests want to screw over their rivals," Damir Marusic and Karina Orlova wrote in The American Interest.

"These particular revelations about Medvedevs ill-gotten gains held a specific private message intended for Putin himself."

If that was the case, then Medvedev's highly publicized trip to the Arctic with Putin this week appeared to indicate that he is still in favor in the Kremlin.

And after that trip, Medvedev appeared eager to assert his authority -- uncharacteristically playing the tough guy and berating underlings for arriving late for a Cabinet meeting.

It is ironic that the last time Russians protested in large numbers, in 2011-12, it was driven by disappointment that the "liberal" Medvedev was being pushed out of the Kremlin by Vladimir Putin in the infamous "castling."

Now protesters are calling for Medvedev's head.

So it is deja vu -- except that it's different.

The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect the views of RFE/RL.

NOTE TO READERS: Be sure to tune into this week's Power Vertical Podcast on March 31 when we will discuss the aftermath of last weekend's protests and the issues raised in this post. Joining me will be co-host Mark Galeotti of the Institute of International Relations in Prague and Anna Arutunyan, author of the book The Putin Mystique.
Beijing's security cooperation with the Central Asian states is likely to grow significantly stronger in the coming months.

The militant group Islamic State (IS) recently released a video purportedly showing Uyghurs, a Turkic Muslim group living for centuries in an area that is now the western part of China, training somewhere in the Middle East. One Uyghur speaks in the video, making threats against China.

It was not the first time Uyghurs fighting in Islamic extremist groups threatened China, but this recent video certainly got the attention of the Chinese government.

President Xi Jinping called on March 10 for a "great wall of iron" to protect Xinjiang.

On the western side of Xinjiang, beyond this "iron wall," is Central Asia.

A simplified view of China's and Russia's engagement in Central Asia would be that China is the banker, having spent, invested, or loaned governments in Central Asia tens of billions of dollars just in recent years; while Russia, with military bases in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and still the major supplier of weapons to all five former Soviet republics, is the regional policeman.

There is a lot of overlap here, certainly.

Military Aid

For nearly 20 years now, China has been providing military assistance to the Central Asian states.

Already in November 1999, China gave Kyrgyzstan's army clothing for troops. In 2002, China gave Kazakhstan $3 million in military equipment. China has been supplying uniforms, vehicles, and military equipment to Tajikistan's armed forces since at least as far back as 2003.

Much more recently, Turkmenistan's state television aired brief footage on March 30, 2016, that showed Chinese-made air-defense systems as part of Ashgabat's growing array of weapons. Uzbekistan is rumored to have purchased the same system and also military drones from China.

China is a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and has participated in military counterterrorism exercises with troops from other SCO countries, notably Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan (Uzbekistan usually does not send troops to such drills).

China has also conducted bilateral exercises with individual Central Asian countries; the first was with Kyrgyz forces in October 2002. Most recently, Chinese troops trained with Tajik troops along Tajikistan's eastern border with Afghanistan in October 2016.

Joint Operations

Chinese and Tajik forces have gone beyond exercises and conducted joint counternarcotics operations along the Tajik-Afghan border, in some cases up to 200 kilometers away from the Chinese border.

Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and China all meet in the high plateau of the Wakhan Corridor and there have been reports that China has troops, or at least police, in the Afghan section of this narrow strip of territory.

China admits that Chinese and Afghan police have conducted "law enforcement operations in border areas to fight terrorism" but denies the Chinese military is involved.

And then there is other recent news that China has contracted the services of the Frontier Services Group (FSG). FSG executive chairman Eric Prince told the Chinese newspaper Global Times that his firm would be helping China with security and operational tasks in the northwest and southeast corridors of the One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative.

Prince is the founder of the private security company Blackwater -- now called Academi -- which was involved in the U.S.-led campaign in Iraq that started in 2003. In the interview with the Global Times, Prince said FSG would establish an operations base in Xinjiang for the Northwest corridor. He said, "The Northwest corridor includes the countries of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, [and] Afghanistan"

Of course, all this happened before the recent IS Uyghur video surfaced.

Uyghurs Under Pressure

Since the video appeared, Chinese authorities have increased their pressure on the Uyghur population in Xinjiang. Large military parades were conducted in March in major cities in Xinjiang as a reminder of Chinese strength.

This comes after several years of increasing restrictions on Uyghurs that include bans on women dressing in burqas or other Islamic clothing or men having beards. This despite the fact that Uyghur resistance to Chinese rule arguably has more to do with nationalism and is based on fears Uyghur culture is being extinguished by Han Chinese policies.

Even the Chinese government has been reluctant to equate the Uyghur struggle with Islam. Beijing has preferred to refer to problems in Xinjiang as attempted "separatism" but increasingly the focus of Chinese efforts in Xinjiang has been on curtailing the Uyghurs' religious practices.

Which brings us back to Central Asia, because in the eyes of policy-makers in Beijing, Central Asia is the most likely place for Islamic extremists or their ideas to make their way into Xinjiang.

Ultimate Guarantor

Beijing is likely content to allow Russia to be Central Asia's ultimate guarantor of security, but, as has been seen, that does not mean Chinese authorities would withhold military assistance to Central Asian governments.

And while China won't replace Russia in the security equation in Central Asia, Beijing might replace Washington. The United States has provided nonlethal aid to Central Asian governments, such as all-terrain vehicles and in the case of Uzbekistan, even mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles.

China could provide similar equipment, and the negotiating process for Central Asian governments to obtain such military hardware from China is probably now very short. It would be difficult to imagine China would delay any help that would bolster Central Asia's efforts toward keeping vestiges of Islamic extremism at bay and thus off of China's western doorstep.

Since most, if not all, of the military aid that the United States provides Central Asia is simply given free, Central Asian governments are not likely to refuse any of it. But we wouldn't be surprised at the Qishloq if a far greater quantity of Chinese-made military vehicles, equipment, and maybe more starts appearing in the region soon.

The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect the views of RFE/RL.
So, the Kremlin is rolling out its talking points on why tens of thousands of Russians took to the streets in nationwide protests last week.

Can you guess what they are? Of course, you can! It was a Western plot. What else could it be after all?

Speaking on state television Sunday night, State Duma Deputy Vyacheslav Nikonov said the protests are the latest manifestation of a U.S. plot to undermine Russia.

You know, just like it did in Georgia and Ukraine. Just like it is doing in Belarus.

These guys just can't help themselves. They just keep going back to their greatest hits.

Because in the Kremlin's worldview, ordinary citizens in the former Soviet Union have absolutely no agency of their own.

If they challenge their rulers in any way -- let alone take to the streets in protest -- the only explanation can be that they're pawns in some dark conspiracy hatched by some foreign power.

They're naive children who are easily manipulated.

It's inconceivable that they could develop civic consciousness.

It's inconceivable that they could form voluntary associations to try to improve their lives.

It's inconceivable that they could take to the streets of their own accord to oppose systemic corruption.

And it's remarkable the degree to which Vladimir Putin's regime appears to actually believe these things, whether it's talking about Georgians, about Ukrainians, about Belarusians, or about Russians.

And what this says is that this is a regime that looks upon its own people, and those of its neighbors, with fear and contempt.

Keep telling me what you think on The Power Vertical's Twitter feed and on our Facebook page.
Iraqi forces said they gained more territory inside the western half of Mosul as they try to retake the city from Islamic State militants. The Associated Press quoted an Iraqi officer on March 30 as saying his troops had advanced about 100 meters into the Old City in the west of Mosul over the past two days. Fighting has been street by street, building by building, as shown in this video from RFE/RL's Radio Farda taken in the Al Maghrib neighborhood of west Mosul on March 29.
WASHINGTON -- Russian opposition political activist Vladimir Kara-Murza Jr. has urged U.S. lawmakers in Washington to remain engaged with Russias pro-democracy movement.

Kara-Murza on March 29 told a Senate Appropriations subcommittee that the Trump administration should keep pressure on the Russian authorities and President Vladimir Putin and take reports of his interference in foreign affairs seriously.

"For too many years, for too long, leaders of Western democracies have been just ignoring and moving on from what Mr. Putin has been doing," Kara-Murza said.

He said if the United States ignored the evidence that Russia had interfered in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, it would encourage the Kremlin to increase foreign aggression along with domestic oppression.

Kara-Murza, 35, fell ill in Moscow on February 2 and spent several days in a medically induced coma.

He was released from the hospital on February 19 and underwent rehabilitation abroad.

Kara-Murzas symptoms were almost identical to those he suffered in a near-fatal illness in 2015 that he said he believes was a deliberate poisoning in retaliation for his political activities.

Russian prosecutors rejected a request to open a criminal case in connection with the 2015 incident.

"Sometimes there are near misses" in Russian political murders, he told the senators. "And one happens to be sitting before you."

Kara-Murza is a veteran liberal political activist and was a friend of Boris Nemtsov, a prominent opposition politician who was shot dead near the Kremlin in February 2015.

Kara-Murza lobbied actively in the United States for the passage of the Magnitsky Act, which imposes targeted sanctions on Russian officials believed to have been involved in human rights abuses.

Kara-Murza, who showed no obvious signs of his poisoning during his Senate hearings, urged the United States to continue to apply the act, which since 2012 has sanctioned some 40 Russian nationals.

"This is not only about money. Much more importantly, it's about the message the U.S. sends to Russia's civil society," he said. "Do you choose to engage or to turn away?"

The appearance before the Foreign Operations Subcommittee is part of an inquiry into what Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican-South Carolina) has called Russia's "misadventures throughout the world."

Graham has been a severe critic of U.S. President Donald Trumps push for closer ties to Russia and Putin.

With reporting by AP and AFP
A lawyer for jailed Tajik human rights attorney Buzurgmehr Yorov has fled Tajikistan after fearing for her safety.

Muazzama Qodirova told RFE/RL on March 29 that she is currently in Germany and has applied for political asylum there.

Qodirova's whereabouts had been unknown for three months.

She told RFE/RL that Tajik authorities had threatened to launch a criminal investigation accusing her of leaking information about her client's case to foreign media.

Yorov was a lawyer for 13 jailed members and leaders of the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan (IRPT), which President Emomali Rahmon's government labeled a terrorist organization and outlawed in 2015.

In October, Yorov was sentenced to 23 years in prison, after the Dushanbe City Court convicted him of calling for the government's overthrow and inciting social unrest.

In mid-March, Tajikistan's Supreme Court found Yorov guilty of contempt of court and insulting a government official and extended his prison term by two years.

Yorov is among at least five human rights attorneys whom rights groups say have been targeted by authorities in Tajikistan in connection with their work.
BRUSSELS -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has defended plans to open a liaison office in Moldova, saying it can help facilitate a practical partnership between the two sides.

NATO will "soon" open the office in the capital, Chisinau, Stoltenberg said after talks with Moldovan Prime Minister Pavel Filip in Brussels on March 30, describing it as "a small diplomatic mission with only civilian staff."

Stoltenberg stressed that cooperation activities between NATO and Moldova have been requested by Chisinau, and that the country's neutrality was being respected.

"It is absolutely possible to further strengthen our partnership with Moldova, fully respecting the neutrality of Moldova," he said.

Moldovas pro-Western government signed an agreement with NATO on the opening of the liaison bureau in November.

But pro-Russian President Igor Dodon, who took office in December, has opposed the plan.

"A NATO office in Chisinau, in a neutral country, is a provocation," he told RFE/RL in February.

The Moldovan presidency is largely symbolic but Dodon's position has been strengthened by the fact that he was elected in a direct popular vote, the first president to win office through such an election since 1997.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Rikard Jozwiak
BRUSSELS -- Ambassadors from NATO nations and Russia gathered at the alliances headquarters in Brussels for the first NATO-Russia Council session of 2017.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the talks on March 30 would focus on issues including the conflict in eastern Ukraine, the security situation in Afghanistan, and the "regional terrorist threat."

Amid persistent tension between NATO and Russia, Stoltenberg said another focus would be "military activities, transparency, and risk reduction."

He said the diplomats would have "reciprocal briefings on our military postures," discussing the deployment of three new divisions in western Russia and "the four battle groups that we are in the process of deploying in the Baltic countries and Poland.

Stoltenberg described the talks as "an important step toward more predictability, more transparency, which is especially in need now when we have increased military activity along our borders."

State-run Russian news agency TASS quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksei Meshkov as saying Moscow plans to discuss "NATO's military buildup along our borders."

NATO has deployed thousands of soldiers and heavy weaponry to Poland, the Baltic states, and southeastern Europe, moving to provide extra security and reassurances to members close to Russia following its aggression in Ukraine.

Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine in March 2014 and backs separatists in a war against government forces that has killed more than 9,900 people in eastern Ukraine since that April.

Russia has also caused concern among NATO nations with snap military exercises in its Western regions and by buzzing the alliance's ships and aircraft with fighter jets, as well as the aggressive use of propaganda.

NATO suspended all practical cooperation with Russia after Moscow's annexation of Crimea in March 2014, but political channels remain open via the NATO-Russia Council, which held three similar gatherings last year.

The March 30 meeting comes a day before a meeting of the 28-nation alliances foreign ministers, including U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
NATO representatives have told Russia that the situation in Ukraine is of "deep concern" at the first session of the Russia-NATO Council to be held this year.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told journalists after the Brussels meeting on March 30 that the meeting was "frank" and "constructive" although the two sides "continue to have clear disagreement" on the crisis in Ukraine.

Stoltenberg said the alliance urged Moscow to use its influence with militants in eastern Ukraine to compel them to meet their obligations under the so-called Minsk process to resolve the crisis.

He added that NATO was firm in its support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"The allies do not and will not recognize Russia's illegal annexation of [the Ukrainian region of] Crimea," Stoltenberg said.

Russia's ambassador to NATO, Aleksandr Grushko, in turn criticized NATO for "continuing to provide political and practical support to Kyiv," a policy that he said is "at odds with genuine interests of conflict settlement."

He urged NATO to pressure Kyiv to resume trade and transit with the rebel-held areas.

On March 15, Kyiv announced the suspension of all cargo traffic with separatist-held areas of eastern Ukraine, essentially putting a blockade launched by activists in January under state control.

The NATO-Russia Council also discussed various military activities and ways of improving "risk reduction" following numerous incidents of close encounters between Russian and NATO military assets.

"It is not an easy dialogue," Stoltenberg said. "But it is a dialogue we are committed to. And when tensions run high, it is even more important to keep talking with each other to increase predictability and reduce risks."

Ambassador Grushko told told Russian media that "it is not possible to build confidence until NATO abandons its military-domination policy."

He criticized NATO for purportedly adopting a "policy aimed at restraining Russia and demonstrating their military capabilities near our borders."

He added that such meetings of the Russia-NATO Council are important "but they are not enough to improve the security situation." He warned against pursuing "dialogue for the sake of dialogue."

With reporting by dpa and TASS


MOSCOW -- Maryat Zanzulayeva, who recently spoke out against a spate of police arrests and beatings that took place in Chechnya, has become the latest person in the Russian republic to be browbeaten by its powerful parliament speaker.



Zanzulayeva absorbed a verbal reprimand dished out this week on local-government-run TV after speaker Magomed Daudov, a close ally of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, "invited" her to speak to him.



The invitation came after her appearance in a video posted online on March 27 in which she is seen speaking at a gathering of residents in Davydenko following reports of police abuses there stemming from an apparent land-registry dispute.



Daudov thanked her for having "accepted his offer," saying that "it is the duty of lawmakers to examine complaints." And then he laid into her.

RFE/RL's North Caucasus Service published a short extract of the dialogue between Zanzulayeva and the lawmaker.



"Maryat, has anyone touched you?"



"No," she replies, barely audibly.



"Has anyone touched your mother?"



"No."



"Did you see anyone from law-enforcement officers touch other village residents?"



"No."

"Remember the Chechen adats," Davydenko says, referring to the customary laws of the North Caucasus region that can allow for retribution. "You insulted someone, comparing them to a bull's cheek. If he writes a statement about being insulted, you will be brought to account. You're not even from this village, you were born in Naur, but are speaking up for the residents of Davydenko. That's not nice. And not typical for a Chechen.



"I didn't know I was being filmed," she says. "Everything I said is untrue. I ask for your forgiveness."

WATCH: Maryat Zanzulayeva Is Upbraided On Chechen TV (in Russian and Chechen, no subtitles)



The Caucasian Knot news agency had reported on March 26 that police assaulted villagers, including an elderly woman, seized residents' mobile phones, fired into the air, and placed three residents under arrest.

That incident reportedly occurred after villagers refused to pay huge fines for newly built houses that local authorities said had not been properly registered.



Zanzulayeva's body language in the clip aired on TV suggested she had not come of her own accord and that she was afraid. Her eyes pointed downwards and her shoulders were hunched over.

Authorities in Chechnya -- including its strongman leader, Kadyrov -- have been criticized for publicly shaming Chechens or coercing them into apologies if they criticize the powers that be.



In December 2015, Kadyrov trotted social worker Ayshat Inayeva and her husband before the cameras for a televised upbraiding. She had complained about Kadyrov and accused him of overseeing endemic corruption during a two-minute audio message posted to Whatsapp.



Daudov gained national headlines in January when he threatened the chief editor of Caucasian Knot, Grigory Shvedov -- whom he calls the "Swede" in reference to the journalist's surname -- saying it is time "to pull a couple of wisdom teeth from the Swede and shorten his tongue to a normal size."

A year earlier, Daudov openly threatened the liberal Russian opposition, whom he called "traitors" and a "fifth column." Posting a photograph of his slavering attack dog, Tarzan, he warned them that its "fangs are itching" to get at the opposition.


Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed criticism over a police crackdown on protesters, saying anyone who breaks the law will be punished.

In remarks on March 30, Putin suggested that opposition leader Aleksei Navalny was using the rallies to promote himself ahead of the country's 2018 presidential election.

On the same day, the Moscow City Court upheld a 15-day administrative jail sentence against Navalny, who was charged with resisting a police officer on the day of the March 26 protests.

Putin's remarks were his first public comments on the anticorruption rallies that brought tens of thousands of people into the streets in dozens of cities across Russia four days earlier, the biggest protests against his government in about five years.

Police detained more than 1,000 people in Moscow alone, beating some of them in a show of force.

Clearly referring to protest organizer Navalny without naming him, Putin said it is "wrong when somebody, some political forces try to use this [fight against corruption] in their own sordid interests, not to improve the situation in the country but for self-promotion in the political arena on the eve of...election campaigns."

Speaking at a meeting on Arctic issues in the northern city of Arkhangelsk, Putin said that "everybody who goes beyond the bounds of the law, including those at the public gatherings, must be punished in accordance with Russian law."

Putin said that corruption is a "rather serious problem for us as for other countries."

Putin also dismissed criticism from foreign governments over the crackdown, saying "we consider appeals of this sort to be purely politicized questions with the goal of putting some kind of pressure on the internal political life of the country."

Navalny announced in December that he would run for president in a March 2018 election in which Putin is widely expected to seek a new six-year term.

The March 26 rallies were prompted after Navalny's organization released an investigative report with compelling allegations of massive corruption on the part of Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. Navalny has campaigned unsuccessfully to force the government to investigate the allegations.

Initially, the government and state media largely ignored the mass protests. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on March 27 speculated that many of the young participants in the demonstrations had been paid to attend.

Prosecutors have opened an investigation into that allegation.

On March 30, Peskov called the demonstrations a "provocation," but added that the government has "no information" that they were funded from abroad.

Peskov declined to answer a question regarding Putin's relationship to Medvedev in the wake of Navalny's expose.

In addition to Navalny, 12 members of his anticorruption organization have been given short administrative jail sentences following the March 26 protests.

A spokeswoman for the Anticorruption Foundation said the arrests were "an obvious attempt to disrupt the work of the organization."

After Navalny's sentence was upheld on March 30, Olga Mikhailova, a lawyer for the detained opposition leader, said she would be taking his case to the European Court of Human Rights.

Russia ranks 131st of 176 countries in the Corruption Perception Index of the international NGO Transparency International.

According to a 2011 report by the Global Financial Integrity think tank, Russia lost $427 billion to corruption between 2000 and 2008.

With reporting by AP, DozhdTV, Interfax, TASS, RIA Novosti, and Ekho Moskvy
Hundreds of Russian truck drivers continued their strike for the third day, demanding the government repeal a road tax they say is onerous and ineffective.

An organizer on March 29 told the French AFP news agency the strike will continue "at least until April 15."

Mikhail Kurbatov, coordinator of the Organization of Russian Carriers, said the biggest number of strikers are in the North Caucasus republic of Daghestan, where "95 percent of truck drivers are participating."

He estimated that 200 truck drivers were striking in St. Petersburg and 170 in the Tyumen region in western Siberia.

Another coordinator, Andrei Bazhutin, head of the United Truckers of Russia, was detained in St. Petersburg on March 27 and sentenced to 14 days of administrative arrest for driving without a license. On March 29, his term in custody was shortened to five days.

Organizers have said they expect at least 10,000 truckers to eventually take part in the strike.

The Platon road-tax system was imposed in 2015, sparking a wave of protests by truckers, who have said it is an enrichment scheme rather than a genuine tax to improve roads.

The current protests follow a January 31 government decision to double the Platon fee -- increasing it from 1.53 rubles ($0.03) to 3.06 rubles per kilometer -- as of April 15.

But Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev issued a resolution on March 24 increasing the tax by a more modest 25 percent immediately, making it 1.91 rubles per kilometer.

The text of the resolution indicates that no further increase is currently planned.

Platon is managed by a company owned by a son of Arkady Rotenberg, an oligarch who was once President Vladimir Putin's judo sparring partner.

With reporting by AFP, The Washington Post, OVD-Info, and Gazeta.ru
WASHINGTON -- U.S. senators took a deep look into Russias alleged meddling during the 2016 presidential election, with outside experts testifying that, without a strong U.S. response, Moscow will do more of the same in the future.

The March 30 open hearing, the first of its kind, was held by the Senate Intelligence Committee. A simultaneous investigation by the FBI, the inquiry by the Senate committee, and other congressional panels have shadowed U.S. President Donald Trump's administration and fueled deep suspicions about possible collusion with Russian agents.

"I will not prejudge the outcome of our investigation," the committees lead Democrat, Mark Warner, told the hearing.

"We are seeking to determine if there is an actual fire, but so far there is a great, great deal of smoke, he said.

"We're all targets of a sophisticated and capable adversary, and we must engage in whole-of-government approach to combat Russian 'active measures,'" Republican Chairman Richard Burr said.

The question of whether Trump aides secretly colluded with Russian officials has dogged the White House since before he took office in January.

His national security adviser, Michael Flynn, was forced to resign in February after it was revealed he had misled the administration about his contacts with Russian officials.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions later recused himself from investigations into alleged Russian activity after he was less than forthright about his interactions with Russian diplomats.

In a report released in January, the U.S. intelligence community concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin had ordered a hacking-and-propaganda campaign aimed at undermining faith in the U.S. election system.

It also said the campaign eventually sought to denigrate Trump's Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, and favor Trump.

The Trump White House has strenuously denied any suggestions of collusion between current and former aides, and Russian officials. However, Trump himself has also suggested that any communication that may have occurred during the campaign was legitimate and acceptable.

Moscow 'Emboldened'

Experts told the panel that the use of computer hacking, fake news sites, stolen emails, and "bots" -- networks of computers that have been taken over by malware and used to amplify propaganda -- and other tools were techniques that Russian officials call "active measures."

Roy Godson, author of a book examining Russian and Soviet propaganda tools, said that Moscow was emboldened by the fallout from last year's election and would likely use such tools again if there is no decisive U.S. response.

"If we dont cauterize it and limit its effectiveness, they will have an incentive to continue," said Godson, now a Georgetown University professor.

Clint Watts, a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute Program on National Security, said it was likely that Russia started to build up the tools it used during the election campaign as early as 2009.

Watts also said that Russian disinformation campaigns targeted both Democratic and Russian lawmakers, an effort he said was continuing.

Several senators picked up on recent comments by former Vice President Dick Cheney, who likened the reported Russian interference to an act of war.

"It seems to me, gentlemen, that we are engaged in a new form of aggression, if not war. It strikes me that Vladimir Putin is playing a weak hand, very well," Democratic Senator Angus King said.

The Kremlin has repeatedly denied the conclusions that Russian intelligence officers or Russian-backed hackers interfered in the election campaign, or sought to influence it.

Putin himself pushed back on the allegations at a forum in the northern Russian city of Arkhangelsk on March 30, as he dismissed what he said were "endless and groundless" accusations against Moscow.

Pressed by the moderator of the forum about whether Russia had interfered, Putin answered by quoting a famous line from former President George H.W. Bush, spoken nearly 30 years ago in response to a pledge about raising taxes.

"Read my lips," Putin said. "No." Putin emphasized his point by saying the word "no" in English.

"This anti-Russian card is being played in the interests of some political forces inside the United States with the aim of strengthening and consolidating their positions," Putin said.

With reporting by AP
Slovakia's state News Agency of the Slovak Republic (TASR) says it will initiate proceedings to withdraw from a controversial contract with Russia's state Sputnik news agency.

TASR said on March 30 that it will immediately stop making Sputnik's material available to its journalists.

Sputnik announced the contract on March 29 saying it was "happy to work with a major agency like TASR" and that "this deal will help us increase information exchange between our countries."

After an uproar of protest, TASR just one day later reversed course, saying that no Sputnik material had been used during the one-month trial period that led up to the contract.

Sputnik has been repeatedly accused of reporting false stories and of fomenting political extremism in the West.

In February, NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu told the BBC that Sputnik's aim is "not to convince people, but to confuse them; not to provide an alternative reality, but to divide public opinions and to ultimately undermine our ability to understand what is going on."

Based on reporting by Sputnik, the BBC, and TASR
DUSHANBE -- A Tajik man who claimed that his confession of trying to recruit fighters for the Islamic State (IS) extremist group was obtained under duress, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.

A court in Dushanbe on March 30 found Jovidon Hakimov, 29, guilty of organizing a criminal group and recruiting Tajik citizens to the ranks of IS militants fighting in Syria and Iraq. The court sentenced him the same day.

Hakimovs lawyer and relatives said they will appeal the ruling.

Hakimov claimed earlier that he had been severely beaten by police officers who interrogated him after his arrest in January.

Several police officers who testified at the Dushanbe court hearing refuted Hakimov's claims.

Tajik authorities say some 1,100 Tajik nationals have joined IS militants in the Middle East, with most of them recruited in Russia, where hundreds of thousands of Tajiks are migrant workers.


ON MY MIND

Dmitry Medvedev has suddenly gone from being a punchline to being the most reviled man in Russia. The prime minister has gone from being viewed as a cartoonish, albeit affable, buffoon to being the poster boy of official corruption.

As Damir Marusic and Karina Orlova note in a piece featured below, it is ironic that the last time Russians protested in large numbers, in 2011-12, it was driven by disappointment that the "liberal" Medvedev was being pushed out of the Kremlin by Vladimir Putin in the infamous "castling." Now protesters are calling for Medvedev's head.

And the fact that Medvedev is being assailed as Russia prepares for next year's presidential election suggests that in addition to the genuine popular anger that drove last week's protests, and in addition to Aleksei Navalny's apparent real rise as a national opposition leader, there might also be some Kremlin intrigue afoot here as well.

Is someone on the inside trying to get rid of Medvedev? Perhaps.

But it is not yet clear, as Mikhail Fishman suggests in another piece featured below, that he's truly become a lame duck. His highly publicized trip to the Arctic with Vladimir Putin appeared designed to illustrate that he is still in favor in the Kremlin.

IN THE NEWS

Ambassadors from NATO nations and Russia gathered at the alliances headquarters in Brussels for the first NATO-Russia Council session of 2017.

Russian opposition political activist Vladimir Kara-Murza Jr. has urged U.S. lawmakers in Washington to remain engaged with Russias pro-democracy movement.

Hundreds of Russian truck drivers continued their strike for the third day, demanding the government repeal a road tax they say is onerous and ineffective.

PEN America has announced that it will honor imprisoned Ukrainian writer and filmmaker Oleh Sentsov with its 2017 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, and other senior officials traveled to the Arctic archipelago of Franz Josef Land for a visit aimed in part at emphasizing Russia's role in the Arctic region.

Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill has blamed "the intelligentsia" for all of Russia's misfortunes in the 20th century.

The Russian Orthodox Church has sharply criticized a proposed referendum on the fate of St. Isaacs Cathedral, a St. Petersburg landmark that is at the center of a bitter dispute.

Controversial World Chess Federation President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov has reiterated that he is not resigning and says he is undecided on whether to seek reelection in September 2018.

A court in London has ruled that Ukraine has failed to present a court-ready defense in a suit by Russia seeking repayment of $3 billion lent by Moscow to the government of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.

Poland has temporarily shut down its consulates in Ukraine after a grenade attack damaged one of them in the border town of Lutsk early on March 29.

WHAT I'M READING

Takin' It To The Streets

Commentaries, analysis, and reactions continue to pour in on last weekend's protests. Here's a sampling of some of the latest:

On the European Council on Foreign Relations website, Anna Arutunyan, author of the book The Putin Mystique, outlines four ways that the protests have gone beyond the massive street demonstrations of 2011-12.

In a piece in OpenDemocracy, Ivan Davydov challenges some of the myths the Russian authorities are trying to perpetuate about last weekend's "teenage rebellion."

In The American Interest, Damir Marusic and Karina Orlova take a look at the Kremlin intrigue behind the protests.

In Republic.ru, political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya looks ahead to how the Kremlin might respond to the protests.

In an op-ed in The Washington Post, Yevgenia Albats explains why Russia's youth are finding their voice.

Likewise, in Global Voices, Kevin Rothrock looks at Russia's Youngster Uprising.

And according to this post on VKontakte, another protest is being organized for April 2 in Moscow.

Known Knowns About Belarus Protests

Keir Giles of Chatham House has a piece on what we know about the protests in Belarus.

Russia's Polluted Polar Regions

The Siberian Times takes a look at widespread pollution in Russia's Arctic regions.

Lavrov Speaks

Paul Saunders has an extensive interview with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in The National Interest.

Pipeline Propaganda

Alan Riley, a senior fellow at the Institute for Statecraft in London, has a piece on the Center for European Policy Analysis website on the disinformation surrounding Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline project.

Countering Information War

GLOBSEC has released its new report, Countering Information War: Lessons Learned From NATO And Partner Countries. The report is based on workshops held last year in Tbilisi and Bratislava (in which I was among the more than 100 participants from 15 countries).

The Man Who Knew Too Much?

Brian Bonner has a good piece in The Kyiv Post in which he interviews exiled former Russian lawmaker Ilya Ponomarev about the assassination of exiled former Russian lawmaker Denis Voronenkov. According to Ponomarev, the authorities in Kyiv "missed the importance" of Voronenkov "as a witness" and "of protecting him as a symbol."

A Propaganda Fail In Crimea

In an op-ed in The Moscow Times, Anton Shekhovtsov, author of the upcoming book Tango Noir: Russia And The Western Far Right, argues that the latest visit by Western politicians to Crimea was a "propaganda fail" for the Kremlin.

Is Medvedev A Lame Duck

Also in The Moscow Times, Mikhail Fishman argues that Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev is now a lame duck.
Spring has finally made its debut, but with it comes some pesky insects, the most common being flies. As the weather starts to warm up  significantly here in Oklahoma  house and stable flies have begun to emerge, bringing with them bacteria, pathogens, and disease-causing agents. Though these insects have a relatively brief life cycle, ranging from 10 to 21 days, they can produce between 200 and 600 eggs, which can lead to high population levels in a short amount of time. These nuisances are most likely located around calf hutches, feedbunks, water tanks, manure storage, and hospital and maternity areas, and they thrive in moist organic matter.

Though having some flies is inevitable on dairy operations, its important to manage numbers. In order to do that, we should monitor the population to help determine the best treatment method.

The milk jug method utilizes a minimum of five plastic gallon-sized containers with four 2-inch holes cut out on each side. These jugs are filled with fly bait and hung from the rafters or ceiling with stiff wire to minimize movement. One should leave these containers out for seven days before counting the number of flies collected. If the average fly number is above 250 per week, it may be time to employ the fly treatment best suited to your operation.

The spot card method is also an inexpensive way to monitor fly numbers. Place a minimum of five white index cards in areas where flies can commonly be found. Flies are attracted to the color white and will use the card as a resting area. Just like the milk jug method, leave these cards out for seven days before counting the number of defecation and regurgitation spots found on the paper. If the number averages above 100 spots per week, it is time to take action.

Even relatively low numbers of flies can cause an economic injury to producers. Because of these pests, milk production and average daily gain numbers can drop. Therefore, monitoring fly numbers can be an effective tool to help optimize the efficiency of your operation.
Turkey has announced it is ending its Euphrates Shield military campaign near the border region in northern Syria, but it did not immediately say whether it was pulling its troops out of the war-ravaged country.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim on March 29 said the operation was "successful and is finished."

But he did not rule out future operations in Syria under a different campaign name.

Turkey launched Euphrates Shield last August, with troops, tanks, and warplanes backing Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebels battling to push Islamic State (IS) extremists away from the Turkish border region.

FSA troops have also been fighting Syrian Kurdish fighters that Ankara says are "terrorists."

"From now on, if there is anything that threatens our security, either [IS] or any other [group], and if we take another action, that will be a new operation," Yildirim said.

Turkey and the United States have been supporting various factions fighting the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Russia and Iran back Assad.

U.S. and Turkish officials do not agree on the opposition to Assad, with the Americans supporting many Kurdish fighters, including the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia, part of the larger Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

IS fighters also became involved, gaining large swathes of land in Syria as well as in Iraq.

The militant group has been losing ground and is holding out in its last Syrian stronghold of Raqqa, as a U.S.-backed Kurdish-Arab alliance attempts to encircle the city for a final assault.

Turkey has troops remaining near the border. It has never disclosed how many troops were involved in Euphrates Shield.

Turkey has been working closer with Russia in recent months, brokering a cease-fire and sponsoring peace talks in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The conflict began in March 2011 when protests broke out against Assad's government.

Since then, more than 300,000 people have been killed and millions more have been displaced by fighting that has created one of the largest migrant crises in Europe since World War II.

With reporting by AFP, AP, and Reuters
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has ordered the military to implement a cease-fire and weapons pullback in the conflict region in eastern Ukraine beginning on April 1.

Poroshenko made the announcement on March 30 in Malta, where he was meeting with European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker.

Poroshenko said that he is "not very optimistic" that the Russia-supported rebels controlling parts of two eastern Ukrainian regions will abide by the agreement, which was reached in Minsk on March 29.

According to the Russian state news agency TASS, a spokesman for the militants in Luhansk said on March 30 that his forces are "always ready to ensure the cease-fire."

During a meeting of the Russia-NATO Council in Brussels, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg pressed Russia to compel the militants to implement the cease-fire and withdraw their heavy weaponry.

He also asked Moscow to ensure that international observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe have complete access to the conflict area.

Based on reporting by dpa, Reuters, and TASS
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres traveled to Iraq on March 30 to review what he called the dire humanitarian situation there, as Iraqi forces continue their battle to retake the northern city of Mosul from the extremist group Islamic State (IS).

"Protection of civilians must be the absolute priority," Guterres said on Twitter on March 30.

In Baghdad, Guterres met parliament speaker Salim al-Juburi and Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari. He was also due to hold talks with Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi before heading north to visit displaced persons camps.

In October, government forces launched a major offensive backed by U.S.-led coalition air strikes to recapture Mosul, the main IS stronghold in the country.

The forces have retaken the eastern part of the city, and the battle in the more densely populated west has been intensifying.

Hundreds of thousands of civilians have been caught in the cross fire or fled their homes to escape the fighting.

With reporting by AFP and AP
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the United States and Turkey were united in their commitment to defeat Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq. Following a meeting in Ankara with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on March 30, Tillerson spoke at a news conference with the country's foreign minister. Tillerson said the two countries were considering "difficult options" for liberating the Syrian city and IS stronghold of Raqqa. (AP)
Citing a contractors error, the city of Richmond has closed a portion of the southern entrance of the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge.

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoneys press secretary, Jim Nolan, said in an email that the city discovered the asphalt paths that lead to the bridges southern terminus were installed incorrectly with slopes that are too steep in certain places to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The city is not paying for the repairs, Nolan said.

A number of options were explored, but all felt it was best to have the paths fixed properly and completely (not patches), and to do that before heavy usage as the weather improves, he said.
Police were investigating after a 24-year-old Chesterfield County man was fatally shot early Thursday in Petersburg.

Officers were called at 2:18 a.m., to a 7-Eleven store in the 700 block of South Crater Road, where they found Michael Ward suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, Petersburg police said. He was taken to Southside Regional Medical Center, where he died.

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Petersburg/Dinwiddie Crime Solvers by calling (804) 861-1212 or by texting the keyword pdcash followed by the tip to 274637.
The mother of a middle school student in Henrico County plans to file a complaint against a school resource officer who she said aggressively handled her son and left his clothes muddied.

Lateisha Green said her 12-year-old son Lamarion Crawley, who is developmentally delayed and autistic, was handcuffed by a school resource officer at Moody Middle School on March 21. The encounter, she said, left Lamarions mostly white outfit stained after he ended up on the ground.

I didnt send him to prison. I sent him to school, Green said. So why do you even have him in handcuffs, period?

In a statement, schools spokesman Andy Jenks said the school division is in contact with the family but declined to answer more specific questions, citing federal privacy laws.

We continue to work directly with the student and his family in order to determine the facts and address the concerns that were shared with us last week, Jenks wrote.

Green viewed security footage of the incident on Friday and said the school division is working on redacting the faces of other children before shes given a copy of it.

She said Lamarion became upset over a computer while in class. He walked outside of the school building and, in the video, she said she saw him banging on a door in an attempt to regain entry.

An officer, she said, grabbed Lamarion from behind but she wasnt able to decipher from the angle of the video how her son ended up on the ground. Because of his learning disabilities, Lamarion has an individualized education program and an aide works with him one on one for six hours in the day, Green said.

Green, who said shes never had another issue at the school, would like the school division to accept accountability and admit fault. She plans on filing a complaint against the school resource officer with the Henrico police and the school division.

I like Moody, she said. But I feel like people have to be accountable when things like this happen.

Henrico police spokesman Chris Garrett said the department is aware of Greens concerns but, citing the ongoing investigation, declined to answer more detailed questions about the case.

We are aware of the incident and have been in contact with the students family. This incident is currently being investigated, so it would be inappropriate to comment or draw conclusions until a thorough review has been completed, he wrote in an email.

The incident has raised alarm with the local NAACP chapter. Frank Thornton Jr., the groups president, accompanied Green and former Richmond School Board member Tichi Pinkney Eppes to a Henrico School Board meeting last week where all three sharply criticized the school district.

School district policies permit physical restraint for a period of time that is necessary to contain the behavior of the student so that the student no longer poses an immediate danger of causing physical injury to him/herself or others or causing severe property damage.
ALEXANDRIA  Adil Hasan and his wife, Enas Ibrahim, came to the U.S. in 2008 as refugees from Iraq, and have been living peacefully in Northern Virginia ever since.

To get here, though, they faced a dilemma as they sat in a camp in Jordan, where they were required to fill out their family trees to apply for refugee status: Should they include Hasans brother, Majid Al Mashhandani, who participated in the 2004 kidnapping of American contractor Roy Hallums?

In a phone interview Tuesday, Ibrahim said they decided to keep that relationship a secret.

We just wanted to leave our country, she said. When we started the process we were just scared to add his name.

Now Ibrahim, her husband and her husbands brother, Yousif Al Mashhandani, 35, of Vienna in Northern Virginia, are charged with immigration fraud for failing to disclose the relationship. The three made their initial appearance in federal court Tuesday. All face up to 10 years in prison and eventual deportation.

Yousif and Hasan were detained pending a hearing. Ibrahim was allowed to remain free and return to her home in Burke, where she cares for the couples two children, ages 5 and 6, who are natural-born U.S. citizens.

The case comes in the midst of national debate over U.S. authorities ability to effectively vet refugee applicants. President Donald Trump has issued an executive order that temporarily suspends the nations refugee program to allow time for a review of the screening process.

Refugee advocates argue that the vetting process is already very strict, and a federal judge has temporarily blocked Trumps executive order from taking effect.

The charges against the three make no allegation that any of them were involved in Hallums kidnapping, though a court affidavit says Yousifs fingerprint was found in the building where Hallums spent nearly a year in captivity before he was freed in an Army raid.

Hallums, though, said his kidnapping was largely a family affair perpetrated by the Mashhandani clan.

The gang that had me was all one family, Hallums said in a phone interview from his home in Memphis, Tenn. There were so many people involved in this kidnapping.

Hallums said he was surprised to learn that the three had been able to enter the U.S., given the fact that Yousifs fingerprint had been on file with authorities for years when he made his refugee application in 2007.

When all three applied for U.S. citizenship, they had to answer whether they had ever given false or misleading information while applying for any immigration benefit.

And when the FBI came calling last year, Ibrahim said they came clean, giving agents Majids address and every bit of information they had about him. Ibrahim said she even offered to go with agents to Iraq to help them find him.

I thought we were OK, she said. The agent was very nice. He said, We know you are good people. I told him, Just put yourself  if you were us, and you had someone behind you who wants to kill you.

She said her husband worked in Baghdads Green Zone and was a target for terrorists.

In court papers, prosecutors allege that Ibrahim and her husband embellished the threat they faced, saying Hasan had been kidnapped, tortured by a Shia militia and released after paying a $20,000 ransom. In reality, they allege, Hasan later acknowledged that he was only once stopped at a Shia militia checkpoint for five hours, and slapped once on his shoulder with an open hand.

As for Yousifs fingerprint, Ibrahim said her husbands father kept all the family paperwork in the same place, and its not surprising that some of Yousifs and Majids paperwork was commingled.

She wept as she contemplated the implications of the criminal case on her family.
DILLWYN  A Buckingham County family is reeling after two young cousins were fatally struck at their school bus stop Thursday.

The accident occurred about 7:40 a.m. when the cousins dashed in front of a tractor-trailer hauling 75,000 pounds of mulch on U.S. 15, Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller said.

The children  Tori Perez, 5, and Jaiden Bartee, 6  died at the scene, which is about 6 miles north of Dillwyn. Geller said no charges are expected to be filed against the driver, who has a valid commercial license.

The tractor-trailer just had crested a hill on northbound U.S. 15 and the bus was approaching in the opposite direction with its flashing yellow lights on when the children apparently got excited about the bus and ran into the roadway before its red lights came on and its stop signs were deployed, Geller said.

The truck driver immediately braked but was unable to avoid the children, she said. Skid marks were visible on the pavement from just past the top of the hill to the bus stop.

It happened instantaneously, Geller said.

An investigation by the state polices Motor Carrier Safety Unit did find several equipment violations on the truck, but none of them affected the tractor-trailers ability to stop or avoid the crash, Geller said.

The truck has been placed out of service.

The school bus driver told state police she began frantically motioning to the children to stop and get out of the road when she realized the truck wouldnt be able to stop in time, Geller said.

Toris mother, Sabrina Green, said she heard the crash and immediately ran to the scene, where she saw her daughter motionless on the side of the road and Jaiden beneath the truck.

As news of the crash spread, a large circle of family and friends gathered just a few hundred feet from the crash site to share their grief as traffic zoomed past on U.S. 15. The speed limit on that stretch of road is 55 mph.

Relatives said Tori and Jaiden were like brother and sister. The cousins lived next door to each other on Deep Bottom Drive, a private gravel road with just a handful of homes.

Barbara Rose, Toris great-aunt, described her as a joyful little child who loved SpongeBob SquarePants and Frozen.

Family members said there were four other children, the oldest of whom is 15, at the stop at the end of Deep Bottom Drive. There also was an adult uncle with the children, who all are related.

The stop requires children to cross U.S. 15 to get onto the bus, but Rose said that had not been a problem until Thursday.

The superintendent of Buckingham County Public Schools, Cecil C. Snead II, said about 20 students, ranging in age from kindergarten to high school, were on the bus at the time of the accident.

Their parents were notified immediately, and the students were taken from the scene to a staging area, he said. Some of the students opted to go home, while others decided to continue to school.

Snead said the bus route and the stop are within state regulations.

Counselors were deployed to all Buckingham schools to help students and staff with their grief over the kindergartners deaths.
Virginia Tech police disclosed another case of sexual battery on campus, per federal Clery Act requirements, late Wednesday night.

Someone reported a sexual battery at Squires Student Center on Sunday afternoon, according to a university news release issued late Wednesday night.

It was the third sexual battery reported by the university since March 19. There have also been three separate sexual assaults  for a total of six incidents  reported by the university in that same time period, though some of the cases allegedly occurred earlier.

University President Timothy Sands released an open letter to the Tech community late Wednesday, in which he urged people to work to end sexual violence.

Although increased reporting does not necessarily indicate an increase in crime, these reports serve to remind us that we are not immune from criminal activity, Sands wrote. Despite the fact that our campus and community are statistically safer than most, one crime is too many, and no crime should go unanswered.

Sands wrote that he wants to create a safe campus climate. He also noted that when a community feels safe, theyre more apt to report crime.

This may mean more public notices and I am fine with that, he wrote. If there is more that we can do to make our community safer, we will do it.

Virginia Tech Police Chief Kevin Foust said that his department is not pursuing criminal charges in any of the cases, noting the department wouldnt pursue charges in one case because it allegedly occurred in South Carolina over Techs spring break.

However, theyre still being investigated by university officials under federal Title IX requirements.

He declined to comment further.
Back during the Reagan years some liberal cities declared themselves nuclear-free zones, just in case the White House decided to put Minuteman missile silos in the middle of San Francisco or something. It was silly virtue-signaling, not serious policy.

Now the Richmond City Council is doing much the same with fracking. On Monday the Council took steps to ban the mining of natural gas through hydraulic fracturing when it passed a resolution to that effect sponsored by Councilman Parker Agelasto.

It might as well pass a resolution to ban flying pigs and werewolves.

Richmond sits on a huge geological formation made up of Petersburg granite. Granite is an igneous rock, which is formed through the cooling of magma. It contains no natural gas. Hydraulic fracking is performed on sedimentary rock, such as shale, which  like oil and gas  is produced through the settling and decay of organic material.

David Spears, a state geologist with Virginias Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy, says there is zero potential for drilling in Richmond. Nada. Zip.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
FINCASTLE  For driving high on drugs and into an oncoming car, seriously injuring four children, Demetrius Snow was sentenced Thursday to nearly five years in prison.

Nobody can say that I dont feel sorry, Snow told Botetourt County Circuit Judge Malfourd Bo Trumbo. I take full responsibility.

Trumbo sentenced Snow to 20 years in prison, to be suspended after he serves two years, on two counts of DUI maiming and two counts of reckless endangerment.

Snow, 26, of Roanoke, received another two years and 11 months for violating his probation on earlier drug distribution charges.

On the evening of June 11, 2016, Snow tried to pass a car on Virginia 606 west of Fincastle, pulling into the path of an approaching vehicle.

Both drivers swerved in the same direction, leading to a head-on collision, Assistant Commonwealths Attorney John Alexander said in summarizing the evidence at an earlier hearing.

Two of the victims, Snows own children ages 3 and 4, were passengers in his car and suffered bruises, seat belt burns and other injuries. A 15-year-old and a 17-year-old who were riding in the other car were taken to the hospital with broken bones that required surgery.

Snow was also injured. He was taken to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, where blood samples obtained from a search warrant showed cocaine, amphetamines, oxycodone and marijuana in his system.

Before pronouncing his sentence, Trumbo took several minutes to read from Snows criminal record, which includes multiple traffic offenses interspersed with assault and drug dealing charges. It shows a course of conduct, the judge said.

Defense Attorney Tom Wray pointed out that his client has a serious drug problem, starting when he smoked marijuana as an 8-year-old, for which he has never received treatment.

In earlier statements, Snow insisted that he not was under the influence at the time of the wreck. He denied using cocaine and amphetamines knowingly, suggesting they might have been laced with the marijuana that he smoked well before the wreck.

Snow continues to try to avoid the responsibility that clearly falls on his shoulders, Alexander said in court Thursday, shortly before the defendant made his statement.

Even Snows young children seemed to realize that he should not have been driving.

I told Daddy not to go, one of them told authorities at the scene of the accident.
The driver charged last summer in the death of a northeast Roanoke pedestrian pleaded no contest Thursday to statutory DUI manslaughter and to driving under the influence as a subsequent offense.

Marvin David Pannell, 36, will be sentenced at a hearing in August. By his plea arrangement, prosecutors have agreed not to seek more than a five-year active sentence, plus six years of suspended time, three years of probation and a $1,000 fine.

A judge will determine the final punishment after a pre-sentence report, however, and Pannell and his defense attorney, David Damico, will be able to argue for a lesser sentence.

Pannell was charged July 2 after police said his Cadillac struck and killed David Earl Mitchell, 35, who was on foot near the 2900 block of Williamson Road at about 2 a.m.

Mitchell had been crossing Williamson on his way back from a nearby 7-Eleven, according to Roanoke Deputy Commonwealths Attorney Wanda DeWease.

Footage of the incident, taken from the security camera of a nearby business, was shown by prosecutors at the plea hearing.

The video revealed that soon after Mitchell was hit by the Cadillac, a second car  a Toyota Prius  also struck him.

Criminal charges were not brought against the driver of the Toyota, DeWease said.

After Mitchell was struck, Pannell circled around the block and returned to the scene, Damico said.

He cooperated with investigators and agreed to field sobriety exams. According to the police complaint, he showed signs of intoxication in all his tests.

A forensic report filed by police said Pannells blood-alcohol content, tested approximately two hours after the crash, registered 0.11 percent. In Virginia, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08 percent or more.

A lot of the facts of the case are in mitigation, Damico said after the commonwealth presented its evidence. Essentially this is a situation where a young man who was wearing dark clothes walked out in front of my client.

Damico cited the victims own blood-alcohol level, which he said was 0.06 percent, and he said tests showed that Mitchell had levels of unprescribed Xanax in his system.

This was a terrible tragedy and it was, in a sense, a perfect storm, Damico added.

Pannell will be allowed to remain free on bond until his next hearing but has forfeited his drivers license.

His sentencing is slated for Aug. 10.

In March 2009, Pannell was convicted in Roanoke General District Court of misdemeanor DUI. He received a 30-day sentence, which was suspended, and his drivers license was suspended for one year.
BLACKSBURG  Jackie Nink Pflug remembered trying to decide if she should try to kick the terrorist in the crotch before leaping for the airliners door.

Something told her she wouldnt have to do it, she said.

Then a gun went off behind her and she was tumbling to the tarmac below, the back of her skull opened by a bullet.

Pflugs survival story, and the tale of two retired U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation agents who tracked down the hijacker who shot her, mesmerized an audience of 90 or so Wednesday in Virginia Techs Holtzman Alumni Center.

For more than two hours, Pflug, former FBI Special Agent Robert Clifford and Tech Police Chief Kevin Foust, also a former FBI special agent, described the 1985 hijacking of EgyptAir Flight 648 and its aftermath. The talk was a window into a time before terrorism was a national preoccupation.

Its 1985  terrorism is occurring but youre not hearing much about it, Clifford said.

It certainly wasnt what Pflug, then 30 years old, newly married and settling into a new teaching job in Cairo, Egypt, was thinking about when she took a short trip to Athens, Greece. Shed boarded a plane to return to Cairo, she said, when she noticed two well-dressed men sitting near her. Both seemed very nervous. Perhaps they havent flown before, she remembered thinking.

They were two of three hijackers who, a short time into the flight, stood up with pistols and hand grenades and ordered everyone not to move.

The hijackers were members of the Abu Nidal organization, Clifford said. Abu Nidal was a Palestinian militant whose international terrorism had made him into a sort of Osama bin Laden figure of that era. The EgyptAir 648 hijackers planned to fly to Libya and exchange the passengers for other Nidal organization members imprisoned in Egypt, Clifford said.

As two hijackers took positions at the front and back of the passenger compartment, the third, who called himself Omar Mohammed Ali Rezaq, forced his way into the cockpit.

Then an Egyptian air marshal drew a gun and killed one of the hijackers. Rezaq and the other hijacker returned his fire, wounding him four times. Flight attendants were also wounded  and the planes skin was ruptured by a bullet, causing an abrupt decompression of the cabin.

The planes interior lights went out and oxygen masks dropped from the ceiling. The pilot dived from about 35,000 feet to 5,000 feet, then made an emergency landing on the island of Malta.

It was on the runway in Malta, negotiating for fuel and food, that the hijackers separated passengers by nationality, Pflug recalled. One at a time, Rezaq shot two Israelis who were on board, throwing them down a stairway to the ground. Next to be shot were three Americans, the last of whom was Pflug.

Pflug said that she expected to be shot but was still surprised when Rezaq fired. When the bullet hit her and she fell from the airplanes doorway, off the stairs, and to the runway, I felt like I was floating, she said.

She was even more surprised as she realized that she was still alive. For five hours or more, she lay on the runway pretending to be dead, convinced that Rezaq would shoot her again if she got up. Above her in the cockpit, the pilot saw her occasional, slight movements through a window and distracted Rezaq so he wouldnt notice, Foust said.

Eventually, Maltese authorities swapped food for permission to recover what they thought was Pflugs body from the runway. The crew that picked her up was shocked to find her alive.

Operations followed  first in Malta, then at a U.S. military base in Germany  and a long, long recovery from problems that included partial blindness, short-term memory loss, balance problems, the onset of epilepsy, post-traumatic stress disorder and more, Pflug said.

Not long after Pflug was carried from the runway, Egyptian commandos stormed the jet in a botched raid that incinerated or asphyxiated many of the passengers. Other passengers were shot by commandos who mistook them for hijackers.

Fifty-six of the 92 passengers died, Foust said. The incident has been described as the deadliest hijacking incident until the Sept. 11 attacks.

Oddly, only two of the people shot point-blank by Rezaq died.

One of the hijackers was killed when commandos set off explosives beneath the plane. Rezaq managed to get clear of the plane but was shot through the chest and captured.

Tried in a Maltese court, Rezaq pleaded guilty to murder and other crimes and was sentenced to 25 years in prison, Clifford said.

But when he was released early, in 1993, U.S. authorities decided to try him for air piracy, a charge that had not been brought during his first trial.

A complication was that to charge Rezaq, he had to be brought to the United States. Clifford and Foust flew to Ghana, where Rezaq traveled after his release in Malta, but could not persuade officials to turn him over. Then came word that he was heading to Nigeria.

The FBI agents asked Nigerias government if they would take Rezaq into custody. Officials there agreed.

Foust and Clifford and a team of agents again flew to Africa and were at the airport in Lagos, Nigeria, when Rezaq arrived. They stayed aboard their own plane as Nigerian officials met Rezaq and told him that since he did not have a passport, he would have to leave on the next plane to depart  which would be the FBI plane.

Rezaq was thrown in handcuffs into their plane, Foust said. They immediately took off and hauled their prisoner to a trial where, in 1996, he was sentenced to life in prison.

Rezaq still is behind bars, Foust said.

Pflug divorced, married again, became a motivational speaker and wrote a book about her experiences.

Everything was about closure, to get some peace, she said.

Finishing Wednesdays talk, Pflug told her audience they had little control over much of what happens in life.

But, she added, we have power over how we respond.
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A pair of donors with a vested interest in police dogs provided Roanokes furry officers new protection.

Spikes K-9 Fund, a nonprofit in Virginia Beach, and fitness trainer Ashley Horner outfitted Roanoke polices five dogs with new ballistic vests similar to those worn by their human partners. The founder of Spikes K-9 Fund, retired Navy SEAL Jimmy Hatch, said the vests protect the dogs from most handguns and some rifles as well as knives. He said theyre lightweight and custom-fit to each dog.

The key is these dogs need to move fast, Hatch said Thursday at the Roanoke Police Department, where the dogs modeled their new jackets. Thats their asset  their speed.

All five vests are valued at $10,615. The dogs were wearing other vests before the new ones were donated, but Chief Tim Jones said it was worth replacing the old gear with new, custom-fit vests.

Our police K-9s are family members, not only to us, but to our community, Chief Tim Jones said. At times they are sent into some very dangerous situations, and since they are family, we welcome these tools that will help keep them safe.

One of the dogs who got a new vest was Bassie. Officer Randall Cox, the K-9 course instructor, has had the 8-year-old Dutch Malinois as his partner for four years.

Getting new vests is wonderful, Cox said. You cant put a money value on it.

Horner, who owns a gym in Virginia Beach and did 300 miles on a rowing machine to raise money for the vests, also has helped buy vests for police dogs at other agencies.

In 2014, Hatch started Spikes K-9 Fund, named after his dog that was killed in 2009 during an operation in Iraq. During his several deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, he said dogs saved his life numerous times, including once when he was wounded.

Back in Norfolk in 2010, after his military career had ended abruptly because of an injury, Hatch struggled with substance abuse and was feeling suicidal. He was ready to kill himself one day, he said, but his wife and police were able to talk him back. He checked into a hospital and got the help he needed.

When he got into a good mental place, he found his new mission. Spikes K-9 Fund has been able to donate more than 200 vests so far.

I owe the dogs. The dogs helped me quite a bit. They saved my life, Hatch said. And then I also owe the police department.
Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes told jurors he is a patriotic American as he took the witness stand to defend himself against charges in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Rhodes is trying to counter allegations his far-right extremist group planned an armed rebellion to stop the transfer of presidential power. Rhodes began testifying Friday after prosecutors spent weeks laying out their case against him and four others accused of a violent plot to keep Joe Biden out of the White House. Rhodes decision to testify carries will open him to intense cross-examination from prosecutors, who will get a chance to question him when the trial resumes next week.
The Wythe County Genealogical and Historical Association (WCGHA) will host its 22nd Family History Institute on Saturday, April 8. The Institute will be held at the Wytheville Meeting Center from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., with a banquet at 6 p.m.

The lead speaker for the Institute is Craig Scott, a Certified Genealogist and President and CEO of Heritage Books Inc. A researcher for more than 28 years, he specializes in the records of the National Archives, military history, problem solving and publishing. He lectures regularly at the local, state and national level. Scott will present three talks: Researching Your French and Indian War Ancestor; Scottish Research Emigration, Parish Registers, Census, Civil Registration, and Online Resources; and for the banquet, Cool Things Found at the National Archives.

Our second guest speaker, Dr. Judith Hess Jones, is Associate Director Emeritus, Virginia Cooperative Extension, at Virginia Tech. She is a longtime member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, District VII Director, and a winner of their Women in American History Award. She will speak about the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, Past, Present and Future.

Our third guest speaker, Frieda Patrick Davison, is Dean of Libraries at the University of South Carolina Upstate in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She will present So Youre Going to Write a Book!

The latest book published by WCGHA, Obits and Pieces From Southwest Virginia Newspapers, 1827  1899, will be reviewed by its compiler, Debbie Fowler. She is a seasoned volunteer at WCGHA. After several years of research at Wytheville Community Colleges Kegley Library, she recently completed her second book which includes 369 pages of articles and obituaries from 27 regional newspapers.

As an example of how the book has helped one family, consider the story of Carrie Felty. The family had always been told that Carrie died at a very young age but no one knew why. Imagine the wonderful surprise that they had when, browsing through the book, they found Carries death notice. It had been published in the Wytheville Dispatch on March 13, 1896:

DIED OF SCARLET FEVER. Carrie, the five-year-old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. George Felty, who live about five miles northwest of town, died Tuesday morning after an illness of only nine days of scarlet fever.

The variety of speakers at this years Family History Institute will provide both beginners and those already involved with genealogical research with valuable information. Plan to join us for both the daytime session and the evening banquet.

The Institute is open to both members and nonmembers. Prices for members are $64 for conference and banquet; $39 for the Saturday session (no banquet); or $34 for banquet only. For nonmembers, the prices are $72 conference and banquet; $43 for the Saturday session (no banquet); and $34 for banquet only. Those interested may join the Genealogical and Historical Association at the time of registration. Membership prices are $20 for individuals; $30 for families; $50 for institutions.

You can register by visiting the WCGHA office at 165 S. 11th St. in Wytheville, during business hours  Monday and Tuesday noon to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; or register online at wcgha.org.

For more information, call (276) 228 2445 or email wythecogha@gmail.com.

For more information, call (276) 228 2445 or email wythecogha@gmail.com.

Submitted by Robert Lockett
On Monday, March 20, FBI Director James Comey confirmed that there is no evidence to support President Donald Trumps claim that he had been wire tapped by former President Barack Obama. It is now disturbingly clear that Trump, president of the United States and the head of the Republican Party, is either mentally unstable or he is a devious, pathological liar.

If there is any Republican in Congress who is unwilling to publicly acknowledge this, he or she is an accomplice to this gross infliction upon our sorely suffering democracy. These congressional leaders must be held accountable, starting with our own representatives, Bob Goodlatte and Morgan Griffith. Whatever integrity and courage they once had as leaders have been severely compromised by their loyalty to the Republican Party instead of to the people they are supposed to be serving.
Dear Senators Warner and Kaine,

As two Democrats in Virginia who have been supporters throughout your careers, we write to urge your support for Judge Neil Gorsuch for the Supreme Court seat left vacant on the death of Justice Antonio Scalia in 2016.

Judge Gorsuch, like Judge Merrick Garland before him, has impeccable credentials and qualifications to serve on the Supreme Court. As Democrats, we would prefer a more progressive or liberal justice on the court. However, Republican Donald Trump won the election as president of the United States. Accordingly, it is now up to him to nominate a candidate for justice and it is the duty of the Senate to advise and consent to such nomination.

When President Obama nominated Judge Garland to serve on the court, Republicans took the low road and refused to give his nomination any consideration or a hearing. They failed miserably to perform their constitutional duties. They put the interests of their party before their duty under the Constitution.

The question now is whether Democrats should do likewise and obstruct Judge Gorsuchs approval as Supreme Court justice. The answer clearly is no. Two wrongs do not make a right.

Judge Gorsuchs confirmation is assured by the majority of Republicans in the Senate. If Democrats rely on the requirement of a super-majority of 60, Republicans will change it to a simple majority, a tactic used by Democrats in the last term.

More importantly, all senators should advise and consent as the Constitution requires and do their duty. During the recent presidential campaign, First Lady Michelle Obama famously stated, when they take the low road, we take the high road.

Democratic senators should do so now and give their consent to the confirmation of Judge Neil Gorsuch as Supreme Court justice. He is eminently qualified to serve on the court.

Further, his opinions may surprise Republicans in the future. Chief Justice Earl Warrens did 60 years ago and Chief Justice John Roberts have more recently.

JAMES AND NOEL COSBY

ROANOKE
State Debate: America's political system works for no one any longer, complains the Beloit Daily News
Supreme Court Justice nominee Neil Gorsuch is sworn-in on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, March 20, 2017, during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
An Adams County woman was arrested on a tentative charge of attempted homicide after she allegedly cut her husband's throat.

Aneta Zapotoczny, 44, of the town of Dell Prairie, also faces tentative charges of disorderly conduct and resisting an officer, Adams County Sheriff Sam Wollin said.

On March 21, deputies dispatched to a Dell Prairie residence found a man in a semi-conscious state with a cut on his neck that was bleeding heavily, Wollin said.

Zapotoczny was arrested at the time of the incident, Lt. Joseph LeBreck said.

Wollin said the man was flown to UW Hospital. LeBreck said the man had injuries that were not life-threatening, and he was released a few days after the incident.
A fire "fully engulfed" at least one of the buildings at a long-time Lake Delton hotel Wednesday morning, but firefighters from Lake Delton, Wisconsin Dells and across the region responded quickly and had the blaze contained before noon.

The fire at the Country Squire Inn at 831 Wisconsin Dells Parkway apparently affected a hotel structure located toward the back of the hotels property at the intersection of the Parkway and Hillman Road, with approximately a dozen guests displaced by the emergency but no serious injuries reported by officials as of noon.

The fire was spotted and called in just before 9:30 a.m. by Lake Delton Village Trustee and Bobbers Island Grill owner and operator Jeff Morris, and within minutes local responders requested assistance from their counterparts from Baraboo, La Valle, Lyndon Station and Reedsburg.

EMS units from Lake Delton and Baraboo also responded, as did the Lake Delton Police Department. Even though the blaze apparently was contained by 11 a.m., dozens of firefighters continued to work at the scene as smoke rose from the affected structure.

Morris happened to be involved in an outside project at his restaurant when he noticed smoke coming from one of the buildings across the street, where the hotel is located.

At first I thought it kind of looked like steam, but I thought I better just call, he said.

At least some of the hotels displaced guests repaired to Bobbers while the blaze was fought, Morris said, and the restaurant as well Salvation Army representatives delivered food to the scene for the responders on hand as the morning progressed.

The cause of the blaze and extent of the damage was not yet known as of early afternoon. Lake Delton Deputy Fire Chief James Bowen said the department would issue a news release when more is known.
Signet Jewelers is planning to open a testing laboratory for synthetic diamond detectors to ensure their compliance with traceability programs.

The company has been working with United Laboratories (UL), a product-testing firm, for the last nine months to create a facility for vetting the synthetic-diamond-testing machines available on the market.

The move comes as the retailer accelerates its jewelry traceability program, which it expanded earlier this year to cover diamond sourcing. The company requires all its suppliers to ensure they do not provide lab-grown diamonds.

As a starting point, the U.S.-based retailer will use devices from three recognized manufacturers: the International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research (IIDGR), a subsidiary of De Beers; the Gemological Institute of America (GIA); and HRD Antwerp.

In time, however, Signet and UL plan to create a benchmark for judging detection machines from around the world, including those from the U.S., Europe, India, China and Russia.

Technology is coming from lots of companies and countries. The concern is ensuring suppliers are working with technology that actually works and detects natural diamonds, said David Bouffard, Signets vice president of corporate affairs.



Theodor Lisovoy, Rough&Polished, Moscow




Dominion Diamond Corporation announced that its Board of Directors has formed a Special Committee to explore, review, and evaluate a range of potential strategic alternatives focused on maximizing shareholder value. The members of the Special Committee are Trudy Curran, Jim Gowans, David Smith and Josef Vejvoda.

The Special Committee, working together with the Company's management team and advisors, will consider alternatives that could include the sale of the company or other strategic transactions.

"While the Board of Directors remains confident in the Company's long-term strategic plan and the opportunity it provides to enhance value for all shareholders, we are open to exploring all strategic alternatives that are in the best interests of the Company and its stakeholders," said James Gowans, Chairman of the Board of Dominion Diamond Corporation. "The Board is committed to maximizing shareholder value through a fair and open process and we look forward to engaging constructively with all parties."

The Board of Directors has not set a timetable for this process nor has it made any decisions related to strategic alternatives at this time, and there can be no assurance that the exploration of strategic alternatives will result in any transaction or change in strategy.

Dominion Diamond Corporation operates the Ekati Diamond Mine and also owns 40% of the Diavik Diamond Mine. It supplies premium rough diamond assortments to the global market through its sorting and selling operations in Canada, Belgium and India.



Alex Shishlo, Editor of the Rough&Polished European Bureau in Brussels




Lucapa Diamond Company said its Lulo resource increased 10 percent in volume from the maiden diamond resource of 550,200 cubic metres as at end of 2015 to 606,600 cubic metres as at 31 January 2017.

It said the growth in resources at the Lulo Diamond Project in Angola came despite $55 million in gross diamond sales produced since the last maiden diamond resource was made public.

Lucapa also said the increase in the resource included a 54 percent rise in the average modelled diamond value to $1,246 per carat from the previous $806 per carat.

It said the average modelled diamond value of $1,246 per carat compared with an average gross sale price of $2,983 for Lulo diamonds in 2016, which was the highest US$ per carat diamond production in the world in 2016.

The company and its partners Endiama and Rosas & Petalas had been mining at Lulo for 15 months as of 31 January 2017.

About 220,000 bcm was mined and treated during the period.



Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished




Firestone Diamonds, which owns Liqhobong diamond mine in Lesotho, said its loss for the first half of the fiscal year 2017 widened to $8.8 million from $4.6 million, a year earlier.

Its loss per share was 2.0 cents during the period under review from 1.5 cents recorded in the first half of the fiscal year 2016.

Firestone, which conducted first two diamond sales in February and March, raked in $13.7 million from 127,590 carats sold, achieving an average price of $107 per carat.

It said mine commissioning was progressing with continued good recovery of special stones and steadily increasing grade.

A total of 402,440 tonnes were treated recovering 57,723 carats during the period under review.

A 37 carat white diamond was recovered, alongside 20 special stones larger than 10.8 carats as well as several fancy yellow diamonds.

"Finishing the construction of the Liqhobong Diamond Mine and commencing production in October 2016 are two momentous milestones for the company and I would like to sincerely thank all of the team that has made our vision possible, said company chief executive Stuart Brown.

This has been a very successful project from a construction and commissioning perspective. To have completed the Project within the budget in a very difficult environment and without any lost time injuries, makes us all very proud.



Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished




Cabela's Inc. (CAB) was range-bound throughout Wednesday's session, but spiked sharply to the upside just before the close. The Wall Street Journal reported that the company is in talks to sell its banking operations to Synovus Financial Corp.

Cabela's ended the day with a gain of 5.79 at $52.04. The stock broke out to over a month and a half long trading range and re-crossed its 50-day moving average.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Solar energy equipment supplier SMA Solar Technology AG (SMTGF.PK) reported Thursday that its fiscal 2016 net income more than doubled to 29.6 million euros from last year's 14.3 million euros. Earnings per share mounted to 0.85 euros, higher than 0.41 euros a year ago.

SMA Group sales were 946.7 million euros, down from 981.8 million euros a year ago due to an unexpectedly sharp decrease in average selling prices.

The company achieved a sales record by selling inverter output of 8.2 GW, higher than 7.3 GW last year.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization or EBITDA increased significantly to 141.5 million euros.

Further, the Managing Board and the Supervisory Board will recommend that the Annual General Meeting on May 23 set a dividend of 0.26 euros per share for fiscal year 2016. This corresponds to a dividend payout ratio of 31% of net income.

Looking ahead, for the first quarter of 2017, the SMA Managing Board is anticipating sales of 165 million euros to 175 million euros, compared to 248.1 million euros a year ago. EBITDA would be 15 million euros to 18 million euros, compared to 41.3 million euros last year.

Further, SMA confirmed sales and earnings guidance for fiscal year 2017, which forecasts sales of between 830 million euros and 900 million euros, and EBITDA of between 70 million euros and 90 million euros.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Boston Scientific Corp. (BSX) announced Thursday a definitive agreement to acquire Symetis SA, a privately-held Swiss structural heart company, for $435 million in up-front cash.

The company expects the acquisition will expand treatments for patients with valvular heart disease and strengthen its position in structural heart globally.

The acquisition is projected to close during the second quarter of 2017, subject to customary closing conditions.

On an adjusted basis, the transaction is expected to be immaterial in 2017, slightly accretive in 2018, and increasingly accretive thereafter.

The transaction is expected to be less accretive, or dilutive, as the case may be, on a GAAP basis, due to amortization expense and transaction and integration costs.

Symetis, with approximately 300 employees, is focused on minimally-invasive transcatheter aortic valve implantation or TAVI devices. Its portfolio includes the ACURATE TA and ACURATE neo/TF valve systems for use in the treatment of high-risk patients suffering from severe and symptomatic aortic valve stenosis. These devices are sold in Europe and in other geographies outside of the United States.

Symetis is also developing the ACURATE neo/AS next generation valve system, currently in a clinical trial intended to serve as the basis for a future CE mark application.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Brazil's retail sales declined for a second straight month in January, defying expectations for an increase, figures from the statistical office IBGE showed Thursday.

Retail sales dropped 0.7 percent from December, when they fell 1.9 percent. Economists had expected a 0.5 percent increase.

Year-on-year, retail sales tumbled 7 percent after 4.9 percent drop in the previous month. Economists had forecast a 4.3 percent decrease.

Broad retail sales, which includes those of construction material and automobile spare parts, also decreased for a second consecutive month, down 0.2 percent after 0.1 percent drop in December. Economists had forecast 1.3 percent fall.

On a year-on-year basis, broad retail sales decreased 4.8 percent following 6.7 percent drop in the previous month. Economists had expected 5.9 percent decline.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Economic News

What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
An apparent chance encounter caught on video from a cab and other surveillance cameras led to the arrest of a 23-year-old man in the killing of Andrew Nesbitt earlier this week in Downtown Madison, police said Thursday.

Police are seeking charges of first-degree intentional homicide against Darrick E. Anderson, Madison Police Chief Mike Koval said at an afternoon news conference to detail progress in the ongoing investigation.

Nesbitt was stabbed to death early Monday  his 46th birthday  in his apartment at 27 N. Butler St. His body was discovered by his roommate later that afternoon.

Detectives continue to investigate potential motives, Koval said.

Investigators were still trying to determine if Nesbitt and Anderson met at a nighbclub where Nesbitt was celebrating his birthday or after Nesbitt left the bar, according to Koval. They were not people who knew each other over any period of time, Koval said.

But after viewing footage from surveillance cameras in the cab and some public areas in Madison, police were able to piece together one or both of the mens movements Sunday night, Koval said.

Police got their biggest break on Tuesday after they sent an image from one of the cameras across the Wisconsin Crime Alert Network, used by law enforcement to share tips and alerts. Anderson was identified by a member of the UW-Madison Police Department, who noticed the similarity with a photo of Anderson taken by a camera at Union South on March 20, when Anderson allegedly harassed an employee there, according to UW-Madison police spokesman Marc Lovicott.

Anderson was cited March 23 for disorderly conduct and was restricted from entering the campus unions, Lovicott said.

Shortly after Anderson was identified Tuesday afternoon, police learned he had sold a bicycle and a pair of headphones that afternoon at an East Side pawnshop, Madison police spokesman Joel DeSpain said. As detectives headed to the pawnshop, police learned Anderson was suspected of retail theft from a store at East Towne Mall. He was then taken into custody.

DeSpain said he expects a criminal complaint in the homicide will be filed on Monday, when Anderson is also expected to make his first court appearance in the case. Koval said he wouldnt rule out a hate crime in the homicide. Nesbitt, who was gay, had worked as an advocate for LGBT victims of hate crimes after he was attacked outside a gay bar in Oshkosh in 2011.

The weapon used to kill Nesbitt has not been found, DeSpain said.

Madison police have had intermittent contact with Anderson for years, DeSpain said. Online court records show that Anderson has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 2012 in Dane County and criminal complaints indicate anger was central to almost all of his problems with the law.

In 2012, he was angry with his girlfriend, who lived in Stoughton, and wrecked her TV, which led to a criminal damage to property conviction. He punched and choked the same girlfriend in 2013, which led to misdemeanor convictions for bail jumping and battery. In March 2015, he trashed his mothers Madison apartment when she refused to give him a cigarette, which led to a 90-day prison sentence for criminal damage to property.

In October 2015, Anderson allegedly got in a fight with his roommate in Portage after his roommate wouldnt give him a cigarette, leading to two disorderly conduct charges that are pending in Columbia County. One month later, he allegedly got angry while working at McDonalds in Portage and caused a disturbance in the restaurant before he hit the supervisor in the head and damaged an employees cellphone. Battery, criminal damage to property and other charges are pending.

In both Columbia County cases, Anderson has asked to change his pleas to all charges from not guilty to not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.

In 2016, Anderson was convicted of fourth-degree sexual assault for grabbing a nurse inappropriately at St. Marys Hospital.

Most recently, Madison police were called to the 7-Eleven store at 673 State St. after Anderson created a scene there on March 21, DeSpain said. Anderson was later charged with disorderly conduct.
Thirteen-year-old Alyssa Anderson isnt quite sure where shell be at noon on Friday, since Madison students have no school that day.

But wherever she is, shell probably be Googling.

Alyssa, a seventh-grader at Wright Middle School, is Wisconsins finalist in this years Doodle 4 Google competition, a nationwide design contest run by the search-engine giant since 2008.

The national winner, to be announced online around noon Friday along with four runners-up, will receive a $30,000 college scholarship, a $50,000 technology award for their school, a trip to Google headquarters in California and other prizes.

Its been amazing. Everyone has been encouraging me and telling me theyre rooting for me, Alyssa said of the process of entering and advancing in the contest. Were just keeping our fingers crossed.

Students in kindergarten through high school were invited last fall to enter Doodle 4 Google by designing a logo using the Google letters, in any media, along the theme What I See for the Future

At the time, Alyssa was learning about cloning in her science class, she said. It sparked an idea: In the future, what if extinct animals could be brought back to life?

She researched some of the most famous bygone species and chose a woolly mammoth and a dinosaur for the Gs, a dodo bird and passenger pigeon for the Os, a Tasmanian tiger for the L and a saber-toothed cat for the E.

All the creatures in her Doodle are using some form of technology.

Why theyre holding technology is because this is in the future, said Alyssa, who made her drawing in colored pencil and then gave it finishing touches in Adobe Photoshop.

They would be living alongside humans, and theyre going to be adapting to a futuristic life, she said. Theres a city in the background where all of us live, but theyre still living in the wild, (and yet) co-existing with us.

Alyssa, whose ambition is to be a professional artist or animator, learned last month that she was among the 53 Doodle 4 Google finalists selected from each U.S. state and territory.

She was feted at a schoolwide assembly at Wright and recognized at a Madison School Board meeting.

Her art teacher at Wright, Jeff J.J. Johnson, calls her phenomenal.

I dont know if thats emphatic enough, Johnson said of his word to describe the young artist. She has an intuitive grasp of many of the art principles and elements of design.

Alyssa said shes loved doing art since she was a small girl; her older sister, Josie, always pushed her to do better.

This is the second time she entered the Doodle 4 Google contest; the first was when she was 8, and she won second place in the state, said her mother, Lindy Anderson.

Anderson, a video producer at UW-Madison, credits both Johnson and Sheryl Rowe, Alyssas second-grade teacher at Franklin Elementary School, for encouraging her daughter to try the Google competitions.

Weve been blown away by how the whole community has supported her, Anderson said. Her friends, her teachers. The whole Madison Metropolitan School District rallied behind her. Her church, her neighbors and people we dont even know. I always run into people who say, Oh, youre the mom of the Google Girl.

She worked really hard. And she really stuck to it, and even stayed up late the night before the deadline because it wasnt quite what she wanted, her mother said. Were really proud of her for keeping at it until she felt it was done.
By SA Commercial Prop News - PLSA

PLSA Chairman Norbert Sasse.



Latest performance numbers confirm that investors who invested in property funds over the past three to five years picked winners, says the Property Loan Stock Association of SA (PLSA).

According to Morningstar, all five of the top-performing unit trusts in SA over five years are property funds.

Four of the five top-performing unit trusts over three years are also property funds.

In both cases, a property fund is ranked in first place.

The stated mission of the PLSA is to promote listed property as an investment class, and these numbers make our job a little easier, says PLSA Chairman Norbert Sasse, who is also CEO of Growthpoint Properties.

Over five years, the top-performing unit trust was Prudential Enhanced SA Property Tracker Fund A with cumulative total returns of 121 percent. The three-year rankings show that Prudential Enhanced SA Property Tracker Fund A again takes the top spot, with cumulative total returns of 67 percent.

Stanlib Property Income Fund A came in a close second, over both periods, with cumulative returns of 119 percent and 64 percent, respectively.

The results showcase the consistently high performance of the listed property sector in both the long and short terms.

Apart from the three-year or five-year horizon, the listed property sector has outpaced the All Share Index for six straight months in a row to August 2011, adds Sasse.

The Property Loan Stock Association (PLSA) is the representative umbrella body of the property loan stock sector comprised of voluntary members, with the weight of nearly all of the funds within the sector behind it.
The NIA on Wednesday filed two charge-sheets before a special court in Ernakulam against eight suspected IS members accused of conspiring to wage war against the country and collecting explosives and other offensive material to target prominent persons and places of public importance in various parts of south India, a statement said.

The eight accused, hailing from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, include Manseed Mehmood, Swalih Mohammed, Rashid Ali, N.K.Ramshad, Safvan. P and Jasim N.K., all arrested when they were holding a secret meeting in Kerala's Kannur last year.

Their leader Shajeer Mangalassery is absconding and suspected to be in Afghanistan.

"The investigation has established that the accused formed an ISIS module that conspired and prepared to target prominent persons including Judges of High Court, political leaders and senior police officers besides foreigners on visit to India.

"Members of the module, within and outside India, used online social media platforms, Facebook predominantly, Telegram, in which various secret groups were formed for conspiring and planning the terrorist attacks. The accused persons had tried to radicalise and recruit their friends or associates into the module and had also collected funds for the terrorist organization," said the National Investigation Agency release.

The NIA, in another chargesheet, has been submitted against Subahani Haja, who was arrested by the NIA on October 5, after it was revealed that he had left India between April and September 2015 to join the IS.

"The investigation has established that Subahani Haja had joined the ISIS in Iraq and undergone training with the terrorist organisation before waging war against the Asiatic nation. He returned to India and attempted to procure explosives and precursor chemicals for waging war against the Government of India," added the release.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday said that despite freedom of speech and expression being a constitutional right, people in power should refrain from passing comments on crimes under investigation.

The observation of the apex court came following a submission by Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi before the bench of Justices Dipak Misra and A.M. Khanwilkar, which is examining the freedom of expression of a person in power vis-a-vis a rape victim's fundamental right of protection of life and personal liberty.

Rohatgi had argued that restraining politicians and public figures from commenting on crimes being investigated would be an infringement of the freedom of speech and expression.

The matter concerns Samajwadi Party leader and former minister Azam Khan's remarks about the 2016 gang-rape case in Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh.

Khan, then a state minister, had termed the gang-rape of a 14-year-old girl and her mother near a highway on western UP to be a "political conspiracy". Khan was made to tender an apology for the remarks by the Supreme Court.

The victims' family then moved the top court seeking a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), contending that they had lost faith in the local police, especially after Khan's remarks.

"If an offence of rape occurs and someone says it's a political conspiracy, then there can be no restriction on such expressions. He is not trivialising the incident," Rohatgi told the bench.

The court, in turn, said remarks by a minister or a person in power may tend to influence investigation of a case.

"An accused can say it's a conspiracy. An investigating officer can file a report saying the case was false. But, can a Director General of Police claim the incident was a political conspiracy before the investigation commences," the bench asked citing an example.

It observed that a rape survivor's sufferings cannot be allowed to worsen with such statements by those who occupy a position in power.

"Freedom of speech might be sacrosanct, but so is one's dignity," the court said.

The court has set April 20 as the next date for hearing in the case.
Life started normally in Srinagar and in other places in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday after a day's shutdown.

Shops, public transport, educational institutions and other businesses opened normally in Srinagar as less security men were seen around.



Banks, post offices and government offices started functioning normally.



No separatist group has called for a shutdown on Thursday.

Clashes had erupted on Wednesday at some places including Kulgam, Baramulla and Budgam between the security forces and the protesters in the aftermath of deaths of three civilians during a gunfight in Budgam district on Tuesday.
Over five lakh trucks went off the roads in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh as part of an indefinite strike by transporters which began on Thursday in the two states.

The lorry owners' associations in both states said the members suspended transportation services from 6 a.m. in accordance with the decision taken by the South Zone Motor Transporters' Welfare Association in support of their demands.



The association has exempted essential services like transport of vegetables, milk and petrol from the strike.



Andhra Pradesh Lorry Owners' Association claimed that three lakh trucks had stopped plying. The association in Telangana said as many as 2.70 lakh trucks were off the roads.



Some trucks and mini lorries were operating to supply essential goods.



The truckers are seeking withdrawal of the central government order on increased third party insurance, challan fees and penal amounts.



Transporters are opposing steep increase of 50 percent in Third Party Premium (TPP) for commercial vehicles.



They say the move will further cripple the transport community, which was already suffering due to adverse economic conditions created by the increased toll gate charges, high cost of spare parts and diesel.



The association is also opposing the Motor Vehicle Amendment Bill 2016 and the vehicle scrapping policy.



Stating that there was no link between the age of a vehicle and pollution, the transporters' body argues that it was fitness that was important.



Scrapping vehicles, which completed 15 years of age, would render road transport operations economically unviable, it says.



It is also demanding uniform policy all over the country in fixation of diesel rates and toll gate fee.



The governments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have directed district collectors to ensure that there was no shortage of essential commodities.



The officials of transport department said they would talk to leaders of the associations to address the issues in the purview of the states.



The truckers of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are also demanding single permit system for both the states.



Telangana Transport Minister Mahender Reddy said the transport commissioner would hold talks with his Andhra counterpart on the issue.
Demanding arrest of ministers, elected representatives and leaders of West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress seen accepting money in the Narada sting footage, opposition Left Front on Wednesday brought out a huge rally in the heart of Kolkata and announced their cadres would march to the state secretariat, Nabanna on May 22.

With senior leaders matching steps with party cadres, the rally wound its way from the Y Channel to Sealdah, about four kilometres away, as the participants held aloft red flags of the various constituents and carried posters and banners attacking the Trinamool for the Narada scandal as also the Saradha ponzi scam.

Besides demanding the arrest of those seen taking wads of currency notes in the Narada video tapes, the rallyists also demanded the Central Bureau of Investigation complete the probe into the two scandals fast and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee be brought into the ambit of the inquiry.

The other demands included the sacking of the accused from all administrative and government posts, immediate steps on the part of the Rajya Sabha ethics committee looking into the Narada sting tapes, and returning money to all those duped people who had parked their hard-earned money in the ponzi schemes.

LF chairman Biman Bose, state Communist Party of India-Marxist secretary Surjya Kanta Mishra, his Communist Party of India counterpart Prabodh Panda and other leaders participated in the rally.

"The Chief Minister should be brought under the purview of the probe. The CBI should start its interrogation process with the Chief Minister," said Mishra.

"On May 22, we have given the call for Nabanna chalo (March to Nabanna). All our mass organisations will participate in the programme," he said.
Eleven UW-Madison professors who are in their mid-career stages have been honored as outstanding faculty.

The faculty members have been chosen as winners of the Kellett Mid-Career awards, supported by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and named after William Kellett, a former president of the WARF board of trustees and retired president of Kimberly-Clark Corp.

The awards are given to faculty who are seven to 20 years past their first promotion to a tenured position, according to a news release from the university.

The winners for 2017 are:

Martha Alibali, professor of psychology, research into basic processes of cognitive development and mathematics learning.

Amy Barger, Vilas distinguished achievement professor in astronomy, researching how supermassive black holes and galaxies formed and evolve over cosmic time.

David Baum, professor of botany, studying the evolutionary history of diverse plant species.

Leslie Bow, Vilas distinguished achievement professor of English and Asian American studies, research in imaginary depictions of social hierarchy in an effort to understand the utility of fantasy in American culture.

Kathy Cramer, professor of political science and faculty director of the Morgridge Center for Public Service, known for her approach to the study of public opinion.

Jordan Ellenberg, John D. MacArthur professor of mathematics, specializing in number theory, geometry and the relations between them.

James Keck, professor of biomolecular chemistry and associate dean for basic sciences in the School of Medicine and Public Health, for research on how cells replicate and repair their DNA at a molecular level.

B. Venkat Mani, professor in the Department of German, Nordic and Slavic, co-editor of the "Wiley-Blackwell Companion to World Literature," coming out in 2018.

Donald Moynihan, professor and director of the La Follette School of Public Affairs, researching the application of organization theory to public management issues.

Lauren Riters, professor of zoology, studying the neural mechanisms underlying what motivates and rewards vertebrate social communication in different contexts.

Susan Thibeault, professor of surgery and Diane Bless endowed chair in otolaryngology, research in the molecular and genetic factors that contribute to the development of normal and injured vocal tissue.
Users of Google's Android operating system will spend $41 billion in total on apps and subscriptions in 2017, topping $40 billion for Apple, a new report has found.

App Annie, which focuses on data related to the mobile-app ecosystem, projected that Apple would still have the most dominant single app store.



Apple's App Store racked up $34 billion in sales in 2016, while Android apps collected $27 billion, a report in MarketWatch website said on Wednesday.



Although Google has its own Google Play online destination for apps, there are several third-party offerings for devices that run on the Android operating system.



App Annie projects that revenues for Google Play and third-party Android offerings will be roughly similar with $21 billion in Google Play revenues and $20 billion for other offerings, the report added.

Another reason for this might be the number of devices used.



Android should be expected to outpace Apple because Android devices outnumber iOS devices by about a 5-to-1 ratio worldwide, Danielle Levitas, Senior Vice President of research for App Annie, was quoted as saying.



"So there's much room for movement and while this shift might happen in 2017, ultimately, we forecast the App Store remaining the most lucrative store in the next five years," Levitas said.



According to market research firm Gartner, Android had more than 80 per cent of the smartphone market share in 2016 while iOS was at 17.7 per cent, yet Apple routinely takes a majority of global profits in selling its devices.


Astronaut Peggy Whitson is set to surpass Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams' record for the most spacewalks by a female astronaut when Whitson goes on her eighth spacewalk on Thursday, NASA said.

Williams has spent a total of 322 days in space on two missions. With 50 hours and 40 minutes, she also holds the record total cumulative spacewalk time by a female astronaut.



"Expedition 50 Flight Engineer Peggy Whitson is set to go on her eighth spacewalk Thursday morning and surpass astronaut Suni Williams' record for the most spacewalks by a female astronaut," NASA scientists wrote on a blog post on Wednesday.



Whitson's last spacewalk was on January 6 with Commander Shane Kimbrough when she hooked up new lithium-ion batteries and inspected the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer.





"Thursday's spacewalk will see Whitson and Kimbrough finish cable connections at the Pressurised Mating Adapter-3 (PMA-3) just recently attached to the Harmony module's space-facing port," the blog post said.



The PMA-3 relocation gets the station ready for the new International Docking Adapter-3 set to be delivered on a future SpaceX Dragon cargo mission.



European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet, who conducted last week's spacewalk with Kimbrough, will assist the duo in and out of their spacesuits and monitor the activities from inside the station.
Twelve people were killed and three others injured in a traffic accident when a church bus and a pickup truck collided in Texas state of US on Wednesday.

The accident took place outside a state park, about 120 km west of San Antonio, a city in central Texas, media quoted an official from Department of Public Safety as saying.



The church bus, which was carrying 14 passengers from First Baptist Church of New Braunfels, was travelling south on Highway 83 in central Texas when it had a head-on collision with a pickup truck, in which there was only a driver.



The officials said the injured were rushed to a hospital but it was not clear if the driver of the pickup truck was among the dead.



Texas Governor Greg Abbot said he and his wife, Cecilia, extended their "deepest condolences to the victims and the families of those involved in today's tragic event."



He said they were "saddened by the loss of life and our hearts go out to all those affected."

The Texas Department of Public Safety has begun its investigation into the crash. The exact cause of the accident is not clear yet.
A total of 88 Myanmar fishermen, who were detained in India for violating the country's law, were sent home through diplomatic channel, a media report said on Thursday.

The fishermen, who were put into custody at the Open Distress Camp in India, arrived at the Yangon International Airport on Wednesday evening from Port Blair by a chartered flight, Xinhua news agency reported.



The Myanmar fishermen were provided with aid by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement and arrangements were being made to send them back homes.
The Trump administration made it clear this week to bidders that it wants a wall  not a network of high-tech surveillance equipment or other technology  for its border barrier with Mexico.

As part of its effort to find companies to build the not-yet-funded Mexican border wall, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security answered many questions it has received from companies in a Q&A document added to the bid Tuesday.

At least one company said it had artificial intelligence technology to detect border threats, but the department said that concept didnt pass muster.

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Technology alone will not meet the requirements of this solicitation, the document read.

Companies also asked about scrapping a physical barrier and instead using a combination of sensors, cameras and advanced surveillance equipment. Again, Homeland Security said bids that dont include a wall will not be considered.

More than 700 interested bidders have signed up on the federal governments contract site, FedBizOpps, for proposals to help build or design the wall. The 10-page proposals for a concrete wall or a non-concrete wall were originally due Wednesday, but have been pushed back to April 4 to give bidders more time to respond after they review answers to questions.

Some companies asked if individual personnel names on its submission could be kept confidential to protect employees from potential media backlash. The document said the contractor must provide the names to the government, but that they would not be released to the public.

The department said only one design would be allowed from each company and submitting more could eliminate it from consideration. It is also strict on the 10-page limit  any bidders that include resumes and personnel profiles will count against its allotted pages.

Up to 20 finalists will be selected by the department to build prototypes somewhere in San Diego, although the exact location has not been revealed.

The bid says the wall must be 30-feet high, unable to be climbed, prevent digging below the wall for at least 6 feet and be aesthetically pleasing on the American side.

Funding is still up in the air for the wall, a cornerstone of President Donald Trumps campaign. As a candidate, he pledged to get Mexico to pay for its construction but has since opted for federal money to get the project started.

The cost of the wall  $21.6 billion, said an estimate from the Department of Homeland Security  has faced opposition from Republicans and Democrats.

Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, announced at a leadership press conference Tuesday that Trumps funding request for the wall will have to wait until later in the year, The Hill reported Tuesday.

Roughly 25 San Diego County companies have signed up as interested parties in the bid process.

Poway-based Concrete Contractors Interstates proposal calls for a polished wall with natural colors to create an aesthetically pleasing wall. Its iCON Wall design uses a precast method that often features recycled glass to make walls more artistic.

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phillip.molnar@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1891 Twitter: @phillipmolnar

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In theory, corporations face a 35 percent federal tax rate from the Internal Revenue Service.

But as discussion on Capitol Hill begins to focus on tax reform, a new report says many profitable Fortune 500 companies pay a whole lot less than 35 percent  and 18 corporations in particular have paid no taxes at all in recent years.

Among the 18? Sempra Energy, the San Diego-based company whose subsidiaries include San Diego Gas & Electric and Southern California Gas.

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According to figures compiled by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP), a left-of-center group based in Washington D.C., between 2008 and 2015 Sempra earned $7 billion in profit but actually received $34 million back in federal taxes, equating to an effective tax rate of minus 0.5 percent.

Sempra looks to me like a very straight-forward and very typical example of a company thats able to use accelerated deprecation tax breaks to reduce their effective tax rate, said Matthew Gardner, senior fellow at ITEP.

Officials at Sempra did not dispute the reports numbers, but said the company is simply taking advantage of provisions in the federal tax code available to corporations across the country.

If you look at the current laws, they are really incentivizing companies to invest in renewable energy facilities and infrastructure, said Maria McGregor, Sempra corporate communications manager. And thats a huge part of our business.

So what, exactly, is accelerated depreciation?

Tax laws allow companies to deduct most of the cost of their assets, such as equipment and machinery, before they wear out, hence the word accelerated. Its technically deferring the tax to a later date, although ITEP says those dates tend to be indefinite.

In addition, in an effort to boost the economy in 2008, Congress and then-President George W. Bush expanded depreciation tax breaks by creating a temporary 50 percent bonus depreciation that allowed companies to write off as much as 75 percent of their investment costs in new equipment right away.

Any company that makes a lot of capital investments, whether its in factories or in the case of Sempra, presumably in energy infrastructure, can claim them, Gardner said, who added, This tax break is 100 percent legal. Theres no intimation of wrongdoing.

The bonus depreciation provision is slated to expire at the end of 2019, but Gardner said there are no plans to get rid of accelerated depreciation.

The ITEP report looked at 258 companies in the Fortune 500 who turned a net profit between 2008 and 2015 and found that, collectively, the 35 percent corporate tax rate really amounted to 21.2 percent.

Companies in some sectors tended to pay closer to the 35 percent rate while others paid a lot less, or less than zero.

The highest effective corporate tax rates over the eight-year period in the ITEP study came from retail and health care corporations, which combined to pay 31.0 percent and 32.7 percent, respectively.

ITEP said utilities, gas and electric had the lowest effective tax rate, coming in at 3.1 percent.

Thats the sector Sempra falls under.

Between 2010 and 2015, McGregor said, Sempra Energy spent about $13.9 billion on utility and natural gas infrastructure businesses. In that same time period, Sempra spent $2.62 billion for investments in renewable energy facilities.

Thats why our companys tax payments were lower, McGregor said. Those benefits are actually passed along to our customers and that results in lower rates for our customers. And there are renewable programs and tax credits (that) actually drive down the cost of renewable energy and that also benefits our customers.

Gardner did not disagree with Sempras explanation but said tax laws that help companies dont get crafted on their own.

When Congress enacts these new tax breaks, theyre almost never doing it because they came up with these ideas themselves, Gardner said in a phone interview with the Union-Tribune. Theyre doing it precisely because highly effective, well-funded and very slick corporate lobbyists have told them that these tax breaks are necessary  Capital-intensive industries have lobbied hard for the ability to write off these investments.

Of the 18 corporations ITEP found to have paid essentially negative tax rates, 12 came from the energy/utilities sector.

Pacific Gas & Electric, based in San Francisco, was the other California utility on the list.

Pepco Holdings, a family of energy-related businesses in the mid-Atlantic, had the lowest effective tax rate between 2008 and 2015 in the ITEP rankings, at minus 27.9 percent.

The interesting question is, would they have made those same investments absent any tax breaks, Gardner said. Or if these tax breaks are simply rewarding companies for what they were all going to do anyway?

In addition to depreciation provisions, corporations across the board take advantage of a slew of other tax breaks, such as write-offs for research and development, stock options for executives and employees, and industry-specific tax breaks that even include making video games and building NASCAR tracks.

To avoid tax burdens, some corporations shift their U.S. profits to tax havens offshore.

Sempra has subsidiaries in Mexico and South America but McGregor said the corporation doesnt do that because we have large, physical assets  So theres a bit of differentiation between us and some of these other companies that are called out in the report.

The ITEP report came out earlier this month, during the heart of tax season for Americans, and as the Trump administration and Republicans on Capitol Hill are talking about tax reform.

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady are calling for cutting the corporate tax rate to a flat 20 percent.

Corporate tax reform needs to come to terms with the fact that for every company that actually is paying something close to 35 percent, theres another paying a lot closer to zero, Gardner said. And a vital first step is ending the loopholes that create these big disparities in corporate tax rates.

But ITEP has its critics.

Within days of the ITEP studys release, the right-of-center American Action Forum posted a critique, saying it can paint a sensationalist picture.

Essentially, what ITEP is trying to calculate is an effective tax rate  what a firm really paid in tax net of all tax provisions, but then ignoring those provisions by reporting the tax paid as a share of overall net income, rather than taxable income, the post said.

Gardner said the report purposely excluded companies hit hard by the recession such as GM, Bank of America and CitiGroup to avoid skewing the numbers. ITEP looked only at 258 companies that made money between 2008 and 2015 to get what it said was a clearer look at how companies that avoided big losses dealt with the tax code.

If you just look at companies that report profits in all eight years, I think thats a pretty good way of getting around that problem, Gardner said.

While ITEP titled its report, The 35 Percent Corporate Tax Myth, the conservative American Enterprise Institute came out with a report in 2011 that said the effective marginal corporate tax rate in the U.S. was more than 6 points higher than other developed countries.

The effective corporate tax rate is a measure of a corporations tax burden on returns from a marginal investment  one expected to earn just enough, after taxes, to attract investors.

The Congressional Budget Office estimated the effective corporate tax rate in 2012 at 19 percent. Thats 16 points lower than 35 percent but the CBO said its the fourth-highest among Group of 20 (G20) countries, a collection of governments and central bank from 20 major economies.

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rob.nikolewski@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1251 Twitter: @robnikolewski
Qualcomm said Wednesday that it has named James Thompson, head of the wireless chip makers semiconductor engineering operations, as chief technology officer.

He replaces Matt Grob, who is staying with Qualcomm as executive vice president of technology. Grob will continue to report to Chief Executive Steve Mollenkopf.

Thompson has overseen hardware and software engineering for Qualcomms chip design business since 2004. Prior to that, he led the companys Globalstar satellite engineering team. He was also part of the group that developed the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) 3G wireless standard  a key innovation of Qualcomms that brought the internet to mobile phones.

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In his role as executive vice president/chief technology officer, Thompson will lead global research and development for all wireless chipsets, as well as charting companywide product roadmaps across other businesses such as data center silicon and Internet of Things chips. He also will head corporate research and development and corporate engineering.

Thompson received his undergraduate, masters and doctorate degrees in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Jim is a seasoned veteran within the mobile industry and brings strong technology and product leadership to continue to drive the invention of technologies at speed and scale, and to continue Qualcomms more than 30-year history of innovation, said Mollenkopf in a statement.

Grob, who holds more than 70 patents, joined Qualcomm in 1991 as an engineer. He worked on several top technology projects over the years. In 2006, he was named head of corporate research and development  now called Qualcomm Research. He was appointed chief technology officer in 2011.

As executive vice president of technology, Grob will focus on longer term, next-generation wireless and related, including contextual awareness, machine learning, computer vision and security.

For nearly six years, Matt has played a critical role in leading Qualcomms reputation for technology excellence and we look forward to continue working with Matt in his new role, said Mollenkopf.

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mike.freeman@sduniontribune.com;

Twitter:@TechDiego

760-529-4973
Breaking up schoolyard fights is a scary but necessary part of an educators job, said several local school officials, following an Escondido middle school brawl that led to the reassignment this week of three administrators at the campus.

A video of the fight at Rincon Middle School showed one student beating another on Friday while an assistant principal looked on. The footage, circulated on social media and aired in news reports, raised questions about the role of school officials in violent incidents.

In the Rincon case, the video shows a male student repeatedly punching another boy, as Assistant Principal Mike Brinkley is nearby with his hands in his pockets. After the victim walked away, the other boy followed him and pummeled him again, knocking him to the ground.

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After the video surfaced, Brinkley was placed on administrative leave and two other Rincon administrators were moved to other schools. On Monday, a new principal and two new assistant principals were reassigned to Rincon.

Escondido Unified School District Superintendent Luis Rankins-Ibarra declined to talk specifically about the incident, but said Wednesday that school employees have a responsibility to treat brawling students as if they were their own children, .

If your daughter or son was involved in that fight what would you do? Rankins-Ibarra asked. You would intervene. Theres no recipe for a fight. Theyre ugly. To do nothing is not acceptable.

That principle  called loco parentis  is codified in a state law that recognizes educators responsibility to maintain order, and relieves them from liability for doing so. The California education code says a teacher, vice principal, principal... shall not be subject to criminal prosecution or criminal penalties for the exercise... of the same degree of physical control over a pupil that a parent would be legally privileged to exercise, in order to protect student health and safety and maintain a proper learning environment.

Teachers and administrators are typically well trained in how to react in such situations  but that doesnt mean its easy, officials said.

Our obligation is to not let students hurt each other, but we need to protect ourselves also, said Barbara Dawson, a Vista-based board member for the California Teachers Association. You dont want the teacher to be injured trying to stop a fight.

Dawson, who has taught at Roosevelt and Washington Middle Schools in Vista Unified School District, said stepping into the fray is not always the best starting point.

I dont know that I would get in the middle of two middle school boys punching, she said, although acknowledging that she has done so on occasion.

My first instinct as a teacher is to say stop. Get in the middle, put my hands up, say stop, Dawson said. But if you grab a students arm in a fight, they might punch you, or they might blame you.

Bob Mueller, interim director of the County Office of Education, said school officials can maintain a physical presence in a scuffle without laying hands on the kids.

Im going to give loud verbal commands, call the students by name if I know their names, he said. Im going to put my body in close proximity. And Im going to determine based on the surroundings, if its safe for my to physically intervene. If I dont take the full surroundings into account it could make it worse.

An adult could fall on a student, unintentionally provoke other kids to join the brawl, or leave a student vulnerable by restraining him or her. In most cases, he said, it takes two adults to pry fighting students apart. The best defense, he said, is to establish strong school relationships and a respectful environment.

As a school community we care about each other, we act to protect each other, Mueller said. To the extent that we have schools like that, we have fewer fights, we have students coming to us for help. We have students working to create their own skills at resolving conflict. What makes a school safer is working hard to create a positive school climate.

Rankins-Ibarra said thats what he aimed for in the administrative changes instituted this week. The new Rincon principal, Jason Wrzeski, has a background in special education, and experience in dealing with students behavioral issues, Rankins-Ibarra said. Former Rincon Principal Beth Crooks was reassigned to Juniper Elementary School, where Wrzeski had been stationed.

Administrators Chris Harris and Johnnie Landreth have also moved to Rincon as assistant principals. Former Rincon assistant principal Kim Comes will split her time between Mission Middle School and Orange Glen Elementary.

Rankins-Ibarra agreed that physical intervention when students are fighting is a last resort. He said the district trains its administrators in a series of steps to follow during an altercation.

Could you use a whistle? he asked. Use your voice or authority. Grab one of the offenders, and move them out of the way. Call for backup. Have kids run to the office. Its ultimately a staff responsibility, but specifically on the administration. And thats my responsibility.

deborah.brennan@sduniontribune.com Twitter@deborahsbrennan
Newly hired Poway Unified School District Superintendent Marian Kim-Phelps will start the job on Monday, ushering in a new administrative era for the district after its tumultuous split from former superintendent John Collins.

Her appointment, however, has so far been marked by continuing discord among the districts board of trustees. Two board members, Kimberley Beatty and Charles Sellers, voted against her selection, complaining they were excluded from important phases of hiring and contract negotiation, and that the process was fraught with violations of the Brown Act, Californias government transparency law.

Other school officials disputed those complaints, saying the board followed legal procedure for the appointment.

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Kim-Phelps has been the superintendent of the Westminster School District in Orange County since 2013, serving as the first minority superintendent for the district. There she added an education technology department, and supervised creation of Vietnamese and Spanish language dual immersion programs, technology magnet schools and a gifted and talented academy.

A San Diego resident, Kim-Phelps already has long-standing ties to the region where she has previously worked and studied. She was an administrator in the San Diego Unified School District before her tenure in Westminster, and holds a doctorate from San Diego State University, a Master of Arts in educational leadership from Point Loma Nazarene University and a Bachelor of Arts from University of California, San Diego.

In Poway Unified, Kim-Phelps will receive a base salary of $287,500, with increases to $296,125 in July 2018 and $305,009 in July 2019  provided she receives satisfactory performance evaluations from the school board. She is also entitled to step increases of 2.5 percent at the end of five, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of employment with the district.

Beatty and Sellers have protested that they werent fully included in Kim-Phelps selection, or the terms of her contract. They sent a letter to the other three board members demanding they fix those alleged violations, but Beatty said this week that she and Sellers ultimately decided not to take legal action on the matter.

Our main issues of concern were that Board President Michelle OConnor-Ratcliff had secretly procured the services of an attorney that had never worked for the Board or District and blocked the Boards own attorney of record, Special Counsel Maribel Medina, from advising the Board during the negotiations and hiring process, Beatty said in an e-mail to the Union Tribune. In addition, OConnor-Ratcliff alone began work on a new superintendent contract without board knowledge or input, while the board was continuing to interview superintendent candidates.

OConnor-Ratcliff said the board followed all legal requirements and that Beatty and Sellers were fully involved in the process.

We worked with an attorney on the proceedings and we believe we did everything correctly and appropriately under the Brown Act, she said. We dont believe there were any violations.

deborah.brennan@sduniontribune.com Twitter@deborahsbrennan
A transgender woman says she was shocked and embarrassed last week when she came out of the womens restroom during a concert at the Belly Up Tavern, and an employee admonished her that she had to use the bathroom corresponding with the gender on her drivers license.

It was like public shaming for me, said Nataliya Holmes, 46, of Imperial Beach, who was at the music venue in Solana Beach to see a performance of the group Vaud and the Villains, on March 23. When that occurs in society it affects all of us. None of us want to live in a society where people are treated discriminatorily.

Holmes said she then asked to speak to the manager, whom she identified as Jeff Keeping, who affirmed what the staff member had told her.

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Kevin Kish, director of the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), which enforces state anti-discrimination laws, said that if the exchange happened in the way Holmes described, its a very clear, straightforward violation of state law. Theres really no ambiguity at all.

In California, said Kish, the Unruh Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination in public accommodations, which includes businesses, and the categories of protected characteristics include gender identity and gender expression, as well as race, religion, sex, disability, ancestry, age, marital status or sexual orientation.

Nothing in the law says that a person has to use the bathroom based on their drivers license, so requiring it is a straightforward violation. You dont have to look a certain way or dress a certain way. The drivers license is frankly irrelevant, Kish said.

Keeping, the Belly Ups general manager, did not grant an interview or answer specific questions regarding Holmes account of the incident. However, in response to a reporters email inquiry, he wrote, Anyone who knows the Belly Up Tavern is aware of our commitment to the community. In our Venue we are (conscious) of the security, safety and rights of all of our patrons and we act accordingly.

Holmes said she does not know what prompted the staff member to approach her as she left the restroom. She said she looks older than 21, and had not been asked to show her ID when she entered the venue. She believes the Belly Up employees were profiling me as transgender.

As a transgender individual in San Diego, I am aware there will be discrimination in different places, but I never would have expected a major music venue would have been discriminatory toward a transgender person, she said.

After the incident, Holmes said she contacted Solana Beach Mayor Mike Nichols, who referred her to City Attorney Johanna N. Canlas, who in turn provided contact information for DFEH. Neither Nichols nor Canlas responded to a request for comment as of press-time.

Holmes said she and her wife requested, and received, a refund for their tickets to the concert, and left the venue. Holmes said she plans to file a complaint with DFEH.

If Holmes does so, said Kish, the agency will interview her to determine if it has jurisdiction over the alleged violation. If so, the agency would then investigate.

If the violation is substantiated, DFEH would attempt to mediate a resolution, which could involve working with the Belly Up to train its employees on requirements of state law, with the goal of ensuring that such incidents do not occur in the future.

In the case of a lack of cooperation when a violation is determined, said Kish, DFEH could file a lawsuit seeking compliance.

Kish suggested that one way to avoid such issues is for establishments, when possible, to have unisex bathrooms. Unisex restrooms are also convenient for people with children, or those with disabilities, he said.

Holmes said she had recently been to a concert at a San Diego venue with unisex restrooms, which makes it obvious that Im welcome there and nobodys going to give me any problem.

As to the issue of safety and security in restrooms, Kish said that if a person is harassing others, action can be taken whether the person is transgender or not, and it would not be a civil rights violation.

The reality is the people who are not safe in bathrooms are transgender people, Kish said, because they can be subject to harassment.

Holmes said she wants the Belly Up to admit its mistake.

I want them to take public responsibility for their actions and to change their policy. I want them to be a welcoming environment, she said. The point is to make people understand, were just people like anybody else. I live my life no differently than anyone else, why should I be singled out?

The band Vaud and the Villains issued the following statement about the alleged incident:

As a show, we are proud of our tremendously broad and diverse fanbase. Our message of acceptance is evident in our performances. Maybe that is why Nataliya brought this situation to us, and we are glad she did. We would not hesitate to abstain from playing a venue if we knew they maintained a policy that discriminated against anyone. We all thrive in communities where we feel safe and accepted. And we believe that music does more to heal and unite than to divide. When we relayed this incident and our concerns to the Belly Up, they assured us that they do not have any policy that discriminates against anyone, period. We feel given our relationship with the Belly Up and the fact that they seem eager to resolve the matter, that there is hope for a satisfying conclusion here. No one should be made to feel less than but in this time of change, it is important to understand and to allow that there will be mistakes and to give those people a chance to fix them. That is how we all conquer this...together and with empathy and compassion.

Tash is a freelance writer for U-T Community Press
Its been 50 years since Arlo Guthrie recorded his classic 1967 debut album, Alices Restaurant, and 48 years since he performed at the legendary Woodstock festival and starred in the hit film version of Alices Restaurant.

Now, as then, this onetime counterculture hero is single-minded about his profession  and about having deliberately ignored the advice of his mother, Marjorie, when he was young.

She told me: If you want to be a musician, fine, but learn to do something else, recalled Guthrie, who brings his Running Down the Road tour to the Belly Up on Wednesday.

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I remember thinking: If I follow her advice, I will end up doing something else. Because its easy being a musician when times are good; its harder when times are bad. So I purposefully decided not to learn to do anything else, and to make music the only thing I know how to do.

Speaking by phone from his winter home in Florida, he chuckled as he recalled his early days in music.

And things did get bad, Guthrie, the son of folk-music icon Woody Guthrie, recalled. Ive been broke a few times. And, if not for the help of others, my life would have been a disaster. But we got through it, thanks to the decision I made not to do anything else except music.

Ive quoted my dad a lot of over the years. One of my favorite things he said is: Its better to fail at being yourself than to succeed at being somebody else.

Now 69, Guthrie has consistently followed his creative muse, touring regularly and making more than 30 albums. Since 1983, he has headed his own record label, Rising Son, whose roster include his daughters Annie, Cathy and Sarah Lee, son Abe and son-in-law Johnny Irion.

For good measure, the tireless troubadour heads the Massachusetts-based Guthrie Center, an interfaith services and spiritual exchange created to honor the legacy of his parents.

Rich musical legacy

He is also saluting his famed father  who wrote and popularized such timeless songs as This Land Is Your Land, Do-Re-Mi and Goin Down the Road Feelin Bad  on his current national concert trek.

We started this tour last fall. All of a sudden, because of the political changes in the U.S., an old song my dad wrote, Deportee (Plane Wreck at Los Gatos), became an important song to add to our set list, Guthrie noted.

Indeed, the lyrics to his fathers Deportee, which was written in 1948  a year after Arlo Guthrie was born  seem more pertinent than ever at a time when President Trump has vowed to build a 30-foot high wall between the U.S. and Mexico.

The songs lyrics include such stirring couplets as:

Some of us are illegal, and some are not wanted / Our work contracts out and we have to move on / Six hundred miles to that Mexican border / They chase us like outlaws, like rustlers, like thieves / We died in your hills, we died in your deserts / We died in your valleys and died on your plains / We died neath your trees and we died in your bushes / Both sides of the river, we died just the same...

For me, folk music has always been the original social media, Guthrie said. Thats the way in which people used to communicate. How they got the news was through traveling musicians, who would go from town to town and not only be entertaining, but educational.

Guthrie once memorably described his 18-minute-long Alices Restaurant as being not an anti-war song, but an anti-idiocy song. How does he respond to those who maintain entertainers should stick to entertaining, rather than expressing their opinions?

I dont think we abdicate that right, replied Guthrie, who recently declined a request to record Old Man Trump, a just-unearthed song by his father.

Nobody, in my mind, is right or wrong all the time, including me, he continued. So, when somebody asked me to record a (scathing) song about Donald Trumps father that my dad had written, I dont know, let somebody else do it.

Ive been attacked in my life by people who say: Youre just like your father, youre no good. I know what thats like.  If there are things I dont like about Trump, Ill tell you. But I dont want to do a guilt-by-association thing. I think thats generally wrong. And the difference between right and wrong is important to me.

After pointing out that some of Beethovens music had once been banned in Russia, Guthrie said: There are songs and a spirit to some songs that some people are offended by, and I think thats how its supposed to be. There is a power to the songs, and  Pete Seeger was right  thats all the more reason to sing them loud.

In 1974, Guthrie wrote Presidential Rag, a song that targeted President Nixon at the height of the Watergate scandal (and sounds like an early musical template for the young Tom Petty). It includes the verse: Nobody elected your family / And we didnt elect your friends / No one voted for your advisers / And nobody wants the men / Youre the one we voted for / So you must take the blame / For handing out authority / To men who were insane

I think Nixon did some really stupid things, but he also did some really smart things, Guthrie said. Well wait and see if the current administration comes up with the equivalent of something smart. It seems to be taking a little longer than some would hope.

Nixon was one of those guys who tried to fool all of the people some of the time, and Trump tries to fool some of the people all of the time There a slight difference, and maybe its an important difference.But it doesnt work out well under either circumstance.

Developing youtful interests

Had Guthrie fulfilled his boyhood dream, this avid photographer and cross-country motorcyclist might not be singing at all.

I wanted to be a forest ranger, he said.

I didnt like or enjoy being around large crowds of people, so I thought: Forestry  thats a good idea! I went to a school for forestry, a little college in Montana, but it just never happened for me. I didnt get past the first semester.

Given his aversion to crowds, was Guthrie uncomfortable performing for an estimated audience of nearly 500,000 people at the 1969 Woodstock festival, where his band included jazz drum great Paul Motian?

Im sure I was, he replied.

It took me years to get over the fact I wasnt going to be a forester and would have to endure large crowds of people, which I eventually did. But its not something I looked forward to or was trying to do.

Even before his interest in forestry took root, Guthrie was an avid photographer as a boy. Its a passion he has sustained to this day.

Wow, nobody ever asks me about this. So thats good; that means I have to be spontaneous! he said.

I was probably about 9 or 10 when I got my first camera, probably a Kodak Instamatic or some kind of very basic camera. But it was a film camera and my mother wouldnt let me have it unless I signed up for some photography lessons. So I signed up.with a neighbor who taught me technical things  like: What is an F-stop? What is ASA?  and how to develop film.

So Id shoot tons of black-and-white photos, because we couldnt process color film in a garage in those days, and I loved it..

Guthrie has taken cameras with him on every concert trek he has done, including a 1960s tour of Japan with Judy Collins and Mimi Farina. Yet, despite the wealth of images he has amassed, no one one has approached him about publishing a book of his photos.

Generally, I shoot every day, Guthrie said. I ended up with a bigger collection of cameras than I ever anticipated. The same thing happens with guitars; you have one and someone says: Here, I made this one, try it out. So I probably have 5 or 6 cameras I keep pretty handy. Theyre all digital these days.

Im not a street photographer. I dont go around looking for interesting people or hunting down things to shoot. I go for more timeless stuff, the rare moments in the natural world that I think are stunning. I also shoot some wildlife  if there are a couple of birds Im interested in who have nested near by.

I enjoy the same things in music and life, things that dont belong to just somebody, but to anybody.

An evening with Arlo Guthrie

When: 8 p.m. Wednesday

Where: Belly Up, 143 South Cedros Ave., Solana Beach

Tickets: $67-$72 (must be 21 or older to attend)

Phone: (858) 481-8140

Online: bellyup.com

Twitter @georgevarga

george.varga@sduniontribune.com
More than a decade before Postmodern Jukebox became an American pop-culture phenomenon, Germanys Max Raabe recorded cabaret versions of Britney Spears Oops! I Did It Again and Lou Begas Mambo No. 5. These followed Raabes 1992 breakthrough hit, Kein Schwein Ruft Mich An (which translates, literally, as No Swine Ever Calls Me). He and his 12-piece Palast Orchester (Palace Orchestra) also perform such classics as Over the Rainbow and Speak Low, along with the Raabe-penned Cloning Can Be Worthwhile. Rather than downplay the kitsch factor, they proudly revel in it. You may, too, when Raabe and his group return to San Diego Friday.

La Jolla Music Society presents Max Raabe & Palast Orchester 8 p.m. Friday. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. $25-$75 (plus service charges).(858) 459-3728 (Thursday); (619) 570.1100 (Friday). ljms.org

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Twitter @georgevarga

george.varga@sduniontribune.com
The Old Globe Theatre will present the first English-language reading of a work by Joshua Sobol  considered Israels most prominent living playwright  as the theater participates in an international Holocaust remembrance event.

The reading of the play, Andas Love, will take place at 7 p.m. April 24 on the Globes main Shiley Stage.

Barry Edelstein, the theaters Erna Finci Viterbi artistic director, will direct a cast that includes two Broadway veterans: Globe associate artist Tovah Feldshuh (last at the theater inGoldas Balcony), and Natacha Roi (The Winters Tale). Talley Beth Gale, a graduate student in the Globe/University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre Program, will read stage directions.

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Andas Love is translated from the Hebrew by Roland Rees and Sobol, and adapted for American audiences by Edelstein. The reading is officially part of the remembrance readings organized by the National Jewish Theater Foundation  Holocaust Theater International Initiative at University of Miami Miller Center, in honor of Elie Wiesel.

Tickets are available at the moment only to subscribers and donors; they go on sale to the general public at noon April 11. Prices are $15 for the public; $10 for subscribers, donors, students, and groups.

Purchase or more details: (619) 234-5623 or theoldglobe.org.

Heres how the theater describes the play:

2002: As violence continues to shatter lives in Israel and the Occupied Territories, Petra, a German war correspondent still reeling from a recent tragedy, visits Anda in her Tel Aviv flat.

The two strangers talk into the night over coffee and cognac and discover a surprising and deep bond between them, dating back to World War II.

San Diego Theater  On Now Video: Bruce Springsteen's solo trip to Broadway On Now Video: Inside the rehearsal room of SDMT's Damn Yankees! 2:22 On Now Video: La Jolla Playhouse-bred shows earn key Tony nominations 3:05 On Now Video: Broadway moment has arrived for La Jolla Playhouse's 'Come From Away 0:33 On Now Video: Lamb's Players Presents "An American Christmas" 2016 1:21 On Now Old Globe's 'Grinch' ready to rumble again 0:52 On Now Little Miss Sunshine at La Jolla Playhouse On Now Working the Magic On Now San Diego Repertory Theatre presents "Federal Jazz Project" On Now An American Christmas

Twitter: @jimhebert

jim.hebert@sduniontribune.com
For seven years, Honor Flight San Diego has ferried World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., for all-expenses-paid trips to see the various national monuments. Its a way to thank The Greatest Generation for their service and their sacrifices.

But a trip planned for May has been canceled because of a lack of funding.

We had more than 100 vets waiting to go, some of them older than 100, said Saundra Cima, a volunteer with Honor Flight. It was very disappointing to have to tell them the trip is off.

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To raise money for another flight, the group is hosting a Legends & Legacies fundraiser on April 9 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club in Rancho Santa Fe. Tickets are $100 each. The event will feature dinner, Big Band music, auctions and a keynote address by Mac McLaughlin, president and CEO of the USS Midway Museum.

It costs about $250,000 to take 100 vets on a three-day, two-night trip. That includes charter airfare, hotels, meals and bus tours of the monuments. The veterans typically are accompanied by guardians, often relatives, who pay their own way. If the fundraiser generates enough money, Cima said, Honor Flight will try to host another trip in June or July.

Honor Flight started in 2005 in Ohio as a way to take vets to Washington to see the World War II Memorial, which had opened the previous year. The idea spread to more than 40 states. The one in San Diego started in 2010 and has organized 17 flights taking a total of 1,063 vets.

For many of the vets, the trip is emotional. They typically receive standing ovations at airports and get asked by strangers young and old to pose for photographs. At the World War II Memorial, they sometimes shed tears in front of a wall decorated with 4,048 gold stars, each one representing 100 American service members killed during the war. Surrounded by other vets, some of them share combat experiences theyve kept bottled up for decades.

For those organizing the trips, theres an ongoing sense of urgency. Of the 16 million Americans who served in the war, about 600,000 are still alive.

john.wilkens@sduniontribune.com
Spurred on by President Donald Trumps call to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, Mexican officials say they are preparing for any future talks  and willing to walk away if their conditions are not met.

Several high-ranking members of President Enrique Pena Nietos administration made their case this week to members of a San Diego delegation, saying trade restrictions would represent a step back for the economic integration between the U.S. and Mexican economies achieved in the 23 years since the treatys signing by Mexico, Canada and the United States.

Mexico will not engage in a discussion whose substance is restricting trade, Juan Carlos Baker Pineda, Mexicos undersecretary of foreign trade, said Wednesday. If you talk about increasing tariffs, if you talk about restrictive quotas, if that is the proposal towards Mexico, in our mind, that implies a regression. It would be so 1980s.

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The undersecretary was addressing members of a San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce delegation who traveled from the border to Mexico City for a three-day visit that started Monday and ended Wednesday. One of the major aims of the visit was to highlight the importance of cross-border ties at time of uncertainty over the the U.S.-Mexico relationship.

Mexico Senate, San Diego Chamber agree to promote commerce

The binational group of some 90 members included San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, Tijuana Mayor Juan Manuel Gastelum, San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts and others who came to advocate for a broad range of border issues  from fishing permits in environmentally protected areas to medical tourism to the need for resources to upgrade Tijuanas sewage infrastructure and prevent cross-border spills.

In public presentations and private gatherings, participants discussed major projects on San Diego Countys border, including the planned Otay Mesa East tolled border crossing and the rebuilding of a cross-border railroad.

NAFTA, border crossing, tax discussed in Mexico City meetings

This weeks discussions have come as Trump has moved forward on plans to build an extended wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and called for NAFTAS re-negotiations, both of which have generated protest and concern in Mexico.

The San Diego delegation brought a different narrative to the Mexican capital  one of cross-border collaboration and the benefits it can bring to both sides.

Much of the discussion took place at the Four Seasons Hotel on Avenida Reforma, a major thoroughfare with its own bicycle lanes, and sidewalks filled with filled pedestrians heading to banks and restaurants, or to work in the surrounding high-rises, amid the purple blossoms of jacaranda trees.

From the border to Mexico City: SD Chamber trip aims to build bridges

Mexican officials have said they are willing to take a second look at NAFTA. It is clear there is room for improvements, Baker said. We have ideas, we have opinions, we are willing to play a constructive role, a very important part of what NAFTA North America should be.

The Trump administration has yet to trigger the process that would led to the opening of negotiations. But questions of what this would entail has generated unease in the business community.

Trump has maintained that the trade agreement is unfair to the United States and wants it overhauled. The president and some Republicans in Congress further have advocated for a 20 percent tariff on imports.

In Mexico, no one knows exactly whats going to happen, said Michael Camunez, a former U.S. undersecretary of Commerce who is now a consultant. The business community remains very concerned because of the uncertainty the status quo is generating.

Over a breakfast of chilaquiles and scrambled eggs served at the historic Citibanamex headquarters on Tuesday, the group heard talk about the NAFTAs benefits.

If we want to remain one of the most competitive regions in the world, we have to preserve what we have achieved, said Carlos Sada, undersecretary for North American affairs in Mexicos foreign relations secretariat, told delegation members

Sada, who previously served as Mexicos ambassador to the United States, said we are ready for NAFTA negotiations. We have a comprehensive strategy, and we are going to put everything on the table that is regarding the relationship between Mexico and the United States.

That would not just involve trade, but immigration and security issues as well, Sada said. Mexico is playing a crucial role in the migration from other countries in areas such as Latin America, Asia and Africa, he said. The more we cooperate the better.

The San Diego and Tijuana mayors and Roberts, who is chairman of the San Diego Association of Governments, were among a small group that met with Foreign Relations Secretary Luis Videgaray this week.

The secretary told the group that U.S.-Mexico relations are much better than they look from afar, said Camunez, whose firm ManattJones Global Strategies is advising SANDAG on the planned Otay Mesa East crossing, which would be jointly operated with Mexico.

Camunez said Videgaray offered some reassurance amid an uncertain scenario, that the Mexican government has had some very constructive discussions with the Trump administration, and theyre looking for constructive ways to work together.

sandra.dibble@sduniontribune.com

@sandradibble
Whether the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles sought a buyer for a Newport Beach church property was a key issue Thursday during a disciplinary hearing that could lead to his suspension or defrocking.

Bishop J. Jon Bruno faces allegations that he was deceptive and acted in a way unbecoming a clergyman when he tried to sell the St. James the Great site, locked congregants out and then kept the gates closed even after the sale fell apart.

As bishop, Bruno leads about 135 churches, 44 schools and 18 other organizations in California that stretch from San Clemente in the south to Santa Maria in the north.

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Testifying in Pasadena on Wednesday before a five-member panel of Episcopal officials from around the country, he described the diocese as property-rich but cash-poor. Still, he said, he did not actively market St. James. On Thursday, the last day of the three-day hearing, Brunos chief of staff and executive officer for operations also testified that the diocese did not seek out a buyer.

The Rev. Canon David Tumilty described a meeting in February 2015 with John Cushman, a broker involved in a separate real estate transaction with the diocese, who asked Bruno about his plans for the St. James site. According to Tumilty, Bruno said he had received some offers but rejected them because they werent good enough  given the churchs nearly $8-million appraised value.

A few weeks later, Cushman brought officials a $15-million cash offer from Legacy Partners, a developer that wanted to build luxury townhomes on the site.

We did not request him [Cushman] to do anything, Tumilty said. We did not sign a brokerage agreement with him. The bishop did not ask him to go find us offers.

Bruno signed an agreement in April 2015 to sell the property to Legacy, informed the congregation in May and locked the church doors in June.

Legacy dropped out of the deal when an investment partner decided not to proceed.

But St. James parishioners, stunned by the process and the church closure, fought back with an ecclesiastical complaint that led to this weeks hearing, similar to a trial.

The congregation alleged that Bruno was not forthcoming about his plans and he didnt have permission from the dioceses governing body to sell the property. Parishioners contend he was untruthful about several issues, including his plans for the expected sale proceeds and the financial health of the church. They say his alleged misrepresentations and his locking up of the church were unbecoming a member of the clergy.

Bruno has countered that he didnt need permission and that, at any rate, the property didnt sell. He said he acted with information he had at the time about St. James financial situation and that he did not intentionally obscure the truth.

The Right Rev. Herman Hollerith, the panel chairman and bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia, said he doesnt expect a decision on Bruno to be issued before Easter, April 16.

hillary.davis@latimes.com

Twitter: @DailyPilot_HD

Davis writes for Times Community News

UPDATES:

8:30 p.m.: This article was updated with details from the last day of the disciplinary hearing.

This article was originally published at 12:10 p.m.
The attorney general for the Mexican state of Nayarit was arrested in San Diego Monday on a New York arrest warrant accusing him of drug trafficking.

Edgar Veytia was arrested at the Cross Border Xpress, the bridge connecting San Diego to the Tijuana Airport, said U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesman Ralph DeSio.

Veytia, 46, is the attorney general in Nayarit, the tropical region between Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. Its stretch of Pacific coastline has become a popular resort destination known as Riviera Nayarit.

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Veytia is charged with conspiring to manufacture, distribute and import heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana, according to the indictment filed this month in the Eastern District of New York.

Veytia, also known as Diablo, Eepp, and Lic Veytia, participated in the conspiracy from 2013 to February of this year, the indictment states.

The indictment does not detail the allegations nor name co-conspirators. It also does not address Veytias prominent prosecutorial role in Mexico.

He was arraigned in San Diego federal court Tuesday.

The investigation was a collaboration of the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations, said San Diego FBI spokesman Davene Butler. She declined to comment on the case further.

kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @kristinadavis
The father of a 10-year-old boy who died in San Diego County after contracting a bacterial infection from a pet rat he bought at a local Petco store is suing the pet supply chain, claiming it knew of the hidden danger  and the potential for death  but failed to provide an adequate warning to customers.

Years before Aidan Pankey and his grandmother bought the rat in late May 2013, there were more than a dozen reported incidents around the U.S. of adults and children contracting rat bite fever from animals sold at Petco stores, an attorney told jurors Wednesday morning.

Despite this, you will hear that Petco is still selling rats to kids and kids are still getting sick, Bibianne Fell said during her opening statement in San Diego Superior Court. To this day, Petco is still selling rats.

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But lawyers for Petco and Barneys Pets, a West Coast vendor that provides small animals to the pet supply chain, said its impossible to ensure that each rat among millions sold in stores around the United States is free of bacteria that could be harmful to humans. And they said customers are warned of the potential danger.

There are risks with owning any pet, said attorney Kimberly Oberrecht, who represents Petco, adding that rat bite fever is a rare disease in the U.S, and one that is treatable with antibiotics.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms those statements on its website, but it notes that no accurate data on incident rates are available because health authorities are not required to report cases of rat bite fever.

Statistics arent reported to the CDC because it doesnt happen very often.  So this is not an epidemic as the plaintiffs would have you believe, Oberrecht told the jury.

1 / 3 (John Gibbins / Twitter @JohnGibbinsUTSD) June 2010: A Papillion, Neb., man was strangled to death by his pet boa constrictor. The snake was 9 feet long and weighted 25 pounds. The man, 34-year-old Cory Byrne, was putting the boa away when it got scared and wrapped itself around his neck, according to WOWT 2 / 3 (Howard Lipin / U-T San Diego) A 2-year-old girl was strangled by an albino Burmese python in Florida. The snake, which was 8-foot-6-inches long, escaped from its enclosure and attacked the child by biting and squeezing her in her crib. The girls mothers boyfriend found the snake on top of the girl, freeing her dead body with a 6-inch knife and a meat cleaver. 3 / 3 (Peggy Peattie / UTSan DIego/Twitter @peggypeattie) A 10-year-old boy died from a rare infection called Rat Bite Fever, after he got the rat from a Petco store in San Diego. The bacteria that was present in the rats mouth is common. Rat Bite Fever is one of the dozens of diseases that can spread from animals to humans

On May 27, 2013, Aidan and his grandmother went to a Petco store in Carmel Mountain Ranch, where he picked out and purchased a rat he later named Alex. Two weeks later, the boy fell ill, with symptoms including an upset stomach, chills and a fever.

His family took him to a doctor, who diagnosed him with the flu. According to court documents, he was told to rest, drink a lot of liquids and to return for a follow-up visit a few days later if his symptoms did not improve.

But Aidan didnt get any better. The next night, he had pain, fever and stomach problems that wrested him out of his sleep. He was pale, lethargic and could not walk.

His family called paramedics, who took the boy to the emergency room at Rady Childrens Hospital. But by then it was too late.

Aidan died early the next morning  June 12, 2013. An autopsy said the cause of death was streptobacillus moniliformis infection.

According to the CDC, this particular type of bacterium is part of the normal respiratory flora of rodents, and those that carry it do not show any outward signs of disease or infection. It can be transmitted from animals to humans through bites or scratches, or just by handling a rodent that carries it.

There is no evidence that Aidan was bitten.

The boys parents, Andrew Pankey and Vanessa Sauer, filed their lawsuit in 2014, claiming that Petco did not effectively require Barneys to supply rats that were free of dangerous bacteria, nor did it test the rats before selling them or warn customers that an infection could be fatal.

There is no practical test to detect rat bite fever in a human victim, said Fell, one of the attorneys for the family. She added that the infection has a 7 percent to 13 percent mortality rate if left untreated.

In her opening statement, Fell said the jurors would hear that more than 200 cases of rat bite fever have been reported in the U.S., and that Petco knew of at least 17 cases involving infected rats sold at its stores since 2001.

It had knowledge that its customers were contracting rat bite fever from its rats and getting very, very sick, Fell said, noting that some people reported having permanent joint issues, paralysis and brain damage as a result of the infection.

The lawyer said Petco knew that dozens of rats at Barneys had tested positive for bacteria in the four months leading up to May 2013, when Aidan bought his pet rat.

Attorneys on both sides of the case acknowledged that Petco customers who buy rats, including Aidans grandmother, are given a form at the time of purchase that includes information on how to care for the animals and alerts them about rat bite fever. But the boys family contends those warnings didnt go far enough.

Petco knew at this time that rat bite fever causes death and did not put it in the warnings, Fell said.

Oberrecht, who represents the company, explained that the jury would be asked to decide whether Petcos warnings were adequate, whether it acted responsibly when it chose to sell rats and whether an animal that carries the bacteria naturally should be considered defective.

Petco warned about it, she said. One thing Petco cannot do is change the nature of an animal.

Andrew Pankey is seeking unspecified damages at the end of the trial, which is expected to last 10 to 12 days, his attorneys said in court documents. Sauer, the boys mother, settled with the defendants before the case went to trial.

dana.littlefield@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @danalittlefield
Federal agents in San Diego have arrested the attorney general for the Mexican state of Nayarit on charges that he conspired to smuggle heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine into the U.S.

Edgar Veytia, 46, was detained Monday at the U.S. border in San Diego on an indictment handed down by a grand jury in New York, Ralph DeSio, a spokesman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, said Wednesday.

As attorney general, Veytia is the top law enforcement official in Nayarit, a state in western Mexico between the cities of Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta.

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The indictment charges Veytia with conspiring to manufacture and distribute illicit drugs and import them into the U.S. from 2013  the year he became attorney general  until February of this year. Court papers refer to Veytia by a range of aliases, including Diablo, Eepp and Lic veytia.

FILE--In this June 22, 2016, file photo, a Border Patrol agent walks along a border structure in San Diego, Calif. The U.S. Border Patrols parent agency may exempt many veterans and law enforcement officers from a requirement that new hires take a lie-detector test. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, file) (Gregory Bull / AP)

Federal officials did not release additional details about the inquiry except that it involved agents from the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.

The indictment was filed March 2 in the Eastern District of New York and unsealed Tuesday by a U.S. magistrate judge in Brooklyn.

After his arrest, Veytia appeared before a federal magistrate judge Tuesday and was being held in the Metropolitan Correctional Center in San Diego, according to custody records.

Defense attorney Guadalupe Valencia said he was retained to represent Veytia for removal proceedings to New York, where the criminal case was filed. The removal hearing is scheduled for April 11.

Its a brand new case, Valencia said. No one has any info other than the indictment.

Roberto Sandoval Castaneda, the governor of Nayarit, issued a statement pledging to uphold public safety. At a news conference, he also announced that Carlos Alberto Rodriguez Valdez would assume the duties of attorney general.

I want to make it very clear to the people of Nayarit, men and women, as your governor, I will personally take care of security, Sandoval Castaneda said. We will not lower our guard; we will remain one of the safest states.

matt.hamilton@latimes.com

Twitter: @MattHjourno
A fisherman who illegally caught and removed abalone from the ocean will pay a $30,000 fine and be barred from ocean fishing in San Diego for three years as part of a plea deal with City Attorney Mara Elliott.

This is the fourth time San Diego has prosecuted someone for taking or possessing abalone, which has been illegal in California waters south of San Francisco Bay since 1998 due to dwindling populations of the shellfish.

City officials became aware of the illegal activity, which took place in fall 2015, when they got reports from concerned citizens that a man was removing abalone from waters in the South La Jolla State Marine Reserve.

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Protecting our marine resources is a priority for the City Attorneys Office, whether the threat comes from polluters or poachers, Elliott said. I applaud the concerned citizens who reported this illegal activity, and I encourage all San Diegans to be just as vigilant while they are enjoying our citys natural treasures.

Jeff Anthony Zeien, 52, pleaded guilty to taking and possessing abalone on two occasions in 2015: Sept. 28 and Oct. 17. Zeien, a resident of Scottsdale, Ariz., was represented by the Public Defenders Office in the case.

The plea agreement also includes three years of probation, bars Zeien from obtaining a fishing license in California and requires him to forfeit the fishing gear that authorities seized from him.

The three-year ban imposed on Zeien means he must stay away from the Pacific Ocean within the citys jurisdictional boundaries, which stretch from Blacks Beach north of La Jolla to the Zuniga Jetty off of Coronados North Island. The ban extends three miles out to sea.

The $30,000 fine he paid will be split equally between the states Abalone Restoration and Preservation Account and the county of San Diego.

Without the plea, Zeien could have faced a maximum of $150,000 in fines and up to 10 years in county jail. If he violates any of the terms or conditions of his probation, he could face two years in county jail.

Zeien faced steeper penalties than ordinary abalone poachers because he was caught in the South La Jolla State Marine Reserve, a no take area where the commercial or recreational taking of any living marine resource is prohibited.

Such areas were created by the state to protect habitat and ecosystems, as well as to conserve biological diversity by providing a sanctuary for fish and other sea life.

While most people abide by the abalone moratorium, the San Diego City Attorneys Office has prosecuted other poachers for the same thing. This happened twice in 2010 and once in 2013, a spokesman for Elliott said.

The case was handled by Deputy City Attorney Cheryl Shitabata of the Consumer and Environmental Protection Unit.

Anyone who witnesses unlawful hunting, fishing or pollution is encouraged to call (888) 334-2258 or send a text message to tip411. Callers may remain anonymous, if desired, and a reward can result from successful capture and prosecution.

The Consumer and Environmental Protection Unit hotline is (619) 533-5600. The unit investigates false advertising, unfair business practice, theft, environmental and unlicensed activity cases.

david.garrick@sduniontribune.com (619) 269-8906 Twitter:@UTDavidGarrick
Hundreds of thousands of Southern Californians are still driving recalled vehicles with defective air bags, putting their lives at risk, according Los Angeles civic and community leaders.

They said the consequences of ignoring the massive Takata air bag recall can be deadly and urged drivers to get get a free repair.

The issue is particularly dangerous in Southern California because warm temperatures make the bag inflators more likely to explode. The rupture could potentially send a blast of jagged shrapnel into a cars passenger compartment, during even minor collisions.

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At least 11 Americans, including three Californians, have been killed by the defective air bag inflators, originally designed and manufactured by the Takata Corp. of Japan. Approximately 180 Americans have suffered serious injuries, including cuts to the face or neck, broken or fractured facial bones, and loss of eyesight.

The ongoing recall affects 42 million vehicles and 19 different automakers. It has become the largest recall in automobile history, Los Angeles civic leaders said.

The air bag inflators in certain 2001-2003 Hondas and Acuras pose the biggest threat.

To find out which vehicles have been recalled and where to go to fix them, visit AirbagRecall.com.

Breaking News

Email: david.hernandez@sduniontribune.com

Phone: (619) 293-1876

Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez
A taxi passenger robbed the driver at gunpoint along a Carlsbad freeway Wednesday night and later was caught hiding in a business area, police said.

The driver was not injured, but the robbery suspect was bitten by a sheriffs patrol dog and treated at a hospital, police said.

The cabbie pulled into a Mobile gas station at Palomar Airport Road and Paseo del Norte where police were called shortly before 9 p.m., Carlsbad police Lt. Jeffrey Smith said.

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He said the taxi driver had been threatened and robbed at gunpoint, and the car was vandalized by the passenger while they were headed north on Interstate 5. It wasnt clear where the passenger got out and ran away.

A sheriffs helicopter, patrol dog and California Highway Patrol officers helped search the area, including along the freeway. At some point a man fitting the robbers description was seen and he ran to the courtyard of a business center off Avenida Encinas west of I-5.

The dog helped get the 26-year-old San Diego man into custody, Smith said. He said the man was booked into jail after being treated at the hospital.
As a member of the Legislature, I understand part of my job is addressing issues that affect every spectrum of my constituents, including millennials. When addressing the issue of students completing their undergraduate programs with tens of thousands of dollars in debt, I do not believe that the solution is to simply throw more money at the problem.

Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendons Degrees Not Debt proposal comes at a $6 billion price tag to the state. This $6 billion would be collected over five years. It is the only proposed program nationwide that covers living expenses in addition to tuition and fees for students in the California State University and University of California systems. With such vague language, how would we even know what constitutes a living expense? It has been referred to as an umbrella grant to all CSU and UC students receiving a Cal Grant, University Grant or Middle Class Scholarship and will be used in addition with any federal financial aid.

Related: How California college students can avoid deep debt

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The solutions to getting funding, in addition to the $6 billion cost, will force parents of students who make over $60,000 per year to pitch in additional monies for students whose parents cannot afford to do so. Last time I checked, families making $60,000 a year are not considered to be among a wealthy tax bracket. Why should they be penalized for their childs decision to further his or her education by being forced to pay for students other than their own child?

The Degrees Not Debt plan also takes $1.6 billion from Proposition 98 money. Proposition 98 money is already allocated to serve the K-12 education system. You cannot rob Peter to pay Paul. It is bad policy to take $1.6 billion dollars from one sector of education (K-12) and push it to another area (undergraduate), especially when you need success in the former to even reach the latter. Multiple studies have shown that a thriving K-12 environment better equips a child for a college environment.

Another proposal, put forth by Assemblywoman Susan Talamantes Eggman, D-Stockton, would tax millionaires living in California to pay the full four-year tuition, plus living expenses for California resident students. We all know the cost of education is a concern; however, we must change the narrative of how we approach fixing higher education. My solution is to focus on the real problem: inefficiencies in our education system and practices.

It takes roughly five and a half years for someone to complete an undergraduate degree. At one CSU school, less than 14 percent of students graduate in four years. On average, students are paying for an extra year and a half worth of tuition, fees, and living expenses. The Degrees Not Debt plan wants to pay for exactly one year of those costs. Using that logic, addressing the inefficiency of not being able to graduate a student in four years would be a more practical solution. The Legislature could essentially implement Degrees Not Debt cost-free just by giving students the resources to get out in four years.

Another confusion is with transfer credits. They have continued to be another longstanding hurdle for students. Many take the path of a two-year school to cut costs and receive general education credits. They then transfer to a four-year college and finish their degree at a much more affordable price. Sadly, this tends to hamper students more than help as most universities will not accept all transfer credits, forcing students to spend more money and waste more time.

We have started to lose sight of a common reality  traditional college is not for everyone. We need to look at broadening our higher education standards. We need to facilitate work-study opportunities and online classes, and provide more technical training to better equip young adults who do not benefit from a four-year degree.

Instead of forcing everyone to go to college under the pretense that they are entitled to a free degree, lets focus on affording them the ability to go to school or get additional career training. I challenge my Democrat colleagues to consider my input and understand that I too do not want our young people struggling with the burden of college debt; however, the higher education system we operate under is outdated and we must improve it to accommodate with todays standards.

Chavez, R-Oceanside, represents the 76th Assembly District.
How can we end student debt? Like education itself, it starts with a goal.

I was not much of a student in high school. My GPA was so bad, it looked like the decimal point was in the wrong place.

Thats how student debt is right now. Graduates owe an average of more than $20,000.

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The decimal point on debt is definitely in the wrong place.

Degrees Not Debt is the Assembly Democrats plan for changing that. Weve made debt-free college our goal, the same way I made a personal goal for my education.

Related: California plan to cut college student debt gets it wrong

I accomplished my goal. So will California.

It wasnt simple, though. After spending months after high school working a graveyard shift and falling asleep on the bus home, I woke up  literally and figuratively  and went to community college. I worked hard to get a bachelors degree at Cal State Fullerton. And then a masters and a doctorate.

After all that time at college, I came out with just $5,000 in debt.

Today, the average student has about five times as much debt for about half the time.

In fact, the average student at San Diego State picks up $6,317 in debt in a year, while the number is $5,652 at UCSD, according to the website College Factual.

Instead of college being a down payment on a students career, it has become a mortgage weighing down her future.

Our proposal aims to make community college attendance more affordable, and cut the dependence on student loans for 400,000 lower-income and middle-class students in our four-year institutions. That covers students with family incomes of $155,000 per year and less.

We are channeling the spirit of past state leaders whose initiative once made Californias low-cost, high-quality higher education system the envy of other states.

Our new scholarship program recognizes that students are held back by more than just the cost of tuition and fees. Students are loading up with expensive consumer debt to pay for other costs, like books, room and board, transportation and computers.

Degrees Not Debt will supplement existing financial aid to bridge the gap between current funding and what students need to avoid deep debt.

This is not a freebie for the next generation. Students are responsible for contributing through part-time work, as I once did, and families with incomes above $60,000 will be counted on for contributions.

If a family has a much higher income, it will contribute more. That puts state funding where it is most needed.

Critics say we should lower student debt by helping students graduate in four years. Theyre behind the news. Last year we enacted incentives for the California State University to improve student completion rates.

Those critics also seem ignorant of economic reality. At a recent tuition hearing, students chanted, The more we pay, the longer we stay.

Debt forces students to work more jobs and take fewer classes. That postpones graduation.

If you think our plan expensive, you should know it comes right out of the same process that has produced a balanced state budget for as long as Ive been in office.

It does not raise taxes. Instead, it produces taxpayers, some of whom will be able to serve their communities after graduation because their debt is manageable.

Were doing it at a time when the budget is in its best shape in decades and we have multibillion-dollar surpluses. This year, we are even adding $3 billion to the states rainy day fund.

Even so, were careful. Degrees Not Debt will start small and grow over five years. At its peak, it will be just 0.0076 of each general fund dollar. Thats a decimal point in the right place.

Plus, our plan is designed with a pause button to protect our budgets from any unforeseen federal cuts or economic downturns.

Researchers tell us California will fall 1.1 million graduates shy of what our economy needs in the next 15 years.

Blocking Degrees Not Debt would be more expensive to our state than implementing it.

The plan has many more benefits for students  preserving the Middle Class Scholarship is a big one  but the important thing to think about is this: Unlike some dream goals, Degrees Not Debt is something we really can accomplish.

Our success will serve as a model to other states, many of which have been even harder hit by student debt, and it will make California stronger.

Thats the goal we are aiming for.

Rendon, D-Paramount, represents the 63rd Assembly District and is speaker of the Assembly.
While Im for changes in the health care bill, I was happy to see it withdrawn (GOP leaders pull health care bill, March 25). Among the concessions given to the conservative wing was the matter of preventive care. The most important issue is a periodic assessment including receiving blood tests to diagnose issues such as hypertension and high cholesterol that can be treated via medication for less than $5 monthly and thus prevent permanent disability or death. I would like to see almost universal coverage for preventive care at a low premium care separated from those that are already high-risk.

Put the high-risk members on a modified Medical/Medicaid, but put a lien on their assets for repayment upon their deaths. Currently, Medicare funds extended for a recipient are much greater the last year of life than all the previous years under the program; there should be limits to the level of care provided. Much can be done to spread the available resources to the greatest number with the assets available.

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Richard Jensen

Otay Mesa

Affordable Care Act care is working for millions of us

The repeal of the ACA (e.g. Obamacare) would be a real death panel for thousands of our citizens. The main two purposes of the new Republican health plan were to 1) give billions of dollars to the richest 1 percent of Americans and 2) to erase Obamas name from legislation (ACA) that is currently saving tens of thousands of lives!

I am one American who doesnt want Trump (and the Republican Congress) to do anything more within our government as long as Trump and his campaign staff are under FBI investigations!

Fred Peter

Chula Vista
That was some weird sh*t.

Thats what George W. Bush allegedly said about Donald Trumps presidential inauguration on Jan. 20, according to a New York Magazine report that has driven the internet wild with reactions and chatter on Thursday. New York Magazine contributing writer Yashar Ali has the story.

Ali cited three people who were present and heard Bush utter the words. The three sources are not named in the story, and Ali writes that a spokesperson for the former president declined to comment.

Can anyone imagine George W. Bush  the 43rd President of the United States  saying those words? Yes, apparently. And people had plenty to say about that.

Some people regarded this as evidence that people miss Bush.

Not everyone felt the same way about Bushs remarks. Some pointed out an apparent infatuation liberals and the media have with Bush now that Trump is president.

What do you think  do you believe George W. Bush said those words about Trumps inauguration? Should he have? How do they reflect on the former president or the current one? Share your thoughts.

Have some thoughts to share?

Join me in a conversation: Shoot me a private email with your thoughts or ideas on a different approach to this story. As always, you can also send us a tweet.

Email: luis.gomez@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @RunGomez
Construction has started near the Lake Poway ballfield on a memorial honoring San Diego Padres great and longtime Poway resident Tony Gwynn, who died in 2014.

The memorial will include an 11-foot-tall bronze statue of Gwynn, walls containing donor plaques and seating. Over $172,000 in private contributions have been raised and several local companies are donating materials and labor costs.

A tentative date of May 9, which would have been Gwynns 57th birthday, has been set for the dedication.

Email: editor@pomeradonews.com
The Poway Unified School District honored its three Teachers of the Year by surprising them in their classrooms on March 22.

This years honorees are Mark Lantsberger, a computer science teacher at Del Norte High School; Susan Michelena, a social studies teacher at Rancho Bernardo High School; and Keith Opstad, an art teacher at Westview High School.

Each school in the district names its teacher of the year and a committee of district and school site representatives selects the three district winners. The selection criteria includes innovations inside the classroom, contributions to their schools and the district and commitment to their students.

The San Diego County Office of Education also sponsors a Teacher of the Year Recognition Program, honoring teachers throughout the county. All three PUSD teachers of the year will be submitted for consideration for county recognition.

Mark Lantsberger

Lantsberger is a 20-year teaching veteran who develops his curriculum from scratch, according to a press release. His Computer Club students developed an app that was recognized by Apple and he also advises a new Girls in Computing club to encourage more young women to pursue computer science. In addition to coding, Lantsberger incorporates current social and ethical topics related to computer science and computing into his classes.

One of Lantsbergers greatest achievements, according to a press release, is the long-term mentoring relationships he has developed with his students into adulthood. Some of his former students now work at Microsoft , Amazon and Google and some are CEOs of their own software companies.

Susan Michelena

Michelena has been teaching at PUSD for 25 years and teaches everything from Advanced Placement U.S. History to online civics classes. One of her greatest achievements is teaching the values of American democracy and the principles of the constitution that shape future public servants and leaders, according to a press release. She participated in a nationwide program, PBS Digital Innovators 2016, that introduced teachers to new ways of implementing technology into the classroom.

Her classes are focused on the values of diversity, tolerance and a strong work ethic. In every class, she strives to teach students the responsibilities and rights of citizenship as well as the struggle of many in this country to achieve those rights, according to the press release.

Keith Opstad

Opstad has been teaching for 22 years in the PUSD. A strong advocate for the visual arts both in the district and the county, his students consistently produce artwork that wins top awards and scholarships at the San Diego Museum of Art, the California Center for the Arts and Scholastic Arts and Writing, according to the press release.

He was one of the first online teachers in the district, which resulted in him presenting to the U.S. Department of Education. He employs former PUSD students during the summer to create large murals in the community and volunteers his time and expertise with the City of San Diego Arts and Culture Council.

Acting Superintendent Dr. Mel Robertson said in the press release, Congratulations to our three teachers of the year. It is evident from their passion and expertise that they are inspiring their students each day to grow, learn, and develop their own passions. They truly represent all the incredible teachers we have throughout our school district.

Email: news@pomeradonews.com
Poway Unified School District officials are planning to enter mediation talks with ousted Superintendent John Collins, over claims that he took $345,000 in improper payments.

The district fired Collins in July of last year over those charges, and sued him to recoup the money. In January, Collins attorneys revealed in court filings that the San Diego District Attorneys Office is looking into the complaints against Collins, and asked the court to stay the civil case until the criminal investigation is done. They noted that Collins would not testify on any matters in the civil trial that could weigh against him in a potential criminal case.

On May 18, however, the district and Collins will turn to mediation on the disputed payments, said Collins attorney Paul Pfingst. Theyll hash out accusations that Collins, then the highest-paid school superintendent in the county, padded his salary by collecting unauthorized vacation payouts, taking off-the-books vacation days, receiving unearned raises and accruing longevity pay far in excess of what his contract allowed.

Pfingst, a former San Diego County district attorney, said those allegations boil down to matters of contract interpretation, and hell show Collins was within his rights in taking the payments.

In September, Collins filed a claim against the district alleging he should have been offered work as a teacher after being fired. The school board rejected the claim in November.

Maribel Medina, who is representing the district, declined to comment because of the active litigation.

Collins termination followed his long tenure at the district, where he enjoyed accolades as chief of some of San Diego Countys highest performing schools. He started at Poway Unified in 1989 as an assistant principal at Twin Peaks and worked his way up through the ranks, becoming superintendent in 2010. His pay followed suit, rising to $308,900 per year, with total compensation of $457,347 including extra pay, benefits and retirement  making him the second highest paid superintendent in the state.

Collins star began to fall in 2011, however, after he coordinated a $105 million construction bond deal, using a controversial type of financing that would take decades to repay at a long-term cost of nearly $1 billion. By December 2015, speculation began building that Collins was negotiating an exit deal.

The school board placed him on administrative leave in April and commissioned an audit of his compensation by the accounting firm VLS Forensic Services. Far from providing basis for a severance package, the audit concluded that Collins had already taken more than he was owed, and had engaged in self-dealing to enrich himself.

The audit stated that Collins cashed out more than $148,457 in vacation pay that he hadnt earned, then took additional days off without logging them. By the time he was placed on administrative leave, the audit stated, Collins had already overdrawn his vacation balance by 445 hours.

The district also maintained that Collins improperly took extended time off, including a month-long holiday in July 2015, for which he claimed only 12 days of leave, and other sick or vacation days that he counted as workdays.

Pfingst said Collins accrued and used vacation days in accordance with his contracts, and consistent with standard business practice. He said the discrepancies stemmed from differing interpretations of how those leave balances were handled each time Collins signed a new contract with the board.

The audit also alleges Collins was awarded roughly $132,000 in longevity pay that he hadnt earned, through 2.5 percent bonuses provided to employees at 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of service. Under Collins, the longevity awards were compounded and added to employees base pay, resulting in permanent salary hikes. The district maintained that those should have been one-time bonuses, instead of ongoing raises. Because they accrued to his own pay permanently, Collins received a total of $132,090, instead of the $12,603 he should have received for those milestones, the audit stated. Pfingst countered that such longevity raises typically form an ongoing part of employees salaries, and said Collins pay was consistent with standards for public agencies, as well as the rules governing other employees in the school district.

In these cases and others, he said, the districts audit deciphered contractual provisions in the manner most unfavorable to the former superintendent.

Brennan writes for The San Diego Union-Tribune.
JERUSALEM (AP)  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu won the backing of his hard-line Likud party in its primary and will lead it into general elections this March, Israeli media reported Thursday.

With most of the ballots cast Wednesday counted, Israeli media said Netanyahu had won the support of about 75 percent of electors, giving him an unassailable lead over challenger Danny Danon, a former deputy defense minister.

Some 100,000 Likud members were eligible to vote in the poll. Netanyahu was the heavily favored candidate.

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While many familiar faces from the party are expected to return to the Knesset, others who served in the last legislature did not garner enough votes to come back, among them two hard-liners.

Moshe Feiglin, who supports greater Jewish access to prayer at a Jerusalem holy site that has been a flashpoint for violence, and Tzipi Hotovely, who opposes the creation of a Palestinian state, did not place high enough.

Early opinion polls ahead of the March 17 general elections show Netanyahus Likud party in a neck-and-neck race with a joint list headed by Labor Party leader Isaac Herzog and former Justice Minister Tzipi Livni of the Hatnuah party.

Netanyahu has been Israeli prime minister since 2009, and has taken a hard-line in relations with the Palestinians. He has cultivated members of his right-wing coalition through supporting contentious legislation that would enshrine into law Israels status as a Jewish state.

But he has so far drawn a line with the right at efforts to change the status at a disputed Jerusalem holy site by allowing Jews to pray there, fearing that such a change would solidify anti-Israeli opinion in the Islamic world and undermine the countrys relations with the United States and Europe.
Accusations that the state of California failed to consider clean energy options in replacing power once supplied by the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station are falling on deaf ears, as utility regulators and the states top court rejects appeals from local and national environmental groups.

The complaints are centered around power supplies to the San Diego area, which once relied on San Onofre for 20 percent of its electricity, and two gas-fired power plants that have been embraced as early substitutes.

San Onofre was retired in 2013 because of a botched replacement generator project. Environmentalists warn that new investments in natural gas plants will undermine Californias aggressive goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions linked to global warming.

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One of the successor plants, the Pio Pico Energy Center southeast of San Diego in Otay Mesa, is slated for construction starting March 9 after the California Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge by environmental groups. Opponents contend the plant, capable of powering nearly 200,000 homes at a time, is not needed to meet San Diegos energy needs.

San Diego Gas & Electric is seeking approval for a second gas-fired power plant twice that size at Carlsbad, to replace nuclear power and prepare for the imminent retirement of the 60-year-old, gas-fired Encina Power Station.

New Jersey-based NRG would develop the Carlsbad facility, under a $2.6 billion contract underwritten by San Diego-area utility customers.

As the California Public Utilities Commission weighs whether to approve that Carlsbad plant, SDG&E also gathered competing bids in January from developers of both conventional fossil fuel generators and clean energy sources. The goal is to fill an 800 megawatt gap left by the retirement of San Onofre.

The Sierra Club has asked SDG&E to disclose publicly more about the competitive bids  including the amount of energy proposed for each technology and possible start dates for the facilities.

Environmental groups, including the Sierra Club, say approval of the Carlsbad plant as proposed would leave only a tiny slice of the energy pie for alternatives that produce less air pollution.

SDG&E disclosed that it received bids that when stacked together would meet 14,000 megawatts of demands for power  more than six times the prior power capabilities of San Onofre.

SDG&E said further public disclosures sought by the Sierra Club would jeopardize the confidentiality of sensitive information and could lead to market manipulation that adversely affects utility customers. The utilities commission sided with SDG&E on Tuesday, in a shortly worded ruling by administrative law judge Hallie Yacknin.

Matt Vespa, senior attorney for the Sierra Club, said the public deserves more information.

We just wanted details of how much clean energy was bid in, and how much conventional (fossil fuel), to give a sense to the public, who is very curious about this, he said. The public should have some sense of what goes on in there. Its all going into this black box.

SDG&E is seeking authorization for the Carlsbad Energy Center at the same time it evaluates the new bids. The overlapping quests for a new energy source in the San Diego area are the peculiar outcome of a race by grid operators to find an appropriate replacement for nuclear power. State law requires consideration of clean energy solutions, like solar power and conservation schemes that reduce peak electricity demands, before new fossil fuel burning power plants are commissioned.

SDG&E says quick-start generators proposed at the Carlsbad Energy Center would replace a much less efficient power plant and help integrate more renewable energy into the grid by filling in gaps in solar and wind power. The project is planned adjacent to existing Encina plant on already developed land, minimizing some environmental impacts.

In filings with the utilities commission, SDG&E noted that the Sierra Club and a long list of consumer groups and special interests have access to sealed information about the bidding process that cannot be shared with the public.

The commissioner overseeing the Carlsbad Energy Center evaluation, Mike Florio, has been swept up in accusations of overly cozy relations between the commission and Pacific Gas & Electric in the aftermath of the deadly San Bruno natural gas pipeline explosion in 2010.

At a conference in September about the Carlsbad power plant application, Florio told consumer groups and special interests with objections to the Carlsbad plant  also known as intervenors  that they might be wasting their time.

To be quite frank, if I were an intervenor trying to decide how to allocate scarce resources, I would not allocate them to this proceeding, Florio said at a September meeting about the Carlsbad Energy Center contract.

He did not respond to a request for comment.

As lead commissioner in the case, Florio will either write or strongly influence final recommendations that are voted on by the commission. He also will recommend to the commission how much  if anything  advocacy groups should be reimbursed for their contribution to deliberations.
President of Israel Shimon Peres, attends the ceremony at the site of Croatias notorious WWII-era extermination camp in Jasenovac, Croatia, Sunday, July, 25, 2010. President Peres concluded his three day official visit to Croatia by commemorating victims of Jasenovac camp. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic) ( / AP)

President of Israel Shimon Peres, center and Croatias president Ivo Josipovic, right, attend the ceremony at the site of Croatias notorious WWII-era extermination camp in Jasenovac, Croatia, Sunday, July, 25, 2010. President Peres concluded his three day official visit to Croatia by by commemorating victims of Jasenovac camp. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic) ( / AP)

President of Israel Shimon Peres, attends the ceremony at the site of Croatias notorious WWII-era extermination camp in Jasenovac, Croatia, Sunday, July, 25, 2010. President Peres concluded his three day official visit to Croatia by commemorating victims of Jasenovac camp. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic) ( / AP)

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President of Israel Shimon Peres, attends the ceremony at the site of Croatias notorious WWII-era extermination camp in Jasenovac, Croatia, Sunday, July, 25, 2010. President Peres concluded his three day official visit to Croatia by commemorating victims of Jasenovac camp. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic) ( / AP)

President of Israel Shimon Peres, left and Croatias president Ivo Josipovic approach the site of Croatias notorious WWII-era extermination camp in Jasenovac, Croatia, Sunday, July, 25, 2010. President Peres concluded his three day official visit to Croatia by commemorating victims of Jasenovac camp. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic) ( / AP)

President of Israel, Shimon Peres and Croatias president Ivo Josipovic, center left, attend the ceremony at the site of Croatias notorious WWII-era extermination camp in Jasenovac, Croatia, Sunday, July, 25, 2010. President Peres concluded his three day official visit to Croatia by by commemorating victims of Jasenovac camp. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic) ( / AP)

President of Israel Shimon Peres, attends the ceremony at the site of Croatias notorious WWII-era extermination camp in Jasenovac, Croatia, Sunday, July, 25, 2010. President Peres concluded his three day official visit to Croatia by commemorating victims of Jasenovac camp. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic) ( / AP)

Touring the site of Croatias World War II concentration camp, Israeli President Shimon Peres said Sunday it was a demonstration of sheer sadism and that Irans president, who has denied the Holocaust, should visit it.

Peres and Croatian President Ivo Josipovic toured Jasenovac, where a memorial honors about 85,000 of Jews, Serbs, Gypsies and anti-fascist Croats who died here in 1941-45 at the hands of Croatias pro-Nazi regime. Thousands of people also were deported from Croatia to Nazi-run camps where they died.

Peres used the opportunity to refer to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejads denials of the Holocaust. I wish I would see him here, Peres said.

And Im asking myself why does he deny (it)? the Israeli leader said. To permit the legitimacy of continuity to kill.

Jasenovac, the worst of about 40 camps in Croatia at the time, didnt have a gas chamber. Inmates, including the elderly and children, were killed with guns, knives and hammers. Many were tortured or starved to death. About 30,000 Jews died in Croatia during the war, most of the Jewish communitys prewar population.

Peres said Croatian pro-Nazi guards were not as elaborate and organized as Germans and that he believed the Nazis forced Croats to be brutal. I think they wanted them to have a demonstration of sheer sadism, he said.

On Sunday, Peres was concluding his three-day visit to Croatia - another sign of warming relations between Israel and Croatia.

Israel shunned Croatia in the 1990s and held off on recognizing its 1991 independence until 1997 because Croatias government at the time was sympathetic to the World War II regime and its late president, Franjo Tudjman, who had downplayed the fascists crimes.

Since 2000, Croatias pro-Western governments have openly denounced fascism, and ex-President Stipe Mesic apologized for Croatians crimes while visiting Israel in 2001.

Peress predecessor, Moshe Katsav, traveled to Jasenovac in 2003, the first Israeli head of state to officially visit the country.

On Sunday, President Josipovic thanked Peres for joining us to bow to the victims and to help us to face our past.

Peres told him he was proud that the two of us are trying to raise the civilization of humanity, respect and human rights.
Some 3.6 million pounds of nuclear waste at the shuttered San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station is all stored up with no place to go.

The plant has not produced electricity since January 2012 for the nearly 19 million people served by Southern California Edison, the majority owner of the facility, and San Diego Gas & Electric, which owns 20 percent.

Edison officials overseeing the plants decommissioning have set a target date of the end of 2032 to remove nearly every remnant of the generating station, which hugs the Southern California coastline at the northern tip of San Diego County in Camp Pendleton.

The operative word is "nearly" because, in all likelihood, the waste  also called spent fuel or used fuel  will stay behind for years to come, stranded until a long-term solution is reached on what to do with it.

Going back to the 1960s when the plant broke ground, anti-nuclear critics and Edison officials have not often seen eye-to-eye. But when it comes to the spent fuel, they are in complete agreement: Both sides want it off the premises as soon as possible.

"This is not the right solution, putting the waste on the beach," said Ray Lutz, El Cajon resident and founder of the nonprofit Citizens Oversight. Lutz made the comment on June 22, just before a Community Engagement Panel, one of a series of public meetings Edison hosts every three months.

"Its very frustrating," Tom Palmisano, Edisons vice president of decommissioning and the chief nuclear officer, said earlier this month.

So why is the waste stuck near the beach?

View the Video Decommissioning San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station

"There's no place to move it to," said Allison Macfarlane, a former chairwoman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. "Sorry, you might want to move it tomorrow but this is not magic. You can't wave your wand and, poof, it's gone."

Although the used fuel at San Onofre is Edisons responsibility, it's ultimately supposed to be handed over to the federal government and the U.S. Department of Energy, as per the details of the 1982 Waste Policy Act passed by Congress.

But a repository for waste from nuclear sites across the country including San Onofre does not exist.

"Frankly, it should have been solved by now but it hasn't been," said John Kotek, acting assistant secretary for the Office of Nuclear Energy at the Department of Energy.

"We're trying to develop a durable solution to this problem," Kotek told the packed house at the June 22 meeting in San Juan Capistrano.

Million-year plan confounds feds

For decades, a site was proposed at Yucca Mountain in Nevada that was originally required to protect the environment from the release of radioactive isotopes for 10,000 years.

The limit was later increased to 1 million years, and the federal government spent $9 billion on the repository, located about 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Yucca Mountain was scheduled to open in 2017.

But Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nevada, a longtime opponent of storing nuclear waste in his home state, became the Senate Majority Leader after the 2006 elections. During the 2008 presidential campaign, then-candidate Barack Obama said Yucca Mountain was "an expensive failure and should be abandoned."

Yucca Mountain effectively is off the table.

"Right now, we have a broken system," said Macfarlane, who also spoke at the Community Engagement Panel and served on a federal blue-ribbon commission looking into the nuclear waste issue.

Kotek and the Department of Energy are developing what they're calling an integrated waste management system to find interim storage sites, where waste from places such as San Onofre could be sent.

As one would expect, finding places to accept nuclear waste is difficult, but DOE is actively looking for communities willing to step forward in what the agency calls a "consent-based siting process."

View the photo gallery: San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station

Thus far, two facilities have indicated they're willing to partner with the federal government: One is in Hobbs, N.M. and the other is in Andrews, Texas.

"We think that it will take us on the order of eight years to get a facility in place, a transportation system in place to be able to move material," Kotek told the Union-Tribune.

"Then there's a whole legal question of the order in which we can receive material and that all still needs to be worked out, he said. So it's very difficult at this point in time to put a precise date on it, but we think in terms of developing the capacity to take materials, that's something we should be able to do in less than 10 years."

Macfarlane said Congress also must get involved. "They need to fix the current, broken system," she said.

Lawmakers push temporary storage

Two members from California, Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Rep. Darrell Issa, have each co-sponsored legislation that would pave the way for "consolidated interim storage" facilities that could accept waste from sites such as San Onofre.

"That site will not survive for 10,000 years, just based on the normal erosion and other factors," Issa said in a telephone interview from Washington, D.C.

"So we know we're going to move it (from San Onofre), he said. Why not move it once to a site where it can remain for that period of time, at least with current technology?"

But getting other members on Capitol Hill to tackle an issue that can be politically, well, radioactive, is another story.

"For most in Congress, their political horizon is two years, four years, six years out," McFarlane said. "They're not motivated."

And the November 2016 election is fast approaching.

"Honestly, I think we need to get through the election year and see what we can do," Palmisano said last month.

Issa said he's holding out hope that something can be passed this year, even if it's through a continuing resolution or other legislative maneuvers. "There are a number of ways both the House and the Senate often agree to things at the very end of a Congress," he said.

Then there are other decisions to make: Even if a site is found, which waste from which site should go first?

Should facilities that have been waiting the longest amount of time get their waste moved first? Or should priority go to those with the largest amounts of waste, or have the largest concentrations of people surrounding the nuclear facilities?

About 8 million people live in the San Onofre region.

"We have to make sure the priority isn't the oldest fuel," said Laguna Beach resident Marni Magda, during the public comment period of the June 22 meeting.

The priority, she said, should go to "stranded fuel where there is the most people and the most dangerous environmental hazard. We must have that in the legislation. We must get this accomplished."

From pool to cask

Roughly two-thirds of the spent fuel at San Onofre is sitting in what's called "wet storage" pools and one-third is in what's called "dry cask storage."

Even after fuel rods in a nuclear reactor are used up, they are still highly radioactive and can generate heat for decades.

The fuel assemblies are moved into pools of water to cool. At San Onofre, the rods in wet storage are placed in a concrete structure 40 feet deep that is lined with steel and filled with water.

Palmisano said he expects by 2019 a complete transfer of all the fuel to dry casks  concrete-encased steel canisters  on the premises.

A new installation is being built to house 73 canisters, just in front of dry-cask canisters already on site.

The canisters containing waste fuel assemblies will stand vertically and be nearly completely buried on-site, behind a 28-foot-high seawall.

It's a plan that was approved by the California Coastal Commission but has drawn opposition.

Some critics say the canisters, designed by Holtec International, are susceptible to cracking. Others say San Onofre is vulnerable to earthquakes, tsunamis or terror attacks, but Edison officials insist the canisters and the site are safe.

If there was a place to ship the fuel today, it would still take time to get the waste ready to move.

Palmisano said of the estimated 125 canisters of spent fuel  including the 73 canisters in the process of moving from wet to dry storage  all but 17 are expected to be eligible for shipping by 2020. Fifteen canisters, in fact, are available to ship now.

The oldest fuel is packed in 17 canisters from the Unit 1 reactor that hasn't been in operation since 1992.

But Palmisano said some of those canisters cannot be shipped out until 2029 or 2030 at the earliest because the fuel rods were encased in stainless steel, the technology of the time. That fuel needs to decay for 38 years before transportation.

How hard would it be to physically move the SONGS waste?

Jack Edlow, the president of Edlow International, a company headquartered in Washington D.C. with an office in St. Petersburg, Russia that specializes in moving radioactive waste, expressed no doubts to the Community Engagement Panel.

"I can move that stuff. It's not that difficult," said Edlow, who said his company has experience shipping spent fuel around the world via truck, rail, ocean and even, in emergency situations, by air.

"It can be done economically and safely," Edlow said. "This is not a hard one."

Edlow said he typically can draw up a plan in about six months. "We just need to know where to take it."

But finding that place  or places  will take years, and demand a level of political and bureaucratic coordination that poses challenges in the short-term and the long-term.

"Interim is an interesting word because nobody really believes that 'interim' is a short period of time," Issa said. "But rather, we need it for 10,000 years, and I don't know how long before we find something we call 'permanent.' "

Kotek said he understands the frustration among people living in the San Onofre area.

"It was a commitment made by the federal government decades ago that we would provide for ultimate disposal capability," Kotek told the Union-Tribune. "It hasn't happened yet. It falls to me and my team right now under the leadership of the Secretary of Energy to try to and make that happen."

But Macfarlane, the former NRC chair, said DOE alone can't make a decision that would involve all the details necessary to make moving nuclear waste a reality.

"The only way to get at a solution is for you guys to pressure Congress to solve this problem," Macfarlane told the crowd that packed into the San Juan Capistrano Community Center. "And that's a heavy lift. But right now I think that's the only way forward, really."
A report on the Armys new approach to building air crews during WWII that were capable of handling its massive B-17 bombers.

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It caught the world by surprise: During the spring of 1941, Germany conquered Luxembourg, Holland, Belgium, and France. It was a loud wake-up call for the U.S.

Suddenly, America realized that this new world war wouldnt repeat the four-year stalemate of the last one. And, unlike World War I, military aircraft would play a crucial role in combat operations.

To meet the new challenge, President Roosevelt asked Congress to authorize construction of 50,000 modern aircraft. Many of these would be the Army Air Corps principal bomber, the B-17 Flying Fortress.

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Military planners soon realized that flying one of these enormous bombers required better coordination between crew members, so they set out to change the training program.

Richard Thruelsens Post article Heroes  Wholesale introduced readers to the Air Corps brand-new air force, 1942 style and the precision teamwork it drilled into its air crews. The article describes the new selection process for pilots, navigators, bombardiers, and gunners. And it describes the formidable defenses of the B-17, which had enabled crews to fight off attacking Japanese fighters in the Philippines.

The article sometimes reads as a recruiting brochure. It reminds young men who havent been drafted yet that the Army dropped the minimum age for aviation cadets to 18. The Air Corps had also relaxed the medical restriction and eliminated any requirements for formal education. Potential aviators learned that any aviation cadet had the chance to become a pilot. Also, using the word heroes to describe aviators would have made the Army Air Corps sound even more appealing.

The appearance of this article on March 28, 1942, was well timed. Since the U.S. had entered the war, it had been able to do little more than fall back and secure its defenses. Americans wanted to know when their military was going to strike back at Japan.

Just three week later, the U.S. took the fight to the Japanese heartland, delivered by the hands of Army Air Corps bombers.

Featured image: Langley Field, Virginia. YB-17 bombardment squadron.

Library of Congress
Boulder, CO -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/30/2017 -- Horizon Family Solutions, LLC has been selected for the 2017 Best of Boulder Award in the Educational/Therapeutic Consultants category by the Boulder Award Program. This is the fifth year in a row that Horizon Family Solutions has been honored by the Boulder Award Program.



"I am greatly honored by this award. Indeed, the best award that exists is the one given by one's own community, those who know your work. I want to thank the Boulder Award Program who works to acknowledge all the achievements of businesses in Boulder, Colorado," Frances states.



Each year, the Boulder Award Program identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their clients and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Boulder area a great place to live, work and play. Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2017 Boulder Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Boulder Award Program and data provided by third parties.



About Horizon Family Solutions

Horizon Family Solutions, LLC was founded by Dore E. Frances, PhD in February 2001.



In March of 2017 Julie Forland, M.Ed. joined the company and together they use their extensive experience in working with children, adolescents and young adults.



Frances and Forland bring common sense, compassion, experience, and wisdom to their mission of working with children, adolescents, young adults and their families.



Combined together Frances and Forland have over 50 years of experience.



Options for families have become more complex and challenging. Frances and Forland provide individual attention to each client and they receive their full and undivided attention from the initial contact with parents to the completion of their child's journey through their program or school. They make the best possible decisions for each one of their client's academic future and emotional health.



Their empathy, expertise, and objectivity guide the family through the entire process.



About Boulder Award Program

The Boulder Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Boulder area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented services to generate advantages and long-term value to their clients.



The Boulder Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners and professional associations. Our mission is to recognize the small business community's contributions to the U.S. economy.



SOURCE: Boulder Award Program



CONTACT:

Boulder Award Program

Email: PublicRelations@onlineawarded.org



Dore E. Frances, PhD

Horizon Family Solutions, LLC

Office 303-448-8803

Fax 303-648-6848

dore@dorefrances.com

www.HorizonFamilySolutions.com



4450 Arapahoe Avenue

Suite 100 Boulder, Colorado 80303

Horizon Family Solutions, LLC
An international team of scientists from the United Kingdom, the United States, and Sweden has used a genetic scoring technique to predict reading performance throughout school years from DNA alone.

Led by Saskia Selzam, a Ph.D. candidate in social genetic and developmental psychiatry at Kings College London, UK, the study shows that a genetic score comprising around 20,000 of DNA variants explains five per cent of the differences between childrens reading performance.

Students with the highest and lowest genetic scores differed by a whole two years in their reading performance.

These findings highlight the potential of using genetic scores to predict strengths and weaknesses in childrens learning abilities.

These scores could one day be used to identify and tackle reading difficulties early, rather than waiting until children develop these problems at school, Selzam and co-authors said.

The scientists calculated genetic scores for educational achievement in 5,825 individuals from the Twins Early Development Study (TEDS) based on genetic variants identified to be important for educational attainment.

They then mapped these scores against reading ability between the ages of seven and 14.

It is now possible to create individual-specific genetic scores, called genome-wide polygenic scores (GPS), they explained.

We used a GPS for years of education to predict reading performance assessed at UK National Curriculum Key Stages 1 (age 7), 2 (age 12) and 3 (age 14) and on reading tests administered at ages 7 and 12 in a UK sample of 5,825 unrelated individuals.

Genetic scores were found to explain up to 5% of the differences between children in their reading ability.

This association remained significant even after accounting for cognitive ability and family socio-economic status.

Although 5% may seem a relatively small amount, this is substantial compared to other results related to reading, the authors said.

For example, gender differences have been found to explain less than 1% of the differences between children in reading ability.

The value of polygenic scores is that they make it possible to predict genetic risk and resilience at the level of the individual, Selzam added.

This is different to twin studies, which tell us about the overall genetic influence within a large population of people.

We think this study provides an important starting point for exploring genetic differences in reading ability, using polygenic scoring. For instance, these scores could enable research on resilience to developing reading difficulties and how children respond individually to different interventions.

We hope these findings will contribute to better policy decisions that recognize and respect genetically driven differences between children in their reading ability, said study senior author Professor Robert Plomin, also from Kings College London.

The findings were published online this week in the journal Scientific Studies of Reading.

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Saskia Selzam et al. Genome-Wide Polygenic Scores Predict Reading Performance Throughout the School Years. Scientific Studies of Reading, published online March 28, 2017; doi: 10.1080/10888438.2017.1299152
Researchers from the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis try to unravel one of nature's baffling mystery - the fairy circles of Namibia. Both science and mystics are puzzled with patches of soils surrounded by symmetrical rings of grass in the Namib Desert for so long. These millions of "fairy circles" stretched from Angola to South Africa but no one really knows how they were formed.

Researcher Lixing Wang's work in the Indiana University journal explained that it is not just busting the mystery of the Namibian fairy circles that they are aiming. While giving a scientific explanation to grass circles that has long been associated fairies is cool, there is a higher stake that might change the way that people view vegetation theories. Wang stressed that it is important to learn from Earth's water cycle and its impact on vegetation patterns, especially in Namibia where the ecosystem has limited water.

Wang, an ecohydrologist at IUPUI said that the Namibian fairy circles are products of an ecohydrological interaction among grass called "self-organization." The self-organization hypothesis is a process where grass clusters together to form a circle. Soil patches act like water reservoir and grass organize in circles around the soil edges so that they can access the water.

So what makes certain patches of soil percolates more water in the first place? Researchers believe that sand termites are in the center of each Namibian fairy circles, according to Phys.Org. These termites literally weed out grass surrounding their nests, making the sand more porous in the process. When scare rainwater comes in, it seeps through the soil more effectively.

To support the theory, Wang and his associates brought in the equipment that measures grass biometric, infiltration rate, soil moisture, among others. The discovered high water infiltration rate inside the Namibian fairy circles. They also found out that the grass surrounding the fairy circles are "healthier" compared to those outside. Lastly, Wang stressed that grass is actually cramping around the Namibian fairy circles because they have to compete for water.
America has always been on the forefront of all major international space exploration programs. It has been acclaimed as the undisputed leader of global space research. Recently, countries like Russia and China have started making unprecedented progress in space research and exploration.

Due to the increased space presence of these countries, American supremacy is likely to be threatened. According to Navy Vice Admiral Charles A. Richard, who also happens to be deputy commander of the U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), should adopt the "preparation without provocation" to maintain its position as a leader and send the same message to all other nations that are or will participate in space explorations in the future. Vice Admiral Richard proposed this at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) conference that was recently held in Washington, D.C., Futurism reported.

"I submit [that] the best way to prevent war is to be prepared for war," Vice Admiral Richard said. Also, in his talk, he further explained that just as possessing nuclear assets convinces potential opponents that an attack will be in vain, the U.S. should try and maintain similar status quo in the space as well. This is imperative for the safety and maintenance of American assets and future establishments on moons and exoplanets.

According to Space.com, adopting such a defensive strategy is highly required, especially after the confirmed reports of China and Russia developing "anti-satellite (ASAT) technologies." Though the current international space scenario cannot be categorized as war, on the flip side, it cannot be considered as a perfectly "benign."

Apart from protecting its own assets, space supremacy can also enable the U.S. in acting against bad space behavior, like when the Chinese ASAT test in 2007 created 3,400 new space debris. One has already hit an orbiting Russian satellite and caused noticeable damage to it. Vice Admiral Richard emphasized that the goal of USSTRATCOM is to keep the space safe and accessible. Also, as a global leader, the U.S. should start taking measures toward it.